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Aug. 10 — Donald Trump's campaign promise to repeal the 1954 Johnson amendment and allow churches to back political candidates would have a much broader impact than simply allowing preachers to speak their minds from the pulpit, experts said.
On Aug. 9, the Republican presidential nominee's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, said Trump would sign a full repeal of the Johnson amendment, Bloomberg Politics reported.
The amendment prohibits tax code Section 501(c)(3) exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates. That includes making donations to a particular campaign, as well as publishing or distributing statements in support of a candidate.
Repealing the Johnson amendment would open "Pandora's box in terms of what we could see people trying to do with tax-deductible, charitable (c)(3) money," said Trevor Potter, president of the Campaign Legal Center and a former chairman of the Federal Election Committee.
What people have to remember is that churches are only a small subset of the entities that would be affected by a repeal, he told Bloomberg BNA Aug. 10. Environmental groups, medical groups and educational groups would all be impacted, he said.
Such action could "result in an enormous amount of political activity with tax-deductible, charitable funds so that the government and the taxpayers would be subsidizing political activity through the tax deduction that one gets for making a charitable contribution," he said.
Additionally, "although the battle cry here is that ministers shouldn't be regulated by the government and restricted in terms of what they can say, that's not the fix that most people talk about," Potter said. They talk about undoing the whole prohibition on 501(c)(3)s intervening in elections, which could conceivably lead to nationwide television ad campaigns, he said.
A repeal would likely lead to an uptick in the creation of new charities and churches that haven't traditionally been bound by social norms that say involvement in political activity is beyond their scope, Potter said.
Marcus Owens, a partner at Loeb & Loeb LLP, agreed. Repealing the Johnson amendment could "encourage the formation of a lot of new charities that would have political activity as an ulterior motive," he told Bloomberg BNA Aug. 10.
However, he pointed out that groups would still need to be mindful of the extent of their involvement because removal of the amendment doesn't make supporting political parties and candidates a charitable activity under English common law or states' notions of charity.
Such a repeal would "muddy the waters" and create a lot of ambiguity, said Owens, who is a former IRS official from the agency's Exempt Organizations Division. And "it would probably encourage some organizations to become very active in ways that could jeopardize their tax-exempt status," he said.
Potter said abolishing Johnson may result in 501(c)(3) groups following recent trends of Section 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, which are permitted to engage in some political activity as long as that isn't their primary purpose.
"If you look at what's happened to (c)(4)s, the situation without the Johnson amendment would be very similar," he said. The 501(c)(4) groups "have what is supposed to be a primary purpose, and we've all seen that has been stretched, partly by IRS inaction, partly by congressional intervention so that (c)(4)s can exist for what appears to be political purposes and still be tax-exempt," he said.
"If a (c)(4) can do that, then I think the risk is that (c)(3)s could" also intervene in politics if there wasn't a prohibition on doing so, he said. "They would be able to make the same sorts of arguments that (c)(4)s now make that their political activity is not their primary purpose," he said.
Political activity of 501(c)(4)s surged after the 2010 landmark Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In that case, the court ruled that corporations, including nonprofits, may spend unlimited amounts of money from their general treasuries supporting or opposing political candidates for office, as long as they do so independently of candidates and political parties.
Since the decision, the number of groups applying for 501(c)(4) status has skyrocketed, more than doubling in the years following the ruling. Money spent by those groups has also increased significantly, the Center for Responsive Politics, a research group based in Washington, said on its website.
The group estimated that in the 2012 election, out of the money it can track, 501(c) groups spent at least $333 million. "That's an increase of 53 percent from 2008, the last election before Citizens United, when the same type of groups spent just $159 million," the group said.
While this growth is occurring, Potter and Owens said it appears that the IRS has been relatively inactive in pursuing cases against tax-exempt groups that become overly engaged in political campaigns.
According to the CRP, that inactivity with respect to 501(c)(4)s could be largely due to a May 2013 scandal where the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration "found the IRS used 'inappropriate criteria'—such as searching for the words 'patriot' and 'tea party' in groups' names—to identify applications for tax-exempt status for review." These efforts, which the IRS used to weed out exempt organizations with significant political involvement, seemed to unfairly target conservative groups.
For 501(c)(3)s such as churches, there is already a lack of IRS oversight, even with Johnson in place, Owens said.
"Right now there's really no audit activity involving churches, and there's not much audit activity of other kinds of charities for political campaign intervention either," he said. "It's as if the IRS has backed off enforcement of those rules across the board."
He said the lack of activity is due partly to a provision in the tax code that has complicated church reviews since 2009. That year the IRS lost a lawsuit over the endorsement of former Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) by Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, Minn. In the case, a judge ruled that the agency's audit was invalid because it hadn't been approved by a regional IRS commissioner—as required by law—even though that position was eliminated by the agency in the 1998 to 2000 time frame, Owens said.
Dwindling resources have also hindered the IRS's response to excessive politicking, he said.
Congressional funding for the agency is down $900 million since 2010, and the House passed an appropriations bill on July 7 that would cut funding by $236 million for next fiscal year (132 DTR G-2, 7/11/16).
"The IRS across the board is operating under tight budgets, and if you're the IRS commissioner your job is primarily to raise money for the government," Owens said.
Overseeing tax-exempt organizations doesn't really generate measurable tax revenue, he added.
Thus, "if you're the commissioner, it's a rational decision in tight times to allocate as much money as possible to the revenue-generating functions, and let the non-revenue-generating functions tread water," he said.
In an Aug. 8 report, Pew Research Center, examined the issue of churches and political speech.
The study found, in general, churchgoers heard more about social and political issues from their clergymen, rather than endorsements of particular candidates.
Owens said those results seem rational because "it's rare, in this country at least, that a political candidate embodies any particular religious perspective," he said.
"Donald Trump's a good example. He's had three wives and is currently making all sorts of statements that run counter to a lot of religious beliefs of many denominations," he said.
"So if your job as a religious leader is to promote the faith and encourage behavior in your congregate that adheres to the faith, supporting somebody who doesn't seem to adhere to the doctrines of your faith is counter-productive," Owens said.
More telling is the data on which candidate is more consistently endorsed when members of the clergy do decide to back a specific candidate, Owens said.
Among those who heard religious leaders speak out for a candidate, Hillary Clinton is the name that was mentioned most often, with 6 percent of recent churchgoers saying their clergy have spoken out in support of her in the past few months, the Pew report said.
Donald Trump's name is most commonly mentioned among those who heard clergy speak out against a particular candidate. Seven percent heard him mentioned in that context, the report said.
Those numbers could temper "some of the enthusiasm of the right-of-center politicians in this country," to repeal the Johnson amendment, Owens said, pointing out that Trump isn't the only Republican who has advocated its repeal.
A bill ( H.R. 153) introduced in the House in January 2015 by Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) sought to achieve that goal but never came to a vote. The legislation has three co-sponsors: Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.). According to the bill, a repeal would "restore the Free Speech and First Amendment rights of churches and exempt organizations."
To contact the reporter on this story: Allyson Versprille in Washington at firstname.lastname@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Cheryl Saenz at email@example.com
Text of the Bloomberg Politics report is at http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-08-09/trump-would-back-allowing-church-political-donations-pence-says.
Text of the Pew Research Center report is at http://src.bna.com/hBS.
Text of H.R. 153 is at http://src.bna.com/hBR.
Copyright © 2016 The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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A post-apocalypse, BMX movie. Yes! And it's an official Sundance Selection.
It's 1997. In a ruined post-apocalyptic world, the orphaned Kid survives on his own through drought-ridden nuclear winter, traversing the Wasteland on his BMX, scavenging for scraps to trade for a scant supply of water. When his perpetually chipper, pink-haired new best friend Apple is kidnapped by a minion of evil overlord Zeus, the Kid summons the courage of his comic book hero and prepares to deliver turbocharged justice to Zeus, his buzzsaw-handed sidekick Skeletron, and their vicious masked army.
Here's a making of video from Sundance and it was adapted from this short made by the Roadkill Superstars from Montreal.

subset: commoncrawl


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interactive strategy
We select the right marketing mix and proper use of multi-channel strategies to help raise awareness and build a more powerful, cohesive presentation of your brand. This approach allows you to reach buyers at various stages of their search processes. Through the stages of idea, search, interest, validation, purchase, satisfaction, repurchase, and recommend, we will be ready to walk them through the process.
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Adidas, a global leader in running today, announced "adidas King Of The Road: KOTR", its very own running championship for 2012 across five countries in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore), with the aim of uniting all runners, from social joggers to serious athletes, to build a legendary 16.8 km running route in all participating countries.
Thailand will kick the championship off on Sunday July 29, 2012 from 4.00 am – 9.00 am. With adidas upping the standards of distance running considerably this year, the event will be held at the heart of Bangkok, with the roads being temporarily closed for the event. The race starts and ends at Lumphini Park, with the runners moving along Sathorn Road to cross the King Taksin Bridge, where they will truly experience how it feels to be the "King of the Road".
In Thailand, the event is open to participants in two categories – the 'Closed' category (Men/Women) is open to local runners (Thai nationality) and the 'Open' category (Men/Women) for international participants. The races are separated by age, 15-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old and 60 years old and over. The winner of each country's Closed categories (Men/Women) will receive KOTR prizes and qualify for an all-expenses paid trip to Singapore for the "King of the Road: Southeast Asia Championship 2012".
adidas has set a unique running distance of 16.8 km for each country. This distance comes from the combined routes across the five participating countries, which is the equivalent distance of two full marathons or 84 km. Split across five countries, the distance for each leg equals 16.8 km. The annual race is held to search for winners from each nation to join the grand final in Singapore, the host country this year, where the true "King of the Road" in each respective category will be crowned in October.
Apart from the main 16.8 km route, adidas is offering shorter running distances of 10 km. and 5 km. (any nationality) for everyone who has sport in their heart. The participants are categorized by age and gender: male under 15 years old, male 15-19 years old, male 20-39 years old and male 40 years and over, female under 15 years old, female 15-19 years old, female 20-35 years old, female 35 years old and over.
The uniqueness of "adidas King of the Road 2012"
1. Running routes: reflect a true urban lifestyle. adidas has selected Sathorn Road, the main business district of Bangkok as the central running route. On the event day, traffic will be temporarily closed during the race period for all runners to experience the breath-taking views along both sides of the Chao-Phraya River while crossing the King Taksin Bridge and the scenic atmosphere of the Bangkok business zone at sunrise.
2. Different runners with different aspirations: adidas does not limit the event to professional athletes, but encourages everyone including students, young people, families, organizations and working people to participate in the event, to celebrate the true spirit of sports.
3. Encouraging youngsters to exercise: Supporting children and young people to exercise and to love sports is a permanent goal for adidas, and with good support from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), adidas is delighted to be able to donate running shoes, worth 2.4 million baht to public schools in the Bangkok region. Children who receive running shoes from adidas can join the event free of charge.
4. Increasing the running standard to the global standard: For the very first time in Thailand, the "Shoe Tag", the newest timing equipment for distance races – widely used internationally, will be used. This 'tag' will measure the time with a chip inside the body of the device. Hydration stations as well as food & beverages and baggage deposit will be available along the whole route to maintain competitor's health throughout the whole race. Also, runners need to do proper warming-up and stretching exercises before and after the races.
adidas aims to target a total of 5,000-7,000 participants in Thailand for the maiden race, with a total of 40,000 participants in total across the region.
Runners and all candidates can register and find more information from today to July 20, 2012 at Tel 02-279-0046-7 or at adidas shops, fl.3 CentralWorld or fl.3 Siam Discovery or fl.2 Mega Bangna or fl.2 Central Rama 3 fl.2 Central Pinklao or G fl. Central Rama 9 or Muangthong Thani or at www.adidaskingoftheroad.com.
Registration fee starts from Bt300 (up to distance). All candidates will receive jersey and medal. (only Shoe Tag will be available for 16.8 km.)
Source: http://bangkokscoop.com/2012/07/03/adidas-king-road-2012/


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This is an auction for a custom dragon from The Hatchery with late June delivery. You may add one additional dragon (full size or bitty) to your order if you so wish. The additional dragon will be charged at retail price ($175/$150) and paid for upon completion.
If you would like a wrap scrap dragon you must supply the scrap, which needs to be at least 30" full width. For a hybrid, please contact me for the amount of wrap needed, as it varies depending on where you want it accented and the wrap which you opt to send. I supply the cotton velour for hybrid dragons and you may choose from the large selection of colors I have on hand.
Shipping is $20 plus insurance (varies with wrap selection) in the US, contact me for an international quote.
The only limit is your imagination! I look forward to creating a beautiful dragon (or two!) for you :)
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There are moments in life that strike like a stray bolt of lightning -- recklessly, dangerously, and leave your nerves singed, your heart shattered. When the smoke clears, you feel like curling up in the fetal position to grieve, to heal, to compose yourself ... but you choose to absorb the life-altering zap. As a mom, you instinctively know your child is counting on you to meet her gaze with hopeful eyes. Carrie Sorkin recently delivered in one of those moments ... when her beloved 8-year-old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food.
Each year, more than 15,000 kids are diagnosed and that figure is on the rise. Three million people are living with the disease ... and there is no cure.
Carrie's daughter, Carly Alexa, is a sweet, spirited, curly haired beauty who loves dance parties, dressing up, and going on adventures with her many friends. She's a typical tween with a heart that's almost as big as her mother's. When she started experiencing wild mood swings -- happy one minute, hysterical the next -- Carrie knew something was wrong. She recently sat down with The Stir to share her journey to her daughter's type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
You first expressed concerns about Carly in March. Take us back to that time.
Carly was experiencing both major mood fluctuations at home and an inability to pay attention at school. A pediatric psychologist diagnosed her with ADHD. We saw a tiny change in behavior when she started her medication, but she still suffered from severe ups and downs. Of course, I was concerned it could be something else but wanted to give the medication a chance to work. At the three-month mark, our pediatrician asked us to come in for a weight and blood pressure check. Routine visit, should take five minutes. Carly had lost a lot of weight -- 7 pounds -- but that's typical with ADHD medications.
On a hunch, I asked the nurse to check Carly's urine because she said it hurt to go to the bathroom. The doctor came in, looking concerned, but didn't say much. I was really nervous ... and rightfully so. I was informed that the glucose in Carly's urine was more than 1,000. Having a background in diabetes (I used to be a pharmaceutical sales representative who sold insulin), I knew she was going to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. We were sent to the emergency room, and she was admitted after they ran her bloodwork. My baby, my first born, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in June -- months after she first had symptoms.
Devastating. How did you stay strong for Carly?
I didn't give myself time to process the diagnosis. That night, the nurse made me give Carly her first shot of insulin. I did it, reassuring Carly that she would be okay. Then I excused myself to the bathroom, sat on the floor, and cried. I managed to maintain my composure around her but I had to release some of the pain.
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of learning carb counting, doses of insulin, and watching for high and low sugars. I had to stock up on supplies I need to have on-hand at all times: a Glucagon pen, glucose tablets, glucometer, test strips, candy, juice, and snacks. I felt like I was packing up a diaper bag to get out of the house again. I also had to test her sugar about 10 times a day (neurotic mom that I am, I was probably testing closer to 15). I'd have to wake her up in the middle of the night to test her sugar. It was beyond surreal how much our lives changed in one moment.
What was the impact of Carly's diagnosis on you as a mom?
Broken sleep every night coupled with emotional distress almost felt like postpartum depression. It took a little time for me to process her diagnosis and get over my initial sadness. But Carly was a TROOPER. Bravest kid I have ever met in my life. She wasn't crying, she was giving herself shots! She made me a stronger person.
Do you have a family history of diabetes?
Yes, we have a family history of type 1 diabetes. My aunt and my cousin both have it. That said, a family history only slightly increases your risk of type 1 diabetes. It can happen to anyone.
How has your life changed?
Since the diagnosis, life is getting back to normal -- our new normal. She goes to camp, but a nurse must accompany her during some activities. We are going out to eat again, but we now bring measuring cups and only go to restaurants that offer nutritional information on their website so we know how much insulin to give her. She is taking ownership of diabetes; I will not allow her to let diabetes take ownership of her.
How is her condition being managed? She needs insulin for the rest of her life, right?
She is now on an insulin pump thanks to our aggressive endocrinologist. It has given her some freedom back. She doesn't have to take shots, and she can eat whenever she wants. When she was taking shots, they would only allow us to give her an injection every three hours once the mealtime insulin wore off, so she couldn't snack between meals unless it was just protein (no carbs, no sugar). Miserable for a kid! The pump has made it so much easier for her.
Changing the infusion on the pump is traumatic (every three days it has to be moved to a new location on her body). It makes a suction type of noise and I think that scares her more than the pain. She cries when we change it, but I know that will get better. Her brother and sister, Noah and Hallie, give her presents when she changes it ... a stuffed animal from their room, a cookie. They tell her she is so brave. Their love and compassion for her make me cry.
What's the key takeaway from your experience that you want to share with other moms?
Behavioral roller coasters can be due to changes in sugar levels in the body! When we took Carly off of her ADHD medication and got her diabetes under control, her mood stabilized. When she starts acting a little off, we test her and usually her sugar is off. I wish someone had run a blood panel before diagnosing her incorrectly with ADHD and giving her a medication she did not need.
Someday I hope that we can be advocates for type 1 diabetes to support research, educate the public, and raise awareness. We have already signed up for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's annual walk in the fall. We are strong. I think together we can do anything.
Has juvenile diabetes affected your child or someone you know? What were the signs?
Image via Carrie Sorkin


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This the tenth day of my homage to our little 19 year old kitty Tiki who passed away this last December 23, 2011 at about 10:50am. We miss her like there is a piece of us missing. She was the glue that held me together as well as our household. She was a survivor from the first breath of life which was breathed into her by Jason who found her 20 minutes after he thought the birth was over. She was born not breathing and he cleared her mouth and in his hands cupped her whole head and breathed…. And then, she started to breathe. She died in his arms like she was born. We told her how much we loved her and that it was ok. To be brave.
I wish someone was telling me the same thing. Bravery to find a place to bury her. Bravery to grieve her. Bravery to emergency rescue another sweet dear kitty from sure death at 3pm on christmas eve. She gave up her life just in time for us to save little Arthur. We love you Tiki. We will NEVER FORGET YOU!! Thank you for all of your love and the scars too! We do so miss you. Rest in peace little one!


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PTSD from Leaving Christianity
3/10/2011 | Share this article: View CommentsBy Andy ~
I come from an extremely religious family. My dad is a lay pastor and my mom is a music director. I "got saved" when I was 13 and became more and more dedicated to the faith as time went on. I wanted to be the perfect Christian. I think it was mostly for my parents, because I was the "golden child" in a dysfunctional family, but nevertheless, I was a devoted Christian.
I joined the military when I was 18. I had a desire to preach to the unsaved Service Members who certainly lurked about every base throughout the world. My plan was going perfectly until I discovered the "true church" at my first duty assignment in England. It was the answer to all my dreams at the time—Christians who were actually dedicated to proselytizing. I served the church and god faithfully for about a year, then I started to feel so ashamed at my inability to stop "sinning." To make a long story short, I ran from the church. When I finally slowed down, I realized that the "true church" I had joined was actually a cult, The International Church of Christ (iCoC). I started reading articles about the iCoC, which led to questioning my faith and eventually ascribing to atheism.
But leaving the church was very traumatic for me. There was a giant gaping hole in my sense of self—all I ever wanted to do was to serve god. And when god is not there, what I am here for? When it was time to get out of the military, I left it in an extremely depressed and anxious state. I became very afraid of dying, because the fear of hell was still stuck in my brain. I went on that way in civilian life for a while. Then September 11th happened, I joined back up, eventually deployed to Iraq, and have been either serving in or working for the Army ever since then.
Recently I was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Interestingly enough, the PTSD stems mainly from my religious experiences and only partially from my time in Iraq. I would like to share what I go through every day with my PTSD symptoms, because hopefully my story can help someone else who has similar troubles. I really want to connect with people who experienced similar traumas to talk more--I don't seem to find too many people that can identify with me in the Army. So here is what I go through every day:
I'm so sick of my symptoms today--anxiety, anger, panic, depression, hopelessness. Like death is around every corner. I was starting to feel positive earlier today, like there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but then I read more of John Loftus' How I Became an Atheist this evening. I need to read that book because avoiding the topic has gotten me nowhere, but every time I read it all the negative feelings start coming back, like I am headed towards hell.
I will try to dissect these feelings. On the one hand, I felt positive today. I'm starting to believe in myself and my own recovery. I feel more confident, like I really am worth something, which contrasts with the bible that tells me I am worthless without god.
On the other hand, I keep feeling like I'm slated for death. When I feel this way (every day, almost every hour of every day), it feels like death is coming soon. I've felt that way ever since I left the church in 1999. Almost 12 years ago now. Why bother to plan, hope, love or dream when there is no certainty that I'll be here tomorrow or in the next few hours? It's like god has it out for me. Death is waiting around every corner, in every train car. In every person behind my back. Intellectually, I know there's no god, but emotionally, I feel that god is just waiting to punish me.
I AM NOT GOING TO LET THIS PTSD GET ME DOWN. I AM ONLY AS BROKE AS I ALLOW MYSELF TO BE. I'm so sick and tired of feeling this way. And I want to be cured. I'm done with it. I want to be filled with hope and love and dreams—a passion to pursue good things for myself and my fiancée in the future. A confidence that I will be able to obtain a job I'm happy with, a house to live in, and a stress-level that I can handle.
I AM NOT GOING TO LET THIS PTSD GET ME DOWN. I AM ONLY AS BROKE AS I ALLOW MYSELF TO BE. Just because I get afraid, anxious, nervous, and sick in certain situations, I am going to make the most of it and enjoy my day. I am only going to live once, and there are so many possibilities for happiness. I just need to keep finding those possibilities and grabbing a hold of them.
I want a happy life. I want it so badly. I get so jealous of people that seem to cruise through life. As if they were stronger than me, strong enough to put down the demon inside them, a demon like mine. They've dealt with the trauma and have moved on. I want to stare down my own demon and make him cower, turn and walk away from me. Because it doesn't belong in me. I wasn't designed to carry this load every day. It is too heavy. It is the sack of rocks full of bible verses that say, "Well, if you reject Jesus, then you are doomed. You will be doomed for the rest of your life and then you'll go to hell. Consider your eternal suffering and repent." I carry those hurtful but seemingly authoritative words like a sack of rocks around with me every day. It drives me insane. How is it that 12 years after leaving the iCoC, I am still not totally convinced that it's wrong?
Does anybody out there feel the same way?
Filed Under: Testimonials


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Posts Tagged 'SoundCloud'
Our very own Melbourne boy Anthony Pappa has just dropped a golden nugget on his Soundcloud account. His NYD set from Trust Us in its full 3 hour entirety! For those that weren't there to witness the progtastic set he graced the Trust Us crowd with, this is your chance to hear what you missed! […]
Filed under: Downloads, Mixes, Music | Leave a Comment
Tags: Anthony Pappa, Brown Alley, Download, Mix, Prog, SoundCloud
Krafty Kuts the SoundCloud
Krafty Kuts has recently jumped on and registered himself an account. I happened to stumble across his profile last week and was stoked to find that he had a veritable smorgasbord of live sets up for grabs. 7 sets to be precise, all chock full of the music we've come to know and love Krafty playing. Breaks, beats, funk, hiphop – you want it, he's got it! Spanning almost the entirety of his DJing career, there's old and new alike, with more recent shit, all the way down to older shit from 2001!
Filed under: Downloads, Mixes, Music | 2 Comments
Tags: Breaks, Download, Krafty Kuts, Mix, SoundCloud


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If you want to read long web pages and don't like to see the dirty graphics , install elinks. It is available on almost all distributions.
On ubuntu you can install it as follows
$ sudo apt-get install elinks
Once installed , open a console and type elinks. you will get the following
You can enter a URL and start browsing.
See the google page below.
Elinks is basically a console program and can be manipulated form keyboard. ( The mouse also will work ). You can access the elinks menu by pressing escape key. See the screen shot below.
The elinks browser support most of the modern web features. I enjoy browsing with elinks as it gives me extremely fast response while browsing the net.
Now let us enable some more features. Press escape and enable menus. Select Setup-> terminal options. Enable Vt100 frames , 256 colors and underline.
Now try gmail with elinks.
You can navigate the web page with arrow keys . There are some more short cuts that you can use. Have a look at the menus.


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Starred Review on May 1, 2014 | Science and Technology
As a physician, the author is a credible and knowledgeable contributor to the health care field. However, it wasn't until a negative experience he had as a patient that Minson decided to document the vague and often deficient operation of the American health care system. Encompassing various areas of the profession, the text provides practical information on topics including hospital admission/intake procedures, emerg...Log In or Sign Up to Read More


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The House of Representatives has voted to repeal country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for beef, pork, and chicken.
Texas Republican Rep. Michael Conaway's Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015 passed late Wednesday night by a 300-131 vote.
Conaway introduced the bill on May 18 — the same day the World Trade Organization rejected a U.S. appeal of its decision that COOL unfairly discriminates against meat imports and gives the advantage to domestic meat products.
Two days later, the House Agriculture Committee passed the bill by 38-6.
COOL, which went into effect for meat in 2013, require that packaging indicate the country, or countries, where animals were born, raised and slaughtered.
So now we get the message! Americans don't give a shit! The House of Representatives and other agencies have pretty much put the nail in the coffin! Why should you care where your food comes from? Why does it matter what we put in our bodies? We eat at horrible dining establishments, shovel food down our throats and wonder why we are so fat while we lounge in our comfortable seat, watching television and going to sleep because we don't exercise! And now? The US Government doesn't give a rat's ass where our beef, pork or chicken "Country of Origin" is located! The House of Representatives has voted to repeal country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for beef, pork, and chicken. Texas Republican Rep. Michael Conaway's Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act of 2015 passed late Wednesday night by a 300-131 vote. So why should we give a shit where our food is being raised? Our politicians don't really care and once again it derives from Texas, that Lone Star community of right…. oh, forget it! The point is we are in big trouble in this country if we don't take the "bull" by the horns and take control of our lives!
So the question is what's next? As we pulverize the entire food chain it leaves one suspicious to think someone has it out for us! I am not a conspiracist, but I do see a pattern developing. Are we over-populated? Are there just too many human beings on this planet? Could it be possible that a reduction in the number of human souls on this planet needs to implemented. Seriously, we eat horribly, we are either too fat or too skinny, we watch way too much television, we text too much, play lots of video games and the worst part, we socialize on social media providing very little human interaction! So it leaves all you idiots to read posts like this to give you life, some sort of sustenance, since you probably eat crap food and care less where the quality of your food originates! Pathetic! I am sorry if this offends you, actually, no I'm not, but if it riles you, pisses you off, then maybe, just maybe, we will start looking for solutions! That cannot happen while sitting down in your favorite chair, doing nothing but wasting time while the world turns and burns. Pathetic!
May I offer a solution? This may not fit well with you fast food, potato chip eating, smelly body odor people who think the world owes you a favor and gives no care for fellow human beings and the planets overall health, but here I go, like it or not! Still here? Pathetic! Here I go anyway! Shop local! Yes, that's what I said, shop local! If we as Americans want to preserve any kind of dignity and respect in our culinary lives, then shopping locally is the solution! This is not something new, nor is it for the back to the earth hippy type of lifestyle. This is what our ancestors, our Grandparent, the Founding Fathers based nearly 100% of their diet upon, eating quality meats, fresh produce, newly slain chickens for their meals. So, if you are a true blooded American, and I'm not sure you are, except for the fact you just spout off your loyalty like someone in a trance, yet have no clue to what is right and just, then this may be what you're looking for in making some positive changes in country and self! My next blog is taking on Monsanto, those assholes!


text: GARY LARSON of Kissimmee has announced he will build a theme park like Wet 'n Wild on U.S. Highway 192 between Larson's Lodge-Main Lodge and Econolodge-Main Gate. The 35-acre park is expected to be open in May. County commissioners approved a $5 million industrial revenue bond to finance construction. Larson predicts the park will employ between 70 and 125 people.


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Immunity Eggs
We're strengthening the immune system anyway we possibly can right now. As the saying goes…
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."
I believe, it's our responsibility to build immunity and start fighting the cold and flu way way way WAY before the cold or flu has a chance to set in. Actually, I'll just say we should always be supporting our immunity. Full stop.
There's a funny blame game that happens when this cold and flu season sets in. "I was hanging out with X and he/she was coughing, must be their fault." This very sentence is ridiculous, although believe me I've said it many a times before. But it's got to stop.
There are so many foods we can eat to help our bodies during this time. Ultimately, it's a time to slow down, recharge, be a bit lazy, stay warm, stay cozy and stay grounded. Here are a few of them combined into a cute little eggy dish.
Immunity Eggs
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon spices (turmeric, cinnamon, ginger are great)
- 2 eggs
- Half teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon grated garlic
- Pinch of cumin seeds
- Salt
- Pepper
- Half an avocado
- 1 drop lime oil (or some grated lime zest or juice)
- Heat pan on a medium heat.
- Add coconut oil and melt.
- Add spices to pan and let them heat through for 30 seconds – 1 minute until fragrant.
- Crack eggs into pan.
- Once eggs are close to cooked, add the ginger and garlic to the pan.
- Tip pan slightly on it's side and spoon over the extra oil.
- Add a pinch of cumin seeds to the pan and let them toast while the egg finishes off cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Smash avo with a form and add the lime oil – I've also been adding a little bit extra ginger and garlic for an immunity boost.
- Serve with a chunk of sourdough bread and some sauerkraut or pickles.
May the immunity be with you.


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Utes leading the Aggies 6-4 through 6 innings, Brock Duke 6ip, 9h, 4er, 2bb , 4so,
Kody Davis and TJ Bennett both 2-3 each with an RBI.
Utes leading the Aggies 6-4 through 6 innings, Brock Duke 6ip, 9h, 4er, 2bb , 4so,
Kody Davis and TJ Bennett both 2-3 each with an RBI.
Kody Davis with 2 stolen bases in the 7th, unfortunately Utes couldn't bring him home. Utes still lead 6-4 bottom of the 7th.
Gametracker is pissing me off right now. Locked up in the bottom of the 7th.
I'm listening to the stream, UC Davis just tied it up, 2 down bottom of the 7th.
Work blocks streaming, so I am stuck. Is Duke still in?
UC Davis now leads 8-6 top of the 8th.
Clutch Hit by Relf!
up 9-8 still hitting in the top of the 9th.
Chapman pitched 2 innings shutout in relief for the win. Final 11-8. 4 run comeback in the 9th inning.
Game 2. Tied 1-1 top of third. Hunt on 2nd 2 out.
Down 1-2, top of the 5th. Runner on 3rd with 2 outs. Need a clutch hit.
2-2 tie going into the top of the 8th. Banks is dealing. 1-2-3 the last 2 innings. Lets get him some runs!
2 run HR for TJ Bennett! Still batting top of the 8th
4-3 going into the top of the 9th. Gave up a run on a wildpitch with the bases loaded.
Rezac gets out of the jam after loading the bases and giving up only one run on a pass ball. On to the 9th, let's get some runs here Utes. 4-3 Utah.
Back to back homers in the top of the ninth. AJ Young(freshman catcher) and Corey Hunt. Now 7-3, still hitting, runner on 1st and second
Utes piling it on in the 9th, AJ Young with a 2 run homer followed up a Cory Hunt HR. Utes lead 7-3
Good to see the Utes' bats come alive, struggled last week in clutch situations.
Gametracker seems to stop working at the most inconvenient times.
Game over 7-3 win. Banks with the win. 3 HR accounted for 5 of the runs. Good start to the season, especially compared to last year.
Big win, hope tomorrow Joe Pond can redeem himself from last week. Pitched 3 perfect innings before melting down in the 4th vs LMU. Go Utes!
So Gamtracker has decided to take the game off . And the audio feed is having trouble with the buffer
Ok here is the correct link as the one on the usual spot just goes to yesterday's game.
Down 1-2 after 1st. Pond gave up 2 run HR.
Tied 2-2 after 2. Armijo hit a lead off homer in the top of 3 to pull ahead 3-2.
Tied 3-3 after 4.


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How money is created… The long version
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Anthony Marsland Trading Journal
Psychology, Position Sizing and Systems... for meeting objectives trading Stocks, Futures and FX
24 September, 2011
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Estate Auction Sale – August, 2015
The Last Unicorn Estate Sale & Auction Antiques, Wrought Iron & More…Final Sale Consider this your personal invitation to The Last Unicorn's latest (and last!) grande finale'. I'm closing the doors, selling practically everything here, and moving. FYI: I have put … Continue reading
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- places to visit
- things to doevents
- what we care about
- collections
- volunteer
- donate
- membership
- about us
Created by geologic upheavals when the Taconic and Berkshire ranges were formed, this hundred-foot-high bedrock outcropping introduces visitors to a rugged and exotic landscape that also supports 800 species of plants while offering terrific mountain vistas.
What makes Bartholomew's Cobble a special place?
We think it's the twin rocky knolls that give this rare, geologic phenomenon its intriguing name. Probably taken from a German word, kobel (meaning "rocks"), the Cobble began as coral reefs, shells, and sand as many as 500 million years ago when this area was an inland sea. When the Taconic and Berkshire mountains were formed, the still-forming strata were pushed upward and flipped over, leaving the rough and rugged underbelly exposed for millennia. The reservation's more recent farming history lives on through herd of cattle grazing along the river.
The cobbles consist mostly of quartzite and marble, whose alkaline soil supports an unusual array of flora – you'll find one of North America's greatest diversities of fern species here. The reservation also boasts one of the largest Cottonwood trees in the state. It's this amazing diversity that led to the Cobble's designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1971.
The high point at Bartholomew's Cobble, Hurlburt's Hill, rises 1,000 feet to a 20-acre upland field on the Massachusetts–Connecticut border that offers panoramic views northward up the Housatonic River Valley.
You can tour the cobbles, trees and understory plants, and river, on the Ledges Trail, which also passes two small caves kids love to explore. You can also trek through open fields, transitional forest, and freshwater marshes with beaver ponds along the Cobble's other trails. Don't forget to stop in to the natural history museum and visitor center either before or after your visit. And, to mix your natural history with some cultural history, follow the trail that leads to the nearby historic Ashley House, from where enslaved African American Mum Bett Freeman sued for her freedom, helping to end slavery in Massachusetts.
Five miles of trails, moderate hiking. Some may find the hike to the Hurlburt's Hill summit strenuous.
When to Visit
Visitor's center is open year round. Hours vary by season. Call 413.298.3239 x 3013 for hours. Allow a minimum of 2 hours, 3 hours if also visiting the Ashley House. Spring wildflowers show best mid-April through May. Spring bird migration at peak in May. Ferns best in June. Hawk migration from mid-September through October.
Visitors Center and natural history museum (handicapped-accessible public restrooms). Private functions may be arranged for groups of up to 40 people; call or e-mail for more information.
Please note: During January & February, the visitor center is open Sundays from 10AM-4PM only.
The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Find the full policy here.
105 Weatogue Road
Ashley Falls
Sheffield, MA 01257
Telephone: 413.229.8600
E-mail: email@example.com
Latitude: 42.0574
Longitude: -73.3507
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Mass Turnpike (I-90), Exit 2 for Rt. 20 East. Follow 4.6 mi., then take 1st right onto Rt. 102 West/Pleasant St. Go 6.6 mi. Turn left onto Rt. 7 South. After 8.5 mi., turn right onto Rt. 7A and follow for 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Rannapo Rd. and follow for 1.5 mi. Turn right onto Weatogue Rd. to entrance and parking (30 cars) on left.
From Rt. 7 North in Canaan, CT, turn left onto Rt. 7A and cross state border. Turn left onto Rannapo Rd. and follow for 0.8 mi. Turn left onto Weatogue Rd. to entrance and parking (30 cars) on left.
When to Visit
Visitor's center is open year round. Hours vary by season. Call 413.298.3239 x 3013 for hours. Allow a minimum of 2 hours, 3 hours if also visiting the Ashley House.
Please note: During January & February, the visitor center is open Sundays from 10AM-4PM only.
Parking: $5 per car for nonmembers; FREE for members
Admission: $5 per person for nonmembers; $1 per nonmember child (6-12); FREE for members
Get more information about parking fees >>
Group rates offered for special programs and vary depending on program; call 413.229.8600 or email email@example.com for more information.
The reservation is named for George Bartholomew, a farmer who purchased the fields and uplands in the late 19th Century. But more than a hundred years earlier, Col. John Ashley had gathered together a sprawling estate of which the current reservation was only a part. The Trustees acquired the Cobble in 1946; Ashley's home, also owned by the Trustees, still stands on nearby Cooper Hill Rd.
Property Acquisition History
Original acreage purchased in 1946. Additional land purchased in 1963, 1968, and 1969, and in 1976 with a matching grant from the National Park Service and the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Additional land given by Ellen Spero Roman and James S. and Robert E. Spero in 1978; Antonio J., Gilbert F., and Vincent A. Malnati in 1981; Harry Kahn in 1982; Dr. Alan J. Frish in 1982; and Ann Z. Grumpelt in 1996 and 2000.
Archival Collections
Archival material related to Bartholomew's Cobble is available to researchers at the Archives & Research Center in Sharon, Massachusetts.
S. Waldo Bailey Negatives of Berkshire County
(6.0 linear feet)
Negatives of plants, flowers, trees, animals, and birds in the Berkshires, 1898–1961.
The Trustees of Reservations offer guided natural history canoe tours that help adults and children (12 and older) explore the natural wonders of Bartholomew's Cobble and the Housatonic River. All guided tours are led by expert naturalists, and proceeds support ongoing conservation work at Bartholomew's Cobble, including conducting wildlife research, protecting endangered species, and restoring native habitats.
Visitors may also participate in workshops, lectures, and children's programs. For listings, visit our events calendar or contact us at email@example.com.
New Program! Flying Deer Nature Center at Bartholomew's Cobble
Meets 10 Fridays (February 28–May 16)
Bartholomew's Cobble in Sheffield, MA
This program offers children ages 7-12 the opportunity to explore this unique landscape, craft items from natural materials, and learn through play. With a focus on stewardship, responsibility, and connection to place, students learn through a blend of storytelling, play, imagination, ancestral skills, and activities.
Flying Deer Nature Center
Learn more about Flying Deer Nature Center and register here.
Since 1891, The Trustees of Reservations have worked to protect special places in Massachusetts and maintain them to the highest standards. To ensure these standards are met, a program of careful planning and sound management is essential. Comprehensive property management plans are created for each reservation and are completely updated approximately every ten years. We often work with volunteers, property users, and members of the community to carry out this planning, which typically involves several steps:
A printed trail map is available for free at the bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies sometimes run out. We recommend that you download a trail map before you visit.
Private functions may be arranged for groups of up to 40 people; call 413.229.8600 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Travel Links
Berkshire Links.com
See the Berkshires
Berkshire Visitor's Bureau
Berkshire Web
Getaway the Berkshires
Community Links
Berkshires On-line
Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.
Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:
Click on links below for further visitor information:
Before Setting Out
Enjoying Trustees Reservations
Learn about the Flying Deer Nature Center program at Bartholomew's Cobble >>
Tyringham Cobble
Tyringham, MA
Monument Mountain
Great Barrington, MA
New Marlborough, MA
Fun outdoor winter activities
Dec 26 – Mass Appeal
14 Amazing Places to See Fall Foliage
Oct 3 – Boston Magazine
10 Fall Hikes in Massachusetts to Suit Your Personality
Oct 1 – The Boston Globe


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...the Earth says hello.
"The Earth Says Hello"
Very special reason to be late!!ReplyDelete
You have to stop and shoot the flowers . . .ReplyDelete
love this dewy beautyReplyDelete
I can almost smell it. Lovely.ReplyDelete
Beautiful!! You always manage to knock my socks off!!!ReplyDelete
How can they hold it against you when you stopped to smell the roses and reduce your stress. No MD in his/her right mind would object to that. Love those raindrops on roses.ReplyDelete
So do you always have your camera or on a day like this do you say, "Oooo let me get me camera" and run back in the house?ReplyDelete
looks like a knock-out for sure....i love the light!!ReplyDelete
LOL, you sound a bit like me. :-) Hope they agreed as well.ReplyDelete
This is such a beautiful shot! Definitely worth being late ;o)ReplyDelete
Love the way your captured the knockout rose! Totally worth being late!ReplyDelete
There's a beautiful glistening shimmer in this photo with all those water drops. Beautiful work. Just hold up the photo to the dr's receptionist and no questions will be needed.ReplyDelete


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Rose News for 'Philippines' Category
Rose Charities International 2014 Year End Review
Rose Charities International Network:
2014 End of Year Review.
2014 for Rose Charities has been marked both by consolidation in which the well established projects have steadily moved forwards with new initiatives, plans and their implementation, and a considerable delivery of emergency relief for the Philippines. The moves towards increased self sustainability have made progress in a number of areas, notably with the Sri Lanka Medicare program including now a specialised Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Centre, Cambodia, where Drs Vra and Natalia Heng's Rose Charities Eye Centre now operates also from their newly built clinic and caters for both the paying, to cover costs, and the poor. Projecto San Gerado Costa Rica's community programs incorporating tourist and local produce are, now as part of Rose Charities Canada an impressive example of what can be achieved.
Sri Lanka was very active in 2014, continuing to lead the way in microcredit initiatives. It has had to reduce its preschool program due to lack of funding but still manages to run the new cut-down program in this hugely essential area. ( www.rosesrilanka.info )
Rose Charities Sri Lanka wonderfully hosted the 2014 Rose VI International Conference which was a huge success allowing international delegates (UK, Canada, USA, NZ, Cambodia, Japan) and Sri Lanka guests to network, discuss and witness the excellent programs in their area. In addition many of the children in the area worked hard to give delegates marvellous entertainment of dancing and singing which was hugely appreciated by all.
2014 was actually the 10th year after the terrible Asian tsunami of 2004 and it is a true tribute to the energy, charity and dedication of Anthony Richard and his team that so much has been achieved in that time. Over these years, programs have included child and adult health care, post traumatic child counselling, sports for peace and education for all ages, from pre-school to higher education. Poverty reduction through micro-credit and vocational training are now noteworthy as well as special development programs for women.
One of the most notable achievements of 2014 was the re-birth of the Rose Cambodia Rehab Centre (RCRC) ( www.roserehab.org ) which was in final stages of closure though lack of funds. This was also one of the major successes of the Sri Lanka Rose VI conference when Ms Sophak Chim (RCRC Cambodia) discussed issues with a very supportive Rose Charities USA team (Rachel Greene, Arnold Sanchez, Dianne Johnston). Ms Sophak showed that despite the difficulties of physiotherapy being well accepted in Cambodia, the demand for the clinic's services were on the increase. Rose USA agreed to continue and expand support assisted by Canada and the UK. Previously the main support had come from Rose Australia (the main original founder of RCRC) but this organisation has had to go into a reorganisation phase (possibly with a view to disbanding) due to lack of funding and director base. RCRC has now continued to be successful under new Director Ms Chhouen Putheary. (Ms Sophak continues to advise),
Informal linkage of RCRC with Professor Nous Saroms's Rehabilitation Surgery department in the PPSC medical centre ( www.cambodiasurgery.info ) continues both in cross-referrals and consultations. In addition PPSC takes many elective medical students who often write to Rose Charities asking for placements.
The Hillman Fund of Rose Charities Canada has also continued its support for physiotherapy treatment and training in Cambodia through assistance to the Cambodia Physical Therapy Association (CPTA) , as well as assisting in eye surgeon training at the Rose Eye Clinic. ( www.rose-eye.info ) . The Eye clinic has now treated some two hundred thousand patients which will rise to close to a quarter of a million within the next year and a half. It carries out both treatment and training and runs a peripheral outreach program. It is amazing to see where this project has gone from both its origin in 1997 as well as its disaster of 2003 when it was 99% looted of all equipment and gutted by thieves. A huge amount of success has been due to the input and assistance, material, teaching, and consultative assistance of Rose Charities New Zealand, ( www.rose-charities.org ) notably Mike Webber and John Veale. Also of great assistance in the development of the clinic and earlier outreach program(s) with IRIS Cambodia (founded by same founder(s) of Rose ) has been Dr Basant Raj Sharma. 'Basant' has taken the past few years to open now his own surgical eye clinic in South Nepal which will include a charity treatment component. Rose NZ will be assisting with this program.
Rose Charities Malaysia ( www.myrosecharity.org ) and Rose Charities Singapore ( www.rosesingapore.info ) have continued their impressive programs of local assistance with health clinics, assisting seniors and children's programs and delivering health services (Rose Malaysia ) to the indigenous 'Orang Asli' people in rural areas. Both organisations set wonderful examples of organisations very well integrated to directly helping those in need in their own regions and have impressive memberships of many volunteers prepared to give their time and efforts for others. Rose Charities in Vietnam with its outstanding history of aid programs both with community development and blind home assistance in the Hue area and orphanage support through Rose Charities UK ( www.rosecharities.org.uk ). Rose Vietnam is currently undergoing restructuring but has potential to carry on its work into the future.
The typhoon Haiyan disaster, although in Nov 2013, carried on its effects into 2014 as did Rose Charities efforts to provide assistance. This was achieved on a considerable scale for Rose Charities with direct assistance (medical team lead by Dr Collin Yong in Negros), and indirect though support to partners such as AMDA medical team(s). All phases of the disaster were assisted from immediate health issues through provision of emergency water purification and solar lighting. The work also included rebuilding the health clinic, the walkway access and a number of fishing boats. The island of Negros, Cebu and Leyete were assisted and this has continued to the present time now with support for a newly designed, typhoon-proof home building program with the 'Movement for Liveable Cebu' organisation. These homes have now proved their worth by withstanding the much more recent typhoon Haguput. To support this work considerable funds were raised in Vancouver and Richmond working in conjunction with several groups and charitable individuals, one of the most noteworthy being Mr Alan Yong, cousin of Dr Collin Yong.
While Rose Charities is not primarily an emergency relief organisation we have nevertheless been able to provide considerable assistance over the years during major catastrophes, invariably working on advice and in conjunction with local groups on the ground who have requested assistance. With no budget for advertising and promotion it is probable that well over a million dollars has been raised for the disasters we have been involved with, but more importantly, programs continue to this day in Haiti (sports and community assistance) Tohoku (Japan) (AMDA Health Clinic) and, Sri Lanka (see above) and (as mentioned above) the Philippines. What is more, these assistance programs have been invariably without large, expensive infrastructure and working at grassroots level with virtually all donated funds being spent on crucial basic needs.
One area which illustrates this approach is Rose's assistance to the current 'Ebola' crisis. While the current epidemic is in West Africa the disease is endemic in other parts of Africa and has the potential to spread seriously. Early diagnosis, case handling and treatment is essential to increase survival chances and Rose Charities through the Hillman Fund is now supporting a Ebola health training program in Uganda together with Makere University, both in rural and urban Ugandan areas. Dr Andrew Macnab (Brighter Smiles) and the Hillman Fund, with the HEADA Organisation has also initiated a schoolchild early malaria diagnosis program run by the schools themselves. Early results indicate a considerable reduction in school absentee time generated traditionally by the disease.
The problem of safe birthing and motherhood world-wide is a huge one. The want of education, hygiene, medications and trained helpers claims a heavy toll in mortality. In some countries, such as Afghanistan, a maternal and/or neonatal child death occurs every few minutes. Rose Charities Canada is focusing on this challenge with the formation of its Safe Motherhood and Birthing committee which is partly supported by the Hillman Fund and linking with Rose Charities UK ( www.rosecharities.org.uk ) . Programs now include the impressive Guatemala Safe Motherhood ( www.safemotherhoodproject.org ) training project for local Comadronas (birth attendants) founded by Annette Borkent and Dr Ruth Brighouse. There is also a joint initiative in Pakistan with the Frontier Primary Health Organization and a linked program in Afghanistan with Tabish Health and Community Organisation. In this last case recent progress has now resulted in the first two trained community nurses working in one of the main refugee and displaced persons camps near Kabul. One possible future linkage of this committee is to assist with a new RCRC (Cambodia) incipient birth assistance program.
It would be impossible to end this brief review of the Rose Charities International Network programs, without mention of one of its largest areas: education. World Rose groups support primary schools in Madagascar (Rose Madagascar), Zambia (Malambo Grassroots), Uganda (4 schools – Stand Tall Education ( www.standtalleducation.org ) , Volset, and Brighter Smiles (2), ( www.brightersmilesafrica.ca ), Guatemala (Mayan Project of Dr Ellen Coburn www.mayanproject.org ) and Sri Lanka. In addition there are child education support programs in Uganda (Smiles Uganda founded by Mr Galib Kara), Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and a pre-school program in Sri Lanka also. There is higher education support in Uganda, Zambia and Sri Lanka. In the case of Sri Lanka, these programs have produced many graduates including those in medicine, engineering and law. Advanced training programs are sponsored by the Hillman Fund in Uganda and have included ETATS (Emergency Medicine Training program) as well as advanced GP training. In Cambodia students were assisted in accountancy training and now at the Rose Charities Eye clinic there is training of eye surgeons (assisted by Rose NZ and the Hillman Fund). The full title of the Hillman Fund is the 'Hillman Medical Education Fund' and this indicates the importance which is put on training by this Rose group. Many special 'Hillman scholars' have been supported over the years for advanced and/or postgraduate training. Earlier mentioned too has been the training of midwives and birth attendants. Vocational training programs in Sri Lanka and Uganda (Brighter Smiles) have helped many to find employment in all areas and there is in-house training in the Rose Sri Lanka head office in the management of programs including micro-credit and business planning. A novel peer-to-peer training program is also supported in Uganda.
Left to the end, but perhaps the most important element of all is fund-raising. None of the spectrum of great Rose projects mentioned could exist without the funding. Once again Rose persons continue to show themselves to be stars holding a panoply of the most varied, enjoyable and energetic fund-raising initiatives. New Zealand to New York, Cambodia to Costa Rica, Uganda to Guatemala, Zambia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines -all have, and continue to hold, events and occasions to raise funds. Rose's very close partner organisation AMDA, in conjunction with Rose, has for the last 3 years held emergency relief fundraisers in Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver bringing in incredible virtuosos from Japan to play alongside local experts. Athletes ride for funds in the international Vancouver-Whistler Granfondo bicycle race. Events have included sponsored walks in Malaysia, musical evenings in New Zealand, 'bling' sales in Vancouver, street hockey tournaments in New York city, a 'Bollywood dance training and performance evening in Vancouver and sponsored scrabble evenings. Rose Charities Australia even at one stage held a paper aeroplane- making and distance flying competition (one of the events I had a great personal enjoyment in attending) . For all these initiatives and also to our accounting teams who year after year assist with the so important baseline work to keep the organizations going – Bravo !… and a huge thank you.
It is very difficult in a limited 'thumbnail' report to present anywhere near enough information of the scale, achievements and diversity of the full Rose network. The above is really only a glimpse over its surface. The bottom line however is that all the programs and achievement are due to one overriding factor. That is the amazing people that Rose Charities is fortunate to be associated with. The network is not a centralised unit; it is, in fact simply a vehicle to help move forward the amazing work of individuals and their own groups of project supporters. The 'Charity Rose' award is, every year, awarded to one recipient only. There is no mandate for the awardees to be kept within Rose Charities, yet every year to date, this happens. The reason for this is that when it comes to assessment and vote for the recipient, the achievement and dedication of Rose persons invariably are simply the most outstanding proposed within and without the organisation !
No doubt 2015 will have its ups and downs. In an increasingly wealth-polarised world, however, the need for aid and assistance will not be diminishing. Rose programs will be needed more than ever. In addition the environmental changes of global warming may sadly mean increased natural disaster frequency and severity. Rose Charities now has a track record and experience level generated over its 15 years in formal existence. We are an organisation focused on the most direct assistance we can possibly give with the absolute minimum spent on admin costs. Every time disaster strikes we see many big charity organisations taking up large tracts of expensive media coverage, and most carry out excellent (though often very expensive) programs. Yet time and again, such as in Sri Lanka, Haiti and Tohoku, a year or more after the event, the smaller, grassroots Rose supported programs remain and continue to tend to those who have been affected by the event.
The 7th Rose Charities International Meeting 2015 will be held in the Proyecto San Gerado Costa Rica program site. (March 8 – 10 2015) – see ( www.rosecharities.info/events/rose7-info-pack.zip ) As with all meetings it is a huge opportunity to witness the projects and initiatives and speak to those who run them. In addition there are often amazing presentations of local culture that the average person will simply never witness. No donor money is ever spent on these meetings (unless specifically requested for that use) and delegates all pay their own transport and accommodation. They are informal and always prove a superb forum for networking and exchange of ideas. The meetings are not restricted to Rose personnel and anyone genuinely interested is invited to attend.
Rose Charities People and Programs span many 'New Years' – Lunar, Khmer, Hindu, Gregorian etc. The last of these however is now. So for this Gregorian New Year 2014/2015 let me take the opportunity to say 'Bravo' to all and everyone, givers, receivers (invariably the same thing), whatever involvement level. Its you that makes everything happen. You are magnificent and have my unparalleled praise and unreserved thanks.
(http://www NULL.rosecharities NULL.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/me-abby-13 NULL.jpg)Will Grut MD
Vancouver, Canada
31 December 2014
Rose Charities/Bacalod North Rotary Emergency Health Teams for Philippines Emergency Relief
(http://www NULL.rosecharities NULL.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/montage-haiyan NULL.jpg)
Rose Charities Dr Collin Yong, currently carrying out medical relief along the north coast of Negros Island. Missions carried out to Cadiz City as well as some of the small isolated islands which to date have had almost no relief. Images above include Lakawon Island
Update Dec 5th 2013. The health teams have continued to operate. In addition a program is now underway to help those who have lost their livelihoods, such as fishermen, to re-equip. Fishing is a major occupation in the island regions affected by Haiyan.
Philippines disaster: meeting the immediate needs…
The immediate needs of the typhoon Hiyan disaster victims include food, water, shelter materials and basic medical supplies. Rose Charities partners in the Bacolod Rotary club have a long relationship with Rose through Dr Collin Yong, of the B.C. Childrens hospital who has both visited and worked in the area with pediatric missions. The clubs workers have been supplying truckloads of food and supplies for several days especially to the most stricken ares of the north, around Cadiz City. Basic medical supplies have also been supplied.
Working though contacts with the Kopernik Social Enterprise initiative (http://www NULL.kopernik NULL.info) in Bali, Indonesia, Kopernik has generously donated 100 advance water purifying units to the Negros disaster area as well as their shipping.
Rose Charities has a very close relationship also with AMDA Canada, which is the Canadian arm of the main AMDA Organization, one of Japans biggest implementer of emergency relief. AMDA medical personnel are currently coordinating with the Philippines Armed forces relief efforts in other areas.
In times of crisis, the more effective networking which can be utilized the better as pooling of resources can make them all go so much further and avoid duplication.
Why Rose Charities for Emergency Assistance to Philippines..
(http://www NULL.rosecharities NULL.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/a4 NULL.jpg)On the Vancouver CBC morning program hosted by Rick Cluff today (20 Nov 2013) there was a discussion on what to look for in an aid organization helping now in relief activities. A representative from the excellent Canadian 'Charities Watch' organization gave three criteria. They could have taken directly from Rose Charities and were as follows
1) Local network: Look for organizations with local involvments and networks prior to the crisis. Rose Charities was founded for work in S.E. Asia. Contacts and local networks within the Philippines have been present for years, especially through Rose Charities Director Dr Collin Yong, who has carried out multiple medical missions there prior to the crisis and has many local contacts. Within days of the current crisis occurring food was being delivered (while the media in Vancouver were continuing to discuss that 'food was not getting through' in north Negros Island, one of the worst hit areas, organized by Rose partners in the North Bacolod Rotary Club. . In addition local networking in S.E.Asia resulted in a hugely generous donation by an Indonesian Alternative Community Technology organization (Kopernik) of 100 large water filtration units which were directly send to the area. Now, Dr Yong himself is there working again with local counterparts, on a combined Rose Charities / Bacolod Rotary Medical missions, travelling by boat to the many outlying islands which to date have been almost untouched by assistance.
(http://www NULL.rosecharities NULL.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pakquake-pirzada-2 NULL.jpg)2) Experience: Look for organizations with experience in a specific area; Rose Charities volunteers have huge experience in overseas assistance. The whole organization was founded predominantly by field workers disillusioned with the waste, inefficiency and sadly, often frank dishonesty in the 'aid industry;' Rose Charities Canada's volunteers include nurses, doctors, and other health professionals, engineers, accountants, financial managers, lawyers etc. Members from all walks of life and the majority with experience of work overseas in the whole spectrum of activities from immediate emergency to long term. Rose Charities is particularly strong with medical and health care, especially paediatric as many of its members work in this field, several a with the B.C. Children's Hospital. Unlike some other organizations the organizers of Rose Charities see little demarcation as to what constitutes emergency relief. Millions of children and adults dying from treatable disease, poverty, conflict is equally an emergency to natural environmental disaster. The aim of Rose Charities is simply to help all to whatever degree it is able.
3) Look for track record. Look for organizations with a good track record in humanitarian relief: Rose Charities has a noteworthy track record in humanitarian assistance. These include assistance to Sri Lanka and Indonesia (Tsunami 2004), Pakistan (Earthquake Kashmir 2005), Hurricane Katrina USA 2005, Indonesia Volcano 2009), Sichuan (http://www NULL.rosecharities NULL.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/katrina1 NULL.jpg)Earthquake and Myanmar typhoon 2008, Haiti Earthquake 2010 Japan Tohoku Tsunami 2011, Pakistan flood 2012. The common denominator with Rose involvement has been policy of immediately, on the disaster occurring, activating, linking, co-ordinating, or finding local networks which can be supported to provide immediate assistance. This policy allows also the flexibility which can ensure assistance can actually get to areas which may be politically or logistically difficult for other organizations. Only secondarily, and if requested, suggested by the local counterpart is a team directly sent. Where teams have been sent however it has been with the policy of not simply rushing in and out in a matter of months, but staying, funding permitting to help the long-term rebuilding of the
area. In Sri Lanka 2005 for example, in the weeks after the tsunami there were dozens of organizations who arrived after Rose Charities team to work in the same area. However, 6 month later around 80 percent of them had departed, a year almost all of them and now, 10 years later Rose remains the only one. In the 10 years however, multiple community support programs have been carried out, including education, medical, poverty reduction etc. In Haiti, program support continues in the area of paediatric nursing training (the nursing training facilities having been destroyed by the earthquake). In Tohoku, work continues through close partners AMDA Japan and the medical center this group has established.
The 'Charities Watch' criteria fit Rose exactly. However Rose Charities organizers would add two more
4) Length of mission. As discussed above, many organizations seem to rush in (often with great expense ) distribute a lot of materials (much of which often is not needed, cannot get to the area through logistics difficulties etc. ) stay for a short while then depart very quickly. This can result in actually generating more hardship when supplies and medical services which the community start to depend on, are simply cut off again. Rose Charities aims wherever possible to 'stay the course' and help communities rebuild. Two years after the 2004 Asian Tsuanmi, there were still people in some areas living in tents. The effects of disaster don't just to away in a few months.
5) Cost effectiveness. In Sri Lanka 2005 whole hotel floors were being hired by organizations in Colombo. Huge amounts were spent on logistics, salaries of 'experts', special transport (rented aircraft etc.). Rose Charities volunteers, are just that, volunteers. They are unpaid donating their time and expertise. While some airfares and some living costs (at local cost levels) are paid for rapid emergency missions, in general Rose Charities operations they are not (volunteers pay their own). Admin. costs are minimal. There are some bank transfer charges, and some low bookkeeping costs (though other accounting is generously donated). In short, Rose Charities is incredibly cost effective. It is no exaggeration, and easily demonstrable that Rose Charities has achieved in emergency situations an equivalent or more than many other organizations spending 10 or 20 times more
6) Reliabiltiy: There are many ways to convey information and it is natural for all organizations to want to put the best (http://www NULL.rosecharities NULL.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mary-er-sl NULL.jpg)light on their work possible. However sometimes this means that the information is presented about what is actually being carried out in the field may not correlate with reality. This is not necessarily deliberate, it can be hard for information to get back through various channels and way-stations and remain in its natural form. In addition there is great pressure to 'get first' on air and put over a good picture. There are no simple ways to know whether what is being said is really true or not but it is a very good idea to ask questions where possible. Rose Charities tries to get publicity too, because it does help to promote our work and elicit donations. In Rose however if we are assisting an emergency we know that (as outlined above) we already have our delivery mechanism in the field with a local network, so that whatever donors kindly give, big or small, will be fed directly into that mechanism to be implemented cost-effectively, where it is needed.


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Update: Mobile support, disabled invites, and more!
Over the last few weeks, we've released a number of exciting updates on Studio Binder.
Today, we want to spotlight some of these updates. Let's get started.
Toggle Invitation Emails Off
We now provide the option to disable invitation emails when you add a cast or crew member to your project.
The upside – your cast and crew isn't requested to do anything before they receive their call sheet. The downside – you'll have to manually add their contact details yourself (i.e. phone, profile image, role name/position, etc).
Ultimately, we believe the choice should be up to you.
You can toggle whether you want to send an invitation email within your Add Cast & Crew pop-up:
Call sheets are now fully responsive
The new call sheets page will display the percentage (and exact number) of recipients who viewed their call time emails, and how many have confirmed.
Want to see who didn't? We thought of that too. You can drill down to a person-by-person view as well.
Accept project invites in-app
We've made it even easier for your cast & crew to accept project invites. In the event they forgot to accept your project (via their invite email), all they need to do is to log into their Studio Binder account, click on "Invited Projects", and then simply "Accept Project." Done.
[Feature discontinued 2015]
Claim Your StudioBinder Pro Discount
In a few weeks, we'll be rolling out our new Pricing plans. In exchange for all the great feedback we've received during our beta period, we're providing an exclusive 25-50% discount off any StudioBinder plan of your choosing (good for 3 months).
If you'd like to claim your discount, just click the button below.
Create & send call sheets easier. Track views and RSVP's instantly.
Create call sheets like a pro. Send via email or text. Track the views and RSVP's in a snap.
Create & send call sheets easier. Track views and RSVP's instantly.
Create call sheets like a pro. Send via email or text. Track the views and RSVP's in a snap.


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You do not know everything you can be learned about Affiliate marketing. Internet marketing is evolving on a daily basis, and there will always be much to learn. The article will help your Internet promotion strategies off the ground.
A mailing list of your client email addresses is vital. Give your customers several opportunities to leave their email address part of the ordering process.
Create a FAQ page to help out your Web marketing endeavors. For each question or issue, write a helpful answer, and mention products that you sell as a solution when appropriate.
Internet marketing involves using available software and modern technology. If you are not following the trend and missing some opportunities, your company will not be successful. It is important to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge as a way of convincing customers that you operate a quality enterprise.
Regular blogging is an asset to any affiliate marketing with…
View original post 293 more words


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Have you heard the news Australia? The Carbon Tax comes into effect from July 1, 2012. There are all sorts of worries and concerns about our groceries going up, our school fees going up, our holiday accommodation going up, our local sports clubs registrations going up, our balls of wool going up. It's all just going up, and up, and sometimes it goes up and up, up!
We know Dr Seuss' book claims It's a good day for Up! but not this kind of up.
So let me help you bring some of the up, back down a little bit to a slightly and hopefully more comfortable level of up, if that is possible at all.
On a more mature and grown up note, please check here for some very good ways to beat the carbon tax (other than with a very big stick).
And the following are some of my, how to keep warm without needing heaters, tips I thought I would share with you. . . . .
You cannot beat the snuggle better than a scarf around the neck. When not in use, place in your draw with a sachet of dried lavender, so that when you snuggle it around your neck, the gentle calming scent keeps you relaxed through your day. Or use any number of favourite dried and scented flowers that make your day wonderful.
They say that heat rises, well keep a lid on it will you, don't waste that precious energy your body has been working so hard to make to keep you warm and have it all escape out the top of your head, or in some cases the ears!
Stuck in front of a computer most of your day? Then love your wrists by putting on a bit of warmness to stop the ache and the cold.
Save money in the kitchen by having a bake up day. Turning on your oven just for one item is such a waste of heat, so make the most of it, crank it up and set up a production line. Not only are you filling your kitchen with yummy treats, you are keeping warm at the same time.
You could even have more fun with this by inviting some friends over and sharing the spoils of the bake up, hmmmm some lovely cocktails would certainly assist in the warming of the inside too. What a fun afternoon!
Here are the spoils of my morning, double batch of anzac biscuits, one banana cake for the freezer, a double batch of choc/coconut slice, and a batch of rocky road. Let's not talk about the wash up huh!
Lastly, of course, the good old cuppa, (with or without a dash of something) no matter where you are, or who you are with, nothing says warm like a cuppa. Wrap your hands around a lovely cuppa in your favourite mug and *ahhhhhh*.
There are some other ideas for keeping warm, and I am about to do one of them very soon. Snuggle under a blanket with my two little monkeys and continue our reading of The Enchanted Wood.
Of course, there are some cheeky ways to keep warm, but you all know what they are, lol, yes, yes you do, I can see that you do, because you are grinning right now. So keep those carbon tax saving ways to yourself will you, well ok, then share them with a friend if you must. lol. Go on, off you go, and wipe that grin off your face!
What are your carbon tax saving secrets for this winter?
Thanks so much for stopping by my place, keep warm and dry at your place.


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Burlington, WI 53105
Kate Larsen, MCC, is a master certified coach, and serves as a faculty member, advisor and mentor coach for Wellcoaches Inc. Her work has appeared in Experience Life, Fitness, SHAPE, Self, Cosmopolitan, Prevention and other publications. She is also the author of Progress Not Perfection: Your Journey Matters. Certification: ACE


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Salvator Mundi (Leonardo)
|Leonardo da Vinci
|c. 1490-1519
|Oil on walnut
|45.4 cm × 65.6 cm (25.8 in × 17.9 in)
|Private collection, New York City
Salvator Mundi is a painting of Christ as Salvator Mundi recently attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, who is known to have painted the subject. It was lost and later rediscovered, and restored and exhibited in 2011. The painting shows Christ, in Renaissance garb, giving a benediction with his raised right hand and crossed fingers while holding a crystal sphere in his left hand.
- History 1
- Copies of Leonardo's work 2
- Notes 3
- External links 4
In France, Leonardo da Vinci painted the subject, Jesus Christ, for Louis XII of France between 1506 and 1513. The recently authenticated work was once owned by Charles I of England and recorded in his art collection in 1649 before being auctioned by the son of the Duke of Buckingham and Normanby in 1763. It next appeared in 1900, when it was purchased by a British collector, Francis Cook, 1st Viscount of Monserrate. The painting was damaged from previous restoration attempts, and its authorship unclear. Cook's descendants sold it at auction in 1958 for £45. In 2005, the painting was acquired by a consortium of art dealers that included Robert Simon, a specialist in Old Masters. It was heavily overpainted so that it looked like a copy, and was described as "a wreck, dark and gloomy".[1] It was then restored and authenticated as a painting by Leonardo. It was exhibited by London's National Gallery during the Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan from 9 November 2011 to 5 February 2012.[2][3][4] In 2013 the painting was sold to an unidentified collector for between $75 million and $80 million.[5]
Copies of Leonardo's work
Contemporary copy by Cesare da Sesto (1516-1517). Wilanów Palace, Warsaw
Jesus, Leonardo's school
Jesus, after Leonardo. Wenceslas Hollar (1607-1677)
- ^ Esterow, Milton (June 2011). "A Long Lost Leonardo". ARTnews (ARTnews). Retrieved 2011-06-30.
- ^ Esterow, Milton (June 2011). "A Long Lost Leonardo". ARTnews (ARTnews). Retrieved 2011-06-30.
- ^ BBC News (12 July 2011). "Lost Leonardo Da Vinci painting to go on show". BBC. Retrieved 2011-07-12.
- ^ "Scholars authenticate a painting that was missing for centuries". En.99ys.com. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
- ^ Reyburn, Scott. Recently Attributed Leonardo Painting Was Sold Privately for Over $75 Million. New York Times. 3 March 2014. [1]
External links
- Original press release from Robert Simon
- Platonic receptacles, Leonardo and the Salvator Mundi, iconographic and provenance details of the painting
- Leonardo da Vinci: anatomical drawings from the Royal Library, Windsor Castle, exhibition catalog fully online as PDF from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which contains material on Salvator Mundi (see index)


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Deadly pandemic virus intentionally created by U.S. scientist
It sounds like the plot of a grade B movie – deadly pandemic virus deliberately created by a mad scientist. But we assure you this is real.
It sounds like the plot of a grade B movie – deadly pandemic virus deliberately created by a mad scientist. But we assure you this is real.
Why are autoimmune disorders on the rise in a big way? Discover the connection between adjuvants used in vaccines and ASIA syndrome.
Here is the research the CDC should have done before any vaccines were given to children. Learn the implication from this major study.
Learn why SB 277, the bill legislating mandatory vaccination for all, is set to do great damage to many children with genetic anomalies.
Vaccine authority Dr. Russell Blaylock exposes the lies, corruption and fraud behind the Gardasil vaccine that puts an entire generation at risk.
The link between the MMR vaccine and autism risk can no longer be denied. Find out what one courageous researcher finally discovered.
Humans with shorter sleep times have been shown to be more susceptible to viruses, bacterial infections, obesity and cancer.
If you want to stay healthy while traveling, be sure to bring along these easy to carry immune boosters to use with your food. Have a great trip!
Do you know what's in flu vaccine? Before you line up for your annual flu shot there is something you should know about the mercury they contain.
Although a host of pathogens lurk in NYC subways and probably in the public transportation where you live as well, does it mean you are in danger?


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The number of channels offered by DIRECTV depends upon the service package. As of 2015, DIRECTV offers six packages in English, with the lowest level, Select, offering over 145 channels and the highest level, Premier, offering over 315 channels.
DIRECTV channel listings for each package are viewable on the company's website and include both television and satellite radio channels. DIRECTV sorts channels by grouping into categories such as national channels, premium channels and channels available in Spanish. Each guide notes if there are channels that require a special dish or other equipment. Customers can print channel guides from PDFs provided by the company.


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Professor shares ancestor's tale
Ruzesky's great-grandfather's cousin was Roald Amundsen, the first explorer to reach the South Pole
Julie Chadwick / Nanaimo Daily News
October 11, 2013
VIU professor Jay Ruzesky will speak about his experiences in Antarctica and his famous ancestor Roald Amundsen in a presentation at the university on Oct. 18
It was out on the bow of the Polar Pioneer headed for Antarctica, that Jay Ruzesky got a peculiar sensation.
The vast, inscrutable landscape was stunning, said Ruzesky, and in its presence he struggled to understand his accompanying emotions.
The closest he could come to describing it was that he felt he was home.
Though it was a completely foreign locale, Ruzesky may have been picking up on an ancestral affinity: His great-grandfather's cousin was Roald Amundsen, famous for being the first explorer to go to the South Pole.
"Lots of families have their claim to fame, whatever that might be," said Ruzesky. "That was kind of our family's fame story, was that we were related to Amundsen the explorer."
On Oct. 18 Ruzesky will share the tale of his ancestor, as part of VIU's Arts and Humanities colloquium series.
In his presentation, Amundsen Then and Now: The End of the Age of Heroic Exploration Ruzesky will look at his own 100th anniversary expedition to Anarctica and analyze how exploration has drastically changed in the last 100 years.
It was on Dec. 14, 1911 that Amundsen arrived at the South Pole in a five-person, 16-dog expedition team.
Plunging a Norwegian flag into the frozen ground, the acheivement was the culmination of years of fundraising and planning.
Some of those funds were raised through North American speaking tours, one of which had stopped in Claresholm Alta., where Ruzesky's ancestors lived.
It was at that time that Ruzesky's grandfather received a watch as a gift from Amundsen, a keepsake that remains in his family today.
Amundsen was initially inspired by the Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin.
"One of the things he said in his autobiography was that he read about polar exploration when he was a young man," said Ruzesky. "When he was 14 years old he read Franklin's accounts of one of his expeditions in the North. .. it was a horrible expedition and all of the men spent a couple of weeks barely surviving to get back from where they'd been. They ended up eating the leather from their shoes because they had no food. So it was horrible suffering, but what he says in his autobiography is that he read that and was attracted to it, and thought, 'Wow, I'd like to go suffer for a cause too.'" Amundsen's experiences in turn served to inspire Ruzesky.
"That idea of polar exploration, of going to the ends of the earth to these stark, cold, lonely places which was where he really spent his life - that reaches pretty deeply into the imagination," he said. "I was told those stories from pretty early on."
However, travelling to far-flung places means a very different experience for the modern explorer, he added.
Ruzesky's own expedition to Antarctica in December of 2011 - which he detailed in his memoir In Antarctica: An Amundsen Pilgrimage - highlighted these changes.
"One goes in rather a different way now. I was not as interested in suffering, as he seemed to be," he said.
"It's a very hostile and challenging landscape. .. but it's also a place where modern clothing and transportation can take a lot of the risk out of it and make it a lot more comfortable."
In his talk Ruzesky details how he came to terms with his own romantic notions of exploration - his visions of frostbitten cheeks and dogs howling into the wind - to come away with an appreciation for what remote places like the Antarctic can offer to one's perspective.
Ruzesky's talk is free and will be held in VIU's Malaspina Theatre from 10-11:30 a.m. on Oct. 18.