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Diane Foley picked up the phone on a busy November morning in 2012. It was Jim calling from Syria. He was covering the civil war there as a freelance journalist and videographer, but he knew that his mother had just lost a beloved aunt and was grieving.
On Thanksgiving, Jim was abducted by Islamic State militants. For nearly 10 months, there was silence as the family frantically tried to find out what had happened to him. In time, they learned that he was being held hostage. The captors eventually sent a ransom demand, then abruptly cut off communication. Then, on Aug. 19, 2014, a shocking video surfaced on YouTube: Jim kneeling before a black-hooded executioner in the moments before being brutally beheaded.
That day, Diane once again picked up the phone. This time, it was to learn of her son's grisly end from a sobbing reporter who had seen the video, which was reverberating around the globe. Her reaction was "total shock," she recalls. She had tried for months to mentally brace for the worst, but nothing had prepared her for this. How, really, could any mother prepare for the barbaric killing of her son? And how could she survive it?
Somehow, Diane managed to keep her wits about her. She called the FBI to confirm that the video was real but got no answer, so she went to the Internet. The next day, President Obama condemned Jim's murderers on television after calling the Foleys. Later on the morning of Aug. 20, in anguish, Diane and her husband walked out to face the reporters who had gathered around the house, and she told them how proud she was of her son's bravery.
In the days that followed, the four other Foley children flew home to bolster her and her husband. Each day, the letter carrier delivered a bin overflowing with sympathy cards, schoolchildren's sketches of Jim, oil and chalk paintings of his image, even a huge hand-carved wooden cross from a stranger in Texas. The pope called to offer comfort, and the bishop of New Hampshire asked for prayers for "a deeply pained family." Money poured in from around the globe to be used in Jim's memory.
Diane prayed to control her anger at her own government and to avoid bitterness toward those who she felt had turned their backs on Jim. Never one to sit back and let events take their course, she had quit her job after he was kidnapped and trekked back and forth to Washington, where the administration had her "literally running in circles, wearing soggy shoes in the rain, staying in fleabag hotels" as she tried to get an audience and learn what had become of Jim. "No one wanted to listen," she recalls.
But she knew that her idealistic, peace-loving son would want her to turn his death into a positive. So she got to work. Within three weeks of his murder, she had established the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation to put the donations to good use in advocating for hostage families. "This is what we have got to do. We've got to make something good out of this," she remembers telling the attorney friends of Jim's who helped her set up the organization. She wanted to ensure that no other American family would face the disjointed government response that hers had endured. And she wanted Jim's death to serve as a lesson to other journalists about the dangers of working in conflict zones, and to help them prepare.
Most of all, she was determined not to yield to her unfathomable grief. She knew that some would see her response — her leap into action, her refusal to retreat into mourning — as cold and remote. But "we're all different," she says. "We all react to horror in different ways."
A devout Catholic, Diane Foley has always found great comfort in religion. From a young age, she had "the realization that God was with me." A small-town girl from Keene, N.H., she considered becoming a nun while attending the University of New Hampshire in the late 1960s. Instead, she majored in nursing and fell in love with aspiring physician John Foley. They married in 1971.
Jim was the firstborn on both sides of the family, his arrival "a cause of great celebration." The Foleys moved around a lot as John completed his medical training, and by the time they settled in New Hampshire, their rowdy household included five kids. Jim was 15 years older than the youngest, Katie, who sometimes jokingly called him "Uncle Jim."
Three of the children joined the military, but Jim was a pacifist, always "passionate about the underdog," according to Diane. The other boys were more traditional. Jim was closest to Michael, the second-born son, who aimed for a career in business. The two older brothers liked to tease middle child John, the straight arrow who became a U.S. Air Force commander and cared about things like job security and benefits, things that meant little to a free spirit like Jim. (A photo of John in uniform on Jim's laptop reportedly enraged his captors, and Jim condemned John at knifepoint as a tool of the U.S. military in the gruesome beheading video. John, who acknowledges that he and his brother were very different, bears no resentment. His brother's death, he says, "has challenged me to be better.")
Jim earned a master's degree in creative writing but then pursued a second master's in journalism from Northwestern University before embedding as a reporter with the Indiana National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan. He wanted a full-time reporting job, but as the Arab Spring dawned in the Middle East, he saw freelancing as an opportunity. Media companies knew "how dangerous it was in those areas and were reluctant to send their staffers there," Diane says. Freelancers flooded into Libya and Syria. Jim earned about $350 for each video report he filed — not enough, his mother points out, to stay in secure hotels or hire the most trusted translators.
The first crisis came in 2011, when Jim and three other freelancers were captured by Gaddafi forces in Libya. For his family, it was an awful time. "Here I had worried about my kids in the military, and here Jim was really in the greater danger," Diane recalls. The hostages were held for 44 days, then released "by a stroke of God's grace, really," she says. She credits the private efforts of David G. Bradley, the multimillionaire owner of Atlantic Media, who used his resources to help free the Atlantic's kidnapped freelancer, Clare Gillis, as well as the others. Jim later said that he thought of his mother while in prison, knowing that he could communicate with her through the "cosmic reach of the universe" by counting Hail Marys on his knuckles.
He came back to Rochester to regroup and seemed "over the moon" to be home, says Diane. He rejected counseling, insisting that he was fine. But he became restless as civil war consumed Syria. He worked behind a desk in Boston for three months, editing copy for an online news service. Then, abruptly, he announced that he was leaving once more.
Diane wrestled with what a mother should do when a child is heading into harm's way. Jim was 38 years old, and he did not need his parents' approval to return to the field. And so she watched him go again.
Throughout Jim's captivity, she found support among friends and parishioners at her church, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. She prayed, read daily scripture and tried to attend Mass even when on the road. Her God is a loving and merciful one, which made it even harder to accept Jim's brutal killing. But eventually, "through a whole lot of prayer and a whole lot of love," she says, she came to accept that his murder was God's will and the only way that her son could ever be freed.
She planned his memorial service and stored his things in a home office that came almost to resemble a shrine, filled with his photographs, awards and videos. She discovered new things about him as admirers reached out by email, on Facebook and in handwritten letters. She did not realize until his death that he had continued to mentor kids he had met in inner-city Phoenix when he was a Teach for America instructor, that while studying creative writing at the University of Massachusetts, he had helped unwed mothers in the town of Holyoke find their voices by giving them tape recorders. "We didn't even realize how special he was," she says. "He would hide anything good he did."
At 69, Diane is a slender woman with dark hair and angular features, a grandmother who never expected to earn international stature as a hostage advocate. Yet when people talk about her, the phrase "force of nature" comes up often. "She has this energy and moral force that makes people care about these issues," says New Yorker online editor David Rohde, a Foley foundation board member and former New York Times correspondent once imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
I first met Diane at a gathering of veteran foreign-news editors in Massachusetts in 2016, where she listened intently as they caught up on new global risks for reporters. Diane held her own among the seasoned pros, asking sharp questions. At the end of the long meeting, she shook hands, thanked them for caring and handed each a handsome black notebook imprinted with the Foley foundation name.
Jim was one of four Americans killed by the Islamic State, and the first priority of the families was to push the U.S. government to improve its handling of hostage cases. In 2015, largely in response to the deaths, Obama created a Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell to coordinate among the intelligence agencies, the National Security Council, the State Department and other parts of the federal government in dealing with hostage cases. In short order, hostage advocates say, the system improved. But a key part of Obama's reform still awaits action: the appointment of a permanent special envoy in the State Department to oversee hostage negotiations. Thus far, President Trump has left the position vacant.
Many families still slip through the cracks. Americans detained by foreign governments — as opposed to terrorist groups — do not qualify as hostages and are ineligible for fusion cell services. Their families still must navigate complex bureaucracies on their own to get basic help.
Take Hua Qu, the wife of Xiyue Wang, a Princeton University researcher who was arrested in Iran while researching a dissertation on 19th- and early 20th-century Iranian history and has been imprisoned for nearly two years. In 2017, Qu says, Diane called her to offer the Foley foundation's help as she works to win her husband's release. "She spent a lot of time talking to me about how to handle the uncertainties," says Qu, who with Wang has a 5-year-old son. "I gained a lot of strength from her."
Since launching the foundation, Diane has stayed on the road, giving speeches and interviews and working with journalism schools to improve safety training for reporters in crisis zones. She helped organize A Culture of Safety Alliance, which regularly brings together foreign-news editors from major outlets to discuss common safety concerns. She worked with Jim's friends to produce a documentary about his life to serve as a journalism training tool.
During Jim's captivity, she had coffee with Rachel Briggs, then the director of Hostage UK, a London-based organization offering support to families of British hostages and detainees. "In the middle of this horrific family tragedy," Briggs says, "she was composed, articulate and so engaging." Briggs shared her hope that she could one day launch an American version of her organization, and Diane seized on the idea, securing Ford Foundation money to start Hostage US. The group helps families sort through such everyday issues as reduced income and child-care pressures.
In June, national security officials will gather in Washington for a formal Foley foundation dinner in Jim's honor, and Diane will present awards to counterterrorism official Jen Easterly, Pakistani activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and C.J. Chivers, the New York Times correspondent whose eyewitness account of Jim's abduction in Libya helped identify and locate his kidnappers.
Diane's path toward healing hasn't been without its rough patches and familial disagreements. Her children have struggled with their brother's death, and John is the only one who wants any role in the foundation's work. Her husband believes in her mission but has had his fill of public attention. In deference to the others, Diane has scaled back some of her efforts. In 2016, she signed a book contract with a Penguin imprint but then suspended it because her children wanted no more public exposure.
"You can't do everything," John gently chided his mother over a recent lunch near the White House, responding to questions about her frenetic travel schedule. "You can't be a mother, wife, grandmother, president of the Foley foundation, all at once, in the same time zone, in the same day. You just can't do that, right?"
Diane nodded, glancing briefly down at the table. Over time, she admits, she has grown weary of the travel and reliving again and again her awful loss. She longs for a break.
And yet so much remains undone. She tried unsuccessfully to convince the Trump administration to work with the foundation on a study of how the 2015 reforms are working. The government still keeps the exact number of American hostages secret and considers the names of hostage families confidential. But she has not backed down and has forged a partnership with the New America think tank and the West Point Combating Terrorism Center to independently study "which families need help, what gaps in services there are."
Each step forward is a "little victory," Diane says, remembering the days of Jim's captivity, when she was "literally begging for help." But she survived those days, and possibly the worst thing a mother could ever experience. In fact, she more than survived. "A lot of good things have happened since 2014," she says. "That is Jim's legacy." And hers.
Marilyn W. Thompson is an editor on The Washington Post's national desk.


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Modern Way of Military Commands
(Shinshiki goreishi)
complete set of twelve deluxe prints with original fukuro attributed to Utagawa Kunisada II; the wrapper decorated with a military hat revealing a 'memory' of women; each print bears a cartouche with a military command accompanied by a rebus for the title: sonoba niyasune (halt), sasage tsutsu (present arms), nina-e tsutsu (right shoulder arms), katata tsutsu (rifle on shoulder), tsuki tsuke (thrust at), ute kakan (shoot bravely), uchikata yane (hold fire), ato-e sagare (fall back), koure tsutsune (wrap this), hirake hiyago, and shotai, ca. 1860s
fukuro 7 3/4 by 4 3/8 in., 19.8 by 11.2 cm (folded)
This curious set demonstrates the myriad of themes which could be utilized for a shunga series. In this case, the title cartouches have a rebus for a military drill command (i.e. fall in, attention, present arms, right face, left face, ready, aim, fire, at ease, etc.). Although firearms were introduced to Japan as early as the 13th century, they were largely abandoned when Japan closed to outside traders in the late 16th century). They were re-introduced when Japan opened to the West in 1854, and by the 1860s Japanese soldiers were equipped with guns and rifles.
Highlights of Japanese Printmaking Part 4: Shunga, Scholten Japanese Art, 2014, cat. no. 60
price: $4,000
Scholten Japanese Art is open Monday - Friday, and some Saturdays by appointment only
Contact Katherine Martin at
(212) 585-0474 or email
to schedule a visit between 11am and 4pm preferably for no more than two individuals at a time.
Visitors are asked to wear face masks and practice social distancing at their discretion.
site last updated
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145 West 58th Street, suite 6D
New York, New York 10019
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subset: commoncrawl


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Just posted at WUWT…
1. Clouds happen in the troposphere (well, apart from some special kinds of clouds)
2. Clouds reflect radiation back to space
3. Radiative ("feedback") effects are negligible in the troposphere (read raypierre's book if you don't believe that)
Hence radiative effects have little or no roles to play wrt clouds, apart from reflection back to space.
Therefore clouds can only cool. Empirically this can be shown in days when the sky is overcast apart from where the sun is. Were clouds to warm the surface, an "oven" effect would soon establish itself. Of course it never happens with any kind of tropospheric cloud: if it did it would violate the finding that radiative effects are negligible in the troposphere.
Therefore clouds can only cool.


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Silverstone Inn & Suites
Common Spaces
Common Spaces
Heading 1
The Copper Beech Suite
#2 Copper Beech Suite $329 per night (average Rate)
The largest suite is on the second floor and has a private balcony with furniture overlooking the back gardens, walnut grove, and flagstone courtyard. The room is spacious with a king size bed and six feather pillows. At the foot of the bed is a large mirror from when this was the lady of the house's dressing room.
Adjacent to the bedroom You also have a gas-fireplace with the original restored mantel with a lover's alcove for a comfortable and cozy option for two. A two person Jacuzzi air bath is located in the corner of the sitting room area of the suite for your relaxation.
The sitting area has a small flat screen television with DVD player while the bedroom area has a large LCD TV with built in DVD player. A hidden mini-bar is located next to the fireplace and has a European style coffee maker, coffee and tea supplies, microwave, small refrigerator and sink. You will have great views from the original windows down on the front gardens, the sugar maple grove and our farm fields which are tended by our Amish neighbor.
The tiled bathroom contains a 2-person shower with dual showerheads and controls. Each bathroom has soft, large, quality towels, a wall mounted blow-dryer and beautiful grey veined marble floors.
The suite is equipped with individually controlled AC/Heat, telephone, iron, ironing board, hardwood flooring and free wireless Internet access.


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A HUCK bucket is designed to perform, made from performance polymers and built to last. It's a five-gallon bucket on steroids. It's made super strong and will last super long!
Our Buckets are made and assembled in the USA with internationally sourced rubber. *The only exception to our commitment to manufacture within the USA is our rubber compound sourcing that comes from overseas due to Vibram's robust US Military contracts. We were unable to continue our production with Vibram's domestic resources due to their increasing need to supply the men and women of the US Military. The US Military has our full and complete support and they are a group of people we will always gladly take a back seat to.
Made from , a proprietary blend of performance polymers
Your everyday, disposable five-gallon bucket is constructed of an inexpensive, ordinary high-density polyethylene, the same material used to make milk jugs and sandwich bags. It's cheap and readily available and a good choice for a low-cost, disposable product.
A HUCK performance bucket is constructed of a proprietary blend of performance polymers known as SpryTech, specially formulated for extreme strength and durability, yet light weight and with uncommon resistance to wear, temperature and chemicals. HUCK's polymer blend offers excellent UV stabilization so it won't degrade when subjected to constant sunlight, and it's BPA free so it is food-safe. Using it to construct a 5-gallon bucket changes everything!


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Goldfish are believed to have an attention span of only 9 seconds. But post 2000, a new 'fish' has beaten them in fickleness. We, humans now have an attention span of 8 seconds (a study by Microsoft). What does that mean?
Most people will not read through to the second paragraph. Most people will not stay for the next act. Most people will not wait for the main course.
But the study also states, "They're better at identifying what they want/don't want to engage with and need less to process and commit things to memory."
Beating the human algorithm to create sustainable engagement
1. Create experience
People love experiences. This in part makes us human. We feel. When content creates experience, it enjoins its audience as co-conspirators or co-creators. Content that drives engagement through experience creates a sustainable bond. For example, using metaphors in storytelling instigates the sensory cortex of the human brain. The more vivid the experience, more the engagement.
2. Say more with less
As Todd Brison states quite deftly in his article, "Focus less on more. Focus more on less". Attend to the best flower in your garden. Create the brilliant 8 second spark and the fire will follow. Maximize the impact by minimizing the zone of contact.
3. The Storyteller
Active voice matters. Audience wants to be addressed directly. They want to be seen, to be remembered. They same goes with the storyteller. The audience wants to visualise the speaker. They want to know the persona. Mascots are unique and visualised form of the voice. Give a personality to the voice.
The Goldfish Takeaway
Going back to talking about goldfish, research at Keio University (Tokyo, Japan) found that goldfish are able to distinguish between classical music by two different great composers, Johann Sebastian Bach and Igor Stravinsky. Create a distinct voice for your brand and even the human fishes will recognise.
Watch how Vigilbox engages with its audience using this simple animated video:
Find out how you can engage the human fishes. Ask for a quote: http://www.brainpanstudio.com/quote
Say hello to us on other networks:
Brainpan Studio(The mothership) | Facebook (Polls and videos) | Twitter (News and Industry titbits) | Youtube (Awesome videos) | Instagram (The animated team stories)


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Continuing a collaboration between helmer/co-writer Dave Boyle and musician-turned-thesp Goh Nakamura that began with last year's "Surrogate Valentine," "Daylight Savings" offers more of the drolly comic black-and-white same. Pic has some funnier incidents than the first film, as well as a little more narrative oomph within a still-loose framework. Like its predecessor, "Daylight" should travel the fest circuit en route to small-scale theatrical rollout and home-format release.
Playing himself, despite the usual closing "work of fiction" disclosure, guitar teacher and indie singer-songwriter Nakamura is introduced playing a club gig as adoring girlfriend Erika (Ayako Fujitani) looks on. He's about to join her in Los Angeles, moving wholesale from San Francisco to step things up a notch. Unfortunately, that's all been settled (and his S.F. apartment let go) when she suddenly decides maybe they should just be friends after all.
This upset coincides with a visit from Goh's cousin Mike (Michael Aki), who's going through his own relationship aftermath in quite different fashion; Mike is reliably full of bad ideas, while Goh is feeling susceptible. It doesn't take long for Mike to lead them both into trouble on a spontaneous road trip to Las Vegas, where he wants to push Goh into hooking up with fellow indie-rock musician Yea-Ming (Yea-Ming Chen of band Dreamdate, whose pleasant songs are showcased here alongside Nakamura's). On the way, they stop in San Juan Baptista, where Goh manages to get his guitar stolen and his playing hand crushed in a car door.
Like "Surrogate Valentine, "Daylight Savings" is amusing but slight. However, without "Valentine's" caricatured narcissistic actor Danny (Chadd Stoops, briefly reappearing here) around to turn this into a buddy comedy, the pic more agreeably posits Nakamura as the hapless lone protagonist continually set upon by more daft personalities. Citing Truffaut's Antoine Doinel series as an inspiration, Boyle ("White on Rice") has said he plans on further movies with the musician-star, a prospect more appealing now; perhaps each film will also gain a little heft and bounce over the prior one.
Bill Otto's crisp monochrome lensing highlights a well-turned low-budget tech package.


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kid friendly hikes portland oregon
banksy portland oregon /r/Portland is the regional subreddit for Portland, Oregon. jump to content. my subreddits. But most everyone online as well as local curators say it's doubtful the Portland graffiti was made by him. Banksy, as some blogs have noted, makes very calculated decisions about the location of his.
Virtual Hike of Tickle Creek Trail. Conditions.. Family Friendly The flat wide packed gravel trail surface is perfect for young children. The playground along the trail in the middle is also an attraction.. deer fern, maidenhair fern, oxalis, Oregon grape, salal, red huckleberry, snowberry.
Featured in my book, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Portland, as part of the Triple Falls Hike. For me, as a kids' hike, this one is much better than its super-crowded neighbors, Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls.
A family friendly hike on Mt. Hood. We initially drove up Mt. Hood to hike kid-friendly Mirror Lake, but our Oregon hikes guide book wasn't wrong about it being a popular hike for families: Even on a weekday morning, the parking area on the side of the highway was overrun. So we drove a mere 6 miles farther up Mt. Hood and were rewarded when.
portland oregon gifts Named one of "America's Best Shopping Streets" by US News & World Report, Northwest 23rd Ave is a charming neighborhood, filled with shops and stores with gifts for every occasion.
Kid-friendly hikes The whole family can enjoy Portland's greenery on these trails. Head out Families will find lots to enjoy in Portland, from hands-on science at OMSI to baby elephants at the zoo, with plenty of parks and free attractions, too.
where can you see the eclipse in oregon jason gooding seaside oregon She has been filming scenes with Lenny Kravitz and Cuba Gooding Jr in New orleans. oscar-winner forest Whitaker plays the role of real life chief white house butler Cecil Gaines. The star-studded film.5 destinations Where You Can See the total solar eclipse.. where the solar eclipse is visible-begins near Oregon's Pacific Coast and goes in a southerly slope through states including.
Home > Family Travel Ideas > Outdoor Adventure > Best Hikes with Kids near Portland, Oregon. Best Hikes with Kids near Portland, Oregon. March 7, 2011 by Lora 1 Comment.. Why do you like that kid-friendly hike? Bonnie: I love hiking at the Oregon Coast in the winter when the weather is crummy.
Toddler-friendly hikes in the Portland area.. tryon creek state Natural Area, courtesy Oregon State Parks.png. A A.. she understands the challenges of wanting to enjoy the trails with young.
BIG BEND National Park can be intimidating. Countless photographs behold the region's undeniable grandeur, its spectacular amalgam of desert, mountain, river, and sky. But the images also convey vast emptiness-16th-century spanish explorers dubbed this territory el despoblado, "the uninhabited."
Family Fun Trip Ideas. See More. Easy Family Backpacking Trips. Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Brookings. Brookings, Oregon Coast . Great kids ski deals in Oregon. 5 Family-Friendly Hikes Around Portland. Portland, Portland Region .. 2018 Travel Oregon | The official guide to Oregon travel.
There are so many amazing hikes within Portland city limits or close to the city that we had a hard time narrowing down a list. We opted to share our recommendations for family-friendly trails, waterfall hikes, and best hikes for views.
new year celebration portland oregon Upcoming New Year's Eve Events In Portland Oregon. New Year's Eve at Saucebox, New Year's Eve with Summer Cannibals, and New Year's Eve with Brizzleman, Fountaine are top New Year's Eve Events In Portland near you.


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Monday, February 13, 2012
1st 5 Pages February Workshop - Basso Rev 1
Genre: YA Paranormal
Chapter One – My Freaking Life
Not in the damn hallway. Anywhere but here.
A surge of dizziness claws its way over me. I sway on my feet, watching the Santa Cruz High School crowd thin.
"Whoa." A chick I recognize from Geometry stops walking toward her next class. She comes one, two, three steps closer. In my warped vision the closer she comes, the more her body jerks and jumps. I blink in the hopes she'll even out. Her lipstick wavers from orange to purple.
"Doing okay there, Grace?" The guy beside her clasping her fingers leans in. His eyes remind me of a toad's, too far apart. But then again, the right side of his face is melting, so who am I to judge?
I whip up enough BS to shoo them away before things get worse, though I have no clue what I've said. Eventually they turn the corner. The hallway quiets in its empty state. I suck in air like a drowning person who's just reached the surface. It doesn't help. I can't freaking breathe.
The instant my knees hit the ground I know. My insomnia is killing me from the inside out. I struggle to pick myself up, but the sweat on my palms turns cold, tacking my hand to the faded mauve linoleum. The faint odor of disinfectant and dirty sneakers wafts up, stinging my nostrils.
My pulse thrums erratically in my ears. White film spots my vision.
I can't control anything anymore. Sleep is such a cruel and distant idea by now that when my energy seeps out, threatening to pull me into unconsciousness, the only thing I can do is wait it out. I slump back against a set of coral half-lockers, butt firmly plastered to the floor.
Only one more period, then I can go home, deal with this in private.
A dark figure by the window catches my unreliable eye. The guy's tall frame casts a shadow across the floor, draping over me like a psychopath in a movie.
I open my mouth to ask him if he's enjoying my misery, but the sight of him stops me. I grow even colder. He's dressed all in black, some emo kid hoping to get off on witnessing my meltdown, but the chill that pricks my spine warns of something different. Something dangerous.
A hood shrouds his face, making him impossible to identify. Harnessing my anger in place of the fear bitter on my tongue, I turn a scowl at him.
He ghosts away from the window so fast I swear he hit fast forward, zooming dead at me. He hits the brakes, stopping on a dime mere inches from where I've collapsed.
A new couple holding hands swerve to avoid us. She's wearing the ugliest purple jeans I've ever seen and he's stuffed into too tight corduroys. Emo kid is still in black—no, not in black, in shadows. As if they're cloaked around him, sealing all of him off from the light. The couple's eyes follow me as they walk. Just me. I can still see those horrid purple pants through emo kid's torso.
More hallucinations.
The couple enter the second classroom on the right together.
The sweat at the back of my neck subsides and cools. "I don't know what your damn problem is, but—"I slam my fist down on what should be his foot to punctuate my annoyance. Black smoke disperses, wafting up and filling my nostrils with the smell of a thousand trees crackling in a forest fire. My hand smashes with a thwak on the scuffed mauve linoleum. Emo kid still stands there, without a freaking foot.
My heart leaps into my throat, chocking back my hiss of pain. I jerk back, slamming my head into the locker behind me. Pain flares behind my eyes and my long hair tangles with the Master Lock. Darkness, something blacker than tar hovers over me. The stench of acrid smoke invades me again as this smoky liquid leaves his body and wraps around my wrist. I can't feel it attach to me, but I see the thick thread that links us.
A cold chill of fear freezes me. For a moment I try to convince myself none of this is real. Sucking in a gulp of burnt air helps me remember my industrial-strength self. The almost-tough-enough person I've become in the last five months since Jake's death. Determined to land a kick in crazy emo kid's family jewels, I try to pull my arm away, only I can't move. My hand is glued to the floor, held there by the shadows, left to watch as they swirl up my wrist and around my arm. I grit my teeth, refusing to let out a whimper.
"Grace? Are you okay?" The shadows expand then float away like moths caught by a gust of air. Raf darts across the hall. The black disperses like smoke, leaving no trace, no proof of its presence.
What. The hell. Was that?
Emo kid, or whatever he was, is gone too.
"Did you fall?" Raf takes my hand and pulls me to my feet. "Or pass out?" Once I'm steady, he drops his hand and wipes it on the bottom of his green polo shirt.
"Uh," I fight for focus, but my serious lack of sleep pelts me again with the inability to recover from whatever just happened.
"Do you want me to take you—"
Finally my mind jumpstarts. "Not the nurse!" I belt out a little too quick. "I didn't pass out. Everything's fine. See?" I try to paste on a smile, but I'm sure it looks more like I'm about to have a dentist check-up. Another major fail.
Raf twists his lips to the side, probably trying to decide whether he believes me or not.
I allow myself to look at him, really look. I hold onto the breath I tend to lose whenever I see his face. His faintly freckled skin, stubbled chin, too amazing lips, and those sea green eyes so saturated with color. The combination causes giddiness to swim in my stomach.
Crap. I suppress the urge to sigh or swoon or embarrass myself with some other super girly action.
Emo kid couldn't have been real. Get a grip…and stop ogling your second best friend!
The late bell signaling beginning of last period rings.
"Want me to walk you to class?" He asks.
"No, thanks. I've got it." I think.
The way he hangs back while I take control of my feet and push forward tells me this isn't over. I beat him to the punch before we both end up with detention. "Do me a favor and don't tell Pen about my hallway sideshow. She worries enough." The last thing I need is another lecture from Penelope, my very best friend and toughest critic.
Raf sighs so softly I almost don't hear it. "If you promise to get a good night's sleep, Pen will never know."
I pause near the end of the hall and close my eyes, taking a deep breath before casting one last glance over my shoulder at Raf, unable to avoid the place where that shadow thing had been. Raf ducks into his class, and there's no sign of any shadows.
I have to get some sleep tonight.
* * *
One night without sleep is fine. Two? Not so bad. But eight?
Hell. On. Freaking. Earth.
5 comments:
I absolutely love your new opening. I can picture things perfectly, and I am riveted!ReplyDelete
"But then again, the right side of his face is melting, so who am I to judge?" I love this line. I think I actually swooned outloud after reading it. :) The voice is just fabulous.
My only nitpick for the beginning is that I don't see a "surge" of dizziness "clawing."
As things get going, I have a couple other suggestions:
1) Based on how fabulously the opening places us at the scene, the couple with tight cords and purple jeans seemed like an unnecessary distraction.
2) I would rearrange these two sentences...
"Black smoke disperses, wafting up and filling my nostrils with the smell of a thousand trees crackling in a forest fire. My hand smashes with a thwak on the scuffed mauve linoleum."
...because I would think the pain from the hand would happen before smoke would reach her nose.
3) And for the parargraph after that, I feel like she's thought about too many different things between when her hand hits the floor and her head jerks back. Can you combine these two paragraphs so she hits her hand, jerks her head back, gets her hair tangled, smells smoke, looks and sees that Emo kid is standing there without a freakin' foot?
"like moths caught by a gust of air" - Love that.
I think I would add some form of "comes out of nowhere" to Raf's entrance.
But this is just awesome. You've got great tension, fabulous voice, and with the earlier mention of her insomnia and recently having lost Jake -- I'm totally rooting for her!!
Hi Lisa,ReplyDelete
I love the additional grounding in this opening, but I still feel that I would like to know the character a little bit better before I'm thrust into such an intense experience. Just a little bit that lets us see her struggling through a school day, perhaps, so that we can relate to her. Your writing and her character will sell this, so don't be too concerned with jumping right in. (Sounds counter intuitive, right? I know.)
Actually, I wonder if the following line might not give you a great jumping off point:
My insomnia is killing me from inside out.
That's riveting! You could even go from there to the "One night without sleep..." graph, and then do a very brief grounding about her struggling to get through *insert some class that gives us her age* and maybe a two sentence interaction with a friend, then get us into the scene. I'd just love you to let us love her voice and get us on her side before we jump in.
Great job though!
One thing that struck me as I read: "my unreliable eye." You've already shown us her unreliability as her insomnia grows worse, so I'm not sure that's necessary. Also pulled me out a bit because I wondered if anyone would classify herself/her eye as being unreliable. Sorry, that's a really nit picky comment.ReplyDelete
I too like Martina still am wondering a bit about her character. You might not need a full on scene with her at school though--maybe you could show us parts of her with her bag which slips when she falls? What does she carry in there? Is she a serious student? Does her insomnia ruin that part of her life? Or does she not bother being organized about things because everything's in a daze, etc.?
As is, though (re: her character), I don't understand her reaction to the Emo kid. He's a hallucination, perhaps, and her first reaction is that he has a problem with her and scowls at him / punches his foot? If you choose not to have something before this, maybe you can just expand a little on her emotion, because it switches pretty quickly. First, she's frustrated with her lack of sleep, then fearful of the figure, and then angry all in the span of maybe a few paragraphs.
Also I'm a little confused as to why she's ogling Raf's face when a few paragraphs above, you mention something about the person she has become after Jake's death. (Unless Jake was not her boyfriend, which I'm assuming).
Love, love your voice! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.
Lisa! Love your name btw. ;D Great revision, but I agree with Martina that we still need more "real" Life. Can you take us through part of her day while she tries, less and less successfully to blow off the effects of her insomnia? Culminating of course in this episode, which is awesome? Other than that only minor things stuck out. Like the use of the word "closer" in the beginning more than once. And this "A new couple holding hands swerve to avoid us. She's wearing the ugliest purple jeans I've ever seen and he's stuffed into too tight corduroys. " Though well written, caught me because I thought 'wow, she's noticing what they're wearing while going through THAT?' Can't wait to see next weeks!ReplyDelete
I think Martina's suggestion for using "My insomnia is killing me from the inside out" as your first line is fantastic! Much more unique of a hook (IMO, at least) than collapsing in the hallway. Not that I don't like the collapsing in the hallway, or your lead-in line to that, I definitely do. But to start off the whole story, the insomnia line says so much more about the MC and her situation right off the bat.ReplyDelete
In terms of likeability, you've improved this leaps and bounds since last week. I have no issues sympathizing with the MC now. She still seems a bit standoffish, but your comment about Jake's death justifies her understandable aloofness.
I agree with everyone's comments about sequencing of things she notices and feels. In addition, I don't think she'd still be thinking of the shadows as an emo kid, since there's no indication of person-like features.
There are a couple of extraneous phrases here and there, and I'd watch out for some physical cliches like heart leaping in her throat and such, but overall the writing is excellent. I love your MC's voice! It's very strong.


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The other day Eminem sat down with Sway for a lengthy interview, in which he revealed that the release of Kamikaze was inspired by the lukewarm receptions of its predecessors Revival, 2004's Encore and 2009's Relapse. He also began to speak on the rifts with both Joe Budden and Machine Gun Kelly, but Part 1 ended before he really got into it.
Part two has now been released, where Slim explains where the discord comes from. Naturally, Em felt slighted by Joe's frequent criticisms of his music while he was signed to and being helped by Shady Records as a member of Slaughterhouse. He also divulges a bit on why Glass House never released.
(As a quasi-hilarious aside, I remember years ago when some random enterprising type re-created Slaughterhouse's self-titled album and removed Joe from every part of it, including the album cover.)
Eminem also goes into detail about his problems with MGK, which stemmed from his 2012 tweets about Em's daughter Hallie. Keep in mind… when MGK wrote this tweet about Hallie, she was 16 and he was 22. That right there, to me, is more than enough for any father to snap. But, I digress.
Either way, watch the whole thing below.


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Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Pray don't Prattle
I was sent this, a nice little reminder of the importance of prayer in the Sacred Triduum.
Part two is here.
7 comments:
- Pablo the Mexican said...
I could not get part two from your blog but it is here:
Panhrestos has some very good videos besides this one.
The Visit of Christ seems interesting.
Thank you for the link.
- 5/4/12 2:56 am
- Pablo the Mexican said...
May the Mother of Mercy take you by the hand and guide you to Calvary as she did one other Priest:
Saint John of the Cross.
- 5/4/12 2:58 am
- John Fisher said...
Father..What a beautiful gift!
Thank You
- 5/4/12 4:33 am
Thanks for that, Father. Even I was rendered speechless . Humbled too. Let's pray for Russia.
- 5/4/12 9:39 am
Pablo - if you click on the video to start part 1, and control bar comes up, containing volume etc controls. Look towards the right hand end of this bar and you will see a little icon labelled 'YouTube video'. Click on that and you will get a selection of videos. Click on (I think) the top left picture to get part two. Hope this helps. Happy Easter!
- 5/4/12 9:46 am
- Pablo the Mexican said...
Happy Easter as well.
Thank you for the info...
sometimes, living out here in Coyote and Rattlesnakeland, our Internet does some weird things.
Your advice was just what I needed and much appreciated.
Que Dios te bendiga.
- 8/4/12 9:30 pm
Thank you very much for posting this Father. It gave me a lot of much needed comfort and encouragement.
- 12/4/12 7:55 pm
The Lord's descent into the underworld
At Matins/the Office of Readings on Holy Saturday the Church gives us this 'ancient homily', I find it incredibly moving, it is abou...
"I am for Paul; and I for Apollos; and I for Cephas; and I for Christ" 1 Cor 1:12 The Church being divided into partis...
A French newspaper has reported Pope Francis, once Benedict dies, will abrogate Summorum Pontificum and handover Old Rite's celebrat...
I was at the Verona Opera Festival when Summorum Pontificum was published but it wasn't until All Souls Day that I first attempted to s...


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Cloud telecommunications solutions provider Firstcom Europe on Tuesday announced the acquisition of UK-based Difference Corporation Ltd in a strategic move to accelerate the firm's growth across Europe.
Difference Corporation is a leading source for Cloud Contact Centre technology and its service portfolio includes dialer technology, sophisticated inbound call handling, social media, email and SMS management, automation services and collaboration tools.
Firstcom Europe is executing a strategy of integrating business facing companies throughout Europe with cloud technology. The first phase of its expansion saw it acquire companies in UK, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Germany.
In the UK, this latest acquisition increases revenues to over €5.6 million, from €1.7 million in 2013 and will bring complimentary products and management expertise to Firstcom's UK partner base.
Speaking of the deal, Firstcom Europe CTO Adam Crisp explained: "The acquisition of Difference gives our sales partners access to a new set of communications services backed by a specialist team. The expertise of the Difference team will complement Firstcom's skills set as we develop our next generation communications systems."
Firstcom is currently in the middle of a rapid expansion, with the deal to acquire being the seventh for the firm in the past four years, but the firm has no plans to slow down, says CEO Jean-Pierre Vandromme. "We expect to close another three acquisitions in 2018 which would bring our expected revenue to over €50 million. Our goal is to become the prime Pan-European cloud provider with presence across most of Europe and a revenue of over €100 million by 2020. This is a significant milestone on our journey."
Trevor Geraghty, business development director, Difference Corporation added his delight at the deal. "The team at Difference are delighted to be part of Firstcom, an international group of technology companies. The reach, scale and experience this brings is excellent news for our people, customers and partners. The founding management team are 100 per cent committed to the project and continuing the 'service first' culture which has made Difference the success it is today."
The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.


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Out on an early morning walk, I spotted this shop window and couldn't resist taking a photo. It brought to mind…
- people who say they are open to change but keep doing things in old ways.
- people who say they are interested in others' ideas, but don't listen.
- people who say they want to learn but then insist they don't have time.
- teachers who know it's the 21st century, but are still reluctant to embrace technology.
- teachers who talk about letting go, but make every decision in their classroom.
- teachers who say they value collaboration, but insist their classroom is quiet.
- teachers who 'attend' professional development but don't apply anything they learned.
- students who want to learn, but need to do so in unconventional ways.
- learners who are filled with creative ideas but bound by constraints of curriculum.
Then when I inserted the photo here, I noticed my own reflection in the window. It reminded me that the 'open/closed' dichotomy applies to me too. Don't we all at times think ours is the best perspective, the most efficient way or the right answer?
It's a reminder to notice… not just to hear or half-hear, but to listen to and think about what our colleagues are saying. And what our students are saying. And what they are not saying. And what we ourselves are saying…


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Women entrepreneurs are master jugglers—weaving through the inevitable ebbs and flows that starting a new venture brings. And while many milestones require celebrations, others warrant pivots. The important part of being faced with difficult, complicated and high-stake situations is having the ability to face them, head on—and with strength and confidence. Here, six brave leaders reveal the tumultuous points of their companies and how they were able to handle them and move forward.
Read more at: https://www.fastcompany.com/90340504/6-women-entrepreneurs-on-how-they-handled-the-worst-day-of-their-career


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If you thought that the Republican party couldn't be anymore clueless, guess again. Two years after former Virginia senator George Allen used a racial slur during his 2006 re-election campaign, he was an invited guest speaker at a GOP minority outreach rally onSaturday. Held at Edison High School in Alexandria, VA, the event featured various ethnic dance troupes and representatives from several minority communities from Virginia. Other speakers included several congressional candidates, Virginia governor James S. Gilmore III, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and Joe McCain, the brother of Sen. John McCain.
According to the Washington Post, when Allen took the stage demonstrators Victoria Leavelle and Nancy Hwa interrupted Allen with shouts of "George Allen is a racist! Shame on the Republican Party for having him speak!" When they were forced to leave the rally they continued their protest outside the event.
When speaking about the immigrant experience in America, Allen, the son of the former NFL coach George Allen, made a comparison to growing up in a "football family where you have a level playing field and you didn't care . . . what their ethnicity was, where they were from, their race. It didn't matter, as long as they could help that team win. And all of you all here are part of Team Virginia or Team America."
Who knew that the minority experience could be so easily explained by a football metaphor. Thanks George.
To see the infamous George Allen video from August 11, 2006, go here.


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Researchers to Explore Financial Benefits to Managed Care Plans of Helping Smokers Quit
From April 2002 to March 2004, a research team, led by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago, developed a research agenda and funding proposals for studies of the economic consequences of smoking and the financial benefits of offering greater insurance coverage for smoking cessation treatment in U.S. managed health care plans.
Key Results
The researchers:
- Submitted two proposals to the National Cancer Institute for funding for projects to address health services issues related to tobacco use and cessation.
- Prepared an article that proposes a research agenda to support the business case for investments in smoking cessation programs.


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|All Things Valentine premieres January 31 on Hallmark Channel. Photo Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter
When Avery (Rafferty) is assigned a Valentine's Day advice column for the local newspaper, she's less than thrilled. After a string of disappointing Valentine's days, she's all but given up on love. But when Avery takes her dog o the vet and meets the handsome veterinarian Brenden (Page), she throws herself into the assignment. A chance encounter with the newly single Brenden leads to a date and Avery starts thinking maybe this year will be different.
Watch a sneak peek below:
The cast includes Carolyn Adair, Anthony Bolognese, Nesta Cooper, Heather Doerksen, Beverley Elliott, and Jeremy Guilbaut.
All Things Valentine was directed by Gary Harvey and written by J.B. White


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Tire dealerships could be doing more to make the online experience better for customers, according to market intelligence service Tire Intelligence.
The service conducted a survey of 150 U.S. tire dealerships – primarily independents with multiple locations – during Q1 2015 to gauge tire dealership's adoption of Internet technologies. The report, titled 2015 Adoption of Internet Technologies in Tire Dealers, focused on two areas of Internet technology: Web visibility and website to store conversions.
The study reported that 73% of dealerships are below basic or basic as related to their Web visibility. Visibility, according to the report, refers to the dealership's website's search engine optimization and social media participation.
A majority of surveyed dealerships ranked high in Google searches for "tire dealers" in their local city. According to the survey, 64% of surveyed dealerships appear in the top three results of a Google search.
Fifty-three percent of surveyed dealerships have no Facebook account or don't update the account; 70% of surveyed dealerships have no Twitter account or don't update the account.
"Having a website is just the beginning," the report stated. "In order to attract consumers to your website, you will need to invest time and money to increase your visibility across search engines, social media platforms, etc."
The survey also measured the ability of a tire dealership's website to increase the likelihood of customers visiting the store after visiting the website.
"Very often, companies invest in the creation of a website, hundreds of dollars in Google Ad-words and Facebook Ads, however, they do not spend enough time and investment in the actual mechanisms to closing sales," the report stated.
When it comes to checking inventory and prices, 88% of tire dealerships' websites have a tire selector. However, only 20% of dealers showed prices online.
Sixty-seven percent offer the customer the ability to request a quote.
Less than half of the surveyed dealers' websites enable customers to book appointments online.
A small percentage of tire dealerships, 6%, provide customers with the ability to pay for tires and service online, the survey reported.


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Ten p.m., mid-May, Monday night shift. The usual patrol along the quiet interstate. Velvet star-shot sky, empty road. Ho-hum. Swing into the rest area, circle the loop. There—an unlighted car in a dark corner near the tree line. A male in the driver's seat. Stranded motorist?
Stop the cruiser. Radio check to dispatch. Aim the floods. Get out. Angle-approach the passenger side. Hand on gun. Standard procedure. Observe. Use caution. Be aware.
Night insects buzz. Ripples of engine heat ride cooling air. Hot oil-stink. And—shadows?
No. Men. Two men. Racing out of the nearby woods. The driver's door swings open, the driver surges out. What the—A flash of steel.
BACK UP! BACK UP! Can't—falling!
"He's down!"
"Drag him into the woods!"
"We're going to cut your throat, cop."
No! Can't breathe. Can't talk. Can't see. Can't—
The boxblade slices skin. Blood spurts, hot, sticky. Slippery. Struggle! Not going to die easy. FIGHT.
The button. Push the button. Push the—
The cruiser door pops. The K-9 partner leaps out, streaks through the night, an avenging guardian propelled by nature and nurture to defend and protect.
A shriek, a scrabble of shoe on pavement. An engine roars. Doors slam. Tires squeal. A thump, a whimper.
Blood. Everywhere. Multiple knife wounds. Road rash, black bits of asphalt embedded like pimples. But not dead. Not going to die. Refuse to die.
If the story ended there, what would you still want to know? Maybe you're curious about the reason for the ambush. Maybe you want some certainty that the cop survived. Maybe you want to know if the criminals got caught.
And maybe, just maybe, you want to know what happened to the dog.
What happened to the dog?
Gotta know what happened to the dog!
As readers, one of our pet peeves is the dangler—such as the fate of the K-9 officer in the story above. We're not talking cliffhangers, where the author stops the action temporarily to keep us turning pages. We're fine with those. But danglers, abandoned, forlorn, ignored, and forgotten…danglers drive us crazy, and not in a good way. The thump. The whimper. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DOG?
As fiction writers, we create an entire world to engage readers. We're responsible for what we bring to life—and how we finish off what we bring to life. We take that responsibility seriously, and readers notice. How do we know? Because readers have told us. The inspiration for this post was Gina Briganti's video review of one of our books and her comment about books she's read where "it just didn't come together."
Having it "come together" is what makes a story satisfying. That's true of any story, including the one above, which is based on real events. Before you click the "publish" icon and release your book into the wild, read through your work once more and eliminate danglers. Your loyal readers deserve the whole story.
Still wondering what happened to the dog? In fiction, you can take the story in any direction your imagination dares to go–preferably down a road that ends with no danglers. Real life is not so dangler-free. According to news articles and the Sheriff's Office FaceBook page, K-9 Officer Lucas suffered a torn ligament, broken teeth, and road rash. He's recovering and is expected to be fine. His human partner spent the night in the hospital and has also recovered. The ambushers have not been caught and the motive for the attack is unknown.
How do you feel about danglers? Let us know in the comments.
HL Carpenter—Read along with us!
Florida-based mother/daughter author duo HL Carpenter writes sweet, clean fiction that is suitable for everyone in your family. The Carpenters write from their studios in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like their stories, is unreal but not untrue. When they're not writing, the Carpenters enjoy exploring the Land of What-If and practicing the fine art of Curiosity. Visit HLCarpenter.com to enjoy gift reads and excerpts and to find out what's happening in Carpenter Country.
Connect with HL Carpenter
Our home on the web is HLCarpenter.com. We're also on Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and we have an author page on Amazon.


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This style fits true to size, take your normal size. Remember this piece is designed for an oversized fit, cut to be worn very loose.
Main Material: 100% Organic cotton poplin.
Sizing Notes: The female model is 176cm/5'9" wearing a Size S/M.
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By Senior Airman Stormy Archer , 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
/ Published August 08, 2017
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright discusses recent changes to enlisted professional development education during a senior NCO call on Aug. 31, 2017 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The Air Force's senior enlisted leader was at the base for an immersion with Air Education and Training Command headquarters and missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sean M. Worrell)


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"I trust the Lord." "I'm trusting in God." "You should trust in Him." Phrases like these cross the lips of Christians almost automatically—or at least they did before the coronavirus crisis. This unexpected season, however, has caused many of us to think more seriously about the one in whom we place our hope and trust.
Robert and Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, authors of the new book You Can Trust God to Write Your Story, understand how unexpected circumstances can challenge our faith. In fact, the subtitle of their book, Embracing the Mysteries of Providence, reveals their approach. The couple unpacked the word "providence" and many other truths on a recent episode of the Hope for Your Marriage series on the Charisma News podcast.
"We are all either having come to something, in the middle of something or about to step into something," says Robert, who has worked in the publishing industry for more than 40 years. "And so 'embracing the mysteries of providence' sums it up pretty well."
"Providence" refers to "a God who sees everything before it ever happens, and who not only sees what's going to happen in our lives, but orders every particle of this earth, every happening in this universe and in our lives before we ever come to it, who not only sees what's going to happen, but He goes before us," adds Nancy, host of the Revive Our Hearts and Seeking Him podcasts and radio shows. "And He makes provision for what we're going to need when we get there. And so it's a God who cares for us, who knows everything, who is good, who is faithful.
"And so when we land in a chapter of our story that catches us off-guard, we're saying, 'Oh, that's not the script I would have written for my life. I don't want that chapter.' [But] we know that we're not going through it alone, that God has been there before us. ... We are safe, because God is a God of providence, which doesn't mean that we can see it all or understand it all."
Not only did God bring Robert and Nancy together in an amazing way after the tragic death of Robert's first wife, Bobbie, but at the time of this recording, the two were holding fast to His promises as Robert faced a March 31 surgery for melanoma.
"So this is real life for us," says Robert. "This is the front lines of trusting God to write our story. I'm incredibly grateful to have a wife who understands, who stands with me, who encourages me, who reminds me of truth. And that's really what we rest on: God's Word. And His providence, His kindness, is true."
To hear more of the Wolgemuths' encouragement and to learn how you can trust God to write your story no matter what, listen to the podcast here.
To contact us or to submit an article, click here.
Get Charisma's best content delivered right to your inbox! Never miss a big news story again. Click here to subscribe to the Charisma News newsletter.


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Denton, TX – Several Injured In Multi-Vehicle Crash On I-35 West
Denton, TX (April 5, 2019) – Just after 5 p.m. on April 5, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on I-35 West in Denton that caused a major traffic delay for over 10 miles.
The incident occurred on I-35 West near Post Oak. According to police, at least ten vehicles were involved in this collision. Several people were rushed to area hospitals following the collision, but there is no word on the extent of injuries received. The highway remained shut down for several hours after the crash to clear the area and investigate.
We pray all those injured in this terrifying collision are able to make a full recovery from their injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions In Texas
A motor vehicle accident happens every 59-seconds somewhere in Texas. Sadly, out of every two accidents, at least one person is injured. These numbers add up to over 500,000 motor vehicle accidents across our state resulting in over 250,000 injured victims annually.
The possibility of victims sustaining serious and life-altering injuries is greatly increased when there are multiple vehicles involved in the accident. Victims who are injured in collisions caused by irresponsible and negligent drivers should contact a Texas personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Our skilled Texas car accident attorneys at the Benton Law Firm have several years of experience with helping accident victims obtain the results they expect for their personal injury cases, and we are dedicated to helping you do the same. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, by no fault of your own, contact the Benton Law Firm at (214) 219-4878 to schedule a free case evaluation with our personal injury attorneys in Texas and see what legal options are available for you.
Note: The information included in this post was derived from secondary sources and has not been independently confirmed. Any inaccurate information will be corrected immediately after being brought to the site's attention. If you identify any false information within this story, please inform us immediately so we can adjust the post to contain the most accurate information available surrounding this event.
Disclaimer: The intent of this post is to provide general information to our readers and to help improve the safety and quality of life of those who live in our state. At the Benton Law Firm, we intend to honor those who are victimized in accidents across Texas. We aim to provide up to date information to the public surrounding these incidents in hopes of helping others to avoid becoming victims themselves or to know how to respond should a tragedy occur. Do not rely on any information within this post. Instead, seek further assistance from a legal or medical professional whenever necessary.


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CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC Comes To Phoenix in October
Performances are on October 6 & 7 at 7:30 pm.
The five world-class illusionists that make up this mind-bending theatrical production are back on tour in 2022, following sell out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a run in London's West End.
Catch this incredible show for the whole family at the Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams on October 6 & 7 at 7:30 pm. Tickets start at just $45.
Tickets for Champions Of Magic are on sale now and can be purchased online at championsofmagic.co.uk or by calling the Orpheum Theatre Box Office at (602)262-7272.
With more than 50 million online views between them, this cast of top magicians includes international award-winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen on screen around the world with appearances on The CW's 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us', NBC's 'Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon', 'The Today Show' & 'Access Hollywood Live'.
The Champions Of Magic team perform incredible interactive illusions, an impossible escape from Houdini's water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show features spectacular magic that can't be seen anywhere else.
Now's your chance to see why fans return to see one of the world's biggest touring illusion shows time and time again.
Don't miss your chance to catch some of the greatest magicians on the planet in Phoenix, with a show that never fails to amaze.


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Blog describing the work of Freedom to Choose (Scotland). Educating the general public, and particularly the general public in Scotland, on matters where freedom of choice is under threat.... "When health is equated with freedom, liberty as a political concept vanishes." (Dr. Thomas Szasz, The Therapeutic State).... INTOLERANCE IS THE MOST PREVENTABLE CAUSE OF INEQUALITIES!
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Dutch ban for small pubs lifted again (what happened to Scotland?)
Since the ban was ostensibly imposed on the grounds of protecting staff, one-man operators fought it on the grounds that they had no staff needing protection. Partial success in the courts last year led to a temporary lifting of the ban on such operations, but these judgements were overturned and the ban became general once again, but it has never been effectively enforced. This week's change has come from a new Dutch government – only just formed several weeks after the general election on 9 June.
Dutch bar owners, apart from not enforcing the ban, have also made their feelings known in other ways. They are well organised, and in a sensible way: i.e. the small bars have banded together as they have had a specific campaign regarding the smoking ban.
What has happened in Scotland and the UK? Dominated by chains and breweries, the fight for licensees since the ban struck their pockets has focussed on tied licences and (happily for the government) supermarket prices. It is never easy to get the powers that be to admit that the licensed trade, rendered unfit for purpose to up to half its customers by the smoking ban, has suffered thereby. And since some venues have stood to gain at the expense of their smaller neighbours, the trade has itself been divided.
In reports on the recent study that demonstrated the damage done by the smoking ban (in Scotland as well as the rest of the UK) the response from Paul Waterson of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association is lukewarm if not downright disappointing. Here, he says that pubs have been hit by the smoking ban, but not what an absolute travesty the ban is, and he does not recommend a review.
Even before the ban became law, the SLTA's stance was conciliatory rather than defiant. They declared they had compromise proposals on the table. Regrettably this proves to have been too genteel an approach to the enemies that were pushing at the door. What kind of bargaining counter is a 'compromise proposal'? Now that the Scottish Government's anti-smoking agenda has proved anything but genteel, bodies like the Scottish Licensed Trade Association must grow teeth and defend their members' choice of customers be respected. How is it to any licensee's advantage to be forced to put customers outside?
Weil Maessen, who represents the Dutch small bar umbrella organisation KHO, reminds us that the fight is not over until the whole hospitality sector regains choice. Brilliant: not just defiant but intelligent and prepared to deploy strategy and keep fighting!
7 comments:
What a refreshing change,a new Government that show some common sense,just shows how far away from reality the UK government really is.
- 29 September 2010 at 19:18
- Captain Ranty said...
Good old Weil! I am so pleased for him, and his pals at the KHO.
And for small bar owners! And their customers!!
- 29 September 2010 at 20:00
- Smoking Hot said...
Well done that man there!
- 29 September 2010 at 20:26
- Mark Wadsworth said...
Top stuff. Let's all move to the Netherlands!!
- 29 September 2010 at 20:30
- Eddie Douthwaite said...
When will the Scottish Politicians listen to the evidence that proves there was NEVER a need for a smoking ban in the first place.
Modern Air Filtration systems can deal with the "comfort" factor of Second Hand Smoke and produce an environment where smokers and non-smokers can co-exist.
The "Cherrypicked" studies that were used to support the introduction of the smoking ban have been exposed as clear manipulation to achieve a desired result.
Science by Press Release is no longer an option for the Scottish Government, the public have no faith in the forever ending stream of studies funded by "vested interest" groups and organisations.
- 29 September 2010 at 21:22
- Angry Exile said...
Good for the Dutch finally beginning to see sense.
- 29 September 2010 at 23:07
- Indyanhat said...
Great news where there is a chink found in their armout you can drive in a sharp pointed object to widen the hole until the whole thing bleeds to death!
EU laws call for harmonisation across the whole EU, time to start a small bar maybe?
- 29 September 2010 at 23:21


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Grand Rapids, MI
Mayor George Heartwell of Grand Rapids to commemorate the event at the plaque dedication ceremony.
Brewery Vivant was awarded LEED Silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation for their sustainably designed microbrewery and pub located in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. The environmentally conscious business becomes the first commercial brewery to achieve such designation which is governed by the Washington DC Based USGBC (United States Green Building Council).
Brewery Vivant owned by husband wife team Jason & Kris Spaulding, opened its bustling neighborhood pub and microbrewery just over a year ago in a historic funeral home built near the turn of the 20th century. Despite the challenges and extensive renovations needed to convert the existing building into the manufacturing and public site, the company feels great about its location.
"This project proved to be a real challenge as not only did we need to retrofit an existing building to LEED standards, but we also had to conform to Historic Preservation standards" comments Keith Winn, President of Catalyst Partners whose company managed the LEED portion of the project. Winn adds "Despite the challenge, we loved working on this project as it ended up having such a positive impact on the neighborhood. The owners made a big commitment to repurpose a building that was a vacant eyesore and transformed it into a vibrant community-gathering place." According to a recent study by the National Trust for Historic Buildings retrofitting an existing building to make it at least 30 percent more efficient is almost always a better bet for the environment than constructing a new building.
The brewery, which specializes in Belgian and French inspired beers, has incorporated many sustainable practices into their day-to-day operations. Their company goals are not just financially motivated. "Being a sustainable company means being concerned about more than just the bottom line. When we make decisions we weigh the impacts on our community as well as the environment." says Kris Spaulding, Sustainability Director and Co-Owner of Brewery Vivant. The company offsets 100% of their energy usage through purchasing RECs (Renewable Energy Credits). Kris adds "While the brewery does not have a turbine on the roof, we purchased RECs from Renewable Choice Energy so that all the energy the we use each year is replaced by energy produced renewably on a wind farm."
The company distributes its beer throughout the State of Michigan and plans to enter the Chicago market this summer. However, don't look for bottles of beer sitting on shelves, the brewery only ships its beer in aluminum cans. "After researching the full environmental impact of canning vs bottling it was an easy decision once the data was in front of us. Not only are the cans better for the environment but our beer will actually taste better out of a can as the beer is better protected from the negative effects of sunlight and oxygen." comments Jason Spaulding Brewery Vivant President. "People also love to take our beer where bottles can't go like camping, boating and golfing. Until recently there were almost no craft beer options."
The LEED plaque will be dedicated by Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell at a ceremony taking place at the Brewery Vivant Pub on Feb 16 at 5:30PM. The company will debut its East Hills Organic Ale made with organic grains and 100% Michigan grown organic hops. A portion of proceeds sold this day go to benefit FRESH. Field Research in Earth Science Happenings is a summer program designed to help middle school students in the Grand Rapids Public School System gain a firm background in science and help them become comfortable in nature.


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- This event has passed.
Field Notes Writing Workshop, 6-Part Class
May 7, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Thursday, repeating until June 11, 2020
Location: Virtual Classroom through Zoom
Dates: May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4 & 11
Time: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Explore various forms of nature writing, then research and write your own Field Note during this online, workshop-based six-part class!
Allison De Jong, writer, naturalist, and editor of Montana Naturalist magazine and Field Notes on Montana Public Radio
Drew Lefebvre, naturalist, writer, and MNHC's Museum Programs Coordinator
In this six-part class, you'll work with Field Notes editor Allison De Jong, naturalist Drew Lefebvre, and your fellow participants to research, write, and workshop your very own Field Note. We'll read and discuss a variety of nature writing; brainstorm ideas; practice writing prompts; discuss tone, style, and research methods; and provide feedback for each other's Field Notes. We'll also have KUFM's Beth Anne Austein join us for a class to share her insights and experience at the KUFM studios, where the recording magic happens! You'll have the opportunity to record your Field Note at KUFM sometime later this year, if interested.
This class will be a delightful combination of natural history and creativity. You'll get to explore a natural history topic of your choice, practice different writing techniques, get and give feedback on your and others' writing in a small, supportive workshop setting, and finish the class with a lovely natural history essay that's ready to be shared with the Montana Public Radio listening area (if you wish!).
Course fee includes a copy of our beautiful Field Notes from the Montana Natural History Center book, a collection of 134 Field Notes as well as original artwork from dozens of naturalists from the program's first 25 years. We'll read and discuss several of these Field Notes in class, and the rest of the book is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Cost: $70 MNHC members, $90 non-members. Save $10 on any of our memberships when you purchase one while registering for this course! You can add the MNHC membership to your order when you check out.
REGISTER HERE. Registration is required. Scholarships available; contact us at 327.0405 for details.
What's the refund policy?
The course fee (minus a 25% administrative fee) is refundable if a cancellation is made up to 7 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this deadline. See our full refund/cancellation policy here.


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Filtering data in a collection
Different ways to filter a collection.
After adding data to the tags set collection, selecting the tags set returns the set of tags:
SELECT album, tags FROM playlists;
Assuming you indexed the collection, to filter data using a set collection value, include the name of the collection column in the select expression. For example, find the row containing a particular tag, say "blues", using the CONTAINS condition in the WHERE clause.
SELECT album, tags FROM playlists WHERE tags CONTAINS 'blues';
The output is the row from the playlists table containing the blues tag.
Filtering by map value or map key
You can create two types of map collection indexes: an index of map values and an index of map keys. The two types cannot co-exist on the same collection. Assuming an index on map values is created, filter the data using a value in the venue map using the CONTAINS condition in the WHERE clause. The statement is the same one you use to filtering the data in a set or list:
SELECT artist, venue FROM playlists WHERE venue CONTAINS 'The Fillmore';
The output is the requested data for the song that debuted at The Fillmore.
Assuming an index on map keys is created, filter the data using a key in the venue map:
SELECT album, venue FROM playlists WHERE venue CONTAINS KEY '2013-09-22 22:00:00-0700';


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Urwerk highlights SuperLuminova in its new watch
A new limited edition highlights one of the most essential watch features.
Urwerk is highlighting the bright glow of SuperLuminova on the latest edition of its UR-105 CT. The watch features an all-black titanium case coated in AlTiN, which surrounds their complicated rotating satellites that are powered by a 52-jewel Urwerk's UR 5.03 caliber with a 48-hour power reserve. The biggest feature of course, is the heavy use of SuperLuminova coating that perfectly contrasts against the black finish of the case and the strap.
CHF 65'000 (approx. $65,976), urwerk.com


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Available weekends September through May.
There is 4 hour minimum and 6 hour maximum on Hall Rentals.
A $100.00 security deposit is now required for Hall Rental.There is a $50.00 deposit required to hold the hall (In addition to security deposit).
The $50.00 will go towards your balance. Balance must be paid in full one month before the party.


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The PEC CallBack engine can handle up to 1000's of simultaneous calls per system and the technology we use provides the best quality CallBack solutions in the industry
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 23, 2010
Parwan Electronics Corporation (PEC) has made it easier than ever to start your own International CallBack Business with minimal investment and no long term contracts.
CallBack occurs when the originator of a call is immediately called back in a second call as a response. It is a method of making low-cost international calls via a third country, where call charges are considerably lower. PEC's CallBack Systems can reduce costs considerably when making international calls.
Another reason International CallBack is used as opposed to typical prepaid/postpaid calling platform is simply to avoid international legality issues. Since VoIP, calling cards, and calling services are illegal in so many countries throughout the world, CallBack allows the system Admin to place the equipment in a legal country and make the calls from there. The idea is to do all of the outgoing calling from a legal country where lines are more obtainable.
PEC's International CallBack is a high-end, 100 % VoIP and CISCO based system that is capable of handling prepaid and postpaid CallBack services. "The PEC CallBack engine can handle up to 1000's of simultaneous calls per system and the technology we use provides the best quality CallBack solutions in the industry", explains Ajay Tschand, CTO of Parwan Electronics Corporation. CallBack runs on PEC's CardSaver software in conjunction with CISCO VoIP Gateways. The CardSaver software manages the accounts, rates and call records. The Cisco manages the transmission of voice and signaling.
Customers can trigger callback calls via one of following methods:
1. Caller ID based - Where Caller ID is available, it may be possible to use the same DID number for many different subscribers, as the callback system will be able to recognize each subscriber's registered number. To place an international phone call, the customer first dials the US access number and hangs up at first ring. In a few seconds, our callback system calls the customer's phone number back and gives a message prompting the customer to dial the destination number.
2. Web based - Customer logs in to your website, clicks a button, and the CallBack system will call them back.
3. PIN based – Customer calls the number, after which the system calls them back and they enter the assigned pin number to access their account. PEC now offers auto pinless callback service, where customers can enter the pin and save their pin the first time. This then does not expect them to enter every time and programs their phone number in.
4. SMS based – Customer sends an SMS(Short Message Service) to your system
There are many benefits in using our CallBack Service:
- PEC's CallBack Service is 100% VoIP based unlike many of the competitors who use the traditional TDM. Being 100% VoIP based, PEC's systems do not have to convert from TDM to VoIP, thus being able to offer extremely good quality!
- Since PEC uses CISCO (embedded system), the sole purpose is to handle this application. Competitors running on PC have a disadvantage as the PC has other purposes, thus the performance is not as good. In PEC's case, more CISCOs can be added if the load increases.
- Phone number normalization – We can detect numbers from countries and thus call back with auto correction by automatically adding country codes. Our systems do number corrections before dialing out.
- You can control both legs of the call, therefore being able to bill separately and thus being able to manage rates.
- Our Calling cards generate profit and loss reports for customers and can tell if they are losing or making money on different countries.
- Our Speed Dial feature allows customers to save frequently called numbers and connect to them without always having to dial the entire number and have faster connections.
- Can be used from any phone! The callback service can be used from any cell phone or landline
- Extremely good for Business or frequent travelers as they can use while travelling! People travelling can use the callback service from their hotel room and have the calls transferred in to their hotel rooms.
- Change your callback number at any time! Customers can change their callback number at any time, either by calling, or though the Internet effective immediately.
- Make multiple calls once the callback is received without having to dial the callback number again.
- Low international calling rates are assured along with high quality VoIP based connections.
- Excellent customer service by the skilled and efficient team of Parwan Electronics Corporation.
Parwan Electronics Corporation (PEC) has been creating innovative and bullet-proof software since 1984. They have installed over 25,000 Systems worldwide in more than 10,000 locations. PEC is dedicated exclusively to the telecom software field and specializes in providing telecom Systems for TDM & VoIP phone companies, entrepreneurs, corporate offices, and many more.
"We at Parwan Electronics Corporation (PEC) have a great deal of experience designing and integrating with products developed for the telecom industry," says Rachna Tschand, Director of PR and Marketing, Parwan Electronics Corporation (PEC). The entire organization is geared to industrial-strength software products that meet the telecom requirements of today, at cost effective prices. The knowledgeable technical support teams employed by Parwan Electronics Corporation (PEC) are available to assist you during installation and the operating of your system.
Get Started with PEC's CallBack now!
Contact us at:
Parwan Electronics Corporation (PEC)
1230 Highway 34
Aberdeen, New Jersey 07747 USA
Phone: 001-732-290-1900 ext. 225
Fax: 001-732-566-8771
Email: ajay(at)voicesaver(dot)com


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Dr. Dave Yeske, CFP
Director of Financial Planning & Distinguished Adjunct Professor
Through the years, Dr. Dave Yeske, CFP® has succeeded in this mission through national TV appearances, leadership of professional organizations, and writer. The Financial Planning Association® (FPA) has recognized him as one of the profession's leading minds by awarding him their highest honor -- The P. Kemp Fain Jr. Award (2017). He continues to spread the gospel of his field as Director of the GGU's Financial Planning programs and Distinguished Adjunct Professor.
During his career at the Paul Revere Insurance Group (now part of Unum), it was Yeske's job to call on insurance brokers, stock brokers, and financial planners, representing his company's portfolio of products. He recalls: "I gravitated to the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) professionals who were using the financial and economic tools I'd learned in school, but in the interest of helping individuals and families achieve their dreams and goals for their lives. The financial planners worked with their clients over time, guiding them and being part of the process as clients realized their visions for the future.
"My mission is to be a financial planning evangelist. I want to share the power of financial planning to transform lives for the better, and hold my professional community to the highest standards of conduct while they practice this power with and for their clients."
Inspired by these interactions, Yeske enrolled in a CFP education program and went on to open his own financial planning office. In 2010, Dr. Yeske earned a doctorate in finance from GGU. The investment strategy he pioneered -- The Yeske Buie Approach -- has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal.
Dr. Yeske endeavors to, "help foster the emergence of professionals who can practice at the highest level of competence. This means not only technical competence, but also the ability to understand their clients deeply, to develop strategies that are demonstrably connected to who their clients are as human beings, and to possess and use the skills necessary to be effective change agents in their clients' lives."
Overseeing the Master of Science in Financial Planning (for those entering the profession and preparing for the CFP® exam) and the Master of Science in Advanced Financial Planning (for practicing CFPs looking to advance to the next level), Dr. Yeske endeavors to "help foster the emergence of professionals who can practice at the highest level of competence. This means not only technical competence, but also the ability to understand their clients deeply, to develop strategies that are demonstrably connected to who their clients are as human beings, and to possess and use the skills necessary to be effective change agents in their clients' lives. These include advanced communication skills, coaching and facilitation skills, and the ability to think strategically. This focus permeates all of our classes and programs."
One of Yeske's two primary areas of focus is to educate financial planners to be better versed in research-based writing and to have the skills to incorporate the results of financial planning research. Yeske contributed to this body of knowledge by co-authoring Evidence-Based Financial Planning: To Learn . . . Like a CFP with fellow GGU professor Elissa Buie, and by creating a GGU course called Evaluating Research: Understanding and Using Applied Research in Your Practice.
Yeske's second main area of focus has been incorporating more science into the practice of financial planning by fostering closer ties between the worlds of practice and academia. "Academics understand how to conduct formal research, while financial planners, working on the front lines with their clients, know the critical questions that need to be answered," he says. In his roles as Chair of FPA's Research Center Team and Academic Advisory Council, Dr. Yeske says he "strove to build the connections that I knew would be so necessary to expand our body of knowledge in an evidence-based direction. It's an essential partnership."


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Buds are coming out.
Orchids bloom when they're loved. Ah!
Best fertiliser?
Singapore – April 13, 2020 / 18:40
Once more my orchids are producing bud stems.Yay!
I believe they are happy seeing me who greets and talks to them everyday now. Once I thought talking or singing to plants was a madness but now I think it is a medicine for madness.
Try it and you'll find those plants happier by showing you more vibes, flowers or fruits and yourself happier for knowing that you still have friends offline during this remote work.
I wish my orchids get happier and happier and so do I.
May all beings be happy. 🙏🏼