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Cover Crop Demo Plots Map!
CCSI is working on a comprehensive, interactive map of all cover crop demo plots in Indiana. Click to fill out a spreadsheet with your demo plot's information. An example row is included in the first row in italics. Please make use decimal format for the latitude/longitude as it is most compatible with our map making program. Please send your completed spreadsheet to email@example.com to be included in the map.
Top resources for cover crop information:
- Midwest Cover Crops Council selector tool
- Midwest Cover Crops Council online library
- SARE – Managing Cover Crops Profitably
- Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide
- Ag Talk
- NoTill Farmer
- Plant Cover Crops (Dave Robison)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- And, of course, CCSI!
Cover crops are crops grown between the regular crops like corn, soybean and wheat. Examples of cover crops are annual ryegrass, crimson clover, oats, oil-seed radishes, and cereal rye. Cover crops are grown for a variety of reasons:
- Reducing soil compaction
- Covering the soil to protect it from erosion by wind and water
- Improving soil structure
- Increasing soil organic matter
- Fixing nitrogen
- Scavenging nitrogen from the soil that would otherwise be lost to percolation, runoff or volatilization
- Producing forage or pasture
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) released definitive guidance for a cover crop termination schedule. Download the report (PDF) here.
Agronomy Tech Notes
Fall Scouting and Treatment of Invasive and Herbicide Resistant Weeds
Terminating Cover Crops
Wet Spring Weather Cover Crops
Recommended Cover Crop Seeding Methods and Tools
Conservation Crop Rotations for Soil Quality and Soil Health
Agronomy Crib Notes Issue 15 – Herbicide Persistence for Cover Crops
Technical Notes -Conservation Cropping Rotations for Soil Health
**Updated Prevented Planning and Cover Crops information
Spring Cover Crops Management – Agronomy "Crib" Notes, May 2014
Numerous cover crop trials are being conducted across Indiana by private industry, NRCS, Purdue Extension and the CCSI. Midwest Cover Crop Council Resources
- Midwest Cover Crop Council (MCCC)
- MCCC Cover Crop Selector Tool
- Support for the model is provided by: Dean Baas, PhD of the Michigan State University Extension, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Land and Water Unit
- Midwest Cover Crop Field Guide
- "This pocket-size, in-field reference will help readers effectively select, grow and use cover crops in their farming systems. It was written by members of the Midwest Cover Crops Council. Topics include choosing cover crops, fitting cover crops into your system, and positive and negative effects of cover crops. For details, including a sample of the contents, visit the Purdue Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center."
- Other Cover Crop Resources: Why Cover Crops After Drought? The drought of 2012 was the worst in many decades and will result in poor crop yields or crop failures across wide areas of Indiana and the Midwest in general. Besides the obvious impacts on crop yields, there are other effects of the drought that farmers should consider as they look ahead to this fall and next season. Fall-planted cover crops would be a good investment for many farmers this year, to benefit both their own farms and regional water quality. Learn More
- NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines – Second Revision: This second revision modifies the rules for grazing a cover crop, adds a definition of a cover crop, and defines when a cover crop is considered terminated. Read more in this NSAC blog.
- Advanced Cover Crops Training Notes
Cover Crops for Prevented Planting Acres (Purdue publication)
Cover Crops for Pollinators and Beneficials
Cover Crops for Prevented Planted Fields
Prevented Planting and Cover Crops
Integrating Cover Crops in Soybean Rotations
Excessive rainfall and prolonged ponding conditions this spring have resulted in many fields remaining unplanted to corn or soybeans this season. These "prevented planting" acres, while unfortunate for this year's production, should be managed in ways to prevent further soil degradation and to increase soil productivity for next year. Cover crops are an excellent option for producers to consider for protecting their soil and increasing productive capacity for succeeding years. This article briefly describes the benefits of growing cover crops compared to leaving the soil bare and fallow, and then it provides guidance on selecting and seeding cover crops for prevented planting acres.
- Which Inoculant for What Legume? (Commercial publication)
- Planting Cover Crops At Side-dress Time?
- Adding Cover Crops to a No-till System
- Cover Crop Blog by Dave Robison, Legacy Seeds
- Cover Crops Following Drought
- Cover Crops for Modern Cropping Systems
- Cover Crops for Nitrogen Management
- Cover Crops for Northern Indiana: a Wisconsin Experience
- Cover Crop Webinars
- Decaying Oilseed Radish Attracts Large Number of Earthworms
- Fall 2011 to Spring 2012 Cover Crop and Soil Pits Report
- How do the herbicides you use in your cash crops impact cover crops?
- How to set your drill or planter for cover crops
- Innovative No-Till: Using Multi-Species Cover Crops to Improve Soil Health
- New High-Boy Cover Crop Seeder Built in Perry County, PA
- Radishes: A New Cover Crop Option
- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
- Young Farmer Proves Just How Deep Roots Go
- Cover Crop Integration and Management – A View from the Mid-Atlantic Region


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Dog Walks 4 Miles Every Day For A Reason Everyone Can Appreciate.
Home to just a little over 150 people, Longville, Minnesota, is been known for its turtle racing and now for its unofficial mascot, Bruno the dog. The brown haired wonder was just a pup when he was first spotted wandering around town 12 years ago.
At the time, a man approached resident Larry LaVallee and told him he had found his dog at the end of the driveway. The thing was, he wasn't LaVallee's dog, and no one really knows where he came from. Locals believe Bruno may have been abandoned. Larry, who had faced the loss of his own dog around that time, decided to take him in.
While he has a loving home, Bruno can't stay put. Every day, he journeys for hours along Hwy. 84 making stops around town, from city hall to the local grocery store, to greet his friends. While it is a dangerous trek, locals know to look out for him and often give him a lift back to the LaVallee household.
Continue reading for more about Longville's furry and friendly ambassador.
Here's Bruno, Longville's lovable mascot, who first appeared 12 years ago.
He was just a puppy here but he walked around town with a sense of fearlessness.
Meet his parents: Larry and Debbie LaVallee.
Larry LaVallee used to drive around collecting the town's garbage and Bruno would trail closely behind. Another resident mistook Bruno for LaVallee's dog. It wasn't clear who he belonged to or where he came from. Fortunately, Larry decided to adopt and care for him anyway.
Bruno travels 4 miles from his home every day to enjoy the town and its residents.
The couple tried to keep Bruno safe at home but he wasn't having it. He resisted staying in and being tied up, and that's when they decided to give him his freedom. The town comes together to watch out for him and take care of him.
He goes everywhere from the ice cream shop to the grocery store.
Here's Bruno receiving a treat behind the grocery store in Longville. In addition to treats, residents have also treated him to baths.
He also stops at the library and a real estate office, which is located on his route.
"He's our buddy, we kind of watch out for him the best way we can," Patrick Moran, a real estate owner, told WLTX 19.
"Last week he came in stayed about an hour and a half or two hours."
Newcomers and visitors have called around thinking that Bruno is lost.
It's alarming for some people, especially to us dog owners, to spot a wandering dog on the street, but this is the sort of lifestyle he's adopted. Larry and his wife receive phone calls about folks who are worried about him.
Bruno has been honored with a custom statue.
According to local news, an anonymous resident had the idea of commemorating Bruno with a statue. They reached out to sculptor Albright, who had accepted the project. The carved wooden statue was funded by donations.
Bruno is aging but he will never be forgotten.
His humans and friends have taken note of his age, the reality of which they cannot ignore. He sometimes stays home to rest. When he's out, everyone makes sure that he doesn't overwork himself. He's given the town so much love and residents have expressed wanting to do the same in return.
Click the video below to see Bruno in action.
Source: KARE 11

subset: commoncrawl


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Cruise trip with the "Lev Taifun" to the lighthouse Roter Sand
The lighthouse Roter Sand offers the possibility to a special holiday.
- One-Day Cruise Trips
- Half-Day Cruise Trips SAIL 2020
- Multi-Day Cruise Trips
- Multi-Day Cruise Trips SAIL 2020
- Day Trips for groups
- Package Offers
- Travel voucher
- Cruise Trips
In about 2.5 hours the former "Lev Taifun" bring you from Bremerhaven to the lighthouse Roter Sand. Experts will familiarize you with the rescue equipment and the lighthouse. Book an unusual, adventurous short break in the middle of the North Sea in an incomparable atmosphere.
Arrival and departure:
The mooring of the ship at the lighthouse is only possible with a wave height of max. up to one meter. It is therefore possible that the trip will be canceled in the short term with regard to your safety or that you will not be able to return at the agreed time due to the weather and that you will have to stay shorter or longer. If the security of the tower is impaired, which may be ascertained only after ascent on the tower, the trip must also be interrupted.
The ascent to the tower takes place via a six meter high outer ladder. On the tower you will find a bedroom with six-storey bunk beds, a kitchen where you can cook yourself, as well as a washroom with sink and toilet and the outside balustrade.
Klicken Sie hier, um den Standort manuell zu ermitteln.
You can find us here
Berth: Fischery HarborWestkai 34
27572 Bremerhaven Go to city map
Plan your route
Timetable information VBN
Day trips with sightseeing of the tower as well as overnight stays on the tower with the "LEV TAIFUN" are only possible in the months of June, July and August.
Minimum age: 12 years
Alcohol and smoking are not permitted.
AddressBerth: Fischery Harbor
INNOVEN Marine Service GmbH & Co. KG
Westkai 34
27572 BremerhavenGo to city map
Plan your route
Timetable information VBN
0049 (0)471 - 95 84 50 90
0049 (0)471 - 95 84 50 99


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The big day has arrived! Early start for a particularly busy day. Lots of jobs to be done right across the constituency. Starting with morning deliveries and then as many teams as possible out for a final round of door knocking in our key promise areas. If you're able to join us for the whole day, fantastic. If not, as much time as you're able to spare will always be appreciated.
After months of campaigning this really is the final push. Remember, we can't get a Labour government at Westminster without electing David Ellesmere as our MP in Ipswich.


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Researchers study breast cancers after pregnancy
BROOKEVILLE, Md. — Christina Miller had just finished her second chemotherapy treatment when her hair began to fall out.
It was a Saturday morning, half an hour before she had to leave the house to take her son to a birthday party, when she realized, "I couldn't go any longer without doing something about my hair," says Miller, 39, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in January.
So Miller handed her husband the hair clippers and asked him to shave her head. Although the decision had been hard to make, Miller says the process itself felt liberating.
"My little 4-year-old looks up at me and gives me the biggest hug," says Miller, who is from Ellicott City, Md. "And he says, 'You're still the best-lookin' mommy.'"
Thanks to recent advances in therapy — and support from her friends and family — Miller says she's coping relatively well with the dual demands of fighting cancer and raising three kids: Alexandra, 5, Thomas Joseph, or T.J., 4, and Nora, 1½.
Researchers say they are also making progress in understanding what drives tumors in young moms.
While breast cancer is not common in women so young, almost one-third of the 25,000 cases diagnosed in women under age 45 fall into the category of postpartum breast cancer, also called pregnancy-associated breast cancer, says Pepper Schedin, a professor at the University of Colorado in Denver.
For reasons doctors don't completely understand, a woman's risk of breast cancer actually goes up in the five years or so after she has a child, Schedin says.
It's likely that the hormones of pregnancy play a role, says Eric Winer, director of breast oncology at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For example, hormonal surges and fluctuations may speed up the growth of a pre-existing cancer, leading a woman to be diagnosed sooner than she might have been if she had never been pregnant.
But the causes of these tumors are also likely to be complex.
Miller, for example, has a strong family history of breast cancer. Her mother and grandmother both had it; Miller and her mom were even diagnosed at the same age. Her grandmother died from the disease.
Not all postpartum breast cancers are the same.
PHOTOS:A look at Christina Miller, her family
MORE:Health and wellness coverage
Miller says she's grateful that her tumor belonged to a specific subtype that responds to a newer, targeted drug called Herceptin, which has dramatically improved the outlook for early cancers like hers.
Yet something about the postpartum body appears to give these tumors some common features, Schedin says. In general, women who develop breast cancer within five years of giving birth tend to do worse than those who have never had kids, or even those whose tumors are diagnosed during pregnancy, she says.
Miller's oncologist, Claudine Isaacs, notes that many factors can affect a patient's outcome. She says she's impressed by Miller's strength and ability to convey a sense of calm and hope in front of her kids.
"There's never a good time to get breast cancer, but the postpartum period is particularly challenging," says Isaacs, a professor at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. "With a baby, you're so protective, and you're supposed to be this even, comforting presence. Yet now, you have to wonder about your future."
Miller, who was still breast-feeding Nora when she was diagnosed, says her toddler now has no memory of her mom being anything but bald. And while their lives might be different today, Miller says she tries not to let her disease take over.
Her 5-year-old, Alex, "sees things in terms of the here and now and doesn't seem to worry about the future. She asks, 'How many more treatments until your hair grows back?' I don't sense fear," Miller says. "What I want them to remember is that Mom might have looked different, but she was still involved in our daily lives."
The pregnancy-cancer equation
Pregnancy has a complex relationship with breast cancer risk, Schedin notes.
Having a baby early in life lowers a woman's risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer, compared with women who have never had kids. Yet having a baby also raises the short-term risk of postpartum cancer, Schedin says.
In the past, scientists assumed that postpartum cancers were mainly fueled by the hormones of pregnancy. Schedin's work suggests that inflammation also plays an important role.
The immune system becomes active in the breast, Schedin says, when women finish nursing and start to wean. The same process begins after delivery if women don't breast-feed.
That's a time of dramatic change, when the breast needs to shrink back to normal size, and the extra cells created during pregnancy and milk production have to go away.
The body choreographs this "remodeling" partly by turning on a process similar to that used in healing wounds, says Patricia Ganz, a professor at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Most of the time, the process goes smoothly.
In younger women, these dramatic changes may actually perform a sort of housecleaning, sloughing off any atypical or potentially cancerous cells in the process, Ganz says. That may help explain why early pregnancy reduces a woman's long-term breast cancer risk; the early precancerous cells, which might have become tumors within a couple of decades, get swept away.
Breast-feeding for at least six months also reduces a woman's breast cancer risk, although doctors can't say with certainty how this works, Ganz says.
But inflammation can go awry.
By age 35 or 40, the precancerous changes in a woman's breasts may be too advanced to simply slough off after breast-feeding. Even worse, these abnormal cells may be stimulated by the inflammatory chemicals.
This research is becoming more compelling, Ganz says, as more women delay childbearing.
A woman who has her first child at age 40 or later has about twice the risk of breast cancer as a woman who never has children, she says.
Schedin says she hopes her findings won't add to women's anxieties. And women don't need to rush into pregnancy just to avoid breast cancer, Ganz says. On average, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women in their 60s.
Instead, Schedin says she hopes her research will one day contribute to new prevention strategies.
After all, doctors have a variety of ways to turn down inflammation. In mice, Schedin found that giving anti-inflammatory drugs stopped the growth of postpartum breast cancers.
Researchers have studied the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer prevention for years, looking at aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, statins and other pills.
Schedin cautions that her research hasn't been tested in humans yet, and it's far too early to give women any real prevention advice. Anti-inflammatory drugs can cause severe bleeding and bruising in some people, which can be particularly dangerous in pregnant or postpartum moms.
The dangers of the drug Vioxx — which was pulled from the market because of its increased risk of heart attacks and strokes — were actually exposed while it was being tested as a way to prevent colon cancer.
Still, Schedin says she's hopeful.
"We're not there yet, but we're closer than we've ever been," Schedin says.
Getting lots of support
Miller, who is participating in a clinical trial of a new drug, says she's glad that researchers are making progress. She hopes scientists will be able to offer better guidance to her own daughters about their risk of breast cancer one day.
Miller also feels grateful to have had so much support.
She and her husband sold their house and moved into her parents' home, Miller says, just as she was beginning chemotherapy. Her mother has accompanied her to every appointment and helped take care of the kids. Miller and her husband moved into their new home only after she finished chemotherapy, although she will continue taking Herceptin for a year.
And while Miller says she and her husband weren't sure about having a third child, they can't imagine life without Nora. She cheers them up just by toddling into the room and keeps them too busy to worry.
"Everything is exactly the way it was supposed to be," Miller says. Speaking of Nora, who is taking an afternoon nap in her crib, she adds, "I will always look at her and be so grateful."
Postpartum breast cancer in perspective
Annual pregnancy-associated breast cancers: 7,000*
Annual breast cancers in women younger than 45: 25,000
Annual breast cancers in all women: 227,000
* Defined as occurring within five years of delivering a baby.
Sources: American Cancer Society; Pepper Schedin, University of Colorado
More on breast cancer
Raising kids is hard enough. How do you cope with parenting while going through cancer? Join @USATODAY's #cancerchat at 1 p.m. EST Wednesday.


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Die DeutschDealer
Everyone coming to Germany for extended periods of time at some point or another will need to learn the infamous language, German. Die DeutschDealer is one of the Berlin companies that provide classes with the intention of not only making this process easier but also fun. Recently I attended one of their teacher meetings and believe me, as a veteran of numerous language courses, these guys had more fun learning I ever thought possible during a class. They make a really great team.


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Conveniently exfoliate with gentle yet effective peeling pad.
Made with 100% pure cotton, CAILYN R2M Silk Exfoliate Peeling Pad features three layers of pad attached together on three sides to be easily slipped onto fingers. Simply wipe the face with the textured gauze side to brush away all dead skin cells and sebum, then flip the pad over to soothe out the skin. Create a fresh glowing face with a 30 second quick exfoliation.
To provide soothing exfoliation even to sensitive skin, CAILYN R2M Silk Exfoliate Peeling Pad uses naturally exfoliating ingredients such as Lemon, Lemongrass, and Grapefruit Peel Oil.
Skin nourishing ingredients such as mineral water, Hyaluronic Acid, and Collagen nurture the skin to prevent any dryness or irritation.
Easy to use pocket-style pad can be conveniently used on the face or any other parts of the body that requires extra care.
1 Skin surface is dull, dry and covered in dead cells.
2 Using the mesh cotton side of pad, gently glide across skin surface, lifting away dead surface cells.
3 Flip pad over to the embossed cotton side for a cooling, toning, and soothing sensation. Rinse well with warm water.
4 Skin is left exfoliated, toned, balanced, and nourished.
GRAPEFRUIT PEEL OIL Antioxidant
LAVENDER FLOWER EXTRACT Anti-Aging
WITCH HAZEL Nourish
After cleansing skin, gently glide yellow textured side of R2M SILK EXFOLIATE PEELING PAD across entire wet face for a mild exfoliating experience. Then, flip pad over to white softer side to even out skin tone and to remove any remaining makeup, dirt, and debris from skin. Rinse with warm water.
Make sure to nourish skin after exfoliation. Use CAILYN R2M Silk Nourish Ampoule Essence and CAILYN R2M Silk Intense Hydration Cream for rich nutrients and moisture.


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Thursday, March 3, 2011
Pangaea Woodland: The "Natives" are Getting Restless
9 comments:
Ahhhh, yes, the "native" dilemma! I think the best approach is generally what you are doing...a combination of non-invasive plants and plants that are suited to the location conditions. In the end, I think that is more important than a rigid list of true "natives". After all, unless the conditions are exactly what they were before people settle there, it's a changed environment anyway.ReplyDelete
Unless you are creating an educational public garden, I don't really think this matters much. It would be foolish not to use native plants that are beautiful & well-adapted to your site. I think it's just as foolish not to use exotics that meet the same criteria. If you think of what would be native to your site, what was there before the land was developed in any way, I think you would come up with a very limited plant palette, not very pleasing at all.ReplyDelete
An interesting exploration of the dilemma and I feel sure your approach is the one that I would adopt were that my intention.ReplyDelete
I think you have made a wise choice in mixing the two, especially if your design is to make it look fitting, not matter the plants origin.ReplyDelete
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Thanks for the comment. I do have the native pagoda dogwood, Cornus alternifolia, self seeding around. I am trying to edit the seedlings for the best effect. Still need to get to know all my native woodlanders better. I am planning to return to Garden in the Woods this spring.
Robert and Les,
Thanks for your comments. Feeling like I am on the right track!
I'm entirely in agreement. Plant what looks natural (as long as it's not a rampant fiend). It's almost impossible to define native plant, especially in the environment of the 21st century. All is changed.ReplyDelete
Thanks, James. I agree.ReplyDelete
Most of my design career I have agreed with your position. Which era of native plants, blah, blah, blah. After hearing Doug Tallamy and reading Bringing Nature Home I finally understand one of the main reasons to add in native plants to the typically Asian landscapes of America. We can share the space.ReplyDelete
Hi Donna,ReplyDelete
Thanks for your thought-provoking comment. I have heard about Doug Tallamy but haven't read Bringing Nature Home. Your comment is making me want to read it for myself. I do have many natives in my garden especially some of the fruit-bearing shrubs but don't want to be limited by only natives.


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Rehearsal Plan – 12 Days of Christmas (Posts)
The holidays are the time of the year when larger productions are being put on. With these larger scale services, it is important to establish a rehearsal plan.
It's essential to start early working with all the different groups involved. Many times Christmas services are comprised of choirs, dramas, and large worship bands with more vocalists. This requires separate group rehearsals before the technical and dress rehearsals even occur.
Separate Group Rehearsals help vocalists and choirs workout their parts without taking time from the band or production crew. The lighting and video team should walk through the service together, making sure lights are complimenting video and that people who need to be seen are not standing in the dark. These types of one-on-one rehearsals help save time and allow for a smoother technical rehearsal.
Technical Rehearsals are a critical step in the production process that often times get overlooked. They are choppy – and that's okay, they should be. Lights are adjusted, microphones moved around, and new camera angles tried. For years I have experienced Christmas Eve service rehearsals that are just a copy of the typical Wednesday night run-through. During these times, the band gets a chance to rehearse, but no thought is given to the production side of things. As ministry staff members we have to remember that while we have dreamt about this event for weeks (possibly even months), the volunteers and musicians may be seeing/hearing everything come together for the very first time at rehearsal.
Final run-through/Dress rehearsal should be conducted just as it will be for the service. Practicing it exactly the way it needs to happen, especially the transitions, helps solidify it in everyone's mind.
As someone who has been through more Christmas productions than I can count, here are three things I stand by when it comes to rehearsing.
Rehearse Early:
Rehearse early enough to make changes. Even the dress rehearsal should be done several days in advance. In school, our dress rehearsals were always the day before our event … I can only assume it was because the teachers were afraid we'd forget everything if we had a day off. But this isn't an elementary school Christmas program – production at this level is intense, and "going dark" (to borrow a theatre term) the day before a performance gives everyone a chance to calm down, allowing for a smoother performance. The other thing this provides is a day to make any necessary adjustments. While I do not approve of changes after the run through/dress rehearsal, sometimes they cannot be avoided, and this downtime allows for that.
Be Prepared
When working with volunteers, the worst thing you can do is waste their time (well I guess you could kick them in the shin, but I digress). Have music, flows, and all other required materials printed out and ready to go ahead of time. Also, consider staggering arrival times for your teams. It doesn't benefit the choir to hear the band warm up and sound check. At Northview, a typical non-Christmas weekend rehearsal schedule looks like this:
12:00pm – Staff
1:00pm – Volunteer Sound and Lighting operators
1:30pm – Band
2:30pm – Vocalists
2:45pm – Camera Ops
3:00pm – Service run-through
Know when it's "Good Enough"
It hurt typing that.
I know as a creative, good enough should not be in my vocabulary; but at some point we have to force ourselves to stop tweaking, step back, and say it is finished. Always remember you're working with real people, most who have a day job that has nothing to do with what you're asking them to do during the service. Sometimes the camera shakes, and the lyrics come up late; or a vocalist forgets to turn their microphone on (why they turned it off in the first place, I'll never understand). These people are giving their time, and their best for Lord, and we need to accept their offering of service and know when to end the rehearsal, so people can get home.
Last Christmas I wrote a post about adding tech rehearsals to Christmas Eve services – check it out here.
Also, be sure to check out the Christmas Resources Page.
How do you approach rehearsals? Join the conversation and share below.


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Moscow: The City of Golden Domes (4 days)
The Russian Orthodox Church has more than 600 places of worship in Moscow - its historical home - encompassing centuries of history and a huge range of architectural styles, from the awe-inspiring medieval cathedrals of the Kremlin to the more intimate private chapels of the boyars, all with a distinctly Russian flavor.
Prices are given in USD per person per tour (accommodation is not included). Prices are valid from February 01, 2018 till January 31, 2019.
|Group of 2
|Group of 4
|Group of 6
|Group of 8
|Group of 10
|Group of 15
|Group of 20
|Group of 25
|Group of 30
- Arrival and departure transfers with a local guide
- One full day and one half day tours with a local guide and a private tourist-class vehicle
- Entrance tickets to the museums: The Moscow Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent, St.Basil's cathedral, The Cathedral of Christ the Savior
- All local taxes; Private tourist class vehicle; English/or German/or Spanish/or Italian/or French local Guide. Other languages are at extra fee.
Tour Highlights
Moscow SightseeingFirst, we will drive in the direction of the old Moscow to see 'the old town of masters' located in front of Kitay-gorod. We will have a stop at Sofiiskaya Embankment with the magnificent view of the old Kremlin structures and walls. Our next stop is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the main Moscow cathedral and the holy place for all Russians. The tour continues with a drive through the business district to Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory) with the magnificent panoramic view over Moscow and the world renowned Moscow University. Then, we will take you to Poklonnaya Hill to visit the monument to the heroes of World War II.
Novodevichy ConventNovodevichy Convent (New Maiden Convent) is an important Moscow attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Convent is linked to Russia's historic, cultural, and religious development. At different times, it was used as a prison, an orphanage, a hospital, a refuge site, a religious institution, and a museum. The convent is an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and a significant collection of paintings and artifacts.
Red SqareIn fact, the square's name derives from the word 'krasnyi', which once meant 'beautiful'. The striking charm of architecture is at odds with the square's brutal and bloody history, but the combination makes Moscow's Red Square a truly fascinating place that you will want to visit again and again.
St. Basil's CathedralEvery capital has a well-known landmark making it easily recognizable. In Moscow, such a landmark is the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, commonly known as Saint Basil's Cathedral. Looking at the vivid colors of the church, can you believe that its original color scheme was white to match white stone of the Kremlin? During this tour, you will learn many amazing facts about history of St. Basil's Cathedral.
The Moscow KremlinThe Moscow Kremlin is the oldest part of the city that includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with towers. The name "Kremlin" means "fortress inside a city". Moscow's fortified complex is located at the heart of the Russian capital. The Kremlin serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation and is linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century.
The Cathedral of Christ the SaviorOne of the most imposing and controversial buildings in Russia, the resurrected Cathedral of Christ the Savior has had a short but turbulent history. It was singled out by the Soviet government for destruction in 1931 and resurrected in 2000. The interior decoration is breathtaking, the cathedral being adorned with elaborate frescoes which extend over the entire surface of the walls.
Day 1: Welcome to MoscowWelcome to Moscow. On your arrival, Fremad Russia will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Take some rest and prepare for an exciting sightseeing tour of Moscow tomorrow!
Day 2: Novodevichy ConventEnjoy a fascinating half-day sightseeing tour around the Russian capital and have a guided visit to the Novodevichy Convent (New Maiden Convent). In the afternoon, have a nice stroll along Moscow's streets.
Day 3: Red SquareThis day is all about the heart of Moscow and entire country: Red Square. The tour will take you around the square and inside the Moscow Kremlin. Admire the "stone flower" of Red Square - St. Basil's Cathedral and the symbol of resurrection of Russia - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Day 4: Leaving MoscowThis day marks the end of an unforgettable vacation to Moscow. Check out from your hotel by 12:00 pm. Fremad Russia will transfer you to the airport/railway station.


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Deserving victory for visitors at Morpeth
Morpeth 15-26 Huddersfield YMCA
On a cold late November Saturday Morpeth were beaten by a well organised Huddersfield YMCA outfit who thoroughly deserved to take the points in an efficient display.
The victory was based on strong ball running in loose situations ,coupled with talented half backs and full back ,who ensured the game was played in the right areas.
Morpeth were strangely lacklustre in the first half and were unable to stop the West Yorkshire outfit around the fringes which allowed the opposition to dictate the pace of the game.
Before the game settled into any pattern YM took the lead when constant ball retention allowed a well judged kick over the top to be gathered and touched down for a converted try.Morpeth, still off the pace,were soon kicking off again after another opposition try.
It wasn't until after the 20 minute mark when from an attacking lineout drive skipper Hill made ground and Elliott scampered over in the corner, making it 12-5 to Huddersfield YMCA.
Further penalties were swopped between the two sides before the visitors just about put the game out of reach with a further try and 2 penalties making the score 26-8 at halftime.
Morpeth improved significantly in the second half and after numerous phases Elliott agin scored from close range with a sniping run,this came after a strong run from Ward ,following a kick and chase.Wall converted to make it 26-15.
There was everything to play for but despite significant home pressure from attacking lineouts and numerous penalties awarded they were unable to breach the dogged defence and the score remained the same .
Morpeth's Man of the match was Josh Williams who was exceptionally committed throughout.


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Ride MTB Coaching provides mountain bike skills courses. Areas covered include Rivington, Farmer John's MTB Park, Delamere Forest, and Foel Gasnach.
Elliott Heap - U21 WORLD ENDURO SERIES CHAMPION 2018
RIDEMTB COACHING Testimonials
Katy Woolley
I had a great session with RideMTB in the weeks leading up to my first race, Elliott and Lewis took on board everything l mentioned I'd like to focus on and the techniques I was looking to improve. Throughout the day they gave me some great tips to put into practice on race day and gave me confidence on alternative line choices, would definitely recommend to anyone from beginners or more advanced riders looking to polish up their skills!
RideMTB Coaching
Rivington Bolton Lancashire BL6 7SB UK.
E: firstname.lastname@example.com


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I've posted the video/screen capture of the Blogging Academy session on Photoblogging I did last week. The audio is the same as the previously-released podcast on the topic, but this adds a full video capture of my screen that shows everything I was doing as I talked about how I use Flickr for easy photoblogging. I think the video adds quite a bit to this topic, for someone looking for how to do "Photoblogging 101".
The video is in WMV format, 1024×768 pixels, because I used the free Windows Media Encoder to record it. If someone knows of a free way to capture the screen to video in MPEG4, H.264, DivX, or some other more palatable codec, I'm all ears. I also posted a transcoded MPEG4 320×240 iPod-friendly version, just so I could put it on my iPod with video and show it to people. However, it's a lot harder to make out what's on my screen at that lower resolution. 😉
If you're interested, or know someone who is (come on, we've all got a friend or family member that asks "so what's this blogging thing I keep hearing about?"), head on over to BloggingAcademy.com for 101-type discussions about blogging, podcasting, wikis, and all the cool new stuff that you can do these days on the web. 🙂


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{via flickr}So far so good on our read. I did my morning pages everyday even though sometimes that was the last thing I wanted to do. Other days it all poured out. Normally I wrote about my daily life. No wonderful book ideas or poems poured out. Oh well, maybe next week. As for my artists date, does working on the garden and yard count? Although, I did get together with fabulous friends and we did discuss the book. Bonus points for me, ha!
How did you do? Check out more here.


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PWM fans are used for lots of things now. A PWM fan can be used as a case fan, as a heatsink fan, or as a rad fan. AIO coolers simply expand the playing field for PWM fans. So I have collected twenty-four fans here for review in our 2016 case fan roundup. Read More
Posts Tagged: titan
NVIDIA GTX TITAN Video Card Review
Well, the day is finally here…part two! Today is the day we can show you what NVIDIA's new TITAN GPU can do. Read More
NVIDIA Introduces The GTX TITAN
The wait is over. Details on NVIDIA's new TITAN GPU are finally here! Read More


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Scarves for spring accessorizing | Fashion
By Rebecca S. Robertson
For The Surge.
Scarves are not only a stylish way to hold off the chill of spring, but they also offer a chic alternative to accessorizing an outfit with minimal effort.
The skinny scarf has been trending the last few seasons and this spring is no different. Due to its short width, it's a chic option for more tailored dressing- think suits, blouses, and vests. For an edgier look, opt for one in a snakeskin print, like White House Black Market's Exotic Print Skinny Scarf in Neutral ($48). The multiple tan and brown hues of the print will pop next to subdued neutral tones and tailoring, especially when tied as a bow or wrapped around the neck once.
An infinity scarf takes the guesswork out of how to wear it thanks to its one long continuous loop of fabric. A versatile option is Handpicked's Mosaic Infinity Scarf in Pink/Green ($24). Its hot pink, ice blue, and lime green mosaic print is accented with white tassels and trim. Loop it around your neck with your favorite white t-shirt and jeans, or as an accent to a simple white shift dress.
The most versatile option of scarves, the oblong scarf offers a variety of ways to wear it- in a fashion knot, twisted and tied, or a simple European loop. Opt for one in a vibrant print to evoke the season, like Charming Charlie's Lily Blossom Scarf in Green ($12). The lime green, yellow and white print will add a chic detail to a simple tank dress or top.


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Introducing Jen of Puddle Jumping Designs as today's guest blogger! I just recently discovered Jen's blog and I was so impressed with her work that I knew I needed to feature Jen's work here to help us Celebrate the Boy! I think you'll love the amazing appliqué she has to share with us today. A little about her: Jen's career as an artistic entrepeneur began selling painted rocks door to door at the wee age of five. She studied graphic design in school and has had some unusual hobbies including ice skating, stained glass mosaics and wire sculpture. Once she accidentally auditioned for the Cincinnatti Opera (I'd love to hear the story there!). She now contracts design work from home where she takes care of her kids and runs Puddle Jumping Designs. Here's more from Jen:
I am a mom of a boy and a girl, ages 4 and 2.5, respectively. When I entered into motherhood, I had to have a creative outlet and took up sewing again after a very long hiatus. Like many of the other bloggers involved in Celebrate the BOY, I found no end of crushingly adorable patterns and crafts for my daughter, but almost nothing cute or fun for my boy. Forget about edgy!
Out of that dilemma I decided to start the blog, Puddle Jumping Designs in the fall of 2009. Puddle Jumping Designs was created on the belief that not all patterns have to be about dresses, ruffles, flowers and pink. Not that there is anything wrong with those things. While these designs were created with boys in mind, they are in no way, limited to boys only. What girl doesn't love a good muscle car, bug, or truck?
So, while the blog is fairly new, my crafting and designs are not. I have been sewing and crafting with the boy in mind for about three years now and as 2010 progresses, there will be more good stuff added to the site.
Tutorial and Free Downloadable Pattern
I am very pleased to offer this tutorial on how to do an easy, very fun appliqué design with no sewing at all! I know, most of you reading this are probably sewers on some level, but this makes doing the appliqué a super-fast project.
Dress up anything with this pattern, you are not limited to t-shirts alone. With the double-sided fusible web, you can use this Retro Race Car to personalize almost anything, a backpack, tote, sleeping bag, pant leg … you get the idea. Scrapbookers can also get in on the fun by using the pattern as a template for paper.
Please follow this LINK to download your very own copy of the Retro Race Car instructions and pattern.
By downloading this PDF pattern, you agree to use this pattern for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not sell this pattern or offer it for public use. Craft responsibly!
Hop on over to The Puddle to check out the rest of the tutorial. While you are there, you can find other appliqué patters, crafts and tutorials:
Thanks everyone and thanks to Rae and Dana for coming up with this great idea! I can't wait to start on all of the wonderful tutorials being posted this month.
– Jen
Thanks so much Jen! I know this was already mentioned but it bears repeating: please respect Jen's use policy; she has generously offered her appliqués for personal use only. Be sure to subscribe to Puddle Jumping Designs to keep up with Jen's work!
Today Dana's got a guest showing us how to make a messenger bag…head over to MADE to check it out!


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The Angry Young Them
The year 1965 was a milestone in the history of modern music and during this summer we'll be looking, sporadically, at some of the classic recordings of that year. We're kicking off with The Angry Young Them, the first album from the Northern Irish group Them, which was released in June 1965. Six of the 14 songs on the album were written by Van Morrison, including the famous, fabulous anthem Gloria.Tweet
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- Turn! Turn! Turn! | Eamonn Fitzgerald's Rainy Day | Monday, 20 July, 2015
- In The Midnight Hour | Eamonn Fitzgerald's Rainy Day | Tuesday, 21 July, 2015


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Dental Cavities This animation shows in detail about the reason for dental cavities.The best way to avoid dental cavity is to Brush tooth regularly twice a day. http://rufusrajadurai.wetpaint.com/ for a lot of 3D medical Animations and downloads.
Channels: Tutorials (animation based) Medical
Tags: dental cavity cavities 3d medical animation rufus rajadurai oral microflora brush teeth twice daily
Uploaded by: hanna785 ( Send Message ) on 24-04-2010. Dnatube suggest users to have interest in drug testing, mesothelioma, insurance, medical lawyers.
Duration: 0m 57s


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The Story
Lightweight, soft and colourful, our cotton throws are the perfect home accessory. Use at the end of a bed, draped over a favourite chair or folded at the end of a sofa for chilly evenings. The three colour ways are soft and delicate, making them easy to mix in with other fabrics and tones.


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Daily Learning Log
I keep a daily log of our activities as one of a few ways of keeping records. It also helps me to keep track of our plans, serves to remind me to to look up info on a certain topic, check out a certain book, or begin a project my son wants to do. Keeping a log is also a quick way for me to realize that we really do fill our days meaningfully, and to keep track of what the kids are learning. To see how we incorporate self-directed learning at our house, take a peak:
Here are exerpts of a few weeks of our daily log. To get a perspective, my son is called "A.", and he is 6 years old. My daughter is "S", and is two. She is involved in all of our activities, but for the present time, most activities I describe are from A's pont of view. S will be noted more specfically as she grows and expresses her own unique way of making sense of the world..
This first example is a recent week in which a very large wildfire raged in our local area. We took the opportunity to learn about the firefighting crews .
Mon, 4-29-02
Tues., April 30, 2002
Wed, May 1, 2002
Thurs, May 2, 2002
Fri, May 3, 2002
Sat., May 4, 2002
Sun, May 5, 2002
Mon, May 6, 2002
another exerpt is coming soon
[back to the main homeschooling


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The Trevi floor plan offers an open concept with no wasted space making this floor plan very desirable that you don't see in today's newer communities. The upgraded stack stone on the exterior gives it that rich warm feel as you make your way towards the custom glass entry door. Once inside your eyes will be drawn to the gorgeous epoxy floors (that's right I said epoxy not tile or wood) through out the main living areas. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, pendant lights, tile back splash and lots of cabinet space. In the master retreat you have beautiful bamboo floors, walk-in-closets with a private en-suite bath with dual sinks, separate tub and shower. One of the spare bedrooms even has its own en-suite bathroom which is perfect for guests or family members coming to visit. Out on the lanai deck you have a private heated pool with spa overlooking the preserve, with no roof-tops in the rear, making this lot location very desirable. River Strand Golf & Country Club offers 27 holes of golf, & includes the golf, just pay the cart fee. Designed by world-renowned architect Arthur Hills, a 39,000 square foot clubhouse, satellite pools & two resort style pools. Enjoy dining in one of several venues, the semi-formal dining room, grille room, or Tiki bar. If dining isn't what you're after, River Strand offers a variety of amenities including tennis, pickle-ball, fitness centers, & more. Close to I-75, Restaurants, Shopping and the brand new Costco right outside the community.
Heritage Harbour Ph I Sp F U1u2u3pb48/99
Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Public, Sewer Connected, Sprinkler Recycled, Street Lights, Underground Utilities
Cable, Clubhouse, Fitness, Gated Community, Golf Course, Maintenance Free, Pool, Security, Tennis Courts, Deed Restricted, Fitness, Gated Community, Golf Carts OK, Golf Community, Irrigation-Reclaimed Water, Sidewalk
Under Building Parking, , 2 Car Garage
Conservation, Flood Insurance Required, In County
Child Safety Fence, Heated, In Ground, Screen Enclosure
Ceiling Fans(s), Crown Molding, Open Floorplan, Split Bedroom, Stone Counters, Walk-In Closet(s)
Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Electric Water Heater, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Washer
Hurricane Shutters, Irrigation System, Lighting, Sidewalk, Sliding Doors
|Price Reduced
|$40,000 (10.39%)
|Price Reduced (from $399,000)
|$14,000 (3.51%)
Listing information courtesy of Kw Suncoast.
All listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified through personal inspection by appropriate professionals. Listings displayed on this website may be subject to prior sale or removal from sale; availability of any listing should always be independently verified.
Listing information is provided for consumer personal, non-commercial use, solely to identify potential properties for potential purchase; all other use is strictly prohibited and may violate relevant federal and state law.
Listing data comes from My Florida Regional MLS DBA Stellar MLS.
Listing information last updated on November 22nd, 2019 at 4:30am EST.


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AAA: Going through driving scenarios helps make teens safer driversPosted On Tue, October 22, 2013
The last full week of October in the U.S. is Teen Driver Safety Week, as young people continue to be the most vulnerable population of individuals who are at an increased risk of being involved in an accident. This is why auto insurance rates provider AAA is encouraging parents to take advantage of this time period by helping their kids go over various scenarios that they're bound to experience throughout their driving career.
AAA recommended that parents go through five driving challenges with their teens: Driving in inclement weather, what to do when an animal is in the road, driving on back streets, the appropriate behavior when passengers are in the car and how to deal with other people using different means of transport, such as motorcycles or bicycles.
Sandra Maxwell, director of driver education programs for AAA, indicated that teens will likely go through these scenarios with their teacher, but parents play a key role in preparing them to be safe behind the wheel.
"Parental guidance is essential for the long-term success of any new driver," said Maxwell. "Because parents have the unique opportunity to sit in the passenger seat and coach their teen, they have the ability to ensure lifelong safe driving habits at the critical learning-to-drive stage."
Increase following distance in snow
With winter approaching, and forecasters predicting it could be an especially snowy season, this may be the scenario that young motorists have to deal with the most. AAA stressed that parents should advise their kids about the importance of reducing their rate of speed when there's snow, slush or ice on the roads, as it typically takes longer to come to a full and complete stop when applying the brakes. Thus, instead of maintaining a two-to-three second following distance, it should be increased to seven seconds. Additionally, it's recommended that motorists be sure to keep their eyes on what's ahead of them so they have plenty of time to react to other motorists.
Though probably not as common as treacherous roadways, wild animals frequently cross the road in the fall, as this is mating season. In fact, according to a recent poll conducted by State Farm, drivers have a 1 in 174 chance of striking a deer over the next 12 months, with the biggest risk coming in West Virginia.
AAA indicated that contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of injuries that occur from deer strikes are caused by going off the road, rather than colliding with animals. This is because out of instinct, motorists will often jerk the wheel to the left or right in order to avoid hitting deer or some other form of wildlife head-on. Parents should counsel their teen not to swerve when they see a deer in the road, but to keep both hands on the wheel, applying firm pressure to the brake pad. Hopefully, the animal will move before impact.
Rural roads require reduced speed
Though rural roads may be more scenic and less busy, they still present a safety hazard due to typically being very windy rather than straight. Teens may not effectively compensate for this fact by slowing their rate of speed down when approach hairpin turns in the road. AAA advised that moms and dads demonstrate how to slow down when approaching major turns in the road and when it's OK to accelerate. Parents should additionally make note of the fact that rural roads tend to not be as well-lit, so high beams should always be used, so long as no one is approaching from the other direction.
Feedback or questions? Email the editor here.


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In God's Slipstream: Listening to the whisper of the Spirit/
At a Vital Church Planting Conference in Toronto a few years ago, the U.K.'s Rev. David Male imagined the future by suggesting that pioneering church planters committed to expanding the mission-shaped church should "keep in the slipstream of God."
"In looking to what lies ahead," Mr. Male said, "Listen to the whisper of the spirit."
He also warned church pioneers not to fall into the trap of tarting up a bankrupt, old-model church in contemporary disguise to try to attract the unchurched. He compared this to the makeover given old cars on the television show Pimp My Ride. Stay away from the "pimp my church" approach, he said.
To illustrate for modern-day disciples, Male spoke of the uncertain future faced by the disciples after Jesus' death. He also quoted John V. Taylor's observation that mission is more like an unexpected explosion than a physical extension of an old building.
[Click here to read the entire article in the Anglican Journal]


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Coral Springs, FLHome Sitemap Contact
Emergency Information
Hurricane Dorian
Sports Camp & Classes
Aikido (Ages 13 and up)
- Divisions:Sports Classes
- Phone:(954) 345-2200
Return to full list >>
Aikido is a non-aggressive Japanese Martial Art. It's self defense oriented for men, women and teenagers. Learn to use the opponents energy against themselves with virtually no strength needed. Great for beginners or experienced practitioners. Aikido teaches fluid movements as you perform simple effective techniques. Classes taught by Shihan Michael D'Angona, 5th degree Black Belt with over 20 years experience in the Japanese martial arts.
Cost: $50 for a four-week session


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Amrit Richmond reports in Medium:
In today's economy, consumers have multiple choices for pretty much everything: coconut water, sneakers, airlines, and cell phones. Consumers are increasingly curious and conscious of your ingredients, labor practices, and competitors. Creating a product that changes behavior is easier than creating a buying experience that changes behavior. Make your product convenient to purchase across web, mobile, and/or retail.
Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, family time always felt like a market research study: "How does this taste? Would you wear that? Ask five of your friends what they think of X brand, then compare their responses."When I was in middle school, my mother created a frozen food line with the promise of a healthy, home-cooked style meal. On the weekends we demo'd her food products together at Whole Foods to meet potential and current customers. Sometimes I would sneak away to the frozen aisle to see her products on display and to check out the competition. I thought a lot about how her brand could stand out among the others options on the freezer shelf––from photos, to ingredients, to branding. Then on the drive home, we discussed consumer feedback and ideas worth implementing. In addition to her food line, my mother also led R&D projects for organic CPG food brands, and co-created a healthy, fast-casual concept that piloted in a few airports.My mother's creativity and entrepreneurial spirit was, and still is, contagious. She now owns two restaurants with my stepfather, who previously led business development and manufacturing for sustainable apparel brands. They're both committed to using sustainable materials and ingredients whenever possible, from the decor in their restaurants to the food on the table. More than a decade before it was cool to eat quinoa and wear organic cotton, my parents and their friends were building businesses to make the world a little bit healthier, greener, and energy efficient.Being a fly on the wall during my parents' meetings with investors, brand consultants, magazines, food and apparel factories, and retail buyers inspired a lot of my work today. In today's economy, consumers have multiple choices for pretty much everything: coconut water, sneakers, airlines, and cell phones. This post looks at why people buy things, what triggers purchasing decisions, and how to create a brand people love that leads to long-term customer relationships.
So, why do people buy things?
- Celebrating––A milestone related to personal health, work, or finance.
- Moving––To a new home, apartment, or city.
- Gifting––For a friend, family member, colleague, or significant other.
- Eating––Consumers eat 3x a day, 7 days a week. That's about 80-90 chances a month for food brands to integrate into someone's diet.
- Major Life Event––Such as graduating college, marriage, or having kids.
- Vanity & Confidence––Because the product will increase self esteem.
- Behavioral Change––To start a hobby, improve health, or quit a habit.
- To Replace Something––Because our current X is broken, outdated, or the customer experience is atrocious, so any alternative is appealing.
- To Enhance One of Our Senses––Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch
- To Enjoy an Experience––Camping, traveling, cooking, etc.
- To Fill a Void––On the wall above a couch, as a distraction from something else in life, or to make yourself feel better.
- To Save Time––Such as a smart coffee maker for easier mornings.
- Just Because—Sometimes we just want to treat ourselves.
What influences a purchasing decision?Consumers are increasingly curious and conscious of your ingredients, labor practices, and competitors. Here are some key influences and questions we ask ourselves before making a purchase.
- Cost — How much am I willing to spend on a fitness tracker?
- Color — To match my personality, other gadgets, outfit, or home decor. Certain colors can have calming or alarming effects on consumers.
- Quality — And durability. Is this device going to last more than a year? Is it expensive to repair? Will the company sell or send me spare parts?
- Convenience — Is spending a little extra money going to save me time?
- Time — Is it worth it to wait longer for something if it costs me less?
- Savings — Is this device going to reduce my monthly _________ bill?
- Usage — How often will I use this product? Is it multi-purpose?
- Luxury — Is this the highest quality, most prestigious option?
Fashion & Hardware
- Texture & Feel — Which option is the most comfortable to wear?
- Free Shipping & Returns — A smart consumer knows this is baked into the price, but the convenience is worth it. Free S&R also reduces risk when buying an expensive or large item online, such as a new mattress.
- A five star review — On your website, Amazon, or third-party seller.
- A blog feature — Gadget and lifestyle blogs continue to influence purchasing decisions, and can help people discover your product. In addition to well-respected national and global media outlets, look for blogs that focus on your niche (such as health and wellness) with dense communities of readers who are more likely to buy things.
- Product Safety — Does the product have sharp edges? Is the device going to overheat? Is it safe for a house with kids and pets?
- Personal Safety––Does this product make my life or hobby safer?
- Battery — Which option has the strongest battery, especially for traveling?
- Cross Platform / Data / IoT — Which option syncs with my laptop? Which option plays well with my other gadgets, such as home speakers?
- Trust & Security — Which company do I trust most with my data? Parents who put a live streaming camera in their kid's nursery want to know the live feed is secure and only accessible to their family.
Food & Ethics
- Labor Practices — Which company treats/pays their employees fairly?
- Ingredients — If food, which product is the healthiest option? Am I allergic to any of the ingredients?
- Taste — Which option appeals most to my taste buds?
- Happiness — Is buying this going to make me happier?
- Health — Will this fitness tracker or these new sneakers encourage me to going to the gym more often? Is this going to help me kick a bad habit?
- The way it makes you feel — Depending on someone's lifestyle, they may be looking for products that give them peace of mind, or a product that gets the party started.
Lifestyle & Cool Factor
- Hobby — Does this product make one of my favorite activities more fun?
- The brand your friends or favorite 'influencers' use — From shoes to phones, we tend to buy the products our friends have or recommend.
- Does this make me look cool? — Kids buy the next big thing to fit in.
Retail & Visual Merchandising
- Store Set Up — The placement of your products in-store will impact sales. Some food companies pay for top shelf or eye level placement at markets.
- Selection — If you're buying food or personal items at a bodega, you're stuck with the small selection of brands they offer and the higher prices.
- Packaging & Product Design — The color, look, and feel of your brand matters alongside other options at the supermarket, mall, or retail shop.
- What's in Stock? — Consumers might try your product because their favorite option isn't available. You might even convert them!
- What's on Sale? — Some consumers will seek the lowest price items or those that are on sale, regardless of taste, ingredients, or quality.
What do people Need vs. Want to buy?Think about your target customer and what they commit to spending money on every month. Is your product a monthly need, a want, or a less frequent, expensive purchase? If your product doesn't fit into an existing purchasing category, how will you convince customers to buy what you're selling?
Needs (Based on Typical Monthly Expenses)
- Food
- Water & Beverages
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Electricity
- Heat & Hot Water
- Telecom Plan
- Home Wi-fi
- Maybe: Caffeine, Pet Food, Child Expenses, Education, Student Loans
Quarterly Purchases
- Personal care items (beauty, hair care, nutrition)
- Cleaning and laundry supplies (and other misc small household items)
Larger Lifestyle & Household Purchases (every 1–10 years)
- A new Mobile Device
- A new Personal Computer
- Camera
- Tablet
- Television
- Travel Luggage
- Home Decor & Renovations
- Kitchen Tools & Gadgets
- Sheets & Towels
- Mattresses
- Washing Machine
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Car
- House
- Entertainment — Books, Movies, Music, Cable, Games, Virtual Reality
- Outside Entertainment — Travel, Restaurants, Movie Theater, Concerts
- Clothing, Shoes & Accessories — Beyond what you already own.
- Gym Membership or Fitness Devices — Health and wellness is necessary, but a gym membership isn't accessible or affordable to all.
- Smart Home — Gadgets that connect to the internet and mobile phones, giving consumers control over their home's electricity and temperature.
- A Personal AI — To automate your life and keep your pantry stocked.
- Wearable Devices — Such as smart watches and fitness trackers.
Top Household Purchasing Categories in 20151010 Data compiled a study of top CPG categories for online sales in the U.S. in 2015. Pet Food was the clear winner with almost $700M in online sales.
Make People Fall in Love With Your ProductDifferentiators to help your product stand out and ways to build a long-term relationship with customers. You don't have to do all of these things at once!
Create a Quality Product
- Design––Create visually appealing prints, packaging, and hardware.
- User Experience––Make your product easy and joyful to use, and share. If your product requires assembly, offer phone, video or offline support.
- Make it Magical––Wow us with AI, VR, and devices that easily sync.
- Make it Multi-purpose — But focused around an activity. Such as as a gadget for the kitchen, or a camping light that also charges a phone.
- Make it Affordable — Consumers are willing to try new 'vertically integrated' brands to benefit from you cutting out the middle man.
- Make it Customizable — Either through a special color combination, ability to add your own digital artwork to the device display, or custom phone cases to match a customer's personality and style.
- Make it Travel Friendly — Is your gadget or beauty product TSA approved? Is it lightweight or practical enough to travel with?
- Multiple Colors — Some people like variety and mix-match options.
- Cater to a Niche Diet or Lifestyle — Consumers are very loyal to brands that produce thoughtful allergy and diet friendly products.
- Create Products for Underserved Markets — Develop a modern solution and brand for a demographic who doesn't currently have a brand they're loyal to that understands and respects their needs.
- Create with Quality in Mind — Would you rather have a customer make one purchase from you a year for $200, or ten $20 purchases?
- Reliable Batteries — Can't say this enough. Build an enduring battery.
Make the Experience Memorable, and Worth Sharing
- Buying Experience — Creating a product that changes behavior is easier than creating a buying experience that changes behavior. Make your product convenient to purchase across web, mobile, and/or retail.
- Shipping & Returns––Remove the pain of returning/exchanging items.
- Customer Service––Make it easy to return your products if a customer isn't 100% satisfied. Be patient with angry customers and answer their questions as soon as possible. Turn their frustrations into opportunities to re-gain their trust and improve your product suite. When your team is small, create a FAQ and templates for typical questions from customers.
- Live Chat––Try FB Messenger and Intercom to chat with your customers.
- Immersive Retail — Help consumers visualize what life would be like if they were to purchase your product. Help customers try hardware in your store, test drive a car, or playing musical chairs until a customer finds the perfect dining set. Create fun and welcoming retail experiences that can be enjoyed with friends and are share-worthy on social media.
Keep Education, Community & Empathy in Mind
- Educate Your Customers––Teach people how to use your products through photos, videos, and user generated content from the community. Use UGC to share customer stories and celebrate their use cases/ideas!
- Offer a Membership — To encourage and reward loyal customers.
- Engage Your Community––Connect your customers to each other in forums, comments, and offline at events and meetups.
- Create New Products Inspired by Your Community––Involve your customers in product development, such as a survey asking, "Of these three colors, which one should we produce for our next batch?" By controlling the survey options, you'll be happy to produce the results!
- Make People Feel Good––About the purchase they just made. If you're selling a wellness or sleep related product, say something via email like, "Welcome to a good night's sleep with your new mattress. We're here if you have any questions, comments or ideas for improving our products."
Develop Trustworthy Products, Relationships & Partnerships
- Play Well with Other Products––Consumers buying 'Smart Home' devices want to know your product connects to their laptop and apps.
- Partner with Other Brands — On original content, giveaways/contests, to create limited editions (colors, styles, flavors, new products), and free gift with purchase promotions to highlight each other's products.
- Reward Purchases––Repeat customers, group buying, two for one, give cash back or credit back towards your products. People love a discount!
- Anticipate Needs and the Next Purchase — If your product is a monthly, quarterly or annual purchase, (such as personal care items, or a water filter system), politely nudge your customers with a targeted email, and perhaps a special offer/discount to influence their next purchase.
- Surprise & Delight––Include something extra in the box, like how Apple includes two branded stickers with every hardware purchase.
- Birthdays––If you have the data, send customers a gift or discount on their birthdays. Sephora does this through a free gift (with or without purchase) that is redeemable on any day during your birthday month.
Build a Brand Worth Following
- Create Content to Share Your Brand Story––Create visual stories that attract your target customers and speak to their current or dream lifestyle. It's important for these stories to live across multiple channels: Your site, advertising, social media and retail.
- Engage on Social Media––Your customers are already on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat, Vine. Use these channels to keep in touch, host contests, and discover product trends in your industry.
- Advertise with Empathy––Ads should make people feel better about themselves, not inadequate and empty without your product.
- Brand Loyalty — If you're lucky, consumers will trust your brand over time and buy whatever you put in front of them. Don't abuse this trust.
Don't Be Evil, Be Human
- Transparency — Share stories, photos, and videos of your supply chain and where you source your materials or ingredients.
- Be Ethical — It's increasingly difficult to hide harmful ingredients and unfair labor practices. You can differentiate from legacy CPG brands by being good to your customers, employees, and the planet.
- Give Back — Integrate a philanthropy component into your business model, such as one-for-one donation. Examples: Warby Parker, TOMS.
CPG trends, biz models, and buying channelsCreating a product that changes behavior is easier than creating a buying experience that changes behavior. Make your product easy to buy!
Emerging Integrations
- AI & Voice––Next level of smart gadgets that automate search, ordering, tasks, and integrations with other apps like on-demand transportation.
- Internet of Things — Devices that connect to wi-fi and other gadgets.
- Cross Platform — Devices with software that is easily accessible across the web, mobile and tablets–and sometimes, other devices.
- Sustainably Sourced––Materials or ingredients that protect the planet.
Buying Experience
- Home Try On––Examples include Warby Parker and True & Co.
- Discovery––Birchbox launched a trend of curated subscription boxes.
- Mass Customization––Examples include Nike and Function of Beauty.
- Showrooms––b8ta, based in Palo Alto, is a showroom for trying the latest consumer hardware. Visitors can try and buy at the store.
- eCommerce Only — Examples include Brilliant and Bonobos.
- On Demand Transportation––Ride-shares, car rentals, and test drives.
- Buy, Sell & Swap––Examples include Tradesy and Poshmark.
- Curated/Assisted Buying––Examples include Trunk Club and Bombfell.
- Group Buying / Bulk––Examples include Boxed and Costso.
- Sell Direct to Customers at Wholesale Prices––See Thrive Market.
- Paid Memberships––Offer discounts to consumers via your annual club.
- Rent, Don't Buy / Access vs. Ownership––Going to a wedding? Rent the Runway and The Black Tux will rent you the perfect outfit.
- Subscriptions––Rent the Runway recently introduced a monthly Unlimited membership. Rocksbox and Le Tote also offer subscriptions.
- Buy it Once––Create a durable product that is designed to only be purchased once, with a lifetime guarantee for fixes or upgrades.
- Curated Online Shops––Amazon has a store for crowdfunded products.
- Buy Now, Pay Later––Blispay and Bread are reinventing the lay-away model, offering consumers financing for medium to large size purchases.
- On-demand––Retailers such as American Apparel and Sephora are now available for local delivery in select Postmates cities.
- Meal Delivery Kits––That include everything you need to cook dinner.
- Home Setup — Enjoy, based in San Francisco, is a new way to buy and learn how to use hardware products like tablets, TVs, and drones.
- Same or Next Day Delivery—Free or unlimited shipping/delivery with purchase of a membership, like Amazon Prime, Instacart and Postmates.
- Pre-orders––Through your site, like Tesla recently did for the Model 3.
- Crowdfunding (rewards based)––Kickstarter and Indiegogo are the most popular and trusted platforms for crowdfunding at scale.
- Crowdfunding (equity based)––CircleUp, who recently announced a partnership with the Collaborative Fund to invest in consumer goods.
Additional Business Models & Marketing Tactics
- Retail––94% of total retail sales are generated in brick & mortar stores.
- Direct to Consumer — Sell your product only via your website or app.
- Free App with Purchase––Pair an app with your device to help your customer understand and share the data your device generates.
- Buy a Product, Order Refills––Keurig, Soma Water, LivBlends, Juicero
- Free Gift with Purchase–– A classic beauty counter marketing tactic.
- New Packaging, Same Great Taste––Redesign your packaging to give your brand a chance to reach a new, or wider demographic.
- Now With 30% More!––Have excess inventory, or maybe you reduced the cost of your materials? Give a a little bit more of a product value to compete with the ketchup brand next to yours on the grocery shelf.
Who invests in CPG and consumer hardware?
- Collaborative Fund––goTenna, Karma, Walker &Co, Soma Water, Simply Gum, Blue Bottle, Hampton Creek, Outdoor Voices, Sweetgreen, Exo
- Forerunner Ventures––Aloha, Away, Birchbox, Bonobos, Glossier
- BBG Ventures––Rocksbox, goTenna, Din, Kiwi Crate, Thesis, Guildery
- General Catalyst Partners––Honest, Warby Parker, NatureBox, Kuvée, M. Gemi, Outdoor Voices, Chloe & Isabel
- RRE Ventures––Electric Objects, The Black Tux, Jibo, Trumaker, Sols, One Drop
- Bolt––Kuvée, One Drop, PetNet, Meural, Pavlok, Qleek
- True Ventures––littleBits, FitBit, Blue Bottle, Peloton
- Andreessen Horowitz — Julep, Lytro, Walker & Co, FiftyThree, Jawbone, Oculus, Ringly, Shoedazzle, Soylent, Twice
- GV — Nest, Blue Bottle, Walker & Co, Juicero, Le Tote
- Obvious Ventures––Beyond Meat, Olly, Urban Remedy, Diamond Foundry, Miyoko's Kitchen
- Brand Foundry Ventures––Brilliant Bicycles, LOLA, JewelBots, Caeden
- Brooklyn Bridge Ventures — Ample Hill Creamery, Hungryroot, Ringly, Canary, goTenna
- BoxGroup––SmartThings, Orange Chef, Karma, One Drop, Romotive, The Black Tux, BlueApron, Glossier, Harry's, LOLA, Warby Parker, Aloha
- Red Swan Ventures––Bonobos, AYR, Birchbox, Warby Parker, Trumaker
- First Round Capital — Aloha, Birchbox, Chloe & Isabel, Warby Parker, True & Co, SmartThings, Poppin, Blue Apron, Boxed
- Metamorphic Ventures––Stowaway Cosmetics, Thrive Market, Away
- First Beverage Group––Purity Organic, Health-Aid, Project Juice, Q Drinks, Juicero


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A month out from the UK's momentous decision to leave the European Union, Orbit Communications Director Alex Bruce considers the implications for Scottish politics, for Scotland's future relationship with the rest of the UK and with the European Union – and the likelihood and potential outcome of a second referendum on Scottish independence.
As was widely predicted prior to the 23rd June, the vote to leave the European Union has provoked a short term shock to the UK economy, particularly in terms of currency exchange rates, share values and the UK's international credit rating. Leave campaigners continue to argue that the longer term economic gains of leaving the EU will outweigh this short term instability, but there are also worrying signs of the potential for significant job losses in the longer term, particularly in financial services.
At a political level, the Leave vote provoked an immediate leadership crisis within both of the main UK political parties. Even prior to the vote, it was always inconceivable that David Cameron would survive as Prime Minister if the UK voted to leave. Following an aborted leadership contest that saw all of the other contenders either eliminated or drop out, Theresa May has emerged as the new Prime Minister. Upon arrival at Number 10, she has made immediate efforts to shore up a potentially deeply divided Conservative party by appointing leading Brexit campaigners to those ministerial portfolios at the front line of Brexit negotiations. The challenge from here will be to reconcile the very high (some might say unrealistic) expectations of Leave voters and campaigners with what is likely to be a brutal negotiation with the EU27 in which EU leaders appear to hold most of the cards.
Meanwhile, a new leadership contest within Labour is already underway. However, it currently seems unlikely that challenger Owen Smith will be able to win the support of a majority of Labour party members, most of whom fiercely maintain their loyalty to Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. If Corbyn clings on to the leadership, what will happen to a Labour party led by someone who has the confidence of only a small minority of the Labour parliamentary party remains to be seen. But its credibility as an effective opposition at Westminster has all but disappeared.
With a majority vote for Remain in Scotland, there has been an immediate increase in support for Scottish independence – albeit not the 60% support the SNP leadership had set as a benchmark to determine if a second independence referendum was winnable and therefore worth calling. Nicola Sturgeon remains sensibly cautious on the matter – treading a fine line between keeping the party faithful onside while at the same time not wishing to paint herself into a corner of having to call a referendum prematurely and then face the career-ending prospect of losing.
As opinion polling has consistently shown, it is also important to remember that it was predominantly the economic uncertainty of independence which swung the outcome in favour of 'No' in 2014 (and not the Vow as many on the Yes side have sought to claim). Confronting the Scottish electorate with a second independence vote before the future terms of the UK's relationship with the EU are known might be seen by many as having jumped off the Brexit cliff only to be asked to take an event bigger leap of faith by leaving the UK.
Nicola Sturgeon has secured a mandate from the Scottish Parliament to seek negotiations with the EU institutions and other EU Member States to explore how Scotland could preserve its relationship with the EU as the UK prepares to leave.
But the issue now for Scotland is it lies stuck between a rock and a hard place. Although the First Minister may have received a warm welcome in Brussels, the devil of any future arrangement lies in the detail. Ultimately, just as the remaining EU Member States cannot be seen to give the UK an easy ride following its decision to leave, giving Scotland a preferential deal on EU membership which fudges the economic criteria would set a hugely dangerous precedent – as would transferring the UK's preferential terms of EU membership to Scotland as a 'successor Member State'.
The latter arrangement sets equally dangerous precedents within the UK. Scotland was not the only constituent part of the UK to vote Remain. A deal to secure preferential terms of continuing EU membership for Scotland will prompt an immediate clamour for similar treatment from Northern Ireland and London – something the UK Government is likely to be equally unwilling to entertain.
Despite all of the political manoeuvring currently underway to explore scenarios whereby Scotland could remain both a member of the EU and of the UK, the reality is that Scotland's best prospect of a continuing positive relationship with the EU is either through a well negotiated Brexit deal for the UK as a whole that preserves access to the single market – or else by becoming an independent country and subsequently applying for EU membership.
In the current context, the economic case for Scottish independence is arguably on even shakier ground than it was in 2014. Latest figures show Scotland's public expenditure outstripping its annual revenue by the order of almost £15 billion and the oil price remains stubbornly low. In pure financial terms, Scotland's trade relationship with the rest of the UK is worth four times more than its exports to the European Union. The issue of currency also remains to be resolved although there are now moves afoot within the SNP to explore the possible creation of a new Scottish pound.
The outcome of a second Indyref will largely come down to whether the Scottish electorate's economic instincts are now trumped by a sense that Scotland no longer has much in common politically with the rest of the UK – and a willingness to go through a potentially painful economic 'adjustment' to be able to strike out on its own path with the longer term aim of rejoining the European Union as an independent country. Given the current fractious nature of UK politics, it would be foolish to rule that out either.


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Lexi's Legacy inspires more Family Stories
Brady's Story
My husband and I are in the process of adopting a special needs child and we have 5 children of our own. Though my husband makes a living for us and we have a home, we are up to our ears in medical bills for the baby and legal bills for the adoption. Lexi's Legacy gave us room to breathe this Christmas! I had no idea how we would manage to give all six children a good Christmas this year and, honestly, we had just decided that the adoption was more important and the older kids understood that. But a family sponsored our family and now the kids will have a great Christmas!! They even bought for me and my husband and things we really needed for the house and even some groceries! I felt 100 pounds lifted off of my shoulders as my E.I. and I unloaded her car!! I cannot express how grateful I am to Lexi's Legacy and the family that bought for us... six children's faces will be bright as the sun on Christmas morning thanks to them!! God Bless! - Misty
Elizabeth's Story
Elizabeth's family is 3 children and parents. The parents are young. The father works at a local furniture factory and the mother stays at home. The children's ages are 4 years, 22 months and 10 months. The factory where the father works closes for 2 weeks at Christmas every year. The family has no income during this time. Their regular income is just enough to pay their bills weekly. Their car recently broke down and they have no money to get the car repaired. The father is dependent on others to get to work and has to pay someone to take him. During this time, the family missed a food stamp appointment and temporarily lost their food stamps due to no transportation.
The family had absolutely no money for Christmas gifts and not a lot for food. When delivered, the gifts and two large boxes of food along with cleaning supplies, the mother had tears running down her face. She gave our Home Visiting Coordinator a big hug and when our coordinator told her the story of Lexi she just hugged tighter. There were many thanks from the parents and tears and big smiles. This family was beyond touched that someone would do all this for them, and were so appreciative! She can't wait to see her children's faces when they open their gifts on Christmas morning!
This mother had put up her Christmas tree before Halloween, for she wanted everyone to enjoy the tree. It was very hard each week to see this tree without any presents under it. Now there are many presents under the tree, and the whole room has been transformed.


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Please note that in order to add someone to your registration they will be required to have an Entry Ninja Account, to invite someone to Entry Ninja, please use the following link: https://enter.entryninja.com/profile/invite. In some cases, Members will not be allowed to be added to your registration if they already have an entry for the event.
1.) To add members when creating a registration. First select the event you want to enter, and confirm your personal information. You will then be diracted to the Members and Teams section. Here you can add a member to your registration by adding members by searching for their ID number or Email address by clicking the "add member: button.
If you cannot find someone using their ID number or email address, you can use the "Invite Someone" button and invite them and then come back and add them using their email address you just invited them on.
2.) To add members to an existing registration, first log into your account. Click on your name in the top right corner (account) and select dashboard. For fast navigation to your dashboard, simply follow the link: https://www.entryninja.com/dashboard
On your dashboard navigate yourself to the registration of the event you would like to add the member to.
Make sure that the new person you are adding has already opened an Entry Ninja account. Or invite them to create an Entry Ninja account. Once a member as been invite they can be added to your registration (Persons can be invited to create an Entry Ninja Account here https://www.entryninja.com/account/invite)
On your registration page click on the add person button and enter the ID number or e-mail address of the person you want to add to your entry.


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Video Library
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition associated with unusually high levels of androgens (hormones) and cysts in the ovaries. If you have PCOS, you may have irregular periods. The risk of infertility, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease is higher in women with PCOS.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS and would like to find treatment, skilled gynecologists at Dignity Health offer specialized care to evaluate, diagnose, and treat PCOS in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. For the trusted women's health services and full spectrum of care you need, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health today.
Experts don't fully know what causes PCOS. However, they do know that this gynecologic condition is associated with higher-than-usual levels of hormones called androgens and an increased resistance to insulin.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
The symptoms of PCOS vary from woman to woman. For the right diagnosis, speak with a doctor at Dignity Health at one of our six local hospitals.
When you visit one of our gynecologists, the type of PCOS treatment you may receive will often depend on your medical history, personal goals, and your age. Your doctor will ask you questions and talk to you about your treatment options.
Treatment for PCOS may include the following:
At Dignity Health, our team of gynecologists and other health care providers focus on careful assessment and diagnosis before recommending treatment. Rely on us to provide high-quality care for patients of all ages.


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Locals Only
No overseas scammers allowed. America's Singles is exclusive to people residing in the United States. We verify everyone's identity and confirm they live right here in America.
Don't want to date a felon? Want to avoid scamemrs and fake profiles? America's Singles verifies everyone's identity, and we are the first to offer a confidential background check. It drastically reduces your odds of coming into contact with gameplayers.
Welcome to America's Singles! It's America's fast, simple, safer way to date! Become a member today by clicking "Join". From there, you can log in with your facebook account or your email address. Our simple questionnaire will have you connecting with singles in as little as 10 minutes! What are you waiting for? Join Today!


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GHIN Services are offered to clubs and golfers exclusively through State or Regional Golf Associations. For more information about how to become a member of a club using the GHIN service, or about how your club can join an association using the GHIN service, please find the contact information for the appropriate association below or click here to read more about GHIN Services.
NCGA member benefits deliver exceptional value to "make your green go further." Here's just a sample of your benefits:
Since 1901, the NCGA has been serving the golfers of Northern California in an effort to provide an enjoyable and fulfilling golf experience. We deliver a series of on-course rules seminars offered throughout Northern California, and NCGA members can have their rules questions answered by our in-house experts. The NCGA serves as an information resource on turf grass and water issues for all NCGA member clubs and golf course superintendents, and we sponsor a highly competitive superintendent intern program to provide on-the-job training designed to prepare individuals for a career in course maintenance management. Through our nationally recognized P.J. Boatwright Internship Program, and our two golf courses, we work to enhance career advancement for many young golf professionals and related industry practitioners. Lastly, through our partnership with the California Alliance for Golf, we serve as an advocate for golf before the state legislature and other governmental bodies.
In addition to the rewards and programs above, we hope you also feel your membership is rewarding, given the many altruistic aspects of our organization. For example, the NCGA Foundation - the charitable arm of the NCGA - seeks to promote life skills and values through the game of golf to deserving youth in communities across Northern California. This includes the Youth on Course continuum, which offers the youth of Northern California access to golf courses by subsidizing discounted green fees so a child pays no more than $5. If you would like to know more about helping the NCGA Foundation fulfill its mission, please click here.
We encourage you to visit our website, www.ncga.org, to learn more about our organization, or if we can assist you further.


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The Windows Phone 7 launch is getting closer.
Fall is here and with it the launch of Microsoft's new mobile phone operating system. Microsoft did not unveil yet when exactly the Windows Phone 7 smartphones will be released. Rumors about the WP7 release have appeared over the weekend. NeoWin reports that their sources said that Microsoft will hold global Windows Phone 7 launch events on October 21st. The October 21st WP7 launch is likely to be only for European countries including UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
Paul Thurrott says that his sources talk about a Windows Phone 7 launch in the United States on November 8th. Why Microsoft would launch the Windows Phone 7 two weeks later in the United States than in Europe is unclear.
Microsoft is expect to launch a huge advertising campaign for the Windows 7 Phone this Fall to make sure it will be a success. My prediction is actually that Microsoft will have a successful sales launch with the WP7. The WP7 OS does not have all features like Android and iOS are offering today, but there enough goodies in there that consumers picking one up this Fall. Alone the interactive home screen will entice many buyers on first contact. We have compiled 5 reason for the Windows Phone 7 to succeed and 5 Reason why it might fail.


text: Sami Joshi works as a Senior Administrative Assistant in ICIMOD's Environmental and Ecosystems Services (ECES) programme. She joined ICIMOD from its inception and has worked in various divisions/programmes. Before joining ICIMOD, she worked as a volunteer Information/Management Assistant at Personal Touch Home Health Care, Maryland, USA. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from the Shanker Dev Campus and holds a Diploma in Word Processing and Information Systems from the Temple School of Maryland, USA. She has received training from Organisation Development Centre Incorporated (ODC Inc.), Nepal on '2000 Millennium Leadership Programme' and has also participated in many in-house trainings by ICIMOD.


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PRF News and Events
Join us for Prayer!
Tuesdays at Noon and Wednesdays at 6:30pm
2 Chronicles 7:14 declares a promise from the mouth of our great God: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Join us in the Ministry Room (near the offices) on Tuesdays at noon and/or Wednesdays at 6:30pm for a time of prayer. We desperately need the healing presence of Jesus to come among us and to help make us whole. We are wanting these times of prayer to be a Spirit-led encounter with the living God. Come join us as we cry out for revival and renewal.
You won't want to miss THIS Sunday's worship gathering! Yesupadam and Monika will be joining us to share about all the exciting things God has been doing in and through Love-n-Care Ministries International. If you are interested in spending time this week with Yesupadam and Monika, please contact Beth Peeples.
"Love & Respect" Small Group
What do you want for your marriage? Want some peace? Want to feel close? Want to feel valued? Want to experience marriage the way God intended? If so, please prayerfully consider joining Tom and Shirley Fisk as they lead a small-group-based study of Love & Respect.
Touted by leaders as a "classic" among marriage books, award-winning Love & Respect has sold over a million copies! This easy-to-read, down to earth book reveals why spouses react negatively to each other, and how they can deal with such conflict quickly, easily and biblically. For more information or to view some testimonials, visit the L&R website.
This study will meet at the Fisk's home on Sunday evenings from 6-8pm, and will include a simple potluck meal. Let Tom and Shirley know that you are "in" by calling their home number (512-382-7174) or emailing Tom. There is limited space available.
Check the calendar for many more upcoming dates!


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Corporate Fraud solicitors
At Draycott Browne, we have a specialist team of experienced Corporate Fraud Solicitors who are experts in advising on all matters of Corporate Fraud.
If you have been accused of an offence of this nature, it is important to seek advice from a legal specialist as soon as possible. At Draycott Browne Solicitors, we have represented a variety of clients in high value fraud cases since 1998, and we have the knowledge required to get the best possible solution for you.
Our experienced Corporate Fraud Solicitors realise that an investigation can be extremely stressful and complicated, and we will endeavour to provide advice every step of the way. We will liaise with the police, HMRC or other authorities on your behalf, taking as much of the stress away from you as possible.
Contact us today by calling +44 (0)161 228 2244 or fill out an enquiry form and we will be in touch at a time that is suited to you.
Corporate fraud is a complex and time-consuming area of the law that will have a significant impact on operations. Draycott Browne is committed to building your case in an efficient manner, helping to secure a resolution that is best for you.
The experienced solicitors at Draycott Browne pride themselves on helping our clients at every step throughout the legal process. We will:
- Provide you with assistance in relation to dawn raids
- Prepare you for interviews with the authorities
- Secure bail on your behalf
- Challenge the authorities on search warrants and restraining orders
- Prepare your defence for a trial
- Successfully defend you in court
what is corporate fraud?
Corporate fraud is a particularly complex area of the law that can be very difficult to understand. Corporate fraud is defined as any fraud that is committed against a business, however, it can target both individuals and companies.
The act of corporate fraud specifically involves deliberate dishonesty carried out with an intent to intentionally mislead lending companies, public sector or investors with the aim of securing financial gain.
Asset stripping
Asset stripping refers to the process of purchasing an undervalued company with the intent to sell off its assets for a profit. The individual assets of the company, including equipment and property, may be more valuable than the company as a whole because of factors such as poor management or poor economic conditions.
Wrongful trading
When a business continues to trade as normal, even though the managers or directors are aware of the fact that they are going out of business. This is classed as a civil offence, so any directors implicated may be held personally liable for company debts, or may be banned from acting as the director of any limited company for up to 15 years.
Fraudulent trading
When a business carries on business operations with the intent of purposefully deceiving and defrauding its creditors. This is classed as a criminal offence and is punishable by considerable fines and liabilities, depending on the severity of the fraud and potentially improvement.
Other types of corporate fraud can include:
- Account takeover
- Application fraud
- Bankruptcy-related fraud
- Business directory fraud
- Charitable publication scams
- Cheque fraud
- Cheque over payment fraud
- Domain name scams
- Exploiting assets and information
- Fake invoice scams
- False accounting
- Fixed line fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Intellectual property fraud
- Long and short firm fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Payment fraud
- Receipt fraud
When should you seek legal advice?
You should contact Draycott Browne immediately if you:
- Have been informed that you are under investigation
- Are facing a prosecution
- Have been asked to speak to the authorities
- Have been charged with fraud
By seeking legal advice from the start of the investigation, your case is more likely to be successful. We urge you to speak to a legal advisor from the moment you are informed that you are under investigation.
Our team of legal specialists is happy to provide advice and representation at any point during your case.
Contact us today
Our team of knowledgeable corporate fraud solicitors offer services to clients in Manchester and across the North West of England. For advice and representation, contact Draycott Browne today on +44 (0)161 228 2244.