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YoNaturals has made a nationwide splash with its "healthy" vending program since its debut three years ago. The company now has adapted it for professional operators seeking a turnkey solution to the growing demand for vending services that address today's dietary and nutritional concerns. Through a new program called Healthy Vending Services, the San Diego, CA-based company notes that it can immediately establish an operator as "the Trader Joe's or Whole Foods of the industry" by providing branded equipment, products, customized planograms developed by nutritionists, location referrals and ongoing publicity.
YoNaturals began its rollout in 2006 and grew primarily by establishing entrepreneurs from outside the trade as YoNaturals operators. A network of distributors delivers and sets up the machines, and provides extensive training and support to startup vendors. Through this model, YoNaturals reported that it has placed more than 1,000 machines in schools, hospitals, health clubs and businesses from coast to coast.
In recent months, YoNaturals chief executive Mark Trotter has received many inquiries from established vending operators. He recognized the opportunity to adapt the program for the needs of the professional trade.
PHOTO: YoNaturals chief Mark Trotter (center) and team of healthy vending experts roll out new program designed to help established vending operators incorporate its turnkey business model into their operations. YoNaturals has placed 1,000 vending machines nationwide over the past three years primarily by establishing newcomers to the vending trade as operators.
Trotter explained that the majority of calls have been requests for advice in finding suitable locations for dedicated "healthy" vending machines, and inquiries from operators interested in procuring the wellness-oriented products offered through YoNaturals' online store. Other vendors have expressed interest in obtaining graphics they can use to merchandise "healthy" products more effectively in their existing equipment.
"Established operators see the value in going with a proven program rather than groping around with the limited variety of healthy products they can easily get their hands on through traditional sources," the industry veteran told VT. "It's a daunting process to figure out how to establish a healthy vending program and to know that it will be a success. They are relieved that we're now here to guide them.
"We can secure them contracts with A-level accounts, sell them the equipment and product and support and educate them every step of the way," Trotter explained.
Operators who participate in the new Healthy Vending Services program can opt to get referrals through YoNaturals' locating service, which guarantees one- to three-year contracts with locations whose types and population parameters have demonstrated the most potential over the past three years. These include schools, colleges and universities; corporate campuses; shopping malls; hospitals and other medical facilities; health clubs; boys' and girls' clubs; government offices and institutions; parks departments; community centers.
Trotter said YoNaturals is securing 20 to 30 accounts weekly for operators and has a database of more than 700 locations that have inquired about "healthy" vending machines.
The YoNaturals chief added that, since his Healthy Vending Services clients are already in the vending business, many may opt to find their own locations and to brand the equipment they already have. "We can still provide them with the winning planogram for each location type, and offer them more than 600 products," Trotter explained. "In many cases, they can put a machine right alongside existing equipment; we find that it's often incremental business."
THE YoZONE BRAND
The company's eye-catching YoZone-branded machine dynamically conveys the program's better-for-you offerings. This flagship vender is an Automated Merchandising Systems snack/food/cold drink combination model outfitted with coin, bill and cashless payment peripherals. The program also offers standalone YoThirsty beverage machines and YoHungry snack venders.
YoNaturals supplies a graphics package for combination machines manufactured by all the major factories, and its in-house graphic design department can work with operators to create healthy-image graphics for any equipment they operate.
YoNaturals offers its clients an online ordering system and has partnered with an independent national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods. The distribution company can ship orders placed through the online system to operators in 47 states, from its 17 warehouses located throughout the U.S. All items, ranging from snack bars and kettle chips to upscale soft drinks and soups, are natural; 80% of the mix is organic. All are also top sellers at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, two well-known retail chains that Trotter credits with bringing appealing "healthy" foods into the mainstream and making the patrons operators serve familiar with the leading brands in the better-for-you niche. The majority of items are shelf-stable, with 90- to 120-day shelf lives.
The company requires a minimum order of $550 and charges no freight costs, which has helped to keep retail prices down and is a key driver of its business model. Its in-house product-development team works with operators to create planograms with the best potential sellers for each location, with suggested vend prices to ensure optimal sell-through. Specialized school planograms for elementary, middle and high schools that meet the nutritional guidelines of every state are also available to operators.
YoNaturals assigns an account manager to each operator customer to schedule meetings with prospects, send out sample products to potential locations on the client's behalf and arrange for any necessary training and support. In addition to teaching operators about natural and organic products and how to sell the program, YoNaturals provides success stories, school testimonials and lists of existing locations to share with decision makers.
More than 70% of YoNaturals's machines are placed in schools, and health clubs are its second-biggest market; these are followed by white-collar businesses, Trotter told VT. "We're dedicated to helping schools overcome the problem of childhood obesity and early-onset diabetes and we've presented vending as a solution rather than as a problem for schools," he explained.
Schools are great locations, added Trotter, and their students constitute a recession-proof clientele. "Kids are always hungry, and they're not getting laid off," he said. "There are 150,000 public and private schools nationwide, and we have become very good at securing their business."
The company also is developing a merchandise concept with more youth-friendly selections at lower price points.
Most industry professionals who have begun participating in the program are smaller operators who have one to three machines on location, and who typically place the YoZone vender alongside them. Trotter added that operators are also gaining locations that want the "healthy" vending machines by replacing a conventional vender.
"It's a model that smaller operators have found works well with their infrastructure -- the guys with a route or route and a half that they service themselves, or with an employee or two," commented Trotter. "If a machine does 40 to 45 vends a day, it's worth their while to stop and fill it because they have less overhead than the bigger operations. It's a different model from the one that many operators, especially the real big ones, are used to, but our success has shown that it works."
A cashless payment option is important to the program's acceptance by patrons, he added. This is true even in the youth market. Two years ago, cashless payment represented only 3% of sales in the high schools YoNaturals served; today, that number has increased to 18%.
"Our prices are higher than traditional vend prices; people expect that for a better quality, healthier product," the YoNaturals chief pointed out. "The machine is full of stuff priced at $1 to $3, and that doesn't stop people from buying. It's often double the cost of the items in the machine next to it, and still it sells a high volume. Our average cashless sale is $2.50 to $3.
"The Internet, and McDonald's, and the gas stations have changed things," he pointed out. "People are not afraid to swipe, and they expect to be able to do it wherever they go -- especially the younger generation. Another benefit is it takes away the 'sticker shock."
Trotter added that the company's long-term goal for 2010 is to develop its own private-label products that it can offer alongside current offerings at lower prices.
"Sampling is a very big part of disproving the misconception that 'healthy is birdseed.' There's nothing birdseed about items like Clif bars, Pirate's Booty and Stacy's pita chips, Horizon Organic milk and Apple & Eve's FizzEd sparkling juice," Trotter emphasized. "From sample baskets to leave for the decision maker, to cases of product for hosting sampling events at schools, health clubs and offices to promote our healthy offerings, we provide operators with free product so they can educate consumers that natural and organic drinks and snacks can be as appealing as the traditional offerings in vending machines."
More information on the new professional vending program may be had from YoNaturals by calling (858) 794-9955, or by visiting healthyvendingservices.com.
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text:
Breakfast With The Browns Episode February 20, 2006
8:00am - 11:00am
No description available for this episode.
Track Listing:
i have been waiting to her your voice
windy and carl · the dream house
the long goodbye
all india radio · permanent evolutions
For the Sullen Lass
Beef Terminal · Anger Do Not Enter
gravity vortex vertigo
sinewave · unity gain
pacific frontal system · n.a.
our last moment in song
brian mcbride · when detail lost its freedom
b. fleischmann · welcome tourist
chris liebling/speedy j · collabs 3000
the orb · okie dokie it's the orb on kompakt
perfect vision
montag · alone, not alone
the sky at night
dj food · kaleidoscope
coffee to go
various (club des belugas) · northern faction 3
over all
francoiz breut · une saison volee
star tripping
sinewave · unity gain
never meant
fascade @ 137db · character of the moment
gudrun gut / danielle de piciotto · memembers of the ocean club
lucky hands
thomas brinkmann · lucky hands
mike boo · dunhill drone committee
after the rain
various (gavin froome) · northern faction 3
sea plane
run return · metro north
my angel rocks back and forth
four tet · my angel rocks back and fourth
caribou · marino audio
they shoot horses don't they · boo hoo hoo boo
i was a sunny rainphase
stereolab · fab four suture
the upwards march
bell orchestre · recording a tape the colour of light
vacabou · s.t.
we wait for sunrise
the winston giles orchestra · soundtracks for sunrise
girlsareshort · earlynorthamerican

subset: commoncrawl


text:
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – It was a full house at the 10th annual Mississippi Trailblazer Awards Ceremony in Tupelo Saturday evening.
The event was held at the Bancorp South Conference Center and it was a great way for citizens in the community to come together and celebrate diversity.
"It allows people to put side political differences and racial differences, ethical differences and just come together to celebrate diversity. People aren't different, everybody is the same, we all have the same goals for educations, for economic development and this is a great way for people to celebrate diversity which means we have more in common as I said than we do differences," said Founder Rev. James Hull.
Awardees were presented with clock trophies which symbolizes that they know "what time it is". Some of those acknowledged tonight included Allegra Brigham of Columbus, Judge James E. Graves from Clinton and Reverend Robert Jamison of New Albany.


text: Julius Malema must not promote Patriotic Alliance (Gangters' Paradise) by responding a lot, Part 1. SHARE THIS 2014-04-28 07:22 ThabangMaaake Comments: 34 Article views: 1107 While the letter was named scathing or hard-hitting and some say is exposing Malema but there was nothing new in the letter and is really showing signs of frustration. Some of us who have been in politics have been reading about Malema woodwork, Malema "thief" and Malema this Malema that. We are now waiting for ganster number 2 Kenny to try getting support for so called Patriotic Alliance (Gangsters' Paradise). But the two must keep close eye in Attridgeville on the 4th of May 2014, Lucas Moripe stadium. In this article, Gayton McKenzie (GM), Thabang Maaake (TM) on what GM said, but you can be forgiven if you use that G of GM for Gangter so it can be Gangster McKenzie:1. GM: "I wronged people in this country two decades ago when I took part in heinous crimes. I have been trying to repay my debt to society for most of the years since. First, by successfully exposing corruption in jail then by speaking to millions of school kids across this country to dissuade them from a life of crime. I am now dedicating my life to Patriotic Alliance, which puts ending gangsterism, but more importantly the conditions that lead to gangsterism in communities, at the top of its agenda. We must get our young people into the mainstream economy."TM: There you have it people, that was the first paragraph of so Patriotic Alliance's election manifesto. So the president thinks he wronged people and is now time to repay. He also thinks that "We must get our young people into the mainstream economy" but he don't know how, is a fact. The focus of his party is ending ganterism, what a poor choice of starting a party. His first paragraph was useless, let us move on.2. GM: "I see this open letter as part of repaying my many debts to society. If I did not speak up to warn the people of South Africa, but especially our youth, against you, it would mean I have no love for this country. "TM: There you have him again South Africa, he is warning you about what you have been hearing all along. The only difference is he managed to add many wrong articles together. So the guy sees only Julius as the "bad" politician out of all politicians that you know. So today out of all the things he says he did, he thinks to be relevant he has to try to attack Julius and that will be enough to show love to his country. When those who showed love for country were busy trying to liberate politically and economically, Mckenzie was busy hurting and stealing from the community he loves and now he is back.3. GM: "Julius, you and I are not "revolutionaries". We both know that. We both shop at the same Louis Vuitton and Gucci shops. We both have watches worth hundreds of thousands. We wear more money on our wrists than a miner at Marikana will ever hold in his hands. This week you had the audacity to say that you wear Louis Vuitton to "inspire the poor". But the poor get nothing out of you wearing flashy clothes. For people like us to call ourselves revolutionaries is an insult to history's real revolutionaries. Patrice Lumumba is rolling in his grave. Thomas Sankara wants to get out of his grave and take back his words that have found their way onto your whisky-swilling tongue. If simply wearing a beret makes you a revolutionary then my mum and all her friends have been revolutionaries for far longer than you. "TM: This is confusion at its best. You are just running amok sir. Somewhere we heard you complaining that is unfair to compare you with Julius but the above paragraph shows how confused you are by comparing yourself with Julius. So Malema must go pay miners in Marikana? So you don't even know about houses built in both Mpumalanga and KZN by EFF? So shopping with you makes one not to be a politician or revolutionary but yet you formed a political party? The poor will benefit from nationalisation and land redistribution and you are not even aware, shame on you.4. GM: "You have spent more money at any of your own lavish parties than Kenny Kunene ever did. But Kenny never spent public money. It was his own money that he worked for openly. He never earned his money through misdirected tenders to shady companies that were hard to track. You bankrupted the ANC Youth League. You bankrupted Limpopo. You bankrupted yourself. Now you want to bankrupt what's left of South Africa. "TM: Let me help aging you with the story of so called ANCYL bankruptcy. Under Malema's leadership there are no outstanding fees including from the Midrand 23rd conference. That is why we say to readers that what you read is what you wrote here so no facts from your fantastic piece of nonsense. The money owed by ANCYL is from the Bloemfontein conference and Mbalula and ANC were responsible for the payment of that conference. Confirm these facts with the recently parachuted so called ANCYL leaders. So Malema never bankrupted ANCYL. He took over the already bankrupted ANCYL. Limpopo bankruptcy is even funny. First you should ask where treasury was when this was happening. There is a court case about this and Malema was accused with other people, currently only Malema is left to answer the case and you ask yourself how come? Did Malema do this alone? Tenders were advertised and the money used was already not meant for poor people directly but for fixing roads. You have never been to Limpopo, roads are way much better than before even though not all. Malema bankrupting himself is none of your business sir. Malema bankrupting SA is not possible and I see you never read our manifesto, it will tell you exactly the opposite of what happened in Zimbabwe except similarities in that black people must have a fair share of the economy. 5. GM: "The difference between you and me is that you use politics to take money from the poor. I give money to politics. I am not seeking a position through politics. My name is not even on any list. But you are trying to get to Parliament at all costs. Unlike what you may read about me, I never received any government money. I never received any tenders. I was never a beneficiary in any BEE deal. But you have never worked an honest day in your life to earn your own money. You don't know what that feels like. You don't know what it means. "TM: Shocking now there is a difference. Earlier there was no difference. Malema is a politician and politics is Malema so if it gives him money so what? His fans are not worried that politics gives him money. What is the difference between him and Nelson Mandela on that note? You are not seeking position in politics? I suggest you give that Patriotic Alliance "President Post" to someone and just be a fan that gives money to PA or politics in general, simple. We want Malema to be on a list and contest a postion same as we did during the time in Cosas and former ANCYL. Now we want him at number 1 position so that we continue to give the poor the life we tasted. CIC is far much better than you. Mandela gave millions to his kids when he died, he got the money from politics and he never worked, he was only president of an organisation just like Julius was. Whatever you wanted to achieve by this letter is not possible. Unlike what you read about Malema, he never stole from the poor and put that in your big head but small brain. I suspect you might be going back to jail, the anger tells.Whatever Kenny will say next is also not worth it because both of you are discredited and struggle to get support for Ganters' Paradise. If I were you I would love Malema too and join too. If I were you I would love me too because I don't hide things for you.** Have something on your mind about this year's elections? Write to us by submitting your content here. SHARE THIS Get Published! UPLOAD Click hereto uploadyour article Click hereto uploadyour photo Click hereto uploadyour video Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.


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Kai Midboe is a veteran of natural resource & environmental law
The Water Institute of the Gulf, an independent applied research institute focused on solutions to challenges in coastal, deltaic, river and water resource systems, has hired Kai Midboe as director of policy research and general counsel.
Midboe, who retired recently from the McGlinchey Stafford law firm, is a veteran of natural resource and environmental law. Previously, he served as executive assistant to former Louisiana Gov. Dave Treen for federal and environmental affairs, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, deputy secretary of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and assistant attorney general for Lands and Natural Resources. Midboe has also served as counsel to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Navigation.
Midboe will focus on water resource policy issues. Current institute research efforts involve finding solutions to environmental and societal challenges which are often accompanied by legal and public policy issues. Midboe will work to address these issues in a comprehensive, integrated manner. He will also serve as general counsel to the institute, providing legal advice in the development of policies, procedures and programs.
"Kai has incredible knowledge with environmental law and water-policy issues that affect Louisiana and the Gulf Coast," said Chip Groat, president and CEO of The Water Institute. "He'll be a tremendous asset in our mission to use applied research in helping solve the water and coastal challenges that face the state, the Gulf of Mexico and beyond."


text:
U.S. ski star Lindsey Vonn has completed her first training run for the women's World Cup downhill race at Lake Louise.
The 29-year-old crashed in training two weeks ago in Colorado and partially tore a reconstructed ligament in her right knee.
Vonn spoke to CBC Sports after her run. The Vail, Colo., native said her knee felt stable after the training run. Her time put her 20th after the first 35 racers down the mountain.
A second training run is scheduled for Thursday. Vonn says she'll decide then if her knee is ready to race in the first downhill Friday.
'First kind of real race situation since February. ... I'm really happy.' - American skier Lindsey Vonn
"It was my first run, so I was, of course, a little bit nervous," the four-time overall World Cup champion and 2010 Olympic downhill gold medallist told reporters.
"First training run. First kind of real race situation since February," Vonn added. "So it's been a long time, and I'm really happy."
Vonn has won a record 14 times at Lake Louise and swept all three races in each of the last two years. She originally tore ligaments in her knee at the world championships in February.
The biggest factor for Friday will be making sure there's no swelling in her right knee so it won't affect her thigh's ability to react and "fire appropriately," Vonn said.
The temperature dropped below zero during training, and she sniffled occasionally as she spoke near the finish line.
The American covered the course in one minute 59.53 seconds, the 19th-fastest time among the first 30 skiers Wednesday.
Carolina Ruiz Castillo of Spain was fastest of that group in 1:57.40, followed by past overall World Cup champions Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany in 1:57.41 and Tina Maze of Slovenia in 1:58.06.
What mattered to Vonn more than her time was that she was out there. She was quick out of the start, then lost time as she progressed down the slope in the Canadian Rockies.
Vonn said she "can't really put a percentage on" how hard she was trying to charge and repeatedly acknowledged feeling nervous about getting back on the World Cup scene.
"Just trying to stay focused, and focus on my knee," Vonn said, "and get my confidence back."
You can watch the first women's downhill on CBCSports.ca Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET. The next day's competition can be viewed on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET at CBCSports.ca and on CBC Television.
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
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text:
Starting in late 2009, Wordplay introduced a feature called Ask Will. Readers sent in questions and Will Shortz agreed to answer two each week. Here are all 16 questions and answers, which offer a fascinating backstage look at the world of crosswords.
By PATRICK MERRELL
#1 — Nov. 27, 2009
Is there such a thing as an unfair crossing in a crossword puzzle?
Yes, a crossing of two answers that most solvers in the target audience don't know or can't figure out is an unfair crossing.
Obscurity, though, is in the eye of the beholder. Whenever someone complains of an unfair crossing in a Times puzzle, I usually shake my head. Just because one solver (or a group of solvers) doesn't know two words/names that cross doesn't necessarily make that crossing unfair for the full audience.
Perhaps the most-discussed crossing in a Times puzzle since I've been editor occurred in a Brendan Emmett Quigley crossword last year, where NATICK ("Town at the eighth mile of the Boston Marathon") crossed N. C. WYETH ("Treasure Island illustrator, 1911″) on the letter C.
It was certainly a tough crossing, because the C in the illustrator's name is an initial, and thus, for anyone unfamiliar with the name, could be any letter of the alphabet. The standard rules of English spelling were of no help. And not everyone knows the town Natick.
Both names, though, were familiar to me, and I did expect Sunday Times solvers to know at least one of them. Besides being a famous and collectible illustrator himself, N. C. Wyeth was the father of Andrew Wyeth, who painted the classic "Christina's World" and the "Helga Pictures." In my opinion, a Times solver with a well-rounded education should know him. And Natick, a city of 32,000, is seen occasionally in the news and elsewhere — as in reports on the Boston Marathon.
Tough? Yes. Unfair? Not to me.
And it's not just me. Every Times crossword is tested by at least four people before publication, and it has to get their approval as to solvability.
The bottom line is, we all have gaps in our knowledge — art, the Bible, rap, baseball, comics, opera, whatever. If you solve enough puzzles, you will occasionally encounter a crossing you don't know. That's life. That doesn't necessarily mean the puzzle is flawed.
How long have you had your mustache?
Since college. I've shaved it off a few times over the years, but friends say I look better with it on, so I've always let it grow back.
By JIM HORNE
#2 — Dec. 7, 2009
You must get a lot of mail from people questioning your clues. What clue and answer generated the most protest?
Two clues jump to mind. And in both cases the readers were right.
The first appeared on 7/15/01: "Louisville landmark" (answer: RUPP ARENA). The Rupp Arena is at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, which is 75 miles from Louisville.
This mistake occurred during my early days of Google searches. Searching on "Rupp Arena" + "Louisville," I got tens of thousands of hits, which to me confirmed the clue. What I didn't catch was that the University of Louisville plays a lot of away games at U.K. Lesson learned: Always read some of those Google hits to make sure they say what you think they say.
Another clue that got a ferocious response appeared on 10/22/97: "Winningest N.C.A.A. basketball coach" (answer: RUPP — again!). That, at least, was what my most recent reference books said. The problem was that the University of North Carolina's Dean Smith had passed Adolph Rupp (879 wins to 876) the previous March — too recent for my print references to note. For weeks after the puzzle ran I felt like I was the only person in the country who wasn't aware of this fact.
As for correct clues that solvers think are mistakes, this happens all the time. Lots of people mistakenly think the phrase "just deserts" should be "just desserts." I always get mail on that. And I remember many people jumping on me for the clue "They got back on the road in 1998," for which they filled in BEATLES. The correct answer was BEETLES, referencing the VW bug.
Despite the mistakes mentioned above, I wish solvers had a little more faith in the puzzle's accuracy. Probably 99 percent of "errors" brought to my attention … aren't. Either the protester is mistaken or we're both correct, depending on how the clue is interpreted.
For the record, during the past 12 months, I'm aware of only three mistakes in the Times crossword. Considering that more than 32,000 clues have been published during this period, most of which could have gone wrong in multiple ways, this strikes me as a pretty good record.
I'd like to thank the primary puzzle testers — Nancy Schuster, Evie Eysenburg and especially Frank Longo — for helping maintain this level of accuracy.
What percentage of the regular solvers do you estimate don't even try the Friday and Saturday puzzles?
This is hard to say, as I'm not aware of any surveys on the matter.
What I do know is this: When the daily Times crosswords are eventually reprinted in book form, the collections of easy puzzles sell the best, medium puzzles or mixed difficulty levels come next, and Friday and Saturday puzzles sell the least.
You might wonder, then, why I publish such hard Friday and Saturday puzzles at all. First, I think there's an audience for these that's not catered to elsewhere — and if The Times doesn't run hard puzzles, who will? Second, the Times crossword has a reputation for difficulty and sophistication that I think it's important to maintain. The difficulty of Fridays and Saturdays adds to the puzzle's mystique and increases the allure of even Mondays and Tuesdays. Finally, the existence of the tough ones gives beginning and intermediate solvers a goal to strive for — and goals are good.
By PATRICK MERRELL
#3 — Dec. 13, 2009
I think it would be really interesting to ease up on the rule concerning 180-degree rotational symmetry for grids. Would you ever permit that?
First, to be clear, symmetry doesn't have to be 180-degree rotational. Left/right symmetry is used occasionally, and it's just as good as the regular variety. So far I've published 19 puzzles of this type.
Also, there was a puzzle last Feb. 21 with diagonal symmetry, in which the pattern of black squares was reflected around an axis running from the upper left to lower right corners. It was made by Mike Nothnagel and Byron Walden, who are both mathematicians. To my eye the grid design was aesthetically pleasing, which was my main consideration for a novelty like this.
Then there were five puzzles I've published that have had truly asymmetrical grids (not counting three puzzles in the 1990s that were slightly asymmetrical by accident, and which I consider mistakes). In each case, though, the lack of symmetry has related to the puzzle's theme or vocabulary. The most recent example was Liz Gorski's lovely tribute to the Guggenheim Museum (10/18/09), in which the black squares were arranged in a spiral, mimicking the museum's design.
Jim Horne has compiled a list of all the asymmetrical crosswords I've published in The Times.
I'm guessing, though, this isn't the point of your question. You're wondering why symmetry is needed at all. Why not relax the rule or eliminate it entirely?
The main reason is visual appeal. Generally speaking, a symmetrical grid is more aesthetically pleasing (at least on a subconscious level) than one in which the black squares are arranged willy-nilly, and it's more likely to attract solvers. Symmetry has been the standard since crosswords were invented in the 1910s, and it's the standard in most countries around the world. I think as human beings we like symmetry. This is especially so for crossword solvers, who tend to be drawn to things that are orderly.
And second, for themed puzzles, symmetry is a real asset, helping solvers know where the theme entries appear.
Peter Gordon has tried asymmetrical crosswords in Sterling books (with puzzles by Frank Longo) and in the old New York Sun, and I applaud the experimentation. As a policy, though, I don't see the point, because dropping the requirement for symmetry doesn't greatly improve the quality of a puzzle's vocabulary. A constructor really can't put much better fill in an asymmetrical grid than he can in a symmetrical one.
So I'd rather keep the constraint. The advantages of asymmetry are too slight, to my mind, to justify the loss of aesthetics.
What do you like to do that doesn't involve puzzles?
As friends and listeners of my NPR puzzle segment know, I'm fanatical about table tennis. I recently set a personal record of playing for 70 consecutive days. I'm trying to buy a building for my club in Westchester County, N.Y., so we don't have to rely on the community centers where we currently play. Someday I'd like to be national champion for my age.
I also travel, read and see a lot of movies (science fiction and independent films are my favorites). And I collect antique puzzle books and magazines (O.K., that's puzzle-related). I own well over 20,000 puzzle books and magazines dating back to 1542, along with tens of thousands of items of puzzle-related ephemera.
If you have or ever find any pre-1970 crossword magazines, whether filled in or not, please let me know, as these are a specialty of mine. Also, I collect newspaper articles about crosswords and other puzzles, so if you see one, please save it for me!
By JIM HORNE
#4 — Dec. 20, 2009
How have puzzles changed since you became editor?
In one sense the puzzles haven't changed much. The classic rules are pretty much all in place. I've been at The Times now for 16-plus years, and there's practically nothing I've done in editing that was completely new. Still, as you know if you've solved older puzzles, modern ones have a very different feel.
An obvious difference is in the avoidance now of obscurity. Almost all the vocabulary today is familiar. In a puzzle last September the veteran constructor Arthur Schulman had a playful theme poking fun at hoary old crossword standbys like OCA ("Wood sorrel"), ERI ("Assam silkworm"), and ERS ("Bitter vetch"). (Across Lite, Solution, blog.) Older solvers knew these and got the joke. Newer solvers went "What …??!"
In place of obscurity, today's grids emphasize colorful phrases, especially ones that are not in the dictionary, but rather "in the language." For example, in a puzzle two Saturdays ago, Karen Tracey had all the entries WORK PERMIT, COAL BIN, STEADY JOB, L.A. RAIDER, END OF AN ERA, POOL SHARKS, EASY TARGET, FLIP SIDE and ACTIVE DUTY — all lively stuff, but any one of which might once have been grounds for rejection by an editor (Across Lite, Solution, blog.)
And ZACH BRAFF and BRIDEZILLA from the same puzzle? No way. You almost never used to see cultural references that weren't at least 30 years old.
Another big difference is in the cluing. In the old days it stuck pretty much to dictionary definitions. Nowadays the clues are more varied and colorful, they relate more to real life, and late in the week they can be very deceptive. Clues didn't used to mislead you intentionally. Nowadays … they do.
Finally, the themes today are much more creative than in the old days, and the constructions are more professional. Francis Heaney's and Patrick Blindauer's NOAH'S ARK 15x last Thursday cleverly broke the rule about not repeating answers in a grid (Across Lite, Solution, blog.) You would have been unlikely to see that 20-plus years ago.
If you ask me what features I've added to the Times crossword that never, or almost never, appeared in it before, I'd list these:
- Use of brand names in the grids — formerly taboo, now accepted by almost everyone
- Puzzles with instructions
- Puzzles with asymmetrical grids (although always done for a thematic reason)
- Odd-sized grids (15×16 squares, etc.)
- Themes involving circled letters
- Puzzles that purposely break conventions
- Analogy clues (e.g., "Burrow : rabbit :: holt : __")
- Consecutive clues with joint numbers, like 35 & 37, combined into one (this can be done only in print; Across Lite doesn't allow it)
Also, I gave novelty word puzzles — Split Decisions, Spiral, 3-D Word Hunt, etc. — a regular spot in the Sunday rotation. And I've published two "theme weeks" so far (teen constructors and 50+ year constructors).
All things considered, though, these changes are pretty modest.
When I was interviewed for the job in 1993, I was asked, "If you were the Times crossword editor, what would you do differently?" I said, first, I'd add constructor bylines to the daily puzzles. (The contributors had labored anonymously until then.) I thought the constructors deserved the recognition, and I knew that people would care more about their work if their names appeared beside it.
And, second, I said I wanted to expand the base of contributors from mainly older people, which it had been until then, to puzzlers of all ages.
Both goals were accomplished, and I think the Times puzzles improved greatly as a result.
How do new constructors, especially young ones, learn how to make crosswords?
First, I recommend the book "Crossword Puzzle Challenges for Dummies" by Patrick Berry (Wiley) which contains detailed advice on creating and selling crosswords. It's an excellent starting point for new constructors.
All constructors should read www.cruciverb.com, which offers tools and tips for puzzlemakers. And the forum community there is very helpful.
Finally, I'd say, if you're interested in learning to make crosswords, just make one and submit it somewhere. The crossword field is very easy to break into (not very remunerative, but easy), and you learn by practice. I've published 44 newcomers in 2009 alone, counting a debut by a 20-year-old Florida college student coming this Wednesday. Typically, whether your manuscript is accepted or not, the editor will dispense some comments in response, assuming your work shows promise. The feedback will help you make your next submission even better.
By PATRICK MERRELL
#5 — Dec. 27, 2009
I think you must have one of the most interesting jobs there could be. Would you be willing to describe a typical workday in your life? Is it still fun for you?
Every day is different, which helps make the job fun. And I greatly enjoy working at home and being on my own schedule.
The biggest part of being an editor isn't what you might think — editing. It's examining submissions. I get 75 to 100 puzzles a week, from freelance contributors all over, and every puzzle must be looked at and responded to. I do a lot of this from my living room or during the summer, while lying on a futon in my screened-in porch. When away from home, I may take along a bag of mail to help fill the time.
In my early days on the job, when the number of submissions was lower and I was working 60-hour weeks, I answered every puzzle myself. Now with the increased volume and my working a more reasonable number of hours, that's impossible. So … I make comments on the envelopes (yes/no, what I like or don't like, grid changes needed, etc.), and the constructor Paula Gamache, who lives nearby, comes over and does most of the actual corresponding. Small grid changes I handle myself. For major ones, I either return the manuscript to the contributor or ask my colleague Frank Longo for help.
When it comes to actual editing … typically, it takes me two and a half days a week to edit and typeset a week's worth of puzzles. I do this from my office, surrounded by hundreds of reference books, and sitting next to my computer, with access to the Internet. During the summer, I usually have a college-student intern who typesets, and fact-checks and helps propose clues. Otherwise, it's just me.
When each puzzle is ready, I e-mail it to the three test-solvers. When they have a whole week of puzzles done, they call me with their comments and corrections. I then make my final polishes and send the puzzles to The Times, where Ellen Ripstein goes in and tests them one more time.
I love lots of things about this job: 1) It's creative. I'm always stretching myself to find a new clue that I hope will amuse you or twist your brain. 2) I'm always learning things. 3) I laugh a lot (a sign of madness?). 4) The job brings me into contact with some of the brightest, most interesting people in the world, both solvers and constructors.
What's your favorite type of puzzle to solve? Hard, medium or easy?
Cryptic crosswords are my favorite kind of puzzle to solve. I also love wide-open, American-style themeless crosswords, like those in the Friday and Saturday Times (which, of course, I don't get to solve myself). But, really, I enjoy almost any printed puzzle, including sudoku and KenKen.
My preferred difficulty level depends on my mood — medium on some days, hard on others.
Even more than solving, I enjoy making puzzles. But that's a whole different exercise.
By JIM HORNE
#6 — Jan. 3, 2010
What is your least favorite crossword answer and why?
That's tough, because if I really dislike an answer enough, I simply don't allow it.
Among answers I have allowed repeatedly in The Times, perhaps SLA ("Patty Hearst kidnap grp.") is my least favorite, because it involves an event that occurred more than 35 years ago and has little historical significance today. For anyone who doesn't remember the Symbionese Liberation Army, which must be the case for a majority of solvers now, the initialism SLA might as well be three random letters of the alphabet. I'd like it to disappear from crosswords.
Another common answer I strongly dislike is SDI ("Star Wars program, in brief" or "Reagan antimissile program, for short") for similar reasons.
A common answer in old crosswords that I almost never allow today is RALE ("Chest rattle"). As the breathing sound made by a dying person, it's both obscure and ugly. I can't say I'll never permit it again, because sometimes there are extenuating circumstances. But it's close to being a puzzle-killer for me.
All said, though, I think I have fewer bugaboos than most other crossword editors. Mike Shenk once told me he'd rip out large chunks of an otherwise good crossword to remove TSAR, which he considered too odd a variant spelling for the more common CZAR. Personally, I have no problem with TSAR. Peter Gordon doesn't allow ETUI. I'm familiar with etuis, so ETUI is fine by me. Erica Rothstein, who used to edit the Dell puzzle magazines, wouldn't allow any reference to Richard Nixon, as she found him so contemptible. This ban was too capricious, in my opinion. And the great Margaret Farrar banned, among other things, both IDI and AMIN, because Idi Amin was so despicable a human being. This feeling I understand, although I don't go along with the ban.
I guess I'm more forgiving on matters like these. If an answer is legitimate, I'll consider it. Everything gets weighed in the balance. Sometimes an obscure, stretchy, unpleasant or ugly answer is justified, in my opinion, by an otherwise terrific puzzle, especially when the undesirable answer can't readily be removed.
My favorite clue from 2009 is "Remote ancestor" for KNOB. What's yours?
I'm afraid I haven't been keeping track. Flipping back through manuscripts over the past couple of months, though, I'd list these as some of my favorites from among clues I contributed myself:
- Letters after many animal names (5 letters) answer
- Ground-breaking invention? (3 letters) answer
- Managed banks? (7) answer
- TV character who says "It's 1 a.m. Better go home and spend some quality time with the kids" (12) answer
- Vanity case? (7) answer
- It may feature a windmill (8) answer
- It might have a single coconut tree (5) answer
- Literary work in which Paris is featured (5) answer
- It's often played on Sunday (5) answer
- Breeze on a college campus (5) answer
- Something you always need directions to use (4) answer
By PATRICK MERRELL
# 7 — Jan. 10, 2010
I hear a lot about the "breakfast test." What exactly is it and how does it affect what I see in the puzzle? Has it changed over the years?
I think I first heard the phrase "breakfast test" in the movie Wordplay, where Merl Reagle ascribed it to Margaret Farrar, The Times's first crossword editor. The idea was that many solvers do puzzles over breakfast, when the family is around and you're eating your food, and puzzles shouldn't contain answers or clues that might offend or upset.
Personally, in all the years I knew Margaret, I never heard her mention the breakfast test, but she was certainly strict on propriety. She forbid references to sex, death, disease, bodily functions and other touchy or unpleasant subjects. To cite just one example, she didn't allow the word SCAB, because she found it ugly in either of its meanings — as the covering for a wound or a strikebreaker.
Will Weng, Margaret's successor, felt much the same. He once rejected a submission of mine because of the entry BELLY BUTTON, which he found indelicate. This was during the 1970s.
As you can see, the so-called "breakfast test" standard has changed over the years, as probably neither of the above entries would cause a modern crossword editor to flinch. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to use them.
Moreover, I don't subscribe to the "breakfast test" at all, and I never use this term. I try to follow ordinary good taste, based on my understanding of New York Times readers. I don't care for puzzles that are relentlessly nicey-nice. If a word or term is used in the columns of The Times, or in cultured society in general, I think it's probably O.K. for a crossword, even if it's touchy or slightly unpleasant. I strive to have crosswords reflect modern life as much as possible. Otherwise, they lack relevance.
According to my rules I do not allow: 1) vulgarity, 2) words likely to cause offense to a significant portion of solvers, 3) words that are highly distasteful by today's standards, and 4) themes on downbeat subjects (like death, disease, depression and failure). These are no-nos.
But I'd be happy to abolish the term "breakfast test," which I think belongs to another era.
It seems there's a lot of debate on this and other crossword blogs about whether a certain puzzle is Monday level, etc. I wonder if that is as much a bone of contention with the editors and testers as it seems to be with the solving bloggers.
Upfront I'll say the progression of difficulty through the week will not be perfect for every solver.
For one thing, everyone is different, and the things you know and find easy may be obscure to someone else. I'm always amused by comments on blogs where one solver says a puzzle is easier than usual, another says it's harder than usual, and yet another says it's exactly right — all for the same puzzle.
Difficulty also depends somewhat on your mood. A puzzle that seems impossible in the evening may be very doable the next morning. I think we've all experienced this phenomenon. So reactions vary even within an individual.
And then … I may have goofed. Calibrating puzzle difficulty is an art, not a science, and on some days I may have miscalculated. It happens.
One frequent comment I disagree with is that such-and-such a word is too obscure for Monday. My feeling is that even a Monday puzzle can have a difficult word or two, as long as the crossings are gettable and the puzzle as a whole is easy.
By JIM HORNE
#8 — Jan. 17, 2010
Sometimes you publish puzzles that polarize the audience. Solvers are split between loving and hating them. Is that intentional?
Not exactly. My intent is to entertain as many New York Times crossword solvers as possible and to increase the audience. These goals are not accomplished by polarizing people.
However, I realized long ago that it's impossible to please everyone at once. Solvers have varied tastes, and I try to cater to all of these at least occasionally.
For example, some solvers love "puzzles within puzzles," where there's some bonus element to be done or figured out after the grid has been completed. I love this sort of thing myself. Rex Parker, who has a large readership over at his blog, doesn't like it. When he's completed a grid, he wants to be done. So … on occasion he's going to be unhappy.
And not to pick on Rex, but he's also written that he hates themeless puzzles with extremely low word counts — say, under 62 words. This is because the vocabulary in these grids tends to have more common letters of the alphabet (E's, R's, S's, T's, etc.), more words with prefixes and suffixes (DE-, -ER, etc.), and generally not as much pizazz as in other puzzles. That's a fair preference. But I'm not editing puzzles for just one person. Once in a while I think it's interesting to see how far the English language can be stretched in some respect, while still having mainly familiar vocabulary with some lively fill, and I think there's an audience for this. So, again, different tastes for different people.
I have noticed that the puzzles (and clues) that draw the most and loudest kudos also invariably draw significant criticism. Joe Krozel's LIES crossword of June 19, 2008, which is one of my all-time favorites, is a perfect example (Across Lite, Solution.) Very strong reactions pro and con.
To get back to your question … while I never try to antagonize anyone, I also don't want to be vanilla. I want the Times crossword to be distinctive, occasionally surprising, and maximally varied over time. This means you won't like all the puzzles, but I hope you like enough of them (and to like these enough) to keep coming back.
I enjoy reading the constructor interviews. Many of them talk about how you helped them get their first puzzle published by providing advice. What is your role in nurturing new talent?
I'd like to think my role in this used to be big. Back in my early days at The Times, in the 1990s, when I received a lot less mail than I do now and was working almost 60-hour weeks, I used to answer every submission myself. These responses often contained detailed comments on the puzzles, both pro and con, especially for new contributors. This was before crossword blogs and the Cruciverb.com crossword community, when my letters/e-mails might be the only crossword commentary the contributor ever saw.
Nowadays my amount of mail is such — upwards of 100 submissions a week — that I can't do this anymore. Also, for my sanity and physical well-being I try to work a more normal 40-hour week. So I still look at all submissions, or almost all of them, but I write my thoughts about the puzzles on the envelopes, and my colleague Paula Gamache does most of the actual responses to the contributors. While the majority of responses still include comments, these aren't as extensive as they used to be.
This is probably just as well, as there's so much online puzzle analysis now — here, as well as the blogs of Rex, Amy Reynaldo, Ryan and Brian, Ross Beresford, etc. And while I don't agree with all the comments elsewhere, I think in sum they point constructors in the right direction.
One thing I'm proud of is the number of teen constructors I've published in The Times — 18 of them so far, including four new ones in 2009 alone. This speaks for a healthy future for American crosswords. By contrast, according to a recent report, crossword composing in England is a dying art.
It's not just young constructors who get personal encouragement and help either. Last year, if you'll remember, Bernice Gordon, 95, became the oldest known person ever to have a crossword published in The Times (Across Lite, Solution, blog.) Well, I've just accepted a new puzzle of hers, and she'll set a new record when it's published when she's 96.


text:
How to Speak Horse Hardback
by Andrea Eschbach, Markus Eschbach
Easy lessons in 'horse-speak' for pony-mad kids. This lovely book, chock full of beautiful colour photgraphs, explains the basics of horse body language and how to 'talk back'.
With a focus on groundwork that is safe and fun for children, it provides an introduction to natural horsemanship and shows how good communication can keep you safe in everything you do with your horse. This book shows you how horses use body language to communicate and provides easy groundwork exercises you can do to learn to read your horse's body language.
It also shows you how you can use your own posture and movement to ask your horse to go forward, stop, turn and follow, as well as providing a 'horse-speak' dictionary of common horse body signals to help get you started.
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 32 pages, Colour photos throughout
- Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd
- Publication Date: 01/09/2012
- Category: Horses & ponies
Free Home Delivery
on all orders
Pick up orders
from local bookshops


text:
The auction is sponsored by the American Sail Training Association (ASTA), which organizes the annual TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series of events. These tall ship festivals bring world-class traditional sailing vessels to ports across the country for public tours and trips. The ASTA TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series event will be held on the west coast in the summer of 2011.
"Everyone who sees Lady Washington or Hawaiian Chieftain with all its sails set dreams of taking a sea voyage," says ASTA Executive Director Bert Rogers. "Our Tall Ships® Adventure auction gives you a chance to experience the ancient lure of the sea and perhaps change someone's life. Each item sold in our auction helps Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority continue its mission of enriching the lives of young people."
To bid on the Tall Ships® Adventure excursion or voyage offered by Lady Washington, Hawaiian Chieftain or other vessels, visit www.sailtraining.org and click on the "Give the Gift of Tall Ships® Adventure" link. Gifts range from a day trip to three-week voyages. To bid, select the desired trip and enter a bid amount or purchase the experience at full price.


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Childcare rant
We're moving next weekend. We already had childcare lined up. She's my SIL's best friend and lives right down the street from where we will be staying. She also charges $25 less per week then what we pay here. I just got a Facebook message from her saying that she has been thinking a lot lately and she doesn't think she can take on Brynlee. :mad: She said that since she just found out she is pregnant, she is not sure that she can add another child to the mix (she watches her own daughter and another little boy). She then said that she wanted to let us know today so that we have "plenty of time" to find other child care. I hardly consider this plenty of time when we are going to be packing and moving next week! Also, all of the child care centers where we are moving are WAY MORE than what we pay here! :(
I am so annoyed. I wrote back, "Okay." And now I've been spending my morning (AT WORK) trying to research/find alternate care. Is too much to ask that something go my way...soon???
Re: Childcare rant
Yeah, that's annoying! I hope you find the right place for her soon! Are you going to be working right away?
Re: Childcare rant
Yeah, that does suck. Check care.com and craigslist. I hope you find something soon!
Re: Childcare rant
Awww that sucks!! Maybe you could ask her if she has anyone she can refer you to? Usually stay at home moms have friends who stay home :)
Re: Childcare rant
Wow that's awful! I hope you find a new place!
Re: Childcare rant
Oh no! That's terrible that she put you in such a tight spot. Hopefully you can find something new fast!
Re: Childcare rant
Wow! That is really frustrating, and that isn't very much notice to research and make that kind of decision while you are also busy dealing with the move! Hope you can find something good.
Re: Childcare rant
That would be so annoying! She should at least try and see how 3 kids would be. I honestly don't think adding one more kid is harder unless they are infants. Toddlers pretty much entertain each other. I'm sorry Mandy. I hope you can find someone else
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Fri 27th Apr 2012 12:00pmSmarties Surf Lodge's Newquay - Fistral North Surf Report
Well the sun is shining down on us, but the gods aren't!! Yep,another day of choppy, 2ft light cross shore wind swell.It's not really happening,although they are ridable!. Seeing as the swell is due to drop right off next week ,it might be worth getting in today!
View the Newquay - Fistral North Surf Report and Forecast. Smarties Surf Lodge's Reports have received a total of 329739 views.
This report has received 550 views since 27/4/12.


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Travel Savings Alerts
P.O. Box 91033
Columbus OH 43209
ISSN: 1542-801X, Copyright 2012
All Rights Reserved.
Editor: Nicki Chodnoff
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During Mao Zedong's period of rule, he believed in the idea of "the more people, the stronger we are". Families were told to have as many children as possible. It lead to the rampant overpopulation problem.
When Deng Xiaoping took power in 1978, his new policies focused on strengthening China's economy. China was the world's most populous nation by far, and he saw overpopulation as a roadblock to economic development. In 1979, Deng began the national initiative of "birth planning", encouraging families to have only one child to control the population.
China's generally perceived pandemic overpopulation problem, with the associated social and environmental problems, stimulated the government to take strong unique measures in population planning policy.
The one child policy has had positive impact after being implemented for nearly 30 years ' it provides good conditions for social labour force, resource allocation and development of economic society.
The fertility rate has fallen to 1.7 births per woman. Such a reduction in fertility reduced the severity of problems that come with overpopulation, like epidemics, slums, overwhelmed social services (health, education, law enforcement, and more), and strain on the ecosystem from abuse of fertile land and production of high volumes of waste.
The one child policy has been criticized by human rights advocacy groups, especially Western religious advocacy groups. They consider that the one-child policy is against human rights of reproduction.
The government official admits that China is moving towards the aging society in less than 30 years' time. According to the statistics, there are 7% of the total population who are 65 or above. The one child policy leads to the problem of aging population and it affects the stability and development of the society. The government is now planning relative policies, for example suitable age for retirement, social welfare and security, etc.
However, this policy, to some...


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These Ode Jesus poems are examples of Ode poems about Jesus. These are the best examples of Ode Jesus poems written by international PoetrySoup poets
If you don't find the poem you want here, try our incredible, super duper, all-knowing, advanced poem search engine.
The poem(s) are below...
your belief system is the major indication
of what you can accomplish with positive validation
if you can see it, you can achieve
if you can perceive it, you can believe it
underachievers are always underestimating themselves
non-achievers are always looking for a handout and the most help
average achievers do only what is usually just required
but overachievers strive to realize their heart's desire
in The Bible Mark 6:5-6 are two of the saddest scriptures to me
it tells of the time when Jesus went to His birth place
to spread His Father's ministry
it is somewhat troubling to me when He could find there no relief
because the Nazarenes were in a mind set of utter unbelief
even though He had worked many miracles
in most every town he had ventured to
the citizens of Nazareth were unwilling to give Him His proper due
a showdown in Nazareth, Jesus trying to evangelize God's word
but they saw Him only as the carpenter's son attempting to do the absurd
the power of God can only manifest in an arena of positivity
it can not gown nor gravitate in an atmosphere of negativity
Jesus was rendered powerless, the passion in Him had subsided
because the unbelieving Nazarenes remained unyielding
and completely one-sided
there is a significant amount of unbelief
in many church congregations
where some are just sayers of the Word
and don't believe in the power of the consecration
it takes one drop of negativity
to yield a whole crop of unbelieveability
understand that the Living God can't work in anyone's life
if they are in a state of mind clouded by negativity and strife
there is nothing that can't be accomplished if you know this in your heart
that God can work miracles just believe in His powers from the start
for God can move mountains, He can make a river divide
His powers are omnipotent, just keep a positive attitude in mind
don't undermine God's purpose for you life, allow Him some control
don't underestimate what He can do for you, if you surrender to Him your soul
always look for the victory, don't settle for defeat or loss
use the power of your belief, the power of the blood, the crown and the cross
if you believe God can open doors
what more could you ask for
just believe with God that you can do it
just trust in Him and let Him prove it
just believe in the power that is Jesus Christ
and imagine what you can accomplish
if you just let Him work in your life
Copyright © louise nelson | Year Posted 2007
Yes, all to Him I owe!
He paid the price,
the debt that I had owed.
No greater gift He gave, His "life!"
How precious is the blood!,
of the lamb that was slain.
For He rose "Jesus," that faithful Third day alive!;
with all power over hell, death and the grave!
How lovely and excellent is the name.
For it is the name, that is above ever other names.
"God is Salvation," "Jesus!"
He is the resurrected glorified one.
The commencement and the end to all things created.
Also, coming back again.
Copyright © Ronald A. Williams | Year Posted 2017
The angels praised him,
the heavens rang.
How can I do less?
The shepherds marveled,
and spread the news.
How can I do less?
Wise men brought gifts
worthy of a King.
How can I do less?
My lips will praise him,
my heart will sing.
My soul will worship
my Savior and King.
Every chance, I tell
what he's done for me.
He died in agony,
hanging on that tree.
Celebrating his birth,
I give him my all.
How can I do less
when my Savior calls?
Copyright © Cona Adams | Year Posted 2014
His message to Mankind was divine love, much louder than
the desert wind hissing through the tall palm trees;
they heard Him, but sadly contempt built up when
they defiled the Temple by selling and trading instead of praying on their knees...
so Jesus got the whip and the lame and the blind cried out the word, " Hosanna! "
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Christ was the faithful servant who was scourged, derided and crucified,
now, is the friend of all who believe in Him, not in a sinful world....
the Redeemer who carried the heavy cross to Calvary and died;
His resurrection was a victory over death making Him the eternal Lord!
Who besides Him is more worthy of God His Father, are we?
Anytime Jesus prayed, He finished that prayer with this holy word, " Hosanna! "
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Nothing has changed...it was an unjust and mean world, and so it will be;
they lived for lust, power and money getting greedier than Judas who chose death;
find that good soul that resembles Jesus...is it that poor man who seeks mercy?
We can gather much gold, make him a crown and place it on his bruised head!
And while he sits there waiting for compassion, his feeble voice proclaims," Hosanna! "
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna!
All nations strive for supremacy, making useless and massive weapons so destructive,
they have no love for their neighbors...they hate peace and every beautiful place;
we have made it to this century...will others see a tomorrow not dark and delusive?
Pray like Jesus did and put your fate in the hands of the Almighty who's grace!
No joy or possession is greater than faith...get up, look up and shout, " Hosanna! "
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna!
Copyright © Andrew Crisci | Year Posted 2013
—The Hymn of Women—
O Lord Son of God, you really are standing there after you have defeated the corrupted world with your tender flesh
O my Lord true Son of Man, you really are standing there after subdued by the wicked minds
O my Lord great soul, you who did not break the poor women's
vulnerable heart, really are standing there with a compassionate
gesture after you have crossed over the abyss of death, the river
that the dark prince reigns
O Jesus the most precious name, when your flesh that is torn
and wounded turns into a glowing candle to shine the darkness
from the cross high above the prince of darkness kneels before you,
the flame of life in us burns forever as a candle light that never wanes or dies.
For you sinless blood cleanses us and your open wound eases our pain,
O my Lord; the horrifying shout on the cross now echoes in our heart
with the echo of great passion, the desperate cry that once pierced us quickly
now embraces our soul with the hug of great fervency
For the Lord of resurrection is standing there in the early morning soft sunlight,
for the king of glory the true life is standing before our very own eyes with open arms, our sorrow turns to joy, we celebrate
For your victory over death, the Lord, we praise your name 'Christ Jesus'
we worship you the Lord of resurrection
Copyright © Su Ben | Year Posted 2015
(Part One) The first few hours.
I was just a ordinary man
caught up in the unruly throng,
The mob jeering and ranting
insults on the road along,
I pushed and shoved my way
through all the furore
to see what all the fuss and melee
was all about at the fore.
My heart shrunk as I eyed
in total dismay that ghastly sight,
From what befell my eyes, that Friday morn
befouling that dawning day with blight,
Was a Man sparsely clad, and bloodied soiled,
And about fifteen and a half hands tall,
His nut brown shoulder length hair
now caked and matted in disarray.
The way His hair and beard
was parted in the middle down
i knew that Man then
was belonging to the Nazarene Sect,
And brutally entwined upon His head
was a brambled thorny crown,
What more torturous and bestial
torment can a naked body be subject,
His body oozed and dripped sweat
all mixed with blood and grime,
And even more the gruesome
was the criss-cross lashes mark,
So visible, as He staggered along
on that arduous path that morning time,
Dragging a fifteen cubit long sycamore
torture-stake on His shoulder, bared stark.
His back bent and racked in obvious pain
bearing that one and a half hand in diameter log,
Then when, He stumbled in His stride
and before the Roman Centurion Him wanted to flog,
For that Man's wretched agony
and pain, I no longer could bear to stand,
Then in haste that Man to help
I shed my outer garments and tossed it to another man,
I stayed the Centurion's hand
and hoisted that stake upon my own broad back,
For I was Simon an Grecian man from Cyrene
and favoured arduous labourous toil,
When that frail worn-out Man turned
with blue-grey eyes and looked at me,
I saw in that look, relief and gratitude
then I knew, I did just right,
He sadly smiled as He said these words to me,
"Do you too now drink from this bitter cup?",
And added, "You shall indeed sip
its rim with Me to the end of time",
I knew Him then no ordinary, man could be
His voice so gentle and mild,
And I truly then wandered who this Man could be?
to suffer so cruelly, in the hands of man,
When He lightly placed His hand
upon my shoulder, I felt the load lightened,
as if I walked with a feather
on my back, and not His gruesome burden no more,
As we together trudged, on that path
that road, to Calvaria, that place of death,
I then knew that Man at my side
Was a Holy-man by His touch alone.
Copyright © Christopher Stopford | Year Posted 2012
Trying prayer, realising
it doesn't stop right there.
You say a prayer and hope
that its enough, that your
words of love have reached
Heaven above. Just stop and
think how we have asked? Was
it behind a mask of sorrow and
shame.Thinking we are not good
enough to receive a blessed gain.
We have it all wrong as its what
Jesus has already done. None are
worthy its Gods free gift of grace.
So raise your head, truly open your
eyes. Look up and realise love does
have a face, thank you Jesus
Copyright © Andy Craig | Year Posted 2013
(Part3) Home, The Realization and Blessing,Finally.
Here where I reside in Cyrene in the country
of Cyrenaica later to be known as Libya, now in Africa
so far has the news hailed, to cheer me on,
For that Holy-man of Judaea never died
my days henceforth shone bright above for me,
They said too that He truly was a King
a Son from the Davidic Royal line,
A King without an earthly throne to sit upon.
But for me that Holy-man will forever be
A Prophet on High, a Son of God
so much more than, a mere earthly king,
And all this I say without a doubt in mind
for I was there, I felt His touch
I heard His words, I saw the look in His eyes
because of Him I tread this earth
so much the lighter now.
Now at the close of day and at my hearth
bathing in the warmth of the fires glow,
My thoughts are more and more upon
that Man of God, that man Jesus
whom I helped that awful day,
And I wander if He knows He has helped me more
than He will ever know for now I feel so
much closer and grateful to my God.
To my God whom I Worship every day
even more so, now that I have met His Son
His Son, who so has suffered, the the hand's of sinful man,
He suffered shame and degradation
all to redeem Men, all to show Man the Resurrectional Way,
All for Man's sake and for that day, I am so truly blessed,
And His words to me "You too will sip this cup
with Me unto the end of time", those words now seared into my soul.
The breaking,
the shaking;apace
my king's fall is rise
my land is anon taken.
The antic,
the discholeric;as
albion her age;as
arras on her skin.
The abstract,
the seas;our compact
heartless disease;
let's decoct,
let's not calm
The beaver,
the savior's hand,
she will for aye crave
for her not a bedlam;
she is sane.
The cautel,
the hidden truth;
Cadent ties;fret
channels in her cheeks
frail less chuff.
The voidness,
the lifeless mess;cloy
there wines of death;
there ciphers;there empty,
shut their tomb.
The wall of wails;
the jews.
the rock that never fails
the doors.
The breaking
the making;apace
enough;her surfeit
her swain eternal
remnant of no transgress.
The maker,
her end;Yeshua,
truimph of her;
light in the cautel,
my messiah;so i break.
Copyright © Lavensin Emmanuel Winaro | Year Posted 2013
On Grandma's bedroom wall hung pencil sketches
To inspire me and draw me in, never fail
The hands in prayer our daily blessing fetches
The cuffs rolled back, work ready, in the detail
The fingerprint motif of light on hands
To give us notice we are unique – and His
Strong thumb accentuating Holy Bands
Steeple elongated fingers, preaching Bliss
On The Tree, He died for our earthly sins
(The cross marked in the veins of the left hand)
He wished to spare us the suffering since
Love and compassion, for which we should stand
Only in Truth can we realise beauty
The Hands setting the example of: "Thank Ye!
[Poetry form used: Sonnet]
If we do not live in Truth, a God given opportunity which we must embrace, then the beauty of all that we perceive will pass us by. ~ Su Crous
Inspired by: 'Hands of an Apostle' by Albrecht Durer: http://uploads4.wikipaintings.org/images/albrecht-durer/hands-of-an-apostle.jpg
Sponsor: Heather Ober
Contest Name: Famous Art |
Copyright © Suzette Richards | Year Posted 2013
(Part 2) The Next Few Hours,Then Homeward.
To soon, the road an end did come
and I that dreaded stake to the ground did lay,
Where without ado, they laid that Holy-man down,
Over that stake and through both His hands
that they placed above His head, and home they drove
that awful iron spike, and not a murmur or cry
did that Holy-man uttered in pain, that morn,
Not even when they spiked His feet, apart to the post
Then three plagues in mockery was nailed to the post
above His hands, in the languages used most common
at the time, one in Latin, I read out to myself
reading, Iesus Nazarenus Rex ludaesrum,
Then below another in Greek and one in Aramaic,
The latter I could not read and spoke but a bit,
Now anger and rage was seething through my veins
away I had to flee, away from that gruesome scene.
Away I fled, a half league or more, I paused
my need to rest and myself to calm,
Never could I understand the bestiality's of man
there under a barren Olive tree, I laid me down
and soon asleep I fell, for the horror to escape,
It was the chill of the afternoon that woke me
in the haze of sleep I heard an anguished
cry, rendered from the heart in a voice loud,
In Aramaic, I could tell sounded clear
"Eli, Eli Lema Sabachthani"
which meant to me "My God, My God why have you
abandoned Me", and of a sudden the sky
grew dark and foreboding, and a lull fell over the land,
Enough now had I of ludaea, enough
of cruelty, and of mayhem rife, home-ward
I decided to steer my way, home to my land,
Just on a score of days I traveled
to my home, my family and land,
Now often as I work the fields and plough
I still feel His hand, His Holy hand
upon my shoulder, see His gentle smile
and His voice sweetly, coursing thro' my mind
"You too will sip this cup with Me
to the end of time", and indeed truly blessed I felt.
Now I have heard along the grape vine
that Holy-man was called Jesus by name
and that as His name implies, meaning
a Savant Saviour for all, that and much more He was.
And wonders of wonders they said
He rose from the dead, He never died
Praise God I said, He never died on
That torturous detested stake.
There shone a star
It lit the world
As though a flood
Or grace were hurled
The humble Christ
Lest we forget
A savior then
Of sinners yet
Was born to save
And born to die
His life to give
Remember why
Copyright © Mike Martin | Year Posted 2015
Jesus is real, He woke me up this morning,
He took me to work and gave me something to smile about,
I am happy that I have Him as a friend,
You should try Him too.
Copyright © Natasha Morgan | Year Posted 2016
Making new friends, turning new
bends. Upon a steep mountain slope
focused on breaking old trends. We are
children of God all saved by the same grace.
We should all do the good Lords work, yet
that's not what gets us through heavens gates.
That my friend is believing in Jesus. Perfect man
and perfect God, our sinless saviour nailed our
sins to the cross
Born to this world, caused to live,
the dragon's hand of malice must meet you man;
To be only safe away from the strife in Jesus believe,
And this, only by prayer you can.
You are a target prey for the claws of death,
The bearer is cheeky and cunning a betrayer;
To flee from his fire, to have a free breath,
No way but by prayer.
Tempests are a threat and times are tough,
And lures wear guise to look like Lore;
To override the clouds and meet with Love,
Only by prayer you defeat the foe.
To give you Good and Mercy and Blessing and More,
To be a chosen child, a perfectly scoring player;
To anoint you with power to deal the devil a blow,
Nothing but prayer.
To heal your wounds and cover your scars,
To turn your sorrow into joy and peace;
To golden your all to glitter like stars,
Nothing but prayer can eternally lease.
To form you fit a Savior's bride,
And qualify thus for the Heavenly Layer;
At last to the Father with Jesus ride,
Nothing but Prayer.
Copyright © Willy Munyoki | Year Posted 2011
—The Hymn of Angels—
From your eyes, do brush the tears off my daughters,
and go. O my poor daughters who seek the living among the dead,
go, because your Lord Jesus has risen, just as He has proclaimed
In the early morning sunlight that was still wet from the overnight dews
the Son of God who conquered death has left for the beach
by the Sea of Galilee. The Lord our Savior is now there at the beach
to count His own footmarks on the sand
For the desires to hold your hands before being ascended in air,
the Lord of resurrection is gone to the beach at the Sea of Gennesaret,
the sea which the Father's wrath once roared and rose to huge waves
For the wishes to spend His little remaining earthly hour with you,
our Lord the Savior is gone to the Sea of Tiberias, the sea where
the ripples reflect sunbeam calmly in the daybreak sunlight by the shore
The Lord is awaiting you at the Sea of Galilee to recollect
His unforgettable memories, and to reassure His eternal love
before being returned to his throne in heaven above
Have no fellowship with unfruitful dark black moors cold zephyr for now truth does spark a fire within the heart run far black dogs truth defeats feeds seething flesh to the hogs Lord punishes high ones coven's of death trumpet of God host angels with one breath though they all gather for the last battle shiver satan for your own death rattles it will not stand serpents cast into fire Liars bewitch death's end a molten mire So beware their snares the child only sleeps those who mutter and peep your sorceries keep as for me I know you have no keys so cry my King cometh God's Word upon his thigh - Based upon Erlking, Der Erlkönig and his supernatural death
Copyright © John Beam | Year Posted 2014
I saw a manger glow
I heard the angels say
A child is born of holiness
Upon this joyous day
I came there to discover
What greatness it could be
What grace I did behold
What glory I did see
A tiny bed of straw
A burro and some sheep
Angels praised the heavens
The baby Christ asleep
I was given the gift of love one day by the dear Lord who walked my way,one moment in time and with a touch of his had i did receive his gift of love so grand, and within a wink of an eye i was raised from the gutter to the sky, from a pauper to a king only now my heart could sing, and now i did seek to try and find the true value of this gift devine, and with all my searching and wisdom i do have to say that his gift of love had no value at all untill i gave it away.
Copyright © ROBERT MOODIE | Year Posted 2017
I and I
be the Father and the Son
I and I
are seen expressly as One
is the Father
The Creator of everything
is the Son
The Light which gave life to everyone
I and I
be the Most Holy Father and the Only Begotten Son
I and I
together they dwell in each other as One
is the Father
who breathed life into the souls of children of men
is the Son
who gave us eternal life when he died for our sins
I and I
are One always
I and I
are together in the timeless realm of infinite days
I and I
be One, as they always are
I and I
be the Invisible God and the Bright Morning Star
Copyright © Freddie Robinson Jr. | Year Posted 2017
As approaching his fifty-fifth birthday this July thirteenth
We sit down for some extended sharing of thoughts and life
Borne within a place called Angels Camp his Father an inventor
Slash author actually and mother became one's own creation ? Time
Apart from beginning or matter their world, without end:
Copyright © Jeremy Street | Year Posted 2014


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© 2007 – Routledge
198 pages
Intended primarily for mental health professionals, Demystifying Love deals plainly with topics rarely written about for clinicians. The book discusses in a small package highly readable and useful topics, such as love (as both noun and verb), psychological intimacy, sexual desire, as well as infidelity, both in background concepts and clinical guidelines.
As the book shows, love is the logical point of departure for a clinical understanding of sexuality and its problems. It is the most conventional framework for understanding sexual behaviors, the one that is broadly endorsed across many cultures, often as the ideal context for sexual expression. The book integrates an analysis of love in patients dealing with intimacy, sexual desire, infidelity, forgiveness and reconciliation. Detailed with compelling case studies, the author's skill as a therapist comes through in the discussion of these topics—many of which are at the heart of numerous couple problems.
In creating this illuminating work for mental health professionals, Dr. Levine may have underestimated its appeal. Dr. Levine's ability to shed light on our internal processes as we love and attempt to be loved throughout life may prove to be of interest to a far broader audience.
"The special gift of this book is to recognize and address the complexity of love, particularly how it relates to sexual desire over the lifespan. Of great value are Dr. Levine's guidelines for staying in love. His two chapters about infidelity are clinically rich in detail with valuable insights into the role and meaning of extramarital involvements. Demystifying Love is one of the most thought provoking books for clinicians in recent years." - Barry McCarthy, author of Rekindling Desire and Professor of Psychology, American University, USA
"An illuminating account of the multi-layered complexity of the elusive reality we call 'love.' Especially useful is Levine's account of love as a process of connection-disconnection-reconnection as couples deal with the inevitable challenges of creating and maintaining psychological intimacy in the face of disappointment and the inevitable life changes that confront every couple." - Robert Scuka, Executive Director, National Institute of Relationship Enhancement, and author of Relationship Enhancement Therapy: Healing Through Deep Empathy and Intimate Dialogue
"The strengths of this book lie in the simple, straightforward discussion of love concepts, allowing fairly easy reading for therapists or individuals wanting an overview of basic relationship principles…It would benefit those who want a quick, anecdotal overview of basic principles one practitioner found useful throughout his long career as a mental health professional." - Ryan B. Seedall, MS, in Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy
"Levine brings to this study considerable experience as a couples therapist. The book includes dozens of references to research and practice by leaders in the field and is intended specifically for practitioners working with couples." - W.P. Anderson, emeritus, University of Missouri- Columbia in CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries
"[…]There is a great deal of thought and experience packed into these pages, and the clinician grappling with both unfamiliar and all-too-familiar cases will find this little book worth skimming at first and then rereading. Perhaps because the language is often concise and the ideas are telescoped, every page makes points that can stimulate clinical and personal reflection and peer discussion." - Leonore Tiefer, PhD, New York University School of Medicine, in Psychiatric Times
"…offers a culmination of personal and professional experience with the semantics, expressiona and practice of love…There are definite gems in this book…"
- Lin S. Myers, Ph. D., Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy
Preface. The Nouns of Love. The Verbs of Love. Professional Humility and the Erotic Transference. The Path to Love: Psychological Intimacy. Sexual Desire: Simplicity and Complexity. Infidelity: Vital Background Concepts. Infidelity: The Work of the Therapist. Love is Connection-Disconnection-Reconnection. Index.


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WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Take a quick glance at the top 10 list, and not knowing that these are the brands resonating with today's children/young adults, you might mistake this for a list of the top 10 advertising campaigns. Or the top 10 social media campaigns. Or the top 10 Super Bowl commercials. Or the top 10 things you'll most likely find in your teen's room.
(THE NEWS: Harris Interactive: M&M first in brand equity among youth. For the full story, click here)
The bottom line, tomorrow's shoppers already are becoming familiar with today's brands in ways that yesterday's marketers could hardly ever have dreamed about — interactively online on individual branded Web pages or through such sites as YouTube (type "Doritos Super Bowl commercial" into the search engine and you'll get some 4,500 hits. Google "Doritos Super Bowl commercial" and you'll get 7,000).
On Facebook, for example, half of the brands listed in the top 10 have well more than 1 million fans on at least one of their fan pages (and many of them have multiple fan pages, some perhaps unofficial). There are some 1.4 million Facebook aficionados who have taken the time to "like" Doritos. As many as 2.2 million are fans of Google, 3.3 million of Target, 3.5 million of Subway and a whopping 6.6 million of Disney Pixar.
If you were to use the number of Facebook fans who "liked" an iconic brand to gauge any kind of "hipness" factor, then Walmart isn't too far behind with 2.2 million fans on one page. And Walgreens is fast approaching that 1 million watermark with more than 700,000 fans to date.
And judging from the amount of sweets on these top 10 lists, there won't be too many tomorrows before today's young adults begin "friending" their local pharmacists and "liking" their local pharmacies.


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Wedding Photography Expectations
A wedding ceremony is one of the most memorable event is one of the most important events in most people's lives. Everyone wants to capture the occurrence of the day and store it for future use. The only way to remember what transpired is to take photos and store them.
Your choice of Asheville wedding photographers is crucial when it comes to quality of the photos produced. This is the reason why you may have to gently turn down Uncle Sam's free offer of taking care of your wedding photography. While you may stop to consider it especially if it is offered free, a professional photographer is a key part of capturing the event to perfection.
Any professional photographer is expected to have high competence levels. You expect your photographer to be capable of handling a specific number of photographs with a certain period. In addition, he or she should have the ability to shoot in all situations including churches, rainy situations, on snow and even in dark caves.
Experience is something that any couple expects their photographer to have as seen in their annual workload of between 30 and 50 weddings. Have him or her show you the various albums of events they have worked before. Focus on the album that significantly resembles what you have in mind and in case you are satisfied with the turn out then you can work with the photographer.
You expect your professional photographer to be skilled with all types of weddings ranging from small to large, traditional to modern as well as anything in between offbeat and unconventional weddings. This gives the photographer a large scope of experience to draw from guaranteeing a unique richness in the quality of photography. Furthermore, he or she can provide advice on the best poses to enable high-quality photos. Great Example of Charleston Wedding Photography may be found online.
The type of facilities that a great photographer comes with to your wedding needs to be excellent and the best. These experts have invested heavily in getting the right wedding photography equipment that guarantees high quality. A good wedding photographer is always prepared in case of any emergencies such as blackouts or camera battery failure.
Finally, you would expect your professional wedding photographer to have the right skills and equipment to edit your wedding photos efficiently. Hiring Uncle Sam instead of a professional would have meant sacrificing on this aspect of photography. You need to go with a photographer that values quality work and as such is willing to spend extra hours working on editing the photos. It is also expected that they have access to excellent editing machinery if not owning one for their business.


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In 1962, Remington introduced the world to the popular Model 700. To commemorate the occasion, the company has introduced the Remington Model 700 BDL 50th Anniversary rifle. Just like the original rifle, the M700 BDL is chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum with an all-satin finish. Check out the video straight from SHOT Show 2012 in Las Vegas!
For more new guns and gear from the 2012 SHOT Show, click here.


text: Smooth jazz inspired vocals to Drum & Bass style grooves, Downbeat, and even soulful electro. Although the word "lounge" has been associated with a certain genre of music, the trio of musicians Marco Drewes, Niels Hesse, and singer Darrin Huss have taken it on as their moniker to redefine it's meaning and present the listener with an audio style and attitude all their own. www.myspace.com/loungeinternational "Lounge" is also a Christian band who have played "Easter People" in the past. Their EP, which was distributed at Easter People, has 4 tracks ("Return To You", "The Enemy", "Freedom" and "You Want The Best For Me")..Make Lounge Playlist


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My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Earth Force, Inc., Denver, CO, USA
Earth Force has provided the opportunity for teachers across my county to become involved in water quality monitoring. In addition to this opportunity, they've provided professional development for teachers to encourage service learning and community involvement. There work has allowed every 7 th or 8 th grade student within the Flint River Watershed in Lapeer County to have a real-world, data collecting experience and encourage them to do something positive for the environment and community. Earth Force continues to support my work and my teachers, and honestly, they're just great people!
More Feedback
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
A lot
Will you recommend this organization to others?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
Thanks so much for the review!


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Finding the Right Real Estate
Real estate properties are just around the corner. If you are planning to invest for a home or business, you need a land where you can build the structure. It is impossible to get a residential property or even commercial establishment with real estate. It is just exciting to find a way to make your dream a reality but you also need to be cautious and follow the trails of your plan. Getting real estate is not like buying a candy. There is a procedure that you need to follow for it to be materialized.
The first thing that you should do is to know your purpose. As you get a property, it is essential that you would know if it is for a home or business. If it is for home, then, you need to look for a land where you can find good neighbors. Besides, you have to be sure that the place is within the city so that you can make access to schools and universities, shopping centers, health centers, and airport. In this way, you do not have to travel for a long time just to go to the place that you want to stay.
If your purpose for acquiring a property is purely business, then, you should look for a crowded place. However, you need to know the peace and order situation there. You should find the place peaceful because it is the only way that clients will be attracted to buy your products. Besides, you also do not want to entertain stealers because they will only make you lose the business. Know your market and see to it that the people who comprise your market are present in your chosen place.
You need the help of a reliable realtor in the woodlands. You can find a lot of agents from different real estate companies. Those people will do their best to convince you to hire them. If you want someone who can be trusted, be sure to pick the one who stays in the place where you want to acquire a property. He is well-versed about the different properties being sold. He will also help you to get a good quote from the property owners who sell real estate.
Just be sure you pick someone who is dedicated at service so that you can get the right property for a certain purpose. Getting the woodlands best realtor is a big help for you.


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DC will provide footwear for mountain staff and branding for Unbound Terrain Parks
December 1, 2011 – Huntington Beach, CA – DC has signed on to become the official footwear sponsor for Mammoth Mountain's UNBOUND Terrain Parks. In addition to supporting the park staff with DC shoes andsnowboard boots, DC will also be represented with custom signage and unique DC branded features.
Located only a few hours from DC'sheadquarters in Huntington Beach, Mammoth Mountain has one of the longest seasons in North America. Couple that with Mammoth's world-class Unbound Terrain Parks and exceptional park staff, Mammoth gives DC and its athletes a perfect venue to train and shoot.
"Strategically, Mammoth is an ideal place for us to tell the DC snowboarding story and work with a skilled park crew to both test our products and the boundaries of what they can build with and for our athletes. It also gives our team an extra couple of months each year tofilm on custom built terrain and features," said Brian Cassaro, Director of Marketing for DC Snow.
"The choice to work with DC is a no-brainer for Mammoth Unbound. We both share a commitment to the core athlete without sacrificing access to snow sports for new entrants. We couldn't be more excited about what this partnership will bring to our terrain parks in bothfeatures and events," said Mammoth Mountain Public Relations Specialist, Eric Meyers.
The DC and Mammoth Mountain partnership officially kicked off on Mammoth's opening weekend with DC riders Devun Walsh and Lauri Heiskari hosting the premier of TB20 and Good Look, followed by an autograph signing the next day in the village.
Mammoth staff has already been wearing DC snow gear, and snowboarders can expect to see DC branding and features in the Unbound Terrain Park in the next few months.
For more information on DC Snow and Mammoth Mountain please visit www.dcshoes.com/snow.
About DC: Founded by Ken Block and Damon Way in 1993, DC quickly grew to a leader in performance skateboarding shoes and renowned action sports brand. Today DC stands as a global brand whose product line has expanded to include men's, women's and kids' skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel, snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear, and accessories. As one of the cornerstones of its marketing strategy, DC has built a world-class team of professional skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, motocross and rally athletes that exemplify and enhance DC's brand, develop its signature products, and support its promotional efforts. DC is a subsidiary of Quiksilver, Inc.


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