text:
Grand President, N.S.G.W.
1959 - 1960 [photo]
DR. KENNETH K. REUTER, Governor
1958 - 1959 [photo]
Grand President 1909 - 1910
Dean of the Past Grand Presidents
The Past Presidents' Association of the Native Sons of the Golden West on January 27, 1960, will observe the sixtieth anniversary of its establishment. It was organized in San Francisco, California on that date in 1900. A full half century plus an additional decade now have passed and happily the close of the sixtieth year finds the association in flourishing condition. From the single unit which originated in San Francisco, the organization now is statewide throughout California, its membership good numerically but not voluminous, because limited to a restricted class, the Past Presidents of the subordinate parlors of the Native Sons of the Golden West. In earlier years most of the parlors changed their presidents at the close of a six-month period, but in recent ones they have tended to follow the pattern of most other fraternal societies and hold their presiding officers for a full year of service. Nevertheless, the Past Presidents' Association is in a flourishing condition with branches in the northern and southern areas, the central valleys and the great bay region. As the organization completes its three score years of existence, there has been a demand for a history of its origin, it growth, expansion and principles. At the General Assembly held in San Francisco on October 18, 1958, a resolution providing for the publication of such a work by the present writer was adopted. On October 21, 1939, in his then capacity of Grand Historian, N.S.G.W., he presented to the General Assembly meeting in Oroville, a short history of the association. Now, in his dual capacity of Secretary-Treasurer General of the General Assembly, and Director of Historical Research of the Grand Parlor he cheerfully directed his efforts toward the production of this larger presentation. This work also has not been without sentiment, for his father, the late Thomas C. Conmy, a Past President of Golden Gate Parlor No. 29 of San Francisco, was not only one of the founders of the Past Presidents' Association but its secretary for the first twelve years of its existence. Unfortunately, the official records of the organization from 1900 through mid-April 1906 were destroyed in the great fire of the latter year, but fortunately, the secretary preserved copies of the first By-laws and List of Members, the first ritual (1901) and the amended ritual (1905)*1. From These and other available sources the writer has been able to delineate the facts attending the birth of the Past Presidents Association.
*1. John A. Steinbach, born in San Francisco, October 21, 1854, was Grand President 1884-85. He died August 13, 1913. Frank J. Murasky, born in San Francisco, November 7, 1884, was a Superior Judge of that city and county from 1898 until his death on June 30, 1930.
Those who had served a term as President in a subordinate parlor automatically became Junior Past President, and after six months in that office held the rank of Past President, sometimes referred to as Senior Past President. This policy appears to have obtained in the early days of the order, and the high title could be earned only by service as President and Junior Past President. On several occasions resolutions were presented at Grand Parlor sessions providing that the rank of Past President should be conferred upon Recording and Financial Secretaries who had served a specified number of terms, but none of these were adopted. That no one might be elected a Junior Past President (except in the case of a new parlor) was decided by Grand President Steinbach in 1884 who held that the Junior Past President must continue to act in that capacity until a retiring President has been installed. The Parlor cannot elect a member to fill the Past President's chair. *2
to the rank when the reinstatement is after the period of limitations. *4 It was the Grand President Jo Davis Sproul in 1893 decided that if a Junior Past President's office declared vacant, he is not entitled to the honors of a Senior Past President. *3 He also ruled that if a past president is suspended from membership, he loses the right to be restored holding of Grand President Mattison in 1899 that the Grand President is without authority to confer the honors of the title of Past President upon a member. *5 This can result only from service as Junior Past President. The early rituals of the Order indicate that Senior Past Presidents wore a sash of old gold color, but there was no ritualistic part for the rank. *6 Junior Past Presidents wore a white sash and performed certain ceremonial functions. Although the rank of Past President appears to have been well established during the first quarter century of the existence of the Native Sons, its holders of the title did not have an organized existence. The writer, however, does have in his possession a ribbon of old gold color, on which are printed the words "Past Presidents' Association, N.S.G.W., September 10, 1890."
Absence of a formal organization of past presidents did not impede the growing pride that the holders of the title took in their rank and in the Native Sons of the Golden West itself. The Order's accomplishments in the '90's were great and the society wielded an important influence in the affairs of California. To be a Past President of a subordinate parlor was considered an honor. Pride of office thus led to a demand for a special affiliation based on rank. In San Francisco where there were in 1899 twenty-two parlors, it was necessary for their representatives to meet as a clearing house for concerted action *7 Presidents and Vice Presidents usually were among the parlor's representatives.
*2 In re Placerville Parlor
No. 9, Minutes and Proceedings, Seventh Session, p. 15.
*3 In re Woodland Parlor No. 30, Fifteenth Session, p.. 25.
*4 In re Humboldt Parlor No. 14, Seventeenth Session, P. 17
*5 In re Los Angeles Parlor No. 45, Twenty-second Session, p. 27, 222.
*6 Sash regalia were abolished in favor of the collar type in 1906.
*7 The San Francisco Parlors in 1899 were: California No. L, Pacific No. 10, Golden Gate No. 29, Mission No. 38, San Francisco No. 49, El Dorado No. 52, Rincon No. 72, Stanford No. 76, Yerba Buena No. 84, Bay City No. 104, Niantic No. 105, National No. 118, Columbia No. 121, Hesperian No. 137, Alcatraz No. 145, Alcalde No. 154, South San Francisco No. 157, Sequoia No. 160, Precita No. 187, Olympus No. 189, Presidio No. 194, Marshall No. 202.
Presidents usually were among the parlor's representatives. According to the late Fabius T. Finch, who in 1899 was president of Presidio Parlor No. 194, the writer's own parlor, there was an expression of sentiment in favor of an organization that would keep the presidents together after the completion of their terms. These several factors led to the formation of the Past President's Association.
Foundation date and Leaders. The Past Presidents Association was founded in San Francisco on January 27, 1900, in the same city where the Order of the Native Sons itself was established on July 11, 1875, twenty-five years earlier. Many of the original members in the course of a quarter of a century had passed on, including the Founder of the Order, General Albert M. Winn, yet it is very interesting to note that the man who has closest to him in the birth of the society, and who served as its first President (July 1875 - January 1876) was also the leading founder of the Past Presidents Association. Reference is made to John Anthony Steinbach of the Pacific Parlor No. 10, first president of the original Native Sons, and whose term as Grand President, 1884-85, was so illustrious. Under the title of Governor, John A. Steinbach was the first presiding officer of the Past Presidents Association.*8 In the founding of the organization he was assisted ably by Hon. Frank J. Murasky of Olympus Parlor No. 189, a man whose memory still lives for his work as a jurist and as the first great juvenile court magistrate in California. *9 A third founder was Stephen Arnold Douglas Jones of Pacific Parlor No. 10, and it is believed that "Sad," as he fondly was called, did the major part of the work in preparing the ritual of the association. Other founders were active as members of the committee which wrote the first By-Laws, namely John H. Grady of California Parlor No. 1, Thomas C. Conmy of Golden Gate Parlor No. 29, Louis C. Pistolesi of Sequoia Parlor No. 160, William R. Milton of Seapoint Parlor No. 158 (Sausalito), and James O'Gara of Pacific Parlor No. 10. The question frequently is asked by Native Sons generally, "Why a Past Presidents' Association?" This question well may be answered by quoting the preamble to the By-Laws printed in 1900:
The Past Presidents Association of the Native Sons of the Golden West has been organized for the purpose of furthering the interests and well-being of the Order of the Native Sons of the Golden West; to encourage the members of Subordinate parlors in the work of the Order, and to bring about a high understanding and appreciation of the objects, purposes and aims of the Native Sons of the Golden West; to disseminate its principles to the world at large; to enlist the older members more fully in the good work of the Order, and to revive the dominant interest heretofore taken by many Past Presidents in their early days in the Order; to cultivate and encourage sociability and fraternity among the members of the association, as well as among the members of the Order throughout the State, and, generally, to encourage and enlarge upon the work of the Order, and to be an incentive to the member of the Order to pass through the chairs - giving them something higher to look forward to.
*8 John A. Steinbach, born
in San Francisco, October 21, 1854, was Grand
President 1884-85. He died August 13, 1913.
*9 Frank J. Murasky, born in San Francisco, November 7, 1884, was a Superior
Judge of that city and county from 1898 until his death on June 30, 1930.
The association functioned immediately along the lines set forth in the preamble. In particular it stressed ritualistic work and its members gave generously of their time in teaching this to the officers of the subordinate parlors. It brought together the past presidents of subordinate parlors in different parts of the state and thus served as a clearing house for the interchange of ideas on matters pertaining to the fraternity. It opened with a charger list of two-hundred fifty-four, of whom one-hundred fifty-five were from parlors situated in San Francisco and ninety-nine from the outside. This evidences the fact that from the outset the Past Presidents Association had a statewide appeal *10 By the close of the year 1900 some fifty more members had been admitted of whom thirty-eight were from parlors outside of San Francisco. The complete list of charter members and other 1900 affiliations is too long to be reproduced here. The names of some of those who have played an important part in the affairs of the Order and/or the Association are presented at this point, however.
California Parlor No. 1
Sacramento Parlor No. 3
Charles W. Decker Robert T. Devlin
John H. Grady Clarence M. Hunt
Henry Lundstedt
Stockton Parlor No. 7
Hubert R. McNoble
Oakland Parlor No. 2
Robert M. Fitztgerald
George C. Pardee Argonaut Parlor No. 8
William C. Neumiller
Albert F. Jones
*10 According to an account in the San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday, January 28, 1900; the Past Presidents Association was organized on the evening before, Saturday evening, January 27th. John A. Steinbach was the temporary chairman and P. Massang, Temporary secretary. The permanent officers elected were President John A. Steinbach; Junior Past President, Justice Charles H. Garoutte; 1st Vice President, Frank J. Murasky; 2nd Vice President, Denial A. Ryan; 3rd Vice President, W.R. Milkton; Recording Secretary, J.J. Jamison; Financial Secretary, Adolph Eberhart; Treasurer, Joseph B. Keenan; Marshal, A.J. Morganstern; Sentinels, W. P. Johnson and W. H. Staniels, Seven trustees were scheduled to be elected at the next meeting, on the last Saturday of February. (San Francisco Chronicle, January 28, 1900, 9-4). The trustees elected on February 4, 1900 were: Clem J. Belloli, O. A. Foster, C. M. Hunt, Louis Nonemoin, C.T. Rose, Arthur E. Scott and Malcom C. Whyte. (San Francisco Chronicle., February 25, 1900 11-3). The association manifested its interest in civic affairs at this second meeting for as the Chronicle points out, Judge Murasky brought up the subject of the preservation of Calaveras grove of Big Trees. He was followed by several other members. A committee was selected to draft a memorial to Congress. The membership is as follows: F.J. Murasky, Frank Mattison, Henry Lunstedt, R.C. Rust, C.H. Garouette, M.T. Dooling, Percy V. Long, John A. Steinbach and J. J. Jamison."
Pacific Parlor No. 10
Mission Parlor No. 38
Stephen V. Costello Daniel O. Troy
George D. Clark
Samuel W. Dixon Fremont Parlor No. 44
Henry E. Faure Maurice T. Dooling
John T. Greany
Joseph K. Hawkins San Francisco Parlor No. 49
John O' Gara John H. Nelson
James O'Gara
Daniel A. Ryan Mt. Tamalpais Parlor No. 64
John A. Steinbach Thomas Boyd
George B. Stanzenberger J. Emmett Hayden
Humboldt Parlor No. 14
Niantic Park No. 105
Fletcher A. Cutler Lewis F. Byington
Joseph B. Keenan
Bidwell Parlor No. 21
Ramona Parlor No. 109
Jo D. Sproul Edward A. Meserve
San Jose Parlor No. 21
Arrowhead Parlor No. 110
C.J. Belloli John Anderson
Thomas Monohan
Sunset Parlor No. 26
Piedmont Parlor No. 110
John J. Monteverde W. H. C. Hynes
Santa Rosa Parlor No. 28
Plumas Parlor No. 131
Charles O. Dunbar Charles E. McLaughlin
James F. Stanley
Golden Gate Parlor No. 29
Alcatraz Parlor No. 143
Thomas C. Conmy James L. Gallagher
Frank H. Dunne
Percy V. Long Sequoia Parlor No. 160
Fred Suhr Henry Scheper
Woodland Parlor No. 30
Precito Parlor No. 187
Charles H. Garoutte George N. Van Orden
Excelsior Parlor No. 30
Olympus Parlor No. 189
Richard C. Rust Andrew Mocker
Harry I. Mulcvrevy
Frank J. Murasky
General Winn Parlor No. 32
Charles M. Belshaw
Early Policies and Practices. The first By-Laws provided that meetings should be held on the last Saturday evening of each month in Native Sons Building in San Francisco. It would appear that this day was chosen because at that time the meetings of the twenty-two San Francisco parlors covered Monday through Friday evenings. Saturday night meetings also facilitated the attendance of the large number of out-of-town members. The By-Laws adopted in 1900 contain an Order of Business which includes items of balloting on candidates. There is reason to believe, however, that this was copied more or less from the Constitution for Subordinate Parlors, for the By-Laws, Art. 11, Sec. 2 provided for admission that was both non-initiatory and automatic upon the past president presenting his application for membership. The provision is quoted here:
Applications for membership
shall be in writing and signed by the applicant, be
certified to under seal by the Secretary of the Parlor of which he is a member,
and must be accompanied by the initiation fee and dues for the first quarter; and
the Secretary of the Association shall thereupon enter his name upon the roll of
The initiation fee was $l.00 and the dues 50 cents a quarter or $2.00 per year. In 1900 offices were created as follows: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Marshal, Inside Sentinel, Outside Sentinel and three Trustees. The offices were not changed, but the 1901 ritual shows that the titles of President, and Vice Presidents were supplanted by Governor and Vice Governors. For a long time the President and Vice President, used the gubernatorial titles during initiation but eventually the presidential titles were replaced entirely. This change came about in 1915.
By 1903 the By-Laws had been amended providing for a secret ballot on membership. At that time also provision was made for the expansion of the association into other parts of the state. This made the San Francisco Association the parent body until such time as multiplication of units might make necessary the creation of a general organization. Branch assemblies were required to observe the same ritual as a San Francisco Assembly. A membership of twenty-five was prerequisite for the institution of a branch assembly; and, this could be done only by the parent assembly in San Francisco. Even as early as this time (1903) the beginnings of the General Assembly are noted, for it was provided,
That until such time
as a sufficient number of branch assemblies shall be
instituted to require some other plan for the sake of uniformity, such
affiliated assemblies be required to furnish this assembly a copy of their
roll of membership and of the names of all candidates for initiation; that
their By-Laws and Rules be subject to approval by the parent assembly;
that this assembly hold an annual session, at which the annual password
will be chosen and all matters of ritual, by-laws, rules, etc., passed upon;
that at such annual session the members of the affiliated assemblies shall be
entitled to all the rights of members of this assembly.
Governors of San Francisco
Assembly. The need for a parent organization grew with time, and
in 1920 San Francisco Assembly surrendered its supervisory powers to the
newly organized General Assembly. In the twenty-one year period,
1900-1921, the original assembly pioneered the was first by operating on
a statewide basis, and later by supervising branch assemblies in several
sections of the state. Between 1900 and 1921 the following men led
San Francisco as presiding officers.
1900 John A. Steinbach
1901 Frank J. Murasky
1902 S.A. D. Jones
1903 Charles T. Rose
1904 Dan Q. Troy
1905 James F. Linehan
1906 John F. Hansen
1907 James F. Stanley
1908 Robert T. Devlin
1909-10 Henry E. Faure
1911 Fabius T. Finch
1912 Dan Q. Troy
1913 William E. Melander
1914 Walter Garfield
1914 Thomas C. Conmy
1915 Frank A. Bonivert
1915 Charles O. Zahn
1916 Moses M. London
1916 John G. Schroder
1917 James J. Hayes
1918 Adam D. Alvarez
1919 Adolph Gudhus
1920-21 Harold T. Dupont
1921 William J. Dougherty
1921 Henry Meyer
These are the Native Sons who directed the affairs of the Past Presidents' Association during the first twenty-one years of its existence. As a group and as individuals they were dedicated to the Native Sons of the Golden West and the ideals for which the society stands.
Although the Past Presidents' Association won an immediate affection in the hearts of the members of the Native Sons of the Golden West and from the start played an important part in the affairs of the fraternity, recognition by the Grand Parlor came slowly. The Proceedings of the 23rd Session of the Grand Parlor which convened in Oroville in April 1900, just three months after the founding of the Past Presidents Association, contains no reference to it. *11 At the 24th session held in Santa Barbara in 1901 the newly formed association petitioned for recognition. *12
*11 Although the proceedings show no participation in the 1901 Grand Parlor by the Past Presidents Association, it appears that at its second meeting, held February 24, 1900, there was received, from Argonaut Parlor No. 8 of Oroville, an invitation to attend the session of the Grand Parlor to be held there April 23rd - 27th. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "The invitation was accepted, and the following were appointed a committee to make arrangements for the trip: A. F. Jones, Leonard Stone, F.W. Burnette, David Wilson and W. E. McCreary." (San Francisco Chronicle, February 25, 1900 11-30).
This letter was signed by John A. Steinbach, Joseph B. Keenan and Peter G. Dupy and certified by the officers association, Frank J. Murasky, Governor, William A. King, Secretary of State, and S. A. D. Jones, Governor pro tem. Grand President Ruse referred the communication to the State of the Order Committee, but a study of their reports fails to show that it was reported back to the floor or even mentioned at all. Hence the Association went on for a number of years under the style and title, "The Past Presidents Association of the Native Sons of the Golden West," without official sanction by the Grand Parlor which alone according to law is to determine under what conditions the corporate name, "Native Sons of the Golden West" shall be used and by whom used. The fact, however, that the association was permitted to do this without protest itself evidences the good feeling existing between the two organizations. In 1909 the Grand Parlor convened in the 32nd Session adopted the following resolution endorsing the association:
WHEREAS, the Past Presidents'
Association of Subordinate Parlors, Native
Sons of the Golden West, is bending its efforts to ever keep strongly before
the general public, as well as in the minds of the N.S.G.W., the splendid effort
of our Order and,
WHEREAS, with this purpose in view, they are now arranging to hold a series
of free lectures in San Francisco on subjects pertinent to the early history and
general welfare of our state; and,
WHEREAS, the first lecture of the series will be delivered by George Wharton
James, an acknowledged and eminent authority on California history, during
the month of May, 1909, be it therefore,
RESOLVED, that the Native Sons of the Golden West; assembled in Grand
Parlor hereby endorse the Past Presidents' Association, and pledge ourselves to
Take an interest in furthering the success of an activity so I accord with the
principles of patriotism of our Order.*13
During 1914-15 the Past Presidents' Association rendered very valuable service to the Order, especially in the ritualistic field. Degree teams were sent into the interior to assist the rural parlors and the Board of Grand Officers approved the use of Grand Parlor funds to pay for their transportation. In 1915, therefore, the association received its first commendation in a Grand President's report. Wrote Grand President Mooser,
Too much praise cannot
be given to the work of this association. So much
have I been impressed with the good results derived from its activities that
I have, out of the Grand Organizer's Fund, contributed $250 to the expenses
of the association. *14
*12 Grove Parlor, Proceedings,
Twenty-Fourth Session (1901), pp. 209-10
*13 Grove Parlor, Proceedings, Thirty-second Session (1909), p. 246
*14 Grove Parlor, Proceedings, Thirty-eighth Session (1915), p. 10
The following year meeting in Modesto the Grand Parlor passed Resolution No. 9 calling for the appointment of a committee to study the Past Presidents' Association and to report back at the next session a plan for the government and representation of the same in Grand Parlor. *15. Grand President Bruck appointed Charles L. McEnerney, M.M. London, Louis F. Erb, W. M. Manning and W.J. Farrell. This committee reported in 1917 to the Grand Parlor meeting in Redding. The committee was not favorable to the suggestion of giving the assemblies representation in the Grand Parlor but felt that the Grand Parlor officially should recognize the association and provide a constitution for its government. The committee, therefore, sponsored Resolution No. 35 which would accomplish this. It was the opinion of the committee that if the Grand Parlor failed to take the stops necessary to control the assemblies of the association, they would form soon a parent body of their own, and then there would be two Grand or Parent Bodies of Native Sons in the state, namely, the Grand Parlor and the Grand or General Assembly. *16. Grand President Bruck referred Resolution No. 35 to the Committee on Legislation. This committee did not share the views of the Committee on the Past Presidents' Association and reported the resolution unfavorably. *17 A long debate ensued but in the end the Grand Parlor rejected Resolution No. 35. The incoming Grand President, Jo F. Snyder of Nevada City, on his own motion appointed another Committee on the Past Presidents' Association but in 1918 no report was received and thereafter the committee was no re-appointed. *18 In that year, however, there was adopted Resolution No. 11, providing a Senior Past Presidents Regalia for every subordinate parlor senior past president and for installing him as such at the close of his term as junior past president. *19 The words of installation were decreed to be as follows, "You, Worthy Senior Past President, having passed through the various Chairs of the Parlor and having discharged your duties, as you saw them, are accorded the honor of wearing a Senior Past President's regalia and the Acting Senior Past President will so clothe you and conduct you to a seat in the body of the Parlor."
In 1919 the Grand Parlor meeting in Yosemite Valley passed Resolution No. 8 which provided that if an officer of a subordinate parlor is also a past president, he may wear a miniature senior past president's regalia over that of his office. At this session Grand President Toomey in his report paid a glowing tribute to the Past Presidents' Association. He wrote, "I think that our Order should be proud of the fact that we have men in the Order who have passed through all the chairs of the subordinate parlors and have retained enough interest in the Order to organize this Association and give their time and money to promote the interest among the members, and I want to thank them for the assistance they have rendered to the Order and to me during the past year. *20
*15 Grove Parlor, Proceedings,
Thirty-ninth (1916), p. 215
*16 Grove Parlor, Proceedings, Fortieth Session (1917), pp 231-32
*17 Ibid., P. 238
*18 The minutes of the San Francisco Assembly, June 9, 1915, show that Grand Secretary, Fred H. Jung was present and "Bro. Jung recommended that a supreme assembly be formed of the Past Presidents Association, and when formed to present to the Grand President to have such formally instituted as Past Presidents Association, and duly recorded as a state body and to have the Grand President Authorize the same."
*19 Grand Parlor, Proceedings, Forty-first Session (1918), pp. 224, 226.
Other Grand Presidents who commended the work of the Past Presidents' Association in this period were James F. Hoey (1921), William I. Traeger (1922), Charles A. Thompson (1918), James A. Wilson (1929), John T. Newell (1931) and Dr. Frank I. Gonzales (1932). Grand President Newell has initiated into the association in October 1930, at the General Assembly held in Tracy, while he was still Grand President, and expressed himself as greatly pleased. In 1921 at the 44th Grand Parlor Session held in Stockton the sum of $75 was ordered paid to the Past Presidents' Association for expenses incurred in studying modifications in the ritual. The report of Grand President Seth Millington in 1933 indicates that he depended upon Fred H. Greely Assembly for the institution of a new parlor in Alturas, Modoc County.
RECIPROCAL REPRESENTATION IN GRAND PARLOR AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The General Assembly, a parent body of the Past Presidents' Association, was established in 1921, as will be explained later. The General Assembly is composed of delegates elected annually by the subordinate assemblies. In 1923, however, the General Assembly made the Grand President of the Native Sons of the Golden West an ex officio member, provided he held membership in a subordinate assembly. *21 In 1930 this was extended to include the three Grand Vice Presidents, and in 1941 the Junior Past Grand President. In 1943 the writer, then a delegate from San Francisco Assembly No. 1, introduced legislation making all Past Grand Presidents members of the General Assembly, and this measure was adopted. Finally in 1956 the General Assembly meeting in Sacramento extended ex officio membership in the General Assembly to all Grad Officers provided that in each case the incumbent officer be a member in good standing of a subordinate assembly.
For a long time members of the General Assembly had been thinking that the Grand Parlor should extend to it a representation of an ex officio basis, presumably through the Governor General and/or the Past Governors General. In 2955 the General Assembly ordered sent to the Grand Parlor a petition which requested making the Governor General an ex officio member of the Grand Parlor. As membership in the Grand Parlor is prerequisite to introducing legislation therein, the Secretary Treasurer General in his capacity of Past Grand President agreed to do so and was joined by Armen M. Nishkian, a member of the Grand Parlor's Committee on Laws of Subordinates.
*20 Grand Parlor, Proceedings,
Forty-second Session (1919) pp. 13-14.
*21 General Assembly, Minutes, 3rd Session (1923). This appears to have its roots in an action taken by San Francisco Assembly ten years earlier. On May 23, 1913, the By-Laws were amended by adding the following: "The Grand President and Grand Secretary in office shall be honorary members of this association, with all the rights and privileges of active membership but no dues shall be required of them."
One June 13, 1913, Grand Secretary Jung was obligated as an honorary member. On February 6, 1915, honorary membership was transferred from honorary to regular.
On April 7, 1956, The Secretary-Treasurer General appeared before the Board of Grand Officers and explained the nature of the proposed legislation. *22 Two attorney members of the Board expressed divergent points of view. One stated that it would be improper for the Grand Parlor to seat a representative from an outside organization unless that organization, in some way, were affiliated with it. He suggested that a foundation for future representation be laid by the Grand Parlor officially recognizing the Past Presidents Association. The other attorney stated that his formality was unnecessary, that the Grand Parlor's action in making the Governor General a member of itself would be a recognition of the association. The propriety of the proposal was discussed at length and an informal vote taken which indicated a small plurality in favor of making the Governor General a member of the Grand Parlor. At the Grand Parlor session meeting at Hoberg's May 1956, the Secretary-Treasurer General introduced the legislation which by Grand President Halsing was referred to the Committee on Legislation. That committee reported the Resolution as out of order in that it had not been filed with the Grand Secretary - thirty days before the opening of the Grand Parlor pursuant to that section of the Constitution of the Grand Parlor which provides that amendments to it must be filed thirty days in advance. The Chairman of Committee, John F. Hanson, Jr. Of Alameda Parlor No. 47, whose late father was, in 1906, the seventh presiding officer of the association, implied that any emergency existed whereby the committee on its own motion could introduce the measure. The proposal was reintroduced as Resolution No 4 at the 1957 session at Santa Barbara, and having been reported favorably by the Committee was adopted. *23 This first Governor General to be seated in the Grand Parlor pursuant to this amendment was Henry C. Storti who attended the 1958 session at Stockton.
The original By-Laws of the Past Presidents' Association adopted in 1901 made no provision for the expansion of the organization into various sections of the state. In other words, the intention then seems to have been that of having one association in San Francisco Drawing its membership on a state-wide basis. Such a policy was short-lived, however, and in the 1903 edition of the By-Laws is found provision for branch assemblies. This read as follows,
*22 "Minutes of Grand Officers,"
April 7, 1956, Grand Parlor, Proceedings, Seventy-ninth Session (1956),
p. 69
*23 Grand Parlor, Proceedings, Eightieth Session (1957), p. 40. The sponsors of the resolution were: Armen M. Mishkian of the Board of Appeals, Peter T. Conmy, Past Grand President and Lawrence J. Lafleur, Grand First Vice President.


text:
E-mobility has arrived
If companies can join forces and tackle the global climate problem with focus and determination, then an emissions-free future becomes not just a Utopian vision, but a very real possibility.
Climate change poses an existential threat to humanity, the urgency of which was again underscored during the 2017 UN climate change conference (COP 23) in Bonn. If we are serious about limiting global warming to below two degrees Celsius, we need to accelerate our efforts, and be more willing than ever to reimagine conventional ways of doing things. It's a question that policy makers, industry and the general public all need to consider together: how to re-design commercial and private mobility so that economic growth no longer translates into greater emissions?
Emissions-free mobility requires optimizing current solutions and capitalizing on today's opportunities.
I am not a proponent of focusing on a single approach to solving a problem. Effective and lasting change requires a systematic approach. The first step? Agreeing on a clear – and ambitious – goal. Deutsche Post DHL Group set just such a target in 2017, committing to achieving zero-emission logistics by the year 2050.
E-mobility has been given "green light" by policy makers
The United Nations, too, established a clear climate goal with the 2015 Paris Agreement, which many countries have already begun working towards with concrete action plans. China, for example, will require car makers to produce a minimum number of electric cars beginning in 2019. In Germany, the government established its National Platform for Electric Mobility several years ago.
Now that e-mobility has been given the "green light" by policy makers, it is up to the automobile and logistics industries to work within this political framework to find innovative and effective solutions for environmentally-friendly mobility. 2017 was a good year for e-mobility, but the internal combustion engine is by no means dead, especially in the area of individual mobility. Over the medium term, conventional drive systems will continue to be the reality on our road, and we should not disparage new environmentally-friendly mobility concepts that rely on combustion engines. Nevertheless, e-mobility is an impressive example of how new technologies can and will continue to enhance our mobility.
Electric mobility technologies are full of potential for the future.
While e-mobility is certainly not the only way to achieve an emissions-free future, it represents a very promising start. After clearly defining the goals, the next step is for the players, especially those shaping urban mobility, to reassess today's business models, and to join with business partners and customers to introduce new ways of supplying communities with goods and services. Those who are ready to fundamentally re-think established process are the ones most likely to hit upon the transformative new solutions we need – the ones that lead to new approaches with long-term potential. I believe that electric mobility even has the potential to become the new standard in mobility, especially in the logistics industry, but beyond logistics as well.
Certainly there are still hurdles. Effective mobility solutions must be both environmentally and economically sound, and respond to real-world needs. So far, electric mobility fulfills these requirements only partially. While there are some very promising e-solutions already proving effective for commercial use, such as last-mile pickup and delivery in cities, e-mobility for the masses remains strapped by a number of limitations. The cost of electric vehicles is in many cases still too high, and battery capacity is still too limited for long distances. Moreover, charging stations, both for commercial and private use, are still too few and far between.
As a world leader in both engineering and car manufacturing, I am very optimistic that Germany can overcome these remaining hurdles. I believe quite firmly that Germany has the potential to play a leading role in the further development and implementation of electric mobility. In countries like Norway, e-mobility has long since become part of everyday life – so why shouldn't it work in Germany?
The future of mobility also means avoiding unnecessary trips.
Last year, Deutsche Post delivered some 4.3 million parcels a day to German households, and we expect these volumes to continue to grow significantly. But we cannot allow more goods to translate into more emissions. This will require us to further improve last-mile efficiency and avoid trips whenever possible. We are already seeing this today with intelligent route planning and new delivery solutions such as Packstations, private parcel boxes and preferred-address delivery.
Ambitious targets are a must.
In the real world of business, the need to set ambitious goals and commitments is simply a fact of life. Only with high aspirations can you inspire new ideas and initiate transformative solutions. We at Deutsche Post DHL Group are on a mission – our Mission 2050. By the year 2050, we want to reduce our logistics-related emissions to zero. From today's perspective it is impossible to know exactly which steps we will take along the way to realizing our 2050 vision, but I am convinced that we will get there – propelled by new solutions for the first and last mile, the intelligent use of new technologies, and the creativity of our people.
If we want to preserve our planet, we simply need to set ambitious targets. Without these high aspirations, people and organizations lack the necessary motivation and, more importantly, courage for true innovation. Only then can companies contribute to the transformation towards greater resource efficiency. If we do it right, then we will look back on 2017 as a good, and indeed decisive, year for e-mobility.
8 Comments
Walter Gutowsky
Alles schön und gut. Doch leider fallen bei der Batterieherstellung soviel Schadstoffe an, wie ein herkömmliches Auto bei einer Fahrleistung von 200.000 km erzeugt. Dann dürfte auch die Batterie erneurungsbedürftig sein.
Warum werden keine Alternativen durch Umwandlung etc. gesucht, die liegen vielleicht sogar bei den Erdölfirmen schon in den Schreibtischschubladen.
Jürgen KrummackerRead more
Hier hat Herr Appel wirklich gute Gedanken formuliert, allerdings mit reichlich Schlupflöchern. Z.b. "es fehlt der umsetzungsdruck" und "neue Konzepte mit klassischen Antrieben nicht verteufeln"
Wenn ich gleichzeitig lese, in wievielen Staaten der "klassische" Antrieb in kurzer Zeit verboten wird, ist keine Zeit zum zögern, sondern zum Antreiben von Innovationsfreude notwendig.
Hier muss Herr Appel den Absichtserklärungen sehr schnell Taten folgen lassen.
Good and great insightful article.

subset: commoncrawl


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Wake County
In Cary, homeowners worry development is causing flood problems
After a historic rainstorm damaged his home last July, Tony Arnold collected signatures in his Cary neighborhood in hopes a petition would convince the town to do something about flooding.
One neighbor asked Arnold to come around to the backyard.
"The stream had cut a 16-foot-deep bluff mere feet from the house," said Arnold, who has lived in the Scottish Hills neighborhood near downtown Cary for 24 years. "You don't have to go to California to see a house in danger of falling off a cliff."
Some Cary residents have complained about flooding and drainage issues in recent months, including those who live in Scottish Hills and oppose a plan by Habitat for Humanity of Wake County to build nine homes nearby. They say the development would worsen flooding during heavy rains.
Arnold's petition, with 18 signatures from nearby homeowners, was submitted in February. It asked the town for a moratorium on development in the area until it conducts a full engineering study near a Swift Creek tributary in the neighborhood.
Such a halt is unlikely, but Arnold said he's been pleased with the town's response.
Several houses in Scottish Hills lie in the flood plain for the tributary. The neighborhood was mostly built between the 1970s and 1990s, before Cary passed an ordinance in 2001 prohibiting residential construction in flood plains.
As a result, the town's oldest homes – most of them inside the Maynard Road loop – are most susceptible to flooding.
Residents are pleading with the town to address flood risks, raising questions about who and what is to blame. Is it the fault of developers who build upstream? The town for allowing the construction and not upgrading its stormwater infrastructure?
Town officials point to a 14 percent uptick in rainfall during the last four years, compounding the problem of where all that water can go.
Last July's rainstorm yielded about 6.5 inches of rain in 24 hours.
"Based on all of our records, we've only had one storm in Cary in the working memory of everyone who works for the town that exceeded the 100-year storm," said Steve Brown, Cary's director of water resources. "In July, that thunderstorm was determined to be about a 1,000-year event."
The town's most recent comprehensive stormwater and flood plain study was in 2006. Residents say the town's growth since then has likely rendered the plan obsolete.
Since 2006, Cary has spent $4.15 million on about 20 stormwater projects. Earlier this year, the town agreed to spend $167,000 to upgrade the pipes under a culvert rather than buy a frequently flooded home on Joel Court.
Town rules require developers to make or pay for stormwater engineering improvements that account for all of a project's runoff.
But state law prohibits public money from being spent to make improvements on private property, which means the town's response is limited to improving stormwater infrastructure in public rights-of-way.
Now the N.C. General Assembly is weighing further restrictions. A bill that passed the Senate in April and is now in a House committee would prevent towns from enforcing stream buffers larger than those required under state law.
Cary currently requires stream buffers larger than what the state dictates. Town Manager Sean Stegall said if the bill passes, things will get worse for Cary homeowners.
This isn't the first time Cary has been accused of inadequately responding to flood risks.
David Bowden asked the town in 2009 to buy his house, which he believed was flooding because of town construction along Maynard Road. The town offered to improve drainage facilities near his house, but Bowden apparently refused and painted the words "screwed by the Town of Cary" on his home.
Bowden sued Cary when it said the paint job violated town sign rules, and the case made it as far as the U.S. Court of Appeals. Cary ultimately won, and Bowden died in 2011.
Now more residents are seeking relief.
"I've personally lost three feet of backyard from flooding erosion over the past three years," Anne Dennis, a Trimble Avenue homeowner, wrote in a January email to The News & Observer.
Dennis wrote that if the Habitat project results in more flooding, "it's up to the individual homeowners to file a civil suit at their own expense against the developer."
It's unclear when the Cary Town Council will vote on the Habitat project, which has also sparked debates about affordable housing.
For now, Cary officials say the town can help residents in flood-prone areas to get flood insurance and link them with federal emergency programs.
"We encourage people to call us if they have a problem, because we want to help, we really do," Brown said. "We can help them apply for grants. The federal government has some authority we don't have."
Gargan: 919-829-4807; @hgargan


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Paints, brushes, stencils, fabrics and more – win everything you need to transform a room from decoration expert Annie Sloan
As the spring sunshine starts to stream in through the windows, who hasn't dreamt of giving their home a bit of an update? Finally painting that dresser you've never got around to, or experimenting with a bit of colour on the walls and recovering your sofa or a favourite armchair to match? We've teamed up with Annie Sloan, one of the most respected independent names in the decorating business, to give one lucky reader everything they need to get creative with their interiors, from the paints and brushes right down to the fabrics and finishing touches.
The winner can choose from the Annie Sloan range of Wall Paints, which leave walls with a luxurious, semi-matt finish that belies their hardwearing, scrubbable qualities. For furniture, Chalk PaintTM, available in 33 chic shades, is perfect and so easy to use, requiring no prior sanding or priming. And for your soft furnishings, you can choose from Annie Sloan's new Coloured Linen range – 10 fabrics in beautifully sophisticated colours dyed to match the Chalk Paint palette.
The winner will also receive a host of tools and accessories with which to complete their transformation, including Annie Sloan brushes, Clear and Dark Soft Wax for different paint finishes, a choice of stencils, and three of Annie's latest books, full of inspiration and ideas to get you started.
The prize includes Wall Paint, Chalk PaintTM, wax, various brushes, stencils, Annie Sloan room fragrances and three of Annie's latest books. For more ideas and inspiration, visit anniesloan.com
Closing date: 15 June 2016
For our full competition rules, visit www.icebergpress.co.uk/comprules
Read more:
The prize includes:
3 x Wall Paint in a colour of your choice - £119.85
2 x Wall Paint brushes, small and large - £31.90
4 x Chalk Paint in a colour of your choice - £75.80
1 x Clear Soft Wax - £8.95
1 x Dark Soft Wax - £8.95
1 x Wax Brush - small - £23.95
2 x Pure Bristle Brushes, small and medium - £31.90
2 x Synthetic Bristle Brushes, small and large - £13.90
2 x Annie Sloan Fragrance of your choice, candle and diffuser - £49.90
1 x Room Recipes Book - £25.00
1 x Chalk Paint Work Book - £14.99
1 x Colour Recipes - £14.99
6 x Stencils, 3 small and 3 large - £65. 94
2m of Coloured Linen in the fabric of our choice - £59.90
Prize bundle worth a total of: £545.92


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Why Do Settled Debts Have an Adverse Effect on Credit
The idea of settling your debts for less is an appealing proposition, especially so if you aren't able to keep up with regular payments. In many cases the wait to pay a bill (in full or at a fraction of the price) is too much to overcome on your budget. This would make for a tight or undoable squeeze. This is also where s settlement could help you out. Settlements allow you to pay less than what you owe in order to consider yourself out of the obligation woods. But if you do settle a debt, there may be an adverse effect on your credit.
The reason your credit would be negatively impacted is because regardless of whether you've paid the debt off, you wouldn't have paid off the entire debt. This shows up as a red flag to other creditors you might want to borrow from in the future. The decrease in credit is only marginal when considering missed payments and the like. In other words, if your credit has already been decimated by other negative marks, a settlement wouldn't produce that much of a drop in your score.
Is There a Way to Settle Debt Without Lowering Credit Scores
The main issue with credit and settling debt is the timing. After having made no payments for some time (over three to four months in some instances) your credit will go down. With certain actions that negatively impacts your credit record, the level of impact that these actions have will diminish. The lower your credit score, the less something like this will affect you. This is why many people have no problem settling debts after missing multiple payments and suffering with debilitated credit scores. Just be certain to research a debt relief option before hand.


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No 'business as usual' against non-communicable diseases
Basel, 2 November 2017. This year's MMS Symposium addressed the challenges of tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by looking at the determinants of NCDs, the organisation of health care and the role of civil societies. A "business-as-usual" approach won't suffice. NCDs kill 40 million people each year. NCDs are currently responsible for almost 70% of global deaths.
"Each year non-communicable diseases such as cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes and cancer kill over 40 million people around the world – with over 80% of victims in developing and emerging countries. The vast majority of these fatalities are avoidable. In order to understand the root causes of this global epidemic, it is imperative to scrutinise the role of the internationally operating food, drink and tobacco industries. To counter these disease-causing factors on a global scale, action by international politics is required. And: to help people who are affected in poor countries, healthcare systems must be ready to cope with this epidemic.
Non-communicable, chronic diseases pose a huge challenge to national healthcare systems as well as international health politics. The following factors drive their spread and hamper their control:
- changes in consumer behaviour driven by globalised trade
- the flooding of markets with unhealthy food, drink and other products
- unplanned urbanisation
- healthcare centres insufficiently prepared to deal with non-communicable diseases
- insufficient access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment
The international community and national governments alike must act. Millions of people can be prevented from having to live with or die from a non-communicable disease via the successful implementation of the goals of the UN Agenda 2030 (SDGs) or the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Action Plan.
An important milestone in the fight against non-communicable diseases will be reached in 2018 with the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs: the MMS Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to establish the fundamentals for a Swiss position statement.
The symposium is part of a long-term cooperation agreement with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC."


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917 676 6421
Want to Sell Your Home?
(*Non-distressed properties only)
My Experience
Working as a licensed real estate agent since 1990. Experience includes residential and commercial, sales plus rentals. Properties sold and/or rented include cooperative apartments, single and multi-family homes, mixed-use commercial buildings. Also, all-cash deals are available for handyman specials, fire damaged properties, foreclosure homes, land for sale or lease etc.
Evaluating and Marketing Your Home
Modern technology (the Internet, various computer software) and traditional approaches (print advertisements, word-of-mouth) to expose properties to the public. The goal is to use these methods and others to achieve the best sale price ASAP. Some methods used include the following:
see Free Home Evaluation page
Below Is An Example Of The Various Websites Where Your Property Will Be Listed
Finding A Home For Buyers
Most buyers are making the most expensive decision in their life. Providing assistance throughout the buying process is important. The consultation includes the following:
· Financial see calculators page
· Referrals-mortgage, home inspections, attorneys, contractors
· Free MLS search, see Free MLS Search Page


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Your children need your words and actions of encouragement.
From a very young age children want and need to feel worthwhile and valued. Children need to be accepted and encouraged while they grow and discover their own direction in life. Therefore, raise your children to see that they are a worthwhile participant in life and that they can achieve?
You can do this by offering your child words of encouragement and show them actions of acceptance, rather than giving constant correction and criticism.
From birth, a baby can sense when an adult accepts them:
- Through a calming voice and regular eye contact a baby's soul is nurtured.
- With a gentle cuddle and an affirming hug a baby's heart is soothed.
You can reach the heart and soul of your child by giving positive acknowledgement when they do something right. Ensure they feel encouraged when you are in their presence as their heart is not won through criticism but acceptance and believing in who they are.
Words of Encouragement
Praise a child's behaviour rather than always picking up on the things that they do wrong. When anyone is encouraged rather than corrected it makes them try harder the next time.
Here are some phrases you might like to use when you praise your child's behaviour. If you include their name (………) in the sentence it will make an even greater positive impact.
"That's it; you've got it ……"
"You're doing a good job getting the pegs out of the basket ……….."
"You're learning fast………"
"Way to go, high five…….!"
"Keep on trying …….., you will get there"
"…….., now that's what I call a fine job of packing away the blocks"
"Wow, good remembering to shut the door………"
"You make painting look easy…………."
"Now you've figured it out; great page turning ………."
"……..you're getting better with cleaning your teeth everyday"
Talk to your child about how to manage their feelings. Explain to them that it is ok to feel a certain way and then help them do something that will make them feel better. (For example: Feeling SAD: "it's ok to feel sad, Sam. When I feel sad I look at a colourful book and that makes me feel happy. Come on, let's find one and look at it together")
Follow on facebook, twitter, linkedin and youtube
This article was brought to you by Jan Murray, Private Child Health Consultant who is an internationally renowned expert in her field. Jan encourages parents in the area of infant sleep, nutrition, activities and family balance. She publishes regular ezine and blog articles to provide free parenting tips, tools and resources to educate and support those caring for young babies and children.


text: While in Barbados last month, I had the pleasure of visiting The Crane resort and residences. The beautifully landscaped property was the highlight of the trip. For my last full day on the island, I made a reservation for "Gospel Brunch" and spent some time on a nearby beach. After touring the property (and yes, there is a kids club), I know exactly where I'll stay when I return to Barbados.


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Mariano Rivera tossed one quick and effective inning this morning at theNew York Yankees Spring Training Complex in Tampa, Florida. The inning was pitched to the delight of coaches and fans who have already watched the Bronx Bombers lose key outfielder Curtis Granderson earlier this week.
Yankees fans are hoping to forget an off-season which included the lose of Russell Martin to Pittsburgh and passing on star free agents like Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke due to the salary cap. The teams focus has now turned to preparing for the season.
Rivera participated in running drills with CC Sabathia, after which they threw together before each having their shot at live hitters. CC threw 46 pitches over two innings and Rivera threw 18 pitches over one inning to minor league prospects. Though Rivera didn't throw many live pitches, he had to come off the mound three times, twice to field bunts, and one slow chopper to his left. Rivera made the play on all three occasions, moving very well in the process.
Seeing action in only nine games last season, you can believe the 12-time all-star is very anxious to get back in the game. According to Yahoo Sports, Rivera was very happy with his bullpen sessions last week, but ready for live hitters.
"It felt good to see guys up there again, but the one thing I want to do is get in a real game and see how everything responds," Rivera said.
At 43 years old, Rivera has 608 career saves, including 42 in the postseason. It is extremely rare in the MLB today to find players still on the field into their 40s, but, with the most dominant cutter of all-time, there has never been a doubt in Rivera's abilities on the field or off the field for that matter.
As the preseason continues to roll on, Rivera will get closer and closer to being "game day ready," which should once again hold down the back end of the Yankees bullpen.
According to the New Jersey Star-Ledger, David Phelps will have the start in today's preseason game against the Blue Jays, which will also include newly acquired designated hitter Travis Hafner in the lineup. Though Phelps will have the opportunity to face Jose Reyes today, all eyes were on Rivera as he tossed his simulation inning, making major strides towards pitching in a real game. His ability to come off the mound and make plays has shown that he has come a long ways since his knee surgery last year.


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Most Barbershoppers think they can score contests as well as the judges. Now you can prove it – from the vantage point of the judging area itself!
Harmony Foundation and the Contest & Judging program are teaming up to auction off a single seat at each & every contest session! So if you've ever wanted to test out your judging chops, you can bid on a seat at the grown-ups table and be a "Judge for a Day." Bidding is open now for Pittsburgh, at www.bestseat.org.
Funds received go to Harmony Foundation International to help defray the expenses for such efforts as the Collegiate Quartet Contest, Youth Chorus Festival, Youth Harmony Workshops, Harmony Explosion Camps, and Harmony University Scholarships for Music Educators.
What do you get?
- A guest judge name tag and complete set of scoring forms for your selected judging category.
- Following the convention, a chart showing your scores compared to the official panel members in your selected judging category.
- An invitation to join the official panel at all meals and snacks at intermissions associated with your selected contest session.
- The chance to sit in and observe the evaluations sessions after the contest.
And more…


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We want to keep you around for a long time, just like the Longkeeper onion. Sign up for our loyalty program for information on our exclusive member only loyalty nights, $1 back for every $8 you spend and even a birthday voucher each year sent to your email.
Make sure your shelf life with us works in your favour and sign up today!
Fill out the form below to register:
We reward you for being loyal:
To sign up simply ask one of our staff for a card next time you're in.
$1 back for every $8 you spend.
A birthday voucher each year sent to your email.
Invites to our exclusive, member only loyalty nights.


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This annual report describes FHFA's accomplishments, as well as challenges, the agency faced in meeting the strategic goals and objectives during the past fiscal year.
Read about the agency's 2018 examinations of Fannie Mac, Freddie Mac and the Home Loan Bank System.
Submit comments and provide input on FHFA Rules Open for Comment by clicking on Rulemaking and Federal Register.
Goal: Help restore confidence, enhance capacity to fulfill mission, and mitigate systemic risk that contributed directly to instability in financial markets.
MAINTAIN foreclosure prevention activities and credit availability, REDUCE taxpayer risk, and BUILD a new single-family securitization infrastructure. Read more in the 2018 Scorecard and Conservatorships Strategic Plan.
Plans and Reports
FHFA experts provide reliable data, including all states, about activity in the U.S. mortgage market through its House Price Index, Refinance Report, Foreclosure Prevention Report, and Performance Report.
Source: FHFA
FHFA economists and policy experts provide reliable research and policy analysis about critical topics impacting the nation's housing finance sector. Meet the experts...
Glossary - Spanish / English
Language Translation Disclosure
1. What is the value of the FHFA House Price Index (HPI)?
2. What transactions are covered in the FHFA HPI?
3. How is the HPI computed?
4. How often is the HPI published?
5. How is the HPI updated?
6. How do I interpret "four-quarter," "one-year," "annual," and "one-quarter" price changes?
7. How are Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and Metropolitan Divisions defined and what criteria are used to determine whether an MSA index is published?
8. Does FHFA use the September 2018 revised Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and Divisions?
9. What geographic areas are covered by the HPI?
10. What is the methodology used by FHFA in computing the HPI?
11. How does the FHFA HPI differ from the Case-Shiller® Index?
12. How does the FHFA House Price Index differ from the Census Bureau's Constant Quality House Price Index (CQHPI)?
13. Where can I access MSA index numbers and standard errors for each year and quarter?
14. What role do Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play in the FHFA HPI?
15. Why is the FHFA HPI based on Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgages?
16. When are the indexes normalized in the downloadable ASCII data?
17. Is the HPI adjusted for inflation?
18. How do I use the manipulatable data (in TXT files) on the Web site to calculate appreciation rates?
19. How is the FHFA HPI constructed for MSAs?...
20. How can the HPI for an MSA be linked to ZIP codes within that MSA?
21. How and why is the HPI revised each quarter?
22. What transaction dates are used in estimating the index?
23. Are foreclosure sales included in the HPI?
24. How are the monthly House Price Indexes calculated?
25. How are the Census Division and U.S. HPIs formed?
26. What weights are used in forming the Census Division and U.S. HPIs?
27. For those HPIs that are seasonally-adjusted, what approach is used in performing the seasonal adjustment?
28. Do you have an HPI that includes loans which are not purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
29. Is there an HPI that corrects for distressed sales?
30. Can I use the data in the HPI and, if so, how should the index be cited?
© 2019 Federal Housing Finance Agency


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Zachary Tyler "Smokey" Jewell, age 22, a resident of Columbia, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at his residence.
Zachary Tyler "Smokey" Jewell, age 22, a resident of Columbia, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at his residence.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at 6PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Derek Hunter officiating. The family will also visit with friends on Tuesday two hours prior to the service from 4-6 PM. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
A native of Columbia, Zach was born on December 23, 1991 and was the son of Holly and James David Barnett. He attended Spring Hill High School where he played the tuba in the band and was very active in Jr. ROTC and the Drama Club. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed helping others. You could often find him volunteering. He was a volunteer for the Special Olympics and took a mission trip to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. He helped start up and attended Restoration Community Church, which is held at Spring Hill High School. Zach enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a leader among his friends. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he leaves behind to cherish his memory his brother: Steven (Beth) Barnett of Columbia; sisters: Aliceson Barnett (Andrew Layne) of Franklin, Brittany (Chad) Hunt of Murfreesboro, Kayla Barnett of Columbia, Faith Barnett of Columbia; grandparents: Walter &Bernice Jewell of Columbia; grandfather: Wendell Mencer of Nevada; great-grandfather: Walter Jewell, Sr. of Columbia; great-grandmother: Louise Dolan of Tuscaloosa, AL; aunts: Heather Bowen of Columbia, Rosemary (Ronnie) Kelly of Columbia; uncle: Charlie (Trudy) Barnett of Columbia; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother: Bertie Barnett; great-grandmother: Elaine Jewell; great-grandmother: Ruth Mencer; great-grandfather: Eddie Dolan; and uncle: Wendell Bowen.
Those serving as honorary pallbearers are: Ben Iglesias, Steven Sturgill, Cody Sturgill, BJ Cates, Jacob Cates, Josh Crabtree, Eric Coatnour, Chad Hunt, and Andrew Layne.
Memorial donations may be made to Restoration Community Church held at Spring Hill High School. Please mail to 1513 Heller Ridge Spring Hill, TN 37174.
You may share condolences with the family at the Heritage Funeral Home website: www.TnFunerals.com.


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Additional Early Services
Public Early Services Programs
- Early Head Start programs have services for children from birth to age three who may be at risk for developmental delays and have low family income.
- Early Head Start provides structured activities and educational play, health screenings, and family interactions to help children learn and grow skills.
- They also offer parent classes and check developmental milestones.
- Head Start is available to children who turn 3 or 4 by September 1st of the current year.
- The program takes part in in school-readiness curriculum that includes literacy, language, science, mathematics, and social-emotional development.
- They also receive medical and dental services, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing safely in- and out-of-doors.
Private Early Services Programs
Pre-School Early Services
- For more information on public schools, private schools, and charter schools, go to our School Types and Options page.
- For more on special education preschool in your state, go to: Special Education Services for Preschoolers with Disabilities
- For a list of preschools and child care centers in your state, go to: ChildcareCenter.us
- For Charter School listings in your state, go to: Charter School Catalog - click your state, then click the "schools" tab.
- To search for private preschools in your area, go to: Private School Review
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
Center for Parent Information & Resources Locator
Parent Centers provide education and referrals for families with a child who has a disability, as well as the professionals who work with them. Each state has a parent center.
Family Voices
A national, nonprofit, family-led organization promoting quality health care for all children and youth, particularly those with special health care needs. Locate your center or F2F HIC (Family-to-Family Health Information Center) by state on this site.
State Part C Early Intervention Coordinators
Lists state contacts for Early Intervention (Part C) agencies and is an easy way to locate the person in charge of your state's Early Intervention programs; National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA Center).
Parent to Parent USA
A national nonprofit organization that provides support to state Parent to Parent organizations; provides links to state organizations; provides a Matching Listserv to help organizations connect families to each other; and provides links to other organizations that serve families.
Learn the Signs. Act Early (CDC)
Offers many tools, videos, lists, learning materials, and an app to track a child's developmental milestones (ages 2 months to 5 years) and act if concerned about progress; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Talaris Child Development Timeline
Provides a helpful, interactive timeline for parent's to look at a child's developmental milestones in different areas including physical, social, learning, and communication.
Services in Nevada
Behavioral Therapies
Departments of Health, Local
Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics
Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics (see NV providers [4])
Developmental Assessment
Early Childhood Education/Preschool
Early Childhood Mental Health Care
Head Start/Early Head Start
Local Support Groups, Disability/Diag
Local Support Groups, Disability/Diag (see NV providers [41])
Local Support Groups, General
National Support Services, Disab/Diag
National Support Services, Disab/Diag (see NV providers [100])
Prenatal/postnatal Home Visitation
School Districts
Special Needs Schools, Other
For other services related to this condition, browse our Services categories or search our database.


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Vacation rentals in Upstate New York, The Catskills and Hudson Valley
Recent additions to the Red Cottage Inc. portfolio
Founded in 2007, Red Cottage Inc. has amassed an exciting collection of wonderful vacation rentals we have loved sharing with our loyal customers. The carefully curated portfolio includes great rustic cabins, bright country farmhouses and luxurious estate-quality properties. With a variety of locations and amenities to choose from, we hope you'll find even the process of selecting your home a positive experience.


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Why are we so confident that you will like your German learning experience at Live Lingua German? This is because we have already worked with hundreds of German students from around the world. They have had different German levels and professional backgrounds. And with them we have had hundreds of happy students. Would you like to be one of them? You can try us risk free.
Read Some Testimonials
"This was the 3rd Skype German service I had tried. The first two were online directories with German tutors, but the quality of the teachers was very low, and there was no actual staff to help me if I had problems with the teachers. Live Lingua [German] school is a much better option. I have had 2 tutors with them and both have been excellent, and I like knowing that there is a real person I can talk to to take care of any problems I have with my classes. If you are like me and looking for a better option, Live Lingua is the right choice." Herbert D. - VP of Human Resources
"The German lessons with Live Lingua were perfect for somebody with my profession. I am constantly moving around for my job in the military and was never able to keep up with my studies, but with the Skype lessons it does not matter when in the world I am, I can always have class." Eric S. - Military
"I have always wanted to learn German, but with life and kids I never had a chance. Now that I am grown up, and my kids are all away from home - with one grand-child on the way - I can finally realize my goal. Thank you Live Lingua for helping." Ariana L. - Retired
"I was looking for somebody to practice my German with as I am advanced. But I wanted more than just a language exchange. I wanted a teacher who would correct me and give me feedback. Live Lingua is what I was looking for." Claudia Q. - Sales Manager
"[My German tutor] is the best I have had in my life. She goes faster when I need and slows down when I need. Other services promise customized curriculums, but Live Lingua really delivers." Ed S. - Unknown
"For the highest quality of education Live Lingua German school online is the only choice. I have been using them for years and even recommend it to my students at my school here in Kenya." Ogumbu M. - PhD
"German teachers are very expensive and not very good in Japan, but with Live Lingua I was able to find a German teacher from Germany at an affordable cost." Shinji K. - Grad Student
"Excellent. That is all I can say. My experience with Live Lingua [German] has been everything I hoped for. I will definately be recommend this to friends." Arnout F. - Unknown
"Live Lingua is the best German school online!" Petrey M. - Student


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In terms of IIS, a LS app is just another web app, so all the same rules apply such as Forms Session cookies. I had taken care to set session timeouts, but still was having timeouts at random times which left me confused; until I realized application pool restarts wipe out the session state on the server. So you need a way to persist session state across AppPool restarts (and server restarts). If you are using 3rd party Hoster, your app pool is normally shared across all sites on the server. So you should assume your app pool is restarting all the time for various reasons (configuration changes, memory pressure, maintence, etc) The easiest way to store session state is the use the ASP.NET State Service. Here is the process:
1) Start the ASP.NET State Service and change to automatic startup. Your hoster may already have it started. Arvixe does for example.
2) Update your LS web.config in the ServerGenerated folder. Add or change the authentiation element and sessionState element using below as a guide.
3) Deploy your app again and browse to your application or Hit F5 if already open to pull down new version and update session.
<authentication mode="Forms">
<forms name="MyAppName" timeout="1440″ />
<sessionState mode="StateServer" cookieless="false" timeout="1440″ />
You can also view or change your application's session state in IIS MMC in the Session State icon. It is best to add to your LS web.config as it will persist across deployments.
Hope that helps.


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"... she is Queen of Poland, Queen of heaven and earth; she is our Queen who, as our Mother, watches over each of us tenderly."
August 26, is a great feast for the Polish people; it is the feast day of Our Lady of Czestochowa. This icon of Our Lady has been enshrined in the monastery of the Pauline monks since the 14th century. The origin of this painting dates back to the first century when legend has it that St. Luke painted the image of Mary on a table top. During the Teutonic invasion of 1430, it was damaged in an attempt to destroy it. It still bears the marks of this assault, with the two slashes on Our Lady's cheek.In the 17th century the Swedes invaded Poland. There was vast destruction, and towns as well as Polish regiments fell under the attackers. It seemed that Poland would be lost to the Swedish invaders. The tide changed, however, when the Swedish army surrounded Our Lady's monastery and were not able to break into it. In spite of massive bombardments and incendiary assaults for many weeks, it remained undefeated. The dark complexion was due to a fire caused by one of these forays. Mary's monastery perdured. This gave inspiration to the rest of Poland who organized and fortified themselves once again. The invaders left; Poland triumphed; Our Lady was the means. One year after this victory, King Jan Casimir, proclaimed her officially to be the Queen of Poland. Later on she would be declared Queen by an act of the Polish Parliament.Our Lady is still the means by which all that is good can be accomplished. Indeed, she is Queen of Poland, Queen of heaven and earth; she is our Queen who, as our Mother, watches over each of us tenderly. Let's go to her always with our desires, our hopes and all of our needs.Father Stanley


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Pictures gallery of wallpaper for living room
Living Wallpaper Borders for Your Room 954media on HubPages
Got new wallpaper going up, and looking for a way to give it even more elegance? Look no further than wallpaper borders - an inexpensive way to make your wallpaper
Living Room Wallpaper BBC Sherlock Sherlockology
Details of the living room wallpaper seen in 221b in BBC Sherlock.
Living Room Wallpapers Desktop Wallpapers
living room Wallpapers which are suitable for all kind of computer desktops.
Living room wallpaper border Wallpaper Border
Wallpaper Border Samsung N220 netbook with Optus 3G: Review Overall, we found the N220 to be a more than suitable netbook, especially with its in-built 3G
Living Room Wallpaper Design Ideas InteriorFans
Installing wallpaper for living room are practical and easiest solution to make living room more colorful. Discover many inspirational wallpaper for living room
Modern Living Room With Red Exotic Wallpaper
Modern Living Room With Red Exotic Wallpaper. Today the demand extravagant florals XXL, retro style, 70th years, Art Deco motifs from nature (leaves, fruits), animal
Living Room wallpaper Artistic wallpapers #332
Living Room Artistic HD desktop wallpaper, Plant wallpaper, Window wallpaper, Lamp wallpaper, Table wallpaper, Chair wallpaper, Room wallpaper, Living wallpaper
Inspirational Wallpapers Ideas For Modern Living Room
Inspirational Wallpapers Ideas For Modern Living Room. Wallpapers are varied texture and finish (matt, gloss). Wallpaper looks very well dressed just one wall in the
Living Room Wallpapers Apartment wallpapers Interior Design
2012 interior design trends 2012 current interior design trends latest trends in interior design new trends in interior design interior design color trends
TV lounge Living Room Decoration Made Easy in Wallpapers
It's a dream of every girl to have a beautifully well decorated house without any hustle bustle. Even before getting married a girl starts thinking about her dream house.


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Wet And Rusting
From the album:
Menomena are releasing what may be their definitive statement. Friend and Foe not only retains the relentless originality of I am the Fun Blame Monster but augments it with a seemingly amplified confidence that elevates the music to a new level of strength and audacity. Intense and amazing. Alarm


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Since the beginning doctors have communicated their thoughts, prescriptions and diagnoses in the form of text, even in EMR.
The problem with text – narrative - is that it cannot be easily analyzed and understood by the computer.
In order for text to be easily analyzable by the computer, text must be read and transformed into a standard data base format.
Healthinfomap uses a proprietary technology known as "Textual ETL". Textual ETL reads medical records in a narrative format and transforms those records into a standard data base format. A unique feature of textual ETL is the ability to find and identify the context of text. In doing so, healthinfomap presents text and context in its data bases. For all practical purposes textual ETL "normalizes" text.
Another feature of textual ETL is to take the "normalized" text that is created from the reading of the medical document and to restructure the text into a relational data base in a form that is recognizable to the analyst. In doing so textual ETL greatly facilitates the ability of the analyst to quickly understand the data and to use it analytically inside a computer.
Textual ETL enables to:
Operate on any form of text – formal, slang, doctor's notes, etc.;
Operate in many languages – English, Spanish, Portuguese, and
many others;
Operate on output from OCR and voice transcription;
Produce output in any standard dbms – Oracle, Teradata, SQL Server, DB2, Netezza, Hadoop, and others.
Operate in a parallel manner, so that the output is not constrained by the capacity of a machine.
Textual ETL makes use of 67 (and counting) different internal algorithms to read text, interpret text, and identify the context of the text. The algorithms used by textual ETL are able to be dynamically controlled by the operator and the software itself.
Textual ETL makes use of externally created taxonomies. In addition textual ETL has its own set of taxonomies and has a suite of tools for building and maintaining custom built taxonomies.


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Tuesday July 17, 2007
What is it? The Army Training Support System (TSS) is an integrated training support enterprise that is flexible and tailorable to meet dynamic training strategies. TSS, when fully mature, will provide the networked, integrated, interoperable training support and mission rehearsal capabilities necessary to enable an operationally relevant training environment for warfighters. Capabilities of the TSS will extend across the institutional, operational, and self-development training domains, and will support both the current and future Forces. The Army TSS is comprised of three major components: product lines, including training information infrastructures, training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations, training products, training services, and training facilities and land; architectures and standards; and management, evaluation, and resource processes. All three components work together as a system of systems to enhance training effectiveness.
What has the Army done?
- The Army has used the TSS construct to develop the TSS Master Plan, which establishes an integrated, synchronized, and prioritized set of training support capabilities consistent with current to future force training transformation. The TSS Master Plan supports the alignment and synchronization of funding requirements for specific programs, including the Sustainable Range Program, the Soldier Training Support Program, the Combat Training Center Modernization Program, and the Battle Command Training Support Program.
- The TSS has also been used to assess and define the minimum essential requirements for training enablers necessary to support units at various Army installations, based on Army Campaign Plan objectives and timelines. This effort has been critical in determining what is available and what is needed at installations to support training and ensure readiness. The TSS also supports Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) implementation, Homestation Master Plan initiatives, and Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Campaign Plan objectives by identifying training support capabilities necessary to support the training requirements at all levels of training.
- This topic was taken directly from the 2007 Army Posture Statement. To continue reading this topic in its entirety, click here.
- 2007 Strategic Communication Guide - Be Army Strong, and Army Smart. Read the 2007 Army Strategic Communication Guide.
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.
"We believe that sectarian violence is no longer the No. 1 threat we have. We're now focused again on eliminating al-Qaeda as a threat to the government of Iraq and the future of Iraq." -Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Multinational Corps Iraq commander, speaking with reporters July 16.
STAND-TO! is an information paper-based web platform that supports the U.S. Army's strategic communication objectives.
The information papers -- written, approved and submitted by the Army agencies -- provide a broad, objective view of the Army's current operations, doctrine and programs. The "Today's Focus" topics highlight Army Staff initiatives and support Army wide strategic-level issues.
All published editions are sent to subscribers via email and archived daily in the STAND-TO! Archives.
STAND-TO! falls under the management of the Online and Social Media Division (OSMD) in the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs (OCPA).
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.


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Where kids bring their parents to learn about God's Big Ideas. KidStuf is an amazing environment that is one of my favorite parts of North Point Ministries. It exists to strengthen and foster the connection between parents and kids, and not just create parallel learning paths. It equips the parents to help their kids become better versions of their individual selves, while encouraging the parents to be worthwhile examples to their own children.
This was a fun brand mark to refresh because it represents and stands on the shoulders of the many years that have lead up to these golden years. It was a bit intimidating, but an honor to set them up for (hopefully) years to come. So grateful to be a part of such meaningful projects like these.
Find out more at KidStuf.com


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Source for the following http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/jmanbz/lists/the-most-occult-video-games-i-ve-ever-seen/351522/
The Most Occult Video Games I've Ever Seen
1. Taboo: The Sixth Sense
Literally, a tarot card simulator. It doesn't get more occult than this.
2. Xenogears
The entire game makes many references to kabbalah and gnosticism. Note the bloody cross behind the title, that really wasn't an accident.
3. Silent Hill
The game's premise literally hinges around a satanic cult looking to bring their demonic god into the world. As such, there is a lot of occult symbology in the form of magic circles, references to drug use, and ritual sacrifice all throughout the series.
The end boss of the first game "Samael" looks almost exactly like Baphomet, an actual demonic entity in real life occult/freemasonic writings.
4. DmC Devil May Cry
Lots of occult terminology/symbology in this one. Freemasonic checkerboard floors, all-seeing eyes, there's a 666 on a bottle of alcohol, and the good guys are referred to as "Nephilim" (odd choice since the Nephilim in the Bible are actually the bad guys). There's also loads of New World Order references and plot points.
5. Dante's Inferno
From the website Beginningandend.com:
"Another game named after the The Divine Comedy, the protagonist in this game goes into hell in order to resurrect his dead wife. It includes witchcraft, brutal violence, demons and scenes where the hero fights and kills "unbaptized babies." One of the final missions features Satan in full frontal nudity."
6. Diablo III
Another game where the heroes are referenced as Nephalem (similar to Nephilim) and are again the offspring of angels and demons (similar to DMC).
Lots of gore and violence in game. The game series as a whole tends to use the names of actual demonic entities ("Looking for Baal?"). In D3 specifically, there are loads of real life occult symbols used for player's banner art such as satanic pentagrams.
If Diablo is just supposed to be a made-up character, why use real life satanic symbology? Why not just design symbols that are made up as well?
7. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Openly acknowledges the illuminati. The first game had quite a lot of predictive programming. The entire series is basically a giant advertisement for transhumanism.
The title seems to be derived from "Deus ex machina" or "god from the machine". Many conspiracy theorists believe the antichrist's kingdom will be heavily infused with technology, where mankind will attempt to make themselves immortal gods via science thus trapping their souls in the physical world forever.
Regardless of how this thing plays out, one thing is certain: Don't accept the mark of the beast.
8. Assassin's Creed
Numerous occult symbols appear in this game including the all-seeing eye, the pyramid, satanic pentagrams and the triquetra.
That and the main character you play through most of the game kills people for a living but since that's sadly a staple for most video game characters that's no where near a shocking as it probably should be.
9. BioShock Infinite
One of the most anti-Christian games I've ever played. The entire game presents Christianity as this creepy, racist cult doing very awful things such as forcing people to be baptized before being allowed entrance to the city.
There's also all-seeing eye symbols and transhumanist ideas found throughout the game. It also paints the antichrist as a misunderstood hero since Booker himself is portrayed as the antichrist of this particular religion.
10. Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne
I never had a chance to play this one but the synopsis and pentagram along with the one-eyed salute on the cover art are more than enough to make me find room for it on the list. Description from Beginningandend.com:
"In this game, the hero is a high school boy who survives the apocalypse and awakens transformed into a part-demon, part-human hybrid. His newfound powers and abilities were bestowed by Satan. He uses parasites to summon demonic power in order to fight his missions. Gameplayers are required to negotiate with demonic forces in order to fight battles. Lucifer is portrayed as a friendly, benevolent angel who can be your ally, while Yahweh, the God of the Bible is a "vain, dictator" who has no compassion and is referred to as "the true enemy." In one of the prequels, the hero's mission is to hunt down and kill the archangels Michael and Garbiel, both righteous, holy angels in the Bible. In Nocturne the goal is to recreate the world in one where God no longer rules and all people are led by "reason."
Additionally, in Europe, this game is entitled: Shin Megami Tensei: Lucifer's Call."


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Kevin Findley- Author
kevin findley- author
Kevin Findley was raised by a kindly couple in a small town in Kansas. Unfortunately, he misplaced his blue suit and red cape as a child, so he put on a different blue uniform after college and served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. He retired with the rank of Major back in 2009.
For the next three years, he edited websites for a number of commercial businesses before diving into the world of the freelance writer. His first foray into this wonderful, macabre world of Pulp was accepted by Pro Se and published in 2016.
Kevin is married with two kids still at home in California and more scattered throughout the U.S. His wife is very happy he finally listened to her and took up writing as something other than a hobby. It keeps him home, makes a few bucks and keeps him out of trouble for the most part.
If you want to tell Kevin how much you loved his latest tale (or even if you didn't) you can contact him at www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-findley/35/208/36a/. You can expect more from him here at Pro Se and other corners of the world of Pulp.
FLIGHT! An ability that has always fascinated mankind and for centuries, a mystery that eluded those who sought it most! But, what if the discovery of such things as the airplane or helicopter had never occurred? What if the path to man gaining his own wings went other directions? Those worlds are imagined and come to life in Pro Se Productions' ALTERNATIVE AIR ADVENTURES!
Join authors Kevin Findley, Davide Mana, and Gene Moyers as they fly the wild and wonderful, sometimes unfriendly skies in machines from their minds. Heroes and villains combat one another high above the ground in ships that have only lived in dreams…until now.
Climb aboard and strap in for ALTERNATIVE AIR ADVENTURES from Pro Se Productions!
The Moon Has Always Been a Mystery… But what if, after the first man left his print there, it became something more. What if the Moon became home? PROJECT MOONBASE is a collection of pulpy tales all taking place in settlements, villages, and outposts on Earth's Moon. From straight up science fiction to mystery to horror to mash-ups, this volume takes readers from their everyday sidewalks and busy streets and rockets them to the moon! PROJECT MOONBASE. From Pro Se Productions.
A woodcutter never knows what excitement and danger he might run into. Just ask Pierre Logback.
While working as a woodcutter for the local village, Pierre meets a polar bear who communicates with him mentally. The bear, Al Yak-am, is from North Pole City located in Kris Kringle's Kingdom in the far North.
After the bear has gone, Pierre discovers a ruby pendant that he is sure the bear inadvertently left behind. He puts the pendant around his neck and goes to work. He feels the flow of energy from the bauble and finishes up a week's work in a few hours. Then he starts out following the polar bear toward the North Pole. This begins a journey that will take the heroic woodcutter to strange new lands and introduce him to awesome new friends and horrifying enemies. From Claw, Thundergod of the Forest, to Jonalee, a young girl in peril, to the kidnapper King Golden Rod to even St. Nicholas himself.
THE ADVENTURES OF PIERRE LOGBACK: THE GREAT REINDEER RACE by John R. Rose is the first volume in a series that will take readers of all ages on adventures that seem both familiar and are like nothing they've ever read! From YoungPulp! and Pro Se Productions.
Dark alleys. Hole in the wall dives. Bloody murder scenes. Places where criminals travel regularly. But they're not the only ones. Men and women, in uniform or plainclothes, carrying badges and risking their lives every day follow them into the shadows. And sometimes the darkness is so thick that even those commissioned with keeping the law may never see the light again. POLICE PULP from Pro Se Productions and authors Robert Crow and Kevin Findley takes a hard boiled look at life behind the badge and the sacrifices that officers make every day to protect those they love, those they will never meet, and even those they pursue. POLICE PULP. From Pro Se Productions.


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When I post on the Jesus Seminar, I tend to raise the ire of some commenters. I don't intend that, but I regard it as an added bonus. One blogger said that I was a Jesus Seminar Fanboy. True enough. I am an associate member and a member of their fan club. Folks may think it odd that scholars would have a fan club. I think it is swell. Some people are fans of NASCAR and enjoy watching grown men (and women) turn left around a racetrack. Others are fans of Westar and enjoy watching grown men (and women) vote left around a table.
Why do I heart them? Let me count the ways:
- They are a swell group of folks. All around, nice people.
- They publish books that I can read.
- They are interested in topics that interest me: the historical Jesus, Christian origins, and so forth.
- They go around the country two by two as the Lord has instructed them to preach the gospel of higher criticism. I am pleased to have so far hosted three such events, known as Jesus Seminars on the Road.
- They hold their Spring and Fall gatherings at the Flamingo.


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Every girl can never have enough makeup right.
I spend a lot of my time these days on Instagram and surfing the web, my makeup needs have reached a whole new high . Whilst I have tried a lot of new brands in the last couple of years. There are still plenty of brand,s I haven't tried that are out there. So I thought I would put together a small list of brands I must try this year once my ban is over and I cut down my collection
Bobbi Brown was launched the year I was born and since then has become a favourite for many with their wide range of products and colours . I have been eying their lip products for a while and they try to use natural ingredients in them as well. So it is a win win for me
Bourjois foundation Healthy Mix Foundation was just relaunched and seems now is the perfect time to try this brand. I have friends who love their foundation and I'm always searching for my holy grail foundation
Genie Beauty is recently entered the Australia market and I keep seeing it all over social media with some rave reviews and gorgeous packaging. I definitely want to see this goodies close up and personal
BYS Is PETA certified and that Berry palette which everyone is claiming is a dupe for ABH Modern Renaissance and that pigmentation. I need to get it asap and it is a Aussie band
Ulta which is another Australian affordable brand with some beautiful colours and kits. I have seen their HD range and it seems to get amazing results
Designer brands is vegan friendly and affordable which is always a plus for me given my skin and allergies .
I'm a sucker for eyeshadows and Gilded Cage Beauty has some beautiful colours
I saw this in action recently and I was amazed by the results so definitely curious to try Mirenesse for myself this year
And last but not least, I'm slightly cheating here as isn't a makeup brand per say
Bioderma. I'm dying to try out their their BB Cream ,wipes and their daily cleanser
This no means defined list of what brands I have on my radar. There are plenty more but these are some of the brands I'm dying to try out at some point this year


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Moody's warns of Greece default despite debt deal
Moody's has cut Greece's credit rating again, citing a risk of default despite a recent debt write-off deal.
Moody's cut Greece's rating to "C" from "Ca", the lowest level on its scale.
The firm said on Friday: "Today's rating decision was prompted by the recently announced debt exchange proposals for Greece, which imply expected losses to investors in excess of 70%."
The deal writes off 107bn euros ($141.3bn; £89bn) of Greece's debt.
Moody's said the planned debt exchange, which involves private investors of Greek debt writing off much of the 206bn euros in Greek bonds they hold, "would constitute a distressed exchange, and hence a default".
The agency acknowledged that the deal was necessary to help stabilise Greece. But Moody's said: "The risk of a default even after the debt exchange has been completed remains high. Moody's believes that Greece will still face medium-term solvency challenges.
"The country is unlikely to be able to access the private market once the second assistance package runs out; and its planned fiscal and economic reforms will still face very significant implementation risks."
Earlier this week the Standard & Poor's agency classified Greek debt as in "selective default".
BBC News


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The following is a list of the post titles by author under this topic. Scroll further down this page to find the actual blog post by your selected author. Author's posts appear in reverse alphabetical order. For example, following this list, Fred Wilson's posts appear towards the beginning of the blog page, and Jeffrey Bussgang's posts appear towards the end of the blog page.
JEFFREY BUSSGANG (3 posts)
Jeffrey Bussgang: Why Twitter Picked Fred Wilson as its Lead Investor
Jeffrey Bussgang: What Drives Entrepreneurs
Jeffrey Bussgang: Considerations when Determining an Exit
JEFF CLAVIER (1 post)
Jeff Clavier: Jeff Clavier: What I Look at When Investing
RON CONWAY (1 post)
Ron Conway: What Ron Conway Looks For in a Deal
BRAD FELD (1 post)
Brad Feld: Brad Feld's Investment Criteria
BILL GROSS (2 posts)
Bill Gross: The Biggest Entrepreneurial Lesson
Bill Gross: Balance Entrepreneur's Strengths
ROB HAYES (1 post)
Rob Hayes: Going for Growth vs. Revenue
REID HOFFMAN & BEN CASNOCHA (1 post)
Reid Hoffman & Ben Casnocha: What Great Silicon Valley Companies Have in Common
MIKE MAPLES JR. (2 posts)
Mike Maples Jr.: Mike Maples Jr.: What I Look For
Mike Maples Jr.: Great Startups Have a Simple Elegance
HOWARD MORGAN (1 post)
Howard Morgan: The Best Execution Wins Out
PETER THIEL (1 post)
Peter Thiel: Answers to Contrarian Questions Look into the Future
FRED WILSON (5 posts)
Fred Wilson: Hire Slowly & Wisely, not Quickly
Fred Wilson: What's the Magic
Fred Wilson: Culture, Values & a Vow to a Great Workplace are Everything
Fred Wilson: Fred Wilson: Hire for Culture & Fit
Fred Wilson: The Only Way to Make Money


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David Cairns
David Cairns has been living in Auckland City for over 20 years. Victoria Park is his front lawn and over the years he has seen the use of the Park increase tremendously. He appreciates the vibrant community developing around the Park.
David tracked the progress of The Park and it's hives since their initial set up and has now been rostered on as a team coordinator for the Victoria Park Bee School. David enjoys taking photos and spending time out in Victoria Park with friends.