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Eight Cool Things to Do in Panama City
Panama City is pretty much defined by the Canal, an engineering feat that's been in operation since the early 1900s. But I opted to search out the city's other treasures, which ended up satisfying my need for cultural and nature-focused delights. Here are eight cool things to do in Panama City, aside from transiting the Canal.
1. Amador Causeway
Better yet: my Panamanian paradise isn't far from downtown. I'm determined to rent a bicycle and cycle the flat paved path that accompanies this three-some-mile roadway that juts into the Panama Bay.
I have my choice of three bike rental shops and choose Bikes and More that's set at the beginning of the causeway, which is really a breakwater the U.S. created as a way to protect the Canal and the ships waiting to enter it.
Pedaling along, I find joggers, bladers, walkers and other cyclists sharing the path where tall street lanterns light the way at night when this venue transforms into a popular nightspot. No wonder, considering the Causeway connecting four petite islands has plenty in the way of restaurants and cafes as well as clubs and bars.
But even during the day, I have some difficult decisions to make: take in the views of the anchored sailboats and immense container ships waiting to enter the Canal; munch on ice cream sold at a roadside shop; stop for a sea bass lunch in one of the waterside eateries; or simply pedal along and enjoy the breezes.
2. Metropolitan Natural Park
The air is dense with chirps, peeps, buzzes and squawks and a multitude of other bird sounds. Among the five trails that wander through this 700-acre wilderness, I first tackle the Los Caobos path with its towering mahogany trees for which the trail is named. Yellow warblers, barn swallows and Baltimore orioles are some of the species that can be seen or heard along this trail. (The park sits along a key bird migratory path on the way to North America.)
Though I know it's past sunrise, some parts of the trail are so dense with foliage that it seems like night has fallen again. At the trail's 240-foot highpoint, a window suddenly opens in the forest revealing a surprise: the Panama City skyline.
My proximity to the city is even more apparent when the sounds of traffic break into my consciousness as I meander towards the El Roble trail with its small tree farm and arboretum growing bonsai. I spot an agouti racing across the path that borders a small pond with turtles. I have the trails to myself until two mountain bikers, hoping to get in some miles before heading to work, zoom past.
All the activity doesn't disturb a miniscule brown frog that hops beside my feet. But the trail soon ends, after a mere 50 minutes. There are longer and hillier trails, including the popular Cienaguita Trail leading to Mono Titi Road that offers even better views of the city from its viewpoint.
3. Museum of Contemporary Art
But, as an aficianado of contemporary art, I'm glad I didn't pass up this museum, which is said to hold the best collection of works by Panamanian artists. Their current exhibit, Women in Art, displays photos, watercolors, oils and sculpture works by and about women.
The low-slung building at the foot of Ancon Hill is surprisingly spacious with several rooms exhibiting works not just by Panamanian but also a few Guatemalan, Colombian and Chilean artists. Probably the most surreal work is "Maternity of the Cosmos" by Colombia Gloria de Arellano.
In this piece, a woman's swirling hair is indistinguishable from the roots penetrating underground where the woman almost resembles a potato. A sculpture by Chilean Ernesto Ortiz reveals a volumptuous woman whose hair resembles a mushroom. (Curiously, I gravitate to images of hair that resemble biological objects.)
4. Cerro Ancon
But to access the section of the asphalt that threads to the top at this early hour when cars are not allowed, first I crawl through a hole in a barbed wire fence. I'm immediately confronted with a wild landscape of lush foliage, strung with vines and dappled with brilliant-colored blossoms. Even at this early hour, I'm not alone.
A jogger passes me, as does a mountain biker who struggles with his gears. Behind me, a couple of bird watchers are hoping for sighting of parrots and parakeets. In this woodsy nature preserve, I spy a sloth and an acouti. It's only 30 minutes to the 660-foot summit and along the way, I pass several boldly-painted benches emblazoned with such green mottos as respira profunda (breathe deeply) and embraza un arbol (grab or hug a tree).
On the roadside are signs displaying passages from "Al Cerro Ancon," Amelia Denis de Icaza's poem dedicated to this picturesque hill. All the effort pays off at the top where I find the best panoramic views of the city, the entrance to the Canal, the Miraflores Locks, and the Bridge of the America that's part of the Pan American Highway.
5. Cinta Costera
With nowhere to rent a bike nearby, instead of cycling, I walk for forty minutes along the path that I share with families pushing strollers, couples strolling hand in hand, and older folk wielding umbrellas against the intense sun's rays beating down on the asphalt. Plenty of junk food temptations await as vendors sell sausages, candied apples, flavored ices and more.
I bypass all of these distractions and continue on my workout, gazing into the distance where the giant Panamanian flag flutters high above the city atop Cerro Ancon.
6. Mi Pueblito
Three mini villages strung along a spacious property snuggled at the foot of Cerro Ancon represent a cross section of Panama's cultures. First, I wander into a picturesque central square rimmed by replicas of 19th century colonial building, including a whitewashed church and a telegraph building complete with an old switchboard.
I examine the elaborately stitched garb displayed in a compact museum devoted to the pollala, Panama's traditional dress that's worn for various festivities. In another village, brightly hued wood frame houses that encircle a gazebo are the type imagined to be the dwellings of the West Indians who labored on the Canal.
Since I arrive just as the property opens, I sit alone in the sun and enjoy the calm. Later, I meander around this plaza and find a series of thatched huts -- some quite spacious -- that represent those of the native Indians of Panama's San Blas Islands.
This section of Mi Pueblito is perhaps the most authentic where I watch the indigenous people craft and sell an array of handicrafts, such as molas, a traditional blouse, as well as animals carved from tagua nuts. The Indians do actually use these abodes, including one for ceremonial nose and ear piercings and another for tribal meetings.
7. Panama Viejo
The original Panama City from the 16th century stands in tatters, thanks to the siege on the city led by pirate, Henry Morgan in 1671. But the stone ruins lie on a fine patch of land surrounded by water -- oh, so scenic, but obviously not easy to defend -- that I delight in exploring.
But it's easy to spend too much time indoors in their museum that's chock full of artifacts, which set the tone for examining the ruins. Some of my favorite findings are a bone flute carved in the shape of a human playing a flute, and a ceramic whistle shaped like a bird. Masses of riches from South America once made their way to Spain via this once thriving city.
But there's evidence of goods transported in the other direction too, like decorative glazed ceramic dishes and bowls. Once I pry myself away from the myriad displays, I walk part of the almost 60-acre landscape to check out the ruined archways, walls, foundations and remains of churches, convents and houses.
Rising some 70 feet high, a solitary tower with clinging vines is much of what remains of the cathedral. I climb the wooden stairs to the top, stopping along the way to gaze out through the arched portals piercing each level that reveal an increasingly absorbing view of the Canal and downtown Panama City that's dabbled with sky-reaching buildings.
8. Casco Viejo
Once surrounded by walls to protect the elite, the city would relegate the lower classes and slaves to the area outside the fortifications. I ride a taxi through the decrepit dark alleys now netting the lower reaches of Casco Viejo after countless people warned me against walking through this crime-ridden barrio.
But surprisingly, the ominous shadows soon give way to leafy plazas. Sure, there are scores of dilapidated three-story tenements with balconies hung with laundry. But this just lends to the quaint charm of the warren of narrow lanes with convent ruins and restored Colonial structures.
This UNESCO World Heritage site has been seeing quite a bit of renovation lately, making the neighborhood a bohemian day and night hang out. I grab a scoop of ginger ice cream at Granclement, an artisanal shop.
Then I wander to an eclectic array of stores: Café Per Due serving more than a dozen types of memorable pizzas and flavorful espressos; Diablo Rosso selling funky t-shirts; and Las Bovedas, a former dungeon turned stylish eatery with French-inflected seafood.
Read more GoNOMAD stories about Panama


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LIVE-BUILD(1) Live Systems Project LIVE-BUILD(1)
NAMElive-build - Live System Build Components
SYNOPSISlb binary-hooks [--verbose] lb binary-hooks [--help] lb binary-hooks [--version]
DESCRIPTIONlive-build contains the components to build a live system from a con‐ figuration directory. The lb binary-hooks command executes hook files after the binary stage.
SPECIFICATIONlb binary-hooks executes any hook files found in the config/hooks directory within the configuration directory. Hook files do not require to have a specific owner nor specific permis‐ sions. They are marked executable by lb binary-hooks automatically when they are executed. Hook files must either have the suffix *.hook or *.hook.binary. Hook files with the suffix *.hook are executed first, hook files with the suffix *.hook.binary are executed second. Hook files are executed in alphanumberical order by lb binary-hooks. If one hook file depends on being run after another, best practise is to use number prefixes (nnnn, starting with 0001) to ensure the order of execution. Hook files are copied into the binary/live-build directory by lb binary-hooks. They are executed from within the binary directory and can read the configuration directory in live-build/config within the binary directory. Warning: hook files are not executed within a chroot but within the context of the host system in the binary directory. They have root privileges and access to the all host system resources (devices, filesystems, network, etc.).
OPTIONS--verbose sets verbose option (default: False). -h, --help show help message and exit. --version show program's version number and exit.
FILESconfig/hooks/*.hook: generic hook files. config/hooks/*.hook.binary: hook files specific for the binary stage. binary: directory in which the hook files are executed. binary/live-build/config: bind mounted configuration directory within the binary directory to be read by hook files. binary/live-build: directory in which hook files are copied.
SEE ALSOlb-bootstrap-hooks(1) lb-chroot-hooks(1) lb-source-hooks(1)
HOMEPAGEMore information about live-build and the Live Systems project can be found on the homepage at <http://live-systems.org/> and in the manual at <http://live-systems.org/manual/>.
BUGSBugs can be reported by submitting a bugreport for the live-build pack‐ age in the Bug Tracking System at <http://bugs.debian.org/> or by writ‐ ing a mail to the Live Systems mailing list at <email@example.com>.
AUTHORlive-build was written by Daniel Baumann <email@example.com>. 4.0~alpha39-1 2014-07-24 LIVE-BUILD(1)


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By STEPHANIE PRICE
Of all practices that trouble me about the typical medical approaches to birthing, the one that tugs at my heart like no other is seeing a baby lying alone on a warmer.
Immediately following being squeezed (ideally), pulled (less ideal) or excised (less ideal still) from his warm and watery home, a wee one should be resting softly on his mother, soaking in her scent and floating on words meant only for him. He shouldn't be, in most cases, on a warmer away from her.
Not every birth is so perfect, I understand for sure — my own first baby spent some time on a warmer in a NICU — but when a birth can be so perfect, it should be.
I'm happy two of our local hospitals realized more births can be better and are or are in the process of becoming "Baby Friendly," a UNICEF/World Health Organization designation given to facilities that undergo rigorous steps to promote and encourage breastfeeding. (That's IU Goshen Health and South Bend Memorial Hospital, respectively.)
Part of the Baby Friendly work means leaving babies on mothers — or dads when necessary — rather than on warmers. Thank goodness, because there are at least three reasons babies on moms after births is super great: One, babies love it, of course, and are more likely to stay warm and to nurse sooner and better than if elsewhere. Two, Stephanie Price is a lot less edgy when a baby's on mom's chest and not on the warmer. (Because, after all, Stephanie Price's feeling are so important to the world running properly. Eye roll.)
And three, mother is, usually, much more content and healthy when her baby's with her.
Ever seen a mother whose baby is on the warmer or being passed around to well-meaning staff or family rather than in her own arms? If you get a chance to see it — though I really hope you do not — watch mom's eyes. I've seen a mother's soul virtually reach across the room to that warmer, willing the baby to get back to her — and soon.
Two hours after a cesarean section, nurses had to chase a mother I know down the hallway. She was on foot — two hours' after major abdominal surgery! — anxious to get to her baby. Such an amazing and powerful instinct it is — to touch our babies.
And there's my segue.
Mothers, particularly, want to — need to — touch their babies. It's an instinct that compels us to hold our big bellies before birth and snarl at staff who take our babies after.
That same instinct usually keeps working well into childhood and, I'm told, even when our little boys become strapping men with abundant facial hair and dirty fingernails. We want to touch our babies, even when they're men and women.
But back to babies and touching.
While most mom-to-baby touches are instinctual and good — likely any parent-to-baby touch done in love is lovely — it doesn't hurt to get a little help in learning the art of touching our babies in truly therapeutic ways.
Touch can do more than satisfy our instincts and help with breastfeeding, for sure. Some suggest that touch done purposefully and with a few intentional nuances — infant massage, specifically — can alleviate health problems like colic, promote relaxation and better sleeping, help with parent-child bonding and communication and help with waste elimination, among other things.
The folks at Infant Massage USA, a nonprofit organization, assert those benefits of infant massage and trains people to teach how to do it.
South Bend teacher Paulina Hayden is working toward certification through Infant Massage USA and just finished a five-week class in Mishawaka. She took the instincts we have to touch our babies and directed them to therapeutic ends.
According to Paulina, it worked.
"As a teacher, I have noticed how babies begin to relax faster during our sessions. Longer periods of silence and uninterrupted massage as a group began to happen. I have seen babies gently falling asleep in the class without fussing while their mom or dad is massaging their body," she wrote to me.
So people like Paulina take our instincts to touch and nuzzle our babies and channel them into specific massage techniques that can help with a variety of health and wellness issues.
So very nice.
"I love teaching this class. It is relaxing for me and so rewarding to witness the amazing capacity the babies have to respond, connect, communicate and finally relax with their parents," Paulina wrote.
My babies are too big now, but I wish I'd taken an infant massage class when they were younger and would encourage young (or old) parents to learn infant massage if they can. It sounds like a healthy, effective, relaxing, probably fun way to take an instinct and use it.
I guess I'll just go on snatching babies from warmers and handing them back to their mothers.
Goshen News columnist Stephanie Price is a wife, mother, teacher, childbirth educator, midwife's assistant and nursing student from Elkhart. Contact her at email@example.com, 269-641-7249 or on Facebook at the page "Whole Family Column by Steph Price."


text: ---- — ORION JOHN CRANDALL-OTIS, infant son of Joshua and Justine Crandall-Otis, died Sunday, June 2, 2013, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, in the Riverside Cemetery, Hand Ave., in Elizabethtown. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W.M. Marvin's Funeral Home in Elizabethtown


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We are developping a midlet that receives a list of items
This list is managed via a JSF/JSP web admin page
so every day a user connects to the server to retreive that list when the midlet is launched
it has to be transparent for the user
The problem is, as the operator(admin) changes the list in the DB, I want to be able to push the new version of that list
so I need to create a push connection from the server to tell the app to get the last update
stuffs like that, and launch the app if it is not launched
some sort of wake up on lan
so far I thought about using SMS
but is there no other way ?
If not, is it possible to programaticaly intercet sms and check the ones that contains a special header linked
to the midlet ?
thx a lot for your helpful tips in advance
have a great day @


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Our Science – Palena Website
Claudia M. Palena, Ph.D.
Head, Immunoregulation Group
Dr. Claudia Palena received her Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry from the National University of Rosario, Argentina, in 2000. She subsequently joined the NIH as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology of the National Cancer Institute, and was appointed as a Staff Scientist in 2008 and as a Tenure-Track Investigator in the same laboratory in August 2011. Dr. Palena's current research is focused on the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at targeting critical events in tumor progression with the ultimate goal of designing vaccine platforms and combinatorial therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of metastases in human cancer.
The main goal of our research program is to design novel immunotherapeutic interventions that specifically address the two central features of metastatic disease: tumor dissemination and refractoriness to therapy. Towards this goal, our research efforts have been concentrated on elucidating mechanisms of tumor progression and, in particular, on understanding the process known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of cancer. A normal occurrence in the course of embryogenesis, the EMT may aberrantly take place in epithelial tumors where it can promote metastasis and the acquisition of drug resistance; therefore, carcinoma cells undergoing the EMT might be selected rather than eliminated by standard therapeutic anti-tumor interventions. The central hypothesis of our research is that immunization against a molecular driver of EMT could lead to the generation of a T-cell immune response that ultimately will eradicate the population of metastatic, drug resistant cancer cells expressing the EMT target of choice. Our laboratory has identified the T-box transcription factor brachyury as a novel tumor antigen, a driver of human tumor EMT and drug resistance, and a target for T-cell mediated immunotherapy. We have shown that elevated levels of brachyury expression in human carcinoma cells induce an EMT, enhance cell migration and invasiveness, and increase metastatic propensity in xenograft models. We also demonstrated that brachyury plays a role in mechanisms of tumor resistance to conventional therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation. Our studies showed that the level of brachyury expression directly correlates with resistance to cytotoxic treatments and that treatment in vitro or in vivo with cycles of chemotherapy selects for a population of highly mesenchymal, invasive and brachyury positive tumor cells. Our current research is also focused on elucidating the signaling events that induce tumor EMT, which could potentially lead to novel ways to prevent metastasis. We have recently demonstrated, for example, that brachyury overexpression induces the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and expression of IL-8 receptors, and that IL-8 signaling is critical for maintaining the mesenchymal characteristics of human tumor cells. These findings may have implications for cancer therapy as blockade of IL-8 could possibly be a new way to target mesenchymal-like, invasive carcinoma cells.
An interesting and distinctive aspect of the transcription factor brachyury as driver of human tumor EMT is its restrictive expression pattern; brachyury is predominantly expressed in human carcinomas but only rarely expressed in normal adult tissues. This tumor-associated pattern of expression makes brachyury an interesting target for interventions directed at the EMT process and serves as a model to explore immunotherapies aimed at directly interfering with tumor progression. To this end, we have demonstrated that human brachyury-specific T cells can be expanded from the blood of cancer patients with a brachyury-specific peptide, and have shown that those T cells are able to lyse various brachyury-expressing tumor cells. In collaborative studies, we have developed a recombinant yeast-brachyury vector and characterized its ability to induce CD8+ and CD4+ brachyury-specific T cell-immune responses in vivo in murine models and in vitro with human cells. These studies have been conducted within the framework of collaborative efforts with investigators in the extramural and intramural scientific communities and have led to the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial of yeast-brachyury in patients with advanced carcinomas.
This page was last updated on 3/28/2014.


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fl400's Feed
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FastEddie59 commented on pounder's profile
"Thanks for the add!!! Great collection of hot rods and hawgs!!! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my rides and toys and saying hello!!! Take care and stop by and say howdy every now and then!!!"
"May the Lord bless you, and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and may God Himself give you His peace. May you walk in the joy of your salvation; may every sickness and disease be conquered and destroyed in your body. Recognize that your enemies have already been defeated before you and that God has already prepared the way that you consider impossible. Your tomorrows will be your best days because God is your Father and no good thing will He withhold from those that diligently seek Him. Give the Lord a shout of praise!"
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"Thanks for the friends add. Jack Webster, Gilman Auto Parts & Trailer Sales, 815-265-7737. RJ Friends get the best deals."


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August 29, 2006
KISSONLINE is excited to announce the new KOL Exclusive Collectible Pin Series. The series features a 2"x 2" pin of each KISS Album cover individually numbered from 1 to 500. The pins are being manufactured and designed for KISSONLINE by Pin USA, the same company who makes the very collectible KISS Hard Rock pin series. KISSONLINE will be issuing two different pins each month beginning in October, with the first two KISS albums: KISS and Hotter than Hell. You may preorder these two pins beginning Wednesday in the KISS SHOP. We expect the pins to ship in mid October.
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*** Specialties ***
I have a B.A. in Classical Voice, and have taken 1 semester of pop voice
Acting, Broadway Singing, Film Acting, Improv Acting, Meisner Technique, Method Acting, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Piano, Singing, Songwriting, Theater Acting
Jan L. is a Grammy nominated award winning singer/songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity.
Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor's of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master's Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.
Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."
Jan's accolades in music continued as she wrote "Damaged" for the newest Ralph Lauren Polo website campaign and composed a television theme for Lou Rawls called "Knock Outs". Rounding out her already stellar r�sum�, Jan L. has worked with Narada Michael Walden, Marla Sokoloff, and famed vocal coach Seth Riggs and his client roster.
From composing and producing to mentoring singers and songwriters, Jan L. lends her knowledge and expertise at the annual Taxi Road Rally. The event held by Taxi, the world's leading independent A&R company, helps independent artists obtain record, publishing, and film/television deals. She also sits as resident judge for the LAMN Jam which allows rock artists such as Tim Fagan the opportunity to perform original music and receive critiques on the performance.
Combining her love for music and acting, Jan L. was featured on the demo reel for the Jasmine character in Disney's Aladdin and performed in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Starlight Express. She also wrote a musical called "Christmas Has Been Cancelled" starring Robert Guillaume as Scrooge.
Moreover, Jan L. taught an acting class with Kurt Russell and worked with the fiery red-headed comedienne Kathy Griffin. Other acting experience include roles in Bruce Almighty, My Sister's Keeper with Kathy Bates, and Jawbreaker as well as television credits in Rodney and The Bernie Mac Show with Wesley Snipes.
Her latest CD and newest adventure, "Sophisticated Lullabies" supports AUTISM SPEAKS and proceeds are charitably donated to raise funds to support worthy organizations committed to finding a cure for Autism and supporting those diagnosed with this life-changing disorder. Those diagnosed include her son Gregory.
Jan L. has developed herself as a songwriter, producer, actress, artist developer, activist, and proud mother. Her commitment to the arts and her appreciation for future performers of the world continue with her grace, positive influence, and steadfast dedication.
*** Lesson Details ***
There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Skype. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.
Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.
"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."
Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:
*** Studio Equipment ***
Protools, NMN-U87AI
Neumann TM 103 Mike Ai Shockmount Set Z Microphone with Box
Avalon compressor
Korg Triton Keyboard Synth
*** Specialties ***
Classical, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Jazz, Backgrounds, Music Theory.
I teach from beginners to professionals. I have 20 Grammy Winners. I have been nominated for a Grammy for my song "Still Touching Me".
Acting, Broadway Singing, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory, Singing, Songwriting, Speaking Voice
I teach students of all ages in a relaxed, encouraging, and fun way- but with the structure many beginners need to reach their goals and with the background of a professional singer! Students will see themselves making progress and reaching set goals! This encourages them to continue on their musical journey - becoming the very best they can be! We will also learn fun popular songs and look for opportunities to sing them. We will also learn many styles of pop singing as well -- from pop to rock to R&B to country & more! From beginners and just-for-fun singers to singer/songwriters to pros, each student will be able to learn the skills they need to sing from their heart and find their own true voice.
Teri has taught voice for over 15 years to all ages and all levels, led and trained various bands and groups for over 17 years. She is a club hit recording artist and premier LA vocal coach. Her vocals have graced full length CD's, cuts on various records, performances on TV and radio, and gained her a nomination for Best Female Vocalist, All Access Music Awards. She is the author of Vocal Essentials for the Pop Singer: Take Your Singing from Good to Great, from Hal Leonard Publishing. Teri has a Master's Degree in Education and a Bachelors Degree in Speech Pathology. She studied music at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco including music theory, vocal technique and vocal performance, guitar and stage performance. She had a dance club hit in the 90's which garnered success on mix shows and dance charts across the country.
She specializes in getting the best out of her students -- giving them a solid vocal technique to let their natural ability shine. Her students will attest to her positive, relaxed and encouraging teaching style.
In addition to learning the basics, Teri can help students get their voice in shape for events, school projects/plays, auditions (American Idol etc...), a solo or band project, and more!
Teri offers flexibility with scheduling to accommodate students various needs including day/eves and weekends. Studio is in a convenient Westside LA location.
*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect a fun lesson with vocal warm-up exercises, and lots of singing, in a supportive environment. Teri works out of her home studio, so students can work with microphones and instruments.
Voice lessons build confidence and enthusiasm, and help prepare children for performing in front of others. Singing at a young age develops vocal abilities, but more importantly develops a child's aural abilities (recognizing melodies, harmonies, etc.) as well as the ability to focus, take direction and be creative.
Performing / Recording / Vocal Health
Recording. performing and touring presents unique challenges to singers. By concentrating on breathing, vocal production and tension reduction, warm-up exercises, and range building exercises, these lessons help increase stamina, build vocal tone, and reduce the effects of vocal fatigue for those who sing long hours at a time.
Church / Worship Leading
Singing on praise/worship teams is an art form all of it's own. Lessons centered around this kind of singing focus on the areas of blending, tone, hearing harmonies, and keeping your part in a group. For the soloist / worship leader, lessons help in the areas of projection, tone, range, runs, and breathing.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have recording equipment and microphones, piano, guitar.
*** Specialties ***
voice, voice lessons, voice singing lessons, voice coaching, vocal technique, voice training, speaking (speakers), auditions, broadway singing (pop technique only), music theory, musical theatre, singing, speaking acting voice, acting, theatrical singing, adults, all levels, audition prep, beginner to advanced, breathing technique, children's basics, pro vocal technique, rock pop styling, stamina based breathing, theatre singing, voice actors, voice over artists, using your body as an instrument, getting students to record quality, building vocal tone, and assisting students in finding their own voice.
Acting, Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Audition Prep, Basic Math, Broadway Singing, Child Acting, Choir, Christian Gospel, Classical Voice, Country Singing, Ear Training, Elementary Math, English, Film Acting, Film and TV Acting, Geometry, Gospel Singing, History, Improv Acting, Jazz Voice, Language, Math, Meisner Technique, Method Acting, Musical Theater, Music Performance, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Pre Algebra, Reading, Shakespearean Acting, Singing, Speaking Voice, Stage Performance, Theater Acting, Vocal Training, Voice Acting
I fully enjoy teaching music and theater to others and spreading the art of performance, reaching out to all generations. I believe in customizing every lesson to be unique for my students in a way that will serve their individual needs. I teach with patience and encouragement and believe that students prosper and improve much more from a positive experience. My lessons are intended to be fun and influential in a positive light that can lead to a rewarding career, hobby, or just for personal enjoyment!
Every since I was a little girl, I have been devoted to the arts. When I began college, I knew that music was my path. As a music major I developed a deeper understanding of music theory, piano, voice, and theater. I received my A.A. in Music at College of the Desert and my Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Redlands- which I attended on a music scholarship. I have played leading roles in several operas and musicals in Southern California, including Gianni Schicchi, Die Fledermaus, La Boheme (DTL nominee), The Impresario, The Grand Duke, Patience (DTL award), Cosi fan tutte, Little Women the Musical, Seussical the Musical, and many more. I have also appeared in several concerts, opera scenes, competitions (winning music scholarships and theater awards), and worked as a singer at churches, restaurants, and in pop bands. I continue to perform and study music because performing is a part of who I am and I could never live without it.
With this experience under my belt, I feel a desire to pass on my knowledge to students. I carry a strong passion to help people develop their abilities and make them their own. I truly believe that if someone wants something out of life then they WILL achieve it with dedication, perseverance, confidence, and by having FUN doing it!
*Teachers marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.
Acting, Broadway Singing, Method Acting, Music Performance, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Piano, Singing, Speaking Voice, Theater Acting
Classically trained with years of performance and practical experience. I know how to help you make the music that you want to make. I am well-versed in nearly all music styles from classical to contemporary/pop. I am currently active in both piano accompaniment, vocal performance with the Pacific Chorale, and directing a very active north orange county community choir.
I recently completed my music credential and have graduate degrees in Education and Music.
I am especially gifted in teaching beginning piano, fundamental vocal production and dramatic presentation. I have extensive experience with the young and beginning acting student and can masterfully explain the dynamics of auditions and performing in the community.
*** Lesson Details ***
I focus on the individual student for curriculum and speed of progress. I utilize Bastien and other music curricula depending on maturity and ability. Within 3 months most students are performing simple songs successfully and within 6 months they have begun to master the more difficult 2nd and 3rd level. I believe in creating opportunities for the student to play in public and successfully perform by playing in small groups and bands. My acting students are taught through monologues and basic acting dynamics along with rehearsing through audition challenges and opportunities in the community.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate music room, grand piano, multiple keyboards available.
*** Travel Equipment ***
Professional piano keyboard and sound systems available.
*** Specialties ***
Piano - Foundations, jazz piano, Broadway, easy listening.
Voice - Foundations, breathing, operatic styling, Broadway.
Acting, Broadway Singing, Music Performance, Music Theory, Opera Voice, Singing, Songwriting, Speaking Voice
Although I have years of experience doing many jobs in entertainment, Vocal coaching is my main focus.
Do you have trouble with pitch? Do you get stage fright? Do you swallow your sound? These are all symptoms of a lack of confidence. I can help you get the confidence you need whether you are auditioning for a major production or just want to sing your favorite Karaoke songs better.
A little about me and my journey:
Jason T. started his illustrious performing career at the tender age of five in day camp volunteering to sing "The Happy Wanderer" a capella for Parent's Day.
Mounting productions in his garage as a child, he convinced his friends to be in the show with only his father as a reluctant audience member who was toiling away at his work bench. Combine these garage productions with performances on the back patio and it was clear Jason always loved to put on a show.
In the sixth grade, he performed "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha" with his red cape pinned to his shirt and wielding his mighty sword assembled from a yard stick and tin foil. At this point, his career in entertainment was firmly embedded in his heart and soul.
Double majoring in Vocal Performance and Education in college, Jason honed his craft performing in operas and jazz vocal groups all the while learning the business side of entertainment.
Joining the Six Flags Show Productions team, Jason performed in several seasons and then was hired as Musical Director for several more seasons at the park in Houston.
Jason created and was vocal arranger for a singing quartet, Entourage, which performed in many venues in the Houston area.
He was invited to join the Glen Hunsucker Performance Team and worked as a vocalist and dancer backing up the most popular singer from India, Asha Bosley. The show traveled all over the U.S. and Canada for over three months. It was a grueling schedule moving city to city every day, but the knowledge he gained about production logistics was invaluable.
Taking an opportunity to move to Los Angeles from Houston, he was hired as an Assistant Talent Manager at Universal Studios Hollywood. He quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Senior Talent Manager/Vocal Supervisor as part of the team who auditioned, rehearsed and supervised the live shows in the park as well as back-lot productions. This was valuable experience as every possible challenge presented itself during his tenure with the company. Dealing with unions, yearly budgets, creating new shows and characters were just a few of his responsibilities.
Jason was the first Talent Manager to be asked by the President of Universal Studios Hollywood to re-write, stage and re-open a show, "The Blues Brothers" in the park. The show runs daily in both the California and Florida locations.
After leaving his post as Talent Manager, Jason was fortunate enough to join the team at Bob/Gail Entertainment and performed with them singing, dancing and doing character work in productions all over the world. The group even performed alongside Michael Jackson and Billy Joel for the Sultan of Brunei's 50th birthday party in Brunei.
Working with the Executive Producer of Entertainment Plus+ Productions, Jason was the lead vocalist and a dancer performing in and helping produce many industrial shows and events in California along with several of Steve Winn's companies in Las Vegas.
Paramount Studios came knocking on Jason's door to use one of his other skills to do hair and make-up for a kid's movie. He was responsible for turning one of the actors into a wizard with hair and make-up for the dining hall scenes in this movie. Little did he know what this "kids"movie would turn into for the studio and J. K. Rowlings, the "Harry Potter" phenomenon. Working on different aspects of entertainment helps to round out Jason's entertainment knowledge.
He worked on several other independent films and TV shows including "Sinatra, the Mini-series" starring Olympia Dukakis, among others as a member of the production team and also a Night Club Patron and Dancer in the series.
Jason created and produced many production numbers at the Queen Mary Show Lounge in Los Angeles. Building costumes, props and wigs along with re-designing and building the new stage confirmed his love for this genre of entertainment.
While living in Texas, he was a Producer and Judge for the Texas Star Talent Competition.
Since re-locating back to Los Angeles, Jason has produced several shows and events including Brazilian Summer Beauty and Jeff's Variety Comedy Show.
*** Lesson Details ***
The best way to achieve successful progression in the learning process is to have the best relationship between teacher and student.
I commit to focusing all my energy and attention to each student and ask for the student to make the same commitment to doing their best in the lessons and practicing at home. I also promise that we will have fun in the process.
I start out with a consultation to discover what each student's goals are in the entertainment field or just on the Karaoke stage. From there, I explain how I will build a foundation of correct technique for singing and speaking which will successfully translate to any genre of performance.
Whether the student wants to sing R&B, Jazz, Pop, Country, Opera or anything in-between, these skills will allow the best outcome for a long and successful career in entertainment.
I tailor each student's lesson to their individual needs with patience, support and enthusiasm.
After one to two months, the student will start to feel more confident and comfortable with correct techniques in singing and speaking and be ready to shine on stage. Of coarse, the progress continues with each month learning more tricks of the trade to call upon when needed.
*** Specialties ***
I can teach all levels and genres of voice except advanced opera. I can teach beginner piano lessons.
"Steven is very professional and extremely helpful. He always has a smile on and is serious about helping you phrase the music. I would highly recommend him to anyone."
"It's been really exciting so far! Jordan has been so helpful, so knowledgeable. I could not have found a better instructor and I'm getting better and better every day."
"My daughter's wedding was weeks away and I had never been able to dance a step. With Jenny's help, I came further than ever before in such short time in any subject."


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The Huntington man who robbed City National Bank on Route 60 at gunpoint in July will spend nearly six years in federal prison.
William Spencer Farley, 25, was sentenced Monday, Jan. 27, by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers to five years and 10 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said Farley entered the bank July 26, pointed a pistol at a teller and demanded cash, fleeing the bank with a little more than $3,000.
Farley, who was captured on camera at the bank, was arrested shortly after the robbery and confessed to robbing the bank in a statement to law enforcement, Goodwin said.
He pleaded guilty to the robbery in October.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cabell County Sheriff's Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.


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We are looking for people who are fans of the weather. We want a first hand account of what the weather is doing where you live, in every county and parish in the Ark-La-Tex. The KSLA Stormtracker 12 team will use the information you send in every day to help create a more complete weather picture for our part of the country. If you are interested, please fill out the form below.
Thanks for signing up. We will be getting back in touch with you, but if you have any questions please feel free to email me at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Updated: 09/05/2013 6:20 PM
Created: 09/05/2013 4:04 PM WNYT.com
By: Elaine Houston
The new head of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, knows what it is like to feel isolated because you're gay. She felt that way too until she attended a prom as a teen put on by the center. Now, she pushes to help teens have a strong sense of self.


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Related Stories
The Vikings have signed RB Lorenzo Booker, who had been playing in the UFL for the Hartford Colonials.
Booker tried out for Minnesota in November but was not signed, as the team was hesitant about paying the UFL's $150,000 transfer fee. The running back protested, sitting out the Colonials' last game of the season. The league agreed to lower the fee and the Vikings will now pay just $25,000 to the league for Booker's services.
Booker, a Florida State product, played for the Dolphins and Eagles in 2007-08, playing in 17 games with two starts. He rushed 48 times for 178 yards and no touchdowns.
The way we see it
The Vikings have been looking to add depth at RB for a while, so the signing of Booker makes sense, especially with both Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin banged up. Booker likely will see time on the team's return units, as the Vikes are in need of a kickoff returner.


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About Us
Learn more about the Aurora News-Register. Click here for a company profile.
|New Aurora Cooperative HQ nearly completed
The Aurora Cooperative's new corporate headquarters building is in the final phases of construction now, changing the landscape at what will soon be a shared campus with The Leadership Center. The 30,000 sq. ft. structure is scheduled to open in January, offering enough space to consolidate staff members who are now spread out at several different venues throughout the community. Above, the work in progres
To read more, see this week's print or e-editions
Want to get a copy of this week's News-Register? Click HERE to find out how!
Want to get a copy of this week's News-Register? Click HERE to find out how!


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Auto refinancing
Dear Dr. Don,
How can I refinance my car loan? I currently
have a loan with a credit company, but was wondering where I would
start to get a better rate.
Matthew Motorsports
Dear Matthew,
The first step is to review your current loan documents.
You're looking to make sure that there aren't any prepayment penalties,
and that you don't have a loan where interest is calculated based
on "The Rule of 78s."
With a loan using this rule, the lender typically
collects three-quarters of a loan's interest in the first half of
the loan term. Bankrate can help you determine
how the interest on your loan is computed. The good news is
that most auto loans today don't use this rule.
Refinancing can also mean moving from new car rates
to a higher interest rate for used cars. If you're only a few months
in on a loan the lender may give you the new-car rate. Otherwise
you're going to pay about half a percent more for used-car financing.
You can shop
rates on Bankrate. Financial institutions can and will offer
more variety than the categories tracked on Bankrate, but the shop-rates
feature gives you an idea which lenders are competitive in your
Loan and title fees can eat into your expected savings.
Ask the lender for a breakdown of these charges when shopping for
your loan.
Try using Bankrate's Should
you refinance your mortgage? calculator to estimate the savings
when you refinance.
Find out your payoff balance by contacting your lender.
Enter the current and new loan terms. Then on the cost side enter
0 for the number of points, input any loan and title fees and put
zeros in the other cost columns. The calculator will show your monthly
savings and the number of months that it will take to earn back
your loan costs.
You can also use Bankrate's
auto loan calculator to compare the new payment to your current
-- Posted: April 10, 2002


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CATEGORIES Documentary, Foreign Language, Independent, Music & Musicals, Other Festivals, Religious, Cinematical Indie, CinematicalWith plans to screen 100 documentaries in just six days, SilverDocs 2007 gets under way Tuesday, June 12 with Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, directed by Jim Brown (no, not that one; this one), which promises to interweave folk music, social upheaval and Seeger's life and music. Among the six films competing for the Music Documentary Award will be Hip Hop Revolution (history of hip hop in South Africa), Kurt Cobain About a Son (the late musician narrating his own journey) and Nomadak Tx (from Spain, about two musicians and a "magical instrument"). The Beyond Belief program explores "faith, fanaticism, spirituality and ethics in civil society," according to the press notes, and includes the world premieres of Living Goddess (a young girl worshipped as the incarnation of a Hindu goddess lives peacefully in traumatic times) and Orthodox Stance (love that title: a young immigrant in New York City must balance his Hasidic beliefs with his rising career as a boxer).
Politically-charged movies are certainly on the agenda. Just three higher-profile titles that caught my eye: 14 Women (Mary Lambert examines the lives of female US Senators), Lake of Fire (Tony Kaye on abortion; the press notes say it's "carefully balanced," but this is Tony Kaye, whose insane career Erik just wrote about) and State Legislature (Frederick Wiseman spends 217 minutes on "the inner workings of the democratic process," specifically in Idaho). And then there's the latest by Liz Garbus (Coma relates the stories of four victims), Mike Mills (Does Your Soul Have a Cold?, in which Japanese marketers tackle antidepressants), Helvetica (which James reviewed at South by Southwest) and the local premiere of the controversial Nanking (which Kim reviewed at Sundance). Artic Tale is the closing night presentation. My head is swimming with the possibilities. Even if you aren't planning to attend, the film guide is well worth checking out to see the wide range of material that's screening this week in and around Silver Spring, Maryland.


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More Jefferson County employees took the stand Tuesday. They told additional stories of what they felt was discriminatory hiring practices.
Jefferson County is back in court, accused of not fulfilling all of the consent decree's requirements. That federal order was put in place in 1982 to foster equal hiring and promoting practices after complaints that minorities and women were being treated differently.
One employee from the Tax Collector's Office says she was bypassed on a promotion that went to a less qualified white man. She also says her senior accounting duties were reduced to that of a clerk after she returned from military leave. Then she testified to being put on unpaid leave while she was on a second military leave.
Complaints were filed with the HR Department then the Department of Labor in 2011. She says she hasn't heard back from HR and the Department of Labor agreed that she was being discriminated against.
However, the employee did receive a promotion before the first leave under the new structured interview process. A process she says she was happy with.
The structured interview process and the addition of the HR Department are two of several steps the county claims it took to fulfill the consent decree.
Commissioners and the county manager are expected to testify later this week.
UA President: incident won't interrupt progress
Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed on a sidewalk outside the Pentagon Thursday after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments that insulted people of other religions. More>>


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|Men's Soccer » News
|» Recruits » Camp Info » News » Schedule » Roster » Coaches » Stats » Career Records » Season Records » Game Records » Archive
2008 FGCU Soccer Media Guide Now Online
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The 2008 FGCU soccer media guide is now available to browse or download from www.FGCUAthletics.com. Check out the 68 pages devoted to the Eagles, including a look back at the 2007 inaugural season. The media guide also features profiles on the players and coaches, records, history, media information, opponent information as well as other information to help media cover FGCU soccer.
Adobe Acrobat is needed to download the guide. Click HERE to download the latest version.


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The following is a glossary of Jewish wedding customs as they are traditionally defined. These customs and traditions may vary amongst Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews as well as among those of varying levels of religious observance. We suggest using this glossary as a guide and consulting with your wedding officiate when choosing which customs to incorporate into your Jewish wedding.
Chossen V'Kallah
The Hebrew words for groom (chossen) and bride (kallah). The wedding couple is likened to a King and Queen and are to be treated with great honor and fanfare on the day of their wedding and the week following.
The Mikvah
Just prior to the wedding (within the final 4 days), a bride immerses herself in the mikvah (a ritual bath), with the purpose of spiritual purification. Oftentimes grooms pay a visit to the mikvah before their weddings as well. The Mikvah is an essential part of the the Jewish laws of family purity. It is customary for the bride and groom to learn these laws with a teacher during the period of engagement.
Week Before The Wedding
There is a custom in the Ashkenazi community that the bride and groom not see each other for the entire week leading up to their wedding. While there is no definitive source for this tradition, its benefits are believed to increase the joy of seeing each other again when they are reunited at the wedding. It also prevents the bride and groom from unintentionally hurting each other emotionally during the inevitable stress and strain of the final week before the wedding.
While the word shomer (masculine)/shomeret (feminine) literally means a "guard," the role of the shomer/shomeret is more like that of a best man/maid of honor. The job of the shomer/shomeret is to make certain that the bride and groom arrive to the wedding safely and as stress-free as possible. Additionally, during the time that the bride and groom do not see each other before the wedding, the shomer/shomeret will often act as go-betweens for the couple.
It is customary for a groom to be called up for an aliyah and recite a blessing over the Torah on the Shabbat before his wedding. After the groom's aliyah, the congregation will often sing "Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov" to him and may pelt him with candy as a fun way to wish him a sweet new life.
*The Aufruf is an Ashkenazi practice and is not generally part of Sephardic tradition.
Shabbat Kallah
On the Shabbat before the wedding, the bride's friends and loved ones, as well as women from the community, gather together to celebrate the bride, bring her joy, make her laugh, and help keep away the last minute jitters.
*The Shabbat Kallah is an Ashkenazi practice and is not generally part of Sephardic traditions. The Shabbat Kallah is a relatively recent custom.
Like Yom Kippur
Because the bride and groom are starting a new life together, their wedding day is considered to be a personal Yom Kippur for each of them. For this reason, it is customary to add the Yom Kippur confessional to their private afternoon prayers. This is also the reason why many couples fast (see below) on the day of their wedding.
Fasting for the Wedding
While there is a strong custom for both the bride and groom to refrain from eating and drinking on the day of their wedding, there is some leeway. If either feels weak or ill from fasting, they are permitted to eat. And, if it is the first day of the new month, the day after a holiday, or a holiday such as Chanukah, we are prohibited from fasting.
*Please note that fasting is an Ashkenazi practice and is not generally part of Sephardic tradition.
Tena'im are documents of betrothal similar to an engagement contract, agreed upon and signed by both a representative of the groom and a representative of the bride. Because it is considered a grave breach of honor to break this formal betrothal, it has become customary in many communities that the formal Tena'im not be signed until just before the wedding. Therefore the Tena'im are signed by two qualified witnesses at the Groom's Tisch.
*The signing of the Tena'im is an Ashkenazi practice and is not generally part of Sephardic tradition.
Kabbalat Panim
Kabbalat Panim, which literally means "Greeting of Faces," is the opening reception of the wedding. During the Kabbalat Panim the bride and groom are truly graced in their roles as King and Queen for the day. While the groom reigns at his personal "Tisch" (see below), the bride is ensconced on a throne-like chair (often in public) surrounded by the women closest to her on this day: her mother and sisters, her grandmothers, and her mother-in-law, grandmothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. During the Kabbalat Panim, it is customary for the guests to greet the bride. Many brides will use this time to give out blessings to their friends, again drawing on her role as Queen for the day.
The Groom's Tisch
The Groom's Tisch is a less formal reception for the groom. Tisch is the Yiddish word for "table," and during the Groom's Tisch the male guests will come to greet him and perhaps share a bit to eat or a l'chaim in his honor. During the Groom's Tisch, the official betrothal (known as Tena'im – see above) is concluded and the marriage contract (Ketubah – see below) is signed. (Both documents are signed by two appropriate witnesses.) The Tena'im is then read aloud, after which there is the "breaking of the plate," a ceremony during which the bride and groom's mothers smash a ceramic plate together. This symbolizes the seriousness of the commitment between the families: Just as breaking the plate is final, so too is the engagement.
*The Groom's Tisch is an Ashkenazi practice and is not generally part of Sephardic tradition.
The Ketubah
After the couple is legally engaged (Tena'im), it is time for them to be contractually married. Two witnesses sign the Ketubah (literally the marriage contract) which traditionally spells out the husband's obligation to his wife, everything from sustaining her with basic necessities to honoring and cherishing her. Additionally, the traditional Ketubah discusses how the husband must support his wife during their lives together, and, G-d forbid, in the event of death or divorce. While the contract has been signed, the couple is not yet considered married until the chuppah ceremony.
The Bedecken is the veiling of the bride by the groom. With great fanfare, dancing and singing, the guests escort the groom to the bride. The groom then lowers the veil over the bride's face. The custom of the bride wearing a veil goes back to the Biblical matriarch, Rebecca, who veiled herself upon seeing her future husband, Isaac (Genesis. 24:65). By viewing the bride carefully before placing the veil over the bride's face, the groom confirms that this is his intended bride, that he will not be deceived as was Jacob when Leah was substituted for Rachel (Genesis 29:23). Once the bride is veiled, she is given special blessings, usually by her father. The groom, surrounded by his enthusiastic friends, is escorted out of the room to prepare for the Chuppah.
The Chuppah, or wedding canopy, is a covering, often cloth, held aloft on four poles. The chuppah is symbolic of the first roof the bride and groom share together, representing their new home. That there are no walls in this new home, encourages the couple to follow in the ways of Abraham and Sarah, whose tent was always open to guests.
Following a brief family processional, the groom precedes to the Chuppah. He is traditionally welcomed by the song Baruch HaBah (Blessed is he who comes). An Ashkenazi groom will often don a simple white robe, known as a kittel. The bride and groom's white attire is symbolic of purity and creates the imagery of angels. Sephardic grooms are wrapped in a new talit (prayer shawl) and recite a sheh'heh'cheh'yanu blessing, thanking G-d for sustaining him to this occasion.
The bride enters last and is escorted to the Chuppah where she meets her groom. In most Ashkenazi traditions, the bride circles the groom seven times under the Chuppah and then stands to his right. In many Sephardic traditions, the bride is escorted almost all the way to the Chuppah, at which point the groom comes out to meet her and escorts her the rest of the way.
Seven Circles
The custom of the bride circling the groom seven times is rich with symbolism. The following is a sampling of the meaningful interpretations that have been ascribed to this custom :
1) This parallels the seven days of creation, and symbolizes the fact that the bride and groom are about to create their own "new world" together.
2) Seven circles correspond to the seven times in the Torah where it is written "…and when a man takes a wife."
3) When Joshua led the Children of Israel in the battle for the city of Jericho, he was instructed to circle the city seven times, resulting in the walls of the city crumbling. As two people enter into marriage, they face the challenge of breaking down the "walls" that may exist between them.
*The circling of the groom is an Ashkenazi practice and is not generally part of Sephardic tradition.
Like many Jewish ceremonies, the wedding ceremony begins with a cup of wine. The rabbi recites a blessing over a cup of wine and a second blessing of sanctification over the marriage. Both the bride and the groom then drink from the cup. The groom then places a solid gold band on the right index finger of the bride and declares: "Behold, you are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel." These two blessings and the giving of the ring, completes the ancient betrothal ceremony.
To separate the first part of the wedding ceremony from the second part that follows, the Ketubah is read following the giving of the ring.
The Ring Ceremony
During a traditional Jewish ceremony, the wedding ring is placed on the bride's right index finger, which is the finger most visible to the witnesses. The wedding band actually validates the marriage contract, consecrating the marriage. Jewish wedding rings must be made of solid uninterrupted gold, silver or platinum with no precious stones or holes breaking the circle. The continuity of the ring represents the hope for an everlasting marriage.
Reading of the Ketubah
The Ketubah is read aloud and the groom hands the document to the bride. The couple is now officially husband and wife. The second half of the ceremony now continues with the Nissuin (uplifting)
A second cup of wine is filled and the second half of the wedding ceremony commences during which the Sheva Brachot (see below) are recited. After the seven blessing are recited, the bride and groom then drink from the second cup.
Sheva B'rachot
The Sheva Brachot are seven special blessings in honor of the wedding, that are recited both under the chuppah and at the end of the festive meal that follows the ceremony. The seven blessings of the Sheva Brachot are:
-The First Blessing is recited over a cup of wine as a sign of rejoicing.
-The Second Blessing thanks G-d for creating the world. At the same time, it honors those assembled at the wedding.
-The Third and Fourth Blessings acknowledge G-d's physical and spiritual creation of humankind. These blessings are recited at weddings, since it is only then that the couple begins their life as complete human beings.
-The Fifth Blessing is a prayer for the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, the edifice which so expressed G-d's special relationship with the Jewish people that the memory of its destruction rises above even our highest joys.
-The Sixth Blessing expresses the hope that the bride and groom grow in their love for each other, with a focus as exclusive as that of Adam and Eve, when there was no one else in the world.
-The Seventh Blessing is a prayer that the time of the Messiah will come to redeem the Jewish people from exile so that peace and tranquility will reign over the world.
The Breaking of the Glass
At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the groom smashes a glass with his foot and the guests then shout "Mazel Tov!" – congratulations and good luck. There are numerous interpretations of this custom of breaking the glass. Some see it as as a symbolic reminder of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem while others interpret is as a symbol of the fragility of a relationship. Psalm 147, "If I forget thee O' Jerusalem," is often recited or sung at this point of the ceremony.
Immediately following the ceremony, the bride and groom, now husband and wife, are escorted to a private room where they have an opportunity to spend a few moments in each other's company (Yichud means alone-together). During this private time in the Yichud Room, they may not be disturbed. Seculsion in the Yichud room immediately following the Chupah is only practiced by Ashkenazim. Those Sephardic couples whose custom it is to be secluded in a Yichud room, generally do so after the reception.
Simchat Chatan V'Kallah
A Jewish wedding reception may range from a sit down dinner with music and dancing to a carnival like atmosphere. At Orthodox Jewish weddings it is considered a mitzvah (good deed) to entertain the bride and groom. Some guests may wear costumes, shake tambourines, do acrobatics, and even set their hats on fire in their seal to entertain the couple. Much of the dancing is done in large circles – otherwise known as "Simcha Dancing."
Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov
A common song at Jewish weddings, "Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov" is a musical way of wishing the couple well. "Siman Tov" means a good sign. "Mazal Tov" means good fortune.
The Horah
The Horah is the name given to the circle dance that is often done at weddings. A well known Horah dance song is Hava Nagillah.
Mezinke Dance
The Mezinka is a dance of celebration reserved for parents who have just married off their last child. The happy parents are seated in the center of the dance floor, encircled by dancing guests. Often times a crown of flowers will be placed on the parents' heads.
*This is not a universal custom, even among Ashkenazim.
Birkat Hamazon
At the end of the festive meal, Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals–also known by the Yiddish term Bentching) is recited to thank G-d for the food and sustenance that has been enjoyed. This is followed immediately by a second recitation of the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) repeating the same blessings that had been recited under the chuppah.
There are two cups of wine involved in the formal Birkat HaMazon. The first cup of wine is held by the one who leads the Birkat HaMazon, and after the Grace has concluded, the second cup is passed around to the individuals who are honored with reciting six of the seven Sheva Brachot. The leader then recites the blessing over the wine, the seventh blessing. After the seven blessings are completed, the two cups of wine are blended together and divided among the bride, groom and leader to drink.
Shabbat Chatan
It is customary for a Sephardic groom to be called up for an aliyah and recite a blessing over the Torah on the Shabbat after his wedding. After the groom's aliyah, the congregation will often sing "Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov" to him.
Both the Shabbat Chatan and the Aufruf are customs that are based on a Talmudic source that records that King Solomon built a special gate for bridegrooms–who would pass through it on Shabbat to be greeted and blessed by family and friends. After the destruction of the Second Temple, the custom was moved to the synagogue.
*Please note that the Shabbat Chatan is a special custom of the Sephardic community and is not generally celebrated by Ashkenazim. However, newly married Ashkenazi men are usually called-up for an aliyah in the synagogue after their wedding, as well.
Sheva Brachot Week
During the week following the wedding, it is customary for friends and relatives to host festive meals in honor of the new couple. This is called the week of Sheva Brachot because the seven blessings are repeated after the Grace After Meals at each of these festive meals.
Download your copy of the Jewish Wedding Glossary here.
This Glossary of Wedding Terms was brought to you by Jewish Treats and the National Jewish Outreach Program. Get more Jewish Treats daily or on Twitter.com/JewishTweets


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Q: I wanted to make some comments about lack of DPD directing traffic at the local fireworks shows this week. Parking and traffic congestion was an absolute nightmare at the Addison Kaboomtown…and I'm sure it couldn't have been much better at any of the other local shows on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thousands of people were totally stuck in un-moving traffic jams that seemed to have no end to them when leaving after the show. The only place that we saw police directing traffic in the North Dallas area near where we were was at Keller Springs and Knoll Trail...after we had already spent an hour in completely snarled traffic leaving the parking area at Arapaho and Knoll Trail. People had even parked their cars on Knoll Trail in unmarked/approved areas, further tying up traffic! Surely the DPD could have provided traffic control in these areas. I certainly hope that in the future, the DPD will consider better options for providing traffic control at these events. Thank you for posting my comments on your site.
A: Thank you for the email. We are sorry to hear of the traffic issues on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, WFAA is not involved in Kaboomtown. However, we did televise the fireworks from the Fair Park Fourth event on July 4th at Fair Park in Dallas. The traffic seemed to be flowing pretty smoothly there before and after the event.


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A Rockford teenager allegedly raped and robbed a South Loop woman at gunpoint outside her home, then went inside and demanded money from her husband while the couple's children were inside.
Deontae M. Latham tapped on the woman's car window on the early evening of Jan. 9, pretending to need directions while the victim was in her driveway in the 1400 block of South Clark, according to assistant Cook County State's Attorney Joell Zahr.
When the 56-year-old woman rolled down her window, Latham brandished a handgun and ordered her to open the car door and get in the back seat, where he sexually assaulted her, Zahr said.
The 19-year-old then took cash from the woman's purse in the front seat, Zahr said. He continued to ask the woman who was at home, Zahr said. Inside were her husband and two children, 17 and 19.
After forcing the woman to call her husband, Latham opened the attached garage with a remote while the woman activated a home alarm system with the panic button on her key ring, Zahr said.
The husband, who heard the alarm go off, came into the garage and saw Latham holding his weapon, Zahr said. Latham then allegedly went inside.
At that point, the woman ran down the street, hid behind a dumpster and called 911, Zahr said.
Once in the home, Latham asked the woman's husband for money and then ordered him into a closet where he was able to call 911, Zahr said. Latham ran off before police arrived.
Authorities, however, discovered he may have left a cell phone inside the woman's car, Zahr said. That phone, which belonged to a victim in a Rockford home invasion, allegedly had Latham's DNA on it.
The Chicago-based female victim's underwear also tested positive for Latham's DNA, Zahr said.
Judge Edward Harmening ordered Latham held on a $2 million bond Tuesday on charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault, home invasion and armed robbery.
At the time of the South Loop crime, Latham was in the midst of serving 18 months probation for a Jan. 16 misdemeanor weapons violation in Cook County, Zahr said.
He also has a 2012 misdemeanor cannabis conviction in Winnebago County and a 2011 domestic violence conviction in DuPage County. Latham was found delinquent as a juvenile on armed robbery and assault charges, Zahr said.
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Police are investigating the murder of a homeless man who was beaten to death in an alley in Logan Square.
WJBK-TV | Fox 2 16550 West Nine Mile Rd.Southfield, MI 48075Main Station: (248) 557-2000Newsroom: (248) 552-5103


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Tag Archives: The Vintage Spool
"First Quilt, Latest Quilt" — Verna Mosquera (Double Giveaway Today!)
Whenever we attend a quilt show, pick up the current issue of a quilting magazine, or peruse the latest book by a favorite instructor, it's always with the anticipation of seeing "what's new." It's the rare quilter, however, who springs fully evolved to the quilting scene. There's … Continue reading
Posted in About, Fabric, Giveaways, Quilts Tagged A Sewn Vintage Lifestyle, free spirit fabric, Pirouette, Prima Ballerina, The Vintage Spool, Verna Mosquera 66 Comments


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Steiff®, founded in Germany by Margerete Steiff over 100 years ago, is the world's oldest plush company and is widely acknowledged as the leading manufacturer of teddy bears and stuffed animals. They were Steiff teddy bears that President Theodore Roosevelt placed on each table at his daughter's wedding reception, thus giving rise to the name "teddy bear." The Steiff animals line features classic teddy bears, as well as a wide range of other stuffed animals, including cuddly animals, pets and farm animals, wild animals, and studio animals. We offer all types of animals such as Steiff Rabbits, Steiff dogs, Steiff Cats. Toni's Collectibles is a Steiff Club dealer and carries the complete line of Steiff stuffed animals. We have been designated a "Best of America" dealer by Steiff USA. If you are searching for a particular Steiff item and know the EAN number, the easiest way to find it is to type the number in the "Search Items" box in the top navigation column and click "Go."
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By myFOXDetroit.com Staff(WJBK)- Looking to start a healthy and leaner 2013? Gourmet Everyday Delivery could help you get started. It's a company which delivers portion controlled healthy meals.Since 2005, Gourmet Everyday Delivery has helped clients in metro Detroit follow a nutritionally based lifestyle. The company prepares meals for prescribed food plans to help prevent and even treat chronic diseases such as obesity, high blood, pressure, high cholesterol and Type II diabetes.Gourmet Everyday Delivery offers healthy meals, prescription meals, worksite wellness outreach programs and healthy catering programs. The food has no chemicals or preservatives, no refined flours or sugars and is whole grain. Try this alternative to unhealthy eating over the holidays... a frittata from Gourmet Everyday DeliveryGarden Fresh Frittata4 each Eggs1 ½ Cups Egg Whites½ Cup Skim Milk¼ Cup Low-fat or Nonfat Cheese (cheddar, jack, swiss, parmesan)(optional items)¼ Cup Vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, asparagus, etc.)¼ Cup Breakfast Meat (turkey sausage, turkey bacon, turkey ham) *salt and pepper to taste*Yield: Makes 4 portions Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Grease pans with pan spray. Pour egg mixture into pans until they are ¾ of the way filled. If either meat or vegetables are being added; do so now. Top each with cheese. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes or until the egg is set and the cheese is golden brown. Turn pans upside down and knock the frittata's out onto a cutting board. Cut into equal triangular pieces; serve.
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Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez is on the right track by insisting that voters get a say on any proposed tax hike. This is one issue that requires a test of public sentiment before taking any irreversible steps.
The mayor and county commissioners are rightly cautious about imposing taxes on a skeptical public. The Great Recession has been followed by the Puny Recovery. Many households still feel the pain, whether in the form of homes with a market value below the cost of the mortgage, or reduced family incomes. Or both.
Then, too, the current mayor and county commissioners have before them the grim reminder of former Mayor Carlos Alvarez, whose body is still figuratively twisting in the wind. Mr. Alvarez was recalled after pushing for an unwise tax increase that riled county voters and giving his staff salary hikes.
But times have changed, and so has the cast of characters. Both of those factors must be taken into account in deciding how the county should go forward.
Mayor Gimenez was elected after waging a campaign of fiscal responsibility and lower taxes, and he has worked hard to keep his promises.
His first budget reduced the property tax rate and reined in spending. He cut county departments from 42 to 25 and eliminated about 1,300 of the county's more than 27,000 jobs. He has fought repeatedly with county union leaders to get concessions on wages and benefits in order to keep the budget in line. He imposed significant pay cuts on county staff, slashed his own salary in half and cut his office budget by 20 percent.
These measures were necessary to get the county back to a strong fiscal footing. They have allowed the mayor to create a platform of trust with the people of Miami-Dade County. Now he — and the voters — have to think about the future and the price the county has paid to keep costs in line with a tight budget during a period of fewer resources.
The county's parks department lost more than 300 full-time positions and managed to do without some $20 million in deferred maintenance. Its subsidy from the general fund shrank by nearly $21 million. Now it faces more, significant spending cuts because a hotel-tax surplus that was used to shore up its budget is gone.
The plight of the county's library system is emblematic of what has been lost as a result of the recession and the need to cut taxes. Mr. Gimenez's original budget reduced the special property tax for libraries, resulting in a $20 million less per year than the amount previously generated. The system has managed the situation by using reserve funds from previous years, but even so it was obliged to get by with fewer workers, shorter hours and fewer book purchases. And now the reserve has been depleted.
All of this is to suggest that a strong case can be made for improved funding of libraries, parks and cultural institutions. They've been neglected long enough. These are not mere amenities that make urban life more attractive or convenient, but rather necessities that form vital components of any city that residents can be proud to call home.
Budgets that grow incrementally year after year as a matter of course are a thing of the past. Taxpayers won't stand for it, nor should they. But when voters who want to see their community move forward are presented with credible reasons for a proposed increase, they may be disposed to agree. Mayor Gimenez and county commissioners should be prepared to make the case.


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Curtis Hill, Ph.D.
As a counseling psychologist, Curt received training in models of development specifically geared toward the college student experience. Following a primarily phenomenological/existential approach, Curt's areas of interest include; the central role of relationships in the change process, counseling, career development, family relationships, and advocating for the developmental needs of students.
De Nean Petersen, LCSW
De Nean provides individual and group therapy from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach, which emphasizes interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. In addition to DBT, De Nean's areas of professional interest include bereavement, anxiety, and providing outreach and consultation services to students living in on-campus housing.
Susan Garner, LCSW
Susan has experience working with individuals who are struggling with depression and anxiety, and experiencing problems related to body image, self-esteem, and histories of abuse. She also enjoys addressing these issues and other mental health concerns at a community level through outreach programs.
Jennifer Ellsworth, Ph.D.
Jennifer's areas of professional interest include individual and group therapy with college students who are experiencing depression, family of origin problems, interpersonal and relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and histories of abuse. She is the Training Director at CAPS and enjoys and supervising and training graduate students in mental health fields.
Blaine Edwards, CMHC
Blaine is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor who works from a relational and modern Gestalt perspective. Blaine values the relationship as one of the most important factors in the counseling process. His professional interests include group and individual counseling, the career decision making process, and all aspects of college student development.
Kevan LaFrance, Ph.D.
Kevan approaches therapy from an existential perspective, which focuses on the client's sense of meaning and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of developing a strong client-therapist relationship as foundational to the process of counseling. He uses strategies that focus on enhancing self-awareness and improving overall health and functioning. He has worked with a variety of clients with anxiety and stress management issues, depression, relationships and communication, and the grief process. In his spare time, Kevan enjoys reading, watching movies and/or TV (Chuck, Firefly, and Doctor Who top the list), and grilling.
Mindy Pearson, MS, Doctoral Student
Mindy is a fifth-year doctoral psychology intern from Brigham Young University. She provides individual, group, and couples counseling, as well as outreach, biofeedback, and assessment at CAPS. She co-facilitates the Trauma Recovery, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Understanding Self and Others groups. She also teaches students how to use CAPS' biofeedback lab for stress relief. Mindy approaches therapy from an integrative perspective, pulling from cognitive-behavioral, emotion-focused, existential, and interpersonal theories. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and training for half-marathons.
Michelle Stone, MA, Doctoral Student
Michelle is a doctoral psychology intern from the University of Indianapolis. She provides individual, group, and couples therapy at CAPS, as well as personality and learning disability assessments. She co-facilitates an Understanding Self and Others group as well as assists with the LGBTQA Support/Discussion Group. Her approach to therapy is selectively integrative, building mostly from a foundation in psychodynamic theory. Areas of special interest include projective testing, issues related to disordered eating and body image, and developing healthy relationships. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys sketching and reading.


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Everyone is vulnerable to unexpected attacks or assault. Random acts of violence are committed all the time in our world, unfortunately, and so are home invasions and physical altercations. If we're lucky, we'll avoid these kinds of situations. However, it helps to be prepared in case of emergency. Are you a woman? Are you … Continue reading
Tagged with Women …
Outward Appearances: Looking Good with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I am not ugly. But, sometimes being sick makes me feel like I am. Believe it or not, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions can certainly age you; all the while "stealing your pretty." I used to get mad about it, and now I just learn to adapt. There are so many ways to still … Continue reading