text:
Time to Get Rid of Your Worries
What are you worried about today?
If you are like most people, you are probably worried about your weight. That might not be at the top of your list, but according to a survey by Beneden Health in the U.K., that's the # 1 concern for most people. Here are the Top Ten Worries (counting down from #10 to #1) according to their survey:
10. Diet
9. Job security
8. Rent/mortgage payment
7. Credit card debt
6. Low energy level
5. Overdrafts and loans
4. Overall fitness
3. Lack of savings/financial future
2. Growing old
1. Overweight
Here are three observations about that list:
1. These mostly fall into two categories: health and finances.
2. These are universal human concerns.
3. These are issues that will be with us as long as we live.
You're going to have to die in order to stop being concerned about your money and your health.
Have you ever wondered how much time you spend worrying? It's probably more than you think. The same survey asked people how much time they spend worrying. Here's what they found out.
Each week, we spend 14.31 hours worrying.
That equals 744 hours of worry each year.
Which turns into 45,243 hours of worry over a lifetime.
That equals 1885 days in a lifetime spent doing nothing but worrying.
Which means that we spend 5.2 years of life captured by worry.
No wonder we have trouble sleeping.
No wonder we feel under so much pressure.
No wonder we find it hard to concentrate.
For most people, it's not just one thing. It's many things wrapped up together. It's a job, school, money, work, health, bills to pay, your husband, your wife, your ex-husband, your ex-wife, the in-laws, the kids, and on and on it goes. Any one thing we could handle or even two things, but when you get three or four together, your knees start to buckle.
Strangled by Worry
To worry is to "give way to anxiety or unease; allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles." The word itself comes from the Old English wyrgan, which means to strangle or to seize by the throat. That's a helpful image because we've all felt the pressure squeezing us. A friend told me about going through a crisis regarding his newborn grandchildren with serious medical issues. He spoke of being on a roller coaster of emotions as the doctors first gave bad news, then good news, then news that was somewhat confusing. He felt like being taken to the top and then suddenly dropped to the bottom. He added this telling phrase: "I've found that it squeezes my mind quite a bit while trying to do other things."
Let me give you a simple definition. Worry is excessive concern over the affairs of life. The key obviously is the word "excessive." Worry happens when you are so concerned about the problems of life that you can't think of nothing else. It is an all-consuming feeling of uncertainty and fear.
And it is a sin. Worry is a sin for two reasons: First, because it displaces God in your life. When you commit the sin of worry, you are living as though God did not exist. And you are living as though you alone can solve your problems. Second, because it distracts you from the things that really matter in life. As long as you are worrying, you can't do anything else. You are strangled by worry.
How can we tell when the legitimate concerns of life have become sinful worries? Here are three practical guidelines.
You are probably well into worry . . .
1. When the thing you are concerned about is the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about at night.
2. When you find yourself thinking about it during every spare moment.
3. When you find yourself bringing it up in every conversation.
Seen in that light, most of us worry a lot more than we would like to admit.
Different Versions of the Same Verse
Here is God's answer to our worries, stated in one verse tucked away near the end of Peter's first epistle:
"Casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
To get a broader perspective, I checked out some other translations and paraphrases of this verse, starting with the venerable King James Version:
"Casting all your cares upon him, for he careth for you" (KJV).
"Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you" (CJB).
God issues the same invitation to all of us
"You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern" (Phillips).
"Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you" (MSG).
"Since God cares for you, let him carry all your burdens and worries" (Voice).
Look at the different words that are used for the problems of life:
Cares . . . Anxieties . . . Burdens . . . Worries.
That covers all of life. No matter which word you choose, God makes the same invitation to all of us.
"Take your worries . . .
Take your cares . . .
Take your burdens . . .
Take your anxieties . . .
And give them to me."
Let's take a moment to unpack this text and see how to respond to God's gracious invitation.
You can read the rest of this message online.
You can reach the author at [email protected]. Click here to sign up for the free email sermon.


text:
Connect, Inspire, Brand
Creating an emotional connection and a memorable experience for consumers is crucial in today's competitive business world. With an ever-increasing rise in start-ups, pop-up shops, and e-commerce stores, creating a recognizable and unique brand is imperative.
Scent Marketing has become a game-changer in increasing sales, heightening value perception, expanding brand recognition, and increasing customer satisfaction. This type of sensory marketing is targeted at the olfactory sense. The sense of smell is the most powerful of all the senses and is directly linked to emotions. Scent marketing allows businesses to create an emotional connection with consumers, which results in a more enjoyable and memorable experience for the customer.
Scent Marketing is more than just diffusing a fragrance in a showroom or lobby. It is the science of taking your company's marketing message, brand identity, and target audience to create a unique fragrance that accentuates these values. Scenting has the ability to instantaneously trigger memories and even influence behavior. Combining scent and other marketing techniques can significantly amplify a customer's experience and create a distinct, memorable connection with your brand.
Marketing, academic, and industry research has proven that incorporating scent significantly affects how consumers view your brand. Diffusing the correct aroma oil can subconsciously prompt customers to linger longer and have a more positive experience. The perfect scent ambiance will differentiate your brand from the competitor for your clients, employees, and guests, and result in happier customers, that linger longer.
Why Aromatech
Our Focus
Science, Psychology, Scents
As a pioneer in the field of scent marketing AromaTech crafts scent-based ambient environments for leading hotels, casinos, retailers, gyms, restaurants, and other first-class establishments.
We use only high-quality, eco-friendly materials in our scent machines and commercial scents.
What is the philosophy of your business>? The mood? The feel? Our scent experts can match our commercial aromas to the essence of your business and intentions. You trust designers with your look, DJs with your sound. Trust us with the strongest sense – your business's scent.
Our aroma diffusers and commercial aromas are trusted throughout the world by malls. casinos, hotels, gyms, spas, museums, and more. Our range of scents is limitless, drawing from 54 pure essential blends and more than 70,000 perfume quality aroma oils.
Innovation, Technology, Commitment
Since 2009, AromaTech™ has been branding and transforming businesses with ambient scenting.
Over the years AromaTech™ has been committed to refining and improving commercial scenting systems, and now we are happy to bring this technology into your home, with ease and convenience.
Working with world-renowned companies such as Apple, Four Seasons, Harley Davidson, Jimmy Choo, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Sky Zone Trampoline Parks, Steve Nash Sports Clubs, and many other industry leaders and mega brands, in creating a unique experience by engaging memory and emotions through scent marketing.
Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, AromaTech™ has been committed to refining and improving commercial scenting systems. Our goal is to increase your brand recognition by providing your business with a unique and memorable ambiance, to create an emotional connection with your customers.
Our network of distributors transforms businesses globally with clients in many diverse industries. Industries such as automotive, hotels, entertainment venues, fitness centers, spas, retail stores, shopping malls, hospitals, and nursing homes are only a few, of the many, utilizing the marketing power of scent.
Our Technique
Solutions, Experience, Custom
We assist a multitude of companies to determine how to best meet their goals in creating a desired mood, impression, or effect by using the right scent in the right environment.
In a similar way that an appropriate, well-composed song or melody can have a long-term impact on the listener, so too can a well-thought-out scent.
At AromaTech™, we work with companies to examine brand philosophies, principles, and objectives, while identifying a goal message and target audience. By analyzing any relevant data and research, we create a unique and custom brand fragrance for our clients.
We install an effective scent delivery system that delivers a pure and consistent aroma while employing a convenient and hassle-free scenting solution.
Scenting Systems
Simple, Convenient, Effective
AromaTech's™ commercial scent diffusers lead the market when it comes to application, flexibility, quality, and design.
We use cold-air diffusion technology, which preserves the integrity of essential and aroma oils. Our scent delivery systems release scent in a form of micro-mist to ensure precise diffusion that is both noticeable and efficient in any size space or location
All of our commercial scent machines are designed for aesthetics and proficiency. Our commercial scent diffusers are available as stand-alone or wall-mounted units, with the capability to easily connect to any HVAC (air-conditioning). All of our scent delivery systems are equipped with a digital control panel to conveniently set the intensity of the fragrance output as well as "store operating hours". The housing structures are made from 100% recycled or recyclable products that are created from renewable resources.
Our Scents.
Powerful, Unique, Pure
We source only the highest quality ingredients from around the world to ensure that all of our fragrances delivery is a consistent and appealing ambient scent.
AromaTech™ offers unlimited possibilities for scenting, drawing from an array of pure essential oil blends and over 70,000 perfume quality aroma oils. Our team of scent designers creates signature blends and unique recipes to create a memorable and unique environment for your business.
We source only the highest quality ingredients from around the world to ensure that all of our fragrances delivery is a consistent and appealing ambient scent. Unlike many chemical-based scents and air fresheners for businesses, our fragrances deliver a pure and clean ambiance, without harsh undertones.
AromaTech works closely with The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) to ensure that all of our fragrances uphold and exceed the guidelines for safety, for both consumers and the environment. We are committed to providing the safest and most sustainable products available on the market. All of our ingredients are derived from safe and renewable resources that are never tested on animals.
Our Beliefs.
Responsibility, Commitment, Sustainability
At AromaTech™, we continuously strive to provide the best commercial scenting solutions, essential oils, and aroma oil blends available in the world. We are dedicated to excellence and aim to stand behind all of our products unconditionally.
We believe in the preservation of our planet and it's ecosystems. We are rooted in environmental sustainability and ethical responsibility. All of our ingredients are derived from safe and renewable resources that are never tested on animals. Our packaging is created and designed from recycled and recyclable materials. We are committed to the creation of sustainable and cruelty-free products that are safe for consumers and the environment.
All of our Essential and Aroma Oil Blends are created from pure and natural ingredients that are Eco-friendly, Pet-Friendly, Non-GMO and contain no harmful chemicals or additives. We use pure and natural ingredients that are sourced from renewable and sustainable resources throughout the world.
We combine our 100% Pure Essential Oils with all-natural base ingredients to create 100% All Natural Aroma Oil Blends that are free of parabens, SLS, SLES, PEGS, glycols, petrochemicals, synthetic colors, harmful chemicals, and additives. These ingredients are clean, raw, and unrefined, just as nature intended.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Road Runners travel to Pearson Falls
Staff Writer
The Gaston Gazette
The Road Runners group from First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, traveled to Pearson Falls on Saturday for a picnic and hike.
The 90-foot falls are located in a 268 acre wildlife sanctuary near Sylva.
The park is operated by a non-profit organization, the Tryon Garden Club. Several members hiked the trail up to the falls site.
Shown in the picture are BF and Eleanor Beasley, Beth Bolin, Roger Rizk and Robert Cinq -Mars.


text:
WILL & GRACE: 'Anchors Away' Photos
December 6, 2018 by Marisa Roffman
Filed under Will & Grace
Comments Off on WILL & GRACE: 'Anchors Away' Photos
Matt Bomer is on the Thursday, December 6 episode WILL & GRACE…is more a reason really needed to tune in? (If so the episode also includes guest spots from Minnie Driver and Adam Rippon.)
Check out photos from "Anchors Away"…


text:
The most profound book for me that has been published this year is The 100 year life – living and working in the age of longevity by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott. This statement below from their website explains the gift of longevity for society.
"To make longevity a gift we believe nearly everything will change – the outcome is nothing short of a social revolution affecting everyone. How we work, how we gain our education, who and when we decide to spend our lives with and when we have children, how we spend our leisure time, the role of women in society will all see profound developments."
The journey of life is a marathon not a sprint and along this journey we need to build different assets that will help us achieve the sustenance needed for the long haul. Some of these assets mentioned in the book are knowledge, reputation, health, balanced living, friendships diverse networks and financial investments.
This is my first year back building Refirement Network after a 5 year break where I worked as the CEO of an early childhood foundation. My vision and mantra for Refirement is very similar to what the authors of this book have researched and this excites me. I have taken responsibility to understand these elements and help coach and train others to understand them so that they too will experience the gift of longevity.
I am based in South Africa, about to turn sixty and both my children live outside the borders of my home country. One in Thailand and one in the UK. The design of work and play for me in this season of life is assisted by technology and the fact that I can offer my knowledge and skills across borders through technology, while living a more balanced life, looking after my health and friendships. My reputation has always been high up on my list of priorities and at the same time I love the gift of having a diverse group of networks.
I love the fact that as we enter what used to be the retirement stage of life, we have the opportunity to learn, build new businesses and combine work and play. I made the decision that I wanted to spend quality time with each of my children as I celebrate turning 60. I will be out of South Africa for two months and will still be able to continue to work while I am away. I certainly will take the opportunity to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren and enjoy the creative opportunities that travel creates.
I will also be connecting with some of my diverse networks that I have developed via twitter and LinkedIn. I will use these coffee conversations to strengthen these relationships and discuss opportunities to learn and partner in the future. I want to be a digital nomad, able to travel, have fun and work remotely from anywhere.
The world is a fast paced changing place and we will either see these changes as a gift or a curse. I hope that you will take the time to see the gift and do whatever is needed to feel the excitement and take responsibility for your own journey.
Lynda Smith is a coach helping individuals to understand this gift. She can be contacted via the website: www.refirementnetwork.com


text:
Yay! Grear presents another exceptional column. We're so grateful to her during our slowwww summer hiatus. Her work is priceless. You're going to need to read this…
This is your season. The Sun Season. If the lion is the king of the jungle, then Leo is the Solar Power of the Zodiac. I once thought that Leo ruled the zodiac till I discovered that it's your opposite that does: Aquarius. But they ping off of each other, so in a way, Leo kinda does have dominion over the zodiacal roundtable. But I'll have to spend more time on this topic in a book.
I read that Leos were royalty in a past life. Due to their regal poise and or high self regard, I find this highly plausible.
Leo, a fire sign, rules the heart in the physical body, and the upper portion of the back–physical beings, you are partial to fiery physical interaction. Not necessarily combative, it could be a sport of some kind. The females especially, hold this trait. You can tell this just by watching the lions on the nature channel. They rarely seek Big Poppa for anything, not even to babysit or hunt–they got that! If anything, he seeks them for food and sexual gratification. This explains why Ms. Leo would much rather you come to her, she goes to no one!
Their smiles are usually bright, like the sun. The sun rules Leo. As you already know where the sun's position is in the cosmos and how all else revolve around it. Do you now see difficulty in a Leo coming to you? Their position (conscious or otherwise): If I'm the center, your center, my energy radiates, warms and inspires, that extending enough, now you come to me! Better act like you know!
Our beloved Whitney Houston was a Leo sun. Her smile alone was gift-enough, the powerhouse voice, to me, was just an aside; albeit, a mighty one. Love Life Liberation and LIFT, Nippy!
Then there's: Wesley Snipes, KRS ONE, Lawrence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Madonna, Halle Berry, Jackee`Harry, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Tempest Bledsoe, Andy Warhol, Carl G. Jung, Alex Haley, Fidel Castro, Dustin Hofman, George Bernard Shaw, Sally Struthers, Martha Stewart, Mick Jagger, Amelia Earhart, CoCo Chanel, Matthew Broderick, Lucille Ball, President Obama!
And last but certainly not least, our very own, the smart, gorgeous and sweet Abiola Abrams
Leo, there will be two full moons this month. Yes, we get the Big Blue One too. The first one will be on the first and second of the month, it'll be in Aquarius. You should feel a certain kind of fullness. Solid. It'll be very gratifying if felt. Just know it'll work on you whether you consciously feel it or not.
New ideas, new awakenings, new loves are all on the horizon. Notice them. Act, think, and speak with purpose. Self-inventory is in order.
Overall, it's your time, en, no, In-Joy it!
Downtime is to be embraced. You usually do, despite the inner restlessness you most often feel. Speaking of which, some of that restlessness should lift after the eighth, when Mercury (your ruling planet) goes direct. Lighten Up, everything is in divine right order.
Though you'll feel lighter, know that it's still a time to go within, one can be introspective without the necessary "deep" vibration that usually comes along with.
Clean out those closets, literally and figuratively. Try not to entertain too much company. Watch less TV, read more. Prepare light meals and talk on the phone less. Again, this month is truly about you and what's behind the veil. Whose veil? Yours.
Libra I understand, oh, trust me, I UNDERSTAND, what you've been feeling thus far…with Saturn sittin' on us. He'll be moving next door to Scorpio soon, just hold tight. By mid month he'll be mating, or shall I say, meeting with Mars in the sky for spell. Mars and Saturn are so different in temperament, yet, per my studies, they are the two mars (no cosmic pun, Mars) in the planetary lineup. Mars is Action, War. Saturn is Restriction, Discipline. These two meeting? Hey hey now.
Depending upon where you are in or with your psyche, will prove how well you handle the sudden strong surge of mix contradictory sensations you'll bound to feel by mid month. You'd be lucky if it only shows itself in an autonomous way. This serious celestial contrast can also show up down here through people–teems of them: strangers and familiarities alike.
All in all, do what you do best–stay level-headed, calm and cool. It'll pass. It always does. Being an air sun sign, you have the ability to fly above.
By the way, really enjoy the first full moon; it'll be in a fellow air sign: Aquarius. Do filling things, yet, sensible.
Mars is about to come home, baby! Home, where he belongs: either with you or Aries. As you know, Mars has two dominions.
When he meets up with Saturn (in Libra) mid month, you might feel hostile towards a Libra or an air sign, or they towards you, or both! Just do the "Libra thing": exude diplomacy. Then the short-lived meeting in the sky shouldn't affect you too adversely.
On a positive side, this conjunction will dispense a lot of much-needed energy; about a good six to seven weeks of verve. Workout. Run. Soar!
This planetary interfacing does indeed happen way up and "out there," but it affects us way down here, up there–this "there" being our mind. It's all connected! Stay in tuned, so you don't think you're just buggin'.
I gave you the mid-month first. At the top of the month, it'll serve you too to implement some quiet time at home. By month's end if you emotionally rationed it out well, you are still soaring…like the Eagle-Eyed Prophet you are!
When you set your sights on something, it's really like shooting that bow from the proverbial arrow–you rarely miss the target. You just wanna be sure that what or who you set your sights on is right for you. 'Cause once they're pierced, you gotta heal and mend the wound whether you want to keep the item (or person) or not. This is Karmic Correction, my dear Archer friend. Remember: Correction is best when you apply it versus the Universe doing so.
The path you're on now… are you sure, absolutely sure, it's the one that'll lead you to the desired destination? If you are, stay. If you're not, pave new ground–your own.
Yes, consider that other person. To ignore them is challenging, I know. But once you've considered them find out if they're willing to walk the new path with you? Their reply is the very one you've been waiting so long to hear. Whether pain or pleasure follows, it's what you need to hear. And what they need to say! Words can transform you–for the better–if you allow them.
Return to Self, baby. Return to Self.
There's a bi, like in "two." Two matters for you this month. It's difficult to articulate in any manner: writing, speaking, sign language, etc. But trust me, there's something with two poles and money and YOU, on the forecast. Win or Lose…remember, two. So be careful. Well, mindful. But still…have fun!
Embrace these two full moons. I'd get a reading done. Suggestion: Fast from sex and eating meat…just for this month. Abstaining serves to open the door for other opportunities. If you are already a vegetarian, then abstain from something else–something you enjoy partaking of, of course.
If the budget permits, I'd gamble. Do so in fun. Desperate energy rarely attracts anything desirable.
Power Moon! Power Month!
Find your Happy Cord and Strum it! Two Full Moons this month and the first up to bat will be in your sun sign. You know the drill: Play Lotto, casinos, enter contests, etc. Just dive in, if the budget permits, naturally.
Your money-gain potential reads differently than Capricorn's, however, it still reads. Registers. I'd embrace every syllable, sound out every metaphorical vowel, if I were you. Hey, you never know.
But your key phrase is "I Know," act like it! Have Fun. 🙂
Find your emotional side and air it out. Yes, let 'em view it. I know this is hard for the cool Water Bearer, but be honest with yourself and the fortunate spectator[s], just dissolve. Somewhere in this raw great space, something magical or someone magical might appear to assist you.
Take "Mag Phos" cell salts–starting now, till the 4th. Mag Phos is Leo's natural cell salt, and Leo is Aquarius opposite, this is what you do when the moon is in your exact sign. Like, for you, when the moon is in Leo, you'd take the Nat Mur cell salts, Aquarius' cell salt.
Liken to your opposite sign, this month begins on a quiet note. Cherish it. 'Cause by midmonth, things will begin to shift in such an energetic way. Cut out all heavy foods and heavy-heart'ed people. Don't fret, they can see you next month. Evolving is important work; sacrifices are inevitable.
The flirt that comes on extra strong in the middle of the month, try to put that love possibility on ice till after the new moon. The Full Moon at the end of the month will cling to you in a mystical way–make the most of it. Create something special.
Since '09, the lessons learned with relationships must have been eye-opening. To be opened visually, be it literally or figuratively, is a great transforming thing. Value it.
But don't dwell. K.I.M. Yes, keep it moving.
I was watching, forgive me, yes, one of those Realty TV shows, where one of the characters said to the other one, paraphrasing: "…don't keep asking yourself why. Eff why! Just keep pushin'!" I thought that that was the sagest advice I had heard all day. I extend it to you.
Mid month, you'll feel up, like your old self again. Mars, your ruling planet, is slated to station its fiery self in your big cousin's house: Scorpio. Both of y'all will feel a tad whole again. Watch, you'll see. Wield the Martian energy wisely.
Oh, also, some kind of "weird gift" will be handed to you. Your first impulse will be to throw it back, don't! Ebay "that baby" in a few years and watch how they bid on it! I know…it's strange, but this is what came to me. I wouldn't be worth my stripes in astro-honesty if I didn't share it with you.
Career Career Career is your focus this month. Even considering self-employment may be a favorable note. Weigh all variable soberly. Upward mobility is the name of the curve. Write your goals down on parchment paper, put it in a red envelope–preferably one of those Asian ones with the golden Dragon logo on it–then put the envelope under your pillow as you sleep. Ask key questions. Hopefully, if done right, particularly this month, the career space in your personal universe will shine brightly, in your favor, for a while.
Note: I stated "career," not some menial job that means nada to you.
So, tell me… tell me how did/does it feel? How did it feel to have Venus all to yourself…for so long? I hope you enjoyed the sweet energy. Especially when she went retrograde–a time to investigate (wow, break that word up: in-vest-ti-gate) all your inner barriers. What really holds you back? Yes, Venus is about beauty, love, money, attraction, but she also serves to produce a better you. That's if…you don't fight her; then she'll simply have to Apostrophia ya! It's not…the word…what you think it is. Smiles… I digress.
She'll be exiting the twins to sweeten her honey pot in the nurturing waters of Cancer soon. And you may feel a sudden "emptying." Bereft! Yet, don't understand why. Well, I'm telling ya why–"V" left.
You may craves sweets to eat to fill the void. Don't. OK, maybe just one slice of pie, but don't go overboard. Everybody gets their turn with each of our transiting planets, she'll be back to visit you again. Besides, think of it this way–Jupiter is still in your space. He comes with sweets and treats too; albeit, a different frequency than how Venus would deliver them, but still delivered all the same. Gratitude.
Self-Evaluating is the prescription for you too. You are worthy and lovable, unless you are acting contrary, don't believe the naysayers. Keep your stride, don't let 'em knock you off of it. Strolling and humming Ms. Hill's "So Much to Say (right now)." I think that's the title…it's from her Unplugged set. Key lyrics.
All in all, stay true. True You.
Venus will be yours soon…for a spell. She'll make your already nurturing watery nature all the more affectionate, sweet and tender. Whomever is your lover or just the people you care about, gosh, are they in for a treat! Tell 'em to value it, that V will be exiting to visit Leo shortly. Hence, the hugs and extra love could wane. Explain to them all about the power of NOW. Living in the present. This is especially the case with matters such as Venus and her transits.
Games of Chance looks up for you as well. Again, play sensibly yet have fun. It's hard to win at anything when you're uptight.
A new hair do, new sense of style, all in favor for you at this time.
And there's a moment…a really sacred tender moment…not sure with whom and to what degree you know them…not even sure who'll initiate–you or they? Just know there's an aspect that welcomes this–darn near compels it. Kinda like…well, did you ever see the classic movie "The Way We Were?" Remember the ending when she saw the Robert Redford character again? Yeah, like that…just better–well, better for you. You know, in the Cancer's favor. If y'all are both Cancers–then it's a win win.
Have You Seen:
- How to Unleash Your Safer Sex Seductress
- Sensual Tantric Massage 101: Techniques, Tips & What The Heck Is It? (INTERVIEW)
- We Want To Move In Together! Now What? Should We? Let's Talk Cohabitation (VIDEO)
- Natural Supplements for Sexual Health from Vitamin B Complex to Zinc: For Men & Women
- Basketball Wives & Wifeys! "Reality" TV Bullying & Celebrating the Aggressor (An Open Letter)


text: Shopping CartYour Cart is EmptyQuantity: RemoveSubtotalTaxesShippingTotalThere was an error with PayPalClick here to try againThank you for your business!You should be receiving an order confirmation from Paypal shortly.Exit Shopping Cart WEDDING FLOWERS By Rebecca Dunn Blog view: full / summary Winter Special Posted on June 6, 2011 at 7:30 AM comments (87) Winter Special.Free Delivery to the Brides home anywhere within the Sydney Metro Area Free Box of Rose Petals Free Small Throw away posy For all wedding flowers that are ordered and paid for in the months of June, July and August.Call or email for a wedding flower quote today. Read Full Post » Wedding Brochure Posted on January 19, 2011 at 4:43 PM comments (34) Write your post here. Read Full Post » Categories Wedding Flower Brochure (1) Toggle NavigationHomeAbout UsContact UsBlogHomeAbout UsContact UsBlog / PreviousNextPausePlayClose


text:
Cleanup begins after large tree falls on homes
One home condemned
A big cleanup operation is underway in an Orange County neighborhood after Tuesday's gusty winds brought down an oak tree that was hundreds of years old.
Glenn Zayonce was out with his video camera recording the clean-up after the tree fell mostly on his neighbor's house and partly on his
"The neighbor said he had a big gust of wind and his trees were moving, and that's exactly when that came down," said Zayonce.
Tree experts said live oaks are usually pretty stable, but it appears this may actually have been two trees whose trunks had grown side by side and become unbalanced.
"The roots just aren't able to support the weight of trees, not very balanced, with pretty heavy canopies, so the trees are growing opposite each other," said tree expert Danny Keller.
The home Where Paula and Lauren Barr live suffered the most damage and has been condemned.
"I was just speechless, and I couldn't quite believe it," said Paula Barr.
Lauren, a junior in high school, was home by herself when the tree came down. She says she had always harbored fears about it.
"It was pretty weird to actually see it down and be like, 'I always thought it would happen to me and it did,' but the best part about it is I didn't get hurt," she said.


text:
Editorial Team
Mother's Day is just around the corner and let's face it, this year will be different. Maybe this year, you'll…Read More
Just in time to help organize all those holiday photos, we're excited to announce our newest collaborative partnership with jAlbum.…Read More
Today's the day! Tag That Photo is officially live! Photo organization through face recognition – without sacrificing control or privacy of your personal photos.Read More
We all like "free" stuff – free samples, free gift with purchase. Heck, who hasn't ruined their dinner enjoying the…Read More
The terms "face recognition" and "face detection" are often used interchangeably by photo management solutions. Though closely related, there are…Read More


text:
UCL has released the promised statement. It's short and to the point.
9 July 2015
UCL Council, the university's governing body, has today reviewed all of the circumstances of the resignation of Sir Tim Hunt as an Honorary Professor of the Faculty of Life Sciences on 10 June. Having seen the relevant correspondence, including the exchange of emails between Sir Tim and UCL, the Council is satisfied that his resignation was accepted in good faith. Council unanimously supports the decision taken by UCL's executive to accept the resignation.
The subsequent extent of media interest was unprecedented, and Council recognises the distress caused to Sir Tim and Professor Mary Collins. Council acknowledges that all parties agree that reinstatement would be inappropriate.
Council recognises that there are lessons to be learned around the communication process. Consequently it has requested that the executive undertake a review of its communications strategy.
Note the last sentence of the first paragraph –
Council unanimously supports the decision taken by UCL's executive to accept the resignation.
That's important, because Louise Mensch and her footsoldiers have been saying over and over that there's a rebellion in the Council and that many members wanted to reinstate Hunt to his honorary professorship. It appears that Louise Mensch was wrong about that…at least, wrong that they wanted it badly enough to go to war over it.


text:
|Jenkins, Johnie
|McCarty, Jack
|Gutierrez, Osman
|Hayes, Russell - Russ
|JONES, DON - Cotton, Inc
Submitted to: Journal of Plant Registrations
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/6/2012
Publication Date: 4/1/2013
Citation: Jenkins, J.N., McCarty Jr., J.C., Gutierrez, O.A., Hayes, R.W., Jones, D.C. 2013. Registration of RMBUP-C4, a random mated population with Gossypium hirsutum L. alleles, introgresssed into Upland cotton germplasm. Journal of Plant Registrations. 7:224-228.
Interpretive Summary: RMBUP-C4 (Random Mated Barbadense Upland Population Cycle 4) is a unique germplasm population which has genes from Gossypium barbadense L. transferred into primarily an Upland cotton G. hirsutum L. background. This germplasm had as one set of parents 18 chromosome substitution lines each with an individual G. barbadense chromosomes or arms substituted into Upland and the other set of parents were five diverse elite cultivars. It was randomly mated for five cycles using a bulked pollen method of pollination. This population should have succeeded in transferring more genes from G. barbadense than any population currently available to cotton breeders. G. barbadense fibers are longer, stronger, and finer than Upland cultivars. Genes for these traits are now available in this high yielding Upland germplasm background and are of considerable value to cotton breeders.
Technical Abstract: RMBUP-C4 (Random Mated Barbadense Upland Population Cycle 4) (Reg. No. GP_____: PI______) is a unique random mated germplasm population of Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) which has introgression of G. barbadense L. alleles. This population involved five cycles of random mating beginning with 53 top crossed F1 lines. The germplasm was developed through cooperative research by USDA, ARS, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and Cotton Incorporated. Cultivars 'Sure-Grow 747', 'Phytogen 355', and 'Fibermax 966' were each crossed with 18 CS-B chromosome substitution lines; however, the seed of Phytogen 355 x CS-B22sh was lost. The bulked pollen method of pollination was used in the development, and there were five cycles of random mating with the intercrossing of F1 lines considered as cycle zero. After randomly mating the 53 F1 lines, the cultivars lineage within each CS-B line were combined which produced 18 individual populations. The 18 populations were planted as 18 individual populations and randomly mated among populations each additional cycle. Because the CS-B lines were each euploid chromosome substitution lines with entire chromosomes or arms from G. barbadense substituted into Upland, we should have achieved considerable introgression of alleles from G. barbadense into this randomly mated population. This population should be of value to cotton breeders and geneticists across the U. S. Cotton Belt as a unique population with G. barbadense introgression.


text:
My friend message me on facebook that instead of us going to her place on October, she will instead coming here to me on August. So I needed to bring her to some cool tourist place and of course Palawan is one in my mind and probably Bohol too. I know that this gonna be expensive on my part and I don't know too what kind of "saving" would I do to save money.
So help me God!
Every Blessing that YOU poured out...turns back to Praise...!
OMG - It's been a long since I update this blog of mine. I'm sad but still positive though that somehow good things will happen here. I hope and pray that the Lord...
7 years ago


text:
Tuesday, February 12th 2019, 6:17 pm
Tickets are still available for a night of delicious food and live music at the 32nd annual Chefs' Feast on Friday, March 1 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. All proceeds from Chefs' Feast benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Food for Kids Programs.
Less than 300 tickets remain for the Mardi Gras-themed event. Tickets are $175 per individual and $2,000 for a table of 10. Early entry tickets are available for an additional $25 per person and allows access to the event 30 minutes before the doors officially open.
"One in four Oklahoma children live with hunger," said Katie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of the Regional Food Bank. "Chefs' Feast is essential in ensuring that we can continue to provide meals for thousands of chronically hungry children in the state."
The night will be highlighted by an offering of food from some of the metro's best chefs and restaurants, including:
Chef Dwayne Johnson of Brielle's Bistro
Chefs Jay Mays and Michael Paske of Café 7
Chef Kendall Curry of Chef Curry to Go
Chef Patrick Williams of FLINT
Chef Don Thiery and Pat Morris of Guckenheimer Café
Chef Kamala Gamble and Barbara Mock of Kam's Kookery & Guilford Gardens
Chef Larry McNeal of McNeal's Catering
Chef Bryan Wilson of Nebu
Chef Jonas Favela of Union Wood Fired Grill
Chef Liz Howe of US Foods
Chef Stephanie McElhany of Platt College
Chefs Eddie Hartwick and Krysten Adams of SONIC Drive-In
Chef Corey Harris of Off the Hook
Chef Veeral Mehta of Gopuram Taste of India
Chef Heather Brehm of Wicked Hangry
Chef Betsy Mitschke of Flip's Wine Bar & Trattoria
Executive Chocolatiers Kim and Gene Leiterman of CocoFlow Chocolate Cafe
A auction will feature an autographed copy of Russell Westbrook's "Style Drivers" book, an autographed Thunder basketball, tickets to Thunder games, a $2,000 gift card from BC Clark Jewelers and much more.
Last year, the Regional Food Bank provided more than 2.3 million meals for chronically hungry children through the Food for Kids Programs: the Backpack Program, the School Pantry Program, Kids Cafés and the Summer Feeding Program.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at chefsfeast.org. If you have an item you would like to donate to the silent auction, contact Jackie Dobson at 405.600.3193 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
February 12th, 2019
September 30th, 2022
September 30th, 2022
September 30th, 2022
September 30th, 2022
September 30th, 2022
September 30th, 2022
September 30th, 2022


text:
Heating & Air Conditioning
Champion is owned and operated by President, Wesley Dye. He has been in the HVAC business for more than 20 years and been with Champion since 2000. Wesley's approach to business is simple. Provide a good quality product, install it correctly, and provide excellent service. Champion's technicians average 14 years with the company and even more years of experience in the industry. He believes in taking care of his team, so they take care of the customers.
According to Wesley, "We don't send out 'rookies', because we don't have any. And, our technicians are not paid incentives for sales of equipment or repair jobs, so our customers don't have to worry about the 'up sell' on a job."
At Champion we are experienced licensed professionals who are focused on providing quality solutions for our customers. Each program, recommendation or project is presented to help you control budgets, enhance heating and cooling efficiencies, improve comfort, maintain indoor air quality and protect the investment you have in these systems. Most of the time the energy savings from these systems over the long haul offset the cost to upgrade.
Our approach includes a complete survey of your business, a review of operating procedures and evaluation of costs related to heating, ventilating and air conditioning. We work with you to find the best solutions to your concerns.
Contact us today to schedule a building review and discuss our capabilities and a possible plan to help you achieve energy savings.
Champion Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is a leading Commercial/Industrial HVAC contractor serving all of central and northern Alabama. Our technicians average 14 years tenure with the company, not just 14 years of overall experience. Our technicians are paid no incentives for sales of equipment or repair jobs.
Champion provides service and installation of all brands and types of equipment, from chillers to window units, as well as most energy management systems. We are qualified to handle any HVAC related issue that arises. In short, we're just better.


text:
The vinyl wall panel is the best way to make your walls look beautiful and attractive in every way. They are not only cost effective but also a durable choice.
Exterior metal wall panels are best for high moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchen furniture. They are perfect for mould and mildew-prone areas where there is a need for a high level of sanitation. The best part about these panels is that they come in several bright colours that look very shiny and non-porous.
Image Source: Google
Another benefit of the vinyl wall includes corrosion resistance, fire resistance, and rustproof.
The vinyl walls are extremely durable and can thus be used for the next few years. If maintained, this panel can be used for up to 10 years. This is the reason why they are used as PVC ceiling panels.
It has a closed-cell foam structure like wood but without knots or gaps. They also chemical resistant. This makes them durable and strong.
they are completely environment-friendly as no trees were cut down to produce them. They have cell foam structure, similar to wood, but do not have a knot or gap. It is also chemical resistant.


text:
Andray Blatche, a 6-foot-11 power forward who was an amnesty waiver by the Wizards, will join the Nets with a one-year, non-guaranteed deal, league sources confirmed Thursday.
Blatche, a talented big who also can play center, is a high-reward, low-risk type. His shot selection helped him fall out of favor in Washington, but the Nets believe he could thrive under coach Avery Johnson's tutelage.
Blatche worked out for the Nets last weekend in Texas. If he makes the team, the Nets will pay him $1.1 million. He has averaged 9.9 points per game over his seven NBA seasons.


text:
Trip Report: Glacier National Park (standard) – August 2019
This summer, Backcountry Journeys played host to a total of four photo workshops at Glacier National Park. Two of these workshops took place in July, and two in August. Two workshops followed our 'hiker' itinerary, which involves anywhere from two to six miles of hiking each day, and two followed our 'standard' itinerary, which takes advantage of the easier-to-access spots inside the park.
Glacier National Park is great for either way of doing it.
The hiking here is world class, and the amount of great roadside spots in the park is unprecedented, in my opinion, across the entire park service. I've already confessed my love for Glacier National Park in my previous trip report for the workshop that took place mid-August. This following is a write-up about our workshop that immediately followed. I led this trip along with the legendary Kenton Krueger, but we also had two new Backcountry Journey guides join us for the ride – P.J. O'Malley and Joey Hoff.
Just to recap with some basic information on Glacier National Park – the park is located in northern Montana, it is bisected by the Continental Divide. It is one of the wildest parks in the lower 48 and remains to be my favorite National Park outside of Alaska. The weather is generally very good for photography year-round, there is a lot of wildlife in the park. Each season brings with it something different, yet fascinating, to photograph. The park includes over 1 million acres of protected wilderness, over 130 named lakes, some of the most jagged peaks in North America, jaw-dropping waterfalls, more than 1,000 species of plants, and 62 species of mammals. Although named 'Glacier' National Park, only 25 glaciers still exist in the park of the 150 that once were there. It is estimated that by 2030 the Park will have lost all of its glaciers. Unfortunately, Glacier National Park is not the best place to see glaciers, and I'd recommend traveling to Alaska if glaciers are your priority. However, the park offers so much else and is one of my top places to photograph.
In case you're wondering, summer and fall are my favorite times to visit the park. Fall has really great color displays and some of the most dramatic weather of any place in the world. A friend of mine who is extremely well-traveled claims that autumn at Glacier National Park and in Patagonia are the two best places in the world for dramatic weather. Summer is great because of the amazing wildflower blooms that carpet the park. The Park experienced a super-bloom this year. Wildflowers were everywhere. It was also a super bloom for beargrass, one of the iconic flowers in the park. Beargrass usually blooms once every three to five years so every so often the Park experiences a huge super bloom. This was the year; the flower usually peaks mid-July though so we were just a little late for it this year. We still found a lot of Paintbrush, Fireweed, and a few daisies that were doing their best to hang on.
Before I dive into each specific day, let me just preface by saying this particular workshop was one of the most productive that I have been on. We really had it all, wildlife to fiery skies. That's why I love Glacier…there's always so much to shoot and when the weather comes together…buckle up!
Day One
On day one, we met in beautiful Whitefish, MT, as we do for all our Glacier National Park trips. Some folks traveled the day prior and had some time to explore the quaint downtown area before meeting us. I would equate Whitefish to like a mini-Jackson, Wyoming.
After all four of us guides introduced ourselves, we did a quick ice-breaker as a group and covered some logistics about the workshop. Discussing bear safety when at Glacier is always near the top of our list, and then of course and then went off to enjoy our first meal together at Ciao Mambo, a great little Italian joint in downtown Whitefish. As always, we ate our hearts out, but all looked forward to getting to bed ahead of our early start the next day.
Day Two
We all jumped out of bed (right?) early on day two, packed up the vans, and got an early 5 a.m. start towards the west side of Glacier. We were headed for a sunrise from the shore of Lake McDonald. The forecast predicted clear skies, but there were actually some clouds building up so we were hopeful for a nice sunrise to start things off. We arrived at Apgar Village with plenty of time to spare. We ventured down to the shore of the largest lake at Glacier and scouted our shooting locations for the morning. It is really amazing how much a location can change based on light. A week prior I had been at Lake McDonald and it was misty, clouds everywhere, foggy…on this morning, there were great clouds forming over the mountains and the lake was dead calm.
Eventually the sun rose, and we got some really nice pinks and reds in the clouds. It was a really colorful sunrise and we were all happy to get some clouds. The lake remained fairly calm, too, so we were able to include some of the colorful rocks in our foreground. We shot until the sun crested the mountains and then decided to move on to Avalanche Gorge before harsh light swept into the canyon.
Avalanche Gorge was great. It is always a highlight of our first day here. The cool, deep blue water that sweeps through the gorge is really amazing to see in person. We spent a lot of time photographing below and above the gorge, then moved on to some scenes along Avalanche Creek.
We had an incredible, yet unexpected wildlife encounter at the gorge as well. As our group was getting ready to pack up, a marten popped out and actually ran right across the feet of our guide P.J. Martens are an incredibly rare sighting in the Park, and especially in an area of high human concentration like Avalanche Gorge. It happened in an instant so none of us got a great photography, but it was really cool to see a marten so close.
We headed back to the vans after that and started our drive across Going-to-the-Sun. We were greeted by mountains and beautiful weather on day two, and all jaws were dropped as we made our way towards Logan Pass. Up at Logan Pass we ran into another celebrity of the park, the mountain goat.
We saw a momma and her billy meandering across the meadows. We were able to pull over quick and get some awesome shots right from the vehicles. We were having a great wildlife day already, but that would be made even better when we traversed down to the east side of the park. Right around the Two Dog Flats area we saw some traffic congestion and that usually means one thing, bear! We circled around and were able to grab a parking spot and sure enough, we had a grizzly spotting on Day 2 already. We got some shots of the bear and watched it for a while, and as we lost sight of the bear and were almost packing it in, another bear ran across the road about 100 yards from us. Two grizzlies on our first day in the park, come on! With a marten, mountain goat, and grizzly on our first day, we had really lucked out with wildlife.
We ate lunch at Two Sisters Café and got checked into our lodging for the week. After a quick break, we gathered back for dinner and headed out to the shore of St. Mary Lake for a view of Red Eagle Mountain. Everything seemingly broke our way, we had some really nice sunset clouds over the lake and pretty calm water.
We had two great golden hour light shows and an amazing display of wildlife. I think it was safe to say that our second day (first in the Park) was a huge success.
Day Three
On the morning of day three we headed to the Many Glacier region of the park. This is one of my favorite areas to photograph, and one of the most scenic. After a bumpy ride, we arrived at the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake with the historic Many Glacier Hotel just off to our side. Although the light wasn't spectacular, we knew we couldn't luck out with every sunrise and sunset during the trip. Grinnell Point still had some nice light on it a little after sunrise and we focused on that until the light got too harsh.
We had a fun excursion on day three, as well. After our morning shoot, we ventured out on a boat ride across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. We traveled across Swiftcurrent on the boat, hiked over a hill to Lake Josephine, and then got on another boat to go across Lake Josephine. It was a nice relaxing ride with some scenic views (and unique). We spent some time shooting at the dock on Lake Josephine. You have a great view of the Garden Wall and Angel Wing from the lake, stay tuned for a possible sunrise or sunset from this location on a future trip. After the morning activities, we grabbed a meal at the Ptarmigan Room within Many Glacier Hotel then took an afternoon break.
With the light looking bleak, we went out on a game drive with the intention of shooting sunset at Lunch Creek later that evening. On the way up to Logan Pass from St. Mary, we spotted a bull moose at the edge of a small pond. Parking spots were limited though and we had to move on, but we added it to our wildlife tally. While up at Lunch Creek, we spent some time shooting running water and wildflowers.
There was night light on Reynolds Mountain, but it faded fast. Thankfully, we spotted two bighorn on the hillsides above and we even had one large male come down the trail and cross the road in front of us. The interaction was quick, but many of us were able to snap some shots at really close range.
The wildlife gods continued to smile down on us. Sunset never really developed into anything and the highlight of our evening was the bighorn. We headed back to St. Mary and called it a night.
Day Four
Day four started with an early morning drive to Two Medicine Lake. Although over an hour from St. Mary, it is certainly worth the drive as Two Medicine is one of the best sunrise lakes in the park. It looked like it could be a good morning. I could spot clouds in the sky even in the total darkness we woke up too. We got to the lake in plenty of time and the alpenglow/twilight light was great. I was really excited for the sun to come up, it looked like there could be some fantastic light. And there was. Pinks, reds, oranges…beautiful light in the sky and of course on Mount Sinopah.
The lake was also dead calm, which is unusual. So, we lucked out with great light and a great reflection too. We shot long after sunrise and like a previous morning, we had a boat tour scheduled on Two Medicine Lake.
Our boat ride took us across the entire lake to the dock on the west shore. Our boat driver delivered great history of the Two Medicine Valley, as many of the peaks and lakes have significant names. We then cruised back to where we began and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
Day four was also our picnic day. We ate lunch at the Rising Sun picnic area on the east side of the park. The day before the nearby campground had closed due to a black bear peaking into tents…thankfully we had no encounter during our delicious lunch.
The weather looked promising once again in the evening so I decided to take the group back to the Many Glacier area. We did not have great light there during our first shot so I wanted to try it again. We headed back to the area and spent some time shooting Swiftcurrent Falls, a spot we had missed the prior morning too.
A mini-rain storm swept across the sky when we were photographing at Many Glacier, and we actually got some incredible light. The storm was about an hour early, but we still got some very dramatic skies in our photos. The light dissipated quickly after the sun set so we headed back after an action-packed day.
Day Five
Day five was our last full day. We did a lot on day five, and ended up getting some of our best light. It didn't happen for us in the morning though. We went up to Logan Pass and shot sunrise at one of the pullouts along Going-to-the-Sun road. Overcast skies and rain swept into the park, leaving us not much to work with. We were able to shoot some of the iconic peaks, but the sky was relatively flat. So, we decided to make it a processing day.
We worked on some Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop techniques mid-day and let the weather pass through. We specifically covered RAW processing, exposure blending, and focus stacking among other things. After processing, we took a quick break before dinner.
We went out immediately after eating in the evening. The weather looked great. Stormy skies and drama, what more could you ask for. We drove all the way to Big Bend for our final sunset shoot. It is one of the most beautiful spots along the road and usually has great wildflowers as well. We scouted around and setup our compositions and began to wait for that golden hour light. When we first arrived, conditions looked promising.
Light on the peaks, dramatic clouds, however we lost that quickly as the sun tucked behind a thick layer of storm clouds. Some of the group got discouraged and almost started packing up. The horizon looked clear and who knows what could happen, so we stayed put. The sun did indeed creep below the horizon and LIT UP the clouds and peaks.
We experienced some of the best light that I have seen in the past year. Just a perfect way to close out the last full day of our workshop. We also had little to no wind so we were able to use some of the beautiful flowers in our shots. Everyone was excited after day five, it doesn't get much better for landscape photography.
Day Six
On our final morning, it was hard to say what the weather would do. Clouds were stacked up in the east, but not much action looking west. We headed out to shoot from the iconic Wild Goose Island lookout over St. Mary Lake.
The clouds never did come our way, but first light on the peaks surrounding St. Mary Lake is always something special. After wrapping up, we drove across Going-to-the-Sun Road one final time and made a stop in Apgar Village. We had our final meal as a group at Eddie's Café. It was great! After that, we headed back to Whitefish and called it a trip.
In summary, this was one of the most productive workshops that I have led. We really lucked out with both the light and the wildlife. Glacier National Park never disappoints.
Matt Meisenheimer is a photographer based in Wisconsin. His artistry revolves around finding unique compositions and exploring locations that few have seen. He strives to capture those brief moments of dramatic light and weather, which make our grand landscapes so special. Matt loves the process of photography – from planning trips and scouting locations, taking the shot in-field, to post-processing the final image. Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt's passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world. As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals. You can see Matt's work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com


text:
After Hillary Clinton's marathon appearance on Thursday, Benghazi fever has swept the nation. Coincidentally—or not; wake up, sheeple!—the holiday season is also ramping up. We're already seeing commercials for all the deals we can get on all the presents we have to buy for all our friends and family, whose opinions on Benghazi must also be swayed.
There exists a store, on this very Internet, that sells a mind-bendingly diverse range of Benghazi merchandise. Below are Esquire's picks you should buy each member of your family this year. But remember, these are just suggestions. After all, these tragedy-monetization products are fully customizable!
For the man of the house: WORST COVER UP EVER apron!
Ever been manning the grill at a Fourth of July barbecue, and thought to yourself, "Why is no one here talking about Benghazi?" Well, here comes the BENGHAZI WORST COVER UP EVER apron. Next time you ask your guest how they like their burger, they'll know how you feel about the Obama administration's scheme to conceal their responsibility for the death of Ambassador Stevens. And it'll keep stray grease of your bald eagle polo!
$24 at CafePress.com.
For the woman who has everything: REMEMBER BENGHAZI Thong!
You've just returned home from dinner and a movie (Olive Garden, American Sniper). Your kids are fast asleep. You sneak up to the bedroom and act like you're 23 again, right up until the pants come off and you realize neither of your respective undergarments say anything about Benghazi. Total mood killer.
Not anymore. The REMEMBER BENGHAZI thong will help you, you know, remember Benghazi.
$12.99 at CafePress.com.
For the baby: VICTIMS WAITING FOR ANSWERS onesie!
He might not be eating solid foods yet, but it's never too early to educate your little one on the treasonous conduct of the Obama administration. Now Mikey can sleep peacefully each night knowing his father is not just another sheep who buys the party line on what happened that fateful night.
$19.99 at CafePress.com.
For the college-bound: REMEMBER BENGHAZI mousepad!
It's about time that darn Jason channeled all those hours on the computer into something constructive, like screaming at people on Twitter. There's no better way to remind him that his time online would be best spent fighting for justice than this REMEMBER BENGHAZI mousepad, which will keep his mouse on point as he surfs Breitbart and Drudge.
$9.99 at CafePress.com.
For the niece: REMEMBER BENGHAZI Snuggie!
There's nothing like curling up on the couch with the family, flicking on the TV and finding a great movie (American Sniper) to help you relax. The only thing missing from this heartwarming scene is a reminder that the Obama administration failed our diplomats in Libya. Now you can Netflix, but you certainly won't chill, because justice never takes a night off.
For your colleague: OBAMA FIDDLES, BENGHAZI BURNS mug!
Ugh, another Monday. If only there was something to cheer you and your closest work friend up, a small hint of executive branch corruption and grave injustice to get you going. Behold the OBAMA FIDDLES, BENGHAZI BURNS mug. It *definitely* won't strike the ire of HR.
$12.99 at CafePress.com.
For your mother-in-law: BENGHAZI LIBERALS LIE tote!
Now your mother-in-law can show those "Benghazi Liberals" at Whole Foods a piece of her mind with this BENGHAZI LIBERALS LIE tote bag. Why should left-wing PBS viewers have all the fun?
$14.99 at CafePress.com.
Jack Holmes is a senior staff writer at Esquire, where he covers politics and sports. He also hosts Useful Context, a video series.


text:
Perhaps one is unsure what non-proficinecy skill should be chosen for your character, may I suggest Fungus Identification.
This proficiency is very useful on extended underground expeditions where characters intend to live off the land. Fungi are the only plants that commonly grow underground, and approximately 50% of all fungi discovered there are deadly poisonous. For this reason, an edible fungus harvest is virtually impossible without the aid of a character proficient in fungus identification. If the character has plentiful light and an opportunity to study the fungus in question for one turn, no Proficiency Check is necessary. However, if the character is unable to see the fungus clearly, or must make a hasty decision about whether or not it is edible, the check must be made.
Perhaps, one needs to build a boat to pass over a great underground lake but there are no trees... may I suggest that:
Certain rare species of fungi with solid, woody stems also grow underground. When they can be located, these are often harvested for use as wood.
There are lower forms of life than an adventurer, consider the humble fungus, bottom of the food chain.
The underground food chain begins with many types of fungi, lichens, and molds that grow without benefit of sunlight. Herbivorous creatures such as rothe and cave pigs have adapted to life underground by subsisting on these plants. Intelligent creatures have domesticated these herbivores, thus insuring a supply of fresh meat. As on the surface, unintelligent creatures generally eat what they can catch.
And that includes you!
If you thought you were ugly...
The race of fungus-men, or myconids, has branches in most of the deeper areas of the underground. Basically peaceful, the early myconids were nonetheless capable of defending themselves.
What, no torch...
These humans, numbering about 20, are mostly men. They live off the few fungi plants in the adjacent caverns, and an occasional fish. (Some of these fungi glow with a greenish phosphorescence and serve as feeble light sources.)
Beautiful, just beautiful
Risus Monkey did a fantastic job of converting the illustration to a geomorph. Click on either pic to take you to his posting.
As an aside look at this symbol from the illustrator of the fungus forest.
Who's C? I don't think it's just copyright, and this illustrator did lots of pics in the DSG. The illustrators listed for the DSG are: Doug Chaffee (is it him - C), Greg Harper, Jim Roslof and Jeff Easley.
Deepearth has a Fungus Forest (how cool is that)
Each of the dozen or so chambers in the area is literally carpeted with thick growths of fungi. Every variety of mushroom, including shriekers, violet fungus, and a host of edible fungi grow in these caverns. The floor of each chamber is lined with a deep layer of soft loam, and a faint smell of decay hangs in the air.
Many of the fungi have been carefully tended and cross-bred so that they grow to extreme heights. The caps of the tallest mushrooms tower as much as 30 feet over the floor. Narrow paths lined with crushed stone wind among the fungi. Movement off the paths is virtually impossible without crushing some of the fungi.
The tenders of this vast underground plant garden are the members of an isolated band of myconids, or fungus men. The most important duty of the myconids is the irrigation of their fungus forest. Since there is no natural water supply in the area, they journey down the tunnel returning with huge, inverted mushroom caps filled with water.
Feeling thirsty...
The duergar have also developed breweries that use a red fungus rather
than grain as a raw material. The result is a pungent
and potent ale that is a common drink among the gray dwarves.
Hence, each cavern has at least one or two side caves hollowed
out as inns, and these are well-attended at all times.
I have a friend (yes I have one), who is a mycologist, and yes he is a fun-guy (how he hates that joke). He did refuse to play in my Keep on the Borderlands Campaign saying Sci-Fi yes, fantasy no. Anyway he has allowed me to share these photos with you...
|The hallucinogenic Amanita muscaria (don't they look pretty)
|The stinkhorn which smells like carrion or dung
|This one you can't see but is bad for you! Aspergillus
Gems we can take
1. Fungus is fun


text:
Fans To "Skywrite" Scribe Strike During Rose Parade: But Will Big Media Show It?
Fans4writers.com, a website where fans show support for striking Hollywood writers, has made plans to use the occasion of the Tournament Of Roses Parade on New Year's Day to have five planes "skytype" in support of the writers. In addition, a street team of fans will hand out flyers at the parade. To fund the effort, a silent auction and fundraising event is being held featuring some items donated by WGA members including scripts from the TV series Battlestar Galactica.
The plan is to have five separate "sky signs" bearing pro-WGA messages 10,000 feet above the Rose Parade beginning at 9 AM Pacific Time — each five miles long, and every letter the size of the Empire State Building. In essence, it's skywriting but done like LED signs which can be seen for 15 miles in any direction or nearly 400 square miles. The content of these ads will be kept secret until they are revealed at the event.
Given that the parade will be broadcast on ABC, NBC, Univision, HGTV, Travel Channel, Discovery HD as well as KWHY and KTLA in the Los Angeles area, as well as more than 150 international territories, millions of people could see the messages. But it's a big "if" whether the commentators and cameras for all these Big Media outlets, some of whom belong to the AMPTP which recently walked away from contract talks with the WGA, look up in the sky or even make reference to the messages. Still, it's going to be hard to ignore the spectators craning necks to watch five airplanes "typing" up to 30 character messages by emitting biodegradable vapor "puffs" in a dot matrix pattern computerized to form the letters in the sky. Then again, stranger things have happened.
Previously, the fans have organized such events as sending pencils to Big Media CEOs. (See my previous, Pencils Down, More Pencils In The Mail… and Universal Calls Cops On Pencil Pushers.) So why are the fans going to this much trouble and expense in this new effort? "First of all, it is to express support for the writers, and the strike. It's also that there will be a million people on the ground, and this is a way to reach them directly. People that may not know about ways to support the writer's strike," the website explains. "The more people we drum up, and bring over here, the more we can do to show support, and hopefully help send the message to the AMPTP that the writers are supported in the strike by the fans, and the public. Something like that helps give the AMPTP incentive to really start negotiating for a fair deal."
An estimated 1M to 2M people on the ground watching the parade and in the vicinity should be able to see the sky typing which should last for 30 minutes. "With this one event we will be seen by more people than 1 ad in a national or trade paper. Since the people watching the parade and the parade itself will be representing people from all over the USA of high school and college age kids and their families we will be hitting a key demo that we need our message to get to. This is a way to get some attention from people who normally would never hear more than a 30 second blip on the news if they live outside of LA or NYC," the website explains.
The fans seem to have thought of everything. If the weather is overcast, a back-up plan for the skytyping will be done over the actual Rose Bowl game. And if weather is even worse, the fans won't be charged and all money collected will go into the WGA Solidarity Fund. Also, the event won't conflict with FAA-approved temporary flight restrictions that will be in effect over the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game because the skytyping flights take place above the air ban.


text:
Steps for Obtaining the Best Pool Skimmer Baskets
The pool skimmer baskets are reliable since they help to maintain the swimming pools and enable them to function effectively. The skimmer baskets are used to eliminate all the elements and particles that mark the pool dirty. Pool skimmer baskets clean the debris to maintain the hygiene of the pool and enable people to enjoy using the pools more often. Swimming is an effective practice that enables people to be comfortable and enjoy their leisure time. People should purchase the best pool skimmer baskets to enhance the effective functioning of the pool. The article describes the most reliable tricks for obtaining the best pool skimmer baskets.
Firstly, the web portals have the most reliable information about the best pool skimmer baskets that are more reliable. The web-based details are crucial since they aid in determining the best manufacturers of the pool skimmer baskets. Web portals are effective since they help to see the samples of the pool skimmer baskets. Internet-based systems are effective since they show the prices for the best pool skimmer baskets. The pool owners are supposed to use the web content to determine the most effective and successful pool skimmer baskets that have the best frames and other essential features.
Secondly, swimming pool owners should be consulted. People should search for an effective expert who owns the pools in their homes. The modern residential houses should be visited to check the pools and even determine the pool skimmer baskets that are being used. The owners of the residential swimming pools help to determine the most effective and dependable pool skimmer baskets that are more effective. Clients should borrow more data from the referrals to know the successful and most crucial pool skimmer baskets that can remove all the dirt from the pools.
Thirdly, the quality of the pool skimmer baskets should be checked. Individuals should search for the best items that are more effective for removing the debris from the pool. The swimming pool owners are encouraged to access the dependable agencies that make the most reliable pool skimmer baskets. The samples of pool skimmer baskets are important since they help to determine the durable and most effective pool skimmer baskets. Individuals should test different pool skimmer baskets to know the durable ones that are most beneficial for use. The vendors should offer free demonstrations to enable pool owners to buy the reliable pool skimmer baskets.
Fourthly, the comments on social media help to determine the quality pool skimmer baskets. Comments aids in following the most effective designers who make the best pool skimmer baskets. The online testimonials assist in determining the effective pool skimmer baskets. Web-based testimonials help to access the main companies that provide the best pool skimmer baskets. The online comments are helpful since they show the most legitimate ways of buying quality pool skimmer baskets. The online suggestions help to determine the prices for the best pool skimmer baskets. Facebook displays details from the experienced users of the best pool skimmer baskets. Ideas help to access the main agencies that make the approved pool skimmer baskets.
Why People Think Are A Good Idea


text:
JLP targetting Bunting's Central Manchester seat
The chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party's Area Council Three Winston Maragh has revealed that the party is targetting the Central Manchester constituency held by National Security Minister Peter Bunting.
The made the revelation as hundreds of JLP supporters gathered in May Pen Square for a JLP mass meeting, which Maragh said is being used as a spring board for the launch of the party's bid to wrest control of a number of constituencies in Clarendon, Manchester and St Ann.
The JLP now controls 5 of the 14 constituencies in the three parishes.
"We decided to bring some people into May Pen tonight to galvanise the support that we have," Maragh explained as the meeting got under way.
"We are working on central (Manchester). We know it looks tough, but based on the results we got in the last election with Danville Walker we believe we can pull it off," he added.
JLP leader Andrew Holness and other party stalwarts are down to address the meeting.


text:
There are two types of people in the world
I am a great believer that messages shouldn't be long, in fact they should be short, concise, to the point and thought provoking…
Do you agree?
I will let think about that one for a while.
As the title says there are two types of people in the world, some people may disagree and that is ok, this is perhaps for those who agree with the message I am going to share.
The two types of people are:
- Action takers: these people are on fire, they are on it, they have an idea or goal and they act on it. There is no stopping them, they see their goals through to the end. And,
- Talkers: these are people who always talk about what will be, what could happen, what they'd do if things were different, etc.
So, my question to you is, in which category do you fall into?
Are you an action taker and constantly spending your time on the court, playing full out and getting dirty, getting uncomfortable and going for your dreams? Or,
Are you a talker? Just talking about things in general and never really doing a thing, talking how there are "chosen" and "lucky" ones and that one day you will have a breakthrough? Just seating in the stands watching other play?
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Are there any areas of your life where you aren't acting but talking?
Please share in the comments box.
Till next time,


text:
I can't help it. I sometimes just watch "Billy on the Street" when I want to laugh because he ALWAYS delivers. For some reason, I love it when he yells at pretty much anyone or nothing. Click here and tell me if Big Bird's voice has totally changed since we were kids? I mean, I get it, you guys, I understand how showbiz works. Our Big Bird probably retired. But this one just sounds....NOT LIKE MY CHILDHOOD! (I'm channeling Billy.)
This week's book is "An Officer and a Spy". Click here - this sounds like a book CB will read while I'm STILL TRYING TO FINISH my one. He's such a show-off.
Let me know what you think!
Ok, this week's video is a two-fer. Because tomorrow we're going out to celebrate Beth's belated birthday, and there will likely be pregnant Becky dancing, which nobody would like to see, but it's what I do for my friends, people.
And this song is a throwback to one of mine and Beth's all-time favorites. It also fits into the category CB calls "stuff you can never let our kid hear you listen to." Jay-Z, Ludacris, Kanye, Drake, and Biggie fall into this category as well. And I'm not ashamed to say that I made CB blush the other day in the car when I knew all of the words to a Ludacris song that makes me a little bit less of a lady (it's catchy!)
Anyway, the first video is the original. The second video is the little girl in the red jumpsuit (who we loved back in the day) all grown up and still workin' it! Enjoy! (Also, maybe just skip these, mom and dad? And mother-in-law? I'm a lady. IT WAS COLLEGE!)


text:
|ESPN.com | Baseball Index | Peter Gammons Bio
Count Cubs to be among
surprise teams in 2003
By Peter Gammons
Special to ESPN.com
Jan. 10
Lou Piniella insisted from last January on that most of us didn't appreciate how good the Angels were, and even before spring training opened last year, there were a lot of people who believed the Twins were the team to beat in the AL Central, or that the Giants would not go away.
That's where we are again, not looking back at labor or bungled All-Star games or steroid-mania, but at the 2003 season.
So, here are the results of a poll of front-office executives and scouts looking ahead to 2003:
What teams are a lot better than we're thinking right now?
The Cubs: "I fear them the most because of their pitching," says one NL Central GM. "Everything went wrong last year. Those things aren't going wrong with (new manager) Dusty Baker."
Start with these numbers: 281 IP, 206 H, 153 BB, 445 SO. Those are the combined 2002 figures of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, and they are only going to get better. Carlos Zambrano is a star on the rise, Matt Clement made exceptional progress with his command and there are a lot of players like Moises Alou who should come back strong behind the direction of Baker.
There are two levels to this team. First, there are veterans like Sammy Sosa and Alou. Second, there are the talented young products of one of the game's best farm systems, led by first baseman Hee Seop Choi, second baseman Bobby Hill and center fielder Corey Patterson.
GM Jim Hendry tried to address two principle areas: 1) The bullpen, which blew more saves (25) than it completed (23), added Mike Remlinger, and has a slimmed down (by 25 pounds) Antonio Alfonseca, big-time arms like Juan Cruz and Kyle Farnsworth and veteran comebackers like Rod Beck, who has been throwing very well in Arizona, and Dave Veres; 2) The defense, which in the traditionally frigid first five weeks turned into a nightmare. They opened the season with Chris Stynes, Delino DeShields and Fred McGriff in the infield. And now, while Hendry would like an upgrade at third base, there is the hope that Hill and Choi break out and allow Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek to be valuable depth off the bench.
Hendry says he'd like more left-handed pitching and another bat, but with his farm system, he will be able to deal come June.
The Reds: With the Cardinals, Astros (Reds GM Jim Bowden thinks the Jeff Kent signing has been underappreciated), Cubs and Reds, this could be a terrific race. If Ken Griffey Jr. is healthy -- all reports indicate that he is working feverishly to restore his career -- and with Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns, a healthy Sean Casey and Aaron Boone, this can be a high-scoring machine with one of the league's deepest bullpens, as Scott Williamson flips roles with Danny Graves.
Remember, the Reds were in first or second place for 123 days last season with a starting rotation that had the fewest quality starts (67) in the league. Granted, Bowden traded pitcher Elmer Dessens to get shortstop Felipe Lopez, but his efforts to get Brad Penny have been to get a low-cost starter to go with Ryan Dempster, Graves, Jimmy Haynes, Pete Harnisch, et al. Bowden has a low budget for a contender going into a new stadium, but never underestimate his creativity.
The White Sox: It will all come down to starting pitching, and while GM Ken Williams has been strapped by payroll issues -- he nearly had Russ Ortiz in a trade, then barely lost out on signing Omar Daal -- the makings behind Mark Buehrle are there, as evidenced by the fact that their starters' ERA after the All-Star break fell to 4.25 from 4.76.
"What I liked was that Jon Garland and Dan Wright got better in the second half and they pitched well against contending teams on the road," says Williams. They will look at Jon Rauch, Rocky Biddle and rookie Josh Stewart (11-7 at Double-A) as Williams keeps trying to find experience.
The bullpen (Billy Koch, Antonio Osuna, Kelly Wunsch, Damaso Marte, Gary Glover) is deep and versatile. They have the energetic leadership of Jose Valentin, who is a special person, and they have established producers like Magglio Ordonez and Paul Konerko. They also expect Frank Thomas to come back strong and they have young players like Joe Crede, Willie Harris, Miguel Olivo, Josh Paul and Aaron Rowand they hope will develop.
The Rangers: New manager Buck Showalter makes a huge difference, and while Pudge Rodriguez and their best starter, Kenny Rogers, will no longer be around, this is a team with veteran power and some rising stars like Kevin Mench, Hank Blalock and Mark Teixeira plugging in behind the league's best player, Alex Rodriguez.
They know the pitching has to be better, but then it would be tough to be worse than their 5.15 ERA, or starters' ERA of 5.26. When John Thomson signed, it gave the Rangers two starters (along with Chan Ho Park) who won nine games last year. That is why Colby Lewis, Joaquin Benoit, Doug Davis, Ryan Drese and Ben Kozlowski will be given every chance to prove themselves. Last year, GM John Hart thought he had a power bullpen, but when Jeff Zimmerman went down, everything fell apart, and the pen blew 25 saves. Now adding Ugueth Urbina, Esteban Yan, Rudy Seanez and Aaron Fultz to Todd Van Poppel, Francisco Cordero and Jay Powell should hold leads that so often melted in 2002.
Showalter has to decide whether or not Carl Everett can play center, and if and when he can't, how to use Doug Glanville. Einar Diaz gives them an energetic receiver to handle the pitchers, along with Park's former personal catcher, Chad Kreuter.
Who will be the rookies that have the most impact?
1. Francisco Rodriguez, RHP, Angels. The man with 11 days of major league service and five postseason wins.
Honorable mention: Mark Hendrickson, LHP, Blue Jays; Lyle Overbay, 1B, Diamondbacks; Mike MacDougal, RHP, Royals; Miguel Olivo, C, White Sox; Aaron Cook, RHP, Rockies; Felipe Lopez, SS-2B, Reds; Freddy Sanchez, 2B, Red Sox; Joe Thurston, 2B, Dodgers; Kyle Denny, RHP, Indians.
Eight more expected to impact the second half
And some names out of the blue: Danny Borrell, LHP, Yankees; Marty Duff, RHP, Cardinals.
10 players we can't wait to see drafted in the first round come June
Players who may have breakout seasons
1. Carlos Zambrano, RHP, Cubs
10 players who could vault to star level in 2003
10 players expected to make major comebacks
10 innocuous acquisitions who could surprise
Copyright ©2002 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information are applicable to this site.


text:
Heat's Riley reportedly set to meet with LeBron's agent this week
The Miami Heat have been somewhat quiet since the free-agent negotiating period began July 1, but things are expected to heat up in this week with players eligible to sign new contracts starting July 10.
According to multiple reports, Heat president Pat Riley is scheduled to meet with Rich Paul, the agent for LeBron James, early this week.
James, along with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, opted out of his contract with the Heat and is reportedly seeking a max deal, which would net him more than $20 million per season.
Several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, have attempted to clear cap room in order to woo James.
What will James do? Perhaps we'll find out this week as well as what the future holds for Wade and Bosh.
Aside from the Big Three, other free agents the Heat are reportedly targeting include Pau Gasol, Luol Deng, Trevor Ariza, Marvin Williams and Kris Humphries.


text:
USC Crew GmbH
"Only who knows where he wants to sail, sets the sails right." (Jürgen Meier)
USC Crew
We sea YOU – our crew onboard is our most important success factor. That's why individuality is the core principle of USC crew.
As a crew manager for the USC fleet, USC crew is responsible for personnel management of our own fleet and those of external shipowners. For our 250 employees onboard we offer all services that make your time with us successful.
We care for your travel arrangements, payroll, rotation planning and your personal career. Together with you, we define your personal career aims in order to support you in a best possible way. We trust in long-term relationships which is reflected in our high retention rate onboard amongst officers and crew alike.
We look forward to your application and are happy to answer any questions that may arise. Please send your application to email@example.com.
Sea you soon,
your colleagues from ashore
Career Ashore
Currently there are no vacancies.
Apply now
Our Crewing Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to receiving your application at
Sea you soon
Your colleagues ashore


text:
Red Bull Music Academy Contest (Video)
It's about that time again for musicians to submit their applications to attend the Red Bull Music Academy that will be held in NYC this year from September 30 – November 2, 2012. The Red Bull Music Academy is an international workshop that was founded in 1998, and touches down in a different city each year. Last year the workshops were held in Madrid Spain & artists like Erykah Badu, Young Guru, MF Doom, Bootsy Collins, Chic & more either performed or lectured during the symposium. How it works is two groups of 30 successful applicants, themselves representing a diverse range of music styles and methodologies, attend lectures by musical pioneers, and work on their own tunes in custom-built studios. By night, they have the chance to perform in some of the host city's most iconic clubs and concert halls. Atlanta has been fortunate in that a few participants have come from this city in DJ Rasta Root & most recently producer Slide 20 XL
who attended Georgia State University here in Atlanta. There's no age limit, but you must be 21 to enter & it's totally free to apply so if you or anybody you know of is an aspiring artist, DJ, Producers, emcees or all around musician that would be interested just tell them to go to the link below & download the application. Application deadline is April 2nd so y'all better not procrastinate with this opportunity….
One Response to "Red Bull Music Academy Contest (Video)"
I never actually went to Georgia State University. Any chance of having that changed?


text:
Everything is Happening, All the Time
In the wake of tragedy. Masculinity, Culture, and Transformation
by Boysen Hodgson
The world is not a safe place. It never has been.
I bet my life it never will be. Shadow and Light. Order and Entropy.
The question, for me, is what is the QUALITY of this risky world? How am I co-creating it? What are the feelings I want to be nurturing in myself and others, even as the world continues to spin and the universe unwinds in its chaotic beauty and devastation.
I am sad. Have been deeply sad for the last 48 hours. And yet there is beauty. My wife, Kendra, and I went to a dance performance last night, a holiday tradition we have carried the last 5 years.
At one point there was a long silent moment when all 12 dancers were standing in a small group on the center of the stage, with not one looking into the face of another. Close together, and disconnected. Longing unfulfilled. It was a mirror for so much of what I see around me.
I cried in sadness, yes. I also cried in gratitude. Because I know something. I know what I have seen and felt in circles of men. I know what I have witnessed in the fierce gentleness of men supporting one another. I know what it feels like to completely break down and be held by loving men.
With that experience – I have learned how to create stronger intimacy and partnership with my wife. I have learned to open my heart to my friends and family more deeply. Because I have taken that deep risk to be FULLY ME as a vulnerable man, my risk-filled world feels warm and human instead of cold, frightening, and alien.
I have read lots of … WHY AREN'T WE DOING SOMETHING? …
Brothers, Sisters, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, Children (all my relations!) … from my guts, I'm crying out …
I know what healthy masculinity looks like, feels like, and acts like.
It's not perfect. It will not prevent every violent act. It will not be without wounding, pain, and disconnection.
And for damned sure, it will not always look the way I want it to look.
Until I sacrifice some of my expectations, demands, and assumptions … it's damned hard to be part of the solution.
'Cauldrons' for culture change
At times, in the right places, with strong bonds and boundaries firmly in place … groups of men take the risk to create events that are raw, real, and completely unfiltered, just for men. They put on training programs and form groups that hold space for masculinity be dangerous, vulnerable, ashamed, naked, violent, messy, ugly, terrifying, chaotic, and louder than thunder. These men do not deny or hide anything. They do this on purpose.
They witness violent revolutions, glorious rebirth, and shattering grief. They take on the masks of madmen, fools, children, and the dead. They create a ritual place to enact the dramas that the western world is trying to live (and avoid living!) vicariously through digital screens. They invite men to say what is unspeakable, and create what was unimaginable. And from the cauldron, whole men emerge. Men with self-awareness and more choices about how they show up in the world.
These men are our community – around the world.
We do this with the intention to put LOVE into action in the world. We learn about ourselves and each other from this ritual. We go into it consciously. We help men see new possibilities.
Healthy Masculinity is not safe, or clean, or easy. It's not even a destination. It's a PRACTICE, a PROCESS … a Hero's Journey. Can we can strip the violence out of masculinity? A look at history says NO, but who knows what is possible. Can we 'destroy' the cultural construct of masculinity? Don't think of a purple elephant.
Can we impact how men PRACTICE the cultural construct of masculinity? WE ALREADY ARE!! We are here! And it's not just men! We are myriad men and women working together to recreate our culture.
What we do in the cauldron is not masculine or feminine. It is HUMAN. As an organization we do our work with men on their own in order to break a significant taboo about men sharing emotions, intimacy, and vulnerability with other men. We break, rather than reinforce, the gender box. We give the chance to practice in a place where the real world consequences of what might happen when the social filters are disabled does not wound those we love.
What do we do with REALITY … with what is right here, right now, violence and all?
Here's what I strive to do, and what I see other men doing:
I do not deny a man connection and compassion because he is not the kind of man I want him to be. I acknowledge reality. The only way I will ever create possibility is in relationship – meeting him face to face, right where he is. Not standing above him, or judging him, or telling him why he is wrong. I have to be willing to put down my shield and reveal myself in the hope that he may do the same. And I do not run away. I stand there. I stay there. I wait there.
And this is inherently, profoundly, dangerous. It might threaten or undermine my deeply held beliefs. I might see something in him that reminds me of myself in a way that brings shame or guilt or sadness. I might be rejected. I might have to get close to what I fear. And I might get hurt.
To men sitting and wondering, what now?
Set aside fear and judgment long enough to see what a loving and imperfect community of men feels like. Put down hipster sarcasm, academic loftiness, enlightened spiritual bypass. Put down your cell, your ipad, your game controller, your remote, your car keys, your credentials, your fear of being 'found out', your past. Put down all the buts, becauses, and not right nows.
The world is a risky place.
This risk I'm asking you to take could change the way the rest of the world feels, looks, and responds to you. It could change your entire perception of what it means to be a man.
There's absolutely, positively, fundamentally and with 100% certainty – no guarantee or warranty. No one is getting out of here alive. We offer an opportunity, a mere chance, to change the QUALITY of that aliveness.
Imagine the culture that might surround our young men if every day on the street they see what I know in my bones. Imagine the difference in the interactions between men and women … at the bank, the grocery store … on the sidewalk in their town. There are places in the USA where this is already happening – pockets of this kind of community. We have been helping to create this. And we're not alone.
This is an invitation.
It's way bigger than me.
More than 2 years ago I wrote a piece called "The New Macho." It has now been republished on numerous blogs and in at least one book.
Here are four lines from "The New Macho"
He knows future generations are watching his actions.
He builds communities where people are respected and valued.
He takes responsibility for himself.
In times of need, he will be his brother's keeper.
– is a deeply personal issue that everyone decides for himself. Sometimes the price is high, sometimes low. But this is not very important for life. Life is an interesting thing. And the price on Viagra – too.


text:
GHRC represented at ESIP meeting
Ken Keiser (UAH) represented the GHRC at a meeting held April 27-28 in Boulder to plan and organize an expanded Testbed environment for the ESIP community. During the next 6 months, ESIP plans to begin demonstrating additional capabilities and services that will be available for the geoscience community, including NASA Earth science.
News Type:
- Log in to post comments


text:
London Welsh: Alan Awcock urges defensive improvement
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
London Welsh full-back Alan Awcock says his side must improve their discipline if they are to reach the Championship final.
Welsh have to overturn a seven-point deficit against Leeds Carnegie in the second leg of their semi-final clash.
They conceded 24 points from penalties last weekend as they went down 38-31.
"We cannot ship 24 points from penalties and expect to be in with a chance of getting into that final," Awcock told BBC Radio Oxford.
And Awcock says following last week's clash at Headingley there is a real edge to the return match at the Kassam Stadium.
"It been a really good week leading up to this game," he said. "We've got a seven-point deficit to overturn. There is a bit of an edge but we are really looking forward to it.
"It's cup rugby, it's the business end of the season and it could end on Sunday or we could be in the final on the fourth of June."
Head coach Justin Burnell echoed Awcock's sentiments and has backed his side to cope with the pressure of playing knock-out rugby on Sunday,
"We've worked so hard all season to get to this point, and now we're here we don't want the season to end. We want to keep it going," said Burnell.
"We know how good Leeds are, but Sunday has to be all about ourselves. It's a massive game and we're really looking forward to it.
"The seven-point deficit isn't going to affect our game. We're not going to be running from our own 22 and were not going to be just kicking for the corner - we're going out to win the game. We just want to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
"Preparation this week has been absolutely fantastic. I've said it from day one that the biggest thing that's impressed me about the squad and staff within London Welsh is that they react so well to pressure."
London Welsh: Alan Awcock, Seb Stegmann, Tom May (C), Seb Jewell, Nick Scott, Gordon Ross, Tyson Keats, Nathan Trevett, Nathan Morris, Peter Edwards, Will Spencer, Matt Corker, Peter Browne, Carl Kirwan, Ollie Stedman.
Replacements: Nathan Vella, Tom Bristow, James Tideswell, Ben West, John Quill, Chris Cook, Rhys Crane.