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Sacramento, CA (PressExposure) December 17, 2009 -- Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas Shulman plans to recommend to the President and Treasury Secretary by the end of this year that income tax preparers need to be regulated by the federal government.
âBeauticians in most states have to be licensed, yet the majority of tax preparers nationwide, who handle one of the most important documents for consumers each year do not have to be educated or insured,â said Celeste Heritage, administrator for the California Tax Education Council (CTEC), which oversees a state requirement to register unlicensed tax preparers.
The IRS has been holding meetings with industry leaders, including CTEC and its enforcement partner, the Franchise Tax Board, for insight on establishing a federal standard. California, New York and Oregon are the only states that have set requirements for paid tax preparers; however, Maryland is also working to implement legislation it passed in 2008.
In California, anyone who prepares income tax returns for a fee and is not a licensed attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or IRS enrolled agent (EA) is required by law to register with CTEC. Each CTEC-registered tax preparer (CRTP) has to complete an educational requirement on tax laws and obtain a surety bond to protect clients against fraud.
According to the IRS, federal oversight of tax preparers is necessary in order to reduce fraud, improve compliance and close the tax gap. It is a proposal that does not seem to have much opposition other than how to fund it; however, CTEC believes there is a solution.
âCTEC is a good model because it has tax professionals regulate their own industry at no cost to the state,â said Alan Shattuck, CPA and CTEC board member.
Before CTEC was established in 1997, the California Department of Consumer Affairs managed the registration of tax preparers. To help save money without jeopardizing the protection of taxpayers, the state decided to privatize the program. Today CTEC is a nonprofit quasi-public benefit corporation that is run by a board of directors representing tax professionals, three staff members and is funded by CRTPs who pay an annual $25 registration fee.
âWe have an extremely useful program that can be used nationally,â said Heritage. âThe IRS should seriously look at CTEC and consider privatization.â
Last year CTEC registered more than 44,000 tax preparers. CPAs and CRTPs are the two largest tax preparer groups in California. Please visit http://www.ctec.org or call (877) 850-2832.
Contact: Gigi Campo PR Director California Tax Education Council (CTEC) Sacramento, CA 95812 cell:(916) 296-6913 Office: (916) 447-8229 email@example.com http://www.ctec.org/


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Are you visiting from out of town and want to get in a workout at CrossFit Full Potential? Visiting CrossFitters are always welcome in all of our group CrossFit classes.
If you are a current member at a CrossFit affiliate anywhere around the world, you can drop in to ANY of our CrossFit Group Classes.
Please email us before your stay if you are able to.
You should arrive 10-15 minutes early to meet the coaches and fill out waivers.
- Visiting for 1 Class: $20.
- Visiting for 1 week: $50.
- 10-Class Pass: $150.
- email email@example.com to coordinate your visit.

subset: commoncrawl


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After months of insane marketing and sheer, unavoidable hype which gave the impression Suicide Squad would be the smash hit the DCEU seriously needs, reviews for the David Ayer movie hit this week, and what happened next was savage. Even cast members such as Will Smith and Cara Delevingne couldn't resist responding to the critics. As of today, Suicide Squad actually has an inferior Metacritic score (42/100) to the widely-panned Batman v Superman. That's depressing.
Is Suicide Squad honestly a two-star movie? X-Men: Apocalypse faced many similar criticisms (though it did a touch better critically, at 52 on Metacritic) but turned out to be a hugely entertaining blockbuster. Was it perfect? Did we really need to see Psylocke posing like a stripper at Auschwitz? Probably not. But it felt like a comic book slapped onto the page in all of its chaotic glory, and taking a magnifying glass to the logic of the plot is kind of missing the point.
So, on the eve of Suicide Squad hitting theaters at long last, here are five rseasons you absolutely must check in with Harley Quinn and friends when Suicide Squad arrives this weekend.
1. It's Like Easter Came Early
What would a superhero movie be without a ton of Easter Eggs? Part of the experience is connecting the dots between what's happening in Midway City when Amanda Waller unleashes Task Force X, and what's happening elsewhere in the unseen corners of the DCEU. Batman v Superman referenced everything from the presence of The Riddler in Gotham City to Zorro, the very first American superhero movie.
I already wrote a guide to five Easter Eggs to keep watch for in Suicide Squad, but the truly committed, those who have consumed decades of DC Comics history and will most likely spot every veiled allusion to Poison Ivy or absent members of the squad, might prefer to go in blind and put their knowledge to the test. Two shoutouts have been confirmed already: Harley's iconic red-and-black jester suit (although sadly the Jersey girl won't actually be wearing it), and the fact that Captain Boomerang's long-time enemy The Flash will be the one to throw him into Belle Reve.
Assuming David Ayer knows his stuff, there'll be at least fifteen or twenty more Easter Eggs hidden away. How well do you know the DC Universe?
2. The DCEU Is Essentially The Batverse
Batman did not need to be in a film titled Suicide Squad, and arguably is only there because of his obvious box office draw and comic book fanboy appeal — but he is there, and that's an excellent thing because Ben Affleck's take on the Caped Crusader is the glue that will hold the entire DCEU together going forward. (He's also rumored to show up in Wonder Woman, and obviously takes the lead in Justice League.)
In fact, the DCEU could easily be referred to simply as the Batverse at this point. Bruce Wayne's vigilante alter-ego is arguably the most beloved superhero of all, but all of his cinematic outings so far have been self-contained stories (or a trilogy, in Nolan's case) which didn't leave much scope for exploring the Bat from the perspective of other heroes or villains in Gotham, Metropolis and beyond.
What we have now is a chance to explore everything around Batman: Arkham Asylum, his vast gallery of deliciously disturbed rogues, the filthy, crime-riddled streets of Gotham. The Batman mythos is so much more than the man himself, and that's the territory DC is now able to mine, making Batfleck's presence felt even when the man himself is lurking in the shadows. The DCEU may not yet have produced an epic as sprawling as The Dark Knight, but with Affleck in the director's chair for the upcoming solo Batventure, you'd best believe it's coming.
3. Amanda Waller Redefines The Evil Svengali
Marvel has a number of superbly talented serious actors doing God's work in the MCU (Samuel L. Jackson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton and, when Thor: Ragnarok hits, Cate Blanchett), but arguably none have the sheer gravitas of Viola Davis. As Amanda Waller, the MVP who brings the Squad together without a dime of concern for whether they live or die, the double Oscar nominee is quite simply the perfect marriage of actor and character.
When the dust settles on Suicide Squad, and whether we get a sequel or not, DC will have to find an excuse to bring the CIA agent back. Waller exudes murderous charisma, and although she describes her team of bad guys as "the worst of the worst", it's impossible to shake the suspicion that she is colder, more ruthless and more deadly than all of her puppets.
4. Straight-Up Heroes Have Become Boring
Put simply, superhero movies have reached an impasse. The bad guys of Captain America: Civil War and X-Men: Apocalypse were boring, which is a problem in a genre which needs villains for its heroes to have any purpose. (In DC's defense, boring is the one word that could never be used to describe the Lex Luthor of Batman v Superman.)
Suicide Squad is gleefully switching the entire, played-out good guy/bad guy dynamic on its head. There hasn't been a movie in this genre which really dives into what it is that makes the bad guys tick since, well, The Dark Knight.
Are Diablo, Boomerang, Deadshot and the rest of the crew truly "the worst of the worst"? Probably not. They're all recognisably human, but equally they've done bad things and probably will do again.
It's a truth universally acknowledged that superheroes who are just straight-up good have become dull, which is why Civil War and Batman v Superman went to such (sometimes misguided) pains to paint Captain America, Batman and Superman as morally corrupted by the very nature of being a "hero". Heroics are dead. It's about time we got to set up shop in the bad guys' lair.
5. You Know What The Last One Is...
I could spend all day raving about Amanda Waller or Batman, but let's face it — the star attraction here is the Clown Princess of Crime. Yep, Margot Robbie's breakout turn as Harley Quinn is the stuff of wet dreams for DC fans who probably never thought they'd see the Joker's on-off girlfriend tear up the big screen with a pair of skimpy shorts and a baseball bat. Harley is already a cult icon, and this is her movie.
So, there you have it: 5 reasons to dive into your wallet and head for the theater this weekend. Suicide Squad is a bit like hanging out with those mates from the year above you at school. You know they're trouble, but they're so much more fun than your usual friends, so you roll with them for an hour or two, break some shit, and then marvel in how good it feels to be bad — if only for a night.
Suicide Squad hits theaters tomorrow, Friday August 5.


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BFP wishes CAME true - Thread Two!(1000 Posts)
Thought I may as well start this given I'll be around for another (hopefully) 14ish weeks Hope I've not crossed posts with anyone!
Ooh good luck when!! Waiting with bated breath!! X
How are you feeling now when??
Exciting, I hope it's the real thing! X
Oh when hopefully it's the real deal and you'll have your baby in your arms soon ;)
My growth scan yesterday showed head down, average size baby so all go for a natural birth and the consultant was so lovely, I told her I lost my dad and that his birthday is my due date. She said I can go in the day before if I like for a sweep to get things moving and maybe baby will be born on the due date. Thought that was lovely of her
Oh wee that's so sweet, I'm actually crying reading your lovely post. Due on your dads birthday, I bet he would have loved that. The sweep really could work, I had mine yesterday and I am pretty sure I'm in labour. All be it a very slow drawn out one.
Been having contractions since 8pm last night but they aren't really progressing very much. Still I've just had my bloody show so something's happening.
Thanks for the posts ladies, I think this could end up being a bit of a lengthy job.
aww that's so lovely wee. Do think you will?
I'm getting excited for you when. I hope once it gets going it moves quickly for you. Not too quick though! Good luck!
Ahhh wee that would be magical wouldn't it, There are some lovely midwives out there arnt there
When how was your other labour? Fast/ long? Sounds like all the signs are there, did you get much sleep?
Ooooo I'm pulling up a chair! Fx for a quick labour when hopefully things speed up tonight...you'll have a baby in your arms soon
Aww I welled up reading your post too wee really sweet of the consultant and how nice it would be to have baby on the same day as your dads birthday
I'd put that chair back red I'm pretty sure I'm in labour but this looks like it could take a while.
kitty last labour was long, 36 hours from waters going till birth but my contractions hadn't started when my waters went.
This time I'm contracting but don't seem to be progressing much. I have had a bloody show, in fact I just got more of it just now. That's making me think I've hardly dilated at all yet this baby really doesn't seem to want to be born.
<sigh!> puts chair back
when if it helps my friend had a bloody show and her contractions really sped up over night after the show and she had the baby by 10am. She was in slow labour for 48 hours before the bloody show....
How are you doing when? Hope you got some sleep or a baby x
Hi red hi kitty thingy
I got both sleep and a baby. Baby Nathaniel was born at 2.20am. I'll be back with the birthing story later (short version is it took ages and ages and then it all happened really quickly).
Congratulations when - nathaniel is a lovely name! Hope you and baby are doing well... come back and tell us about it all after you have rested!
So happy for you
Congratulations! I can't believe how quickly that happened! Like you my other two labours took days, I hope this one is as quick as yours.
Nathaniel is a great name. Hope you're getting lots of rest.
Ah when that's great sounds like it wasn't too bad if you managed abit of sleep ( disclaimer as not bad as it can be?!) can't wait to see pictures, I love the name too
Congratulations when!!! Great name too
Hi guys, you know I love a good birthing story well here is Nathaniels.
I had a sweep on Monday as I was 40+1. I started getting contractions at 8pm. Tried to get some sleep at 11pm but they hurt too much to sleep (tbh I think I was just a bit too excited to sleep). I left dh in bed so he could sleep and went and watched tv.
By 5.30am I was knackered and managed to sleep for an hour or two. I spent the rest of Tuesday in labour but it was a bit odd, if I was at all upright it was really painful but if I lay on my side the contractions eased off a bit and I could rest a little. The whole time contractions were every 5 mins.
I had my show on Tuesday, by 10.30pm I was passing blood so we went to the hospital to get checked out. On the car journey there the pain ramped up quite a bit.
Got to thr hospital at 11.30pm the midwife examined me and said I was only 3 cms dilated and the reason I was in a lot of pain was that he was back to back. She said she would normally send me home but felt I needed something a bit stronger for the pain (I had cocodemol).
By 1.15am I was begging for more drugs but the midwife wouldn't give me any. By 1.45pm I begged again as it really hurt like hell. Was told to go in the shower and relax (this did fuck all except maybe distracted me a bit).
At some point I started pushing in the shower and my waters went, dh got the midwife. Who told me she wanted to feel my stomach for contractions. At this point midwife and dh were talking about using pethidine or remifentin to help, I was ignoring them both and pushing.
I just demanded gas and air and crawled onto the bed in a kind of upright position. Thankfully midwife was getting the gas and air at this point, 1 minute after she set up the gas and air she noticed she could see the babys head and Nate was born three pushes later.
The whole thing was really surreal, I thought I was only about 4 cms dilated and being a complete wimp about the pain to suddenly giving birth within minutes.
It wasn't fun but the recovery is going well. Because I had no drugs I seem to be recovering that bit quicker. Most people have commented that I look really well considering I just gave birth. I was able to potter around the house making dinner and doing a bit of washing up.
Sorry for the essay. I love telling birthing stories almost as much as I love hearing them.
Ahhh I love a good birth story when! You should copy and paste and keep it for him, a friend I know has done hers for a mw journal and included finding out she was pg and how she felt etc, it's lovely
All without drugs you clever girl! Man I hate mw refusing then though, it really drives me mad, why should you have to demand them, I had to about 5 times before she realised I wasn't going to change my mind, that and I said whatever you say I won't change my mind lol just seen your pic too, he is gorgeous absolutely gorgeous!!
I love reading birth stories! I cannot believe the midwife - just give out the drugs man!!!
I laughed at midwife and dh were talking about using pethidine or remifentin to help, I was ignoring them both and pushing this is exactly what I would do if they ever tried to give me pethidine
Did you feel the urge to push in the shower when? Or did you have to forcefully push in the shower to break the waters! Sorry personal question but I am just curious and surely you must be fully dilated to get the baby out?
I am not on fb are you able to put a pic on your MN profile?
I don't know if I would describe the shower pushing as an urge to push. It was more it really hurt and pushing reduced the pain.
When I got on the bed then I had an overwhelming almost uncontrollable urge to push. It's funny I didn't have the same urge to push with dd at all and I have a friend with two boys. She had no urge to push with the first but did with the second.
when congratulations!! I realised I hadn't been on for a little while so thought I'd update and catch up, only to realise I've been missing all the excitement of your birth!! Oh I love a birth story, brought a tear to my eye especially as mine is getting so close now. Lovely name and it's reassuring me you that managed to do it without epidural etc. What's cocodemol, I haven't heard of that one?
I'm all good, a week and a half to mat leave, have a cold and get ridiculously tired at the moment (and our DIY project still isn't finished) but all well otherwise - had my 36 midwife app this morning and the baby is head down, yay. Not ready for it to come yet (as it's too early, we have too much stuff to do around the house and my legs urgently need a wax) but it's nice to know it's lining itself up for the exit!
Oh and when I'm listening to hypnobirthing CDs, which is all a bit hippy, but someone recommended it and it's always talking about listening to your body, no one knows your body better than you do and the baby knows best etc - sounds like that's what you did with the pushing even though they didn't know you were ready?
Have also read everyone else's posts though and maybe I'm crazy for secretly hoping I can do it with just gas and air? Not because I want a medal, purely because I'm wondering if my body will do it better if it isn't drugged up? Don't get me wrong, I am more than happy to change my mind on this when the pain kicks in
alex couldn't have put it better myself. I really want to go down the water birth / gas and air route and it's reassuring to know when that you were up and doing normal things after birth even on just gas and air.
I am hoping I don't need the epidural but I have no idea what my pain tolerance level is
How are you and baby doing when?
Hi red we are doing ok thanks. How are you getting on?
Baby only lost 3 ounces in 5 days which I was really pleased at. I was lucky my milk only took 2.5 days to come in. It's been a bit tricky with illnesses. Baby is fine but dh and I came down with a cold the day after the birth (not really bad but not needed).
Then dd caught it. It's keeping her up all night with croup and then she's beyond cranky in the day. She seems to be over the worst of it though.
We have been really lucky with Nate, health wise the only thing wrong with him is slightly dry skin and he sleeps very well for a newborn. Dd got colic at 5 days old, compared to her he is a dream baby (it is early days though, still time for it to all go wrong)
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Anse des Cayes Wind Statistics, April averages since 2006
This image describes how commonly and how strongly the wind blows from different directions over a normal April. The largest spokes point in the directions the wind most commonly blows from and the shade of blue suggests the strength, with dark blue showing the strongest winds. It is based on 2160 NWW3 forecasts of wind since since 2007, at 3hr intervals, for the closest NWW3 model node to Anse des Cayes, located 19 km away (12 miles). There are not enough recording stations world wide to use actual wind data. Without question some coastal places have very localized wind effects that would not be predicted by NWW3.
According to the model, the most common wind at Anse des Cayes blows from the NE. If the rose graph shows a fairly circular pattern, it means there is no strong bias in wind direction at Anse des Cayes. On the other hand, dominant spokes show favoured directions, and the more the darkest shade of blue, the stronger the wind. Spokes point in the direction the wind blows from. During a typical April, the model suggests that winds are light enough for the sea to be glassy (light blue) about 4% of the time (1 days each April) and blows offshore just 8% of the time (1 days in an average April). Over an average April wind stronger than >40kph (25mph) was predicted for only a single days at Anse des Cayes
IMPORTANT: Beta version feature! Swell heights are open water values from NWW3. There is no attempt to model near-shore effects. Coastal wave heights will generally be less, especially if the break does not have unobstructed exposure to the open ocean.


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Candy and Ryan talk about 'House Rules'4:08
Charlotte Willis from news.com.au talks to Candy and Ryan from 'House Rules' about their relationship and experience on the show.
STRATEGIC scoring, faux allies, backstabbing and bitchiness — all traits of some of reality televisions' most notorious villains.
But just how far can this take-no-prisoners tactic take them?
With House Rules quickly heating up on Channel 7 — beating rival The Voice with more than 1.65 million viewers Monday night — Tassie duo Grant and Brooke have emerged as this season's baddies.
The scheming pair has admitted to scoring strategically to save their own skins, refuse to help fellow contestants and are often shown firing up at each other on screen.
Mother-of-seven Brooke was even described by Victorian contestant Lisa as a nasty girl and a "piece of work".
NSW duo Candy and Ryan were on the receiving end of Grant and Brooke's harsh scoring earlier this week, being awarded a dismal five out of 10 from the pair. The young couple admit the brutal score came as a shock.
"It really hurt to cop it ... you pour your heart and your soul into these renovations and to come off getting a five after getting such high scores, it hurt," 29-year-old Ryan told news.com.au. "We understand why they did what they did, but at the same time it's hard to swallow. They were just saving their own tail to keep them with a chance within the competition."
Candy added diplomatically: "And every show needs a villain."
Brooke and Grant announced at the start of the competition that they weren't in it "to make friends", but so far their cutthroat strategy has failed to change the leaderboard, with the Tassie duo sitting in last place.
One thing is for sure, the odds aren't in the Tassie devils' favour to last long in the House Rules competition.
Here are five reasons why:
1) Just look at the last season of Seven's My Kitchen Rules. Perth duo Chloe and Kelly made an early beeline for the role of the villains, callously critiquing their rivals' dishes, taking aim at others across the table and making exaggerated facial expressions that were turned into internet gifs.
Despite being unquestionably talented in the kitchen and often impressing judges Pete and Manu with their daring dishes, the "well travelled" ladies failed to find favour with fellow contestants or viewers and they were defeated by SA mums Bree and Jessica in the grand final.
Twins put the heat on Chloe and Kelly0:22
Twins Helena and Vikki throw down the gauntlet to bitchy Perth rivals Chloe and Kelly after receiving three perfect 10s on Sunday's My Kitchen Rules. Courtesy: Channel Seven
2) Last year's season of Big Brother delivered many frontrunners to play the role of resident baddie — Tully Smyth, who was cheating on her girlfriend with housemate Drew, the cunning Tim Dormer, who went on to be crowned the winner for 2013 — but it was brunette beauty Tahan who was the real villain.
The third place finisher spent her days in the house relentlessly tormenting the 'Sugar Sisters' Katie and Lucy, breaking Big Brother's house rules and warring with Jade.
But despite being Queen of the strategic voting, ultimately she wasn't able to outwit Tim Dormer to claim the $250,000 cash prize.
3) Against all odds, twins Alisa and Lysandra emerged as the villains on The Block this year. The talented duo appealed to the media, insisting that they had been portrayed unfairly by producers and labelled the judges "bullies".
After winning The Block: Sky High in 2013 and taking home a cool $395,000, the Fraser sisters were favourites to nab victory again this year. But Chantelle and Steve surprised everyone (most of all the twins) when they came from behind to steal the win at auction.
4) My Kitchen Rules contestant Sophia 'Babes' Pou from 2013 will go down as one of the most polarising villains we've seen on Aussie television.
But the eye-rolling, scene-stealing and venom-splashing gatecrasher maintained that she was proud of her controversial behaviour on the show and lashed out at anyone who slammed her on social media.
Pou certainly knew her way around the kitchen, but she and bestie Ashlee Pham ended up being ousted from the competition after undercooking their steamed pork buns.
5) Channel 10's first season of The Bachelor introduced 25 ruthless single ladies but it was the super keen Ali Oetjen who had everyone talking.
The 27-year-old real estate agent from Adelaide seemed to have Tim Robards wrapped around her little finger from the moment she stepped out of the limo, and was the first girl to snag a smooch from the hunky bachelor.
With her doe-eyed looks, declarations of love and damsel in distress act, Ali was a force to be reckoned with and was instantly disliked by the other ladies. But viewers were shocked when she was given her marching orders by Robards, leaving just Rochelle and Anna to battle it out for the final rose.
Can you recall any villains who have taken out a reality TV show? Has it been done before?


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A Gift of Life and Death
by Mad Scientist Journal • April 10, 2017 • Fiction • 0 Comments
An essay by Mira Delmer, as provided by Caroline von Schmalensee
Art by Shannon Legler
Last night, everything changed. I'd got to the bit where I tell Roland about how I met his father when, out of the deep blue, he said, "But Kraken's a myth. He's not real."
He's six–it could have happened at any time. I knew one day he'd start to question my stories. There's no room for Kraken on land; humans don't believe in such creatures.
My face went cold and tingly, my eyes filled with tears. "He was mythic, alright," I said, voice too deep in my throat, "but not how you think. No one has caught him on camera, sweetling, that doesn't mean he doesn't exist. Mm. Mythic. That's the word."
I went on with the story, but Roland wasn't really listening, and I sank into a sea of memories, quietly mourning the boy he had been and the telling of our tale. I had lost my son to a world I have no place in. "He doesn't exist"–what a thing to say about your father. The implication is clear: I, as I was when we met, didn't exist either. I'm a liar.
When Roland was younger, he stuck to the script that proved we belonged not to the world outside, but to each other.
"So how did you meet my father?" he would ask.
No, that's not where the tale starts. It goes like this:
"Once upon a time," I'd begin, "there was a mermaid who lived in the deep, deep sea. That was me."
Roland had the most beautiful smile. Sitting on the side of his bed, I'd stroke his head, marvelling at the heat of him against my much cooler hands. We'd worked out a routine, a way for both of us to tell the tale. The next line was his.
"Were you a princess?"
"No, sweetheart, nothing so fancy. I was just a normal, drop-dead-gorgeous mermaid, one among, oh, hundreds."
"Did you have long hair?"
"I had very long hair, much longer than now, of a glossier gold."
I miss the hair. If you had asked me, before, I wouldn't have guessed that I would. Except the hair I have now is not the same. Back then, my hair was longer, smoother, more gold than straw in colour. Still, some nights, if I've had a bad day, I'll hide Roland and me in a tent of hair. If I close my eyes, I can imagine that it still smells of salt and fish oil. Sitting in a hair tent is like looking out at the world from inside a thicket of pale seaweed. It makes everything look friendlier, less threatening. We're here, my boy and I, safe, despite the air all around us.
"What did you do all day?" Roland would ask next.
"I did what mermaids do: I combed my hair, gambolled in the breaking waves, and sang to passing sailors. My sisters and I would swim with the dolphins–if they weren't too frisky, dolphins are naughty animals. Or we'd chase sharks or cruise with whales."
Here I'd pause, put my hands to my chest, and add "I liked singing to sailors the best" with a coy smile.
"Was that how you met my father?" was Roland's next question.
"In a way, my wee sprat. But he wasn't human."
I'd turn solemn, eyes serious, mouth unsmiling.
"We live like humans now, and you'll grow up to be one, but that's not what I wanted when I was young. My lover was Kraken, a majestic creature with a solid, muscular body, and arms that could wrap around and sink a sailing boat. His skin shifted in all the colours of the rainbow, and he had eyes the size of my head."
Roland's little blue eyes would be round with amazement.
"Tell me about Kraken!" is what he'd say, the day before yesterday, while he still believed.
"Your wish is my command. Kraken's squid-like–" I can't help but smile when talking about Kraken; the very thought of him warms the cockles of my heart. "–only much more handsome, larger, more intelligent, and oh so strong! He is the most amazing creature I have ever encountered. So smooth, so full of life and will."
"I was charming a sailor, swimming around his boat, singing to him, showing a little bit of shoulder, a little bit of a smile." I'd give Roland a taste of the smile, famous in my father's court. There, it sparkled. I still have a great smile, but it's lost something in the translation to human flesh. It can turn the heads of men and women alike, but I rarely use it for that purpose. What can they give me, other than food? We have nothing in common. I tried making friends with some of the mothers at Roland's nursery, thinking the burning love of our offspring would help tie a lasting bond. It didn't. Their chatter bores me; they find me weird.
"The sailor was leaning over the water, holding on to the rigging of his little ship and gazing at me, eyes deep with longing. I knew it was just a question of time before he jumped. I dove under the boat and called to him, making him scamper across the deck to see more of me."
It doesn't take much to recall that day: the fresh scent of salt on the air, the smell of plastic and varnish clouding around the boat, the softness of the breeze tickling my skin. It was a golden day.
"I was raising my upper body up out of the water, standing on my tail, draping my golden hair around me, when something moved in the water. The sailor gasped and fell back. Two tentacles flanked me, moving with me, like dancers copying my movements, one on either side. They were pearly white, with just a hint of pink, a perfect match to my skin."
It had been a beautiful sight. I was deeply flattered by the gesture. Who wouldn't be?
"I'd seen him around, as a shadow in the deep, far away in the murk, a muscular shape flitting through the water. We danced for a few seconds. Then I dove down to see him. His body was under the boat, and when I came near, he pulled his arms close and flushed a beautiful deep rose. Then, in a second, he was away, changing his skin to all the colours of water. I followed. He led me deeper than I'd ever been, tantalising me with his shape and colour. Then he stopped. I swam close to him, stroked his forehead, lay my body along his. He stroked me with his tentacles, first gently, then more passionately. Our courtship was short but intense."
I'd stop there, reel myself back from the memory and take a deep, abridging breath.
"We married. That very night."
Kids don't need all the details.
Roland and I would smile at each other and applaud the union. It's my favourite part of the tale, a moment of pure happiness.
"In the sea, marriage isn't like it is here. We didn't set up house, cling limpet-like to each other. We lived at different depths and ate different foods, had our own lives. We simply loved each other."
Truth is, I still love Kraken. The sweetness has turned to bitterness, but it's love all the same.
"We'd meet every evening in the mid-depths to talk, hunt, and dance. Some nights I'd sing, and he'd illustrate my songs with his tentacles. It was magical. We enjoyed each other's company–each other–more than I can say. Our joy was complete. We were happy all day, looking forward to meeting, and blissful all evening, together in the swell of love."
It was up to Roland to break the mood. "But it couldn't last."
With a sorrowful shake of my head, I'd agree. "No, it couldn't. Kraken is his own lord; he does whatever he wants. I was a mermaid. My life was lived at the whim of my father. And he wanted to use me to form an alliance with a nearby lord. One of my sisters told him I had married, dashing his political plans."
"She was a snake!" Roland would hiss, scrunching up his face and sticking his tongue out like the cutest little water snake. He always made me laugh.
"Indeed, she was a viper, a serpent, a traitor most foul."
I had other names for her, names I didn't share. She'd petitioned our father for marriage to her sweetheart seven times, each time receiving a rejection. Not that I cared: I didn't like her much either. My sister didn't like me in the first place, and when she found out about me and Kraken, she exploded. Our mutual antipathy sent her straight to dad, tittle-tattling.
"Oh, he was furious! Beside himself!" I'd screw up my face into a ferocious mask, showing sharp teeth, making claws of my hands. "In a fit of rage, Father sent his men to kill Kraken. My husband and I were chasing orca, diving from warm top waters to chilly depths, herding a pod towards their doom. Suddenly we were surrounded by fierce mermen, poking us with tridents and churning the water to show their displeasure. Kraken grabbed one after one, squeezing and shaking, before dropping them, unconscious or turning to jelly and glass."
"Glass like this?" Roland would ask and hold up his favourite toy.
His toy is special to both of us. It's the size of my fist, its surface is smooth with shallow ridges running top to bottom. It's transparent and cool to the touch. Underneath the surface, four chambers show, each opening out into a tube on the surface. It's a heart. I've told Roland it's the heart of a sea-serpent, a ferocious foe.
"Exactly like that."
I haven't touched it for years. If Roland held it too close to me, I'd nudge his hand away, and he'd tuck under the duvet.
"Many sea creatures melt into jelly and glass when they die, that's why so few sea-serpents and merfolk wash up on human shores. We become sand: mermaid hearts and bones ground to powder by time and tide."
It's a fact. Oh yes, it's made up of ground down rocks and bits of shell too. If you look closely, through a microscope, you'll see grains of surpassing clarity. They are tiny pieces of my kind.
"That fight was the last time but one that I saw my husband. My father's men couldn't hurt Kraken. But they could hurt me. They caught me and took me back to my father's court in the city of pearls."
At this point, my eyes would glisten with tears. Even after all this time, it hurts me to think of what my father did to me.
"The king didn't bother with a hearing; he summarily banished me to the land. A vile potion was forced down my throat, and the scales fell from my tail, the bones splitting and changing until I had these lumpy things."
To Roland, and anyone else, these legs of mine look as good as any human legs: strong, long, and softly rounded. To me, they are a hideous disfigurement. I never wear trousers: why would I emphasise the unsightly split? I like my skirts long enough to hide my feet.
"The worst was when my gills closed. I only just made it to the surface, gasping like the fish I had been, unable to swim properly, every breath burning my lungs, strange noises coming from my throat. Luckily, I was picked up by a passing sailboat. It was the sailor I flirted with the day I met your father. He didn't recognise me. Everything about me had changed: my hair had fallen out, my skin had gone sallow, and I had legs."
"Poor Mummy," Roland would say and stroke my hair. My misery was making him sad too; it was time to sing a cheerier tune.
"It wasn't all bad–" I'd smile and kiss him. "–because I took you with me out of the sea. I arrived on land with a boy in my belly, and that boy was you. The potion I took also changed you. And here we are."
What happened to me after I reached the surface wasn't something I included in the tale. There's a point when honesty turns to cruelty. I have a version ready for when Roland is fully grown, if he asks, and if he wants to listen.
The sailor who found me took me to land, where I got medical treatment. It didn't take me long to pick up the local language–mermaids are good at mimicry. They didn't know what to do with me: I didn't fit the description of any missing person, and I didn't know who I was. There was no point telling them where I came from, because they couldn't help me back there. I was in exile. The confusion I showed was real. After a period on a psyche ward, I was released into what they call "the care of the community." I was on my own, eight months pregnant. I was scared of giving birth–I'd seen whales calf. What an inelegant baby delivery system! That's not how my species delivered our young.
I had expected to deliver an egg–one perfect, heart-sized egg, round as an octopus' eye with two sinuous tendrils, one at either end, that I'd use to fasten it to a rock or seaweed, somewhere warm and safe. I'd visit the egg every day, croon to it and caress it, until, one day, my baby broke the membrane and swam out into my arms.
Instead, I sat on a sofa in a social housing flat, caressing and crooning to my belly. Every day I got a little bigger, and my fear grew a little more urgent. I tried to be calm: I was stuck on land, forever banished from the sea. I had to make the best of the situation, and the best was the safe delivery of my child.
I gave birth in the bathroom, on the floor, with much heaving and groaning, screaming and wailing. After a muscle-ripping push, Roland slid out of me like a pup out of a seal cow, in one smooth motion. I gathered him to me, crying at his human ugliness, and fell asleep suckling him.
The next day, after cleaning up myself and the bathroom, I swaddled Roland in a T-shirt and dressed. I walked down to the harbour, to the very end of the pier, where the water was at its deepest. There I sat down, holding Roland in my arms and calling for his father. All day I called, pitching my voice at a register that would travel far in water.
Some of the fishermen tried to get me to go home. I looked like a mad woman, clutching my baby, keening at the horizon. I think they worried I'd hurt myself or Roland. Deep inside, some of them recognised me for what I was. They were men of the sea, after all. I answered their questions politely, accepted gifts of tea and fish, but refused to move. Eventually they left me alone.
The sun went down and the moon rose. I stayed where I was, calling.
He came.
Dark tentacles rose from the water. Outlined in moon silver, they undulated like dancing mermaids in the greeting he had especially for me. It made me cry to see him so close.
My body had changed, but my tastes had not adjusted to its new form. They never will. Kraken remains the most beautiful creature in my world and, that night, I missed him with an intensity that wiped away the aches and pains of my labour. I wanted to dive into the water, into Kraken's arms. I looked into his big eyes, just visible where they reflected the moonlight from under the green-black water. I'd seen his eyes in moonlight before but never from this side of the surface. I cried harder, anointing our child's brow with nacreous tears.
I unwrapped Roland and held him out over the water so his father could see him. The moonlight made his skin shine herring-belly white.
All my pain, my sadness, I kept from Roland. How he met his father, and how he got the heart, I was happy to tell.
"Kraken rose closer to the surface, raising a tentative tentacle towards you. He'd brought you a gift. I had to snuggle you into the crook of my arm to receive it in my other hand."
Roland would bring out the toy again, and we'd look at it. Intricate and strong, it glittered coolly in the light of Roland's blue reading lamp, the light seeming to pool in its chambers.
I remember lifting the heart so clearly, water drops like roe clinging to its surface. It beat–once, twice. I gasped and looked at Kraken. The movement was a message. Merfolk are magic. Even in my changed form, the heart recognised a direct blood relation, parent or child. There was only one heart it could be.
"Thank you," I sang to my husband, squeezing the glass heart in triumph. "Thank you!"
I haven't touched the heart with my bare skin since that day. I know who it is; Roland doesn't need to. He has to grow up to altogether softer feelings than the rage I brought with me out of the sea. I gave the heart to him, watched him cuddle and gnaw it, like babies do, then play with it as he grew.
In a way, the heart is the end of the story. It is the lesson I want Roland to take with him when goes to his own life. And yet, because of where we live now, it is a lesson I can't allow myself to teach him. Instead, the tale ends with singing.
"We stayed there, looking into each other's eyes, me singing, Kraken dancing, until the first ray of the sun touched the bay with gold. It was a sad farewell but it had to be. He loved you so much," I'd assure Roland, stroking his head to feel his life under my palms. "I know he wished he could be with us."
We'd hug, and I'd sing him to sleep.
"There is no greater gift of love," goes the song, "than a gift of life and death."
I'd repeat those words, varying the melody, until Roland's eyes closed and his breathing deepened. Every night for six years I'd leave him sleeping, his cheek resting on his grandfather's still heart, and close the door behind me.
I won't tell the tale again, not tonight, not tomorrow. That chapter of our lives is closed. But maybe I'll still sing.
Six years ago, Mira Delmer was banished from the Oyster Court by her father for marrying Kraken. Since her exile, she's been building a home for herself and her son, Roland, on land. Mira has difficulty fitting into human society but does her best to ensure Roland will grow up a happy, normal boy. She's currently exploring employment opportunities as a professional story teller.
Caroline von Schmalensee lives in Edinburgh, Scotland. A technical writer by day, she writes fiction in her free time. Caroline writes urban fantasy and makes forays into fairytale and horror. Her short stories can be found in New Writing Scotland, The Seven Wonders of Scotland, The Scotsman, FREAKCircus, and online. She's working on her first novel.
Caroline writes about writing at carolinevonschmalensee.com.
Shannon's professional title is "illustrator," but that's just a nice word for "monster-maker," in this case. More information about them can be found at http://shannonlegler.
"A Gift of Life and Death" is © 2017 Caroline von Schmalensee
Art accompanying story is © 2017 Shannon Legler


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Being low or depressed should not be a problem to commit suicide. It is not the end of the world. Instead, learn to find out ways to come out of such situations. Here, in this article, we are about to share some of the most chilling murder and suicide cases that literally shook the world.
Find out about these chilling cases where people have found the only solution to all their problems; and that being "SUICIDE"! But one needs to remember that suicide is not the only solution and things can get sorted, as there is nothing in this world that has no solution.
Also Read: Here's Why Toilet Papers Are Being Replaced By Water?
Check out these murder cases and the reasons for which people have committed suicide. We're sure you would be enraged to find that these people killed innocent members of their family and finally suicided for some of the reasons that could probably have a solution.
The Mother Who Jumped To Death With Her Son...
A 33-year-old woman jumped to death with her son in her arms, as she was depressed that her rhinoplasty was unsuccessful. She believed that her nostrils were over-sized and it meant that she could no longer smile. Sad, isn't it!
Baby Who Survived A Bullet For 3 Days!
An Argentinian couple who thought that the world was ending due to global warming decided to end their lives and they wanted to protect their kids from a terrible end, and hence shot their 2 kids and themselves. The 7-month-old survived the shot and was fighting for 3 long days, until the police found her. She is doing fine now!
Also Read: Why Indian Currency Has Gandhiji's Picture?
Father Abducted And Killed His 2 Sons
Christopher Cadenbach shot his two sons and turned the gun towards himself as well. Apparently, he was wanted by the police on a $100,000 domestic violence arrest warrant.
Father Who Called 911 To Report Deaths
Lance Buckley called 911 and said that he wanted to report 3 murders and a suicide. By the time the police had arrived at the scene, Lance was found dead with his wife and two daughters. The reason for this bizarre end was not established.
Millionaire Who Murdered His Wife & Jumped To Death
A husband and wife were found dead at separate locations. The woman's body was found in the house, while the millionaire jumped off from a cliff in front of many sightseeing visitors. The police officers believe that he had killed his wife before jumping to death.


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Sprayglo Fort Walton Beach
Featured Business
A Glowing Auto Paint4221 W Hwy 98
Panama City, FL 32401
56.8 miles away
"Jesse said they did a good job. He saw the sign outdoors. They did what they said they would and he's..."
Review for Sprayglo Fort Walton Beach
David C. on 08/06/2011
David said he was completely satisfied with the quality of the repair service, except for 1 minor issue. Yesterday, he discovered a run in the paint surface on the bottom of the driver's side door. The run is about 10-12 inches, and it is a wavy line of drops. He hasn't spoken with a representative, however he plans on bringing his vehicle to the business next week. He requested to speak with Chris regarding the issue. His repair service was completed 1 day earlier than promised. He was pleased with everything, except the minor issue.
Category: Collision
Review Created: 08/06/2011


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A new survey asked people for the most ridiculous excuse they'd ever used to get out of working out. Here are the five best:
1. "I couldn't go to the gym because my psychic said I was going to get a call from an old flame."
2. "I just did an eating contest and I can't move."
3. "I slipped a disc putting on running socks."
4. "I couldn't find a parking space at the gym so I didn't go in."
5. "I was about to go, but my roommate had a coupon for 50% off at Dominos."
This story was originally reported by FemaleFirst
Remember to listen to "Mercedes In The Morning" Monday through Friday from 5am to 10am and check us out on social media:
Twitter: @MercedesInTheAM
Instagram: @MercedesInTheAM
Facebook: Facebook.com/mercedesandjc


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Looking for your daily fix of Ohio High School Sports? You've found it. Continuing today, JJHuddle is proud to bring you a DAILY COMPILATION of Ohio's top high school sports stories from around the State. We have a collection of media feeds from news organizations around Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati and more…) all collected in one place for your easy viewing and access. Where else in one place are you going to find this information? No where.
Akron-area news headlines
Athens-area news headlines
Canton-area news headlines
- Stark-area high school results for April 18 April 19, 2017
- Hoover boys tennis team answers questions in 3-2 win over Jackson April 19, 2017
- Stark-area schools to have strong presence at North-South All-Star basketball games April 18, 2017
- Nate Mullens, William Rose swim personal bests at Pro Series meet April 18, 2017
- A night to celebrate the Jackson boys basketball 'family' April 18, 2017
Cincinnati-area news headlines
Cleveland-area news headlines
Columbus-area news headlines
- High school baseball | Area leaders April 18, 2017
- Expanded high school track honor roll April 17, 2017
- High schools | Athletes of the Week April 15, 2017
- High schools | Coffman's Dom Demas is area wrestler of year April 15, 2017
- High schools | Weekly wrap April 15, 2017


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Free Shipping over $50* 1.866.550.1455
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Arcade The Nomad Belt
Part of the Arcade Adventure series, the Nomad Belt is a stretchy, durable, and comfortable belt that's TSA friendly for all you adventure and truth seekers out there. Arcade looked at one of the most overlooked, yet important accessories we wear everyday and came up with this: belts with comfortable stretch materials, and simple yet durable buckles. If you follow storms, shred pools, chase waves, or just thirst for adventure, odds are you're going to appreciate Arcade belts.
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Matt Brassington
Lead Creative, Bath
With over 3 years experience working across various creative disciplines, Matt specialises in producing engaging content—combining creative design with digital technologies to communicate messages effectively. Since joining MPC, Matt has overseen the production of film, animation, photography, infographics and web/ mobile design, to aid the consultation process.
Matt holds a degree in Art & Design from the University of Leeds, where he was design editor for the student newspaper.
Highlight at MPC? Producing a promotional video for a client at the Formula E championships in London (with an access all areas pass!)
Did you know? Matt is a morris dancer (no joke), and has toured nationally & internationally as a member of Morris Offspring—the next generation of dancers!


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The NHL trade deadline is just days away and the Chicago Blackhawks are still looking for a defenseman. As previously reported, the Hawks have interest in Colorado's Matt Hunwick, Edmonton's Ladislav Smid, and Buffalo's Steve Montador. League sources confirm the Hawks are looking at two other defensemen, including Tampa Bay's Brett Clark.
The Hawks had interest in Boston's Mark Stuart before he was traded to Atlanta.
Buffalo's Craig Rivet has entered the picture as well now that he's going through the re-entry waiver process. With a salary cap hit of $2.6 million, he was too pricey for the Hawks. Through re-entry, he can be had for half that amount which fits into the Hawks' budget.
ESPN.com's Pierre Lebrun is reporting Hawks defenseman Nick Boynton is on waivers which could further indicate general manager Stan Bowman is close to making a move. Sending Boynton out would clear some extra space for a new acquisition.
All reported players, except for Clark, have expiring contracts and have salary cap hits between approximately $1 million and $1.5, believed to be within the Hawks' budget. Clark is signed through next year for $1.3 million with a cap hit of $1.5 million.
The deadline for making trades is 2 p.m. CT on Monday.


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Dominican Republic: Information on whether it would be standard practice for the armed forces to prevent a prominent athlete who was an army recruit but joined voluntarily in 1989, from being discharged upon completion of his military service, and whether extrajudicial measures (jailings, murder, torture) would be taken against army deserters
1 August 1996 | Publisher: Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada | Document type: Query Responses


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All Android applications categories
The official Rasha Entertainment mobile app lets you view pictures, watch videos, and stay connected to the latest updates from Rahiem Shabazz!
Rahiem Shabazz is the owner of the Rasha Media Group Inc., specializing in the areas of filmmaking, screenwriting talent relations, strategic marketing and writing prolific non-fiction prose.
The gifted writer, editor and copywriter's byline has been spotted on the pages of The Source, Rolling Out, Break Magazine, Ozone Magazine, XXL Magazine, Urban Enterprise Magazine, AllHipHop.com and on TV with Black Entertainment Television, Starz In Black, Yashin TV, Rule Hollywood and Hoodz DVDs.
Shabazz has interviewed an array of celebrities and executives including media maven Tyler Perry, hip hop legend 50 Cent and entertainment icon Magic Johnson. He has also scribed biographies for many other artists.
In his 10 years of entertainment experience Shabazz has served as Managing Editor of Urban Enterprise Magazine and Writer-At-Large for Industry Status Magazine.
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text: What is your favorite Halloween music? What do you like to play at parties, to scare trick or treaters, or to just otherwise get you in the mood for Halloween. I'll start. Here are 2 songs that I love during this time of year.... [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kg5NdwH8zE"]The Omen Theme - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vtsKGzGVK4"]Michael Myers Theme Song - YouTube[/ame]


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The New York Times
June 9, 2009
The detainment of two Current TV employees, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, have been shrouded in secrecy by the television channel.
[efoods]The start-up cable channel, co-founded by Al Gore, the former vice president, has steadfastly refused to comment about Ms. Ling and Ms. Lee since the two journalists were detained in North Korea on March 17. On Monday the two journalists were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor.
The dearth of information from Current has left some employees of the cable channel feeling deeply uncomfortable, according to two employees who requested anonymity because they were instructed to refrain from commenting about the situation.
At the cable channel, which programs a mix of news, short films, viral videos, and other segments for young viewers, Ms. Ling is the vice president of vanguard journalism, a department that conducts original reporting around the world. Ms. Lee is an editor with about a decade of film and TV experience. The North Korea story was Ms. Lee's first overseas assignment in her four years at Current, according to one of the employees, who noted that she speaks Korean.


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It is common knowledge that important R&D departments and their technicians continue to be essential by learning all they can from the successes and mistakes of their rivals.
The latest evidence of that is the acquisition of a Tesla Roadster by the scientists of Porsche in Weissach, Germany. A spokesperson for Tesla informed Inside Line, "A Porsche senior engineer actually came over a few weeks back, and he was seriously analyzing the car in every detail."
The insider said that Porsche will have to wait for some time to take hold of a Tesla, as the carmaker is "pretty far down on the list of current orders."
In another incident, a German source has informed Inside Line that Porsche has not be quite satisfied with the lately tested eRuf , designed and produced by tuner Ruf and California specialist Calmotors utilizing a 997 911 Carrera frame and body crammed with lithium-ion units.
No one is giving details why Porsche is not satisfied with the car, which Inside Line tested and will report on soon, however Porsche is also working on its own lithium-ion-powered model.
It has been opened by Tesla that the first production of 250 roadsters planned for the European market for 2009 will come fully-loaded to the maximum with top of the line leather, a first-rate audio package, painted carbon fiber and other anticipated high-class accents, all typical in the €99,000 starting price ($124,000).


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Ruth Samuelson, 57, died on Monday after a fight with ovarian cancer. Ruth's resume was impressive. She served four years on the County Commission of Mecklenburg County, the most populous county in North Carolina. Then, in 2006, the voters of Charlotte elected her to represent them in the North Carolina House of Representatives. She was a Republican, and the House was then controlled by Democrats, but she quickly worked to build relations across the aisle. She was a rock-solid advocate for life while in the House, but she also worked relentlessly on other issues, especially the environment. In a front-page article on Ruth the day after her death, the Charlotte Observer noted that she ended up earning the endorsement of both the Sierra Club and the National Rifle Association.
This ability to make peace with all sides soon turned her into a major force in statewide politics. She was instrumental in helping Republicans win control of both houses of the N.C. Legislature in 2010. Many people believe she could have become the Speaker of the House, arguably the most powerful political position in North Carolina. She was also on a lot of people's short list for statewide office.
According to John Rustin, the president of the North Family Policy Council (NCFPC), Ruth "distinguished herself as a highly intelligent, conscientious and hardworking lawmaker respected by all members of the North Carolina General Assembly. She championed pro-life and pro-family initiatives, often serving as the primary sponsor of these bills and giving moving and personal testimony as she presented legislation to her colleagues."
But it was not just her professional and political resume that made Ruth a "person of peace"—to use language from the Gospel of Luke. Jere Royal, the NCFPC's Counsel and Director of Community Impact, remembered this revealing anecdote about Ruth's tenure in the legislature: "While other members kept jars of candy on their desks in the House chamber to provide a boost of energy during extended sessions, Ruth kept a jar of Scripture verses and hymns from which she drew strength and encouragement."
Despite her political success, and the likelihood of even greater victories to come, in 2013 she surprised many political observers by announcing she would not seek a certain re-election, saying she wanted to devote herself instead to "faith, family, and philanthropy."
About that time, I found myself on an airplane with Ruth and her husband Ken—coincidentally, some would say, though I'm sure Ruth would say providentially. On that flight I told them about a Colorado Springs-based organization called Excellence in Giving, a company that helps high-capacity philanthropists give their money away effectively and in ways that are consistent with their personal values. Ruth wanted to know more, and within a few days I introduced her to the company's president, Al Mueller. It did not take Al long to recognize what a special person Ruth was, and he soon asked her to open an office for the firm in Charlotte. For the next couple of years, every time I saw Al, he would say something along the lines of "Warren, I owe you. Ruth has been just so great to work with. . . ."
These anecdotes help explain why Ruth's friends, and indeed the entire city of Charlotte, was shocked by her announcement seven months ago that she had stage IV ovarian cancer, though even then, in her last public statements and facing what she knew was a grim prognosis, she shared a powerful testimony of her love for Christ. Her death this week was an even bigger shock.
We need more people like Ruth in the public square. The fact that we today have one fewer is causing me to have some tough conversations with God. If I depended on my human understanding, it would be very hard for me to wonder if God had not just made a big, fat mistake. But I also know that Ruth, could she hear me say that, would have no trouble getting right in my face and scolding me.
So rather than depend on my human understanding, I pray that God—in His Good Providence—will use her story to inspire many to rise up and continue her peacemaking work.
Ruth's funeral takes place today in Charlotte. It will be a difficult day for her family and for many who love her. We will be consoled, if only slightly, by the words of one of Ruth's favorite hymns, "In Christ Alone." It is the hymn she recited on the floor of the North Carolina House of Representatives in her final speech to that chamber. The last verse sums up Ruth Samuelson's life, and I close with it as a fitting memorial to a life well-lived, and a person who will be sorely missed:
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
("In Christ Alone" lyrics by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend, 2001)


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Find a place to stay in Springfield hotels, motels and other lodging. Accommodations are located in downtown Springfield Tennessee and surrounding area.
Hampton Inn Springfield
Address: 620 22nd Avenue East
Springfield, TN Zipcode: 37172
Rates start at: $109.00 and up
3 Star hotel rating
The Hampton Inn Springfield TN hotel located in Springfield Tennessee is a beautifully designed hotel that features a pilaster/pediment exterior reminiscent of past century buildings. This Tennessee H...see more info with picture
Book hotel reservations early to ensure the best rates and room availability. Many economy hotels are inexpensive with rooms under $100. Book a room online with a secure server by using a credit or debit card. Master Card, Discover, Visa are accepted.
Our booking engine uses real time accessibility, so you can quickly check the availability of a hotel room of your choice.
Most all places to stay have a swimming pool so you can relax by the pool after a long drive. Find a hotel near attractions too. If you are traveling on business, most hotels have facilities to suit your needs too. Check the amenities to see if the hotel offers a microwave and refrigerator. This can save you money in the long run, because you can fix your meals in the room rather than dining at restaurants.
hotels near Springfield Area: within 25 miles


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Two Years Ago: Scandinavian Muesli
In my favorite la-la land where nothing has fat or calories, I would eat chips and queso all the time. Unfortunately even though Reality isn't the most fun place, we all have to live there at least some of the time. Along the way I discovered that pita chips and hummus are also very good and fit well into a Mediterranean diet. I was even happier to discover this particular spread because it's a nice change from hummus and even better for you with all the goodness of edamame, yogurt, and olive oil. It's always a joy to me to discover something that's not only delicious, it's actually very good for you. It feels like there really is some good karma floating around out there somewhere. This is an easy way to make a substitution for your family's favorite dip that will significantly improve the nutrition factor without them even knowing.
This spread is not only delicious, it's also easy to make and very versatile - it makes a great sandwich filling as well as a dip for crackers, chips, vegetables or pita bread. I can even see it spread on a toasted English muffin as my friend Terry likes to do with hummus. The taste is surprisingly light and airy, probably due to the lemon and yogurt. The garlic is also a light flavor because it's briefly cooked along with the edamame prior to blending, which eliminates the harshness. Try it for your next gathering and let people guess what the primary ingredient is just for fun.
printable recipe
Edamame Spread
Makes about 2 cups
Note: this spread is excellent served with crackers, chips, fresh vegetables, or pita bread. It may also be used as a filling for sandwiches.
2 cups frozen shelled edamame
2 garlic cloves, peeled
½ cup packed fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon grated lemon rind (plus more for garnish if desired)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine edamame and garlic in a saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above edamame. Bring to a boil; cook 2-3 minutes or until edamame is tender. Drain well and let cool somewhat.
Combine edamame, garlic, basil, pine nuts, and yogurt in a food processor; pulse 10 times until coarsely ground. Add ¼ water and remaining ingredients; process until almost smooth. Add a small amount of additional water, lemon juice or olive oil if necessary to achieve the right consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve with optional garnishes of freshly cracked pepper, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.


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David Placek on NBC
Febreze, Dasani, Scion:
The Man Who Made it All Up
Laurence Scott, NBC
June 5th, 2009
In the early '80s, David Placek was working at a San Francisco ad agency thinking not just about the power of words, but specifically the importance of names.
Soon after, he forged out on his own. One man, one idea... to name things.
It may sound simple, but since 1982, Sausalito's Lexicon Branding has coined hundreds of internationally known brand names with a process emphasizing the ideas associated with words.
His creations have ranged from Apple's Powerbook to Zima, spanning the worlds of technological innovations and consumer products. Febreze, Dasani, Scion, Swiffer, Pentium, OnStar and Blackberry are just some of the names.
Flash forward to this current economic climate where companies need new products on the market to grow, and those products need lasting brand names.
Packaging, color schemes and ad campaigns around a product may change, but as Placek says, "what makes a brand name so important, is that it is your permanent media."
Lexicon Branding has grown to employ dozens of people around the world specializing in crafting names that stand the test of time.
The names also have to be referenced in other languages so nothing's infringed upon or potentially offensive.
Placek says that on every assignment, "as a discipline Lexicon considers form, function and behavior," and as it relates to naming the Blackberry he says, "part of the form of the device is the small keys that look like seeds... which lead us first to Strawberry. But that was a sort of a slow and full name... we wanted something more abrupt and more robust."
Just think if Strawberry stuck, we'd never have heard the colloquialism 'Crackberry.'
Embedded above is a video look inside Lexicon Branding and how more of the names were given birth.
Of all the product names you've encountered over the years, which have resonated the most with you?


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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Danny Morrison is 58, looks like he's about 28, and the man still ooozes charm. Seriously, the man doesn't age.
The former TCU director of athletics and current team president of the Carolina Panthers stopped by before the Cowboys played the Panthers on Sunday morning. Morrison was the TCU AD when the school began the process to remaking its football stadium, and made its biggest steps up the nationall college football ladder.
He does not receive enough credit for TCU's success.
"I remember that first meeting we had in January of 2007 about the staidum - we wanted to make it the Camden Yards of football," said Morrison, who said he was able to tour Amon G. Carter Stadium in the spring. "I am really excited for TCU. The thing they have done is it's not just athletics - every area on campus has risen. It's not been just a one dimensional elevation."
Morrison was a career college guy, but it does sound as if he is quite comfortable in the pros.
My worry was, 'What would the pros be like on a daily basis?'" he said. "My experience has been I have really enjoyed the pro athlete. ... I loved TCU and I loved Fort Worth; it was a great job and I really did think it was going to be my last job. This just fell into my lap."
Facebook Mac Engel


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- Please select a date to see the proper prices!
- Meal can be requested on the spot
Best offer
46.80 € / person / night, no meal
Description of the accommodation:
Rooms, services Welcome to Hotel La Darsena Moncalieri! We hope you will be satisfied the offers of the hotel, and will be happy to choose it as a resort to stay at. The hotel is offering 53 tasfefully furnished, nice rooms for those looking for a place to stay at in Moncalieri. Parking possibility is available nearby for guests arriving by car. The local gym will provide a great opportunity to do sports. You may secure your valuables in the safe. In case you'd bring your laptop along, you may go online via wireless Internet connection (WiFi) available at the hotel. The exact equipment and the exact list of available services of Hotel La Darsena Moncalieri can be read on the information sheet below.
Payment Credit card guarantee or advance bank card payment may be required for the reservation, depending on the chosen room, date and price.
Arrival, opening hours The earliest time to arrive is 14:00, the latest time to leave the rooms is 11:00. The personnel can communicate with you in the following languages: Italian and English.
Hotel La Darsena Moncalieri rooms Rooms
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Accommodation services
Parking (5 €/night)
Free WiFi in shared places
Pet friendly, Elevator, Safe deposit box, Room service
Hairdryer, Desk in the room, Mini-bar, Tea/coffee-maker


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Jija Ji Trailer (2005)
Jija Ji - Watch Jaspal Bhatti play the role of brother-in-law of an IAS officer and he holds a powerful position in his family. He even carries a card on which he has got printed Jijaji brother-in-law of a Senior IAS Officer. Mr Sandhu the IAS officer is totally frustrated at the hands of his jija as he is always interfering in his official matters.
Watch the official Jija Ji 2005 trailer in HD below or find more Jija Ji videos on Vidimovie.


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The Summer Wedding - Audio Book
Format: Audio Book Author: Fiona Walker
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The hotly anticipated wedding of Iris Devonshire, ravishing teenage daughter of celebrity couple Mia and Leo, is to be held in the gardens of their grand Palladian pile alongside the Thames. But Mia and Leo worry that she's rushing into the marriage.

Just ask their best friends since college, Simon and Laney de Montmorency, whose relationship is on the rocks again - and
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Old-school scholarship
In 1908, NYC's public high schools looked like X-Men academies. Grad student Carl Schlachte explains why.
One of the first things a young English major will learn is that the discipline is about far more than reading books, poems, and plays. Although we still call them "texts," a scholar can study a huge variety of materials: movies, advertisements, tweets, and even works with no words at all, such as buildings and monuments.
This may seem strange to some people, but for Carl Schlachte, a UNCG Ph.D. student studying rhetoric and composition, it makes perfect sense. Like good novels filled with symbolism and allegory ripe for literary analysis, many human creations carry cultural messages that reveal a lot about their creators' points of view.
While some members of the UNCG English department study the rhetorical implications of anthropology (Dr. Risa Applegarth), workplace environments (Dr. Nancy Myers), and ballet (Dr. Shana Scudder), Carl's text of choice is the architecture of early 20th century public high schools in New York City.
When I sat down with him to discuss his work, he immediately pulled up images from the NYC Municipal Archives, which include photos and records of all Board of Education real estate holdings in 1908. The Big Apple's first public high schools look like castles– reminiscent of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters from the X-Men movie franchise.
Carl explained that the look was not just the architectural vogue of the time. With neoclassical styles evocative of top tier universities and the upper echelons of society, the architecture was NYC's message to the world about American values and prestige.
Each school from this time period, Carl says, is centered around a prominent auditorium large enough to seat the entire school. The capacity for a school-wide assembly, impossible in many recent school designs yet present in all of NYC's public high schools from this time period, suggests a different campus culture than most high schoolers experience today, when few extracurricular events are mandatory and guest speakers are typically invited by particular teachers or student groups.
Consider the style of teaching utilized in an echoing lecture hall, compared to that used in an intimate seminar room. Similarly, differing school designs can reflect different approaches to teaching and learning.
To Carl, a former New Yorker, the most interesting–and troubling– part of all this is that some of the schools remain open in their original buildings to this day, continuing to impart the implicit messages of their design. Most people know that advertisements are out to manipulate viewers. But we are less guarded against the messages built into our surroundings. As a teacher, Carl knows the power an educational environment can have.
Interestingly, NYC public school auditoriums had a second purpose informing their design; in the evenings they were the site of public lectures marketed towards adults. From statements of officials at the time, we know the events were aimed at certain demographics, such as the poor or NYC's large immigrant population. From the lecture topics (such as "hygiene"), we also know how these groups were perceived. The schools functioned as centers for Americanizing new residents, with the dominant class lecturing the masses on cultural norms and values. The intimidating venues underscored their messaging.
Through the Research Perspectives blog, students, staff, and faculty share their successes in research, creative activity, and community and economic engagement with each other and the world at large. Interested in contributing? Click here.
Olivia Wood is a media and communication intern with the Office of Research and Economic Development. Olivia is a senior at UNCG double majoring in English and cultural anthropology with a minor in classical studies. She has a deep love for Virginia Woolf and a passion for research toward social justice. She likes this job because she gets to learn about all the fascinating research happening at UNCG.


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DROPS design: Pattern no fa-231
Yarn group A + A
Size: S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL
Finished measurements:
Bust: 96-104-110-122-134-146 cm / 37 3/4"-41"-43½"-48"-52 3/4"-57½"
Full length: 68-70-72-74-76-78 cm / 26¾''-27½''-28 3/8''-29 1/8''-30''-30¾''
Materials: DROPS FABEL from Garnstudio
Color no 800, off white/beige:
300-350-400-400-450-500 g
Color no 804, blue/gray:
300-350-400-400-450-500 g
Or use:
DROPS FLORA from Garnstudio
Colour no 07, beige:
300-350-400-400-450-500 g
Colour no 14, ice blue:
300-350-400-400-450-500 g
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE size 5 mm / US 8 (80 cm / 32'') - or size needed to get 17 sts x 22 rows in stockinette st with 2 strands Fabel = 10 x 10 cm / 4'' x 4''.
DROPS CIRCULAR Needle size 4.5 mm / US 7 (80 cm / 32'') - for rib
DROPS WOOD BUTTONS DUFFLE NO 520: 3 piece for all sizes
DROPS Fabel: Colour chart / Alternative Yarns (Yarn Group A)
NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
For further pattern help, please contact the store where you bought the yarn. Having bought DROPS yarn, you are guaranteed to receive qualified help from a store specializing in the DROPS patterns.
All patterns are carefully reviewed, but we must make reservation for possible mistakes. All patterns are translated from Norwegian and you can always check the original pattern for measurements and calculations.If you think you have found an error in the pattern, please post your remark or question in our Comments section. Go to original pattern for design DROPS Extra 0-897.


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Turn the Spotlight on Your Creations with Tips from a Pro
Learn the secrets of professional animators and achieve amazing results with the detailed instruction you'll find in this new edition of Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting. Written by industry veteran Lee Lanier, whose texturing and lighting has been featured in such films as Mortal Kombat, Antz, and Shrek, this in-depth book focuses on advanced techniques used in real-world production environments.
You'll find extensive and updated coverage of custom shading networks, particle texturing, pelt mapping, Global Illumination, Final Gather, HDR lighting, mental ray shaders, normal mapping, and multipass rendering. You'll also explore the latest texturing and lighting theories and trends in the animation industry—information to help you improve your skills, no matter what software you use.
The enclosed CD features exclusive content, including textures, custom shading networks, movies, and scene files for chapter tutorials and many of the illustrations in the book. All included scene files are saved in the Maya 8.5 .ma format and have been tested with Maya 8.5 and Maya 2008. You'll also find a bonus chapter with advanced lessons.


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Re: Adam Zuspann m. Rosina Schwar(t)z
In reply to:
Re: Adam Zuspann m. Rosina Schwar(t)z
debra suggs 11/08/02
The Rosa Mable Zuspann I have info on was born 14 March 1897 in Lewis County, Missouri to William Benjamin Zuspann and Hilda Lindquist. This same Rosa Mable died 5 May 1979 in Palmyra, Missouri according to the source I use. My source is a self-published volume of Zuspan/Zuspann data authored by John Zuspan. His line uses only one "n." If you think this is the same person, please let me know whether you are interested in primarily descendants or ancestors. I can give you whatever is in the file. If you want both, please state your request for it. I will be more than happy to give to you verbatim from the files. It will be your own responsibility to confirm or refute the data. If you are already researching or beginning your search this will at least give you some leads. I am not certain who John Zuspan's informants were on every entry because he did not cite sources used and I cannot cite sources without it. Responde sil vous plait.
Barbara Trammell Black
More Replies:
Re: Adam Zuspann m. Rosina Schwar(t)z
Tonnia Carr 6/12/03
Re: Adam Zuspann m. Rosina Schwar(t)z
Barbara Trammell Black 6/17/03
- Re: Adam Zuspann m. Rosina Schwar(t)z


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I believe the genetic engineering of babies should be banned. I think if this is allowed it will only be accessible to the wealthy. They will create a race of superior human beings will grow up and try to take power from those who are now in poverty. It's going to turn into a big mess that we won't be able to stop or control. Why let that happen?
I've always been reading up on the new tech and science and finding out just how precious our culture was until the interference of the level of science and tech we will be getting.
I don't want to forget the old world, the new one is not promising whatsoever our emotions will be dictated and there would be no reason to even have them or even be alive once that age comes. Love will only be found in a disc drive.
I think that having babies should be a natural thing and not something genetically enhanced by people who want to manipulate how a baby comes out. I think it is morally wrong and could end up having a major affect on the baby in the future if there are any health implications.
The genetic engineering of babies should not be tolerated because it is unnatural. Although some genetic treatments might be acceptable if they can help cure disease, people should not be allowed to play god with human life. Genetic modification would allow sexism and racism, and therefore it would be unethical.
Why the fck should it be legal cnt i mean fck we arent damn robots b b bhdhd d d d s sf f wf ww. Fw fw fw. E few v vd v. V vd d vad vdaa da da da vda vdvd v v v vd vd vd vdd. V C. U. N. T
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By allowing genetic engineering, we are giving a chance for humans to evolve artificially and quickly. We are giving the chance for us to live in a world free of worry, dread and sadness. Genetic engineering will prevent hereditary diseases from spreading and may cure Down syndrome. We are giving the chance for the future generation to be born 'perfectly', as we can choose what features they will possess and how they will behave. We are decreasing the chance of abortions as if a parent is able to choose and design it's child, they will no longer want to get rid of their creation. We are giving mankind, the chance to become perfect and to ensure the survival of our species forever.
No, genetic engineering of babies should not be banned, because there is no reason that a child should have a disease if it can be prevented with some genetic engineering. We can make children healthier and stronger. We can make it so that no child has to be born with a predisposition to cancer. Why wouldn't we?
Genetic engineering should NOT be banned but at the same time, it should only go to a certain extent. Some might say that should be from and ethical standpoint but by looking at that point of view, science would never have made any progress. Therefore, genetic engineering should not be banned, but it should only continue to a certain extent.
If we were the genetically engineer babies we may not need to school them as long. They may not get as many diseases. They might live longer and remain fit longer and none of these things are bad. All the good that could be done greatly outweighs the bad in numerous ways.
Nature gave us a good things sorted through natural selection but today human have ethic to keep every human alive that means including those with genetic disease and dangerous disorder then human will grow weaker and rely on those technologies to support us we need to grow ultimately above natural selection and that's not true we aren't robot but we'll need to compete with robot when they can improve themselves they'll render us useless and try to find a way to destroy us or at least get rid of us so why not? Ok they may say it'll have an irreversible effects but the parents do everything to his/her baby with love he/she want to make he/she the best and they don't need to if they don't want and those who don't want their babies infected with those genes just don't have baby with that person
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H h h h h h h h hh h h h h h hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh h h h h h h h h h h h hh h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h


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The Oakland Raiders selected former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor in the third round of the NFL supplemental draft Monday, a risky pick but one that fits the Raiders' philosophy of often looking for talented athletes they feel can be developed into elite players, rather than more fundamentally sound players who can immediately fill roster holes.
Indications are Oakland is looking at Pryor more as a wide receiver than a quarterback in the NFL, and while that's an encouraging sign, given his deficiencies as a passer, the third round is still very early for a player who is a developmental project at wideout. Pryor lined up at receiver a few times at Ohio State, but there's a huge difference between getting by on athletic ability and knowing the position well enough to succeed against NFL defenders.
Pryor now has two weeks to begin the transition before his five-game suspension begins in Week 1 of the regular season. He'll have to immediately get to work learning how to run routes, which is harder than it sounds, especially for a player who is 6-foot4⅜ and 233 pounds.
Film work will be important throughout the process as Pryor learns how to read the body language and leverage of defensive backs; how to set up his breaks; and how to read the more complex coverage schemes he'll see in the NFL. And he'll surely spend plenty of time catching passes from the Juggs machine.
Mentally, the pressure will be on to learn the playbook and all its terminology; what's expected of receivers in the overall offense (including blocking responsibilities); and how to fit into an NFL locker room. Pryor won't get any passes, either. He'll be treated just like any other third-round pick trying to make a roster.
Spending five weeks away from the team will make all of this even more challenging, and given all the obstacles he's facing, I don't expect Pryor to contribute significantly at any point this season. Not only will he be far behind the rest of the team developmentally, Pryor simply doesn't bring anything unique to the table. The Raiders already have two fast, good-sized receivers -- Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy -- who already know many of the things Pryor will be just beginning to take in.
As long as Oakland feels it is in contention when Pryor is eligible to be added to the roster in Week 6, I just don't see the Raiders relying on a player who is learning a new position and all its nuances while at the same time adapting to the increased speed of the NFL game. If it starts slowly or falls out of contention late, Pryor might get a chance to play more snaps, but as it stands right now it's hard to imagine him having a big role in the offense in 2011.
With Trent Edwards and Kyle Boller on the quarterback depth chart behind starter Jason Campbell, Pryor likely won't be in the mix there and can focus all his energy on becoming a serviceable wideout. That will help his cause, but the work is just beginning and we might not see much of Pryor during his rookie season.


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Big Response to Vacations for Vets
Readers have donated the use of dozens of vacation homes and thousands of frequent flier miles since a story about Vacations for Veterans appeared in the OctoberBulletin["Giving Vets a Little R&R"]. "This is the biggest response we've ever received," says Peggy Carr, who, with her husband, Chris, pairs Purple Heart recipients with people willing to provide free stays at their vacation homes (www.vacationsforveterans.org). Mike and Lynn Cashman of Seminole, Fla., offered their condo. "It is a small token of our appreciation that we are able to donate a few weeks to those who serve our country," Mike Cashman says.
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IHG PointBreaks, are discounted award redemption's, which are available at select IHG hotels for just 5,000 points per night. The list of hotels that are on the "PointBreaks" list, fluctuate every couple of months.
IHG hotel brands include InterContinental Hotels, Holiday Inn, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Hualuxe Hotels, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites.
The new "PointBreaks" list is now out and will be bookable from today, October 31st, 2016 starting at about 10 am and is valid for stays through January 31st, 2017. You can book the discounted nights here or here.
Discounted PointBreak availability is limited and may sell out at any time, so if you do see a property that you may be interested in, you may want to book it as soon as you can.
Most of the time, IHG allows you to cancel a reservation free of charge up to 1 day before with no penalty. Just be sure to check the specific hotel property for their cancellation policy
— Keep in mind about the PointBreaks rule, where you are only able to book a maximum of two bookings per hotel – Though each booking can be for as many nights as you want.
Don't have any IHG reward points? You can buy points direct from IHG. Purchasing 5,000 points direct from IHG, will be just $67.50. You can also get 60,000 bonus points (and a FREE Night in any IHG property, every year!) with the IHG credit card. The credit card is free for the first year and then $49 per year afterwards. Cardholders also get 10% of their points deposited back into their accounts, on all award redemption's!
Once you have 5,000 IHG points in your account. A "method" to get additional IHG points on the cheap, is to book any cancellable 15,000 point hotel stay at any IHG location using "cash and points" which will be $70+5,000 points. Once booked, simply cancel the reward stay. The $70 that you paid is nonrefundable, so when you cancel the hotel you will instead get 15,000 points back in your account. Just make sure that when booking the room it says that there will be no charge for cancelling. With this option the points will come out to just 0.7 cents per point or just $35 for 5,000 points!
Below is a sampling of hotels that are on the new PointBreak list that can be snagged for just 5,000 points.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Meriden – Connecticut
- Holiday Inn Express Waldorf – Maryland
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Eagan – Minneapolis Area – Minnesota
- Crowne Plaza Princeton – Conference Center – New Jersey
- Crowne Plaza Saddle Brook – New Jersey
- Crowne Plaza Monroe South Brunswick – New Jersey
- Holiday Inn Rochester Downtown – New York
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Batavia – Darien Lake – New York
- Hotel Indigo Cleveland-Beachwood – Ohio
- Staybridge Suites Columbus-Dublin – Ohio
- Crowne Plaza Suites Pittsburgh South – Pennsylvania
- Candlewood Suites Grove City – Outlet Center – Pennsylvania
- Candlewood Suites Harrisburg – Pennsylvania
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oshawa Downtown – Toronto Area – Canada
- Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee – Nepal
- Holiday Inn Montevideo – Uruguay
- Holiday Inn Salerno – Cava de' Tirreni – Italy


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This vacancy is a senior fellowship position that has been created as port of SHARE's capacity development efforts. The Senior Social Scientist / Research Fellow will be based full-time in Mwanza.
She/he will develop MITU's social science research portfolio both as a self-standing discipline and as a key component in the conduct of randomized controlled trials of health interventions.
The post holder will be a senior member of MITU's research management team. She/he will report
to Dr Saidi Kapiga, the Scientific Director of MITU, and will collaborate closely with the principal investigatm of intervention trials.
In the context of WASH related research, s/he will coordinate work with Dr Safari Kinung'hi (NIMR) and Prof Sandy Caimcross (LSHTM).
Position: Senior Social Scientist / SHARE Research Fellow
Direct One supervisor: Dr Saidi Kapiga, scientific Director of MITU
The Senior Social Scientist will be a member of the MITU research leadership team and will be based full-time in Mwanza, Tanzania. The post holder will also be part of NIMR, Mwanza centre's wider scientific community. Ihe position will imply regular participation in field work within the Lake Zone of Tanzania, and may require occasional work related travel to Dar es Salaam, other regions of Tanzania and neighboring countries.
To lead social science research at MITU
1. Develop MITU's social science research portfolio.
2. Oversee the social science research components of MITU's intervention trials, in particular studies related to SHARE and WASH.
3. Conduct behavioural studies on MITU/SHARE's planned WASH trial at primary schools in Kagera Region in collaboration with regional officials of the
Ministries of Health and Social Welfare and Education and Vocational Training. Contribute to the interpretation of quantitative research outcomes.
4. Manage a team of social science field workers, supervise field work and transcription and translation of research data.
5. Support the work of quantitative survey teams.
6. Lead the development and translation of qualitative tools for the various sfudy activities.
7. Lead data processing, analysis and write-up of qualitative and mixed methods research in collaboration with principal investigators of research trials
8. Prepare scientific reports and publications, and present research results at national and international meetings and conferences.
9. Manage project budgets for qualitative research, monitor expenditures and contribute to financial reports. Collaborate with trial Pis in setting ane
reviewing trial specific budgets.
10. Build the capacity of junior project staff to undertake high quality research.
11. Collaborate with MITU staff and staff from MITU partner organisations.
12. Recommend improvements to the day-to-day running of the MITU office.
13. Promote MITU, its core values and services, and playa positive role in the delivery of its day-to-day operations and strategic goals.
14. Play an active part in promoting the scientific life at the NIMR Mwanza campus.
15. Undertake other tasks as may reasonably be expected from senior MITU staff.
Essential and desirable qualifications and skills for this post are as follows.
- A postgraduate qualification in sociology, anthropology or other social science discipline
- At least 6 years of working experience as a social scientist. with at least 3 years in a managing position.
- At least 6 relevant publications as first or senior author in internationally recognized peer reviewed journals.
- Demonstrable experience of conducting behavioural research in East Africa.
- Demonstrable experience in leading grant applications and obtaining research funds.
- Demonstrable ability in analysing and writing-up qualitative data.
- Demonstrable ability to work to strict deadlines without close supervision and direct own work in an efficient and productive manner.
- Managerial and organisational skills.
- Commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
- Commitment to work in a multicultural environment.
• A PhD degree in social science or related discipline.
• Experience in the field of behavioural research on water sanitation and hygiene.
• Experience in conducting mixed methods research (qualitative and quantitative studies).
• Familiarity with the development and evaluation of behavioural interventions.
• Interest and/or experience in community-based interventions and participatory research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
D MODE OF APPLlCAnON (ernaR to firstname.lastname@example.com)
• Letter of application with details of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria and your reasons for wanting to join MITU.
• Please include a daytime mobile telephone number and e-mail contact details.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including names and addresses of three referees (two must be from your most recent employing institution).
• Copies of all relevant certificates and memberships and qualifications.
CIoslng date
• Applications received later than the 22nd of December 2016 will not be considered.
• You will be informed by email if you are selected for interview.