text:
This diy comes from www.pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com. This was too precious to pass up. Just think of what your little boy or girl would do if they found one of these on their door or in their stocking on Christmas morning. Almost reminds me of the famous bell from the "Polar Express".
Santa's Magic Key
Have y'all seen these?! I was at the cutest little shop about a month ago and they were selling "Santa's Magic Key". The price tag? $20!!!! {Yeah. Ummm…just incase you don't know me well, I'm not a "pay full price" kind of person. Like, not at all. And if it's something I think I can duplicate on my own, well then I'm all about it. }
So I headed to Hobby Lobby & picked up some vintage style skeleton keys. I found a set of 6 on a ring and they.were. PRESH. AND, they were half off so I paid $6. {That's like $1 a key!!!} I googled "Santa's Magic Key Poems" and there were about a gajillion that popped up, but this is the one I liked the best…
It's the night before Christmas & we're excited as can be.
We're leaving this out for you…it's a very special key.
You can shimmy down the chimney, or tiptoe through the door.
Just use this key we left for you to find cookies, milk, & more!
I created a tag, found a fun font, & typed the poem onto the tag along with a picture of the cutest little vintage Santa. I printed out the tag, cut it, and backed it onto a thick piece of textured cardstock. Then I used my mod podge to seal it together {I really like the finish better than using a glue stick and used my distress ink pad to give it a vintage-y feel.
I punched a hole in the tag & strung a little ribbon through it & attached the key. SO super easy and TOO cute {if you ask me ;)}. The boys will EAT.THIS.UP!!!!!!!
Santa's Magic Key is all ready for him & we can't wait for him to visit!!!
Total cost of this fun little project?! A whopping $1!!!!! The keys were about $1 a piece…I had the cardstock, ink pad, & ribbon on hand, so there was no cost there! I saved $19!!
Wanna make a magic key for Santa?! Head to the nearest Hobby Lobby…pick up a set of keys…and download the tag HERE. {Leave me a comment if the link doesn't work…I'll be happy to send you the template!!!} Enjoy!!!!!


text:
I have seen lots of cute wreaths around lately, so I decided I needed a cute one to go on my door!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Made It Monday- Polka Dots EVERYWHERE!
I have seen lots of cute wreaths around lately, so I decided I needed a cute one to go on my door!
25 comments:
Love your stool! I have been looking for one everywhere and cannot find one!ReplyDelete
Amber! Your stool turned out soooooo cute!!! I have been thinking of sneaking out to school and snagging my rocking chair and giving it a makeover....hmmmm....! Thanks for the linky support! I am having a blast with this and getting so much done too!! Your wreath is super cute too!! Thanks for linking up:)))ReplyDelete
4th Grade Frolics
That stool is AMAZING!! I also love your wreath!! You have inspired me to make one now. :)ReplyDelete
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Your stool looks great!ReplyDelete
Success in Second Grade
Love your polka dots! The stool came out wonderful!ReplyDelete
I Love My Classroom
You have been busy! I love the stool.ReplyDelete
Little Treasures
Polka Dots are my fav. I love your stool.ReplyDelete
The stool is so cute!ReplyDelete
Learn with ME in Grade Three
Your stool looks great!!ReplyDelete
Loving all your polka dots! I've given you the Versatile Blogger and One Lovely Blog Award. Please stop by my blog for your award and info:)ReplyDelete
I love your stool! It looks fantastic!!ReplyDelete
your wreath is adorable! i want to make one for my room now :)ReplyDelete
I love your stool. It looks fabulous!ReplyDelete
Fourth Grade Garden
I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award. :) Come by my blog when you have a minute to read about it.ReplyDelete
I Want to be a Super Teacher
Your stool is sooo cute! I need to repaint mine this summer. :)ReplyDelete
Marvelous Multiagers!
Those all look amazing!ReplyDelete
Journey of a Substitute Teacher
Endless Pinabilitites!
Amber, I am your newest follower! I am a 3rd grade teacher entering my fifth year of teaching in Kansas. You have some awesome, creative ideas on your blog. I can't wait to become a regular reader!ReplyDelete
Love your wreath! We are getting so crafty now :D Hope your having fun on your mini-vacay. Missed you at Taco NightReplyDelete
So cute! I LOVE the stool and all of the polka dots.ReplyDelete
I love the chevron stool!ReplyDelete
I am your newest follower! I just started a blog to connect with other amazing teachers! Check it out, and Happy 4th! Fancy Free in Fourth
Loving all of your beautiful creations!! Im your newest follower!ReplyDelete
I've also awarded you with some fantastic awards.. come on over to check it out!
From Blood to Books!
Love love love how crafty you are! I am needing some major classroom makeovers asap!ReplyDelete
I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Head over to my page to check it out:
Love all the polka dots! And by the way...I just wanted to tell you that I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Check out my blog to see it.ReplyDelete
So cute. Love the stool. I am a new follower.ReplyDelete
Chickadee Jubilee
now present in your city cara menggugurkan kandunganReplyDelete
1. manfaat kurma untuk persalinan
2. manfaat buah nanas
3. aktivitas penyebab keguguran
4. apakah usg berbahaya
5. penyebab telat haid

subset: commoncrawl


text:
On 16 July, The World Games have been formally declared open by Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, President of Chinese Taipei, after a spectacular ceremony in the brand new Kaohsiung stadium.
According to the Organising Committee, some 40'000 spectators saw a spectacular three-hour show with singers and fireworks that could rival the 2008 Olympics. After the cultural part of the evening, one of the highlights was the parade of the athletes attended by the 85 top parachutists selected to compete in 5 events : Canopy Piloting, Accuracy Landing, Canopy Formation 2-way, Formation Skydiving 4-way and Freeflying.
Thanks to cooperative weather, all athletes could make 1 or 2 competition jumps on 17 July from 2 BK117 helicopters. The competition venue is the Metropolitan Park in the northern ranges of host city Kaohsiung. The IPC President Graeme Windsor is acting as meet director and FAI Secretary General Max Bishop as Jury Member. A typhoon passing on 18 July was putting all jumps on hold, giving staff and athletes time to catch up with each other.
Held from 16 to 26 July 2009 at Kaohsiung (Chinese Taipei), the World Games 2009 is gathering some 3'100 athletes, coaches and officials from 105 countries. For more information, please visit the Official World Games Webpages.
|Parachuting Opening Ceremony
|FAI President's opening speech
|The competition venue as seen from the air, with the water course for Canopy Piloting
|The Belgian 4-way team achieving practice jump
|The French 4-way team climbing to jump altitude of 10'500 ft
|The Belgian 4-way team giving interview after the jump
|The Norwegian Formation Skydiving 4-way team exiting the BK117 helicopter
|Olga Lepezina (RUS) on final accuracy landing approach


text:
Erwich Named Hulu's Head of Content
Hulu has tapped Craig Erwich as its new senior VP, head of content, the company announced Monday.
Erwich most recently served as executive VP of Warner Horizon Television, where, for the past seven years, he oversaw development, production and business operations.
"Craig is the perfect guy for the job – he has been developing shows and programming networks for over 20 years," Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins wrote in announcing the hire on the company blog. "He has impressed me and others who've met him with his collaborative approach, humility and tenacity to do what he believes."
Previous stints for Erwich include Fox Broadcasting Company. He will officially join Hulu April 7.
Broadcasting & Cable Newsletter
The television industry's top news stories, analysis and blogs of the day.


text:
What's Next?
Post Election News by Steve Elliot Area 83 Director
The club election is over! I know what most of you are saying to yourselves…" Whew my work here is done." Not quite done yet. There is more important work that should be happening post election that will set the new incoming executive up for success. In this blog I will share what next steps clubs should be taking post election.
First up, I always find it a nice touch if the current President sends a mass email to the club members and notifies of them of the new officers and offers to support them in the transition period. This will also put members who didn't make the election an understanding of the new executive of the club.
Next, I would suggest that someone from the current executive team notifies Toastmasters International of the incoming officers. Head to Toastmasters.org and login to Club Central. Once there scroll to Club Administration you will select Club Officer Assignment. Enter in all the new officers for your club. After that you will be asked to provide the incoming President address. Why? Toastmasters will mail out the Distinguished Club Program manuals for the new executive to create their Distinguished Club Plan. By doing this work you are earning your club a point on the next year Distinguished Club Plan.
If your club uses Easy Speak, don't forget to update the officer list for the coming year. Otherwise the officers won't have the current access to Easy Speak. If your club uses the VP membership as the contact info of the club make sure that is changed once the new group takes over.
The incoming President should be reaching out to his/her incoming fellow executives and making them aware of the wonderful Officer Training. Encourage as many to attend the Toastmaster Learning Institute as possible. This is organized by the district and is the most comprehensive training. If your club budget or company budget (if you are a corporate club) can afford it all officers attending the training should be compensated for their ticket. The officers are giving up their time to attend the training and it will benefit the club greatly. Obviously, this can only occur if the club can afford to do so. By the way, every Division should have make up training if any officers can't make the TLI on May 26th. Reach out to your Area Director for more details.
We now need some team work! The reason the elections are held in May and the new officers don't take their positions till July is so that job shadowing can happen! It's a great idea for the next few weeks if the incoming and current executive work together. For example, the current SAA can have the incoming SAA help with room set up, show the person where supplies are stored, etc. The current and incoming and current Club President should also schedule a joint executive meeting. This is a great way for the current group to share status updates and any other relevant information.
One of the final duties of the current President is to arrange the installation of the incoming team and discharge of the current team. This will usually happen at the last club meeting in June. Make sure you have ordered new club officer pins for the new team (if club finances allow), or make sure the current officers provide their pins back before the installation so they can be handed to the new executives. There are lots of sample scripts on the internet that you can use for the ceremony. This is also a great time to recognize the hard work of the current executives and thank them for their service to the club.
There are two administration tasks that require a good deal of diligence and time. First up the club bank account will need to be updated. The current President will need to arrange for the out-going President, Vice President of Education and Treasurer signing authority removed and then the Incoming President, Vice President of Education and Treasurer added. Having been involved in this process a few times I can say it can be time consuming and difficult to arrange. My suggestion would be to reach out to the bank and ask what will be required. Some questions to ask…who needs to be present when adding or removing signatures from the account? Can it be done at the same time or over time if not everyone can attend? What if any paperwork will be required? For example, our club bank requires the document be on Toastmaster International letter head.
The second task that should be undertaken is an audit of the club books and finances. This will involve the out-going President and Treasurer and the Incoming Treasurer and President. The current team should get someone to perform the audit. This person doesn't need to have an accounting background, but it would help. The "auditor" shouldn't be anyone on the current executive. It can be a current member of the club, it can also be someone from outside the club. The process is to just review the bank statements, balance sheets and expenses from the previous year. Looking for proper accounting processes are followed. Once they sign off the new team takes over.
I find this step can take time. First you need to find a volunteer to go over the books. Then you need to co-ordinate this with all the people that would be involved. It's a great way to make sure that nothing has fallen through the cracks and that all expenses have been properly accounted for.
Now the work is almost done! The end is in sight for those that have served their clubs! An excitement builds as the new team is ready to assume office. It's a great time of year and a busy time of year for Toastmasters! Which ever side you find yourself, enjoy the process!


text:
Routinely affirming the finding of its Probable Cause Panel, the Florida Medical Examiners Board voted to punish two physicians for lawbreaking related to the O'Connell case. Dr. FREDERICK HOBIN, M.D. was proposed to be suspended for six months and Dr. PREDRAG BULIC, M.D. was proposed to be put on probation for a year.
Each will be served with a formal written complaint, probably by the end of March.
Each has the right to a hearing on disputed facts before an independent Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
The DOAH ALJ may hear additional evidence and will make findings of fact and conclusions of law, in a Recommended Decision and Order, which would be heard by the Commission in May. Penalties could even be greater based upon new evidence.
Dr. BULIC attended the February 24, 2017 meeting but Dr. HOBIN stayed home. Dr. BULIC did not speak.
In May, the Commission will also consider whether BULIC should be reappointed for another three years. On February 23rd, I suggested the Medical Examiners Commission meet in St. Augustine City Hall in our City Commission chambers, a/k/a the Alcazar Room. The public has the right to speak up to five minutes on agenda items at Medical Examiners Commission meetings.
The Medical Examiner is an independent district that receives local funds and uses our building and our County Attorney to run interference. It is neither a state nor local agency, but an independent district, which is overseen by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission.
Of course, "law and justice are like distant cousins, sometimes not even on speaking terms."
--- Marlon Brando as a South African attorney under Apartheid, in the movie, A Dry White Season.
To those of us in the "reality-based community," February 24, 2017 came as a relief. To others, like St Johns County Sheriff DAVID SHOAR, it was a shock. Our Florida Medical Examiners Commission voted to do the right thing. Despite pressures that destroyed evidence, destroyed careers and are destroying our democracy, the system has begun to work in the case of Michelle O'Connell. In my younger years as an attorney for the downtrodden, I was honored to litigate whistleblower cases against retaliatory employers willing to say and do anything. I saw powerful sociopaths and their environmental and personal devastation and carnage firsthand -- careers destroyed (eventually including my own).
Yet the experience of watching Sheriff DAVID SHOAR here in St. Johns County has no equal. He is unique. History is catching up with him, for as Robert Kennedy said in South Africa on the Day of Affirmation in 1966, "each time a [person] stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, [s]he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples can form a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
As Carl Sagan told our American Bar Association 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights observation in Atlanta in 1991, the legal method and scientific method are similar, with the chance for "successive approximations at the truth." While the findings of the Hearing Panel reflect a compromise, it's not over yet. There's more to come on the O'Connell case. The doctors' trial will reveal more truth (if they request one). Dr. PREDRAG BULIC's reappointment would appear unlikely in light of his allowing public access to bare naked autopsy pictures of Michelle O'Connell in violation of the Dale Earnhardt law.
Sheriff SHOAR is an angry sociopath, angry that We, the People are questioning him.
SHOAR can go pound sand on one of our lovely Atlantic Ocean beaches.
For as Carl Sagan wrote, "If we can't think for ourselves, if we're unwilling to question authority, then we're just putty in the hands of those in power. But if the citizens are educated and form their own opinions, then those in power work for us. In every country, we should be teaching our children the scientific method and the reasons for a Bill of Rights. With it comes a certain decency, humility and community spirit. In the demon-haunted world that we inhabit by virtue of being human, this may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness."
And no, Sheriff SHOAR, we don't believe that guns recoil forward, we don't believe your self-investigation ukase that Michelle O'Connell committed suicide, and we don't believe YOU.
SHOAR had his name legally changed from "HOAR" in 1994 and was elected Sheriff in 2004.
HOAR's henchmen closed our universal primary to get himself re-elected with $250,000 in tainted money.
You have no respect for democracy, HOAR.
You have no respect for law and order.
You attacked a grieving family in a 5:24 AM press release in which you accused them of "molesting" Michelle's body by having a proper autopsy done, finally.
At long last, you have no sense of decency, sir, in the immortal words of attorney Joseph N. Welch to Senator JOSEPH McCARTHY (R-Wisc).:
After the August 2016 Dallas police shootings, you emitted an angry ten minute video in which you stated you were "mad," in a thuggish video that was unadorned by any sense of healing.
You have no credibility left.
You are disgrace in the eyes of St. Johns County, our Nation and our planet.
Waiting for the FBI to knock on your door, HOAR?
Thinking of resigning, like President RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON?
Thinking of escaping to a country without an extradition treaty, perhaps, or changing your surname back to "HOAR?"
Herewith, my three-mails to the Commission, first before and then after its vote, and three local news stories, each flawed but a "first rough draft of history."
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin
Sent: Wed, Feb 22, 2017 11:11 am
Subject: Three Complaints Against Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D. and Dr. Frederick Hobin, M.D. before Florida Medical Examiners Commission
Dear Dr. Nelson and colleague Commissioners of the Florida Medical Examiners Commission:
Please overrule the inadequate recommended remedies for the coverup of the murder of Michelle O'Connell by Respondents Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D. and Dr. Frederick Hobin, M.D. This case requires more than a mere "reprimand" or a "suspension," respectively, because:
1. Michelle O'Connell's jaw was broken. This irrefragable fact shows she was murdered, as concluded by an independent autopsy in 2016 by Dr. William Anderson, M.D. of Orlando. The "suicide" theory is not worthy of belief. Failing to state in the autopsy report that Michelle's jaw was broken is a deviation from the standard of care. It helped cover up a murder. The panel failed to acknowledge Dr. Anderson's finding of homicide. Why? The panel's report is "junk science"; it does not meet the Frye standard for scientific evidence.
2. Respondents violated our Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24 (adopted by vote of 83% of Florida voters -- 3.8 million people). Respondents violated F.S. 119. Respondents violated their Hippocratic Oath to "do no harm." Respondent Dr. Frederick Hobin and an investigator both kept at home and did not file public records and an amended autopsy report concluding homicide. This was a possible crime, and appears to have violated F.S. 839.13, to wit:
839.13 Falsifying records.—
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), if any judge, justice, mayor, alderman, clerk, sheriff, coroner, or other public officer, or employee or agent of or contractor with a public agency, or any person whatsoever, shall steal, embezzle, alter, corruptly withdraw, falsify or avoid any record,process, charter, gift, grant, conveyance, or contract, or any paper filed in any judicial proceeding in any court of this state, or shall knowingly and willfully take off, discharge or conceal any issue, forfeited recognizance, or other forfeiture, or other paper above mentioned, or shall forge, deface, or falsify any document or instrument recorded, or filed in any court, or any registry, acknowledgment, or certificate, or shall fraudulently alter, deface, or falsify any minutes, documents, books, or any proceedings whatever of or belonging to any public office within this state; or if any person shall cause or procure any of the offenses aforesaid to be committed, or be in anywise concerned therein, the person so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
3. Respondents' overt acts aided and abetted a criminal coverup by controversial St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar, a politically influential politician who, with one of his staff members (former St. Augustine City Manager William Barry Harris) and Shoar's close ally (St. Augustine Police Chief Robert Hardwick comprise three (3) of nineteen (19) members of the Governor-appointed member of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
4. As concluded by homicide investigation expert Vernon J. Geberth, "this case stinks." http://www.nytimes.com/projects/2013/two-gunshots. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/death-in-st-augustine/
5. Investigator Clu Wright warned Respondent Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D. that the naked autopsy photos of Michelle O'Connell were being illegaly kept in the public file, violating F.S. 406.136 (Dale Earnahrd Law, enacted in 2001). Mr. Wright warned Respondent Dr. Predrag Bulic to remove the naked autopsy photos in the public file. Only one month later, the naked autopsy photos of Michelle O'Connell were in the public file. I saw the naked autopsy photos with my own eyes, accompanying Mr. Wright and his sister -- Dr. Bulic's office provided the file for inspection by the three of us in the public lobby of the Medical Examiner. This flagrant, willful, knowing violation of the Dale Earnhardt Law requires more than a mere reprimand. Please refer this crime to the Governor for appointment of a special prosecutor of Respondent Bulic's third degree felony:406.135 Autopsies; confidentiality of photographs and video and audio recordings; exemption.—
(1) For the purpose of this section, the term "medical examiner" means any district medical examiner, associate medical examiner, or substitute medical examiner acting pursuant to this chapter, as well as any employee, deputy, or agent of a medical examiner or any other person who may obtain possession of a photograph or audio or video recording of an autopsy in the course of assisting a medical examiner in the performance of his or her official duties.
(2) A photograph or video or audio recording of an autopsy held by a medical examiner is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, except that a surviving spouse may view and copy a photograph or video recording or listen to or copy an audio recording of the deceased spouse's autopsy. If there is no surviving spouse, then the surviving parents shall have access to such records. If there is no surviving spouse or parent, then an adult child shall have access to such records.
(3)(a) The deceased's surviving relative, with whom authority rests to obtain such records, may designate in writing an agent to obtain such records.
(b) A local governmental entity, or a state or federal agency, in furtherance of its official duties, pursuant to a written request, may view or copy a photograph or video recording or may listen to or copy an audio recording of an autopsy, and unless otherwise required in the performance of their duties, the identity of the deceased shall remain confidential and exempt.
(c) The custodian of the record, or his or her designee, may not permit any other person, except an agent designated in writing by the deceased's surviving relative with whom authority rests to obtain such records, to view or copy such photograph or video recording or listen to or copy an audio recording without a court order.
(4)(a) The court, upon a showing of good cause, may issue an order authorizing any person to view or copy a photograph or video recording of an autopsy or to listen to or copy an audio recording of an autopsy and may prescribe any restrictions or stipulations that the court deems appropriate.
(b) In determining good cause, the court shall consider whether such disclosure is necessary for the public evaluation of governmental performance; the seriousness of the intrusion into the family's right to privacy and whether such disclosure is the least intrusive means available; and the availability of similar information in other public records, regardless of form.
(c) In all cases, the viewing, copying, listening to or other handling of a photograph or video or audio recording of an autopsy must be under the direct supervision of the custodian of the record or his or her designee.
(5) A surviving spouse shall be given reasonable notice of a petition filed with the court to view or copy a photograph or video recording of an autopsy or a petition to listen to or copy an audio recording, a copy of such petition, and reasonable notice of the opportunity to be present and heard at any hearing on the matter. If there is no surviving spouse, then such notice must be given to the parents of the deceased, and if the deceased has no living parent, then to the adult children of the deceased.
(6)(a) Any custodian of a photograph or video or audio recording of an autopsy who willfully and knowingly violates this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(7) A criminal or administrative proceeding is exempt from this section, but unless otherwise exempted, is subject to all other provisions of chapter 119, provided however that this section does not prohibit a court in a criminal or administrative proceeding upon good cause shown from restricting or otherwise controlling the disclosure of an autopsy, crime scene, or similar photograph or video or audio recordings in the manner prescribed herein.
(8) This exemption shall be given retroactive application.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2001-1; s. 1, ch. 2003-184; s. 1, ch. 2006-263..
6. The Sheriff's materially false and misleading statements about "suicide" show scienter and were rubber-stamped by Respondents Bulic and Hobin. Respondents' false and misleading findings were "junk science" intended to clear one of Shoar's deputies, JEREMY BANKS, of homicide. The "suicide" theory is not worthy of belief. Refusal and failure to interview Michelle's friends, family, employers and co-workers in a psychological autopsy breached the standard of care. It aided and abetted a coverup of a murder.
7. County Attorney Patrick Francis McCormack "took several months" to "provide all the requested documents," and "not all the requested documents and photographs," dragging his heels and demanding statutory citations. Please subpoena to the hearing Mr. McCormack to testify at the hearing relating to this obstruction of justice. There is no attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine protection for government attorneys.
7. County Attorney Patrick Francis McCormack "took several months" to "provide all the requested documents," and "not all the requested documents and photographs," dragging his heels and demanding statutory citations. Please subpoena to the hearing Mr. McCormack to testify at the hearing relating to this obstruction of justice. There is no attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine protection for government attorneys.
8. Michelle O'Connell's rights were violated, as were the rights of her family and the people of the State of Florida to the "honest services" of Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D. and Dr. Frederick Hobin, M.D. Suggesting a mere "reprimand" and "suspension," respectively is contrary to the facts and the evidence.
9. Please enhance the recommended penalties or remand this case back to staff and the probable cause panel to comply with the standard of evidence set forth in the Frye test -- otherwise this is "junk science" that is part of a continuing coverup.
10. Please allow ample time for Board members and citizens to question Respondents and other witnesses at the February 24, 2017 hearing in Orlando.
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin
Sent: Thu, Feb 23, 2017 5:32 pm
Subject: Suggested Venue for May 2017 meeting of Florida Medical Examiners Commission in the Alcazar Room, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida
From: Ed Slavin
Sent: Thu, Feb 23, 2017 5:32 pm
Subject: Suggested Venue for May 2017 meeting of Florida Medical Examiners Commission in the Alcazar Room, 75 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida
Dear Dr. Nelson, Commissioners and staff:
1. Will you please consider holding the May 2017 meeting of the Florida Medical Examiners Commission here in St. Augustine, as it will consider the reappointment of our controversial local Medical Examiner Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D.?
2. Our St. Augustine City Commission chambers -- known as the Alcazar Room -- is located on the first floor of the Lightner Museum and City Hall, at 75 King Street, across the street from the Casa Monica Hotel, in the center of our historic downtown. The Alcazar Room was recently refurbished due to flood damage from Hurricane Matthew. The historic 1888 former hotel building is in the center of the historic area of Our Nation's Oldest City.
2. Our St. Augustine City Commission chambers -- known as the Alcazar Room -- is located on the first floor of the Lightner Museum and City Hall, at 75 King Street, across the street from the Casa Monica Hotel, in the center of our historic downtown. The Alcazar Room was recently refurbished due to flood damage from Hurricane Matthew. The historic 1888 former hotel building is in the center of the historic area of Our Nation's Oldest City.
3. The Alcazar Room may be reserved in advance by contacting St. Augustine City Manager John Patrick Regan, P.E., 904-669-1873; 904-825-1006, and his assistant, Ms. Lucy Fountain.
4. There is no charge for State of Florida agencies to hold meetings in the Alcazar Room.
5. The Alcazar Room is set up not unlike any modern courtroom, with a wooden bar and gate separating the large Commissioners' table from the audience. The Alcazar Room has very good security, a private anteroom for private Commissioner and staff breaks, and a table for staff members making presentations. The ADA-compatible Alcazar Room is equipped with sophisticated microphones, speakers, television and computer equipment, WiFi, and blessed with friendly staff who can assist the Commission.
6. Here are some photos of the Alcazar Room and the Lightner Museum and City Hall:
Thank you.
With kindest regards, I am,
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin
Sent: Fri, Feb 24, 2017 2:02 pm
Subject: Re: Three Complaints Against Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D. and Dr. Frederick Hobin, M.D. before Florida Medical Examiners Commission
From: Ed Slavin
Sent: Fri, Feb 24, 2017 2:02 pm
Subject: Re: Three Complaints Against Dr. Predrag Bulic, M.D. and Dr. Frederick Hobin, M.D. before Florida Medical Examiners Commission
Dear Dr. Nelson and colleague Commissioners of the Florida Medical Examiners Commission:
1. I would like to commend you (and your FDLE staff) for your work on these two cases, decided today in Orlando.
1. I would like to commend you (and your FDLE staff) for your work on these two cases, decided today in Orlando.
2. Thank you for doing your jobs without fear or favor. We here are proud of your public service.
3. I do hope to meet y'all at your May 2017 meeting, hopefully to be held here in St. Augustine.
Thank you!
With kindest regards, I am,
Posted March 15, 2017 03:44 am - Updated March 15, 2017 04:12 am
State panel proposes disciplinary action for 2 medical examiners involved in O'Connell case
The state's Medical Examiners Commission has recommended disciplinary actions for two local medical examiners who were involved in the investigation into the 2010 death of Michelle O'Connell.
At their Feb. 24 meeting, the commission voted to file administrative complaints against District 23 Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Predrag Bulic, and associate medical examiner Dr. Frederick Hobin, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman Jessica Cary.
The vote came after a Feb. 7 panel found probable cause that both men violated Florida statutes and "practice guidelines" in their handling — and their office's handling — of documents associated with the O'Connell case.
The panel's findings are listed in a Feb. 16 memo that was forwarded to the commission for their vote. The memo's existence was first reported by The Record's news partner First Coast News on Monday night.
O'Connell died of a gunshot wound through her mouth on Sept. 2, 2010, in the home of her boyfriend Jeremy Banks, who was, and still is, a St. Johns County sheriff's deputy. The gun that fired the fatal shot was Banks' service weapon.
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office led the initial investigation and the death was eventually ruled a suicide by the local medical examiner's office, but members of O'Connell's family have said she wouldn't have killed herself, and some have questioned the integrity of the original investigation and believe Banks is responsible, though he has denied any wrongdoing.
The death became the subject a high-profile New York Times story in 2013 and a related piece from PBS "Frontline" that raised questions about the original investigation as well as the Sheriff's Office and Medical Examiner's Office handling of the case.
Two governor-appointed special prosecutors have found that there is not enough evidence to suggest that a homicide occurred.
Members of the O'Connell family, though, have remained steadfast in their belief that their loved one was killed, even going so far as having a private exhumation carried out in January 2016.
Findings from the exhumation and subsequent autopsy weren't released until May, when the nationally syndicated television show "Crime Watch Daily" revealed that an independent pathologist had found a fracture in O'Connell's lower jaw.
Some speculated that could be evidence that O'Connell had been battered prior to the fatal shot being fired and noted that the fracture was left out of the initial autopsy report.
That omission was addressed in the panel's memo and was among seven possible violations of statutes or guidelines that panel members investigated.
While the fracture was not listed in the autopsy report, it was "obvious in the X-ray taken during the autopsy," the memo says.
"The Panel determined that the image of the fracture constituted documentation, but that it should have been noted in the autopsy report, and that the failure to do so was poor record keeping," it says. "However, the Panel felt that this did not rise to the level of negligence."
According to the memo, the panel convened after receiving a formal complaint against Bulic and Hobin from private investigator Clu Wright, as well as follow-up complaints from Michelle O'Connell's sister Jennifer Crites and her mother Patty O'Connell.
Wright, who has served as a spokesman and investigator for the family, alleged in his complaint that Hobin, who did the original autopsy, failed to perform an appropriate review of the medical information presented at the time of Michelle O'Connell's death and that he conducted an incomplete investigation into the cause and manner of death.
Wright also alleged that Bulic allowed him to view the autopsy photos when he was not the next of kin and had not secured permission from the legal next of kin to review the photos.
Crites' and Patty O'Connell's complaints echo that allegation, according to the memo, as well as the allegation that Hobin did not document the broken jaw.
They also claimed that Hobin and Medical Examiner's Office Investigator Kent Holloway kept records and files related to the investigation in their homes and that the files in Hobin's possession had not been incorporated into the original case file.
Ultimately, the panel found that Hobin violated statute and guidelines "because he maintained part of his investigative findings, amended autopsy findings, and amended death certificate at his home."
Hobin also violated guidelines, the memo says, by "failure to have complete notes and the investigative report in the files maintained within the medical examiner's office."
The panel also found that Bulic violated statute and guidelines by "failing to have a clear policy in place to dissuade such activity, and his apparent unawareness that the file for Michelle O'Connell's death investigation housed in the medical examiner's office was incomplete."
Bulic also violated Florida statute "by allowing a staff member to provide autopsy photographs to a person who was not the legal next of kin, and did not have the permission of the legal next of kin to view the autopsy photographs."
Cary said the votes for the administrative complaints also came with proposed disciplinary actions.
For Hobin — who Cary said is a part-time associate examiner serving District 23 and District 8 — the panel proposed a 6-month suspension.
Bulic could be facing a 1-year probation which could terminate early upon enacting policies that address the shortfalls listed in the memo.
Both men have 21 days to review the findings and respond, Cary said.
The memo also noted that the office of St. Johns County attorney Patrick McCormack was slow to respond to requests for documents related to the case and at one point "required staff to provide statutory authority before providing other necessary documents and photographs."
McCormack told The Record on Tuesday that that was not an accurate depiction of how his office responded to the panel's requests, saying that he and his staff were "meticulous" in their response.
"We are very comfortable with the timeline," he said "We did not delay whatsoever."
He was also comfortable with having pushed back on the state's panel by asking them to provide statutory authority.
"The bottom line is that some of the information is confidential," he said of the autopsy report. "And we don't care who is asking, we wanted to make sure that we have the authority to provide it."
Historic City News
Historic City News
Panel finds O'Connell medical examiners broke state laws
During the Medical Examiners Commission Meeting at the Buena Vista Suites on February 24, 2017, Historic City News learned that two District 23 medical examiners would be recommended for suspension or probation for their actions in handling the autopsy of Michelle O'Connell.
A three-member District 23 Probable Cause Panel compiled its findings in a February 16, 2017 memorandum to Florida Medical Examiners Commission Chairman, Stephen J. Nelson, M.A., M.D., F.C.A.P.
During Issue 6 of the published Agenda, the four-page memorandum was presented by Barbara C. Wolf, MD, who is a medical examiner, on behalf of the panel; which included Wolf as well as Kenneth T. Jones and Wesley H. Heidt, J.D.
On February 27, 2017, local Historic City News reporters requested the Commission and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Office of Public Information to turn over the documents containing the complaint and outcome of the panel's investigation.
Dr. Frederick Hobin, who was the Associate Medical Examiner at the time and performed the initial autopsy, was found negligent and to have committed several violations of Practice Guidelines, as was current Medical Examiner, Dr. Predrag Bulic.
The complaint says Hobin failed to perform an appropriate review of the medical information and conducted an incomplete investigation.
Hobin is accused of not reporting that the victim had a broken jawbone at the time of her death; a fact that was discovered by the O'Connell family during a subsequent, privately paid forensic autopsy.
Also, Hobin kept important case documentation at his home, including an amended death certificate that was never officially filed with the case, all of which are violations of state law.
"I became convinced it was probably a homicide," Hobin said in a televised interview with First Coast News. Hobin initially ruled O'Connell's death a suicide but later changed his mind. He admitted to altering the autopsy report and stated that he changed the original death certificate, which he kept at his home, along with other parts of his investigative findings – all direct violations of state law.
Bulic is the medical examiner who was unable to remove the same model pistol used in the shooting from a retention holster like the one on the gun belt of O'Connell's boyfriend — St Johns County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Banks. He is also the inventor of the theory that O'Connell held Bank's pistol, in her left hand even though she was right-handed, upside-down, and that the pistol recoiled forward instead of backwards, causing the cut over her right eye.
The panel also found that Dr Bulic violated state law by sharing autopsy photographs of O'Connell without the family's consent.
Members of the O'Connell family told Historic City News that they are more convinced than ever that St Johns County Sheriff David B Shoar is providing cover for the man who murdered Michelle. Shoar has also hired Banks' stepfather, Larry Dixon, who retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Michelle O'Connell's mother, Patty, said that she will continue to pursue justice for her daughter and that she will not give up her fight until the truth comes out.
Michelle O'Connell's family files complaint against medical examiners, says they were negligent
Brittany Dionne reports. 3/13/2017
Documents recently obtained by First Coast News filed with the Florida Medical Examiners Commission claim the investigation into Michelle O'Connell's death was flawed.
The formal complaint was filed by a private investigator hired by O'Connell's family, and the family themselves, against Medical Examiner Dr. Predrag Bulic and Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Frederick Hobin.
The complaint says Hobin failed to perform an appropriate review of the medical information at the time and conducted an incomplete investigation.
Hobin is accused of not reporting that O'Connell had a broken jawbone when she died and that Hobin kept important case documentation at his home. Those documents included an amended death certificate that was never officially filed with the case, all of which are violations of state law.
Hobin initially ruled O'Connell's death a suicide but later changed his mind.
"I became convinced it was probably a homicide," Hobin said. He also documented them in a revised autopsy report stating he changed the original death certificate.
The complaint says Hobin kept the altered death certificate at his home, along with other parts of his investigative findings - all direct violations of state law.
The complaint also alleges Bulic showed O'Connell's autopsy pictures to non-family members without consent from O'Connell's family, also a violation of state law.
The State Attorney's Office believes O'Connell killed herself, and two other medical examiners agree but a Florida Department of Law Enforcement review disagreed.
O'connell's family has always believed her boyfriend, St. Johns County Sheriff's deputy, Jeremy Banks, the person who called 911 to report O'Connell's death, pulled the trigger. Banks has maintained his innocence from the beginning and is still employed by the sheriff's office.
The Florida Medical Examiners Commission found Bulic's actions to be negligent, and recommend he be written up for the infraction. The commission also found Hobin to be negligent and suggested he be suspended for an unspecified amount of time.
We are working to get comment from the O'Connell family about the complaints. We will update this story when we hear back.


text:
Check our photos from October 6th right here. See you for the next Maker Faire Rome in 2014!
Tag archives:Archivio Tag: October 6th
OSVehicle: meet the first open source vehicle at Maker Faire Rome
OSVehicle – the first open source vehicle – will be officially presented at "How to reMake the World" today, October 3rd, at 4:50 PM (CEST).
Maker Faire Rome sneak peek #2: great inventions for kids (and their parents)
Want to see a RC car you can control with your smartphone? Are you a big fan of robots, no matter if they are made of strange materials? Then you have to check Maker Faire Rome's exhibitors list and discover the coolest inventions around. Want something more? Check out this sneak peek of playful projects:…
Read all article…
Maker Faire Rome sneak peek #1: DIY smartglasses and more
Want to see some DIY smartglasses that can record a video and challenge Google Glass? Check Maker Faire Rome's exhibitors list and discover STIGglasses. Want something more? Check out this sneak peek of cool projects: you will find them all in Rome on October 5th and 6th. Will you join us?


text:
Trends of 2017 Finale
Velvet is going over big time! There is so much of it in the stores so everyone is finding little ways to incorporate. Following my last post, my sister-in-law (not the anti-word art sister from my Trends 2 post, but I suppose it doesn't really matter) requested the navy blue velvet pillow from my sofa. Hallelujah:) The pinnacle of home decor services- people actually like the products and desire for themselves! Now, let's see if that trend catches on.
The final chapter is here. What is left in store for home decorators and avid startup blog readers? So far we have seen marble, textures of white, less word art, jewel tones, velvet, and a downplay of cold, industrial spaces filled with steel and silver. This week's roundup will brighten all your spaces and have you thinking spring is just around the corner much like my poor, confused crocuses in this wild, Ohio winter!
What's In: GREEN
Although we have already considered emerald and tourmaline green in the jewel family, this year is 100% pro GREEN. In fact, Pantone's color of the year is quite straightforward-Greenery! Follow the link to see the meaning for the color and perfect pairings for your specific color desires including transitions, ethereal material, rev it up, moody blooms, or calm it down.
Color of the Year 2017- Greenery
Since greenery is 100% inspired by nature, why not bring the nature indoors? The plants making their way indoors need a home, so what better trend than terra-cotta pots?
What's In: TERRACOTTA
We are ready in design to warm up spaces, and the cool greys and whites can be replaced by terracotta. It may be a subtle usage of the material such as a pot for your new succulent babies or you could go full on new matte terracotta tile which tones down the rustic vibe often given from terracotta.
Photo: Villa Mammerhills
Remember what your homework was last week? @thejungalow lives in a world of greenery and terracotta! The Bohemian style shines in each of their posts and I continue to encourage you to check them out 🙂
What's Out: All White Kitchens
Put some COLOR in it! The countertop, subway tile, painted cupboards, and island are crying for some attention, so give them some love. It is true, all white is clean, but can't lime green look clean if you keep it clean too? Maybe green is too much, what about a pale yellow option? In any regard, it will draw attention and be a talking point (guaranteed) for your next dinner party. Then, paint it (or install it) back to white when you are tired of the statement. Win win.
There you have it, less white, more color (emphasis on the greens), and terra-cotta. It truly sounds like a description of spring on its way. The snow is melting, the greenery is growing, and nurseries everywhere are selling all the terra-cotta planters in their inventory so people can beautify their exteriors. I look forward to hearing your stories as bits of these trends creep their way into your homes. I will keep you updated on the ways my home will transform over the course of 2017, and aim to inspire along the way. Cheers, creative ones!
Be sure to follow Blue Door Creatives @bluedoorcreatives on Instagram to see the latest trends in action 🙂


text:
More live-blogging of the Xena Convention in Burbank! To see all Xena Con posts, click here.
The crowd is getting warmed up by an auction of memorabilia… although the crowd's actually maybe a little bit hot already. Thirty minutes until Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor take the stage.
They'll be followed by actor Ted Raimi (Joxer) — I might be backstage talking to Lucy and Renee at that point so I'm not sure if I'll be able to cover that or not. Then after Ted will be XWP producers R. J. Stewart and Liz Friedman.
In case you have any old Xena memorabilia lying around, they just auctioned off signed posters of Lucy and Renee for over $500 each. I"m thinking sadly of all the goodies I had back in the day. Whoever coined the term "decluttering" owes me.
They're showing a video called "The Look of Love" featuing Xena and Gabrielle's sweetest moments. The crowd loves it.
They followed that up with a video tribute to Lucy set to the music of Joan Jett. I've always had a fantasy of a Xena vid to "Bad Reputation," but this one was Jett's cover of the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song. I love fandom.
And in walks Renee O'Connor and the standing room only crowd jumps around screaming and applauding.
Renee's wearing faded jeans, a black tank, and a gray sweater. She spoils the entire audience's experience of Boogeyman 2 by revealing what happens to her character in it — which I'll kindly not compound be repeating it.
Singing at the Roxy, which she did last night, was something she can now check off her lifetime to-do list. Lucy asked her if she preferred to sing a duet to "Stop Draggin' Your Heart Around" or dance with her to "I Wanna Kiss You All Over."
Renee said they usually don't talk on the phone, they just text all day. Awwww.
She said she was over at Lucy's the other night, and walked in on Lucy sitting on the floor singing while Renee's little girl, Iris, danced around. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Renee's been doing a lot of writing, mostly about her life.
Fan asked about her appearance on Army Wives.
Renee: "How much did Katherine tell you?" "I've never played anyone who seduced anyone. I mean, I didn't seduce Xena. She seduced me."
As to Katherine saying Renee would be the "aggressor," she said: "I said I wanted to explore my sexuality — but I meant something like getting up on stage with Lucy and singing and dancing."
A fan asked how she would research her role as a lesbian. (Laughter.) She said she's reading a selection of stories by women called "The Veiled Monologues," about how women from the Middle Eastern cultures deal with their sexuality.
A fan yells out, "Read fan fiction!"
Renee: "The thought crossed my mind. I have a lot of reference books."
Fan: Read some tonight with Lucy!
Renee: No, tonight is "Ask Xena."
Fan: You got your abs back again. But where's your belly ring.
Renee: "It's next to my sink in the kitchen." Says she's going to get it put back in.
She's working out again, doing Tae Kwan Do. "It feels like I'm getting my body back. I love the discipline of the martial arts."
"I am going to put on "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I"m playing Maggie the Cat." Next year.
She's trying to option a book. She said it's hard for a female director to make a woman's story. She likes doing projects people say can't be done.
Her daughter Iris is 2, and likes to run around the house naked with a pink tutu on her head. And Renee's mom claims this is just like Renee.
Fan: Of all six seasons what was your best kiss.
Renee: Well, Ted Raimi's pretty hot. Beteween him and Xena it's a toss up.
Fan: Lucy said you.
Renee: Lucy said me? Then I'm gonna say Ted.
Fan: What are shared characteristics of Renee and Gabrielle?
Renee: Hmmm, I don't know. Name something about Gabrielle and I'll tell you if it's true.
Crowd: Bouncy, giddy, spiritual. Passion for life.
Steven Sears went to the microphone and said: You know how to cook with her juices.
Renee blushed, and then introduced Lucy. Standing ovation and screams.
Lucy quizzes the audience on how we liked the concert last night. Then she re-enacts a bit of Yentl, which she calls "the greatest movie ever made."
Lucy fangirled Kenny Loggins a little, and said meeting him and singing with him on Celebrity Duets kind of ruined her idolization of him — when you meet your idols, they become real to you and it ruins it. "That's why we must never become too close, darlings, or you'll never come back."
She laments the effect of the writers' strike on Battlestar Galactica.
Lucy was in a car accident and her loaner was a Monster Truck — which is amusing as her regular car? A Prius. She's taking the kids to school in a Monster Truck.
She hit a deer, but he was all right: "Being hit by a Prius is like being hit by a bulldozer made of cake."
Fan: Did you do print modeling before XWP? Showed her an old photo spread with a headline that said "Lesbians love Xena." She laughed and said, "That was a very progressive headline for New Zealand at that time."
Lucy asked for Tarina in the crowd, and a woman who she said is a much loved fan, with no hair, came up, and Lucy hugged her. I don't actually know the story behind this — anyone?
Lucy then recounted the tragic death of Kevin Smith who played Ares, God of War on Xena, and said his family needs help — one of his children is autistic. There is an auction benefitting them on eBay. Info at http://www.jenniferwardlealand.com/.
Fan said a friend of hers has researched it, and over the last 13 years, Xenites have raised $12.2 million for charity!
Renee comes back out. I'm still not quite used to seeing a blonde Lucy and a red-headed Renee.
Fan: Does it bother your kids that you have such a big lesbian following?
Lucy: "My kids wouldn't mind unless I minded. We don't teach them to hate people."
Renee: "Good answer, Lucy."
Fan: Do you like Lucy better as a brunette or a blonde?
Renee: "I don't think Lucy can do anything wrong. I like both. But if I'm partial to one, it's the brunette. But I like them both."
Lucy: "I'm not just my hair, darling!"
Fan: My dad died a week after the convention last year. But I got a lot of strength from that weekend and I just wanted to thank you.
Lucy thanked her and gave her condolences.
Fan: You used to babysit for my twin sons when they were babies.
Renee: Tell us a story about Lucy being a babysitter.
Fan: I didn't pay very much.
Lucy asks for phtos of the boys grown up. It's very sweet. Awwwww.
Renee: How old were you?
Lucy: 14, 15.
Fan dressed as Callisto (Lucy says, "I'm afraid!") What was your favorite costume?
Lucy: The ending (?) costume. I still own it and I still wear it.
Renee: I didn't like the first Gabrielle outfit, with the long skirt.
Lucy: But that midriff thing was a good idea until the bitter winter.
A fan thanked Lucy for being a great role model, and Lucy said to thank the writers for that.
Someone asked about her stunts. Lucy said she did some of her own fighting. "Oh my god, I hit Kevin Sorbo so hard on the back of his head, right after Michael Hurst had given him 12 stitches in his head."
Renee: "Didn't they stop using weapons made out of steel after that?"
Fan: How would you have ended the series?
Lucy: Trailer park.
Renee: Dogs.
Lucy: Beer cans all around. And it could still happen.
Next question: I watch the show only in my socks. Is that weird?
Lucy laughed. "Ted, you're an ass and you always will be." (It's Ted Raimi, who played Joxer.)
Renee: We miss Ted. Parts of him.
Lucy asks for Missy Good, and says she couldn't read the fan fic Missy gave her to read on stage last night, but there were "double headed devices." And Lucy added that Katherine Fugate said she'd have written something for her, if it weren't for the writer's strike.
Fan: What was it like to kiss Renee O'Connor?
Renee: "Yes, Lucy, what was it like?"
Lucy: "It's the fan fiction again. (Laughter.) It's so hard to describe…."
Renee: "Because it's so amazing."
Fan: Can you describe yourself in six words?
Lucy: I – am – really – unprepared – and – unspontaneous.
Renee: I – can't – speak – in – six -words.
A fan asks them to do the Xena battle cry, and they do. Yay.
Fan: Your UK fans thank you, Lucy, for coming to the UK in May. Also, on the latest "Coffee Talk," Renee said she didn't know her sexuality until she was around you.
Lucy: She did?
Renee: "Lucy never listens to anything I say." Then Renee explains that being around someone strong and confident like Lucy impressed her and made her more confident in her sexuality.
Lucy: "It's a lot like being a stripper, isn't it, wearing those costumes."
Fan: Complimented Renee's work on her film "Diamonds and Guns." Said it inspired her to start her own business.
Fan: What are the three things you like about each other?
Lucy: "Renee is courageous, and pit bull like in going after what she wants. No one can tell her she can't do something."
Renee: "Lucy is gracious and authentic."
Continued here…


text: This study investigates the foreign policy re-orientation Turkey has undergone since the Islamist AKP came to power in 2002. The analysis is conducted by way of a case study and use of the congruence method. The aim of the study is to explain the outcome on the basis of two competing theories, which may also be complementary. The first theory supposes that the re-orientation is a result of external events, while the other supposes that the re-orientation emanates from the political leadership's ability to deal with intrinsic constraints in the domestic political system. Conclusions show that the domestic political order and the external development are heavily intertwined and affect one another. The conclusions may apply for states whose politics are affected by strong ideologies, and additionally waver between traditionalism and modernization.


text:
To introduce our new vintage online clothing store- Outside the Box Vintage– Maria and I decided to explore the vast urban jungle of my backyard. Using found objects as props we decided to play dress up on one of the hottest days of the year so far this summer. We were melting, sweating, and oh so shiny. Why didn't we wait another day? We had finally shaken our procrastinating ways and were in determined work mode. This is our feminist take on Vogue fashion shoots.
PLAY-A Fashion Show Fundraiser & Rooftop Party23 Jun
Today is the day. Fashion Food Feminism is producing a fashion show in Chicago and it's happening tonight. In January Maria and I brainstormed up the idea to put on a fashion show with vintage clothes and have it be a fundraiser for a new local theatre company, Sankofa, that we are both involved in. The show evolved and now the runway will feature not only vintage, but also clothing from local designers.
It has been a fun, but sometimes stressful production. There is so much work that goes into a fashion show, but at least I was aware going in. I've volunteered at many fashion shows, but this is my first time putting one together myself. The hardest task was finding a venue on a very limited budget of zero dollars. However, by reaching out to a few friends I was able to secure an awesome location in downtown Chicago on the roof of the building courtesy of friend and designer Gabrielle Zwick. The location is perfect for enjoying a Chicago summer night and looking out at the lake or the sparkling city.
Being a feminist produced fashion show we want to do things differently. We will be debuting our new vintage collection- Outside the Box Vintage. It is a reminder to ourselves and to others to remember to think outside the box, to challenge traditional thought, and to be free to express yourself. All the designers and vendors are women. The theme for the night is playful and not sexy. I kept hearing the word sexy so many times during the planning of this event and I constantly had to say no we are not selling sex, I want it to be fun and playful. It is important to us to use fashion as a tool to empower women and not cater to the idea of what is sexy.
Another challenge I encountered was finding a local plus size designer. There was only one in the area I was able to find and she was unavailable for the event. It just made it blatantly obvious to me the lack of options available to women who are plus size and want to dress their best.
There is going to be desserts and sangria. I'm excited to try the desserts and the sangria is delicious. It is not going to be the typical runway experience and there isn't going to be your typical runway. I'm not going to reveal all the details, you'll have to come and find out!
So I'm inviting you to come join us for a playful summer's night mingling amongst Chicago's skyline. Your exclusive view will include a fashion show with the best vintage and local designs Chicago has! Celebrate supporting local Chicago culture and promote diversity. In addition, since it's Chicago's Pride Weekend we will be celebrating supporting equality and gay rights. You know you wanna come. You can purchase tickets here.
Uh, I Work Out? What Really Happened At Chicago's SELF Workout In The Park18 Jun
I have a confession to make…I don't own any tennis shoes. Not a single pair. So how did I find myself at Self's Workout in the Park? I volunteered to go and write about it. I was swayed by the thought of exercising outdoors downtown surrounded by Chicago's beautiful skyscrapers. So, I headed to the event in cut off jean shorts, a casual shirt, and flats. I was going to document other people working out, be an observer of this phenomenon of working out. I could immediately identify who was also going to event as soon as I got off the train. These women were decked out in their lycra and sports bras and power walking as though they were on a mission. They were ready to work out and I was ready to photograph them.
It's not as if I'm opposed to working out. It just comes in phases or cycles for me. The last time I owned a pair of tennis shoes was in 2009 when I was a coach for Girls on the Run. Twice a week I would meet up with my group of girls at their school and try to get them to run, to move. It was a challenge and I'm worried for kids. Before that college was the prime of my gym time. When a gym membership is included with your tuition and it's within walking distance it seems more reasonable to go work out. When you live in Chicago and the nearest gym within walking distance is a mile and you have to pay for the gym membership it's not exactly convenient to go work out.
Instead I just make physical activity part of my routine. I walk to the grocery store and ride my bike as much as I can. I don't think women should feel pressured to work out so they can achieve a certain look. Working out should be about moving your body for health, because it's not healthy to be too sedentary. The women at Self's Workout were there because they wanted to be. They were super excited to be working out. Everything was fun and upbeat. The Laughing Cow and I started a friendship.
Ladies could indulge in facials.
I signed up for a facial dermascan so I could see how much the sun has damaged my skin.
The left side shows blood vessels and growths. The right side show all the sun spots that could pop up. I was advised to protect my eyelids and lips more. I do generally avoid putting sunblock on my eyelids because if I sweat, which I do cause I bike, it burns my eyes.
And I found the lone male that was working out at the park with the ladies.
Maybe next year I'll own a pair of sneakers and attempt to work out.
Guest Post by Adam & Eve-Masturbation: Not Just For Men12 Jun
For whatever reason, there is a slight misconception in public opinions that masturbation is more of a male activity than a female one. This perception comes from everything from movies and television, to music and literature, and even people's personal experience. Unfortunately, however this leads to the indirect but still improper suggestion that while men can and do get themselves off whenever they choose, women rely more on their sexual partner to get off. This simply isn't true. Female masturbation may not be as popular of a topic in pop culture and entertainment, but that doesn't mean women aren't doing it. In fact, you may be surprised at a number of studies that indicate that a huge proportion of women admit to getting themselves off on a regular basis – and really, why shouldn't they?
Look, as you know, having a partner in bed is great. It opens up the possibility of all kinds of sexual sensations and activities that you just can't gain on your own, whether you're a man or a woman. But that doesn't mean that you can't still generate a great deal of pleasure by yourself. Chances are, you know your body better than anybody, and that also means that you know what kinds of touches and movements get you off best. This is something that you should certainly take advantage of, because women everywhere are doing just that – and because masturbation, while pleasurable and fun, is also proven to be very healthy and relaxing.
Another perk of satisfying yourself now and then is that you can try some things that might be harder or more uncomfortable to try with a partner. For instance, you might consider heading to a sex shop like Adam & Eve, and looking into the various toys and accessories they have available to help you with getting yourself off. Many of these toys can actually be fun with a partner as well, but the majority of them are meant somewhat for personal pleasure.
Again, there is no substitute for the satisfaction of having a good partner in bed. But at the same time you shouldn't limit yourself sexually, and you are not dependent on anyone for pleasure. Try experimenting with yourself, and try out a few sex toys designed to help you maximize your pleasure. You may be surprised at how much fun you can have getting yourself off, and again, you may find that it both relaxes you and increases your sexual appetite. Pay no attention to the false assumption that masturbation is for men – women everywhere will tell you that couldn't be further from the truth.
Join Me At Chicago's SELF Workout In The Park June 230 May
This is the 19th year SELF magazine has been putting on their workout in the park. It is suppose to be a fun filled day of building community with other ladies. A ton of activities will be on hand such as the newest workouts. Ahh, that's the key word in this activity WORKOUT. I'm not exactly a consistent workout person. I don't have a daily fitness routine. My workout is made up of walking or riding my bike. I've always wanted to find an enjoyable fitness class that I would be able to attend consistently. A class where I could make new friends and look forward to going to. A workout that would help to feel good mentally and physically. I'm sure it exists maybe I'll find it at the workout in the park.
I'm not a person that likes fast exercise so cardio is out for me. I once attended a ballet boot camp class and almost died. Of course that's an exaggeration, but that is how I felt during that class. It was the arm and ab exercises that really killed me. I was just not capable of doing half of them so I would just take a break when I needed to. I think that it's really important to listen to your body and stop when it tells you to instead of feeling pressure to continue because other people may be watching you.
The classes I will definitely not be taking part in at this event are the Rock Bottom, Ab Attack, and Tabura. What is Tabura? The description actually completely terrifies me and assures that it is an exercise I will never take part in. "Inspired by Swahili military endurance and strength training, this class uses kickboxing combos and basic West African dance moves." Excuse me, but no even though I am curious about the dancing part. I think I will make sure to be an observer, but gladly not a particpator in Tabura.
Dance to me is the perfect workout though! There will be plenty of dancing going on at the park. I want to check out Fly Girls inspired by those girls from In Living Color, it will be bumping to 90s pop music.
There will also be Masala Bhangra inspired by Bollywood and La Blast created by Louis Van Amstel of "Dancing With The Stars".
Since a balance is necessary to working out there is the Quiet Zone. These classes focus on yoga and pilates. There will be stretching and sculpting. I will be taking the path of least resistance and that means more relaxing and stretching for me. I plan on taking part in Sunrise Salutations since I want to maintain flexibility and increase my strength. Hippie Yoga will be going on, but not that kind of hippie yoga. This is yoga designed to open up your hip area.
What I'm most looking forward to is the pampering and the food samples. Working out is nice and all, but after I like to treat myself. There will be beauty consultations and style workshops. Spa services will be provided-perhaps a mini facial?! And of course there will be give aways and who doesn't like free things.
If you're in Chicago this Saturday you should come check it out. It will be held downtown at Grant Park from 11-3. All the details can be found here. What could be more fabulous than working out downtown outside in a park making friends with other fabulous ladies?
Ladies, What You Need To Know About Vaginal Ultrasounds And Abortion24 May
So there's a hot debate going on about vaginal ultrasounds being mandated by the government for any woman seeking an abortion. Here's the thing that no one has bothered to tell you: vaginal ultrasounds are a routine part of the abortion procedure. Yes, this type of ultrasound is performed at most abortion clinics already. It's just that Republican politicians are trying to be even bigger jerks by making it seem like they are forcing you to get a "medically unneccessary procedure".
In reality, an ultrasound before an abortion is a medically necessary procedure. The doctor needs to have the most accurate reading of how far along the pregnancy is. And most doctors get this reading with a vaginal ultrasound. This is standard practice at Planned Parenthood of Illinois. All medication and surgical abortion patients will receive a vaginal ultrasound before their abortion procedure. The pregnancy has to be visible on the ultrasound machine for an abortion to be performed.
Here's another thing no one has bothered to tell you: ultrasounds are really just guesstimates and approximations on how far along the pregnancy is. They cannot 100% determine how pregnant a woman actually is.
And one more thing you should know. If you choose to do a medication abortion you are required to return for a follow up appointment where another vaginal ultrasound will be performed to make sure the pregnancy has passed. This is the most accurate way to determine that.
I want to share this excerpt from lifenews.com, yes those pro-life people that would call me a pro-abortionist(?). What they have to say here is valid and I always admire intelligence:
"Yet, while abortion backers say having an ultrasound is like getting raped, a 2003 study shows 99% of Planned Parenthood abortion facilities do them beforehand.
Published in the medical journal Contraception in 2003, researchers with the pro-abortion group IPAS, the University of North Carolina, a consortium of Planned Parenthood clinics and the National Abortion Federation surveyed staff at 113 Planned Parenthood affiliates and independent abortion businesses between February and April 2000.
The study specifically concerned the use of the dangerous abortion drug RU 486 (mifepristone) and the survey indicated the drug could be given to women at Planned Parenthood centers and abortion clinics because of vaginal ultrasounds.
Surveying 72 of the abortion businesses that sold the abortion pill to women, the researchers found abortion facilities frequently use vaginal ultrasounds before an abortion to determine the gestational age of the baby or afterwards to determine if the abortion was complete. In fact 99 percent of the abortion facilities surveyed always or sometimes performed an ultrasound in association with the surgical abortion — while just one percent did not."
So the real question is what are they trying to take our attention away from? The government is trying to pass a law on a medical procedure that almost all doctors already follow…
Where Can You Get A Happy Abortion Card and A Happy Mother's Day Card?8 May
Snarky Cards! "Brutally Honest Greeting Cards that will crack you the fuck up". They are hand painted postcards with typewritten sayings. I discovered these awesome cards about a year ago when I was searching Etsy for feminist art work. I was sending out interviews and sadly did not do one with Alisa the creator of Snarky Cards.
What other company makes an abortion card? She's on to something. I mean what do you really say to a friend? Why not have a little laugh courtesy of snarky card. After your girlfriend's abortion and at the after party you can present you friend with this. High fives all around-it'll be a hit.
There are 22 different mother's day cards. You're sure to find the right one for your mom. She's got one for the crazy mom, the bitchy mom, the overprotective mom, the woman who is like a mom to you, the baby mama, and the deceased mom. And I'm sure I missed a few. Check them out they are delightful.
This is definitely the card I would give my mom. This card speaks the truth. I was a lunatic as a child, wild and stubborn. I'm so grateful for my mother and so sorry about what I put her through. I wonder if she would appreciate this card…
This card cracks me up. It seems so sweet with the rose and then bam.
I would not want to be the mom to get this card.
The name of the card is "I love my Dead Gay Son"-so good, adore Heathers. If you're a gay who has something they want to get off their chest this card may help you achieve that. Put the blame where it rightly belongs.
A touch of whimsy for the enjoyable and delightful mom.
And as an added bonus she's got a card for marijuana lovers! This is the best card company ever.


text:
Apparently fed up with critics who say that the Subaru BRZ isn't getting the job done for enthusiasts on its own merits, the folks at Fuji Heavy will announce on Monday, April 1 that the next Subaru BRZ will have an all-wheel-drive turbo diesel convertible version in 2015.
There have been a ton of rumors about the next BRZ, so Subaru decided to just confirm all of them. Here's what they say about the car in a press release that came out a few days early:
A spokesman for the company said: "Having just launched the current model to widespread critical acclaim, we are tired of fighting off the constant speculation about what's "next" and so we are just giving in and delivering all the speculation in one vehicle."
The new model, which is expected to have a starting price, will however NOT come with a much anticipated rear back-up camera. The spokesman confirmed that after shoehorning two convertible switches (up and down) onto the fascia there just wasn't room for any more instruments. The AWD Turbo Convertible two-seater Diesel Hybrid BRZ will come in a single color, noseeum black and will be hand produced at Subaru's Brigadoon facility.
What more could you want in a pure sports car than all of those things? We can't wait to drive this bad boy, which is almost certainly legit and not a joke.


text:
There are no Upcoming Shows listed for this artist.
Randy Lubas
Randy Lubas has performed Comedy for over 30 years in 42 of the United States, 4 Canadian Provinces, and all over the world on Cruise Ships. He has appeared 23 times on National TV, incuding Comedy Central and Showtime. He has produced thousands of live shows, and 70 episodes of West Coast Comedy, now seen on Hulu and on Standupbits.com. He owns Jr's Comedy Club in Valencia, CA and Ventura Harbor Comedy Club in Ventura, CA. He produces The Ventura Comedy Festival, and runs the college division of Artists West Entertainment.
His act pokes fun at Realtors, Engineers, Step Parents, and himself. He works each audience into his show making every performance seem brand new.
Randy has written for television, and has two screenplays, and a stage play to his credit along with many orignal songs featured on Dr. Demento's Radio Show. He also was featured in the movie Cover Story as a Hit Man.
Randy Lubas's Upcoming Events
Randy Lubas's Videos
No Videos Available.
Starting February 3rd 2018, J.R.'s Comedy Club will be moving locations.
We will be inside Mimi's Cafe
24201 Magic Mountain Parkway
J.R.'s Comedy Club (Inside Mimi's Cafe)
24201 Magic Mountain Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Telephone: (661) 259-2291
Click Here for Directions
Email us at: firstname.lastname@example.com for reservations
or buy tickets online here.
Join our email list
Enter your email to sign up for our email list
Thank you for signing up to our email list.
Add Dinner starting at
an extra $14.99
Dinner seating at 5:30
Dinner and Show
If you plan to join us for dinner, please indicate when purchasing tickets and arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m. you can pay for food and drinks when you arrive. If you are interested in the show only, please arrive at 6:30 p.m. Just as a reminder, we are located inside Mimi's Cafe


text:
Christmas Gift Shopping Spree for Ziya! | Vlogmas Ep. 6
Hey guys! In Episode 6 of Vlogmas, my mom and I are Christmas shopping for toys and stuff for my toddler, Ziya. She asked for some pretty advanced gifts for a two-year-old! Of course, we ended up finding everything at Target. NEW VIDEOS EVERY TUESDAY & SUNDAY at 3pm CST! SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE NEW! https://bit.ly/2tgEdJg HIT the notification bell so you don't miss any videos! GET RAVEN ELYSE MERCH → http://ravenelyse.storenvy.com/ *WANNA WIN A MYSTERY BOX?* I […]Read more


text:
Welcome to Harrison Fire & Safety LLC
Homestead website templates
Create a website today
For further information or questions call Foster Harrison
Harrison Fire & Safety LLC ® , West Bountiful, UT 84087
We are proud to be celebrating over 35 years of providing qualified and professional service for the fire extinguisher industry. Our company is fully licensed and insured to handle any of your fire extinguisher needs. Our personnel is on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to provide you with service.
Being a small family owned company we can offer great service with reasonable rates. Our personnel are also MSHA and OSHA licensed to handle any job site. We appreciate our valued customers, from residential homeowners, small businesses to Industrial plant sites. We cover the Wasatch front, from Ogden, Davis county, Salt Lake, Provo/Orem, Park City and Tooele, and the rest of Utah. Give us a try, you'll be glad you did.
Office Phone 801 295-1462
801 910-3245


text:
|Campulung, the first Capital of Wallachia
I won't go in the details, which are not very relevant for the today tourist. The today tourist must see something, taste a special food and have a place to sleep. We have plenty of them, and many travel agencies offer more or less outstanding travel to Romania.
I would go further and send you outside from the beatten path mentioning something about our former Capitals. Briefly speaking, during Middle Age, there were three Romanian countries, known as Wallachia, Moldavia and Transilvania. The today Capital, Bucharest, is rather a new city, grounded during the XVth Century. And of course we had our regional Capitals before Bucharest. In Wallachia we had Curtea de Arges, Campulung and Targoviste; in Moldavia Suceava and Jassy; and in Transilvania/Siebenburgen Alba Iulia and Medias.
|The city of Campulung at 1900
Oops, I hope is not too detailed and still interesting, don't wanna bore you with unnecessary knowledge. All of these former Capitals are today rather little towns, which are nevertheless worth to a visit. You can still discover within their ancient walls the arrogance and pride, and imagine the ceremonial of the Court. Brave wariors, beautiful ladies, and a lot of people on the streets, really a golden brilliant age.
|Happy Romanians celebrating the national day, 1st December
Any of these old cities would be glad if you visit them. They have a lot to show you, e.g. wonderful pieces of architecture, maybe something of their modern life. I will try to introduce you all these cities and release travel guides for every one, which is not an easy task!


text:
Andy Williams once sang that the holiday season is the "most wonderful time of the year," but for many people, it isn't so cheerful. The impending holidays can be stressful – end-of-year deadlines at work, family problems, poor drinking and eating habits, cold and dark winter days, and other issues can trigger sadness for anyone prone to depression. If you are feeling down this holiday, there are some ways to lift your spirits. Here are some tips:
Do Activities that Make You Happy
Figure out what activities make you feel good and will help you get through the holidays, and make them a priority. Routines, such as taking a walk, reading a book or playing games can rejuvenate you. Make a schedule if you need to so these restorative routines don't fall by the wayside.
Avoid Family Conflict
If you know there will be stress or conflict at family gatherings, avoid them and celebrate with people who won't make you lose your sanity. If you do decide to spend time in a volatile setting, don't engage in arguments. Prepare neutral responses, such as, "Let's talk about this later" and spend time with another family member, help in the kitchen, or go outside to get some air.
Learn to Grieve
The holidays are built around the joy of family, but if you've lost someone, the happiness of the season can quickly turn to sadness. It's not uncommon to feel guilty about enjoying the holidays or anger at a person for leaving you alone. If you are in mourning, or just feel overwhelmed, make sure you talk to someone about your feelings. Call a good friend to help relieve your stress or anxiety. There are many support groups available that can help you reflect and heal. A professional therapist may also be an option.
Schedule Sleep
A lot happens during the holidays and the increase in activities can interfere with your sleep schedule. Studies show that depression is linked to lack of sleep, so it's important to make sure you get enough each night. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Avoid large meals and physical activity before bed.
Stay Healthy
Exercise is often put on the back burner during the holidays, but don't let that happen. Make the time to get out and do something physical. Exercise improves mood, so if you're feeling stressed out or irritated during the holidays, take a walk or go to the gym to feel better. Put exercise on your calendar a few times a week to help remind you.
Elaborate meals are a big part of the holiday season and many of us tend to overindulge. This can lead to feelings of guilt. To combat this, try to eat less. Have one piece of pie instead of two. You can also prepare for the big holiday feast by making and eating healthy meals in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Be mindful of alcohol as well. Don't use it to deal with depression because it can affect you emotionally.
Cut Back on Commitments
There is a lot of the pressure during the holidays, from traveling home to see your family, to attending holiday parties and events, to meeting year-end work deadlines to giving the right gifts. If you tend to get stressed, feel anxiety or start feeling depressed when these activities mount, it can take a toll on you or trigger the holiday blues. It's okay to say no to some of these things and relieve some of that pressure. If you feel like you are doing too much, sit an event out.
Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder
If you have a case of the holiday blues, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that's brought on by the change of seasons. If you are consistently irritable, tired and down make an appointment to see a doctor. Often a lack of exposure to the sun and may be treated by long walks during daylight hours or exposure to a light box. Make an appointment to see a doctor to discuss how you are feeling and your options for getting better.


text:
Go Back
Go To Articles Directory Home Page
To get the current article, - See Below (at the bottom of the page) -.
For top news titles, see below.
Web sites and videos listed in this page are frequently updated.
If you find that this page is useful (quality of web sites, images and videos, ...), you can add it to your favorites.
Bookmark Page !
Genetic Genealogy
Genetic genealogy is rapidly becoming a trustworthy and often preferred alternative to traditional genealogy research methods.
Obviously genetic genealogy cannot completely eliminate traditional genealogy research methods. It is in fact somewhat reliant on them since there are obviously not DNA samples of every one of your deceased relatives, but genetic genealogy can be used to verify existing genealogical research.
As genetic genealogy expands it will become even more effective in doing what it all ready does. It can be used to verify family relationships, confirm relations among surname variants, extend your genealogy and leave a living legacy. Imagine how much easier it will be to find a lost relative when a large DNA database has been established and all you have to do is give a DNA sample and the matches will be automatically found for you. Though it is still relatively in its youth, genetic genealogy shows that the future of genealogy has arrived.
As many know Y chromosomes are passed on from father to son. What many don't know is that the Y chromosome is passed on virtually unchanged. This can be very useful in genetic genealogy and is the most used form of it. If someone suspects that they are a relative of a deceased man they can find out for sure through a simple DNA test. One simply needs to know of a direct ancestor of that man and then when both are tested, Y chromosomes can be compared and a match can be verified.
You may be wondering what mtDNA testing is. The "mt" stands for mitochondrial, a term we won't go into too deeply, since the important fact is that mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally. As such, mtDNA testing is used to trace a person's maternal heritage.
This is an important form of DNA testing as the majority of genealogists are females. Females often lose track of their maternal lines over time as they marry and have their surname changed. By going through mtDNA testing one can learn more about their maternal lineage.
It is easy to see why genetic genealogy is rapidly spreading in popularity and use. Its accurate and speedy results make it an excellent genealogy resource.
About the Author:
Kent Fairbourn is the Great Grandson of John A. Scorup (a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame) and a Client Account Specialist for 10x Marketing, an Internet marketing company. Go now to Relative Genetics to learn more about Genetic Genealogy.