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Visit Linda Joy's website.
Tell us a little about your childhood experiences and how these helped set you on your path.
I grew up with my maternal grandmother. She was very proud of having left her lower-class farm origins but at the same time ashamed of her own lack of education and culture. She left my mother when Mother was a little girl and pursued a life of work and re-acculturation in the big city of Chicago, a life which included trips to Europe. She believed that education and musical training, along with a knowledge of history and literature, would give me a good foundation. Most of her training had a positive effect, but at times her zeal descended into abusive control over my actions and learning. Luckily, I did well in school, except in math, and many teachers praised me for my efforts. These were major building blocks in seeing myself as someone who could learn and succeed. I was encouraged to be a creative, artistic person.what I think my grandmother had wanted to be, but it was too late for her. In a way, she lived through me, which gave me some confusion.
When did your interest in writing emerge? How did you discover that writing helped you cope with painful events?
I began writing as a child, even started a childish novel, but it was poetry that emerged as a savior after a friend of mine killed himself when we were sixteen. This tragedy.being abandoned by my mother and father, and my grandmother.s descent into what I now feel sure was manic-depression.fragmented my world. The beauty of the Great Plains landscape and an ability to find comfort in this natural beauty and simple things like a rose or the wind helped me, along with the power of literature to remove me from "reality." Words then were a life raft on a sea of chaos.
At 16 I began putting my thoughts, feelings, and images into poetry.bad poetry of course, but it gave me an outlet. I kept a journal in my head, as a written down version would have been read. I also was one of the finalists for a state.wide writing contest, which helped me believe in my ability to use words and to gain recognition from writing.
Tell us about your quest to find the courage to tell your story in your own way in your to-be-published memoir, Don't Call Me Mother. How did the writing process change your feelings about your family and your childhood?
I wrote and rewrote this story many times, faltering in my courage dozens of times along the way. But the most inspiring reason to complete and publish the story was the compassion I felt at my mother's deathbed in 1995. After years of searching for her love and approval, even for her recognition of me as her daughter, (hence the title, Don't Call Me Mother) I saw her as an abandoned little girl. She was left by my grandmother when she was a baby or a little girl.I'm not sure what age.and it wounded her terribly. She was also diagnosed with manic-depression in the last few weeks of her life, which helped explain her erratic, abusive, and crazy behavior over the years.
I think all the years of therapy helped me to see her as a wounded human being, terrified of death and in need of my love. Seeing her that way helped me to reflect on my grandmother in a more compassionate way as well, as she most likely had had the same illness. Things began to fall into place. I wanted to write a story about healing and love, as well as the darkness that had plagued my family for several generations. The healing has worked as I am a very happy grandmother now to a grandson I watched being born in February. For the first time in three generations, I am part of a loving mother.daughter relationship and a proud grandmother. If it took all this writing to get me there, it was worth it.
You began writing your story as a novel while you were at Mills College, in the M.F.A. program. Tell us how the story evolved into a memoir.
A fiction teacher told me that the plot of my story.which involved three generations of abandoned daughters, manic-depression, messy conflicts between my grandmother and father, and my mother's denial that I was her daughter.was too unbelievable and confusing, too dramatic and even melodramatic. She said I should change it all to make the story "work." In fiction, the truth of it didn't matter. That's when I realized "truth is stranger than fiction" and decided to present the "true" story, mess and all.
It was far more scary to write the "true" version. It meant going down into that well of darkness and finding a way out without turning away from painful aspects of the story and myself. I like to use the image of Ariadne's thread, helping me to find the way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth. I kept following the "truth" as I knew it to the heart of the pain, and found through the writing more compassion for everyone in the story. Gradually as I wrote, the shame burned away, leaving a light feeling and more love and compassion for everyone.
One of the questions that you want to help your life-writing students answer is "How can I forgive and be forgiven?" How did you find the answer to this question for yourself?
Luckily, or sadly, the people in my family who comprise most of the chaos and characters in the book are all dead. It is because of the way my father and grandmother died that I became very interested in the issue of forgiveness. I saw how my grandmother's death affected my mother.with no resolution or forgiveness between them. I arranged a last minute semi-forgiveness connection between my grandmother and my father, a day before he died and ten days after her death. It was terrible, all these warring factions fighting literally until the last minute. I decided that no matter what it took or how much it cost (for therapy), I would try to come to a resolution with my mother.
For four years prior to my mother's death, I had no contact with her because I could no longer stand her rejection and abuse. However during those four years, I prepared myself through therapy and meditation to be ready when the call might come that she was ill.as I knew it would someday. As soon as it did, I got on a plane to be with her, knowing that generations of pain needed to be resolved, knowing that at death there is a possibility for clarity and compassion, and the only way to help that happen is to show up. In fact this resolution did happen, though without words, as a brain tumor had taken away my mother's speech. At least it happened for me, the narrator of this tale.
I believe that my resolution, forgiveness, and compassion carry back into the spiritual domain to help heal even those who have passed on. We continue a relationship with those we have loved forever. My goal with the memoir evolved into showing what I loved about everyone, along with the truth of the pain. In the end, I loved them all again, in a new way. I hope they can see or feel this.
You have been offering classes in memoir writing for some time now. Tell us about these.
I realized that one of the most delicious components of my inner life was the ability to remember and to reminisce. I am a nostalgia junkie to some extent. I realized that memoir writing was a way to preserve history, something I believe is very important for understanding ourselves and the world. So I started offering memoir writing classes four years ago this month with four people and now have about twenty people on average in my classes.
It is a challenge to help writers swim to new levels of understanding and healing, and sometimes it.s hard to persuade them to keep writing in spite of the dark stories. I teach them how to weave from dark to light and back again. Often they realize there was a lot more good in their lives than they remembered at first. Many students and therapy clients, taking the journey through time and memory, have told me how deeply healing they have found the writing. Some have told me that they have been able, by writing the specifics of scene and detail and inhabiting the persona of the story, to heal issues that therapy had not been able to reach. My sense is that the writing continued a therapeutic healing path already begun.
How did you come to write your new book Becoming Whole?
I had been trying to write a book on spiritual autobiography when I discovered the research into writing and healing of Dr. James Pennebaker and his colleagues. This was the link I was looking for that explained what I had observed.that writing creates change. My classes have always given me the inspiration to try and understand more about how memory, writing, and healing work. Because I believe that anyone can write a good story, I used my students' writing in the book to demonstrate that one does not need to be famous or an experienced writer to write a memoir and to write healing stories.
Dr. Pennebaker's recent work has shown that we get the most benefit from life-writing when our writing exhibits understanding and self-reflection. How does your book help us break through to a deeper level of self-reflection?
Memoir writing is a deeply psychological process. Reflecting and remembering can be quite daunting at times. The critic-censor, the voices of internalized abuse, shame, and guilt, as well as society's criticisms (Do you have to keep going back to the past all the time?) get in our way. In the book, there are many exercises designed to penetrate this wall of silence and shame. (Dr. Pennebaker was surprised to hear so many shocking stories of abuse, depression, and trauma in his studies. These stories are silenced by society, and it is clearly healing to learn to find our own voices and to speak our truth.) One student of mine is going through the book from the beginning, focusing on each exercise as a way of containing the voices that stop her from writing. Each chapter gives suggestions for breaking through and claiming the story that needs to be told as well as how to work with the family and your own ethics when deciding what to write and how to write it.
Not only are you a therapist and writer but you are also an accomplished artist. Tell us about the cover artwork for Becoming Whole.
The image arose from a dream as I began to finish the writing. Each night I'd ask my unconscious for help in writing the book and envisioning the cover. I awoke with the memory of painting I had done when I was 32 years old, a dark and light world and a split self. Always that moon is there.in nearly all my work. I resisted painting and tried to create it with photography. I hadn't painted in nearly twenty-five years. Finally the image insisted that I paint it. I love the smell and texture of oils. To my surprise, the painting happened almost of its own accord, arriving on the canvas with me simply as the conduit. She's me and not me; she is in a world of dream and potential integration. She is spirit in a world of movement from darkness into light, aspects within all of us.
What other writing and teaching projects are you working on now?
I am editing my memoir as well as preparing an outline for an on-line class. I would like to write a workbook to go with Becoming Whole and I'll also be re-writing the second volume of Don't Call Me Mother.


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Coral Content Distribution Network
By Deane Barker on July 30, 2005
The Coral Content Distribution Network: I don't have the first clue how this works, but it seems interestng.
Coral is peer-to-peer content distribution network, comprised of a world-wide network of web proxies and nameservers. It allows a user to run a web site that offers high performance and meets huge demand, all for the price of a $50/month cable modem.
Publishing through Coral is as simple as appending a short string to the hostname of objects' URLs; a peer-to-peer DNS layer transparently redirects browsers to participating caching proxies, which in turn cooperate to minimize load on the source web server. These volunteer sites that run Coral automatically replicate content as a side effect of users accessing it, improving its availability. Using modern peer-to-peer indexing techniques, Coral will efficiently find a cached object if it exists anywhere in the network, requiring that it use the origin server only to initially fetch the object once.
The problem is that it runs through post 8090, which limits its use by about anyone behind a firewall. You just tack ".nyud.net:8090" onto the end of the URL. I checked, and Gadgetopia is in the network.
So is this like Akamai? If someone is clear on how this works, speak up.

subset: commoncrawl


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These days, quilted bags are getting attention and they are very versatile. Quilted bags are becoming popular among the trendy favorites categories worldwide for women. They can be used as gym bags, an everyday duffle-type handbag and during travel as a carry-on. Quilted bags are featured as a trendy fashion statement with variety of designs. Most of them have zippered closure for keeping valuables inside apart from just having a chic and fashionable look.
Why Are Quilted Bags Preferred?
Mostly during your air travel, these quilted bags are very much helpful. While planning for a budgeted trip apart from searching cheap business class flights, other things also need to be taken into consideration. Cheap and best accommodation is also an important part of the plan. Travel accessories you take with yourself make your trip convenient. The quilted bags will help a lot. Look for quilted bags when you are going to buy as such bags have a solid stitching fit to withstand years of use. Also the hardware connectors are sufficient enough for handling more than lightweight contents.
Add to the Glam Quotient
When it comes down to women's fashion, handbags are always at the top position in news for celebrities. When they are packing their stuff for a trip, be it a long round family trip, a short trip to a remote destination, or just a visit to the gym, they always consider accessories and handbags at the first place.
Totes and Quilted Handbags are the New Rage
Many designers offer tote collections and new quilted handbags. The interiors of the bags are more stunning than the exterior, making the space roomier, allowing for lot of space for accommodating all of the essentials.
If the top closure of the bag is unzipped, there is enough space to access personal items. This feature of the bag is also a quality feature, which shows the usability of an everyday bag and you are going to appreciate this.
Look for a Smaller Detachable Bag
If the quilted bag has another smaller detachable bag for storing small items or for short shopping excursions then it can be a big bonus. The smaller bag can be detached and used as a clutch bag for the evening. They can be essentially used for keeping licenses, plastic cards, keys, and phones. This smaller bag, used as clutch looks elegant and classy, while being versatile and practical.
One essential feature to consider when buying a handbag as a gift for someone special or for self-use is to check about the possibility of having the bag monogrammed. This will sure make the purchase is a special one.
Pair it With Other Quilted Accessories
There are other accessories also like wallets, wine totes, pad folios, golf accessories and many other fun items made out of quilted fabric. Some are colorful and made out of good materials that will last for long.
Don't Overrun Your Budget
When you are confident about the bag you need to select for your next trip by air, your everyday use, you should also consider the budget. Obviously, you should choose a particular quilted bag according to affordability. These quilted bags are very popular these days and they adapt the space under seat very comfortably in the airplane. They are very pretty look-wise, easy to carry, lightweight, and also adaptable according to the lifestyle.


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Americans live in a society which provides religious freedom to its citizens which allows us to worship God in any manner we please. We have developed tolerance toward each other's beliefs; we recognize that each individual has a civil right to his own beliefs and no one has any authority to coerce anyone to believe anything. Most people in American churches believe that there are Christians in all denominations. When discussing the peculiar denominational beliefs of these churches, the members emphasize that each should be allowed to worship God in the manner in which he pleases and believe that God will accept the, worship of those in each denomination.
The fact that our civil government provides for the practice of religious differences should not be understood, however, to mean that God will accept every religious practice and belief. Satan is the author of the concept that God will accept every belief and practice. God has never revealed that he will accept every man's worship, just so long as he is good, honest and sincere. Rather, he revealed, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20).
Does Everyone Have A Right To His Own Belief?
Mike Willis
Danville, Indiana
Sunday, March 29, 2015
right and wrong
8 comments:
- Dizzy-Dick said...
We in the USA have the right to worship as we choose, but that does not mean that all types of worship will be received by God. Both the old and the new Testaments give us directions on how to worship.
- March 29, 2015 at 7:31 PM
- justastick said...
Freedom is a wonderful thing to have but it comes at a price, freedom is not free. God is great!
- March 30, 2015 at 1:02 AM
- Ronald Mahan said...
I certainly agree with the comments made by Dizzy-Dick & Justastick! It should also be noted that acceptance of Jesus as our savior - is foremost of the "directions" from the Old and New Testaments. This is absolutely necessary - because we humans do a poor job of observing of the Ten Commandments - given by GOD for mankind to live by. God loves us so much - he permitted his only son to die on a cross - for our sins. And that is what Easter is all about! Cheers Ron Mahan
- March 30, 2015 at 6:39 AM
- Margery Bills said...
Catch 22.
- March 30, 2015 at 7:53 AM
- Margery Bills said...
Catch 22.
- March 30, 2015 at 7:53 AM
- Margery Bills said...
A long time ago when I was at Ohio State I decide that any major religion in the world that teaches the right way to live is o.k.
- March 30, 2015 at 7:56 AM
- Margery Bills said...
I just understand Christianity in this culture. I could not make head or tail of the Koran (not my culture).
- March 30, 2015 at 8:00 AM
- Sam Finn said...
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. ..."
(Matthew 7:15-16)
- March 30, 2015 at 3:44 PM


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It's common practice. A message arrives in your inbox. You read it, realize that it may interest a friend, and pass it on accordingly. But be warned -- that simple, seemingly innocuous push of the forward button could be sending out more information than you think.
Email tracking services have recently surfaced as one of the dubious methods employed by Hewlett-Packard in its boardroom leak investigations. At a congressional hearing on September 28, HP Security Investigator Fred Adler revealed that the company had enlisted the services of Central Coast (NSW) start-up ReadNotify in the hopes of discovering electronic tracks leading from CNet journalist Dawn Kawamoto to her confidential source.
ReadNotify's tracking service is designed to allow email senders to track the path a message takes. The service is based on a similar technology to Web bugs, which are commonly used by marketers and advertisers to track hits on a Web site.
However, while Web bugs are now blocked by most email clients and anti-spam programs, ReadNotify's email tracking service boasts up to 36 different simultaneous tracking techniques, and often goes undetected.
The simplest of these tracking methods involves the inclusion of an image that is also linked to a Web server. When the email is opened, the recipient's computer looks up the image, and in so doing, sends information to the Web server. Senders may choose to use a transparent image so as to not alert the recipient of the tracking device; in such cases, it is very difficult to tell if an email has been sent through ReadNotify, unless the recipient's email client notices a ReadNotify header tag that reads "X-RN".
As the company does not, as a rule, monitor who its users are and what they do, ReadNotify Chief Technical Officer Chris Drake could not confirm details of its role in the HP scandal. However, he speculates that HP is likely to have used ReadNotify's document tracking service, which tracks a Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat document regardless of the medium through which it is sent.
It is much harder to tell if a document is being tracked by ReadNotify, Drake said, as it is sent directly from the user's computer and hence will not necessarily display the "X-RN" header. Furthermore, while ReadNotify provides an opt-out service for people who do not want to receive its tracked emails, it does not have any such provision for tracked documents.
However, the company maintains that it operates well within the bounds of the law. While it has received a number of opt-out requests, Drake said that ReadNotify has not yet received a single complaint concerning privacy violation.
"I don't like the word 'bug' because it's a little bit iffy -- bugging is something that you normally do in illegal situations," he said. "We're not doing anything naughty or illegal."
Drake argues that email tracking is a legitimate method of monitoring a copyrighted document, since the Australian Copyright Act, as well as copyright laws in many other countries, grants legal ownership to the author of a document, including emails. Owners of intellectual property should have the right to know what people do with it, he said.
"The law's exactly the same for copyrighted email as music and movies," he said. "Technically, if you forward an email, you've violated the author's copyright."


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Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses the U.S. Congress Wednesday. He will doubtless touch, as distinguished commentators like Martin Wolf have recommended, on the urgency of fixing the financial (Wall Street) and the interactive macroeconomic (Main Street) crisis.
But, frankly, every layman and economist, from Joe Blow to Joe the Plumber to Joe the Nobel laureate--no parallel to the Three Stooges should be read into this remark--has delivered himself on what needs to be done, with President Obama properly expressing his frustration at all the nit-picking that is creating an atmosphere of chaos and distrust, one that cannot be good for getting things moving quickly again.
Rather, the prime minister needs to address the Congress on where it is notoriously out of step with what is needed today to kill the cobra of anti-openness and near-xenophobia that is threatening us from several directions--and where Obama's track record to date leaves something to be desired. The prime minister, and his foreign secretary, David Miliband, famously warned both Obama and Hillary Clinton during the primaries to cool the rhetoric against trade. Now is the time to ask the president to raise the rhetoric on behalf of trade and, indeed, openness generally.
Obama faces protectionist pressures on trade, of course. Some are pointedly from the labor lobbies who have led the president to use his first meetings with President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada to urge on them tougher labor standards, a protectionist demand that arises from unjustified fear of external competition and the consequent desire to raise the foreigners' cost of production.
Other pressures have come in the Buy America provisions in the stimulus package bill where there is now, thanks to the president having listened to some of us, the requirement that World Trade Organization consistency be observed, leaving nonetheless a wide-open loophole for protectionism that can, and will, break out in ways which the president has not faced up to. Yet other pressures come from the lobbies that have pushed for a WTO-inconsistent bailout to Detroit: Sectoral subsidies are clearly actionable under the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures agreement of 1995 at the WTO.
Indeed, Obama faces anti-openness pressures at several other levels too. There are demands that multinational investment be taxed or intimidated into remaining at home rather than going abroad (though, so far, the extreme, Sarkozy-style urging of French firms abroad to return to France has not disgraced the American scene); and in demands that foreign workers and immigrants be fired first and hired last, especially if the stimulus package expenditures are involved.
Through all this, the "no-drama" Obama has kept a low profile. Unlike the world's leaders at the last G-20 meeting, he has not turned his rhetoric loose against protectionism. Yet we face today a dangerous virus that requires a passionate response. Given the constraints he faces from the labor unions (who have been the main supporters of Buy America provisions), and the Democrats in Congress who owe their elections to support from the unions (and have supported the Buy America provisions, in turn), he requires all the international urging and shaming to push him into doing what the hour needs.
Indeed, Brown needs to take a bold, comprehensive overview of the many points at which we confront the real danger that will unravel the open economy in trade, multinational investments and immigration, thus undermining the unprecedented prosperity--and with it the significant reduction in world poverty--that openness has brought in the postwar period.
If he does it with the eloquence and clarity that he increasingly displays, this will be the Gordon Brown moment. It may well induce the president to seize his own moment, in a reciprocal gesture to his host, when he comes to the April meeting of the G-20 in London.
Jagdish Bhagwati is a university professor of economics and law at Columbia University and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the author of In Defense of Globalization (Oxford, 2007, Paperback Edition with An Afterword) and, most recently, of Termites in the Trading System: How Preferential Agreements Undermine Free Trade (Oxford, 2008).


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Nixon are a brand that have consistently produced some of the finest watches on the market. Their watches combine the elegance of higher-end watches but none of the financial ruin. Here is the Sentry Leather Watch which has raised the bar in terms of standards and sheer aesthetic beauty. This classically understated timepiece has a 42mm design with a contemporary Nixon twist of faceted applied hour indices, which is complimented with a premium 23 mm leather watch strap. Unparalleled time keeping thanks to 3-hand movement, day & time window and printed seconds track. The watch benefits from custom moulded hands and an enamel filled crown which is all reflects its high quality while still remaining affordable. This just an outstanding watch and one that I would recommend!
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Winter Nights I Winter Lights is Tauranga's new winter celebration featuring lights, lasers, fire and food. Join the free family fun when the waterfront turns into a wonderful spectacle of light on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July from 5 – 10pm.
Little Big Events are bringing you some delicious winter bites with our amazing street food trucks.


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Buhari leaves for Washington DC to attend nuclear security summit 35 mins ago National
President cautions S'Sudan against over-reliance on oil
President Muhammadu Buhari will today leave Abuja for Washington DC to join President Barack Obama and other world leaders and heads of international organisations at the fourth nuclear security summit which opens there tomorrow.
While in Washington DC for the summit, the President and his delegation, which includes Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State, his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama; National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) and Director-General of Nigeria's Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA), Prof. Lawrence Anikwe Dim, would also hold bilateral meetings with other participating Heads of Government and high-ranking United States government officials.
A statement yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, indicated that at the plenary session of the summit, which is dedicated to reinforcing international commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, Buhari would insist that while Nigeria would continue to sustain that commitment, world powers must respect the right of other countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy for development purposes.
President Buhari is expected back in Abuja on Sunday.
In another development, President Buhari has admonished the South Sudanese government to invest more in agriculture and not to be solely dependent on oil revenues to grow the nation's economy.
Receiving the out-going South Sudanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Makuet Riak, at the State House in Abuja, Buhari said South Sudan could avoid the mistake made by Nigeria in her over-reliance on oil revenue.
The President said: "Investing in sustainable agriculture is one of the best ways to provide jobs for the people and keep the nation productive. Food security is important to any country and that is what we are trying to achieve here, years after we 'threw away' agriculture for oil."
He also praised the excellent relations between Nigeria and South Sudan and re-affirmed his commitment to strengthening the existing bilateral ties.
In his remarks, Riak said South Sudan was blessed with fertile land and would welcome more investments from Nigerian companies.


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Wear, enjoy, and love jewelry line Eleanor Kalle as much as I do!
Raw semi-precious stones, novelty leather, and metallic hardware make up the unconventional juxtaposition of materials of jewelry collection Eleanor Kalle. An accessories line that makes you feel confident and feminine all at once. Thank founders Amy Mazius and Randi Tutelman, two friends who launched the functional fashion jewelry line in 2013 and have been arming women with boldly designed pieces ever since.
All pieces from collection to collection are intended to build upon each other. Customers are encouraged to collect the pieces and layer them in their own way. Wearability is key. The Case Open Lariat has become a core piece, appearing in most collections due to its versatility.
"The Girl" who wears Eleanor Kalle is always feminine but tough, sexy with a sweetness. (Points to Self).
The Mila and The Marlin are a few of my favorite pieces:
Look out for Eleanor Kalle to debut in NYC in May in Milly and Henri Bendel. They will also be sold in Milly stores in The Hamptons, Dubai, and Kuwait.
To shop online, please visit www.eleanorkalle.com


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Take a look back at the most important developments in autism research in 2013, including notable papers, top techniques and hot topics.
About the cover art: The image of a hippocampal neuron comes courtesy of the lab of Patricia C. Salinas at University College London. Kiernan Boyle, a research associate at the University of Glasgow, took the image.


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I'm listening to the latest Bird Watch Radio. The host, Steve Moore is in the above photo in the burgundy shirt (no doubt scouting for potential interviewees for future podcasts). I ran into him at Birdwatch America and he told me that on the current BWR you can hear me and one of my favorite people Mike Bergin of 10,000 Birds talking about bird and nature blogging. Steve also talks to John Robinson who wrote Birding for Everyone.
I've received a review copy of Birding for Everyone and I've kept mum on it. Generally, with books, if I don't like it, I keep it out of the blog. I know how much work can go into a book and just because I don't like it doesn't mean it's a bad book, it may just isn't my cup of tea. Also, if I've met the author ahead of time and really like them as a person, I really don't want be too harsh about my thoughts on their work. I think the subject of this book has great potential, I just wanted a bit more from this book.
The author states, "The purpose of Birding for Everyone is to explore the lack of minorities among birdwatchers, reasons for the relative absence of minorities among birders, effective solutions as part of outreach and recruitment programs."
However, the book goes all over the place, and tries to be three separate books in one. It's a little bit memoir and touches on the surface of why there are a lack of minorities, but then suddenly shifts to how to identify birds with 10 tips for becoming a better birder. What does that have to do with the purpose of the book?
It's worth reading, but is a bit all over the place, he seems to have several audiences in mind when writing. The book is a good first draft and need of a good editor. One thing for sure is that it is a needed starting point for some great conversation about the future direction of birding in North America.
My hope is that some publisher will see this book and ask Mr. Robinson to do two separate books: one addressing more in depth what the issues are facing birders of color in North America and teach birders like myself how to welcome them into the world of nature watching. And a second book for people of color on how to start watching nature.


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TITLE: Two Squatters: the lives of George Playne and Daniel Jennings
ISBN: 978-0-9923341-0-9 (pbk)
CONTENTS SUMMARY: Paperback, 432 pages, including 8 pages in colour. 16 chapters, 12 appendices and a glossary. Comprehensive end-notes, bibliography and detailed index.
Price (retail direct from publisher): $ 32.60 + postage and packing (p&p)
p & p: Victoria $10.00; Elsewhere in Australia $13.40; United Kingdom (by sea) $21.00
(for other countries, please enquire by email at firstname.lastname@example.com )
Orders will be dispatched on receipt of full amount owing. Payment may be by Australian cheque, bank cheque in Australian dollars, Australian money order, International money order (in Australian dollars), by bank transfer (email email@example.com for BSB and account details), and by Pay Pal. Payments by credit card or B-Pay cannot be accepted by the publisher. Persons wishing to order using a credit card, should purchase the book from the BookPOD website (www.bookpod.com.au).
Persons can also arrange to buy the book in person and pick up at the Publisher's address, and pay cash of course, and avoid postal charges.
When ordering by post, please complete the printable order form below and complete address details and number of copies required. Post with your remittance to the Publisher at Martin Playne, 1 Lorraine Street, Hampton, Victoria, 3188, Australia
Please supply ..............copies of 'Two Squatters', and mail to the address below:
Street Number................. Street Name.....................................................
Suburb/ City................................................................................................
Amount enclosed $..........................................................
Cheque Money Order
(please tick)
Contact email or phone number ...........................................................................
(in case of query)
This book is also available from a number of retail outlets in Melbourne. Inquire at your local bookshop.


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Resources and publications
The Ombudsman has a range of publications and resources available to everyone, including general guides, reports, opinions and case notes, to show you how particular cases have been decided. We also publish our statements of intent and annual reports.
If you're looking for press releases, speeches or OQR newsletters, these are in our newsroom.
Search resources and publications
Search our library for publications and resources.
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See data on OIA complaints received and completed by the Ombudsman
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Read reports of the Independent Mechanism monitoring the Disability Convention
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Read the Ombudsman's OPCAT reports
Read the Ombudsman's submissions on policies and legislation
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Read archived OQR articles published between 1995 and 2008 here. Recent issues are held in the newsroom.


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A perfect Sydney day for a beachside wedding ceremony
Australian Cricket stars Alyssa Healy and Mitchell Starc I had the privilege of marrying in mid April 2016 by the sea on a totally glorious day. Flowers arrived recently with these words on a card saying:
"Thank you for being a part of our wedding day. We had a wonderful and memorable day and you were a big part of that. Just a small token of our appreciation for all you did."
~ Alyssa and Mitchell Starc
Civil Marriage Celebrant
If you're looking for a warm and professional Sydney wedding celebrant to officiate your upcoming wedding ceremony, Christine Beasley is a qualified Civil Marriage Celebrant in Sydney, available to assist as you tie the knot. Located in Epping North, only 19kms from the city of Sydney centre and works Sydney city and surrounding areas.
Christine is a celebrated Soprano and dedicated singing tutor, with years of experience captivating an audience. Recently qualified as a Sydney marriage celebrant, to perform Civil Marriage Ceremonies in Sydney and throughout Australia, Christine offers a relaxed and friendly demeanour, highly professional and organised approach, exceptional communication skills, and genuine love of assisting people in making their wedding ceremony special and memorable.
"It's an absolute honour and privilege to be an integral part of a couple's big day. As a celebrant, I work with each couple closely to create a personalised marriage ceremony that is both personal and meaningful to them.
I pride myself on my ability to put people at ease and feel good about themselves, and there are few days more important than someone's wedding day. By having a relaxed and friendly relationship with each couple I work with, I'm able to create a stress-free ceremony that the bride and groom can enjoy, and remember fondly for many years to come."
Christine holds a Certificate 1V in Celebrancy (CHC42608). Civil Marriage Celebrants in Australia are authorised by the Attorney General's Department in Canberra to perform civil weddings. They are trained to understand associated legal requirements, and are able to complete all the appropriate paperwork correctly to make your marriage valid, legal and binding as required by the Marriage Act 1961. Christine is also a Member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (The National Association of Professional Celebrants).
Working with Christine as your Sydney Wedding Celebrant
When choosing a Sydney marriage celebrant, it's important to work with someone you not only have a good rapport with, but someone professional whom you can trust to guide you through the process and all of the important steps involved.
When you choose Christine Beasley as your Sydney wedding celebrant, you can trust that all aspects of planning your ceremony will be handled professionally and sensitively. While all weddings and civil ceremonies are different, most couples can expect to follow these 5 simple steps:
- You'll meet with Christine to fill in a booking form and pay your deposit, and she will provide you with a marriage kit full of useful information to take away.
- You will meet with Christine to discuss your ideas for your wedding ceremony. This might include your choice of music, poetry readings, spiritual readings, and your vows. You will also lodge the required paperwork, including your Notice of Intended Marriage.
- Christine will create a draft ceremony plan based on your discussion for you to review. You will be able to make any modifications to the ceremony plans up until around a fortnight before your wedding. Christine will then send you your ceremony plan, complete with your modifications, for your final approval.
- Christine will meet with you for a ceremony rehearsal at your venue, will walk you through the process of the ceremony, and have you sign any remaining legal paperwork. The balance of the celebrant fee is typically paid at this time.
- On the day, Christine will arrive approximately an hour before your ceremony to ensure everything is in place, and will then perform your personalised wedding ceremony. She will then forward all completed legal documentation to the registry office within 14 days.
Throughout the course of planning your wedding ceremony, Christine will be available to answer any of your questions, to ensure your wedding or civil ceremony is stress-free and enjoyable.
If you would like to discuss your upcoming ceremony plans or Sydney wedding celebrant requirements with Christine, you can contact her via the contact page or phone Christine on 0400 446 328.
Special thanks to Creek Street Photography for some of the beautiful wedding photos on this page. View more photos at Creek Street Photography


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About Reshet: The network for informal Jewish youth provision
Reshet (meaning 'network' in Hebrew) is a small unit, established by UJIA and the Jewish Leadership Council, enabling organisations and professionals in the field to enrich, inspire and further enhance young people's lives.
Reshet works with informal Jewish educators, who are engaging young people now and for future generations, in schools, synagogues and youth movements, organisations and clubs. Informal Jewish educators throughout the UK are building strong Jewish identities, creating opportunities for young people who are eager to lead and participate in the Jewish and wider communities and are committed to engagement with Israel.
Through its network, Reshet facilitates high quality educational, training and development opportunities, strategic planning, Jewish youth work advocacy and promotion fundraising support.
Reshet gathers and shares information about informal Jewish activities provided by youth organisations. Please contact the youth organisations directly to confirm detailed information on times and locations.
Informal Jewish education roles and resources
If your organisation is looking to appoint a member or staff, or if you are looking to work in the field of informal Jewish education, Reshet can help via this website. Reshet also shares educational resources, which are freely available to download. If you would like to share resources that you have created, please send an email to email@example.com
Informal Jewish education is an exciting and dynamic field. If you would like to write a blog or highlight an issue, email email@example.com


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This editor has covered the news in nasty dictatorships and corruption-ridden countries from Rwanda and Uganda to India and Thailand. I have also reported on journalists like our colleague John Caylor, who was arrested in Panama City, Florida, while trying to obtain public documents, pursuant to Florida's open government law, on that state's abuse and even murder of prison inmates.
In the eight years of the Bush-Cheney administration, I covered anti-war protests in Washington and never once did I face an arrest situation, although there were some close calls. My arrest-free journalism record was shattered last night in Alexandria, Virginia, while meeting a confidential source.
I hoped to report today on a significant link between "Sir" Allen Stanford's collapsed Stanford Financial Group and a top Democratic Party lobbyist who is close to the Obama administration. I also hoped to report on the covert activities of Stanford's operations in Venezuela and Panama.
That story will have to wait, unfortunately.
Last night, while meeting the source in O'Connell's Irish pub in Alexandria, Alexandria police, who apparently had plainclothes police inside the St. Patrick's Day-jam packed establishment, arrested my source for no apparent reason while I and the source's wife looked on in shock. When I asked one of the men who forced the source to the ground outside why they were placing him under arrest, he shouted to me to "back off." I asked the man if he was a police officer. His response was, "No, I'm a fireman."
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
I then told the "fireman" that I was a member of the press, produced my credentials, and wanted to know what the charges were against my source. He then motioned to someone behind me who shoved me up against a police SUV and placed me in handcuffs.
I was taken to Alexandria city jail and booked for "drunk in public." Of course, there was no blood test or field sobriety test administered by anyone, police or "firemen," to prove the spurious charge.
Then again, I did not have it as bad as some people who have been victims of America's "justice" system. I was not hooded, chained, placed on a plane for God-knows-where and subjected to torture by brutish Third World interrogators. Nor was I placed in solitary confinement without seeing the light of day. However, I was not permitted to speak to an attorney nor was I read my Miranda rights in this Kafkaesque post-Miranda era.
I am also quite concerned about the fate of my source whom I only saw once in the "lockup." The cops were extremely physically rough with him for some unknown reason.
There was also something very unsettling about the police retaining custody of my reporter's notebook for some three hours while I was under arrest.
In a way, I should not be surprised that this arrest took place in Alexandria. The town has always crawled with intelligence types and other covert players, from neo-Confederates involved with the global small arms business to the CIA-linked International Association of Chiefs of Police and the infamous U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Virginia national security "rocket docket" team of Chief Judge James Cacheris and his attorney brother, Plato. Alexandria is only outdone by trendy McLean for the greatest number of spooks per square mile.
However, Alexandria was not always a center for right-wing ne'er-do-wells. Alexandria was once the home of George Washington, the leader of the American Revolution. Its inns and meeting halls once attracted such revolutionary Virginia notables as Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Mason.
In 1735, New York publisher John Peter Zenger was charged with seditious libel and in a case many thought he would lose, he was acquitted of all charges. The Zenger case later spurred the founders of this nation to enshrine the freedom of the press in the First Amendment to the Constitution.
My trial is scheduled for March 25 at 9:30 am in the Circuit Court in Alexandria at 520 King Street in Room 201. I intend to plead not guilty to the charge against me and cite the First Amendment of the Constitution in my defense. I invite all those in the Washington area who value a free press to attend what I will simply call "mini-Zenger II."
I, for one, will not see a free press in this nation go down without a fight. And I must also say that even in Uganda, a dictatorship, President Yoweri Museveni's security agents never tried to stage an incident while I met opposition leaders at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. Although the agents were intently interested in whom I was meeting, they had much more class than the brutish Alexandria police and the "fireman."
UPDATE 1X: WMR can report that our source was released from Alexandria jail and is doing fine today.


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ALUMINATION, a feature-length documentary
NOTE: To see the film trailer, press "play" embedded in the photo at the top of the page.
"Adventure is where you find it...except at home in the rocking chair." -Wally Byam (founder of Airstream)
For the last two-and-a-half years, producer Lisa Hughes and I have journeyed across the country and documented the captivating world of Airstream travel trailers. Along the road we traveled thousands of miles, made new friends, and amassed over 150 hours of footage. Now, as we direct our focus towards post-production and completion of the film, we turn to YOU as supporters and partners through this Kickstarter campaign.
Up until now this independent project has been 100% self-financed. Our Kickstarter goal is to raise a minimum of $55,000 in the next 29 days. Your contributions, as well as your help spreading the word to others, are crucial in realizing our goal and ultimately bringing ALUMINATION to a timely completion.
Below we will dive deeper into the film, the rewards (exclusive items and events for our supporters), and how you can become part of this remarkable adventure of travel, trailers, vintage restoration, nomadic living, filmmaking, and more.
A heartfelt THANK YOU for your attention and support.
Eric Bricker
AluminationMovie.com // Facebook // Instagram @alumination1 // Twitter @AluminationMov
And now, further down the road of ALUMINATION..........
NOTE: AIRSTREAM, the AIRSTREAM trademarks, and related model names, trademarks, and logos are trademarks of Thor Tech, Inc., used with permission. Additionally, Airstream, Inc. is not an organizer, beneficiary or partner in this Kickstarter campaign.
In 1929, entrepreneur, traveler, and dreamer Wally Byam built the first Airstream travel trailer in the backyard of his California home. Nearly a century later, Airstream, Inc. is not only the oldest travel trailer company in the U.S, but also an iconic American brand, emblematic of freedom and inspiration. For many, the word "Airstream" itself evokes more than kodachromatic memories of a "silver bullet" traveling down the highway: it evokes a mythical world.
Bambi, Caravel, Flying Cloud...just as the trailers themselves have evolved over the years, so, too, has their use. No longer just a weekend camping trip or long summer vacation, these trailers are now used as full-time residences, guest homes, food trucks, mobile retail, offices, recording studios, and more. Ultimately, Wally Byam didn't just create a tool for camping; he created a platform for living, fully capable of stirring and supporting that venturesome spirit, deep within many of us, to arise and "follow a rainbow to its end."
From director Eric Bricker (Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman), ALUMINATION will not only take the viewer on a feature-length film odyssey, there is good chance of finding one's self leaping "out of the rocking chair" and onto the road.
The goal of this campaign is to raise a minimum of $55,000 through Kickstarter, a funding platform for creative projects, which uses an "all or nothing" approach. If we successfully reach our goal before our 29-day campaign has ended, your credit card will be charged, we will send your chosen rewards, and we will cruise further down the road to a world premiere. If we do not reach our funding goal, we keep $0, your card will never be charged, those super cool rewards won't get sent, and we will not be able to share ALUMINATION with you or others anytime soon.
Many successful Kickstarter campaigns finish beyond their goal and we want to do the same. Our goal is the bare minimum needed for completion. After the Kickstarter commission of 5% on all pledges, the 3-5% payment processing fees, and the cost of producing many of the rewards (posters, photographs, DVDs, private screenings, etc.), the "beyond" is truly needed: we are actually targeting to go beyond the "beyond." Thus, our STRETCH GOALS are:
Stretch Goal #1 - Total $65,000 - the extra $10,000 will go towards any unforeseeable / additional post-production costs (there are always some: have you ever remodeled a house...or an Airstream?) as well as help fund our film festival costs: submissions, marketing materials (postcards, posters, etc,) deliverables, etc.
Stretch Goal #2 - Total of $80,000 - the extra $15,000 on top of Stretch Goal #1 helps fund a portion of our distribution and the associated costs, primarily legal and insurance.
ALUMINATION is driven by our inspiration for the Airstream world and passion for storytelling. The entire project up to this point has been 100% self-financed and completely independent. Now, as we fully launch the challenging post-production phase (editing, animation, motion graphics, color correction, score, sound design, and more) we also face the equally challenging associated costs.
Instead of conventional film funding options, we chose to turn to a community of individual backers for two reasons. First and foremost, maintaining an independent status and delivering a movie we deem authentic and without compromise in the portrayal of its subject matter, is of highest priority. Second, building the film's audience upon a foundation of Kickstarter supporters has proven extremely advantageous in bringing the film to as wide an audience as possible; the ultimate goal of any filmmaker. You are that foundation and, as a supporter of this Kickstarter campaign, have the opportunity to experience ALUMINATION not only as a completed film, but also as a filmmaking journey. As it is said, "half the fun is getting there."
Every contribution to this campaign is appreciated and essential in enabling us to bring our project to completion by summer of 2017.
In addition to monetary support through Kickstarter, your personal endorsement of ALUMINATION is equally important to the success of our campaign.
So, one final request: if you haven't done so already, PLEASE ENDORSE ALUMINATION by posting our Kickstarter campaign (you can use this LINK) to your Facebook page. If you feel compelled to go beyond, forwarding the information to anyone else you think would appreciate this film (friends, family, bloggers, journalists, other businesses?) will help others discover our Kickstarter campaign and ALUMINATION.
-Kickstarter Campaign
-Instagram @alumination1
-Twitter @AluminationMov
-Website (please join our mailing list)
We are excited to offer these exclusive Kickstarter rewards to you, our supporters. We hope you share this same excitement with us as well as others!
REWARDS NOTE #1: FILM-RELATED REWARDS - We would like to emphasize the word "estimated" when it comes to estimated delivery dates for all film-related rewards (digital download, DVD, Blu-ray, and festival / private screenings). Although we will do our BEST to deliver these rewards by the estimated date, please know there are a number of factors capable of causing delay. Ultimately, these factors are for the benefit of the film. Please see below under "Risks and Challenges" for a detailed explanation. And, as stated below, if these rewards are delayed, WE WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU.
REWARDS NOTE #2: TYPE-C PRINTS - The three Ardean R. Miller images below are at the 16"x24" size. Slight cropping will occur on the 11"x14" prints in order to conform the image to paper size.
SHIPPING NOTE: SUPPORTER SURVEY - Upon successful campaign completion, any supporters choosing rewards with any options (size, image selection, etc.) will receive an ALUMINATION campaign survey in which they can specify their option. In addition, shipping addresses will be confirmed in the survey.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING NOTE: COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE U.S. - For certain rewards, international shipping can be extremely complex, time-consuming, and detrimentally expensive for an independent venture such as ours. Yet, every bit of support matters and we do not like the idea of turning anyone away. If you live outside the U.S. and are wanting certain rewards for which international shipping is not offered, we suggest the following:
1. Arrange to have us ship to a friend, family member, or shipping service in the U.S. who can receive the rewards and then ship to your final international destination.
2. Contact us directly if you have any other ideas.
ERIC BRICKER (Director / Producer)
Eric made his directorial debut with the documentary feature VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN. Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, VISUAL ACOUSTICS celebrates the life and work of renowned photographer Julius Shulman. The film garnered a number of awards in its festival run including "Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature" at both Palm Springs International Film Festival and Austin Film Festival. VISUAL ACOUSTICS screened around the world at such venues as Los Angeles Film Festival (world premiere), Festival International Du Film Sur L'Art in Montreal, New Zealand International Film Festival, Royal Institute of British Architects in London, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and Apple headquarters in Cupertino, CA. Distributed by Arthouse Films, the film ran theatrically for five months across the U.S. It then went on to air via Sundance Channel before making its way to Netflix, iTunes, and Amazon. ALUMINATION is Eric's second feature-length film, slated for a summer 2017 completion date.
LISA HUGHES (Producer)
Lisa, founder and principal of Out of the Box Productions, is the executive producer of VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN. Lisa also produced MR. GEHRY GOES TO WASHINGTON. The short film, centerpiece for the Corcoran Gallery's exhibition on the museum's Frank Gehry design, was also an NEA grant recipient. While at PRP Productions as an associate producer, she worked on INVISIBLE: ABBOTT THAYER AND THE ART OF CAMOUFLAGE, a documentary on the art and life of noted painter and naturalist, Abbott Thayer. Lisa's interest in documentary filmmaking emerged while working as a segment producer and editor for McCarthy Marcus Hennings in Washington, DC. She has also served as interim Director of the Santa Barbara Film Council while living in California.
TROLLBÄCK + COMPANY (Design / Animation)
Established in 1999, New York based Trollbäck + Company is a premier creative communication studio. Founded by Swedish designer Jakob Trollbäck, the studio's work is driven by beauty, logic, and a singular motto: discard everything that means nothing. Trollbäck + Company is a breeding ground for young talent and new ideas, developing everything from logos, motion graphics, and global brands to experiential installations and apps. Their client list includes Spotify, Apple, Nike, TED, Chase, BBC, NBC, CBS, HBO, Microsoft, IBM, and many more. The studio and its founder were also instrumental in designing, communicating, and launching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a worldwide audience.
CHARLIE CAMPAGNA (Composer / Musician / Sound Designer)
With a passion for making music, recording, sound sculpting, dance, and cinema, Charlie Campagna has created an esteemed career collaborating in the visual and performing arts.
As music director of Los Angeles based modern dance company, TRIP Dance Theatre, he received three Lester Horton Awards in the category "Music for Dance." Currently a resident field recordist and sound designer at The Formosa Group, he has contributed to dozens of feature films including PROMETHEUS, HUNGER GAMES, UNSTOPPABLE, SKYFALL, SPECTRE, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and THE REVENANT, and has received three MPSE Golden Globe awards. As a feature film composer he has collaborated with the legendary John Cale, Paul Hasslinger (Tangerine Dream), and created music for THE PHOENIX, HIGH CRIMES, DON'T SAY A WORD and Austrian artist Edgar Honetschlager's avant-garde masterpiece, LOS FELIZ. Charlie scored the award-winning documentary VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN.
Our sincere thanks to all for taking the time to learn more about our project. In addition, a special thanks to the following for all of your help with this campaign: Charlie Campagna, Kate Gilbert, Mollie Hansen, Allison Light, Andy Robinowitz, Trollbäck + Company, and Emre Veryeri.
"See you down the road..."
Risks and challenges
Perhaps the biggest risk for any project, certainly a film, is completion. While ALUMINATION is an undertaking of epic proportion, so, too, is our commitment to bringing it to you, its supporters. We are equally committed to producing a work worthy of the Wally Byam / Airstream legacy, as well as those who have so willingly contributed to this project, on-camera and off. Completing this film goes beyond commitment: it is an obligation. WE WILL COMPLETE ALUMINATION. There is no other way.
The biggest challenge we face is a delay in delivering the completed film rewards in the formats of digital download, DVD, Blu-ray, and festival / private screenings (collectively "film-related rewards"). Historically, this is the number one source of supporter disappointment in Kickstarter film campaigns. Our hope is by our supporters understanding the two biggest factors capable of delaying the film and subsequent rewards (explained below), we can bypass any potential disappointment. To take this one step further, your involvement with the challenges could potentially be as exciting as the finished work itself. Consider it a "behind the scenes" pass on film post-production and distribution.
Before we give you specifics on the two biggest factors capable of causing delay, we pledge the following:
- We will do everything within our power to meet our deadline and get our supporters all rewards, on time, as promised. Our supporters are just as important as editing, sound, color, etc. You are the final element that sparks ALUMINATION to life. "If a film screens in a forest, and no one is there to see it..."
- We will absolutely fulfill all non-film related rewards by the delivery dates, if not sooner. If any of the factors (explained below) cause a delay in fulfillment for the film-related rewards, we will keep you informed and make it up to you. Please see below for further explanation.
- We will draw from our past successful film completion and release experience (VISUAL ACOUSTICS: THE MODERNISM OF JULIUS SHULMAN) and find the best possible release for ALUMINATION.
Assuming we reach our $55,000 funding goal, the first potential reason for delay is whether or not we are able to complete the film by our self-determined date of summer 2017. Although editing has begun, distilling over 150 hours of footage, archival footage and images, animation, motion graphics, and music into a compelling, well-produced finished work worthy of its subject matter, takes a lot of people and a lot of time. We believe a summer 2017 completion date is in the ballpark, but we want to present the possibility that it could be longer. If this is the case, we will not only communicate with you along the way, but include you in the process with the hope that behind the scenes inclusion might unexpectedly deliver a "well worth the wait" experience. One final note on this: the filmmaking process is extremely laborious and time consuming and it is not at all unusual to span over a number of years, both in the independent and studio worlds.
The second factor, which is extremely complex and challenging, is distribution. In simple terms, distribution is getting the completed work to an audience. Distribution includes film festivals, theatrical release (movie theaters), television, cable, DVD, digital/streaming, and whatever new delivery method(s) come into existence by the time we are ready for release. Our goal is to get the completed film to as many people as possible in a way that best serves the film, its supporters, and audience.
So how does distribution prevent us from getting our supporters the film-related rewards (digital download, DVD, Blu-ray, and festival / private screenings) ASAP? In order to retain festival eligibility and maximum distributor desirability, film festivals and distributors typically require filmmakers to refrain from making the film available to the public before screening on the festival circuit and signing with a distributor. As we navigate the festival and distribution portion of the journey, one of the primary points on our compass is delivering the film-related rewards ASAP. If distribution is the cause of a delay, we will not only communicate with you well in advance, we will compensate you with a special bonus reward making it "extremely well worth the wait."
We are experienced in working through completion challenges and believe in our ability to arrange a successful ALUMINATON distribution path. Your unwavering support during this process can work like magic in helping us release the best possible film to the best possible audience. We hope you share this belief, are excited by your opportunity for participation in this process, and will join us for celebration once we cross the finish line and screen the film across the country.Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Funding period
- (29 days)


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The feisty first week of the 42nd Parliament
Questions, complaints and combativeness as the 42nd Parliament gets to work
December 12th, 2015
Questions, complaints and combativeness as the 42nd Parliament gets to work
December 12th, 2015
Even before the House of Commons can debate the options for electoral reform, it is arguing over how to choose. Is this a fight the Liberals want?
December 10th, 2015
Geoff Regan, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Commons, talks about his new role and his hopes for maintaining a new tone in Parliament
December 9th, 2015
Maryam Monsef, the rookie minister for democratic institutions, faces opposition indignation in her second question period
December 8th, 2015
Justin Trudeau is suggesting a Prime Minister's question period. But Tom Mulcair worries that will mean less accountability
December 8th, 2015
That the Trudeau government might be more open than its predecessor is its least daunting commitment, but also the most fertile ground for complaint
December 7th, 2015
Justin Trudeau has set himself up to be defined by his ambitions. The flip side of that could doom him. Aaron Wherry on change's possibility
December 4th, 2015
What are the key areas to watch as the Trudeau era begins? Evan Solomon and Aaron Wherry break it down
December 4th, 2015
Geoff Regan is now the Speaker of the House. What impact will he have—or can he have—on how parliamentary work is done?
December 3rd, 2015
Justin Trudeau's first controversy erupts—over taxpayer-funded child care in his own home
December 1st, 2015
Justin Trudeau stirs the etiquette police with a two-handed handshake for British Prime Minister David Cameron
November 26th, 2015
The important details of the federal Liberal government's plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees
November 24th, 2015
A day after Alberta announced new policies to fight climate change, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall strikes a more fretful tone
November 23rd, 2015
Premiers will meet with the Prime Minister on Monday for the first time since 2009. Top of the agenda: climate change.
November 22nd, 2015
David McLaughlin, former president of the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy, on Trudeau's chances for a climate change deal
November 20th, 2015
RT @shawnmicallef: In this wknd's @TorontoStar, Ontario's newspaper of record, I write of the boom bust & final bust industrial economy tha…
03:01pm November 16th|re-tweet
RT @HeerJeet: Great thread from co-director of a very fine documentary about Roger Stone. Very compassionate and informed. https://t.co/lJd…
01:33am November 16th|re-tweet


text: Temptations seem to be everywhere when you're trying to stop using drugs or alcohol. Getting away from any of those temptations can be difficult. Inpatient rehab centers can help keep you away from temptations and teach you what might lead you back to substance abuse. Entering the right inpatient center is crucial though, as the wrong one might not teach you everything you need to know.\r\nWhat Are Inpatient Rehab Centers?\r\nInpatient rehab centers are addiction treatment facilities that house patients during their recovery. All patient needs, including food, beds, and other essentials, are supplied by the facility so patients don't have to leave the grounds for any reason.\r\nDoctors and other professionals come to the treatment centers to help patients through the recovery process. Patients enter treatment programs designed to help them understand what will trigger future substance abuse problems. Then patients learn proper coping skills and develop relationships that help them remain abstinent during and after treatment.\r\nAre Inpatient Rehab Centers Really For Me?\r\nInpatient rehab is designed for people that have a hard time controlling their addiction. Many people enrolled in inpatient programs can be a danger to others or even themselves if they're left to their own devices. Inpatient rehab also works for people that need others to help them stay on track during recovery or for those that struggle with constant relapses. Anyone fighting addiction can enter inpatient treatment, no matter how they're handling their own addiction problems.\r\n\r\nMany inpatient centers have staff on-hand all day, every day. Patients are monitored at all times so they can be held accountable. This watchful, helpful gaze can keep most people from temptation during their stay.\r\n\r\nInpatient centers count on structure. Patients have a set time for treatment programs, food breaks, and recreation. For many patients, that structure helps them focus on their drug addiction treatment. Busy treatment schedules strip away the possibility of temptations or relapse. People who can't trust themselves with the freedom of outpatient treatment options will likely find that inpatient centers are better for them.\r\nWhat Type of Inpatient Rehab Centers Should I Look For?\r\nNot all inpatient centers are the same. Treatment programs, location, and staff choices can all change how patients feel and what they learn during their stay. The best rehab centers balance their programs, location, and care in a way that caters to the needs of each of their patients.\r\n\r\nAt Beaches Recovery, we strive to help all our patients in a personal way. We create a unique treatment plan for each of our clients based on what they need from their stay with us. By doing this, we create a path to success for everyone, no matter which of our facilities they choose.\r\n\r\nDon't keep giving into temptation. Sobriety is possible for you. Call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532 and start your recovery today.


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We briefly took a look at a handout on the selendang. This handout was compiled by HUGS. Help Us Give Slings (HUGS) is an organization giving aid to mammas in the area of Indonesia impacted by the Tsunami and earthquake. You can learn more about this organization here:
We also reviewed making a wrap into a no-sew ring sling! Using a wrap, plus two rings, it is possible to temporarily convert a wrap into a ring sling!
Afterwards, we all delved into helping one another out with slings, wraps and other carriers of interest.


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Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first MLive.com user to add photos or videos of Occupational Health Professionals
Occupational Health Professionals is located at 11609 Oakland Dr, Schoolcraft, MI. This business specializes in Doctors & Clinics.
Occupational Health Professionals can be found at Oakland Dr 11609. The following is offered: Doctors & Clinics. The entry is present with us since Sep 9, 2010 and was last updated on Nov 14, 2013. In Schoolcraft there are 4 other Doctors & Clinics. An overview can be found here.


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Date: October 15, 2016 to October 15, 2016
Where: Headquarters Beercade- River North, 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60610
Phone: N/A
Event Type: Business
Ticket Price: N/A
Join the Finer Women of Forest Park for a Halloween themed game night! Put on your favorite costume (you might just win a prize) and enjoy unlimited game play at HQ Beercade in River North. All your favorite old school arcade games will be there, including Pac-Man, Pinball, Mortal Kombat and more! Tickets on sale now for $15. Click the link to purchase. Feeling competitive? We will have a Pac-Man contest with $5 contest entry. All proceeds will go towards Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - American Cancer Society. In addition we will be collecting new wigs for Wigs for Awareness - American Cancer Society. Wigs must be brand new with tags attached. A donated wig will grant you free entry into the Pac-Man contest.


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Etsy Dallas is a local craft collective run by a juried group of crafters, artists and designers in Dallas who sell their wares on Etsy. (No, we aren't the same as Etsy. We have the blessing of Etsy as the official team for the Dallas metroplex.) We are an all-volunteer group who are serious about our handmade businesses and the success of this team and its endeavors.
Etsy Dallas began in 2007 and was the first city team in Texas. Since the founding, our members have been invested in the Dallas community, working with Etsy Dallas to benefit different aspects of the creative community and culture that makes this a great city. The team is run by a group of volunteers known as the Leadership Team.
The mission of Etsy Dallas is to promote the handmade movement in the Greater Dallas area and beyond. You can browse all our member artists for some of the best handmade wares around.
We hope to see y'all at our events this year. We had a great start to the year with our Love Letters Challenge. And there is much more to come! You can sign up for our newsletter to be sure you don't miss anything.


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One week after an all-night session with the nondiscrimination ordinance, the Billings City Council will wade into the topic again during Monday's work session.
This time, City Council members have an actual proposal to discuss.
The work session begins at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
During the work session, public testimony will be limited to one minute. Last week, 143 people took up to three minutes each to tell the council why it should or should not consider the ordinance.
After taking in about nine hours of testimony, the City Council voted 7-4 to lift a directive preventing city staff from completing its work on the NDO proposal.
City Administrator Tina Volek said she's not sure what to expect Monday. Any overflow crowd will be offered space in the city hall conference room and lobby.
A television will be available in the conference room for people who want to watch the proceedings on the city's alternate cable channel, Channel 8.
The doors will open at 5 p.m. Monday. People who have testified will be asked to leave to allow the next person to testify.
In a memo to council members, Volek said the proposed ordinance is "similar in many ways" to NDOs already adopted in Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Helena and Missoula. But it's also different in several ways, including:
n In several places, it adds the phrase "non-binary" — one who identifies as neither a man or a woman — to the listed categories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual.
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n In places of public accommodation where users normally appear in the nude, users may be required to use the facilities designated for their anatomical sex, regardless of their gender identity.
n People who believe they have been discriminated against must first file a complaint with the Montana Human Rights Bureau. Volek said the bureau chief has told City Attorney Brent Brooks that the bureau will investigate the complaint even though the state has yet to adopt an NDO.
n If the bureau says the matter does not fall within its jurisdiction, the person who feels discriminated against can file a complaint with the Billings Police Department or Municipal Court, or file a civil proceeding — but not both.
"It is the intent of the city of Billings," the proposed ordinance states, "that no person shall be denied his or her civil rights or be discriminated against based upon his or her sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran's status, political beliefs or obesity."
The City Council finds discrimination prohibitions "necessary and desirable," the proposal states, "because existing state and federal laws regarding discrimination do not expressly or clearly address all discriminatory acts reported by the city's diverse residents."
The proposal defines what's covered under preventing discrimination in public accommodations — from campgrounds to restaurants — and also states places not covered, including churches and private educational institutions with a curriculum based on religious faith.
Housing discrimination is also prohibited, but an exception is made for renting sleeping rooms in a home where the owner also resides, so long as no more than three rooms are rented.
Volek said the City Council's timetable for scheduling a public hearing on the language of the proposed ordinance depends on how many additions and corrections members suggest for the proposal, which was drafted by city staff.
The City Council is not scheduled to take any formal action on the proposal Monday. An ordinance requires readings at two business sessions — held every other week — a public hearing, and a 30-day waiting period to become effective.


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4 Ways to Manage Holiday Stress without Being a Grinch
The holiday season can be stressful for even the most organized, intentional, or laid back person. Take me, for instance. There's a little over 3 weeks left until Christmas and I have no tree, no Christmas lights, and I have a permanent ban on the radio stations that play Christmas music 24/7. My holiday decorations aren't organized, I have no space in my apartment for a 9 foot tree, and so to deal, I just put a moratorium on Christmas like a textbook Grinch.
Maybe the holidays bring about these same emotions in you, too? Military life is stressful enough as it is, add a loved one's absence, issues reintegrating after a deployment, or even dysfunctional family dynamics, and it's bound to trigger the Grinch in anyone.
It's normal for a service member to have trouble 'fitting in' with their own family after a long deployment, or even upon transitioning out of the military. Reintegration is a process, and there are tons of resources to help—even for children and spouses.
If the holidays are a stressful time for your family, consider these tips:
- Mentally prepare yourself for the holidays. The Real Warriors Campaign suggests considering what makes you uncomfortable; certain people, triggering questions, small or crowded spaces, even crying kids can be a damper. Think about what you may say to questions about tough topics, like deployments, and consider how you will deescalate emotions when they surface.
- Know what your children are feeling. Military life isn't easy for even the littlest heroes, so when life changes and a parent leaves (or comes home), their adjustment can be tough, too. In fact, one in four military kids will suffer from depression, so knowing how your child might think, or process emotions—like testing the rules, or isolating themselves—can ease the stress in your home.
- Stay active and engaged. It's easy for some of us to deal with stress by isolating ourselves, or refusing to take part in activities. Try an activity you know you'd enjoy, like that kickboxing class you've been considering, and relieve some frustration. Stay connected to your trusted circle of family and friends, and encourage yourself to engage with them, rather than isolating yourself. If something gets uncomfortable, refer back to #1, or this next tip.
- Know when to say no. Though it may seem like a double-edged sword, this is the best tip, in my opinion. Talk out with your spouse and kids where you want to spend your time this holiday season. If a certain event is notoriously hectic, consider skipping it. Your time is valuable, and so is your sanity. Choose wisely, and know that saying no is okay. Your loved ones will understand and respect your boundaries.
The hustle and bustle of the holidays is undoubtedly a stress-filled time for some. But the stress can be manageable, and with a few tips and tricks, even the coldest Grinch heart can grow three sizes and the true meaning of the holidays can come through—get ready for all the feels!
For more tips and resources about managing holiday stress, check out the Real Warriors Campaign.
What tips help your family deal with holiday stress?
Posted by Shannon Prentice, Content Development Manager
2 CommentsAdd yours
[…] ← 4 Ways to Manage Holiday Stress without Being a Grinch […]
[…] are going through deployments, trying to figure out if they can make it back home to see family, or tackling other challenges. But for as many challenges as the military throws our way, it's given me many other gifts […]


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I was down around 28th street for a Hanky Panky sample sale and decided to stop into Pamplona. I was a little too hungry to remember to take a picture of the steak sandwich I had, but it was tasty. I would have rather had a lime based sauce on it than the aioli it came with, however. They even asked me how I wanted my steak cooked (medium rare, baby).
Anyway after I wolfed that down I had to try the churros I'd been hearing so much about so here they are in all their take out glory.
I put the container in the microwave to heat both them and the chocolate up and the dish was much improved by it!
Best part was they had those cute little coke bottles behind the bar so I got to sip one while I waited for my order to be ready.
37 E 28th St
New York, NY 10016
(212) 213-2328


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Ford Suggests EV Etiquette Rules for Public Charging Stations
He Has a Lab Coat, He Must Be An ExpertPublic electric car charging stations are relatively new to most people, including EV drivers who until recently had few charging options, and this means that there will be a period during which people figure things out and learn what is the proper way to do things.
To help get the ball rolling, Ford has produced a short video and an infographic about EV charging etiquette:
The Future of EV ChargingGranted, most people will only very rarely have to recharge their EV at public charging stations because if they plug at home, they'll be leaving with a full charge every morning, and few people drive over 100 miles in a typical day. But for those times when charging at a public station is required, I think confusion will be kept to a minimum by standardizing on charging stations that can communicate with the EV and know the charge level and whether it's ok or not to unplug the vehicle.
For example, there could be a very clear indicator on the station itself (if not also on the car) that the EV is fully charged and that it is okay to unplug it, and there could also be an option on the station for the person who plugs in to say how much charge they need before it's ok to unplug. ie. You key in that it's okay to unplug after you reach 50% charge, and so after that is reached, the indicator lights up on the station to let others know it's ok to unplug.
I also wouldn't be surprised if smartphone apps allowed EV drivers to know exactly what can and can't be done at a certain charging station.
Via Ford
See also: Tesla Unveils its Supercharger Network: "Drive for Free. Forever. On Sunlight."


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- Jun 29, 2007
- 12
Well I remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question so here goes -- Are there any concerns I should have with my pool flooding over with lots of rain? We've had a lot of rain the last two days and my in-ground fiberglass pool has flooded over. I know that there are water table issues and popping out of the ground but I see no evidence of that. The pool has a cantilevered flagstone deck over about 4" of concrete that is tied by rebar to the pool. The deck is three foot wide in most places and up to 6-7 feet near the slide and patio. The pool sits in sand, I live on an island, and the water table is usually about 7 feet, my deep end is six. Maybe just newbie jitters but thought I would ask. Attached a picture taken in drier times.
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When thinking about sustainability, people often refer to the model proposed by the United Nations in 1987 which stats that the economy exists within and depends upon society and society exists within and depends upon the environment. This model irrevocably connects many aspects of modern life, allowing us to fully understand the relationships at work.
As a Jesuit institution, Loyola recognizes that the Catholic identity of so many of our community members is a large and defining aspect in their lives. These three areas of sustainability exist within and are affected by this Catholic identity. As environmental degradation impacts the world's poorest people first, it is our responsibility to ensure that we care for God's creation.
The Jesuit community established ways in which Ignatian spirituality provides a foundation for our response to ecological questions in 1995 at the 34th General Congregation of the Jesuits. Ignatius encourages us to marvel at the heavens and the earth and to consider how these created things sustain, nourish, and protect us. Our search for God is irrevocably tied to these questions of our environment.


text: Crawford Kilian writing for the Tyee. "It's said nothing can stop an idea whose time has come, but politicians know you can sure slow it down. A Canadian social experiment in the 1970s might have prevented 40 years of a widening income gap and social misery. Instead, conservative politicians — federal and provincial — ended the experiment and suppressed most of its findings."


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The Postal department has planned to implement the project at head post offices in 12 places — Chennai, Puducherry, Kanniyakumari, Madurai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Vellore and Tirunelveli. These select post offices would enable residents to enrol themselves for Aadhaar cards and update details such as mobile numbers and address. The postal department is in the process of ... Read More »
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SC to pronounce Aadhar card requirements for filing Income Tax Returns
The Supreme Court will today pronounce its order on mandatory requirements of Aadhar card for Income Tax Return (ITR) at 2 p.m. The Income Tax Department has stepped up its efforts to encourage people to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar. In the recent days, while many taxpayers have received emails on how to do the PAN-Aadhaar linking online, ... Read More »
No Aadhaar – No midday meal in UP schools from July 1
Students of government-run primary schools in Uttar Pradesh, who do not have an Aadhaar card, will not be able to get midday meal after June 30. The direction from the State government comes three months after the Union Human Resource Development Ministry made Aadhaar cards mandatory for midday meals and asked UP schools to make a list of students who ... Read More »
Income tax departmentdept launches facility to correct errors in PAN, Aadhaar
IT department has launched an online facility to correct errors in names and other details in permanent account number (PAN) and Aadhaar document. Alongside the facility to link biometric identifier Aadhaar with PAN, the department has also put two separate hyperlinks on its e-filing website – one to update changes in existing PAN data or for application of new PAN by ... Read More »
Aadhaar Deadline Not To Be Extended beyond June 30, 2017
Government of India declared June 30 deadline for making Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of various social welfare schemes, the centre mentioned to the Supreme Court and confirmed that there won't be any question of extension. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi told the top court that the idea behind making Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes was that the benefit should ... Read More »
Wrongly similar birthdate mentioned on Aadhaar Cards in Allahabad village
A major mistake happened in records of Aadhaar card in Kanjasa village of Jasra block of Gurpur in Allahabad. The total population of the village is more than 10, 000 and unfortunately the date of birth for the whole population of the village printed 1st January. Definitely, it is big error happened. The locals say that they were cheated as they ... Read More »


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Louise chose her best friend as her maid of honour, her brother's girlfriend and Brian's sister were her bridesmaids. The bridesmaid gowns were from The Moderne in Cork and Louise had chosen them the same day she picked out her wedding gown. The dresses were from Alexia Design and were full length, raspberry coloured dresses with brooch detail on the hip that tied in with the same detail on Louise's wedding dress.
Louise had her bridal hair styled by UpStyle Junkie and professional makeup applied by The Mobile Makeup Artist, Andrea Murphy. Louise tells us "Both ladies were a dream to work with and I would recommend them to anyone."
Brian & Louise's supplier list


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Delivered on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Ames UCC.
© The Rev. Eileen Gebbie
Sermons are written to be heard rather than read.
Please join us any Sunday at 10:45 a.m. for worship.
Today we are celebrating the end of Ordinary Time with this extraordinary feast. For those of you who didn't come from a tradition that made use of church seasons, Ordinary Time covers the days after Pentecost in the spring and before Advent in the fall.
It has multiple purposes: Scripturally we look more deeply at the church in light of the Easter mystery. What does it mean to be followers of Jesus Christ on this side of the tomb? And then, as we have done since September, we reacquaint ourselves with the Hebrew Bible, the scripture and religion that Jesus was born into and grew up with. That includes the prophets of the last two weeks and today: Elijah who brought proof of God, Hosea who gave voice to God, and today Isaiah who describes the human condition from God's perspective.
Continue reading


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As soon as that first snowfall hits the ground, Chicagoans everywhere will be making plans to check their favorite seasonal activities off their list. Well, as we always hope to do, we've made it easier for you by compiling the city's best. Get ready to occupy your snowy days and nights with wreath-making workshops, ugly Christmas sweater dance lessons, ice curling competitions, and more.
After all, 'tis the season.
Enjoy drinks inside an igloo
127 West Huron Street
This seasonal, VIP experience will make you the envy of your Instagram followers. Take in stunning skyline views as you enjoy dinner and drinks inside a heated, transparent "igloo" atop The Godfrey Hotel. Fancy, huh?
Compete in curling at Kaiser Tiger
1415 West Randolph Street
As winter rolls in, the bocce courts and corn hole boards at the West Loop's Kaiser Tiger are switched out for a curling rink. Grab your friends, put your game face on, and give this winter sport a try.
Hop aboard a Holiday Lights Trolley Tour
875 North Michigan Avenue
Board a holiday trolley at the John Hancock Center that will take you on a two-and-a-half hour excursion through brightly lit shopping districts in the Loop, stopping at the famous Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, then heading to illuminated holiday fun at ZooLights, before circling back to the Hancock.
Go ice skating with your sweetheart in Millennium Park
Michigan Avenue
Even though it might be the most traditional winter activity there is, it never gets old. Now through March 4, grab your loved one and step on the rink that overlooks one of the city's best views. Admission to the rink is free, but skate rentals are $12 Monday through Thursday and $14 Friday through Sunday and on holidays.
Take a stroll through ZooLights
2001 North Clark Street
If you're looking for your next winter excursion to meet the three Fs (fun, family-friendly, and free), then it doesn't get much better than this. From 4:30 pm – 9 pm on December 1 – 31, and January 1 – 6, walk through Lincoln Park Zoo's amazing light display while enjoying snacks, carousel and train rides, crafts, photos with Santa, and more.
Sip mulled wine at the Christkindlmarket
50 West Washington Street
Out of all the activities you'll find this winter, this one is a true must. The lights, the cute little trinkets, the pretzels, and (our personal favorite) the mulled wine – an atmosphere like this just can't be beat during the holidays.
Treat that dry, winter skin at Scratch Goods' Mask Bar
1046 West Fulton Market
It's no news to anyone that Chicago's blistery cold and wind takes a toll on our skin; but no fear, we've got just the trick! Snag a seat at Scratch Goods' Mask Bar and pamper your skin to its best self. Scratch Goods is a gem in Fulton Market and a brand known for their quality skincare and beauty products.
Warm up your body with yoga at Greatly Gracious
1619 West North Avenue
Offering both vinyasa and holy yoga style classes, this studio tucked away in the cutest storefront on North Avenue in Wicker Park is the place to be this winter. Breathe in the signature blend of oils diffusing through the room and stare up at the beautiful and eclectic tin ceiling during that final resting pose. Trust us, you'll never want to leave.
Find your signature scent at Aroma Workshop
2050 North Halsted Street
Being outdoors in the winter is great and all, but at a certain point in this city especially, you have to head indoors. This space is perfect for doing just that, so grab your girls, a bottle of wine, and enjoy creating your own, affordable fragrance tailored exactly to your taste. Not to mention, this makes for an awesome gift.
Make a DIY wreath for your home at Flowers for Dreams
1812 West Hubbard Street
Not only does Flowers for Dreams offer gorgeous, seasonal arrangements, they are also leading philanthropists and, in our opinion, role models for other local business owners. This winter, join them for a wreath-making workshop and head to their Insta account for an overload of floral beauty (and adorable dogs).
Enroll in a pie baking class at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
2051 North California Avenue
Get a group together and enjoy a Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits private class, where you'll learn to bake fun goodies while indulging on provided snacks. Classes are held on various days during the week, from 6 – 9 pm, and for groups up to 12. BYOB. For information and pricing are available here.
Dance your winter blues away at Duet Dance Studio
2412 West North Avenue, #201
This studio, located in Wicker Park, offers a weekly variety of private and group dance classes, with no previous dance experience needed! One of particular interest is their Ugly Sweater Swing Class on Friday, December 14, from 9 pm – 10 pm.
Any other events happening this winter that you feel should be on our list? Let us know below!