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Bio Nutrition Black Raspberry Fruit Extract Description:
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Black Raspberries (Rubus Eucodermis L.) are native to North America and can provide an abundance of beneficial nutrients that may positively affect ones health if consumed regularly. Bio Nutrition uses the finest quality Black Raspberries, containing high levels of antioxidants including anthocyanins and phenols such as ellagic, coumaric and furulic acids. Additionally Black Raspberries contain the mineral calcium and the vitamins A, C, E and folic acid. Bio Nutrition�s Black Raspberry Fruit Extract can be used as a healthy addition to the daily diet and may provide a host of health benefits.
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On Sports This blog has been replaced by Please, go there for extra up to date sports journalism suggestions, solutions and commentary. If the ambition is athletically motivated, perceive that there are lots of completely different options for enjoying soccer beyond youth sports. The more prestigious D1 scholarships within the energy conferences are few and far between, and go to the exceptionally talented players – its only a fact. Talk to coaches inside and outdoors your club and ask for the straight scoop. But for most women, the alternatives will probably be found at smaller programs. There are additionally college membership packages and intramurals. The alternatives to play past youth soccer are much broader than scholarship alternatives, and each woman and her family wants to find the suitable steadiness of training, soccer and life. But make no mistake, playing high degree sports in faculty and succeeding academically is a lot of work.
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The education of the scientist, based on this image of science, is one that goals to supply competent puzzle-solvers, fully accustomed to requirements and methods. Largely, this coaching is achieved by way of students trying repetitively to unravel puzzles that are learned from commonplace textbooks. Science is distinguished from different disciplines by its dependence upon textbooks, and till the final levels in the schooling of a scientist, textbooks are systematically substituted for the creative scientific literature that made them doable. The training of the normal scientist, in accordance with Kuhn is an initiation right into a largely unquestioned tradition. Kuhn implied that science is science because scientists say it is.
Anxiousness & Stress: The team experienced nervousness over enjoying in locations that did not want them there.Cultural Variations: The team had to match right into a tradition where having so many black gamers on the staff was & Ethnicity Points: Many individuals in the community felt uncomfortable about seeing so many black players on the courtroom, and some were even mad that the team was successful with a predominantly black lineup. At the finish of the 20 general seconds of the ejection time, the electronic management unit 22 of the sunshine demarcation system lastly switches the intermittent red gentle of the substantially rectangular-shaped mild profiles 32 into a fixed green mild. At this level the ejected player or players may return into play.
Montador wasn't a celebrity at any point in his profession. He worked hard during his days as a youth and junior participant, doing what it took to make the team higher. Montador wasn't drafted by an NHL team, but he found a way to attain the big leagues. The defenseman was a basic fifth or sixth defenseman – not good enough to stick with one staff for a particularly long period of time, but usually ok to land a job elsewhere. Montador bounced from Calgary to Florida to Anaheim to Boston to Buffalo to Chicago.

subset: commoncrawl


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It's highly recommended that you run Vert.x applications as modules using the
vertx runmod command at the command line, however it is possible to embed Vert.x inside pre-existing Java applications. There are two ways this can be done:
The Vert.x platform is the container which knows how to run Vert.x modules and verticles, it also contains the Vert.x module system.
You use an instance of the interface
org.vertx.java.platform.PlatformManager to control the platform.
To get an instance of
PlatformManager you use the
org.vertx.java.platform.PlatformLocator class:
PlatformManager pm = PlatformLocator.factory.createPlatformManager();
Once you have an instance of
PlatformManager you can deploy and undeploy modules and verticles, install modules and various other actions. See the JavaDoc for more information on the available methods.
Here's an example:
Deploy 10 instances of a module passing in some config
JsonObject conf = new JsonObject().putString("foo", "wibble"); pm.deployModule("com.mycompany~my-module~1.0", conf, 10, new AsyncResultHandler<String>() { public void handle(AsyncResult<String> asyncResult) { if (asyncResult.succeeded()) { System.out.println("Deployment ID is " + asyncResult.result()); } else { asyncResult.cause().printStackTrace(); } } });
The methods available on
PlatformManager roughly map to the actions performed by the
vertx command at the command line.
To embed the Vert.x platform you will need all the jars from the Vert.x install
lib directory on your classpath. You won't need the hazelcast jar if you aren't using clustering.
When using the platform manager the following system properties can be set:
vertx.home - When installing system modules, vert.x will install them in a directory
sys-mods which is in the directory given by this property.
vertx.mods - When looking for or installing non system modules Vert.x will look in the directory
mods in the current working directory. If this property is set this will tell Vert.x to instead look in the provided directory.
vertx.clusterManagerFactory - If you're using clustering this property should contain the fully qualified class name of the cluster manager factory that you want to use. If you are just using he default Hazelcast cluster manager factory the value should be
The Vert.x platform will look for various config files on the classpath. The vert.x platform .jar contains the default files inside it, but if you want to override any settings you can provide your own versions - just make sure you put them on the classpath ahead of the vert.x platform jar.
This config file tells Vert.x which modules contain the language implementations for particular languages. It's described in the Support a New Language Guide
This configures Hazelcast clustering. It's described in the main manual.
This configures which repositories the Vert.x module system will look in for modules. It's described in the modules manual.
Please note this feature is intended for power users only.
It's also possible to embed the Vert.x core classes directly and bypass the Vert.x platform altogether.
If you are embedding this way you should be aware that
-instances option of the
vertx command or in the
PlatformManager API.
If you are happy with the above limitations then Vert.x can be used directly in a Java application as the following echo server example demonstrates
public class Embedded { public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception { Vertx vertx = VertxFactory.newVertx(); // Create an echo server vertx.createNetServer().connectHandler(new Handler<NetSocket>() { public void handle(final NetSocket socket) { Pump.createPump(socket, socket).start(); } }).listen(1234); // Prevent the JVM from exiting System.in.read(); } }
You first get a reference to the
Vertx object using the
VertxFactory class, then you use the core classes as you wish.
Note that all Vert.x threads are daemon threads and they will not prevent the JVM for exiting. Therefore you must ensure that the
main() method does not run to completion, e.g. in this example we have used
System.in.read() to block the main thread waiting for IO from the console.
To embed the Vert.x platform you will need all the jars from the Vert.x install lib directory apart from
vertx-platform-*.jar on your classpath. You won't need the hazelcast jar if you aren't using clustering.
Many of the Vert.x core classes are not thread-safe. When running Vert.x in the Vert.x platform you don't have to worry about that as Vert.x guarantees that your verticle code is never executed by more than one thread concurrently.
When running core embedded you have to be more careful as there is no container to make such guarantees. Therefore it's up to you the developer to guard against concurrent access to non thread-safe classes.
Please consult the JavaDoc to see which classes are thread-safe and which are not.
When running your Vert.x code in a standard verticle, Vert.x ensures it's all executed by the exact same thread (event loop).
When running Vert.x embedded you will start off on one of your own application threads which won't be a Vert.x event loop. When Vert.x calls the handlers of any of the core objects that you create, they will be called on an event loop.
Vert.x determines which event loops to use according to the following rules:
If the calling thread is not an event loop then:
HttpServer and
HttpClient will be assigned an event loop when they are created. When any of their handlers are subsequently called they will be called using that event loop.
If the calling thread is an event loop, then that current event loop will be used.
Since a particular instance of
HttpServer will have all their handlers executed on the same event loop, if you want to scale your servers across multiple cores you need to create multiple instances of them, from a thread that is not an event loop.


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The other day, I heard a story about a biology student who was preparing for an in-class experiment. She was so engrossed in the steps that she inadvertently turned a few of the flasks upside down.
Basic common sense would have saved this student a lot of time. But because she was so focused on the individual steps, she completely missed some of the obvious mistakes that were hidden in plain sight.
Personally, I wasn't there. And I have no way of verifying whether or not the story is true. What I do know, however, is that similar oversights happen all the time – in classrooms and in work environments around the world. We become so tied up in next-step actions and how to's that we often overlook the bigger picture.
Nowhere is this obsession with protocols more apparent than in the software testing world:
- New tools and gadgets come along constantly
- Exciting features and irresistible add-ons are all the rage
- Innovative methodologies emerge, vying for our time and attention
With each launch, we'll invest hours, configuring these new systems in an effort to save time or discover cool shortcuts. We become transfixed by bells and whistles in our never-ending quest to find faster, better, and cheaper.
And once we become comfortable with the new workflow, we rinse and repeat (until the next big thing comes along – of course).
The Search for the Best Software Testing Methodology Is a Red Herring
We're all guilty of the above. Every single one of us.
And each time we become obsessed with the newest craze, we're breaking one of the cardinal rules of life – successful tactics change with time, but successful strategies are eternal.
This basic mantra applies to education, business, marketing, love, and every human endeavor under the sun. Instead of focusing on hacks and how to's, we should remain focused on the underlying principles.
In the software testing world, this means regarding methodology as a language – not as a destination. When we get caught up in the grammar and syntax of that language, we miss out on the larger message. Communication and understanding take a backseat to rules and procedures.
These are not just musings. After years of studying software testing groups (of all shapes and sizes), we've noticed an interesting trend. The less time you waste on implementation and fashionable methodologies, the better you perform. Every minute spent configuring is a minute not spent "testing."
So how do you break this cycle? After all, new methodologies definitely have value and the learning process never truly ends. You can't ignore breakthrough approaches and innovative ways of thinking, can you?
No – you can't.
But you can start with the end in mind. Rather than focus on the how, focus on the why. What is it that you're trying to test, and why are these results so important?
In other words, use basic common sense as your starting point (if you need primers on common sense, click here and here).
When you do this, the best methodology usually emerges on its own. In fact, several methodologies might emerge and you can pick the best complement of tools and approaches.
These organic insights are especially common if you adhere to the basic principles of exploratory testing. Constantly expand your questions, broaden your focus, and adjust to new information as necessary.
So my advice to you is build your tests from the ground up. Adjust them as necessary. Allow exploratory testing to run silently in the background. And focus on the results – not on the processes.


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I've finally made a decision (I think)March 14, 2013
|One of my Kijiji Chairs complete with rather unattractive upholstery
Happily I think I've finally made a decision. Or part of one anyways. I've finally picked a fabric. Hallelujah! I've decided to go with this fabric from Tonic Living – it's Kukula from Robert Allen in Iris with stripes in deep purple, white, light grey, and lime green.
|Robert Allen - Kukula Fabric in Iris colourway
|What colour should I paint the chair frame?
6 comments
Love the idea of painting the chair grey.ReplyDelete
White or gray maybe with some lime green accents?ReplyDelete
I also like the grey, or even the lighter white/cream in the stripe... though you could be daring and paint it to match the purple. :)ReplyDelete
(Though I confess, while I love the stripe, there are four or five other prints in your pile I love as well...)
That fabric is de-lish! but I am also eyeing that pile of samples. there are some gorgeous options in there too for other projects! I like the wood finish with that fabric so I dont know what colour to suggest! white or black? Maybe reupholster first and the answer will come to you!ReplyDelete
I love your fabric choice! As for paint, I think a greyish white would look great, but I think a deep purple would look even better and it's definitely a more exciting choice. If you're going to go to all the work of refinishing them, I say go all out!ReplyDelete
i would do one with black and purple and the other with purple and blackReplyDelete


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Neuronal circuitries underlying the function of the mammalian cerebral cortex collectively constitute one of the most complex biological systems. As such, unraveling the mechanisms that control their development represents one of the most challenging questions in science. Understanding this process is also an imperative need in biomedicine, because abnormal wiring is thought to cause severe neuropsychiatric disorders. Our
goal in the lab
is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the development and maturation of neural networks.
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Sareba & Mufasa
Sareba is my very first female Balinese girl from Koby and Valla. She is first generation balinese and has the typical laid back loving personality of the 'Balas' as I call them. We've nicknamed her 'Princess' because she's so beautiful and walks so gracefully.
She started labor on my lap 💋and had five kittens very easily. A very laid back mother but protective of them as well, she's proven herself a natural.
As well as being hypo-allergenic as a Balinese, Sareba has also shown a resistance to communicable diseases such as herpes and corona virus. We, unfortunately had an outbreak of herpes cat flu, after vaccinations. Whilst the vaccine was recalled following my report to the retailer, I was left quite devastated for some time. However, Sabina was one of the few kittens that showed no signs of having caught the infection and she has remained healthy. Her kittens are also healthy and robust except for the inevitable runt, which I will not be selling.
There is one boy and three girls available.
I will be selling these kittens intact because I believe common sense would indicate the need for hormones more important than protecting my breeding line, plus I want to promote a breed resistant to disease.
If you are interested, please contact me on 0409 950 628.


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Compassionate Community
The Urban Systems Foundation supports employee-driven initiatives inspired to positively enhance lives.
At each branch, employees share their creative ideas for meaningful ways to contribute to the local community. They generously volunteer time, energy and passion to initiatives. Teams select activities that personally motivate them. It may be serving meals to the homeless; mentoring children and young adults through sharing knowledge and building confidence; or using practical skills to build a playground or a community garden.
In autumn, each branch submits an annual initiative plan that lists the projects to which they are especially committed. Year round, employees will help with other important opportunities that arise and tug at the heart. This may include: fundraising for people affected by incidents such as an earthquake, flood or wildfire; rallying to help an individual or family in a time of crisis or exceptional need; or participating in events that aid a need we feel compelled to support.
The Gifts of Sharing
We believe that 'giving back' is its own reward. It feels good to help others. When we freely give our support to people, we raise the collective well-being of the communities we live in. We create a world in which we can thrive.
A Mission to Guide Us
The Urban Systems Foundation has a mission, vision and guiding principles which each branch team upholds through their chosen initiatives.
Beyond Our Backyards
Our branches unite efforts and partner with organizations to sponsor projects that empower communities internationally, too. Watch this video to find out more about our work in Peru.


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TH1 2668 ASH Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia
I just finished uploading this Townhouse for sale, TH1 2668 ASH Street, Vancouver West, British Columbia
Incredible house-like townhome in prime Fairview. 3 Bd and 3 Bath AND your own private 2-4 car garage with DIRECT suite access! Overlooking the Parisian-style garden - this place is ready for your decorating ideas! 800+ sqft of living area on the main floor PLUS 4 Large Patios/Balconies (facing North and South) - Perfect for BBQing! Master bedroom is house-size with a huge 6'x8'walk-in closet and a generous balcony. Semi-finished Family/Flex Basement with tonnes of insuite storage. Located Steps to convenient City Square, Cambie St & 1 Blk to the Canada Line. Great amenities: pool/hot tub/sauna, guest suite & party room. Pets & Rentals OK. Great for a flip -- huge potential. Pets and Rentals ok. 2+ parking spaces in private garage. OPEN HOUSE SUN SEPT 22nd 1-4pm


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Open Year Round
Minervas Restaurant & Bar located in the Arrowwood Resort offers casual and upscale dining with a great view of Brooks Golf Club. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a great Sunday Buffet weekly from 9am to 1pm. Minervas offers a wide variety of choices including a signature flatbread, pastas, seafood, steaks and chops, pizza and a great dessert selection. They also offer an impressive selection of wines and beer.
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CCS adapting to COVID-19 realities to support Canadians during and after the pandemic
Research Information Outreach Team
The Research Information Outreach Teams (RIOT) are volunteer groups of university students and young scientists who work in cancer research and are specifically focused on research outreach. RIOT groups bring awareness to our communities about the progress and promise of cancer research by giving presentations and attending educational events, writing blogs and articles for local newspapers, and creating videoblogs.
RIOT groups are currently located in London, Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal and Windsor. Visit their websites to find out more about each team and the work they are doing in their communities.
Kingston RIOT
London RIOT
Ottawa RIOT
Toronto RIOT
Montreal RIOT
Windsor RIOT
Investing to reduce cancer burden
Last year CCS funded $40 million in cancer research, thanks to our donors. Discover how you can help reduce the burden of cancer.


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With Jamaat-ud-Dawa Chief Hafiz Saeed's arrest already being a controversial topic, India could not miss the opportunity to say that Pakistan does not have the will to try and convict him. However, any action taken by the Pakistani state is and must be for the protection of Pakistan, rather than to stop the wagging tongues of neighbours. After the drama they have been creating over Hafiz Saeed being behind the Mumbai attacks since 2008, one would think that they would have taken the news positively.
While the world community constantly sympathises with India with over the 2008 Mumbai Attacks, Pakistan has seen many dozens of such attacks on its soil – not that anyone is willing to acknowledge the fact. That Pakistan, as a state, is so vested in funding terrorism in other countries, is counterintuitive, seeing the amount of lives and resources it has sacrificed in the fight against terror. Since 2003, a total of 21,527 civilians and 6,669 security force personnel have died in this war. 44 lives have been lost in January alone. Meanwhile, India can sit pretty, pretend to be a peaceful state, all the while raining bullets on Kashmiris, because no external powers are working to destabilise it.
After a long history of India created conflict and Indian aggression, the matter of Kashmir has become even more emotionally charged for Pakistanis. Pakistan does not need a Hafiz Saeed to be reminded of Kashmir. The love for Kashmir has nothing to do with Hafiz Saeed or the JuD but is a sentiment held by the masses.
Why does a smaller state, with fewer resources, more internal conflict as well as a questionable reputation internationally, get under India's skin? The answer is Kashmir. If India was the land of well-being that it professes to be, there would be no need for Kashmiri's to fight for liberation. Pakistan is the only country that has pointed out that, behind the façade of Bollywood and Modi's social media strategy, lies a state that marginalises its minorities, and violently represses dissent.
In 2010, statistics presented to the Indian Government's Cabinet Committee on Security showed that for the first time since the 1980s, the number of civilian deaths attributed to the Indian forces was higher than those attributed to terrorist actions. A 2010 US State Department report stated that the Indian army in Jammu and Kashmir had carried out extrajudicial killings of civilians and suspected insurgents. If facts mattered to international power holders like the US, Kashmir would have attained the right to self-determination, and Indian soldiers would have been tried for war crimes.


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"Haywire" makes it trailer debut
Friday, July 22, 2011
By Sara Moore
Check out the official first trailer of the action-thriller film starring Mixed Martial Arts superstar Gina Carano who performed her own stunts.
The Relativity Media film also stars Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas, Bill Paxton, Michael Douglas and Michael Angarano.
Haywire is directed by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh and will be in theaters on January 20, 2012.
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Max Payne 3 is a lot of fun and if you want to extend the adventure even further, Rockstar is releasing a free DLC on the August 28th. It's called "Disorganized Crime" and will include a free multiplayer map called Hoboken Rooftops, along with new modifiers for Score Attack in Arcade Mode.
You can also activate explosive rounds, play with a more aggressive enemy AI and play in headshots-only contests. There's even a Noir mode, a single player campaign in black and white, which could be interesting.
The Disorganized Crime DLC was announced earlier this month, but we didn't have a date at the time. Now we know it is August 28th. It sounds like fun and the price is right.
Source Ubergizmo


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Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning are fundamental to the
well being of any organisation as their purpose is to ensure continuity in the
face of unforeseen or difficult circumstances.
Without an effective and, more importantly, achievable plan in place,
businesses run the risk of compromising their strategic plans, credibility in the
eyes of their customers and even the stability of the company itself.
We offer client data backup and replication with state of the art software and hardware products. We provide powerful, easy to use and affordable backup and availability solutions for recovery of visualize applications and data. In case our clients experience disasters to their information and infrastructure our solution will ensure fast restoration of data lost during the disaster. Our solution covers visualized environments.
We provide a perfectly replicated environment with desks, telephones and computers pre-installed and ready for use by each client as soon as they have difficulty working in their sites. Clients are then able to move their key staff into our continuity center and continue their daily operations with minimum disruption while their own premises and infrastructure is being restored.
Our continuity site offers encryption to all the data that is transferred and stored. The site is guarded and constantly monitored by 24 hour surveillance cameras. Access to the site is monitored, authorized personnel can only gain access as we have taken very effective access control measures. Our network is monitored by one of the best security appliances on the market. We provide all the best forms of security to our clients' data and information.
We provide server hosting to our clients on a virtual platform. Clients can remotely access their servers from the comfort of their homes during a crisis at the workplace so that they continue working. In addition to server hosting we provide cloud based services allowing clients to have access to applications, storage and other IT infrastructure elements.
1. Mitigate Financial Loss
Our services ensure there is no downtime to our clients business. The infrastructure may go down but the business side of the client will continue to operate saving the client money and resources with continuous production.
2. Mitigate Market Share Loss
A business with many shareholders has to always be in production to keep share holders and other investors happy. With a decline in business production there is always the likelihood of losing investors. We by all means necessary intend to keep the business side of things going even during disasters to keep business partners happy.
3. Mitigate Negative Publicity
Customers are the lifeline of any business venture, in order to keep a customer happy we must always provide the best service so that they do return in future for more business. Our solution keeps customers of clients happy because the services are still being offered even during times of crises.
4. Establish Recovery Objectives For Various Disaster Scenarios
Continuity service solutions include preparation for any type of disaster. This is to ensure that any problem the client has we will meet its solution head on.
5. Safeguard Data
We provide safety and security to the client's vital records, systems, processes and personnel. In the event that this data is lost or destroyed it can be safely recovered and restored back to the client so they continue working.
6. Guarantee Availability
We ensure that clients will always be guaranteed high availability of mission critical services that are essential in running the day to day tasks of the business.


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The economic collapse accelerated the need for crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending for startups, but established businesses needing capital to move to the next level were kept out of the party by the SEC.
Until Regulation A+ limits become a reality, established small businesses are in a bit of a netherworld when it comes to accessing capital.
Lower interest rates and bigger banks looking for bigger returns mean small business looking for smaller amounts to invest in some equipment, or a larger building, are constrained in their search. The smart money sees this as opportunity.
By nature, these established entities have a track record, a customer base and financial records that make it easier to assess viability.
Their management are more likely to have experience. An overall reputation has started to form. Some of that smart money comes from Direct Lending Investments, a private investment firm which specializes in lending money to established small businesses.
Their President Brendan Ross spent some time describing Direct Lending Investments and commenting on the direction the industry is headed in.
What criteria do you use to select the lenders you work with?
Most important is the lender's management team, which must share my beliefs about the loans that are worth making and owning at this time: short term, high yield, low default risk based on a proven underwriting model, and responsible.
These need to be loans that businesses are happy to receive and fully able to pay back. The rest of my lender due diligence process centers around lending practices, including how they source borrowers, their underwriting process and expected default modeling, a full review of their legal documents, their track record, and their funding as an enterprise.
Choosing lenders is the most important thing I do. It's also the most infrequent.
I've been in operation since late 2012, and I only have three lenders at present. We do not make mistakes during this process.
You do not favor loaning to startups. Why is that?
Every business to which I loan money has a plan for how that money is going to grow their business. Some of these plans will succeed and some will fail, but all borrowers need to have enough of an existing business to pay me back whether their growth ambitions succeed or not.
Startups do not have an existing business to fall back on, therefore lending to them is not conservative enough for me.
Debt is probably not the right choice for most brand new startups because debt requires immediate servicing. How is a new startup going to start repaying its loans?
There is a time and place for debt, but the very beginning probably isn't it.
Small businesses are finding a harder time securing the credit to expand that many acknowledge is needed to help the economy recover. Why don't government and traditional lenders realize this? Will they eventually? Will we see this change?
The government does realize this. Witness the Cleveland Federal Reserve's recent piece "Why Small Business Lending Isn't What It Used to Be."
In that piece, the Fed notes that small business lending has been declining since 1995 for a large number of reasons (fig. 2).
The biggest problem is simple: America now has a lot of service businesses, and many of these businesses are great creditors for me because they have long and substantial operating histories. But what service businesses don't have much of is collateral.
I don't need a big pile of machinery to make a loan because I know that service business are a good credit risk. But bank regulators are simply not comfortable with providing banks with the ability to add leverage of 10 or 15 to 1 while making loans that are back by limited collateral. The idea that only borrowers with collateral are worthy of loans is just plain silly.
Look at the immense profits made on credit cards, all to borrowers who have more debt than assets. But the financial system just can't get its head around lending to service businesses that aren't swimming in collateral.
I don't think this blind spot will correct any time soon. Alternative lenders, attracted by the profits available in this space, will have to fill the gap, and this will be slow going for a while because banks continue to exit small business lending.
What business sectors provide the lowest volatility and which ones are historically more risky?
Among my loans, I favor doctors, dentists, retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. These are brick-and-mortar businesses with a large number of small customers. If they have been around a while, they are likely to survive most of what is thrown at them.
You mention that in order to sufficiently spread out risk, investors need at least 400 loans at $25 each. Does the average investor have patience to seek out and maintain such a wide portfolio? Yes, you need a lot of diversification to avoid getting hammered by bad luck. This is part of why LendingClub and Prosper made small slices available: because they wanted to protect their corporate reputations by making it easy for investors to diversify. On the business lending side, it's almost all whole loans. The loans I buy average $37,000, so the $10+ million you need for diversification is beyond the reach of most investors. Diversification is part of why people with less than $10 million come into my fund.
Do they have sufficient knowledge? Investors mostly don't have the patience or knowledge to pick loans themselves, and they really shouldn't worry about that.
They can follow three paths:
- Use a LendingClub Prime account or Prosper QuickInvest: Both platforms will build a portfolio for you with little effort on your part.
- Hire a statistician that is connected to an automated investing tool. Bryce Mason's is the front-runner here. Bryce picks loans based on his models, and automated software can buy them directly into your account. More work, and more cutting edge, but if an investor is determined to do something to get an edge and can't afford a fund, this is the best option.
- Choose a Fund Manager. Unfortunately, professional management in this space is available only to accredited investors who can meet some fairly high minimums. My Fund, at $100K, has one of the lower minimums around. Still, this is probably the best path available assuming the manager has significant experience in and knowledge of this asset class.
Is 400 loans a lot for a sector with low volatility?
Many years ago, the LendingClub site had a tagline: "No one with 800 or more loans has ever lost money." I'm not sure what happened to that tagline, but it was there for a reason: the benefits of diversification extend far beyond where most investors lose track of the complicated math involved.
What were some formative lessons you learned from your business career before Direct Lending Investments? I've been lucky to have such an incredibly broad range of experiences, and it seems like all of them help me today. When I graduated from Brown, I went straight into management consulting. I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to be a CEO, and I gathered a lot of experience — much of it in e-commerce — in the 10 years it took to get my first shot at company leadership, when I ran www.ReserveAmerica.com for Barry Diller. I ran other companies after that before deciding to change things up and tackle the money business with a private credit investment fund. I think my experience as a CEO of multiple real businesses has given me a unique perspective on small business lending.
Because I've raised money, borrowed money, written business plans, reacted to good and bad luck, hired people and fired people, I really understand all sides of the equation. I know what investors want from me, I know what I want from the lenders I work with, and I know what they want from the businesses they lend to.
Mostly I've learned that business is only rarely about naked competition. Businessmen and women succeed best when other people want to work with and for them. I try to be someone that others enjoy having in their corner.
How will the climate for Direct Lending Investments change as the economy recovers? Do the opportunities become more or less numerous? How are they different?
More numerous. Even as the economy improves, businesses continue to exit small business lending. So my opportunity set is growing as more businesses qualify for loans while fewer banks make them. Private credit is really in its infancy, and it is going to be huge.
Does the ACA in any way affect your investment strategy with doctors?
Yes, it does. ACA has really slowed down the process by which doctors get paid for their services, and you can see it in their cash flows. We want to be a part of the solution, but we have had to tighten lending requirements across the medical industry. Hopefully the system will work out these kinks, but for right now ACA is definitely impacting cash flows in the medical industry.


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Pierre Bérégovoy
|Pierre Bérégovoy
|Prime Minister of France
|In office
2 April 1992 – 29 March 1993
|François Mitterrand
|Preceded by
|Édith Cresson
|Succeeded by
|Édouard Balladur
|Personal details
|Pierre Eugène Bérégovoy
23 December 1925
|1 May 1993
(aged 67)
|Political party
Civil Servant
|Roman Catholic
|Ukrainian / French
Pierre Eugène Bérégovoy (French pronunciation: [pjɛʁ beʁeɡɔvwa]; 23 December 1925 – 1 May 1993) was a French Socialist politician. He served as Prime Minister under François Mitterrand from 1992 to 1993.
Early career
Pierre Bérégovoy was born in Déville-lès-Rouen, Seine-Maritime to a Ukrainian father (original family name Береговий in Ukrainian or Береговой in Russian) who had left the Russian Empire after the Russian Civil War, and a French mother.
He started his professional life at the age of 16 as a qualified metal worker. He got involved in politics following his activities in the French Resistance – while working at SNCF during World War II. A member of the SFIO Socialist Party and of the trade unions confederation Workers Force, he joined the staff of the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Christian Pineau, as adviser for relations with the trade unons in 1949. One year later, he became technical agent in Gaz de France.
In 1959, he left the SFIO and participated in the foundation of the dissident Unified Socialist Party (PSU). He became an adviser of Pierre Mendès-France. In 1967, with Alain Savary, he created the pro-Mendès-France Union of clubs for the renewal of the left. This group joined the renewed Socialist Party (PS) in 1969. He joined the executive group of the party behind François Mitterrand, and participated notably in the negotiations of the Common Program of the Union of the Left.
In 1981, following Mitterrand's election as President of France, he was chosen as Secretary General of the Presidency. One year later, he joined the cabinet as Minister of Social affairs. He was among the Socialist politicians who advised President Mitterrand to leave the European Monetary System in order to continue Socialist economic policy. But in March 1983, Mitterrand listened to his Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy and ratified the change of economic policy.
Bérégovoy became Minister of the Economy and Finance, from 1984 to the 1986 Socialist electoral defeat.
Elected mayor of Nevers in 1983, and deputy of Nièvre département in 1986, in the electoral land of Mitterrand, he was manager of the latter's 1988 presidential campaign. After his re-election, at the time of each cabinet reshuffle, his name was mentioned as a possible Prime Minister. In the end, he returned to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. In this function, he symbolized the adaptation of French socialism to the market economy and struck up hearty relations with employer representatives.
After the 1992 regional elections, which were a disaster for the PS, he was finally appointed Prime Minister. He promised to fight unemployment, economic decline and corruption. During his inaugural speech in the French National Assembly, he claimed he knew the names of politicians from the right-wing opposition implicated in corruption scandals, causing a great hue and cry. Bérégovoy forced Bernard Tapie, his Minister of Urban Affairs, to resign in May 1992 after his indictment by the French justice. He thus created the misnamed "Balladur jurisprudence".[1] In social policy, the Bérégovoy government introduced free health care for recipients of RMI[2] and in November 1992 a law was passed that inserted a (arguably narrow) definition of sexual harassment into the labour code and empowered the labour inspectorate and workplace committees to enforce it.[3] In May 1992, increased aid was provided to farmers, mainly comprising reductions in the agricultural land tax and increased grants for young farmers.[4] In June 1992, the French parliament passed a bill which required mayors to encourage social mixing in public housing.[5]
He resigned after the Socialist electoral collapse of the March 1993 legislative election.
Political career
Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic : 1981–1982.
Governmental functions
Prime Minister : 1992–1993.
Minister of Economy and Finances : 1984–1986 / 1988–1992.
Minister of Social Affairs : 1982–1984.
Electoral mandates
National Assembly of France
Member of the National Assembly of France for Nièvre (1st constituency) : 1986–1988 (Became minister in 1988) / March–May 1993 (Died in May 1993). Elected in 1986, reelected in 1988, 1993.
General Council
General Councillor of the Nièvre : 1985–1993 (Died in May 1993). Reelected in 1992.
Municipal Council
Mayor of Nevers : 1983–1993 (Died in May 1993). Reelected in 1989.
Municipal councillor of Nevers : 1983–1993 (Died in May 1993). Reelected in 1989.
Pierre Bérégovoy died on 1 May 1993,[6] in Paris after being transported by helicopter from Nevers (Nièvre), where he had been found an hour earlier, in a coma with two bullets in the head. The second bullet was attributed to a nervous reflex.[citation needed] Police investigators ruled his death as a suicide, confirming his bodyguard's deposition, who said the former prime minister was with him when he grabbed the guard's gun, while according to the first version of events which appeared in the press Bérégovoy had returned alone to the car and had taken the gun from the glove box. The press also reported that "witnesses heard two shots" before finding the corpse. The only photo released to the press showed Bérégovoy with a small wound.
Most of Bérégovoy's close friends admitted that he had been depressed ever since he lost the March legislative elections in which his Socialist Party won only 67 out of 577 parliamentary seats. Bérégovoy was also being investigated concerning a one-million-franc interest-free loan he received from businessman and close friend, Roger Patrice-Pelat. Patrice-Pelat died of a heart attack on 7 March 1989, less than one month after being found guilty in the Péchiney-Triangle affair.
Bérégovoy's death came on the eve of the opening of a new trial concerning the acquisition of Triangle by Péchiney. His wife expressed doubt about whether his death actually was a suicide, mainly because he had not left a suicide note, and that his note pad, which he always kept in his pocket, had disappeared.
At Bérégovoy's funeral, held at Nevers in an atmosphere of tension and shock, Mitterrand stated that media pressure in connection with the Pelat scandal was responsible for Bérégovoy's suicide. Targeting the press, he said "the honour of a man was given to dogs" but attributed to Bérégovoy "the greatness of one who chooses his destiny."
See also
Bérégovoy's ministry, 2 April 1992 – 29 March 1993
- Pierre Bérégovoy – Prime Minister
- Roland Dumas – Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Pierre Joxe – Minister of Defense
- Paul Quilès – Minister of the Interior and Public Security
- Michel Sapin – Minister of Economy, Finance, and Privatization
- Michel Charasse – Minister of Budget
- Dominique Strauss-Kahn – Minister of Industry and External Commerce
- Martine Aubry – Minister of Labour, Employment, and Vocational Training
- Michel Vauzelle – Minister of Justice
- Jack Lang – Minister of National Education and Culture
- Louis Mermaz – Minister of Agriculture and Forests
- Ségolène Royal – Minister of Environment
- Frédérique Bredin – Minister of Youth and Sports
- Louis Le Pensec – Minister of Overseas Departments and Territories
- Jean-Louis Bianco – Minister of Transport, Housing, and Equipment
- Louis Mermaz – Minister of Relations with Parliament
- Bernard Kouchner – Minister of Health and Humanitarian Action
- Émile Zuccarelli – Minister of Posts and Telecommunications
- Michel Delebarre – Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reform
- Bernard Tapie – Minister of City
- Hubert Curien – Minister of Research and Space
- René Teulade – Minister of Social Affairs and Integration
- 23 May 1992 – Bernard Tapie leaves the ministry and the office of Minister of City is abolished
- 2 October 1992 – Martin Malvy succeeds Charasse as Minister of Budget. Jean-Pierre Soisson succeeds Mermaz as Minister of Agriculture, becoming also Minister of Rural Development
- 26 December 1992 – The office of Minister of City is re-established, with Bernard Tapie again as Minister
- 9 March 1993 – Pierre Joxe leaves the ministry of Defence and was succeeded by Pierre Bérégovoy (who remains also Prime minister)
- ↑ La mise en examen de M. Santini n'a pas empêché sa nomination au gouvernement, Le Monde, 22 June 2007 (French)
- ↑ International review of comparative public policy by Nicholas Mercuro, Philip R. Smith, and Thomas Donley
- ↑ Integrating Gender: Women, Law and Politics in the European Union
- ↑ http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/economics/oecd-economic-surveys-france-1992_eco_surveys-fra-1992-en
- ↑ http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=nV1JfnbjXVgC&pg=PA275&dq=michel+rocard+government+social+transfers&hl=en&sa=X&ei=UjnEU7zNHKmV7AbCxYG4Aw&ved=0CD0Q6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=michel%20rocard%20government%20social%20transfers&f=false
- ↑ Simons, Marlise (4 May 1993). "In French Ex-Premier's Suicide, Cries of 'J'Accuse'". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 August 2009.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
External links
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pierre Bérégovoy.
- Association Pierre Bérégovoy, in French only
|Political offices
|Preceded by
Nicole Questiaux
|Minister of Social Affairs and National Solidarity
|Succeeded by
Georgina Dufoix
|Preceded by
Jacques Delors
|Minister of the Economy and Finance
|Succeeded by
Édouard Balladur
|Minister of Budget
|Succeeded by
Alain Juppé
|Preceded by
Édouard Balladur
|Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Privatization
|Succeeded by
Michel Sapin
|Preceded by
Édith Cresson
|Prime Minister of France
|Succeeded by
Édouard Balladur
|Preceded by
Pierre Joxe
|Minister of Defence
|Succeeded by
François Léotard
- Articles with French-language external links
- Use dmy dates from June 2011
- Pages with broken file links
- Articles with unsourced statements from December 2014
- 1925 births
- 1993 deaths
- People from Déville-lès-Rouen
- French Roman Catholics
- French people of Ukrainian descent
- Politicians from Upper Normandy
- French Section of the Workers' International politicians
- Unified Socialist Party (France) politicians
- Socialist Party (France) politicians
- Prime Ministers of France
- French Ministers of Budget
- French Ministers of Finance
- Members of the National Assembly of the French Fifth Republic
- French Resistance members
- Grand Croix of the Ordre national du Mérite
- French politicians who committed suicide
- Multiple gunshot suicides
- Deaths by firearm in France


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A million bricks and five hours to set up: Lego fans put creations on show
PUBLISHED: 16:44 15 June 2019 | UPDATED: 21:36 15 June 2019
Lego lovers have shown the lengths they will go to by putting on display their creations at a show dedicated to the humble multi-coloured bricks.
Enthusiasts from across the country are taking part in the Bressingham Bricks event with painstakingly put together displays, rare models and stalls.
Among those with an all consuming love of all things Lego show off their hardwork to the public were the Nunes family from Mildenhall, members of the Brick Central Lego User Group.
Dad and mum Leo and Ruta, and their children Lina and Alex, have built a huge recreation of a Formula 1 track complete with grandstands, spectators and even TV cameras.
Mrs Nunes said: "It has taken us three years to build and taken us five years to set up to put on show. This is the first time we have had the whole thing complete.
"We have about 1,000 sets and more than a million bricks. We are just passionate about Lego and about motorracing, so we have combined the two."
The inaugural show at Bressingham Steam Museum, near Diss, is the idea of Tom Hadfield, from Ipswich, who hopes it will become a regular event. "We have got some terrific things on show and people seem to be really enjoying it," he said.
- Bressingham Bricks continues at Bressingham Steam Museum on Sunday, June 16, 10.30am-5pm, bressingham.co.uk/events/bressingham-bricks
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Inspire Workplaces is the leading UK & Ireland provider of workplace wellbeing solutions. With bases in Belfast and Dublin, we are currently partnering with over 300 organisations, supporting mental wellbeing at work for over 750,000 employees across public, private and third sectors throughout the UK and Ireland.
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We can also work with you to design and develop a bespoke programme specifically customised to your specific requirements.
We work in all locations, and with all sectors and sizes of organisations.
Our aim is to support both managers and employees within your organisation through building resilience, addressing employee wellbeing and enhancing engagement and motivation.
Our two decades of direct workplace experience in this field ensures you can have confidence in our capacity, competence and commitment to deliver a successful programme for your organisation


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Post 10 things that are going right in your life right now. I don't care how small. You're happy with your cup of coffee. You saw a flock of geese flying over. ANYTHING. Things that make you happy. Things that make you smile. No pressure.
It's small and it's simplistic, but maybe for the time you are compiling your list, you'll forget about the bad going on and focus on something good.
1) Warm, soft chocolate-chip cookies from the good bakery by my office.
3) Spending tomorrow with Stultz and deleva.
4) It's getting to that perfect sleeping weather, where it's cold outside and you can snuggle down under the heavy blanket (which we put on the bed two days ago) and be nice and warm.
5) Purple pens, particularly the new one Eric bought me on a whim a little while ago.
6) Tea, which reminds me that I need to make another cup.
7) Fewer questions asked at work today, and my productivity is improving.
8) Headache of Doom is subsiding slightly, putting me back in the realm of the living.
9) Making Money by Terry Pratchett - I know, it's been out for a year, but it's out in paperback now, so I snatched it up. Methinks it's time for another Pratchett binge.
10) Getting into the groove of the new job, slowly but surely.


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USAFast shipping, Over 90% of US Orders can be Delivered Within (3) Business Days or Less!
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DetailsOur 17 ft. Cascading Ripples Table Skirts feature delicate, small multi-layered circles. As these "ripples" gently fall down the tulle skirting they slowly grow larger, creating a time lapse effect. Skirt attaches to the table using skirt clips and is made to completely wrap around standard 6 ft. banquet tables. Due to the sheer nature of this table skirt, we highly recommend using a tablecloth which will provide a full drop on your event table underneath the skirt.
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Facebook Amends Its Monthly Active User Algorithm
Facebook's monthly active user count is a curious statistic, one we have referenced to demonstrate the usage of different Facebook applications.
Until recently, Facebook's algorithm would incorporate user likes and comments, inflating the number of monthly active users of an app, even if they weren't actively using it.
As of last Friday, Facebook has changed the way it counts active users, dismissing likes and comments on stream content published by applications. Whilst some apps will already reflect the change, Facebook says that re-calculations are still in progress meaning some apps will still report older statistics.
As InsideFacebook reports, mobile apps will be the most affected because their very nature is to help generate new content that gets a lot of likes, shares and comments. It will also give us a clearer view on just how many real active users there are of the official Facebook for iPhone app, as well as the KIN and the Windows Phone 7 apps.
It's a good move by Facebook but one that should have been in place from the start.


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The Single Family Court came into force on 22nd April 2014.
With the enactment of the Children and Families Act 2014, all family matters are now dealt with by a unified Family Court, with the exception of a limited number of matters expressly reserved to the High Court of Justice.
Having a Family Court simplifies matters as any application will be issued to the Family Court unless the matter is already before the High Court in which case it may be possible to apply directly to the High Court. This is an issue that will be best addressed by speaking with a family law solicitors. Lay magistrates and all levels of judges will be able to sit in the Family Court. A case will be allocated to the appropriate level within the Family Court for determination. It is possible for the issue of allocation to be addressed before the court if it is considered that the case has been allocated at the correct level.
The Family Court is convened to decide matters and to make orders in relation to family law. The Family Court will deal with matters such as divorce, annulments, property settlements, maintenance payments, contact and residence disputes, issues surrounding paternity and parental responsibility, surrogacy, child abuse, child abductions just to list a few.
The aim of the Family Court is to provide court users with effective access to justice. It will also aim to improve the efficiency of the justice system as a whole and to allow magistrates, legal advisers and the judiciary to work together more closely.
The Family Court can issue any Court order which was previously available under the old judicial structure (magistrates, county court etc.)
As the Family Court is a national court, it may hear cases anywhere in England and Wales and it is possible for it to sit in any county or magistrates court buildings. However, in practice, it will sit where in the Courts where family cases were already heard.


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Home > Club Merchandise > Club Portals > Clubs A-Z > K > Knightsbridge Fencing Club
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Model: KFC-W-B-T-5-12-SF425
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Knightsbridge logo Printed on Left Leg,
Fabric60% Cotton, 40% Polyester brushed back fleece. Weight250gsm
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Corey Taylor has a lot of regrets.
He'll talk openly about them; he'll avert his eyes at the mention of friends who have passed away; and he'll even laugh at his own stupidity as he tells stories from his past. But all those regrets have led him to where he is today. And today, he's a very happy man.
An hour into Taylor's performance Thursday night, he had yet to pick up his guitar. Instead, he paced back and forth onstage in front of a packed crowd of Slipknot and Stone Sour enthusiasts in the House of Blues' Bronze Peacock, telling jokes, reading from his book and answering questions. While the night was honestly billed as "An Evening with Corey Taylor," which usually means that it isn't all about the music, that didn't seem to matter to a very vocal minority.
We heard plenty of grumblers, talking loudly in the back and drunkenly stumbling outside for smoke breaks, unimpressed with Taylor's words and overall message. Aftermath, however, was entranced. The front man took a comedy show, a motivational speech and a little acoustic guitar and rolled it into two full hours of what can't be described as a concert. Whatever it was, it struck a chord with us and countless others who were hanging onto Taylor's every word and just might now realize that their hero is human, flawed and just trying to make it through the day.
Taylor, who hasn't had a sip of alcohol in a year and a half, spoke of the difference between confidence and vanity, admitting that for a long he had such a high opinion of himself, he couldn't connect with others. When Slipknot first went on tour and saw success, he found himself so sure of his own abilities and proud of his own accomplishments that he couldn't help but to scoff at everyone else's.
Humility, he reminded the crowd, is something to be sought after. And for good reason.
"When you're young, you tend to romanticize stupid shit," he said. The crowd was then told what it's really like to be on the road with a touring band, and any romanticized ideas they may have had were put to rest as Taylor told the crowd that tour buses smell like fet and farts.
The night wasn't completely solemn with virtues, though Taylor peppered them into even his funniest asides. He talked of his love for Star Wars collectibles and said he was worried that one day he might end up on the show "Horders." The only difference between he and the people on that show, he said, is that his stuff is all still in the box. "If it's in the box, you're a collector, not a horder, right?" he asked the crowd with a laugh.
His acoustic set included "Through the Glass," "Bother" and "Xxyzz Road." The crowd sang along to all of it, and Taylor was so impressed with the sing-along to "Bother" that he stopped halfway through it and clapped for the crowd.
It wasn't what we expected, and we can understand why a few fans weren't all too pleased with the first hour that was sans-music, but Taylor has something to say, and if more people listened, they might just get something from his message.
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Personal Bias: We've seen Taylor perform with Stone Sour before, so we knew the guy could put on a show.
Overheard in the Crowd: "Is he STILL talking?"
Random Notebook Dump: During the Q&A section of Thursday night's entertainment, someone asked Taylor what inspired him to write a book?
"I'm so sick and fucking tired of everyone around me making me feel like shit for shit that I can't fucking control," Taylor said.


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About Us At Take Action Counselling
Take Action Counselling was founded by Rebecca Mitchell because it was her experience; both as a client and as a counsellor; that something was often missing in counselling sessions, She believed this is what is termed as "psycho education" which really just means information. She found through her own work that when people have information as well as a place to express and explore feelings; change and growth happen much quicker. As one counsellor puts it "Just five minutes of psycho education can cut through years of shame and stress." (Duncan Craig: Counsellor and CEO Survivors Manchester PODS Magazine Vol 3 No 4)
It is this model of giving information as well as understanding and support that Take Action Counselling was founded.
Rebecca is the founder and counsellor at Take Action Counselling:
Here is a little about her:
Background and Experience:
Rebecca has been working in the counselling arena for nearly 25 years. She has completed several training courses including at City University, Metanoia Institute and WPF and is trained as both a group worker and a one to one counsellor. She is trained in two different models of counselling: Psychoanalytic and Person Centred. She has worked as a counsellor in a diverse range of settings including:
- Group Facilitator of a women's survivor group
- Group Facilitator of a women's psychotherapy psycho educational group
- One to one counsellor in community settings
- Mentoring young people as part of a multicultural youth group
- Training and speaking at conferences and seminars equipping other counsellors
In 1993 She co-founded and is Director of Into The Light Counselling and Support For Survivors Community Interest Company – a service for survivors of sexual abuse www.intothelight.org.uk. She writes all the material for the psycho-educational courses, workshops and training seminars for Into The Light CIC.
She also created and co-wrote the materials for Mummyshock www.mummyshock.org.uk a project for new mothers that runs in several Community settings in Brighton.
Writing and Media:
Rebecca is a regular contributor as an "agony aunt" and counsellor on a national women's radio programme covering a range of topics including relationships, dating, singleness. She has also spoken on Radio London and LBC breakfast shows. She has written a number of articles on issues including weight, break ups, singleness, dating and abuse recovery for Magazines including BACP Private Practice magazine, BACP Therapy Today, Woman Alive and the mental health website "Mentally Healthy". She has written a self-help book for survivors called "New Shoes" which was well received by survivors and counsellors and led her to be nominated for Cosmopolitan magazine Campaigner of the Year.
Experience as a Counselling Client:
Rebecca has spent many hours in counselling and therefore has a personal understanding of the challenges and benefits that coming to counselling sessions entails, not just as a professional but as a client too.
Professional Memberships:
Rebecca is a qualified counsellor and an Accredited and Registered Member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy one of the main professional bodies for counselling in the UK and adheres to their strict code of ethics. She is also a BACP Registered Member. The BACP Register was established in 2012 and was the first psychological therapists' register to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an independent body accountable to Government. The main purpose of the Register is to protect the public. It provides reassurance to clients, employers and the general public that a registered therapist adheres to high standards of proficiency and good practice.
Rebecca holds Following Memberships:
- BACP British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
- BACP Private Practise Division
- ACC Association of Christian Counsellors
- TAG Trauma and Abuse Group
Registered ACC (Association of Christian Counsellors)
Registered Counsellor, Member
Register no R000389
Rebecca's qualifications:
- BACP Accredited Diploma in Person Centred Counselling: Metanoia Institute, London www.metanoia.ac.uk
- Diploma in Group Work: Westminster Pastoral Foundation, London www.wpf.org.uk
- BACP Accredited Person Centred Training in Extended Counselling Skills and Group Work, City University, London www.city.ac.uk
- Introduction To Counselling: Kensington and Chelsea College, London www.kcc.ac.uk
- Fitness Teacher Of Exercise to Music: Central London YMCA and Royal Society of Arts, www.ymcaclub.co.uk and www.thersa.org
Here's our latest news & thoughts
…on the Take Action Counselling blog
Please email email@example.com with any questions and if you'd like to make an appointment.


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As it turns out, Georgia isn't the only country with a "Warrior" in the Eurovision Song Contest. Who wins the war?
Country: Georgia
Song Title: "Warrior"
Artist: Nina Sublatti
Semi-Final: First, Position 16
Last year's entry: "3 Minutes to Earth" – The Shin & Mariko (DNQ – 15th Place, SF2)
I can't believe it's taken me until April to realize that there are two separate Eurovision entries titled "Warrior" – Georgia and Malta. I can't say I'm entirely surprised1 – the concept of a warrior is easy to convey in 3 minutes on a stage, so it's understandable why it may be a Eurovision mainstay. The problem with this is that with two entries with the same name, they're bound to be compared.
Before we get into that, let's talk about last year's contest for Georgia. The Shin and Mariko presented a lovely jazzy piece called "Three Minutes to Earth" that had no chance of winning Eurovision. It was kind of weird and seemed doomed from the start, and as I predicted, ended up at the very bottom of its semifinal with only 15 points to its name. 12 of those points came from its neighbor, Belarus. I think any song is going to be an improvement on that score – let's see if "Warrior" adds up:
Well, this is better that "3 Minutes to Earth" (although that's faint praise). There's definitely some power behind the song, although it's a bit basic. I also have trouble making out the words of the first verse, and this is the studio-refined version, not a live performance. I feel like I need some more info on Nina's performance skills before I can ultimately decide if this song has what it takes to make it to the finals, but I wouldn't be surprised if the right presentation in Vienna pushes it to the final stage.
Remember when I said we'd get to comparing both "Warrior"s? That time is now. Of the two, I find I prefer Malta's take – there's a little more actual dynamics to their song, where as this one is all-loud, all the time. Malta may not have the spaced-out huskies, but Georgia's song is a little one-note in comparison. On the plus side for it, it's closing out the first semifinal after some quieter songs from Romania and Albania – being fresh in the voter's mind with a dynamic presentation could assure this a spot in the finals.
Eurovision MiniPop Icons created by Ben Morris – See all 40 MiniPops here! You can also find his icons on t-shirts, phone cases, and mugs!
- the only title I think I've seen more times in recent years is "Shine" ↵


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Rising number of Suffolk abuse cases revealed
PUBLISHED: 09:09 20 February 2018 | UPDATED: 09:09 20 February 2018
The number of reported sex offences against children has risen in Suffolk, new figures have revealed.
Suffolk police recorded a total of 773 child sex offences last year, up 28 per cent from 608 in 2016/17.
The figures, obtained by the NSPCC through a Freedom of Information request, found a total of 140 crimes were recorded against children under the age of ten in Suffolk while 35 were perpetrated against children aged four and under.
One offence was recorded against a baby under the age of one.
NSPCC chiefs say the dramatic increase shows police in Suffolk are making "real progress" in how they investigate sex offences against children.
Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: "This dramatic rise is extremely concerning and shows just how extensive child sexual abuse is.
"These new figures suggest the police are making real progress in how they investigate sex offences against children.
"To help them tackle the issue going forward, we must ensure the police are equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to officers on the front line."
Detective Superintendent Eamonn Bridger, from Suffolk police, said responding to reports of abuse is a high priority.
He said: "We are still seeing an increase in the number of reports being made to us relating to non-recent child abuse.
"The public is also becoming more aware of potential risks that children face from on-line dangers and so we are in part encouraged that more reports are being made to us so that we can ensure robust action is taken.
"The numbers also reflect greater confidence victims and their families have in coming forward and reporting what has happened to them."
David Hockley, chief executive of child sexual abuse charity Fresh Start New Beginnings, added: "The rise will be directly linked to the way police record their crime but absolutely, people feel more able to come forward.
"I think now people perceive they will be believed, more than five or ten years ago, and are more likely to let police know."
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Congratulations to Ryan Lee who has become smokefree with the help of our Doncaster team.
After suffering from Asthma, Ryan made the decision to stop smoking. He wanted to save some money and improve his health. He now feels 100% better, coping well with physical activity without getting so easily out of breath and he's really happy with how he feels now.
"I realise the importance of health and being healthy, and I now know the impact smoking has."
Ryan told us the most difficult thing he found during his smokefree journey was being around his friends that still smoked, however he overcame this by not seeing them as much since quitting so he wasn't tempted to light up again.
He also told us that keeping busy, attending weekly appointments and doing the CO readings with our advisors really helped him get through his problems and found the team extremely supportive, with a good understanding of his needs.
"I couldn't have done it without the help of Yorkshire Smokefree, I can't thank them enough!"
We wish Ryan all the best for the future and a huge well done from everyone at Yorkshire Smokefree!


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Storm8 launches third-party mobile games publishing business
Storm8, a leader in the mobile social gaming space, announced today the launch of Storm8 Publishing, a third-party publishing business that will provide marketing, distribution, live operations, monetization, and design expertise to game developers looking to add their promising titles to the service.
"Our first launch partner is Mad Head Limited, and we're bringing their game Tower of Saviors to the U.S. and renaming it War of Dragons," says Perry Tam, Storm8 CEO. "We expect this to be a really, really big hit, as it's already a very big hit in the Eastern world."
Boasting 8 million global downloads (as Tower of Saviors), Storm8's design optimization helped gear War of Dragons toward Western audiences, helping the title instantly jump into the App Store's Top 25 Free Apps charts within the first week of availability in both Canada and Australia.
"With Storm8, we bring value to the ecosystem, says Tam. "First of all, we have a huge network of users, with 50 million monthly active users. Also, our users are all gamers and they are all very dedicated gamers eager to try new games. So I think that by itself brings a lot of value to our partners.
"In the last 12 months, we've consistently had at least five titles in the Top 100 Grossing chart. That proves that not only do we have a huge network, but our users are highly monetizable. In the past, we have built all of our games, and I think our expertise and everything that we've learned throughout the years making our own games will make for a strong collaborative effort with our partners who join the program. Being around the block for such a long time in a very young industry, we believe that we have much more to offer our partners in terms of marketing, packaging, distribution, and gameplay, as well as relationships that we have built in the past that we can now leverage."
And seeing that Storm8's games have been downloaded over 600 million times since the company launched just a few years ago, Tam's point rings loud and true.
Adds Tam: "The key thing that people should know about Storm8, and what I think really differentiates us from other developers, is we take a network approach. We pay lots of attention building up our network, and we have a network of over 200 million devices. So what we really want to do is find genres that have multiple hit opportunities. So when you look at our portfolio, you will see that it's a very well-balanced and diversified approach. We have 40 hit titles and they span across five different genres. There's no one game that accounts for the lion's share of our revenue or our user base.
"Given the traction of the company, the network, and also the monetization and all of our expertise, we've really been able to develop a special program here that enables us to work with all of our partners and give them lots of value. We encapsulate a wide range of genres, so from our perspective, what we're looking for now are just some really great games to bring to our network of users. It's a really exciting time for Storm8."


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Best Business Lunch
The food landscape in Kahului has been transformed with Bistro Casanova, which are readers have decided is the place on Maui to get the Best Business Lunch. There are sweet and savory crepes, panini and housemade pasta and salads–all served efficiently, so you don't have to wait around before getting back to the office. 33 Lono Ave., Kahului; 808-873-3650; Bistrocasanova.com. @jenrusso
Runner-up: Kono's on the Green


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SAIC, Inc. F1Q11 (04/30/10) Earnings Call Transcript
SAIC, Inc. (SAI)
F1Q11 (04/30/10) Earnings Call
June 4, 2010 5:00 pm ET
Laura Luke – VP, Media Relations
Walt Havenstein – CEO
Mark Sopp – EVP and CFO
Bill Loomis – Stifel Nicolaus
Edward Caso – Wells Fargo
Jason Kupferberg – UBS
Joseph Vafi – Jefferies & Company
Joe Nadol – JPMorgan
Tim Quillin – Stephens Inc.
Jeremy Devaney – BB&T Capital Markets
Erik Olbeter – Pacific Crest Securities
Compare to:
Previous Statements by SAI
» SAIC, Inc. F4Q10 (Qtr End 01/31/2010) Earnings Call Transcript
» SAIC, Inc. F3Q10 (Qtr End 10/31/09) Earnings Call Transcript
» SAIC, Inc. F2Q10 (Qtr End 07/31/09) Earnings Call Transcript
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the first quarter fiscal year 2011 earnings conference call. My name is Shamika and I will be your operator for today. At this time all participants are in listen-only mode. We will conduct a question-and-answer session towards the end of today's conference. (Operator instructions) I would now like to turn the presentation over to your host for today's call Ms. Laura Luke, Vice President of Media Relations. Please proceed.
Laura Luke
Thank you, Shamika, and welcome everyone. Here on today's call are Walt Havenstein, our CEO; Mark Sopp, our CFO; and other members of our team.
During this call we will make forward-looking statements to assist you in understanding the Company and our expectations about its future financial and operating performance. These statements are subject to a number of risks that could cause actual events to differ materially and I refer you to our SEC filings for a disclosure of these risks.
In addition, the statements may represent our views as of today. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. We may elect to update the forward-looking statements at some point in the future, but we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so.
With that, I will turn the call over to Walt.
Thank you, Laura. And good afternoon everyone. The highlight of our first quarter was our strong business development results as we posted a significant improvement in bookings and book to bill from recent quarters. This resulted from continued focus on higher growth markets, increased submissions of bids over the past year, and increased pace of competitive procurement decisions being made by our government customers.
For the call today, I will cover the market conditions and outlook and provide highlights of recent business activity, then Mark will provide a recap of our overall performance for the first quarter.
Government service market update. Our assessment of the federal market has not changed since our last earnings report. In fact, our assessment of the market's direction was subsequently confirmed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a speech he delivered last month and by a number of our competitors in their most recent earnings calls.
To recap our assessment, while federal spending is budgeted to increase modestly this year over the prior year, we expect most of that increase will be directed to cover DoD's must-pay bills. Accordingly, we expect only nominal growth this year on our markets. In addition, we believe that downward pressures from both the administration and congress on federal discretionary spending, including defense, will persist of the long term. In addition to monitoring the direction of the federal budget, we continue to closely examine new developments impacting the government contracting environment.
Since our last earnings call craft OCI regulations have been released. The OCI provision, as written, will require added diligence by – both by contractors and the government's acquisition community to ensure every potential OCI situation is understood and resolved. For much of our business, we expect the OCI issues can be navigated. However, there may be customer implementations of the final provision that may require more significant actions.
A draft policy letter on what is inherently governmental also was released recently. The language of the proposed policy is consistent with our expectations and is not expected to have a material impact on our business. Its ultimate effect will depend on the policy guidance and its interpretation by federal agencies.
With respect to the implementation of our strategy, success within this market environment requires a sound strategy to market by greater investment in and focus on a selected few high growth areas where the Company can apply its distinctive competitive discriminators. Unlike our smaller competitors, most IT service companies, we offer significant thought leadership and leading-edge technology along with our ability to deliver large-scale integrated solutions that include physical infrastructure.
Unlike our larger competitors, a handful of defense platform providers, we offer deep customer affinity and combined with the agility of our entrepreneurial culture and organization. SAIC has segment market discriminators and with each new day, we are adding focus to how we integrate and apply them within our high growth markets.
In addition to flawless execution in all aspects of our business, our strategy is actively pursuing expansion of strategic development activities in the five market areas where we have the potential for up to 15% annual growth
C4ISR, cybersecurity, health, energy, and logistics; deployment of new business resource to higher growth areas, especially cybersecurity products and solution offerings; acceleration of growth in higher growth areas through integration of our recent acquisitions; and aggressive cross-selling and continued development of new integrated offerings.
Our goal for this strategy is to produce business development performance that outpaces our competition. Accompanies by improved operating margins, continued sound working capital management, and strong growth in free cash flow on a per-share basis.
I would like to spend a few minutes illustrating our strategy at work in the area of cybersecurity. We are particularly focused on cybersecurity as a high priority, enterprise-wide growth opportunity for SAIC. Our cybersecurity business grew substantially in FY10. It also accounted for substantial new contract awards and proposal submissions in this year's first quarter. We are actively marketing our cybersecurity offerings from DoD and the intelligence community to the broader national security market, which includes the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State. We are also actively cross-selling our cybersecurity capabilities in other key markets such as federal IT, health, energy, and C4.
Read the rest of this transcript for free on seekingalpha.com


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Sandra's blog
Sandra's story
Artist's Notes
Cluster Stars
Photo shoot for a new song, soon to be released
2019 Indigenous Music Awards
Esquao Awards
Native American Music Awards
Canadian Folk Music Awards
Indian Summer Festival
Cluster Stars
Through the Years
Album release party
News Releases
Press Coverage
Audio Interviews
Awards and Performances
Music and Lyric Videos
Sandra's blog
Sandra's story
Artist's Notes
Cluster Stars
Photo shoot for a new song, soon to be released
2019 Indigenous Music Awards
Esquao Awards
Native American Music Awards
Canadian Folk Music Awards
Indian Summer Festival
Cluster Stars
Through the Years
Album release party
News Releases
Press Coverage
Audio Interviews
Awards and Performances
Music and Lyric Videos
The Making of Cluster Stars
It is intended as a bridge between worldviews, an opportunity for people to explore their own thoughts and feelings, and a safe space for expression and healing.
- Sandra Sutter
Cluster Stars was named by the two Elders who pushed me for years to produce this body of work, (Chief) Dr. Reg Crow Shoe and Rose Crow Shoe (also Crowshoe). These beautiful Elders from Piikani First Nation in southern Alberta work tirelessly to increase understanding between Peoples and to practice the traditional ways of the People. They are bundle holders, pipe carriers and lodge keepers and also teach in western institutions. Reg is a published author, in addition to carrying thousands of stories and songs in the oral tradition of the Blackfoot People. Their family tipi has a design with stories that encapsulate the theme of this recording. The sun or moon shining through the tipi casts the design of the cluster stars on the floor of the teepee and creates ethical space in which to share and communicate respectfully and safely. Reg and Rose say that "music is a connection to the stars, that's when all creation becomes alive".
This project is meant to provide a platform for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to be able to (begin, in some cases) understand some of the current and historical issues affecting and contributing to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada today. It is intended as a bridge between worldviews, an opportunity for people to explore their own thoughts and feelings, and a safe space for expression and healing.
I met Vince Fontaine at an INDspire Awards show in Calgary a couple of years ago. We have a mutual friend, Andrea McLandress, who speaks very highly of him and of his music. After hearing the music of Indian City and Eagle and Hawk, and understanding the gentle genius of the man a little better, he was a natural fit for the Cluster Stars project. When I presented him with protocol, he responded as one would hope, and it has gone well for us ever since. Vince has been working with Chris Burke-Gaffney for decades and selected Chris to join us in the production and to engineer the album.
I can't say enough about the valuable contributions of Vince Fontaine and Chris Burke-Gaffney to the success of this project. Their gifts of music, creativity and focus brought this cluster of songs into an amazing constellation of sensitivity, tranquillity and emotional connection. Their ideas and auditory visioning more than accomplished the objective of capturing the intended spirit and emotional meaning behind each piece. Having said that, I also believe that beauty (and art) is in the eye and ear of the beholder, and so is interpretation.
Lyrically and musically, these songs are Elder approved. That's assuring for me, as we began this journey with a traditional ceremony and protocol. It was important and meaningful that the solemnity that inspired this project was respected and understood.
Additionally, like the way the songs were treated, lovingly, and in a way that made them more than they were before the three of us came together, I was provided with a safe nest in which to bring my voice and ideas to be better than I was outside of the project team. It was a remarkable experience, and one that has changed me for the better, and changed my expectation of what the project is about and who it is for.
It is for all People. It is not mine, and it does not belong to the three of us. It belongs to the earth, the sky, the wind and the water, and to the Star People. It will help all of us, together, to experience the love of the Creator.
Behind the Songs
01 - "Mountain Song"
Flowing from the Indigenous spiritual belief that we are one with nature, Mountain Song is about our ancestors calling us to remember them, to learn from them and to stay connected with nature. The message is quite simple: if we take care of Mother Earth, she will take care of us. The song attempts to convey the wisdom of our ancestors, who have long since passed into the Spirit world, but continue to watch over us. Their message is all the more relevant today, as Mother Earth is under siege and hurting. Mountain Song reminds us that we are the protectors of Mother Earth and we have the wisdom and ability not only to heal our planet, but also ourselves by tapping into that ancient wisdom and staying connected to nature.
02 - "How Many Times"
Inspired by an Indigenous Women's Leadership course that I attended some time ago, this song is meant to remind us of the importance of women and the support they need and deserve when they suffer loss. The song touches on the issue of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls, and is meant to open our hearts and minds toward understanding the decades of trauma that many Indigenous women have suffered. This song reminds us that many of our struggles as marginalized people are intergenerational, but there's hope that we can break this cycle.
03 - "Love Touch"
Like any piece of art, the meaning is often in the eye of the beholder. In this case, in the ear of the listener, depending on whether the lyrics are interpreted literally or metaphorically. Is Love Touch a song about a love so strong that it's painful, or is it explicitly about escaping from an abusive, controlling relationship? Whatever the interpretation, the ending is meant to be empowering and haunting at the same time.
04 - "Song of Heaven"
This song was written to help people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by supporting them in telling their stories. It is meant to draw people in lyrically, and to create a safe space for PTSD suffers to be able to share their stories, knowing they have the support of loved ones and those who have already left this world. When I was talking with Reg and Rose Crow Shoe of the Piikani First Nation about this song, Reg mentioned he had a similar song that was passed along to him from his grandmother and father. It is a song to acknowledge war veterans and others who deserve to be honoured. It is fitting that both the old song and the new song are brought together on this track.
The Honour Song that has been shared in 'Song of Heaven' has been earned and given to the Crowshoe family through generations; passed down and learned exactly, note for note and word for word. Reg has followed protocols to be able to share this honour song with us in this way. We do not perform that song live unless Reg is with us to perform it, because Sandra has not earned the right to share it. The teachings necessary to earn that right would take a lifetime.
05 - "My Father's House"
This is a fun little tune, a play on the biblical story where Jesus says his father's house has many rooms. It is about hope and optimism, and reminds us that God (the Creator) is around us all the time and within each of us. This song is fast and doesn't leave much time to reflect while listening, but hopefully it brings the listener to a good place.
06 - "Indian in the Child"
This song fulfills a special request from Vincent Yellow Old Woman, former Chief of Siksika Nation. Chief Vincent asked me to write a song that included these six words: "Kill the Indian in the Child." We talked about his journey as a residential school survivor and the importance of ending the song on a positive note. A friend and a fellow musician, Jim Peace, spent considerable time working with me to find a way to capture Chief Vincent's vision. We found ourselves deliberating about music that could appropriately reflect the sombre tone of the message. So, in Leonard Cohen fashion, Indian in the Child became lyrics with minimal musical content. Chief Vincent is hopeful this song will help people in their healing and help others better understand the impact of residential schools.
07 - "Peaceful Nation"
This song is bookended with the resonant sound of Scottish bagpipes, also part of my ancestry – the part that helped conceal my Indigenous heritage to facilitate my adoption as an infant. In the spirit of the song, I harbour no anger or resentment – I feel peace and gratitude that I was raised in a loving family and was able to uncover who I am, and that I have reconnected with many of my blood relatives along the way. Peaceful Nation is meant to show that we have more in common than we sometimes think, and that we all desire one thing – to live in peace and harmony with each other and with nature. This is our natural way of being. We need to remember to be compassionate since we are all brothers and sisters.
08 - "What did it Cost You"
Stemming from my long-held admiration for country music legend Patsy Cline, this song is kind of an anomaly for this project. I developed an appreciation of Patsy's story and music when I recorded one of her pieces for a compilation project. I was nineteen and in a metal/heavy rock band at the time, so recording a country song was a stretch. I remember reading about how she would sew her own costumes until her fingers bled and thought often about how her many other gifts were never fully realized because of her sudden death. What Did It Cost You is a reflection on not only Patsy Cline's life, but also the tremendous sense of loss we feel when someone dies prematurely.
09 - "Real"
This song is a metaphysical and spiritual reflection, recognizing a deep yearning from within to feel connected with someone or something, whether it's other people, nature or a higher power. When we feel inauthentic, don't belong or have no family or meaningful social group – perhaps in times of loss and grief – we forget to connect in ways that work for us individually. I wrote this song during a time of loss when I was reflecting on how we have to move forward with our lives. Trusting in our faith in the Creator doesn't stop us from reflecting on what it means to be real and authentic, or realizing that we may already be there.
10 - "Thank You"
This song speaks not only to the gratitude I have for my mother – a totally quirky and talented artist – but also to the respect and appreciation I have for Mother Earth. Life isn't always easy. From time to time, we seek guidance from our parents with the expectation of a child; that they have all the answers. Sometimes they don't. Mothers try to steer us toward a good path in ways we don't always appreciate, just like Mother Earth is trying to steer us towards a more responsible path. I believe mothers always love their children to the best of their ability. It can be difficult to show love, when you have not been shown a lot of love. We can still feel grateful for the ultimate gift, the gift of life.
11 - "Breathe"
This song was written in remembrance of Dr. Joane Cardinal-Schubert, a First Nations artist and advocate for Indigenous and women's rights worldwide. For many years, Joane led a non-profit Aboriginal arts organization that sought to build bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Joane always stayed true to her words of advice. While encouraging others to dream big, she also accomplished a lot in her lifetime. Breathe is meant to remind people that we are all created to be our best and that our breath connects us to ourselves, to each other, and to the Creator.
12 - "Goodbye"
This song was written for people who have had to say goodbye to someone they love, especially for those whose children were taken away, or who had to leave their children for someone else to raise. Although never directly stated, the song is meant to connect with the many people affected by the "sixties scoop" or who were lost in the foster care system. We never get over that kind of loss. Hopefully, we can hold on to the dream of someday reuniting, in this life or the next. I, personally, have been able to fulfill that dream and have been reunited with many of my blood relatives. I now enjoy the best of both worlds.
Additional Notes on Song Order
The song order is intentionally structured to take the listener on an emotional journey. The story begins with our ancestors, the internal connection we have with them (although we don't always realize it) and the power they have to help us through feelings of isolation, times of loss or domestic violence.
My Father's House is where we retreat. It's a safe place where we can share brutal truths about where we've been, knowing we are moving toward something better. Our natural ways are peaceful, yet so many of us leave this world suddenly, with unfulfilled dreams and stories left untold. We eventually come to realize our connection to the star people, our guides and ancestors, and those who have gone before, offering us a glimmer of light so that we can follow a good path.
Realizing our connection to where we come from allows us to be Real, Breathe and express our gratitude (Thank You). And yet, we are continuing on a journey knowing that our souls and families can still be ripped apart, but we retain eternal hope that we will find each other again.


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DEAL ALERT: Bose Quiet Comfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple or Android devices only $179.99 – Lowest Price Ever!
Amazon is offering the best-in-class Bose Quiet Comfort 25 Heaphones for Apple or Android devices at a jaw-dropping $179.99. This is the lowest price we've ever seen on these headphones and beats the everyday, manufacturer set price by an astonishing $100 dollars off.
Bose is recognized as the class leader in noise cancelling headphones and the QC25s are personally the headphones I use all day at work. They are great! Be sure to select either Apple or Android versions to take full advantage of the in-line mic and controls (music playback is the same across versions)
- Significant Noise Reduction For Travel.Headphones:19.1 cm H x 15.2 cm W x 2.3 cm D (195.6 g). Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Deep, Powerful Sound For The Music You Love
- Inline Mic/remote For Music And Calls
- Designed specifically for use with select iPod, iPhone and iPad models
- These headphones are compatible with most Android, Windows and BlackBerry smartphones


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Welcome to the Sparta Middle School Library!
We are open from 7:30am-3:00pm
Contact number 616 887-8211
Library News!!
Please bring your empty ink cartridges to the library for our recycling fund raiser. We also collect Spartan UPC labels. All proceeds benefit the library media center. There is also a collection bin outside the main office.
Thank You!!!