text:
Hota Biclere expertly manoeuvres brightly coloured fabric under the whirring needle of her sewing machine. The fabric gradually takes the shape of a beautiful outfit.
She pauses sewing as Mary, a South Sudanese refugee and one of her best customers, walks into the shop. Mary removes a beautiful burgundy dress from the hanger and retreats to a back room where she tries it on.
"What I like about her is that she keeps her promise," Mary says, beaming as she shows off the dress, which the expert tailor made in just two days. Hota has succeeded in satisfying yet another customer.
Uprooted by conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2012, Hota fled to Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp. She lives with a debilitating spinal condition that left her with a curved back and limited movement at a young age.
"When I was eight, I developed bone tuberculosis which affected my spinal cord," the now 35-year-old mother of two explains.
At the time, Hota was in grade 3 at school and her education suffered greatly as a result of the condition.
"I used to miss school a lot," she says. "Finally in grade six, I stopped going altogether."
In times of displacement, people with disabilities may be vulnerable to discrimination, exploitation and violence, and face limited access to basic services such as education and healthcare.
World Day of Social Justice on 20 February recognises the need to remove barriers that people face because of disability, gender, age, race or religion. Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful coexistence and is at the core of UNHCR's mission.
However, Hota's great determination – and skill with a needle – has allowed her to prevail. Just months after her arrival in Kakuma, she found work as a dressmaker.
"I would only spend a little of what I earned and save the rest of the money," she recalls.
After working long hours for seven months, Hota had saved enough money to buy her own sewing machine. She started her tailoring business and soon bought another machine. Three years later, Hota was able to access a loan of US$1,000 with the support of UNHCR.
UNHCR works to ensure people living with disabilities have access to vital services and the opportunity to apply their skills to benefit themselves, their families and communities.
Today, Hota's persistence and hard work has paid off. She has seven sewing machines and employs seven tailors, whom she trains herself. She pays them on commission, based on how many items of clothing each one sews.
While the business is thriving, her condition often makes it hard for her to sew. She concentrates mainly on cutting the fabric, leaving the tailors to do most of the stitching.
"Sometimes it is very difficult, but my children depend on me so I have to persevere for their sake," she says.
Most of Hota's clients are refugees but she also has Kenyan clients, including staff from the various humanitarian agencies working in Kakuma.
"Marketing is by word of mouth and almost all my clients are referred by happy customers," she says.
You can help
Every donation makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of refugees.
Host a bake sale, climb a mountain or do a fun run to raise funds for vital aid.
Privacy Policy
Australia for UNHCR (ABN 35 092 843 322) respects the importance of privacy and security of your personal information. This privacy policy sets out the way we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information and underpins our commitment to protecting your right to privacy. This policy reflects Australia for UNHCR's obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (including the Australian Privacy Principles) (the Privacy Act). As members of the following bodies, we adhere to additional codes of conduct and ethical fundraising practices:
We may revise this Privacy Policy or any part of it from time to time. You will find the most current version on our website or obtain a copy from our Donor Care Team; contact details are included at the bottom of this policy.
Collection of Personal Information
Australia for UNHCR follows the Australian Privacy Principles in handling personal information; we collect personal information about individuals including supporters, employees, contractors, volunteers, special representatives/delegates and job applicants. This information may be collected directly from you in person, by phone or email, on hard copy donation forms, via our website or social media. We may also collect your personal information from publically available sources or third parties.
Use of Personal Information
The personal information we collect and hold generally includes contact details (i.e. name, address, email and phone number), personal details including date of birth, and credit card or bank accounts details.
We use the personal information you provide us with for the purpose for which it was provided to us, other related purposes or as permitted or required by law. Generally we collect and use your personal information for:
As detailed below we also use your information in our marketing and fundraising activities, keeping you informed of our latest news, campaigns and appeals or about campaigns and appeals which may be of interest to you. We may also offer you the opportunity to participate in surveys carried out by Australia for UNHCR or its agents.
By completing our donation and pledge forms you consent to Australia for UNHCR storing your personal information for processing donations, communicating with you, issuing receipts and sharing with our trusted service providers. We will endeavour to provide you with an opportunity to opt out of receiving future communications and make every effort to ensure that our opt-out notices are clear and easy to follow. If you do not wish to receive future communications from Australia for UNHCR or wish to limit the use of your personal information then please contact our Donor Care Team; contact details are included at the bottom of this policy.
Direct Marketing
We use your personal details to assist in the cost-effective development of our marketing and fundraising activities by sending you information by post, email, SMS or telephone. As we have a large number of supporters, at times we use external providers to assist with our telemarketing and mailing. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that our contracts with third parties include requirements for third parties to comply with the use and disclosure requirements of the Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Disclosure and Sharing of Personal Information
We occasionally invite other like-minded and trusted organisations in Australia to contact you with information that may be of interest. This allows Australia for UNHCR to increase its base of supporters and reach more people with our vital message.
Any personal contact information you provide to us may be disclosed, if appropriate, to third parties who provide services on our behalf. We may also disclose your personal information to our volunteers who assist with many of our events and administration duties.
Strict confidentiality agreements are in place with our service providers and external agencies, and with staff and volunteers who handle your personal information. We will only disclose your personal information for the purposes for which it was initially collected, other directly related purposes or purposes to which you otherwise consent.
Other than as stated above, we will not share your personal information. However, it is possible, though unlikely, that we might be forced to disclose personal information in response to legal processes or when we believe in good faith that the law requires it, for example, in response to a court order, subpoena or a law enforcement agency's request.
If you do not wish Australia for UNHCR to share your personal information with like-minded and trusted organisations in Australia, you may opt out by ticking the related boxes on our donation pledge forms or by contacting our Donor Care team; contact details are included at the bottom of this policy.
Access and Correction of Personal Information
Australia for UNHCR will correct its records containing personal information as soon as practically possible at the request of the individual concerned in accordance with the Privacy Act. We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information that we collect and hold is accurate, complete and up-to-date. However, we rely on you to advise us of any changes to your personal information to help us maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date information.
We will, on request, provide you with access to the personal information we hold about you unless otherwise required or permitted by law. We will notify you of the basis for any denial of access to your personal information.
Individuals wishing to lodge a request to access and/or correct their personal information should do so by contacting our Donor Care Team; contact details are included at the bottom of this document.
Quality of Personal Information
Australia for UNHCR will review, on a regular and ongoing basis, its collection and storage practices to ascertain how improvements to accuracy can be achieved. We may utilise the services of third parties in order to maintain accurate personal information. Where such disclosure is made, we take reasonable steps to require these organisations comply with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Storage and Security of Information
We strive to protect your personal information, that it is protected from misuse, loss, interference and unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. For example, whenever we ask for your financial details online, we use industry standard security on our website forms.
No data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. As a result, while we strive to protect your personal information, Australia for UNHCR cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to us over the internet, and you do so at your own risk. Once we receive your transmission, we make our best effort to try and ensure its security both on our systems and while in transit between our systems and the companies who provide us with various services. Third party service providers may use data centres overseas or be located overseas. If you do not wish to make your financial contribution online, please contact our Donor Care Team to receive a hard copy form; contact details are included at the bottom of this policy.
Making a Privacy Complaint
If you wish to make a complaint about a breach of this privacy policy, the Privacy Act or the Australian Privacy Principles you can contact our Donor Care Team; contact details are included at the bottom of this policy.
We will manage your complaint in accordance with our Complaints Policy. You will need to provide us with sufficient details regarding your complaint as well as any supporting evidence and/or information. We will contact you if we require any additional information from you and will notify you in writing of the outcome of the investigation. If you are not satisfied with our determination, you can contact us to discuss your concerns. If your complaint is about the way we handle your personal information, you may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner by calling 1300 363 992, online at www.oaic.gov.au or writing to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
A4U does not have an establishment in the European Union (EU), does not offer goods or services to individuals in the EU and does not monitor behaviour of individuals as far as their behaviour takes place in the EU. Individuals located in the EU should contact UNHCR's National Representatives in their respective countries or via the global UNHCR website http://www.unhcr.org/
Online Activity and Privacy
Cookies are small text files which are downloaded to and stored on your device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners to provide you with a good experience while you browse, and also to provide information which can help website owners to improve websites.
Our site uses cookies to:
We do not use cookies to:
What cookies do we use and for what purposes?
The cookies used on our site fall into four categories – strictly necessary cookies, functional cookies, performance cookies and advertising cookies. Each of these categories is explained below along with details of the specific cookies used, though within each category we may use additional or alternative cookies at any time.
Please note that third parties (including, for example, advertising networks and providers of external services like web traffic analysis services) may also use cookies, over which we have no control. These cookies are likely to be performance cookies or advertising cookies.
These cookies are essential for our site to work, for example to allow you to make a donation, submit a service request or register for an event on our site.
These cookies enhance your experience whilst using the site by recognising you when you return to our site; for example, by remembering your content or accessibility preferences.
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our websites, such as which pages visitors go to most often, and if they get error messages from web pages. These cookies do not collect personal information; all information collected by these cookies is aggregated and therefore anonymous.
These cookies contain campaign related information on or for the user. Remarketing is a way for us to connect with people who have recently interacted with our site. We may place remarketing cookies on your device during your visit so that our preferred selected third-party suppliers, including Google, may use the information gathered to show you relevant Australia for UNHCR advertising when you visit other websites. If we have linked our Google Analytics and AdWords accounts, AdWords website conversion tags will read these cookies unless you opt-out.
We use some third party services or software on our website including cookies, Facebook pixels and SDKs. Third parties, including Facebook, YouTube, Google and Twitter may use cookies, web beacons and other storage technologies to collect or receive information from our website and elsewhere on the Internet and use that information to provide measurement services and target ads. A4U does not control the setting of these services or software, so we suggest you check the third party website for more information about how to opt out of the collection and use of information for ad targeting.
To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them on a wide variety of desktop browsers, visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.aboutads.info/choices
Why we use cookies
When you visit our website our server tracks non-personal statistical information about your experience on the site, such as pages viewed and donation details. Australia for UNHCR websites uses cookies and tracking technology to enhance your experience and deliver content relevant to your behaviour. This enables us to gather information such as the number of website visits and how you interact with our website. We use this information to help us understand more about how our site is used, so we can continually improve your experience.
We also use cookies for tracking the statistics of our website, which allows us to better understand your visit and improve the layout and functionality of our website. This analysis is conducted in such a way to ensure the anonymity of visitors while the information can help us customise the online experience for visitor to our site. No personally identifiable information is obtained. Information is gathered at an aggregate level and may be shared with third parties to help us analyse website usage and deliver marketing material.
By accepting our cookie policy and continuing to use our sites without changing settings, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Controlling the use of cookies
If you do not wish to receive any cookies you may set your browser to either prompt you to accept cookies on each visit or refuse all cookies.
Most internet browsers automatically accept cookies unless you change your browser settings. If you wish to restrict, block or delete the cookies which are set by any websites, you can generally do this through your browser settings. These settings are usually found in the 'options' or 'preferences' menu of your internet browser.
Please note however, that if you set your internet browser preferences to block all cookies, you may not be able to access all or parts of our site. Unless you have adjusted your internet browser settings to block cookies, our site will set cookies.
We use some third party services or software on our website. Third parties, including Facebook, YouTube, Google and Twitter may use cookies, web beacons and other storage technologies to collect or receive information from our website and elsewhere on the Internet and use that information to provide measurement services and target ads. A4U does not control the setting of these cookies, so we suggest you check the third party website for more information about how to opt out of their collection and use of information for ad targeting.
To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set and how to manage and delete them on a wide variety of desktop browsers, visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.aboutads.info/choices
Social Media
Our website and mobile site may contain links to online forums. Think carefully before you post or publish any Personal Information in these forums as it will be publicly available.
Secure Online Transactions
If you make a donation via our website, we process your credit/debit card details securely using an accredited internet payment security system. With the combination of SSL encryption on our website and a secure browser at your end, we take all reasonable measures to ensure that your credit/debit card and personal information are protected when you donate online. We also recommend that you take appropriate security precautions when accessing the internet via public Wi-Fi networks or shared computers.
Contact Us
You will find the most current version of our Privacy Policy on our website at privacy-policy.
If you have any questions about your privacy, wish to access or change your details, how to lodge a complaint regarding the handling of your information and how that complaint will be handled by Australia for UNHCR, please contact our Donor Care Team:


text:
In his Weekly Address Barack Obama forgot who controlled Congess for the last 2 and a half years.
The New York Times reported:
"I want to be very clear," Mr. Obama said in his weekly address to the nation. "I will not sign on to any health plan that adds to our deficits over the next decade. And by helping improve quality and efficiency, the reforms we make will help bring our deficits under control in the long term."…
"The same folks who controlled the White House and Congress for the past eight years as we ran up record deficits will argue — believe it or not — that health reform will lead to record deficits," Mr. Obama said. "That's simply not true."
Advertisement - story continues below
For the record– Democrats have controlled Congress since 2007.
The Democratic Congress controlled the purse strings last year and shattered government spending records this year.
UPDATE: Minority Leader John Boehner debunked a couple of other claims made by the president in his Weekly Address:
TRENDING: "Why Are You Going Out of State? I Can See It at the Airports!" -Ugh- Watch NM Governor Grisham Lecture Her Constituents Like Mom (VIDEO)
Washington, Jul 18 – President Obama is using his weekly address today to repeat some of the same claims that have been debunked time and time again during the health care debate. While Republicans have offered a better solution to give more Americans access to affordable health care without a small business tax, without raising health care costs, and without forcing millions of Americans off of their current plans, Democrats have stubbornly barreled ahead with their flawed government-run plan. Here are some previously-debunked claims the President resurrected in his weekly address today:
CLAIM: "I want to be very clear: I will not sign on to any health plan that adds to our deficits over the next decade. And by helping improve quality and efficiency, the reforms we make will help bring our deficits under control in the long-term."
Advertisement - story continues below
FACT: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) yesterday released its cost estimate on the House Democrats' government takeover of health care and found that it will deepen the federal budget deficit by $239 billion over the next 10 years. Will the President promise to veto it? House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) noted that the CBO's findings are just the latest in a string of problems with the House Democrats' government-run plan:
"In recent days, Congress' official, nonpartisan scorekeeper, the Congressional Budget Office, has reported that the Democrats' government takeover of health care will drive health care costs even higher and add hundreds of billions more to our budget deficit. When are Democrats going to admit that their claims about their government-run plan are pure fiction? Repeating the same disproven myths over and over again will not make them true. Instead, Democrats should scrap their costly, job-destroying proposal and work with Republicans on a real plan to give Americans better access to affordable health care."
CLAIM: "Under our proposals, if you like your doctor, you keep your doctor. If you like your current insurance, you keep that insurance. Period, end of story."
FACT: The Associated Press already reported that on this pledge, "White House officials suggest the president's rhetoric shouldn't be taken literally." Maybe that's because the Congressional Budget Office found that 23 million Americans would lose their current plans if a Senate Democratic health care "reform" bill was enacted. Worse yet, an independent study conducted by the Lewin Group predicted that 114 million Americans would be forced out of their current health care coverage, including more than 106 million Americans who currently have employer-provided health care.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
That I my gf and I have been together for 5 years now. I love her with all my heart and soul. We have had our ups and downs but have pulled through them. Lately we have been struggling, after the birth of our child, and it has caused ripples everywhere. Our s** life has come to an abrupt halt and it's not because of the baby. She doesn't feel it's right to be sexual and for us to be going through our current issues. I am so sexually frustrated, so I get sexual pleasure from her.............Brother!!! Until further notice, it will continue. I love it. I have always been bisexual and she knew that. She has no idea me and her brother fool around though and probably never will. Get your s*** together girl. I want p****.
6 Comments
- newest
- oldest
- most replies
- most popular
L****. I'm the poster. To the two commenters above, kiss my ass. You don't know the extent to where my relationship is. SHE is not in a terrible condition to where she can't have s**. Our child is two months old. My gf is back at work and fully healed from the pregnancy, c-section. She actually weighs less than she did before she was pregnant. She is beautiful and I tell her that every day. She turns me on beyond belief. I get a major b**** every time I see her naked, which is every night as we sleep naked. The duties of taking care of our child is split equally. The household work, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc is all done by me, AFTER I leave my full time job. We are struggling, for what reason, I don't know. It mainly comes from her. I provide her with everything she could possible want. Dont you dare try and make it seem I just don't give a s*** about her or her feelings. I give 110% of myself every day. Am I perfect, no, far from it but I try to be everything she possibly needs. She feels like since we argue or bicker we don't deserve to have s**. She feels it more of a priviledge and true to a certain degree but after 5 years, there needs to be more an agreement to the amount of s** that is performed. If I can't get it from her, better her brother than some random girl or dude. I know its wrong and try to resist but he is intoxicating and seduces me every time. Its hard to resist when I am not getting any from my gf. My hand can only do so much. I actully try not to spend anytime with her brother which works for at least 3 weeks but after that, its mr nasty time. Get over youselves and kiss my ass
Not to be snarky, but could she have post-partum depression? Or has it always been like this?
Kinda been like this, even before the pregnancy. I know what I'm doing out is wrong and believe you me, I wish I could stop. Its just hard. Its hard to be extremely sexually frustrated and super h**** at the same time. Like I said, she turns me on beyond belief. I get major boners lookin or thinking about her. Her naked body sends me into over drive but I get nothing from her sexually, not even a hand job or an extreme kiss. We are having problems but I don't understand why its interefing with our s** life. I mean gosh, a hand job is all I ask for. I ask to go down on her for nothing in return and I still get turned down. WTF!!! So I seek pleasure where pleasure presents itself. Her brother coaxs me into doing things, knowing my stiuation. I find it really hard to say no. But I want to, need to. I just can't.
I agree..could be post-partum and she could have even had mild depression from before she got pregnant. She may be really good at hiding it. She just may not feel sexy at all and doesn't want to be touched. Some women lose their s** drive after giving birth. Talk with her about calling her doctor or a therapist. Sounds like she could really benefit from it. Whatever she's dealing with, it's still no excuse for what you're doing..cheating on her with her brother. That is a like a double slap in the face. I don't care how h**** you are or what her brother says, end that s*** now. You say you love her...
Hey j*** off,
If you are having s** with a male, you are GAY!!!
BUT having s** with her brother! both you and the brother should be thrown in a ditch with the dirt thrown on you!
She pushed a (YOUR) baby out of her v*****, and you are having relationship problems, and because of all the s*** that's happened to her body and emotionally, she's not super into s** right now. You have no part in these problems? She needs to get HER s*** together, because YOU want p****? Its not your responsibility to give her body time to heal, or to work with her to fix your relationship? You're a d***, I hope she dumps you.


text:
Yes, we are the Official Real Madrid Soccer Camp. This opportunity is provided by Kaptiva Sports who is the Official Partner of Real Madrid in the United States.
The official Real Madrid Camp Adidas uniform, which includes a shirt, socks, and shorts, is included in the price.
5 days of training with Official Real Madrid Academy Coaches coming traveling from Spain.
Players will have water during the breaks, which occur between sessions to ensure the campers stay hydrated and healthy.
Campers will receive a Real Madrid Soccer Camp certified diploma for the completion of the camp.
Yes of course. During registration process you will be given the option to add extra uniforms to your order. You will also be able to purchase Official Real Madrid Gear at a discounted prices. If you completed the registration process and want to add another uniform afterwards, don't worry, just get in contact with our office and we will help you.
Registrations are on a first come first serve basis. The registration form must be completed and fully paid online. Visit our website (www.rmfsoccercampsusa.com) and select the location you would like to participate in and following the links. A registration confirmation will be sent automatically to your email address confirming the registration.
Payments online are completed through a secured PayPal platform. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. If you have problems paying with our platform, please contact our offices at 954-510-3344.
If you choose to cancel your registration, we must receive written notice of said cancellation either via certified mail, overnight courier, or e-mail sent to email@example.com (with confirmation of receipt from us), and you shall be subject to the following cancellation fee: If we receive a written notice more than 30 days of the camp start date, the organization will retain $85.00 as a compensation for the registration expenses and cancelation of your attendance. If we receive a written notice of cancellation 30 days or less the camp start date, there will be no refunds for the amount paid for the Real Madrid Soccer Camp. If the participant simply does not show up to the camp, there will be no refunds for the amount paid.
Real Madrid Soccer Camps is providing additional peace of mind for our valued families by offering a Cancellation Protection Plan. Due at the time of initial registration, the Cancellation Protection Plan entitles you to a full refund of the soccer camp registration fees paid minus the non-refundable cost of Cancellation Protection when Real Madrid Soccer Camps receives your email notice to cancel your registration as follows: Full refund when registration cancellation email is received 48 hours prior to the start of the camp. (Note, the organization will retain $85.00 as a compensation for the registration expenses.) If you need to cancel your reservation, contact Real MAdrid Soccer Camps as soon as possible via email. The charge for the Cancellation Protection Plan is $50 per participant paid at time of initial registration. If you do not have Cancellation Protection and must cancel, consult the cancellation policy applicable. Cancellation Plan is not sold individually or after you have made your registration.
Uniform's packages will be delivered to the players at the camp check-in (which usually take place the Sunday prior the camp starts).
Real Madrid Soccer camps are geared toward children ages U6 to U14. The camp is for boys and girls of all abilities.
The primary languages spoken are English and Spanish.
Official Coaches from Real Madrid will come exclusively to conduct the training sessions in United States. All the coaches are licensed by UEFA. In contrast with many other camps, all the coaches are currently involved with Real Madrid troughout the year. The Technical Director and the coaches will work hands on with the camp attendees.
All participants are separated by age. Within the first two days, the participants are all evaluated by Real Madrid coaches and switched to a more fitting team based on their skill level.
1 coach for every 12-14 players
Both natural grass and artificial turf
In the event of inclement weather during the camp, all campers will be asked to leave the field to the designated shelter area. If camp is cancelled once started, you will be asked to pick up the player. No refunds will be given if a camp must be interrupted or cancelled for reasons beyond our control (i.e. bad weather).
Yes, we do. If you want to register a group of 10 or more players, call us at 954-510-3344 and we will give you specific instructions to get the discounted rate. If you are registering siblings, you can get 10% off with a special discount code. Please contact us to get the discount code.
Parents can visit during training sessions as long as they do not interfere in the process of the program. They are designated areas where parents will be allowed to be
Lunch is not included in the camp cost. All participants must bring their own lunch in an adequate lunch box.
Lunch break is daily from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
Players must bring: Soccer cleats, Individual water bottle, packed lunch, Suncreen, Full Training Kit (Real Madrid Jersey, shorts, socks) It is also highly recommended that players bring shinguards, a healthy snack, and isotonic drinks such as Powerade, Gatorade, etc. Lunch is not included in the camp cost. All participants must bring their own lunch in an adequate lunch box.
Injuries are unfortunately a part of contact and collision sports such as soccer. A fully qualified professional will always be on site to access the injury and treat them accordingly.
Yes, you can find all the messures here: COVID MESSURES


text:
From Around the Web: Automation and the Technological Advances of Yesterday
"From Around the Web" is a regular series of gathered articles, case studies, and statistics highlighting different themes in transformational leadership excellence across a variety of industries demonstrating how businesses successfully deliver transformation efforts within their companies.
Many people protest the use of robots and automation. With the increase in technological advancements, employees fear they will no longer have stable job security. At present, activities that are process-oriented can be automated using the latest technology to save time, eliminate defects and create a standardized result and quality. Advanced systems often can be made more efficient through automation as well. During the standard business day, systems can automatically churn out the latest data that is relevant to business needs and communicate it in terms of the bottom line.
A 2013 study analyzed 702 occupations and found that 47% of workers in America had jobs at high risk of potential automation. The industries that are at the most risk are transportation and shipping (such as taxi and delivery drivers) and office support (such as receptionists and security guards). Additionally, many workers in sales and services (such as cashiers, counter and rental clerks, telemarketers and accountants) also faced a high risk of computerization/automation. Here are some of the latest innovations regarding automation in the workplace:
- Business Marketing. An average of 49% of companies are using marketing automation as of 2016. 68% of top performing companies are also using marketing automation. Statistics show that marketing automation is better for companies, provides more sales, more productivity, and more business. All in all, marketing automation has made life easier for more companies and companies are taking advantage of it to gain a competitive advantage over their competition.
- Industrial Automation. Throughout the United States labor is expensive, but in many countries where labor can be hired for less than a dollar a day, would automation still be the preference? China, with a population of 1.4 Billion people, has found that automation of processes is almost 250% more productive with a drop in their defect rate by 80% on all products manufactured in their automated factories. Chinese companies, despite the labor surplus, find that automation is quicker and easier for operations, despite the cheap sources of labor.
- Transportation. Self-driving cars are also being seen throughout major cities by companies such as Uber, Waymo and nuTonomy. Google's self-driving car company, Waymo, is being used in the delivery of products and have logged over 1 million miles traveled, delivering packages across the west coast. For many delivery drivers that must transport flammable materials across some of the windy one-lane roads in the northern states, self-driving cars will make the job safer and less of a risk.
- Office Management. JLL property management utilizes a robot to be the primary receptionist for its facilities management department. Like Siri for the iPhone, the robot is able to provide standard responses for the most frequently asked questions and ask for help when the question is not in its standard protocol. This robot receptionist uses artificial intelligence and is an opportunity to innovate the receptionist role.
While many jobs are being automated, this does not mean there will be less jobs in the future. The Economist, in an article called "Automation and Anxiety" stated that throughout history, when the technological advances such as computers and machines arrived, there was a radical increase in jobs and productivity. Automation has almost always shown increases in job opportunities and increases in productivity. However, the jobs available will not be for process-oriented jobs. The jobs that will remain will require critical thinking and creativity, which cannot be easily replicated by robots or automation. An example is in drone management. With the prevalence of recreational drones, the need for people savvy in drone technology has skyrocketed to regulate air spaces, when before 2016, there wasn't a need for this.
Automation and technology are not anything to fear, but to embrace. Companies in all industries can benefit from the use of automation and provide unparalleled value to their customers. Top performing businesses can increase their competitive advantage by searching for ways to make their companies achieve higher profits and increased efficiency through automation.
Have a workshop that you would like to host at MSSBTI? Want to contribute content on the latest news in business transformation? Email David Lee at firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Other articles From Around the Web
From Around the Web: You're Being Disrupted!
From Around the Web: Cybersecurity and the IoT
From Around the Web: Managing Office Politics and Generational Gaps
From Around the Web: Supply Chain Management
From Around The Web: Automating Legal Services
From Around the Web: Have You Thought About Safety?
From Around the Web: Is Your Company Innovative?
Could Decision Fatigue Be Bogging Your Customers Down?


text:
The Gold Standard in pure fish oils - its deep, rich color promises real life-giving nutrients.
Green Pasture's Blue Ice™ Fermented Skate Liver Oil is your best choice for cartilage fish oil. Skate liver oil is complete in its offering of many nutrients in a similar balance as cod liver oil. Unlike shark liver oil, skate liver oil is abundant in vitamins A, D, E, K, the full range of omega fatty acids, in addition to all the unique nutrients found in shark liver oil such as chondroitin, squalene, and alkoxglycerols.
Imported from the USA, Green Pasture's natural cold fermentation oil extraction process yields an exceptional naturally high vitamin skate liver oil. As no heat is used in processing, this cod liver oil is able to retain more nutrients, omega fatty acids and enzymes along with naturally occurring vitamins A and D. Fermentation also allows for easier absorption and digestion of this whole food superfood.
Many historical cultures considered fermented shark or skate liver oil a sacred food
Inspired by Dr Weston A Price, who researched many indigenous cultures and examined the role of fermented fish liver oils in their diet and health
Green Pasture Blue Ice high vitamin fermented skate liver oil is cold processed in batches and then tested to maintain international purity standards to ensure the freshness and taste of this outstanding, energy boosting oil.
EPA and DHA, Quinones, Vitamins A and D, Omega 3, 6, 7, 9.
Fermented Skate Liver Oil, unbleached beeswax (as thickener), vegetable capsules (cellulose).
Please note: Some people find the taste, smell, and texture of fermented cod liver oil to be offensive; therefore, Green Pasture does not guarantee their product based on personal taste, smell, or texture preferences. AllisOne will only accept returns on unopened skate liver oil products.
Volume: 120 Caps
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Alison Effting and the Biochemic Tissue Salts and Aura-Soma communities. The website content is based upon the opinions of Alison Effting and the writings of Dr WH Schuessler, Dr GW Carey, Vicky Wall and John Michael Booth unless the authors are otherwise noted. This information is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, nor intended as medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. Please do not take yourself off any prescription medication before consulting your doctor.
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Sitemap
Designed and maintained inhouse by the AllisOne Team, with a little help from our friends
Special thanks to New Web Consulting


text:
Thank you to the Council of PTA's and the League of Women's Voters for hosting the candidate forum. Thank you also, to everyone who attended and shared your questions.Continue reading
Join us October 6th! Have some food, fun, and meet the Matthew. Bring the kids and your friends!Continue reading
As a candidate, I am fortunate to be allowed the opportunity to visit all of the schools in the district. This past week I spent time at 6 of our elementary schools, and am very thankful for the time the principals set aside to meet with me. I know they are extremely busy and their time is valuable. One thing …Continue reading
The role of a school board member is to work as partners with educators, counselors and parents for what is best for our students. As a Board member for PVPUSD, I would also advocate for our district and our children when it comes to funding from the state and local level to make sure we have the resources we need. …Continue reading


text:
My shark research and wildlife photography is featured regularly by outlets like National Geographic, BBC, the New York Times, Discovery Channel, New Scientist, Nature, The Guardian…
Y'know, respectable media.
They can be a bit stuffy though. So I also like to write articles, just for my mailing list, as a bit of fun. Geeky fun.
It could be a deep-dive into the latest results from our research, a great conservation story I've heard, or just some random animal fact that I found entertaining. It may consider the likelihood of a Shark Tsunami. It's kinda hard to predict in advance. Even for me.
There might be jokes. If so, they will probably be pretty bad.
Hope to see you there.


text:
Code Yellow: Threats to Freedom of Expression, Online and Off, in Canada
This morning the Huffington Post published an article I wrote for PEN Canada as part of its 'Non-Speak Week', "a string of events and exchanges exploring the state of freedom of expression here in Canada", according to the group. The original version of the piece, with links, is reproduced below.
We reach certain points in time, what the critical media scholar Robert McChesney calls "critical junctures", or that the sociologist and media historian Paul Starr calls "constitutive moments". Now is one such moment, and choices and decisions made nowcould tilt the evolution of the network media ecology in Canada toward a more closed, surveilled and centralized regime instead of an open one that strives to put as much of the internet's capabilities into as many people's hands as possible. The latter approach maximizes the diversity of voices and is essential to any free press — digital, networked, or otherwise — and to the role of communications media in a democracy.
Threats to an open media and internet ecology, and thus to creative and expressive freedoms in Canada, are unlikely to arrive outfitted in jackboots. Instead, they will arise from the slow, cumulative outcome of decisions that will affect levels of media and internet concentration, internet surveillance for law enforcement and national security reasons, and a concerted push to turn internet service providers (ISPs) and digital intermediaries such as Google and Twitter into agents on behalf of the entertainment and software industries' copyright maximalist agenda.
In terms of media and internet concentration, Canada already has some of the highest levels of concentration and cross-media ownership in the world. The 'big four' telecom-media-internet (TMI) giants – Bell, Shaw, Rogers and Quebecor Media Inc. – already control roughly half of the network media economy in Canada. This is set to get much worse if the CRTC gives Bell's bid to take-over Astral Media the green light in a decision expected later this year.
The problem of media and internet concentration is crucial to freedom of expression for many reasons. First, large TMI conglomerates are often rickety enterprises that spend more to pay down the debt incurred by acquisitions and mergers than good journalism, investment in new technology and infrastructure, or supporting open media.
Second, these same entities have turned to soft tools of censorship such as usage-based billing and bandwidth caps to protect their investment in legacy media and which are transforming the user-centric internet into the pay-per Internet. Such measures constrain what we can and cannot do with our internet connections. They privilege incumbents' own online video services while discriminating against other sources. Bandwidth caps are not unique to Canada, but the fact that they are near universal among the big players and set at very low levels with high prices relative to global standards, does set us apart from the rest of the world.
Lastly, a small number of massive integrated media and internet companies are more regulable than many entities of different stripes and sizes. In short, a few big firms make for juicy targets for those who see them as potential tools in their own efforts to push either a law and order agenda, as was the case last year with the Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act (Bill C-51), or part of the arsenal of a strong copyright enforcement regime, as some sought but did not fully achieve with the Copyright Modernization Act passed earlier this year.
I think we need to push back against the tide. As part of my efforts to do so, over the past year I joined with the Digitally Mediated Surveillance research project and the New Transparency Project to create a video to discuss why internet surveillance and the Harper Government's proposed lawful access bill specifically are bad for privacy, democracy, civil liberties and an open internet.
That bill died last Parliament and was to be reintroduced with the Government's omnibus crime bill passed earlier this year. Its essential aim was to have ISPs and telecommunications providers retool their networks with far greater surveillance capabilities and to require telecoms providers, ISPs and search engines to disclose subscriber information, including name, address, IP address, and email addresses, to law enforcement officials without court oversight.
Fortunately, this aspect of the omnibus bill was stripped out at the last minute in the face of withering public criticism led by groups such as Open Media, dissent within the ranks of the Conservative Government, and even a broadside against it in one of Rick Mercer's famous rants. The victory is significant, but a similar bill sits in the wings waiting for an opportune moment to be reintroduced. Moreover, University of Ottawa law scholar Michael Geist observes that telecoms providers and ISPs already comply with over 90% of requests from law enforcement requests for information about their subscribers without a warrant.
As I said earlier, a few massive firms are more likely to be pliable entities than recalcitrant ones. This example shows that this is, in fact, the case. Such murky ties outside the formal rule of law do not bode well for freedom of expression in Canada, online or off. For an open network media ecology and citizen's rights to autonomy and to express themselves freely to flourish, the collection, retention and disclosure of personal information between private media companies and the state should be minimized, not maximized.
The final factor in this trilogy of forces bearing down on an open internet is the copyright maximalist agenda. A strong version of this was visible earlier this year in the United States with the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA. SOPA would have required: (1) ISPs to block access to 'rogue websites', (2) search engines to make such sites disappear from their results, (3) payment providers like Paypal and Visa to cut-off payments, (4) and advertisers to cut-off suspect sites from advertising placement, among other things.
The fundamental remaking of the Internet such activities contemplated unleashed a firestorm of protest, ultimately leading to a tactical withdrawal of SOPA. Yet as SOPA was being withdrawn in the US, copyright maximalists here in Canada were on a roll.
They deployed their hyperbolic rhetoric that carved up the world into good guys and bad guys, with repeated references to "wealth destroyers", "parasites", "rogues" and "pirates" to make their case for why Canada needs strong digital locks, longer copyright protection terms, and for ISPs and search engines to step up to the plate on their behalf.
Copyright maximalists spurned claims that their agenda had anything to do with freedom of expression, but last year a United Nations' report on internet and human rights argued exactly the opposite point of view:
". . . [C]utting off users from Internet access, regardless of the justification provided, including on the grounds of violating intellectual property rights law, [is] disproportionate and thus a violation of article 19, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights" (p. 21).
Article 19, in case you didn't know, sets out freedom of expression and opinion as a fundamental human right at the global level and calls on the 167 countries that are party to it to promote and protect such rights to the fullest extent possible.
In a powerful testament to the ability of "the Public" to influence arcane matters of policy and law, the copyright maximalist's got only a fraction of what they wanted: digital locks yes, but no term extensions or requirement that ISPs, search engines and other digital intermediaries serve as tools on their behalf.
These examples suggest that when it comes to freedom of expression, there will be no smoking gun, just a slow tilt biasing the evolution of the telecom-media-Internet infrastructure in favour of greater control on behalf of incumbents, the state and copyright maximalists. For freedom of expression to flourish, we need to keep our eyes wide open to such efforts by stealth that seek to transform the network media ecology into one that is more closed, controlled and regulable.
December 11, 2012 at 5:39 am


text:
As a registered student of Maynooth University or St. Patricks College, Maynooth (SPCM) you are provided with access to Microsoft Office 365. Office 365 includes email, calendar, OneDrive and Office software. This will be available from your initial registration with the University until a year after graduation.
Service information:
- Your student email address will use either @mumail.ie (for Maynooth University) or @spcmail.ie (for SPCM.)
- You have access to email, Office software and 1TB of OneDrive storage through your browser or dedicated apps.
- Office software including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote can be installed on your own computer(s) and mobile device(s) at no extra cost.
- Share files with your peers and collaborate with OneDrive and Office software.
- Use Teams for a group project or with your study group or class.


text:
Your screen just went to this:
What do you do?
Just look at that color!!!
Ohh NOOOOO!!!!
Do you call the phone number?
Do you click on the page and find as many links as you can?
This is the doorway for ransom-ware that will only bring you sadness and destruction.
There are a couple of tell-tale signs that will only bring you sadness and destruction. There are a couple of tell-tale signs:
The URL. In most cases, it is something that should throw red flags. In THIS case, it is virus.com…
Windows Security Essentials does not send a phone number to their help desk.
You may not even have Windows Defender turned on, but it will never blank out your screen with an error, it might send a "notification".
What should you do?
- You will want to start the Task Manager. There are two ways to get to it:
<Ctrl><Alt><Del> at the same time
- Right click on your taskbar
- Select the browser you are in (Chrome, IE, Firefox)
- Select "End Task". (this will close out the application
- Download an Anti-Malware app for example:
- Call Sandra Network: 978-535-0202 #3 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
By Sally Jacobs
MVP Southern Missouri
Background and Reported Activity
An employee of the hotel contacted MVP through Facebook. She explained some of the activity and gave the property owners contact information to MVP. Sally called the owner Toni Wineinger and she stated that employees had experienced disembodied voices and items falling in the kitchen. There was reports of creepy feelings in the hallway by the kitchen, the storage room, women's restroom, and the lounge which is currently close to the public. There seems to be an overwhelming fear as the owners have had multiple employees quit from the activity that has been happening. Owner Toni has also stated another paranormal team had investigated and found the place to be haunted.
The temperature upon arrival was 28 degrees with 8 mph winds. The moon phase was first quarter moon.
MVP arrived at Ridge Crest Hotel at 6PM with members Sally Jacobs, Lisa C, and Rhonda G in attendance. The owner Toni had arranged meeting with another paranormal group that had previously investigated the location. This group claimed to have been scratched, caught EVP's with derogatory name calling, equipment failure, battery drain, spirit box communication, smells of sulfur and perfume, hearing growls, orb activity, and a sense that a negative entity was present. They also felt that there was a protective female spirit on the premises.
We also met with two if the hotel employees including kitchen staff and a maintenance man who had experienced disembodied voices, knocking on the wall near them, and hearing growls.
The investigation commenced at 7:24 PM.
Equipment Setup
The Command Center was set up in the dining room, with Lisa doing data entry and time keeping. In the building there were 3 audio recorders, 1 e.m.f. detector, 1 Geiger counter, photography equipment, a camcorder, gopro action camera, and 2 IR night vision cameras.
Experiments Performed
Music of a specific genre, and era were played. Evp sessions were performed using e.m.f. detector and Geiger counter.
Personal Experiences
While in the storage room Rhonda, Lisa, and Sally heard a very loud crashing sound. Upon investigation we found that several large roasting pan lids had fallen from the counter in the kitchen on to the floor. We also notice the furnace had kicked on and was blowing rather aggressively as Lisa stated it was blowing her hair. We collectively agreed the movement of the air combined with the way the pans were stacked could have caused them to fall.
Evidence Collected
Audio clips captured on three different recording devices of voices not belonging to any investigators. All photography equipment failed, photos were not recovered. 2 IR night vision cameras did not record anything. This equipment was new and had not been field tested. Investigators did experience battery drain.
MVP would like to investigate the location again. We have several e.v.p's that are interesting, including an unheard voice calling our investigators "idiots". With the equipment failure we experienced it would be imperative to duplicate that experience to rule out human error.
After the investigation Toni contacted MVP again to report a cereal container had flew off the refrigerator in a horizonal direction and landed about 4 feet away, a food cart had rolled up hill, and several plastic bread containers had popped their lids at the same time. Toni stated she was going to put out an audio recorder for MVP to review.
Case Status: OPEN


text:
The new report "Patterns of Agricultural Production among Male and Female Holders: Evidence from Agricultural Sample Surveys in Ethiopia" by the Research for Ethiopia's Agriculture Policy (REAP) project explores gender differences in how Ethiopian farmers engage in agricultural production.
Gender inequality presents a significant barrier to increasing agricultural production and food security in Ethiopia. The lack of nationally representative sex-disaggregated data and analysis has hindered the development and implementation of evidence-based policies. This report aims to contribute to filling this gap by presenting a gender analysis of the Ethiopian Central Statistics Agency's Agricultural Sample Survey (AgSS) data, collected between 2010 and 2013.The analysis reveals clear gender gaps between male and female holders in terms of human capital, natural capital, financial capital, agricultural input use, and participation in crop production and livestock husbandry. Specifically, female holders are less educated, have less family labor, own and manage less land, and are less likely to cultivate rented land compared to male holders. Concurrently, female holders have limited access to extension and advisory services and, therefore, to knowledge and information concerning best agronomic practices. Compared to male holders, female holders are less likely to cultivate commercial and economically valuable crops. This difference substantially contributes to the gender resource gap since these crops generate a higher market value than traditional staple crops.
Moreover, a significantly lower proportion of female holders reported ownership of livestock, especially oxen and equines, which are the primary sources of draught power for plowing and transportation in rural Ethiopia. Overall, this report identifies significant differences in the patterns of agricultural production of male and female holders in Ethiopia and calls for closing these gender gaps, because it would yield enormous benefits at the individual, household, and national levels. The report also puts forward policy priorities for prospective interventions.
Read and download the report>> (pdf)
This research is an output of IFPRI's Research for Ethiopia's Agriculture Policy (REAP) project that provides analytical support for ATA. Financial support for REAP is graciously provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This work was undertaken with support from the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), led by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Featured Image: Beautiful Smile, Tigray. Flickr, photo credit: Rod Waddington


text:
Seven Basic Skills of Discpline
Last time, we talked about the seven powers which are described in detail in Dr. Becky Bailey's book, Conscious discipline. From these powers, then emerge the seven basic skills of discipline. These skills are each of the seven chapters of the books and will slowly be outlined over the course of the next few months. I will shared direct quotes from the text as well as ways we have implemented it and made it our own in our classroom.
The seven skills are:
- Composure: Becoming the person you want children to be
- encouragement: Building a school family
- Assertiveness: saying "no" and being heard
- Choices: Building self-esteem and willpower
- Positive Intent: creating teaching moments
- Empathy: Handling the fussing and the fits
- Consequences: Helping children learn from their mistakes
Dr. Bailey also discusses in her book that these skills then filter and support the Life Values and Social Skills. One of the wonderful things about Dr. Bailey books is that her techniques are all practical and build the foundation for another life process or skill. Below are the seven life values and social skills! I hope I have enticed you enough to get the books!
Life Values Social Skills
- Integrity 1. Anger management
- interdependence 2. Helpfulness
- respect 3. Assertiveness
- empowerment 4. Impulse Control
- diversity 5. Cooperation
- compassion 6. Empathy
- responsibility 7. Problem Solving
I can try to teach you all I have learned through this book but it is not the same as actually owning the text. Dr. Bailey lays it out in a way where you have activities to do, scenarios to look for to use as teachable moments, ideas to practice, reflections, commitments, and facts. Consider buying this book and following the blog and sharing your ideas.


text:
Subscribe to the Sun Queen mailing list for access to the monthly newsletter, full of information on events, giveaways, sales, readings, articles, special uplifting messages from Grace, and more!
It is our promise that we will never give your email to anyone else, and we limit the email updates to only 1-3 times a month. Thank you so much for following Sun Queen!


text: US / Oregon City Just Made a Big Decision About Dogs Downtown Only canines of residents, workers allowed in that section of Eugene, Ore. By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Mar 9, 2017 2:40 PM CST Copied Resident dogs only in downtown Eugene, Ore., please. (AP Photo/Ellamarie Quimby) (Newser) – A wave of complaints about aggressive dogs in the downtown area of Oregon's third most populous city has prompted Eugene city councilors to ban dogs from the downtown area except those owned by people who live or work there. The Eugene City Council Wednesday voted 6-2 to approve the ban that takes effect in April and will expire in November unless there's another vote to extend it, the AP reports. The ordinance doesn't apply to service dogs for disabled people, police dogs, and dogs inside motor vehicles; it also exempts an area in front of a downtown location that serves hundreds of free lunches four days a week. While ban supporters say it's needed because of a rise in complaints by downtown residents and workers of encounters with aggressive dogs, critics claim the real intent was to displace homeless people and their dogs, the Register-Guard reports. Councilor Chris Pryor said the ordinance was modeled after a dog ban for a commercial strip next to the University of Oregon. "I'm not using dogs as a way to get rid of people I don't like downtown," Pryor said. "That's not my goal here." Councilor Emily Semple voted against the ban because she said "it does exclude homeless people because they have nowhere to leave their dog." Dogs, she added, give the homeless "companionship, protection, and warmth." In one downtown incident, a dog attacked a dog owned by a city library employee, killing the employee's dog and injuring the employee, said Councilor Betty Taylor. She called the incident terrifying but voted against the ordinance. "We don't ban a whole class [of people] just because something bad happens," she said. Violators could be fined as much as $250 per offense. (Read more Oregon stories.)


text:
Studio 585 is Gensler's retail design arm. They are probably best know for the Apple retail stores. 585 wanted to distinguish themselves from the larger architecture firm with an experience that reflected their sensibilities. The site was designed with Janice Natchek in 2003. It was a custom flash site with extensive mouse-distance based interactions in the textures and navigation elements.
We'll be in touch real soon!
(Close this thing)


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Goddamnit kitkat, you make me look late
So far it's two layers of cardboard and two/three layers of paper. Tomorrow I'm going to coat it in Gesso. Then I'll paint and seal it etc.
The upper hole is actually positioned in front of my left eye, so there's a usable amount of visibility there. I usually end up turning me head subconsciously though
Sam is basically right, he's just cranky.
Page created in 0.057 seconds with 22 queries.


text:
For three months in 2014 I pursued a research project with a damn cool professor, Dr. Amelia Moore, while jotting down some stories about architecture, anthropology, and the ocean. Now, I'm off on my own for a Watson Fellowship year to further explore how coral restoration and conservation interact with personal senses of agency in the face of global climate change.
I'm exploring coral conservation communities and the different ways that people think about their own agency in dealing with the impacts of global climate change. I intend to visually communicate the way conservationists redesign nature, and critically examine the ways that tourism interacts with environmental health and environmental justice. I hope to create a comprehensive narrative of the benefits and dangers of ecotourism through photojournalism and writing, one that inspires communities to local action and encourages agencies to finance these initiatives. Hopefully I can make this site an index of ways to approach coral restoration.
All images and content on this site are the property of Rennie Meyers, and cannot be used without her consent. I'm flattered but also possessive.
"Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made." – Immanuel Kant Because I'm obnoxious. But also because we think we build buildings straight up.


text:
Birth is holy, treat is as such | A letter to my pregnant self
Dear Adriel,
You are becoming a mom. Finally, after 32 long years your dream is coming true! And guess what? It's going to be even better than you imagined.
I know that right now it seems like pregnancy will never end… but enjoy these last days. Soon—when he's not all tucked up safely inside of you—you will have to share that precious boy with the world.
Don't stress about him coming too early or too late. I know you're concerned about your parents flying in from overseas and being there for Levi's big debut… But your clever little one will actually be one of the few babies that decide to come on his due date. Isn't that fun?
{What you couldn't have known then.}
As his birthday approaches, I want to tell you a few things that I've learned since then. I hope you're taking notes, because this stuff is good. First of all, I know you've heard it a thousand times… but seriously, hear it one more time: life is about to drastically change. Don't worry, you've prepared as best as you possibly can. But just know that you can't fully prepare for the best parts of life… like this one.
{You were made to give birth.}
The day of Levi's birth is going to be so incredible. It will be hard work, but you will sail through it. You are much tougher than you sometimes give yourself credit for. In fact, most all women are. You were made to bear children… and soon you will get to see that in reality. You have nothing to fear, nothing to be anxious for.
{There will be a change of plans.}
I'm sorry to break it to you, but Levi's birth will not be un-medicated, or in the birthing pool, or most of the ways you're imagining it right now. You know that little inkling that he might be breech and you could possibly end up having a C-Section? Well, let's just call that a mother's intuition, because… you're right.
Of course you won't discover this until twelve hours into labor, but don't be afraid. You'll handle it beautifully, with grace and confidence. God knows that you can handle it; He's promised to never let you go through anything you can't handle, remember?
{Remember to look beyond yourself.}
In those moments when you're first told the news, remember to tell your midwife that you love her and you're not mad at her for misinterpreting Levi's position correctly in time to try and move him. She will be feeling incredible disappointment and failure in that moment… and she, too, will need some reassurance and encouragement.
She'll later tell you how much your sweet attitude and response meant to her. Because as much as everyone tells you this day is about you and your sweet boy, the reality is that many others around you will also be effected by this miracle of life and how you bring your son into the world. Birth is holy, treat is as such.
|{first night together… a few hours old.}
{Prepare to behold glory.}
The surgery itself will go quickly and smoothly and the doctors and their teams will do just as great as your midwife would have done. It will be different, but no less amazing. They'll take wonderful care of you.
More importantly, be prepared to meet the most gorgeous being you've ever laid eyes on. (And on that note, no need to worry about your baby being cute or not… He is seriously as cute as they come… everyone says so.)
|{a few hours old.}
You will look at his face and finally know:
This is what glory looks like.
|{one day old and still in the hospital.}
And even though you won't get to hold him straight away like you had always envisioned, when you do finally hold him any of the disappointment from the change of plans will feel small and petty as it melts away in the wonder of that moment.
{Be anxious about nothing.}
And about breastfeeding… Yes, you've heard all the horror stories and you're prepared for the worst. Your willingness to try as hard as you can and your commitment to persevere through those first few difficult weeks as you try everything in your power to make it work is noble and wonderful…
But guess what?
You are one of the lucky ones who finds breastfeeding a breeze. So let's just forget those worries now. No need for them. During those first moments of holding your dear son on your chest, he will easily find his way and begin nursing naturally. It will be as if you've always been together.
The ease of breastfeeding will be grace to you amidst the mixed emotions that come with your unplanned surgery. Enjoy it and give thanks for it.
{Let yourself be taken care of.}
Now about going home… You're going to need to stay in the hospital for five days due to a mild infection. As much as this doesn't sound ideal to you right now, please know that it is. We all know your inclination to try and be superwoman, but this is not the time. You really do need to take it easy and let others take care of you. Being in the hospital will gently force this upon you. This, too, is grace to you. Embrace it and enjoy being served. Receive.
You do need to be warned, however, that in Australia husbands aren't allowed to stay overnight with you in the hospital. I know this is different to home, and it is understandably hard, but you can handle this. During those five long nights you will enjoy some precious moments with your son, just the two of you. Do you best to look on the bright side. Your homecoming day will come soon.
You know what they say about recovering from a C-Section, and so it's no surprise that you will be frustrated by the prospect. But this is another area that's not as bad as you might have been led to believe. Within a few days of being home you'll be ready for some short day trips, and by week three you'll be able to drive again. Yes, there's some lingering pain and you have to be careful, but you most certainly won't be an invalid and you won't even be housebound… so let's just dispel that fear right now so that you can enjoy the afterglow of your son's birth.
{Love: madly, deeply.}
Be prepared to love like you've never loved before. You are going to have moments where you're singing to that little boy, or even just looking at him from across the room while someone else takes a turn holding him… and it will feel as if your heart will explode with a deeper love than you've ever experienced.
You'll begin to understand the love of God in a deeper way, you'll fall in love with your husband in a more profound way, and of course you'll love your little boy enough to honestly want to give your life for him if need be.
It's a fierce, strong, solid love that's decorated with sweetness and laughter and more kisses-on-the-toes than you ever dreamed possible. It's a love that will drive you to miss him when he's tucked up safely sleeping. A love that causes you to gaze at his photo when you can't look at his face before you. A love that feels eternal and timeless and extravagant and pure. A love that begins to define you anew.
{You will step onto a roller coaster.}
But along with those highs there will be things that stretch you at the core of who you are as a woman. Insecurities will be revealed that you don't even realize are lurking under the surface of your smile. There will be moments when fears that are new and foreign to you will seem to come out of nowhere and corner you in the dark.
You need to know that you can handle all of it. You are as ready as you'll ever be. With the help of your husband and God and the loved ones around you, you will learn to ask for help, you will learn humility, you will learn patience, and you will learn to trust yourself more than you ever have yet.
{Having a child will grow you.}
As magical as it is, being a new parent is difficult. There will be times when you don't know what to do and times where you second guess yourself. In those moments you need to try and remember that you're the mom… you really do know what's best, even if your emotions are telling you otherwise. You might sometimes feel like you're grasping at straws, but the good news is that you and your son and your family will all learn and grow together.
I also want to warn you about the times when you'll want more than anything to trade jobs with your husband. There will be days when you want to call in sick… or at least take a lunch break or sign off at 5:00pm. Those days are especially difficult because the reality is that you simply can't.
But the sooner you figure out how to get some time for yourself to refresh and recharge, the better you'll be able to handle those days. You'll work it out. Just be deliberate. And in the meantime, know that having those days and those thoughts doesn't make you a bad mom.
{You are the expert.}
And lastly, I can't emphasize this enough… Every child is different just as every mom is different. Trust yourself. Go with your gut. Listen to your intuition. If something doesn't work, just try something else. There are no "rules" that you have to go by.
Parenting is—and should be—fluid and organic. One lesson learned will flow into the next. Listen to the advice from others, read the books and websites that you need to, but when it all boils down, remember that you're the mom and you know what's best.
{Wash your brain in this truth.}
You're a great mom. You're a great mom. You're a great mom. This needs to be your new mantra.
Make sure that you don't try to be perfect or you'll make yourself feel miserable in your failed expectations. But do remember that perfect has nothing to do with great.
Sear it into your mind… carve it into your heart… write in on your hand… post-it note it around the house if you need to: You're a great mom.
me xx
Dear friends, if you could deliver a letter to your pregnant self, what would it say?
| Originally published on Ingenue Mom on September 3, 2010 as a guest post. |
adriel booker | the mommyhood memos | 2010
do not reproduce without written permission
I've decided to write myself a letter to my pregnant self, but on Joss 1 year birthday. Because there was so much of me a year ago I couldn't see past no matter what anyone told me.
I so loved that you posted this again!!! Is it weird that I bookmarked this page? I just love your letter!
i love this! i want to do one for sure!
This is an amazingly good post – your really got to the core of all the emotions that women face when confronted with the changes in birth plans, life and self after delivery. Utterly wonderful! So glad we are in the same tribe. You are an inspirational blogger for sure!!
Great post! Love it.
What a great idea to write a letter like this. Mydaughter would really appreciate it someday! This was sweet to read and I related to it all!
1st thing before I forget! You were such a beautiful pregnant lady, you just radiated love and joy! And Levi – what an adorable newborn. Seriously!
Okay no onto the post. I love it. I think it's something we should all do. I should do it, as well. The task seems so overwhelming, though. To write a letter to my pregnant self – knowing what I know now. I am so inspired by this post! Thank you for sharing!
this is so lovely! the pictures are so amazing and capture every moment beautifully. =)
I love the love deeply part. motherhood truly is a rollercoaster that will turn your life around and make it ten times better .
I will write in my letter to better prepare for the hospital, for myself so I don't end p in hospital clothes, since I was busy thinking what Id bring for my little one. lol
PS. love the photography lessons, catching up on them. =)
This is a very sweet post – gave me chills! So glad you could reminsce this way through your blog.
Visiting from Lamby 🙂
I love this! Lovely sentiments and beautiful pictures. I wish I couldve recieved a letter like this from myself. It would say to keep faith, everything will be ok and that precious little baby will finally be born healthy and not to fear birth because it will be the easiest part of the pregnancy.
I loved your letter Adriel! It was so sweet, so true, and so loving to the person you were before you had Levi. If I could write a letter to me, I'd say Relax! You're about to embark on the best ride of your life. And trust your gut – even though everyone says it's a boy, don't be sad. Your hunch is right. You're carrying a Georgia, not a James, and she's everything you hoped for and more!
Aren't you a beautiful mother, with pictures just as beautiful.
And that little baby with the toothless grin, oh , goodness.
And, yes, you are a good mom. I wish more mothers would say that to themselves.
It is hard work… and we need to recognize what we do.
Lovely, lovely, post.
Thank you
What a lovely post! I think all pregnant women should read it 🙂 I love the pictures too!! x
This is a great idea! Mine would say that nothing ever goes as planned, so don't let it stress you out. Learn to go with the flow, and a healthy baby is a healthy baby- no matter how he got here.
By the way, I wanted to answer your question about the blanky bear (not sure if you get an email when I respond to comments)… I got it as a gift, so I'm not sure 🙁
I found them on Amazon, though. They're called 'flatos'. There's a direct link to it in my post. I bet they have a bunch of different colors. Good luck!
Ohhh I LOVE it! It has been almost 8 years since Ive given birth to my baby…and your letter birngs back so many of those feelings and thoughts. So wonderfuly written!!!
Your Lamby Tribe friend – Barb
Yes, I remember this beautiful letter to yourself when I read it over at Ingenue Mom. Love it so much. You are a beautiful Mother and so blessed with a beautiful, healthy boy. 🙂
What a wonderful post! I never thought of writing something like this to my kids years ago. What a great way to capture what you were feeling! The photos are beautiful!
~Mimi from the Lamby Tribe
love this, so good 🙂
So, I'm crying. Big hormonal wuss over here. I love this.
What a beautiful letter–don't you wish you had it beforehand? It would have taught you to stress less and enjoy the moment. I wish I had one to follow beforehand too? There's so much wisdom. Yes, I need to repeat the mantra "You're a great mom" again and again too. Maybe one day I'll believe it without a fight 🙂
Beautiful post and accompanying pictures! And, I love the idea of compiling all that you have learned about birth and beyond in a letter to yourself. It's amazing how everything that we think we will care about before we become mothers goes out the window when we do. Motherhood, at least for me, has helped me put my life in perspective. It has made me a better person, a stronger person. It's a blessing! I heard others say this, but I never really "got it" until it happened to me.
I just found your blog while looking through the Paper Mama pics. I really enjoyed this post………..and the photo in your header is just AWESOME!!
Just re-read your post (though I'd already read it at Ingenue Mom). SO encouraging!! My daughter will be 1 this month, and this still encourages me. Just sent your link to a pregnant friend of mine. Keep up the inspiring work!!
love this, the words, the photos… thank you for sharing.
This is beautiful. I also didn't get the unmedicated, birthing tub birth that I wanted (though I narrowly avoided a c-section)and I wish I could go back in time and tell my laboring self that it all will be fine.
This post is amazing. You seem to have captured everything for every mother out there.
I think I would tell myself that I can only do what I can do, and not to feel guilty about the bedrest, the 8 week premature birth, or the month in the NICU. I would tell myself that it wasn't my fault and I did everything I could do to keep my babies inside. And that once they were born, they knew I was there with them and took strength from me as I sat at their bedside from morning to night until they were allowed to come home. I would tell myself that I didn't let them fight alone, and that now, almost a year later, I have two strong healthy boys who don't resemble the weak premature 4lb babies they once were. And I'm telling myself right now that it's ok to be crying as I type this.
i NEED to go back here before i become a mother =)
i love the photos =)
I beautiful beautiful post – writing content and pictures all together. Loved it lovely lady! =)
This was a very sweet post. It's amazing how much we worry when pregnant. I'm so happy everything has been wonderful for you.
I'll have to write my pregnant self a letter too. 🙂
OMG! Your amazing! Very sweet letter!!
And holy shit, your beautiful! My mouth was dropped open when I saw the pics of you just after birth!
Wow, love this, and the photos! I found your blog through SITS and I think I'm in love!
You gave everything in this post and it's a blessing to you and your baby that this wonderful post has been created for posterity. I just completed roll call on the SITSGirls site and when I went to click on the comment above mine to do the usual comment for a sista on Saturday, it was you.
I had to chuckle that we Lamby team members are definitely connecting with each other everywhere.
Have a great SITS Saturday!
Words to live by. I certainly couldn't have said any of that better than you did. I feel in a similar boat. I'm 30 weeks pregnant with my second child and a bit anxious and nervous at the same time.
Thank you for your inspiration on motherhood.
I've posted on your blog a few times, but nothing regular. That fact, in no way, represents how much your blog means to me. I'm releshing and soaking up all you have to say…everyday.
I'm less than a week away from hitting my half way marker of pregnancy. Time has really flown by (and I know it will continue to do so). I found this post today and tears started streaming down my face. You are such a strong woman of God. It shows in every way. I've learned so much about faith through your blog. Thank you for these amazing words of wisdom. I'll treasure them the last 20 weeks and hold to the fact that God gives us strength and peace beyond our understanding.
Physical Therapy Assistant…
Thanks a ton for posting the post to your website. I was trying to find this bit of info for 2-3 weeks but was unable to find any information on this anywhere else!…
[…] Birth is Holy, Treat it as Such {A Letter to My Pregnant Self} […]


text:
Scottish Gaelic Translation Services
Are you looking for a language services provider for your Scottish Gaelic translation needs? Wolfestone has the experience and quality you'd expect from a company that chairs its trade body.
Wolfestone have a lot of experience translating documents, recording voiceovers and providing interpreters from English into Scottish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic into English, for a variety of sectors.
All our Scottish Gaelic speaking translators and interpreters are carefully vetted, have at least four years experience in translation and where relevant, have sector specific academic qualifications.
Why choose Wolfestone as your Scottish Gaelic translation services provider?
Wolfestone regularly undertakes Scottish Gaelic translation, Scottish Gaelic interpreting and Scottish Gaelic voiceover projects. Clients choose Wolfestone because of the quality and service, and many of our clients have been our partners for years.
With experience in Scottish Gaelic document translation, Scottish Gaelic interpreting, Scottish Gaelic voiceovers and Scottish Gaelic localisation, Wolfestone is well placed to help you achieve your communication objectives.
About Scotland
The population of Scotland is approximately 5.2 million.
Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language native to Scotland. According to the 2001 census of Scotland approximately 58, 652 people in Scotland could speak Gaelic at that time. The census results show a decline of 7,300 Gaelic speakers from 1991.
Five sectors which account for almost two-thirds of Scotland's exports are: food and beverages, chemicals, business services, electronics and instrument engineering and mechanical engineering. Other main exports include: textiles, oil and gas and fuel-based equipment and renewable energies, equipment and technology.
Scotland can provide a good opportunity for suppliers who want to supply these industries there.
Scotland's economy has significantly improved, employment rose by 47,000 in February – April 2013. There was also an increase in the total number of hours worked in Scotland from 77 to 78 million.


text:
We are already becoming tiny chips inside a giant system that nobody really understands. Every day I absorb countless data bits through emails, phone calls and articles; process the data; and transmit back new bits through more emails, phone calls and articles. I don't really know where I fit into the great scheme of things, and how my bits of data connect with the bits produced by billions of other humans and computers. I don't have time to find out, because I am too busy answering emails. This relentless dataflow sparks new inventions and disruptions that nobody plans, controls or comprehends.
But no one needs to understand. All you need to do is answer your emails faster. Just as free-market capitalists believe in the invisible hand of the market, so Dataists believe in the invisible hand of the dataflow. As the global data-processing system becomes all-knowing and all-powerful, so connecting to the system becomes the source of all meaning. The new motto says: "If you experience something — record it. If you record something — upload it. If you upload something — share it."
Dataists further believe that given enough biometric data and computing power, this all-encompassing system could understand humans much better than we understand ourselves. Once that happens, humans will lose their authority, and humanist practices such as democratic elections will become as obsolete as rain dances and flint knives.
Even though humanists were wrong to think that our feelings reflected some mysterious "free will", up until now humanism still made very good practical sense. For although there was nothing magical about our feelings, they were nevertheless the best method in the universe for making decisions — and no outside system could hope to understand my feelings better than me. Even if the Catholic Church or the Soviet KGB spied on me every minute of every day, they lacked the biological knowledge and the computing power necessary to calculate the biochemical processes shaping my desires and choices. Hence, humanism was correct in telling people to follow their own heart. If you had to choose between listening to the Bible and listening to your feelings, it was much better to listen to your feelings. The Bible represented the opinions and biases of a few priests in ancient Jerusalem. Your feelings, in contrast, represented the accumulated wisdom of millions of years of evolution that have passed the most rigorous quality-control tests of natural selection.
However, as the Church and the KGB give way to Google and Facebook, humanism loses its practical advantages. For we are now at the confluence of two scientific tidal waves. On the one hand, biologists are deciphering the mysteries of the human body and, in particular, of the brain and of human feelings. At the same time, computer scientists are giving us unprecedented data-processing power. When you put the two together, you get external systems that can monitor and understand my feelings much better than I can.
Google won't have to be perfect. It won't have to be correct all the time. It will just have to be better on average than me. And that is not so difficult, because most people don't know themselves very well, and most people often make terrible mistakes in the most important decisions of their lives.
If you don't like this, and you want to stay beyond the reach of the algorithms, there is probably just one piece of advice to give you, the oldest in the book: know thyself. In the end, it's a simple empirical question. As long as you have greater insight and self-knowledge than the algorithms, your choices will still be superior and you will keep at least some authority in your hands. If the algorithms nevertheless seem poised to take over, it is mainly because most human beings hardly know themselves at all.
– excerpts and image from 'Big data, Google and the end of free will', Yuval Noah Harari, Financial Times, 26 August 2016


text:
CLEVELAND – After months of talk and speculation, the worst kept secret became official, Kevin Love is now a Cleveland Cavalier.
First reported by ESPN's Marc Stein on Friday, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers agreed in principle to a three-team trade sending Love to Cleveland, the last two overall picks in the draft in Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett to Minnesota and their first-round protected pick to the Sixers.
Philadelphia would receive swingman/shooting guard Alexey Shved and forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute from Minnesota, who in turn receives small forward Thaddeus Young.
While all three teams receive quality pieces, the clear winner are the Cavaliers, who now emerge as the favorite to win the East, and a real shot at winning Cleveland's first sports title since 1964.
In adding Love, who averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds, to a lineup that features LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Cleveland is now the new Beast of the East.
Pending league approval, the deal could not be ratified until Saturday. Now with Love in Cleveland, the Cavaliers are now the team to beat.
For current news, sports, entertainment, politics and more please follow us at @TheInscriberMag and like us on Facebook: The Inscriber : Digital Magazine


text:
I've been try to download Xcode for work, but for some reason the Mac App Store is giving me a bit of trouble. Activity monitor shows some network usage, but in Launchpad it seems the download isn't moving.
When I go to the purchases panel of the Mac App Store, I see this.
No status, no pause button, in fact - the button has no text on it! I've tried restarting the App Store, restarting my computer, even removing the
com.apple.appstore folder in
/var/folders but alas, no luck.
Can anyone diagnose the issue? When I removed
com.apple.appstore, Xcode still showed up on Launchpad, and clicking on it did nothing - it was frozen in time. So can I kill off this partial download and start new?


text:
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Moral Cowardice of Joe Paterno
I don't blame Joe Paterno for trying to salvage what is left of his legacy. I'm sure that he means well. But sitting down with Sally Jenkins didn't work out the way that he wanted it to.
Specifically, we now know that, in his heart of hearts, he was a moral coward when presented with evidence that his assistant, Jerry Sandusky, was engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor. What "mistake" could he have made by taking steps to ensure that Sandusky was either cleared of the charges or arrested? Who would have turned on him and accused him of anything unethical by taking steps to get to the bottom of such a thing? Who could have faulted him for raising holy hell and calling attention to what was going on?
What is sad is that he forgets to acknowledge what everyone knew--Paterno was in complete control of his program and knew what was going on. In the interview, he forgets to acknowledge that he was in charge. He feigns ignorance when he says "because I never heard of, of, rape and a man." That, in and of itself, is the most disturbing comment of all.
Joe Paterno, in his entire life, never heard of a man raping a child? And he can't even spell it out properly. He can't bring himself to repeat what he knew to be true.
Later in the article, we're treated to the old saw of if this had been our child, we would have killed Sandusky. Please. Talk about your post-incident bloviating. Why is your child more sacred and wonderful than someone else's child?
What a complete and utter disgrace. This incident threatened his program, his wins record, his legacy as a coach. He knew that the moment that it happened. Here was an incident that stood in the way of him and being the greatest coach ever. Instead of saying, aw, hell and doing what he knew he should have done, he threw up his hands, pulled that old "I'm an old-fashioned, unsophisticated guy" charade that he has used in countless interviews, and ran out the back door.
He passed the buck and now he's been called on it. Legacy tainted, and forever.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
We have had some great additions to the Oppo community recently! Just want to let you know we have some cool Oppo Tools to use.
First, just some friendly reminders:
If any of your photos could be deemed NSFW (Not Suitable for Work) Please- 1) Tell us in the post title and 2) put them after the "jump" or in the reply section. Also we recommend placing a "safe" picture as your lead picture.
Also, passionate debate is welcome. Personal attacks on folks are not.
For a more detailed Oppo Code of Conduct please see GAMECA235's post here.
Now here is the cool stuff:
1. There is the Reader's Rides Spreadsheet. Speaking of rides, if you want to find out how "Jalop" your car is SLAVE2ANMG made this fun test.
2. We have the excellent Wallpaper Collection thanks to Breakfast Burrito.
3. You can find your fellow Opponauts on the Oppo Map thanks to 05SONIC3VALVE.
If you are having trouble with the Oppo Map check out this thread.
4. Automotive Master List curtosy of Joe Limon
5. Like car GIFs? Then check out BLUNION05's awesome collection.
6. Here is a helpful guide for posting photos from Tohru Rokuno
7. If you would like to know what Tags are all about and how to use them go here.
You can always find these tips and some more at the Oppo Tips post.
If you have not been given authorship on Oppo and would like it just ask.


text:
Belvita Kleija With Cardamom Biscuits 62 g (11+1 Free)
♦ BelVita is a range of biscuits specially designed for breakfast. Made with five wholegrains, they're rich in cereals, a source of fibre, contain no added colours or preservatives and have a low glycemic index (GI). Plus, these delicious, crunchy biscuits


text: I have been wanting to check out Scoot Inn for at least a year now and last night I finally got to. This is the perfect East Side bar. When I walked in, my first impression was, 'small, dirty, dive bar.' Then I looked to my right and saw Skee Ball!! That made my night. They have three machines so, that's definitely something to do in between bands…play Skee Ball!!! (Can you tell I love this?? lol) Anyway, the bar is to the left as you come in the door and straight back against the back wall is the stage. Even though it's so small, they did still have someone doing sound for the bands. There's also a huge outdoor patio with seating, another stage for shows, and a 2nd bar. This is obviously the place to see bands when the weather is nice. A guy I met told me he had been there before when they had a slip 'n' slide out there. Nice!! Anyway, there were 3 bands scheduled to perform tonight…Cactus Peach, Borrisokane, & Geography. I had no idea who was going on first. As it turned out, Borrisokane went on at 10ish and that turned out for the best. I really dug them. The more songs they played the more I liked the music. They're a four piece with a female lead singer & keyboardist, bassist, drummer, and guitarist. They have a lush, atmospheric, but very musical sound. It's very much about the music with this band. There are vocals, but they're more of a speak/sing…this actually really works with the music. After speaking to a couple of band members, (Josh, their drummer & Derek, the guitarist) I found out they've only been playing together for 5/6 months. The name is from a town in Ireland where Derek & his sister Rebecca's (lead vocalist) grandmother is from. The song I have included on here is called "Dear Asshole". It's off of their current EP that you can hear through their Facebook page. They gave it to me for FREE. You gotta love that. Please check them out. I can tell that the longer they play together, the better they'll get. Oh, and I stayed for a couple of songs by the next band, Cactus Peach, but they just weren't my cup of tea. They were a little too quirky for me and I couldn't make it past the second song. Thanks Borrisokane for keeping me there for your whole set!