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What is a custodial account?
In very basic terms, a custodial account is a savings account in your child's name that you control (if you're the custodian) until your child reaches legal adulthood (18 to 21, depending on where you live). You decide how much to put into the account, how the money is invested, how earnings are reinvested, and when to take money out of the account to spend on your child's behalf.
You can deposit cash, savings bonds, and other securities in a custodial account. The first $850 of earnings each year is tax free, and the next $850 is taxed annually at your child's rate — generally 15 percent. Any earnings beyond that are taxed at your rate. Withdrawals are subject to federal tax as well.
What are the advantages of a custodial account?
It's easy to set up
A simple custodial account is as easy to set up as a savings account; you can do it at any bank. If you intend to transfer a wide variety of investments, call a brokerage firm. They can help with the details.
It has few restrictions
You can deposit as much money as you want in a custodial accounts (although amounts over $12,000 are subject to the gift tax), and other family members, such as grandparents, can do the same. You also can make withdrawals at any time — for your child's benefit — without paying penalties.
What are the disadvantages of a custodial account?
Custodial accounts are taxed heavily
Earnings in a custodial account are taxed annually, as well as when you make a withdrawal. Since the creation of 529 college savings accounts — which grow and are distributed tax-free — custodial accounts have lost much of their attractiveness as a vehicle for college savings.
Your child has complete control of the money as an adult
Once you set up a custodial account, you can't specify how your child will use the funds once she reaches what's called the age of majority (which ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the state). Your child could decide to throw one heck of a graduation party, and you wouldn't legally be able stop her.
You can't switch beneficiaries on the account Once you designate your child as the beneficiary, you can't change your mind and switch the account to another child or use the funds yourself.
How will a custodial account affect my child's financial aid eligibility?
Money in a custodial account is counted as your child's asset, so it can seriously hurt her chances of getting need-based financial aid.
Does a custodial account ever make sense?
If your goal is to put aside a little money for your child (a holding place for small monetary gifts from relatives, for example) to be used for expenses other than college, a custodial account's not a bad idea. But if your main goal is college savings, consider a 529 account, so you can enjoy the tax benefits.
If you already have money in a custodial account for your child, though, it may make sense to keep it there.
"It probably doesn't make sense to cash it out and invest that money in a 529 account," says Bill Matthews, a financial planner with American Express Financial Advisors in Cleveland, Ohio. Since 529 accounts take cash contributions only, you'd have to sell any stocks or mutual fund shares in the custodial account and take the tax hit before investing that money in a 529.
If you're considering this change, talk to a personal financial advisor.
How do I open a custodial account?
You can set up a custodial account at any bank or brokerage firm.


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WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia City Council voted Tuesday to legalize gay marriage, giving supporters a victory after a string of recent defeats elsewhere and sending the issue to Congress, which has final say over laws in the nation's capital.
Other political news of note
Animated Boehner: 'There's nothing complex about the Keystone Pipeline!'
House Speaker John Boehner became animated Tuesday over the proposed Keystone Pipeline, castigating the Obama administration for not having approved the project yet.
- Budget deficits shrinking but set to grow after 2015
- Senate readies another volley on unemployment aid
- Obama faces Syria standstill
- Fluke files to run in California
- Animated Boehner: 'There's nothing complex about the Keystone Pipeline!'
Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to sign the bill, which passed 11-2, and gay couples could begin marrying as early as March if Congress allows it to become law. Democratic congressional leaders have suggested they are reluctant to get involved, though gay marriage opponents say they will try to get it overturned either in Congress or at the polls.
Federal lawmakers declined to weigh in the last time they had a chance, after the council voted in May to recognize gay marriages performed elsewhere. Congress let that bill become law without taking any action, avoiding what could have amounted to a referendum on gay marriage.
The bill that passed Tuesday had overwhelming support among council members and the outcome was no surprise. Two members said "I do" when their turn came to vote, and a packed chamber erupted into cheers and clapping when the bill passed.
"Make no mistake, 2009 has been one hell of a year for marriage equality," said David Catania, who introduced the bill and is one of two openly gay council members.
The "no" votes included former mayor Marion Barry, who said, "I don't," when it was his turn.
If the bill becomes law, the district will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont in issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. They will be able to wed in New Hampshire starting in January.
Video: Houston elects openly gay mayor Gay marriage supporters have had less success elsewhere recently. Maine voters overturned the state's same-sex marriage law last month. Earlier this month, the New York state Senate rejected a bill that would have allowed gay couples to marry. And New Jersey's legislature, which had been working on a same-sex marriage bill, postponed a recent vote when the measure appeared headed for defeat.
Tuesday's vote in the district came after several months of discussion, including two marathon council hearings at which some 250 witnesses testified.
Opponents included the Archdiocese of Washington, which said it might have to stop providing adoptions and other services because the law would force it to extend benefits to same-sex couples.
"Today the District of Columbia joined a handful of states where legislatures or courts have redefined marriage to include persons of the same sex," the archdiocese said in a statement after the vote.
The law will likely take effect around St. Patrick's Day in this city of 600,000, which is about 1/17th the size of Rhode Island. Congress has 30 working days to reject it, but that has happened with similar legislation just three times in the past 25 years.
Still, opponents plan to try. Members of a group called Stand4Marriage, led by local pastor Bishop Harry Jackson, have met with members of Congress to urge them to oppose the bill.
Attorney Cleta Mitchell said that after Fenty signs the bill, the group will ask a district elections board to put a referendum on the ballot asking voters to overturn it. She said in a statement before the vote that the law is a "decision for the people, not a dozen people at city hall.
The group Mitchell represents made a similar request this summer, when the city passed a law recognizing gay marriages legally performed in other states. The board declined to put the issue on the ballot, saying that would violate a city human rights law.
Jackson said Tuesday he believed that the group had an "airtight legal case" and that "if it gets to the vote, we win."
The group also has a lawsuit pending from earlier this year, when it tried to get an initiative on the ballot asking voters to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The elections board again cited the human rights law in saying no. A hearing in that case is scheduled for January.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

subset: commoncrawl


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Boone County Man Shot in Leg While Taking Out Trash
Related Story
COLUMBIA - Boone County Sheriff deputies responded to a shooting Friday morning near the El Chaparral neighborhood. Officials said an 18-year-old male was shot in the leg while taking out the trash.
Deputies responded to 4300 Santa Barbara Drive Friday after receiving a call around 10 a.m. The victim was placing trash at the rear of the duplex when he encountered the gunman. The subject began firing a handgun, and the victim fled to the front of the duplex where he collapsed.
The victim suffered one gunshot to the left calf area and emergency crews transported the teen to the hospital.
The victim described his assailant as a light-skinned black male wearing dark clothing and with a dreadlock hairstyle.
Officers are still investigating the incident and speaking with witnesses and neighbors.


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Reservation website: www.discovercamping.ca
Reservations can be made 24 hours/day.
Call Centre
($5 surcharge applies)
Toll free from Canada/USA:
- 1 800 689-9025
Other International:
- 1 519 826-6850
7 days per week (incl. holidays*):
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (PST)
*with the exception of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 when the call centre is closed.
Mobile Interface: DiscoverCamping.ca/Mobile/
Bowron Lake ReservationsThere are two types of reservations that can be made at Bowron Lake Provincial Park:
- Reservations for the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit (backcountry) can be made on-line or via the call centre ($5 surcharge applies) for the entire following season, starting on October 1st annually. For example, as of October 1, 2018 you can reserve for the entire 2019 season. View the news release. Reservation policies on this page apply to the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit (backcountry).
- Reservations for the Bowron Lake frontcountry campground can be made on-line or via the call centre ($5 surcharge applies) up to 4 months in advance of your arrival date, starting on January 2, 2019.
For more information about Bowron Lake Provincial Park, including maps, canoe circuit information and the pre-trip booklet, please visit the Bowron Lake Provincial Park page.
Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit (Backcountry) Reservation Policies
- Reservations open October 1st annually and you can book your Bowron Lake canoe circuit adventure for the entire upcoming season!
- Reservations may be booked up to 2 days prior to departure date.
- Reservations for the Bowron Lake canoe circuit are based on a non-refundable per vessel charge of $18.00 (plus tax) in addition to the user fees ($60.00 per person for the full canoe circuit and $30.00 per person for the West Side).
- All transaction charges and user fees will be collected in full at the time of booking.
- All canoe circuit users must attend a mandatory orientation session (9:00 am or 12:00 noon) and visitors must report to the registration centre by the specified time.
- Visitors who have not attended their mandatory orientation session are considered no-shows. No-shows' reservations will be given to first-come, first served visitors. No refunds are granted for no-shows.
- Bowron Lake canoe circuit paddlers are responsible for bringing or renting their own equipment (personal flotation devices, paddles, vessels etc). Reservation transactions only include your reservation charges and user (camping) fees and do not include equipment rental. Visitors must familiarize themselves with the mandatory equipment required to paddle the circuit.
- Check the Pre-Trip Information Booklet [PDF]
- Reservations are not transferable. Any reservation owners or holders found to be transferring or selling their reservations to another party, risk the chance that their reservation may be cancelled without a refund. If a customer can no longer use their reservation, they are encouraged to cancel their reservation so that any unused User Fees that are not forfeited as a penalty, can be automatically refunded to the credit card that was used to make the original reservation. Only the person whose name is on the reservation has access to change or cancel a reservation.
- Bowron Lake canoe circuit paddlers are responsible for bringing or renting their own equipment (personal flotation devices, paddles, vessels etc). Reservation transactions only include your reservation charges and user (camping) fees and do not include equipment rental. Visitors must familiarize themselves with the mandatory equipment required to paddle the circuit.
User Fees and Reservation Charges
- Accepted payment types include: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Visa Debit, and Mastercard Debit.
- Changes to a reservation can be made for a charge of $6.00 (plus tax) per vessel, provided that space is available. No changes are permitted 28 days or less before the departure date.
- Cancellations are subject to a $6.00 (plus tax) per vessel cancellation charge.
- Refunds – If a trip is cancelled more than 28 days before the departure date, customers receive a full refund less cancellation and non-refundable reservation charges. If cancellations are made with 28 or less days notice, no refunds apply. Transaction (reservation, change, cancellation) charges are non-refundable.
- Visitors who have not attended the mandatory orientation session they registered for are considered no-shows. No-shows reservations will be given to first-come, first served visitors. No refunds are granted for no-shows.
- Groups on the Bowron Lake canoe circuit are defined as a minimum of 7 to a maximum of 14 people.
- Reservations for group parties (7 to 14 people) are mandatory.
- Only one group departure is permitted per day on the Bowron Lake canoe circuit.
- Groups must have a designated leader, responsible for registration and the conduct and actions of all persons in their group.
- Groups must camp in the designated group sites.
- Groups must complete a fixed 8 days/7 nights Full Circuit or a fixed 4 days/3 nights West Circuit trip.
- If a change or partial cancellation results in less than 7 people in group (no longer a "group" by definition), the group policy still applies and campsite allocations as per the reservation made and must pay for a minimum of 7 people.


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Hello Guys, its been a hell of a while I have not blogged in ages as my website has been going through some changes as most of you have noticed. I also lost a lot of content 🙁 which I have to update over the next couple of days, so please pardon me as I bombard you with all that cool stuff. I have been quite active on youtube ( shoutout to all my subscribers ) and if you have not subscribed to my channel please do so as i'll be sharing all things Beauty, Fashion and lifestyle. Basically, you get to see the real me!
In this "What's in my makeup bag" video, I am sharing all I have in my makeup bag, my staple products and a brush I'll never let go of ! As a makeup artist I've had several occasions where ladies would walk up to me curious about the kind of makeup products that I use in my personal life. So I thought it might make sense to do a video about this and I hope that you guys enjoy it."
Lots of Love.


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The Polytechnic College is set up in the scenic beauty of Ma'din Mahabba Square. The institute offers three year diploma courses in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering and Computer Engineering. This is another milestone on the way to vocational education. The college supports students' endeavors and planning with the help of our academic divisions and departments, utilizing local resources.
Academic Structure
3 years duration
Affiliation: AICT [All India Council for Technical Education]
Eligibility: Secondary / Higher Secondary Education.
Admission Period
Admission Period: March- May
Admission Mode: Single Window Admission Channel, Govt. of India.
Reach Us
Courses Offered
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Diploma in Automobile Engineering
Diploma in Architecture Engineering
Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering - Evening program
Know More
- Library & Research Center
- Digital Lab
- Smart Classroom
- Academic Desk
- Placement Cell
Contact Us
Mahabba Square, Melmuri, Malappuram, 676517
0483 2732836


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|▲Title , Author(s) , Publication , Issue Date
|Activity assay for nisin-like acidic bacteriocins using an optimal pH-conditioned gel matrix / Nack-Shick Choi; Sung Yeop Jung; Heejong Yang; Keug Hyun Ahn; Chan Sun Park; Cha Young Kim; Joong Su Kim; Byung Dae Yoon; Min-Soo Kim , 2010
|Analysis of cellular fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) for the identification of Leuconostoc strains isolated from Kimchi / Jung Sook Lee; Chang Ouk Chun; Hong Joong Kim; Yun Jung Joo; Hun Joo Lee; Chan Sun Park; Jong Seog Ahn; Yong Ha Park; Tae Ick Mheen , 1996
|Analysis of β-(1→3)(1→6)-glucan produced by Aureobasidium pullulans IMS-822 / Seog June Lee; K H Ahn; Chan Sun Park; Byung Dae Yoon; Min-Soo Kim , 2009
|Bioflocculant production form Bacillus sp. A56 / Hyun Hyo Seo; M H Lee; Hee Sik Kim; Chan Sun Park; Byung Dae Yoon , 1993
|Biological treatment of wastewater containing chlorinated phenols by a mixed culture / Wan Seok Lee; Sang Wook Jung; Chan Sun Park; Byung Dae Yoon; Jang Eok Kim; Hee Mock Oh , 2001
|Biosorption isotherms of Pb (II) and Zn (II) on Pestan, an extracellular polysaccharide, of Pestalotiopsis sp. KCTC 8637P / Seong Hoon Moon; Chan Sun Park; Y J Kim; Y I Park , 2006
|Bis is involved in glial differentiation of P19 cells induced by retinoic acid / J S Yoon; M Y Lee; J S Lee; Chan Sun Park; H J Youn; J H Lee , 2009
|Characterization of TCE-degrading bacteria and their application to wastewater treatment / Wan Seok Lee; Chan Sun Park; J E Kim; Byung Dae Yoon; Hee Mock Oh , 2002
|Characterization and selection of lactic acid bacteria producing β-galactosidase / Young Ki Lee; S Choi; Y I Park; Chan Sun Park; Byung Dae Yoon; Y S Hwang; Hee-Sik Kim , 2006
|Characteristics of bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis ET45 isolated from Kimchi / Seong Yoep Jeong; Chan Sun Park; N S Choi; Hee Jong Yang; Cha Young Kim; Byung Dae Yoon; D O Kang; Y W Ryu; Min-Soo Kim , 2011
|Chromosomal integration of sfp gene in Bacillus subtilis to enhance bioavailability of hydrophobic liquids / Young Ki Lee; Seong Bin Kim; Chan Sun Park; J G Kim; Hee-Mock Oh; Byung Dae Yoon; Hee-Sik Kim , 2005
|Classification of isolates originating from Kimchi using carbon-source utilization patterns / Jung Sook Lee; Chang Ouk Chun; Min-Chul Jung; Woo-Sik Kim; Hong-Joong Kim; Martin Hector; Sam-Bong Kim; Chan Sun Park; Jong Seog Ahn; Yong Ha Park; Tae Ick Mheen , 1997
|Comparison of sampling and analytical methods for monitoring of cyanobacteria-dominated surface waters / Chi-Yong Ahn; Seung Hyun Joung; Chan Sun Park; Hee-Sik Kim; Byung Dae Yoon; Hee-Mock Oh , 2008
|Development of solid microbial consortia for the removal of foodwaste / Dae Hyun Cho; Kyung Hwa Baek; Hee Sik Kim; Chan Sun Park; K S Chang; Hee-Mock Oh; Byung Dae Yoon , 2004
|Direct colorimetric assay of microcystin using protein phosphatase / Hee Mock Oh; Seog June Lee; Jee Hwan kim; Chan Sun Park; Byung Dae Yoon , 2000
|Effective methods for quick isolation and eradication of slow growing bacteria in potato shoot cultures / Jae Heung Jeon; Hyouk Joung; Jeong Sook Koo; Se Won Park; Hyun Soon Kim; Chan Sun Park , 1991
|Effect of CO2 concentration on growth and photosynthesis of spirulina platensis / Song-Gun Kim; Chan Sun Park; Yong Ha Park; S T Lee; Hee-Mock Oh , 2004
|Effect of modulation of hnRNP L levels on the decay of bcl-2 mRNA in MCF-7 cells / M H Lim; D H Lee; S E Jung; D Y Youn; Chan Sun Park; J H Lee , 2010
|Effect of Vigna angularis on toll-like receptor activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production / Mi Hwa Kim; S H Jeoung; Seung Woong Lee; H K Kim; Chan Sun Park; B H Jeon; Hyun Mee Oh; Mun Chual Rho , 2012
|Effect of Bacillus spp. having gelatin decomposing activity on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on pepper / Jin Han Kim; Chan Sun Park; Y H Kim; Yu Ri Kim; Seung Woong Lee; Mun Chual Rho , 2016


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Iowans near Donald Trump's campaign rallies might have seen a painting of Trump emblazoned on the side of a large truck outside the event.
There it was on the University of Northern Iowa campus, parked next to the West Gym where a Trump rally was held on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Seated in the driver's seat was artist and evangelist Julian Raven, the man behind the enormous piece of artwork.
The painting, which depicts Trump's face next to a bald eagle gripping the American flag against a background of Earth, is titled "Unafraid and Unashamed." Raven said the painting is the result of divine inspiration and two months of hard work.
"I'm compelled to do it, as my civic duty as a newborn citizen," Raven said.
Raven, who lives in Elmira, New York, was born in London, England, and raised in Spain. Although he has lived in the United States for the last 20 years, he didn't become a U.S. citizen until Sep. 17. Raven said he traveled nearly 1,000 miles from New York to be at UNI for Trump's rally there.
Raven said his goal was to travel the entire state of Iowa in his truck during the remaining days of the Iowa caucus campaign as a way of supporting Trump. He said his tour is a grassroots effort that is part of the Trump campaign.
The UNI event was the first Trump rally Raven has ever attended. He said he opted to stay outside in his truck. "I'm not even going to go in because I'm protecting the truck. The truck is too vulnerable," Raven said before the event.
"I was 20 minutes in a supermarket today just around the corner, and it was the first time I left it unattended. And someone went up to the back of it and they wrote 'racist bigot' in the back in the dirt."
Raven said the large artwork on the side of the truck is a vinyl copy of an original painting, which he keeps in a crate in the back of the truck. Raven said the painting measures at 7×15 feet and weighs 400 pounds with the frame on it.
Raven said his painting was inspired by God. After meditating on Trump, Raven said he connected Trump with the image of an eagle swooping down and grabbing a flagpole.
Approximately a month later, after completing other projects, Raven sat at his computer searching for images of eagles. At this point, his 13-year-old daughter walked in and suggested that Raven give the completed painting of the eagle to Trump should Trump become president.
Raven said he had not told his daughter of his plan to paint a portrait of Trump along with the image of the eagle. The next morning, Raven said that he turned on a television newscast and saw Trump being interviewed on CNN with a bald eagle perched on his arm.
"Mr. Trump's no collector of eagles. The only image on the internet of him and an eagle is that," Raven said of the televised interview. "And then the next segment in the video is him sitting there with the thing perched on his desk. It blew me away."
Since the completion of his painting, Raven has gone on to meet Trump at Trump Towers in New York City, where a copy of his painting now hangs.


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MOZART: Così fan tutte
Thus Do They All
Two sisters, their jealous fiancés, and a test of love that becomes a dangerous game.
Sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella are engaged to Ferrando and Guglielmo, who set out to prove to Don Alfonso how faithful their fianceés are. Alfonso wagers a bet that the women can be seduced in just one day, and so the games begin. Just as the sisters are told their lovers are "leaving for war," they are visited by two handsome "strangers." The sisters' maid gets in the mix as a series of outrageous events unfolds through some of the most sublime music Mozart ever wrote..
Opening Night
Nov. 9 – 7:30 PM
Sunday Matinee & Post Performance 'Talk-Back' with Cast
Nov. 11 – 2:00 PM
Thursday Evening Performance & Post Performance YOLO Cocktail Hour
Nov. 15 – 7:30 PM
Closing Night
Nov. 17 – 7:30 PM
Thanks to the generous support of our Season Sponsors


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Montreal … the city where I came into this world. Canada has always felt like a foreign land for my soul. For some reason, I never understood and always questioned why I was born here. Dreaming of adventures by foot, walking this earth continent by continent, searching for something and never really knowing what it was.
On this journey, I got familiar with having no roots, moving, being a nomad, being content wherever I put down my bags, my things, my body. I saw through the eyes of many cultures a piece of my own world, a face reflecting mine. Whenever it would touch a deeper part of myself, I would feel I retrieved something and then felt a call to move on, to continue this quest with no goals.
Why was I feeling so much at peace having no home, having nowhere to go back to, only having something to look forward to just across the horizon? Will this search lead me somewhere or am I simply avoiding something ? On the traveler's road, we often say that nomads are running away from something by always moving. Yet I also see sedentary people avoiding themselves by putting their head in the sand with regards to the unknown. What is it that pulls some people so far away, on a planet so vast, so diverse in experiences. I always wondered if this quest would have an end.
I eventually landed somewhere, in Bali, where I felt like making a nest, a cocoon. I wouldn't say a home, but a cocoon. A place that gives the impression of being home, but in reality, relies on transformation. The purpose of a cocoon is not to settle into the familiar but to push you through a transformation that will be just as painful as it is liberating. It is an encouragement to go towards something that will be better for you once you are out of it, yet with no guarantee of success. A journey of vulnerability within, to become more powerful once out.
To me, it is akin to birth. Leaving the comfort of the fluid gravitational cocoon and being naturally pushed to the next stage of growth. Perhaps I needed to finish this process I started coming into this world. Maybe I needed to change the way I experienced how I landed into this world.
For me, I was told I came slightly too early out of the womb, if there is such thing as right timing. Perhaps I was curious to visit this planet, maybe I was excited to experience this world. Yes, I recognize that in myself. When my heart opens up and blooms, it is a rather quick process and at times may be surprisingly fast. Otherwise I tend to be a rather shy and meticulous person when it comes to new experiences. Yet, when my heart is touched, I seem to jump off the bridge not knowing whether the bungee cord was even attached. Perhaps it was my window, my timing, my rhythm.
Basically, I know what I want, even though, sometimes, the world doesn't seem to respond well to those arriving too early. I didn't realize my lungs weren't finished forming. Ai … what a painful start. The world has laws of physics I wasn't ready to comply with. Story of my life. The space of the lungs limiting the space of the heart. So the pain is felt everytime my heart opens up.
And so it's true, I do repeat this pattern from time to time.
Bali has been a rough ride. It has allowed me to study the reflection of my entrance into this world. The painful limitation of a body with a spirit that cannot wait to express fully my love and joy. It's as if there is not enough time in one lifetime. Not enough space in my body for all this love.
The irony of life seems to be that we must discover who we are, even though we are already all that we seek. We tend to learn who we are through the opposite-- dark defines light and the night defines the day. A simple reflection in the mirror or through the lens of a selfie is of great help but can only reflect one face of our self, it won't show us what we are not. Without our opposite, we cannot see ourselves fully. It is through others, or through seeking the opposite of our essence that we learn to define the self and our limits. Yet it's important to recognize those limits so we don't end up trying to change our true nature to be accepted or loved. In simple terms, I was like a banana trying to be a strawberry.
Home is a peaceful rest in one's own essence, without having to change anything to become who we ought to be. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. What I was looking for wasn't as far as I thought, even though the road to get there took me across the globe a few times around.
I now see that changing what I didn't like in myself wasn't going to help me accept who I am. But simple acceptance itself, changed the way I relate to myself. I've made the commitment to be in full integrity with respect to the rhythm of my essence; to let my soul land in my body. I've allowed myself to come home to my heart in simple and deep surrender. Only then can I let another person land in my heart.
To be matched truly by an equal rhythm. Like attuning musical instruments. Like whales responding to the echo of another under the sea. Attuning oneself to another. Everything about the other can be different than you, but just like the right key, the essence of that heart attuned the core of mine in the rightful tone. Just like pitching forks, or the principles of homeopathy, like cures like. Immediate calibration through the heart's resonance and the rest of the body comes home.
Letting what matches you be your match. It is the quest of all homeopaths, to find THE remedy, the closest frequency to your core. Perhaps like a twin resonance somewhere in this universe. For some of us, it is in a pearl at the bottom of the sea, for others, a distant star. In a remote location or in the ink of a skilled writer, or perhaps even, it is to be found in the gaze of a soul mate, a lover's deep surrender and the forever deepening space emerging from that presence.
Consciously letting yourself be touched by your match is the subtle difference. Allowing, rather than seeking. This is the key.
I've searched for who I wasn't. That is why I learned so much living across the colourful spectrum of cultures, land and people. Making a nest anywhere is possible, and is going to bring you amazing growth and experiences. Yet home isn't something we can make with our will only, it is something we feel when it finds us. Some people are born at home and always felt it. Not for me. Home is something that came back to me after a rebirth that took years, and ironically, it found me in the same city where I started this life.
A sense of emerging is appearing within me, a sense of commitment to being here. In nature, the heart chakra has 12 petals of wisdom to bloom within a lifetime. This process is one of them. A deeply intimate process that gives birth to an energy meant for two, a home for you and another. Yet one resonance uniting the field.
I see it, I feel it unfolding within my chest, like the rich density of the dark night about to break open by the rising light of dawn.
It is so shocking to realize your lost keys were in your own pocket the whole time.
My life looks like the one of a galactic backpacker searching across timelines for a place to be, finding myself through what I am not, and by a random coincidence, hitchhiking a ride that would bring me back to where I was born. Yet the journey it took me on is one of unforgettable insights into the nature of human consciousness.
A journey through the cosmic divine feminine. Born from my mother and reborn from mother earth. From the heart of a woman, to a womb, to a cocoon, to the heart of a woman.
As we unfold in the womb, we hear the sound of the heartbeat of our mother from the third week already. It is pulsing, guiding our journey until our own heart joins the symbiosis. While we live, we are guided by the pulse of our own heart with the echo of the memory of our mother's heart, in harmony with the pulse of the goddess, of mother earth, deep down within or somewhere far in the universe.
The heart of a woman is one of the most precious fields I have ever witnessed. A place of infinite devotion. Relentless nurturing for all beings. A fertility of magic. Love beyond Love. The heart of a woman will constantly teach me a new way to love and be loved. A quest to recreate the world one night at a time. A quest for depth like the roots of a Banyan tree.
To all women. Thank you for this precious gift.
A woman's womb gives space to birth a new life, a woman's heart gives space to birth a new man. To make a man reborn.
The space between two hearts gives rise to a womb of light.
Make it sacred.
With Love


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I am an animal-loving vegetarian, and here I share my favorite, omnivore-approved vegetarian recipes. Some are my own creations, others adapted from recipes I've found here and there, and some are links to recipes that are pretty damn tasty as-is. Kicking it off is one of my own inventions (which I'm still wiping off my face as I write):
Mushroom Marsala Linguine (vegetarian)
1 TBSP olive oil
TBSP butter
/2 tsp "Better Than Bouillon" vegetable stock paste
tsp dried marjoram
-3 shallots, thinly sliced or minced
/2 lb. mixed mushrooms (shiitake & crimini are good), stemmed and sliced thickly
/3 cup marsala cooking wine 3/4 cup vegetable broth (can be made with more "Better Than Bouillon" paste) 1/2 cup whipping cream
reshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 lb. dry linguine, cooked al dente
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add "Better Than Bouillon" paste and quickly stir into butter and oil, scraping pan if necessary to keep it from sticking. Add shallots and marjoram; sauté until shallots are soft. Add mushrooms. Continue to sauté until mushrooms are brown and tender; transfer to bowl. Add marsala, broth and cream to skillet. Simmer to reduce by 1/3 to 1/2. Add mushroom and shallot mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss with linguine and serve with freshly grated parmesan.
Serves 2-4
Brazilian Stew (vegan)
Slightly adapted from an adaptation from Cooking Light 5-8 Servings
1 teaspoon peanut oil
medium onion, chopped
cloves garlic, minced
Tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
/2 habanero pepper, minced, or dash of habanero hot sauce
cup water 2 14.5 ounce cans organic diced tomatoes, with liquid
12 ounce bottle of beer (I usually use a pale ale or amber)
/4 cup natural peanut butter
cans chickpeas or cannellini, rinsed and drained
/2 cup (or one mini-can) coconut milk
/2 cup tightly packed cilantro, chopped
juice from 1/2 lime 1/2 teaspoon
reshly ground black pepper
Cooked rice
Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic about 2 minutes. Add ginger and habanero and saute about 30 seconds. Add water, tomatoes with liquid, and beer. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add peanut butter, chickpeas or cannellini, and coconut milk. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Add cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Check for seasonings. Serve over rice.
Paneer Tikka Masala (vegetarian)
I made this dish for the first time yesterday and absolutely loved it. The only changes I made were to puree one can of diced tomatoes for the gravy, and to leave the tomatoes off altogether for the tikkas (which I baked at 400 degrees F for about 35 minutes, turning once, and spread out on a cookie sheet instead of on skewers). I'd also suggest cooking the onions for the gravy for longer than the recipe states.
Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe
Fried Rice with Soy Sausage and Ginger-Wasabi Tofu (vegetarian or vegan) (adapted from America's Test Kitchen)
I've converted this heavily meat-filled but very tasty fried rice recipe to vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan. It will probably require a trip to an asian market. There is a bit of make-ahead to do, but it is easy to throw together the tofu the night before when cooking dinner or cleaning the kitchen. A rice cooker with a timer makes the rest a snap.
Serves 4-6
1/2 lb. extra firm tofu (I like Small Planet brand), cut into strips 3/8" thick and 1" wide
TBSP rice wine (mirin)
TBSP soy sauce
/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp powdered wasabi pinch of brown sugar (to taste)
-5 cups cooked white rice (such as jasmine rice)
/4 cup Healthy Boy Mushroom Vegetarian Sauce 1-1/2 TBSP soy sauce
-1/2 TBSP peanut oil 2 large eggs, beaten lightly*
cup frozen peas, thawed
hiitake mushrooms, about 1 cup stemmed and cut into 1/4" strips
soy sausage patties (Morningstar brand is good), thawed in microwave for 1 minute and diced
-3 garlic cloves, minced
-5 scallions, sliced diagonally
hili garlic sauce for seasoning
For Tofu: Wrap tofu in a dishtowel or cloth napkin. Press under a cutting board, add weight (heavy cans or jars work well) and leave for 15 min. or more. Meanwhile, mix together mirin, soy sauce, ginger powder, wasabi powder and brown sugar in a small container. Add tofu and let marinate for at least 15 min. (preferably longer). Preheat oven to 350 F. LIghtly spray a small non-stick baking pan with cooking spray. Place tofu strips in pan and bake for 20 minutes. Turn over and bake another 20 minutes. Let cool, cut each strip in half, then slice into 1/4" pieces.
For Rice: Cook rice according to package or rice cooker directions.
Fried Rice: Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 1-1/2 tsp oil to coat pan bottom. Add eggs and cook without stirring until they just begin to set, then break up with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until done but not browned. Transfer to small bowl and set aside*
Increase heat to high and add remaining oil. Add peas, mushrooms, soy sausage and tofu. Cook, stirring constantly, for one minute. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add rice and mushroom-soy sauce, stirring and breaking up rice clumps, until completely mixed and heated through, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and scallions and cook one more minute until heated through.
Serve with chili-garlic sauce.
*Omit eggs to make vegan.
Argentinian Tofu Wraps (vegan)
While enjoying/enduring the long hours of the Bellevue Art Museum show, we often treat ourselves to the Argentinian Wraps from a take-out restaurant in Bellevue Square. The original menu item uses steak, but they can substitute tofu. The wraps are so good I decided to try to replicate them at home, cobbling together elements from several recipes. I've included directions for making Spanish Rice in either a rice maker or a pan. Here's my version:
1/2 lb. tofu, pressed and cut into small cubes (about 3/4")
*Spanish rice
**Chimichurri sauce
iced tomato
omaine or mixed baby greens, chopped roughly
lour tortillas
Marinate tofu in a small amount of chimichurri sauce for at least 15 minutes. Fry in about 3/4 inches of vegetable oil on high heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Add to tortillas along with warm Spanish rice, lettuce and tomato. drizzle with chimichurri sauce and serve.
*Spanish Rice (in pan)
TBSP oil
TBSP finely chopped onion
/4 cup white rice
cup vegetable broth
/2 cup salsa
Heat oil in large heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in vegetable broth and salsa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed.
*Spanish Rice (in rice cooker)
tsp oil
TBSP finely chopped onion
/4 cup white rice
cup vegetable broth 1/2 cup salsa
Sauté onions in oil for five minutes. Add all ingredients to rice maker and cook as usual.
**Chimichurri Sauce
/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
TBSP red wine vinegar
garlic cloves, minced
TBSP dried oregano
tsp cumin
tsp salt
tsp smoked paprika
/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
plash of hot sauce
/4 cup olive oil
Combine all ingredients thoroughly in food processor. Transfer to jar, refrigerate unused portion.
1t anise seeds
6 fresh sage leaves
6 fresh mint leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves
1 allspice berry
1/2t whole cloves
1/2t gentian root
3C high proof neutral spirit
1 1/4C sugar
1 1/4C water
Grind the herbs and spices (including gentian root) with a mortar and pestle until roughly broken up. (Or pulse a few times in a food processor.) Transfer to a sealable glass jar and pour in the alcohol. Let steep at room temperature for 3 weeks, shaking frequently.
After the initial steeping time, bring sugar and water to a boil at medium heat. Cook until sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.
Pour cooled syrup into the steeped mixture, reseal jar, and let rest for an additional 2 weeks, stirring frequently. After 2 weeks, open jar and taste. If stronger flavor is desired, re-seal jar and allow to steep for an additional week.
Strain through cheesecloth to remove solids, then filter through coffee filter or fresh cheesecloth into a sealable bottle. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Grapefruit Bitters
1 1/2C high proof neutral spirit
Zest from 1 grapefruit
Zest from 1 lemon
1/2t dried lavender
4 dried juniper berries
1 fresh sage leaf
1/2t whole coriander seeds
1 1/2t cut gentian root
1/4C light rum
2oz simple syrup
Place grapefruit and lemon zest in a sealable glass jar with the vodka. Seal and shake, then let the mixture steep overnight in a cool, dark place.
Add the rum, lavender, coriander, juniper, sage and gentian root. Seal and shake, then let this combined mixture steep for 10 to 12 days in a cool, dark place.
Strain through cheesecloth-lined sieve. Then bottle by filtering through a coffee filter. Add simple syrup to the bottle. Seal and shake, then let rest for 1 day. Store at room temperature for up to a year.