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This weekend was a first-year event in Nelsonville, Ohio. We were to do an impression of dismounted cavalry and take over the train. I did the Civil War Train Raid in Lebanon, Ohio a few years back, and it's hard not to have this type of event be a farb fest. But it was fun nonetheless. Since we were to be dismounted cavalry, I got to play with Lil' Mary (my .44 1858 Remmington) and Nicolas (my best guess is that it is some kind of American target rifle reproduction from a little before the Civil War period). The concern was that the Confederates would heavily outnumber the Yankees (big surprise there), so a few of us, including me, came ready to galvanize.
The raid was planned for only one train ride, starting a little after 5 pm Saturday, so that left the four of us that camped Friday a lot of time to kill playing Euchre. Most of the rest of the reenactors showed up around 3 to gear up and attend the planning meeting.
The plan was that the Rebels hide on the train in the last car (which was otherwise empty) to about halfway to one end of the line and sneak off as a few civilian reenactors got on (to give the excuse for stopping the train at an unusual point). The train would continue to the end, where we would take the train with the public and civilian reenactors (including Doc Gill) on its way back, then ride the train to the end of the line where the full battle would be held.
Being one that was to galvanize, I boarded the train at the depot in my full Confederate gear, with my sidearm in a borrowed holster (I'm still looking for one for myself), both my Springfield and target rifle, and my Yankee blues in my knapsack on my back (try climbing into a train with all that). When we stopped at the raid point, I left Christine (the Springfield) behind with my knapsack. I think that's when I realized there was only one other reenactor galvanizing. We mulled about for the half hour it took the train to return, with Kevin Feemen asking every so often, "You got yer cards?" Okay, I like my Euchre, but we'd already gotten about 15 games in that day—couldn't give it a rest for 30 minutes? I was grateful that Captain Evens (or "Capt'n Sprinkles" as Private Kletzli calls him) gave orders to post us at several locations to prepare for the surprise attack—locations that kept four of us from being together at one spot.
As the train approached we were to fire off a couple of rounds to stop the train, then board it, harassing public and civilian reenactors for a bit of a show. Somehow this was a bit different than what we ran into at McConnelsville—I guess it was the smaller number of public, or perhaps that we were not doing our standard infantry to begin with. It just didn't feel so awkward like McConnelsville did. My improvisation was off that day—I did little more than look pretty, but still, I got one shot out of my pistol and one shot out of the rifle. I wanted to get a second shot out of the rifle—but with it using #11 caps, and those were in my vest pocked underneath my jacket inside an old plastic cigar container with a tight lid, I could not exactly reload in a hurry. It would not have mattered even if the caps were loose in a cap box—have you ever tried to prime a rifle quickly with those tiny little things?
At this point the plan was we would stop at the end of the line when Yankee artillery fired at the train. The Rebels were to unload, where there was supposed to be a pause in the action so that the public could unload. I was to take advantage of the pause to race to the last car where I would switch coats, hats, traps, and rifles, unload and stow my knapsack, straw hat, and target rifle in a safe place, then join the Yankee lines to shoot at all my friends. But, the battle started as soon as I boarded that last car—I had to hurry if I were to join the fight. It wouldn't have been so bad if it were just the coat, but I had it in my head that I needed to use my Yankee traps—plus I still had five rounds in the side arm, so I had to relocate the holster from my belt with the Georgia frame buckle to my US belt with keeper. I shoved my butternut shell jacket into my knapsack and almost put it on—but realized I'd probably miss the entire battle if I took the time. When I got off the train and set my unneeded gear down, I realized I was right next to the public—I tried to give them the impression I had snuck around behind the Rebels (yeah—that's the ticket). Unfortunately, I didn't see any reenactors—they were all around the buildings of the pioneer village we had stopped at. I had no idea where the Yankee line was, so I did the only thing I could—follow the sound of musket fire. I saw some butternut moving between buildings, so headed that direction, only to find Confederates on two sides of me—but I had the advantage as they didn't know I was there.
It was a lot of fun—I emptied my sidearm on Sergeant Mott, who took a hit in glorious drama. Ducking around a cottage to reload my musket, I started to a corner where a musket blast shot in front of me. I jumped out around that corner and fired a blast toward Corporal Carte, giving him quite the surprise.
Every so often I could hear what sounded like machine-gun fire. Then I realized it was just Flash emptying his Henry. It was in the book, Company Aytch, that Sam Watkins talks of soldiers loading their Henrys on a Sunday and shoot all week long. I don't think Flash ever read that book—he loads at 4:15, then again at 4:15 and 30 seconds.
Afterwards, the event coordinators served a delicious pulled-pork meal. It was probably among the best we've had this year.
We discussed ideas and tips for next year, such as seeing about locating the campsite in some shade, or somewhere where the public could interact with us in camp. I think they should do more than the one train raid ride for the day—with nothing else going on, and with the raid so late in the day, most of the reenactors didn't have a reason to camp when they could show up at 3 and leave by 8.
Hopefully we'll get solid numbers next year—it'll be nice to be able to stay in butternut next year. It's kind of awkward being a Confederate in blue—although Kletzli thinks I secretly enjoy it.


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2 small tricks to actually accomplishing your goals/
I've got a little/big secret that I'm really excited to share with you… it's most likely the bridge between goal setting and ya know, actually accomplishing your goals -- and the best part? It's two very simple + actionable steps.
Here's the thing... I believe in goal setting to my core. I set goals at the beginning of every year and I create a vision board to match that keeps me uber focused and reminded daily of what I want to accomplish each year.
I've helped a lot of people define, clarify, and accomplish their goals and I use the same system for myself – and I can tell you that we all (myself included!) seem to get stuck or entirely miss the two most important parts of goal setting.
Let's take it back a notch and review some "shoulds" you've probably heard a time or two in your life about goal setting:
- Goals should be big! They should push and stretch you to accomplish something great.
- Goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound)
- Goals should be kept somewhere visible in order to track progress.
But the two steps you absolutely cannot skip and that no one is really talking about are:
1. The Why
Simply put, we need to know why we want to accomplish our goals. There is a "why" behind each goal that we set. The why can be a bigger purpose in life or sometimes it's just a general feeling we want to feel but we have to find it.
Let's say, for example, you have a hefty financial goal this year, I'd be willing to wager you're trying to achieve a feeling of freedom, security, or maybe even independence. So, by all means, set your hefty financial goal and goal get em' (I couldn't help myself.) but remember that the reason for the financial goal in the first place is to achieve that sense of freedom/ security/ independence.
Knowing our "why" or our intention for each goal that we set will give us clarity, yes -- it will also (and this is a huge bonus!) open the door to many different pathways for accomplishing our goals. Going back to our example earlier, maybe you decide that halfway through the year that dipping into your savings, going on that last minute spontaneous vacation is going to make you feel more freedom that meeting that stretch savings goal you set. Just maybe. ;) So, you re-visit your goals. You book the vacation. You cut back in other areas. You save. You vacation. and most importantly, you feel your sense of freedom.
2. Mini Goals
The second often forgotten step for goal setting? Our goals need mini goals in order to survive. Yes, I realize I am saying that our goals need goals. However, all I am really saying is that our goals need a plan - I just refer to that plan as a mini goal.
A mini goal is the daily or weekly system/ process/ step that we must put in place to reach our longer term goal – it's essentially our vehicle to the bigger goal and most importantly? It does two amazingly great things for us.
- Mini goals help us create habits… habits that are actually the only thing (other than magic) that help us accomplish our goals.
- Motivation! Look, results are addicting; we all know that. Setting mini goals gives us something to crush along the way so that we stay focused, proud, and addicted to our success. Cool, right?
It's super simple…
Here's an example of a goal:
I will start a blog by June of this year.
Here's an example of a mini goal:
I will write 1 article a week in preparation of my blog launch.
See? June will be here before you know it and chances are without that mini goal, you may not have a thing written for your blog launch and even scarier? You haven't spent the time creating a habit of writing which means you'll be learning to maintain your blog as you launch which means stress overload which means – are you really launching this blog in June?! I'm usually very optimistic but it's not looking good here.
I could talk about goal setting all day! but I'd love to hear from you. Do you have a "why" for each goal that you set? and mini goals to help you accomplish your goals? Well, it's certainly not too late. Let me know in the comments, below.

subset: commoncrawl


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NY's 1st walk-in Tai Chi class with a curriculum tested at the Tai Chi World Cup. Breathwork, visualization, and body-mechanics unite in this unique evolution of the Tai Chi system that gives practitioners something tangible to take with them in every class. Taught by former US Tai Chi Push Hands Team captain and World Cup silver medalist Jan Lucanus.
Donation based, so pay whatever you want and come train!


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By Angel De Mesa
The government stated that there were no extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under the present administration.
Weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte's statement on the concluded ASEAN summit, he refused to talk about EJKs in the Philippines saying that there was no such thing as state-sponsored killings because state-agents would not do it so.
Amid government's claim, human rights group insisted hundreds of their documented EJK's around the country placing Bicol region as second in the highest rates of EJK victims.
Due to the skyrocketing victims of EJKs in Bicol, Karapatan Bicol conducted a Legal Clinic last November 15-16 to gather all the documents of human rights violations in the region and submit to the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC).
Currently, a total of 31 EJK victims in the region and most of them are from the peasant sector. Karapatan Bicol has documented consecutive incidents of civilian killings especially in Sorsogon province this just few months.
According to the rights group, there were already 91 peasants killed nationwide under Duterte administration starting from July to September. These numbers are quite chasing the total rank from the past regimes like Pnoy who had 207 and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo with 603 EJK victims during their whole terms.
Doomed cases
As of July 2016 to March 2017, Karapatan documented only 1 case of extrajudicial killing in Bicol. But today, it already reached 30 documented victims and 1 unidentified victim. These rights abuses continue in communities targeting peasants and indigenous people under Oplan Kapayapaan or the counter insurgency program of the government.
Sorsogon province has the highest number of victims that already resulted to 20 casualties.
The most recent case was the killing of Edwin Pura, former leader of Bayan and PORTA-Piston and also a paralegal assistant of NUPL member in their province. His companion Wilfredo Bronio was also killed in the incident while waitress Grace Merillo was wounded and rushed to the hospital but died a week later.
They were killed by two armed men at Angie Resto Bar in Barangay Paradijon, Gubat, Sorsogon past twelve in the morning of October 25, 2017.
According to the family of Pura, the 2 suspects whom they believed is a state-agent were already seen roaming and parking in front of their house. They suspected the military who was boarding near their residence.
Meanwhile, Masbate has 7 documented victims of EJKs. Most known incident was the massacre in Sitio Buri, Barangay San Carlo, Milagros. The massacre happened last April 15, 2017 that took the lives of Rodulfo Tagalog Jr., Jerry Cuyos, and Josel Rosales.
Based on the fact finding mission done by Karapatan Bicol, the victims were killed by the AFP troops from 2nd Infantry Battalion. They have been suspected as members of New People's Army (NPA) which their family strongly opposed.
In Camarines Sur, there were at least 2 documented EJK victims while Camarines Norte's rights group reported a documented victim and unidentified victim of EJK.
Initial step for justice
Sadness and anger are the usual state of a family grieving for the loss of their love ones. But for the families of those EJK victims, tears wont be enough for them to get justice.
In Camarines Sur, wife of slain farmer Renel Miraballes of Bagong Sirang, Sipocot filed a murder complaint at the Provincial Fiscal Office against the 9th IB which allegedly killed Renel.
Renel was killed last March 30 because he was suspected to be a member of the New People's Army (NPA).
To support the case, people of Bagong Sirang together with its neighboring village conducted a petition signing to prove that the allegation of the military to Renel was wrong.
Renel was just one of those victims whose family were not at peace. Until now his family is still longing and hoping for the violators to be punished.
Karapatan Bicol and National Union of People's Lawyer (NUPL) provided legal assistance to register and address the grievances of the families of the victims.
"We are conducting fact finding missions, a quick response team that will immediately act upon the incident and know the certain data that will help build real scenario upon the human rights violations that is mostly done by the state agents," said Nida Barcenas, secretary general of Karapatan Bicol.
OpKap: Counter-insurgency program
Decades have passed but no suspect has been convicted or held accountable on the human rights violations until now.
Human rights group pinpoints AFP under the Operation Oplan Kapayapaan (OpKap) who facilitated rights violations in the countryside, especially in the areas allegedly with strongholds or are heavily influenced by the NPA.
On the accounts of the 4th ID, OpKap is a people-centered campaign based on the plight of the people with the implementing rules and guidelines that is said to be created by the communities and being complied with the AFP and all agencies.
Contrary to this statement, Karapatan stated that OpKap is a counter-insurgency strategy used as an effective framework to legitimize killings on the national minorities, peasants, progressive leaders particularly those tagged as NPA or NPA supporters.
Continuous militarization in the countryside at the face of legalized missions has said to be the stepping stone of the military that eventually threatens the villagers according to Karapatan Bicol.
Different Infantry Battalions under the 9th Infantry Division of Philippine Army are conducting military operations in six provinces of Bicol.
In Sorsogon, there is the 31st IB based in Bgy. Rangas, Juban; in Masbate 2nd IB is basing in Sitio Baclay, Brgy. Bacolod, Milagros; 9th IB in Camarines Sur is based in Gaongan, Sipocot; Camarines Norte province has 902nd IB based in Mahawan-hawan, Labo; in Albay, 83rd IB is basing at Cabraran, Jovellar; while Catanduanes has the 902nd IB.
In Karapatan's Legal Clinic, majority of the perpetrators were addressed to the AFP and PNP.
"Although they have declared that Bicol region is already conflict manageable, it turns out from the gathered documents from all the provinces of Bicol, the complains to the GRP was pinpointed to the AFP and PNP to their human rights violations and violations on the international humanitarian law," said Barcenas.
Addressing root causes, Pondering long-term solutions
It was historical when GRP President Duterte opened up for the possible peace talks since it became a success until the fourth round.
Unfortunately, the fifth round was canceled. The gap shown when Duterte unilaterally canceled the talks that showed the AFP's propensity for complete disregard of people's rights, escalating their attacks on rural communities by indiscriminate firing, harassment and killing leaders and civilians according to Karapatan Bicol.
Duterte recently announced that he would classify the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), as a terrorist group, yet threatens his foes to declare a revolutionary movement.
Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr. said that only the resumption of peace talks would address all the issues of Duterte with the NPA.
NDF Bicol earlier stated that they supports peace talks but will not engage in localized peace talks, same with the reasons of militant group Bayan in the region.
Bayan Bicol strongly opposed localized peace talks saying that it will not resolve the roots of armed conflict and it is outside the framework of the Hague Joint Declaration.
" Its objective is to decapitate the head of the revolutionary movement and to arrest the leaders of it. It is also a security risk on behalf of the NDF personnel, because JASIG will not be operational. If in national level they were still arrested, what more in the local?," Dan Balucio of Bayan Bicol explained.
Karapatan Bicol believes that the possible resumption of national peace talks between the NDFP and the GRP will be a great venue to discuss the injustices happening and must put on the negotiating table, addressing the human rights violations, how to deal with the perpetrators and the victims.
However, Bayan Bicol reiterated that despite the need for the resumption of peace talks, if GRP will continue to disrespect the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), human rights violations will still rise and killings will still continue. (BaretangBikolnon.com)


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So, as I've mentioned in the past, my swimming teachers are teenagers. They don't have mortgages, insurance premiums to pay, and haven't known the experience of walking in public with a screaming baby harnessed on one's torso, but they get a decent hourly wage from my municipality to teach my lead-weight-of-a-chunk-of-flesh to do the whip kick. None of them have much formal training in teaching. Weird thing is, many of them are fantastic. And, by fantastic, I mean in relative terms to most adults you know.
Just the other night I was being coached by an 18yo and was blown away by the precise, timely feedback he was giving me. He was also so great at thinking aloud and modelling how and why he uses particular movements in the pool. All of us in the class, ranging from 40-60 years of age, were impressed almost to the point of awe.
I'm trying my best to wrap my head around this. How could youth be so good at teaching people like me? I mean, I've dedicated most of my adulthood to professional growth in this area, and they're presumably spending all their time Snapchatting and eating Doritos? (I joke, I joke!)
Then the other day my beautiful wife Janet and I were watching the CBC and learned about this awesome 18yo from Victoria, BC who keeps inventing "crazy" and useful products. There's also this ridiculous 13yo from Toronto who may be changing how the developing world creates their own clean, safe water.
We see these stories everywhere. My own 13yo daughter (above), I'm proud to say, could easily show many grown ups a thing or two about not only some of the skills she possesses, but also her mindset for life.
This is kind of a round about way of me asking questions I've wondered for a long time…
Should our schools and systems leverage their own students as actual teachers of the adults? If education in this age demands a learner's stance from all stakeholders, then when will we actually formally (not just through poetic observation) learn from the students? Are they not capable? Are there not certain things they are inherently better at teaching us than our middle aged peers and colleagues?


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Two Royal Palm Beach men charged with bookmaking after a May gambling sweep pleaded guilty Tuesday and were each fined $2,000.
The multi-agency investigation, dubbed Operation Orange Juice, led to the arrests of six men whose sports-wagering operations brought in more than $100,000 a week, officials said after the May 22 roundup.
Christopher H. Mallon, 45, the focus of the probe, inadvertently provided the name for the operation because he lives on Orange Grove Boulevard and called the wagers that bettors placed "the juice," investigators said.
Mallon and Horton Leon Osborne, 49, both told Palm Beach Circuit Judge Carl Harper this was their first brush with the law.
In addition to the fines, the men will have a felony record.
Prosecutor Ken Selvig said investigators used wire taps to listen to phone conversations in which they heard both men accept wagers on football, basketball and baseball games, as well as horse racing events.
The men could have been given maximum sentences of five years in prison on the bookmaking charges. However, because they had no prior records, state sentencing guidelines did not dictate any prison time.


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The Wichita Film Commission is a division of Visit Wichita. As a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International, we are here to assist with any questions or needs prior to or during filming.
In the state of Kansas, no state permits required. In the City of Wichita, no permits are required. However, we recommend that you check with surrounding communities departments of safety or city hall for details on local ordinances. For those planning to use children, we recommend reviewing Kansas child labor laws.
We love Films! Every fall, Wichita hosts the Tallgrass Film Festival. Tallgrass showcases the best of independent cinema from around the globe, including documentary, narrative, world cinema, animation, LGBT, retrospective and premiering films. Rated as a "Top 10 Film Festival" by Livability.com and "The Best Under The Radar Film Festival" by Flavorwire, Tallgrass Film Festival fosters an appreciation of the cinematic arts by creating shared experiences around the medium of film.
The Wichita Film Commission is a division of Visit Wichita. If you have any questions please contact us at 800.288.9424 or email@example.com.


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Coal Tar Pitch Roofing Handbook - 1896 - Pages 7 and 8
"We are very often consulted as to what covering shall be placed upon the outside of a flat roof. It often happens that those who have used tin desire to change to composition, those who have used composition desire to change to tin, others who have used both, desire something else." (Also from the same document) "This will happen if owners make bargains with irresponsible contractors at prices at which the best materials cannot be afforded."
Had Mr. Atkinson included ''methods" with "materials" in this last quotation, he would have fully covered the cause of any unsatisfactory results from the use of Coal Tar Pitch and Tarred Felt in structural work, where time, the true demonstrator, has proved them to be without an equal when used with intelligence and integrity.
- 7 -
THEREFORE, to the Architect, Engineer or Owner who desires to use any of these Specifications, we would say, confine the bidding to Roofing or Waterproofing Contractors, whose experience and reputation is a satisfactory guarantee and safeguard for intelligent and honest interpretation and execution.
We are at all times prepared to submit additional information on the subject of either Roofing or Waterproofing, and to substantiate our position further in any way that may be desired.
We should be very glad to hear from Architects and Engineers regarding these Specifications, and will welcome criticism or suggestions.
All such communications should be addressed to THE SPECIFICATION DEPARTMENT of the BARRETT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 17 Battery Place, New York City.
- 8 -


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Waiting list
Frilled smocked waist dressAdd your favorite product to the wishlist
132.5 €
Watch the video shop the look
Waiting list
Frilled smocked waist dress
132.5 €Add your favorite product to the wishlist
Colour :Size guide
Is your size unavailable?
Additional Information
Romantic and floaty, this little ivory sleeveless dress with a bare back will attract attention with its very elaborate detailing. Smocked at the waist and with an interplay of pleats to ensure the movement of the skirt, it also flaunts ruffles which showcase the shoulders and dress up a V neckline. This very chic piece is perfect for special occasions.
Composition :Main fabric: 100% polyester
Braid: 100% polyester
Lining: 100% polyester
Tag your photos with #clubclaudie
to be among our selection!


text: Donald Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election defied almost all predictions. EPA/Jim Lo Scalzo November 10, 2016 How did we get the result of the US election so wrong? Bryan Cranston, Swinburne University of Technology Swinburne political scientist Bryan Cranton looks at why so many experts got the US Election so wrong


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Start Comparing Rates within Minutes!
Start Comparing Rates within Minutes and you could save!
Compare Rates Within Minutes!
- Complete 1 short quote form
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Many areas at risk of hurricane damagePosted On Fri, June 15, 2012
A recent report from CoreLogic showed that not only are homes on the Gulf Coast at risk of significant hurricane damage during this season, but the Atlantic region may be, as well.
The firm's Storm Surge Report showed that both regions could have as many as four million homes at risk of damage from hurricanes during this summer, the report explained. These homes have a total damage price tag of more than $700 billion. When examining each area, the Gulf Coast region has close to $200 billion in exposure, with 1.8 million homes at risk. The Atlantic has 2.2 million homes at risk, with an exposure of $500 billion.
"Though more frequently impacted states like Florida, Texas and Louisiana get the most attention when it comes to hurricane vulnerability and destruction, Hurricane Irene made it very clear last summer that hurricane risk is not confined to the southern parts of the country," said Dr. Howard Botts, vice president and director of database development for CoreLogic Spatial Solutions. "As we got a glimpse of during Irene, our 2012 report shows even a Category 1 storm could cause property damage in the billions along the northeastern Atlantic Coast and force major metropolitan areas to shut down or evacuate."
With some hurricanes having already taken their course, it could be important for homeowners to check their current home insurance plan, to make sure that it is up to a high standard. If not, it may be important for these people to seek out a better option. A good way to do this is to look online with multiple home insurance quotes, and carefully comparing them to the current offering they have.
Feedback or questions? Email the editor here.


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Download our summary of Homes for All's 2019 legislative outcomes!
Click Here for the Homes for All 2019-2020 Legislative Agenda One Pager.
Click Here for the Homes for All Department of Human Services Appropriations Requests One Pager.
Click Here for the Homes for All Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Appropriations and Policy Requests One Pager.
Click Here for the Homes for All Bonding One Pager.
Click Here for the Homes for All Taxes One Pager.
Where we live impacts every aspect of our lives. Where we call home affects the groceries we buy, where we send our kids to school, and how we thrive in our community. At every stage of life, where we live is the foundation for our health, education, safety, and economic wellbeing.
But in communities across the state, there isn't enough affordable housing. This leaves few options for Minnesotans struggling to make ends meet.
Housing instability threatens individuals, families, and students. More than 1 in 4 households in Minnesota are housing cost-burdened, an increase of more than 70% since 2000. More than half of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness are children and youth, with nearly 9,500 public school students identified as homeless or highly mobile during the 2015-16 school year.
Minnesota will thrive when everyone has a place to call home. Our legislative proposal strengthens Minnesota's Housing Continuum, in every corner of the state.
Department of Human Services/Health & Human Services (DHS): HF 1043 | SF 1864
Policy Request:
Bonding Request
In addition to the 2019-2020 Homes for All Legislative Agenda, Homes for All is in support of:
In addition to the 2019-2020 Homes for All Legislative Agenda, Homes for All passed the following resolution of Support: Sustainable and Predictable Funding for Affordable Homes, In Addition to Current Funding : Click here for the full resolution
Photo from the 2017 Homes for All Rally at the Minnesota State Capitol


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Carter's is offering an additional 30% off all of their clearance items + when you spend $50 or more you can score an additional 20% off with code: NEWBORN and Free Shipping with code: SNOWDAY.
Additionally, you can go through Mr. Rebates to get 3% cash back! You may have to enter the codes a few times to get them to go through. Just confirmed these codes myself. May be a great time to stock up on pj's!
Happy Shopping!


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Exclusive Use Areas
Always ensure that exclusive use areas correspond with the plan or rules of your sectional title scheme!
Always ensure that exclusive use areas correspond with the plan or rules of your sectional title scheme!
In preparation for one of our commercial property auctions we had to deal with an interesting case where a building that was sectionalised but all sections were owned by the same owner, did not correspond with the building plans, says Hein Hattingh, MD and legal adviser of in2assets, the commercial property auction firm. The conditions of sale were prepared to be sold as individual units and the entire block as one lot; and absolutely clarity was needed in respect of the sectional title scheme.
It evoked that some of the exclusive use areas were over the years developed and allocated as store rooms and garages to existing flats.
When the building was initially built, and registered as a sectional title scheme, all plans passed and sections were allocated as common use and exclusive use areas.
As in many old buildings space was not an issue and the design left gaps or open spaces under staircases, or between pillars, that in the years to come, were utilised as extra income generators, explains Hattingh.
In this case, some garages and storerooms were developed on common use areas and public use areas, which were not part of the sectional title scheme, or on any building plans.
The allocation of the additional space was done by an estate agent jointly with the owner and over the years it was assumed that these subject areas, formed part of different units.
Subsequently to these findings, the seller had two options: going back to the drawing board and register the changes in the sectional title scheme of the property, or sell the entire block of flats as one lot.
The auction took place and the property was subsequently sold as one lot achieving a record price.
For more information contact Hein Hattingh firstname.lastname@example.com


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8x18 Whirly House
The Whirly House features an optional off-grid water system, drop-down stage, custom finishing, a fully functional kitchen with butcher block vountertops, a space saving sink, 2-burner propane cooktop, and a propane/electric mini fridge. The convertible bed on wheels functions as a couch when tucked away and a bed when pulled out. The corrugated metal wet bath has removable cedar floor that reveals a shower pan below.
8x20' Evergreen
The Evergreen is a custom model that includes a built-in, expanding bench seat that hides an off-grid water system, a propane/electric 7.2 cu.ft. fridge with a custom cabinet, 34x34" fiberglass shower stall, Nature's Head Composting Toilet, 4x2' skylight, compact propane range, evergreen stained cedar clapboards with a brown corrugated metal roof, and a handmade wooden ladder.
8x24' Rodrigue
The 8x24' Rodrigue is a completely custom tiny house that features a Nature's Head Composting Toilet, a custom kitchen featuring an electric fridge and compact propane cooktop, a wall-mounted Williams propane eco-heater, under-stair cubby storage, an on-demand Takagai hot water heater, and a reclaimed dining room table. The walls are finished with 1/4" plywood and wainscoting for a traditional, "drywall-esque" look.
8x26' Nova (Shell)
The Nova is an 8x26' tiny house shell with an innovative split-level sleeping loft instead a traditional loft. No more crouching! The split-level loft features enough space for a queen-sized bed and frame plus enough space to sit and stand without uncomfortable bending. Four steps up make it a perfect compromise for older or long term tiny house dwellers. The Nova was fully insulated with most of the wall material up and completely finished on the exterior. The Nova was moved to western Vermont to be finished by a motivated DIY-er!


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Jen Sincero's book is a New York Times Bestseller— so it should come as no surprise that it spoke to me and the million others who purchased it. It can be a challenge to approach life with confidence and eliminate doubt. But You Are A Badass gives concrete examples, strategies, and ideas to do just that. It spoke to me on a personal and professional level because it is chock full of great ideas. I came up with a list of 5 reasons I think you should read the book and see for yourself!
1. It promotes self-exploration. Jen discusses how we come to be and what forms us as human beings. She writes that, "our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our realities." This spoke to me not just because it's true, but because it helped me think more about the impact my attitude has on my words and actions. It can be easy to float through life without asking yourself the "why?" behind your thoughts and feelings.
2. It advocates for inclusivity. A fulfilling life isn't reserved for some people. She writes that, "…every single person is born with unique and valuable gifts to share with the world…Living a life on purpose is available to everyone." This spoke to me because it falls in line with what I have always believed— we all have different and beautiful ways to express ourselves and our talents.
3. It encourages people to be grateful, mindful, and to live in the present moment. There are distinct advantages to living this way. Contentment allows you to fully enjoy what you have. Mindfulness, on the other hand, allows you to understand yourself. Living in the moment gives you the chance to see all of your opportunities and your obstacles as a chance to grow and change. "This is where really being present in the moment becomes handy… you are surrounded by unthinkable miracles and opportunities. Lean back, relax and be grateful that you're living on purpose…"
4. The book gives strategies for getting stuff done. It's easy to say you'll eat healthy, save money, start that business you've thought about — someday. But "someday" might never come and actually accomplishing those goals, whatever they may be, requires skill and effort. Often, taking the necessary baby steps is unpleasant and reaching the end goal feels insurmountable. Jen's advice is simple and straightforward: "Set honest goals that are just outside your comfort zone and build from there."
5. It's honest and persuasive. Jen doesn't scold or sugar coat. In fact, the book is written in a no-nonsense tone that will make you want to give the author's ideas a chance. You Are A Badass is never over-complicated and the language makes it accessible and easy to understand for everyone.
So... have you read You Are A Badass? What did you think? Will you give it a try after seeing my five reasons? Let me know in the comments below.


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27 Dec 1935-14 Oct 2004
Born Kaiser, AR, son of Lester Allen Dixon & Miggie Mae Mills
Contributed on 5/4/08 by tootied
Email This Contributor
Record #: 19208
Thank you for visiting the Arkansas Gravestones. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Arkansas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 5/4/08 • Approved: 5/4/08 • Last Updated: 8/10/12 • R19208-G0-S3


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Glycerine Soap, Solid, Clear is a vegetable (glycerin) based soap that contains no Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It can be melted and poured into moulds for slicing into bars or poured directly into fancy moulds for individual soaps.
It has excellent transparency, good foaming and moisturising properties from the high glycerine content which gives a good skin feel.
The neutral base is unfragranced and may be used fragrance free or with the addition of essential oils or fragrance oils of your choice with good fragrance projection, however some essential oils may need to be "fixed" so that their aroma lingers for longer.
It has a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 before the addition of other essential oils, fragrances or actives.
Skin Care
It produces lots of foamy lather and has good cleansing properties along with good moisturisation to the skin due to its very high glycerine content.
Its neutral odour means that any essential oils you choose to add will add a beautiful fragrance.
Small quantities of vegetable oils such as Apricot Kernel Oil, White Poppy Seed Oil etc may be added for extra moisturising properties but be aware that these may make the finished product softer and produce less lather.
Should you choose to add vegetable oils we suggest no more than 2% is added. Active ingredients may also be added but as this is a wash off product they are better used in a leave on product where the skin will benefit from them more.
DO NOT add water to your Melt and Pour Glycerine Soap Base as this will make the end product slimy and not set up properly. If you are adding water based active ingredients or colours keep the amount added low. Do not add pot pourri refresher oils, diffuser oils or candle fragrance oils to your Glycerine Soap Base as they may not be safe for use on the skin.
Hair Care
If you have very short or close cropped hair, the soap can be used to wash it and will leave the scalp moisturised. It is not however, designed as a shampoo bar suitable for longer hair.
Highly fragranced soaps make great air fresheners for bathrooms, cupboards and drawers. When the fragrance has eventually diminished, the soaps are still great soaps for using on your skin.
Suggested Blends
Lavender and Spearmint makes a great, refreshing scent.
Frangipani and Fragonia makes a very complex, floral aroma.
You may find that citrus essential oils need the addition of a fixative such as May Chang to help them remain longer in the soap. Lime is quite robust but you will find that May Chang gives a more intense lemon scent than Lemon does.
The fragrance of mid notes and base notes tend to remain longer than top notes in the soap base but these are still lovely additions to a blend so don't be afraid to experiment.
Melt and Pour Glycerine Soap Base is different from traditionally made cold process soap. It is a soap that has been created to produce an easy to use base to which you can add colour, fragrance etc without the need to use Sodium Hydroxide. Melt and Pour Glycerine Soap started out in the same way as traditional cold process type soap but has gone through additional processes to form the glycerine soap base. It depends on the ingredients used and the manufacturing process as to whether the glycerine soap base is clear or translucent.
Melt and Pour Glycerine Soap does not need to be cured and can be used immediately.
One form of soap or another has been used for thousands of years. During the "Dark Ages" soap was little used for personal hygiene. The type of soap made, known as Lye Soap, would have been made from left-over, boiled, animal fats mixed with an alkaline solution made by combining fire ashes and water to create lye. The lye solution would be poured into the melted animal fats which causes it to heat up. This was stirred constantly while it thickened which could take several hours, before being poured into containers to set up. Lye soap was made for cleaning wools and cooking utensils.
It was not generally used as a cosmetic product for a long time. When it did become more popular for personal hygiene, it was an expensive product that was highly taxed, making it a luxury only the wealthy could afford.
It is a great product to use with groups of children in clubs, schools etc as it gives almost instant results that can be taken home at the end of the session. Similarly it makes a fun activity for those rainy days in the school holidays.
Many professional soap makers use it with great creativity.
Cut the soap base up into small chunks so that it will melt more easily. Put into a double boiler (bain marie) and heat gently until it starts to melt. Do not leave it melting for a long time as this will evaporate some of the water content and affect the finished quality.
When it is melted, take it off the heat so that it starts to cool slightly. At this point, add any other ingredients that you may wish. If you are adding colours, add WB (water based) or NWB (non water based) colours a few drops at a time and stir thoroughly to get the even shade you want. Try mixing colours together to get different shades.
Pearlescent Mica powders may be added if pre mixed with a little glycerine first, for a luxury sparkle.
Now add any fragrances or essential oils that you want and make sure they are stirred in gently but thoroughly.
If you are adding textures, you can add exfoliants such as Bamboo Powder. Whole or ground oats may be added both for texture, decoration and its soothing properties.
Some petals such as rose or lavender turn ugly brown if incorporated into the soap base so it is best to avoid adding these to the body of the soap. Calendula is an exception, however, and retains it's natural beauty whether used on the surface or within the soap. Remember to add and stir in any extras slowly to avoid adding air bubbles to the melted soap base.
Pour your soap into a large mould for slicing later or into individual moulds. Tap the mould gently to knock out any air bubbles. If you don't have any purpose made soap moulds you could try pouring the melted soap base into ice cubes moulds which come in many fun shapes.
If you are adding herbs or flower petals, sprinkle over the surface now and press down gently. Leave to cool and harden up.
As soon as the soaps have hardened completely, turn them out of the moulds and wrap immediately as this soap has such a high glycerin content it attracts moisture to itself and can become sweaty if left open to the air. Store in a cool, dry and dark place until wanted. Should your soaps not release easily from the moulds you can cover them with cling film and place them in the fridge for a few minutes before turning them out. Do not put them in the freezer as the extreme temperature will cause condensation on the surfaces of the soap once it returns to room temperature, this can make the soap slippery and difficult to handle.


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The 5-4 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges was celebrated loudly as a victory for supporters of gay "marriage" Friday, and yet, the way the case was decided, using a new interpretation of the 14th Amendment's due process clause, may have opened the floodgates for gun rights reform.
I argued Friday morning that the Obergefell decision validated concealed carry reciprocity nationwide.
By using the Constitution in such a manner, the Court argues that the Due Process Clause extends "certain personal choices central to individual dignity and autonomy" accepted in a majority of states across the state lines of a handful of states that still banned the practice.
The vast majority of states are "shall issue" on the matter of issuing concealed carry permits, and enjoy reciprocity with a large number of other states.
My North Carolina concealed carry permit, for example, was recognized yesterday as being valid in 36 states, which just so happened to be the number of states in which gay marriage was legal yesterday. But 14 states did not recognize my concealed carry permit yesterday.
Today they must.
Using the same "due process clause" argument as the Supreme Court just applied to gay marriage, my concealed carry permit must now be recognized as valid in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
What I didn't know at the time is that a more expansive argument had already made by Marc Greendorfer in an amicus brief attached to the Obergefell case.
In retrospect, it seems short-sighted to believe that the majority decision by the five justice majority in Obergefell would only apply to something as narrow as one kind of state or local gun law.
As Greendorfer argues, if there is any intellectual and logical consistency in the Supreme Court's arguments at all, the "due process" argument must be applied as equally to state and local gun laws, sweeping them aside entirely, and reaffirming the clear command in the Second Amendment that, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
All, state and local on concealed and open carry would seem to be invalidated, and citizens should be allowed to carry firearms, either openly or concealed, anywhere they want to go.
Dare the Court dare claim that the 14th Amendment's due process clause only applies in specific and narrow instances?


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Pretty dresser from Vancouver Judson Beaumont, this chic furniture is designed for Straight Line Designs Inc.
Called Little Black Dresser, it has several drawers to put everything you like such as small accessories and etc. Comes with 14" W x 46"H x10" D in dimensions, this stylish dresser is made of MDF, maple veneer and aluminum. Beauty, chic and stylish, it's what lady needed.


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Stability, support and Christian addiction recovery for men.
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Homelessness and addiction hurt. But there is a way back toward home and healing!
In our free nine-month Christian residential addiction recovery program, up to 25 men leave behind the burden of the past to embrace a healthy new life.
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Thursday, November 19, 2015
Bring On the Back-ups: "Crimes by Calculation!" by Rozakis, Grell, and Austin
Watch for more of The Calculator in coming posts! Oh, and if you want the ending ruined for ya, go ahead and leap to the final showdown from Detective Comics #468...or wait and visit that link once you've read...the REST of the story!
3 comments:
These backups were the entry of Terry Austin into the comics inking field. Soon he would be teamed with Marshall Rogers for their magnificent run on Batman in the front of the mag. Then his legendary run on the X-Men and all other kinds of delights in the groovy age. Thanks for giving us this ground-floor view of the beginning of one the the best inkers ever in the history of comics.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 19, 2015 at 9:29 PM
Another blast from the past Groove! Wow I read this many years ago when I was a little kid! Man, I almost teared up when Bagley fell into that chasm!ReplyDelete
- Mike from Trinidad & Tobago.
I liked this arc so much as a kid! The one and only time it was printed, monthly, in Italy, it was printed in black and white, except for the final chapter, and Austin's inks just shone!ReplyDelete
All other commentary and insanity copyright GroovyAge, Ltd.
As for the rest of ya, the purpose of this blog is to (re)introduce you to the great comics of the 1970s. If you like what you see, do what I do--go to a comics shop, bookstore, e-Bay or whatever and BUY YOUR OWN!


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God at work in Baltimore church plant
Chris Pugh is a church planter from Birchman in Baltimore, MD with the North American Mission Board. Chris, along with wife Katy and their two kids, give the following exciting update on their ministry.
Blessings Birchman family! God has been so faithful during our first few months here in Baltimore. He has opened so many doors for us and connected us to many different areas of our new community. First, He opened a door for me to coach varsity football at a local high school, Loch Raven High. From that, I was able to start a Bible study with players. We have grown to 15 kids a week and eight of those kids have made decisions to follow Christ. In that group, we have five different ethnic groups and many of those students had never heard the Gospel!
We have connected with almost 80 families who are interested in knowing more about our church. We have partnered with the school I coach at and will have our launch team meetings there on the first and third Sundays of every month. Our first meeting will be October 23 and we will discuss two things: The Message of Our Ministry and the Method of Our Ministry. The Message will simply be a Gospel presentation. The invitation will be two-fold. First, people attending who have turned from sin and placed their faith in Christ will be invited to join our launch team. The second invitation will be for those who have never done that. We will give an invitation and then invite the new converts to join our team. The Method will be answering the question of "How are we going to get the Message to the people?"
Once we have established our core group, we will begin casting the vision for our church and doing leadership training and discipleship. In the vision casting, we will explain what our church will look like; we will explain our "church DNA." Our leadership training will be teaching the standards of leaders and how to lead. The final training will be Seminary 101 where we will begin training on how to study and interpret Scripture, basic Old Testament and New Testament Survey, and why we are Baptist and what the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 is
Here are some specific ways you can pray for what God is doing here:
- Please pray for our first launch team meeting. Pray that God would save the lost there and begin transforming lives. Also pray that the believers we have connected with would see our vision and join our team. We are praying for a launch team of 100 people surrendered to following Christ by next summer.
- Please pray for our student ministry. These kids are as raw as they come. It's both a blessing and challenge. We have kids in our study who had never been exposed to Christianity before this study. They are learning everything for the first time and ask such genuine questions. There are also some kids who distract and divide. Please pray against distraction and division in our study and for them to hear the Truth each week clearly. I also give most of them rides to and from the McDonald's where we meet. Our minivan has been very useful in this but we are outgrowing the minivan and can't always fit all the kids who need rides in it.
- I desire to have other staff members going into our launch. I'd love to have a worship pastor, student pastor, and children's pastor for launch. Please pray that God would either send or raise up these that we need to help shepherd our flock and equip the saints.
Thank you for your prayers and support and we look forward to being home for Thanksgiving!


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Keeping Our Kiddos Safe In Summer - Preventing, Recognizing & Treating Overheating & Dehydration/
Summertime is so much fun with little ones, but it can also be a dangerous season if we don't consider how to keep our little ones cool and hydrated during extreme heat. Babies and young children have a smaller amount of liquid in their body, so dehydration can progress more quickly than in adults. Additionally, babies and young children can't sweat as well as adults, so they can have a hard time cooling their bodies down once they begin to heat up, putting them at higher risk of overheating. That's why it's very important to keep a close eye on your little ones on hot and humid days. Most of the time we can recognize the early signs and symptoms of dehydration and overheating (heat exhaustion & heat cramps) and work to prevent any serious issues. If ignored, these can progress to Heat Stroke and Severe Dehydration - which are a medical emergency and life threatening.
As a CPR & Safety Instructor and mom of 3, I get lots of questions about keeping kids safe from the sun and heat in the summer months. So today, I'm sharing a few tips on keeping your kiddos safe from the sun, and preventing overheating and dehydration. Plus how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, and what to do if you're concerned about your little one.
How to Keep Littles Safe In the Sun:
It is recommended that babies under 6 months old stay out of the sun, and sunscreens are not recommended. If you absolutely can't keep baby shaded from the sun, a small amount of sunscreen is typically safer than sun exposure to their sensitive skin.
Cover up as much skin as possible with light loose breathable clothing
For kids and babies over 6 months use a broad spectrum sun screen of SPF30+ daily on exposed skin, and don't forget to reapply frequently. This is my current favourite
Use a brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses (if your little will keep them on!)
Stay in the shade as much as possible
Use UV protective clothing and swim suits
Use umbrellas to create shade
When parents are concerned about sun exposure they often cover their baby completely, putting them at a much higher risk of overheating. Here are some tips to reduce that risk and keep babies & big kids safe on hot days.
How to Reduce the Risk of Heat Related Illnesses:
Stay home on heat/smog advisory days, or head to air conditioned spaces e.g. libraries, community centres, shopping centres
Dress in light breathable natural fabrics
Play outside before 10am & after 4pm when the sun is less intense
Play in the shade
Use a sprinkler, water mister, or fan to stay cool
Encourage hydration throughout the day. Breastmilk/Formula are the main forms of hydration for infants under 1 year, but a small amount of water is appropriate if you're concerned about their fluid intake on a hot day. Clear fluids like water and coconut water are ideal. You can flavour water with fresh fruit for a nice change. Popsicles are also a great way to hydrate and stay cool. Kids can get distracted when having fun, so make sure you stop regularly for hydration breaks.
Eat foods with high water content eg. watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, blueberries, oranges etc
Never leave a baby, child or pet in a parked car, even for a moment. A parked car can reach life threatening temperatures within minutes.
When out and about with your stroller or car seat avoid using plastic sun covers, and never fully cover your baby. A few years ago a Swedish research study showed that a covered stroller or car seat can become dangerously hot very quickly, even with a light muslin blanket. If you are using a stroller cover, please ensure it's a UV protective breathable mesh cover, or ensure you don't cover the entire opening. Always prioritize air flow to baby.
You should always be able to see your baby's face without lifting up the fabric. Oh hot sunny days I use a set of Kiddie Clips to hold a light weight blanket in place which creates good sun cover for Penny's bare legs, but does not block the air circulation to her face. If you're ever draping a blanket over a car seat please ensure there is adequate air flow and that baby is always visible. (*Special offer from Kiddie Clips below)
If you're babywearing try to choose a carrier made of a lightweight breathable fabric like linen, or one with a mesh panel to allow air flow. My favourite in the summer months are my Sakura Bloom Linen Ring Sling and my new I-Angel Hip Seat Carrier with mesh panel. If you or baby is getting too hot make sure you take a break and remove baby from the carrier to cool off in the shade or inside. *These are only 2 examples of carriers which are ideal for summer wearing. I always encourage parents to "try before you buy", as you never know what will fit you and your babywearing needs best until you try it with your own baby. Join me at my monthly FREE Babywearing Drop In to learn more about babywearing, or to try any of my carriers.
Even when we follow these recommendations overheating can happen in our extreme climate. Learn the signs and symptoms below so you will know how to recognize heat related illnesses early, and treat them to avoid an emergency.
Signs and Symptoms of Overheating and Dehydration:
Change in behaviour eg. lethargy, drowsiness, irritability
Muscle Cramps
Decreased urination/dark yellow urine
Extreme thirst
Cool, clammy skin
Rapid breathing & heart rate
What to Do If You Notice Concerning Symptoms:
Bring person to a cool place indoors, an air-conditioned car, or shady area
Remove excess clothing
Encourage hydration (clear, non-caffeinated, non-carbonated liquids are best)
Apply a cool wet cloth to skin *Here's one of my fave mom hacks for summer. If we're headed out on a long summer day trip I always plan ahead and freeze a few water bottles in the deep freeze the night before. The frozen bottles stay cold late into the day and keep the rest of the food/drinks cool. They can be used to hydrate, but can also be applied to the back of the neck/wrist, or thawed cold water can be poured over a piece of fabric for a compress, to help cool someone off if need be.
With mild symptoms continue to encourage hydration and monitor closely.
If they are refusing liquids, and symptoms are not improving or becoming more serious, contact your health care provider or head to a clinic to get health care immediately.
Always call 911 if situation becomes life threatening (eg. overheating or dehydration causing rapid breathing, a true fever, increased heart rate, fainting, unresponsiveness)
I hope these tips make you feel more confident caring for your babes in our hot summer months. In my experience parents focus so much on their little ones well being, and often forget about their own. So here's a friendly reminder for all parents, and especially the nursing mamas out there, to up your hydration during the summer months so you to keep up with the increased hydration your body needs.
If you want to learn more about keeping your family safe throughout the year check out my Infant/Family CPR & Safety Workshops (Private in-home and public group classes available). As a little gift please use code: sunsmart10 for 10% off your own set of Kiddie Clips. Please post any questions or comments below, and let me know if you have any topics you would like me to cover.
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*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.


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MEETUPS : special long distance guest
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE : Mark worked as a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1970-2004, and has written standard works on the history of photography and design. Among his books is River Scene, France by Camille Silvy (Getty, 1992). His poems have appeared in national magazines since 1987. He published Wild Track: Poems with Pictures by Friends (Trace Editions, 2005) and won the London Writers Prize for poetry in 2006. His 'Water Sonnet' appears in Poems for a Liminal Age, edited by Mandy Pannett (SPM Publications, 2015). His latest book, Wild is the Wind, is a collaboration with the photographer Tessa Traeger – a book of photographs and poems inspired by North Devon (Impress, February 2017). The book, designed by Prof. Phil Cleaver, celebrates Tessa Traeger's 52 years of work in Rossetti Studios, Chelsea: it is in an edition of 52, each book costing £52. Copies are held by the London Library and the Saison Poetry Library.
WEBSITE: http://markhaworthbooth.com/
WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Haworth-Booth
RECENT PUBLICATION: WILD IS THE WIND , photographs and poems about North Devon with Tessa Traeger
What a difference a couple of days at Dartington can make! I am just back from two quick visits – attending three events on Sunday 30 July and three more on Tuesday 1 August. They were all part of the Dartington Summer School programme directed by the celebrated pianist Joanna McGregor. I'd like to share some of the highlights.
Well, Dartington Hall is itself a highlight, isn't it? Pevsner calls it 'the most spectacular medieval mansion of Devon.' Its courtyard is spacious and elegant, like an Oxbridge quad – inspiring by day, enchanting in evening light. The Great Hall (late XIVth c.) is, Pevsner again, 'among the finest of its date in England.' What a place – in front of the vast fireplace and soaring stone walls – to hear Alice Oswald give (from memory, as usual) her recent long poem 'Rain'. She was accompanied by a jazz pianist, who kept pace with, and accentuated, the remarkable shifts of tempo in the poem. I was lucky enough to talk with Alice afterwards and was fascinated to find that the rain storm that prompted the poem took place on the day of the Referendum vote in June last year – a moment of huge national importance. Perhaps one can understand 'Rain' as a state of the nation poem. How wonderful that the poem, in a different recitation by Alice, can easily be heard and heard again via the Radio 3 website.
That event was at the end of my second visit but Alice, and her husband Peter Oswald, also featured in the first I attended. This was a panel on the 'Stories in Transit' project initiated by Marina Warner last year. Dame Marina has been working, assisted by a team of artists from many disciplines, with young refugees in Palermo, Sicily. Her idea is that refugee camps lack a cultural dimension that could be vital in helping traumatised individuals back to fully functioning life. She was thrilled to find, as part of her immersion in Arabic literature, history and culture, that the word raawi embraces both relating (a story) and watering or irrigating. Stories in Transit aims to use stories to help refugees to survive and to flourish in appallingly difficult circumstances. Marina's account of the project and the thinking behind it can be found in a report titled 'Bearer-Beings and Stories in Transit/Storie in Transito' (Marvels & Tales: Journal of Fairy-Tale Studies, Vol.31, No.1, 2017, pp. 149-62 – not difficult to access thanks to public libraries and JSTOR). I was fortunate enough to play a small part in this project when a three day series of workshops was held in Palermo last September. I was deeply impressed by the young, mostly West African, refugees we met: they seemed, despite their terrible experiences, up for everything – positive and dynamic assets to any community that would have them. I also have great admiration for the women who teach them Italian and are so concerned for their welfare – a school for refugee children in Palermo numbers 3000 students.
At the panel on Stories in Transit, Peter Oswald spoke of a fascinating community-based drama about – and with – refugees that he was recently involved with at Plymouth's Barbican Theatre. Alice spoke of different instances of imaginative power from the adventures of Odysseus to the real life experiences of the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl and the novelist Mikhail Bakhtin. We also heard from the most popular contemporary Arabic-language poet, Tamim Al-Barghouti. Tamim is rare in being deeply involved in contemporary politics and immersed in classical Arabic literature and history. Many YouTube videos capture his public readings (some, through Al Jazeera Plus with added animations) but now a selection of his poems is available. These sentences are borrowed from the website at SOAS, where the new book was launched in May: 'In Jerusalem and Other Poems, lovingly translated by his late mother, Radwa Ashour, the prominent Egyptian academic and novelist, and Ahdaf Soueif, the Booker nominated author of The Map of Love, were written in Cairo, Ramallah, Amman, Washington, DC and Berlin between 1996 and 2016. In 2007, Al-Barghouti's long poem 'In Jerusalem', which describes an aborted journey to the city, became something of a street poem. It is heartbreakingly beautiful. It speaks to the story of millions of homeless Palestinians who have been forced to live in exile since 1948.' Tamim's father, Mourid Barghouti, is also a distinguished poet and the author of the illuminating memoir I saw Ramallah. In Jerusalem is the next book on my reading list – it was recently published by Interlink Publishing Group and is easy to find online.
So many magical doors opened during my two days, which, of course, one wants to share – thank you, Dartington!
even a primal one – the idea and the Greek word itself taken from Seamus Heaney, of course. The recent, and last, issue of Poetry Review edited by Riordan contains fine 'Omphalos' pieces by Nick Laird (about a childhood stream) and Zaffar Kunial (on a garden tree). Luckily, one doesn't need to be famous to try one's hand at this: so here is a little 'Omphalos'of my own.
I grew up in rural Sussex. My father constructed a house in the late 1930s and it seemed very livable to my parents and their three boys (born 1940, 1942 and 1944 – I being the youngest). It was at the end of Oldlands Avenue, where the houses stopped and market gardens began. Behind it was our garden, then some land my father used for his contracting business, and beyond that a mysterious pond with trees around it. The trees and bushes made the pond rather secret, ideal for playing in and fantasizing terrible adventures. These often involved two dugout canoes my father had somehow acquired. A few years ago I used my memory of this in a poem called I'll trade you, which is about how we seem to trade away our precious childhoods to gain what comes afterwards:
For your father's backyard with the overhung pond
where you fought with canoes-full of roaring headhunters
I'll trade you amazing adventures in Rio's favelas –
(all paid for, plus girlfriend and book deal with Granta) …
Glyn Maxwell kindly gave this a commendation in a recent Poetry London competition
and I had the great satisfaction of reading the poem at Kings Place in London.
In 1955 my grandparents died and we moved to their old mill house in the same village. The first night in my new bedroom I listened entranced to the steady sound of water sliding from the millpond over the weir, splashing onto sandstone steps into a pool where pike could be caught and on into the modest Shill Brook. This pleasant stream, a few miles later, occupied a broad valley crossed by the handsome Balcombe Viaduct on the London-Brighton railway line. I liked to visit my grandparents at the millhouse and take my fishing rod down to the brook. At the age of eight I caught a small Brown Trout (on a hook baited with a worm) and ran back to show it to my delighted grandparents. The reflections in the millpond established a wonderful sense of order in my mind and the brook became the site of my new adventures.
It was about 1974 that news came that the Shill Brook valley was to be flooded to make a new reservoir for all the new houses, businesses etc – including Gatwick Airport and Crawley New Town, both only a few miles away – that appeared after the Second World War. The natural playground of my childhood was submerged, a year or two later, under billions of gallons of water. My father saw the necessity of it and didn't oppose the reservoir. Now it looks lovely, of course, but I spent a summer taking friends to see my soon to be obliterated secret stream and camped beside it for a few nights with the girl who became my wife.
That's all a long time ago, and now – after nearly forty years living and working in London – we live in North Devon. We have, with the help of one of my mechanically capable brothers, dug out a pond, about 25 x 30 metres. It is full of life, of course – currently with 18 resident Mallards, most of whom were born here. Moorhens have nested here and raised their dusky chicks, kingfishers occasionally hunt here for insects, willow warblers hover among the reeds like hummingbirds, dippers come to visit, dragonflies glitter above the yellow flags and swallows cross the pond at speed, dipping to take a sip of water or an insect with a small splash. Skies reflect themselves in the pond, breezes create a strange fleeting geometry of shapes on the surface – and something precious from my childhood has been restored.
However, we don't just have a pond. The retired farmers who live next door kindly allow us to walk through a wood they own, beside a lovely little brook that is just like the one I grew up with in Sussex. It doesn't seem to have a name so I sometimes think of it as Folly Brook, the name of the one in the stories by 'BB' that I loved, most notably The Little Grey Men. My neighbour Margaret once saw two young otters playing with their mother in the river and only last summer a sharp-eyed naturalist found an otter spraint on a stone beside it. I walk there almost daily and although I have yet to see an otter I am always alert to the possibility – with that heightened awareness that one feels when on the scent of a new poem.


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JustEarth is holding another training workshop to prepare Fridays for the Future (and others who have not lobbied before) on how to lobby a federal MP.
Lobbying 101 – a Climate Action...Read more
Runnymede Public Library, 2178 Bloor St.W
On May 6, 2014, the U.S. released its 3rd National Climate Assessment, a report detailing the impacts of climate change on the U.S. and its national economy. Media covered this broadly in the U.S. and the President addressed the nation. The front page of the Toronto Star declared the "real and present danger". Authors of the NCA have taken great care to assure the language is as accessible as possible, and that resources are similarly accessible on their site http://nca2014.globalchange.gov A 2-hour press conference, with a high-powered panel, launched the report. http://www.c-span.org/video/?319224-2/white-house-unveils-climate-assess...
Little is it known that in June 2014, Natural Resources Canada released Canada in a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptations. http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/environment/resources/publications/impacts-adapta... No fanfare. No public statement by any Minister. Particularly conspicuous by her silence was Minister of Envt Leona Aglukkaq. Where is our two-hour press conference, our statement by the Prime Minister that acknowledges the clear and present danger? Where is the accessible language, and the resources?
Canadians deserve better than this.
Join Green 13 to view and discuss the first hour of the 2-hour press conference which launched the report. Following this screening we will discuss the report quietly released in June 2014, and examine the role of this government.
Free admission


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Good focus for this Sunday:
I grew up an evangelical, so part of my spiritual DNA is to act first and pray later. I had few models of men and women in my church who practiced regular reflection, contemplation, and solitude. Fewer still took seriously the call to simplicity. Thankfully, over the past few decades, I have learned from and tried to emulate the spiritual depth found in Merton's volumes of contemplative writings, and through the integrity of his life.
Merton's words stand the test of time. He called a world filled with greed, violence, prejudice, and fear to pursue dialogue, silence, solitude, and prayer. He questioned the values and priorities of modernity, claiming modern
"mass man … lives not only below the level of grace, but below the level of nature—below his own humanity. No longer in contact with the created world or with himself, out of touch with reality of nature, he lives in the world of collective obsessions, the world of systems and fictions with which modern man has surrounded himself. In such a world, man's life is no longer even a seasonal cycle. It's a linear flight into nothingness, a flight from reality and from God, without purpose and without objective, except to keep moving, to keep from having to face reality. "
Continue reading here.
Your thoughts???


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Help shape the future leaders of tomorrow!
SOFWOLF needs your support! SOFWOLF needs individuals and companies to donate money and time to support our efforts. SOFWOLF also needs SOF Associations to provide airfare for students traveling from out-of-state. Please provide what you can to support the internship, leadership training and career development of these students!


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The Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) announces a free, all-ages concert featuring Grammy-nominated Rahim AlHaj and special guests at Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia, on Thursday, May 18, at 8 PM. The event is open to the public.
Rahim AlHaj is a virtuoso oud musician and composer from Baghdad, Iraq, who came to the U.S. in 2000 as a political refugee. In 2015, he received the NEA's National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor the U.S. bestows on a traditional artist.
AlHaj first began playing the oud, an instrument similar to a pear-shaped guitar, when he was only eight years old, and he quickly rose to fame in Iraq. According to a March 24 article in FORBES, he escaped Iraq after being incarcerated for refusing to join the ruling Ba'ath party, and was forced to leave his beloved oud behind.
"It was the most excruciating moment in my life," explains AlHaj in a telephone interview with FORBES. "Torture, blah-blah, this is nothing. Nothing compared to this moment."
From May 18-19, the Virginia Folklife Program will host AlHaj as a resident artist in Harrisonburg. A small city in the rural Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is surprisingly diverse and has recently embraced many refugee and immigrant populations. There are particularly large Iraqi and Kurdish populations, with Arabic now the second-most-spoken language in the Harrisonburg public schools.
In addition to the May 18 concert, AlHaj will participate in cultural exchange activities with local Iraqi musicians and several bluegrass musicians from the region, including a Thursday afternoon public musical jam at Al Sultan, a restaurant frequented by the Iraqi community. While in Harrisonburg, AlHaj will also visit several public schools, including Spotswood Elementary and Thomas Harrison and Skyline Middle Schools.
The residency events are offered in collaboration with Gabe Huck and Theresa Kubasak, authors of Never Can I Write About Damascus: When Syria Became Our Home, featured at the 2017 Virginia Festival of the Book. Huck and Kubasak work extensively with the Iraqi and Islamic communities in Harrisonburg.
More information about the Rahim AlHaj concert and residency is available online here.
About the Virginia Folklife Program
The Virginia Folklife Program, a public program of Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, is dedicated to the documentation, presentation, support, and celebration of Virginia's rich cultural heritage. For more than twenty-five years, the program has documented the Commonwealth's music and material traditions and shared those histories through hands-on workshops, performances, exhibitions, audio and video recordings, and apprenticeships across Virginia. For more information, visit VirginiaFolklife.org.
About VFH
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH) connects people and ideas to explore the human experience and inspire cultural engagement. VFH reaches an estimated annual audience of 23 million through community programs, websites and digital initiatives, grants and fellowships, radio programs and podcasts, the Virginia Folklife Program, and the Virginia Center for the Book. To learn more, visit VirginiaHumanities.org.


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The Kung Fu Salute
Salutes have been around for a great many years. Reaching far back in history, knights greeted each other by raising their visors to show their faces, using a motion that resulted in what looks like a modern Military salute.
Martial Artists commonly salute with a bow, gesture, or some other trademark of style and tradition…
And display honor and respect for each other's skills, abilities, and the work it took to get there.
You'll see bows or salutations between people, towards places and things symbolic, and also within martial art forms, practices, and ceremonies.
One of the first things a student is taught when starting Martial Arts is how to bow or salute.
Although there are several varieties of the Chinese salute, by far the most common is the fist/palm. There are typically two types of this:
- General Greeting or sign of Thanks
- Kung Fu Salute
The name of the General Greeting is 作 揖 (Zuō Yī / Jok3 Yap3). It can also be referred to by just Yi/Yap.
The Kung Fu Salute is 武 术 抱 拳 礼 (Wǔ Shù Bào Quán Lǐ / Mou5 Seut6 Bou5 Kyun4 Lai5) and roughly translates to the Kung Fu Courtesy of Covering one's Fist.
While the General Greeting is more relaxed, the specifics surrounding the Kung Fu Salute have a bit more depth, and is obviously a bit more of our focus.
A proper salute not only shows respect for teachers and training partners, it is also an excellent indicator of the practitioners attitude and level of proficiency in the art.
Think of this the next time you Salute and what this phrase means:
When you drink a glass of water, you should always consider its source.
When using the General Greeting or a show of thanks, the right fist is merely surrounded by the left hand; the left hand is placed palm against the right fist so that the fingers of the left hand lay against the back to the right hand. Keep in mind, however, that there are those that switch the right & left designations.
For a proper Kung Fu Salute, pay attention to these points:
- Make a Fist with the Right hand
- Place the Palm of the Left hand over the Right Fist
- The Left Thumb is bent, and the four fingers are pressed together & straight
- The arms form a circle with the elbows hanging low and the shoulders relaxed
- The hands are held between nose and chest height, depending on the amount/level of respect to be shown
- The posture is erect and the eyes are focused on the person who is being saluted, except in special circumstances
- Many students will bring their hands higher when saluting an altar or Sifu, accompanying it with a slight bow
As there are variations among styles in the salute, there are also many widely-different interpretations as to the meanings and symbols behind the salute.
They can generally be organized into seven different areas:
- Official Standard
- General
- Practical
- Yin-Yang
- History
- Wu Xia
- Philosophy
Official Standard
The modern Peoples' Republic of China definition states that the fist demonstrates that you are pledged to the cultivation of the martial arts, and are using martial arts to make friends.
The open hand thumb is bent out of humility. Chinese people will point to themselves with their thumb instead of their index finger.
A straightened thumb, like the western 'thumb up' gesture means 'I'm number one!' to Chinese. Therefore, the bent thumb implies that that you are not the best. Proper martial etiquette would demand that you remain humble and not show off.
The four fingers symbolize uniting kung fu across the four directions.
One of the most common ways of explaining this in Martial Arts schools in the West is that the right hand held in a fist represents your weapon, the left hand covers as the sheath. The interpretation is, "Here is my weapon. It is put away – out of trust and respect."
In short, the fist shows martial ability, and the hand covers the fist to show civility.
The union of these symbols is uprightness, human justice, personal freedom while fully respecting the rights of others, and the humility of recognizing ones' mistakes.
Another view is that the four fingers being extended means Martial Arts across the globe (or the four oceans) are of the same line and share the same goal. The bent thumb shows modesty and humility. To place the fist and palm together means you are willing to make friends through your martial arts practice, and to form a circle with the arms shows that all Martial Artists on earth are of one family.
In historical China, many practitioners would train Iron Palm or other Gong training to the left hand. Supposedly they were less likely to use it and harm someone, since most folks are right-handed.
The right hand symbolizes our trained ability to fight. The open left hand symbolizes our preference for peace. Placing the left open hand over the right symbolizes that although we are trained to fight, we restrain that and prefer peace.
This is not a document about Yin-Yang dynamics, as that is a complete study in itself. In Martial Arts, Philosophy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, one debate has lasted for centuries: The relationship of Left & Right vs. Yin & Yang. Keep this in mind, as some of the Yin-Yang theories of the Salute will conflict with each other in this way.
The right fist may symbolize the Yang principle: masculine, active, hard, hot, rising, projective, positive, etc. The left palm symbolizes the Yin principle: feminine, passive, soft, cool, sinking, receptive, negative, etc.
In combat, there is offense and defense.
In truth, Harmony is what we desire.
The left hand may be considered like the Sun – Yang; the right hand like that of the Yin Moon. The union between these two brightest objects in the sky is Brightness, illumination, etc., known as 明 (Míng / Ming4).
Sun has two major names in Chinese:
- 日 (Rì / Yat6) = Sun
- 太 阳 (Tài Yáng / Taai3 Yeung4) = Great Yang
Moon has many more names in Chinese. For simplicity's sake, let's consider the pairing best matched with Sun:
- 月 (Yuè / Yut6) = Moon
- 太 阴 (Tài Yīn / Taai3 Yam1) = Great Yin
The Chinese characters for Yin and Yang actually contain the characters for the Moon and Sun within them, and the two celestial bodies are thought of as being the epitome of their expressions.
Putting these two together, you get 明 (Míng / Ming4), meaning brightness, illumination, clear-sighted, etc.
And now another usage of the word Ming.
The Salute was used as a code for compatriots – seen in the early Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911) of the Han Chinese government; the Ming dynasty was overthrown by the foreign Manchu empire.
During this time of political discontent, the Han Chinese (main, native Chinese; not a minority) often formed resistance groups. Some used the Salute to symbolize to another that they were allies in the same cause.
Ming is both the name of the previous dynasty, and the character meaning illumination or to understand.
This showed their allegiance to the old Ming dynasty; their cause to repel the Qing (Manchurians) and restore the Ming (Han Chinese). The Ming dynasty has been described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history."
A common phrase, even used by Sun Yat-Sen was 反 清 复 明 (Fǎn Qīng Fù Míng / Faan2 Ching1 Fuk6 Ming4):
Oppose the Qing, Restore the Ming
Wu Xia
武 俠 (Wǔ Xiá / Mou5 Haap6) means Martial Hero, and refers to a broad genre of Chinese fiction in books, movies, etc., concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancinet China. Although fiction, there is quite a bit of Wu Xia influence on actual Traditional Chinese Martial Arts (TCMA) and vice-versa.
The 四 大 名 著 (Sì Dà Míng Zhù / Sei3 Daai6 Ming4 Zoek3) "Four Great Classical Novels" (or Four Great Masterpieces) of Chinese literature are among the world's longest and oldest novels and have influenced the creation of many stories, plays, movies, games, and other forms of entertainment throughout Asia. You'll also find many Chinese proverbs and idioms, still in use today, that are derived from Classic Chinese novels.
And two of these four are considered Wu Xia:
- 水 浒 传 (Shuǐ Hǔ Chuán / Seui2 Wu2 Chyun4) Heroes of the Water Margin, aka Water Margin, Outlaws of the Marsh, Tale of the Marshes, All Men Are Brothers, Men of the Marshes, or The Marshes of Mount Liang
- 三 國 演 義 (Sān Guó Yǎn Yì / Saam1 Gwok3 Yin2 Ji6) Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Inside, you'll often find the concept of wandering warriors living in the 江 湖 (Jiāng Hú / Gong1 Wu4) "Rivers and Lakes." This refers to a community of martial artists in Wuxia stories and, more recently, outlaw societies like the Triads. The Jianghu is similar, but different from the 武 林 (Wǔ Lín / Mou5 Lam4) and 遊 俠 (Yóu Xiá / Yau4 Haap6), which I will touch on another time. But let's get back to the Five Lakes Four Seas.
The five fingers of the fist = Five Lakes 五 湖 (Wǔ Hú / Ong5 Wu4) and the four straight fingers of the left hand represent Four Seas 四 海 (Sì Hǎi / Sei3 Hoi2). Some more eclectic styles still emphasize this symbolism and use this terminology in the naming of their salutes.
This represents the five major lakes in China and the four seas that surround China (although some have different interpretations of these lakes & seas). But some also used the idiom to describe a vast domain, such as the entire country or the entire world.
In ancient China "5 Lakes 4 Seas" meant all (Han 漢) Chinese are one family. In a modern and broader vision, it means that all people cultivated by Chinese culture are brothers and sisters.
Together, they represent a union of everything encompassed within the Five Lakes and Four Seas. Ancient Chinese knew this as the World at large. Ultimately, this leads to the proverb "Across the Five Lakes and Four Seas, All Men are Brothers" 五 湖 四 海 皆 兄 弟 (Wǔ Hú Sì Hǎi Jiē Xiōng Dì / Ong5 Wu4 Sei3 Hoi2 Gaai1 Hing1 Dai6) or simply "All Men are Brothers."
"Men" and "Brothers" are gender-specific, but their meanings here are gender-neutral.
The simplified translation, "All Men are Brothers," has also been used as an alternative title for the Wu Xia novel Heroes of the Water Margin, mentioned above.
One association of the Five Lakes & Four Seas would be:
|Five Lakes
|Four Seas
|洞 庭 湖 (Dòng Tíng Hú / Dung6 Ting4 Wu4) in Hunan 湖 南 province
|渤 海 (Bó Hǎi / But6 Hoi2) Rising Sea
|鄱 陽 湖 (Pó Yáng Hú / Po4 Yeung4 Wu4) in Jiangxi 江 西 province
|東 海 (Dōng Hǎi / Dung1 Hoi2) East [China] Sea
|青 海 湖 (Qīng Hǎi Hú / Ceng1 Hoi2 Wu4) in Qing Hai 青 海 province
|南 海 (Nán Hǎi / Naam4 Hoi2) Southern [China] Sea
|太 湖 (Tài Hú / Taai3 Wu4) in Jiangsu 江 苏 province
|黃 海 (Huáng Hǎi / Wong4 Hoi2) Yellow Sea
|西 湖 (Xī Hú / Sai1 Wu4) in Zhejiang 浙 江 province
The Confucian ideal of perfection through pursuit of both the scholarly and martial arts 文 武 双 全 (Wén Wǔ Shuāng Quán / Man4 Mou5 Seung1 Chyuhn4) and the process of perfecting both arts 文 武 双 修 (Wén Wǔ Shuāng Xiū / Man4 Mou5 Seung1 Sau1), actually lends itself well to the Salute.
孔 夫 子 (Kǒng Fū Zi/ Hung2 Fu1 Zi2), better known as Confucius, stated the need for a true gentleman to be a master of both the scholarly and the martial, so that – should the need arise – he could lead armies to defend his family and country; Confucius himself was a skilled horseman and archer.
In this explanation, the fist represents the martial component of a martial artist 武 (Wǔ / Mou5) and the palm represents the more scholarly aspects of a person 文 (Wén / Man4).
This can be seen in the closed fist; a universal symbol for violence, is rigid, and does not have the capacity to grasp new things and be gentle.
An open hand symbolizes openness, respect, courtesy and, piety, representing the more scholarly pursuits of knowledge and wisdom.
The combination of the two shows a person is capable of the martial, yet he or she will refrain from it, suppressed by a strong respect and courtesy for others which is above any need for martial conflict.
Kung Fu Salute
So what is the meaning behind the Salute in Kung Fu? It means a depth of understanding, a depth of character. Respect, honor and tradition. And more.
Here's saluting you, Kung Fu!


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One vote makes a difference
I attended the Aurora Township Democratic Party caucus last night at the request of two friends who needed my vote. Things were pretty crowded at the grass roots as four candidates vied to be slated as Democratic candidate for township supervisor. Also pretty chaotic. If you didn't know when to say yea or nay, too bad. The chairman wielded the gavel rather heavily and quickly. You voted on slips of paper by coloring in the box -- no chance of a hanging chad or electronic voting machine error. Well, almost no chance -- one vote was in dispute because of a question over the voter's eligibility. That in turn required a call to the election commission. What then turned out to be the margin of victory? One vote separated the second and third place finishers. It pays to bring a friend. Also a book. Democracy is time-consuming as well as chaotic at its roots.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Posted by Marcia Z. Nelson at 11:47 AM
Labels: politics
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