text: Education We want all young people to have the opportunity to find their voice through Shakespeare. We are passionate about the impact Shakespeare can have on every young person's life. We work with thousands of young people, teachers and partner theatres each year, who experience the extraordinary power of Shakespeare's language in their school and local community. Shakespeare's language, words and sentences challenge young minds. They develop a new understanding and confidence with language and words. We use the same techniques to teach Shakespeare that our actors use in the rehearsal room. Young people explore the words on their feet, speaking them aloud. There are lots of ways we can help teachers and students use rehearsal room approaches to Shakespeare. Free Schools' Broadcasts of our work bring RSC Education directly into classrooms Events and workshops for students in Stratford-upon-Avon and on tour Professional Development courses for teachers who want to use the approaches in their classrooms The Shakespeare Learning Zone, which helps young people unlock Shakespeare using the same techniques as RSC actors and directors. The latest edition of RSC Education News is now online Read the student takeover edition of our termly newsletter RSC Education News to find out all the latest news about opportunities for schools, young people and teachers. Read Education News News and Features Where's My Story? Reserve your seat for a forum to discuss the effects of representation in theatre on young people's mental health with RSC Education and the University of Birmingham Find out more The Folkman's Tale/This Filthy Crow Shakespeare and Creativity MA students from the University of Birmingham's Shakespeare Institute present two new plays in response to Shakespeare. Find out more Bring digital and creative skills to classroom Shakespeare Our new partnership with Adobe will bring digital and creative skills to the fore across one of the most loved and timeless classroom topics: Shakespeare. Find out more Time to Listen report raises alarm bells on arts provision in schools Arts journalist Michael Coveney reports on the implications of our #Timetolisten report highlighting the importance of cultural education in schools. Find out more The work of the RSC Education Department is generously supported by PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION, THE ALLAN AND NESTA FERGUSON CHARITABLE TRUST, THE ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER FOUNDATION, THE POLONSKY FOUNDATION, THE ERNEST COOK TRUST and TAK ADVISORY LIMITED. In This Section Time To Listen Find out about the results of a study demonstrating the huge benefits of taking arts and education seriously. Find out more Shakespeare Learning Zone The Shakespeare Learning Zone will help you really understand Shakespeare, whether you are doing homework, coursework or revising. With loads of information about the story, setting and characters of Shakespeare's plays you'll learn how to unlock his language using the same techniques as RSC actors. Find out more RSC Certificate in Teaching Shakespeare Booking now open for new RSC Certificate in Teaching Shakespeare. Find out more How Your School Can Work With Us Schools, colleges and universities can work with RSC Education in lots of different ways. Read More Events and Workshops for Students Workshops, conferences and other events at the RSC for young people from Key Stage 1 to Undergraduate Read More Schools' Broadcasts All of our Shakespeare plays are broadcast live to classrooms free of charge Read More Associate Schools Programme Our partnership programme with Regional Theatres and schools across England. Find out more Teacher Resources Free Teacher Packs, videos, image galleries and interactive whiteboard resources to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom Find out more Higher Education Explore the range of opportunities open to higher students and staff Find out more Impact and Research Research and evidence exploring the impact of rehearsal room approaches on young people of all ages and abilities Read More Planning an Education Visit Bring your students to workshops, events or performances at the RSC Read More Frequently Asked Questions Find answers to your enquiries about RSC Education Read More Where We Work Look at our map to see where we're working with schools - last year our work reached over 500,000 students across the UK Read More


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Quality Products and Service
We only stock the highest quality products from the country's top
brands and suppliers.
Our prices are regularly checked to ensure we remain competitive and we are always willing to price match a like-for-like offer. Our made to measure and bespoke products are made by professional staff to the highest standards.
We aim to exceed expectations on both price and quality.

subset: commoncrawl


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It seems like III Points was just yesterday, but nearly a month has passed since Miami's last festival, and it's time to gear up for the next one. House of Creatives Music Festival is set to take place this weekend at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, and New Times has the full schedule. Use this to plan your schlep out to the island.
Of course, there'll be much more than bands playing (it is House of Creatives, after all). There will be a visual art installation from Subhaze Studio and tons of fashion and arts vendors, including Osole, the Wander Shop, and Kuriosity Boutique. Plus, chow down on fare from El Bagel, Doggystyle, Tacos & Tattoos, Burger Supreme, Açai & Fruits, Vice City Bean, and many other food purveyors.
If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.
You have successfully signed up for your selected newsletter(s) - please keep an eye on your mailbox, we're movin' in!
Saturday, November 11
3:30 p.m., Richie Hell
4:30 p.m., Private School
5:15 p.m., Kids
6 p.m., Caveman
6:45 p.m., Salt Cathedral
7:30 p.m., Sir Sly
8:30 p.m., WhoMadeWho
9:45 p.m., Metronomy
11 p.m., Alt-J
Sunday, November 12
3:15 p.m., Tremends
4 p.m., Peyote Coyote
4:45 p.m., Surf Curse
5:30 p.m., Delsonido
6:15 p.m., Rawayana
7:15 p.m., Wild Belle
8:30 p.m., Washed Out
9:45 p.m., MGMT
House of Creatives Music Festival. With Alt-J, Metronomy, MGMT, and others. Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12, at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr., Miami; 305-960-4600; virginiakeybeachpark.net. Tickets cost $75 to $240 via hocfest.com.


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Dr. J. talks to Robin Marantz Henig on her book Pandora's Baby, a story about the moral panic around the first "test-tube babies," born from in-vitro fertilization. (First broadcast March 13, 2004.)
IEET > Rights > HealthLongevity > Staff > J. Hughes > CSR > Enablement > Innovation > ReproRightsPandora's Baby
Robin Marantz Henig Sep 6, 2013 Changesurfer Radio
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Next entry: Subjective Experience and the Existence of Free Will in Bergson
Previous entry: Combating Climate Change - Part 4/5


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La Sala
La Sala is one of the newest and finest additions to the restaurants of Puerto Banus. With an unrivalled atmosphere and a huge attention to detail they provide you with the ultimate social and dining experience, day and night. Choose from a varied menu offering a range of International and Spanish favourites, all made from ingredients of the highest quality.
The restaurant offers a choice of any one of 8 different areas, so whatever your mood they have an area to suit you! Sit outside in the Spanish "Rincon", or on the front decked terrace where you can relax and watch the world go by. Alternatively choose the Lounge Terrace, or the high tables at the bar where you can soak up the atmosphere of La Sala. The rear terrace with stunning views to "La Concha" is the perfect place for a leisurely coffee, or why not spoil yourself in the A La Carte Restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience.
La Sala comes highly recommended and is a must during your vacation in Puerto Banus. Whether you are looking for a relaxed dining experience or a lively bar environment both are well catered for here.
Due to high levels of popularity Key Banus strongly suggests you make a reservation for your party to avoid disappointment.
Valet Parking also available.


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At "Zen Metal Art and Landscaping" we understand that outdoor design is an investment. We create beautiful, innovative outdoor spaces that are functional and add value to your property.
Zen Metal Art and Landscaping have created a design that revolves around a centrally located deck with a corten steel pergola and wall art.
A transparent Stainless steel cube that reflects the decorative patterns in the pergola balances itself to the side of the decomposed granite path and steps that lead to the deck.
The deck is surrounded by the architectural shaped plants from Dragon Tree's Australia. Their foliage and form provide the design with cutting edge looks and are low maintenance and require minimal watering. The curved gardens beds and plant combinations have been chosen to create a flowing effect around the rustic "boat wreck", the stunningly distinct Aloe tree garden, water bowl and fire pit.
This outdoor room has been created for relaxation, enjoyment and visual pleasure.


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Title: 13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Genre: Contemporary YA
Goodreads Summary: When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.
Review: One thing that I love about Johnson's writing is that she always gives me a boy to swoon over, but never lets me make the mistake that the story is in any way about him. This story is about Ginny and how, because of her dead aunt, she's taking on an adventure entirely outside of her comfort zone.
It's about her coming to terms with her aunt's death and growing as a person. There are undercurrents of humor, romance, and friendship, but ultimately this is a journey of self-discovery set amidst a backdrop of famous European cities. And what an adventure it turns out to be.
Rating (from 1-5): 4.5. I really, really loved this book and can't stop thinking about what may or may not have happened to the characters. I'm thankful that at least I know there's a sequel! I can't wait to get my hands on "The Last Little Blue Envelope."


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home > services > broadcast > ACC Broadcast to China
College of Cardiology Satellite Broadcast to China
Client: HESCO
International, Ltd.
live, interactive teleconference linking
experts at the American College of Cardiology's
46th Annual Scientific Session in Anaheim,
California, with physicians in 57 sites
in China. Hosted by the College, the hour
and a half event opened with a welcome from
both the President of the American College
of Cardiology and the Chinese Minister of
Health. It then brought 12 internationally
renowned cardiologists together for prepared
presentations, extemporaneous discussion
and responses to questions phoned in live
from the audience watching in China.
The broadcast included simultaneous translation
from English to Chinese for the audience,
and Chinese to English for the US based


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I distinctly recall when I first watched Blue Velvet. I remember thinking to myself that it was one of the weirdest movies I'd seen in a long while and how close to insanity the director David Lynch must be. I, of course, was familiar with his work from Dune and The Elephant Man but there was something about Blue Velvet that instantly endeared me to it and cemented Lynch in my mind as a loon. Maybe it was huffin' Dennis Hopper, maybe it was the young and sexy Laura Dern, or maybe it was crazy ole Dean Stockwell vampin' it up -- Lynch of course being the demented ringmaster. Whatever the case, I developed somewhat of infatuation for the film. Of course, the years roll on and infatuations become less powerful so I had just about forgotten the brilliance and oddity of the film when MGM decides to drop a very nice Special Edition on us.
This version replaces MGM's 2000 release and fixes some of the obvious "glitches" in that particular version, namely the lack of a decent 5.1 track and only a theatrical trailer as an extra. What survives from the earlier version however is an awesome video presentation which I'll get into below. All in all, this is a great purchase for Lynch fans and an excellent entree into the film if you haven't yet seen it.
The Video
The digital transfer here was "supervised by David Lynch" and, thankfully, Mr. Lynch apparently knows what he is doing when it comes to picture quality. Blue Velvet is the type of film that demands to be viewed with all meters turned to maximum. The color palette alone is staggering with specific areas of note that include such small details as lipstick reds and spectacular skin tones, especially given the modest budget for the film and the fact that it is more than 15 years old. There is zero noise in the picture. Blacks and greys are pitch-perfect. Additionally, if you are not dazzled by the rich blue, get your eyes fixed.
Blue Velvet is presented in anamorphic widescreen.
10 out of 10
The Audio
Previous versions of this one have been in 2.0 only. Now comes a special 5.1 mix that is among the finer I've heard this year. Perhaps it is my bias for the film coming through but the soundstage seems enormous as I watched this a couple of nights ago. The film is thick and atmospheric, much of that vibe coming from sound effects and expansiveness. Some of the bass drops are amazing and the score really comes through with almost no exceptions. The score by Angelo Badalamenti (Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, The Beach) is sublime.
9 out of 10
The Extras
This is the one to have, at least if you compare it to the 2000 release which only offered the trailer. Here, you get that same trailer (plus two television spots) as well as:
- A Deleted Scenes Montage: this isn't what you might expect. For starters, these aren't "scenes," rather they are a series of still images left over from publicity shots. Lynch's original version of the film was more than four hours. That original footage was lost so here we have several hundred photos put together in montage form with a score behind it. Interesting and eerie.
- Siskel and Ebert at the Movies -- 1986 -- a short clip (1:28) of Roger and Gene choppin' it up over the film. Gene likes it, Roger doesn't.
- Photo Gallery ... here is a series of stills broken into three separate parts: Lumberton USA, International Posters, and Peter Braatz photos.
- The packaging notes that there is a collectable booklet but it looks like a regular ole insert to me.
- Finally, we come to the meat of the extras, an 8-chapter documentary on the film including bits on the sound, the origins of the project, and the legacy of Blue Velvet.
8 out of 10


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From Miami Beach Gay Pride:
Join us for a complimentary cocktail, make new friends and learn more about volunteering for
Miami Beach Gay Pride 2013!
Volunteer Meeting
April, 5th (today!!!)
5pm - 6pm: Cocktail Hour
6pm - 7pm: Volunteer Meeting
Become a volunteer and you will earn:
Miami Beach Gay Pride Volunteer Shirt (Sponsored by BB&T Bank) given at Check In
A meal for every 4 hour shift
1 Ticket for Miami Beach Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Opening Night Film and Gala (First come, first serve)
1 Ticket for "Jeffrey" at Miami Beach Stage Door Theater.
1 Ticket for our "Thank you!" party at Pasha's on Lincoln Road.
Volunteer Meeting at LGBT Visitor Center
- 1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach 33139 -
If you didn't register yet, there's still time! Go to http://miamibeachgaypride.com/volunteer-miami-beach-gay-pride-2013 and become the most important part of our event.
Volunteer for Miami Beach Gay Pride 2013!


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Snow White is an apt choice of show for a town in the grip of Mother Nature's icy fingers.
The lingering remains of a mid-week snowfall adds a touch of atmosphere to Bolsover Drama Group's annual panto.
But the big question in this little town is how do you find seven people to squeeze into the boots of the dwarfs? The answer's in the script, delivered by a rather tall Ian Simpson in the guise of Grumbly who urges the audience to use its imagination because the dwarfs have grown up!
The magnificent seven are played by adults of varying heights and include Paul Holland as Prof, Peter Maddinson as Cheeky, Tara Madeley as Snoozy, Dawn Blackburn as Sniffly, Donna Knowles as Blusher and Chrissy Smith as Loopy. Along with the aforementioned Grumbly, the dwarfs bring distinctive character traits to a panto which is as sparkling as the diamonds they mine.
Elsewhere, there's an impressive ultraviolet scene with cartwheeling skeletons and giant spiders caught in a web, the magical transformation of the wicked queen into an old lady with a poisoned apple and the smallest, cutest ghosts you'll ever see in panto.
It's a toss-up as to who takes the monarch of mirth title with two performers vying for the honours.
Chris Peck playing Muddles the Jester has some genuinely funny jokes and his send-up of pop star Prince brings the house down.
Ray Hall ramps up the comedy factor as shuffling Herman the henchman who takes the first stab at getting the audience to shout: "He's behind you" as he creeps up on Snow White.
Hannah Bradford radiates warmth as Snow White, teaming up with Lisa Brunt (playing Prince Lorenzo) in the duet How Long Will I Love You?
Louise Sutton works her magic to give Fairy Goodheart a sparkling personality.
The Wicked Queen is the target of plenty of boos in a commanding performance by Wendy Blunt whose singing is among the panto's jewels.
An inspired choice of musical numbers sees the chorus, which features a large number of children, covering hits by One Direction, Bruno Mars and Tina Turner, accompanied by musical director Nigel Turner on keyboards and percussionist Pat Sabin.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is directed by Leanne Collins, who is also the choreographer, Ray Hall and Mick Whitehouse. It runs at The Bolsover School until Saturday, January 24.


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Monday, February 6, 2017
Monday, April 2, 2012
Self-Healing from Trauma Series on Facebook
Last week we started the Self-Healing from Trauma Series on the Tailored Life Coaching Facebook fan page. Tomorrow will be the start of block 2. Please come join us!!
Below is Block 1 if you want to work on it this week along with block 2.
Self-Healing from Trauma: Block 1 ~ What makes YOU feel good?
Make a list of what you are already doing each day that makes you feel good. Some examples of this could be anything from eating breakfast to taking a shower to watching your favorite show. I know for me some days are so bad I am just proud of myself for getting out of bed. No matter what you put on your list make sure it is something that makes you feel good.
After you make your list I want you to try to do a few things from that list each and every day for the next week. You may like keeping up with your list in a journal and writing your feelings each day about what you did and how you felt. Or, you may prefer to just sit quietly each evening or morning and think of your list and what you have done that has made you feel better.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Stones and Crystals Healing Properties
Many people throughout history have used gem stones and crystals for their healing properties. Some people go by the color of the stone rather than it's type, while others go by the type of stone rather than just color. Here is a short list of stones that you could use to get started with using crystals and stones.
I've linked each stone name to the Wiki Article detailing it's make up and scientific facts. Below the list there are some links that I've found to be useful as well.
Amethyst: Promotes inner peace, strength and contentment. It is also said to enhance psychic and creative abilities. It can also used to support sobriety and help break other addictions.
Amazonite: A powerful gemstone for creative people, it encourages heartfelt communication with loved ones.
Amber: Amber, which is fossilized tree resin, is used to open up the crown chakra and increase physical vitality and energy flow throughout the body.
Bloodstone: Good for the heart, improving oxygen through the bloodstream and encouraging relaxation and reducing emotional stress.
Blue Lace Agate: Can be used to aid in the healing of bone and skeletal maladies. It is said to promote the healing of broken bones and fractures.
Carnelian: By helping to promote feelings of love and acceptance, carnelian helps to reduce feelings of fear, insecurity and anger. Also good for actors and those in the theater.
Citrine: Known as a "merchant" stone, citrine is believed to attract money and increase business. It also raises self esteem and warm feelings of hope.
Fluorite: Excellent for advancement of mind, greater concentration, meditation. Helps one to grasp higher, more abstract concepts. Facilitates inter-dimensional communication.
Garnet: The stone of love and commitment, garnet helps balance energy in and around the body and promote feelings of love for oneself and others.
Green Jade: Said to be a stone of good luck, green jade helps promote peace within and in the world around us.
Hematite: A gem said to encourage inner peace and happiness and increase focus and confidence.
Iolite: Encourages responsibility with money and eliminate debt. Also used to promote harmony in relationships.
Jasper: A gem of protection and nurturing, jasper is said to cleanse auras and provide protection against negative energies. It also promotes a sense of brotherhood and "green" outlook on the world.
Lapis Lazuli: The stone of royalty, known to increase strength and vitality. Also to protect its wearer from physical and psychic danger.
Malachite: The stone of transition, malachite helps balance and ground one's energy and stay on the right path. Also used in the treatment of swollen joints, broken bones and torn muscles.
Moonstone: Called the "traveler's stone," moonstone is a gem of good fortune and protection when traveling.
Obsidian: Known as the "mirror stone" because it helps one look within and address personal issues that need to be dealt with. Promotes forgiveness.
Onyx: Used to enhance the ability to make good decisions, encourage happiness and attract good fortune.
Peridot: Provides a shield of protection to block out negativity and helps to promote inner happiness and letting go of anger and jealousy.
Quartz: A stone of power, quartz is known to promote harmony and align energies within and around the body.
Rose Quartz: Helps calm energy, remove negativity and heal emotional pain. Good to have around chaotic environments.
Sodalite: Promotes psychic abilities and helps to calm and clear the mind. Also used to strengthens the metabolism and lymphatic system.
Tiger's Eye: Encourages clarity of mind, enhances psychic ability, and promotes the attainment and management of wealth.
Turquoise: Good for creative expression and promoting open communication and friendship. Used in the treatment of lung, circulation and respiratory issues.
Unakite: Promotes emotional balance, also used to stimulate healthy pregnancies and babies. Also used to examine the underlying cause of disease.
Most Crystals and Stones used in healing are called different names by different users, which can ultimately become confusing. I found a good list HERE that helps decipher some of the names and lessen the confusion.
For Crystal and Stone Identification by color I use this site: http://www.crystalsandjewelry.com/stoneidentification.html
Please note that although I'm giving this information about stones I'm NOT telling anyone to stop seeking medical treatment or care for conditions. This is only information and how you use it is on you.


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Scotty Barker's Blog
Any Marketing Information, Tips & Ramblings
Get Your Completely FREE Training Guide:
Reaching Out To Prospects Through Email AdvertisingThis means that if you can tap into an email connection with potential and current customers and clients, youll be getting their attention in the most reliable way possible. Most people check their email every day, and even those who dont spare a glance at it every week. That means theres a high chance that those people will be looking at your email in their box, and even if they dont read it, theyll be reminded of the existence of your company and its products and services. Best of all, email advertising is cheap. In fact, it can be free. Sound too good to be true? The flip side of all this is whats known as spam. Spam is unsolicited emails that is, the digital equal to junk mail. People loathe spam with a passion, and virtually all email accounts these days come with spam filters where if you try to reach out to a potential client uninvited, your email gets diverted to a netherworld of Viagra offers that most people dont even look at. So how to get into the email boxes of your potential and current clients without falling prey to spam? Simple. Dont send unsolicited emails. Most companies who are looking to take advantage of email advertising do so by utilizing opt in email lists. This is done by the customer actively choosing to sign up for your mailing lists. Most wise companies who take advantage of this offer a customer the chance to sign up for their email lists after making a purchase. Some even advertise it on the front page of their website (or right next to the checkout counter if its a brick and mortar operation). The trick to opt in email lists is to make it worth your customers while to be part of the list. Dont send them ten emails a day. One a week is probably the maximum. When you do send out the emails, make sure that they have something relevant to say, and preferably at least one coupon. Rewarding your opt-in email subscribers is a great way for your business to be passed around by word of mouth. Itll work even better if theyre extremely happy customers! Reaching Out To Prospects Through Email Advertising
Get Your Completely FREE Training Guide:
© 2019 Scotty Barker-All Rights Reserved www.ScottyBarker.com


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Widebody Dodge Challenger by WCC
Posted by Harish KumarApril 8, 2009 at 6:44 am
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The Dodge Challenger R/T that you see in this article is pure eye-candy…. just look at it! The recent and regular stock Dodge Challenger is such a handsome and mature looking muscle car it's hard to think of further body modifications that would further accentuate its shape and still look good. This version seems to accomplish just that.
You would have seen this Challenger if you recently watched the latest episode of West Coast Customs 'Street Customs' TV show that aired on TLC on March 26th, 2009. This one-off creation belongs to Joshua 'Chop' Tobin aka the "King of Cars", who is the owner of Las Vegas based car dealership, Towbin Dodge. The entire pimp job was done by the guys at West Coast Customs (WCC) and we must say that they have come up with something really good.
When money is not an issue, the number of things that can be done are, well infinite. The real show stoppers on this car are those oversized wide rear fenders, white paint with black striping, a new spoiler at the rear and blacked out rear lights. The star of the show however are the magnificent Asanti deep dish rims. The car is fitted with 24 inches up front and 26 inches at the rear. They seem truly special and the white-black matte finish combination along with their design and the depth of the rear rims are quite stunning. The only sad part are the disc brakes which look like milk bottle tops inside these huge rims and fail to fill out the space inside.
The interior receives special treatment in the form of matching while & black leather trim. The 5 seater layout of this coupe has been retained and there is also a super cool high end Polk Audio system with two amps and 4 visible subs and when coupled with no roof you can keep the entire motorway entertained! The top is all black and doesn't quite fit in with the rest of the car's styling. However, this is one car to be seen in with the top down.
With all those prying eyes, the owner would have felt that it would be better to auction off this car. The auction on ebay lasted three days. It was later withdrawn after the highest bid was just $50,200 which did not meet the reserve price (which is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for the item).
Well, we do not know what the owner might have expected but, but as a consequence he retains the Challenger. This might even be his trick to pull in prying eyes to take notice of his creation. Cheers!
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Jay Leno and his NEW 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Modified 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 at DUB TOUR
[Source: Carscoop]
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Why Buy Local?
Local customer service!
With Varsity Marketing you're a neighbor and not just another number. When you contact us, you will be connected with someone right here in our local community and not another country. We get you because we are you, and we strive for happy customers.
Local companies support local charities!
Local companies support local charities!
Local businesses donate more to charities in their community than do non-local business owners.
Investing in our community helps the local economy!
Investing in our community helps the local economy!
Shopping locally helps Kansas City to remain economically sustainable, and supports members of our own community. By working together we help to maintain the health and success of our local economy. Not only are you investing in the future of our community, but also in future job creation. Studies show that when you spend $100 with a local company $73 on average stays in the local economy. When you purchase from outside the community only $57 stays local.


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From New York, New York, USA:
I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant. Is my eight month old baby at risk for having diabetes? Should I ask the pediatrician to test her?
The risk is not now, but later. We are learning that gestational diabetes may mean an increased risk of obesity and impaired glucose tolerance as children get older. I'm not certain we understand fully why. Certainly, you are at risk for diabetes over the next decades. Diabetes runs in families; that is for sure. It may be just that or there may be some changes that help predispose to diabetes risk. You both need to be healthy, exercise frequently and do your best to control your weight.
Original posting 6 Mar 2006
Posted to Other
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Last Updated: (none)
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.
This site is published by T-1 Today, Inc. (d/b/a Children with Diabetes), a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, which is responsible for its contents. Our mission is to provide education and support to families living with type 1 diabetes.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Legal Notice, and Privacy Policy.
© Children with Diabetes, Inc. 1995-2018. Comments and Feedback.


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Sonic Brain Ranking is a game attraction in Sega's Tokyo Joypolis, released sometime in November 2013.[1] It was developed for the Sonic the Hedgehog fans to increase trivia knowledge.
While in a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed area, specifically, Green Hill Zone from Sonic Generations, nine players along with a tenth player that asks the questions, must answer questions of either Sonic the Hedgehog-related material or miscellaneous trivia. Each game has five rounds; players with the most speed and accuracy are most likely to win. The game is not only encouraged to just Sonic the Hedgehog fans, but to any family member.
- This is the third Sonic the Hedgehog booth to open up in Sega's Tokyo Joypolis, the other two being Sonic Athletics and Sonic Ghost Shooting.
|This article or section about a game is a stub.
You can help the Sonic News Network by expanding it!


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petals strewn right to my studio door,
I always delight in this royal "carpet"!
- the blossoms don't last very long,
but I admire them while they are here.
A very nice retired couple are the new "mum & dad" to Karley. I am missing her! She is enjoying her royal retirement, - 2 people to get pats from, drives in the car !!! holidays and bush walks...
and apparently judging from first new photo - a hair cut (!) - it's a funny old world!
my solace :-)
so lucky to have a studio to come to
and work in.
I'm happy with my progress.
I use recycled hand spun Sari Silk for the shape above the orange flowers.
The Recycled Sari Silk (top left) has such vibrant colours, -
but to my surprise, woven in, it appears rather dark.
The "fuzzy" yarn is a green colour.
I feel it fits well, even though the area seems dark.
I find it difficult to get the colours quite right in the photos, - it might be the winter light.
By now I would have had my new guide dog, but it didn't quite turn out that way. There are apparently different styles of training (depending on the school and view of the instructor) and the one I got, did not work for me at all. I stopped my training last week. So, for the time being we are trying to work something out, but I have no idea yet as to how we will proceed. Good things take time ..(drat!)
I had a small disaster with my jumper. Knitted all the neckline of the front part to find that with the bulky wool, the stitches to pick up for the neck band had got too big! First time I am knitting a bulky jumper. After un-ravelling, I am back to try again.
Here is a cheery Dandilion,
they make good dyestuff too...
Happy weaving, knitting, crafting -
and good recovery and happy playing with new puppy to Tikarma,
until next time :-)


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Western Nebraska Community College offers a wide range of highly interactive, non-credit professional development or self-enrichment courses that can be completed entirely online via ed2go. These non-credit courses are facilitated by expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors. Our non-credit online courses are affordable, fun, fast, convenient, and geared just for you!
ed2go provides the highest-quality online continuing education courses that are affordable and easy to use through a network of more than 2,100 top colleges and universities. As a virtual online college, ed2go offers the latest instructor-led online courses from the top professionals in their field.
Ready to explore what we have to offer? Visit ed2go.com/wncc.
If you are interested in taking online courses for college credit at WNCC, please visit WNCC Online Learning.
For more information, contact:
Western Nebraska Community College
Regina Kuhns
371 College Drive
Sidney, NE 69162
800.222.9682 Ext. 7430


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In the coming months, big Wall Street banks could finance the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef.
Raise your voice to stop them!
The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's biggest stretch of coral reef and is probably the planet's richest area in terms of animal diversity. It's home to 1,500 species of fish, 400 kinds of coral, and at least 30 types of whales and dolphins—it's an important area for humpback whales giving birth and raising their young. The reef is also a key habitat for two endangered—and beautiful—species: the green sea turtle and the dugong, or "sea cow." And it's a global treasure, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.1
Now the Great Barrier Reef is facing a massive threat. A huge corporation, Adani, wants to expand the Abbot Point coal terminal into the one of the world's biggest coal ports, right in the middle of the reef World Heritage Area. To do that, they're planning to dig up 3 million cubic meters of seabed, wrecking the habitat of thousands of species. Analysts project that, if the port is expanded, thousands more coal ships would pass through the reef each year, polluting the ocean as they go and posing a constant threat of catastrophic spills.
But the port can't go forward unless Adani finds several big banks to fund their astonishingly reckless plan. Thanks to the efforts of a worldwide coalition of environmentalists, a number of European banks have pledged not to underwrite the project. So now the company is looking to Wall Street—and so far, the big U.S. banks haven't yet committed to not financing the project.
Tell Wall Street not to bankroll the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef!
There's another reason we need to stop this plan, besides the acute threat to the reef: the Abbot Point port expansion would light the fuse on a carbon bomb on the scale of the Alberta tar sands. The port is a key piece of infrastructure in a coal industry plan to build a cluster of new mega-mines in a vast coalfield called the Galilee basin. Australia is already the world's second-biggest coal exporter, and these new mines would double the country's output. With the world hurtling toward devastating levels of global warming, the next few years are crucial for us to change the course of climate history, and the fight over Abbot Point is one that we have to win. We have the technology to meet our energy demand from clean, renewable sources—there's no need to unlock these vast reserves of dirty coal for the sake of corporate profits.
Rainforest Action Network has a long track record of pressuring banks to quash dirty energy deals, and we're already talking to the biggest players on Wall Street to push them not to bankroll the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef. We're telling bank executives: destroying a World Heritage Site and cooking the climate for the sake of as little as a few million dollars in fees is not a good deal. But we can't win in the boardroom unless Wall Street knows that this is one deal the public won't let them get away with. In the coming months, Adani will be reaching out to the big banks to secure financing, so we need to raise our voices now.
Add your name to our petition today.
Rainforest Action Network uses people power to challenge business as usual.
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Does JMS provide load balancing, fault tolerance, scalability, and so on?
Created May 4, 2012
Jerry Smith
The JMS specification does not address these issues; hence, vendors are free to implement their own support, and many vendors do provide these services.
0 Comments (click to add your comment)
Comment and Contribute


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India Unlimited Plans
Choose from three incredible plans
Mobile Unlimited India Unlimited India Unlimited Plus Call Any Crystal Clear Connections One Touch Dial Service Fees $3.99 $7.99 $7.99 No Daily Limit No Contract No Internet Total Minutes 1300 Min. 2000 Min. 2800 Min. Plan Details
This monthly plan will be automatically recharged once in 30 days as per your billing cycle, no roll over minutes to next month. Calls can be made to other countries besides India however the rates will vary. The plan does not qualify for the features like Auto-Refill bonus or Reward points. Only one phone number can be registered in the pin-less setup and it can be switched once in 6 months. Toll free number users will be charged 2 c/min additional.
Raza.com reserves the rights to withdraw or alter MOBILE UNLIMITED $9.99 / UNLIMITED $14.99 / UNLIMITED $19.99 PLAN at any time without prior notice


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At Friendlies Chemist Subiaco we hire out a variety of health appliances and equipment for your convenience.
For mothers that are only needing to express breast milk for a short period of time or not wishing to purchase a breast pump, hire can be a convenient and cost effective option.
At Friendlies Chemist Subiaco, we offer for hire the Medela Symphony breast pump: the same superior appliance as used in most hospitals providing the latest technology for easy expressing. With the Medela Symphony you can use it as either a single or double breast pump. Simply purchase your attachments (single or double pump set) and then hire the pump on a weekly basis as required.
Hire per week $37.50*.
Wheelchair hire can be convenient for those only needing short term use such as in the case of injuries or post-surgery.
Our wheelchair is easily folded to fit in the car.
Hire per week $27.50*
Our crutches for hire are adjustable to accommodate most teenage and adult heights. We have both elbow and underarm crutches available depending on your requirements.
Hire per week $15*
*Please note: Hire requires drivers license/passport and credit card details for security purposes.
Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive promotions and special offers:


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True story: I own approximately 86 million lip balms which are liberally scattered around my handbags, pockets and desk drawers and yet, yesterday morning, I literally tore the house apart looking for this little miracle worker from La Roche-Posay.
It's one of those products you kind of forget about until your time of need, which in my case was brought about by flying to Rome (and back), along with a recent dip in temperatures here in Ireland. My lips are not only chapped but hurting in that horrible way where it kind of feels like they're burnt along the edges, and are crying out for some serious nourishment which the (very spendy) lip balm I had with me on our Italian jaunt could not provide.
I'm pretty sure I've written about this stuff before but if you're not familiar, it's an extension of the brand's Cicaplast Baume B5 - a multi-tasking wonder that can be used to soothe pretty much any dry or cracked parts of the body. I used it on my lips too until the dedicated lip product was released; the thicker texture works actual miracles on winter ravaged mouths.
What makes it so effective? The formula contains panthenol to ease inflammation and soothe irritation, along with shea butter to moisturise and provide a barrier against the elements. It's the best lip balm I've ever used, and if you want to keep your pout plumped up this winter, get thee to a chemist and hand over a very reasonable €6.50.
And while you're at it, there's an awesome hand-cream in the range which I'd also recommend!


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MLS Preview and Prediction: Seattle Sounders vs Real Salt Lake
Competition: Major League Soccer – Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake
Venue: CenturyLink Field – Sunday, October 23 – 16:00 ET (21:00 BST)
Match Odds: Seattle 8/11 – Draw 5/2 – RSL 15/4
Match Preview
Seattle Sounders take on Real Salt Lake on the final day of the 2016 MLS regular season on Sunday with both sides looking to secure a playoff berth in what should be an intriguing battle.
Seattle have turned their season around since August and have marched into the playoff spots after a fine run of form. They now need to finish the job and guarantee a place in the postseason with a win here.
A 2-1 loss to FC Dallas last week would have been a tough one to take given how late Dallas scored the winner but they now have the chance to end the regular season with three points in front of their own fans.
The Sounders have not lost at home since July and are favourites to seal three points here against an RSL side that is in a terrible run of form.
Real Salt Lake have not won in MLS for six games and are in danger of missing out on the playoffs on the final day if results go against them.
A draw would be enough for RSL to guarantee a top-six finish but the fact they have failed to score in four of their last five outings will be a major worry for their supporters.Embed from Getty Images
If they do secure a playoff berth, the worry will be that they aren't in the right form heading into the playoffs and so it's a tough situation.
Seattle secured a 2-1 win at home to RSL back in August, though Real Salt Lake did win at Rio Tinto in Week 2. This will be the 20th MLS regular season clash between the two.
Team News
Seattle Sounders will be boosted by the return of Osvaldo Alonso from suspension here, although Clint Dempsey and Andreas Ivanschitz remain out. Brad Evans, Oalex Anderson and Dylan Remick are also unlikely to make the squad, while Chad Marshall is struggling with an ankle problem but might be fit enough to feature here.
Real Salt Lake have four players ruled out through injury with Emery Welshman, Aaron Maund, Jeff Attinella and Yura Movsisyan all ruled out.
Key Points
Seattle Sounders' last five: W/W/W/D/L
Real Salt Lake's last five: L/L/D/L/D
Key Stat: Trouble – RSL have conceded in 30 consecutive away games in MLS, stretching back to April 2015 and have now failed to score in four of their last five matches.
Key Player: Nicolas Lodeiro – The Sounders playmaker is a joy to watch whenever he takes to the field and he'll be relishing the chance to take on an RSL team that can't keep goals out on the road. He is always a threat in and around the box and should prove instrumental again on Sunday.
Score Prediction
Seattle Sounders 3-1 Real Salt Lake – The Sounders will be looking to leapfrog RSL on the final day of the regular season and should be able to do so given the away side's terrible run of form. Seattle are a strong outfit now and will look to end an up-and-down regular season on a major high with victory.


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As your attorney I advise you to watch as much footage of Pete Eldridge as possible. If YouTube was like magnetic tape, this part would be glitching like crazy on my computer:
I apologize in advance for the music in the following video, the mute button is an option but i have to admit the music adds an appropriate atmosphere:
If David Gonzales had not managed to get a skateboard under his feet to sustain his thrill seeking, I could imagine him laid out on the tracks with these fellow countrymen:
this late entry from Benny Maglinao must have been breath taking to see in real life. please note, despite the barbaric appearance of this scenario, there is plenty of sportsmanship exhibited in these organized battles: each side has predetermined equal numbers, set times for fighting are agreed upon and weapons are frowned upon; how very gentlemanly!


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Contrary to some rumors, AMD will not be discontinuing support for their legacy products. Rather, a new Quarterly Driver Release schedule will be put into place.
A few days ago, Hardware Canucks learned of rumors concerning a possible top to bottom discontinuation of support for AMD's legacy products. After some investigation, Hardware Canucks uncovered the complete details.
In an understandable move, AMD will end the monthly driver updates for the HD 2000, HD 3000 and HD 4000 series of graphics cards and instead institute a quarterly new release schedule for these products. Considering some of these are more than half a decade old, no one should be surprised at this point.
However, there is an additional wrench thrown into the works. It seems users of these older products won't get continued driver support and updates when they are using their cards in a Windows 8 environment. To put it simply: Windows 8 ships with an included AMD driver and from our understanding, that won't be updated. If you have a HD 2000, HD 3000, or HD 4000 series card, be prepared to make do with the default AMD driver package that Microsoft ships with their new OS.
In a press release by AMD (see below), the company explains in detail the reasoning behind this decision. Hopefully, this will allow their development team to concentrate upon enhancing the experience for customers of their newer HD 5000, HD 6000 and HD 7000 series.
AMD will be moving the AMD Radeon™ HD 2000, AMD Radeon HD 3000, and AMD Radeon HD 4000 Series of products to a new driver support model. We will continue to support the mentioned products in our Catalyst releases, but we're moving their updates to a quarterly basis, whereas our AMD Radeon HD 5000 and later products will continue to see monthly updates. The Quarterly Catalyst releases will focus on resolving application specific issues and critical updates. The reason for the shift in support policy is largely due to the fact that the AMD Radeon HD 2000, AMD Radeon HD 3000, and AMD Radeon HD 4000 Series have been optimized to their maximum potential from a performance and feature perspective. The 8.97 based driver, released in May 2012 will be the first driver for the AMD Radeon HD 2000, AMD Radeon HD 3000, and AMD Radeon HD 4000 Series under the new support model; it is an extremely stable and robust driver branch for these products and will be the baseline for our quarterly updates.
Our main development and testing efforts will now be focused on the AMD Radeon™ HD 5000 and later products. This is the best use of our resources, as the AMD Radeon HD 5000, AMD Radeon HD 6000, AMD Radeon HD 7000, and future products have the greatest potential for further performance and feature enhancements.
Also with regards to Windows 8 support for the AMD Radeon™ HD 2000, 3000, 4000 Series of products; the In-the-box AMD Graphics driver that ships with Windows 8 will include support for the AMD Radeon HD 2000, 3000, and 4000 Series, and it will support the WDDM 1.1 driver level features. The AMD Catalyst driver for Windows 8 will only include support for WDDM 1.2 support products (AMD Radeon HD 5000 and later).


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6 Tips For Shining Above The Competition In The Ibps Exam2017-08-13 01:19:24
Banking industry in India is all set to create the best pool of job opportunities in the coming era and the most feasible channel to sneak into a high earning banking job is via the IBPS exams. Also, there are PSU bank specific posts which come from time to time like specialist officers, bank PO jobs, etc. Success in these exams requires fighting stiff competition from banking aspirants across India. It can be said that perfect preparation for IBPS and other banking entrance is a key to win over the stiff competition. So, for securing the most competitive edge among others in this exam, let us analyze a 6 fact sheet suggested for all the IBPS aspirants.
Focus on target segment in IBPS exam like IBPS PO, IBPS clerk, IBPS RRB or IBPS SO exams.
Awareness of exact and updated syllabus for identified target IBPS exam and other banking entrance exams.
Accessibility to adequate preparation material for chosen segment.
Subject wise self assessment tests to begin with proper allocation of time and other resources over area of weakness.
Perfect mix of study materials so as to ensure maximum acquaintance with variety of questions that have appeared till now in IBPS exams.
Seeking expert guidance to play on your competitive edge across the other aspirants via using effective time management, short cut tricks, GK boost, etc.


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- Create
- Communicate
- Connect
- Client Experience
- About Us
- Home
Let's get personal. Really personal.
Do you know that by personalizing your communications efforts to each individual prospect you can significantly increase your return on investment over non-personalized communications?
We do.
Yes, personalization can be as simple as changing contact information on a simple letter. But there's so much more to it. We can mass customize every customer touchpoint in your marketing campaign by changing names, graphics, images—or even the offer. And we can continue to adjust the message, based on response.
And we're not just talking print materials. How about online communications that include PURLs—personalized web landing pages—for each recipient of your marketing message? It's the ultimate in mass-customized, integrated marketing communications.
From data as simple as mailing addresses, to complex demographics and psychographics we can fine-tune your resources to help you pinpoint your prospects. Now that's personal.


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We've got three lucky winners for our KnitPro Shawl Pin giveaway this month: Anna, Isa and Riyuuhi we will be contacting you to arrange for the delivery of your prize. Congratulations!
Our newest needles and accessories will soon be arriving at a shop near you - below is a sneak peek of just a few of the exciting new products to join the KnitPro family:
Our newest needles and accessories will soon be arriving at a shop near you - below is a sneak peek of just a few of the exciting new products to join the KnitPro family:
Nova Cubics
Our crowd-pleasing cuboid shaped needles are now available in shiny brass! These new needles will be available in Single Point, Double Point, Fixed Circular and Interchangeable and will also include sets for these options!
Enjoy expanded size options for Interchangeable, Double Point and Single Point Karbonz needles! Our high-tech carbon fiber needles with brass tips are a real crowd-pleaser, and now you can choose from several Karbonz DPN and Interchangeable sets to add to your needle collection.
Our newest range of knitting needles and crochet hooks is made with the finest Japanese bamboo! Our Bamboo circular needles all feature 24k gold plated connectors, giving us a "gold edge" over other bamboo needles on the market! Choose from Single Point, Double Point, Fixed Circular and Interchangeable knitting needles and Single Ended and Tunisian crochet hooks. We also have knitting and crochet sets in this exciting new line!
Our new colour-coded aluminum crochet hooks with soft grip handles are vibrant and trendy. They're available in thirteen individual sizes or as a set featuring 9 hooks in an attractive pink or green case.
Comby Set II
Get to know KnitPro with our new sampler set which includes interchangeable tips from our Karbonz, Bamboo and Nova Cubics needle lines!
Blocking Mats
We are introducing a range of lace blocking accessories this fall, from wires and T-pins to interlocking mats. Now it will be easier than ever to achieve a beautiful project from start to finish with KnitPro products - be sure to ask about our other new accessories at your LYS, too!


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Check out the rug mutt in the sleeveless plaid shirt.
by nikkanicki December 19, 2011
Wild children usually under the age of Five. Otherwise known as House Ape, Rug Rat, Rug Monkey, Yard Ape, Etc. Usually these children are always underfoot and undeciplined monsters.
Damn, that Hoochie upstairs has a house full of "Rugmutts" and I'll bet none of them has the same daddy. Let's send her a case of Jolt and see how long they bounce off the walls before they sugar crash...LOL
by Mark61 December 31, 2009


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On Saturday, May 17th, BSA Troop 341 will again be the Color Guard at Frontier Field for the baseball game between the Rochester Red Wings (AAA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) and the Toledo Mud Hens (AAA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers). The game starts at7:05 p.m. but we need to be there in Class A uniforms at 6:00 p.m.
Scouts participating will be going on the field and presenting our troop flag and American Flag for the playing of the national anthem and then will be able to sit and enjoy the game with their families.
Please download and complete the attached permission slip.
Outings & Events > Previous Years Events >


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If you're looking for a way to spice up your holidays, a trip to sunny Baja, Mexico is the perfect place to start. With so many fun activities and warm, sunny weather, there's no better place to spend a relaxing holiday seasonl. The 7th Annual Liga MAC Christmas Fiesta promises to get you into the holiday spirit with exciting activities, fabulous food, great gift ideas, and live performances from local musicians and choir groups.
Each year, The Shoppes at Palmilla open their doors to visitors who can enjoy winning raffle prizes, listen to live performance from the Liga MAC Angeles Choir and watch as the Christmas tree is lit. Sip on beverages from El Wine Shop and nibble on tasty homemade appetizers and desserts while you shop for holiday gifts like the popular Liga MAC art calendar. This fundraiser benefits more than 400 local families and children. There is no admission charge for the event but, in order to attend, visitors are asked to bring a single, unwrapped toy for a child aged 1-12 years. These gifts are then sorted, wrapped and delivered to needy local children on Christmas Eve.
The Annual Liga MAC Christmas Fiesta is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th, from 6pm-9pm at the The Shoppes at Palmilla. Visit http://www.eventsloscabos.com/organizer/liga-mac/ for information.


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Only by teaching you individually we are able to meet your personal requirements and wishes. Pace and targets of your language course can be coordinated directly with your teacher. We do not make tests to classify our students. You determine the level of your course and at what pace you progress.
Quito Culture
Discover Quito and its rich cultural life. Your Spanish teacher explores with you Quito and its near surroundings. You will see the catacombs of the old town, visit museums and indigenous markets and you will learn how to order a meal in a restaurant.
In two weeks you will discover the historical and cultural sights of Quito. And you won´t lack conversation!


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Berhampur - A major commercial town of the Ganjam district Berhampur lies south of Chilika Lake, in southern Odisha (Orissa), Berhampur is a trading centre for the beautiful hand-woven Ikat silk. The agriculturally fertile area surrounded by dense forest, dates from prehistoric times and once constituted a part of territory under the Emperor Ashoka's rule.
It is a rewarding experience to see weavers sitting at their looms in the busy bazaar and shop for silks; also available brass and bell metal ware, horn toys, wood carvings and carpets. The shrines of Thukurani, Jagannath and Nilakantheswar Shiva Temples within the town are worth visiting. The museum here has a collection of some sculptures, and specimens of anthropological and natural history.
Located under the province of Ganjam district, Berhampur is a centrally placed place in Odisha (Orissa). You can plan your further trip fro this convenient base point having a number of places of tourist interest in the vicinity. Quite famous for its silks, Berhampur, also offers plenty of other shopping options to the travelers visiting the city. You can pick up antique brass work of Ganjam, coirmats of Gopalpur and the superb horn work of Paralakhemundi along with carpets from Chandragiri, woven by Tibetian refugees.
Gopalpur-on-sea is the closest tourist attraction for the people coming to Berhampur. This deep sea resort, an ancient sea port of a bygone era, this place replete with all the needs of modern day discerning traveler, is just 16 km from Berhampur. A hot sulphur spring Taptapani is also at a distance of 50 km from Berhampur. It is an ideal Health Resort and picnic spot.
Jaugarh, another popular place near Berhampur, is known for Ashokan Rock Edicts and other archaeological remains. It is located about 35 kms from Berhampur.
Reaching Berhampur in Odisha (Orissa)
Most express and super fast trains between Kolkata and Chennai and between Secunderabad (Andhra Pradesh) and Kolkata serve Berhampur and stop here.


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Is Obama's immigration policy shift really a DREAM come true?
- At June 26, 2012
- By Roxana
- In The Seattle Globalist
- 0
To read the original post in the Seattle Globalist and more stories follow this link: http://www.seattleglobalist.com/2012/06/26/obama-immigration-deportation-dream-act/4966
When I first saw the email alert, "Obama offers immunity to younger immigrants," I could hardly believe it was true.
President Obama had signed an executive order that was a modified version of the DREAM Act, vowing to not deport undocumented youth under 30, and giving them the opportunity to temporarily work in the U.S. legally.
The first thing that came to my mind when I heard the news was a young high school student named Amy Lee.
Last month, after a presentation I gave in a Federal Way High School, a teacher pulled me aside.
"I have a student, she is the brightest student in the entire class, has the highest grades, and AP credits towards college," she explained, "but she's…..undocumented."
The way she whispered this word under her breath made me realize she expected me to gasp in disbelief. I explained that I work for the immigrant rights organization OneAmerica where I focus on expanding educational pathways in South King County for immigrant students, some of whom are undocumented, and that I might be able to help her.
I walked into the teacher's back office to see a girl hanging her head. Amy explained that she had received a $19,000 merit scholarship to Pacific Lutheran University, but she still needed $11,000 more for tuition and had no idea how she will pull it together. As an undocumented student she does not qualify for any type of federal or state aid or loans. Just a few days before, I had learned of a scholarship that was going to be offered in Washington State solely to undocumented students. As I told her this a huge smile appeared on her face.
I left her school with a promise from her that she would not give up and a promise from me that I would do whatever I could to get her enrolled in college in the fall.
She now tells me the day we met she was at one of her lowest points. She was about to give up on college and dreams of a career to be a doctor.
Then she found this glimmer of hope.
Later Amy emailed me her college entry essay. I read her story detailing everything her family had been through to come to the US. During an economic recession in South Korea ten years ago, her parents' prosperous business went bankrupt. They were left with nothing. They moved into a tiny abandoned house and often struggled just to eat one meal a day.
When I asked her about her life growing up in Korea Amy told me,
"Every week after church, my father put me on the backseat of his bike while my mother put my brother on the backseat of her bike. We went biking through the city's park, enjoying the sun, the breeze, but most of all, each others presence. It was a moment when we were able to forget about all the bad things. The time was not an escape from hardships, but more of a declaration that we were strong enough to cherish joy through anything."
I could see that in Amy, this appreciation for life permeates everything she does. Even in those first moments I met her when she was feeling defeated, I noticed the light in her. She has taken all of her life experiences and melded it into the person she is, making her more resilient and hardworking. She makes you believe in her and want to work just as hard for her success as she is working.
I spent the next few weeks pulling all the strings I had in my power. I called various scholarship funds, educational access organizations, and even the financial aid office at Pacific Lutheran University.
When the Realize the Dream Scholarship was released, I sent her the information thinking this is the answer. She called me two days later to tell me she doesn't qualify because she had not been in the state for 2 years; her family only recently came to Washington from California.
On June 14th, the night before Obama's announcement, as I was leaving work for the day something told me to call Amy. She picked up on the third ring and told me about her high school graduation – how proud she felt about her high academic attainment but how her college plans still hung in limbo.
She was having another particularly hard day and said, "Well even if I do go to school, work hard and get my degree, what next? I can't work."
I didn't know what to say. I felt a bit naïve and embarrassed for always coaching her to not give up and to continue persevering. The privileges I had in my life that allowed me to be anything I want to be and pursue the American dream, were only fantasies to her.
For the first time, what it meant to live as an undocumented person actually hit me.
The next morning, when I heard President Obama's announcement, I immediately called Amy.
I asked her if she had checked her email or seen the news. Puzzled, she responded that she hadn't. I told her the news. The line went silent for a few moments and then she screamed, "Are you serious?"
Though I realized to Amy this announcement seemed like somewhat of a miracle, as someone deeply steeped in the immigrant rights movement, I understood the eleven years of effort and activism it took to make this moment a reality. Organizing dozens of rallies and marches; resolving conflicts between pushing comprehensive immigration reform or the DREAM act; mobilizing communities to build awareness; and finally, moving house legislators to pass the DREAM bill in 2010 just to watch it fail in congress. Though I was cautious of Amy presuming this was the answer to all her concerns, clearly it was a step in the right direction.
An hour later, Amy arrived at my office with her mother and a typed speech in hand. I had explained to her that OneAmerica was hosting a press conference about the legislation and without hesitation Amy said, "I'm coming, I want to tell my story."
Isuddenly felt protective of her, knowing that she has been waiting for this moment but also wanting her to be aware of the implications of telling her story. I felt worried for the vulnerability she would feel exposing herself suddenly in the public eye. I was keenly aware of the myths surrounding undocumented immigrants and the negative outpouring that often follows these stories. "Go home, you don't belongs here. You broke the law, you are a criminal." She was going to hear it all.
I asked her to think long and hard on the drive over about if she was ready to do this. When she arrived at the office, I realized there was no stopping her. She was determined to tell the world about the life she has been living for the last 10 years.
With the cameras rolling, Amy shared her story for the first time.
She told everyone how she has been forced to live in the shadows. Not only because she is undocumented but also because she is Korean. Not having papers is a hidden issue in the Korean community and one that is shameful.
"When you have depression or a drug addiction there are all these places you can turn to for help," she said. "Even when my family received threats that we would be deported, I had no one to turn to or get help from because I had to keep this secret and couldn't trust anyone." She went on to describe the poverty her family escaped in Korea to be smuggled over the Mexican border when she was just 8 years old. She explained, "It was not the right method but we needed to live."
After the press conference, every local news station was lined up waiting for a chance to speak with her. KIRO, KOMO, Q13 Foxand KING all wanted a piece of Amy's story. The media could see the extraordinary plight in her struggles and how she represented the estimated 800,000 youth or 'Dreamers' in the U.S. who, thanks to Obama's move, have renewed hope and options for a meaningful future.
Amy did seven different interviews with grace and poise that defied her 18 years of age while connecting with other undocumented youth and activists who had used their struggles to build a movement. Throughout the day, I watched as she transformed from someone who feels ostracized and alone to suddenly having the eyes and ears of so many people, and most importantly, the power to define her own story.
When I asked her how all this has impacted her she told me, "It's the biggest change that has happened for me. It means another step that I will be able to take without discouragement.A step to walk through a door that I've always wanted to open but never had the key. A step towards improving my physical, mental, and emotional health."
Between her interviews I walked her over to her family to congratulate them on their incredible daughter and they responded with a beaming smile. Her grandfather, who ironically is a U.S. citizen, was waiting in a Dodge minivan with her grandmother sitting next to him and Amy's mother in the backseat. Interacting with her family I realized how much their demeanor and appreciation seemed similar to my family's experience as immigrants.
I thought about Amy's response when one reporter asked her, "Do you consider yourself American?"
"I am Korean-American. What can I say? I grew up here, it is the only home I know. I am just like any other American kid except that immigration status determines my opportunities in life."
After the interviews Amy went home with her beaming family and I went back to my desk feeling like it was one of the best days I had in a long time. I felt so proud of Amy and lucky that for some odd reason, our paths had crossed when they did.
As a result of this decision, so many opportunities are now available to Amy. Not only she can continue her life without the fear of deportation but the doors to temporary legal employment have been opened to her.
Still, without a clear pathway to U.S. citizenship, her college plans remain uncertain. She's $11,000 away from being able to afford that dream.
So we'll continue working, marching, acting, and sharing her story in hopes that one day all the barriers to the bright future she deserves will be lifted.
Roxana Norouzi has worked with immigrant and refugee populations in the Seattle area for the past 10 years. Currently, she provides strategic guidance around education policy and implementation for OneAmerica, Washington State's largest immigrant right's organization. In 2010, Roxana was awarded the University of Washington's Bonderman Fellowship which allowed her to travel to the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, East Africa, West Africa and South America.
As war rages on, a message from inside Syria
- At June 11, 2012
- By Roxana
- In Middle East, Syria, The Seattle Globalist
- 0
I was staying at a beachfront hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania when I saw the first images of the unrest in Syria on TV.
I watched footage of Syrians in the southern city of Deraa brazenly burning the pictures of President Bashar al-Assad that once lined every street, store, restaurant, and home.
I was glued to the news, watching the turmoil unravel. There was something deeply disturbing about suddenly seeing everything I'd experienced on my visit to Syria just three months prior begin to crumble.
My tumultuous relationship with Syria had begun while I was still in the US preparing for my nine month trip around the world. A week before I was set to leave, I realized that my passport had not yet been returned to me with my Syrian visa stamped in it. I contacted the Syrian consulate in Los Angeles.
"Sorry Roxana. No, we have not seen your passport."
With panic settling in, I resorted to my Middle Eastern negotiating skills, refusing to accept 'no' for an answer. Seemingly miraculously, my passport was located and mailed back to me just in time for my trip.
Months prior, my parents had staged an intervention with me in hopes of deterring my plans to travel to the Middle East, especially Syria. My father warned me of the unstable government and the various political parties and religious sects vying for power in the country. My mom got on the phone with a Syrian consoler official and asked him if he thought it was safe for her daughter to travel to Syria on her own.
His response, "Everything appears to be fine now Ma'am. But it's Syria. You never know and there are no guarantees."
Though I felt somewhat fearful and uneasy, ultimately my desire to experience the Middle East convinced me to ignore the warnings and proceed with my trip. After arriving in Beirut, I hopped on a Mercedes minivan with eight Syrian construction workers, endured a 2 hour nervous wait at the border crossing, and finally arrived in Damascus.
My first few hours in Damascus were some of the most magical moments of my life. As I maneuvered my way through the narrow, old cobblestone streets to find my hostel, I saw small cafes on the sidewalks full of people, vendors on the street corners selling traditional Syrian delicacies. The smell of sweet cinnamon bread, apple tobacco and floral jasmine filled the air. I heard the sounds of the evening azan (the Muslim call to prayer) echoing from the surrounding mosques while Arabic-pop music blared from the opposite side.
All my life I had searched for somewhere that felt like home – a culture whose warmth and openness matched that of my own community. And in many ways, I found it in Syria: from being invited in for countless cups of tea to wandering through the winding souks hearing people call out "Ahlan wah Sahlan," – "welcome to Syria."
There was nothing that felt artificial, no hidden agendas — just people interested in other people.
But it didn't take long for the dark truth behind the magic and charm of Syria to hit me. I went out with some other travelers who I had met in Beirut and their Syrian friends. We were sitting in an outdoor café sipping our tea when I naively inquired about the political climate in Syria.
A look of distress appeared on their faces. My friends swiftly changed the subject.
After I left the café with my Bulgarian friend who was living in Damascus, I asked her about the reaction. She warned me to never talk about politics in public again, or even in private for that matter. She slyly pointed out various people surrounding us who she said were likely part of the Assad regime's secret service: the man sitting alone at an outdoor restaurant, the waiters and store clerks, even taxi cab drivers. Her advice: don't trust anyone – the consequences are too serious.
As my days in Syria went on, the level of government control and scrutiny became more and more obvious. To obtain a SIM card for my cell phone, I had to give fingerprints and provide endless amounts of personal information. To travel from one city to another, I had to register with a government official who recorded my passport number and itinerary. To check in to a hotel room or hostel, I had to provide my visa details so a log could be submitted to the government. To check my email I had to use a proxy address to get around a government ban of western websites.
As an American, it was the first time in my life I had experienced that degree of censorship. I felt trapped, scared, and helpless.
Despite the warnings, I boldly decided to use the Couchsurfing network, an online global community that connects travelers with locals, to stay with a family in the northern city of Aleppo. Couchsurfing, both the site and the activity, is banned by the government because it interferes with officials' ability to monitor the whereabouts of tourists in the country through hotel registries.
I was fortunate enough to be hosted by an Armenian family with two young college-aged girls. As I grew close with the girls over the course of two weeks staying with them, they began to open up to me. After the Armenian genocide, their family had dispersed throughout the Middle East and sought refuge in various Arab countries. Their parents had both escaped Beirut during the Lebanese civil war in order to provide their daughters a better life, and moved to an Armenian immigrant enclave community in the outskirts of Aleppo.
The family had already been approached by government agents with a warning that hosting foreigners could result in arrest and imprisonment. The girls resisted, arguing that the activity was harmless and that they refused to be cut off from the rest of the world. When they told me the story I asked one of the girls why they would take such a huge risk.
"You have the opportunity to travel the world and see and experience things," she told me. "I don't have that same opportunity but I still have the desire. Through others' travels at least I can see the world and hear stories even if I have to do it from my own couch."
I thought about how brave and courageous she was to defy the rules.
When I shared this with her she explained, "We really have no other choice. We have to find small ways to expand our world given all the restrictions in our life. Otherwise, they win and we are left with nothing."
Following her queue, I suppressed my hesitations about the government restriction and signed up for a trip to the ancient desert ruins of Palmyra organized through couchsurfing.
The night before our departure, I was pulled aside by a middle-aged Syrian man who owned much of the Aleppo market and was well connected to the interworkings of the country.
"Whatever you do, do not go on this trip," he told me. "I got a tip that the trip is infiltrated by secret service and likely people will be arrested for the illegal activity. You don't want to be caught in that mess."
The warning was frightening enough, but it was confused even more by my Iranian and Jewish ancestry. I wasn't sure what political complications those identities held in Syria. Feeling vulnerable and unsure who to trust, I cancelled my trip the night before I was set to leave.
The magical aspects of the country had been clouded by my angst and paranoia. Was I being watched? My instincts told me to leave immediately. Within a day, I bought a plane ticket and after some serious questioning by officials in the Aleppo airport, I breathed a sigh of relief as I left Syrian soil safe and sound.
Three months later, sitting in my hotel room in Zanzibar, I saw all that was bubbling under the surface during my visit come to a head. I realized my intuitions were right. The efforts of Assad's minority Alawite sect to squash any sign of opposition turned from surveillance and intimidation to detentions and massacres.
Each reported death at the hands of the Assad government (which currently estimates put at 14,100) felt personal to me. I tried to distance myself from the news of Syria but my connection to the country and its people would not allow me to ignore it. So I listened, waited, and hoped for Assad to give in.
It's now been 15 months since the protests and violent backlash began, but there is still no end in sight. Through the months I've wondered about the family I stayed with in Aleppo. Are they safe? Has the unrest changed their lives?
But I worried about reaching out to them, afraid that in my longing to make sure they were okay I might inadvertently jeopardize their safety.
Finally, while writing this piece, I decided to reach out to them seeking their permission to publish their story.
I received this chilling message in return:
"I feel like I am in a cage. Through couchsurfing, I worked so hard to break the chains and bring people into my home but now I can't even safely sit on the rooftop of my own house to watch the city. I can't look outside anymore. It hurts too much to watch Aleppo slowly disappear just as the other cities in Syria have. With each explosion I hear, I thank god that bloodshed has not touched my family yet the way it has for so many other people. I have already lost 3 friends and another one of my friends has disappeared. His parents are anticipating a call any day informing them that their son has been killed. I have lost my job as a teacher as people no longer send their children to school out of fear. Fear that at the end of the day, they will not come home. This is what our life is like now in Syria."
Roxana Norouzi has worked with immigrant and refugee populations in the Seattle area for the past 10 years. Currently, she provides strategic guidance around education policy and implementation for OneAmerica, Washington State's largest immigrant right's organization. In 2010, Roxana was awarded the University of Washington's Bonderman Fellowship which allowed her to travel to the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, East Africa, West Africa and South America.
Don't Knock the Blobs
- At May 23, 2012
- By Roxana
- In Africa, Senegal
- 2
May 23, 21012 re May 23, 2011 Dakar, Senegal
Today, I spoke to my dear friend, Jana Shih, who recently returned from 2 years of living and working abroad in Senegal. As we began to commiserate about the readjustments to life back home we couldn't help but reminisce about where we were exactly a year ago at this time. A trip of epic proportions, Jana and I spent 1 month together traveling up and down the coast of West Africa (from Senegal through the Gambia and down to Guinea Bissau and back) and having a set of adventures that only the combination of 2 social work students of Iranian and Chinese descent could have in West Africa.
A recount of a few of our adventures:
- Taking a 24-hour plane ride, with stops in 6 different countries, just to cross the African continent from east to west (that's Africa for you). During one leg of this trip, a passenger began hallucinating and crying to Jesus, stripped off all her clothes and in the chaos of it all,my blanket was used by horrified men to cover her revealed body parts. Bizarro.
- Getting kidnapped by a taxi driver when Jana decided to jump out of the car because the driver refused to honor thenegotiated of our trip. When he sped off with my feet dangling out of the taxi, Jana had to run down the street to rescue me with a mob of Senegalese men behind her that she rounded up in 2.2 seconds. French swear words such as "el es fu" are forever etched in my brain as a result.
- Encountering an African man on stilts at at he very elite Radisson Blu pink party in Dakar. Enough said.
- Getting our visa stamps for the Gambia (a tiny country located smack dab in the middle of Senegal) at a beauty parlor on the border.
- Sustaining ourselves on a diet of peanuts and West African beer.
- Posing as two rich housewives on the prowl for prime real estate on the Senegalese coastline. We even went as far as to get housing specs in French because, "our husbands speak French."
- Being asked by a Senegalese man in a remote area of southern Senegal if Beverly Hills 90210 is really the way American women are.
- Learning that in Wolof (one of the regional dialects of Senegal) any country outside of Africa is simply called Tubabadu (two-bob-a-due). That is, other than the middle east which is referred to as Arabadu.
- Getting stuck in the middle of the Gambia after our set plas (old Russian station wagon serving as public transport) driver abandoned us at the border in 90 degree heat with cows, goats, chickens hundreds of people and military personnel. We quickly utilized our mastered hustling skills and paid a tiny boat owner to row us from one side of the river to the other.
Buying a mosquito net that trapped mosquitoes inside of the net instead of keeping them out. We are still perplexed about this one.
- Turning a public ferry ride back from the archipelagos of Guinea Bissau into a booze cruise with the Guinea Bissaun contingency of theater of the oppressed. Karaoke to Rihanna among other pop songs were performed.
- And finally more laughs then I have ever had in my life, the sun, beach and ….BLOBBING!!!! I'll leave it to Jana to explain the art….
Learning from the Master: The Art of Blobbing
by: Jana Shih June 10, 2012
Roxana has many talents but perhaps one of her most notorious is her ability to lie down anywhere and stay there for hours on end as long as the sun is above her. No matter where she is -on a beach, in a backyard, (on a crowded passenger boat where she is blocking the path of everyone with her bed made out of life jackets)- she can always find a way to plop herself down horizontally and not move. Roxana doesn't just enjoy lying in the sun, she is addicted to it and besides dancing to 80's music, it may just be her favorite thing to do. Ever. Put Roxana with in a few miles radius of a beach and you better get out of her way. Our friend, Todd, who has been on quite a few vacations with her (and quite a few beach destinations) has a name for "vacation mode" Roxana – "the Blob."
Don't get me wrong, "Travel mode" Roxana has done and seen amazing things on her trip around the world. I could not imagine anyone making more out of her trip than she. She has truly appreciated and lived every single moment of it and has had more "authentic cultural experiences" than the model Peace Corps Volunteer. However, that's not to say that if you were to give her a choice between a great hike up a mountain or a beach, she wouldn't always pick the latter- and West Africa's got a lot of the latter.
Rox came to Senegal with her best vacation hat on, and I, having lived here for 8 months was waiting with open arms, excited for the opportunity to travel without "seeing or doing things." Although we ended up having a few, we weren't looking for that "real African village" experience [Rox had spent the past 3 months doing that and that sounds like work to] and lucky for us, the beach happens to be the main attraction along the coast of West Africa.
Having never been on vacation with Roxy and aware of my dangerous coastal location, I was quite intimidated by the reputation that preceded her. What was "the blob" like? Does it move? Does it talk? Will I be able to keep up with its infamous sun tanning marathons? Has the blob mutated as it perfected its skill of lying on beaches around the world? Once a point of high self-confidence, my ability to lie in one spot and do nothing seemed pale in comparison to the description of the blob our friends gave. Maybe I should have gotten a base tan before the blob's arrival. Even though I've never gotten a sunburn in my life, I acquired a fear of sitting in the sun and got into the habit of searching for shade where ever we sat.
But here is what my dear friend, Roxana has taught me: I am a blob! I can blob with the best of them! My natural blobbing abilities are only slightly topped by the master herself and I catch on quick. Roxana and I blobbed from the north of Senegal to the south of Senegal and all the way down to the beautiful archipelagos dos bijagos of Guinea Bissau (and then we came back to Dakar and blobbed some more!) We blobbed on beautiful deserted beaches, hotel pools, and even (while pretending to be rich housewives looking for a beach house) at a gated vacation home community.
In Roxana's journey around the world to find herself, she helped me to find a little part of myself too. I found that I can lie next to a hotel pool (we never actually stayed at the hotels) from breakfast until dinner, deflecting questions from the staff like, "have you moved in the past 8 hours?" and "aren't you going to leave?" and repeat it all again the next day. Each day, we couldn't wait to get to our next blobbing destination. Would it be a beach (probably)? A pool (maybe)? A pool overlooking the beach (who can turn down that combination)? There is nothing more exhilarating and satisfying than finding a good hotel poolside with an ocean view and then finding out that they also have great food.
Our friend, Anna, asked me, "what are the side effects of blobbing?"
It makes work unbearable, your muscles atrophy, and it's as addictive as heroin.
I wouldn't say that culture-filled-doing-and-seeing-things-vacations are overrated, but just don't knock the blobs. ok?
If you liked this post, read more about Jana's time and experience working in Senegal http://janashih.tumblr.com/
Beyond the matzo: Finding a global meaning in Passover
- At April 8, 2012
- By Roxana
- In The Seattle Globalist
- 0
- February 29, 2012 Seattle, WA
This is a piece that was written by me and published on the Seattle Globalist Blog. Please click here to follow more stories and see the original post. http://www.seattleglobalist.com/2012/04/06/beyond-the-matzo-finding-global-meaning-in-passover/2178
- When I was growing up, Passover was the holiday where I sat around a table with my family reading the story of our distant ancestors, eating strange food combinations like raw horseradish, herbs dipped in vinegar, and chanting prayers that always seemed too long. It was the week I reluctantly had to explain to all my friends why I was forgoing pizza in the cafeteria and trading Easter treats for flat tasteless matzo.
Like many first generation American kids with immigrant parents, I resented being different and dreaded sticking out among my peers. But my parents insisted that we keep the tradition and commemorate our ancestors' experience as slaves in the land of Egypt.
Echoing the sentiments of the holiday, Passover was bittersweet for my family; a time to come together but also a time that reminded us that we were a long way from our home, family, and community.
Unlike the rest of our relatives who resettled in Los Angeles after the Iranian revolution, my family was one of the only Persian Jewish families in Seattle. Our Iranian culture, and different traditions and language set us apart from the mostly Ashkenazi Jewish community in Seattle, and for years we tried to recreate the sense of togetherness my parents had felt in Iran, without much success. As a result, growing up I was often confused about how I related to Judaism and at times felt compelled to reject it in the same way I felt the community had rejected me.
Last year was the first time I spent Passover away from home. I was in Arusha, Tanzania with my sister, who was volunteering there. My parents weren't around to force us to observe the holiday like they always had, but our homesickness propelled us to do the unlikely: host a Seder and celebrate Passover by choice.
We walked to the local market and bought leeks to take the place of the green onions that Middle Eastern Jews use in the Seder to playfully whip each other while singing Dayenu, "It would have been sufficient." It's an odd tradition that simulates the beating Jews suffered during enslavement and represents the importance of being thankful for your lot in life.
We made Charoset, the mixture eaten to symbolize the mortar we used to build structures as slaves, with peanut butter, raisins, and cheap African wine.
We searched every market high and low for matzo before finally concluding that god would understand if we used flat crackers as a substitute.
- That night, after a surprise power outage, we sat around a tiny table in my sister's volunteer house with several of her Tanzanian friends reading a piece of the Haggadah, the story of Jewish slavery, by candlelight. As our friend named Vivian read her portion she stopped and said, "I feel as if I am reading the story of my own people." She pointed out that parallels to the story of slavery, oppression and injustice can be found across the history of her continent.
Before serving the Persian dinner we had prepared for our guests, my sister and I lifted the Seder plate and chanted the traditional prayer in the ancient tune that was passed down from our grandfather, to our mother, and then onto us. As we sang I glanced over at my sister and we both chuckled at our inability to remember all the words while simultaneously, tears welled in our eyes. For the first time, we felt some ownership over this holiday. Our observation of Passover was not out of obligation but instead a feeling of connection to our family and heritage, even from thousands of miles away from home.
Traveling around the world in the months before arriving in Tanzania as part of a Bonderman Fellowship I was surprised to come across Jewish communities that challenged what I'd always assumed to be mainstream Judaism. In the Mumbai airport, I spoke with an Indian man who told me about his Indian Jewish community in Mumbai and shared how they infuse their Indian culture and traditions with their Jewish practices.
I also spent several days with a Felasha (community of Ethiopian Jews) in Gondar, Ethiopia. At a religious service held under a thatched roof in an impoverished village, I observed how Amhara traditions were fully integrated into their religious practices. They explained how they will substitute injera, an Ethiopian bread staple, for home-made matzo during the Passover days. I realized the ways my heritage inherently connects me to every other Jewish community around the world.
I'm back home in Seattle for Passover this year, and I've been thinking about Vivian's observation about the similarity between the Jewish and African experience. So I've decided to let go of the idea that a holiday is only significant when it's shared with those who are of the same faith and instead use it as an opportunity to connect us to each other's experiences.
This year, my family's Seder table will include our Iranian Muslim family friends who have embraced the holiday and seen it as an opportunity to learn more about our cultural ties as Jews; African American friends who strongly relate to the history of slavery and oppression; Filipinos who share our story of migration and struggle, and progressive Jewish friends who are excited about observing the holiday in a new way.
We have adopted a social justice Haggadah that reminds us not only of the plight of the Jewish people, but of all those who, in the past and present, experience injustice.
As I continue to find ways to make Passover my own, I am left with the bittersweet feeling that it represented for me as a child. Remembering the hardships of my ancestors and family and through that, finding new meanings in community and togetherness.


text:
How it is evidenced is quite similarly described by anyone on this path. People, especially those we do not know, see something so different about our entire countenance that they just have to comment. I have witnessed this with my wife whose light body at times seems to be palpable.
So, it is not surprising to find people coming up to comment positively about how we look.
For me, I have noticed lots and lots of smiles coming my way- apparently for no reason.
If you are one working at awakening, be ready for others to see your awakening glow and be open to their desire to connect. Perhaps this awakening is after all, quite contagious.


text:
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