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Posts Tagged 'Pope Francis'
The Revolution of Normalcy: A reflection on the third anniversary of the election of Pope Francis
March 13, 2016, marks the third anniversary of election of Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Bishop of Rome. Upon his election in the Sistine Chapel three years ago, he took the name Francis and told us he did so because of his love for St. Francis of Assisi. Over the past three years, many have associated the new pope's gestures and actions with the "Poverello" or "Little Poor One" of Assisi, perhaps the most beloved saint of the Catholic tradition. One day in the late 12th century, the young Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (later named Francesco) heard the plea of Jesus from the crucifix in the dilapidated San Damiano chapel on Assisi's outskirts: "Go and repair my church." And he certainly did that in his lifetime and through the huge Franciscan family that he left behind to carry forward his dream and continue his work.
We can become easily fixated on lots of eye-catching, buzz-causing externals, great photo opportunities and now famous sound bite expressions that Pope Francis provides for us on a daily basis: A pope who abandoned the red shoes—that were never an official part of the papal wardrobe! A pope who dresses modestly, pays his own lodging bills, rides around Vatican City in a Ford Focus or in foreign cities in small cars. A pope who invites street people to his birthday breakfast. A pope who tells the driver of his vehicle to stop at the dividing wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem so that he may pray before this glaring sign of division and pain. A pope who invites Muslims clerics to ride with him in the popemobile in the war-torn Central African Republic.
This Roman pontiff specializes in kissing babies and embracing the sick, disfigured broken bodies and the abandoned of society. He knows how to use a telephone—and uses it often. He waits in line for the coat check at the Vatican Synod Hall and delights in holding in-flight press conferences with journalists while many church leaders hold their breath at what will come forth from those now legendary encounters. He has restored Synods of Bishops to their proper place in the church: meetings and encounters of church leaders who speak with boldness, courage, freedom and openness rather than staged gatherings of pseudo-concord.
Many sit back, smile and utter: "What a sea/See change!" "What a revolution!" "What simplicity!" "Wow!" "Awesome!" "Finalmente!"
And for many who are watching all of this with differing forms of angst and shock, they ask: "What is he doing?" "How can he continue at this pace?" "Does he remember that he is the Vicar of Christ?" "Will the Francis reform succeed?" The answer is: "Yes." Francis' reform is inevitable because it is not emanating from Assisi, Loyola, Manresa or even from Rome, as significant as those holy places may be! It is based on a great story coming from other lands where we find Bethlehem, Nazareth, Nain, Emmaus, Mount Tabor, Galilee, Jerusalem and the Decapolis: the lands of the Bible. Pope Francis has based his Petrine Ministry on the Gospel of the fisherman of Galilee who was Son of God and Lord, Savior and Redeemer of the human family.
Pope Francis wants us to be warm, welcoming and forgiving as Jesus has modeled to us on every page of the New Testament. He reminds us day after day that we have a Lord and Master who shared in the joy of the spouses in Cana of Galilee and the anguish of the widow of Nain; a Lord and Master who enters into the house of Jairus, touched by death, and the house of Bethany, perfumed with nard. A Master who took upon Himself illness and suffering, to the point of giving His life in ransom.
Following Christ means going where He went; taking upon oneself, like the good Samaritan, the wounded we encounter along the road; going in search of the lost sheep. To be, like Jesus, close to the people; sharing their joys and pains, showing with our love the paternal face of God and the maternal caress of the church. Francis wants us to eat with tax collectors and sinners; he wants us to forgive the woman caught in adultery (while admonishing her to sin no more); he wants us to welcome and respect foreigners (even our enemies); and, above all, not to judge others. He has spoken simply, powerfully and beautifully about returning to lost unity. He wants to build bridges that everyone can cross. He is especially conscious of the poor and those who have been marginalized—social outcasts kept on the fringes of society. He has spoken out strongly for the plight of refugees and decried the evil of abortion and euthanasia. He stands for the consistent ethic of life, from the earliest moments of conception to the final moments of natural death.
At the very beginning of his Petrine Ministry, he said loud and clear in St. Peter's Square: "A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just. We need to understand properly this mercy of God, this merciful Father who is so patient" (Angelus, March 17, 2013). His rallying cry has been "mercy" for the past three years. Just before Lent this year, Pope Francis' personal book, The Name of God is Mercy, was simultaneously released throughout the world. The main theme of the book is mercy, and the pope's reasons for proclaiming a Holy Year of Mercy this year. The centrality of mercy is "Jesus' most important message." Mercy is essential because all people are sinners, in need of God's forgiveness and grace, and it's especially necessary today, at a time when "humanity is wounded," suffering from "the many slaveries of the third millennium"—not just war and poverty and social exclusion, but also fatalism, hardheartedness and self-righteousness.
In a very provocative challenge to his newly-created brother cardinals last Feb. 15, 2015, Pope Francis recalled with them that "the church's way, from the time of the Council of Jerusalem, has always been the way of Jesus, the way of mercy and reinstatement." This means "welcoming the repentant prodigal son; healing the wounds of sin with courage and determination; rolling up our sleeves and not standing by and watching passively the suffering of the world."
Pope Francis is very critical of those eager to cast stones. Pride, hypocrisy and the urge to judge others in terms of "preconceived notions and ritual purity" are the targets of his ire. He has chastised church bureaucrats for their "theological narcissism," and he says in his recent book that "we must avoid the attitude of someone who judges and condemns from the lofty heights of his own certainty, looking for the splinter in his brother's eye while remaining unaware of the beam in his own."
On the late afternoon of March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio received the call to go, rebuild, repair, renew and heal the church. What we have witnessed over the past three years is simply a disciple of Jesus—and a faithful disciple of Ignatius of Loyola and of Francis of Assisi—repairing, renewing, restoring, reconciling and healing the church. There are those who delight in describing the new pope as a bold, brazen revolutionary sent to rock the boat. Others think he has caused a massive shipwreck. But the only revolution that Pope Francis has inaugurated is a revolution of tenderness, the very words he used in his recent major letter on "The Joy of the Gospel" (No. 88).
And the second revolution he has inaugurated is the revolution of normalcy. What he is doing is normal human, Christian behavior. These are the revolutions at the heart and soul of Pope Francis' ministry. It is his unflinching freedom that allows him to do what he does because he is unafraid and totally free to be himself at the same time of being a most faithful son of the church. It is Francis' humanity, goodness, joy, kindness and mercy that introduce us to the tenderness of our God. No wonder why he has taken the world by storm, why so many people are paying attention to him, and others are frustrated with his exercise of freedom and his universal outreach. Everything the pope is doing now is not just an imitation of his patron saint who loved the poor, embraced lepers, charmed sultans, made peace and protected nature. It's a reflection of the child of Bethlehem who would grow up to become the man of the cross in Jerusalem, the Risen One that no tomb could contain, the man we Christians call Savior and Lord. Pope Francis has given us a powerful glimpse into the mind and heart of God.
This Bishop of Rome demands a lot while preaching about a God of mercy, by engaging joyfully with nonbelievers, atheists, agnostics, skeptics and those sitting on the fences of life—many who thought that Christianity has nothing left to add to the equations of life. For journalists and those in media, he has made covering religion and the church interesting, exciting and enticing and rewarding once again. We need the bold, Francis revolution of tenderness, mercy and normalcy now more than ever before.
Lord our God,
We thank you for always providing shepherds to guide the church.
We thank you most especially for Francis,
the one you have chosen to be our chief shepherd
and guide at this moment in history.
Bless him with health and vision, boldness and courage,
wisdom and compassion, and boundless joy and hope.
Make him an instrument of your peace, compassion and mercy,
In your mercy you called Francis and you call each of us
to cling to Jesus, the rock of fidelity and truth.
May Pope Francis inspire us to be better Christians,
faithful Catholics and architects and citizens
of the civilization of love that your son entrusted to us.
We ask this in Jesus' name, who lives with you forever and ever.
–Father Thomas Rosica
Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., is the CEO of the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and English language attaché, Holy See Press Office.
Is Merton Still Relevant?
Merton was above all a man of prayer, a thinker who challenged the certitudes of his time and opened new horizons for souls and for the Church. He was also a man of dialogue, a promoter of peace between peoples and religions.
–Pope Francis
I was surprised and taken aback when Pope Francis honored Thomas Merton in his speech before the U.S. Congress. It is not that I wasn't not happy about it, but considering the bad blood between Merton and the American Catholic Church hierarchy — it was quite unexpected.
Who is Thomas Merton? Why did Pope Francis honor him? Is he still relevant for our times?
Thomas Merton was an American writer and intellectual who became a Trappist monk, officially known as the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, which is considered one of the strictest Catholic religious orders, in 1941 at the age of 26. Before that, he was a restless young man living a troubled life. But in 1938 he converted to Catholicism; he was only 23 years old. He spent the next 27 years of his life living at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky.
It was not an easy decision for him to become a monk, considering his extroverted and gregarious personality. But, above all, it wasn't easy for him to give up writing. The Trappists are known to live a simple life of prayer and manual labor. And intellectual pursuits, like writing, are not encouraged in the monastery. Fortunately, his abbot, Dom Frederic Dunne, was a man who valued and appreciated Merton's writing abilities. Thanks to him, thousands upon thousands of people have been and are still inspired by Merton's books.
In 1948 he wrote his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, which became a best-seller. On a personal note, I read this book when I was in my teens and it changed my life. His autobiography as well as the many books he wrote later inspired not only monks and nuns, but also ordinary people, even non Christians, to live spiritual lives. For Merton, the experience of God's presence and love is something that is available to everyone.
Later in his life he became a social activist, who was involved in the peace and civil rights movement in the 60s. Unfortunately, this drew heavy criticism from officials of the Catholic Church. This rift between Merton and the Catholic establishment continues to this day.
10 years ago the first national catechism for adults was published in the U.S. Included in an earlier draft was Merton's story. Sadly, though, his story was removed from the final version. It was a bad decision, because Merton's story is significant and central to 20th-century American Catholicism.
Two influential Catholic officials considered him a lapsed Catholic, due to the fact that he was involved in dialogue with people of other faith traditions, especially Buddhists. They said he spent his last days "wandering in the East, seeking consolations, apparently, of non-Christian, Eastern spirituality… " I find this incomprehensible. The Vatican II Council, a gathering of Catholic bishops in the 60s, came out with an official document encouraging dialogue with other faith traditions. In the document, Nostra Aetate (In Our Time), The Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions, Catholics are encouraged to respect and even learn from other religions. It states:
The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men…
The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions… they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men.
Cardinal Wuerl, who was often seen at the side of the Pope Francis during his visit to the U.S., was the chairman of the committee tasked to write the catechism. When the catechism was published, the then U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' president Bishop William Skylstad said they were deeply disturbed by the exclusion of Merton. He said:
Merton, has played a crucial role in the faith journeys of thousands upon thousands of Catholics (as well as other Christians and even non-Christians) both during his lifetime and since his death, and we believe his inclusion in the catechism can and should be a significant way to extend the powerful witness of his life and writings to a new audience.
Merton's pursuit of a deeper spiritual life led him to embark on a trip to Asia in 1968. During that trip he explored Eastern spirituality and met with people of other faith traditions. One of the most significant persons that he met with was the Dalai Lama, who continues to talk about Thomas Merton as his "brother."
He met an untimely death, at the age of 53, in Bangkok, Thailand, electrocuted by a faulty fan.
Almost 50 years after his death, Merton continues to be an inspiration to many people, especially through his books.
Pope Francis, in spite of the rejection of Merton by the official American Catholic hierarchy, honored him:
Merton was above all a man of prayer, a thinker who challenged the certitudes of his time and opened new horizons for souls and for the Church. He was also a man of dialogue, a promoter of peace between peoples and religions.
So, if you ask me: "Is Merton still relevant?" My resounding answer is "Yes!"
And here are some of the reasons why:
His Humanity
Merton was a genuine human being; he was no plaster saint. He didn't like pretense and phoniness. He had his share of struggles, weaknesses and failures, and didn't attempt to hide them. He wrote about his doubts and questions. Towards the end of his life he writes:
When I first became a monk, yes, I was more sure of 'answers.' But as I grow old in the monastic life and advance further in solitude, I become aware that I have only begun to seek the questions… I have been summoned to explore a desert area of man's heart in which explanations no longer suffice, and in which one learns that only experience counts…
His Respect for People
During Merton's Asian trip, John Stier, an American government official, hosted him during his stay at Sri Lanka. As they were discussing Buddhism, Stier asserted that Buddhism was a negative approach to life. Having studied Buddhism in-depth, Merton disagreed with him. Stier says: "He was surprisingly gentle in disagreement, he had a wonderful way about him." Hundreds of the people that Merton related and corresponded with will agree with Stier's observation. Merton respected and responded to people in their uniqueness; he accepted them as they are.
His Openness
Merton is known to have cultivated many interests; he also related with people of diverse cultures, races, and religions. He was capable of communicating with people who had a different background and tradition than his own. He wrote about William Blake, James Joyce, Boris Pasternak, William Faulkner, Louis Zukofsky, Flannery O'Connor. His correspondence was voluminous, having written to a great number of people. Here are few of the names: Jacques Maritain, Erich Fromm, Ernesto Cardenal, Dorothy Day, Catherine Doherty, Aldous Huxley, Bernard Haring, Henry Miller, Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, Paul Tillich, Rosemary Radford Ruether, D.T. Suzuki, Rachel Carson, Louis Massignon, Mark Van Doren. This gave him a great insight into the human condition that enabled him to articulate our deepest longings; his insights transcended that of his own life and his own generation.
His Deep Spirituality
Once Merton stated that he didn't want to have any disciples. He urged people not to follow him but to follow Christ. But in spite of his protestations he has become the spiritual director of many people. He wrote about the spiritual life in a fresh and attractive way; he articulated the depths and riches of the spiritual life in a way that can relate to the modern person. Whether he liked it or not, he guided the spiritual journey of many people, even those who didn't have any link with any institutional religion. For these people, his writings will continue to be a continual source of inspiration and guidance.
We're Excited With The Pope's Visit
Tomorrow afternoon, Pope Francis will arrive in our country, the Philippines, for a five-day visit (Jan. 15-19). And we're all excited!
In a country where 80% of the population (80 million) are Catholics, the Pope is expected to be welcomed with a rock-star intensity.
Josephine Graza, a retired government employee, sums it all up:
Filipinos are excited about the visit because people have a lot of problems and have been through a lot of calamities.
Although our country is rich in natural resources, it has always been plagued by a vast inequality in the distribution of wealth and widespread poverty. It is for this reason that one-tenth of the population is working abroad to support their families.
To compound this, our country is hit by 20+ typhoons every year, causing loss of lives and destruction of property among a populace that, for the most part, are saddled with poverty.
Two years ago our country was hit by Typhoon Haiyan, considered as the strongest typhoon in recorded history. Entire villages were destroyed and thousands were killed.
We're not surprised that Pope Francis opted to spend a significant amount of time in Leyte, the province that was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.
But even before Pope Francis's arrival pope mania has swept our country. You can see his face in tarpaulins, posters, shirts, dolls, coffee mugs and all sorts of mementos. Someone even wrote a musical entitled Pope Francis, the Musical in his honor.
Rev. Enrique Luzung, a theologian who plays the young Argentinian pope when he was still then known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, admits that reading about Pope Francis's life and playing him in the musical has been a life-changing experience for him. He adds:
Through him we see the presence of God.
The Pope's humility, compassion for the poor, and message of God's mercy has touched not only Rev. Luzung, but also countless numbers of individuals — I and my wife included.
In the words of Marina Bringas, a retired doctor:
You always feel that he cares.
Finding God in All Things
One thing that I and Fr. James Martin have in common is our love for Thomas Merton.
Armed with a prestigious Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from one of the best business and Ivy League schools, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, he was on his way to corporate success.
One day, however, after having a bad day at the office, he decided to watch TV. After flipping channels, his attention was grabbed by a PBS documentary on the life of Thomas Merton. It was a turning point in his life.
The documentary spoke to him in a way that made him decide to be a Jesuit priest.
Fast forward.
He's been a Jesuit priest for 26 years and has become one of the most popular spiritual writers today.
On a personal note, Fr. James Martin is one of my and Jojang's favorite authors. He writes most of the time about his personal experiences; that's probably why most people could relate to him.
His simple, direct, and practical way of presenting spiritual truths is what makes his books relevant for our time.
Just recently he was interviewed in a podcast entitled Finding God in All Things. Krista Tippett, the host of the podcast, introduces him with these words:
Before Pope Francis, Fr. James Martin was perhaps the best known and loved Jesuit writing in American life. He's followed the calling of the founder of the Jesuit order, St. Ignatius of Loyola, to "find God in all things" – and in 21st century forms, as editor of America magazine, but also as a wise and witty presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Stephen Colbert has proclaimed him the chaplain of "the Colbert Nation." To delve into Fr. Martin's way of being in the world is to discover the spiritual exercises St. Ignatius designed to be accessible to everyone more than six centuries ago. These underpinned the Jesuit way of "contemplation in action" and are now shaping the Vatican in a new age.
To listen to the podcast, click on the link below:
— Matt
The Pope Is On The Phone
Last year when Stella Soma answered the phone, he never expected the man at the end of the line. (Stella Soma is the personal assistant to the editor of La Repubblica, Italy's main center-left newspaper).
Stella: "Who's speaking?"
Pope Francis: "Papa Francesco."
The Pope wanted to speak to Eugenio Scalfari, the 90-year-old atheist and founder of the paper.
At first Scalfari thought that it was a joke. But Stella insisted it wasn't.
He told Scalfari: "No, it's not a joke, I can't make the Pope wait, so let me put you through."
Pope Francis:"Good morning, this is Pope Francis… you asked me for a meeting, and I wanted to do that. Let's fix a date… Wednesday I can't . Maybe Monday? Is that OK with you?"
Scalfari: "Any day is fine with me. Monday is fine."
It wasn't the first time somebody received a call from Pope Francis. By this time he has made quite a number of personal phone calls. And most of the time the recipients of his telephone calls are ordinary people. That's why in Italy he's called the "cold-call Pope."
After a series of phone calls and private meetings with Pope Francis, Scalfari was impressed. His conclusion: "He is a revolutionary Pope."
This may be a too generous assessment of Pope Francis.
John Allen, a journalist who has been covering the Vatican for a long time, says: "Pope Francis is not a doctrinal radical. This is not Che Guevara in a cassock."
Revolutionary or not, Pope Francis is definitely making radical changes in the Catholic Church.
As an astute observer of Pope Benedict's papacy, he is aware how his predecessor was immobilized by the Vatican's cumbersome bureaucracy. He also knows the damage done by the many cases of pedophilia among priests. The widespread corruption in the Vatican is certainly uppermost in his mind.
He is beginning to put in place reforms to address these issues. The cardinals who elected him are probably surprised by his moves. They got more than what they bargained for.
It's no longer business as usual, and the status quo in the Vatican is shaken.
Although Pope Francis admits that he's not a revolutionary, many Catholics like me are happy with the changes he's implementing in the Catholic Church. He's definitely on the right track.
Homeless Jesus
Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
–Matthew 25:40
Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis
I'm a Catholic, and I just love Pope Francis! He's now expressing what, all along, I really felt about certain things.
I believe in God, not a Catholic God.
— Pope Francis
Exactly! For me. at the end of the day, religion is really simple. It's about the love of God. In Christian and Trinitarian terms: it's simply experiencing the love of God through Christ in the power of the Spirit. After cutting through the maze of theological concepts, legalistic rules, and complex rituals, God is simply a loving God. And His love is not confined to any specific race, nationality, or creed. He is the God and Father of all persons – whether Jew or Greek, Christian or Non-Christian, Believer or Unbeliever. And a person who experiences the love of God shows compassion towards all individuals regardless of their religious beliefs or lack of it.
The church has sometimes locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules.
— Pope Francis
Sad to say, this is what religion is all about for many people. Religion is something that is used to browbeat people to submission, and to perpetrate the power of so-called spiritual leaders through the use of legalistic rules and threats. Religion is no longer a venue to love God and serve others but is a means to maintain the status quo, sometimes with very harmful consequences (for example, the financial scandal in the Vatican as well as the sexual abuses committed by some church leaders).
~ Matt
To read the entire article click this link: Pope Francis: "I Believe in God, Not In A Catholic God."
A Day of Fasting and Prayer
Earth Day 2013
The vocation of being a 'protector' [. . .] means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us and as Saint Francis of Assisi showed us [. . .] In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God's gifts!
~ Pope Francis
A Bit of Mercy
"A bit of mercy can make the world less cold and fairer."
~ Pope Francis


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Let's visualize "former Catholic" Rev. Mr. Gendron at his particular judgment:wosbald wrote: ↑Sat May 19, 2018 8:05 am+JMJ+
Christian Radio Show Warns Of Satanic Merger Of Catholicism And Islam
Mike Gendron seeks to convert Catholics to evangelical Christianity (Image from interview by The Master's Academy International)
Wednesday's CrossTalk program on VCY America featured a conversation about the danger of Catholicism merging with Islam to create the false one world religion warned about in the biblical book of Revelation. VCY America is a Milwaukee-based Christian broadcasting operation that owns 25 full-power radio stations, mostly in the Midwest, and reaches others through affiliate stations and online.
The featured guest was Mike Gendron, described as a former Catholic and the founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel ministry, which is dedicated to trying to rescue Catholics who are "victims of deception" and convert them to "biblical Christianity." Gendron's group also sells an audio recording of his one world religion warning.
As RWW has reported, major Religious Right figures have said that Islam is not really a religion but a totalitarian ideology and therefore not worthy of First Amendment protection. Gendron has similar thoughts about the Catholic Church. He says that Catholicism is, like Islam, not only a religion but a political identity, and says that "they share a similar political ideology."
On the Crosstalk page promoting the show, they list what Gendron calls the "common bonds" between the two religions, and he and host Jim Schneider talked through them. He says Catholicism and Islam both:
Gendron is unsparing in his criticism of the Catholic church, what he calls its "false Christ" and false theology of salvation, and its devotion to apparitions of Mary that he calls "signs and wonders of Satan." He says that Catholics and Muslims both worship the God of the world, who is Satan.
- esteem and honor Mary.
- seek messages from apparitions of Mary.
- are anti-Semitic.
- embrace another Jesus.
- seek world dominion.
- deny the authority of Scripture.
- use prayer beads to avoid punishment.
- take pilgrimages to obtain favor from God.
- have human mediators.
- have a works righteousness salvation.
For additional "evidence" of the coming merger with Islam, Gendron cites ecumenical comments by Pope Francis along the lines of "all people are the children of God" as well as older Church documents about Christian-Muslim dialogue. Host Jim Schneider read a news story about a Catholic University in Iowa dedicating a room to be available for daily prayers by Muslims and other students who didn't want to use the chapel.
Jesus: "I said, 'Mt. 7:2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." You admit that you learned the truth when you were a child. Are you ready now to make reparation for the things you said about my Mother?"
Mary: "Don't be so hard on him, Son."
Jesus: "Sorry Mom; not this time. He said it himself: 'No human mediators!'"

subset: commoncrawl


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Must be very careful to use their email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850378995588069585.post-61842370526424308072011-08-12T08:01:44.812-07:002011-08-12T08:01:44.812-07:00Thanks zinepin for alerting me to the sea-ship res...Thanks zinepin for alerting me to the sea-ship restriction, will search for other taobao agents that managed by s'porean. --firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850378995588069585.post-66585435200358546142011-08-11T21:29:53.484-07:002011-08-11T21:29:53.484-07:00Hi :) So far, only imported clothing from them. ...Hi :) So far, only imported clothing from them.

From what I've read in their comments section that time, if you opt for sea, and later want to change to air, it cannot be done. So, you need to decide if you really want sea.

Sea shipment is slower (of course). So, sometimes when people cannot wait, they will say they want to change to air. But Daigou will say cannot change because their sea and air are handled by different people.zinepinhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850378995588069585.post-44365589555994720142011-08-10T22:06:43.204-07:002011-08-10T22:06:43.204-07:00Thanks for the review! Have you used 65daigou for ...Thanks for the review! Have you used 65daigou for taobao purchase of cell phone & media player box amount exceeding S$300 ? Is it reliable to opt for sea-ship ?firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-1850378995588069585.post-63575208570582971192011-07-04T07:43:03.971-07:002011-07-04T07:43:03.971-07:00They are seriously goofed up! They lost $200 worth...They are seriously goofed up! They lost $200 worth of my stuff and refused to answer my queries about them! So disappointed in their service...really bad firstname.lastname@example.com


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The wait continues . . . and Reconnecting with my "Inner Rita"
I'm so thrilled about my impending Irish Citizenship! (Unfortunately, the backlog at the NY Consulate is continuing to delay that celebration ... possibly until next summer. :-( But, hey, I won't have enough vacation time accrued until then anyway ... and summer IS a beautiful time to be in Ireland . . . so all is well to plan.)
On a whole other note, as is obvious, my blogging here has slowed to a near standstill ... but I'm keeping up w/ another, more private, journal/blog ... documenting my progress as a motivated leafeater, mover and shaker. It's a personal journey for now ... and when I'm EXACTLY where I want to be in my transformation, I'll take it public.
And finally, for those family and friends who may be scratching their heads in curiosity about my Rita Hayworth video (known to me as my "Inner Rita" video) -- of her and Fred Astaire dancing together (posted a few entries back), don't think you've been left out of the loop. No, I'm not engaged. And no, I'm not even dating a special someone.
See, the "someone" I posted that video for was ME.
I love that video, and posted it the way I did because I've finally tapped into my own "inner Rita" ... that terrific beauty that's always been there ... hidden for a lot of years. Until I came home to myself ... as my own best friend and love, I couldn't seem to break through a bunch of unresolved inner "stuff" ... and I felt stuck for quite a while. But no longer.
So you see, I finally DID find "someone." I just never expected that the someone would be me. Who knew? :-)
And on that note ... here's another "Inner Rita" moment ... for all you women out there who are on a transformational "road trip" that's meandered over some rough terrain. My words to you -- Never give up!


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Ways to Give
Thanks to our generous donors, WithLove Charity has been able to donate over 7,000 new toys, games and other items to children with cancer, their families and their treatment centers since 2012. In addition, we have been able to provide memorable moments for over 100 families at sporting events, concerts and other community functions. We are so grateful for your continued support! We appreciate all levels of contributions and welcome multiple forms of donation. Please remember that WithLove Charity, Inc. is exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, making your gift tax deductible.
There are multiple ways you can give or support our mission:
There are multiple ways you can give or support our mission:
*To become an event sponsor, simply email firstname.lastname@example.com for details


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Remember this? I'm still working on it.
I've really been working on it on the trip. Yesterday, after I finished all of the projects in a (self-imposed) respectable manner, I went down to the shore of the island. I'm doing a pretty good job with the first part – being entirely in whichever place I'm in, not planning ahead to the next day or week or location. But being still-minded in that particular place…that's an entirely different battle.
I went down to the shore and collected beach rocks.
And tweeted about my location.
And took a thousand pictures.
And checked ferry times for tomorrow.
And read a few pages in my book.
Before I realized that I missed a good rock.
And a good picture.
And another good picture.
And realized that I forgot to check on college football scores.
And found a few more rocks.
And remembered that I was not supposed to be multi-tasking in a thousand directions.
So I laid on a piece of drift wood and started listening to the waves crash in and out, the birds flying overhead.
And then I started writing this blog in my head.
And took some more pictures.
And considered stopping a lost cause.
I still have no idea how to completely slow down, but hearing this sermon last week helped put things in perspective. Whether you're a Martha or a Mary or somewhere in between, I'd highly suggest giving it a listen.
Happy Sunday, everyone! Have a great weekend!


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Back Bulge and Underarm Flab distorts the body shape of many women. It makes them feel very uncomfortable wearing a bra. People have tried dieting to no avail. TThe most effective way of getting rid of this unpleasant accumulation of fat is through four effective short and quick exercises.
These exercises can be done at home, either rubber banding, tubing, using a band with handles, hand weights or just moving your hands only.
You are guaranteed to lose that fat in three weeks time if done consistently daily. Quite incredible, yet real and achievable. These exercises include:
Push and touch
Lift your stretched arms overhead from the resting position on the sides of your body. Use hand weights or even a band if you have . Standing with your stretched arms on the sides, palms facing forward, lift them to the shoulder level simultaneously than over your head. Bring the arms back in position. Do 3 sets with 6 repetitions each hand .
Elbow kiss
Spread out your arms on either side at the level of your shoulders, palms facing up. Fold each arm at the elbow to make a ninety degrees angle upwards.While folded to the front swing the hands so that they close in at the elbow with forearms touching on the sides.Return the arms to their initial position. Do sets of three, each 10 repetitions.
Bent-over circular row
With your legs apart shoulder-width, bend forward (ninety degrees) and using each hand at a time, move the dumbbell towards the opposite hand, lift it up, then move it towards the chest and the back to the extended position in a circular motion. Do three sets of 10 repetitions each.
Crisscross reverse fly
Put your legs in position apart about the width of your shoulders, for stability bend at the knees, bend forward at the waist, no more than 90 degrees, so that your head faces down. Hold the hand weight or dumbbell on each hand bent at the elbow and while palms face towards each other.Slightly lower than your shoulders or raise your hands to the level . Do three sets each 10 times.
The victory over Underarm Flab and Back Bulge has never been this practical. Stop winning on how uncomfortable and ugly you are and do this simple straightforward exercise
These are not quick fix magical techniques that will make that accumulation of adipose tissue simply melt away.You need commitment,discipline, and consistency for this to work . Schedule an appropriate time in your daily schedule to practice these four simple and quick exercises.


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We are heading back to Wakanda. Director Ryan Coogler has signed on to do a sequel to Black Panther, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Chadwick Boseman will return as King T'Challa with the rest of the Wakanda soldiers. The superhero flick could begin shooting in late 2019 or early 2020, it all depends on when the script is ready.
It makes sense for Coogler and Marvel to return with a part deux. Black Panther grossed over $1 billion globally and $700 million domestically. It also became Marvel's highest grossing movie ever in the U.S box office. It was also the first film to stay in the no.1 slot at the box office five weekends in a row since Avatar.
The female warriors of the Dora Milaje, which includes characters Okoye, Aneka and Ayo, even had their own spinoff, the Wakanda Forever series with Wakanda Forever: The Amazing Spiderman as the first installment.
Eventhough Coogler is the director of the film, he is not authorized to spill the beans about the sequel just yet, USA Today reports.
Of course, there has been no word on what the storyline in the sequel will be, but if you stayed after the ending credits to see the bonus scene, you have an idea of what's to come. In that very last scene, King T'Challa was at the United Nations in Vienna and announced that Wakanda will be sharing their technology with the rest of the world.
SOURCE: MadameNoire.com
Article Courtesy of MadameNoire
First Picture Courtesy of The Washington Post, Getty Images, and MadameNoire
Second Picture Courtesy of Black Panther


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A familiar song or funny photo can be all it takes. Before you know it, a deep longing to see someone you miss or eat at a hometown haunt pulls you into a funk.
Whether you expatriated out of necessity or wanted to escape home, it's normal for homesickness to kick in at some point.
Next time that wistful pang of home creeps in, use these tried and true homesickness cures.
1. Commit to New Relationships
Once you've found "your people," embrace them like your friends back home. When homesickness hits, don't be afraid to initiate plans.
If you're having trouble putting yourself out there, start with your hobbies. Book club leader back home? Go to a nearby bookstore and ask if they have any regular meetings you can join. Musically inclined? Join a local band. You'll meet new, like-minded people while doing something you're already familiar with.
2. Start a New Hobby
Idle mindedness is a big contributor to homesickness. Starting a new hobby can help keep your mind active, whether it's learning a language, upping your photography skills, or trying a sport unique to your adopted country.
3. Get Active
Exercise releases endorphins that help your body diminish negative thoughts, homesickness included. Even better, combine physical activity and social activity by joining a local club sports team.
4. Schedule Catch-Ups
Support from family and friends will restore your confidence about living or traveling abroad. Tech like Skype, Snapchat, and chat apps can help take the edge off the distance, but it's best to limit your catch-ups so you don't become so dependent that you don't assimilate to your new country.
5. Indulge in a home cooked meal from home
It's great to expand your culinary horizons abroad, but the smells and tastes of a family favorite recipe can help settle those homesick nerves. Cooking a familiar dish is a creature comfort — even if it doesn't taste exactly like mom's.
Up the ante by inviting new friends over to share a serving of your home cooked culture.
6. Take a Break from Social Media
Social media stalking isn't good for anyone, especially someone who's already got FOMOAH (fear of missing out at home). Living vicariously through your hometown friends will only make it harder to adjust to life overseas.
Limit your Instagram and Snapchat intake and create your own content to evoke envy — and maybe a few visits — from friends back home. These blockage apps will help keep you honest.
7. Make a Bucket List
Create a list of all the best coffee shops, art galleries, shops, restaurants, and parks you want to visit before you head home. While you're at it, check if any popular musicians are coming through town and review the local sports team's schedule. It will keep you focused on the rare opportunities you can take advantage of abroad instead of dwelling on happenings back home.
8. Send Gifts Home
Texts and calls are nice, but a hand-written letter or local trinket will surprise and delight your loved ones and encourage them to send you something you miss from home in return.
9. Be Part of the Action from Afar
If you're feeling homesick because you're missing out on your brother's birthday or parent's wedding anniversary, collaborate with your family members on a group gift.
Most importantly, don't shut yourself out from your new surroundings. Being homesick can lure you into a pity party of one if you allow it to. Say yes to new experiences, new people, and new places and you'll adapt to your new home in no time.


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Speed Week & Shark Week
by umfablog
So it's a pretty big week. We've heard it's THE week every speed lover and shark lover awaits all year long. If you're into cars, and speed records, and don't have the time to make it out to the Bonneville Salt Flats I suggest viewing our newest exhibition Speed: The Art of the Performance Automobile. You won't be disappointed. Or, if sharks are more your thing I found this little nugget (below) to prove sharks can be just as funny as […]
Categories: Uncategorized


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Revelations 19: 10 says "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" When a testimony is given of what Jesus has done or is doing, it opens the way for the same miracle to happen again because it 'foretells' what can and will happen. We share this testimonies that others will rejoice at God's goodness but more, for those who are suffering, we encourage you to take hold of the promise that He heals. He is Jehovah Rapha, God the Almighty Healer
Raymond Wee, Healing of Salivary Gland, January 2010
I have been blessed by the Lord when I visited the Healing Rooms Ministries in 2009. I had problems with my salivary glands since 2005. I had kept postponing the operation until now.
In March 2009 I was supposed to have my salivary gland operation at Gleneagles but I failed the medical tests. After a CT scan at TTSH, they found that there was nothing wrong with my lungs. I attribute this good news to the sessions I had at the Healing Rooms.
I was very happy for the divine treatments I had at the Healing Rooms and would like to continue to be thankful for God's compassion and grace.
Sue Schulkins, GOD IS WONDERFUL!, February 2010
I brought my daughter to the Healing Rooms with asthma and left and within a few hours she was completely healed! Amen.
I came to the Healing Rooms about my dog – It became so aggressive and I was so fearful that it would attack me and the children. I could not even walk around the house. As soon as I got home from the session, I sensed so much of the Lord's power within me and my house that she became like a little kitten at the slightest command.
I have been coming regularly to the Healing Rooms now and the Lord is restoring my broken marriage piece by piece. Amen.
Agnes Yee, Healing of Kidney Stones and Cysts, April 2010
With the power of healing, I had fully recovered from cysts and stones in my kidney and a second stage failure of kidneys. I was totally discharged and the doctor said that nothing is seen in the scan and my kidneys reduced in size. I am back to normal. Thank God for Your power and the prayer of the team from Healing Rooms.
Henry Pakianathan, Healed of Back Pain, April 2010
Due to a fall, had a prolapsed of disc at the lower back. Surgery done but no improvement and underwent various treatment still severe pain at the lower back right side all the way down to the right foot. Was taking medication everyday to relieve pain.
Met Andrew at the car park. I shared with him regards my back pain and Andrew prayed without hesitation on the spot regardless of the surrounding.
PRAISE THE LORD. I am relieved from back pain and do not take medication. Thank you brother Andrew for the prayer. Praise to our Lord Jesus.
Tannapakar, Healed of Pain in Shoulder, April 2010
God healed me of a pain in my shoulder. On my 1st visit, I was prayed for but no change. On my second visit on 13 April, I felt so happy as my problems were gone. I can lift my arm without any pain. Thank you Jesus for healing me.
Linda Law, Healing of Liver Cancer, June 2010
I had liver cancer. On my 1st visit to the Healing Rooms, I saw stars in the cup and heard 'singing' tone when I took the Holy Communion. Thereafter, I went for my treatment. I was discharged from the hospital after 3 days. When I went back for CT scan review 6 months later, I was told that the cancer had disappeared. In fact the scan showed that new liver cells were growing. Praise the Lord for healing me. I visited the Healing Rooms 4 times.
K Saras, No trace of cancer, June 2010
On 15 June I came to pray for my sister. Doctor suspected cancer in her blood. Her appointment was 16/6/2010. Praise the Lord there was no trace of cancer. Praise the Lord for His wonderful work.
Peggy Ki, Recovery from eye op, June 2010
He has granted me speedy recovery for my left eye cataract operation
I am able to read, write and see without spectacles
The condition of both eyes have been restored
Wee Peck Choo, Peace and Joy instead of Sickness, June 2010
I would like to thank the Lord Jesus for healing my sickness and also the privilege to know Him. He has given me peace and joy that I had never experienced before.
Before I came to know the Lord I was living in fear. I visited various places of worship to pray for health and work peace but to no avail. The more I visited the more sick I was. It became worse. I went to fortune teller in 2008 and after not long I had a bad fall and my health was affected. I went overseas to pray but my health got worse. I was admitted to hospital for vomitting, skin problems, urinary tract infection, diabetes and kidney problem. I feel better now after visiting the Healing Rooms. Praise the Lord.
Freda Ang, Back pain gone, July 2010
A vision of "black bone" was given and said that someone in the room could have back pain. The whole team prayed and I felt a sensation over my back. The pain left supernaturally. Praise the Lord
Susan Schulkins, Healing of Eczema on Scalp, August 2010
Few weeks ago I was prayed over an awful eczema on my scalp a condition that was troubling me for many years .
The condition left and now I can use any shampoo without a problem. My daughter was amazed.


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"I wish I could quit drinking so much, but I just don't have enough willpower".
As a therapist, I hear this quite often, but perhaps we need to explore what willpower really means in order to find a solution to the problem.
The capacity to resist the urge to drink arises initially from various motivations – like the desire to avoid a hangover, or the need to be able to concentrate at work the next day, or the preservation of a close relationship perhaps. If sufficient motivations can be brought to mind, and they feel more compelling than the potential pleasure of alcohol, then a person can exercise self-control and not drink despite wanting one at the time. This is a reasonable definition of willpower.
Some people seem to have more willpower than others regarding their drinking, but perhaps only because alcohol has not taken on so many important functions for them (like stress-relief, confidence boosting, avoiding boredom etc.), or they have found other ways of achieving those results.
People with alcoholism are unable to resist the urge to have a drink, despite knowing that in balance it's not doing them any good. Partly this is because short term consequences are often more effective at influencing behaviour than long term consequences, and in the short term the pleasure/relaxation of a drink outweighs the negative effects tomorrow or at some indeterminate time in the future (or so it seems to them). A strategy to deal with this tendency of course is to concentrate on the negative effects of alcohol in the short term, rather than the vague long term ones.
People can learn to have more control over their urges to drink, to predict when they are likely to occur so they don't come as a surprise, to learn to bring to mind all the 'pros and cons' rationally, or to address those needs that alcohol has filled some other way – and so they increase their willpower.


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You will find various designs of chair for the house and garden which even a novice woodworker might try to construct. In addition to being an very gratifying procedure, making your own unique chair won't only save you cash, but you'll have the pleasure of being able to appreciate it for a lot of many years to come.
Prior to you start, there are many things you need to think about:
The kind of wood utilized, along with the finish needed will probably be dependent on exactly where your chair is utilized or stored – in the home, or out in the garden?
Providing some believed to its function will make certain you select a style that is suited to the intended utilization of the chair. A purely decorative, sophisticated chair that is meant for friends to admire may have a totally various building than a super comfy dining chair meant for three hour dinner events. A chair which folds away effortlessly for storage purposes will once more need a totally various style.
Like a total newbie or moderately skilled woodworker, your 1st and most significant requirement would be to obtain complete woodworking chair plans. Without these you might effortlessly make avoidable and pricey errors. Great plans will probably be in a position to guide you via the procedure of building stunning chairs, with simple step-by-step directions and clear comprehensive diagrams which even probably the most novice woodworker can adhere to. An intensive checklist of all of the supplies you'll need, down towards the final screw, along with the kind of wood and needed lengths required really are a should.
You will find all kinds of wooden chair plans accessible in the internet and there could be 1 that's ideal for that quantity of expertise you've as well as your ability degree. You will find plans that contact for exotic wood kinds and building them demands you to possess much more expertise and superior ability degree to make. You will find wooden chair plans for novices who're just beginning to discover the thrilling globe of woodworking and you will find these for intermediate level woodworkers who've some expertise and may use energy resources with self-confidence and accuracy. It is as much as you what kind of chair you would like to construct as there are lots of to select from. Are you currently as much as the challenge of developing a traditional Kentucky chair? It ought to be simple sufficient to get a woodworker with intermediate abilities but might present some type of the challenge to get a novice 1. You are able to attempt creating a rocking chair which you are able to bring inside your residing space, in front from the fire and invest a winter evening just enjoying the warmth from the fire and also the business of one's loved ones. You may wish to bring your rocking chair out in to the port in summer time to enjoy a light early evening breeze.
Each and every house has dining chairs so why do not you attempt your hands at constructing a set for the houses. They're not complex tasks and getting wooden chair plans to guide you'd make them simpler to construct. Wooden garden swing seats are costly but could be fairly simple and inexpensive to construct. A set of charming wooden garden chairs will probably be so inviting to you as well as your guest to invest a while within the garden to loosen up and maybe view a bird or two go to you there. They're each simple and inexpensive to construct in the event you use recycled wood. The put on and tear the wood has naturally gone via will add much more charm for your completed wooden garden chairs. For those who have a swimming pool, would there be something else that may add much more enjoyment to taking a dip within the pool than wooden loungers? One or two of those by your pool side will allow you to and a few buddies or loved ones invest a beautiful Sunday lounging and just becoming lazy to get a day.
Teds Woodworking offers access to more than 75 chair plan designs. In this post we'll review two various kinds of chairs and chair plans you are able to construct and also have entry to with Teds Woodworking.
This can be a extremely traditional style that may go indoor or outdoor. They're usually observed in gardens or within the corner of the den. These chairs may be pretty costly inside a furniture shop but may be fairly simple to construct. Teds Woodworking will display a number of variations of chair plans in this type which means you can determine which one fits you greatest.
If you're thinking about learning much more about Teds Woodworking, please click here or click around the big image around the house page. Keep in mind, Teds Woodworking has more than 16,000 woodworking plans as well as 75 and counting chair plans.


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To create the sound-related and instrumental features of the building, the architects consulted musician and sound designer Louis Dandrel. The majority of the Metaphone building (the technical spaces and auditorium) are contained within a volume of black concrete. This base structure is covered with a steel envelope scaled with different materials such as frosted glass, corten steel and wood. This translucent skin protrudes out of the main concrete structure into an open air porch that disseminates music outwards to the front of the building. Various materials make up the different instrumental elements whose acoustic properties produce distinct musical sounds. Vibrating plates and panels connected to the outer shell use a series of cables to connect to the central control cabin. Even the photovoltaic panels on the roof share space with integrated instrumental acoustic elements that help project sound.
According to the architects, "There are two principles of sound production: mechanical or electroacoustical, with vibrating bowls mounted on the plates to form loudspeaker membranes (this technique is commonly used in the car industry). These systems have been developed and tested by making a prototype of the musical façade, composed of 8 modules measuring 1.2m, half fitted with an acoustic instrument, the other half with vibrating plates."
Certainly a music lover's dream, the Metaphone Music Hall takes dedication to music to a whole new level by combining musical forms with interactive architecture. Along with enough space for an audience of 500 to 1,000 in the modular auditorium found on the inside, the open porch offers ample space for a large orchestra. The building's particular sounds can be used to collaborate with the chosen musical compositions of the orchestra and can also signal the beginning of a concert or performance intervals. The Métaphone administration has plans to invite international musicians to create and compose works using the building's distinct acoustic nature.
+ Herault Arnod Architectes
Via World Architecture News


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Investigation continues into break-in of MdTA police SUV
Loaded handgun remains missing, police say
New details are emerging about a ransacked Maryland Transportation Authority police vehicle in Baltimore County from which a loaded service weapon was stolen and is still missing.
The charging document reveals how a relative alerted authorities to the suspected thieves and how one of them almost got away.
Also, officials said the laptop stolen from the SUV over the weekend was in the possession of FOP Lodge 34 president, Cpl. Shane Schapiro. An FOP attorney said the still-missing laptop did not contain personal information of MdTA officers.
The laptop was part of a long list of police equipment stolen from the SUV, which was parked near Schapiro's home in Dundalk.
Baltimore County officers were called when neighbors, including Bob Hall, noticed bags with clothes and other items strewn about the street. Officers connected the items to Schapiro's unmarked MdTA Chevrolet Tahoe.
"It's unusual," Hall said. "I don't even know if they even knew it was a police car until they broke into it. They were just casing cars."
Charging documents show that Schapiro thought he locked the SUV.
A few hours later, the ATF notified Baltimore County police that it got a tip from a man who saw his stepson, Kevin Singleton, in his home on nearby Durwood Avenue with what appeared to be stolen police equipment, including a bulletproof vest, a gun clip and Homeland Security credentials.
Officers arrested Singleton and Tyshaun Womble at that home. As officers took Womble into the precinct for questioning, he wrestled away from their grip and took off, police said.
A short time later, an off-duty officer just happened to see him and tracked him down in a neighborhood alley.
According to charging documents, when asked by detectives about the lost and loaded .40-caliber handgun, Womble replied: "I barely even touched it. I thought you all had it."


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Estimate the location of the valves by picturing the layout of the sprinkler system. When you've narrowed down the possible location, careful probing can be used to find the exact spot. Use a long screwdriver to probe the ground by going down about 6 to 12 inches. Be careful when probing and go slowly so the probe doesn't damage the sprinkler valve, water supply valve or the wiring.
Note the location of the pressure vacuum breaker or backflow preventer. The backflow preventer will likely be situated near the water source to the sprinkler system. Sometimes sprinkler valves are located close by. If not, the backflow preventer will still serve to provide a starting point for the path of the water lines to the sprinkler valves. If the path of the water line seems clear, try digging a little to follow the path to the sprinkler valve. Be careful not to break the water line when digging.
the sprinkler controller to serve as the starting point for the path of the
wires for the sprinkler valves. Sometimes tracing the path of the wires can
lead to the sprinkler valves. You may need to dig up some of the yard to follow
the sprinkler wires. Take care not to damage the wires when digging.
The order in which the sprinklers in that zone start up can be another clue as to the location of the sprinkler valve. Have a helper manually turn on that zone at the controller and watch carefully. The sprinkler head that is closest to the valve should pressurize slightly before the rest of the sprinklers. Start at that sprinkler and try to find the valve nearby.
If these methods don't do the trick, you can buy or rent a solenoid activator or a valve locator. Renting these devices is the most economical option.
Consider drawing up a diagram of the sprinkler system once you have located the sprinkler valves to avoid this problem in the future.
It may be a while before you need to repair or replace a sprinkler valve again, and you may not recall the exact location by then.
Copy right © 2017 HUATUI GROUP


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Sweet Escapes: The Perfect Spring Vacation Destinations
Spring is almost here and if you're looking for ideas for some sweet escapes, you're reading the right post! From the Caribbean to Japan, France and the Grand Canyon just to name a few. Check out some of my favorite springtime destinations.View Post


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My Brilliant and Gifted 28-Year-Old Lives in My Basement
Another Blogger and radio host Matt Walsh received a letter from a listener. It was from a father that feels that Matt is a "right winged extremist" for thinking his children should do chores, and eventually get a job when they are teens.
"Matt, I heard your horrible conversation today about parenting. A few comments in response:
1) Based on your remarks, I have to say I feel bad for your kids. You sound like the sort of person who never should have been a parent. You said you plain to teach your kids "how to think." I guess this is common in right wing religious fundamentalist households. Personally, I let my child form his own conclusions about things. To impose your views on a child is tantamount to child abuse. Do them a favor, let them think FREELY.
2) You greatly exaggerate the importance of "chores." Also, the idea that a kid should be forced to "get a job" is abhorrent. My son was very gifted so we gave him all the tools to succeed academically. This meant we didn't turn him into slave labor and we certainly didn't tell him he needed to go work behind a cash register. He concentrated on his school work, and we did our job as parents and financially supported him.
3) It's easy to mock a "30 year old who lives with is parents." My son is almost 29 and he's been home with us since he graduated. Unfortunately the job market isn't the greatest (maybe you hadn't heard) and I'm not going to let him starve on the street. He has a college education, it's pointless for him to be out working in a retail store or some other menial job. I will be here for him until he is able to get the job he deserves.
You need to grow up, get some life experiences and then maybe you'll have the right to sermonize about parenting.
Just a thought here, if Nick Jr. were so gifted wouldn't he have been able to figure out how to make a living even in a bad economy? This reminds me of a story. About a month ago I went out with my best friend's mother. The event we went to was being held in the local VFW. I was sitting at a table waiting for the event to get started. While I was waiting this man came over and introduced himself. For whatever reason he started telling me his life story. He is in his 80's. He was telling me that when he was a young man his father forced him to get a job and would take most of his pay for rent. He promised himself that he would never do that to his children. He goes on to tell me that he never charged a dime in rent to any of his three children. He then went on and told me that his 47-year-old son was still living at home and never paid rent. He told me this story like it was a good thing. I asked if his son was married? He told me that his son had problems finding a "good woman". Hmm, is the fact that he is middle-aged and has never had any sense of caring for himself be part of the reason?
I wasn't rude and didn't say anything to the man. He believes that he has done his children a favor. I happen to disagree. I think it important to teach children a sense of responsibility. I was having another conversation with another older gentleman he knows and he told me that he and his wife were having a conversation a few weeks ago and they have come to the realization that they never let their children grow up. They did so much for them that they are constantly having problems in their lives when it comes to taking responsibility. I am not at all surprised.
Of course, as a parent, you should help your children when they are in trouble. If they hit hard times while an adult, sure let them move in and help them out until the get back on their feet. If you can afford it, throw them a little rent money if they need it. But to be the only support system for them is not helping them. It more than likely is hurting them.
In the case of Nick, Jr, how does he date or even just go out with the friends if he has no income? Are they also supporting his personal life? I would think a man of that age wants to leave the house on occasion. Does he have a car? If so, who pays for that? That would require insurance, gas, and the occasional repair, would it not? What if he wants to go out for wings and a beer to watch Monday Night Football?
We are raising a generation of people who can't help themselves. How exactly are they going to govern this country when their time inevitability comes? A very terrifying thought.
Here is Matt's response to Nick. It is a little meaner than I would ever be, but it is classic all the same:
Dear Nick,
1) Tell you what. How 'bout I blindfold you, drive you out into the middle of the desert at night, and then leave you there without a map or a GPS? It'll be great. You can just travel FREELY. After all, who am I to bring you to this place and then presume to tell you how to navigate? I'm just the guy that kidnapped you and dumped you into a hostile, cold wilderness. It would be presumptuous and authoritative of me to offer you direction and guidance. So I'll let you wander around aimlessly until you collapse exhausted in a ditch, and are eaten slowly by wild scavengers. You're welcome. I mean, I assume you'll be grateful. I'll merely be applying your parenting technique to the situation.
By the way, did you ever tell your kid not to play in the street? Did you instruct him about the dangers of hot stoves and fallen electrical wires? This is a quandary. See, if you imposed your anti-high voltage power line views on your kid, then apparently you're guilty of abuse by your standards. However, if you didn't, you're guilty of reprehensible neglect by the standards of civilized human beings. I'm not an expert on parenting. I never claimed to be. But you don't need to be an expert to know that one of the fundamental tasks of a parent — and this really speaks to the whole point of the endeavor — is to teach your child how to navigate the physical, moral, spiritual and intellectual dangers of life. This includes teaching them how to think, which could also be referred to as passing on your values and your worldview. If you have no interest in doing this, then I would suggest that you never really wanted a child — you wanted a friend. Now you have one. Living at home with you. Forever. Congratulations.
2) Chores schmores. What can they teach a kid? Discipline, obedience, and hard work? Screw that. What is this, the 50′s? Listen, Nick, don't take this the wrong way, but what leads you to the conclusion that your son is "gifted"? He can't mow the lawn, work a job, earn a living, pay a bill, apply a skill, or support himself, yet he's "gifted"? What are his gifts, exactly? You know, something tells me an astronaut's parents never have to inform people that their child is "gifted." People sort of pick up on that based on context clues. They behold his accomplishments and admire his achievements. They can SEE his gifts. He uses them, applies them, refines them. Your son MIGHT have gifts — the jury is still out — but whatever they may be, they'll atrophy and whittle away the longer he spends lounging in a bean bag chair eating macaroni and cheese.
3) So your brilliant and gifted 29 year old son would "starve" if he was forced to take care of himself? The "gifted" standard is getting lower by the day, isn't it? I've been living independently and taking care of myself since before I could legally drink a Heineken. I guess that makes me a Nobel candidate — if your helpless grown adult son gets to set the bar for "gifted."
The kind of oblivious snobbery you display used to be reserved for classes of nobility and royalty. Now, any drooling schlub who spent 4 years getting drunk and fornicating at college can claim to be "too good" for almost every available job. Your son isn't above anyone. He certainly isn't superior to hard working cashiers and retail clerks who support themselves, raise families and live full lives, as your little snowflake hides under his bed while mommy makes him hot cocoa and tells him he's special.
News flash, Nick: Junior ain't special. He graduated school, good for him. Anyone can do that if they've got money, time and no pressures or responsibilities from the outside world. Your little pumpkin doesn't "deserve" a job. I wouldn't hire him to dig a ditch, much less take on serious responsibilities of any kind. You can spend your whole life telling everyone what you and your son deserve, meanwhile the rest of us will be out in the world, earning, striving, accomplishing, living.
Nick, it's somewhat peculiar that you chose to end your email by chastising me for not having "life experiences." I'm two years younger than Nick Jr and I'm married with two kids. I've got a career in broadcasting and goals for the future that I'm steadily working toward achieving. I'm not exactly at the point where I've got enough material to write my memoirs, but I'll get there one day. In any case, you, my friend, need to take that "life experiences" lecture and bring it home to the pudgy couch potato sleeping in your basement.
Thanks for the email.
God speed,


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Capone Blouse
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Fitted longsleeved blouse in powder pink with a contrasting white collar and cuffs. This chic buttonfront blouse features a metal collar pin and passementerie cufflinks. The rounded hem is cut slightly longer at the back.
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A new permanent Holocaust exhibition was set up at Auschwitz last year, appropriately titled "SHOAH."
The exhibition is part of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, and is housed in Block 27.
SHOAH, the Hebrew word for the Holocaust, aims to give a complete overview of the Holocaust—how it happened, who was targeted, and how it was enacted.
"We wanted to present the main aspects of Shoah and put Auschwitz in a wider context of the Nazis' attempt to exterminate the Jews," said Avner Shalev, the exhibition's curator.
"In a place like this it doesn't have to be presented in a chronological order. We wanted to present it in a visual way to give a visitor the sense of experience."
The exhibition was designed and curated by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust trust. It replaces a communist-era display, which Yad Vashem said did not draw in many visitors.
Visitors to SHOAH will take in imagery, maps, photos and graphs displaying what life in Nazi Europe was like for Jews before, during and after the Holocaust.
In honor of the opening, Nobel laureate and Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel wrote a message to those who will visit the new exhibit:
"Open your heart, visitor. And your mind. And your soul. As you walk through the exhibition 'SHOAH' and are enveloped by the sights and sounds of the past, hear the voices of the victims, see the drawings of the children, touch the names of the murdered."
"Be this place's messenger. Take with you a message that only the dead can still give the living: that of remembrance."


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Look Inside
May 07, 2019
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Also available from:
May 07, 2019 | ISBN 9781984848123 | All
Say thank you to Dad with this perfect-for-Father's-Day gift book that features art from Dr. Seuss! Includes unrhymed lines about fatherly love and makes an ideal choice instead of a card!Show Dad some love on Father's Day–or ANY day–with this small hardcover book of simple, unrhymed observations about all the things we love and appreciate about our dads. An ideal gift for fathers (and grandfathers!) of all ages, Dr. Seuss's I Love Pop is illustrated with full-color art by Dr. Seuss from the books Hop on Pop, Horton Hatches the Egg, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, and many others. Who really needs aftershave or soap-on-a-rope? Shower Pop with love instead!
Theodor Seuss Geisel—aka Dr. Seuss—is one of the most beloved children's book authors of all time. From The Cat in the Hat to Oh, the Places You'll Go!, his iconic characters, stories, and art style have been a lasting influence on generations of children… More about Dr. Seuss
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A new Industrial Centres of Excellence (ICE) has been set up for young people who want to learn skills and develop a career in the building and construction industry.
The Centre of Excellence for the Built Environment (CE:BE) brings together local construction companies and education providers.
The CE:BE will help change the way local construction businesses engage with the schools and colleges in Bradford.
Wates Group Ltd are providing the first work placement through CE:BE on the Bradford Forster School site on Fenby Avenue. Naheem Ahmed is a second year student in Bricklaying at Bradford College and is the first student at the Centre of Excellence to be chosen to participate in work experience.
Hands on experience, alongside formal training, is an extremely valuable means to building a career in this fantastic sector. Naheem's placement is a prime example of how day-to day practice can develop a deeper understanding and ultimately boost employability.
The Centre of Excellence for the Built Environment is one of five ICE's that have been set up by Bradford Council. The other four ICE focus on the following skill sectors:
- Business and finance
- Environmental technologies
- Advanced manufacturing and engineering
- Retail and distribution
CE: BE is led by business partners and three educational partners, who are:
- Arnold Laver & Co Ltd
- Moortown Group
- Incommunties Group Ltd
- Rex Proctor & Partners
- Wates Group Ltd
- Tong High School
- Carlton Bolling College
- Bradford College
ICE student placement Naheem Ahmed (right) with Joe Siberry, Wates Production Trainee


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As an American visiting the State of Qatar, I had tons of questions regarding the Qatari culture (and Arab culture in general). With the help of Amal and her team, Embrace Doha catered to our every need from business etiquette to Family culture. Every session they conducted with us was very professional, friendly and inviting. They allowed "Open questions" and never once got offended with our questions. They are very passionate about what they do and I highly recommend Embrace Doha for all of your cultural needs, whether you are a visitor or live in the country. 10 Stars!
Embrace Doha is a fantastic initiative created by an amazing Local founder. I'm proud of the fact that they not only help spread local culture and awareness, but also help represent Qatar in a positive light. Embrace Doha helps expats especially feel at home here. I'm proud that ILQ and QTips can support their initiatives. A great company with a caring heart.
As a Qatari woman, I am so proud of Amal AlShammari and Embrace Doha, she's breaking the barriers between tourists and locals by providing full cultural experience that helps them to understand the Qatari life style. This project is definitely adding a lot of value to tourism in Doha, and open a door to the world.
I joined the Embrace Doha Ramadan introduction session at Souq Waqif in my free time and really enjoyed it and added value to my life. So, some might say, a modern Danish furniture retailer and traditional Qatari lifestyle, a traditional local with his falcon next to modern armchairs, Arabic coffee served to customers? How does that work together? Well, it does. I believe, it is our responsibility to honor Qatari lifestyle and to merge the best of two worlds and to create something new, to inspire and to get inspired.
We worked closely on the Qatar National Day project at Katara in 2015; and the collaboration between both our organisations showed great success at the execution of the event. Embrace Doha delivered an outstanding event that attracted a huge crowd and engaged with families like no other. We are very proud to have sponsored Henna Ahalha as we saw the true meaning of cultural exposure in the appropriate platform.
Born and raised in Doha, Amal came from a big traditional family of Bedouin heritage. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Qatar University in 2011 and currently works as Head of Business Planning Department in an oil and gas company. She is also the founder of Embrace Doha and a member of the Qatar Leadership Centre.
I am passionate girl who love creativity.
Hafiz is an easy-going individual and he's all about smiles. He has a degree in Events Management. He believes that making people smile is the key to your own happiness. Embrace Doha presents the opportunity for him to do all this - implement the skills he learned as an event organizer and making people happy.
Graduated from MMU University where he studied BBA in Management with Multimedia. An ambitious person that seeks to achieve his dreams in the business world. In his spare time, Mohamed spends his time reading, playing football, and traveling.


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Hello & Happy Thursday!
I have been on a roll with creating lots of sweet treats for Valentine's Day. Not sure what i'm going to do with it all LOL but hopefully I will be able to get it out of my craft room and not be tempted by all the yummy chocolate!
Anyways, here is another gift I made the other day that I just loved!!!
I will probably give this to my hubby since the inside says "You make my heart go Boom Boom"! LOL
I found these little tins at Michael's a few months ago in the dollar section. They are a nice tin for $1.00. I bought several in different colors. I added some paper from the Stacked with Love Paper Pack from Stampin Up and a punched heart from the Groovy Love stamp set. That stamp set has become quite the favorite of mine....so glad I got it!
The top of the tin I used the PS. I Love You set from a few years ago. It's filled with lots of sayings & cute heartsy things! I added some Real Red Stitched Ribbon, some heart rhinestones & popped up my heart. Then decided to make a matching card. The card is 3 X 3 in size and just the right size to go with my little tin.
Any questions please shoot me an email at firstname.lastname@example.com and i'll be happy to answer any questions!
Well, that's all I have for today!
Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!


text: Lailatul Qadr will be observed across the country with due respect and religious solemnity on Monday night.This night is believed to be the night when Allah revealed the Quran to the Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (SM).Muslim devotees all over the world spend this night offering prayers, ebadat-bandegi, zikir-askar, khatme Quran and milad mahfil for the Almighty's grace.Mosques around the country, including Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, will be holding special munazats and milad mahfils.Baitul Mukarram Mosque will start tilawat, hamd, nat, milad and munazat from Monday night. The mosque will start nafal ebadat and baad fazar akheri munazat from midnight.Arambagh Dewanbagh Sharif 'Bab-e-Rahmat' mosque will hold special Asheq-e-Rasul (SM) mahfil on Monday night, between maghrib and fazar prayer. The mahfil will consist of recitation from the holy Quran, waz mahfil and milad mahfil.President Zillur Rahman, prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and opposition chief Khaleda Zia have greeted countrymen on the occasion.Source: bdnews24.com


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Membership is for six long months!
When you sign up for our membership, you can take any of these courses or use any of these services for the one-time $29.99 fee!
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text: 12/30/12 UPDATE: SOLD* Let's try this again. 23" Raleigh Superbe 3-speed with working dyno hub. Sweet fenders, rack. It's all there, boys and girls. Seriously cool. The saddle's a bit Merle Haggard,but you can ride it as is. Locking fork! (I do not have the key, unfortunately, but it is cool!) The purists may scoff, but I also have a brand new pair of alloy 26 x 1 3/8" Sun CR-18 rims that you could lace up with the stock hubs and have a ripping rider. the headlight works, too. *SOLD*


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Listings in Brewery Bars, Child Friendly, Open Most Days and Playground in Bright
Bright Brewery
in Wheelchair Access, Playground, Open for Lunch, Open for Dinner, Open Weekends, Open Most Days, Open Daily, Live Music, Child Friendly, Brewery Tours, Brewery Restaurants, Brewery Bars, Breweries, Available for Weddings, Available for Functions
Overlooking the river, parks and mountains, Bright Brewery is an ideal destination for a beer and a bite. Relax with a flavoursome craft beer either outside on the Hop Terrace looking over the riverside parkland, or at the friendly bar.
121 Great Alpine Road
Bright, Victoria 3741
Review this


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World Media
Christmas shoppers pack malls on busiest shopping day of the year
The retailer will remain closed Christmas Day and reopen at 5 a.m. Monday. Macy's: Open from 9 a.m.to 6 p.m. Most open back up Dec.27 at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., but check your local branch to make sure. Winnipeg Transit will be operating on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day , Boxing Day and New Year's Day . Last year Christmas Eve peaked at 157 transactions per second.
World Media
Red Kettle Bell Ringing ends for the season
It usually needs about 30 volunteers for its seven locations and it estimates that it lost about 25-30 of its helpers. "This is an unprecedented coin donation in The Salvation Army", said Major Bob Mueller, Greater Green Bay Coordinator. But these days with fewer people shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, it can mean fewer donations going into red kettles to help those in need of help.
World Media
Israeli settlement resolution reflects "facts on the ground"
Defying heavy pressure from long-time ally Israel and President-elect Donald Trump for Washington to use its veto, the United States abstained in the Security Council decision, which passed with 14 votes in favour. "Hamas appreciates the position of the countries that voted in the Security Council for the right of the Palestinian people (to live) on their land", said Hamas spokesman Fawzy Barhoum.
World Media
Tesla's Autopilot Will Now Follow the Speed Limits Off the Highway
CEO Elon Musk shared a tweet on Friday confirming that they "might be ready to rollout most of Autopilot functionality for HW2 towards the end of next week". Prior to this update, owners were able to set the speed of the Autopilot's "Traffic-Aware Cruise Control" feature to up to eight km/h (five mph) over the speed limit on roads and non-divided highways when using Autosteer.
World Media
Breaks fibula Sunday, out for season
An air cast was put on his injured right leg and the quarterback was lifted onto a medical cart. The Titans (8-6), who are tied with the Texans for first place in the AFC South, need to win this game to set up a matchup with Houston for the division title next weekend in Nashville.
World Media
Boko Haram ousted from its last stronghold
The president congratulated Nigerian troops for "finally entering and crushing the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents at Camp Zero", deep in the Sambisa Forest in northeast Nigeria. In October, 21 Chibok girls were freed through negotiations between the government and Boko Haram , brokered by the Swiss government and the International Red Cross.


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With @TheresaMay2016's coronation we need an early General Election. The Tories now have no mandate. Britain deserves better than this.
The implication of this would seem to be that Tim Farron believes in a Presidential system. Which is strange given that the last time the Liberals were in Government they relied on a parliamentary majority to sustain them rather than a general election majority
Under presidential systems elections get boiled down to a binary choice – which probably means no look in for the Liberals.
Parliament is just as representative today as it was yesterday; problem (1) is
Continue reading


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Each year thousands of workers are injured or killed in construction site accidents. Our experienced construction accident attorneys at Buckley & Associates are dedicated to helping the victims of construction accidents receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Call us today at (206) 622-1100 to speak with one of our multi-lingual staff members about resolving your legal case.
See James Buckley's entire interview with ReelLawyers
Workers' Compensation or Civil Action?
In general an injured worker is not allowed to sue his or her employer for injuries that arise from work-related activities. Those injuries are covered under Workers' Compensation.
However, if a third party's negligence caused your injuries on the job site, you may be able to hold that party liable for your injuries. This is often important because Workers' Compensation benefits do not provide for the pain and suffering that a worker will endure as a result of the accident. You may be able to hold third parties responsible, including:
- Owners
- Architects
- Manufacturers of equipment
- General contractor
- Subcontractors
Contractors are required to provide a reasonably safe worksite with careful employees and adequate supervision and compliance with safety standards.
Defective Equipment
Manufacturers of the equipment involved in the accident may be held liable for defective products that were not properly designed, tested, or maintained. Defective or dangerous products can includemany different kinds of construction equipment used on the jobsite, such as :
- Cranes
- Scaffolding
- Power tools
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Our Washington Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help
Are you or a loved one suffering serious injuries that occurred because of an accident at a job site? Our attorneys are committed to protecting your legal rights to compensation. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we can evaluate and investigate your claim and work to resolve it for your benefit.
Please contact Buckley & Associates for your free consultation. We welcome clients throughout the state of Washington, including the Seattle and Tacoma areas.


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Once, New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest's most pressing problem was keeping her agency afloat. Now, she's dealing with two dangerous, seductive vampires who have been enemies for centuries. The only thing Max Carlyle and Alec Royce agree on is that they both want Shia-- for very different reasons.
Max is determined to destroy Shia for killing his progeny, while Royce's interest is a lot more personal. That's not sitting well with Shia's werewolf boyfriend, Chaz. As the feud between Max and Royce gets even more deadly, a powerful vampire-hunting faction is urging Shia to join their side. Shia has always believed vamps were the bad guys, but she's discovering unexpected shades of grey that are about to redefine her friends, her loyalties-- and even her desires.
Where does this review begin? Well I suppose first I should thank Jess & her super assistant Binah, for sending me the book to review. After reading Hunted by the Others I knew I wanted to continue following Shia's story.
Taken had a very deepened foreboding undertone. Jess writes wish such a sassy humor that one can't afford to pass up her books. This is book two in the H&W Investigations series. I was happy to see a good portion of my favorite characters retrun, in addition to some new ones being introduced. However Chaz seemed like a distant character, for about a 1/3 of the novel, in this book more than he was in the first. Chaz & Shia's relationship is faulty. It appears that their relationship has become as much of a background as Chaz's character was as well. One begins hopeful for a new relationship between Shia & Alec. I think John's character as a traitor was a predictability that I saw from the beginning of the novel. I will be beginning Decieved by the Others in the New Year. I anticipate the release of books 4-6 in the H&W Investigations series.
Favorite quotes:
"It wasn't fair (for a vampire) to be rich, good looking, and smart, too. Two out of three wasn't bad, three for three was just plain unfair.
"...even though the visible scars fade, some emotional ones take a lot longer to heal."


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Hello my friends, and welcome to Effortlessly Dressed. I'm Kay and I like clothes. A lot. Other things I like a lot include books, good food, good coffee, my delightful husband, two awesome stepsons, and darling daughter and son.
I was a fashion disaster growing up. I was a tomboy and didn't particularly care what I threw on in the morning. In school, I was more interested in books than gossip and boys. And then junior high happened. I got braces and for the first time I was noticing what the girls around me were wearing and how the boys were responding to them. The first day of high school was the real turning point for me. Over the summer between eighth grade and freshman year I had gotten my braces off, discovered how to style my previously unmanageable hair, and convinced my mom that I needed some new clothes to start high school.
I will never forget the moment in English class when the teacher taking attendance called my name and the girl in front of me, who was a cheerleader and I was pretty sure was just born lovely and put-together, whipped around and said, "Oh my gosh, I didn't even recognize you, you look amazing."
At that point, I realized the confidence that looking good and feeling good gives you. And over the years I've discovered that for me, liking the way I look in my clothes makes me more comfortable in my own skin. It makes me walk taller, project more confidence, and focus on being me an accomplishing the things I want to do in my life.
It's been a journey to figure out what my style is. And it's still evolving. But I do think that finding your "oh my gosh" moment can do wonders for your self-esteem. Even if you mostly find it in your own mirror.
So I hope that I can help you think about your clothes and the way you put yourself together. It makes a world of difference.