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Financial Literacy Workshop
- Establishing yourself financially
- Balancing your checkbook
- Starting and keeping a budget
- Using credit cards wisely
- Reviewing and understanding your credit report
- Preventing and detecting Identity Theft
Your money is a huge part of your life. It can determine what you can do and where you can go. Learning how to manage your money the right way is an important step toward taking control of your life.
Understand where your money is coming from, where it is going to, and how to make sure that the way you manage your money falls in line with the values that matter most to you.
Take these basic steps to get established financially:
- Set up a realistic budget and stick to it.
- Open up checking and savings accounts. Don't spend more than what is in the accounts.
- Learn how to use credit cards wisely.
- Pay all your bills on time each month.
- Review your credit reports.
Learning how to balance, or reconcile, your checkbook - and balancing it every month when your bank statement arrives - is among the best money management habits you can keep.
Below are some of the benefits of keeping your checkbook balanced:
- Helps you keep track of your money.
- Verifies the information you have tracked is accurate.
- Catches any mistakes your bank might make.
To balance your checkbook, follow the simple steps listed below:
- Ensure you've entered all automatic transactions (e.g., ATM withdrawals, electronic transfer of funds, online bill payments, debit card transactions) into your check register.
- Review your statement.
- Compare your statement with your check register and mark off all items that match.
- Add to your register any deposits or additions from your statements, including interest payments and ATM or electronic deposits.
- Subtract from your register any account deductions, including fees and ATM or electronic deductions, that are not already entered.
- Update your statement information.
- Enter the ending balance recorded on your statement.
- Add deposits and other additions not recorded.
- Subtotal
- Subtract checks and other deductions not recorded.
- The result should equal your register balance.
Balances don't match? Try these tricks:
- Check to ensure you didn't transpose any numbers.
- Make sure you didn't enter an amount more than once.
- Take a break. When you come back, you'll be refreshed and might see your error more quickly.
Remember, you must reconcile your account each month (at a minimum).
Establishing a budget and sticking to it isn't easy, but it's the best way to be in control of your finances and make sure your money is going toward the expenses that matter most to you.
Follow the steps below as you set up your own, personalized budget:
- Make a list of your values - Write down what matters to you and then put your values in order.
- Set your goals - Write down your goals. Think about what you want to accomplish financially in the next three months, the next year, the next three years
- Determine your income - Figure your available income (the amount of your take-home, or net, pay). Do not include overtime pay, because you shouldn't rely on that as regular income.
- Determine your expenses - Review your checkbook register, credit card statements, store receipts and more. Where is your money really going? Fixed expenses such as rent, auto, or student loan payments, are easy to determine. Flexible expenses such as food, clothing, and entertainment, vary from month to month. Don't forget about expenses, such as taxes or insurance, that are billed quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly. Look into personal finance software programs that offer a budgeting feature to help you track your expenses.
- Create your budget - Think of your budget as a "spending plan", a way to be aware of how much money you have, where it needs to go, and how much, if any, is left over. Your budget should meet your "needs" first, then the "wants" that you can afford. Your expenses should be less than or equal to your total income. If your income is not enough to cover your expenses, adjust your budget (and your spending!) by deciding which expenses can be reduced.
- Pay yourself first! - Saving is a very important part of protect yourself financially. Save as much as you can every month. Even a small amount can make a big difference if you keep it up. A great goal is to establish an emergency savings fund large enough to cover three to six months of your living expenses. After you have an emergency fund, your savings can go toward meeting your goals.
- Be careful with credit cards.
- Check back periodically - Be sure to review your budget regularly. Does the plan still meet your needs and help you achieve your goals? If not, make some adjustments or create a new budget that better meets your needs.
It's easy to get a credit card. Managing a credit card well is not as easy.
- Understand that any time you use a credit card, you are borrowing money. If you don't pay off your balance each month, interest will be added to the total amount you owe.
- Think before getting your first credit card. Think very carefully before you decide to get your first credit card. Do you really need a credit card or would another option work just as well? Some other options to think about:
- Getting a debit card which is connected to your checking or savings account rather than borrowing money for each transaction.
- Consider sharing a card with your parents and asking them to help you stay on track.
- Waiting. Just put off the decision for six months or a year and see how well you might do without a credit card.
- Choose wisely. When selecting a credit card, you should shop around for the best deal. Compare different cards based on your own situation. Look for the following:
- A low annual percentage rate (APR). The lower the rate, the less interest you have to pay. Watch for low introductory rates that are raised after a year or less.
- The interest calculation method. This affects how much interest you pay, even when the APR on two different cards is identical.
- Low or no annual fees. If the issuer charges an annual fee, ask them to waive it.
- All other charges (i.e., late payment fees, transaction fees, over the limit fees, etc.) These can really add to the total cost of your charges.
- A grace period. Some credit cards charge interest from the day that the charges appear on your account. Other cards offer a grace period for you to pay off your balance before interest charges begin to accrue.
- The credit limit. Keep your credit limit low (think about $500 or less), to make sure you don't get in over your head.
- Wide acceptance. A major credit card is convenient, and easier to manage.
- Services and features, such as cash rebates, frequent flyer miles, extended warranties, etc. Think carefully about the true cost of these programs when you consider interest and other charges.
- Limit the number of cards you get. It will be easier to keep track of your spending.
- Think about ways to track your spending. Waiting until your statement arrives once a month to think about your balance can get you into trouble quickly. Check your account online frequently. Save receipts. Maintain a ledger.
- For each of your cards, keep a record of the following in case your card is lost or stolen. Account number, issuer's name, and phone number. Even better, keep a photo copy of the front and back of your card in a safe place at home.
The bottom line: Don't spend more than you can afford to pay on a monthly basis. Wise use of your credit cards will help you establish a solid credit rating and avoid financial problems.
Your credit report is a collection of information about you and your credit history, and can have a major impact on your life. The three credit reporting agencies are Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian.
- Know whether you have a credit report. If you have ever applied for any of the following, you have a credit report: Credit Card, Student Loan, Auto Loan, or Mortgage.
- Understand who looks at your credit report. Your credit report may be looked at by all of the following: Potential creditors, landlords, potential and current employers, government licensing agencies, and insurance underwriters.
- Know what these entities are asking. How promptly do you pay your bills? How many credit cards do you hold? What is the total amount of credit extended to you? How much do you owe on all of your accounts?
- Be aware of the consequences of credit mistakes. Any negative information found on your credit report (late payments, bankruptcies, too much debt) can have a serious impact on your ability to do the following: Get credit, get a new job, advance in your current job, rent or buy a home.
- Know what is on your credit report.
- Personal identifying information - Name, social security number, date of birth, current and previous addresses, and employers.
- Credit account information - date opened, credit limit, balance, monthly payment, and payment history.
- Public record information - bankruptcy, tax and other liens, judgments, and in some states, overdue child support.
- Inquiries - names of companies that requested your credit report.
- Your credit score - depending on the type of report.
- Know what is not on your credit report: Checking or savings account information, medical history, race, gender, religion, national origin, political preference, or criminal record.
- Be aware of how long information stays on your credit report.
- Positive Information - indefinitely
- Inquiries - 6 months to 2 years
- Most negative information - 7 years
- Some bankruptcies - 10 years
- Request your free credit report.
- Check your credit report. Review your credit report at least once a year, making sure the information is accurate. This can help you prevent and detect inaccuracies.
- Report inaccurate information. Find out how by reviewing the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Identity theft, the fastest growing crime in America, is when someone uses another person's identity information to commit fraud. This can include someone borrowing money in someone else's name, leaving victims of identity theft with debt and credit problems.
In 2003, 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft. Avoid becoming a statistic.
- Keep your information safe.
- Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
- Protect your social security number. Don't carry your social security card in your wallet or write your social security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary (you can always ask to use another identifier)
- Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the internet, unless you know who you are dealing with.
- Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mail messages. Instead, type in a web address that you know.
- Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer - and keep them up to date.
- Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your social security number.
- Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house
Regularly monitor your financial information. Review your various financial accounts and statements. Also, request a copy of your credit report every year and review it. Be alert to things that require immediate attention.
- Purchases you did not make
- Bills that did not arrive as expected
- Unexpected credit cards or account statements
- Denials of credit for no apparent reason
- Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
Act quickly when you suspect identity theft. review the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) victim recovery guide. Understand identity theft in relation to student loans. A federal student loan may be cancelled if it was falsely certified as a result of identity theft.


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Yesterday's Warriors, Today's Champions: Fighting Rheumatic Heart Disease
Modern day scars
Many young Aboriginal people today are wearing scars on their chests. Unlike the traditional tribal scars that were inflicted with humility and courage, these modern-day scars represent a very different story. These scars are a story of decades of systemic failings and the discrimination of the oldest living culture on the planet - the First Nations people of Australia.
Reconciliation Barometer demonstrates that we're ready for change
With the release of the Australian Reconciliation Barometer just over a week ago, I was heartened to see an increasing support for reconciliation and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say in their own affairs.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and our supporters, we're often worn down by the endless cycle of bad news, bad policy or government not listening to us.
Prime Minister's 2019 Statement on Closing the Gap
The long and short of the PM's Closing the Gap Report and speech this morning is that we have gone backwards on closing the gap in the last 12 months. One year ago, as a nation, we were on track in 3 out of the 7 targets.
A Reminder of Unfinished Business
As we turn our minds to another February Closing the Gap speech from the Australian Prime Minister, a practice begun by Kevin Rudd in 2010, we hold in our minds a quiet fear that all this ritual, all these numbers, belie the nagging feeling that we are getting no-where in our attempts as a nation to redress Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage.
To my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters I just want to say, ala George in Seinfeld, "it's not you its me." Or more to the point, the failure to close the gap is the failure of non-Indigenous gover
The Gap that must be Closed: a Voice in Decision-making
Once again the annual Prime Ministerial Closing the Gap statement approaches.
Where are we at with Closing the Gap?
This Thursday PM Morrison delivers the next report to the nation on Closing the Gap. What is he likely to say in his report and are we any closer to closing the gap between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous peoples in this country? All this with the backdrop of a Federal Election looming large as the most consequential election for Indigenous Affairs in over a decade. ANTaR National Director Paul Wright catches you up on Closing the Gap.
I thought it was timely to do a bit of a stocktake on closing the gap.
231 Years of Enduring Culture, Survival and Resistance
It has been interesting to observe the debate about what today, 26 Jaunary, means for us as a nation and individually.
The year of Truth Telling
Happy 2019! It is going to be a very big year for the affairs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and ANTaR is ready to do all we can to make sure it is momentus for the right reasons.
Eleven years ago now, after the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, the Rudd Government held the 'Australia 2020 Summit' which brought together hundreds of prominent and community delegates to think big about what Australia could be like by 2020 and beyond.
Close the Gap Reset Urgently Required
In his 2005 landmark Social Justice Report, Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma called for a generational campaign to address the appalling gap in health between First Peoples and other Australians, that sees a baby born to an Aboriginal mother twice as likely to die before the age of four, and elders lives cut short by more than 10 years compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
A defining act of healing
Today ANTaR and many of its supporters will pause to reflect on the anniversary of the invasion that started the dispossession and oppression of Australia's First People. We will join them in mourning what they have lost to the colonisation of their lands and honour their survival after years of fighting for justice, rights and respect.

subset: commoncrawl


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Well, I say done, meaning the basic structure and plants are now in place. Now I watch it to see how things do…..whether the plants take off and thrive, or if I need to move things around. It needs some whimsy, but that will come soon enough. Here are some more photos of the finished garden area directly adjacent to the garage.
Below are a few closeup photos of the plants in the completed area.
Now that you have seen this one, tomorrow I will show some photos of what the entire garden space here now looks like….meaning Part 2 of the planting of the Maple garden and how the two spaces now offer a lovely or at least better view coming up the drive to home and parking the car. No garden is really ever "finished", but now these have the bones in place.
I am sorry for not posting for several days. I was in NC working on a bedroom for a client, and got a bit behind. I had an enjoyable time, however, as I always do with these folks, and next weekend will be the reveal for them. I am looking forward to it, although not the better than 3 hour drive down again and then back! At least we are expecting cooler weather, and I am really looking forward to that! While I was in Greensboro, I made my first trip to see Hobby Lobby….my goodness, what a place – it is so huge! I didn't have time to really, really look around, but it was on my way home so I just had to stop and see what all the fuss is about. I sure wish we had one here where I live in Virginia, but alas, we do not.
Thanks for stopping by. Laters, charisse


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When you develop tooth pain, it can be a slow process that builds on itself. You notice discomfort one day. It worsens over time, but you slowly learn to live with it. Simply coping with the pain isn't a good long-term solution though. Pain is a sign that something is wrong — likely bacterial infection…. Read more »
Month: September 2018
Are You Waiting to Fill a Cavity?
Many people go through a stretch in their lives when they stop regularly visiting the dentist. It can be easy to let those biannual appointments fall off the calendar amidst so many other obligations. It's especially difficult when you're going through significant life changes like moving to a new city. However, you don't want to… Read more »
Learn More About Ultrasonic Scaling
If your teeth have led a relatively healthy life, you may be unfamiliar with ultrasonic scaling. However, if your dentist has recommended this treatment method, you may want to learn more about the process. Simply put, "scaling" is a procedure during which your dentist carefully accesses the roots of your teeth to clean away bacteria… Read more »
Your Dentist May Advise Tooth Extraction
Preserving the health of your teeth is of the utmost importance if you'd like to keep them throughout your adult life. That's why you brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. It's why you attend biannual dentist appointments. You don't want to lose one of your adult teeth if possible. Why would your… Read more »


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Children From St Gregory's School Take On The ChallengeLast Thursday 12th December, The Hot Shot Challenge went to The Catholic School of St Gregory The Great. Sido Jombati and Matt Richards were both on hand to offer skills advice and encouragement to all 120 of the pupils who took part.
In a great flurry of excitement, Year 5 went first, with top scores from Liam Hope (43mph) and Samuel Anson (37mph) in the boys team and Shannon Kelly (34mph) and Karen Muteze (37mph) winning it for the girls.
Year 6 were just as impressive, as the boys registered shots of 44mph from Jakub Kroliczak and Filip Ramian. The girls also impressed as Courtney Lusmore scored 41mph and Paris Duffus hit 32mph.
Each week the Hot Shot Challenge will be taken to a different primary school in the area, to find Cheltenham's fastest penalty shooter. The blow up goal has a radar which captures how fast the individual shot is and displays it for the child to see.
Next week we move to Severn View Academy in Stroud, and hope to find some more talent there!
The Hot Shot Challenge will run until the end of the season, when the individual winner will receive a complete Robins kit while the top school will be given a VIP match day experience at the Abbey Business Stadium.


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On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) sent a letter to Representative Frank Pallone Jr., Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, describing a preliminary estimate of the effects of Title I of H.R. 3 bill.
The letter is available here: https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2019-10/hr3ltr.pdf
According to the letter, "CBO estimates that applying the provisions in title I to prescription drugs covered under Part D of Medicare would reduce federal direct spending for Medicare by $345 billion over the 2023-2029 period." CBO states that "[t]he largest savings would come from lower prices for existing drugs that are sold internationally, for which the price ceiling would be binding in most but not all cases, CBO estimates."
CBO estimates also anticipate adverse effects of H.R. 3 in the price and availability of drugs in other countries. Their preliminary estimate also suggests that "a reduction in revenues of $0.5 trillion to $1 trillion would lead to a reduction of approximately 8 to 15 new drugs coming to market over the next 10 years." Below we quote two paragraphs with these conclusions.
"CBO also expects that enactment of title I of H.R. 3 would affect prescription drug prices in other countries, with foreign prices expected to rise in response to the link between those prices and prices in the United States. CBO further expects some new drugs would not be introduced in other countries or would be introduced in a limited set of other countries for which drug manufacturers can sell at sufficiently high prices—an effect that again reflects the feedback by which selling at low prices in other countries leads to lower U.S. prices. Over time, drug manufacturers might put in place mechanisms by which they can charge relatively high prices in other countries to avoid feedback that lowers U.S. prices while providing other forms of compensation that effectively reduce the net price of drugs in other countries. Those international effects would lessen the effectiveness of title I in reducing the level and growth of drug prices.
In addition to the effects on the federal budget, CBO anticipates, the bill would affect the use and availability of drugs over time. In the short term, lower prices would increase use of drugs and improve people's health. In the longer term, CBO estimates that the reduction in manufacturers' revenues from title I would result in lower spending on research and development and thus reduce the introduction of new drugs. CBO's analysis of the bill is not complete; its preliminary estimate is that a reduction in revenues of $0.5 trillion to $1 trillion would lead to a reduction of approximately 8 to 15 new drugs coming to market over the next 10 years. (The Food and Drug Administration approves, on average, about 30 new drugs annually, suggesting that about 300 drugs might be approved over the next 10 years.)The overall effect on the health of families in the United States that would stem from increased use of prescription drugs but decreased availability of new drugs is unclear."
Note that CBO sees a reduction of revenue of $.5 to $1 trillion, over a decade, to be associated with 8 to 15 fewer new drugs coming to the market, over the same period of time. Surely, the U.S. government could find a way to address the decline in innovation, if each new drug would otherwise cost U.S. residents $.5 trillion / 15 = $33 billion, to $1 trillion / 8 = $125 billion. Or $62-$67 billion, per drug, if you assume $.5 trillion/8 or $1 trillion /15.
The CBO analysis illustrates how incredibly inefficient is the current system in financing R&D for new drugs.


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April 29, 2015 — There's an old expression, "You need to get out more." It's good for us to travel and experience new things, but some of us have more trouble coping with the outside world.
Years ago, we went to a Barry Manilow concert. (I know, I am quite ashamed to admit it, but give me a break, I was a teenager in the 1970s. "Weekend in New England" was the romantic torch song of the era.) I purchased advance tickets and shoved them into my suitcase of a purse. Our son was still at home, and needed a sitter. I kept our two tickets and handed the sitter the receipt which had the venue name, time, and seat numbers in case she needed us.
Except I accidentally gave the babysitter one of the tickets, and kept the receipt and another ticket. When we arrived, I recklessly grabbed the tickets and ran them under the nose of the snooty docent. Without two real tickets, she pulled us aside. After some serious sweet-talking, the docent took us to the stadium office to discuss our situation. Eventually we went up to our seats by a circuitous route. Barry is now older, and so am I, and that "Weekend in New England" jazz just wasn't there for me and Barry anymore.
About twenty years ago we went to opening day at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Who thinks sitting outside and watching baseball in April is a good idea? (One hirsute baseball fan in our house does.) The south side of Chicago was about twenty degrees and windy that day, and we went to Woolworths for sock caps and cheap blankets.
We held our Opening Day tickets close and went through the front gate. By the time we were ready to enter the stands, my husband had lost his ticket between the front gate and the entrance to the bleachers. In about forty yards, he lost his ticket! More sweet-talking, and soon we were eating peanuts and looking like thugs in our dime-store sock caps and blankets. That day we saw Bo Jackson hit a home run on his first at-bat in two years, well worth the cold and the lost ticket.
These lame incidents pale in comparison to our deepest, darkest moments of shame. Early in our marriage we visited the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Security – even in the early 1980s – was tight and in order to tour the compound visitors had to be ticketed and travel on shuttle buses to see the Vehicle Assembly Building and the various launch pads. We purchased our tickets and boarded the first in a line of about six identical multi-colored transporters.
After the first stop, we were told to reboard the same bus. We couldn't remember which one was ours. So we just picked one. We sat down about half way back and soon the bus was crowded. The bus driver got on the PA system and said, in that mumbled kind of way that bus mics have, "There are two extra passengers on this bus. Will those individuals who are on the wrong bus please disembark immediately?"
Naturally we were so horrified we didn't say a word and looked around innocently as if to find the guilty culprits.
The bus driver was getting agitated.
The extremely pregnant woman who was standing in front of the bus with her mean-looking husband wasn't looking too thrilled, either.
We thought she might deliver any minute.
Still, did we identify ourselves and leave?
Hell, no. We just sat there like smiling lumps on a launch pad.
Soon the tour of America's Space Coast was over and we hastily made our way to the car, fully expecting as we passed a newspaper box to see our story on the cover of the "Orlando Sentinel". Headline in Second Coming type size: "Portly young couple takes seats from very pregnant woman."
We just don't go out much anymore.


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Understanding & Utilizing Student Data
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PLN District Members - NO COST
USA-Kansas Members - $100
Non-Members - $200
Serve as an introduction to the knowledge and skills necessary for educators to be assessment literate. Offer a framework to organize ideas about assessment literacy. Provide strategy options that support participant use of assessment literacy concepts and provide ideas to help leaders support their teams.
For any assessment to truly serve its purpose, educators must be able to interpret and apply the data to support student learning. After all, helping students grow to their fullest potential is the whole point of having an assessment system. By using assessment data to inform instruction, your teachers can help every kid learn—no matter where they are currently performing academically.
Many educators enter the classroom with little background about using assessment to influence and support instruction. To make a school or district investment in assessment pay off for everyone—especially students—you need to make assessment literacy a priority, and incorporate it throughout the school year.
What do we mean by assessment literacy? Why should it matter to different stakeholders in the educational ecosystem? Using assessment as a support for learning, this session allows participants to better understand the important concepts related to assessment literacy and engage in initial planning for implementing these concepts at the classroom and school levels.
Learning Targets
Describe attributes of an assessment-literate educator
Make a case for assessment literacy in your context
Connect purposes and uses of assessment to impacts on a district and its work
Success Criteria
Identify characteristics of AL educators in their district
Make connections to past and present district initiatives
identify priority aspects of AL in your context


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You are invited to join FRWA for "Running the Faucet on the Farmington," a presentation by Tim Anthony, Hydroelectric supervisor, Metropolitan District.
Last fall, Hurricane Irene's impact would certainly have been worse if the dams on the upper Farmington had not held back some of her floodwaters. But even on an ordinary day, how is flow from the dams managed so as to comply with regulations and support hydropower, recreation, and aquatic life, as well as protect against floods and droughts? If you paddle, fish, or live along the Farmington River, you may have wondered — especially as the water rose or fell — how releases from Goodwin Dam and Colebrook River Dam are decided, and how the river's flow controls came to be. In his presentation, Tim will share the sometimes-turbulent history of flow management, and then walk you through the current process of turning the tap on a river so as to balance many competing needs on a day-to-day basis.
To be held at the Canton Public Library, Room F, Saturday February 18th at 12 Noon. Admission is free.


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The Bard 2.0
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death in 2016, he's getting a makeover. Jeanette Winterson is writing a cover of The Winter's Tale, and Anne Tyler will be revamping The Taming of the Shrew for a 21st century audience. While you wait, watch Joss Whedon's update of Much Ado About Nothing.
The Literary Origins of North West
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter is barely a week old, and little North "Nori" West is already a household name. Yet despite endless commentary about the unconventional moniker, the literary origins of North West have yet to be revealed.
The obvious association is Hitchcock's beloved film, North By Northwest, but this title is actually derived from Shakespeare's Hamlet: "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw," Hamlet muses to Guildenstern. In modern English, the troubled Prince of Denmark thinks he's one fry short of a Happy Meal when the breeze blows north or north-west.
Is Kimye aware of the literary connotation of their baby name? Probably not, or they wouldn't have associated their daughter with mommy issues and madness as fickle as the wind. The unique name, and its surprising Shakespearean association, bring up a fascinating question about the cultural legacy a baby inherits solely based on its name.
Certain names are forever tainted by their literary heritage. Jezebel couldn't shake its association with the shameless wife of Ahab — until, perhaps, the feminist blog came along and reappropriated the name. Both Romeo and Lothario are inextricably linked to passionate seducers, one sincere, the other unscrupulous. Names derived from strong women in Shakespeare's plays like Miranda and Portia are fairly common, but Ophelias are rare (Unless they've all gotten themselves to a nunnery, as Hamlet suggested.) Then there's Lolita, a name practically synonymous with a sexually advanced, nymph-like young woman (So why don't we call pathetic old guys infatuated with younger women Humbert Humberts? Just wondering.)
If some names are tainted, then others are forever blessed by their bookish
background. Is it any surprise that literary names like Phineas (A Separate Peace) and Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird) have taken off in recent years? Who doesn't want to bestow upon their child a Pavlovian response from strangers who automatically find their child attractive, wise, honest or dignified because of a book they read in ninth grade? And would an ironic little hipster like Ebenezer be the equivalent of naming a child Miser or Greed? (There actually are 70 people named Greed, according to the Census). I won't even ask about Quasimotos. Somewhere in Brooklyn, there may be one being born right now.
Interestingly, for girls the names of precocious and whimsical yet feminine characters like Matilda, Madeline, and Alice have become perennial favorites — but not their feistier and more assertive literary sisters, Pippi and Eloise. I guess most parents don't want daughters sliding down banisters and rejecting basic social norms. It's no wonder the names of strong women in literature — Tolstoy's Natasha, Morrison's Sula, Larsson's Lisbeth — carry a certain lyricism, fierceness, and sensuality that make them both intriguing and dangerous. Often these characters come to be known more closely than the hefty volumes they inhabit.
Then there are names whose connotations are transformed along with the popularity of a particular book. My generation knows Hermione from Harry Potter, but those prior knew her from The Winter's Tale (J.K. Rowling probably knew what she was doing, naming a precocious young sorcerer after a Shakespearean character magically "resurrected" after being dead for 16 years.)
Which brings up another trait of literary naming: the cannonical tip of the hat. Claire Messud's dollhouse-crafting Nora in The Woman Upstairs is clearly piggybacking on Nora in Ibsen's A Doll's House. In doing so, Messud invokes the magic of her literary ancestors and creates depth of character before the book even begins. On that note, could any writer name a character Holden or Nathan without readers thinking the author was referencing Caulfield or Zuckerman?
Perhaps names in the titles of books — especially those from childhood — have the most lasting influence over how these names are perceived. Harriets must always wear glasses and are probably undercover agents; Annes are plucky and face difficult obstacles in faraway places like Green Gables and Amsterdam. Sheilas, well, they're just great.
There's the rare situation where the overwhelming popularity of a name can all but erase its literary connotations. The influx of Emmas (it was the second most popular baby name in U.S. for girls in 2012) has totally diminished its relevance to Ms. Bovary and Ms. Woodhouse in my mind. The first time I read The Merchant of Venice, Shylock's daughter Jessica threw me for a loop. I thought her name simply didn't have enough gravitas for Shakespeare, since it is one I associate with popular blonds and B-list actresses.
Some names are just plain obvious in their symbolism. Name a character Adam if you want him to be an everyman. Marys and Maggies are innocent and likely to get devoured in sci-fi or deflowered in literary fiction. Katherines, and now Katniss, are heroine types. Just as certain names in literature connote good and others evil, the concept is fairly often seen off the page too. The suggestion that Tamerlan, a common name in the Caucuses, be retired after the Boston Bombings was a culturally tone-deaf suggestion, but it spoke to the type of personal biases that many of us have with names. I admit to initially feeling slightly prejudged against guys with the same name as certain ex-boyfriends, and when I first started dating my current boyfriend, Lenny, the only other Lenny I knew was the protagonist in Super Sad True Love Story. I couldn't help but wonder if I was setting myself up for heartbreak (We're doing just fine, thanks.).
North West is what's being called a concept name. Will it spawn a generation of Word Smiths and Harry Pitts? Putting Green? Old MacDonald? Cupcake Baker anyone? Names might carry the baggage of their literary predecessors, but what about a phrase? Little North's legacy will likely be shaped by so many other factors, and to suggest a child's destiny is exclusively shaped by his or her name is bunk. My prediction is that North West will be a force of nature. After all, wasn't it the Bard who said a rose by any other name would smell as sweet?
On Epigraphs
PERSONS attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.
BY ORDER OF THE AUTHOR, Per G.G., Chief of Ordnance.
(The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain)
The best prologue I ever read was an epigraph. The book in question was from my early reading days, before I had come to understand that epigraphs were a common thing. The quote was a prelude to a ripping fantasy yarn by Raymond Feist and was from the pen of Shakespeare:
We were, fair queen,
Two lads that thought there was no more behind
But such a day to-morrow as to-day,
And to be boy eternal.
The Winter's Tale, Shakespeare
I would never hold that book up to any critical scrutiny today, but Feist's talent for setting off an epic coming-of-age story with quotes about how great it was to be young—and to imagine anything was possible—had a kind of perfect intonation.
Having taken up the mantle "writer," epigraphs have taken on a significance of another sort. Just what purpose epigraphs serve, where they come from, and how the source from which they were drawn affects the story in which they are embedded have all bubbled to the surface. Among the most pressing questions for me: should epigraphs be thought of as part of the text, a sort of pre-modern, post-modern device, like tossing a newspaper clipping into the body narrative? Or are they actually a direct invitation by the author, perhaps saying, "Look here, for from this inspiration came this tale?"
Put another way, are they part of the book or part of the author, or both, or neither?
People love to call epigraphs a bundle of things, an "apposite quote that sets the mood for a story and to give an idea of what's coming" or "a quote to set the tone like a prelude in music" or as a "foreshadowing mechanism" or "like little appetizers of the great entrée of a story" meant to illuminate "important aspects of the story [and] get us headed in the right direction."
Humbug, say I. Humbug.
Epigraphs have a long history. As early as 1726, one can find in Swift's Gulliver's Travels the cousin of the epigraph, a fictitious "note from the publisher" explaining that Gulliver is in fact a real person and these his true papers. Yes, Lolita got that from somewhere. But even Gulliver's fictionalized note, that cousin to the epigraph, can be traced to Cervantes and Don Quixote (published in 1605) wherein the author assures us that:
My wish would be simply to present it to thee plain and unadorned, without any embellishment of preface or uncountable muster of customary sonnets, epigrams, and eulogies, such as are commonly put at the beginning of books.
Author's Preface to Don Quixote (following, one should note, several sonnets, epigrams, and eulogies)
And so it is certain that even in the time predating the texts which we now call the canon, and some would assert Don Quixote the first "novel," the epigraph and its ilk were widely entrenched into the formula for literature.
The point is, of course, that epigraphs have been around for a long time.
So to the question of how we are to read epigraphs, one must first decide whether there are 'bad' epigraphs and 'good' epigraphs, and if so, how these categories might arise.
I have already described something which many would characterize as an example of a good kind of epigraph, that quote which seems to connect in a fundamental way with the text. Like, perhaps, "Vengeance is mine, I shall repay." Yet, of course, epigraphs cannot be too explicit, too clear or too thematic or it ruins the whole endeavor. If the author gets up on a soapbox and declares "this is an important novel" well then the ship's sailed. That's why William Styron starts Sophie's Choice with this quote from André Malraux: "…I seek that essential region of the soul where absolute evil confronts brotherhood."
Clearly these are not the only types of epigraphs that succeed. Nabokov hit a home run with his epigraph for The Gift with this quote from a Russian school-book: "An oak is a tree. A rose is a flower. A deer is an animal. A sparrow is a bird. Russia is our fatherland. Death is inevitable." Which reveals that sometimes it is enough to be clever. Ander Monson's Neck Deep and other Predicaments has an epigraph from the Chicago Manual of Style: "A dedication intended to be humorous will very likely lose its humor with time and so is inappropriate for a serious book destined to take a permanent place in the literature." Again, very clever. So clever epigraphs work.
However, two kinds of epigraphs do not work. The first is any serious literary epigraph to a Harry Potter book, like for instance, this one from The Deathly Hallows
Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still. For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is omnipresent. In this divine glass they see face to face; and their converse is free, as well as pure. This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.
William Penn, More Fruits of Solitude
Perhaps one will call me hypocritical for allowing a quote from Shakespeare to grace a munchy fantasy novel and then to turn around and say that the epigraph to a Harry Potter book falls flat. I would simply note that the fantasy novel in question actually took itself seriously whereas Harry Potter tried to have it both ways—and the William Penn quote is about life and death, which would have been inappropriate to any book that wasn't. Rowling should have selected something on the theme of love and friendship to be true to the work she published.
Another sort of epigraphical failure is in Blood Meridian. McCarthy uses one of those triple-epigraphs which I'll address in a moment, and the third epigraph, after two highfalutin contemplations on darkness and death he adds this:
Clark, who led last year's expedition to the Afar region of northern Ethiopia, and UC Berkeley colleague Tim D. White, also said that a re-examination of a 300,000-year-old fossil skull found in the same region earlier shows evidence of having been scalped.
McCarthy has an important point here, which is that people have been scalping each other since forever. Unfortunately, it would have come out more candidly through the mouth of one of his characters. The big problem is that in a semi-biblical masterwork, the only part of the entire overarching text that ever makes any reference to normal-sounding speech is this tiny bit of a 3-part epigraph.
So this sets out an objective standard. Epigraphs must count as part of the text because they affect the way the text is read, and therefore are tied more to the text than to the author. They belong to the text, regardless of the way the author feels. Also, as these epigraphs make clear, they are clearly not sources of inspiration for the story. Quite often they are tacked on.
So epigraphs abide by certain principles, and they do not always work. Quite often they come across like throat clearing, sort of a "here it goes" before the author gets into the work. Especially when an author has more than one epigraph, which seems to have become only more common. So when searching for an epigraph, the most important part of the endeavor should be how the quote integrates with the novel as a whole. Does it fit the tone, and does it take on a deeper meaning, or lend a deeper meaning, because it's there?
(As a quick aside, I would like to say that overt references to Dover Beach should be restricted to epigraphs. In a striking number of novels, the poem is actually a plot point giving rise to a significant epiphany. I'm looking at you Fahrenheit 451 and most especially Saturday.)
But the question remains: How does one determine precisely the tone an epigraph should take? Herman Melville in Moby-Dick has probably one of the longest and most interesting (and most tonally consistent) epigraphs ever. He spends several pages just talking about Whales. But again, isn't it just—too much? Would it not have been a better epigraph if he had simply included only this one from among all his myriad quotations:
October 13. "There she blows," was sung out from the mast-head.
"Where away?" demanded the captain.
"Three points off the lee bow, sir."
"Raise up your wheel. Steady!" "Steady, sir."
"Mast-head ahoy! Do you see that whale now?"
"Ay ay, sir! A shoal of Sperm Whales! There she blows! There she breaches!"
"Sing out! sing out every time!"
"Ay Ay, sir! There she blows! there–there–THAR she blows–bowes–bo-o-os!"
"How far off?"
"Two miles and a half."
"Thunder and lightning! so near! Call all hands."
A similar question of "too much" arises in Sophie's Choice and other texts in which the author seeks to use an epigraph in another language. Given the fact that most readers will not be speakers and therefore cannot see the intricacies in tone and the shades of meaning in that other language's words, one wonders whether the author is writing the epigraph to himself or to the reader. If we are to think of epigraphs as part of the main text, then this foreign-language snippet needs to stand on its own, it can't just be authorial vanity, right? Although, since his editor let him plant it there in the original German or French, one wonders if this means that epigraphs are thought to be more like dedications in the publishing world than the main text.
Finally, one wonders why epigraphs are always at the beginning of the book. Some stories end and make you want to hold the book to your chest and absorb it directly into your very soul. How moving it would be to me to finish a book and turn the page, sad that it's all over and read an epigraph that reflects on all that's come before.


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On September 8, 2017 (UTC), a normal-fault earthquake occurred 87 km off the southeast coast of Mexico. This earthquake generated a tsunami that was recorded at coastal tide gauge and offshore buoy stations. First, we conducted a numerical tsunami simulation using a single-fault model to understand the tsunami characteristics near the rupture area, focusing on the nearby tide gauge stations. Second, the tsunami source of this event was estimated from inversion of tsunami waveforms recorded at six coastal stations and three buoys located in the deep ocean. Using the aftershock distribution within 1 day following the main shock, the fault plane orientation had a northeast dip direction (strike=320°, dip=77°, and rake=-92°). The results of the tsunami waveform inversion revealed that the fault area was 240 km 9 90km in size with most of the largest slip occurring on the middle and deepest segments of the fault. The maximum slip was 6.03 m from a 30×30 km2 segment that was 64.82 km deep at the center of the fault area. The estimated slip distribution showed that the main asperity was at the center of the fault area. The second asperity with an average slip of 5.5 m was found on the northwest-most segments. The estimated slip distribution yielded a seismic moment of 2E21 Nm (Mw = 8.24), which was calculated assuming an average rigidity of 7E10 N/m2.
Tsunami Source of the 2017 Mw8.2 Mexico Earthquake – Pure Appl. Geophys.


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Are you a local non-profit or community organization that seeks additional funding? If so then consider fundraising with the Greater Parsippany Rewards Card through the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Parsippany Area Visitor Center.
Get Involved:
Contact the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at 973-402-6400 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
Provide documentation for your Community Based or Non-Profit Status
Order cards and start fundraising today
It is that simple!


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I am a mechanical and mechatronics student, interested in prototyping and mechanical design. I am passionate about good engineering, helping others, and learning new things.
While studying at the University of Waterloo, I gained 2 years of experience as a co-op student at multiple engineering companies including Tesla. I also studied briefly at the Technical University of Munich, and Beijing Language and Culture University.


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Something I never would have thought of: Teflon coated light bulbs are toxic to chickens. In the letters section of this month's issue of Backyard Poultry Magazine is the story of a woman who lost a flock of nineteen chickens after they succumbed to fumes put off by a GE Rough Service Worklight that was in the coop. When the bulbs heat up they release fumes that are deadly to chickens and other birds. According to the McMurray Hatchery website, birds are particularly vulnerable to airborne toxins. I can't help but wonder about the effect of these fumes on humans too. Several years ago, Dupont was unsuccessfully sued over the toxicity of Teflon in cookware.
Sylvania, apparently, has a warning label on their Teflon coated bulbs, "WARNING: This product contains PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene–"Teflon" is a brand name). When heated, it creates fumes potentially fatal to confined birds." GE does not have a warning label.
I let the ladies take the winter off of laying and it never dips below 40ºF here so we do not have a light bulb in our coop. But for those of you who do, make sure you don't use one of these shatter resistant, Teflon coated bulbs.
See also the McMurray Hatchery warning on shatter resistant bulbs.


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Compressed SLIP
Compressed SLIP(networking)
(CSLIP) VanJacobsen TCP header compression. A version of SLIP using compression. CSLIP has no effect on the data portion of the packet and has nothing to do with compression by modem. It does reduce the TCP header from 40 bytes to 7 bytes, a noticeable difference when doing telnet with lots of little packets. CSLIP has no effect on UDP, only TCP.
This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)


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D-Link DIR-506L SharePort™ Go Mobile Companion Overview
Stream movies, music and photos to all your devices
Sit back and enjoy your media files whether you're at home or on a long road trip. Connect to your iPhone, iPad, or Android device with the free SharePort™ Mobile app. The app uses icons for easy navigation. What's more, you can view and share music, videos and photos from your USB storage device to your iPhone, iPad or Android device.
Wirelessly expand your iPad and Smartphone storage
The SharePort™ Go adds portable, wireless storage to your iPhone, iPad and Android device, giving you more capacity for your favorite media. Just plug in a USB drive to instantly access and share your favorite movies, music, and photos – it's that simple!
Turn any Internet connection into a Wi-Fi hotspot
Tired of weak wireless signal in your hotel room? Setting up for a conference and need a wireless network connection? The handy, little SharePort Mobile Companion is great for your traveling needs. Utilize the All-In-One Mobile Companion as a travel router or access point for instant strong wireless bandwidth anywhere where a wired network connection already exists.
The SharePort Go's flexible operation modes, include:
- Router/AP
- Wi-Fi HotSpot
Charge and go!
Charging your SharePort Go is fast and easy. Simply use the included USB cable to plug it into your PC or laptop's USB port; or, connect to an AC outlet using a standard USB power adapter, like the one you use with your iPhone or Android (USB power adapter not included). The SharePort Go will even charge your Smartphone, giving you an extra power source for your Smartphone when you need it. The rechargeable battery delivers up to 4 hours of ultimate mobility.
Easy to Set Up and Easy to Use
Setting up the SharePort Go is quick and simple. Connect to it wirelessly with a PC or mobile device and follow the steps in the built-in Setup Wizard to configure. With D-Link's One-Touch AP Configuration and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button, connecting to an existing wireless network or adding wireless devices can be done with a push of a button.
D-Link also provides a free Quick Router Setup Mobile® (QRS) app for your iPhone, iPad or Android device for setting up the SharePort Go with your mobile device. It couldn't be easier.
D-Link DIR-506L SharePort™ Go Mobile Companion Reviews
- Stream and share media to your mobile devices
- Transform any Internet connection into a Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Turn any USB Flash drive into a wireless drive to unlock and unleash your content to all your mobile devices
- Compact design and rechargeable battery deliver the ultimate in mobile connectivity
Tags: Companion Overview, DIR-506L, Reviews, SharePort


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November 23rd, 2018
Thinking for Ourselves
Shea Howell
A New We
This week the National Council of Elders met in Detroit. The Council was formed in 2011 by Vincent Harding and James and Phil Lawson, all veterans of the Black Liberation struggle and close associates of Martin Luther King. The purpose of the Council is "to engage leaders of 20th century civil rights movements to share what they have learned with young leaders of the 21st century and to promote the theory and practice of nonviolence."
At the time of the decision to call elders together, there was a growing sense of urgency in the country. We were witnessing an "escalation of all forms of violence and the rise of anti-democratic forces" as white supremacists were reacting to the presidency of Barack Obama and the growing recognition that whites would soon no longer hold "majority" status and power. Many of us recognized that the increasing tensions between revolution and counter revolution were calling a new generation of activists to commit themselves to engaging people and structures in progressive change. We hoped to find ways to "deepen important story-based dialogue with younger activists who are currently on the frontlines of activism across the U.S."
This engagement is more than sharing stories. Most of the members of the Council are immersed in daily work alongside their younger counterparts. Some are standing with immigrants at our borders, offering sanctuary and challenging the brutal policies of this administration. Some are working in the new Poor People's Campaign to create a sense of moral urgency around the increasing poverty and degradation of life for so many of our people. Some are working in peace making and reconciliation, education and community visionary development. All share a belief that we must create a radical revolution in values and stand against the evils of militarism, racism and materialism. We know that the revolution in values called for by Dr. King more than 50 years ago would be hollow without a commitment today to protect our earth.
As we move into 2019, the Council agreed to call for a year of dialogue on the theme pressed by Vincent Harding. Dr. Harding often talked of being a citizen of a country that does not yet exist. Drawing on the 1938 poem of Langston Hughes, Let America Be America Again Dr. Harding challenged people to think about the distance between who we are and who we want to be. He frequently quoted the lines
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet, I swear this oath—America will be!
Vincent asked us to believe in our potential to create a better place for ourselves and our children.
Yet, I imagine if Vincent were alive today, he might be placing as much attention on the last stanza of the poem as he did on this one. He would recognize the call to "Make America Great Again" as the trumpet of white supremacy.
But Langston Hughes offered a different view of what we can fashion out of this moment of brutal ugliness. He wrote:
Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!
The capacity to redeem and dream, to fashion to a better future out of cruelty and greed, to create a new we, are still our challenges.
It's Time to Repeal the Genesis Doctrine
Frank Joyce
The following is adapted from remarks given in accepting the Coleman H. McGhehee Jr. Champion of Justice Award from the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR)
As I stand here this evening, humbled and proud to receive this award, I think it boils down to this.
The rotten system, the cursed idea that white men are somehow superior, not only to other humans but to rivers and coral reefs and forests and elephants and termites and water and fire is coming to an end.
The repeal of the toxic doctrine of Genesis is up for a vote.
God did NOT give MEN dominion over women or of all other life forms. That whole strange idea is wrong. And dangerous.
Fortunately, Homo Sapiens are not the only eligible voters in this referendum.
In fact, if we don't get this right, we won't be voters at all. Humans need the planet. The planet does not need humans.
Or, to put it another way, the planet will surely survive. Humans may not.
But humans can survive and even thrive. It won't be easy, but it surely can be done. How?
Our differences, our silos, our "intersections", if you will, must be put aside. It is the white way of thinking that must go. Root and branch. All of it.
White people are not superior. Period. The evidence is in. White people are, to be sure, good at myth making, at fairy tales. Very good.
That, after all, is what white supremacy IS—a pervasive, invasive species of a myth. It's a bad human invention like Agent Orange, plastic shopping bags and the so-called Electoral College.
Fortunately, the world around us is already making another, truer, better story. A story of peace instead of war. A story of kindness rather than endless acts of violence, large and small. It is a narrative of love and harmony and proportion.
This new world is not all about stuff. It is a world that, as Richard Powers puts it, needs to stop, just plain stop, squandering a billion years of planetary evolution in favor of bling.
It is a world that cherishes every living thing far more than self driving cars and mobile telephones with more pixels and better weapons for killing.
It is up to us, each of us and all of us, which of these two worlds we choose.
That is the cry for justice that calls us now.
What We're Reading
order your copy http://boggscenter.org/store-new/
What We're Watching
The Mariachi Who's Bringing Internet to Detroit | NBC Left Field
Rita Ramirez is not your typical mariachi. When she's not on stage with Detroit's first female-led mariachi band, she spends her time bringing internet to her neighbors, one home at a time. Through the Equitable Internet Initiative, Rita works to connect the estimated 40 percent of Detroiters who still lack an internet connection in their homes. This episode of Tag was co-produced by Erik Paul Howard and Anastasia Klimovitz, two Detroit photojournalists who helped bring Rita's story to life.


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November in Ottawa is truly one of the most under-rated months for weddings. We've said it before – but the weather (despite the cold) and colours in the sky are quite awe-inspiring. The blues are cool and creamy, while the greens have this delicious dewy glaze over them. When Christine and Ryan emailed us to be their Stonefields wedding photographer in the month of November, we knew the celebration would not disappoint. It was cold and rainy, but the wedding was blessed with the most epic golden hour. Just as the ceremony began, Christine walked down the aisle to "Here Comes the Sun" – and the rain clouds parted, as the sun escorted her down the path.
The wedding was so impeccably planned and designed, we were pleasantly surprised to hear all the elements were of Christine and her mother's design. The reception was a testament to their taste – refined, elegant with a slight touch of whimsy. Stonefields is one of the most elegant venues in the Ottawa area. We love photographing weddings here because of the vast variety of backdrops for portraits, family photos, and it seems we are always treated to the most cinematic light.
If you love outdoor weddings, check out this 1000 Islands wedding on the St. Lawrence, this Evermore Barn wedding in Almonte, and this rainy day wedding in La Malbaie, Quebec.


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Closer Apart is a bittersweet family drama that brings to the table how familial relationships are important in everyday life. It is a reminder of simply how easy it is to take something, or someone, for granted. Capturing the moments of how absence highlights the importance of someone in our lives, this is a journey of self-reflection and letting go.
This film is selected as part of Viddsee's Chinese New Year special – Drama At The Dinner Table. It is a collection of films that places the spotlight on Asian Families this new year from around the region. Having won the Viddsee Shortee Award in October 2014, it is no surprise that this short film of 13 minutes will make its reappearance on this channel.
Just like its name suggests, Closer Apart follows the journey of an aged father's lost connection with his own family. As he drifts further and further away from the individuals he used to call home, will they even notice or is this just part and parcel of growing up?
The writer and director Jason Lee used plenty of close-up shots to tell the story, creating a sense of intimacy with the characters and immersing the viewer into the situation, eventually giving the film an appropriately pensive atmosphere.
If there is another reason to watch the film, it is seeing comedian Henry Thia for the first time in a serious role. We think he does quite a mean job in looking sombre for change!
This is definitely a short film that most Singaporean families may relate to, especially during this festive season. Perhaps, it might also make you rethink your own relationship with your family.
Catch "Closer Apart (團圓)" by Jason Lee on Viddsee.
For the full list of February 2017's 10 films under STOP10, click here.


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Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert to Perform at the 2020 CMA Awards
Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and Gabby Barrett are among the initial group of performers announced for the 2020 CMA Awards. The annual event will bring numerous country artists together in one room for the first time this year when it airs live Wednesday, November 11th, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
"I Hope" singer Barrett, twice-nominated this year, will be joined by Charlie Puth for a rendition of her breakout hit. Leading nominee Lambert is set to sing "Settling Down," while multi-nominated Combs will deliver "Cold as You." Additional performers include Eric Church ("Hell of a View"), Rascal Flatts ("Bless the Broken Road"), Florida Georgia Line ("Long Live"), Ashley McBryde ("One Night Standards"), and Maren Morris ("The Bones").
Several unique collaborations are also on tap, as Thomas Rhett will team up with new co-host Reba McEntire, Lady A's Hillary Scott, and Chris Tomlin for a version of his Musical Event of the Year contender "Be a Light." The trio Lady A will back up the show's incoming co-host Darius Rucker on his new release "Beers & Sunshine." Additionally, McEntire and Darius Rucker are set to deliver a tribute performance together. Additional performers will be announced ahead of the show.
This marks an unusual year for the CMA Awards, which is going audience-free in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this year's ceremony will be held at Music City Center instead of its usual home at Bridgestone Arena.
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Sigur Rós Celebrate 20th Anniversary of '( )' With Expanded Reissue
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Then God spoke all these words:
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it. Exodus 20:1-11 (NRSV)
The first three of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship with God. Four points stand out in these passages:
You shall have no other gods before me.
You shall not make for yourself an idol.
I the Lord your God am a jealous God.
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.
Most of us are probably not into making golden calves, Baal worship, or sacrificing things to other assorted ancient demons. The bad news is we have modern idols to who we gladly sacrifice our attention and resources. Do we indulge in anything to excess? Are there things that we put at a higher priority than God?
We all do this at times. Whether we put good things on a pedestal higher than they should be, or put good things in improper balance, or we indulge in things that just plain aren't healthy for us and the greater community, we are all guilty of getting caught up in things. We make gods out of things that were never meant to be gods, things that have no intrinsic power.
God warns us about idolatry because He knows it's not healthy for us. It's easy to look at the Law as a buzz kill- ruining our fun so to speak- but in reality the Law serves two purposes. One is that the Law is a protective boundary. When we chase idols we harm ourselves and others, and separate ourselves from God. The other purpose of the Law is to lead us to Jesus and show us our desperate need for Him. None of us can completely obey the Law 100%. Only Jesus was capable of living by the Law 100%.
The practical application of these first few Commandments is to underscore God is a jealous God. He made us for His good purpose and we belong to Him. He doesn't want just a little bit of us on Sunday mornings- if we bother to drag ourselves out of bed and away from the TV for an hour or two to come to church to sing a few songs and (hopefully) pay attention to a 20 minute sermon. He doesn't just want a little bit of us when we are hurting and need comfort. Yes, God does want us to come to church because we need each other as the Body of Christ, and we need Word and Sacrament to sustain us- but He wants us the rest of the time too.
He wants all of us, all of the time, even when we are running kicking and screaming from Him.
God has given us His name to call on Him- in praise and worship and thanks, to bless others, and in times of trouble. It is a privilege to be able to call upon Him, and a terrible insult to use His name as a curse.
Worship and prayer are regular spiritual disciplines that remind us that God is the One in charge.
Worship is not just going to church on Sunday- though Sunday worship at church with other believers and staying in community is important- so important that God commands to dedicate a day out of our week to worship. Worship is actively acknowledging that God is Who God says He is- the Creator, the I AM God of the universe. The concept of worship actually covers a LOT of ground. Thanking God for the gift of breath, for the beauty of creation, for the privilege of being able to come to Him anytime with anything, these are all part of worship. Prayer is simply talking with God about anything.
Of course if we examine ourselves against the first three Commandments we discover we are not so hot at upholding our end of our relationship with God. We are all law breakers. We all fall short of God's ideal for us.
Worship and prayer are regular spiritual disciplines that remind us that God is the One in charge.
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, wrote a short but insightful book called Practicing the Presence of God. He models a way of living our daily lives in prayer and worship- in how we work and in how we serve others.
Everything we do should be an act of worship, and we should always walk with God in prayer. The Law reminds us that we fall short of that goal, but the Good News is that in our Baptism we put on Christ. In Christ God does not see our imperfections, but only the sacrifice of His perfect Son.


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Best 25 Kitchen Remodeling Ideas On Pinterest
Too typically throughout kitchen renovations, householders are left to juggle the various trades and employees and to cope with issues that come up. From DIY ideas to hiring a pro, our design recommendation and the way-to ideas let you know all the pieces you could know about planning a kitchen transform. Backsplashes are usually easier than paint to wash, and it can add loads to the look of your kitchen. Frosted cabinets are great for a more fashionable element, while painted cabinets make for a pleasant but cheap touch.
You want a master plan, and Normandy Reworking is the grasp kitchen remodeling planner to help you together with your kitchen design and transform in Chicago. "I cry once I see 36-inch tall upper cabinets in anything however the lowest-ceilinged spaces," Griffin says. Many of the finishes are lacquer, however there are also some wood finishes, and every thing has sculpting or other particulars on the doors." Large glass doors leading to a patio preserve gentle flowing by the slim room, whereas white paint and stainless-metal home equipment preserve the space brilliant.
Intelligent details, imaginative design and house-increasing conveniences make the kitchen straightforward to make use of and straightforward to wash …


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FuzzYard Donuts Plushy Dog Toy
Fuzzyard creates a stunning collection for your pets. They believe only the best for your furry friends they take the lead in quality and design.
Mmm donuts! These super cute sprinkle donuts will make you drool as you watch your dog play with them! Donuts come in a pack of 2, 1 X Chocolate and 1 X Strawberry. Donuts have a squeaker inside for added enjoyment.
Kibble Bakery+ Coffee House is an independent family run dog café and bakery based in Skipton.
Kibble Bakery online aims to be your 'One stop dog shop' and focus on sourcing contemporary design to help you have a 'trendy ass pooch' So, we scour the world to bring quirky and unique pieces to make your pup stand out from the crowd. We love finding them super special pieces that you can't find around every corner. We work with designers from America, Australia, Sweden, and of course here in the UK. You are bound to find something extra special just like your four legged friends!
Dimensions: 10 CM
Dog Size Chart, suitable for:
Max is the Kibble Dog, he is a 3 year old golden Labrador and loves to test out all the Kibble products to help you choose the toy for your pooch.
Toughness Test:
Very Tough
For the Super Chewers


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We are an Independent Insurance Agency specializing in writing / providing commercial surety bonds and fidelity bonds. Although our firm focuses on providing surety bonds and fidelity bonds throughout the metro New York area, we are licensed throughout the country.
Submit an Application
Underwriting & Price Evaluation
Sign Indemnity Agreement


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Runner: Suzanne Hemmy Waldrup
Following the natural curves of the shoreline, this 2.2-mile trail in Crescent Beach State Park, eight miles south of Portland, weaves through deciduous forests, peaceful sandy beaches, and rustling grasses that are home to monarch butterflies in autumn. "It's a classic, timeless New England coastal scene that looks painterly," Waldrup says.
The trail hugs the mile-long, crescent-shaped shoreline that just eight miles south of Portland on the state's southern coastline. To get there, check out this map.
More From Runner's World
The park caters to recreational activities, so pack a picnic for after your run.
"I'd have to say the uniqueness of this area was in the intimate feel of the coastal features, namely small islands just offshore and how the trail follows the natural curves of the shoreline. We were in the area visiting friends and are always seeking inspiring, beautiful new places to run. We were definitely not disappointed. It was a mid-September afternoon and we carved out a three-and-a-half to four-mile run through varied terrain ranging from single track out to coastal deciduous forest to sandy beaches to a wider grassy trail through tall autumn grasses."
Use this stunning spot for a pre- or post-race shakeout run.
Maine Marathon, Portland, Maine
Falmouth 4-Miler, Falmouth, Maine
Pine Tree Marathon, Portland, Maine
Beach to Beacon 10K, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
(Crescent Beach is the titular "beach" in Maine's largest race, which was founded by Cape Elizabeth native and Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson.)
Click for downloading instructions


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Corinthian is part of the family of marble effect tiles which honour this classic material, and will remain an attractive part of any interior design over many years. Corinthian is a masterly embodiment of the strength of marble, and features the outstanding Triangle decorated tile. These geometric designs challenge convention and will surprise anyone looking for a new style in marble.
Floor Tiles
Wall Tiles
Ceramic tiles
Porcelain tiles


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SWINDON TOWN REACH GAME NUMBER 4,000: The stats behind a Robins landmark
By Richard Banyard, founder of www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk
One little stat that went past largely unnoticed over the weekend was the fact that the Bristol Rovers game was Swindon's 4,000th league match since joining in 1920.
As always with these things, it's sometimes a little ambiguous as to what should and shouldn't be included in the figures – so, just for clarity, the 4,000 games are regular season matches only (no play-offs); it doesn't include the "unofficial" season of 1945-46, but does include the three games in 1939-40 before the season was abandoned due to the war.
And finally… it does also include the only season that the Town spent outside the Football League… the Premier season of 1993-94.
And so, here are a few mildly interesting but ultimately useless facts and figures from the Town's first 4000 league matches… here's to the next 4,000!
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Longleat is a beautiful stately home in the village of Horningsham, Wiltshire and is the seat of the colourful Marquesses of Bath. It is a leading and early example of an Elizabethan prodigy house, one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain. It also has a maze, landscaped parkland and safari park. The house is set in 1,000 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. It was the first stately home to open to the public, and the Longleat estate includes the first safari park outside Africa.
Postcode - BA12 7NW
Historic Houses


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On Sunday, while most Americans were celebrating Father's Day, Taylor Swift was busy penning a letter to Apple instead. In said letter, Swift explained why her music would not to be available through their newest service, Apple Music, which drops on June 30. While the letter has been widely praised, it seems that not everyone agrees with her sentiments.
In the letter, Swift took issue with the fact that "Apple Music will be offering a free three-month trial to anyone who signs up for the service," she wrote, but would not be "paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months." She then went on to say that she was "shocked and disappointed" by the policy coming from such a "historically progressive and generous company." It was a pretty big thing for anyone stand up to Apple, a global giant that has been a pioneer in how millions of consumers interact with music. But in recent years, between all of the world tours, award shows, music videos, and social appearances, 25-year old Swift has managed to carve out enough time to stick it to the man in any way that she can, and Apple is just another blip on her radar.
In November 2014, Swift pulled her entire music catalogue from Spotify just months before getting trademarks for certain phrases used on her recent album, 1989. So while it's not a surprise that she is holding back from affiliating with Apple Music, it's interesting to see such a world-renowned artist actually stand up to injustice. What Swift may not have bargained for, however, was for someone to read her letter and become inspired to write their own. That's exactly what a live-music photographer named Jason Sheldon did.
In his letter, Sheldon applauded Swift for "standing up for the rights of creative people and making a stand against the corporate behemoths," but he quickly changed gears to bring attention to how Swift's letter contradicts the terms outlined in the authorization form that photographers must sign before they are allowed to photograph Swift during a live performance. Sheldon even went so far as to attach the authorization form, which states in clause two that "photographs may be used on a one-time only basis," and may not be duplicated or reprinted, even by the publication authorized to use them. [All too familiar language to us at the Press — ed.]
Additionally, continues Sheldon's letter, "the photographs may not be used "in any other manner or means [...], including but not limited to electronic or 'new media' usage, other than the Web edition of the Publication." But what is most alarming, perhaps, is when clause three of the form states that Firefly Entertainment Inc. — a company owned by Swift — has the "perpetual, worldwide right to use (and authorize others to use)" the photographs as it wishes, in any manner "including but not limited to publicity and promotion."
With these terms, any photographer that signs the authorization form would only be allowed to use the images in one publication, and would not be allowed to sell the rights to his or her work on a freelance basis to any other publication. Additionally, he or she would not be allowed to sell art prints of his or her work, be it through their personal website or an art exhibition.
This means that if Taylor Swift were to sign a contract for Apple that was identical to her photo-authorization form, she would be given one-time payment for her work and would no longer own the rights to it. If she wanted to perform a song or sell copies of her music, she would have to get the written permission from Apple to do so. Apple, on the other hand, would have the right to use her music to promote their services without additional compensation. This is precisely why Sheldon was so upset.
Like musicians, photographers spend hundreds, often thousands, of dollars to acquire professional gear. They then spend countless hours building a network of fans and business connections, and once their art is created, they spend even more time editing their work until it is ready for release. And like musicians, photographers rely on the ability to sell their artwork to fans in order to make money and continue creating art in the future. So when Swift states that musicians and producers "work tirelessly to innovate and create," she creates a dialogue that all artists should be compensated fairly. But as Sheldon points out, Swift — perhaps unintentionally — has been exploiting small, hard-working artists for her own benefit. And even if her strict photo policies are an effort to protect her own likeness in the press, she still expresses full rights to another artist's work that she could potentially use to sell her product worldwide, at her discretion, without ever compensating the artist for.
Fortunately for the music world, Apple heard Swift loud and clear, and the company has agreed to pay artists for the streaming of their music during trial periods. It's still unclear if she will allow Apple Music the rights to stream her music, but it seems many are more curious to know if Swift will acknowledge Sheldon's letter and change her own policies. And if she does attempt to right her wrongs, it could be a large victory for live-music photographers everywhere.


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Tyler, The Creator x Hodgy Beats "NY (Ned Flander)
For how absurd the visuals of the music video are, the audio is disappointingly tame. Trying to connect the dots between Simpsons' character Ned Flanders with the white trash parody of the music video and the usual lyrical jargon of Odd Future proved to be somewhat difficult. But then you remember this is an OFWGKTA production, so there probably aren't any conscious undertones, and you move on.
Snoop Dogg "Stoner's Anthem"
Hold the press—Snoop Dogg rapping about weed? Groundbreaking. But seriously, how many odes can our 40-year-old Smokey Snoopy dedicate to pot? In his defense, the latest single "Stoner's Anthem" holds a balmy melody and beat that would be ideal for a listener in, um, an elevated state of mind. Just saying.
Listen to "Stoner's Anthem" here
Sean Price "Occupy All Streets"
Price tries to keep the social movement alive one hard-hitting beat at a time. Although Occupy Wall Street's momentum has been dwindling lately, the Random Axe rapper only "occupies more heat" on his latest track.
Listen to "Occupy All Streets" here
Thee Tom Hardy feat. King Mez "Tom's Comet"
"Doubting Thomas, doubting doubting Thomas, promise that you'll care for me, promise me that you'll be honest/ Often I'm in the studio studying, writing sonnets, it's puzzling how I'm shooting for stars in Tom's Comet." Thee Tom Hardy exhibits his lyricism on his latest track alongside King Mez, and it's successful on a cosmic level.
Joell Ortiz "The Motto (Freestyle)"
Drake's "The Motto" beat is the latest to get murdered by Slaughterhouse's Brooklyn spitta Joell Ortiz. Though it seems he decided off a whim to jump on the beat from his living room, he still showed no mercy. Complete with sick punchlines and a decent amount of swag, Joell has reaffirmed his talents once again. He says, "And even though I hustled way, way back/ Everytime I twist my wrist, it still makes crack." Seems as though a few naysayers still doubt his lyrical ability. Don't make that mistake. YAOWA!
Listen to "The Motto (Freestyle)" here.
Busy Signal "Kingston Town"
It sounds like Busy Signal is looking to take reggae back to it's slow tempo, tell-a-story roots. Deviating from the dance route the genre has taken in recent years, Busy sings of the perils of his native Kingston, Jamaica. The city where "every man ah fight fi wear the king's crown" is well represented on this track in a rather refreshing way.This is also, apparently,the direction his upcoming album will take, so if you're looking to "Step Out" like his 2005 hit, sorry to burst that bubble.
Listen to "Kingston Town" here.
Melody Thornton "Lipstick&Guilt"
Let's face it: no one could have jumped on that "No Church in the Wild" beat, and it would still be insane; that instrumental stands alone. But what's even better than someone jumping on it? An unlikely someone jumping on it. Former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton (for lack of a more accurate term) went HAM on this beat. Though she could have easily emulated Frank Ocean's swag and simply changed the words, she brought her own feminine flair to the track, while retaining the dark nature of its sound. Ku-goddamn-dos, pussycat! Looking forward to the March 15th release of her mixtape "P.O.Y.B.L."
Listen to "Lipstick&Guilt" here.
Austin Brown "Where You Are"
There's simply no room for Austin Brown in a world of Jason Derulo's, Miguel's, Chris Brown's, Trey Songz's and Usher's. His latest effort, "Where You Are" could have easily been sung by any of the aforementioned, and further, it could have been delivered better. He is new, so perhaps he has developing to do as a vocalist and artist, but this should not be where he caps out. Originality is key, and right now this kid just does not have "it." Probably a review fitting for American Idol, but hey, it's no less true.
Listen to "Where You Are" here.
Ace Hood "Hallucinations"
Ace Hood is not sitting around waiting to be validated. Momma must still need that house and the baby probably still need some shoes ! The Miami rapper continues to deliver good music and display his lyrical skills through his music. This isn't the normal fast rhyming Ace Hood. This time around we get another dope beat and a much slower flow. Hallucination will be the first song released from his new mixtape, Starvation which is slated to hit stores on March 30th.
Listen to "Hallucinations" here
Styles P "Hoody Season"
Don't F with Styles P, it's Hoody Season ! "zip up, pullover, whatever". If your from the hood you know all about Hoody Season. The formula hasn't changed, it's still Styles P over a griddy beat talking real greasy and keeping it gully. Not quite a hood anthem but the people will love it!
Aloe Blacc "You Make Me Smile"
This guy is way beyond his years musically. Aloe Blacc isn't just the guy who song was featured on the HBO series 'How to Make in America'. The soul singer is giving you another reason to smile with this record. With a very genuine message and simplistic yet touching visual, you might catch yourself viewing it again and again.
Listen to "You Make Me Smile" here
Compiled by Tanya Chen, Johnathan Cruse, and Iyana Robertson


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We were proud to assist the Nores family and Peter Young in achieving a successful transaction with Southland Printing. Our advisory services included tax strategy, purchase price allocation and establishing net working capital requirements. Read more about the acquisitions here. (more…)
Author: Gaurav Malhotra
Lucas Horsfall assists CVM Holding in the acquisition of Harris
We are proud to have been a part of this iconic California transaction. We have deep gratitude to Brian Coelho of Central Valley Meat Holding Company for trusting us to be part of his team. Financial advisory services were performed by Jesse Yang, Bessna Plaza and Gaurav Malhotra. Tax advisory services were performed by Kenneth Woerner and Mike Amerio. (more…)
M&A Around the World
Global M&A activity saw an increase in 2017. We are fortunate to members of MSI Global Alliance. Through this association we can provide our clients access to 250 law and accounting firms around the world. Our member firms are actively working in advising businesses on both sides of the transactions. Here is the latest M&A newsletter from our association.
Mangoes & Monsoons: A Story of Fraud in M&A
This is a true story. Names of people and places have been changed to protect the guilty. To understand this story, you need to know that I was born in India.
I will start by saying that fraud is pervasive. An average US Corporation loses 5% of gross revenue due to fraud. Then It should not be surprising that fraud occurs in M&A transactions. (more…)
Audits Don't Appear to Be a M&A Prerequisite Anymore
We have had the busiest year in our firm's history performing Quality of Earnings (Q of E) services. We have worked for Private Equity Firms, Search Funds, sellers, and businesses looking to raise capital. Certainly, the level of activity in the market has increased. In addition to that I think that the market is favoring the segment we work in- Middle Market. Until last year most buyers demanded 2-3 years of audited financials before considering a target. (more…)
Efficient Forms Announces Strategic Equity Partnership With Altalink Capital
We want to congratulate Mike Robertson of Altalink Capital and Housatonic Partners for successfully completing their strategic investment in Efficient Forms. We were engaged to perform the Quality of Earnings for this project. Our engagement team consisted of Katja Schaper, Erick Diaz, Jenna Okimoto, Lyn Dahl and Gaurav Malhotra. (more…)


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The Ixabel pool table cuts a sharp, modern outline in whatever room you place it. The unique metalwork and two-tone stylings of this table make it perfect for the homeowner who appreciates functional art.
Be sure to review our felt chart to see all the options for covering your new table. Come on by our show room in La Mesa to check out our full selection of Plank And Hide tables and we'll help you find your perfect table.
If you have any questions about this particular Ixabel table, click the buttons to call or email Billiards and Darts Direct.Call Us Email Us


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Queens Chronicle, February 28, 2013
On Sunday, the city's only gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Lions club will get a big pat on the back for making big headway in a short amount of time.
The Queens Pride Lions Club, based out of East Elmhurst, formed less than two years ago. The 24 members are all long-time volunteers. But before joining this Lions club, an international volunteer organization, they felt like they couldn't volunteer as themselves.
"I could never volunteer as a LGBT person," said Ralph Gonzalez, a member and QPLC president Jacob Berelowitz's partner. "You couldn't go to a dance with your spouse or even think about being out."
But with QPLC, the members proudly marched behind a rainbow striped Lions flag in the Jackson Heights Pride Parade. For a fundraiser, they manufactured cloth jar-openers with the Lions emblem printed in purple instead of the traditional Lion's yellow.
"It's a little gayer," Gonzalez said with a laugh.
And on March 3, at the award ceremony at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, if QPLC members want to hold hands or embrace their partners they can.
"To us it feels like the heterosexual community is saying, 'You're one of us,'" Gonzalez said.
Two years ago, Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) worked with the president of the Corona Lions Club to put together the LGBT group. The Corona Lions club then sponsored the new group, because members cannot join without an invitation and a club cannot start without a sponsor, and once Corona signed on, the International Lions organization gave its seal of approval.
There are only three LGBT Lions clubs nationwide. The other two are in San Francisco.
The group then got to work on several projects, not just within the LGBT community.
Like many Lions clubs, the group focused on hearing and vision correction by donating hundreds of glasses and taking 100 visually and hearing-impaired children to the circus.
"We wanted to show that we help the general public," Gonzalez said. "We are LGBT but we help; it doesn't matter whatever you are."
Club members also brought Lions Quest, an anti-bullying, self-esteem and tolerance curriculum, to New York City. Previously, the program, created by the international Lions chapter, only existed in two schools in New York — one upstate and one in Long Island. Through connections of their own, QPLC members had the program taught to 80 NYC teachers in October. Also, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, QPLC jumped in and helped.
In addition to these several programs, the group donated clothes to Positive Health Project and Fashion on Gender, a group that helps transgender individuals transitioning from one sex to the other, gather new clothing specific to the new gender.
Queens Gazette, February 27, 2013
Lions Club International, which is traditionally thought of as a heterosexual, family values group of volunteers is recognizing the extraordinary work of the first LGBT group of Lions volunteers in New York state.
Jacob Berelowitz, who is president of the Queens Pride Lions Club, an LGBT group of volunteers, is being honored for leading the group on March 3 at Russo's on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach.
Some of the Queens Pride Lions' accomplishments include:
•Helping survivors of Hurricane Sandy and raising money for a community organization in the affected Rockaway Beach area. The group is identifying visually impaired individuals affected by Sandy so that they can provide, repair or replace needed visual aids and equipment for the person for free.
•Introducing the "Lions Quest" curriculum into the New York City school system that addresses bullying, self esteem building for students K-12, substance abuse prevention and academic enhancement.
•Providing clothing to people who need it for job interviews.
•Producing a video which is broadcast on QPTV as well as online to give information on PTSD, traumatic event and mental health information post Hurricane Sandy and service referrals.
•Taking 150 hearing- and visually-impaired people to the Big Apple Circus for free by the club.
Two-time Grammy nominee Martha Wash is performing at the event recognizing these new community service volunteers of the Queens Pride Lions Club as well as Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, who will also be recognized and presented with the Corona Lions Legislative Award.
For information on the group and services they provide, visit www.QueensPrideLionsClub.org.
February 2013


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Colorado Engineering Inc. (CEI) develops and produces hardware, software and system solution technologies. CEI was founded in 2003 and has engineering and production facilities located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. CEI supplies COTS hardware and software, as well as tailored solutions. Our team works directly with government agencies and for commercial primes contractors. CEI has won numerous Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR/STTR) projects. CEI offers quick turn innovative solutions with lower cost and high quality while minimizing risk.
With decades of experience in engineering and management practice, CEI's leadership guides a seasoned team of engineers and professionals. Implementing AS9100 and CMMI compliant processes, CEI offers exceptional quality, reliability and security to satisfy both commercial and government demands.
Certified Women's Business Enterprise
CEI is certified as a women's business enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's largest third-party certifier of the businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S. It is an experienced source for government contracting officers
and purchasing agents to meet statutory obligations requiring product and service procurements from women-owned, small businesses. CEI actively seeks alliances and teaming arrangements with other small businesses, universities, research institutions and with prime contractors to develop and deliver technology solutions.
Past Performance
The CEI team has supplied hundreds of FPGA designs, more than 20 system/subsystem designs, more than 30 complex board designs, plus enterprise and embedded software to satisfied customers. CEI has more than 37 commercialized systems, boards, and firmware/software products, including currently fielded or operational DoD and government systems. CEI is currently leading or partnering on new radar systems, software and hardware projects such as leading edge efforts in MOSA applications, reconfigurable RF, THz EM propagation modeling, and associated remote sensing system development.
Located close to the United States Air Force Academy, CEI's engineering, lab, test and management spaces offer a professional environment within our 40,000 square foot facility.
CEI Executive Team
- Nancy Scally, CEO
- Larry Scally, President/CTO
- Michael Bonato, VP Program Management
- Sherry Burghardt, VP of Operations and Finance
Awards & Honors
- KSU Board of Advisors
- 2012 KSU Entrepreneur of the Year
- 2011 Nunn Perry Award
- 2011 Tibbetts Award
- DoD Mentor Protégé
Core Capabilities
- Radar
- Electronic Warfare
- Communications
- RF Hardware Engineering
- Electromagnetics
- Systems Engineering & Modeling
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- COTS Hardware Development
- FPGA Development
- Embedded Software Development
Learn more: www.ColoradoEngineering.com


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Backgammon-Bag, Navy & White
Navy Canvas + White Print.
The Original Backgammon & Checkers printed on our natural 10oz canvas bag in water-base black ink.
Designed for a Home & Travel Game-Bag Set. Roll-it up & Go. All sets include a double-sided game-bag, game pieces pouch of wooden checkers, dice and player's instruction guide. No Plastic. Made in the USA.
This modern-classic takes your leisure gaming to another level. Play from home to trail, poolside to campsite, from the beach to the mountains, play with friends and family from the comfort of indoors to the adventure of outdoors.
- Double-sided Backgammon & Checker game print
- 14" x 21" Flat
- 100% Premium cotton canvas
- Leather drawstring cord
- 2 wooden dice
- 30 wooden ringed pieces
- Players Guide and download
- Signature poppy stitching


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Do you think it's wrong to say Canadians must choose between a strong economy and strong public services? We do.
We say Canadians need a third choice — one that protects our economy AND the services we rely on. But our government is about to do some serious damage to both.
They say they're going to cut spending by $8 to $10 billion. That's going to devastate the services Canadians rely on and cost tens of thousands of public and private sector jobs. It's people like you, not just the economists, who think the Conservative austerity agenda is going to hurt, not help, our economy. That's why we set up this community — to get this conversation out into the open where it should be happening.
We want to give people like you a place to say no to austerity and show your support for a third choice — for a better way forward.
Of course we have our own ideas on that way forward. But yours might be different. We'd love for you to share them here.