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Matt chats with Tom Greever—designer and UX Director at Bitovi, and author of the latest O'Reilly title Articulating Design Decisions: Communicate with Stakeholders, Keep Your Sanity, and Deliver the Best User Experience. Tom answers some questions submitted by the UX Mastery community, and discusses how defending your design decisions can sometimes be more important that the design […]
UX Mastery Podcast #9: Entrepreneurship with Dave Gray
Matt chats with Dave Gray – author, designer, entrepreneur and founder of XPLANE. They discuss visual thinking, education, evolution and entrepreneurship!
UX Mastery Podcast #8: Studying UX with David Trewern
Matt chats with David Trewern, an award-winning Australian designer and founder of the Tractor design school. They discuss design schools, whether accreditation is valuable, and how to prepare for a career in UX.
UX Mastery Podcast #7: UX Strategy with Joe Natoli
Last week Matt caught up with Joe Natoli, known as instructor of the very popular UX Fundamentals online course. They spoke about UX strategy, careers, success, mistakes, and Joe's upcoming book, Think First.
UX Mastery Podcast #6: Visual Facilitation with Marcel Van Hove
It's been a long time since the last UX Mastery podcast episode!
Matt chats with Marcel Van Hove, a Bikablo-certified visual facilitator, about graphic recording, visual thinking, and how honing your drawing skills can give you a competitive advantage.
UX Mastery Podcast #5: Office Hours with Luke & Matt
In this episode, Matt and Luke are joined by Hawk to discuss all things UX-related, from how to break into UX, how to create a portfolio, and how to manage your UX career.
UX Mastery Podcast #4: UX Careers with Patrick Neeman
In this episode, Matt & Luke talk to Patrick Neeman, Director of Product Design at Apptio and creator of the popular Usability Counts blog and UX Drinking Game, about how to break into UX, create a portfolio, and manage your career.
Listen to the podcast, or watch the video (complete with live sketchnotes!).
UX Mastery Podcast #3: Interview with David Travis
In this episode, Matt talks to David Travis from User Focus about his popular online UX training course, why the field of user experience is in such demand, and the pros and cons of training that is delivered in an online format.
UX Mastery Podcast #2: It's A Jungle Out There
Matt talks with Christine, an HR administrator who is trying to break into the UX Design industry, about the job application process, how the term "user experience" is often misunderstood by employers, and what to do about some of the frustrations that job seekers encounter.
UX Mastery Podcast #1: Q&A Webinar
The first episode of the UX Mastery podcast is a recording of the recent webinar that Matt and Luke hosted.
Topics covered include how to get started as a UX Designer, what to put in a portfolio, and how to operate in a UX team of one.


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About Our
Joanne & Rodney Hopkins have been involved in greyhound adoption in the Hamilton/Toronto area since first acquiring a greyhound in 1989 from the Toronto Humane Society. They became interested in greyhound rescue after researching information provided by a nearby adoption group. Greyhounds To Canada is the group that provided them with their first retired racers, being Caleb and Clancy after their first greyhound (Minka) passed away in 1994. Both Caleb and Clancy were certified Therapy dog volunteers with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs in Hamilton. Joanne had helped place other breeds and mixed breeds prior to them adopting their greyhounds.
After the group they were helping disbanded, they continued to offer support and assistance to a few groups in the Eastern Ontario area. In 1998 they acquired a smooth collie named Ripley who was in need of a home. Joanne & Rodney have also been in affiliation with a few groups in the states and are in contact with greyhound tracks in the states to help with the rescue effort there as well.
They have been given greyhounds (retired racers) that are no longer required by the breeders that live here in Ontario. Because of potential adopters inquiring about other breeds, Joanne & Rodney decided to begin fostering other breeds as the need arose. You are welcome to inquire about other breeds but please keep in mind that they do differ from ex-racing greyhounds. For more info on this, please read the section "How Greyhounds Differ From Other Breeds" on our About Greyhounds page.
Joanne & Rodney do so much work to rescue and find homes for dogs that they decided they may as well form their own group with help from many volunteers. This is how our current group "Greyhound's Circle of Friends" came about. The volunteers are mostly people whom Joanne & Rodney have adopted dogs to. In addition to Joanne & Rodney's home, the volunteers often provided temporary foster homes for greyhounds until they are adopted. Another thing Joanne does is offer assistance to people who have adopted from other groups and are having problems with their dog. She assesses the problem so that the people can overcome the issue by following her suggestions. Carrie Ann Timm & Jamie Dufour, who reside in the Sarnia/London area, agreed to volunteer shortly after rescuing their greyhound, Sneaker (from Greyhound Adoption of Ohio) in 1998. They later adopted a whippet named Ruby through Joanne & Rodney. Carrie Ann & Jamie have enabled the group to "branch out" and be able to serve the southwestern part of Ontario in addition to southeastern Ontario. In 2001, Josephine and Jennifer in Ajax, Ontario and Fred and Judy of Tonawanda, NY joined the group as contact people in their areas.
Our group gets the dogs ready to go into homes by doing basic training, as far as house breaking and fixing other possible problems like counter surfing, jumping up on people, chewing, chasing cats, etc. We offer also further training for a fee that would be much less than most instructors charge. This fee, as well as any other donations we receive goes to help any dogs needing major medical assistance prior to adoption.
The "Greyhound's Circle of Friends" refers to the dogs that all come together at one time or another while in Joanne & Rodneys' home and during the time when the fostering is done by their helpers and volunteers, without whom the running of a group would be very difficult. Although most of the volunteers are not mentioned here by name, (to respect their privacy) their efforts are very important to the group. It is our hope that our "Circle" will continue to grow with many more helpers in the future so that one day, no greyhound will ever have to go without a home.
Friends, you and me...
You brought another friend, and then there were 3.
We started our group, our circle of friends,
And like that circle, there is no beginning or end.
If you have not already done so, please go on to the information page(s) and if you have any questions after reading this info, please refer to our contact page to have your concerns and questions dealt with.
Thanks for dropping by.
To bookmark this page

subset: commoncrawl


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My team and I spent a few weeks designing the look of the film. I knew that we only had two days on set and that meant keeping the locations to a minimum. I also knew that the film was going to be short and sweet so I wanted to cram as much cool looking stuff into it as possible. The plan was to film a scene that primarily took place in one of Frank's safe houses and showcased the chemistry between Nick and Evalena. We had to have guns in the film, but I didn't want the whole thing to be just a gunfight sequence. Filming an action scene the right way takes days to do, and on micro budgets you run the risk of it looking amateurish. You don't want to cut from really awesome acting and beautiful dialog scenes to bad choreography and crappy stunts.
I also hate using fake (non-firing) guns. You can always tell when an actor is holding a plastic gun because their posture is different. When an actor holds something dangerous they have more respect for it and that shows on screen. When the gun actually fires it causes all sorts of natural ripple effects throughout the actors clothing and body making us believe that they are in danger.
Anytime an actor fires a gun it's gotta be real! Luckily, my partner Ian and I have a relationship with a company that makes awesome blank guns. These guys had sent us some real cool front firing blank guns for our production of an As I Lay Dying video. These weapons were designed specifically for film and when fired they would launch a huge muzzle flash out of the barrel. It also spits out the empty shell and has sufficient recoil for the actor. After testing them I excitably said "Let's shoot the actors firing them in ultra slow motion!"
One of the most important things you can do on a limited budget is find the right locations. You need a place that works for the story, the blocking, and if you are lucky it comes with set dressing and inspiration. You want a place that you can literally take over for over 12 hours straight. Find a building manager or a homeowner who is completely excited about what you are doing, because you are going to test the limits of their patience. When a film production shows up on your doorstep with all of its crew members, cars, power needs, bathroom requirements, and an annoyed sound mixer you can bet that the property owner will be inconvenienced. We needed all of this for little or no money. Enter my uncle Paul. Paul has been a supporter of my films for years and has helped build sets, acted as a weapons consultant, and has weaseled his way in front of the camera on almost every one of my films. (Check out our music video for Meshuggah. Guess who the three-armed demon is?)
Paul connected me to his buddy who owned several buildings outside Boston. These places were home to mechanic bays, workshops, and storage spaces. They are the perfect Punisher hideouts. We met up with this character and went on a day trip scouting some of the darkest and filthiest holes and got to peek at some of the coolest cars and tools around. The whole time I couldn't help but think that this must be what Frank does when he isn't killing people. He must go scouting the same way, only he would be carrying a bag full of money stolen from the bad guys and would purchase these buildings outright! I kept imagining a conversation between Frank Castle and a real estate agent. "How thick are these walls? What sort of power runs through those wires? How hard is it to get blood off these floors? The basement has drainage? PERFECT!"
We scouted a few places that looked pretty cool and met a guy with an awesome motorcycle shop who agreed to donate a bike for the filming. We still hadn't found the perfect spot. Then our guide says; "I do have this one spot that's loaded with crap. I don't think it will work though, but I'll take you over there."
We pulled into the lot of this old New England mill and my
eyes lit up. It was set back far from
the road and the outside looked like Jim Lee sketched it! Inside there were over four floors of amazing
spaces and each seemed to be transported from different time periods. Abandoned offices filled with vintage chairs,
desks, and computers from the early 80s!
Giant mill ceilings, awesome architecture, and the coolest service
elevator to the basement, which was F'N PERFECT!!!
Rows and rows of giant milling machines, huge dark cavernous spaces filled with shelves of machine parts. An old folk lift that still worked and chains hanging from the ceiling! This was Frank's home. This is where he cleans his guns, this is where he stockpiles supplies, and this is where he plans his war! We had a location!
STEP 06: THE OUTFITSOne of my favorite details in the Rucka/Checchetto book is the spray painted skull on Frank's vest. I never understood how or why the Punisher would get a perfect skull screen printed on shirts. Did he have a contract with a t-shirt company? Wouldn't that be an easy way to track him down? I know, maybe he had a silk screening setup in one of his garages. Give me a break!
I was never a fan of the tights with the utility belt forming the skulls teeth. We are supposed to believe that this man is military and that he builds everything on his own. Stencils and spray paint make the most sense. That small detail in the book was really special and I definitely wanted that in our film. Body armor shopping is really difficult. The obvious option was to hit the Army/Navy store, but the big problem was that I needed vests for both Frank and Cole. Evelena is barely 5 feet tall and has the tiniest frame; so regular vest sizes were way out of proportion. I spent weeks hunting through online stores and making phone calls and finally decided to contact one of the companies that supply those private corporate bodyguards. I asked them questions like "Do you have children's sizes?" "Can I order just two?" and "Do I need a license to purchase these?" Of course I finally get asked the question, "Sir, why do you need only two vests?
"I'm making a Punisher fan film", I respond and her tone changed immediately!
I learned quickly that 'guns and ammo' people love Frank Castle, and would love to have their products showcased on him. Buying body armor did apparently require a license (because of that incident in LA where the guys robbed a bank and took out all those cops while wearing body armor), but we don't need one if I just get the vests without the body armor plates. The two vests cost some loot, even with the discount, but they were the closest I could find to the actual illustrations.
With a few long phone conversations and strange measurements from my actors, I was able to get perfectly fitted vests. My buddy Justin Brooks, who is an FX guru, painted the vests for me and they looked so awesome that the one Evelena wore is now framed in my office.
Let's get nerdy for all the techie fans. Digital technology and lighting gear have been through some amazing changes recently that make shooting the "Big Budget" look a lot more affordable. You can do amazing things with a DSLR camera, and LED lighting and other low power draw units that push out twice the light without the need of a giant lighting crew. On this piece I really wanted to show off the talents of my hard working crew. Our company has amassed a brilliant team of camera and lighting technicians over the years of music video and commercial work we have done. It's very easy for the audience to give credit to the director, but the truth of it is that I weigh heavily on support and the time and skill brought on by my crew. These guys are pros and wanted to flex their skills so I called in some serious favors and got some really cool toys to play with. The majority of the short was filmed using a Nikon D800 and Zeiss movie primes. We brought in a dolly for the longer camera moves and had a short slider for the close-ups. I wanted the film to feel like a down and dirty movie from the late 70's so strange focus points and the occasional camera bump on the dolly track were encouraged. Imperfections make it seem more real. Lighting is an obsession of mine and the goal was to have a large enough package to sculpt the large spaces. The cool thing about the sensitivity of these new cameras is that the lights don't have to be huge (I think our biggest was a 2k) but you still have to sculpt everything so we had an extensive grip package. The Key grip spent a lot of time creating these little pools of light and keeping the colors from clashing. Jarvis,the director of photography, was tasked with coloring the lights on set. Our gell roll alone was over $300.00! I wanted the film to have a colorful but truly dark feel to it. For the slow motion sequences my buddy donated his Phantom camera. It was an older model but could still shoot a super high frame rates. That would allow us to capture bullet shells in mid air and down the water in the shower. It's a really amazing look but come to find out takes a ton of time to shoot.
The crew was around 15 craftsmen and women in total and everyone killed it!


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DailyVenture | NightlyVenture | exervive | AceFusion | Ho'ano
Locations | Photos | Wallpapers | About
The Wedding Ceremony
Journal Entry
November 20, 2009
A traditional Mexican wedding ceremony. The priest would say a few lines, then the Mariachi band would step forward from the wall and sing a few lines. They would alternate from solemn to boisterous until the rite was completed.
Keywords : Sayulita, Mexican, wedding, ceremony, Catholic, church, people, crowd, bride, groom, interior
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Deontay Wilder Puts Artur Szpilka To Sleep In The Ninth Round
The fight was close up until the 9th round. Deontay was ahead on the score cards but he solidified his win with a devastating knockout of Artur Szpilka. He was then rushed to the hospital in a neck brace. Tyson Fury entered the ring and vowed to beat Wilder in a boxing match. Wilder then went on to say that Fury was dodging him. After the mandatory fights hopefully we can get these guys in the ring.


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The male patient, believed to be approximately 30 years old, ended up about 5 metres below ground level.
MFB's High Angle Rescue Team (HART) was despatched to the site due to the location of the patient being difficult to access.
The HART crew set up a gantry to winch the patient to ground level in a stretcher so Ambulance Victoria could attend to him.
It's believed the patient may have suffered some spinal injuries.
At 9:25am the patient was successfully winched to ground level.
The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC) recommends monthly testing of smoke alarms to ensure they are working correctly.
Only working Smoke Alarms save lives.


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Some Republicans may view the choice of Samantha Power for ambassador to the United Nations a chance to replay the divisive Chuck Hagel nomination process, in which they tried to drive a wedge between the White House and pro-Israel advocates.
It may not be that simple this time round, as Power has successfully defused some prickly questions about her position on Israel.
Power, an expert on genocide prevention who served as senior director for multilateral affairs at the National Security Council during the first years of the Obama administration, has made statements in the past that have irked the pro-Israel community. In a 2002 interview, in the height of the second intifada, she spoke about the possibility of sending American troops to the West Bank if the situation would be seen as "moving toward genocide."
The interview had since haunted Power and was referred to each time the Irish-born academic and journalist was mentioned for a top positions. But in her work in the Obama administration on issues relating to Israel, Power succeeded in turning the tide. She explained her positions on Israel in an interview with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who ran in the 2012 elections for Congress on a Republican ticket, and managed to convince him she has supports the Jewish state.
More importantly, Power impressed Israeli diplomats and pro-Israel activists with her work at the United Nations and other international organizations in support of Israel. As the White House official in charge of relations with international organizations she spent endless hours working to defeat the Palestinian unilateral declaration of independence at the U.N. and convinced the administration to boycott the Durban II conference because of its anti-Israel bias. In doing so she also won over many in the Jewish community, including heads of major organizations and even the ever-critical Alan Dershowitz.
That hard work now seems to be paying off.
Power will be heading to the Senate confirmation hearing with public backing of major Jewish groups including the Anti Defamation League and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and with public endorsements from Dershowitz and Boteach.
Critics of the nomination in the community are led by the Republican Jewish Committee that urged senators "to question her closely about her past statements and writings," during the nomination hearing. "She must respond to the strong doubts about her views raised by that record," said RJC executive director Matt Brooks.
The Zionist Organization of America, while acknowledging Power's positive role in defeating the Palestinian statehood bid and boycotting Durban II, said in a statement that "the overwhelming evidence of her entire record causes us great fear and concern as to her appropriateness for this post."
Heading in to the nomination process, Power seems to be in a much stronger position than Hagel was on issues relating to Israel. While Hagel spent much of his time before being approved meeting with Jewish and pro-Israeli activists in attempt to explain his past statements and views, Powers already has most of the organized community behind her.
It does not necessarily mean smooth sailing through the Senate Foreign Relations committee, but it does promise that the nomination debate will not focus on Israel.
Nathan Guttman
Nathan Guttman, staff writer, was the Forward's Washington bureau chief. He joined the staff in 2006 after serving for five years as Washington correspondent for the Israeli dailies Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post. In Israel, he was the features editor for Ha'aretz and chief editor of Channel 1 TV evening news. He was born in Canada and grew up in Israel. He is a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.


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GREENVILLE — A farmer owned and operated hop grower in northern Kent County has acquired a nearby operation whose owners were looking to move into their next phase of life.
In a deal announced today, West Michigan Hopyards LLC purchased the farming operation of Hopyards of Kent Co. LLC, which Pam Miller and John Miller started in 2011 in Greenville, northeast of Grand Rapids.
The deal included about 14 acres of hops that will nearly double West Michigan Hops' operation to 33 acres, according to Managing Partner Bryan Posthumus. The transaction included the land and buildings at Hopyards of Kent's farm on Elkins Street in Oakfield Township. The Millers will keep their contract harvesting business and its facility on M-91, he said.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Posthumus said his company was attracted to the deal because of Hopyards of Kent's quality and strong reputation. The farm was also profitable, he added.
"They built their business, they loved their business, and they did a really good job at it," he told MiBiz. "Farming, especially growing hops, is very time consuming, and they were ready to get out of the farming side of it. John and Pam are both in their mid 60s and they're ready to enjoy life. They spent the last five to six years building a farm, and I think they're ready to spend more time fishing, as John put it."
According to Posthumus, the owners of both companies also maintained a long-standing relationship, as Hopyards of Kent is based about 5 miles from West Michigan Hopyards' main farm.
Posthumus, along with partners Jason Jaekel and Mark Catlin, launched West Michigan Hopyards in January 2013, planting about 1.5 acres that spring before adding another 5 acres that fall. The integrated hop operation includes growing, processing and marketing hops to clients primarily in Michigan and the Midwest.
The company's clients include Creston Brewery in Grand Rapids and Muskegon's Pigeon Hill Brewing Co.
Before the deal for Hopyards of Kent, the company owned and managed 19 acres of hops spanning about 10 different varieties, including Triple Pearl and Comet. Meanwhile, Hopyards of Kent grows Cascade, Chinook, Centennial, Crystal and Michigan Heritage, a proprietary hop native to West Michigan.
Varieties like Cascade and Centennial are among the most widely planted varieties of hops nationally, according to 2016 statistics from the Hop Growers of America. Michigan's hop-growing industry now ranks a distant fourth nationally behind states in the Pacific Northwest with around 650 acres planted last year, according to the group's annual report.
However, as concerns of oversupply have emerged in the last couple of years, it's put pricing pressure on commonly planted varieties, limiting returns for growers, as MiBiz previously reported.
Posthumus acknowledges the challenge with "saturated" varieties like Cascade.
"There are issues in the industry we see moving forward. But fortunately, it's not a lot, it's 2.5 acres. We'll be able to absorb 2.5 acres with our customer base, but there might be some left over at the end of the year," he said.
With the acquisition, West Michigan Hopyards also furthers the narrative of a consolidating hop supply chain nationally. However, the industry remains dominated by large growing operations and private equity-backed companies.
That's also increasingly true in Michigan, where companies like Hickory Corners-based Hop Head Farms LLC sold to Indiana private equity firm Ceres Partners LLC in 2014, and New Mission Organics LLC/Michigan Hop Alliance in Leelanau County sold a majority stake last year to Streetcar Management Partners LLC from Southeast Michigan. The state's largest grower, Mi Local Hops LLC, is backed by an investment group out of Traverse City.
While West Michigan Hopyards doesn't have the deep coffers of private equity behind it, the company can offer a level of service that the larger firms often lack, Posthumus said.
"Any brewer can take a walk out at our farm, and I can tell them, 'When I sell you hops, it will be coming from this row of hops right here, every year,'' he said, noting West Michigan Hopyards is flexible enough to react quickly when brewers need help.
"The other advantage we have is we weren't fortunate to start out with a ton of money," Posthumus said. "We've had to build this business as inexpensively as possible. Until we purchased Hopyards of Kent, every pole we put in the ground ourselves, our barn we built ourselves. Our overhead is significantly lower."
For now, West Michigan Hopyards remains committed to serving customers of Hopyards of Kent, which will transition to its branding, and to integrating the company into its operations. However, West Michigan Hopyards could consider additional transactions in the future, according to Posthumus.
"Down the road, we might look at doing it, but we want to make sure we stabilize first," he said. "In last two years, we added 27 or 28 acres of hops. We want to make sure we're growing as quickly as we can, but as intelligently as possible in securing that expansion."


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Our professional team of experienced general dentists and staff are here to offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere while providing our best care and service. Dr. Blattner DMD, FAGD, MAGD and Dr. Heberer DMD are committed to helping patients of all ages achieve lasting smiles. We love what we do and value the relationships we build with every patient. Take a closer look at each of our general dentists and their staff members below!
Doctors & StaffSmiles R Forever2017-09-26T08:44:12-06:00


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Search motorhomes
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Hercules RV - 6 Berth Campervan from Star
Rates include: 24hr Roadside Assistance, unlimited kilometres, kitchen kit, personal linen kit with linen exchange service, general equipment, extra driver fee, Wifi (limits apply), Drop and Go, valet service and gas bottle exchange service. Inclusions comprise;
Kitchen kit: plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, bottle opener, can opener, mixing bowls, colander, saucepans, frying pans, cooking utensils, chopping board, kettle, teapot, toaster and tea towel.
Personal Linen kit: complimentary bedding (including sheets, blankets, pillows, pillow cases and towels).
Linen Exchange Service: guests may exchange their personal kits during their holiday at any Star RV Branch with a 48 hour prior notice.
Valet Service: guests may visit any Star RV branch whilst on holiday to have their RV cleaned, oil and water checked.
Gas Bottle Exchange Service
Drop and Go: simply return the vehicle neat and tidy and we'll take care of the rest including vehicle, cabin and bathroom cleaning.
Vehicle Specifications
Living Features
Other Vehicle Features
Tank Capacities
Included with Standard Rate
Vehicle Dimensions
Auckland depotAddress: 9 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland, Auckland, NZ
Pick Up Instructions
Please call to arrange a free transfer
Please pick up and return your vehicle to the depot at the time agreed upon in your rental contract.
Please call to arrange collection point
The branch is located 4 kilometres from the airport.
The branch is located 20 kilometres from the city.
A taxi fare is approximately $70 from the city.
A taxi fare is approximately $30 from the airport.
Yellow Bus Operating Hours for Guests
From Airport to Branch: 8am – 4.00pm (with drop off at Holiday Inn if the
Apollo gates are not open).
From Branch to Airport: 8am - 4:30pm from Apollo.
To receive your complimentary transfer, please show the Yellow Bus driver a
printed contract or email confirmation of your camper booking.
Please Note: only one transfer from the Airport and one transfer from Branch is
complimentary with your camper hire. All additional transfers are chargeable by
Yellow Bus.
Guests that are arriving at Auckland Airports need to make their way to the THE
YELLOW BUS shuttle area.
International Arrivals
Exit through Door #6, and proceed across the first pedestrian crossing onto the
pedestrian island. On the pedestrian island, turn to your right and walk along the
paved island to the bus stop. The bus stop is sign posted for Yellow Bus, Park & Ride, 380 and Inter City services. You will also see the Yellow Bus ticket machines in this location
Domestic Arrivals
If arriving at the Domestic Airport, leave through Door #4 and wait by the
pedestrian crossing – the bus stop is sign posted for Yellow Bus, Park & Ride and Free Terminal Transfer. You will see the Yellow Bus ticket machines in this location!


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My #twilter friend OzzyPip, who has been great about reminding me to post the Throwback Thursday links, has started her own linkup for Fitness Friday. This is where we are supposed to post our progress and cheer on other quilters in search of better health.
My Fitness Friday update is pretty short. The Pit Boss has been working hard to help cook healthy meals and
Of course, when we have a long weekend, it's time for a sew-in on Twitter. I'm hoping to actually get some sewing done this weekend. Come join us using #LDSI!
Last, Sandi over at Quilt Cabana Patterns has announced a fall postcard swap. Sign up to send and receive a fall/Halloween themed postcard. These are such fun, quick projects that allow us to own a piece of art that one of our online friends has made.
What are you up to this Labor Day weekend?


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Jill - posted on 09/22/2010 ( 42 moms have responded )
I am now a single mother of a beautiful 3 1/2 months old girl. Her dad and I were gonna; in his words; "work us out." He has yet to even meet his daughter and now that he has been served paternity and child support papers wants nothing to do with her. In fact, he has told me that he intends on signing his rights away so that he no longer will be physically, emotionally or financially responsible for her. However in our state that is not how it works. Signing over your rights in Iowa only negates your responsibilities physically and emotionally so he would still have to be financially responsible for her. I have also learned in the last few weeks that he has had another girlfriend (whom is rumored to be pregnant) while we were suppose to be working on our relationship. I guess my question is; Is it worth fighting with him over him taking care of his child and being in her life?


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Dana Lacey, Financial Post January 16, 2010
Less than 24 hours after a massive earthquake hit Haiti, Canada raised millions of dollars for relief efforts. Most will be sent to aid agencies like the Canadian Red Cross, which provides evacuation support, search and rescue, shelter and first aid for survivors. Here's a look at some first responders:
Donation Matching dollars up to $50-million
Recipient Canadian and international humanitarian and development organizations with an established presence in Haiti.
"Canada will match the contributions of individual Canadians to eligible Canadian charitable organizations in support of humanitarian and recovery efforts in Haiti to a total of $50-million, which offers a potential of $100-million of humanitarian assistance," said Lawrence Cannon, the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Donation: Two million Aeroplan Miles, matching
Recipients: Canadian Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontieres
In addition to donating one million corporate Aeroplan Miles, Aeroplan will match its employees' individual contributions to the Canadian Red Cross until Jan. 31. Another million miles will go to Aeroplan partner Medecins Sans Frontieres, which runs both a surgical and a maternity hospital in Haiti. "Our thoughts are with all the people who have been impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. On behalf of our members and employees we hope this donation will help with the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region," said Vince Timpano, president, Aeroplan.
Donation: $900,000
Recipients: Canadian Red Cross.
At the Mining Hall of Fame dinner held in Toronto on Thursday evening, corporate and individual donors raised $900,000 for victims of the Haiti earthquake.
Donation $100,000
Recipient Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund
All 314 Canadian Wal-Mart stores are accepting donations while the company awaits direction from the Red Cross. U.S. parent company Wal-Mart Stores Inc., among the first on the scene after Hurricane Katrina, will donate a half-million dollars. At the Red Cross' request, they are also sending pre-packaged food kits valued at $100,000 to Haiti. "We immediately implemented a national campaign to give Canadians from coast-to-coast a way to contribute much needed funds to those who need our help," said David Cheeseright, president and CEO, Wal-Mart Canada.
Donation $300,000
Recipient Canadian Red Cross
Desjardins has run international development projects such as microfinance and IT support in Haiti for over 15 years. "We share the pain of the Haitian community and offer all our support during this difficult period," said Monique F. Leroux, president and CEO of Desjardins Group.
Donation $250,000
Recipient: Canadian Red Cross
Scotia has four branches and 80 employees in Haiti, where it has operated since 1972. "Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti and hope this donation will help alleviate some of the misfortune suffered during this difficult period. We are very thankful that all of our employees are accounted for and safe. We will work around the clock to restore access to cash and accounts as soon as possible," said Pat Minicucci, senior vice-president, international banking, Caribbean, Scotiabank.
Donation $250,000
Recipient: Canadian Red Cross
BMO will wave all transaction fees for customers sending money to relatives or other affected individuals or agencies in Haiti until Feb. 12. "We are also making a direct appeal to our 36,000 employees to consider donating to the relief efforts," said Bill Downe, president and CEO, BMO Financial Group.
Donation $150,000
Recipient: Canadian Red Cross
In addition to making a corporate donation of $150,000, National Bank will match all donations made by its employees and the general public through its branches, up to $100,000. National Bank MasterCard cardholders can exchange reward points for a cash donation to the Canadian Red Cross.
Donation: $100,000
Recipient Canadian Red Cross "The scale of this disaster is enormous and its impact has been devastating to thousands of people and their communities," said Gordon Nixon, president and CEO, RBC. The bank requested that its donation be used to provide survivors access to clean drinking water.
Donation: $100,000
Recipient: Canadian Red Cross
"We are joining our clients and employees in supporting efforts to provide for the needs of those affected by the earthquake's devastation," said Gerry McCaughey, president and CEO, CIBC.
Donation: $100,000
Recipient: Canadian Red Cross
"We're pitching in to help out however we can during this time of devastation. We are ready to support our customers, employees and community members of Haitian descent through this catastrophe as their primary concern lies with the safety and well being of their loved ones," said Frank McKenna, deputy chair, TD Bank Financial Group
Donation: $35,000 + matching
Recipient: World Vision
In addition to the donation, the Christian-based, memberowned financial services organization will match all contributions from its customers, up to an additional $25,000. In addition to the donation, the Christian-based, memberowned financial services organization will match all contributions from its customers, up to an additional $25,000. "Immediate aid is critical and we know that World Vision has more than 370 relief staff already on the ground working to deliver immediate relief. Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti and we pray that our contribution, combined with other international aid, will help rebuild lives," said Dieter Kays, president and CEO, FaithLife Financial.
Donation $200,000
Recipient Canadian Red Cross
The retailer has also launched a national "Donate Your Points" campaign to help raise funds. Until Jan. 31, at all 440 Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters locations across Canada, customers can donate their HBC Rewards points. In addition to making donations in-store, customers and associates can donate online through http://www.hbc.com."We recognize the importance and impact these types of support initiatives can have, not only on the affected communities, but also here at home as we are reminded of Canada's reputation for rallying together to support those in need," said Jeff Sherman, president and CEO, Hudson's Bay Co.


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Robert & Daniel announce their new YouTube content, mourn Walter Mercado's death, & celebrate Robert's birthday by sharing their favorite birthday memories & traditions. They also share some more keto-friendly recipes.
Halloween The Sequel
Let's Get Spooky!
The Privilege Of Agreeing To Disagree
Why So Blue?
Blondes Have More Fun
Eva Arreguin
Simon Doonan's "DRAG: The Complete Story"
For Better Or Worse
Robert & Daniel talk about an astronaut stalking her ex-wife from space, how Antonia Banderas' life was saved by a Drag Queen, and two survivors of the Pulse Nightclub shooting who have founded an antigay group. They also introduce their "1-Minute Dragula" review and rave about Chaffles in this week's Keto Korner.
Euphoria With Miz Jade
The Diet Playground
Just Communicate Already!
That's Not How Any Of This Works!
Robert & Daniel talk about the fight for increased protections for sex workers in Amsterdam; Carissa Pinkston, a model who falsely claimed to be trans on social media after making transphobic comments; An article by Jeremy Helligar that calls for a return to male-only gay spaces; and a Florida man who has an emotional support alligator.
Vegas Vacation
Daniel & Robert are joined by Favy Fav, co-host of "Latinos Who Lunch" & host of "The Art People Podcast," to talk about their recent Las Vegas vacation. With Favy as their local tour guide, they visited some of Sin City's hidden gems and indulged in dueling tacos, Korean-Mexican fusion, and of course, ate at The Original Lindo Michoacan on East Desert Inn!
Stranger Things Have Happened
Pride Weekend 2019
Tales Of The City
"The worst of times in San Francisco was still better than the best of times somewhere else." ~ Armistead Maupin
On this episode, we review the "Tales of the City" reboot on Netflix. The "limited series" is the fourth time Armistead Maupin's bestselling books have been adapted for the screen. In this ten episode series, contemporary issues facing the Q.U.I.LT.B.A.N.G. community are explored honestly & openly. With 28 Barbary Lane serving as the epicenter for most of the the character's lives & stories, the viewer is transported to an Oz-like world each time the wooden door at the top of the steps is opened. In our review, we discuss what we liked the most & least, as well as the importance of the show's use of a diverse cast of Q.U.I.LT.B.A.N.G. actors. WARNING - there are major spoilers ahead, so skip this episode if you haven't watched or finished the series.
We also talk about HBO's new Wigstock documentary, "Wig"; the short film, "Happy Birthday Marsha" on Amazon Prime; & our plans to attend the Reclaim Pride Coalition's upcoming Queer Liberation March & Rally on June 30. To find out more about the Queer Liberation March & Rally and how you can participate or donate, CLICK HERE.
In this week's Keto Korner, we share another Keto-friendly recipe: High Fat High Fun's Keto Egg Loaf.
Compassion Is Free
Sometimes, A Hug Is All It Takes.
On this episode, we share stories of our night at Whitney Houston's mansion & our reaction to Madonna's "Madame" X; talk about an Oklahoma man & a dad from Pittsburgh who are fighting bigotry through action and compassion; and Meghan McCain's interview with former Drag Race contestants, Nina West, Monét X. Change, & Adore Delano.
We also share another Keto-friendly recipe in this week's Keto Korner; Hey Keto Mama's Chicken Parmesan Casserole.


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Dear Folks -
I have given myself the task of talking about the morality teaching of Jesus as found in the Sermon on the Mount. This week I conclude talking about the first of these teachings about "not killing." Spiritual teachings, I contend, are difficult for us to hear because they make us "uncomfortable." We are to do the spiritual work required so that we become conduits of the Sacred. That's the talk in a nutshell. The full text I used from which to speak is below. As usual, the written word varies from what was said so if you want to hear the audible version, go to the links below.
Much love,
Bill Kerley
Click here to Download text 20090308.pdf
Click here to Download audio 20090308.mp3


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Today's So Shoe Me is the Outpost Ankle Boot, $198, available at Free People. Kick up your heels in these casual cutout booties with street-ready signature details by Free People. A rugged and distressed leather in a reverse ombre finish adds vintage appeal to these modern cutout boots. The charcoal grey hue is a fashion-forward choice that is just as versatile as your favorite little black boot. The buckled closures and sweeping leather strips offers you novel ways to style this everyday favorite. Pair these low-heeled boots with a leather mini dress in a 90s silhouette and a denim and floral button down for a casual and cool transitional style.
Style Suggestions:
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xoxo ~ ~ Lisa + 312style
images via freepeople.com


text:
He may be one of the most famous characters of all times. He fascinated generations and generations of readers with his extraordinary adventures which existed only in his mind. But who was Don Quixote after all? A skinny old man with a rather peculiar view of the world (just not to call him a little mad). But maybe these characteristics allow him to give us some valuable lessons of life, lessons about being ourselves after all!
Don't be afraid to be a little different…or maybe more. Don Quixote went out in the world wearing something that looked like an armor and riding maybe the funniest-looking horse in history. He was immune to anything the others would say and to their mockery as he had a goal to reach- to be the best knight ever. There is of course a huge difference between being different and being silly. However, in this uniform world where everyone acts following the same pattern and cares about the same fashions the ones who break the barriers may be the losers but are definitely the ones to remain in history. Don't break the rules just to show you are tough or a badass, try to break the thought rules, try to change the world to suit you and not to adapt totally to something that does not represent you!
Have some strong values! Don Quixote would fight an army for his beloved one even if he had never seen her. Being faithful and fighting in her name was what interested him most and no matter what beautiful ladies he met, he never ceased to talk about her beauty. Our knight was also in pursuit of justice and could not see people suffering. He even attacks some dolls during an improvised show in order to make justice in the story.
Someone with a strong personality should always find some values to believe in even if he or she takes them from religion, moral law or just from their soul. It's a matter of making good decisions and treating the others correctly. Unfortunately we cannot be superheroes even if there are a lot of villains everywhere around us. However, every little thing we do can change the world.
Don't forget about your innocence! Don Quixote lived like a child seeing things just the way children do when playing. A flock of sheep was a great army, some windmills were terrible giants. An ugly servant girl with not so great moral values was one of the noblest ladies. So why not do something similar? Try to see the beauty and the good aspects of everything, try to become so optimistic that your friends will get mad! (Ok, maybe not that much). Transform your dull life by firstly working at your mind's level. Life was not meant to be dull, we make it like that, so go to parks, to funfairs, take a ride in a rollercoaster, go run with some friends and have a leaf fight! Have a hot coco in the evenings and watch a children's movie especially as the ones made nowadays are some truly something. Don't be ashamed and don't hide your inner child! We all miss being talked off for entering the house dirty.
Rediscover literature (if you haven't already). Don Quixote did not have many possibilities to read but he took advantage of everything he could find spending his entire fortune on volumes filled with the adventures of the greatest knights in the world.
Nowadays we have so many possibilities to enjoy literature that one can hardly resist. Nothing stimulates language development and imagination like reading does. Live with your favorite heroes, hold your breath when something bad happens to them and enjoy the end of a good book. Reading can help you see the world in another way as it shows you how others great thinkers used to see it before you. Fly to places you've never been before and strengthen your mind. This is how great ideas can come to your mind and proves to be one of the best pastimes ever invented by people. Get to know Don Quixote right from the source!
Don't let failure discourage you! When Don Quixote was defeated by another knight returned home saddened but no matter what happened he did not give up. One time he even decided to make a switch of plans and thought about becoming a shepherd together with his friend Sancho Panza. Until his end he kept his attitude positive.
So this is why you should remember that no matter how tough life can get there are always solutions and something good will happen in the end. If you feel like you've lost your direction then maybe there is another way. It's just like Columbus did: when asked to place an egg in balance on a knife's blade he hit it to it, thus cracking it. However, it was balanced. Maybe the solution to your problem is near. Or maybe a dramatic change is needed. Think it over: if being a shepherd brings your happiness then do it!
So in the end what do we have? A book, a man, a legend and a whole lot to learn from it.


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Atalaia Mule
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Shah, Nihar B and Rashmi, KV and Kumar, Vijay P and Ramchandran, Kannan (2012) Distributed Storage Codes With Repair-by-Transfer and Nonachievability of Interior Points on the Storage-Bandwidth Tradeoff. In: IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 58 (3). pp. 1837-1852.
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Regenerating codes are a class of recently developed codes for distributed storage that, like Reed-Solomon codes, permit data recovery from any subset of k nodes within the n-node network. However, regenerating codes possess in addition, the ability to repair a failed node by connecting to an arbitrary subset of d nodes. It has been shown that for the case of functional repair, there is a tradeoff between the amount of data stored per node and the bandwidth required to repair a failed node. A special case of functional repair is exact repair where the replacement node is required to store data identical to that in the failed node. Exact repair is of interest as it greatly simplifies system implementation. The first result of this paper is an explicit, exact-repair code for the point on the storage-bandwidth tradeoff corresponding to the minimum possible repair bandwidth, for the case when d = n-1. This code has a particularly simple graphical description, and most interestingly has the ability to carry out exact repair without any need to perform arithmetic operations. We term this ability of the code to perform repair through mere transfer of data as repair by transfer. The second result of this paper shows that the interior points on the storage-bandwidth tradeoff cannot be achieved under exact repair, thus pointing to the existence of a separate tradeoff under exact repair. Specifically, we identify a set of scenarios which we term as ``helper node pooling,'' and show that it is the necessity to satisfy such scenarios that overconstrains the system.
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McGee takes step closer to Tour card
IRISHMAN Ruaidhri McGee won't have too far to travel for the second stage of European Tour qualifying after safely negotiating the first phase at Frilford Heath.
The Derry-born pro, based in Spain since the age of 15, heads to one of four courses in his adopted homeland next month as he bids for a place at final qualifying.
A final-round five-under-par 67 sealed fifth place for McGee.
Ballymena's Chris Devlin ended with a three-over-par round of 75, but the hard work had been done on Day 2 with a 64 and he tied for seventh to book his place.
John-Daniel Guiney's chances vanished as he came home in 41. His 77 left him four strokes off the cut-off point.
In the other first-stage qualifier in Portugal, there was despair for Michael McGeady, who missed out by a single shot.
Four more Irishmen also left Lisbon disappointed -- Andrew Hogan (76), Glen Robinson (75) and Richard Kilpatrick (75) all finished five off qualifying. Dara Lernihan (77) also missed out.
ireland were again without the services of Alan Dunbar as the second day of the World Amateur Team Championship was blighted by thunderstorms in Turkey.
The event has been reduced to 54 holes after the start of play yesterday was delayed by six hours and suspended three times due.
Many teams, including Ireland, again minus the ill Dunbar, will have to finish their rounds today and play what is now the final 18 holes as well.
Ireland's hopes rested on the shoulders of Gavin Moynihan and Kevin Phelan. Both men had just completed the 12th hole when the weather moved in, with Phelan on three-under and Moynihan one-over.
Frantic efforts to rescue Irish participation at the Men's Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina next month are set to succeed, with players to the fore in last-minute attempts to drum up at least €45,000 and a new head coach set to be appointed.
FOUR Irish boxers are through to today's finals at the European Schoolboy Championships following semi-finals wins in Russia -- Oliver McCarty, James McGivern, John Sweeney and Michael Nevin guaranteed at least a silver medal.
But there was disappointment for Francie Stokes, Kieran Molloy, Brett McGinty, Darragh Murray, Nevan Fannon and James Clarke.
Irish riders got the weekend off to a great start with a win for Dermott Lennon at the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham, and a double of victories at Barbizon in France.
At Barbizon, Gerard Clarke secured a win in the CSI 2-Star with Ardragh Stein, and pony rider Grace Allen galloped Attyrory Clover Lilly into the winner's enclosure.
Irish Independent


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How to Get Your Dog Photography Business Website Found
Getting your dog photography business website live is half the battle. Getting found online is the other half. Today, most people use a search engine like Google to track down what they're looking for, so understanding how search engines catalog and rank websites is important.
Each search engine has its own proprietary way of doing things, but essentially, the search engines "crawl" the web looking for new content to catalog and add to their databases. Most people look through the first, second, and maybe third page of search results before they type something else into the search box, so if your site doesn't show up toward the top of the list, people won't find you.
So how do you get to the top of the search results? Doing so on your own takes time and work, but it can be done. Google has a site dedicated to helping you get the most out of your website. Visit the site to understand how Google really works.
Search engine optimization may sound like a fancy schmancy term, but really it just boils down to getting your site found by implementing the best practices set up by the search engine. Search engines are dedicated to providing the most relevant and accurate results, so they don't take kindly to any sort of trickery to get your website to the top of the list.
Hundreds of factors determine how relevant your page is, but these are a few of the most important:
Page rank: Your page rank is determined by how influential you are on the web and is measured by how many other websites link to your website. The more linkage you have going on, the better your page rank. Page rank also considers the influential factor of who links to you.
For instance, if a small-time blogger links to your website, that's good, but if you happen to get press in a national newspaper and it links to you, that's much better!
Site submission: Take the bull by the horns and submit your site so search engines know it's out there and ready to be indexed. Don't sit back and wait for them to do it. Submit your website to Google.
Guideline adherence: Follow the design, content, and technical guidelines set forth by the search engine. These best practices are there for a reason — use them!
For instance, use only keywords that are appropriate for your site; don't add the celebrity of the moment's name to your keywords simply because her name is being searched constantly. Your page isn't considered relevant to that topic, and that type of practice only hurts you in the long run.
Web presence: Establish your presence on the web by having more than one website dedicated to your business. For example, create a Facebook page for your business, a Twitter account, a Yelp business page, a separate blog, and so on. The more your business is out there on the web, the more likely a search engine will think highly of you.
Be wary of solicitors who claim that they can get you ranked number one in search engine results; no one can guarantee that! Proper SEO companies are upfront about how you can increase your page rank and are transparent about the process. This isn't to say you should never pay for SEO help, because some legitimate firms exist; just be sure to do your homework first.


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Winner: Best use of a Karate kick in a commercial
Thanks to Ms. Jacky P for the heads up.
Posted by Paul Crowe at 12:38 PM
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Porsche. Yes Please.
Porsche is my dream car. It has adorned my walls for the better part of my life, it has filled my dreams with horsepower and unbelievable aspirations and I cannot wait to own one. For that reason I hold their ads, products, designs and brand to a very high level of standards.
This spot showcases the cars that made me fall in love, inspires and recalls those emotions and moments that I experienced the first time I set eyes on a 911, touched a 944 or drove a Boxster. It brings me in emotionally and positively pre-disposes to me love whatever they show me next... even if it is a sedan (did you see that backseat interior?).
For that reason I think this spot accomplishes its goal of creating desire for a new and different Porsche product line extension.
Posted by Paul Crowe at 1:16 AM
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Looking to buy a mobile home? Buy from this guy.
There is something great about the brutal honesty of this spot. That and the fact the guy is one hell of a tough mofo.
Posted by Paul Crowe at 1:10 AM
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Yes it happened this quick
Posted by Paul Crowe at 1:02 AM
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Google Maps GPS: Wicked Sick
It was only about 4 weeks ago I was commenting to a colleague about how cool it would be if your cars navigations showed you street views so you could see what your destination looked like.
Guess what? Google was way ahead of me.
Posted by Paul Crowe at 12:57 AM
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Another good spot from accross the pond...
From the latest Shots Reel. Well shot and right in line with - arguably - the best global banking campaign around.
Posted by Unknown at 5:44 PM
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I'm in the UK this week and, as a result, have had the privilege of being exposed to some great advertising (don't worry, there is still the usual amount of crap here as well). Here's a spot from Orange that I'm really into:
Good message although I'd be interested to see how the brand truly plans on redefining the "internet". It seems to me like this is a pretty big promise to be making.
But hey, at least I remember the brand and would stop the PVR if this spot came on again. That's got to count for something right?
Thanks to Jackie and So Sticky!
Good message although I'd be interested to see how the brand truly plans on redefining the "internet". It seems to me like this is a pretty big promise to be making.
But hey, at least I remember the brand and would stop the PVR if this spot came on again. That's got to count for something right?
Thanks to Jackie and So Sticky!
Posted by Unknown at 5:38 PM
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How can you tell a real social media guru from a fake one?
A recent post from Jeremiah Owyang got me thinking about how you actually define someone who has social media capabilities vs. someone who just spends a lot of time in the space. Everyone seems to be talking about how social media platforms can change your business and there is no shortage of advice. But who can you actually trust and what qualities should you look for?
Here are some quick thoughts:
1. Do they have a presence in the space?
I think that conventional wisdom starts with, as David Armano put it, looking at their digital footprint. Do they have different profiles? Do they create content that's meaningful to the industry? Do they come up first when you Google them? Although I find this a basic qualification step, it's still a valid one. If I can't find you in five seconds and understand a bit about who you are and what you've done, we've got an issue.
Now that you've found a bit about them, really look at what it is they do. One of the telltale signs for me of a classic "I'm a social media expert but I don't really do anything" is the amount of conferences that they go to in a year. I'm astounded by the people who go to a different conference every week just to talk about the space or re-quote their other social media friends who are all after the same thing. While I'm a huge advocate of learning, I'm not a fan of using conferences as an example of how savvy you are in the space. Anyone can pay to go to a conference and talk about how brands have used social media. Few can actually advise those companies and set them in the right direction.
2. Do they work for a reputable company?
And if they do, does the firm they work with have their last name in it? It's OK if it does, as long as they have a client or two that you've heard of. I'm shocked by the number of [Insert Last Name Here] Social Media Consultant companies out there.
Remember, it's really easy to create a blog and write a couple of posts. It's easy to create a "beta" site that is going to launch in a few years but is currently only available to a special few to see. Don't take these to be credentials. They are nice things to discuss, but not to bet your business on.
3. Case Studies: Theirs or someone else's?
You're comfortable with their digital footprint and the company they work for. So you pick up the phone and arrange a meeting to go over their capabilities. They tell you a bit about themselves – the number of followers they have on Twitter, the conferences that they've spoken, the latest eBook they've published and the huge mailing list that they've amassed over the years. All excellent points and you are impressed.
You ask them about their cases. And instead of telling you about how they have helped brands achieve their communications objectives, they tell you a ton of great stories of other brands that have used social media to help them. They sound knowledgeable and they know what to say, but they don't have their own examples. Their own projects. And really, their own clients.
This is a big red flag. It's the difference between someone who has lived it – writing a strategy, getting it approved by a client, implementing it, managing it and learning from it vs. just talking about it after it's been successful.
4. What is their revenue model?
Are you paying for their expertise or for them to manage a program for you? Or to create a short-term promotion or building a long-term community? Prior to engaging anyone, consider what the objective of your brand is. And remember, if you're brand isn't something people are dying to be a part of, building a community around it is going to take a lot more than launching a Fan page on Facebook.
Be wary of people who will "put a strategy" together without implementing it or standing behind it. Get someone who wants to help you for the long term and who recognizes that the first challenge with social media is helping your organization re-align to handle it.
5. How would they define the success of your program?
I'm constantly amazed at the number of times metrics get left out of any digital discussion. They seem to be an afterthought but they should be anything but. When you are briefing your expert on your goals, let them give you a few thoughts on how they would define success (hint: it goes beyond how many clicks your link received or how many followers your Twitter account has).
Do they have experience with CRM programs? With evaluating the actual revenues generated from a program? With identifying High Value Tasks to work the entire program against?
The best studies have clear success goals and benchmarks. Set yours and agree to them prior to signing on.
And always remember:
The web is less than two decades old and social media in its current form is less than five. Nobody is an expert. Nobody knows exactly how something should work. And there is no magic formula.
Pick a person who is curious, experienced and driven to help your brand succeed. And don't worry - if you find someone but realize they're just smoke and mirrors, you've just given them some more time to go to another conference and Tweet to the world about it.
Posted by Unknown at 6:08 PM
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Last year 4am was a time that I was often awake. I would either be listening out for Baby Boy to wake up wanting milk, or actually giving him the required milk.
I am not sure how I first found out about the 4am project, but I do know that I left a comment on the blog saying that I was up for joining in. I mean I was going to be up anyway! Karen let me know that she was pleased to welcome me aboad.
You see her fascination with 4am came when she was driving at 4am and was just taken with the different view that she was getting. Without cars and people in the way you look at things differently.
So last year on the 3rd of April, I went to bed with my camera next to me. On the 4th April at 4am I was planning on wandering around the house taking various photos of either the children or what was outside.
But I kind of forgot to set an alarm.
And Baby Boy slept through the night.
This year however my alarm is already set!


text:
Mondays With Bob Greene: I have never said I would boycott tournaments in India
Marin Cilic beat Mario Ancic 6-3 6-4 to win the PBZ Zagreb Indoors in Zagreb, Croatia.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga won the SA Tennis Open in Johannesburg, South Africa, beating Jeremy Chardy 6-4 7-6 (5)
Fernando Gonzalez beat Jose Acasuso 6-1 6-3 to win the Movistar Open in Vina del Mar, Chile
Michael Berrer defeated Alexandre Kudryavtsev 6-3 6-4 to win the KGHM Dialog Polish Indoors in Wroclaw, Poland
(First Round)
World Group
Italy beat France 5-0, Russia beat China 5-0, Czech Republic beat Spain 4-1, United States beat Argentina 3-2
World Group 2
(Winners advance to playoffs April 26-27)
Slovak Republic beat Belgium 4-1, Germany beat Switzerland 3-2, Serbia beat Japan 4-1, Ukraine beat Israel 3-2
"Before the tournament I was wishing that I would make the final here. That wish came true and especially today I played really well. It's a really nice feeling to win here at home." – Marin Cilic, who won the PBZ Zagreb Indoors by beating fellow Croatian Mario Ancic.
"To me, (this decision) is unacceptable. There are no limits anymore in the behavior a player can have with an umpire. It is unbelievable." – Amelie Mauresmo, after Italy's Flavia Pennetta gave the umpire the finger during their Fed Cup match in Orleans, France.
"I lost control of myself. It's the first time it happened to me." – Flavia Pennetta, who received a verbal warning and a USD $2,000 fine for her obscene gesture during her Fed Cup match against Amelie Mauresmo.
"I disagree with the top players talking on shortening the season because they have a choice to play in tournaments. Perhaps they can shorten their season of playing in selective tournaments." – Vijay Amritraj, a former ATP president and player, disagreeing with Rafael Nadal's demand for a shorter season.
"I have never said I would boycott tournaments in India. All I said was I don't want to play in this meet. As a tennis player I'm allowed a week off if I'm tired." – Sania Mirza, on not playing Fed Cup for India.
"When I was younger, I had a dream of being a tennis player and I have managed to keep the dream going. It's the same for these small kids. The important thing is for them to realize their dreams." – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while coaching youngsters at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre in Soweto, South Africa.
"I am happy with the way I have handled matches mentally this week. I didn't play well, but you have to win even if you don't play well. I won the key points, so I am happy with that." – Jelena Dokic, after leading Australia to a spot in the Fed Cup World Group II playoffs.
"I'm really thrilled that I was able to pull the third win off and help my team get through this tie. It was amazing atmosphere, amazing energy out here and the crowd was really behind me the whole time." – Jelena Jankovic, who teamed with Ana Ivanovic to lead Serbia over Japan 4-1 and a spot in the World Group playoffs.
"The only thing I can have in my mind is 'This is me.' This is how I am. At zero-four, zero-five, it doesn't matter, I'm still there. I was also a set and a break down in the second – so that's it." – Israel's Shahar Peer, who rallied from a 0-4 deficit in the final set to beat Alona Bondarenko and force the Fed Cup tie into the decisive doubles match, which Ukraine won.
"The bank and beef business is where I put my energies now. There's still a scoreboard, but it's just not public." – Alex O'Brien, the 1999 US Open men's doubles champion and the latest inductee into the Texas Panhandle Hall Sports Hall of Fame.
"Obviously the title is great, but what I am happier about is the way we have played and the way we have glued so far because it doesn't always work so well when you have a new partner." – Martin Damm, after teaming with Robert Lindstedt to win their second ATP title in their first year as teammates.
"We wanted it to come down to the doubles. When Liezel's on the court I feel really confident every single time." – US team captain Mary Joe Fernandez, on Liezel Huber spearheading the doubles victory that gave the United States a come-from-behind 3-2 Fed Cup victory over Argentina.
Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal is calling for playing fewer tournaments on hard courts – the surface on which both the Australian and US Opens are contested. "This surface – hard court surface – is tougher than grass or clay for the body, and all the time we are playing more on this surface," said Nadal. "In my humble opinion, we have to change that a bit more." Nadal's previous Grand Slam tournament wins have come on clay at Roland Garros and grass at Wimbledon. "When I say this, I think about the best for the players and for the future," Nadal said. "It's not possible to have a lot of injuries on tour like this. So we have to try to change something."
While playing in South Africa, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga took time to coach children at a Soweto tennis center that had been built with money from Arthur Ashe. "I have African blood, so … I am happy to help sport in Africa and especially to improve the tennis," the Frenchman said. "It was great what Arthur Ashe did and these sort of clinics are really important. This is the school of life and I am very happy to be able to help improve sport in Africa." Tsonga's father, Didier, was born in Congo. Joining Tsonga at the clinic were South African doubles specialists Jeff Cotzee and Wesley Moodie. The Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre was built in 1976 with funds donated by the first black man to win the US Open and Wimbledon. It was refurbished in 2007 and construction is underway to increase the number of courts from 10 to 16 and build a new clubhouse and grandstand.
The shoulder injury she suffered last August is still bothering Maria Sharapova. The Russian withdrew from the Paris Open this week and the tournament in Dubai next week. Once ranked number one in the world, Sharapova's ranking had dropped to number 17 in last week's Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings. The 21-year-old Russian was not able to defend her Australian Open title last month, the second straight Grand Slam tournament she has missed. She also skipped the US Open last year.
Flavia Pennetta spoke with her hands, and that got the French quite upset. Pennetta reacted angrily when the umpire overruled a backhand passing shot that had been called in, giving Amelie Mauresmo a match point in their Fed Cup encounter. Pennetta reacted angrily to the call and received a verbal warning and a USD $2,000 fine. Alize Cornet, who watched the incident on television, said, "I must admit I was very shocked by Flavia's behavior. Showing the middle finger is the worst possible insult, especially on a sports court." Pennetta said it was the first time she "lost control" like that. The Italian came out on top, however, as Mauresmo double-faulted the match point, then proceeded to lose to Pennetta.
Jelena Dokic teamed with Samantha Stosur to lead Australia to the Fed Cup World Group II playoffs in April for the right to join the top 16 countries in next year's Fed Cup. The Australians clinched the Asia/Oceania Zone I playoff as Dokic won all three of her matches in the competition held in Perth, Australia. Casey Dellacqua and Rennae Stubbs played doubles as Australia, the only team able to call on three players in the world's top 100, swept all four ties, winning all 12 matches that were played.
While Australia moved up, India, playing without its top player, Sania Mirza, was winless in the competition, losing to Taiwan 3-0 in the relegation tie. India will drop to Asia/Oceania Zone Group II next year and will be replaced in Group I by Kazakhstan.
Estonia and Poland advanced to the World Group II playoffs by winning their Europe/Africa zonal groups. Estonia downed Belarus 2-0, while Poland beat Great Britain 2-1. Luxembourg and Bulgaria were relegated to Europe/Africa Zone Group II after losing to Austria and Bosnia & Herzegovina, respectively.
In the Americas Zone Group I, Canada defeated Paraguay for a spot in the World Group II playoffs. Puerto Rico and Bahamas were relegated to Americas Zone Group II for 2010.
Jelena Jankovic denied recent reports that she and Mladjan Janovic, a water polo player from Montenegro, were considering marriage. The two have been dating since the Beijing Olympic Games. "I'm still young to get married," Jankovic said. "My career is still in the first place in my life and I want to devote myself to it. Of course I want to have a family one day, but not for now." Janovic also denied any wedding plans.
"Jelena and I love each other," he said, "but it is still too early for marriage. When I decide to get married, I will first tell my family and friends, not the whole world."
Jarmila Gajdosova and Samuel Groth, who reached the second round of the mixed doubles competition at the Australian Open, are now married. The couple met in 2007 at the Australian Institute of Sports in Canberra while training. Gajdosova, a native of Bratislava, Slovakia, will assume her husband's surname and compete on the WTA Tour as Jarmila Groth. She is currently ranked number 90 in the world, while her husband is ranked number 284.
Kateryna and Alona Bondarenko were forced to play doubles to give Ukraine a narrow 3-2 victory over Israel in a Fed Cup World Group II tie. The sisters, who won the 2008 Australian Open doubles, were not scheduled to play doubles against Israel. But Shahar Peer beat both sisters, giving Israel a 2-1 lead. In her match against Alona, Peer trailed 0-4 in the final set before winning 4-6 7-5 6-4. Kateryna then was stretched before beating Tzipi Obziler 6-1 4-6 6-0, making the doubles the clinching point. So the sisters went back onto the court and beat Peer and Obziler 6-3 6-2, advancing Ukraine into the World Group playoffs in April.
With a record Fed Cup crowd watching, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic powered Serbia into the World Group playoffs for the first time. A crowd of 15,118 showed up on opening day and Jankovic and Ivanovic, both ranked in the top 10 in the world, crushed their Japanese opponents in straight sets. Serbia had an insurmountable 4-0 lead in the best-of-five-matches competition when Japan's Rika Fujiwara and Aiko Nakamura won the doubles when Jankovic and Ivanovic retired with the match tied after two sets. It was the first time Serbia had played a Fed Cup tie at home.
Branko Horvat, the tournament director of the PBZ Zagreb Indoors, says he received a death threat after Croatian Antonio Veic upset heavily favored Argentine Guillermo Canas. The e-mail Horvat received reportedly said: "This was your last tournament. I'm bankrupt because of you." Anti-corruption authorities in Australia investigated the betting, but reported nothing unusual. Veic, who was wild-carded into the tournament, pulled off another surprise in the second round by beating Evgeny Korolev of Russia. Veic finally fell to eventual tournament champion Marin Cilic.
So what if Iran lost every match in its Asia/Oceania Group II Fed Cup competition. It was the first time in 37 years that Iran had fielded a women's team. Their participation came after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) accepted their team uniform, a modified burka that allowed the players to observe their religious beliefs. When Shadi Tabatabaei, the team's oldest player at 32, lost 6-2 6-1 on the final day, it was the first time in the three-day competition that Iran had won even a game in singles. Tabatabaei is the only member of the team not living in Iran, having earned Masters and PhD degrees at the University of Colorado and practiced at Nick Bollettieri's tennis academy in Florida. She has played for Iran before, but only in the World Muslim Games held every four years in Tehran. The Fed Cup team was selected from approximately 500 women who are playing tennis in Iran.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has denied an appeal by a former men's tennis coach at Texas Christian University (TCU) over violations of telephone contact rules with international players. Joey Rive argued that there wasn't enough evidence to conclude he made 105 improper calls to recruits from 2002 to 2006. Rive also said the NCAA erred in classifying the violations as major. TCU reported the violations and was placed on two years' probation a year ago. Rive resigned in 2006 when the allegations became public.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has begun a full-service Spanish-language version of its Fed Cup website. The new website, www.fedcup.com/es, will provide Spanish-speaking fans with current news and information in their own language. It also will feature original content in Spanish from ties around the world. Last year the ITF launched a Spanish version of its Davis Cup website.
No surprise here. Serena Williams was the top pick in the World Team Tennis marquee draft. The winner of the last two Grand Slam tournament women's singles titles, Serena will return to the Washington Kastles, who enter their second season in the 10-team summer league. She will play four matches, one at home in Washington, DC, and road matches at Philadelphia, Boston and Randall's Island in New York City, the new home of the New York Sportimes. Also selected in the draft were Venus Williams (by Philadelphia), John McEnroe (Sportimes), Anna Kournikova (St. Louis), Michael Chang (Sacramento), Bob and Mike Bryan (Kansas City) and Martina Navratilova (Boston). The season runs July 2-26. The coed league, co-founded by Billie Jean King, enters its 34th season. Navratilova will play a league-record 20th season. Last month, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) became a minority owner of the WTT.
Pete Sampras will return to the Outback Champions Tour next month when he joins the six-player field at the Del Mar Development Championship Club in Los Cabos, Mexico. Sampras, playing in Mexico for the first time in his professional career, will face two of his biggest rivals, Jim Courier and Patrick Rafter. He beat Courtier to win his first Wimbledon title in 1993 and topped Rafter in 2000 to win his seventh and final Wimbledon crown. The Del Mar Development Champions Cup, which will be played at the Palmilla Tennis Club, is a first-year event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.
Alex O'Brien is the 148th inductee into the Texas Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame. O'Brien won high school state championships in doubles and singles, three NCAA team titles as a four-time All-American at Stanford, the 1996 Pilot Pen International singles, 13 ATP Tour doubles titles, and the 1999 US Open men's doubles with Sebastien Lareau, where they beat India's Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes. He played for the United States in Davis Cup competition five times and was on the US doubles team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. O'Brien currently is CEO of Littlefield Ranch, which sells prime steaks nationally, and president of The Bank of Commerce of Amarillo, Texas.
Zagreb: Martin Damm and Robert Lindstedt beat Christopher Kas and Rogier Wassen 6-4 6-3
Vina del Mar: Pablo Cuevas and Brian Dabul beat Frantisek Cermak and Michal Mertinak 6-3 6-3
Johannesburg: James Cerretani and Dick Norman beat Rik De Voest and Ashley Fisher 6-7 (7) 6-2 14-12 (match tiebreak)
Wroclaw: Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana beat Benedikt Dorsch and Sam Warburg 6-4 3-6 10-8 (match tiebreak)
Rotterdam: www.abnamrowtt.nl/
San Jose: www.sapopentennis.com/
Costa Do Sauipe: www2.uol.com.br/tenisbrasil/brasilopen/
Paris: www.opengdfsuez.com
Pattaya City: www.pentangelepromotions.com
Marseille: www.open13.fr/
Buenos Aires: www.copatelmex.com/
Memphis: www.rmkchampionships.com/1/home/
Dubai: www.dubaitennischampionships.com
Bogota: www.copacolsanitas.com
(All money in USD)
$1,877,000 ABN AMRO World Tennis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, hard
$600,000 SAP Open, San Jose, California, USA, hard
$562,500 Brasil Open, Costa Do Sauipe, Brazil, clay
$700,000 Open GDF Suez, Paris, France, carpet
$220,000 PTT Pattaya Women's Open, Pattaya City, Thailand, hard
576,000 Open 13, Marseille, France, hard
$600,000 Copa Telemex, Buenos Aires, Argentina, clay
$1,226,500 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, hard
$2,000,000 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai, United Arab Emigrates, hard
$220,000 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships & the Cellular South Cup, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, hard
$220,000 Copa Colsanitas, Bogota, Colombia, clay
The Journeyman: Open Season
Mark Keil, scribes this week on the final major of the year: the US Open.
It really has been great writing about my past tournament experiences. This nourishes my ego immensely and thank you for staying tuned.
In 1991, I played with Francisco Montana of Miami. Francisco was an All-American out of the University of Georgia. An All American is a player who play's collegiate tennis and qualifies as one of the 64 best player's in Division I university tennis in the year-end season individual championships. There are probably around 175 school's that play Division I. If the player is seeded in singles, or gets to the round of 16 in the event, he get's a plaque proclaiming his status. If a player get's to the quarterfinals in the 32-team doubles event, he also becomes a member of the team. Francisco was a stellar junior player, and once beat Jim Courier 6-0, 6-0 in the Orange Bowl. He had more hitches in his serve than a Nebraska trailer park. We lost to Steve DeVries, the All-American out of Cal-Berkeley and the current Bryan brother's coach David MacPherson.
The next time I competed at the Open I played with Stefan Kruger and we beat Danie Visser of South Africa and Laurie Warder of Australia 6-4,7-6. Visser was a crafty lefty, who had tremendous success in doubles. His partner Laurie was a scratch golfer. Staying at the Open is always fun. I would always try and stay where Patrick Rafter was staying, usually the Hotel Elysse. It was great to hang out in the lobby's Monkey Bar and check out the female's trolling.[ad#adify-300×250]
In 1994, I played with Rikard Bergh, nicknamed "the Liar" for always telling fibs. He was cool, in that the year we played together I signed up with a partner, but he called me and told me we were not high enough to get in. He said if I played with him, we could squeak in. So we got in, and beat Yevgeny Kafelnikov and David Rikl, Wade McGuire and Jeff Tarango and got a chance to play for a quarterfinal spot. We faced Tom Nijssen and Cyril Suk. In the third set we got hooked by the umpire Steve Ulrich, on a deep lab that landed out for us to go up a break in the third. Ulrich is by far the worst chair umpire ever. We lost 7-6, 4-6, 3-6.
In 1995, I played with Peter Nyborg and we lost to the NCAA doubles champions from Ole Miss Ali Hamadeh and Mahesh Bhupathi 6-7, 3-6. In those days, the collegiate champion in singles and doubles would get a wild card into the main draw. Now, only if American's win the event, do they receive one, and I don't think that applies to the doubles anymore. The next year I played with Matt Lucena, the two-time college doubles champion with two different partners. We beat Brett Hansen-Dent and T.J. Middleton 6-4, 6-4. Hansen-Dent got to the finals of the NCAA's in singles once for the Trojans of USC. We beat another SC boy Brian MacPhie and his partner Michael Tebbutt the next round. They both had wicked lefty serves. We lost to Sebastien Lareau and Alex O'Brien after that. O'Brien won the singles, doubles, and team title for Stanford in 1992.
In 1998, Doug Flach and I lost to Macphie and Patrick McEnroe 6-7, 4-6. Papa Mac was watching, and I felt like I was in a rerun episode of Johnny Mac playing Bill Scanlon and I was the ballboy. In my final match at the US Open, I teamed up with Luis Lobo of Argentina. At that time, he was at the end of his career, and was coaching Marcelo Rios as well as playing doubles on the tour. We defeated Garcia-Roditi and lost to Lareau and O'Brien again.
Enjoy the tennis on TV, or if you have the gumption, head to the Open and watch it live![ad#journeyman]


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That each superior will strive to see that all observe the Constitutions and Statutes. (Art. 48)
For our country, our parents, relatives, friends and benefactors.
For the General Councillors on the anniversary of their election (June 15, 2011).
Lord, Father of mercy, my one everlasting hope and love, grant me the graces I need to persevere... (Paris, 6/20/1838)


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Bioremediation in New Orleans
|Photo courtesy of www.starhawk.org
I'm just back from another week in New
Orleans. This time three of us, myself, Juniper and Scotty, had a
special mission—to set up a small bioremediation demonstration as a
beginning seed for a long-term project. Over Thanksgiving Week, Common
Ground has sponsored the Road Trip for Relief, an effort to bring
hundreds of volunteers into the Ninth Ward, one of the areas most
devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
"Bioremediation" means cleaning soil and water and restoring it to health using biological allies: beneficial bacteria, plants, and fungi. Restoration on the scale of New Orleans is, of course, a huge and overwhelming project. Nevertheless, there are many techniques that are fairly simple, natural, and applicable on a small scale, and Common Ground has been working on a proposal to fund and train a worker's cooperative that would be able to put them into practice.
The first stage of this whole process, of course, is finding out what toxins are actually present. For the last two months, Juniper, an environmental engineer, has been taking soil samples from many areas in New Orleans, getting them tested, and collating data from other organizations. What she's found is that, while there are certainly hot spots of contamination, most of New Orleans is no worse than it was before the flood.
Lead and arsenic are fairly common—but they were present before the
flood, the result of generations of lead paint on old buildings, auto
exhaust, and chemicals applied to lawns to kill dandelions. In some
places, anything from oil tanks to household chemicals may have
spilled, and residues remain. Water borne disease germs are less of an
issue now that most areas have dried out and been exposed to sunlight.
There are two great sources of inspiration for our work this last week. One is Dr. Elaine Ingham, www.soilfoodweb.org, an expert on soil biology and the brewing up of compost teas full of beneficial bacteria that can break down toxins and restore life to the soil. The other is Paul Stamets, www.fungi.com, who does pioneering work on the use of mushrooms and beneficial fungi to clean up toxic soil.
Kellogg, who has studied with both of them, works with the Rhizome
Collective in Austin, which has transformed an old warehouse into an
educational and social center, and is bioremediating a large brownfield
(damaged, toxic land) to restore it to health and become an
environmental education center. He has studied with both Elaine Ingham
and Paul Stamets, and has brought down a pump and barrels to set up a
hundred gallon compost tea brewery.
Over the last week, we've made contact with a number of people in New Orleans who are already doing sustainability work: the New Orleans Farm and Food Network, Parkway Partners, the Laughing Crow nursery, the Laughing Buddha nursery, and others.
We've done a small training for local people at the home of a woman who has already had lead abatement done in her backyard before the hurricane. We've done a training for forty to fifty of the volunteers who have come down for the roadtrip, and got them all excited and inspired. We've started a small amount of oyster mushrooms growing in coffee grounds, created a PowerPoint on bioremediation and several visual displays, sheet-mulched a small piece of ground that was covered with garbage, built a compost bin, and brewed up 100 gallons of bioremediation brew.
Juniper and Scotty led a group to apply the brew to our little sheet
mulched patch by the warehouse, after I had to leave. They did the same
to two other sites that had been identified as needing remediation. We
also put in a graywater system for the outdoor showers, consulted on
the solar hot water heating and its augmentation by a kettle over a
wood fire.
The week went fast. Doing projects in New Orleans, I've found, can be hellish or easy. The easy part is a result of the grim aftermath of the flood: there are lots of resources around to scavenge. It's as if everyone in New Orleans opened their door and shoveled out all or most of their belonging onto the street. They are all ruined and moldy, of course, but among them are things that can be salvaged, wood and building materials that can be reused, and many other things.
I found a huge plastic tub with holes in the bottom, perfect for a compost bin while driving around looking for 2 x 4s
for the shower builders. I also found an equally large stainless steel
tub. Taking a wrong turn on my way to the bridge one morning, I passed
a stack of giant cardboard boxes, perfect for sheet mulch. The round,
bamboo skeleton of a broken swing chair made a perfect cover for the
The hellish aspect is that if you need something specific, a plumbing part or a valve that fits a particular pipe, and you don't happen to have it, the hardware and plumbing stores that are open are usually far away and suck energy like collapsing dwarf stars. Enter in, and you may never emerge.
frustrating hours in the Home Depot Line, you escape gratefully, and
almost always immediately remember something you forgot to buy. If you
don't remember it at that moment, you remember it as soon as you get
back to the worksite.
The solar showers — cobbled together out of the innards of discarded water heaters plywood boxes and pieces of plastic fed with enormously long hoses — were simple in design but extremely complicated to put together. At best, they would provide a very inadequate amount of hot water for the number of people who needed to shower.
We're praying for a miracle, like
the lamp of sacred oil in the Chanukah story, enough to last only for a
day that lasted eight days. I'm telling the Goddess that if she makes
that sixty gallons of possibly only lukewarm water provide hot showers
for a hundred and fifty people, I'll declare a new festival in her
honor, and every year we'll make little replicas of solar hot water
heaters and give presents to dirty children. But just in case, we build
a firepit.
The police in Algiers have continued to harass Common Ground. One morning they arrest Jimmy, a sweet-faced young man who looks as innocent and sunny as an eight-year-old child, for double parking while he is loading supplies from the depot. This takes time and energy to deal with, just as we are preparing for the arrival of the hordes of willing workers.
In the Ninth
Ward, the police are more relaxed. New Orleans has a law that police
have to live in the districts where they work, so the Ninth Ward cops
have all lost their homes, and many have lost friends and family
members. They appreciate that people have come down here to help.
The other heavenly part of work down here is that you get to hang out with people at their best — people who have come to do something good for other people, who have volunteered to live in uncomfortable conditions and take on some truly nasty, dirty jobs—cleaning out black mold, for instance — just because they want to help. There's always a lot of stress in these situations, and people don't always get along perfectly.
There are irritations and frustrations. But overall, it's just really,
really good to be with people who are actively doing something to help
a really bad situation.
Their work inspires generosity. Kaysey and Nick from the Covington Farmers' Market come down and cooked our opening meal. She had offered to cook a meal for us but didn't originally bargain on feeding a hundred and fifty of our friends But she graciously rose to the occasion, producing a fragrant and delicious meal of rice and beans with fresh produce and fresh-baked breads. Meanwhile, a group from the Mission from Minnesota —which has been sending truckloads of supplies down to Mississippi for weeks— manages to get more donations than it needs, and spends the money on 800 pounds of turkey for Common Ground's Thanksgiving feast.
Generosity generates abundance. That's something the ideologues of greed don't get. "Solidarity, not charity" is Common Ground's motto, and people feel good when they are standing in solidarity with others, giving of themselves, doing something instead of feeling helpless.
The tragedy and destruction here have been immense.
But so is the hope.


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Purpose of Attendo's investor relations
- Provide the capital markets with timely, relevant and balanced information to ensure good liquidity and a fair share price.
- Ensure that existing regulations and ordinances are followed.
- Ensure that investors view Attendo as an accessible, trustworthy and professional actor.
Attendo strives to communicate a cohesive investment report that encourages more to want to become part owners in Attendo.


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Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Dothan
When there is an accident involving two or more persons where one of them is injured or harmed on account of negligence, this is considered a personal injury. Types of personal injury to consider include car accidents, wrongful death, or falling due to the negligence of a property owner. If any of these accidents occur, the person(s) or family is eligible to file for compensation.
The laws surrounding personal injury can be complicated for an unprepared individual. The approach the victim could take is hiring a personal injury attorney in Dothan. Personal injury attorneys are trained to have the skill and knowledge to properly represent their clients to get deserved compensation.
A qualified Personal Injury Attorney in Dothan will take their client, step-by-step, through the basis of the case. It is the job of the lawyer to be able to form a prospective case and guide his or her client down the appropriate path for receiving compensation for their injuries.
The attorney should be able to represent his client's case on the facts of the injury. This would include the type of injury sustained (long term, short term, permanent), how it was sustained, and why it was left up to the negligence of the other person in question. If witnesses are available, the attorney will collect as much information as possible to bend the case in their favor.
Many clients, after an injury, will be unable to work and support themselves. There are many firms which will give money in the form of a loan to the client to get by on and will not require payment until the case is settled. In this similar instance, a typical Personal Injury Attorney in Dothan will not require payment until such is the case as well; some will not require payment if the case is not sided in the victim's favor.
A personal injury attorney will be able to assist a client in releasing the compensation that they are due after a trial. Sometimes, companies will be supported through insurance to be protected against any claims. After a successful case, the personal injury attorney will handle the company accordingly. Visit website