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We've helped our clients stand out among their competitors through strategic digital marketing and exceptional internet marketing services in Melbourne. The team, at Digiwhiz, is professional and talented in online marketing and offers world-class services to its clients in Melbourne, Australia. Digiwhiz has helped clients over the last few years in creating a strong internet marketing portfolio in Melbourne and taking their businesses to new heights. We do this by providing valuable business insights, analysing possible marketing solutions and suggesting techniques that can help you grow faster and get the right outcomes from your online marketing initiatives. Looking for the ideal search engine optimisation (SEO) company in Dandenong to grow your audience? We are here!
We have a rich clientele and that speaks highly of our high-quality digital marketing services in Melbourne, Australia. Our understanding of all industries and experience in online marketing services are unmatched. In addition to that, our truly professional attitude and quick turnaround timelines act as an asset to your business, boosting its online presence in no time. There is no better place to start discussing your needs than the talented team at Digiwhiz – your online marketing services company.
Digiwhiz is Melbourne based and has a team of dedicated online marketers who are constantly talking about new internet marketing ideas to tackle the tough Google challenges and delivering optimum solutions in search engine optimisation, Google Analytics, paid marketing, etc. for businesses – big, medium or small. Whatever your business requirement is for online marketing in Melbourne, Australia, we will passionately deliver it for you. Share your requirements with Digiwhiz today and we will create the right path for you to get to the right customers at the right time and maximise your business performance.
A good search engine optimisation company in Melbourne, Australia can help you increase your target audience by providing them with the right results related to your products or services. Give your business the kick start it deserves by talking to us about our search engine optimisation services.Any SEO strategy done right can help maximise your digital presence. We are the SEO company in Dandenong and Frankston, Melbourne that can work with you from the start and take you on the SEO journey by addressing its top three pillars:
Our job is to get high-quality audience (traffic) to your website, your job is to ensure that traffic receives the information/service they're after on your website. That's where we see our association working to its full potential. We understand how important it is for your business to be visible and listed at the top of Google search results. Our pay per click management services can help you achieve that and lot more, so you are always on the top of your competitors.
Our PPC expertise helps you get the right traffic by tailoring Google Ads as per their search queries. Our expert team, at Digiwhiz, understands how Google works to write your ad, perform keyword analysis and research and constantly optimise your campaign to get the bang for the buck. Our Google Adwords and PPC services are unmatched – we've taken our clients on the road to success through our PPC program.
We're your trusted partner for your internet marketing services in Melbourne to discuss your Google Adwords requirement and help you make the most out of PPC – a model that is one of the most effective online marketing channels.
There are few things that must be done from the start on your website – Google Analytics is one of them. Digiwhiz understands the crucial role analytics plays in understanding your audience and tailoring your website content to give them the information they need, in the format they need and on the device they need.
We set up Google Analytics on your website as a foundation piece and become your online partner to give you all the insights on user activity on your website to improve performance and conversions.
We help you:


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Game Play
You move your tiny avatar by dragging your finger where you want him to go. On the ground are color coordinated switches that correspond with the colored forcefields; obviously, you need to push a box on the red switch to make the red forcefield go away. You can't pull the boxes so if you shove one into a corner you can't get it out which adds a little difficulty to the game. Once you have moved all the appropriate boxes, deactivated the forcefields, and collected all the gears you are ready to move on to the next level.
Final Thoughts
Overall it's a good solid puzzle game and it's challenging enough to be fun without me wanting to throw my iPhone on the ground and stomping on it. Thank goodness too because I don't think I can afford another iPhone. I'm giving Boxed In 4 over worked robots out of 5.
Oh yeah, the full version is free for a limited time so I would download it ASAP.

subset: commoncrawl


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Your first visit to our office will be an exciting and eye-opening experience. We will show you around our office and introduced you to our staff and Dr. Horvath. We will meet with you and explain the orthodontic process and take the necessary diagnostic records and conduct an initial examination. Prior to treatment we will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of our treatment plan so you are informed of the steps, process and targeted results.
If you decide that you would like to proceed with treatment...take the first steps toward braces or other appropriate forms of treatment.
We ask that you either complete a health history form and the required insurance information forms at our office or from our website before your first visit. Please bring your insurance information with you.


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From September to November, as students return to school and the weather begins to cool down, bursts of fall color begin to herald the shift to autumn. Visitors to the Southeast are able to enjoy an array of seasonal festivals like Octoberfest or harvest festivals, state and county fairs, and special events like Halloween and Veteran's Day.
Take a look at the hundreds of fun things to do during a memorable autumn weekend getaway, day-trip, or fall vacation to the southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
September Festivals and Special Events
September fall festivals and events are plentiful in the Southeast as communities and organizations celebrate the often idyllic early fall weather, seasonal harvests, Southern heritage, visual and performing arts, and more.
October Festivals and Special Events
There are more than 40 fun festivals and special events taking place in the Southeast U.S. during October. Take a look at just a few:
- Alabama—National Shrimp Festival
- Kentucky—St. James Court Art Show
- North Carolina—Carolina BalloonFest
- Tennessee—Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue
November Festivals and Special Events
Before becoming completely immersed in the upcoming holiday festivities, you can enjoy several wonderful November festivals and special events throughout the Southeast. These are just a few highlights for some pre-holiday fun with an array of activities for all ages:
- West Virginia—Mountaineer Week
- Virginia—Urbanna Oyster Festival
- South Carolina—The South Carolina Pecan Festival
- Georgia—Telfair Art Fair
State Fairs, County Fairs and Country Fairs
Beginning during the summer and continuing throughout the fall, the bright lights of state and county fair midways attract visitors from near and far to celebrate the agricultural heritage of the Southeast with traditional fair fun and entertainment for all ages.
Fall Food Festivals
From flavorful smoked barbecue to fresh-caught seafood, just-picked apples, the world's most famous chicken and more, the southeastern U.S. offers a full menu of more than 20 great food festivals to enjoy during September, October, and November.
Fall Apple Festivals and Events
Nature's autumn palette is reflected in the reds, golds, and greens of the fall apple harvest. As the humidity lifts throughout the Southeastern United States, sunny days of crisp mountain air beckon visitors to the region's apple orchards to enjoy an array of apple-inspired celebrations.
Oktoberfest Celebrations in the Southeast
Oompah-pah bands, sauerkraut, pretzels, Bavarian dancing, German crafts, and plenty of German beer are a big draw during Oktoberfest. In the spirit of Munich, Germany's annual sixteen-day festival, many communities and organizations throughout the Southeast celebrate Oktoberfest. Some Oktoberfests last one day while others continue for several weeks.
Halloween Fun in the Southeast
From special Halloween events at major theme parks to ghost trains or popular annual street festivals, find out about several destinations for spooky Halloween fun in the Southeast.
Veterans Day in the Southeast
Veterans Day in the United States is a federal and state holiday, celebrated on November 11, to honor the nation's military veterans for their service, contributions, and sacrifices. United States veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces, and their families are admitted free-of-charge annually on Veterans Day to most public lands managed by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture.


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Director: Yorgos Lanthimos. With: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C Reilley, Ben Whishaw, Lèa Seydoux, Olivia Colman, Ariane Labed. Ireland, UK, Greece, France, Netherlands, 2015. IMDB: 7.1. My rating 4/4. Black weird absurdist tragicomedy set in dystopian future.
– Now have you thought of what animal you'd like to be if you end up alone?
– Yes. A lobster.
– Why a lobster?
– Because lobsters live for over one hundred years, are blue-blooded like aristocrats, and stay fertile all their lives. I also like the sea very much.
(dialogue between Hotel manager and David)
– Can I come to your room sometime for a chat? I could give you a blowjob. Or you could just fuck me. I always swallow after fellatio and I've got absolutely no problem with anal sex if that's your thing. My ex-husband always used to say I had the most beautiful thighs he'd ever seen, but let's not talk about him.
(Biscuit Woman to David)
Yorgos Lanthimos likes to bring it to the extreme. In Dogtooth (2009) it was a family, now it is the whole society. Or at least some imaginary city or country. We don't know. He depicts a world in which single people have only 45 days to find a partner and are put in a special hotel facility. As this term expires, they will be turned into an animal they chooses. Welcome to the strange world of Lobster. There's a lot to explore. It is the first movie Lanthimos made in English. With the budget of $4 million it grossed about $14 millions and received a whole bunch of awards. The scenario was co-written by Lanthimos' long-time collaborator Efthymis Filippou.
Yes, it is really, really strange, weird and haunting world. Honestly, it actually took me almost a week to concentrate and collect my thoughts for a review since this movie had really impressed me and I couldn't get it out of my head for days. It's not an easy film. For sure, Lobster is of the highlights of last years. It's more accessible than Dogtooth and makes you reflect upon very different things. Actually, the more time passed after I watched it, the more I liked it. It's as good sign.
As the story unveils, you don't really understand whether it's a comedy or…what? A black weird absurdist tragicomedy set in dystopian future, let's put it like that. But there is much more than it seems. As every great movie, it's not a one trick pony about the pressure of the society about being single (strangely, many critics wrote that the movie is about that). This is just the main premise. It's a satire. A deadly analysis of our society. Our behaviour, ambitions and egoism. How we need to be liked by the others and what we are ready to do for it. How we cherish our egoism. How we choose the partner (or do not choose it). While being extremely delicate but ruthless the movie asks, how much of your own character you should oppress when you love somebody? Should you? How? Why? And what will happen if you don't? It doesn't give any clear answers, but provides enough to make you reflect upon it.
Lobster is an extremely multi-layered movie. It's rich with details and elements, being constructed of many levels. So everybody will find something unique inside, something different. It's always a sign of a great movie. Many short scenes are absolutely outstanding. Lanthimos takes some typical samples of our world, let it be having pets, small physical disabilities, electronic music, even having kids or something else, and turns it inside out, by penetrating inside it like a surgeon, showing it with honest cruelty and bare bones. It's like a broken mirror… But be ready to see our real world in it.
As the 45-day testing period is coming to an end, everybody takes different decisions. You can hunt more single people to gain extra days in the hotel facility. Some try to fake some special traits to attract other people. Somebody tries to escape from this rigid system. The movie is actually divided by plot into two parts – the 45-day hotel and the forest, where the group of singles is commanded by furious Lèa Seydoux character. The second section is less intense and little bit more clumsy, while most ideas were concentrated in the first part. But this is where the love story starts, and this may be one the weirdest love stories we have seen.
Outstanding cast, not only Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz (without doubt, one of their best roles), but all others as well – John C Reilly and Ben Whishaw as 2 other guys on 45 day trial, Ariane Labed as the hotel maid, Olivia Colman as the hotel manager and Lèa Seydoux as the dictator of the single forest people. In one of the interview Yorgos Lanthimos mentions that from the very beginning he planned Farrell and Weisz for the main roles and didn't hold any test casting for most actors. Instead, he watched and read their interviews, trying to see if they had the "right sensibility for the movie". He also wanted to worked with those actors who watched his previous movies and found them interesting. During the filming, the actors had almost absolute freedom. This approach worked perfectly and you can see great chemistry.
Colin Farrell did a particularly great performance, of course. With his pot belly, mustache and funny glasses he is both miserable and hilarious, I actually didn't think he could be that funny. In fact, he doesn't do anything comical. Most scenes are funny in a weird or dolorous way, when we see his obedience and sadness. He causes something between pity and laughter through tears, acting very reservedly, somehow it reminded me of Bill Murray in his late comedies by Wes Anderson or Jim Jarmush.
The film has some resemblance with One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and you can draw the parallels between Olivia Colman's character and Nurse Ratched, the hotel facility and the hospital. In both worlds, the emotions are oppressed. Most characters are obedient and it's painful to watch, but… the surprising thing is that even though many scenes seem absurd because of the plot and the environment, they would actually seem normal in our "normal" world.
Many gorgeous shots, great photography. It's a beautifully shot movie and many scenes could be cut cut of the movie and enjoyed as short films. Some of them are particularly haunting, like the forest dancing scene, where each person dances to his own music, hunting slo-mo episodes or the scenes of punishment and violence. In the same forest, camels and goats and other animals sometimes pass by – they were people turned into animals. The masturbation is forbidden, thus when John C Railey character is caught, the hotel management forces him to put his fingers in the toaster. The maid of the hotel visits the rooms to perform some kind of weird massage to keep the men in shape. Visiting the supermarket, a guard approaches Farrell's character, asking him for the right papers to prove that he is not single. And the whole movie is like that – it rich, layered, full of absurd and weird details. Dialogues are weird as hell too. Most people seem completely empty, thus they say exactly and literally what they mean, without any context.
Worth watching? Great, great, great. Don't miss it. It is weird and not everybody will like it. Let me be clear – it's a thinking movie with lots of metaphors. So if you want some straightforward fun and entertainment, avoid it. But if you overcome that, you will see one of the most touching movies of last years, a horrific fragile story hidden in an absurd, oppressing and weird world. And not that different from our world, too. That's what makes that so impressive.


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Consensus said:
Views range from -10% upwards with average -5%
We said:
UK house prices are to be little changed this year. Our model forecasts house price inflation of -0.8%. (LSR UK Outlook 4th February 2011)
UK house prices fell -0.9%
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Doves Farm Foods
Doves Farm Foods is a specialist flour mill established in 1978 by Michael and Clare Marriage and their first bakery was opened in 1986. The award-winning company is well known as a pioneer of the UK organic food movement and the gluten free food sector. More recently, with demand for gluten free and free from products soaring, Doves Farm Foods has undertaken the complete conversion of their bakeries to a Free From environment.
Despite its growing enterprise, both in the UK and overseas, the business remains family-owned and focused on its ethical approach to food production. It is dedicated to upholding organic, ethical and sustainable agricultural systems, nurturing partnerships with suppliers and customers, and using Fairtrade suppliers wherever possible.
Located in Wiltshire, the company has two dedicated milling operations, one organic and the other gluten free, as well as two recently established Free From bakeries, where the Doves Farm allergen-free products are made.


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Sage 50 Issues with Microsoft SBS
We are seeing various reports of clients running Microsoft SBS (Small Business Server) having issues with the new version of Sage 50 (2015). SBS support is not covered in any of the Sage documentation, nor does it say that it is not supported. Previous versions of the software have worked fine on SBS.
Sage have advised that due to the small amount of SBS users, they are no longer supporting the operating system. Customers that have an issue are effectively on their own with any issues. We are seeing mixed reports of some user without any issues, but most are unable to use Sage after the update is installed.
We have been working on a few solutions to get newest Sage 50 working on SBS & also a few alternative methods to work around SBS so you can still use the software. Contact Us today to find out how we can help you with any Sage issues.


text: Some of the most fun times I've had playing World of Warcraft (WoW) have been running dungeons with our guild. My brother and I and several friends would group up and tackle a few of them every Sunday morning, and it truly was an event. I'd grab my coffee and don the Ventrilo and we'd be off, joking as we made our way through the trash mobs on our way to the bosses. The camaraderie was a big part of the session but a big part of the fun, for me at least, was tackling the dungeons in the area we were already adventuring in. I had already finished up the questing in a number of the surrounding zones, knew the story and background of the area, and finishing the dungeons was a nice way to wrap up those storylines, as the bosses frequently were the final bad guys in those quest chains. The dungeons were the culminations of those tales. The trouble for me started when we began doing two things: random dungeons and pick-up-groups, or PUGs.


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Fashion Advice Straight From The Style Experts
When is the last time you bought a new outfit? Your wardrobe is probably dated if you have not added anything to it lately.
Don't pump your mascara brush into and out of the container.It will only serves to trap air bubbles inside the mascara bottle. This action could increase the odds of bacteria. Move your brush with the container as a safer alternative.
Do not feel like you have to be perfect in fashion. When you try to create perfection, you'll only end up disappointed. Some fantastic looks can be found on the greatest fashion ideas come from people that have flaws with their look. Clean your closet periodically.
A closet that is cluttered and cramped will only make it harder to make choices. Sift through your wardrobe, find flattering or that don't fit you well. Having several pieces in your wardrobe is much more useful than hanging in your closet. This pattern tends to make your body look wider. Instead, go for vertical stripes, which will draw attention to height rather than girth.
Don't follow fashion trends just because it's "in." Follow your tastes, not what others like. Trust your gut instincts when it comes to this. They usually put you on the right direction. Subscribe to fashion newsletter to stay current with the newest fashion trends. This helps keep you up to date on the constantly changing world of fashion.
Every woman needs to have a couple of basics. You need at least two pair of dark dress slacks, jeans hemmed for high heels and jeans that are a casual length to be worn with sneakers. In the event of special occasions, every woman should have a little black dress for those special occasions.
Know your figure's strong points and worst attributes. If you are tiny, look for soft fabrics and fitted styles that help give your body length. Busty women can draw attention to a different part of the body. If your bottom half is larger than your top half, wear darker bottoms with light colored shirts. Let those around you know if you're in need of their fashion hand-me-downs.
This is a great way to get fashionable pieces without spending any money. Stay fashionable by being quirky sense. Wear your hair a little messy, unbutton your shirt, or even two textures. If you want to wear some shorts to an afternoon event with your colleagues and friends, avoid visible socks.
This is a common practice for kindergarten children. Keep your socks to wear with your embarrassment under wraps. Keep your style updated without spending a lot by selling or trade the clothes you no longer wear. Some will buy your clothing or even let you to trade for other items they have on hand.
Did you learn a lot from what you read above? Can you see yourself creating a brand new wardrobe if you put these tips to use? These tips were made for something like that. You can now make a fashion statement!
Related :http://www.evwedding.com/wedding-party-dresses-online


text: Eventually, every HVAC unit is going to need service and maintenance, and contacting a professional for annual service is a great way to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly all year round. Preparing for annual service shouldn't be difficult, but some homeowners seem to have trouble in this area. ... Continue Reading


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It is never too early to start planning for your future. The better prepared you are at a young age, the better set up you will be for a successful future. That being said, it can be hard to know just how to invest your money when you are just starting out. There are a lot of things to consider and a lot of information to overwhelm you. While we can't tell you exactly how you should invest your money, we can offer you some starting points to look into.
- Retirement – Starting to save for retirement early is never a bad thing. When it comes time to retire you don't want to be worrying about money any more, you just want to enjoy your time and relax. The sooner you start planning for, and saving up for, retirement, the easier things will be when you finally get there. IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are the best places to start. See which one works best for you, or use them both if you can. When you are young the greatest asset you have is time, so make sure you are using it. If you start saving when you are in your 20s, that gives you roughly 40 years to adequately save up for your retirement.
- A House – Most people will tell you that buying a home is one of the best investments you can make. This is not always the case however. Depending on your situation and the economy at the time, it may make more sense for you to rent. If you are going to be living in a place for less than 5 years, for example, this would be a good time to rent. If, however, you plan on being there a long time, then a home could be a very good investment.
- University – Saving up money for your education is usually a good idea. Investing in yourself is, in most cases, a very worthwhile investment. There are even several types of plans out there that you can look into to maximize how effective your school savings plan is. However, make sure you plan on following through with school and that you are going for something you are passionate about. If you are simply going because you think you are supposed to, you are more likely to drop out or not find a job in your field, effectively making your savings plan not worth it.
- Short Term – Your options for short term investments are pretty much the same regardless of your age. You can look into things like CDs, savings accounts, and emergency funds for more information on these. The amount in these funds will depend on your current financial situation, but you should try to store the equivalent of three month's living expenses.
No matter how you choose to save your money, the important thing is that you do it. One of the best decisions you can make as a young person is to start preparing for your future now. Consider all of your options before you decide on any one of them, and make sure you stick to your plan once you've started it.


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Benefits of Professional Video Editing
In an age where home video-editing software comes preloaded on most home computers, it's easy to see why professional editing is becoming a skill that is under-appreciated. However, editing is an important part of the film-creation process. A film's success, both in terms of its aesthetic appeal and its ability to convey a believable and convincing narrative, relies heavily on editing. A professional editor with experience in producing videos for legal purposes knows what to emphasize and how to do it.
If you and your legal team are in need of a video for legal purposes, you can count on the professionals at Stratos Legal to produce a video that meets your needs. Contact our Houston court reporters today at 800-971-1127.
Benefits of Professional Video Editing
While each case has its own needs and requirements when it comes to legal video, there are certain standards that each video should meet to ensure that the messages you want them to convey are clear and that audiences can act on them. Amateur shooting and editing often fails to meet these standards, and can audiences can become confused or stymied by the lack of clarity of an amateur legal video. Some benefits of our professional editing are
- Clarity of message
- Professional transitions
- Can modify to meet quality, time, or format standards required
- Conformity with audio and video norms in order to prevent distortion, muffled sound, etc.
It is important that you have a professional edit your video. The success of your case depends on the clarity of the evidence you're presenting, and a confusing or poorly edited video can have an undesirable effect on a jury, judge, or others in the courtroom.
Contact Us
Give the Houston court reporters of Stratos Legal a call at 800-971-1127 today to learn about how our video services can help you win your case.


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Mahjong Link Game Description
Unusual and original puzzle game in its genre, Mahjong Link differs from classical variations because it has a very fascinating gameplay. Classical Chinese hieroglyphs and symbols on tiles in this game are familiar to everybody. But you will have to remove them in a very unusual way. It's not enough to match pairs. You can remove only those tiles that are located near each other. And you will have to literally pave the way to other tiles and open them. You will have to complete all 12 interesting levels for free within limited time. There are only six hints available. All moves should be thoroughly and carefully calculated. In order to better concentrate on this puzzle you'd better open the board in full screen.
Identical tiles should be matched into pairs. You can match the tiles that are located near each other in one plane and that have open space for a green line to link them.


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Third-party letters to the court, often referred to as "reference" or "character" letters, have the potential to influence the court and have an impact on sentencing. Also known as a collateral contact letter, each letter should be provided to the court in advance of sentencing. This is a unique opportunity for the criminal defendant to exert some influence over the outcome of their case.
Unfortunately, in several recent cases I have seen letters that were written with the best of intentions that did more harm than good. As a result I put together this collateral contact letter guide for criminal defendants who are motivated to do all they can to obtain the best possible sentencing outcome.
Generally speaking, judges review (notice I did not say "read") each letter that is submitted to them. Depending on the author's relationship to defendant some letters are more easily dismissed or discounted than others. This guide provides structure and tips for achieving the maximum amount of positive influence from letters submitted to the court.
Family members, especially parents and spouses, are likely to be ignored. Because they tend to be the least objective there is also the possibility for an exception. Such as when there are long-term medical, psychological problems, or other broad family issues AND the author contrasts the defendant's behavior before and after the criminal episode (and any treatment intervention or other significant life event that occurred between the commission of the offense and sentencing).
Caution should be exercised with the "religion card," particularly in Utah with the predominant religion. If the defendant truly has a personal relationship with the ecclesiastical leader then such a letter can be beneficial, BUT judges tend to be skeptical of "new found" religious conversion at the hands of the justice system.
It is counterproductive and a waste of the judge's time to submit letters from people who have little or no personal experience of the accused. The primary purpose of these letters is to provide the judge with a human perspective of the defendant from the people who are in his or her life. This is not accomplished by submitting letters just for the sake of submitting letters.
A letter written by a well-known, respected, or prominent individual from the community may have name recognition but if the author has little or no personal experience of the defendant or is unable to articulate specific examples of how the defendant is demonstrating accountability and remorse, such a letter can do more harm than good.
A well written letter from an "unknown" person can be more persuasive than an impersonal letter from a celebrity. Some, by virtue of their relationship with the defendant, inherently have significant credibility. For example, a letter from the defendant's employer can be very compelling; especially if the letter provides specific information about the job and the potential for continued or future employment.
If the defendant is, or has recently been, under the care of a physician or mental health provider then a letter from that professional may become a centerpiece of the case for mitigation. Particularly in cases where there are chronic health considerations or if substantial steps have been taken toward rehabilitation (i.e., substance abuse or mental health treatment). Similarly, information about medical needs and prescription medication for the defendant may have significant relevance in determining what, if any, period of incarceration is appropriate.
Some of the most compelling letters, however, are written by "unexpected" people. In other words, people who typically don't have positive things to say about someone. Letters from these individuals can really stand out to the judge and distinguish the defendant from the others in court that day. Examples of "unexpected" people include ex-spouses and former employers.
In rare cases, letters from the defendant's young children can be very compelling – especially in situations where the child is able to articulate specific examples of how their parent is changing for the better (for example, "Since dad quit drinking he is home more and helps me with my homework.")
BEWARE, whatever is contained in the letter(s) MAY BE USED AGAINST YOU. It is imperative, therefore, that the defendant speak personally with each person he (or she) asks to write a letter AND demonstrate ACCOUNTABILITY. When letters are submitted to the court proclaiming innocence or an unjust conviction then you can be assured these statements will be used against you.
The same can be said for letters that make false promises. Personal statements and letters by the defendant that reflect his or her commitment to do (or not do) something must be heartfelt and followed up with action. Similarly, letters written in support of the defendant should be from the author's heart. Do not attempt to "blow smoke" or manipulate the judge, chances are high that the judge has heard and/or seen it before. Authenticity is demanded and authenticity is influential.
All letters should be written by the person signing the letter. NEVER, ever, prepare a letter and ask someone else to sign it. Letters that honestly reflect the personal experiences and views of the author tend to be received favorably. Likewise, letters should be "owned" (written in first person) to accurately reflect the author's experiences, both good and bad, of the defendant. Contrast can be crucial, if the defendant behaved poorly then say so and then follow it up with how things are different now (see child example above).
No one is perfect; if they were then they would not be facing sentencing in a criminal court. Context is important and is the sort of information sought after by judges as they formulate an appropriate sentence. Letters submitted to the court can provide this context when they focus on the defendant and not the conduct.
With rare exception, the author of the letter should be aware of the defendant's personal situation and the nature of the criminal charges. They should never discount or minimize the unlawful conduct and NEVER, ever, BLAME the victim or circumstances for what the defendant did. Without exception, the tone of the letter should be respectful and the message concise.
There are two primary purposes for writing a reference, or collateral contact, letter in advance of sentencing. The first, which has already been discussed, is to portray the defendant in a human perspective. The second is to demonstrate the type and level of support for the defendant in the community.
Community support is a crucial component of success. To this end, letters should be supportive and include specific references to what (if any) support the author is willing to commit to. For example, if the author is willing to hire the defendant or offer a place to live, this should be included in the letter. Any conditions (such as sobriety or maintaining a job) that accompany the offer of support should also be clearly expressed.
Actions speak louder than words. To have maximum (positive) impact on the sentencing outcome requires considerable action. Whenever possible, letters of recommendation should provide specific examples of this action. There is a wide gap between talking about doing something, like getting a job or going back to school, and actually doing it. While it may be true that the defendant wants to go back to school (or be a better father or be sober), taking the action to do it speaks directly toward the individual level of commitment.
Be sincere and be authentic to maximize your impact on the sentencing outcome. Here are a few more helpful tips:
- Letters should be typed and include proper grammar and punctuation (children's letters are an exception to this rule)
- With the exception of family and personal letters, all letters should be on letterhead
- Letters should be addressed to the court (sentencing judge by name), defense counsel, or the sentencing consultant
- Whenever possible, letters should be dated and signed by the author
- Letters should be no more than two or three pages (one to two pages is preferable)
- Identify your relationship with the defendant and how long you have known each other
- Provide specific, yet brief, examples of the defendant's character (that has been personally experienced) or the defendant's reputation in the community (with specific examples)
- Identify how you are willing to support/assist the defendant in the transition from custody to the community and/or any other activities (housing, employment, education, etc.)
- DO NOT write generic letters and ask people to sign them
- DO NOT submit multiple letters in the same font, on the same paper, or with the same sentence structure
- DO NOT give copies of the letter to the court, prosecutor, or probation officer without them being reviewed by your attorney
- DO make a copy of all letters for your records
- DO get at least two or three letters to submit to your defense team and in most cases five to seven are preferable
- DO review all letters with your attorney and/or sentencing consultant
- DO provide copies of whatever letters you have received to the probation officer (after they have been reviewed) who will be preparing the presentence report (but know that they may or may not be included as attachments to the sentencing report)
About Me
Kim Harward is a sentencing consultant and owner of Utah Sentencing Consultants. Kim is a member of UACDL and the National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists. He is a former probation/parole supervisor for the Utah Department of Corrections who specializes in defense-based sentencing reports and post-conviction relief strategies. Kim can be contacted at (801) 990-6271.


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I am Courage Carnelian Mala, a beautiful and very striking mala of gorgeous orange hues.
Carnelian is a stabilising crystal, perfect for anchoring in the present. Its high energy helps restore lost vitality and motivation, and stimulates creativity for new pursuits. It improves concentration and removes extraneous thoughts in daydreamers, and during meditation. This stone also protects against envy, rage, and resentment – yours, or from others, and encourages a love of life. A stone of courage and a deeper sense of fearlessness this is a marvellous mala necklace to encourage one to stay grounded and face the unknown. Embracing change or times of challenge with a renewed sense of determination, acceptance and vigor.
Made from
Dimensions: 39 inches excluding 3″ tassel, crafted with Carnelian beads, gold plated ayurvedic spacer beads, and our brass Get Your OM On mantra bar.
All of the Elizabeth Caroline London spiritual jewellery pieces are handmade in the UK by Elizabeth herself. Our gemstone mala beads are crafted in India by a group of talented ladies who are able to support their families due to working with us. All of our pieces have been crafted with the intention of being so much more than just a beautiful piece of jewellery. Some designs are blessed with their own healing intention, others are symbolic of a particular life lesson or higher wisdom which has influenced its creation. Every piece is designed to remind, support or guide the wearer on their own path of personal growth and happiness. This necklace is presented in a beautiful lotus flower branded box, wrapped with ribbon.