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By Daniel Burke, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor
(CNN) – For Southern Baptist pastor Tim Reed, it was Scripture versus the Scouts.
"God's word explicitly says homosexuality is a choice, a sin," said Reed, pastor of First Baptist Church of Gravel Ridge in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
So when the Boy Scouts of America voted to lift its ban on openly gay youths on May 24, Reed said the church had no choice but to cut its charter with Troop 542.
"It's not a hate thing here," Reed told CNN affiliate Fox 16. "It's a moral stance we must take as a Southern Baptist church."
Southern Baptist leaders say Reed is not alone.
Baptist churches sponsor nearly 4,000 Scout units representing more than 100,000 youths, according to the Boy Scouts of America.
That number could drop precipitously.
The Southern Baptist Convention, the country's largest Protestant denomination, will soon urge its 45,000 congregations and 16 million members to cut ties with the Scouts, according to church leaders.
The denomination will vote on nonbinding but influential resolutions during a convention June 11-12 in Houston.
"There's a 100% chance that there will be a resolution about disaffiliation at the convention," said Richard Land, the longtime head of the Southern Baptists' Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, "and a 100% chance that 99% of people will vote for it."
"Southern Baptists are going to be leaving the Boy Scouts en masse," Land continued.
Roger "Sing" Oldham, a spokesman for the Southern Baptist Convention, emphasized that local congregations make their own decision on the Scouts.
But he, too, said he expects Baptist delegates, which the church calls "messengers," to voice their disagreement with the BSA's decision to allow gay youths.
"With this policy change, the Boy Scouts' values are contradictory to the basic values of our local churches," Oldham said.
Several religious groups with strong Scouting ties support the new policy.
"We have heard from both those who support the amended policy and those who would have preferred it would not have changed," said BSA spokesman Deron Smith.
Faith-based organizations charter more than 70% of Scout chapters, providing meeting space and leadership, according to the BSA.
"There have been some organizations that have decided not to renew their charters with Scouting," said Smith, "but we can't quantify the impact of the amended policy."
The National Jewish Committee on Scouting, the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors more Scout units than any other faith, all endorsed the change.
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting, which is run with oversight from a bishop, said Thursday that allowing gay youths in the Scouts does not conflict with church teaching. Each bishop will decide whether or not to allow churches in his diocese to charter Scout units, the committee added.
"We ask that Catholic Scouters and chartered organization heads not rush to judgment," said Edward Martin, chairman of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.
But the Rev. Derek Lappe, pastor of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Bremerton, Washington, has already made up his mind.
"I do not feel that it is possible for us to live out, and to teach, the authentic truth about human sexuality within the confines of the Boy Scout's new policy," said Lappe.
The priest told CNN affiliate FOX16 that his parish will part ways with the Scouts and develop its own programs.
There may soon be an alternative to the Scouts for social conservatives like Lappe.
John Stemberger, founder of On My Honor, a group that opposed the Scouts' change in policy, plans to convene conservatives in Louisville, Kentucky, in June to consider forming a new Scout-like group, which could be up and running by the end of 2013.
"Churches and Scoutmasters are looking for leadership and direction," said Stemberg, an attorney in Orlando, Florida.
A number of conservative religious denominations already sponsor their own groups.
For instance, the Southern Baptists have the Royal Ambassadors, an explicitly Christian program founded in 1908 for boys in first through sixth grade. (A similar group called Challengers equips older boys in "mission education.")
The name comes from the New Testament, in which the Apostle Paul tells Christians to be "ambassadors for Christ."
The estimated 31,000 Royal Ambassadors pledge " to become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ; to have a Christlike concern for all people; to learn how to carry the message of Christ around the world; to work with others in sharing Christ; and to keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body."
While not as outdoorsy as the Boy Scouts, Ambassadors do camp and play sports, said Land, who was a member of the group during the 1950s. But instead of merit badges for archery and bird study, young Ambassadors earn patches for memorizing Bible verses and mission work.
Southern Baptists said they are preparing for a surge of interest in the Royal Ambassadors at their upcoming convention in Houston.
"We really have an opportunity here to strengthen our RA programs," the Rev. Ernest Easley, chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee, said in a sermon last Sunday, "and to get the boys in a program where they're going to be protected, where there's a high moral standard and where they will have an opportunity to learn about camping, missions, evangelism in the local church."
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Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!! ;)
I say good riddance. I used to ignore the boyscouts at the grocery store because of their ban against my people. Now, I'll gladly buy whatever it is their selling, provided it isn't too devastating to my diet. lol
Gee lil' Johnny, do you want to go camping, fishing, & hiking or sit around and memorize bible verses?
Organizations that fail to conform to the changing cultural values of a society will be expected to wither and die away. It's called progress.
We don't want to promote homosexuality to children, we simply want Homosexual parents to be able to bond with their children in every way that straight parents do. The ridiculous ban on homosexuals from the scouts only serves to draw unneeded barriers between good upstanding members of the community. Also, there is such a thing as gay children. some of them discover that about themselves early. It's not something they choose, it's just who they are. It makes no sense to single them out and turn them away from society for simply being honest with themselves.
@Holo Gram How does simply allowing gay citizens to participate in scouting activities amount to "promoting" LGBT issues?
I wonder what the impact of "promoting" LGBT issues is likely to be. Is there a concern that children born heterosexual might be led astray and become homosexual? Doesn't that sound a bit ridiculous to you? You could promote any sexual orientation you felt like, and it isn't going to change peoples inherent sexual orientation. This business of "promoting" seems utterly ridiculous. All the LGBT community is requesting, is that they are not treated as flawed, or in some way inferior because of their sexual orientation.
I still don't understand what people mean by LGBT issues, or women's issues or any shit like that. Last I checked those are human issues, and all they seem to want is to be treated like everyone else.
Things will still be exactly the same, just with LGBT people being members.
Holo, smoking is a choice! Are you saying that sexual orientation is a choice too? That would be insane. Your point appears to indicate that if youngsters are around other youngsters who are gay, they may be "tempted". When did you consciously decide to be straight? Do you really think your sexual orientation would have been different if you had been in communities supportive of gays?
Is being a Baptist, 'a choice'?
I know that, for me, being atheist was a choice. Leaving the church was a choice. Starting out catholic was 'demanded of me because of family expectations and sunday school attendance'.
Happily the early experience did not take. They did a very good job of causing me to 'start asking questions'. At some point, I sort of 'wandered out of the fold', and did not find any wolves with big teeth, just more people with different questions, and a few possible answers.
In your last paragraph, you describe homosexuality as "unnatural" three times. And then you link AIDS, drugs and violence to homosexuality. How very prejudicial. I feel I am lucky to have survived the moral whitewater ride it must have been, growing up as a lesbian, according to you. Without our "unnatural" behaviour, society would be less exposed to AIDS, drugs and violence?
The opinion you present seems to be a really good example of why we need better education for our children.


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She is coming to life as I stitched her face and hands!
It takes a long time to create heirlooms. Photos and information on this blog are not free to be pinned, copied, or transferred without my permission. Please be cyber savvy and ask before taking.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Face and Hands
3 comments:
- The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...
You are right. She is starting to have personality.
- November 23, 2014 at 5:56 PM
- Samplings from Spring Creek said...
She is coming to life and she's beautiful
- November 24, 2014 at 11:53 AM
- NCPat said...
- November 24, 2014 at 11:57 AM
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subset: commoncrawl


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Drove my dirty outback through a river too quick, now it revs itself out, like the cable is stuck on! the cable isn't the issue though as it works fine.
I've unplugged the top 3 plugs that go into the throttle body. had no effect and car still revs out.
I've been driving it in 4-5th gear with the brakes on to keep it at 60km. And turning the car off and holding the clutch in once there's a down hill or it wants to go faster than set speed limit, than releasing the clutch to start it again and speed back up. Google forum search was no help!
any suggestions, besides burning the car and claiming insurance, is welcome.


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The Story Scripting process applies whether working 1:1 on a career-related story or developing a multifaceted corporate campaign. After an initial discussion, you'll receive a Story Scope document detailing the action plan, timeline, and appointed team (for large engagements).
talk. explore.
First, I ask questions about your story. This inquiry explores, uncovers, and investigates all facets of the message you want to communicate. You may choose to include the Deep Dive.
write. believe.
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Story Scripting for Individuals
Story Scripting services are right for you if you are seeking change in your professional life, or if you have a significant upcoming event (such as a move into a new leadership role, a major presentation or meeting, the kick off of a key project). Or, if you just feel that your professional story is stale and needs a refresh. My services are part executive coaching, part communication support – truly a perfect combination for many professionals. There's much more information including descriptions of my service packages for individuals here.
Story Scripting for Organizations
Team, group and organizational Story Scripting packages are tailored to each situation. Services range from group coaching, workshops, and meeting facilitation to larger corporate projects such as mission/vision development, employment branding, benefit communications, and more. Larger assignments are often undertaken in partnership with Smith Communication Partners. To learn more about these services, contact me.
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The Deep Dive Assessment provides you with a quick but intense look at yourself. You'll complete an online assessment, and using your personalized report as a benchmark, together we'll examine crucial findings and create a road map for furthering your professional and personal mindfulness and purpose. The Deep Dive Assessment is a great way to jump start your way to change, and can be used in a 360 degree scenario as well (where others also assess you). The foundation of the assessment is the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment and is a nice complement to the Myers Brigg's Type Indicator® and DISC®. Learn more here or contact me to get started.
Script Your Story BootCamps are intensive, 1-3 day small group sessions. The work is fun yet focused, and lays the foundation for profound progress. To inquire about upcoming SYS BootCamps or to discuss a custom BootCamp for your organization, drop me a line here.


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Not too long ago, I told you about the upcoming Aussie comedy Outland, which is about a group of self-professed gay geeks. It look like a cross between The Big Bang Theory and Glee, but minus the music (although star Christina Anu is an accomplished vocalist). Anu plays lesbian character Rae, and we finally get our first look at the the group in this photo released by ABC.
In a press release, producer Laura Waters said:
It's exciting, for sure, but I'm still leery of why there is only one female in the crew. Rae should have some girl friends (or girlfriends), in my opinion. But we'll have to see what happens when it airs next summer. There are really so many possibilities to explore with a gay sci-fi club, like gay comics, the queering of so many movies and video games —; it's pretty much an untapped resource on television. Lucky Aussies!
Anu is straight, but ran into some allegations of homophobia back in 2007 when a policeman asked her if she was a lesbian and she reportedly acted offended. She cleared it up in the press, though, saying:
Even though we won't see the series until next year, they've wrapped the final episode, which all goes down on Gay Pride.
How do you think it'll go over down under? I'm hoping it's successful and makes a crossover to the U.S.


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Events for August 22, 2019 › Cleanups
Events Search and Views Navigation
10:00 am
Coastal Cleanup Day Packing Party
Our 35th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day is on Saturday, September 21st from 9am-12pm! At last year's event, 6,800 volunteers removed over 138,000 pounds of litter and debris from 106 sites throughout San Diego! This incredible impact was made possible by volunteers like you at the Packing Party last August, who assembled the supplies for each … ContinuedFind out more »


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Alláh'u'Abhá Dear Friends!
In light of the historic opportunities inherent in this time, the year of the bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh, we as a global community have been called upon to raise the call of "Yá Bahá'u'l-Abhá!" in our homes, amongst friends, family, coworkers, and strangers alike. We have the unique opportunity, one imbued with unprecedented divine assistance to aid in our efforts to spread the glad-tidings of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh. We are encouraged to open our hearts, our homes, our very lives to the tremendous joy that comes hand in hand with sharing the Word of God! We need not be daunted by grand gestures, nor need we be intimidated by our self-perceived weaknesses. Now is the time to stir from our couches, and begin reaching out with this most precious gift in any and every way that we can. Now is the time for individuals to take initiative, no matter how insignificant it may seem, for we need only ask and the Concourse on High will rush to our aid!
The Memphis cluster has formed a Bicentenary Committee to aid in the efforts of the friends in this "single greatest worldwide opportunity there has ever been for connecting hearts to Baha'u'llah." Please look for updates from us, and do not hesitate to contact us for support.
With loving regards,
Bicentenary Committee
Sharghi Rahmanian, Chair


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So for the first time in 5 years I am headed to Disneyland. The first half of December is always my favorite time to go, because of the decorations and holiday attractions, and the crowds are typically moderate, usually no more than 30-45 minute wait for most things (RSS not being one of those things.) But I'm planning to go the week of Dec 10 and I noticed Disneyland is open until midnight and California Adventure is open until 10 on weeknights. I do not remember the hours being crazy like that, I think Disneyland closed at 10:00 previously. I'm also finding it awkward that the parks close 2 hours earlier than this the week after... ummm, don't some schools start winter break that week?
Anyway, I'm just wondering how busy it's going to be. I find it strange that the weeknights on the week of Dec 10 have the same hours as Thanksgiving weekend.


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After using blogger over the past couple of years, sharing discoveries I like and creative inspiration by the many amazing creative talent out there. I decided to move the blogging to tumblr which I find more visual, cleaner and fun to use. So if you would like to continue following my posts click here.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Time for a move
After using blogger over the past couple of years, sharing discoveries I like and creative inspiration by the many amazing creative talent out there. I decided to move the blogging to tumblr which I find more visual, cleaner and fun to use. So if you would like to continue following my posts click here.
Friday, 4 November 2011
Ross McEwan
Ross McEwan recieved acclaim with the "Computer Arts Graduate Showcase" award as one of the top 6 illustrators in 2010, as well as selection for the "AOI Images 35 Annual" . Over his first year since graduating in 2010 Ross has recieved work for clients such as Popshot magazine, Diagram Design, Vodka Revolution, Push Music, FD2D Magazine as well as founding and Self Directing the Art for Dark Walls Collective
Radio Soulwax
soulwax 'machine' from Radio Soulwax on Vimeo.
Radio Soulwax. so it's a radio station, but not as you know it. For now, it's a growing collection of 24 one hour-long mixes with visuals that we are sharing with you for free, and hopefully it will become a platform for many more things to come. We call them mixes, but in reality they are more like musical films based on the record sleeves.
Ashkan Honarvar
The saying goes that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It occurs in places you least expect. Revealing its art in the human body, but also cruelly absent in the presence of deformations and scars. Ashkan Honarvar (1980) depicts an undeniable, unavoidable beauty by accepting the darker sides of human 'nature'.
The body, torn by acts of war, exploited by the sex industry or used as a tool for seeking identity, is the focal point of his work.This constitutes a search for a universal representation of the evil latent in every human, providing an opportunity for reflection. His aesthetic dissection has an intriguing macabre nature, which opens the images to interpretation.
Honarvar's almost empiric exploration of the human condition knows no bounds. Its goal; the indefinable core.
Titus Verheijen
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Erik Jones
Erik Jones graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 07. For Illustration. Now focusing on Contemporary figure painting and cover illustration.
atelier olschinsky founded in 2002 is a small creative studio based in Vienna, Austria. Peter Olschinsky and Verena Weiss are operating in various fields such as graphic design, illustration, photography and art direction. In addition to their jobs for clients they also run several independent projects, always trying to develop and refine their work. "It is just so important to work as much as you can, to learn and to be open to new things. The journey is the award."
Monday, 12 September 2011
Savoir Faire - GOIN'IN"
"GOIN'IN" - OFFICIAL VIDEO from Savoir Faire on Vimeo.
Tron on acid.
Dudes Factory - Create your own
Dudes Factory is a new kind of creative label, exploring alternative ways to connect and collaborate. Every month, they invite different artists to work together to create collections for the Dudes Factory. The designs from these collections are the raw materials for the LAB, our online software for customers to remix and individualize Dudes' products. The result is a creative universe of fashion, art and design that continually changes and grows.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Tremaine Harris - Atmospheric Collection
Tremaine Harris from South Florida creates amazing abstract art, working in various mediums to create dynamic planes that incorporate sculptural and architectural qualities in a virtual ,3d modeled/,digital works.
Posted by Bryan Riddle at 11:53 No comments:
Vincent Peters - Stunning cinematic work
Vincent Peters
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Discover how Winfund's W.compliance module can play an integral role in facilitating your day to day compliance procedures. Our current solutions in the areas of Suitability Guidelines, Churning, KYC monitoring and IPC Reporting are proof positive that Winfund is staying ahead of the curve with respect to the significant & ongoing changes in the industry.
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text: Explore the beautiful city of The Hague and relax at the comfortable space of Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central. Our hotel is located in the vibrant heart of The Hague and is easily accessible by car and public transport. The hotel is within walking distance of several ministries and embassies, the bustling shopping centre, many theatres and the beach is just 15 minutes away. We have 159 stylish rooms and a cosy bar, where you can grab a bite to eat. Our hotel is also the perfect place to organize your meetings.


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CI news update for Mid-Autumn Festival and CCC cultural activities (Fall 2017)
November 25, 2017
Impressive Cultural Activities of the Fall Semester
Right after the Confucius Institute Day event, we celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival on October 2 at the University of South Florida (USF) Marshall Student Center Ballroom. More than 600 USF and community participants tasted moon cakes and enjoyed a variety of performances by professional and talented students. The performances included the opening Dragon Dance by the Mt. Song Martial Art Academy, dances by local Chinese American dance groups, qipao show by the Qipao Association of Overseas Chinese, a Chinese song by soprano Jingyi Wang (dean of the QU College of Arts), and several talent shows by American and Chinese students. For a selection of the event photos, please visit the USF World Facebook page.
The event was sponsored by the USF Confucius Institute and Chinese Students & Scholars Association. Co-sponsors included USF World, INTO USF, Chinese Culture & Language Club, and community organizations.
From October to November, in addition to CI lectures and other events, we organized three cultural activities attended by almost 300 students and community members. They are:
Participants were very interested in these events. The CI is planning to continue and improve such activities in the coming year.


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Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai'i
Foreign employees ask court to allow them to return to work
By Ferdie De La Torre
SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, Jan. 5, 2016) – The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and 18 of its foreign workers sued Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Charles Johnson and other federal officials yesterday over the delayed renewal of their Commonwealth-only worker, or CW-1, permits. CUC also asked the federal court to issue a temporary restraining order that would allow these CW-1 workers to immediately return to work.
CUC acting executive director Gary P. Camacho said the affected foreign workers are all technical specialists assigned at the main power plant in Lower Base on Saipan.
Aside from Johnson, other defendants in the lawsuit are Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Saarah Saldana and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services...
Vanuatu's Caretaker PM Approves Partial 2016 Budget Kilman steps in as dissolved parliament didn't pass budget
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Jan. 5, 2015) – Vanuatu's caretaker prime minister Sato Kilman has approved ten percent of a yet to be passed budget to prevent the administration from faltering.
No budget was passed last year and parliament has been dissolved.
The emergency measure was taken by Mr Kilman on his home island of Malekula because last Thursday was the last day of the government's 2015 financial year.
This followed on the advice of the former finance minister, Willie Jimmy, who contacted Mr Kilman because for the first time in the history of Vanuatu there is no minister, acting minister or care taker minister of finance.
Vanuatu will go to a snap election on January...
Two former Presidents face runoffs at the polls
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Jan. 5, 2015) – Voters in Kiribati will go to the polls this week in the second round of the election to choose a 44-member parliament.
Among the candidates who failed to win an outright majority in last week's first round is a former president, Teburoro Tito, who is running in South Tarawa against Maere Tekanene.
Another former president, Teatao Teannaki, is standing in the run-off for a remaining seat on Abaiang.
Eliminated in the first round were a government minister Tom Murdoch and the son of Anote Tong who is bowing out of polictics after serving three terms as president.
Impacts of Cyclone Ula mostly felt by farms
By Mere Naleba
SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Jan. 5, 2016) – A government assessment team will depart for Lau on Thursday to conduct an assessment on cyclone damage reported to the Commissioner Eastern's Office.
Provincial administrator Lau Eliki Masa said the teams would include officers from various government departments such as health officers, agricultural officers, those from the Department of Infrastructure and other agencies.
[PIR editor's note: On Jan. 5, 2016 the Fiji Times reported that 'The assessment team scheduled to leave for Lau on Thursday will be taking relief supplies including medicine, food ration, water tablets and other relief items that are readily available. ... Director NDMO...
PNG tourism promotion campaign to become photo book
By Catherine Graue
MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Jan. 4, 2016) – French photographer Marc Dozier captures a stunning series of portraits featuring Papua New Guinean Huli chief Mundiya Kepanga in some of America's biggest cities.
Mr Dozier first met Mr Kepanga 15 years ago when the photographer was travelling in PNG, and the chief was his guide.
The two stayed in close contact and in 2014, they were together when Mr Kepanga travelled to the US as part of a PNG tourism promotion.
"We were just like tourists. But of course Mundiya is not like normal tourists because he's different, he comes from a tribal society. So he had a special look on things," Mr Dozier told Pacific Beat.
They made the spontaneous decision to stay on in the US for another...
Labor law reforms needed to head of ILO inquiry
By Felix Chaudhary
SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Jan. 5, 2016) – The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says it is ready to hold talks with the Government and Fiji Trades Union Congress to resolve labour law issues — and hopefully bring an end to any inclination by the International Labour Organisation to appoint a Commission of Inquiry into Fiji.
FCEF chief executive Nesbitt Hazelman said because of the seriousness of the issue, he had deferred leave during the festive season to ensure his team was ready for discussions with the Government and FTUC in regards to labour law reforms.
"We have been told that the meetings will start on January 4 and that the Solicitor General, Mr Sharvada Sharma, will call meetings as chairman of the Employment Relations Advisory Board," he...
Torres raises contract worker, military training issue with President
By Dennis B. Chan
SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, Jan. 5, 2016) – Gov. Ralph DLG Torres drew the attention of U.S. President Barack Obama yesterday to the cut-back in business activity the CNMI has suffered after the federal government's delay in approving more than 2,000 contract worker renewals as of Jan. 1, the beginning of the new year.
"The timely processing of the CW workers requires immediate attention or our businesses will continue to suffer," Torres said in a letter to Obama yesterday.
Torres wrote to Obama to re-assert the official action of the late governor Eloy S. Inos last October, when the latter called for official consultation with the White House to discuss the impending phase out of contract worker program in 2019 and the U.S....
Growth for 2016 projected at 3 to 4 percent
By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno
TÃA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, Jan. 4, 2016) – If his forecast for a 3 to 4 percent economic growth for Guam materializes this year, the island may be able to absorb another minimum wage increase, local economist Joseph Bradley said Monday.
What's not clear yet, Bradley said, is whether that increase would be $1 hourly, similar to the amount minimum wage earners received last year.
On Jan. 1 last year, Guam's minimum wage increased to $8.25 an hour under local law, which made the local rate higher than the $7.25 set under federal law.
Local legislation initially proposed raising the minimum wage every Jan. 1 — over three years.
However, some members of the business community warned that annual increases would be too much for the...
Players joins tournament seeking to be seen by recruiters
By Fili Sagapolutele
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (The Samoa News, Jan. 4, 2016) – After more than a decade hosting the Samoa Bowl in the territory, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga wants high school senior football players to get more exposure off island where more college football recruiters are available and that's the reason the American Samoa All-Star Football Team is participating at a football tournament this week in Honolulu.
This is according to Education director Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau, who offered this explanation during a monthly press conference held last Wednesday, before the American Samoa delegation departed last Friday night for Hawai'i for the first annual JPS Paradise Football Classic at Aloha Stadium.
Also attending the news conference were...
44-year-old Nemra seen as a continuation of Loeak administration
By Giff Johnson
MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Marianas Variety, Jan. 5, 2016) – The Marshall Islands parliament elected its youngest President and only the second commoner as chief executive Monday morning in Majuro.
By a narrow vote, newcomer Casten Nemra, 44, defeated seven-term parliament veteran Alvin Jacklick, 17-16, demonstrating how evenly divided the 33-seat chamber is.
Nemra's election on his first day in the parliament representing Jaluit Atoll is another first for the Marshall Islands and reflects brilliant back-room maneuvering in the lead up to Monday's election by members of the government of outgoing President Christopher Loeak, who were led by Kwajalein senator and traditional chief Michael Kabua.
Nemra and new Speaker Kenneth Kedi, of...
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Pacific Islands Report is a nonprofit news publication of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Offered as a free service to readers, PIR provides an edited digest of news, commentary and analysis from across the Pacific Islands region, Monday - Friday.
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Men's Belts
Discover our collection of smart and stylish mens luxury belts, handmade in Britain. Black & Brown London's mens belts for jeans have all been made using exceptional quality Italian and Spanish leathers to create luxurious belts that will last. Choose from a range of colours, fabrics and designs to perfectly complement your style today, or browse our luxury women's range for the perfect gift.
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Jay Brass Buckle Brown Leather Jean Belt£ 75.00 Tag: no-color.
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Best Practice Capture, Handling and Restraint Program DVD Series
Animals on Film is pleased to announce the launch of the 'Best Practice Capture, Handling and Restraint Program DVD Series' for Wildlife Professionals. This education resource has been produced by a group of Zoo industry personnel who possess zoo keeping, education, veterinary nursing, research and film making expertise. The Snakes, Raptors and Zoonoses program's film footage has been based around interviews with recognized experts in the areas of Herpetology, Raptor management and Zoonotic disease.
The Best Practice Capture Handling and Restraint Programs are a useful resource especially if you are training new staff, or prior to working in a field research or captive environment where hand restraint and trapping techniques are required. The Zoonoses program is a must for any Occupation Health and Safety Department were staff are actively involved in the care or management of animals or their bi products. The programs aim to develop "Best Practice Animal Management" principles. Special attention is given to wildlife professionals working with fauna in a captive or field environment. In addition animal ethics and safety issues are listed for; capture restraint, husbandry and veterinary procedures.
Each volume offers a double disc set comprising 50 to 70 minutes of DVD vision in easily accessible chapters plus an ADOBE PDF manual on CD ROM.
The DVD can be viewed on a Computer or Television screen and is available in both PAL or NTSC Versions.
We currently now have a number of Australian and American TAFES and Colleges using our programs as support material for Zoo keeping and other animal management related courses. For independent reviews on our programs go to http://www.animalsonfilm.com/reviews-animal-handler-training.html
Program and Site license prices for the "Best Practice" Capture Handling and Restraint DVD Programs.
Site licences agreements can be obtained contact Jo Cowie at email@example.com to discuss your institutions or individuals specific needs.
Annual license Options per program (AUS)
Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four Year Five
Intra-net, computer or DVD use up to 40 students $220 $176 $154 $132 $110
Intra-net or computer or DVD use 40 to 80 students $520 $420 $320 $220 $220
Intra-net computer or DVD use 90 or more students $1,000 $720 $520 $320 $220
We offer organizations a "student program price" which is available in conjunction with any of the 5year license plans.
Programs available now (NTSC or Pal Versions)
Volume 1 Snakes Demonstrates capture, handling and restraint techniques in addition to basic veterinary and husbandry procedures used for venomous and non-venomous snake species.
Program Price $197.00 Aus
Snake DVD Chapter Information http://www.animalsonfilm.com/snakes-v1.html
Snake Manual Table of Contents http://www.animalsonfilm.com/snakestoc.html
Volume 4 Raptors Demonstrates capture and handling techniques, plus Animal Husbandry procedures appropriate for use with large and small raptor species.
Program Price $197.00 Aus
Raptor DVD Chapter Information http://www.animalsonfilm.com/raptors-v4.html
Raptor Manual Table of Contents http://animalsonfilm.com/raptorstoc.html
Volume 9 Zoonoses Presents comprehensive infectious disease information within 2 excel tables. The searchable tables show more than 350 Zoonotic diseases and their source animal hosts. The DVD program is based around interviews with specialist infectious disease Doctors, Parasitologists and Wildlife Veterinarians. Discussion and demonstration shows safe and effective work practices that can be used with biologically hazardous materials. In addition there are quarantine guidelines for bird, mammal and reptile species.
Program Price $237.00 Aus
Zoonoses DVD Chapter Information http://www.animalsonfilm.com/zoonoses-v9.html
Zoonoses Manual Table of Contents http://www.animalsonfilm.com/zoonosestoc.html
Please note that copyright laws, in regards to the "Best Practice Capture, Handling and Restraint Series" and its reproduction, protect this material. If you plan to use the programs for private use then please disregard this notice. If you do plan to use this material for teaching purposes then a site licence will need to be purchased.
We hope you continue to find this material useful and look forward to any comments or critique you would like to offer.
Animals on Film Wildlife Licences and Approvals
1. AEC Approval Number: DEC AEC /42 / 2006
AEC Approval Number: CAEC /46 / 2003
2. Science Project Plan Number (Science Division staff only)
CALM Animal Welfare Act 2002, Licence to use Animals for Scientific Purposes U10/2005
3. Licence to Take Fauna for Scientific Purposes Number: SC Reg 15
We look forward to your comments and questions. Zoos, Universities and Libraries please contact us if you require access guidelines and license information for intra-net or other uses.
Email contact at firstname.lastname@example.com
If you require more information visit our website http://www.animalsonfilm.com/
For Books on Zoo Management and more please visit
For regular updated Zoo News, Views, Reviews and Vacancies please visit
Zoo News Digest on
Learn More About Zoos and Aquariums by visiting
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Summer has hit with all of it's warmth and pollen. Summer isn't really my favorite season, I know to most people summer is THE best, but I prefer the cooler temperatures of fall, the mosquito-less days and humid-less nights. So it was HOT on the day we went garage saling and I didn't have too much time to be out because I had lots of responsibilities to attend to in the kitchen/cooking department. I'm happy with my finds though!
Both of the those Leap Frog Magnet sets were a dollar. I already have them but since they were so cheap I bought them for my nephew. My mom will probably keep that her house, she baby-sits him often. The Lake Shore Learning Counting Cakes was $4.00. There were so many awesome sets like this one that garage sale, I just didn't want to pay that much! They had a Lake Shore Learning Kitchen set, AMAZING, it was like $80 though. Somebody will be happy. The CARS sheet set was $2.00. And the book $1.00. All these things came from different sales.
2 Toy Story shirts-.25 (For Laffy Taffy for pajamas.) The little sweat pants are for my nephew .25 and the Keens are for Marshmallow for next year~$1.00.
Some more tops for me. Remember I'm rebuilding my wardrobe after dropping 45+ pounds! From left to right: .75, $1.00 & .25. (All size large)
Also for me from left to right: Denim shorts~.50, denim capri overalls (LOVE)~$2.00, Plaid capris~.50, khaki shorts~.50. (size large or 12)
Two fall shirts for Chocolate Taffy. $1.00 each.
I almost forgot to mention…I actually went thrift store shopping on Monday too. Banana Taffy needed some stuff, we didn't find anything for him, but I found some things for other people. It was half-price day at both places I went, so if you see a tag, it was 1/2 of that.
Two pair of Khaki pants for Chocolate Taffy. He got a job working at Target (discounts for Momma!), so he needed some pants. $2.50 each and they are both GAP.
Shoes for me. Suede leather boots~$1.49, flip flops with charms~$2.50. CUTE!
For me, left to right or front to back depending on your perspective: Fancy shirt (new) $7.50, black Talbots shirt~$2.00, white shirt~$2.00, lavender t.shirt~$2.00, Floral Laura Ashley Top~$2.50 (LOVE), pink Land's End shirt~$1.50 and Brand New white Skirt $7.50.
For Bubble Gum: Land's End pajamas~$1.50, under shirt~.50, white tights~.50.
For Laffy Taffy: His friend gave him a suit, which he has been begging me to wear but he didn't have all the pieces, well now he does! Shoes~$2.00, socks~.50, shirt~$2.00.
And finally…for Banana Taffy, but he actually bought it with his own money, a 1989 Thunderbird for $1500. Having a child with his own vehicle is a blessing and a little bit scary!
How did you do? Did you find any treasures? Please share your finds with us by linking up below! If you've never joined us before, please read this post first!
Let the bragging begin!


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2009 Women's Shot Put
Stephanie Scaramella (Yale), Emily Daly (Dartmouth), Brynn Smith (Brown), Danielle Grunloh (Brown), Thanithia Billings (Princeton), Christina Alexander (Dartmouth). Brown junior Danielle Grunloh became just the third Ivy Leaguer to put the shot 50 feet at Indoor Heps, winning the event with a distance of 50-10 3/4. Her victory is Brown's seventh in the shot, but the first for the Bears since 2002.


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Path of the Masters: Sant Mat - Santmat, Radhasoami - Radha Soami, Satsang, Inner Light and Sound Meditation: Surat Shabd Yoga, Audible Life Stream, Quan Yin Method, Spiritual Science, Spirituality, Kabir, Maharshi Mehi, Kirpal Singh, Gnosticism, Third Eye, Out Of Body Experiences, Near-Death Experiences, Inner Space, the Kingdom of the Heavens Within, Mystic Poetry, Vegetarian Vegan, Ahimsa, Love, and God. The term "Sant Mat" was coined by Sant Tulsi Sahib of Hathras during the 19th Century.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Rumi and the Sufi Poet-Mystics, Part One: Visions of Allah - Program Length: 60 Minutes. Click to Download MP3 and Hear This Edition of Spiritual Awakening Radio
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REC Group - Effects from applying IFRS accounting principles
The transition from NGAAP to IFRS will entail certain accounting changes to the audited consolidated results of the REC Group. These changes will be applied in full to the Group Income Statement and the Balance Sheet for 2005 but will have no cash effect.
The most material effect of the transition to IFRS relates to the standards IAS 32 and IAS 39, concerning Financial Instruments. For the REC Group, this concerns the fair value of two foreign currency convertible bonds with a nominal value EUR 31 million and USD 140 million, respectively. Due to the fact that the bonds are nominated in foreign currencies, IFRS implies that they are fully accounted for as debt in the Balance Sheet as per 31 December 2005, whereas the estimated change in fair value of the convertible element is fully charged to the Group Income Statement for 2005.
The estimated effect of change in fair value of these convertible instruments will have a negative effect of approximately NOK 500 million on profit before taxes, whereas the negative effect on net profit after taxes will be around NOK 340 million due to a resulting increase in deferred taxes.
There will also be certain transition changes related to IAS 3 - Business Combinations and IAS 31 - Interest in Joint Ventures. Under IFRS, the subsidiary Solar Grade Silicon LLC ("SGS") will be consolidated according to the Joint Venture method during the period January - July 2005.
Other transition changes, including the implementation of IAS 16 - Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 19 - Employee Benefits, are not considered to be significant.
The REC Group will present its preliminary results for 2005 on March 1 2006. For more information, please contact;
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Friday, August 26, 2011
Frosted Soft Sugar Cookies
I've been slacking on the blog. I made these cookies nearly 2 weeks ago but haven't gotten around to posting yet. I have grand dreams of getting up to daily posting one of these days....well at least 5 days a week. What I found is it's easy to get behind. And I could kick myself because somehow I completely blanked on the last post on 8/21 concluding the Sweet Melissa Sundays baking group. Though the last 2 weeks have been busy, I'm ready to get back in business here...Starting with these frosted soft sugar cookies.
I first saw these cookies on Tracey's Culinary Adventures. She posted them 2 days before I was leaving for my annual girls getaway to the desert. My two pals and I usually take 3 days off of work every summer and sojourn to the 110 degree heat of the desert for a little food (ok, a lot of food), a little sun (we, or me I should say, spend quite a bit of time in the shade or mostly submerged in the pool) and a little shopping. Normally this type of cookie wouldn't make it on my must make list mostly because I'm not a big fan of sugar cookies. But I was thinking of my girls knowing this is exactly the type of cookie that would put a little sparkle in their eyes. So the day before we left I got busy.
Like Tracey, I decided to only make half the recipe given I would not be partaking in the finished product. Half a recipe yielded 12 large soft, tender, cakey sugar cookies. I did take one bite out of one cookie for the sake of a photo and I thought I should at least try it, even if it's not my favorite. kind of cookie. They tasted ok to me, but I'm not really a good judge. Hubby tasted one and I thought he would like them because he's a big proponent of sugar cookies and sweet frosting, but apparently he wasn't in love either. He said he didn't care for the texture and they were too soft, sticking to the roof of his mouth. My girls seemed to enjoy them however, polishing off every last one that I brought along on the trip. I'll take that as a good sign.
These are easy and fun cookies to make. You can can get creative with your frosting by tinting it with various shades of food coloring and decorating it with festive sprinkles or candies, personalizing it for any occasion.
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
from Annie's Eats (adapted from Hostess with the Mostess) via Tracey's Culinary Adventures)
For the Cookies:
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
5 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
5 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
7-8 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside. Cream butter and sugar in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time into the butter sugar mixture. Add vanilla and mix until fully combined. Turn mixer to low and gradually add the flour until just incorporated. Cover dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Once dough is chilled, preheat oven to 350 and prepare 2 baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a large ice cream scoop (about 1/4 cup) to scoop out dough and roll into a ball. Place the ball of dough on the parchment and press down to flatten slightly spacing at least 2 inches apart. I baked 6 per sheet. Bake for 12-13 minutes and edges are just set. Cookies will be pale in color. Cool the baking sheets on a wire rack for about 5 minutes and then transfer the cookies directly to the rack to complete cooling.
In a medium to large bowl whisk the confectioners sugar, butter, milk and vanilla together. Add more milk if necessary to achieve desired frosting consistency. You want it a little thick so it doesn't run over the sides of the cookie. You can also add additional confectioner's sugar if you want a thicker consistency. Add food coloring if you want to tint your frosting.
Once cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on the top of the cookie leaving a 1/4 edge around the top. Decorate with sprinkles or candies if using. See cookies aside (or place in the refrigerator) to allow the frosting to set.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Yields 24 large cookies
2 comments:
I'm glad you friends enjoyed them Gloria! I have to wait at least another month to make them since I polished off the last batch I made all by myself. Clearly I have zero will power. Love the sprinkles on yours!ReplyDelete
These cookies look great! I love soft sugar cookies, so I am definitely going to be trying this recipe out! Visiting from the SRC Cookie party. Thanks for posting!!ReplyDelete
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Discover The Grande Clubhouse
Your new exceptional lifestyle starts each day at the heart of the community, the Grande Clubhouse. Dine restaurant-style in our Sensations dining room. The culinary team, led by an executive chef, creates delicious meals from scratch using the freshest ingredients available. Select your favorite or explore international cuisine from the daily menu and receive friendly service from our gracious team. The full-time activities director makes sure there is always something fun and interesting happening around the community. Check the calendar and choose your adventure for the day! With so much going on, you are sure to find something that interests you.


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10 Free Pairs of Waldo Contact Lenses - Only $2.95 Shipping
All hail non-prescription sunglasses…
Waldo daily contact lenses have a high oxygen permeability, UV protection, and an 8.5mm base curve.
Get 10 pairs of contacts for free through this limited time trial offer. Just cover $2.95 for shipping and they'll deliver in 2-3 days.
They'll deliver your lenses to your door as you need them for $18 per box of 30 lenses, with free delivery.
Modify, pause, or cancel your subscription at anytime online. It's no commitment and hassle-free.
Pro tip: If you visit an eye doctor regularly, your eye prescription should be on file. If you don't have your eye prescription at the ready, you should be able to call or visit your eye doctor to get it.
This offer is only valid for residents of:
- United States


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|99 years
|Site Area
|150,651 sq ft
|Types of units
|1 Bedrm+Study – est 490 to 530 sq ft Price starts from $6XX K) – 69 units2 Bedrm est 590 to 810 sq ft – 38 units2 Bedrm+Study est 630 to 870 sq ft – 164 units3 Bedroom est 710 to 1160 sq ft – 192 units4 Bedroom est 1230 to 1450 sq ft – 53 units
Penthouse est 2050 to 2570 sq ft – 3 units
Forestwood Residences is the latest condominium development in the heart of Serangoon Central by reputable Singapore developer, CDL.
It is only at max, a 3-minute walk from the Serangoon MRT interchange station that links to the North East and Circle MRT lines. NEX mega shopping mall is just a 5-minute walk away.
You are within easy reach of delicious food in eateries nearby and good schools such as Zhonghua Secondary School, Yangzheng Primary School, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School and Maris Stella High School are nearby.
FOREST WOODS@LOR LIEW LIAN will be a highly sought after development for rental due to its convenient District 8 city fringe location, building quality and amenities.
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Court
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- Outdoor fitness court
- Meditation court
- Boardwalk


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Sweetwater district officials are investigating why a school bus was seen dropping off non-students at a local dental office.
District officials were alerted to the unauthorized trip by NBC 7 Investigates team.
Stewart Payne, an Eastlake Middle parent and outspoken critic of the district, snapped photos Friday morning of a Sweetwater bus making a drop-off at the Chula Vista Smiles dental office on K Street.
An adult, a young adult and a small child exited the bus, Payne said. He says he observed them having several minutes of conversation with the bus driver from the sidewalk, and then walking into the pediatric dental offices.
Chief Facilities Director Thomas Calhoun said the district is taking the issue very seriously.
"This is not something that we take lightly," Calhoun said. "Obviously, our resources are important. Because of state problems with funding for our schools, transportation has taken a big hit – about $1 million over the last year. So, we're doing a lot more with less and we need to do that with the public faith behind us."
Calhoun said no students were involved in the trip to the dentist's office.
Payne said he's concerned that Sweetwater could face potential insurance liabilities if bus drivers are transporting passengers that are not students.
"It's dangerous," Payne said. "We've got buses available and they should be transporting kids, not whoever was on this bus."
The district recently shaved about $800,000 from its $8 million transportation budget by cutting 13 bus routes, which angered some parents.
"That's why it caught my attention," Payne said.
The bus was about 6 miles away from its last drop off when the pictures were snapped the district said.
Calhoun said after the trip was brought to the district's attention by NBC 7 Investigates team, officials reviewed data from the GPS sensors equipped on Sweetwater buses to determine the bus was parked outside the dental office for about 5 minutes when it should have been back at the bus hanger on L Street.
Payne said he thinks the district's problems start at the top.
"They have a significant budget problem, and they cut buses to address that budget problem, but the real issue here is poor decision making," Payne said.
Follow NBC 7 for the latest news, weather, and events: iPad App | iPhone App | Android App | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Text Alerts | Email Alerts


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"Beer here! Get your ice-cold beer! How about you sir? Or you? Beer? Please? Maybe a nice sparkling wine?"
Unless you have been breathing fresh air and enjoying the forgotten frivolities of life over the past week, in one way or another, you've made some sort of stand and are caught in the middle of the pop-off at the Cambridge Corral. President Obama is set to meet with Professor Gates and Sergeant Crowley on Thursday for beers at the White House. All three are poised to shoot the breeze about race relations and learn from this very "teachable moment." Ironically, the one person who might be taught a lesson in the law of unwittingly becoming a witness is President Obama.
In this not so tepid climate concerning race relations, police misconduct, and alleged unpleasantness hurled at an officer's "mama," there is one kernel of veracity everyone can agree on — President Obama is already in the unique position of personally speaking with both parties. Without question, Mr. Obama is a witness to statements made by both Sergeant Crowley and Professor Gates.
This raises a somewhat novel question left unaddressed by every major and minor media outlet in the world (yes, this is a Cube exclusive) — will Obama have to produce sworn testimony as a witness at some point should the legal napalm drop? Yes.
The president is privy to conversations which would absolutely be relevant to any sort of lawsuit launched by either party. Crowley stated he is contemplating suing Gates for "defamation." Certainly, Gates has a plethora of options if he decides to sue Crowley and the Cambridge Police Department.
The constitutional implications of a sitting president being compelled to testify as a non-party witness (in deposition, interrogatories, or actual live testimony should a trial ensue) are, at a minimum, murky. Issues with regard to immunity would probably arise at the behest of any White House Counsel worth a darn, however, this is not a case where the President is being sued or charged with a crime — he is a witness. This much, one can easily conclude. Furthermore, whether his testimony is taken during or after his term is not an issue. At some point, should a lawsuit hit the court files, President Obama will be a witness. Statements by the parties are unquestionably discoverable under the rules of civil procedure (both federal and state).
As luck would have it, we can look to the case of William Jefferson Clinton v. Paula Courbin Jones for some guidance. In fact, we can go all the way back to the treason case of Aaron Burr when he popped a cap in Alexander Hamilton and killed him in a pistol duel to the death. While not on all fours and barking, Clinton v. Jones speaks to this and other matters concerning the sworn testimony of a sitting president. Justice Stevens cites a few examples of such in our rich history:
[I]t is also settled that the President is subject to judicial process in appropriate circumstances. Although Thomas Jefferson apparently thought otherwise, Chief Justice Marshall, when presiding in the treason trial of Aaron Burr, ruled that a subpoena duces tecum could be directed to the President. United States v. Burr, 25 F. Cas. 30 (No. 14,692d) (CC Va. 1807). 38 We unequivocally and emphatically endorsed Marshall's position when we held that President Nixon was obligated to comply with a subpoena commanding him to produce certain tape recordings of his conversations with his aides. United States v. Nixon, 418 U.S. 683 (1974). As we explained, "neither the doctrine of separation of powers, nor the need for confidentiality of high level communications, without more, can sustain an absolute, unqualified Presidential privilege of immunity from judicial process under all circumstances." Id., at 706. 39
Sitting Presidents have responded to court orders to provide testimony and other information with sufficient frequency that such interactions between the Judicial and Executive Branches can scarcely be thought a novelty. President Monroe responded to written interrogatories, see Rotunda, Presidents and Ex Presidents as Witnesses: A Brief Historical Footnote, 1975 U. Ill. L. F. 1, 5-6, President Nixon–as noted above–produced tapes in response to a subpoena duces tecum, see United States v. Nixon, President Ford complied with an order to give a deposition in a criminal trial, United States v. Fromme, 405 F. Supp. 578 (ED Cal. 1975), and President Clinton has twice given videotaped testimony in criminal proceedings, see United States v. McDougal, 934 F. Supp. 296 (ED Ark. 1996); United States v. Branscum, No., LRP-CR%96-49 (ED Ark., June 7, 1996). Moreover, sitting Presidents have also voluntarily complied with judicial requests for testimony. President Grant gave a lengthy deposition in a criminal case under such circumstances, R. Rotunda & J. Nowak, Treatise on Constitutional Law �7.1 (2d ed. 1992), and President Carter similarly gave videotaped testimony for use at a criminal trial, ibid.
In sum, "[i]t is settled law that the separation of powers doctrine does not bar every exercise of jurisdiction over the President of the United States." Fitzgerald, 457 U.S., at 753 -754.
So, what can we take from the lesson of President Clinton and his tryst with the effervescent Ms. Jones? Well, unlike Clinton, Obama is not being sued. He is a witness. Just as Chief Justice Marshall compelled items from President Jefferson for purposes of the treason case and Aaron Burr, it is not too far a stretch to argue Obama could be compelled to testify, at some point, in the matter should civil suits fly. For purposes of this hypothetical, it does not matter when the president testifies — only that he is a witness that could testify. Why his attorneys allowed these conversations to take place and are allowing for future evidence to surface during the Obama Beer Festival is simply beyond me from a legal point of view. From a political point of view however, I think we all get it. Maybe. Obama is in a tough spot at a minimum. A spot, he put himself into.
Think about it. It does not take a lawyer to realize that Obama has critical and relevant information. The lawyer for Crowley would be an utter fool to not attempt to secure that evidence. Likewise, the attorney for Gates would be derelict in his duties to ignore the statements Crowley made to the president. The Clinton case provides examples of other presidents over the course of American history either testifying or at some being compelled to produce items (that' what a subpoena duces tecum is). President Jefferson apparently had some item or document The United States Supreme Court demanded. Carter, Ford, George H.W. Bush, and other Presidents have provided evidence — or in the case of Nixon, provided evidence because he was too stupid to destroy it.
Regardless, President Obama is a witness. Should civil cases come to fruition — people are going to want to know what was said in every phone conversations. Lawyers will completely dissect each and every moment of the Big Beer Brew Ha Ha. It is not patently absurd to surmise that Crowley and/or Obama will stick their guns and stubbornness. Unlike the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, disputes are settled in court (at least that's where they are supposed to be resolved) and not with the quick draws from the likes of modern day Doc Hollidays and Wyatt Earps. Whether the president would have to testify while he sits in office is not really pertinent to this discussion. The only conclusion one can justly reach is simple: The President is now a potential witness.
That being said, Obama is trying to avoid this situation. Society, as most would claim, is too litigious as it is, and the president's intent is novel and healthy. The problem with the aforementioned premise is it assumes people have benevolent motives and are mentally healthy. If this conundrum deconstructs and the lawyers come marching in, Obama's gonna be cryin' for his "mama."
Quite possibly, Mr. Obama's political maneuver could very well blow up… in his face.
Tags: Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, Bill Clinton, Cambridge Police, Chief Justice Marshall, Clinton v. Jones, Crowley Sues Gates, Damn Lawyers, Gates Sues Crowley, Immunity, Jimmy Carter, Paula Jones, President Obama, Prof. Gates, Race, Racial Profiling, Richard Nixon, Sgt. Crowley, Sue You!, Thomas Jefferson, Witness To Stupidity


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Lazy black folks in Lazy Town (Pop. 123½) are napping and attracting flies. They are so lethargic they even fight in slow motion. Then a riverboat arrives with a red hot mama on board and she quickly has everyone moving to a Harlem boogie beat, dancing, scrubbing clothes, and eating watermelon. As the boogie-woogie comes to a close, Mammy hoists her skirt. Her big bottom reads "The End". – IMDb
File under Animation, Banned Cartoons, Blast From The Past, Blaxploitation, Cult Movies, It Only Gets Worse, Secret History, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG
Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on August 1, 2012


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Welcome to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School!
We are pleased to offer FACTS Payment Plans and Grant & Aid Financial Needs Assessment on the same platform.
Steps to Enroll in a Payment Plan or Apply for Financial Aid
1. If you have an existing Tuition Payment Plan or have applied for Financial Aid through FACTS and have already created a user account, please enter your existing username and password and click "Sign In". If you are a New FACTS User please select "Create a username & password".
2. Then click on the Set Up a Payment Plan button or Start Application button for the appropriate school year.
3. Complete the steps as prompted.
Enrolling in a FACTS tuition payment plan allows you to select a payment option that best suits your financial needs. If you would like to view the plans offered by your school please review the information below. Depending on the start and end date of each plan, they may not always be offered.
Monthly Payments:
Spread your tuition balance over monthly installments.
Semi-Annual Payments:
Pay your tuition in two installments.
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Conservatory Tips
The main reason people look to DIY is the massive savings that can be made. With the average size of a conservatory being around 4m by 4m and probably either a Victorian or Georgian style you can expect to pay in the region of £9,000 + VAT to have it installed by a specialist. It is usually after hearing quotes like this that the customer feels the need to explore the possibility of DIY. When they find that the actual material cost of the conservatory concerned is £3,150 + VAT it becomes clear that the savings involved are substantial.
Conservatory Tips – For your safety when installing your conservatory you should observe the following points:


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Worldwide, some 6.4 billion devices are connected to the network. By some estimates, this figure will climb to 25 billion by 2020. The certification authority at T-Systems assigns each device on the network a unique and easily verifiable identity.
This ensures that only authorized individuals can access exactly the devices that need accessing, and that all communication partners are really who they say they are. For example, if a car autonomously contacts the head office to check for control unit updates, the manufacturer needs to be certain that the car is genuinely one of its own and, above all, that the right information for the specific model is sent. The car therefore has a personal and unique identity.


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What does it sound like?:
What a difference 20 years makes. Back in the mid-90s the Unplugged craze was in full swing and the Stones were already the butt of threadbare old geezer jokes in the dad mags. Yet here they are as 50-somethings, suspiciously black of hair and (relatively) youthful of countenance running through semi-unplugged versions of their early and mid-period material.
Recorded in 1995 at studios in Tokyo and Lisbon and small live venues in Amsterdam, Paris and London during breaks in the Voodoo Lounge tour, Totally Stripped showcases the band at their bluesy, rustic best. Since Ronnie and Keith play their electric guitars for much of the show, it's not a true unplugged performance by any means, but with acoustics always at hand, it's probably as close as we'll ever see. Freed from the theatricals required by the giant stadium stages and without the need to run around so much, Mick delivers a fine, focussed performance, although he still does that annoying Kermit the Frog flapping hands routine almost throughout.
The original Stripped CD arrived like a breath of fresh air in late 1995 and it's still my favourite, ahem, "recent" Stones album. That's probably because it's the only one I own released beyond what is undisputedly their last truly great studio record, 1978's Some Girls (other opinions are also available). The DVD features most of the live performances from the CD together with interviews and studio/backstage footage.
Watching the Stones at work is a fascinating experience. A band doesn't survive this long without good reason and despite some less than great recent studio albums, the Stones can usually turn on the magic in a live setting, especially a small theatre. Ronnie and Keith's guitars blend so well together it's often hard to tell who is playing what and the overall effect is greater than the sum of its parts.
Old favourites such as Not Fade Away, Street Fighting Man and Love In Vain are dusted off to great effect, while mid-period gems Angie, Sweet Virginia and Wild Horses sound better than ever. The jewel in the crown here though is Like A Rolling Stone. "We'd always wanted to record it, explains Keith, "but because of the name, the time never seemed right". In 1995 the time was right, the name had always been perfect and Dylan's song provided the best possible ending to the proceedings.
What does it all *mean*?
In 1995 Ronnie Wood had the best haircut in rock. Fact.
Goes well with…
It's slightly less polished, but this could be a warm-up for 2008's Shine A Light movie
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Great ensemble playing and a mesmeric front man


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Ask an expert questions about flowers
These are the expert questions under flowers
Ethics of fake flowers
Are fake flowers more or less ethical than real flowers? Are there any ethical fake flowers for weddings on the market? I'm thinking it would be nice to have something to keep or give as gifts.
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Can I find ethical daisies in April?
We're getting married in late April next year, and I am daisy crazy!
We were wondering, is it possible to get ethical (UK grown/organic/Europe grown) daisy chrysanthemums at that time of year, or will they have to be one of my green compromises?? And if so, where…
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Wedding flower dilemmas
I am getting married in a diamond white dress. along with my two flower girls. I have two adult bridesmaids who are wearing hunter green dresses. I am confused as to which colour flowers to go for.. I want a tear drop trumpet lilly bouquet and the bridesmaids and…
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Press Releases
Election is futile exercise: Zaffar
Srinagar, May 13: The chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, who is under house arrest for the past 12 days, has said that the people of Kashmir had offered supreme sacrifices of life and property for the right of self-determination, not for any election or selection.
Troops martyr a woman in Kishtwar
Srinagar, May 13: The killing of a woman by Indian troops triggered a protest in the Bunjwa area of Kishtwar as large number of people came on streets and shouted slogans against India.
Residents said that the woman Amina Bano of Shuroo, Bunjawa was innocent and killed by troops of 26-Rashtriya Rifles during siege and search operation.
They said two persons identified as Shahdin Khandey and Ishaq Bhat were injured during the operation.
Complete strike observed in Kashmir
Srinagar, May 13: Kashmir is totally closed on Wednesday to protest against holding of Indian Lok Sabha polls being held in Baramulla, Bandipore and Kupwara districts. The strike was called on by Hurriyat leaders, who have been put under house arrest preventing them to lead anti-polls rallies.
Streets, roads and market places presented deserted look as Indian troops, deployed in thousands in the valley restricted the movement of the people.
Muslims being discriminated in Jammu
Jammu, May 13 : In Jammu, the Chairman of Jammu Muslim Coordination Committee, Professor Zahoor-ud-Din has said that the Muslim community in Jammu is being discriminated due to which the whole community is living under extreme fear.
Professor Zahoor-ud-Din, in a press conference in Jammu, said that extremist Hindus were harassing the Muslims and creating circumstances in which they would be compelled to migrate.
He said that the Hindu zealots wanted Muslims to migrate other places to shift the demography of Jammu in their favour.
Families of missing persons continue to suffer in Kashmir
Srinagar, May 13: In Srinagar, the families of missing persons are passing through miserable conditions but not ready to give up their struggle to find out their beloved ones.
The heirs of missing persons are facing immense economic, social and psychological problems. The occupation authorities, in most of the cases, have completely failed to reveal the whereabouts of the missing persons, said Hajra Bano of Wanigam- Bandipora.
Glowing tributes paid to Kashmiri martyrs
Srinagar, May 14: In Srinagar, on the first day of the Martyrdom Week, the leader of All Parties Hurriyet Conference and Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement Chairman, Zaffar Akbar Bhat paid rich tributes to Kashmiri martyrs including one prominent liberation leader and social activist, Haji Abdul Ghani Bhat.
'Kashmir is really the longest dispute on the planet'
Srinagar, May 14: Kashmir is now in the Guinness world book of records as the largest militarised territorial dispute currently taking place on the planet. The Guinness world book of records uses the CIA world fact book to name Kashmir as the 'world's largest militarised territorial dispute'
Polls unacceptable as substitute to self-determination
Srinagar, May 14 : The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and senior Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani have said that the international community will never accept periodical elections in occupied Kashmir as an alternative to the exercise of Kashmiris' right to self-determination.
Kashmiri people stay away from polls for Freedom
Srinagar, May 14 : Liife in the Kashmir Valley remained paralysed and people stayed away from casting votes to protest against the fifth and last phase of Indian parliamentary elections in Baramulla, Bandipore and Kupwara district on Wednesday.
Gilani stresses winning hearts, minds of the people
Islamabad, Thursday, May 14, 2009 The News : Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said that the government will militarily win the ongoing operation in Malakand and Swat, but stressed the need for winning minds and hearts of the public.
"Militarily we will win the war, but it will be unfortunate if we loose it publicly," he said speaking in the National Assembly.


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Jersey Central Power & Light came under heavy criticism for the way it handled the outages after the surprise pre-Halloween snow storm where some people went a week or more without electricity. PSE&G seemed to do better. The Star-Ledger looked into the matter and its investigations suggests JCP&L is not wholly prepared to deal with large storms.
One of the reasons is its work force is reliant on outside help and its equipment in need of an upgrade. A performance audit, completed in June, noted that spending cuts in recent years have had a direct bearing on reliability and service. It also prodded the company to step up tree trimming.
Gary DiNardo, Warren Township mayor, said that while PSE&G supervisors in the field had the authority to make on-the-spot decisions about restoration efforts, JCP&L workers were under a more centralized chain of command bound by work orders. He said crews would repair some lines or poles in an area, but because they lacked a work order for downed lines nearby, they didn't fix them, instead moving on to their next assignment. There were reports of people without servicing going up to trucks sitting idle and asking why nothing was being done and were told they were waiting on orders.
In 2001, when FirstEnergy of Ohio bought JCP&L it had 1.1 million customers and 1,350 union-represented employees, the people who usually fix lines and poles. Today it has 1,105, spokesman Mark Durbin told the paper. PSE&G has 2,700 unionized employees in its electric delivery unit, which services 2.2 million customers.
If JCP&L can't handle it, perhaps it's time to fold the tent and have someone else do it.
It's also time we took at good hard look at the state's utility monitor, the BPU, which seems to be another patronage dump more interested in world travel and handing out contracts than seeing that the power keeps flowing. Its members are political appointments, of course, voters can't touch them. But outages like the recent one make people angry long enough to make it an issue in the governor's race.


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|The kids with their aprons. And with their tea towels
tucked in their apron ties to wipe their hands on.
Our little entrepreneur grandchildren will be opening their ice cream scooping business this weekend. As you know from my previous apron posts, it's called Pepper Creek Delight. it's located right beside the convenience store in the Pepper Creek Plaza. We couldn't be prouder. So you probably know this wouldn't happen with out the hard work of their amazing parents. The kids have made decisions all along the process. Decisions regarding, ice cream suppliers, the design of their sign, the color of their aprons, the design of their facebook page, the ice cream flavors that they will open with. Their landlord also deserves a big round of applause for giving the kids a break on the rent.
I hope to see you Saturday, May 21 at 1 pm to 8 pm.
|The Girls
|The Boys
|Caitlin displays their Ice Cream Flavors


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Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Apr 16 (ANI): The posters prohibiting the entry of politicians and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which were put up by the residents of Allahabad's Shivkuti Colony outside their houses, were removed on Monday.
The posters were put up in the first place on April 14 in light of the alleged role of the BJP workers in increasing number of rapes and crime against women, locals informed.
One of the residents of the colony, RN Yadav, told ANI, "Some five-six of us had put up the posters in protest against the BJP. Now, they have been removed. I don't know who removed them."
Contrary to this, a former BJP MLA, PS Pandey, said, "In Shivkuti, people were angry over local development issues. They discussed the problems with the BJP and the posters have been removed now."
Recently, two cases of rape shocked the country and both of those involved a BJP leader either directly or indirectly.
In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was accused of raping a girl in 2017 and was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In another case of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, an eight-year-old girl was gangraped and murdered in January. After the conviction of the accused, a protest march was carried out in their support, which was attended by BJP leaders Chandra Prakash Ganga and Chaudhary Lal Singh. Both resigned after the controversy. (ANI)


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With time, the attitude of fashion modifications. Girls began painting their sneakers with shiny colors or adorning the edges of the soles with small shells or studs to raise their sense of style. This led to a number of client boycotts and those wearing the clothes had been usually confronted on the road. As might be anticipated, the garments of the lads were more comfortable, as they solely needed to take care of sporting pants up to their knees, overcoats, linen shirts, knee socks and heavy shoes.
Employment development for fashion designers might be slowed, nonetheless, by declines in the attire manufacturing industries Designers in most fields are anticipated to face robust competition for available positions. Again in the eighties you'd swap suggestions with pals, read magazines, copy the ensemble you saw somebody carrying in the street, hence the name "road fashion".
Step 1: Now it's important to start with what you need to design, whether or not these be tees, denims, clothes, sneakers, hats. Fashion is essentially the most general term and applies to any method of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that's favored at any one time or place. A succession of major designers comparable to Coco Chanel and Yves Saint-Laurent have kept Paris as the center most watched by the remainder of the world, though haute couture is now subsidized by the sale of ready-to-wear collections and fragrance using the identical branding.
Discover the latest fashion tendencies from our assortment of clothing, footwear & equipment. Likewise offers in India may go a good distance in growing the brand values of corporates and designers. Firms resembling Raymond and TCNS have also set up their exclusive shops for designer wear similar to Be: and W. Let's face it you may't go improper with the standard traditional black and white outfit, and designers know this little fact, and proceed to cash in on it.
Mainly the layered look is in. The other layering styles embody sporting two tops, one over another or sporting a jacket over a prime and plenty of extra such styles. That's why we provide a vast but easy-to-store selection of girls's clothes, sneakers, jewellery, watches, handbags, and more that reply women's fashion needs for the office, particular events, and everyday model.


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"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
~ Steve Prefontaine
I am so glad for Coach Victoria's suggestion in focusing on training and forgo of Shark Bite Half Marathon scheduled just six weeks after the OUC Half marathon. Making this decision allowed me to easy the mind, body and to focus on parts of training that I never thought about it, but that has made a significant difference physiologically.
It had been two years since I had ran a 5K race. It was the Treasure Chest Bucs 5K in Tampa, FL in 2015; six days after running Jacksonville Marine Corps Half marathon. As you can imagine, my legs were still super tired, but my husband and I could not pass on running a 5K with a complimentary Bucs football game ticket and halftime on-field experience. No way! So running Shark Bite 5K after all those months seemed like a very good idea.
Coach Victoria planned the week of the Shark Bite 5K like any race deserve its respect. I had a taper week, made sure to rest and Coach Christina with Strength2Run focused on upper body strength training. I was assigned a rest day on Friday and Saturday, but because at this time of year it is NFL football playoffs time, there was no way I could sit down Saturday and wait for Sunday's game day and race day. Besides, it's customary for me to run a shake out run no matter what. So I went for a nice and easy 1-miler shake out run at 9:16 pace. As if it wasn't enough, I headed to LA Fitness for a 20-minute core workout and 10-minute dry sauna session. I felt ready – both for the game and for the race.
It was a busy pre-race day and I didn't get to really chill out as much as I wanted to, but I did the best I could to stay calm, positive and to have fun. Because of the playoff game, I didn't go to bed until 11:55 p.m. and my alarm was set for 4:15 a.m., yikes! But I got up, went on with my pre-race routine as usual, and focused a little more than usual on stretching and foam rolling. To my surprise, I found a tight spot on my right calf, and that, got me a little nervous. With such a short time, there wasn't much to be done. I applied Bengay on the location, massaged and put on my CEP compression sleeves.
A few days earlier in the week, Kurt and I watched the movie Prefontaine on Netflix. I had never heard about Steve Prefontaine and his success on 5,000 meters and some long-distance running. The story brought me tears and it really stuck with me. Since Kurt was driving this time, I took the time to get myself in the zone and read some information on Pre. I also remembered what Coach Victoria had said that the harder I pushed, the more uncomfortable it would get. But I was ready to embrace the discomfort. I was ready to bring my two goals into materialization with pain or no pain.
The weather was somewhat a comfortable 63 degrees, but humidity was high at 100% which is hot enough not to question whether I'd wear a running top or flat out sports bra. The 5K field had 525 runners which 333 consisted of women runners and 32 women in my age group of 35-39 years old. This time I made sure to be on the front line with all the other faster runners. I set myself on the left corner of the start line with maybe two or three other runners in front of me and there I went.
Unfortunately, I started the pace way too fast. After Coach Victoria brought to my attention and looking the data on TrainingPeaks training application, I ran the first two minutes at 6:58 pace – yeah, a 6:xx pace!!! Never in my mind I thought I'd be running this fast. The first mile of the race ended up at 7:57 pace – my fastest mile so far!
As it comes to no surprise, my second mile wasn't as fast, but it still was fast enough for me at 8:43 pace. At mile 2 water stop, I walked for a couple of seconds to drink some water and picked up the pace right back. At this point in the race, I was feeling very hot and sweating like I was in the sauna. The intensity of my discomfort was growing with each step forward, the feeling of lack of leg power was starting to show, my breathing and heart rate (180 AVG HR) felt like they were going through the roof, and yes, challenging thoughts started to creeping in.
I was present to the distance and to the discomfort. All of the sudden an innocent 5K distance felt longer than 3.10 miles. So I started to focus on the distance left and telling myself I just needed another track lap and that 0.25 was nothing, and another one, and so forth. I thought about Prefontaine and believe it or not, I asked him for strength to get me through because I really wanted to earn an age group award that day. I was pushing myself so hard, and yet, there were so many people in front of me. I was analyzing the field and trying to get a glance of how many women could be within my age group range. It was hard to tell, but I still had some hope that crossing at the finish line with a 26:00'ish minute would give me an opportunity to take a bite at the third place.
I kept pushing myself and put in some strides and pickups towards the end because I just didn't have much of energy for a steady burst. I saw the finish line banner, but it seemed like a mirage. I wish I had managed by running economy and speed better to give the fast push towards the end. I crossed the finish line at 26:20 with a PR! I finished my last mile at 8:36 pace and 7:43 for the last .14 miles (these are Garmin splits stats. Per race stats it's an 8:29 avg pace for this race)
I walked from the moment I crossed the finish line trying to grasp as much air as I could and bring my heart rate to a comfortable bpm. In the final mile, my heart rate average was a 184 bpm and the last .14 mile was a 191 bpm. I didn't see my husband and R2-D2 waiting for me so I kept walking a straight line to a nearby palm tree to stretch. They soon found me and I hugged and kissed my husband as he said, "good job, Babe! You're getting faster!" I was still getting myself to a normal and rest state, but I was so happy to have it done and accomplishing my goal of a sub-27:00 5K. The only question was on whether my time was enough for the age group award.
The age group award ceremony was scheduled for 9:15 a.m., but got postponed until 9:30 a.m. I was really hoping to bring something home besides my PR. In addition, the race organizers didn't get the finisher medal to arrive on-time for the race due to some release issue in Customs. When I looked at the results, I saw my name in third place out of the 32 female runners in my age group. I was stunned so asked my husband to double-check my results. I waited and as he started to come towards me, I saw his face lighten up as he said that I got third place. I was so happy! My time placed me at 69th of 525 overall and 28th of 333 all female. Not too shabby!
The award ceremony was very simple and they started with the older groups first, so I had to wait even longer. I thought they would have a podium, but there was nothing like that. They simply announced the age group and called the winners' name starting with the third place. R2-D2 barked almost every time for each time that people's name were called and applauses were clapped. It took a while until my name was called and by then, R2-D2 got accustomed to it and didn't bark anymore. When I stepped forward as my name was called, it felt like my own Olympic moment. I was happy and proud of my hard work. And for the first time, I posed for an award picture showing off my plaque award.
I never really cared to earn any race award other than earning a finisher medal. However, I do have other ambitions now and an award confirms that my hard work to become a faster runner is paying off. There's a lot more work to be done, but each day I am getting a step closer to my ultimate goal and with Coach Victoria's with Run4PRS professional guidance, knowledge and strategy, I know that I can do it. And like my husband says, "the future is bright".
"I run best when I run free."
~Steve Prefontraine


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It seems a bit strange to be talking about Easter eggs and baskets when it feels like we have not long had Christmas, but Easter is now only a few weeks away. I have come across a number of free patterns lately with an Easter theme and thought I would do something a bit different for my grandchildren this year.
I decided to get started a bit early, so over the last couple of weeks I have been busily crocheting multi-coloured mini Easter eggs and baskets. The first batch, pictured above, has been finished and sent away. Needless to say they were accompanied by some chocolate eggs as well. I also sent the two jerseys I had recently finished (see "Using Patterns as a Guide") which I had decided to hold back so that everything could be posted together. Now I need to keep going with the rest of them.
I know I shouldn't be, but I am constantly amazed by the variety of things which people are able to make with crochet and knitting. The patterns I have seen for Easter projects include baskets ranging from simple to very ornately decorated, all sorts of eggs and egg shaped items, and a large number of bunnies. One thing which comes to mind that I would never have thought of is Easter egg shaped dish cloths. I guess they add a bit of fun and colour to the rather mundane tasks of cleaning and washing up.
I have to admit that I struggle with the commercialism of Easter (and Christmas). The true meaning and significance of Easter has been pushed into the background. Sitting down and spending time hand making gifts provides an opportunity to also think about the reasons we celebrate Easter. This is something very important to me and I hope that you find time for some quiet contemplation whilst making a few special gifts for some of the special people in your lives.