text:
Whether you're watching your nightly news or scrolling through Facebook on your lunch break, the topic of immigration is at the height of concern at the moment. Ever since the presidential election, immigration has been a hot-button topic with many in favor of stricter border control laws and many against it, as we've seen in protests and demonstrations that have been taking place across the United States. Despite the recent surge of conversation, the highly-debated topic of immigration has been a huge part of the United States' history for quite some time.
In fact, the Department of Homeland Security keeps statistics on immigration dating all the way back to 1820. In that year, 8,385 immigrants obtained lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Overall, that number increased to approximately 1,183,505 in 2016 and has been growing ever since.
Lawful permanent residents are non-citizens who have been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. They are granted a permanent resident card, which is often called a Green Card. They have the ability to accept employment offers without special restrictions, own property, receive financial assistance at public colleges and/or universities, and join the Armed Forces.
On top of lawful permanent residents, immigration to the United States is also composed of refugees and immigrants who became naturalized. In 2017, a total of 54,000 refugees were admitted into the United States, while 703,000 immigrants became naturalized.
It is clear that the numbers support the idea that immigration is a big part of this country's day-to-day workings. It embodies those coming to the United States to make a living, as well as those in the United States looking to employ people. But with all of the different statuses and options available for immigrants, it can be difficult to know which is best for your situation. This raises an important question: when might someone need an immigration attorney?
When it comes down to it, there are multiple scenarios that could require or be helped by utilizing an immigration attorney. First and foremost is if you simply cannot figure out your options. For example, let's say you are a worker who is skilled and seeking employment. With a clean criminal record, you might qualify for multiple visas or other types of Green Cards. Some of those might be easier or quicker to obtain than others, while others might be the better option.
The aforementioned scenario would be a perfect fit for an immigration attorney. Most immigration attorneys who pride themselves on that title are well-versed in the available options and how they could be best suited to your needs.
Similar situations can also come up in family situations. You might be a married person looking to enter the United States. For you, one option is to enter on an immigrant visa, which gives you an immediate right to a Green Card. Another option is entering on a K-3 visa, which will give you entry so you can later apply for a Green Card via an adjustment of status. One of these options might be more advantageous for you than the other, and an immigration lawyer can help you figure out which one that is.
Another scenario that will likely require an immigration attorney is if you end up in immigration court proceedings. The proceedings might not be finished or you might be on appeal, but your status is solely in the hands of the court. Having an attorney on your side working through those court proceedings can make all the difference in your current application being accepted or denied.
Other situations end up being associated with the USCIS, which is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The USCIS mission is to efficiently and fairly adjudicate requests for immigration benefits. This entails keeping immigrants out of the United States if they have committed a crime or previously lied to the United States government, among many other things. Each person who comes through and applies to enter the country or applies for a different status is checked to see if they are eligible. If you are found to be inadmissible, you can be blocked from applying for a Green Card or another immigration status, or they can block you anytime you try to cross the border. You could even already have a Green Card, leave the country and then be deemed ineligible upon your return. It goes without saying that an immigration lawyer would be of great assistance in such a situation.
Another common immigration hurdle is a delay. The USCIS may fail to act on or approve an application, leaving you to the wayside and waiting for no solid reason. These delays can end up being months. While a lawyer does not have the power to push anything along, they might have the access needed to ask about delays or problems with your case.
One simple reason why you might need the assistance of an immigration attorney is to help you with the plethora of paperwork. Even the easiest immigration applications involve the filling out of paperwork, and doing so correctly and accurately is paramount. Mistakes can lead to your application being returned, delayed or rejected. Immigration attorneys know the paperwork front to back and will make sure yours is correct and in proper shape to help your application process move along smoothly.
Now, while it seems immigration lawyers are solely for those coming into the United States, they can even be of help to employers looking to sponsor a worker for a Green Card. This process requires completion of the labor certification process, as well as advertisements for the job. Those ads have to meet certain standards with specific language, all while adhering to time constraints and other deadlines.
Taking care of that process can be difficult for the employer, especially with more than just a new hire on their plate of things to deal with. An immigration lawyer can help with that process and make sure both the employer and the new employee get the best out of the situation.
When it comes down to brass tacks, an immigration attorney is a safe bet in many different immigration scenarios and applications. From marriage visas to child, parent and sibling visas and from employment and business immigration Green Cards to adjusting your status, relying on an immigration attorney only improves your success rate.


text: Cuvée is the blend of wines that make up a specific champagne. It can also refer to the finest portion of juice obtained from pressing the grapes. It corresponds to the first 2,050 liters of juice out of 2,550 liters obtained from pressing 4,000 kilograms of grapes (a marc). The best champagnes are usually made with the cuvée only.« Back to Glossary Index

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Snoop Dogg -- I Won't Drop a Dime On Justin Bieber ... Now Watch Me Pimp This Playmate!
Snoop Dogg I Won't Drop a Dime On Bieber Now Watch Me Pimp This Playmate!
You must have a mental disease if you think Snoop Dogg is gonna snitch on his buddy Justin Bieber ... 'cause he's too busy PIMPIN' PLAYBOY PLAYMATES ... and TMZ has the footage.
Snoop was bouncing from Supperclub in Hollywood last night when we asked about his naked beer pong game at J.B.'s super-secret Great Gatsby party last weekend ... but Lion/Zilla told us his lips are sealed. Gotta respect that.
Also gotta respect the fine ass Playmate -- Nikki Leigh, Miss May 2012 -- who went straight for the rapper like a heat seeking missile ... and let's put it this way, Snoop wasn't exactly shutting her down.
Would you?
Waiting for your permission to load the comments.


text:
Facebook – 500 Followers of Biggin Hill Residents Association
Love it or hate it Facebook is a brilliant way of sharing information between people. Last year we created a Facebook page which has taken off and we are 1 person off having 500 followers sharing whats going on locally and local issues. Come and join us on – https://www.facebook.com/bigginhillresidentsassociation/


text:
Dear Bruce Kola,
Congratulations on your retirement from CC!! Hopefully, you remember me but it has been quite a few years back—I am glad to hear about the anatomy lab in Barnes and always remember your visions and dreams to help both anatomy and physiology teaching at CC. Kudos to you Bruce and have a wonderful, happy and health retirement!!
Dr. Carolyn Glaubensklee/Associate Prof of Physiology
ATSU School of Osteopathic Medicine
Bruce Kola, Lecturer in Sport Science
My 38-year tenure as coordinator of sports medicine and lecturer in sport science has been a very rewarding time, allowing me to teach and to provide medical care for an incredible group of outstanding young people throughout the years.
I will miss the opportunity to teach surgical anatomy and to advise students in medicine and allied health. However, perhaps my greatest satisfaction lies in the development and existence of the new science and anatomy lab in the basement of Barnes. This is a multi-use facility which will help our students master human anatomy and physiology, as they compete for a chance to matriculate into medical, DO, DMD, PT, PA, NP, and other allied health fields.
I will continue to work on clinical development projects and program reviews in sports medicine and athletic training from a newly formed Sports Medicine Services, L.L.C. Retirement will allow me to continue to foster my interest in rodeo medicine, as well. It is also highly likely that the fish population in Montana will decrease exponentially as my retirement years increase.
Paul Kuerbis, Professor Education, Director of Crown Faculty Center
I'll start by slowing down, just a bit. This is first time in 39 years that I won't be teaching teachers during the summer. Because of grants, my summers have been jammed the last 15 years. Yet, I have no regrets. The summers have been enormously rewarding in letting me work with dedicated teachers in K-12 science improvement and co-teaching summer institutes with great CC science faculty who are trying more inquiry-based teaching. I know I will miss always running full speed with fabulous colleagues.
This past year of phased retirement has allowed me to appreciate family even more, and explore life beyond CC. I continue to work with the Knowles Science Teaching Foundation (www.kstf.org ). I have been involved since its inception in 2001, was elected a trustee in 2008, and now serve as a consulting executive director. In another year, I also become an associate editor of an international science teacher education journal. So, instead of learning to say NO, I am afraid that I still have a habit of wanting to KNOW.
Victor Nelson-Cisneros, Associate Dean of the College
I will retire at the end of June from Colorado College. My only plans at this moment are to move to extreme South Texas, Brownsville-Harlingen-South Padre Island, to be with my extended family. I want to reestablish my friendships from an earlier time and reengage with my immediate family. The latter include my brother, Arturo and his wife Pat, and their three children, Marisa, Arturo Antonio, and Cristina, who are all married with families of their own. I am especially looking forward to being present in the lives of my six great-nieces and -nephews, the oldest of whom is 12. From oldest to youngest they are Isabella Rose, Andrea Flor, Victoria Guadalupe, Ava Elizabeth, Arturo Antonio, and Nathaniel, who just had his first birthday. I want to support them as they grow up and teach them how to spin a top, just as my grandfather taught me, as well as be there for them when they need me. I also want to tell them about the benefits and opportunities that a liberal arts education can provide for them in the future.
I do not have any immediate plans for travel and specific tasks. I am embarking on a new path for myself and plan to be open to new opportunities that life will present to me. I plan to read, listen, observe, and hopefully write about the region I am returning to and that I have studied for many years. I plan to return to visit friends and colleagues in the Springs and fish the South Platte and the other wonderful rivers and streams of the state. I have been honored to serve Colorado College for these 30-plus years, and it has been a rewarding experience thanks to the students, faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues, including Professors Jeff Noblett and Brenda Tooley, who have been so kind to me. I am especially grateful to Rita Zook, my staff assistant for many years as well as to my fellow retiree, Marlyn Burch, who served as the assistant to the dean for four of the five deans under whom I have served. I am very grateful for your love, compassion, and support during all these years. This is a great college that is headed in the right direction with the values and beliefs developed over its long tradition and history. Thanks.
Adrienne Lanier Seward, Professor of English
Life after CC? I can hardly imagine what that may be like. At first, I will probably strain to hear the sound of the distant drummer over echoes of Shove's chimes.
Though I'll miss those five bells—and the many special colleagues and students who have shared them with me for the past 30 years, I do know I have a lot of catching up to do; older friends beckon: Adwoa, Janie, Inspector Maigret, Akosua Brago wɔ Juaben Asante, the Maiden without Hands, Kim, the occupants of 124 Bluestone, Murasaki Shibiku, Mr. Micawber, the Marx Brothers, Kweli, Spencer Williams, Kathleen Collins Prettyman, Eloyce Gist, the Vanishing Hitchikker, and kudzu. I guess this "plan" entails lots of travel in one form or another, but not as an afterthought on my way to a conference or with a pen in my hand. But as they say, if you want to hear the gods laugh—make a plan.
Yunyu Wang, Director of Asian Studies, Professor of Drama/Dance
Wang is chairing the upcoming 2012 daCi/WDA Global Dance Summit held in Taipei, Taiwan (www.daciwdaintaiwan.org). The event is co-sponsored by daCi and WDA, both under UNESCO. Nearly 1,000 people have registered to join the event in July. She also received a grant from Ministry of Culture for The Platform for Performing Arts with Technology. This project will bring together performing artists in Taiwan to work closely with the technology specialists to reach the goal that is the current trend in performing arts. In addition, Wang has been elected president of World Dance Alliance—Asian Pacific which includes 18 countries in the Asian Pacific area and is aimed at promoting dance education (www.worlddancealliance.net or www.wda-ap.org). In the coming year, she will join Colorado College's Semester-in-Singapore, which is part of CC's Asian studies program.


text:
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Jeff Hardy's On Drugs, Loses to Chris Jericho
Jeff Hardy took a major shot today, as the media blitz continues, allowing him no room to breathe. The WWE has suspended Hardy for 60 days! This is his second infraction with the wellness program, proving that he was on drugs. What drugs? No one is really talking about that part, but that would be the reasons why he lost the title last night on Raw to Chris Jericho.
How long did the WWE know that he had a drug problem though?
Last week, it appeared that the match for this week was set up, and this Monday Night, apparently the backstage area knew about the suspension, and although all these factors played out during the Raw event, the fan base was fully behind Y2J.
Did the WWE purposely let Y2J chants reign supreme last night? Or was the crowd really that hot for the former WWE champion to get a title!
Whatever the case was, the match went off well.
Overall, the show was good, however there were some harsh tones.
I didn't enjoy the Finlay, Kennedy situation, ruining any credibility that Kennedy had as a wrestler. He's NOT a jobber, but what must be done, must be done.
The rest of Raw just seemed like garbage to me somehow.
The title change was a great surprise to me, and even though I had read a lot of rumors, the suspension and drug use of Hardy came as a surprise to me.
We'll see what the WWE is going to do with the extra spot in Money In The Bank, as well as the intercontinental championship, which is now boosted to credible levels with Y2J at the helm!
Liked this post? Want to help me keep blogging? Buy a dvd or two from Amazon.com and save up to 75% off WWE merchandise, and get free shipping while you're at it; just click HERE
Posted by Unknown at 1:18 PM
Labels: jeff hardy, monday night raw, raw review, wwe, y2j
1 comment:
- AnonymousMarch 15, 2008 at 8:29 PM
Too bad his house burnt downReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Images from one of the last Gala .
"A Celebration of African-American Culture"during Black History Month in February 2012
They honor " Tanne Stovall " founder of the Brothers in Paris
Here the personal invitation to participate in the festivities of "BROTHERS PARIS " Winter Gala
" The event will take place at Cafe de Paris
158 rue Oberkampf 75011 Paris Metro Menilmontant
Evening of Sunday, February 19, 2012
The festivities include "Live Jazz " , "Blues " and "R & B "
The event and admissions
`s admission is 10 euros
5 euros for children under 15 years
And if you want dinner
The restaurant offers an exceptional meal at a very interesting price …
Dinner includes:
A starter, main course, dessert,
(wine isn`t included)
16 euros per person, reservations required
http://www.aucafedeparis.com/ you can view the menu
Or you can just come for the music, and events:
10 euros per person
Date: Sunday, February 19
Time: from 19 hours
Location: The Café de Paris
158 , rue Oberkampf
75011 Paris
Metro : Menilmontant
Réservations: La page facebook : The Brothers Paris
Dress code: casual, semi-formel, s' habiller pour impressionner et s`eclater!
", "Richard Allen", "Joseph Langley", just send us a mail
Sponsors :
www.yourdreamhouseinfrance.com ,
MAGNIFYK-EVENT : http://magnifyk.blogspot.com/
Multi – Cultural Hair Salon located in Le Marais,
Shelley Fox Reed
Appointments +33 1 40 27 03 27
Related articles
- Ménilmontant (aref-adib.com)
- Paris vs. New York (travelbetweenthepages.com)
- January Film Events (vingtparismagazine.com)
- T Magazine: Paris Top 5 | Ami (tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com)
- Best Underground Bars and Clubs in Paris (hotelclub.com)
- Discover incredible street art in Paris (europe.eurostar.com)
- Paris Carnival next February (parisfrancehotel.wordpress.com)
- The best of nightlife in Paris (europe.eurostar.com)
- 1929, February 5 – GARDEL SINGS AT PARIS OPERA HOUSE (todayintango.wordpress.com)
- Walking on the wild side of Paris (gadling.com)
Filed under: Artists, Arts, Causes, Contact, culture, dance, Danse, Links, magnifyk, magnifyk-events, Music, My others pages, Newsletter, Partners, R&B, restaurant, Restaurants, Rnb, youtube, African-American Culture, Afro American, American, Arts, Arts and Entertainment, Black History Month, Blues, BROTHERS PARIS, business, Café de Paris, Celebration, Coiffeur, coiffure, Dance, Danse, Dinner, Disc jockey, Dress Code, events, facebook, February 2012, festivities, France, French conjugation, Gala, Ile-de-France, Jazz, joseph langley, Live Jazz, magnifyk, Magnifyk-Events, managements, Ménilmontant, Music, myspace, Paris, Paris Métro, R & B, Restaurant, rhytm n' blues, Richard Allen, RSVP, Rue Oberkampf, rythm & blues, spectacle, Spectacles, Tanne Stovall, Travel and Tourism, Twitter, United States, wine, Winter, Winter Gala, wordpress, Youtube


text:
Click to openMy Passions Network Sites:
No gifts yet
My Description
Single Vegan
I've been a vegan for quite some time now. I love it, i feel more appreciated by nature, loving nature. It's quite the life in a sense. It came with a price though. Starting off as a common vegetarian was easy, switching to veganism had its impact on my health being i did it wrong. I'm the prime example of how NOT to be a vegan lol!!! Okay i underwent some internal from anemia, and a few minor heart attacks. Made me feel like i had the health of an old guy lol. But that still hasn't stopped me. I really do have a passion for this, always have, and always will
About Me (My Interests / Hobbies / Groups)
- Body Type
- slim, slender, fit, skinny, athletic, average
- Movies
- romance, horror, indie, sci-fi, action, romantic comedy, comedy, drama, bollywood
- Orientation
- gay, bisexual
- Eye Color
- black, brown, gray
- Hair Color
- dark brown, light brown
- Ethnicity
- African American, Other
- Relationship
- single - never married
- Have Kids
- no - maybe with the right person
- Education Level
- currently in college, high school grad
- Profession
- Technical / Science / Engineering, Other
- Do you smoke?
- no - open to dating smokers though, 420
- I currently live
- alone
- Socially, I am
- flirt, comic relief, loner, shy at first, but warm up quickly, side kick
- Political Views
- democrat
- Food Related
- Vegan, Vegetarian, Lactose Intolerant (am I sharing too much?)
- Personality
- punk, romantic, loner, intellectual, lover, tree hugger, total slacker, introvert, fun loving, conservative, professional, flirt, pirate
- Individuality
- piercings, psychic
- Religious Views
- Christian, Agnostic
- Drugs
- socially, let's see, how should I answer this (wink, wink)
- I'm looking for
- something REALLY hot, mr. right, penpal, mr. right now, the yin to my yang, romance, relationship, dating, friends - with benefits
- My Sign
- i was born in july, cancer : june 21-july 22
- Pets
- Fish
- Gender
- Male
- Music
- Hardcore, Motown, Trance, Punk, Heavy Metal, Pop, Christian Rock, Alternative Rock, Hip Hop, Post Rock, Classical, Indie, Progressive Rock, Dance, Industrial, R and B, Death Metal, Jazz, Rock, Folk, Jazz-Fusion, Screamo, Hard Rock, Metal, Techno
- Hair Style
- dreadlocks
- Fitness & Sports
- swimming, working out, running, yoga
- Groups:
About My Match (What I'm looking for)
- Hobbies & Interests
- computers, cooking & recipes, cosplay, cycling, dancing, internet, killing zombies, manga, movies, music, naturism, photography, reading, running, shopping, surfing, swimming, television, travel, video games, weather, wine tasting, working out, writing, yoga
- Their Body Type
- athletic, average, fit, skinny, slender, slim
- Movies
- action, bollywood, comedy, drama, horror, indie, romance, romantic comedy, sci-fi
- Orientation
- bisexual, gay
- Eye Color
- blue, brown, glass, gray, green, hazel, black
- Hair Color
- auburn, black, blond, dark brown, depends on the day of the week, light brown, red
- Their Ethnicity
- African American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic / Latino, Indian, Inter-racial, Mixed Race, Pacific Islander
- Relationship
- single - never married
- Income level
- that's private
- Do they smoke?
- socially
- Do they drink?
- socially
- They currently live
- alone, on a pirate ship, with pets
- Socially, they are
- comic relief, flirt, home body, loner, shy at first, but warm up quickly, side kick, the life of the party
- Food Related
- Chinese, Chocoholic, Comfort, Fine Dining, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Lactose Intolerant (am I sharing too much?), Omnivore, Soul Food, Spicy, Sushi, Vegan, Vegetarian
- Personality
- activist, extrovert, flirt, fun loving, intellectual, introvert, jock, liberal, loner, lover, pirate, punk, romantic, tree hugger
- Individuality
- piercings, pirate at heart, psychic, tattoos, vampire
- Religious Views
- Agnostic, Catholic, Christian, Scientology
- Drugs
- burning man rocks...wait, what was the question, every chance I get, let's see, how should I answer this (wink, wink), never, prescription only, socially
- They are looking for
- conversation, dating, friends - with benefits, mr. right, relationship, romance, roommate, something REALLY hot, the yin to my yang
- Their Sign
- aquarius : jan. 20–feb. 18, aries : march 21–april 19, cancer : june 21–july 22, capricorn : dec. 22–jan. 19, gemini : may 21-june 20, i don't believe in zodiac signs, i was born in april, i was born in august, i was born in december, i was born in february, i was born in january, i was born in july, i was born in june, i was born in march, i was born in may, i was born in november, i was born in october, i was born in september, leo : july 23–aug. 22, libra : sept. 23–oct. 22, pisces : feb. 19–march 20, sagittarius : nov. 22–dec. 21, scorpio : oct. 23–nov. 21, taurus : april 20–may 20, virgo : aug. 23–sept. 22
- Gender
- Male
- Music
- Trance, Christian Rock, Dance, Death Metal, Folk, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Heavy Metal, Hip Hop, House, Indie, Industrial, Jazz, Jazz-Fusion, Metal, Post Rock, Progressive Rock, Punk, R and B, Rock, Screamo, Techno
Favorite videos
DIZZYTHEVEGAN's Profile Link:
Current Favorite Websites for DIZZYTHEVEGAN*
Last forum posts of DIZZYTHEVEGAN on Vegan Passions
No forum posts yet
Current Favorite Books for DIZZYTHEVEGAN
No Favorite Books added yet.
Visit the Vegan Passions Book Library
Current Favorite Video Games for DIZZYTHEVEGAN
No Favorite video games added yet.
Visit the Vegan Passions video game Library
Vegan Passions: Report This Profile
If you see spam, fake information, nonsense information, offensive information or an empty profile, please click the button below and enter your reason for reporting this profile. It will be reviewed promptly.
Note: Reporting Tool Only Visible To Logged In Members
- Vegan Dating Service
- Veggie Connection
- Green Thumb Dating
- Veggie Romance
- Green Personal Ads
Raw Food Energy
FIND Other Singles In
Meet In The Real World


text:
Lowe to challenge Cope in Sherman
First Selectman Clay Cope is seeking a third, two-year term as the Republican candidate in Sherman.
The incumbent is to be challenged in November's municipal election by Democrat Don Lowe. Lowe was endorsed July 23 by Sherman Democrats.
Cope's running mate is incumbent selectman Bob Ostrosky.
Lowe is teaming with Ashleigh Blake, who is running for a selectman's seat for the first time.
"I will be my honored to continue serving the town I love," Cope said. "Bob Ostrosky and I, along with town treasurer Eric Holub, have worked hard to stay fiscally conservative while maintaining town services for our fellow residents."
Cope pointed to Sherman's "improved fiscal position" under his administration. Moody's Investors Services has given the town an AA2 rating, affecting the town's $9.1 million debt, he said.
"The AA2 rating incorporates the town's improved financial position following two consecutive years of surpluses, a modestly sized but wealthy tax base, and low debt and pension burden," Cope said.
Ostrosky said he has enjoyed serving Sherman's residents as selectman.
"If elected again, I would be honored to serve and continue building and maintaining a strong financial position for the town," said Ostrosky, a senior finance director for a Fortune 50 company.
Lowe, 57, served as selectman in Sherman from 2004 to 2008. At that point, he didn't run again in order to commit time to his family.
He currently serves on the Sherman Higher Education Fund, a seat he's held since 2001, and the Sherman Ensemble Board of Directors since 2011.
Lowe also served on the town's Planning and Zoning Commission from 2001 to 2003 and was chairman of the Land Acquisition Fund Board from 2005 to 2007.
He moved to Sherman in 1999 with his wife, Mary Lamb, and three children.
Lowe faulted Cope's administration for keeping issues in the town "perpetually on the agenda."
"There are things that have been on the agenda for over a year," Lowe said, "like the septic fields inspections and the cross at Happy Acres. These are fairly simple things to act on."
Lowe noted the present Board of Selectman wants to "step aside" and leave the issue of displaying a cross at the town-owned farm to the farmers now leasing it. That, he said, puts the farmers in an untenable position and shirks the selectmen's responsibility.
"I'm running because the town needs someone who can answer questions, who doesn't get back to you later," Lowe said. "We've had four years with no resolution to the problem with cell service in the south end of not. That's not just a convenience issue. That's a safety issue and one I plan to work on resolving if elected."
Blake agrees with Lowe that Cope's administration has "a lack of action."
Issues keep getting pushed along rather than resolutions being found, she said. She noted the emergency services facility still doesn't have the financial books closed for the long-stalled project.
While it's "moving along," she said, Cope has to "be straight" with residents about where the project stands.
Blake previously served on the Conservation Commission for eight years, holding the seat of vice chairman during that time.
She was president of the Sherman School PTO for the last four years and actively involved with the Board of Education.
While on the Conservation Commission, she was actively involved with the Planning and Zoning Commission.
email@example.com; 203-731-3352


text:
It's not only Lana Del Rey who has Coachella and Woodstock on her mind. The good folks over at Teen Vogue evidently do as well and have included in the Summer 2017 issue, the second volume since its relaunch earlier this year, a story that channels the free spirit stylings of these musical festivals past and present. Bringing the story to life is none other than Selena Forrest, who is photographed by Quentin de Briey in the rolling hills of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon outside Los Angeles. To that end, Selena (pictured) wears what else but a Gucci dress, the likes of which alone could reanimate a muddy love fest in the isolation of a NASA clean room. All told this is a lovely story and especially so rendered in the new 11 inches by 6.75 inches format (roughly 28 cm x 17 cm).
Visit teenvogue.com.
Credits include: Publication, Teen Vogue Volume II Summer 2017; Title, "Free Spirits"; Photography, Quentin de Briey; Styling, Beth Fenton; Hair, Rutger using Bumble and bumble; Makeup, Sil Bruinsma using Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss; Manicure, Morgan
McGuire; Production, Kiori Georgiadis for Hinoki Group; Set design, Bryn Bowen at Streeters.


text:
19 Tips for Writing Effective Email Subject Lines
Many thanks to those who attended last week's standing-room-only "Writing Effective Email Subject Lines" Brunch & Learn webinar. Based on participation, it's a very hot topic. And for good reason, because subject line optimization is one of the fastest, most-cost-effective strategies for increasing reader engagement and visits to your website.
If you couldn't attend, here are 19 tips to help improve your email subject line writing, as well as an invitation to visit the Direct Marketing IQ webinar archives, where you can watch this Brunch & Learn session (the webinar will be available on-demand for the next 90 days):
1. Test for the best. This is the No. 1 rule in subject line optimization (and all of direct marketing). The second rule is to share your test results with your writer. Please.
2. A subject line needs to make an instant connection with your readers. Rarely is anyone eager to open your email. More likely, recipients are annoyed by the stack of subject lines in their inboxes. The objective is to DELETE, not open.
3. Subject lines are first cousins with direct mail outer envelope teasers. However, subject lines have an even tougher job than teasers because it's easier to delete an email than to throw away a 3-dimensional mail piece.
4. Subject lines need to work extra hard in multiple environments. Currently, more than half the emails that are opened are read on a mobile device, not a tablet, desktop or laptop computer. This means you need to pay special attention to those first 25 characters because that's all that show up on most mobile screens.
5. Understand your audience. Is your reader is a subscriber, customer, member or visitor who already has a relationship with you ... or a prospect who doesn't know you? Whichever the case, you need to maximize the synergy between your from and subject lines.
Related story: 14 Ways to Motivate Your Prospect
Pat Friesen is a direct response copywriter, content developer, copy coach and creative strategist. She is also the author of "The Cross-Channel Copywriting Handbook," published by Direct Marketing IQ. Reach her at (913) 341-1211.


text:
I did some unintentional time travelling yesterday.
I was testing out a new audio cable, and decided to connect it to my audio receiver.
On a whim, I decided to try it with an LP. I randomly grabbed a record from a section of the shelf I knew would yield some favorite, and put on my headphones.
As the needle settled into the groove, I settled into my armchair. The sound was fine. In fact, it was superb.
I had picked out an album of Bach organ works that I've had since I was a teenager. I found myself sitting in the same position I would have been in then: seated diagonally, head nestled in the wing of the armchair, leg draped over the armrest, dangling, foot keeping time. Like then, I closed my eyes and absorbed the sound of what my mother would call "staring into space music."
Here is the Fugue in C Minor (BWV 537) played by Ton Koopman.
Back then the world was still a mostly unknown place to me. Germany, where Bach was from, was a far-off land where they spoke a language I didn't understand. I was sure I'd never get there. People didn't just go to Europe. Not the folks I knew, anyway.
Then, and now, the music made me think of the soaring stained-glass windows of cathedrals that I'd seen in books. If I opened my eyes back then, outside my window I saw soaring green trees, or the tracery of bare branches, or autumn leaves forming their own stained-glass pattern. At dusk, the view was marred by the light of a small gas station sign beyond the woods that seemed so far off then, though it was only a mile away.
I wasn't sure what I'd end up doing, but I was looking forward to stepping out into that great big world and starting the adventure. As there was no internet at the time, and "blogger" would have sounded like some made-up nonsense word, well, how could I have known?
Here is the Fugue in G Minor (BWV 578) also played by Ton Koopman.
And then, the reverie was broken; an LP side only lasts so long. And I was back to the future, now my present.
And how unexpectedly glorious that future had been. Once I learned to drive, I passed that gas station regularly, though I didn't recognize it and make the connection at first. The world grew. I learned to speak German, and have been to Germany a couple of times, though not yet to any of Bach's towns.
And as I had listened to Bach in my current comfortable chair, I realized I understood more of what was happening, there were more "I see what you did there" moments. I now have access to sheet music, to see for myself—and now everyone does. And if you've got an internet connection, you can listen online to Bach works for organ, cello and more for free without annoying pops or crackles from the record (though they're so familiar now I find them somewhat endearing).
I don't know where Bach will take you, but I believe it will be a wonderful journey.
Bon voyage!
Here is the Toccata in F Major (BWV 540) played by Diane Bish. Some folks will say this is played too fast, but I love it, it's exciting!
List of Bach Freebies
Organ http://www.blockmrecords.org/bach/
Cello https://costanzabach.stanford.edu/
Vocal and instrumental http://allofbach.com/en/ (this website will eventually have performances of all of Bach's compositions; read about it here)
Goldberg Variations: http://www.opengoldbergvariations.org/ and https://kimiko-piano.com/open-goldberg
Spotify users: someone has made curated playlists for all of Bach's works. Read about it here.
Spotify users: if you want to hear the Hänssler Classic complete set of Bach recordings (under the direction of Helmuth Rilling), read about it here.
Sheet music
Sheet music and, for some pieces, MIDI or mp3 files http://imslp.org/wiki/Category:Bach,_Johann_Sebastian
Open Well-Tempered Clavier https://musescore.com/opengoldberg/sets/openwtc
Open Goldberg Variations https://musescore.com/opengoldberg/goldberg-variations
Image attribution: Recursive clocks in a snail-shell pattern. Photo Time Travel Haikus 5-7-5 by CityGypsy11, Flickr.com, Creative Commons CC-BY-NC 2.0. Click here for source page.


text:
Ask about log furniture, dehydrators, smokers, sausage stuffers, fruit presses, and much more. Also, please remember, ask about that special project that you have been thinking about. Grains, Legumes, and other bulk food is co-op style and not re-packaged. Call or email for product list and prices – Duane
Contact Us
The URI to TrackBack this entry is: https://grainsnthings.wordpress.com/contact-us/trackback/


text:
Threat Hunting: A Day in the Life of an Adversary
Join us for an intense adversary threat hunting program; learn the latest advanced adversary techniques and latest tradecraft. You will advance your threat hunting skills and methods and take your organization's ability to detect and hunt to the next level.
Key Takeaways:
Christian Rodriguez, Crowdstrike Sales Engineering Manager


text:
I've been reading about alchemy again and it's started creeping into my dreams with some pretty fantastical symbolism. There have been 2 dreams in a row featuring talking animals; the first a conversational peahen and the second a white fox who said "Goodbye". Nice dreams when you can get them eh?
The alchemical symbolism of animals tends to be a little different and rather more interesting than your standard dream interpretation. Ask the internet about foxes and peacocks and you'll get the usual hodgepodge of 'foxes are crafty' and 'peacocks are proud'
The peacock's tail appears in alchemy near the completion of the 'work' whether by an oily residue on the surface of the final liquid (the 'wet path') or as a colourful oxidation on metals (the 'dry path'). The peacock itself denotes nobility, glory and holiness – a path to attaining the Great Work.
Foxes are always closely aligned with the trickster archetype. Alchemically they are linked to the sun along with lions, although I'm not sure what white foxes would relate to? Maybe an alchemical transformation related to the moon or maybe the albedo process. They were also believed that they are the keepers of Elixir of Life and that they assume human form at night to visit the sick.
My main research lately has been around the symbolism associated with the Nigredo process, that of burning, putrefaction, death and resurrection. The symbolism of the Black Madonna is associated with nigedo, the Prima Materia, the black earth (Kemi) and also with Isis, and she is another character that has popped up briefly in my sleep. The photo above is one I took of the Virgin of Montserrat "La Moreneta". She is housed in the Benedictine Montserrat Abbey in the hills above Barcelona. She has become a site of pilgrimage for Catholics and the pilgrim is able to obtain her blessing by touching her exposed hand which is holding a globe representing the universe. She sit's in a pose known as the Throne of Wisdom with the baby Christ making a traditional sign of benediction.
When I had the chance to visit the Abbey the weather was bad and the whole mountain was covered in mist. There was no view either up or down the mountains which meant that the tourist numbers were very low – lucky for me! I wasn't fussed about the views and was most interested in seeing the monastery. The mist was so dense that it was impossible to see more than 50m ahead and the grottoes filled with votive candles flickered all around. Going into the buildings meant that the mist swirled with you into the dark interiors and getting photos was very hard. La Moreneta usually has a long queue of pilgrims waiting to see her and if that had been the case I would have kept away and let them have their time with her. But there was no one else there! I was able to walk up to her and touch her hand, which was incredibly smooth and seemed to have a static charge from the thousands of hands before me.
"Rosa d'abril, Morena de la serra…" (April rose, dark-skinned lady of the mountain…)
– el Virolai, Hymn to the Virgin of Montserrat
I enjoy my research popping up in my dreams as sometimes it will make certain aspects that I can use for future work stand out more clearly. I hadn't thought about La Moreneta for a while and I can't think of the last time I even considered white foxes!


text:
We ONLY SHIP TO THE U.S.
Shipping is through USPS.
We will gladly refund or exchange our products WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN WORN OR USED AND HAVE THE PRICE TAG INTACT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper; however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). If you need to return an item, please contact us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order. Ship your item(s) to us via USPS with a tracking number. Please include your receipt and a brief note explaining the reason for return.


text:
Annunciation, by James Tissot. I love it when the angels are weird.
I'm a fairly patient person; waiting isn't painful to me as long as I know what it is I'm waiting for. When I don't know what's coming—when all I know is that it's something big, something with the potential to shake up my life, something that might go easier if I were able to prepare for it but I can't prepare for it because I don't know what it is—that's when I get anxious.
Most of the time, Advent is, to me, precisely what it's "supposed" to be—a season of joyful anticipation. This year is a little different. I don't know where I'm going to be living come Christmas. I don't know what kind of world I'm going to be living in come January. There are no Christmas decorations up in my house this year. I spent the entire month of November in another state, and I feel like I abruptly skipped from All Hallow's to Advent without any breathing space between. I usually think of "waiting" as something you want to be over as soon as possible. But the dread you experience when something is barreling down the pipeline towards you at far too fast a clip, that's part of waiting too.
This year, for a number of reasons, the waiting of Advent is, to me, the kind of waiting that doesn't last long enough. Like, if Christmas could get here in two months instead of three weeks, that would suit me just fine. If time in general could slow and stretch, I would be into that. I always feel like things are happening a little too fast. I react to all change like it's a change for the worse. A daily dose of dread is a normal part of my life.
The way practically everyone tells the annunciation story, Mary's complete submission to "God's will" gets emphasized over everything else. But even if humble obedience really was her chief reaction to being told by an angel that a divine fetus was about to be magically implanted in her body, I'm sure that wasn't the whole of it. I know that if I were in Mary's shoes, I would definitely be wondering about the nature of the holy infant I was carrying. Like, how does "divinity" express itself in a baby? Is this kid going to be speaking in complete sentences with the authority of God the Father straight out of the birth canal? Is he gonna have wings? You'd have to pause, considering the possibilities.
I don't think the Bible indicates whether Mary's pregnancy lasted the full term of a normal human pregnancy, but let's assume it did. For eight months, Mary could treat all those questions as theoretical, but around the beginning of month nine, I bet she felt the glare of metaphorical approaching headlights. No doubt she was full of tender maternal joy, just like all the stories say, but if there wasn't a little dread mixed in there too, I would be very surprised.
I find all of that sort of comforting. When December 1st rolled around last week and I didn't feel like dragging out my mini-tree, I felt like I was ruining the holiday season. But I feel less that way now. The darkness that wraps around the northern hemisphere in December makes dread practically a biological imperative. I've come to the conclusion that it's fine that I sometimes look at the birth of Christ and see an event rivaling the Second Coming in its fear and uncertainty. The word has turned upside down many, many times. The here-and-now has always been someone's apocalypse. Advent is the prelude, not just to the miracle of the incarnation, but to the ministry of the man who gave us fair warning that he came to bring not peace but a sword. The dread is probably a gift of some kind. I just have to figure out what to do with it.
Annunciation, by Rose M Barron. I love everything about this, but especially the skeptical look on Mary's face.


text:
As for the actual payroll and HR software product, Ceridian has several separate HR software modules that represent a strong offering for "core" HRMS but little else. Specifically, those functions are:
As is the case for numerous other payroll software solutions, Ceridian allows for a comprehensive completion of payroll functions such as earnings, deductions and taxes; as well as payment/submission options, paycards, wage garnishment, check printing, time tracking, and compliance. The solution also allows for certain tailoring aspects as well if unique scenarios require paying employees in a non-standard manner. Legislative and regulatory support is also provided by Ceridian (with Ceridian holding responsibility for applying the updates needed to remain in compliance). However, this part of the payroll processing solution is only available within the United States and Canada; an obvious drawback for organizations that have global payroll accountability.
Administration This software module handles the functionality basics of online enrollment and eligibility as well as restricted reporting capabilities. This module also serves as the hub for Benefits Administration Outsourcing; Consumer-Directed Health Care (HSA, HRA, and FSA); COBRA Benefits Administration; Commuter Administration; QDRO & QMCSO Services; and Tuition Reimbursement Services.
As can be expected from an HR system that relies heavily on outsourcing revenues, this "system of record" module is extremely basic and serves as the repository for data to flow to the other modules within the system. The HR software does support multiple sub-entities, an obvious plus for those organizations needing capabilities for a geographically-dispersed workforce. As for usability, the browser-based solution opens to a primary interface that provides options for accessing the Employee List (with numerous search/filtering capabilities); Employee Functions, Payroll Functions, Reports, Benefits, Leave Accruals, Code Tables and System setup. Text links within these categories allow for easy entering of new hires, easy editing of employee data, time entry, submitting payroll and viewing payroll reports. Data can be further parsed through a tab view at the individual employee record level.
This HR software module handles more sophisticated aspects of employee wellness and houses functionality for Employee Assistance Programs; Work-Life Services; Critical Incident Management; LifeWorks Online; Corporate Health & Wellness Programs; Health Coaching; Health Assessments; Health/Productivity Incentives; and Onsite Health Services.
Next - Additional Ceridian HR/Payroll Capabilities >>
Share This Article
Follow Us on Twitter


text:
Oh, hello, internet. Sorry for no post yesterday. Did I mention I hate how long my Tuesdays are? I hate how long my Tuesdays are.
I'm just not linking to Joel Johnson's Kotaku post. I'm not. I will, however, link to two excellent responses to it–by Mattie Brice and Richard Goodness respectively.
Michael Hahn on why perfect review scores are misleading.
Robert Boyd conducts an informal survey on how to fix the J-RPG.
Some days (well, most days) I feel like Peter Molydeux is a better game designer than the man he's parodying.
I'm starting to think all anyone has to do to get featured in these roundups is have a headline with "Dragon", "Age" and "II" in it. That said, Alexander Gereats has a good piece up on Joystick Division about why the game is worthwhile.
I love Tangled. So really, I am going to give this my unquestioning adoration.
SF author Pat Cadigan muses on why science fiction writers love "meeting the other".
This Chrono Trigger mashup is just bursting with time-travelers.
The Large Hadron Collider shugs along looking for the Higgs boson, but till then we have some deets on why antimatter is so uncommon.
May it never be said the United States has a monopoly on youth-punishing bureaucratic schmuckiness.
Teen sex is down, way down! I for one blame Glee.
Or maybe they're just swooning over porn actor James Deen instead.
As much as I'm proud of our dear Occupiers at Berkeley, I'm worried as well, for my bro and his wife who study and live there. I have no idea if they participated in the student strike but I'm grateful they weren't involved in the recent shooting.
Cops aren't looking too glamorous lately, but I think the winner goes to the cop who pepper-sprayed a senior citizen.
But sharing is caring, so let's share the blame! The Associated Press (not that I hold out much love for them to begin with) have chastised a reporter for reporting the news too quickly.
In marginally more positive news, Seattle has made a gesture of support for the protests.


text:
Obituary appeared 08/27/1953 on page 10 in the The HeraldBurial information: St. Casimir Did information appear in an article? no
Record Number: 11741
Please use our contact form or call us at (708) 649-7400, if you have any questions or suggestions.
Melrose Park Public Library
801 Broadway
Melrose Park, IL 60160


text:
Sigta have been involved in training and developing people since 1964, working with companies
ranging from multi-nationals to cottage industries.
We are a group training association specialising in the training and development of people through short courses, adult qualifications
and apprenticeships.
Working with schools, youth organisations and local employers to increase paticipation in apprenticeships, we are committed to promoting and delivering training programmes. We assist employers with the recruitment and selection of apprentices, provide comprehensive management of apprentice programmes and undertake assessment of work to nationally recognised standards.
We are always pleased to talk to employers and individuals about their training and development needs.
Sigta Ltd are a not for profit organisation with charitable status and have delivered national and international training projects. We hope you enjoy visiting our website and look forward to hearing from you soon. Our vision click here
We are always interested in speaking to new tutors to run Sigta courses - click here for details and to view our staff vacancies.
SIGTA Apprentice Amy West of Vacgen and
former GTA Engineering Apprentice of the year.
For our Complaints Procedure click here


text:
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Comvita Children's Lemon & Honey Lollipops are a great, on-the-go natural treat for younger members of the family. A popular, great tasting favourite, they combine UMF 10+ Manuka Honey with Propolis. Suitable for children 2 years and above.
- Contains UMF 10+ Manuka Honey
- Contains Propolis
- Great taste
- Lemon & Honey
- Individually wrapped lollipops
New Zealand Manuka Honey has long been valued for its contribution to a healthy diet and its reputation continues to grow. Propolis is an excellent source of bio-flavonoids.
Additional Information
Contains UMF 10+ Manuka Honey in a great tasting - lemon flavour. New Zealand Manuka Honey is gaining worldwide recognition for its unique properties. Propolis contains high levels of bioflavonoids.
Adults and children over 2 years: Dissolve 1 lollipop slowly in mouth. Repeat as required up to 3 times daily.
WARNINGS: Propolis may cause severe allergic reactions. If irritation or swelling of the mouth or throat occurs, discontinue use and seek medical advice immediately.
|Suitable for
|Coeliacs, Vegetarian
|Free From
|Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Soya Free
Legal Disclaimer:
Unless expressly indicated otherwise, Healthyuk.com is not the manufacturer of the products sold on this site. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than what is shown on our website. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on our website. Please always read labels, warnings, and directions provided with the product before using or consuming the product.


text:
Fix the following errors:
I really like your lead generation it's the best I have seen. When I sell 50 properties this year…you will hear from me. My goal is 50! I believe Homes.com can help me get there.
I have received several very qualified inquiries. I appreciate not having to filter through a lot of junk leads.
Copyright © 2016 - Dominion Enterprises - All rights reserved
YES! I want to lock in my city before my competition does!
Appeal to sellers by showcasing their homes one click from Google!


text:
Marriage equality supporters were focused this week on the closing arguments in a case that could end California's ban on same-sex marriage and similar bans throughout the country.
In the case Perry v. Schwarzenegger, attorney Ted Olson, a former U.S. solicitor general for former President George W. Bush, was set to give his final arguments in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, after Blade deadline.
The legal challenge, pending before Chief Judge Vaughn Walker of the U.S. District Court of Northern California, aims to invalidate Proposition 8, a ballot initiative in 2008 that ended same-sex marriage in the Golden State.
In a conference call last week with reporters, Olson made the case for same-sex marriage in California. He noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has "declared again and again" that being able to choose the person one wants to marry "is a fundamental right in this country."
"It is vital to the opportunity for people to be a part of communities, of neighborhoods — to be able to join together in a committed relationship and to bond with one another in a relationship sanctioned by the state," he said.
Olson compared Prop 8 to state laws banning interracial marriage, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in the 1967 case Loving v. Virginia, and said he was presenting the same arguments in the Perry case.
"The parents of our president of the United States would have committed a crime had they been married at the time our president was born," Olson said.
Olson said Prop 8 is unconstitutional in part because the referendum created four separate classes of people in California with respect to marriage.
They are same-sex couples who married in California before Prop 8 passed and remain married; same-sex couples who cannot marry; same-sex couples who married in other jurisdictions and have full legal marriage rights in California; and opposite-sex couples whom Olson said can marry whomever those choose "even if they're in prison, even if they're child abusers, or even if they're 90 years old."
Olson litigated the case in partnership with David Boies, an attorney who's also been involved in high-profile cases. The two men were on opposite sides of Bush v. Gore in 2000; Olson represented then-Republican presidential candidate Bush while Boies represented Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore.
Boies, who cross-examined defendant witnesses during the trial, said, "there isn't any support" for the arguments advanced by proponents of Prop 8 during the trial.
Proponents of Prop 8, Boies said, presented several arguments that failed under examination, such as the purpose of marriage being procreation, that marriage has always been between one man and one woman, and that same-sex marriages could endanger opposite-sex marriages.
"None of the defendant witnesses supported those propositions, and, in fact, all of their witnesses who spoke on those issued ended up giving contrary testimony," Boies said.
For example, he said, witnesses under examination acknowledged that procreation has never been a requirement for marriage and many societies in the past have allowed same-sex marriage, including for a time California after the state's Supreme Court in 2008 ruled that same-sex nuptials were mandated under the state constitution.
"It was only the passage of Proposition 8 that took this right away from gay and lesbian couples even in California," Boies said.
Additionally, Boies said defendants' witnesses acknowledged on the stand that prohibiting LGBT couples from marrying "caused them serious damage, and caused the hundreds of thousands of children that those couples were raising serious damage."
Boies also said defendants were unable to produce witnesses that could provide "a shred of evidence" that same-sex marriage endangers opposite-sex marriage.
"It's a critically important case, but it's one in which the facts really are not in dispute," Boies said. "The other side doesn't have a legal argument, they don't have a factual argument — they got a circular bumper sticker for a case."
Proponents of Prop 8 will also have an opportunity to offer remarks during closing arguments. Chuck Cooper, lead attorney for defendants, will represent those arguing for the court to uphold Prop 8.
In a statement, Jim Campbell, an attorney for Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative legal firm working on the case, said defendants would emphasize arguments they made throughout the trial.
"The team of attorneys defending Proposition 8 will highlight all the reasons why Proposition 8 is constitutional," he said. "In doing so, they will emphasize the reasons why Proposition 8 is not only rational, but also why preserving marriage as one man and one woman is good social policy."
Jennifer Pizer, marriage project director and senior counsel for Lambda Legal, predicated both sides in the Perry case would "survey the evidence" already presented during the trial.
She said Olson and Boies presented "a massive evidentiary record" before the court and expected them "to offer a structure for this mountain of relevant evidence that they have submitted."
For proponents of Prop 8, Pizer said she expects attorneys to "make a mountain out of the barely noticeable molehill of evidence" that they've submitted.
She said much of the defendants' evidence was submitted from individuals who weren't qualified as experts, meaning they weren't in court and qualified according to the rules and therefore not examined.
"The defendants offered into evidence a pile of articles without explanation of who the authors were or why any of their writings might be relevant to anything," she said. "So I suspect that Chuck Cooper may refer to many of those documents as if they were relevant evidence, but they're not."
Pizer also predicted that the defendants would argue that the "anti-gay prejudice that infused and inspired the Prop 8 campaign" isn't legally relevant to whether the initiative is constitutional. Still, Pizer said she believes this anti-gay bias was the sole purpose of Prop 8.
"The proponents of Prop 8 were inspired by anti-gay prejudice and they sent the voting public misinformation in a deliberate attempt to confuse and induce people to vote their prejudice into law — and they succeeded," she said.
Pizer said Lambda was involved in the Perry case by filing two friend-of-the-court briefs in favor of the legal challenge to Prop 8 as well as providing resource assistance to plaintiffs in the case.
Earlier this month, Walker presented an 11-page list of questions he wanted attorneys on both sides of the case to answer during closing arguments. Among the topics for plaintiffs was a requested review of any empirical data showing that the availability of same-sex marriage reduces discrimination against LGBT people.
During the conference call, Olson said that such data can be found in the ballot label for Prop 8, which noted the measure "eliminates the rights for same-sex couples to marry."
"You are not only stating that the state creates discrimination, but that the state sanctions discrimination — and sanctions the points of the attitudes — that bring about private discrimination," Olson said. "It has always been the case that when the court eliminates state discrimination … that people open up and realize that what they're doing themselves is not permissible."
Another question was how the court could find Prop 8 unconstitutional without also invalidating the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law prohibiting federal recognition of same-sex marriages.
Boies said the matter under consideration is different from DOMA because state law traditionally determines marriage in the United States, although some of the constitutional arguments against DOMA are similar to those against Prop 8.
"For all of the rights that are a matter of state law — which are the majority of rights that are involved — it is critical that people have the right to marry even if DOMA were to continue to exist," Boies said.
Several observers following the case have predicted that Walker will rule in favor of plaintiffs, although how subsequent courts will rule on any appeal remains to be seen.
Pizer said she couldn't predict how Walker will rule in the case, but noted that the questions he's posed show a focus on "questions of causation."
"He is focused on whether there are adequate government purposes and whether there's a proper causal relationship between what Prop 8 actually does and goals that the state is actually permitted to have," she said. "Advancing prejudice is never a proper government purpose."
In response to a Blade inquiry on the timeline for the case, Olson said he expects a decision from Walker in the case within weeks of the closing arguments. The next step would be taking the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Olson said he hopes that Walker will find Prop 8 unconstitutional and allow LGBT people to start marrying in California immediately, but noted that if he withholds institution of that decision, plaintiffs hope the Ninth Circuit would hear the case "in a hurry."
"That's probably a process that would take perhaps a year, although we moved through this case fairly rapidly so far," Olson said.
The case could then be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Olson said following the appeals court ruling, it would take six to eight months to get the case on the docket for the high court.
But Pizer said it's difficult to determine how long the case would remain in the Ninth Circuit because it could first go before a three-judge panel — and then advance to an 11-judge panel.
"That's a long way of saying it's impossible to tell how long it would be between now and the Supreme Court," she said. "It might be two years or three years. Anybody who gives you a prediction is making a guess."
Asked whether the Supreme Court would examine only the constitutionality of Prop 8 or the validity of same-sex marriage bans throughout the country, Olson said the scope of the examination would be up to the Supreme Court.
"It will also be a part and a function of what the district court and the Ninth Circuit of Appeals decides, and who's the party bringing the case to the Supreme Court, but I think that the court will have a menu of opportunities," he said.
Olson said it's possible the Supreme Court would only examine the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage ban in California because Prop 8 is "particularly egregious."
He noted that California was the only state to allow same-sex couples to marry and then eliminate that right — and the only state to create four sets of classes of couples.
Still, Olson said "at the base" of the Perry case is the fundamental right to marry, which would apply to same-sex marriage bans throughout the country.
"I think there will be a great temptation once it gets to the Supreme Court for the justices to say, 'This case can come back to us in various forms; we should look at the fundamental rights and decide the rights of these Americans now once and for all,'" Olson said. "We hope that that would be the case."
This will assuredly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
This case will never reach SCOTUS. It takes 3-4 years for an appeal to get there, and the voters in California will almost certainly repeal prop 8 before then.
The justices do not want to enter a mine field in the culture wars. This case will be kicked out as moot the day after the 2012 election.
Well, until SCOTUS does enter this "mine field in the culture wars," individual states are going to continue doing precisely what they have been doing all along; allowing the rights of their citizens to be placed on a public ballot.
I, for one, am sick to death of that whole thing. At the rate we're rate, I'm going to be an 80 year old man before I'm finally able to legally marry. Sure, I can go to Maryland or any one of the small handful of U.S. states that currently allow equal marriage. Trouble is, I'd have to live in those states for the rest of my life to enjoy any of the status that goes with that marriage. And, realistically, why should I be forced to do that when my heterosexual counterparts don't have to?
Yes, it may take a few years for this to reach the Supreme Court, but I have no reservation in believing that it will. It has to. Because, until somebody official steps in and brings these backwards states to task for what they've done, we are NEVER going to see change.


text:
2954330. Sir Philip Peyver
Search Amazon.com for Norfolk Archaeology
Aft. 1294, Philip born in England, s/o 5908660. Paulinus Peyver & 5908661. Matilda ?.
9/21/1315, "whereb Sir Thomas de Verdon, Knt., grants to Matilda, the widow of Pauline Peyvere, the custody of two-third parts of the Manor of Langale, until Philip, son and heir of Pauline and Matilda, shall attain his majority." (S) The Norfolk Topographer's Manual, Woodard, 1842, P77.
1321, Philip a witness to deeds. (S) An essay towards a topographical history of the county of Norfolk, Blomdfield, 1805.
(S) Norfolk Archaeology, V4, 1855, P16.
Family notes:
• Pever [Peyvere], Sir Philip. Or, 2 bars sa., on one bar an annulet arg. (S) A List of Coat Armour Used In Norfolk Before the date of the first Herald's Visitation of 1563, Rye, 1917.
Child of Philip and ?:
i. Margaret Peyver (1477165), born ~1320 in England.


text:
I've only recently become more comfortable with the sinful side of myself. Like the self-centered, jealous, cranky, cynical side. I normally prefer to act like it's not even there. In some ways, this has been highly effective for me. I'm able to dig deep and be cordial with people who have disappointed me, and I can perform well at my job even when I'm in a bad mood. More importantly, I can look and act perfect, as long as no one gets too close.
Pride has led me to this disconnection from that side of myself. It's like I'm running away from it, hoping it will leave me alone if I leave it alone. This has given me a false sense of perfection, or at least a striving to be perfect as if it could be attained. It shows in the way that I apologize. I either try to apologize in 30 seconds or less to diminish the significance of how I hurt my friend, or become a sobbing mess because I am so unfamiliar and ashamed of my own shortcomings that it becomes too much for me.
But when I turn around and look this sinful side of myself in the eye, and acknowledge that it is so ugly, but also a huge part of me, I can't help but also look Jesus in the eye and say thanks. I see what you did there. Receiving grace is humbling. By accepting that sin is in me, I also know my place. Jesus is Lord. I am human. Jesus is perfect. I am imperfect. He is holy. He was the one who could make me holy.
Ephesians 1:19 says that there is "a great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead." This means that every time I mess up, the strength that resurrected Jesus is also resurrecting me. There's a redemptive power that is happening all the time as I make mistakes that gives me new life. I don't have to run away from my sins or act like they aren't there, nor should I act like they aren't there in other people also, even Carrie Underwood.
So I've come up with this phrase that I say in my head every time that I feel shame: "You're still in the game." This is definitely due to playing sports for 15 years, but has proved to be very useful. In a way, Jesus is like our coach who keeps us in the game even after we have given up on ourselves. Feel free to take risks, create things, and be yourself. You are redeemed.
Interested in submitting a piece you've written or becoming a regular contributor to the Awakening blog? Email [email protected].


text:
Recently, both my brother and I had occasion to visit our parents' home briefly for a family event. He decided he needed to have some apples while there, so he bought a box of fifteen fuji apples from Costco because "it was the best value." Well, it may have been the best value per apple, but it wasn't the best value overall because he spent more money than he would have had he bought from a regular grocery store only the one or two apples he wanted to eat, and he wouldn't have had to force himself to eat more apples, take some apples home with him on the plane, ask my cousin to take some apples home with her, and then still end up throwing away some remaining apples (my parents wouldn't be eating them).
This situation reminded me of a lot of the "Macs are expensive" debates in computing. Typically, some people will say "Macs are more expensive than Windows PCs," which is then countered by others who say, "No, Macs are actually the same as or cheaper than similarly spec'ed Windows PCs," which is usually countered with "No, they're not." Both sides give examples, and it ends up being a draw, since "similarly spec'ed" is almost never exactly the same specifications, and even if the specifications are exactly the same hardware-wise, Mac proponents will argue that the software that comes with the Mac (OS X and iLife) is superior to that which comes with the Windows PC.
Here are a couple of examples of such arguments:
Debunking the price myth: Apple vs. Dell
The truth about the costs of Macs vs. costs of PCs.
I'm not going to argue that Macs are more or less expensive than similarly spec'ed Windows PCs, because I think that argument is purely intellectual and not practical at all, just as my brother's choice to buy fifteen fuji apples was looking at how good a theoretical deal he could get per apple instead of looking at how practical it is to eat fifteen apples in a two-day period.
The truth is that people don't just buy a Windows PC or just buy a Mac. Most people tend to already be using a Windows PC, in which case they're very likely to buy another Windows PC or they've already decided to switch to using a Mac—it's not a toss-up between the two (Mexican food or Chinese tonight, dear?); it's a serious choice between sticking with what you're used to and have software for, and switching to something completely different. Same for Mac users. If you're already using Macs, you're very likely to buy another Mac. You're not just going to buy a Windows computer because it's cheaper. Nor is the reason you'll stick with Mac because of its having a better value for similar specifications.
A lot of users don't care about comparing similar specs. All they want is cheap, especially if a low-end computer for email, web browsing, and light word processing suits their needs. For these folk, a $499 Dell laptop will be a much better deal than a $1,099 Apple laptop, even if the Apple laptop is a "better value."
For most computer users, the real considerations are these:
- Can I do with a really cheap computer? Does it do everything I need it to do? Great. I'll save money, then.
- If I'm using Windows, do I want to keep using Windows? Or am I willing to switch to Mac?
Sometimes flexibility and familiarity matter more than "value."
And, of course, if money's a real issue, desktop Linux is worth at least a little exploration. With Linux-compatible hardware, your computer won't be obsolete for years after it would be using Mac or Windows. As a regular Ubuntu user, I had to throw that last bit in…


text:
Aluminium, Copper
and Stainless Steel Recycling
Are you looking for a scrap metal recycling centre near you that can reliably perform the following?
- Aluminium recycling
- Scrap copper recycling
- Stainless steel recycling
- Lead recycling
- Brass recycling
- Metal disposal
- Copper wire recycling
Then Scrappy's non-ferrous scrap metal recycling services are for you! When it comes to recycling a wide range of scrap metals, we are the experts to choose.
What are non-ferrous metals?
In metallurgy, non-ferrous metal is any metal, including alloys, that does not contain iron in appreciable amounts. Generally more expensive than ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals are used because of desirable properties such as low weight (e.g. aluminium), higher conductivity (e.g. copper), non-magnetic properties, or resistance to corrosion (e.g. zinc). Some non-ferrous materials are also used in the iron and steel industries. For example, bauxite is used as flux for blast furnaces, while others such as wolframite, pyrolusite and chromite are used in making ferrous alloys.
Important non-ferrous metals include aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium, zinc and alloys such as brass. Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum, and exotic or rare metals such as cobalt, mercury, tungsten, beryllium, bismuth, cerium, cadmium, niobium, indium, gallium, germanium, lithium, selenium, tantalum, tellurium, vanadium and zirconium are also non-ferrous.
Due to its extensive use, non-ferrous scrap metal is usually recycled. The secondary materials in scrap are vital to the metallurgy industry, as the production of new metals often needs them. Some recycling facilities re-smelt and recast non-ferrous materials. The dross is collected and stored onsite while the metal fumes are filtered and collected. Non-ferrous scrap metals are sourced from industrial scrap materials, particle emissions and obsolete technology scrap (e.g. copper cables). Precious non-ferrous materials are usually sourced from jewellery, electronics and used industrial catalysts.
Typical non-ferrous metal items that we recycle include:
Choose Scrappy's and get an honest price for your scrap aluminium, copper and stainless steel
As one of Victoria's largest collectors of non-ferrous scrap metals, Scrappy's can offer the highest prices. Established in 2011, we utilise years of experience combined with state of the art instruments to determine the exact content and value of the waste metal.
Our scrap metal recycling centre is conveniently located in Albion, right next to Sunshine and within close proximity to a number of Melbourne's major western suburbs. Drive in to our recycling centre and get paid money for your scrap metal goods, or alternatively we can offer bin collection services. We are able to accommodate bin collection services in small factories right through to large factories and plants.
The use of top of the range analytical equipment allows Scrappy's to determine the composition of scrap we are purchasing, thereby providing high quality metal for foundries, as well as ensuring that our customers are realistically rewarded for more valuable scrap.
Providing safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable non-ferrous scrap metal recycling, we have a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, honest and accurate remuneration, excellent service, and high quality materials. Want to know more? Contact us – book a service or call us today!


text:
So it's now three weeks since I've been back from my pilgrimage / epic prayer walk around the country, and I'm still somewhere fragmented, somewhere in between. Out on the road but also living back in London at the same time. I'm writing the journey up in more detail for a Housing Justice publication, hopefully ready in time for Advent, but here are some reflections on the themes I'm working on.
For people coming new to this blog, it is in reverse chronological order, so a good place to start is probably back at the beginning here, or with the map of the journey here
It is tough on the road!
This is obviously a function of how one lives everyday life but the journey was a tough challenge, both physically and emotionally. While the tasks each day were fairly straightforward they were physically demanding and I do think of myself as quite fit: cycling to work each day, walking regularly, having a reasonably good diet, staying active. But walking 12 miles a day (on average) with a heavy back pack was hard work for this 56 year old! Being on a tight budget and finding food and water and a safe place to sleep each night was also not always easy.
This is in no sense a complaint. I entered into this pilgrimage fully expecting and accepting the hardships. It was the point, after all, to walk and live – to an extent at least – in solidarity with people suffering poverty and homelessness.
Being on my own much of the time, particularly in July, also presented challenges. This was a motivation to pray more, which was good. But I did sometimes feel acutely alone and on the margins – particularly in busy places with large groups of friends or families. Again, I had anticipated this, but the reality of being 2 months away from my wife, family and friends, work colleagues and the comforts of home was sometimes challenging.
God IS an ever present help – see Psalm 46!
While in human terms I often felt on my own, I also felt the presence of God each day. Yes I know this directly contrasts with what I've just said in the previous section, so go ahead and shoot me! Life is paradox! I found myself waking and walking and praying with joy, thankfulness and anticipation each day, knowing that God was present, and that I could rely on His promises to protect and provide for my needs. I think this is what is meant by faith. I genuinely approached each day as a gift. In each encounter, each conversation, each step of the way God was present and so it was blessed.
The hitch hiking element of the journey is the perfect metaphor. The task was really about letting go. To trust that, in spite of my powerlessness in the situation, and that I had almost nothing to offer, somehow someone would stop for me. And they did! Each time somebody stopped for me it felt like an answer to prayer, particularly the first time, on the way from Oxford to Chippenham. The first person who stopped for me, after I'd been standing with my thumb out for less than three minutes, had spotted the pilgrim's scallop shell on my pack. As I got into the car he told me that his mother in law was the Oxford Diocesan Pilgrimage Advisor!
Family and Home
As I write and explore further the stories and experiences of this journey I know I will discover more of its meaning myself. It is not all planned out in detail.
One theme that has emerged through conversations with people along the way, and since I've been back, and to an extent in this blog, is my own story, which I've somehow never been very good at articulating. Having opened up a little about my own family, and how we have been affected by mental illness and depression, I've had some very kind and supportive responses from many people that know me in the context of my work. I'm not totally comfortable with the idea of writing as therapy, and feel I should reassure everyone that this is not going to be in the sensationalist or breast beating end of the literary or tabloid journalism spectrum! But you probably knew that already.
I'm holding on to some of that sense of the heart breaking beauty which is often seemingly just outside the scope of our vision in everyday life. The idea of the "thin place" or the liminal, in between places, which I am very drawn to. This is a more precarious and uncomfortable place which I believe God calls us towards. It is also more truly where we find ourselves in inter-dependence, and therefore pushed in solidarity towards one other and with those who live in poverty.
That we are all, in some sense, "aliens and strangers" in this world seems obvious to me. We cannot truly be "at home" in this world because we have an eternal home. By the way I can't even begin to understand the view held by some Christians that this gives human kind licence to allow this beautiful planet on which we live to be despoiled. Exactly the opposite actually.
Here's a good quote about the liminal from the Franciscan theologian Richard Rohr:
…a unique spiritual position where human beings hate to be but where the biblical God is always leading them. It is when you have left the tried and true, but have not yet been able to replace it with anything else. It is when you are finally out of the way. It is when you are between your old comfort zone and any possible new answer. If you are not trained in how to hold anxiety, how to live with ambiguity, how to entrust and wait, you will run…anything to flee this terrible cloud of unknowing.
As quoted on the website called Liminal Space


text:
And doesn't an antique mirror in a predominantly all white bathroom look great? This French trumeau style mirror is perfect. And lighting to the side of the mirror is a great idea, I will have to do this.
I love the use of marble in this bathroom, it doesn't really help me with my plans but it is just a lovely room I couldn't resist sharing. The stool looks great, too.
And can you believe that the bathroom in the two photos above is actually over 100 years old? It is from an American 1907 catalogue. That shower is really amazing. It really does prove that classic styles never date! I would love to have this bathroom transported through time (and continents) to my home. This would be a dream place to shop - Waterworks in New York. Check out the copper bath!
We were lucky enough to find this pedestal basin drastically reduced at a closing down sale, thanks to a tip-off from a friend. And we have decided on some Nicolazzi tapware (which is extremely good quality and classic, our kitchen tap is a bridge faucet Nicolazzi tap and we just love it) which are now being distributed in Tasmania.
If anyone has any thoughts on marble showers, I would love to hear.


text:
Product Description:
The Savage Ringlight Beauty Video Kit is the perfect kit for vloggers, photographers and beauticians! The Luminous Pro LED Ringlight presents a soft and and even light with a flattering circular catchlight to showcase hair and makeup flawlessly. On both the top and bottom of the inner ring is a shoe mount, which the use can attach multiple accessories including a camera, cell phone and mirror to. Produce seamless makeup applications while filming beauty tutorials by mounting the mirror directly under your camera inside the ringlight, allowing your perspective to remain towards the camera at all times.
The ringlight secures to a 6' extending light stand which can collapse down to just 20", making the kit very portable and lightweight. A reversible, wrinkle-resistant fabric backdrop allows users to opt for a neutral gray or chroma key green color, depending on the project needs. Set the solid color backdrop up to cover up any unattractive wall or background by adhering the wall hooks and hanging the backdrop from its metal grommets. All kit components neatly fit inside a single included carry bag; perfect for any blogger needing to break down their filming set between uses.
Kit Includes:(1) 19″ Luminous Pro LED Ringlight(4) Snap-on clear diffusers (5600K)(4) Snap-on warm diffusers (3200K)(1) 6′ Extending light stand(1) 6″ Reversible mirror(1) Cell phone holder(1) Ball head with removable male shoe(1) Adjustable shoe mount(1) DSLR mounting bracket(1) 15″ Flexible arm(1) 5′ x 7′ Reversible polyester backdrop (neutral gray/chroma green)(2) Adhesive wall hooks(1) Carry bag


text:
A Reading of James 2: 14-17 with a 21st Century,
United States Gun Violence Hermeneutic:
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't act on it? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is a victim in a mass shooting, or has had a child shot to death at school, and one of you says to them, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you," and you do nothing to oppose the senseless madness of such horrific violence, allowing more madmen to easily acquire weapons of mass destruction, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it doesn't lead to action, is dead.