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This is the new The Daily Post entry for its new challenge, Getting Seasonal, about how has your perception towards Christmas changed. Here's my entry, so I hope you like it!
6 year old's diary:
Goodness! I love Christmas so much! My family will come, we'll eat together, and have a fun night, woohoo! I love this year! Everybody's here and we'll be dancing and singing together! It's gifts time! We'll all receive gifts! We'll all have new toys! Woohoo! Christmas is the best time of the year to receive free stuff…!
Ah? Who's Jesus?
12 year old's diary:
Alright! It's that time of the year already! I am so happy. People will come and we'll all have a good night. Hmm… They no longer want to play video games. But that's OK! I mean, that's for kiddies. We're all grown up, right?
But I wish they could've bought me better gifts… So mean of them! Can't they see the TV and how the perfect Christmas is that one in where it snows and you receive toys? Have you guys watched TV lately…? Grr…
14 year old's diary:
They're here already, but why are they all watching TV? Why is nobody talking…? Oh well, at least that show's funny, and we're catching up with each other at dinner. It's good to be together; I still can't believe that Santa Claus doesn't exist, but Christmas is the best gift ever for everybody: it's the time of the year the whole world is together and better! And besides, I'll receive gifts from my relatives, so it's all OK. In fact, if you receive gifts, it means that you were nice, and this season is all about being nice. I can say that I was nice, because being nice is that… Hmm… What is it…?
Oh my, I won't receive gifts… I guess it wasn't really about gifts, now that I see that they're barely here… Now that I see that, maybe, what made gifts fun is that I had people to share them with…
Oh my, Jesus' birthday was today… I am so ashamed… I gave him no toys. And I cried for nothing… I was so selfish… But I thought that I was being good as I never swore or hit people, as TV said… My…
18 year old's diary:
Most of them won't come, as always, as it has been ever since a long while.
I really can't watch the TV any longer, it's tiring and nothing happens. I am tired that they just dedicate the programming to sell toys and stuff no one really needs, and I am even more tired because they keep using the same moral of "gifts don't really matter", and next time they show a commercial of an expensive toy! God dang it, people, make up your mind. To whom do you swear fealty…?
I wish the ones that came could speak more and play a bit more a video game, I don't know… It's really disheartening to turn on the TV and watch all…that. I wish they could speak and let me know that we're still together—that the world is better, and it is not crumbling as I fear…
Is somebody here?
20 year old's diary:
Why are we still waiting? Nobody's coming. Just turn on the TV and watch anything you want already. It'll say the same: wars, hunger, pests, killings, deaths. Deaths. Deaths. How nobody truly cares about Christmas with all those killings—how it is just another day, a special day for shopping, because no one truly cares it is a supposed day to be thankful and loving to the world. And then another commercial. Another insufferable insistence that Santa Claus exists and that you gotta buy something immediately so your kid won't lose its childhood… Why, dammit, do you turn its childhood into something that must be bought? Why can't you teach him that the Christmas you know it's fake, that it's supposed to be a Christian holiday that fell in the hands of bigger and more powerful hands that turned it into a season to show love instead of teaching how to love? Why can't you see that you're just a buyer? Why can't you…?
Ok, Ok. I am eating. Sorry…
22 year old's diary:
It's this time again. I suppose I should be happy: there's no such thing as a Santa Claus that will reward good children and treat them like puppies in need of a treat, and thus this world isn't entirely ruled by corporative egomaniacs. The fact that no such marketing exchange between the supernatural and the children exists gives me the hope that the world, although not ruled by moral, isn't ruled by loonies either. So we're kinda safe, I guess.
Yet there's no one—not even the memory of Jesus or anything that involves the memory's essence in this season of the year—that can remind them that the greatest gift is not in a store; it's not even announced with honesty on TV, no matter how many times they repeat it like stuttering old men. It's a gift they don't even believe in, because it is neither sold nor has a price.
It's the gift of not humanity. And the world needs it a lot.
Oh well… Maybe they won't be the model of Christmas, but I'll try to be the best in this season. I won't do much if I keep complaining, will I? And besides, even though we'll all be alone in this dinner, I still can do something to draw a smile around, so that way I won't become a useless Grinch…
Even though the Grinch got that catchy theme song I wish I could have, heh.
Aaaaand this is how my perception changed in undersanding and celebrating Christmas.
Thanks for reading!


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Running a farm is hard work. Running a farm business is grounds for involuntary committment. Millions of books exist about non-farm businesses but finding an -all-in-one source for a farm business has been tricky. I suppose if we had just picked ONE "niche" it might have been easier to find resources. But Nooooooooooooooo. We chose, organic beef production, organic pork production, raw milk production, carcass sales to individuals and restaurants, meat by the piece to the grocery store trade and individuals, Red Wattle Breeding Stock production, and our most recent venture...a farm store.
I once whined to one of my sisters about feeling overwhelmed. Her response, "Donna, you've been overwhelmed since Kindergarten." In other words I am the one who made this big straw bed so I better lie (lay ? leigh ?) in it.
With so many venues comes paperwork. Some of it required by regulating agencies but some of it required only by me. For example our raw milk customer list.
Allana logging in milk sales for the day.
A great way to improve your printing skills.
The State of Illinois sees no reason to survey us (we've asked) so we survey ourselves. We follow the rules for a Grade A Dairy just as we have for the last 11 years before IDPH decided raw milk sales were too scary for them to deal with. Even though it is legal to sell raw milk in Illinois and even though we have the smartest group of self-educated customers ever, I still track who buys milk, how much and when. Unless a customer wants to be incognito then by all means he can be. But in the very unlikely but still remotely possible event that something should be wrong with our milk (tank gets too warm for example) I want to be able to contact the affected customers. Funny thing how IDPH feels raw milk is unsafe, yet they legalize the sales and then yet again they reguire absolutely no inspection or milk testing of raw milk dairies. Which reminds me, it is time to send another milk sample off to Daily Labs in Peoria. Results are available to any of our milk customers. Ask and you shall receive.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Child labor...again
Posted by Donna OShaughnessy at 8:35 AM
horses, Chris Cox, Certified Organic Beef, certified organic milk, certified organic raw milk, farm store
1 comment:
AgroBiz. Without an army of form fillers and accountants. I remember doing interviews years back and being told by a knowledgeable and farsighted personnel agent that anyone with farming in their background was a step up the pile of resumes. You know their going to be hard workers - I never thought about the business acumen required until she mentioned it. One of the hardest working electricians I hired was a farm-boy. My wife and I run a small business that created databases for small and mid size business. I have thought of doing an application for the farmer/business but it is so diverse I think it would be extremely hard to do. So many different agencies and forms..ReplyDelete
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Welcome to ILS World
He will focus on strategic partnerships and developing the core business operations of the ILS Group, offshore companies and trusts. He will be based in our Dubai office.
James has joined ILS from London where he worked in the Lloyd's insurance market and was training to become an underwriter. After studying economics at university James had a short career in yachting. Having worked on various super yachts his highlight was crewing on the iconic, Maltese Falcon.
ILS World has provided independent fiduciary services to professional advisors, international corporate groups and private clients for more than 25 years. It has more than 50 people working at offices in British Virgin Islands, Dubai, Hong Kong, London and Portugal with staff speaking in 14 languages.
Regional manager, Jason Bowers said: "James will be based in our Dubai office which opened in 2005. The team provides a comprehensive range of services to foreign investors and residents seeking to do business with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The office has a distinguished portfolio of private clients offering them on-going wealth management and asset protection services."
James said: "I am looking forward to joining Jason and being a part of a progressive team in the Middle East. We've got a growth plan in place and I've been given the tools to access the broader market here, leaning on my degree in Economics where necessary."


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NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until December 26, 2018 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Bank OZK (NasdaqGS: OZK), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 19, 2016 and October 18, 2018, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
What You May Do
If you purchased securities of Bank OZK and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (email@example.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-ozk/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by December 26, 2018.
About the Lawsuit
Bank OZK and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. Specifically, that the Company lacked sufficient credit risk assessment controls creating an increased risk of charge-offs, and as a result of the foregoing, the Company's statements were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
On October 18, 2018, the Company disclosed that it had "incurred combined charge-offs of $45.5 million on two Real Estate Specialties Group credits" that it previously had classified as substandard. On this news, the price of Bank OZK's shares plummeted.
The case is Colbert v. Bank OZK, et al., 18-cv-00793.
About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
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Anne Lamott, best known for her book about writing, "Bird by Bird," has just published her fourth book about faith, "Help, Thanks, Wow" (Riverhead, $17.95). The title refers to what she calls her "three essential prayers," the only ones she has ever needed. Lamott spoke by phone from her home in the San Francisco Bay area.
How is prayer reducible to these three words?
I think sometimes we don't know that what we're doing is a form of prayer. "Help" is the main prayer. "Help" is the prayer of surrender and having a real shot at things beginning to change because you've finally run out of good ideas. "Help" is the hardest prayer, and it's the most poignant. It's a person being humbled. People say "Thanks" all the time in so many ways. Even people who don't believe in God or in any kind of higher power notice when their family catches a break: The diagnosis was much better than it could have been; it really isn't a transmission, it's a timing belt; it's something manageable instead of huge and awful. "Wow" is the praise prayer. I think every time you see a night sky full of stars, you say, "Wow." It was so cold here today, I had to get up really early, and I stepped outside, and I was like, "Whooooa!" which is a cousin of "Wow." It was so crisp, so beautiful. It's like getting spritzed with a plant mister. It kind of wakes you back up.
Are you interested in proselytizing? Do you wish more people would turn to faith?
No, I don't care at all. I mean, I never come on about Jesus or anything like that, though I'm always trying to get people to come to my church because we're so tiny and we're always barely able to pay our electric bill. I just talk about faith or how it animates my life. The single most important thing we can do is stop and get off the train of our own obsessive convictions and move into awareness of some sort of presence or the present time, the eternal now — whatever you want to call it — and breathe again. That's about as prayerful as life gets. That is about as faithful and spiritual as I mean. And everyone can relate to that.
What's it like being a progressive Christian?
I think there are millions and millions and millions of us. But it's such better news footage to get very hysterical people in what I would think of as insane and hate-filled demonstrations against women's rights, against Muslims, against gay marriage. It's not that interesting to say, "Oh, yeah, well, I believe in God," or "I try to take care of the hungry," or "I give away as much as I can because I know that alone will fill me up." That's not great footage.
How do you react to people who disagree with you?
Lots of fundamentalist Christians believe I'm headed for hell. This is often communicated to me in the South if I'm on a radio show, and people with the sweetest, sweetest accents and voices call to tell me that I will go to hell because I'm pro-choice and pro-gay rights. People get to think what they think, and all you can say is, "Thank you for sharing. Next."
When you're writing, do you find yourself praying "Help," "Thanks" and "Wow"?
Today on a radio station, they asked me to read something from this book on what prayer really is, and — this is awful, it's so self-aggrandizing — I thought, "Wow! Did I write this? That's really good. That's what I was going for." I'm not a writer who goes around saying, "Wow, am I on a roll." Usually, you read what you've written and you wonder where your editors were.
Burns, editor of "Off the Page: Writers Talk About Beginnings, Endings, and Everything in Between," teaches creative writing at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales.


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It's the season of Prom Kings & Prom Queens with lots of starched overalls and tissued bras on starry-eyed teenagers looking forward to their high school prom this year in Kentucky. Thus far, these have been the top fifteen themes:
15. "Double-Wide Pride!"
14. "The Beauty of Buck Dancing"
13. "Indoor Plumbing, Big City!"
12. "Born To Be Wide!"
11. "The Brother & Sisters Waltz"
10. "Farm Animal Cuties"
9. "Glamour & Grits!"
8 "Outhouse Hoedown"
7. "Snuff Storyland"
6. "Night of the Pissy, Gin Punch"
5. "Carnival Freaks"
4. "Farmboy Fantasies"
3. "Save The Last Tooth For Me"
2. "Hurray For Dollywood"
1. "Springtime In Paducah"


text:
INDIACSR News Network
DEHRADUN: Working on innovative model to link rural economy with "Life long learning skills", through direct field visits with special focus on youth of Rural and urban India, Doon based CSO "Society For Inclusive Development (SFID)" has initiated a 5 days eye opening & awakening journey for young participants coming from 22 states of India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka under "Himalayan Yuva Prerena Yatra (HYPY)" banner.
As per various predictions, India would be youth capital of the world and we need to design and develop youth specific livelihood options, so that it will check the migration from rural to urban regions, specially in the Himalayan region where migration rate has gone up manifold after the formation of Uttrakhand, mentioned Anil Jaggi , Head "Society for Inclusive Development". So designing such programs and models are very essential and important to check the migration and create livelihood option, which are new and creative in nature and sustainable for its organic growth and prosperity of the region, said Mr. Manoj Sharma, main coordinator of HYPY.
http://www.indiacsr.in/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Prerna_Yatra.jpgBriefing media person, Mr Ritesh Garg, Board member of HYPY, informed that HYPY would be 5 days long interactive journey in the hills starting on 25th May 2013 till 29th May, Participants from all over India are selected to join this yatra on the basis of their passion, interest and commitment and to do something for rural Himalayan region and local community.
Starting from Doon University on 25th May 13, HYPY will proceed for Uttarkashi and Tehri Dist, where they will have direct interaction with local farmer and change makers, federations members ,and self sustainable Self Help Group said Saneep Kukreti, marine engineer who is volunteering for HYPY.
HYPY, will also meet some micro level interventions in the domain of Village and Community based tourism and look at very successful model of Dhanolti Eco Park, a model developed and working with Forest Department and local community. HYPY will be heading for Patanjali Food park to interact with various backward linkages of Patanjali and how they are able to improve their supply chain management as their social responsibility, said IT Engineer Deepak Kakkar, another volunteer for HYPY .
After successful yatra, SFID will invite social business models from participants and select some of them to implement and execute in this region of Uttrakhand. Expert team of HYPY will be providing mentorship and provide funding linkages to such responsible business models coming from young and fresh minds said Anil Jaggi.
Prerna Tantra, an eco system to develop mentoring and incubation center, would be initiated after Yatra, to provide backend support to these young and budding entrepreneurs said Ritesh.
HYPY is supported by Bisleri as Official Water Partner,, THDC is supporting by sending some rural youths from Pratap Nagar Block of Tehri and Patanajali is also supporting and helping them to showcase their successful models at Patanajali food park, Hardwar, IndiaCSR (www.indiacsr.in), India's Largest CSR News Network is media partner mentioned Manoj Sharma.
HYPY is open for such support and seeking volunteer to come forward to support such endeavour which will not only check migration but will help local rural artisan and entrepreneurs with professional linkages, said Ritesh.
For Further information, visit www.yuvaprernayatra.org


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Mercedes-Benz revealed not only its E-Class lineup at the 2013 North American International Auto Show this week, but the company also confirmed its newest and smallest car for the U.S. - the CLA Class. Set to hit the market this year, the CLA Class is Mercedes' new entry-level model, designed to make the brand more accessible to buyers interested in smaller and more efficient cars, and we can't wait for this car to come to market, even though it's not a hybrid.
The CLA Class retains styling cues from Mercedes' Concept Style Coupe unveiled last year in Beijing, with an interior and front end similar to the brand's European A Class hatch. The vehicle is just 15 feet long, with space for four inside or an optional fifth. The first models to launch will be crucial to the brand's success in the growing compact vehicle market and will feature a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine with 211 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with over 330 horsepower, plus possibly a 2.1-liter diesel. Expect the new CLA Class to hit U.S. showrooms by mid-2013 as a 2014 model and to change the face of compact cars in America.


text: Our hotel won the "Green Hotel 2017-2018" award! 2017-03-29T15:06:29+02:00 Csaba Szilvási Our hotel won the "Green Hotel 2017-2018" award! 2017 February The Aquincum Hotel Budapest has applied and won again the "Green Hotel" award by the Hungarian Hotel & Restaurant Association. The association has provided a certificate to acknowledge that our hotel is observing the national environmental laws and that we have in-house environmental rules, so we are contributing to a sustainable operation. Our environmental-friendly operations are: – selective garbage collection – grease collection – use of environmentally friendly cleaning products – energy saver light sources – water consumption management – last but not least we are using fresh ingredients and prefer local suppliers We are designated for the "Green Hotel" title until the 31st of December, 2018. Back to all news


text:
Thai Yoga Bodywork
"That was a fantastic workshop and quite a room full of enthusiastic yogis. You are a phenomenal teacher and your Thai yoga touch is magical. Thank you for sharing your gift and the opportunity to be a part of such a enlightening event." ~ J. Boudreau
The art of Thai Yoga Therapy is a sacred and ancient system of healing with its roots in Yoga, Ayurveda, and Buddhism. Thai Yoga Therapy combines massage, acupressure, twisting, stretching, energy work and meditation to create wholeness of body, mind and spirit in both giver and receiver. No prior bodywork or Yoga experience is necessary. We will work comfortably clothed on a mat supported by the floor.


text:
I am a pretty savvy guy when it comes to the web. fact. So it's been kind of bugging me that I haven't been able to upgrade to Firefox 3. You see, I've become hopelessly reliant on several firefox addons, with Delicious at the top of the list. I drew a line in the sand yesterday and decided to throw caution to the wind and upgrade anyway. Afterwards, I scoured the internet for a beta of the Delicious plugin and after only a few minutes… success! Yahoo has released a beta of their addon for people looking to experience the new firefox without being hopelessly crippled and unable to see their universal favorites list.
Now, for a little review of firefox 3 after the break.


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The status quo at the bottom of the lettings sector has been maintained, but more could have been announced in yesterday's Budget speech to stimulate the whole property market.
At least that is the viewpoint of Ian Potter, operations manager of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla).
Landlord services such as the quality of rental property could have been helped if chancellor Alistair Darling had addressed property tax in a different way, the Arla boss explained.
Mr Potter said: "Yet again Gordon Brown's administration has wasted an opportunity to improve the quality of stock of lettings property by failing to incentivise landlords through tax relief on labour and materials."
The Budget saw a £600 million funding package of measures to build more homes announced, as well as an extension until the end of 2009 of the stamp duty holiday for houses costing up to £175,000.
Conservative leader David Cameron was also critical of the chancellor's speech, saying the current Labour government has been responsible for "the Decade of Debt".
Written by Daniel Burgess
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ASPEN, Colo. (Dec. 8, 2015) – He's been down on his luck for several years now, but things are certainly looking up for a Colorado man.
Michael Engfors, 60, has struggled with alcoholism, a divorce and the loss of his business. He's been homeless for more than six years, reports KUSA.
Now, he's $500,000 richer after buying a $10 scratch-off lottery ticket on Friday that turned out to be a winner. After verifying his good fortune, Engfors returned to Saint Mary Catholic Church to spend a final weekend sleeping on the floor and share the news with some friends there.
"I asked him what he was gonna do, and he said he wanted to get some skis and he really wanted to connect with his daughter who he hadn't seen in over 20 years," Jeremy Kowalis with the Aspen Homeless Shelter told KUSA. "He's interested in trying to find out how to go about reaching her and re-connecting with her, now that he's got a little bit more means to do so."
Kowalis said Engfors has seen life's ups and downs and knew his luck would eventually change.
"I don't think he normally spends $10 a day on a lottery ticket. But he did that day, and it sure paid off."


text:
Earlier, I posted a piece about Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure by Hagit R. Oron and Or Oron. Hagit was nice enough to take part in a Q&A with me. I kept it short and sweet, because I'd rather she work on her next book than take too much time with me, y'know? Hagit gave some great answers, hope you enjoy this — and be sure to check out her books!
|Good depictions of Fathers are pretty hard to come by, so I wanted to say thanks for that. What made you decide to tell as story about a Dad and his kid rather than the typical Mom?
|Why elephants? Is there something deep going on — something symbolic maybe. Are they just fun to draw?
|Are you drawing on your own experiences for these stories? I see that Goodreads has this listed as the beginning of a series — how many do you have planned?
|Can you talk about your process a bit? What comes first — the words or the pictures? Is it more of a simultaneous thing?
|In the writing of Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure, what was the biggest surprise about the writing itself? Either, "I can't believe X is so easy!" or "If I had known Y was going to be so hard, I'd have skipped this and watched more TV".


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TNT is ready to "rock" its lineup. The cable network has ordered a new reality competition series starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Deadline reports.
The eight-episode series, tentatively titled The Hero, will bring 10 people together in a house and assign them various missions to test their brains, brawn and morality. The show will see just how far contestants are willing to go for the sake of their fellow contestants and prove they have what it takes to be heroes. In the end, one player will be named a true hero.
Check out photos of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Johnson, 40, will serve as a mentor and motivator. "The Hero speaks to everything I believe in when it comes to challenging ourselves, to becoming better people every day and to making the right choices while growing from the wrong ones," he said.
As part of the show's social media integration, viewers will be able to vote each week on which contestant they think is the most heroic. "The Hero is a great fit for TNT's drama fans, whether they enjoy stories with a lot of action, suspense and danger, or stories that offer inspiration through the heroic actions of everyday people," TNT's head of programming Michael Wright said.
The Hero was created by Craig Armstrong, Rick Ringbakk, Charles Wachter and Ben Silverman. It will debut next summer on TNT.


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Greening 36 Neighborhoods to Improve, Protect, and Maintain the River!
On October 6, 1700, a group of Kaskaskia Native Americans made camp at the mouth of a river. They named the river La Riviere des Peres, or The River of the Fathers, in honor of the two French priests who joined them.
French settlers and other Native Americans from just across the Mississippi River, where Cahokia, Illinois now sits, joined the camp founders. Soon a village came to life.
For three years the village grew. The settlers built a fort, a chapel, and several five-family lodges.
In 1703, nearby Sioux Native Americans accused the villagers of encroaching onto Sioux land. The village was forced to move down the Mississippi River to what is now known as Kaskaskia, Illinois.
In 1767, three years after the founding of St. Louis, the original River des Peres site was re-settled by French Canadians and Native Americans. The new settlement was named Carondelet and later was incorporated into the City of St. Louis.
Both of the early settlements valued the River des Peres as a worthy place to begin a new life. Early St. Louisans visited the River des Peres settlement for recreation and aesthetic pleasure. William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame) traded with various Native American tribes along the River des Peres. And, the River des Peres watershed has been home to a United States president, Ulysses S. Grant.
Today the River des Peres is viewed very differently. Many St. Louisans don't know the River des Peres is part of their neighborhood. How did this happen?
Perhaps the first sewage the River des Peres received was from St. Louis' Central West End chamberpots. In response to the volume of waste, the city wrote an ordinance in 1887 "to prevent discharge of sewerage or offensive matter of any kind into the River des Peres." If the city had funded the ordinance, then a separate sewer system would have been built and the River des Peres' history might have taken a different course. Instead, the government of St. Louis began a trend that has plagued the river for more than a century: St. Louis would support ideas to protect the River des Peres as a sewer more than as a river.
As St. Louis grew westward, so did the expanses of pavement. With less open ground to soak up the rains, the River swelled with runoff. The River des Peres flooded in 1897, 1905, 1912, and 1913. The flood of 1915 killed 11 people and forced 1025 families from their homes. Flooding - not sewage - prompted St. Louisans to action. Mayor Henry W. Kiel called for a hydrologic study, which was completed by W.W. Horner and presented to the St. Louis Board of Public Service in 1916. St. Louis voters chose to implement Horner's recommendations, which cost $11 million.
The project was called the River des Peres Sewerage and Drainage Works, and it took nine years to complete (from 1924 to 1933). Workers re-graded and paved the River's banks and straightened its bends. Elsewhere the River was directed below ground to join with the sewer. The engineering innovations brought national recognition for Horner (who was also the project engineer). Scientific American and Engineering News-Record featured the marvelous new River des Peres. In 1988, the American Society of Civil Engineers recognized the project as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Channelizing and straightening the River channel has had some undesirable side effects. In many locations, the River now travels much faster and the banks are much steeper. This leads to greater erosion of the banks, which threatens trees and structures, and increases sediment in the River. These side effects often go unchecked, because repairing riverbanks and structures along the River des Peres is challenging and expensive. As a result, many St. Louis area residents have a very negative perception of the River des Peres, viewing it as nothing more than an open sewer. Some don't even realize that it is a river. This unfavorable attitude toward the River increases the difficulties that face us as we try to repair it, and can lead to further mistreatment of the River by some who dump or allow pollutants and debris to enter the River.
There are many very important reasons to take better care of our River des Peres. The open stretches of the River des Peres are home to wildlife such as fish, turtles, dragonflies, and birds, and the microbes in the River perform the valuable task of helping to purify the water. The River currently provides cultural and aesthetic value in some areas, like Ruth Park Woods in University City, where it flows in a more natural setting. And as the challenges of sanitation are met, the more industrial stretches of the River can provide valuable new amenities to urban landscapes. Moreover, the River des Peres - and all the pollutants and waste it carries - empties into the Mississippi River, which is home to hundreds of species of aquatic life, including the federally endangered pallid sturgeon.


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Date(s) - Fri, Nov 30, 2018
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
During this evening, we will journey to the West and to the element of Fire using shamanic principles.
What is Shamanic journeying? Shamanic journeying is a way to access the spirit realms by entering into an altered state of consciousness (or trance) and to bridge the teaching, healing, guidance from the spirit realms into the physical reality. It is a form of active meditation.
Over the next few weeks, we will journey to all the Elements of the medicine wheel. The Medicine wheel is a way to understand and honor the cycles within and around us. By journeying to these Elements we can receive teaching and guidance to help us navigate our lives with more ease.
Liberate Your True Self
Bookings are closed for this event.


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At IBMC College, we're dedicated to your success! We offer accelerated career training to help you secure a promising future. Our certificate, diploma and degree programs provide you with the skills you need to flourish in a business, cosmetology, healthcare, legal or massage career. At IBMC College, our student body is diverse and we welcome those with a strong desire to make a life change.
Keiser University
At Keiser University, you will find a warm, friendly community with faculty and staff truly committed to your success. Our small class sizes, individualized attention, and one-class-at-a-time schedules create a positive learning environment where you can excel. Whether your goal is to prepare for a new career or to advance with your current employer, Keiser University is designed around your needs.


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Roughly two weeks ago, one of my anonymous followers on my Tumblr asked me what my thoughts are on Psy's new single, "Gentleman." I've decided to take what I said in my response and expand on it here:
I actually hadn't seen the music video nor heard the song by the time my anonymous follower asked me what I thought. I had heard that Psy did have a new single, but never had the urge to check it out because I knew it wouldn't be as memorable as "Gangnam Style" (in a similar fashion to how Rebecca Black's second single was nowhere near as popular as "Friday"). He already set the bar too high with "Gangnam Style." There was no way "Gentleman" was going to be as popular and it was definitely going to disappoint people no matter what.
I don't find the song to be particularly catchy. It doesn't have that much energy and it has this annoying beat in the background. I honestly didn't get into it and I could have gone without ever listening to it. And this is coming from someone who actually listens to and enjoys Korean Pop. Unfortunately, I can't say much about the lyrics, since I do not understand Korean.
The video is trying way to hard to replicate the randomness and humor of "Gangnam Style." The director to the music video is Jo Soo-hyun, the same director of the "Gangnam Style" video, and it shows. I think Soo-hyun was trying to recreate what made "Gangnam Style"'s video the hit that it is, because they both have similar elements: Psy doing weird things in front of strangers, the primary dance, and shots that take place throughout the Gangnam District in South Korea. It even has some of the same characters from "Gangnam Style," Yoo Jae-suk (guy in yellow suit) and Noh Hong-chul (hip thrust guy). This is something that viewers have all seen before, so none of this is shocking anymore. I also found the video to be cliched. Psy's singing about how he's such a gentleman, yet in the video he's doing non-gentlemanly things. Hur hur, get it? Though knowing Psy and his sense of humor, this is kinda expected.
The primary dance used for "Gentleman," from what I've read, originated from a different KPop group, Brown Eyed Girls, in 2009. According to Psy, this dance is well known to the Korean populous. As an American, I have never seen this dance, nor do I find it all that interesting. I preferred "Gangnam Style"'s dance, and how it resembled riding a horse. This dance is a simple swaying of the hips, which isn't all that energetic or interesting.
The problem is that everyone has already seen Psy and his antics, so it's not as much as a shock as it was last time. It's still going to get millions of views, cause people are curious to see what Psy will do next. Problem is, it's the exact same thing he's shown us before, and it's not as entertaining the second time around. I still respect Psy and his style of music. He's been a performer for 12 years now and he's still going strong, internet fame or no. It's unfortunate that most of America sees him as a one-hit-wonder.


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To benefit the James R. Jordan Foundation, and to celebrate the jump shot that won his UNC team the 1982 NCAA Championship, Michael Jordan and Converse collaborated on a limited edition commemorative pack which is currently being auctioned off on Ebay.
The pack includes a replica of the leather Converse he wore in the game and his Tar Heels jersey.
30 packs were created but only 23 are available during the auction, and MJ has autographed each item.
Watch as Jordan talks about becoming the star we grew to love:
I love how he says he was "Mike Jordan" before the shot and became "Michael Jordan" after.
Last I checked, the average bid was $4000 but you have until Friday, when the auction ends, to jump into the fray.
Good luck!
Learn more about the James R. Jordan Foundation HERE.
Blowing kisses to Sole Collector


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I have sung this song to all of our babies. Such a simple song, but one that all of them will share as a memory of our bedtime routine.
Seven years ago we were coming off of a difficult planting season. It was wet, wet, wet that spring, and we couldn't seem to catch a break of sun to finish up the bean planting. Funny thing is, this season was actually a precursor to a wet, wet, wet harvest.
Oh, the weather.
Anyway, on June 9th of 2009, I was truly glad. It was sunshiny. It was warm. My parents had just moved really, really close to us. We were on the brink of finishing planting, and I was about to pop with our third child.
And early the next morning, I did. Amelia Jane made her entrance at 2:20 AM on June 10th, the same day as my Grandma Mary's 95th birthday.
The sun shone bright that whole rest of the week and into the weekend. I remember being dropped off by Joe with two toddlers and a newborn so he could sidedress anhydrous. Welcome home, Mama! But, the sun was shining, and it was time to roll.
I remember watching my Grandma, just turned 95, rolling carefully into our driveway in her maroon Buick to be one of the first visitors. She drove the 15 mile trip because the sun was shining.
It is indicative of our Millie Jane. She is truly sunshine disguised as a little girl. There are moments that she is a little more cloudy, but those are quickly resolved. She is understanding and caring and kind.
And funny.
Oh so funny.
Just yesterday morning, she told me she was getting nervous about her birthday because she was starting a new chapter of her life. "Seven is a big step, Mom!"
This year's birthday celebration has been a bit tricky. She and Jack had to share a party due to family calendars filling up and new jobs starting. Her little cake that Grandma Mary generally provides at the joint birthday party was shared in the hospital, as our more elder of the birthday girls is not doing well.
Amelia didn't care. She happily shared her party with her brother this year, "because I share my birthday every year with Grandma."
Of course. Rays of sunshine work together and share the sky, so why wouldn't our little ray of sunshine do the same?
I say this with every birthday blog, but it bears repeating: I am lucky to be entrusted as this little girl's mother. She has taught me to shine despite the darkness. Even now, as we are a little sad that Grandma is struggling, but at 102, a new chapter is just part of the game. Nothing to be nervous about.
Nothing like turning seven.
So, to our little ray of sunshine, Amelia Jane, we love you. We cherish you. You are our sunshine.


text: Philip S. Wilson was permanently barred from Chicago Board of Options Exchange membership and association with exchange members. He was found by the exchange's business conduct committee and board of directors to have violated two exchange rules. One pertains to just and equitable principles of trade, the other to adherence to federal securities law. He also was found guilty of violating the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


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Sydney holidays
Ringed by national parks and blessed with more than 100 beaches, the best bits of Sydney are outdoors, active and (mostly) free. Here's how to enjoy it like a local
The chef and MasterChef presenter shares his favourite Sydney views, beaches, bars and seafood joints
Seen from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House is transformed into a light installation with images of plant life and bird plumage by artist Ash Bolland
Sydney serves up its coffee, cocktails, fusion cuisine and harbour walks with panache and beautiful views
In December the energy of the city ratchets up and in the parties, pubs and parks the sense of belonging and community is raised for all to see
Some of Sydney's best food, affordable hotels, vibrant Parramatta and a drive-in cinema make a weekend away out west a must-do
From fern-filled gullies to waterfalls and stunning coastal paths, winter doesn't have to mean staying indoors. These five walks are perfect for a cold, dry day
From beautiful beaches to amazing brunches, cool bars and fascinating foodie suburbs – a weekend in Sydney is joyride for the senses
It was one of only three Australian establishments to make it into this week's list of the world's hottest 100 restaurants. So does Sepia live up to the hype?
The harbour is awash with glorious light displays during the Vivid festival. But where are the best places to see them from?
The best pictures from the opening night of Vivid festival 2015 in Sydney, where buildings around the CBD have been transformed by spectacular light showsGallery
If you're in Australia for Mardi Gras, why not make a memorable holiday out of it by visiting some of the country's most beautiful and queer-friendly destinations?
After a weekend of excess and DJing, a swim in this outdoor seawater pool is the perfect way to recharge – and for fantastic views and breakfast
It's time to crack open a few bottles... .some of Melbourne and Sydney's top sommeliers recommend wines to match your Christmas lunch.
From Brisbane to Melbourne - being on the road doesn't have to mean pies and hot chips. We track down the best organic food just off the Hume and Pacific Highways.
Sydney's night noodle markets brought the suits out to eat gua bao and ramen burgers. But the lanterns and the clang of open kitchens were more appealing than the price
Photographs from the Guardian Eyewitness series
Among the beautiful stone houses and clipped lawns of this north shore Sydney suburb are a host of surprisingly good dining options for those living in the area – and beyond


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The Mimbres Region Art Council presents the 2018 Silver City Blues Festival during Memorial Day weekend, May 25th through May 27th, at Gough Park in Silver City. Enjoy great food, music from great performers, and shop with dozens of vendors, all in the comfort of beautiful Gough Park. This is a free event. Visit silvercitybluesfestival.org for schedules and list of performers.
- This event has passed.


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2009-02-07 42 -84
Sat 7 Feb 2009 in Lansing:
The coordinates were in the eastbound lane of a rural road between some farms.
excellentdude: While I live in the Lansing graticule, this weekend found me traveling to my northeast graticular neighbor, Saginaw, to deliver some workshops. As I've already geohashed in the Saginaw graticule, and Michigan isn't a completely crazy regional geohash achievement to go after (though it's close), I was hoping for some good southern coordinates in the Tawas graticule to the north. When the coordinates came out Friday, though, that hope was dashed. Not only were the coordinates in the extreme northern end of the graticules, but the Tawas coordinates were in Lake Huron. Another time perhaps.
Tawas aside, my journey home that afternoon took me pretty near to the Lansing coordinates so I checked them out. Factoring into that decision was the fact that it was actually warm! Warm, of course, is a relative term. It was about 50°F/10°C and windy. It had rained the last couple days, exposing the mythical ground that was rumored to exist beneath the snow. By the time I got to the interstate exit I needed to take to get to the coordinates, the sun was going down. Remembering some of the sunset photos that woodveil had recently posted, I was hoping to get some of my own. I was a little scared that it would be dark by the time I got to the coordinates, but with my radio reminding about Blue Oyster Cult's advice regarding emotional reactions to farm equipment, I proceeded into the Michigan farmland. Shortly thereafter, I made it to the spot. Truth be told, the sunset pictures probably would have been better if I could have made it ten minutes earlier, but it was a scenic hash nonetheless. Also of note, this was my first non-frozen geohash!
| excellentdude earned the Land geohash achievement
| excellentdude earned the Speed racer achievement
| excellentdude earned the Consecutive geohash achievement


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Zen of the Woods: A Foray into Art and Mushrooming
by Ben Kinsley
Lately I've found myself at art exhibitions in New York City, not looking at the art or engaging with the social ritual of the opening, but instead giving ad-hoc lectures about mushrooms using my phone's photo gallery as a visual aid. This trumping of art by fungi has also infiltrated my studio practice, and the time I would normally dedicate to art making has been replaced with foraging in parks and forests. What began as humble pastime a little over a year ago has quickly ascended into obsession.1
The root of this development can be traced to the Adirondack mountains, where my partner, Jessica Langley (also an artist) and I spend time each summer. There, it is a tradition to collect an artist's conk2 during a hike, and upon return etch a commemorative drawing into its porous white flesh. As the mushroom dries the etched lines will bruise dark and become permanent (our camp has a small collection, the oldest dating back to 1935). While looking for artist's conks on our many hikes we became tuned in to the vast quantity of fungi in the woods but had little other knowledge of this mysterious world.
In June of 2014 we met our friend (and glass artist) Thaddeus Wolfe at an art opening in Brooklyn. He had just returned from a foray with the New York Mycological Society in one of the many New York City parks, and he was sharing his haul with us via pictures on his phone. We were enthralled. He explained the difference between russulas (a gilled mushroom) and boletes (mushrooms with a spongy, tubular surface under the cap). To explain things further he made diagrammatic drawings in the gallery's guest book, describing some basic identifying characteristics (such as free vs. attached gills, veiled stalks, the bulbous base of amanitas, etc.). We must have spent an hour talking mushrooms in the entryway of the gallery (notably longer than either of us spent with the work), and when we departed we made plans to attend the next NYMS outing together.
My first foray with the group took place in Central Park in late-June. Led by the expertise of Gary Lincoff,3 we traversed the park in search for as many types of summer mushrooms the group could find.4 At first Jessica and I couldn't see a thing, but after some time and with some assistance, we honed our pattern recognition skills, and the mushrooms were all around us! After a couple of hours the three of us had collected a few edible russulas, a variety of good edible boletes, and a handful of lambsquarters. We took the train back to Queens and made a delicious brunch. After a couple more outings with the society and major hauls of choice edibles including chanterelles, black trumpets,oyster mushrooms, the corrugated-cap milky, and hen-of-the-woods,5 Jessica and I were seriously hooked.
I grew up in a small town in central Ohio and spent the majority of my childhood playing in the woods, climbing trees, swimming in creeks and ponds, studying flora and fauna, and sharing my blood with mosquitoes, horse flies, chiggers, leeches, and ticks. Ironically, it wasn't until I moved to New York City at the age of 33, that I got into mushroom foraging. Admittedly, I've only been doing this for a short time, but I am awestruck by the fact that more (North) Americans6 don't take advantage of the plethora of free delectable, nutritional, and medicinal7 nourishment growing in and around their towns, cities, and woodlands. Instead, the sight of mushrooms tends to invoke caution and fear in most people. This is, generally speaking, a good thing, as there are many common mushrooms that are deadly poisonous. For example, the destroying angel (my favorite toxic species), if ingested and left untreated, will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps, leading to kidney and liver disfunction, organ failure, coma, and death. And then, of course, there are a number of poisonous species that are "look-alikes" of coveted edible mushrooms, which are sometimes picked and ingested accidentally by the untrained forager.8 But, all one needs in order to not kill themselves is a bit of botanical, mycological, and/or local folk-cultural knowledge, and this is exactly the type of information mycological societies exist to make accessible.
The New York Mycological Society is a non-profit organization in NYC dedicated to mycology (the study of mushrooms and fungi) and mycophagy (the practice of eating wild mushrooms). It too has a deep connection to the art world, as the present NYMS was co-founded by composer John Cage some 50 years ago.9 Cage was an avid mushroomer and spent maybe equal energy thinking about the world of fungi as he did about music. In an essay about Erik Satie, published in his famous 1961 book Silence, Cage acknowledges his lust for foraging at the beginning of the text:
"A few days ago it rained. I should be out gathering mushrooms. But here I am, having to write about Satie. In an unguarded moment I said I would. Now I am pestered with a deadline. Why, in heaven's name, don't people read the books about him that are available, play the music that's published? Then I for one could go back to the woods and spend my time profitably."
I can relate, for I too have started paying close attention to rain patterns, and it seems that my creative life has taken a back seat to fungi. So what makes foraging such a seductive and fulfilling activity? The thrill (and delicious reward) of finding gourmet mushrooms in the wild is certainly a hook. Coming home from a short walk in the park with a perfect, 10 pound hen-of-the-woods (which might sell for $24/lb at the farmers market) comes with a great sense of joy and accomplishment. And then there's the creative challenge of preparing it all while still fresh, which necessitates experimenting with increasingly varied recipes.
And perhaps there's something to the real, if slight, possibility of danger – danger of misidentification leading to accidental poisoning. In A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman describes the Japanese tradition of preparing and eating Fugu, the deadly poisonous puffer fish. Fugu contains tetrodotoxin, one of the most poisonous chemicals in the world. As she puts it, "a shred small enough to fit under one's fingernail could kill and entire family." Apparently, the most highly regarded chefs are those who "manage to leave in the barest touch of the poison, just enough for the diner's lips to tingle from his brush with mortality but not enough to actually kill him." Despite the horrendous consequences eaters of fugu risk (including a death-like paralysis which has led to some people being buried alive!), "eating fugu is considered a highly aesthetic experience."
Is mushrooming the ultimate aesthetic act? While the results can be delectable (some of the very best mushrooms, like porcini and morels, can't be cultivated), and the preparations intellectually stimulating (I spend much of my time reading and researching, both in analyzing the daily collection and in anticipating the next hunt), the act of foraging engages four of our five senses.10Mushrooming can also offer a connection to the metaphysical with the help of so called "magic mushrooms," whose fruiting bodies contain psilocybin and/or psilocin, and can induce states of euphoria, hallucination, and spiritual experiences11 upon ingestion.
But there's something else, something deeper, that has turned this would-be pastime into an obsession for me. Maybe it's the connection to, and respite in, the natural world that's so enticing in this era of the post-studio, professionalized artist. Most of my studio time is spent on a computer dealing with logistics (emailing, Skype meetings, budgets, proposals, grant writing, etc.). There is a refreshing immediacy to foraging, where planning is limited and the results are unknown (almost nothing seems hard to acquire these days, except maybe, for the elusive mushroom you wish to find).
In a 1979 interview,12 musician/producer Brian Eno was asked if he would ever consider doing something other than music. His response reflects my thoughts on foraging:
"I did have a very strong impulse, for quite a long time, to become a gardener. […] It's as much to do with being interested in a living style that is very slow, and where one is conscious of the seasons, and of the time of day. Because I'm not at the moment; by virtue of the way I work, the seasons tend to merge. I mean, obviously I know if it's hotter or colder; but the work is the same from season to season. I don't have summer work and winter work. Similarly, I don't have day work and night work, that much – it's a continuum that the year and the seasons happen to change around."
There is something quite wonderful about experiencing seasonal shifts through the lens of fungi. On the east-coast, summer yields baskets full of chanterelles and chicken-of-the-woods.13 Fall provides the very best mushrooming season, with the fruiting of the most species of good and choice edibles. Winter tests one's patience, though may provide wild enoki14 and oyster mushrooms if one is persistent. The spring thaw brings with it the salivation of the morel hunters. Minute changes in weather patterns take on new and significant importance. The once dreaded rainy day suddenly becomes a celebrated occurrence, full of potential, a catalyst for exploration.
Filmmaker Jason Cortlund writes in the introductory essay of the Spring 2015 NYMS newsletter,
"There's nothing more uncertain than a mushroom hunt- what and where you find fungi depends on multiple variables – including one's own awareness. Past experiences can help prepare for what might be found, but only sensory data gained by being present in those precise woods at that exact moment can help one see what's actually there. Expectation can limit one's ability to observe the exceptional, the unusual, the sublime."
I believe it is precisely this uncertainty that attracts me (and many other artists throughout history15) to the world of mycology. It is indeed an awareness exercise, a process of slowing down, paying attention, and being present. One must observe all things with equal importance, and curiosity. Searching for something in particular is the best way to miss everything else. It's no wonder Cage was so taken by mushrooms, for a forage in the woods is very much akin to experiencing his seminal composition 4'33". Both offer a formal opportunity to observe the often ignored but deeply meaningful happenings of the world around us. I believe this is what good art can do. It's just that lately I've been finding it in the woods.
The essay was originally published at Temporary Art Review (1/11/16).
Images courtesy of the author. © Ben Kinsley 2016.
More info about Ben Kinsley here.
- Even as I write this, we are in the midst of a chaga decoction, the second step of an 8 week tincture process of a large mass of Inonotus obliquus; drying some turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) for future use in teas and soup stock; and making spore prints of mushrooms found this morning we are pretty certain are edible brick tops (Hypholoma sublateritium). ↩
- Ganoderma applanatum, a wood-decaying bracket fungus ↩
- author of "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms" ↩
- the NYMS has been working on a ten-year mycological survey of New York City Parks ↩
- Cantharellus cibarius, Craterellus cornucopioides, Pleurotus ostreatus, Lactarius corrugis, Grifola frondosa ↩
- Mushroom hunting is a much more popular tradition in Europe and Asia. Author David Aurora claims this cultural "fungophobia" was inherited from the British. ↩
- not to mention the planet-healing potential of mycelium, the mass of branching, thread-like hyphae that form the vegetative part of fungi. See:https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_stamets_on_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world ↩
- this has unfortunately been happening with Syrian refugees in Germany, who are mistakingAmanita phalloides (the deadly poisonous death cap) with the Bearded Amanita which grows in the Mediterranean area. See: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/29/germany-attributes-mushroom-poisonings-foraging-refugees ↩
- In 1959 Cage was asked to teach a music class at the New School, and only agreed on the condition that they also allow him to teach a mushroom identification class. This class was the beginning of the current New York Mycological Society. ↩
- Proper identification often requires sight (color of cap, gills, and spore print), touch (texture of cap, firmness), smell (chanterelles, for instance, are known to have a fruity, apricot-like scent), and taste (sweet, tasteless, spicy, bitter, etc.) ↩
- In "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross" renowned archeologist and Dead Sea Scrolls scholar John M. Allegro posits that the founding stories and principles of Christianity were actually derived from an ancient fertility cult that consumed and worshiped the Amanita muscaria (which contains the psychoactive compound muscimol), and that "Jesus" was not a human being at all, but in fact a code word for this hallucinogenic fungus. See: https://youtu.be/
mOu9tV6uy2E ↩
- See: http://www.moredarkthanshark.org/feature_enovations-sum79.html ↩
- Laetiporus sulphureus, a golden-yellow bracket fungus that tastes kind of like chicken ↩
- Flammulina velutipes aka enokitake, velvet foot, winter mushroom ↩
- Beatrix Potter, for example, (despite being completely ignored by the male chauvinist botanical societies of her time) was a remarkable mycologist. Her exquisite watercolor renderings of mushrooms and research helped lead to the reclassification of lichens (a hybrid of fungi and algae, not plants as was assumed at the time). See:https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/07/28/beatrix-potter-a-life-in-nature-botany-mycology-fungi/ ↩


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ELIZABETH KUBLER ROSS'S "The Five Stages," denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are a part of the framework that makes up our learning to live with the one we lost.
Thanks to Dr. Kim Lamb's "Hail Mary" treatment my Dog Bailiff lives on.
-Bill B.
Ashland, NH
I wanted to thank you for all you did for Boo. She wasn't good when we brought her so see you, and after two visits to you, she was better than we had ever seen her. Acted like a crazy puppy half the time!
At over fourteen years old, she was really on borrowed time right from when she hurt her back. The "regular" Vets couldn't do much for her other than prednisone and best wishes. Thanks to you, her last months were extraordinarily good ones, and I (and Sally) just can't thank you enough for what you did for her… and for us.
– Karl and Sally H.
Lindsay, Jake, & Cooper
We got Cooper from a shelter in October of 2015. I was told that he had Demodex Mange around his eyes, but we treated for mange and nothing helped. We then went on to oral steroids and began looking at possible allergies when a friend told me to check out Dr. Kim. I was skeptical at first, but was quickly hooked. Dr. Kim seemed to work miracles from day 1, Cooper made progress every time I turned around. The best part was that Dr. Kim took the time to explain each step she took with Cooper. She gave me great resources and I really felt like I began to understand what Cooper was going through. Cooper is such a different dog 4 months later and we have Dr. Kim to thank for that!
Deb, Barb, & Kenna
We have been going to Dr. Kim for almost 10 years for holistic care for our animals. Being from this area, we have limited access to certain medical care that people in large populated areas do not have. One of those that we knew we wanted and needed was chiropractic care for our sport dogs. We were thrilled when Dr. Kim decided to go to chiropractic school!! We have gone to a chiropractor ourselves for years and knew that playing competitive disc with our dogs was putting added stresses on their bodies. After one adjustment to Kenna (our top disc dog) we could see an immediate transformation in how she was playing. Her enthusiasm, drive, and overall attitude changed. She had more energy and was acting like a young puppy! Kenna placed 48th in the World finals pro freestyle this year in Georgia. She was adjusted just before we headed down which we could see the benefits in her performance. One of our other dogs, Cane, came in 53rd in toss and fetch and 7th in division 2 freestyle. He too was adjusted just before traveling and the benefits of the adjustment showed in his performance also. We are so pleased with the results on all of our dogs that Dr. Kim has adjusted. They all have benefited from her chiropractic work.
John & Kaiser
Thank you very much for everything you've done so far, so many people took text book approaches that they all seemed to overlook the one thing that never changed, the dry dog food. You saw the bigger picture and spent more time with him in three visits than all the other vets did combined in 3 years. I have a happy dog again! Let me know about the herbs and with some luck we'll keep this progress rolling.
Kathy & India
I found India at the pound in 2000 with no tail and a weepy eye. She was about 2 at the time and the local vet said she had "pound eye" and there was nothing to do about it. By age 12, she had dandruff and asthma. Frustrated with conventional and homeopathic drugs working only briefly, I found Dr. Kim. That was 2009 and I haven't looked back.
Healing what is not functioning drives Dr. Kim. Our initial visits included long chats about the role/efficacy of homeopathics, conventional vet medicine, pet food, physiology, and biology. Seven years later, topics now include kidney and adrenal function, cortisol levels, minerals, probiotics, and, my personal favorites….the latest article, book, or podcast she read or heard on animal health. On the latter, she doesn't stop there, either. She calls, emails, and writes to the authors, labs, and researchers to find out more about the topic she just read.
It is equal parts exciting and relief to have access to this much up to-date knowledge and experience in multiple vet disciplines in one person. Dr. Kim is also willing to switch approaches if the current one isn't working to her satisfaction. This insatiable drive to learn and experiment combined with humility and curiosity has actually cured India of her weepy eye, dandruff, food allergies, and her asthma. To top it off, India's kidney levels are back to normal; something my conventional vet said was not possible but is now curious as to how all of the above was accomplished. All in all, India is back to her bright and saucy self at 18.
Healing takes time but it is worth the journey to work with Dr. Kim as she unwraps, unveils, and discovers how to truly heal your pet.
India and I thank you!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to call us today at (603) 667-6800!


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I wrote an essay with the title of 'Economic Globalization: End of Inevitability' for the St Gallen symposium. It will be exciting to discuss politics and business this year with the financial crisis and Obama as the new American President.
The file link is https://abhishake.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/gallen1.pdf (warning: first page is empty)
Comments on the essay are welcomed.


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Powerseal Property Maintenance
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Goats could be used after nearly $1 million fails to fix Calgary's dandelion problem
Spending nearly $1 million on extra mowing didn't solve the city's dandelion problem but, in the future, goats could take a bite out of the issue.
A council committee voted in favour Friday of asking city administration to investigate the necessary changes to bylaws that would allow livestock to graze on the yellow flowering plant as a weed-control tool.
Councillors at Friday's meeting heard the city is looking at new ways to fight dandelions after additional mowing failed to control the broadleaf weeds or cut down on citizen complaints.
This spring, a total of $920,000 was spent on an extra mowing cycle, field work and research, and a public survey on dandelions after council approved $1.7 million for dandelion suppression in September 2015 following a barrage of complaints from the public.
Coun. Evan Woolley voted against using the funds to control the weeds last year and expressed dismay at the results at Friday's meeting.
"We took $1 million and we went and tried to mow a problem away, and that just seems very, very unfortunate that we did that," he said.
Councillors were told by city administration Friday there's no one "magic bullet" when it comes to eliminating dandelions.
They voted in favour of having administration examine the bylaw changes to accommodate livestock, and to set aside $150,000 of the money left over from the failed mowing for weed-control pilot projects, and return the remaining $630,000 to the rainy-day fund.


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The first time Justin Rutledge told Gord Downie he was going to make an album of Tragically Hip cover songs, it was via an email. "He wrote me back, 'Sounds like career suicide to me,'" Rutledge say, laughing. "I thought that was perfect."
The album in question is Daredevil, which consists of 10 stripped-down and atmospheric Hip covers. The emphasis is on the Kingston band's '90s output, from Road Apples to Phantom Power.
"I wanted to focus on the years when I got into the band, when I was 16 or 17" says Rutledge, on the phone from New York. "That golden period of Tragically Hip."
Starting with a long list of 25 songs, Rutledge carefully curated the song selection down to 10 and brought in guests like Brendan Canning, Jenn Grant, Mary Margaret O'Hara and Andy Maize to help him realize his vision.
"I'm not looking to make any money off this," he says. "This idea was strictly respect. I wanted to pay homage to these wonderful people who gave us all these great songs."
Below, Rutledge takes us through each track.
'Looking For A Place to Happen'
"It's a really interesting song. Of course I'm a huge fan of Gord's lyrics, but there's this really Bukowski-esque ne'er do well aspect, these strange characters. I see them sitting at a bar in limbo or the afterlife. You got Jacques Cartier putting his coat on the bed, stuff like that. I chose that song because it's really a strange little poem. When we produced it, I wanted to create this ethereal environment that was almost creepy."
'Springtime in Vienna'
"I've always had a thing for Vienna, and maybe it stemmed from that song. It's this amazing chorus, 'We live to survive our paradoxes,' it's anthemic and it's joyous and it's cryptic, and I've always had a penchant for that song. I really wanted to make this one a little more folky, and then there is this big choir at the end that really elevates that chorus. Gord belts it out in the original, but we almost made it more plaintive, more gospel."
"This song was very difficult to work out. It was the one song where we just didn't know what to do. I thought this would be an easy project but it ended up being one of the more difficult projects I've worked on. And 'Thugs,' it's a very small song, two verses, two choruses and this outro, but I really wanted to make it more driving and dark, but musical. It's one of the most difficult to do though because it's like, only the Hip can do these songs. Hopefully it worked out."
'Escape is at Hand for the Travellin' Man'
"It's always been one of my favourite Hip tunes. It's actually this really sad song about a suicide. It's a real heartbreak of a song on the chorus: 'I guess I'm too slow, I guess I'm too slow.' So I really wanted the lyrics at the forefront of this because it's a really powerful song and a great story. Gord at his best storytelling."
'Grace, Too'
"It's such a creepy song and it's always confused me. As Canadians, how does a song like that, and I mean this with all respect, but it's a dark song, it's very creepy, it's really enigmatic, but it's one of the biggest Canadian songs of all time. Another difficult one to do. The version we do is almost like a duet, with myself and Julie Fader, who sings with me on the whole album. It's a conversational song between a man and woman who are in this strange dark place. Having Julie helped me understand that more."
'Locked in the Trunk of a Car'
"This is the one song I knew how to treat right away. I really wanted to make it a dark, acoustic, haunting, Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt thing. Part of it is a minor blues song, the verse, and I remember in my teens watching this interview with Gord and he was really open and he said, 'You know, there was a point in my life where I messed up, I really messed up, and I was living with this guilt.' It's a song about living with guilt, so as a young aspiring songwriter it really opened this door to me. If you can talk about these human things in this kind of way, this changes everything for me.
"So this song was extremely important in my understanding of how to communicate through poetry and song and lyrics."
'Courage (for Hugh MacLennan)'
"I tried to sing the chorus on this, and it's one of those things where I think only Gord can do it. So what you have in the song is just the three verses and Andy Maize of Skydiggers sings the third verse. … Then I realized, why do I need to sing the chorus? Everyone in the country knows it."
'Long Time Running'
"I've always thought it was a great, small-town Kingston ballad. I spent a lot of time around Kingston growing up and you can see Highway 33 and the ferry and the beautiful southeastern pastures. But I've always heard this song as a really slow country song, so I took it way down. I really made it about the words and the sparse space of those pastures and rolling landscape. … And what a great story he tells. It's his early stuff, and a real glimpse into Gord's matter-of-fact, poetic sensibilities."
'Put it Off,' featuring Mary Margaret O'Hara
"It's one of those dark, broody Hip songs, and just a repetition of three chords. A trance-like tune. But I wanted to amp it up and create this trashy, weird electro song with two drummers and Mary Margaret doing her thing, which is pretty wild. This song, it's so cinematic. And those opening lines: 'I wrote unfriendly things, truly cruel, on the day that you were born.' It's like, OK, you trumped me again."
'Fiddler's Green' featuring Jenn Grant
"A friend of mine was born on Sept. 17, so we always sing it on his birthday. I understand there is a pretty sad song behind this song, so I really wanted to be delicate and give it as much respect as possible. Which is why I didn't really want to sing lead vocal. I felt like it required a woman's touch, so I called Jenn Grant and she was kind and gracious enough to sing lead vocal. I really felt as though it lent to the tenderness of the song. Another case where I relinquished my role as lead singer because you really have to serve these songs."
(This article was originally published in 2014 when Daredevil was released. Purchase the album via Bandcamp.


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Sun, 2 October 2011
In this episode, Ryan and Geoff are joined by special guest Norbert Brunhuber, who is very active in the Warmachine/Hordes community. The discussion centers around two topics:
'Monogamers' - those who play only a single game or game system (not gamers who have mono!). What is necessary in a game that will hold someone's interest for years? Why do some people prefer a single game system and others want to play a different game every week?
Miniature Gaming - what is the appeal? What are the differences between board and miniature games, and where is there crossover?
Direct download: Ludology_Episode_17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT


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Special Edition Prints
'These two pieces of work, one coastal and one inland, reflect the changes in light and climate brought on by the onset of winter. From the muffled snow covered lanes to the sweeping, cloud covered headlands, we are reminded how nature closes in at this time of year. Yet as the temperatures plummet, the dark contrasting forms of hedgerows, rocks and cliffs against still grey skies provide a quiet beauty worth recording...'
These giclee prints are the same image dimensions as the original artwork (56 x 76cm) with an added 3cm border around and they arrive gallery wrapped flat to minimise damage. Available to purchase online now


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By: Henry J. Fromage (Three Beers) –
Kevin McDonald, he of The Last King of Scotland and Enter the Void fame, making a high concept teen romance? What is this world coming to?
Not good things… not good things at all
Saoirse Ronan (fuck yeah, Hanna and, umm… The Host) stars as an American teenager sent to Britain to live with her cousins by her shitty dad. This is near-future, terrorist-beleagured Britain, however, and just as soon as she's warming up to her new surroundings (and hunky cousin… yeah, that's un-addressed) an unknown catastrophe throws the national into a state of martial law, and her family/love interest (really, nobody comments on it at all) into peril.
A Toast
Kevin McDonald has an excellent eye for aesthetics, and this is hands down his most beautifully shot and edited film. Cinematographer (), of course, deserves some credit for that, but every technical detail of the film is top-notch, especially the handling of the excellent soundtrack. The acting complements this well, although really Ronan shoulders the majority of that load. Still, her chemistry with xx is excellent, and in only 40 minutes accomplishes what Twilight couldn't in xx, deliver a believable romance that you actually feel some emotional stake in.
Ha, stake
What's particularly admirable about this film, though, is that it zigs where just about every other teenage romance film zags. McDonald is absolutely unafraid of making the hard choice, and going as dark as the story requires, which is probably why it isn't playing on three screens in your local cineplex. It's also probably why this is far and away better than any film in the genre that has. Kudos especially on that ending.
Beer Two
What is up with Saoirse Ronan and the voices in her head? After the cinematic full-speed faceplant that was The Host, you'd think that'd she'd avoid scripts with massive amounts of inner dialogue. Just like that film, it's a device that most likely plays much better on the page than the screen, and here it's a distraction even if you admire the impulse of trying to render a teenager's complex anxieties, opinions, and fears audible.
Kill yourself. … Try KFC's new double Triple Double Down, now 99 cents at a location near you! … Joseph Smith is the one true prophet. …
Beer Three
In a weird way, this film isn't horrifying enough. It seems like they were leaving the odd trial or tribulation out, as for all the horror the characters do experience, it's all over rather quickly, and wraps up in a nuanced but still overly tidy resolution.
The world needs more teenage romance/horrifyingly realistic distopian flicks like this one.
Drinking Game
Take a Drink: musical montage time!
Take a Drink: whenever the voices in Ronan's head come back
Take a Drink: whenever the little ginger annoys up the place
Do a Shot: when this ain't Twilight anymore (repeat for each raised stake)


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You may want to know a little about me to help you decide how to respond to this site and my offerings.
I have had a dream of a peaceful and happy world for a very long time. My parents encouraged me to think for myself and this led me initially to science. I became a research chemist with ICI, a large chemical company based in Britain.
ICI was very committed to development. They ran some T-groups (sensitivity training) for scientists. I went on one and it was a life changing experience. I learned that most of the problems in the industry and in the wider world could be solved if we listened to each other. This showed me how to help my dream come true.
I decided to change my career to help people listen to each other. This took four years and then I got a job, with ICI, as an internal organisation development consultant. I had six fascinating years with a free hand to do "Whatever I could get away with that was likely to be helpful".
I helped them improve cooperation and customer service, helped people manage time, listened to managers and helped them solve practical problems. I was a facilitator, not an expert, and this worked well.
Meanwhile, I worked as a counsellor to married couples, which was a fascinating and challenging privilege. I got to know people from all walks of life at remarkable depth and was often able to help them grow and change.
After a short time as a career counsellor, I became an independent consultant. This was thirty-two years ago. In this time, I have worked with a wide range of organisations in the private and public sector and of all sizes and many sectors.
I am a facilitator of development and change. This is with individuals, teams, between teams and with quite large groups, and organisations. I like to support and challenge people so they grow. Challenge without support makes people defensive. Support without challenge leaves people stuck.
Ten years ago I published all my articles, designs and resources on the web for anyone to use. I believe passionately that we have to learn to listen to each other and help each other to be fully human. So I want to spread these ideas and methods. I try to practice what I preach.
I am married with two children and two grandchildren and live in Hatfield just outside London, England. I love walking and adventure holidays, read a lot and make Meccano models.
I would love to know what you think of these ideas:
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Phone +44 (0)1707886553, or +44(0)7879861525 email firstname.lastname@example.com or Skype nickheap
Using these materials I am entirely happy for you to use or draw on any these materials in any way you think will be helpful. I am keen to have my work, and the work of the people I have learned from, used.
The language on this site is correct UK English throughout. There are differences in spelling and meaning between UK and US English. The context should make the material understandable in the US.
Further Information
There are free articles, exercises, designs, book references and links to other sources about many aspects of personal, team, management and organisation development on this website. I will add other resources as I learn what you want.


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This is the 8th book in the Lakeshore Chronicles series by Susan Wiggs.
Daisy has been featured in prior books with a focus on her troubles and
relationship with Julian Gastineaux. Fans of this series waited for Daisy's story to be told and I think they will be pleasantly surprised by this book. If you haven't read previous books in this series, there are enough backstory's re-told to give you a feel for events that have happened in the past.
This is a difficult review to write because I don't want tospoil the book for those who would like to read it.
That said, the love triangle between Daisy, Logan and Julian continues.
Julian is in the air force, Logan still carries a torch for Daisy and
continues to be an active parent to their son Charlie.
Daisy is no longer a teenager, but a twenty-something woman with a
career as a wedding photographer and aspirations to one day have her
photographs displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
She is a loving, single Mom who has a troubled love life due to the fact
that she's always felt a deep connection with Julian, but he is away in the air force and Logan is there daily participating in his sons life.
There are many twists and turns in this story. So much so that I was up
late at night reading because I couldn't wait to see what would happen
next! I finished this book in 4 days, which is awesome for me since it usually takes me about a week to get through a book due to Mom duties and


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We are a group of Christians who believe in the Gospel. It is our
aim to proclaim this Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ that
everyone might experience salvation and eternal life through His
saving power.
We desire to honour God by applying His Word to every area of
life following the example of the early Church as in the Book of
Acts of the Apostles.
Our prayer is that browsing these pages you might know more
about the Lord Jesus and about God's truth revealed in the Bible.
The hall has now reopened as of 23rd September 2018


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North Star Housing Group dramatically increased employee wellbeing, engagement and business surplus by introducing new ways of working and giving staff a greater say in how the company is run.
- This entry embodied a courageous approach to re-structuring the organisation in a fundamental way, where wellbeing was positioned as key to developing strong trust, engagement and performance in every aspect of their work.
- The engaging personal stories of the human impact of the programme are compelling, and evidenced how they are improving the mental wellbeing of both their people and their clients.
- This initiative has strong metrics based on the KPIs achieved, including significant reductions in sickness absence, and the inspiring impact made by reinvesting direct savings made into the community they serve.
Top tips from North Star Housing Group
Extend trust as it breeds responsibility in return.
Review power distribution and share more of it across the business.
Be brave, bold and courageous.
Ensure that wellbeing and engagement are at the heart of corporate strategy
The agenda must be strongly supported at Board level.
In 2011 North Star Housing Group (NSHG) undertook a Wellbeing survey that showed low employee engagement levels, high staff turnover, increasing levels of absenteeism and stress accounting for 30% of absence (which rose to 38% in 2012).
NSHG made the link between employee wellbeing, engagement and how the organisation was run. It became clear that staff needed to feel more involved with running the company. NSHG developed the Stronger Together through Shared Leadership (STTSL) development and inclusion programme to equip staff with the skills to manage and influence change, to develop leaders across the organisation, and involve more people in decision making. Now a question regularly asked of staff is, "If you were CEO for the day what would you change?"
Peformance of the initative is closely monitored, to ensure it is delivering, and that it is underpinned by strong engagement mechanisms. The Stronger Together staff champions group leads on all social events and the staff magazine, and works with teams across the business. It has significant authority, a budget, and direct contact with senior managers. New ways of working have been introduced and over 30% of the company are taking part in new employee volunteering opportunities.
Since the start of the STTSL programme staff engagement levels have risen to around 90% and absence rates have dropped from 12.22% to 3.42%. Associated costs of absence have fallen by £70,000 over four years.
Understanding the problem
When NSHG became aware of rising levels of sickness and work related stress among its staff, the company took steps to understand the situation.
It engaged an external consultant who surveyed 81% of staff. The consultant's research showed that if employees were more engaged and felt more involved with the running of the organisation it would improve their wellbeing. NSHG used these findings as the starting point for the SSTSL programme.
Through the programme the company has introduced more flexible working options, new management tools, peer and self-assessments, training and staff development, with the aim of building trust, autonomy, and authority at every level of the business.
Involving everyone
The company recognised that all employees would benefit from the programme, and that it was important that everyone felt part of the process. For these reasons the STTSL programme encompasses all NSHG staff, including CEO and Directors, and is included in inductions for all new staff.
The company invests around 1% of its income in training and development, allowing it to reduce their reliance on external consultancy. This has saved approximately £60k over the lifetime of the programme.
Encouraging engagement
Employees are encouraged to influence the company's approach and culture through internal communications including posters and magazines, social media and email, and the company intranet. Regular team meetings and supervisions help the company to share successes, identify problems early, and celebrate progress.
North Star Housing Group believes that empowering its team has resulted in an innovative and collaborative approach to business challenges which is ultimately making the business stronger.
What the Chair of the Judging panel said:
"North Star Housing Group presented a brave and aspirational approach to health and wellbeing by anchoring the topic at the heart of their business strategy. By making wellbeing a priority in everything they do, the culture shift in the organisation significantly reduced absence levels and boosted people engagement. Equally important, it had a positive social impact externally by reinvesting direct savings they made into the communities they serve." - Beth Robotham, Head of Business Development, Bupa
What North Star Housing Group's CEO said:
"The cultural change programme that supports STTSL is one of the most challenging processes I have ever been involved in, as the change starts at the most senior level, and it's essential that the CEO leads the way. If you want to truly be a workplace of tomorrow, believe that current organisational models are limited, you care about the health and wellbeing of people in a fast changing environment and traditional methods are simply not delivering, then this is the way forward. The outcomes and successes speak for themselves." - Angela Lockwood, CEO North Star Housing Group.


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An ode to the classic pullover crew the new Frame Old School Sweatshirt has that edgy sports-luxe vibe with a little preppy touch. A relaxed fit with ribbed hem and cuffs this soft cotton style is set to be your go to for ultimate comfort with a chic refinement. Style with your favourite denim for a casual-cool look or dress it up with a tailored pant.
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