text:
Appeals court refuses to lift injunction prohibiting Alabama from banning abortions
A federal appeals court Thursday refused to lift a preliminary injunction prohibiting Alabama from banning abortions during the COVID-19 epidemic.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday issued a ruling that denied the state of Alabama's request to stay a preliminary injunction issued by federal district court Judge Myron Thompson.
The decision ensures that the injunction prohibiting the state from banning abortions as part of its COVID-19 response will remain in effect throughout the appeal. Abortion care will continue to be available.
"Today, the court refused to allow Alabama to use the COVID-19 crisis as a pretext to prevent patients from accessing abortion care," said Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, senior staff attorney at the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project. "This is a critical victory that recognizes that government response to the pandemic must be grounded in public health, not politics."
The decision comes after Attorney General Steve Marshall appealed Thompson's partial blocking of the state's temporary ban on abortions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his order, Thompson said of Alabama's temporary ban on elective procedures, "for some group of women, a mandatory postponement will make a lawful abortion literally impossible. Under Alabama law, a woman's window for seeking a lawful abortion is limited: abortion becomes illegal when the probable post fertilization age of the fetus is at least 20 weeks."
Marshall and the state of Alabama have argued that State Health Officer Scott Harris's order "covers all elective medical procedures, including abortions. The purposes of the order are to promote social distancing and ensure that scarce healthcare resources—including personal protective equipment for medical providers—are available for the fight against COVID-19."
"This ruling ensures that everyone in Alabama can continue to make the decision about whether to have an abortion for themselves," said Randall Marshall, executive director of the ACLU of Alabama. "We will keep fighting to hold our politicians accountable to protecting the needs of our communities, rather than using the pandemic to further an anti-abortion agenda."
DA defends imprisonment of disabled vet for marijuana charges
West Alabama District Attorney Andy Hamlin defended the court decision to revoke Sean Worsley's probation, sending the Black disabled veteran to state prison for 60 months on felony marijuana charges. Hamlin spoke to APR in a phone interview about the case.
Sean Worsley is a Black disabled veteran who was arrested on felony marijuana charges in Gordo in Pickens County in August 2016.
Advocates for marijuana legalization, sentencing reform and for veterans have denounced Worsley's treatment by the Alabama court system. On April 28 a circuit judge in Alabama revoked the Arizona man's Alabama probation, so he faces spending 60 months of his life as a guest of the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Hamlin is the district attorney for Alabama's Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Fayette, Lamar and Pickens counties.
"One thing that is being lost in this is that he was noncompliant," Hamlin said.
Hamlin said that Worsley was dismissed from the VA drug treatment program because he was noncompliant with the conditions of the program. That Worsley receive drug treatment for his marijuana addiction was a condition of his probation agreement.
"He would not conform. That is my understanding," Hamlin said.
Under Alabama law, possession of more than 2.2 pounds of marijuana is trafficking, a felony. Hamlin had considerably less than that. In non-trafficking cases there are several options that a person can be charged with. A key designation is whether the marijuana is "for personal use" or "for other than personal use." In Worsley's case, the arresting officer in Gordo made the determination that Worsley's marijuana was for "other than personal use."
Hamlin said that the arresting officer made the correct determination based on the evidence. In addition to the marijuana, Worsley had scales for measuring the marijuana and paper for rolling his own joints. The marijuana had also been removed from the prescription bottle it came in and been repackaged.
Hamlin said that the marijuana was for other than personal use was "a finding of fact. The charge was substantiated not only by the evidence; but it was spoken by the defendant in open court." Hamlin is referring to Worsley's admission of guilt when he pleaded guilty.
Worsley and his wife Eboni maintain that the marijuana was bought legally in Arizona, where Worsley had a valid medical marijuana card.
APR asked if Alabama should be locking people up for five years for something that is legal in 33 states.
"We don't make the law, we enforce it," Hamlin said of his job as district attorney. "If you want to change the law, then run for the Legislature."
APR asked why Worsley was charged with a Class C felony rather than another possible charge. Hamlin said that because it was a finding of fact that the marijuana was for other than personal use, it did not qualify to be treated as a Class D felony (which would have avoided imprisonment) or a Class A misdemeanor which could have brought a sentence of six months in the Pickens County jail. Hamlin maintained that under the sentencing guidelines, the Class C felony is the appropriate charge and is the charge it would have brought before the state passed sentencing reform in 2016.
State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ward sponsored the sentencing reform legislation in 2016. He disagrees with the sentence and called it "egregious."
Ward said that wording giving law enforcement the power to determine whether the marijuana was "for personal use" or was for "other than personal use" was already in Alabama law. The sentencing reform did not add that — but did not change that.
Hamlin said that Worsley was indicted by a Pickens County Grand Jury. APR asked how many Black people were on the grand jury. Hamlin said that he could not remember and it would be a violation of the secrecy of the grand jury process to share that.
Leah Nelson with Alabama Appleseed wrote a lengthy recap of the Worsley case. In it, Eboni Worsley argues that she has had to assume the role of Sean Worsley's guardian following his being wounded in the Iraq War and his post-traumatic stress disorder.
APR asked Hamlin if he had a professional evaluate Worsley's competency to stand trial and to enter into that plea agreement.
"No, because it was never alleged that he was not competent to stand trial," Hamlin said. "He was very cognizant and coherent. If I thought he was entering a plea involuntarily I would not have gone through with it."
"An assessment has never been done," Hamlin said, because the defense never asked for it. It is up to the defense to request that.
APR asked if Worsley had competent legal counsel.
Hamlin said that Worsley was represented not only by a court appointed attorney, but his family hired an attorney out of Birmingham to represent him.
APR asked: this all began in 2016 when Chris McCool was the DA. He is now on the Criminal Court of Appeals. Did you inherit this case from the previous DA?
Hamlin said that he was the assistant DA under McCool and actually handled this case then. While DA, like judge, is an elected position in Alabama, Hamlin was appointed DA to fill the vacancy by Gov. Kay Ivey.
"He went to prison out of a probation revocation," Hamlin said. "If he had gotten into some kind of treatment we absolutely would not be here."
"This was the last resort with his probation revocation," Hamlin said. "Talk to his Arizona probation officer. The reason we are here is because of his actions."
"I am sympathetic with the situation," Hamlin insisted.
APR said that we talked with a PTSD counselor on Monday who said that many of his clients with PTSD use marijuana to self-medicate their symptoms.
"I have great respect for him and his service, but the rule of law has to be maintained," Hamlin told APR.
APR asked: some have suggested that Worsley received worse treatment from the court system than a white person would.
"That is an absolute pile of crap," Hamlin said. "That is ridiculous and insulting that they would even say that."
APR asked if Hamlin has sent anybody else to state prison on felony marijuana charges.
"Yes, I have," Hamlin said.
Hamlin shared the court order revoking Worsley's probation:
"The Defendant admitted violating the terms of his/her probation as alleged by the State. The Court further notes that this was the Defendant's 4th felony conviction. The Defendant was previously allowed to participate in a drug rehabilitation program but refused to comply with program requirements and had failed to report to probation for over two years. Upon consideration of the evidence presented by the State at the Defendant's probation revocation hearing, the Court finds the above-named Defendant to be in violation of the above listed probation condition(s) and the Court is reasonably satisfied from the evidence that a violation of the conditions or regulations of probation occurred as specified in the Order of Probation, of which the Defendant has received a written copy. Accordingly, the Defendant's probation is hereby REVOKED. The Defendant shall receive credit for all time served on this charge. DONE this 28th day of April, 2020."
Chey Garrigan is the chief executive director of the Alabama Cannabis Industry Association. Garrigan said that Worsley should not spend years of his life in Alabama's dangerous and overcrowded prison system.
"The events that led to the imprisonment of Sean Worley, is NOT the FOCUS!" Garrigan said. "The focus is Alabama needs a medical cannabis program to include: the immediate release of non-violent offenders with any type of marijuana charges."
"Sean Worsley matters," Garrigan said. "A medical cannabis program in Alabama will boost the economy and create high paying jobs. If Alabama had a medical cannabis program, he would most likely not be imprisoned today."
Garrigan is urging the court to commute the remainder of Worsley's sentence and release him on time served.
Ward estimates that out of the 23,000 inmates in the Alabama Department of Corrections, 60 or 70 are there for marijuana charges only. Most of those are for trafficking.
Michael Fritz is the general counsel for the ALCIA.
"The ALCIA is fighting to allow those already suffering to have access to proper medication without the fear of becoming a felon," Fritz said. "Sean Worsley is a prime example of why we are fighting. Medical Marijuana can help our veterans that suffer from PTSD, anxiety as well as pain from physically disabilities."
Hamlin said that Worsley now has six felony convictions in multiple states.
U.S. Attorney Jay Town announces resignation
Jay Town, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, on Friday announced his resignation and plans to work at a Huntsville defense contractor and cybersecurity solutions company.
Town's resignation will be effective Wednesday, July 15, according to a press release.
"After much thoughtful prayer and great personal consideration, I have made the decision to resign as the United States Attorney of the Northern District of Alabama. I have tendered my resignation to Attorney General William Barr. General Barr expressed his gratitude for my service to the Department of Justice and to the Northern District and, despite having hoped I would continue in my role, understood and respected my decision," Town said in a statement.
"I am extremely grateful to President Trump, to whom I also tendered a letter, for his special trust and confidence in me to serve as the U.S. Attorney. It was an honor to be a part of this Administration with an unrivaled class of United States Attorneys from around the nation. I will forever remain thankful to those who supported my nomination and my tenure as the U.S. Attorney," Town continued.
Town said his job with the unnamed Huntsville defense contractor and cybersecurity solutions company is to begin later this year, and the company is to announce his position "in a few weeks."
"The Attorney General of the United States will announce my replacement in the coming days or weeks," Town said in the release.
Town has served in his position since confirmation by the U.S. Senate in August 2017. Prior to that appointment, Town was a prosecutor in the Madison County District Attorney's office from 2005 until 2017.
Attorney General William Barr in a statement Friday offered gratitude for Town's three years of service.
"Jay's leadership in his District has been immense. His contributions to the Department of Justice have been extensive, especially his work on the China Initiative and most recently as a Working Group Chair on the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. I appreciate his service to our nation and to the Justice Department, and I wish him the very best," Barr said in a statement.
The U.S. Justice Department in April 2019 notified Gov. Kay Ivey that the department's lengthy investigation into the state's prisons for men found systemic problems of violence, sexual assaults, drugs and corruption which are likely violations of the inmates' Constitutional protections from cruel and unusual punishment.
Town's office leads the discussions between the U.S Department of Justice and the state on the prison conditions.
Problems with violence, deaths and drugs in Alabama's overcrowded, understaffed prisons have not markedly improved in the year's since the U.S. Department of Justice released its report.
Under cloak of secrecy, dark money nonprofit targets Birmingham law firm
From the beginning, Forbes's "BanBalch.com" website set out to tarnish the law firm by claiming to expose "unsettling controversies surrounding Balch & Bingham," much of which stems from allegations, inference and speculation.
A California-based, dark money organization has set up shop in Alabama. It appears the move has substantially improved the group's financial outlook and altered its core mission.
Because of the group's federally protected status, it is impossible for the public to know who is pouring cash into Consejo de Latinos Unidos — translated as United Latinos Council — but a state tax lien and its CEO's website may offer a peek at what might be hiding behind the nonprofit's dark-money veil of secrecy.
Founded in 2001, and originally headquartered in Los Angeles, CDLU's stated mission, according to reports was to "foster, encourage and develop educational opportunities and programs in Latino communities."
Leaving its Latino-centric advocacy roots, the current website says the group's "primary mission is helping to provide urgent and life-saving medical care for those in need with nowhere else to turn."
Although it relocated to Birmingham sometime between 2013 and 2014, CDLU has never registered with the Alabama Secretary of State's Office — and its board of directors is still located in California and elsewhere.
In 2017, it appears CDLU once again found an added purpose for its activities far from its previously stated missions.
CDLU's CEO, Kevin Brendan Forbes, who goes by his initials "K.B." launched a website in 2017, on which he targets Birmingham-based law firm Balch & Bingham.
Mother Jones characterizes Forbes as a "self-styled 'child of the Reagan revolution,' [who] grew up in a mixed household in a Los Angeles suburb." Forbes also worked for far right-wing commentator and one time Republican presidential hopeful Pat Buchanan, as well as media-mogul and former Republican presidential contender Steve Forbes. (The men are not related.)
Why a leader of a nonprofit would devote daily energy to attacking a law firm is not entirely clear, but it seems to have begun with what Forbes refers to as the "Newsome Conspiracy Case," which involves an extended court battle between Burt Newsome, a Birmingham attorney, and Balch & Bingham.
Not only did CDLU's focus change when Forbes became close to Newsome, the organization's fortunes began to improve, as well.
Forbes is considered the driving force behind the group's ventures in Alabama. He is also personal friends with Newsome. Facebook posts show both Newsome and Forbes' wives enjoying social events on multiple occasions.
There is a direct friendship between the wives of Forbes and Newsome. They have been friends since at least 2016 and posts show a number of public interactions since then.
Forbes reserved the website "BanBalch.com" shortly after the Newsome and Forbes families formed a friendship, and the website's first articles were aimed squarely at Newsome's lawsuit with Balch & Bingham.
From the beginning, the website set out to tarnish the law firm by claiming to expose "unsettling controversies surrounding Balch & Bingham," much of which stems from allegations, inference and speculation.
Under the banner of his nonprofit, Forbes has also taken further steps to attack the firm's largest clients.
Forbes has taken credit for costing Balch & Bingham hundreds of thousands of dollars in client fees while also remaining fixated on the firm, writing Newsome a check to settle the disputed lawsuit with CDLU as mediator.
Why would CDLU offer itself as a mediator in a private lawsuit especially given the fact that Forbes is not an attorney?
From a ragtag blog to a more sophisticated web presence, BanBalch.com has expanded its coverage to include those associated with Balch & Bingham.
Veteran politicos who asked not to be directly quoted in this article to avoid being dragged into Forbes' intrigues suggest that those with other darker motives could use the site for a broader political agenda. These insiders question whether political operatives are now feeding Forbes opposition research and money to do their bidding.
As a federally sanctioned nonprofit, CDLU must complete an annual tax filing.
Federal Form 990, the annual statement that must be filed by all IRS recognized nonprofit organizations, shows that in the past five years, annual gross income of CDLU averaged $7,030. The last 990 filed for the year 2018 shows CDLU finishing the year with a $12,363 deficit, and all the 990s filed by CDLU for the past decade show the nonprofit has never paid anyone a salary.
While the 990 for 2019 is not due until November of this year, a tax lien from the state of Alabama filed on January 3, 2020, suggests that in the first three months of 2019, CDLU paid someone or some number of people between $186,000 to more than $500,000. The lien for $11,671.73 was for unpaid withholding tax to the state of Alabama — including up to a 25 percent penalty.
Depending on the number of people paid and the amount each person was paid, this lien represents a minimum of $186,000 in compensation paid and a maximum possibility of more than $580,000.
As a 501(C)(3), Forbes' organization is not required under federal law to publicly disclose donors. As a charitable organization, it is barred from engaging in political activity or supporting political candidates, and while most "dark money" groups are 501(C)(4)s for this reason, (C)(3)s operate with similar opacity in regard to their funding sources, though many publicly disclose their donors in the interest of transparency.
501(C)(3)s are also required to remain true to their founding purpose unless they notify the IRS in advance of the change in purpose.
An organization with a long history of little income and zero salaries appears from the lien documents to have paid more in compensation in the first four months of 2019, than it had collected in gross income for more than five years. Where did the money come from and what was CDLU doing to attract this kind of investor?
In his writings, Forbes has made it clear that paying Newsome would make the attacks on Balch & Bingham and the firm's clients go away.
Excerpts from an article Forbes has posted at least twice summarize the central focus of his efforts:
Forbes's words would seem to indicate that he set out to harm Balch & Bingham to force them to pay Newsome.
Is Forbes attacking the firm's clients to coerce a payment to Newsome? Did someone pay CDLU hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2019, as is indicated by the tax lien. Did Forbes pay his friend Newsome all or any of this money? Where did the money come from and who did Forbes pay?
Nonprofit organizations like CDLU do not have to reveal their donors. But during 2019, Forbes' attacks on Balch & Bingham's clients took on a wide-ranging field of subjects.
Politicos, who spoke with APR, posed the following questions: Did someone recognize that Forbes had created a communication channel through which they could accomplish goals that had nothing to do with Burt Newsome? Was a rival law firm paying Forbes to attack Balch to steal Balch's clients? Could environmental groups or their supporters be paying Forbes to attack utility companies? Were Washington-based lobbying firms paying Forbes to bolster their efforts to take Balch's national lobbying contracts?
The answer to these questions would easily be resolved if Forbes revealed who was paying him.
Forbes has indicated in writing that "this blog would not exist" if someone would just write Newsome a very large check.
Forbes has attacked clients of Balch & Bingham and told the clients the attacks would go away if they forced Balch to settle with Newsome, according to APR's sources.
A veteran of hundreds of legal skirmishes who, like others, asked not to be quoted because of Forbes' propensity to write unfounded accusations, said Forbes' actions in his opinion rose to extortion and tortious interference with business relationships.
Forbes has never fully explained why his nonprofit moved from California to Alabama, nor why CDLU's mission changed from Latino advocacy in Los Angeles to attacking a Birmingham law firm and its client.
When social media hoaxes and fake news are trade craft, there is a ready market for blogs like BanBalch.com, insiders believe.
The question that may need answering by law-enforcement is what is going on at CDLU that would allow them to operate Banbalch.com under a cloak of federally sanctioned secrecy?
Supreme Court sides with Alabama in COVID-19 voting case
The U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision Thursday blocked a federal district judge's order that would have made it easier for many Alabamians to vote during the pandemic, issuing an emergency stay of the lower court's injunction in People First of Alabama v. Merrill.
The court's more liberal justices dissented, while the five conservative justices voted to strike down the lower court ruling, which had blocked absentee ballot witness requirements in a few Alabama counties and a statewide ban on curbside voting programs.
The decision to grant the stay means that Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill's ban on curbside voting remains in place, and he may intervene into any county in Alabama to prevent curbside voting.
Voters in every county in the state must still follow all the required witness, notary and photo ID requirements for absentee ballots.
Federal District Judge Abdul Kallon had found in favor of the plaintiffs and issued an order allowing local officials to implement curbside voting. Merrill and the secretary of state's office appealed the lower court ruling to the Supreme Court, who issued the emergency stay.
The court could still hear Alabama's appeal, but the ruling was a blow for the groups representing the plaintiffs in the case. Caren Short is the senior staff attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center.
"While we are deeply disappointed with today's ruling, we look forward to presenting our clients' case at trial later this summer," said Short. "Our goal is simple though unfortunately at odds with Alabama officials. We want to ensure that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alabama voters will not be forced to choose between exercising their fundamental right to vote and protecting their health or the health of a loved one."
Deuel Ross is the senior counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
"We are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's stay," said Ross. "Unfortunately, this means that Alabama voters who are at greater risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 will be required to risk their health and violate CDC recommendations in order to vote on July 14. This is occurring at a time when COVID-19 infections are soaring in Alabama and nationwide. Nonetheless, the litigation will continue and we intend to seek relief for our clients and other voters in time for November."
Plaintiffs argued that making voters go to the polls and wait in line to show a photo-ID would be a bar to voting given the fear of the coronavirus in Alabama. Voters will have to decide whether voting in the July 14 party runoff elections is really worth the risk of possibly contracting the novel strain of the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and possibly dying.
At least 14 Alabamians died from COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the state death toll to 961. Additionally, 1,162 Alabamians tested positive for the coronavirus.
The state argues that voter ID and other security measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the vote and prevent voting fraud. Since his election as Alabama secretary of state, Merrill has said that it is his goal to "make it easy to vote and hard to cheat."


text:
Roused by the news from Korea, the Administration:
¶ Accused Communist China of "aggression, outright and naked," but was prepared later to call it simply "intervention" for United Nations purposes (see INTERNATIONAL).
¶ Dispatched grim-faced General J. Lawton Collins, Army Chief of Staff, posthaste for Japan and Korea to see MacArthur.
¶ Indicated that general wage and price controls would be put into effect. Treasury Secretary John Snyder said they would be necessary "to avoid damaging inflation."
¶ Asked Congress, in a special presidential message, to vote nearly $18 billion more "with the utmost speed"...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Alcohol, cliches, Drinking, Movie previews, movie trailers, Movies
My wife and I have invented a virtual drinking game. It's virtual because it's to be played in movie theaters, which don't usually allow alcohol.
It's the Movie Trailer Cliche Game. Take a sip every time a trailer includes:
"[Name] was just an ordinary guy — until . . ."
"I Feel Good" by James Brown, "All Star" by Smashmouth, "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses, or "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana by Carl Orff
Fast fades in and out of black
Person in front of explosion
Slow-motion walk toward the camera
People looking up in shock or awe
Three-word sentences (e.g., "This ends now," "Let's do this.")
Two-word sentences ("Let's roll" or, before a fight, "Let's dance.")
White or pale gold credits on a black background
Poop joke or fart joke in a kids' movie
Black screen with voice-over
By the end of the trailers before most movies, you'll be smashed silly.


text:
The Tricky Wife
A lady was walking down the street when she was a approached by a lady beggar asking for money.
The lady took a $20 bill out of her purse, and asked "if I give you this money will you spend it on chocolate."
"Don't be ridiculous" the beggar replied "does it look like I have nothing better to spend money on?"
"How about shopping?" she asked.
"No," the beggar said, "don't you understand I need money just to stay alive."
"Will you spend it on your hair?" the lady asked. Annoyed, the beggar replied, "No, I just need money for food, and shelter.
"In that case" the lady said "I don't want to just give you money I would like you to eat out with me and my husband tonight."
"Why?" The beggar asked.
"Well," the lady said "I think it's important for him to see what a lady looks like after she gives up chocolate, shopping, and hair appointments."
Fooling the Old Man
We've created this area in the hope of seeing material ranging from some well-told (or well retold) jokes to original writing with a humorous slant, or anything else that might appeal to the kind of person who enjoys playing with words more than people. That probably means someone like yourself. N.B. -- Postings preceded by ** contain some sexual or risqué content. (Makes them easier to find.)
Fooling the Old ManACCESS_POST_ACTIONS
Signature: "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things."
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
Posts Tagged "design"
An outstanding Creator meets his Creator. Steve Jobs, iBidgoodbye but not quite yet.
Oct 6, 2011 | Sandhya Srinivasan | In the name of Creativity, WOW Marketing
iCried today. Rarely has a perfect stranger caught me off guard like this. Then I realized I wasn't alone. Many more through scores of bytes zipping across the smallest & fattest pipes were expressing their deepest void like never before. It seemed like a favorite toy had been pulled away from us. We were adults for God's sake. Then why was there such an outpouring of emotions? The last time I felt sadness (like real sadness for a stranger) of a different kind was when MJ moonwalked away.
This post is a short & sweet one. Much like what Steve did to the many contraptions in our lives. Made them short, sweet & simple. The many words of gratitude continue to flow & I paused for a few moments wondering why across the world,…
Read More
When packaging creates visual symphony!
Apr 8, 2010 | Sandhya Srinivasan | Design & Identity
Am a die-hard design lover. And it makes so much business sense if brands in modern formats with shelf clutter, find their own visual way to titillate. Many categories have very little packaging design differentiation. And brands often don't express their positioning or brand personality through their designs. Sometimes it's the difficultly in changing moulds, at other times adherence to category codes is key and at some other times it's the need to preserve a design for years to come. Formulations, advertising and celebrities may change but packaging is stretched till recoveries are achieved.
Ignoring this ground reality, posted here are 10 refreshing approaches to design. Some did reach the retail shelves and some didn't. Some are conceptual while some others, purely a launch jig. But of the lot here, most are practical &…
Read More
- Brand Longevity (5)
- Business of Advertising (12)
- Consumer Behavior (17)
- Cool Advertising (4)
- Country Brand (4)
- Culture Codes (11)
- David & Goliath of Marketing (2)
- Design & Identity (1)
- DigiTechEra (5)
- Emerging Indian (2)
- General (2)
- In the name of Creativity (7)
- India Youth Trends (4)
- Launches & Relaunches (1)
- Social Responsibility (2)
- Storytelling (6)
- Trendstalk (2)
- WOW Marketing (11)
Error: Twitter did not respond. Please wait a few minutes and refresh this page.
Recent Comments
- Abhay Singh: Right now, I'm like "Same here, man !" I'm a student just gave my 12th boards...
- Abhay Singh: Loved Rumi's quote at the end of the movie. Truly awesome movies.. Rockstar <3 <3
- Anuradha: The best told stories whether in literature, life or visuals are the unspoken emotions. Anything overtly...
- Ehsan Siddiqui: Hello Anirban! Many a praise for this well written article:):) I would like to bring to your notice...
- Anirban: Imtiaz, plenty thanks for your kind comments. Glad that it made sense to the creator…Keep dazzling us...


text:
One Dead, Seven Injured After Shooting at Eaton Centre
About half an hour ago, news of a possible shooting at Eaton Centre began flooding Twitter (it all started, oddly, with reports from Toronto Blue Jays player Brett Lawrie, who appears to have been on the scene). The Toronto Police Service hasn't released any details yet, but TTC service between Bloor and Union stations has been suspended [ Service is back to normal.] while emergency responders deal with the incident. We'll post more details as we get them.
The TTC has announced that it is now diverting the 501 Queen streetcar around the Eaton Centre.
Police-scanner chatter indicates multiple victims, one of whom may be a pregnant woman whose water has broken.
Scanner chatter indicates the suspect is male, black, 27 years old, muscular, and possibly wearing a black hat.
Scanner description of a second suspect: Male, white, 30 to 40 years old, muscular build, short hair, wearing a black jacket and pants, and carrying a black handgun.
The TTC has announced that it is diverting the 505 Dundas streetcar around the Eaton Centre. The police appear to be evacuating employees from the mall.
reports that a shooting has been confirmed by police.CBC
report a massive police presence.Bystanders on the scene
Twitvid user TJ shows a man being wheeled out of the Eaton Centre on a stretcher:Video from
is reporting two injuries, one to a 13-year-old. The pregnant woman believed to have gone into labour, the Star says, was not injured.The Toronto Star
happened in the Eaton Centre's food court.CP24 reports that the shooting
reports that "Yonge Street is slowly returning to normal." Police tape is coming down, he writes, and traffic is moving on Yonge, past Dundas Street.Brian Tien Trinh, a Huffington Post intern who is tweeting from the scene,
The scanner now says police are looking for five young men, all believed to be between 18 and 23 years old. Four of them are being described as black, and one is being described as white. The one police think might have been the shooter is said to have cornrows, and to be wearing a black zip-up hoodie with white lettering on it.
From an interview conducted by Torontoist's Ryan Walker with John, an employee of The Source at the Eaton Centre, which is near the food court where the shootings reportedly happened:
"I was speaking with one of my employees when I heard two gunshots, followed by about eight to 10 more. I saw lots of people running up from downstairs, so I immediately got all the people in my store—customers and employees—to the back room. We were able to get our front gate closed, and then I directed all the customers through the back emergency hallways and up to the street-level exit. Once we had the customers out, I got my employees to grab their belongings…and also evacuate through the same route."
is reporting that police have confirmed one death and seven injuries.680 News
reports that the shooter is still at large, and that police aren't sure how many injuries are directly related to the shooting, and how many occurred during the subsequent rush for the exits.CP24
According to the scanner, Queen Street south of the Eaton Centre is now open for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
reports that one of the surviving victims is in life-threatening condition, while two others are in critical condition.The Star
We've just added a few more pictures to the photo gallery at the top of the post. All were taken in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Things have calmed down considerably since then.
has a list of the victims' ages and conditions. A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition.And CBC
The CBC also reports that Mayor Rob Ford was at the scene. They quote him as saying: "This incident tonight is absolutely terrible. We want to make sure these people are apprehended and arrested."
Here's a final update before we call it a night.
The TTC has announced a return to normal service on the 505 Dundas streetcar line, meaning traffic on that street is flowing normally once again. Police Chief Bill Blair has weighed in on the situation. He suspects the man who died was the one targeted by the killer (or killers), and that the other injuries weren't premeditated. Several police officers have told Torontoist that the mall will likely be closed tomorrow, and possibly on Monday. One police source says the body of the deceased is still inside the food court, as police continue to examine the crime scene. Subway trains are still bypassing Queen and Dundas stations. The New York Times has an article up.
We'll have a more concise roundup of information for you tomorrow.


text:
Greg Amundson is the founder of Satvana Yoga, Krav Maga Santa Cruz and CrossFit Amundson, all located in Santa Cruz, CA. Greg brings an electric combination of passion, credibility and real-world experience to his lectures on Yoga, CrossFit, Warrior Spirit and God's Love. Greg's late father, Dr. Raymond Amundson, was a Doctor of Chiropractic, Pastor, Bodybuilder, Naval Officer, Deep Sea Diver, Champion Swimmer and world renowned Energetic Healer. His mother, Julianne, was a lifelong Teacher, Minister and Peace Corps Volunteer, who gained recognition for her volunteer work in Jordan, which took her life in 2011. From a very young age, Greg was indoctrinated into the culture of healing practices, leadership, spirituality and ministry.
In December 2001, Greg became a founding Athlete of the now famous and worldwide CrossFit fitness program, and was personally mentored in the methodology of CrossFit by the Founder of CrossFit, "Coach" Greg Glassman. That same year, Greg became one of the first American Law Enforcement Officers to begin an advanced course of study in Krav Maga, the Israeli Military method of Hand to Hand Combat. Greg's mentor in Krav Maga was former Director of FORCE Training Londale Theus, who was the first American Law Enforcement Officer certified to teach Krav Maga. In 2004, Greg completed the rigorous Lead Advanced Krav Maga FORCE Instructor Program, and joined the team at Krav Maga Worldwide FORCE Division. Greg has been teaching CrossFit and Krav Maga for over eighteen years, and has instructed, lectured, lead seminars and conducted workshops, for an estimated (and conservative) ten-thousand hours. Greg has been referred to by his peers as a "Shihan" and "Sensi" (meaning Master Teacher) and "Coach". On August 26, 2018, after nearly 20 years of training in Krav Maga, Greg was awarded his Krav Maga Black Belt after four grueling days of testing at Krav Maga Worldwide Headquarters in Los Angeles, CA.
Greg learned the fundamentals of Asana, Pranayma, and meditation, from his father Raymond, who taught his patients these skills to assist in spinal health and spiritual alignment. Greg was the first CrossFit Coach to advocate for a spiritual practice within CrossFit, and devised a specific warm-up involving prayer, Yoga, Chi Gong, Tai Chi, and breathing exercises to ensure safety and capacity in CrossFit workouts.
In October 2011, during the infamous SEALFIT Kokoro Camp, Greg began an advanced course of study in Warrior Yoga (currently known as "Kokoro Yoga") with SEALFIT and Warrior Yoga Founder, Commander Mark Divine of the US Navy SEALS. Greg is a certified advanced teacher of Kokoro Yoga and a graduate and personal friend of Rolf Gates and Gates Yoga Enterprise.
Greg served in both State and Federal Law Enforcement for over sixteen years in numerous capacities to include SWAT with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and as a Special Agent (SA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the Southwest Border. Greg was the DEA Liaison to the highly regarded Border Enforcement Security Task-Force (BEST) Team. Greg also served as a US Army Military Police Captain and TAC Officer (Teach – Access – Counsel) where he instructed combatives, Yoga, CrossFit and leadership at the United States Army Officer Candidate School at Camp San Luis Obispo, CA. Greg currently serves as a Reserve Peace Officer and Law Enforcement Chaplain in Santa Cruz, CA, with the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol.
Greg has been featured in numerous magazine articles including Competitor Magazine, Mens Health, WOD Talk Magazine, Outside Magazine, Inside The Box Magazine, Santa Cruz Good Times, and Police Magazine. Greg is the Fitness Expert for Calibre Press Law Enforcement Magazine and his contributions to CrossFit and the Law Enforcement community have been chronicled in the bestselling books Inside The Box and Learning To Breathe Fire.
Greg is the author of four books, Your Wife is NOT Your Sister, God In Me, Firebreather Fitness and the Amazon #1 multi-category bestselling book The Warrior and The Monk. Greg is also a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Law Enforcement Chaplain, highly respected lecturer and educator on such topics as Universal Law, Leadership, Warrior Spirit, and Gods Love. Greg's Podcast "The Greg Amundson Show" has been praised as an encouraging warrior's perspective on the Word of God. Greg is currently a Graduate Student at Western Seminary in Milpitas, CA., where he is pursuing a Masters of Divinity.
- Warrior Yoga Workshop I with Greg Amundson
- Warrior Yoga Workshop II with Greg Amundson
- Warrior Yoga Workshop III with Greg Amundson
- Complete 1 Hour Warrior Yoga Practice with Greg Amundson
- Fitness For Leadership
- Commitment Part I with Greg Amundson
- Commitment and Warrior's Language with Greg Amundson
- Positive Self-Talk with Greg Amundson
- Accomplishment of a 10 year Goal
- Positive Self Talk
- SEALFIT experience with Greg Amundson
- Holistic Nutrition Seminar Part 1 [video]
- Holistic Nutrition Seminar Part 2 [video]
- Conversation With a Modern Day Warrior
- Service On The Warriors Path (Greg Amundson with Kenny Kane)
- Spiritual Fitness (Greg Amundson with Doctor Nicholas Romanov)
- Warriors Service (Greg Amundson with Mark Divine)
- GI Jane
- Amundson Warm-Up
- Heavy Fran
- Fran (Annie & Greg)
- Tabata Push Up's
- Fran (Greg & Josh)
- "In The Kitchen With Greg" [video]
- "In The Kitchen With Greg Episode 2" [video]
- CrossFit Radio Interview
- CrossFit Radio Interview II
- CrossFit Radio Interview III
- Fitness For Leadership – Presented at the Texas A&M Leadership Summit in Frisco, Texas
- Forging Elite Leadership
- Coaching The Mental Side of CrossFit
- CrossFit HQ History
- Diet Secrets of the Tupperware Man
- Good Housekeeping Matters
- The Chink in my Armor
- How to Grow a Successful Garage Gym
- Training 2 Miles to Run 100
- Diet Secrets of the Tupperware Man Vol. II


text:
The white heart was broken when the spell began- FIND OUT
A person with a good heart and good life can have effects by evil eyes, but 'voodoo'? It's the work of a person who is jealous, angry and envious about the good person and his or her life. Voodoo work is done to take revenge or to fulfill the need to hurt another. There are voodoo workers who do the voodoo work, definitely it s scary and dangerous. A person with a sound mind will not do such things, will not support such thing. Possession and good life is something that you should work hard to earn, not by doing voodoo spells.
There will be changes in the victim once he or she is subjected to voodoo spell. There are numerous symptoms for a victim. Symptoms can be physical or psychological, or both. It depends on the voodoo work and its power.
Be cautious regarding following symptoms;
- If you are a victim you might feel exhausted, faintish and dizziness.
- Most of the time victims are unconscious.
- There will be abrupt change in the personality.
- The victim will become shot tempered.
- Sometimes the victim will cry out loud for no reason and some other time the victim might laugh for no specific reason.
- Feeling of killing oneself (this depends on the voodoo spell and power)
- The victims might complain about hearing voices.
- Sudden attraction to alcohol and drugs.
- Relationship problems may occur.
- Mostly victims will have nightmares related to evil pictures.
- Suddenscary thoughts may invade the person.
- Persistent disease.
- Sudden violence activity in a public.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Difficulty in communication.
Remember not to panic if you are a victim, if you become angry you are paving path to the voodoo working to increase its power. Every cause in this world has a solution. If you are victim you have to act fast to break the voodoo curse.
Some people tend to ignore it, which is not at all a good idea. You might be a brave person but removing the voodoo curse is the wise choice. Any white heart can be destroyed by voodoo curse, do not let it happen.


text:
Daegu's Festivals You Can Enjoy in the Spring
It's very chilly these days. The colder the weather gets, the more we wait for the warm spring. Here are spring festivals ready to warm your heart!
Palgong Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival
Palgong Mountain Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Palgong Mountain fountain square which is located in the city Daegu, A road that ranges from baekam 3-geori to Sutaeji has a nice scene to see the cherry blossom trees while you drive a car or walk on the sidewalk.
─ Venue: Fountain Square of Palgong Mountain Donghwa area
─ Address: Fountain Square of Palgong Mountain Donghwa area, Dong-Gu, Daegu
─ Phone number: 053-982-8108
─ Homepage: http://www.palgongsan.org/
Hajungdo Island Yuchae Flower Field
The yuchae blossom is expected to be at its peak 1 or 2 weeks after the opening date.Plan ahead your trip to Hajungdo island flower field. Spread the news to your friends inside and outside Daegu!
─ Venue: Hajungdo Island
─ Address: 681-1 Nogok-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu
Biseul Mountain Azalea Festival
Located in the countryside to the southwest of Daegu, lies Biseulsan Mountain, which plays host to fields of blooming azaleas during April. A local festival is held at that time, featuring various events, folk playgrounds, and pleasing views. In the nearby countryside, you can also witness some breathtaking Buddhist temples that the area is famed for, such as Yugasa, Sojaesa, and Yongyeongsa Temples.
─ Venue: Technical police owned culture land
─ Address: 230, Hyuyangnim-ro, Yuga-Myeon, Dalseong-Gun, Daegu
─ Phone number: 053-668-2172
─ Homepage: http://www.biseul.kr/
Colorful Daegu Festival
The Festival has the meaning that citizens of all citizens enjoy the festival with parade and festival artists gathered in the civic culture center to enjoy direct experience by participating in the program. It spreads around various street performances and parades and festivals to create a downtown street in 2.28 Jungang Memorial Park and Gukchaebosang Memorial Park containing the identity of Daegu.
─ Venue: Gukchaebosang-ro (street) (Seosung R ~ Jungang R ~ Jonggak R)
─ Phone number: 053-430-1265
─ Homepage: http://www.cdf.or.kr
Merrymaking at the Lantern Festival
Merrymaking at the Lantern Festival is a tradition that has been passed down since the Shilla Dynasty.One of the most popular programs is the flying of wish lanterns where people come together and light the lantern and wish upon it as it floats up.
─ Venue: Gukchaebosang Memorial Park, Daegu Duryu Park, Sincheon and Daegu Downtown Area
─ Phone number: 053-623-6388
─ Homepage: http://www.gwandeung.or.kr/


text:
[Important] Travel News for Expats: China travel is reopening! Travel with China Discovery and learn about where to visit & requirements for each destination! Read Details >
Heavenly Landscape
Arrive at Shanghai and visit its modern and traditional sites, such as Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center and Old French Concession, etc.
Take a high speed train to Hangzhou to explore the beautiful Jiangnan-Style attractions, such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Wuzhen Water Town.
After arrival, spend half day to go to visit World Heritage Site Hongcun and Xidi Ancient Villages. Then explore the stunning scenery of Huangshan - lofty rocky peaks, cloud sea, sunrise. Also Depart from Huangshan to next destination.
Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis of China!
Upon arrival, you will be met by local tour guide at the arrival hall of the airport and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.
Optional Evening Activity - Enjoy an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking "balls of death" acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00)
You will take a full day of sightseeing to explore both the past and present of Shanghai. Your first stop is Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum, with a round top and a square base which symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world as "round sky, square earth", has collected many international-standard exhibits of bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, jade from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. To help you learn about the history and facts about the relics in the museum easily, an Audio Explanation Device will be prepared for you.
Then you will take an interesting visit to Yu Garden, a shining star among all the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This garden fully embodies the traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your mood and spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor tasteful local snacks and explore elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Next, you will drive several kilometers to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 100th floor (474m) of "the Eye of Shanghai" Shanghai World Financial Center.
You will then be transferred to another popular landmark of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise as well as a great place to take a wonderful walk to experience the modern atmosphere of the City. Lastly, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes!
Optional Evening Activity - Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city's most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. First, you'll pay a wonderful visit to Jade Buddha Temple, the site of the largest Jade Buddha in the world and numerous religious artifacts, ancient statues and Buddhist scriptures. This peaceful kingdom of Buddhism hidden among modern blocks and dominating mansions is a great place for a nice break in this very busy city.
Next, you'll be transferred to Tianzifang which is touristic arts and crafts enclave that has developed from a renovated traditional residential area in the French Concession area of Shanghai. It is the typical tourist attraction to appreciate the preservation of local Shikumen architecture. In this place full of rich flavor of life, you can leisurely stroll along the clean old alleys to watch the daily life of local Shanghai people, savor a cup of drink at the open-air café, and find some interesting things in the novel shops to feel the international feature mixed with real Shanghai culture.
After the tour, your guide escort you to take a high speed train to Hangzhou (about 1 hr). Upon arrival, the local tour guide and driver will meet you in the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel. The rest time is free for you to relax.
In the early morning, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby, and then set out on today's sightseeing.
Firstly, spend the peaceful and less-crowded morning time to visit the iconic and World Heritage site of Hangzhou - the picturesque West Lake. You will start with a 45-minute leisure cruise to enjoy the tranquil lake views as well as the ancient pagodas, traditional arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, beautiful hills, green islands and lush gardens. After the cruise, disembark the lake shore to stroll leisurely on the famous Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, and explore the poetic sites around, such as Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond, etc.
Leave West Lake, and move on to next site - Lingyin Temple, about 3km west away from the West Lake. With a history of nearly 1700 year, Lingyin Temple is hidden in the luxurious forest, and offers charming and peaceful landscape and impressive Buddhist culture. Next, extend your visit to the adjacent Feilai Peak which features in uncountable Buddhist carvings lining the riverbanks and hillsides and tucked away inside grottoes.
Lastly, drive about 7km to Meijia Dock Dragon Well Tea Village. After arrival, you will go for a walk among the tea plantations, marvel at the beautiful surrounding scenery, and sit down to enjoy a cup of the best Dragon Well Tea. After the enjoyable tea time, say goodbye to the host, and drive to the China National Tea Museum to learn systematically about Chinese Tea Culture.
Optional evening activity: 1) watch a magnificent night show - the Impression West Lake, a live performance with changing lights, music and dancing on the West Lake, which usually starts at 7pm; Notice: the Impression West Lake would be unavailable during December 16, 2017 to the mid-March, 2018 for the cold winter in Hangzhou. 2) feast your eyes to enjoy an amazing Music fountain show at Third Park , near the eastern lakeside of West Lake.
Today after breakfast, you'll be transferred to take a high speed train to Huangshan City, which will takes about 2 hours to get there. After arrival, be greeted by your local tour guide and driver. Then drive about 1 hour from the train station to visit the famous Chinese-painting-like ancient village - Hongcun.
Hongcun Ancient Village is a famous UESCO World Heritage Site. Its layout, landscape, architectural form, decoration, and construction techniques are the best examples of ancient Huizhou-style architecture. Originated during Song Dynasty (960-1276), is praised as the most beautiful village in China. It is famous as the ancient village in the Chinese painting. The most beautiful sites are the Moon Lake, the crescent-like pond surrounded by several grand dwellings, and Southern Lake Academy, a private ancient school served for the village. One interesting fact is that the whole village is arranged in the shape of an ox. The famous Oscar-winner film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon were filmed in Hongcun.
After the Hongcun visit, you will be escorted to your hotel in Huangshan City.
Today after breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, then drive about 80 kilometers (1.5 hours) to the foot of Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the most beautiful mountains in China. Your memorable Huangshan trip starts!
To save energy and time, you will directly transfer by park bus from the mountain foot to Yungu Temple to take a cableway to upper beautiful sightseeing area of Huangshan Mountain – North Sea Scenic Area which is famous for marvelous precipitous peaks, beautiful giant pine trees and far-reaching vision. Walk to lofty Begin-to-Believe Peak (1668m) to stretch your eyesight over cloud seas to far distance, and then hike about 40 minutes to Dispelling Cloud Pavilion to look down the Dreamland - West Sea Grand Canyon. Walk down along the stone steps to the bottom of the canyon while enjoying the Avatar-like rising rock peaks, unfathomable cliffs, bizarre stones and tenacious pine trees.
Generally speaking, it takes about 3 hours for energetic hiker to hike from the Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, via 1st Ring and 2nd Ring to the bottom and return to the starting point. For beginners, children, and senior travelers, you can decide the hiking length on your own according to your, usually 2 hours for the 1st Ring and 2.5hrs for the 2nd Ring. In the bottom of the canyon, there is also a monorail cable trains for those who don't want to return by walking to transfer back to the peak area.
If time and energy allow, you can spend about one hour to explore the Sky Sea Scenic Area where you can enjoy the sunset from the second highest peak - Bright Summit (1840m), visit the incredible Flying-over Rock, then return back your hotel and have a good rest.
(Please Note: from December to the late March of next year, West Sea Grand Canyon is usually closed for the cold weather and heavy snow. Please feel free to contact us to adjust your itinerary)
Get up early (usually around 5am to 6am) to enjoy the magnificent sunrise from Huangshan. We suggest you watch the sunrise from the Refreshing Terrance which is only a few minutes' walking from Beihai Hotel. In good-weather days, you can see clearly the golden light of the sun piercing the mists, and rocky peaks rising above the frothy, ever-changing sea of white clouds. After the sunrise, get back to your hotel for breakfast.
Continue on your wonderful sightseeing on the Yellow Mountain to see the famous Dawn Pavilion, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak (1690m). Then walk along the wood path to the cable station to take a cable car to exit the mountain. Your driver is ready at the mountain foot to transfer you back to Huangshan City for lunch.
After lunch, go for a relaxing stroll on the 900-year-old Tunxi Ancient Street to appreciate authentic old Huizhou-style architectures. Next comes an interesting visit to Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory to find out how ancient Chinese people produce ink sticks (major item used to write and paint in ancient time).
After the ancient street trip, drive to the airport or railway station to catch your flight/train to next destination.
Suzhou of over 2,500 years old is abundant with ancient culture and history of Wu State in ancient times.
City like Suzhou which gathers its best highlighting attractions together in the historical old city area is ideal for taking a day trip. This tour brings you the best features of Suzhou in a brief day tour - Appreciate the beautiful Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous classic gardens of China; Spend some leisure time on the Shantang Street to experience the very history and local life of Suzhou; Explore the most historical site in Suzhou – Tiger Hill; Have fun to see see how the exquisite silk garment is produced at No.1 Silk Factory.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2021.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.95. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
To make your life more colorful and interesting, you could take our best-selected optional activities in the most popular destinations like Beijing, Xian, Guilin and Shanghai.
You have the final say whether you want it or not. It would be better to decide when you are in the destinations. On one hand, the shows and performances may change according to season and weather. On the other hand, you can check your physical condition, time and discuss with your experienced local guide who may give you useful suggestions. If you are interested, your patient guide will accompany you there and escort you back to your hotel. Please pay attention that extra fee is charged for the optional shows and activities.
Place: Beijing Red Theater
Show Time: Daily 17:15 - 18:30 and 19:30 - 20:45
Nearby Attractions: Temple of Heaven
Useful Advice: You'd better watch it after visiting Temple of Heaven on the second day in Beijing.
Beijing Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern dance which has become the most loved Kung Fu show in China. The Kung Fu show not only shows about the performance of Chinese Kung Fu, but also tells about the story of Chinese young boy who dreams to become a Kung Fu master. The whole story includes seven scenes from "Initiation", "Learning", "Casting", "Illusion", "Remorse", "Passing through the Gate", to "Enlightenment". It will be a memorable experience to watch the Legend of Kung Fu when traveling in Beijing.
Place: Several restaurants are offered. You may use the one close to tourist sites and your hotel.
Nearby Attractions: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
Useful Advice: Enjoy Beijing Roast Duck after visiting Great Wall on the third day in Beijing.
To enjoy the local flavor of Beijing, you should not miss Beijing Roast Duck. The roast duck is with thin, crisp skin and tempting color and its meat is fresh, tender, rich and fat but not greasy. Getting into the roast duck restaurants, you could catch the chance to know more about how a Beijing Roast Duck is made and watch the cook slice the duck into pieces with both skin and meat for each. When taste the duck, you could wrap duck, scallion, cucumber in a pancake or a sesame bun. Also, you could choose some other spices and sauce when tasting the delicious duck.
Place: Yiyuan Theater
Show Time: 19:30 - 20:50
Nearby Attractions: Temple of Heaven
Useful Advice: A good optional activity for you who have more free evenings in Beijing
Beijing Opera is the quintessence of Chinese culture which combines literature, music, dance, vocal performance, fine arts, acrobatics and many other arts. Travelers could enjoy charming Beijing Opera in Liyuan Theater in the evening. The repertoire of Liyuan is an interesting combination of delightful humor and old Beijing culture. You could enjoy the four parts Beijing Opera repertoires - "Farewell My Concubine", "The Crossroads", "A Bird in Cage" and "Drunken Beauty". By enjoying the repertoires, you could have better understanding about the four main types of performers, Chinese literature, music and art.
Dinner Time: around 18:30 -19:50
Show Time: around 20:00 – 21:00
There are three options for you: enjoy Dumpling Dinner and Tang Palace Dance Show together, only Dumpling Dinner, only Tang Palace Dance Show. If you want to do both, you'll enjoy the Chinese traditional dumpling banquet first and then the fabulous Tang Palace dance and music. During the dinner, travelers could taste many combinations of dumplings, all shapes, sizes and flavors. While, the Tang Palace Dance Show take you to a magical journey through the ancient and prosperous Tang Dynasty (618-907). Enjoy the story told through impressive acting, dance and singing, traditional orchestra. It will be an amazing evening for your life in Xian.
Time: about 2 hours
Length: 13.7 km
Bike Rent: You can rent a bike near South Gate City Wall
Useful Advice: You could choose to ride part of the wall instead of whole circle.
Xian Ancient City Wall stands 12 meters tall and 12-14 meters wide at the top. It is quiet suitable for riding a bike on the wall which covers a length of 13.7 km. Start from South Gate City Wall and ride and pass East Gate, North Gate and West Gate and 98 ramparts and more. Moreover, along the riding, you'll experience the local customs of the street market, see the historical relics and have a look at the modern side of Xian.
Place: Several world class theaters are offered. You could use the one based on your likes.
Show Time: 19:30 - 21:00
Watching acrobatic in Shanghai is a magic experience for an exciting out in Shanghai. It is performed by the main troupes - Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe or Shanghai Circus World. Travelers could watch world famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe performs programs like Hula Hoops, Squeezing through the Barrel, Juggling Benches, Balancing on the Chair, Pagoda of Benches, Bicycle Skill, Play Diabolo, Kicking Bowls on the Bicycle, etc. Also, enjoy the famous "Ball of Death" with fast action and fun. If you like, you could choose to watch "Era - Intersection of Time" with many highlights presented.
Route: Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Shanghai Longyang Road Station
Operation Time: Longyang Road Station: First Train: 06:45; Last Train: 21:40. Pudong Internation Airport Station: First Train: 07:02; Last Train: 21:42.
Useful Advice: Make sure you'll arrive at Pudong Airport and arrival time is able to take it.
If you arrive in Shanghai at Pudong International Airport, taking a high-tech maglev train to Pudong New Area will be awesome experience for your first stop in Shanghai. Also, you could transfer from downtown to the airport. It is available from 06:45 to 21:42, with services every 15 to 20 minutes. The 30 km journey just takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds. You could imagine how fast it is.
Available Cruising: in the daytime & at night
Duration: about 45 minutes
Useful Advice: Cruise ships vary in size, decoration and amenities. Choose the one which best suits for your time.
Huangpu River is a silent eyewitness to Shanghai's history and development. Taking a cruise on Huangpu River will let you witness modern side of Shanghai and feel the old Shanghai culture. The cruise ships usually depart from the wharf close to the Bund. After board on the ship, you'll view many spectacular sights both on the west and east bank along Huangpu River. Along west bank, see The Bund, Monument to the People's Heroes, Waibaidu Bridge, etc. Along the east bank, view Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Lujiazui Financial Zone, etc.
Place: Lijiang Shanshui Theater
Show Time: 19:45 for first run; 21:20 for second
Useful Advice: It takes 30 minutes by walking from Yangshuo West Street and 5-10 minutes by battery car.
Impression Liu Sanjie, directed by Zhang Yimou, is a splendid musical night show with the stage set right on the Li River and twelve mist shrouded hill and the heaven as its backdrop. This show, telling a legendary story about a Zhuang minority girl named Li Sanjie, integrates the elements of folk culture, classical folk songs and fishing lights. Enhanced by music, stage effect, lighting and costume, the spectacle becomes part of the landscape, reflecting the harmony of man with nature.
Route: Yangshuo County - Moon Hill - Yangshuo County (the route may change according to your likes and interests)
Travel Time: a half day
Useful Advice: feel free to decide whether you want to bike or take private car and we arrange based on your likes and requirements.
This is the classic biking route at moderate level for general physical travelers. Your exciting biking trip starts from Yangshuo West Street and then head to G321 to cycle along Ten-mile Gallery with beautiful karst landscape, fields and buffalos, etc. You'll Pass Butterfly Spring, Big Banyan Tree Scenic Area, Moon Hill, Moon Hill Village and tour around. After the happy time in the countryside, ride back to Yangshuo County. Taking private car is another choice to enjoy the picturesque scenery out of Yangshuo County. It helps you explore the idyllic countryside in a comfortable and relaxing way.
You need to pack some personal gears, such as light and comfortable walking shoes, outdoor coat and pants. You'd better also pack sun cream, sun glasses.
1. A valid passport, a valid China visa and Tibet Permits are necessary documents for traveling in Tibet.
2. In Tibet, we suggest you avoid strong activity; do not take shower at the first day; drink more water and avoid of alcohol; better not to take oxygen if your AMS symptoms are mild. Always remember that if you have any problems or feel uncomfortable, please tell your guide immediately or contact our travel consultant.
3. A windbreaker, a pair of durable and comfortable shoes, a down jacket (better with hat), sunscreen cream, sun block, skin cream and lip balm, sunglasses, medicine for urgent use.
Chengdu Research Base of Panda Breeding is only available to see giant pandas. If you are interested in giant panda volunteer experience, please extend to Dujiangyan Panda Base, Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base or Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Base instead.
Taking high speed train to travel around China will be unique and special experience for you. Instead of taking flight, you can take high speed train from Beijing to Xian/Xian to Beijing, Chengdu to Chongqing, Yichang to Shanghai/Shanghai to Yichang, etc. All are within comfortable traveling time to reach the destinations. If you are interested, please feel free to ask our travel consultants to arrange high speed train for you.
Vegetarian food in Chinese cuisine culture is usually divided into 3 categories: the Monastery Vegetarian Food, the Court Vegetarian Food and the Folk Vegetarian Food. And the main ingredients are: soybean, taro powder, mushrooms, fresh vegetables and tofu (bean curd). It will be easier to find the vegetarian restaurants in big cities of china, such as: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, HK, etc.
We suggest you to list any food or ingredients that you are allergic to and let our travel consultant know. Then your travel consultant will mark them in the guide's itinerary, so that our guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.
The tour guides and driver will be at the same restaurants with you, but they will only join the meal when you invite. Sometimes the drivers are shy to join as they usually eat fast and could not understand English talk around the table, so the guide will be with you more often.
Yes, you will. There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants, if you are interested in local food tasting. But remember, some local snacks may not match your stomach, so ask your guided for more information before eating.
In China, there are myriads of souvenirs for visitors, and each city has its own specialty.
Some of the best buys are:
Bargains are not acceptable in big supermarkets and department stores. But in some night markets or tourist shops, you can bargain for a lower price, since the vendors always ask for very high price for a certain item. You'd better ask the opinion of the guide first, and then the guide will tell you the real value and quality of the item. Please note that when the bargain is processing, the guide will be hesitate to help as it may annoy the bosses. Just try to let the guides know you will bargain in advance.
If you do not need something from them, just do not ask for price. Some of the venders are very persisted, and if they keep selling things to you, you can simply say "No, thanks." (Chinese pronunciation: "Bu, XieXie"). If they do not give up, you just keep silence. Silence is sometimes useful to handle this situation.
Call your guide, or if you can't find your guide, call your travel consultant or our office immediately. All the phone numbers include in our confirmation letter. Keep the letter with your during your trip.
Note: As our Beijing office is using the different guide arranging system, so we will not be able to provide the Beijing guide information until the day before you arrival, but once we have it, we will email you immediately.
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they'll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years' driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you'll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests' feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Mt.Huang
Shanghai / Huangshan
Shanghai / Jiuhuashan / Huangshan
[Important] Travel News for Expats: China travel is reopening now! Travel with China Discovery and learn about where to visit & requirements for each destination! Read Details >


text:
I've submitted a session proposal to the free, online GroupBy conference. Voting will open for sessions soon, but before then, you can help me out by reading my abstract. Is it a session you'd like to see?
Got any constructive criticism that you think would make the session or abstract better? Let me know in the comments over on the abstract for "What 'Digital Transformation' Means, and How You Can Use It to Advance Your Career (Without Being a Robot)"


text:
Total CSR - Onboarding Solution
Insurance Industry's Best Onboarding Solution!
Founded by owners of a 3rd generation insurance brokerage, Total CSR was created out of the critical and ongoing need for practical insurance training.
The benefit of Our Onboarding Solution:
- Onboard individuals with no prior insurance experience
- Dramatically decrease onboarding expenses
- Increase new hire productivity by 54%
- Onboard individuals anytime, and anywhere
- Radically reduce the new hire onboarding timeframe
- Decrease new hire turnover by 50%
One Solution for Your Entire Agency
- Agency Hires New Employee
- Employee Enrolled in Total CSR
- Employee Completes Self-Paced Program (50-80 hours total)
- Employee Begins Working with Clients and Learning Agency Specific Processes
- 6 Week (15 Minutes per Day) Learning Practice to Reinforce Concepts
- Earns Total Customer Service Representative (TCSR) Designation


text:
Our Member Food Banks
Board of Directors
Get Help
Find a Food Bank
SNAP (Food Stamps)
More Resources
What We Do
Advocacy & Education
Supporting Food Banks
Childhood Hunger
Workshops & Webinars
Annual Conference
Giving Options
Tax Credit Information
Annual Reports & Audits
About Hunger
Hunger Data & Reports
What Is Food Security?
Holding a Food Drive
Hunger-Free AZ News
E-mail Signup
Hunger-Free AZ Newsletter Sign Up >
Receiving emergency food from a food bank, pantry, soup kitchen or shelter is just one option that may be available to you and your family. If you are struggling to put food on the table, make sure you have explored the
SNAP (Food Stamps) program
and learned about
other programs and resources available
< Return to Food Banks
Casa Grande Food Bank
Physical Address / Dirección:
235 E 4th St
Casa Grande, AZ, 85122
Cross Streets / Calles Principales:
Marshall St & 4th St
Hours of Operation / Horario:
Mon/Wed/Fri 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Phone / Teléfono:
Languages / Lenguas:
English, Spanish
Served Zip Codes / Códigos Postales Servidos:
85122, 85172, 85138, 85194, 85193
Eligibility / Elegibilidad:
Walk-ins served. No referral required. Households may receive a food box once every 3 months.
Programs / Programas:
Get driving directions / Obtener indicaciones:
Search our website
Search Titles Only
Search Everywhere
Powered By
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Helpful Links
Make a Secure Donation Today
About Us
Get In Touch
Newsletter Sign Up
Find Us On Facebook
Follow Us On Twitter
Arizona Food Bank Network
(602) 528-3434
: Local
(800) 445-1914
: Toll Free
Search in Titles, Entries and Comments


text:
John R Emery Realtys John and Val Emery add IDX Search Tools to Website - Real EstateJohn R. Emery Realty's John and Val Emery add IDX Search Tools to WebsiteВ В by Mary French
in Real Estate В В (submitted 2006-09-11)
The IDX Broker application provides agents, brokers and other real estate professionals with the tools needed to create a competitive advantage in a growing real estate market.
The objective in developing a website with an integrated MLS data feed was to generate new leads at a low cost for the client. With automatic email announcements, custom client home views, and advanced admin and integration controls, John and Val's clients now have access to the entire MLS listing database on their website.
Additional benefits of using IDX Broker Pro include the ability to automatically create featured listing pages, check the status of new MLS listings and generate automatic emails 24/7.
About John and Val Emery
John and Val Emery are experienced in helping customers meet their Boise, ID real estate needs. With their expertise in finance, negotiating and marketing, they pride themselves on helping their clients find their dream home at a price they can afford.
About IDX, Inc.
3 Of The Top 9 Reasons All About Broker Forex Trading All About Mortgage Brokers Marketing Arranging IRA Real Estate Broker Investments
© 2003-2004 Independent Brokers Realty Florida.
All Rights Reserved.


text:
The Cure tracks the misadventures of Erik (Brad Renfro) and Dexter (Joseph Mazzello), two likable kids who just happen to be conducting their own research into finding a cure for a fatal disease. Set against a fictitious small town ruled by close-mindedness and vicious mores, this tearjerker explores the unlikely relationship that blossoms between two young friends, even though one of them — Dexter — is slowly succumbing to the ravages of AIDS.
Obviously designed as an educational tool for Middle America, The Cure seeks a safe ground on which to wrestle with its subject. Though we are reassured several times that the odd and slightly effeminate Dexter caught the virus from a blood transfusion, all the neighborhood kids torment him with taunts of "faggot." Only Erik (who is a bit of an outcast) befriends the new kid on the block, confident that this diminutive 11-year-old is not queer.
Once they've dealt with the "homosexual" issue, first-time feature director (and thirty-something star) Peter Horton and screenwriter Robert Kuhn move on to the ways one can and cannot catch the disease, quickly resolving that Erik won't catch Dexter's virus by breathing the same air, etc.
While these scenes play as downright ignorant to enlightened urbanites, the filmmakers have still found a way to make them seem poignant. In a particularly touching sequence following a fun dinner, Dexter's mother (Anabella Sciorra) brings out the fudge sundaes, but after a few bites Dexter is too fatigued to finish. Having wolfed down his own, Erik eyes the unfinished dessert and asks shyly, "If you're not going to finish that, can I?" A dead silence fills the table, and Mom explains that though it is highly unlikely Erik could ever catch AIDS from sharing food with Dexter, they don't want to take any chances. Renfro — who was last seen in The Client and puts in another quality performance here — registers a slight embarrassment, but an even more profound compassion at finally realizing the graveness of his friend's plight.
At this point The Cure shifts gears, becoming a quasi-road movie, with the boys going on a wild adventure to seek out a quack in New Orleans who supposedly has found "the cure." The boys hitch a ride on a Mississippi riverboat with some shady characters, and once they realize the boat isn't going directly to New Orleans, Erik steals some cash from the owners and the daring duo run off to the nearest bus station.
The baddies find them, however, and Dexter wards them off by cutting his hand with a pocket knife and threatening to shower them with his blood. You may find yourself pondering, "Whoa, did I actually see that?" Though Horton and Kuhn have their hearts in the right place, the scene reinforces unfounded paranoia that there are AIDS "terrorists" out there willing to spray the virus around indiscriminately; even worse, the episode is exploited for its "action" potential, complete with rousing music and concluding with a joyous leap once the boys realize they've scared off the thugs.
Though Horton's television background filters through (which often turns this feature into a glorified movie of the week), The Cure works quite well in shedding light on a child's perspective toward the disease. And thanks to the strong performances from Renfro and Mazzello, you may find yourself unexpectedly forgiving its inadequacies and indulging in its weepy conclusion.
The Cure opens Fri, April 21, at the Kabuki in S.F., the Century Plaza in South S.F., and the Shattuck and UA Berkeley.


text:
I'm pretty sure most designers and copywriters have experienced some kind of creative blockage at a point in the career. There are certainly many solutions to get you over the puddle but personally, I find stepping out of the current project and get my mind completely onto something else help me a lot. That 'something' maybe just browsing online blindly, with no sense of what will come up on the web.
This one time during a creative block, I did my usual thoughtless search on the web and landed on a page that has served as a refresher for me ever since.
Be sure to check this site out when you're stuck too.
Image Credit: Crafting Connections


text:
40 vehicles targeted by power tool thieves over weekend
PUBLISHED: 17:27 07 October 2019 | UPDATED: 17:27 07 October 2019
Thieves targeted around 40 vehicles for power tools across Suffolk over the weekend by drilling doors and windows to gain access.
The series of break-ins happened in places such as Walsham le Willows, Wyverstone, Lavenham, Great Waldringfield, Cavendish and Clare, Ixworth and Needham Market from Saturday until the early hours of Monday.
Detective Inspector Steve Clarke said: "We are carrying out a number of enquiries relating to these offences and these investigations will continue over the coming days.
"The theft of these power tools will cause a great deal of distress, upheaval and inconvenience to those who have had their vehicles broken into - in the vast majority of these cases we are talking about the livelihoods of these victims being disrupted due to the actions of those responsible.
"We would remind tradesmen and van owners to check their vehicles are locked and windows are secure when leaving them unattended to help minimise the risk of being targeted by thieves.
"If possible, work equipment, expensive tools and any other valuables should also be removed and left in a secure location elsewhere. Keep note of the serial numbers of your tools, or engrave them to ensure they are identifiable as yours.
Information obtained under Freedom of Information (FoI) laws revealed there have been more than 800 incidents of tool theft from motor vehicles in Suffolk during the past three years.
Last year Suffolk police launched the 'Get Tool Smart' campaign in a bid to reduce thefts of high value tools in the county.
"Deter thieves by backing your van close to a wall when parking and ensure it is alarmed and parked either in a garage or a well-lit, public area."
'It's my livelihood' - Carpenter speaks out
Carpenter and non-league footballer Tom Bullard saw around £2,500 worth of tools stolen from his van earlier this year.
Mr Bullard, 32, who plays for Stowmarket Town FC, saw various Makita tools stolen from his Renault Trafic van which was parked outside his Ipswich home.
The former Bury Town FC and Leiston FC player said his tools were taken overnight on Friday, July 18.
"My van was parked outside my house backed close to a lamppost," he said.
You may also want to watch:
"When I went out the next morning, I saw the side door ajar and they had taken all of my Makita tools, drills, jigsaws and my Paslode nail guns.
"There was no forced entry so I don't know how they got in because I know I locked it.
"It's my livelihood at the end of the day, if I don't work I don't get paid."
Van owners are advised to register their tools for free at www.immobilise.com by taking note of the serial numbers and models, and to use ultraviolet pen to (invisibly) mark their property, which increases the chances of having them returned to you in the event of being lost or stolen.
Van drivers should also consider the following measures to reduce the risk of being a victim of crime:
- Always lock all doors & shut windows, physically checking van doors are locked
- Park in a garage or secure area where possible
- Park with the doors against a wall
- If you park on your driveway consider installing motion activated CCTV
- Be particularly aware when unloading
- Remove tools from the van if possible
- To increase the security of tools, you can bolt either a cage or box to the base of the van which should be secured with a sturdy close shackle padlock to reduce and deter further incidents
- Setting an alarm or immobiliser will make it more difficult for the offender
- Consider upgrading locks/fitting additional protection
- Information on Police approved products can be found at www.securedbydesign.com
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Bury Mercury. Click the link in the orange box below for details.


text:
In other news, a couple weeks ago #1 got a pair of gerbils. one died shortly thereafter, and she decided she didn't want the survivor (she blamed the bigger gerbil for the death of the smaller gerbil), so she passed it along to #2. We are now looking for one or two more female gerbils to keep her company, but it turns out that there are no breeders in our area. The next closest place to find a gerbil is a pet store 45 miles away that may or may not have gerbils from who-knows-what kind of background. I guess with no other option, it's on the "to-do" list but it's unfortunately on a back-burner for now.
I've got a few listings on eBay at the moment, you can see them HERE if you're interested in checking them out. My current mini-project is listening to a box of old 45's (vinyl records) to see which ones play all the way through. Hopefully in the next few days or weeks I can get Tony to help me post them on Amazon for sale. I will post a link to our Amazon items as soon as I can get a hold of the link.
I've noticed that there is only one breeder of hamsters in our area, and no breeders available for mice, rats, gerbils, or guinea pigs. I really need to get this business started. The market is just waiting for a supplier! Please help me achieve this goal!