text:
Amelia Aldred is a senior research analyst at the University of Chicago. She specializes in international research, arts fundraising and internal communications and has an academic background in ethnographic field research and survey design. Follow her nonprofit adventures on Twitter, @ameliaaldred, or via her blog at www.ameliaaldred.com. Author of "The Art of the Interview."
Farouk Aregbe has worked in higher education for 17 years serving in student affairs, academic affairs and advancement since 2019. As the director of analytics at the University of Missouri, he aims to create a data-inspired culture that supports decision making and increases philanthropic giving. He enjoys teaching to sharpen his own skills while inspiring others to discover their superpowers. Follow Farouk on LinkedIn. Author of "Adding SQL to Your Analytics or Prospect Research Tool Belt: A Beginner's Tutorial."
Sarah Anderson has worked in the field of prospect research for 10 years. She is currently a research analyst at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, which recently completed a $1.5 billion fundraising campaign. Sarah previously worked with the University of Alberta and the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. She has served on the board of Apra Canada since 2015, and has previously presented at Apra International and Apra Canada conferences. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn. Co-author of "Privacy and Prospecting in Canada: An Introduction."
Mirabai Auer is the director of analytics and reporting at the University of Chicago. She leads a team of analysts and architects to help grow fundraising and engagement using data, technology and reporting. Co-author of "More Than Tweets and Clicks: Leveraging Digital Data Analytics to Gain Insights."
Jessica Balsam is the director of prospect management at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is past president of Apra-NW and is the recipient of the 2016 Apra Professional of the Year award. Her 16 years in non-profit work have included positions at museums, in higher education, and as a database consultant and board member for small non-profits. Author of "Pitch Yourself."
Krista Berg is a prospect management strategist at the University of Washington. She has been working in development for over 10 years, starting as a student caller at the UW. She is also the current president of her regional chapter of Apra, Apra-NW. Co-author of "Mary, Mary, How Does Your Data Grow?"
Stephanie Brouwer is currently serving as a research associate at United Way of Central Indiana. She has eight years of experience serving in the higher education industry in various positions. Stephanie is also a Gallup-certified Strengths Educator and leads informational sessions about how to use StrengthsFinder in the workplace. Author of "Leading With Your Strengths: Using StrengthsFinder to Build Successful Relationships."
Helen Brown is president of The Helen Brown Group, a full-service prospect research consulting company in Watertown, Massachusetts. Helen is a former Apra and NEDRA board member and a past recipient of the NEDRA Ann Castle Award. Author of "This Is Pride."
Glenda Carnate is a senior data analyst for Harvard University Alumni Affairs & Development. She leads the analytics practice. Carnate has 20 years of experience in the analytics space as a report developer, analyst, influencer and manager/leader in analytics. Author of "Apra's Data Symposium: Analytics that Work for Me!"
Barron Cato is the assistant director of fundraising and engagement data science at the University of Washington. Barron has served on the Northwest Development Officers Association Board (NDOA), the Apra Data Analytics Symposium Committee and the Apra Awards Committee (as chair). He has presented on prospect research and analytics at NDOA, UW fundraising certificate courses, Apra-NW, Apra Data Analytics Symposium and Apra OverDrive. Barron received the Apra Margret Furhy Award in 2014. Author of "Creating Clusters for Strategic Segmentation."
Tracey Church has been a professional researcher for over 20 years, has worked with over 300 organizations, and is the past president of Apra Canada. She is the principal researcher and consultant with her own company, Tracey Church & Associates, Research + Consulting Services (www.traceychurchresearch.com). Tracey is a part-time faculty member at Western University (London, Ontario) teaching the Prospect Research in Fundraising course. Co-author of "See the Forest and the Trees: Internal Campaign Factors."
Lisa Clark is the director of prospect development at Creighton University. Liz has worked in higher education for 12 years and oversees a team of three people. She has been a speaker at multiple Apra conferences and has held various volunteer leadership roles in support of the Apra International PD conference, including curriculum committee member in 2015 and 2020, Apra Talks co-chair in 2017, and Conference Chair in 2021. In addition to prospect development work, Liz holds a master's degree in negotiation and conflict resolution from Creighton University and a certificate in mediation endorsed by the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Karla Y. Davis is a prospect information analyst at Northwestern University and a member of Apra's editorial advisory committee. Author of "Apra Scholarship."
Tawnia Daughton is a privacy business advisor with Alberta Health Services (AHS), Canada's first and largest province-wide fully integrated health system. Prior to joining AHS, she was a prospect research and corporate records analyst at the University of Alberta. Tawnia has previously presented at Apra International and Apra Canada Conferences. Follow Tawnia on LinkedIn. Co-author of "Privacy and Prospecting in Canada: An Introduction."
Anne Dean is managing director of Research and Relationship Management at George Washington University (GW), leading the team of more than 10 prospect development professionals. Pushing the boundaries of what it means to provide prospect research and relationship management services to a division of more than 200, the team utilizes annual project-based goals and professional development plans. Before coming to GW in 2012, Anne was with UC San Diego, starting in External Affairs in 2004 and moving to Development Research in 2006. Anne earned her bachelor's degree in economics, magna cum laude, from Vanderbilt University and completed a certificate in Work Leadership from UC San Diego in 2010. Anne is the author of "Quilting Qualification: A Museum Prospecting Story."
Rodger Devine is the senior executive director of business intelligence at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where he oversees data analytics, information strategy, advancement operations, gift and data administration, gift proposal development, and leadership annual giving programs. Rodger completed his graduate studies in information, analysis and retrieval at the University of Michigan. Author of "6 Ways to Effectively Drive Analytics Adoption."
Andrea Dowd is the author of the Connections article "A Circle of Connections: Being Open With Your Network During the Job Search" and recently began a new role as a prospect research analyst at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, Minnesota. She previously served as a prospect research program manager at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, and served in prospect research roles at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Northeastern University in Boston. These days, you can find her stepping up her Apra-MN Chapter board duties, volunteering for the United Way of Freeborn County, reading lots of books, helping her friends and family when the need arises and celebrating the successful end to her most recent job hunting experience.
Susan Faraone is a senior consultant at Aspen Leadership Group, and was formerly the editor of Connections. She has worked in higher education institutions for much of her 35-year career in a wide variety of roles, leading strategic and campaign planning, front-line fundraising teams, prospect development, advancement operations, donor relations and stewardship. Author of "In Praise of Our Teachers, and One (Small) Request," "Insight That Inspires: The Evolution of Connections," "The Other End of the Rainbow," "Apra Professional of the Year Award"and "The Apra BOK Puts the 'Professional' in Professional Development."
Ernesto Fernandez is the associate director for business solutions at Harvard Business School. He has served in a wide range of fundraising and grant-making roles since 2007 and across development shops at Harvard University since 2014. Fernandez holds both a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He can be reached with questions and feedback at email@example.com or at linkedin.com/in/efern. Fernandez is the co-author of "Getting From Here to There: A Practical Guide to Managing Data Analytics Projects."
Patrick Frigge is an occupational therapy intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and recently received his master's degree in occupational therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Author of "Researchers at Risk: Uncovering the Dangers of Prolonged Sitting."
Becky Fullmer is the executive director of prospect management and research at the University of Cincinnati, and is a member of the Apra editorial advisory committee. Author of "Apra Distinguished Service Award" and "It Takes a Village: Best Practices for Principal Gift Pipeline Management."
Daniel H. Greeley was the prospect researcher at the Land Trust Alliance, a land conservation organization of more than 1,200 land trust members. He previously worked in political fundraising, helping to raise a half million dollars for the 2010 Joe Fernandez Rhode Island Attorney General campaign and more than $3 million for the 2008 Betsy Markey congressional campaign. Author of "Data Mining Political Giving."
Karen Greene joined Marts & Lundy in January 2014, bringing decades of experience as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the field of advancement operations. A pioneer in internet-based prospect research, Karen co-authored a prize-winning paper on the topic in 1993. She possesses a broad spectrum of expertise including prospect research and management, stewardship, events, finance and budget, campaign management, frontline fundraising and strategic digital engagement strategies. Her commitment, dedication and service to the field of prospect research were recognised in 2010 when she received the Apra Service Award, its highest distinction. Karen has chaired the Apra Foundation, served on the board of Apra, been a judge for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Excellence Awards and a frequent presenter for CASE, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Apra. Recently, Karen served on the faculty for the Fall 2019 CFRE study course for AFPDC.
Steve Grimes is the director of development analytics and strategy at Jazz at Lincoln Center. He oversees all reporting and analysis needs for senior leadership to help drive decision-making around fundraising activities. Previously, he was the prospect research analyst at the ACLU, working with the principal gifts team in the national office. Steve began his development career in 2006 as a prospect researcher at St. John's University. He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from SUNY at Old Westbury, a master's degree in sociology from St. John's University and another master's degree in media studies from CUNY at Brooklyn College. In addition, he completed doctoral courses at Rutgers University before deciding to focus solely on his development career.
Molly Hamrick is a senior prospect research strategist on the PRMA team at Duke University. Prior to joining Duke in 2015, she worked for seven years in development research with Georgia Tech and North Carolina State University. Originally from Kings Mountain, NC, Molly received a B.A. in Economics and Management & Society from UNC Chapel Hill. She has also completed coursework toward a Master of Public Administration degree. Author of "Wealth Screenings at Duke University: How Changes in Process Led to Better Results."
Sharise Harrison has been touting the benefits of data as a prospect development professional for 17 years. Presently, you can find her leading, analyzing and creating as the senior director of prospect management and analytics at Santa Clara University. A native of Washington, D.C., Sharise has worked in development her entire career. She has run $4-billion campaigns is always eager to learn about the next big thing in data. Her diverse experience includes: Howard University, Georgetown University, Women for Women International, The Foundation Center, University of Kentucky Healthcare and the Humane Society of the United States. Sharise is a certified Pranic Healer with a focus on mindfulness and meditation. Her volunteer work has included serving on the Apra Nominations Committee, as well as serving as chair of both the Awards Committee and Data Science Curriculum Planning Committee. She earned a B.A. in history from La Salle University, a master's in humanities from Georgetown University and a certificate in fundraising operations from Rice University. You can find Sharise on LinkedIn and Twitter at @ShariseHarrison. Sharise is the author of "Creating a Safe Space: Incorporating Mindfulness and Inclusion Into Your Leadership."
Susan Hayes-McQueen joined the University of Washington in Seattle in 1996. She has worked as a fundraiser, implemented a relationship management system and now serves as the senior director of prospect management, research & analytics. In her role, she heads a team of 18 information professionals who work with more than 185 fundraisers in more than 25 schools, colleges and campuses. Author of "Focusing on Top Prospects in the Chaos of a Campaign" and "Dealing With Change: A Reflection on 'Switch' From the Apra Advocacy Committee Book Club."
Lawrence Henze has worked in the nonprofit sector for 36-plus years, with the first 13 years focusing on development and marketing positions in the nonprofit sector, primarily in higher education. Since 1993, he has worked in the field of data and predictive analytics, creating analytics services and consulting on behalf of organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Lawrence is a frequent presenter at nonprofit conferences across the U.S. and Canada. Author of "Remarkably Outstanding Implementation: The Foundation of Positive ROI."
John Hermans has worked in the prospect development field for 19 years. He is currently the director of advancement research for the University of Toronto's Division of University Advancement, where he manages a team of prospect researchers in support of the University's $2.4-billion "Boundless" campaign. He is currently treasurer and vice president of Apra Canada. Author of "Your Neighbour to the North: Canadian Resources for US Prospect Researchers."
Anne Hofmann is a prospect research analyst at the University of New Hampshire. She has been working in higher education finance for 20 years. Starting in accounting, she transitioned to advancement operations and prospect research eight years ago. Filled with innate curiosity, she feels she has found her true calling and passion in the research field. Author of "Spending Money to Raise Money", "Prospect Research Questions Every Beginner Should Know" and "Connecting the Dots: From Researcher to Strategist."
Cecilia Hogan, director of university relations research at the University of Puget Sound, first spoke at a conference in 1995, about two years after she became a researcher. What she learned from attendees made it hard to get her to stop talking after that. She is the author of "Prospect Research: A Primer for Growing Nonprofits" (Jones & Bartlett: 2008, second ed.) and several articles about her favorite thing: wealth and philanthropy research. Author of "Something Funny Happened on the Way to Being a Presenter."
Kimberly Huebner is a development prospecting analyst at the University of Michigan. She is motivated by delivering quality names to gift officers (and by coffee and ice cream). Author of "The University of Michigan's Philadelphia Story."
Beth Inman is the national director of prospect management at JDRF based in Charleston, SC. She was formerly the senior director of prospect management and research analysis at the University of South Carolina. Beth is a native of Charlotte, NC, and holds a bachelor's degree in art history from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master's degree in art history from the University of South Carolina. Co-author of "To Keep or Release: That Is the Question."
Kari Kratky is vice president of marketing and communications at Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. In addition to marketing the firm, she works with nonprofit clients in developing and implementing communication plans; generating publicity; creating case statements, web sites, newsletters, brochures and direct mail pieces; and coordinating special events. Co-author of "A New Role for Research: The Feasibility Study."
David Lamb is a senior solutions consultant at Blackbaud, a role he took on in 2004 following three years as an independent consultant for prospect research. His Prospect Research Page is a trusted resource among prospect researchers. He is a frequent speaker at professional conferences, including those sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Apra. Author of "Predicting the Future."
Brett Lantz is the associate director of analytics at the University of Michigan Office of University Development, and the author of "Machine Learning with R." A sociologist by training, Brett is dedicated to using data to understand human behavior. Author of "Scaffolding Around the Campaign Pyramid."
Michael Lasala is an advancement research and prospect development professional with nearly 18 years of experience supporting capital campaigns at private and public universities. He is currently the director of prospect development at the University of Denver where he provides dynamic and analytical leadership to the Prospect Development Team in support of the DU's capital campaign. Co-author of "Parent Prospecting: Short Timeframe, Large Opportunity."
Shay Laderbush is the vice president of The Munshine Group. Formerly, she was a prospect research and management analyst at the University of New Hampshire. Co-author of "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How Group Prospecting Led One Team to Success."
David M. Lawson brings more than 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur focused on providing actionable insights and technology to the philanthropic community. In 1997, he founded Prospect Information Network (P!N) which became the largest wealth screening company, and received the InfoCommerce Model of Excellence Award before being purchased in 2004. In 2013, he co-founded NewSci, LLC to bring Big Data and cognitive computing to the philanthropic community. Co-author of "Life Out on the Limb."
Lori Hood Lawson is the co-founder and CEO of WorkingPhilanthropy.com. She helps to keep the nonprofit sector current in the latest issues and trends. Previously, Lori served as Director of Strategic Solutions for Kintera P!N, where she managed a team of consultants, serving more than 300 nonprofit organizations in identification of prospective donors via wealth screening. She serves as a member and former chair for the Apra Ethics Committee; member and former co-chair of its Online Curriculum Committee; and member of its Body of Knowledge committee. Co-author of "Life Out on the Limb."
Cynthia Lee is a prospect management strategist at the University of Washington. She has been working in development for over 10 years and in prospect management since 2011. Co-author of "Mary, Mary, How Does Your Data Grow?"
Katie Linder is associate director of foundation relations at the University of Michigan and former assistant director of prospect development and analytics. She is a huge fan of "Moneyball." Author of "The University of Michigan's Philadelphia Story."
Jessica Lirette is a prospect research analyst at the University of New Hampshire. Co-author of "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: How Group Prospecting Led One Team to Success."
Clara Lutz he director of prospect development at Cedarville University in Southwest Ohio. After working in the high-energy fields of politics, international relations and event planning, she transferred her analytic skill set to the field of higher education advancement. For the last five years, she has created and grown a prospect development program from the ground up at Cedarville University. In addition to managing the prospect research, prospect management, grant management and data analytics for the advancement team, she enjoys engaging with like-minded professionals and sharing best practices." Author of "Adapting Portfolios for Multiple Functions: Small Shop Benefits."
Jennifer A. MacCormack is the associate director of advancement analytics at the University of Washington. MacCormack is responsible for implementing analytical solutions across university advancement, including major giving, planned giving, annual fund and the alumni association through the use of appropriate and innovative approaches and technologies. She is currently president of Apra International and has also served on the boards of DRIVE/conference and Apra-NW. She has spoken widely at Apra and CASE on topics related to prospect research, analytics, management and leadership. Author of "Being an Intrapreneur."
Elizabeth McHugh is a consultant specializing in research, relationship management and organizational assessment. Liz has been in the prospect development profession for over 30 years with experience in higher education at the ASU Foundation, in healthcare at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Honor Health, as well as working for a variety of non-profits in the Phoenix area and beyond as a consultant. Liz is a longtime member of Apra and has been a frequent speaker on the topic of relationship management and research at Apra conferences, virtual seminars and chapter meetings, as well as local AFP meetings. Co-author of "It Could Happen to You: Giving Back to Apra."
Jill Meister is director of prospect research and management at the University of New Hampshire, and the 2017 Apra president. Meister has more than 20 years of experience in development and fundraising, and has served in several key roles that contributed to the success of six multimillion-dollar capital campaigns. She received her bachelor's degree in management from Franklin Pierce College, and her MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Author of "Apra's Ongoing Transformation," "It's All About Relationships, Networking and Connections," and "30 Is the New...."
Christine A. Mildner, CFRE, has had a long and rewarding career in health care and education fundraising. Currently, she is the senior philanthropy analyst at Legacy Health in Portland, Oregon. She also is a consultant and principal of Strategic Edge Resource Consulting. She was an editor of the Internet Prospector and has volunteered with Connections throughout her career. Author of "The Value of Persuasion and Influence," "The Margaret Fuhry Story" and "CoolData Delivers."
Xiomara J. Moncada is the senior director of strategic analytics and operations at the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where she leads a team of advancement services professionals who help grow fundraising and engagement using data, information and reporting. Xiomara completed her graduate studies in communication management at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Author of "My Career Path From Caterpillar to Butterfly."
Lindsey Nadeau is associate director, Presidential & Principal Gifts Research, at The George Washington University. Nadeau previously led development operations at the Center for American Progress, was an assistant director of prospect research and management at American University, and held multiple roles in development operations at Public Citizen. Nadeau is the immediate past president of Apra Metro DC. She holds a BA in economics from American University. Author of "Philanthropic Game Changer: The Rise of Donor-Advised Funds."
Vicki O'Brien is the prospect analyst for Best Friends Animal Society headquartered in Kanab, Utah, where she and her colleagues are working to Save Them All by 2025. Previously, Vicki was employed at the University of South Carolina as associate director of prospect research and analysis. She holds her undergraduate degree in political science from Francis Marion University and her graduate degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina. Co-author of "To Keep or Release: That Is the Question."
Joan Ogwumike is a prospect research associate, and writer for A Researcher's Diary and the Apra-Illinois' blog. She holds a master of public administration degree from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and a bachelor in mass communication with a concentration in journalism from Purdue University. Connect with Joan on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/joan-ogwumike-mpa-a1681633 and Twitter @8Joan_O.
Tim Olivieri is the principal gifts prospect research analyst at Cornell University. Prior to coming to Cornell, he worked as a risk analyst for Toyota Material Handling North America and an insurance investigator for a Buffalo-based private investigation firm. Tim is a regular presenter in Cornell's Division of Alumni Affairs and Development, providing programs for fundraisers and support staff. Author of "Private Business Valuation: Emphasize the Science, Not the Art of It."
Adrian Owen leads the 40-person Advancement Services team at the LSU Foundation which includes the departments of Analytics, Donor Relations, Information Services, Records and Data Management, and Research and Prospect Management. Adrian began her career as a working artist in visual media. This creative background has shaped her approach to data and systems. She is known for bringing a unique perspective to problem solving, coupled with technical skills honed over her time working as an analyst. Adrian is an active volunteer in her profession and the community. Her current leadership roles include serving as the editor for Apra's Connections content hub and on Executive Management for the Junior League of Baton Rouge as Annual Planning Chair. She is a graduate of the 2018 class of Leadership Baton Rouge (#BestClassEver) and the 2014 class of Barton Leaders. She is a member of the 2020 class of New Schools for Baton Rouge CHANGEMAKERS and is a 2020 Boys & Girls Club Great Futures Gala honoree. She is a former world ranked World of Warcraft player and remains an active gamer. Adrian is the author of "Everything I Needed to Know About Prospect Development I Learned From World of Warcraft: Dashboarding Edition."
Ike Pahm has been with the UWM Foundation since November 1999. He serves as the IT systems manager and is available via firstname.lastname@example.com. Featured in "IT and Research Partnerships: Enhancing Our Data Culture – Part 1 and Part 2."
Mike Pasqua is a development services professional with over 12 years of experience in the field. He is currently the director of development services at the University of San Francisco. He has been doing predictive modeling work for the past six years and has implemented predictive modeling programs at several schools where he had worked previously. Author of "How to Avoid Spaghetti Code."
Joe Pauwels is the assistant vice president for advancement services at Ohio University. He has 20 years of experience in the field, dating back to his time as a student caller for his alma mater, Michigan State University. Author of "What Gets Measured Gets Managed."
Michael Pawlus is a data scientist at University of Southern California. Prior to this, he was the director of prospect development at The Trust for Public Land, and before that the assistant director of prospect research and development at Grand Valley State University. Michael is chair of the 2018 Data Analytics Symposium planning committee. Michael has a master's degree in librarianship from the University of Sheffield and a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University. Author of "Analytics as an Investment in Yourself."
Marianne M. Pelletier is a frequent Apra contributor and former board member of Apra International and Apra New York, along with many other organizations. She is currently the managing director of Staupell Analytics Group, an all-about-data firm. Feel free to chat with Marianne at email@example.com, or check out offerings for analysts and researchers at www.staupell.com. Pelletier is the co-author of "Getting From Here to There: A Practical Guide to Managing Data Analytics Projects."
Izabela Piasecka-Latour has been a prospect researcher for over a decade. She is proud to be a contributor to Apra Canada's first book, Prospect Research in Canada: An Essential Guide for Researchers and Fundraisers (Civil Sector Press, 2016). Izabela is currently Research Associate with Tracey Church & Associates, Research + Consulting Services. Co-author of "See the Forest and the Trees: Internal Campaign Factors."
Laurie Porter has been a prospect researcher since 1996. Her first position was at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, followed by Mayo Scottsdale, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, the Institute of Human Origins at ASU, and Arizona State University Foundation. She is also the owner of Research*By*Design, a full-service research business providing donor, demographic, trends and real-estate research. The business was formed in 2012, and is currently active. Author of "Thinking About Thinking About...."
Michael Quevli joined Blackbaud in 2008 after working for a number of years in nonprofit prospect development. Michael began his career in prospect research in 1996 at AIDS Project Los Angeles. He was also at the Keck School of Medicine for seven years prior to joining Kintera in 2005. He served on the board of directors for Apra for nine consecutive years and was president in 2012. He is currently serving on the board of trustees for Apra. Finally, Michael served for three consecutive terms on the Stephens College Alumnae Association Board. He is a frequent speaker for Apra and taught at the College of Extended Learning at Cal State Northridge in prospect research and prospect management. Co-author of "It Could Happen to You: Giving Back to Apra."
Brian Robertson is a prospect development analyst at the University of Missouri. He works with fundraising professionals to discover philanthropy that embodies, supports and connects higher education with student development and success. Brian has supported educational opportunities in a variety of experiences from extension outreach, teaching curriculum and prospect research. He has honed his expertise in data analysis throughout this time from publishing research articles in energy conservation, developing curriculum in Precision Agriculture, and implementing predictive modeling techniques that measure constituent affinity in prospect development. Brian received two bachelor's degrees in Agricultural Systems Management and Agricultural Economics and a master's in Agricultural Systems Management from the University of Missouri. In addition, he completed doctoral courses at the University of Missouri before reallocating his career emphasis on development research and data analytics. Brian is the author of "Predictive Modeling Case Study: From Theory to Application."
Tarak Shah is the assistant director for Prospect Analytics in UC Berkeley's Prospect Development, where he has worked since 2006 building analyses, models, tools and other data-related products. He has previously presented at CARA, CASE and APRA conferences, and participated on the team that built Berkeley's entity match web service, which received a 2016 CASE Grand Gold Award. He is online at https://tarakc02.github.io/. Author of "Building the Discovery Engine."
Jeanne Sharp is the director of prospect development at the University of Arizona Foundation, where she oversees the prospect research and prospect management functions within the University Development Program. Jeanne celebrates 20 years as a development professional this year, having held a variety of roles in a wide range of organizations, from K-12 schools to animal shelters and virtually everything in between. She is a proud graduate of Whitman College and holds a BA in Art History & Visual Culture Studies. Co-author of "Toward A More Holistic View of Moves Management."
Jason Shults is an associate director of prospect research at the University of Arizona. He has worked in nonprofits for more than a dozen years in many capacities, including gift entry, data integrity/records specialist, and membership coordinator. He holds a BS in Management and an MBA from the University of Central Missouri, and is currently studying in the graduate program of the University of Arizona. Co-author of "Toward A More Holistic View of Moves Management."
Sadie Slager is a prospect research professional specializing in higher education development settings. She currently works as a prospect research analyst with the University of Arizona Foundation, after having worked for two years in prospect for her alma mater, Ohio Wesleyan University. Sadie works on reactive and proactive prospect research and is always on a mission to eliminate dirty data anywhere and everywhere. Author of "Feeding the Pipeline: Designing and Refining a Proactive Referral Process."
Trevor Stasik has been a prospect researcher and donor data analyst with Make-A-Wish® America since April 2014. He was previously in records management and financial services. He holds a CAPM from the Project Management Institute, and a BBA in finance and communications from Temple University. Author of "How to Cultivate the Gift Officer Relationship."
Paul J. Strawhecker, MPA, ACFRE, has led the consulting firm bearing his name, Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc., since its inception in 1995. The firm has served more than 300 nonprofit organizations in all areas of fundraising. He started the planned giving program at Boys Town; served as vice president of development for a national nonprofit hospital and nursing home group with 75 facilities; and directed fundraising for a private university system with campuses in Michigan, Florida and Texas. Co-author of "A New Role for Research: The Feasibility Study."
Marissa Todd, JD, MBA, has been working in non-profit and higher education fundraising for over a decade. Although she has dabbled in prospect development since 2008, she really found her passion for the profession at her first Apra conference in 2014. Since then, Marissa has focused on developing and growing small shops, first at Stephens College and now at the University of Central Missouri, where she is the director of prospect management and research. She is very involved with Apra, serving on the board of the Missouri-Kansas Chapter, the Apra Chapters Committee and the 2016 ARC Conference Committee. Author of "Beyond Fundraising: Prospecting for Alumni Engagement."
Andrea Topham has been leading teams in the nonprofit, public and private sectors for more than 15 years. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in innovation leadership and is enthusiastic about employing innovation to produce positive community impact. Andrea is the executive director of ATN Access Inc. and serves as board chair for Changing Ways and Caring Dad's, located in London, Ontario Canada. Author of "Engaging Donors Through Strength-Based Storytelling."
Amy S. Turbes currently holds the position of senior director of strategy, research and development at Creighton University, where she has worked for 10 years. As an Apra member, Turbes has been involved with several committees, including chair of the education and professional development committee and member of the nominations committee and the curriculum planning committee. Her first introduction to the prospect development community was with the Apra-Great Plains Chapter, where she previously served as chapter president, conference chair and member-at-large. Author of "Advocacy Conversation" and "Book Review: 'Prospect Research in Canada: An Essential Guide for Researchers and Fundraisers.'"
Thomas T. Turner is director of research and prospect management at International Justice Mission and a member of the Apra Editorial Advisory Committee. Author of "Book Review: 'Building Your Analytics Workshop: A Workbook for Nonprofits,'" "Review: 'Giving USA 2017,'" and "Book Review: 'Data Science for Fundraising: Build Data-Driven Solutions Using R.'"
Sam Venable is a customer success manager at Reeher LLC. Prior to his current role, he was fortunate enough to work on both sides of the table — as a frontline officer and a prospect researcher — and finds the intersection of data and narrative fascinating. Co-author of "What Gets Measured Gets Managed."
Jeffrey A. Walker, Ph.D., has been the director of research in UWM's Development and Alumni Relations Office since January 2011 and is also a longtime member of the Apra Editorial Advisory Committee. He is available via email@example.com, www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwalkerphd and www.facebook.com/jeffwalkerphd. Author of "The Apra Foundation Margaret Fuhry Grant," "25 Years in Research: Looking Back, Ahead, and All Around Our Campfire With Cecilia Hogan," and "IT and Research Partnerships: Enhancing Our Data Culture – Part 1 and Part 2."
Amanda Ward is the assistant director of research and relationship management at Rollins College, where she is responsible for proactive identification and qualification of Rollins alumni and community members, as well as relationship management for the school's development officers and campus leadership. She earned her undergraduate degree and MBA from Rollins, where she has worked in development for six years. In addition to her work at Rollins, Amanda is a board member with local economic development non-profit organizations REBUILD globally and the Polis Institute. Co-author of "Parent Prospecting: Short Timeframe, Large Opportunity."
Ian T. Wells is the president of Ian T. Wells & Associates, a consulting firm providing research and advisory services to non-profit organizations in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. He also serves as vice president of the New England Development Research Association (NEDRA), and is co-chairman of NEDRA's Sponsorship Committee. Ian was previously the director of prospect development for Boston College, and prior to that, served as associate director of development, prospect research at Massachusetts General Hospital. He began his career at Boston Children's Hospital. Author of "Five Steps to a Successful Campaign."
Donia Wright is a research officer in the department of prospect management at Texas Christian University and has been in this role for over five years. She serves as vice president of Apra – North Texas and is responsible for all the chapter's social media and blogging. Prior to her work in prospect management, Donia worked on the academic side of campus, working as a full-time researcher in the department of religion. She has a master's degree in history from Western Michigan University. Donia is the author of "Show Me the Money: Bulk Ratings Upload."
Xiaohong Zhang is a data architect on the Analytics and Business Intelligence team at University of Chicago. She is an analytics and IT professional focused on developing the platforms and tools that enable data-savvy teams. Co-author of "More Than Tweets and Clicks: Leveraging Digital Data Analytics to Gain Insights."


text:
There is that one place in the yard. You know the one. Not much will grow there. But you're looking to use all of your spaces and use them well.
Whether you are growing food or growing your own medicine, it is essential to use up every little space and get the most out of it.
That shaded place in your yard, though, what do you do with it? What in the world can you grow in the shade that will use that space well? Believe it or not, there are a whole host of shade-loving herbs that can fill those spaces!
You read the secret garden as a little girl and imagined the vast walls of climbing plants surrounding that quiet, beautiful place. The place that shuts the world out and there was nothing to worry about except for admiring the beauty of God's creation. That and maybe the excellent book that you brought with you.
Now the garden provides you the same solace and peace. Now it's time to expand to growing your own medicines. A place that will provide you with all the natural medicines you use to heal your family. A sense of security that the herbs you need are affordable and growing right at your fingertips. St. Johns Wort for muscle and nerve pain, the beautiful echinacea flowers for colds and flu, and the tiny, yet tasty, elderberries for immune health.
But where in the world do you start with planning your own herbal tea garden? How do you grow those herbs that you intend to turn into powerful medicines?
There are lots of things to consider!
Herbal Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies
Goli Apple Cider Gummies are all the rage right now. These herbal apple cider vinegar gummies tout their high nutritional value, ability to build immunity, help with detoxification, and ability to manage weight. As well as a way to get all of the benefits of raw apple cider vinegar without the tart puckering taste of drinking it straight.
But, what if you could make something similar right at home for just pennies on the dollar? And what if you could make them any flavor you wanted?
Were going to chat about how to do just that, right at home!
Allergy Fighting Tea Recipe
After a record cold and flu season, followed by the Coronavirus, seasonal allergies are not far behind, or perhaps they have already hit where you are.
Rather than be the bearer of bad news (that allergy season is coming), I hope that this herbal tea can have you well prepared to battle allergy season before it hits.
Did you know that nettles can help reduce the inflammatory response caused by allergies? NCBI 2009 Nettles aren't the only herb that can come to your aide this allergy season!
Diet, rest, hydration are just the start of preventing colds, coughs, and the flu. But what happens when you catch that virus going around? Natural herbal medicines are a great way to try and help those symptoms out at home when they are in their earliest stages.
In last week's post (Tools for Preventing Coughs, Colds, and Flu Part I), we chatted about the Coronavirus along with ways to prevent getting viruses, including the common cold and flu. This week it is time to dive deep into the types of herbs that one might find helpful in preventing coughs, colds, and flu along with those that are helpful after catching them.
The Coronavirus is topping all of the headlines this cold and flu season. As of the date of this post, there has been a reported 7,700 cases and 170 deaths.
The fear of this unknown virus is causing panic among the nation and worry and concern amongst caregivers, especially mothers. We have had people asking us what herbs might prevent catching viruses should they come to our area.
Not only is the Coronavirus a concern but also the usual run of cold and flu season. Interestingly enough, the Coronavirus has very similar symptoms to cold and flu symptoms.
Here is something that may surprise you, though!
It's that time of year where the stores start stocking up on roses and other flowers. Boxes of chocolate begin to line the shelves. St. Valentine's day is only a little over a week away.
While St. Valentine is remembered by the giving of gifts and notes to those we love, this month is also American Heart Health Month. Those roses and chocolate not only bring smiles to our faces as physical proofs of love, but they also have medicinal effects on the body as well.
I don't know about you, but I'm always happy to find out more good news about my favorite herb, chocolate. Are you ready to read all of the reasons that you SHOULD be eating more chocolate?
There is a chill in the air. The mornings are a bit crisper and the sun sets a bit earlier. Yellow, orange, and red leaves are popping up more and more. My tea is turning from fruity, sweet, and iced to hot, rich, and spicy.
Fall is in the air and in my cup.
With all of that comes back-to-school season (or in our case, homeschool season), and with back-to-school usually comes back-to-germs, colds and flus.
No need to fear though! This week we are sharing a secret weapon of how you can fight cold and flu season naturally. Not only will this super awesome berry syrup help you prevent colds and flus, but it will help kick any cold and flu you catch, to the curb, quicker and faster. This berry syrup is full of super berry goodness and one berry in the mix you may not even be familiar with.
Two words.
Chocolate. Mint.
Ok! That concludes this blog post!
Just kidding! Two of my favorite flavors are chocolate and mint but today we are going to just chat about Peppermint.
Not only is it tasty with chocolate, but it also shines when it comes to digestive health, cooking, headaches and muscle cramps.
Oregano isn't just for pizza and pasta! Whether its small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), candida, coughs, colds, or toenail fungus. There is probably a use for oregano oil in every home.
Be it summer or winter there always seems to be someone that has a bit of congestion from allergies or a cold. Oregano oil to the rescue to help out as a natural anti-biotic and anti-septic.
It's that time of year here down on the farm when we are harvesting roses to preserve for oils, salves, teas and other culinary uses.
Do you have rose bushes in your yard and your hoping to figure out what to do with those lovely blooms aside from them adorning your landscaping? They are so beautiful, it's hard to cut them, but their beauty goes beyond their bloom.
Today's post is going to explore everything Rose. From how to come by rose bushes, how to plant them, when and how to harvest them. After harvesting roses we are going to talk about the best way to dehydrate rose petals. After preserving our rose petals it's on to the fun process of how to turn them into something useful and go over their medicinal uses.
Black tea. Green Tea. Peppermint Tea. Chamomile Tea. Those are the must have's right? Pretty standard line up of tea when visiting any restaurant or hotel.
What is chamomile tea though? Does chamomile tea have medicinal uses? What are the medicinal uses of the chamomile flower? From calming teething toddlers to a relaxing cuppa before bedtime there are so many wonderful uses for chamomile. In today's Monograph Monday we are going to go over all those and ways to plant and use this wonderful little flower.
Hey there! Every Monday we are sharing an herbal monograph. What is an herbal monograph? Its a picture of a single herb. It's medicinal uses, culinary uses, how to plant, what the chemical make up of the plant are. Home uses and so much more!
This week we are sharing 10+ ways that lavender can be used. Ready to join us and find out what this lovely, decorative mediterranean plant can do?
How many of you are growing a garden this year? How many of you have flowers in your garden? How about medicinal flowers?
We started our garden out with just things that could be eaten. It was a way to help cut down the food cost and to know the story of where our food was coming from. Which growing methods were used, where the seeds came from, the type of soil that they were growing in.
Equally important as our vegetable garden though are our medicinals that we grow as well. It's handy to also know where our medicine comes from as well.
Today we thought we would share a bit about a favorite medicinal flower that we are growing here on the farm. Bachelor Buttons also known as cornflowers are used in many of our teas but that isn't there limitation. Join us as we go over their culinary and medicinal uses!
Hidden away in every small town are little treasures. Families and businesses plugging away at a love they have to make a living. Little hobby shops of crafters with talent. Small food producers with flavorful products. Farms with beautiful abundance. We are excited to introduce a series featuring these makers, crafters, farmers. Every week we will bring to you a new small business/product/family!
A little peek into their lives and their work. First on our interview list is Eagle Creek Lavender Farm. This beautiful farm is situated on 20 acres of beautiful country in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Bill and Mary Jabs are the owners of this beautiful farm. I first came to meet Bill and Mary through another lavender farm during our search for local lavender.
Loving to support local it just seemed wrong that our lavender in our teas was coming from France. France is a lovely place, don't get me wrong, but it certainly doesn't support our local economy and there is something to be said for quality as well. Lavender that comes from that kind of a distance just can't be as fresh as the lovely lavender we have been getting from Bill and Mary's farm in Eagle Creek, Oregon!
We have enjoyed getting to know Bill and Mary so much ourselves that we decided to share about them and their hidden treasure of a farm with you all. We interviwed them both so we could share with you.
Could you tell our readers a little bit about your farm and antique cars?
Bill's passion for antique cars goes back to his teenage years, although he didn't pursue it much until the past 15 years. The collection now consists of about 30 cars of many makes and models, with Model A Fords and Packard's the most prevalent. Bill restores cars year around, and is constantly looking for that next gem.
What did you do prior to farming lavender? Mary was a high school teacher specializing in health sciences and Bill was a civil engineer.
What got your started in farming lavender? Bill wanted to be a farmer all is life, and Mary has a passion for landscaping and flowers, so we came together on the decision to grow lavender.
Share the process from planting to harvest, cleaning and the products you make. Lavender plants have a life span of 15 years, and take about 3 years to mature. All of our plants are on drip irrigation, so we are able to get optimal growth. If the plant is harvested for oil, it is hand harvested, put into a steel container and steam distilled to produce essential oil and lavender water, also known as hydrosol. Both are marketable products. Our Buena Vista variety yields two cuttings per year if irrigated, normally cut in July and September. Lavender cut for culinary and other dried product uses, is hand harvested in 1" bundles, hung upside down to dry for about one week, debudded and then cleaned. We have a unique debudding machine that came from Canada, and an old fashion seed cleaning machine which has been adapted for use in cleaning lavender. Cleaning consists of removing stems and leaves from the lavender buds. Future plans include developing a lavender harvesting machine to reduce dependency on labor, which is becoming more difficult to obtain.
Could you tell a us a little about what a day in the life of a lavender farmer looks like? Lavender farming is like any other farming, intensive in the spring and summer and less intensive in the late fall and winter. As soon as weather permits in the spring, we are preparing the ground for new plantings. Lavender starts usually arrive in April and are immediately planted. Once planted, we try to get the rows mulched with wood waste products and plant grass in between the rows. Weeding and mowing become extensive activities throughout the growing season. In our case, we have a lavender festival in late June, so we have lots of preparation to do to prepare our farm for guests. In 2017, we had about 1000 attendees in two days. Then in July and September, we harvest, distill, dry and process the lavender. We also have a winter open house and do some events away from the farm, so are constantly preparing product and filling orders. Farming also continues in the fall, with ground preparation and planting of a cover crop where lavender is to be planted the following spring.
How do you tell the different varieties of lavender apart? How many varieties do you plant? Are there different uses for different varieties? We have 12 varieties and some are easily distinguished by stem length and color, but we mark all rows to make sure we don't get the varieties mixed up. Some varieties only produce one cutting, while others can produce up to three times per year. We have several blue and purple varieties, along with white and pink. Certain varieties are best for oil, dried bouquets, and/or culinary purposes. Our intent is to keep a balance, depending on what our clientele are looking for.
What type of growing conditions does lavender prefer? Lavender is a fairly hardy plant and can grow in varied conditions. It likes sunshine, free draining soil and needs to have the soil pH neutral or slightly basic. We use lots of lime to our soil to keep it "sweet". Lavender also needs to be cut back each fall, or the plants will get "woody" and "floppy". We trim each plant in the fall.
What type of products do you sell and where are they available? Eagle Creek Lavender has about 30 products, ranging from essential oil, to a line of bath and body products, dried lavender sachets and bundles, culinary lavender buds, neck and eye pillows and other products using our raw lavender products. We also sell honey from bees housed on our property. We sell both wholesale and retail during our festival, farm tour, holiday open house, various local market events and by individual appointments. We just opened our first retail outlet at Birch and Crow Vintage Market in Battleground, Washington, and are in the planning stages of online sales.
Thank you Bill and Mary! We enjoyed chatting and sharing a bit about Eagle Creek Lavender! We are so excited to have found such a lovely farm dedicated to high quality lavender. We were impressed with the fresh fragrance, the very very clean product and the flavor surpasses any other lavender that we have experienced.
To get more of Eagle Creek Lavender Farm and meet Bill and Mary make sure you hop on over to their website Eagle Creek Lavender or check out their lavender shoppe located at 27525 SE Starr Rd, Eagle Creek, Oregon 97022.
Want to snag some of our tea with this lovely lavender? Check out our Rose City Repose tea and Cascade Earl Grey blends.
Until next week, keep steeping it local!
What can you grow on 2 acres? We're on a mission to find out from tomatoes to green beans and chamomile to borage. We have plans to make use of every bit of our land to grow edibles to feed our family and our tea customers tea cabinet.
This year we planted a test plot of borage and it did super well! What is borage? Its a plant that tastes like a cucumber but has beautiful blue star shaped flowers. We are sharing our harvest and more details about this bee attracting plant in this weeks youtube video! Check it out below!
Tea Cup Herb Garden (In Your Kitchen)
BRRRR! How is the weather where you are?
Here..... well, its almost freezing! We seemed to have about a week of fall and then the winter switch got flipped. 30 miles from us it was snowing! Fall on the farm means getting ready for winter. We seem to be having troubles keeping up with that here.
This week though we brought in some herbs from our greenhouse and garden so that we could have some during the winter to use fresh in cooking and in making tea. Lemon balm, anise hyssop, rosemary and chamomile.
While at a second hand store I found these adorable tea cups with herbs all along them and thought what better use than to put herbs in them too.
Below is a short tutorial and video on how to make your very own! Just plant - even if its in a tea cup and in your kitchen. Its a space everyone can have a little living green in their home and there is nothing like fresh herbs in cooking or in your tea pot! Cheers!
Tea Cup Kitchen Garden
What you need:
1 tea cup, coffee mug, or small pot of choice
1 small plant per cup, mug or pot
1/4 cup or so of a well drained potting mix (something with peet moss and vermiculite is great!)
Handful of small gravel, small river rock or other similar material
1.) Fill container (cup, mug or pot) about 1/8 to 1/4 full of your rock of choice. The smaller the better. The rock is going to drain the water so that the roots don't sit in water and rot. Sand works also and some research also says that adding some activated charchol will really help with the drainage.
2.) Place plant on top of the rock inside your container of choice, making sure any roots are pointed downward.
3.) Add soil mix around the plant so that the plant stands up.
4.) Water a little tiny bit not more than 1 tsp for a small cup. Decorate the top with remaining rocks if you wish.
trouble shooting drainage issues
- Remove plant and planting material. Drill a small hole with a dremel and diamond bit. Repot as before. Make sure to put a plate or other water catch under your cup.
- Change up the soil adding more sand and peet moss to help with draining.
- Make sure your plant is the right size for your container. You may need a larger container or smaller pot.
Our yard is over taken with black berry leaves, here in Oregon they are invasive and usually a pain for many a land owner. They grow wild on the side of the road, they over take everything if not kept at bay. We have taken that problem and turned it into a solution by using them in one of our most popular teas. Check out this weeks YouTube video on how we use many of the wild edibles and weeds in our yard!
The "farm" animals
This week in the garden (ours and thiers!)
in the dehydrator
in the bakery (aka kitchen)
Dehydrating ginger for tea
Since our little farm is in the very beginning stage in terms of growing plants most of the medicinal herbs we use come from Mountian Rose Herbs or Amazon.
I was in need of some dried ginger for a tea blend and the price to purchase it already dried was rather high so off to the store I went and picked up some fresh ginger for a couple of dollars.
There are several ways to peel ginger, or rather several tools that can be used. Such as a pairing knife, a spoon and a potato peeler. I found that the pairing knife worked best but that the spoon was handy for getting around all the knobby parts of the ginger.
Once the ginger is peeled next take a sharpe slicing knife and cut the ginger into 1/4 inch slices and then into match sticks and from there into 1/8 in squares or so and place them on your dehydrator tray.
Make sure to spread the ginger evenly, or somewhat evenly, over the tray so that the air can circulate around it and it will all dry in about the same amount time. Dehydrate the ginger at 115 degrees for about 2-4 hours. It really did not take as long as I imagined that it would so check often and see how your ginger is doing.
The ginger is dry when it has shrunk about half its size, its brittle and very light weight with no stickiness to it. When you ginger has dried all the way place your dehydrator tray at a slant over a cloth dish towel and scoop/scrape off the dried ginger on to the towel. This towel keeps the mess mostly contained and then allows you to shake the ginger off the towel into a container. Or if there are left overs on the towel that are too small to save it is easily shaken outside and thrown into the wash for simple clean up. Place your dried ginger in a dry sealed container such as a class canning jar and seal with a lid. Store in a cool dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. Should last quite some time so long as moisture is kept from the jar.
This ginger may be used as is in a tea or decoction for things such as colds, flu, coughs and sinus infection. We plan to mix it with several other herbs in a tea blend. It can also be used in soups, stews, stir fries and any other recipe that has enough liquid to rehydrate the ginger. Or grind up these dried bits into powder for homemade ginger root spice for things like pumpkin pie or curry. There are so many different medicinal uses for ginger that a search online will turn up a whole host of things such as arthritis or assisting with burns and more.
Howdy ya'll!
My name is CeAnne, wife to my Farmer and mama to 4 adopted kiddos. I help farm lov'n mama's (and grandmas) turn common herbs into powerful medicines without being overwhelmed. Here you will find all sorts of nourishing goodness on natural medicine, herb gardening and wholesome real foods. Read more about our farm HERE.
July 2020

subset: commoncrawl


text:
BANGKOK, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is likely to have a new election in July, said Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn on Wednesday.
The Election Commission will hold talks with the caretaker government about the new election by the end of this month so that it will be held in the next 90 days or by middle or late July, Somchai said.
The caretaker government under acting premier Yingluck Shinawatra will be legally obliged to issue a new royal decree for the new election Kevin White Womens Jersey , according to the commissioner.
"The new election might take place either on July 20 or July 27 and it should not be ruled (by court) as null and void anymore," he said.
In the meantime, the polling agency will discuss the issue next Tuesday with some 70 political parties which might contest the nationwide polls, he said.
The Constitutional Court ruled last month that the February 2 election was null and void, prompting the polling agency to organize a new one.
Somchai commented that there should no longer be any problem which might otherwise disrupt the new election as in the previous one. He did not elaborate Adam Shaheen Womens Jersey , however.
In the February 2 election, 28 of all the 375 constituencies nationwide saw no contests where electoral candidates had been forcibly barred by anti-government protesters from applying.
Under the electoral system , 375 of all the 500 lawmakers in the House of Representatives will be picked from among candidates running in those constituencies while the other 125 will be picked from individuals contesting the race to parliament on lists of different parties.
Som. Cheap Jerseys Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NCAA Jerseys Online Cheap Mens MLB Jerseys Wholesale Soccer Shirts Cheap NHL Hoodies Free Shipping Cheap NBA Hoodies Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Soccer Hoodies Wholesale NFL Hoodies
ini ke 20 Supplier plat besi hitam Toko besi wf Toko besi wf Toko stainless steel Agen besi cnp undangan pernikahan akrilik Supplier Wiremesh Jual Plat Kapal Besi baja Toko plat besi hitam Pabrik besi beton Sni Ulir Polos polos ulir Agen besi wf Agen besi wf Toko atap spandek www.gudangbesibaja.com undangan pernikahan bentuk tas Supplier Besi Pipa Baja Schedule 80 Harga Plat Kapal Besi baja Agen plat besi hitam Pabrik besi beton sii Pabrik besi wf Pabrik besi wf Toko baja ringan Pabrik besi hollow Toko besi Wf Baja undangan pernikahan online Supplier Besi Pipa Baja Schedule 40 Pabrik Plat Kapal Besi baja Pabrik plat besi hitam Pabrik besi beton psi Ulir Polos Distributor besi hollow Distributor besi hollow Toko bondek Toko bondek undangan pernikahan modern Supplier Pipa Besi Hitam Medium Distributor Wiremesh Besi baja Distributor plat kapal besi baja Pabrik besi beton perwira Harga besi hollow Harga besi hollow Toko Plat kapal besi baja bki krakatau steel Toko wiremesh undangan pernikahan unik dan murah Supplier Besi Wf Supplier Wiremesh Besi baja Harga plat kapal besi baja Pabrik besi beton PAS Jual Jaket Parka Jaket Parka undangan pernikahan kalender undangan pernikahan bahasa inggris islam undangan pernikahan islami undangan pernikahan unik dan murah undangan pernikahan modern undangan pernikahan online undangan pernikahan undangan pernikahan amplop surat undangan pernikahan simple undangan pernikahan murah undangan pernikahan unik undangan pernikahan artis undangan pernikahan modern undangan pernikahan artis undangan pernikahan arab undangan pernikahan undangan pernikahan Pabrik Welded Beam Pabrik Welded Beam Jual atap spandek untuk membaca menyinggung saya dan berbicara tenta
Plumbers Mississauga
Plumber Mississauga
Plumbing Mississauga
Mississauga Plumbers
Mississauga Plumber
Plumbing Companies Mississauga
Plumbing Company Mississauga
Plumbing Repair Mississauga
Plumbing Services Mississauga
Plumbing Service Mississauga
Drain Repair Mississauga
Drain Cleaning Mississauga
Drain Service Mississauga
Clogged Drain Mississauga
Clogged Toilet Mississauga
Drains Blockage Mississauga
Drain Inspection Mississauga
Sewer Line Replacement Mississauga
Water Line Replacement Mississauga
Plumbing Contractors Mississauga
Sewer Backup Mississauga
Drain Experts Mississauga
Floor Drain Backup Mississauga
Best Plumbers Mississauga
Clogged Drain Repair Mississauga
Basement Waterproofing Mississauga
Sump Pump Installation Mississauga
Plumbing Companies Mississauga
Plumbing Company Mississauga
Drain Inspection Mississauga
Plumbing Contractors Mississauga
Sump Pump Installation Mississauga
Clogged Drain Repair Mississauga
Clogged Drain Repair Mississauga
Sump Pump Installation Mississauga
plumber toronto
plumber mississauga
plumbing companies toronto
plumbing companies mississauga
plumbing services toronto
plumbing services mississauga
plumbing toronto
plumbing mississauga
plumbers near me toronto
plumbers near me mississauga
Plumbing Repair Toronto
Drain Repair Toronto
Drain Cleaning Toronto
Clogged Drain Toronto
Emergency Plumber Toronto
Basement Waterproofing Toronto
Water Line Upgrade Toronto
Sewer Backup Toronto
Plumbing Services Scarborough
Plumbing Services Etobicoke
Plumbers Scarborough
Plumbers Etobicoke
Plumber Near Me in Etobicoke
Plumbers in Etobicoke
Emergency Plumber Etobicoke
Plumber Etobicoke Toronto
plumbers near me mississauga
Plumbing Services Scarborough
Plumbers Etobicoke
Plumber Near Me in Etobicoke
Emergency Plumber Etobicoke
Plumber Etobicoke Toronto
Bands for hire in los angeles
latin bands for weddings los angeles
Mariachi Band Los Angeles
Bandas en los angeles
Cumbia Bands Los Angeles
Latin Music Bands For Weddings
Bands For Weddings In California
wedding live band In Los Angeles
popular latin bands Los Angeles
Latin Bands for hire los angeles
Grupo Versatil California
Grupo Versatil In California
Grupos Versatiles En California
Grupo Versatil En Los Angeles
Grupo Musical Los Angeles
Latin Wedding Bands Los Angeles
Live Latin Band Los Angeles
Best Latin Band In Los Angeles
Latin Bands In Los Angeles
Hire Latin Wedding Bands
Latin band for marriage
Latin band for occasion
versatile latin band
professional latin band
professional versatil band
versatil band for marriage
latin bands for weddings los angeles
Latin Bands for hire los angeles
Grupo Versatil In California
Grupos Versatiles En California
Live Latin Band Los Angeles
Latin Bands In Los Angeles
versatile latin band
versatil band for marriage
Our call girls strive to give you the highest level of satisfaction so that you can be treated with credibility and utmost honesty. So we believe that we are different from other agencies because we treat you with respect, decency, care and we know how important it is to maintain your privacy and discretion. Our girls are chosen to provide the best companionship for every possible occasion.
Whether you are looking for a vibrant college girl, a high profile housewife, an entertaining beauty for your business meeting or the experience of a true girlfriend, reserve the ultimate pleasure meeting with escorts in DLF Phase 1. Our fine models will undoubtedly complement your occasion with their attractive appearance and exceptional service of any type.
Call girls in Dehradun
Call girls in gurgaon
High profile Call girls in gurgaon
Call girls in Gurgaon
Call girls in sikanderpur/
Call girls in Delhi
Call girls in gurgaon
Call girls in dwarka
Call girls in Rishikesh
call girls in agra
Call girls in haridwar
Call girls in Noida
call girls in Mumbai


text:
Employee provident fund (EPF), it is a saving scheme for private sector employees. To build this fund, employer deducts a fraction of employees salary (12% of basic salary) every month and contributes the equal amount to invest under EPF scheme. This is something which I guess every private sector employee who contributes under EPF must know. So lets move on and see another important aspect i.e nomination of EPF. Nomination is a process which demands the declaration of the name of the person to whom investor want to pass on the benefits in case of his/her death. Under EPF nomination, every employee has to give the details of the nominee or nominees who will receive the EPF money in case of your death.
In case of non availability of nomination details, either EPF fund remains unclaimed or creates issue between family members of the deceased member. So to avoid any such occurrence what you have to ensure is that you have given all the required nominee details of your EPF to your company or EPFO.
ALSO READ : Now You Can Check Your EPF Account Balance/ Passbook Online
EPF Nomination
Whom Can I Nominate As My Nominee For EPF Scheme?
- A married male members can nominate : His Wife, Children, dependent parents & his deceased son's widow & children.
- A married female member can nominate : Her Husband, Children, dependent parents, her husband's dependent parents & her deceased son's widow & children.
- An unmarried members or members with no family can nominate any person or institution related to him or not.
As per the EPF act, EPM member cannot nominate his/her BROTHER as nominee.
Can I Have More Than One Nominee For EPF Scheme?
Yes, an EPF member can declare more than one nominee with a specified percentage in which the EPF fund will be divided on death of the EPF member.
How Can I Declare Nominee Details For My EPF Scheme?
EPF members have to submit the EPF nomination form i.e Form 2 to declare nominee details for EPF and submit the filled form at your company's finance department. (Form can either be obtained either online or from the HR department of your company)
Can I Change My EPF Nominee? How?
To change EPF nomination details, EPF member have to download and fill the EPF nomination Form i.e Form 2 to declare new nominee details and submit the filled form at company's finance department.
The fresh nomination made by the EPF member will make the earlier nomination null and void.
How Can I Check My EPF Nominee Details?
To Check your EPF Nominees, EPF member have to visit the EPF office and have to submit a prescribed form. On submission of filled form, you will get a copy of your nomination form.
What Will Happen In Case Of Death Of One Of The Nominees Out Of My EPF Nominees List?
In case of more than one nominee, if one of the nominee dies before you then you have to change your nomination details i.e name and percentage of nomination else your EPF nomination will go null. Which means the money of your EPF will not be given to other nominees in case of your death.
We will bring you the latest updates on the same as they happen. Stay tuned to Fingyan by following Fingyan Official Facebook Page and sign up for our free newsletter.


text:
| 8.2°C Belfast
The daughters of best-selling romance novelist Jackie Collins said they felt their mother was with them as they collected an award on her behalf just five weeks after her death.
Collins died of breast cancer on September 19 at the age of 77 after keeping her six-and-a-half year battle with the illness private.
Her daughters Tiffany Sachs and Rory Green paid tribute to their mother at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Bash in Los Angeles, where Collins was posthumously honoured with the Pioneer Award by comedian Kathy Griffin. The organisation is America's largest mentoring network and matches adult volunteers with children and teenagers.
Speaking on the red carpet in Beverly Hills, Green said: "This is our first foray out of the house, we have been in sweats and t-shirts for five weeks crying, it is surreal.
"To be in this position where she is being honoured and we can accept the award on her behalf is very special, we definitely feel her with us."
Sachs added: "It's very bittersweet, she was such a pioneer and she was so incredible, and the outpouring of love and support we have received since she's gone is unbelievable.
"It's so heart-warming to us and makes us feel so good to know how loved she was by everybody.
"She would be so honoured, we are just sad she can't be here to see it but we know she will always be with us."
Collins, who is the younger sister of actress Joan, was born in London but moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s.
Her best-selling novels, including Hollywood Wives, Chances, Lucky and Hollywood Husbands, won her legions of fans and Green said those fans have been a source of comfort to her family.
She added: "She was very connected to her fans. After someone dies you wonder if they knew how loved they were but she had such a lovely relationship with her readers, it comforts us to know how loved she was.
"Given the opportunity, she would have kept writing until she was 100 years old.
"We are just sad she didn't have the opportunity but she left this extraordinary legacy with her work and her characters, and that gives us some comfort and solace without her being here."


text:
TITLE OF POSITION: Product Application Engineer - Fort Lauderdale, FL
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager
Position Summary – Assist/Create (as assigned) the quoting, engineering packages, documentation, classification, and the assisting of customers inquiries of Power products, while positioning the company for steady, long term growth.
Principal Duties and Areas of Responsibilities (to include but not limited to):
1. Design complete marine vessel electrical power systems for clients.
2. Submit designs to marine certifying agencies and coordinate approvals.
3. Perform application engineering duties for company electrical power equipment.
4. Participate in sales meetings between clients and company.
5. Bring market needs and technical improvements to company product development group to continually improve company products.
Requirements for the job:• Education – BSEE.• 4 years experience in marine electrical power engineering.• Mandatory computer skills – Microsoft Office and AutoCAD 2000.• Must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written responsibilities.• Must be a self-starter, self-motivated and be able to embrace multiple responsibilities simultaneously with minimum guidance.


text:
An articulate liaison mechanism has been put in place by i-locate, in order to address the increasing interest of the private sector and of SMEs to create a roadmap for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Four different types of liaisons are offered to the applicant (observer, developer, user and data provider) each of them with different benefits and duties, according the following matrix:Liaison partners benefits & duties
Once the liaison status is granted by i-locate, an action plan is agreed between the two parties, aiming at harmonizing the flow of activities of the project with those related to the liaison.
Who can apply?
- Industry and SMEs
- Academia and RTD institutions
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this form. All the information will be handled according to the rules of the Data Protection Directive (95/46/EC) and national legislations.


text:
My tweets
- Tue, 14:22: Rand Paul testifies on Kentucky efforts to legalize industrial hemp http://t.co/5s541Ouv
- Tue, 15:49: About to watch the 9th episode of Boardwalk Empire's second season. This show is probably the greatest... http://t.co/TuD2gKJW
- Tue, 15:59: Republicans and Democrats are EXACTLY the same. The evidence is overwhelming. The only difference is in the... http://t.co/chIqxntA
- Tue, 17:22: So many mirrors, so many ways of expressing a void within them. http://t.co/ul1up6db
- Tue, 21:55: http://t.co/j4X4A63S
- Tue, 22:39: http://t.co/4VtgoepT
- Wed, 02:14: Let the record show they made absolutely no attempt to take the suspect alive. http://t.co/2VcBfrEH


text:
JNN 30 Sept 2013 Istanbul : Senior Turkish Shia cleric, Selahattin Ozgunduz criticized illegal questioning of the youth who were going to holy city of Mashhad – Iran from Igdir and accusing them of being spies and he asked for questioning of those who were responsible of this action.
Addressing thousands of Shia Muslims in the Friday prayer of September 27th, in Halkali Zeynebiye mosque, senior Turkish Shia cleric talked about the threats of Wahhabism in the second part of his sermon and criticized Interrogation of the Shia youth who were returning from their Pilgrimage from the holy city of Mashhad – Iran:
He also Pointed out the Major Event and Updates of the last week which took place in the various Parts of the world and especially in the Islamic world more than any other places. Massacres which were Perpetrated in Kenya, Iraq and Pakistan by the followers of Wahhabi / Salafi Sect commonly known as Takfiris who were responsible for these events.
He further added that " Do I condemn that? No I don't. What does it mean to condemn? It just simplifies the action. You condemn and it is over. It is so simple " .
He quoted the example of Pakistan as " About 35 years ago there was a revolution in Pakistan. Saudi Funds bought the Pakistan's Army Commander Gen Zia Ul Haq tried to bring a revolution. An Saudi Wahabi Republic was founded there . Ever since, Pakistan hasn't been normal. Since then, blood is flowing there. Now, the law is unable to cope. It has been a problem for the army itself. Even the army is targeted in the attacks every day.
He went further ahead and said " I want to say something but I am afraid that some people may misuse it and some misunderstand. But I prefer this country to be Invaded rather than becoming Wahhabi. Because if in the case this country is Invaded, Alavi, Sunni, Turk and Kurd will stand against the enemy together and will bring the enemy onto their knees. But against Wahhabism, nothing can be done. As this terrorist Mythology in which your own brother becomes Wahhabi bigot is more dangerous ".
Take a look at Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. You can see how people are in the situation of killing not only their religious brothers, but their own brothers. You can see how people are sending their daughters and wives for "lustful Jihad" in order to serve terrorists' lusts. What can you do in facing such bigots? What can you do?
I fought with Greece. I fought with Russia. I fought with the USA and France. I fought and we overcame them. We brought the Great Powers to their knees, but what are you going to do with it? Can you tell us? Wahhabism is worse than invasion.
I am addressing you, the rulers running the Government ! You will all cry. Take it into attention, we will all fight against invasion and we will save our country but we can do nothing against this mentality. You can see the examples of that.
President of Religious Affairs has put a statement on its site for that matter saying that this mentality is incompatible with Islam and giving legitimacy to this trend is the greatest evil to do to Islam. He's right. I'm confirming his words. But I ask the president to add another sentence to his words. We accept that those who are doing these things are betraying Islam and are ruining the image of Islam, but who is doing that? Say the name of those who are doing this, then the Turkish nation will know them.
Say that those who are doing these things are Wahhabi, Salafi Takfiris. Tell their names directly. You say that we as the Turkish nation, should unite against them and we have to get rid of their Fitnas. You are right. But why don't you say their names? Who are they?
I know that you mean Wahhabis by these words but Wahhabis will say that: "they don't mean us, they mean Shias and Alavis." To be honest, do you mean Shias or you really mean Wahhabis?
There are four real Sunni sects. If you say that you mean the sects which have been formed by British, the Wahhabis, Salafi Takfiris which have turned the world of Islam into a blood shed and have destroyed the Islamic sites which are the most valuable things, those who eat the human flesh and desecrate the graves, then the nation will understand what you mean.
If you are afraid of saying that due to your position, then who can say that? Who do you expect to say? You have the support of the government of Republic of Turkey. If you are afraid of saying that, then who can talk about it?
The other issue is questioning of the youth between 13 to 17 years old and accusing them of being spies. I am saying clearly that our red line is first our religion, then our country's integrity, survival of our government and the unity of our nation. Hang anyone who betrays and I will be the one who shoots the chair under his feet. My people will not be a traitor. They can go and visit Imam Reza a.s Shrine , they can learn language there. There is no problem with it. But he will not be a traitor who betrays his own country.
You should be afraid of those who go to the USA, Europe or Israel. What can they teach a 13 year old kid? Capturing and questioning them is wrong. Do we have such a law in our state? Where do we have the law to keep a 13-year-old boy without a lawyer and to question him? If it is legal, do what is needed and if it is not legal again do what is necessary. We are not the orphans of this country, we are the owners. Every police shouldn't be so courageous, arrogant and daring to shield against us. What would you like to do? What do you want from a 13-year-old child?
If the laws let you, do more than this. Do whatever the sentence is, four times. But if the treatment of them is illegal and unlawful, question those who have done this. God, save our unity and don't let us to become stranger to each other due to silly behavior. Save our country, our government, our nation and the world of Islam from silly friends and devil enemies.
Related articles
- 9 Shia Men Martyred , atleast 15 injured in a attack on Shia Neighborhood by SSP Terrorist in Kotla Jaam , Pakistan (jafrianews.com)


text:
There is a story playing out right now in Hollywood that epitomises the perils of fame, the precariousness of success and the dangers of celebrities left unguarded. You can imagine it framed in the blockbuster vernacular, the voiceover delivered in the gravelly, portentous boom that comes as standard in every trailer: "Two men. One dream: to be the king of the multiplexes. But they dared to want more. They dared to want . . . integrity." Then the names and faces of two Hollywood behemoths would flash up on screen. Tom Cruise. Leonardo DiCaprio. Who will prevail?
Barring some dramatic turning of the tide, DiCaprio is now secure in his place as Hollywood's unimpeachable golden boy, while Cruise, the previous incumbent, is in danger of resembling the court jester. On paper, the pair still occupy similar territory. They aren't separated by much more than age (Cruise is 12 years older than DiCaprio) and a few million dollars. With two legitimate recent hits behind him in Shutter Island and Inception, DiCaprio can expect $28m per movie, while Cruise is still able to command $22m a throw. (Forbes magazine notes that "Cruise's career has been rocky lately", but attributes his ongoing fortune to revenue from "a string of older hits that constantly play on TV".) Both men have sought out many of the same directors including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg; DiCaprio is also close friends with Michael Mann, who cast Cruise in a rare bad-guy role in Collateral.
But it is in the management of their image that the stars begin to diverge. DiCaprio has policed himself efficiently, keeping his life largely private and expressing himself through his work. But with Cruise you never know what you're going to get next; and audiences cannot help but drag the baggage of his off-screen life to the cinema with them, which is the worst possible outcome for any actor.
Two revealing Cruise moments, both screened on British television in the last fortnight, testify to the extent to which his image has been corroded. The first was on BBC2's Top Gear last week. Cruise and Cameron Diaz, his co-star in the very poor shoot-'em-up comedy Knight and Day, consented to be interviewed mere metres away from the great unwashed, or Jeremy Clarkson as it says on his passport. To the casual observer, this appearance represented nothing more than a pair of A-listers unafraid to appear to be slumming it if it means spreading the word about their new movie. But to Cruise-watchers, the Top Gear gig was the latest desperate attempt by the star to rehabilitate a persona that has fallen starkly into disrepair over the last five years. He's trying to be seen as the guy next door whose dental work just happens to cost more than your house.
There have been numerous factors that have driven a wedge between the star and his public, but few of them date back to BC – that is, Before Couch. The notorious "couch-jumping" incident on Oprah Winfrey's chat show in 2005 is where the trouble really began. In the wake of a newspaper poll, which had expressed scepticism about his relationship with the actor Katie Holmes, Cruise sought to demonstrate his love for his then-fiancee (now wife, and mother of his daughter Suri) by leaping up and down on the most sacred couch on US television, and generally causing untold distress to Oprah's upholstery.
That brings us to the second Cruise moment of recent days, when appearing on Alan Carr's talk show, David Walliams professed his love for his own bride by performing a personal take on the Cruise episode. So ingrained is Cruise's Oprah appearance in our collective memory that no explanation was needed.
Watch the original clip again and it is clear that Cruise fully believed himself to be staging a winning display of devotion. What the world saw was something else entirely. "What happened, happened," Cruise told Esquire magazine earlier this year. "Afterward, wild things were being said about me, and once they're in the ether, there's nothing you can do about it. It felt like being the new kid in the schoolyard again and the other kids are whispering and whispering about you and suddenly you hear what they're saying, and you think, 'What? That didn't happen. Look at the reality of the situation.'"
At the same time that Cruise has suffered a steep, nosebleed-inducing depreciation, Leonardo DiCaprio has risen to fill the space vacated by him. DiCaprio has never really belonged to the same species of performer. At 36, he is 12 years younger than Cruise; and whereas the Top Gun pin-up always had his sights set on stardom, DiCaprio was an actor first, and a superstar entirely by accident. (Blame Titanic. He does.) However unconvincing some might find him as a grizzled adult in the likes of Blood Diamond and Shutter Island, there is no mistaking his relief now that he has traded in his pin-up status for a face that looks like it has been around the world a few times, even if just on a student visa.
In his earliest films (This Boy's Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape?), DiCaprio was as full-blooded and fearless an actor as it was possible to find. He was also a natural. The young Cruise, on the other hand, had the motivation to succeed, but not the dramatic alchemy of a DiCaprio. In Richard T Kelly's oral biography Sean Penn: His Life and Times, Penn recalls some illuminating first impressions of the teenage Cruise when they worked together on the 1981 drama Taps: "This was a guy who was ready for his chance, no question about it. He wouldn't have known that himself – he was second-guessing everything all the time. But that didn't stop him from committing when it was time. Cruise was so . . . like he was training for the fucken Olympics. I think he was the first person I ever said 'Calm down!' to."
Cruise went on to do some nimble comic work as a rich kid out of his depth in the bawdy comedy Risky Business, and had a dignified flirtation with the brat pack in Francis Coppola's The Outsiders, but it was Top Gun in 1986 that both ratified him as a star, and eclipsed his potential as an actor. Not that being a star is easy. But for a long time, that's what Cruise was. Learning to be an actor again in films such as Born on the Fourth of July and Magnolia seemed to demand of him the gruelling development of an extra muscle, whereas the daily grind of celebrity – cranking up the charm, gladhanding fans and smooching babies, manipulating his public persona – came naturally.
It doesn't look so natural now. The more Cruise tries to avert continuing disaster, the more vulnerable he appears. After a series of damaging PR disasters, he is in danger of becoming a laughing stock. Knight and Day was a relative flop on its recent US release, pulling in just over $20m on its opening weekend – a fraction of its $107m budget. It's the lowest gross of any of Cruise's action films since Days of Thunder 20 years ago, and an unambiguous sign either that audiences are growing weary of the star's extravagant confidence, or that his extra-curricular tomfoolery has undermined his formerly palatable on-screen persona.
Meanwhile, DiCaprio is riding high. Christopher Nolan's Inception, in which he plays an "extractor" who enters the dreams of others, has dominated the world box office since its release last month; at the time of writing it has amassed a worldwide total of $363m and shows no sign of waning, with research indicating that audiences are making repeat visits to untangle its mysteries, however threadbare. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, DiCaprio admitted that he hadn't acted in the nine months since completing the film – he simply hasn't found the right project yet. And while he is scheduled to play J Edgar Hoover in a forthcoming biopic directed by Clint Eastwood and scripted by Dustin Lance Black (the Oscar-winning writer of Milk), he doesn't need to lift a finger until he's good and ready.
Cruise, on the other hand, hasn't got a moment to lose. Last month, David Thomson wrote in this paper that Inception was the sort of film that Cruise might have made a decade ago. And while the age difference, and disparity in acting styles, between the two performers means that they can't often have been rivals for the same parts, it's true that Cruise had his shot at Inception-style material with Vanilla Sky (a remake of the Spanish thriller Open Your Eyes) and Minority Report (a philosophical thriller far superior to Inception). But thanks to the decline in his image, he now lacks even the gravitas to solicit an audience's goodwill for an undemanding blockbuster such as Knight and Day.
The couch-jumping incident may have contributed to being dropped by the studio Paramount, which made the Mission: Impossible trilogy, but the general mistrust of Cruise has long been bound up with his vehement promotion of Scientology, L Ron Hubbard's extra-terrestrial-based religion. "As much as we like him personally, we thought it was wrong to renew his deal," said Sumner Redstone, chairman of Paramount's parent company Viacom, when news broke of the studio severing its ties to the star in 2006. "His recent conduct has not been acceptable to Paramount."
That euphemistic phrase "recent conduct" covered not just the couch-jumping but Cruise's messy public spat with Brooke Shields (the star of the 1981 film Endless Love, in which Cruise had an early, supporting role), during which he berated her for fighting post-partum depression with psychiatry and anti-depressants, both bugbears of any card-carrying Scientologist.
He later apologised to his former co-star, but other rapprochements were longer in coming. Shortly after his outburst at Shields, he got into a verbal tussle about Scientology with US television host Matt Lauer on The Today Show. Part of Cruise's delayed damage-limitation campaign in recent times has involved returning to The Today Show to reflect on his behaviour. "I went back, and looked at [the interview]," he told Lauer in December 2008, "and it was interesting . . . I came across as arrogant. . . I didn't communicate it in the way I wanted to communicate it. Also, that's not the way I am. That's not the person I am."
Cruise has since resolved not to discuss Scientology in interviews – "I think there's a time and place for it," he told Lauer – but there is no disentangling him from the subject. In any word-association game, you will invariably find that the words "Tom Cruise" are followed by "Xenu, dictator of the Galactic Confederacy." His PR representatives seem to have been disappointingly slow to realise that, if you're an actor hunting for widespread approval, you don't do Scientology.
Even here, on the subject of public proclamations, DiCaprio has the edge over the older man. Where Cruise has been aggressive and passionate only in his promotion of his chosen religion, DiCaprio reserves his soapbox moments for selfless causes that most of us can get behind – he has campaigned on environmental matters (he co-produced and narrated the environmental documentary 11th Hour), worked with orphaned children in Mozambique, given $1m to relief efforts in Haiti. Cruise couldn't look much worse if he were to speak out against composting, or be snapped in a clinch with Sarah Palin.
Despite all the strikes against him, Cruise still has certain things in his favour. On the plus side, he isn't Mel Gibson. And he has plenty of chums willing to spring to his defence. "He's a friend of mine and I find it very unfair," James Mangold, director of Knight and Day, said recently. "I think there are wildly unrealistic expectations placed upon him. Tom's an intense guy. He's very physical but there's something really funny about him and joyous and also, to be honest, something eccentric about him; how hard-working he is, how intense he is . . . The part of it that is most concerning for me is I just think he's a phenomenal actor and some people deal with him as if he's a lightweight. The reality is that he has delivered some of the best performances in movie history."
The pressing question is how can Cruise recast himself in the public imagination, and can he recover his Hollywood crown? He has tried to kill off his old persona before, notably in Cameron Crowe's film Jerry Maguire, which began with the sports agent played by Cruise undergoing a humiliating sacking. Even Knight and Day seems to acknowledge that the days of the old Tom Cruise are numbered; in his first scene in the movie, he is shown at the controls of an arcade game which tells him: "You're dead."
When he appeared in a cameo role as the monstrous studio boss Len Grossman in Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder, audiences responded enthusiastically to the spectre of a star renowned for his seriousness ditching his looks and lustre to play an outlandish comic caricature. His recent reprise of the role at the MTV movie awards, where he danced lasciviously in-character with Jennifer Lopez, preceded an announcement that Grossman would get his own spin-off movie. Even those of us who feel that the potential comedy of Cruise as Grossman is undercut by the actor's transparent need to be seen to have a sense of humour would be hard pressed to argue against this strategy.
Simon Pegg, who starred in Mission: Impossible III told me last month that he is rooting for Cruise. "It all started with that couch-jumping thing, didn't it? It just seems so stupid. Having worked with him, I know he's a very friendly and professional guy. I hope people give him a break. I want to see him carry on making movies for a long time to come."