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- The Board of Directors
- Shareholders
- Customers
- Employees (as individuals)
- Suppliers, distributors
- Outsource partners
- Regulators
- Legal authorities
- (others)
This dimension includes most of the processes of governance and compliance, at least the interfaces between organization units and the external interfaces. But I chose not to call it "Governance & Compliance" because those are both formally codified processes and I felt it was important to include some of the less formal and tacit aspects. This is especially important if we want to encourage wide-spread acceptance of responsibility and accountability beyond the core executives. In addition, I felt the title "Responsibility & Accountability" focuses attention on performance, not just activity or formal structures.
"Responsibility" means that individuals take ownership of some aspect of cyber security and that they take action proactively to develop competence and to execute the associated tasks well. It also means they are thinking broadly about their area of responsibility, and not just following orders or instructions from above or from some mandates.
The prerequisite for any performance in this dimension is deciding who should be responsible for what. The biggest gap that most organizations face is that responsibility is not taken up by line of business managers and thus, de facto, it falls on the shoulders of specialist teams in Information Security, IT, Legal, or Government Affairs. By making this a separate performance dimension in the cyber security framework and measuring performance against goals, it puts a spotlight on this gap and calls for executive attention.
"Responsibility" includes both the formal governance structure and processes, but also all the informal and tacit aspects. The latter are often carried in an organization's culture and make their appearance outside of formal channels. The most visible example are disaster events where people spontaneously create ad hoc organizations without regard to their formal positions and roles in "normal times". Outside of disasters, there are similar opportunities for ad hoc organizations to seek the root causes of cyber security problems or to lead cross-organization improvement projects.
"Accountability" is related but different, and instead focuses on which individuals will be expected to "pay the price" when something goes wrong, either deficient performance or a cyber security incident. "Pay the price" need not have punitive meaning, because the most important form of accountability is the personal commitment of a manager or leader to "make it right" through commitment of their time, their resources, and even their personal reputation.
This is the proper performance dimension for compliance and other mandate regimes, as applicable. In a previous post on Operational Cyber Security and Single Loop Learning I was harsh and blunt in my opinion on compliance -- it should never be the sole reason for any aspect of operational cyber security. But, at a higher level and in the context of stakeholder relationships, it does have some value. Here, compliance is a mechanism to maintain trust between an organization and its outside stakeholders who are distant in time and space, and thus aren't in a position to monitor continuously or in much detail.
From the perspective of cyber security performance, an organization should aim to fulfill their compliance obligations in such a way that the stakeholders increase their trust and confidence in its cyber security performance overall, and not just in the specific details of the compliance regime. This means that "complying to the letter but not the spirit" of the mandates is unacceptable performance and should be judged as such.
The best way to guard against this and other dysfunctions is to measure responsibility and accountability broadly. The best measurement method is to look for visible behaviors, actions, and communications that demonstrate that the person in question is taking responsibility and accountability in the right circumstances. It is also useful to look for evidence that other people recognize the focal person as taking responsibility and/or accountability.
(That's it for the Ten Dimensions. I have one more post to summarize the interactions in the Second Learning Loop.)


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PPWR Reflections 2017: FIGT First Impressions
In this week's post, Sarah Stoner has jotted down her impressions from the FIGT conference. Sarah touches on a key challenge that TCK's might face when our adventurous selves move into a monocultural day-to-day.
It is our unique differences and experiences abroad that unite our tribe and bring our community together. However, for some of us, our international selves feel far behind as we adapt to a monocultural community, we now call home.
Have I stayed in the same place too long? What if my last international trip was 5 years ago? That is totally okay. Experiences never leave you.
Am I still a TCK? Do I still fit in with my TCK tribe? The answer is always YES!
(The Writing Team at FIGT 2017)
A few weeks before FIGT, I lost my toenail. Skiing 'accident' (tight new boots). It looks really gross. Clearly, a toenail belongs there.
In my life, too, a piece is missing. I live in the US, my 'passport' country, as an adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK). I'm a multicultural mama raising my kids in a monoculture. Like most of us ATCKs, I try to adapt. Which means putting a sock over it. Wearing closed-toed shoes. Because, somehow, in the busy-nesses of raising a family, talking about my 'old' life with people in my rural town feels… decorative. Showy and nonessential. Like a toenail.
Until I stumble across a call for writing scholars for Families in Global Transition (FIGT), I'd set aside my TCK past to manage an overwhelming present. Two young kids. Five contract jobs (editor of nonprofit journals), constantly overlapping. Twenty acres of rural land to tend to, from a house that, until recently, was off-the-grid and entirely solar powered. Adventure enough!
I apply. I'm awarded the position, along with three other women. All of whom live overseas or work in the intercultural world. Suddenly, I'm face-to-face with my TCK-on-a-shelf self.
I feel like the odd man out. I am the only one not living an expat life, currently or even recently. When I log on to figt.org, I find myself looking at the circular FIGT logo… No, I stare into it as if it's a crystal ball for my questions. How do I fit in to this community? I'm not living the overseas life. I'm not in global transition. I'm raising my kids in a monoculture.
Spoiler alert: Turns out, there is room for everyone at the FIGT table.
Families in Global Transition… current, former. And in support of. We all have a place in the community of FIGT. I walked away from conference feeling awakened, connected, inspired. Hearing people's stories awakens my own. Learning about solutions being brainstormed for TCKs today – including the amazing Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) groundwork being laid by FIGT members joining forces – inspires and reassures me. I have countless notes, ideas, thoughts bubbling.
It's hard to fit all that the FIGT 2017 gathering offered up in one – or even ten – attempts. I'll do my best to begin.
Indelibly, FIGT 2017 left its mark. Unlike a missing toenail, three points imprinted like footprints in soft sand – guideposts for me in moving forward:
1.Tell Your Story
The theme of integrating with our whole selves by telling and claiming our TCK and expat stories showed itself in a variety ways: research numbers, sub-group studies, kitchen table sharing. In the Ignite sessions, Maria Lombart explained the importance of revisiting and returning to the places where you came from – another way to integrate your stories and memories. Janneke Muyselaar-Jellema reminded me of the importance of sharing my stories with my children. "Kids who know their families stories fare better and are more resilient," she explained. "Tell your stories! Because that's the thing about being a TCK – we hide who we are in order to adapt. Stories fare better and are more resilient," she explained.
2.Find a Place Where Others Are Also Different
"Choose a place where enough people are also different, who know what it is to be different." That's Cliff Gardner, in the plenary panel discussing different ways to approach connecting your past to your present. Ah, if I could turn back time… However, now, with this new lens, I can view and untangle my own repatriation process. Perhaps, with more compassion for how I arrived at where I am now. And to consider how to best move forward from here.
3.Claim and Name Who You Are
Along the same lines as telling your story: "Claiming and naming who you are is a risk," said Marilyn Gardner, in the panel on connecting your multicultural past to your present. And risk taking has a high pay-off potential… of becoming more whole, more connected to your full self. The fantastic thing is, you can't name who are you are… until you are clear on who you are. And where you want to go. It is a fantastic opportunity for those of us prone to adapting – to find ourselves, to define our values as identity boundaries.
Nothing is missing when our selves are revealed. We are whole when we belong. Thank you, FIGT. In your community, I find my way back home.
-----Thanks Sarah for your contributions to the community!
(Tone with Sarah Black and Terry Anne Wilson)
Learn more about the FIGT community in this week's PPWR Reflection by Tone Delin Indrelid!
Tone touches on a key point that resonates with many of us in the FIGT community. The fact that being an outsider is in fact a superpower in which you've been trained to recognize community or lack thereof. We have all been there - when you experience that incredible feeling meeting someone new, who you may have no commonalities with, other then being a TCK. And yet, your spirit sings with connection and recognition. Community is when you find yourself surrounded by strangers but feel at home. Thanks for the reminder Tone!
Community, as defined by Merriam Webster and by Naomi Hattaway in her Families in Global Transition (FIGT) webinar and Keynote speech, highlights commonality. Shared space, shared interests, attitudes and goals. Joint identity and ownership. A sense of belonging to a group of like-minded others.
Our sense of who we are, and which communities we belong to, is established through interaction with others over time.
Living in one place for a long time, people 'know' you; if not personally, then they might know someone else who does. My parents, who have lived in the same house since 1972, may not know everyone in their social world, but people can ask "who is that funny old man in number 32?" and someone will have an answer.
When you move, people don't know you. When I arrive at a new school with my kids every four years, people may ask "who is that harassed looking woman?" but nobody will be able to answer.
Everyone who has moved a lot knows that having to find your people and build your communities from scratch is hard. We have no shared social history, nothing to build on. The only way you can establish ties to others is to give of yourself, interact, search. Reach out to those you hope might share your attitudes and interests. Through social interaction over time, you become someone, a member of social communities.
One of my strongest first impressions of FIGT is how established, and celebrated, the community is. How first timers are included so immediately, by virtue of their presence.
We may not share a social history. People at FIGT didn't know I'd lived in Damascus, that I love hiking or that I teach an English class. They may not be able to answer 'who is she?' but we already share a strong social connection. We already agree on a set of values, attitudes and interests. Simply by being there, I was counted as part of the community.
That doesn't mean I didn't make an effort to reach out, try and connect with others. There is, however, a difference between working to strengthen ties and a sense of shared belonging that is already established, and searching for commonalities and building fresh ties from scratch.
Perhaps it takes wanderers, used to being the unknown, to truly recognize the importance of community. Perhaps it takes people who know what it means to feel like an outsider, to recognize how important it is to feel being together. Perhaps it takes people who have done it, again and again, to recognize that being part of a community is a conscious effort; essential to establish who you are in relation to others.
Thank you, FIGT, for discussing these topics and for the community you all help create and maintain. I am honored to be part of it.
Thank you Tone for your contributions to the FIGT community!
The Parfitt-Pascoe Writing Residency (PPWR) encourages development of writing and blogging skills with scholarship support for the FIGT Annual Conference.
2017 PPWR recipients were: Jane Barron, Tone Delin Indrelid, Mariam Ottimofiore, and Sarah Stoner. Congratulations!
We continue with our post from last week where we highlighted Mariam Ottimofiore and her write-up of the conference by learning more about Jane Barron's experience at the FIGT conference.
Jane Barron with FIGT members (third from left).
There was plenty of opportunity to anticipate the coming days of the 2017 Families in Global Transition (FIGT) Conference during my 39-hour journey to The Hague from Sydney, Australia. I would not have missed those two flights and two trains for anything, knowing what was ahead of me. #FIGT17NL was my second FIGT conference and the connections made last year have propelled me forward, professionally and personally, over the past 12 months.
I was not disappointed. Even in the registration queue on Day One, I was reminded of why I had returned. Joining the back of the line, the attendee before me turned around to say hello, introduce herself and before we knew it, we had found common ground. This greeting set the tone for the entire conference. It was no coincidence that this year's theme was Building on the Basics: Creating Your Tribe on the Move; after all this is what we do as families in global transition. 228 attendees from 36 countries spent three days amongst our Tribe – a place where we could connect, share, learn, inspire and most importantly, belong.
It was such a privilege to be immersed in the depth of experience, wisdom, authenticity and intentionality from across the globe. As a self-confessed research junkie, I sat riveted listening to the latest findings on Third Culture Kids (TCKs), from their unique mindset to their educational experiences. Yet I was equally as captivated by the team from The International School of Brussels as we actively engaged in their redefined admissions process. I gained a new understanding from Kim Hunt and those who sat around her Kitchen Table Conversation discussing Military TCKs and was taken into the world of Third Culture Families, those with an international track record and no defined plans or home base to return to, by Marielle de Spa. These were just some of the enlightening and enriching moments, each of which provided inspiration for personal and professional reflection, which is ongoing.
The variety of presentation formats is one aspect of FIGT that really sets it apart as a conference, in my opinion. The Keynote speakers and Concurrent Sessions provided well-founded learning opportunities, whilst the Kitchen Table Conversations, Early Bird Forums and Panel Discussions provided the freedom for sharing and collaboration. As a Writers' Forum presenter, I learned almost as much as I imparted. One of my favorite formats was the Ignite – the fast-paced session exposing attendees to a variety of viewpoints and experiences. In each six minute 40 second presentation, I was transported to new places and new perspectives.
Whether it's the connections ignited and re-ignited, the knowledge gleaned, the perspectives gained or the self-reflection provoked, this year's FIGT conference was like coming Home. It's where I added another layer of understanding of who I am and the role I play in supporting my family and the broader Tribe of families in global transition. I count it as a privilege to travel nine time zones to be amongst like-minded global citizens – My Tribe.
Thanks Jane for your contributions to our FIGT community! Read more next week from another PPWR contributor.
The Parfitt Pascoe Writing Residency (PPWR) is a partial scholarship for the FIGT Annual Conference that encourages development of writing and blogging skills. Recipients received: free tuition for eight online learning sessions with Jo Parfitt on how to write articles for a global market and get them published; mentorship; editing support; cross-publications; ebook.
2017 PPWR recipients: Jane Barron, Tone Delin Indrelid, Mariam Ottimofiore, and Sarah Stoner. Congratulations!
Starting today we will showcase the winners' writing and reflections on this year's conference. Next week we will be adding a writing contribution from another PPWR 2017 recipient!
We start off with Mariam Ottimofiore.
Does Growing Up in an Expat Majority Country Change the TCK Experience? By Mariam Ottimofiore
I recently attended the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference in The Hague, in the Netherlands, where I listened to Dr. Anne Copeland from The Interchange Institute share her fascinating research on Third Culture Kids (TCKs). The title of her talk immediately caught my attention: Do TCKs Have Unique Skills? The Childhood Experience of Being Different and Its Impact on Expatriate Living.
According to Dr. Anne, the experience of "being different" came along with skills such as having an "expanded worldview", "good observational skills" and the ability to see "two sides of a situation". All of them are skills which serve well when TCKs transition into adulthood. I thought back to my own TCK experience of growing up with my Pakistani parents in Bahrain and the United States and couldn't help but agree that it had prepared me for my subsequent moves as an adult.
But her talk immediately made me ponder an important aspect of my current expat life in the Middle East:
How does growing up as a TCK in an expat majority country change the TCK experience? How does raising two TCKs in a country where they are in the majority affect their TCK experience?
Whereas my childhood experience of growing up as a TCK made me feel different, my children's experience of growing up in Dubai does not make them feel any different. In fact, they feel just as 'normal' as the next person. The reason is because we are currently living in a rather unique country; a country where expats make up the majority of the population. In the United Arab Emirates, the local Emiratis make up only a small 11% of the population, whereas the expats make up majority of the 89-90% of the population.
My TCKs are growing up in Dubai surrounded by other TCKs. They are growing up thinking it's normal that everyone is like them, with multiple nationalities, speaking two or more languages, and with multiple homes around the world. It is the norm to 'go home' for their summer break, which means a different country. It is the norm for them to celebrate 'international day' at school, because every kid comes from a different country. It is the norm for them to grow up in a multicultural, multilingual melting pot of identities and accents. Living in an expat majority country is normalizing the TCK experience for my kids, which means that when they do return to their passport country (Germany), they will struggle to adapt to a monocultural society.
So, if they don't feel any different, do they still develop the skills Dr. Anne mentioned in her talk? Do they still build resilience, become adaptable and foster empathy for others? What are the similarities and differences between them and the traditional TCKs who grow up in a country where they are in a minority?
Just one of the questions FIGT has left me pondering this month.
Thanks Mariam for your insights and contributions to the FIGT community!
Amy Clare Tasker attended the 2017 FIGT Annual Conference and details her experience running a FIGT workshop in her blog, "Home is Where the Radishes Grow".
"Home is where..." was the question used during the workshop as a starting-off point for brainstorming in the group - what means "home" for someone. There was many great suggestions but one that stood out was, "where i grow my radishes". Home, for some people, is where you grow and eat your own radishes from your own garden.
The workshop then challenged participants to take the question "Home is where..." and turn it into a frozen picture tapping into the drama element. A cornerstone behind the workshop - tying in drama games and storytelling into cross-cultural experiences. Certainly depicting, "Home is where I grow my radishes", was a fun and creative story to enact!
It also challenged participants to think through drama and its relation to cross-cultural experiences. What are ways you can tie in drama games and storytelling into your work with students and clients? How can storytelling be a bridge for cross-cultural experiences?
And lastly, what means home to you?
Read more in Amy's blog and re-live this fun workshop experience!
Amy Clare Tasker Bio:
I am a British-born, California-grown director and theatre maker. From 2008 – 2013, I made work in San Francisco, California. I now live and make theatre in London, England. I am a Third Culture Kid: a hybrid of cultures, a holder of two passports, and a mangler of regional accents.
My work demonstrates a commitment to new forms and new voices; a fascination with ancient, epic stories; and a profound joy in collaborative experimentation with other creative minds in theatre and across artistic disciplines.
Read more about Amy.
Thanks Amy for your contributions to the community!
Today we highlight a three - series post by Sarah Black from her blog "Brown Eyed Gal Abroad," which covers her reflections and insights at the FIGT conference. Enjoy our re-cap below and make sure to check out Sarah's posts!
Day 1 at the conference included sessions and events that was built strongly around community and connection. People who hadn't seen each other in a while had the opportunity to re-connect as well as to meet new attendees! The theme of the day seemed based on finding common ground. Not only did speakers and presentations touch on finding your tribe but more specifically, finding your right tribe. It may sound like a self-help tip, but ultimately, finding your tribe requires one to know thyself first and foremost. So a lot of food for thought and internal reflection got sparked on Day 1.
Day 2 provided practical applications on how to build community such as bloggers sharing their experience building online tribes. Presentations also highlighted the value and treasures that expatriates offer the world. Ultimately confirming, that we are all stronger when we stand together.
Day 3 was all about storytelling in which many members of the community shared their stories. Sebastien Bellin was an emotional highlight who touched on letting go of fear and embracing the moment. And, to focus on quality of life instead of quantity.Very inspirational!
Sarah, as with many of the FIGT attendees, is now focused on how to find your tribe, build your tribe, and connect with your tribe.
Sarah Black Bio:
At the age of 40, I left the only city I'd ever lived in, a job that I loved, a recently renovated home and my friends and family to go on an adventure. It's been six years, two countries and a couple of rescue dogs since then and the adventure continues….
I'm Sarah, a former PR director, now blogger/freelance writer and communications consultant. Originally from Northern Ireland, I currently live in Texas with Himself (the husband) and our two rescue dogs, Freya and Ceili. This blog is an attempt to chronicle our experiences as expats and travellers and to remind us that even on a very ordinary day, doing mundane things, this is still an amazing adventure.
And yes, I really do have brown eyes….
Thanks for your contributions to the community Sarah!
Thank you to all our sponsors, FIGT Staff and volunteers, and FIGT members. The Annual Conference would not be possible without all the hard work and contributions from each and every one of you.
Starting next week stay tuned for member re-caps and reflections on the conference!
The FIGT Conference kicks off its final day in Den Hague. What a whirlwind! Here is how we spent the final day.
FIGT Day 3 - Saturday, March 25, 2017
Early Bird SPAN Forum:
Keynote Session: Sebastien Bellin - I should fear but I don't. Why do you?
Concurrent Session III: Raising Global and Mobile Children: Challenges and Solutions for International Families using the MERCI model - Kristin Duncombe
Concurrent Session IV: Third Culture Families (TCFs): Redefining the traditional concept of home, family and friendship - Marielle de Spa
Panel Discussion - Finding Your Niche: Connecting a Multicultural Past to a Meaningful Present
Closing Ceremony:
That's a wrap folks! Many thanks to all who made the conference possible. Safe travels home.
We look forward to reconnecting after the conference and sharing more great stories, pictures, and ideas in the weeks and months to come.
See you next year!
(Pictures collected from participants and contributors to FIGTNL17 Twitter)
The second day of the FIGT Conference featured a keynote session, fast-paced Ignite sessions, and twice the fun! Catch up on today's events and make sure to follow twitter and the blog to learn more about the third and final day.
Early Bird Writers Forum: During our Early Bird Writers Forum, you will have the opportunity to attend one of four different sessions led by accomplished and talented authors and online experts.
Keynote Session: Do TCKs Have Unique Skills? The Childhood Experience of Being Different and Its Impact on Expatriate Living - Anne Copeland
Ignite Sessions:
Raffle Draw - Some of the prizes!
Concurrent Sessions - Globally Mobile Children - One Tribe or Many - Ann Baker Cottrell
Kitchen Table Conversations - Who I am Inside; An In-Depth Look at the TCK Identity - Kenady Chisholm
More Sessions:
More Networking:
Thanks to everyone who made day 2 invigorating, informative, and inspirational! Make sure to follow the action on Twitter: #FIGTNL17 or on the blog for day 3.
(Pictures collected from participants and contributors to #FIGTNL17)
The 2017 Families in Global Transition (FIGT) Annual Conference has started in Den Hague, kicking off with day 1! Couldn't make it? Here's a recap of the first of three days filled with connection, community, and inspiration. We will post a recap on day 2 as well. You can also stay connected by following the conference hashtag on Twitter: #FIGT17NL
Day 1 featured:
Early Bird Forums: Empty Nest and Parenting Adult Kids - Tough Love, Tough Choices: How to Cope with an Empty Nest
Keynote Presentation: Naomi Hathaway Me Too! Lighting the Triangle Beacon – Why Finding Your Tribe Matters
Concurrent session: You Couldn't Make It Up: The Latest Findings on Decades of ATCKs - Lesley Lewis
Panel Discussion: Find Your Language on the Move - Ruth Van Reken, Ute Limacher-Riebold, and Rita Rosenback
Kitchen Table Conversations - Expanding our Tribe with Dr. Cate Brubaker
Author Signing at the Bookstore
Social Networking Event
And lots of Networking!!!
Overall, it was a historic first day with FIGT.
Want to stay connected? Follow along on Twitter: #FIGT17NL or stay tuned for Day 2 on the blog!
(Pictures collected from #FIGT hashtag contributors and participants).
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Mailing address:Families in Global Transition
C/o Campbell Rappold & Yurasits LLP1033 S Cedar Crest BlvdAllentown, PA 18103USA
+1 (703) 634-7400Skype: figt.administrator
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(Alternatively titled: Surprise Super hot 4th 5K, Crash and Burn race or It's all relative)
I had not planned to run a 5K this 4th of July – heck, I had not even planned to run – no kidding! I hadn't run since returning from Hawaii last week because it suddenly dawned on me that I have been building mileage/training for marathons for 14 months now – time for a little recovery time before the fall marathon training begins (soon, my race will be Dec. 2 – more on that later).
Despite this little break, I was also kinda sorta itching to race – but also realized that listening to my body would be the best plan. So, I printed out the registration form on Tuesday afternoon and decided that I'd set out all my race stuff, set my alarm and if I felt tired, I'd sleep in. If not, I'd race.
So obviously, you can tell what happened.
But now, I'll tell you what happened at the race!
First, craziest splits ever:
1 – 6:50, 2 – 7:35, 3 – 10:30, .1 – :46
Yes, I went out too fast – but in my defense, I was quite sure that I was able to sustain a 7-minute mile, easy. My legs felt great! I was flying in those new kicks (Brooks Pure Flow) and though it was hot, I was sweating enough – felt hydrated, etc.
Mile 2…total time: 14:30. I had slowed, but told myself that a 7.5 minute pace would still warrant me a PR, since that was the average pace of my last race to beat (23:28, a 7 and a half minute pace).
After that though, the course headed onto a narrow, buckled path. Since I am the queen of klutzes, I was sure to watch my footing. And then the course had a sharp downhill. Then uphill.
My belly started to ache, weirdly. That freaked me out, so I walked. Mile 3 continued like that…run, walk…I realized the PR wasn't going to happen. I am still not sure what happened here, but that humidity definitely was doing me in.
We were on the last .3 of the race when a girl ran up behind me (I was walking then) and she smiled and said, "Nice work! We're almost there!"
Now – hearing "you're almost there" is one of the worst things to hear when racing – but the fact that she was also running – and that key game-changer (WE) inspired me to finish the race strong.
I felt energized – almost like I could physically sprint to finish – but mentally, I could NOT pass that girl who had inspired me. So, I kept an even pace with her, and crossed the finish alongside her, probably like a split second after.
Final time: 25 minutes and some change. Not my worst (27 min, which was my first race) but given the circumstances, I'll take it! I'll redeem myself in the near future 😉
ETA: WOW! I actually netted a 2nd place AG win – so happy that I know 1st place was my inspiration: Allison! As soon as I read the results, I remembered hearing people cheer for her. Even more glad about how it panned out:
How did you spend your 4th?


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As I looked at my freshly made bed earlier this week, I was suddenly struck with a wave of thankfulness. I cannot explain why it happened at that moment, but I stopped briefly and pondered the blessing of having a bed with clean sheets. It is easy to take little things like this for granted. Not everyone in the world has clean sheets or even a comfortable bed.
The time of year has now come where retailers often skip over the season of thankfulness and jump to Christmas. My wife often laments this fact and complains that Thanksgiving is becoming a forgotten holiday. We even joke that Thanksgiving is missed because there are fewer Thanksgiving songs.
At night when I lay down in bed, I try to make a habit of thanking God for something. Many times I am thankful for my wife and children, but it could be for anything that I recall from the elapsed day. I previously wrote about reasons to be genuinely thankful. Today I want to share some ideas that have been helpful to me in cultivating thankfulness in my life.
- Say thank-you. This may seem obvious, but I find it easy to slip into a bad habit of not verbally expressing my thanks. Most often this affects those closest to me (my wife!) because I take for granted the tasks undertaken on my behalf. We regularly are encouraging our children to use good manners and say "thank you" whenever the situation warrants. This is, by far, the easiest and simplest way to be thankful.
- Make sure to notice the little things. This usually requires good listening or observational skills. People will drop clues within a conversation about ways in which their life could be improved. Whenever you are on the receiving end of a blessing like this make sure to take notice. Acknowledging these blessings and not disregarding them will help you to be more thankful.
- Write a thank-you note. Admittedly, I do not do a very good job of this. I am trying to remember to make an effort to write thank-you notes more often now. I find that it doesn't take much effort at all and can be done in less than five minutes. From what I can find online it seems 50% or less of people actually write thank-you notes in situations where it could be appropriate. However, from my experience, I always appreciate it when someone drops me a thoughtful thank-you note.
- Keep a journal. Write down the details of events or gifts for which you are thankful. This is one of the best ways to remember and reflect on good moments. I have kept a journal with all kinds of entries for many years now. Walking down memory lane as I read previous entries helps me to have perspective on where I am now. When I come across an entry that references a blessing for which I am thankful, it transports me back to that moment and is quite encouraging.
As we travel the highway of life and rapidly approach this upcoming holiday season, I hope these thoughts inspire you to slow down and contemplate what you are thankful for before it all passes by and we are cruising along in 2017.
Question: What other simple ways do you express thankfulness? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Regular price R 99.95
- Bracelet quartz wrist watch for women
- Mineral glass window for dial protection
- Personalized in design and delicate in workmanship.
- A great present for your friends or relatives on birthday/Christmas.
- A good time-reminder and ornament.
Tips: it is daily water resistant, only withstands for hands and face washing, do not immerse in water for a long time.
- Watch style: Casual,Fashion,Classic
- Watches categories: Women
- Case material: Metal
- Display type: Analog
- Movement type: Quartz watch
- Shape of the dial: Round
- Watch mirror: Mineral glass
- Band material: PU
- Clasp type: Pin buckle
- Water resistance : No
- Dial size: 3.8x1.8x0.8
- Package size (L x W x H): 25.00 x 1.00 x 4.00 cm / 9.84 x 0.39 x 1.57 inches
- Package weight: 0.056 kg
- Product size (L x W x H): 3.80 x 1.80 x 0.80 cm / 1.5 x 0.71 x 0.31 inches
- Wearable length: 24 CM
- Band size: 24x1.8 CM
- Package Contents: 1xWATCH
Our courier delivery service is fast and efficient. And to keep it this way, we have partnered with Aramex to offer the following services :-
South Africa
All orders over R350 are delivered FREE! Under R350 there is a R60 delivery charge.
Standard Door To Door Courier Delivery (Aramex) = R60 :-
1. All orders are dispatch within 24 hrs during the working week (Mon-Fri)
2. All deliveries take 3-5 working days (depending on if you are in a major city or not)
3. Delivery only takes place during working hours and during the working week
4. Delivery is only to a physical address, we do not deliver to a P O Box
5. If a special delivery or instruction is required, please email us on email@example.com to find out how we can help you
6. The cut off time for deliveries is 1 pm Mon - Fri. And order placed after 1 pm or over the weekend is rolled over.
7. Our couriers do not collect from us or deliver to you on Public Holidays or Weekends.
Over Night
We also offer an overnight service at the very reasonable rate of R200 per order, no matter the value. The order must be placed by 1pm in order for it to be delivered by 10am the following morning. Any order not paid for by 1pm will be rolled over to the next day. This service is ONLY available for major cities.
Other Countries
We use Aramex DPX courier 'Door to Door' service. This service takes approx. 7 days (depending on where you are) and does not include Import Tax or Duties. We have a standard rate of R300 ($21UDS) for any country outside of South Africa. All orders are dispatched within 48 hrs of payment - Mon-Fri. Our couriers do not pick up from us on Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays. You will be kept up to date with any Delivery Status updates via email, as well as being sent an email with a tracking page link.
Delivery Availability
If nobody is available at the address at the time of delivery, our courier will make a second attempt to deliver on the next working day. The courier will try once more (third attempt), and if at that time there is still no one to sign for the parcel, the parcel will be returned to our warehouse and a return will be processed for the goods. You will be refunded in the same payment method which was used for the order. Should a delivery fee have been charged on the order, this will not be reimbursed, given that the courier has attempted delivery on numerous occasions.


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Contact Information
To book a meeting with me in Cardiff UK, there are several ways that you can get in touch. Via phone, email or by filling in the form below. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss anything, you are more than welcome to contact me;
Phone: 07775451078
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Form: Please complete and submit the form provided bellow.


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Back in the heady days of 2013, pre-Brexit, before "nothing has changed", THAT exit poll, and the promise of a strong and stable government, the former Leader (now lead comedian) of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, introduced the idea of a cap on energy bills. It was instantly labelled as a "lurch to the left" (The Sun), "flawed in practically every way" (Times), and a move "back to the bad old days" (Daily Mail).
Theresa May's energy price cap (currently winding itself through pre-legislative scrutiny) in contrast is "a crackdown on energy rip-offs" (Daily Mail) and "attempt to capture the political centre ground" (Sunday Times). Backed up by the excoriating Competition and Market Authority (CMA) Energy Market Investigation, published in 2016 following a two-year review of the industry, May secured political and media backing for a policy which goes against natural conservative values.
The fundamentals are simple, to save consumers from rip-off energy bills, but the overall impact on the market is only now becoming clear.
Will a price cap work?
In essence, yes.
The much-quoted £1.4bn detriment in the market is the key figure to be aware of. This is the margin the CMA stated consumers were overpaying for their bills. The government, and Ofgem by extension, aim to substantially decrease this, or eliminate it entirely, by 2020 at best, or 2023 at worst.
The majority of this £1.4bn is sourced through customers on Standard Variable Tariffs (SVTs). Currently over 13 million customers are on non-price protected SVT contracts. These consumers are on average charged £292 (Ofgem) more than a comparative fixed price tariff available on the market. The legislation in its current form tackles these SVTs directly. By capping what suppliers can charge for their basic rate – not including fixed price tariffs or separate deals – the government is aiming to save consumers an average £100 off their bills.
Much of the evidence from the recent BEIS Select Committee pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill concurs with this synopsis. Essentially, a price cap will decrease energy bills for the 13 million consumers on SVTs by mandating the methodology from which it is calculated.
… the sharp eyed amongst you will notice that there is a big discrepancy between the £100 savings quoted by government, and the £292 savings currently available on the competitive market.
The key figure to be aware of here is 5.5 million. This is the number of consumers who switched energy deals in 2017 – a 15% increase on 2016 figures (Energy UK). The potential to switch supplier has increased hugely in the last few years, made possible by the entrance of small and medium players who can offer highly competitive deals to new customers through either direct advertising or price comparison websites (PCWs), such as MoneySuperMarket.
The 13 million consumers languishing on SVTs are those who are utterly disengaged from the market. If even half of these consumers were to switch supplier or engage with their current operator to gain a better deal, they could save £1.9bn in bills. Compared to £650 million using the current £100 saving offered by the government price cap – it is clear which is the better solution. If switching rates were to double by 2020, the £1.4bn detriment will have disappeared, with interest.
So why isn't the aim to "put a booster rocket behind [switching]" as Mark Pawsey MP stated so bluntly in the most recent oral evidence session? Not even the new Minister, Claire Perry, was clear on this point, suggesting that 83% of households have yet to switch, and likely never will.
Depending on your viewpoint, the price cap is either a necessity in order to benefit the 13 million on SVTs, or the wrong solution to the question of how to increase engagement in the market. Fundamentally, a price cap will almost certainly decrease the estimated £1.4bn consumers have been overcharged, but this creates losers as well as winners. Those currently on the cheapest tariffs will most likely see their bills rise as tariffs bundle around the cap – which has occurred on the only comparative policy, the Pre-Payment Meter Cap enacted earlier in 2017. Likewise, those who are on SVTs and do see their bills decrease through the cap (the supposed winners), will see a lower gain than they would have found had they switched prior to the Bill coming into force in a competitive market.
Will the price cap come into effect?
This is the source of a current bet in the Atlas office, with one Director convinced it will not, or will be amended in such a way as to make it a non-entity upon completion. This Consultant however is less sure.
It was in both Labour and Conservative Manifestos, is backed by both leaders (however shaky their tenure may be) and is one of the very few policy initiatives that voters are aware of outside of Brexit. If it goes through, Labour will claim it was their policy all along. Likewise, the Conservatives will claim they are intervening in broken markets and crony capitalism. This is almost too big to fall.
The government is determined to see this gain Royal Assent by Summer recess so that Ofgem can implement it in time for Christmas 2018. We'll look forward to seeing how this progresses over the coming months.
Atlas Partners is currently working with clients on the potential impact the price cap may have on their core business. If you'd like advice on how it could affect your day-to-day operations, get in contact with the team.


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Beauty and the Beast Review
With this live action adaptation of the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast Disney, with the help of director Bill Condon and writers Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos, will prove that no one does fairy tales quite like they do.
Passengers Review
Homestead is a company in the most lucrative industry ever, colonising new planets. They'll give you a fresh start on a new world, a chance to build and grow a new society. Embark on the Avalon for a 120 year journey, during which time you'll be held in suspended animation. They've never had any problems, until now. Careful for spoilers.
Rogue One Review
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away Luke Skywalker helped the rebels take advantage of a design flaw in order to destroy the planet killing weapon known as the Death Star, but how did the rebels get the plans for the Death Star in the first place? That's the story Lucasfilm, now owned by Disney, is telling in the first Star Wars spinoff film Rogue One, directed by Gareth Edwards.
Moana Review
Does Disney have another Frozen on its hands or will their latest princess sink.
Pan review
A magical land that you've seen a million times before, but also completely different.
Mad Max: Fury Road review
Mad Max is back after a 30 year absence from film, but can director George Miller recapture the excitement of the world he created after all these years?
Into the Woods review
In a desperate attempt to break the curse that prevents them from conceiving a child, a baker and his wife enter the woods in search of four magical ingredients. If they find all of the ingredients in time then the witch, who cast the spell, will remove it.
Maleficent review
In 1959 Disney released Sleeping Beauty, which told the story of princess Aurora who was cursed by an evil fairy to fall into a death like sleep that could only be broken by true loves kiss. Now Disney is given that evil fairy, Maleficent, a chance to plead her case, but will it make a difference?
Muppets Most Wanted review
Picking up literally in the same scene that the last film ended the Muppets soon realise that the cameras aren't going away, which can mean only one thing, the comeback was a success so they're getting a sequel.
Is this a TMNT?
Though it's still not clear whether these turtles are mutants, aliens or robots in disguise one thing is for sure, they look pretty different from the animated versions fans know and love.


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Our Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program is available to all people caring for feral, stray, free-roaming or community cats. These services are only available at our Norwood Clinic.
If you have any questions, please call our hotline at 904.425.0005.
Ferals can also be dropped off at FCNMHP for surgery any day without an appointment as a walk in; however, these ferals may not have surgery on the same day you drop them off.
All cats must arrive to the clinic in a humane trap, no exceptions. Humane traps are available for loan and require a $100 refundable deposit per trap.
Learn more about our efforts to save pet lives in our region and beyond!


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Vanni battle: If President, Defence Secy were clueless, who knew of 'real' situ on Vanni East front-SLMarch 28, 2011, 10:20 pm
By Shamindra Ferdinando
A Sri Lanka government official says that Indian claims that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa hadn't been aware of the real situation on the Vanni east front during the last phase of the war are groundless.
The official says the President and the Defence Secretary had been fully aware of the progress throughout the military offensive beginning in the East in early September 2006 to May 2009 and also the post-war developments.
He was responding to the latest Wikileaks revelation that Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon following separate visits to Colombo early 2009, said that the Rajapaksa brothers hadn't been aware of the ground situation.
President Rajapaksa categorically rejected accusations about the mounting civilian casualties, according to US embassy cables revealed by Wikileaks.
At the same time, India wanted Sri Lanka to be "more discriminating" in how they screened the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and look at those who actually posed a threat than keeping everybody "associated" with the LTTE in custody.
Sources said that President Rajapaksa never missed a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) during the campaign, while the Defence Secretary oversaw the combined security forces action. "In the wake of India's claim that the Rajapaksa brothers hadn't been aware of the ground situation, the question is if they weren't who actually knew of the developments. In spite of heavy LTTE resistance, the President ordered a halt to air and artillery strikes on the last LTTE-held territory in the final phase. And we went to the extent of giving access to Colombo-based diplomatic community UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) footage of the Army rescuing civilians held at gun point."
Sri Lanka's No 2 at the UN Maj. Gen. Shavendra Silva, the then General Officer Commanding (GOC) 58 Division told The Island that the Army refrained from using heavy weapons at LTTE fortifications even at the expense of the fighting troops.
A senior government official told The Island that the President had been briefed of the ups and downs of the offensive. The bottom line was the President knew of the battle-field progress until the conclusion of mopping up operations on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19, 2009.
Responding to a query by The Island, another official said that the government went to the extent of allowing the ICRC to evacuate those wounded on the Vanni east front from Puthumathalan, Mullaitivu. According to him, many wounded LTTE cadres had used that opportunity to leave the battle zone and reach Pulmoddai, where under an agreement between the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, New Delhi stationed medical teams to treat the wounded. Once the fighting came to an end, the Indian contingent moved into Menik Farm, where it played an important role in providing services to the IDPs, the official said.
Sources said that even the top LTTE leadership could have surrendered to the Army along with thousands of terrorists, who gave themselves up without any pre-conditions. At the conclusion of the war, the Army held some 11,600 terrorists (both surrendered and identified among civilians) and close to 300,000 civilians, but today the vast majority of them had been released.
Breaking News
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I was reminded recently of my experience as a child with model rockets. I recall that the preparation to launch was the most boring part of the process. Trying to get the parachute stuffed into the tube so that it would deploy correctly was tedious as well. The excitement of launching the rocket and watching it go up into the sky was the best part! In a moment of clarity, I saw the parallels between launching a rocket and my role as a father. My goal is to prepare the launchpad from which my children can rocket into their future.
My oldest son turned 14 earlier this year. It is difficult to believe the years have passed so quickly. In many ways, it seems like we just brought him home from the hospital yesterday. In a few short years, we will be launching him out on his own. This is a scary proposition! Will he be ready? What can I do to try and make sure he is prepared? These are among the many questions that lurk in my mind.
Raising children is difficult and challenging. With six children of my own and a seventh on the way, it is a responsibility that weighs on my heart. I would contend that, in a majority of cases, most of the heavy lifting in parenting is done by around age 12. By that age, the foundation for who my child is and my relationship with that child have been established. After this age my wife and I aim to provide course corrections for our children.
As a father I focus on preparing the foundation for a solid launchpad. Here are three tips that come from my own experience:
- Each child is different – so different! God has created each child with a unique personality. It is amazing to see the diversity! This requires that I tune in to how each child is wired. By relating to them in a manner that shows them love, I help strengthen the bond that ties us together.
- It is easy to relate to those who are like me. I will admit that this is an area where I struggle. It doesn't take much effort for me to connect with the children who share my interests. We naturally enjoy participating in events that bring mutual satisfaction. It takes concerted effort to find areas of common ground with children who are different from me. One key for me is to maintain open and honest lines of communication. This can provide insight into the child's emotional state.
- Don't miss the little moments. Children are always clamoring for attention. A few minutes focusing on the object of their affection can go a long way in building a relationship with a child. For me this happens in a few minutes of wrestling or tickling. It might mean I throw around a ball for 10 minutes. Little moments add up over a lifetime. Pass them up now, and I risk never having the opportunity to get them back.
Eventually, all children will be launched into a world that they must confront on their own. Establishing a firm foundation for their launching pad is critical for success.
Question: For those of you who are parents, what tips do you have for me? If you are not a parent, what did you learn from your own upbringing? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Furla reports 13 percent sales increase for 2014
Leather-wear maker Furla reports rising sales in 2014 of 258 million Euros, a + 13% increase on 2013. "This growth is the result of hard work, both in terms of product distribution. We are growing in all segments and in all regions in which we operate. In 2015 we expect significant new investments, "said the CEO of Furla, Eraldo Poletto
Posted on March 2, 2015, in #international, #luxury, #retail. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


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While reading this post, it's probably not the first time you've heard about portable exhibits and displays. Often, when people hear the word "portable" they assume many things – some of which are true and the others of course, are myths. So what's true and what's not? Let us help you set the facts straight!
Myth 1: They're flimsy and weak since they're easily set up and easily taken down, especially for larger exhibits.
FALSE. In fact, because portable exhibits are easily set up and taken down, the material would need to be flexible and durable. For larger exhibits, you may want to consider a truss system with modular and portable components. You can't go wrong with this affordable, quick, and easy to work option.
Myth 2: Portability greatly reduces shipping costs.
TRUE. Portable displays will save you a great amount of shipping costs, especially if you often need to transport larger exhibits around to a variety of events. You can pack it up in small places that you've never known possible before. Instead of giant carrying crates, you can now down-size your luggage using only compact cases without scaling back the size of your desired exhibit. So what does that mean? It means cost-effective transportation (shipping) at little or no disadvantage. Furthermore, storage costs can also be reduced.
Myth 3: They have a short life span because the material used to make these exhibits wears down easily.
FALSE. Portability does not mean cheaper material. In order for these displays to work, the structure in which these exhibits are created may be – and often are – better and stronger than traditional trade show booths. They may even last longer. But of course, its life span is all about how to handle it. If you transport large traditional (non-portable) exhibits that are hard to pack up and ship off – if not packed properly, your exhibit can be damaged quite easily – their lifetime can, and most likely will, be cut short.
Myth 4: Portable exhibits reduce labour costs.
TRUE. Handy and simple setups are a major advantage to trade show exhibitors. The saying 'time is money' really depicts the environment at these events. With a light and unsophisticated booth – in terms of set up – you can easily save time AND money. The reason is that the process of putting your booth together will take less time and more importantly, less people. Many displays can simply be put together by a few employees who are already attending the trade show – in some cases, it may only take one person – so outsourcing workers to assemble your exhibit is unnecessary.
Myth 5: With portability, style and quality have to be sacrificed.
FALSE. This type of display is handy and easy to handle but the there is absolutely no need to compensate for these advantages with a lack of style or quality. In reality, you can assemble your portable booth so that you really roll out in style at the big event. For example, with truss display systems your booth can look different every time! These systems can be configured in numerous unique ways to impress your prospects and set you apart from the cookie cutter booths to your left and right. Even better, you can adjust the size of your booth to the size of your assigned area at trade shows. So you don't have to worry about buying a different display for every different event your company attends. And another pleasant thing is, it's not going to fall apart anytime soon – but that's only if you set up the display properly.


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Whiplash Injury
Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) presents a significant public health problem and socioeconomic burden. Although it is widely held that the majority of whiplash patients recover naturally within a few months after their injury, recent research suggests that recovery is more prolonged and incomplete than previously believed, with an estimated 50% of patients still complaining of neck pain one year after injury.
In 1995, the Quebec Task Force (QTF) published its benchmark review of the scientific literature and expert opinion on whiplash. Whiplash is an acceleration deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck, which may result in bony or soft tissue injuries (whiplash injury), which in turn may lead to a variety of clinical manifestations (whiplash-associated disorders or WAD).
Whiplash is a markedly heterogeneous and complex condition, with varied disturbances in motor, sensorimotor, and sensory function, as well as the presence of psychological distress.
One of the most common clinical characteristics of patients with whiplash is that of restricted cervical spine range of motion. Numerous studies have indicated that those persons with chronic WAD (>3 months) continue to display long-term changes in the cervical motor system.
Dysfunction of sensorimotor control is also a feature of both acute and chronic WAD. Loss of balance and disturbed neck-influenced eye movement control are present in chronic WAD. Sensorimotor disturbances seem to be greater in patients who report dizziness in association with their neck pain.
Whiplash can present with widespread sensory hypersensitivity (or decreased pain thresholds) to a variety of stimuli (pressure,thermal, electrocutaneous). These hypersensitive responses represent the presence of augmented central pain processing mechanisms.
Chronic whiplash pain is associated with psychological distress, including affective disturbances, anxiety, depression, and behavioral abnormalities such as fear of movement. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress have been shown to be present in a proportion of people following a whiplash injury.


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Matt Connolly
Despite ugly loss, Gamecocks can be proud of performance in Hoover
South Carolina may or may not make the NCAA Tournament when the field is announced on Monday, but the Gamecocks did about all they could in Hoover to give themselves a chance.
USC went 3-2 in five SEC Tournament games, eliminating No. 6 seed Vanderbilt, No. 10 seed Missouri and No. 3 seed Kentucky along the way.
The Gamecocks became the first double-digit seed to reach the semifinals despite entering the week without a win in Hoover in its previous four trips.
In short, South Carolina played like the team we expected to see all of 2017 instead of the one that dropped eight consecutive SEC series to close the regular season.
"A lot of people had the book closed on the Gamecocks coming in and they were telling us what we couldn't do in Hoover based on what we've done in the past, and we let that be our motivation," junior Alex Destino said. "Coming here, it was good to see. We showed a lot of fight against some extremely good teams. I think we definitely made some noise in Hoover, and the team is excited about that."
The Gamecocks blasted eight homers in five games, with Carlos Cortes hitting three, Jonah Bride hitting two and Alex Destino, TJ Hopkins and Justin Row each hitting one.
USC was undefeated with its two weekend starters on the mound. Wil Crowe led USC to a win over Missouri, while Adam Hill held Kentucky down in a victory over the 10th-ranked Wildcats.
Closer Tyler Johnson was spectacular, earning a win and a save without allowing a run in two appearances.
"I think we turned a lot of heads in Hoover," Destino said. "We're a team; if we get into the playoffs with Wil and Adam, we can do a lot of things like we proved here."
While South Carolina's overall experience was positive, it came to an ugly ending. The Gamecocks were blasted 11-0 by LSU in a semifinal game as USC was without its top five pitchers. USC is already shorthanded with ace Clarke Schmidt out for the season.
LSU had played 16 innings this week entering Saturday's game, while USC had to play 38.
The Tigers started a senior on the mound who is two wins shy of becoming LSU's all-time leader in victories. USC started a freshman who had two previous starts in his career.
On Thursday, LSU scored 10 runs in five innings off SEC Pitcher of the Year Sean Hjelle, and the Tigers have scored 10 runs or more in five consecutive games. It isn't a shock that the back end of USC's pitching staff was unable to slow down one of the hottest team in the country.
"Today we were on fumes a little bit. I don't think our team should be judged on what happened today, and I don't believe we will be," Gamecocks coach Chad Holbrook said. "They were a little bit fresher than us, not only from a position player standpoint, but especially being able to throw a weekend guy, one of the best college pitchers in the country out there at us."


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Give Now!
Every $5 donated provides a year of clean water to one person in the Central African Republic.
Co-Fund a New Water Well
You can bring life-saving clean water access to a whole community. Fundraise $3,000 (or donate it all yourself) and we'll match you up with a specific community well, and send you a report on the completed project!
Sponsor a Village Well
Raise $480 to sponsor a village water pump for a year! You can keep the clean water flowing, day after day, sponsoring a year of maintenance for a village water pump.
Give by Personal Check
To give a tax-deductible donation by mailed check, please make the check out to Water for Good. Please include any designation information in the check memo.
Our mailing address is:
Water for Good
PO Box 247
Winona Lake, IN 46590
Legacy and Planned Giving
We would be honored for you to consider including Water for Good in your estate plans. We will seek to steward your resources and legacy as your join us in the goal of providing clean, lasting water to every man, woman, and child in the Central African Republic.


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WORDS: Lee Higgins
At the time I started writing this article, I was sitting at my computer at around 10am on 8th May 2015 nursing the biggest and strongest cup of coffee I could possibly make, having sat up until 3:30am the previous night following the election results on the BBC and Facebook. I sat, staring in utter disbelief as my computer monitor filled up with blue and the words "CONSERVATIVE VICTORY" flashed across the BBC iPlayer window. The Tories had won a majority.
How could this have happened? After five brutal years of NHS cuts, false austerity, food banks, ATOS assessments, the bedroom tax, David Cameron's massive forehead blocking out the sun, how could Britain possibly be coming back for five more years of being curb stomped by a shit-kicking blue boot, à la American History X?
Like many people, I was angry. I was upset. I was absolutely foaming at my fellow man for condemning our nation. I took to Facebook and bashed out several ranting posts on my timeline and in a few different groups. I took to Google and started searching for cheap flights. I fired up the Dutch edition of Rosetta Stone. This is it, I thought. I've finally had all I can take of this country. So long Britain, and thanks for all the fish. Hey Nederland, leuk om je weer te zien. Kan ik verblijf in uw plaats voor een tijdje?
But then a post on Facebook caught my eye. And the impending doom I felt in my bones began to ease. Over the course of an hour or so, it was gone. And what replaced it was hope.
I caught sight of how many people had voted Green.
Over one million people tired of the lie that is austerity. Over one million people choosing love over fear. Over one million people voting for electoral reform. Over one million people choosing to back a party that truly does have the interests of the people at its heart. Over one million people with the faith that together, we can really change things.
See, many politicians in the major parties have talked about hope. But what they want from us is not hope in the conventional sense, not in the way that you or I would understand it. What they want is closer to compliance with a smile than it is to hope.
Hopeful people don't cabbage in front of the television every night to distract themselves from what is going on in the world.
Hopeful people don't accept things because "That's just the way it is".
Hopeful people don't vote out of fear.
Hopeful people don't vote for a party they hate to block another party.
Hopeful people aren't afraid to connect with their neighbours.
Hopeful people will get off their arses and force change.
Hopeful people don't consume, comply and die.
Hopeful people find reasons to smile where others don't.
Hopeful people can be knocked down time and time again, but their spirits will never be crushed.
Hopeful people will work tirelessly and fight tooth and nail for a better world.
Yes, we have a long five years ahead of us. Yes, it's going to be a difficult fight. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and change won't happen in one election. Right now, we have a fantastic foothold, better than we could have dreamed, and we must build on this in the coming months and years. It is imperative that we fight for electoral reform so that we cannot be silenced by the Tories, Labour and their ilk. I cannot stress that point enough. WE NEED ELECTORAL REFORM.
Each and every single one of those one million people has shouted into the void. Many would not have expected to hear anything in return. But they have. A million other voices have shouted back a message. And that message is "I see you".
For the people who rely on food banks. For the memory of our brothers and sisters murdered by ATOS. For those living below the poverty line. For everyone who has ever been burned by these horrible bastards: WE WILL TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY.
We exist. There is a way. Fear is over. Why don't you join us?


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Most certification exams can be booked at VUE or Prometric testing centers both of which have worldwide locations. People often ask which is better and the answer is that it doesn't really matter. You may find differences in quality between individual testing centers, however, you there is little difference overall between those administered by VUE and Prometric. Your exams can be booked online via their web sites or over the phone.
More importantly than where you take your exam is where you buy your exam voucher. You can pay full price at VUE or Prometric, or you can legally buy an exam voucher from a wholesaler. This can save quite a bit of money.
Note: Most of the major certification exams are administered through VUE and Prometric testing centers, however, some are not. In this situation, you need to check with the vendor and find out who administers their exams.
So when should you book your exam? You can book them quite a while in advance and you can cancel them ahead of time if you need to. I recommend that you book your exam when you are at about the mid-point of your studies. This will give you a deadline and keep your focused during the second half of your preparation. It is very common when people self-study to start off strong and then fade. If you let this happen, you may find that you either never take the exam or have to start all over if you let too much time lapse.


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Metgyre wrote:Awesome. And did my first post on the boards really just add a rule clarification to the game? I don't know how I feel about this.
I would be encouraged that the community listens to the players.
I can't count the number of times where I've gone to another forum for some game and made a suggestion or pointed out something confusing to me that has resulted in the player community telling me i'm a noob or that I needed to go back to school, or something equally unfriendly.
We don't do that here.
Depends upon if he is roleplaying.
It''s definitely a roleplaying type thing. No wps discovered. No unified earth. I don't see why they wouldn't put stuff out there.
These days that is how I like to play. It turns the game into an interesting story.
What is a TNO?
Trans-Neptunian Object.
Oh! *laugh* I thought you were referring to an in-game term. My bad...
Thanks for the answers! Now I can start figuring out how I actually want to implement them!
Absolutely! We love to talk about Starfire 'round here


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Solar Panels Explained
Solar photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roofs of homes and businesses use energy from the sun to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. Solar systems work best when the sun is shining. As the strength and angle of the sun varies throughout the day and seasons, so too does the strength of the sun's radiation and this affects the amount of electricity your solar power system will generate. The highest solar generation during the day is usually from 10am to 3pm.
Electricity can be produced directly from photovoltaic cells (PV Cells). (Photovoltaic literally means "light" and "electric.") These cells are made from materials which exhibit the "photovoltaic effect" i.e. when sunshine hits the PV cell, the photons of light excite the electrons in the cell and cause them to flow, generating electricity. The PV solar panels generate DC electricity which then flows to your inverter which "inverts" the power into more usable AC electricity to be used within your household or business.
Any excess energy generated by your solar panels can be fed back to the electricity grid, for which you may be paid an agreed feed-in tariff, or it could be fed into a battery storage system so you can use the stored power later (at night, for instance).
Days are longer in summer and shorter in winter, this variation in the amount of sunshine per day affects the electricity generation capacity of your solar panels. This means that some solar systems can generate twice the electricity in summer, than in the shorter days of winter.
Solar Panels in Perth
PV panels are being used increasingly in Perth, both in the city and in remote locations, to produce electricity for households, schools and communities, and to supply power for equipment such as telecommunication and water pumps.
There are 2 different phrases used to describe how a solar panel system interacts with the electricity grid, these are "grid-connected" and "off-grid" systems. Grid connected systems are able to export energy produced back to the grid and may be eligible for a feed-in tariff. Off grid system are not connected to the grid and are usually connected up to a battery in order to store the excess energy generated. The majority of solar panel installations in Perth are grid-connected systems.
Australia almost certainly has the highest proportion of households with PV solar panel systems on their roof of any country in the world. Australia is one of the sunniest continents in the world. Given a stable policy environment, there is massive potential for solar PV to make a significant contribution to electricity generation in Perth and Australia over the coming decades.
It is predicted that the electric car will take over from fossil fuel burning cars over the next decade. Solar Power systems on peoples homes will contribute to charging the batteries for electric cars. Some of these home solar power systems will not be connected to the power grid, but will simply charge the replacement batteries or the car direct, while it is parked in the garage. It is conceivable, that when the electric car is the preferred mode of transport solar panels will be on many homes and factories.


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Emily Holleman, a graduate of Yale University, spent several years as an editor for Salon-a job she left to follow Arsinoe and her quest for the throne of Egypt. Currently based in Brooklyn, she has devoted the past three years to reading and writing about the Ptolemies and is, like Arsinoe, a younger sister. She is the author of Cleopatra's Shadows: A Fall of Egypt Novel.Read More
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The Drowning King
Ancient Egypt, 51 B.C. Sisters Arsinoe and Cleopatra face a devastating choice: to allow Rome's army to siphon power from their ailing father, or to…
Cleopatra's Shadows
Page-turning historical fiction that reimagines the beginnings of Cleopatra's epic saga through the eyes of her younger sister.Before Caesar and the carpet, before Antony and…


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One lesson learned from the terrible opioid crisis of the past few years: a lot of Americans are in a lot of pain. With doctors increasingly reluctant to prescribe narcotics for pain relief, people are looking around for substitutes. One compound that has garnered a good bit of interest lately is cannabidiol, aka CBD. Cannabinoids are being utilized for cancer pain (Journal of Pain Research, April 23, 2018). People who suffer severe recurrent migraines are also turning to cannabis compounds (Journal of Headache Pain, May 24, 2018). Will use of such agents result in a person being identified as a drug abuser?
Cannabinoids for Back Pain:
Q. The discs and vertebrae in my spine are degenerating and causing me severe pain. I started taking CBD oil for pain a few months ago.
Once it had time to build up in my system, the pain relief was miraculous. Sadly, I recently did a home drug test and it was positive for THC. I need to talk to my doctor because I have no idea how to address this. It's legal to buy CBD oil OTC in my state, but there's no way to prove it is the source of any THC in my test.
A. Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is legal in many states because it does not make people euphoric. It is not supposed to have any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in it. THC is the compound that produces a marijuana high. State by state regulation means that anyone who wishes to use this compound for pain relief will need to become familiar with the relevant laws of that state.
The FDA has approved one purified form of cannabidiol as a prescription anticonvulsant medication, Epidiolex. Research on CBD oil suggests some benefit against pain and inflammation (Molecules, online, Sept. 27, 2018).
Side Effects of Cannabidiol:
People using cannabidiol have reported fatigue, nausea, diarrhea and irritability. People on the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin) should avoid cannabidiol, as it may raise blood levels of warfarin. Like grapefruit, CBD can inhibit the intestinal enzyme CYP3A4, which the body uses to process a wide range of medications (Current Drug Metabolism, 2016).
But Will It Lead to a Positive Urine Test for Marijuana?
Unfortunately, certain CBD manufacturers are not able to remove all traces of THC. One study found that some people tested positive for THC after taking CBD oil (Journal of Pain Research, Feb. 12, 2016). ConsumerLab.com has written that people taking CBD oil aren't likely to fail a marijuana drug test, but it is not impossible.
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Based on a program held in Basel in May 1986: ten papers on ethical dilemmas and choices in psychiatry; truth, untruth, and motivation in research; communication among physician, patient, and family; the dying patient; and problems in reproductive medicine. Includes discussions from the program. References; no index. (EJH)
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LuichinyShare this
Luichiny's® philosophy is simple:
Design and produce the highest quality, trendsetting shoes for women who want to look great and make a statement. And do so at a price that makes Luichiny® shoes affordable for everyone.
We utilize the best designers, work with the highest quality boutique factories and we are proud to work with industry leading stylists and marketing executives to ensure that Luichiny® shoes are always on the leading edge of fashion.
Luichiny® Shoes are designed to cater to the fast-paced, ever changing lifestyles of the women who wear them. Whether you live to shop or you party like a VIP, start your own trend with Luichiny® footwear.
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text: Despite the weather, the crew is making good progress on this farmhouse remodel. Phil has been on the job daily with great help from Brandon, Isaias and some of the other team members. We'll get the framing wrapped up and the rain drains in place and keep moving forward with the exterior improvements.


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House votes to approve Keystone
House lawmakers on Thursday approved a plan to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline and expand drilling offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The 237-187 victory for Republican leaders — as part of one portion of a much larger energy and infrastructure strategy — was a relatively painless start to what has become a difficult endeavor for the overall package.
Story Continued Below
By voice vote, lawmakers on Thursday approved a bipartisan amendment from Gulf Coast representatives directing 80 percent of Clean Water Act fines tied to the BP oil spill to go toward Gulf restoration efforts.
They also easily approved Republican amendments to quicken federal environmental reviews for renewable energy projects on federal lands and waters, and for a geothermal exploration test project.
The House turned away several more amendments from Democrats after easily dismissing eight of them Wednesday.
Those defeated Thursday included an attempt to have Congress prescribe safety requirements for oil and gas leases, and an amendment from Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) that would have prevented exports of any natural gas produced from ANWR. The Republican package already prevents exports of oil from ANWR.
Markey unsuccessfully offered an amendment Wednesday that would have barred exports of oil carried by the Keystone XL pipeline, along with subsequent refined products like gasoline and diesel fuel.
He also lost with his amendment Thursday to require companies that are not paying royalties to the federal government for leases issued in the late 1990s to do so before they could take advantage of the additional areas Republicans are opening for drilling.
The Interior Department mistakenly issued leases in 1998 and 1999 that lacked "price thresholds" that end waivers on paying royalties. The waivers had been common during that decade as an incentive for companies to drill in deep Gulf waters when energy prices were low.
A federal appeals court said in 2009 that Interior cannot retroactively apply the price limits. The Government Accountability Office estimated in 2008 that lost federal royalty revenue tied to the faulty leases could amount to $53 billion over 25 years.
Other unsuccessful amendments Thursday would have carved out a drilling exemption offshore of California's northern coast, in the Everglades and in the Great Lakes. A bipartisan amendment to affirm that the bill would not affect funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund was withdrawn.
The House's two-day debate on the policy merits of the Republicans' strategy became a drinking-game-worthy batch of familiar arguments, including what to do about escalating gasoline prices and legislating amid high oil company profits.
In the end, 21 Democrats backed the GOP energy strategy and 21 Republicans opposed it after 20 amendments and a Democratic alternative were debated.


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Recent Google Reviews
Reviews received through facebook…
Emily Parsons
I can't recommend Jenny enough. She did an amazing job on our hair and makeup and made us feel calm and at totally at ease on the wedding morning. My bridal makeup lasted all day with not one single touch up (actually it lasted most of the next day too as I was too tired to take it off) – the wedding wouldn't have been the same without her.
Jill Harvey
Jenny is not only a top make up artist and fantastic hairdresser, she is totally natural and very friendly, which is just what you need on a wedding morning! She made getting ready fun for all of us. Nothing was too much trouble for her, she gave 100 % both on the day and beforehand. I could not have been more delighted with the results, I have never ever had so many complements in my life. You're the best thank you xx
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Wow – I'm in awe of Jenny's skills! I honestly felt a million dollars. Jenny was so quick, yet precise and got us all looking exactly how we wanted and felt confident and great. Her experience is second to none and will recommend her all day long. Also incredibly friendly and down to earth attitude which made the whole morning such fun. Thank you Jenny, really appreciate everything you did xxx
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Jenny was brilliant! I booked her to do the hair for my wedding and she created the perfect look for me and my bridesmaids. I couldn't recommend her enough!
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Fantastic friendly service. Jenny is a pleasure to work with, she transformed myself & 3 bridesmaids and did exactly the look we all wanted. We felt a million dollars when we were finished and that lasted right through till the end. Thank you Jenny for being a superstar xxx
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Jenny recently did hair and makeup for my three bridesmaids and me for my wedding. She did a wonderful job, made us all feel totally relaxed at both the trial and on the day, which was exactly what we needed. My hair and makeup was better than I ever imagined it could be, so thank you Jenny.
Mel Rose
You made me look so beautiful. And I felt very special getting admiring comments from the guests and also outsiders as I made my very public entrance and exit along the promenade!! It was a very relaxed make up session just what I need to help calm the wedding nerves. Mel x
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Thank you Jenny, I was so pleased with my makeup, I will definitely be booking you again.
Comments received by email
"Hi Jenny, I wanted to say a VERY BIG THANK YOU for all your wonderful hard work on the make-up and hair for the wedding. The results were wonderful and lasted throughout the day and evening. Also for the time that you spent arriving early and right up to the departure to the event. I didn't get much of a chance to say goodbye properly as things got heated at the last minute. The day went great, very smooth and everyone had a wonderful time, I Emma and the bridesmaids complexions were glowing, what is the secret?? I do hope we will meet again one day, i have such a lot of admiration for you. Take care, meeting someone like you leaves good memories for a lifetime to cherish."
"I was absolutely thrilled with the job that Jenny did with the hair and make up of my bridal party. Jenny surpassed all expectations, working with everyone's different skin and hair tones and using a range of great products, and everyone commented on how lovely the bridal party looked. Jenny is also really lovely to work with and really good fun – she was a big part of the girly morning experience of getting ready. I would also have to say that Jenny totally went the extra mile to reduce any stress for me on the day. Due to bad snow she stayed overnight in a local hotel so that there were no issues in her reaching us early the next morning – this is a perfect example of how professional Jenny is and also that made the whole experience as stress-free as possible. I would definitely recommend Jenny and would use her services again without any hesitation. Thanks Jenny!!"
"Thank you so much for the great job you did with my hair and make up. Everyone commented on how nice I looked and the make up stayed on for the entire day. Also my mum and sisters were really pleased too. My hair stayed in all day and looked the same in the evening as when you did it in the morning. The curls lasted until the next morning so thank you so much as this is the first time my hair has stayed curled!"
Emily Kane
Hi Jenny,
This is about 2 months later than it should be, but after a really hectic couple of months I have finally found the time to sit down and send over a much needed thank you! You were amazing on my wedding day, and I honestly cannot thank you enough for everything – not only are you so talented with hair and makeup, but having you in the room getting us ready just felt like we had another one of the girls with us! You were so relaxed (even when I started to panic right before the ceremony!), and easy to be around and I just had such a great morning getting ready. Then of course there is your amazing talent – my hair was beautiful and was still perfect by midnight, and my bridesmaids just all looked absolutely stunning and I know they felt incredible all day too thanks to you. I could keep rambling on I?m sure, but really just thank you!
Hannah x


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Full Body Spray Tanning
The Argan Range is available in one and two hour tans with 3 levels of DHA designed to suit all skin types. Infused with organic Argan oil this range offers a rich, hydrating, long lasting tan that's sits beautifully on the skin along with amazing, deep, colour and no odour or fragrance.
Argan oil, is an organic product extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. Extremely rich in nutrients including fatty acids and vitamin E, its properties make it particularly beneficial for the hair and skin and often called 'liquid gold'
Another beautiful inclusion is Wattle seed which offers significant antioxidant abilities, is a skin conditioner, with pore refining abilities. Wattle seed also encourages elasticity and suppleness, to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin.
Argan 10% - fair skin tone
Argan 15% - medium skin tone
Argan 15% - easy to tan & more olive complexion.
Full Body Spray Tan - $25


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Return Policy
Final sale on special orders, amps, speakers, personal items (such as in-ear monitors, ear plugs, pitch pipes, harmonicas, talk boxes etc.), discontinued or closeout products, pedals and tubes.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Exchange or store credit only within seven days of purchase and with original receipt.
All returns must be in the original packaging with all the accessories, adapters and complete documentation (owner's manual, warranty card, quick start guides, etc.).
If you are not satisfied with an instrument purchased online or by phone (sight unseen only - does not apply when the instrument has previously been played in-person in the store) you must notify us within 48 hours by phone or email. We will give you a return authorization number, and the instrument must be returned in the case in which it was shipped, insured for its full value, within 7 days of receipt. A refund will be issued after we have inspected the instrument and found it to be in the same condition it was in when it was shipped.
The customer is responsible for shipping charges.
Guitars, basses and other instruments returned to us with pick marks, buckle rash, or evidence of use will be subject to a restocking fee of up to 20%. We reserve the right to refuse any return if we determine the item has been abused or misused.
All items are inspected prior to shipping. If you believe you have received a product that was damaged in transit, please save the shipping carton and contact us immediately.
All returns must be in the original packaging with all the accessories, adapters and complete documentation (owner's manual, warranty card, quick start guides, etc.).
In the unlikely event that there is a problem with your order, please contact us immediately and we will do our best to resolve your concern.


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Vodafone 804N Musicphone
The Vodafone 804N is a 3G musicphone by NEC that offers users 450MB of internal memory for songing tunes. Dimensions when closed are 48×93×23mm, and the phone weighs 115g.
Other features include:
* 2.0 Megapixel Camera
* Music Player
* microSDâ"¢ Memory Card
* QR Code Reader
* Bluetooth®
* Video Call
* Global Roaming
* Packet Data Communication
* Talk Time: [...]


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After recovering from injury, Republic FC's da Fonte shows skills
Mike da Fonte may not have become a professional soccer player if not for a chance encounter during a New York MetroStars game at Giants Stadium.
The Republic FC defender was 9 when he participated at a soccer ball juggling station before the game and did so well that members of the MetroStars marketing team invited him onto the field at halftime to compete against six other children. He won the competition, and when he caught a glimpse of his smiling face on the stadium's big screen, he was hooked.
"That was the first pro soccer game I'd ever gone to," da Fonte said. "After winning and looking up at the screen, I thought to myself, 'I need to do this forever.' "
Sixteen years later, da Fonte is playing professional soccer at a high level. Da Fonte, whose face has been on dozens of big screens at stadiums around the world, has taken on an expanded role for Republic FC after a knee injury sidelined him for the first 10 games of the season.
Da Fonte is second on the team in goals despite being a center back more worried about marking the opposition's best striker. His three goals have come on free kicks, the result of da Fonte gladly launching his body into heavy traffic in front of the goal. Marking backs do not shy away from contact, and scoring a goal is rare and perhaps cherished even more.
"My girlfriend gets really excited when I tell her I scored a goal," da Fonte said. "It's not easy to tell her that I marked the striker really well."
All three of his goals have come off Danny Barrera's free kicks, two on headers and one a withering cross-goal redirect of his right foot that some of the Orange County Blues players didn't even see. After da Fonte tied a team record by scoring goals in three consecutive games, the streak ended in Sunday's 2-1 road loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
"Guys like (Chris) Christian and Derek (Foran) are setting picks for him to get open, and he's been putting them in," Barerra said. "Mike is doing very well, and in addition to being very strong, he's mentally tough."
Da Fonte has had to be mentally tough this year. The Ossining, N.Y., native was the captain of the USL Eastern Conference power New York Red Bulls II last season. In the team's inaugural season, he was second on the team in minutes (2,092) and led it in both starts (24) and matches (27). He even got a cap when the parent club, the New York Red Bulls, called him up to play in a friendly in July against English Premier League power Chelsea that New York won 4-2.
But da Fonte said the team told him in the offseason that it was promoting nine players from its academy and there no longer was a spot for him.
He said he was devastated that the team, which played just 45 minutes from the only home he'd ever known, no longer wanted him.
"I thought I'd get a chance this season with the big club," da Fonte said. "I was really upset. But my agent sent tapes to several NASL and USL teams, and I got some offers. I weighed my options and chose Sacramento because they were already a great team and because they're close to getting an MLS team. I like to think that I went from the best team in the East to the best team in the West."
Da Fonte, who played professionally for two seasons in Portugal, said he'd never traveled farther west than Salt Lake City before arriving in Sacramento two weeks before training started for the 2016 season. He's since had time to slip down some water slides in Roseville, travel to Lake Tahoe and the Pacific coast and go on a recent trip with his New York artist girlfriend, Molly Rosner, to San Francisco, where her aunt and uncle live.
He said he's comfortable on the pitch now that his patellar tendon has healed and he's asserted himself while in the lineup. It was tough, he said, to be on the sideline after playing so many minutes last season in New York.
"Mike also had to wait because there were quite a few clean sheets (wins)," Republic FC head coach Paul Buckle said. "But since he's gotten to play, he's become a real threat on set plays, and he's playing very good defense. He punches above his weight, and is not going to take anything from any striker."
Mark Billingsley: firstname.lastname@example.com


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A federal judge dismissed claims against the Dallas Cowboys in a lawsuit related to the Super Bowl XLV seating problems, The Dallas Morning News reported.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn ruled that parts of the litigation can continue against the NFL.
The class-action suit was filed by fans affected by the problems with temporary seating at the 2011 game at Cowboys Stadium. More than 1,000 fans were affected, including about 475 who had no seat at all.
Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels declined to comment when contacted by the newspaper, referring all questions to the NFL.
"The court's ruling threw out all claims brought on behalf of those fans who were eligible for the NFL's voluntary reimbursement offers except for a breach of contract claim," a statement the NFL released to the newspaper read. "We continue to believe that the offers made to these ticketholders meet or exceed what they could be entitled to under the law. In fact, the vast majority of these fans accepted the NFL's offers long ago."
The plaintiff's lead attorney, Michael Avenatti of Eagan Avenatti, LLP, focused on the fact the lawsuit would continue against the NFL instead of the Cowboys being dismissed from the claims.
"The court rejected the NFL's argument that there is no legitimate claim that the NFL committed fraud against any of its fans," Avenatti wrote in a statement, according to the newspaper. "We look forward to presenting extensive evidence of the NFL's fraud against its fans, and its breach of contract with the fans, to a jury. The law is clear, you cannot sell seats that do not exist nor can you defraud your fans by selling them first class seats when you know those seats are in reality located behind concrete pillars and posts."


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Rate Specials
Information on periodic rate specials and consulting offers.
MicroStrategy Consulting Sale – Fall 2014
Save Big on Quality MicroStrategy Consultants It's time for our fall special on consulting rates – that time of year when budgets are short and project work is starting to slow. That means you can save big on quality consultants! We currently have two MicroStrategy consultants available to start immediately and are offering the following […]