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Spring 2007 Vol. 27 - No. 144 The Bible in China
The Bible in China
The Promotion of the Bible in Contemporary China and Evangelization
Ten Years of Small Bible-Study Groups
Alessandro Valignano, Founder of the Church in China
The 400th anniversary ...
Pope to Write a Letter to Chinese Catholics
Book Review: Once Upon a Time in Asia: Stories of Harmony and Peace
Statistics for China's Catholic Church (November 2006)
Tripod Author Index 2005-2006
Tripod Subject Index 2005-2006
Alessandro Valignano, Founder of the Church in China
The 400th anniversary of his death in Macao in 1606
Gianni Criveller, PIME, Translated from the Italian by Betty Ann Maheu, MM
On August 15, 1571, Matteo Ricci, 19, knocked at the door of the novitiate of St. Andrea at the Quirinale in Rome; Alessandro Valignano, 32, welcomed him, and the two future founders of the China mission now met for the first time. Valignano had just arrived at St. Andrea's to replace the master of novices, Fr. Fabio de Fabii, for one month only.
Alessandro Valignano (1539-1606), Visitator of the East Indies from 1573 to 1606 and, for a time, of the missions of China and Japan, played a decisive role in the founding, promoting and building up of the Jesuit mission in China. Ricci, himself considered by others as the founder, has described Valignano as "pre-eminent founder of the China enterprise" and "the father of this mission."
This last comment can be found in the letter Ricci wrote to the General of the Company of Jesus, Claudio Acquaviva, a few months after Valignano's death, which he recalled with the moving words:
This year, besides other trials, which are never lacking, we had this huge one of the death of Father Valignano, the father of the mission. His loss leaves us as orphans, and I don't know how, Holy Father, you can ever replace him.
Alessandro Valignano played an essential role in the transformation of Macao, which was at that time a tiny fishermen's village, located at an altogether unique place in the world. It was to become the center of a great cultural and religious adventure. Valignano died there on January 20, 1606. His grave has been identified in Macao, near the ruins of the Church of St. Paul.
He came originally from the beautiful city of Chieti, which at the time was part of the Kingdom of Naples. He was a brilliant lawyer in Padua, but after an unfortunate court trial (he was imprisoned in Venice for more than one year), Valignano entered the Company of Jesus in 1566 at the novitiate of St. Andrea at the Quirinale in Rome. He studied at the Roman College and was later rector of the college of Macerata. Named Visitator to the East Indies in 1573, with the full powers of the Superior General, he traveled to Goa, Malacca, Japan and Macao. Valignano became one of the greatest and most influential missionaries in history. His preeminence lies in the fact that he realized Francis Xavier's unfulfilled dream: to open a mission in China and to bring about the inculturation of the Gospel in Asian culture. Valignano left a deep impression, above all in Japan, where he arrived in 1574. He did this through his directives promoting a revolutionary transformation in missiological methodology. These are contained in the book, Il cerimoniale del missionario in Giappone (1601). This book is considered ahead of its time even today.
In 1594 Valignano founded St. Paul's College in Macao, where the missionaries destined for China and Japan learned the languages and assimilated the culture of these countries. But even more importantly, St. Paul's College was the first university in East Asia, a place of "cultural interchange," where Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and persons of other nationalities, together generated new knowledge and experiences.
Next to the College, Valignano ordered the construction of the magnificent Church of St. Paul, which even today is considered East Asia's greatest Christian monument.
In 2006, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Valignano's death, two conferences were dedicated to the great Jesuit missionary, one in Chieti where he was born, and the other in Macau, where he died.
In Chieti, numerous scholars from various parts of the world presented in-depth studies on the origins, works, writings and patrimony of "Alessandro Valignano, a Renaissance man, a bridge between the East and the West." This meeting, held at the end of October 2006 and the first one ever completely dedicated to Valignano, was made possible through the auspices of the Caricheti Foundation and Doctor Marisa di Russo. It was truly a celebratory moment, given the solemnity of the occasion and the prestigious location (the Marrucino Theatre in Chieti). But it was also an occasion to make known to the people of that city and the many university students present, a person, unfortunately, still so little known. The contents of the meeting, that the organizers plan to publish soon, will reveal the quality and the quantity of the many presentations.
Archbishop Bruno Forte's opening challenging lecture deserves special mention. This famous theologian, a man sensitive to the themes of cultural and religious dialogue, very effectively demonstrated Valignano's current relevance by making an analogy between our times and his. Then as now, the challenge arises from the contact between cultures and religions, which in the past were quite distant from each other. There are two answers, now as then, to the contact between cultures and religions: clash and violence, or dialogue and encounter. Valignano chose the second one.
What ultimately holds the possibility of encounter with diversity is, according to Archbishop Forte, following the conviction recently expressed by Pope Benedict XVI, basic trust in human reason. Reason can know the truth and correspond with it. The recognition of the capacity of the Japanese culture to "submit itself to reason" is, Bruno Forte maintains, a key to all of Valignano's action. Reality has an intelligent structure that reveals itself to the spirit of all who are honest and without prejudice. Since many Japanese masters appeared to him to be this kind of person, his conviction was firm that it was possible to reach their mind and heart with the light of the gospel through the way of dialogue, founded on the exercise of reason. "Only where reason is recognized as a common patrimony of every human being, and where reason is educated to responsibility that puts it in correspondence with the intelligent structures of reality, can diverse groups meet each other, and dialogue be truly liberating for all," Archbishop Forte said.
The Macao conference, "Christianity and Culture: Japan and China in Comparison, (1543-1644)," held at the Institute for Tourism Studies November 30 to December 2, 2006, and organized by the Ricci Institutes of Macao and San Francisco, used the 400th anniversary of Valignano's death as a point of departure only. As a result no specific contribution made by Valignano was ever mentioned.
The many scholars from various nations used a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, using short presentations and longer periods of interactive panel discussions.
They focused their attention on new interpretative models of Japanese and Chinese Christianity: rituals used by the Christian community, their local organization, interaction between the Christian communities and the reciprocal effect of the expressions of the faith carried out in Japan and those in China.
Attention focused on the adaptation and the transformation of European models (ritual, literary and organizational) in the context, now in Japan, now in China. Finally, they stressed the role of Macao, a laboratory that had a profound influence on the development of Japanese and Chinese Christianity.
Contemporary historiography makes it clear that the historical narrative cannot omit including the numerous connected histories from which it is composed. It seems to me that we must, therefore, expand the role of other "geographical, cultural and religious" localities that have contributed to the configuration of East Asian Christianity. I note here only a few examples: Manila, Goa, Cochin (India), New Spain (Mexico), Taiwan, the maritime routes, the role of the indigenous religious, the network offered by the Chinese diaspora, a renewed study of the role of religious orders: Dominicans, Augustinians and Franciscans, with their respective political supporters and especially their theological outlooks.
The method of accommodation adopted by Valignano in Japan, and under his direction also by Ricci in China, is the Visitor's most precious legacy. Later other missionaries such as Robert de Nobili in India, Alexander Rhodes in Vietnam, were influenced by this evangelical method. This method offers cultural dialogue as the most significant alternative to the colonial and economic dealings of the European powers in East Asia.
From 1552, the year of the death of St. Francis Xavier on Shangchuan Island (along the southern coast of Guangdong Province), to 1583, the year that Matteo Ricci and Michael Ruggieri successfully entered China, some 50 Jesuits, Franciscans, Augustinians and Dominicans tried unsuccessfully to settle there. Among the religious in Macao, the China mission was a lost cause, and those who committed themselves to it were considered foolish. Valignano, who arrived in Macao in 1578, contended that the cause of failure should not be imputed to the Chinese, but to the missionaries' lack of preparation and their traditional, absolutely inadequate methods. The few converts in Macao, in fact, actually had to become Portuguese even in name.
Valignano initiated a radical new thrust by imposing the way of accommodation as he had already done in Japan from where, in November 1595, he wrote: "It seems to me irrational that the priests living in the country have not been concerned about conforming to the refined customs and the gentle behavior of the Japanese. Not a day has gone by without my meeting up with some transgression in good manners and tactlessness in encounters even with the Samurai and the feudatory lords themselves. Often Christians coming into the houses of the missionaries feel uncomfortable and even offended. This was all the more important since their bonzes knew how to act with exquisite gentility."
Ricci and Ruggieri were set apart from the other missionaries by an experiment based on a new rationale: an in-depth knowledge of the written and spoken language, clothing similar to that of the Buddhist monks, and adaptation to the life of the Chinese. By a singular coincidence, even Wang Pan, the governor of Guangdong, who originally had permitted the two Italian Jesuits to live in China, wanted them to wear Buddhist robes. In fact, in traditional society there was no such thing as casual clothing: everyone had to be identified according to his role in society.
Both Valignano and Ricci were of the same opinion: the Chinese were very suspect of the relations between the missionaries and the Portuguese. Valignano strove to give the Chinese mission juridical and financial autonomy. Both Valignano and Ricci ardently supported the admission of Chinese candidates to the religious and priestly life. Ricci prepared eight Chinese Jesuits, but none of them was ever admitted to Holy Orders. This was because the Master General, Acquaviva, maintained that the Chinese Church was too young for such a step. Among these eight was Huang Mingsha (Francisco Martines) who died, the first among the Catholics of the modern era, from mistreatment he suffered in a prison in Canton. He had gone there to accompany Valignano on a visit to China.
Besides Ricci and Ruggieri, Valignano sent about 20 other missionaries to China. Many of these distinguished themselves by their personal quality and their works. Ricci and Valignano met for the last time in Macao in 1593, where they made a thorough revision of missionary activity in China. They made a sensational and daring change: take off the robes of the bonzes and put on the dress of the Confucian scholars. Valignano ordered Ricci: "Set your sites on Peking." Ricci's strategy in China, was, in fact, "an ascent towards Peking," which the Marcerata missioner reached in 1601, the fifth and last leg on his journey to the capital of the Middle Kingdom.
Valignano, the Visitator, intended to visit Ricci in Peking, in 1606. This would crown a life of great fatigue and conflict, but also one of undoubted successes. The plan for this visit, which Ricci very much desired, was already at an advanced stage, when the Visitator died in Macao on January 20, 1606, preventing the visit from ever taking place.
Ricci likened Valignano to Francis Xavier: both died on the threshold or the vigil of their entrance into China.
Everyone noted that God did not permit China to profit from the help that these two great servants of God, Saint Francis Xavier and Father Alessandro Valignano, could provide. They ardently desired to enter into this kingdom for the good of souls, and both died at China's door without being able to realize their dream.
Valignano and Ricci's mutual esteem, friendship and solidarity, and their common vision and plan, make their human, religious and intellectual venture something quite uncommon in modern missionary history. To them we owe the definitive foundation of the Church in China.
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Plexus Ambassadors everywhere were gathered around their computers for what Plexus was affectionately calling "The Big Reveal." Little tidbits had been circulating that this was going to be just that—big. That seasoned Ambassadors had been brought to tears over this reveal when they were told of it earlier. Guesses were being made. And yet none of us could have known just how big this reveal was truly going to be—for none of us could have imagined Plexus Slim, our favorite weight-management, body-balancing, fat-fighting, amazing pink drink, getting any better. And yet—it was revealed that it was. And I'm writing today to tell you that it is!
Plexus Slim is a natural, plant-based drink–right down to its lovely pink color provided by beet root!
Shortly after the announcement that Plexus Slim was now easier-to-mix in cold water, had gut-health-assisting prebiotics, and had a new, fresher taste (while still keeping the former ingredients and properties), I received an email from Plexus Worldwide asking me to write about the "enhanced formula" on my blog. Of course, as someone who loves the Plexus products and has greatly benefited from this little pink wonder drink, I am happy to do so!
Yes–we are drinking plants!
My Plexus story began eighteen months ago when I wanted to try the products to try to lose my last forty of one hundred pounds that I had been working toward for nearly ten years. I also wanted to share the stories of hope that I had been reading and hearing with mamas seeking health in order to do the difficult task of parenting well. (My husband and I teach parenting and homeschooling workshops and write materials for them.)
Refreshing, healthy drink flavored with raspberry-watermelon -lemon extracts.
Little did I know how life-changing these products would be—and the huge effect that I would be able to have on tired, unhealthy moms who wanted more than anything to jump off the couch and go outside to play with their kids, who wanted to have more control over their moods and responses, who desired gut health and energy, and yes, who wanted to achieve weight management with natural, plant-based products and consistent adherence to healthy living, moving, and eating. I get to do that every day now! (To learn about many of the Plexus products, watch my "Plexus playlist" video from YouTube):
Delicious, plant-based, natural, non-GMO, gut-microbe-feeding, five-calorie, shake-and-go stick packets that dissolve easily in ice water for a refreshing body-balancing boost!
But I digress. Today's post is to tell you the amazing-ness that is the new formula of Plexus Slim. So in teacher format (um, yeah, I have written one hundred language arts books over the past two decades…so teacherish-I am!), I bring you….
As yummy and refreshing as it looks!
9 Facts About the New Plexus Slim, AKA The Pink Drink
1. Has a flavor change—new, fresher raspberry-watermelon-lemon taste
I loved the old pink drink, but some thought it was a little sweet. This was easily remedied with stronger dilution or the addition of lemon or lime. However, the new taste is amazing—light, refreshing, healthy tasting. You will love it!
2. Continues to have the original Slim properties
The benefits of the old Slim are still here! Aids in healthy glucose metabolism (blood sugar balancing). Clinically proven to aid in weight loss+. Personally, I lost and kept off weight with the original formula (even though I hadn't previously lost a pound in three years of trying!), gained control of my cravings, went down a size quickly, slept amazingly well for the first time in two decades, and had energy galore. I didn't want my Slim to lose those benefits—and the new one has not lost any of them!
3. Mixes thoroughly and quickly in ice cold water
I will admit that a downfall of my original, beloved pink drink was that it could be clumpy in cold water. We simply mixed ours in a little room temp water then poured that "mix" into iced water. Problem solved. But now…oh that mixability! Shake-shake-shake in a glass of iced water or cold water bottle, and you have the perfect treat every day (that is making you healthier with every sip!).
4. Provides five small calories in every stick packet
Plexus Slim was not and is still not a meal replacement. It is sweetened with stevia and made from plants. There are not enough calories in it, nor is it designed to take the place of healthy eating. Yes, the blood sugar balancing properties, prebiotic (see below), Garcinoa Cambogia for weight management+, and more help with appetite and feelings of satiety, but Slim is not a meal. (As a matter of fact, Plexus products have helped me crave fruits and vegetables like never before—it's amazing what a body does when it is balanced with healthy supplementation!)
5. Now contains a prebiotic known as XOS (xylo Oligosaccharides) that feeds the microbiome's good bacteria
This prebiotic, XOS, is like "Miracle Grow" for the good bacteria in the gut. We want our good bacteria to grow in order to be healthy and maintain an appropriate weight! This patent-pending formula is like no other.
I haven't gone a day without my pink drink for eighteen months!
7. XOS feeds and increases akkermansia, a good bacteria that positively impacts a disrupted metabolism
And not just a little…..the new prebiotic in our pink drink Increases the metabolism enhancing Akkermansia microbes by 257 times◊*. This good bacteria (akkermansia) activates our metabolism. I was so excited about this new addition! Being in my mid-fifties and on a twelve year quest to lose a hundred pounds (slow learner here!), I was very familiar with the whole "disrupted metabolism"! My excitement was not premature. Within three weeks, I noticed the ease in which I could carry out my intermittent fasting each day (eating in an eight hour window and fasting in a sixteen hour window). This was revolutionary for this Nonna! 🙂
8. XOS feeds other good bacteria that contribute to overall health
Clinical studies (I am crazy about Plexus' clinical studies!) showed that in addition to the metabolism-boosting increase of Akkermansia, the XOS in Slim increases Lactobacillus by 365 times and Bifidobacterium by 290 times. These levels contribute to overall health◊* and well being. In other words, more ingredients in our pink drink that make us feel uh-maze-ing! 🙂
9. It still makes us feel incredible!
It's not really an old Slim and a new Slim. It's really an enhanced Slim. Same great results as before—with some new results thrown in. I couldn't be more thrilled with my refreshing pink drink!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
+Participants in an independent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical study who used one pack of Slim a day lost an average of 5.45 pounds in 8 weeks, while the placebo group lost an average of 3.12 pounds. There was a trend to weight decrease with Slim group (p=0.059).
Blessings to you as you seek to "feel great and live well"!
P.S. How can I help you feel great and live well with the Plexus products? I'd love to help! Call or text me at 260-433-4365 to chat!

subset: commoncrawl


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Please enter your email so we can alert you when the KIDS ROVER in is back in stock. We promise not to spam you. You will only be notified once.
Nothing brings the comfort, support, and traction that every kid needs more than the classic Reef Rover. With a synthetic nubuck upper, jersey lining, super soft compression molded EVA footbed, and rubber outsole with Swellular design detailing, the Rover is an instant favorite.
Water Friendly
Be ready for any water adventure. From the beach to the lake or just hanging out by the pool, this style can handle the splashes.
Swellular Technology
Built around three layers of innovative material: a super-soft, contoured foam deck for instant comfort, a medium-density midsole for long-lasting support, and a high-density rubber outsole for traction, protection and durability.
- Synthetic nubuck upper
- Jersey lining
- Super soft compression molded EVA footbed
- Rubber outsole with Swellular design detailing


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Pet accidents can be hard to clean out of carpet. Even if you are able to remove the stain, it can be hard to get rid of the smell, and covering it up with perfumed cleaners does not prevent the pet from returning to the area again. You can use a natural method for cleaning carpets that will get rid of the stain and smell from pet accidents.
Step 1
Blot up any wet urine from the carpet as quickly as possible using a towel or several paper towels. Step on the towels to draw moisture out of the carpet. Repeat this until the spot is almost dry.
Step 2
Mix one part vinegar to one part water in a glass or spray bottle. Pour this mixture liberally over the accident and allow it to soak into the fibers. Vinegar will neutralize the odors.
Step 3
Blot up the vinegar solution with a towel. Step on it and repeat until the spot is almost dry.
Step 4
Cover the area with baking soda.
Step 5
Mix 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Work this mixture into the carpet. Allow it to dry thoroughly
Step 6
Vacuum up any remaining cleaner.


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It may be that you aren't quite ready to buy, but you'd love to live in the historic neighborhoods of Oklahoma City. Luckily, Jefferson Park has a number of restored apartment complexes and homes. While we encourage you to drive around the neighborhood and check out the complexes, we will also post available units here as we are made aware of them.
The Belmont at Jefferson Park – Luxury Apartments
The Belmont at Jefferson Park is a beautifully restored luxury apartment property combining modern conveniences with historic living. Relax in your cozy living room watching the flickering flames of your maintenance free fireplace. Wander into your gourmet kitchen on beautifully … Continue reading
The Windemere Apartments – Historic Living in the Heart of OKC
Windemere Apartments The Windemere is an historic apartment complex that's been fully restored. Located at the corner of NW 25th and N. Hudson, they include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans in one- and two-floor varieties. The picture below are … Continue reading
The Sapphire Apartments – Urban Living Without the High Price
The Sapphire Apartments – Urban Living Without the High Price View by appointment only. Please call 301-1888 A completely renovated Brownstone in the historic Jefferson Park District. This large, 700 sq. ft. apartment has one bedroom and one bath with … Continue reading
The Pennington Place Apartments
The Pennington Place apartments offers large studio apartments. Located at 2505 N Robinson. Please click here to visit the Pennington Place website for full details or call 301-0411 for availability and appointments.


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Today is the first day of Advent, which means it is the first day of the Christian calendar.
Happy New Year!
I am looking forward to this season of anticipation and meditation on the incarnation, and I hope you are too!
This evening I'll be participating in an advent dinner at my church, so I hope to write a bit more about that and how it goes this week. I think it will be a very special time. There is so much about this season that is contrary to the busy-ness and harried-ness of this time of year, and it's fascinating to try and hold the patience and waiting in tension with the go-go, gimme-gimme tendencies we all experience.


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The post showed the Instagram and YouTube star on the beach in a red dress, the turquoise waters behind her an unmistakable sign she had landed in a tropical paradise.
"Can you guess where I'm at?" Yovana Mendoza Ayres, 29, a professional social media influencer known as Rawvana, wrote in the caption. "I'll give you a hint: it's a plant based paradise."
Ayres had made a name for herself on YouTube and Instagram by extolling the virtues of a raw and vegan lifestyle, now often referred to as "plant-based." Her YouTube channels — she has about 2 million subscribers on her Spanish language channel and another 500,000 in English — are filled with videos of her sharing vegan recipes and skin care routines. On her personal website, she sells meal plans, including a 21-day "Raw Vegan Detox & Yoga Challenge," to help people lose weight for $49.
But a couple of weeks after she landed in Bali, she appeared in another YouTube star's video at a restaurant. The camera found her seated in front of a salad. Her arms dropping to cover the plate did not stop commenters from identifying a distinctly not plant-based item on her plate: fish.
The story of the vegan social media star who was not really a vegan has now traveled across the globe and back. It has been covered by news outlets around the world: from England, to Mexico to Poland and Mexico — the punchline of a joke to some, and to others, yet another example about the way in which the vast and largely unregulated world of social media presents such a ripe environment for scams.
But it also suggested a darker truth: the audience is not the only victim of the proliferation of false worlds online. Content creators suffer these algorithm-driven systems too, forcing them into a never-ending quest for viewers, ad money, sponsorships and engagement against dwindling attention spans.
For some, like Ayres, the pressure may simply be too much.
In an emotional apology Ayres released on YouTube last week, she explained why she misled her fans. She changed her diet after years of significant health problems that culminated with doctors urging her to eat more food, including protein and eggs, she said.
The lifestyle of fitness, weight loss and wellness she had sold to her followers had apparently been making her ill.
"I know that so many of you trust me, you listen to me and you probably feel deceived and lied to — and you're in your whole right to feel that," she said. "I'm human, I made a mistake, and I was not planning on hiding this for you. I was planning on telling you but on my terms and my time."
The video that showed Ayres eating fish was published by Paula Galindo, a Colombian YouTube star who has more than 10 million subscribers who follow her life of travel, style, beauty routines and products.
At the end of an approximately 10-minute-long video that showed Galindo touring Bali with Ayres and another YouTuber, Galindo turned the camera to Ayres at a restaurant.
Ayres looks at her plate and then lowers her arms over it, seemingly aware of what the camera was picking up. It was a just a few seconds of film, but dedicated followers spotted it.
And then the storm ensued.
Angry comments have poured into Ayres's accounts since the disclosure. Thousands of commenters have called her names like "liar" and accused her of tarnishing the vegan lifestyle, which has growing legions of committed followers and is often underpinned with a sense of ethics or even politics. And other angry vegan vloggers have responded on their own YouTube accounts.
In her apology, Ayres gave extensive and intimate details about the health problems she's suffered in recent years.
She said she became a raw vegan six years ago — eating only uncooked plant-based foods — but started experiencing problems after a 25-day fast in 2014. She stopped getting her period, and doctors found after a series of tests that her "hormones were out of wack," — comparable to a premenopausal woman, even though she was in her mid-20s, she said.
"It took me a little bit to really understand that and understand the seriousness about it," she said, "and I needed to do something or I was going to pay for consequences later on."
A doctor told her she needed to eat more fat, she said, and she added cooked food back into her diet. Her period returned, only to disappear again in 2017 — for five months this time. Again she was told that her hormones were not good.
"I wasn't ovulating," she said in the video. "I was basically anemic and my thyroid levels were low. It was really bad, but it was borderline."
Doctors told her she needed to gain weight; a nutritionist friend told her to eat more protein and fat. She said she gained six pounds and at some point, her period returned again.
But in 2018 she came down with a yeast infection and started to get what she described as serious digestive issues. She was no longer feeling good and was struggling to find a way to feel better, trying various cleanses or more fasting.
"I felt really good, because I wasn't eating anything," she said. "I got to the point that I just preferred not to eat because I was afraid anything I would eat, I'd get sick off it."
She said the catalyst for her dietary shift came this past January, when she was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), an amount of excessive bacteria in the small intestine that can cause malnourishment.
So she decided to start eating eggs and fish, concerned that her health was deteriorating to the point where it would affect her ability to have children later on in life.
"This was really hard because of what I believed for so long, because of what I preached for so long," she said. "I'm not going to tell you I've been eating eggs and fish and tell you everything is good. I'm saying that I'm trying to figure it out."
She tried eating vegan again but her stomach symptoms became even worse. Still she hasn't given up on the vegan lifestyle, and hopes to go back to a completely vegan diet.
"My heart is with the vegan community and I want to reiterate that the plant-based diet is not what made me sick," she said in a statement she sent to The Post. "Anyone can get SIBO. My passion for this lifestyle is so important to me."
In the meantime, she started new channels in November, on Instagram and YouTube, dedicated to mindful living, travel and fashion.
Her husband, Dorian Ayres, said in a brief phone interview that some reports had erroneously said she lost lots of followers from the controversy. He said she'd lost some subscribers on YouTube but gained thousands more on Instagram.
Read more:
How does a tech billionaire say sorry for his unauthorized wedding? There's an app for that.
'The Shed at Dulwich' was London's top-rated restaurant. Just one problem: It didn't exist.
How a black college dance troupe landed a decades-old Fleetwood Mac song on the Billboard charts


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Experiential Design for Vicky's House - MilkShake Bar and Tasting Room, a new concept by Matthew Kuscher of Kush Hospitality.
The design is a re-creation of Kuscher's mother's house (circa 1986) who the space was named after. Since Vicky never threw anything away, we were able to duplicate her entire kitchen and living room with much of the original decor, including her chandeliers. The floor and wallpaper were custom illustrated and inspired by old pictures of the house. To enter the shop, one must step inside a phone booth time machine… where you will be transported back in time to the 1986!
Location: 3190 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133
Area: 1,000 sq. ft.
Branding, Art Direction, Art, Signage, Environmental Design, Interiorism, Experiential Graphic Design
Client: Vicky's House - Kush Hospitality
Creative Direction: Matthew Kuscher, Camilo Rojas
Art Direction & Design: Camilo Rojas
Wallpaper Illustration: Natalia Swarz
Carpentry: Mauricio Melendez "Zuni"
General contractor: Behar Construction
Photography by devlopz
Logo Design
Restaurant Exterior
Restaurant Interior
Restaurant Interior / Living Room
Bathroom Details
This is the secret entrance to Vicky's House from Lokal, a phone booth time machine inspired by
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure's film that will take you back in time to 1986.


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Global Fixed Income Compass
Quarterly insight from our fixed income teams to help clients navigate the markets and opportunities ahead.
Quarterly insight from our fixed income teams to help clients navigate the markets and opportunities ahead.
How data and technology could help address the challenges of providing a safe and reliable water supply and create investment opportunities.
Watch how smart-home technology is easing the pain points of daily life and the potential implications for investors.
Research analysts Josh Cummings, Tom DeLong and Joe Furmanski discuss the disruption of traditional video distributors driven by the increase in Internet-delivered streaming.
In public, industrial and consumer sectors, increasing adoption of smart, connected devices will be a transformative force for the global economy, says Denny Fish.
In the disruption game, innovation and speed determine who benefits and who is at risk. Watch Portfolio Manager Marc Pinto discuss this fast-moving trend.
Global Life Sciences Co-Portfolio Manager Ethan Lovell discusses how faster, more accurate diagnoses followed by targeted therapies are transforming the way we tackle cancer treatment, leading to better clinical outcomes while reducing inefficiency in health care delivery.
Continuous Glucose Monitors and insulin pumps allow diabetics to avoid peaks and troughs in their blood sugar, substantially improving health care options.
Gene therapy offers hope to people with rare genetic disorders that lack a cure or treatment, says Global Life Sciences Co-Portfolio Manager Andy Acker.
Subscription-based models that have disrupted the enterprise software market still have a long runway for growth, says Denny Fish.
Tech may be in for a bout of volatility as some big names move to a new industry sector, says Global Technology strategy co-portfolio manager Denny Fish.
Disruption is creating compelling investment opportunities for those who know where to look. Learn how to harness the power of disruption in your portfolio.
Advances in sensor, data analytics and mobile technologies are widening the range of capabilities and extending the commercial possibilities of drones.


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Designers Against Aids (DAA) is an organization that spreads HIV awareness among young people worldwide by using elements from pop culture to spread the safe sex message. DAA is international. DAA is national. DAA is creative. DAA is a place for opportunities. DAA is family. DAA is …. You?
We would like to invite you to join us at our education center, because IHAEC (International HIV/AIDS Awareness Education Center) is now looking for new volunteers to help our cause.
What does it involve?
IHAEC is a place where young people from all over the world are invited to learn how to set up HIV awareness campaigns, the DAA way. DAA wants to raise HIV awareness by using elements from pop culture. We work mostly online by using social media and our website (www.designersagainstaids.com) but also organize events, fashion campaigns, shoots and the like.
The idea is to communicate to young people about two messages: Prevention is the only cure for HIV, so protect yourself and your partner' and 'Know your status'
You will be given the opportunity to join in our blog on the DAA website, where you will write about the experiences you are having and will share new found information about HIV/AIDS, safe sex and everything to do with it.
Of course, this is not all we do! We collaborate with big companies such as Eastpak, JBC and international celebrities to promote our message. You will join in on our creative team and help come up with original campaigns for these collaborations and for their promotion.
You can also find DAA at events, such as music festivals, Gay Pride, World AIDS Day, … where we work together with you to set up creative ways to promote our presence there and to talk about safe sex with young visitors.
Since we are big on social media, you will also communicate using Facebook, Twitter, … not only speaking out about our messages but also gain new followers and likes.
Last but not least, we love to look at each volunteer individually. Because of this, we offer you a personal project on which you can work with the support of DAA. This can be a new safe sex video or an idea for a new campaign, it's all up to you!
What do we expect from you?
- Able to start in October and work until December 20
- Between 18 and 25 years old
- Creative, curious and open-minded
- Up-to-date and passionate about social activism, media and the global health situation
- Enthusiastic and confident
- Willing to work and live in a tolerant multi-cultural community environment
- Organized and professional attitude
- Capable of good priority management with multiple projects and responsibilities
- Team player, responsible
What do we offer?
- A fun and cozy working environment
- A lot of variety in tasks
- Opportunity to add value to your CV
- An invaluable lesson in how social media can be used for a good cause
- For international volunteers: a place to stay
This includes: a room, bathroom and toilet shared with one other
Lunch and dinner prepared by Designers Against Aids together with you
DAA is You!
Does this sound like you? Then don't hesitate to send us an e-mail asap at: email@example.com with your motivation letter and CV.
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Services in the area from Sunday, January 17
8am BCP Communion at Market Rasen; 10am Communion with Children's Church and Young People's Group, plus Service of Healing, at Market Rasen; 6.30pm Service at The Poplars.
January 18: 8.30am Morning Prayer at Market Rasen.
January 20: 9am Morning Prayer at Market Rasen; 10am - 11.30am Mini Messy in Market Rasen Church Room; 10.30am Communion at The Poplars; 2.30pm Mothers' Union in Market rasen Church Room; 7.30pm Bell ringing practice.
January 21: 9.30am BCP Communion at Market Rasen.
January 22: 6.45pm Choir Practice.
Market Rasen Catholic Church
9.15am Mass at Caistor; 11am Mass at Holy Rood.
Daily Mass at Holy Rood, Monday to Thursday, at 10am; Friday 6pm at Caistor.
Saturday: Confessions and Exposition 10am, followd by Mass at 10.30am at Holy Rood; 5.30pm Vigil at St Francis De Sales, Hainton.
For more details contact Fr Robert Thacker on 01673 842323
Market Rasen and Caistor
Methodist Circuit
Brookenby: 10.30am CofE-led Service.
Caistor: 10.15am Covenant Service, the Rev Sarah Parkin; 6pm Richard Alderson.
Glentham: 10.45am Messy Church.
Market Rasen: 10.45am Covenant Service, the Rev Anne Coates; 6.30pm at The Poplars, David Islip.
Middle Rasen: 10.45am Gordon Dixon; 6pm the Rev Anne Coates.
Nettleton: 2.30pm the Rev Louise Carr.
North Kelsey: 10.45am John K Ramm.
The Salvation Army
10.30am Morning Worship; 5.30pm Evening Fellowship, informal meeting, followed by a cup of tea.
Market Rasen New Life
10.30am Communion, Live Worship and Teaching in the Festival Hall; 11am -12.15pm Centrepoint, for children under 14, in the committee room; 6.30pm Church Prayer meeting.
For more details call 01673 849941.
Middle Rasen Group
10.30am Family Service at Middle Rasen; 6pm Evening Prayer at Faldingworth.
January 20: 9.30am BCP Communion at Middle Rasen.
8am Holy Communion at Caistor; 10.15am Communion at Caistor.
Nettleton Parish Church
10.30am Communion.
Walesby Group
9am Communion, North Willingham; 10.30am Communion at Tealby; 10.30am Family Service at Brookenby; 3pm Evening Prayer at Kirmond; 3pm Eveing Prayer at Claxby.
Kelsey Group
9.30am Communion at North Owersby; 11am Communion at North Kelsey; 6pm Evensong at Kirkby cum Osgodby.
Barkwith Group
10am Communion at East Barkwith.
January 21: 9am Service at East Barkwith.
Owmby Group
9.30am Communion at Owmby; 11am Family Service at Hackthorn; 6pm Evening Prayer at Spridlington.
Waddingham Group with Kirton Lindsey
9am BCP Communion at Grayingham; 11am Worship for All at Bishop Norton; 11am Covenant Service at Kirton Lindsey.
January 20: 7pm Evening Prayers at Waddingham.
Binbrook Group
Parish Mass: 10am Binbrook; 11.15am Ludford; 6pm Swinhope.
Wragby Group
9.30am Communion at Langton by Wragby; 11.15am Communion at Wickenby; 3pm Evensong at Holton cum Beckering.
Orthodox Christian Church
10.30am Divine Liturgy at St Aethelheard's Orthodox Christian Church, East Chapel, Louth Cemetery, London Road, Louth LN11 9QP. All welcome. orthodoxlouth.co.uk
January 23: 10.30am Litya Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at St Aethelheard's, as above.


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Aerospace Engineer, MBA, Exec. Master in Positive Leadership & Strategy. Verónica began her international career in a multinational leading company in the construction sector (Paris, London). In 2004 she joined the family business, ASTI, through different positions within the company. At the end of 2006 she became CEO and in 2008 she bought the company by acquisition of 100% of its shares, a turning point that marked a new path and direction for the business.
After this step, Veronica Pascual has led a comprehensive transformation process in the company achieving a significant growth in turnover, a huge boost in its internationalization and strengthening R&D processes to ensure technologically advanced and proprietary solutions. This process has conducted to, among others, signing strategic framework agreements worldwide for the automation of the intralogistics processes of several multinational companies in different sectors as Automotive, Food, Pharma, Cosmetics and Aeronautics industry.
ASTI provides automated intralogistics solutions for large manufacturers, streamlining production processes and cutting operational costs. This is made possible by Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) which allow goods to efficiently move throughout industrial facilities. ASTI is the first European manufacturer of Auto-guided vehicles, according to the annual ranking made by the Hannover University in 2015.
Verónica Pascual is also member of the worldwide prestigious high potential entrepreneur network, Endeavor and President of the Industry 4.0 Commission and Vice-President of Skills Development of AMETIC, Spanish Association for Electronics, Information and Communications Technologies, Telecommunications and Digital Content Companies.


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Why do I need to tell my stories to anyone? Can't I just write them out?
Of course you're welcome to write them out (see here for more on that). But in there is a powerful and undeniable benefit from telling your Giftedness Stories to another person. We can't fully explain why that is so. We just know it is so.
Remember that Giftedness Stories are about the best moments of your life, moments when you were really in the "zone," doing the thing that you were born to do. By telling those stories to another person, you actually go back and re-live those moments. When another person gets to share those recollections with you, you will feel heard, seen, understood, and valued. Why deprive yourself of that experience?
Maybe the best reason for telling your stories to someone else is that it's a lot more fun! A tiny fraction of people are able to do this process completely on their own. But the vast majority find that enrolling a partner to go through it with them makes it a lot easier and far more enjoyable, and they get a lot more out of it that way.
So if you really want to make this work, find a partner!


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With the new year in full swing, people filled with motivation and resolutions for a prosperous and healthy year. One thing I always look forward to is the first picture of the year, it's the starting place for me.This studio shoot of Jess and Jack is particularly poignant, I've known their mum for over 12 years (when she first met their dad), capturing their joyful journey, engagement, wedding... The below iPhone pictures lead you to the one I took.
From Start 'Come on Jack, give your sister a kiss and cuddle'.
For all camera gurus and enthusiast, I used a Nikon D750 body with a Nikon 50mm lens with a wide open aperture to create that lovely shallow depth of field. This particular fixed-focus lens is one I have owned since I started my career in photography in the 70s, you have to manually focus it so I had to be super quick.
To Finish ahh, so cute, a lovely expression of sibling love, makes my heart melt. I love the relationships I have with my customers, watching their families grow and evolve and to welcome new families too.
I'll be back every month with a newsletter about what's happening at SMS Creative Photography, I also write a monthly newsletter for my classic and supercar photography branch of the business called 'Stella', just follow this link if you would like to find out more.
Thanks for reading.


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Baby Shower love.../
Raising two sons, my life was full of boys playing in the mud, searching for fish in the creek and the lake, riding 4 wheelers, playing sports like soccer, basketball, baseball and football; swimming, skiing, and hiking, attending science and computer camps, engaging in lots of very physical play...life in constant motion! Though they loved to read and hear stories at bedtime, our life in the day time was on the go. There were no tea parties, afternoons spent coloring or crafting, playing "dress up", or shopping for prom dresses.
Since I do like some of those "girly" things, my friends who had daughters let me tag along when they went shopping or watched chick flicks, and invited me to attend their daughters games, whether they were playing or cheer leading. Their daughters became special to me and I enjoyed developing relationships with them. As they grew older, several got married and it was fun to host or attend bridal showers and their weddings. Fast forward a few more years, and the babies are starting to come!
Last fall, my friend Lois hosted a baby shower for our friend Karen's daughter, Kristen, and I was glad to help by making a cake. Since Kristen was having a boy, the shower theme was little blue elephants on safari! The joy of anticipating this little guy's birth was so evident...a first grandchild for our dear friends.
Mama to be, Kristen, and grandma to be, Karen.
And now, little Xavier is here and thriving...just makes you smile, doesn't he? What joy he brings to his parents, Phil and Kristen, and grandparents, JR and Karen!
This past Saturday, I had the honor of hosting a baby shower for Kristi, the daughter of a long time family friend, Donette. A little girl is due to arrive soon and I decided on a Sweet Pea theme...lots of pink and green. What fun to connect with many of Kristi's extended family and long time friends as we celebrate this happy occasion together! I was so thankful to have some help from a dear friend who helped me decorate, friends who contributed a salad and fruit, and my sister in law, Dawn, who loaned me pink tablecloths and trays.
Kristi is so fortunate to have a large extended family that loves to get together and is very supportive. Her mother, grandmother, three aunts, sister in law, and cousins were all at the shower!
One of my favorite verses for young mothers is Isaiah 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young." Whenever I think of that verse, I am reminded of the lullaby my mother sang to me and my siblings, and I sang to my boys,
"Jesus Tender Shepherd hear me, guide thy little lamb tonight, Through the darkness by Thou near me, Keep me safe 'till morning light.
All this day Thy hand has led me. And I thank thee for Thy care. Thou has watched and clothed and fed me, Listen to my evening prayer."
I feel so blessed to have these young women in my life!


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Welcome to my blog. I document my adventures in travel, style, and food. Hope you have a nice stay!
I'd love to help you design your apartment or home. I offer several affordable options from design and shopping, to color scheme recommendations and shopping lists. I can help you remotely too! Email me and let me know what you are looking for and we can talk about creating a fabulous space
xo Lauren


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Written & photographed by Kara Cardinal, Marine Projects Manager
"In fact, the ocean is the cornerstone of the systems that sustain us – every breath we take is linked to the sea." – Sylvia Earle
It was my daughter and my first solo hike on the coast. We walked the drizzly path through the craggily, windswept trees towards the ocean. We were actually passing through what is known as the Pacific temperate rain forest, where enchanting trees grow tall and are covered with lush, green mosses and ferns, and where the forest kisses the coastline of the mighty Pacific.
As the colors change from deep green to a misty gray and the air grows thicker with salty mist, we know we are near the edge of the ocean. We are actually here as part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup put on by Washington Coast Savers, as well as other partners including the Surfrider Foundation, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, the National Parks Service and many others. This effort is part of a larger movement to reduce the amount of marine debris in our oceans, which can be found in form of tiny plastic nurdles, to plastic bottles and bags, to derelict fishing gear. Marine debris is a global problem that threatens oceans and coasts, marine life, our economy, safe navigation, and human health and safety. The Nature Conservancy is doing our part to reduce marine debris through our derelict crab pot removal projects with the Quinault Indian Nation and the Quileute Tribe.
We emerge through the trees, scramble over the soggy drift wood, and there it is – the Pacific Ocean. That first sight and first deep breath inhaled from the sea will never grow old. Every time I come here I think to myself how lucky am I? How lucky am I to live here and how lucky am I that I get to devote my life to taking care of this precious resource?
We pull out our trash bag and begin our service – bottle cap here, styrofoam there, a straw almost invisible amongst the riprap at the tide line. Many people engage us in conversation, curious about what treasures we are collecting. When I tell them it's trash, they look a bit confused until I tell them about this larger effort.
We stumble upon a sea star that appears to have suffered from the Sea Star Wasting Syndrome and we stop a moment to admire the beauty that it once was. A little girl sees me looking at it. In a language I don't recognize, she excitedly calls her family over to look at this wondrous creature. To her it was perfect, and I imagine it will be a cherished memory she will nostalgically look back on years from now on her trip to the iconic Washington Coast. Because that's what the sea does – once you experience the magic of this place, it becomes a part of you.
As Marine Projects Manager for the Nature Conservancy in Washington, I get to participate in many different forms of ocean conservation – from protecting the habits and sustainable uses along the Washington Coast through our involvement in the statewide Marine Spatial Planning process, to working with fishermen on sustainable fishing gear . But the aspect I love most about my job is working alongside the people that truly love the ocean as much as I do – from the fishermen, to surfer, to the scientist to the little girl so fascinated by the sea star.


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The amendment to AABANY's By-Laws approved at our 2014 Annual Meeting increased the number of Directors by two thereby creating two new Director vacancies that the Board intends to fill at its March 18, 2014 Board Meeting. The Nominations Committee welcomes and will accept applications to fill these vacancies immediately, and will select a slate of candidates to be recommended for the Board's consideration at its March 18, 2014meeting.
If you wish to run for any of the above vacancies, read the blog post for the requirements at http://bit.ly/aabanynoms.
Deadline for submissions is March 13, 2014.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Legal Department is hosting a networking reception on April 7, 2014 at 6:00PM for APA attorneys that are potentially interested in joining their Legal Department.
If you are interested in attending and meet the criteria, please submit your resume along with a brief bio (no more than 3-4 sentences long) of yourself, expertise and/or interest, in confidence, by email to [email protected] with subject line "JPMC" by no later than March 7, 2014. If your resume is selected, you will be receiving an invitation to the event on or about March 17 directly from JPMorgan Chase & Co. For full details and requirements, read the blog post at http://bit.ly/JPMorgntwkrcp.
The Columbia Asian Pacific America Law Students Association invites you to attend their third annual conference: On the Shoulders of Giants: New Horizons for Asian Americans in Law and Politics. The conference will be held on Saturday, March 8 starting at 1pm. Attend one of three panels on Immigration Reform, Minority Identity, and Professional Development or attend dinner with keynote speaker former NYC Comptroller John Liu. Among the speakers at the conference will be AABANY President Mike Huang, President-Elect Clara Ohr and Board Member Karen Lim, who will be joining Helen Wan (author,The Partner Track) and Vivia Chen (blogger, The Careerist) on a panel entitled "Navigating the Career Ladder: Professional Development Strategies for Asian American Attorneys."
CLE credit will be offered. Tickets are available on our website at http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/apalsaconference/.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has issued a press release calling for applicants for its pro bono panel:
The Criminal Justice Act/Pro Bono Committee is accepting applications for the Second Circuit's Pro Bono Panel. The deadline is Friday, May 2, 2014.
Pro Bono Panel members will, at the Court's invitation or on an appellant's motion for appointment of counsel, represent pro se litigants in civil appeals that present issues of first impression,complex issues of law or fact, or raise potentially meritorious claims warranting further briefing and oral argument. Pro bono representation will be provided to litigants who would otherwise be unable to pay for counsel and are ineligible for the appointment of counsel pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act.
To read the full text of the press release go to http://bit.ly/scdcrctprobonoapps.
On February 26, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer vetoed SB 1062, legislation that would have enabled businesses to disregard municipal ordinances under the banner of religious freedom, and allowed them to discriminate against individuals who identify as LGBT.
Read the full blog post at http://bit.ly/NAPABAbwrveto.
Applications are now being accepted for AABANY's 2014 Legal Internship Program. Open to college students, law students and law grads, AABANY is looking for a few talented, energetic and motivated interns to help plan and organize AABANY programs and events, provide research and administrative assistance and perform other tasks and assignments to advance and promote AABANY's mission. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. For full details and information on how to apply go to bit.ly/Lgl_Intrn_Details.
Please direct any questions to Executive Director Yang Chen at [email protected].
The AABANY Law Review's Special Edition issue, released at the AABANY Fall Conference, is available for purchase ($20) on the AABANY website at http://bit.ly/aabanylr_curr. The issue features annotated reenactment scripts of five historic Asian American trials written by Honorable Denny Chin, Chancellor and Dean Frank H. Wu, Kathy Hirata Chin, and Vincent T. Chang. These plays have been presented by Asian American bar associations and law schools all over the nation. The issue includes an introduction and foreword from the authors. Go online and buy your own copy today, or get it as a gift for anyone interested in learning more about Asian American legal history and social justice issues.
In this Issue:
Do you have some time to volunteer to assist self-represented litigants in New York's courts? Many opportunities exist through several Volunteer Attorney Programs to get trained to provide legal advice and assistance to pro se clients in housing, family law, consumer debt and foreclosure cases. Please visit the Court Sponsored Volunteer Attorney Program's website to learn how you can help.
For more information on these listings and other open positions go to the AABANY Career Center. Members must be signed in to have access to the Career Center. Either search by keyword or just hit "Search" at the bottom of the form to see a complete listing of jobs.


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"The Imposter" is a chilling factual thriller that chronicles the story of a 13-year-old boy who disappears without a trace from San Antonio, Texas in 1994. Three-and-a-half years later he is found alive, thousands of miles away in a village in southern Spain with a story of kidnapping and torture. His family is overjoyed to bring him home. But all is not quite as it seems. The boy bears many of the same distinguishing marks he always had, but why does he now have a strange accent? Why does he look so different? Any why doesn't the family seem to notice these glaring inconsistencies? It's only when an investigator starts asking questions that this strange tale takes an even stranger turn.
Find Captionfish on Facebook and Twitter.
© 2009-15 Questions? Check our FAQ or contact us.


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The UHGB90 base has been designed to be used with the UH35 and UH30.
This parasol base has locking wheels to secure the parasol and prevent any movement.
About Alexander Rose
Alexander Rose has been at the forefront of garden furniture design and manufacturing since 1994. They have built their reputation by listening to their customers, sharing their enthusiasm and bringing passion, experience and skill to the design and manufacture of quality garden furniture.
They are recognised throughout the UK and Europe for the quality and design of their outdoor furniture ranges. They have many inspiring ranges designed to make you feel at home in your garden with a substantial choice of traditional and contemporary furniture, all designed and produced to exacting standards. Alexander Rose supply high end furniture all over the world in a wide array of designs suitable for all indoor and outdoor functions.
Alexander Rose furniture is crafted for life, made for all seasons, and built to last.
For more information on Alexander Rose, please see this page.


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Good News! Now iPhone, iPad, and MAC users can see Apostle Susan Skoor's National Conference Videos.
Follow the link above.......Wait a moment for the image to appear...........Click on the arrow
Plus, now you can download the videos to your computer or device to play for your congregation or those without internet access. Follow the directions on our site.
The 2012 Canadian National Conference and "Get in on the Conversation"
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Posted by Canada East Mission at 3:38 PM
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Tagged: Lowell
Playoff Push Homestand
The Tigers completed their final homestand of the regular season this week.
Photos from the Games:
Jeff Holm was named Player of the Game. The Michigan State product went 2-4 with a triple and scored a run as the Tigers won 5-0 to take the Stedler Division lead.
Cars from Thompson Motor Speedway were out front,
as the Nickelodeon Quartet, the national anthem signers, warmed up their voices on the concourse.
Montville High School Baseball, the 2-time defending Class M State Champions, was recognized for their accomplishments before the game.
There was a doubleheader on Friday night.
In Game 1, Tigers' pitcher Luis Angel Sanz was 2 outs away from a perfect game. After retiring 19 Spinners batters in a row, Lowell's Jose Garcia belted a 3-2 Sanz offering over the wall in left field to not only break up the perfect game, but also to take away the shutout. The right hander from Guatire, VZ earned his team-leading sixth win of the year and lowered his ERA to 2.81 on the season, while he struck out seven and now leads the league with 76 strikeouts this year.
Following the pair of Tigers wins, "Wild Bill" from Comix at Foxwoods performed for fans and the final fireworks show of the season occured. Saturday was Norwich Navigators Night
The refurbished Tater Statue made its return.
A new generation of kids will now be able to have their picture taken in front of the Tater Statue, a permanent fixture at Dodd Stadium for many seasons, before games.
The first 500 fans received a Navigators' mini bat. (Blame "Tropical Storm Irene" for the date change).
Former Navigator Jeff Clark threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Shane wore a game worn Navigators jersey from 1995 Saturday night.
The videoboard graphics were changed to reflect the night.
Players wore Navigators jerseys, which were auctioned off to fans during the game.
The players then presented and signed their jersey to the winning bidders after the game.
Sunday afternoon was Fan Appreciation Day.
The entire team was on the concourse to greet fans as gates opened; signing autographs,
As always, children could run the bases
and play catch on the field following the game.
The Tigers' thank fans for attending the games this season. Your support is greatly appreciated. See you in 2012.
"Hurricane Homestand" Recap: August 26, 27
First, the Tigers hope that everyone is safe following the visit of Hurricane Irene this weekend. (Photo from PrintActivities.com)
The Tigers were home Friday and Saturday with a cruical series against the Vermont Lake Monsters. The two home games, plus two games in Vermont tonight, have the potential to alter the Stedler Division standings. As of this morning, Connecticut sits a half game out of first place behind the Lake Monsters.
Photos from the homestand:
All children recieved a book from the Captain Underpants series, sponsored by Scholastic.
Covanta Energy collected non-perishable food items.
Comedian Roddy Thomas, sponsored by Comix at Foxwoods, performed
before the fireworks show following the Tigers victory.
Because of the storm, the Tigers moved the game up to 1:05 pm instead of the originally scheduled 7:05 pm.
Dean Green scored the only run for the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers will begin the final homestand of the regular season this Tuesday with 3 games against Hudson Valley and 4 against the Lowell Spinners.
Friday's game is a doubleheader with Game 1 scheduled to begin at 5:05.
Saturday will be Norwich Navigators Night
Sunday afternoon is Fan Appreciation Day.
For tickets visit www.cttigers.com or call (860) 887-7962
Photos From the 2011 New York-Penn League All Star Game
Many Tigers staff members attended the New York-Penn League All Star Game last night in Lowell.
The game was played at LeLacheur Park, home the Lowell Spinners.
Justin Sheinis, called the game on 1310 WICH as well as at www.cttigers.com,
while Bryan Barkley, the Tigers' Director of Facilities and Turf Management, helped out on the field.
There was a pre-game autograph session for all players.
Tigers' slugger Dean Green batted Cleanup for the American League Team.
Green had an RBI double in the 6th inning.
Pitcher Brennan Smith hurled the second inning for the AL.
More photos:
The Tigers begin a 6 day homestand tonight with a visit from the Staten Island Yankees. The Tigers play 2 against the McNamara Division leaders tonight. Game 1 begins at 5:05 PM.
Pics From the Road: State College
This weekend, the Tigers visited "Happy Valley" for a 3 game series against the State College Spikes.
Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is located on the campus of Penn State University.
Built in 2006, the stadium became the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified stadium in the world.
The field is in the shadow of Beaver Stadium, home of the Penn State football team.
A packed house saw the Tigers take both games of the series. (The game on Sunday was rained out).
Tonight, Pitcher Brennan Smith and DH/1B Dean Green will represent the Tigers at the New York-Penn League AllStar Game in Lowell.
The game can be heard on WICH 1310 or at www.cttigers.com.
2011 New York-Penn League All Star Game
The 2011 New York-Penn League will be held in Lowell, MA on August 16th.
Tigers Pitcher Brennan Smith and DH/1B Dean Green will represent the Tigers at the Game.
Smith, despite having just one win all season, has been dominant on the mound for the Tigers. His 2.38 ERA currently ranks fifth best in the league, while he has thrown one of the five complete games in the league this season. Smith has thrown 53.0 innings, which is fourth most in the league. He has just 13 walks, compared to 44 strikeouts on the year.
Green is hitting .357 on the season, with four home runs and 24 RBI, as this story hits the press. His batting average has been in the top ten of the league over the past month and Green currently sits with the second best average in the league. Green was named the Detroit Tigers Minor League Player of the Month for July, as he hit .350 with five doubles, a triple, three homers and 16 RBI during the month.
*Stats as of August 9, 2011
Homestand Recap: July 30 – August 1
Photos from the recent 3 game homestand between the Batavia Muckdogs and Tigers:
Lowe's sponsored a Build and Grow Clinic on the concourse during the game.
Another Build and Grow Clinic is scheduled for Saturday August 27th.
Tyler Collinshit 2 HR's, including the walkoff home run in the 12th inning, on Saturday night.
First Baseman Aaron Westlake, the Tigers' 3rd round pick this June, made his debut with the Tigers.
The Pizza Girl made her final appearance at Dodd Stadium this season during the homestand.
As with every Sunday home game, children could run the bases, presented by Ben and Jerrys, and play catch in the outfield, sponsored by Dick's Sporting Goods after the game.
The Tigers' next home game is Sunday against Lowell.
Road Trip to Lowell and Staten Island
Tonight, the Tigers finish up a 5- game road trip to Lowell and Staten Island.
The Spinners play at LeLacheur Park.
Lowell is the host of the 2011 New York-Penn League All Star game.
The stadium is located on the UMass-Lowell campus.
In between games of the doubleheader on Tuesday, the first ever "Human Home Run" was a hit at LeLacheur Park, as David Smith, Sr. flew over the outfield wall out of a cannon from the outfield much to the delight of the LeLacheur Park faithful! The Human Home Run a Hit! (Video from: Fox25 Boston and the Lowell Spinners).
The Tigers then traveled to Staten Island.
Richmond County Bank Ballpark gives fans a great view of the Manhattan Skyline.
The Tigers return home tomorrow for a 3-game set against the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Mets' New York-Penn League affiliate.


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The escalator accident that killed a 30-year-old mother in a shopping mall in Central China's Hubei province on Sunday could have been prevented as two staff had noticed the problem minutes before the tragedy struck.
A video footage, released by the official China Central Television, shows two mall employees stepping on a loosened metal plate on the upper end of the escalator.
But instead of closing the escalator, they stood at the end to warn people that something was wrong with the machine.
That is why another video released earlier shows the mother, identified as Xiang Liujuan, holding up her two-year-old son, obviously on the advice of the staff, according to Beijing Youth Daily.
An uncle of the victim said the shopping mall operator should have shut down the escalator after they noticed the problem.
He also criticized the shopping mall for having no emergency plan after the accident occurred.
The escalator was produced by Suzhou-based Shenlong Elevator Co. Ltd. on July 1, 2014 and installed and tested by Hubei Defu Electromechanical Equipment Co. Ltd. on March 16 this year.
Last year, Shenlong sold 8,861 products, including 2,124 units of escalators and moving sidewalks.
Hubei authorities have suspended the use of all its products in the province after the accident.
According to the Hubei government website, Defu was rated three stars — with seven stars being the highest score — in terms of the quality of its maintenance services. It ranked 35th among 48 other service providers in the province.
Translation by Jeff Pao
(5 minutes before accident)
Mother saves 2-year-old son, is killed in escalator accident (July 27, 2015)
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After Monday's new credit card laws take effect, card issuers can no longer jack up interest rates on existing balances, for example. But those balances have been plunging over the past year.
It's a sign that, although the new law may be a win for consumers, it comes as the amount of credit available appears to be shrinking.
"At some point purse strings will loosen a bit on credit," says Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com, which tracks borrowing options for consumers. "But the qualification standards have changed."
The tightening of credit is something that typically accompanies recessions, he notes. And a return to some of the lax lending standards that existed before the recession would not be good for borrowers or banks.
At the same time, however, the contraction of credit in the past two years has been unusually severe. Many economists say the strength of an economic recovery will depend on how fast credit starts to flow in a normal way.
Consider this: Until the past year, the amount of revolving consumer credit (essentially credit cards) has risen for three decades through thick and thin. Even in the recessions of 1981, 1991, and 2001, the trend stayed positive, according to Federal Reserve data plotted by averaging the most recent three months and comparing them to the same period a year earlier. But for the recession that began in 2007, this number has dived below zero into outright decline. The most recent plot on the chart, from Wells Fargo Securities, shows revolving credit declining at nearly a 10 percent annual rate.
The decline has several causes. Some borrowers are moving to pare their debt load, while others defaulted on their debt because of a job loss. Banks, facing a surge in delinquent loans, scrambled to reduce their risks by closing down credit accounts or imposing tighter limits on borrowing.
Banks also knew that curbs on some of their fee and billing practices – the law that went into effect this week – were on the way. That Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act is prompting card issuers to rethink their business models, even as they're also dealing with recession-related losses. The law is forcing banks to reduce some fees, but some reports [link to tracey's second piece] show they have begun to boost other fees or add new ones.
"Probably because of the act, they are a little more cautious" about new card lending, says Yasmine Kamaruddin, an economist at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, N.C.
As card issuers have tried to cut exposure to various risks, the number of Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards in circulation dropped 15 percent in 2009, according to the Associated Press. Banks have also lowered the credit limits for millions of accounts.
When will credit conditions improve?
Perhaps it will start happening soon. But so far, numbers gathered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. show that banks still confront a worrisome level of bad loans, although the problem may be peaking.
In the third quarter of 2009, some 3.4 percent of all credit card loans were "noncurrent," according to the FDIC data. That's much worse than the bad-loan level at the start of 2009 (2.8 percent) or two years before (1.9 percent). But it was better than in the second quarter of last year, when 3.6 percent of credit card loans were noncurrent.
"Stability will go a long way toward freeing up credit," says Mr. McBride in North Palm Beach, Fla. "Stability in terms of the economy, and in loan defaults."