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Earlier today, I opened a box that had been hidden away in a forgotten corner of a cupboard. The box contained a collection of letters from my former piano teacher. The first one was dated in 1986. I was eleven years old and had started advanced piano lessons with another teacher. The last letter was written in 2005, the year of my wedding.
I started reading the letters and immediately, I could see her face as it was at that time, hear her voice and remember the piano lessons she gave me. The letters did not only bring her person to life but also this defining period of my life. A period, in which I developed from child to adult, moved out of house, completed my studies, started my professional career and found my current husband. I realised that I had a real gem in my hands.
In this time of email, apps and text messages, writing a letter by hand may seem hopelessly outdated. But handwritten letters and notes have a very special power. It's the power to bring persons, events and memories to live. It's the power to connect, move, and appeal to the heart in a unique and personal way.
Look at this inspiring TedTalk by Lakshmi Pratury, in which she shares a series of notes written by her father before he died:
Or consider the following examples:
- When a mother of one of my best friends was dying, she left a handwritten letter to each of her children. In this letter, she shared her most precious memories, thoughts and wishes for them to keep for their lives to come.
- When two friends of mine got married, they wrote their vows on a piece of beautiful paper. They have put it in a box as a precious keepsake of the day.
- Each year on their birthdays, I write a handwritten letter for my daughter and son. In these letters, I tell about what happened in their lives, their development, and their personalities.
In each of these examples, the handwriting adds a special dimension to the letter writing. It makes the communication deeply personal and truly unique. A hand written letter brings this person who wrote it to live. The shapes of the letters form the melody of their voice. The paper still breathes the warmth of their hands. The words they chose make you laugh, because only they could say things in such a way. The space in between the words may move you, as they reveal the feelings the writer may feel for you. A good letter reveals something personal of both the writer and the receiver.
A letter is also far more durable than a text message an app or even an email. After 2005, the correspondence between my former piano teacher and I changed. We started writing emails, or shared updates via birthday- and Christmas cards. Unfortunately, I haven't kept them. Whereas the handwritten letters from my friend were too precious for me to destroy, I apparently had less difficulty with throwing away the greeting cards or being sloppy in archiving the emails.
In addition to the profound and moving effects that handwritten letters may have, the process of writing a letter is a precious activity in itself. It can be a healing and insightful process. Writing a letter requires time and focus. It's an invitation to come to the core of things. Creating coherent sentences may help organise the chaos in your head. Writing a letter may also help in expressing feelings that are too sensitive to describe face-to-face. It can be great fun, memorising enjoyable moments, describing what excites you right now, or dreaming about things to come.
So why not book some time, and a place where you won't be disturbed for a while, and write a letter? It may be a letter to your inner self. For example, a letter in which you describe a problem or an issue that has been bothering you for a while, a letter about your dreams for the future, or a letter about the things you appreciate in your life. It may also be a letter to someone else. For example, a letter in which you express your love for someone special, a letter to your children in which you share memories and advise for their future lives, or a letter to a friend who you haven't seen in a while and in which you update them on your life.
Here are some tips that work well for me:
- Create time. Putting things on paper may take a while, especially when you want to get to the core of things, or if you want to capture something personal.
- Find a place where you feel comfortable, a place where you can find inspiration and where you won't be disturbed.
- You may want to buy special paper. Maybe a colour that expresses the feelings you would like to describe or a colour or texture that reminds you of the person you are addressing your letter to
- Be yourself. Don't worry about mistakes or bad handwriting.
- Prepare and take some time before you start writing. You may want to take some notes of the topics you would like to address, events or memories you would like to share, or collate some key words or symbols that you would like to include. Or just take some time to adjust yourself to the space, and connect to your body by taking some deep breaths. It may help in finding the right focus.
- Include drawings, photos or pictures from magazines. Sometimes, a visual can express a feeling better than a word and if you prefer drawing to writing it will make it more personal.
What works well for you when writing a letter? When did you last write or receive a hand written letter, and what impact did this have on you? Please share your stories in the comments box. I would love to hear from you!


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Please note Our skilled florists may substitute flowers for one similar in style, quality and value. Where our designs include a sundry item like a vase or basket it may not always be possible to include the exact item as displayed. If such an occasion arises we will make every effort to replace the item with a suitable alternative.
Please give two full working days notice.
If you have any special requirements or two full working day's notice is not possible please call our team on 0141 889 1888 and we will do all we can to help.
No Saturday or Sunday delivery is available to Funeral Directors

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Find An Agent & Get a Quote
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19 (Updated 5/27/20): CLICK HERE
Employer Laws & Regulations
Grandfathered Health Plans
Updated 11/18/2010
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), provision was made to allow people already covered by health insurance to keep that coverage. The term "grandfathered plan" was created to describe those plans that were in existence on March 23, 2010. Grandfathered plans are exempt from much of the new insurance reforms of the PPACA, as long as they retain their grandfathered status.
What PPACA Requirements Apply to a Grandfathered Plan?
For our grandfathered group plans, effective January 1, 2011, the following changes apply:
- A child of the insured who is not eligible for employer-sponsored health benefits on his or her own can be covered under the parent's coverage to age 26, even if married.
- Lifetime benefit limits on essential health benefits are prohibited.
- Rescission of coverage is prohibited except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact.
- Preexisting condition exclusions cannot be applied to persons under the age of 19.
- Annual limits on the dollar value of essential health benefits are restricted.
- An internal and external appeals procedure must be provided.
What Changes Cause a Plan to Lose Grandfathered Plan Status?
Examples of changes that will cause a plan to lose grandfathered status are:
- Increasing an employee's premium contribution rate by more than 5%.
- Eliminating benefits for a particular condition.
- Increasing an insured's coinsurance percentage by any amount.
- Increasing a fixed deductible amount or an out of pocket limit by more than the rate of medical inflation plus 15%.
- Increasing a fixed amount copayment by more than the lesser of $5 plus medical inflation or medical inflation plus 15%.
- Eliminating a plan option.
What Benefit Changes Will Not Cause a Plan to Lose Grandfathered Plan Status?
- Adjusting plan eligibility rules.
- Conducting dependent eligibility audits to ensure only eligible dependents are covered by the plan.
- Adding employees and dependents to the plan.
- Making changes to comply with state and federal law.
- Voluntarily changing benefits to comply with health reform.
- Adding benefits.
- Making changes to dental & vision programs.
- Making changes to the PPO networks.
- Changing insurance carriers, so long as the structure of the coverage doesn't violate one of the other rules for maintaining grandfathered plan status (amended 11/17/2010).
Non-Grandfathered Health Plans
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), a "non-grandfathered plan" is a plan that came into existence on or after March 23, 2010, or a previously grandfathered plan that made changes that were significant enough to cause it to lose its grandfathered status. Non-grandfathered plans are subject to all of the new insurance reforms of the PPACA.
What PPACA Requirements Apply to a Non-Grandfathered Plan?
As of September 23, 2010, new non-grandfathered plans must:
- Allow a child of the insured to be covered under the parent's coverage to age 26, even if married.
- Provide unlimited lifetime benefits for essential health benefits.
- Only allow rescission of coverage in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact.
- Remove preexisting condition exclusions for persons under the age of 19.
- Provide essential health benefits.
"CHIP" Health Benefit Eligibility Notice for All Employees
An employer providing benefits in a state that offers premium assistance is required to provide the Employer CHIP Notice annually to all employees. Due to the fact that more than 40 states offer such a program, most employers will likely find it easier to simply send the model CHIP notice to all employees, rather than to try to send separate notices to employees based on the particular state in which the employees reside. An Employer CHIP Notice must be provided to each employee, not just the employees enrolled in the health plan of the employer.
The notice informs employees of potential state financial assistance to help pay for employer health insurance premiums. It explains that many states offer premium assistance to employees who are covered on their employer plan but are unable to afford the premiums. Many states use funds from their Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to assist people eligible for group health insurance but unable to afford their premiums. The notice includes information on how an employee may contact the state in which they reside for additional information regarding potential opportunities for premium assistance, including how to apply for such assistance.
If you have additional questions or would like a paper copy of the notice, please feel free to contact Group Policyholder Service at 800-322-0160, Extension 2814. We are at your service.
Group Coverage Continuation
State Continuation Forms
COBRA Continuation Forms
Other Continuation Forms
- Dependent Child Request for Continuation (Form LG271)
- Spouse Dependent Request for Continuation (Form LG272)
If you have questions regarding a specific situation, please contact Group Policyholder Service at 800-322-0160, Extension 2814, for assistance.


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Greenwich Guy Is Willing To Give Up The Civil Rights That Others Have Paid For By Making The Ultimate Sacrifice For Their Counrty
A Wake up Call - They are more worried about the rights of the evil ones than keeping us safe from them. Their platform included closing Gitmo, immediate withdrawal from Iraq, and reducing our ability, through surveillance, to track domestic threats associated with terrorists abroad.
Americans made an enormous mistake on November 4th. I pray we do not pay an incredible price. It cannot be denied that we will become more vulnerable under Obama and his polices. I have no doubt that many people are second guessing their vote today. They got caught up in the euphoria that is Obama and were not thinking clearly. Let's hope we don't pay a heavy price.
The economy is bad. No doubt. But our security should always be job one. Without it we have nothing.
Hold On There Cowboy.
You Have Once Again Watching A Little Too Much Of Rupert Murdock's "Fair And Balanced" Reporting On The Fox Cable Station.
This Has Occurred On W's Watch And There Were Early Warnings Of A Possible Attack.
Kind Of Sounds Like 9/11 All Over Again.
Let's Hope An Obama Administration Will Be Able To Improve Cooperation And Intelligence Gathering That Will Prevent This Senseless Killing Of Innocents And Destroy Terrorist Networks.
Unfortunately We Have Been Sidetracked In A Seven Year A Multi-Trillion Dolar Wild Goose Chase To Destroy Weapons Of Mass Destruction In Iraq.
W's Side Trip Into Iraq For Weapons Of Mass Destruction That Did Not Exist Has Increased The Rank's Of Bin Laden's Followers Instead Of Destroying His Terrorist Network.
In Fact, We Are Now Told That Afghanistan Is Now At A Tipping Point, Because We Have Been So Busy Burning 10 Billion A Week In Iraq.
The Germans Were Defeated, The Holocaust Was Stopped, We Developed Atomic Weapons And Deployed Them Twice In About Half The Time That It Took To Gear Up For, Invade And Get Stuck In A Stalemate In Iraq.
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Venice, Italy submerged under flood waters - click to enlarge pictures by Reuters
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Please send your comments to firstname.lastname@example.com


text: Tom and Dave played together in the Timebenders for 20 years, now they do their favorites in an easy duo that fits almost anywhere for any occasion. Both singing and playing guitar, they have backing bass and drums recorded live which gives them a full-band sound but with the volume totally under control. They're fun, reasonably well-groomed and reliable!


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Photography by Elizabeth Lucille Photography
Sitting down with South Dakota artist Altman Studeny at Exposure Gallery & Studios is refreshing for so many different reasons. His insatiable passion for art, history, and the state is constantly growing each week as he travels from town to town as a resident artist for the South Dakota Arts Council. Some also might recognize Studeny for his column in Plankinton's newspaper, the South Dakota Mail – a column he's written for since he was 12 years old.
Tell us about your history with Plankinton, where you grew up and currently reside.
Altman Studeny: I came back when I got out of grad school in Maine and started teaching at Aurora Plains Academy, so I was the art instructor at the treatment facility in Plankinton. I was doing that for three years, and while there was taking my vacation time to do projects for the South Dakota Arts Council. I feel really connected to Plankinton; my mom's family has been around Plankinton for a really long time. The newspaper has been in her family for 85 of its 125 years. I'm the fourth generation to be involved with it. While I was growing up I really liked poking through the archives and reading – kind of yellowing –pages from the '30s and the '40s and earlier. There's all sorts of these crazy stories about locust swarms and baseball teams entirely made of brothers…
AS: Right?! These bizarre little facts that were mentioned in passing that became almost mythological to me. I have liked being around Plankinton because of a connectivity to those stories. There's always something inspiring to find out that can be the start of a project.
To read the full interview, click here.


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Investrust Bank invests over K150m in digital platforms
Published On August 10, 2017 ┬╗ 34 Views┬╗ By Diran Chama
By HELE ZULU -
INVESTRUST Bank PLC has invested over K150 million in the last four years in upgrading its digital platforms to service its customers better.
Bank managing director Simangolwa Shakalima said the bank moving into using digital platforms to try and serve its customers better and had in the last four years invested over K150 million in upgrading its platforms.
Mr Shakalima said the bank was now able to offer mobile banking services, internet banking and was the bank behind the Zamtel Kwacha programme.INVESTRUST Bank
He was speaking in an interview after he toured the Times Printpak Zambia Limited stand at the just-ended 91st Agriculture and Commercial Show held under the theme: ÔÇ£Promoting a Green Economy.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£The concept of providing services 24/7 is incomplete without banking across various channels. We have invested over K150 million in the last four years to upgrade digital platforms to service customers better.
ÔÇ£We are now offering mobile banking, our internet banking system is one of the best, we are moving away from paper based transactions to more of electronic but also with those electronic transactions, we are bringing in convenience and accessibility,ÔÇØ Mr Shakalima said.
He said the bank had also embraced its reach by introducing what it was calling agency banking, which meant that it was no longer relying on its branches to offer banking services to its clients but the agents across the country for that purpose.
Mr Shakalima said currently the bank had close to 500 agents across the country and was in the next 18 months intending to get 1,500 more in places where the bank was not represented.
ÔÇ£So the agents will be offering basic services such as opening an account, depositing cash and withdrawing cash,ÔÇØ he said.
Investrust head of retail and business banking Geoffrey Ndama said the bank was committed to bringing improved accessibility to financing for small and medium enterprises through agents banking.
ÔÇ£We will come up with a product which is a card called ÔÇÿinvest goÔÇÖ, the card is one of the money transmission elements that you can use.
ÔÇ£All you need to do is go to our branch to a machine and pay a K40 and buy a card, you can load cash on the card which is a visa-enabled card which you can use anywhere even abroad,ÔÇØ he said


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Poles Apart
Steve K
Posted on July 27, 2016
I recently came across an interesting (U.K.) listing for a Polish Predom Łucznik portable typewriter …
While the branding wasn't familiar to me, the typewriter certainly was …
… even more so when I saw the tell-tale tubular carriage rail …
It's the clone of a Facit 1620, which were sold with or without (as in this case) tabulation. As you may also have noticed, this one is for sale without carriage return!
The result of a search on "Polish Typewriters" revealed the genesis of these machines, and is worth paraphrasing (and plagiarising) here:
"In the early '70s the decision to begin the production of typewriters at the Polish Radom "Łucznik" [Archer] armaments factory was made. The main reason for this decision was a significant decrease in the demand for armaments following the end of the Vietnam war.
New production, oriented towards the social needs of the civilian population (typewriters, sewing machines, domestic appliances, clocks) replaced the production of military hardware and weaponry. The 1970s were not, however, the best of times for typewriter manufacturing. It was around this time that many manufacturers (Underwood, Royal, and Remington, etc.) closed their factories for good.
In order to begin the manufacturer of typewriters at the Radom "Łucznik" plant, the company – formerly famous for its production of Kalashnikov rifles and Walther PPK pistols – purchased several patents from the Swedish typewriter and business machine manufacturer, Facit. Thus the production of portable and standard typewriters (both mechanical and electric) began.
During almost 20 years of production, some small changes to the designs were introduced, however there were no great departures from the designs provided by Facit. Typewriters were produced for the Polish market, and models with Cyrillic typefaces and keyboards were also produced for the Russian market.
In the beginning, Predom was used as the brand name. Later, this was replaced by Predom – Łucznik, and finally just Łucznik. The production of typewriters ended around 1990 and the Łucznik factory was divided-up between companies specialising in gun and sewing machine manufacture.
Łucznik typewriters had a reputation for good quality, however they were heavier, noisier (and invariably made from cheaper materials) than the Facit models on which they were based.
The big advantage of these typewriters from the point-of-view of dissident Samizdat publishers in Poland, was their ability to produce 5 copies per typed page using carbon paper. However, this was not as impressive as the 8 copies achievable using East German "Erika" typewriters."
Shift Predom!
The following Predom standard typewriter – a Predom Łucznik 1007 – listed on Polish eBay, is one of several Predom typewriters featured by Will Davis on his website here.
It's a Facit T2 clone.
Another brand variant is this ELTEX machine, which shows all the signs of being a rebadged Swedish-built Facit rather than an Eastern-bloc clone …
A clone of the Facit 1624, a 1620 with a wider carriage, was the Predom Łucznik 1303.
Here's another Predom Łucznik 1301 (Facit 1620 clone) listed on a Spanish auction site …
In addition to typewriters, clones of various Facit mechanical calculating machines were also made, and sold under a Predom – Mesko brand name.
See Also: Companions-in-arms
See Also: Zbigniew Herbert: Karta Polaka
Tagged: Facit


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I can't believe it's been a month already. In a couple of hours I'll go pick up the Cap'n at the train station, and I can't wait to see him, hold him, smell him and to see his and Poopies' reactions to seeing each other after so long. I want to know how much Poopies has grown, I want to see if he remembers the Cap'n. And I wouldn't mind at least part of this being a conjugal visit. I even bought some pretty skivvies at Target (that's as close to lingerie you get in the mountains).
But on the other hand, there's a lot of emotions balled up in this situation. I'm angry at no one in particular that I'm all alone and don't have any help. After the Cap'n left, I walked around in a sad daze for a couple of days and then "bucked up" because I didn't have any other choice. I had to accept that he wasn't here for help or support and I had to move on. In a way, I iced all the sad feelings so they wouldn't hurt as bad. But as a result I'm left a little cold and defensive. Now that he's coming back for a visit, I'm not sure if I can warm and then re-ice in a span of mere days. I've already accepted that he won't be here, and learned to function. What a mind trip to have him back for only a couple of days. And then there's clearly the problem that I tend to run away with these things like a mad hatter, making them into much bigger problems than they were to begin with.
After a little heartrending with the Cap'n via IM, I've bared my soul in concise statements and he understands and has admitted to some nervousness about visiting as well. But (and I hate it when people imply that men are simpler than women emotionally, but) I don't think he experienced our separation in the multi-faceted way I did. I can count at least five different, distinct emotions that have been swirled around as a result of this little exercise, complete with a full suite of grieving stages and new emotional baggage for the journey. Boy am I glad I get to be married to him instead of someone like me.


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supported by a decorative base or a number of feet, such as a claw-foot tub. These tubs can be made from a variety of materials such as fiberglass, acrylic, metal, and natural or man-made stone.
Universal Tubs presents the Forever Series, the latest entry in the world of high-end luxury bath faucet combining the best of Italian design and German engineering. The Forever's impressive stature and far reaching spout provides the ample reach needed to satisfy any freestanding claw foot bathtub. Crafted of solid brass the Forever is lovingly plated with a brilliant Brushed Nickel finish. Finally, after a deeply soothing soak in your tub the Forever's matching easy grip European hand sprayer can be used to enjoy a gentle rinsing.
$1,174.95 – $1,284.95
© 2020 Universal Tubs. All Rights Reserved.


text:
How the British EU Referendum... Guide for expatriates in...
Being expat gave me opportunity and made me unique
Claudia is an American who moved with her Cypriot husband and two young children to Cyprus eight years ago. Her MBA in Corporate Finance did little for her on the island nation, so she reached deep and got imaginative. With a bit of ingenuity and dumb luck, she dusted off her experience as an actress and landed her dream job as a Radio Show personality.
On my sunny rock in the Med, there's a certain untz untz untz beat that travels most radio waves and plays loudly on cars racing down dusty roads. Young men sporting large diamond earrings drawing on cigarettes, nodding their heads in tune. Their hairy, brown arms sticking out of the car window, slicing the air, fists pumping to the beat. Islanders call it "Garage" or "Club" music. Americans unabashedly call it Eurotrash.
My car doesn't have a CD or cassette player; and there still is no such thing as satellite radio. I'm stuck listening to the radio. After 4 years of trying to appreciate Club Music, I had nearly given up. Then one day by chance, I was driving home from work as a Senior Lecturer of Finance at the American University. I was on a familiar road when a new sign, one I hadn't seen before, popped up in front of a newly-constructed apartment building: "101.8 Radio Fog." Interested, I switched immediately to the station and nearly broke into tears of joy in my Fiat. There, playing softly on a static-y radio wave were sounds of home.
American Pop music, grunge music, and even (seriously - I can't believe it - COUNTRY music) floated through my car. I was in such shock, I turned my car back towards the sign. I parked my car and bolted through the front door. Two young employees sat behind computers on unassuming desks. The eyed me as I sprang through the door, breathless.
- "Do you speak English?" (my first question nowadays).
- "Yes," a chic, green-eyed guy in black-rimmed glasses responded.
- "I just want you to know how thankful I am that your station has opened! I love it! I'm American and am so happy to have American music playing", I gushed.
As it turned out, Mr. Green-Eyed Glasses agreed there were far too many Club stations on the air and he far preferred pop/rock/grunge/country - all of my faves. The station was his idea and he was the Manager of Radio Fog.
Despite having an MBA in Corporate Finance, I never enjoyed pouring over spreadsheets and coming up with company valuations using a discounted cash flows model. I far preferred acting and writing. Back home, I took oodles of acting classes, participated in stage plays, and landed a couple of gigs in my spare time, when I wasn't strapped to a desk, eyes glazed over an MS Excel worksheet. But in my new home country, I could recreate myself. I could be the better version of Claudia I knew I was supposed to have been, had I had the guts to try in the first place.
I stared straight at Mr Green-Eyed Glasses manager and offered my services.
- "If you ever need a jingle or a voice over, using my American accent, please let me know".
The manager didn't respond. Instead, he stared me up and down, trying to assess this random American girl in his makeshift office/apartment. We exchanged numbers and said our goodbyes. As it turned out, he asked a few people about me. On the rock, everyone needs to be put in a certain "box" - people must be categorized, labeled and then put into a mental filing cabinet. Claudia is married to Tony, who's the son of Tulin, who worked as a biochemist at the State hospital with Teresa, my cousin's wife's mother. Since my story worked out and Mr. Green-eyed Glasses could put me in his mental filing cabinet, I got a call the following day.
I offered to record a jingle for free. But as luck or fate would happen, the station had just let their Morning Radio Host go, and they were looking to replace him. I could have free reign over content. And so began my 4-year role as the Radio Show Host on "The Morning Show with Claudia," on the coveted time slot of 8 AM - 10 AM Mondays through Fridays.
What I discovered: being a trained American actress on the island is what made me unique. In the U.S., I would be a dime a dozen. My show highlighted secrets and smut of the Hollywood entertainment industry. Listeners all over the island thought it was broadcast in Los Angeles. They had no idea it was from a tiny, sound proof apartment in Nicosia.
Want to learn more healthy tips about living like a Mediterranean goddess, no matter where in the world you may be? Check out Claudia's website at www.livelikeagoddess.com. Follow her @AphroditesPath (Twitter) and Live.Like.a.Goddess (Instagram)
 EasyExpat on


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From 1995 to 2004, the Securities Industry Association conducted an annual survey of investor attitudes. According to the 2004 report on the survey:
"84 percent think the industry should be doing more to educate investors. This sentiment has been high since 1995.
"The proportion of investors who believe 'they know everything one needs to know' about investing has not risen above 6 percent since the study's inception."
The survey also stated, "Investors are most likely to admit they wish they knew more about the different types of investments available to them, and the risks associated with the investments."
Educational Selling
The reason why investors want more education is not hard to figure out. They know they have to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives and they know they don't know how to make those decisions.
If 84 percent of investors want more education, and if substantial numbers obviously don't have it, then what should we do? How about, "Let's provide it." One obvious venue in which to provide the know-how is the sales presentation.
Let's call this early phase of the presentation "Educational Selling" and define it as a step-by-step process in which the advisor teaches the investment concepts that the client needs to understand in order to make an informed decision.
When this method is properly executed, in most cases the client or prospect will ask to buy. Closing is really necessary only when they are firmly planted on the fence.
Among its benefits are:
o Rarely, if ever, will you need to close a sale.
o Rarely will you deal with objections.
o Frequently, you will bring the client to the point he or she asks, "Well, what do you recommend we do?"
And in the process, you will create clients who hold you in such high esteem that they will do what you advise without additional selling.
Chart Board Financial Education
In the overall sales process, the "financial education" step comes right at the beginning of the final interview. You have called the client back into your office. Your proposal is ready, but you don't dare present it yet. Before you present your recommendations, you make absolutely certain your prospect understands all the key concepts necessary to make an informed decision.
Let's say you have concluded that Dr. and Betty Bubbalong should invest a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their medical practice in equities.
What do they need to know in order to agree with that conclusion?
At a minimum, they need to know:
o How an investment in stocks has outperformed every other asset class.
o How asset allocation reduces risk.
o How inflation and taxes affects purchasing power of the income from fixed-income securities.
o How time in the market reduces risk.
In my opinion, the best format in which to present these ideas is on a flip chart or white board. Slides are acceptable, but a flip chart or white board is magic.
Here's why: You are more persuasive standing up than sitting down. When using a chart board or white board, you have to stand up.
Here's how I might handle the issue of long-run performance of different asset classes. I would stand up, go to my white board, and write these numbers on it, as shown below.
As you make your little presentation, add the phrases shown on the second chart on the right, then say as follows:
6.9% – Since 1871
6% – S&P Core Earnings
4.5% – 30 Yr Bond Yield
2.5% – Inflation Forecast
2% – Yield after Inflation
2.5% – Govt Bond Inflation Protected Yield
$181,000 – Return from bonds, 30 years
$574,000 – Return from stocks, 30 years
Dr. and Mrs. Bubbalink, I've written some important numbers on the board for you. I am going to explain them to you. You might want to write these down.
These are based on an article by Dr. Jeremy Siegel. He's a professor of finance at the Wharton School and the author of several important books on stocks. The most important of these is Stocks for the Long Run in which he analyzed stock market performance over several very long periods of time.
I'm going to quote from a statement from an article Dr. Siegel wrote called "Stocks: The Asset of Choice for the Long Run."
He said, "During the past 204 years (through 2005) stock investors have earned an average 6.8 percent per year after inflation and that return has been remarkably stable over long periods. Over the past 80 years, real stock returns averaged 6.7 percent per year, and since the end of the Second World War, the annual return has been 6.8 percent. This return includes both capital gains and dividend income and is measured after the effects of inflation have been subtracted. These numbers mean that on average, investors' wealth has doubled in purchasing power every decade in stocks, a feat rivaled by no other asset class."
Now, you and I both know, that past performance does not guarantee anything. But we also know that those who do not remember the past are, according to a statement chiseled in stone over the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, "forever condemned to repeat it."
So let's look at these numbers.
6.9 percent is the historical yield on stocks since 1871. Let me remind you that this is after the effect of inflation has been removed from the figures. Dr. Siegel uses this date because 1871 is really the date from which we begin to have reliable historical information.
The 6 percent figure is a very conservative estimate of earnings going forward. This particular number is from about a year ago. It's called the "S&P Core Earnings" and it's from S&P, which stands for Standard and Poor's, which is the name of the company that compiles the S&P 500 index, which you hear about on the nightly news. According to a spreadsheet buried deep in the S&P website, the actual 2006 core earnings were a little higher, and the 2007 forecast a bit higher still, but we'll stick with Dr. Siegel's example because he did some very interesting calculations.
4.5 percent was the 30-Yr Bond Yield at the time Dr. Siegel wrote his article. The current yield is 4.8 percent but again we'll stick with Dr. Siegel's numbers for the purpose of this illustration.
2.5 percent is the Inflation Forecast.
2.5 percent is also the Government Bond Inflation Protected Yield. The current yield on this is 2.3 percent but again we'll stick with Dr. Siegel. This means that if you own these "inflation-protected" bonds, the government will guarantee you 2.5 percent above the rate of inflation.
So you can't count on 4.5 percent from bonds. Your yield after inflation is actually about 2 percent.
$181,000. This is the Return from bonds over 30 years.
$574,000. But using the very conservative "core return" projection, a Return from stocks over 30 years could be much larger.
Now no one is suggesting that anyone can make a reliable 30-year forecast. But if we had made an investment 30 years ago, we would have been in this ballpark. Do you see why we believe that at least some portion of your assets needs to be in equities?
Selling the Idea
What I actually did here was "close the sale." What was I selling? It was the idea that "a portion of your assets needs to be in equities." If Dr. and Betty Bubbalong don't buy that, they won't buy your portfolio of equities. If they do buy that concept, they might.
Author's Note: This series of articles will wrap up in a few months with my "Profile 2007." You are going to help me write it, because I'm going to build it from the best questions of 2007. So far, I have received over 300 questions, and if you send me your best three questions to ask an investor, not only will you receive the Investor Profile, but also I will send you all the questions so you can pick and choose those that best fit your style. But to get, you have to give. So go to www.billgood.com/survey.
Bill Good is chairman of Bill Good Marketing Systems in Draper, Utah; see www.billgood.com.


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October 2015
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October 2015
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In this issue
In memory of Subway's Fred DeLuca
Fred DeLuca, co-founder of the largest restaurant chain by units in the world, Subway, died September 14 at the age of 67, just weeks after celebrating his company's 50th anniversary. DeLuca founded Subway when he was 17 with funds from a family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, a nuclear engineer. DeLuca was originally looking for money for college, but Buck challenged him to start a sub shop. DeLuca grew the single store named Pete's Super Submarines to worldwide sales of $18.2 billion and 43,154 units as Subway.
These execs have cure for sitting disease
Catherine Monson is a stand-up franchise executive. Fastsigns' CEO has taken the standing desk one step further and included a treadmill. The only downside, Monson says she's found so far to never sitting at her desk is the change in her footwear—flats. "I know this disappoints friends who like amazing high heels," she says, sighing as she adds that she's had all her pantsuits hemmed for flat shoes. (She does have heels at the ready.)
Turning Father's Day Eve into a holiday
'Dads need more' is one of the taglines of the newly created holiday, Father's Day Eve. But can you really franchise a celebration of fatherhood?
'Get your numbers on' is advice from Rita's operator
Sure, it's fun to be in business for yourself, but Misty Young has advice for prospective franchisees—the point is making money. She and partners are executing the largest development deal in Rita's Italian Ice history.
Why restaurant owners fear the beard
'Beards are hip,' says one restaurant owner, stating the obvious. Facial hair used to be verboten in foodservice, but no longer, and many are scrambling to rewrite policies. At least one holdout, though, forbids the beard.
'Franchising Gives Back' recognizes do-gooders
Two nights prior to IFA members visiting their representatives on the Hill in September, they honored 15 companies' charitable giving. Here's why those two things are philanthropically linked.
Arby's do-or-die moment
Paul Brown had never led a fast-food franchise in his life when new investor Roark Capital picked him to run Arby's—a concept so out-of-touch with today's tastes it was the butt of comedians' jokes. But Brown and his team punched back, proudly embracing its meats, and today can boast a fast-food revival against the odds.
Franchise Times Top 200+ ranks 500 brands
Sales grew a measly 2.1 percent, the slimmest increase in years, at the 200 largest U.S.-based franchises. A rare decline at two top 10 brands, McDonald's and Subway, took its toll
Christian Bros. sets sales pace for auto sector
New car sales are at their highest level since 2005—on pace to hit more than 17.5 million in the United States this year—and national brands are seeing gains bringing mom and pop-type shops under their umbrellas.
Investments in Weed Man, @Work bear fruit
There are single-unit franchisees, and then there are the big, multi-unit kind. Weed Man USA's three-year-old effort to develop the latter type is paying off big in this year's results.
Unkind Mother Nature boosts Paul Davis
Cleaning franchises cleaned up in 2014, literally and figuratively. This category encompasses a number of differing segments, including commercial, residential and disaster clean-up, as well as targeted services, such as carpet and air-duct cleaning.
Right at Home, BrightStar post healthy stats
"In the last three years, we've opened 165 franchises; our competitors have averaged 67 in that same time period," boasts Eric Little, chief development officer for Right At Home, and he should be allowed to brag.
Hotels lead franchise world with 7 percent pop
As the recession fades further from memory, companies, couples and families have reopened their pocketbooks to fuel massive year-over-year growth in the hotel category. Gains are widespread, but high-end legacy chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and InterContinental are leading the pack with double-digit growth at many of their most prominent flags.
Anytime Fitness climbs top 200, up 52 percent
In case it's not obvious as you peruse the column of companies to the right, personal services is a diverse and eclectic category. Not to be confused with business services, personal services are franchised services that individuals use for their, well, their personal needs, like tax preparation, exercise, haircuts and education.
New tactics boost Unishippers, FASTSIGNS
Unishippers' focus on the small- to medium-sized business customer led to strong growth last year, 12 percent up in sales and 5 percent up in units. "We really focus on the SMB customer, trying to differentiate ourselves from our competitor space," says Kevin Lathrop, president.
After flat years, Johnny Rockets gets growing
It may seem strange to lump taxes and children's services together in the personal services category, but on the surface, a category like family dining doesn't seem like it should produce any head-scratching when it comes to listing the top members. Until you get to the 10th franchise: Hooters. We're not saying Hooters isn't family-friendly, only that the so-called veto-vote may have a different meaning here. (Perhaps, the same could be said for Ruth's Chris Steak House, where price could deter a young family from dining there.)
Tech, data drive smokin' sales at Dickey's BBQ
Fast-casual shows no signs of slowing down. This year's Top 200 is peppered with better burger chains like Five Guys at No. 75 and Smashburger at No. 210; wing concepts like Zaxby's at No. 77 and Wingstop at No. 111; and of course Panera, the dominant concept in the category which again ranked No. 27 this year.
Plucky Chick-fil-A wows with marketing
Quick service restaurants are still some of the biggest players in the restaurant industry, fetching more than $235 billion in 2014 across various food segments from pizza to donuts and, of course, burgers.
Former upstarts chomping away at Subway
Once upstart competitors are no longer nipping at Subway—they're chomping away at the largest franchise in the sandwich category. Subway pulled in an impressive $18.8 billion in sales in 2013. But even with an additional 858 units, the brand's sales dropped 3.19 percent in 2014 to $18.2 billion—a $600 million drop.
Matco boasts 25% jump; Ace moves up top 10
Sporting double-digit sales increases, Matco Tools, Pet Supplies Plus and Once Upon A Child led the franchise retail category in 2014 with the largest gains in a category seeing modest, 1.5 percent growth overall.
Stadium blitz for hungry franchise brands
Setting up shop in the path of thousands of hungry fans can be fruitful. But stadium locations are challenging for their rapid-fire pace and tight quarters—not to mention if the home team starts losing.
Subway hopes for short attention spans on Jared
Public figures can have a huge impact on the fortunes of companies, for good and ill. No one knows that better than Subway, which cannot yet say the ultimate effect of the fall of spokesman Jared Fogle.
Inspiration from Everest highlights RFDC
The annual Restaurant Finance & Development Conference is right around the corner. The event runs from November 9-11 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas and offers operational insight, financing opportunities and a chance to network with other industry leaders.
Tax tips can save headaches and money
Peter Lancellotti is a franchisee of Seniors Helping Seniors in West Los Angeles. With 42 employees and a fast-growing business, he doesn't have much time to look at arcane tax exemptions.
Four pillars support lasting growth in restaurants
The restaurant space is hot right now, but our guest columnists share advice on how to avoid flaming out quickly. Consistency and replicability are two foundational concepts.
Extra drama at Planet Fitness debut
There's drama every time a company goes public, but PLNT's $216-million IPO really caused execs to sweat. Just days after the low-cost fitness chain began offering shares August 6, the company frantically sought a temporary restraining order against a fired employee, whom it accused of stealing "highly sensitive personal and financial information" that it feared he would use to torpedo the offering, said a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Maine. A federal judge granted the order by 7 p.m. August 11, and it was to remain in effect for 14 days.
Living Large brands describe marketing tactics
When customers can say anything about your business at any time, the old rules of controlling your message no longer apply. The three brands we're following all year explain how they're tackling the new reality.
Smoothie King makes moves in United Arab Emirates
The Middle East is a hotbed for franchising right now. Those who want to ease into the territory may want to enter through the UAE. But be aware: It's easy to get seduced by money flowing in the region.
Country profile: doing business in UAE
The colors of the UAE flag symbolize Arabian unity. Above is the national flag; however, each of the seven emirates has its own flag, except for Fujairah, which uses the national flag.
Executive Ladder
The gym center franchise Workout Anytime announced the addition of two new team members: Mark de Gorter as chief operating officer, and Greg Maurer as vice president of fitness, who will help design the brand's personal-training program.
Lawsuit: Regis clips franchisees by ditching ProCuts
The hair-cutting franchisor was once gung-ho about its concept aimed at men, ProCuts. But the thrill seems to be gone, and a handful of founding franchisees are crying foul. Is this any way to launch a brand?
World Bank takes fresh look at franchising
A few blocks from the White House and about the same distance from the State Department is a building which, with its sleek modernity, blends into downtown Washington. It doesn't broadcast its presence loudly, but it doesn't need to: It is the World Bank, potentially one of the most important sources of funding on the planet.
Many motivators drive franchisees, like staying sharp
Ask a person why he or she is franchising in the first place, and the same answers pop up again and again: It's a way to make money, expand an existing portfolio or satisfy a passion. To remain active mentally and physically isn't usually in the mix.
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Publisher's Column
Weighing in on a meaty issue
I'm a Minnesota Twins baseball fan. Besides watching them on TV, I'm guessing I probably attend 20 games or more a year at Target Field, their home ballpark. It's still a pretty new venue with slick restaurants featuring avant-garde food (for a ballpark), craft beers and wine, climate-controlled areas with padded seats and more. This isn't grandpa's ballpark, folks. (That's yours truly with mascot T.C. to the left.)
Loose Ends
This time it really is all about Nancy
In all the years I've worked for Franchise Times, I've never been asked to write commentary for the Top 200+ research—until now. I am not known for my keen mathematical mind. In college I avoided upper-level math and science classes, preferring instead to take literature and sociology and cultural anthropology. At the time, I could see the value of reading good literature—and the occasional murder mystery. I didn't have the foresight to see that one day I would be working in the Bobby Sox snack shack and need to make change. Nor that a balanced life starts with a balanced checkbook.
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Return MPCC to low cost education alternative
(Letter to the Editor ~ 09/16/09)
Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) at North Platte and McCook began as educational institutions, where individuals in our 18 county area could learn a trade or prepare themselves for further educational opportunities without the costs associated with traditional four year colleges; a no-frills education for the intellectually mature...
MCC softball and baseball team prepare for fall scrimmages
(High School Sports ~ 09/16/09)
Grant Strunk/McCook Daily Gazette McCook Community College head coach Liz Jacoby delivers a pitch during practice Tuesday at the Jaycee Sports Complex. The MCC softball team will play at the North Platte Tournament this weekend. Jacoby played college softball at the University of Illinois at Chicago and was part of the team that earned a spot in the 2004 Women's College World Series Regional in Ann Arbor, Mich. ...
LeRoy James Durbin
(Obituary ~ 09/16/09)
Dec. 1, 1921 - Sept. 13, 2009 HAIGLER -- LeRoy James Durbin, 87, of Haigler, died Sunday (Sept. 13, 2009) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. He was born Dec. 1, 1921, in Benkelman to Roscoe and Hazel (DeHart) Durbin and moved with his family at a young age. He graduated from eighth grade while at Union, Mo. He served his country during World War II in the Army Air Force. He was inducted on Sept. 15, 1942, and received his honorable discharge on Jan. 2, 1946...
Robert 'Bob' Hancock Jr.
(Obituary ~ 09/16/09)
March 1, 1954 - Sept. 11, 2009 Robert "Bob" Hancock Jr. 55, died Friday (Sept. 11, 2009) at McCook. He was born March 1, 1954, at Council Bluffs, Iowa to Robert and Florene Rose (Nixon) Hancock, Sr. He lived in Morrison, Colo., where he was employed with the railroad as an engineer. He often traveled to McCook with the railroad where he had made many friends...
Martin A. Kometscher
(Obituary ~ 09/16/09)
Jan. 11, 1922 - Sept. 14, 2009 INDIANOLA -- Martin A. Kometscher, 87, Lincoln, formerly of Indianola died Monday, Sept. 14, 2009, at his daughter's home in Lincoln. Martin was born on Jan. 11, 1922, in Lawrence to Henry and Catherine (Kuppenbender) Kometscher...
Richard 'Dick' D. Lynch
(Obituary ~ 09/16/09)
Jan. 29, 1932 - Sept. 15, 2009 KEARNEY -- Richard "Dick" D. Lynch, 77, formerly of McCook, died Tuesday (Sept. 15, 2009) at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was born Jan. 29, 1932, in Kearney to Benjamin A. and Mary E. (Gage) Lynch. He was raised in Kearney and attended Kearney High School, graduating in 1950. He then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and received his degree in Pharmacy in 1954...
County eligible for stimulus funds
(Local News ~ 09/16/09)
Red Willow County is eligible for two federal economic recovery bond financing programs designed to encourage economic development. County commissioners discussed at their weekly meeting Monday the "Recovery Zone Economic Development Bond" and "Recovery Zone Facility Bond" programs that are part of the federal government's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009...
Goats clear way for Prairie Arboretum Study Center
(Local News ~ 09/16/09)
Instead of Three Billy Goats Gruff, try about 400 nanny goats and their kids. Beginning last week and ending today, goats enclosed in an electrified mesh fence munched their way through a total of about seven acres of brush and weeds near U.S. Highway 83, to prepare the land for a future Prairie Arboretum and Study Center planned by the Norris Institute...
Groundbreaking celebration
(Local News ~ 09/16/09)
Officials turning over symbolic first shovelsful of earth in Cambridge, from right, are Tri Valley Health Systems board members Reg Warner, Cathy Kubik, Troy Westadt, Patrick Horwart, Randy Heitmann, Dr. Shelly Kaspar-Cope (representing the medical staff), Bill Minnick, Clark Andrews, Mary Kay Sexton and CEO Roger W. ...
Republican River Compact compliance options to be presented
(Local News ~ 09/16/09)
HOLDREGE -- Brian Dunnigan, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, will outline options on how Nebraska can comply with the Republican River Compact and Kansas v. Nebraska lawsuit settlement during dry years, Thursday, 1 p.m. at the Holdrege City Auditorium, 421 Grant Street...
Car seats work best only when properly installed
(Editorial ~ 09/16/09)
Modern passenger vehicles are a marvel of safety engineering, from antilock braking to multiple variable-force deployment airbags, stability control and collision warning radar and built-in radios to seek help when the car's been in a collision. Most cars, however, are safe only for adults without restraints designed to keep children in place...
Water Catch 22
(Letter to the Editor ~ 09/16/09)
Our first management plan for the Lower NRD was 12 inches. I installed a pivot and went to no-till to meet that, invested $500 per acre plus to install the pivot and update wells. I borrowed the money and set up a payment plan based on a cash flow from irrigated crop yields. Our second management plan was set at 9 inches. We've been blessed with rains in July and August and the irrigators in the Lower NRD have met that goal...
Nothing but a shadow
(Column ~ 09/16/09)
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ... I have a vague and frightful memory from early childhood, awakening in a strange bedroom with unfamiliar shapes and shadows surrounding me. At first sight, it appeared as though a strong, large person was standing at the foot of the bed, looming over me, intent on harm. ...
Stories from Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Browse other days


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Beautyrest Silver BRS900 Plush Pillow Top MattressThe Beautyrest Silver BRS900 Plush Pillow Top Mattress offers a soft feel with the latest innovations in bed technology from Simmons.
We rate this a 3 on our 1-10 comfort scale with 10 being firmest.
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This model is adjustable bed base compatible.
The Beautyrest BRS900 Plush Pillow Top Mattress is perfect for those who are looking for a soft feel with cooling technology and the added benefits of comfort foam, lumbar support, and pocketed coil technology.
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- Comfort Scale 3
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Support System
- 900 Series Plush Pocketed Coil® Technology
Box Spring - Foundation (optional)
- This Model is Adjustable Base Compatible
- Shop Adjustable Bases Now
- Triton Foundation: Navy/Charcoal Plaid Upholstery
- Available in 9" or low profile 5" height
- Regular Box Spring: 9"
- Low Profile Box Spring: 5"
Coil Count
- Twin 583
- Twin XL 619
- Full 811
- Queen 900
- King 1282
- Cal King 1241
Mattress Size Dimensions
- Mattress Height: 14.75"
- Twin Width: 38" Length: 75"
- Twin XL Width: 38" Length: 80"
- Full Width: 54" Length: 75"
- Queen Width: 60" Length: 80"
- King Width: 76" Length: 80"
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- 10 year non-prorated warranty against manufacturer's defects
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Made In:
Beautyrest SilverSimmons Beautyrest Silver mattresses come with some of the latest innovations including the DualCool Technology Fiber enhanced with silver and designed to draw heat away from the surface of the mattress for a better sleeping temperature and prevents odor causing bacteria, mold, and mildew to offer you a sleeping surface that is fresh and clean. The BackCare Support enhanced center third is added in the level 2 models for even more back support and longer lasting durability. Beautyrest's pocketed coil technology comes in all models and provides precise support and great body contouring while responding to each sleeper differently and reducing motion transfer across the bed for an undisturbed night sleep. The AirCool encased edge support is designed to move heat out of the mattress and provide extra edge support. All Beautyrest Silver models are adjustable bed base compatible
Additional Info
Additional Info
|Short Description
Beautyrest Silver BRS900 Plush Pillow Top Mattress
|Beautyrest Silver
|Comfort Scale
|3. Soft
Write Your Own Review
Free Delivery
FREE Local In-Home Delivery & Setup ($499.99 minimum purchase required)
Timing & Delivery: Usually we can delivery within 1-3 days within our local delivery areas (King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties) on in stock items. Nationwide white glove delivery is available on Tempurpedic mattresses and adjustable bases. We stock most items and can schedule delivery for the soonest available delivery time. Often we can even deliver the same day on in-stock orders placed before 2pm. If you have any questions regarding delivery or availability please call 1-800-863-9156 or visit our Bellevue, Kirkland, or Monroe WA store.
Service Level: Our white glove delivery teams will deliver your mattress to the room of your choice, remove your old one, take away the packaging, and if you prefer wear shoe covers to ensure your home stays clean. We offer to remove the same quantity of items purchased. We will only remove a mattress, box spring and basic metal bed frame. We do NOT remove furniture, waterbeds, adjustable beds or any other household items.
Scheduling: You will be contacted within 24 hours of placing your online order to coordinate delivery. If all your items are currently in-stock, we may be able to delivery within 1-2 days. We schedule in a 2-hour window so you won't have to wait around all day, and we will give you a "heads-up" phone call when we are on the way the day of delivery. If you order by phone, and your items are in-stock, we can schedule delivery immediately.
Furniture & Bedding: Furniture ordered at the same time will be delivered seperately, and may take additional time. If you would like to have all the items on your order delivered at the same time, please specify or contact us to let us know. Bedding will either be delivered with your order, or shipped via UPS or FedEx.
Free Shipping: We offer FREE SHIPPING on accessories purchases of $99 or more including sheets, pillows, direct shipped memory foam mattresses and other bedding items. Bedding items usually ship within 1-3 business days.
Free Delivery Zones
*Note: Is an approximation of the delivery radius.
Includes Free Mattress Delivery to cities such as:
•Kirkland •Bellevue •Redmond •Sammamish
•Monroe •Snohomish •Everett •Lake Stevens
•Duvall •Carnation •Woodinville •Bothell
•Mill Creek •Sultan •Gold Bar •Index
•Seattle •Kenmore •Edmonds •Lynnwood
•most other cities in western Washington
Is your delivery address outside this area? Contact us for a quote including delivery in your area.
Some memory foam mattresses come roll packed box approximately 24" x 24" x width of mattress (38",54",60",72",78") and can be shipped directly to you or picked up at the store. You might save a bundle with that option if you live out of the area. Ask for details.
Please prepare your home for delivery:
• Create a path for delivery. Clear any furniture, valuables or breakable items to avoid damage during delivery
• You may be asked to sign a damage waiver if the delivery path is narrow or could create the potential for damage to your new mattress or home.
• We will remove one mattress and box spring for each mattress set purchased, and delivery professionals are unable to remove bedroom furniture, headboards, or other personal property.
• Someone over the age of 18 must be present for delivery.
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Obviously I may or may not end up using this kit, but it's worth a try. I copied Jen's contents almost exactly since I don't yet have any personal experience to know what I'll want/need in mine.
- Lansinoh lanolin
- Water bottle
- Breast pads
- Burp cloth
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Easy to eat snacks
I removed a few items (water bottle, snacks) after I assembled the kit since I won't be using it immediately, but they will be easy enough to add back in once the baby arrives.
Do you have any suggestions for items I might want to include in this kit?


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Print It
Banana Peanut Butter BreadFrom AVENUE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST
-2 cups unsifted flour
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup butter
-1 cup sugar
-2 large eggs
-1 cup bananas
-1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Thoroughly stir together dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs until thickened and lemon colored; add to butter mixture and blend. Mash bananas with a fork, blend in peanut butter. Stir in flour mixture in about 4 additions, alternately with banana mixture until just smooth each time. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 70 minutes. Let stand on wire rack for 10 minutes, loosen edges, and turn out on rack, turn right side up. Cool completely.


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The final av hatumah is m'tzora. As we will see, it's not clear what the term tzora'at means, so we will leave it untranslated. (It is clear that tzora'at is not leprosy. The symptoms simply do not match. According to the translator, the word leprosy in English used to mean skin disease.)
First we will discuss the process of how this works, and then the more philosophical material the author includes by way of shoresh. It should not be a surprise that Rambam thinks there are several mitzvot involved in defining the conditions of what is and what is not tzora'at, and that Ramban thinks the only mitzvot define the things a m'tzora is required to do or to avoid.
Tzora'at can infect people in two different ways, and also cloth and houses, to make them tamei. According to Rambam, there are four avot:
1. A person who has been certified by a cohen as having tzora'at.
2. A person who suspects he or she is infected with tzora'at, but the consulting cohen is not sure. The person goes into quarantine for one week or two weeks, depending on the circumstances.
3. Cloth that a cohen certified as infected with tzora'at.
4. A house that a cohen certified as infected with tzora'at.
Nothing becomes tamei because of tzora'at without involvement of a cohen.
Let's start with people. (Mitzvot #169 and 170.) There are two types of tzora'at in people. The first is a skin disease that turns the skin bright white, effects the hair on the skin, but aside from that leaves the skin healthy. It is not impossible that this is psoriasis, an autoimmune disease with similar symptoms.
If a person suspects that he or she is afflicted with tzora'at, the person consults with a cohen. The cohen either needs to be very knowledgeable in this area, or the cohen can bring a knowledgeable consultant with him to help the cohen decide whether or not the affliction is tzora'at. The affected part of the skin must be at least as large as a bean and at least as wide as six hairsbreadths. If the color is one that indicates tzora'at, the hair is white and the flesh below is healthy, the cohen declares the person a m'tzora.
Four different shades of white are symptoms of tzora'at: white like clean wool, white like the membrane of an egg, white like snow, and white like the whitewash of the heichel. Any of those shades of white, or any combination of them, indicate tzora'at. Even if the skin color changes, as long as the color is within the range of these four shades of white, the skin has the color of tzora'at. If the skin is less white than the membrane of an egg, the person just some skin disease and is tahor. The Mishnah describes the four colors that indicate tzora'at as "two that are four." This is a formulation the Mishnah uses in several other situations. Here, it seems to mean that two of the white colors are shades of the other two.
If the cohen finds the lesion has all of the characteristics of tzora'at, the cohen immediately declares the person tamei. If the lesion covers the person's whole body, the person is tahor.
Of course, the skin irritation might have some of the three characteristics (color, white hair and healthy skin) but not others. If the color is right but the flesh does not look healthy, or there is no white hair, the person is quarantined for seven days. If, during that week, any one of the three characteristics becomes more like tzora'at, or the affected area spreads, the cohen certifies the afflicted person as a m'tzora. If the affected area did not spread or get white hair or develop healthy flesh, the quarantine continues for another week. If at the end of the quarantine none of the three characteristics has gotten worse, the person is not a m'tzora. But if the affected patch persists and later becomes more like tzora'at, the person is tamei as a m'tzora immediately.
Rishonim disagree about the nature of the quarantine. Among the possibilities are that the person is restricted to his or her room or that the person just needs to avoid the cohen seeing the affected area. The person in quarantine is tamei. The person in quarantine transmits tumah as a m'tzora would. But the person in quarantine does not have to let his or her hair grow, tear his or her clothing, or do the other things unique to a m'tzora. If the person is later declared not to be a m'tzora because the lesion did not develop further symptoms, the person still has immerse in the mikvah to become tahor.
The second type of tzora'at in people is called "netek." A netek is a bald spot the size of a bean within the hairy areas of someone's body, specifically the hair on the head or the beard. If there are at least two normal colored hairs in the patch, the patch is not a netek. (Male pattern baldness is not considered netek.) The cohen has to examine the color and condition of any hair growing in this area. If the cohen is not sure whether the affected area is a netek, the cohen leaves a ring of two normal hairs around the affected area and shaves a ring around that to help see if the netek is spreading. (Actually, anyone can shave the required area; it need not be the cohen.) Then the person goes into quarantine. If after a week the ambiguity persists the person goes into another week-long quarantine. There is a negative mitzvah that the person should not pull out or shave off the hair that is growing on or around the netek. Even the cohen cannot modify the real evidence. (We will see in mitzvah #584 that there is a parallel prohibition on tampering with other potential signs of tzora'at.)
Mitzvah #171 instructs what to do once someone is declared a m'tzora by the cohen. The tamei person tears his or her clothing and leaves his or her hair uncut as a sign to let people know the person is tamei. (Note the parallels here to the behavior of someone in mourning. The questions for further study in this essay suggest that the m'tzora shares other practices with someone in mourning as well.) The m'tzora must do something to make it obvious to others that the person is an av hatumah. (The author says in this essay that others who are avot hatumah also must do something that makes that status obvious to others.) Although our author does not mention it, there is another requirement. The m'tzora is required to stay "outside of the camp," that is he or she has to stay outside of the city or town where he or she lives. Given all these requirements, becoming a m'tzora means major, difficult life changes. The person continues that way until the skin lesion heals and no longer has the characteristics of tzora'at.
The cohen who certifies that the person has tzora'at has an obligation to facilitate that person becoming tahor when the tzora'at has healed. Mitzvot #173 and 174 outline the long, complex and unusual process of the m'tzora becoming tahor. The author says this special procedure applies to people who are m'tzoraim, and cloth and houses infested with tzora'at. The author's reference to cloth seems mistaken, since the source verses clearly state the infested cloth must be burned. The situation with houses is a little more complex.
The m'tzora takes a new earthenware bowl and puts water from a running spring into it. (The water must be from a free flowing spring, the same type of water eligible to be used in processing the parah adumah.) The person then takes two free, uncaged, non-domesticated birds, such as wild sparrows. The cohen chooses the healthier bird, ritually slaughters it and lets its blood flow out into the bowl. The cohen then buries the bird in the presence of the m'tzora. The cohen takes one cubit of cedar, one handbreadth of eizov (hyssop according to the translator), scarlet cloth weighing one shekel, and the live bird. All four of those items are necessary. The cohen links them up, wrapping the woods in the scarlet cloth and holding the bird next to that bundle such that the wing tips and tail of the bird touch the bundle. The cohen then dips all four in the blood and water mixture. The cohen sprinkles the water from the bundle seven times on the back of the m'tzora's hand, and then releases the bird. If the bird comes back, the cohen chases it away. The cohen then shaves all of the body hair of the m'tzora using a straight razor until he is "as hairless as a gourd." (Normally, it would be forbidden to shave certain parts of a man's beard, as we will see later in our study.) The m'tzora then immerses in a mikvah and immerses his or her clothing in the mikvah. After that, the m'tzora no long transfers tumah by entering a house, by carrying something or by sitting or lying on something. A male m'tzora is forbidden to have sex at this time, but a female is permitted. The m'tzora is still an av hatumah and transmits tumah by touching.
On the seventh day after that, the cohen again shaves the m'tzora. The m'tzora immerses again and immerses his or her clothing again, and then the m'tzora is a t'vul yom. That night, the m'tzora becomes tahor, but remains a m'husar kapparah until the person brings the required sacrifices.
The m'tzora still has to bring sacrifices: an olah, a hattat, one log of oil, and an asham. If the m'tzora is poor, birds are sufficient for the hattat and olah. Like all cases of m'husar kapparah, someone else can bring the sacrifices on the person's behalf, even without the person's consent or knowledge.
The first of the sacrifices is the asham, and it is unusual. A cohen waves the live lamb and oil as a preliminary step. Then the m'tzora does smichah on the animal. Some of the animal's blood is taken into a vessel and sprinkled on the altar as usual, but another cohen processing the sacrifice puts some of the blood on his hand and dabs some of the blood on the right ear, right thumb and right big toe of the m'tzora. The cohen pours some of the oil into his hand, dips his finger in and dabs the m'tzora with the oil just as he did with the blood. The cohen then sprinkles oil with his finger toward the kodesh k'doshim seven times. Last, the cohen dabs some of the oil from his hand on the m'tzora's head.
In addition to tzora'at in people, tzora'at can affect cloth and houses. These are both complex areas, but our author keeps his description very short. Our discussion will reflect what the source verses say and what the author adds to that.
The third type of tzora'at appears in cloth. (Mitzvah #172.) It can be either a red or green patch the size of a bean in cloth made of wool or linen. The specific shades or red and green are carefully defined. The cloth affected can be in clothing or other objects made of cloth, such as boat sails and curtains. Looking at the source verses, Lev. 13: 37-59, the cohen must be called in to declare the infestation as tzora'at. The cohen marks the infested area and quarantines the cloth for a week. If the cohen then determines the infestation is tzora'at, the cloth must be burned. If the infestation has not spread, the spot is washed and the cloth is placed in quarantine for another week. If the infestation subsides during the quarantine so that the cohen finds the infestation is not tzora'at, the cloth is immersed in a mikvah and becomes tahor.
Finally, tzora'at can appear in houses. (Mitzvah #177) The author says this is a supernatural occurrence. He connects it to the shoresh for this set of mitzvot, which we will discuss shortly. He also retells a midrash that when the Jews first conquered Israel, God afflicted houses of the prior inhabitants with tzora'at so that the Jews would be obligated to destroy those houses and discover treasure the prior inhabitants had hidden there.
Tzora'at is suspected when a patch the size of two beans, colored red or green, appears on the wall. The house must be at least 4 by 4 cubits to be susceptible. It must have four walls and be built of stone, wood or mud. Brick and marble houses are not susceptible to tzora'at infestation. The infestation must be visible by light coming into the house, so if the house has no windows the house cannot be declared infested. The house must be in Israel, but outside of Jerusalem.
When the owner sees such an infestation, the owner calls in a cohen for a consultation. The cohen instructs the owner to remove all the items from inside the house so that they do not become tamei with the house. If the infestation meets the requirements for tzora'at, the cohen quarantines the house for one week. If, at the end of that week, the infestation has spread, the affected stones and the mortar around them are removed and deposited someplace where tamei material can remain indefinitely. The stones and mortar are replaced, and the house is quarantined for another week. If the infestation returns to the same place, the house is tamei and must be demolished.
If the infestation does not return, the cohen declares that the house can undergo the process to make it tahor. That is similar to the process to make a m'tzora tahor. The cohen takes two birds, a crimson cloth, cedar and hyssop. He slaughters one bird over a bowl of spring water and lets the blood flow into the bowl. Then he bundles the other objects, dips the bundle into the mixture, and shakes the liquid off the bundle seven times on the top lintel of the door. The cohen then chases away the live bird.
There are no remnants of the institution of m'tzora in current halachic practice. Mostly, that is because we no longer have reason to keep track of tumah and taharah. Also, a m'tzora can only become tahor by bringing sacrifices, which we can no longer bring. Our author says that we are still obligated to take suspicious lesions to a cohen for evaluation, despite our being unable to do anything about the outcome of the analysis. But, the author points out, that depends on our having cohanim with clear lineage. The author avoids saying whether the cohanim in his day would qualify. Perhaps in the author's time the lineage of a cohen was considered reliable, but we are no longer so sure.
In mitzvah #174, the author includes a long quote from Rambam explaining why Rambam counts the m'tzora cutting his or her hair and the m'tzora bringing sacrifices as separate mitzvot even though Rambam counts only one mitzvah for the nazir, who is also required to cut his or her hair and bring sacrifices. Since we are not yet familiar with the institution of nazir, this passage is difficult to understand so we will not discuss it in full detail. The main idea is that for the m'tzora, cutting hair is part of the ritual that leads to a lesser level of tumah. The m'tzora accomplishes something by cutting his or her hair, along with the accompanying rituals, even if the m'tzora never brings the required sacrifices. For the nazir, however, cutting hair and bringing the required sacrifice are m'akev, each requires the other. The nazir who cuts his or her hair but does not bring the required sacrifices accomplishes nothing. The author says he is relying on a translation of Rambam's Sefer haMitzvot for this passage. Except for the Mishneh Torah, Rambam wrote in Arabic. His works were translated into Hebrew during his lifetime. Apparently the author either did not read Arabic or did not have the original Arabic text.
The author discusses the shoresh of these mitzvot at length. He introduces the main concept in mitzvah #169 and continues to add new aspects in each subsequent essay. The shoresh here involves very basic concepts about how God relates to the world He created and the people in it, and how we ought to react to our own suffering. The author raises these very important questions but does not explain his own views in as sophisticated way as we might like.
The author first discusses the extent of God's involvement in what happens in the world. He says there are many possible approaches based on many relevant Biblical verses; this is not a simple issue, and it does not have one clear right answer. But, the author says, it is a foundational principle.
The author points out but does not evaluate the notion that God administers "hashgachah," watchful care, over each individual living thing. The author does not explain what he means by hashgachah: how close and detailed is the attention God pays. To give an analogy, the watchful care I extend when taking care of a toddler is very different from the watchful care I extend to my adult children.
The author explains that some think God administers watchful care over each item, animate or inanimate, so that no thing moves or acts in the world unless that precise motion or action is what God wills. The author considers that opinion unreasonable, although he does not explain why. The author also says some believe that God is not involved in watchful care over what happens to His creatures. This, the author believes, is heretical, evil and bitter. It seems to me this passage reflects the author trying to keep things simple for his audience. He already pointed out that these are crucial, foundational notions, but the author only states his own conclusion about them. He does not actually explain the arguments in support of his conclusions and against other approaches.
The author's own opinion is that God's watchful care is exercised over individual people and over species of other living things. He believes this opinion is rooted in earlier rabbinic thought and in many Biblical passages, although the author does not cite examples. Note that this watchful care is for individual people, Jews and non-Jews. As to other living things, the author says that watchful care prevents species from becoming extinct. It is hard to know how the author would react to the evidence of extinction of species we now have.
When we suffer, we should see the suffering as a warning that we might be doing something improper. Note that the author does not say that tzora'at or other suffering is necessarily the result of improper behavior, only that it might be and that the sufferer should consider that possibility and try to repent. We cannot know for sure.
In mitzvah #171 the author refines this by explaining how that suffering comes about as a response to our misbehavior. The author quotes the Mishnah, Sotah 1:7 for the statement, "A person is measured by the yardstick the person uses to measure." People often treat others the way they perceive the others have treated them. If someone treats me nicely, I try to be nice in return. If someone treats me badly, I might treat him or her badly. One might think this statement means that when a person misbehaves, God returns evil to the person. But God is good and generous, and the author says God does not cause us suffering as revenge for our not behaving the way God wants us to behave.
Instead, the reward a person is granted depends on the amount of good the person does. Blessing will be drawn to the good person. Blessing will be far from the person who does wrong because the person is less close to God. Without God's special care, natural processes take over and that tends to be painful. The author gives an example of someone traveling on a narrow path with thorn fences on either side. If the person is careful to stay on the path, the person proceeds in comfort. But if the person strays from the path, the person suffers from an encounter with the thorn fences. God did not "punish" the person, God just allowed the consequences of the person's inattention to accrue. God's special care is expressed by protecting people from normal human suffering.
This explanation fits neatly with the definition of shoresh hamitzvah we saw several classes back. God gives us mitzvot, and we search to understand the benefit God intended us to get from obeying those mitzvot. If we observe the mitzvot, the benefit accrues to us. If we do not, we lose the benefit and are worse off, not because God is punishing us, but because we have set ourselves on a course that will not lead to the benefits God intended.
The rabbis understood tzora'at as just such a warning. A m'tzora might be guilty of speaking improperly about others. Miriam, after all, was afflicted with tzora'at after she criticized Mosheh. But the author is careful to say that the m'tzora who has behaved badly might be guilty of other misdeeds in addition to or instead of improper speech; the author mentions the m'tzora might need to repent for improper possession of someone else's property.
The author finds encouragement to repentance in the details of the procedures related to tzora'at. The m'tzora is required to consult with a cohen to determine whether or not the infestation is tzora'at. The author says that requiring the m'tzora to consult with the cohen will encourage the m'tzora to repent because the cohen, in his service in the Temple, is an agent of atonement. The author also suggests that the cohen might help the m'tzora think through prior improper behavior. Quarantine gives the m'tzora time to contemplate his or her past behavior. Perhaps during the first period of quarantine the person has not fully repented, but perhaps he or she will do so during a second period of quarantine. The m'tzora is prohibited from tampering with the evidence of tzora'at; that indicates that we should react to our own wrongdoing by facing it honestly, not by trying to hide it or rationalize it. Rather, we should ask God's forgiveness and recognize that God might be treating us fairly.
The author explains the ritual of shaving the m'tzora. The shaved m'tzora is hairless as a newborn. Thinking of himself as newborn might encourage the person to make a new start in behavior, improving from his past misdeeds.
Tzora'at in cloth and houses might be preliminary steps in the process of God encouraging someone to repent. That matches well with the notion that tzora'at in cloth and houses is supernatural rather than some ordinary process of nature. Thus, someone who finds tzora'at on cloth ought to consider whether this is a warning about some bad behavior. If that does not lead to repentance, God might extend the warning by infesting the person's house with tzora'at. If that still doesn't work, God might afflict the person with tzora'at on his or her body. This progression reflects God's generosity, starting with property and only going on to physical suffering if absolutely necessary.
In mitzvah #173, the author connects the purification process of the m'tzora with repentance. Each element of the process is a reminder. The cedar is tall and straight, a symbol that perhaps the person has been haughty. Rather, the person should be low and modest, like the eizov. Using birds might convey the notion that the person should avoid chattering without thinking about whether what is being said is proper. The author says he does not know or remember any rabbinic explanation for the scarlet cloth, although it might be a hint to encourage humility.
Immersing in the water of a mikvah also carries powerful symbolism. Early in the process of God's creation the world was entirely water. Someone who immerses in the mikvah might see him or herself as "newly created." It is easier for the person immersing to see himself or herself as newly created if the water is free flowing rather than gathered by human effort. As the person thinks of his or her body being renewed, the person might be able to renew his or her actions in good ways. In mitzvah #175 the author says that the explanation here is aimed at young people, who might reject it for deeper explanations when they mature. The author ends this passage with a note that we need not agree with him. "One who hears will hear, and one who rejects will reject."
Season Two > Class #5 - M'tzora >


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You'll remember that a couple of weeks ago, I spent the first day of the Garden State Sheep and Fiber festival with my friend, Susan MacQueen, the artist who loves sheep. She told me she paints, sketches and sculpts sheep because she sees in them so many of the same qualities she's working on in her own life.
Tonight, Susan and her friend Alice Sims-Gunzenhauser are opening a show of their recent work at the Veridian Gallery, 43 S. Main Street, Pennington. Alice's work is about other nature themes, so the title of the show is "Drawn Through Nature." There will be an artists' reception from 5:30 to 7:30, and I'm going to try to get there. I hope I make it. Fridays are tough for me because of the real estate sections, but I will try to get to the office early today so that I will be done early. The public is invited, so if you're a sheep lover, do try to come.
For more information, follow the link to the gallery.
On another note entirely, I have almost finished knitting the yoke for my Dolphin Bay sleeveless sweater. This time, I was smart and used the provisional cast on, which means I crocheted a long chain and knitted into the backs of the stitches as my cast on. This is a terrific way to cast on when you know you're going to come back to this edge and work stitches in the other direction. And now I'm getting ready to do just that, so I'm "unzipping" the crochet chain and picking up the stitches as I go.
I guess if I go to the show tonight, I may be too tired when I get home to finish the sweater, but I'll get it done over the weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product, and I hope some little girl at the treatment center loves it.
By the way, there will be a Sit & Knit session at the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church on Sunday from 4:30 to 7, so please come if you're so inclined. The church is on the corner of Mountain Ave. and Union Ave. in Bound Brook.