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We are pleased to announce that Timothy C. Ward has joined the talented team of authors here at Evolved Publishing. Tim has previously published such works as Scavenger: Evolution, a piece inspired by Hugh Howey’s world of Sand (written and sold with Hugh’s permission), and several short stories in various formats and anthologies.
Tim brings to us his Godsknife series of magical thrillers, for which we offer a teaser below. The first book in this series is coming in the spring of 2016, so stay tuned by watching Tim’s page right here at EP, and further announcements from us as the big date approaches.
Earth’s magic has been buried for thousands of years. An Order priestess in search of godhood is eager to show the world that power was never buried, nor ever could be.
Caroline wants out of small town Iowa. She visits Iowa State University and meets an Order mage recruiting for his priestess. She has no idea it’s the eve of the Apocalypse, nor that her parents left behind a book of magic she’ll need to survive the chaos to come. Once it does, those in power will set their sights on she who poses the greatest threat.
Anthon likes Caroline, but doesn’t know if she’s ready to join Order. Not many are, and if he hadn’t been abandoned at eight years old to survive initiation into Chaos, then rescued by an Order priest, Anthon would have been just fine living a normal life. But he doesn’t have that luxury. His oldest friend, Shila, is now the priestess of their circle, an army of Order mages hidden in a mountain, invisible to the surface world of Iowa. Shila is pleased with his contributions to Order, but challenges him to take the next step. She is on the verge of releasing a power great enough to warrant godhood, and she wants to know if he’s willing to kill again.
John is a Chaos doctor struggling with alcoholism and a fed up fiancé. Instead of meeting her to give his final plea, he wakes up hung over to cicadas breaking through his living room window. Neighbors scream as swarms knock people down, inject their virus, and lift off for the next victim. His assistant, Caroline, shows up at his office with a blackened section of skin, like those he was unable to save. He uses Chaos magic to remove the infection, but a late night of drinking and studying the virus ends in a fall, the loss of a possible cure, and a window for Caroline to wander into the Abyss without his protection.
Liz, pissed at John’s drunk ass, skipped her chance at telling him off. Now she’s driving on the freeway, packed for a new life and stewing over wasted time. A rift opens in the sky and dumps out an onslaught from giant praying mantises. Their talons shred through cars, sever heads, and deliver bodies to a predatory vine infesting the countryside. Liz flees on foot and finds a sigil matching the stones in her engagement ring. Touching its marks accesses Chaos magic, but she soon realizes its power is never worth the required debt in blood.
These are just some of the personal stories playing out in Godsknife, where the world that was may never been seen again.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at 3:43 am and is filed under News/Announcement. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Evolved Publishing is dedicated to bringing readers the best material on the planet today. We scour for the best writers, the best storytellers, and we then mercilessly pursue them, forcing them into our ranks. And it's a big planet, with lots of people.
It's fun.
We're growing daily, with genres ranging from literary fiction to mystery, fantasy to thriller, children's books to romance, and everything in between. All of them are guaranteed to set the imagination in overdrive and please our readers and fans.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy, snuggle down, and enter an adventure.
Evolved Publishing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
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Confidentiality Statement Fake Character – Having secure dating software, an advanced away from privacy is a must regardless of the fresh app making it possible for other social network profiles are included
Verification and Registration – There are 2 implies towards the processes, the first antique style of playing with personal send id otherwise mobile amount for membership development and sign on, to own portable verification, Twilio APIs may be used. The following choice is having fun with a social network API on most useful verification processes.
Blocking or humming you aren’t wrongful serves is paramount feature of any profitable matchmaking software
Attractive User profile – Following sign up is done, performing a person character is the step two. It is important to assemble every recommendations related to possess best suits to get over. Dating Applications such as for instance Tinder enjoys inserted give that have Spotify to fit users’ foundation audio appeal and that echo the https://datingranking.net/lds-planet-review/ degree of recommendations becoming gained in the profile section of profiles.
Coordinating needs – Here is the essential ability of any rates dating software, even more the probability of effective and you can small matches higher would-be the latest engagement rate. Prominent relationship software like Tinder, OkCupid run on server reading AI formulas that suits anyone toward some products particularly Extroversion or Introversion height, Agreeableness peak, Personal, faculties matches, Towns and cities, physical dimensions particularly top. Fundamentally, matchmaking programs algorithm learns regarding user analysis, the fresh AI and event associate study including takes notice from users preferences and you may procedures.
Geo-area – Eventually, a person is actually signed to an online dating application so as so you can, afterwards, see its taste personally. The entire software base should be to get connectivity majorly as per spot for easy appointment right up at the an after phase. Tinder actually allows its pages to pick to exactly what point new match should be.
Speak – How to start a conversation for the an online dating application will be effortlessly conducted that have a seamless chat setting, with choice of using photo, emojis, GIF, movies that will produce increased maintenance rate. Speak background should also be obtainable to have profiles to love mesmerizing minutes next to heart.
This new relationship application concept using its novel mixture of private and you can public reputation persona, a properly-laid out line to be sure defense and you may privacy is crucial. Regarding bogus pages a user are able to use “Block Statement”, they are able to even purchase the “Taken Pictures” option having comments and you can declaration an identical.
Push Notifications – When probably design a matchmaking software for beginners, manage look at the undeniable fact that users like the non-public touch in the type of alerts and you may announcements. Could be providing first date pointers thru announcements will make the brand new app stop most tension of its profiles. Dating Software such Tinder charge a premium because of its Gold function to show a daily gang of pages.
Stop and undo choice – Option to undo if you have accidently shown appeal often, obviously, end up being another virtue.
Advanced Filters – Top new matchmaking software, usually do not limitation to help you taking filter systems options out-of just age, place, field, an such like. time has changed and thus have tastes, users like linking with such as for example-oriented some one, possibly solutions eg eating routine, reading-designs, net collection otherwise film tastes usually link some one more readily and timely.
Admin Committee – For dating cellular application creativity, a proper-outlined administrator panel will help eliminate advertised bogus users, monitor the consumer issues plus-app sales thereby boosting user wedding.
Checkin as well as heat Chart Ability – Actual Relationships apps instance Magnet, combine the very best of internet dating and you will real-life sense thru this particular feature. It permits one look at-in the and you will quickly filter systems single men and women otherwise one associated passion up to you to definitely you happen to be searching for.
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Greatest Tucson Cougar Bars and you can Cougar Clubs
She began acting as the an adolescent and you will became a premier design in Paris at the beginning of eighties
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You may get compensated to talk each and every minute through real time talk, so that as an influencer or advisor, you can easily set your personal price. - نظام العقود
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You may get compensated to talk each and every minute through real time talk, so that as an influencer or advisor, you can easily set your personal price.
الرئيسية
You may get compensated to talk each and every minute through real time talk, so that as an influencer or advisor, you can easily set your personal price.
You may get compensated to talk each and every minute through real time talk, so that as an influencer or advisor, you can easily set your personal price.
You may get compensated to talk each and every minute through real time talk, so that as an influencer or advisor, you can easily set your personal price.
To begin, you will need to make your profile from the platform. This profile is known as a Paid Chat Widget and certainly will include your necessary qualifications, informative data on your character, and exactly what your supporters may benefit away from you.
A standard talk price are going to be presented alongside these records to supporters.
As an influencer hoping to develop a premium account, it is possible to do this right now. The signup process is easy, and there is no setup cost or monthly registration charges.
Kgb is mainly worried about improved information like customer directory and lending help, also it pays visitors to respond to questions through their texting services.
You will make $0.10 for virtually any reaction you give and $0.05 for each and every validation reaction you obtain from their database.
This web site requires that individuals joining them must certanly be through the united states of america, need exemplary research and interaction skills, and may manage to provide quick and proper responses to concerns.
Additionally, you will need to pass their vetting procedure and show your security that is social number demonstrate that you you live in the usa.
Contemplate this work such as the Amazon chat help, however now, with Apple. Apple’s At Home Advisors provides this task, and their part is always to assist clients resolve their technical inquiries.
Using this work, you can expect to get an iMac and headset that will help you carry out of the task. There are various other advantages like time-off, employee discounts, and a cure for a profession opportunity with Apple.
Away from other jobs that simply spend you to definitely talk, this is certainly among the few that provides you the opportunity for genuine profession development.
When you yourself have good interaction abilities and experience with online chatting, take to dealing with Working possibilities.
They feature chat solutions to companies that are different assist them occupy telephone calls from their clients to eliminate questions. That is the reason they often employ call agents which will provide in-demand call center answers to these firms.
You'll act as a chat representative remotely and make from $7 to $30 per talk time hour. Therefore, for those who have great deal of the time in your arms to expend in the phone, make use of Working possibilities.
JustAnswer provides possibilities to specialists in various industries to utilize them and supply answers that are professional customers.
On this website, consumers inquire on various industries, including medication, engineering, legislation, technical help, while the sleep, additionally the responses should be well investigated and phrased.
The pay is based on the quantity of accepted responses you offer, also it varies from $5 to $30 for every response. You can easily withdraw along with your PayPal account after you have got attained as much as $20.
Such as the other talk companies, The talk Shop provides call center services to businesses helping them just just simply take their customer services up, product product sales, and tech help functions.
This business is generally employing agents that may work regular. To participate them, you have to go through training and stay open to work with 35 to 40 hours weekly. It's also wise to have the ability to kind 65 terms each minute with 97per cent precision.
They spend between ten dollars and $11.90 each hour. You are able to use here to utilize them.
Web Sites that pay you to definitely talk to lonely people
This can be a top-rated website that enables you to receives a commission to speak to lonely individuals. To begin, you simply want to subscribe and produce your profile.
This is certainly a safe site where you can make between $15 and $50 each hour. It is possible to set your own personal price. Every cent you earn is yours since the company does not take any commission.
This is an excellent destination for individuals looking to receive money to communicate with lonely individuals on simply the aspect that is platonic.
This web site is legit since it charges its users a token as being a sign-up charge. Nonetheless, the ones that are enrolling to talk to users are not necessary to pay for.
Buddy PC allows various modes of interaction, including talk teams, telephone calls, and texting.
The working platform defines it self as being a place that is one-stop people who are looking to discover abilities. For this reason they encourage their users to incorporate their educational skills and experiences in order to attract friends that are new.
With this particular web web site, you can generate between $15 and $50 each hour, utilizing the average being $20. You could make more cash in the event that you meet and chat for a level that is professional.
Will you be a woman with spice? Signup with ChatOperatorJobs and obtain compensated to speak to people that are lonely.
This website is the one for females who would like joingy cam to talk to lonely males. right right Here, you certainly do not need to talk about your pictures or talk via a cam; typed communications are enough.
The website pays $0.20 for every message you answer to, and you are clearly maybe perhaps not on a specific working hours. Nonetheless, you need to set the time you will end up available so the consumers will dsicover.
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It sounds correct, doesn't it? But I am certain the writer did not mean "Without further farewell"–not at the beginning of his report!
Clearly the writer intended "Without further ado." What went wrong?
I have two theories: (1) he simply typed what he heard in his mind, or (2) he was not aware of the homonym pair ado-adieu.
If he simply typed what was going through his mind, he needs to start proofreading what he writes–especially if his success depends on people's confidence in his reports. I wrote about this problem in my post "I Right Email and Reports." And he must use his grammar and spelling checker. When I typed "Without further adieu," my Microsoft Word grammar and spelling checker flagged the error and neatly offered the correct word.
I suspect my second theory is correct: He was not aware of the homonym pair. It is possible that he has never read or noticed the word ado and just assumed adieu was the word he wanted. Still, Microsoft could have helped him.
People who attend my business writing courses are often surprised to learn about certain word pairs. In the pair compliment-complement, they did not realize that complement is a word. In flush-flesh, they are surprised that "flesh out an idea" is correct–they had been flushing theirs out. And they are slow to agree that "the principal reason" is correct–they would have sworn "principle reason" the winner.
Maybe it is because people do not read a lot. I am not sure. But I am sure that flushing out ideas is bad for one's career!
If you are someone who might have written "Without further adieu," I designed two products to help you become aware of unintentional errors. "60 Quick Word Fixes" covers 60 confusing word pairs or triplets, and it includes a test. "Error Quests" offers 50 brief proofreading tests, each with a single error. In "Error Quests," some of the errors involve word choice, some punctuation, and others sentence structure.
Why do people make such errors? Lack of awareness? Failure to proofread? Please share your view.
PS: Learn about our online, self-study courses including Proofreading Like a Pro.
Posted by
Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.
A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.
A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media.
Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English. She grew up in suburban Chicago, Illinois.
16 comments on “Without Further Adieu”
February 24, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Language Log has a great post every so often about “eggcorns.” The adieu/ado confusion is one of my pet peeves, I must admit. I’ve found some clever ones in my students’ papers, though (even though they didn’t realize how clever they were). One student wrote that she came from a “close-net family.” I could see the family being close together, as if they were in a net. I almost hated to tell her that her version was incorrect!
February 24, 2012 at 6:14 pm
I was speaking with someone today about the use of French in everyday language. Perhaps the person who wrote the original sentence studied English, but not French.
February 25, 2012 at 10:24 am
Nina, thank you for all the good information. I loved learning about Language Log, “eggcorns,” and the “close-net family.”
The family reference is very dear. I can understand your hesitance to correct the writer.
February 25, 2012 at 10:25 am
Thanks for dropping by.
February 26, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Adieu actually means “see you at God’s” which infers that you will see the person in heaven, so you do not say “adieu” unless you plan to not see the person again on this earth. I come from Belgium, and that is how we used the word.
February 26, 2012 at 7:28 pm
I don’t know what the current elementary English teaching vogue is, but for a long time it was thought better to accept any attempt at words without correction. As a result there are large numbers of people who were never encouraged to identify the difference between homophones, thus the frequent confusions of here/hear, there/they’re/their and so on.
By the way (copied from Wikipedia), “… homonyms are simultaneously homographs (words that share the same spelling, irrespective of their pronunciation) and homophones (words that share the same pronunciation, irrespective of their spelling).” In this case, ado/adieu are (depending on pronunciation) homophones.
Anonymous
February 27, 2012 at 6:54 am
Lynn, I loved that you mentioned the “compliment-complement” confusion.
For over 10 years, the technology company I work for used this word incorrectly in their company vision, stating that they offered “complimentary technologies.”
When I started here last year, I politely informed our office manager that this was not the correct word, explaining that “complimentary technologies” really meant that we offered *free* technologies- which is certainly not the company vision! Needless to say, she quickly rushed to have the word changed on all company documents.
It surprised me that it took that many years for someone to notice it, and that the person who finally noticed it was me- a recent college graduate brand new to the business world. I guess I’m just an English nerd!
February 27, 2012 at 9:03 am
Hi, Barbara. Thank you for educating me on the true meaning of “adieu.”
February 27, 2012 at 9:09 am
Hi, Terry. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share definitions. I suspect the person who wrote “Without further adieu,” pronounces “adieu” the same as “ado.”
February 27, 2012 at 9:10 am
Anonymous, thank you for telling that interesting story. Good for you!
February 27, 2012 at 9:43 am
I used to type “ado”, though, because that’s how I heard it when a presenter at our school said it.
February 28, 2012 at 8:59 pm
“Without further ado” is correct.
February 29, 2012 at 6:27 am
I find your statement about people not reading as much anymore leading to these errors. I found myself correcting a mistake of mine as I read a book and found the phrase “for all intents and purposes.” I had never seen it in writing and based on people’s pronunciation I thought the phrase was “for all intensive purposes.”
February 29, 2012 at 8:50 am
Hi, Kathryn. Thanks for that great example. I am glad you recognized the correct version.
November 22, 2012 at 11:27 pm
Obvoiusly nobody has watched The Sound of Music to get the proper pronunciation of adieu. It is not a homophone of “ado”
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UNIS Hanoi is an MYP school and in the PE department we work to assess students under four criterion:
These criteria are set by the IBO and we modify them so that they are task specific for each unit/grade that we teach. The one that gives our department the most anxst is Criteria D. There are four strands within the criteria, and we are supposed to have assessed our students on all 4 by the time they leave G10 but this requires scope and sequence to ensure that students will be successful in all 4. They are:
The debate that we are having in our department is how many of these can be witnessed by the teacher and how many need more or further evidence from students via writing or other approach? And can we use more formative feedback rather than constantly using summative feedback? I have found that I tend to ask a lot of my G7’s, they are subjected to questions and surveys; to group assessments and feedback as well as my formative notes and observations that are then commented on and given to students. I know that this is too much for many to cope with but I want to find out what others do and how you assess Personal Engagement in PE and your MYP school – and do you have a scope and sequence to help me to sway over my department. I have discussed this issue with other MYP subjects that have Personal Engagement or Reflection as part of their set assessment (Math/Language A and B/Arts) and they also have some issues with reflection and having interesting ongoing and meaningful conversations and also with rubrics where we are really assessing higher level thinking and learning not just looking for “what can I do better/what did you do well” type questions.
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This limited annual release series brings together innovative sustainable packaging techniques with natural materials at the end of their life to see them given new use and purpose.
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Calgary is the best city to live in Canada and one of the best in the world. With a high standard of living and several other attributes that make it a livable city, you might be considering moving here too. So, is it hard to find a job in Calgary?
Calgary has the highest unemployment rate among Canadian cities and has over 70% labor participation. So, the job market is challenging to get into. But being an expert in sectors such as aerospace, technology, financial services, Agric business, life science, and energy could improve your chances.
Regardless of how difficult getting a job here might be, Calgary is still worth it. It has the highest per capita income and is still fairly affordable. Here, we discuss whether getting a job in Calgary is hard and major sectors in the city.
Job Market in Calgary
Is it advisable to work in Calgary?
In Conclusion
Job Market in Calgary
Calgary was the best city in Canada to find a job in 2018, according to a report by Movinga 2018. This means that only Munich and Boston have better prospects than it. The report based the rankings on several factors, including the career opportunities for expatriates, youth, and women, the standard of living, and economic strength.
However, the unemployment rate in that city is one of the highest. Alberta had an unemployment rate of 5.9% at the end of April 2022. This means it has the highest unemployment rate among metropolitan areas in the country. But in Calgary, the unemployment rate is 7.2%. The city has labor participation of over 70%, which means many people are looking for work in the city. The high unemployment rate in the city is partly due to the decline in its oil and gas industry over time.
Although the unemployment rate doesn’t necessarily mean finding a job in a particular place is hard. In the case of Calgary, it is. The unemployment rate and high labor participation combine to prove that. In 2016, the city had a labor participation rate of 73.1%. However, it’s still possible to get in Calgary despite the clear competition in the job market. One has to know where and how to apply.
If you want to move to Calgary, you should know the sectors that form the backbone of its economy. Being an expert in any of those fields makes it easier for you to get a job in Calgary.
Calgary is a Canadian aviation hub. One of the most important airports in Canada, the YYC Calgary International Airport, is here. With 18 million passengers in 2019 and 4,305 cargo landings, it’s the third busiest airport in Canada. Several airlines, such as Swoop, WestJet, and R1 Airlines, are based in Calgary. There are also other companies with expertise in communication, navigation, geospatial data equipment, MMRO (manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul), hardware and software development, etc.
Thus, anyone with expertise in the aerospace sector can easily find a job here in Calgary with at least 12 major companies in that sector.
Alberta is Canada’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, and Calgary is the center of all that. However, the city goes beyond oil and gas production and leads the world in the energy transition. Alberta has more than enough energy resources with other energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy. Anyone with expertise in oil and gas or alternative energy space can easily find work in the city. Headquarters of almost all the major energy companies are here.
Calgary leads the agribusiness space in primary production, Agric tech innovation, protein development, food safety, and animal health. Alberta is the third biggest exporter of agricultural products in Canada. In 2018, the province agrifood export was 19.3% of the total Canadian agrifood exports.
Most of these productions happen in southern Alberta, where Calgary is. Almost 70% of all irrigated lands in Canada are in this area. With a plethora of resources here, many agricultural industry leaders have key parts of their operations in the city. So anyone in that field can easily find jobs.
Commercial banks, investment banks, Fintech, insurance firms, and more. Name it, and you’ll find it in Calgary. The city has a high concentration of capital due to the several businesses and industries operating at full capacity within it. Thus, it attracts several top financial firms. Apart from the traditional firms, even cutting-edge solutions providers such as Fintech and cryptocurrency companies are all in the city. This makes it a great city not just for financial experts but also for tech professionals. There are several Fintech unicorns in the city.
Calgary has a growing tech space that offers plenty of jobs for residents. The city leads the space in digital transformation and continues to innovate. With the concentration of industry leaders in several sectors, the city is a confluence of ideas. Anyone interested in industrial digital transformation will find it easier to navigate the tech sector in the state.
There are over 100 life science companies in Calgary alone. These include everything from publicly traded companies to startups. The life science industry here buttresses Alberta’s status as the only province with a fully integrated healthcare system. The Cumming School of Medicine is a leading institution in terms of medical research. In addition, there are several other medical research facilities and institutions, including the International Microbiome Center.
Is it advisable to work in Calgary?
Finding a job in Calgary can be quite difficult, but it’s still one of Canada’s best places to work. The city has high livability ratings, and most of the challenges residents have to grapple with in most major cities are absent here.
Furthermore, Calgary has the highest per capita income among cities in Canada, just as Alberta has the highest among the provinces. Its per capita income in 2020 was $59,907. The same city also has the highest labor productivity among the cities in Canada. So, if wages are your major concern, working in Calgary might be perfect.
The minimum wage in Alberta is $15, which means only British Columbia has a higher minimum wage than it. What makes the city perfect is that even despite the high wages, it’s still one of the most affordable cities to live in in Canada.
In Conclusion
Getting a job in Calgary isn’t easy. But that’s not surprising. It’s not easy to get a job anywhere. However, being experts in certain sectors can improve your chance of getting a good job in the city.
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We spent a couple of hours at the Asian Civilization Museum (ACM) recently. It’s one of the pioneering museums specializing in the material history of China, Southeast, South & West Asia, from which the various ethnic groups in Singapore trace their ancestry.
It’s a beautiful building architecturally on the outside & just as beautiful & exciting on the inside. We walked through the exhibition of Tang Shipwreck, Ancient religions & Life in Edo – all beautifully told & well presented.
Tagged ancestors, Asian, ethnic, exhibition, history, museum, ship, Singapore
Daily inspiration, appearance
Old, worn out, abandoned but so incredibly beautiful. There’s something about old buildings, it must be appearance & history through time that makes them so exciting, something you never can take from a building that has been around for a while.
Tagged appearance, building, buildings, history, house, old, worn
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Due to the steady increase in ticket volumes noted over the past few years, and knowing that this is a trend that will likely continue to rise, how can technical support teams manage this level of volume? For the past few years, desktop technical support teams have recommended three key tools — as featured in this infographic below created by ThinkHDI.com. Enjoy!
Our company, based in Thousand Oaks, offers solutions for that and more for your home or business: setting up new computers, updating and diagnosing hardware and software, email, Wi-Fi, backup and recovery, PC tune-ups, Windows installation and upgrades. We also give free estimates and, more importantly, the customer support that you deserve. We are here to aid you with any and all troubles you may have regarding your desktop or laptop computer.
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The general principles are the same as food, really. You know what I mean, I don’t need to lecture you.
We all know we need to buy less and buy less in plastic. Understand really deep in your soul that yet another new lipstick in a jazzy tube will not change your life. Other obvious things that you do already: don’t use wipes, use cakes of soap rather than plastic bottles. You don’t need to wash top to toe every single day. It’s bad for your skin anyway and a huge waste of water.
All sorts of great plastic-free products can be found at Beauty Kubes and also at Lush. The only downside of things like shampoo bars I can see is the care – if you leave them in the shower they tend to turn to mush.
You basically have to take them in and out of the shower with you and leave to dry between shampoos somewhere. Lush sell very cute little tins to transport the shampoo in but alas all that happens is they get stuck tight to the bottom of the tin.
My January Baby makes and sells washable wipes – her make-up wipe idea is very good – you buy a bag of seven wipes, use one every day and then stick the whole lot back in the cotton bag and into the wash.
Peace With the Wild also has all sorts of clever stuff along these lines and is definitely worth looking at, I like the look of their toothpastes in particular – toothpaste tubes being the no.1 most totally non biodegradable thing out there.
I have recently been contacted by a new natural deodorant company called Wild Cosmetics – they’re supposed to be sending me a sample to try (I am sceptical), but it hasn’t arrived yet. Has anyone tried a natural deodorant that works? I mean as an anti-perspirant, too. I sweat and while I’m not ashamed of this, I don’t particularly want to.
Regular Spike reader AC has recommended Malin & Goetz and Aesop as practical alternatives.
Ohne make and deliver organic tampons, while also supporting a menstrual health charity in Zambia.
Thinx or ModiBodi – period pants… I think we all know about these, very popular with some, others aren’t crazy about the idea.
Silicon period “cups” are becoming more popular – a bit of research shows that the OrganiCup outperforms the original Moon Cup. I had more than one email saying “I haven’t told anyone this, but I use a moon cup.” Its negative association with massive weird hippiedom – (a thing I suspect propagated by tampon companies anyway) – is on the wane, which can only be a good thing.
Personally I hated my period so much I got a coil – but that might be a bit extreme for you.
Washable nappies: even if you don’t use a washable nappy every single nappy change, if you can work even one or two a day into your routine it’s better than nothing. I didn’t use washable nappies ever with my kids, (because I bizarrely thought that it was an all-or-nothing thing), and occasionally lie awake feeling bad. Things have really moved on since mine were in nappies and there are washable nappy alternatives that are really viable, at least for some nappy changes.
Recycle your contact lenses and packaging at Terracycle stations all over the country. I don’t find the Terracycle website madly user-friendly but with a bit of effort you can find free recycling drop-off points all over the country for all sort of mad things like crisp packets and fag butts.
Pikster, the inter-dental brush people, now make a pik from bamboo.
How about you? Please leave your top eco health and beauty swaps or tips in the box below.
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Comments
Emily K says
July 11, 2019 at 7:16 am
We use cheeky wipes for our baby and toddler and they are genuinely so much better than disposable wipes. I tried to change a soiled nappy yesterday with disposables and they were rubbish and I got through so many. Once kids are toilet trained they can be used for wiping grotty faces and fingers etc.
Jane says
July 11, 2019 at 7:56 am
I’ve been using coconut oil as an eye make-up remover for years. Just the bog standard stuff you use in the kitchen. It’s the best I’ve found for removing liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara. No chemicals and very cheap.
Jo says
July 11, 2019 at 11:12 am
Hi! I’ve thought of doing this, but for some reason I was worried about the coconut oil clogging up the eye-lash shafts / ducts. It doesn’t cause you any eye-lid congestion?
And more importantly, have you noticed a difference in your eye lashes (thicker, longer)?
Jane says
July 11, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Hello! I haven’t had any problems. But, I don’t think that I can claim to have longer lashes either!
Jo says
July 12, 2019 at 1:43 pm
Frances says
July 11, 2019 at 8:15 am
I use natural deodorant for six months of the year…. (Oct-April) that’s my compromise! Either Weleda or Uterkram(spelling?!) work best in my experience.
Hanna says
July 11, 2019 at 8:34 am
I found that I was using way too many baby wipes for wiping faces and hands. I now use flannels and washable eye make up pads. It feels great not to be putting anything in the bin.
I get mine from Pretty green things (from Facebook)
Emily says
July 11, 2019 at 8:38 am
A lot of Beauty Pie products come in glass which I find both pleasing in a sort of old fashioned pharmacy way, as well as being recyclable. i use flannels (face washers) for removing makeup following the hot cloth method and, previously, for the babies’ bottoms.
I’m getting Nuud deodorant promoted to me via social media. Apparently it’s in a sugar cane tube.
It’s worth thinking about the bar soap you use also. Much as I love the slightly medicinal smell of Pears, it comes packaged in a plastic sleeve. Dove comes in just a small cardboard box.
Lib572 says
July 11, 2019 at 9:14 am
Following – thanks for these posts
Emily says
July 11, 2019 at 9:14 am
I tried natural deodorants for awhile (Pitrok and the like) but never really got on with them. But then some new ones came on the market that seem to be cocoa butter and bicarbonate of soda (+ essential oils for perfume) based concoctions that seem to really do the trick. They’re pastes that you smooth on.
I found Fit Pit in Hisbe and I loved it, but it seems to be out of stock now. But any with this formula seem to work just fine.
I ran out and went back to Mitchum for a day or two and it seems to have stopped working.
Louise says
July 11, 2019 at 9:18 am
I really like Soapwalla natural deodorant. Been issuing it exclusively now for 3 years or thereabouts. Seriously works for the odour side of things, but is not an antiperspirant. I do understand the inconvenience, if that’s the right word, of sweating, but I’m sure I’ve read somewhere that it’s actually better for you to allow this, rather than blocking up the sweat ducts…? Another really good side effect of the Soapwalla is that I no longer have to deal with those horrible yellow underarm marks on clothes that conventional deodorants seem to induce. Simply doesn’t ever happen anymore. And I also have definitely noticed when I don’t wear any deodorant (obviously would only do this if not seeing anyone or being out in public!) that my natural underarm smell is almost hardly there anymore. I have verified this with good friends/mother/spouse who would DEFINITELY tell me otherwise….! Obviously I have no scientific evidence for why this might be, but I do wonder whether it’s just not having put anything pore blocking/aluminium based whatever on my underarms for so long now…..Who knows, but I’m happy with the result!
Frances says
July 11, 2019 at 9:25 am
I’ve tried several natural deodorants in the past and they’ve never worked on me. The Malin & Goetz Eucalyptus is fab though
mrsemilyh says
July 11, 2019 at 9:31 am
Earth Conscious deodorant is amazing – eco and plastic-free. I order it from Babi Pur as I have a small child and get things for him at the same time, but I’m sure you can get it elsewhere. The lavender and tea tree one is the best, scent-wise. It really actually works, I am 6 months pregnant and it’s keeping the sweat at bay even now.
mrsemilyh says
July 11, 2019 at 9:34 am
Also – reusable wipes don’t have to be spendy. I bought a fleece blanket from IKEA for an actual quid, and just cut it up with pinking shears. This made a load of make-up remover pads for me and wipes for my son’s face/hands.
Sophie says
July 11, 2019 at 9:53 am
I use Pitrok 95% of the time and think it’s great. You have to realise that it will take some time for your body to get used to being able to breathe (bc normal anti-perspirants basically block your sweat glands) so your pits will over-compensate for a while … maybe try it on a beach holiday where you’ll be in and out of sea/pool all day long? I do have a ‘normal’ deodorant for when I really don’t want any kind of sweat, but for me those occasions are few and far between – smart parties, weddings etc. I suppose there is a slight stickiness, which I’ve got used to, but I don’t smell, I do feel smug, and it lasts for ages, and I mean almost a year! Since Pitrok is alum, if you hate it, you could hand it over to your husband to use on shaving cuts!
Sophie says
July 11, 2019 at 9:57 am
And I agree with Louise, absolutely no yellow crusty marks on clothes. Natural deodorant and t-shirts you don’t have to chuck after three months because the armpits are obscene, what’s not to love? My husband uses it too and I can report pristine armpits on his work shirts too. Now I only confiscate them when the collar has frayed to gentleman-tramp levels.
Chloe says
July 11, 2019 at 10:04 am
I have been using the Pitrok natural deodorant, so has my husband and so now is my sweatiest friend – we are all total converts. It’s brilliant and does actually work. It’s a bit weird at first and you wonder how on Earth it can actually work, but it does. Can buy on amazon for about £6/7 and it lasts ages. It easily a aw me through some really hot days recently.
Sophie says
July 11, 2019 at 2:31 pm
Mary says
July 11, 2019 at 10:35 am
I use a natural deodorant and have done for 5 years. Nobody explains it is difficult to change and you end up thinking you’re the only one with super smelly sweat. If you’ve been using a chemical deodorant which let’s face it, practically all of us, our bodies are continually trying to get rid of the chemicals by making more sweat and therefore we all keep adding more deodorant and obviously buying it which is the most important part of the companies. When you begin with a natural one your body is still on overdrive and you think the natural deodorant is no good and go back to the chemical ones. My advice, be patient, you’ll be changing your tops 3 times a day, try wearing less synthetic fabrics during the process. Takes about 3 months for your body to level itself out but then you find you hardly smell and the natural deodorant is just a light fragrance. I have a friend and also my husband who have never used deodorants and neither of them ever smell. We are all quick to start our youngsters off on deodorants when we should be dressing them in cotton and encouraging good underarm cleanliness.
AnnaC says
July 11, 2019 at 1:59 pm
This is very true about your body adjusting! Def less sweat now than at the beginning.
July 12, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Mary this is really invaluable advice, thank you for commenting
Anonymous says
July 11, 2019 at 11:21 am
Salt of the Earth lavender deodorant – I went on a massive natural deodorant binge experiment and have always come back to this one. It smells great and is not all sticky and gunky like regular deodorant – does not leave the yellow stains on your clothes either. It does have alum in it, which I think is why it is so effective, but cuts out a lot of the worst stuff. Also on Ocado.
Make Up Eraser cloths remove pretty much anything with just water, no stinging make up remover.
AnnaC says
July 11, 2019 at 1:58 pm
I find Pitrok (the crystal form) is a good natural deodorant for all but the hottest of days. It lasts ages too, I think I got mine two years ago, along with a mini Nivea one for days when it’s 25C or over.
Kate says
July 11, 2019 at 5:55 pm
I’m a big fan of the Schmidt deodorants; available at Ocado and ASOS. Better than any other natural I’ve tried (M+G, Soapwalla, Pitrok, etc). Doesn’t stop you sweating but does stop any smell and there’s no irritation, which has happened with other naturals. Packaging is plastic though, so not so great for the environment.
Also Lunette menstrual cup – this has improved my quality of life on days when I have my period so much, and it is a genuinely eco friendly product. Each one will last for about 10 years which saves a LOT of tampons going into landfill.
Thanks for the other recs- Splosh in particular looks great and I will be trying them.
Sorry that was very earnest – really couldn’t come up with any good jokes on this topic 🥴
Laura says
July 15, 2019 at 1:50 pm
I also love Schmidt deodorants. Just survived 2 days on planes with no stink. Still sweat though. I don’t ever use a back up.
Menstrual cups are the best. Took me 3 months to use it properly though.
Kat says
July 11, 2019 at 6:47 pm
I’ve just made a half-arsed switch to washable nappies (day time only, not for naps, big outings or nights away).
The thing that put(s) me off is the upfront spend, and the fact that nobody seems to really acknowledge that they come with environmental disadvantage too: all those hot washes are not exactly energy efficient.
Regarding spend though, which if I’m honest the biggest barrier, don’t be put off by the £20+ fashion ones. In the end I found a covers on ebay, and bought the pads separately, at more like £6. Still not cheap – you need about 24 to fill a washing machine and therefore do that efficiently…
As I said, half-arsed. But we try.
July 12, 2019 at 7:40 am
That’s basically how we do them as well – although I’ve definitely found we use them more and more as time goes by. Many councils will give you a £50 voucher to help with the upfront cost and if you have more than one child (deeply unenvironmentally friendly though they are!) they do pay for themselves pretty quickly.
Flopsy says
July 12, 2019 at 10:13 am
For anyone contemplating a move from plastic razors to a fixed blade permanent one: I was terrified. Convinced I’d be grated like a carrot or found dead in a pool of blood. And underarms? Impossible.
Anyway, it took a bit of getting used to, but three months on I’m not only still alive but love it. I find it as easy – in fact possibly easier and faster – than the plastic ones and no cuts at all, even in the armpits which I’ve always found devilishly hard to shave properly. I got mine from Muhle because they also sell a Blade Guard which I use when travelling to cover the blade bit of the razor (similar to the slide on caps you get with plastic ones) and I also got the natty blade disposal thing. A bit spendy but should last forever so going to save loads of ££ long term. (Also love my Diva cup. It’s a game-changer, particularly if you have heavy periods.)
isabellepr says
July 12, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Jason deodorant is great – as is most of their range of moisturisers etc. You can still only get it in independent health food type shops though, annoyingly.
I do tend to use Bionsen deodorant when I can’t readily get hold of Jason – at least Bionsen is aluminium free.
We use washable cloths for most things (flannels, muslins etc) – hand wipes, make up wipes etc.
I bulk buy the Faith in nature soaps from Amazon – like 30 in a box, brings the cost down and getting a lot shipped in one go. Dove comes in a cardboard box, but it’s also full of palm oil…
I use organic cotton tampons – Yoni is good and available in Sainsbury’s. Also just started with the Cheeky Wipes own brand period pants and impressed so far.
Emily Cowdry says
July 14, 2019 at 9:59 am
I’m a primary school teacher and was met with alot of negativity (even disgust) when I asked whether the girls were given info about cups, reusables etc in addition to the samples of standard tampons and pads they were given during their ‘health’ talks.
Has anyone heard of a scheme where I could get examples and information suitable for sharing with children in upper primary? I feel it’s very important we don’t pass these negative connotations on and show them their choices.
Tam says
July 14, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Another teacher here – my daughter (who is 16) had a talk at school during which info about menstrual cups was given & since then she has switched and persuaded me to do so too. This is only going to be relevant for me for a few years but probably for 30+ years for her – so important and done in the right way can be really positive. I haven’t tried reusables but have read good reviews of thinx and on the website there’s a programme called Everybody – – which is for 10-13 year olds. I think this is US based but might be a place to start? https://www.shethinx.com/pages/giveback
Emily Cowdry says
July 15, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Thank you, I will have a look! I’m glad the message is getting out to some girls at least! X
Flopsy says
July 16, 2019 at 11:40 am
That is very disappointing Emily. Cups are so much better health-wise than tampons too.
Helen says
July 14, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Are re-useable nappies really better for the environment? That’s a lot of extra washing, and some of them are made of micro fibre (plastic). Could end up putting more plastic in the ocean than ordinary disposables…
Kathryn Davies says
July 14, 2019 at 8:55 pm
Yeah, I’ve really struggled with this too, although largely as an excuse for not doing it. Yes, it’s not plastic (although I hadn’t considered microfibre!) but that isn’t the only consideration. Also – whisper it – I don’t think they’re as good.
Vicky says
July 22, 2019 at 8:12 pm
I’ve made the switch to reusable nappies (well partly I can’t afford enough to do it full time) and struggled with the arguments for and against. Yes there’s more washing (about 2 extra loads a week) but I’m sending less nappies to landfill that will sit there full of crap for the next 500years.
Making disposables uses a shed of water and other resources so it’s a bit of swings and roundabouts.
The reusable I have definitely work as well as the pampers I use as well. I have to change the baby a bit more often in the day but I’ve had less poo explosions in ac reusable than a disposable.
Essentially there’s an argument for and against every option but if everyone does a little bit it will make some difference hopefully. Lots of people doing a little bit is better than everyone carrying on as they are now I think (hope)?!
Donna Fenby Taylor says
July 14, 2019 at 8:06 pm
Lush shampoo bars – to avoid the swift transition to mush, keep them off a solid surface in the shower on a rack or be very thrifty and use a piece of cut down plastic tubing so they drip dry and don’t sit in a pool of water. Then you can leave them in there. Mine sit on a synthetic sponge thingy that came inside a Muji travel soap dish (and go back in there with the sponges for travelling, I had the same welding problem with the Lush travel tins) and drain very nicely between uses. So many helpful tips above re make-up wipes, I haven’t found one that works well so far so a few to try, thank you all.
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There is a court clerk for every bankruptcy court. The court clerk is responsible for handling of filed documents for the bankruptcy court. In general, the court clerk’s office is located in the same location as the bankruptcy court. The court clerk is also available to provide legal information about your bankruptcy case, this is only legal informtaion, not legal advice.
Dade County Bankruptcy case Debtor and debts
The party for filing bankruptcy is referred to as the “Debtor”. While a bankruptcy filing can help the debtor discharge most debts that they owe, it cannot discharge all debts. Debts that can be discharged in bankruptcy include credit card debt and other unsecured debts. Debts secured by a property, such as a mortgage, cannot be discharged. There are other debts that cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy and the debtor would continue to owe these even after the bankruptcy, examples include some tax debt, alimony, and child support. Debts for student loans also cannot be discharged unless it can be proven to be an “undue burden”, which is a very difficult burden to meet.
What are the bankruptcy rules in Northern District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court?
All rules and procedures of for bankruptcy are defined in the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Court and the local rules.
What is bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process which Debtors can file for and in which they are able to relieve pressure from burdensome debts. This takes place through a bankruptcy discharge which releases a Debtor from personal liability of certain debts and prevents Creditors from ever taking action against the Debtor to collect those debts.
The creditor in a bankruptcy case is owed or claims to be owed money by the debtor of the case.
Required court appearances?
In general, a Chaptor 7 filer will not usually have to appear in court. They would only have to appear in court if there is an objection that is filed.For Chapter 13 cases, in general, the filer will only have to appear at a plan confirmation hearing.You may be required to attent a 341 meeting, which is required under Section 341 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. This meeting requires the debtor to attend be questioned by creditor(s) about their property and debt.
Attorney requirement
An individual can file a bankruptcy case without an attorney and represente for themselve as “pro se” or “pro per”. This is not very common as bankruptcy cases are very complex, and filers are required to follow all rules and procedures of the court regardless of how they are represented. A partnership, corporation or any other organization are required to have an attorney.
Dade County Bankruptcy Court
All bankruptcy cases originating in Dade County are filed and handled by Northern District of Georgia, United States Bankruptcy Court. There are 90 federal judicial district courts across the United States. Each district court has a specific bankrupcty court which handles the filing originating in its jurisdicition. See below for specific court information for Dade County.
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy takes all of the debtor’s assets (that are not exempt) and dissolves them and apportions the monies to the debtor’s unsecured creditors. This is the simplest and fastest form of bankruptcy. A 2005 change in bankruptcy law now requires a filer pass a “means test” to be allowed to file for Chapter 7 bankrutpcy. If the filer does not meet the “means test” the case will be converted to Chapter 13 or dismissed.Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows an individual to maintain their posessions and assets, and sets up a payment plan to repay their debt back over a 3-5 year period. A recurring source of income is required to setup a plan to pay back part or all of their debts. Chapter 13 allows one to keep their posessions or assets, while Chapter 7 liquidates all of their non-exempt posessions or assets.
Dade County requirements for filing in Northern District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court
You must reside in Dade County or have Dade County be the principle place of your business in order to file Northern District of Georgia Bankruptcy Court. Northern District of Georgia jurisdiction also includes: Banks County, Barrow County, Bartow County, Carroll County, Catoosa County, Chattooga County, Cherokee County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Coweta County, Dade County, Dawson County, DeKalb County, Douglas County, Fannin County, Fayette County, Floyd County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, Gilmer County, Gordon County, Gwinnett County, Habersham County, Hall County, Haralson County, Heard County, Henry County, Jackson County, Lumpkin County, Meriwether County, Murray County, Newton County, Paulding County, Pickens County, Pike County, Polk County, Rabun County, Rockdale County, Spalding County, Stephens County, Towns County, Troup County, Union County, Walker County, White County, Whitfield County
Dade County Bankruptcy Court
Northern District of Georgia only handles bankruptcy cases within it’s jurisdiction. A tort or breach of contract case must be filed in Georgia State Court (or Northern District of Georgia Court).
What is an automatic stay?
A key feature of a bankruptcy filing is an automatic stay. An automatic stay immediately occurs when bankruptcy is filed. The automatic stay will stop utility shut offs, debt collections, foreclosures, evictions, garnishments, attachments, reposessions and most lawsuits.
A bankruptcy trustee is a court appointed representative of the bankruptcy estate and can exercise certain statuatory powers for the benefit of the unsecured debtors. A trustee can be a private individual or corporation in Chapter 7, 12, and 13 cases, in addition some Chapter 11 cases can also have a bankruptcy trustee. For Chapter 7 cases, the trustee is responsible for liquidating and distributing the debtor’s estate. For Chapter 12 and 13 cases they are in charge of overseeing the debtor’s repayment plan. The trustee is responsible for reviewing the debtor’s bankruptcy petition and schedules. The trustee is also able to bring actions against both the creditor or debtor in a bankruptcy filing in order to recover property of the estate.
What is a discharge?
A bankruptcy discharge removes the obligation and liability from the debtor for certain debts. The debtor can no longer be held responsible to repay the debts that were discharged in a bankruptcy. This is a permanent and the creditor can no longer pursue the debtor for repayment of any kind. It is illegal for the creditor to pursue any form of collection action against the debtor for a discharged debt including written correspondence or phone calls. A discharge removes personal liability, but any liens that were not voided in the bankruptcy remain valid. For Chapter 7 cases, a discharge may take place in as little as 4 months from the filing of the bankruptcy petition. For Chapter 12 and 13 cases, the discharge only takes place AFTER all re-payments have been made to fulfill the payment plan outlined in the bankruptcy case. This is normally in 3-5 years.
When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, if the filers income is more than the state median income, then they must satisfy a “Means Test”. If their income is less than the state median income, they can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The means test takes the the debtor’s aggregate current monthly income over 5 years, net of certain statutorily allowed expenses, is more than (i) $11,725, or (ii) 25% of the debtor’s nonpriority unsecured debt, as long as that amount is at least $7,025.The debtor may rebut a presumption of abuse only by a showing of special circumstances that justify additional expenses or adjustments of current monthly income.Unless the debtor overcomes the presumption of abuse, the case will generally be converted to chapter 13 (with the debtor’s consent) or will be dismissed. 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(1).
Bankruptcy Rules
The United States Constitution Article I, Section 8 grants Congress permission to pass laws pertaining to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy rules and procedures are written in Title 11 of the United States Code, these are referred to as the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy. Under these rules, the judge in a bankruptcy case has jurisdiction to make all decisions for the manner including the debtor’s eligibility for filing and discharge decisions. Most of the bankruptcy process is administrative. For Chapters 7, 12, and 13 the bankruptcy trustee performs most of these administrative activities.
Credit Counseling Requirement before filing?
Potential individual bankruptcy filers must complete a credit counseling class and receive a certificate prior to actually filing for bankruptcy. This can be done online in about an hour.
The following information will be required in order to file for Bankruptcy:
Valuation and list of any property holdings that you may have including relevant mortgage information, insurance information, etc.
Valuation and list of any vehicles you may own including documentation of insurance, registration, and any applicable loans
Retirement account balances
Documentation of any alimony or child support payments you owe
Valid identification (ie. State issued Drivers License)
Social Security card (or proof of your Social Security Number)
Complete list of ALL creditors you currently owe money to. This needs to be a complete list including the name of the creditor and amount you owe.
Six different types of bankruptcies
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (sometimes referred to as Liquidation), involves a trustee ordered by the court taking over the Debtor’s assets, liquidating them to cash, and dispurses the cash to Creditors. There are certain exemptions to the assets that the Debtor is entitled to keep. In general, there are little to no assets that the Debtor has to liquidate, so the Creditors will not receive anything under this type of bankruptcy filing. These are referred to as “no-asset cases”. A Creditor will only receive a distribution if there are assets available to be liquidated, referred to as an “asset case”. In most circumstances, the Debtor is an individual and will receive a discharge that releases them from the liability of the debts. It usually takes a few months from the initial filing to the receiving of the discharge. There is a “means test” that the Debtor must qualify for in order to be able to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
What is a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Case?
Chapter 13 is designed for a Debtor who has a regular source of income. Chapter 13 is preferred by most Debtors over Chapter 7 because it allows a Debtor to keep a certain asset (usually a house), and allows the Debtor to set up a “plan” to repay Creditors over a period of time (usually three to five years).Chapter 13 is also used by individual Debtors who do not qualify for Chapter 7 under the “means test.”The confirmation hearing is where the court either approves or rejects the Debtor’s repayment plan.In making its decision, the court looks to the requirements for determination under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.Chapter 13 is different from Chapter 7 because the Debtor usually remains in possession of the property (usually the house), and makes payments to the Creditors for the duration of the payment plan.Also a difference from Chapter 7, is that the Chapter 13 Debtor does not receive a discharge until all the payments required under the plan are made.One other advantage is that the discharge under Chapter 13 is broader than under Chapter 7 (ie. more debts are eliminated).
What is a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case?
Chapter 11 is normally used by commercial enterprises that wish to keep operating a business and repay Creditors through a debt repayment plan approved by the bankruptcy court.During the first 120 days, the Debtor has the exclusive right to file a plan of reorganization and provide Creditors with a disclosure statement that provides the Creditors with enough information to evaluate the plan. The bankruptcy court makes the ultimate decision to approve or reject the reorganization plan.Under the plan for reorganization, the Debtor can reduce its debts by discharging some or repaying only a portion of its obligation under the original debt.Under this Chapter, the Debtor undergoes a period of consolidation and leaves with a reduced debt load and reorganized business.
What is a Chapter 12 Bankruptcy Case?
Chapter 12 is written specifically for farmers of fisherman. The procedures under Chapter 12 are very similar to those under Chapter 13. Under Chapter 12, the Debtor agrees to pay a portion of the Debtor’s debts under repayment plan (between three and five years).Like Chapter 13, under Chapter 12, there is also a trustee appointed to to disperse payments to Creditors.Under Chapter 12, a fisherman or farmer is able to continue operating a business while the repayment plan is carried out.
What is a Chapter 9 Bankruptcy Case?
A Chapter 9 bankruptcy allows for a municipality (city, town, county, school district or other public entity), to undergo a reorganization that is very similar to that available to commercial enterprises under Chapter 11. This Chapter is only available to municipalities.
What is a Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Case?
Chapter 15 deals with corporate entities where a Debtor or a Debtor’s property is subject to the laws of the United States and one or more foreign states.
What are the filing fees for a bankruptcy case in Dade County?
The filing fee varies depending on which Chapter the debtor is filing under.
Chapter 11 (non-railroad) – $1213
Chapter 11 (railroad) – $1046
Chapter 12 – $246
Dade County Bankruptcy Court Location
Northern District of Georgia
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There was a time when sack cloth was a sign of penitence. But there’s nothing remotely punitive as far as I’m concerned about my latest makeover, quite the opposite in fact, and now I look forward to the end of the day when I can enjoy the comfort of it.
Sadly, a while ago, an American friend sold up and headed back to the USA and in consequence was trying to find homes for some of her larger pieces of furniture. I was only to happy to take her bed off her hands.
The old upholstery on her Louis XVI bed had a few large watermarks and we both agreed that it needed recovering, and I promised myself that I would do it when I could. It’s taken a while but finally during this years downtime from the tourist season I seized my chance.
Here it is in its original state, with its dark wood and faintly floral yellow cloth. And below with a the inner face of the foot of the bed half done and an ( unfinished) quick coat of Little Green Company “Slaked Lime Dark”.
I was really fortunate that the structure and basic padding underneath was in very good condition and only the top upholstery needed changing.
Choosing a hardwearing fabric was quite a problem because my black and linen toile curtains were difficult to coordinate with, but I love old grain sacks, so you can imagine how happy I was when I fell upon this old french black and natural flour-sack cloth, (even if “Husband Chez Nous” says it looks as if the bed has been run over by a tractor). Grain sack has too loose a weave, but flour sack is altogether softer and closer weft, which also means it isn’t scratchy when leaning against it. And that’s important considering how much I like to read in bed.
The greatest difficulty has been the thickness of the cloth, especially when it gathers up on the inward curves of the frame. But all things considered I’m pleased with the result. I was lucky to find a very good colour match for the edge detail to hide the tacks. I spent a while trying to find the french word for this kind of edging “ribbon”. “Double cord”, pronounced “doo- bluh cord”, who’d have thought!
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This entry was posted in Brocantes and creativity, living in france and tagged Antiques, bed, diy, fabric, flour sack, France, grain sack, linen, Louis XVI bed, Normandy, Renovation by frenchimmersion. Bookmark the permalink.
9 thoughts on “Flour Sack Bed.”
janesmudgeegarden on February 16, 2018 at 7:54 pm said:
I think you’ve done a very smart job of the bed rejuvenation. I have done quite a lot of this kind of thing myself, only with chairs, over the years, and it’s rather satisfying isn’t it. It has the added bonus of extending the life of furniture and recycling as well.
This is only the second time I’ve looked at your blog, which I found recently, and I’m very much enjoying reading about your life in France.
frenchimmersion on February 16, 2018 at 8:37 pm said:
Thanks Jane. I’m always interested to see who finds my blog and where they’ve come from. I had a look at yours last week as I love gardening and garden design. It’s always really interesting to see the differences between countries. I meet a lot of Australians through my job, and they frequently complain about being unable to grow certain plants, and not being able to bake certain desserts due to climate, humidity and heat and so on.
I’m sorry I don’t get to see your chairs! Thanks for reading.
Pierrette on February 16, 2018 at 8:02 pm said:
I think it’s absolutely gorgeous! Good. Job!
frenchimmersion on February 16, 2018 at 8:39 pm said:
Thank you so much.
Catherine Berry (But you are in France, Madame) on February 17, 2018 at 3:34 am said:
Great job! I’ve always had aspirations to do similar things – although I must admit to preferring no foot of the bed both for deco and comfort. My blog post from yesterday was also loosely on the topic of recycling – it seems that often blog posts coincide without prior consultation.
frenchimmersion on February 17, 2018 at 9:46 am said:
Thanks Catherine. Luckily this bed is long enough but I am considering recuperating just the head of another one for my daughter to fix to the wall with a standard footless bed base. I shall go to your blog and see what you’ve been up to. It is funny how blogs often end up on the same themes. I did one on Yart aux Pommes a while back and two of the other blogs I follow did exactly the same in the same day! Have a great weekend.
| 4,776 |
Send an email to [email protected] with date, location, and event details. Julia will get back with you shortly regarding pricing, availability, and services. If the event services are needed on a short term basis please contact her directly at 801-471-9337.
Does Julia do weddings outside of Utah?
Yes! Julia loves to travel and loves to explore her craft in other regions. She makes use of local products, seasons, and foliage to personalize and enhance your event. Miniumums do apply so please contact Julia for more details.
How far in advance should I book for my wedding or event?
If you have an event between April and September, then booking atleast 4 months in advance is recommended as the peak season summer months can fill quickly. Julia would love to accommodate inquiries as much as possible, so please call her to check event date availablility.
How does the pricing work?
Julia Smith specializes in custom styling and prices vary based on the intricacy of the designs, flower types/season, and vessels used. She can easily share a price range or estimate after a free consultation when description of event details are shared. Feel free to contact her for more questions about pricing.
No. There is no required minimum amount for events or orders. Although there may be limited availablity for delivery or desired event dates. Please contact Julia to inquire.
Is there a deposit requirement?
Yes. A 50% deposit is required to reserve your event date. Full payment is due the week before the event date.
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“Very excited about the progress that we have seen in our company. John has provided us with a system which we sorely needed and it is practical and effective. Thank you.”
“The Company Accountability Matrix training opens the door to some valuable conversations that are improving all facets of our operations.“
“John and Rock Solid have moved my business forward in the 12 months since we have engaged his services. He is flexible to the unique needs of myself as the owner my schedule is crazy. His help has helped me to get more purpose, focus and control over the runnings of my business so I can focus on my vision and long-term. He is additionally working with me on the big picture aspects and this year we are working on increasing the profits and already the light is clear at the end of the tunnel. Thanks John!”
Congratulations to you Kevin and your team for making the list of Canada’s fastest-growing companies – for the second time no less! It’s a great achievement.
Congratulations also on winning the BC Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Exceptional Customer Service in 2018. Kevin, you’ve built a great small business team there at MIRA. – John
Thanks John! It was truly an honour and a nice surprise to come back from vacation to! I echo your words that we have a great team at MIRA. The program at Rock Solid has helped everyone to enjoy and understand their roles and their value to the business’ success. Hence why I was able to take a 3.5 week vacation with no interruptions other than being informed about this award. We have a great team and the Rock Solid Program has helped greatly. So thank you John! And thanks for the kind words.
Post-COVID Update
MIRA has been able to benefit greatly from John Cameron and his Rock Solid program. Specifically the CAM and Johns’s overall coaching and advice. As an owner, I feel that the CAM has greatly reduced my input time to the business especially when turnover occurs. I now have the ability to utilize my team better to onboard new people which saves me much time. Medium Term I am looking to hire someone to do my role as Sales Manager and I can much better see how this new level of management will fit in. It has greatly reduced my anxiety over handing off this role to a new person.
The CAM overall was hugely beneficial during COVID. We thankfully only had to do two layoffs overall. During that time with the CAM two things happened:
(1) Much greater ease of moving the tasks to current people due to the CAM. They were able to take these on quickly with minimal input from Supervisor.
(2) Over the course of 2020 and 2021, we realized that we did not need to re-hire the roles we laid off. We discovered that the new distribution worked more efficiently. Our volume is now nearly double what it was in 2020 and we have only had to hire one part-timer to help. In raw dollars, the savings in overhead is in the six figures. This is REAL WORLD savings and benefits from John’s coaching, his programs and the CAM. – HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Surrey BC Webpage
“When I first met John I was a minority shareholder with one foot in the van and the other in the office. Now I own the whole company and work in the office as the General Manager. Action Glass continues to grow and we are having our most profitable year ever.
Rock Solid’s Company Accountability Matrix, systemization process, Forecast & Variance Reports, BRIDGE Marketing, Company Promise and the ART of Momentum have all played important roles in my development as a businessperson and they also contributed significantly to the ongoing success of Action Glass. It was Directly Applied Relevant Training.
On top of that John is a great sounding board and business advisor. I highly recommend John Cameron and Rock Solid Coaching & Consulting.”
Doug – congrats on building a company strong enough for you to take a 5-week vacation in 2019. I hear it went so well that you are planning a 6-week vacation in 2020! Oops then COVID hit.
UPDATE: while 2020/21 got off to a rough start, but it turned out to be the best year in the 50 year history of the company.
Coquitlam, BC Webpage
“During this time of crisis, many organizations reached out to find ways to survive the pandemic. John continued to work with his existing clients and added new ones looking to develop effective plans for navigating this crisis.
I encourage any organization looking to create a more efficient and profitable business model to reach out to Rock Solid.”
Retired RCMP Staff Sargent
Surrey, BC Webpage
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with John and it’s been a very eye-opening experience.
His business insight is second to none; it’s easy to see why he is such a highly sought-after business coach. We highly recommend his services to any business looking to improve the overall strength of their company.”
“The CAM systems he has helped us develop at our studio has resulted in consistent growth to our bottom line and we haven’t even completed the entire training program yet. Needless to say, working with Rock Solid Coaching has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our small business!”
Mike Wollin – President
Vancouver, BC Webpage
John’s support, practical guidance, sound advice and directions have been invaluable to the success of our business. He brings perspective and insight from his wealth of experience in business that helps to keep us moving forward! His Rock Solid methodology and team that supports it is practical, sensible and “solid”!
2020 and 21 are/were tough periods for the world – but we managed together to turn our business around and with the result of net profit – a very positive number.
AND because this is not good enough – Q1 this fiscal already equals the net profit of our full last year! I accept these results with happiness and thanks.
Let’s continue with ‘Rock Solid’ results through the next 3 quarters of this fiscal!
Surrey, BC
“John and his team at Rock Solid are simply amazing! I should have done this years ago. I highly recommend Rock Solid Business Consulting Group as they have streamlined the operations in so many positive ways without interrupting our day-to-day operations.”
Congratulations Phil on earning the 2016 Langley Business Person of the year award! It’s well-deserved recognition. It’s been a pleasure to work with you and the people in your group of companies! – John
Phil has successfully worked through a succession plan and has now sold some of his companies. In 2021 and 2022 Rock Solid continues to work with Phil on the succession plans for 2 of his remaining companies.
Phil Jackman – Valley Group of Companies
Langley BC Webpage
“Rock Solid Business Coaching is just what I needed to take my business to the next level! As a small business owner, I am constantly making decisions without a lot of guidance or support.
Up until I started the Rock Solid Business training program with John, my service-based business had offered many different programs because I wasn’t sure which direction to focus all my efforts on.
Now that I have gone through the training process, my small business has much more direction and focus and it’s helped me to organize all my business systems in a way that I can feel confident and secure in moving forward and investing my time and energy into, with proven and expert-backed support!
Thanks to John and Rock Solid Business Coaching, my business is thriving because of your expertise and guidance!”
With Rock Solid it doesn’t end when the training is finished
“Hi John, I wanted to send a note to say a huge thank you to you for taking the time to meet with me last week, it was incredibly helpful to have your perspective … thank you so very much!
Langley, BC Webpage
“The small business training with Rock Solid is off to a great start. It’s been extremely helpful with developing my vision for the company’s future. Now it’s all coming into perspective. We’re developing a clear roadmap that will build my company – the way I want.
Before Rock Solid, we grew without structure. This is very relevant training that will help me get the long-term results I’ve been looking for.”
Langley, BC Webpage
Congrats to Deb who was recently awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her service to the community.
Small Business Training
More affordable than you expect
“The best part of the training is the tools that we are learning to use. They are invaluable to us.
70 acre certified organic farm Webpage
“In the short time Rock Solid has been involved with the company they have revolutionized the company. Focusing us on the profit drivers of the business and making sense of what can be at times a non-stop go-go-go world for the small business owner.”
“I set out to build a business that would grow without me. In year one we were a team of two people – we first connected with Rock Solid in year two – in year three we were a team of five people and in year five we were a team of 19 dedicated, digital marketing lovers.
In the past 2 years, I have only been to the office four times, which has allowed me to pursue my true passion, surfing. In the last 12 months, I have taken my family to France, Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Congrats to Christian and his team at Marwick for earning this prestigious recognition! It’s always rewarding to see Rock Solid clients succeed and grow.
Squamish, BC Webpage
Congrats again Christian on your renewed expansion into England and on receiving the prestigious award for being one of the top 40 entrepreneurs in Vancouver under 40 years of age. NOTE: Christian hadn’t yet turned 30 when he first signed up for some Rock Solid training.
I was in a business owners’ group and I switched to Rock Solid’s Company Strength Program just as the COVID crisis hit. We’ve adapted to the changing economy and recovered. Now as busy as ever and our expansion plans are on track.
I like the program – it makes so much sense. It identifies the path forward as we improve our current operations and move towards a second plant in the Okanagan.
My Business Development Manager is loving the program, especially how the Company Accountability Matrix (CAM) systematically identifies and addresses issues.
Surrey, BC Webpage
In 2020 Jan called from the beach while on a 7-week vacation to say he might not come home. The first 4 weeks saw a record for monthly sales and a record for monthly profits. Rock Solid delivers!
In 2021 Jan called from a beach while on a 4-month vacation while Sanderson Concrete set new monthly records for revenue and profits. Rock Solid rocks!
In 2022 Jan called in mid-February to say Sanderson had a record high amount of orders, the company was firing on all cylinders and he decided to head back to Mexico because the team didn’t need him. Plus, quality people from the industry were ‘migrating’ the Sanderson because it is a great place to work. That’s Rock Solid.
John doesn’t want to do everything for you. His Meta Method builds a customized set of business tools that YOU can use to transform the business into a strong profitable company.
Developing your skills and abilities is a key part of the process.
Meta is there every step of the way. Whether it’s John as our coach with his decades of business wisdom or one of his employees, like Stefan, who stepped in did an excellent job when we needed extra help on a day-to-day basis.
The whole process makes an incredible amount of sense and it clearly had a huge positive impact on our company. I highly recommend John and the team at Rock Solid.
North Van, BC Webpage
Now This is Interesting
In 2014 686 business owners responded to an independent survey regarding Business Training Providers in BC. The survey was conducted by MNP on behalf of the BC Chamber of Commerce Learning Network.
In the survey 78% of Rock Solid’s clients strongly agreed with the following statement:
“I am more confident in my company’s ability to succeed after taking this business training.”
The overall average for strongly agree responses for all small business training providers was 39%.
Rock Solid’s rate of strongly agree responses was double the industry average!
“John Cameron and his team at Rock Solid have proven concepts that are put into play to streamline every level of the business operations to maximize profitability and production.”
NOTE: we are very proud that Rock Solid’s clients have won major awards at four of the last eight Langley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. While we don’t take all the credit for their successes we believe that it confirms that we are offering & delivering high-quality business services.
“I had the chance to work with John over the past year. His coaching and wisdom has helped us fully systemize our business and we’ve seen over 35% growth year on year in a very competitive marketplace.
His training methods and coaching skills are first class! Every small business needs to implement their processes into a repeatable system. There’s no one better to help you!“
ONE YEAR LATER: “I received 4 awards for our achievements this year with our new coaching programs. I then got to close the evening with being able to speak to 150 of some of the most successful entrepreneurs from around the world about my story and how we’ve made such a difference in 2016.”
TWO YEARS LATER: “John rocks! He has the experience, aptitude and personality to come alongside you, see your business from the top-down and bottom-up and help you systemize and gain clarity about who you are and what you do. We sure benefitted from his wisdom and training. There’s no way we could have managed our growth without these foundations in place.”
John Cameron was a Director on the BC Small Business Roundtable for 12 years from 2005 to 2018.
“As one of the original members, you have made a valuable contribution to the work of the Roundtable and your 12-year term brought forward many significant perspectives particularly around business skill development as a pillar to support small business growth and success.
By volunteering your time and expertise in support of the education mission of Junior Achievement BC and Small Business BC, you have helped meaningfully contribute to important programs, and in particular, to provide more ready access to those programs by indigenous youth and small business owners.”
Bruce Ralston – BC NDP
Minister of Jobs Trades & Technology
Now – Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Webpage
John is very knowledgeable and experienced in his field. Working with him is a pleasure and a great benefit to our company. I would recommend him, to anyone looking to strengthen their business.
Abbotsford, BC Webpage
The Rock Solid team systemized my business. One thing I noticed right away was that when they said they were going to work on something – it was done & done well – and on time.
The process moved the company from living through some chaos to a controlled atmosphere where everyone knows what’s expected of them.
Now we are in a period of record growth and looking forward to a very profitable year.
I highly recommend Rock Solid Coaching & Consulting to anyone wanting to reach the next level.
Port Coquitlam, BC Webpage
“I’m about to board an airplane for a three-week vacation in Europe knowing that things will be fine without me. Expenses are down and profits are up.
Our main tasks are delegated between my employees. Thanks to Sierra and John at Rock Solid I have never been more comfortable moving forward with my company.”
“We’re in a good place, way better than before. We’re setting records almost every month now – and our profit increased substantially in 2021.”
Surrey, BC Webpage
“Life-changing, incredible systems that get you working on your business and not in your business! John is a trustworthy respectable mentor who has roots and real-life small business experiences in business to draw from.”
UPDATE: Daniel just had his best 6 months ever in business. Newer staff, hired for attitude, have been trained to be solid producers by following case studies and documented systems. Dan is taking more time off and also more holidays with his family. It’s always fun to see the training consistently produce results.
“Rock Solid came and taught my team. They were able to pinpoint the big-picture problems in my business structure… what prevented me from scaling, where I needed systems, how to set up financial and business processes that make life less stressful, more productive and intelligent. To this day, when teaching my team I use quotes John said to me like “Entrepreneurs usually don’t make poor decisions, it’s that they have poor data to make decisions from” or… “who’s accountable for this role/task?” and “where-is this process stored?”
Every business should have a 3rd party diagnostician come in and review systems every couple of years. What I like about John is… he won’t sugarcoat anything. You can count on him to give it you straight.”
Langley BC Webpage
Two years ago we started the company and business was rolling along as planned. However, we did not plan for the next step. A point was reached where the business was being worked but not nurtured, we merely had created a job.
Running, operating and bearing the stress of the first two years started to take its toll. John’s coaching and the Rock Solid Business Training has given our company the ability to evolve into a fully functioning sustainable company with culture and foundation to build upon.
John will take the time to understand you and your industry. We are thankful we did not wait longer to seek out the Rock Solid Business Training and for the tools and knowledge, they have helped us acquire. Thank you for helping develop the true D&D standard!
NOTE: Derrick put together a string of record months. His company is now in a strong cash position and he’s taking a much-deserved vacation – the first in quite a while.
D & D Coastal Logistics – Surrey, BC Webpage
I have been working with John and his team to help streamline my business.
They have been able to help me with new ideas, systems and programs to make things for my company work easily. They are a professional and responsive group.
NOTE: Charles has more than doubled his business in 2021 with more growth in the future.
Vancouver, BC Webpage
It was awesome to get a call from Brad – 8 years after we delivered the training – and hear how he continues to put the tools and strategies into practice as he builds his team for each upcoming spring. In his own words:
“ABtC Landscape Maintenance worked with John and Rock Solid back in 2011.
The team building and the Company Accountability Matrix (CAM) is still being used by us on an annual basis to help clarify what each team member is accountable and responsible for. It definitely helps to see on paper how many tasks are required to be done and it is always interesting to see how often the staff volunteer to take on more responsibilities. (Note to readers: This is an awesome benefit of our CAM process.)
It also has helped us to create a more positive culture within the company as we now have better-defined roles that are understood by everyone.
Thank you, John, for all your help and I hope we get the opportunity to work with you again in the future.”
And we are as Brad’s daughter is taking over the company in a succession plan. The succession is going smoothly because Brad already had a lot of the groundwork done as part of the ROCK SOLID training.
“I have only worked with John for four months and I’ve already benefited from what he’s taught me.”
“From Margins on products and sub-trades to avoiding grinders. All this has helped my company become profitable and pay down debt. John has been great to work with.
He holds me accountable and encourages me with my business. I highly recommend Rock Solid for anyone that needs their company to get on the right track.”
AFTER EIGHT MONTHS “John with his Rock Solid business approach has helped me with my business. By implementing a company promise, rebranding and proper profit margins I find I am doing more of the jobs I like to do and making money doing them. John has had a positive impact on me and my business and I know he can help you with your business.”
Loris, it was a pleasure helping you transition into a more profitable small business model. I believed right from the start that this would be a much better fit for you. Congrats!
It was great hearing about your record sales month – well done!
Posted by Loris on Google referrals “John is a great knowledgeable guy. He has helped me overcome business obstacles and has guided me in the right direction. He is always there when you need him.”
AFTER 2 YEARS – Loris is consistently booked months in advance working on the type of renovation projects he enjoys – at better margins. This is a big change from before he started with Rock Solid Coaching & Consulting.
North Langley, BC Webpage
Affordable business training
I recently bumped into one of our 2015 clients at a charity event. Rock Solid worked with MHL Transport, a large trucking company based in Aldergrove, on a 3-month project to help them organize and systemize their business during what was a stressful time.
It was great to catch up and hear about his progress since the training – especially how he has MHL Transportation running on autopilot now. His comment is just below.
“I basically have gotten Rock Solid, and I have everyone else running my trucking company now!! I started a tire store and mechanical store, (Super Steve’s Tire) and as you know we are into property development now. So things are very different but very much the same!!”
Langley, BC Webpage
“We spent ages, and thousands of dollars trying to unlock the mystery of how to get sales. John talked us through it in an hour and a half. We’ve also never felt more equipped and empowered to deal with the intricacies of business processes.”
“I highly recommend connecting with John if you want to see some action happen right away.”
Note: Quarter 4 in 2018 was “crazy busy” for Loomo – stay tuned for an update.
Note: In 2019 Loomo is achieving 50% growth
Loomo Marketing, Victoria BC Webpage
“You rock – solidly! It’s working great. This has been awesome.”
“The small business training helped us build the solid foundation that we’ve been looking for.
Since then we’ve been able to successfully grow and expand more than we ever expected. Your Company Accountability Matrix (CAM) and systemization training were a huge part of that process.
I highly recommend Rock Solid’s training to any company looking to reach the next level.”
BodySmart has expanded and added a full fitness centre to its Massage Therapy business.
THEN COVID-19 hit – after they opened the fitness centre, but before their Grand Opening. In a discussion in early June Reimer said “Your advice helped me on so many levels.” We are just happy to see Bodysmart Health back in operation and serving the community again and Rock Solid congratulates them on successfully handling these very difficult challenges.
Langley BC Webpage
A few words from Rock Solid’s CEO John Cameron
There are some nice compliments from our clients both above and below this message. I’d like to let them know that really I appreciate them. I’ve been fortunate to work with many interesting people. I’ve seen them work hard to raise their families, build companies that they’re proud of, and contribute to the communities they live in.
It’s been more fulfilling and rewarding than I ever imagined back in 2001 when I started Rock Solid. Many thanks to all of you & continued success!
“After 3 years in business, I needed to hire a professional to take Lush Eco Lawns to the next level. Our dreams of multiple locations and franchising would remain just that – without a solid strategy.
Enter John Cameron and his team at Rock Solid and my dreams and ideas are already becoming a reality. As much as I hate administrative stuff, I’m actually excited about continuing to systemize Lush this winter, knowing that every ‘i’ that gets dotted and every ‘t’ that gets crossed will only result in happier customers, better-equipped employees and best of all, higher returns.
I especially enjoyed John’s excellent book – Rock Solid – How to Strengthen your Company. The book is structured in a way that is fun to read, while being challenging and thought-provoking – I’m actually reading it for a third time now.
If you need a proven coach to detail your company and build it up – solid and strong – look no further than Rock Solid!”
UPDATE: Lush Eco Lawns has opened its second location and both are growing profitably! Rock Solid’s business training exceeded expectations!
NEW UPDATE: “We were awarded Best Green Business at the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards and we were a finalist for Best Business.”
NEWER UPDATE: Hey John. We have experienced unprecedented growth!! April annihilated our previous best month by $40K! Anyways, things are going excellent but I am definitely realizing I will need more of your training and expertise moving forward. May is shaping up to be another record month too. There’s 12 of us now!
“We took 2 weeks vacation and went to Europe when we came back everything was running smoothly. This was less than 2 years after we took the Company Strength Program from ROCK SOLID. We took the ideas and concepts from the program and worked through them at our own pace after the training was finished.
We originally started our small business training with John and his team because we were working very long hours and were so stressed out we were thinking about selling the company. Now we’re planning to keep the company and enjoy life. We’re even taking more time off when we’re in town.
Surrey, BC Webpage
We’re more affordable than you expect
“Rock Solid’s small business training helped me navigate my company out of dark times a few years ago. We were struggling in the very competitive nursery business – growing and selling decorative plants to retailers.
Now we have a solid new business model as a trucking company and a silage grower for Zoos in Western Canada – bamboo, veggies, deciduous trees, roots, all as animal feed.
Thank you very much – I don’t believe I could have made the transition without your training and support.
Pender Island, BC Webpage
“Rock Solid identified a very effective Company Promise for us and it led to a positive change in the way we do business. The CA³M has also helped us organize and focus on improving our processes. The Financial Information Systems have improved our bottom line by over $100,000 per year.”
Langley, BC Webpage
To increase profits and
have your company operate smoothly
“John goes above and beyond with his coaching and holds you accountable to upgrade your business until you do. His small business training has helped me gain control of my business while feeling less stressed with all the moving parts. Thank you John!!”
Vancouver, BC Webpage
“John has been instrumental in helping us strengthen our small business.
In particular, he has challenged us to systematize our processes and he has helped us gain referral business.”
Surrey, BC Webpage
“We found John to be very helpful in looking at ways to improve and streamline our company both from an operational standpoint as well as increasing sales.
His experience and his outside perspective gave us ideas that we otherwise would not have thought of. His suggestions were practical, easy to put into place.
They proved to be effective at improving our focus, clearly establishing roles and responsibilities of our staff. No to mention increasing communication, and putting duplicatable sales strategies in place.
I liked how John followed up on previous sessions and followed the program that had been laid out but was also flexible enough to deal with emergencies that cropped up in-between! He was a pleasure to deal with and a genuinely nice guy.”
Langley, BC Webpage
We’re more affordable than you expect
and we deliver a
solid return on your investment
“The Company Strength Program provided me with the opportunity to take my company to the next level in a way I never imagined possible. It’s also allowed me to achieve the elusive work/life balance that I’ve been seeking.”
“Rock Solid’s small business training improved the performance of my company. The Company Strength Program was particularly valuable as I transitioned out of day-to-day operations and shifted responsibilities to the next generation.
My son is doing an excellent job managing the family company. My daughter has now joined the company and is also taking Rock Solid’s business training. It makes me a proud Dad to see the next generation take over the family business and continue our traditions. I highly recommend this business training.”
Congratulations to the entire Froese family for winning the 2019 Langley Large Business of the Year Award. The recognition is well deserved and it’s great to see the third generation now working in your company.
“John really came through for me in the first years of my transition to management ( from the barns:) the tools and knowledge that he provided me with are still used today! Once you build a relationship with Rock Solid it is there forever.”
Langley BC Webpage
“Thanks for saving me from potential disaster! You came into the picture just in the nick of time as I was feeling very overwhelmed with the volume of business we were getting and our inability to cope with it.
Through your small business training, I learned how to properly delegate the day-to-day business to staff using your Company Accountability Matrix.
This let me focus on the priorities such as tracking the company’s performance using the Forecast and Variance Report and also the future growth of the business through the BRIDGE Marketing Plan. Thank you for everything you did for me.”
Vancouver Island, Webpage
“My company looks completely different from when I started the business training. My business turned into a publishing company. I wouldn’t have been able to expand or hire new employees without it.”
North Vancouver, Webpage
“The elements of the Company Strength Program are outlined and explained in the context of a story. I also recommend this book to business coaches and consultants who want an efficient system that provides their company owner customers with the best possible chances for success.
I give it a 5-star rating because it is an ingenious system that, when applied as intended, changes the conversation inside the company and orients everyone towards successful outcomes. It makes good on the promise of simplicity emerging on the other side of complexity – I will use this on my next company and I will use it to help other company owners succeed.”
NOTE: to other coaches and consultants, while we believe, like Lonnie does, that our programs are world-class and the best available, we ask that you contact us prior to using our trademarks.
You may also be interested in the coaching systems behind the client-focused systems described in the book. They are the process that allows our professional coaches to consistently deliver high-quality results.
Start-up of new franchise locations & leadership for Club Managers
Vancouver Island, Webpage
How to Get Started
We offer no-obligation Discovery Sessions to business owners. Our business coaching is more affordable than you might think and as you can tell from the testimonials above the Return on Investment is huge. Contact us by clicking here or by calling (604) 888-3471.
January 4, 2014 at 12:56 pm
I know of many others that have been helped to take their business to the next level, in addition to these testimonials.
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The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA) is the official recognized organization dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Snohomish. We are a volunteer-driven and volunteer-based 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to promote, preserve, and improve the downtown historic district as the heart and soul of the City of Snohomish. We are a small organization looking to grow into a fully accredited Mainstreet program and are seeking an Executive Director to help us reach our goal.
Provide leadership and coordinate the activities of the HDSA.
Provide guidance and assistance to the Board and committees to facilitate effective functioning and organizational growth.
Facilitate communication between all parts of the organization, Board, committees, members, and volunteers.
Manage administrative aspects of the HDSA, including document preparation, record keeping, strategic planning and budgeting, as well as personnel management.
Represent the organization in an official capacity and attend occasional meetings outside the organization
Coordinate (cross-)promotional activities that attract people to the historic district.
Have knowledge of existing funding opportunities, including publicly funded grants and develop additional funding sources.
Maintain existing and develop new, strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders and interest groups involved in the historic district.
Promote the work of the organization through education and awareness programs.
Work with the city to track the economic revitalization efforts in the historic district.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong management skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work in an independent environment.
Strong writing skills as they relate to communications, content development, reports and grants.
Strong computer skills as they relate to document preparation, social media and internet content management, marketing material development and accounting.
Effective interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.
Knowledge of best practices for 501 (c) (3) operation, government funds/grant administration and basic accounting principles.
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I haven't really had to post anything under the "What were they THINKING?" category in a while, but this story was begging for it. You may have seen this already as I'm sure it's making the rounds on blogs and email, but I couldn't resist sharing it here. I also love the part where she says "I thought Europe WAS a country" and had never heard of Hungary (pronounced "HONG-ry" like any good redneck), but somehow she knew TURKEY was a country. Maybe she should run for office. The shocked amusement on those kids' faces was priceless. I hope this proves to them that looks alone obviously aren't going to get you very far in life. P.S. Here's another version of the video with French subtitles. And another link to one of Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck if..." routines. Read more →
Posted on Thursday, 31 January 2008 at 03:07 PM in What were they THINKING? | Permalink | Comments (6)
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Pros and cons
First SMS (text message) sent to a friend tonight: "I am having pizza with Jane Austen, with a view of the Roman baths at the Cluny. How effing great is life in Paris?" Second SMS sent to same friend not TEN MINUTES LATER: "I am consistently disappointed by what passes for PIZZA in France. What the hell? Puh-leez discuss on your podcast and tell us where to find something edible and like home." Friend's reply to this last: "Oh, this is so easy. It's called Pizza Hut." Sigh. Not to disparage my friend's preference in cheesy cuisine (and maybe she was pulling my leg) but Pizza Hut has never been my favorite (I never eat there when in the States), and I really try to avoid American fast food over here, just on general principle because this is FRANCE for crying out loud and the food is supposed to be a matter of pride here. Or so I thought. Plus I'm from New Jersey where we have a large Italian-American population and fantastic pizza is available pretty nearly everywhere. Sure, sometimes you get a mediocre slice and not all pizzerias are created equal. Yet in all the time I have... Read more →
Posted on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 at 10:49 PM in I love Paris. So sue me. | Permalink | Comments (10)
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
I have been thinning out my library of books here in Paris, having made a commitment not to get any new books until I (a) finish reading some of the ones I already have and (b) hand off to others the ones I've already read and no longer want or need to keep. Faced with the prospect of packing and moving a lot of stuff across town at some point, and books being heavy to begin with, I am trying to be a bit ruthless with my collection here. It was during this weeding out process that I came across two books I DEFINITELY do not need, as they are remnants of my former single status, B.G. (before Georges). I thought I could make a little contest out of passing them along to a new owner, instead of just saying "Hey, anyone want these two books I've got lying around collecting dust?" And so... (drum roll, please) if YOU are one of the first two people to correctly guess the name of the above Parisian landmark shown in the photo, you will win one of the books: He's Just Not That Into You: The Newly Expanded Edition, by Greg Behrendt... Read more →
Posted on Tuesday, 29 January 2008 at 01:30 PM in Every picture tells a story, I love Paris. So sue me. | Permalink | Comments (7)
On a morning walk recently, the Eiffel was slightly fogged in but still provided a nice backdrop for this Peace monument at the end of the Champs de Mar. Read more →
Posted on Tuesday, 29 January 2008 at 01:29 PM in Every picture tells a story | Permalink | Comments (3)
Sunday, 27 January 2008
An American Day in Paris
Yesterday ended up being a bit of an American-themed day here. Georges and I started our afternoon by going to the Musée Carnavalet for the Benjamin Franklin exhibit (and judging by the accents overheard in the exhibit, lots of other loyal Americans-in-Paris decided to drop by as well), and ended it with an early "dinner" (American-style) at Breakfast in America. The Ben Franklin exhibit was quite interesting and we enjoyed it (note: although the Carnavalet's permanent exhibits are free, there was a 7 euro fee to get in to see Ben). Franklin was much revered in France and lived here in Paris for much of the latter part of his life, and upon his death the French government declared three days of mourning. Lots of paintings and drawings of Dr. Franklin (the man surely loved to sit for a portrait!) and many letters both in French and English. Books written by Franklin translated into French. And some of his inventions and interests were honored: bifocals (which I have a feeling I will be needing soon myself), hot-air ballooning, and one invention I'd never heard of but was fascinated by -- the glass harmonica! The glass "armonica" (as Franklin called it)... Read more →
Posted on Sunday, 27 January 2008 at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Friday, 25 January 2008
As the "grand finale" of animal photos from our visit to the Jardin des Plantes ménagerie last weekend, here was my favorite part: the Singerie, or Monkey House. They didn't have as many different types of monkeys as I had hoped, but of course, the orangutans were the most interesting. And how soulful are her eyes, this one (above). This isn't the best photo I've ever taken (way too blurry) but I couldn't resist sharing the major POUT on this one's face. She was rather shy before this and had her face covered with her hands. Can't say I blame her... she must have hundreds if not thousands of people gawking at her all day long. Fortunately the zoo forbids flash photography in the indoor spaces so as not to startle or upset the animals. Of course, the picture wouldn't be complete without a youngster in the group. I have no idea how this giant bucket got all the way up onto that large horizontal pole, but this little girl, Tamu, was having a ball ducking down into the bucket and playing with the ropes, and then popping back up again. She was quite a crowd pleasure, especially when the... Read more →
Posted on Friday, 25 January 2008 at 03:00 AM in Every picture tells a story | Permalink | Comments (4)
Even the healthy stuff isn't healthy any more
I just can't believe it. Now we are being told to avoid (or severely reduce our intake of) TUNA and certain other types of fish -- because they contain higher levels of mercury than previously thought. This includes canned tuna, tuna steaks and fresh tuna used in sushi. SUSHI, I love tuna sushi and maki! This totally sucks. Good grief. Maybe this is old news to some of you, this mercury thing, and personally I don't eat a lot of canned tuna anyway, but now they're talking about taking away my sushi! It's like we're damned if we do and damned if we don't, no matter what we eat. "They" tell us to stop eating red meat and eat more fish, and we do, and THIS is what we get for it. How can you win? Sorry, Charlie. Even the Starkist tuna isn't going to be quite good enough any more. Read more →
Posted on Friday, 25 January 2008 at 01:00 AM in Just Venting, Thanks | Permalink | Comments (2)
Thursday, 24 January 2008
What would Caesar think?
This is what's left of les Arènes de Lutèce -- the Gallo-Roman era arena that dates to the 1st century A.D. For centuries, it was lost -- somehow covered over during the reign of Philippe Auguste -- until it was discovered again in the 1860s. It is not a particularly impressive site nowadays. Attached to more "modern" Parisian apartment buildings and tucked away inside a small park, if you didn't know it was here you might not notice it at all. There are some small square enclosures with gates that I'm sure are where the lions or other animals were kept (and released to feast on Christians or criminals). Getting to the bottom from the top is a bit tricky - I found a way down by going over the left, then up some stairs to a higher level, then found a winding, steep staircase that leads down into that wide "entrance" you see just right of center in the photo. Today, it's a place where kids come to play basketball or football, and the pétanque players were out in force, too (a nice flat sandy area is all they need). A lot more tame than in the Roman days,... Read more →
Posted on Thursday, 24 January 2008 at 06:14 PM in Every picture tells a story, I love Paris. So sue me. | Permalink | Comments (3)
So cute I want to take him home and cuddle him and hand-feed him a pain au chocolat
... because all that bamboo has to be a bit boring. Right after this, he climbed up into his little cubby hole and took a nap. Maybe the reason pandas aren't very robust is because they don't have enough chocolate in their diets. Read more →
Posted on Thursday, 24 January 2008 at 02:00 AM in Every picture tells a story | Permalink | Comments (0)
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
The inevitable question
No, not THAT question. There is another question that seems to be coming up a lot lately, in conversation with certain friends and family. And that question is: "So... are things still good with Georges?" Note the phrasing of this question, beginning with the "So..." as they inject a slight hesitation into it. It's not a chipper "Hey, how is Georges?" or a conversational "Well, did you and Georges do anything interesting last weekend?" -- but "Are things still good between you?" I know exactly what they're really getting at. They're not as subtle as they imagine themselves to be. This question is typically accompanied by a tone of voice that lets me know the interrogator is half-hoping that my response will signify "DANGER: Trouble in Paradise!" in bright neon flashing letters. They are looking for there to be problems. Looking for it not to be perfect. Waiting to pounce on anything slightly negative. They seem a tad disappointed to learn that things ARE going well, in fact it gets better and better all the time as our relationship develops and matures (but we still kiss in public places like teenagers), and we're very happy together. Sure, we are moving... Read more →
Posted on Wednesday, 23 January 2008 at 09:18 PM in Amour Over 40 | Permalink | Comments (8)
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Have a question about ordering? Want to know more about our online security? This is where you will find your answers about our online ordering and processes.
Q: Credit Card: Do you store credit card information?
A: NO, for security purposes we do not store credit card information.
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A: No, We are a cash only for in store purchases. All stores have an ATM available on premises for your convenience.
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The pool will open for the season at 9am on Friday, May 22nd & will close for the season at 10pm on Monday, September 7th.
The pool will be OPEN on Labor Day.
Daily: 5am – 10am - Adult Only Time
Daily: 10am-10pm - Everyone Allowed
Tuesdays: Closed for Maintenance & Private Parties
Safe operation and use of the pool is our top priority. The pool is to be enjoyed by all that use it, but safety is always our main concern. Please read and be familiar with all rules. There have been some changes this year. It is the responsibility of parents to explain pool rules to their children and guests and make sure they abide by them. Please remember that smoking will not be tolerated on pool property. Also, if your child is not appropriately supervised, they will be asked to leave. Everyone is expected to follow the rules; adults, please serve as examples for children who are present.
Please be considerate of all who use the pool. It is not a “back yard” pool, but a neighborhood facility. It is meant to accommodate a wide variety of people in a relaxing atmosphere. Everyone who uses the pool helps fund its operation, however; this does not give everyone the right to do as they please. The HOA Board and the County Health Department govern pool rules. Breaking any of these rules can be unsafe and may result in the revocation of your pool privileges.
Your key card is required to gain entrance to the pool area. If you are in need of your first pool key card or a replacement, they can be purchased by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. The cost is $25. The security system will lock the gate to the pool at closing time. Please be mindful and exit before closing time. Also, if your key does not open the entry gate, please do not yank on the gate. If you have arrived during pool hours and your key does not work (and you have paid your dues) – please contact: LionHeart Association Management at 918-401-0332.
If you have not paid your annual homeowner’s dues, you should do so as soon as possible. You are not authorized to use the pool if you have not paid your dues. Your pool access card will be deactivated if your dues are not paid. If you have questions regarding your dues or would like to make special payment arrangements, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]
There is a telephone located at the pool house that automatically dials 911 for emergencies. If you have an emergency, please feel free to use this phone; it is there for your convenience and safety. However, if you or one of your guests accidentally knocks the receiver off the hook – please pick up the phone and stay on the line and explain to the 911 operator that there is NOT an emergency. If the phone is knocked off the hook and immediately hung up – the police consider this a “911 hang-up” and they will dispatch an officer to investigate
Pool Reservations:
If you desire to have a private pool party, they may be scheduled on Tuesdays from 3-9pm. The pool may not be reserved if a Tuesday falls on a holiday. There is no charge to reserve the pool; however, a $75 cleaning & damage deposit must be provided in the form of a check. If the pool area is cleaned and maintained as outlined in the rental agreement, your deposit will be returned. If not, the deposit will be kept to pay for cleaning or repair services. You will also be responsible for any additional cleaning and repair fees not covered by your deposit. All guests must comply with pool rules. To schedule use of the pool, please send an e-mail to: [email protected]
You will receive a response shortly thereafter letting you know if your request has been approved along with instructions regarding the Pool Rental Agreement and Deposit. Dues must be up to date in order to reserve the pool. The pool is not considered reserved until a signed rental agreement has been received along with your $75 deposit check. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis and must be made at least one week in advance. On the day of your party, once your party has concluded, a HOA Board member will inspect the pool area and contact Lionheart to return your deposit to you (if applicable).
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We started the Panama Experience program in 2010 with the idea of developing a network of science teachers from multiple Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) who share a meaningful research experience in tropical ecology. The teachers collaborate on developing a comprehensive curriculum to teach major concepts in environmental science to inner-city Milwaukee Public School (MPS) students.
Since 2010, more than 18 MPS teachers have participated in the program in Panama. While in Panama, the teachers worked on research projects that were being conducted in the Schnitzer lab at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Their work and study gave rise to the development of a five-unit teaching module on ecology and environmental science based on Wisconsin State and National Standards. More than 30 additional teachers have participated in our science workshops in Milwaukee and follow-up lesson planning and resource development.
To date, the teaching modules and resources have been used to educate more than 500 students in more than11 different MPS schools from a diversity of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
How to use this site
The Panama Experience website is designed to educate teachers, students, and interested members of the public about tropical ecology and the Milwaukee Public School teacher Panama research experience. The website has information about the Research Experience in Panama for Milwaukee Public School Teachers program. The multi-unit teaching modules that we have developed can be downloaded from the Curriculum page of this site.
As we continue the Panama Experience, we will continue to add to our selection of teaching modules.
Not sure what to do next? Read more specifics about how to use this site if you are a teacher, student, or family member
Meet The Program Director
Dr. Stefan Schnitzer is the Director of Environmental Studies and a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He holds appointments as an Adjunct Curator at the Milwaukee Public Museum and as a Research Associate with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution in the Republic of Panama. He conducts the majority of his research in Panama.
More information on Stefan Schnitzer and the research that is being conducted in the Schnitzer Lab can be found at http://s10318.wixsite.com/schnitzerlab.
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Posted on July 11, 2022 By Benchmark International in Benchmark International + middle-market + Mergers and Acquisitions + Exit planning + exit strategy + lower-market + Hospitality Industry + 2022 + retail industry + hotel industry + hotel sector + luxury hotel + hospitality + labor shortage
Now that we seem to finally be closing in on the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 is likely to continue to see overall growth in the retail sector, but not without its share of challenges.
Tags: Benchmark International, middle-market, Mergers and Acquisitions, Exit planning, exit strategy, lower-market, Hospitality Industry, 2022, retail industry, hotel industry, hotel sector, luxury hotel, hospitality, labor shortage
Restaurants all over the world express their own environments and tastes that help people identify the culture. People travel all to all ends of the earth to savor a certain style of food or experience a certain society or tradition. Restaurants are places that we go to enjoy everything from a quick lunch to a celebration of any sort. We engage restaurants as a platform for many activities, especially in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic inflicted issues on all social gatherings, and the world had to change the way we do many normal, day-to-day activities, impacting the restaurant industry significantly. My focus today is to enlighten you on some aspects that may help your business adapt, and make your restaurant a more attractive target to be acquired.
The restaurant industry is a monstrosity. It has various moving parts and year-over-year new aspects and competition. From ingredients to efficiency to ambiance, the restaurant sector has always been competitive and continually pushing forward with the times. 2020 brought all of that to a screeching halt. Though demand for certain items such as beans, rice, and bread was higher than ever, and grocery stores were being raided, restaurants were forced into full panic mode. There was no way to prepare, and no one knew what to do. Unlike several other diseases in the past, COVID-19 thankfully does not spread directly through livestock and agricultural products. Though that is not where the issue lies. Getting the products delivered to the location and having employees inside without spreading the disease was nearly impossible. The restaurants still surviving have obviously adapted to the times by focusing on enhanced delivery options and marketing schemes that helped them to stay afloat. With the world beginning to open back up, what is going to be the best tactic to getting the financials back to pre-COVID numbers?
More than 110,000 establishments have closed permanently over the past year, with others filing for bankruptcy. Everyone has changed their dining habits over the past year, particularly shifting to takeout and delivery. Moving forward, the industry is going to need to maintain a focus on responsiveness, and prioritization of health and safety. No one wants a cold pizza or cold veal parmesan in a plastic container. Presentation has come further into play. Restaurants need to get a foot ahead of the competition in any way possible. More restaurant concepts will have a drive-thru or pickup window in construction designs. Marketing schemes have been redirected to be community-based on a larger sense. For example, homeowner associations, next-door-neighbor sites, and city blog pages are going to need to be targeted. Along with that, customer loyalty programs, organic menu options, social media options, and mobile paying all may be beneficial. With the vaccines being distributed more widely, people are tired of being cooped up for over a year and are starting to travel and go to the newest, trendiest, most happening areas. How do you make your business compete and intrigue the crowd? There has to be a niche to your business—one that makes it stands apart from the chains and competition. There are restaurants on every corner, so you must create a particular dish or unique ambiance that people will remember. It is a difficult median that must be found where you are focusing on your health, yet also creating a memorable experience. Technology has also made its presence known, as nearly all communication over the past year has been through phone, text, video chat, or online ordering.
When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, what can you do to make your restaurant more sellable? There are a lot of factors that come into play, but a large portion has to do with profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and showing consistency. Of course, 2020 will not be taken out of consideration, but at the same time, buyers cannot consider last year to have been normal. Some buyers will try to take this into consideration as they want the better deal, and this may work out in certain situations, but overall growth or consistency makes your company enticing. Outside of financials, strategic buyers seem to focus on how it lines up with the current business they are operating. Room for development is a trait that I’ve learned many potential buyers seek. With wanting to bring your business into a current facility, or operating under the same name, buyers want to be able to see the room for growth. Along with that, the capability to adapt is a key aspect because any time new management is put in place, there may be at least a few altercations. Looking forward, what is going to be the challenge is getting your financials back to where they were pre-COVID. This is easier said than done, but a few good places to start are re-accumulating an employee base, providing a safe environment, following all government regulations, and providing the same pre-COVID quality of service and food.
With mergers and acquisitions, if you were one of the larger firms such as OPES Acquisition Corp. or Inspire Brands, this would be an opportunity to make significant acquisitions. When smaller brands struggle, they can swoop in and save the day by acquiring them. The stage has been set in a sense for the next several years with different outlooks. Well-performing chains with drive thrus and delivery options yield high multiples, while frustrated owners are selling struggling chains. Activity will be fueled by cheap debt thanks to low interest rates, private equity groups, other investors that remain ready to spend, and strategic investors eager to get bigger. There is a lot of money that private equity firms have held onto for 2021, along with SPACs making their presence known. Getting your restaurant’s financials back up to normal and showing that your business has withheld and adapted with the times will make it more attractive.
Along with the direct work in the restaurant industry, the delivery options such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Postmates and Uber Eats have exploded, and their presence has been known in the mergers and acquisitions industry. DoorDash is the industry leader with 50% market share, Uber acquired Postmates, with GrubHub in a close second. Before COVID, many companies said they intentionally avoided these apps because the cost to the business seemed too high. Once COVID hit, these apps were essential to keeping many businesses open. There was a survey taken with 2,500 consumers in July that stated that 52% of them would avoid restaurants and bars even after they open back up. Showing your capability to work with these companies as efficiently and effectively as possible will be a contributing factor to the success in your business for the next several years.
The restaurant industry will overcome this pandemic and to adjust to what the new normal will look like. With the vaccines being distributed, the light at the end of the tunnel seems visible. Although it will not be an overnight process, the economy will recover and there will be new adaptations to get used to. Restaurants are opening back up and doing all they can, and the competition is eager to do the most they can with the government regulations. It may be far from over with limited capacities and dine-in options still somewhat limited, but local companies are doing everything they can to accrue the income to keep the doors open. Local restaurants need this, and there is a difficult balance that needs to be found. The hope is there, and the future is bright for both buy-side but sell-side M&A in the restaurant industry.
Market Watch
Tags: Benchmark International, Business Tips, Consumer Goods Sector, buyer perspective, Ownership, Hospitality Industry, business mergers acquisitions, mid management
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Editor's Note: This article is the first in a series on toe kicks as practiced in old Okinawan karate. Part 1 of this series introduces the subject and provides the basics of how this kick is performed. Part 2 will discuss some of the great masters who used this technique, their targets and some of the strategy of applications. Part 3 will discuss the conditioning and development of the toes that is necessary to use this kick effectively without injury to oneself.
The tip of the toe kick (tsuma saki)(1) was practiced as part of old Okinawan karate. Here it is used to target the floating ribs as the arm is captured and pulled back.
Not long ago after karate class I was practicing a special old Okinawan form of front kick. Another student was watching and after I finished he asked, “What kind of kick was that? It looks like you were kicking with your toes.”
“Yes, I replied. “It is the old form of front kick, not usually seen. In our style (Seido Juku Karate) it is only taught to a few senior students. It’s very powerful, but to make it work the toes need a lot of conditioning.”
The student’s response was not unusual. “Ouch, forget that. I try to avoid hitting my toes, not kicking with them.” This is an understandable response. Teaching toe kicks to most students would only result in broken toes and loss of these students.
In forming a toe kick I move my second toe up and then squeeze my third toe and big toe together to make a three toe pointed triangle (left photo), each toe supporting the other. (2) Most people, however, can’t move their toes very easily and just kick with their big toe. Notice here (middle photo) that the foot is angled slightly (about 5% degrees) so the big toe can make contact without endangering the others. I prefer this method, but most teach kicking with the foot held perfectly straight. Kicking with the tip of your shoe (right photo) can provide the same devastating effect as a pointed toe kick. (3)
Uechi ryu karate has its own unique method of toe kick using the tip of the big toe (called Sokusen). In this kick the toes are pulled back (in a bent position) and tightened into position. In this style it is the only kick used in the kata brought back from China. (Photo courtesy of Alan Dollar).
In the early 20th century in Okinawan karate the toe kick was common. Today, however, even in Okinawa many styles, such as Goju Ryu no longer actively teach this kick, although there are exceptions. (4) The kick is also recognized in Shotokan and some other Japanese styles including my own Seido Juku, but is very rarely taught. Only within the Uechi Ryu, some Shorin-ryu styles such as Kishiba Juku, Matsybashi and Matsumura Seito, does the toe kick play an important role in their teaching. (5)
Toe kicks using the tip of the toes as a striking surface can be very powerful, precise and penetrating. If they target weak points in an opponent’s body structure (pressure points), they can also disable. They are also perfectly suited to the modern world where people wear leather or hard tipped shoes – the toe of which can prove to be an effective pinpoint weapon.
Sensei Jeff Brooks, a Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu stylist (where the toe kick is taught as a primary weapon) (6) notes that it “is very valuable for all martial artists to know. Most confrontations happen outside the dojo and mostly you will be wearing shoes. With a toe tip kick you get the maximum penetration of the full wedge of the foot. And what’s more, with or without shoes, the entire force of the kick is delivered by and focused into a small area, for multiples of force per square area greater than the equivalent power behind a ball kick.”
Traditionally, the toe kick was used in a number of ways, such as a snap kick, or low round kick to the opponent’s front or rear leg. Usually the front leg was used for this kick, which is more snapped than driven with the hips (a front leg kick not being able to utilize the hips as well as one using the rear leg).
While toe kicks can directly target the groin, an even more devilish old technique was to angle the toes upward to kick under and behind the testicles (if a man). (7) After contact the knee continued to be lifted and pulled back so the toes pull forward and up –ouch.
If the opponent’s arm is captured and an arm bar applied, a vertical ascending kick into the face or neck can be devastating and potentially fatal. (8)
Usually the front leg is used for toe-tip kicks. It is a fast offensive or defensive weapon (able to block a kick). The knee is lifted and the kick is snapped into the target, but without driving with the hips as is often used when the back leg is used for snap kicks. Execution is very fast. Since most targets are usually low, the distance traveled is short.
Many old Okinawan kata applications, te (old Okinawan indigenous fighting techniques) and torite (capturing and restraining techniques) (9) techniques combine blocks, grabs, and strikes along with off balancing or tripping. These will often be taught as one, two three combinations, but advanced practitioners will perform them simultaneously.
Here, in a simulated self-defense situation, I use my left hand to catch and pull my opponent’s left lead hand forward (forcing his weight forward on his front foot) while I toe kick to the mid-point of the inside of his thigh (femoral nerve). Not only is this very painful, but this kick can effect motor nerve dysfunction, causing his leg to collapse. (10) Stepping in with my left leg I can use my knee to pin my opponent on his side (keeping him from rolling toward me), ready to finish with a right punch.
The rear leg can also be used for a toe kick in self-defense and in freefighting. Like a reverse punch, the back leg toe kick can produce more power by adding the hip and the body into the attack, but it is slower to target since it must travel a longer distance.
During the execution of both front and rear leg toe kicks the kicking leg can be quickly withdrawn. Greater effect is generated, however, if the kick is held on the target for a fraction of a second. Phillip Koeppel Sensei, who teacher Matsumura Seito Shorin ryu karate (head of the United States Karate-Do Kai) (11) stresses the importance of keeping the toe on target for a short period to maximize the neurological impact of the kick. Research has also shown that neurological target points have greater response if a strike continues to maintain contact for 3/10th of a second. (12)
Some teachers and styles of karate, however, teach to withdraw the kicking foot quickly. This prevents the leg from getting caught and allows execution of repeated kicks. In Uechi-ryu, for example, the front hand like the front foot is considered the first line of defense. Being closest to the opponent, both the front hand and front foot can be quickly executed toward an incoming attacker.
Lift your knee high in preparation for kicking. Your raised foot should be flat to the floor. This allows you to kick short distances straight into a target. When you finish the kick, keep the knee high and return the kick to a cocked position, ready for another kick if desired. The front leg when raised can also be used to block various low kicks by an opponent. It can also be stamped down on an opponent's foot, or pressed forward and down upon an opponent's front leg (on the thigh forcing the opponent off balance).
In kicking with the toes, remember to keep the foot flat when the knee is cocked if the kick is short and horizontal, such as to targets on the inside of the lower leg. The angle of the kick can also rise, such as when kicking into targets like the lower abdomen. But be careful, if the toes are angled to far upward the kick will slip off its target. When kicking vertically upward with the toes, the ankle is bent.
If you have been born and bred on the standard ball of the foot front or roundhouse kick, however, you will at first find the toe kick hard to execute. Your toes will seem to rise when you lift your foot. And if you are trained to keep your ankle straight (toes up) and you lift your foot for a front kick, trying to keep the ankle bent (the foot flat) and toes down too will prove to be a daunting task. It takes practice.
Watch for the next article in this series which will discuss a variety of subjects including: famous masters who used toe kicks, targets, combinations techniques, and strategy.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. The intent of this article is to provide information on the historical roots of the technique and practices related to the development and methods of early karate and related arts. It is not the intent for the content of this article, or techniques demonstrated or discussed herein to be practiced or adopted within the curriculum of present day martial arts practice. The techniques described and illustrated may seriously harm an opponent or training partner and readers are not encouraged to use or practice them. If the reader wants to perform any martial art technique he or she is advised to do so only with proper supervision and training of a qualified instructor or teacher certified within the art to be practiced.
(1) The toe kick is also alternately called tsumakasaki geri, ashi no yuba (toes), or ashi nukite (foot spear). In Uechi Ryu karate it is known as sokusen.
(2) I started practicing toe kicks in earnest when I was allowed into a small Chinese family martial arts system in Toronto. Of course in most Chinese systems shoes were worn, although they were flexible. In China this tradition of using toe kicks is widespread. One Chinese system specializes in them, Tam Tuie (Tam Toy, Tom Toy, et al). This system consists of one form (versions from 10 to 12 to more rows of techniques). A row is a series of techniques done in an east-west axis, and then the row reverses in the opposite direction for the next series (often found in Northern systems of Shaolin, Tai Chi, N. Mantis, N. Eagle Claw, etc). One form is a complete system in its own right. The kicks are delivered with great force and at toe, ankle and lower shin heights as well as into the mid leg range. The kicks are practiced with a lock out focus, and there are layers of delivery. One advanced variation has the toes dragged across the floor to slingshot off the floor at the end for a very different angle of delivery, where the first variations are thrust kicks out parallel to the floor. The famous Jing Mo (Ching mo, et al) association used it as one of the dozen basic forms all members first studied (all of which are very complex in their own rights). Jing Mo members would then study their instructor’s primary arts, such as Northern Eagle Claw, after those forms for basics. The art of Faan Tai Ying Jow Pai, utilizes the entire range of Chinese kicking technique (including aerial and ground technique) and in the most advanced forms, Tam Tuie kicking is most definitely a part of the study. (I want to thank Victor Smith for supplying some of the above information.)
(3) This is the preferred toe kick position in many styles of Okinawan karate. Many old masters, however, used the natural toe position, including Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura of my own Seido Juku Karate. I have also seen photos of feet where the toes are wrapped down and balled (like a karate fist) so the striking surface is the first and second big knuckle of the foot. This is very unnatural for most people, however. It takes training from birth and is virtually unseen today.
(4) While training in Miyazato Ei’ichi’s Jundokan (Goju-Ryu) in Naha, Okinawa in 1994, for example, I never saw the toe kick used (Miyazato is one of several Okinawan teachers who were senior students of Chojun Miyagi, founder of Goju-Ryu karate. Miyazato is considered one of the inheritors of Miyagi’s system) . According to Glenn Cunningham (Jundokan for NYC), he asked Masaji Taira (a leading teacher in the Naha Jundokan headquarters, who is known for his innovative kata applications) about toe kicks and was told that toe kicks were still used occasionally, but were taught primarily to kick up under the groin when you had captured an opponent’s kicking leg.
(5) It is perhaps understandable that many aspects of old Okinawan karate were changed when teaching changed from small groups of dedicated students, to a larger class structure in Okinawan schools, to GI’s (on Okinawa) or in Japan, to the general public and university students. Emphasis changed. The goal of karate was no longer life-and-death self-defense and personal protection. In the Okinawan school system in the early 1900’s karate was used as a means of physical development. When it was transplanted to Japan karate eventually joined judo and kendo as a means of personal discipline and spiritual development. In its new role painful body conditioning, and especially toe conditioning, were seen as irrelevant. Why take years conditioning the toes when by simply bending them up and kicking with the ball of the foot a student could quickly learn to do an effective front kick?
(6) Many readers of FightingArts.com will recognize Jeff’s name. He is a frequent contributor who writes articles about Zen. He also writes a column under the name of the Zen Mirror. Jeff’s new book “Tje Rhinoceros’s Tale” can be found in FightingArts.com’s e-store under “Books”, in the category “Zen And The Martial Arts.”
(7) This is a very vulnerable point, which some texts consider a death point (known as “perineum” in Traditional Chinese Medicine).
(8) This type of technique is also seen in many styles of jujutsu. In diato-ryu aikijujutsu, for example, this kick is also the finish to the basic technique of Ippon Dori. The technique starts where an opponent’s downward sword cut is stopped and redirected down and to the side by dropping the body forward and down toward the technique while intercepting the opponent’s arm (under the elbow) with your left open hand (catching the impact with the little finger side of the lower palm). The attack is then further redirected down and to the side. Arm bar is applied with a kick to the neck or face, and then body weight is applied to the arm bar to break the elbow. Of course practice is much gentler.
(9) This point is sometimes referred to as the “The Blood Point” because a sharp blow can also effect a major vein running through this area (great saphenous vein) causing the inside of the thigh to turn black and blue.
(10) Te and torite techniques were often taught by some old masters, such as Hohan Soken along with karate and kata. They were often practiced side by side and seen as complementary. Te means hand and it refers to a category of old Okinawan open hand and weapon techniques that existed prior to the development of modern karate. Many historians believe that “te (also known a “ti”)” techniques were combined with Chinese fighting methods during the development of karate (which originally too had different names). Many torite techniques, however, are also embedded within kata, but difficult to recognize. Torite techniques are in some styles referred to a “karamiti” or “kakushu”. They are complementary to what some call “muchini” (drapping and sticky hand movements) used as part of the above.
(11) Koeppel is a 10 dan, and head of a large international karate organization that teaches traditional Okianwan karate based on the teachings of the legendary karate master Hohan Soken. Koeppel has 40 + years of karate experience under the tutelage of some of Okinawan great teachers including Fusei Kise, Yuichi Kuda and Kousai Nishihira– all inheritors of Hohan Soken’s White Crane influenced old-style karate system passed down from Bushi Matsumura, the great Okinawan master and fountainhead of Okinawan karate practice. Koeppel was this author’s first teacher (1959). On my travels to Peoria, Illinois where he is based (a former family business) I was able to continue my relationship with Koeppel. He is very knowledgeable.
(12) Research done by the PPCT Management Systems, Inc. in the early 1980’s, a company specializing in teaching defensive tactics to law enforcement personnel, included the use of specific pressure points to assist in gaining compliance when necessary. Their research found that different types of strikes seem to elicit different muscular reactions. The most reliable motor (muscular) dysfunction (which inhibits secretion of the neural transmitter acetylcholine which acts to fire resistive muscle action) for targets identified to be struck was when the target received maximum kinetic energy transfer. This was achieved with what they called, “the fluid shock wave” strike which “sticks” to the target for one third of a second. This allows weight and forward momentum to dissipate into the target (thick muscle mass), which maximizes kinetic energy transfer. The results included motor dysfunction and mental stunning.
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About The Author:
Christopher Caile is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of FightingArts.com. He has been a student of the martial arts for over 43 years. He first started in judo. Then he added karate as a student of Phil Koeppel in 1959. Caile introduced karate to Finland in 1960 and then hitch-hiked eastward. In Japan (1961) he studied under Mas Oyama and later in the US became a Kyokushinkai Branch Chief. In 1976 he followed Kaicho Tadashi Nakamura when he formed Seido karate and is now a 6th degree black belt in that organization's honbu dojo. Other experience includes judo, aikido, diato-ryu, kenjutsu, kobudo, Shinto Muso-ryu jodo, boxing and several Chinese fighting arts including Praying mantis, Pak Mei (White Eyebrow) and shuai chiao. He is also a student of Zen. A long-term student of one branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong, he is a personal disciple of the qi gong master and teacher of acupuncture Dr. Zaiwen Shen (M.D., Ph.D.) and is Vice-President of the DS International Chi Medicine Association. He holds an M.A. in International Relations from American University in Washington D.C. and has traveled extensively through South and Southeast Asia. He frequently returns to Japan and Okinawa to continue his studies in the martial arts, their history and tradition. In his professional life he has been a businessman, newspaper journalist, inventor and entrepreneur.
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Everybody hopes that 2021 will be slightly better than the year we have just had. Not that everything was bad, especially for fintech that has proven resilient. Fintechs were not wiped out in numbers by the pandemic. Good startups managed to raise big funding rounds and products hit the market at pace. But before we head off to what could be another record year for the fintech industry, we asked a few questions to Andy Hallam, UK CEO of mobile network To The Moon Mobile. They have just launched an innovative mobile fintech service in the UK. It is a first-to-market combination of super flexible tariffs and built-in crypto wallet: FinTel, if you love acronyms.
Tell us more about To The Moon Mobile and why you have decided to launch a fintech venture?
Initially, we wanted to create something fundamentally new for the UK market; something that no one had done before. We began to think about which services on the market are most in demand now and which will be needed in the future. This is how the idea of creating an ecosystem was born: combining a mobile network and fintech services under one roof. We are now providing mobile operator services and a crypto wallet. And as you know, the cryptocurrency growth trend is gaining momentum, with experts predicting further growth in Bitcoin.
Can you explain a bit more about this first-to-market hybrid of mobile and fintech aka FinTel?
Firstly, no one in the UK offers a telecom and fintech ecosystem – we call it FinTel. In addition to our mobile services operating on the EE network, we are the first mobile network to feature a built-in crypto wallet. By combining these services, we are giving our customers an easier entry point into the crypto world. Therefore, making cryptocurrency more accessible and convenient.
Secondly, we are the flexible bundle network. We believe mobile users should only have to pay for what they need in a mobile service. This is why we don’t restrict our customers by offering several plans with limited choice. To The Moon Mobile customers can set up their own bundle. They can choose the exact amount of data that suits their need using the bundle slider scale on the website or in the To The Moon Mobile app.
Now to the fintech side of things: tell us about the crypto wallet functionality? What sets you apart from the other wallets?
We believe cryptocurrency is a currency of the future. In launching To The Moon Mobile with a built-in crypto wallet, we want to make it easier and safer for our customers to both familiarise themselves with and use cryptocurrency in everyday life. From storing money in cryptocurrency to paying for mobile and other services. What sets us apart as a FinTel service company is the convenience and cost-savings that come with combining mobile services and a crypto wallet. All within one app. This also means our customers can contact us with their queries or support needs via any channel – from a chat with a live operator to a call – and get through within 30 seconds!
What are your views on crypto in the context of PayPal’s announcement and the recent Bitcoin rally? Are we close to wider public adoption?
We have long believed crypto to be a currency of the future. We’re now seeing a growing number of mainstream brands beginning to recognise this. While still in its relative infancy, we are of the view cryptocurrency will remain a valuable asset to current and future investors. As such, we expect it will continue to attract wider adoption from brands and the public alike.
Any plans for the future or FinTel product roadmap you want people to know about?
We have ambitious plans for the year ahead. Most importantly, we will be continuing to expand our FinTel ecosystem to combine the services our customers need today and in the future under one roof. As part of this, we have signed a partnership with banking-as-a-service platform Dzing Global to provide customers joint mobile and digital payment accounts, virtual and physical payment cards, on-line and off-line payment methods, worldwide remittance services and other customer-centric functionalities.
We will also continue to develop as an innovative mobile network. We will be introducing a host of new services, such as eSIMs and a referral program and, of course, we will continue to build on our super flexible range of tariffs.
Our near-term plans also include the evolution of our crypto-wallet. With this will come the ability to pay for mobile services with cryptocurrency, to make cryptocurrency deposits, and the creation of cross-offers between mobile services, crypto-wallets and debit cards, which will allow our customers to get more from each service while using our products.
Finally, we’re aware cryptocurrency is a relatively unknown concept to many people. As such, we will soon be starting a To The Moon Mobile blog about financial literacy, cryptocurrencies, and simple steps to start investing to help make these opportunities more accessible to everyday people who are unfamiliar with the topic of investing in cryptocurrencies.
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This is the beer that made us want to start a brewery. In order to appreciate this beer, you have to be serious about west coast IPAs…….DEAD SERIOUS!
8% ABV
Falconer’s Flight, Citra, Amarillo Up to this point we’ve made a few west coast IPAs that were designed to appeal to the hazy IPA folks. This is not that beer! It’s dank on the nose. We taste grapefruit and orange citrus notes with a resinous finish on the tongue. The prominent hop here is Falconer’s Flight, which is a blend of several “C hops” used over the years in west coast IPAs. This was the beer our founder brewed the most as a homebrewer. It’s the beer that we… More
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Launched on November 20, 1999, Malaysiakini.com offers daily news and views in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil.
What you need to know
A former journalist was arrested for allegedly insulting Islam on Twitter.
Former journalist Sidek Kamiso, who was arrested yesterday for allegedly insulting Islam [via Twitter] over the death of Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) spiritual leader Haron Din, is now on police bail after the court denied the police's request for remand.
"The court denied the remand as requested by the police so he's on police bail, but right now he's still in the police station [...] He's not been released as yet, but that's what we've been told by the police," his lawyer Siti Kasim told Malaysiakini yesterday.
Earlier, Sidek was taken to Johor Bharu after he was arrested during an early morning raid at his house in Bandar Utama.
Sidek's wife, Norlin Wan Musa, told Malaysiakini that he had briefly called her at about 10.30am from the Semarak police station where he was held.
"It was just a short phone call and he told me he would be taken to Johor Bharu.
"Lawyer Siti Kasim also told me she spoke to one ASP Leong from IPK Johor, who told her that police would be making a remand application for him this evening," said Norlin.
Recalling the incident, Norlin said four police officers had banged on their house door at about 4.30am.
"We keep dogs so I knew something was not right when they started barking.
"I looked out of the bedroom window and saw a van parked outside. Then four men climbed over our house gate to get inside the compound," she said.
"My husband tried to call the security guards at the end of our street but they did not pick up the phone. We went down when the men banged on our front door.
"My husband repeatedly asked to see a warrant of arrest but the police did not show it. One of them briefly flashed what looked like his ID card but I didn't get a clear look," she said.
Norlin said the police left with her husband after about one hour, seizing his laptop and mobile phone.
She added that she would also be heading to Johor Bharu, accompanied by Siti.
When contacted earlier, Siti confirmed that she had been appointed to represent Sidek, together with lawyer Roger Chan.
"We understand that he was taken to Johor because that was where the police report was lodged. But we do not know who lodged it, or what it was about," she said.
While inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar had earlier declined to reveal the names of individuals investigated over their Twitter and Facebook postings, it is understood that Sidek is one out of the three arrested.
Khalid said the other two suspects were from Shah Alam and Ipoh.
He also said that their postings were made following a similar remark by Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi.
The News Lens has been authorized to repost this article. The piece was first published on Malaysiakini.
(Launched on November 20, 1999, Malaysiakini.com offers daily news and views in English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil.)
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A whole lot of folks feel that small business vacation is about sitting down in a very cramped plane seat and dealing with bumpy flights. Although these items might be troublesome, they’re unquestionably not the only things which make business travel tough. In this post, we’re planning to mention why organization vacationers need to look at finding massages on their own outings – not merely does it make the journey a lot more cozy, nevertheless it also can aid to cut back tension ranges and enhance your productivity!
A is a vital Portion of the enterprise travel package. Travelling is usually tiring, and also a therapeutic massage will help ease the strains that include it. Depending upon the duration of the trip as well as ailments of the hotel home, you could be in a position to secure a entire-entire body therapeutic massage. On the other hand, should you’re travelling for a few days or a lot less, you could be able to get merely a massage.
Whatever the form of therapeutic massage you have, it’s crucial to book 1 upfront. Most inns supply bargains for massages booked upfront, and a few even supply vouchers that may be utilised at nearby spas.
In advance of your trip, Make sure you inquire your journey agent about anymassage services that are offered in the region you’ll be travelling to.
Whenever you journey for business enterprise, taking good care of Your entire body is essential. A business journey therapeutic massage is an important A part of the small business travel package deal and may help to improve your All round expertise. Here are several of the many benefits of getting a therapeutic massage while on a business vacation:
-You might come to feel a lot more comfortable and strain-free.
-It will help to cut back muscle pressure and transform your circulation.
-It may help to relieve any discomfort or soreness you might be enduring.
-It might raise your Electrical power levels and make you more alert and productive.
-It can help to enhance your sleep top quality.
In case you’re hunting for a way to deal with by yourself for the duration of your small business excursion, look at reserving a massage. It’s a great way to unwind and get some much needed relaxation, and it will certainly make your excursion a lot more pleasant.
There’s no doubt that a company vacation is usually rather tense – from packing and planning to the long travel forward. But among the finest strategies to unwind and de-stress is by scheduling a massage. Here are some strategies regarding how to make that occur:
one. Start off by doing some investigate. There are several differing types of massage, so it’s essential to figure out what type of therapeutic massage is greatest for your needs. Some masseuses focus on Swedish massages, while others are industry experts in very hot stone massages. It’s also worth trying out on the internet reviews to view what other travelers have experienced to say about the different masseuses in your area.
two. Subsequent, work out what sort of therapeutic massage you’d like. In the event you’re hunting for a full-human body therapeutic massage, request the masseuse if they supply Unique expert services like deep tissue or set off place massages. You can also request precise areas of emphasis, such as neck or shoulders.
3. Last but not least, established a spending budget and prepare your program. Once you e book a therapeutic massage, it’s crucial to recall that there's generally an extra price (starting from $fifty-$75). This can support address the cost of the support
What to expect through a company vacation massage
Whenever you travel for operate, it’s essential to have Your whole body and mind ready for your grind. That’s why a massage just before your journey is these kinds of an important Element of the business travel package. You’ll really feel calm and refreshed, able to take on whatsoever arrives your way. Here are several stuff you can count on in the course of a :
-A pre-journey massage will allow you to get ready for the journey.
-Your therapist will use pressure and strokes to target trouble spots.
-You may additionally practical experience warmth or cold therapy according to the problem becoming handled.
-You’ll go away emotion refreshed and comfortable, able to take on whatever will come your way.
In the event you’re something like me, touring for get the job done is usually a genuine pain. Involving packing and looking to stay away from visitors, it’s difficult to find time for you to unwind. But for those who’ve ever been on a business excursion that felt much more like torture than peace, you are aware that massage is probably the greatest factors for easing the pain. Not simply does massage assistance to scale back rigidity complications and muscle mass aches, nonetheless it can also enable to enhance your slumber top quality and temper. In the event you’re seeking a approach to loosen up right before your up coming significant meeting or merely want some reassurance usually whilst to the road, take into account scheduling a massage in advance. It'd just be what the health practitioner ordered!
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What of the Old Testament lesson we had read to us from Jeanette? It’s a psalm about the Lord being our protector.
The opening verse from the King James Version bible says
Later Bible versions have corrected the grammar and shows that it is a question not a statement.
From whence cometh my help is asking where does our help come from? It isn’t the hills - as v2 tells us
'My help will come from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.'
The psalm goes on to say in v.3 -
'He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake'.
In the next verse 4 it says that
In fact it is part of a Jewish bedtime prayer.
In the same way there are similar prayers within the Anglican liturgy of Compline at the end of a day.
'The Lord will guard you; he is by your side to protect you. The sun will not hurt you during the day, nor the moon by night'.
The final two verses are in fact a blessing:
'The Lord will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe.
He will protect you as you come and as you go now and forever.'
The psalm is marked as being a Song of Assents, probably sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem.
In Hebrew there are three major Pilgrimage Festivals which would have taken you to Jerusalem
There they would join in the festivities and ritual worship with the services led by the priests (Cohen) at the Temple.
But why a Song of Assents you’re probably asking? There are other psalms also marked as such.
A little geography of the Holy Land – if you were able to fly to Tel Aviv, the business centre and main international airport of Israel, your approach is from the sea and over the Mediterranean coast shortly before you land.
At present one cannot fly there as the Coronavirus has grounded most aircraft, (including their national airline El Al).
To get to Jerusalem you set off in a coach, or a sherut (a shared taxi based on an 8-10 seat minibus), and head directly east into the centre of the country. Soon you’re climbing gently uphill and after about 45mins you arrive at Jerusalem which is 2,500ft above sea level (higher than Snaefell).
If you were to continue further to the east of Jerusalem you end up at the Dead Sea, which is over 1,000ft below sea level – the lowest place on earth. I’m told that pilots of small planes flying over the area initially find it disconcerting to see their altimeters reading below zero.
You really appreciate Jerusalem being a city built on a high ridge of the Judean Hills when you approach it from the Dead Sea –
about half an hour constantly climbing in a coach with the parched hillsides of the Judean Hills on either side, and maybe a few camels and brown canvas Bedouin tents. This feeling of ascending to the Temple in Jerusalem is deeply ingrained and Jewish families moving back to live in Israel refer to it as Aliyah – to go up to their spiritual home.
Geography lesson over ! Just remember God as our protector.
The second lesson, read to us by Ann, is known as The Feeding of the 5,000 or as the ‘miracle of the five loaves and two fishes’.
This miracle is recorded in all four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
When an event is recorded in a number of the Gospels I like to look at all the detail available and see if a larger picture emerges. Other than the Resurrection it is the only event in the Bible recorded by all four evangelists, and when numbers are given in scripture it is for good reason. As for fine detail, for example, the Gospel of John reports that Jesus used five loaves and two fishes
supplied by a boy, to feed a multitude.
According to Matthew's gospel, when Jesus heard that that his second cousin and friend John the Baptist had been killed, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Luke specifies that the place was near Bethsaida on the northern shore of Lake Galilee. This was the hometown of three of the Apostles.
The crowds followed Jesus on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said,
"This is a remote place, and it's already getting late.
Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."
Jesus said that they did not need to go away, and therefore the disciples were to give them something to eat. They said that they only had five loaves and two fishes, which Jesus asked to be brought to him.
Jesus directed the people to sit down in groups on the grass. Luke records that Jesus instructs the crowd to sit in groups of 50 – the number confirmed by Mark and that there were 100 such groups.
What happened next? It says that taking the five loaves and the two fishes and looking up to Heaven (not the hills as in Psalm 121), he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of broken pieces that were leftover. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, beside women and children.
In John's Gospel, the multitude has been attracted around Jesus because of the healing works he was performing.
The feeding of the multitude is taken as a further sign that Jesus was the Messiah - the prophet who is to be their saviour and liberator. They were at this time under Roman rule. This would fulfil a promise written by Moses about seven centuries earlier in the Book of Deuteronomy, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land of Canaan. In Deuteronomy 18: 15 Moses says this -
'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet'.
In the Gospel of John, he records the following
'Then those men, when they had seen the signs that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”'
In fact there are two separate occasions recorded in the Gospels where Jesus fed a large crowd. The second time was to a slightly smaller number of 4,000 and used seven loaves plus fish. The number of baskets to collect that left over also varies.
It’s easy to think that there might have only been one event and the numbers and details mis-recorded
– after all a large crowd is difficult to count.
However, in Matthew 16:7-11 and Mark 8:16-21 Jesus distinguishes between the two miracles in a conversation with his apostles. St Matthew records Jesus saying -
'Do you not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up?
Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up?'
Why did Matthew and Mark include two miracles of the same kind? After all, if Jesus has already fed 5,000 people, what is really added to the Gospel story by including a second feeding of a smaller number? It seems odd.
Wouldn’t it have been better to use that precious ink and parchment to record some different miracle?
There is more to these events than just how many were present – Jesus was well aware in his subsequent conversation with the apostles. It is important to note the locations of where the feeding of the multitudes took place. The feeding of the 5,000 took place near Bethsaida, close to the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. In contrast, the feeding of the 4,000 took place in the region of the Gerasenes to the east of the Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan.
The location of today’s feeding of the 5,000 was Jewish and the second occasion was Gentile. There are some numerical clues in the text which also point to this distinction - as mentioned earlier, numbers in the Bible are rarely accidental.
Feeding of the 5,000
In this miracle, Jesus takes five loves and feeds five thousand, which is reminiscent of the five books of the Jewish Law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Not only that, but when everyone had finished eating, twelve baskets of left-overs were collected, which was probably alluding to the twelve tribes of Israel.
In this second miracle, seven loaves are used and seven baskets are collected. The number seven is symbolic of completeness
(i.e. not just Jews but Gentiles too) and the number seven is suggestive of the seven days of creation when God created all humanity.
So, what is the significance of the two feedings of the multitudes? Both miracles show the provision of the Lord, his love for all his people - both Jew and Gentile. In these miracles he feeds them with miraculous bread, maybe in preparation for the day when his people (that’s us) would be fed sacramentally during a service of Holy Communion. In that service, the liturgy uses the words from 1 Corinthians 10:17 -
'Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.'
Jesus performed over 40 miracles. They range from dealing with illnesses to resurrection of the dead and control over nature. The miracle of feeding the multitude is one of many showing Jesus’s control of nature. The first miracle at Cana in Galilee was to change water into wine, there was the large catch of fish, the cursing of the fig tree, calming the storm and walking on water, etc.
Such events are not explainable by natural or scientific laws – but they can and do happen. As son of God, Jesus was the real Miracleman, not the fictional superhero of the same name who appeared in comic books published by Marvel Comics in the 1950s. In the Biblical book of the Acts of the Apostles are recorded miracles after the ascension of Jesus. And throughout history some of the saints have demonstrated a little of the God given miraculous power shown by Jesus.
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I arose from bed at 7:30am. So there was time to (in not-their-order): read all the parts of the newspaper I cared to; have breakfast; fold and put away the towels; consider the rose-petals floating in a bowl on the coffee table and decide they could become potpourri instead.
After a time-controlled semester, my days have been steadily loosening… and somehow today felt like the first expansively unscheduled day. Which in point of fact it is not; I meet with my boss this afternoon to discuss my summer job’s responsibilities and priorities. And I have a raveled swatch of school responsibilities left to mend — most of which must be tied up this week.
Still, there’s a flavor to my time that I’m savoring this morning.
And a bitter aftertaste that worries me with its familiarity.
Last Friday my bunco group reconvened for the first time in sixteen months. This connects because as we carpooled home (my neighbor-friend and I) we talked about retirement, and the ways her spouse would have clear projects… but not necessarily pursue them. At least in the ways she’d been accustomed to him doing pre-retirement, if I’m reading between her lines well. I told her I sympathize with him. It’s more difficult than it seems to sustain effort when you can’t tell whether the work you’re doing matters to the world. I know; I’ve struggled with this in the past; I may be about to struggle with it again.
I’ve finished my MDiv now in all the practical ways, so that structure is completed. And its scaffold is no longer available.
I’d been assuming I’d launch into a PhD in Fall 2021, but for an array of reasons that culminated in my having no clue last November where I wanted to apply (those apps are due in Dec/Jan), I won’t be.
Over the winter, I flung my heart into testing whether I’m called to congregational shepherding via a pastoral residency — a nicely time-boxed way to better discern something I have to live my way into and through, I thought. They almost thought so, too, but not completely,
and by mid-March I had no more post-MDiv runways to taxi down.
I’m weary, I said. I’ll figure it out after I finish this up, I said.
I continue to feel flattened by the ridiculous privilege I carry. I don’t have to do anything in particular; why burn time on petty or trivial things? Yet holding still in the hope that Worthy Things arrive is the opposite of a strategy for thriving. There’s flailing, which I dislike but has the merit of try-and-see about it. There’s also ‘doing the things on the list,’ which isn’t trivial per se but is a certain sort of ephemeral. I have a lot of this available right now, even more now that I will have an employee’s spur of work-deadlines. It’s so terribly tempting! I fear it.
Now that my hands are brimming with this expansive time, now that I can let time dribble through my fingers into my own words, I’m remembering that — in addition to my improvised scaffolds of summer job and particular meetings with professors — I picked up a knife-roll of a toolkit last year, Jennifer Louden’s Why Bother book and workbook. And I continue to have My Sweetie’s hovering curiosity about what’s next in his life as an MDiv’s spouse.
I love unmeasured time. And also: I thrive when I have constraints.
It’s looking like, for now, I’ve sheathed the damaging edge of my expansive time… it’s time for me to find out how I wield the exhilarating edge. For the next few months, anyway!
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Want lessons on an instrument or subject Desert Home Music offers (piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, cello, bass, theory, composing, arranging)
Must be able to commit to regular weekly lessons
Must have their own instrument to practice on before their second lesson
Students of any gender, race, religion, or citizenship status are welcome to apply!
ABOUT
Joyce Pinckney (1943-2015) was a nurse, dancer, artist, mother, grandmother, poet, storyteller, composer, songwriter, arranger, and music teacher whose contagious love of making music and art enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Although she was a proud Canadian, she loved Southern Arizona and had a part-time home in Tucson for much of her life, and would have been proud to see her legacy in action.
Joyce believed that no one should miss out on the joy of music. To honor her, we have created this scholarship to subsidize private music lessons in our community.
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The Scholarship
The student awarded this scholarship will be eligible to receive lessons at a 50% discount on our lowest lesson rate.
Students who have been awarded the scholarship and maintain their eligibility based on attendance, participation and growth will continue to qualify for their subsidized rate through their 18th birthday or the end of their grade 12 year, whichever comes later.
Even if the student or their family leave Tucson, they may opt to keep their subsidy by switching to online lessons.
This scholarship also includes all necessary books, music, theory materials etc... but the student must have their own instrument to practice on at home (and at their lessons, with the exception of piano. They can play our piano for lessons but need a keyboard/piano at home.
Continuing Eligibility Requirements
If you win the scholarship, you will continue to receive your subsidy until the end of 12th grade, as long as you continue to attend lessons, work hard, and make progress!
Student's account must be paid on time and in full. Automatic payments or postdated checks are the easiest way to do this.
Student must attend and participate fully in their weekly lessons. More than two missed lessons (not made up) will be grounds for loss of eligibility. (We do offer makeup lessons, though!)
Student must commit to a reasonable practice schedule and show sustained growth, in the opinion of their teacher.
Student will complete theory assignments as required and show improvement in technique and repertoire.
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If you think this is a no-brainer and reliable option (A) is the obvious answer, think again. It really depends on the skills of whoever’s giving the workers their instructions. Reliable workers will efficiently scale up the intelligent decision-making of a good leader, but they will unfortunately also amplify a foolish decision-maker. Remember those classic café posters? ‘Coffee: Do stupid things faster with more energy!’ When a leader is incompetent (or depraved), unreliable workers are a blessing. Can’t drag single-minded determination out of them? How wonderful! Things can get scary when zealots wholeheartedly pursue objectives set by a bad decision-maker.
In 2019, we live in a world where we are augmenting our soldiers and military units with AR. We are increasing living in a world of deep fakes, and the weaponization of AI appears to have no limit. A.I. technology has for years led military leaders to ponder a future of warfare that needs little human involvement yet in 2019 impressively, it’s how consumers are under a dark threat of a repressive authoritarian internet. In China, its internet can bar millions from travel for ‘social credit’ offences. Meanwhile new apps weaponize idol submissiveness to the state. We already know Facebook and other American tech companies practice privacy invasion and 3rd party data harvesting at a nightmarish scenario of exploiting user data.
Article: Debating the AI Safety Debate
As I am moving into the area of AI Safety within the field of artificial intelligence (AI) I find myself both confused and perplexed. Where do you even start? I covered the financial developments in OpenAI yesterday, and they are one of the foremost authorities on AI Safety. As such I thought it would be interesting to look at one of their papers. The paper that I will be looking at is called AI safety via debate published October 2018. You can of course read the article yourself in arXiv, and critique my article in turn; that would be the ideal situation. This debate about AI debates is of course ongoing.
With the advent of Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and Alibaba and Baidu killing it in smart speaker adoption in China, consumer voice AI is eating the world, but to what end? Case in point, Alexa echo devices don’t make much of a profit for Amazon on hardware sales. It’s always been about the software ecosystem and the add-on value it could create. The longer-term goal could be to make money off an app marketplace through skills. ‘Skills’ are in a sense what Alexa calls its app store.
Article: AI equal with human experts in medical diagnosis, study finds
Artificial intelligence is on a par with human experts when it comes to making medical diagnoses based on images, a review has found. The potential for artificial intelligence in healthcare has caused excitement, with advocates saying it will ease the strain on resources, free up time for doctor-patient interactions and even aid the development of tailored treatment. Last month the government announced £250m of funding for a new NHS artificial intelligence laboratory.
Paper: Minimizing Margin of Victory for Fair Political and Educational Districting
In many practical scenarios, a population is divided into disjoint groups for better administration, e.g., electorates into political districts, employees into departments, students into school districts, and so on. However, grouping people arbitrarily may lead to biased partitions, raising concerns of gerrymandering in political districting, racial segregation in schools, etc. To counter such issues, in this paper, we conceptualize such problems in a voting scenario, and propose FAIR DISTRICTING problem to divide a given set of people having preference over candidates into k groups such that the maximum margin of victory of any group is minimized. We also propose the FAIR CONNECTED DISTRICTING problem which additionally requires each group to be connected. We show that the FAIR DISTRICTING problem is NP-complete for plurality voting even if we have only 3 candidates but admits polynomial time algorithms if we assume k to be some constant or everyone can be moved to any group. In contrast, we show that the FAIR CONNECTED DISTRICTING problem is NP-complete for plurality voting even if we have only 2 candidates and k = 2. Finally, we propose heuristic algorithms for both the problems and show their effectiveness in UK political districting and in lowering racial segregation in public schools in the US.
A consequence of the fragmented and siloed healthcare landscape is that patient care (and data) is split along multitude of different facilities and computer systems and enabling interoperability between these systems is hard. The lack interoperability not only hinders continuity of care and burdens providers, but also hinders effective application of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. Thus, most current ML algorithms, designed to understand patient care and facilitate clinical decision-support, are trained on limited datasets. This approach is analogous to the Newtonian paradigm of Reductionism in which a system is broken down into elementary components and a description of the whole is formed by understanding those components individually. A key limitation of the reductionist approach is that it ignores the component-component interactions and dynamics within the system which are often of prime significance in understanding the overall behaviour of complex adaptive systems (CAS). Healthcare is a CAS. Though the application of ML on health data have shown incremental improvements for clinical decision support, ML has a much a broader potential to restructure care delivery as a whole and maximize care value. However, this ML potential remains largely untapped: primarily due to functional limitations of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and the inability to see the healthcare system as a whole. This viewpoint (i) articulates the healthcare as a complex system which has a biological and an organizational perspective, (ii) motivates with examples, the need of a system’s approach when addressing healthcare challenges via ML and, (iii) emphasizes to unleash EHR functionality – while duly respecting all ethical and legal concerns – to reap full benefits of ML.
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This is a writ of error under the Criminal Appeals Act (34 Stat. c. 2564, p. 1246 [Comp. St. § 1704]) to review the ruling of the District Court sustaining a demurrer of one of the defendants to an indictment for a conspiracy to defraud a corporation in which the United States was and is a stockholder, under section 35 of the Criminal Code, as amended October 23, 1918 (40 Stat. 1015 [Comp. St. Ann. Supp. 1919, § 10199]).
During the period covered by the indictment, i. e., between October, 1919, and January, 1920, the steamship Dio belonged to the United States. The United States owned all the stock in the United States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation. The National Shipping Corporation agreed to operate and manage the Dio for the Fleet Corporation, which under the contract was to pay for fuel, oil, labor, and material used in the operation. The Dio was on a voyage to Rio Janeiro under this management. Wry was her master, Bowman was her engineer, Hawkinson was the agent of the Standard Oil Company at Rio Janeiro, and Millar was a merchant and ship repairer and engineer in Rio. Of these four, who were the defendants in the indictment, the first three were American citizens, and Millar was a British subject. Johnston & Co. were the agents of the National Shipping Corporation at Rio. The indictment charged that the plot was hatched by Wry and Bowman on board the Dio before she reached Rio. Their plan was to order, through Johnston & Co., and receipt for, 1,000 tons of fuel oil from the Standard Oil Company, but to take only 600 tons aboard, and to collect cash for a delivery of 1,000 tons through Johnston & Co., from the Fleet Corporation, and then divide the money paid for the undelivered 400 tons among the four defendants. This plan was to be, and was, made possible through the guilty connivance of the Standard Oil agent, Hawkinson, and Millar, the Rio merchant, who was to, and did, collect the money. Overt acts charged included a wireless telegram to the agents, Johnston & Co., from the Dio while on the high seas ordering the 1,000 tons of oil. The Southern District of New York was the district into which the American defendants were first brought and were found, but Millar, the British defendant, has not been found.
The first count charged a conspiracy by the defendants to defraud the Fleet Corporation, in which the United States was a stockholder, by obtaining and aiding to obtain the payment and allowance of a false and fraudulent claim against the Fleet Corporation. It laid the offense on the high seas, out of the jurisdiction of any particular state, and out of the jurisdiction of any district of the United States, but within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States. The second count laid the conspiracy on the Dio on the high seas and at the port of Rio Janeiro, as well as in the city. The third count laid it in the city of Rio Janeiro. The fourth count was for making and causing to be made in the name of the Standard Oil Company, for payment and approval, a false and fraudulent claim against the Fleet Corporation in the form of an invoice for 1,000 tons of fuel oil, of which 400 tons were not delivered. This count laid the same crime on board the Dio in the harbor of Rio Janeiro. The fifth count laid it in the city, and the sixth at the port and in the city.
No objection was made to the indictment or any count of it for lack of precision of fulness in describing all the elements of the crimes denounced in section 35 of the Criminal Code as amended. The sole objection was that the crime was committed without the jurisdiction of the United States or of any state thereof and on the high seas or within the jurisdiction of Brazil. The District Court considered only the first count, which charged the conspiracy to have been committed on the Dio on the high seas, and, having held that bad for lack of jurisdiction, a fortiori it sustained the demurrer as the others.
The court in its opinion conceded that under many authorities the United States as a sovereign may regulate the ships under its flag and the conduct of its citizens while on those ships, and cited to this point Crapo v. Kelly, 16 Wall. 610, 623-632, 21 L. Ed. 430; United States v. Rodgers, 150 U. S. 249, 260, 261, 264, 265, 14 Sup. Ct. 109, 37 L. Ed. 1071; The Hamilton, 207 U. S. 398, 403, 405, 28 Sup. Ct. 133, 52 L. Ed. 264; American Banana Co. v. United Fruit Co., 213 U. S. 347, 29 Sup. Ct. 511, 53 L. Ed. 826, 16 Ann. Cas. 1047; Wilson v. McNamee, 102 U. S. 572, 574, 26 L. Ed. 234; United States v. Smiley, 6 Sawyer, 640, 645, Fed Cas. No. 16,317. The court said, however, that while private and public ships of the United States on the high seas were constructively a part of the territory of the United States—indeed, peculiarly so, as distinguished from that of the States—Congress had always expressly indicated it when it intended that its laws should be operative on the high seas. The court concluded that, because jurisdiction of criminal offenses must be conferred upon United States courts and could not be inferred, and because section 35, like all the other sections of chapter 4 (Comp. St. §§ 10191-10252), contains no reference to the high seas as a part of the locus of the offense defined by it, as the sections in chapters 11 and 12 of the Criminal Code (Comp. St. §§ 10445-10483a) do, section 35 must be construed not to extend to acts committed on the high seas. It confirmed its conclusion by the statement that section 35 had never been invoked to punish offenses denounced, if committed on the high seas or in a foreign country.
We have in this case a question of statutory construction. The necessary locus, when not specially defined, depends upon the purpose of Congress as evinced by the description and nature of the crime and upon the territorial limitations upon the power and jurisdiction of a government to punish crime under the law of nations. Crimes against private individuals or their property, like assaults, murder, burglary, larceny, robbery, arson, embezzlement, and frauds of all kinds, which affect the peace and good order of the community must, of course, be committed within the territorial jurisdiction of the government where it may properly exercise it. If punishment of them is to be extended to include those committed out side of the strict territorial jurisdiction, it is natural for Congress to say so in the statute, and failure to do so will negative the purpose of Congress in this regard. We have an example of this in the attempted application of the prohibitions of the antitrust law to acts done by citizens of the United States against other such citizens in a foreign country. American Banana Co. v. United Fruit Co., 213 U. S. 347, 29 Sup. Ct. 511, 53 L. Ed. 826, 16 Ann. Cas. 1047. That was a civil case, but as the statute is criminal as well as civil, it appears an analogy.
But the same rule of interpretation should not be applied to criminal statutes which are, as a class, not logically dependent on their locality for the government's jurisdiction, but are enacted because of the right of the government to defend itself against obstruction, or fraud wherever perpetrated, especially if committed by its own citizens, officers, or agents. Some such offenses can only be committed within the territorial jurisdiction diction of the government because of the local acts required to constitute them. Others are such that to limit their locus to the strictly territorial jurisdiction would be greatly to curtail the scope and usefulness of the statute and leave open a large immunity for frauds as easily committed by citizens on the high seas and in foreign countries as at home. In such cases, Congress has not thought it necessary to make specific provision in the law that the locus shall include the high seas and foreign countries, but allows it to be inferred from the nature of the offense. Many of these occur in chapter 4, which bears the title 'Offenses against the Operation of the Government.' Section 70 of that chapter (Comp. St. § 10238) punishes whoever as consul knowingly certifles a false invoice. Clearly the locus of this crime as intended by Congress is in a foreign country, and certainly the foreign country in which he discharges his official duty could not object to the trial in a United States court of a United States consul for crime of this sort committed within its borders. Forging or altering ship's papers is made a crime by section 72 of chapter 4 (Comp. St. § 10240). It would be going too far to say that because Congress does not fix any locus it intended to exclude the high seas in respect of this crime. The natural inference from the character of the offense is that the sea would be a probable place for its commission. Section 42 of chapter 4 (Comp. St. § 10206) punishes enticing desertions from the naval service. Is it possible that Congress did not intend by this to include such enticing done aboard ship on the high seas or in a foreign port, where it would be most likely to be done? Section 39 (Comp. St § 10203) punishes bribing a United States officer of the civil, military, or naval service to violate his duty or to aid in committing a fraud on the United States. It is hardly reasonable to construe this not to include such offenses when the bribe is offered to a consul, ambassador, and army or a naval officer in a foreign country or on the high seas, whose duties are being performed there, and when his connivance at such fraud must occur there. So, too, section 38 of chapter 4 (Comp. St. § 10202) punishes the willfully doing or aiding to do any act relating to the bringing in, custody, sale or other disposition of property captured as prize, with intent to defraud, delay or injure the United States or any captor or claimant of such property. This would naturally often occur at sea, and Congress could not have meant to confine it to the land of the United States. Again, in section 36 of chapter 4 (Comp. St. § 10200), it is made a crime to steal, embezzle, or knowingly apply to his own use ordinance, arms, ammunition, clothing, subsistence stores, money or other property of the United States furnished or to be used for military or naval service. It would hardly be reasonable to hold that if any one, certainly if a citizen of the United States, were to steal or embezzle such property which may properly and lawfully be in the custody of army or naval officers either in foreign countries, in foreign ports or on the high seas, it would not be in such places an offense which Congress intended to punish by this section.
What is true of these sections in this regard is true of section 35, under which this indictment was drawn. We give it in full in the margin.1
It is directed generally against whoever presents a false claim against the United States, knowing it to be such, to any officer of the civil, military or naval service or to any department thereof, or any corporation in which the United States is a stockholder, or whoever connives at the same by the use of any cheating device, or whoever enters a conspiracy to do these things. The section was amended in 1918 to include a corporation in which the United States owns stock. Tiis was evidently intended to protect the Emergency Fleet Corporation in which the United States was the sole stockholder, from fraud of this character. That corporation was expected to engage in, and did engage in, a most extensive ocean transportation business, and its ships were seen in every great port of the world open during the war. The same section of the statute protects the arms, ammunition, stores, and property of the army and navy from fraudulent devices of a similar character. We cannot suppose that when Congress enacted the statute or amended it, it did not have in mind that a wide field for such frauds upon the government was in private and public vessels of the United States on the high seas and in foreign ports and beyond the land jurisdiction of the United States, and therefore intended to include them in the section.
Nor can the much-quoted rule that criminal statutes are to be strictly construed avail. As said in United States v. Lacher, 134 U. S. 624, 629, 10 Sup. Ct. 625, 627 (33 L. Ed. 1080), quoting with approval from Sedgwick, Statutory and Const. Law (2d. Ed.) 288:
'Penal provisions, like all others, are to be fairly construed according to the legislative intent as expressed in the enactment.'
They are not to be strained either way. It needs no forced construction to interpret section 35 as we have done.
Section 41 of the Judicial Code (Comp. St. § 1023) provides that:
'The trial of all offenses committed upon the high seas, or elsewhere out of the jurisdiction of any particular state or district, shall be in the district where the offender is found, or into which he is first brought.'
The three defendants whe were found in New York were citizens of the United States, and were certainly subject to such laws as it might pass to protect itself and its property. Clearly it is no offense to the dignity or right of sovereignty of Brazil to hold them for this crime against the government to which they owe allegiance. The other defendant is a subject of Great Britain. He has never been apprehended, and it will be time enough to consider what, if any, jurisdiction the District Court below has to punish him when he is brought to trial.
The judgment of the District Court is reversed, with directions to overrule the demurrer and for further proceedings.
Section 35 of the Criminal Code, as amended October 23, 1918 (40 Stat. 1015), is as follows:
Whoever shall make or cause to be made or present or cause to be presented, for payment or approval, to or by any person or officer in the civil, military, or naval service of the United States, or any department thereof, or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder, any claim upon or against the government of the United States, or any department or officer thereof, or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder, knowing such claim to be false, fictitious, or fraudulent; or whoever, for the purpose of obtaining or aiding to obtain the payment or approval of such claim, or for the purpose and with the intent of cheating and swindling or defrauding the government of the United States, or any department thereof, or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder, shall knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal or cover up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or make or cause to be made any false or fraudulent statements or representations, or make or use or cause to be made or used any false bill, receipt, voucher, roll, account, claim, certificate, affidavit or deposition, knowing the same to contain any fraudulent or fictitious statement or entry; or whoever shall take and carry away or take for his own use or for the use of another, with intent to steal or purloin, any personal property of the United States, or any branch or department thereof, or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder; or whoever shall enter into any agreement, combination, or conspiracy to defraud the government of the United States, or any department or officer thereof, or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder, by obtaining or aiding to obtain the payment or allowance lowance of any false or fraudulent claim; and whoever, having charge, possession, custody, or control of any money or other public property used or to be used in the military or naval service, with intent to defraud the United States, or any department thereof,
or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder, or willfully to conceal such money or other property, shall deliver or cause to be delivered to any person having authority to receive the same any amount of such money or other property less than that for which he received a certificate or took a receipt; or whoever, being authorized to make or deliver any certificate, voucher, receipt, or other paper certifying the receipt of arms, ammunition, provisions, clothing, or other property so used or to be used, shall make or deliver the same to any other person without a full knowledge of the truth of the facts stated therein and with intent to defraud the United States, or any department thereof, or any corporation in which the United States of America is a stockholder, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both. And whoever shall purchase, or receive in pledge, from any person any arms, equipment, ammunition, clothing, military stores, or other property furnished by the United States, under a clothing allowance or otherwise, to any soldier, sailor, officer, cadet, or midshipman in the military or naval service of the United States or of the National Guard or Naval Militia, or to any person accompanying, serving, or retained with the land or naval forces and subject to military or naval law, having knowledge or reason to believe that the property has been taken from the possession of the United States or furnished by the United States under such allowance, shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
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Jamie discusses all things agriculture with Michelle Miller, aka The Farm Babe. After living the city life Michelle’s life took a big turn when she moved to a farm in Iowa. It was there that she uncovered what she thought she knew about farming was wrong. She soon became one of agriculture’s fiercest advocates.
Well that’s great yeah that’s another reason I love advocating for agriculture because you learn something new every day
Michelle Miller aka “The Farm Babe” is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, writer, and online influencer. She’s working to bridge the gap between consumers and farmers by being a champion for global agriculture.
Michelle grew up in Wisconsin before getting her bachelor’s degree in Los Angeles, CA. She went from working at Gucci on Rodeo Drive to moving to Iowa to farm. She brings a unique perspective as a global traveler turned farm girl, and now works to give a voice to farmers and science as she attempts to share the truths of modern agriculture.
This is The Water Table.
… a chance to hear the agricultural side of these issues.
… a place for people to go find information and education.
Water management is just going to become even more critical into the future.
I would encourage people to open their minds and listen to this dialogue.
Today, we welcome Michelle Miller, AKA The Farm Babe, to The Water Table podcast. Excited about this episode and just listening to her share what has kind of happened in her life and how she got to where she is. With an average social media reach of two to three million per month and 200,000 followers, Michelle has made a name for herself as a dedicated myth-buster in the food industry and has influenced corporations as powerful as Burger King. Michelle brings a unique perspective as a big-city globetrotter turned farm girl and plants the seed inside the minds of those looking to understand the truth about modern agricultural production. With one of the most popular and vibrant food farming social media followings, The Farm Babe, is the real deal. Michelle has been on stage among leading industry experts as one of the most well-known voices in agriculture.
Thanks for having me. The only thing that’s different about that blurb on my website I need to update is I do have a lot more followers than that now.
You do. You do.
I have to update my website, but that’s what it would say on TheFarmBabe.com. Thanks.
Isn’t that interesting how fast things go too. That’s really what we’re talking about is getting the word out, whatever you’re dealing with. The Water Table is about managing water on the farm and in agriculture. It’s really what happened in your life is as the social media and just how things go, the world you lived in, you were seeing things from that perspective around the GMOs and organic foods and things like that. We really weren’t getting our story out in agriculture. That’s what we’re trying to do specifically on the water management side with The Water Table is get our story out so that our city cousins understand what we’re doing is really good for the environment. It’s good to grow food for the world. We’re growing more because of it. It’s interesting that you start with that, that just in a short time, your followers have gone from 200,000 to, what are you at now?
Like 220, some thousand. I think I should probably just not even put in a specific number because it just keeps growing, which is great. You see so many other ag influencers that are just crushing it out there. It’s nice to be among a group of people that we’re really trying to help propel the narrative forward in a positive way.
I think what’s happening as time evolves and with more and more information out there, like podcasts, is even the people that don’t agree with us, I think, want to be educated and they know that everything they’re hearing isn’t true. They want to hear from both sides and then be able to really decide for themselves. I really appreciate people like you that are out there every day and understand what happens in agriculture, but also have lived a different life, have lived in the city and understand those lifestyles too that can connect back to those people.
I kind of want you to tell us a little bit about how you got to where you are, but one of the things I read about you is that before you were 30, you visited every continent and 67 countries. This doesn’t have anything to do with The Water Table, but I’m curious, and I think our listeners would be too, was that just something that was a goal of yours or did you have a role that you wanted to do that? Then next question would be what’s your favorite place and why that you were able to visit?
Right after college, I moved to China. I just became really fascinated with culture. Going from Los Angeles to rural Chinese culture was about as opposite as you could be. From there, I was just like, “What else is out there with the world?” I just made a goal to visit all seven continents by the time I was 30. That was just something that was important to me that I achieved. I’ve never been a big stuff person. I don’t like material things, but I just like experiences. It was really fun.
I think Belize is my favorite country I’ve ever been to because I really like scuba diving. I’m actually at the library today, which is funny. My WiFi is down at home and you can see in the background is this one says, “Finding your roots,” which is very agriculture. This one has like a shark, which is really funny because I’m a big shark enthusiast. Just ironically being at the library today, this is a good portrayal of my two passions, which I love.
Sure.
I love the sea. I live in Florida. I love the beach. I love snorkeling and diving and then I love agriculture too. Belize was my favorite just from diving the Blue Hole and snorkeling with sharks. I’m a shark enthusiast.
Cool, good for you. Good for you. Well, tell us a little bit about your journey and how did you get to where you are today?
I went to college. I started off in Wisconsin. I grew up in Wisconsin. Then I went to college in Los Angeles and got a fashion degree and worked for Gucci on Rodeo Drive. I was about, once again, about as far opposite as I could be now. But when you’re a big city girl, it’s like you fall victim to a lot of misinformation. I had watched Food Inc. and a lot of these animal rights activist videos. I was vegetarian for a while. I was an anti-GMO activist. I followed a gluten-free diet, all these different trends and buzzwords that was a part of my life as a city girl.
Then I ended up meeting a farmer in a bar from Iowa. I moved to Iowa for him. I started The Farm Babe back in 2014 because here I was falling in love with a farmer that was growing Monsanto GMOs, heaven forbid, right?
Right, right.
Here I was thinking that GMOs were awful and Monsanto was the devil and he had feed lots and he was feeding corn to cattle and all these things that I thought were bad. Just him, and everybody in the rural Iowa farming communities, just looked at me like, “What are you talking about?” I realize that a lot of times farmers are disconnected from the disconnect, but since I know what it feels like to be on the opposite extremes of both perspectives, I just really work to bridge that gap and help people learn where their food comes from and do a lot of myth-busting and give farmers and science a bigger voice.
Did you feel like you were able to also motivate some of your friends in rural Iowa to understand that this is real what’s happening and that they were more engaged to tell their story because of knowing you and what your experience is?
Yeah, 100%. I mean, I’ve had some people start off their own advocacy platforms and point blank said, “You’re the reason why I started.” That to me is one of the greatest compliments because a lot of people do want to hear our stories. A lot of farmers, they think that their voice can’t make a difference or they take what they do for granted because they’ve done it their whole lives. I’m like, “Yo, what you do is amazing. People want to know where their food comes from,” but we also have to be kind and compassionate about how we communicate that because online you see so many people that are aggressive or abrasive or they just treat people like idiots. It’s like over 90% of people are in the moveable middle. It’s just been an interesting journey to watch myself and so many other agricultural advocates, agvocates, really tell their stories. Together, we’re reaching hundreds of millions of people. It’s really incredible to see what we can do collaboratively.
Yeah, really cool. What’s been in this journey and really becoming passionate for what you’re doing? I mean, that’s obvious that you’re passionate for telling the story of agriculture. Give us an example or two of something that really was fulfilling that you were able to connect to and be involved with on this journey.
There’s so many, but I think the Burger King story is probably one of the biggest claims-to-fame, I guess. I mean, do you want me to go ahead and talk about Burger King?
Yeah, we talked about in the bio, but tell our listeners a little bit about what that was all about.
Burger King released this horrible ad back in July of 2020 that was talking about how cattle are destroying the planet. It was cow farts and methane is destroying everything. The ad was horrible. It was kids wearing gas masks and the polar ice caps were melting because of cow farts. I mean, it was just ridiculous. The #BoycottBurgerKing was trending all across Twitter, social media. People were pushing back telling Burger King this is greenwashing. This is nonsense because Burger King’s solution was, “We are going to feed lemongrass to cattle, which could reduce methane emissions by up to a third.” Basically they’re like, “We’re going to save the planet by feeding lemongrass to cattle.” Sounds like a good idea in theory. But then you’re like, “Where do you source lemongrass and how much is that going to cost? What does the research actually say?”
There was one study that proved, yes, if you feed lemongrass to cattle, you could reduce methane emissions by up to a third. However, other studies, there was one at UC Davis and in Europe, they were not coming up with the same conclusions. The results were inconclusive and not yet published. Academia got mad at Burger King too because they said, “Well, actually this is not what we’re claiming. It’s pretty dodgy of you to release this when our research is not even published.” They got all this backlash for that.
I sent a tweet out to their global chief marketing officer just explaining why we found the ad so offensive. I said, “Look, reducing methane, focusing on sustainability, these are all things that farmers and ranchers care about.” Burger King actually reached out to me. I had a call with them and I invited them out to my farm. I was living in on the farm in Iowa at the time. We were cattle farmers, sheep, corn, soybeans, oats, hay, all that stuff. I said, “Come on out,” and they did.
Burger King, the global chief marketing officer, Fernando, came out with a camera crew. They retracted the original ad and put out a new ad that focused on sustainability and their partnership with farmers. Rather than throwing us under the bus and making us look like a bunch of environmentally-destructive jerks, they actually changed their whole marketing narrative. I took them to a farm that had methane digesters. We went to my farm. I involved Iowa State, took them to some feed lots and really just submerged them in all of the knowledge that they needed to have to really focus on what things farmers are doing to protect the environment.
That was probably my biggest claim-to-fame story that people like to hear is. That’s what I preach on as a keynote speaker is helping people realize that our voices in agriculture are so powerful. We have to tell our story so that the Burger Kings of the world aren’t putting out these horrible ads, that they understand us. I learned that Fernando had never even really been to a farm before. How are you the chief marketing officer, but you don’t really know how beef is raised. That’s a problem. That’s been just awesome to have them come to the table and change their tune, literally.
Yeah, for sure, for sure. Great story. Great story. That probably leads a little bit into what we do. I know you’re not extremely well-versed on managing the water with tile drainage on the farm, but you have been to a lot of farms and you know a lot of farmers and farm advocates that use our water management products from our company or from others. I even saw recently that I think you visited The Millennial Farmer. He does tons of tile drainage and water management on his farm. You’re aware of what it is.
I guess the question that I’d have is we, in our segment of agricultural industry, deal with the same things where we have a lot of people that don’t understand what we do. They have a perception of what we do that comes from lots of different places, but a lot of times they have a negative perception. That’s, again, why we’re here at The Water Table is to tell our story to educate people and to help the people that are on our side be able to tell the story better and be able to encourage them and give them the confidence to go out and tell their story.
But, how would you encourage people that are in the water management industry to get involved or what would be your advice to be able to continue to tell a positive story about what we do because we do a lot of great things?
That’s a great question. One thing that I’m glad you asked, because I, myself, have not really dived into this avenue of agriculture as much as I’d like to. I know that we had tileage and drainage on the farm in Iowa when I lived there and I was farming. I saw it. I saw it being constructed and implemented and all that. I was like, “This is really neat,” but it’s really hard to make that sexy. I don’t even know because the water, what you guys do is something that I don’t hear much about. I don’t hear much pushback on it. I don’t dive into it much. I think it’s really hard to tell this story because you don’t see it, right?
Right, right.
It’s not like watching plants grow or watching raising livestock because it’s something you can visually see. What you guys do is so behind the scenes that I think just the best way you guys can tell your story is personally. If you are doing a selfie video, if you’re working on some project or you’re doing something and you have a physical visual to show somebody, or if you have a study that’s showing, “Hey, because of this technology, we’ve reduced whatever by this much,” and you have that study to share, or you can do a side by side picture of before and after wall air quality, I think anything visual is going to be a lot easier for you guys to share because your industry is so non-visual. You know what I mean?
What is it exactly that you guys have done or are doing in your industry? Tell me a couple of success stories. Is that okay? It’s your show, but-
Yeah, some of the things that we get criticized for is, and not necessarily that we’re the culprit, but we are part of the issue and we can be part of the solution, is the whole hypoxia zone in the Gulf of Mexico is the nitrates are running-
We have a lot of great studies coming out here at The Water Table. We have interviewed Matt Helmers from Iowa State University, a professor there. They’re doing a lot of great things at Iowa State building, constructing engineered denitrification wetlands. The amount of nitrate that’s coming that they’re able to take out of that system by building these wetlands is really remarkable. We’re doing things with the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition, which we’ve interviewed here a lot too, Charlie Schafer, and others in regards to things like saturated buffers and how we can run the tile water through a saturated buffer and reduce the nitrates that way and control drainage. There is a lot of things going on, but you’re 100% right about what we do is underground. Once it’s installed, literally, if somebody drives by a project, it can be a very significant project, and if they drive by there one day too late, they don’t even know that there was a project done-
I know. That’s-
… on that field because it’s done.
What we really need to tell the story, it’s still hard because you can’t see it, but once a project is done, that pipe in the ground is managing the water for hundreds of years.
Cool.
We know that our plastic pipe can have a 100-year service life. We’re finding pipe in the field that’s very old that we know has been in fields in Europe and different places for much longer than 100 years. What happens then is the farmer, or the person that paid for that drainage system, is reaping the benefits of that for generations. It’s not like you’re buying a car in which it’s rusted out and gone in 10 years. This is something that you’re investing in your family farm, but it’s growing higher yields, which is feeding the world, and which is making that land more valuable, which is you’re paying higher taxes, which is building schools and hospitals and those kind of things in your local community. It’s an awesome investment that grows higher yields.
If we do some of these new practices, like saturated buffers and denitrification wetlands, we can reduce some of the pollutants that our product is a conduit to bring to the rivers and streams. We can reduce that. Also, we didn’t even talk about things like erosion reduction because you’re managing the water on your farm. Here in Minnesota last week, we had 10 inches of rain. I own a small farm. I’m part of a company that makes the product and had a bunch of erosion, but guess what? We’re going to fix it with drainage pipe and with managing the water on the farm. So that that top soil, which you definitely know that from what you do, that top soil is very important to keep on the farm. We’re not losing that into the rivers and streams.
There’s a lot of things we can tell, but I really appreciate you motivating me and our customers around, hey, when you see something, because that is going to be buried an hour from now, take a selfie feed, do a video.
Take some pictures and videos, explain what it is, what you’re doing and why and how. I think another way you guys could tell the story better is also right now regenerative is the new buzzword. We went from natural to organic, to regenerative, oh, what’s the next buzzword going to be? But, no-till farming … and I think it’s funny, actually, Millennial Farmer is one of these people that come to my mind, I know you mentioned him earlier, about how I used to watch videos of him tilling. I’m a huge proponent of no-till. I used to cringe when I see these guys with, and I understand the different farmers do a different in different regions, so I’m not knocking them, but we were no-till for over 20 years when I was on the farm in Iowa, cover crops, no-till, soil testing, winning awards for farmers of the year for soil and water conservation something.
I was farming with my boyfriend at the time. His brother was a soil scientist for the NRCS. We were always involved in the latest and greatest studies and what that looks like, but tileage, drainage, what you guys do is not always a key part of that conversation, especially to the end consumer. But you have to be proactive instead of reactive because right now, there’s not a huge doom and gloom story. It’s not like the anti-GMO movement or factory farming or pesticides or these hot topics. But, regenerative is a buzzword and it’s consumer-driven and more corporations are jumping on it. But if you can be like, “Hey, we’re part of that too,” and you’re proactive, that would be really awesome. Now is the time for you guys to really jump on this-
Right, right.
… as to why you make farmers more regenerative or just environmentally sound overall. What are we doing to protect the dead zone? God, that’s such a big issue that I hear about all the freaking time. I try to learn about it. I was actually down in the Gulf of Mexico, I was working with some farms and some researchers down in the New Orleans area. I actually met this woman who worked at the museum. It was like the aquarium museum that’s got all these water quality exhibits there in the Gulf of Mexico. I said, “What’s the real story with the dead zone in the Gulf?” She made it sound like things have improved 100 times tenfold.
I believe her because she’s there with the research working at the museum telling the story, but at the same time, I’m like, “Okay, but tell me more about this.” I need to really dive in, pun intended, with the experts here. Y’all’s voices that are making the improvements, you need to be a 100 times louder. We need to get celebrities. We need to get influencers, people out there to really help change that narrative. Because right now, even myself, somebody that’s big into the space, I don’t know much about it, but I want to. Here’s your opportunity for the people listening in your industry to speak up because it’s cool. If you don’t speak up, somebody else is going to keep telling that doom and gloom story that’s not true. You know?
Right. Yep, absolutely. I want to just go back to the no-till conversation a little bit around that’s also not only different by just the way people, the practices they use and what they know from history, but it also is different by geography from the standpoint of up here in the upper Midwest, the spring isn’t long enough to dry out that soil if it’s not black. A lot of times, that’s why historically we’ve tiled everything, got it black, the sun then penetrates that soil, it dries it out and you can get in the field much quicker.
You aren’t going to get in the field if you have no-till and you have a wet, cool spring like we’ve had in Minnesota. We’re here at the end of May talking on this and we’re still planting corn up here and some places are just getting in. But if you have that that land managed with proper water management products, you’re going to be able to get in, you’re going to be able to plant that crop in that field much quicker because it’s going to dry out because of that pipe in that field where you didn’t have it before. There is things-
Let you go.
… thought where we have to … every problem is usually not … I shouldn’t say every problem. Most problems, there isn’t just one solution. There has to be more than one solution to make [inaudible 00:24:24].
Well, see, that’s great. Another reason why I love advocating for agriculture is because you learn something new every day. People do tend to think, “Oh, it’s just this one-size-fits-all solution and I can do it this way. Everybody should do it this way.” It’s never the case.
Right, right, for sure. Well, Michelle, thank you for joining us today. You made it work from the library and you’re going to have a lot of noise there with kids coming in. We’re not going to take too much of your time, but I appreciate you joining The Water Table and maybe we can do this again sometime as things go on. I really appreciate it.
Sounds great. Thank you so much. I don’t get asked to go on a lot of water-type podcasts. This is a nice treat where-
We would love to have you up to Minnesota sometime and show you more of what we do.
Yeah, that would be really cool. Just to learn more about it is one part of ag that I really want to know more about. Thank you for the invite and the opportunity to let me experience and learn a little bit more about your sector of ag.
Yeah, thanks. Before we go, Farmbabe.com, where else can people find you?
I know you mentioned it, keynote speakers, keynote speeches, you do that. If somebody wants to hire you or look more into this, they can find this all on your website, correct?
Yep, I am a social media influencer. I’m a writer and columnist for about four different ag publications now. Between writing and seeking and social media and traveling, I’m keeping busy, but I love what I do and it’s great to connect with you all.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Thanks for joining us today on The Water Table. You can find us at WaterTable.Ag. You can find us on Facebook. You can find us on Twitter. You can also find the podcast on any of your favorite podcast platforms.
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Solar Panels for Swimming Pools | Why Every Pool Owner Needs To Have Them | Solar Powered Pool Equipment
Ever since I bought my first solar powered piece of pool equipment (which was a Solar-Breeze solar powered pool skimmer) I have been a solar panel frenzy, especially when it comes to solar panels for swimming pools.
My pool is the perfect place for solar panels. It gets full-on sun from dusk til dawn to keep those solar panels pumping out the energy all day long. And I’m sure most of you are in similar situations. I don’t know many people that have their pools in the shade, but I do know some and I can’t figure out why they would choose such a location.
If you are like me and have a pool that gets some good sunlight, then solar panels are a good choice for you. They are a great investment for three main reasons: they save you money, they are eco-friendly, and they will keep your pool cleaner (I will explain).
Hold Up… They Can Save Me Money?
Thats right. They sure can, and I don’t think there is a single person out there that doesn’t want to save some money one their electricity bills.
Pools can be a huge energy consumer and really skyrocket your electricity bills. This is particularly true for those who live in warmer climates where their pools are open throughout a longer season. But whether your pool is open all year round or just 3-4 months a year, the energy needed to keep pools clean and swim-able is costly.
According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, in-ground swimming pools on average cost about $364/year for energy consumption. And thats just the average. Year round heated pools consume a great deal more.
In recent years the cost of buying solar panels and solar powered pool equipment has reached affordably low numbers. It just seems to be getting cheaper and cheaper. The price today is really not a very good argument of why you shouldn’t invest.
Solar powered pool equipment will save you money in the long run and usually give you your return on investment in a couple years.
The evidence of cost VS savings is pretty much unanimous… Solar Energy Wins!
Its a growing trend that people are leaning more and more toward environmentally friendly energy sources, and this is for good reason. Every single person on earth needs to step up and make the “clean” choice every once in a while. This was a big reason why I decided to purchase solar powered pool equipment in the first place.
Solar energy is fantastic Its a clean and reliable source of energy.
Want to really reduce carbon emissions? How about you use energy from a source that produces no air or water pollution. Solar panels produce usable energy from the suns light without any waste products. So forget about nuclear and fossil fuel energy that are responsible for a great deal of earths atmosphere destruction.
And when it comes to reliability it doesn’t get any better than solar energy. The sun has been around for millions of years and will continue to be around for millions of years. Its here to stay; you don’t have to worry about it running out like you do fossil fuels.
I know what you are thinking, “how can solar powered pool equipment possibly make my pool cleaner?” This doesn’t really seem to make sense. But its true!
And what I am talking about here in particular is the solar powered pool skimmers, which I absolutely love. These pool skimmers just float on top of the water and suck in leaves, pine needles, and other forms of debris.
Now you might think that they will only keep the surface of your pool clean, but they make a bigger difference than that. They keep your entire pool clean, including the bottom.
You see, most of the dirt and debris that settles on the bottom started out by floating on the surface. And then when it absorbed enough water it sank to the bottom. So if you would eliminate this mess before it sank you would have never had it on the bottom of your pool, and you wouldn’t have needed to use a pool vacuum.
And remember, since they are solar powered you can keep them running all day for the incredibly low cost of $0. You probably aren’t likely to keep a normal pool skimmer running all day are you? No Way! That would be too darn expensive.
The only maintenance you have to do with floating solar powered pool skimmers is cleaning them out once they are full of debris. I think they are very much worth it for the awesome job they do.
Its Conclusive, Every Owner Needs Solar Powered Pool Equipment
It can save you money, help save the environment, and keep your pool cleaner and looking great which is sure to get you some compliments. So why wouldn’t you replace your pool equipment with the new solar powered kind. I mean, I can understand if you just bought a new piece of pool equipment and aren’t looking to replace it for years to come, but if you are thinking about replacing something soon then solar powered is the way to go.
I first purchased a solar powered pool skimmer (Solar-Breeze) after seeing a buddy of mine that had one, now I along with half the darn neighborhood have one it seems.
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The fucking lights and annoying decorations, stupid presents no-one wants and don't even get me started on the music. It's the one time of year shops can lure people in and get them to buy useless crap they don't want or need at ridiculous prices. People have to be uncommonly kind when they don't really want to be and everyone is so fucking hyped and excited and I just want to blow my own fucking brains out.
I'm not always this pissed off, really I'm not. Only at Christmas. The one time of year you're supposed to be freakishly happy and I am the exact opposite. Great.
I flick the TV off after deciding there's nothing on and lean back into the sofa, sighing.
'Why are you always so down at Christmas?' my younger brother asks, walking into the living room and sitting down next to me silently, with his freakish stealth ninja skills.
'Its Christmas Gerard, cheer up! No school, presents and all the fucking food you can eat.' he says, taking another bite out of the mince pie he has in his hand, his gaze never falling from my face. I sigh again.
'I just don't like Christmas,' I say. Mikey smirks at me.
'You might like it better this year, what with Frank coming over and all,' he says, raising an eyebrow at me. I groan.
'Oh fuck off Mikes, theres nothing going on between me and Frank.'
'Oh right, so that's why I heard you moaning his name the other night, jerking off no doubt.'
I freeze. What. The. Actual. Fuck. My heart does this funny leap thing and starts beating faster, Mikey still staring at me with his infuriating smirk.
'I was not!' I say, pretty unconvincingly. Mikey just keep smirking at me until-
he moans.
'Oh Frank. Oh, oh Frank.' Anger bubbles up inside me at my younger brothers, fairly accurate, impression of me masturbating over his best friend. I know, I'm sick, but have you actually seen the guy?!
'Oh Fraaank! Frank, Frank, Frank!' I'm just about to throw the TV remote at Mikey's head when-
'Yeah?' I look up to see a slightly confused, very amused, very sexy Frank Iero leaning against the doorframe of my living room. Mikey stops moaning.
'Hi,' he says, smirking at Frank, 'how long have you been stood there?'
'Long enough,' he replies, winking at me and sitting down on the sofa next to Mikey. Great, just fucking great. My cheeks burn crimson and I duck my head, hiding behind my ebony hair. Frank sighs.
'So what's the deal with the sleeping arrangements?' he asks, 'Am I in Mikey's room, on the sofa, in Gerard's room...?' he says, smirking.
'My room,' Mikey replies.
'Shame, I was kinda hoping for Gerard's' Frank says, making my cheeks burn darker if that's possible.
'I'm gonna make a coffee,' I say and stumble up into the kitchen, putting the kettle on and leaning my forehead against the fridge. Fuck my life. Why am I such an idiot? If I was Mikey, I would have jumped on Frank, said some sexy line and fucked him dry ages ago. But I'm not Mikey, Frank isn't Pete Wentz and this situation is entirely different.
Instead, I hopelessly pine, and wank, over a boy who is far to perfect and cool and funny and sexy and just plain urgh to ever see me the way I see him. I bang my head against the fridge, again and again and again until I feel a hand on my waist. I stop banging my head and tense immediately at the sudden contact
'You'll get a headache if you keep doing that,' Frank whispers in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
Before I even have time for formulate a reply or acknowledge that Frank Iero has his HAND on my WAIST, the touch is gone and I can hear Frank getting mugs out of the cupboard. I very slowly lift my head and turn to face him. He's stopped getting mugs out of the cupboard. He's looking at me. Like, right at me, just staring. It's freaking me out and I shift uncomfortably from one foot to the other. He doesn't say anything just stares at me, looking me up and down, his sight lingering on my crotch for a little longer than I think is necessary. He just keeps staring at me.
I can't say anything because there's a lump in throat. I'm rubbing my palms together, I nervous habit of mine, because he makes me nervous. Stood there with his eyes wondering, teasing me, a stray strand of hair hanging across his beautiful, brown eyes, his plump, pink lips slightly parted. Jesus, he is so hot. So....intoxicating.
The door slams. Someone locks it. Me and Frank both look towards it, confused.
'I'm not letting you out until you suck him off, okay Iero? And Gerard, return the favour, yeah?' Mikey calls from the other side of the door. I groan but a smirk creeps over Franks face.
'You got it Mikes,' he says in response before we hear my brother walk towards his room. I slide down the fridge and sit on the floor, burying my face in my hands and sighing. This cannot be happening, this cannot be happening, this cannot be happening.
Someone sits in front of me and a pair of soft hands take my hands in their own and pull mine away from my face. I look up to see Frank smiling at me. Not smirking, just smiling warmly and it makes me feel all strange and fuzzy inside. I only realise Frank is still holding my hands when he starts to rub circles over my knuckles with his thumbs.
'I heard what Mikey said earlier,' he says, looking down at our hands. Fuckshitbuggerasstitwankface. He heard Mikey say tha-
'When he said he heard you, moaning my name.' He heard Mikey say that.
'Frank, fuck. Look, I'm really sor-' he took one of his hands away from mine and placed a delicate finger to my lips.
'Ssshhhh.' He removed his finger and replaced it with his lips. He kissed me sweetly, his lips barely ghosting over mine before he pulled away.
'I jerk off thinking about you all the fucking time,' he said, as if it's a casual quip about the weather. Frank Iero just said he jerks off over me. FRANK IERO. JERKS OFF. OVER ME. He has got to be kidding because there is no way he jerks off over me. No fucking way. Not ever.
'Wa-w-w-what?!' I manage to choke out, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.
'I jerk off over you, like, all the time,' he says, keeping his nonchalant demeanour. I just stare at him, pretty sure my mouth's hanging open but who gives a fuck, Frank Iero jerks off over me. Oh my bejeebusing motherfucking christ. He smirks.
'You're just so hot,' he begins, leaning closer, 'With your dark hair and pale skin,' even closer, 'the way you're so uncertain around me,' dangerously close, 'and your stunning eyes,' FRANK IERO IS CENTIMETRES AWAY FROM MY FACE, 'and your fucking lips, oh god those lips.' He looks down at my lips and licks his own.
'When I touch myself, I imagine it's your lips.' I let out an involuntary moan at the thought of Frank touching himself. He leans in and presses his lips to mine, harder this time, more passionately, moving forward to straddle me as I put my hands on his waist, kissing him back with just as much passion. He pulls away and rests his forehead on mine.
'I've wanted to do that for such a long time,' he says.
'Fucking tell me about it!' I reply, making him giggle.
'Well, Mikey did say he wouldn't let us out until we sucked each other off, so...' he said, fiddling with a strand of my hair. I smirked.
'It can be your Christmas present,' I say, 'but you can have it a day early.' Frank leans in and kisses me again.
'I love you,' he whispers.
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| 7,797 |
Death by terrorism is not good. But compared to other causes of unnatural death the numbers are small, in the thousands. Death by government goes in the hundreds of millions.
Try tell people this and you will be look upon as a complete madman. Top it up with a statement like “this can only happen in a socialized society” and they are ready to punch you.
August 13, 2019 at 11:25 am
No civilians could have stopped the armed Nazi state disarming them.
Every western democracy has mental health issues, terrorism, foreign and domestic and crime.
Only in the USA are there so many gun deaths.
August 13, 2019 at 11:42 am
Warsaw Jews held off the German Socialists for weeks, with only a few crude home made weapons. Americans have more than 100 million guns. As usual, you have no idea what you are talking about.
August 13, 2019 at 11:55 am
August 13, 2019 at 12:09 pm
no elected government would ever murder an entire cohort of their own population.
and citizens have no right to defend themselves anyway.
(15000 fewer deaths per year compared to the 80s-early 90s courtesy concealed carry and the NRA.)
Adam says:
August 13, 2019 at 12:18 pm
“Only in the USA are there so many gun deaths” is a statement of emotion, not fact. Remove suicides, which occur regardless of guns, police and defensive shootings, and we aren’t even close to the top. Forget that, leave them in, and we aren’t even close. Mexico bans guns, and it has far more shootings. In fact, just about every Latin American country bans guns and has a vastly worse murder rate.
Why is it we still can’t take Afghanistan despite having the most modern military in the world? The simple AK-47, is why. A heavily armed populace can beat an advanced military.
August 14, 2019 at 7:00 am
That is just fantastic, Adam. Griff says that “Every western democracy has mental health issues, terrorism, foreign and domestic and crime.
Only in the USA are there so many gun deaths.”
And you counter him with Mexico and Latin America.
I do however believe that you are right to compare your own nation in this regard to those other stellar nations on this planet. Way to go, you really are leading the pack.
If or when you eventually do get your head out of your @ss you might want to try to think a little about all this. And try to figure out why you are at the bottom of the pack in western cultures. But that requires you let go of some stubbornly held views and open up for different ones. Good luck.
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 11:48 am
Mexico and Latin America are not western cultures. Got it.
Lester says:
September 16, 2019 at 9:20 pm
If you were to look up “cuck” in the latest edition of the dictionary, you would see Anders Valland’s name right next to it and Griff’s.
Not to mention that the more people you have in a country, the higher the murder rates tend to be because *gasp* simple logic?! Nah, can’t be.
rah says:
August 13, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Don’t care what foreigners think about our 2nd amendment. Especially those that come from countries that even restrict the ability of a subject to defend themselves under the guise of legally undefined “proportional and reasonable” self defense. Tell me Griff what is the “Proportional and reasonable” self defense of an old 98 lb. woman against a 200 lb, knife wielding man?
John says:
August 13, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Fully agree with you Rah. Were I live this is a fact and we have one of the highest murder and rape rates in the World. The perpetrator does not have to prove or defend anything. He just says he was threatened with a firearm or someone pointed it at him or the police subjected him to torture, show a self inflicted bruise or cut or blackeye and he is off the hook.
rah says:
August 13, 2019 at 3:01 pm
What many foreigners don’t get, or refuse to understand is that in this country we have a God given right to protect ourselves, our family and fellow citizens, and our property and THEY DON’T!
Jim A says:
August 13, 2019 at 5:02 pm
What many fail to “get” is that the right to armed self defense is a human right, not a purely American right. We just had people create the Bill of Rights who were wise enough to single out this right, among others and codify it to restrict the Government’s rights. Everyone has the right to armed self defense as a human being. Most places, they are unable to legally exercise it. The Bill of Rights isn’t a list of your rights, it’s a list of restrictions on the government’s “rights”.
August 13, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Andy says:
August 14, 2019 at 1:04 pm
“What many fail to “get” is that the right to armed self defense is a human right, not a purely American right.”
Where is that written in nature?
August 14, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Andy asks “Where is that written in nature?”
Gator says:
August 14, 2019 at 1:59 pm
Where have you ever seen any rights written in nature?
Does the stupid hurt, Andy Andy?
August 14, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Andy: Who said it was written?
and for griff: You may want to revisit your “If Heller posted it, it must be wrong” principle. When it compels you to agree with Nazis disarming the jewish population, you need to unplug for 15 seconds or so before plugging in again.
Andy says:
August 15, 2019 at 12:10 pm
So in summary a right to defend with arms is not a nature thing, it is man made, and so no Governed by God.
So human rules done in 1791 need to be changed over time to reflect modern day society, not just the USA.
Gator says:
August 15, 2019 at 1:11 pm
Poor Andy Andy, his weak mind believes we are all in need of supervision and control. Give him some sympathy, I’m sure from his inferior point of view servitude makes perfect sense.
Sheep need shepherds.
rah says:
August 15, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Andy can’t even understand the God given right to live and stay alive. Of course in doing so he makes his ignorance of the Declaration of Independence and many statements of the founders about Natures God.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Andy says:
August 17, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Rah says
then quotes the US constitution which was written by men .. so shooting himself in the foot and backing up my argument that laws about arms are all man made, nothing to do with nature or God
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Andy Andy, the Bible was also written by men.
You really don’t get the significance of naming certain rights as “God given”, do you?
Once again, your ignorance is breathtaking.
DCA says:
August 13, 2019 at 4:40 pm
The handgun is the great equalizer.
“God made men, but Sam Colt made them equal.”
Gator says:
August 13, 2019 at 4:53 pm
In the world we live in today, there are few things that can equalize a woman with a man in a life-or-death defensive situation, but firearms are one of them. To be more specific, the AR-15 can be a great choice for self-defense or home defense, along with target shooting on the range, competition use, hunting, and so on.
https://thewellarmedwoman.com/about-guns/benefits-of-the-ar-15-for-female-shooters/
Leftists apparently hate women almost as much as they hate poor brown people.
Andy says:
August 17, 2019 at 9:08 pm
strange how only USA women need an AR15 to be the equal of men compared to the rest of the world where they don’t.
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Women in the Middle East could certainly use them, so that they could stop being treated like cattle. Women in Africa could use them to stop the sex slave traders.
Every country has its challenges Andy Andy, and women around the world are subjected to extreme mistreatment, violence, rape and murder. Imagine if they had the ability to stop those who would do them harm? Or imagine they continue to live in fear and pain.
Your ignorance is as vast as your self unawareness.
August 13, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Re “mental health issues” … yes Griff and you are the resident expert on this subject ;-)
Gator says:
August 13, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Right. How ridiculous! If civilians could defeat powerful militaries, we Americans would not still be subjects of the Queen. Oh, wait…
rah says:
August 13, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Yea Griff! Everybody knows that Guerilla warfare never works! LOL!
The minute men and militias had nothing to do with the course of the American Revolution.
The Guerilla arms of the resistance in the various Nazi occupied countries of Europe during WW II contributed nothing to the final outcome of that war.
Castro came to power because Guerilla warfare failed.
The Viet Cong had no effect on the course of the war in Vietnam.
Tell me Griff. From your vast storehouse of knowledge about unconventional warfare. What are the three basic elements of any clandestine resistant campaign?
etc, etc, etc, etc down through the history of many nations.
Gator says:
August 13, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Only in the USA are there so many gun deaths.
We don’t even crack the top 15 in gun related homicides per capita, even though we have 3 times as many guns per capita as the nearest contender.
Honduras has the highest murder rate with guns, even though they banned assault rifles 15 years ago.
The largest mass shooting happened in Kenya, where gun owners must reapply for a license annually, showing a need for ownership, and where civilians are not allowed to own semi-auto rifles.
Demographics and culture play a much larger roll than any other factor.
August 13, 2019 at 9:46 pm
The demographics are that black males killing black males is over half of the homicide by firearms discharge in the U.S.
6.5% of the population commits 55%. 6,000 of 11,000 total.
“Only in the USA are there so many gun deaths.”
Wow. The ignorance burns.
rah says:
August 13, 2019 at 11:33 am
Trump may well lose a 2nd term if he keeps it up the way he is on this issue. Pushing Red Flag could be the end of his presidency.
Adam says:
August 13, 2019 at 12:24 pm
I’m really shocked at the low numbers of guns and ammo confiscated. The father-in-law of a friend has more guns than that in his collection, and my cousin has 20,000 rounds in his basement when he’s running low.
August 13, 2019 at 1:22 pm
If you believe that the Sun shines on both sides of the Earth at the same time then keep on dividing the Sun’s flux by 4 like the Clymists do. That way you’ll have to keep on fighting and explaining. If you believe that the Sun shines on only one hemisphere of the Earth at a time then divide the Sun’s flux by 2 and see what a wonderful world we live in ! For a detailed explanation search the key phrase / Flux on Earth For Dummies / @ https://climateofsophistry.com/2019/07/25/how-to-debunk-climate-deniers-and-climate-alarmists/
If you still think that CO2 is a big problem then explain this to me … http://www.vukcevic.co.uk/CO2-Arc.gif
If you want to publish my original document i’ll send it to you in Word format.
regards,
Ed Bo says:
August 14, 2019 at 2:41 am
Why do Postma fanboys insist on spamming unrelated posts with his nonsense?
Postma is quite simply too stupid to recognize that what he calls the “flat earth” model is just a simplified conceptual illustration, and that his assertion that the science is “based on” this simplification is utterly ridiculous. In fact, the case is even stronger for the on/off cyclical application of solar power to any point on earth with the day/night cycle
He hilariously claims that he could never roast a turkey if his oven used a cyclical on/off application of power, when in fact his oven DOES work that way, as does his furnace, as does his water heater.
Tony does a great job here using actual science. You and your cohorts just give alarmists reason to dismiss skeptics as ignoramuses – in your case, they are correct!
spike55 says:
August 14, 2019 at 9:08 pm
“when in fact his oven DOES work that way, as does his furnace, as does his water heater.”
LOL !! ED Bo is saying that the Earth as a thermostat that changes how the sun delivers its energy.. DUMB !!
Either that or is showing how CLUELESS he is about how ovens or water heater works.
But then, we have all seen that Ed is CLUELESS when it comes to a basic understanding of the world around him.
Ed Bo says:
August 15, 2019 at 2:09 am
Your reading comprehension is as bad as your analytical skills. I said:
He hilariously claims that he could never roast a turkey if his oven used a cyclical on/off application of power, when in fact his oven DOES work that way, as does his furnace, as does his water heater.
Any person of basic intelligence would understand that when I said “that way”, I was referring to the previous clause mentioning “the cyclic on/off application of power”.
You do understand that your oven, furnace, and water heater DO work “that way” – employing a cyclic on/off application of power – don’t you?
Why can’t you understand very simple English?
August 13, 2019 at 1:43 pm
9,128 gun deaths in the US this year…
The UK homicide stats from all causes for a whole year, 2018 to 2019 were 701
rah says:
August 13, 2019 at 2:49 pm
You didn’t answer my question Griff?
rah says:
August 13, 2019 at 3:03 pm
Those gun death stats for the US include self defense dumbass!
August 13, 2019 at 3:11 pm
Mathematics argues against gun control.
Roughly 2/3 of gun deaths are from suicides, reducing the number of firearms murders to about 3,000. Defensive uses of firearms may be removed from the statics given by that site reduce the numbers further, but are harder to nail down; if we reduce by another third, that brings us down to about 2,000 firearms deaths.
The CDC reports (https://www.nap.edu/catalog/18319/priorities-for-research-to-reduce-the-threat-of-firearm-related-violence) between 500,000 and three million defensive use of firearms events annually, with typical estimates of around 2.5 million. We can assume that >1% of these defensive uses save a life, which works out to a minimum of 25,000 lives saved annually, and millions of property and violent crimes averted.
August 13, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Joshua / Gator …. which of u is correct about the deaths by suicide? 2/3 or 1/3?
Thanks.
Gator says:
August 13, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Sorry, it is about 60%, according to the CDC.
Researchers also found that the majority of firearm deaths are from suicide, not homicide. “Between the years 2000 and 2010, firearm-related suicides significantly outnumbered homicides for all age groups, annually accounting for 61 percent of the more than 335,600 people who died from firearm-related violence in the United States.”
It is always shocks me how many of reported “gun deaths” are actually suicide. Really puts the total number in perspective.
Gator says:
August 13, 2019 at 3:20 pm
One third of those deaths are suicide, one fifth are self defense and accidental shootings, and another fifth are police related.
Once again, the US does not even crack the top 15 for gun related homicides, even though we have 3 times as many guns as the next nearest competitor.
Ms Griff is parroting talking points of the ignorant, once again.
August 13, 2019 at 3:26 pm
If you eliminate those cities in the US with the strictest gun laws that are under democrat control, you will find the US does quite well per capita compared with the rest of the world. My conclusion is that the strict gun laws prevent law abiding citizens from defending themselves effectively and actually increases the gun violence.
With the possible exception of those that have a death-wish, criminals would rather commit their crimes on those people and in those places where there is the least risk to the criminal that the victims could adequately defend themselves. The gun-free zones are basically just “come get us, we are unarmed” invitations to those who would do evil.
GW Smith says:
August 13, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Interesting statistics. This jives with the research of Prof. Lott at the University of Chicago, who is a noted expert on gun laws and stats.
Here are some facts.
There are 30,000 gun related death s per year by firearms, and this number is not disputed. The U.S. population is 324,059,091 as of June 22, 2016. Do the math: 0.00925% of the population dies from gun related actions each year. Statistically speaking, this is insignificant! What is never told, however, is a breakdown of those 30,000 deaths, to put them in perspective as compared to other causes of death:
65% of those deaths are by suicide, which would never be prevented by gun laws.
15% are by law enforcement in the line of duty and justified.
17% are through criminal activity, gang and drug related or mentally ill persons – better known as gun violence.
3% are accidental discharge deaths.
So technically, “gun violence” is not 30,000 annually, but drops to 5,100. Still too many? Now lets look at how those deaths spanned across the nation.
480 homicides (9.4%) were in Chicago
344 homicides (6.7%) were in Baltimore
333 homicides (6.5%) were in Detroit
119 homicides (2.3%) were in Washington D.C. (a 54% increase over prior years)
So basically, 25% of all gun crime happens in just 4 cities. All 4 of those cities have strict gun laws, so it is not the lack of law that is the root cause.
This basically leaves 3,825 for the entire rest of the nation, or about 75 deaths per state. That is an average because some States have much higher rates than others. For example, California had 1,169 and Alabama had 1.
Now, who has the strictest gun laws by far? California, of course, but understand, it is not guns causing this. It is a crime rate spawned by the number of criminal persons residing in those cities and states. So, if all cities and states are not created equal, then there must be something other than the tool causing the gun deaths.
Are 5,100 deaths per year horrific? How about in comparison to other deaths? All death is sad and especially so when it is in the commission of a crime but that is the nature of crime. Robbery, death, rape, assaults are all done by criminals. It is ludicrous to think that criminals will obey laws. That is why they are called criminals.
But what about other deaths each year?
36,000 people die per year from the flu, far exceeding the criminal gun deaths.
34,000 people die per year in traffic fatalities(exceeding gun deaths even if you include suicide).
200,000+ people die each year (and growing) from preventable medical errors. You are safer walking in the worst areas of Chicago than you are when you are in a hospital!
710,000 people die per year from heart disease. It’s time to stop the double cheeseburgers! So, what is the point? If the liberal loons and the anti-gun movement focused their attention on heart disease, even a 10% decrease in cardiac deaths would save twice the number of lives annually of all gun-related deaths (including suicide, law enforcement, etc.).
A 10% reduction in medical errors would be 66% of the total number of gun deaths or 4 times the number of criminal homicides ……………. Simple, easily preventable 10% reductions! So, you have to ask yourself, in the grand scheme of things, why the focus on guns?
Taking away guns gives control to governments. The founders of this nation knew that regardless of the form of government, those in power may become corrupt and seek to rule as the British did by trying to disarm the populace of the colonies. It is not difficult to understand that a disarmed populace is a controlled populace.
Thus, the second amendment was proudly and boldly included in the U.S. Constitution. It must be preserved at all costs . So, the next time someone tries to tell you that gun control is about saving lives, look at these facts and remember these words from Noah Webster: “Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed.”
President
The McDonald Group, LLC
Author, “Saving America’s Cities”, 1st & 2nd Editions
Gator says:
August 13, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Why are you comparing suicide deaths with homicides? When suicides are removed, the homicide rate is comparable. Remove self defense and police numbers, and there is nothing to discuss.
August 13, 2019 at 10:24 pm
The US has about 6 1/2 times the population of the UK so it is only reasonable to believe that the US would have more homicides.
In addition handgun, rifles and shotguns are strictly restricted in the UK and if you eliminated only 5 of the largest cities in the US from your count the US would have the lowest homicide rate in the world.
August 14, 2019 at 10:48 am
scott allen, is that five cities run by statist democratic policies that inflame racial tension, destroy culture, enslave citizens in a “blame” mentality, and already have strict gun control?
David A says:
August 14, 2019 at 10:40 am
Griff the UK is only about 20 percent of the US population. The UK has growing problems such as in 2017 there were approximately 5,821 registered deaths by suicide in the Unite Kingdom. However they do not have the extremely violent cities run by socialists with no clue that the US has, where, for decades statist policies have destroyed jobs, culture, and inflamed racial tension. Sadly, thanks to unfettered indiscriminate immigration the UK is getting there.
Bob Hoye says:
August 13, 2019 at 1:51 pm
In every great experiment in authoritarian government in Europe, the governing classes eventually granted themselves the privilege of state murder.
This is why constitutions exist and in America’s case backed up by the right to own certain guns.
I hope that on the current mania by control freaks, they don’t have to be used.
But just their existence is a constraint to the ultimate government policy.
August 13, 2019 at 3:33 pm
I saw something recently that said, “Politicians want to disarm citizens because they intend to do things that would get them shot.”
August 14, 2019 at 7:12 am
Tony Heller, this post is patently ridiculous. I have followed you for quite a while, at first because a lot of people were referring to you and then much because of what you wrote on climate issues. Most of your writings reflect a critical thinking mind and I find a lot of interesting viewpoints and arguments in your posts.
But you do have these idiotic posts against gun control, and that really detracts from the rest. This piece here however stands out. It is patethetic to try and reason that the US should abandon gun control beacuse of what happened in a despotic regime in the 1930’s. To be able to even suggest that is beyond reason.
Lester says:
September 16, 2019 at 9:23 pm
Work on your spelling, retard. Gun control would just make a more dangerous black market that criminals would have constant access to. It would do nothing except cause more murders.
Jason Calley says:
August 14, 2019 at 8:04 am
Maybe gruff would say that NAZI Germany was very safe and peaceful.
After all Germany only had one mass murder then. Just one. It lasted from 1938 through 1945.
August 14, 2019 at 8:27 am
It is hard to comprehend the views listed in the comments section here. Views such as ” We have a God given right to protect ourselves and our families”, “We have a duty to protect….”, ‘We have 100 million guns to hold off our Government’. It is as if some people actually believe that Europeans are living under constant threat from our politicians and our Government, being held at gunpoint to conform to our politicians every whim. And that some belive that we actually have given up our right to protect our families and ourselves. My guess is you have never been to Europe, let alone lived here. and that is because if you did, you would know different.
Our protection of ourselves and our families is embedded in our societies, our political government, our democracy and our way of life. And all that includes strict regulations on firearms. Try to ponder that for a minute, for real. Put away your preconceived idea that guns are the only way and try to think on how it can be that it is possible to actually have a free, safe life without guns.
And I have to say, the reasoning you put behind those statistics is really something. None of you ever thought that police killings were somehow related to the expectation that a criminal might carry a weapon? No? Really?
And suicide by guns would happen anyway? What a career in counselling for you guys, I must say. The reasoning here is breathtaking. And not for being lucid.
In my country, the police rarely fire at criminals. Because criminals rarely employ firearms. Most situations are resolved without use of lethal force, and even in the situations where firearms are involved the situation is controlled without use of firearms. But then, we must have pansies for criminals. Huh?
The US has some really hard social issues to solve. Holding on for dear life to that right to bear arms will not help you. I realize that very few, if any, of you will change your views based on my post but I hope maybe one or two will reflect a bit. After all, talking about a revolution starts with a whisper.
Gator says:
August 14, 2019 at 9:03 am
I have lived in Europe twice. You have no idea what you are speaking of.
August 21, 2019 at 10:18 am
Fantastic. And you still don’t get it?
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 11:50 am
No, I get it. You don’t. So sad for you.
rah says:
August 14, 2019 at 11:07 am
In my country I can go to an airport and not see police with submachine guns standing around as I have in several European countries. In my country many people realize that the police are reactive and there is virtually never one around when you really need one.
My country sent a whole bunch of arms to England in their hour of need in WW II because their subjects had no firearms to fend of a potential invasion of their islands. And BTW during both WW II many Yanks were crack shots because they grew up with firearms and hunting. The NRA was originally established after our Civil war to improve the number of marksmen that would be ready in the event of another war. I grew up hunting and was trained to shoot skeet and trap by my uncle who was a national champion. When I went into the Army I qualified expert every time. In my home I have several firearms and know how to use them just in case. And since I’m gone for days at a time I have trained my 110 lb. wife in the use of firearms for self defense. Within her reach when she is in bed is a Stainless Steel Taurus snub nose six shooter that fits her hands well. It’s loaded with 38 special hollow gel tips. Rounds made to kill a human. Though we have never had any trouble here at our home in a semirural setting, her having that weapon and knowing how to use it gives us both peace of mind.
Taking the great equalizer away from the citizens when the state cannot be held liable for not providing effective protection makes one a subject of the state.
August 21, 2019 at 10:41 am
We are worlds apart, that is for sure. I could tell you that I too have weapons training, I know how to handle guns and hit stationary and moving targets. That still does not make it necessary for me, or my fellow citizens, to carry or own guns.
But somehow I think arguing this with you is wasted. The foreign body and the foreign mind is never welcome in the land of the blind.
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 11:52 am
We left the land of the blind sheep, and you guys are still the same, waiting for the next strong man to herd you. You are obtuse.
August 14, 2019 at 11:21 am
This text “It is hard to comprehend the views listed in the comments section here.” says much more about its author, than it does about anything else. Many understand these views just fine. My best guess is that the problem is with the one who has such trouble comprehending.
August 21, 2019 at 11:11 am
Well, no it does not. It really is hard to understand how one can keep such thoughts and ideas when the rest of the civilised world is better off with different solutions.
Fine, fine, keep talking about how you saved us 80 years ago and how much better you are than the worst countries on this planet. You define you own circumstances, and when you don’t want to see you will not.
I still live in a free, democratic society where I can freely express myself and execrise my rights and life safely. Without guns. And without an oppressive government.
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 11:54 am
The German Jews lived in a free democratic society in the 1930’s. Sleep on.
Gator says:
August 14, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Our protection of ourselves and our families is embedded in our societies, our political government, our democracy and our way of life.
Right. That’s why we had to save you guys from your own protections of yourselves twice in the past century.
Andy says:
August 14, 2019 at 1:15 pm
“Right. That’s why we had to save you guys from your own protections of yourselves twice in the past century.”
I don’t recall armed civilians coming over here with their home guns in 1917 and the 1940’s, I believe it was the US army, which is completely different.
The same army you seem to need to protect yourself against by having guns???
Gator says:
August 14, 2019 at 2:14 pm
The “army” was comprised of drafted and volunteered civilians Andy Andy. Civilians who kept their government in check, so that they could be available to come over and save your limey arses, twice. A smart Brit would not try and fix what saved their country on multiple occasions, and would not belittle those civilians who defeated them on the battlefield. But then it is Andy Andy commenting again…
Germany was a democracy in 1930, and in 1914. Germans were humans, and not another race, they were just like us.
History is rife with free peoples who were subjugated by governments, and this is the rule and not the exception.
And no, I do not worry about the “army” coming for us. The “army” is us, and swears an oath not to the POTUS, but an oath to uphold the US Constitution which allows me to have guns.
Why is it that ignorant foreigners always think that they are experts on America? Clueless…
rah says:
August 14, 2019 at 5:38 pm
As long as the Military does not become a favored class with a better standard of living and pay than the general citizenry, they are us! Back in the 1980’s a survey was taken in the Army. It was found that soldiers with three or more years time in service understood they were there to protect the Constitution or IOW the people and not a government or flag. It was the recently enlisted soldiers and thus lowest ranks where the concept of an unlawful order was not well understood.
Andy says:
August 15, 2019 at 12:14 pm
“The “army” was comprised of drafted and volunteered civilians Andy Andy. Civilians who kept their government in check, so that they could be available to come over and save your limey arses, twice.
Load of rubbish
I have nothing else to add
No wonder Gator gets turned into a handbag on any important issue.
Gator says:
August 15, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Poor weak minded Andy Andy cannot conceive of self governance, and lashes out at his superiors.
Poor Andy Andy, just like his herd mentality ancestors, who though a King was a great idea and stayed behind like the good little serfs that they were.
rah says:
August 15, 2019 at 2:58 pm
“Andy
Load of rubbish
I have nothing else to add”
That’s because you’ve got nothing. Your in waters far deeper than you can fathom.
August 21, 2019 at 11:04 am
You are aware that happened 80 years ago, right?
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 11:55 am
You are aware we are the same species, right?
August 14, 2019 at 12:33 pm
“try to think on how it can be that it is possible to actually have a free, safe life without guns”. Venezuela is a good example of what can happen when the government confiscates guns.
Here in the United States people like to exercise their rights. I was at the range last weekend sighting in my nephew’s .30-06. We also shot a box of 30 cal carbine and about 250 rounds of .22 LR. Tonight I have trap leagues.
I used to be a Democrat until Bill Clinton started banning guns in the 90’s. I swore I would NEVER vote for that party again.
August 21, 2019 at 10:17 am
Well, if Venezuela is you favoured standard I guess you can make that comparison.
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 11:57 am
Leftist politicians, like those from 80 years ago, want to turn us into Venezuela. It’s not our favored standard, but it is the goal of all leftists.
Andy says:
August 14, 2019 at 1:00 pm
There is a big difference between the USA in 2019 and Nazi Germany in the 1930’s, (getting for nearly 100 years ago now).
Meanwhile how many US citizens die from accidental gun deaths whilst you wait for the government to do something that causes the populous to rise up?
Gator says:
August 14, 2019 at 1:57 pm
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the US in 2015, there were 146,571 “unintentional injury deaths” that year, the fourth leading cause of death. Of those, 47,478 were from unintentional poisoning, 37,757 were from traffic accidents, and 33,381 were from falls.
Not even on the radar.
Thousands of American lives are saved each year because of our gun laws.
As Germany proved, democracy is no guarantee of safety.
How many Jews died, waiting for their government to protect them?
Andy says:
August 15, 2019 at 12:19 pm
“Thousands of American lives are saved each year because of our gun laws”
Give me the stats over lives lost through accidents etc.
Gator says:
August 15, 2019 at 1:30 pm
About 500 deaths per year by accident little Andy Andy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_violence_in_the_United_States
So sad to know that you cannot even handle a simple Google search Andy Andy.
In 2010, there were an estimated 5,419,000 crashes, 30,296 deadly, killing 32,999, and injuring 2,239,000.
Andy Andy would probably have us turn in our car keys as well. Cars are not even covered by the Bill of Rights.
PS – I don’t know if I have the heart to break the news to little Andy Andy, but I’m not actually a real alligator. Oh well, we’ll wait til after Christmas to tell him about Santa.
Jason Calley says:
August 14, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Does anyone know how many millions of disarmed Indian civilians died from the merciful, civilized actions of their British governmental colonizers? Are those lives important enough to be counted in the tally of consequences of disarmament by “protective” political leaders?
August 14, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Please let us know Andy, how many pensioners in the UK freeze to death each winter because they cannot afford heat?
Andy says:
August 15, 2019 at 12:25 pm
“Please let us know Andy, how many pensioners in the UK freeze to death each winter because they cannot afford heat?
A fair few no doubt.
The question is however
“How many UK people died from cold and also how may shot in their poorly heated homes?”
I’m guessing elderly people in the USA suffer from cold weather and being shot more than the UK?
What are the figures for seniors being shot in the USA compared to the UK? That would be apples to apples comparison.
Gator says:
August 15, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Seniors in the US are allowed to defend themselves little Andy Andy. I marched side by side with wheelchair bound seniors and disabled citizens, who made their way up to our state capitol to petition our representatives to keep our gun rights intact.
You see little Andy Andy, guns are the great equalizer, that allow the weak to defend themselves against the strong. Women, children, the disabled, and the elderly are all able to defend themselves and their families thanks to the foresight of our founding fathers.
Andy says:
August 17, 2019 at 9:18 pm
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Andy Andy does not want the weak to be able to defend themselves, and accuses all elderly of having dementia.
Sheep love and need shepherds! Stop being a sheep Andy Andy.
rah says:
August 14, 2019 at 6:30 pm
That analogy is one the democrat press and politicians have been trying to sell every single day in print and words ever since they got the jaws off the floor after the election. Trump is Hitler and we who support him are faithful NAZIs is being pounded out every single day in the media. I don’t think they have a just how many people they are pissing off, including moderates and independents.
Andy says:
August 15, 2019 at 12:35 pm
“That analogy is one the democrat press and politicians have been trying to sell every single day in print and words ever since they got the jaws off the floor after the election. Trump is Hitler and we who support him are faithful NAZIs is being pounded out every single day in the media. I don’t think they have a just how many people they are pissing off, including moderates and independents.”
I guess you will only find out when it is 2020 with democrat Trump ( the guy who signed off two huge deficit bills in a row) v democrat Biden.
Trump is a RHINO
rah says:
August 15, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Trump has instituted more of the Tea Party agenda than any POTUS in the time it has been around. I abhor the increasing deficit but am intelligent and informed enough to realize that the HR is where the Constitutional authority over the purse strings/budget lies and that until we get real conservatives into the majority in the peoples house we have not a chance of real fiscal reform. The Gadsden flag still flies from my flag pole under the Stars and Stripes. What flies on yours?
Gator says:
August 15, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Poor little Andy Andy thinks I am an alligator, and that Trump is a Rhino. LOL
What a silly little child mind Andy Andy has. No wonder he needs a wet nurse and a nanny.
rah says:
August 15, 2019 at 2:56 pm
He’s right but in the wrong way! Trump is a RINO but not in the sense that Andy or you Gator are referring to. He is far more conservative and has enacted more of the conservative agenda in 30 months than Reagan did in 8 years. Trump is more conservative than at least 70% of the elected national office holders from the Republican party and 100% of those of the Dumbasscrat party. For this reason it is really quite amazing he has gotten as much done as he has. Imagine what could have been accomplished in that amount of time if the Republican national establishment had really gotten behind him from the beginning. I’ll take RINOs like Trump over all the rest any day!
Andy seems to believe that conservatives have the same allegiance to the Republican party as the leftists and dependent class have for the Dumbasscrat party. He’s wrong, as usual. Conservatives have allegiance to the vision, ideas, and principles of the founders as expressed and intended in the Constitution over any political party.
Andy says:
August 17, 2019 at 9:12 pm
What a load of rubbish Rah.
No true conservative would sign off a huge debt bill saying it is the last time, then later sign off another debt bill saying plenty of time to role it back later.
He’s a liar ! He keeps signing off huge government spending putting you more and more in debt.
As long as he gets elected and someone else pays for it ….
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 2:37 pm
Andy Andy thinks Trump is the only politician who has ever lied. LOL
Yeah, just keep voting for those who want yo to be their serf, Andy Andy.
Andy says:
August 17, 2019 at 9:15 pm
“and has enacted more of the conservative agenda in 30 months than Reagan did in 8 years.”
can you list that then compared to Reagan?
What actually has he done apart from tax cuts so far?
Gator says:
August 21, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Andy Andy, why are you so proud of your vast ignorance?
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If your roof needs emergency repairs, you’ll need to talk to a roofing contractor immediately. Here are a few things you should know before hiring a roof repair company:
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Finding an emergency roofing contractor immediately can be tricky, but it’s important to do your research before signing any contracts. Make sure the company is licensed and insured, and ask for references from previous customers. You should also read the contract carefully before signing it.
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Licensed and Insured
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Reading the Contract Carefully
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References from Previous Customers
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Posted on July 6, 2022 October 28, 2022 by admin Uncategorized
As your home appliances get old, they will start to break down and will need repair or replacement. It is important to choose an appliance repair contractor that you can trust to do the job right. Here are four reasons why you should need an appliance repair contractor.
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When your appliances break down, it is important to choose an appliance repair company that you can trust to do the job right. A great way to find a reputable company is to ask for recommendations from friends or family who have used their services in the past. If someone you know has had a good experience with a particular company, then chances are you will too.
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Appliance repair companies are a great resource to have when your appliances break down. Choose a reputable company that you can trust to do the job right.
Posted on May 16, 2022 October 28, 2022 by admin Uncategorized
When you are building or renovating your home, it is important to choose the right plumbing for your needs. Choosing a plumbing system that is too big is not necessary and may be a waste of space. It is better to hire a professional to make the buying decision for you.
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The size of the plumbing system you need will depend on the size of your home and the number of occupants. If you have a large family, you will need more plumbing than a single person.
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Posted on April 23, 2022 October 28, 2022 by admin Uncategorized
When it comes to roofing materials, you have a lot of options to choose from. Some of the most popular options include shingles, metal roofing, and slate roofing. It’s important to do your research before making a decision on which roofing material is right for your home. Consider things like durability, cost, and aesthetics when making your decision.
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Posted on February 10, 2022 November 19, 2022 by admin Uncategorized
The first thing you should do is make sure that the air conditioner is turned on. Some people mistakenly think that if the ac is off, it will not work. Next, you should inspect to see if the ac is plugged in and receiving power. If it is not, plug it in and see if that fixes the problem.
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Instagram has announced it will be hiding “like” counts in the US. Find out how we'll make sure brands still have access to your info.
Updated over a week ago
By now, you’ve probably heard that Instagram is offering its users the option to hide the number of likes they receive on posts on the app. The tool has been tested in several countries since 2019, but it is now being rolled out globally.
No need to panic! Your “likes” won’t entirely disappear. You’ll still be able to see your own “likes” in your Instagram Insights, and as long as you’ve linked your Insights on Aspire, our brands will have access to that information as well!
If you’re not already familiar, Instagram Insights help you learn more about your audience (including their gender, age range and location), as well as the performance of your Instagram posts and stories (which ones your audience sees and engages with the most). By linking your Instagram Insights on Aspire, you’re allowing brands to see this information so they can determine if you are a good fit for their campaign.
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Reach (total number of unique accounts who see your content)
Impressions (total number of times your content is seen)
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First World Conference of EAANetwork, 10–11 April 1996, Hilton Hawaii Village Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii
Conference Report (from EAANouncements 19)
Between April 8th and 11th this spring, EAANetwork completed a very successful conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. The events included a Council Meeting, a Business Meeting, and several sessions of papers spread over three days. Over 40 people registered for the conference, with session attendance varying between 25 and 36.
The venue was part of a ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, and catering provided a continental breakfast for EAANmembers on the first day, and coffee and tea continuously throughout the session days. An EAANmembers' lunch was held on the terrace outside the ballroom, with a chilly wind interspersed with sunshine spicing the conversation of 28 participants. These events allowed EAANmembers to get to know one another beyond the confines of the conference room.
The major business item of both the Council and Business Meetings was the drafting of the Constitution for the new academic association being formed from EAANetwork. The draft appears below in its second revised version (having incorporated all suggestions made in Hawaii). The Council meeting was initially held at the Wailana Coffee House from 4 to 9 pm on April 8th, with dinner and as much iced tea we could drink. Each item of the proposed Constitution was discussed thoroughly among the seven Council members present: G. Barnes (Pres.), S. Nelson (Treas.), YJ Pak (Sec'y), WANG Tao (China Rep), IS Lee (Korea Rep), F. Allard (N.Am Rep substitute), and L. von Falkenhausen (Journal Editor). Five hours, however, was not enough to satisfy our appetite for discussion, so we met the next evening for dinner and carried on the discussions for another hour. The draft resulting from these discussions was then presented to the Business meeting. The Business Meeting occupied an entire morning, aided by coffee and fruitcake. Each article of the constitution was presented for discussion, and suggestions were entertained. The version of the Constitution thus represents the work and opinions of at least 20 EAANmembers.
The conference schedule was established and the call for papers conducted by our Secretary, Yangjin PAK. Session organisers set their own policies; thus, abstracts were provided for only some papers (see the CONFERENCE section below PAPERS READ). In addition to the paper sessions, a Roundtable discussion was led by Prof. Peter Oblas on "Archaeology and the Media".
Abstracts of Papers presented
Arranged in alphabetic order according to authors' family names.
Francis ALLARD, "Introduction: centre and periphery: concepts and applications to East and Southeast Asia"
This paper briefly reviews how the core/periphery model has been applied by archaeologists, making the point that the varied and unsystematic application of the idea has reduced its usefulness as a basis for the comparison of separate cases. Rather than advocating the abandonment of the concept, however, it is suggested that it can be used as a heuristic device capable of directing productive research. Importantly, attention should be directed toward the investigation of the nature and impact of intersocietal interaction rather than the identification of core and peripheries from limited data. It is suggested that the concepts of 'dependence' on and 'benefits' of inter-societal interaction, although difficult to clearly identify in the archaeological record, can be useful in the investigation of interaction. In the case of East Asia, it is argued that we are provided at the outset with a ready-made core in the Yellow river valley, whose complexity and importance is supported by a wide range of evidence. However, this should not detract us from investigating the nature and impact of interaction. Neither should archaeologists attempt to 'rehabilitate' the periphery by simply indentifying these perpheries as innnovators of new cultural elements. Although a number of societies in East Asia are shown to have benefited, to varying degress, from interaction, there are as yet no instances of prestige good economies dependent on the acquisition of large numbers of non-utilitarian goods from afar.
Elizabeth CHILDS-JOHNSON, "Ritual to Insifnia: Jade vessel sets and the definition of the Jade Age"
Why can we speak of a Jade Age? In the Warring States text, Yue Jueshu (Lost Records of the Yue-Precious Swords), the author YUAN Kang makes reference to weapons from four different ages: the so-called Stone, Jade, Bronze and Iron Ages. Kwang Chih Chang, in recognizing the significance of this reference, coined the term "Jade Age" to encompass primarily the Liangzhu culture that produced the representative jade type-the prismatic cylinder known as cong (Orientations June 1989). Historically and archaeologically, it is evident that ancient China experienced a period when jade was the primary material exploited for artistic, religious and political purposes. On the basis of current archaeological evidence, the time frame for this period of jade exploitation is over 1000 years, from ca. 3500 to 2100 BCE. Culturally this period incorporates the Late Neolithic proto-historic cultures, currently identifiable as the Hongshan, Liangzhu and Shandong Longshan. Earlier cultures, such as Xinglongwa in far north China, Hemudu in south China and Dawenkou in northeast China used jade occasionally as small-scale decor in the form of huang, jue-earrings and beads, but not on a scale that predicates identifying these jades beyond a decorative purpose.
During the era of ca. 3500-2100 BCE, jade emerged as a material exploited for the purpose of signifying religious and political power in the form of primarily ritual tools, costume ornament and weapons, and later in the form of religo-political insignia. The evidence for the role of jade as a religio-political power symbol of the ruling elite is based on excavated contextual data and on burial remains. For example, from the earliest burials of Hongshan cultural date, jade types, including so-called pig-dragons, hooked cloud placques, horse-hoof cylinders and cat-headed falcons identify burials of elites. These latter burials, which were constructed according to a specialized design, and their jade finds are further associated with religious centers marked by large-scale, carefully designed stone-lined square and circular outdoor altars. The same specialized context and type of jades characterize the slightly later but overlapping culture called Liangzhu. There, not only do the elite burials contain specialized types of jades in the form of the ritualized yue-weapon, ritual tools cong and bi, and specialized costume ornaments such as the axially oriented set of four D-shaped crown pieces, but they are associated with a specialized cemetery, recently identified at Sidun, Jiangsu, by the large-scale cosmological design of square and circle (Zhongguo wenwubao 1995.12.31, p. 3), reminiscent of the later Western Zhou architectural monument called mingtang.
Finally, and least known archaeologically, is the alternative jade form marking the end of the Jade Age, the insignia based on tool and weapon types, including zhang, dao, yue, and gui, best known in the later historic Erlitou period (E. Childs-Johnson, Archives of Asian Art, 1995) but also represented amidst the slightly earlier and overlapping Longshan phase of the Late Neolithic in Shandong and elsewhere in north China. Although architectural foundations and elitist jade works of art are not well-known during this Longshan era, extant jade insignia can be used to document that this cultural stage for exploiting jade as the primary symbol of political and religious power.
(This paper and related ones by Professors MOU Yongkang [Zhejiang Institute of Archaeology] and WEN Guang [Beijing Institute of Geology] will be published by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County as Stones from Heaven: Ancient Chinese Jade Symposium Papers in the fall of 1996).
How was South China incorporated into China? This complex problem is here explored from the perspective of agricultural transformations, emphasizing the use made by the Chinese state from Han times onwards of agricultural colonies and promotion of irrigated rice cultivation, to sustain and expand the taxation system of the state in order to colonize and assimilate the southern peripheries. It is suggested that the famous old distinction between "raw" and "cooked" Southern "barbarians" should be understood in terms of such an extended process, wherein the "raw" (often indigenous agriculturalists relying on various forms of swidden agriculture) are incorporated (i.e. "cooked") into the Chinese economy. Drawing on records and historical scholarship revealing the mechanics of enforced assimilation of "Miao" peoples of the south (Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan; mainly in the Qing period), inferences are made regarding the implications for archaeology both in terms of the late imperial period, and autochtonous state formation in the Bronze Age, and late prehistory. The paper forms a call for an archaeology of Southern agroecosystems, including the study of transformations of concomitant settlement patterning, animal use, plant remains, and tool complexes, etc., as related to the dynamic processes of sinicization/state formation.
Katheryn M. LINDUFF, "Strangers in their midst: 'others' at Anyang"
Early Chinese historians presented a selected picture of life, one which they thought, and probably believed, represented the most important and relevant elements of Chinese culture. They marginalized people and artistic traditions which did not fit their normative, historical model of Chinese culture. Recent archaeological recovery in China as well as intellectual debate on the construction of cultural identity and definition, however, encourage reconsideration of the cultural make-up of early China.
The traditional view of Chinese culture was and still is made vivid through the notion of contrast, or through 'us/them' constructs which defined who was Chinese and who was not. The intimacy of their association is reflected particularly in the most solemn of rituals, burials which include artifacts typical of 'others' mixed with traditional Chinese-style items. Excavated burial assemblages in 'Chinese' contexts dating from the Shang period, even at Anyang, are actually quite diverse, and the traditional normative view of culture cannot account for this variance. Evidence of the interaction between the Shang and 'other' cultures is apparent in these burials and provides an excellent setting in which to study this predicament. I will examine the notion of 'Shang' culture in relation to the role of 'others' in the late Shang by analyzing burials at Anyang and other northern, Shang site dates
Gideon SHELACH, "Periphery as an active player: the case of the upper Xiajiadian in northeast China"
During the first half of the first millennium BC, the polities of northwest China, known collectively as the Upper Xiajiadian cultures, were much less complex than the Chinese status of the Yellow River area. However, contrary to the commmonly held notion of periphery s a passive player-politically and culturally dominated by the Centre and economically exploited by it-the data suggests that in their relations with the centre, the Upper Xiajiadian polities were active and independent.
Statistical analysis performed on data from all the published excavations of Upper Xiajiadian graves suggests the existence of a conscious attempt at symbolically marking the status of grave owners. It reflects a stratified society in which a few paramount local leaders were buried in rich graves which contained, among other things, Chinese bronze vessels. It is argued that the acquisition and consumption of Chinese bronzes served to legitimize the powers asserted by the Upper Xiajiadian elite. It is therefore clear why the leaders of the Upper Xiajiadian polities were active initiators of contacts with the Chinese states to their south and were willing to invest considerable effort in maintaining their local monopoly over the use of Chinese bronzes.
Barbara STEPHEN, "Center or periphery: the evidence of a reconstructed Shang chariot"
During the last three months, production of a short video for the new Early China Galleries at the royal Ontario Museum offered an opportunity to reconstruct a Shang hunting chariot using the technique of computer animation. While the wheeled vehicles of Shang China are generally considered to be evidence of imported technology, they are sometimes presented as examples ofr local independent development. a more precise understanding of this design could therefore assist in understanding their origins. During the project, reference was made to archaeological records of the vehicles (including the later but very detailed evidence of two bronze models found near the Qin tomulus); to Shang pictographs; and to Western studies of chariot design and mechanics. We began work on the reconstruction by assembling the more solid components best known from excavations, then proceeded by adding more perishable components necessary for function, such as reins and backing elements, for which Shang evidence is lacking. The exercise led both to a resolution of some questions of design and to the definition of new ones for further study, demonstrating the value of the technique as a research tool.
The resulting 'virtual chariot' can be shown to have non-Chinese precedents for every major design component, from the multiple-spoked wheels to the bits with rigid cheek pieces attached to soft mouthpieces. The design of the yoke and its yoke saddles, with a distribution across the Eurasian range of vehicles of this type, remain among the most telling elements. While reasons for the appearance of this complex and colstly technolgy for nort-central China are still hypothetical, its value as a prestige ceremonial instrument for the Shang rulers clearly justified its adoption.
Miwa STEVENSON, "Images of self and society in the mural tombs of Koguryo "
Since the beginning of the 10th century, when the discipline of archaeology found its first partisans in the scholarly world of East Asia, some 60-odd muraled tombs have been excavated along the border between Korea and Manchuria, with large concentrations in the vicinity of the modern cities of Pyongyang and Ji'an. The identification of these two sites with Koguryo capitals dating from the 3rd through the 7th centuries has led to the general belief that the muraled tomb style developed in conjunction with the emergence of Koguryo royal power in this region. Bordering on the North Korean-Chinese frontier, the 'Koguryo' muraled tombs have attracted the attention of archaeologists and art historians of diverse ethnic and scholarly persuasions who are interested in the cultural history of early northeast Asia. Interpretation of the tomb murals and their historical significance has become a focal point for various ideological subtexts. While Korean scholars tend to regard these tombs as products of a purely indigenous 'Korean' tradition, Chinese, Japanese and Western scholars treat them as retardataire relics of Chinese funerary art of the Han period, preserved in this outlying region. By consistently subordinating them to a narrative of linear historical influence, they have neglected to consider their intention within their immediate social and cultural idiom.
This paper will address two main concerns. One is to review different approaches to interpretation of the muraled tombs and to offer a critical appraisal of the polemical tensions that have developed around their study as historical monuments. The second is to understand these tombs as monuments of self and ancestry, as formulated wir identify the given scenes as events in the official career and family life of the deceased. Thus, epitaph and mural constitute an intergrated program dedicated to the glorification of self and clan, especially as fabricated within the context of service to the regional court. The pictorial program found in the Anak and Tokhungri tombs is broadly representative of the other muraled tombs as well, indicating that, although originally informed by Chinese funerary motifs, the program was adapted as an effective visual language for articulating selfhood and status in the new social order of the emergent Koguryo state.
It is only since the mid-1970s that the archaeology of Japan's early modern (kinsei) period has become an accepted sub-discipline. Beginning with the economic bubble of the 1980s, large-scale redevelopment in Tokyo, particularly in the center of town, gave an opportunity to excavate the city's substrata in what were mostly salvage-type operations. While this economic redevelopment played an important role in the development of the archaeology of the early modern period, this phenomenon should also be seen as part of a growth in interest in the history of the period as a whole-the so-called "Edo buumu". This is a first attempt to sift through the growing body of literature on the subject. Using site reports, reports geared toward the general public, museum exhibition catalogues, monographs and periodic literature, I will try to assess some of the significance of the field for our knowledge of the urban history of Edo. In doing so, I will focus particularly on excavations of domainal residence compounds (daimyō yashiki), e.g. those at Tokyo University, Hakuō, Shiodome, Roppongi and Kioi-chō among others.
WANG Tao, "Su Bingqi and contemporary chinese archaeology"
Su Bingqi (b. 1909), now the elected president of the Chinese Association of Archaeology, is the doyen of contemporary Chinese archaeology. His theory of regional divisions in the development of Chinese civilization has influenced and indeed shaped current archaeology in China. In his theory, first introduced in 1975, Su divides the archaeological development of early Chinese civilization into six geographic regions: (1) the northern region centred on the Great Wall; (2) the central plain which adjoins Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan; (3) the middle range of the Yangtze River, centred on Lake Dongting and its surrounding areas; (4) the lower range of the Yellow River, centred on Shandong and its neighbouring areas; (5) the lower range of the Ynagtze River, centred on the Lake Taihu area; and (6) the southern region region which takes Lake Boyang and the Pearl River delta as its axis. Within each of these major divisions are many sub-types. Su's theory argues that each region has its own cultural development and that interaction among them is constant. This theory differs from the traditional view, long held in the profession, that Chinese civilization originated in the middle Yellow River valley, then diffused to other regions. Su argues that there are different stages and multi-layers in the formation of Chinese civilization. His theory has been verified by recent archaeological discoveries and inevitably forces archaeologists to reconsider their traditional framework and methodology. Su's thought marks, many scholars in China believe, the establishment of an independent school of Chinese archaeology. A critical examination of this from a historical and comparative perspective would broaden our understanding of archaeology as an academic discipline in contemporary China.
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Sacramento-based RagingWire Data Centers and NTT Communications have bought a large parcel of land in Garland near the Telecom Corridor to build a 1 million-square-foot, 80-megawatt data center campus.
The deal is the latest in a series of data centers that have hit Dallas-Fort Worth in the past year
Posted on September 10, 2015 March 30, 2017 Author Younger PartnersCategories NewsTags Commercial Real Estate, Technology, Construction, TechFlash
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Expressive Language and Literacy Expressive language is also a determiner of one’s success with reading comprehension and word recognition. It provides the connection between language and literacy. Children who have deficits in oral language most likely will have the potential for a reading deficit.
What is the relationship or connection between language and literacy?
What is the purpose of literacy and language assessments?
What is the difference between language literature and literacy?
Why is it important for teachers to know about linguistic and literacy development?
What is the difference between language and literacy skills?
What are the similarities of language and literature?
What assessment practices do you use to support both language acquisition and literacy development of English language learners?
How are language and literacy skills related to very young children’s development?
What is the relationship between literature and literacy?
It is the mechanics of read- ing and writing. It provides the structures and patterns— the engineering— that enable literature to exist. Literacy is the foundation for all word- based communication. Literature, on the other hand, is the art of reading and writing.
What is the importance of language and literature assessment in the teaching and learning process?
Overview of Assessment in Language Learning. Assessment is one of the most important aspects of language teaching and learning. Assessment has two main purposes: to make summative evaluations and to provide instructional feedback to help learners progress.
What is the purpose of literacy and language assessments?
Literacy assessments are resources you can use to determine what your students can and cannot control in their literacy processing system. Like any assessment, its purpose is to improve student learning.
What is the similarities between language and literacy?
In terms of orality, literacy and language are similar in the sense that, as children’s oral literacy (oracy) increases in one language, their knowledge of that language also increases. This parallel increase in oral skills on the two terms makes them unique.
What is difference between language and literacy?
Language is a natural system of communication that a group of people use to express thoughts, feelings, ideas – to talk about themselves and the world. Language can be spoken, like English, or signed, like American Sign Language (ASL). Literacy is usually thought of as the ability to read and write.
What is the difference between language literature and literacy?
Language: knowing about the English language. Literature: understanding, appreciating, responding to, analysing and creating literary texts. Literacy: expanding the repertoire of English usage.
What is the importance of literature in developing literacy skills?
Literature can be presented in a range of meaningful, interactive and interesting ways that enable teachers to model, assess, and build upon literacy skills. Well-chosen literature develops knowledge of self, knowledge of others and social interactions and knowledge of the world around them.
Why language is important in assessment?
Functions of assessment Assessment of language learning serves one of two functions: either to measure learners’ proficiency without reference to a language course, or to measure the extent to which they have achieved the goals of a particular programme of learning.
Why is it important for teachers to know about linguistic and literacy development?
Teaching and learning through an additional language encourages understanding between cultures, improves students’ cognitive ability and prepares them for life beyond school.
What is the purpose of language assessment?
Why is assessment literacy so important?
A confident understanding of assessment helps teachers meet their students’ needs early, when it’s easier to close achievement gaps and pave the way to a long and successful academic career.
What is the difference between language and literacy skills?
Language can be spoken, like English, or signed, like American Sign Language (ASL). Literacy is usually thought of as the ability to read and write. However, there is more to it than that. To be literate means, “to be educated or cultured” and literacy is “having or showing extensive knowledge, experience or culture”.
What are similarities between language and literacy?
How are oral language competencies related to the development of literacy?
Strong oral language skills form the foundation of literacy and academic success. A solid foundation of oral language helps children become successful readers and strong communicators. These skills also foster a child’s confidence and overall sense of wellbeing.
What are the similarities of language and literature?
Comprises of Written works with intellectual thoughts and contemplation. System of Sounds, words, grammar rules, etc.
Stimulates Recreation and revelation of facts and thoughts. Interaction between living organisms.
Does literature play a big role in language and literacy learning how?
Well-chosen literature builds and develops vocabulary and grammatical skills, as well as develops children’s confidence and fluency in English (ACARA 2009). Language and literacy development relies on literature as the means to present language and literacy skills.
What is a literacy assessment?
Literacy assessment refers to decision-making processes resulting in an examination of students’ performance on literacy tasks as described above; literacy assessments, which include all aspects of such assessments, range from formative response to student writing to the design of higher-stakes assessments.
What assessment practices do you use to support both language acquisition and literacy development of English language learners?
5 Ways to Assess English Language Learners Without Resorting to Tests
Rubrics and Performance Criteria. Using rubrics and performance criteria is a great way to assess a variety of student work.
Written Assessments.
What is literacy and why is it important?
For example, learners cannot develop literary competence without an adequate competence in language. Literacy assists learners in developing their overall language awareness and knowledge about language (Paran 2006). Children must have a sound understanding of the English language to be able to apply their skills into their literacy.
What is the relationship between language and literacy?
Language and Literacy. For infants and toddlers, emerging literacy is embedded in the Language and Communication domain. This reflects how closely connected these emerging literacy skills are to very young children’s beginning receptive, expressive, and vocabulary skills. For preschoolers, Language and Literacy are distinct domains.
How are language and literacy skills related to very young children’s development?
This reflects how closely connected these emerging literacy skills are to very young children’s beginning receptive, expressive, and vocabulary skills. For preschoolers, Language and Literacy are distinct domains.
Is there a relationship between spoken language skills and reading skills?
The existence of a strong relationship between spoken language skills and subsequent reading and behaviour development is generally supported in the literature.
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The Bombpops have been making a name for themselves in the Los Angeles and San Diego punk scenes for nearly ten years now. Throughout those years, they released a 7" and two EPs. But it took them up until now to release their first full-length. "Fear Of Missing Out" is out now via Fat Wreck Chords and it was well worth the wait. Scratch that, that's not really true. No album is worth waiting for almost ten years. But it is really good. We caught up with vocalists/guitarists Jen Razavi and Poli Van Dam to talk about the new album, working with Chris Fogal and even had Chris crashing the party at one point.
PRT: You started The Bombpops in 2007, released two EPs and a 7”. But we had to wait until now for your first full-length. What took you so long?
Jen: Poli and I started writing songs back in 2007 together. We got our first lineup together to play her high school Battle of the Bands in 2008. From there, we took a long time finding the right rhythm section. We recorded material in 2009, 2010 and 2011 including one unreleased full length and the two EPs on Red Scare. Then in 2012 we got lucky with landing Neil and Josh in our band and we also took a break when Poli became pregnant and had her son. After her son was born, we started playing shows again and just kind of took our time with stuff up until 2015. Then we self released an EP, did some touring and hit the studio in 2016.
PRT: You have been through a serious amount of line-up changes. Like Spinal Tap numbers. Are you something of a dictator when it comes to the band?
Jen: Ha no. It’s not like that. If you think about it, being in a band is crazy. 4 people have to want the same exact thing, have to have the same goals, dedicate massive amounts of time to achieving them, and then try to get along and have fun in the process. You also have to take into account everyone’s feelings, their ups and downs and then try to get along and truly enjoy the whole process. If you’re not enjoying it, then what's the point? It just took us a lot of time and tries to find the right people to complete our band. There were members that we wish stayed at the time, but they didn’t want to tour or they had other bands. The Bombpops was always Poli and I, and we just kept trudging on until we found Neil and Josh. Looking back, it was worth the time and the effort it took to get to where we are now with this lineup.
PRT: No worries that maybe you waited too long with a full-length? People’s attention spans aren’t what they used to be.
Poli: I don't think it's a big deal. You're right about people's attention spans but over the years we have remained active, put out music and toured our butts off. Plus we have come a long way as song writers and performers and it took a few tries to find a rhythm section we really clicked with. I hope that shows on the album.
PRT: The album is called “Fear Of Missing Out”, a popular term now. Is that a real thing with you?
Poli: FOMO is definitely a condition all of us in the band have struggled with over the years. We are constantly trying to find a cure. But on the real, I love being home with my family as much as I can and I've learned to live with a hint of FOMO.
PRT: I read you had people telling Poli she shouldn’t go on tour because she is a mom now. I don’t think anyone would ever say that to a guy when he becomes a dad. How do you handle comments like that?
Poli: It was rough at the start because the only way to prove to people that I could do it was to do it, and I had to take the time off to grow a baby and establish my family life. I take those comments as fuel to my fire. Its extremely difficult leaving Adler when we tour, just like any Father or Mother with ANY job. With that being said, I'm fine with people being interested in that aspect of my life because I am proud of my child and what I've accomplished.
PRT: You recorded the album with Chris Fogal of The Gamits fame. Is it a plus to work with a producer who plays in a band as well?
Poli: It’s totally a plus, even more so when you’re big fans of the band. We love the Gamits and we wanted to work with a producer that understood us and what we wanted out of this record. We met Chris in Paris of 2015 when we played with The Gamits, and it felt like we’d known the dude all our lives. For all those reasons it just made perfect sense to do this full length with him.
Chris: Hey guys! It’s me Chris Fogal of Gamits fame. I’m crashing your interview! You know we loved having you guys here in Denver and we even loved having you as house guests! Are there any specific memories you could share of your stay here (besides the magic hot tub)? Was it all worth it? When can we do it again? Summer EP?
Jen: WHAT UP! We can’t wait to do it again soon. Summer EP sounds like a great idea! Looking back on those two weeks will always be some of our best memories. Clearly, magic hot tub night will never be forgotten. We worked hard as hell those two weeks, but we also managed to party hard too. Chris’ wife, Melissa (AKA The Lady Fogal) hooked us all up with our own private box to at a freakin’ Iron Maiden concert! Our buddy Michael Marti, also from The Gamits, flew out from Switzerland to be our guitar “tone consultant” on the record. Having him around is always a good time. But really some of the best memories were Chris waking us up each morning at the house with the new Weezer, Pup and Nerf Herder albums on rotation while making breakfast for us. What other engineer/producer does that?!
PRT: I read that some of the tracks on the album were already written a couple of years. Is there a way to trace your evolution as a band throughout “Fear Of Missing Out”?
Jen: Yeah, there is a song on there that we wrote back in 2009. Then there are a few songs on there that we wrote back in 2013/14 and then some that we wrote just a month or so before going in the studio. I think the record shows our roots and also our evolution as a band. If you didn't know that about the songs though, I don't think it would really be traceable.
PRT: Are there any songs that go back a while as well, but which you decided not to include because they no longer feel representative of where you are now as a band?
Jen: We were a little bit hesitant to put one of ones from 2009 on the album. We even told Fat Mike we wanted to cut it. But he loved that one and insisted it go on the record. It's the 4th track, "Sweet for Sorrow".
PRT: The lyrics of “Be Sweet” were written by Brandon Carlisle. Was it harder to write music to go with it than with other songs?
Jen: It was definitely a bit of a puzzle. We didn’t want to leave out any of the lyrics. I remembered which part was supposed to be the chorus, but it was deciding which lyrics to leave for the verses so that the song told the story correctly. The end tagline of the song was the line that was the trickiest to find a place for.
PRT: What’s up next for The Bombpops once the album is out? Any plans to come over to Europe?
Jen: Plenty of touring! We have some shows in California and then a US and Canada tour with Red City Radio and Russian girlfriends. We’ll definitely be making our way back to Europe this year too, so stay tuned!
Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.
chris fogal
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This one has gotten me a few times over the years. A single cup of coffee can make a world of difference in a person’s outlook and level of self-awareness. I’ve had a few cups of coffee and it’s felt like a small miracle that I’m able to do anything at all.
It can be a simple cup of coffee or a whole pot of coffee that wakes up a person so they can do whatever and do it well. The first cup can take away the fear of making too much noise or being noticed, while the second cup has the best result for bringing on the self-awareness you need to make a good choice.
The ability to have a cup of coffee makes us self-aware of our inner states but also gives us the confidence and motivation to follow through on our goals. It may be just as important as the coffee itself.
The ability to take one cup of coffee and decide what to do with it is incredibly important in life. It is the first step in our learning to self-assess. When we’re self-aware, we can make better decisions. However, it is important to note that taking a cup of coffee can also be a bad idea. If the people at Starbucks are the only ones who can make us coffee, then the people at Starbucks will make those people at Starbucks.
That’s why you get all the good ones at Starbucks. There is a great deal of power in being able to make someone else feel good. It might be a lousy feeling, but it’s a great feeling.
Well, I had a great time last night at Starbuck, and I have to say that I am not sure I will be buying any more Starbucks drinks anytime soon (even if I have to make do with the half-full half-empty bottles). I don’t think I can justify the expense, and I certainly don’t think I have the willpower. But if you are willing to take the risk, I am sure Starbuck will be a great way to spend your first cup of coffee.
I dont think I get why people would drink all that coffee, but it does sound like a great way to get your feet wet, and there is no question that I will be purchasing more this week.
Starbuck is pretty much the ultimate coffee shop. You pay $2.25 for a cappuccino, and then you pay $2.25 for a half-full cup of Starbucks. But if you can drink two cups of Starbucks and not get your feet wet, why not give Starbuck a try? And if you do, I want you to know, that I am not the only one who enjoys a good cup of coffee.
Like most of the other items in this blog post, there are two types of cups in Starbuck. The regular, which is what you’d get if you were to pay 2.25 for your regular cup of coffee. And then there’s the Starbuck Plus, which costs 2.50 more than the regular but is bigger, so you can order more.
The Starbuck Plus is a pretty darned good cup of coffee, and you can get it at Starbucks if you like, but it is not a regular cup of coffee. The Starbuck Plus has a glass lid for the base and you get to put a straw in the cup with the lid.
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Concerning the Cerinthians, AUGUSTINE, de Hæresibus, chapter VIII: The Cerinthians were affirming…that Jesus was merely a man. However, the same relate that the Christ joined Himself with the man Jesus, in the time of public administration of that office in the earth, and that Jesus was going to be abandoned in the time of suffering: see DANÆUS on Augustine, in the passage cited, page 925; ITTIG in his Dissertatione de Hæresiarchis, section I, chapter V, § 6; SPANHEIM, Historia Ecclesiastica, Century I, chapter XIV, column 577; VITRINGA, Observationum sacrarum, book V, chapter X, § 7-9. Yet with this not hindering, that the Cerinthians are truly said to have denied the divinity of Christ, BUDDEUS with good reason contends, de Ecclesia Apostolica, chapter V, § 5, pages 407-422.
Concerning the Artemonists, who were also called Theodotiani, from Artemon and Theodotus of Byzantium, who was also called Σκυτεὺς/ Coriarius,[1] Heretics of the Second Century, who were expressly saying that Christ was only a man, ψιλὸν ἄνθρωπον: see DANÆUS, ad Augustinum de Hæresibus, chapters XXX, XXXIII, pages 951, 953, 954; SPANHEIM, Historia Ecclesiastica, Century II, chapter VI, column 647; ITTIG, Dissertatione de Hæresiarchis primi et secundi Seculi, Section II, chapter XV. Danæus and Spanheim differ in this, that Danæus holds Theodotus as the primary disciple of Artemon, while Spanheim says that Artemon was the disciple of Theodotus. The latter opinion is supported by BULL, Judicio Ecclesiæ catholicæ, etc., chapter III, § 3, page 27, where he refers Artemon to the beginning of the third Century. But VITRINGA, Observationum sacrarum, book V, chapter X, § 8, treating of the Ebionites, contends, that no one before Theodotus absolutely denied the concurrence of the two Natures in Christ, by the authority of EUSEBIUS, who in Historia Ecclesiastica, book V, chapter XXVIII, page 196, in express language calls him τὸν σκυτέα Θεόδοτον ἀρχηγὸν καὶ πατέρα ταύτης τῆς ἀρνησιθέου ἀποστασίας, πρῶτον εἰπόντα ψιλὸν ἄνθρωπον τὸν Χριστόν, Theodotus, the leather-worker, the leader and father to that God-denying apostasy, the first declaring Christ to be a mere man: that perhaps rests on a footing not so firm; since, 1. ITTIG, Dissertatione de Hæresiarchis primi et secundi Seculi, Section II, chapter XV, § 2, observes that the words just now related by Eusebius were indeed culled from an ancient author, whom Pearson gathers to have been the Roman Presbyter Caius or Gaius:[2] but, 2. Ittig adds that Caius errs from the truth in that, which he indicates, that Theodotus was the first to say that Christ was a mere man, since Ebion and Cerinthus had asserted the same already. Just as DANÆUS, ad Augustinum de Hæresibus, chapters XXX, page 950a, similarly teaches, that this heresy concerning Christ as a ψιλῷ ἀνθρώπῳ, mere man, according to the opinion of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria,[3] whose words are related by THEODORET, Historia Ecclesiastica, book I, chapter IV, was already raised by Ebion: indeed, that Alexander writes in this way in the passage cited, page 15, concerning the Arian heresy of the Exouconti, αὐτοὶ γὰρ—ἐστὲ οὐκ ἀγνοοῦντες, ὅτι ἡ—διδασκαλία, ἐβίωνός ἐστι καὶ ἀρτεμᾶ, καὶ ζῆλος τοῦ κατὰ ἀντιόχειαν παύλου τοῦ σαμοσατέως, for ye…are not ignorant, that the…teaching is of Ebion and Artemon, and rivals that of Paul of Samosata, Bishop of Antioch. With which what things EUSEBIUS himself has concerning the Ebionites, Historia Ecclesiastica, book III, chapter XXVII, are in perfect harmony. DANÆUS, on the place just now cited, adds, Nevertheless, it is not attributed to Ebion, but to Artemon, because he thus adorned the evil received from the former with the paints and colors of false arguments, so that he appears to be the author, not the heir and successor, of this doctrine. Now, that Theodotus of Byzantium was only the propagator of that, although a most diligent and keen defender of it…as it is able easily to be gathered out of Eusebius’ Historia, book V, chapter XXVIII. Compare what things upon this matter BULL, Judicio Ecclesiæ catholicæ, etc., chapter II, delivers at length concerning Ebion and the Ebionites; he then, in chapter III, § 1, ingeniously set forth another reason why Caius, in the passage cited in EUSEBIUS, had called Theodotus the first, who asserted that Christ was a ψιλὸν ἄνθρωπον, mere man: But he maintained, in my opinion, that he was the first among the Christians, that is, the Christians of the Gentiles, to have asserted that doctrine; while the earlier assertors of that blasphemy generally championed Judaism under a Christian profession, and so were to be attached to the Synagogue rather than the Church, and were to be held as Jews more than Christians, or at least as those standing in the middle between both. Hence by others of the Ancients also the Ebionites were cast back into the Catalog of Jewish Heresies, and were distinguished from Heretics that arose in the Christian Church, etc. The same BULL, Judicio Ecclesiæ catholicæ, etc., chapter II, § 9, page 29, also indicates the reason why the Arians, who differ from the Ebionites, Artemonists, and Paulianists in this, that the Arians acknowledged the Pre-existence of Christ before His birth by Mary, indeed, before all ages, which is denied by the rest; yet in the placed cited of THEODORET and elsewhere are brought together with those other Heretics just now mention: namely, because the Ebionites, Artemonists, and Paulianists were condemned on account of a cause commont to them with the Arians, namely, that they denied our Savior to be God.
[1] That is, a Leather-worker. [2] Caius, Presbyter of Rome (early third century), was a Christian author, but only fragments of his work survive. [3] Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria (died c. 326), was the leader of the orthodox party at the Council of Nicea.
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ABOUT US
Dr. Steven Dilday holds a BA in Religion and Philosophy from Campbell University, a Master of Arts in Religion from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia), and both a Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in Puritan History and Literature from Whitefield Theological Seminary. He is also the translator of Matthew Poole's Synopsis of Biblical Interpreters and Bernardinus De Moor’s Didactico-Elenctic Theology.
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After an hour of debating, neither Gov. Greg Abbott nor Beto O’Rourke landed any knockout punch that is likely to shake up the race much.
But that doesn’t mean both candidates weren’t able to score major points in trying to define the other during their one and only face-to-face battle. Throughout Friday night's debate in Edinburg, Abbott labeled O’Rourke a flip-flopper while O’Rourke continually emphasized that Abbott has had eight years to fix problems such as shoring up the state's shaky power grid and school violence and hasn’t been able to get it done.
IN-DEPTH: Governor's race sees bright-red West Texas looming large
The debate comes with less than 40 days until Election Day on Nov. 8 and just over three weeks until in-person early voting begins.
Style-wise, both showed different sides to themselves than in past debates over the years. Abbott was much more amped up than in his past debates against Democratic challengers, weaving more punches and counterpunches.
O'Rourke, who has struggled in past debates, appeared far more disciplined in staying on his message and trying to make his overall case against Abbott throughout the night — something he couldn't quite manage in 2018 when he ran for the U.S. Senate.
While Abbott did get one-quarter of the debate dedicated to the border, he hardly got to say a word about the oil and gas industry — an area he’s tried to attack O’Rourke on since the minute the El Paso Democrat jumped in the race.
On the campaign trail, Abbott has tried to make the case to the state’s oil and gas workers that O’Rourke would try to kill their jobs, a claim O’Rourke has continually labeled as false but has still found himself on defense in much of the state.
Texas has more than 400,000 jobs directly tied to the oil and gas industry, and they're still among the best-paying work available, especially for those without a higher education.
O'Rourke has tried to assure oil workers that he's not going to hurt their industry, and instead wants to create more renewable energy jobs in Texas to complement oil and gas.
But the debate started exactly as Abbott would have wanted.
Debate starts with focus on border, Operation Lone Star
For the first 15 minutes of the hourlong debate, the moderators had the candidates going back and forth over border security, Abbott’s deployment of soldiers on the border and his strategy to ship migrants on buses to other cities.
It all gave Abbott a chance to lean into an issue that has continually been rated No. 1 by voters in polling in Texas. And maybe just as importantly, it allowed him to tee off on President Joe Biden, whose approval ratings are below 40 percent in Texas.
“We’ve been working to respond to the disaster caused by the Biden administration,” Abbott said in his first words of the debate.
But O’Rourke was ready, saying the border has only gotten worse as Abbott has dithered with an array of “stunts” such as busing migrants to Democratic-controlled cities and slowing trade with Mexico by ordering more vehicle inspections in a gambit that cost Texas billions in lost trade.
“We are eight years into his time as governor, and this is what we have on our border,” O’Rourke said, adding after $4 billion of spending on Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, more migrants are crossing than before.
Abbott was having none of that, quickly countering that: “This is all because of Joe Biden’s failure to do the president’s job to secure the border.”
O'Rourke denied he was for open borders after Abbott tried to make that charge. Instead O'Rourke repeated his solution is to create a “safe legal orderly path for anyone who wants to come here to work, join family or seek asylum.”
O'Rourke has said that would take pressure off the Border Patrol by having fewer people trying to cross between points of entry.
Continuing a line of attack he's developed for weeks, Abbott went all-in trying to show viewers that O’Rourke gives different answers to important questions depending on his audience.
“Beto continues to flip-flop on issue after issue after issue,” Abbott said.
Abbott pointed to O’Rourke saying at times he wants to pull Texas National Guard troops from the border, but at other times saying he’s for keeping some soldiers on the border. He also brought up O’Rourke's comments supporting the Green New Deal in the past, and agreeing with Minneapolis defunding their police after the killing of George Floyd.
O’Rourke has repeatedly said Abbott is distorting his words on both. While he’s praised elements of the Green New Deal, he said it was never a policy he promoted for Texas. And as for defunding the police, O’Rourke has said he never has called for defunding the police in Texas and pointed to his record on the El Paso City Council where he voted to raise spending for police and firefighters.
8 years in office for Abbott
Throughout the debate, O’Rourke tossed reminders to the viewers that Abbott has had eight years to address a myriad of problems in the state, but has not.
It goes beyond the border. After Abbott said he wanted to raise teacher pay, O’Rourke said he’s had eight years and the state’s teachers are still underpaid by $7,500 a year. Later, Abbott said he wanted to lower property taxes. Again, O’Rourke said Abbott’s had two terms in office to address it, but tax bills continue to climb.
And O’Rourke really hammered that point home in his closing statement.
"Look, I don't think that Greg Abbott wakes up wanting to see children shot in their schools or for the grid to fail, but it's clear he is incapable or unwilling to make the changes necessary to prioritize the lives of our fellow Texans," O’Rourke said.
Abbott presented the case that the state has been improving in many areas during his watch.
“Texas ranks No. 1 for the most new jobs created since you re-elected me,” Abbott said. “We’re No. 1 for Blue Ribbon schools, No. 1 for Tier One research universities and No. 1 in so many different categories. I’m running for re-election to keep Texas No. 1.”
Having helped families from Uvalde travel to the debate site, this was clearly an issue O’Rourke sought to hone in on to show why Abbott should be defeated in November.
O’Rourke said Abbott is standing in the way of raising the age to purchase weapons like the one used to kill the 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde on May 24. He pointed to Florida raising the age, while Abbott refuses to act.
“After all these mass shootings, this governor has done nothing except make it easier for people who should not have a firearm to carry them publicly,” O’Rourke said.
Abbott stood by his assertion that raising the age to purchase some weapons will eventually be declared unconstitutional and called it a “false promise” to families who lost loved ones in Uvalde.
But Abbott's claim has been disputed by legal experts given that other states have enacted such age restrictions and the U.S. Supreme Court has not directly addressed the issue.
But O’Rourke also faulted Abbott for the failure of 91 Texas Department of Public Safety officers who were in Uvalde but didn’t storm the classroom for more than 77 minutes. Those officers are under Abbott’s command and need to be held accountable for what happened that day he said.
Abbott pushed back saying DPS officers are being held accountable and their actions are being investigated. Abbott said two officers have been suspended.
“There does need to be accountability,” Abbott said.
But that brought a sharp response from O’Rourke: “The buck stops on your desk.”
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Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at [email protected].
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Today took my breath away, from beginning to end. The whole week, really. It’s been a pretty special time of celebration and reflection; I’m feeling very doted upon and very, very lucky.
My magical friend Jessica gave me a cake. A cake! I haven’t had a birthday cake with candles since before Jade was born. Jessica brought the cake to a restaurant, and everyone sang and then cheered when I blew out my candles. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live, it was that special.
And she caught it on camera!
It’s enough to make any birthday heart burst, and mine has a million times over.
Today is also special because it marks the conclusion of my thirty day writing challenge. Phew! As such, I have decided to link to a few of my favorite posts from the past month:
The one about Emet’s birth. And mine too, really.
My thoughts on Independence Day. Plus a video essay from Bill Moyers!
This one was posted on my lovely friend Kate’s blog, which I wrote about here.
I started this particular project with the specific intention of rediscovering my inherent happiness. I’d say it was a smashing success. The Power of Intention, indeed.
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Although cases of lead poisoning, especially from lead paint, have decreased substantially since the 1970s, a recent uptick in cases has experts concerned. A New York Times (NYT) investigative article notes two issues contributing to this increase – what they and many others believe is a concerted effort in both the real estate and insurance industries to protect themselves from liability.
What is lead poisoning?
The CDC describes lead poisoning, also called lead toxicity:
Lead poisoning or lead toxicity refers to exposures to lead that result in illness and require immediate medical attention. It is used to describe cases when there are severe health effects related to high blood lead levels. If blood lead levels are 45 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) or greater, healthcare providers may recommend medication to help remove lead from the body. However, children are highly sensitive to lead and exposure at lower levels has been shown to cause harm. [emphasis ours]
For children, there is no safe blood level for lead, and the only way to check for lead poisoning is through a blood test.
How does a child contract lead poisoning?
As the NYT reports in their article about young paint victims, children often suffer lead poisoning as a result of lead paint. Per the NYT, “Although lead poisoning has decreased substantially since the late 1970s as a result of regulatory actions and public health initiatives, about 500,000 children under 6 have elevated blood lead levels in the United States and are at risk of harm.”
Lead poisoning typically occurs through lead paint in older homes, especially those poorly maintained. When landlords fail to remove or seal old lead paint, it can flake off and/or turn to dust, which when ingested by young children can wreak havoc on their developing brains and nervous systems.
David Jacobs, chief scientist at the National Center for Healthy Housing, told the NYT in 2021, “The main route of exposure for most children is lead-contaminated dust, from paint getting on their hands or their toys. And then normal child behavior at this age is, everything goes in the mouth.”
Further, the pandemic caused the majority of families to spend much more time at home. The result of this was twofold:
Lead screenings for children significantly decreased
Exposure to lead significantly increased
We cannot understate the devastating effects lead poisoning can have on young children.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Once a child begins displaying symptoms of lead poisoning, it typically means they already have dangerous levels of the toxin in their blood. The Mayo Clinic describes the symptoms of lead toxicity in children:
· Learning difficulties
· Eating things, such as paint chips, that aren’t food (pica)”
Additionally, babies can be exposed to lead in the womb, leading to premature birth, low birth weight, and slower growth.
The NYT discusses the case of J.J., a two-year-old who experienced such severe lead poisoning from his family home in Indiana in 2018 that he continues to suffer the side effects today. His mother notes how he turned from a chatty little boy into a quiet child with no appetite. An inspector later found significant levels of lead paint and dust in their rental home.
Who is responsible for lead paint poisoning?
Many rental homes and apartments across the country have fallen into disrepair, especially in low-income neighborhoods, with landlords and insurance companies passing the buck on responsibility. Per the NYT:
Not only is the illness a scourge in many of the country’s poorer ZIP codes, but families like J.J.’s have less recourse than ever. Over the years, children often received settlements or court judgments to help pay for health care, therapy and tutoring as they struggled with the life-altering effects of lead poisoning. The payments also served as a warning to landlords to make sure their properties were safe.
However, recently, insurance companies have quietly added insurance exclusions for lead paint, claiming landlords should be responsible for mitigating the risks. While these parties fight with each other, children continue getting sick. J.J.’s mother describes his ongoing difficulties:
It is hard to watch the 5-year-old struggle with things that came easily to her other children, she said. He cannot put on pants by himself and doesn’t know the names of his favorite snacks, identifying them instead by the color of their packaging: “orange” for Nacho Cheese-flavored Doritos, and “blue” for Cool Ranch.
Lead paint insurance exclusions have taken many families and even attorneys by surprise. Without this type of coverage, children and their families are left with almost zero recourse because the ownership of these buildings and residences are often hidden in a maze of limited liability companies. David Jacobs also points out that both insurers and landlords must take responsibility for this problem, saying, “We can’t afford to keep ignoring it — it costs too much and causes too much damage.”
A number of states are attempting to ban these types of exclusions, but both the insurance and real estate industry oppose this legislation. Insurers believe the issue should be addressed where it begins; fixing the lead paint problem. They also believe it will drive up the costs of premiums, as well as the housing market.
On the other hand, landlords do have a responsibility to their tenants to provide a safe and healthy living space. Rental property owners in California are bound by law to make certain disclosures and repairs regarding lead paint:
Disclosure Rule: Title X Section 1018. This rule requires owners of rental homes and properties built before 1978 to provide results of any lead testing, a lead warning statement, and an informational pamphlet called “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” to prospective tenants and buyers.
Lead-Safe Housing Rule. This applies to any owner who participates in Section 8 housing or voucher programs.
Find out more about California lead regulations and legislation.
If your child has suffered lead poisoning and toxicity, the Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP want to help. We understand the long-lasting effects of lead poisoning on young children and the challenges they may face for the rest of their lives. Nothing is more important than the health of your child, and your family deserves legal guidance and advocacy.
We will fight to ensure your child will receive the compensation they deserve so that they will be able to afford lifelong care. Call our office at 310-474-1582 or complete our contact form to schedule a free, remote consultation with one of our experienced Los Angeles lawyers today.
Please note that this blog is not to be construed as legal advice. Because every case is fact-specific, you should consult directly with an attorney to obtain legal advice specific to your situation.
McNicholas & McNicholas LLP
For more than three decades, McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP has built a reputation as one of California’s leading law firms. Founded by a family of attorneys spanning three generations, John McNicholas and sons, Patrick and Matthew, have tried hundreds of cases to jury verdict on behalf of clients. Learn More about McNicholas & McNicholas
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I think, during the last month, we avoided hospitalization situations twice. Loose motions due to food poisoning and vomiting situation was very severe and he was cured completely by the healings and blessings. Thank you very much for all the healings and the support. .
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If there were more stars to give !!! My life has completely changed sitting at home , doing classes on laptop. The courses are meticulously designed. Every class is fascinating. So hooked on to doing one class after another. Gratitude gratitude gratitude
Spirituality and Science are two sides of a coin. If you are looking for scientific explanation for the energy principles, then IWC is the go-to place. RuchiSanjil, as they are famously addressed, are well qualified professionals from science background, who have grown into spiritual gurus. They helped me understand that spirituality can be a way of life. All the teachings I have received from them are priceless and they add value to everyday activities.
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My life completely transformed and is better in all way the time I become part of IWC. It happened with all guidance, support and teachings we received from IWC. It is overall development of spiritual, mental and physical body. There are priceless teachings and with its practice life becomes real simple and we get better way of living and right way to deal with situations. It's a blissful experience.
Thanks you very much Ruchi and Sanjil. Your teachings have always been very helpful for me. This class provides lot of information with techniques those are very useful for daily leaving and to improve the quality of life. I didn't just learn but also experienced the positive outcomes after implementing techniques thought in this class. This class gives us in depth knowledge with logical reasons to follow and to avoid things which we do unknowingly in daily life. Thank you again for such a wonderful class.
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IWC has life transforming courses. The animations in the presentation slides makes it very easy to connect and understand even difficult topics. The depth of the topics and the way it is presented makes all the courses highly recommended. The support and nurturing done after the courses really helps to apply the knowledge in day to day life.
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crowdspring is a global platform where 220,000+ experienced designers and namers help businesses, entrepreneurs, agencies, and nonprofits with everything from custom logo design, to web design, to graphic design, product packaging, and even unique business names. We have 33 custom design and naming categories and flexible pricing (typically 10X to 50x lower than alternatives) that is perfect for businesses of any size.
How much does it cost?
Most custom design and naming projects start at $299. You pick your own package and all packages include the award to the winner, crowdspring’s fee, a custom legal contract giving you full rights to the work you’re buying, free focus groups, our award-winning customer support, tools and platform.
You can select packages and features based on what you need and your budget. You will always know up front exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden costs and no surprises.
Will you own the winning work?
Absolutely! Every project on crowdspring is protected by a custom legal contract giving you full rights to the work you’re buying. If you have multiple awards, you’ll have separate contracts for each. You can use the winning design (or name) any way you like. You can change it or alter it in any way – it’s yours.
The non-winning work remains the property of the person who created that work. This means you may not use those other entries (or any portions of them) in any way. But we give you an easy way to add awards and make offers in your projects when you find more than one design (or name) you love.
"I loved working with crowdspring! It was so exciting to watch your project pick up steam as you gave feedback to the creatives. It felt very collaborative and you have so many creative people submitting ideas just for your project. Their system is organized, easy to use and understand. I am so happy with the results!"
In a typical logo project on crowdspring, many professional designers submit dozens of custom designs based on your brief. See all designs submitted to this project.
220,000+ designers from 195 countries.
The client reviews & gives feedback.
Great collaboration tools & free focus groups.
How does CS qualify designers?
Crowdspring has one of the most trusted and respected creative communities in the world. It’s one reason why many of the world’s best brands and agencies, plus tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses from 100+ countries trust crowdspring for custom design and business names.
To ensure that clients receive professional quality designs and names, we have to be sure that work on crowdspring conforms to our quality standards. Crowdspring verifies identity and curates work quality for every creative who wants to work on crowdspring - in every project sub-category. We do this to guarantee the trustworthiness and talent of our community.
In addition to our initial reviews when we first approve a creative to work on crowdspring, our team regularly reviews work submitted to projects and creative portfolios to ensure that the work continues to meet our quality standards. And, we have an innovative and industry leading reputation system for every designer and namer that measures the quality of their work using a proprietary algorithm.
Can you ask designers to make changes?
Absolutely! In fact, this is a key factor for success. Once the designs start rolling in, let the designers know what you think about their designs. We give you powerful feedback tools and you can score and give individual feedback. You can also update your brief if you want to address all participants in your project. They are happy to make changes and iterate on their designs.
When you score each entry (1 to 5 stars), your score and comments are private. Only you and the individual designer will see the star rating and comments on their design. Updates to your brief are public for all participants in the project.
Do you offer a 100% guarantee?
Yes! Our crowdsourced design projects are protected by our 100% money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the results of your Silver, Gold, or Platinum package design project, simply reach out to our support team and let us know within 30 days of the end of your project. We’ll return all of your money - the project award, our fees - the whole shebang.
Naming and tagline projects on crowdspring are protected by our 100 Name/Tagline Guarantee. There’s no risk - you can request a full refund if you receive fewer than 100 entries and don’t have one you love. Just contact our support team within 30 days of the end of your project. If you haven’t received 100 names and ask us to honor the guarantee, we’ll return all of your money - our fees, the project award, every penny!
You can also opt out - and here’s why many clients do so. Clients opt to waive their right to a refund by Assuring their project. By choosing to assure a client promises that they are committed to their project and will award a creative no matter what. Assuring is absolutely free. It motivates more creatives to participate and results in more and often, better quality designs and names. And, it’s always the client9s choice. You can Assure your project when you post it, or at any time after you post it.
"In 10 years I have launched 17 projects on crowdspring and have always been impressed. Crowdspring brings 10 maybe even 100 times more creativity than simply working with a single random creative I could have found outside of crowdspring where I might only see a couple different concepts. And the price is very affordable."
3.The client will soon pick the winning design and receive final files.
After collaborating with multiple designers, the client will pick their favorite design, review proofs, request and receive tweaks, and approve final files. The client will receive high resolution final design files and a signed intellectual property agreement giving the client full ownership to the design.
Collaborate with the winning designer.
The designer will implement final adjustments.
The client receives full intellectual property rights.
How long will you have to pick the winner?
You have seven days to select your favorite after the project closes. Sometimes, you might need an extra few days. Just let us know when that happens.
Before making the final decision, you may want to run a free focus group. All design packages include unlimited focus groups.
A focus group (also called a "poll") allows you to invite friends, customers, colleagues and anyone else to vote and comment on their favorite designs (you can assign weighted votes or let each vote count equally). Anyone is eligible to vote as long as they have the special voting URL we’ll provide to you (they will not need to register an account). Your focus group can be public or private - you choose! You fully control whom you invite to each focus group and what designs are included in each focus group.
What happens after you pick the winner?
When you pick the winner, you’ll have a private area to complete the project with the designer you chose. If you have more than one award, you’ll have a separate wrap-up with each designer. Each of you will sign the legal contract for the project (giving you full rights to the winning design.
You can continue to iterate and request changes in wrap-up to make sure the design is just right. Once you approve the proof files, the designer will create and send final files for your approval. Once you approve the final files, you own full rights to the work.
What files will you get?
For each project category, we’ll recommend required file types and will ask the winning designer to provide you with appropriate final files that can be edited. You can always request specific formats you require.
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When you are seeking to invest your cash, you intend to select possessions that will increase in value or create an earnings. By buying assets when they are cheap, you can sell them for a revenue at a later day. As an example, a share of stock could increase in worth if the firm releases […]
June 22, 2022
Investment Has The Solution To Every little thing.
In the world of financial investment, there are a variety of different financial investment approaches. Some techniques are far better than others as well as are better suited for certain investors. For instance, investing in a blue chip supply is a smart choice if you wish to earn income tax-free while minimizing your risks. Other […]
June 19, 2022
New Thoughts Concerning Financial Investment That Will Certainly Transform Your Globe Upside Down.
Prior to you start spending, you require to know about your time perspective. You shouldn’t spend next month’s rental fee cash. In a similar way, you must not invest the cash you make at the end of the month. The sort of investment that you choose to make relies on the understanding and also skills […]
June 17, 2022
There are a number of vital elements that need to lead an investor’s financial investment decisions. Among one of the most vital schedules diligence. In addition to purchasing companies with excellent track records, a person ought to pay very close attention to the business’s economic statements. A firm’s cost-free cash flow – the quantity of […]
June 16, 2022
Diversity is a key aspect of any financial investment technique. By expanding your investments, you reduce the risk of your profile’s volatility. As an example, if you invest greatly in your company’s supply, you can shed a big amount of money or perhaps your job. In a time when financial investment returns can be unpredictable, […]
June 15, 2022
Financial investment is an excellent way to grow cash. There are several options available to you and your financial situation. However, not every investment appropriates for every person. Your age, investment strategy, as well as financial goals will certainly determine which financial investments will certainly fit your requirements. This post offers some fundamental details concerning […]
June 15, 2022
As the name recommends, Investment is the procedure of buying a protection or a business that creates income or enhances its value gradually. Financial investment can be any type of task that generates future revenue, from buying building that can produce goods to seeking extra education and learning that will certainly raise an individual’s skills […]
June 10, 2022
Investment is a superb way to grow money. There are numerous alternatives offered to you as well as your financial circumstance. Nevertheless, not every financial investment is suitable for everyone. Your age, financial investment strategy, and monetary objectives will certainly determine which financial investments will fit your needs. This article provides some standard details concerning […]
June 9, 2022
Lots of games call for a board and also writing materials. The sorts of dominoes and their combinations vary extensively, and also some have been advertised as board games. Some variations include expanded sets, which give larger hands and also more gamers. Many different types of domino games exist, consisting of Muggins, Mexican Train, as […]
June 9, 2022
Diversity is a vital facet of any type of financial investment strategy. By diversifying your financial investments, you minimize the threat of your profile’s volatility. For instance, if you invest heavily in your employer’s supply, you might lose a big quantity of cash or perhaps your job. In a time when investment returns can be […]
June 8, 2022
July 25, 2021 / by admin / 0 Comments
Betting is the act of wagering something of worth on an unpredictable event with the purpose of winning something beneficial as a result. The act of gaming calls for three elements for it to happen: danger, factor to consider, and also a benefit. These are the general concepts whereupon all kinds of gaming are based.
Among the typical problems related to gambling is its propensity to create addictions. Gaming dependencies include but are not restricted to, pure nicotine addictions, alcohol addictions, gambling enterprise addictions, etc. The major addictions include physical reliance on the materials being wagered upon, social dependence, psychological reliance, emotional dependence, or adaptation. For some, these dependencies can be fairly difficult to overcome. These consist of physical reliance on medications, alcohol, or cigarettes to take care of the withdrawal signs and symptoms that might develop when a gambler’s mind is sidetracked from the game or gambling experience.
Addictions can have lots of effect on the bettor’s way of life as well as financial resources as well as their relationships and every day lives. Sometimes, those that deal with a gambling dependency look for various types of treatment to overcome their issue. It has been noted that many individuals who are addicted to gambling will look for assistance to handle the food cravings along with the involved concerns. A few of the results that gambling addiction can have on a person’s life include: low self-worth, really feeling unworthy, really feeling clinically depressed, constantly craving immediate outcomes, feeling sorry over losing, continuously being angry over losing, and sensation jealous over others that appear to be effective with betting that they never achieved.
Gaming dependency as well as related dependencies can likewise create lots of problems in connections. It can considerably decrease a person’s joy as well as love of life. A problem betting addict may get into debates or battles with buddies or family members over matters that do not have anything to do with betting. Lot of times, this brings about the addicts separating themselves also further.
Over time, many people develop physical addictions to wagering too. Gaming addiction, if it goes unattended, can result in alcohol addiction, drug abuse, or depression. Addiction professionals note that wagering addiction can be very comparable to other addictions including alcoholism, prescription medications, or nicotine addiction. In most cases, when a private bets exceedingly for an extended period of time, they can become physically dependent on the gaming activities in question. This is commonly referred to as “issue gambling”.
Trouble betting addicts additionally show indicators of higher risk habits. The major sign of greater risk habits is impulse control issues. Sometimes, a problem bettor will have a hard time stopping their wagering spree or their unmanageable betting. They may likewise have trouble keeping their wits when their bankroll is reduced. Betting addicts may also exhibit unmanageable compulsive actions such as overreacting or underreacting to their losses. Issue gamblers can go from one extreme to the various other relying on their addiction and individual conditions.
Gambling describes the wagering any type of provided event with the intention of winning something of equal value with an unknown future outcome. Gaming consequently needs 3 aspects to be present: risk, consideration, and a payout. The payout is a term made use of to define any form of monetary incentive for your effective wagering; nonetheless, there are some video games that offer cash in addition to factors, which are referred to as handicaps.
In order to maintain a consistent and surefire earnings, it is very important to maintain the right ratio of threat and also benefit. A number of the different types of betting are highly habit forming, as their success counts totally on the house side, which is the distinction between the total amount of money placed into the pot (for example, the quantity of real cash) and also how much was wagered. As more individuals attempt different kinds of gambling, your home edge grows as even more individuals agree to wager without having to keep an eye on their wagers. Your house edge is what gives betting its particular changability, which is just one of its piece de resistances.
Nevertheless, in spite of your house edge, gaming can still supply some advantages. One of these is the reality that a lot of the moment you’ll win with pure good luck. Other instances consist of on the internet wagering, which makes use of mathematical algorithms to identify the possibility of your selected numbers being turned up. The numbers utilized are additionally randomly selected, making it difficult to anticipate these numbers. These examples include lottery games and drawings, although wagering is one where the results are well known prior to the begin of the video game.
Many people gamble in one of the following three types of casino site games: online poker, blackjack, or video clip online poker. In order to understand the distinctions in between these kinds of gambling, it’s important to know that each game varies in the means wagers are dealt. Blackjack, for instance, bargains bets using a deck of 52 cards, while online poker just makes use of a solitary deck. With blackjack, all winning wagers are made in one turn, while with casino poker all winning bets are made in a series of draws.
The second benefit to Gaming comes from how individuals are able to wager without feeling any type of impact over the end result. This is not true in the various kinds of gaming. With the exception of fruit machine, all other types of wagering need that people make wagers with the hopes of hitting a specific number or mix. This implies that everyone needs to make use of the very same method for playing, which can typically cause individuals to blow up. One more benefit to Betting originates from exactly how your house edge is less than it is with other card video games. It is approximated that a house edge of 2 to ten percent makes blackjack the easiest game to beat.
Gambling has actually existed considering that the old times and also is a prominent activity for those who take pleasure in the enjoyment. The allure of gaming does not seem to discolor, but rather it appears to be gaining in appeal in modern culture also. It can be a kind of enjoyment for those trying to find a challenge, or it can be utilized as a way to make some money. Whatever the reason, Gambling can confirm to be fairly rewarding, as it provides a method to win a lot of cash with little initiative.
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29 July 2021 Major Australian financial institution Macquarie was today challenged by shareholders and communities over its support for the oil and gas industry, and inconsistencies between this support and its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Just weeks after Macquarie’s commitment to “aligning our financing activity with the … Read More
Macquarie fails to commit to coal and gas phase outs
30 July 2020 Major Australian financial institution Macquarie was today challenged over its involvement in the coal and gas industries, and the risks this poses to shareholders, communities and the environment. Macquarie claims its “lending exposures to [the coal] sector are limited and we expect them to run off over … Read More
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We recognise the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work, pay respect to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty of these lands was never ceded.
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As the world becomes increasingly mobile-first, it’s more important than ever to have a great email app on your iOS device. The best email app for iOS in 2022 will be fast, efficient, and easy to use.
There are a number of great email apps to choose from, but our top pick for the best email app for iOS in 2022 is Spark. It’s a fast and efficient email app that’s easy to use and packed with features.
Spark supports all the major email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, and it offers a number of great features, including:
– A built-in task manager that lets you quickly and easily create to-do lists from your email messages
– A smart inbox that filters your messages into different categories
– A powerful search tool that lets you quickly find the email messages you need
– Integrated support for popular third-party services, such as Evernote, Trello, and OneNote
Spark is free to download and use, and it’s available on the App Store. Give it a try today and see how much easier email can be on your iOS device.
2 Is iPhone mail app better than Outlook?
3 Is the iOS mail app better than Gmail?
4 Does Apple have an email service like Gmail?
5 What email works best with Apple?
6 What is the best email app to use on iPhone?
7 Which email account is best for iPhone?
iOS Mail is a great email client for iPhone and iPad users. It has a simple and easy-to-use interface, and it provides a lot of great features that make email management on iOS devices a breeze.
One of the biggest advantages of using iOS Mail is its support for iCloud email accounts. iCloud email accounts can be easily added to iOS Mail, and they provide a convenient way to keep all of your email messages in one place. iCloud email accounts also support push notifications, so you can always stay up-to-date on new email messages no matter where you are.
iOS Mail also supports a wide range of other email accounts, including Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, and Microsoft Exchange accounts. This makes it a great choice for users who have multiple email accounts.
In addition to its great support for email accounts, iOS Mail also provides a number of great features for managing email messages. For example, it includes a powerful search engine that makes it easy to find specific email messages. It also includes a number of sorting and filtering options that allow you to quickly find the email messages that you need.
iOS Mail is a great email client for iPhone and iPad users, and it provides a number of features that make it easy to manage your email messages. If you are looking for a great email client for your iOS device, then iOS Mail is definitely worth considering.
Is iPhone mail app better than Outlook?
The iPhone mail app is a popular email client that is often compared to Outlook, Microsoft’s popular email client. So, is the iPhone mail app better than Outlook?
There are many factors to consider when answering this question. For starters, the iPhone mail app is only available on Apple devices, while Outlook is available on both Windows and Mac computers. The iPhone mail app also offers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience than Outlook.
Read also Hipaa Compliant Email Outlook
Additionally, the iPhone mail app offers a number of features that Outlook does not, such as the ability to easily schedule emails to be sent at a later date, the ability to set up multiple email addresses within the app, and the ability to easily unsubscribe from mailing lists.
Overall, the iPhone mail app is a more user-friendly and feature-rich email client than Outlook. If you are looking for an email client that is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, the iPhone mail app is a better option than Outlook.
Is the iOS mail app better than Gmail?
The iOS Mail app is a default email app that is pre-installed on Apple devices. It offers a number of features that are not available in the Gmail app.
The first thing that you will notice about the iOS Mail app is that it is very easy to use. The user interface is simple and intuitive, and you can easily navigate your way around the app.
The iOS Mail app also offers a number of features that are not available in the Gmail app. For example, you can easily create and manage email folders, and you can view your messages in a threaded view. You can also easily flag emails, and set up email notifications.
Another advantage of the iOS Mail app is that it supports multiple email accounts. You can easily add and manage your email accounts, and you can view all of your messages in one place.
The iOS Mail app also offers a number of integrations with other Apple apps. For example, you can easily add attachments from the Photos app, and you can quickly send emails from the Contacts app.
Overall, the iOS Mail app is a great email app that offers a number of features that are not available in the Gmail app. If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use email app, then the iOS Mail app is definitely worth checking out.
Does Apple have an email service like Gmail?
Does Apple have an email service like Gmail?
There are many different email services available, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Gmail is one of the most popular email services available, but is it the best option for you? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of Gmail.
Gmail is a web-based email service that is owned by Google. It offers a variety of features, including a spam filter, labels, and filters. It also offers a high level of security, with features such as two-factor authentication. Gmail is available on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
One of the biggest pros of Gmail is its spam filter. Gmail is able to filter out spam emails so that they never reach your inbox. This can help to keep your inbox clutter-free and ensure that you only receive important emails.
Read also Change Email View In Outlook
Another pro of Gmail is its large storage capacity. Gmail offers users 15GB of storage space, which is more than many other email services. This can be helpful if you receive a lot of emails or if you want to save large files.
One of the biggest cons of Gmail is that it is owned by Google. This can be a pro or a con, depending on your point of view. Google has a history of collecting user data, which some people may not be comfortable with.
Another con of Gmail is that it can be difficult to use if you are not familiar with Gmail’s features. Gmail has a lot of features that can be confusing for beginners.
So, does Apple have an email service like Gmail?
Yes, Apple does have an email service like Gmail. It is called iCloud Mail, and it offers a variety of features, including a spam filter, labels, and filters. It also offers a high level of security, with features such as two-factor authentication. iCloud Mail is available on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
One of the biggest pros of iCloud Mail is that it is easy to use. iCloud Mail is designed for beginners, and it is easy to learn how to use its features.
Another pro of iCloud Mail is that it offers a lot of storage space. iCloud Mail offers users 5GB of storage space, which is more than many other email services. This can be helpful if you receive a lot of emails or if you want to save large files.
One of the biggest cons of iCloud Mail is that it is not as popular as Gmail. iCloud Mail is not as well-known as Gmail, so some people may not be familiar with it.
So, which email service is right for you?
Gmail is a great option for people who want a spam-free email experience with a lot of storage space. iCloud Mail is a great option for people who want an easy-to-use email service with a lot of storage space.
What email works best with Apple?
There are many different types of email clients, but when it comes to Apple products, which email client works best?
The default email client for Apple products is Apple Mail. It is a basic email client that is easy to use and can be configured to work with many different email providers.
Another popular email client for Apple products is Gmail. Gmail is a web-based email client that can be accessed from any computer or mobile device. Gmail also offers a number of features that are not available in Apple Mail, such as the ability to create labels and filters.
If you are looking for a more advanced email client that offers more features, there are a number of third-party email clients that are compatible with Apple products. Some of the most popular third-party email clients include Outlook, Thunderbird, and Postbox.
Which email client you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. Apple Mail is a good choice for users who are looking for a basic email client that is easy to use. Gmail is a good choice for users who need a web-based email client with a number of features. And third-party email clients offer a number of features that are not available in Apple Mail or Gmail.
Read also Can I Change My Chegg Email
What is the best email app to use on iPhone?
When it comes to email apps, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here is a look at some of the best email apps for iPhone users.
The default email app that comes with the iPhone is called Mail. It is a fairly basic email app, but it has all the features that most users need. It allows you to connect to multiple email accounts, and it has a built-in browser that allows you to view webpages without having to leave the app.
If you are looking for a more advanced email app, there are a few options to choose from. The first is Gmail. Gmail is a Google app, so it integrates well with other Google services. It has a lot of features, including the ability to track email opens and clicks, and to schedule messages.
Another popular email app is Outlook. Outlook is made by Microsoft, and it integrates well with other Microsoft services. It has a lot of features, including the ability to track email opens and clicks, and to schedule messages.
If you are looking for an email app that is designed specifically for business users, there are a few options to choose from. The first is SalesforceIQ. SalesforceIQ is designed to help businesses manage their customer relationships. It has a lot of features, including the ability to track email opens and clicks, and to schedule messages.
Another popular business email app is Slack. Slack is designed to help businesses communicate with their employees. It has a lot of features, including the ability to track email opens and clicks, and to schedule messages.
Which email account is best for iPhone?
There are a few different email account options available for iPhone users. Which email account is best for you depends on your needs and preferences.
The most common email account type for iPhone users is a Gmail account. Gmail is a free email service offered by Google. Gmail is a full-featured email account with plenty of storage space and a variety of features. Gmail also integrates well with other Google services, such as Google Drive and Google Calendar.
Another popular email account type for iPhone users is an iCloud account. iCloud is a free email service offered by Apple. iCloud is a basic email account with limited storage space. However, iCloud integrates well with other Apple services, such as iCloud Drive and Apple Calendar.
If you are looking for an email account that offers more features and storage space, you may want to consider a paid email service such as Outlook or Yahoo! Mail. Outlook is a paid email service offered by Microsoft. Outlook offers a variety of features, including a built-in calendar and contacts manager. Outlook also offers a generous amount of storage space. Yahoo! Mail is a paid email service offered by Yahoo! Yahoo! Mail offers a variety of features, including a built-in calendar and contacts manager. Yahoo! Mail also offers a generous amount of storage space.
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I'm nearing the end of Robinson Crusoe, and finally there's a bit of action. But it involves the discovery of cannibals who are having a little European "feast." This seems like a good place to stop, take control of my gag reflex, and respond to the first prompt for the Classics Challenge found over at November's Autumn. The focus this month is on the author of the classic we are reading.
I don't know much about Daniel Defoe (ca. 1659-1661 to 1731), but if there's one thing I've learned about him by reading the book, it's his fondness for the term "viz.", a rather hoity-toity way of saying "that is to say" or "namely." Luckily he mixes it up every now and again by actually saying "that is to say." He also LOVES capital letters.
So let's Find out Some Slightly more substantial Facts about Defoe. First, Check him Out:
And I thought my hair was big in the 80's. Perhaps when it came to wigs back then, size did matter. As someone who changed his last name from Foe to Defoe to sound more aristocratic, I think he may be trying to compensate for something.
He wrote several books, (viz.) Robinson Crusoe, The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, Serious reflections during the life and surprising adventures of Robinson Crusoe: with his Vision of the angelick world, Captain Singleton, Journal of the Plague Year, Captain Jack, Moll Flanders, and Roxana.
In all he published over 370 (or 500 according to Wikipedia) works, including pamphlets and journals. From hosiery businessman to government spy, he did just about everything and wrote on just about every topic imaginable. He even spent some time in jail. He lived through the Great Plague of London, the Great Fire of London, and later on, the Great Storm of 1703. I don't get the idea that he was very well liked or respected during much of his life. Maybe that's a why a novel about being shipwrecked on an island alone for several years was appealing to him. Or maybe he just thought it would be a good way to pay off all of his debts.
Whatever the case, I am enjoying Robinson Crusoe. I feel like I'm learning how to survive on a deserted island and going to church all at the same time. But more about that when (and if) I write up a review on it. Defoe was much more prolific in his writings than I. How he would have thrived in the blogging age! And he could have ditched the wig.
Posted by Shelley at 11:41 PM
Debbie Rodgers January 12, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Very insightful comments about this author, Shelley. I love your sense of humour. :-)
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Yes, Moll Flanders will have to go on my to-read list...I think there's a BBC movie version somewhere? And I'm shocked to learn there were follow-ups to Robinson Crusoe! How interesting! Thanks for the info!
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Cat November 18, 2012 at 7:50 PM
Those wigs must have been horribly uncomfortable, particularly on a hot day. I have to confess that apart from a children's version of Robinson Crusoe I've never read any of his work.
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Rebecca Reid November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I really liked Robinson Crusoe, probably because of his discussion of his religious development as he remains alone on the island. I can understand people not liking it due to the lack of ACTION. And yeah, about the cannibals. But all the same, I enjoyed it too!
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softdrink November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
Whoa. That is some Serious Hair.
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Judaye Streett November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I read Moll Flanders a few years ago and was really surprised to find it was about the life of a single poor mother in the eighteenth century. I like the book very much.
I can imagine all the men standing around comparing the volume of their wigs.
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Jillian November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I can't wait to read Moll Flanders! I hope I can get the image of Defoe's 'do out of my head by then. :D
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Trish November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
When I listened to At Home by Bill Bryson he went into great detail about the wigs that men (and women) wore. So amazing--though I think there were probably some critters hidden away. ;)
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Book_Scorpion November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I read Robinson Crusoe as a child many times and I used to compare my skills with those of Crusoe, imagining how I would fare on that island. It got me into reading John Seymour.
I really love the clothes people wore in his time (men in stockings and breeches...rawr), but those wigs I can do without. Give me a French wig instead any time.
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Debbie November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I'm quite fond of his hair. I wouldn't wear it on a windy day though.
I'd be interested in what he wrote in the Journal of the Plague Year.
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Katherine November 18, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I haven't read Defoe yet but when I do I'll have had fair warning about the use of capitals etc. ;)
Thank you for your post, Shelley! :)
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Kell November 18, 2012 at 7:54 PM
I have several defoe's on my list to be read. :)
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annesbookgarden November 18, 2012 at 7:54 PM
I have not read anything by Defoe yet, I might have to add one of his books to my Classics Challenge list. Great post!
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Anbolyn November 18, 2012 at 7:54 PM
For some reason I am really not fond of the idea of 18th C. literature - it seems so earthy and bawdy. I think I could take Robinson Crusoe, though, cannibals and all!
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Silsbee November 18, 2012 at 7:54 PM
"He wrote several books, (viz.) Robinson Crusoe"
Hahaha! I think I will start throwing "viz." into my everyday vocabulary... ;)
And I love that he was a CAPSLOCKER. Hilarious.
Have you ever seen the NBC television show "Crusoe"? It was horrible (only lasted half a season, I think), but the men were so lovely... (I'm easy to entertain.)
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Also known as Hallux Abducto Valgus, a bunion represents the inward movement of the big toe progressively dislocating off the end of the first metatarsal. The ‘bump’ of the bunion is not a growth of bone, but rather the exposed first metatarsal head, as the big toe points towards the 2nds toe.
Bunions are first and foremost shoe induced; babies are not born with bunions. This deformation slowly and progressively forms as the individual wears footwear with a tapered toe box. A common misconception is that bunions are hereditary, and while the bunion itself is not genetic, there are certain soft tissue principles that can impact bunion development within family lines. For example, genetic factors control foot width, as well as soft tissue flexibility and integrity, leading conventionally shaped footwear to have a greater impact on individuals with wider feet.
Signs and Symptoms
Bunions are an often painful condition that can lead to instability of the 1st ray and the medial longitudinal arch. Some of the most frequently experienced signs and symptoms associated with bunions, besides pain, include:
Redness and/or callus formation around the bunion
Bunions often respond to conservative care measures and should always be treated by a qualified healthcare professional in a timely and appropriate manner. Conservative treatment for bunions usually involves the following:
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Mumbai, the glam city, is recognized for its upscale and opulent choices. Mumbai citizens aim for a relaxed and stately living with best-in-class amenities. They aspire for modern and sleek kitchen designs for their home, that offers them functional benefits too along with aesthetic advantages. If you also aspire to get taste of novelty, innovation, and utilitarian kitchen design, then a visit to Modular kitchen Experience Centre in Mumbai must be on the cards! Our Experience Centre team is ready to welcome you and offer you the best custom-made kitchen solutions.
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I am the author of the piece “how academia resembles a drug gang” that you describe on your blog with the words above. You also write that it is “mortally flawed”, “laughable” and “a complete mischaracterization”. You call my argument “stupid” in a reply to a comment on your piece which defends mine.
My piece, originally published on my blog in November last year, has now been viewed 267’000 times (not counting the version on the website of the London School of Economics), shared more than 10’000 times on Facebook and more than 2000 times on Twitter. I was the first to be astonished by this success, but I assume that it wouldn’t have been shared so widely if it was only “sensationalistic clickbait” and didn’t contain some real insights about the functioning of academia. The comments about the blog have been overwhelmingly positive (on twitter, here or here). Outlets such as Science, the Times Higher education have reported about it. The title is of course overtly provocative, but the piece tries to make a very serious point by using comparative data. You essentially dismiss all of it with the qualifiers above. I thought I should reply to some of your claims, at least those that I can make sense of.
Firstly, you are right to say this piece is “not what one should expect from the London School of Economics” because I work at King’s College London, as is made clear at the bottom of the article. This just shows how carefully you have read the piece.
Secondly, you criticize my perspective, arguing that academics are “not in it for the money”. Now, this is not the point that I make in the piece. My point is to outline the dynamics of dualisation in academia between a shrinking core of insiders and an expanding core of outsiders in precarious positions. I use drug gangs as the most extreme example of such a situation, by trying to explain why “outsiders” accept to stay in academia in spite of very precarious job situations. I am happy to read that your combined income “allows my wife and I to not be particularly worried about our finances”, because many academics are: precisely because of the dynamics I talk about. The incentives are surely not only money, but also precisely the things that you cite (although if you want to “escape pedantry”, academia is probably not the right place to go). My point is that the difference between what is promised to prospective PhD students and the actual reality of academic prospects is huge, just like in a drug gang. I am not saying that academia is like a drug gang, I argue that its logic is similar. I accept that it is an inconvenient characterization, especially for respectable tenured professors, and others have also dismissed it as stupid *without even reading the piece*, but I still think it is accurate.
Thirdly, you criticize how I use the data and evidence in different countries. It is of course true that Slovakia produces much less PhDs than the United States, but the proportion of PhDs as as share of the population is surely the relevant measure, and not the absolute number because that’s what gives an idea of the capacity of different countries to “absorb” their production of PhDs. Of course Slovakia produces fewer PhDs, but Slovakia also has much fewer potential jobs. I accept the idea that the academic job market is not limited by national boundaries, and is largely transnational. Now even if we would consider the world as a whole, the relation between the “global production” of PhDs and the number of permanent jobs available changed dramatically: the number of jobs available has been massively outpaced by the production of PhDs. Now this precisely supports my point. After that, you write that I do not take into account the Bologna Process, “ the anti-science and anti-education lobbies” in the US, “the effect on academia of the billions of dollars that America spends on defence – more than any other country in the world”, I ignore Germany’s “tumultuous recent history, including reunification and becoming probably the most important country in the EU”, and my analysis of the UK “ignores the impact of the development and growth of the EU on UK, which has been staggering”. Well, I also completely ignore the fact that the weather in the UK is usually bad, that Germany won the World Cup in 1990 and that the United States put a man on the moon in 1969. I simply do not understand how the factors you mention challenge my analysis, and you make no effort to explain how either. Being Portuguese, I am well aware of the context of austerity in Greece and Portugal, but again, this reinforces my point: the discrepancy between the increase in the number of PhDs before the crisis and severe cuts afterwards has created a large mass of “outsiders” left with dire job prospects.
Coming back to the general discussion about PhDs, I happen to have had a look at another piece published on your blog which discusses a similar argument than the one I make. I was particularly struck by one segment of it:
Getting a doctorate isn’t (or, rather, shouldn’t be) just for specializing in a particular area; it gives one a chance to refine one’s thinking skills, to become a better reasoning agent, to make better decisions generally. And this gets us back to the success of a society. The better people can think, the better the decisions they make, and everyone will benefit. Some find this laughable because of the cost, time, and effort required to get a PhD. What’s the point, they might argue, in getting a doctorate if you’re just going to be a tradesperson, or a shopkeeper, or an office worker What’s the point indeed. Most people who would ask such questions haven’t got advanced education anyways. Which rather proves my point.
I found this piece problematic and condescending. I find it perfectly legitimate for people “who do not hold advanced degrees” to question how the money is spent in higher education, especially if they are subsidizing rich people to get these “advanced degrees” while themselves or their children are often excluded from them: rich kids are highly overrepresented in college, so that higher education spending if often a transfer from the low-educated poor to the higher-educated rich. Of course I agree with you that education is good for everyone, but dismissing criticism as simply “stupid” – which seems to be your method of analysis in general – simply delegitimizes the critical approach and openness that should characterize academia. Second, it is all good and well to write that getting a doctorate is not about finding a job but becoming a better citizen, but it is is fairly naive to think that PhD students do not build expectations as to a career in academia, and the point I was making is that the structure of the academic job market is bound to disappoint these expectations.
Please note that i have refrained from using the kind of vocabulary that you use in your own post, even if it was fairly tempting.
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April 30, 2014
→ A succinct political economy of the UEFA Champions’ League
6 responses to ““A useless pile of half-truths and sensationalistic linkbait””
April 30, 2014 at 10:43
I’m in the middle of grading exams, so you’ll have to get in line and wait of a proper reply.
I will say this, though. You should know enough to refer to me as Dr. Salustri, or Prof. Salustri – not Mr. Salustri – as a sign of respect for the institution of academia.
Sonny says:
May 3, 2014 at 19:18
While I agree with your representation, here and on G+, get off your pompous high horse with the ‘title’ remarks. I’ve educated as many people as you through out my military career, and we can discuss how those subjects apply to academia on G+ (you’re in my circles), so GFY for a title. You’re a man, just like me, and the misdirected goofball who compared ‘gangs to academics’.
April 30, 2014 at 15:05
I didn’t say your essay was an inconvenient characterization; I said it was an inaccurate one. Like a lot of the “Freakonomics” sort of claims, I think it’s an argument full of basic mistakes in logic and analogies. I don’t have time to go through this now, but no, I don’t think academia is a pyramid scheme.
And of course, the title and your pride in the number of hits you’ve received suggest that the claim of it being “link bait” is probably pretty accurate. You could have titled your essay “How Academia Resembles Selling Amway or Selling Mary Kay Cosmetics” or some other related business. That wouldn’t have drawn hits though.
Mohammad Magout says:
April 30, 2014 at 17:58
Insecurity is not good at hiding itself
Mohammad Magout says:
April 30, 2014 at 18:10
I have just noticed the image he used in his post, which had the caption “Do these gentlemen look like your colleagues?” I guess looking Mexican and having some tattoos make you look un-academic.
May 3, 2014 at 18:51
I could have posted my response on my own blog, and gotten a whole bunch of views. But that would have been self-serving. (Ahem.) So I’m just posting my comments here.
Rather than quote your post, I’ll just refer to the paragraph number for the sake of brevity.
Paragraph 1: Rather selective because you don’t mention any of the reasons I gave for my remarks. Leading in with that sort of writing can only bias the reader against me, which is rather discharitable of you, especially since you seem to be claiming the higher ground.
Paragraph 2: This is a great example of the fallacy of “appeal to popularity.” Considering the obsession of Facebook and Twitter with Miley Cyrus’s buttocks and pictures of “kittehs,” it is ill-advised to use social media popularity in this way. Blattman’s blog post suffers the same narrow-mindedness yours does – of considering only the market/business/economic nature of academia. Arun’s blog post adds a touch of politics to the mix, but that doesn’t broaden the discussion nearly enough. The Science and the Times posts just regurgitate your post without any offering of apposite alternatives, the Times doing a far more biased job of it, as they are wont to do, by depending on the assumption that doctoral studies are undertaken for the exclusive sake of getting specific jobs. So basically, you’ve found a bunch of like-minded people who agree with you and claim to be right as a result. Arguably, this is a case of “appeal to authority” too.
Paragraph 3: I linked to the version of your post on the London School of Economics website. Where you are currently working, or what you post on your personal blog, is irrelevant to my point. Perhaps I could have been clearer: I’m surprised and disappointed that the LSE blog would post such ill-considered articles as yours. Does that help clarify?
Paragraph 4: You claim to have tried to make a point. But that point is not what you present in the post. Perhaps you should have actually stated your goals at the outset and actually bothered to communicate your intention rather than just cherry-picking data that suits an outrageous proposition. Face it, when one posts to the Web, one is offering one’s writing to the world, not to just a select few with specific background knowledge who are more likely to interpret your post correctly. Academia and the expertise of academics in their fields is being eroded by political and economic forces who know that sowing the seeds of distrust will benefit them. Then there are those who are simply in no position, for whatever reason, to assess the merits of your arguments objectively and will see this as simple vindication of their disdain for experts and expertise. You (and I and every other blogger out there) have a responsibility to truth. Given your background and education, you should know this. And yet you apparently are just fine with presenting incomplete and narrow perspectives for public consumption.
Paragraph 5: You claim that absolute numbers of doctorates produced by individual countries are not good measures. True. You claim that I made that argument. False. My argument is that your percentage figures give the impression that PhDs are being produced too quickly. (Consider: what is, say, a citizen of France to think that Slovakia has quadrupled the number of doctorates it is producing without also knowing how the raw numbers compare to the number of doctorates produced in France? Would it not be reasonable for them to become seriously concerned that Slovakian doctorates could take away jobs – and not just in academia – from equally qualified French doctorates? Of course they would.)
One must look at both “vertical” rates (by country as a fraction of population, as you have done) and “horizontal” rates (globally as a fraction of total PhDs) to completely understand the phenomenon. That you apparently fail to understand this is more evidence of your cherry-picking of pertinent information. Furthermore, that you claim you don’t understand the relevance of all the non-economic forces at work just underscores how blinkered your worldview is. As I wrote, it’s a case of the blind men and the elephant; the narrow economics-only perspective will lead to utterly wrong conclusions about the actual phenomena.
Paragraph 6/7 (including your quote of another blog post of mine): You find my writing “problematic and condescending.” This is precisely the problem of lack of provisional trust in experts and the expertise they hold. One trusts one’s physician on medical matters (due to his training and expertise). One trusts one’s lawyer on legal matters. Similarly, one trusts one’s plumber on matters of plumbing. I would no sooner go to a plumber to address my fever as I would go to a doctor regarding leaky pipes in my house. And yet, this is exactly what people without advanced degrees do with respect to academia. Every type of expertise, be it in medicine or plumbing, has its place in society. However, to claim that expertise in area A qualifies one to pass judgement on some other area B is ridiculous.
How is this condescending?
It is true that I dismiss criticism as “stupid,” but only criticism that is not grounded in evidence. You claim that “rich kids” (talk about condescending!) are overrepresented in college. Is that true globally? Where is the evidence? I can tell you that is not the case in schools I know of. It is probably true that children of the poor are underrepresented in university, but that doesn’t mean that children of the wealthy are overrepresented. There’s this thing – it’s called the middle class – constituted of those neither rich nor poor. Lots of them go to university. I don’t know what tuition is like in other countries, but here in Canada, tuition is about 20% of the actual cost of providing a university education. If you really want to see “rich kids” being overrepresented in university, then have them pay the full cost of their education.
I’d love to see completely free higher education, but until that happens, we must be realistic. If free education is ever to become a global norm, it will happen, in part, as a result of holding up academia as a fundamentally essential feature of a successful society, and not by absurdly comparing it to drug gangs.
You claim that my argument “delegitimizes the critical approach and openness that should characterize academia.” That’s like saying that when scientists call creationism stupid, they too are delegitimizing “the critical approach and openness that should characterize academia.” If there’s evidence, present it; if there’s analysis, then be systematic and holistic. If there is neither, then it’s all tripe.
You also wrote, “…it is is fairly naive to think that PhD students do not build expectations as to a career in academia.” Is it naive to think that people who stand a reasonable chance of entering a doctoral program are so sloppy in their thinking that they do not bother to think through their plans in the long-term? Is it not reasonable to expect someone who intends to undertake the intellectual challenge of a doctoral degree to apply their intellect to such planning? It seems to me that anyone unable or unwilling to undertake that kind of reflection before investing so many years in advanced study really shouldn’t be in the game anyways.
Might some students be misled by poor advice given them by others? Of course. Does this make academia a con game? Not at all. It just means that there are unscrupulous people in academia in roughly the same proportion as in the rest of the population. It’s called the human condition. On that specific metric, academia is no better and no worse than any other organizational structure. Get used to it.
Paragraph 8: On the business of “correct” language. You seem a bit sanctimonious there; as if the only valid arguments are those couched in politically correct weasel words and semantic fads of the day. Good luck with that.
This is my last contribution on this matter. You’ve done nothing to undermine any of the substance of my arguments. Please feel free collect all the views and clicks that you possibly can. I hope they help you sleep at night.
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Who doesn’t love a great holiday cookie? According to the survey of 1,000 Americans, sugar cookies are the favorite holiday cookie (45%), followed by peanut butter blossoms (25%), ginger cookies (20%), pecan sandies (18%) and pumpkin cookies (10%).
My personal favorite holiday is the sugar cookie because it has sentimental value. The sugar cookie was the first cookie recipe I learned to make completely on my own as a child. I still make them to this day and have made it a tradition to decorate them with my boys.
Imagine my interest when I learned Chex® had developed five new delicious Chex Party Mix holiday cookie-inspired recipes (sugar cookie, gingerbread, etc.) that take just 15 minutes to make in the microwave (no baking required!).
“The holidays can be hectic with all of the parties, entertaining and baking, and we wanted to offer a fun, new way to enjoy the season with the same festive flavors and aromas,” said Liz Abate Mascolo, marketing associate director for Chex®. “These Chec Party Mix recipes are a fresh take on your favorite holiday cookies, and you only need 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a lot faster than baking and decorating batches of cookies, and your family and friends will love how delicious they taste.”
I’m super busy these days and while I love holiday baking, I don’t always have the time to accomplish all that I want to do. Each year I like to mix it up a bit and throw in something new, so when I was approached to learn more about these new holiday cookie-inspired Chex Party Mix recipes and even try to make some on my own, I jumped at the opportunity.
This past weekend I attended a special tasting event at the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania. The Chex® team took over a section of the mall on the lower level and set up a tasting station and distributed free samples to busy holiday shoppers.
The friendly Chex® product team kept up with the crowds by making batches and batches of fresh Chex Party mix to share.
They offered samples of Chocolate Mint Chex®, Sugar Cookie Chex® and Caramel-Chocolate Drizzle Chex®.
In speaking with the shoppers who sampled the varieties, many raved about the Chocolate Mint Chex® while the children enjoyed the Sugar Cookie Chex® the most.
Surveys show that Americans are eating, baking and gifting homemade treats around the holidays. More than two-thirds of women surveyed (69%) make homemade treats, and 43% plan to share their homemade holiday goodies with others, such as family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and teachers. More than a third of respondents (35%) said they will host an in-home party to celebrate the holiday season this year.
How about instead of hosting a traditional holiday cookie exchange, why not host a Chex Party Mix Change?
For the Chex Party Mix Change you can use some of these cookie-inspired recipes or check out the more than 70 Chex Party Mix recipes that can be made in the microwave in just 15 minutes. Twenty are gluten-free Chex Party Mix recipes. Chex® has made it part of their mission to make some of their cereals and recipes gluten-free which is growing in importance more and more everyday. Six of the Chex® cereals are gluten-free, and consumers should look for the words “Gluten-Free” near the ingredient declaration on the package side panel.
Hosting a Chex Party Mix-Change is simple and is made even simpler by the Chex®team. Visit ChexPartyMixChange.com for a complete online party toolkit, including recipes, invitations, shopping lists and packaging ideas. Here’s a snapshot of how the Chex® Product Team packaged the Chex Party Mix at the King of Prussia Mall tasting event. There are some great and fun ideas on how to package your favorite Chex® mix.
After the event I had a chance to recreate some of the cookie-inspired recipes myself at home. I used this handy tool-kit provided to me by Chex®.
Of course you don’t need a fancy toolkit to make these recipes. They can all be made with a few simple tools: a microwave, a large microwave safe mixing bowl, a small mixing cup, measuring cups and spoons and a rubber spatula for mixing. The recipes were so simple! I was mixing up batches of Chex Party mix with ease and some even took LESS than 15 minutes (BONUS!). Here’s how my batches turned out.
The picture above includes (from top to bottom): Peanut Butter Blossoms Chex®, Sweet Pecan Chex®, Gingerbread Chex® and Iced Pumpkin Chex®. The Sugar Cookie Chex® is featured below for close-up detail.
Here are my thoughts on the five featured recipes from the cookie-inspired collection:
Peanut Butter Blossoms Chex®: – My husband’s favorite. This was a nice mix of chocolate and peanut butter which is a win-win in my book. Definitely let the mix cool before adding the finishing chips.
Sweet Pecan Chex® – By far the easiest to make. This one took less than 15 minutes and tasted like Pecan Pie!
Gingerbread Chex® – I am a gingerbread fan and this tasted just like gingerbread cookies. This one was so fragrant, my house smelled like a gingerbread house when I was done. Thumbs up, for sure!
Iced Pumpkin Chex® – This was the “hardest” to make and I say that lightly because none of these recipes are incredibly hard. I did struggle a little bit with the white chocolate drizzle but I am not the best at this.
Sugar Cookie Chex® – Hands down the house favorite. I loved this one and so did my boys. I also liked how festive it looked. It is a keeper, for sure.
I so enjoyed sampling the many different Chex® recipes and encourage you to do the same. Chex® has an entire catalogue of Chex Party Mix recipes which you can access by clicking here. Go ahead, try them for yourself!
The Chex Party Mix tasting team is headed to Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta for their final stop in a multi-state tour. If you are in the Atlanta area stop by the Lenox Square Mall and grab a little Chex® mix for yourself. In the meantime, head out to your favorite store and pick up some Chex® and try some of these recipes out for yourself. Get to mixing! xoxo
Disclaimer: The purpose of this review is to offer GGG readers an objective opinion so they can make an informed decision on these recipes and product. This review was based on quality, flavor and overall taste. GGG will always deliver an honest and unbiased opinion. Chex Party Mix provided samples for this review. Samples did not influence the result of this review.
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Linda Arceo is the Editor-in-Chief and Owner of Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps. Linda holds an M.A. in Writing and likes to create original recipes, delicious cocktails and talk about travel and culinary tourism.
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| 14,905 |
The Council approves and authorizes the issuance of one or more series of bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $46.5 million to fund the project. The bonds, which may be issued from time to time, in one or more series, shall be tax-exempt or taxable as the Mayor shall determine and shall be payable and secured as provided in § 2-1217.33e.
The proceeds of the bonds shall be used as follows:
An amount not to exceed $35 million may be used for payment of Development Costs of the project, other than costs described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.
B
An amount not to exceed $11.5 million may be used to pay the financing costs incurred by the District or the Development Sponsor and to fund capitalized interest and required reserves.
Historical and Statutory
Legislative History of Laws For Law 17-278, see notes following § 2-1217.33a. DC CODE § 2-1217.33d Current through December 11, 2012
| 920 |
A few months ago I came up my list of rules for playdates for KIDS. Many of you asked me for rules for playdates for MOMS. These are the rules I came up with.
Keep in mind, these are rules for the moms on the periphery of my children's social scene. There are many moms who I am close to and whose children play with mine very often (I'm looking at you Sandy, Sherry, Mary, Jamie, Misty, etc.). We don't need rules, because we're all normal with one another. I do not want these mothers to think these rules are for them, because they are not.
1. Be on time. For drop off and/or pick up. If you're late for drop off, my kid is anxious and he's worried your kid might not be coming. He's excited and ready to play and he's driving me crazy with "When will Xavier be here??" I don't know, sweetie, Xavier's asshat mommy never called to say she was running late. That being said, if you're going to be late for either drop off or pick up, I'd prefer drop off. Most of the time, a couple hours is perfect and I don't need Xavier hanging around for four hours wondering what's for dinner.
2. Don't take away the playdate as a punishment for bad behavior. My kid is looking forward to playing with your kid and the last thing I need is for you to call me to cancel 20 minutes before I'm supposed to drop my kid off. I'm sorry your kid was a twat and I commend you for having consequences, but don't upset my kid. Figure out another punishment.
3. When you are the hostess - provide a kid-friendly snack. It doesn't need to be Doritos, but my kids will never belly up to the table for slices of avocado and cups of soy milk. How about an apple and a glass of water? I used to belong to a playgroup with a leader who had quite the opinion about snacks. She felt like no one should have a snack and the rest of us felt like there should definitely be snacks. This was back when we all had toddlers. We expected the hostess (we all took a turn hosting) to provide a kid-friendly snack AND a mom-friendly snack (no, not booze, but I don't think anyone would have turned down a mimosa had it been offered). After this woman took charge and banned snacks, the attendance of the playgroups plummeted. Coincidence? I don't think so.
4. If you're not the hostess - leave your snack at home. Unless your kid has a life threatening allergy, do not insult me by sending a "healthy" snack with your kid. I am not an idiot. I'm not going to serve your kid Cocoa Puffs, Mountain Dew and Fun Dip. I might give them a treat, but isn't that what playdates are about? It's a special occasion and sometimes it's fun to splurge a little. Maybe have a Popsicle on a hot day or warm homemade cookies on a cold one? (Ha! Who am I fooling? I've never made homemade cookies, but sometimes I think about making them during a playdate.) Don't be so uptight. It's one afternoon.
5. If you are the hostess - have a plan. My kids are 5 and 7 now and pretty much entertain their friends when they're over. However, within an hour I will most certainly hear: "I'm bored." or "So and so is being bossy and won't play what I want to play." Have a few ideas that you can bust out if it gets tense or else all hell is going to break loose. Hint: No one ever says "Nah" to a water gun battle - remember, just not in the house.
6. Tell me if my kid was an asshole at your house. I don't live in a bubble. I know that my kids can be bratty. Don't hide it from me. Please tell me so I can deal with them. I'm not going to get mad at you unless you tell me some bullshit like: "Percy was a complete angel, he was just working on his multiplication tables and writing a letter to the impoverished family we've adopted in Guatemala when Gomer came out of nowhere and hit him in the head with a Nerf sword. Poor Percy, I've never seen him cry like that. It just broke his heart to have his friend treat him so badly." My guess is if Percy really got whacked over the head with a Nerf sword, he whacked Gomer in the 'nads first. Now, if it was Adolpha I heard this about...I'm just not sure. She might have sneaked up on her letter-writing friend and ambushed her. You never can tell with that girl.
7. Turn off the TV. A few video games is OK and can be fun on a playdate, but don't let the kids sit there and veg out watching "My Little Pony."
8. Be the adult. I realize you want the playdate to be fun, but I'll tell you what I tell my kids: make good choices. If the kids ask to build a fort, you should say "Yes." If they ask to use power tools to build the fort, you should say "No."
9. When I come to pick up my kid, please know that it isn't adorable when your kid tries to invite herself to my house - for later that same day. Am I the only one this happens to? Our kids have just spent 2 hours together having a great time. I arrive to pick up my child and the hostess' kid whines, "Can I come home with you now and keep playing with Adolpha?"
The hostess stands there with a stupid smile on her face.
"No," I say. "you just had a playdate with Adolpha. We'll have you over sometime soon. I promise."
The kid won't be assuaged. She keeps it up, "Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease? Can't I come right now? Can I mom?"
The mom (still smiling stupidly) says, "Well, you don't have anything until dinner tonight at 7:30."
7:30? I put my kids to bed at 6:30.
"Yeah, tonight won't work. Sorry."
"Oh, Ginger, I'm sorry, but it looks like Adolpha's mom doesn't understands how much you enjoy playing with Adolpha."
"I love Adolpha," the kid says.
"Yes. I understand that. Just not today. Another day," I say looking at the hostess for a little back up. I am met with a vacant smile. "Get your shoes, Adolpha!"
"Hey Gingy, it's OK. I just don't think Adolpha's mom has time today."
"Maybe tomorrow?" the kid asks.
"Ohhh, good idea, Ginger. Good problem solving. What do you think, Adolpha's mom?"
Tomorrow? Are you fucking kidding me with this?
"No, not tomorrow. Adolpha has plans tomorrow. We'll call you in a couple of weeks. Get your shoes, Adolpha. Now."
The final two rules are a bit tough to follow, but try and stick with me. I am really picky and I think it's hard for some mothers to figure out what I want, but here goes.
10. Don't be an asshole when we see each other - oh and don't pretend you didn't see me and then suddenly now you see me because that's bullshit. Our kids are friends. You and I have mutual friends. You've seen me on more than one occasion now and you know my name. It won't kill you to be polite and say fucking hello. I'm not asking for dinner and a movie, I'm just looking for some fucking civility while I'm waiting for my kids to put their shoes on.
11. Don't be a phony baloney. Yeah, our kids seem to enjoy one another's company, but to be honest, you and I have nothing in common other than we both gave birth in the same year. You don't like me anymore than I like you, so let's not pretend we are BFFs at cheer camp. Just say hello, make a little small talk about how busy you are and how fast the summer/school year/Christmas break is going and let's move on.
OK, what did I forget? Let's hear your rules.
Labels: rules for moms for playdates, throat punch
Anonymous said...
Kiky said...
These are perfection!!!
Partain Family said...
Ahahahaha!!! I love this post...I don't let my kids have playdates with kids who's parents I don't like because I don't want to have to deal with them.
I am going to post these rules on my front door.
Deb said...
May I add one? If your child has allergies and the playdate or sleepover involves meals it's appropriate to send food over. However, sending your kid with a box of pasta is inconsiderate on so many levels. Especially if he's allergic to everything I have on hand that goes on said pasta and he's going to insist on french fries anyway. If your kid is high maintenance when it comes to meals and snacks, prepare them ahead of time. I don't mind revving up the microwave. Just don't send over a box of pasta, with no instruction or assistance, and think I'll be happy to play short order cook for the evening.
Sorry. I got a bit ranty.
Anonymous said...
Love it all with the exception of #2. Sorry that your kid is looking forward to hanging out with my kid. But, if my kid decides to be a little jerkface, his fun is O-V-E-R.
Amy Jo said...
To go along with #9, I've learned to always pick my children up from the friend's house. Nothing like my daughter coming in with her friend & the mom speeding away from the house. I don't even know if the mother stopped the car or just hit 5 mph & made them tuck & roll. Apparently, mom had a date that night & decided I could watch her child. Not one of the girl's family members would answer the phone and the mom showed up at 6 pm the following night.
I have another rule: if I am picking up your kid at 12:30 or 1:00, please do not expect me to feed them lunch! Last week I let each of my older kids have a play date at the same time, picked the kids up and NEITHER had eaten lunch!
Oh wait one more: if you are not planning to bring my child home at a reasonable hour, please do feed her SOMETHING! I'm not that picky, but my kids eat dinner between 5 and 6, I realize not everyone does but, if you bring her home at 8, I do expect that she would have eaten. Something.all.day.
Julie said...
I'm just so thankful that at ages 7 and 10 the parents of my kids' best friends are all people I love to hang out with!
Anonymous said...
Can we add just drop off and leave? I am not here to entertain mom, the desperate housewife, I have shit to do. I invited your kid to keep my kid busy so I can get my shit done. I have NO desire to sit and chat because we are like #11. Enjoy your 3 hours off, leave me the fuck alone, and don't be late. Oh...and thanks so much for the microwave popcorn that is now all over my fucking house and in my couch cushions. How fricken thoughtful!
Anonymous said...
That is ridiculous!!
Eva said...
#10 resonates in my small town! What snobs! I thought it was me~ I am so glad I found you, I feel like there is a voice of reason out there. A funny voice! My kids are now 11 and 13 and your blogs sometimes bring back fond memories
Anonymous said...
#12 Unless your kid is still in diapers, playdates involve dropping one kid off at the other kid's house. I am more than happy to have your kid for the afternoon. Or to let you have mine. But I have no desire to spend 2+ hours having a playdate with YOU. I'm sure you are lovely, but I have laundry to do and dinner to make, and I really dont have the desire to make my house "mommy playdate" clean.
Anonymous said...
I would like to add, Please introduce yourself if this is the first time your child is coming over. I had a girl come over to play with my 10 year old and her mother didn't even get out of the car. Really? Wow.
Anonymous said...
How about this: Just because you have two kids, doesn't mean I want them both to come over. We invited one and I don't care if it hurts the other one's feelings if it's not invited too.
Anonymous said...
Don't circumvent my husband or I and go to my sitter to arrange a playdate between our kids because you claim you can't get a hold of me??? And then don't get mad because I called you out on it. You need to reach out to the parent, not the sitter. And then don't stalk my sitter on her cell phone trying to get her to meet you behind my back, she works for me!
TheJerseyShoreMom said...
OMG the video game / tv time is such a big one with me. I'd arrange playdates by where I knew they'd be sitting around playing video games the whole time vs. the friends that I knew would want to / be told to go outside once in a while.
#2 doesn't bother me. it's teaches both kids consequences and shows me that the parents don't just give into their kids because someone else is around. I like parents with backbones.
The food ones cracks me up. My son had a playdate before afternoon Kindergarten and the friend was a picky eater. She had to eat before school so we had to run down the list of food I had before we found something she liked to eat!
Rosie said...
OMG #9 is so true! Just wait until they're 10 & 12 years old. You can battle with these a**hole parents about violent/scary/sexy movies, staying up all night, gallons of caffeinated soda, unrestricted internet access, hours in the sun without sunscreen... Yes, my kids should know better but sheesh. I've come to hate sending to or hosting playdates.
Moms need to LEAVE. Just because I invite your kid over does not mean I want to entertain you for a few hours as well. If you don't trust me to watch your kid for a few hours, don't accept the play date. I have play dates so my kid is entertained and I can get some things done.
Robbie said...
Can I add just because your kid has been sitting by the window all day waiting me to get off work so they can play with my kid. Do not send your kid to ambush me in my drive way the minute I get home and ask can they play for a couple of hours. Yes, I know you are probably sick of your kid, but after spending 8 hours at work I don't want to be bothered with your little angel either.
Robbie said...
AMEN! My 9yr old daughter plays with your 8 yr old daughter. Do not send your 4 yr old destructive son to my house because he wants to come with Sissy. I will send them both back.
Anonymous said...
seriously!!! drop and run, bitches!!!!
Anonymous said...
I get what your saying but be careful with labeling a kid "high maintenance" because of a medical issue that could kill them. That makes you an asshat.
Anonymous said...
Oh dear God, NAILED IT. No, you are NOT the only one. When the play date is over, it's OVER. We are done. Don't ask for a sleep over. Don't ask to come home with me. I am so crazy about the pick up process, that I stack all the kids' stuff by my front door and if the mom is coming by at 4 to retrieve her kid, I make sure shoes are ON and TIED by 3:55, and then we hang out near the door. And OMG, the mom who sends baby carrots? I have carrots, bitch. Don't insult me. I'm totally giving that kid Pop-Rocks in a 5 Hour Energy Drink with a side of Flaming Hot Cheetos.
Anonymous said...
Don't accept the play date invitation if you have no intention of EVER reciprocating. If your kid doesn't like my kid, don't accept the invite in the first place. I don't like being used, and it makes my kid sad when he is never invited. Leaves me wondering if anyone likes him at all, even though the kids seem to like him when in my house. WTF.
Anonymous said...
I love all of these. Sorry - I have to be anonymous. Too many people who will also see this have had playdates with my kid and are notorious offenders of most of these rules. WTF?
And for those who debate #2? Seriously? How inconsiderate are you? Have a backbone and, as Jen said, figure out another punishment.
I'd like to add yet another rule:
FUCKING RECIPROCATE. No, it doesn't have to be a precise "We host today, you host next week" keeping score kind of thing. But if you work full time and I host your kid at least once a week after school, maybe a sleepover on the weekend at OUR HOUSE, because our kids are BFF's... maybe invite our kid over to yours on a weekend afternoon for a couple of hours?
If that is impossible, float us a gift certificate to go out to a family dinner, just us. Something.
We SAHM's are not your makeshift daycare providers.
Anonymous said...
I agree. Agree. Agree.
Can we add that, if the mom's HAVE to be present at the play date, the hostess provide coffee or some other caffeinated beverage? Booze would be nice, but something to keep me awake and engaged would be very much appreciated.
Anonymous said...
I took so long to do my comment (below), you beat me to it. YES!
Anonymous said...
When my hubs and I bought our house in a kid-friendly neighborhood I had dreams (dillusions) that our house would be the one all the kids hung out at... it would be the fun house of the neighborhood.
Then I realized the kids that kept showing up were little assholes.
In our neighborhood, the kids all "yard bounce". They start at one house, decide to go play at another, etc. And I'm fine when it's my turn for my yard to become overrun with the NEIGHBORHOOD kids... kids that I know, and know their parents. But if your kid is having a playdate, keep her and her little friend at home.
We have a ghetto pool, one of those Walmart metal frame things, and we had it up before the end of May this year. But, it is 4 feet deep. Our neighbor down the street also has one. They have not put their's up yet. A couple weeks ago, their daughter shows up with the friend she was having a playdate with... both in their bathing suits, carrying towels, and pool noodles. Um, excuse me? Knowing that your pool is not up yet, and water fights have never happened in YOUR yard, why the hell would you tell the parents of your daughter's friend to bring her bathing suit? Oh, and I'd like to add, both kids showed up bone dry, so it's not like they were playing some sort of water game at her house and decided to pop by and see what my kids were up to. No, these two little brats planned it.
So yeah, keep your kid and her playdate at your house. I have no problem watching your kid when the game of the day moves to my yard, just like you have no problem watching mine. But do NOT make me responsible for some stranger's kid.
My kid has an allergy that can kill them. I would never send a box of pasta with no instructions. That is just stupid and deserves a punch. There should be clear instructions or food sent to take the pressure off of the parents. Kids understand that the other kid has allergies and might eat something different. It is hard to deal with these issues, I know it, so I want to take the food pressure off of those gracious enough to have my kid over. I'm not saying you are dumb by sending food, I'm saying it took me 12 years to get to the point I am now with his food, it's hard to figure out right away.
Anonymous said...
Might I add that if you are going to have your slutty babysitter (who likes to smoke at the playground and we have all seen her do it) watch my child during the playdate INFORM me first. I do not think her and her daisy dukes are appropriate for my child to be around. I do not want to show up and have her answer the door because then I might be forced to break Rule #2 (the only time I would break it). Then forcing me to go spoil my child for the day to make up for their own heatbreak bc Suzy's mom is an asshat who has a slutty babysitter.
Beth said...
I agree! I have a a friend who's kids all have special needs when eating, thankfully I love her to death and don't mind working around her kids' needs, but if you just sent a box of uncooked pasta without more info, and I didn't know you that well....I might lose my shit. @Anonymous, I don't think Deb is an asshat for calling a kid with allergies High maintnance, they are high maintnance, you always have to be alert for them and know what's going on, and for someone who's kids aren't allergic to anything, it can be daunting. If the parent drops off without instructions, she's allowed to be mad. Guessing from your reply, you either have or work closely with kids with allergies and you sound like you are the rare super responsible parent, that wouldn't ever drop your kid off with a box of uncooked pasta and no instructions.
How about this one? Just because we invited one child does NOT mean little sister gets to tag along (unless stated in the invitation. In first grade a boy was invited to my sons party (it was held at a fun, kids museum, all hands on stuff they were making slime etc) and a parent I didn't know, dropped off and I realized he left his 3 year old with me. Didn't leave his phone number on the list and besides watching all of the 1st grade boys I had to watch a 3 year old in a public place. I was sure he had dumped them permanently :) He did show up at the end to claim (both of his kids) when he later invited my kid to his house I declined as I thought if he was irresponsibe enough to leave his 3 year old with a stranger in a public place I wasn't trusting him with my kid at his house.
Athea Core Photography said...
Lol I wish there was a "Like" button for this comment!
Unknown said...
Another rule - please tell me if you plan to take the kids out for ice-cream or go-karting. I once went to fetch my kid at a party only to find no body there . Was in a flat panic . They arrived back an hour later. Thought my son had been kidnapped.
Anonymous said...
Totally agree! Cancelling a playdate is the worst punishment for my kid, and I'll do it. Of course it punishes me and the friend, but my kids take me seriously once I cancel their fun time. Sorry, friend. :(
Anonymous said...
Yep...gotta say, as a mom of a kid with a life threatening allergy, it is a high anxiety event to send my son to anyone's house. It's not being 'high maintenance' - it's being 'here's something that I have provided for you to feed my kid so you don't kill him.' Frankly, maybe you shouldn't have that kid over anymore if it's too much trouble for you to safeguard his health by putting a pot on to boil.
Anonymous said...
I have to ask though, why does the food allergy need to be life threatening? My son has gluten intolerance and gets sick, cranky, sleepy, and breaks out in a rash, but he's not going to need to go to the hospital from exposure to wheat. If you give him wheat are you going to deal with his tired, cranky, itchy butt for the next two days? This is why we don't have many play-dates, way too much hassle all the way around.
spymay said...
Addendums:
*Do not tell me that your kid is fully potty trained if they really aren't because inevitably they'll take a shit in their pants while they are at my house.There you are with a stinky kid and no diapers in the house because your kid is fully potty trained.
*If your kid is coming over to my house,make sure I can get ahold of you in case an emergency happens...like your kid just shit his pants or breaks a bone or something.
*Don't expect me to host all of the play dates/sleepovers.Just because I'm a stay at home mom and I don't homeschool, it doesn't mean that I don't need a few hours or the night off.
*Be respectful of my time.Don't call me five minutes after you are supposed to pick up your kid to say you're going to run get a prescription and not show up for another hour because you decided to tan too.
*When you pull this kind of shit on me, don't act surprised because I call you out on it when you pick up your kid.And I also suggest that you not try to get the other moms at church to take your side either because I will call you out.on.your. shit.in.front.of the.church.
Anonymous said...
B...you know what looking back on this is was my first defensive response. I have a child with life threantening nut allergues and would never send her over without specific instructions. It makes me sad when ,y kid gets lumped into "problems on playdates" because already feels different. My thing is this...if you invite my child over, and in the back of your head you are thinking "when is this child leaving they are so high maintanence" then dont inte her over. Because I dont want her around you anyway. But I agree that instructions should always be given.
Anonymous said...
this and I feel awful doing it and use it as a last result. But if my child isn't listening, isn't responding well to time out, playdates, birthday parties and anything else fun are out of the question
Anonymous said...
adolpha?!? I hope that was just you're attempt at being funny - and i'm not even thinking about the connection to that hitler fellow - its just a bad name for a girl- or even a boy but at least (If you're german anyway)its acceptable...
Anonymous said...
I'm with you regarding every one except #2. I have cancelled playdates because of my daughter's behavior and will do so if the need arises. Sometimes, you have to respond with the punishment immediately to get the point across. So sorry to disappoint the other child, but they both will get over it.
spymay said...
Absolutely!! We have an above ground pool in our back yard too and we used to have kids just show up to see if they can swim.And then have the nerve to ask 'Why not?' when I say No.Um, because I don't know you or your parents and my kids don't even know who you are.
Anonymous said...
Gomer and Adolpha are not her children's real names. No worries.
Sarah S. said...
I wish this list of rules had been around 4 years ago for my first experiences!
The first playdate I arranged and hosted, I expected the kid to just be dropped off, but the mother hung around for the WHOLE playdate and even went into my daughter's room and played with the kids for a bit. This lead me to believe that was the norm, and so the first time my daughter was invited to another friend's house, I awkwardly hung around wanting to die. Thankfully the mother finally said, "Why don't you go enjoy yourself and come back in a couple of hours for pick up?" FREEDOM!
Another time, a little friend's dad was in a bind while his wife (whom I adore) was out of town, so I agreed to have the friend over for a few hours each day over the weekend. The first night, there was no typical dad-authority for the kid to get his shit and leave, just some "Hey buddy, don't think you think it's time we go? Alright, why don't you finish this level in the game and then we can go?" This went on for 45 fucking minutes. The next night, the dad tells me the kid will be at my house an extra hour so he can cook dinner and then come pick him up. Um, yeah, I have to fucking feed my kid too and that involves me cooking. Even after I said something, he refused to pick his kid up at the previously agreed upon time. I only have that kid over now if his mom is in town.
Becky said...
Especially to Number 10. I have had to deal with that with one mom who's kid is friends with mine and it bugs the living shit out of me. WTF?
Anonymous said...
hee hee - shit and church in the same sentence.
Anonymous said...
hahaha, #6 reminds me of my daughter when she was little. Her brother was the "good one", one who would never get in trouble, she on the other hand would definately sneak up on someone to "ambush" them
Anonymous said...
those are not her children's real names, but if they were, I believe this comment would be somewhat offensive...
Anonymous said...
If my child is going to your house for a playdate, I expect them to be at your house for said playdate.
One time, my spouse went to pick up my daughter from her friend's house at the time we had said we would pick her up. Nobody was home! I called the mother and she said, "Oh, we're having lunch" and mentioned the restaurant, one I had never heard of. I googled it and it was 40 miles away!!! Iwas LIVID! You do.not.take.someone's.child.without.asking!!!!
My little one was not even 4 years old yet and I didn't allow her to drive with anyone! The only reason she had a playdate without me was because our girls are very close and live directly across the street otherwise I would not have let her go so young. I don't know HOW any normal person would possibly think this is ok!
B, I would agree with you. I absolutely don't mind having kids over with food allergies BUT if you tell me your kid can't have wheat, dairy and soy and "oh yeah, no more fruit today because it will cause diarrhea" (WTF, will he eat carrots?) you need to send something they can eat. And if you send that box of pasta please leave me a list of things your child can and WILL eat with it. I offer my children complete meals. Pasta by itself isn't a meal and you can't assume I have what your child needs diet wise. Or better yet, I can be accommodating, tell me ahead of time and I will make sure I have something planned they can eat. I will agree as well that there have been times that I go to the extra effort to prepare what said child can eat and they will only eat french fries. But that goes for kids without allergies as well... I don't think poorly of kids with allergies but sometimes it is the parents that make it more high maintenance than necessary by not providing enough heads up or info. After the 10th visit I'm sure we've figured some things out, but on the first time, help another mom out!
Anonymous said...
If I am hosting your child, they are the guest and will be treated as such. I make my kids consider what movie their guest would like to watch, what games they'd like to play. Not making the guest the boss, but being polite and playing fair, taking turns etc.
It makes me seethe when my kid has playdate and the Mom allows her kid to "rule the show" because it's their house. My son has actually been told by the host Mom that her son gets to choose the activities because it's his playdate at his house with his toys.
Marvelous Mo' and Me said...
Too freakin' much! You are glorious... thanks for the read!
Mrs. Edwards said...
I have the opposite problem. I go to pick my kid up, and she starts begging for the friend to come over to continue playing. Really? I heard y'all arguing when I stepped on the porch. Why would I bring that home with me? The purpose of the playdate was to have little Chairati's mom deal with your crazy for a change! Don't throw me under the bus like that, or I will take away half-Christmas!!
I'd have your kid over, just let me know what he CAN eat. I know a mom who sends over bean sprouts, tofu and carrots sticks for her son (to my friend's house) but the kid would never eat it and she asked her neighbor why he wasn't eating it and the mom replies "oh, we can only get him to eat corn dogs and fries" Why would you do that to another mom?. I think it has more to do with being realistic. But I wouldn't mind at all.
*On that note, if your child has an allergy life threatening or not, please tell me what reaction they might have so I can watch for it. I won't serve them something they shouldn't have but if the kids raid the pantry while I'm using the bathroom, I just want to know if I have to give a lecture to the kids or call 911.
Anonymous said...
OMG this was hilarious--and true! and you ladies responding are friggin' funny, too! (tuck and roll. LOL)
Anonymous said...
Agree wholeheartedly! Sometimes bad behavior requires use of the big guns...and there's little that's more effective than taking away a playdate or sleepover. Frankly, if the kid misbehaved to the extent that his mom wanted to take away his playdate, would you really WANT him over at your house? And wouldn't that mom be one of those over-indulgent, pushover moms you love to criticize? Teach your kid how to deal with disappointment and get the hell over it.
Amen!! We have a neighborhood kid just like this. Can I get my shoes off first before your kid rings my doorbell? Good grief!
Anonymous said...
One day I had a kid, about 7 yrs old, come up from the basement and ask me for a drink. He was in the house, but I had never seen him before in my life. He was a friend of a neighbor and heard we had cool toys. Came in the back basement door. WTF.
Jessica said...
This is amusing. Did anyone actually read B's comment? Parents need to give instructions to other parents if their children have food allergies, especially if they're life threatening. Y'all are saying the SAME thing. Guess satire doesn't translate well for everyone.
Jessica said...
Um, WOW. I definitely would have taken some drastic measures, there... that's TERRIBLE!
Okay, so does it make me a Nard to ask what kind of playdate it is? My son is almost 6 and up to this point we've only done playdates with my friends with kids, so of course we hang out and chat but sometimes I don't know if the friendly mom was hoping to make a new friend AND occupy her child or just wanting to keep Johny busy for a couple hours. Is it incredibly socially awkward to ask? And how can I politely say just drop and go? I'm sure it is silly for me to ask this, but a lot of people seem to have an opinion about drop and go, but it is possible that the mom just didn't know what you wanted out of the playdate? I would totally be that mom the first time.
Anonymous said...
Are you KIDDING me with this??? Where do these people come from??
Anonymous said...
My kids are 10, 10, and 12. Thank goodness they have reached the ages where they are pretty much self sufficient. I came to the conclusion a few years ago that I just really don't like other people's children. Parents you like,... parents you don't like,... it doesn't matter. Dealing with other people's kids is a pain in the ass. I hate other people's kids.
regarding the continuing to ask for child to come over, whichever child it is....MY mother's rule when I was a child was "if you ask me to do anything with another child in front of them and/or their parents the rule is automatically NO. You ask if private if you would like any chance of it happening". it was a good rule, no one was ever put on the spot then and the expectations were clear!
You ask "in" private
Jessica said...
Anonymous said...
That's a good one!
My mom always said any activity involving three girls was bad. It always ended up two against one. I actually remember that... and she was right.
Anonymous said...
What is the deal with "playdates"? What happened to kids playing with other random kids in the neighborhood or entertaining themselves at home? Kids are busy enough without parents orchestrating their social life. I try to avoid playdates like the plague. All that stuff you write about is so true. I attended a playdate once where the hosting mother wanted all the moms there to play dress up while the kids played. It was horrific!
SanH said...
In my book: Rule # 585 Don’t punish your kids during a playdate.
I recall a time while the mom put his son in a time-out in my hallway and he screamed bloody murder for about 5 minutes while my son and I looked horrified.
Let's just say that was the last time they were invited to our house.
Anonymous said...
Way to be a judgemental bitch. No one's forcing you to spoil your child just because you don't like the babysitter's outfit. I certainly hope your teaching your kids to value people's appearances more than their personalities or their circumstances. I've been the one in the daisy dukes before, and I'm not a babysitter; I just don't like wearing pants when it's 107 degrees with a 96% humidity level. Fucking sue me, I wouldn't want my kids exposed to an attitude like yours anyways...which I'm sure by now has rubbed off on your precious offspring.
Would I appreciate knowing who exactly is going to be watching my kid while he's at someone's house? Yes, whether it be the mom, dad, older brother, or babysitter. Yes, because that's common courtesy. But I have no right to be an asshat to or about someone that I don't even know.
Anonymous said...
How about teaching your kid some damn manners. I pay too much money for my kids lego sets for them to end up in your sons pocket because he "needs that minifigure" this happened more than once. So if your kid has sticky fingers give him a pat down before you leave my house. Also...parents --personal space! Neither I nor my kid want to be climbed on and touched. Say what you you need..."hugs are for mommy" "only sit on mommy's lap" I really feel awkward having any 7 year old sitting on my lap. Especially yours!!!!!
I'd like to add, no ambush playdates either. My son has a classmate who lives down the street from us. He is a child that I would euphemistically refer to as "spirited" in front of other moms just to be polite. He has problems making friends because he is a little asshole while mom and dad offer no discipline and instead smile with delight at his punkass antics which they are sure are a sign of his vast intelligence. I would get home from work, after a long day of dealing with other people's kids, to find mom and child waiting at my front door. Mom was hoping her little demon seed and my son could be friends. My son is a little frightened of this kid. I am too, truth be told. Mom would invite herself in with the kid and make herself comfortable on my couch wanting to idly chat for an hour or more. Unlike her, I work and can't afford a maid. Therefore, my house is not company ready at all times. So there I would be fretting about whether the cat box smells or if the layer of dust on the coffee table is noticeable, while this woman I barely know would blather on about her tennis lessons, how she wants "Damien" tested for the gifted program, and lamenting how difficult it is for him to make friends. No shit. I saw the kid purposely take grapes from his school lunch today, bounce them off the filthy floor and then proudly eat them. Yeah, he's a fucking genius. The child would terrorize our cat and dog while here. I would attempt to intervene, unsuccessfully, while mom sat and placidly smiled. Now I know why she chose the ambush method of playdates instead of arranging one ahead of time. If given the chance to decline I would have. NO DROP IN PLAYDATES! I can't stress it enough.
Anonymous said...
Or the "I have stuff to do so go to their house" doorbell ring. Because, evidently, I don't need to get things done, and your nearly 7 and 2 year olds need to be out of your hair. Even better when they show up RIGHT as I take my kids in to get something done. Or when the kids invite my kids to play, then say, "mom says no, can we play here?" What the what, people. ("Come here so I can give you your stuff junior...it's okay that they're here, right?" "Sure, you know I live to watch your kids!")
Anonymous said...
Too many frickin' rules. Why the hell can't kids just go run around OUTSIDE in the neighborhood until it's time to eat? Mine will because I'm not putting up with this bullshit.
Anonymous said...
Recently, the mom of a kid in my daughter's class called me to ask if her child could sleep over at my house. The kid has never even been to my house for a play date. She was invited to my child's b-day party, but never showed. That's how she got my number. I told her I had to check with my husband and would call her back which I did not. Luckily, she hasn't called back.
Anonymous said...
Like I said... yard bouncing lol.
#13 Make sure you show up for the play date!
I was scarred as a 6 year old when I spent all day looking forward to a play date and the girl didn't show up. She was supposed to arrive at 2pm (seriously, I remember staring at the clock). She lived a mile away and, at 2:40, when my dad finally called her mom, the mom said they forgot and went shopping instead.
I really think this is why I have trust issues. Seriously, you ALL forgot?? Glad I mattered so much, "friend".
When I have kids, you can bet those play dates are gonna be written on a calendar!
spymay said...
That's one of the reasons I keep the doors locked.I had a kid from down the street that would just walk in my house(he's four).I walked him home-talked to his mom and she said,"Junior,you have to knock on the door."Kid showed up again 15 minutes later,knocked once, and let himself in.
spymay said...
I don't mind people wearing shorts, but when my son is getting an "education" because her lady garden is winking at him...that's when I draw the line.
Anonymous said...
Yeowzer...I'm with all of you on this one!!! And, I've done it. A couple times. The worst was when my "angel" slapped a kid at camp...so I wouldn't let her go to one of her best friend's birthday parties...but still made her deliver the gift we bought face to face at the door!!! She cried the rest of the day. Talk about a punishment that worked WONDERS. Sorry, but kids need to learn, and taking away the one thing they love the most -playing with friends- is the perfect punishment. Couldn't care less about an "inconvenienced Mom"...I care more about teaching my child right from wrong, so next time she comes to your house she'll be well mannered and respectful...and you won't want to punch me in the throat. :)
Anonymous said...
Oooooh....I like that one. I have this problem all the time-----begging from my kid, the other kid, or BOTH!
Rose said...
If you live in a rural area like I do, the only way for the kids to get together is to organize it. We don't have any children on our block and I'm not going to let my 7 and 9 year old go traipsing to their friend's house. That said, I HATE playdates. My husband and I work full time and the last thing I want to do at 6 at night is entertain someone else's kid. My kids are dying to see their friends though so I end up being that asshat that never reciprocates. I don't use playdates as daycare. I pay enough $ for the professionals to do that. But there never seems to be a good time to have other kids over. It's an awkward situation and I dread it!!! My daughter is the constantly pulling #9 on me. I've been trying to break that habit for years.
Anonymous said...
Wow. The replies are just as hilarious as the post. I guess I'm gonna rant about the bringing younger siblings to a playdate. I understand that you can't find childcare for your youngest kid, but the solution is for you and your youngest kid to take off from my house and let the older kids play. When your youngest kid trashes my kid's toys, don't tell my son that it's a learning experience for when he gets a baby sister someday. How do you know if my youngest kid is gonna be a mini-Godzilla like your kid? I haven't invited people with younger siblings over because of two bad experiences where my son's toys got trashed.
Anonymous said...
I agree with anonymous, If You aren't going to be there, then make sure that I and every one else's parents know who will be supervising. Just because you let slutty baby sitter watch your kids doesn't mean that I want that around my kids. Short shorts in 107 degree weather isn't a problem generally. But we've all seen the ones that have more boob showing than the breastfeeding mom on the park bench and more butt showing out of the bottom of her shorts than if she had on a swim suit. Not to mention the ones that have their boyfriend "helping to watch the kids" Yeah... I'm not leaving my 7 year old daughter there for sex education. Although I'm not going to go spoil my kids so their heart doesn't break, I'd just explain that some things are inappropriate and little Suzy's mom should have been more forthcoming about the situation. Most likely though, she wouldn't go back to Suzy's again.
Becky said...
Make sure your gluttonous kid has some manners. I don't want to hear her say: "I want a snack." Or when they've had a snack, demand, "I want some more." Please, teach your kid to say "please" puh leez! Otherwise, maybe I'll get annoyed with her rudeness and say that we're fresh out.
Also, when your kid comes over to my house to play, I don't want to continually converse with your kid. I don't mind answering the odd question, but I don't need your kid asking me who I'm on the phone with or try to chat while I'm in MY bedroom folding laundry. Go play with my kid and lets respect some of those boundaries.
Also, I've found chatting and humor between a mom and a non-English speaking mom can be dicey and make for lots of awkward silences.
I too hate the playdate.
Anonymous said...
My stomach hurts from laughing so hard! My kids are still on the younger side, so all of our playdates are the mama included ones (hence my anonymous post.) We have the kid with Sensory Integration Disorder who loves to hit and body slam, the prima donna princess who can do no wrong and the out of control demon seed. Two other moms have kids that are a little more "normal" which eases the pain that is the 2 hour weekly gab fest. I am the anti- morning snack parent, but when I host, I am glad to have some fruit for the kids and moms. If you want something other than water, BYOB.
Anonymous said...
But Gomer sounded "normal" to you?
Totally agree! I'm sorry if punishing my kid ruins your kid's day, but that's the way it's going to be. We have left in the middle of play dates (due to my child misbehaving) and have also been asked to leave (due to the other child misbehaving). It's just one of the many disappointments kids will have to learn to deal with!
Anonymous said...
Can I tell you how much it pisses me off when my stay at home mom friend drops her kids off at MY house, for my summer babysitter to supervise, without even talking to me about it? Never mind that my house gets semi-trashed in the process.
One time I came home from work and my sitter left with my friend's kids - to drop them off on her way home. NOT ok!! And no, she doesn't offer up any compensation either. Get your own sitter!
Anonymous said...
The snack thing burns me up. We had a friend and her daughter over last week and EVERY time she comes she complains about being hungry the whole time. Her mom always says "Yeah she won't ever eat her lunch before a playdate". I gave this kid three snacks and she STILL kept on. Not once did the mom say "Enough already, you should have ate your lunch". I had to just tell her no, we were done having snacks, then I looked like an ass. At least this time she didn't help herself to my kitchen pantry, another peeve of mine.
Anonymous said...
Hell yes! And to the mom that didnt like being told her kid was an asshat (#6) -FU!
Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Amen to that! My son's best friends are his Cub Scout buddies, and we have a FANTASTIC group of parents, for which I am eternally grateful, especially after reading some of these horror stories! :-/
Anonymous said...
We have the same rule in our family. It's a good rule. Even on the phone the kids know to mute the call or tell the friend they will call them right back. And begging NEVER happens- I have overheard my child tell a friend on the phone, "Sorry, the answer is no, I can't have a skype sleepover tonight. (pause) No! (laughs) I am NOT going to beg my mom. That will just make her annoyed. Sorry."
Anonymous said...
Sorry, but I've broken rule #2 twice as a last resort. If my kid is being such a shithead that timeout, going to his room (where there are no toys), taking away beloved things, etc don't work, then you honestly don't want him at your house that day so he can continue his reign of terror. I'm sorry that your child is disappointed, believe me, I was looking forward to getting stuff done too, but honestly, I'm doing you a favor by not having to deal with him while he's acting like a punk.
Amanda said...
I agree. I have too. I really don't want you to have to put up with my evil spawn on the days when they are no longer lovely children, but seemingly the spawn of Satan himself. I truly believe I am doing you a favor, and I will reschedule, and make sure I am rescheduling at my house, to ensure that I am not putting you out. Often this rescheduling comes with a longer play-date time and an offer of looking after your other kids. I hate to break plans, because I hate having it done to me, so I often over compensate.
Anonymous said...
Here is another rule. If you are hosting the playdate and I come to pick up at 4, don't make me wait until 4:30 when everything is picked up! I'm all about picking up a mess, but you as the hostess need to get that shit sorted out at 3:30...I feel like I have to help clean up too! I don't know where the crap goes in your house...if you want the guest kid to help clean, then do it BEFORE pick up time. OK..off soapbox!
Anonymous said...
Jenni said...
I agree with you 100%!! Holy crap, that aggravates the crap out of me.
Cabin77 said...
Oh . . . I have been there. Your blog makes me laugh. Thank you!
Anonymous said...
what a bunch of twats with nothing to do but hyper obsess about fing play dates. Get a life and wait for my blog to drop. Ya'll need to go lose ten pounds and get a brazilan bikini wax and worry about lookin good!
Anonymous said...
Also, don't loan my daughter an inappropriate dress and heels that violate the school's dress code the night before a school function, making me be the bad guy having to tell her she can't wear it, making her feel like the dress she had chosen wasn't fancy enough.
Anonymous said...
Because not all neighborhoods have other kids in them to just yard bounce to and some kids(like mine ) that have some special needs can't do that. Therefore if they ever want to play with a friend outside of school it has to be planned.
Anonymous said...
Seriously! This should be LAW not a rule! My creepy neighbor (imagine a 7' Randy Quaid with a dumb expression and NO PEOPLE SKILLS) showed up one day, randomly, to "inform" me that since his oldest son was allowed to come over to play he was going to HAVE TO send his 4 yr old over too because "it isn't fair that his brother gets to have all the fun".
Then he proceeds to tell me that I OWE HIM because his 4 yr old ran out of his house, while his parents were sleeping and he was supposed to be entertaining himself (great parenting there douchebag), and he had gone to the other end of the street and couldn't remember where he lived or anything so the people at this house he showed up at went door to door trying to find his house. They were just about to call the police when they finally got to right house and the kid recognized their vehicle in the driveway). His dad then tells me it wouldn't have happened if he just sent both of them over to my house for a few hours. REEEALLY? I thought it was incredibly nice of me to let one of your children come over and play for a couple hours, not to mention dealing with the constant nagging about drinks and snacks from the time he gets here until the time he leaves, I didn't know this obligated me to have both kids over for as long as you want them gone. If only I had read the fine print in our co-parenting agreement. I, obviously, need to choose my neighbors more carefully when they are renting the house next door...
Kim said...
My children are in college now, but I remember doing play dates. I was the one with a child being left out. The youngest would be invited over to a friend's house, and her sister (only 12 months and 16 days older -- They were Irish twins) was ignored. The eldest wasn't a hellion, but she wasn't as popular as her younger sister. I know that being left out did hurt her. When I hosted, I always made sure that if the children were in a reasonable age group, 6 - 9 or 7 - 10, I invited all of them.
Unknown said...
Anonymous said...
Uh, NO? Sounds like they wanted free child care, fo sho!
Melissa said...
I want to like this comment too! My daughter is 10...she does not need (or want) me to walk her to your door and I am sure you daughter agrees. Drop them off, hang out in the drive until she is in the house fine. But no need to spend the next 30 min in my entryway telling me about your day.
Anonymous said...
Oh, great. Add this to the list of parenting duties I am NOT looking forward to in my one year old's future. LOL.
Anonymous said...
You're right, she's German. Everyone else loves the name, don't you?
Anonymous said...
Reading this post and all the comments reminds me of just how much I hate play dates. My boys are not old enough for drop off play dates. But sitting around with other moms and hearing about how gifted their kid is...is fucking torture. I really don't give a rat's ass if your daughter started talking at 9 months. And the mom that doesn't believe in saying "no" or any other type of negative word to her kid, I really want to punch in the throat. I don't care what you say to your kid, just get him to stop hitting all the other kids. Otherwise don't say shit when my boy hits back.
Anonymous said...
huh? what? we're twats?? Yeah, what's your blog? I've been waiting for it to "drop" while i was getting my brazilian done. Thanks for your advice about the weight lose. I really don't know what we'd all do without you!
Anonymous said...
My daughters both had friends (also sisters) who are the.rudest.girls. on the planet. At my younger one's 7th birthday, the friend actually asked for a cupcake (without a 'please'), unwrapped it, then said, "I don't like this kind, what else can I have?" The older sister was trick-or-treating with my older daughter and another friend. My husband was supervising. Brat friend went to knock on a door, husband told her not to (as the porch light was not on) and she told him "I don't have to listen to you" and marched up to the door. They don't come here anymore.
Anonymous said...
Wow, someone clearly has vagina on the brain. It's sad that you have nothing better to do than comment on a blog that will always be more popular than yours (once it eventually "drops", I mean). It must suck being so bitter.
Also, I think "getting a life" and "waiting for [your] blog to drop" are contradictory. Nobody is waiting for your blog to "drop", except maybe other vagina-obsessed hopefuls.
Maybe if you spent less time being so transparent (and ironically whining about us "twats" having nothing better to do...), you could actually put more time into getting your blog to "drop". What is with that, anyway? Is your blog a testicle? WHY ARE YOU SO FASCINATED WITH GENITALIA??
On a final note, it's "y'all". As in, a contraction of "you all". I hope that helps you in your future blog venture, as language is usually important in gaining and keeping an audience.
Anonymous said...
When kids come to my house, they are MINE. If a child asks me to continue a playdate when it's almost over, the answer is whatever I want it to be and they accept it fine because I answer them kindly and fairly. If I'm not up for it, I say "not today, maybe another time" and that's the end of it. If they try to argue, I tell them that if they continue, there will be no more playdates. If they pester me after coming home from work, I tell them not to pester me in my "mom" tone and explain that playdates need to be "pre-planned". If they want food, they choose one of two snacks and I tell them when to expect lunch. They all "get" that they will be treated like they are my own kid (including praise, hugs and special treats). They clean their messes, help me with little chores if I ask and generally treat me with respect. Because I respect them back. I tell all the parents of my kids friends that when they drop their kid with me, they are mine and will follow my rules. The parents usually get the message that THEY need to respect those rules as well.
Anonymous said...
Not indulging their playdate IS having a backbone. It's a risk you run when you have playdates. I can just see it;
"Well Timmy, you've been an absolute douchebag to me for the last 2 hours. Why don't we reward that with some fun with Billy!?!"
Get over it. Sometimes other kids (and their parents) are innocent bystanders. It's part & parcel of playdates.
Tricia said...
My children are just now about 2. You mean I have to have play dates with OTHER children?! Wasn't that the whole purpose of having twins?
Anonymous said...
Omg! I'm so glad you said that! I don't know if I'd go as far as saying I hate other people's kids but there are definitely some that are hard to tolerate. Whatever the case may be I still certainly make sure your kid doesn't poke his eye out while he's over but i'm not going to be like a second mother to him either!
And the flip side: I've cut a playdate short and taken a bratty kid home when the mom dropped her off and said, "she's been a little handful this morning, but I'm sure everything will be fine.". Nope, no way am I going to put up with someone else's kid who should be at home taking a nap or having a time out. If your kid is having a bad day, don't make my day bad, just so you can have a break.
Anonymous said...
When I come to pick my kid up from your house, the last thing that should be coming out of your mouth is "Oh, I have no idea where they are!" Ummm say what now? Look, I don't expect you to be helicopter mom, I certainly am not. If you let your kids run the neighborhood without seeing hide, nor hair of them for hours...whatever...that's your choice. However, my kid (most likely) does not know your neighborhood like your kids do, so if she gets separated from your kid she's all alone in a strange place. Not cool. I don't expect you to hover, but I do expect some level of supervision...you know, at least a general idea where my kid is at. Plus, if your kid has a friend over, and you know their parents are coming to pick them up at a certain time you need to make sure my kid is here when I come to get them.
Anonymous said...
Here's something to add to#9. Moms please don't be the one to ask in front of both kids if your child can come spend the night at my house. Also don't ask if my kid can come swimming/skating/to the movies (or anything else that costs money) and then inform me to make sure my kid brings money if you are not going to give your child any money. a few years ago my daughter got invited to go to an indoor pool. I was informed that they weren't able to pay for her to get in. no biggie I don't expect casual aquaintences to provide free entertainment for my children. It was $5 to get in, they were going in the afternoon so I sent her with a $20 so she could also buy herself lunch. I figured that would be more than enough and was even expecting change but thought that if she had extra money after paying to get in and buying lunch I wouldn't be so upset if she blew the rest on silly bands and candy (after all stuff there is horribly overpriced and a twenty isn't really gonna go all that far.) When she got home I found out the friend's mom had took the $ used it to buy her 4 kids a snack and my daughter had to share a soda and half a soft pretzle with her friend!
G said...
I'll echo the please pick up and drop off your angel on time. For that courtesy, I'll make sure their shoes are on and whatever they brought over is at the door. Fair is fair.
Unknown said...
00:12
Anonymous said...
This is so true!! I would like to be nice and make contact with the parent when dropping off my kids. But lets give eachother the wave and be done. I have been held hostage by several mom's and dad's who talk like they have been in solitary prison for the last 10 years. Find a friend~ it's not me!!! But you can't be a jerk because these are people you will know for the next several years and so you stand there and be gracious while you are slowly dying inside :)
mary said...
Thank goodness my youngest is 21. When he has friends over they share their beer.
Anonymous said...
Best comment ever! That better make it to the Weekly Wrap Up! This whole thread had me in tears but that was just THE BEST
Natalie @ NorthShore Days said...
Please don't pretend you never got my txt and or message on your home phone that I cant have both your kids for the sleepover they planned a few weeks ago. My kids had birthday parties all weekend and I called you 48 hours before the weekend to say we need to reschedule. Don't tell me that you have made plans to go our for dinner and you will not cancel them. Don't tell me what to do in my own home! Then mention on FB how small my house is!!!!!!!! Needless to say that is why you and your kids have not stepped foot in this house since..... rant over. Great post thank you for that. Seems we have the same issues here in New Zealand!
Anonymous said...
My #1 rule for this would be to stop using the word "playdate". When I was still pregnant with my daughter I even wrote on my FB page that the first mom to hit me with the word "playdate" was going to get slapped in the head. We never used this word growing up, our moms never used it and somehow we still got to play with our friends all the time. HOW DID WE GET BY????
Erika said...
Picking eating doesn't fly at my house. It doesn't fly with my kids or with anyone else's. If it's lunchtime, I'll feed you lunch, but everybody gets the same thing. Eat it. Don't eat it. I couldn't give 2 shits. The food is on the table. It's your call. That is pretty much my philosophy from day one with my kids. They won't starve themselves to death. If some kid came to a playdate looking for a short-order cook, they came to the wrong house.
Anonymous said...
And if you're the one who is supposed to be watching my kid, please do not leave them with your scuzzy 'uncle' or the weird neighbor dude (or even your 14 year old neice for that matter). I'm sure they're nice people, but I don't know them.
And if your kid is there to spend the night, please make sure they have their special toy/ night clothes/ pillow/ etc. And please keep your phone on and answer it if I call in the middle of the night (or anytime really) when you kid is screaming and wants to come home.
Anonymous said...
I would personally love it if a mom sent carrot sticks with her child. We eat *mostly an all natural, organic, non-junk food diet (bracing myself for punch). I had a mom send her kids over with a pack of honeybuns once because she didn't think her children would like any snack I offered!
Anonymous said...
I am not kidding, this just happened this summer, and sadly she lives behind me so I cannot avoid her. Amazingly ballsy!
Jenna said...
We always get beat up about our routine and how early we put our kids to bed - 7:00 pm - and they're 5 and 7. It's always nice to hear someone else puts theirs to bed at the same time or even earlier! And #9, my biggest pet peeve, mostly because of all of the whining involved. Well said!
Anonymous said...
How about - Don't barrage your child with questions about how clean our house is, how much "stuff" we have, how well decorated my house is, or any of the other shallow status things you want to know and then either post it on FB or gossip with all your other so called friends about. And, tell your kid that it is rude to make comments about such things either.
Jensational said...
2. Don't take away the playdate as a punishment for bad behavior. ~~~~ Yeah, I'm going to have to disagree with your #2 here. If my kid does something wrong and needs to be punished, you can be sure that the best deterrent from those behaviors in the future is to take away something they really, really like or really, really want. We're not raising YOUR kids, too, just ours and if we have to take away a play date, so be it. Why reward our child with a playdate if they just threw the biggest tantrum ever and smacked their sibling or one of us parents in the face? Hell NO, I'm not going to go let him play at a friend's house. Little runt can stay in his room for an hour and see how he likes that. If your kid gets upset, then explain to your kid that his friend did something really bad and is grounded. Teach your kids about cause and effect, behavior and punishment, consequences for being an little asshole, know what I'm sayin'? Besides, just tell your kid you're sorry his friend can't come over but hey, let's drive to mcd's and grab an ice cream cone and then go home and he can play in the sprinkler ( for example, of course). What's the harm in that?
Jensational said...
Ok, I just can't NOT say anything about something: To the "Just Drop Off and Leave" moms that don't want to talk to their kids' friend's mom or dad: I understand not wanting to chat for half an hour but this is one HUGE problem we face in society these days - no one knows each other anymore! Don't you want to talk to the parents just a little bit to sort of get to to know what kind of people you're dealing with? Or what kind of people will be babysitting your kid one of these days? It's very possible you just might make a really good friend, someone that you can count on and trust with your child. Whatever happened to getting to know the other parents? When I was growing up in my neighborhood, all the parents knew each other. We would come and go in each other's homes and each parent always knew each other's phone numbers just in case one of us got a wild hair and ventured off a couple blocks too far and was later than usual getting home. They always talked to each other, even if they didn't particularly like each other because us kids spent lots of time in each other's houses. You can't just ignore society so you can take care of your shit - especially when society is where your kids are. Check your ego, already. Find out what kind of people the other parents really are. The worst that can happen is you didn't get to make a couple of phone calls that day. Now THAT would just be terrible, wouldn't it?
Anonymous said...
Oh hell no! I'd call that mom up and ask her for change! Or plan another pool play date and in-her-face ask HER to pay your daughter's entrance AND buy her a full lunch! That is NOT COOL!
McBDesigns said...
I've learned to ask up front if this is a 'kids' playdate or a 'you want me to stay & have some adult conversation' playdate. Unfortunately I didn't take he hint when the mom was seemingly happily chatting with me as she worked in the kitchen that she REALLY wanted me to GOOOOO! In my family growing up the moms chatted while working in the kitchen all the time. It felt normal to me. But, it wasn't. OOPS, SORRY! And, another poster above said that when she invites a kid over she actually says, "So you can go have some time to yourself..." That seems like a polite way to say it :)
Deb said...
I apologize for the high maintenance remark and for coming off as insensitive, because that's not my intention. The last thing I want is for anyone to get severely ill, or worse, on my watch.
However, just as my remark might have been asshat-y (and I admit to said asshattery) it's equally as asstastic to send someone over with a box of pasta and no clue as to how to prepare it. Especially when the child in question is allergic to both tomatoes and dairy. It's not as easy as boiling a pot of water if the kid won't eat plain pasta and there's nothing in the house to put on the pasta that the child can eat.
My son is a pain in the butt when it comes to eating. Sometimes it's easier for me to make up something for him than to expect the host parent to scrounge around looking for whatever will satisfy him.
So again, I apologize for being so insensitive. I'm just sick of making pasta for a child who refuses to eat it.
Anonymous said...
I think I just passed out from sheer happiness at the second "anonymous" reply!!!
@ Anon July 10 10:23 am
Why don't you post your phone number? That way when other parents are deciding how to discipline their own kids, they can check first that you won't be inconvenienced.
Christ on a cracker, I really can't take these people who think they should never ever be inconvenienced ever. Every freaking time I leave my house I'm inconvenienced in some way. It's part of living in a society with other people. Sometimes you get your way and sometimes they get theirs. Grow up or move to a desert island.
And if your kid can't handle a bit of disappointment, that's on you and your shitty parenting.
Anonymous said...
Totally agree with you! Avoiding playdates is one of the major reasons I decided to have several children. I grew up in a large family and we never had playdates. If we said we were bored, we were told to either clean a room or play with your sister/brother. We played with other kids at parties or at school. That's it.
Unknown said...
I was thinking the same thing. My kids are 13 and 16 so we're way past the playdate phase anyway. But when they were little they had a few neighborhood friends and they would basically rotate around the houses depending on who had a new toy or whatever. Nothing was ever planned. Also, this may just be me but I find it a little strange to let your kid play at a person's house that you barely know. Maybe I'm too overprotective but I need to know you personally before my kid is coming in your house without me. After reading this thread I'm so glad I never had to deal with the playdate politics!
this made my day. :)
that has been my rule all along and it works well! :) Also because my kids know the answer will be no, they clue friends in and then the friends know to ask their mommies in private as well. Nothing is more irritating than being put on the spot by pint sized people.
When I was a kid I was invited over to a friend's house to spend the night. My father took me over and no one was home. We went back home. I waited on our front porch with my little overnight bag, thinking that they MUST be on their way to get me. NOPE. They totally forgot.
I am excitedly awaiting your blog. I gather that it will be full of grammar errors and poorly thought out commentary.
Mary said...
All of your rules are my rules and have been for years. Love, love them. My kid is 11 now and arranges her own play dates, although she doesn't call them that. She'll call her friend and say, "Wanna hang out?" I sill make her tell her friend to okay it with the parents and set time parameters. But I would add these things: One, kids who come over are there to play with my kid (or hang out), not play with me. I am not the mother who is going to set up a craft table. At 11 (and even at 7) they can do that themselves. Sure I'll get the supplies they can't reach, etc. but I'm not going to have a frame decorating party all set up on my dining room table. Second, the minute a kid says she is bored I tell her she can clean my house and I'll be happy to show her how to do it. I've trained my own kid and she never, ever says she's bored. She did have a friend over a few years ago, a boy, who said he was bored and actually ended up swiffing my entire house. He went home and told his mother he had the best play date ever. Go figure. But I must say you hit all the other points that drive me completely bananas. Love this post. Thanks.
PALMommy said...
Yes! Yes! YES! A thousand times yes! I too am SO sick of this. I can't count the number of times my "only" child hasn't had little friends and their idiot mom RECIPROCATE! My spouse and I also enjoy time alone and sorry we decided to only have one, but that doesn't mean the playdate is ALWAYS at MY HOUSE! So glad this annoys others.
Anonymous said...
I'm pretty sure every last one of you are taking life, internet, and blogs far too seriously. hurl.
Anonymous said...
Is this, like, a rich person's problem?
Anonymous said...
if it's agreed upon beforehand that you will by occupying my time/space. otherwise: who the fuck do you think you are?
Anonymous said...
Of course you did. Because everyone thinks their precious little Buttercup's been kidnapped.
PALMommy said...
Who are you, visiting royalty? Manners would dictate, if anyone is to provide a gift, it's YOU! Why don't YOU bring a bottle of wine or a Frappa Crappicino from Starbux to the parent hosting your spawn? Geezaloo!
PALMommy said...
I'm glad you said it too. There's other people's kids I can't stand, but mostly because of their stupid asshat parents.
PALMommy said...
See, here's the rub ... if all of us HAVE this rule, then where are these idiot children who DON'T have this rule coming from? The basement door?
fiftyfinally said...
Other people's kids, other people's pets, other people's spouces, usually dislike them all.
Anonymous said...
I don't see anything wrong with this. Not everyone eats healthfully and/or organically. I personally do, and cannot stand the thought of junkfood entering my body.
Frankly, most people prefer to eat like scumbags. If they want their children to eat like scumbags, let them! Who cares, as long as it's not implicating you/us?
Linda Roy said...
God, this is a subject that really hits me where I live. (Literally) I've got a few more. Tell your kids to KNOCK on the door instead of just barging into my house and running up the stairs. Also tell them to refrain from rifling through my refrigerator and taking out juice boxes without asking, rifling through my cupboards, pulling out every toy my kid owns and throwing half of them on over the railing onto the first floor, no going into my bedroom or my other child's bedroom, don't let my dogs out of their crate - they're in there for a reason. #9! I am SO with you on #9, as this happens to me all the time. The last time, when I suggested we grab a bite when our husbands were both not going to be home, it morphed into dinner. At my house. Which I cooked. For mom AND kids. And then mom promptly announced it was time to go. What? No dessert and coffee?? I know. Suckuh.
Linda Roy said...
I agree. Parents need to meet each other. My older son has told me he's been to his friend's house and hardly seen the parents. And when I went to pick up, the parent did not come to the door. When I asked where the parent was, the kid said they were busy. And when parents come to pick up their kids, they should come to the door and how about a "thank you" for watching their kid? I had a guy come to pick up his kid - sat in his car looking at me sitting on the porch - didn't bother to say hello or thank you. Where are the manners, people?
I can see both sides of this one. While the playdate that they have been looking forward to seems like a good thing to take away, please keep in mind that that punishment does not occur in a vacuum. I've had to tell other parents to not include my child in your child's punishment. It's not fair to either of the kids. If it continues being an issue then I have no problem telling the offending parent that there will be no more plans made.
This person is your friend? Tell her that you will call the police next time she does this. She is basically abandoning her kids. NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!! However, I have zero problems putting people in their place and most people aren't like me. Good luck!!!
Anonymous said...
Makes me glad my boys are 19 and 15. Playdates have sure changed.
Anonymous said...
You have younger kids than I do, so you haven't gotten to this rule yet. I have teens and here is my additional playdate rule... Once your child is 13, do NOT call me to make a "playdate" with my teen. Good Heavens woman! If our children want to "play" they are old enough to figure out how to call (or text or IM) each other. If they aren't calling each other at that age.. guess what? They are big girls (boys)and have decided that they don't really want to "play" together, even if you desperately want them to do so.
Cy said...
Since when is pasta not a full meal? You're being too fancy. It's one frickin' meal out of one day. Sheesh.
Anonymous said...
Nope, sorry ... not doing it. If I invite one of your children over, I do not want that child's sibling (who is not friends with my child) to come over just to make your life easier. In turn, I do even consider sending siblings over uninvited to other people's houses. Moms who try to do this make me crazy. If you other kid is having a hard time making friends, that's for him/her to work out with you. It's not my problem.
Cy said...
Totally agree with the last two moms of teens who posted. Thank god those playdate days are over. And if people are actually posting about the specifics of other people's houses and playdate behavior on fb? That is really sad.
00:34
This is off the topic of planned playdates, but I live in a neighborhood where kids spontaneously go to each others' homes, and sometimes it's not convenient. So, I made a do not disturb sign ("Sorry, we can't play!") for the front door. It works great since all the kids can read well enough to understand that.
Anonymous said...
As a "victim" of number two,I disagree.don't tell me for 2 days your kid is going to an outing with mine and get my kid excited and then email me an HOUR before we leave saying so and so did not clean their room so they cannot go.thats not my problem or my kids.
Anonymous said...
The only other kid on our street is not only obnoxious,and 3 yrs older than my kid,but never invited my child to her house.Just always wanted to come here,even though she had a pool and other stuff that we did not.I nipped it in the bud when I realized she was only hanging with my child when her older friends rejected her for being so mean.
Anonymous said...
I have one for you. Last week I invited a kid over for my 10-year-old son. I was very specific in my email: "Can Daniel come and play"? The mom came to drop him off at 1:30 p.m. and promptly invited herself in with the younger sibling! To make things worse, this mom is chatty Cathy on steroids and other than sending our kids to the same school, we have little in common. Do you know what time she left? 8 PM!!!!! And this only because I threw a gazillion hints about how late it was getting, and how I had to prepare dinner and still needed to go to the market... un-freakin-believable! I had so many things I wanted to do during the playdated and all my plans went up in smoke. So my rule is: I invited your kid for a playdate, NOT YOU. So don't stay unless I invite you.
I've been the sitter on a playdate. Even though I'd BE THERE, I made sure the kiddo knew that I had to ask her parents before I could say yes. I am not her parent. There are very few times where I will do ANYTHING without telling her parents where we will be. (Exceptions being something like stopping at the library on the walk home or spontaneously going for a treat if she needs some cheering up.)
Anonymous said...
You've also never lived anywhere where it's -30*C or colder in the winter... And winter is October-March.
Anonymous said...
The kid I baby-sit has a friend who calls it "having a play" which is the cutest thing ever. She's a sweetie.
Who pissed in your cornflakes? While jumping straight to kidnapping is a little extreme (though considering the blog we're all reading, she may have been being sarcastic) it's just insane to take someones child without clearing it with the parents first. Everyone should know where their kids are at all times, no matter who they're with.
It's been a long time since we had playdates, but this was a huge pet peeve of mine. It goes double for birthday parties. We used to invite all these kids to pool parties, the zoo, whatever we could come up with, and the reciprocal invites were very few and far between. I didn't expect a birthday party invite per se--that can get out of hand if the party gets too big--but would a playdate have been impossible?
JCSPA said...
That happens all the time! I get out if I have never met my 15 yr old's friends parents. Its just plain common sense.
Anonymous said...
When kids are tiny and we are both stay-at-home moms, and it's agreed that every child is accompanied by an adult on a play date, please don't hire a babysitter and send her over with the kid.
Baby play dates for SAHMS are as much, or more, about moms meeting new friends than they are about the kids playing together. I am not here to entertain your babysitter while you take a nap!
Michelle said...
LOVE! LOVE! Your rules! I have these issues too! Also would like to add, do not send you kids over (neighbor kids, aged 6&8)to my house for hours on end multiple times per week with out so much as calling or coming over to check that it's ok and without any reciprocation!I am talking 12 hours sometimes, and it seems you are assuming we are feeding them meals. I should not have to ask if my kids can come over to your house this time! It's common courtesy! Also these kids told us how there mom said our house was filthy! We are constantly having these kids show up even on holidays and st family gatherings! We had them show up at my don's b'day party we were having in the backyard uninvited also!The kids are constantly saying that there mom doesn't like having people over because the house will get messed up. Also we have been told how she liked to relax and nap all the time. We gave been feeling resentful and used for a couple of years now! So selfish! Believe it or not, other people like to relax too. We hardly ever get a Chance to relax between the kids, our jobs, housework and entertaining extra kids all the time!! Sorry I am definitely venting right now. This id a very sensitive subject for me!!Also did I mention we have received no acknowledgement, thank you'd or any form of appreciation! Life just goes on like nothing ever happened and the millions of hours we have spent entertaining, cooking ,extra food and cleaning extra messes us never mentioned by these parents! Anyone out there dealt with anything like this Advice is appreciated! Please!
Michelle said...
Omg! I totally agree with you! I have had this happen so many times and it is so rude!
That Girl said...
As a former nanny, this happened on my end SO many times. Do you know a)how awkward it is for US to sit there and make conversations with the "visiting mom" and B)there's always that "our rules vs your rules" situation. I also had moms invite other kids over SANS mom, and would literally show up after school with another kid with no warning for me whatsoever. Please do not presume that your nanny or sitter is going to gladly now be responsible for and wiling to provide the above list for another kid, free of charge and discussion. Also, if it has been pre-arranged and it is your house and nanny/sitter that the child is coming to visit, you NEED to tell the parents "oh, by the way, I'm sounding all Mother of the Year and setting this great playdate up and promising projects and cookie baking but really it will be my sitter here with the girls, k?" This allows the parent to opt out or to offer the playdate at their house if they aren't comfortable with a 19 year old watching five hyperactive 4 year olds. Or whatever the case may be.
Lizzie said...
Saw some comments mentioning sitters so made me think of a rule. DON'T INVITE OTHER KIDS OVER FOR WHEN YOU HAVE A SITTER! I've had this happen to me a few times, I show up and the parents are like "Oh, their friends are going to be over until 5, is that okay?" What am I supposed to say? And it always seems like it's the demon spawns from hell that are over, and of course the demon spawns from hell make the normally well behaved kids that I originally agreed to babysit turn into demon spawns from hell, not just while the friends are there, but for the rest of the evening.
Lizzie said...
I think it's inconsiderate of Suzy's mom to plan a play date when Suzy has a babysitter in the first place whether the babysitter is dressed appropriately or not.
Rule 2 is terrible! I def cancel play-dates if that punishment fits the crime. Not only is it a great idea its very effective! Life is full of disappointments and not everything is about "your child happiness." I am glad that your child is disappointed. That is an unintended benefit because now your child is more likely to respect my house rules and I will never have to repeat myself when I ask them to stop running up and down the halls and/or not shriek. Not only that but now I also have your child as an ambassador advising my child to behave so that he/she can play over during the coming weekend. Peer pressure is a powerful tool.
Mrs. Sol said...
Ha! Love the list! Excellent rules. I think life was better when we were kids - going house to house looking for someone to play with. These organized playdates drive me crazy, especially now that my kids are 9 and 10! I don't want to set up a "playdate" 2 months in advance. Just get a posse together and hang out... outside.
On the other hand, my kids have a friend whose every second sentence is, "Well, I'm the guest so what I say goes." Um...no. If the kids can't agree on the same activity they are to take turns doing things they each choose. Also, sometimes the guests have really bad ideas of what is fun and I want my kids to feel free to say no. We had one 6-year-old girl encourage my daughter (also 6 at the time) to take pictures down her pants. I have no idea where she got that idea from, but obviously I don't want my kids going along with something like that just because the guest suggests it.
I agree with this one. If there will be a sitter, no adult, a dad, whoever, I want to know so that I can make an informed decision. I won't set up a play date if there isn't an adult home and I won't set one up if the sitter isn't someone I know or trust, regardless of what she is or isn't wearing. I always, probably to the point of annoying, text or call the parent to inform is there is going to be a change in where we are or who is home with the kids. Parents need to know what is going on with their kids. If you are going to take the kids to the park, shoot a text to their mom so she can know if she wants that or not. If you are going to let the kids walk to get a snow cone, let the parents know. Maybe they don't want their 9 year old walking around town alone with your 9 year old. Just sayin'.
This is a non-issue really. I am more than happy to try to cater to a child's dietary needs if I know what they are. Also, if you can help out by sending something that is wonderful. I would hope that if my child had special needs, dietary or not, someone would care enough to be considerate.
Here are my 2 biggest issues.
1. Teach your kids that they need to help clean up before they leave. I always give a 10 minute heads up for cleaning up and some kids are great and jump in. Others look at me like an alien. I am sorry, if you are going to come to my house and create a cyclone, you are not going to leave my kid to clean up after you. I expect that my kids clean up before they leave their friends' houses.
2. Teach your kid to be nice. If your kid comes over to play with kid A and is a complete jackrock to kidds B and C, I am going to send his little hiny packing! You don't come to my house and think you are going to be a jerk to my kids. I am always to happy when my kids have friends over who are just cool and play with anyone who is there. Even if they don't play with them, they are nice and can talk and laugh with them as if they are human beings that actually live there rather than treating them like they shouldn't even be in their own house. It is called teaching your kids common oh I don't know...civility and kindness.
Lynn M said...
Oh, thank god, I'm not the only one! Other people's kids drive me flippin' nuts, and I absolutely used to HATE playdates. High maintenance eaters (NOT allergies - just picky eaters!), screamers, kids who ask if they can eat over/sleep over, mean-girls-in-the-making, kids who won't leave our pets alone, all of them made be bat-shit crazy. I sound like a monster, but my kids are the only ones I actually like but I think that's because I've moulded them into the kind of people I like. Good news is that they've gotten older, their friends have gotten cooler and more fun to hang out with.
Audrey said...
Can we say micro-managing" What ever happened to kids just calling and saying "hey bobby wanna play?" and then they play and the parents stay the heck out of their hair and let them use their own brains to figure out a way out of boredom and as for snacks let the parents provide a snack or not. Seriously your kids aren't going to know how to do anything by themselves when they grown up.
Laura said...
After reading a lot of the rants, it sounds like a lot of people are bothered by whatever another person does.
Bring the kids to the door? Don't! Because the other mother doesn't want to fuck with you and a conversation. Drop off your kids at the curb? Don't! Because the mother needs instructions from you.
Feed your child before you get there? Don't! Because the other mother wants to feed a special snack. Save lunch until you drop off your child because of said special snack? Don't! Because the other mother doesn't have time to feed your asshat kid their freakin' food, especially if they have a deadly allergy. That's a pain in the mother's ass and we don't want that.
Your child has been a true royal pain all day and doesn't deserve any sort of treat so you call to cancel? Don't! Because their kid has been great and deserves to be totally happy. Send your cranky child even though you should cancel? Don't! Because that parent doesn't want to put up with the shit to tried to keep from them in the prior example.
What a whole lot of lose-lose situations. How about no one do anything as far as playdates go and then no one has a reason to name call their kids' friends or bitch about the parents.
My daughter has a friend whose family does this. Everytime she's at my house she's asking for a snack or can she eat dinner with us or whatever and it's fine if I have enough dinner to share. But when my kid is over at THEIR house she's been told more than once to just go outside on the swings and wait while ____ finishes her dinner. Then K comes home at 8 and is starving. So not cool.
The Art Co. Ltd. said...
This makes me so mad to read. How could ANY parent treat ANY child like this?! PUNCH TO THE THROAT. TWICE.
The Art Co. Ltd. said...
lazy ass parenting. pathetic.
LOL!!!!! I am sooooo cracking up at all these rules and S***. You sound like a B**** for real. Why even bother with play dates at all? Why not just meet up at a park and be done w/ it. I am lucky to still be close friends w/ the same girls since middle school and now (18 yrs later) our children are around the same age. I trust them and know that they have my childs best interest at heart just as I do their children.
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As a Pediatric Speech Therapist, I like to think of questions like “Goldilocks and Three Bears.” There are questions that are “too easy,” questions that are “too hard,” and there are “just right” questions. Let’s talk about each of these: Questions that are too...
Speech Pathologist Strategy- The Power of Waiting
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As a Pediatric Speech-Pathologist, I do a lot of talking! There is another strategy I use just as often, and that’s waiting. Waiting is a powerful tool. It provides a child with the opportunity for communication and a meaningful context for language learning....
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Brooke Andrews, M.A CCC-SLP Play is the primary vehicle for all learning in early childhood. Read more on the benefits of play in my article, “Why Play?” here. Children are “hard-wired” to learn through their experiences during play. Play in an excellent...
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Sucking vs Sucking Did you know that babies are born with reflexes that assist them with feeding until they are ready to do the movements on their own? There are 7 reflexes that help your baby with feeding. Most of these reflexes “integrate” or disappear within...
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Oral Reflexes and Feeding Did you know that your baby was born with reflexes that assist him with feeding until he is ready to do the movements on his/her own? There are 7 reflexes that help your baby with feeding. Most of these reflexes “integrate” or “disappear”...
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In this post, we breakdown the essential differences between a copywriter vs content writer. What role does each play in constructing a successful brand?
Storytelling is key
Nowadays, the most successful brands are storytellers. They appeal to the human measurement of marketing through storytelling and compassion. They get our gain trust, inspire action and get us to believe in their mission. Storytelling is part of a continuous relationship with consumers– and it’s a two-way street. Prior to you in fact start selling anything, you’ll need to establish trust. Clients require to understand that your number one concern isn’t to sell them, however rather to help them. It’s a balancing act; one in which copywriters and content writers play various roles. They both, however, are essential in developing meaningful connections with customers. Whether you’re developing your group in-house or dealing with an agency, it’s excellent to understand the differences between a copywriter vs content copywriter vs content writer. Doing so will help you work with the right person to inform your brand name’s story.
The key distinctions, according to the experts
A copywriter offers, while a content author notifies
A copywriter offers your target audience to your brand. On the other hand, a material author notifies, informs, entertains, or advises readers. Sonia Simone, establishing partner of Copy blogger Media even more discusses the difference. “Copy, traditionally, is what we utilize to make the sale. “Content does everything else. It brings in an audience, engages their continual attention, demonstrates your ability to fix their problems, and paves the way for an ultimate purchase,” she says.
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Copywriters create a sense of urgency and motivate emotional actions
Copywriters wish to individuals to take immediate action. For example, they’ll want readers to download something, signup for a newsletter, or buy a product. “To win the click or the sale, you must not only address the reader’s concern of ‘why this?’, however also ‘why this now?'” explains Nick Wolny, Director of Content at Super Connector Media. “Copywriters thread seriousness and shortage into a headline to elicit quick action,” he states. Alternatively, content writers want to build an engaged audience. As we pointed out above, they wish to establish trust and position the brand name as a reliable source of info.
Content writers prepared for future sales
Even though they’re not trying to offer a service or product directly, content writers are still interested in selling. Sales are an indirect outcome of producing valuable material. Uncertain if a blog can have a measurable ROI? Alex Turnbull, CEO and Founder of Groove shows otherwise. “Trust is a substantial chauffeur of purchasing choices in any market. Blogging, for Groove, was a really efficient method to construct that trust prior to we had much of anything else to show,” says Turnbull. “Our existence online has actually been massively affected by the success of the blog site, and it has driven referrals and signups from clients who otherwise might have never ever heard of Groove,” he says.
Content authors are usually more focused on SEO – How To Make Quick Money In Gta 5 Online.
Material writers are typically worked with to drive inbound traffic. So, outstanding content writers are great at SEO. They’ll help you pick topics based on search terms that line up with your service goals. When you’re employing a content author, it can be difficult to inform simply how much they know about SEO. Victor Ijidola of Premium Content Shop shares a handy idea for screening and hiring the very best SEO material authors; look for focus keywords in their composing samples. A focus keyword is the main search term a page is enhanced for. This keyword must be included in the page title, the first header (H1) and throughout the body copy It needs to also be distributed throughout subheadings. “Look through their samples; see if they have actually enhanced any content piece for a specific keyword in the past so you can understand if they’ll have the ability to do the exact same for your material,” advises Ijidola.
Copywriters write short-form copy, while material writers compose long-form copy
Copywriters compose copy for: Ads, online and off Mottos and taglines Websites content Email campaigns Television or radio commercial promotional and marketing scripts Video scripts Brochures Billboards Postcards Sales letters Direct-mail advertising letters Jingle lyrics Social media Material writers compose longer-form content like: Articles Blog posts Newspaper pieces Magazine functions Press Releases White documents Email newsletters E-books Books Print magazines Podcasts Tv Film A few of these areas overlap, however you get the idea.
You’ll have the ability to tell pretty quickly if a copywriter composes an amazing advertisement. Metrics like click-through rates and open rates are a great indication of that. Content isn’t constantly simple to measure in the short-term. Excellent content methods (like white hat SEO methods) require time to pay-off. “An SEO you must trust is the one that tells you that this stuff requires time,” states Jon-Mikel Bailey, CDMO at Wellspring Digital. “Due to the fact that it does. If you look back over all of the algorithm updates from Google in 2013, there is one constant … a better user experience” If that hard truth tests your persistence, consider that the worth got material from blogs and short articles has a longer shelf life. Unlike an ad or e-mail, blogs and posts have remaining power that continues to settle with time.
Material authors drive natural traffic; copywriters turn that traffic into leads.
This last point summarizes the distinctions in between a copywriter vs content writer. Copywriters drive organic traffic, while copywriters convert traffic into sales or leads. Jessica Foster, founder of Keys & Copy explains that there can be an overlap, but it’s hardly ever, if ever, 100%. “While SEO experts and entrepreneur would like to get the best of both worlds– material that’s made to attract organic traffic and get a high conversion rate– the reality is that SEO content is best at driving traffic and sales copy is best at selling,” says Foster.
Copywriter vs content author: covering it up
There comes a time to persuade, persuade, and convert individuals. It’s certainly not all the time. Allocate time to delivering value with no strings connected. How To Make Quick Money In Gta 5 Online.
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HomeGeneral newsBreaking: Date for New IG of police yet to be fixed, Functionality of the present
Breaking: Date for New IG of police yet to be fixed, Functionality of the present
February 1, 2021 admin General news 0
As the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, reached retirement on Monday, the Presidency has said no date has been fixed for announcement of his successor.
Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said on a programme on Channels Television on Monday that he was not aware of any imminent announcement.
Shehu however said the appointment of the next IGP will not be based on ethnic considerations.
“The President returns to Abuja on Tuesday. He should be on his desk by Wednesday. I don’t know when he will do this.
“One thing I can assure you is that in places sensitive like that, there is no vacuum that will subsist, so therefore the system will take care of itself.
“The President will rather have an Inspector-General of Police who will make you and I safer, protect life and property than one who is more pronounced by his tribal marks.
“If you are going to appoint the service chiefs from every ethnic group in this country, you are going to have more than 250 Inspector-General of Police, 250 Chief of Army Staff, 250 Chief of Naval Staff. It’s not going to work like that. And they have their own systems of producing leadership.
“If we say we are going to use ethnicity or region as the basis, then we have lost it. This is about law and order, it is not about ethnic identity. This country finished with tribalism in the 1960s, why are we back to it now?
“But if you have two, three positions – look at what happened with the Service Chiefs just appointed: two from the South, two from the North. If you are talking about religion, two Muslims, two Christians. So what do you want again?”
He said the appointment will be based on who can best help to protect lives and property across the country.
But looking at the events over the years what would be your rate to the present IG,from the SARS event and many more.
Has our country being more safe than before?
Has the kidnappings and killings reduced?
Are there enforcement of the Rule of Law?
And many more questions should be asked and then the Good and the Bad should be compared and contrasted
Was his Tenure a worth while own or just another catastrophe to the country and a more liability than ever?
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Teachers/SENCO and Support Staff will work with children and young people to identify the support needed to meet agreed outcomes. The provision is planned and interventions are allocated to individual needs. The children take an active role with setting their outcomes and discussing them with the class teacher/SENCO. The children have regular meetings with staff to discuss their progress and support.
Consultation with parents and carers of children and young people with SEND
We are committed to working with parents and carers to identify their child’s needs and support. Parents and carers will be involved throughout the process.
There is a range of ways this can be done, for example:
Ongoing discussions with a class teacher and/or SENCO;
An ‘open-door’ policy, where parents and carers are welcome to come into school to discuss any concerns they may have;
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In searching for the perfect REAL cookie, Stuffed AF Cookies was born. I wanted a big, soft cookie stuffed with more yummy goodness. I wanted it to taste like something sinful after it’s warmed up, like it’s right out of the oven. That’s what I’ve created, for you.
these cookies have it all
these cookies have it all
From Kristi with Love
Baking is fun and my way to express my creative side, for sure. At this point in my life Stuffed AF Cookies is more than that though. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and being at the point in my life where I can go for it is exciting.
When coming up with the theme for Stuffed AF Cookies, I looked back at my life for inspiration. I’ve always been surrounded by very strong, brave, and incredible women. My mom is the epitome of those traits. She raised me and my siblings as a single parent for the majority of their life and all of mine, I’m the baby. I remember baking with her; licking the bowl after mixing the cookies was the best!
My two older sisters are also brave and strong beyond measure. Both in law enforcement and raising their children to be incredible humans. All the while being positive and happy role models to anyone and everyone they came into contact with.
Fast forward to my career as a law enforcement officer that lasted 25 years. I was surrounded by the best of the best when it came to strong, brave, confident women. I remember when I first started my career, looking up to some of these amazing women wishing to someday be like them. I like to think I made it to that point eventually. I would never pass up a chance to mentor another female coming into law enforcement. Never missed a chance to cheer another woman on, to always have her back.
Over the years I’ve surrounded myself with these type of women, not just my coworkers but my friends outside of work. I believe all women should have a tribe of “sisters” always there, no judgement…just support. How did I get so lucky?
I hope when you are enjoying one of my cookies, you think of the amazing women who have impacted your life. I hope reading this reminds you of someone special, and you reach out and tell her how special she is to you.
Eating cookies and catching up with your friends… nothing better. Wait, maybe a glass of wine with the cookie, which might just push the moment over the top.
What better way to pay tribute to the wonderful women in my life and those who I’ve crossed paths with who have inspired me, motivated me, and helped me than to dedicate my business to them?
The amazing, special, strong, brave, smart, funny, thoughtful, kind, incredible, straight up badass ladies are why the cookies are referred to as ladies and all have a story. Each lady or girl, depending on the cookie, reminds me of someone who has impacted my life in a positive, memorable way.
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I needed a refrigerator so I was checking out what they had and the prices. I purchased a used washer and dryer from there about 5 years ago and they're still working just fine. I needed measurements for one I was interested in and he did it. this is just one of the many things they have in stock. Washer and dryers, stoves etc. It's a good neighborhood store. New and used appliances
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Highly recommended. They won't steer you wrong.
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Only place I could find a discontinued part. Thank you so much for you help.
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Great experience. Very helpfull
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2020-09-05
Probably the most knowledgeable appliance guy you will ever meet.
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2020-09-05
Great place great deals. Eugene does a great job and is very straightforward. Please try him out. Very respectful dude.
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MOST INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH EUGENE - he is unlike any other appliance salesman I have ever met. I live in NY and purchased the Maytag Commercial Washing Machine for my home last month. I was unclear on one of its important features, even after reading the owner's manual multiple times, something I've always excelled at and easily understand. I spoke to 4 different salesmen, 2 repairmen, 3 technical supervisors at Maytag's corporate headquarters and 1 repair service supervisor who all gave me different answers regarding the cycles. Not one of them knew the correct answer. After weeks of frustration, aggravation, anxiety and dead-ends with inadequate responses, I reverted to Google to search for answers. Up popped Lorain Furniture with Eugene's perfect and very detailed explanation about my machine. I had one question and called - who knew he would actually answer the phone himself! He explained so quickly and precisely exactly what I needed to know. He was the only person I had spoken to who had real knowledge of my washing machine. He had actually hooked it up in his store and used it multiple times, unlike any of the other so called 'professionals' had done. EUGENE IS THE TRUEST PROFESSIONAL. He is my 'washing machine whisperer' and is now the only person I'd go to for appliance advice. I wish he would open a store in NY - I would recommend him to everyone. Thank you Eugene. You alleviated my angst in a matter of minutes and now I do my laundry with an eased mind, worry free...all because of you. Five Stars isn't enough - you deserve at least 10!
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Eugene was extremely knowledgeable and friendly
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If you are looking for great prices, wonderful customer service and someone who cares about you as a consumer then this is the place. Eugene is awesome. He is very knowledgeable, attentive and passionate about your needs. I will DEFINITELY recommend this place and I will DEFINITELY be back. Eugene has a customer for life
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Thousands of professional service technicians and DIY'ers count on Cleveland's very own Lorain Furniture & Appliance's expertise in maintenance, repairs and refurbishing of leading brand appliances.
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Building a portfolio site is a very important procedure especially when you’re trying to look out for jobs and potential employers. They are a representation of who you are and describe your capabilities and your potential alike. It is very likely for your client to judge you by the basis of your portfolio site alone. Therefore it becomes very important to build a portfolio site that can impress your client and showcase your true potential.
To know how to build a portfolio site, you have to get a hold of a few tricks here and there and you should be good to go. The biggest flaw in major portfolio sites is that they don’t showcase the true talent of the person. So ensuring that is the goal. To portray yourself in the best light possible, here are the ultimate tips on how to build a portfolio site.
Here are the ultimate tips on how to build a portfolio site:
Show the best work first
When you’re showcasing your work on your portfolio, it is important to ensure that you show your best work first. The order of your work lays the foundation of the impression on your client. If you have some work which can impress immediately, why save it for the last? Always remember that the first impression is what stays till the last.
If you woo your client on the first go, you’ll be bound to be his ultimate choice for the job. This is something that you have to take into note while you build a portfolio site. Some people make the mistake to save the best for the last and then get bad responses and end up suffering because of that. The key to how to build a portfolio site is important: show them the best you can do.
Be concise about your matter
Remember not to put essays about your work. You should be concise and be able to express yourself in a matter of a few words. This doesn’t imply that you should not add case-studies or not provide any written content at all. But this implies that you should be very picky about your content and ensure that you’re just writing enough for it to catch the eye of the client. You can’t expect your client to read through pages of your explanations and journeys. This will eventually bore him out and leave a poor impression of your portfolio site. Therefore, aim at being precise and not being too wordy.
The visuals are the ultimate game-changer. You have to pay appropriate attention to the visuals. Visuals are something that grabs the eye of the user. If you have good pictures and animations on the portfolio site, you’ll be able to grab the attention of the user very quickly. Also, then the user will be more likely to spend more time on your portfolio site. Therefore, pay close attention while picking themes, colors, backgrounds, and other such details. However, minor that they feel, they can change the ultimate picture of your site and can paint it differently. You can also go a step ahead and curate your backgrounds and other animations. It will be even more suited if you are a graphic designer in the first place.
Ensure that the website is smooth and user-friendly
Ensuring that the website works correctly must be your biggest concern. There is no fun in creating an amazing site that has a poor response on many devices. Therefore, keeping an eye on this factor is important to build a portfolio site that impresses. You can also add more user-friendly features and can increase the engagement of the user using many other features on your website. Some people create short engaging games as a part of their portfolio which engrosses the user so much that it ends up leaving a huge impact. The bigger the impact, the more likely is the client to hire you.
Pay focus on search engine optimization(SEO)
Creating your site solely isn’t enough. You should also go ahead and optimize it using the various SEO techniques available. This will ensure that many people will be able to reach your portfolio and therefore you will not have to do all the work in getting yourself a project or a job. Maybe it just comes to you itself. The goal of SEO is to improve the chances of your portfolio site appearing on the cover pages of major web browsers. This will ensure that many people can see your work and appreciate it or get you to offer out of it. It is always better to expose yourself to a larger audience out there.
When thinking about how to build a portfolio site, make one point clear: be as creative as you can. Let all the horses in your mind run and curate something that you are proud of. It can’t be stressed enough that your portfolio site is your ultimate representation. If you pay attention to that, you can completely change the job scenario for yourself. To ensure this, you have to create something unique for yourself. Do not use the basic portfolio ideas, create something out of the box. It might be difficult to execute, but believe us, it will be worth it. There is no such thing as paying too much attention to your portfolio site.
It is simple to build a portfolio site but to build something that stands out and creates a difference is a difficult and tiring process. You will have to go through many things again and you might have to put in a lot of effort. But when you’ll see the end product, it will all seem worth it.
It becomes very important to play around with your portfolio site and ensure that you can make something that you are satisfied with. You should never haste through the process and end up creating something too generic. A little attention today could pay off in big paychecks tomorrow.
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So many people we've spoken to, as they watched the events unfold, were riveted then and are still riveted now by particular images -- images of people either jumping or those cell phone conversations, those last final moments, unedited and raw. ... Could you talk about that? ...
I suppose one of the most chilling aspects of being sort of just a helpless television watcher was, first of all, the curious kind of silence of those images, of the very first images, while the towers were still standing, but on fire. You could only imagine the human panic and distress inside those buildings. ... I was surfing between various channels, news channels. I was struck by the way in which nobody was wanting to talk about that at that stage. There was just smoke billowing from windows. It had a sort of distancing public appearance.
It was that gap between what we really knew must be going on and the fact that you couldn't actually, in those first instances, see any human distress. Later we saw pictures, harrowing pictures, of people jumping from windows.
But I was also very, very struck by the ways in which the cell phone so completely penetrated daily life, even dying moments when people were trapped in buildings and rooms they knew they couldn't get out of. They responded to some basic human instinct, which was to phone the person nearest them. Last words have always been the prerogative of the grand and the great who have respect for relatives taking down these words, and maybe polishing them up for history. Here we had a sort of democratization of this basic matter.
Many, many people have cell phones, and they said those three words. As I wrote at the time, I was very struck by this. These three words, "I love you." No amount of the worst art in the world can ever quite reduce it. That was the message. It was extraordinary enough. With all these pictures, that were the consequence of religious zeal and hatred, this was all they had to put against that. I mean, this was their last, as it were, defined moment. I'm sure they didn't feel that at the time. I'm sure they felt only they had to have that human contact.
Ian McEwan is the author of several novels, including Atonement (2001), Amsterdam (1998), which was awarded the Booker Prize, and Black Dogs (1992). As an atheist, McEwan does not blame religion for the Sept. 11 attacks. Instead, he says religion is a "morally neutral force," and acts of extraordinary cruelty are best understood for their human, rather than religious, dimensions. This interview was conducted by FRONTLINE producer Helen Whitney in April 2002.
So that, for me, has been the sort of enduring, emotional legacy of Sept. 11 -- actually an expression of love. I mean, so many people did it. There was one gentlemen -- I think he lived somewhere on the West Coast -- who could actually bear to stand by his answering machine for a TV crew while they filmed him listening to his wife's message in just that way. We also heard it from the airplanes, too. I sort of cling to that, actually, as an assertion of something very basic, human, and defiant.
I think you used the phrase, "We were compelled to imagine our own last moments, what they would be like, who you would call." Did it have that effect on you, that sort of confrontation with your own mortality?
Absolutely. Probably the most terrifying thing about it is that we have to imagine ourselves in the position of people on those planes. That's the thing that only the imagination can do. No amount of reportage or good filmmaking can do [that] for you. Imagining yourself into the minds of other people is, I think, a fundamental human act of empathy, which lies at the base of all our moral understanding.
Now, I'm an atheist. I really don't believe for a moment that our moral sense comes from a God. ... It's human, universal, [it's] being able to think our way into the minds of others. As I said at the time, what those holy fools clearly lacked, or clearly were able to deny themselves, was the ability to enter into the minds of the people they were being so cruel to. Amongst their crimes, is, was, a failure of the imagination, of the moral imagination.
You cannot be cruel to someone if you fully understand what it is to be them. You have to somehow screen that out. You have to say to yourself, "They're not really humans." Or you have to bring into line some sort of powerful ideology or some crazed religious certainty in order to blot out that human instinct. ...
There was one particular image, ... of two people jumping, holding hands. Even people who haven't seen the image talk about it. ... Did you see it? And if you did, or heard about it, what kind of effect did it have on you? ...
I didn't see any television or newspaper images of people leaping from the building, holding hands. I didn't see that on Sept. 11, but I did see pictures of people jumping. I can't remember if I saw people jumping, holding hands. But I certainly saw solitary figures falling through the air. To me, it just seemed the bleakest possible image of the whole thing. Actually, I couldn't find a scrap of hope in it. What I saw was utter desperation. Jumping to certain death rather than dying in pain in a fire. It spoke to me of sheer panic. Humans brought to this ... furthest edge of despair. I found no hope in that at all. I found it utterly chilling.
It struck me, too, how life can generate these extraordinary moments of sort of accidental catastrophic change. From in a space of 10 minutes, you could be at your desk, pursuing your morning chores -- making a call, sending a fax. Ten minutes later, you've decided to jump to your death from the building. ... Personally, I felt very differently from the people you've quoted on this. I saw it as a form of total degradation, the people forced to take their lives. ...
What is your own concept of evil? Do you think it's something that is explainable by psychology and sociology? Or is [it] ... larger and more mysterious?
I don't really believe in evil at all. I mean, I don't believe in God. I certainly don't, therefore, believe in some sort of supernatural or trans-historical force that somehow organizes life on dark or black principles. I think there are only people behaving, and sometimes behaving monstrously. Sometimes their monstrous behavior is so beyond our abilities to explain it, we have to reach for this numinous notion of evil. But I think it's often better to try and understand it in real terms, in ... either political or psychological terms.
There's something at the same time, very, very attractive about this word. ... It's a great intensifier. It just lets us say that we thoroughly abhor this behavior. But it's quite clear, as a species ... in our nature, we are capable of acts of extraordinary love and kindness, inventiveness and mutual aid.
On the other side, we are capable of acts of extraordinary destruction. I think it's inherent. I think one of the great tasks of art is really to explore that. ... I personally think the novel, above all forms in literature, is able to investigate human nature and try and understand those two sides, all those many, many sides of human nature. But I'm a little suspicious of the way we want to throw up our hands and just say, "Well, it's evil."
It's us. You know? And any reflection on, for example, the Holocaust, probably our greatest, lowest moment in modern history, has to finally reflect on what it is we seem to be able to be capable of, especially once we have the power of technology to kill on a vast scale. ... I don't know, quite honestly, whether the world suffers from people not believing enough in things, or believing too much in things.
In fact, as I get older, I begin to feel that actually what we need more in the world is doubt; more skepticism, less crazed certainty. I feel that religious zeal, political zeal, is a highly destructive force. People who know the answer and are going to impose it on everybody else, I think, are terrifying people. What I would like is skepticism and doubt amongst political leaders. I want it in people who express love and belief in their gods. There are many, many gods and many, many religions. It's that sort of certainty that "My God is the one true God and all the others are just pagan fantasies." I find those kinds of assertions terrifying. ...
How would you describe the actions of these terrorists, or someone like a bin Laden, laughing and giggling about the deaths of the people inside the buildings? Are there degrees of cruelty? ... Have they introduced anything new to the discussion of, if not evil, in the cruelty?
... When I watched that video footage of bin Laden simpering and giggling over the success of the mission, it was particularly chilling, of course. I guess he was at that moment intoxicated by power. I don't think it is anything new, quite honestly. His delight in the fact that these buildings collapsed in ways that nobody could have really foresaw, that it was all a lot more destructive than even he had imagined, and how pleased he was by all that, it just seemed to me the awful gloating of a man who felt he had, at that moment, acquired colossal power, power to have transformed the historical process.
But I think that's ... an enduring feature of our darkest sides. There are always leaders like that who emerge like sort of scum to the surface of events. It's very bleak. I mean, I don't think it's anything new. ... Stretching right back through history, to Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, there've always been those excesses. Again, I don't think we should try and avoid the fact that we're looking into a mirror here. We see human nature or what human nature is capable of. ... But we must never lose sight of the fabulous redemptive quality of our capacity for love, too. We just have to somehow hold both those things in balance.
... Would you talk about the darkness at the heart of religion in relation to what drove those men to do what they did? ...
I don't believe there's any inherent darkness at the center of religion at all. I think religion actually is a morally neutral force. It's clearly deeply stitched into what we are. You find forms of supernatural belief in all cultures, Christian and Judaic visions of "sky gods" or whatever. I think it so completely absorbs and reflects human nature that it does just as much good as evil. I don't think it's a particular force for good. I don't think it's a particular force for evil, either. I think it simply channels what we are into sort of available and acceptable form.
But now and then, people rise up and perform terrible things in its name, just as people perform extraordinarily fine, courageous things in its name. The most Christian nation in Africa, it's always worth remembering, is Rwanda. The genocide there, a sort of orgy of destructiveness, shocked the world. Religion was helpless before it, and even was part of the process. But I don't think it caused it.
My own view of religion is that people must be free to worship all the gods they want. But it's only the secular spirit that will guarantee that freedom. ...
What is it then, that underneath religion -- which is just a construct, in your view -- could lead to the glory of religion or the darkness, in relation to Sept. 11?
We're told that the men, the terrorists on that plane -- and I think it's probably correct -- expected to be in paradise as a consequence of their actions. There are all forms of paradise. Utopia is another kind of sort of earthly form. I think it was Isaiah Berlin who warned us that the people we should beware of most are the ones who thought they could bring us, deliver us, to the blessed kingdom -- Utopia. ... People who feel they are on the path to a kind of eternal bliss are people to beware of. As I come back again to this notion of doubt, a moment's doubt, a little bit of skepticism, would have done those terrorists and the citizens of New York a great deal of good. It's belief, faith -- this word that is spoken as such a good thing by religious people, such a marvelous thing -- it just seems to be me nothing more than unreasonable belief.
Unreasonable belief in things for which there is no proof. Sometimes -- not always, but sometimes, of course -- terrible, destructive, awful things are done in the name of these unreasonable beliefs. Sometimes, too, people perform marvelous things. Again, I think, religion is morally neutral in this. It takes us neither towards a clearer understanding of the destruction or the loving aspects of our nature. It's there anyway.
So as an atheist ... I don't blame religion as some of my colleagues have felt that it was religion that drove these planes into the side of those buildings. I come back again and again to a side of human nature which sometimes seizes on the one simple solution that will take us to paradise or Utopia or the blessed kingdom. It is a very, very destructive force.
Was your atheism gradual, incremental? Was it always there? Was it sudden? Was it easily won? ...
My atheism certainly was not easily won. I've dabbled around the edges of all kinds of belief and wrote a novel called Black Dogs, in which the narrator -- rather like myself, in a way -- sort of slithered along this axis of belief and unbelief. But I think my cumulative experience of life suggests to me that the distribution of misfortune is completely random. Children die of cancer and bad people live a long time. Good people get crushed by a truck. ...
In other words, if there is a God, he's a very indifferent God. The idea of prayer seems to me almost infantile, this appeal to an entity who could intervene -- who clearly hasn't intervened. Or if he has intervened, he's done so malignedly. It sort of makes me rather feel sad when I heard priests talking about Sept. 11 and reminding us that God moves in mysterious ways. Well, spare me this God, I say. I prefer to regard this in human terms.
Are there any times ... that you've doubted your doubt?
Rather like Darwin when his favorite daughter died, it rather confirmed my doubt. ... When those planes hit those buildings and thousands of innocent people died and tens, twenties, hundreds of thousands of people started to grieve, I felt, more than ever, confirmed in my unbelief. What God, what loving God, could possibly allow this to happen? I find no resource at all in the idea, and it saddened me to see, hear, listen to priests tell us that their "sky god" had some particular purpose in letting this happen, but it was not for us to know it. It just seemed to me sort of irrelevant, at least. And I could probably think of stronger words for it -- an offense to reason really. We have to understand the events of September the 11th in human terms. ... The healing process, too, is one that's in our hands. It's not in the hands of the "sky gods." It's only for us to try and work it out.
... [Novelist] Jim Crace ... said, for him, as an atheist -- a passionate atheist and a lyrical one as well -- that he was totally disoriented by Sept. 11. ... Does it resonate with you at all? His idea that this was a harder event for atheists?
No it doesn't because there have been other acts of extraordinary cruelty. This is not the first. ... I think we have to beware, too, of treating Sept. 11 as the only and most spectacular event of human cruelty. There have been many, many acts of cruelty, some of them on an even larger scale. So I can't accept the notion that somehow this punctures our understanding of human nature.
We have before us, [in] the 20th century alone, acts of unbelievable depravity. Deliberate, methodical, bureaucratic, technological, destruction of human lives in the Holocaust, for example. We've seen it in a way. We see it again now in those men, in those awful lunatics with their fixed beliefs. We see it again. ...
I was wondering if you would read a paragraph of ... from here to here. ... This is your article. Your words.
"The mobile phone has inserted itself into every crevice of our daily lives. Now in catastrophe, if there is time enough, it is there in our dying moments. All through Thursday, we heard from the bereaved how they took those last calls. Whatever the immediate circumstances, what was striking was what they had in common -- a new technology has shown us an ancient human universal.
A San Francisco husband slept through his wife's call from the World Trade Center. The tower was burning around her, and she was speaking on her mobile phone. She left her last message to him on the answering machine. A TV station played it to us, while it showed the husband standing there listening. Somehow, he was able to bear hearing it again. We heard her tell him through her sobbing that there was no escape for her; the building was on fire; there was no way down the stairs. She was calling to say goodbye. There was really only one thing for her to say, those three words that all the terrible art, the worst pop songs in movies, the most seductive lies, can somehow never cheapen: 'I love you.'
She said it over and again before the line went dead. And that is what they were all saying down their phones -- from the hijacked planes and the burning towers. There was only love and then oblivion. Love was all they had to set against the hatred of their murderers.
Last words placed in the public domain were once the prerogative of the mighty and vain and venerable -- Henry James, Nelson, Goethe, recorded and sometimes edited for posterity by relatives at the bedside. The effect was often consolatory, showing acceptance or even transcendence in the face of death. They set us an example. That these last words, spoken down mobile phones, reported to us by the bereaved, are both more haunting and true.
They compel us to imagine ourselves into that moment. What would we say? Now we know." ...
home + introduction + questions of faith and doubt + our religions, our neighbors, our selves + interviews
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Today, they have a question for you: Are you misconstruing what case acceptance means? They share what all the pieces of case acceptance are and why you need to do more than function as an autopilot when presenting treatments to your patients, including:
Diagnosing enough to meet case acceptance goals
Presenting a treatment plan is an art
Looking at trends (your special sauce) of successful case acceptance
Episode resources:
Reach out to Kiera and Tiff
0:00:05.9 Kiera: Hey everyone, welcome to The Dental A Team Podcast. I'm your host Kiera Dent, and I have this crazy idea that maybe I could combine a doctor and a team member's perspective. Because let's face it, dentistry can be a challenging profession with those two perspectives. I've been a dental assistant, treatment coordinator, scheduler, biller, office manager, regional manager, practice owner, and I have a team of travelling consultants where we have travelled over 165 different offices coaching teams. Yep, we don't just understand you, we are you. Our mission is to positively impact the world of dental, and I believe that this podcast is the greatest way I can help elevate teams, grow VIP experiences, reduce stress and create A teams. Welcome to The Dental A Team Podcast.
0:00:51.4 Kiera: Hello, Dental A Team listeners, this is Kiera and Tiff. We are back today doing this labour of love. We are halfway through the systems. Today is the halfway point guys. This is system six of 12. Today is maximised case acceptance. Tiff, welcome back to the show today. How are you?
0:01:08.4 Tiff: I'm good. Thanks for having me. Thanks for always welcoming me. I love that.
0:01:12.1 Kiera: Of course. Thanks for doing 13 podcasts with me. That's like a very unnormal thing for us to do. And of course I'm like, "Tiff, what are you doing today? You wanna podcast?"
0:01:21.8 Tiff: I sure do. I'm gonna be on it for a week.
0:01:23.1 Kiera: That's how it tends to shake. I know, I looked I was like, "I happened to get a day free that I wasn't planning. I'm pretty sure Tiff's got some time. Tiffy, let's labour of love it up today."
0:01:35.1 Tiff: Build that quilt.
0:01:36.1 Kiera: Build that quilt. If you didn't catch that, go back two episodes, you'll hear it. So today guys, we're gonna dive into the system theme of maximised case acceptance. So this is like the whole enchilada in my opinion. You've gotta have... But to be fair, we'll just do a quick recap for you guys. First one was management mastery and leadership, then doctor optimisation, then billing with ease, five star patient experience, smooth sailing scheduling. Now Tiff and I, this isn't our first day being consultants and training offices. We think in terms of stacking each of these systems, if you pay attention, literally has been stacking.
0:02:14.3 Kiera: If you've got a freaking junk schedule and you're not doing a five star patient experience and your billing's not great and your doctors aren't optimised and you don't have good management and leadership, guess what? You're not gonna probably have your best case acceptance. So they really do stack upon each other. Also the way that we have listed these out, you don't have to go in order. There's no requirement for that, but just helping you see that if you're not getting an awesome five star patient experience and having a really great schedule that allows time for doctors to diagnose, be able to get to those hygiene exams and then be able to present and have great handoffs, our case acceptance might not be awesome. So that was already a few quick tid points... Tidbits, not tid points. I don't even know what tid points are. Do you Tiff, have you ever heard of tid points? 'Cause it's...
0:02:58.8 Tiff: I think we can add it to our Etsy shop.
0:03:03.6 Kiera: The tid points guys is... But that's just like some quick checkpoints on what is this maximised case acceptance. So Tiff, what's on your side for maximised case acceptance to help offices see, are they maximised or are they maybe underutilised?
0:03:19.9 Tiff: Yeah, I think that we look at a couple different things for case acceptance and oftentimes we can misconstrue what case acceptance means, right? We'll focus in on, okay, did we get the... Did the case schedule? Did they accept? Did they pay? Did they schedule? And if not, treatment coordinator, what happened? Well, it's not just the treatment coordinator in my opinion, it's everyone, right? It's all of the pieces. So it goes back again to that five star patient experience. If we're all doing our part by the time the patient gets to the treatment coordinator, she or he just has to review numbers and scheduling really. And sometimes not even scheduling. I have a lot of practices that schedule the treatment in the back office and my front office team, my treatment coordinators are only going over the numbers and ensuring we're successful there. So all the pieces are falling into place. Our case acceptance works really, really well and our case acceptance will be high. Another caveat to that or another piece that we like to watch is we like to make sure that we're diagnosing enough to get to our goals. So oftentimes our schedule will be light and we'll say like, "Look at the trackers", and the treatment coordinators are going, "I'm at 85%, 95% case acceptance. I don't know what you want me to do. There's no one for me to call."
0:04:25.7 Tiff: And legitimately they have no one on their list that they haven't followed up with or that they can call to get on the schedule. And I look at it and say, "Well, if you want $60,000 in a month but you're only diagnosing 20,000 to 30,000, how am I supposed to fill $60,000 worth of production in that month?" So if you think about your average case acceptance, how much then do you need to diagnose if your average case acceptance is 50% and you're only diagnosing 30,000? That means you're only selling 15,000 maybe, right? And then your goal is 60. So it all adds up. So looking at that and looking at that case acceptance as a bigger picture than we ever have before is something that we like to train on. We train a lot of our practices to do, if not all of them to do the same thing. And it's something that we'll go into this month is really maximising that case acceptance. Making sure you've got the new patients and you've got the recare patients and they're giving you the exams, giving you the diagnosis you need to diagnose at least three times your goal so that your team can fill that schedule to meet those goals and meet those pieces.
0:05:36.6 Tiff: So we're not just looking at, did they schedule? Did they not schedule? We're looking at how many patients did I provide to my team to schedule and then what was the case acceptance there?
0:05:46.8 Kiera: Exactly. And Tiff, I really love that you talked about this because I think so many times people are like harping on the front office to schedule, schedule, close the cases. Are you doing it? The case acceptance is an entire practice experience. It is not just closing the case. And to your point, absolutely. If we're not diagnosing three times the amount that we need for that, guys, it's not going to happen. So making sure that that's an alignment, but then also making sure that we really are closing cases. Are we tracking those cases and giving feedback to our doctors to let them know, Hey, did you realise that you've only diagnosed fillings this month?
0:06:23.0 Kiera: They might not even realise that they haven't even diagnosed a crown. I feel like... I know I get guilty of this in consulting and Tiff, you might not, maybe it's just coincidental but I don't think it is. I will get into trends in offices. Like it will be ops manuals in every single office for like three, four, five months. And then all of a sudden it becomes patient handoffs and NDTR for like three, four, five months. And I'm like, "How does every practice have it?"
0:06:50.2 Kiera: I don't know. I know every practice has it. I'm not implementing things that they don't need, but I know I'm looking for it and I'm just in a habit and a pattern. And then I'll have the next one of leadership teams and then... And I feel doctors might do the same thing with diagnosing or we're just kind of in a routine where we're just seeing the same thing as patient after patient, FMX after FMX and they kind of blend together. So making sure we're watching those to look for those patterns and those trends. I know I have to shake myself out of and be like, Look, here. Do they really need the ops manual or is there something else that they need to have? Let's make sure that I'm not just on autopilot. Which again, this is human nature. It's not a good or a bad. It's just straight up human nature because our brains will put us into autopilot to save brain power. So it's not out of the question, but is your practice tracking those cases? Are our treatment coordinators and doctors reviewing them weekly to make sure that they're there? Are we following up on unscheduled treatment plans?
0:07:49.9 Kiera: Are we doing a two day, two week, two month follow up? Are we actually looking at patient acceptance versus dollar acceptance? Do we practice the art of silence and objections? Do we look for problem-cause-solution? Are we looking for those personal drivers when we're presenting treatment plans or are we just doing the same thing hoping to get different results? That is an art. That is not a skill in my opinion. I feel like treatment planning, case acceptance is truly an art. It's an art of how doctors present the treatment plan to the patient. It's how we hand off. It's how we then present the treatment plan to the patient with the finances. All of that is an art that I feel really does need to be practiced. Just like guys, I'm still a pathetic pianist, guitarist and artist. I'm terrible at all three of those things 'cause I don't practice them. That's the difference between a skill and an art. I'm really, really great at driving. I feel like that's a skill. Some might disagree and say it's an art. But the answer is like art I feel is more creative. It's different ways. It's manipulative.
0:08:53.0 Kiera: It's collaborative. It's figuring out what works and what doesn't work and making sure that we're getting the results we're looking for. That to me is maximised case acceptance. And I don't actually think this one will ever be five star because I feel like case acceptance is a forever evolving skill that we've got to practice, an art that we've got to practice rather than a skill that we can master. But I don't know, Tiff you might disagree with me on this one.
0:09:19.8 Kiera: Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera and you guys. How was your 2022? I want you to look back and tell me was it the year of years or was it a really hard year? Did you crush it or did it crush you? This is the time guys for end-of-year Dental A Team Platinum is welcoming you. Where we will physically fly to your practice. We will come and we will elevate your dreams and make them into a reality. And guys, space is limited and prices are going up. This is not a sales pitch. This is not something where I'm trying to scare you into it. I'm just facing the reality of, inflation is here, flights are expensive and I want to see as many people as we possibly can and serve as many as we can.
0:10:03.8 Kiera: So if you wanna be part of our elite group of people. There are limited spaces 'cause our consultants can only see as many. We are taking on 10 new platinum offices by the end of the year and that's it. That's all we have space for. So if you wanna be one of the elite 10, come join us. Be a part of our top notch elite doctor community. Be a part of our office manager and hygiene and front office communities. Get your operations manual done and live the life that you've only been dreaming of today. Email me, [email protected] and make 2023 truly a year that's unforgettable. We are a complete tax write off and like I said, we are only taking 10 offices. So don't get left behind. Be one of those 10 and I cannot wait to give you the biggest warmest welcome to completely and utterly changing your life for good. Welcome to the Dental A Team. I can't wait for you to join us, [email protected] Cheers to 2023 and making you your best self yet.
0:11:07.7 Tiff: No, I think it's true. I think that's valid. I think case acceptance is ongoing. They think that it changes. It's ever changing, right? Even the tactics that we use, the verbiage that we use, I think patients are different, people are different and it's more about emotional and that... Relationship and connection really than it is the treatment. And so it's forever ongoing and it's always a skill and an art that we're perfecting. And I think to your point of being on autopilot, we do it with driving all the time. But I think I see my doctors oftentimes get into different mindsets. So maybe their mindset is that, maybe they're seeing some of their friends or family members struggle with the economy or with money. So then their mindset shifts and they start thinking everyone has economy or money troubles and they start diagnosing fillings where it should be a crown or where they used to say, you probably should do a crown on here. Right now they're just saying, let's do a massive filling or they go to a CE course and they're really excited about implants.
0:12:13.5 Tiff: Everybody gets an implant and just tossing them out. So they just get stuck on something or patients who probably could have done really well with a bridge or we've talked to them about a bridge a million times and they're ready to schedule it. We're like, "Well, let's talk about an implant. Now we detour another six months." So it's like getting on those chops. They think we all do it. And I do the same thing where I'll come home from a trip from seeing three or four practices. I'm like, "Kiera, it's so weird that everybody like, it's always the same thing." And then I have to think like, is it, did they need the same thing or were they on the same track kind of the ops manual? Or did I just get into autopilot and do what was best for the trip?
0:12:50.4 Tiff: I think to your point, it's huge and it's ever changing. It's ever growing. And that's why we have to pay so much attention to it. Watch those numbers, watch the trends because we've got to look at numbers because they are black and white. Numbers are what tells the story and we have to be able to look at them and see, okay, what are the uptrends and the downtrends? Because those are what I need to focus on. If we've got a downtrend in diagnosis and we start looking through it, we're like, "Oh, he's not diagnosing as much as he typically does." So then we dive into it and we say, "Wow, we've got a lot of fillings going on." Now we can address that and have a conversation about it. Whereas before it's just kinda like, well, I don't know, the schedule sucks and we're not meeting goal and we're not looking at things. So we look at the numbers and we can maximise case acceptance by looking for trends within the numbers and pinpointing what needs work because it is ever evolving and constantly needing to be worked on.
0:13:47.5 Kiera: The trend I think is the special sauce of case acceptance. I feel the data is there, you just have to actually look at it and see. And I feel like when I became aware of that and started doing that, that's when my case acceptance shot up. That's when I started to see like, wow, they're not closing. But it takes time. It does take you going above and beyond. Most TCs think that their job is to present a treatment plan and fill the schedule and that's it. Most don't take it the next step and say, "Do I follow up with it? Do I have a systematised practice in the fact of how I follow up with my clients or patients? Do I look back and see which ones did I close and which ones did I not close? Do I record my treatment plans and listen back to listen for one or two words where I may have lost the case?" That to me is five star. That type of a practice, I've seen maybe one actually do that. Very few spend the time to do that. But that is what I feel is five star.
0:14:50.0 Kiera: So guys, look at it. Are you doing the items we've talked about? Are we diagnosing at least three times our goal? Are we looking at all of our treatment plans to see what our patterns are? Are we following up on that two, two, two? Are we practicing this? Are we role-playing this out? And if not, guess what? You're like a two or maybe a three star. Don't give yourself high ratings. Be honest with yourself. I would say for Dental A Team our case acceptance, if I looked at maximised case acceptance, this is truthfully the area that our company is by far the weakest. I'd give us like a 1.5 star if I'm completely honest. Because Shelby and I are the butcher, the baker, the patty cake maker as of current today. It is an exciting moment. So I feel like for referrals, clients who are coming in from referred clients, freaking awesome. If you're a client who comes in and you're ready to go, I'm really great on that. But clients who are not closing, I don't go back and look at it. I don't look to see why they're not doing it because I'm "too busy".
0:15:52.7 Kiera: So that is, I think our weakest spot in our company right now. I know it is, it's somebody I need to hire. I've tried to hire this position like three times. It's a very unique one. Guys, I don't have a roadmap of what this is supposed to look like, but you do. I have to make this stuff up all day long. So if I was looking at this honestly, Dental A Team, maximised case acceptance would be a 1.5 star. And this is a very big area that I think I would be highlighting if I was doing this with you for our company to see where could I improve for next year? Where do I need help right now? And just doing this podcast, I'm like, "Okay, red alert. Maximised case acceptance for Dental A Team is where we definitely need to improve." Yes, I would love to have a better onboarding experience, but guess what? Our experience is pretty dang great for our clients. Onboarding surely could be worked on, but why am I going to go spend time on my onboarding process? That's pretty great. I've yet to have a client complain to me. I just know what I want it to look like.
0:16:45.5 Kiera: They don't, but they think it's great. I get great reviews for our consultants, but yet our maximised case acceptance sitting at a one. Probably should have invest my time and effort there as opposed to going after onboarding, which I know is a really good experience. Overall, I'm just being harder on myself there. Tiff, any thoughts on that before we wrap up today?
0:17:05.7 Tiff: No, I think you're right. I would give us the same. And I think it's... I love that you said we don't have our own roadmap. You don't have a roadmap, but the practices we do, you guys, she's being truthful and honest. We're giving you the roadmap and trying to figure it out for ourselves in our own world, but giving you the pieces that we know actually work. And if you take this information and you just go implement it. Just start looking at just maybe your diagnosis or just your case acceptance and just start diving into what those black and white numbers look like so that you can start seeing the trends. I think it's going to make a massive difference in your everyday goal setting and actually achieving them.
0:17:44.5 Kiera: And if I was in office listening to this, 'cause don't worry I've got something like this. They're the seven forces of business mastery, which I actually review every single week. If I was you, yes, we have these on 12 systems for 12 months. You better freaking believe I'd have all 12 of these running every week. So it'd be week one is leadership. Week two is doctor optimisation. Week three is billing. 'Cause I would want to be checking these systems more regularly than just once a year. So we've given you guys the roadmap, but I will say the hardest part is execution and implementation. So if that's you, don't wait guys, reach out. You do not have to have the same year that you had this year, even if it was a great year next year. So be sure to reach out, email us, [email protected] Guys, we do not have an unlimited number of seats. That is not a reality. We do have a limit of the number of clients that we can take. And we only wanna take on clients who are truly ready to execute right now. So if that's you and you're like, "Yep, that's me", email me, [email protected]
0:18:41.6 Kiera: Let's get you rocking and rolling. Let's get these 12 systems on track for you and guys give yourself a number. How's your maximised case acceptance? Be honest. I just gave myself a 1.5 and I'm KD who can do... But if I was in an office, oh, my case acceptance would be probably at a 4.5 to a five. I'm dynamite in our own company. Shoot. I don't know. I'm making this up. So give yourself a number and then make sure to join us next week for dynamite dental assistance. Tiff and I will be rocking you guys through that system theme. Tiff, as always, thanks for joining me and for all of you listening. Thanks for joining and I'll catch you next time on The Dental A Team Podcast.
0:19:21.6 Kiera: And that wraps it up for another episode of the Dental A Team Podcast. Thank you so much for listening and we'll talk to you next time.
Have a topic in mind that you want to hear on the podcast? Let us know! We're open to suggestions and would love to help!
This podcast is so worth the listen! I have listened to almost all of Kiera’s podcasts and every dang time, I learn something new. I have been challenged, entertained, and frankly overwhelmed at times because I want to implement everything. So many out of the box ideas to solve common issues. Thank you Kiera and Dental A Team!
I started listening a month a go.Lots of actionable ideas.Kiera has really grown as a leader in Dentistry.
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The reason why I do exclusively cheap numerology consultation on the phone is to help you without wasting time. I know very well that when a person needs my help it is right away and not in a week. So to do this, I preferred that you can only consult it by dialing this cheap phone number because you will immediately have an answer or a solution to solve your problem. Even if it can surprise you, I am quite capable of helping you during a clairvoyance consultation on the phone in East Orange. Indeed, numerology is a very powerful and reliable divinatory art that can be done without seeing yourself.
Moreover, I am able to use other divinatory arts to help you even if I prefer numerology, I am able to use pure clairvoyance in East Orange, tarot cards, mediumship, and others. I do this most often in order to confirm what the numbers tell me during a numerology session in East Orange. This will allow me not to doubt for a second my predictions and therefore put you on the right path. Do not forget that for me to have gifts of clairvoyance, numerology in East Orange or others is very good but only if one uses them to do good around oneself or to help people who ask for it.
Divinatory arts to help you see more clearly in your life during a cheap consultation on the phone
Indeed, as I told you above, it seems to me very important to help you but to do it with the most accuracy possible. To achieve this, it is not rare that I use various divinatory arts because it can allow me to have an answer or a prediction even more precise.
Among the divinatory arts that I master, there are the various decks of cards such as the famous Tarot cards that I have been studying for quite some time. The latter is very precise and accurate, just like numerology in East Orange, but here again it is necessary to be able to understand well in order to have the most accurate interpretation possible. But for this I took several years to learn the Tarot cards deck. It is not so easy to understand what the cards say when you are not a professional tarot reader or tarot readeras I have become. So if you are looking for help, you know that you can count on me and that I am able to use several divinatory arts to bring you a true and accurate answer. Now you know what you have to do, so don't wait any longer to call my numerology office in East Orange for a cheap consultation.
Having a love life is essential for many people but it is usually a very complicated thing. This is why I have many people who consult me on the phone to get answers on various questions they may have regarding love in general. Some wonder if they will be able to find true love while others would like to know if they made the right choice.
Of course, I know how important this is. Love is what comes up most often in my numerology phone consultations. But I don't just use my numerology skills and I may use the love tarot to help you in your quest for true love. So don't hesitate to call my psychic office in East Orange so that I can help you. I know very well how much your questions prevent you from being happy and moving forward in your life. I believe it is time for you to move forward and find the path to happiness. I will give you the key to a more fulfilling love life that corresponds better to your expectations.
Now that you know all this, it is up to you to see what you want to do with your life. I am here to help you make the best possible decisions so that you can truly have a better life from a sentimental, professional or financial point of view. You may have noticed through these few lines what drives me to do numerology by phone in East Orange.
With my experience, I know very well that many people do not believe in clairvoyance or other divinatory arts. I think it is simply because they are afraid or afraid to learn the truth. But I can assure you that it is always much better to make real choices in life than to do nothing, even if this can be quite complex in some cases. In any case, you now have all the cards in your hands to change the course of your life and have a better future.
I may not tell you what you would like to hear, but what I do is only for your own good. By the way, if you still have any doubts, I invite you to read some of the reviews of my phone consultations with numerologist in East Orange. I can tell you with the greatest certainty that this will change your life for the better and that once you have finally been able to answer all these questions, you will feel better in your body, you will feel less stressed. So I remain at your disposal if you need to consult me as a reputable numerologist in Jersey City. Keep in mind that in life, it is important to make certain choices and that I can help you make the right decisions.
Super numerologist very professional and cheap
I am very satisfied with my phone consultation with this numerologist who was very nice and professional with me. This psychic has a very good command of numerology which she uses to good effect. I have consulted many tarot readers, psychics, numerologists and others but none of them could predict my future as well as this one. I was finally able to understand what was blocking me and above all I was able to solve this problem because it was playing a big role in my life as a couple. I was becoming unbearable and I almost lost my husband but he was able to face all my difficulties. Fortunately I was able to have a telephone consultation with this numerologist because thanks to her I have finally become a fulfilled woman.
Cheap and very accurate numerology consultation on the phone
I didn't believe much in clairvoyance and divinatory arts in general, but I can tell you that this numerologist made me change my mind. Indeed, I was in full doubt in my professional life and I did not know what decisions I had to make. It was a real headache and it was beginning to affect my morale and my health because I was going over and over in my head. So, as I was totally lost, I wanted to try numerology by phone, thinking that anyway, I was not risking much. So I called this numerologist who is very sweet and caring but the most important thing is that you can feel right away that she has a perfect command of numerology. In a very short time, she was able to tell me what was wrong and what were the reasons why I could not make decisions. Thanks to this consultation I was able to think better and above all I was finally able to do what I needed to do to finally be fulfilled in my job. I thank you very much and I recommend you with my eyes closed.
I recommend this numerologist who has a real gift and who knows how to see things better than anyone. She has a real gift and knows how to see things better than anyone else. Moreover, the consultation by phone is very practical because it's very fast and not expensive.
lauramorvan83
Very good! A numerology professional who knows what she is talking about!
In all the time I have been using numerology to help me in life, I have never had the chance to have a consultation with such a professional numerologist. I can only say good things about her because everything she told me turned out to be right. I can only be very grateful to her and thank her for everything she did to help me and show me the way. Of course I was the only one to make the decisions, but it is much easier when someone supports you by telling you the whole truth. It is true that some things were not very pleasant to hear but I am convinced that I had to go through this to find a better life especially from a sentimental point of view. Thank you for everything you have done for me.
An honest and gifted numerologist that I recommend
You can go with your eyes closed because she is a great numerologist who will help you as she did for me. I tell myself that I did well to take the time to consult her on the phone because I was able to see more clearly in my life as a couple and answer several questions that were holding me back. I understood that my partner was not the man of my life because I already had doubts but after this consultation with this numerologist I had certainty. Contrary to what many people think, it is a real gift to be able to predict the future or read the past.
I would like to thank this numerologist for all that she has done for me during our telephone consultations. I was at a time in my life when nothing was going well. My relationship was falling apart and my job wasn't much better. I was always on edge, stressed, angry, etc.. I almost lost everything but I decided to take things in hand but I knew I couldn't do it alone. But I knew very well that I couldn't do it alone. So I have a friend who had already consulted this numerologist and she was very satisfied. So I didn't hesitate to contact her for a phone consultation, which is very good because there is no need to wait. In a short time, she saw everything that was wrong with me. She gave me precious advice while making it clear that I could do what I wanted with it because I was in control of my destiny. I was able to find a better life by solving some problems and now everything is going well.
I agree with all the other reviews because this numerologist is really good and she knows what she is talking about which is not always the case with psychics. She is not going to tell you what you would like to hear but just the truth which is a shock but most of all it is because of this that I was able to have a better life after having overcome several obstacles that prevented me from having the life I wanted. So if you need a little help, don't hesitate to consult this cheap numerologist.
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Thank you for visiting our website. We are Vicky and Nigel Milne, two Scottish dentists from the beautiful town of Dunoon where we run an NHS family dental practice, The Hollies. Our story started some years ago after a conversation between Nigel and John Challis of the Raven Trust. John was very keen to have us come out to Malawi to assess the dental needs, particularly in the north of the country where the Raven Trust runs many projects.
In September 2012 we dropped our youngest child off at university, packed our bags and set off for Malawi. The idea was to look at what dental services were available and see what other help might be needed – and how and if we could assist. After a life changing trip we returned to Scotland with the realisation that the dental services in Malawi were, and still are very poorly supported and that the Malawian Government has many other priorities for healthcare. We found that our colleagues in Malawi were battling against slim odds yet still resiliently carrying out dental treatment in incredibly difficult circumstances.
After some reflection, we decided to form Smileawi, initially as part of the Raven Trust but with the eventual plan to become a charity in our own right. In early 2016 Smileawi became a charity and was awarded the charity number SC046434 and so the story continues.
Since 2012 we have revisited Malawi every year and on each visit we have carried out pain clinics helping many thousands of people who otherwise would still be suffering. We have raised a lot of money through generous donations and as a result we have now bought enough equipment to run a eight chair portable clinic which we have taken out to many different rural areas. Our clinics are set up in classrooms, churches or existing clinics and through this we have removed thousands of painful teeth for many grateful patients. Over the years we have taken with us many self-funded volunteers; dentists, dental nurses and others from all walks of life who have had life changing experiences helping Smileawi with our work.Each year our volunteer groups get bigger and bigger and we are attracting not just dental professionals from Scotland but from England, Ireland and in 2019 we were joined by Brita Santing of the Netherlands who became our first ever international volunteer.
In June 2019 we were joined by a group of fourth year dental students, 5 from the University of Glasgow and one from the University of Dundee and with the help of the public health team from Glasgow University we carried out an oral health survey on around 2500 school children between the ages of 5 and 12 , we were very grateful to the Humble Co who donated enough eco friendly bamboo toothbrushes that each child who took part in the survey was given a toothbrush. We carried out an oral health presentation including tooth brushing instruction and with the help of a Mzuzu seamstress who fabricated specially designed toothbrush holders for each classroom the children from the 6 schools that took part now have a chance to brush their teeth at school each day. The data we collected is now in the hands of the University of Glasgow and we look forward to sharing the results when they are published.
We have brought together the existing dental professionals from Northern Malawi encouraging them with our help to work together to build a better service for their population. We hold an bi annual Smileawi conference in Mzuzu which gives the therapists an opportunity to meet up for a day of education and a chance to discuss their individual and common challenges. The conference has grown from strength to strength, we have had well renowned international speakers, representatives from other charities along with members of the Malawian government, medical officers and the Malawian dental association all contributing to making the conference a must for the Malawian dental professionals. We are grateful to Clyde Munroe dental group for sponsoring the September 2019 conference.
After a fact finding visit in May 2017 when we visited all the dental therapists at their places of work to investigate their circumstances we spent the following months travelling around Scotland and Northern England to collect good quality second hand dental chairs and equipments, in January 2018 we sent a shipping container full of these goods to Malawi and met it in Ekwendeni in May 2018 to oversee its emptying. With the expertise of Gerry Dolan a dental engineer working at that time for Wrights Cotrell Smileawi was able to provide 8 working dental chairs in 6 different locations, training for the staff to use and maintain the chairs and to vastly improve the working conditions in dental clinics involved.
In March 2017 Smileawi started funding Lusekero Kyumba to study dental therapy at the college of Health Sciences in Lilongwe. Lusekero is a native Malawian who was born in Karonga in 1983, one of seven siblings now married to Mary a nurse at David Gordon Memorial Hospital in Livingstonia with whom he has a daughter Lutengano meaning "Peace", Lusekero has moved almost 500km from home to study and when he gains his qualification he has promised to return to Livingstonia to work as a dental therapist in the hospital clinic. He has left his wife and daughter in Livingstonia and sees very little of them due to his study committments and the expense of travel. Everyone involved in Smileawi is very proud of Lusekero and we wish him every success. By January 2020 we have another 3 student therapists on our books who are all studying hard to gain good grades and keep up Smileawi standards.
In 2018 we were joined by Alan Stewart a recently retired mechanic and garage owner from Dunoon who came out to look at and repair hospital vehicles that belonged to the mission hospitals we were working from, he managed in a short time to return to service 5 vehicles and set up maintenance and service schedules for the local mechanics. As a result of this great success a branch of Smileawi called the Smileawi Spanners was created on his return and with the hard work of Alan and his crew of enthusiastic mechanics they have sent out a mobile workshop and secured a 3 year sponsorship from Arnold Clark meaning that they will be able to help put back on the road more vehicles which have been unusable for many many years. The effect of this work is invaluable and immeasurable and is already saving lives.
Smileawi has started to build good working relationships with other like minded charities and projects. Professor Jeremy Bagg, head of Glasgow University Dental school and lead in the Maldent project is responsible for bringing us together with Dentaid and Bridge 2 aid and we are looking forward to working with these wonderful organisations to meet our combined goals; there are exciting times ahead.
Smileawi helps Malawi one tooth at a time.
27th Sep 2022
21 students being supported
Smileawi are now supporting 21 dental therapy students!! A huge problem in the College of Health Sciences and Malawi generally is that although students qualify for college entrance they cannot afford to pay their fees, accomodation and upkeep resulting in them dropping out of their courses....
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...the virus does what it will do despite our nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI), and then burns out on its own once enough people have been infected and it cannot proceed effectively?
That's what the data sure seem to be telling us.
Lockdown or no, masks or no, the virus has its way with people and societies.
Mobility data yields no obvious relationship between stay-at-home orders and health outcomes.
Masks are worn religiously in Hawaii, which is 2000 miles away from its closest neighbor, and its case count has gone up 700% in 30 days. Meanwhile, Scandinavia, where COVID is essentially over, hardly wears masks at all.
(The number of "cases" is meaningless anyway, so don't worry about Hawaii, which will be fine.)
We are supposed to hate Brazil for not locking down. Here's its chart:
Now here's Peru, a country which by contrast we are not supposed to hate because it locked down:
Of course, this is perfect for governments everywhere. They can panic the public, and then take credit for declines that were going to occur anyway.
Governments always do this.
In the U.S. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, created in 1970, boasts of having reduced workplace accidents and fatalities. What they don't point out is that these things had been declining at an even faster rate for the previous 25 years, in the absence of OSHA!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) takes credit for a 3.5% annual decline in traffic fatalities per mile traveled.
Care to guess what the annual decline was before we had a NHTSA?
So again, governments love taking the credit for developments that are already happening on their own.
Incidentally, here's people's mobility in Massachusetts plotted on the same graph with COVID hospitalizations:
It's almost as if the virus proceeds according to a logic of its own, regardless of our NPI.
This is "the most expensive game of pretending that rain dances make the rains come in the history of humanity."
Meanwhile, there was a young teacher in tears on television, terrified of returning to school even though she has a better chance of getting into a car accident with an antelope driving a semi than she does of dying of COVID.
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In the summertime, when I was a young boy, my parents scooped me off the streets of New York and carted me and my sister Paula up to "the mountains." "The mountains" is how we New Yorkers refer to the Catskill Mountains, a cool two-hour drive north of the hot City.
The mothers and children usually stayed all summer. The women played mahjong and canasta and tended to their family. We children swam, played ball and took short hikes. We put on shows. The big event every day was when the bundle of mail was delivered to the RFD mailbox on the main road. We argued over who would sort the letters and bring them to the families. And once a week, the Krug's Bakery truck showed up. They had the best powdered donuts and crusty blueberry pies you ever tasted. With home made ice cream on top.
The fathers came up from The City on Friday night. Mom was cooking happily and we anxiously-awaiting kids always sang, "Daddy, what did you bring me?" Daddy drove back to work early Monday morning. Much later I learned that the round-trip weekend drive was known affectionately as "the bull run."
In "the mountains" there was a well-established institution known as the kuch-alein. Kuch alein literally means to cook alone or to cook for yourself. Here's the way it worked: in a large boarding house, several families had a bedroom room or two upstairs. On the main floor was a spacious, open area with ten or fifteen small kitchens, side by side. Each kitchen had a stove, sink, a refrigerator, some cabinets and a dinette set. Every mother cooked alone for her children, and each family ate separately, but all at the same time in the large and noisy dining room.
I thought that the kuch-alein was indigenous and unique to The Catskills. Turns out that the idea is centuries old and practiced until this very day in the Batak villages in the Karo Highlands of North Sumatra.
Our driver Anto parked at the edge of Lingga, the best-known Batak village in the area near Berastagi. Utami and I wandered around. There are about a dozen large houses with the characteristic horned roof and colorful patterns painted on the exterior walls. Each house is built on stilts and we needed to climb a ladder to the main entrance.
The houses have electricity, the TV is on, but the deep, open space is dim. When our eyes adjust to the darkness, there it is: the kuch-alein! There are ten separate "kitchens" -- one for each family living under this roof. Every "stove" is a charcoal pit with a shelf just above the fire so that food can be smoked. There's no refrigeration. Next to the fireplace are mats for sleeping. All the families cook and eat and sleep on the same floor. "The facilities" are the stream that runs along the border of the village.
There's a "pushka," a small donation box at the entrance to the house we visited, so Utami and I dropped in a few Rupiah before we left.
"The Batak houses have lots of symbolism built into their design.
The roofs of the house are designed so the back of the roof is higher than the front. The father of the house always sleeps at the front of the house and the children sleep in the back. The higher roof in the back signifies that the father wants his children to reach higher in life than himself.
The steps leading up to the small entrance are always at least four, five or six to signify how many children the family wants to have. The small entrance into a Batak house is designed so you have to bow down to enter the house to pay respect to the people inside." *
"The ornaments put onto the external walls of the house are meant to drive away evil influences. These ornaments consist of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic representations, carved decorative ornaments, and wall paintings. The colors used are natural colors, the most important being red (from red clay), and white (from chalk), and black (from charcoal), which respectively represent the three spheres of the cosmos: the human world, the world of good spirits above, and the underworld." **
The lifestyle here is certainly simple yet complex, traditional with a touch of modernity (ubiquitous satellite dishes) and everyone seems to be happy. The kids are glad to see us. I reckon they are thinking "What did you bring us?" Moms are caring for their infants. Dads are busy with carpentry or farm chores.
The Lingga streets are dusty and some of the buildings look like they'd topple in a strong wind. But the air is clean, the food is cooked fresh and the scenery is compelling with green hills, towering clouded mountains and two ancient volcanoes.
Utami and I are off to Dokan Village and then to Gunung Sibayak, a volcano at 2094m above the sea. Here as in much of Indonesia, the ground is also cooking.
At first the path on the volcano is almost straight up, but soon we are walking comfortably up the quiet hillside. While we don't plan to reach the summit, we do carry water and I carry my walking stick and my camera with the wide angle lens attachment. On this climb I want to capture the views below and beyond.
In less than an hour we are above the clouds. We pause. We are alone. It is utterly silent. It is so beautiful. The mountains and volcanoes are far away yet they seem so close. The peak of our volcano peers down from above. I have traveled so far. I am far from home. A week ago I had never heard of any of these places and yet here I am, above the clouds on the slope of a smoldering volcano. If there are better reasons to venture to the other side of the world, I can't think of one now.
I wish my parents were still here. I would thank them again for taking me to "the mountains" and for encouraging me to "get out of the house." And when I am out of the house, wherever I am, I always feel at home.
Get out of the house, my friends.
PS I must set the record straight. My family never went to a kuch-alein. My mother would have considered that as très déclassé. Instead we went to the Air Haven Resort which was yet another Catskills institution -- a bungalow colony. Each family had their own little individual or semi-detached home with a proper kitchen and bedrooms and even a porch.
Our bungalow colony was in the Poughkeepsie – Hyde Park area of New York State. One day my mother went out to a luncheon in Hyde Park . She came back home simply overwhelmed and enchanted. She had tea with Eleanor Roosevelt.
OK, I must tell the truth. One summer when I was a very small boy and my sister was an infant, our family spent the summer at Mrs. Jaffee's Cottage in Tannersville, New York. The cottage was a large, multi-storied boarding house and we did have a few kitchens. The ice man delivered blocks of ice that were placed on the top shelf of the ice-box. To alert the telephone operator, calls were made by rapidly turning a handle on the side of a wall-mounted wooden telephone. The Victrola also had a handle to wind the springs to play a 78 rpm record.
In the 1930's and 40's, Mrs. Jaffee was one of a legion of Jewish European immigrants who bought property in the Catskills, also known as the Jewish Borscht Belt. (Perhaps you've heard of Jennie Grossinger?) Mrs. Jaffee's English was mostly Yiddish and she was a caring and thoughtful woman. She always worried about the young children scampering around the house. Her most memorable and frequent exclamation was, "Kinderlein, kinderlein, don't fall down the stairses." You can check with my older cousin Stanley Taxier. He will verify my story.
Most of the Catskill Mountains area is in Sullivan County. The irony that thousands of Jewish New Yorkers vacationed in Sullivan County seems to have escaped the notice of everyone. My Russian-born grandfather, Harry Lifson referred to the well-known journalist and television personality as "Ed Solomon."
Kinderlein Jan mit loch in kop
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Economy and Society, October 18, 2022: South Carolina to divest BlackRock funds over ESG – Ballotpedia News
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Economy and Society, October 18, 2022: South Carolina to divest BlackRock funds over ESG
By Ballotpedia staff
October 18, 2022 at 2:02 PM
Economy and Society is Ballotpedia’s weekly review of the developments in corporate activism; corporate political engagement; and the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) trends and events that characterize the growing intersection between business and politics.
ESG Developments This Week
Editorial argues against proposed SEC climate disclosure rule
On October 15, The Hill carried a guest editorial by Rupert Darwall, a climate author and researcher and senior fellow at the RealClear Foundation. In it, Darwall argues that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed environmental disclosure rule will be bigger, more expensive, and more intrusive than proponents argue:
“Although Democrats hail passage of the Schumer-Manchin Inflation Reduction Act, far more consequential is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed climate-risk disclosure rule, currently being finalized. It will operate at the nexus of the administrative state, Wall Street and politically motivated institutional investors. The Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, part of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), has 273 signatories with $61.3 trillion in assets under management.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler tries to downplay the significance of the SEC climate-risk disclosure rule. It is essentially a bit of housekeeping, he would have us believe, that would help corporate issuers more efficiently and effectively disclose their climate-related risks. But if this really were a mere tidying-up exercise, it wouldn’t need more than 500 pages of rule-making.
In reality, the proposed rule is about climate policy. Its practical effect would be to facilitate the ability of institutional investors and climate activists to impose, monitor and enforce climate targets on publicly traded companies, without obtaining explicit authorization from Congress.
The reason the SEC’s proposed rule is so lengthy is that it incorporates the climate-reporting framework developed by the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), established by Michael Bloomberg and former Bank of England governor Mark Carney. In February 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was exploding, Bloomberg posted a video on Facebook. “Climate change. It’s the biggest threat to America and the world. Full stop,” Bloomberg asserted. How do you replace dirty energy, he asked? “Stop rewarding companies from making it.” Welcoming the SEC proposal, Bloomberg said it will “accelerate the transition to clean energy and net-zero emissions.”
Carney also has been clear about the purpose of disclosure in driving climate action, tweeting in May 2021: “What gets measured gets managed. That’s why reporting climate-related financial info is critical if we are to achieve #netzero.”
Former SEC chair Mary Schapiro, current head of the Secretariat for the TCFD and vice-chair of GFANZ, explains TCFD’s motivation: “Disclosure is at the heart of reaching net zero, and the TCFD has provided a solid foundation to support the private sector’s net zero commitments through transparency and accountability.”
Four years ago, Schapiro was appointed vice chair of Bloomberg and a special adviser to its founder and chairman. In its comment letter to the SEC, Boyden Gray & Associates notes that Bloomberg owns the proprietary tools that are the preferred means for the financial sector to obtain data and would be the preferred tool to comply with the SEC’s proposed rule — virtually guaranteeing Bloomberg’s revenues would increase by billions of dollars.
The SEC climate proposal demonstrates a fundamental truth: ESG is the pursuit of politics by other means. This incurs costs.”
In the States
On October 9, South Carolina became the latest in a string of states to confirm that it will be removing its investments from BlackRock Inc.’s asset management because of the firm’s dedication to ESG and what the states calls its sustainability investing. On October 11, The Washington Examiner broke the story:
“South Carolina will be divesting all of its BlackRock holdings by the end of the year, the latest instance of backlash from Republican state officials over the investment firm’s stance on fossil fuels.
State Treasurer Curtis Loftis’s office confirmed the plan to the Washington Examiner on Monday. His office said Loftis has already been removing BlackRock-managed funds over the past five years and is in the process of divesting the final $200 million of BlackRock holdings by year’s end.
“I will not allow our financial partners to undermine my fiduciary responsibility to maximize investment returns while accepting a prudent level of risk for the benefit of our citizens. It is imperative that we stand up to BlackRock and resist the pressure to simply fall into line with their leftist worldview,” Loftis said….
In addition to South Carolina and Louisiana, Utah State Treasurer Marlo Oaks said he has yanked about $100 million in state funds from BlackRock, and Arkansas State Treasurer Dennis Milligan divested some $125 million out of money market accounts managed by the firm, which is the largest money manager in the world.
In total, the actions by the state treasurers will equate to more than $1 billion in divested funds by year’s end….
On Friday, BlackRock launched a webpage committed to “setting the record straight” about how it handles investment decisions and disclosure and its pursuit of ESG. BlackRock claims its views on climate risk aren’t unique, and its new webpage noted that an overwhelming majority of companies in the S&P 500 publish sustainability reports.”
On Wall Street and in the private sector
Last week, an analyst at UBS downgraded BlackRock Inc. stock, “based on environmental pressure to earnings and risk from the firm’s ESG positioning”:
“BlackRock’s focus on the latest Wall Street craze—environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing—has turned into a risky affair for the world’s largest asset manager, a UBS analyst recently stated.
Brennan Hawken, an analyst at the bank, downgraded the stock of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) from Buy to Neutral and slashed the stock price target from $700 to $585 over growing pushback to its ESG efforts.
“We are downgrading BLK to Neutral based on environmental pressure to earnings and risk from the firm’s ESG positioning,” he said in a note, adding that BlackRock could face increased regulatory inspection and the possibility of diminished fund management business.
“BLK’s early and energetic adoption of ESG principles in its fund management and shareholder proxy activities have positioned the firm as an ESG leader in our view. However, as performance deteriorates and political risk from ESG has increased, we believe the potential for lost fund mandates and regulatory scrutiny has recently increased.”…
Despite the pushback from a whole host of Republican-led states, a recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers argued that the demand for ESG investments outstrips supply. The study learned that nearly 90 percent of institutional investors think asset managers should be more proactive in manufacturing new ESG products. Additionally, close to 80 percent of American investors plan to bolster their allocations to ESG financial products over the next two years.
BlackRock shares were down about 2.7 percent on Friday to trade below $551. Since the beginning of the year, the firm has lost 40 percent of its market value.”
From the ivory tower
Last week, the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania announced that it has, in response to high demand, decided to offer two new ESG and DEI concentrations/majors to its students:
“Over its nearly 150 years as the global leader in business education, the Wharton School’s continued curricular evolution remains a cornerstone by which the School’s excellence is sustained. This month, as the University of Pennsylvania’s fall semester unfolded, Wharton again applied this philosophy in acknowledgement of the rising relevance of two burgeoning industry priorities.
Wharton’s Curriculum Innovation and Review Committee (CIRC) voted to approve the introduction of two official curricular designations to the School’s existing fold of robust and renowned educational opportunities: 1) Environmental, Social and Governance Factors for Business (ESGB), and 2) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Both ESGB and DEI are available to function as either a concentration at the undergraduate level or a major at the MBA level, and will see its first students graduate in May 2025. This decision came in response to the extensive undergrad and graduate-level interest in coursework devoted to these developing areas in business. As Deputy Dean Nancy Rothbard puts it: “We are proud and delighted that Wharton will be offering these new concentrations and majors, supported by the School’s world-class evidence-based curriculum. We look forward to seeing what our graduates accomplish.””
This announcement was foreshadowed last month by Bloomberg News, which noted that the trend toward stakeholder and ESG studies is on the upswing at American business schools:
“On the role of business in society, the trend lines are clear: Shareholder primacy is out and stakeholder inclusion is in. Chief Executive Officers Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Larry Fink of BlackRock Inc. were among the scores of corporate luminaries who in 2019 publicly made “a fundamental commitment to all of our stakeholders,” including the environment, employees, suppliers, and communities, as members of the Business Roundtable. Similar pledges now pop up everywhere, from global gatherings of the business elite to advertisements for the Australian toilet paper company Who Gives a Crap Ltd., which uses recycled materials and spends half its profits on building toilets and improving sanitation in the developing world: “Wipe your bum, change the world.”
Business schools have been slow to reflect this zeitgeist, but they’re rapidly making up for lost time. This month, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School is becoming the first large MBA program to offer a major in environmental, social, and corporate governance, standards used by socially conscious investors to vet companies. Harvard Business School offers courses that ask students to question the very purpose of capitalism. And Columbia Business School has set an ambitious goal to become the nation’s top generator of leadership in the burgeoning field of social entrepreneurship….
Today’s B-school students want a career with meaning, says Witold Henisz, vice dean and faculty director of Wharton’s ESG Initiative. “They want to stand for something,” he says. “They don’t want to be part of the next scandal, whether it’s opioids or teenage depression from social media. They want to feel they’re creating value and doing good.” To serve such students, the school offers more than 30 courses dealing with sustainability, ethics, and stakeholder theory, double the number five years ago.”
In the spotlight
Dimon addresses ESG, argues conventional energy is important
The New York Post recently highlighted JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s comments on ESG and his views about the economy and energy policy in general:
“Jamie Dimon told clients this week that “some investors don’t give a s–t” about “ESG,” the woke investing approach that US companies increasingly have embraced under political pressure, sources told The Post.
The hard-charging JPMorgan CEO emphasized the importance of conventional energy sources as the nation invests in green energy, telling attendees at a company “fireside chat” that “pumping more oil and gas and using energy security” is critical for the US to maintain its financial stability and independence, according to a source briefed on the comments.
Dimon also blasted companies for “ceding governance to do-gooder kids on a committee” whose members are selected for their bona fides in so-called ESG, or environmental, social and governance.”
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Attachments: Attachments - Int. No. 139-B, Attachments - Int. No. 484, Attachments - Int. No. 977, Attachments - Int. No. 1131-A, Attachments - Int. No. 1140, Attachments - Int. No. 1471, Attachments - Int. No. 1532, Attachments - Int. No. 1544-A, Attachments - Int. No. 1547, Attachments - Int. No. 1585
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Int 0139-2014 * Vincent J. Gentile Proposed Int. No. 139-B Regulation of non-tobacco smoking products, and to amend the fire code of NYC, and the NYC mechanical code, in relation to the operation of non-tobacco hookah establishments. Introduction This bill would add non-tobacco shisha to the City’s Smoke-Free Air Act. It would allow existing non-tobacco bars, commonly known as hookah bars that derive the majority of their income from non-tobacco shisha and paraphernalia to continue operating as long as they register and meet certain standards. It would require these establishments to meet certain Fire Code and Mechanical Code requirements. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 0139-2014 * Vincent J. Gentile Regulation of non-tobacco smoking products, and to amend the fire code of NYC, and the NYC mechanical code, in relation to the operation of non-tobacco hookah establishments. Introduction This bill would add non-tobacco shisha to the City’s Smoke-Free Air Act. It would allow existing non-tobacco bars, commonly known as hookah bars that derive the majority of their income from non-tobacco shisha and paraphernalia to continue operating as long as they register and meet certain standards. It would require these establishments to meet certain Fire Code and Mechanical Code requirements. Amendment Proposed by Comm Action details Not available
Int 0139-2014 * Vincent J. Gentile Regulation of non-tobacco smoking products, and to amend the fire code of NYC, and the NYC mechanical code, in relation to the operation of non-tobacco hookah establishments. Introduction This bill would add non-tobacco shisha to the City’s Smoke-Free Air Act. It would allow existing non-tobacco bars, commonly known as hookah bars that derive the majority of their income from non-tobacco shisha and paraphernalia to continue operating as long as they register and meet certain standards. It would require these establishments to meet certain Fire Code and Mechanical Code requirements. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 0484-2014 * James Vacca Prohibiting smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in the common areas of all multiple dwellings. Introduction This bill would prohibit smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in common areas in multiple dwellings with fewer than ten units. These activities are already illegal in common areas in multiple dwellings with ten or more units. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 0484-2014 * James Vacca Prohibiting smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in the common areas of all multiple dwellings. Introduction This bill would prohibit smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in common areas in multiple dwellings with fewer than ten units. These activities are already illegal in common areas in multiple dwellings with ten or more units. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 0977-2015 * Donovan J. Richards Banning smoking in city-financed housing. Introduction This bill would ban smoking in multiple dwellings that are part of an affordable housing program and that receive financial assistance from the city. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 0977-2015 * Donovan J. Richards Banning smoking in city-financed housing. Introduction This bill would ban smoking in multiple dwellings that are part of an affordable housing program and that receive financial assistance from the city. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1131-2016 * Brad S. Lander Proposed Int. No. 1131-A Sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. Introduction This bill would prohibit pharmacies, or retail stores that contain pharmacies, from selling tobacco products. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1131-2016 * Brad S. Lander Sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. Introduction This bill would prohibit pharmacies, or retail stores that contain pharmacies, from selling tobacco products. Amendment Proposed by Comm Action details Not available
Int 1131-2016 * Brad S. Lander Sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. Introduction This bill would prohibit pharmacies, or retail stores that contain pharmacies, from selling tobacco products. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1140-2016 * Fernando Cabrera Prohibiting smoking and using electronic cigarettes in vehicles when a child under the age of eight is present. Introduction Currently under the New York City Smoke Free Air Act, private automobiles are not subject to the prohibitions found in the Act and individuals may smoke in their vehicles. This bill would amend the Smoke Free Air Act to prohibit any driver or passenger in a vehicle from smoking or using electronic cigarettes when a child under the age of eight is present. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1140-2016 * Fernando Cabrera Prohibiting smoking and using electronic cigarettes in vehicles when a child under the age of eight is present. Introduction Currently under the New York City Smoke Free Air Act, private automobiles are not subject to the prohibitions found in the Act and individuals may smoke in their vehicles. This bill would amend the Smoke Free Air Act to prohibit any driver or passenger in a vehicle from smoking or using electronic cigarettes when a child under the age of eight is present. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1471-2017 * Corey D. Johnson Increasing the retail cigarette dealer license fee. Introduction This bill would raise the biennial fee for a Cigarette Retail Dealer License from $110 to $200. This license is required to sell tobacco directly to consumers. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1471-2017 * Corey D. Johnson Increasing the retail cigarette dealer license fee. Introduction This bill would raise the biennial fee for a Cigarette Retail Dealer License from $110 to $200. This license is required to sell tobacco directly to consumers. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1532-2017 * Fernando Cabrera Regulation of electronic cigarettes and the licensing of electronic cigarette retail dealers. Introduction This bill would require a license to sell electronic cigarettes, similar to the license that is currently required to sell cigarettes. It would also cap the number of electronic cigarette retailers at half the current number, by community district, with the reduction in number coming through attrition. Existing sellers would be able to continue to renew their license so long as they meet all applicable licensure requirements. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1532-2017 * Fernando Cabrera Regulation of electronic cigarettes and the licensing of electronic cigarette retail dealers. Introduction This bill would require a license to sell electronic cigarettes, similar to the license that is currently required to sell cigarettes. It would also cap the number of electronic cigarette retailers at half the current number, by community district, with the reduction in number coming through attrition. Existing sellers would be able to continue to renew their license so long as they meet all applicable licensure requirements. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1544-2017 * Corey D. Johnson Proposed Int. No. 1544-A Regulation of retail dealers of tobacco products and of electronic cigarettes, the establishment of price floors and minimum package sizes for tobacco products and shisha, and the establishment of a tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes. Introduction This bill would establish or increase the price floor for packages of cigarettes, tobacco products, and non-tobacco shisha, and set minimum package sizes for those products that don’t already have one. The cigarette package price would rise from $10.50 to $13 per package, while smokeless tobacco and shisha packages would be set at $8 and $17, respectively. The cigar price floor would be calculated at a rate of $6 plus $1.75 per cigar in a package, except for individually packaged cigars, which would have a minimum price of $8. It would also tax cigars, little cigars, smokeless tobacco, tobacco-containing shisha, and loose tobacco at a rate of 10% of the minimum price, with proceeds going to fund public housing. Retail dealers of cigarettes and e-cigarettes would also be prohibited from delivering cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes to consumers under this bill. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1544-2017 * Corey D. Johnson Regulation of retail dealers of tobacco products and of electronic cigarettes, the establishment of price floors and minimum package sizes for tobacco products and shisha, and the establishment of a tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes. Introduction This bill would establish or increase the price floor for packages of cigarettes, tobacco products, and non-tobacco shisha, and set minimum package sizes for those products that don’t already have one. The cigarette package price would rise from $10.50 to $13 per package, while smokeless tobacco and shisha packages would be set at $8 and $17, respectively. The cigar price floor would be calculated at a rate of $6 plus $1.75 per cigar in a package, except for individually packaged cigars, which would have a minimum price of $8. It would also tax cigars, little cigars, smokeless tobacco, tobacco-containing shisha, and loose tobacco at a rate of 10% of the minimum price, with proceeds going to fund public housing. Retail dealers of cigarettes and e-cigarettes would also be prohibited from delivering cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes to consumers under this bill. Amendment Proposed by Comm Action details Not available
Int 1544-2017 * Corey D. Johnson Regulation of retail dealers of tobacco products and of electronic cigarettes, the establishment of price floors and minimum package sizes for tobacco products and shisha, and the establishment of a tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes. Introduction This bill would establish or increase the price floor for packages of cigarettes, tobacco products, and non-tobacco shisha, and set minimum package sizes for those products that don’t already have one. The cigarette package price would rise from $10.50 to $13 per package, while smokeless tobacco and shisha packages would be set at $8 and $17, respectively. The cigar price floor would be calculated at a rate of $6 plus $1.75 per cigar in a package, except for individually packaged cigars, which would have a minimum price of $8. It would also tax cigars, little cigars, smokeless tobacco, tobacco-containing shisha, and loose tobacco at a rate of 10% of the minimum price, with proceeds going to fund public housing. Retail dealers of cigarettes and e-cigarettes would also be prohibited from delivering cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes to consumers under this bill. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1547-2017 * Brad S. Lander Expanding the retail dealer license to include retailers of tobacco products and setting caps on retail dealer licenses, and to repeal subdivision c of section 17-702, relating to the definition of cigarette license. Introduction This bill expands the current requirement to possess a retail dealer license to sell cigarettes to include all retailers that sell any type of tobacco products. The bill will also restrict the availability of new retail dealer licenses by capping the number of tobacco retailer licenses in each community district at half the current number. The community district caps would not affect existing licensees who may continue to renew their licenses. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1547-2017 * Brad S. Lander Expanding the retail dealer license to include retailers of tobacco products and setting caps on retail dealer licenses, and to repeal subdivision c of section 17-702, relating to the definition of cigarette license. Introduction This bill expands the current requirement to possess a retail dealer license to sell cigarettes to include all retailers that sell any type of tobacco products. The bill will also restrict the availability of new retail dealer licenses by capping the number of tobacco retailer licenses in each community district at half the current number. The community district caps would not affect existing licensees who may continue to renew their licenses. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1585-2017 * Ritchie J. Torres Disclosure of smoking policies for class A multiple dwellings. Introduction This bill would require rental apartment buildings, as well as co-op and condo buildings, to create a smoking policy for the building. It would not dictate the contents of this policy. This policy would be required to be provided annually to tenants, and incorporated into leases and purchase agreements. Hearing Held by Committee Action details Not available
Int 1585-2017 * Ritchie J. Torres Disclosure of smoking policies for class A multiple dwellings. Introduction This bill would require rental apartment buildings, as well as co-op and condo buildings, to create a smoking policy for the building. It would not dictate the contents of this policy. This policy would be required to be provided annually to tenants, and incorporated into leases and purchase agreements. Laid Over by Committee Action details Not available
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Situated in Northumberland, 10 miles from the coast and about 70 miles each of Newcastle and Edinburgh sits Chillingham Castle. You would never believe from simply looking at it, that it contains such a horrendous past that included many forms of torture.
Chillingham was once used as a stronghold against the Scots and was the home of Sir Humphrey Wakefield. In 1297, William Wallace had forged an attack on the area that ended in woman and children being burned alive in the local abbey.
In addition to the many sieges that have taken place here, Chillingham Castle has also played host to several of the Kings of England, starting with King Henry III and moving up through to the members of the Royal family today. It is now considered as a holiday stop with rooms providing all of the modern comforts.
In addition to this being a prime holiday location, it is also reputed to be the most haunted location in England. The Earl Grey family which lived there for many years had at least 8 well documented executions to take place on the land. Some were hanged, drawn and quartered with their heads displayed to remind people of what could happen if you went against the King. Others family members were much luckier. They were simply beheaded.
As you can imagine, all of the death at the former stronghold has led to many reports of spirits residing here. With the exception of a few, the families that lived in the castle had lives of excitement and romance. They may have served Kings, but as history clearly shows – they were known to rebel, also.
To this day, the castle still has the dungeon and torture chambers completely intact and they are on the tour. People describe these areas as the “creepiest” places in Chillingham. Of course, there was unbearable pain inflicted upon people here through torture and death was a frequent visitor.
In the center of the dungeon is a 20 foot deep pit that is covered by a grate. Men, women and children were thrown into this pit, some of them simply for being Scots. Their arms and legs were broken and some were even cut off before they were tossed into this pit of death. The lucky ones died quickly. Those that were not so lucky survived by eating chunks of flesh from the dead. Of course, in time they all died. When the pit was full, the bodies were removed and more bodies could then pile up. If you look down through the grate to this day, you can still see the last victim of the pit – the skeletal remains of a young girl. Scraping sounds and banging noises can still be heard here at night.
Even with the history of the dungeon, the torture chamber is still the most horrific place in the castle. There are still a many of the torture devices displayed here and most of them are still in perfect working order. These include a stretching rack, a bed of nails, a spiked chair, an Iron Maiden, thumb screws, chains, leg irons, cages, man traps and branding irons. All of these instruments still bring to mind the unimaginable horrors that were suffered by their victims. The floor of the torture chamber is even built on a slant so that the blood of the victims could drain to the other end of the room. This was unfortunately the last memory that thousands of Scots were allowed.
The man that was so cruel as to carry out these horrendous acts of torture was John Sage. Sage had been King Edward’s best man on the battlefield until he was wounded and lost his leg in battle. This left him unable to fight on the field, so he begged the King to find a position for him. King Edward bestowed the title of Torture Master of Chillingham Castle on Sage.
Even though there have been many reports of spiritual activity over the years at Chillingham, including the Blue Boy and Lady Mary Berkeley, there is one that I wish to focus on the most. That is the ghost of John Sage, who was the torture expert for Chillingham, during the reign of King Edward.
Sage hated the Scots with such a venomous passion that he even created his own methods of torture for them. He implemented the use of a boiling pot, came up with devices to gouge the eyes out and other unspeakable ways to torture his victims. However, his most prized idea was the rat cage. A rat would be starved. Then a cage was tied to the stomach of the intended victim and the starved rat was place in the cage. The only way for the rat to escape was to eat their way through the victim.
John Sage spent 3 years torturing more than 50 victims per week. But in a strange turn of events, that only be called karma, Sage died because of one of the devices that he loved to inflict pain through. One fateful night, Sage and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Charlton decided to engage in rough sex in the torture chamber. They were on the rack when he decided to start strangling Elizabeth. What was supposed to be a moment of pleasure, ended with him strangling her to death.
Elizabeth’s father was a member of a group called the Border Reivers, which turned out to be very unfortunate for Sage. This group of men raided both sides of the English and Scottish border. The Border Reivers contacted King Edward and demanded that Sage be killed, in addition to all of the Scots that were being held, to be released. If the King did not comply with this order, they would team up with the Scots and attack Chillingham Castle. The King ordered the immediate release of the Scots on a Thursday. However, Sage refused to do this until the following Saturday. During those few days he went on a murderous rampage killing any man, woman or child that was a Scots. The men, women and older children were brought into the enclosed courtyard and thrown on a bon fire. The younger children were held in the Edward I room, where they could no doubt see their families being burned to death, as well as hearing their screams and smelling their burning flesh.
Sage took a small axe to the Edward I room and proceeded to hack all of these children to death. The very axe that was used in this horrendous act can still be seen today. It is hanging in the stairwell outside the Edward I room.
Sage then went to many of the villages surrounding the castle killing more Scots before they were able to escape. Not a single man, woman or child that was supposed to be released survived the rampage of John Sage. The bodies were never moved and anyone coming into Chillingham was forced to either walk or drive their carts over them. Even to this very day, bones seem to creep up through the road to be crushed. An entire finger bone was recently found. It seems as if the last victims of John Sage are asking that they not be forgotten.
King Edward ordered that Sage be hanged. As soon as his body started swinging from the tree a collective cheer went up from the crowd gathered to watch. Before he was even dead, people rushed forward to cut off his nose, fingers, toes and testicles for keepsakes. The reports are that he was buried in front of Chillingham at the crossroads. It was said that this was done so that his ghost wouldn’t know the way to Heaven and would instead choose the road to Hell.
If reports are correct, John Sage seems to have decided to stay right where he killed so many innocent victims. There have been reports of people seeing him wandering around on the grounds. Some have reported hearing the sounds of heavy footsteps followed by the sound of something being dragged behind. Could it be that John is walking around and dragging his missing leg behind him?
As you can see, there is a reason that Chillingham Castle has been called the most haunted location in England. It seems that they have ghosts to spare. If you are interested in hauntings and history – Chillingham Castle seems to be the place to find it, since it seems as if it’s main purpose has been to force torture and death on so many unwilling souls.
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Assistant Director / Haunted Locations at National Paranormal Society
I am Deb Daniel Jansons. I was born and raised in the Huntsville, Al area, but lived in Ontario, Canada for 12 years, before coming back home to be with my grandson. I have had an interest in the paranormal since I was a small child and had my first experience. I love going out to places that are known to have strange things happen, but I always look for an explanation of anything that might happen when I am there and take nothing at face value. I also love to read anything that I can get my hands on concerning the paranormal and other people’s experiences. One of my hopes is that the day will come, during my lifetime that we will have absolute proof that there are spirits, aliens, etc out there. Until then, all we can do is investigate and hope.
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Highgate Cemetery London, England - October 5, 2015
Houska Castle, Czech Republic - September 2, 2015
Chillingham Castle - August 4, 2015
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england, featured haunted location
I am Deb Daniel Jansons. I was born and raised in the Huntsville, Al area, but lived in Ontario, Canada for 12 years, before coming back home to be with my grandson. I have had an interest in the paranormal since I was a small child and had my first experience. I love going out to places that are known to have strange things happen, but I always look for an explanation of anything that might happen when I am there and take nothing at face value. I also love to read anything that I can get my hands on concerning the paranormal and other people’s experiences. One of my hopes is that the day will come, during my lifetime that we will have absolute proof that there are spirits, aliens, etc out there. Until then, all we can do is investigate and hope.
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So this week has been full of buzz regarding the relationship between faith/religion and science. For those of you sleeping under a rock, Bill Nye “the Science Guy” and Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis participated in a “debate” about creation (video here). I watched it and found it pretty interesting.
In fact, I received quite a few questions from people asking me for my thoughts. Quite frankly, I found the debate much better than what I was expecting. I’m not convinced either of the participants “slam dunked” the other and I disagree with both of them are significant aspects of their respective positions. Truth be told, I neither embrace Young Earth Creationism (YEC) or Theistic Evolution or Nye’s evolutionary position. I think it’s important to note that in the same way that there are a variety of positions found within Christianity regarding creation, there a variety of positions under the banner of “evolution.” That’s an important part of the discussion.
Well I’ve found that the Molt has something to say about creation. After all, he’s a systematics kind of guy, so it makes sense. What I appreciate about the Molt here is his fascination with science. That’s something I do not really share, but I realize that the connection between “faith” and “science” is an important connection and that in agreement with Ham, it’s perfectly legitimate to be a great scientist and hold to YEC. I also agree with Nye that being a faithful Christian need not be attached to YEC. Here, I’ll allow the Molt to share his thoughts concerning the relationship between theology and science in his own words
“From very early on, the theological discussion with scientists fascinated me. When I was a schoolboy I dreamed of studying mathematics and physics. When I was called up in 1943, at the age of 16, I was just reading Louis de Broglie’s book Matière et Lumière, which had recently appeared in German with a foreword by Werner Heisenberg. But then experiences of life and death in war and captivity overwhelmed me. Existential questions became more important than scientific ones, and these existential questions led me to theology. But for all that, the scientific questions were never forgotten. Unfortunately I never found the time to study physics thoroughly, either parallel to theology or afterwards. So in this respect I remained a dilettante, and am still so today—an amateur in the double sense of the word: though lacking professional expertise in the scientific field, science is nevertheless for me a subject of interest and delight. Later, I took every opportunity of entering as theologian into dialogue with scientists, read standard scientific books with interest, and tried to understand them. All this convinced me that theologians can learn something about God not just from the Bible but from ‘the book of nature’ too.” (Creation and Wisdom)
Couple observations:
First, I appreciate that Molt sees theology and science as both being important and as something that he delights in. I appreciate that the Molt is a human here.
Second, I appreciate that the Molt is open and transparent in the fact that he is not a professional scientist. When I hear some people talk about faith and science, I often find myself wondering if they are aware of the fact that their undergraduate degree in marketing isn’t the same thing as a PhD in physics. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting academic arrogance here. I’m just saying that there should be a little bit of humility when we converse on subjects that we may not have the best training on. Of course, one can have a PhD in a field that is built on a foundational idea that is shaky and has significant consequences. At any rate, I appreciate the Molt’s honesty here.
Third, I appreciate the Molt acknowledging that God can be revealed in addition to Scripture. This does not require that those two “revelations” conflict either, in my opinion. But I appreciate that the Molt clearly understands the implications of Romans 1:20. Now strict Fundamentalists who hold to a certain type of inerrancy will take issue with this, but the vast majority of Evangelicals will agree here.
Lastly, the Molt recognizes that there is good that can come from advocates of different positions talking to each other. I actually think Nye, whom I disagree with, certainly modeled that. And so did Ham.
And again, I was fairly surprised that Ham acknowledged some of the differences that are found in Christianity in regards to creation. He did a decent job of acknowledging that one can be a genuine Christian while also make sure to state his differences and why he believes that there are consequences to rejecting YEC. He also was, surprisingly, helpful in clarifying the hermeneutical issue of “literalism” that Nye kept mentioning.
So I was surprised. And I think the Molt, who would likely disagree with both of these two conversation partners, would still find it encouraging that the discussion took place.
And I hope a lot more take place beyond Nye and Ham. Maybe they can start here…
If you’d like to purchase the Jürgen Moltmann Collection (22 vols.) from Logos, go here. You can either make one payment or set up a payment plan, which is an incredible option for pastors! You could also call 1-800-875-6467 to talk to one of Logos’ friendly staff. In my experience, they are both knowledgeable and helpful. One of the awesome benefits of using Logos is their return policy. Logos has a 30-day money-back-guarantee return period. So what are you waiting for? Order your copy today and tell them ThinkTheology.org sent you! And if you contact us, we might be able to get you a discount!
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Lyndon Unger on February 8, 2014 at 2:07 pm
So are there any charismatics you are aware of out there that are *historically* conservative and believe the historical/grammatical meaning of the Bible that don’t do so out of ignorance or tradition?
I must admit, seeing you refer to an academic like Moltmann with such praise is quite disappointing. I was starting to like you Luke.
Luke Geraty on February 8, 2014 at 3:02 pm
It is always interesting how quickly MacArthur followers jump to conclusions! Never ceases to amaze me. Perhaps I should just give up! Ha
Your question regarding charismatic hermeneutics is cute though!
At any rate, I AM reading through the Molt and I am finding a lot of good with a lot of questionable material. Yet I see no reason to damn all of his ideas simply because I have serious disagreements with many of his approaches.
Yet here is where you can go beyond your usual/typical fundamentalist rhetoric and methodology. How about you demonstrate what you disagree with here in the Molt quote.
Luke Geraty on February 8, 2014 at 3:11 pm
PS: I was first assigned reading the Molt at a Reformed seminary. Dang them Calvinists!!
Lyndon Unger on February 9, 2014 at 5:23 am
I find it enjoyable how a loose and distant connection to MacArthur makes me a “MacArthur follower”. I’ll start calling you a Whimberite.
I aim for cute…and cuddly. I think you misread my question. I am well aware that there are historically conservative AoG/Vineyard/FourSquare/etc. folks who would hold to a straighforward understanding of the Genesis account of creation (more or less YEC), but I don’t know many educated ones that remain in there. The exclusive fruit of education on AoG/Vineyard/FourSquare/etc. folks that I’ve personally witnessed is the erosion of their former theological positions. I keep running into AoG/Vineyard/FourSquare/etc. folks with graduate degrees who have completely abandoned their previous view on creation because they discovered that Genesis is a polemic against ANE deities, or because they discovered a symmetry to the creation account and were told that the only possible exegetical significance of it was one of overturning their previous beliefs.
As for the Molt quote, points 1 and 2 are just personal points with nothing contentious either way. Point 3 is where he starts applying his theology to the question of origins and says something that, though common, absolutely betrays basic Christian doctrine:
“Later, I took every opportunity of entering as theologian into dialogue
with scientists, read standard scientific books with interest, and tried
to understand them. All this convinced me that theologians can learn
something about God not just from the Bible but from ‘the book of
Now it’s great that he talks to scientists and want to learn the tools of their trade/engage their intellectual resources in their fields.
But the “two books” line is utter theological hogwash for two reasons:
1. The unregenerate man cannot rightly asses the facts of nature in any ultimate sense because their meaning is revealed & their implications are moral. (Romans 1:18 is the real kicker here; the carnal observer of nature sees the facts but suppresses the truth about those facts on moral grounds. There are plenty of other passages that address the noetic shackling of the carnal mind – Luke 16:19-31, Heb. 11:3, 2 Peter 3:1-13 are other places to start). If nature is some sort of “book”, even metaphorically, then to the unregenerate man it’s a book in a foreign language…
2. …But nature is not a book, at least not in any reasonable sense of the word. The difference between nature and scripture is the difference between a picture and an explanation. The standard example of this whole charade is the starlight question: Nature appears (given an unsubstantiated uniformitarian view of natural processes calculated back into history indefinitely) to suggest that the light from distant stars “tells us” that the universe a LOT older than, say 50,000 years. In total contradiction to the apparent story “told” by nature is the text of Genesis 1:14-19. The starts (all of them) were made for a two-fold purpose: marking time (as in seasons) and giving light. Every single star fulfilled it’s purpose at the same time (Gen. 1:17-18) and that all occurred on the fourth day (Gen. 1:19).
Now was there some sort of detectable physical process/mechanism involved in both near and far stars illumining the night sky simultaneously?
I don’t have a clue.
What I do know is that the Bible clearly says that the stars all fulfilled their purpose on the very day they were made, regardless of their distance from the earth. Also, that purpose doesn’t include “telling mankind how old the universe is”..so if someone looks in “the book” of nature for that information and claims to find it, they’re *actually* wrong.
That’s why I am sad to see you praising an academic (notice I didn’t say “liberal”) like Moltmann. Career academics are usually next to useless in addressing problems that common people have…and you’re an educated pastor. I’d hope that you could see through academic wheelies covering up exegetical incompetence on issues that are of pastoral importance.
Also, just kidding about the Whimberite thing. We both follow Christ alone, not MacArthur or Calvin or whoever, right?
Lyndon Unger on February 9, 2014 at 5:24 am
Dang them all.
Luke Geraty on February 9, 2014 at 7:35 am
This seems quite straining. I am not quite sure the intentions of the Molt are even remotely close to where you are headed here. Of course nature isn’t a “book.” Furthermore, one has to make a pretty huge leap in order to equate a recognition of what boils down to an expression of general revelation as being on par with or even above biblical revelation. As an evangelical, I clearly do not believe nature trumps Scripture. But I do think God is revealed in nature (as the Molt suggests).
So it seems like a lot of straining.
After all, you jump from a very basic acknowledgement on the Molt’s part regarding two sources of revelation (my words) to telling us why nature isn’t “telling” us anything. Sounds a lot like YEC talk… are you a YEC?
I guess we need to get a list of all of these academic theologians that you speak of. I wasn’t given that list in seminary. I’m thinking it’s probably quite subjective of a list, but I guess having it would be helpful nonetheless.
Career academics need to be judged on the basis of their work. You may find the Molt next to useness whereas I find him fascinating. Many people suggest Barth is next to useless but I find him also fascinating (and super helpful).
And for the record, you assume so much in your responses above that I find rather curious. Allow me to explain.
Perhaps you should simply write, “Luke, what is your position on creation.” That way you wouldn’t look so silly! Nowhere did I suggest what position I hold regarding creation! I simply said I am not a YEC. And your understanding of the “positions” found within the movements you mention gives me the impression that you are not as familiar with the diversity found within. Or of the facts regarding the positions advocated by these “educated” people you speak of.
So you sound kind of like a chump for so many assumptions
I am not a YEC. I do find Genesis 1-2 having more to do with a theological point rather than laying out specific historical data. So I see it as being literary rather than literal. In fact, I would say that the Framework view is probably where I’d hang my hat. I don’t know if the earth is 6,000 years old or 10,000 years old or a million years. I’m fine with saying, “boy, I don’t know.” I also can see the exegetical reason to view the days “literally” (I won’t deny that a 24 hour period of time is in view with the Hebrew yom). I’m still reading on the subject and trying to figure it out (or at least be better informed).
So many of your assumptions are just plain wrong. Plus, they reveal a wide distance from my experience within the pentecostal/charismatic tradition. But who knows… maybe you know more than I do about that… I can’t claim to be an expert!
Now, I don’t want to discount your ideas regarding nature and your constructive push back on the Molt. Like I said: fine and dandy. I’m just not sure that your reading him without your “he’s a liberal so I can’t trust anything he says” lens. It’s like how a lot of people read Barth. Or, on the other side of the coin, how a lot of Arminians “read” Calvin!
And yes, I sure hope we both follow Jesus more than Wimber, Calvin, or good old Menno. Jesus the Christ died on a cross for my sins and his death entirely and completely satisfied the requirements of the Father. I love him for that (and much more!)
Luke Geraty on February 9, 2014 at 7:35 am
Exactly.
Lyndon Unger on February 12, 2014 at 12:40 pm
It seems quite straining? Okie Doke.
I wasn’t suggesting that Moltmann had any motivation. I was simply reading his comments and extrapolating them into practical ramifications.
When someone talks about the “two books” idea, specifically in reference to creation, are they headed towards developing ideas about the scripture from the text of Genesis? When people talk about “learning about God from nature”, in the context of discussions about the *ultimate* origins of the universe, are they ever really sola scriptura?
Of course not.
God is revealed in nature, but not at the level that people like to suggest. The Bible tells us about the scope of God’s revelation in nature; there’s not a ton that one learns from creation about God outside of his eternal power and divine nature.
People who talk about things beyond that are always doing one of two things:
1. Discussing the interpretations of creation made by unregenerate practitioners of empirical science (as if they are remotely as neutral as Bill Nye thinks he is).
2. Discussing the systems of thought, based on point 1, made by unregenerate practitioners of philosophy (as if they’re any less free of the rational bondage of sin).
I’ve done a whole lot of reading and interaction on creationism over the decades, and I’ve never once seen someone read the “book of nature” and end up at a biblical view of creation.
As for the YEC question, I’m nuanced YEC hybrid; the bible inescapably presents the days of creation as 24 hour periods of time, and the Bible is unapologetic about the spontaneous existence of comprehensive ecosystems and mankind descending from a single human pair, as well as the instantaneous functionality of starlight in it’s illuminating purposes. Show me an old earth model that allows for that all, and I’ll highly consider it. Believe me, I would love to. It would make my life a whole lot easier!
“Career academic” theologians are theologians whose circle of existence is mainly the academy, as opposed to pastoral ministry (and regular people). Career academics are people who tend to follow the academy itself, disconnected from the common folks. A hyperbolic example of this would be a scholar I once knew who had verbatim memorized entire books but had never heard of Tom Cruise (not kidding). Slightly Ivory Tower? Yessir…
This may surprise you, but I’ve read Moltmann and Volf and Barth and Hegel and even 11 books by Bart Ehrman (and 3 by Robert Price, no less). I don’t reject them out of some knee-jerk blindness. I’m glad that you find Moltmann helpful. For what exactly, I don’t know and struggle to imagine. I struggle finding worth in his writings for common folks in the pew, especially understanding his writings in the context of his professed worldview. I also tend to not filter the batter when I make pancakes with hopes of finding doubloons. Call me crazy…but more on this in a second.
And I’m not sure if you were really reading what I wrote in my previous comment. I didn’t insinuate anything about your position on creation. Please point to where I did. I expressed disbelief at your citation of Moltmann and I addressed the idea he propounded directly. I wasn’t addressing your position, nor did I talk about it. You’re the one making assumptions partner…but I won’t suggest you’re a chump.
My experience in AoG/ACOP/PAOC/FourSquare/Vineyard/Victory circles is just that; my experience. It’s not monolithic, but it is uniform. I also live on a different continent than you, correct? I would, and will, praise the Lord to find some educated charismatics who hold to non-naive biblical theology in areas like creationism.
As for the “he’s liberal”, I openly admit that I see Moltmann through the lens of his beliefs. For example, on page 181 of his book “The Theology of Hope” he openly denies the historicity of the resurrection of Christ and on page 227 of the same book he openly denies the second coming as an actual future event in history. Jurgen Moltmann, in no uncertain terms, thinks that Jesus is still in the grave and therefore cannot possibly come back to earth. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:12-18, suggests that Moltmann’s religion, whatever it is, isn’t Christianity. That means that he’s not a Christian; his spend his entire career as a theologian “dead in sin” (Eph. 2:1-3) and he cannot possibly have any ultimate understanding of the scripture because he lacks the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:11-16). As a Charismatic Christian, I’m guessing you’d think the Holy Spirit was somewhat important to understanding the scriptures, right?
What’s even more interesting and ironic is that 1 Corinthians 15:19 states “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
Moltmann’s “theology of hope” was a hope in hope for this life only, seeing that he openly denied the reality of the bodily resurrection and the second coming, and the apostle Paul labels it “pitiful”.
So call me crazy for wondering why anyone would run to a theological toilet looking to quench their thirst.
Luke Geraty on February 13, 2014 at 1:09 am
Yikes! I think we are reading and understanding the Molt in almost diametrically opposed ways! As I have understood his approach to the Resurrection, he isn’t denying anything but is simply changing the way in which we understand “history” (if I recall, he sees the Resurrection through the lens of history making rather than historical). This all tends to be related to his push back on Modernism and anti-supernatural epistemological, etc.
I am by no means a Moltmannian scholar, but I have read a number of his works as well as a fair amount of evangelical essays dialoguing with him. I think JETS has one on his view on the resurrection that I find a bit more nuanced than what you have suggested.
Plus, of course, there has been significant development in his theologizing over the years… His earlier works, while considered classic by many, are by no means without areas he has developed (from what I understand).
Have fun with Bart
Lyndon Unger on February 13, 2014 at 3:03 am
I labor to let people speak for themselves, and that includes Moltmann. I’m not sure how you’ve been taught to read him, but I’m wondering where you got your training…not because you’re dumb or anything, but rather because it may not have been as historically evangelical as you were led to believe. I got my BA at a school that I only later learned had been infested by liberalism (much to my sorrow). There was a process of years where I thought a whole number of ideas (i.e. higher critical theory, postmodern linguistic relativism, etc.) that I now have wholeheartedly rejected.
You wrote: “As I have understood his approach to the Resurrection, he isn’t denying
anything but is simply changing the way in which we understand “history”
(if I recall, he sees the Resurrection through the lens of history
making rather than historical).”
You DO know that’s Hegel coming out, right? Are you familiar with Hegel and his philosophy of history? That’s probably something you’d like to brush up on if you’re planning on reading Moltmann more. Moltmann wasn’t coming out of a context of American fundamentalism, or even conservative charismatic evangelicalism, that’s for sure.
Are you talking about this JETS article?
Luke Geraty on February 13, 2014 at 9:30 am
For the record, suggesting you have somewhat misunderstood the Molt’s point isn’t to suggest that insurer with his view of redefining the way we talk about the Resurrection I am simply saying it is more complex than that.
And I am quite sure we read things differently and approach theology from different perspectives. That is evident in so any ways I am surprised we are now visiting that. Haha.
For my part, I want to dialogue and interact with the Molt for a number of reasons and will continue to do so. I am fine with others disliking him. His work on the Trinity is far more concerning to me than some of his approaches to historicity because his approach to historicity is standard German Protestant liberalism.
Lyndon Unger on February 13, 2014 at 10:45 pm
Okay. I’ll just leave this at “firing past each other” and “we’ve both got better things to do” and we’ll move on.
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Quotable Theology
Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable.
Quotable Theology
Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable.
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Find all content by Squirtle_007 Find all threads by Squirtle_007
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Nov 9, 2012
Oh so Ash vs Trip is gonna be a flashback good to know. And I seem to remember seeing Stephan's Zebstricka and Kotetsu's Ferrothorn, not to mention Bel's Emboar and Virgil's Vaporeon will be battling in the pre lims. Lot's of battles for not even being shown on screen huh.
Nov 9, 2012
It is part of the league plain and simple!!
Nov 9, 2012
The prelims are part of the league damn it seriously stop being petty and put it in your sig, we has a deal.
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Aug 10, 2012
They sent me a warning (U_U)
And ... it´s just the fact that I don´t think Dawn needs anymore development, her team is balanced, she was finalist in her very first Grand Festival and beat a previous character, anything she could get right now is just addition, I don´t see anything wrong about how she is treated in her mandatory cameo because she won´t even leaving soon, her Piplup still has business with Meloetta and Buneary, Pachirisu, Togekiss and Quilava still needs fresh air screentime.
Quoting her: "No nedd to worry", she´ll have her last hurrah, Misty had one with Gyarados/Azurill and May with a very cool Glaceon, maybe she´ll have a Typhlosion
Aug 10, 2012
pfffffft its not that praised at all, you're just on serebii to much. xD Right now its just comparison because it was the latest saga. "The battles were more strategical comparative yes, but they didn't have the energy of best wishes battles." No matter what you're going to see comments like that ...
._...emotion isn't something someone always shows to others, and not to mention, we saw plenty of it, its just after the wallace cup the main thing preventing her from feeling "peppy", considering that was her dream. She didn't want to give up ambipom easily, and she also had moments of angst spread out. its not blatantly in our faces yeah, but she has emotion besides happy, then sad. She got pretty darn mad at paul for forgetting her, and that's something totally unrelated as well. (small thing yes, but i can look up more if you want, it just was the first thing that came to mind.)
I'm happy to discuss that with you, but that wasn't what i had a problem with. xD I was perfectly fine (well not entirely cause I do like seeing her again, but its not like I don't get the rage at a longer cameo.) with you being upset or something of the sort about the fact that she would get something else special or extra that she didn't need.
Of course I wouldn't mind if she stayed here and had fun and helped more, but I like her staying here. its not like my wish is auto happening, I do understand why it is best to have her go and not do anything important. Heck, I was defending the "pointless" stay eariler on.
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Aug 10, 2012
DP is so much praised over BW, I don´t know what the problem could be , but ... the fact that Dawn never shown any negative emotions like anger or even envy and being happy for almost anything is what I think makes her bland, and that´s not something against her, but, back to the present, I don´t see anything wrong with her cameo I mean, she is the most succesful companion Ash had, anything she could do in Unova is just an addition, she doesn´t need another success in her list
Aug 10, 2012
moving this to here, feel free to respond or not. :/...trust me, I wanna stay in there where we started, but I'm not risking discussing DP on a Best wishes thread for more then 1 or 2 posts.
So are you saying that i have a bland personality because I rather not worry about things? .-... and then when finally something gets to be too much, I break and get upset? ._...She also did argue, she just isn't misty or tsun in any way. episode 29 i believe, she and ash argued kinda like may did in that one romance episode, except there wasn't any romance. and then theres the arguements during lyra's event...xD
She simply started out rough :/...Also remember that she's ten, not 15 or something. She honestly got over the whole crying thing after wallace cup episode.
And she went through 2 losses in the appeal round beforehand, a few people telling her she sucked, etc etc etc. I think, even if she cryed a bit too early, (like after first loss), she isn't really losing and justification for being upset.
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In all series (the ever-wacky Stephanie Plum instantly springs to mind) there comes a time for the author (even a highly successful one like Ms. Albert) to take a step back and look at what's happening. This is the feeling with this book. To start with, the exhaustive information about various plants was distracting. It's a thick book, and maybe could've used some pruning? And then a few over-familiar plot devices and one particularly egregious moment of mind-boggling stupidity on our plucky heroine's part really loused up what could've been a good read.
China Bayles' new tenant, Kelly Kaufman, employed as a nurse, has a couple of serious problems, one of which she wants to ask China about. But the nurse, going through a nasty separation from her husband, is killed when her car goes off the road en route to China's. Back up a bit. She is injured, but takes several days to die. While her tenant is on life-support, China's relationship with her absent husband may be the same. He's out of town but not where he told China he'd be.
China's being lied to on all fronts, as she discovers Kelly's employment was misrepresented. Then Kelly's paperwork surfaces and things get even murkier. I was on a cruise ship, with limited reading options, so I finished this. But I do hope it is not representative of Albert's writing and plotting. I thought there was too much evidence of hasty writing and not-so-hot editing. But it's #24 in the series so Albert's doing something right!
I'll give this a 3. It should've been more, but that scene in the garage was just too, too TSTL (Too Stupid To Live).
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C, by Tom McCarthy
The cover blurbs on this dense book gushed with praise: "an avant-garde epic" said one, "terrifically stylish, acrobatic and insidious", said another. Well, says I, I couldn't finish the damn thing. I hate not finishing books, I feel (particularly in this case what with all the encomiums) I'm lacking something. But, here's the thing: I had no sympathy for any of the major characters, and all the long bits of exquisite prose (it was exquisite, no argument there) finally bored me stiff. Too much navel gazing for me. Set mainly in pre- and post-Great War England, and in Germany, the juxtaposition of the minutae of daily life and the coming great political upheavals, still didn't capture me. Serge, the protagonist (I suppose), is a coke-sniffing adult...he was a nasty little boy who pulled the wings off moths. I didn't like him as a kid, as a young aviator in World War I, or as a post-war adult. I didn't care much for his family, eit
2/ Pink Carnation series. Delightful derring-do with romance in Napoleonic-era France and England, discovered as modern-day historian Eloise Kelly researches old documents in a stately home, with the reluctant permission of owner, handsome but uncooperative Colin Selwick. On the historical side, as Eloise finds, the Black Tulip is a ruthless French spy sent to assassinate a pesky and highly successful English spy known as the Pink Carnation. Click below for more review...
CHARLIE M, HERE COMES CHARLIE M, THE INSCRUTABLE CHARLIE M, BLIND RUN, SEE CHARLIE RUN, and many others Freemantle has created in the wackily-named Charlie Muffin a character of such depth and cunning, a man both honest to a fault and a devious, conniving, cold-blooded manipulator, that I’ve checked all dozen plus books in the series out of the library and am reading until three AM. Charlie M, first of the lot, was published in 1977; but don’t let that put you off, the pacing and plot - except for the electronics - are timeless. A Russian spymaster working a web in England is uncovered by Charlie, shambling odd-boy-out at British Intelligence (hard to use that word after you read this tale). But, Charlie knows, the game’s not over…what’ll come next? A Russian general makes serious defection noises. Charlie’s boss - despicable, credulous and complacent - and his nastily bizarre American counterpart, arrange for the general to defect. Charlie, able to manipulate all but the final glor
Rumors say Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a degenerate, a gambler who ruined his family, an evil brother who has imprisoned his sister in the crumbling family mansion. Phoebe Hadford hears the whispers when the handsome baron and his sister make a surprise entrance into a dinner party. Adam has, since his father’s death five years earlier, has single-mindedly labored to restore the family’s fortunes plus track down the wily swindler his father naively trusted. Belatedly, he had realized he's neglected his sister. Newcomer Phoebe might be the ton’s ideal of a lovely young woman, but she has an unfortunate independent streak her mother simply cannot train out of her. She quickly finds that all the gossip isn’t accurate. For his part, Adam is sure the beautiful blonde is a featherheaded female who only cares for fashion. Phoebe and Emily quickly become friends, leading Adam to find out for himself how kind and thoughtful their neighbor is. As their regard for each other deepens, Adam s
THE HOT FLASH CLUB, by Nancy Thayer
The first in a heart-warming, light-hearted-but-serious series that spawned a gazillion support groups! Four independent women, in that stage of life, meet at a party for a retiring acquaintance. Faye, Shirley, Alice and Marilyn, all over the hill by most standards, and all managing to abandon dreams they once had in favor of either getting by or the not-exactly-comfortable status quo. Ranging from dead broke to comfortable to wealthy, their serendipitous meeting results in the Hot Flash Club, a mutual-aid society that brings their abandoned dreams to life. A feelgood novel of friendship and making dreams come true. A 4. www.nancythayer.com
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CALGARY, Alberta, March 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond Group Limited ("Black Diamond", the "Company" or "we"), (TSX:BDI), a leading provider of space rental and workforce accommodation solutions, today announced its operating and financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020 (the "Quarter") compared with the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 (the "Comparative Quarter"). All financial figures are expressed in Canadian dollars.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, Black Diamond reported consolidated revenue of $56.3 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $11.1 million, and core rental revenue of $18.1 million.
Key Highlights from the Fourth Quarter of 2020
Generated consolidated revenue of $56.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $11.1 million, up 19% and 4% from the Comparative Quarter respectively.
Closed the acquisition of Vanguard Modular Building Systems ("Vanguard") for US$58.7 million, plus ~US$3 million for deferred receivables for total purchase price consideration of US$61.8 million and an increase in the credit facility from $200.0 million to $300.0 million.
Received approval for a funding grant from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund of up to $3 million towards continued growth of LodgeLink, the Company’s digital platform for crew travel.
Announced a 2021 gross capital plan of ~$35 million ($25 to $30 million net), with roughly $25 to $30 million anticipated for ongoing organic growth of the Modular Space Solutions ("MSS") segment.
MSS rental revenue of $11.3 million was the fourth consecutive quarterly record and grew 31% from the Comparative Quarter.
MSS Adjusted EBITDA of $10.0 million was a quarterly record and increased 49% from the Comparative Quarter.
MSS rental fleet grew to 8,784, up 43% from the Comparative Quarter, while utilization held steady and average rental rates increased 6%.
LodgeLink room bookings set another quarterly record and grew 49% to ~36,000 room nights.
There was no contribution from the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy during the Quarter.
Subsequent to the Quarter the Company:
Increased Workforce Solutions ("WFS") contracted revenue by over $36 million, inclusive of rental and non rental revenue.
Renewed its Normal Course Issuer Bid.
Executive Summary
The MSS segment has continued to grow its recurring, rental-revenue due to ongoing fleet growth, strengthening rental rates, stable utilization and increased ancillary rentals through Value Added Products and Services ("VAPS"). Rental revenue in the Quarter grew to a quarterly record of $11.3 million, up 31% versus the Comparative Quarter. MSS revenue of $31.4 million was up 47% versus the Comparative Quarter primarily due to higher revenue from rental and non-rental sources. Adjusted EBITDA of $10.0 million was a quarterly record and increased 49% from the Comparative Quarter. Results for the Quarter included one month of contribution from Vanguard.
The Company’s WFS business unit generated Adjusted EBITDA of $4.3 million, a 39% decrease versus the Comparative Quarter. WFS revenue of $24.9 million was down 4% from the Comparative Quarter primarily due to lower sales, and rental revenue in its US Energy and Lodging businesses caused in large part by weak industry conditions brought on by COVID-19.
At the end of the Quarter, Net Debt of $172.0 million was up from $111.3 million in Q3 2020 primarily due to the acquisition of Vanguard. Excess borrowing capacity under the Company’s asset-based credit facility was approximately $84.3 million and the value of eligible rental inventory used to calculate the Company’s borrowing base was approximately $292 million at the end of the Quarter.
Fourth Quarter 2020 results reflect continued growth and diversification of the overall business as the Company remains focused on growing its recurring rental-revenue stream across the platform.
The Company is encouraged with the performance of its MSS segment which saw rental revenue set a fourth consecutive quarterly record high. This was driven by organic growth within the existing platform as well as one month of contribution from the acquisition of Vanguard. The outlook for the MSS segment remains positive as the rental business proved to be resilient throughout 2020 and continues to see opportunities for deployment of additional growth capital across North America and through the recently acquired Vanguard platform. Utilization is anticipated to stay consistent with levels observed over the last several quarters while rental revenues should see continued growth through ongoing fleet additions, VAPS growth and rental rate increases.
The Company's WFS segment continues to see an active pipeline as the backlog of contracted total revenue in the division has increased by more than $36 million since the start of 2021. This includes the recently announced Australian contract for $16 million, further change orders related to assets in support of the Coastal GasLink pipeline construction of approximately $12 million as well as additional sales and rental projects in Eastern Canada. Total contracted WFS revenue associated with the Coastal GasLink project (including Sukunka River Lodge) is approximately $65 million, with approximately $40 million yet to be billed. Previously deferred rental projects are also expected to see a measured restart in the coming quarters. While occupancy levels and utilization in both the operated lodges and U.S. wellsite business have been soft since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a line of sight to a gradual recovery depending on the pace with which COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease. The large format accommodations fleet has also continued to benefit from diversification efforts, with over 1,000 beds on rent in Eastern Canada. The Company sees continued opportunities for additional asset deployment in this region. WFS Australia continues to build on strong momentum over the last several quarters with a recent, sizable contract win which will further contribute to ongoing diversification of revenue within the broader WFS segment.
On October 1, 2020, the Company announced that, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Communities, it had received a Letter of Award from the proponent of the Goldboro LNG Facility for approximately $720 million to provide a workforce lodge in support of the Goldboro LNG Project. Currently, a final investment decision for the project is estimated to be announced on or before June 30, 2021, by the project proponent, which continues to work through various approvals and financing conditions. Should the project go ahead, Black Diamond expects a meaningful increase to existing camp rental utilization levels over the term of the contract, which is currently anticipated to be in the range of four years.
LodgeLink, Black Diamond’s digital marketplace platform for workforce travel and accommodation has continued to have a strong uptake with new and existing customer and suppliers. Despite an expected fourth quarter holiday slow-down and ongoing headwinds for travel services related to COVID-19, LodgeLink set a quarterly record in volumes with ~36,000 room nights booked in the Quarter. At the end of the Quarter, LodgeLink had 582 unique corporate customers on the platform with ~2,500 properties listed representing approximately ~242,000 rooms.
Three months ended
December 31,
(in millions, except where noted) 2020 2019 Change
Funds from Operations 12.2 11.4 7%
Loss per share - Basic and diluted (0.04) (0.05) 20%
A copy of the Company's audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and related management's discussion and analysis have been filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com) and www.blackdiamondgroup.com.
Black Diamond is a specialty rentals and industrial services Company with two operating business units - Modular Space Solutions (MSS) and Workforce Solutions (WFS). We operate in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
MSS through its principal brands, BOXX Modular, Britco, and MPA, owns a large rental fleet of modular buildings of various types and sizes. Its network of local branches rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services to a diverse customer base in the construction, industrial, education, financial, and government sectors.
WFS through its principal brands, Black Diamond Camps and Black Diamond Energy Services, owns a large rental fleet of modular accommodation assets of all types and sizes and a fleet of liquid and solid containment assets. Its regional operating terminals rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services including turn-key operated camps to a wide array of customers in the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. The WFS business unit also includes the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, LodgeLink, which operates a digital marketplace for business-to-business crew accommodation, travel, and logistics in North America.
Learn more at www.blackdiamondgroup.com.
Reader Advisory
Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the amount of funds that will be expended on the 2021 capital plan, how such capital will be expended, expectations for asset sales, management's assessment of Black Diamond's future operations and what may have an impact on them, financial performance, business prospects and opportunities, changing operating environment including the impact of COVID-19, amount of revenue anticipated to be derived from current contracts, anticipated debt levels, economic life of the Company's assets, future growth and profitability of the Company and realization of the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and sales. With respect to the forward-looking statements in the news release, Black Diamond has made assumptions regarding, among other things: future commodity prices, that Black Diamond will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations, that counter-parties to contracts will perform the contracts as written and that there will be no unforeseen material delays in contracted projects. Although Black Diamond believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made are reasonable, there can be no assurances that such expectations or assumptions will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Black Diamond. These risks include, but are not limited to: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, fluctuation of commodity prices, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's ability to attract new customers, failure of counterparties to perform on contracts, industry competition, availability of qualified personnel and management, timely and cost effective access to sufficient capital from internal and external sources, political conditions, dependence on suppliers and stock market volatility. The risks outlined above should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Black Diamond's operations and financial results are included in Black Diamond's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other reports on file with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities which can be accessed on SEDAR. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Black Diamond does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Non-GAAP Measures
In this news release, the following terms have been referenced: Adjusted EBITDA, Funds from Operations and Net Debt. Readers are cautioned that these measures are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Readers are cautioned that these non-GAAP measures are not alternatives to measures under IFRS and should not, on their own, be construed as an indicator of the Company's performance or cash flows, a measure of liquidity or as a measure of actual return on the common shares of the Company. These Non-GAAP measures should only be used in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company. A reconciliation between these measures and measures defined under IFRS is included in management's discussion and analysis for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2020 filed on SEDAR.
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The Tripod is a platform for San Clemente High School students, alums, and everyone who supports the community. As we discuss the past, present and future, each episode consists of three segments — featuring a diverse crop of stories, experiences, and mental meanderings.
May 24, 2021
Episode #7 features five students from San Clemente High School.
Personal beliefs and core values are central to one’s identity. For some, religion also plays a big part. So our school newspaper, Triton Times, put together a panel of students whose relationships with religion differ. Here’s the conversation that manifested.
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This past Saturday citizens and leaders of Native Nations of the Oceti Sakowin participated in the "Indians Allowed" March in Mniluzahan (Rapid City). Despite the ominous reason for the march, it was a great reminder of our collective power as Lakota people. We are capable of creating change both politically and economically when we work together. Rapid City and He Sapa (Black Hills) benefit greatly from the contributions of Native people. Not only are we the original steward
Each month, REDCO provides the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council with update. Here you will find the most recent report that was provided to the Tribal Council as well as the board members for REDCO, Sicangu CDC, and Tatanka Funds.
Annual Reports
Yet another year of rapid growth for our team! We grew from 33 to 57 employees and reached a new level of profitability, which allowed us to expand our community development work.
"The impossible is possible. I cannot tell how many times people have told me something can't be done, and we just go out and do it. Our vision of a sustainable Lakota economy where everyone prospers is happening."
In 2016, we broke every revenue and profit record for the organization and were able to move from breaking even to profitability, while making major community development contributions.
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Recently British vlogger Elle Darby came under fire for asking a hotel owner if she have free accommodation in return for a mention. The 22 year old has over 87k followers (probably a lot more than that now) and her job title as an 'online influencer' baffled many who hadn't heard of the phenomenon until now.
What's an online influencer?
It's a relatively recent buzzword, but what does it actually mean?
Simply put, an online influencer is someone who has a significant presence online; usually a blog, vlog or instagram account. The content they post has the ability to influencer their audience's purchasing decisions. They can be a great way to connect with your target audience.
What constitutes a significant presence?
This is a tricky one because a lot depends on the niche and it's not always down to how many followers they have. An influencer in the fashion work will likely have hundreds of thousands of followers, however one in the world of engine parts probably won't. What's important is how engaged their audience is with them.
As a rule of thumb I tend to look at instagrammers who have at least 10k followers and actively engage with their audience. Saying this, Micro influencers, those with less than 5000 followers, can be equally valuable as they tend to be more engaged with their audience. Essentially you want to see posts with lots of comments as well as likes. Phlanx has an engagement calculator that you can use to measure engagement rates of individual accounts.
Why should my business care?
Your business should care because influencer marketing is a really effective way of promoting your product to your target audience. The value in the authenticity of having a real person talking about your business or using your product cannot be underestimated. An influencer's followers trust them and by association they will likely trust your brand. Most influencers will make sure your product fits with their own brand, will want to talk in their own voice (rather than be spoonfed content) and therefore the promotion will come across as genuine and counts for far more than sticking up an advert.
What is your goal with influencer marketing? Is it to drive traffic to your website or to increase your own social following? Perhaps you want to drive sales of a particular product or draw attention to your start up.
Before looking for influencers make sure you really understand your target audience, you can then look for accounts that match. You can search the old fashioned way using Google and directly on social platforms or, if your budget is bigger, there are agencies who can help you plan a strategy and find the right influencers for you to work with. If you're not sure where to start, I offer an influencer outreach service at a more affordable price than a big agency so do get in touch if you'd like some advice.
It sounds obvious, but firstly make sure their audience and values align with yours. Look at their content, is it high quality? Would this person be your brand's ideal spokesperson? Take time to follow their account and build awareness of the influencer before deciding. They will have likely collaborated with other brands in the past, so take a look and see if the way they work fits with the way you do.
What do influencers charge?
Costs vary widely. Usually a sponsored blog or instagram post ranges from £50 up to £1000, some top bloggers even have their own management companies and command thousands. Sometimes a freebie will be enough for you to get exposure. Many influencers will send over their media packs with costs and details of their audience which is helpful in decision making.
What's the downside?
Influencers are independent people, businesses should make sure they research the blogs and accounts they associate themselves with. Vlogger Logan Paul was recently removed from YouTube after filming himself and friends joking about a suicide victim; would you want you brand associated with that type of content?
The other risk is knowing how genuine the influencer's followers are. It's easy to build a following by buying follows and joining pods that increase your likes and engagement. Take time to research your influencers before parting with your cash.
How do I measure the success of influencer marketing?
You need to be able to measure your strategy to see if it's delivering results for you. Engagement on posts; reach,likes, shares and follows are relatively easy to measure, but as will all social media marketing ROI can be difficult to gauge. This type of marketing is about building relationships and brand awareness.
Determining direct sales as a result of influencer marketing can be difficult, but anecdotally many brands see a spike in sales of a particular product or an increase in web traffic after using influencer marketing.
Remember the objectives you defined at the beginning of the process. Perhaps you wanted to drive an extra £2000 worth of sales that month or to get an additional 50 newsletter subscribers; make sure the influencer understands these. Perhaps you could give them a specific voucher code to promote which you can then measure sales against or link/landing page to send their followers to. Set a time period for after the influencer's posts to measure activity, remember action doesn't always happen straightaway.
Don't undervalue the general exposure and sentiment people will feel about your brand - this is not something easy to measure, but brand awareness is invaluable.
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The idea for this video came by way of a chance encounter, it was I admit something that had been rattling around in my head for a long time, but I have a great talent for procrastination. Several people had suggested I tackle the subject. The “Frenzel“, it is a basic technique specific to freediving. It came to my attention, many people fail the AIDA 2 star course that has a depth minimum of 16 mts by failing to cross this hurdle. People were coming to me after courses, having tied themselves in knots worrying about their soft palate their epiglottis and tongue position. All unneccessairy! Get the tongue action right, and the rest follows automatically. This – you can teach yourself with a flash light in front of a mirror with a bit of persistence.
There is so much confusion out there – it sounds like the tower of Babel, this is what at first put me off adding just another opinion to mess.
Then I met Nadav Harel, who came to train with me. He is a very talented film maker, who I found intimidating at first, and for a year with the patience of a Saint added his voice to Alina’s, who quite rightly was beginning to lose patience with me. Anyway here is my small offering. It was a team effort but any mistakes or short comings are solely my own.
I realise this does not cover the entire subject ,but that would be a very long video and I was warned this was approaching the desirable limit. I wanted to include how to self analyze during the dive in order to understand why things were not working perfectly eg. Air in the mouth but still could’nt equalise – Soft palate shut – usually due to not equalising frequently enough. Or head position – looking at the bottom. Or tension having crept in etc`.
Having said all this, I do not teach the Frenzel even in combination with the mouthfill for very deep diving. I teach another technique, using the cheeks and not the tongue, I will be discussing this in my next video which will be “how to train for depth and avoid lung squeeze”.
Again I want to thank Nadav who produced the video and Alina who helped in the post production phase and added the sub titles for those who have trouble with my accent and generally supported the project throughout. I understand that with a click of a button the sub titles can be translated into several languages.
I do hope this helps someone out their or even gives another opinion to an Instructor.
I also hope that this will not become a self help tool that might stop or delay someone attending a course. The main objective of the course is to learn how not to kill yourself and that is certainly worth your time and money.
Subtitles in English are available on the video. click CC for captions, and it’ll let you even translate it. And of course you can enlarge it.
Richard — July 7, 2014 @ 1:40 pm
A very useful video that succinctly covers all of the salient points of how to correctly perform the Frenzel maneuver.
Amapola — July 8, 2014 @ 3:17 am
Hi, really good video. I have a question, why does air goes out of one of my eyes when I’m equalizing?
Freediver — July 9, 2014 @ 3:51 am
Very usefull video especially for beginners, I’m teaching about the same way.
But there are 2 anatomical errors in your explanations, unfortunately I hear them too often, but are not significant for the rest of the theory.
One is the confusion of the epiglottis with the glottis. I suppose you wanted to speak about the glottis. The epiglottis has not to be closed during Frenzel like you told, or not necessarily. The disadvantage of closing the epiglottis is that it is mecanically combined with the opening of the top of the oeusophage tube, so air will or can leak in the stomach if you mobilize the epiglottis fully while doing Frenzel. the epiglottis is like a flap that close the trachea when swallowing to prevent food going down to the lungs. But the glottis which is the vocal folds has to be closed and controlled during Frenzel.
2nd point is the confusion of diaphragm and abdominals when you speaking about the Valsava maneuver. The diaphragme is a muscle like other, then it is working “contracting” in only one way, the other way is relaxed and is passive, so the diaphragm can not push air up, this work is made by the abdominals, diaphragme and abdominals and also intercostal muscle are antagonist paired, like biceps and triceps are.
Air going out of eyes when equalizing: that can happen to some people, air can be forced though nasolacrimal duct. A friend of mine has the same, he can expel smoke that way, or even liquid like milk, he is ready for freak shows.
Don’t worry too much about it, try to manage a good Frenzel maneuver, that is made very frequently, so you don’t have to force too much air at once if you have delay, preventing this way air leaking out of “eyes”
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Posted bymaininformer September 17, 2018 August 5, 2020 Posted inSide ProjectsTags:appscript, googleSheet, project, software, tetris
I made a game of Tetris on Google Sheets.
Where can I see it?
Where to play it?
UPDATE: I was and then confirmed that the app no longer responds correctly to arrow inputs. This might not work. I might fix it one day.But if anyone feels adventurous, I welcome and appreciate the help. I will like you.
Make a copy of the Google sheet file and add it to your drive.
Press “Start” and play
Do expect some wonkiness — read the bugs part please.
What was the story behind it?
I believe it was Q1 of 2018 when my PM (hey Dennis!) asked me to do this Apps Script project on Google Sheets. If you don’t know, Apps Script is the scripting language for Google apps like Sheets, Docs and Forms etc.
My first thought was to ask him to go and do what he must, to reach satisfaction posteriorly. But then, of course, I was getting paid to be a resource, so I thought if I think myself so hot, how good of a job I can do really?
I have to confess, App Scripts has a great documentation, and thus it is very fun to work with.
This first project was well received, and thus we moved on to a second more involved project. In this second project, we had to have multiple tables in one sheet and be able to insert an arbitrary number of rows and columns in any order in any of the tables without the formatting or the application breaking.
That was my gateway; at that point, I knew this would grow grotesque and I cannot maintain it sanely. Thus I refactored part of project 2 to make it less like an App Script project and more like any other app, with objects, abstractions, and nice methods like addRow or moveDown which would take care of all the references and named ranges for me.
As part of an inner joke and perhaps because of the influence of some libation one Friday evening, I thought to myself if I can make Tetris on App Scripts, and that is how it started. I kept video logs of my progress at first but then I stopped midway. The reason is that I was planning to demo this time lapse to the company on my upcoming second anniversary. Unfortunately, though I was laid off, you can still see those videos in this folder. I like the one where the script won’t stop.
How was the making?
This is a more technical part so you could skip it if not interested.
I started by exploring the deal breakers, like a tile moving down and the ability to move them around. The plan was as follows:
For a single tile (the I):
Make a colored range drop, a range is a set of contiguous cells on a straight line
Add controllers for moving them right and left
Devise stacking of the tiles on top of each others
Everything went rather okay here:
I put the tile in a three by three bounding box, to help me with moving it down and basically interfacing with the bounding box, instead of every cell of the tile.
For making a tile fall, I had an infinite loop that will move down the range and sleep for a set time.
For moving, I would have the code check a cell value and then move the tile to left or right accordingly.
For stacking, a shadow sheet, called Board_ was writing 1s where a tile rests finally, but not while it is falling. As a result, if the buffer encounters 1s, it must stop. The buffer was the row immediately beneath the bounding box
Row clearing was fun. I wanted to add a smol animation. Basically check to see if a row sums up to 24, which is the number of columns in the board, and clear that row if it does. Then simply copy and paste what is above to a row lower, which now is empty.
At this point I decided to add all the other tetriminos (or tiles). So I added all the shapes with their rotations on a new sheet called Tiles so I can copy from there and paste on my board. The three by three bounding box was great here, I could copy the box and paste it into the main board and see the tile appear and start moving down.
But here is where it blew up. The moving three by three bounding box would override the color on the stack below. If this is vague, imagine a stack of tetris tiles nicely fit together, and an “o” tile is coming down, that is the square piece, and it is two by two. Imagine there is room exactly for that “o” piece, i.e. two columns. But the tile has a three by three bounding box, and thus when the piece is entering the opening, so does its bounding box, and so, the extra column is ruining the stacked up tiles as it is moving down, by clearing everything in its trail.
Moreover, the buffer for the bounding box was just a straight line under the bounding box. But for shapes, like the “L”, that is not true when it is rotated. Then the buffer is uneven on the bottom of the tile.
This is VERY obvious now but for some reason, it never occurred to me then: if you treat individual shapes, as three by three squares(a bounding box), you will get the behavior of a three by three square, it does not matter that it does not look like a square.
To fix this, I chose to choose a “hinge” for every shape and every rotation, and copy and paste relative to that hinge. This worked. I chose the hinges as the first upper and then the leftmost one cell in each tile. It was a bit messy because I had to have custom offsets and ranges for each and every one. The same needed to happen to the buffers, now that the uniform bounding box was gone.
The highlight of this was when I realized, that if I put the hinges of every shape, as the nodes on a grid then my data structures will collapse in complexity and everything will be much cleaner. I have never felt this much tangible difference in handling code when one chooses a suitable data structure. The figure below illustrates what I mean by putting hinges on a grid.
Every hinge of any tile type is on the same column.
Every hinge of any tile rotation is on the same row.
After some debugging it was ready. I just had to make the colors cuter.
Closing thoughts
Apps Scripts is great. I think it is very underutilized by some people that will really benefit from it. Apart from abstractions to make front-end component, it is possible to extend it, using itself to retain a memory.
I once used a sheet to store and retrieve values from just like a memory. A sheet can be a key value store that one can use to write anything in and wipe.
I sometimes fancy the idea of an MVC framework on top of Apps Script. If the script has no memory this is impossible, but we could save states in another sheet and read from and write to it. I don’t know how slow it would be, but, thought experiment.
Of course, there are those who use it as a database, definitely not better than a SQL database, but I will argue with you that it could be better than MongoDB for you.
Thinking back, I feel pretty arrogant and ashamed to have thought I am above Google Sheets + Apps Scripts; this is a complex system to build and document and its simplicity and intuitive interface does not at all hinder building very complex systems with zero deployments or infrastructure maintenance. The bottlenecking will probably happen if much faster applications are required, but that is not always the case for most use cases.
I might be very delusional here, and people will say: “Well yes of course! I can’t believe you are rediscovering this”, especially that I am aware of communities doing awesome things with it, and especially that I have known people, self-proclaimed non-engineers, making amazing tools with this ecosystem (hi Diego!). Alas, I have never come across an application engineer, in my 2 years in grad school and two years in the industry that has told me, or even alluded to, how powerful Apps Scripts can be for most use cases.
Trust me, give it a try.
Posted bymaininformer September 17, 2018 August 5, 2020 Posted inSide ProjectsTags:appscript, googleSheet, project, software, tetris
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Diego says:
September 20, 2018 at 10:42 am
Hey, Emin. Have you looked at using PropertiesService or CacheService to use as your key-value store? Should be much faster than read/write operations to the sheet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 20, 2018 at 4:35 pm
Hey Diego! This is a great idea! I have come across them, but never investigated them. Thanks you.
dimudesigns says:
November 18, 2018 at 5:14 pm
Well, done! There are a number of improvements that could be made but this makes for a pretty solid implementation. Have you tried using clickable images for directional controls?
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 18, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Thank you very much. I have not. A couple of times sheets broke where it would not stop the script from running even after refreshing (video in the drive). So I decided to stick to one process. But it can be good improvement.
dimudesigns says:
November 18, 2018 at 5:40 pm
You are just beginning to scratch the surface of what GSuite/Google Apps Script has to offer you as a developer. Also keep in mind that it is but one part of Google’s extensive Cloud platform. This rabbit hole goes far deeper that you realize.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Josh says:
January 10, 2019 at 8:11 am
I requested access to the doc because the link wasn’t working, could you please accept. Kind regards, Josh
August 23, 2020 at 10:01 pm
Hey Josh, sorry for the super late reply, I did not see the pending comment. What you need to do is to make a copy of the sheet first and then play with it. You cannot work directly on the sheet that I shared, unfortunately, otherwise, I would have to keep putting up new sheets. Thank you for your interest!
Max says:
November 15, 2019 at 4:32 am
Could you try using functions (i.e. SUMIF, IF, SUM) in google sheets to create a game such as pong? You can add custom functions, so I was thinking if you created one that changes the fill of cells. It probably is a stretch, and I don’t Know much about java and html, but I do know that to use functions in sheets and when developing are the same setup.
Max says:
November 15, 2019 at 4:33 am
Sorry, javascript. Got that wrong.
November 15, 2019 at 5:51 am
Hey Max. I am glad that you are interested. My first thought is that, as far as I know, it is not possible to create a game with only formulae.
The reason for that is, that when a game renders, frame by frame, it is the computer, changing the color of the pixels, or in our case the cells, giving us the impression that something is moving. In google sheets, I did this by having the program run forever and sleep a second or two every time, so for us humans it is slow enough to understand. Otherwise, it will be too fast. I don’t know of a way to delay execution on formulae. Formulae also will complain if they go into an infinite loop.
That being said, my first ever automation was with excel and later excel macros. Now I am a backend engineer. So I will encourage you to try and see if you can make a game using only formulae and what problems you face.
You don’t really need HTML or javascript to code this game. It is apps script, which much simpler to learn than javascript. So if you do get to that point to be needing to use apps script, don’t worry too much, just give it a try. There is very good documentation on it as well: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/reference/spreadsheet/
Max says:
November 15, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Thanks for your feedback! Also thanks for showing me that part of the google developers hub! I had no idea you could use that for sheets. It will definitely make things a lot easier for me.
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Now that we have begun a complete rebuild of the UpStage platform as part of the Mobilise/Demobilise project, the FAQs will be completely rewritten.
If you have a specific question, please see if it is here; if it isn’t, please email [email protected].
How do I watch an UpStage performance?
How do I find out when a performance is happening?
Do I need to install any special software?
How can I have my own UpStage?
I’m trying to install the server software but I’m having problems – where can I get help?
What if I want to create performances in UpStage but I don’t have my own server?
How can I learn how to use UpStage?
How can I create and upload my own graphics?
What is open source and why is UpStage open source?
What is Creative Commons and why is UpStage licensed that way?
How do I watch an UpStage performance?
Simply click on a link to a live stage and your browser will take you there. No log-in is required and no additional software needs to be installed.
How do I find out when a performance is happening?
Visit the UpStage Live Foyer to see what’s live and upcoming on the main UpStage. You can also join the UpStage email list and look on this website and on social media including the UpStage Facebook page.
Other groups and artists using UpStage may advertise their performances on their own web sites, email lists and other places.
Do I need to install any special software?
No. UpStage functions in a standard browser on internet-connected computers and mobile devices.
How can I have my own UpStage?
Contact us to find out about hosted instances of UpStage, where you can create and present your own cyberformances and control who has access to your UpStage instance.
You can also download the software and install your own UpStage server, if you have the technical knowledge to do this.
I’m trying to install the server software but I’m having problems – where can I get help?
UpStage is an open source application that is developed and maintained primarily by volunteers. If you are installing your own UpStage server, please join the UpStage developers’ email list, where you can ask questions about installation and anything else to do with development and maintenance – and you are welcome to contribute your ideas, experiences and code too.
What if I want to create performances in UpStage but I don’t have my own server?
You are welcome to get involved in the UpStage community and use the platform. Come along to a walk-through (see below) or email [email protected] and we’ll talk about it.
How can I learn how to use UpStage?
As od February 2022 we have restarted the regular open walk-throughs – hands-on online sessions – to show interested people how to use UpStage to create online performances. Join the email list for notification of when these sessions are and how to participate, or check the Events on this website.
We also give workshops to groups, schools, students and at festivals and conferences. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in having a workshop.
How can I create and upload my own graphics?
Graphics for UpStage (avatars, props and backdrops) are created using graphics applications and uploaded to UpStage. You need a player account to be able to do this – come to an open walkthrough to meet us and learn about becoming a player. Read the new user manual for information about how to create graphics and other media for UpStage.
What is open source and why is UpStage open source?
Open source means that the source code of the application is open – freely available for anyone to look at and write additional code for. Being open source means that if other people who are also using the software have ideas about how it could be improved, then they can write that code and it can be incorporated into the whole application. Everyone can contribute to making it a better application. We believe that this sort of collaboration is the best way to make software, as it means we all get to benefit from everyone’s input.
What is Creative Commons and why is UpStage content licensed that way?
Creative Commons is a way of licensing work that is not as rigid as the “all rights reserved” notion of copyright, allowing for collaboration and sharing of creativity.
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360 is the 4th album by Asura. Ultimae Records released Life², Asura’s third album in 2007. Although the first two albums were very well done, Life² was a beautiful, homogeneous release, filled with gorgeous, ambient/trance influenced down and mid-tempo numbers. Some listener’s complained however, that a few songs had beats too upfront relative to the wonderful music. Fortunately, such issues have been addressed in 360. But where does it rank as a chill/downtempo release? Read on for more.
1. El-Hai (featuring Ayten) on 360 opens the story with a marvelous, ethnic influenced downbeat number. It involves beautiful, foreign, female vocals backed by a rich and atmospheric backdrop. Gentle instrumental sounds enter, in addition to vibrant melody/sound work, a tribe-esque drum composition/score, and what appears to be numerous, organic elements. The song is beautiful, dreamy, and infectious. This is a fairly simple song, but its lush atmosphere, elegant, ethnic influence, and sound produce a strong and delicious recipe. Excellent track.
2. Regenesis on 360 begins atmospherically. The first half of the song appears more ethnic, ambient-influenced via downbeat. The idea behind the song’s direction here, reminds me of some of the incredible direction/work on 2009’sSolar Fields – Movements album. But through the vision and sound of Asura. The result is equally stunning. Without dragging, the atmospheric world here opens up at around 3:27 to one of the most gorgeous melody/sound compositions. I initially had no idea where this was going, until it elevated my senses in the second half like a mid-tempo rush, burst of flavors. The melody work in the second half is superb, and makes every second leading up to it worth it. Outstanding track on this 360!
3. Altered State (Album Edit) on 360 is a remixed, remastered, more homogeneous and enjoyable version than the previous one from 2008’s Opus Iridium compilation. I felt that the beat was too loud/noticeable in that version, and took away from the song’s potential. In that sense (among others), the remix is a big improvement over the original. Furthermore, the song seems to have more of a variety of structure than previous tracks so far. Beginning with warm, ambient notes, soon integrated into atmosphere, the song establishes a solid foundation early on before the beat arrives. A unique and catchy/mechanical sound effect that enhances the first act, and at 2:52, things really get moving. A catchy instrument around 3:50 works well with the driving rhythm, as the atmospheric backdrop gradually washes away the beat to accommodate an interlude. The transition here is smooth, and makes the song feel more substantial and whole. While the melody/sound work stood to me more on the previous track, this is a remix nonetheless. The artist has given new life to a vision that had so much potential to grow; such growth is realized here. This is an excellent, superior remix/version of 2008’s solid/downtempo Altered State song by Asura.
4. Atlantis Child starts off with a gentle, ambient-trance influenced introduction. The beat kicks in to the smooth surroundings at 1:55. What appears to be piano drives enhances the warm rhythm. The first few minutes are great, with tasteful foundation development. My issue is the passionate, male vocal hymns that enter at 3:11. I love the melody/note, the idea behind the voice; I think the delivery would have been more effective (and less distracting to the music), had an actual instrument, such as a violin, or something creatively tweaked been used instead. Asura’s work is just so immersive on 360. I feel less involved whenever the voice/effects appear. Around that (and they’re by no means bad), the song’s terrific. The middle section involves the beat switching up; petals appear to be incorporated. There’s a distorted effect, most prominent from 4:34 to 5:00 that sounds great; it builds interest and flows well with the returning harmonies after a solid transition. The track ends with several more hymns that I’m just not a big fan of. Overall, this is great, if not excellent song. I simply wish the hymns were replaced with a complimentary instrument, as I feel less “free” to the music with them in. Great track.
5. Erase on 360 seems to be the most different sounding track on the album, though it’s in Asura’s soul. This is due to a variety of psy-influenced work early on, a changed up beat, sound effects, and some dynamic, faster-paced mixing than previous tracks. Naturally, this all takes place with attractive sounds. There’s not much of a lead melody in the first couple minutes, but the psy approach is catchy. This would grow repetitive sooner or later naturally, and after a catchy, crunchy moment, a sensitive and engaging instrument enters. The beautiful sound/notes provide depth and feeling. But around this strong section, the song arrests my attention the least relative to the others. Also, the very end, when things are sounding strong (at roughly 5:09) involves a brief, male voice (like a shout) of emotion that removes me, to some degree from the song’s finesse. I understand some artists incorporate voice bits for personal reasons, to give the song more emotion, impact. But I find Asura’s work so much more effective without them, at least on this album. That said, some listeners may not mind it. At least the vocal bit here is less lengthy (though more noticeable in contrast) than those on the previous track. To be fair, tastes differ. That said, I think a different song here (closer to the magnificent work around it) would have complimented the album more. Nonetheless, this is a solid track.
6. Halley Road has seemed to garnish a buzz on the internet due to its melody/sound work. It’s like a sun dissolving the rainy clouds, or a transcending experience involving body, mind, spirit, and Source. If you’ve heard the samples, you have an idea of how great this song is. The track on 360 is surprisingly simple. The first half of the song evolves into an elevating score, buildup; the second is like where that ball of energy/buildup is released. So much is accomplished with so little here. Even though the song is set to one, continuous path, its heavenly sound and delivery is beautiful. Wonderful work!
7. Longing for Silence is (for me at least) even better than Halley Road. As with the previous gem, this compels in being simple, but has more layers, emotionally. The song tells a story, or chapter that is sad, and poignant. The song becomes very evocative at this point, with the entrance of what appears to be a gentle instrument coupled with subtle, female hymns. Remember the end of the film, “Man On Fire” with Denzel Washington, when he (John Creasy) gives his life in exchange for the little girl’s? As the antagonists are driving him away, powerful music (like in Gladiator) scores the scene as the camera focuses in on John’s eye. A song like this would work wonders in a scene like that. It’s beautiful, sad, haunting, and contemplative. Another superb track.
8. Getsemani is a provocative, mature ambient piece. It begins with thunder, dark clouds, followed by strong ambient notes that tell an incredible chapter to this story. There is so much emotion throughout the track. Upon hearing it, I have currently experienced internal imagery (and feelings associated with) a post-apocalyptic world. As the song plays out, I see a balloon floating. A little girl’s shadow appears frozen in dust from a nuclear explosion, and a child some miles away endlessly on a corner, clutching his stuffed teddy bear. From death comes rebirth anyway, from “perceived” destruction is change, and without change, we remain stagnant, stoic, the same. That’s what I get from the song anyway. From loss and sacrifice comes a deeper understanding of who we are (beyond our adopted ego). Maybe this philosophy, or at least the post-apocalyptic scene I imagined was not the artist’s vision here. The latter likely wasn’t. Regardless, there is so much feeling throughout the song. I’m sure many listeners will interpret the track different ways. I find it raw in emotion, kind of like Golgotha on the previous album, but more ambient-based. This track seems to have impressed my girlfriend more than any song on 360. She was speechless (in what later I learned was a good way; she was affected), and we shared our personal feelings associated with the song afterwards. Getsemani is powerful and superb from start to finish.
9. Le Dernier Voyage begins with chilling, icy atmosphere. Since Halley Road, this album has gone from excellent to outstanding, a solid A from me. Anyway, the first two minutes involve a healthy blend of ambient-influenced rhythm. Intriguing tunes enter at 2:01. Not just any old tunes, but carefully selected, beautiful sounds like liquid flames in a world of ice. Another arrives and supports the blissful voyage, soon joined by numerous soundscapes. The backdrop simmers for a bit before the arrival of an even stronger band at 3:12. The first half of the song could almost be described as two solid, curiously integrated developments, before choosing a complimentary (initially invisible) direction better than both, or in other words, evolving. The sounds fade for a breezy transition that opens up to a beautiful, beat-driven part. From 3:50 forward, the track sustains strong formation, and remains gripping until the final seconds. Even with what appears to be some experimental work over the sixth minute (doesn’t take away but) enhances the spirit with floating ambient notes. The final third of the song has an infectious, celestial/ambient layer that ever so slightly reminds me of the gorgeous ambient notes on Hallucinogen’s L.S.D. track. In short, it’s superb, and adds delicious icing to the current life. This is yet another example of the evolved sound I love from Asura. The song’s arresting, without any vocal bit(s) to remove me from the immersive experience. Excellent track.
10. Virgin Delight begins with a wave of dreamy ambient that takes over the senses in the first two minutes. I visualize flying freely above the clouds. The gentle beat arrives at 2:05, along with a sustained tune that initially stood out to me a little too much, but its grown me. It’s here that I notice the influence from Solar Field’s wonderful “Introduction” track on the Mirror’s Edge soundtrack. I love the first 4:47 minutes of this song. I’d give it an A- to an Aalone, but I’m looking at the whole. Many lush soundscapes and warm melodies swim throughout this creature, reflecting peace, freedom, love, and light. It appears that Magnus’s gentle sound has been re-imagined to some degree, and the result is intoxicating. The female vocals from 3:41 to 4:47 flows beautifully with the other sounds. The beat leaves at 4:02, and beginning at roughly 4:48, a psy sound effect-driven interlude takes place. Unfortunately, the interlude seems too broken up, even a little random at times; it’s ultimately less substantial, fulfilling, and confident than the previous section, and unfortunately off-sets the rest of the track for me. Maybe it’s here possibly to reduce the sense of repetition. I feel that an opportunity to elevate the first 4-5 minutes to a whole new musical level of greatness (before seamlessly merging with the final act) has been missed. So in short, the middle segment is far less riveting and satisfying than the work around it. Otherwise, the song has many nice elements, a heavenly sound, is different in many ways than Intro on Mirror’s Edge, and I’ve fallen in love with the first half. The overall track is simply not the masterpiece I had hoped to perceive it as.
In conclusion, 360 is the best Chill/Downtempo album I’ve heard so far all year. Simply put, this is Asura’s most passionate, beautiful, and best album yet. Some of the work is relatively softer than Asura’s previous work, and this “less intense” with the beats (for instance) approach I find more effective, satisfying. The beats aren’t too soft; they’re simply less evasive as they were on a few tracks in Life². There appears at times some influence to Solar Fields – Movements album, but this feels like a true Asura release, albeit one that has evolved, improved dramatically (in some ways) from 2007’s Life². My gripes are that I wish an instrumental sound was used in Atlantis Child as opposed to the male hymns (appearing at times). The “hymns” don’t destroy the track; some people may enjoy them. I simply don’t. Add that to a couple sounds, whispers (towards the very end of Erase). And the last track, though influenced to some degree from Magnus’s self-titled “Introduction” song on the Mirror’s Edge Soundtrack, could have done more to separate itself (and possibly triumph its beauty in the middle) from it. Aside from these few quirks however, the album is stunning. I could throw a dart and any track it lands on will be great; that’s when you know an album is really special. The album is so beautiful actually, that it’s hard for me to not recommend this album to virtually anyone into music, especially listeners of downtempo, chill, ambient, etc. This is one of those albums that I think almost anyone who hears it will either like or love. For the record, I have yet to hear a better Chill album in 2010. Asura’s 360 was well worth the wait. It’s fantastic.
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Citizen Café is Israel’s leading Hebrew language and culture school that offers a unique method for learning how to speak Hebrew like a local.
We are looking for a charismatic Sales Representative to join our team! In this role, you’ll become the direct point of contact for prospective students and continue to foster relationships with our customers throughout their journey with us. We are looking for someone who has a strong connection to the local Tel Avivian culture and results-driven individual.
To succeed in this position, you’ll need to build an in-depth understanding of our enrollment and sales processes, learn to effectively communicate our teaching method and programs, and possess outstanding interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in English – a must
Proven experience in sales – an advantage
Experience in sales with an international audience – a significant advantage
Experience in a retail sales role (cart/stand) – a significant advantage
Proficiency in additional languages – an advantage
Tech-savvy- a significant advantage
What will I be doing?
Be the main point of contact for potential students during their registration process
Manage sales meetings and calls with potential clients to help identify their needs and build an optimal plan for each student
Managing contact lists and supervising client interactions
*Please note: Work hours are according to US timezones. We have outstanding conditions for suitable candidates.
Please send us a two-minute video (in English) and introduce yourself to us so that we can get to know you. Apply now!
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2. Read Rules by Cynthia Lord. Then, make 12 communication cards for Jason. (This will make sense when you have read the book.) This will be worth 90 points.
3. Read other books from the reading list for extra credit.
This will all be due on the first day of school.
Summer Math for Rising 5th Grade Students
Please complete the packet you received in June. The packet is due on the first day of school. This assignment will be graded. Make sure to show all work for credit. (If you cannot locate your packet there is a copy you can print out below.)
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6 second take: After noticing the cost of organic food, our writer left no avocado unturned to find the least expensive healthy diet.
When I was 11, I stopped eating meat. I was the lone vegetarian among my friends. I also avoid dairy because of an allergy, so I was misunderstood, but tolerated.
I have distinct memories of high school where a friend would always implore me to eat meat. “I’ll give you $5 to eat this beef jerky,” he would say. “What about $100?” Each time, I adamantly refused.
At the time, I just thought he was being an annoying kid. I happily took out my peanut butter sandwich and ate that instead.
Only a few years later, the alternative meat and organic industry exploded. When I could start buying soy slices to put in sandwiches, I was ecstatic! I ate a lot of mock chicken nuggets, hickory BBQ riblets, soy burgers, and more. Little did I realize that the cost of healthy food was increasing my spending!
Cutting Costs
When I began to live on my own in graduate school and noticed how much pressure food was putting on my budget, I wanted to cut down on grocery costs. The first thing I cut was the soy products. How could I justify spending nearly $5 on a packet of faux buffalo wings?
Instead of soy protein crumbles ($3.49 a pack), I purchased black beans ($0.99 per can). Instead of fake deli meat ($3.50 a pack), I began making mock chicken salad from scratch with chickpeas ($0.99 per can plus mayonnaise and bell pepper).
My spending began to fall, and I knew that those items would be designated only as special purchases in the future.
Another way to decrease the cost of healthy food is to use online couponing tools, which can save you hundreds every year.
The Cost of Eating Healthy Organic Food
For those who don’t have access to a farmers market or garden, eating healthy, organic food can be expensive. It means that you need to seek out food that was not made with pesticides, genetic modification, or herbicides. This can be difficult, given that organic food makes up a small percentage of the total food market and consumer demand for organic foods has increased greatly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Thanks to the limited supply, organic food costs an average of 24 cents more than similar non-organic food, according to a survey released by Nielsen, which might not seem like much, but that can add up.
In the chart given here, I compared prices at Kroger to determine just how much more expensive it is to attempt a diet consisting of healthy, organic food, and it definitely added up.
So why do people bother with organic food? The answer’s simple: It’s much healthier.
“Organic foods are the food manufacturing industry’s answer to increased toxins and pesticides in the food products they create,” says Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements.
“Food ‘products’ are created in a lab and manufactured in a factory with ingredients that are processed and inflammatory,” Best adds. “All of this leads to products that are commonly associated with increased risk of chronic disease in the consumer.”
Organic eating is also associated with reduced instances of infertility, birth defects, sensitivity to allergies, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and more, according to a Nutrients study. The amount you save on medical costs alone could more than make up for the cost of eating organic food.
Still, it isn’t a perfect solution. “While the items may be clear of pesticides and toxins, to an acceptable level (never entirely), not all immediately be considered safe or healthy,” Best adds. “While organic products, especially produce, can be beneficial to health, it does not always equal better health.”
Thankfully, it isn’t the only way to stay healthy.
Vegan or Vegetarian: Which Saves More?
Eating vegetarian can be good on your wallet as well as your body. But vegetarians don’t have the monopoly on saving money. The vegan diet is another lifestyle that can help cut the costs of healthy food, keep your wallet full and your budget balanced.
As a vegetarian, I’m someone who eats eggs and dairy, but not meat. A vegan, on the other hand, is someone who doesn’t eat meat or any food that is produced by an animal, including dairy, eggs, and even honey.
Both of these diets are excellent ways to stay healthy. Vegetarians, in particular, have been found to have a lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, chronic illnesses, and bad cholesterol, according to Harvard Health. These benefits also apply to vegans who maintain a well-balanced diet.
For the 8 percent of Americans who identify as either vegetarian or vegan, according to a recent Gallup poll, these lifestyles are a great way to stay healthy and financially secure. Though the health benefits are easily understandable, to those on the outside, it might seem strange to imagine that limiting your options could help you protect your budget.
With that in mind, I created a daily menu for a meat eater, a vegetarian, and a vegan to see the cost of eating healthy food.
That friend in high school was just being annoying, but what he didn’t know was that being a meat eater is more expensive. You can see that it is, indeed, cheaper to eat vegan.
These prices came from the Walmart near me. Of course, the cost will go up or down depending on whether or not you buy organic, and whether you’re cooking for a family of four or just for one. This meal list specifically was designed for a single person based on nonorganic food.
Of course, you can be a vegetarian, a vegan, or an omnivore and eat expensively or poorly. It’s all about making good choices.
How to Lower the Cost of Eating Healthy Food
Planning meals, buying in season, and buying in bulk can save a lot. Rather than changing your diet completely, consider following these quick tips to decrease spending and still eat healthy:
Doing all of your grocery shopping at one store might be more convenient, but visiting multiple locations and franchises can be a great way to compare costs and save money. In my case, I was surprised to find that Whole Foods is less expensive and has a greater selection of organic foods than the Sprouts in my area.
Sometimes, it’s hard to justify buying organic avocados or sweet corn, given the extra cost and limited gain. The Environmental Working Group put out a list of the Clean 15, those fruits and vegetables that are least likely to retain pesticides, and the Dirty Dozen, which you should avoid buying when they are conventionally grown.
Given that avocados and sweet corn are members of the Clean 15, it might be worth buying the nonorganic versions and using those savings to buy organic strawberries and kale, which are included in the Dirty Dozen. This might seem like a small change, but the savings will add up and ensure you can afford the costs of eating healthy food.
3. Buy in Bulk
The Whole Foods near me has a great bulk foods section where you can buy organic lentils, oatmeal, and more at cheaper prices. They have spices, too! We often buy just the little bits of organic spices we need, and it costs mere cents. Depending on your location, Costco also sells a variety of organic produce and other foods.
When buying fruits and vegetables, people often run the risk of purchasing more than they can reasonably eat. Though this works just fine for canned food and dried goods, produce is not meant to sit around. It’s meant to be eaten soon after picking. This could mean that you could end up throwing out much of the healthy food you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on.
We end up going to the grocery store about twice each week because our vegetables and fruits go bad quickly, even in the fridge, so we buy only what we need for a few days.
An easy way to find out how much you need is to write down how many fruits and vegetables you eat over a three-day span. Once that’s done, take the list to the grocery store, and don’t buy any more produce than seems necessary.
If you ever want more than that, stores tend to have huge bags of organic frozen veggies that can help when you can’t make it to the grocery store and need vegetables.
The Bottom Line on the Cost of Eating Healthy Food
Saving money and eating healthy food aren’t mutually exclusive. Careful shopping and meal-planning can ensure that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle without ruining your financial security. And by choosing certain organic vegetarian or vegan foods, you can ensure lasting benefits to both your body and your budget.
Additional reporting by Lauren Shayo.
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You may want your partner to wear the identical color as your gown in his tie or waistcoat or jacket. This will give you that little edge as the proper couple. Color selection can make or break the general impact of your outfit. Do not hesitate to hunt recommendation from a couple of fashion professional. Your eyes, hair and pores and skin tone tackle that additional sparkle and glow whenever you wear a colour that is in tune along with your private makeup.
The search for the very best ensemble will most likely begin in magazines or on-line. The most dazzling outfit is essential to make it an evening to recollect. Some will explore the rails in their favorite boutiques and others who have a artistic aptitude could favor to design their own unique attire. Many factors will need your consideration before you make a final choice as to what to wear. Whether you explore the mall for the ready made dress or choose to make your individual, you have to know the material and colours that go well with you best.
But I’ve obtained essentially the most advantages by taking it in powder form and adding it to recent juices. Here are 10 Health Benefits of Astragalus Root: A lot of my studies have been on the liver, and simply how necessary they’re to our our bodies and good health. Our livers are liable for a lot that we absolutely must turn into more conscious of tips on how to hold it healthy. Our livers break down all our foods, cleanses the toxins in our bodies, processes all of our sensory input, and is our heat-furnace.
There are many ways to get your arms on couscous; you might do it yourself or you could choose to purchase it.
In different phrases, couscous is the best diet for them; as well as cardiovascular patients.
Basically, big intake of glucose is dangerous for a diabetic.
Keep in mind that the 2 ailments stated above are more present to overweight people.
It’s the only organ in the physique that may regenerate. Our present health care system is structured round pain killers, antibiotics, and medication for every little thing you possibly can think about. These pills are extremely hard on our livers. Combine these medications with use of alcohol, medication, heavy metals, and pesticides, you have the perfect formula for killing off your liver early. Our livers are extremely abused in our society, and adding Astragalus Root to your diet can play an necessary function in helping to heal our our bodies and livers.
Your selection of fabric must be in sync with your body shape. Not all shapes can put on the stiff materials and at the similar time the gentle flowing fabrics can look enchanting on the best determine. Fuller figures look finest in free flowing clothes in darker shades. The slim shapes can carry the tighter fitting clothes successfully. Don’t allow the latest tendencies to dictate to you if they don’t suit your construct.
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“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.” (H. Jackson Brown, Jr.)
When I was in the business world, it happened all too often. I would call the sales manager at a favorite hotel and leave a message asking if they had space for a workshop on such-and-such a date. And I would get no response.
Or I would call a member of one of the nonprofits we managed and ask if he was interested in serving on a taskforce to meet with the Governor over health policy. The response: crickets.
Or maybe I would ask a speaker to let me know if she was available to do a keynote at a client’s annual meeting. More crickets.
As I delved into this growing phenomenon, I discovered that the failure to respond wasn’t generally due to the individual being out of town, or on vacation, or even too busy. But simply because they didn’t want to say “no” to me. They felt it was preferable to leave me hanging than to say no, they didn’t have meeting space on the day I was seeking, or no, they couldn’t participate in a conference, or no, they were too busy to get involved in a committee.
One was even forthright enough to tell me she was sorry she hadn’t called, but she just didn’t have the heart to say “no” to me.
“I just didn’t want to disappoint you, Donna,” she told me.
Huh?
Here’s the thing: I’m a grown-up. I can take it. I’ve heard “no” plenty of times in my life, and with very few exceptions, I took it quite well. Really. While “yes” is certainly my preferred response, “no” is the next-best thing, because it allows me to move to Plan B . . . and there’s always a Plan B.
Are we all becoming so milquetoasty that we can’t say no anymore?
There are now executive classes and self-help books teaching us how to say no. What has brought us to the point that we are paying “experts” to help us be more assertive—with our employees, our co-workers, our family, and our customers.
We are forking over big dough to have someone tell us what we already know—and we do, don’t we?—that it’s okay to say no. We’re afraid we’ll hurt someone’s feelings, we’ll offend, we won’t be liked if we say no. Have we really thought this through? Wouldn’t we rather be told the truth than strung along and prevented from moving to the next option?
Likewise, don’t say maybe when you know the answer is no. Believe me, people won’t think less of you because you say no to them. But they will think less of you when you say maybe and then never follow-up, or when you say yes, but don’t mean it . . . when you don’t return a phone call or reply to an e-mail.
As business professionals—or human beings, for that matter—few things are more important than our reputations. They follow us everywhere, and often precede us. We all know somebody about whom others say, “Oh, he never follows through,” “You just can’t rely on her,” or “I can’t get her to return a simple call.” There can be multiple reasons for such behavior—they’re too busy, too important, too disorganized, or maybe they never learned the importance of common courtesy. But if the reason is that you can’t bear to say no to a friend or colleague, get over it.
Do you have a problem saying no? Maybe it’s easy to say to your spouse, but hard to be that direct with a client or a friend. Maybe you’re good at saying no at work, but at home you’re something of a marshmallow.
Practice. Next time you’re asked to do something you really don’t want to do, don’t hem, don’t haw. Look that person in the eye and say with all sincerity:
No, I’m afraid that date won’t work for me. I hope you’ll ask me again, though.
No, my plate is full right now. But it was kind of you to ask.
Now, I’m not advocating for us all to become selfish, me-first jerks. The world’s already crowded with them. If some asks you to do something and you are able—even if it’s a bit of an inconvenience—why not say yes and spread some kindness and generosity? But if you really can’t, or really don’t want to, say no. Say it loud. Say it proud.
Say it with kindness, respect, appreciation, regret—or whatever fits the occasion. But as the old song says, “don’t say you will when, baby, you won’t, and don’t say you do when, baby, you don’t!”
Say no to me. It’s okay.
“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” (W. Clement Stone)
[One new feature of my website is on the home page where I invite your brief stories of kindness. If you’ve extended, received, or witnessed a a kindness, I hope you will consider sharing your story. There’s a link to the submission form. Let’s spread the kindness!]
This entry was posted in Civility, Common Sense, Courage, Kindness, Success and tagged Civility, Courage, Expectations, Integrity, Kindness in Business, Success by Donna Cameron. Bookmark the permalink.
29 thoughts on “Say “No” to Me, Please!”
Michelle at The Green Study on May 30, 2018 at 7:35 am said:
No. I’m sorry – what was the question? I’m very trigger-happy with my “no” these days.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Donna Cameron on May 30, 2018 at 12:58 pm said:
I hear that, Michelle. These days, most of my no’s are accompanied by expletives and directed toward the daily news.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fransiweinstein on May 30, 2018 at 11:22 am said:
Wow, did you ever just press one of my hot buttons! It drives me out of my mind when people don’t return emails and phone calls! It is rude, unprofessional and disrespectful. It tells me they can’t be bothered because you’re important enough to them. You can bet they’d get back to their kid’s principal, their boss’s boss, someone they’re out to impress or anyone who could do something for them — without any fear of saying “no.” And if they are such wimps, they shouldn’t be in positions of authority. If there’s anything leaders and successful people have to do all the time is say “no.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on May 30, 2018 at 1:00 pm said:
Well said, Fransi! We’re in total agreement on this. I just don’t understand why common courtesy eludes so many people. I guess it’s more like uncommon courtesy….
fransiweinstein on May 30, 2018 at 1:59 pm said:
I don’t understand it either, Donna. It doesn’t require that big of an effort.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann Coleman on May 30, 2018 at 12:20 pm said:
You’re right, often saying no is much kinder than “maybe,” which makes people think there is a chance you will do what they want when there really isn’t. And saying no is always better than no response at all. I think as long as we are polite about it, there’s nothing wrong with saying no at all! Thanks for the reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on May 30, 2018 at 1:03 pm said:
Thanks, Ann. A lot of people seem to believe they won’t be liked if they say “no.” Don’t know where that comes from, or how to convince them otherwise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ann G. Macfarlane on May 30, 2018 at 1:02 pm said:
Donna, great column! You have it in a nutshell. There is a whole book about this issue: “NO, the only negotiating system you need for work and home,” by Jim Camp. I loved this book so much that one Christmas I gave it to all three of my sons AND their girlfriends!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on May 30, 2018 at 3:31 pm said:
Thanks for mentioning Jim Camp’s book, Ann. I have put it on reserve at my local library. Sounds like it should be required reading for many of us. So good to hear from you—hope all is well.
LA on May 31, 2018 at 7:33 am said:
Good post. You’re so right. When did it get that our feelings have yo be protected? Crazy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on May 31, 2018 at 3:33 pm said:
Yes, when DID we all become such delicate flowers?? Thanks, LA!
LikeLiked by 1 person
kpaulris on May 31, 2018 at 10:16 am said:
When contemplating saying no, I often think of the New Yorker cartoon, in which a guy’s standing at his office desk, speaking to someone on the phone. He has his appointment book open, and is pointing to a date on the page, and he says, “No, Thursday’s out. How about never — is never good for you?” Sometimes when I say no, I’m thinking, “how about never”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on May 31, 2018 at 3:32 pm said:
That’s long been one of my favorite cartoons, Kris. I’ve never had the courage to say out loud “How about never–is never good for you?” but, oh, I’ve wanted to a few times!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Catherine Cheng, MD on May 31, 2018 at 7:47 pm said:
Thank you for this perspective, Donna! I never think the person is trying to spare my feelings; my assumption is that they have no regard for them.
I just sent a batch of emails inquiring for a babysitter and only two people replied— both no, but kind.
From now I will just ask for what I need: “As a courtesy, please reply with either a negative or positive response. Your prompt reply will allow me to make my plans more efficiently and effectively. Thank you!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 1, 2018 at 6:52 am said:
I wonder when we stopped teaching common courtesy or even recognizing the importance of good manners. Even the words “courtesy” and “manners” sound quaint in 2018. But I’ll bet those people who practice these quaint skills will see greater success and satisfaction than those who don’t. Thanks, Cathy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
RetirementallyChallenged.com on June 1, 2018 at 8:10 pm said:
I’m not sure when responding to a request became optional. Yes, no, maybe, later, never, let me get back to you by such-and-such a date… all ok answers. Crickets are not ok. On the other hand, we on the receiving end of a response we might not like need to be careful not to make the responder feel guilty or like they have disappointed us. Graciousness goes both ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 2, 2018 at 9:31 am said:
You make a good point, Janis. It’s possible that some people may be reluctant to say “no” because they fear the reaction of the other person. Courtesy does, indeed, go both ways. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Miriam on June 8, 2018 at 6:40 am said:
Great post Donna and sadly very true. Must admit I don’t find it hard to say no. It can be uncomfortable but I prefer to let people know where they stand. To me it’s just common courtesy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 8, 2018 at 8:46 am said:
Would that there were more people with your ability to say no, Miriam! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jet Eliot on June 18, 2018 at 1:55 am said:
Enjoyed your insight and expression here, Donna, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 18, 2018 at 7:28 am said:
Thanks, Jet! Have a great week. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
lisakunk on June 18, 2018 at 8:04 am said:
You have a special blog. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts and stories. Also, thanks for reading my post about my ninety year old mother’s memory aids. I write about her often. She’s an uplifting story in herself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 18, 2018 at 11:57 am said:
Thanks so much, Lisa, for your kind words and for following A Year of Living Kindly. I really enjoy your blog, and loved your mother’s trick for remembering things. It wouldn’t work for me because I’d eat those Hershey Nuggets before I’d remember why I put them out. I may have to try tossing coasters, though. They’d be safe from my chocolate urges. I enjoy reading about your mother. She sounds like a hoot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lisakunk on June 18, 2018 at 12:23 pm said:
She is a hoot indeed. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. It makes writing more fun. I’m sure you know that feeling. It’s great to connect with people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 19, 2018 at 7:17 pm said:
Yes! Community and connection are a hugely enjoyable part of blogging (and living, for that matter!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dave Gardner on June 19, 2018 at 8:00 pm said:
Thanks for following Daily Ramblings! I really appreciate it and look forward to reading your postings. Good luck with the new book!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna Cameron on June 20, 2018 at 7:04 pm said:
Thanks for your good wishes, Dave. I think I’m going to enjoy getting to know you through your Daily Ramblings!
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The group of friends would have gotten lost or would have wanted to explore a sector of the pass that they did not know; advance France Bleu Isère. An investigation was carried out. diligent and several hearings are planned. The forces of order intervened to put an end to the the rave party shortly after the reveler's fall.
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i'm so sorry about lady ann tinia she was (is) a gorgeous horse and obviously adored. i can't imagine the heart break, however dior is incredible! what a beautiful thing you do for these animals i know it sounds ridiculous but i'm sure you understand when i say that you do what i dream of everyday as i sit in my office. my girls and i are willing to help out anyway possible
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Tinia May 29, 2011 at 10:33 AM
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As long as the main value of a being, whether it is human or animal, is on color, size, shape or overall visual flair, we are walking in the wrong direction. It is hard for me to see any progress in this society toward kindness. . .when we put so much emphasis on flash. Some dump or pass by unmarked young horses at auctions because they didn't have the flash the breeder hoped to find. They could have a steady mind, be solid all around and willing, but without the right markin gs, right color, their fates are sealed. It hurts in rescue because we know adopters will also want to pass those animals by when they become adoptable. It is the same with dogs and cats and goats. People ignore the medium sized black dogs in kill shelters in favor of anything else, and it is true of cats. In the farming world, where conformation means longevity, spots win out over anything else that actually makes sense. It hurts in shelters when works see the same ordinary dogs waiting . . .forever.
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