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Energy Audits
Creating an energy efficient and greener business can have a major positive impact on our environment as well as your bottom line. A commercial energy audit will help you benefit from the triple bottom line – People, Planet, and Profit. Along with cost savings, there are a number of tangible benefits that you will realize.
Cost Savings
By looking at businesses in a green manner, direct and measurable energy cost savings will be realized on your utility bills. By reducing utility bills your business can be more successful and profitable in clear and quantifiable ways.
Competitive Advantage
By adopting a greener more energy efficient business model, business owners will begin to appreciate what green businesses worldwide have already notices: green business has a distinct advantage over most of its traditional "brown" competitors.
Increase Building Value
By reducing your facility's operational costs and creating a productive work environment, your property value will have a higher resale value and increase its marketability. According to the EPA, every $1 invested in energy upgrades can increase your property value by $2-$3.
Increase Productivity
A commercial energy audit is the first step to creating a more productive work environment through improving comfort, IAQ, light quality and reducing waste. CES can help you strategically plan for the long term by encouraging the most cost-effective measures that result in operational efficiencies.
CES Performs three levels of ASHRAE Energy Audits:
- Level I Analysis – Walk Through Analysis;
- Level II Analysis – Energy survey with ECM analysis;
- Level III Analysis – Investment Grade Energy Audit.
Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com or more information.


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All Jerky Sold out. We have suspended production to focus on social distancing and help end the spread of this virus. Please visit our FB page for more info. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay Fawesome.
Show off your herbivorous pride with this limited run, super soft tri-blend t-shirt. Hand printed by yours truly.

subset: commoncrawl


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Yes, I thought during the last moments of "Midsummer (a Play With Songs)," I like these people together; they should be in love.
The surge of that yes proves that I was carried away by this TheaterWorks production, directed by Tracy Brigden with an awareness of the sweetness inside this spiked candy of a play. "Midsummer" has a fast and funny script, as well as strong work by designers. But most important are the appealing Rebecca Hart and M. Scott McLean, whose chemistry radiates good vibes throughout the theater.
This play out of Scotland, set on the summer solstice, comes from talented stock: The writers are David Greig (whose darker play-with-music, "The Events," ran in New Haven and New York) and Gordon McIntyre, of the indie-pop band Ballboy. Now, don't inflate your expectations too much based on those credits; "Midsummer" is a modest little charmer, a tight narrative of comic sketches that flirts with clever, gritty irony but lands as something of an urban fairy tale.
Yet however sharp the humor — and it's pretty sharp — it's simply an entertaining diversion unless the love story has a pulse. Here, it does.
Mr. McLean is Bob, a depressed ne'er-do-well with a poet's soul (he reads Dostoyevsky to cheer up), and Ms. Hart is Helena, an anxious woman discombobulated by bad relationships and a judgmental family. Her character seems at least nominally inspired by the jilted Helena of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," who pursues her love (the ex) through enchanted woods, but there's no exact match. Indeed, there's no cause here to think about Shakespeare at all (aside from catching the name of a sex club called Midsummer Night's Cream, where our heroes get tied up, literally, for a while).
"Midsummer," which had its premiere in 2008, communicates more as the ribald Scottish kinsman of the Irish "Once," John Carney's quirkily intimate, vérité-style 2007 film of two odd-couple musicians. (That movie became a large-scale, Tony-winning musical.) "Midsummer" freaks out and explodes where "Once" goes within and massages, but the music serves a similar purpose: It aims to deepen each of the relationships and expand why they matter.
Ms. Hart and Mr. McLean — who narrate the show as Helena and Bob while also playing incidental characters — seem to share animating secrets as they play acoustic guitar and sing to each other, the observing audience simply basking in the warmth. They're into each other, loose and unguarded; they're also good singers with interesting timbres who can harmonize their way through a pop tune with ease.
The music is essential to the fairy tale feel of the show, but "Midsummer" is, as its subtitle acknowledges, not a standard musical; these songs, lacking much heft, can become merely enchanting little extras. That almost happens here: The flow from the narrative into the music is at times awkward, especially when a more revved-up number asks, perhaps a little too eagerly, for hand-clapping audience participation. (Just don't. It's a small house.) Yet Ms. Brigden and her performers have created a light, wistful soundscape that serves as the production's heart.
The plot takes off after Bob, flush with a bundle of money he shouldn't have, throws caution aside and asks Helena to help him spend it. She agrees, leading to drunken adventuring through an impressively specific patch of underground Edinburgh. What drives the story, however, is the percolating desperation they both feel about turning — gasp — 35. "I'm itching to be told life does more than make you old," they sing. A remedy comes from the pay station at a parking lot: "Change is possible," it reads.
The energetic Mr. McLean has just the right touch with Bob's roguishly sexy, good-guy appeal. Ms. Hart is more subtle, a full participant in the extroversion of "Midsummer" while suggesting intelligence and a mysterious inner ache. The comedy flows naturally from them, at least typically; in places, it could relax. But the love story, however much it's doing double duty for laughs, still feels substantial.
Will Bob have more conversations with his penis (a great bit) or conventions with other Bobs in the Department of Philosophical Underpinnings (an even better bit)? And what of Helena, who vomits on herself when she's a bridesmaid late for her sister's wedding? Will she stop choosing the wrong men? And what, for both, about children?
Yes, change is possible, Helena and Bob, but don't change too much; we love you just the way you are.


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15/1089-90, VASUNDHARA, VASUNDHARA (P.O.), Dt. GHAZIABAD (U.P), PIN-201012
Website: www.auditflag.blogspot.com
Reference: AIA/Circular-17/2018 Dated: 16th July 2018
Unit Secretaries,
Members & Spl. Invitees – NE &
Members of Women's Committee
Dear Comrades,
For the last couple of years we have been demanding that limitations imposed by the administration on number of chances in SAS examination should be done away with.
We also pointed out repeatedly that in the earlier 'avatar' of the SAS examination, the restriction on number of chances was only for Part I of the SAS examination. And, there was no restriction for Part II of the SAS examination, one could have attempted any number of times.
Repeatedly, we put forward this argument. The administration would agree, but when the Circular is issued the number of chances is limited to 10. Hundreds of candidates are suffering because of this untenable restriction. There are many candidates who have only or two papers left to pass.
In IA&AD, the promotional avenues for SA are quite skewed. And the administration is hell bent on even denying it by imposing such restrictions.
Similarly, the negative marks for CPD and incentive/RA examinations are really a disincentive. First they deny promotions, then they try to fool us with negative marks.
To register our protest and to demand justice to all, all units are requested to HOLD LUNCH HOUR MEETINGS AND ADOPT RESOLUTION demanding unlimited chances for SAS and withdrawing negative marks in all examinations on 25th July 2018.
It is reported that some offices refuse to forward the resolutions to CAG of India through proper channel. All Units, therefore, may send the resolutions - duly signed – to HQr by speed post. We will submit all the resolutions together to CAG from HQr.
With greetings,
Yours fraternally
M. S. Raja
Secretary General


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Confitura is one of the biggest JVM conferences in Poland. It's being run and created by Java community members since 2007. This year's edition, held at the Warsaw Expo XXI, gathered over 2000 participants keen on sharing their knowledge and finding out about new technologies. I had the pleasure of being invited to the conference as one of the speakers. This is my personal recount from the event.
At Spartez, from day one we are being encouraged to participate in conferences, not only as attendees This is why, even though it was my first week at a new job, I answered the Confitura call for papers the day it came.
Speaking of the need for speed: GraalVM
The paper selection process for Confitura is a bit unusual because it involves general audience voting through the conference website. I was fortunate enough to pick a topic which proved to be interesting to the public and found myself among the awesome team of speakers. The topic of my presentation was "The need for speed. What is GraalVM?"
GraalVM is a new technology developed jointly by Oracle and academic researchers. It's supposed to replace HotSpot just-in-time compiler technology, but actually, it's much more. From a JIT compiler to a language implementation framework for JVM to a native image generator, it's going to change how software for JVM is written and run. In my talk I presented possibilities and benefits provided by GraalVM. I had nice discussions after the presentation – for example, people asked if this could be used to write iOS apps in Java. By the way, the answer is "Yes, of course". The presentation deck is available at https://bit.ly/3052X63.
The whole Confitura'19 experience
As for the conference as a whole, I found the schedule very interesting and I have to admit that it was difficult to choose sessions since there were so many interesting talks given at the same time. Presentation levels were balanced so that all attendees, regardless of their level of experience in the industry, could find something of interest to them and learn something new. My personal favorite was "Being transactional in 2019 - what does this actually mean?" by Maciej Prochniak. The talk nicely summarized different models of consistency in modern data systems.
The expo area was packed with conference partners who sponsored the event, but the venue was big enough, so the place didn't feel overcrowded. As usual, there were different contests held with quite impressive prizes to win . Unfortunately, I did not make it home with a drone. Even more, I was unable to attend SpoIna, the integration party after the conference. Still, I am very happy that I could attend Confitura'19 as a speaker and proudly represent Spartez during this event. I definitely recommend this conference to everyone interested in Java and software engineering in general.
Donation-based registration: kudos!
Last but not least, one of the aspects that appealed to me personally is Confitura's a charity donation-based model of registering. The organizers collect symbolic donations with the help of the Allegro Charity Platform (via which all of the payments are directly transferred to charity organizations) and invite donors to register. This year, donations went to the Warsaw Children Hospice. Kudos for this great initiative.


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In her Wall Street Journal article on the shirtdress, fashion writer, Nancy McDonnell quotes a June 1938 Vogue magazine article that declared the shirtwaist dress "an American institution" and suggested one should be sealed in a time capsule "for the purpose of enlightening future civilizations about our own."
And I totally agree! This fashion classic has been around for quite a while, originally inspired by the practical, utilitarian style of the nurse's uniform. It's basically a shirt joined to a skirt for convenience. But, the uniform that comes to mind for me is the one that morphed into what housewives wore in the 50s and 60s.
In the late 40s, when Dior popularized full skirts, the shirtdress became more feminine. Series like the Donna Reed Show and Ozzie and Harriet depicted the perfectly put together housewife in her button front full skirted dress.
Of course, the closest I'm ever going to come to being like a 50s housewife is dressing like one. I'm very happy to take the fashion and leave the rest, thank you very much! And this iconic housewife uniform is one of my favorite looks. Like the wrap dress, it has stood the test of time.
It is quite a versatile style. Throw on flats or sandals with a cotton shirtwaist dress and you'll look casual, yet polished, for a day out shopping and lunching with the girls. Oh, and let's not forget. They're comfortable too!
Here I wanted to show how you can dress it up. I added a vintage black silk shantung bolero jacket, paired it with a faux leopard 60s clutch and 60s bronze patent leather stilettos. All the jewelry is vintage as well. This would be quite appropriate for office wear or going out to a nice restaurant.
I love the botanical print and the colors in this 1960s shirt dress. It would work for spring, summer or fall. Alas, it is too big for me. Has a 40″ bust and 30″ waist and is in excellent condition. Even has original belt! So I've listed it for sale on my site. You can find it here.
This is a vintage shirtwaist dress I wear a lot in Florida. It's got a really cool turquoise and green geometric tiki inspired print. Added a vintage chunky turquoise bead necklace and earrings, a woven jute belt, gold ballet flats and my kitschy vintage straw and seashell purse.
Also, when the weather gets cooler, a vintage cardigan always looks nice over a shirtwaist dress.
Here are images of shirt dresses from the 1950s through the 1980s. As you can see, there are many interpretations of the style.
These are some other vintage shirtdresses I have for sale on my site.
What do you think of this style? Do you own a shirtdress?
Till next time….
Linking up with Jess/Elegantly Dressed and Stylish for Turning Heads Tuesday


text: Please do not reply directly to this email. All additional comments should be made in the comments box of this bug. https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=250299 --- Comment #17 from Eric Moret <eric moret gmail com> 2009-06-09 19:13:02 EDT --- This is still not yet applied to Fedora11 and Rawhide12. Also please note that I do not have access to a DS8000 server to verify that bug. -- Configure bugmail: https://bugzilla.redhat.com/userprefs.cgi?tab=email ------- You are receiving this mail because: ------- You are on the CC list for the bug.


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Artistic Director
Fashion Director
Wardrobe Designer
Styling Artists & VIP
Styling Artists & VIP
Official Music Videos
Style & Nature
PR Director
Nou Renault CAPTUR
Client – Renault France
Production Company – Film Factor
Wardrobe Designer – Maria Andrei
About Me
I discovered the wonderful world of Fashion about 18 years ago and I never looked back. Since then, I have spent time in front and behind the camera be it, photo camera or video camera and I have accumulated a wealth of experience yet remained modest, patient, perseverant and hard working – key traits for this industry, while learning from everyone I have worked with.
Elena Francisc, former editor in chief of Cosmopolitan who gave me my first break and encouraging advice as well as the Editorial team's suggestions and guidance, helped me make the transition from the Cat walk to the "glossy" world of fashion and the memories of my first fashion editorial as a Stylist are very dear to me.


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Selected colour: Grey
About GRIS
Style: 0931A52000C0437920
- A high-tech character and the attitude of a best seller: this is the Gris, a jacket for women that has all of the winning traits to find its way into your closet.
- Metallic nylon women's jacket
- Down quilted
- Nylon léger lining
- Collar with black painted snap closures
- Front with black die-cast zipper closure
- Welt pockets with black coil zipper closures
- Cuffs with adjustable tabs, black painted snaps and cased elastic
- Hem with black elastic drawcord and metal toggle
- Felt Moncler logo on left sleeve
- Medium length
100% Polyamide / Nylon
We offer both Standard and Express shipping: choose the service that best meets your needs at Checkout. We also provide free pick up for your returns: you have 15 days from delivery to follow our quick and easy return procedure. For further information visit the Returns and Refunds section.


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We want to hear from you. If you have an ideas or comments, please share them with us. Also, if you are interested in volunteering, we are always in need of people willing to make a difference at ECC.
Want to have an impact on your college and the programs and resources that are available for you and future generations of students? Volunteer your time-a lot or a little, it doesn't matter-and your ideas. We guarantee you will have a good time, you'll meet new friends, and you will make a difference in someone's life.
To get started, just complete the form below. Or if you wish to become involved in Foundation and Alumni Association events and activities, please contact The Foundation for more information. And thank you for your interest.
Ways to become involved:


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News: Northeast Asia
USSEC Provides Soy Trade Price Risk Management Training to Chinese Soy Crushers and Feed Millers
USSEC conducted the 15th U.S. Soy Trade Price Risk Management Training on April 25 and 26 in Shanghai, China. Susan Sutherland of USSEC member CME / Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) and Bell Chen from USSEC member R. J. O'Brien provided training to a total of 45 trainees, soymeal sales managers from top U.S. soybean importing companies or soybean meal purchasing managers from top U.S. soybean importers' preferred customer feed millers. USSEC Country Director – China Xiaoping Zhang participated in this activity and promoted the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) and the U.S. Soy Advantage, particularly amino acid profile, to the audience during his opening and closing remarks.
In the soybean meal business, basis contract is becoming more popular, which has closely tied soybean meal sales and purchases with futures markets on the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) and CME/CBOT. Just recently, DCE launched the first futures option contract in China's futures trading history, i.e. options on soybean meal futures. Such market and risk management tools are so new to the majority of the feed industry that the timing is right to provide training on elementary futures trading to the industry. Additionally, an overall market outlook and case study were provided to the audience to help them better understand different market influencing factors, and hands-on practices were provided through a simulation for the audience to enhance their knowledge and skills of price risk management tools and economic effects. The audience regarded the evaluation and discussion of the strategies they used during different pricing stages in the simulation to be very valuable.
As in previous years, this program received strong support from CME/CBOT by recommending professional trainers and training materials. Tina Liao, director of client development and sales, based in Singapore, traveled to this event and provided assistance in educating the audience on futures and options basics.
USSEC Marketing Program Manager – China Yantian Zeng and Marketing Program Assistant Binbin Du organized the program and similar previous programs, which have all been well received by participants.
USSEC China Granted NGO Licenses for Beijing and Shanghai Offices
USSEC China was granted non-governmental organization (NGO) licenses on April 1 by the Chinese NGO authority overseeing foreign nongovernmental organizations operating in mainland China, placing USSEC's Beijing and Shanghai representative offices among the first group of foreign NGO offices to be recognized by the Chinese government for their long-term contribution to the nation's wellbeing and compliance with the recently-enacted law on foreign NGOs.
Two foreign NGO license handover ceremonies took place in Beijing and Shanghai simultaneously. Licenses were presented to foreign-NGO representatives by senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and the municipal NGO offices in recognition for their dedication to bilateral trade, charity, science, education, and health care and compliance with the registration requirement stipulated in China's Foreign NGOs Management Law, which was enacted in 2016 and came into effect in 2017.
Paul Burke, USSEC Regional Director – North Asia, was greeted by Hao Yunhong, head of the NGO office of the Ministry of Public Security, who handed him the NGO license for USSEC's Beijing representative office during the ceremony. Mr. Hao said that USSEC had been highly cooperative throughout the registration process, making the work of the NGO office much easier. Mr. Burke said USSEC would like to do what it can to make sure that it operates in China in compliance with the Chinese law.
During an interview after the ceremony, Mr. Burke told Phoenix TV that USSEC, under the new foreign NGO law, would continue to operate in China as normal, and its activities would not be negatively affected.
Under the foreign NGO law of China, foreign NGOs are required to register with the police for their existing representative offices to be officially recognized as legal entities conducting activities in mainland China.
USSEC Co-Sponsors 2017 Hebei Feed Industry Development Summit
USSEC China co-sponsored the 2017 Hebei Feed Industry Development Summit held on March 18 and 19. Approximately one thousand representatives from China's feed mills, integrators and animal production farms participated in the event.
During the summit, Paul Burke, USSEC Regional Director -North Asia, delivered a presentation on soybean supply and demand, and the advantages and sustainability of U.S. Soy. Soybean customers expressed much interest and asked questions on the global soybean price trends, and the safety of GMO products, among other topics.
Dr. Richard Han, USSEC Technical Director – Animal Utilization (AU), China; Yantian Zeng, USSEC Marketing Program Manager; and Sunny Zhang, USSEC AU Program Manager, also attended this summit, helping promote U.S. Soy and communicating with customers at the USSEC booth.
USSEC Holds 2017 Poultry Production Training Session in China
USSEC China led a delegation of twenty to participate in the 2017 Poultry Production Training Session in Raleigh, North Carolina from March 4 – 12. The delegation was comprised of representatives from China's poultry integrators, feed mills, and poultry farms.
During the training session organized by USSEC, the delegation visited Cargill Grain Crushing Plant, Strickland Farm, and a Perdue chicken farm. They also trained at North Carolina State University on poultry management, housing and equipment, intestinal health, and quality assurance programs.
USSEC China Animal Utilization (AU) Director Dr. Richard Han and AU Program Manager Sunny Zhang escorted the delegation. Dr. Han delivered a briefing on the sustainability of U.S. Soy and USSEC activities.
USSEC Holds Japan Swine Nutrition Course at IGP Institute
USSEC held the Japan Swine Nutrition Course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas from March 6-9. Japan is one of the top pork importers in the world, and participants attended specialized training in swine nutrition and feed manufacturing programs.
During the course, participants learned about numerous nutrition components and requirements, as well as feed manufacturing through workshops, lectures, and field trips. Participants were invited and sponsored by USSEC to gain their knowledge of both subjects of feed manufacturing and swine nutrition.
"This course has been organized by USSEC, but was funded by the Kansas Soybean Commission, where this year they have helped us bring in eight Japanese participants," explained Carlos Campabadal, course coordinator and IGP's feed manufacturing and grain management curriculum manager.
"I really enjoyed learning about new areas in swine nutrition in this course, and I can take back to my job all of the concepts of nutrition, which is a new idea I can share with my company," said course participant, Mayumi Fukushima, farm manager at Japan Farm in Japan. Ms. Fukushima explains that she is also very satisfied with the course material that she learned and then traveling to the commercial swine farm and applying the information to a visual perspective of learning.
"It is a very good course for participants to learn about feed manufacturing techniques for swine one day, basic swine nutrition another day, and then taking a trip to visit commercial feed mills and a grain and soybean export facility, seeing how soybeans are exported in truck containers," stated Mr. Campabadal.
USSEC Promotes Sustainability via Japanese Newspaper
As a part of special series of projects for the U.S. Soy Industry's 60th Anniversary in Japan, USSEC organized a dialogue with the U.S. Embassy – Tokyo to discuss U.S. Soy Sustainability and women's empowerment, concentrating on the program focusing on Japanese women in the soy industry and creating preference and differentiating the U.S. Soy Advantage across the entire value chain.
USSEC North Asia Regional Human Utilization (HU) Coordinator and Japan HU Director Masako Masi Tateishi invited Rachel Nelson, U.S. Embassy Tokyo Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) Director, to an interview-style meeting, facilitated by the Japanese business and economics newspaper Nikkei, which covered the story in its popular section, "Marunouchi Career Academy" during its evening January 30 issue. The section organizes various enlightenment activities such as promotional events, seminars, and dialogues in Japan to connect business professionals and companies for the purpose of career empowerment.
The U.S. Soy dialogue included efforts made through cooperation between the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) Tokyo and USSEC, plus the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Women in Agriculture program to introduce how the U.S. agriculture industry enhances and supports women's careers in agricultural industries. USSEC also provided an assessment of the current status of the Japanese soybean industry as it pertains to women.
Ms. Nelson and Ms. Tateishi were nominated to serve on the judges' panel for the national natto competition to be held in Kyoto, Japan on February 24. USSEC will continue to collaborate with FAS Tokyo on the topic of sustainability in the U.S. and Japanese soybean industries.
USSEC Sponsors, Attends 11th China International Oils and Oilseeds Conference
USSEC participated in the 11th China International Oils and Oilseeds Conference in south China's Guangzhou City on November 9. American Soybean Association (ASA) director Sam Butler served as one of the panelists to discuss U.S. soybean production, soybean price trends, and the oils and oilseeds market.
The insights brought by domestic and international guest speakers attracted more than 1,000 participants to the event, including all of U.S. Soy's key local customers and many of their downstream feed traders and dealers. The presentations delivered by U.S. soybean growers providing the latest soybean production information in the U.S. and elaborating on U.S. farmers' marketing strategies were well received by the audience and the organizers. U.S. soybean growers presented the methods and techniques used in U.S. sustainable agriculture and reassured the Chinese audience, especially the end users, of the present and future reliability and sustainability of the U.S. soybean supply.
After the conference, Mr. Butler travelled to south China's Guangxi province to visit two local customers, including Great Ocean Oils & Grains Industries (Fangchenggang) Co., Ltd., of Yihai Kerry Group and Huiyu Grains and Oils Industry Co., Ltd., of Jiusan Group (Huiyu Company) in Fangchenggang city. He discussed U.S. soybean production and quality in 2015 and 2016 with executives from the two local oil producers and stressed that amino acids are a better measure to evaluate the protein profile. Xiaoping Zhang, USSEC Country Director – China; Dr. Richard Han, USSEC Technical Director – Animal Utilization; and Yantian Zeng, USSEC Marketing Program Manager, escorted Mr. Butler on the two-day trip.
The China International Oils and Oilseeds Conference is an annual event jointly organized by Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) and Bursa Malaysia since 2006. The conference provides industry professionals with the latest oils and oilseeds information across a wide spectrum including production, processing and market outlook, among others. USSEC has sponsored this conference for more than 8 years.
USSEC Participates in New Year's Gathering of Japan's Vegetable Oil Industry
USSEC recently participated in the 57th Japanese Vegetable Oil Industry New Year Event, kicking off 2017. Japan Oilseed Processors Association (JOPA), Japan Rice Bran Oil Industry Association, Japan Margarine Industry Association, Japan Oil & Fat Importers & Exporters Association, Japan Oil & Fat Wholesalers' Association, and Japan Mayonnaise Manufacturers' Association jointly organized this event. Nearly 500 particpants, ranging from oil manufacturers, wholesalers, traders, governments, and other relevant industries, attended this large event to pledge further progress of the Japanese vegetable oil industry together.
USSEC Country Director – Japan Mitsuyuki Nishimura, and Masako Tateishi, USSEC North Asia Regional Human Utilization Coordinator and HU Director – Japan represented the U.S. Soy industry.
During a congratulatory speech made by Takao Imamura, chairman of JOPA, and president and representative director of Nisshin Oillio Group, several important matters were noted as to what the Japanese vegetable oil industry needs to promptly prepare in order to respond to possible changes in external environments in 2017, including the next U.S. president's plan to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and a possible transition to direct discussion, an evaluation plan of mandatory country of origin labeling for all Japanese processed foods, and a plan for mandatory implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) for food safety in Japan. Mr. Imamura also stressed the importance of further growing vegetable oil and sustainability demands throughout the industry because a vital food source is necessary in order for all generations to maintain health and to adjust proper physical function.
During a conversation between JOPA, USSEC, and the Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS) Tokyo team during the reception, the executive director of JOPA, Akira Saito, said, "One of JOPA's goals for 2017 is to restore soybean oil demands so that we are going to further consolidate our U.S. – Japan partnership. Let's take a group photo to pledge such cooperation!!"
In 2015, Japan imported over 3.24 million metric tons (MT) of soybeans, of which U.S. enjoys a 72 percent market share. USSEC Japan will continue to work with the Japanese vegetable oil and soyfoods industries, both of which are essential ingredients for Japanese foods.
USSEC, USDA Team Up to Talk Sustainability
USSEC's partnership activities with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) paid off this year when Korea's largest trade organization of food-grade soybean end-users announced they would require the U.S. Soybean Sustainability Protocol (SSAP) certificate. In its March 2016 tender announcement for 7,651 metric tons (MT) of U.S. non-GMO identity preserved soybeans, the Korea Federation of Tofu Cooperatives (KFTC) added the certificates to the list of documents suppliers must provide.
Wisconsin-headquartered DeLong Company, as well as Knewtson Soy Products in Minnesota, both USSEC members, are two of the 45 companies spanning 17 states that are pre-registered to use SSAP certificates.
DeLong's Brandon Bickham, a USSEC director, says, "We are using the SSAP in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Vietnam as a marketing tool from our side and at our customers' request in some instances."
"The large customers seem to want everything that is available to them for advertising and food safety image," says Wayne Knewtson, president of Knewtson Soy Products.
Launched in 2013, the SSAP allows U.S. exporters to efficiently and cost-effectively communicate the sustainability of U.S. Soy to buyers worldwide. In January 2016, soy exports certified through the SSAP hit a record two million metric tons in the 2015/16 marketing year. The SSAP provides U.S. Soy exporters with proof of, among other sustainability-related criteria, reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil erosion of soybeans produced in the United States.
USSEC's Market Access Program (MAP) – funded efforts include bringing a team of Korean soybean crushing and feed mill buyers to the United States to learn about the superior quality of U.S. soybeans as well as their sustainability. With USDA Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds, USSEC staff also conducts seminars and other trade servicing activities in North Asia and other locations where they highlight the sustainability of U.S. Soy.
USSEC Holds Market Workshop in China's Soy-Growing Province
USSEC traveled to northeastern China's soy-growing province of Heilongjiang to hold workshops and exchange market information with local soy growers on December 13 and 14.
Three experts including Chen Beier, senior vice president of R. J. O'Brien's Asia department; Hanver Li, chairman of Shanghai JC Intelligence; and Liu Zhaofu, founder and general manager of the soy portal website Dadou.cn, were invited by USSEC to speak to local soybean growers in the snow-covered Nenjiang county of Heilongjiang province.
The USSEC team was received by Li Tiehui, deputy chief of the agricultural authority of Nenjiang County, who escorted the team to a local cooperative farm on December 13 and an agricultural technology service center on the 14th.
In the workshops, Nenjiang soy growers shared with USSEC their concerns over market uncertainties, increased competition from domestic soy growers from other parts of the country, and soybean price drops. Some expressed pessimism over the short-term future. In response to their concerns, USSEC consultants not only delivered presentations to introduce some of the U.S. soybean industry's experience and practice in dealing with the challenges and problems which are common to soy growers from all over the world, but also shared some practical industry-leading techniques in analyzing the soybean market and predicting future trends.
One soy grower shared his personal experience of rushing into the options market ten years ago without sufficient knowledge to guide his way, only to suffer a loss of five million renminbi (RMB) in a rash attempt. USSEC consultant Bell Chen, a seasoned options trading professional from the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the U.S., encouraged him to start from the basics and pay particular attention to the most up-to-date techniques necessary to calculate the odds and reduce risks.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Li said he would like to express gratitude on behalf of the Nenjiang government to USSEC for its continued contribution to the local economy through sharing some of the U.S. soybean industry's best practices, and offering local soy growers ready-to-use practical knowledge in protecting themselves against market volatility.
New Soybean Export Opportunity in China
It's no secret that China's domestic soybean production has been declining since 2004/05, due to a change in their corn price support policy. Since then, China's soybean import volume has been increasing to meet the growing demand from the crushing industry to supply the needs for soybean meal and soy oil. But an exciting new export development is China's growing need for specialty soybeans for use in making soy foods and beverages.
Unlike in the U.S., essentially all of China's domestic soybean production are non-GMO beans and nearly all are used to make food and beverages. Last year, China grew approximately 10.51 million metric tons (MMT) of soybeans. They are projected to increase production 11 percent this year. An impressive increase, but it's not going to be enough. This year, demand for non-GMO soybeans for food use in China could exceed their country's domestic production by over 20%. Essentially, China is projected to consume specialty soybean tonnage roughly equal to Iowa's total 2015 soybean production. Enter – an opportunity for U.S. specialty soybean exporters.
Last year, China had a shortage and imported specialty soybeans from Canada and Russia to fill their food ingredient market gap. And that didn't go unnoticed. In response to U.S. exporter feedback, USSEC funded a 2017 China Food Bean Export Initiative project, which included holding a U.S. Specialty Soybean Market Outlook Conference in Hangzhou, a city in the province of Zhejiang in eastern China on November 21. During the conference, USSEC China presented the 2016 U.S. Soy food bean quality survey report, and updated conference attendees on the current situation of the U.S. and Chinese non-GMO soybean supply and demand, and shared insights on China's soy food industry future trends.
USSEC exporter members SunOpta and Grain Millers sent their China representatives to attend and speak at the conference, introducing their companies' specialty soybean portfolios and supply capabilities. Both organizations assured the attendees that U.S. exporters could meet the Chinese customers' demand by producing suitable varieties of soybeans backed with reliable and consistent quality and timely delivery.
Over the previous several months, USSEC's staff in China had also made one-on-one industry visits to assess the U.S. specialty soybean food market opportunity in eastern and northern China. Work to expand U.S. soybean sales to China will continue throughout this year by connecting U.S. specialty soybean exporters with the Chinese soy food and beverage industry.
USSEC China Holds Annual Trade Policy Workshop
USSEC China hosted its annual trade policy workshop in Beijing on December 15. Representatives from USSEC's valued partners, customers and supporters were invited to attend the event.
More than 40 representatives from government agencies, industry associations, and member companies attended the trade policy workshop. Among them was Mr. Bian Zhenhu, president of China Chamber of Commerce of Native Foodstuffs and Produce; Mr. Bruce Zanin, minister counselor of Agricultural Affairs at U.S. Embassy in Beijing,; and Mr. Qie Jianwei, vice president of China National Association of Grain Sector. Most of the representatives have over the last few years not only met with U.S. soybean farmers who provide leadership to USSEC's programs in China, but also worked closely with USSEC on many of these programs to help advance the interest of both US soybean farmers and Chinese buyers. They have offered USSEC unfailing support throughout the latter's presence in the country, especially during times of uncertainty.
PowerPoint presentations were delivered by three guests speakers including Ms. Fang Yan, former official from China's National Development and Research Commission; Mr. Chen Beier, senior vice president of R. J. O'Brien's Asia department; and Mr. Hanver Li, Chairman of Shanghai JC Intelligence. Their topics ranged from the overall situation of the Chinese economy, and the national policy of the "supply-side reform", to the "Belt and Road Initiative", and China's foreign reserves. Their presentations received positive responses from the audience who interacted with the speakers on many of the issues covered. Roseanne Freese, U.S. Agricultural Consul based in northeastern China's Shenyang, said that she felt heartened by the fact that USSEC was able to invite so many industry experts and government officials to come to the workshop and be actively involved in the discussions.
To wrap up the workshop, Mr. Zhang Xiaoping, USSEC's Country Director – China, said that USSEC and all its valued China partners would carry on moving forward with all of the work that they have been doing to serve the interest of China, the U.S. and the world.
It's not a one-off. It's a long-term mutually beneficial process. That's what we call partnership.
– Zhang Xiaoping, USSEC Country Director – China
A New Year's reception was hosted after the workshop, with 120 guests including the 40 workshop attendees and 80 representatives from customer companies invited in appreciation for their long-term support.
Whatever uncertainties we face now or in the future, the U.S. soybean farmers and the U.S. soybean industry will remain committed to our valued partners here in China.
-Paul Burke, USSEC Regional Director – North Asia
After the event, some guests congratulated USSEC on successfully hosting this annual activity, calling it "a great event."
USSEC Organizes 1st U.S. Soy Ambassador Award Presentation Ceremony in Japan
USSEC organized the 1st U.S. Soy Ambassador Award ceremony to present the inaugural U.S. Soy Ambassador Award in Japan. The U.S. Soy Ambassador recognizes a tofu producer who won the national tofu competition using 100 percent U.S. soybeans. The first recipient of this award in Japan was Shigeru Ueda, CEO of Satonoyuki Shokuhin.
Satonoyuki Shokuhin was founded by Mr. Ueda's father in 1961 and now consists of six separate companies that focus on not only food production and distribution but also machine manufacturing and high-tech packing development.
Mr. Ueda traveled to Tokyo with his wife and met with U.S. Embassy officials, representing U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, to deliver samples of his award winning tofu, Kokutoro. After presenting his tofu and participating in a press conference for the Japan food trade media, Mr. Ueda was honored in an award reception and dinner hosted by USSEC. During the award ceremony, Mr. Ueda expressed his appreciation for the high quality soybeans he receives from the U.S. and how his close relationship with U.S. suppliers and growers assures a consistent supply of premium soybeans that are best suited for his company. Mr. Ueda also stated that USSEC has been leading the world in promoting sustainable soybeans, which he said is a remarkable step towards achieving sustainability in our society and environment. "With the shared vision for a sustainable world, we are ready to make every endeavor to support the expansion of U.S. soybeans," he said.
At the end of the ceremony, participants tasted three tofu dishes made with the rich and creamy winning tofu, Kokutoro. The recipes developed by a restaurant chef include vegan tofu tartare, avocado and tofu moose cocktail, and tofu pudding Hong Kong style.
Japan, the largest consumer of tofu products made with U.S. Soy, used nearly 477,000 metric tons (MT) of non-GMO identity preserved (IP) soybeans in 2015. USSEC Japan will continue to support Japan's tofu industry in coordinated with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Tokyo and Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) by establishing a U.S. Soy Sustainability Ambassador Award in the 3rd National Tofu Competition, which will be held at the Tofu Summit in Tokyo in December 2017. The award ceremony will be combined with the U.S. Soy Sustainability Ambassador Award winner in the 22nd National Natto Competition.
USSEC Co-Organizes 2016 U.S. – China Swine Industry Development Symposium with Chinese Partners
USSEC China co-organized the 2016 U.S. Swine Industry Development Symposium in Beijing with U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA), China Animal Agricultural Association (CAAA), and the China Meat Association (CMA) on November 18. 160 entrepreneurs, general managers, government specialists, and technical directors from swine farms, feed mills, government offices, and national research agencies attended the event. The topics included improving environmental stewardship at large swine operations; changing regional distribution in the swine industry; improving linkages between producers and processors; and the role of global markets in meat and feed industries.
Bob Metz, United Soybean Board (USB) director, spoke on behalf of the U.S. soybean industry at the opening and closing ceremonies. He introduced USSEC's activities in China and the advantages of U.S. soybean products.
"We [U.S. and China] are the greatest counties in the world and we face the same issues on the environment," said Mr. Metz. "We should concentrate on what we do well and continue the cooperation."
Xiaoping Zhang, USSEC Country Director – China, was one of four moderators of the symposium and hosted a session on improving linkages between producers and processors. Symposium guests told USSEC that the event allowed them to reflect on what has been achieved and to explore future opportunities that lie ahead of the industry, saying that if they don't increase investment in improving the environment, they may go out of business in the next five years.
Mr. Metz also visited USSEC's top-ten buyer Shangdong Bohi Industry Co., Ltd., preferred customers Shanghai Bright Liangyou group, and Shanghai Yuanyao Investment Co., Ltd. before the swine summit. He was escorted by USSEC Animal Utilization (AU) Technical Director Richard Han, USSEC Marketing Manager Claudia Chong and USSEC AU consultant Sam Shi and was informed of China's market information and customers' requirement and needs.
USSEC Holds U.S. Soy Buyers Market Outlook Conference in China
U.S. grower leaders including American Soybean Association (ASA) director Monte Peterson and United Soybean Board (USB) director Walter Godwin traveled to Shanghai in eastern China to visit local customers and speak at the 2016 U.S. Soy Buyers Market Outlook Conference Nov. 12 – 15.
On November 14, more than 110 participants attended the 2016 US Soy Buyers Market Outlook Conference, representing Chinese industry leaders from key importers, crushers and feed integrators. The conference was aimed at promoting U.S. soybeans by providing the latest information on U.S. soy crop size, quality, and U.S. farmers' perspectives on the global supply and demand situation, and to share their sustainable production practices with Chinese customers to enable them to make earlier and better decisions on purchasing new crop from the U.S.
Perry Ostmo, North Dakota soybean grower, and Seth Naeve, USSEC consultant and professor at the University of Minnesota, also spoke during the conference. Grower leaders and speakers answered questions and made comments during the Q&A session.
Toward the end of the main session, USSEC Country Director – China Zhang Xiaoping presented an overview of U.S. Soy exports to China in the 2015/16 marketing year. Based on the information, USSEC identified China's top ten largest and most loyal buyers of U.S. soybeans. The grower leaders awarded the winners prizes which symbolized their commitment to the "tailored market and technical services" from the U.S. Soy industry.
On the same afternoon, a closed-door panel discussion was arranged for the top ten largest and most loyal buyers, in collaboration with USSEC member companies, to promote trade relations between U.S. Soy exporters and importers. These top buyers represent approximately 80 percent of the total volume of China's imported soy from the U.S., and strengthened business relations with them will help maintain and expand demand. About 40 attendees joined the panel discussion, including Yihai Kerry, Jiusan, Bohi, COFCO, Xiangchi, Sanwei, Sunrise, Hope Full, China Sea, Bunge China, Cargill China, and USSEC member companies including ADM, Bunge, Cargill, CHS, CME, Lansing and Scoular.
During the panel discussion, USSEC member exporters and buyers had open exchanges on their concerns and perspectives of the soy market, covering topics including the U.S. Soy advantage in amino acid profile, sustainability, quality concerns on the current U.S. crop in terms of protein, oil, biotech approval delays, and its potential threat to soybean trade.
2016 marks the eighteenth anniversary of this event hosted by the U.S. Soy in China. The event has been regarded as a branding program of U.S. Soy, and Chinese customers highly value this opportunity to network and interact with U.S. grower leaders and market specialists to acquire information on the U.S. Soy crop quality, market situation, and price trends. Some buyers inquired about this event six months in advance, and all the top buyers have shown a high level of sensitivity to their yearly ranking. According to the post-conference evaluation, 100 percent of the participants agree that the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) will meet the needs of their company or partners in achieving future sustainability goals.
On November 13, the grower leaders and the USSEC consultant paid a visit to a key feed and integrator located near Shanghai city, which produces 200,000 metric tons of feed and 400,000 heads of hogs a year, and they target to produce one million heads of hogs by the year 2019.
U.S. Soy Grower Leaders Attend China's Top-Level Agricultural Summit
Leaders from the U.S. Soy industry travelled to China to attend the 4th China Food Security & Food Safety Strategy (FSFSS) Summit and exchange views with the country's policy advisors in Beijing on November 12 and 13.
The FSFSS Summit, organized by China's top policy advisory body Development Research Center of the State Council, was held at the Diaoyutai National Guesthouse, a garden-style complex where Chinese leaders meet and house foreign heads of state.
The U.S. delegation, including USSEC Chairman and American Soybean Association (ASA) Director Jim Miller, ASA President Richard Wilkins, United Soybean Board (USB) Director Bill Beam, and USSEC CEO Jim Sutter, expressed concerns during the summit over the delays in China's approval procedures for biotech soybean events. Mr. Miller, in his presentation on "Science-Based Food Safety Regulatory System," made the case that the GMO food issue should not be muddled up with the food safety issue, as the seeds have been tested for safety and approved well ahead of being processed into food. Mr. Wilkins warned Chinese policy advisors that biotech approval delays would not only hurt growers and seed developers, but the environment and consumers as well. Mr. Beam argued that advanced technology, including biotechnology, enhances sustainability, and helps with global food security and food safety.
The U.S. Soy grower leaders also held a sideline meeting with Mr. Han Jun, Vice Minister of China's Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group (CRWLG) to communicate the U.S. Soy industry's efforts in consumer education on biotech, express the industry's concerns over approval delays, and elaborate on the possible negative impact on China's food security and food safety.
Mr. Wilkins also had an informal discussion during the summit with Chen Xiwen, CRWSLG's former Deputy Director. Mr. Chen, currently serving as President of Tsinghua University's China Institute for Rural Studies, shared his views on the country's ongoing structural reform of agricultural supply and expounded the multiple causes behind the fluctuations in China's domestic agricultural prices in recent years.
The U.S. delegation also networked with industry leaders in animal feed and biotechnology. They showed particular interest in China's use of agricultural drones and talked with Justin Gong, co-founder and CMO of south China's agricultural drone manufacturer XAIRCRAFT, on business opportunities opened up by this technology, which is relatively new to China.
Also speaking at the summit were Iowa Governor Terry Branstad; Luke Hartsuyker, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia; and Martyn Dunne, Director General of the Ministry for Primary Industries of New Zealand, among others.
USSEC Participates in U.S.-China Agriculture and Food Seminar in Washington, D.C.
USSEC participated in the third annual U.S. – China agriculture and food seminar, held during the 27th session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT). This year's theme was "Advancing Mutual Goals in Food Safety," taking place on November 22 in Washington, D.C.
USSEC Chairman Jim Miller and USSEC CEO Jim Sutter represented USSEC, and Mr. Miller provided closing remarks.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, Ambassador Darci Vetter, and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang also spoke at the seminar.
Moderated panel sessions addressed key issues identified at the 2015 JCCT, featuring U.S. and Chinese company perspectives and those of the U.S. and Chinese governments. These discussions included strengthening consumer protection and enhancing public confidence in the supply chain; transparency and implementation of food safety regulations; and international best practices on preventing and responding to food safety incidents.
"The growth of food and agriculture trade between our nations is impressive," said Mr. Froman. "From 2000 to 2015, U.S. agriculture exports to China increased eleven-fold, and China's agriculture exports to the United States grew seven-fold," he continued, adding "China has been one of our top export markets for our food and agriculture exports for some time."
"The United States remains committed to partnering with China to achieve our mutual goals of protecting human health and food safety while facilitating and expanding trade," stated Secretary Vilsack.
Mr. Miller spoke about the role of the Agriculture – Food Partnership (AFP), which was created in 2014, and what the group is accomplishing within China to address food safety and security.
He discussed AFP's role as a private-public coordinator in today's political and business environment, saying that it "provides a unique platform to foster trust and partnership between Chinese and U.S. food and agriculture interests in both the public and private sectors; bring together the widest range of Chinese and U.S. organizations . . .to identify areas of common interest, opportunity, and collaboration in food security and food safety; and facilitate cooperation across the entire value chain of the agriculture and food industry in China."
Additionally, Mr. Miller talked about AFP's 2016 initiatives and outcomes and the organization's future hopes.
China to Build Model of U.S. Farm
China is set to build a model of a U.S. farm in Hebei Province starting next year.
The farm will be fashioned after Rick and Martha Kimberley's farm in Maxwell, Iowa, which was visited by Chinese president Xi Jinping in 2012. Then China's vice president, he met with friends he made in Iowa in 1985 while he was a Hebei Province party official and director of the Feed Association of Shijiazhuang Prefecture.
A memorandum describing the farm was signed during Iowa governor Terry Branstad's mission to China. Governor Branstad's eight-day trip to China and Japan will wrap up on December 2 and is focused on increasing agricultural exports to the two countries. The group also included representatives of Iowa's Sister States program, which has longstanding ties to Hebei Province.
The Kimberley family operates a typical Midwestern farm with a house, grain bins, and machine sheds, said Grant Kimberley, the couple's son, who is director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association and also executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.
"When the Chinese president came to visit, he said that using technology – everything from grid sampling your soils to using GPS, and biotechnology seeds – will be important for China's future. He wants to help Chinese farms modernize, in their own way, by using our farm as an example," Mr. Kimberley explained.
Initial discussions with Chinese officials have included the concept of making the demonstration farm in Hebei Province virtually identical to the Kimberley farmstead, but many details still need to be worked out.
Hebei Province is located in northern China, and the Great Wall of China passes through it.
The Kimberley farm in Iowa is about 4,000 acres, included rented land. The working demonstration farm in China will be smaller, about 300 to 500 acres, and may also have some hogs, cattle, and chickens, along with corn, soybeans, wheat and oil seed crops, and garden vegetables.
Grant Kimberley, a sixth-generation family farmer, helps his parents operate their Iowa farm, and is a member of the Iowa Sister States Board. He has visited China about 10 times to advocate trade between the U.S. and China. Soybeans are China's top import crop and the country imports about a third of the world's soybeans.
China faces a challenge feeding its people because although it boasts 21 percent of the world's population, it only contains 9 percent of the world's farmland, according to the Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China. Currently, China says it ranks first in the world in production of cereals, cotton, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, eggs and fishery products. The ministry says the country has dramatically reduced its population of rural poor since 1978 by reforming policies and opening its agriculture to the outside world, including agricultural exchanges and cooperation with more than 140 countries.


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Valentine Cross Stitch Patterns
I've been getting my Valentine cross stitch patterns out recently. It is one of my favorite holidays next to Halloween (complete opposite holidays - is that strange?) I think it is because I like pink and I love pumpkins - pink and orange are of the same color family so that makes some sense. I finally learned how to do hyperlinks (finally) so I am trying them out today. I am almost finished stocking my Artfire store. It will be nice because all of my patterns will be on there all the time.
This is one of my favorite Valentine cross stitch designs because it is a swirly and carefree design the colors can be easily changed. I think I will stitch it again in different colors for a different season. I have a few Valentine patterns in my Etsy store too.


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In a world where people want or choose to be politically correct because they're afraid of saying what's really on their mind, you'll always find a few people who aren't opposed to going against the grain. When it comes to media, people tend to always spin and twist every story instead of telling it how it really is or even better, saying what they may think about the situation to stir up an interesting debate. These type of people are highly respected because of how unfiltered they are and if there were ever a club consisting of rising talents who honestly and truly do not care what other people think, Mouse Jones would be the president.
Emerging on to the scene as a guy who kept himself in the mix of what was current, Mouse found himself in multiple circles which contributed to the success that he has been able to see over the course of the last few years. The young media maven continues to build his brand as an outspoken personality along with brutally honest opinions and a firm "IDGAF" attitude.
I had the chance to catch up with Mouse to talk about a lot of things such as his top media inspirations, his brand new BET show, the heated J. Cole debate between him and Styles P, the current state of hip-hop and much more in our interview below.
1 – How did you get in the industry?
A mix of Luck, pissing the right ppl off & other nigga's girlfriends lmao. No, but seriously I was doing stand up clean from like 2011 when I got out of the NAVY up until 2014 when I just realized it wasn't for me. Right before I completely gave up, I was talking to my brother and he reminded me that people care about what I say and my opinion, at least the people were always around. He told me "Do something, don't do nothing." Around that time is when I discovered "The Read" podcast as well as "Combat Jack" (RIP OG REG) and "The Brilliant Idiots" podcasts. So it only made sense to me to start a podcast, "The He-Man Woman Haters Club" podcast. I also began to utilize my twitter more to voice my opinion. I also started going outside to "cultural" events like the InHouse, Hennypaloozas, and showcases. In 2015 everybody was rapping and performing like 20x a week, which led to me hosting events. Also, shoutout to VH1's digital team and Blogxilla & GlobalGrind's Socially Decoded for putting me on camera 1st.
2 – What inspired you to get into media and commentary work?
I've always enjoyed having conversation and I've always looked up and admired Angie Martinez, Ed Lover & Dr. Dre, Donnie Simpson, Michael Baisden, Martin Payne (the character), Stretch & Bobbito, Petey Greene, Isaac Hayes, Ms. Jones, Starr, Charlamagne, Howard Stern, Big Tigger, AJ & Free, Cousin Jeff, Teen Summit, anyone that could pull something out of a person just through conversation. The way Combat or even Jeff & Eric from ItsTheReal are able to use the words of others' to tell their own story, it's always been so dope to me and I'd sit in front of the radio, TV, and youtube just soaking in all the content and just wanting to be able to do that in my own way. I just wanted to be able to leave my mark on the culture that means EVERYTHING to me by using the talents God granted me.
3 – Do you remember the first event that you covered? How did you manage to land that opportunity?
Idk if I've ever "covered" an event. I do remember getting an opportunity to interview Kevin Hart in 2016 on the red carpet for What Now? That was dope. Blogxilla called me while I was in Atlanta @ A3C and told me about the opportunity and I JETTED back to the city! Shoutout to Brodie Fresh lmao.
4 – It seems like you dabble in a lot of different professions. What exactly would you consider yourself to be? In other words, if someone were to ask you what do you do, what would be your response?
I'm a personality. Point blank. My brand is my personality. Not a persona cause this is me. But yeah, my personality and my ability to showcase it allows my opportunities. So I'm a personality, I host events, and I'm an on-air host. That's what I'm most known for, but I'm also an actor. S/O AfterHours on Tidal & Appropriate Culture on youtube. I'm able to do all of these things because of my personality.
5 – Out of everything that you're currently involved in, is there anything that you enjoy doing the most? Why?
My new show on BET, I'll Apologize Later by far. I literally have a show on BET, well 2, but this one, in particular, is my brainchild. From the format of the show, the set, the title, it's like "OH SHIT!" I told everyone this was going to happen in 2015 when I began this journey and it's here. I love talking a ton of shit and then backing it up. Seeing the guests enjoy themselves and sometimes be on the edge of their seats or even uncomfortable. It's mad fun. But, I'm also now with a machine, a huge brand. So, I still have to move within certain parameters and be me but a BET friendly me. It's like a mental exercise. Crafting my skill.
6 – How did you get yourself involved in being an event host?
Well, I always looked up to Bugsy B & Pretty Lou growing up and how they MC'd the culture. I believe it was my first time attending a Hennypalooza at The Well. I really didn't know anyone outside of who I'd been researching on twitter and I saw the control that Lowkey had over the crowd and said to myself "Oh, I can do some FLY shit with this." Also, once I came on the scene people would always ask me to host shit without ever seeing me actually host. I believe the 1st event I hosted was "EIM" for Jumz & Terrell Blair, some OG's from the BX. It was on the LES and Lowkey pulled up and probably realized I had no idea wtf I was doing. Just yelling, the sound system was crap, but Low pulled up and gave me some on the fly coaching. From there I was just committed to making my stamp and making sure that when I'm in front of a crowd I'm keeping them entertained and engaged.
7 – Social media plays a huge role in what you do as a commentator towards anything happening in our culture. Over the years, explain how social media has helped catapult you to where you are today.
I owe EVERYTHING I have to social media, Twitter in particular. I just hopped on in 2015 and started stating my opinion, no matter if I was right, wrong, or ignorant. I was me & unapologetic. I think people connected with that from early on. Twitter has seen pretty much ALL my growth from 2015 until now. Homeless, sleeping on my brother's couch, hopping turnstiles to host events for free, introspection about dating, being a man, a father, dealing with success. I understand the doors my followers have allowed me to walk through so I do my best to share 90% of everything via social media. It's the least I could do. Up until a few months ago, Twitter is where people came to find out about this kid who's pissing people off or talking shit about this. I've seen entire email threads from some big media companies discussing my Twitter and how everyone should go follow me. So, shout out to Twitter. I'm still tryna figure out Instagram.
8 – So, you've landed this dope show on B.E.T.'s Youtube channel called I'll Apologize Later. Explain how that opportunity came about.
So, I was working on MTV's TRL at the top of the year and when that opportunity was over my mgmt was contacted by BET's digital team who I'd previously worked with on a project called The Double Standard and a few other social pieces. They knew what I was capable of. So, when they decided it was time for them to get a little more edgy and actually lean into some opinions, they reached out to me. I was talking CASH SHIT in that initial meeting. I told them when asked what could they gain from adding me, "I'm the person that's going to bring BET back!" (WTF is wrong with me?) But they must've believed me because that turned into me pitching "I.A.L" and not only them greenlighting that, they also made me the permanent host of their interview series "PULL UP." which has been going since February. So, I have two shows on a network that I've been dreaming about being a part of since I was 12yrs old.
9 – What's the main purpose of I'll Apologize Later?
To piss people off. LMAO. No, the purpose is to shake things up @ BET. I think everyone can see that BET is very "safe" right now & has been for some years. I think with me & I.A.L over there, you'll get to see this artist or celebs challenged on things they usually wouldn't if I.A.L wouldn't be there. I also want it to be an example that there's a space for you to be you. Before Tax (FREE TAXSTONE!) media didn't have too many "opposing views." It was just Charlamegne and I guess you could say Flex if you consider him bozo'ing an "opposing view" and then you'd have Ebro just sounding like an angry out of touch old nigga. Outside of that, media was really a contest of who can kiss the artists & labels ass the most. When you do that, you do the audience a disservice and your brand a huge disservice because now no one knows who anyone is. I always want to humanize whomever I'm sitting in front of. Tax showed us with Tax Season and his other platforms that you don't have to be an ass kisser to these niggas and labels. Fuck them. They gonna have to fuck with your product regardless or be looked at like a bozo for not. So, I just hope I'm keeping that same energy with I.A.L.
10 – How do you think this type of opportunity with B.E.T. measures up to everything else you've done over the years?
It's a culmination. It's not "THE" payoff but its a payoff for all the work I've been putting in over the past 2.5/3yrs. It makes everything else I've done before worth it.
11 – The video of you and Styles P arguing about J. Cole on Rosenberg's Open Late show was spread all over social media. How did you land that opportunity to be on the show? Secondly, what are your honest thoughts on today's music?
Shout out to Andrew Goldstein & Brian Mann, two decent white men who don't use N-Word to my knowledge. But yeah, Andrew hired me at TRL so when he began work on Rosenberg's show, it was this top secret thing he'd only vaguely allude to when asked: "So what do you have going on?" Brian worked with me at TRL as well before joining Andrew and Open Late so a week before the show was announced they invite me up to Complex and let me know what they've been working on and that they'd want me to be a recurring panelist. So, I did a test show and I and Rosenberg hit it off immediately (which I didn't expect because I've hated some of his takes on the radio and Twitter and some of his wrestling takes) but yeah. We had great chemistry and they had me on the Terry Crews episode and the clips from that episode went DUMB!!! (Shoutout to Damien & Miss Info) So, they asked me back a week later when Styles was there and of the fuck course, I was gonna do it. I grew up listening to Styles. I met him and rapped like 2-3 verses of his that changed my life. It was dope. I got to argue with SP The fucking Ghost about sleepy ass J.Cole. Nah lmao, let me stop. I actually don't dislike Cole's music at all. I'm just very honest about this latest project which I feel is very lazy as he can be sometimes (i.e. Sideline Story, the last half of Born Sinner and we saw pockets of that on his masterpiece FHD) but yeah. That clip definitely got me some mean mugs and eye rolls from his team @ Rolling Loud backstage a few weeks back. I found it hilarious. As far as my opinion on music, it's in a pretty great place. Everybody has an opportunity to eat, kind of. I mean we need some more real niggas in these offices & some real gatekeepers to filter out all the fuck shit. But, with streaming services and ultimately the internet as a whole, if you looking for a certain message or type of music, you can find it. So overall, its "ight" right now.
12 – Obviously I'll Apologize Later is something that you're currently focusing on but are there any other talents of yours that you'll be expanding on throughout the course of this year?
Well, there will definitely be some more acting and not the typical "say something rude or funny" shit. Like some real acting. Also, still going strong with my independent podcast He-Man Woman Haters Club and just continuing to grow that audience and reach. I just want to do some dope shit and push the culture forward the way I know how. Through conversation and challenging the "norm" through it.
13 – What has been a valuable piece of advice that anyone has given you in regards to your craft?
My brother told me "do something, don't do nothing." It just speaks to my work ethic. There's always something to be done, whether it's reading up on something, watching another interview, or watching a documentary or whatever. Just do something. I devour content because it keeps me sharp. So, I'm always doing something.
14 – What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be involved in media?
One, I'd tell them to make sure that this is what they want. Cause this shit is a different monster. I'm still learning the ropes. Always be accountable for your words and know what you say, you'll eventually have to answer for. How will you be able to handle that? If you can't stay home, be an accountant. But, if you genuinely want to do this then figure out what it is that you want to represent, what stories you want to tell, what conversations are important to you, and then have them BETTER than anyone else because there are a million others trying to do the same thing.
15 – What can we expect from Mouse Jones for the rest of 2018?


text: We extend our warmest congratulations to everyone who played a part in our annual production, staged once again at The Park and Dare Theatre. 'Y Siop' is the Welsh language version of the popular musical 'The Little Shop of Horrors'. Yet again, the production was an opportunity to showcase some of the best talent in the Rhondda. To our fantastic pupils, our supportive parents and dedicated staff, thank you very much and Congratulations!


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See our nonprofit COVID-19 resources
We're updating our site to improve your experience. We apologize for any issues that may occur.
Box.com why did I pay $84 non-refundable admin. fee if the service is free ?
What I got was the Bos.org starter which is free, so what was the Non-refundable admin. fee for? And the application keeps crashing.
On the box.com site it says the starter version is $7 now $5 a month so if you get it from their site it's $60 a year for one person.
I think the starter version you purchased is a ten pack or a $600 value.
They may have a free version, but I am sure there is some limitation not found in the paid version.
If you would like some help with the app that is crashing, please post a new message that describes your device and what the crash looks like. Is there an error message or does it just stop working?
Thank you Christian
Maybe there some confusion but in my Box.com I see this:
Choose your new plan
Your current plan: Starter
Box.org Starter
Current Plan
Get secure file sharing and additional storage for teams
So I did not need to pay the administration fee. I could had that plan simply by going to Box.com.
The problem that I found is that I cannot upload any folders that have a subfolder. There are no error or indication after a while it crashes the browser (Chrome and Edge)
What you shared says that is "your current plan".
If you did not have a current plan, I think it would look a little different. :-)
Maybe look at the box web site from a phone or different computer and see what it looks like.
They do have a free individual plan, but that is not the starter and provides less storage.
As far as the browser crash, that may not be because you have sub-folders. It may be because you are uploading something too large. If that is not the problem I don't know what to say because there is no error message.
I found a link about what browsers and versions are supported here: https://community.box.com/t5/How-to-Guides-for-Account/Understand-the-Box-Policy-For-Browser-And-OS-Support/ta-p/10
Close this window


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When you have a need for Marketing & Public Relations services, you want to hire a firm that gets results!
RMA Publicity has a proven track record of successful marketing, PR & media campaigns for clients in a wide variety of industries, though our focus is on Book Marketing and Book Publicity. The key to our success is a strong understanding of what it takes to get your target audience's attention.
We are located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, but are able to service clients in cities throughout the United States. Want to learn more about our services? Browse this website then contact us for a publicity consult.
There is a story about the work Richard and Carla Bahr, founders of Threshold to New Life, are doing to help prevent homeless in the June 2019 edition of Maple Grove Magazine. The nonprofit helps people in danger of losing their housing stay where they are by filling in the gaps for people when they are having trouble making the rent.
The Bahrs also volunteer regularly with the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis to serve breakfast to those in need. Learn more about their ministry at Threshold2NewLife.org.
The August 2020 issue of RMA Publicity's client newsletter is now available. Click to read.
Check out our past newsletters.
Requires Adobe Acrobat to view, click here to install.


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Independence Day is almost here and we are taking some time off to spend the holiday with our families. We will be back next week with more delicious gluten free recipes for you.
We wish you and yours a wonderful Independence Day filled with celebration and amazing gluten free food.


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Finance Your Franchise
If you're planning to start a franchise, congratulations! Owning a franchise means you get the support and infrastructure of a large company with the flexibility and independence of a small business owner. However, starting and operating a franchise comes with its own set of expenses. If you don't have the funds to cover these costs out of pocket, check out the franchise financing options here at Capital Financing Solutions.
Why You Should Finance Your Franchise
When you open a franchise, you'll need to cover some fees. Initial franchise fees, ongoing fees, and advertising fees can be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. These costs shouldn't deter you from achieving your goals, though. Franchise financing from Capital Financing Solutions can help you cover these expenses.
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Our trained franchise finance experts are ready to assist you in taking the next step. You can achieve your goals with your affordable, high quality franchise loans. Contact us today to apply for franchise funding.


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Buy Now Brewster 430-7029 Vintage Legacy III Floral Stripe Wallpaper, 20.5-Inch by 396-Inch, Red
This wallpaper is from a "Traditional" style collection. Traditional style is one of America's most popular decorating styles. Gracious and inviting, traditional style is familiar, classic, understated and always elegant. Sold as one "double roll" bolt; equal to two continuous single rolls.
Categories: DIY Home Decor, Floral Wallpapers, Home Decor
Sorry, comments are closed for this item.


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The Slow Design and Fashion Days event in Geneva
The Slow Design and Fashion Days event takes place once a year in Geneva. It was an opportunity for me to discover ethical fashion designers (mostly Swiss), make new contacts, and see the fashion show of the designers' new collections.
Creators' vision of ethical fashion
Creators and ethical fashion
At first I had a lot of discussions with the creators. We discussed our vision of ethical fashion because it can be slightly different from one person to another. For some it is the use of environmentally friendly materials and low-cost energy production, for others it can be summed up as a handmade and entirely manufactured in the country. For my part, I seek to promote all initiatives in favour of people and the environment. Some of the brands shown below are not 100% ecological or 100% made in Switzerland, but their approach to more ethical fashion is remarkable. So here are a few stands that I liked the most.
The list of creators
Among the creators present, I spotted some brands that I liked very much:
♦ The queen of pom-pom' s
♦ Beyond Bags
♦ Positive colors
♦ Pamboo
Complete list on the event website.
The Ethical Fashion Show
Then we took our place for the parade
The opening speech was moving: two creators from indigenous peoples told us of their attachment to their tribe and Mother Earth. That's why their creations were made exclusively from natural materials. They have asked consumers we are to pay more attention to Mother Earth by establishing a new relationship with the clothes we wear, because the materials originally belong to the Earth.
This was followed by the launch of the parade. The clothes highlighted by superb models have all been selected for their ethical dimension. I'll let you look at the pictures of my favorite pieces.
I hope you enjoyed the article! See you soon to discover new ethical fashion designers.


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We are again with an superior deal for you. This time deal is on End of Season Sale. Myntra is promoting Branded merchandise as much as 80% off. So, Hurry up earlier than it goes out of inventory.
Citibank Bank Debit and Credit playing cards 15% Cashback
Airtel Payment Bank 15% cashback
Phonepe fee Rs. 150 cashback


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In a Nutshell: Save to Win combines the excitement of the lottery with the benefits of saving money. Users earn entries into raffles by making deposits into a prize-linked savings account at a participating credit union, where they have the chance to win cash prizes of up to $5,000. These prizes, in turn, help credit unions raise their public profiles, expand their reach, and educate members on the importance of responsible financial behavior. Even if members never win a prize, they still build up their savings and learn positive financial habits.
A few years ago, Sadie M. of North Carolina was in debt, didn't have an emergency savings fund, and lacked the knowledge and skills to plan for her financial future. But the tide began to turn the day she went to Greensboro Municipal Federal Credit Union and opened a Save to Win account. She did so hoping to win a cash prize, but she got something even more valuable: a savings account, a financial education, and a fresh take on her future.
"Save to Win changed my whole life … it's changed how I feel about my future," Sadie said in an online testimonial about her experience with the program.
Save to Win encourages credit union members to deposit money into their savings accounts by offering them chances to win prizes. The program is a collaboration between Commonwealth, the Filene Research Institute, and the Michigan Credit Union League. It launched in Michigan in 2008, and, in that year, saw more than 11,000 accounts opened and $8.5 million in savings deposited by account holders.
"Commonwealth reached out to the Michigan Credit Union League because the state had a unique law that allowed credit unions to promote prize-linked savings products," said Jessica Thelen, Project Manager of Marketing at CU Solutions Group, which administrates the Save to Win program. "We now operate in 14 states and 122 credit unions are promoting this product to 23,000 members. Although the prizes aren't millions of dollars like a lottery jackpot, they're more realistic in terms of the number of prizes offered and they reach more consumers."
In 2015, Save to Win merged its individual state programs into a national program. Save to Win accounts aren't available in all states due to legislative restrictions. But for residents of states where it is available through participating credit unions, the program provides monthly and quarterly drawings for prizes ranging from $25 to $5,000.
With Save to Win, everyone comes out ahead. Even if an account holder's name is never drawn in a raffle, he or she still gets to enjoy the thrill of a lottery without paying any money. More importantly, they're saving, earning interest, and taking control of their financial futures.
Prize-Linked Savings Accounts Promote Responsibility
Save to Win's prize-linked savings accounts take the form of a share certificate account, which is the credit union counterpart to banks' certificates of deposit. These accounts must be opened with a minimum deposit of $25, and they renew automatically after every 12-month term. Only one withdrawal can be made annually, and it incurs a fee of $25 — or more at the credit union's discretion. A second withdrawal within a 12-month period will result in the account's termination.
The prize-linked accounts incur no monthly service fees and accrue interest as a normal savings account does, with no minimums or caps on deposits, which allows members to deposit as much money as they can. For every $25 deposited, the account holder earns one entry into Save to Win's monthly prize drawing (up to a maximum of 10) and an entry into quarterly drawings (maximum 30).
Entries are based on month-over-month balance increases; depositing $250 into the account and then withdrawing the same amount before the month's end will earn no entries.
To qualify for prizes, an account must be open through the last day of the month for drawings that occur on the 14th day of the month and each quarter in January, April, July, and October. To open an account, a person must hold a regular share account with a participating credit union, be of legal age to enter a contract, and be a resident in the state in which the credit union is located. Each member may only open one Save to Win account and businesses and trusts are not eligible.
Easy Implementation Helps Credit Unions Drive Membership
Save to Win accounts hold a variety of benefits for credit unions. The allure of winning cash prizes drives membership and fosters enthusiasm for saving, which helps members build funds and establish positive financial habits. Credit unions also have the option of funding drawings for staff members, further expanding the pool of potential winners and contributing to the credit union's positive organizational culture.
The program is easy to implement thanks to turnkey marketing materials, including posters, brochures, digital and social media resources, press releases, and FAQs. The program also offers training documents for credit union staff and technical support. Credit unions manage the accounts and interest rates, but Save to Win handles all product administration pertaining to the program and drawings.
"The credit union sends us member information on deposits and balances so we can determine the entries and do all the drawings," Thelen said. "We also help them onboard the product starting with marketing materials, technology, and administrative support. Once they are onboard, we provide the drawing results as long as they're a part of the program."
All account holders can earn entries into the raffles to win multi-state prizes, except for Washington residents; the state awards its own prizes. Indiana, Oregon, Texas, and Arkansas award other prizes in addition to the multi-state prize. Save to Win also ensures the winnings are deposited directly into the member's share account, giving them fast access to their windfall. The program also gives them the option to deposit their winnings into their Save to Win account.
Account Holders Can Enjoy the Thrill of Winning
Thelen said Save to Win makes implementing the program easy for credit unions so they can focus on promoting it to members. The purpose of Save to Win is to reach out to financially vulnerable consumers and help them develop better financial habits.
According to a 2017 survey of Save to Win account holders, 60% of respondents had never had a CD before, and 81% hold no other CDs or share certificates. The results also showed that 78% were financially vulnerable, 63% earned low-to-moderate income, and 66% didn't have enough money saved to cover three months' worth of expenses.
"People often waste money on things that are unrealistic, whereas this product is helping people build savings accounts. When you buy a lottery ticket, that money's gone; you're just betting on the outcome. Regardless of the drawing outcome, you have that savings account with interest." — Jessica Thelen, Project Manager of Marketing at CU Solutions Group
Among the survey respondents, 73% said Save to Win made them more enthusiastic about saving, 64% said they were more likely to use their credit union's other financial products. And 10% joined their credit union so they could sign up for a Save to Win account. The opportunity to win cash prizes adds an element of excitement and gamification to positive financial behavior and turns saving into a no-risk game of chance. This is particularly enticing to people in poor financial situations.
"The odds of winning millions of dollars in a lottery are ridiculous. To people who don't have a lot of discretionary income left over after their paycheck, that's appealing to them," Thelen said. "People often waste money on things that are unrealistic, whereas this product is helping people build savings accounts. When you buy a lottery ticket, that money's gone; you're just betting on the outcome. Regardless of the drawing outcome, you have that savings account with interest."
Educational Resources Promote Strong Financial Habits
Users have opened nearly 73,000 Save to Win accounts since the program's launch in 2008. Each has averaged a balance of $2,442, and account holders — like Sadie from North Carolina — have collectively saved over $178 million. Prizes worth $2.8 million have been awarded, and, in 2017 alone, 4,498 people won a total of $248,085.
Save to Win accounts encourage saving and serve as a stepping stone to responsible financial behavior. The program provides educational resources for credit unions to distribute to members, and it offers additional materials on its website to help account holders and prize winners develop and maintain strong financial habits.
In the Savings Toolbox on its website, visitors can access financial calculators for auto loans and purchases, business finances, and credit cards, among other categories. They can also find guides to help them create savings goals and develop personal budgets.
The site's Financial Resource Center hosts additional information on car buying, financial planning, tax planning, saving and investing, and other consumer resources. The section also provides links to additional educational material, including information for young adults.
These resources build on the basic premise of Save to Win, which is to encourage people to put money into savings. By starting with that fundamental goal, Save to Win can help expand an account holder's financial literacy. That helps credit union members better manage their money and establish responsible financial habits that can benefit them for the rest of their lives.


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THE Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is set to launch a new strategic plan to outline among other key areas, implementation of its decentralisation policy.
The agency is mandated to among other areas, foster economic growth and development in Zambia through promoting trade and investment, and coordinated private-sector led economic development strategy.
ZDA director General Patrick Chisanga said in Choma on Wednesday that the agency would unveil its comprehensive strategic plan next month.
Mr Chisanga said, when he called on deputy Southern Province Permanent Secretary Douglas Ngimbu, that the new plan would highlight ZDA's decentralisation policy in line with the Government's desire.
"ZDA is not represented in most provinces and Government is emphasising on the decentralisation policy, so we are launching a new strategic plan next month to outline key areas such as implementation of this decentralisation policy by the agency, "he said.
Through the decentralisation policy, he said it would enable ZDA set up more offices in provincial town such as Choma to bring services closer to communities.
The policy would help accelerate the marketing of local investment opportunities to local and foreign investors thereby creating jobs.
On the other hand, the strategic plan, would outline more investment opportunities, enterprise development, trade and exports, and the Public Private Partnership (PPP
Mr Chisanga said ZDA was focusing on empowering the Zambian people through enterprise development aimed at promoting the growth of local enterprises through capacity building, business and market linkages.
He said Zambia has rich areas of investment citing priority sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, energy, and mining industry.
Earlier, Mr Ngimbu said the province was in need of investors because each district had more untapped investment opportunities which could help in local job creation.


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Yatton sink Wells with impressive performance
PUBLISHED: 10:54 31 January 2018 | UPDATED: 10:54 31 January 2018
An inspirational performance by Yatton's pack led the way to an impressive home victory over Wells.
Yatton 36 pts
Wells 7 pts
Having inflicted a heavy defeat on Wells away from home in early October, Yatton were fully aware that Wells, having recently enjoyed some excellent results, would be a different proposition.
Likewise, Yatton were on a roll, having defeated Stroud in a nail-biting encounter away from home last week and narrowly losing to the league leaders, Coney Hill, the week before.
Wells played down the slope in the first-half with territorial advantage and possession hotly contested by two committed sides in the midfield - Wells trying to open Yatton's defence with strong running while Yatton responded with some powerful forward drives up the park.
It was Wells who broke the deadlock, when they were awarded a penalty and chose to kick for the corner. From the line-out the ball was collected and a powerful surge from the Wells forwards under the posts resulted in a fine try which was duly converted.
Yatton responded by tightening up their defence and some strong running with the new centre pairing of George Osborne and Ed Ryder-Smith catching the eye, with fly-half Jack Edwards bossing the mid field. It was a powerful forward drive by the Yatton pack on the Wells 22 that signalled Yatton had the advantage in the tight and that this would be the foundation for Yatton's eventual win.
With the half-time score 7-0 to Wells, the home side needed to contain the opposition and score tries. They did not disappoint.
Now playing down the slope, Yatton were determined to keep their half of the pitch tidy, and a fine passage of play involving forwards and backs found George Osborne opening Yatton's account with an excellent unconverted try.
Yatton's tails were up, so it was fitting that captain Matt Gooding added to the account by driving over from short range. Again the extras were not added.
With the game slipping from their grasp, Wells responded by trying to deny Yatton possession and territory by running the ball from deep in their own half, but Yatton's defence held firm with some resolute defending with the influential Dan Williams paying the price by leaving the field injured.
Yatton's third try was scored when they opted for a scrum having been awarded a penalty. An excellent drive saw No 8 Tom McMaster ground the ball, again with the conversion missed.
McMaster was on the scoresheet again, when from the base of the scrum he popped the ball to scrum-half Lloyd Richardson whose blistering run scorched the Wells defence and Jack Edwards made no mistake with the conversion.
Yatton were increasingly turning the screw, and when Wells conceded another scrum five metres from their line, it was another powerful scrummage from the Yatton pack that enabled the tenacious McMaster to ground the ball for his third try of the afternoon with Jack Edwards bisecting the posts.
The final try and conversion of the afternoon was scored in a similar fashion. With many players not available through injury and many playing out of position, this was an excellent result.
The Yatton pack were truly inspirational on the day and the reason why Wells had no answer to Yatton's dominance, in the second half.
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