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Not many conductors find themselves likened in a single review to Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Stokowski and Bernstein—four very disparate figures united mainly by their pre-eminence in the story of 20th-century music. Only in such a context (the review appeared in The Washington Post) could JoAnn Falletta feel short-changed (not that she does) by the more circumspect critic in The New York Times who described her merely as 'one of the finest conductors of her generation.' Though she has guest conducted major orchestras around the world, she remains loyal to the two of which she has been Music Director for more than a decade: the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic. The present season is awash with anniversaries, marking the 20th anniversary of her directorship in Virginia, the 12th of her tenure in Buffalo and the tenth year of the highly fruitful contract between the BPO and Naxos.
Falletta is one of the regrettably small number of women to have made a major breakthrough into what's long been regarded as a man's domain. But why have the dice been so loaded in favour of men? More to the point, perhaps, why have they been so loaded against women?
Naxos is proud to number among its recording artists outstanding female conductors from around the world such as JoAnn Falletta, Marin Alsop and Gisele Ben-Dor
'You know I really think it's because our profession is so traditional. We're basically making music in the way that Mozart was making music hundreds of years ago. And the very weight of this tradition, this wonderful tradition, has naturally made change slower. When it happens, though, it really sticks. I think we've come a very long way, especially in the last 20 years. People now are no longer surprised to see a woman on the podium. At the same time, the percentage of women getting substantial chances to be heard is still very small. Progress is definitely being made, though, and I'm confident it'll continue.'
For all her unforced femininity and her quiet, urbane demeanour, Falletta has been a formidable activist, doing more for the cause of women than many a more strident colleague. At what stage, then, did she decide to take up arms against tradition? 'Oh I never did. I never did. I wanted to be a conductor when I was nine years old. And for years I was quite unaware that women weren't 'supposed' to conduct. I simply, and very naïvely, fell in love with the symphony orchestra, and with the repertoire. I fell in love with the whole concept of musicians working together to create unbelievable beauty. It was only when I was 16 or 17, and eagerly heading for music school, that I began to hear people saying "But wait! Women have never really been successful as conductors. And it's still very difficult." I think in a way my naïve attitude was very good. I went into the profession simply because I had to. For sheer love of the music. I certainly didn't do it to prove anything, to change anything.'
Instrumentalists, on the whole, have their instruments at home. They carry them about with them, they travel abroad with them, they practice on them. Conductors have no such luxury. They have to have an orchestra. In the early years of her career was it harder, because she was a woman, for Falletta to find the engagements that every conductor needs? 'You know it's hard to say. When I entered the profession, the doors were really opening for women. Some people might say that this could even have been an advantage. It all depended on the particular situation you were confronting. In the US and the UK the sight of a woman on the podium wasn't greeted with the scepticism that it might have been at that time in Germany or Austria, where I think perhaps even today it's more difficult to gain acceptance. But I've never gone looking for examples of prejudice against women, because I knew I'd find them. And in finding them, I knew I wouldn't really be able to work in the way that I want to. To work freely. In a sense I wouldn't have the confidence to really project how I felt about the music, which of course was very important to me. And I'm sure that some scepticism still exists. But we have to find the strength within us to get on with it and do our job.'
So much for audiences and critics. What about the attitude of orchestras themselves? Some, in Europe, have only lately admitted women players, and then only a very few. Surely this kind of thing must intensify the challenge to women conductors. 'It makes it harder, certainly. Especially in places like Germany and Austria, where I'd be on the podium and there'd be perhaps five women in the orchestra (and those women would tell me, when they took me aside, how difficult it still was for them). Sometimes you're greeted with a kind of icy politeness that still expresses a kind of scepticism, if not downright hostility. But generally, musicians want to make music. They want their time utilised well, they want their talents supported, they want an environment in which they can succeed. When that begins to happen in rehearsal, the scepticism tends to dissipate. It may take three or four rehearsals for people to loosen their prejudices, but in the end they do. I think of Mexico, which when I first started going there was a very sort of macho environment, but even there, that changed.'
Falletta is known not only as an outstanding woman conductor but as a vibrant champion of women composers. How, I wondered, has she gone about researching the vast heartlands of these neglected artists? 'This all began when I took on the musical directorship of the Women's Philharmonic in San Francisco. Up until that point, I'm embarrassed to say, I actually didn't know any women composers. In many ways I'd had a very traditional conductor's upbringing, so to speak, and women composers don't tend to be a part of that. But when I went to San Francisco to work with the orchestra, I discovered a wealth of music from the past, and also a great deal of music by contemporary composers, and this really changed my life, in a very joyful way—because I was looking at music that had never been played. There were no recordings, no treatises on performance practices, no experts to be consulted…I had to come up with an interpretation that derived entirely from the music itself. And this gave me a new perspective in looking at all music. Having done so much with the music of women, I began to look at Beethoven and Tchaikovsky in the same way. It fundamentally altered my perspectives on music in general. It's such an adventure! I now approach every score as though it were new—even if I've done it dozens of times. It also deepened and sharpened my understanding of new music, because many of these pieces had just been written, some by young women in the early part of their career, others by composers who were already making a solid reputation.'
And how, if at all, has Falletta's approach to conducting been influenced by working with living composers? Has it substantially changed her perspectives? 'I think it's made me much more flexible. In San Francisco I worked with a wonderful composer called Chen Yi, who'd come to us from mainland China. She was our composer in residence, so we played a great deal of her music. When I was applying my Western training and sensibility to divine what sound she wanted, what phrasing etc., she would sometimes say 'No, no. It should sound like this:', and then she'd sing it to me, in a way that for me, as a Western trained musician, growing up with Western music, was actually quite shocking. It was the same for the orchestra. And I realised that there's so much music in the world that one has to keep an open mind. Just by singing to me how she felt about what she'd written, she completely changed my concept of music—opening my mind to other alternatives, other sounds, other possibilities of making music.'
No conductor, of course, starts off with an orchestra. Most begin as instrumentalists. And that experience can help to shape them as conductors. Was this true in Falletta's case? 'Especially for a conductor, my background is a little unusual. I started playing classical guitar when I was seven, and I still play, and perform on it, today. It was my entrée into the whole world of music. And for me, the guitar (which is so personal, so intimate, so suited to small groups) is the most wonderful foil for the art of conducting (which is so public and involves so many people). As a conductor it influenced me in two very significant ways. First of all, I did a great deal of accompanying, which involved a lot of very acute listening. This has helped me when accompanying soloists with the orchestra, and when accompanying different sections or players within the orchestra. But it also taught me a lot about direction, because the guitar, like the harpsichord, is an instrument that doesn't sustain tone very well. So guitarists are always creating the illusion of sustaining; the illusion of a phrase—when the notes themselves aren't actually doing that. We get positively obsessed with the continuation of a phrase, with this impression of momentum that we create through various techniques. Being so focused on this sense of forward movement gave me a certain concept of architecture in performance, which for me is a matter of continuous flow. That direction, that propulsion, is something I'm acutely aware of, in virtually any piece. Also, I think the very act of playing an instrument is extremely important for a conductor. Our musicians spend their entire lives perfecting a vibrato, or producing the most beautiful sound in a particular register of their instrument. They become obsessed with that. If we, as conductors, forget what it feels like to put a finger against the fingerboard, and to create a perfect vibrato, if we forget what it feels like to pluck a string in such a way as to get exactly the sound we want, then I think we lose touch, in both senses, with something vitally important.'
Falletta's newest releases, of music by Josef Suk and Arvo Pärt, pretty well box the 20th-century compass, at least where the calendar is concerned. I invited her to talk about these highly disparate composers, and about the works in question. 'Well I must say, first of all, that throughout our association, Naxos has been just an unbelievable partner, with their continuing appetite for unusual music. They're not a company that keeps churning out Beethoven symphonic cycles. That's not what they're about at all. They've encouraged us to seek out, discover and record all kinds of things, from an orchestral version of Schubert's Death and the Maiden Quartet to a disc of Duke Ellington. They've opened the door to so many wonderful projects, and maintained an untiring appetite for the unusual, always encouraging us to find new voices. One thing I particularly like is finding old works that haven't been played—romantic repertoire that has somehow fallen through the cracks, for whatever reason. You know people tend to think "Well if it were any good, we do know about it already." I don't believe that. There are lots of reasons why music gets lost. And finding older music, like Suk's, for me is a great discovery.
People may know the name of Josef Suk because of his grandson, the great violinist of the same name, or they may remember him as Dvořák's son-in-law, but they don't know his music. And it's music of extreme beauty—truly Czech music, Bohemian music, springing from that countryside, just as Dvořák's music did. We recorded three of the early pieces, which were written at a time of great happiness in Suk's life, and the music is a reflection both of that happiness and his close connection to his people, to their countryside. It's just truly wonderful, wonderful music. And the violin fantasy is a real masterpiece. A genuinely great work, in my view, that's hardly ever been performed, or recorded. I think there's only a handful of records that have ever been made of it. The soloist in our recording is Michael Ludwig, an absolutely marvellous violinist who just revels in the work's combination of deep romanticism, great sophistication, considerable complexity and very considerable virtuosity. It also requires a thinker, and Michael fills the bill in every respect.
'In the case of Arvo Pärt, I was working with Ralph van Raat, a fantastic pianist who's particularly involved with new music and loves the vocabulary of sound. When we're dealing with something like Part, the sound is once again very nuanced, it's intimate, and the vocabulary of the piano is greatly expanded by the tone colours he uses. This piece, Lamentate, is a very profound work, as is most of Pärt's music. It has its roots in his spirituality, in his views on the pains of war, of our modern world, and the challenges that everyone faces; it deals with our individual confrontation with the pain and the tragedy that surrounds us, and how we make our way through that. It's very profound music, as I say, and very beautiful music too.'
And the variety of Falletta's output (and of course that of Naxos) continues apace with their next BPO production—that disc she mentioned devoted entirely to the music of Duke Ellington. Not the least of Falletta's many gifts as a conductor is her effervescent enthusiasm for the sheer fun of making music. Examples forthcoming. Watch this space.
JoAnn Falletta Biography & Discography


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Public Health England's and NHS England's RightCare team has now released its new 'neurology focus packs' tailored to each individual clinical commissioning group (CCG). The new packs provide a range of neurology data tailored to each local CCG, including breakdowns of spending on elective and non-elective admissions, some condition-specific information on admissions rates, and an 'opportunity table' which identifies the best opportunities for improving value and outcomes locally, using comparable CCGs.
All the focus packs are available via the Commissioning for Value website at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for-ccgs/comm-for-value/.
To download the packs, follow the links to the different commissioning regions.

subset: commoncrawl


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Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats.
Runaway Bay Pontoon Boats Construction Page.
Description: This image is a example of a website designed for a Brisbane based boat building company. The clients brief for this site was they required, a new website, that presented a professional online image for their company & would showcase their Pontoon boat building, they also required a online shop for the spare parts side of the business incorporated into the site. The site consists of the webpages for the boat building with the option to create online custom boat ordering. A complete online shop with comprehensive back office / admin panel. The clients also wanted to be able to update and maintain the site themselves, so the site is driven by a content management system eg: (back office), which is both robust and user friendly making adding or changing content and images a breeze. Please feel free to visit this site runawaybaypontoonboats.com and contact me for a quote on designing your new website.


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The Man who Shot Tutankhamun
This is the story of an unsung hero of photography: Harry Burton, the man whose images of the Tutankhamun excavation created a global sensation in the 1920s. Explore the spectacular locations where Burton worked, including Tutankhamun's tomb and the surrounding temples.
Genre: DocumentaryActor: Margaret Mountford
Director: Patrick McGrady
Country: UK


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Evan Has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the past thirteen years under the Team Norton Organisation. Evan is a very talented and friendly instructor with nearly 16 years of instructing experience in martial arts.
Evan has been a Black Belt in Hapkido for a little over 16 years now
Evan started his training in Hapkido at the age of 14.
A master in Hap Ki Do, Evan has created his own unique blend of street based self defence system which he teaches to a number of Government agencies. With over 27years of Hapkido experience, Evan is a very knowledgable and fun instructor
Evan is the head referee for the new and exciting Combat 8 mixed martial arts event. Evan travels all over NSW refereeing and organising his staff to provide officials for cage fighting events as per the Australian Combat Sports Authority.
Evan Bzadough is Australia's best and most experienced Mixed Martial Arts Judge. Evan has judged many professional international mixed martial arts fights here in Australia. Evan made history becoming the first Australian to judge at UFC 110 back on the 21st of February 2010, and again at UFC 127 on the 27th of Febuary 2011. Evan has judged over 200 professional mixed martial arts fights and counting.
Extracted from MMA OFFICIALS AUSTRALIA follow
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By Diane Larson
"I feel so grateful to be able to play music that people want to hear and that makes an impact and that I get to actually make money at it," says Heather Lingle, Butte's own singer-songwriter of Americana music.
At about the age of 8, Heather began performing in front of her church. This she says is the beginning of her love for music and performing. Shortly after music, would take on a more important role.
When Heather was ten years of age her father passed away. This event changed her whole perspective. She would use dance as a way of to find comfort. What dance didn't fill or heal, music did. Music started to become much more important and helped her heal. Victor Hugo said, "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Dance and music helped to express what she felt from such a loss and heal the pain.
Heather studied dance for sixteen years. Both music and dance remain key components in her life. Yet she didn't study music formally. She considers herself to be a natural musician. Her step-dad, Floyd Luker, also a member of her band, "has been a great influence on my life and has mentored me in music for many years, Heather explains."
In college, Heather studied philosophy and theology for which she holds a bachelors and a master's degree.
When she was younger Heather experienced a deep calling to ministry. She attended a Catholic University and felt a calling to be a priest. Heather is an Episcopalian and at that time in the church, women were not allowed to become priest. Not giving up on her strong calling to ministry she took what she felt the next natural step. She began looking into being a nun. But as she pursued that avenue, door after door seem to close on her and she soon realized that being a nun was not meant to be.
Today Heather's call to ministry takes her to teaching Sunday school and outreach programs through her church. Spirituality remains a major part of her life, and her spirituality finds its way into her music as well.
Heather considers her music to be Americana. When asked to describe the Americana style of music she explained that Americana has been an obscure genre for years. It is a music that comes from all over the country. "It really blends folk, country, sometimes blues, sometimes rock," said Heather. In the end it is American roots music, it is very much embedded in the rural culture of America and travels through the many places that are America. Thirty years ago it could have been labeled as country, but country music has changed and this type of music is steeped in traditional America, explained Heather.
Through the years she says that many have tried to persuade her to move to a larger venue where her music can be exposed to many more people. Places such as Austin, or Nashville. But Heather likes Butte, and Butte is a muse of sorts for her.
Butte is a great place to live for an artist; Heather explained, it has an inspired atmosphere that gives energy to the creative, she said. She went on to say, "There is a synergy right now with visual artist, performing artist, I think it's really rich with that creative culture and I feed off of that."
Heather uses her background in philosophy to help communicate some of the more complex thoughts and ideas she gets for her music. She does not consider herself a philosophical song writer, but it is a tool she uses. "Through philosophy you really learn how to analyze information in kind of a higher level thinking, a more abstract way and when I'm writing I pull a lot from that," Heather explains. "Philosophy helps me weed out the unnecessary and deliver something digestible," she said.
Heather can also be seen performing with her partner John Emeigh. Together they are Anglophilia and sing covers of hits from the British Invasion era. "John takes the lead and I sing harmony, dance. Basically I am John's sidekick," she says with a huge smile. She says they work really well together and it is something she enjoys.
In July Heather released a video for her song, "Man of Mine" which was a project between her and John. John did all the camera work and editing. You can view her video at, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElIsiDxLJHc.
When asked about what sort of venue she liked playing, Heather said that she loves it when she is playing with her band and there is a dance floor. In this atmosphere because of her background in dance as well as music she says she gains a lot of energy.
Heather's band consists of her step-dad, Floyd Luker, Mark Iwaniak, Kevin McGlynn, and Michael McDaniel.
In 2017 Heather will release her third album. Just about all of Heather's music is her original, although she has written with her mom, her grandmother and has recently started collaborating with her partner John Emeigh.
Lord Lytton, an English novelist, poet and playwright said, "Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies."
Heather's approach to music in her life, as well as how she so graciously gifts her music to the world, and how she uses her environment in her music is the embodiment of Lytton's quote.
For a complete calendar of the events where you can find Heather go to her web site at www.heatherlingle.com. Check out her music, I don't think you will be disappointed.


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Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. - Dale Carnegie.
If you are a good leader, you are a good listener.- Richard Branson
"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become." -Jim Rohn
Attitude, humor and action (persistence) will whip fears and rejection. Fear of failure doesn't exist if you believe it doesn't." J Gitomer.
What we do with our minds makes a difference.- Louise Hay.
Always remember that you are the director of the movie script in which you find yourself. - Doreen Virtue
Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. - Reverend Ike
Challenges are what you came for. And you are never, ever, given a challenge you cannot overcome.- Neale D Walsch.
Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao-tzu
The most important three words you can say to yourself: "Yes, I can!" - Denis Waitley.
"There is only one success- to be able to spend your life in your own way."- Christopher Morley
"You are important enough to ask and you are blessed enough to receive back." - Dr Wayne Dyer.
"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority." - Ken Blanchard
"The most influential person who will talk to you all day is you, so you should be very careful about what you say to you!" —Zig Ziglar
Treat yourself as if you already are what you'd like to be - Dr Wayne Dyer.
"One man with courage makes a majority."- Andrew Jackson
"Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom."- General George Patton
Simplify your Life. Take complications, rules, "shoulds", "musts", "have to's", and so on out of your consciousness.- Dr Wayne Dyer.
"Prosperity belongs to those who learn new things the fastest."- Paul Zane Pilzer: Economist, entrepreneur, and author
"Keep your face in the sunshine and you can never see the shadow." - Helen Keller
I like thinking big. I always have. If you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big. - Donald Trump
Charlie Chaplin - People look at me and laugh because I am different, I look at them and smile, because they are all the same.
"Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back." - Babe Ruth - The Greatest Baseball Player In History.
"There's no reward in life without risk." - Barry J. Farber
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."- Henry David Thoreau
Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much. - Blaise Pascal
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
The more you like yourself, the better you perform in everything that you do.- Brian Tracy.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." - Henry Ford
Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.- Jim Rohn.
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of being. - Goethe
"Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Don't wait. The time will never be just right." - Napoleon Hill
"Think big, start small." - Patricia Fripp
You do not pay the price of success, you enjoy the price of success. Zig Ziglar
The best time to set up a new discipline is when the idea is strong.- Jim Rohn
"Our friends are those who know their own faults well enough to forgive us ours." - Moulton Farnham
"I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp in-focus picture of it in my head." - Jack Nicklaus
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." - Jimmy Dean
"To a large degree, our success and happiness in life depends on how much people like themselves when they're with us." - Joe Caruso
"Well chosen words mixed with measured emotions is the basis of affecting people." -Jim Rohn
Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.- Earl Nightingale
"Happiness is an attitude of mind, born of the simple determination to be happy under all outward circumstances." - J. Donald Walters
"Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence —is the key to unlocking our potential."- Winston Churchill
Discover that the most powerful way to help those you love is to lead by example and realize you're leading by example all of the time.- Joe
Learn how to turn frustration into fascination.You will learn more being fascinated by life than you will by being frustrated by it.-Jim Rohn.
"All lasting wealth comes from enriching others in some way." - Brian Tracy.
"An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the superior personality." - Brian Tracy.
"There never was a winner who didn´t expect to win in advance." -- Denis Waitley
"Cherish the chase as much as you treasure the trophy."— Joe Caruso
"It only takes one lie to taint your entire testimony in a court of law. Honesty is a vital part of having a good reputation." Jim Rohn
The path to success is to take massive, determined action - Anthony Robbins
Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything-Napoleon Hill
Do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it... that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear.-Dale Carnegie
Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.- Dale Carnegie
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." John Quincy Adams
"Nothing gives a person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances." - Thomas Jefferson
"If kids clearly see the promise, they will gladly pay the price." Jim Rohn
"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them." - Denis Waitley
"Ask yourself the easy questions and you'll have a hard life, ask yourself the hard questions and you'll have an easier life! "-Peter Thomson
'Before you change your thinking, you have to change what goes into your mind.'- Zig Ziglar
"What comes out of your mouth is determined by what goes into your mind" - Zig Ziglar
Get excited & enthusiastic about your own dream.This excitement is like a forest fire - you can smell it, taste it, & see it from a mile away.
"The only competition you will ever have is the competition between your disciplined and undisciplined mind." -- James A. Ray
"Set your goals high, and don't stop until you get there." - Bo Jackson
"If you change the way you look at things,the things you look at change." — Dr. Wayne Dyer
"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
Be helpful. When you see a person without a smile, give him yours.- Zig Ziglar
There's not a lot you can do about the national economy but there is a lot you can do about your personal economy.- Zig Ziglar
"Some things you have to do every day. Eating 7 apples on Saturday night instead of 1 a day just isn't going to get the job done." Jim Rohn
"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." -- Walter Gagehot
"Right actions for the future are the best apologies for wrong ones in the past." -- Tyron Edwards
"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate accomplishments." Napoleon Hill
The shadows are behind you if you walk toward the light.- Croft M. Pentz
The best time to hold on is when you reach the place where the average person gives up.- Croft M. Pentz
Success is not measured by what you do compared to what others do, it is measured by what you do with the ability God gave you.-Zig Ziglar
If people like you they'll listen to you, but if they trust you they'll do business with you.-Zig Ziglar.
Positive thinking will let you use the abilities, training and experience you have.- Zig Ziglar
You already have every characteristic necessary for success if you recognize, claim, develop and use them.- Zig Ziglar.
You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want - Zig Ziglar.
"The greatest composer does not sit down to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working." - Ernest Newman
Prosperity is a way of living & thinking, & not just money or things. Poverty is a way of living & thinking, & not lack of money or things.
"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
"Prosperity belongs to those who learn new things the fastest." - Paul Zane Pilzer: economist, entrepreneur, college professor.
"It doesn't matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going." - Brian Tracy
"Don't just let your business or your job make something for you; let it make something of you." - Jim Rohn
"All improvement in your life begins with an improvement in your mental pictures." - Brian Tracy
"Some things have to be believed to be seen." - Ralph Hodgson
"When you know clearly what you want, you'll wake up every morning excited about life." - Mark Victor Hansen
If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done - Aaron Phillip.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
92 Powerful Quotes - A Collection
Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. - Dale Carnegie.
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The Bronte area of Oakville, Ontario is a real gem and here's why you should put it on your "places to SUP" list:
Feels like a tropical oasis in the North: with crystal clear water and a white sand bottom, you'd almost think you were somewhere tropical…until you jump in the water.
Bronte Creek: the beauty of Bronte is that you can paddle on the clear waters of Lake Ontario and you also have the option of taking a trek up Bronte Creek, a lazy river that meanders through a quiet area with lots of birds.
Free parking: For all you Torontonians out there, you know that free parking is nearly impossible to come by. When you get out to the 'burbs, parking is abundant and way cheaper. Bronte offers tons of free parking and lots of space to get yourself ready for a day out on the water.


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Our weekend went well last week. We went to the park and have Jacob play on the playground. We had our dinner there before hubby went to work. Sunday night was awesome, too! We camped out in our backyard and had fun cooking hotdogs on fire. We put up a tent for me to sleep in, while my boys slept on their cots :-)!
What's Your Feng Shui Color?
8 years ago


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wikiHow is a "wiki," similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 13,981 times.
Learn more...
Ragnarok Online is a massive multiplayer role playing game. You are allowed to create and customize your own character, while embarking on quests in the magical landscape, and engaging with other users. Monks consider themselves to be warriors of light - navigating the landscape and using their spiritual energy to protect the defenseless. They are a versatile class that can deal great damage in several ways.
Part 1 of 5:
Collecting Items for Sensei Moohae
Before we visit the Monk Abbey, make sure you character is an Acolyte with job level 40 or higher; otherwise, the quest won't trigger and all your efforts will be wasted.
1Visit Monk Abbey. Monk Abbey is where you can take all your exams. To get there, exit Prontera from the east portal, head one map north and two maps east.
- An alternative way to reach Monk Abbey is to go to Prontera Church in the northeastern corner of the city.
2Go to the room at the right-hand side. Ask Priest Paulin, "What should I do?" Then select, "Go to the convent." He will then teleport you to the abbey.
3Talk to the guard monk. You will see the guard monk as you enter the abbey. Talk to him before entering the portal.
4Speak with Sensei Moohae. You will find Sensei Moohae inside the building. Talk to him to start your first quest in becoming a Monk. He will assign you one of the 7 sets of items to be gathered.
- Items in each set are listed below, including the monster or NPC for each loot.
- Though there are many monsters where you can get the item, only the monster with highest drop rate will be mentioned.
- Set 1- 5 Cyfar (Galapago), 10 Yellow Herb (Yellow Plant), and 10 White Herb (White Plant).
- Set 2- 5 Solid Shell (Hunter Fly), 20 Shell (Steel Chonchon), and 5 Zargon (bought from Geffen Trader).
- Set 3 - 5 Porcupine Quill (Caramel), 10 Bug Leg (Argiope), and 20 Cobweb (Argos).
- Set 4 - 5 Sticky Mucus (Poporing), 10 Earthworm Peeling (Hode), and 20 Green Herb (Green Plant).
- Set 5 - 10 Tooth of Bat (Familiar), 5 Bear Footskin (Bigfoot), and 20 Poison Spore (Poison Spore).
- Set 6 - 30 Stem (Mandragora), 5 Jellopy (Poring), and 10 Worm Peelings (Hode).
- Set 7 - 20 Yoyo Tail (Yoyo or Choco), 5 Iron Ore (Stone Golem), and 3 Blue Herb (Blue Plant).
- Once you have gathered all the items, return to Sensei Moohae to proceed to step 3.
Part 2 of 5:
Passing Elder Touha's Test
1Remember the lines of Elder Touha. Sensei Moohae will direct you to Elder Touha, located at the top right of the area. Touha will have you remember one of the quotes listed below; she will read the entire passage before allowing you to recite it.
- This sounds like an easy test, but it can be long.
2Write down what Elder Touha says. You can also refer to this guide.
- Passage One: And shepherds we shall be, for thee my lord for thee. Power path descended forth from the hand so our feet may swiftly carry out thy command and we shall flow a river forth thee and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
- Passage Two: I seek the path of enlightenment. We monks shall hold true to what we believe and will help protect others through the teachings we learn through our lives. In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
- Passage Three: I commit myself to veritas and aequitas. I will follow my path to enlightenment and purity. I will protect my brothers with life. Evil shall never be victorious while I breathe. In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
3Retry the test if you fail. There is no penalty for failing.
4Choose the next stage of your test. For this part, you must talk to Boohae, found at the bottom-left side of the map. You will be given two options: marathon or mushroom collecting.Advertisement
Part 3 of 5:
Option 1: Partaking in the Marathon
1Do the marathon. If you choose marathon, talk to the door keeper in front of the Abbey. Enter the building and find Bashu. Tell Bashu "Marathon," and he will then send you to another area.
- The map is shaped like a ring, with occasional holes that players can fall into.
2Run around the map. To pass this test, you mustn't fall into the pits for 10 laps.
3Lower the camera angle (Ctrl+Shift+mouse wheel up). This will allow you to see the pits ahead.
- Disconnecting will send you back to your save point.
- This test takes 30 minutes with increase agility.
- After you have completed all ten laps, you will automatically be sent out.
Part 4 of 5:
Option 2: Collecting Mushrooms
1Collect mushrooms. If you choose collect mushrooms, you will be sent to the gatekeeper who will direct you to a map where you will be hunting two types of mushrooms (Gooey and Orange).
- The NPC will tell you that you have enough mushrooms once you get 30 of each type.
2Keep your mushrooms away from thieves. During the test, you will also encounter thief bugs who will loot your mushrooms. If attacked, they will assist the other bugs. However, they're quite weak considering your level.
- This is easier if you have a high-agility buffs.
3Do not use weapons in this round. You can do this bare-handed for maximum attack speed since the damage you inflict to mushrooms is 1, with or without the weapon.Advertisement
Part 5 of 5:
Finishing the Quest
1Find Tomoon. You can find him within the abbey, inside what appears to be a glowing cross. He sends you to an invisible maze for your test.
- Be warned that during this test, monsters such as Zombies and Mummies will spawn . They shouldn't be much of a challenge, but keep in mind that you don't have enough room to move about for battle.
- It is possible to check if a certain cell is passable by pointing the cursor at it.
- Walkable cells will have the usual green walk marker; if there is none, then that cell is blocked.
2Stay in line. Try sticking to a straight line from the door to the exit.
- Disconnecting in this test will send a player back to their save point.
3Head back to Tomoon. Talk to him, and he will give you a green potion. Use it.
4Talk to Moohae again. Moohae will give you a lengthy speech about your class. Right after his speech, he will turn you into a Monk.
- As a reward, you will get a Waghnak. If you're a job level 50, Moohae gives you Knuckle Duster.
Community Q&A
- Monks are known for their combo skills, a row of attacks that occur in a sequence. The general pattern of combos as a Monk is the following: Raging Trifecta Blow > Raging Quadruple Blow > Raging Thrust > Guillotine Fist.
- When chaining Guillotine Fist in a combo, only press the hotkey ONCE. If it is pressed multiple times, the Guillotine will cancel.
- Later in the game, once your Monk has become a Champion, more possible combo sequence will be available.
- The best build for Monks that are into solo leveling is AGI 70-90, STR 70-90, and VIT 50-80. Mental Strength skill is a must for tanking a party.
- Most Monks use the Ifrit Mask headgear, which autocast Meteor Storm when being attacked. Though, instead of having high AGI, you will be focusing your stats to VIT and INT.


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Jamboree/Title and Abstract
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Project Abstract:
of in , , . , . team to a -gene E.coli. the , we the of the bio-and the device in .
Revision as of 16:00, 26 July 2013
This is our new title(test).
There exist various proteins which sense aromatic components and regulate the transcription of corresponding genes in prokaryotes, for example, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida. However, naturally(natural) existing bio-sensors have various limitations including limited detection range, expression of leakage and low response ratio. This year our team designs a series of aromatic sensors and uses related enzymes in metabolic pathways to increase detectable aromatic compounds. We modify and characterize several existing biosensors. We also design a tunable band-pass gene circuit, which enables E.coli containing certain sensor respond to a specific inductor concentration. Combining the method of gradient dilution, we can measure the concentration of aromatic components in a convenient way. In the long run, these bio-sensors and promoters enrich the inducible device library in synthetic biology.
Project Abstract and Title
Project Title: YeasTherm®
Project Abstract: In Taiwan, fish farmers lose a large amount of fish because temperature falls dramatically when cold current comes in winter. Of course, fish farmers try to prevent fish from death dying; however, the current methods do not work well. Moreover, they cause damage to the environment. In 2013 iGEM competition, NTU-Taiwan team tries to make a bio-heating device. We transform the UCP (uncoupling protein) or AOX (alternative oxidase) gene into yeast and E.coli. UCP and AOX are thermogenins which can produce heat by interacting with the electron transport chain. By designing the gene circuit, we want to well control the power of the bio-heating device. In addition, we want to simulate the pound environment in reality by computer and the test results after using our device in low temperature.


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MOMAT Reopening: Requests to Visitors
Highlights of the museum, floor maps, and much more information that help you enjoy the MOMAT!
Check how to get to the museum on foot from Tokyo Station, as well as information about exciting spots nearby.
3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8322
OPEN today
August 7, 2020 (Fri)
Today's Events
Copyright© 2015 The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.


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Ruined By The Poo?
There is the crackling and pop of fire and I feel the flames against my calves - it burns and I have to move back my chair. I am a sinner, wrapping myself in a covetous spirit on the back end of this back yard that feels like a resort. All day by the pool. Kissed by sun and husband and children. Time with my favourites. So much laughter my throat hurts.
The children sleep. Sapped by sun and water and joy. And we sit around the crackling, hearing stories of sixth grade glory and Dundalk bullies. Night's soundtrack pours from the Hock Shop speakers, sporadic bursts of three part harmonies when a song pleases...and somewhere between Skydiggers and Bon Jovi she leans over, "He reads your blog while he's pooping."
And they all laugh.
But I'm not sure what to think. It could be one of two things. Either my writing stinks up the place so bad that you can only read it in the bathroom. OR, it's so good he can't stand to put it down long enough to go to the bathroom...
Either way, I've never heard that one before.
And now, even as I'm typing this, guess what I'm picturing?
.....yeah, it might be wrecked for me now.
4 comments
Best stories or Best reading is "Bathroom Readers". Must be a good thing?? ..... Right???? Lol.. I read your blog all the time!!! Just saying!!!!ReplyDelete
Ha! Thanks, Heidi! Hopefully not in the bathroom though...ReplyDelete
- JennieAugust 08, 2011
You forgot to add that those Hock Shop speakers were so great that they landed not 1 but 2 noise complaints! Good thing the cop found the air guitaring amusing ;)ReplyDelete
definitely an important detail!ReplyDelete
I love comments and I appreciate, consider and read each one. I welcome your thoughts, whether you're in agreement or not; however, this website is a happy place and I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious or spam like.


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ReAwaken with Vickie Parker, a new Internet radio show, got into high gear today as Vickie layed down the first tracks of her new show at One Mind studio here in Salt Lake City. Vickie Parker is a clairvoyant and spiritual teacher who runs the Windswept Center, a spiritual training center in Salt Lake City.
The first show will explore how Vickie got started in this whole "psychic" thing and how she is out to change peoples lives by reawakening the latent psychic abilities which we all poscess.
Vickie got things started by giving a interview about herself, her abilities and what you can expect from her own special brand of spiritual knowledge. After that the show looked into the life of one of her students and explored how her reawakening was progressing. Vickie then took call-ins, answered questions and even gave a little feedback by "reading" one callers paranormal experience with a grandfather she never knew.
The show then moved into the training aspect were Vickie actually taught a special "grounding" meditation which anchors your spirit into your body alleviating fear and creating a safe space from which you can then begin your own reawakening and get in touch with your psychic abilities.
Reawaken will air every Monday starting February 18th from 11:00 to noon.
For more information visit ReAwaken and the Windswept Center sites.


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This is great news!
The US has 43 nuclear power plants' worth of solar energy in the pipelineBy Todd Woody @greenwombat November 25, 2013
The boom in solar energy in the US in recent years? You haven't seen anything yet. The pipeline of photovoltaic projects has grown 7% over the past 12 months and now stands at 2,400 solar installations that would generate 43,000 megawatts (MW), according to a report released today by market research firm NPD Solarbuzz. If all these projects are built, their peak electricity output would be equivalent to that of 43 big nuclear power plants, and enough to keep the lights on in six million American homes.
Only 8.5% of the pipeline is currently being installed, with most of it still in the planning stages. Some projects will inevitably get canceled or fail to raise financing.+Source: NPD Solarbuzz
But there's reason to believe that a good chunk of these solar power plants and rooftop installations will get built over the next two years. That's because a crucial US tax break for renewable energy projects is set to fall from 30% to 10% at the end of 2016. So there will be a rush to get projects online. In 2012, for instance, wind developers installed a record 13,131 MW as a key tax credit was set to expire, accounting for 42% of all new US electricity capacity that year. (The US Congress subsequently renewed the tax break for another year.)+
One sign that solar developers like First Solar and SunPower are gearing up to meet the 2016 deadline is that the balance of projects is shifting to smaller installations that can quickly obtain permits and get built fast. While eight of the 10 largest photovoltaic power plants came online in 2012—those in the 100 MW to 250 MW range—over the past 12 months the number of solar projects under 30 MW has jumped by 33%, according to the report.+Source: NPD Solarbuzz
All those projects will make the US the third largest solar market, behind China and Japan. The building boom could have another beneficial effect: The race to score subsidies could help make them unnecessary. The pell-mell growth of photovoltaic power should push prices down, to make solar electricity increasingly competitive with fossil fuels.
The author concludes that increasing installation will have a cascading impact on prices. That is, as more solar projects are installed, prices will continue to fall. I wonder if the increase in capacity might also cause downward pressure on oil and coal and natural gas prices? In the mid-2000s the US got ~200-225 GW from coal (per Wikipedia), and that was around 45% of total electrical production. So if this total is 43 GW, I would think that there might be a significant impact on US demand for coal, oil, and/or natural gas. Which would create more competitive pressure on solar. But still, all in all, a good thing.


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I try to stay toward the center because both sides are so easy to disagree with. I've drifted decidedly left over the last several years as I watched freedoms here erode in the interest of Global Aggression. This week in Kremlinesque style and goosestep efficiency, a non-government entity, unelected by the people, and answerable to no one, has etermined that many American's have no right to take part in the political process.
Having decided that backwater states Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina; and that glittery bastion of depravity in the desert, Necada will have first say in who will be the nominees for president of the United States, granting to them an incredible amount of clout, which isn't in line with their representation of American Society as a whole.
To clue you in on what I'm talking about, look here. The DNC has determined that they and only they will get to decide when primaries shall be held, and invoked severe sanctions against any state that got out of line. This affects Michigan in particular, a state where manufacturing has been beaten into the ground by poor legislation and criminally negligent trade policies. Michigan would be a great representative in early primaries. They would be a good showcase of what is likely to happen in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. All these states have suffered under the economic malfeasance of both parties of government, and maintaining the status quo allows the DNC to continue to marginalize trade unions import in the nominating process. Unions are volatile, and are unlikely to come out strongly for those candidates the DNC favors, (Edwards, Obama, Clinton). The Firemen recently came out for Chris Dodd, and that is not a good thing for the big three.
It would appear to me that the party that has been raging about privacy and freedom from government intervention, has decided that the party itself should be the controlling organization in how elections are handled. Nice job. Way to push people back toward the right you idiotic Stalinists.


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Welcome to Energy Beam Sciences
Energy Beam Sciences is an industry leader in applied energy beam technologies and products. We work with scientists, physicians and their teams who are engaged in research and development, manufacturing, and medical research and diagnosis. We are committed to delivering the highest value to our customers and partners by offering the highest quality, most innovative products and services, along with the most responsive service in the industry.
What We Do at Energy Beam Sciences
We design and manufacture high-quality products for histology, laboratory microwaves, light microscopy, electron microscopy, materials sciences, beam welding, and the production, control and application of electron beam technology. Our product line is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, featuring the best quality substrates and materials for virtually every energy beam application.
Energy Beam Sciences Products
For over 40 years, we have specialized in manufacturing filaments, apertures and many other components for Electron Beam applications. In addition to our standard offerings for Electron Microscopy and E-Beam Welding, we also provide many OEMs with specialty filaments for applications like Vacuum Deposition, Ion Implant and X-Ray, just to name a few.
We are in the process of updating our store experience. If you have any difficulties placing your order online, please contact us directly at: (800) 992-9037 or email@example.com
What People are Saying
"I wanted to say thank you very much for the great support you have provided in regards to the filaments for our LEO 1430."
"When I worked with EBS (while with Sigma-Aldrich), Mike Nesta had a knack for making the difficult look easy. He is extremely bright and his laid back leadership style inspires confidence and gets things done."
"We have worked with other (filament manufacturers) in the past, but Energy Beam Sciences people understand our business better. Large orders, small orders, they have been very flexible. They are very attentive to our needs!"
"When our supplier suddenly and permanently ran out of filaments for our rare MG electron beam welder (MG long ago exited the e-beam welding business), we managed to find Energy Beam Sciences on the web. They recognized that we were in a bind and even though they had never produced this filament type before, they jumped right in, modified some existing tooling and quickly delivered us filaments that work great! With their help, we were able to keep our machine up and running and at a cost that was reasonable.
Our Team
Michael Whittlesy Engineer
Gouthamsai Bandarupalli Engineer
Melissa Phelps Accounting Manager
Krista Czyzniak Customer Service/Inside Sales


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Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a man who was stabbed to death in a fight.
Osvaldo Carvalho, 22, was found with fatal stab wounds near West Lodge Avenue, Ealing Common, west London, at about 18:00 BST on Tuesday.
Three men – aged 22, 23 and 27 – were arrested in Southall.
Another man, who was previously arrested on suspicion of affray, has been released with no further action.
Officers said they believed Mr Carvalho and two friends arrived in the area by car, shortly before he was stabbed.
They entered a small green area known as Twyford Crescent Gardens.
A fight broke out with another group of men which resulted in the victim and his friends running away.
Mr Carvalho was then chased by the other group and suffered stab injuries, Met Police said.
A post-mortem examination found he died from shock and haemorrhage following a stab wound.


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This WA Day, the Museum of Great Southern will come to life to celebrate the best of Western Australian culture with a FREE local WA Day Festival.
The Museum will be jam-packed with free activities for the whole family including pony rides with the Albany Pony Club, face painting and live entertainment by Jamie the Clown and puppet performances by Southern Edge Arts.
There will be live music from Albany Shantymen, Noongar musicians and more. Enjoy the Lockyer Leapers perform a mesmerising skipping routine to foot stomping music.
Visitors will have the chance to experience life as WA's earliest convicts did on the voyage to King George Sound aboard the Brig Amity ship. Swab the decks, become a convict in chains, taste convict food and try navigating with old-fashioned equipment, discover the sights and sounds below deck that were encountered by those aboard as they headed for unknown lands.
A wide range of food and drink offerings will be available. Quick Shot Coffee will also be on site.


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Carrie Underwood once mistakenly purchased a $2,000 sweatshirt which she has only worn two times.
Carrie Underwood accidentally bought a $2,000 sweatshirt which she has only worn twice.
The 29-year-old singer - who has been married to Hockey player Mike Fisher since July 2010 - admits she did not understand European pricing when she first became famous and mistakenly purchased the expensive garment.
She said: ''My first stupid purchase was an accident. I was in Paris and went into one of those big, name-brand, fancy-schmancy designers, and I picked up a sweatshirt. Maybe I didn't understand the price tag. I'm really bad with numbers. But when I went to check out, that sucker was $2,000.
''It's not cashmere but thicker than cotton. I've worn it twice.''
The country singer comes from a working class background, and she admits it has had an impact on how she has grown up because she rarely make pricey purchases.
She added to Glamour magazine: ''Country music is For Real people. I think it would be very hard to write about my Louboutins. Do you know what I mean? My giant house, it's not relatable.
''But my husband came from a small town and hardworking parents like I did, and I don't think we've lost that mind-set. We don't have a bowling alley in our basement. We don't have houses on the beach and one in New York and one in Los Angeles. I Drive A three-year-old Ford Escape Hybrid. We don't care about stuff like that.''
With the passing of each decade, the music industry is constantly set alight by the...
Thirteen year old Bethany Hamilton loves to surf; she comes from a family of surfers,...


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The River
Once you know the root of your brand, it's time to go make it real in the world.
The first step is to coach you on using the words of mouth to jumpstart and lead the brand forward.
Then we assess your needs and help you connect to the resources (from our Partner Studio) to get your brand infrastructure up to code, including logo, digital, social media, video, CRM, SEO, email, designed collateral, pr and events.
But full disclosure: we're not going to do it for you. Nor will we consult and walk away.
We're here to coach you up, train your team, implement the most lithe, effective system possible and then remain by your side as you take over the world.
Depending on your scope of Brand Discovery, we give:
- Bi-weekly strategic coaching on the brand strategy
- Roll-out of brand strategy and messaging to internal team/culture
- Content coaching and/or creation
- Social media coaching
- Marketing operations planning: budgets, KPIs, timeline
- Happy collaboration with outside marketing resources/partners
- Preparation for planned and unplanned brand moments
- Onboarding and training of new marketing staff
- Sales/partner channel integration with brand strategy
- PR/influencer strategy development
- Ongoing education of you and your team on branding and marketing trends
Although very intentional and strategic in our approach, we also believe in action and results.
We're here to get stuff done, dammit.
This means we don't waste time, money or energy. Yours or ours! You hire us to solve a specific problem or seize an opportunity, and we expect to deliver with delight and expediency. This is why we invest the time up front to have a trust-based relationship. This is why we liberally use words like "love" and "respect."
When we are in, we are in. Until the river flows into the ocean.
We serve in-house and agency marketers with coaching and a select mastermind experience, called The Circle.


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Looks like Beyonce and Jay Z have a new hive: a converted church in New Orleans' Historic Garden District. The one-of-a-kind, three-story mansion was built in 1925 and was once home to a Presbyterian church and a ballet school. With 22 rooms and 13,000 sqft, it seems there's plenty of room for the family of three to make music together. It reportedly sold to the power couple for $2.6 million.
The home's Spanish Baroque architecture and 26-foot high ceilings are bringing the drama, and the non-traditional floor plan means lots of creative living spaces. Talk about good bones! It features a main residence, three apartments, and a rooftop garden. The new address puts Bey and Jay right off the main Mardi Gras parade route and in close proximity to Beyonce's sister, Solange. The new home is on Harmony Street, so it must be perfect, right?
Beyonce and Jay Z's new house has an eclectic history. How would you feel about living in an old church?
Image via zillow.com
Beyonce's new one-of-a-kind New Orleans mansion was originally a church. The dramatic facade showcases its Spanish Baroque architecture.
More From The Stir: Caitlyn Jenner's New Malibu Home Is One Any Woman Would Covet (PHOTOS)
Spanish Baroque Architecture2
The gorgeous facade boasts ornate details typical of Baroque architectural styles. It's elegant and romantic ... swoon!
With its sweeping staircase, marble floors, high ceilings and crown molding, the entryway hints at the grandness of the home's interior.
Main Living Area4
The main living room features an open floor plan with tons of space and plenty of potential, and the windows flood the home with light. Would love to know if Bey will play up the Baroque quality or go modern?
More From The Stir: Julia Roberts' Hawaiian Beachfront Estate Makes for a Heavenly Hideaway (PHOTOS)
Living Room and Loft5
Above the living room is an open loft, and who doesn't love a loft? Perfect for cozy family time. Beyonce and Jay Z are into art, and the walls would allow for large scale works.
Dining Room6
The dining room can easily seat a dozen guests. Perfect for hip dinner parties.
Main Kitchen7
No doubt this dated kitchen will be transformed into something fabulous. It's a great size and those windows are amazing.
Master Bedroom8
The master bedroom with en suite gets plenty of light from the windows that dominate the room, but the long, narrow shape may present some design challenges.
More From The Stir: Super-Stylish Pharrell Williams Snaps Up 'Crazy, Stupid, Love' Nest in LA (PHOTOS)
Master Bath9
That window adds major character, and the clawfoot tub feels at home in this historic space. Can't you see Blue Ivy living it up in bubble baths here?
Master Closet10
Looks like even the master closet has great light -- but I predict more open shelves to show off Beyonce's shoe collection.
A bedroom in the main residence. Will this room be Blue Ivy's?
Second Bedroom12
Maybe this room goes to a baby number two? It's a nice size for a cozy nursery.
More From The Stir: Cindy Crawford's Sexy & Serene Oceanfront Malibu Home Is for Sale (PHOTOS)
Second Floor Library13
This would make a great library and playroom for Blue Ivy.
First Floor Office14
Love the artsy vibe of this room. Great for an office or home recording studio.
Third Floor Loft15
This loft looks over the main living space. It's perfect for more intimate conversations and song writing.
Garden Apartment16
A private one-bedroom apartment occupies the ground floor -- great for special guests like Blue Ivy's grandma.
Rooftop Garden17
This rooftop garden has crazy potential! Perfect for parties or lounging on sultry southern nights. Oh, if only we could be a fly on the wall for the first evening soiree ...


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Rihanna Quiz: Which Rihanna Song Are You?
Have you always wondered which one of Rihanna's hit songs best describes you? Take the Rihanna Song Quiz and find out!
Rihanna Quiz: Which Rihanna Song Are You?
Have you always wondered which one of Rihanna's hit songs best describes you? Take the Rihanna Song Quiz and find out!
Which of the following word combinations best describes you?
Please answer this question.
Protective, loyal, determined.
Mysterious, conflicted, intense.
Confident, self-reliant, self-aware.
Sexy, secure, adventurous.
What genre of movie is your favorite?
Please answer this question.
You just found out that your significant other has been unfaithful? How do you react?
Please answer this question.
I would walk away gracefully after shipping his personal belongings to a foreign country.
I would start dating his best friend.
I would look to my friends for comfort.
I would burn holes in the crotches of all of his pants.
What is the one fashion accessory that you cannot live without?
Please answer this question.
A sexy pair of earrings.
A stylish coat.
A hot pair of boots.
A figure-hugging dress.
Rihanna is a sex symbol for men, and a style icon for women. How do you see Rihanna?
Please answer this question.
I am a woman who loves her style.
I am a man who loves Rihanna's style.
Rihanna is a sex symbol, I can admit that as a confident woman.
Men like me totally see Rihanna as a sex symbol.
It is time to get a new tattoo, what do you get?
Please answer this question.
A sun shining through a rain cloud.
The Chinese character for strength.
A music note.
Stitches on your chest, over your heart.
What is your favorite hair color for yourself?
Please answer this question.
Poll: Should I buy a fidget spinner?
Quizzes by Quibblo
© 2020 Polarity Technologies LTD


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Today, the amazingly talented August McLaughlin is here to answer questions on her hybrid self-publishing experiences. August is an agented author who decided to self-publish with the assistance of her agency. She's a blog bud of mine who has taught me so much about promotion and social media. I'm honored to have her on my blog today.
1) How did you know your book was ready for publication?
It's funny. I thought it was ready before I sought out an agent, but looking back, I was merely feeling impatient and trusted others' opinions over my own. When a tough freelance editor gave me his stamp of approval, I decided I was ready, even though I wasn't 100 percent happy with my draft.
As newbies, it's tough to know when we're ready. Then we learn to trust our instincts—at least, I did. After receiving notes from my agent on my first draft then tackling a major rewrite, I felt stronger about the book and more confident about my writing. When my instincts and agent gave thumbs up, I knew it was time.
2) What has been the hardest aspect of indie publishing? The most unexpected time suck? The easiest part?
It's a ton of work—enjoyable work primarily, but still work. It's also been a huge learning curve I sort of plummeted into, having made the decision to self-publish weeks before it happened. Strangely, the easiest part was making the decision to self-pub. I knew instinctually it was the right decision as soon as my agent mentioned it as a possibility.
3) I'm very curious about self-publishing with an agent. What role did they play in the process? What sort of support did your agency provide?
I'm still learning the answer to this, but so far my agency's been terrific. My agent is maintaining his previous mentoring and representative role he's had all along. He'll continue to market me and my work to publishers in the U.S. and elsewhere as sales accumulate. I also work with a digital rep, who formatted and uploaded my manuscript to various sellers. This cut a huge chunk out of my grunt-work load, as the process can be tedious. They've also provided resources for cover designers and copy editors, have answered my questions along the way and will provide pricing and sales analyses.
I feel like I have the best of both worlds, being an indie who owns all of the rights and makes the decisions and an agented author with a trusted team behind her. The prestigiousness of my agency hasn't hurt, either. Many indie authors fare well on their own. I personally feel stronger with a team, and already had one by the time going this "hybrid" route unfolded. That said, I can always switch gears and go traditional or total indie. We all can. I find peace in that.
4) Your cover is very eye-catching. Can you tell us a little about how you decided on the elements that would be incorporated into your cover and how you worked with the designer to achieve your vision for the cover?
Thank you! I had a basic design in mind and a stock photo it featured. I then called on Steena Holmes, an accomplished indie writer and cover designer. I could swear she's psychic. I briefed her in no clear terms on what I desired and POOF! She had it done in a snap. We only went through a few drafts.
5) You are the superwoman of social media. You seem to be everywhere and on top of everything. Any tips you can to share on building your platform?
That's so sweet of you to say. I think the keys are to be authentic, support others and build gradually. I dove in and gave myself headaches in the beginning, of course, but that's generally how I roll. (Perhaps that falls under "be authentic." ;)) Blogging, Facebook and Twitter are all useful, but they should never take precedence over our main work: WRITING. And babbling on and on about our books or trying to be ultra smart, funny and interesting aren't necessary. Just be you, and prioritize your novel writing first. Timing is also important. I aim to write when my brain is sharpest and rely on social media for breaks and non-peak thinking time.
Engaging in social media has given me far more than the reverse, if that makes any sense. I hadn't realized the valuable support online friends can be until I had them. It's also allowed me to meet fabulous people like you! If we view it as a blessing (Hello! FREE marketing that doesn't have to feel like marketing. ;)), all goes smoother.
One woman locked in a basement, nearing death and longing for escape. Another baffled by the inexplicable symptoms wreaking havoc on her life. Both are lost and alone, yet somehow connected. And time is running out…
Near the tenth anniversary of her parents' unexpected death, Claire Fiksen, a lovely young Harvard-grad and gifted psychologist in Minnesota, develops bizarre symptoms of an eating disorder that threaten her fledgling career, her relationship with a handsome young medical student, her grasp on reality and, soon, her life.
When her beloved grandfather reveals that there may be more to her parents' death than she's realized, Claire's pursuit of healing becomes a desperate search for answers as she delves into her family's sordid past. Meanwhile, someone is watching her every move, plotting to draw her into his own twisted web of misery. Claire has something he needs, and he'll stop at nothing to obtain it.
Every step Claire takes brings her closer to the truth and danger. And her life, she discovers, isn't the only one at stake.
She gulps the swig of poison like an eight year old inhaling cough syrup—nose plugged, eyes squeezed shut, her face pulled into a tight round ball. Toxic, metallic tasting vapors trail the liquid down her throat, filling her with venomous stench and nausea. Swallow, she instructs. Gulp. Breathe. There, that's it. She did it.
She trembles on the floor, her sweaty back pressed against the bedside, awaiting action. The wrapper from the candy bar he forced into her mouth lies on the floor beside her, crumpled like an odd bit of wrapping paper on Christmas morning. No celebrations today, though. Well, maybe after. She withholds her tears, clinging as though to a ledge of which she can't let go. If she cries, the poison might come out and that would ruin everything. Come on, she thinks, work. Damn it, work! If it doesn't start soon, she'll have to sip some more.
Buy IN HER SHADOW as an ebook:
Paperback: Coming Soon!
For more details, check out August's author page at Amazon.com or pop by her Facebook page. "Likes" and reviews are appreciated! You can also add In Her Shadow to your reading shelf on GoodReads and chat with her Twitter-style: @AugstMcLaughlin.
Upcoming Events:
Next Thursday, January 10th, August will be hosting an In Her Shadow release party and thrill-fest on her blog and Facebook, which will involve a raffle for a variety of signed thrillers (hers included) and author interviews. You can join the fun by visiting her blog and signing up on for the Facebook event here.
If you have any questions about August's novel, her hybrid indie publishing experience, or writing in general, August will be popping by to answer questions all day. So ask away!


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Parent Resources
Within this part of our website we will keep parents informed of important news, offer useful parenting tips, recommend websites and other resources, and provide other tools that can enhance the learning experience.
Richland One School Zone Locator
Medication Permission Forms
- Medication Permission Form Non Prescription DHEC Form English 2018-2019 (PDF)
- Medication Permission Form Prescription DHEC Form English 2018-2019 (PDF)
2018-19 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Forms
Impact Aid
2018-19 Annual Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Notification Letter (PDF)
2018-19 School Supply Lists for Elementary and Middle Schools
Mathematics Resources for Parents and Students
2018-19 Student Admission & Transfer Request Forms
Richland County School District One 2018-2019 Calendar
Directions to Richland One Schools
Foreign Language and International Programs
Guidance and Counseling Services
Student Transportation Services
- Medication Permission Form Non Prescription DHEC Form English 2018-2019 (PDF)
Degrees and Certifications:
Gwendolyn Scott
Gwendolyn A. Scott, PFES Graduate of South Carolina State University Employed with Richland County School District One for 27yrs. Currently serving as the Parent and Family Engagement Specialist for Gadsden Elementary School and Mill Creek Elementary School within the Lower Richland Cluster Contact Information: Office (803) 353-2231 Fax # (803) 353-4035 Cell # (803) 908-9594 Looking forward to working and building relationships with families of Richland One.


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I've split this post into two versions : Luxury version which feature products from high-end luxury lines, and the Budget version for the lower-mid range brands! We all know that one of the major reasons why our skin feels smooth after applying cosmetics is the silicones that are contained in it! Therefore, the products I've chosen are based on the long-term effects of the products, and the skin texture even after washing your skin ( to prove that it's not the silicones that are doing the job ). Feel free to share your favourite products that leaves your skin really smooth and radiant on the comments section below!
These are not reviews, the full reviews will be posted up soon!
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence / SK-II Cellumination Mask In Lotion
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is probably the most famous essence in Asia and has been loved by many. It really leaves your skin hydrated, smooth and is also known as 'the miracle water' by many Asians. The other product called the SK-II Cellumination Mask In Lotion was launched a few months back which also acts as a toner essence to give you the full effect of a 'lotion mask' without using a 'lotion mask' ! This product is really amazing, and fares better than the classic SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. It really gives your skin a boost – and makes it realllly soft and radiant– to the point that you're gonna hear a 'screech' if you rub your hands on your face , a must try!
2. Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream /
Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Treatment
Both products does amazing things to your skin overnight. You'll have smooooooth radiant skin when you wake up in the morning! Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng is concentrated. It's up at number 1 on top of the ingredient list ( unlike Water which is usually the 1st ingredient in the ingredient list – but would u pay so much for water? ), therefore you know you've got your value for money. Can't afford the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream? Try the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Treatment which is just as good. Acutelobed Angelica and Pomegranate help brighten skin tone and Walnut and White Mulberry restore skin's vitality by delivering essential nutrients.
Still don't have the budget to try the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Treatment? Don't worry, try Hannule Overnight Sleeping Pack which is from the same company that does Sulwhasoo – but more affordable. You can purchase it on Gmarket for about $30USD by typing 한율 고결진액 수면팩.
3. History Of Whoo
History Of Whoo Gongjinhyang Line /
History Of Whoo In Yang Sleeping Repair Mask
Sulwhasoo's biggest competitor – History Of Whoo. Using the entire line will give you really soft, smooth radiant baby skin, probably the best line in giving you smooth baby skin. You'll slowly notice how this line will change your entire skin texture! However, this line is definitely not suitable for those with oily skin. Don't have the budget to try the entire line ? Try out the History Of Whoo In Yang Sleeping Repair Mask and you'll achieve the same effect without having to try out the entire line!
OHUI Cell Power No1 Essence / OHUI Black Serum
OHUI Cell Power No.1 Essence is really one very under-rated serum by foreigners which seems to concentrate more on Sulwhasoo or History Of Whoo. The OHUI Cell Power No.1 Serum is one of OHUI's bestsellers and star product, and is very well known in Korea. It uses highly concentrated patented 'SC No.1', LG's unique key elements from recombinant epidermal stem cell medium and recombinant dermal stem cell medium. Everything from the serum is a winner – it's really light weight, absorbs super fast, and moisturizes your skin in seconds! Sometimes, i do not even need to apply anything else after the serum because my skin feels so moisturized, light, smooth and happy!
The other amazing serum from OHUI is the newly introduced OHUI Black Serum – more expensive than the Cell Power No.1 Essence. It's even more liquid than the Cell Power No.1 Essence, absorbs really fast, and gives the same effect ( or even better actually ) than the Cell Power No.1 Essence. Of course, it is more expensive than the Cell Power No.1 Essence ( about $30 USD more ). This serum uses Moringa Seed extracts which has excellent purifying qualities. It also contains the Black Knight Complex which consists of Black Crowberry + Black Olive. Not to forget, it contains EGF too!
5. Su:m 37
Su:m 37 Water-full line / Su:m 37 Time Energy line
Su:m 37 has gone a looong way since it's launch 2 years ago. It's now a very well known luxury brand in Korea, and probably sooner or later in Asia. The reason why i didn't put the Su:m37 star product – the Secret Programming Essence – on the list was because i felt that the SK-II Cellumination Mask In Lotion was much better. However, there are two lines from Su:m 37 that will guarantee you baby smooth skin.
First off is the Su:m37 Water-full range – the hydration range – which is everything a hydrating range should be : refreshing, moisturizing, non-greasy, lightweight, and long-lasting ! Even after washing your skin, you can feel the difference. Starting off with the toner, it immediately leaves your skin really moisturized and soft. The 2nd range is the Su:m37 Time Energy range which 'resets' your skin's turnover cycle to provide you with healthy skin. This range is also really good – it even heals your acne and gives you that glow you dream off!


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Indian Village expansion promotes cultural understanding and preservation
First Nations facility settles into new year-round home at Enmax Park
It all started in 1912 with an invitation from Guy Weadick to the First Nations peoples of Calgary area to camp at the Stampede, share their culture, and demonstrate their heritage in a time when traditional indigenous practices had been largely outlawed across Canada.
Now, more than 100 years later, the Calgary Stampede Foundation and Suncor Energy Foundation have made a historic move in acknowledging the bond that has grown between Treaty 7 First Nations and the Stampede since that day.
That's the message Stampede, Suncor, and Treaty 7 officials were boasting at a blessing ceremony of the new Indian Village grounds in ENMAX Park on July 6.
"This gift supports our vision for Stampede Park, and the future of our city," said Steve Allan, chair of the Calgary Stampede Foundation, to kick off the tour of the Village.
Just a short decade ago, ENMAX Park, a property of Suncor Energy, was nothing more than an ugly industrial site. It was a place Allan called "an embarrassment to all of us" in an address to the media before the blessing ceremony.
"As you can see," he continued, "it has completely transformed. It is a green oasis in the heart of downtown Calgary, and probably is now the nicest part of the pathway system — a go-to destination for special occasions, celebrations, and everyday adventures."
Although the Indian Village has been around since the inception of the Stampede, it has occupied many different locations throughout the grounds over the years. Though plans have been in the works since 2004 to expand the Village, it wasn't until the 2013 Southern Alberta floods severely damaged its most recent location near the south entrance to the Stampede that the decision was finally made to relocate.
The space the Indian Village now occupies in ENMAX Park, which is more than twice the size of its old stomping grounds, was donated to the Calgary Stampede Foundation by Suncor in an effort to not only cement the relationship between modern Cowboys and Indians, but further include Calgary's energy community in that relationship.
"It is our hope that this type of gathering place can be a means to accelerate our understanding and journey of mutual reconciliation," said Arlene Strom, vice president of sustainability and communications for Suncor.
Along with their gift of additional land on which the Treaty 7 tribes can display their teepees, perform traditional ceremonies and host dances and live music events during the Stampede, Suncor also provided partial funding to help build the Sweetgrass Lodge, a new facility that will provide a year-round location for First Nations educational programming. The name was chosen by Darren Weasel Child of the Siksika nation, and serves as a reminder of all nations — and all peoples' — interwoven nature.
The lodge will act as a place for curious folks to come and engage with indigenous culture, history, stories, and traditional knowledge, a feature that will be especially important for indigenous youth, said Cindy Provost, vice-chair of the Calgary Stampede's Indian events committee.
"To bring this area to life is very significant for our families, particularly our young people, and those generations who are not yet born," said Provost. "The privilege to have a sacred place to come to and learn about who you are, learn about your identity, learn about your culture, interact with our knowledge and our elders, and work with each other so that we can become good and kind and compassionate ambassadors beyond this sacred place... the opening of this site is very positive for promoting that."
Elder Noran Calf Robe of Siksika, who, with elder Alison Healy of Kainai, blessed the new Village with a sweet grass burning ritual, echoes this belief.
"There's so much to learn just by being here, and for somebody who wants to learn, just come and ask the elders. You know what I mean? Come ask the people who can tell you," said Calf Robe.
Because of the sacred nature of many indigenous teachings, Calf Robe said it can be difficult to preserve traditional knowledge without the passion of the youth. Hopefully, he said, giving the Indian Village a permanent residence will open the door to indigenous children, and other eager learners, to come and explore their history.
"This place is awesome, especially the fact that it's all year. Like I can take you to school, and I can teach you, but there's always something new to learn. There's even some things that I don't know about," he said. "I don't want to just [learn] it because. You have to commit to it."
Now that interpreters and elders will be making themselves available more frequently throughout the year in the Sweetgrass Lodge, Stampede-goers will have a chance to partake in some of that spiritual knowledge even after the 10-day festival is over.
In the meantime, the Treaty 7 tribes will be putting on a non-stop lineup of powwows, traditional dancing, drum circles, and ceremonies at the outdoor stage in the Indian Village in a bid to entice and inspire. Fresh bannock delicacies and traditional wares and crafts will also be available for purchase.
This years Calgary Stampede runs July 8 to 17.
Photos by Michaela Ritchie.
Published on July 10, 2016.
Elders Noran Calf Robe (Siksika) and Alison Healy (Kainai) happily answer questions on July 6 about the Indian Village's new location, extrapolating on its function as both a source of entertainment for Stampede-goers, and a continued place of learning for indigenous peoples and other interested parties alike. Photo by Michaela Ritchie
The buffalo is a prominent feature on many of the teepees in the Indian Village, a trend that Noran Calf Robe says is not uncommon of First Nations design. According to Calf Robe, buffalos "are our way of life. That's our life, 'cause if you didn't have the buffalo, you'd have nothing. It's the food, the clothing, the shelter, you know?" Photo by Michaela Ritchie
Kelly Good Eagle has been attending the Stampede with family, friends, and teepee owners since he was a child, and has always greatly enjoyed the festivities and the chance to showcase his Siksika (Blackfoot) heritage. Good Eagle stands proud by teepees that are a part of the new Indian Village at the Stampede grounds on July 6. Photo by Michaela Ritchie
Visitors to the Stampede's new Indian Village will have the opportunity to visit 26 uniquely ornate teepees and speak with each teepee's respective owners in an interactive exhibit. Teepee owners will be displaying a wide variety of traditional artifacts, and are eager to explain their significance. Kainai elder Alison Healy displays some ornaments from her own traditional regalia: an otter skin that she wears over her shoulders, an eagle feather fan, a beaded purse and a braid of sweet grass, the same sort that was burned earlier on July 6 as a part of the blessing ceremony for the Village's new location along the banks of the Elbow River. Photo by Michaela Ritchie
From left to right, elders Alison Healy, Noran Calf Robe, and Kelly Good Eagle stand at the gate of the expanded Indian Village in ENMAX Park with Arlene Strom, the Vice President of sustainability and communications with Suncor Energy, on July 6. The Indian Village was able to expand its territory this year into ENMAX Park, a space gifted by the Suncor Energy Foundation to the Calgary Stampede Foundation for this express purpose. The land rests along the bank of the Elbow River, which the Siksika people refer to as "Moh-kíns-tsis" — the Blackfoot phrase for "elbow." The river and land surrounding it are both considered sacred ground by the First Nations of Treaty 7. Photo by Michaela Ritchie
Twenty-six teepees from all five of Calgary's local Treaty 7 indigenous tribes (Siksika/Blackfoot, Kainai/Blood, Piikani/Peigan, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuu T'ina/Sarcee) will be showcased at the Indian Village this year during Stampede. Many will remain after the 10-day event ends as a part of the year-round cultural and spiritual education program now being offered at ENMAX Park in the Sweetgrass Lodge, in a bid to help preserve indigenous customs and traditional knowledge. Photo by Michaela Ritchie
The Sweetgrass Lodge, which was constructed with funds donated by both the Suncor Energy Foundation and the Calgary Stampede Foundation, will serve as a year-round reminder to Calgarians of the unique bond shared between First Nations, the Stampede, and our city's energy sector. The facilities will provide a location for interpreters, elders, and cultural experts to assist the curious in their pursuit to further their knowledge of indigenous affairs and heritage. It will also be home to the new Stampede School, which according to Steve Allan, the chair of the Calgary Stampede Foundation, "will provide students from grade 2 to 12 with engaging opportunities to learn first hand about the Calgary Stampede, indigenous communities in Calgary, and Treaty 7 cultures." This will also be the new home of the Bannock Booth and craft market attractions from the old Indian Village. Photo by Michaela Ritchie


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Attention Seniors: Lifetouch-Prestige will be here on September 4th to take your make-up and re-take portraits. You MUST take a picture with Lifetouch-Prestige to be in the WC yearbook. Sign-up for your appointment in the high school office.
Attention Students: Remember to get your WC yearbook for the low price of $35 through October 19th.
Yearbook Cover Contest: Calling all artists and designers to submit a design for this year's yearbook cover. The winning design will be the inspiration for the 2018-19 WC Generals yearbook. Get contest information from Mrs. Howard, Yearbook Sponsor. The deadline for this contest is August 31st.
Attention College Bound students: A college workshop will be held on Wednesday, September 5th at 6:00pm in the auditorium for any junior or senior who is planning on attending college in the Fall of 2019 or 2020. This workshop will address visiting colleges, how to apply and other college related topics. Please sign up in the Guidance Office if you plan to attend. This workshop is for students AND parents.
Attention Seniors: Randolph College will be here on Tuesday, Sept 4th at 9:00 am to meet with seniors. Please sign up in Guidance if you plan to attend.Attention 11th and 12th graders: On September 12th there will be a college fair at Heritage High School where up to 50-75 college admissions offices will be present. This is a great way to learn about different colleges and explore your options. We will be able to provide a bus for students who wish to attend. The bus will leave promptly at 5:30pm and return around 8:00pm. You MUST sign up in Guidance if you want to ride the bus. Only students may ride the bus, but parents are welcome to meet us at Heritage HS.
Daily Announcements >


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Deadline extended to March 31 for 2016 Soybean Benchmarking Survey
Deadline for an important soybean survey with monetary incentives has been extended to March 31, 2017.
Michigan is participating in an important, multistate soybean benchmarking project. The goal of the project is to gather field-specific information about yields, crop inputs and management practices from producers and use it to identify soybean yield barriers and develop management practices for overcoming them. In order to generate meaningful recommendations, Michigan State University Extension needs to collect information from at least 200 fields that were planted to soybeans in 2016. As of March 13, 2017, we are only half-way to our goal. Because of this, the deadline for completing and returning surveys has been extended from March 15 to March 31, 2017.
Producer participation is voluntary but essential to the project's success and all information will remain confidential. The survey was mailed to nearly 1,200 randomly selected soybean producers on Feb. 15 and a reminder postcard was mailed to these producers on March 13. My hope is these producers and others in the state will complete and return surveys so we can generate recommendations for producing higher-yielding soybeans.
Producers who want to participate in the project and did not receive the survey by mail or at educational meetings can contact me at 269-673-0370 ext. 2562 or email@example.com. I will provide you with some brief instructions and the survey form.
You can download the survey and instructions here:
- Survey form instructions
- 2016 Soybean Benchmarking Survey - Print Form (download, print and fill out by hand)
- 2016 Soybean Benchmarking Survey - Fillable Form (download, fill out online and then print)
The instructions and survey form and a preliminary project report for 2014 and 2015 are also available online at MSU's Field Crops Team Soybeans webpage. Producers have the option of printing and completing the form or inputting their information directly from a computer. Please return the completed form by fax, 269-673-7005, or by mail to 3255 122nd Ave., Suite 103, Allegan MI 49010 before March 31.
I realize that completing the survey will take some time and effort, so as an additional incentive, producers that provide all the requested information and return surveys before March 31, 2017, will be entered into drawings for either a $500 or $1,000 prepaid credit card. Producers that complete the survey for two fields will be entered into the drawing for a $500 prepaid credit card. Producers that provide all the requested information for four fields will be entered into the drawing for a $1,000 prepaid credit card. Only one survey form can be submitted per farm.
Again, participation in this important project is voluntary and all the information provided will be kept confidential. The information from all the surveys will be used to identify yield-limiting factors, their interactions with soil and weather conditions and opportunities for increasing soybean yields in Michigan.
This article was produced by the SMaRT project (Soybean Management and Research Technology). The SMaRT project was developed to help Michigan producers increase soybean yields and farm profitability. The SMaRT project is a partnership between MSU Extension and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.


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When senior Lizzy Clements signed up for an Interim Term class about composing
music on a computer, she couldn't imagine the journey she was about to take.
"As a teenager, I always liked writing music and lyrics, but I wasn't talented
enough with any instruments to write well," said the Musical Theatre major from
Gainesville, Georgia. "When I saw that there was a course on how to write music
on the computer, I thought this was a great way to develop those skills."
Under the instruction of Dr. Mitch Turner, Professor of Music, Lizzy learned how
to use Garage Band, a line of digital audio workstations that allows
users to create music or podcasts. She decided to use her new skills
for her senior thesis.
"I certainly had no idea I was going to write a musical when I took that class,"
she laughed.
On Saturday night, she will debut "Notes to My College Self," a mini-musical written,
composed, produced and performed by her and her cast. It will be presented at 7:30
p.m. in Price Theater. Admission is free.
The show takes place in 2043 as Kathryn writes a letter to her younger self, Kate,
who attended LeChamp University, a small private college, in 2016. As Kathryn writes
the letter, her college memories come to life on stage.
Lizzy said she originally wrote a completely different show.
"My initial idea was to write about a day in the life of a college student," she
said. "I found several (existing) songs that fit into the plot. But then I decided
to sit on it for a while."
She spent this past summer living at home with her parents, giving her time to
revisit her idea.
"It just didn't feel right," she said. "So I started playing around on Garage
Band again. The first song I wrote was 'Got It Made,' the opening song of the show.
That's when I started thinking this may turn into something."
Soon she had two more songs – and then got stuck.
"My first goal was to write six songs, then I went to eight," she said. "My thinking
was to write about four characters and their college experiences, but I just couldn't
push past where I already was."
Suddenly, she had an idea.
"I emailed 10 of my favorite professors and faculty members and asked them to
write a letter to their college selves, what they would tell themselves from their
perspectives today."
She received six replies.
"As soon as I got those, it all came to me," she said. "I realized this is a story
that is shared by all students, no matter their ages. It gave me the confidence
to finish."
Once completed, she gave her work to some friends and her voice teacher, Dr. Andrea
"I wanted their honest feedback before I sent it to Professor (Kim Barber) Knoll,"
Lizzy said. Knoll is Director of Theatre Arts at the college.
After hearing very positive things from her friends and Mueller, she sent it to
"Lizzy said, 'So I've been writing this musical,'" Knoll said. "'Here is the script
and all the music tracks. Will you read it and listen to it and tell me what you
Knoll was impressed that she had sent her a completed work, including music and
a script. She read the script first.
"I thought it was a unique idea," she said. "Then I listened to the music. The
music was really good – the songs were complete and told terrific stories.
We set up a meeting to talk about the department producing the musical as her senior
thesis production, and we met with Lee Johnson and Dr. Toni Anderson to talk collaboration
with music students."
Knoll said she immediately thought of who could play Kathryn, the adult Kate.
"Kelly Finley did 'The Laramie Project' here several years ago, and I thought
she'd be the right choice to play Kathryn," she said.
Finley is drama director at LaGrange Academy. She also works as a professional
actress, having appeared in episodes of "Drop Dead Diva" and "The Vampire Diaries."
"Professor Knoll spoke so highly of Lizzy and her creativity and commitment (beyond
her years) to this project that I knew I had to see what this show was all about,"
Finley said.
The show includes seven original songs, with choreography by students Kelsey Seals
and Sadie Gibson. Students of Lee Johnson, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Music,
mixed and produced the tracks for the production. Lizzy was able to procure undergraduate
research funding for the project and arranged for it to be designated as a Cultural
Enrichment event.
Knoll said she has been blown away with her student's accomplishment.
"Lizzy put the show together from the ground up," she said. "She's been involved
in every single part of this production – casting, staging, set and lighting design,
costuming – everything. Lizzy knew what she wanted."
Lizzy said the best part of the entire process is the opportunity to collaborate
with faculty and fellow students.
"Working with Professor Knoll and Professor Johnson and getting their own perspectives
has been wonderful," she said. "They didn't want to alter the script, but just
wanted to make sure it was the best it could be. The actors have been the same
way. It's been an absolute joy and dream come true."
"Notes to My College Self" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday on the main
stage in Price Theater. No reservations are necessary.
For more information contact:
Media Relations
Communications & Marketing
601 Broad St.
LaGrange, Ga. 30240