text:
Purchase this article with an account.
Sara J Bowne, Lori S Sullivan, Dianna K H Wheaton, Kaylie Webb-Jones, David G Birch, Cheryl Avery, Feng Wang, Rui Chen, Stephen P Daiger; Retinal Targeted-Capture Next Generation Sequencing and CLIA Confirmation in a Representative Range of Patients with Inherited Retinal Degeneration. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2015;56(7 ):1241.
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© ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)
To determine the genetic cause of disease in a panel of clinically characterized retinal degeneration patients from Texas and surrounding states. This collection of genotype known, clinically-characterized patients will be a valuable resource for future clinical trials.
Patients with inherited retinal degeneration underwent complete ophthalmic exams and genetic consultations. Genomic DNA from each proband was analyzed for the presence of mutation in 163 retinal disease genes using a targeted-capture next-generation sequencing (NGS) research protocol. Di-deoxy sequencing validation of potential disease-causing variants was performed using CLIA protocols
Forty-eight unrelated patients with a variety of retinal degenerations were tested. Twenty five (52%) had a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), ten (21%) had Leber's congenital amaurosis, five (10%) had a form of cone dystrophy, three (6%) had Usher's syndrome, and five (10%) had other rare forms of retinal degeneration. The majority of samples, 73%, were isolate in nature with no reported family history of retinal disease. Retinal targeted-capture NGS identified potentially pathogenic mutation(s) in 33 of the 48 patients tested. Pathogenicity analyses, including variant assessment and di-deoxy sequencing of probands and available family members, confirmed pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in 28 patients. Two additional patients were found to have variants of unknown significance in retinal disease associated genes. Pathogenic mutations were spread among 18 different genes.
Likely disease-causing mutations were identified in 58% of retinal degeneration patients. These genotype known patients are now an accessible, well characterized resource for enrollment in gene therapy and other clinical trials. This cohort of 48 patients is a pilot for "The Texas1000", a project in development that aims to determine the genetic cause of retinal degeneration in 1,000 clinically characterized patients in Texas and nearby states.
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CloudyTags Directory - News/Welcome message
Page 1 of 27
|PickFactor.com: the business of predicting sporting eventsWish you had more insight in choosing your Fantasy Football team? Do you pour over pundits' picks before games? A Richmond man has launched a website that collects all those game predictions a
|sports game football prediction events sporting news
by mcconnell (2013-09-20 08:08:41)
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subset: commoncrawl


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Beef Pitas with Yogurt Sauce
Total TimePrep/Total Time: 30 min.
Makes4 servings
- 1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 large sweet onion, sliced
- 4 whole pita breads, warmed
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt, parsley, garlic and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Toss beef with herbs, pepper and remaining salt.
- In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
- In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook and stir until no longer pink, 2-3 minutes. Serve on pitas; top with onion and sauce.
Nutrition Facts1 filled pita with 1/4 cup sauce: 405 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Jul 31, 2017
This was good. I made this recipe twice and the second time left out the parsley but added lemon. Easy quick yummy meal!
Apr 8, 2015
I thought these had great flavor! I will definitely be making these again.
Nov 24, 2014
My hubs and I had this just last night. I used a red onion instead of a white just for contrast. I used my own dried herbs instead of fresh and they worked out just fine. Just remember that dried measurements are different than fresh measurements. It was very, very good and I know we'll have it again.
May 30, 2014
The beef and yogurt sauce are perfect together in a soft pita! My family loved this recipe. I pan fried the steaks whole and sliced them thin after cooking so I could keep them just a bit rare. Thanks trixiejo302 for the salad suggestion. It was a wonderful accompaniment!
Feb 17, 2013
Yum! Instead of pitas, I used little whole wheat pita sandwich breads cause pitas were not available at my grocery store.
Mar 31, 2012
This is delicious and pairs VERY well with the Greek Vegetable Salad also available on TOH.com. (0=
Aug 15, 2011
The recipe calls for 4t oil, divided, but doesn't say where to put 2 of the teaspoons. I put it in the bag with the meat and it was great. I also added chopped cucumber to the sauce and it was a nice addition.
Dec 2, 2010
No comment left
Jan 11, 2008
No comment left
Nov 11, 2007
No comment left


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I am a huge fan of baked goods! I am always on the hunt for good bakeries where I live. One day, on my way home, I was so excited to see a new bakery on my regular route. The bakery is so cute that I had to go in and try it out. Plus, my family was coming in for the weekend, so it was an opportunity to get a bunch of goodies.
The Ambiance
It is so refreshing to see another food establishment come to Newtown. This bakery is cozy, inviting, and oh so welcoming. There is something so inviting when you see pies on cooling racks and bread on the shelves
The Food
They certainly have a variety of sweet and savory choices
My family are huge foodies. They'll try anything. My father is particularly fond of muffins and pies. I am big on any thing sweet. So I decided to get a box of goodies for everyone.
Would you like to know what is in the box?
So we ended up getting a couple of chocolate chip cookies, a chocolate brownie, a gluten free mini apple pie, a ham and cheese hand pie, and a sausage and egg hand pie. I also got a blueberry muffin, which I decided to eat while I was making my way home. So my favorite from this lovely bunch? The lucky winner is the ham and cheese hand pie. But, in all honestly, I tried all of these and every single one of them is good. You'll just have to come visit them to try it out.
Their address is 6838 Main Street Newtown, OH 45244


text: No matter how stable and reliable a hosting service is, a problem can always turn up with your Internet sites. An update can go wrong and you could lose important info, you may delete a file or a whole folder in error or somebody may get unauthorized access to your account. In any of these cases a backup of your content will be a guarantee that the sites can certainly be restored the way they were before the problem emerged. The issue with the majority of web hosting platforms and Control Panels is that backups are made once a day and every new backup overwrites the previous one, so if you discover that something is wrong with your website 2 or 3 days later, it'll probably be too late to restore anything and you will end up losing the data. To prevent this kind of a problem, we have developed a progressive backup system that will permit you not simply to restore your files with ease, but also to choose the date when the backup was generated.


text:
I have been noticing two rather "strange" text elements in Emacs which occur when I copy text. I am certain they signify something/have a special formatting purpose, but I am unable to find anything on the web. The first one is a blue dash and the second one a purple box. Since images are more illuminating here, I have created a screenshot:
Please forgive me my terrible editing skills.
Does anyone know whether it is possible to find all of these elements (they are recurring) by way of search/replace-string to eliminate them effectively? Otherwiese I cannot include them in LaTeX documents.


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Rita Ora Channels A Mermaid
Halloween has yet to arrive, but some celebs are already getting in the spirit of dress-up. Rita Ora wore a gold gown to the Sexy Fish restaurant in London on Thursday night, and the starlet looked just like a mermaid IRL. Dressing like your favorite animal/mythical creature seems to be trending in celebrity land these days. Ariana Grande has been wearing cat ears for as long as I can remember, Miley Cyrus whipped out bunny ears for her latest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and now Ora is getting in touch with her aquatic side.
The singer's mermaid-inspired dress was adorned in gorgeous coppery gold sequins that sparkled magnificently from every angle. The strapless fitted silhouette complete with loads of extra fabric at the bottom was reminiscent of the shiny tail of a real-life mermaid — you know, if mermaids were actually real.
The 24-year-old's glam squad definitely opted for the mermaid thing with her hair and makeup too. Ora's long platinum blonde locks were styled in a center-parted sleek blowout, her lids were dressed in shimmery shadow and she flaunted a nude lip.
The launch of a fish restaurant is pretty much the only occasion where dressing like a mermaid is actually appropriate.
Check out the gorgeous look.
Ora isn't the only fan of the enchanting creature of the sea. Let's take a look at six other celebs who donned mermaid-inspired styles, too.
1. Vanessa Hudgens
The blush flowing silhouette coupled with ultra lock wavy locks and hair jewels is signature mermaid styling.
2. Miley Cyrus
Cyrus looks like she slipped right into a mermaid's tail.
3. Hillary Duff
Duff had her stint with mermaid-color hair earlier this year.
4. Lana Del Rey
This is my next mermaid Halloween costume.
5. Blake Lively
She is totally channeling her inner Little Mermaid here.
6. Kylie Jenner
Mint green hair totally reads mermaid.
Want more beauty tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle's YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!


text:
Know somebody who would be interested in becoming a Grab driver? Invite them to drive with Grab and receive RM5 OFF x 10 Grab rides!
It's rewarding to drive with Grab, your loved ones would not only benefit from being part of a fleet of All-Star Champions, they will find this a monetarily rewarding experience with lots of flexibility.
There's no better time to drive with Grab. Now, our Grab drivers are able to enjoy exclusive cost saving benefits such as :
Get on board now for this amazing win-win deal.
Refer a loved one to drive with Grab and be rewarded yourself too! Here's how:
- Click on Invite a Friend , fill in all the required details.
- Grab will be in touch with the referred potential Grab driver to sign them up.
- Your friend becomes an official Grab driver and completes 30 trips!
- You will then receive promo codes worth RM50 via email from Grab a week after the new Grab driver has fulfilled 30 trips.
Terms and Conditions (Referral Campaign)
- The promo code worth RM50 will be provided in the denomination of RM5, valid for 10 usages (i.e. RM5 x 10).
- Referral campaign is valid from 15 May – 30 June 2017.
- Referrals are not valid after 30 June 2017.
- The referral(Potential Grab driver) mobile number and email address must be the same as when they activate their driver account.
- The referrer(Person who refers a friend to become a Grab driver) will receive a promo code via email within 10 working days once referred drivers complete 30 successful rides.
- Referred friend/Grab driver must activate his/her Grab driver account within 10 working days of being referred.
- Referred driver MUST successfully complete 30 rides within 30 days of activation in order for Referrer to be eligible for the promo code.
- Promo codes provided to successful referrers are tagged to respective phone numbers provided and can only be used by the successful referrers.
- Promo codes are not valid with other promotions, promo code discount is exclusive of toll charges
- Promo codes are valid for all Grab rides.
- If the fare is less than the promo amount, there will be no reimbursement of the fare difference. If the fare is more than promo amount, the additional fare amount will be charged to the Grab user.
- Promo codes are valid for use nationwide.
- Promo codes usage is valid for 30 days after being emailed to the Referrer.
- Unique referrals only. Referrers are only eligible for ONE promo code from each successfully Referred Grab Driver (Drives 30 times within 30 days after activating as Grab driver-partner).
- Referred driver receives RM20 driver credit as an activation bonus.
- Existing and past Grab drivers cannot be referred and are not eligible for referrals.
- All bookings must be made via the Grab (MyTeksi) App.
- Not eligible for Grab staff.
- Grab reserves the right to change these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. In the event that any changes are made, the revised terms and conditions shall be posted on this website immediately. Please check the latest information posted herein to inform yourself of any changes.
- Valid for first 4,500 successful referrals.


text:
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By Alex Ritman
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The UAE, Iraq and Saudi Arabia are to be linked up by a new fibre-optic submarine cable, the first of it kind to land in Iraq.
The three national telecoms operators of the UAE, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have come together to begin the laying of a submarine cable connecting the three nations. Etisalat, Iraqi Telecommunications & Post Company (ITPC) and Saudi Telecom Company (STC) signed a Construction and Maintenance Agreement that will see the installation of FOG2, the second generation of the Fibre-Optic Gulf (FOG) cables.
The FOG2 terabit capacity system, initially equipped with 80 Gbps capacity over two fibre-pairs, is the first ever fibre-optic submarine cable to land in Iraq. It will initially connect Fujeirah in the UAE, the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia and Um-Qasr in the Al Basra province of Iraq, and stretches approximately 1500 kilometres. Extensions to potential new participants in the project across the Gulf could extend the total length to around 2200 kilometres.
The tender is currently out for the project, with the system expected to be operational by the end of 2006.
Mohammad Omran, the chairman and CEO of Etisalat, is positive about the benefits FOG2 will bring to Iraq. "This submarine cable provides for high-capacity international telecommunications options using fibre-optics, enabling Iraq to be connected internationally efficiently and effectively."
Etisalat and STC have also united over SEA-ME-WE 4, another submarine cable connecting France to Singapore via the Middle East, which was inaugerated in December 2005.


text:
A few options tonight but decided to stay very local and pay another visit to Silver Jubilee Park but this time rather than Hendon, it was to watch Edgware Town for the first time this season.
Not a cold night but definitely one that reminds you to take a coat and that the frozen toes and feet days and nights of watching football are ahead of us of all.
Both Edgware and London Colney came into this one placed in mid-table, with neither side having yet put together a consistent run of form, and with both having an identical goal difference of Goals For : 6 Goals Against : 5, it gave the impression it would be a tight game with goals at a premium.
It wasn't for the want of trying by the visitors early on though, as they had the better of the initial proceedings and will be disappointed not to have taken the lead with several decent chances created. However Edgware gradually worked themselves back into things and had several moments of promise in and around the box without finding the finish they required. This all changed however just before half time when centre forward Machado found the net with a composed finish after creating space for himself in the box. It was the home side's first goal in four & a half games and was celebrated accordingly.
The second half was more interesting, as the game opened up and Edgware commanded more possession but couldn't find the second goal which would have eased them home, too often the final pass was perhaps just lacking and when chances did come they weren't taken. lots of balls disappearing over the wall behind the goal and into the car park. Colney had their moments too but again failed to find the target and both sides looked like they could do with that ever needed gift at any level of football, the guaranteed 20 – 30 goal a season striker.
A reasonable enough game on a chilly night, without ever really warming you up completely but Edgware will be delighted no doubt with a solid three points, a clean sheet and an end to their long run without a goal, giving them a base to push on from. London Colney, also look too organised a side to struggle this season but again will hope they find goals easier to come by as the campaign progresses. It seemed a very small crowd at Edgware last night as well, the smallest i can remember seeing them play in front of, on my occasional visits over the last few seasons, let's hope the victory last night entices a few more along for their home fixture this Saturday 29th September against Crawley Green, 3pm KO at Silver Jubilee Park.


text:
Advanced Manufacturing Team
The Advanced Manufacturing Team is a community of researchers, students and industry leaders dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing performance and global competitiveness. To insure that innovation and achievement is sustained, this team is equally dedicated to the education and development of future manufacturing leaders by offering hands on learning and real-world experiences.
The Advanced Manufacturing Team (AMT) boasts a strong presence in the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), a deep manufacturing knowledge base, and a notable record for manufacturing research accomplishments.
Because the challenges associated with manufacturing are multi-faceted, the College of Engineering has carefully built its Advanced Manufacturing Team based on the tenants of collaboration and innovation. At the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Team are faculty carefully chosen based on complimentary skill sets, research expertise, and a mutual desire to work in a highly, collaborative environment.
Smart Manufacturing
Jaime Camelio
Ran Jin
James Kong
Bob Sturges
Production Planning and Control
Subhash Sarin
John P. Shewchuk
Engineering Logistics
Kimberly Ellis
Don Taylor
Subhash Sarin
Virtual & Augmented Reality
Joseph L. Gabbard
Nathan Lau
Ran Jin
Additive Manufacturing
Chris Williams
James Kong
Blake Johnson
Rayne Zheng
Michael Bortner
Hang Yu
Advanced Materials
Carolina Tallon
Hang Yu
Michael Bortner
Blake Johnson


text:
The Source of Photograph: NC KazAutoZhol JSC
Today, the Chairman of the Board of NC KazAutoZhol JSC, Ulan Alipov, and the Chairman of the Board of the Baiterek Venture Fund JSC, Zhandar Kutbai signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The companies plan to cooperate under the Concessional Financing in the Capital Program, implemented by Baiterek Venture Fund jointly with the second-tier Banks, such as Sberbank, Forte Bank, CenterCredit Bank, Alfa Bank, VTB.
The program is being implemented in two directions: support for corporate business and Small and Medium Enterprise development. Under this Program attractive financing conditions are provided for representatives of SMEs, including those who plan to open a roadside service facility, namely rate of interest is up to 8% per annum, amount of investments is up to KZT1 billion with a term of the investment up to 10 years. The projects in various sectors can receive financing, including projects in the field of infrastructure, services and tourism.
In turn, NC KazAutoZhol JSC has allocated 650 sites along the republican roads for the Entrepreneurs. According to the national standard for Categories A, B, C and D small and medium Entrepreneurs can open small canteens or large complexes with parking areas, hotels and shops.


text:
Instead of Project 2011
February 26, 2011 § 5 Comments
I know I totally bailed on this week's Project 2011 post.
For some obvious reasons, and others less so, my heart just wasn't in it this week. I'll make up for it next week though, for sure.
Instead, I'll just post the following pic…
§ 5 Responses to Instead of Project 2011
LOVE that shot!!! Will you be playing something special for us? Please?? 😀
Shady – Oh, I don't know about that. So far all I've managed to do is remove the old strings and dust 'er off.
I still have to string and tune before I even get close to playing. So, we'll see. But I do really appreciate your enthusiasm. 😀
Bernie – Thanks. And really, I have no comment expectations. I'm always delighted by them but I don't hold grudges when people don't.
BTW, I am adding you to my blogroll. 😀
Hope that it is out of the case by now and well and truly in use 🙂
Cate – Sadly, no, it's not. Like I mentioned to Shady – I did get the old strings off and cleaned 'er up but that's as far as I got.


text:
Let's start with the basics. Who are you?
Jane Bennett Munro
Tell us (briefly) about you…
I'm a pathologist. Not a medical examiner. Just a general hospital based pathologist in a rural hospital. I was solo for 24 years. Now I have three partners. I'm 67 years old and semi-retired. I've done a number of coroner's cases, have given depositions and testified before a grand jury, but I've been lucky enough to stay out of court. I served 8 years on the Idaho State Board of Medicine and was chairman for two years.
…and a bit about what you've written…
My books feature a female pathologist in a rural hospital, sort of like me, only smarter and more kick-ass. My first book, Murder Under the Microscope, won an IPPY award. My second book, Too Much Blood, came out last summer. My third book, Grievous Bodily Harm, is inpublication and should come out this summer.
…and what you're working on right now.
My fourth book, Death by Autopsy.
What are your earliest book-related memories?
Nancy Drew. Crawling underneath the Christmas tree to see if anybody had given me one for Christmas. My Friend Flicka. Black Beauty. Going to the bookmobile with my best friend to check out the Black Stallion books. Recently I bought those to give my best friend's sister so she'd have them for her grandchildren; but I had to reread them all before I let her have them.
What are your three favorite books?
I can't possibly answer that. There are just too many. I can't just pick three favorites, but if I did, I bet they'd all be by Lisa Scottoline.
How many books to do you read at any given time? What are you reading now?
One or two. I'm reading Karen McInerney's Murder Most Maine on my Nook right now.
Finish this sentence; when I curl up with a book, I
travel to a different world.
To re-read or not to re-read that is the question.
I do that all the time. It's like visiting old friends.
How likely are you to read a book that's been recommended to you?
Depends on who recommends it. Some people's taste is way too different from mine and I know I won't like anything they recommend.
How likely are you to recommend a book (that isn't yours)?
I do that all the time.
What do you look for in a good book? A meaty plot. Believable and likable characters. The next book in a series that I like. The newest book by a favorite author. I hate buying a book and finding out that it's a bunch of short stories, or number three in a trilogy. I want to find a synopsis of the book on the back cover so I know what I'm getting into. And I hate books written in present tense.
Why do you write?
I always thought it would be a good thing to do after I retired. When I was in medical school and internship and residency, every time somebody was nasty to me I would threaten to put them in my book. And now, I'm doing that.
If you couldn't be a writer, what would you be?
I'm a pathologist, so I guess I'd still be one if I didn't write. I love gardening, so maybe I could have a second career as a landscape architect, or something like that.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My work as a pathologist.
How do the people in your life seem to view your writing career?
They love it. They think it's cool. They brag on me.
Are there any stereotypes about writers that you don't think are true?
That they're arrogant and can't take criticism? Maybe some are. That's to cover up their basic insecurity. I may be insecure, but I'm not arrogant. My favorite writer, Lisa Scottoline, isn't either.
What do you see as the biggest challenge today for writers starting out?
Breaking into the field and getting recognized. There are so many writers out there, especially in my genre, and getting accepted by a publisher is almost impossible. And now, with indie publishing growing like it is, more books are getting published than ever, so getting noticed in such a big crowd is ever so much worse now.
Have you made any writing mistakes that seem obvious in retrospect but weren't at the time?
One I can think of is putting too much backstory at the beginning of the book. It stops the action cold. I did that in my first book, and my editor jumped right on it. Another is putting in too much thinking by my protagonist. My books are in the first person, so it's tempting to put in a bunch of reflections about happened in her past or what she feels about things. That slows the action down too.
Is there a particular project you would love to be involved with?
Turning my books into movies. Heck, why not dream big?
How do you deal with your fan base?
Well, right now my fan base is mostly people around here, that I work with, go to church with, sing in the chorale with, do business with. I'm not well enough known to have anything to deal with yet.
Finish this sentence; my fans would be surprised to know ___ about me.


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text:
My Appalachian-mountain home still looked like a backyard sandbox after thirty, rowdy children spent an afternoon jacked up on ice cream and cake. Gael and I were staying in a hotel a couple of miles outside of town.
Mother Tesla was dead, and Blonde sent off to some far-off government research lab. I'm sure she wouldn't enjoy the long sessions of tell-me-how-you-feel interview questions from the government shrinks.
Gael sat across from me at the diner table and inhaled the vapors rising from her morning coffee. The place reeked of lard and potatoes. Stained carpet resembled the menu of the decades old eatery.
She'd not changed much in the past two weeks. She'd meditated, hummed her special tune, and spoke about life with the dreamy words of a swami.
I found her mesmerizing and likable, in all the ways you would choose a comfortable jacket. She fit well into my life and I looked forward to working with her.
Tomorrow morning I was scheduled to catch a bus, bound for Special Bureau One training camp.
Gael looked up from her java. "Training camp is a unique experience."
I chewed on my toast, pausing between bites. "You keep saying that."
It wasn't her grandmother face that looked at me. I hadn't seen this one before. Her eyes were deep in thought and she seemed calmer than usual.
"Don't mind me. I'm enjoying some old memories, back when I first went to the camp." She set the mug down. "You up for a story?"
"It's not one where you tell me to what to do is it?"
"No, no. A good one. About how all this came to be."
I looked around the low-rent diner, taking in the assortment of federal employees occupying the surrounding tables. "I hope you're not talking about this dump?"
She stood, pushed in her chair, and tossed a few dollars on the table. "Let's go for a walk. They'll tell you most of this story during training, but I know a better version."
This sounded like a timely distraction. We'd spent the last two weeks working with Special Bureau One commandos and investigators, clearing the town of holdover church fanatics. The work was tedious and I'm not proud to admit, too much like a real job.
We exited through the front door and stepped into the late October weather. The remnants of last night's rain had pulled the last of the Fall colors from the trees. A carpet of orange and yellow foliage carpeted the landscape.
Gael directed us along a trail which led downhill to a flowing stream. She took a seat on a boulder and crossed her legs under herself.
I leaned against the boulder and watched leaves and twigs navigate the swift moving water.
She caught my eye and raised an eyebrow. "Bureau One predates the Revolutionary War. At the time, it was run as an extension of English Parliament."
I nodded. "Before 1776. Got it."
"It's important you know the difference." She eased back into her story. "George III was King of England at the time. In training camp, they speak of this as the time in which the Bureau officially formed. Those who were critical of the English Crown, realigned with Franklin."
I turned were I could see her better. "You mean Washington?"
"No, Franklin." She patted her hand on the rock next to where she sat. "Have a seat. It's a good story. Lots of history and back parlor dealings."
I climbed up next to her and admired the view. A couple hundred yards away, a house nestled in the trees, next to the stream. The county road passed by the property and what appeared to be a defunct gas station.
"You with me?" She asked.
"Yep. Franklin not Washington, and King George. All we need is a dragon."
Her eyes twinkled. "That's a different story." She gave me the be quiet look. "When the Puritans came to the New World, England setup their version of the Bureau in the area. A lot of unexplained occurrences were happening between the native population and settlers."
My rump hurt from sitting on the rock. "You've backed up more than a century. The pilgrims landed in 1620. Is that when this started?"
"That's when the first English reports of strange occurrences started. Rumors from as far back as the sixteenth-century were not uncommon, by the French and Spanish. With England newly established in the New World, a better network of data gathering developed."
Gael twisted her back a few times and rolled her shoulders. "It seems, when the Europeans reached the New World, the natives tapped into a unified power source. At first, the ministers and priest reported it as if the native's gods were aligning and fighting back against their gods."
"Wait a minute. Local gods and European gods fighting for control, what about the one God theory? This breaks every rule the Church teaches?"
"It all depends on your world view, Rye. Some say one God, some say many, and others claim none. History has shown us religious conflict is more about who your god is, than what their god stands for."
Leaves continued to float along the stream and the morning air chilled my cheeks. A hint of wood smoke drifted with the breeze. Gael had already said a mouthful. I figured she operated on some form of Eastern philosophy but the theory of lumping gods into a mixing bowl pushed the envelope.
I gave her words consideration. It never occurred to me to think outside the one god model. Maybe what the priest's documented was about demons, not gods?
"What does this have to do with Bureau One?" I asked.
She smiled and slipped into teacher mode. "By the time George III took the throne, artifacts and individuals were already documented in the New World. Some with special powers for good, others with a looser definition of right and wrong." She pulled her feet up along her thighs and rested her wrist at her knees. "This is important because, by the time the American Revolution stated, a fully functional investigative organization already existed."
"This is interesting. I mean, we have crazy people doing crazy stuff and the King of England trying to stop them. How does Ben Franklin play into the game?"
"Franklin worked with the Bureau set up by Parliament. He was the highest ranking English official in the colonies. They didn't call it 'Bureau' at the time. Members were conferred a knight's title. That's not important for this conversation. Let's move on."
This is when the story got interesting. I'd always be a fan of Franklin. I thought the history books glossed over his contributions during the war. Franklin was born in the U.S. and spoke in support of the colonies rights all his life. "He wasn't working for England, was he?"
She tapped her palm against my knee. "Hold on. You need to set aside how you use to think the world worked and think about how the world may work. Hasn't your tangle with Mother Mary and Blonde changed your world view?"
All my life I knew I was lucky and could sense empathic sensations for certain objects, but Mother Tesla was a mad-scientist savant compared to me. It took a little bit of reshuffling, but I tried to open my mind to what she suggested.
"Good. Think on that for a while. Learning to consider the world is different than you believe it to be is the primary focus for training camp. That and teaching you how to stay alive."
I turned back to her. "Mr. Dallas said we came from the Culper Ring. He said it was a spy organization set up by General Washington. How could a spy ring helping the colonist be made up of knights representing the English Crown?"
Her face took on a happy glow. "That's the fun part or should I say 'special' part. When things fell apart between the colonies and England over taxation, a more critical undercurrent of intrigue was working its way through parliament. Franklin was leading the push from this side of the Atlantic."
"Was this intrigue people or object focused?"
She smiled and appeared happy with my question. "Now you're starting to think like an agent. It's not always people who are the catalysts for change. And rightly so in this case. It was Plymouth Rock."
"Granddad told me he saw it. It's near Boston, right?"
"We have one of the stones in a secure location, not Boston. One is in France, and the other?" She lingered over her words.
"Close. Scotland."
"Scotland? I'm lost. Why would the Scots have a piece of Plymouth Rock?"
"They don't. The real rock is really three stones, and they have one them. When it was realized the stones act as a conduit for influencing people, the New World became a battleground for control of the stones. That's why we had the French and Indian's war and it's what the Revolutionary war was about. Taxation is what the Bureau promoted as a distraction to the real cause."
I nodded and considered some of the 'special' things I'd seen the past weeks. "I've kinda developed the opinion special objects don't exist by themselves, someone must create them?"
"Very astute of you, and yes. As far as we can tell, objects don't exist without human creation. And more importantly, it takes a human to activate or tune into the powers. That's what you do. Your skill is unique. You can tune into objects that aren't necessarily special."
Gael's comment about my abilities struck a nerve. I thought back to all the times I'd felt an object's presence. I was the special one and the objects were ordinary? I had always thought the objects were special. I don't know why but growing up in middle America, you fall into a narrow definition of what's normal. Why I didn't drink alcohol flashed to the forefront of my thoughts. I quickly set the memory aside, not yet willing to face those demons.
When I came out of my thoughts, she was studying my face.
"You tapped into a deep memory, didn't you?" She asked.
"Yeah. Let's not go there. Maybe later."
She measured me with her gaze, as if looking for something specific. "Back to the stones. France took one with them after the Seven Years' War. The natives were not happy about it."
"Let's not use Hollywood words to define our discussion. The victor in a cultural war always finds ways to belittle the vanquished."
I focused on the trees. Most of the leaves were fallen and I could see mountains filling the background. The trunks of the trees, moistened by the recent rain, stood dark and straggly against the clear sky.
It seemed my understanding of life was severely limited. "I need you to get back to Franklin. The stones are interesting but how do they coincide with him and the start of the Bureau?"
"When the Revolutionary War started, he went to France, to help with the war effort. This much is true. With him he took the third stone. Washington was loaned one to help him lead troops. France had already gained one via their earlier conflict. Franklin gave the third to the Scots."
"Why Scotland?"
"He realized the colonies were going to fight the war no matter what. To do so, they needed money. Some of the Scots who were members of England's special branch took the stone and used it to create a banking empire."
I chewed on my lip and rubbed the palm of my hands along my jeans. "But England controlled Scotland?"
"England did, until our Special Bureau stepped away from England and became aligned with the colonist. At the same time, Scotland went rogue and used their new-found fortune to buy and sell world empires.
"History portrays the Scots as backward and tribal, ruled by the wise and mighty English.
"Oh, kiddo. The Scots own the world. We're their ally. England is pretty close to an enemy. Between Bureau branches that is."


text:
Submitted by farhan on
Dear A.S.S. Editor
Anyone read REACH's poll where they stated that more than half of Singaporeans welcomed Budget 2017's initiatives to support families and build a more inclusive society, but many disagreed with the move to increase water prices.
The poll had randomly chosen 1,111 Singaporeans aged 20 and above, and they were polled by phone. The surprising thing? 32% of those polled agreed with the water price hike, 43%disagreed and 24% were neutral. 32% agreed with the water price hike? Who did they poll? These people who never have to pay for the water bills, or those who have so much money that a 30% increase in price hike is small change to them?
This is really unbelievable. The fact that people agreed to any price hike is already incredible, 32% actually agreed to the excessive price hike?
Angry Singaporean
A.S.S. Contributor
Editor's Note:
Do you have a story to share? Please use our submission form or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com. If not, why not give us a 'Like'?


text:
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text:
Hello intrepid Rising Strong gang! I am so excited to get this ball rolling I can't even see straight. (If you missed my first post on this topic, read it here.)
The basic guidelines and preliminary schedule are detailed below. I'd like to get this party started and plan to have the first post for the Introduction and Chapter 1 go out next week on November 12. I will spearhead this first post.
Basic Guidelines:
1. As with any public forum, rules of decorum prevail. We will respect each other's opinions. We are free, of course, to disagree, but will do so with utmost respect. If we don't understand a comment, we'll ask. If we'd like further discussion on a topic, we'll generate it. Please remember that this is the first time I'm trying this format. If you don't like the way we're doing something, don't hesitate to let me know and we'll try to figure out a change together. (I reserve the right to delete any comment I find offensive or inappropriate.)
2. Remember: This is a public forum so comment accordingly. Don't tell the group deeply personal information if it makes you uncomfortable.
3. If it is not your week to spearhead, leave your comment in the comment section under the week's post. Check back once in a while during the week and see if you'd like to make additional comments based on what others are saying.
4. If you are spearheading the chapter for the week, please remember to email your comments to me at email@example.com by Wednesday morning. As far as length goes, if you're a writing type person, try to keep your post in the 600-800 word range. (If you're like me, achieving that goal may be hard! I tend to go long.) If you're not a writing type person that means up to about 3 pages or so, double spaced. To find out how many words your post contains, look in the lower left hand corner of the document. Microsoft Word keeps track there for you of word count.
5. If you haven't signed up to receive my email newsletter, please do so before we begin. Go to the Home Page and scroll down until you see Stay Informed. Enter your name and email address and click Subscribe. You'll get a confirmation email in your inbox. Click the link to confirm.
How it works:
1. If you are spearheading the chapter, you will get your comments to me on Wednesday prior to your scheduled day (see below for schedule).
2. Using your material, I will generate the post and it will go out via email on Thursday morning to everyone who is signed up to receive my newsletter. As soon as it goes out, the comment section is open for use.
3. Everyone who agreed to participate will leave at least one comment. Let's have fun! We have a diverse group with many perspectives. We even have one courageous gentleman joining us. I'm stoked to hear his ideas. Let's learn as much as we can from each other and grow in our knowledge.
4. If you're particularly excited one week (or more) about the dialogue we're generating, feel free to share it with friends you think might also be interested.
Schedule and Spearheaders:
(I made that word up! We have more participants than chapters, so I entered everyone's name into a basket and randomly selected. If you do not want to spearhead, let me know and I will make another selection. If you have a conflict with the date your assigned to spearhead, let me know asap and I'll arrange a swap.)
Chapter Spearheader Date of Post (submission gets sent to me the day prior to firstname.lastname@example.com.)
Chapter 1 Tracey Yokas Nov. 12
Chapter 2 Susan Schwartz Nov. 19
Skipping this week for Thanksgiving
Chapter 3 Maria Rodgers O'Rourke Dec. 3
Chapter 4 Crystal Chin Dec. 10
Chapter 5 Nancy Gentry Glenn Dec. 17
Skipping this week of Christmas (I will be out of town)
Chapter 6 Wendy Goldstein Dec. 31
Chapter 7 Martha Sullivan Jan. 7
Chapter 8 Xeno Hemlock Jan. 14
Chapter 9 Janice DelSanto Jan. 21
Chapter 10 Tara Espinoza Jan. 28
Chapter 11 Heather Higinbotham Feb. 4
Wrap Up/possible skype session ??
(And yes, clearly I need to learn how to set up columns!)
Questions to help you if you feel stuck: (You do NOT have to use these questions. I wanted to have a few suggestions in case someone needs a little help to get started.)
1. Does the issue in this chapter affect your life? How so, directly?
2. Pick a specific passage to discuss that struck you as significant or interesting. What was memorable about it and why?
3. What have you learned from this chapter? How has it broadened your perspective and how do you plan to incorporate into your life?
4. How does what Brené writes in this chapter coincide with how you were raised to deal with courage/failure? Is "rising strong" a fit with your basic character and/or upbringing or is this something you have to learn to incorporate in your life now?
I know this is a lot of information to take in at one time. Don't worry; we're going to take this adventure one week at a time!
Now that you've finished reading these guidelines, please take a second to comment (below) and tell us a few sentences about yourself, why you like Brené's work (if you already know it), what you're hoping to gain by joining us here, and any other tidbit you'd like us to know.
Maria Rodgers O'Rourke
Hi, Tracey and the Rising Strong Cyber Book Club!
I'm excited to read and reflect along with you on what I'm sure will be an amazing book. Brene Brown is the real deal...I can't wait to see what she has to say. I'm hoping to gain deeper insights about how to learn from what looks like failure in my life, and strategies for applying those lessons to future situations. I'd love to be able to release regret more quickly, and focus on the good in circumstances and people.
I'm a mom, wife, writer, speaker, and communications expert. Tracey and I met a couple of years ago on the Haven writing retreat in Montana, and have been friends ever since. My husband Steve and I have been married 23 years, and have two daughters, 22 and 15. My home is in St. Louis, Missouri, and yes, I love the Cardinals!
Thank you Maria! I'm so glad you mentioned the Cardinals. Yes, peeps. Sports talk (a little anyway) is fine here, as long as you don't dis on my Broncos. Just kidding. Anyway, welcome Maria. Thank you for the intro and what you hope to gain. I sure agree relative to what I'm hoping to learn along the way. I believe we need a whole new view of "failure," or at least a new definition of it. The Gifts of Imperfection was inspirational in my life because it gave me language to talk about issues that had plagued me but that I had only thought about. I had no constructs to use to really dig deep and get them out into the open. Also, having concrete activities to put the learning into action has been crucial for me in carrying that learning forward.
Tom and I have have been married for 19 years. My daughter will turn 17 next month! It's been an inspirational journey, and I know it will continue to be inspirational.
I thank you Maria, for being such a great friend and for joining us here for Rising Strong! I look forward to reading your input.
Nancy Glenn
Hi, Tracey and Rising Strong Cyber Book Club members! I'm a huge Brene fan and am so excited to participate and share reflections/experiences related to Rising Strong. I have begun reading but must confess that I sneaked a peak at my assigned chapter. Things must happen for a reason because Chapter 5 has profound relevance to my life's journey and a particularly thorny issue I've been struggling with for more than 50 years. The chapter hits me, as they say, right where I live! I'm eager and more than a bit anxious about confronting it once again through this reading. I've learned that those feelings together are telling me I must, must go forward and lean into it. I'm looking forward to rich and rewarding learning through shared experiences. Thank you, Tracey!
Thank you so much Nancy! Isn't it awesome how serendipity can work in our life? I'm glad your chapter resonates with you. Now I can't wait to read it. I hope our journey together is indeed rich and rewarding for all of us. Thanks for taking the time to check in!
Hi! I'm Jessica. I live in Madison, WI, with my husband and our teenage daughter. I've been on two writing retreats with Tracey (and Maria!) and one with Heather. It's fun to have a mix of familiar folks and people I don't yet know. I'm in the early stages of working on a memoir. I've read some of Brené Brown's work before and especially like her TED talks. I'm looking forward to participating in a cyber book club--a totally new experience for me.
Crystal Chin
Hello Everyone! I met Tracey in a writing class where we all started working our memoirs. SInce then, I have finished my memoir and am on the search for an agent. I am a professional dancer, Pilates instructor and now, writer:) I was not familiar with Brene's work until recently when I listened to a talk of hers. Absolutely everything she spoke about resonated with me and many of the topics I write about on my blog. I'm really excited to read this book and interact with all of you! Thanks for putting this together Tracey!!
Hi! I met Tracey about two years ago in a memoir writing class in our community. Tracey introduced me to Brene's books and I have been very impressed by what Brene has to say. I grew up in a household where my feelings didn't matter much; so much so that I learned to squash my feelings to the point of not being in close touch with them anymore. That did not serve me well. I definitely wasn't living what Brene calls a "wholehearted life." I've grown a lot since those days, and, as I'm sure you all can relate to, I've since had triumphs as well as other struggles.
My husband and I are coming up on our 29th wedding anniversary this month. We have a 26 year old son and a 23 year old daughter. Rising Strong hits home with me right now, just like with Nancy. My husband has had very serious medical issues over the last several years, and we are now in the midst of a new one, seeing doctors at UCLA and City of Hope in search of a diagnosis and treatment plan. As I started to read Rising Strong, I've been telling myself I need to be strong today, tomorrow, next year, etc., come what may. I want to be strong, yet I don't always feel I can pull that off.
Both Tracey and Brene inspire me to live a better life. I signed up for this book club before my husband's latest medical issues. I thought it would be fun to discuss the book with everyone and learn to be a stronger person for the next struggle that came along. But now I'm in that struggle. I hope I'm a quick study!
Tracey Yokas
Susan, I am so sorry to hear of the latest medical struggles for your husband and you. Just know that you have, here, a loving and supportive community of people who have got your back. Obviously, not everyone here yet knows you, but they will. Your huge heart, compassion, and wisdom will be a beacon. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for taking this journey with us. We will all keep positive thoughts and energy going to the universe for Richard.
Stephanie Maley
Brene's research on shame, vulnerability, and whole-heartedness, have helped me through some recent "flesh tearing" times. I listened to her talks on "Sounds True" with tears flowing as I struggled through some major depression. I continue to lean into her writings as I face day to day challenges. I am grateful for this platform and look forward to sharing this with all of you.
Tracey and I are joined at the hip via FB and met each other a few years ago in Montana at a profound writing retreat. Nothing excites me more than to share "Rising Strong" with someone who demonstrates it so well.
Thank you for this opportunity Tracey! I've been on one retreat (so far) and hope to attend another at some point. I'm looking forward to joining this group and learning about ways to improve my own life as well as those around me.
Hey Stephanie! Yes--we have two Stephanie's--so if the two of you think about it, could you leave comments with at least a last initial so we can differentiate! Welcome. Thank you for joining us on this journey--if there's one thing I've learned over the last couple of years, to Rise Strong we definitely need a community committed to embracing the same general ideals. Welcome!
Katherine Stevenson
Thanks for starting this Tracey. I was not familiar with Brene Brown until you started the discussion on our Rising Strong book club. I have since spent time on her webpage and today signed up for the courses from January to April. What a great look forward to.
I am enjoying "meeting" others in our group and look forward to our interactions.
I turned 65 last week and have spent my life in various undertakings to learn more about me and how to be in the world. I don't believe in coincidences so know this opportunity came at exactly the correct time. And Tracey we are Haven Alums so anything you know is a great experience, I want to tag along. :-)
Sarah Hunter
Hello and I'm so excited to begin! Thank you Tracey for this brainchild. I'm a wife, mother of two college age kids and live in Seattle, WA. I met Tracey a few days ago at the Haven II retreat and I'm so glad I did. Looking forward to a great experience.
Wecome Sarah! I'm thrilled your joining us here. I look forward to the insights and wisdom you'll be sharing. I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from Haven--in the best and most profound ways! Welcome..
Nettonya Ryane
Looking forward to the discussion of each chapter. I listen to a lot of TED talks and resonated to Brene's talk on shame, which has been a part of my life - not being good enough, smart enough, loveable, etc. She KNOWS whereof she speaks.
I'm a retired elementary school teacher, living in Surrey, BC, Canada. I read the Haven Alums FB postings, as I have taken a Haven workshop with Nancy Glenn and several other amazing women, June of 2014. I'm glad to be part of this group.
Hello, Nettonya!
I forgot to mention that I am married, have a daughter and 3 grandchildren, reside in Ashburn, VA, teach part-time in an MBA program at a University of Maryland University College, am a Court Appointed Special Advocate (volunteer) for children in the foster care system, and enjoy painting, walking, and, of course, writing.
Wow Nancy. Off-line, I'd love to learn more about your advocate work. We have that here where I live and I have considered volunteering. Down the line, maybe we can touch base about it. Thank you for doing that, making such an impact.
Welcome Jess! I'm so glad you're joining us on this journey. Thanks for introducing yourself. I, for one, can't wait to read your memoir and your thoughts (along with everyone's) on what Brene has to say in Rising Strong.
Hi Crystal- Thank you for the introduction! Everyone loves Brene's TED talks, including me! Maybe I'll post some along the way if I can find ones that happen to back up the weeks' topic. Hmmm. Well, if I forget, someone remind me! Welcome Crystal. Crystal's blogs are awesome, by the way. I believe she posts one a week on Fridays. Check her out when you get a chance! Welcome Crystal.
Welcome Stephanie! Thank you for sharing a little bit about your recent journey and struggles. You are surrounded by loving support here! I very much look forward to hearing your insights and particularly who you've incorporated Brene's wisdom into your day to day life. This is really the tough part, isn't it? We can learn, all kinds of stuff, but if we don't incorporate what works into our life on a regular basis then we don't make the progress we aspire to. This seems so obvious sometimes, but it's really the hardest thing, to make lasting and significant changes even when we know we will benefit from them. Welcome Steph! Thank you again for taking this journey with us.
Welcome Katherine! I think several of us are doing Brene's classes after the new year. That will be so fun, to know we're connecting here and also there! Yippee. And regarding Haven, yes. I am convinced as much now as ever, that one of Laura's gifts to this planet is the drawing together of people who needed to meet at that time and in that place and under those circumstances. Thank you for joining us Katherine. I can't wait to hear more of what you have to share!
Welcome Nettonya! SWEET...your participation means we've gone international! Wow...that's exciting. LOL. And yes, Brene sure does know what she's talking about. For me, one of the biggest reasons I fell in love with her work is her honesty and willingness to use her own life as the main example of what she's talking about. I immediately trusted her for doing so. I try to embrace that courage in my daily life. I look forward to hearing what you have to say along this journey.
Heather Higinbotham
Hi everyone! So excited to be a part of this group. I'm Heather, and Tracey and I met at Haven writing workshop last year. I'm a HUGE Brene Brown fan, I took her "Healing our Creativity Wounds" class a couple years ago and it has changed my life. Tracey, which classes are you referring to of Brene's next year?!?
A little bit about me: I'm a recovering people pleaser and conflict avoider, spent over a decade living other people's versions of my life, and have just in the past 7 years broken free and am in the ongoing process of rediscovering myself. What fun! I've learned that I am actually creative, I have something to offer the world, and i'm pretty freakin' rad--all things I didn't believe for a long time. I've returned to writing (so grateful!) and am currently working on two books, one on recovery from an abusive/alcoholic marriage and one on being an environmental hypocrite.
In my "professional" life, I am a sustainability geek and eco-warrior. I recently launched my own coaching business, focusing on personal growth, authenticity, vulnerability and owning our soul truth.
I am a single mom and Sherpa to a precocious 9 year old daughter, whose favorite conversation starter is "Do you know how to spell 'hypochondriac' or 'onomatopoeia'?".
Woo hoo! So excited to meet all of you!
Welcome Heather! I'm so excited that you are going to join us on this journey. First, re: Brene's class next year. Visit www.courageworks.com. She's doing 2 6 week classes focused first on Daring Greatly and then Rising Strong. (We should be experts by then!) I think a couple others here are already signed up as well. Thank you for the intro. I can't tell you how excited I am about your two books. Wow...I can't get one done let alone two. You are showing us some badassery there!, but I get ahead of myself. Welcome Heather! I can't wait to hear your thoughts here...
Yolie Ramirez
Hi everyone.. My name is Yolie. I've been friends with Tracey for many years.. I have a daughter and right now we are going through some exciting and scarey changes in our lives. I'm hoping through reading this book and reading everyone's comments, I will be able to be strong and move forward with my daughter into incredible new lives....
Hi Yolie! Welcome to the group. I can't wait to hear your thoughts related to what Brene has to say. I'm so excited for you and the new phase of life you and your daughter will soon be entering. I know Brene's insights will help you, for sure!! I know the group will too.
Patricia Young
Hello Ladies! Please forgive my delay in introducing myself. As I shared with Tracey its been one of "those" weeks! Which I know each and every one of you understand! I live in a little town just three miles from the Hudson River in NY. I've got four kids - two were a package deal that came with my husband. He told me if when we had children and they were ugly, it was my fault because he has a portfolio! Yeah. I still married him, and just last month we celebrated 29 yrs together. My kids ages range from 38, 36, 26, 24. I've been a teacher, worked in the defense industry, owned a day care (in which some days I swear I was being held hostage by two year olds!) became a full time care giver when my mother developed Alzheimers, had my heart broken many times, including by my husband, yet have always, some how, persevered. Then in June 2012 after both my husband and I lost our jobs, were fighting to keep our house, I met Laura Munson. Two months later I was in MT. (the story of just getting there is just a 'wow' adventure). I was a mess when I arrived, and totally transformed when I came home. Since then I know the path I am on is absolutely the right one. Too many things lined up in the universe for me to believe otherwise. I had a small first piece published in January 2013 - took whatever workshops on writing, poetry etc I could find. Networked. Met some really strange, twisted "writers", but met more amazing, generous, authentic, really really kind and wonderful writers. Last year I challenged myself and participated in the NaNoWriMo. It was suppose to be for me - just personal. A practice. Then lightening struck. And by the end of the month I had a rough draft of a murder/mystery presently titled "Northeast of 8"0. A lot happened between then and now - but in ApriI I was accepted by an editor who is working with me - pushes me - critiques with purpose and direction. I've learned SO much from her. But the reality is - you must learn 'how' to write. She told me if the story was not as solid as it is, she would have not accepted me. My sentence structure was horrible. My tense usage ridiculous and inconsistent. My modifiers dangled. (I didn't know what the hell a modifier was or that it could dangle!). But she was right. I'm still working hard on understanding the mechanics of writing. It has not always been easy - but when the light bulb turns on and you can clearly see YES! That's it! That is how it sounds even better than the first time, or even the second! Writing is a process - rising strong is a choice. So I am crafting my life at 52. I house/pet sit for income and sit in other peoples homes as much as I can to write. They are just as excited as I am about this book - which makes it a pleasure. I am so honored and humbled to be in this group, looking forward to reading, listening and learning from ALL of you! Thank you Tracey so very, very much for creating this that can only have a positive academic, but also emotional, soulful conclusion, that will never really end. Breathe Deep, Think Peace, Patty
Thank you Patty! You are so funny...and WOW about your book. That's really exciting. You'll have to keep the group posted to new developments if any come along while we're still gathering here each week. I'm working with an editor, too, on my book and I feel you! She sure pushes me and it's done more for my writing than I could ever have imagined. Thanks for your intro. I very much look forward to hearing your thoughts on Brene's material.
Xeno Hemlock
Hi everyone!
I'm Xeno from the Philippines. Tracey and I met in an online writing class at the beginning of this year.
I didn't know Brene Brown before. One day, while visiting a book store I saw Daring Greatly standing out in a book shelf. The author's name was familiar to me. Then I remembered where I saw the name before - from Tracey's posts on my Facebook timeline. So I bought the book in good faith; Tracey's raving about the author and I trusted her taste. I was glad I did. Like the serendipity story above, the timing of my buying the book was amazing.
I had been working on one article since February/March that I had a hard time finishing. Reading Daring Greatly made me realise why that was happening. I was avoiding vulnerability. The book served as a wake-up call to up my writing. Lo and behold, i finished the article after reading Brown's book. Very grateful for that. While there's a bit of self-promotion here, you can read that article here: http://www.xenohemlock.com/blog/3-relationship-truths-in-every-major-life-transformation I believe one aspect of vulnerability is being proud of your work and if I am to practice Ms. Brown's teachings, I got to be proud of myself and what I do.
This is my first book-club ever, online and offline, so I'm very excited. I have no idea what to expect but I think that's the beauty of it. My book is still wrapped in plastic cover, I don't want to take a peek on what's inside but follow the plan of tackling it chapter by chapter. And am very much looking forward to hearing everybody's insights and learning new things from you all.
Welcome Xeno! Now we're really international. Canada and the Philippines! This is fantastic. What a unique and awesome perspective you will bring to the group. I'm so glad you were able to finish the article and that Brene's wisdom helped you to do so! Everyone do check out Xeno's work. He's very inspirational at www.xenohemlock.com. Thanks Xeno! I'm thrilled your joining us here.
Janice Del Santo
Hello All. I'm Janice. I live in southern California and have known Tracey for quite a long time now. Our friendship began with the love and care of the cats in our lives and has grown through the local book club that Tracey spearheads. We've loved and lost and shared tears and smiles. I worked in veterinary medicine for 30 years which was my passion and my calling. I now have embarked upon a Real Estate career that I love but that challenges me to find new strengths within myself.
I am not a writer but I do love to read and learn. My greatest life's work are the beautiful souls that are my daughter and my grandkids. Like all mom's I struggle through their heartaches and celebrate their successes. I am a very pragmatic person. I believe that kindness and unconditional love, especially with ourselves, are the key to resolving any struggle, And I firmly believe that the "truth" always lies somewhere in the middle.
I look forward to reading this book with my daughter and together reinforcing our ability to rise strong.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartfelt introduction, Janice! We sure have shared tears and smiles and the love of words for a long time now. And the love of cats!! My most beloved, Finn, came into our lives courtesy of Janice! He is my bestest buddy!! You do NOT need to be a writer to be part of this journey...I'm thrilled to pieces that Tara is also joining us here. I very much look forward to the mother/daughter insights you might have to share with us when your chapters are spearheaded. And yes...gee whiz. Abiding the struggles of our children/grandchildren continues to be a lesson I have to learn over and over again. Welcome!
Hey there, everybody! My name is Kari and I'm very excited to be part of this book club. I'm in my 40's and live in Brooklyn and work in Manhattan in television news. I've followed Brene Brown's work for a few years and connect strongly with her research on vulnerability. Sharing thoughts and experiences is the highway to a robust world view and I appreciate everyone in this group for seeking and "rumbling". Really looking forward! Thanks, Tracy, for bringing us together!
I made a mistake on my comment-- my name is Kari not Kati. And, not sure why that's my profile pic!!!! Anyway, looking forward to getting to know everyone.
Hi Kari! Thanks for taking the time to touch base. In my former life, I was a news videographer for two small affiliates, 1 ABC and 1 Fox. Hmmm. Maybe one day we'll be able to compare news notes. And I agree with you completely relative to sharing thoughts and experiences as the highway to a robust world view! This is how we broaden our perspectives and continue to become more open-minded! Thanks again. I'm so glad you're joining us.
No way! Didn't know we have the journalist life in common. Hope to compare notes about this crazy business one day. Thanks again for kicking off this great group!
Kim G.
Hi everyone! So excited to be part of this book club. I have never been to a book club and think this book and online platform is a unique approach! I love Brene Brown's books because of the vulnerability she displays. I am a mother of 1 and have been with my husband for 13 years. I have known Tracey 5+years and couldn't have asked for a better friend. She is amazing.
Oh my goodness! Thank you Kim. I feel pretty lucky, too, to have you in my life. Welcome! I'm so glad you're joining us for this journey. I think it's going to be fun and enlightening! Hold on to your butts, as is said in Jurassic Park. We're going to have a blast!!
Good morning, everyone -
I'm a little late getting to this party and introducing myself. But now that I'm here, I can tell you that I'm excited to do a cyber book club. I go to many book discussions at the library and most are very casual. I like the idea of each of us getting a turn to say how we feel about a specific part of the book. I work in my local library and take care of the marketing part of all that goes on. My main job is to create flyers, newsletters and short blurbs to describe our programs and events, so I am a little frightened to write a more expanded "essay" on my chapter. But, in reading the first couple chapters of the book, I realize that this is a challenge I should take on! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you a little and am interested in where this book and its ideas may lead.
Hello Martha! Welcome! I'm excited that you decided to join us. Anyone that works in a library is A-OKAY in my book. You are definitely in the right place here! We can't wait to hear your thoughts on your assigned chapter, and your thoughts relative to the rest too. Please don't worry about the writing! In this context it is simply the tool for us to use to get our thoughts out there to start reviewing, thinking, and discussing AND so we can write our own brave endings. Thank you!
Cheryl M
Hello Everyone....My name is Cheryl, and I'd like to read Brene's book with you and see what pearls of wisdom emerge. I read her gifts of imperfection a few years ago and loved it. I still have the copy and found gobs of scribbled notes in the margins, either highlighting a point she made or sort of conversing with her and myself. Does anyone else do that?
So, I discovered your site, Tracey, because of a shared friend we have, Maria O'Rourke. Maria and I have been friends for years. When I saw her mention of your bookclub on her FB page, I thought...hmmmm...like you, Tracey, I've never done a cyber book club, but I do enjoy learning and some degree of challenge/adventure in my life, so here I am.
Sounds like many of you are professional writers. Although I am not, I have journaled on and off since I was ten y/o and enjoy the writing process. It definitely has helped me clarify my thoughts and feelings.
I am a registered nurse for many years now, which has been very rewarding, challenging, and spiritual experience for me. I have a loving hubby, elderly momma, and a very sweet golden retriever that create my little family at home. Home health nursing about twice a month keeps me involved in nursing as my primary responsibility has become my 91 y/o mom in this past year. She has lived with us 16 years, but has become more dependent this past year.
There are so many things about Brene's book on imperfection that I liked. But, I find myself ruminating on her remarks on how we've become a society that seems to value exhaustion and productivity as benchmarks for admiration/ having success. Boy, do I see a lot of that pressure in different areas of my life, especially at work and in my dear church to some extent.
I look forward to sharing with you all, to showing support and learning together.
Thanks for making this available Tracey and thanks to my dear friend Maria for letting me know about it!
Warmly~~Cheryl M.
Hi, Cheryl! I'm so excited you've joined this group. I expect much beauty and wisdom to emerge from our discussions. You will bring your characteristic compassion and insight to the conversation. Yay! Can't wait to get started. Love you, Maria
Welcome Cheryl! I'm thrilled you are going to join us on this journey. If you haven't already, go to my Home page. Scroll down until you see Stay Informed. Enter your information and click Submit. You'll receive an email in your in-box to confirm subscription to my email newsletter. Click that link and you're all set. That way, each Thursday morning, the new post will be emailed directly to your inbox and you won't have to remember to come and look for it. Any friend of Maria's is welcome here! Thank you for the lovely introduction of yourself. This is NOT an exercise for writers. This is a forum for anyone who loves Brene and has grown from her work. I want to be clear about that!! BTW, YES! My books have tons of notes in the margins and on the front and back blank inside pages. I love to write myself notes about things I loved inside the book and want to remember or about things I want to look into further. How wonderful that you are able to take primary care of your mother. I know how hard that is although now both of my parents are gone. I look forward to getting to you better, here! Welcome Cheryl.
Thanks for the gentle, helpful info Tracey.
...and, Maria, love you too!
Tara Espinoza
Hello all,
My name is Tara and like all of you I am a women of many hats. I am a mother of three young children, ages 6, 4, and 2. I am a Christian, a coach, a soccer player, the wife of a police officer, a huge sports fan and much much more. My mother is my idol. I strive to be a better person everyday and want to be the best role model to my children I can possibly be. I am a very passionate person with many insecurites. I am very much looking forward to reading this book and hearing, or reading rather what you all have to say.
Welcome Tara! I was so excited when your mom told me that you both wanted to participate. What great news. I'm very much looking forward to the chapters the two of you spearhead and your thoughts related to same. You are one busy lady...I admire you so much! Especially the sports fan part :) It's such an important part of motherhood, I believe, to do this kind of work. What helps us helps our children. Thank you for joining us!
Judy Williamson
Just saw Maria Rodgers O'Rourke's FB share on this book club and am so excited! The timing couldn't be better- I am about 3/4 of the way through listening to Rising Strong on my way to work and was so taken by it ( not a surprise I have all her books) that I ordered a hard copy of it and it arrives today! I shared Maria's post on my FB wall also. Thank you for starting this!
Welcome Judy! Any friend of Maria's is welcome here...and friend of anyone's is welcome here, by the way. I'm so glad you are going to join us on this journey. Gosh, Brene has so much wisdom to share. It never ceases to amaze me how many people she inspires on a regular basis. I'm so happy to provide a platform for us Brene lovers to discuss what we love the most! Thank you Judy!
Are the comments/discussion all happening here on this blog page? Do we want to start a Facebook group to have the discussion?
Hi Heather. yes, the comments are going to appear each week on that week's blog post. So, there is a new one out as of yesterday for the Intro and ch 1. No, I'm not going to start a Facebook group. I'll post the link again to this week's new post and, if you signed up for the newsletter, the new post will arrive in your email inbox every Thursday morning.


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The Orthopedic Department at the Academy Teaching Hospital is a major trauma and orthopedic center in East Khartoum; it provides orthopedic treatment, trauma management, rehabilitation and disability services. The Department has five orthopedic surgeons and six orthopedic registrars. The Department also benefits immensely from a dedicated multidisciplinary team of nursing staff and physiotherapists who help in managing a wide variety of joint disorders both surgically and non-surgically.


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Meet Your Worst McNightmare
We've already established that everyone in the entire world is creeped out by McDonald's new Happy Meal mascot, "Happy" — including the kids to whom he's supposedly meant to appeal. As such, it was only a matter of time before he was put to… other uses. Sinister uses. Uses that will shock you to your very core. And also possibly make you laugh your head off, because Happy has just been Photoshopped into a whole bunch of classic horror movie posters. The results? Are priceless.
In the wake of Happy's baffling launch two weeks ago, graphic design company DesignCrowd held a contest asking their community to stick the McHorror into existing posters for their favorite scary movies. The contest isn't endorsed by McDonald's, but that doesn't matter — the whole thing is perfect. It's a classic horror movie setup: All Happy wants is to be loved. But after being introduced into the world with great fanfare by his proud parent company, the poor mascot finds to his horror that the very people from whom he seeks affection run screaming away from him in terror. Shunned by the world, he disappears into seclusion, growing more twisted and bitter with each passing year. "They'll learn to love me," he thinks, plotting and scheming in the darkness. "I'll make them love me — even if I have to kill them to do it!" (Call me, Hollywood. I've got plenty more where that came from.)
Some standouts include Jaws:
Tagline: Just when you thought it was safe to go back to McDonald's…
Screw Jigsaw — Happy is way scarier.
Last year's Evil Dead remake:
Not going to lie — that one is my favorite.
And The Blair Witch Project:
Interestingly, Happy takes the place of Heather Donohue's face here, implying that he is not the witch, but rather one of the hapless filmmakers who falls prey to her. Did anyone else's brain just reimagine this scene with a giant anthropomorphic Happy Meal in the lead? No? Just me? OK then.
Nor are DesignCrowd the only ones imagining Happy's backup career as a horror movie character. Smosh.com has dreamed up (nightmared up?) a whole bunch of original plots for him to star in; Foodiggity has inserted him into iconic scenes from movies like Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs; and iHorror took a moment to remind us that the original Ronald McDonald — the one from 1963 — is way, way more terrifying than Happy could ever hope to be. Warning: Nightmare fuel ahead.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go look at a lot of photos of kittens.
There. That's better.
Images: Design Crowd


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Today Walt Disney World officials confirmed the rumor that has been around for years, the large Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios is being removed from its current iconic location. [Read more…]
TNA Wrestling leaving Universal Studios after eight years of television tapings
TNA Wrestling has announced they will soon be leaving Universal Orlando to film their television shows at different cities around the U.S. The last two shows to be taped in the Universal Soundstage known as the "Impact Zone" will be Feb. 28 and March 7, 2013. [Read more…]


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: Starting October 2014 :
Happy Thursday everyone! I hope your week's been going well!
How many of you guys have taken Prednisone? Kind of a love-hate relationship isn't it? Oh yeah, big time.
For me—at least when I first started it in September 2014—my colon adored this steroid. My intestines loved the way Prednisone reduced my insane inflammation and pain.
My guts rejoiced every morning when I guzzled those 60 milligrams of drug. It was a party in my stomach every morning because I knew the pain of the night would be banished for the rest of the day.
However, every other part of my body despised the drug.
My tongue hated its stale taste and sawdust texture.
My head couldn't stand the way Prednisone dared to involve my hair by making it constantly oily.
My eyes hated the way it grew my face through its water-retaining powers, somehow managing to summon every ounce of water into my cheeks.
But, nonetheless, I first saw Prednisone through rose-colored glasses, simply because when I first started taking it, it had not been long enough for the side effects to start yet.
In fact, I was ecstatic to take this drug! It seemed to work almost instantly and I even thought, Oh good, this is the solution right here! One and done! I initially thought these these small chalk-like pills held the answer to my prayers. And they did—for a hot moment.
Those suckers do their job well, but, boy, do they charge.
After about a month of taking 60 milligrams a day (which is a fairly high dosage) my body started to change.
I started noticing the side effects. They crept out of nowhere, innocently at first, manifesting as pimples and simple mood swings. But after a few more weeks, they increased.
The best way for me to describe it is that it felt as if my body was morphing into a different body. I started experiencing unwelcomed weight gain, body tenderness, and other not-so-fun reactions.
Here are the side effects that most affected me:
1. Moon Face
No, I didn't make up this name 🙂 Moon face it is one of those side effects that's basically unavoidable 🙁 Since Prednisone is a steroid, it specializes in affecting hormones which can cause imbalances.
This disproportion causes both sodium and water retention, particularly around the face and neck. It stored all this water in my cheeks as if I were a chipmunk storing water inside myself for the drought summer. Thanks, but no thanks, Pred.
Solution: I found myself watching YouTube videos, teaching myself to contour. I'm not gonna lie, I wore much more makeup than normal—brown blush in particular—to accentuate what was left of my cheekbones.
2. Hunger Cravings
How shall I put this. Prednisone made me RAVENOUS. Seriously. I'd eat a large dinner and wake up in the middle of the night from a growling stomach. I ended up keeping snacks by my bed for nights like those. Then, I'd wake up in the morning craving a freakin' English breakfast.
Solution: Take advantage of this! Use your hunger to fill up on fruits, veggies, and other food groups that you and doctor decide are beneficial for your specific case.
Pro-Tip: Try Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend!
3. Weight Gain
Prednisone ramped up my appetite. I was a non-stop eating machine, which was definitely a contributor to the weight gain, on top of all the sodium and water retention.
Sidenote: my body type is ectomorph, meaning it's difficult for me to gain weight, both fat and muscle. But let me tell ya, it was sure easy on Prednisone. I gained around twenty pounds. I could no longer fit into some of my jeans. For some pants, I had to wear a belt on the loosest hole simply to cover up my unbuttoned button!
Solution: It is suggested to limit your sodium intake and increase your potassium intake while on Prednisone. This can help ensure you get the right level of nutrients while on this sodium-retaining drug. Also, like I mentioned above, don't be afraid to contour 😉
4. Mood Changes
Prednisone is tough because it really plays with the chemicals in your brain. In addition to already being emotional and trying to accept this my chronic illness, the drug heightened my emotions—from happy, mad, sad, and everywhere in between.
It was like PMSing on steroids, literally.
I remember a day in my apartment at William Jessup University that I just broke down. For no reason. My roommate stared at me, wondering what to do and where the waterworks came from. Though they came from nowhere, the emotions were very real. I felt distraught, distressed, in need of a good cry.
My roommate brought a few other roommates to my room and prayed for me, which probably made me cry even harder, but encouraged me as well.
Solution: I really suggest finding and strengthening your support group. Having friends and family there for you, simply to hug you and talk with you, makes a world of difference when sifting through extreme emotions caused my Prednisone's chemical side effects.
5. Acne
Ugh. I thought acne was a thing of my high-school past! Nope. Prednisone brought all the acne back, turned my skin red, and displayed it all with pride on my puffy face. A part of this is because Prednisone can increase your body temperature, causing heat waves and night sweats, and thus, spreading that sweat and oil.
Solution: I regularly used a sugar scrub every morning, and a particular oil-free acne scrub in the evening. I personally found that the coarseness of the sugar scrub woke up my skin and washed away any sweat from overheating during the night. Then I used the acne scrub at the end of the day to cleanse all dirt, sweat, and impurities.
Though it did not make my Prednisone-induced acne disappear, it seemed to prevent it from getting worse. These items worked for me, but you may have to experiment to find what brand and ingredients work best for your skin type.
6. Greasy Hair
Similarly, since Prednisone causes chemical and hormonal changes, it affected the oils released by my glands. This made my hair CONSTANTLY greasy. It didn't matter if I washed it every other day, every day, or twice in one day, it looked like my hair was wet 24/7.
Like, it looked like I stepped out of the shower without drying my hair.
I tried wearing it down but it cascaded greasily around my face.
I tried wearing it in a bun and ponytail, but its wirey texture made it look like I had gelled it.
Not my best look.
Solution: Baby powder and/or dry shampoo! For me, baby powder seems to work more effectively than dry shampoo. I've read that you can even mix cocoa powder with the baby powder to make it a darker color so it blends easier with darker hair colors.
7. Body Tenderness
I felt this deep soreness deep in my muscles. I like to describe it as if a meat tenderizer had mashed my muscles. Like I had just maxed out with some high-level weight lifting. It was all over my body, but the most affected places were my back, neck, upper arms, and down my sides. Simply pressing my finger into my skin caused pain.
Solution: I picked up an inexpensive muscle rub. This pain-relieving cream gets warm and feels sooo nice on those aching muscles. There are many different brands out there, but this one by Pure-Aid worked well with me!
So, needless to day…
This experience with Prednisone wasn't my definition of enjoyable, but Prednisone did what it said it would do:
- Tamed my inflammation,
- Got my pain under control (with the exception of one comical misadventure!), and
- Proved to be a great short-term drug.
And that's the thing about Prednisone—it's not meant to be a long-term maintenance drug. It's wonderful for lassoing in those crazy IBD symptoms and healing your gut enough to try the next step, which is typically the long-term solution drug.
By the way, if you haven't already, check out this post to view the long-term drugs I tried!
So, though Prednisone didn't prove to be my end-all-be-all solution (and thank God because I don't want to live with a moon-face for the rest of my life) it was a large part of my life for about seven months. I took it daily from September 2014 – February 2015.
But, Prednisone doesn't like to leave your system without a grand exit. It can stubbornly take several months for its side effects to entirely leave your system after you're finished taking it.
I stopped taking it in February 2015 but held onto my moon-face until the end of April; I started to see my cheekbones again right around my 21st birthday—it was the best birthday present I've ever received!
I was eager to say goodbye and good riddance to those Prednisone-induced emotional breakdowns, unattractive gel-like hairdos, and chipmunk cheeks.
Welcome back, cheekbones!
Do you also have a love-hate relationship with Prednisone? Tell us about it in the Facebook group! What side effects did you endure and how did you power through them?
I truly believe that the way to bridge this disease type's chasm of alienation, fear, being misunderstood, etc. is to engage in community and share our experiences to help others along their journeys. Let's not keep these adventures to ourselves! Let's learn to share our fears, our trials, and our triumphs to find the comical in the deepest, darkest crevices of our guts!


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The Terry Fox Foundation announces Governor General of Canada as Patron Français
Sep 11, 2012, 11:00 ET
VANCOUVER, Sept. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The Terry Fox Foundation is pleased to announce that His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is patron of the Foundation.
"The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General welcomed and recognized Terry 32 years ago during a visit to Rideau Hall. Less than 3 months after his visit, Terry was invested as Companion of the Order of Canada and, in 1982, the fountain in front of the Rideau Hall façade was dedicated the Fountain of Hope. We are therefore extremely honoured that His Excellency has accepted this role and we know that both Betty and Terry would join us in welcoming him to the Foundation and its broader family of supporters and organizers," said Mr. Rolland Fox, father of Terry Fox.
The Governor General is a strong supporter of Terry Fox, citing the young Canadian hero's contribution to the country and his generosity as an inspiration for all Canadians. During his installation speech in 2010, His Excellency spoke of how Terry's spirit and achievement brings Canadians together and how his cause endures three decades after the Marathon of Hope (1980).
"As a Canadian cancer research institute focused on both discovery and translational research, as well as training future leaders (scientists and clinicians) in cancer research, this support from The Queen's representative in Canada, is a wonderful endorsement for the Foundation and the collaborative work our researchers are undertaking at the best cancer research hospitals and universities in Canada to improve outcomes for patients," said Dr. Victor Ling, president and scientific director of The Terry Fox Research Institute.
His Excellency will participate in the Terry Fox Run in Ottawa on Sunday, September 16, 2012. This annual run held along the Rideau Canal will also be home to a new initiative involving students at Carleton University who are participating in Terry's CAUSE on Campus, a national event uniting students at universities and colleagues from coast to coast. (www.terryfox.org/terryscauseoncampus). As patron, His Excellency will also support the work of the Terry Fox Research Institute, which invests the funds raised annually from The Terry Fox Run, which raises approximately $24 million annually for cancer research in Canada.
About TFF and TFRI
To date The Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $600 million for cancer research worldwide. The Foundation maintains the vision and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research through the annual Terry Fox Run, National School Run Day and other fundraising initiatives. The Terry Fox Research Institute seeks to improve significantly the outcomes of cancer research for the patient through a highly collaborative, team-oriented, milestone driven approach to research with the goal of enabling discoveries to translate quickly into practical solutions for cancer patients worldwide. The headquarters for the Foundation and the Institute are in British Columbia.
The Terry Fox Foundation www.terryfox.org
The Terry Fox Research Institute www.tfri.ca
Terry's CAUSE on Campus www.terryfox.org/terryscauseoncampus
What: His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston Will Participate in The Terry Fox Run in Ottawa, Ontario
When: Sunday, September 16, 2012
Time: 8:40 am
Where: Anniversary Park on Carleton University campus
Joining His Excellency for the run will be members of the Fox Family, Terry Fox Run Organizers and Participants (including cancer survivors) and Carleton University students involved in Terry's CAUSE on Campus (CAUSE=College and University Student Engagement)
SOURCE: Terry Fox Research Institute
For further information:
To speak to Mr. Darrell Fox, please contact:
Helen Cranney
604 675 8222
[email protected]
To speak to Mr. Fred Fox, please contact:
Claire Smid
604 701 0246
[email protected]