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We're honoured to receive wide acclaim for our comedy shows and workshops. Here are some recent responses we've received from clients, audiences, and workshop participants.
Community Works & Laughing Matters
Corporate Entertainment
Community Works & Laughing Matters
Two of the objectives during our Seminar were to Team Build (to ensure the coaches, team leaders and mission staff got to know each other) and to have some fun. Rock, Scissor, Paper helped us deliver these objectives through creative work group activities and a wonderfully executed interactive games show packed with laughter.
Betty Dermer-Norris, Manager of Games, Canadian Olympic Committee
I had the tremendous pleasure to attend your sessions in Banff and look forward to meeting you again in the future.
Kenza Bouhaddi, Torino Communications Team, Canadian Olympic Committee
RPS delivered a thoughtful, well-prepared and customized seminar for our staff retreat. This interactive experience allowed our team to work together in unique ways and gave us a snapshot of how each member of the team brings a valuable style and approach to the work that we do. This is a workshop that provided us thoughtful lessons in human dynamics in a highly engaging way.
Adine Mees, President & CEO, Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR)
Thanks Lee-Anne: The workshop was great I used the ideas to resolve some issues at work the nest day.
Emmanuel Shamatutu, Douglas College
I want to tell you again how much I enjoyed the day with you. I learned lots, too.
Margaret Ross, BC Teacher's Federation
I was at the 2nd Annual Humour in the Workplace Awards last night … and just wanted to thank your organization for a great show. You're very funny people yourselves! I loved the improvisation with the winners of the awards and that it was designed specifically for them. I was very impressed that Penelope Corrin memorized her entire song dedicated to the nominees – at one point I looked back at the wall behind me to see if the lyrics were being projected. I'm confident this event will become bigger and better every year, and thanks for such a positive focus on the workplace and the people who go out of their way to lighten it up a little, including RPS!
Jennifer Neuman, Public Guardian & Trustee of BC
This material is terrific! Thanks for sending it. The students really enjoyed your presentation.
Sussan Thomson, Douglas College Instructor
I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed your session yesterday. You have a great team and it was terrific reminder about the importance of combining fun and learning in the workplace.
Noreen Finnerty, Manager Human Resources, Legal Services Society
Everyone is extremely pleased with your style and experience. Evaluation isn't traditionally an exciting event but I can definitely say that you have added a positive twist to what has been an onorous task in the past.
Maria Morisseau, First Years Count, CAPC Coalition Coordinator
You're improv comedy was terrific. It made your points and illustrated your teaching better than anyone would have expected. In fact, because it was funny I remember most of it!
Paul Weinberg, CEO, Cabot Shores Adventure and Retreat Center
You were both amazing, inspiring and hilarious. Thanks for all you did to make our Train the Trainer 2 memorable and valuable. …and thanks for following through on what you said you were going to do! (sending follow-up resources after the workshop)
Ian McKelvie
Lee-Anne managed to raise awareness for an audience that was quite aware to begin with. You really helped me to think about conflict from a much more open and inclusive perspective. I have not stopped raving about your amazing work last week and I look forward to reading some of the books on your list.
Silke Pleus, Human Resources Advisor, BC Pension Corporation
We chose Community Works to facilitate our evaluation process because of their commitment to working with the community at very grassroots level and their diverse, innovative, and sensitive way of involving clients. My relationship with Community Works has consistently been one of respect, trust, commitment and excellence.
Nancy Cameron, Manager of Community Programs, YWCA Crabtree Corner
I thoroughly enjoyed your session. I learned a number of valuable techniques that I will use.
Jo Ellen Logan, Working Solutions
Rock-Paper-Scissors has not only impressed us, but has demonstrated to our youth Board that genuine partnerships and youth driven products are possible in collaboration with companies such as Rock-Paper- Scissors.
One of the greatest assets that Rock-Paper-Scissors has to offer is its commitment to diversity. They always ensure that a variety of voices are heard and respected in all of its work.
Dave Farthing, Executive Director, YOUCAN
You are great at keeping us focused and knew when to help us relax.
Patricia Cuthill, fapg board member
You made what could have been a very explosive situation cathartic and fun. Your humour broke the tension.
Irene Dale, fapg board member
"I have found Lee-Ann Ragan's work to be exemplary in its incorporation of many of our most fundamental principles: participatory and empowering, community-based and user-friendly. Her latest evaluation report was one of our best; as technically sound as it was interesting, thought-provoking and above all, useful to the project she was evaluating."
Rima Khalidi, Evaluation Consultant, Health Canada
"I want to say again how much I value the work you did with us in the day long workshop. I think you are exceptionally skilled and our organization has benefited a lot from that process."
Georgina Marsom, Board Member, Women's Resource Society of the Fraser Valley
"The workshop on Cross-cultural Conflict Resolution and the resources used have been very useful to build my own workshop. Dynamic, interesting, motivating and easy to transfer to participants of all ages. Thanks!"
Marie-Helene Gour, Recherche et programmation / Department of Research and Programming Departement, Jeunesse Canada Monde / Canada World Youth
"Thanks for encouraging diversity in our organizations. This was a fun and innovative way to encourage such essential thinking and actions. It's great that everyone did something different – now we can use each other's examples ourselves."
Jeremy Murphy, Administrative Coordinator, Youth Environmental Network
"Working with Rock, Paper and Scissors has been a great experience. David and Lee-Anne were full of energy, creative, and enthusiastic. They designed and carried out activities that brought the Staff, Management and Board together. They shared experiences and ideas openly. They provided great feedback on how we can improve our sessions and achieve greater involvement. Everyone had fun while learning and exploring opportunities for improvement in their daily work lives. Feedback shows that Rock Paper Scissors events are always welcome. Thank you David and Lee-Anne."
Pat Kasprow, CEO
* "The process was the strength of the program – also your terrific facilitation skills"
* "Thank you for a wonderful learning session. Deep and relevant to work and life."
* "Very well organized & addressed the needs – specifically"
* "Thank you, we will call you back for seconds"
Pfizer Sales Representatives
* "A very good facilitator that has allowed me to open up and challenge my 'introverted style' in meetings."
* "I appreciate the sensitive & aware way you relate to your audience by acknowledging individual needs."
* "This workshop delved into areas of facilitation that are not normally covered in such depth. Based on conflict resolution workshop I've taken in the past, yours really 'fleshed out' / examined why/how conflict arises."
Community Development Institute workshop participants
"I liked the way you gave us the freedom to revise the day / restructure according to our needs." "Very accessible leadership style."
Chris H.
"I just wanted to thank you for the gift you gave EYA…The work you do is valuable, needed, and a great contribution to understanding and community building."
Susan Kurbis, General Manager, EYA
I am speechless at the super job. The leadership could not be better. Keep going and you have my word we in Oregon will too.
Robert Punge, Portland Chapter President, Tetra
"Thank you for hosting such a great workshop! I feel incredibly motivated now to achieve the goals you helped us map out! I am glad we had the opportunity to meet and I look forward to learning from you again in the future."
Sarah Davies
I was at the 2nd Annual Humour in the Workplace Awards last night … and just wanted to thank your organization for a great show. You're very funny people yourselves! I loved the improvisation with the winners of the awards and that it was designed specifically for them. I was very impressed that Penelope Corrin memorized her entire song dedicated to the nominees – at one point I looked back at the wall behind me to see if the lyrics were being projected. I'm confident this event will become bigger and better every year, and thanks for such a positive focus on the workplace and the people who go out of their way to lighten it up a little, including RPS!
Jennifer Neuman, Public Guardian & Trustee of BC
Two of the objectives during our Seminar were to Team Build (to ensure the coaches, team leaders and mission staff got to know each other) and to have some fun. Rock, Scissor, Paper helped us deliver these objectives through creative work group activities and a wonderfully executed interactive games show packed with laughter.
Betty Dermer-Norris, Manager of Games, Canadian Olympic Committee
"…so hilarious that that this is one of those shows where you walk away with the wonderful sense of having stretched every laugh muscle in your face."
Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun.
"…they show us how quick and clever improv can be."
Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight.
"Inspired and inspirational"
The WestEnder
"Hilarious & Original"
The Province
"Rock-Paper-Scissors was an excellent choice, they are incredibly funny and talented performers."
Pamela Athey, Scott Construction
"I can say without reservation that Rock-Paper-Scissors was a huge success.."
S. Wayne Lee, CD, PhD, Escort Officer, Canadian Armed Forces
"The comedy of Rock Paper Scissors was an excellent choice… The way they were able to integrate catch phrases, and terminology relating to our business into their show was amazing!"
Scott Construction Ltd.
"I would highly recommend your group for any corporate function as each performance is unique to the audience and event."
Canada Wide Magazines and Communications Ltd.
"As always, your performance was superb… I hope we will be able to call upon your services in the future for our next event."
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, City of Burnaby.
"They were rated one of the most popular aspects of the conference by the participants. I would highly recommend Rock Paper Scissors to anyone looking for a unique and very funny form of entertainment."
World Food Day Conference
"You provided what you promised and more! Excellent entertainment that appeals to a cross section of people."
Volunteer Vancouver
"They were great – the only comment I heard was that nobody wanted them to go."
Canadian Explosives Distributors
"You arrived on time and were well prepared. Content was well targeted and relevant. Thanks for taking the time to get to know Sierra Systems and our business."
Sierra Systems
"…so highly appreciated last year that they were returned by popular demand."
YMCA International
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Halifax Building Society
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Halifax was acquired in 2007. They used to go by "Halifax Building Society", but they're technicall yno longer a building society.
Now they're the Bank of Scotland by another name.
08457 20 30 40
Banking Customer Service Hours at the above phone number are 24 hours a day for existing customers.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Women's soccer star Schaffer drafted by Seattle
William & Mary women's soccer senior midfielder Mallory Schaffer was selected in the second round (15th overall pick) by the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) on Thursday.
The two-time Colonial Athletic Association player of the year and two-time All-America selection becomes the seventh player from the university to be drafted into the professional ranks. Furthermore, she is now the highest drafted player to ever don the Green and Gold.
"We are delighted and proud of Mallory being selected by Seattle," stated head coach John Daly. "Throughout the process teams were inquiring about Mallory, so it was a thrill to see her taken. I strongly believe she has the attributes to play professionally and we wish her the best of luck."
The Allison Park, Pa., native capped an impressive 2012 campaign by being named the Colonial Athletic Association player of the year for the second consecutive season, while earning All-CAA first-team distinction. The 2012 Senior Class Award finalist also earned National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and Senior Class second-team All-America accolades. This season, she ranked third in the CAA in points (23) and goals (10).
Off the pitch, Schaffer excelled in the classroom. She was named the CAA Women's Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year. Additionally, she earned first-team NSCAA Scholar All-America accolades.
Schaffer closed an outstanding career with 41 career goals and 96 career points, which rank sixth and seventh, respectively, all-time in school history.


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To many people, by-products have a negative connotation. Most think of by-products as "left overs", "junk" or "fillers". This is simply not true. Some of the most nutrient rich ingredients we have for horse feeds are made of the product that remains after a grain has been processed for another specific purpose. These ingredients can include things like brewer's grain, corn gluten feed, oat groats, etc. Some of the most common members of this category that we see used in our horse feeds or even fed as a sole ingredient today are:
Wheat Midds are obtained from the milling of wheat, wheat bran, wheat shorts, wheat germ, wheat flour, etc. Midds are a good source of energy, protein and fiber for horses. Additionally, wheat midds help create a nice pellet that holds together well; midds can enhance the pellet quality and make a clean pellet with minimal dust and fines.
Rice bran is a by-product of the rice milling process. Rice bran is found between the outer hull and inner grain of rice and is used as a plant-based fat source (typical rice bran products contain 20% fat or more). Rice bran can be fed in a powder form, extruded into a nugget, or added to commercial rations and pelleted to increase overall fat content of the feed. Rice bran works well as an ingredient but must be balanced to make up for a high phosphorous and low calcium content. It also must be stabilized or it will turn rancid very quickly due to the high oil content.
Wheat Bran is a by-product of the flour industry. It is rich in dietary fiber and essential fatty acids; bran mash has been historically fed to horses both as a treat and for a laxative effect that was thought to prevent colic. We now know that too much wheat bran can cause problems such as enteroliths, and that laxative effect is actually a result of too much wheat bran irritating the gut lining of the horse. Similar to rice bran, wheat bran intakes must be managed to account for a very high phosphorous content.
These are just a few examples of some common grain by-products that are used in horse feed and can help create a healthy and nutritious diet. While not a "grain" by-product, even the ever-popular beet pulp is a by-product – it's what's left after sugar beets are processed! Before you dismiss a feed because it lists by-product as an ingredient, remember that these items, when balanced properly as a part of the overall formulation of the diet, can be an excellent source of many different nutrients.


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- Gallus
▪ Roman emperorin full Gaius Vibius Trebonianus Gallusdied 253, near Interamna, Latium [modern Teramo, Italy]Roman emperor from 251 to 253.Gallus came from an ancient family of Perusia (modern Perugia, Italy), whose ancestry could be traced to the pre-Roman Etruscan aristocracy. He served the emperor Decius with loyalty and distinction as legate of Moesia and was proclaimed emperor after the defeat and death (June 251) of Decius at the hands of the Goths. Gallus then concluded an unfavourable treaty with the enemy. He adopted Decius's son Hostilian as his coruler and at the same time made his own son, Volusianus, a secondary and later coemperor. Hostilian died of plague shortly after receiving his title. The Goths renewed their attacks early in 253, and at midyear the armies of Moesia proclaimed their commander, Aemilian, emperor. Gallus summoned Valerian, commander of the armies of the Upper Rhine, to his aid but was killed by his own troops before Valerian arrived.
* * *
Universalium. 2010.


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Be A Toothache Free Mum To Be
It is a blessing to be expecting a child. Being a mum to be has to change her lifestyle and be cautious to avoid any problem that may affect the pregnancy. Unfortunately toothache seems to be a common problem among pregnant woman. Here are some tips to help you prevent and curb the problem.
Why does mum to be has toothache?
Poor dental health
It is important that you do a routine dental check up prior to your pregnancy. It is not too late to do one if you have gotten pregnant currently. Existing dental decays and gum problems always get worse because during your first trimester you tend to vomit while brushing your teeth. Because of that, some pregnant ladies tend to brush less or do not brush at all. Continue reading


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The section hopes to build into a useful overview of disease profiles. We hope it provides a quick reference point to refreshing the mind on all those things we learnt about as an undergraduate.
Use this control to limit the display of threads to those newer than the specified time frame.
Allows you to choose the data by which the thread list will be sorted.
Order threads in...
Note: when sorting by date, 'descending order' will show the newest results first.


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On January 22, an estimated 6,000 people were evicted from Brazil's Pinheirinho favela on the outskirts of São Paulo. Backed up by armored cars and helicopters, some 1,800 state and municipal police descended on the site without warning, using tear gas, rubber bullets, and truncheons to disperse frightened residents.
In images widely circulated by Brazilian social media, some residents resisted the violent occupation with improvised weapons and homemade body armor. Numerous videos posted on YouTube captured incidents of police brutality. Reports indicate scores of injuries and at least 30 arrests, with unconfirmed rumors of up to seven deaths.
According to a detailed account by Global Voices, the long-abandoned 250-acre site has been occupied since 2004 by more than 1,500 landless worker families. The community developed into a settled neighborhood, complete with churches, libraries, shops, and soccer fields.
The land belongs to the bankrupt estate of Lebanese-born Naji Nahas, a notorious speculator jailed briefly in 2008 for "financial crimes." He reportedly owes $15 million in back taxes to the municipality.
In part, the episode stems from a judicial and political dispute between the state of São Paulo, run by the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSBD), and the federal Workers' Party (PT) government. After a state court upheld the state government's request to repossess the land (for purposes not made clear), a federal court suspended the order. The federal government said it would buy and regularize the land and turn it over to the residents under a government program. But a second state court reversed the ruling, and before the action could be further appealed, the state moved to occupy the favela.
But the real story behind the evictions is about poverty, housing shortages, unequal land distribution, and the consequences of Brazil's economic and development boom. While six out of 10 Brazilians are now thought to belong to the "middle class," another 11.5 million live in substandard and often illegal housing—up from 4.5 million in 1991, according to recent government reports. Brazil already has a deficit of some 7 million housing units—and now, another 1,600 homeless families.
Atila Roque, director of Amnesty International in Brazil, says that the Pinheirinho action violates a "raft of international standards" that require Brazil to protect residents from forced eviction, especially without the provision of alternative housing. "As the country booms," he says, "tens of thousands of poor families are being removed to make way for infrastructure and private development projects, without receiving adequate protection."
According to Brazilian philosopher Rodrigo Nunes, the real culprit behind the Pinheirinho evictions is the "gargantuan developmentalism" that characterizes the left-leaning government of President Dilma Rousseff, accelerated by the upcoming 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. The National Coordination of World Cup Committees estimates that up to 170,000 people across the country will be evicted in preparation for these events. Some activists put the number as high as 1.5 million. Key transit, stadium, and port development projects in Rio de Janeiro have led to substantial charges of forced displacement by international human rights organizations.
The federal government, which funds and supports these local infrastructure and private development projects, has done little to mitigate their adverse consequences. With respect to Pinheirinho, President Dilma Rousseff's silence to date has been deafening. While two cabinet ministers have indicated their "surprise" and "regret" about the incident, Rousseff has not issued a formal statement.
Brazil's political left, says Nunes, has been slow to critique the government's growth-obsessed policies, including the collateral damage resulting from urban development projects. However, popular organizations like Brazil's Landless Workers' Movement (MST) have condemned the police action at Pinheirinho as an "act of war." And thousands of trade unionists, indigenous groups, and neighborhood activists will have an opportunity to confront Rousseff later this week when she addresses the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, where the issue of Pinheirinho is sure to be addressed.
For more coverage on Brazil, see the March/April 2011 NACLA Report, "Lula's Legacy in Brazil," or Emily Achtenberg's June 9 post "Brazil Without Poverty? Dilma's Double Discourse." Read more from her blog Rebel Currents.


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The International Pacific Halibut Commission kicked off its 2014 annual meeting on Monday with newly reappointed commissioner Jim Balsinger acknowledging the concern and anxiety surrounding halibut stocks.
"The biggest concern of course is the status of Pacific halibut," he said. "To put it in context, in the 90-year history of (the management of) this fishery, of this commission, this isn't a new state. The halibut stock has been much lower than this before, so we have some confidence that there's an ability to recover this."
However, he said it was the first time in recent memory when there had been declining stocks for four years running.
"We're anxious to discover what is the main cause of this," he said.
He reminded participants that there was at least some good news, mainly that the IPHC staff has cutting edge science to aid it in its quest, along with comprehensive data on the halibut stocks going back to the 1920s.
"We have nothing but a bright future ahead for understanding all these issues."
Balsinger went on to introduce new commission members for the U.S. seats, Don Lane and Bob Alverson, who were confirmed just days before the meeting taking place this week in Seattle.
Lane is the owner and operator of the Homer fishing vessel Predator, tendering salmon and fishing halibut.
He is active in various fishing groups and has worked closely with the Alaska fishery communities, including recreational sport users, sport charters and the commercial industry.
He has served as a member of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission since 1988 and as a member of the Homer-based North Pacific Fisheries Association since 1985, serving as president from 1996 to 2002.
He also served on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Homer Advisory Committee from 1984 to 1992.
Lane served in the United States Coast Guard from 1972 until 1975 and holds a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer Master's License.
Lane told the packed room that he was very pleased to be appointed to the commission, and had seen the view from the other side of the table.
"I've sat in those chairs for many years," he said, "and I understand the importance of being a commissioner, and the commission."
Bob Alverson also is no stranger to the fisheries management process.
Alverson is currently manager and executive secretary of the Fishing Vessel Owners' Association, a position he has held since 1976. Since 2007, he has served as a member of the Pacific Fishery Management Council Groundfish Advisory Panel. He also has served on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's ITQ Advisory Committee for Halibut and Sablefish since 2005. He has served on both the Pacific Fishery Management Council and North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Alverson has been the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Norwegian Commercial Club's "King Neptune" award, for 30 years of service to the fishing industry.
He holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Washington.
The process of replacing two retiring commissioners, whose terms expired in March 2012, was long and rather convoluted.
Calls for nominees went out in January of 2012. By February, 13 names had been submitted, including Lane and Alverson, as well as other well-known names in the fishery such as Linda Behnken and Kevin Delaney.
Instead of producing two new commissioners, that list ended up getting tossed and the process opened up again in July of 2012.
According to an email from Balsinger, at the time, a combination of a number of factors resulted in the decision to re-initiate this public nomination process. Balsinger then held the seat reserved for a representative of the federal government,
Those factors included heightened interest by diverse user groups, the lapse of time since original nominees expressed interest in an appointment, and considerations of balanced representation on the commission.
It took until February 2013 to get a new list, with many of the same names on it, and when no two had been chosen by June, the terms of the two commissioners being replaced, Ralph Hoard and Phillip Lestenkof, were extended.
Finally, on Jan. 8, five days before the 2014 annual meeting began, Lane and Alverson were confirmed by President Obama.
The meeting continues through Friday, when the catch limits and season dates will be finalized.
Information as presented at the meeting is available at www.iphc.int/home.html.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released an article entitled "The History of Upper Cook Inlet Salmon Fisheries: A Century of Salmon" by Katie Sechrist and Joe Rutz that details the colorful past and influence of the fishery.
In documenting the early days, the article says that the Kenai Peninsula has seen a tremendous history of canneries and buying stations since well before statehood.
Settlers rushed to build fish camps throughout the Kenai Peninsula because of abundant salmon resources and other finfish found there. Salmon packers built canneries at Kenai, Kasilof, Chisik Island, Homer and near Tyonek. Giant fish traps were constructed and dropped into the ocean to harvest salmon by the thousands. For decades, commercial fishing thrived in Cook Inlet.
Those runs were nearly wiped out by over-fishing that began during World War II to find protein sources for the troops in a time of rationing nationwide, and by the use of fish traps.
In a well-known story line, fish traps were outlawed with statehood, and careful management brought the runs back.
The article details the Cook Inlet "fish wars," and talks about the importance of the commercial fleet as a management tool as well as the growing popularity of the personal use and sport fisheries.
Find it at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=639.
Cristy Fry has commercial fished out of Homer and King Cove since 1978. She can be reached at email@example.com.


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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. This year, 310,720 American women and 2,790 American men will learn they have breast cancer. Another 56,500 women will learn they have noninvasive (also called in situ) breast cancer. Breast cancer can often be cured. About 83% of all patients with breast cancer live at least 10 years after their diagnosis.
Radiation therapy following mastectomy reduces the risk of the tumor recurring and improves the probability of survival. Radiation therapy following removal of the cancer with a smaller margin (e.g., lumpectomy) is an important component of breast conservation therapy and also improves the probability of long-term survival.
However, as with any cancer treatment, these important benefits do come with some risks. Side effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer can be bothersome, but they also are treatable and temporary, typically going away shortly after radiation treatment ends. The process of breast radiation usually involves daily treatments for a few weeks, all under the care and attention of a radiation oncology team that includes doctors, therapists and nurses trained to help our patients not only with their cancer, but also with the side effects that may come from treating it.
Multiple factors, such as the stage and location of the cancer, can influence the severity of each individual's reaction to treatment. Skin reactions during radiation therapy are common, but they usually are not as severe as those shown in pictures currently circulating via some news and media outlets. The vast majority of patients have much milder skin reactions, and when an adverse reaction does occur, it is almost always transient.
Radiation oncology teams are trained to help resolve a patient's discomfort and anxiety associated with negative reactions to treatment. In the long term, the majority of patients who receive radiation therapy for breast cancer are pleased with their overall result.
Talk to your doctors about potential side effects from radiation therapy.
Once a cancer diagnosis is made, you will likely talk with your primary care physician along with several cancer specialists to discuss what happens before, during and after treatment.


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California's Proposition 65 is a government regulation that entitles California consumers to special warnings for products that contain certain chemicals. According to the Proposition 65 website:
Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The proposition protects the state's drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals.
Proposition 65 requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.
You may have come across this type of label from time to time and wondered what it is. Typical Proposition 65 labels read, "WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm".
Other Proposition 65 labels for some wood and air products may read, "WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Use a respirator or other safeguards to avoid inhaling wood dust".
Below is an example of what the label will look like on our website to a customer in California when checking out with a product that has been marked Prop 65.
It is our goal to provide our customers with information that will help them make informed purchasing decisions.
NEXT: Read More About Proposition 65


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The long-awaited new guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) were published today, and they aren't much of a surprise. While addressing blogs, message boards, and other forms of new media, the FTC didn't stray from its traditional commitment to ensure that consumers know when they are seeing paid advertising.What does today's FTC update mean to Social Marketers and bloggers? You may find it interesting what the FTC did--and didn't--say:
1. Sponsorship = Advertising:
Given marketers' and bloggers' use of the term "Sponsored Conversations" to refer to paid blog posts, it is probably no coincidence that the FTC uses the term "sponsorship" in the following statement: "The fundamental question is whether, viewed objectively, the relationship between the advertiser and the speaker is such that the speaker's statement can be considered 'sponsored' by the advertiser and therefore an 'advertising message.'"
A blogger who posts a product-based statement independently and without commercial arrangements with the brand is not making an endorsement by the FTC's definition and thus needs not be concerned about the rules governing advertising. But as we'll see, a blogger's post that is sponsored can become an advertising endorsement and may trigger legal requirements with respect to factual information and disclosure of commercial arrangements, under certain conditions.
2. The FTC is furnishing guidelines, not rules:
The FTC has the power of Federal law to enforce legal advertising standards, but today's document defines guidelines and not rules. The Commission recognizes that the marketing and communications world is changing and is too complex for hard and fast rules. The FTC notes that it will have to "consider each use of these new media on a case-by-case basis for purposes of law enforcement, as it does with all advertising."
So, what factors will the FTC weigh in determining if a given relationship between brand and blogger meets the standard for an "endorsement"? Today's FTC document lists the following:
- Whether the speaker is compensated by the advertiser or its agent;
- Whether the product or service in question was provided for free by the advertiser;
- The terms of any agreement;
- The length of the relationship;
- The previous receipt of products or services from the same or similar advertisers, or the likelihood of future receipt of such products or services; and
- The value of the items or services received.
In other words, the FTC is not tightly defining the legal standards for bloggers and brands, but it is telling us enough to advise caution with respect to paid blog posts, endorsements, and disclosure.
3. Independent consumers are still free to share their praise of brands:
Some more histrionic observers felt the FTC's guidelines would limit consumers' ability to compliment and recommend products via ratings, on blogs, and in Social Networks. This is nowhere near the case; the FTC notes that "a consumer who purchases a product with his or her own money and praises it on a personal blog or on an electronic message board will not be deemed to be providing an endorsement."
4. It is not necessarily an exchange of value between brand and blogger that triggers an endorsement but the existence of a material relationship.
The FTC furnishes three similar examples of a blogger writing about a brand to draw distinctions between what is and is not an endorsement.
The first example is a simple and obvious one--the consumer buys the product and then praises it; this is clearly a legitimate, unsponsored communication.
The second example involves a blogger who posts praise after receiving free product. The key in this example is that the blogger who praises the brand is not targeted by that brand but instead receives a coupon for free product generated by a store computer based upon the consumer's past purchase patterns. In this case, the FTC notes "given the absence of a relationship between the speaker and the manufacturer or other factors supporting the conclusion that she is acting on behalf of the manufacturer (i.e., that her statement is 'sponsored'), her review would not be deemed to be an endorsement."
The last example should be considered carefully by marketers who have established networks of consumers to whom product is regularly distributed. The example involves a consumer who joins "a network marketing program under which she periodically receives various products about which she can write reviews if she wants to do so." Says the FTC, "If she receives a free bag of the new dog food through this program, her positive review would be considered an endorsement." As we'll explore later, the Commission suggests that endorsements made via blog posts require disclosure and adherence to the legal requirements of paid advertising.
5. Giving product to bloggers for the purpose of posting reviews may or may not make the bloggers' recommendations an "endorsement" (but it probably does):
The FTC takes great pains to try to address the issue of brands that disseminate free product for the purpose of garnering positive product reviews in Social Media. The Commission states that a blogger who "receive(s) merchandise from a marketer with a request to review it, but with no compensation paid other than the value of the product itself" may be considered "endorsed" by the brand depending upon "among other things, the value of that product, and on whether the blogger routinely receives such requests."
The FTC clarifies that last portion of their statement in this way: "If that blogger frequently receives products from manufacturers because he or she is known to have wide readership within a particular demographic group that is the manufacturers' target market, the blogger's statements are likely to be deemed to be 'endorsements.'" In the view of the FTC, "Although the monetary value of any particular product might not be exorbitant, knowledge of the blogger's receipt of a stream of free merchandise could affect the weight or credibility of his or her endorsement."
In other words, someone who maintains a review blog and regularly receives free product for the purpose of authoring and posting reviews is more likely to be considered an "endorser" than a blogger who only occasionally receives products to review. Some find this curious, because it seems contrary to established practices in traditional media. There are, of course, journalists--such as movie reviewers or food critics--who frequently receive free product, but their articles in newspapers and magazines are not considered "endorsements" per the FTC.
To those who want to make the case that bloggers are being treated differently than journalists in traditional media, the FTC has a response: "The Commission acknowledges that bloggers may be subject to different disclosure requirements than reviewers in traditional media." In other words, get over it!
Regardless of whether you find this guidance puzzling or not, this much is clear: The FTC is putting brands on notice. Giving free products to popular bloggers or recruiting networks of consumers into "word of mouth marketing programs" for the purpose of distributing free products for review will likely be considered and regulated as paid media.
6. The fact that compensated bloggers are free to say whatever they want does not prevent their posts from being considered legal endorsements:
It doesn't matter that a brand pays a blogger and then permits him or her to express anything s/he wants, without editorial control or rules. And it also doesn't matter that bloggers compensated by a brand feel they are expressing their true and honest opinions, unbiased by the commercial arrangement. The FTC notes that "an advertiser's lack of control over the specific statement made via these new forms of consumer-generated media would not automatically disqualify that statement from being deemed an 'endorsement' within the meaning of the Guides.'"
7. The fact that compensated bloggers are free to say whatever they want does not protect the brand from the legal responsibilities that come with paid advertising:
The FTC understands that marketers may not have control over what bloggers say, but "if the advertiser initiated the process that led to endorsements being made – e.g., by providing products to well-known bloggers or to endorsers enrolled in word of mouth marketing programs – it potentially is liable for misleading statements made by those consumers."
The risks to brands also include the risk that a compensated blogger fails to disclose the material relationship. Notes the FTC, "In employing this means of marketing, the advertiser has assumed the risk that an endorser may fail to disclose a material connection or misrepresent a product, and the potential liability that accompanies that risk." The Commission promises, should legal action result from a blogger's failure to disclose, that it will "exercise its prosecutorial discretion" and "consider the advertiser's efforts to advise these endorsers of their responsibilities and to monitor their online behavior."
In short, marketers must understand they are accepting certain legal risks by entering into Sponsored Conversations. These risks can be mitigated by carefully apprising bloggers of rules for disclosure and accuracy and then monitoring them for compliance, but this does not completely eliminate all risk.
8. Because Social Media is a vehicle for authentic peer-to-peer dialog, the presence of sponsored speech (i.e., advertising) is suggesting a greater need for disclosure than may be required in other media.
The FTC recognizes that the medium matters; consumers are more likely to recognize advertising as advertising in some media more than others. A TV ad is clearly "sponsored" and thus does not require any special disclosure on the part of advertisers or networks. But in Social Media, the distinction between earned and paid media is far less evident to consumers.
The nature of Social Media and the FTC's greater expectation for disclosure is evident in their revised example pertaining to a video game blogger who is sent a free game system by a manufacturer, along with a request that the blogger write about the system. Notes the Commission, "Because his review is disseminated via a form of consumer-generated media in which his relationship to the advertiser is not inherently obvious, readers are unlikely to know that he has received the video game system free of charge in exchange for his review of the product, and given the value of the video game system, this fact likely would materially affect the credibility they attach to his endorsement" (emphasis mine).
9. If your organization doesn't have Social Media guidelines in place, create and communicate them ASAP!
The FTC notes that employers are liable for the actions of their employees in Social Media. For example, if an employee participates in a Facebook forum or bulletin board by praising his or her employer's brands but fails to disclose his or her relationship to the brands, that could trigger prosecution.
The FTC notes that legitimate efforts to create and enforce rules that protect consumers from injury "would warrant consideration in its decision as to whether law enforcement action would be appropriate." Moreover, the FTC notes that "although the Commission has brought law enforcement actions against companies whose failure to establish or maintain appropriate internal procedures resulted in consumer injury, it is not aware of any instance in which an enforcement action was brought against a company for the actions of a single 'rogue' employee who violated established company policy."
So, get your Social Media policies in place and actively enforce them. Not only is this a good, common sense practice, it also helps to establish a defense in the event one of your employees strays into a legal minefield.
10. The FTC has outlined when material relationships must be disclosed, but it still hasn't said what constitutes "clear and conspicuous" disclosure on blogs, microblogs, or elsewhere in Social Media.
The FTC's approach to disclosure requirements is based on three primary questions:
- Does a material relationship exist between endorser (i.e., blogger, consumer posting in Social Media, etc.) and brand?
- If so, would the presence of this material relationship affect the weight or credibility given to the endorsement by consumers?
- If so, is the endorsement likely to be recognized as paid advertising by consumers based on the circumstances, communications vehicle, and medium?
The FTC outlines a slew of diverse and subtle examples of when material arrangements relating to endorsements must be disclosed, both in Social and traditional media. For example:
- A film star appears in a commercial endorsing a food product in exchange for a $1M fee or royalties on sales; no disclosure is required because such payments likely are ordinarily expected by viewers.
- A well-known professional tennis player appears on a talk show and raves about the laser vision correction surgery at a clinic that she identifies by name. The athlete does not disclose that she has a contractual relationship to speak publicly about the clinic. Consumers might not realize that a celebrity discussing a medical procedure in a television interview has been paid for doing so, and knowledge of such payments would likely affect the weight or credibility consumers give to the endorsement. Thus, disclosure is legally required.
- The same tennis player under the same contract endorses the clinic via a real-time Social Media site, and the same rules apply; consumers might not realize that she is a paid endorser and knowing this might affect the weight consumers give to her endorsement, so the relationship with the clinic should be disclosed.
- A physician endorses an anti-snoring product. Consumers would expect the physician to be reasonably compensated for his appearance in the ad, so no special disclosure is required to alert consumers the physician was paid.
- But the same physician in the same ad may require disclosure if he receives a percentage of gross product sales or he owns part of the company; either of these facts would likely materially affect the credibility that consumers attach to the endorsement. Accordingly, the advertisement should clearly and conspicuously disclose such a connection between the company and the physician.
So, assuming a brand does have a commercial arrangement with a blogger, the blogger endorses the brand's product, and this relationship requires disclosure in the blog post, what meets the legal definition of "Clear and Conspicuous" disclosure? The FTC doesn't attempt to address this question at all. In other FTC documents, it establishes standards as to how proximal and evident disclosures must be, but the new guidelines do not attempt to address acceptable disclosure in Social Media. It is left to brands to discern if its disclosure policies are sufficient under the laws and guidelines established by the Commission.
Marketers are advised to ensure sponsored bloggers write and construct their blog posts in a way that make the disclosure immediately apparent to even the most casual of readers. This means disclosure in the headline or in the first part of the blog post and not a brief mention at the end!
The FTC guidelines are purposely vague, but their direction is clear. The FTC is taking a conservative approach to whether compensation to bloggers and others in Social Media--be it cash or free product--must be disclosed to consumers. The Commission's guidance suggests that the sorts of arrangements that involve remunerating others to promote products via WOM make their blog posts and other comments in Social Media legal endorsements. Since these endorsements are not expected or recognized by consumers as paid media, the FTC believes that disclosure is most likely required.
Marketers and bloggers who engage in these sorts of commercial arrangements must understand their legal obligations and the risks of failing to adhere to FTC laws pertaining to advertising. Marketers must be prepared to ensure that bloggers disclose material relationships and do not make false or unsubstantiated claims; bloggers who are compensated are also potentially legally liable for their failure to disclose commercial arrangements or for incorrect claims communicated via their blog posts.
As noted, the FTC believes each situation is unique and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. As enforcement actions occur in the future, we will be provided with further clarifications to how the Commission and courts interpret the legal issues of sponsorship, endorsement, and disclosure in our new and evolving Social Media channels.


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Adult Male
Name: unnamed
Species: Ankh Parabuthid
Birthday: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Owner: BeeNme
Element: Neutral
Ankh parabuthids grow slowly through their whole lives, which can be long indeed. Most of the oldest parabuthids known today are the size of large dogs, though old Voltaran stories talk about scorpions the size of horses, capable of being ridden if one takes care to avoid their stinging telson. The magi who work with them consider ankh parabuthids among the longest-lived arthropods, easily able to live a hundred years or more. This longevity was well-known to the ancient Etainians, who used their venom in fertility potions, energy tonics, and cures for many diseases. While many of these ancient recipes have been recovered, and the venom of ankh parabuthids is still considered a versatile ingredient by Keep alchemists, the recipe for that most famous potion containing the venom, the elixir of life, still evades the most persistent magi. Despite the use of parabuthid venom in life-giving potions, the raw venom is extremely toxic and stings from these scorpions, rare though they are, can be fatal.
Parabuthids are venerated inhabitants of the Etain Desert, though it is rare to come across one these days. The ancient civilizations of the desert raised scorpion hatchlings in the safety of special temples and milked their venom for use in life-giving potions. The toxin of ankh parabuthids was especially prized, given the name of "ichor ambrosia" in old inscriptions, and widely reputed to be a key ingredient in the fabled elixir of life. The venom of both species of parabuthid can be used in a variety of ways, and though the wadjet parabuthids are generally considered weaker than the ankh, they are still revered as symbols of protection and good luck.
Sprite art: Jrap17 | Description: PKGriffin


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January 9 marks the 55th anniversary of the devastating Hope Slide on the Hope-Princeton Highway.
When the massive slide came down, it created a swath of destruction two miles long, scarring the landscape forever when it all came tumbling down at dawn.
"It was on January 9, 1965 that the southwest face of the mountain gave way, filling up the valley floor with rock and mud to a depth of 275 feet," according to a story in the Chilliwack Progress on April 12, 1978, 13 years after the slide.
"More than 100 million tons of rock thundered down, obliterating Outram Lake and spilling water and mud up part of the opposite mountainside before settling back again.
READ MORE: The Hope Slide in history
"It is regarded as an event unequalled in the history of the province. The slide was apparently triggered by the second of two small earthquakes which it is recorded had epicentres in the Nicolum Valley."
Four travellers were killed in the disaster and two of the bodies were never found, despite a huge search effort led by Search and Rescue volunteers.
The highway link was severed, and also telephone and power lines. But not for long. Temporary lines were installed within days, and a passable road was blitzed through the huge boulders in about a week.
The slide site was later described as resembling a barren, lunar landscape filled with rocks.
READ MORE: Obituary for one of the first on-scene at the Hope Slide
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
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Scott Fortner discusses collecting personally owned Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, and gives advice for movie and entertainment memorabilia collectors. Based in California, Scott can be reached via his website, Marilyn Monroe Collection, which is a member of our Hall of Fame.
I don't actually remember exactly when I became a Marilyn Monroe fan, I've basically been collecting Marilyn items my entire life. I started collecting Marilyn Monroe personally owned items about nine years ago, which was when things started coming up on the market from her personal estate.
Initially I started collecting books on Marilyn, biographies, coffee table books, any book I could get my hands on. One was the catalogue from the 1999 Christie's sale, The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe, which showcased Marilyn's personal property and objects she owned. I soon started seeing Marilyn's items come up on the auction block, and I thought it would be amazing to own something Marilyn owned. It has taken off from there.
One of my favorites is a natural mink fur collar that Marilyn wore in New York City in the mid 1950s, and also wore when she was in England filming The Prince and The Showgirl. It's really glamorous. She wore it often, and I feel it was one of her favorites. I have many photos of her wearing it in different settings and there's video footage of her wearing it as well. Another favorite is a silk evening cape Marilyn wore to the premier of East of Eden, James Dean's film made in 1955. She looked so glamorous and happy at that event, and I feel really lucky to own this cape. Its a real show stopper.
"When Marilyn was a starlet, she borrowed clothing from the studio."
I'm also interested in Marilyn's more intimate and personal items. I have an item from her childhood, which is an album of film stars. In the late 30s and early 40s, packs of cigarettes included collectible trading cards, with photos and biographies of popular celebrities. You could buy an album to store and display the cards. So the album is just full of celebrity cards.
Marilyn's album includes cards on Gene Harlow, who was Marilyn's idol when she was little. And also on Clark Gable, who Marilyn had hoped was her father when she was young. It's interesting that The Misfits was the final completed film for both Monroe and Gable. The album also includes cards on Joan Crawford, Bette Davis and Gary Cooper. This album is probably an early piece from Marilyn's childhood, and was something very special to her. She kept it her whole life.
Collectors Weekly: How do you acquire these rare and personal possessions?
Fortner: Mostly at auction. There are big entertainment memorabilia auctions every year at Christie's, Bonham's, and Julien's. Often I'm also approached by private sellers who have items that they've purchased at other auctions or that have been in their family. And believe it or not, some things are given to me.
Collectors Weekly: How do you know if an item is original?
Fortner: Lots of research. There are a lot of fake Monroe owned items on the market right now. Some pieces are obviously Marilyn's because they're from a past Monroe auction, and I like to focus on these items. I also have many documents, bank statements, and invoices with her name on them, checks that she signed, and so on.
The best way to ensure an item is authentic is if it's actually pictured with Marilyn, as many of my pieces are. Some items in my collection are also written about in biographies, for example the white fox muff that Marilyn wore to the world premiere of How to Marry a Millionaire. The story behind this piece is an interesting one. The muff was part of a lot of furs that I purchased at a Christie's auction a couple of years ago, and that lot was originally auctioned at the Christie's 1999 sale.
Initially, I thought the muff might never have been used, that it was just an accessory she had. I was more focused on other pieces from that lot. Not long after purchasing the muff, I was reading "Marilyn Monroe," a book by Maurice Zolotow. As I read the passage about Marilyn preparing to attend the world premiere of How To Marry A Millionaire, I was a bit taken aback to read about white fox furs that Marilyn wore to the premiere, including a white fox muff. According to Zolotow, these happened to be the very first fur pieces Marilyn actually purchased with her own money. I began to look for photos of Marilyn at this premiere, and sure enough…there she was wearing the same muff.
Interestingly, when Marilyn was a starlet she didn't have a large wardrobe. She borrowed clothing from the studio. When she went to publicity events, they weren't her clothes she was wearing, they were studio pieces. But, this particular fur was one she actually purchased herself
Collectors Weekly: Where do you keep and display your collection?
Fortner: I keep the clothing in acid free boxes with acid free tissue, out of the light. I don't display it for long periods of time because this stuff is from the 50s and 60s and it stresses the material. I keep the documents in acid free boxes and out of the direct sunlight. I try to handle my items as little as possible.
My collection is currently on display at the Hollywood Museum in Hollywood, California, in an exhibit called Marilyn Monroe, American Icon. This is the second year in a row I've loaned my collection to the museum and it runs June 1 (Marilyn's birthday), through the end of August. It's a great opportunity for fans to come and see Marilyn's personal items and experience her up close and personal.
Collectors Weekly: How many Marilyn Monroe memorabilia collectors are out there?
Fortner: There are countless collectors because she has such a huge fan base. People collect anything from trading cards to postcards to magazines to dolls to plates; there are many different ways that people can collect Marilyn. People collect what interests them most. I know people who have every single plate that's ever been made or every single Marilyn Merlot ever produced. But there are fewer people who collect Marilyn Monroe personal items.
Personally I'm fascinated by being able to own something she herself owned, touched, or wore. But financial resources are a huge obstacle. I don't have unlimited resources, I'm not extremely wealthy; I'm just lucky to have a professional position that affords me the opportunity to fulfill my passion. Marilyn is pretty expensive. Marilyn, Elvis, and James Dean are the three top celebrities for collectors.
Collectors Weekly: Have you noticed any changes in collecting entertainment memorabilia over the years?
Fortner: Obviously the Internet has made it much easier for dealers and collectors to connect. It's interesting to see the same Monroe owned pieces come back up for sale and keep track of what they sell for over the years. Prices for Marilyn items definitely remain a constant, either the prices stay the same or go up, so it's definitely a good investment. Prices at the 1999 Christie's auction were very high, and some pieces have actually re-sold for more than what they originally sold for. Others have sold for less, but not many. There's a huge demand for Marilyn.
Collectors Weekly: Tell us more about the Christie's sale.
Fortner: It was called The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe. On October 27th and 28th, 1999, Marilyn's entire estate was put up for auction. Everything that had been in storage since 1962 when she died was auctioned off. Many referred to it as a time capsule. Her personal clothing, scripts, awards, furniture, kitchenware, glassware, all of her estate. It's known as the sale of the century. Marilyn collectors and enthusiasts call the catalogue from that sale The Bible. The sale made over 13 million dollars. Then there was the big Julien's sale in 2005, known as Property from the Estate of Marilyn Monroe. That auction consisted of the remainder of Marilyn's estate that was not put up for auction in 1999.
Collectors Weekly: What else have you learned that's really interesting about Marilyn Monroe?
Fortner: Marilyn was a huge celebrity, and a lot of people focus on the beauty, the glamour, and the sex symbol aspect of her persona. But she was also a real person. She received invoices and letters, paid bills, and wrote checks, so to me those are the personal items that show she lived a day to day life like everyone else.
Also, she was also a very shrewd business woman, very in touch with her public image. She was concerned about how she was perceived. A lot of people think Marilyn really was the dumb blonde and pinup that she portrayed. She was actually very smart and shrewd. She was careful about the decisions and choices she made when it came to what films she would be in, and even in statements she made in public.
Collectors Weekly: What advice would you have for someone just starting out collecting movie star or entertainment memorabilia?
Fortner: Number one, make sure the items are authentic. There are so many fake Monroe owned items on the market today. There just isn't an unlimited supply of earrings, necklaces, and clothing that Marilyn herself owned or gifted to other people. It can't all be authentic. It's easy to forge letters of authenticity. Even buying from an auction house doesn't necessarily mean an item is authentic. I'd recommend focusing on items that originally came from Marilyn Monroe's estate. If you can find something that's pictured with Marilyn, that's even better. Items that were allegedly gifted by Marilyn to someone else are more difficult to prove authentic.
Number two, stick with a celebrity or star you feel you have a real connection to, someone you're really interested in, and will be long term. You don't want to be spending money on a collection and then get bored. You'll regret spending all that cash.
And number three, don't get caught up in the emotion of buying, especially if you're at an auction. Set your financial limits. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. Also, don't forget about the buyer's premium, the hammer price is never the final price because you still have to pay the auction house. In some cases, the buyer's premium is 25%of the hammer price! The premium is the fee charged by the auction house for selling the item from the owner.
(All photos in this article courtesy Scott Fortner of Marilyn Monroe Collection)
20 comments so far
I have a poster thats about 7 foot wide and 2 foot tall. It is 5 faces of Marilyn Monroe from the same night Phil Stern took photos of her at the Shrine Aud. in 1953. during the L.A. Hearald's Charity Event on Dec. 4th.
The poster is 5 poses and 2 of the show a letter someone is reading to her.I am looking for info on this poster.
In the lower left corner it has:
(trademark sign) 1987 Phil Stern (TM) 1987 The Estate of Marilyn Monroe Represented By the Roger Richman Agency Beverly Hills Ca. Hand-Colored by Del Gregery/San Francisco Published and Distributed by (TM) Portal Publications LTD Corte Medra, Ca.
In the lower right it has:
BL 109 litho in USA
I have looked for weeks now and can't find a thing on it.
I could send a photo of it if ness.
Thank you,
Tracy Craddock Says:
Regarding the post by Tracy Craddock from above,
I have the same poster also, I bought in an Antique store about 15 years ago for about $35.00. I have also been looking for information regarding this. Is it valuable. Any information would be great. Mine also has the same info I believe.Thanks
Codi Says:
I have a 16″ x 20″ print of marilyn monroe in a gold dress. In the bottom left corner it says:
Its a print of a photo, and the bottom has been cropped. I've checked a few online aution houses and collectors websites and I cant seem to find anything similar. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Adilee Slaney Says:
Several years back I was sent the ad on a DVD that was in a People magazine stating "Statistic Lie" statement and a picture of Marilyn peering out a window…this was not really supposed to happen but this young guy (at Nike advertising)sent it to me because it was my daughter 18th birthday. I have had it on disc and would like to sell it…It was never available to people except in the mag and unfortunately it was the center two sides with a staple in the center….how do I do this?
K. Duff Says:
I have the "HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE" 11 1/2 Fashion Doll No.5014 still in the origional box.In the top left corner it has 20th CENTURY FOX. Can you tell me if this is of any value and if it is how much?It was given to me by my grandmother.
ann dodson Says:
I have just became owner of a Marilyn Monroe Album with Yves Montand and Frankie Vaughan named 'Let's make love'. It is by Columbia Sound Track Recording. Is anyone familiar with this album and it's history?
Thanks and have a good one.
Deb Says:
I have a piece different from you all.
A few years ago, I found a large mirror with several "dots" etch atop of it, they make up her famous face. I turned the mirror over to find a stamp for a mirror-making business in Manhattan circa the 1950s. I purchased it for $10, but I have a feeling it's worth much, much more. I have never found anything even remotely like it, which leads me to believe it's a custom piece. Anyone with information on it, please let me know. Or, if you are interested in acquiring it, please let me know as well.
Emily Says:
I have a MM serigraph poster that was done for a chairty in NY,NY.
The caption at the bottom of the serigraph says:" HOMAGE TO MARILYN MONROE FOR BENEFIT OF THE MENTALLY ILL CHILDREN OF MANHATTAN….12/6-30 1967 …SIDNEY JANIS"The Bert Stern photo image it was taken from is….ORANGE ROSES…the serigraph is printed in blue and green and measures 25″w x 38″h
Cannot find any reference to it online….its not signed…I gave a charitable donation of $50 and they gave me a print back in the 60's.
Any idea what this might be worth today.TY…LS
LEONARDO SIDERI Says:
I have a dress simple style, a bit curvy…nipped in slightly at waist and flared . I bought it at a thrift store about 25 years ago. The tag reads: Property of MGM Estate of Marilyn Monroe. How can I know if it is authentic? Thanks Pat
Pat Says:
blov. of broken dreams poster
with a pink florsent light bulb
that follows the bottom outline of skirt.
would like some information on this.
seen a lot of these poster, but this
one is has a working light. thanks
mel waltimyer Says:
Roxanne, contact me at email@example.com.
Scott Fortner Says:
I have a poster thats about 7 foot wide and 2 foot tall. It is 5 faces of Marilyn Monroe from the same night Phil Stern took photos of her at the Shrine Aud. in 1953. during the L.A. Hearald's Charity Event on Dec. 4th.
The poster is 5 poses and 2 of the show a letter someone is reading to her.I am looking for info on this poster.
In the lower left corner it has:
(trademark sign) 1987 Phil Stern (TM) 1987 The Estate of Marilyn Monroe Represented By the Roger Richman Agency Beverly Hills Ca. Hand-Colored by Del Gregery/San Francisco Published and Distributed by (TM) Portal Publications LTD Corte Medra, Ca.
In the lower right it has:
BL 109 litho in USA
I have looked for weeks now and can't find a thing on it.
I could send a photo of it if ness.
john delope Says:
I have recently come across a poster, also was "1987 THE ESTATE OF MARILYN MONROE. REPRESENTED BY THE ROGER RICHMAN AGENCY, BEVERLY HILLS, CA." It is Marilyn sitting on cement steps, in fishnet stockings, black heels, Peasant type blouse pulled down exposing her left shoulder; hands are crossed and she is holding the strap of a purse that is resting on the next step. Anyone else out their have something like this or just like this, please give me info…I am interested in learning about this particular poster's background. Thx, Susan
Susan Holmes Says:
i have two photos of marilyn during the shooting of "how to marry a millionaire".
one is with nunnally johnson and jean negulesco, the other one is during the reharsal of the restaurant scene with jean negulesco.
they came from negulesco private personal collection.
ernesto Says:
To Emily (or anyone else who may know), I have a mirror similiar to the one you described. I have looked all over trying to find info on it and never knew of another one exsisting till now. It has been in my possession for about 20 years, the previous owner also bought it at a garage sale. Mine is poster size 20 x 30 and has a Brytone Mechanical Mirror Works stamp on the back. Did you ever find any info on it? Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
April Says:
good day,
I happen to own a 1951 original Marylin Monroe "golden dreams" calendar, and I would like to know, if it is worth anything? Any info on this calendar will be greatly appreciated.
Joseph Acevedo
Joseph Acevedo Says:
I have a picture in a frame of Marilyn. Printed in right corner is 1987 Estate of Marilyn Monroe by Roger Richman agency Inc. It has no. 1642 Marilyn Monroe published by pomegranate. Can you tell about this picture?
Wendy Says:
Regarding the marilyn posters, they were issued in 1987 as they say and they were issued in a large quantity, they have no large value at all.
Phil Says:
I am trying to find the book Marilyn read when she was young that taught her "how to become Marilyn". I read about it once, it's a book about body language. But cannot find it. Anyone know the title?
Emelie Says:
I am looking to replace a faded poster of the 5 faces and 5 dresses of Marilyn Monroe. I believe it has been referenced a couple of times in this blog. It is 7ft long and 30″ wide . Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Greg Says:


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The Justice Verma Committee, constituted by the central government to look into sexual assault law reform after the Delhi gang rape and murder last December, gave many of us working on these issues an opportunity to place some of these concerns before the government. The Committee responded positively and a large number of its recommendations addressed difficulties faced by disabled women in accessing the legal system and navigating through the trial process. Among other things, the Committee recommended that the assistance of interpreters or special educators be taken at the time of recording of the complaint by the police and also during the trial, that the process of identification of the accused be videographed and that disabled women be exempted from recounting their testimony once again at the time of cross-examination in cases of sexual assault. The recommendations also addressed issues of sexual abuse within institutions for the disabled and suggested oversight mechanisms for both state and privately run institutions. The recommendations of the Committee were welcomed by women's groups and disability groups, including the ones that we are associated with.
However, when the government hurriedly introduced the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance just three weeks before the upcoming session of parliament, we were faced with a dilemma. The Ordinance, which was promulgated purportedly to give effect to the recommendations of the Verma Committee, incorporated a majority of the disability-specific ones. But longstanding demands made by the women's movements such as recognising marital rape, rape by security forces, compensation for rape victims, rejection of death penalty as a punishment and such others, which were recommended this time around as well, were left out of the Ordinance. As activist and researcher respectively, we were familiar with the travails of disabled women within the legal system in rape cases. Hence we were acutely aware of the relevance of the disability-specific clauses in the Ordinance and were happy to have been part of the process which had led to those changes. But we were also politically aligned with the women's movement and thus found it difficult to endorse the Ordinance, which had left out issues which were fundamental to reconceptualising sexual offences in a manner that protected the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Leading from the personal/ political dilemmas regarding our position on the Ordinance, we wondered if the disability-specific recommendations were so readily accepted by the state because disability was seen as a safe, sympathy-inducing issue that posed no threat to the established orders. Demanding that marital rape be recognised as an offence on the other hand, definitely threatened the gendered/ sexualised ordering of heterosexual marriage and family. Was this the reason, we wondered, why the two movements rarely spoke to each other in course of the sexual assault debates, although they raised similar questions pertaining to the body and violence, power and vulnerability? We also wondered if the predominantly service-providing nature of the disability sector was in any way responsible for it being viewed as a 'safe' issue? If for the state, disability was a 'safe' issue and gender a 'disruptive' one, then what did it mean for movement politics – the business of building alliances and solidarities across sectors while engaging with the state? And at a much smaller level, what did it mean for our own work where we try to think through both these axes of power and vulnerability?
While we still do not have clear answers to any of these questions, we want to flag some cautionary notes on sexual violence against disabled women and the legal response to the same. Protecting the rights of the disabled against sexual assault would require us to think beyond provisions for interpreters and special educators, and engage with the domain of power and sexuality as well. In the context of sexual assault law reform, one issue that has created sharp divides between the state and the women's rights groups, women's rights groups and the queer and child rights groups, and among the women's rights groups as well, is the proposition of making sexual offences gender-neutral. In the year 2000, the 172nd Report of the Law Commission mooted the idea of substituting the words 'man' and 'woman' in Sections 375 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code with the word 'person' so as to bring instances of same-sex sexual assault and sexual assault on male children by adults within the scope of the law. The idea was rejected by a wide section of the women's movement which argued that sexual offences took place within a framework of gendered power relations and the legal system which tried these offences was heavily biased against women. These realities, it was argued, cannot be wished away just by changing words in the law. Similarly, a number of lesbian women's groups expressed concerns that in the absence of any affirmative legal recognition for same-sex relationships, a gender-neutral rape provision could be used by disapproving families to lodge false complaints against same-sex lovers.
In the last 12 years, several developments have taken place: decriminalisation of adult same-sex sexual acts by the Delhi High Court in 2009, greater public awareness and discussion about child sexual abuse, and much more documented evidence of sexual violence against gay, transgender and transsexual persons. With the result that by the time the government introduced the Criminal Law Amendment Bill in June 2012, there was agreement on certain things among the groups involved in these debates. Thus most groups agreed that victims of sexual assault must be defined in a gender-neutral manner so as to provide protection to men and transgendered persons, in addition to women. But the perpetrator should be kept as male alone, as making the perpetrator gender-neutral would weigh heavily against women. Thus the 2012 Bill, which proposed gender-neutrality with respect to both the victim and the perpetrator, was opposed by women's groups as well as some queer groups.
Cut to 2013, and the Verma Committee recommended that rape be retained as a gender-specific offence and provided separately for same-sex sexual assault. However, despite strong opposition, the Ordinance stuck to gender-neutrality with respect to both the victim and the perpetrator, and till the time a new Criminal Law Amendment Bill is introduced and passed to replace the Ordinance, it remains the operative law.
Surprisingly, disability groups have not been part of these debates, though making sexual offences gender-neutral clearly has consequences for disabled women. A stereotypical view of disabled women, particularly those with intellectual or psycho-social disability, is that they are unable to control their sexual urges. (1) Such a view, historically propagated by the medical establishment, is prevalent among the police, doctors and judges. In the course of handling cases of sexual assault on disabled women, we have often heard the authorities sympathising with the accused based on the belief that 'such women' are prone to making sexual advances on men, and later charge them with sexual assault. In 2001, in a case where a speech- and hearing-impaired girl was raped by two policemen inside a prison van in Kolkata, the officer-in-charge had said to one of us that activists should not follow up in such cases. When asked why, he said it was common knowledge that disabled girls were 'sex starved' and it was the girl who had in fact attacked the policemen. More recently, in the course of inquiring about a case of sexual assault on a female inmate by a male staffer at a Kolkata mental health institution in April 2012, the superintendent of the institution told one of us that he himself was scared of going inside the female ward for fear of being 'molested'. He even asked us if there was any law to punish such women who first molest/tempt and then complain against hapless men.
In such a scenario where such attitudes are presented as medical 'truths' and where authorities put the blame on the victims and their lack of sexual discipline, what might be the implications of a gender-neutral rape law, where even women can be made assaulters and men their targets? Court judgments reveal how disabled women's accounts of sexual assault are treated with suspicion by judges. For instance, in an Orissa High Court case the prosecutrix was deaf and mute and had not revealed to anyone that she had been raped; it was discovered only when she became pregnant. The court, while granting bail to the accused observed that a case of consent on the part of the woman could not be ruled out since (a) the woman was about 30 years old and still unmarried and (b) she could have at least communicated it to her mother knowing that her mother would naturally be anxious about her marriage. (2) Again in Meeraj Alam vs State of Bihar, the Patna High Court kept on repeating throughout the judgment that "the victim girl was a grown-up lady who was unmarried because of such infirmity and that her younger sister was already married, having children from before". (3) How were the marital statuses of the victims of any relevance here, unless the judges were trying to implicitly suggest that the women in these cases were sexually mature and yet were not 'getting any' because they were disabled and hence one should be suspicious about their motive? Earlier a standard defence by an accused in a rape case used to be that the woman (disabled or not) had consented to the sexual intercourse, which then would be proved with reference to her dress, conduct, sexual history etc. Now, if the perpetrator is made gender-neutral, whenever a disabled woman complains of sexual assault, the alleged assaulter might file a counter-complaint that it was he who was raped by the woman. And we have good reasons to believe that given the widely held view regarding disabled women's hypersexuality, such counter-allegations by men would be believed and sympathised with, by investigators and adjudicators.
Thus gender neutral definition of the perpetrator in sexual offences, as is currently the case, is not in the interest of disabled women. The government is preparing to introduce a Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2013 soon to replace the Ordinance. From media accounts, it seems the government is undecided about the formulation of the offence in the final Bill. But whatever it is, it is about time that disability groups appreciated the implications of it, took a stand on this issue and made it known to the State.
1) An equally prevalent stereotypical view is that disabled women are asexual.
2) Deepak Mahapatra vs State of Orissa, 107(2009)CLT93
3) 2008 CriLJ 4384
(Shampa Sengupta is an activist working on disability and gender issues, based in Kolkata. Saptarshi Mandal is a legal researcher based in New Delhi.)
Infochange News & Features, March 2013
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