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You can judge a man's true character by the way he treats his fellow animals
– Paul McCartney
Our History:
The First Lucky Cats
More than 15 years ago a colony of nineteen cats was discovered living in the woods behind a new business in Cornelius. When looking for a humane way to prevent this colony from continuing to breed and grow, it was learned that the only existing option was for animal control to "remove" the cats, which generally results in euthanasia. Not satisfied with that option, an effective alternative was sought and research revealed a method known as Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM). Moving forward with the assistance of local veterinarians, it was deemed a big success. Once word got out that there was a humane alternative for feral cats in our area, the public began reaching out for assistance. The rest is history. As for the feral colony behind the business, they lived out their days happily, their numbers dwindled, and today only two cats remain.
Abigail Jennings
Lucky Cats Founder & President of Lake Norman Realty
Abigail didn't realize that her wish to help a large colony of feral cats behind her business would one day evolve to becoming the preferred solution for humanely managing the Lake Norman region's community cats. However, after she learned that the only option for feral cats in the Lake Norman area was trap and kill, she decided to create a small TNR (trap-neuter-return) program to provide TNR services and the word began to spread. Several years later, the program was officially awarded a non-profit status, and the rest is history. Today, she remains passionate about providing community cats with spay/neuter services to alleviate the serious issue of over population and the high rates of cat euthanasia within our shelters.
In addition, Abigail also creatively and successfully operates the oldest real estate firm in the Lake Norman region. Since 1998, she has served as president of Lake Norman Realty. However, the impact of Abigail's leadership is felt not only within the real estate industry, but in her community as well. One of her favorite quotations is by Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world," and her commitment to creating positive change is apparent throughout her community. Abigail is a founding board member for blueharbor bank, a community bank serving the Lake Norman region. She is also vice-president of the non-profit economic development organization, SICDC (South Iredell Community Development Corporation). Furthermore, Jennings is a co-founder of Pioneer Springs Community School, a charter school rooted in the arts and nature, where she serves as Chairman of the Pioneer Springs Board of Trustees. Abigail graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree. She and her husband, Randolph Lewis, live in Cornelius with their daughters Genevieve and Ia, and their eleven adopted cats. Abigail enjoys being with her family, gardening, and painting. In 2012 her artwork was featured in a two-woman exhibit at the Iredell Museum.
Robin Byrd
Executive Director / Vice President
A native of Columbia, SC, Robin's compassionate nature toward animals developed at an early age as the result of her father, a biology teacher, instilling in her the value of both appreciating and respecting nature.
Upon graduation from Clemson University with a BA in education, Robin served as an intern on Capitol Hill for Senator Strom Thurmond, prior to pursuing a career in commercial aviation. After 24 years as a flight attendant with US Airways, Robin transitioned to corporate aviation as a demonstration flight attendant for Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation out of Savannah, Georgia.
Quite literally traveling the globe while working for many high-profile clients and foreign government officials, her travels afforded the opportunity to experience how other cultures viewed animals and she was saddened by the reality of what she witnessed. Having been a lifelong lover of all animals, she realized the worst thing she could do was stand by and do nothing and the best place to begin was right in her own community where it was possible to measure the level of success.
Calling the Lake Norman region home since 1991, Robin currently serves as Executive Director of the Lake Norman Lucky Cat Program (LNLCP), where she has elevated the program to its current success and it continues to expand under her leadership. From educating to advocating to engaging the community, Robin has made it her mission to raise awareness and promote improved animal welfare, in particular the humane, long-term solution to managing community cat populations through Trap/Neuter/Return/Manage (TNRM).
A 2014 graduate of Leadership Lake Norman, Robin has also served as retail Co-chair for the Bag Lady Luncheon, benefiting Patriot Charities (serving our local wounded veterans). Additionally, Robin is a charter member of Partnership for Pets and has recently been selected to serve on Charlotte's Community Cat Task Force. She was also proud to mentor a Girl Scout, whose Gold Star project was the development of a free 5K event to raise awareness of community cats.
Together with her life partner and biggest supporter Ray Harris, they maintain their home for the comfort and convenience of their four cats, three Australian Lady Gouldian finches, and their lake dweller friend, an Eastern River Cooter turtle named Wilber.
Jackie Kieffer
Spay Day Coordinator
I am a stay at home cat mom that's married to a wonderful guy, Dave, who makes it possible for me to volunteer at the Lake Norman Lucky Cat clinics.
I first got involved with the Lucky Cat program like most of us do, out of necessity. In February 2012 I began feeding a few cats that unfortunately had been left behind, at our apartment complex. This is a common problem in apartment living and one of the reasons for the increase in stray/ feral population. For whatever reason, many cats do not go with their owners when the moving vans leave. Having 2 Cats already, Snuggle, a hurricane stray from when we lived in Florida and Gypsy, one of those left behind at the apartments a year earlier, I couldn't bring in another Kitty, but I fed the strays on my patio.
That spring one of the now "stray" cats (Mr. Spot) brought a feral kitten to my door, and then 2 months later he brought another one. I knew I needed to get all these kitties fixed before I had litters of kittens out there. I contacted Robin through the Lake Norman Lucky Cat Webpage and the two kittens, Elcie and Billie were the first to go to a Lucky Cat clinic. After meeting Robin and seeing the great work she does, I just knew this was where I was planning to be on the first Monday of every month!! Now, Mr. Spot and a few others that were also abandoned have gone through the Lucky Cat program too. Elcie and Billie decided that the inside life was what they truly wanted, and are now permanent members of our family.
I know it's called the Lucky "Cat" Program, but seeing so many kitties receiving the help they desperately need, and me getting to play a small part in it, I feel like I'm the Lucky one!!
Carol Roth
Social Media Director
A longtime animal advocate, Carol began assisting the efforts of Lake Norman Lucky Cat over 10 years ago. A proud native of Montreal, Canada, Carol lived in Europe for 12 years before coming to the US. She worked in Florida prior to making North Carolina her home, and after a successful career in event and sponsor management for both Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Safe Alliance, Carol now works as a Development Director for The National MS Society of the Greater Carolina Chapter. When not working, she enjoys cycling, traveling and reading. Carol is "owned" by two very Lucky Cats.
Henry Schultz
Website Management
Henry is an experienced leader with an eclectic background. After spending thirty years in the automobile industry he was President/COO of a non-profit in Washington DC for six years and has been sole proprietor of a management consulting firm.


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Pharrell x adidas Crazy BYW LVL X is Releaseing Now
adidas Crazy BYW is still a god-like position among the sneaker players. When the BYW, which inherits the natural blood, makes its debut, it brings together the world's attention! BYW means Boost Your Wear, which is derived from the Feet Your Wear slogan. There are currently two models, one is BYW LVL already on the market, and the other is BYW LVL X, which we have not yet released. Compared to BYW 1, BYW X's design is more "real combat". Some use Primeknit woven material to create a sock body, and the forefoot also uses an open Boost cushioning different from BYW 1, with a closed solution and more For sensitive start support.
The starter was pulled up by Pharrell Williams. This "ambition" series PW x Crazy BYW LVL X "AMBITION" is also the style of the former Pharrell himself. There are two color schemes (product number G28182/G28183), all of which are black and pink as the main color, a black powder and a black, a sultry singer, plus delicate woven texture and 3M reflective laces. The gas field is so powerful that it is suffocating! After all, this is a pair of new shoes that have never been sold, absolutely refreshing the "shoes view" of passers-by! In addition to "stunning" and "exquisite", these shoes have a "light" feel when they get started, and the weight is very light! The woven upper has venting holes, and the separate "BYW" sole combines the forefoot and Boost's back, with a TPU link in the middle.
Needless to say, the value of Pharrell x adidas Crazy BYW Primeknit has a fine and powerful visual expression, a combination of textures and tones, and a rich visual layer. In addition to the black 3M reflective laces that come with it, it also comes with a pair of white laces, which can also be used with your own .The size feels unbiased, but you can also buy a small half size. It may be because of the sock-style design, it feels very comfortable after the foot is put in, but there are still a lot of blanks before the thumb, and some are too long.This situation has appeared on both EQT 93/17 Boost and Yeezy Boost 350 V2. https://www.cadysport.com

subset: commoncrawl


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The Gerry Bloomfield Awards
About The Gerry Bloomfield Awards
Gerry Bloomfield was a founding member of OSAC (Ontario Society for Autistic Children), which later became Autism Ontario. These awards are in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Autism Ontario and to the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders. (Past award recipients found on our website)
1) Professional Award
The Gerry Bloomfield Award for outstanding professional contributions to the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders or to Autism Ontario
In recognition of the critical role played by professionals in the lives of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families,
May be awarded to an individual or group of individuals whose efforts have contributed to improving the quality of life for a person or persons with ASD and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) through:
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May be awarded to someone whose efforts have had direct influence in making a significant change in the lives of the people with autism and their families.
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text: NEED FOR SPEED™ THE RUN: Teaser Trailer is here! An illicit, high-stakes race across the country. The only way to get your life back is to be the first from San Francisco to New York. No speed limits. No rules. No allies. All you have are your driving skills and sheer determination as you battle hundreds of the world's most notorious drivers on the country's most dangerous roads, all the while evading a relentless police force prepared – and willing – to use lethal force to take you down.


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Following the Gourd covers features:-
- As good as leather at a portion of the price.
- Smartbag's Guard Covers is designed for late model Cars such as Commodore VE, Falcon, Camry Aurion.
- Smartbag's Guard Covers is made from strong vinyl material and lined with soft felt. Sand filled pockets, suitable for all plastic and aluminum guards.
Please use the Contact form on the right for Guard Covers information and ordering.
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A smarter seat cover, designed by Smartbag for mechanics, technical and all workshop staff to use while working on vehicles.... more »


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Whether it's the wine and food stains left behind on the ottoman, the crayon and marker mementos from excited kids etched on leather couches, or the ruined upholstery on cushions and pillows from boots, high heels and mid-day naps, it's all got to be fixed. But where and how do you start?
"We see a big increase in the damage of leather furniture this time of year with all the holiday parties" says Michael Wilson, CEO of Fibrenew. "Clumsy guests cause damage, but the worst disasters are caused by homeowners who don't know the best ways to clean up a mess and repair a problem."
There are several types of leather, and the following tips apply to all fully-finished leather, which makes up 85 percent of the leather market.
1) INK : The spoiled rotten ... we mean darling nephew, tries out his new marker set by drawing Spongebob on your leather couch. You become a crabby Patty and scramble to clean it up.
- DON'T use dish soap or hair spray to remove the marks. The degreasing agent in dish soap can permanently de-gloss and damage the top coating on the leather surface. Hair spray has alcohol in it and will ruin the surface coating on your leather.
- DO use a soft sponge and specialized leather cleaner. Buy it at most leather furniture retailers – but for serious problems your local Fibrenew franchise can help.
- DON'T use nail polish remover because it will take all of the color out of your leather and leave a bleached spot bigger than the nail polish spot.
- DO once again, use a soft sponge and leather cleaner.
- DON'T use window/mirror cleaner because it contains alcohol which will dissolve and destroy the surface coating on your leather.
- DO use a damp towel to wipe up the mess and a dry one to finish the job. Fully-finished leather is pretty much water proof, so a little spill isn't going to hurt as long as you clean up quickly before it soaks through.
- DON'T touch up the spots with shoe polish because it makes an ugly, sticky mess.
- DO try to reduce the visibility of the problem by snipping off the cotton interior strands that often get pulled out when leather gets picked.
- DO use a hair dryer and massage minor scratches with leather cleaner to try to rub it out. Call a professional to fix larger scratches and holes - this is not a DIY kind of job.
- DON'T try to rub it out and blend it with the surrounding area, you'll only make the problem bigger.
- DO bring in some help. When leather or faux leather gets damaged by heat, the only solution is to call in a professional. Regardless of size, a professional repair can make that burn look brand new and can be done on the spot in your own home.
About Fibrenew:
Fibrenew, founded in 1985 in Canada, is an international franchise company that specializes in the renewal of leather and plastics, servicing five major markets: aviation, automotive, commercial, marine and residential. There are nearly 200 Fibrenew locations in 9 countries around the world. As a global leader in the environmental movement, Fibrenew prevents thousands of tons of leather and plastics from entering landfills. Fibrenew also supports initiatives that give opportunities to women in third world countries. For more information visit www.fibrenew.com


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Tag Archives: Torcello
Craig's 50th Grand Tour
For as long as I can remember, I've known that I would celebrate my 50th birthday, in Italy, and with my friends. Over time, bits and pieces would form in my head and ultimately become reality: once I knew what I was going to do, it never changed. And once I realized, years ago, where it would be, I never wavered on the location or anything else. Continue reading
Posted in Burano, Murano, Rome, Torcello, Venice Tagged Burano, cacio e pepe, carciofi, Cima Rosa, Da Fiore, Flavio al Velavevodetto, LaGare Hotel, Locand Cipriani, Murano, Sora Margherita, Torcello, travelwithcraig, Venezia, Venice, Venissa Leave a comment
Torcello – during the day it is a day-tripper's dream and a night it is calm oasis of nature sounds and the occasional lapping water along the canal sides.
Torcello is not a large island, and not a lot of people live here, but during the day it is a day-tripper's dream and a night it is calm oasis of nature sounds and the occasional lapping water along the canal sides. Continue reading
Posted in Torcello Tagged Locanda Cipriani, Torcello, Venezia, Venice, Venissa Leave a comment


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Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Play time
I bought some really nice yarn in the John Lewis sale and could not resist playing with it. So far I have only made a few motifs (joined them as I crocheted) I am not sure yet what the finished item will be or look like, but I think I may also attach some knitting (maybe knitted lace).
Posted by Nezumi at 08:35
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Hiring teachers based solely on seniority is "harmful to student achievement and well-being," says a Toronto trustee in putting forward a motion to revise new provincial rules that force principals to choose from the five candidates who have been working the longest.
Trustee Howard Goodman (Eglinton-Lawrence) says the rules were put in place by the province in its agreement with Catholic teachers to address their concerns about nepotism and then pushed on public boards without any evidence it is an issue.
However, he is proposing the Toronto District School Board fine-tune conflict-of-interest policies instead of tying principals' hands when it comes to choosing the right teacher for the job.
"Every principal I know, every single one, is worried and somewhat livid about what's going to happen" under Regulation 274, said Goodman, whose motion goes before a board committee Wednesday afternoon.
Hiring a teacher should be based on what is best for students and the school, and not simply who has put in the most time, Goodman said.
Goodman doesn't believe nepotism is an issue at any board — though he says there is no evidence either way — but felt that rather than scrap Regulation 274, it would be easier if the province could add to it by offering boards some options to choose from.
"The motion calls on the minister (of education) to allow boards to implement processes that ensure fair and transparent hiring practices, without using seniority," he said. "Seniority is one way, but there are other ways, too."
He said Regulation 274 implies "that our principals are not to be trusted." What he is proposing costs little and sends the message that administrators "continue to use your judgment, we believe in you — we are not saying you are all corrupt and can't be trusted, just that circumstances arise that put you in a conflict, so let us know so that we can deal with it."
His motion calls on the Toronto board's director to set up a process to identify, monitor and regularly report on hiring.
Goodman hopes a committee looking at Regulation 274 will take his motion into account and get its work done in time for fall hiring, which is in the early stages.


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The New York Times article Goldman, Citi, UBS ... and a Guy in an Office describes a successful one man firm that is currently the world's 11th ranked merger and acquisition adviser.
The article describes this as the "trend toward merger and acquisition microfirms, or, as in his case, sole practitioners." Key quote:
Bankers have already coined a new catchword for such small firms: "kiosks," as opposed to the somewhat larger "boutiques," ... Such arrangements can be fabulously lucrative, since kiosks have little or no overhead but are still paid as a percentage of the total cost of a successful deal. Clients receive the benefit of the undiluted attention of a top merger and acquisition strategist.
This trend - small, micro and even solo businesses successfully competing head to head with large corporations - is happening across the economy.
The business models used by small firms to compete with industry giants are often similar. They leverage specialized skills and knowledge, attack niche markets, provide high levels of service and use technology once only available to larger firms.
This recipe is working in a number of service businesses such as consulting, legal services and financial services.
It's also starting to spread to product businesses as small and micro manufacturing companies take advantage of new and cheaper ways of making products such as 3D printers.
We're not suggesting this trend will result in the end of big corporations, at least not anytime soon.
But industry structures comprised of a small number of global giants and a growing number of small and micro businesses (we call these barbell industry structures) are becoming increasingly common.


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Even if they talk openly about other ailments, hemorrhoids are something most people do not wish to discuss, even if they could use some help. However, this problem is quite common, and many individuals will have to deal with it at one point or another in life. In this article you will find some helpful tips for relieving painful hemorroids.
Try to adopt a fiber rich diet to combat hemorrhoids. Items of food that are rich in fiber include pastas, oatmeal and whole grain breads. Fiber cuts down on strain that can lead to hemorrhoids, and it also increases general bowel motility.
Make sure to cleanse the area well if you have hemorrhoids. Moistened wipes are much better than using toilet paper because it is more comfortable. For added relief from the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids, try a lukewarm sitz bath. Soak the area for 20 minutes or more.
One cause of hemorrhoids is straining too hard during a bowel movement. Stools will move more freely if you absorb large quantities of water and maintain a diet that is low in refined foods. Elevating the knees can also make it easier to pass stool without straining. To achieve this, place your feet on a short stool whenever you sit down to go. Interestingly, hemorrhoids don't plague cultures for whom it is customary to squat while using the toilet to the degree that they plague those accustomed to the porcelain niceties.
Give some natural remedies a try before you spend money on pricey hemorrhoid treatments. Following bowel movements, try soaking in a lukewarm sitz bath for several minutes. Hemorrhoids can itch like crazy, but it's important not to scratch since this will just make things worse. Instead, you can put some witch hazel on a cotton pad and put it on the affected area. Consume food high in fiber, and drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. These steps can prevent constipation, which can lead to straining while passing stool.
Heavy Objects
Oddly enough, lifting heavy objects can be a risk factor for hemorrhoids. It puts strain on your body just like bowel movements do. Do not lift heavy objects if you suffer from frequent hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are the usual suspect, but a trip to the doctor is wise just to make sure. Traces of blood in your stool may also indicate a more troubling condition, one of which is rectal cancer. Going to have it checked out will ease your anxiety about what might be wrong. If the diagnosis is hemorrhoids, the doctor will recommend the best avenue of treatment.
Water is one of your best friends when you suffer from the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Sit in lukewarm water for up to ten minutes per day, then apply a cool compress to the area. Toilet baths, which can be bought in most drug stores, can be helpful.
Stay hydrated. This is considered one of the better natural tips to help restrict hemorrhoids, that is out there. Drinking plenty of water can keep you from becoming constipated, which will then help you to avoid hemorrhoids. In addition, it helps to thoroughly clean out your internal systems. Set a target of ten glasses of water per day for best results.
Stay hydrated. If your body needs more water, it absorbs water from stools. This has the unfortunate effect of hardening the stool, which then leads to pain and strain during bowel movements. If you drink lots of water each day, you'll remain well-hydrated, and your stool will remain soft.
Keep your knees elevated and soak in a warm bath. Warm water will soothe the pain and inflammation of a hemorrhoid quickly and effectively. Warm water allows the flow of blood to your hemorrhoids, lessening the pain and swelling. Do this as much as you need to, and you will feel relief before you know it.
The very private nature of hemorrhoids' affected areas makes it very difficult for many adults to openly seek advice from their friends or families. Fortunately, the information that you have just read is sure to answer at least a few of your questions about the symptoms and treatments that are associated with hemorrhoids.


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Seniors win first place in competition
A final project for three Department of Design students at Radford University provided clarity for their educational experience, where the students took home the top prize for a group project.
Bria Benner, Jacqueline Klancher and Bryan Sullivan won the top group prize for the Retail Design Institute's (RDI) 2017 student competition for their project "Foor Eyes." RDI promotes the advancement and collaborative practice of creating selling environments.
RDI holds an annual competition for students, challenging them to design a retail environment following a pre-defined set of requirements. This year's competition required entries to design an eyewear retail store that incorporated cutting-edge technology into a retail environment.
"Our design solution was modern and streamlined with well-integrated technology for a user-friendly experience," Benner said. "The branding and store layout in our final design solution also acted as a seamless interface between the brick and mortar store and the retailer's online website."
The finished project, part of the students' Senior Studio 2 course taught by Radford University Assistant Professor Yaman Sokienah, focused on various retail design applications.
"We decided to go for a modern design and keep it as sleek and simple as possible to really draw attention to the technology side of the business," Klancher said. "Our focus on that and the branding that we created was what set us over the edge and got us this award."
The key to the "Foor Eyes" design was the ease of transitioning between the online retail environment and the physical retail environment.
Part of easing the shopping transition involves having the same categories in the retail environment and on the website.
"The benefit of fostering familiarity between websites and stores will help customers know what to expect," Benner said. "If the store carries exactly what is found online and has a layout with signage similar to the website, there is no disconnect. Customers will be able to navigate the store more easily, be more accustomed to what their options are."
The three students also increased that connection by having virtual-reality interactive spaces in both the retail and digital environments.
"This element adds a hands-on feature to the retail environment, eases the shopping trip by allowing multiple frames to be visualized without physically locating all of them and connects customers back to the website," Benner said.
In the process of creating the award-winning combination, the students praised the value of group work.
"Working with the same people for an extended period of time grows your understanding of who those individuals are as designers and people," Benner said. "I love that."
Klancher said that working as a group allowed them to "bounce ideas off of each other and come up with something no one had thought of before."
Benner said that it was "a pleasure to work on this project with Bryan and Jackie."
"Winning first place is such an honor after all of the hours of hard work put into completing our submission," she said.