text:
Memoir touts importance of character
Ex-Hearst CEO's career brought him in contact with historic figures
New York
Frank Bennack started working at age 8, growing up as an only child of Catholic Texas parents who some years could, and some years could not, afford to send him to the local parish school.
He rose to head a major American media and information company for 28 years, expanding it across industries with acquisitions, rollouts and investments, more than one of which paid off in the billions.
He's had meaningful words with every president since Eisenhower except one — John F. Kennedy.
At 86, the former Hearst CEO and still executive vice chairman remains a fixture in the New York nonprofit world, where he was chairman of the Lincoln Center and the New York-Presbyterian hospital system boards.
"If ever someone was in the right place at the right time, I was that man."
And if that sounds like the makings of an autobiography, it is. It's a line from "Leave Something on the Table," just published by Simon & Shuster.
But good fortune and timing is not the main story line. That emerged in a gathering of Bennack's fellow CEOs, philanthropists, arts and health care board members and media figures on the 44th floor of Hearst Tower in New York on Monday night to celebrate the launch of the book.
They talked about a strain of American business and public culture based on values and character, for which Bennack is a flagbearer and the book is an anthem.
Cathie Black, who was publisher of USA Today and of Hearst magazines, quoted a former ABC president: "A handshake from Frank Bennack is better than any signature on a corporate contract."
"He does what he says, and he does it with gusto," said philanthropist and Lincoln Center board member Daisy Soros, sister-in-law of George Soros.
"I hate to use the word 'old-fashioned,' but we have old-fashioned values," said Samia Staehle, a fourth-generation Hearst descendant who serves on the company's board.
Hearst, still owned by the family of William Randolph Hearst, owns the Times Union as well as papers in Houston, San Francisco and elsewhere.
Reading this memoir and talking with Bennack and the people in the world he inhabits really does bring to life a culture that's threatened by the politics and business shenanigans of our era.
That culture appears to be fighting back. Hearst CEO Steven R. Swartz noted that the Business Roundtable (large company CEOs including himself) recently issued a statement that corporations should be run for the benefit of employees, customers and the community, not just shareholders. "Frank's book is a testament to the fact that he's always operated that way and thanks to his example, so have we," Swartz said.
Hearing all this homage to the high road, Bennack, who had two stints as CEO starting in 1979, opened his remarks with the quip, "This beats the hell out of any memorial service."
Bennack drives home traditional values throughout the book, moving from loving and supportive parents to lighter stories of interactions with everyone from Oprah Winfrey to former President Richard Nixon.
"We live in a time of instant trends," he read on Monday. "If a company becomes successful by running roughshod over the competition and flaunting its ability to operate outside government regulations, can it really reform itself? ... Can a company that runs on algorithms ever acquire human values?"
As for the balance between claiming credit for rebuilding a corporate empire in the modern era and directing credit to other people, Bennack paints a picture of himself in the room, and we know he's in charge. But he doesn't talk about exerting power. In the chapter with tips on running a company, he insists it's not necessary to fire people.
"There's nothing worse than insincere humility, and yet I wanted to stay short of bragging about what I did," he said, "and I hope I've walked that fine line."
He resists telling tawdry stories or criticizing anyone in the book, heaping praise liberally, especially on members of the Hearst family. He describes them as functioning beautifully under a trust created by "the Gestator" that leaves them as owners, but with mostly outside top executives.
That's all part of the same picture of likability and leadership. Really? Wasn't there anyone who earned his scorn? "Happily, they were few and far between," Bennack said.
In the book, Bennack recounts a story of the time he felt chest pains, exited a board meeting at another company and hopped a cab to the hospital — where he arrived in his doctor's office at the same time as Nixon.
They say hello. (Nixon had a book with a Hearst publishing house at the time.) "I didn't want to say anything more because I'm having a heart attack," Bennack said Monday night. "He starts this long harangue, and I'm dying, and I'm thinking this defrocked president is going to cost me my life. I'm going to stand here and die and he's going to still be with us."
It wasn't a heart attack, and Bennack's mischievous face and relentless optimism lived on.
In the big picture, the degradation of character and the clash between humanist values and hard-nosed business is universal. "But it's a bigger problem than it was in my early days," he said. "More of us need to stand up and say 'No, we're going to do the right thing.'"
Dan Haar is columnist and associate editor at Hearst Connecticut Media.


text:
A single polished wave of sterling silver curves and curls around a single freshwater pearl to create this stylish pendant.
The pendant comes completed on a luxurious 'Rollo' adjustable length chain with a slider clasp. For a longer chain add the upgrade to your basket here
The pendant measures 3.5cm in length and 0.6cm in width.
Collections: All Pendants, Pearl Jewellery, Pearl Pendants

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Gathering of Community Mothers in Longford/Westmeath
Back row left to right: Grazyna Strutynska Ana Krugel, Martina Cassidy, Margaret Kiernan, Yvonne Naughton, Eithne Ryan, Carol Liston, Mary Dunne, Margaret McCoppin, Dolores Reynolds, Adejoke Olaniyan-Collins. Front row left to right: Angela Swift, Ani Tate, Mary Quinn, Jane Horan, Wioletta Krugel, Justyna Mika.
Recently Community Mothers throughout Athlone, Mullingar and Longford gathered to meet and exchange stories of their experiences of volunteering as Community Mothers.
Many of the exchanges at the recent Gatherings emphasized the contributions that Community Mothers make in reducing the isolation and stress many parents experience, also the gratitude experienced by the families that the service exists and the mutual benefit that both community mothers and parents gain from the service.
The Community Mothers service Longford/Westmeath which is funded by the HSE, includes Community Mothers originally from towns throughout the Midlands as well as from other countries including Poland, Nigeria and Bulgaria. Joe Potter CEO of Westmeath Community Development is proud of the work of the volunteers who are giving back so much to the local community. Nearly one hundred families are in receipt of this service.
For more information about the service provided by the Community Mothers Project contact Catriona Corcoran at 044 9348571
or visit the Community Mothers website


text:
What's the Purpose of Leadership?
How Can We Turn Our Employees into Leaders?
How to Increase Staff Engagement
The first step is for managers to listen to their employees. We need to discover what it is that our employees think about their roles, the business and workplace. When we trust our employees and empower them to make their office a better place, we have already begun the task of transforming them into leaders.
A traditional way of doing this is by survey questions to understand company culture. Transparency with management builds a cycle of trust. A trusted process whereby your employees can engage and communicate with you, on a regular basis, will elevate their sense of ownership and responsibility.
New Strategies for a New Age
The same old tired strategies just won't do any more. Open-ended employee engagement surveys are an ongoing and immediate way in which your workers can communicate directly with you.
PeopleListening™ provides the tools which will allow your employees to become leaders in their workplace. Employee engagement strategies that work are always based on empowering your workers. What better way to do that than by a friendly AI program? It feels more like messaging a friend on social media than talking to your boss.
Modelling Leadership
PeopleListening™ will foster leadership in the workplace, not just among your employees, but among managers too. Listening to the staff is a way of taking responsibility and leadership in a company.
Foster Leadership with Our Employee Engagement Software
Start fostering leadership in the workplace today with PeopleListening™ – an employee engagement platform that helps improve communication, learning and development, team and individual enablement, transition and retention. By knowing how your people feel and where to act, you can drive positive leadership, culture and engagement in your business.
Get in touch with our team today for employee engagement strategies that work. Call us on +61 3 9923 7659 for your demo or contact us online.


text:
by staff writer Symone Tripodis
Old Town entrepreneurs beat the odds of small business failure because of community success.
According to a recent online post from Forbes, 80 percent of U.S. small businesses fail within the first 18 months of opening. Although, the success of Old Town's small business community seems exempt from this statistic.
There are over 60 small businesses within the borders of Old Town, Lansing. Most of these businesses are members of the Old Town Commercial Association and have been a part of the Old Town community for at least three years and some for over a decade.
One Community
David Gregware, chairman of the Old Town Commercial Association's promotions committee and owner of Tallulah's Folly in Old Town, said that small businesses in the historic district of Lansing succeed because of Old Town's passion and dedication to community enrichment.
"Business owners here are community orientated and are more aggressive than the average business owner," said Gregware. "Every business wants every other business to succeed."
In addition to support of one another, business owners count on OTCA and its promotion's committee to bring new business to the community with the many events and festivals they plan throughout the year. As chairman of the promotions committee, Gregware said that he and the committee members work with business owners to give them what they need.
"We are trying to grow and survive as a community," said Gregware. "That is why we are successful and continue to be."
Strength in Numbers
Just across the street, Ashley Lamb manages the neighboring business, Lambs' Gate Antiques and agrees with Gregware that it is the tight-knit community of Old Town that makes the difference for her small business.
"Business owners in this community promote each other," said Lamb. "David Gregware is one of the many volunteers on the promotions committee that work their butt off to keep Old Town thriving."
Lamb said that the biggest key to the small business success in Old Town is that they are a community of small businesses rather than being an island off by themselves. Without the other small businesses in Old Town, no business would survive, said Lamb.
"The more stores that surround us and move into Old Town, the merrier," said Lamb.
The Newest Member
Rhea Van Atta has attested to the importance of new business moving into the Old Town community. Van Atta opened the Old Town General Store just seven months ago and is determined to beat the 18-month statistic.
"I have been a part of the Old Town community for 12 years," said Van Atta. "That is why I chose to open my business here, my roots are here."
Van Atta said that she and other small businesses owners are determined to make business flourish in Old Town. She said the benefit of being a small business owner is having the extension of yourself in your business.
"My store is an extension of my home; it's clean and it's lived in," said Van Atta. "It's also warm, it smells good, and I have pretty things."
Three of Old Town's small business owners all agreed that the secret to a successful small business is dedication and most importantly, community spirit.


text:
Products affected: Spectrum - Enterprise Geocoding Module
Product Feature: US Component
Product Feature: US Component
User wants to get the county information corresponding to PostalCode input in UAM Validate Address. The Status.Code is returning "InsufficientInputData"
ValidateAddress will not return county information unless there is a successful address match. It is the way the data is organized.
ResolutionUPDATED: September 18, 2019
You can use GeocodeUSAddress in Enterprise Geocoding Module (EGM), which will provide county information when given a valid ZIP Code. Ensure you returning Census information and have checked "Include descriptions in output" in the Management Console or set "OutputVerbose" in your SOAP request to get the county name.


text:
March 15, 2016
By PAUL COLLINS | Bulletin Staff Writer
Bengal Tech Academy for Global Studies – a project-based school-within-a-school – is scheduled to open at Bassett High School on Aug. 10, which is the first day for students in the 2016-17 school year.
Monica Hatchett, coordinator of family and community engagement for Henry County Public Schools, said construction is scheduled to begin on the afternoon of May 26, the last day of school for students for the 2015-16 school year.
Original estimates for construction were $1 million to $1.2 million, but bids may come in less than that, Hatchett said. Bid opening is set for March 29. Bids include renovating the HVAC system at Bassett High School.
Select News Year:


text:
Seven years after being named Esquire magazine's sexiest woman alive, Scarlett Johansson has earned the title for a second time.
Johansson, who also won in 2006, is the first woman to get the honor twice.
The acclaimed actress, whose films include Girl With A Pearl Earring and The Avengers, celebrated the accolade with a cover shoot for the popular glossy monthly.
With her to-die-for curves, beautiful face and signature wit, it's no surprise that Scarlett Johansson, 28, has been named the "Sexiest Woman Alive" by Esquire


text:
|Contact | A-Z Health Index | Events & Meetings
Human scabies is not a reportable disease in Oklahoma; however, the Oklahoma State Department of Health will work with facilities to provide educational materials if an infestation of human scabies is identified. Scabies is caused by a parasitic insect, the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). These microscopic mites burrow in the upper layers of the skin where they live and lay eggs.
The symptoms of scabies include a red, pimple-like rash and itching, which can be more severe at night. Nodules or vesicles may also be seen. Tiny burrows can sometimes be seen as crooked grayish-white or skin colored thread-like lines on the skin surface. Common sites for scabies are between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, shoulder blades, breasts, waist, buttocks, and genitalia. In children younger than 2 years of age, a rash can appear on scalp, face, neck, palms, and soles. Scratching of pimples or vesicles can cause sores that can develop secondary bacterial infections.
When a person is exposed to scabies for the first time, symptoms may not appear for up to 2 months after being infected. People who have had scabies previously may show symptoms as soon as 1-4 days. It is important to remember that an infected person can still transmit scabies to others even when there are no apparent symptoms. Scabies are transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with a person infected with scabies. Scabies can be easily transmitted to sexual partners or to other household members. The use of shared items - such as clothing, towels, or bedding of an infected person – can spread scabies infection. Scabies spreads more rapidly in crowded, institutionalized settings such as child care facilities, nursing homes, extended-care facilities, and prisons. Suspected scabies should be reported to your healthcare practitioner immediately so that prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the chance of spread.
Scabies are treated through a scabicide lotion. While some of these lotions are available "over-the-counter", a physician should be consulted for correct diagnosis before treatment. Package instructions on the medication should be followed carefully. People who have been in close contact with the infected person should also be treated to prevent reinfestation. All clothing, linens, and bedding should be washed in hot water. Furniture and carpet should be thoroughly vacuumed. Items that cannot be washed should be placed and sealed in a garbage bag for at least 72 hours. Fumigation is not necessary.
Symptoms can sometimes continue after treatment. If itching lasts more than two weeks after treatment or if new burrows or rash appear, a physician should be consulted to determine if retreatment is necessary. A person who has correctly completed one treatment for scabies (along with laundering clothing and bedding) can safely return to work, school, or daycare.
Scabies in a Long Term Care Center:
Who should I notify if I feel my family member has scabies?
Who should I contact if a scabies infestation is occurring at the long term care facility my family member lives at?
Scabies at a School:
Who should I notify if I feel my family member has scabies?
Is the school required to send a letter home if an individual with scabies is in the same classroom as my child?
Scabies Fact Sheet (55kB.pdf)
Reference Table for Scabies Treatment (127kB.pdf)
Long Term Care Facility Resources:
Guidelines for Controlling Crusted Scabies Outbreaks in Institutional Settings (323kB.pdf)
Guidelines for Controlling Non-Crusted Scabies Outbreaks in Institutional Settings (308kB.pdf)
Other Resources:
Scabies (CDC)
Copyright © State of Oklahoma


text:
Two of the top three in the world rankings will compete for the WGC-HSBC Champions.
McIlroy and Spieth in China
Let's start Fantasy Focus by giving you the bonus code for this week, allowing you one extra transfer: Charl7chwartzel – valid until Wednesday at 23:59
Spectators at this week's WGC-HSBC Champions are in for a treat. Not only will Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth be the main attraction, but Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson will all be in the field too.
While Bubba Watson will defend the title he won at the Sheshan International GC last year, PGA Tour regulars Danny Lee, Paul Casey and Chris Kirk will also be involved in Shanghai.
There will be a strong English presence, including British Masters winner Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, James Morrison and Ross Fisher.
Only players competing in the WGC-HSBC Champions field will be eligible for selection this week.
LISTEN: Our post-Turkish Airlines Open podcast
GM Tips for this week
USA 1: Rickie Fowler – A win for Fowler would do even more to cement his place as a serious contender for a major next year. He arrives with a win, T4, T12 and T25 in his last four tournaments.
USA 2: Bubba Watson – Given he won this tournament last year, you'd have to back Watson to be in contention again this week. He finished T5 in his last event at the Tour Championship.
Great Britain: Paul Casey – The Englishman finished T24 at the CIMB Classic at the weekend. He may be more accustomed to the PGA Tour these days, but he has the quality to compete at the right end of the leaderboard.
Ireland: Rory McIlroy – A strong T6 finish at the Turkish Airlines Open is something to build on for McIlroy. If he can correct the mistakes of last week there will be few in the field capable of beating him.
Scandinavia: Henrik Stenson – The Swede will be eager to bounce back from his T47 at the CIMB Classic. He posted a 67 in the second round, but found the 70s for the other three. His game never seems far away from being tournament-winning standard, so expect him to challenge this week.
Rest of Europe: Bernd Wiesberger – He may be a little out of form, but Wiesberger does have a T4 among his last three results. He won the French Open earlier this year and has shown he can put a strong run together.
Asia: Thongchai Jaidee – Normally a reliable performer, Jaidee won the recent Porsche European Open. He also finished T26 at the weekend, which gives him room for improvement heading into this week's event.
Africa: Branden Grace – The South African finished T17 at the CIMB Classic. He performed well on the big stage this year, including T4 at the US Open and third at the USPGA Championship, and could be set for another strong result.
Australasia: Marc Leishman – It's been a mixed year for Leishman, but there is evidence that he could be a contender this week. He had four top 10s on the PGA Tour and lost out in a play-off at The Open. If he can start well he could make a genuine challenge.
South America: Emiliano Grillo – One win and a missed cut in two tournaments means Grillo will need to work on his consistency. However, that victory at the Frys.com Open will give him belief heading into Thursday.


text:
Top Categories
- Automotive
- Business
- Computers
- Console Platforms
- Education
- Entertainment
- Family Home
- Finance and Money
- Fitness Health
- Games
- Garden House
- Humanities Arts
- Internet
- Jobs Carrers
- Media News
- Pets Animals
- Politics Government Law
- Real Estate
- Recreation
- Reference
- Regional
- Relationships Lifestyle
- Sciences
- Society
- Sports
- Vacation and Travel
- Web Directories
|Best Marketing Company in Chennai
Best Marketing Company in Chennai
|Best Gifts for Men | Special Gifts for Men
Gifts for Men - Find unique, fun and affordable presents and gifts for men at HappyShappy. For any occasion, browse and buy perfect gifts ideas for Men.
|Car Rentals Vancouver
Get great deals on car rentals in Vancouver when you book through Expo Rent A Car. Find low fares and special discounts. Reserve your car today!
|Hearing Aid centres in Ernakulam
Hearing Wellness Kerala introduces digital and invisible hearing aids at Ernakulam, Cochin and Kasargod in Kerala. We are one of the best Hearing Aid centers The facilities of a team of qualified audiologists.broad range of digital programmable, comfortable technological hearing aids.
|About Us
Customer focused company with Wrong Fuel Recovery Services. Safe Reliable Affordable Fuel Drainage for any vehicle. ☎ Auto Assist Group 0845-095-0042.
Latest Links
- buy telegram members
- ZKTeco uFace800 Price In bd
- Custom printed Boxes and Cu...
- Suspended Fireplace Buy Onl...
- Tree Trimming Covington
- Gutter Experts Residential ...
- Gutter Experts Residential ...
- Gutter Experts Residential ...
- Why you should choose RPO s...
- Kerala Tour Operators
- Pro Funnel Builder | Market...
Popular Categories
- Active Links: 13007
- Todays Links: 96
- Total Categories: 27
- Sub Categories: 694


text:
Climate change deniers continue their war on science with Coronavirus conspiracy theories
Deniers are, of course, keen to capitalize on the coronavirus crisis by attacking journalists and activists for talking about climate in relation to the Coronavirus. Steve Milloy, for example, made a list of tweets this week ranging from reporters talking about cleaner air and water as a result of the lockdown, to other reporters pointing out that isn't a good thing to do, to the tweet from the racists posing as an XR chapter. Not only did Heartland turn that into a post for its website, but it even got Breitbart and FoxNews to pick up the listicle proving that… people are talking about the biggest news story of the moment. (No mention was made of the litany of ways the fossil fuel industry is doing way more than just tweeting to exploit the crisis.)
By Climate Denier Roundup
Heartland's lazy list of "climate+corona" tweets isn't all they're up to though. Denial cartoonist "Josh" (who IRL is likely "graphic facilitator" David Gifford) tweeted a somewhat-subtly-anti-Semitic comic showing someone celebrating "all the healing" of the Earth. (Remember: using humor or dog whistles to communicate white supremacy in a way that "the unindoctrinated should not be able to tell if we are joking or not" is part of the official neo-Nazi style guidelines.)
Similarly, Heartland's Naomi Seibt continued her game of "I'm not touching you: anti-Semitism edition" with a tweet reminding followers that "This is NOT a coincidence. This is NOT unplanned. Keep your eyes open. Fight the INVISIBLE ENEMY. Protect your freedom to THINK." Who might that invisible enemy be? One might think the virus, but the virus wouldn't have its own plan, and it isn't posing a threat to anyone's "freedom to THINK."
So WHO is the shadowy global network of sinister (((bureaucrats))) that can be blamed? Yes, WHO is. If you ask deniers, the World Health Organization, the UN body focused on public health, is apparently responsible for this crisis.
Last week, Matt Ridley wrote a piece in the Telegraph (unpaywalled at his website) blaming the WHO for failing to prepare for a pandemic because it was too busy "talking more about climate change, obesity and tobacco." He concludes by chastising the organization for being "a bit obsessed with celebrities" because its president has written an op-ed with and tweeted about Lady Gaga. (The notion that a global health body shouldn't do outreach with global superstars is echoed in a blog at the AmericanThinker…)
In addition to being a coal-owning climate denier, Matt Ridley is perhaps most famous for being responsible for causing England's first bank run in 140 years, after his doomed embrace of subprime mortgages as chairman of Northern Rock Bank. To be fair to his expertise, if anyone knows the danger of turning a blind eye to the massive risks associated with a blind pursuit of profits, it's the man who was a key trigger of the 2008 global economic crisis.
More: How the war on science is screwing us in the Coronavirus pandemic – and climate change
But he's not the only one blaming WHO, of course. President Trump has also been trying to pass the metaphorical buck to the organization, while threatening to stop literally passing bucks by cutting funding.
We've yet to see if he will be successful in convincing Americans about WHO is to blame, but rest assured that he's still trying to find every way in the world to help the fossil fuel industry.
In fact, he's going even beyond that! While the residents of Earth are totally consumed by a global pandemic threatening to kill millions, Trump has his eye on more reasonable pursuits: making sure American companies can mine the Moon.
One can only imagine that during the meeting between Trump and Big Oil CEOs last week, they asked him how far he would go for the industry, to which he replied "To the Moon and back."
Top Climate Change and Clean Energy Stories:
(Crossposted with DailyKos. Cartoon by Tom Toles at the Washington Post; get his book on climate change co-written with Michael Mann, The Madhouse Effect.)


text: This chick has so much to learn about sex and she starts her education right going from a deepthroat blowjob to reverse cock riding. Now she knows her boyfriend will never leave her cuz nobody can please his cock like this and make him cum so hard he feels like his whole body is orgasming. Falling in love and fucking – that's how these teens spend the best years of their lives. – This movie is placed by DirtyFlix – Our mega porn offer. Click here to gain access to the member area of our website.


text:
Description: Les Bernard massively chunky bead necklace; the single strand of chunky turquoise plastic beads are graduated sizes ranging from an enormous 1 1/8" dia. in the middle to a big 5/8" dia. at the clasp. The beads have color variation from pale to deep simulating real turquoise and four chunky matter gold tone beads are spaced throughout. The signature round clasp is signed 'Les Bernard'.
Size: 17 1/2"
Condition: Excellent
Price: $118.00


text:
A Personal Introduction from Team Member Alexander William Brandal and Team Thor 3
Today Tuesday, February 9, 2016, was the day that I signed in to the Global Balloon Space Challenge (GSBC) and created our new team by the name of Thor III. Over the duration of a couple of years I've been a contestant in different contests that are about science, but my first meeting with true science and the door that opened my interests started with our first balloon launch at my age of eleven. This created a chain of events containing four different launches for different reasons and contests.
Three launches were successful to a minimum height of 23 km in the atmosphere, with a maximum height at about 33 km in the atmosphere. All three payloads to these launches were successfully recovered.
Our last and fourth attempt was aborted on the last attempt because of difficulty procuring helium for the launch.
What started out as a simple project many years ago turned out to be a gateway to science and real fascination with everything. It grew and spiralled into a way for me and others in my group to learn much more than we would have on a regular basis.
Our first project began when our teacher found some pretty interesting videos on the internet, which in turn made us think through how we could turn this into a science project. We researched this theme and soon discovered that it would be possible to send a balloon filled with helium to the close proximity of space. Later we calculated how far it could theoretically go by including numbers such as payload weight, looking at weather patterns, learning what others have done and what kind of capsule would be needed to send everything to space. We would include a camera, and GPS device. An important consideration was the fact that the weight must all be under 1000 grams and the budget of the project had to be kept to a minimum. We were operating on a shoe string budget!
Our balloon launches are the result of many months of work inside and outside the classroom
All this happened in fifth grade, and now that I am fifteen years old I can reflect back on how meaningful it has been.
All of this spiked my interests in science and got me to the point where we are today. After our first successful launch in 2011 we decided we would advance our explorations further and wrote various science reports. In addition we invited students from other schools here in Norway to join us in the The Global Space Balloon Challenge. We also participated in various contests, including the Teddynaut challenge, the International Odysseus contest and of course Unge Forskere. (Norwegian Science Fair) Though I was not a participant in all the contests our science teacher Per Veraas shared what was discovered in the projects in the classroom and I felt involved in all of them.
For example when discussing Charles and Boyles gas laws in our science class he could use the fact that, in our Teddynaut project, we used the expansion of a small balloon at 23 kilometers in the stratosphere to mathematically determine the air pressure, based upon the fact that the volume of the balloon expanded. In other words these contests made sure that we used active learning in our classroom, and right now, as I am writing in English, even my command of the English language has improved.
The balloon project has led to other interesting projects. My goal is engaging other students to enjoying the art of true science.
Our fifth mission to near space is sheduled for some time in April, 2016. We plan on measuring atmospheric methane. In addition we plan on integrating Oculus Rift, and 360 degree immersive video .
Our latest mission motivated our team led by our science teacher to submit our balloon projects to the 2016 Ungeforskere Contest in a paper entitled "High Alitude Learning- "How five years of high altitude ballooning has led to interesting discoveries about the location of polar jet streams, the extent of snow cover in Southern Norway, evidence of super cooled water in the stratosphere, and atmospheric pressure , all on a shoe string budget!"
Thanks to the founders at GSBC for creating an incredible, innovative and profound learning experience. Aim high, for the sky!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! Do you have pictures of your team and launches that you could share with us? What are your goals for this year's GSBC?


text: 07 Oct Pedal Report – Fall 2019 Edition Posted at 21:26h in Blog, Newsletter by sacredadmin 0 Comments 0 Likes Pedal Report | Fall 2019 Edition Cycling & Healing: Shared Common Interest Dear Friends and Family, In a few short weeks, our 3rd season working with survivors of sexual trauma will conclude with our signature Fall retreat. As the days grow shorter and we wind down seasonal programs, we ramp up in other aspects. Sacred Cycle continues to gain momentum nationally and across the globe! Regularly I open my email to communication from people who share a common interest in cycling and outdoor activities as a way to heal. These notes of praise or acknowledgment of common threads with cycling keep me motivated to continue our mission and to find effective ways to help survivors. In our next newsletter, we will share two upcoming magazine articles and a very exciting film project in which Sacred Cycle is humbly the subject. I'm also excited and encouraged by the interest from nonprofit organizations who would like to collaborate in 2020. As always, the excitement is bittersweet. The reality is that people's lives have been devasted by sexual trauma and the survivors we hope to help must work tremendously hard to heal. Healing can be a life-long process and every day more people become victims. As I write this note to you, I'm particularly saddened by the news that nine men who live or work in my community were arrested in an undercover sting operation for attempting to have sex with children. As painfully common as this is, it's still a shock and I hope it always is. Warmly, Heather Russell, Executive Director EVENTS Race Team It's been an active season for the Sacred Cycle Race Team and they're not done yet. It's prime Fall racing season! Enjoy a few snaps of the crew and watch for September and October race highlights via our online channels, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Breton used his Labor Day weekend wisely at Estes Epic finishing 7th overall on a challenging backcountry course with a lot of steep climbing. "In addition to incredible mountain views, a highlight of the day was riding just feet away from 4 bull elk. Beautiful animals, but definitely intimidating being that close." Brittany raced the Wilderness 101 in Pennsylvania in 103-degree heat index for the longest race and ride she's ever done. Originally the race was 62 miles ( a marathon mtb race) but ended up being 75 due to course changes. "I must say those rolling hills gave me 7,000 ft. of elevation gain many would not have expected, and the creek I jumped in to cool off halfway through was likely my saving grace." Way to rally Brittany! Summer Community Rides A big hooray and thanks to Emily Steers White for hosting weekly Monday community rides across the Roaring Fork Valley. It was a great opportunity for our Skills Clinic attendees and fans to practice and build community. Keep on riding ladies! SUPPORT SACRED CYCLE While our 2019 programming is wrapping up, there are still many ways to get involved with Sacred Cycle. Sport merch, volunteer your expertise, create givebacks while shopping. 2019 Merchandise Fall leaves turning is a bittersweet feeling in the mtb world. We love to ride to golden watercolor paintings & we hate to see the trails close in on snow. Keep the love alive with Sacred Cycle Merch! Enduro Jersey 2019, $56.00 (including shipping). This lightweight, quarter length sleeve enduro jersey is perfect for a day on the trails or the road. The profits from your purchase directly benefit Sacred Cycle and the women who use our program. Buy today! Reversible Cycling Cap 2019, $51.00 (including shipping). Our "Sacred Cycle" print was designed using the ancient technique of Ecru. There are some black holes in the design, representing the effects of trauma that so many people live with daily, but these holes are surrounded by vibrant colors, representing the rainbow of thrilling emotions that being at one with nature and a bicycle brings, as well as the positive impact that we must all bring to our communities. Buy today! Join the Board of Directors Sacred Cycle operates on a skill-set based Board of Directors supported by volunteer committees and passionate volunteers. To learn about each member, visit our BOD page, click on each name for more details. Due to growth, we are in the process of recruiting new board members with expertise in legal, finance, fundraising, public relations, and planning. If you are interested or know someone who shares our passion to help survivors live their best and full lives, please reach out via our website contact form. We welcome hearing your ideas on how we can best serve this population. Support at City Market If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting Sacred Cycle is as easy as 1-2-3! Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com Search for Sacred Cycle Click Enroll and you're ready to support your Sacred Cycle while you run errands! Support at Gear.com We are excited to announce that we have officially partnered with Gear.com! Gear.com sells awesome outdoor gear and gives 20% back on every purchase: 10% to you and 10% that you can donate to Sacred Cycle! During checkout, you will be prompted to take part in the "Give a Buck" program. Simply start typing in "Sacred Cycle" into the text box and you can give the 10% (that Gear.com is donating) to us! Feel free to share/tag/comment friends, family & community to build more donations for Sacred Cycle. EDUCATION & PRESS Many US Women Say 1st Sexual Experience Was Forced Source: AP News. Excerpt: [The report] found that the first sexual experience for about one in 16 US women was forced or coerced intercourse. Let that sink in: about 6.5% of women – more than 3 million nationwide – experienced rape as their first sexual encounter. Worth noting, the survey in the study didn't use the word 'rape,' but the authors say the experiences amount to it. The average victim's age was 15 (underage), while the average assailant's age was 27. The study also found that these women were more likely than others to suffer from health complications (think: endometriosis or pelvic problems). Tip of the iceberg: This study was conducted from 2011 to 2017, before the #MeToo movement went viral. Considering the openness around consent and sexual violence that movement spurred, researchers reportedly think the number in the study could in fact be higher. Read the full article. Live off the Newstand / Airwaves Dirt Rag Magazine picked up Sacred Cycle's Specialized Bicycles interview between our Executive Director, Heather Russell, and Jen Kyle Whalen. Check it out! Read the Article. Podcast Gear Show Ep. 80: Big thanks to Lisa Gerber of The Gear Show for shining the light on our very own board member Jeannine. She competed in over 20 ultra-endurance Mountain Bike races including multiple 100-mile, 12- and 25- hour solo races as well as a multi-day stage race through the Swiss Alps. She struggled with finding a purpose when she left racing. Take a listen to hear her story! © 2019 Sacred Cycle, All rights reserved. Mailing address: Sacred Cycle; P. O. Box 553; Carbondale, co. 81623 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Tags: newsletter, pedalreport, sacredcycle


text:
During National Women's Health Week, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some health care topics to help patients improve their overall health and live a healthy lifestyle.
#1 – Annual Exams
We cannot highlight enough the importance of the screening annual exam. During this visit, your physical as well as emotional well-being is assessed. If you think you are healthy and do not need a doctor, often times at these visits we can identify items that you may have not considered, including skin health and recommended vaccinations.
#2 – Pap Smear Screenings & Mammograms
Pap smear screening (after age 21) and mammograms (after age 40) are a part of well woman care. In addition, we discuss screenings for HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Based on your age, certain vaccines can help to prevent infection.
These include the annual flu shot, TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) during pregnancy or as a booster every 5-10 years, as well as the HPV series and pneumococcal vaccine. If you are uncertain if you have received a vaccine, your provider may be able to order blood work to see if you are immune to a disease.
#3 – Skin Health
With spring and summer finally here, it is important to highlight skin health. Most skin care practitioners recommend wearing SPF daily even if you do not spend time outdoors. Many products, including moisturizers and makeup, contain some SPF.
If you are going to be in the sun, wearing a hat, protective clothing and SPF 30+ will help decrease your risk of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the US.
Seeing a dermatologist for a skin check is particularly important. They can identify problem areas, monitor them for change, and perform biopsies if indicated.
#4 – Healthy Diet & Exercise
At your screening visits, your healthcare provider will review healthy diet and exercise. As each woman's body is unique, so too is her healthcare plan, dietary needs, and exercise regimen. With so many diets available, many are confused as to what is healthy and what is not. What may work for one woman will not work for another.
A diet that is higher in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy meats and fats is typically preferred; however, by seeing your provider, you can identify your body's particular needs. Nutritionists in your area are available to discuss your goals, whether it be weight loss, better overall nutrition and fitness, or diabetes management for example.
#5 – Heart Health in Women
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women.
It is recommended that women get 150 minutes of cardiovascular activity each week and weight train twice weekly. Women who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or an increased family history of heart disease, are particularly at risk. By getting your blood pressure and lab work performed, your provider can identify if you are at an elevated risk and help you to prevent disease from occurring.
#6 – Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can affect more women than men.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 women will suffer from these disease in their lifetime.
Speaking with a provider about your feelings, symptoms and stressors is of particular importance. Health care providers can identify these disorders and can help tailor a treatment plan that is right for you. Numerous resources in the area are available for individuals who want to pursue non-medication based approaches. These include talk therapy, group therapy or support groups.
About Chantel Roedner, MD
Dr. Chantel Roedner joined WakeMed Physician Practices as an OB/GYN after completing her residency at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earning her medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Her clinical interests include high risk obstetrics, infertility, minimally invasive gynecological surgery including robotic surgery, well woman care and contraception.


text:
Cover Model: Monica Vitti in a simply stunning dress, on the set of Modesty Blaise
Photographed by David Bailey
Unknown Models by
Nicole De LaMarge
Jean Shrimpton by Bailey
Chrissie Shrimpton and unknown Models by Bailey
Hello !
You work for history, congratulations ! I will like to know if there is a ed of Vitti in this issue please ?
I drop on your place every single day and looking for everything about Monica Vitti, Charlotte Rampling, Anna Karina, Françoise Dorléac, Marie Laforêt and Alain Delon (please, s'il vous plaît, think about me if you have something of them)
Hello! Thanks for your comments. I will check this issue (have another issue too with a spread of Vitti in Modesty Blaise). Will try hard to scan any pictures of them as I come across them and will update the Vitti spread for you too in the next day or two. Will keep you posted :)
Venerande, have uploaded the editorial with this US edition of Vogue from 1966. Hope you can read it:
Venerandem, have now organised the blog by model/personality so you might find it easier to find people you're after, here:
Hi Freya,
The unknown model with Editha and Chrissy in the Henry Clarke piece is Marie-Lise Gres.


text:
Messengers: God's Communication Channel
To every nation that has passed on, God sent a messenger who summoned them to His true path. Messengers are those who communicate the existence and oneness of God, spread His religion, and inform them about what Allah demands from them, in other words, things that they should do and things that they should abstain from. They also warn them against the punishment of Hell and give them the glad tidings of Paradise.
The lives and struggles of the messengers are abundant in lessons for believers who think and are inclined to learn from them. In the Qur'an, God describes in detail the subjects they communicated to their peoples, the methods they employed to persuade them and many other aspects of the messengers themselves.
There is instruction in their stories for people of intelligence… [The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 12, Verse 111 ]
Believers should not differentiate between any of the messengers and should take their virtuous manners and behaviors described in the Qur'an as their model. They should follow their advice, and act on it and hold in very high regard their warnings. Again, in accordance with Allah's command, the Prophet (pbuh) revealed that we should not discriminate between the prophets sent by Allah, and in one hadith, said, "Don't give superiority to any prophet amongst God's prophets." (Sahih Bukhari)
That is because God narrates the stories of these distinguished servants of His in the Qur'an not merely as historical facts, but also in order to encourage believers to reflect on, and pay heed to these superior people so that they may take them as their models.
The stories and actions of the messengers as described in the Qur'an contain examples and lessons for believers. This is a fact that is particularly stated in the Qur'an. For instance, it is stated that there is a good example for the believers to follow in Ibrahim (as), and those who adhered to him and their exemplary attitudes are described in the following verses:
You have an excellent example in Ibrahim and those who followed him, when they said to their people, "We washout hands of you and all that you worship apart from God, and we reject you. Between us and you there will be enmity and hatred for ever unless you believe in God alone." But do not emulate Ibrahim's words to his father: "I will ask forgiveness for you, but I have no power to help you in any way against God." "Our Lord, we have put our trust in You and have repented to You. You are our final destination. Our Lord, do not make us a target for those who disbelieve. Forgive us, our Lord; You are the Almighty, the All-Wise." There is an excellent example in them for you to follow, that is for those whose hope is in God and the Last Day. But if anyone turns away, he shall know that Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 60, Verses 4-6
In the same way, all other messengers are also chosen servants of God; they should be taken as models by the believers in every respect. Those who believe make no distinction between any of the messengers and believe in what has been revealed to each of them. This is a command of God which should be carried out meticulously as all other commands:
Say, "We believe in God and what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim and Isma'il and Ishaq and Ya'qub and the tribes, and what Musa and 'Isa were given, and what all the prophets were given by their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. We are Muslims who have submitted to Him." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 136
All messengers have called people to accept the true religion and the most upright way. This call, as well as being for their peoples, is also for us. The basic religious and moral facts that they all invited others to accept, and the characteristics of virtue that they displayed should be followed and taken as a model buys too as in ages past. As a matter of fact, God sets forth in the Qur'an the facts which messengers have invited their people to accept, and provides detailed account of the excellent character traits they possessed. He commanded all believers in the personality of our Prophet (pbuh) to submit themselves to the true path:
They are the ones to whom We gave the Book, judgment and prophethood. If these people reject it, We shall entrust it to others who will not. They are the ones God has guided, so be guided by their guidance. Say, "I do not ask you for any wage for it. It [the Qur'an] is simply an admonition to all mankind." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6, 89-90
Excerpted from Our Messengers Say.
by Harun Yahya
Posted on April 14, 2013, in Articles. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


text:
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UNC Senior Alliance, LLC, an accountable care organization (ACO) of UNC Health Care, ranks #1 nationally in clinical quality among 34 Pay-for-Performance Next Generation ACOs.
The UNC Senior Alliance received a clinical quality score of 98.64 percent from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for performance in the Next Generation ACO Model for Performance Year Three. UNC Senior Alliance is comprised of UNC Health Care hospitals and employed providers, as well as independent, community-based providers.
2018 was the second year UNC Senior Alliance participated in the Next Generation ACO Model, and is one of only four academic health system-based accountable care organizations that participate in CMS's highest-risk alternative payment model. The Next Generation ACO Model, which began in 2016, tests tools and patient engagement incentives that can improve health outcomes and lower expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries.
"These results speak to our decade long commitment to clinical quality, our infrastructure for quality improvement, our network of high-value providers, and the collaborative environment we have built around clinical quality," said Mark Gwynne, DO, president and executive medical director for UNC Senior Alliance. "We will continue to provide the right resources, for the right patients, in the right settings, and to provide our practices with the population management support needed to improve the quality of care our patients need and to make healthcare more affordable for our patients."
For more information on the Next Generation ACO Model, please visit the CMS Next Generation ACO Model web page. For more information on how the overall quality score was determined, please refer to the CMS resources page.
About UNC Senior Alliance
UNC Senior Alliance is UNC Health Care's statewide, physician-led accountable care organization, and is transforming healthcare delivery and payment models on behalf of over 3,000 physicians, including community-based physicians along with those owned by and affiliated with UNC Health Care. With a focus on population health management, UNC Senior Alliance works closely with physician partners to manage quality, cost and access to care for their patients.
About UNC Health Care
UNC Health Care is an integrated healthcare system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill. It exists to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina and to provide state-of-the-art patient care.
UNC Health Care is comprised of UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, ranked consistently among the best medical centers in the country; the UNC School of Medicine, a nationally eminent research institution; Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville; Chatham Hospital in Siler City; Johnston Health in Clayton and Smithfield; UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston; Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro; Caldwell UNC Health Care in Lenoir; Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount; UNC Rockingham Health Care in Eden, Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, UNC REX Healthcare and its provider network in Wake County; and the UNC Physicians Network.
For more information, please visit www.unchealthcare.org.


text:
Having Problems With Word?
updated about 2 years ago
It's not possible for me to provide MS Word support here, so if you're having general problems then:
- Check the videos in the video training to see if there's an answer there (click here to go to video training - this is paid training).
- Post the question in our Facebook group 'Word Words' (you will need to request to join, it's a buyer's-only group - click here).
- Go to Russ Crowley.com (click here) and look at our services on offer.
- Get a one-on-one Skype consultation with me (click here).


text:
Bonang Matheba is a South African television personality, radio host and businesswoman. She is a former host of "The Front Row" radio show on SABC's Metro FM and the brand ambassador for Revlon Cosmetics South Africa.
Born: June 25, 1987, Mahikeng, South Africa
Nickname: Queen B*
Books: From A to B
TV shows: Top Billing, Clash of the Choirs SA
Other news
Do not miss


text:
The X-Files remains in the top spot of most popular ranked tv shows on IMDB. Coming in second is American Crime Story followed by Game of Thrones and Walking Dead. No doubt, Fox executives are beyond ecstatic about the current ratings of the revival and many fans have noticed the network has been promoting Monday's finale as a SEASON finale (instead of series finale).
Earlier in the season, Fox entertainment president David Madden told Variety "We said before it aired that we would love to do more, and we are over the moon with the performance. So far, the response has been really encouraging." When speaking about the possibility of another season, Madden added "We haven't talked to the talent yet about Season 2 in any more definitive way than we had prior to airing the show, but certainly, it seems like there's an audience responding to the show that would love to see more episodes," Of course technically this would be season 11 for The X-Files, but season 2 of the revival.
The X-files has held strong ratings since it's season opener which was impressive with over 50 million international viewers watching the two night premiere in the first three days following it's debut on Fox in 80 different countries. This is great news for X-Philes, many who have been thankful for the six episodes but would love to see more.
The Season Finale of The X-Files "My Struggle II" airs Monday night on FOX


text:
she wanted to run away to the mountains, and never come back. she fell in love only twice.
the both times, were unrelenting, sacrificial, and otherworldly. she is an artist.
a painter. she was a loner . she ran from your attention and staring eyes.
she liked clothing aesthetics. books and walking were her panaceas. she still wants to live in the mountains the rest of her life and talk to God.


text:
There's a reason that many businesses are saying goodbye to their paper-based invoicing processes - they're expensive… in terms of time and money. In fact, Revenue and Business Minister Stuart Nash recently said that collectively, New Zealand and Australian business could save $30 billion over the...read more
Recent Posts
What are the key benefits of DX2?
DX2 provides more business benefits to organisations over traditional EDI. Here's a few points on what makes DX2 significantly different to the usual EDI story.read more
What's the difference between traditional EDI integrations and DX2?
Integration has been central to Olympic's offerings to its customers for more than 25 years. This includes:read more
How digitising your invoice process can increase AP processing efficiency by over 70%
Increasing business speed while reducing costs is a major driver of digital transformation in New Zealand and Australian businesses, and this is more apparent in accounts payable than anywhere else. The Government estimates contend that e-invoicing will save New Zealand and Australia $30 billion...read more
Why automating your procurement processes is now a necessity not a nice-to-have
A new white paper looks at how digital automation is continuing to disrupt business models, and the business case for automating procurementread more
Interview: Paul Greenberg from the NORA network interviews our MD Joe McLeod
In this short 5 minute interview, Joe reveals why Woolworths Australia chose our ecommerce platform Trader as the base for their online shopping experience.read more
How to ensure software project success; planning and UAT
Recently we have been involved in two projects with two separate organisations where the same solution was implemented. The approach undertaken by both was vastly different and as a result the outcome on Go Live day and the potential for a cost overrun was significantly different.read more
How to control maverick spend with DX2 Purchase and guided buying
Guided Buying has been around for several years, and it has been dominated in the market with products like Ariba Spend Management, but this comes with a significant price tag. This is often out of reach for smaller to mid-range organisations. With DX2 Purchase and Guided Buying, you can streamline...read more
Go, an enterprise timesheet solution that is user friendly for high user adoption
We've seen it time and time again. The implementation of expensive timesheet solutions that employees are reluctant, or find difficult, to use, leading to adoption issues. And we understand why. In our personal lives, we have access to beautifully crafted, user centric software solutions that are...read more
GO, a system of engagement for dispersed workforces
Information systems can either be thought of as Systems of Record or Systems of Engagement. What's the difference?read more


text:
|Click on Image to Enlarge
I had a request recently for this pretty Lilac Frame, from a young lady who wanted to use it for her Birthday Party Invitations! I thought you guys might like this pretty French Frame too, so here it is! You can also find it HERE in Pink, Green and Blue.


text:
An unusual kind
of elegance
Since 2012 M. Moustache has been developing, season after season, collections of shoes with a particular look. Items that are spot-on and original, but not actually outlandish: elegance reinvented.
More freedom, less rules
Contemporary elegance, anchored in its era and mindful of its impact. A promise of precision and originality that manifests itself in our shoes and in the way we communicate. Bold and surprising.
Why M. Moustache?
Because of the offbeat attitude and the
distinguished elegance of a fine moustache.
That's it, really.
Bringing you products that are different but always distinguished.
A dash of humour
Because there's nothing elegant about taking yourself too seriously.
Being close to you. To understand you better, to inspire us further.
High quality
Improving, day after day and season after season. To bring you satisfaction every time.
Disrupting the shoe business
to bring you an elegant, original alternative.
The launch of
M. Moustache
In September 2012, Antoine, Guillaume and Thibault launched themselves with the purpose of dusting off the shoe industry. After months of work, a first design was born. Both elegant and comfortable, driven by fresh and offbeat communication, which has met a great success.
M. Moustache overtakes
100 resellers in France
100 distributors, all over France. From Parisian department stores to provincial concept stores. A symbolic step for us, which encouraged us to go even further. At the same time, a complete collection is being developed to bring you even more new products.
The Women's
range launch
3 years after the first male shoes, women could finally wear a pair of M. Moustache! 3 years of waiting and work that paid off, with a first successful women's collection.
The launch of
the iconic René
White leather, a diagonal line, colored suede and a moustache. 4 elements that reinvent the timeless white sneaker and quickly made our René your iconic piece of choice.
The opening of
the first Shop
Located at 25 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, our first boutique is the result of a strong desire to showyou our universe and all our products in a place thought to the smallest detail to welcome you.
The first billboard
Mr. Moustache is displayed in the Parisian métro. An offbeat and bold campaign that highlights the brand's DNA and products.
The opening of the
Abbesses Boutique
A second Boutique at 36 rue des Abbesses, Paris. A refined concept, elegant, to best showcase our collection: a wall to highlight the sneakers and hanging shelves to highlight the shoes.
The opening of the
Bordeaux and Toulouse Boutiques
Our first Boutiques outside the Parisian landscape, in Bordeaux and Toulouse. Based on the model of Abbesses, both Toulouse and Bordeaux's boutiques were intended to be a refined temple of offbeat elegance.


text: Notary Bulletin How I Landed My First Assignments As A Notary Signing Agent By James Gilden on January 09, 2019 in Signing Professionals In my previous article, "How I Decided To Become A Notary Signing Agent," I talked about how I was inspired to try Notary work while looking for a change of career. But when I decided to become a Notary Signing Agent, it was completely new business for me. I needed to familiarize myself with the ins and outs of notarizing signatures on loan documents. I decided the first step in my new career would be to gain some experience working through signing agencies. The pay is less than working directly with title and escrow companies, but I decided it would be better way for a rookie like myself to get those first assignments and learn the basics of a loan document signing before I tried looking for work with local businesses in person. I signed up with several different free services, with varying degrees of success. While I also received emails from websites offering me signings in exchange for me paying them an upfront fee, I decided a website requiring fees wasn't the way I wanted to go when marketing myself. Some sites charged large fees if you filed a payment dispute or required me to agree not to file a complaint if I had a credit card issue with the site. I didn't feel comfortable with that. Here are some of the agencies and websites I contacted, and my experiences with them so far: Snapdocs has been the most successful source of signings for me to date. I've completed more than 20 signings after signing up with them, two refinances and 10 HELOCS. The pay is low (average $50 for a HELOC, $75 for a refinance), but the experience has been incredibly valuable. It took a while to land my first assignment. I responded quickly to texts but was often passed over at first. But I persisted and finally landed a couple of signings. Since then, I've become familiar with one agency in particular and I've received assignments pretty regularly from them via Snapdocs. Timios is close to where I live and was recommended by a website I visited, so I went in person to their office to introduce myself and see if they had any opportunities available. I've had one assignment from them so far. Bancserv I was pretty excited about. I had seen their booth at the NNA Conference in Las Vegas and they seemed like a good organization to work with. Keep in mind that they only accept applications from new Notaries during the first few days of each month. I passed and was approved and am looking forward to receiving an assignment through them. I've had a few other queries and offers from other organizations. A couple of emails ended up in my spam folder, which I now check regularly so I do not miss any opportunities. I'm pretty pleased with my progress to date and have now begun reaching out to other local companies to take it to the next level. James Gilden became a Notary Signing Agent in July 2018. He is a writer and publishing professional who has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and others. He has also worked for SAGE Publishing and The American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is working on a book about World War II centered on the story of his great uncle, a decorated B-17 bomber pilot who was shot down over Nazi occupied France and became a POW. Related Articles: 5 Tips For New Notaries Starting A Business Lessons From My First Loan Signing The Cost Of Becoming A Notary Signing Agent Email Share 11 Comments Add your commentChris Parreira14 Jan 2019Great job James. I have beebn a nsa part-time for almost 2 years. I am started out just like you did. Its hard getting to work directly with a title company or real estate office. I am on snap docs and with a few other signing services which is enough for me at this time.Linda Romero16 Jan 2019Has anyone noticed that the companies are offering way less money recently than before?Karen11 Feb 2019I am a new NNA signing agent in Washington State and am struggling to get any signing requests. I am listed on SnapDocs and SigningAgent.com. I searched online reviews of several "pay for" signing agencies that email me to sign up and they all have pretty bad reviews. I am not finding any other free signing agencies to sign up with. I called several escrow/title/lending companies to ask for a contract signing agent package and all require 2 years experience and references, or aren't taking any new contracted agents for at least 6 months. I read all NNA articles on starting this new business and apply the advice. I'm beginning to feel I made a mistake investing so much money in this new profession. Any advice getting new assignments is greatly appreciated.National Notary Association12 Feb 2019Hello Karen. One option you may wish to consider is offering to perform general mobile Notary services as well as loan signings, which can help build experience, make potential contacts and supplement your income during slow periods in the mortgage industry. This article from Notary Signing Agent Daniel Lewis offers some suggestions: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2016/10/finding-general-notary-work If you are looking for other ways to diversify your services, please take a look at our Alternate Income Opportunities articles: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/alternate-income-opportunities We hope these articles are helpful to you and wish you good luck with your business!Cristi Wilburn07 Jun 2019I just started in February this year. Been a notary longer than that tho. When I did my classes I also signed up for a year on 123notary. I have received several just from that. I am also on Snapdocs. I get some there. One thing I have learned is if that can't find you they can't hire you. 123Notary lets them search my area and my name pops up. Also, just because they offer a certain price does not mean you cannot negotiate. I do it all the time. I factor in my driving and time. I always tell them why I am charging more and most are ok with it.Mary13 Feb 2020I became a Notary Signing Agent in October 2019. I have yet to get an assignment here in the city where I live. Even though I put the areas where I live. Now I respond really fast to the text messages but never get the signings. I have invested a lot of money to become a signing agent. What do they go by when you respond by the text? Do they choose the Agent with the most experience? How do you get experience if you never get the assignment? I will not give up.National Notary Association14 Feb 2020Hello. These articles may provide some helpful information for you: How Long Does It Take To Make Money As A New Notary Signing Agent? https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/04/how-long-make-money-notary-signing-agent Effective Business Development For The Notary Signing Agent https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2013/09/business-development-notary-signing-agentAdriana Avina31 Mar 2020I just recently passed the notary exam and finished the certification with NNA....i dont have my commission yet and already received a call for assignment. So sad i could not take it..B.B.11 Jun 2020James, Thank You for sharing your Signing experiences. I'm anxiously awaiting taking my class/test next week- delays from COVID.. Have you experienced signing up with a larger Brokers office to be their "In house Notary" that their Loan Officers would utilize? That was my experience before the bubble blew, when I was a Loan Doc Signing Agent more than 10 years ago. Can't wait for your Book to come out- I'm very interested in those WWII experiences, as my Mom survived those tumultuous times!Leslie Massey18 Jun 2020Thanks for sharing. I don't know how to get started. I just passed my exam this monthChandan Chandra Saha06 Aug 2020Very goodLeave a Comment Required * Name * Email *(for verfication purposes only) Comment * Enter the text shown in this image *(text is case sensitive)All comments are reviewed and if approved, will display.


text:
Old English Royal Toffee 100g
What proper toffee tastes like - walkers original english toffees individually wrapped. Tastes similar to a dairy toffee but not as creamy. medium har toffee.
comes in a 100g or 200g bag from our in-store jars, Or 200g cello gift bag with ribbon or 300g victorian style plastic sweet jar
ingredients: glucose syrup, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, vegetable oil, butter, salt, emulsifier E471, flavourings.suitable for vegetarians and gluten free


text:
Change is all around us. Every day we have to figure out how to adapt to something that might change such as the weather, traffic patterns due to construction or accidents, and any other expected or unexpected situation that arises. Just as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, "the only thing that is constant is change." Given change is something we must constantly adapt to, it is interesting when it comes to the workplace, change initiatives fail more than 70% of the time (Kotter, 2008). It is possible for change efforts to succeed and employees at all levels of the organization can help make that possible. What it takes is a strategic approach!
EDC recommends 6 tips leaders and employees can apply to work towards making organizational change efforts successful:
- Having a clear vision. If the need for change is unclear, it is nearly impossible for anyone to understand the reason(s) change is needed, especially to those who perceive the current way of doing something works well. A clear vision helps define the need for change, setting the expectation for what will change and why.
- Alignment with organizational goals. Organizations need to adapt to changing market conditions in order to survive and grow. When aligning change initiatives with organizational goals, it helps establish a clear vision of the change needed as well as gain buy-in from both leaders and employees.
- Leadership support and involvement. It is important for leaders to set the example when it comes to change efforts. After all, if a leader continues doing something the "old" way, what reason does an employee have to change? When leaders lead by example and not the "do as I say, not as I do" approach, it not only shows the employees what the change initiative is supposed to look like but also gives employees more reason and encouragement for going with the change themselves.
- Employee contribution and buy-in. Every organization has far more employees than it has people in leadership roles. Naturally, the majority of the change efforts typically fall to the employees themselves. In order for the change initiatives to succeed, employees need to contribute to the change and have buy-in. In order for that to happen, it is important to involve select employees (that can also be potential change agents later on) in the early stages of the change initiative.
- Excellent communication. Communication is key to any organizational process and change management is no different. There can never be enough communication. Multiple modes of communication should be used such as: town hall meetings (if the change involves the whole organization), group meetings, emails, deadline reminders, even posters/flyers around the office, etc.
- The best way to ensure change not only happens, but also lasts, is to hold everyone accountable for the change itself. It is important to look for ways to measure the before and after change initiative. Also, ensure everyone clearly understands what needs to be done for the change to be successful by having metrics for measuring the change, and if appropriate, ensure leaders and employees understand the consequence if the change fails.
A change agent is an employee, at any level of the organization, eager and willing to change, leads by example, and helps encourage the change with others. This person is critical to any successful change management initiative. Leaders and change agents can work together using the proposed 6 tips to ensure successful implementations of change initiatives and avoid being a part of the 70% change failure statistic.
Kotter, J. P. (2008). A sense of urgency. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press.
Envisionary Development Consulting. (2016). Leading change. Pembroke Pines, FL: EDC Training Library.
Tompkins, B. (2016). How to lead change with minimal resistance. Retrieved from http://supplychainbeyond.com/how-to-lead-change/


text:
When the Office of Communications and Marketing began developing the new YouTube series "In Class at IUP," the Department of Anthropology felt like the perfect fit for the first episode.
A three-person film crew from IUP Video Services captured Anastasia Hudgins' ANTH 233 class last month. Other than pausing for a second to allow the boom microphone operator to get into place, the entire class was captured live. In the above video, Hudgins discusses why she chose the lesson.
Project producer Emily Smith approached Hudgins about participating in the series and quickly knew Hudgins was going to "hit this one out of the park."
"I felt her energy and passion for teaching instantly, and knew that our student audience would connect with her—and when she suggested we capture the lesson on 'dude,' I saw the stars align," said Smith.
As a way to encourage her students to think more critically about language, Hudgins became inspired by an article by University of Pittsburgh professor Scott Kiesling called "Dude." Who uses the term? Is the use referential or non-referential? Does use vary by gender or race?
Students had been assigned in a previous class to record 10 utterances of "dude." Their findings were captured on film in this episode. Discussion was upbeat and lively and very insightful. Watch the full class episode on YouTube.
After the class, four students were interviewed on camera and shared their thoughts on Hudgins, the class, and why they thought everyone should take an Anthropology course.
Department of Anthropology


text:
[WARNING: Will contain spoilers!]
For the lucky few who watched it as it aired (and for the larger number of folks who binge-watched it on Netflix), NBC's "Parks and Recreation" was a blessing — an unwavering beacon of optimism, wonder and waffles for anyone who explored the delightfully bizarre slice of Midwestern life, fronted by Leslie Knope and the rest of her ragtag bureaucratic department.
Sure, it was never a ratings behemoth, nor did it have much clout in the awards circuit. If anything, it felt like a hushed secret kept between best friends — a little inside joke filled to the brim with self-referential quips and tidbits that never felt stale, even if retold for the hundredth time. The "Parks" writers knew this: The show didn't try to sand down its sharp edges to attract new viewers or repeat its punchlines ad nauseam, and for that reason, this delightful series finale rewarded devoted fans.
And even though the show has been co-opted by the corporate — shout out to the Subway on Telegraph Avenue and Bancroft Way with the "Treat Yo Self" poster promoting its savory sandwiches — it never fell short of iconic memes. Countless Instagram posts celebrating Galentine's Days, posters filled with the many faces of Ron Swanson and tees emblazoned with Pawnee legend Lil' Sebastian will forever immortalize the show.
Now that "Parks and Recreation's" finale has aired, there's a lot to ponder, especially considering that the show stuffed about 50 years of foreshadowing into the course of an all-too-short hour. At first, "Parks' " abrupt three-year time jump appears to be an odd, if slightly extemporaneous, stylistic choice — old friendships are suddenly fraught with unnecessary tension, and new events reveal themselves out of thin air — but there is a method to creator Mike Schur's madness. And, to its credit, it doesn't leave the bitter taste that "How I Met Your Mother's" mangled finale did.
Leslie Knope — the ambitious, passionate ray of sunshine whose preponderance for binders, organizers and pre-planning was at once exhausting and endearing — could not have prepared for the events that transpired earlier in the season. Leslie's life careens out of balance in an uncharacteristically glum series of events: Her beautiful tropical fish and best friend, Ann Perkins, book it to Michigan with now-hubby Chris Traeger, and her lifelong ventures of city councilwomanship come to a halt after she is the target of a recall election held by the Pawnee residents. At one point, it feels as if nothing is working for Leslie.
But … isn't that life? Not everything can be planned out. Ben and Leslie hadn't expected to raise triplets, nor had she ever expected in her wildest dreams that she'd be a beloved governor of her home state. (Nor did anyone expect the untimely death of beloved "Parks" mainstay Harris Wittels — rest in peace, good sir.) None of the Pawneeans had expected they'd be living the lives into which they were thrust, yet there is one thread interweaving them: They are all content with what their futures amounted to.
It's a reassuring sentiment, especially to the hordes of young fans who grew up with the show. Even though I'll no longer have the offbeat misadventures of the "Parks" misfits to highlight my weeks, I can rest easy knowing that their futures are OK — perhaps that's the point of the oft-criticized impromptu fast-forwarding in the last season of the show.
In the last few moments of the finale — immediately after every character receives a distilled, time-lapsed version of the proceeding years — Leslie is tenuous about the future, just as most of us are. Ben comfortingly inquires, "Are you ready, babe?" With a slight hesitation, Leslie nods. "Yeah, I'm ready." Like Mrs. Knope-Wyatt, we should all be ready. Not all of us will be in political office, host a children's television show about a spy and karate master, or be a failed entrepreneur or successful author — sure. But one thing's for certain: The path that awaits us will be paved with friendship, hard work and breakfast food. Goodbye, "Parks and Recreation." You're 5,000 candles in the wind.
Contact Joshua Bote at [email protected].


text:
Communication is the key to oursourcing. Here are ten strategies to use your communication skills to your advantage:
1. The Big Ball of Mud Architecture is your friend. Worse really is better. A BBMA document must be as clear as the architecture.
2. When writing the theory section, use metaphors based on concepts borrowed from unrelated fields. Biological ecosystem terms have worked in recent years, but like chaos theory, people are catching on, so you may have to move to something new. Quantum theory is always good. No one understands it and anyone who claims they do is likely an MBA. Promote him to be the site manager of the outsourced project.
3. Write very large documents. Fill the front matter with lots of architecture diagrams in .bmp format. Remember step one. Use the Capability Maturity Model. No one knows what it is capable of but every CMM document is four releases behind the running code. Completeness equals obscurity.
4. English is the language of international documentation. Master the art of the run on sentence that separates the subject with great green windy sunlit dry hot muggy purple modifiers from the verb and split infinitives through conjunctions that require GPS coordinates to find the period at the not quite end of the densely populated by obscure and not often used terminology that implements the verb. If you aren't good at this, use your MBA. They excel at creating obscurities.
5. If your company already outsources, be sure your unit has the task to design and document the architecture, not code it. If you share these tasks with your outsourced partners, use your MBAs as the translators.
6. Keep customer addresses and phone numbers close. Be sure they have yours. Every time they phone you directly to get around the call center in Eastaboga that reads your documents back to them using newly acquired Midwestern accents and lingo from the Bond movie, Octopussy, record their calls and send them to your MBAs.
7. Never ever ever ever train a new guy with a current foreign passport. Never. Don't. Promote him to Senior Technical Writer and have him join the STC. That way he will go to meetings and learn really valuable skills such as "Objects: Defeating The New Liberalism".
8. Don't answer technical questions in email from outsourced partners. Send them your documents in Word RTF with the .bmp architecture diagrams on 5.25 floppies.
9. Refuse to use commodity products on the basis that your system is mission critical and need those extra undocumented features for which your company owns the software patents. Think of patents as the new currency backed by the power of the Federal government as represented by an overworked, underfunded and technically incompetent US Patent Office.
10. Avoid standards. Standards are the mother of all service economies, and for you, that means learning new database technologies with natural language queries such as "Do you want fries with that?"
Remember: protectionism starts at home.


text:
The UAB Employee of the Month/Year Program was established in 1977 for the purpose of recognizing non-academic personnel for their accomplishments to the University. The program seeks to recognize and reward those staff members whose contributions best exemplify the values essential to achieving UAB's mission and vision — Accountability, Collaboration, Service, Commitment, Diversity, Can-do Attitude and Ethical Conduct. In doing so, we not only show appreciation for outstanding individual achievement, we publicly and consistently communicate to all the significance of these values to UAB.
Employee of the Month Program to relaunch in 2020; click here for more information.


text:
Universal Music Group (UMG) has been exposed by The New York Times over claims that a fire in a warehouse that stored music and masters of prominent artists and groups in 2008.
UMG has dismissed the article as inaccurate and stated that a lot of music had been digitalised prior to the fire, so the masters have been destroyed but not the legacy.
The quantity of musical material ranges from artists such as Elton John, Neil Young, Dolly Parton and Cher.
Also, influential groups from Nirvana who broke from the underground to give the world 'grunge' alternative rock, to the '60s rock legends The Who.
More interesting recordings by Americas leading civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr's 1969 album – Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.
Comedian Bob Hope and Groucho Marx's from the comedy act The Marx's Brothers and actress and singer from the Hollywood Golden Age era Mae West have all lost recordings.
Even the birth of 1950s Rock 'n' Roll biggest stars Bill Haley and His Comets – Rock Around the Clock went up in smoke.
The Father of Rock 'n' Roll Chuck Berry didn't escape the fumes as well as Etta James' album – At Last and works by Aretha Franklin were lost.
At the time of the fire it was played down by UMG, and the extent of the legendary music and recording works lost was reported at a minimum, due to most of the materials had been moved to a nearby suitable storage facility.
What Now?
More prominent artists like Steve Earle and groups Soundgarden and Hole, plus Estates of deceased artists Tupac and Tom Petty have filed a lawsuit against UMG in Los Angeles courts.
Successful entertainment industry lawyer Howard E. King is representing a lot of artists and groups who have filed for $100 million in damages of lost masters and unreleased music, which were in the 'vaults' at the UMG warehouse.
Universal Music Group's response
UMG has certainly been rattled by this exposé and has been quick to dismiss this story by The New York Times.
What is at stake is not only the bad publicity, but a lack of confidence amongst artists and group members who see this as a way of leaving UMG and asking for their 'masters' back; if they still exist.
Furthermore, the legal aspect could hit UMG financially as each case could reach billions if they lost in court.
The UMG CEO Lucian Grainge has backtracked over earlier denials and issued a statement of 'heart-breaking losses' of musical works.
Interesting Facts about the Universal Music Group
Originally set-up by British record company Decca in 1934 and later on in 1939 was renamed American Decca.
In 1969 American Decca and MCA Inc. merged.
Japanese multinational conglomerate Matsushita Electric bought MCA Inc. in November 1990 for $6.59 billion.
Seagram the Canadian multinational conglomerate, whose wealth was built on alcoholic products purchased an 80% stake in MCA Inc. including Universal Studios and its theme parks.
Seagram sold Universal Studios to General Electric, who owned NBC.
General Electric separated the music division from the film studio of Universal Studios.
French conglomerate Vivendi bought Universal Music and the 20% stake Matsushita Electric held in February 2006.
Vivendi was started by Napoleon III to supply water in Lyon and later in Paris in 1853.
Comcast the cable provider in North America bought a 51% controlling stake in Universal Studios in 2011 for $6.5 billion.
The rest of the 49% was sold to Comcast from General Electric in a multi-billion-dollar acquisition and is now called NBC Universal.


text:
This is a guest post, written by Mike Fieldhouse, Labour candidate for Prittlewell at the 2016 local elections. As such, the views and opinions expressed may differ radically from your blogger's own. Some of them may even make sense…
Speed hump, that is. When I'm out talking to residents of Southend on their doorsteps, one of the most frequently raised complaints is the speed of some cars along residential streets. I often discuss with people ways of slowing traffic down including the use of speed humps, speed cameras, electronic flashing speed limit signs, etc.
The statistics on this speak for themselves – on average, between 2012 and 2014, 64 people were seriously injured and 2 people killed every year on Southend's roads. Tragically in the five years to 2014 there were 46 children either killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents in Southend too, with the vast majority of them being pedestrians.
Parents ban their children from playing at the front of their homes for fear that a reckless driver will career into them, and exiting from your driveway or parking place becomes a game of Russian roulette if you live near a bend in the road.
So what's the best way to tackle this problem?
Speed humps really seem to polarise opinion with many motorists strongly against them. The fact is that most drivers are law abiding citizens who are careful and considerate roads users. Speed humps these days, seem on the whole, to be better designed than their ancestors of a decade or two ago that appeared intent on ripping off your car's oil sump if you crossed them at speeds exceeding that of a tortoise on valium. That said, I still feel that that they probably don't do a car's suspension and tracking any good. For any driver intent on speeding, it also becomes a challenge to race from one hump to the next as fast as possible too.
The fact of the matter is that the speed limit is too high in residential areas. A pedestrian hit by a car at 30 mph has a 1 in 12 chance of being killed, at 20 mph this figure plummets to 1 in 66!
I am wholeheartedly in favour of introducing a speed limit of 20 mph on all residential roads within the borough of Southend. This has been done by other councils in England, such as Brighton & Hove, where they've seen a 25 % reduction in serious injuries, and fatalities falling to zero in the first year of operation. To see a similar reduction in casualties across Southend would translate into around 18 fewer serious injuries or deaths per year which means a great deal of suffering could be sparred the victims and their family and friends, to say nothing of the cost incurred by public services with each awful incident.
I believe the way forward is to make the act of speeding unacceptable in the public conscience, in much the same way that drink-driving has become over the past couple of decades. Enforcement of a lower speed limit is an area that has to be looked at too in order to address the problem of the small minority determined to be inconsiderate, irresponsible or careless drivers. But first, let's get the speed limit lowered, start getting casualty figures down then concentrate on changing the behaviour of offenders and driving the message home "Kill your speed, not a child!"


text:
Wrap Sweater – Zaful | Dress – Globus (Old) | Shoes – Old
This season has been quite experimental for me. Though black is my favorite hue and I still find it the most comfortable color to throw on for any occasion, I have been trying to move out of my comfort zone to try out different colors and unusual pairings. Layering this coral wrap sweater over my pink maxi dress on another wintry sunset, I'm ready to catch up with friends for a fun-filled barbecue evening, nice acoustic music and a great time.
Lots of new content coming your way. Hang in there 🙂


text:
Career Opportunities for:
Why choose a career at Deuk Spine Institute? At Deuk Spine Institute, what you do every day makes a difference. One person at a time, you help people get their lives Back in Motion™. Deuk Spine Institute employs a comprehensive care approach and a world class team in providing for all our patients' back and neck care needs, without having to go from specialist to specialist. If you're looking for a career, and not just another job, consider this:
Deuk Spine Institute does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices. For more information about current opportunities or to submit your resume for consideration, please email firstname.lastname@example.com [6].
[1] http://www.deukspine.com/pages/careers-physicians
[2] http://spine2.he2233.vps.webenabled.net/pages/careers-physicians
[3] http://spine2.he2233.vps.webenabled.net/pages/careers-clinical
[4] http://spine2.he2233.vps.webenabled.net/content/administrative-career-opportunities
[5] http://spine2.he2233.vps.webenabled.net/pages/careers-foundation
[6] mailto:email@example.com


text:
Asian Adventures owns and runs wildlife and Himalayan Lodges. With our own in-house fleet of vehicles and expert guides, we deliver a safe, happy and memorable experience to our guests.
All logistics, such as airport transfers, accommodation, travel, boarding, lodging, guides, permits etc are taken care of by us so you can truly relax and enjoy your holiday.
Our latest additions are the Transformational Yoga retreats and spiritual voyages
- Asian Adventures Assures No Compromise with Comfort Safety and Security
- Professionalism, latest technology combined with the personal touch
- Exceptional In-house lodges, guides, and drivers
- Outstanding Customizations record
- 10000 satisfied international clients
- 24X7 – Customer Support
- 70+strong team


text:
It's cold here in Delhi! What's cold? Mid-40's at night – 50's by day. The air is wet and the chill is difficult to shake – especially when you don't have heat – and most people here, don't. Around the city you see women wearing socks with their flip flops, men wrapped in scarves, bodies lying on the sidewalk bundled in burlap or other scrap fabric. Yesterday, I read a commentary in the paper about bonfires, which is a common way for people to keep warm. The author was waxing poetic about how the bonfire in north India is an invitation, or "motel of warmth" where one can stop, warm your hands and your spirits with others gathered around the flame – and then move on to your destination or to the next bonfire down the road.
Inspired, I joined these women who happened to be on my path this morning:
Notice the cell phone, the knitting, the fire of wood and trash and maybe even cow dung. Here's a photo of dung cakes. They are mixed with something – grass, hay, corn husks, trash, usable waste of some form. I'm not entirely clear about what goes into the concoction but it's used for fuel:
And leaving you with a good laugh at my expense, here's my latest adventure with henna. I exposed my foot to the chill and let a beggar in the park decorate it – only to later discover that she laced me with mud and did a poor job, to boot! (Beware: I haven't shaved since the beach – you may not want to click on this photo!!)


text:
I'd have liked to mark my 2nd blogversary with a little more elegance. There were many plans – a new look, a nostalgia-tinged post, some funny observations of life in the Muddle East. But not only have all plans been thwarted by a grueling offline schedule, even my existing template seems to have upped and left. I have to admit; the present look is pretty much what life looks like right now. A BIG thank you to all of you who visit and leave comments, even though I'm unable to reciprocate at the moment.
Now that I've begun, I thought I'd write a little about the unique experience of Ramadan. For reasons unknown to most out here, it's 'Ramadan' and not 'Ramzan'. A trifling disparity in pronunciation, but a huge departure from my experience of it in India. I had a close Muslim friend, who fasted sporadically. But I'd rarely come across anyone who kept up the arduous schedule of fasting and prayers.
I'm in awe of the way things work out here to assist people in maintaining the austerity required at Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset, life alters irrevocably for everyone – Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The most welcome change has to be the reduced working hours. All companies are required by law to alter office timings, with the result that offices everywhere start at 9.30 or 10 a.m. and end by 3 or 4 p.m. My driving classes have come to a halt because instead of 8 a.m. classes are only authorized to begin at 9.30 a.m. Even with the reduced work hours, little gets accomplished. It's a well-accepted norm that any major business decisions, or even recruitments will happen only post-Ramadan.
Yesterday morning I inadvertently broke a Ramadan rule. I was waiting for the office car and overcome by thirst, I started sipping an orange juice. I almost choked when I remembered that eating or drinking in a public place is prohibited during Ramadan. No beady-eyed policeman was bearing down on me, but that didn't stop my heart from thudding a little faster. Most restaurants are shut until sunset and those that stay open have to enclose the dining area. Even the 24-7 store in my office complex, which has all of 3 tiny tables, now has a cane partition demarcating the eating area.
Apart from fasting, the emphasis is on prayer. One of the first things I found fascinating in my office building was a Prayer Room on every floor with the prayer timings marked out. Perhaps anticipating an increased number of worshippers, the management has recently added a shoe rack outside the Prayer Room. One of my colleagues has set an adhan (call for prayer) alarm on his laptop. So every few hours, we're treated to the plaintive call.
At sunset, the transformation is dramatic. The starving countenances are lit up with smiles in anticipation of Iftar (fast-breaking meal). Shuttered restaurants now throw open their doors, advertising lavish Iftar spreads. The messy traffic situation gets messier as families decide to go a-visiting.
There's a distinct change in the weather as well. The days are shorter and somewhat cooler. The promised 'good weather' seems to be upon us, finally. The piety followed by gaiety adds to this pleasant mood. Far from treating the fasting and change in schedule as an obligation, most people seem to welcome it. My colleagues avidly discuss their experiences, what they eat at Sohour (dawn meal) and Iftar, their techniques for coping with hunger. I almost feel a wee twinge of guilt, stealing away behind the cane partition to have my lunch.
'Ramadan Kareem' is how people greet each other during this time. So, to all of you who drop by and leave comments, Ramadan Kareem.
P.S. The 1st post and the 1st blog-versary post.


text:
Are you looking for the right blush that looks freshly up to eight hours? The new red bluch from Revlon has a creamy formula, that blends easily into skin, adding a rich flush of color to your cheeks with a soft, satin finish.
Today you can try for free this fantastic product, simply clicking here! TOLUNA is giving away 300 Blushes Revlon! ! You can sign up till 26th January and qualify as tester. If you will be chosen, you will test the product with yo family and then you will be invited to share your opinion about the product.
There's more because there are 100 L'Oreal Nail Varnish to win! You'll find the competition in the same page!
Sign up or log in to your Toluna Account. After you complete the sign up you will receive a confirmation email, where you have to click the link you'll find to confirm your account. Once back on the site go to the top of the page where it says "Explore", click on that, then click "Test products". Click on where it says "Test". Answer the question and you are done. If you are selected they will email you and let you know in about 2-4 weeks.
Free Lacoste Eau de Lacoste Sensuelle.


text:
JangoMail is a web-based email broadcast and email marketing system designed for businesses. It allows you to create, send, and track email campaigns. Its parent company, Silicomm Corporation, needed a convenient way to send mass, personalized emails
Twitter: JangoMail
LinkedIn: JangoMail
Facebook: JangoMail
Youtube: JangoMail
Ownership / Organization Type: Privately Owned
Tax Status: Full tax
Minority Owned: Unknown
Woman Owned: No
# of Employees: 0
# of R&D Personnel: 0
# of Support Personnel: 0
# of Professional Services Personnel: 0
Company Uses Contractors?: Unknown