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"Power of Christ gives us life"
"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Cor 12:9)
My Dear Sisters and Brothers of Niigata Diocese,
I wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Shocking incident happened on July 26 last year in a social welfare facility for mentally handicapped, Tsukui Yamayuri-en, in Sagamihara city, Kanagawa prefecture. As you know well, a young man killed 19 people living with mental handicap and injured 26 more. Our knowledge of what really happened there are limited as our information on the case has been brought to us only through news media. However, through these limited information we have heard, a big question repeatedly echo through my mind. "Who does really have the right to judge value of human lives?"
Remembering those people violently killed, though quite long time has passed, I still feel great pain. Consider how much pain and fear caused by this young man have been tormenting so many in Japan and, more than that, all over the world.
What shocked us most is not what this young man actually did but, moreover, his motivation. Not only justifying his action of killing these innocent people, he said, seriously, that there were no value for these handicapped people to live and spending money to support them were dissipating or waste. I do not have his exact wording but he also said something like mercy killing for the handicapped people were for the benefit of the society. How did he acquire this kind of thought which does not pay any respect to human life? Moreover, we found out that there have been quite a number of people, in anonymity in the Internet world, sympathetic to this young man's opinion. This is much more disturbing.
Obviously for us, Christians, it is only God who has the right to judge the value of life. It is not we who has the right to make such judgement but God who created human life and has given it to us as a gift.
Such judgements as who should live or who has value to survive, we are not allowed to make. It is only God who makes such judgements. God has created this world and entrusted human life to us as a gift. Moreover, according to the Book of Genesis, God created us as his own image so that each one of us have precious value as the image of God. That precious value, we call the Human Dignity. We do not have any rights to strip off such precious value from the Human Dignity granted us by God.
Pope Francis in his Encyclical "Laudato Si" points out that "the culture of relativism is the same disorder which drives one person to take advantage of another, to treat others as mere objects, ...."(123) Then Holy Father in the same Encyclical points out the reason of this phenomenon sayingt "the harmony between the Creator, humanity and creation as a whole was disrupted by our presuming to take the place of God and refusing to acknowledge our creaturely limitations." (66) We want to be humble enough to acknowledge our limitations and be courage enough to keep distance from attitude of boasting our human ability. So that we will follow the word of St Paul which is "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses." When we acknowledge our limitations then Christ's power, finally, could work through our weaknesses and we would be able to live.
In this regard, I also would like to point out that we should keep in our mind mercy of God and its boundlessness while we observe critically such reality of the society.
In the Bull of indiction of the Jubilee of Mercy, "Misericordiae Vultus," Holy Father points out that "the Church is commissioned to announce the mercy of God." (12) Mercy of God, of course, has to be preferentially brought to oppressed, vulnerable and people in sorrow. But, at the same time, Mercy of God has to be brought to the people whose lives are based on values contrary to God. Why, because God is inclusive and not exclusive. Mercy of God embraces all.
Therefore, the Church which announces the mercy of God should not exclude the people who adhere to value set contrary to Christian value but, in the mercy of God which would be manifested by our communion, should be inclusive one. We want to be a Church of accepting and not excluding. We want to be an accompanying Church to try to find the better way to take in mercy of God.
Holy Father has given approval on 22 January, 2016 to the beatification of Ukon Takayama as a martyr and the beatification ceremony will take place on 7 February, 2017 in Osaka-Jo Hall at noon. Holy Father has appointed Cardinal Amato, the prefect of the Congregation of Causes of Saints as his delegate to preside over the Mass.
Almost four hundred years ago during the time of Christian persecution in Japan, Ukon Takayama chose to remain faithful to Christ and in return he lost everything including his position and fame as Daimyo (feudal lord) and, moreover, his own country as he was exiled to Manila where he died. The Church recognized him as a martyr because he had lost everything for the sake of the faith.
We are living in the world where majority puts importance on the relative value rather than absolute one especially in moral judgment, or appreciates the ad hoc solutions as if majority does not care about future generation. Contrary to this modern attitude, Blessed Ukon Takayama tells us that the truth must not be thrown away even if one has to sacrifice everything. Blessed Ukon Takayama shows us how we should live as a man with dignity not only as a Christian but also as a human.
Immediately after his death in 1615 in Manila, veneration of his heroic life as a exemplary Christian has started in Manila. Since then almost 400 years has passed and Japanese society has changed. There is no more persecution of Christians. But in this modern world, do we have adequate answer to the very basic question on our life; why do we live? Blessed Ukon Takayama's life tells us that he always tried to stand at the side of God to make any decisions and did not do so from his own position. Priority was always given to the cause of God. The ad hoc decisions had no place for him as he humbled himself in front of God to try to search the way of life as God commands.
I have asked all the parishes in the diocese to begin the discussion over revising or newly establishing the Parish Statute before the end of January, 2018.
In many cases, most of parishes in the diocese have, according to their history and situation, an organization to run the parish. And in most of these organizations or structures have their own statutes or rules. I do understand the reality of our diocese that difference of size of communities make such organizations and their rules differ from each other. In some cases, I understand, as the size of parish community is too small, said organizations or structures sometimes lack any written rules but have been run by mutual understanding.
Since question was raised over the Parish Statutes during the recent Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Priests Senate, I asked the diocesan office to make a research. As a result of it, we found out that we have variety of rules in our diocese but many of them are for the Parish Laity Council or Parish Lay Apostolate Council.
Needless to say, there is no problem of existence of such Laity Council in parishes or, I should say, such organizations in Parishes have important role to play.
However, at the same time, as the Parish community should be formed by both laity and a parish priest or priests appointed by a Bishop, I would say that an organization of laity, such as Parish Laity Council, could not represent entire parish community.
That is the reason why I asked each parish to begin the process of establishing the statutes of their Parish based on the guidelines and the model statute prepared by the Diocese. There is no need to abolish existing laity organizations and their rules. Or you may decide to start completely anew. Following the guidelines and taking into account of each particular situations, kindly complete the new statutes by the end of January, 2018. I count on your cooperation.
At the same time, I would like to put emphasis on the role of the parish priest. Parish priest should run parish not only by his own ideas and decisions but also through dialogue with parishioners. Dialogue would provide both parish priest and parishioners opportunity to find better way to walk together. One of the intentions of the present exercise of establishing parish statutes is to involve everyone in the parish to this dialogue.
In addition to this exercise, I have asked district superiors of Niigata, Shibata and Nagaoka to find out general opinion over restructuring of these 3 districts within Niigata prefecture. I thought that the restructuring of local communities by government is also affecting the system of the diocesan district. I would appreciate if each of these three districts to complete study of opinions by the end of September, 2017. Based on the opinions of districts, I will come out with a proposal.
Our one and only seminarian, Mr. Shuta Oka is spending his first year in the National Major Seminary. Kindly keep him in your prayer. Kindly also continue to pray for vocation so that many more youth would decide to be priests or religious.
As in the past, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Rite of Election would be organized in the Cathedral for all the catechumens in the diocese who would be ready for baptism during this Easter season. This year it will be on 5th March at 9:30 am in the Niigata Cathedral. Because of the distance in our diocese, not all the catechumens could join the rite in the Cathedral. But if it is possible to come to Niigata on the day, you are most welcome.
Finally, I make my pastoral visit for Niigata, Shibata and Nagaoka districts in even-numbered years and for Akita and Yamagata districts in odd-numbered years. Therefore, in year 2017, I will make pastoral visits for Akita and Yamagata districts. Usually I leave it to parish priests to propose date of such pastoral visits in order to avoid any conflicts of activities in parishes. Kindly contact the Diocesan office as early as possible.
May God bless you all in Niigata Diocese. May God of mercy and love guide you and protect you through out this new year, 2017.
1st January, 2017
Bishop Isao Kikuchi, SVD
Bishop of Niigata


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Unidentified Photographer, [Advertisement for mooncakes for Autumn Moon Festival featuring Apollo 11 astronauts, Hong Kong], September 1969 (2012.99.14)
A Chinese celebration dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), the Mid-Autumn Festival is second only to the Spring Festival, which celebrates the beginning of the New Year. Essential to the Mid-Autumn festival is the mooncake, a small round cake, available in a variety of flavors and shaped to reflect the full harvest moon (closest full moon to the autumnal equinox) the festival lands on. Mooncakes are eaten to celebrate the beginning of the harvest, to extend the wishes of longevity and happiness to family and friends, or to extend a romantic gesture. Clever marketing on this Hong Kong billboard in 1969 shows lunar fairies sharing the mooncakes with the first astronauts to step on the moon: Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, Jr. of the Apollo 11 space mission.
The 2013 Harvest Moon occurs in New York City on Thursday, September 19 at 7:12 am.

subset: commoncrawl


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Smoke Trout Rillettes
Sunday was Oscar night and I needed to bring a dip - I love fish spreads, dips, salads - and this is one of my favorites. It is easy to make and is a consistent crowd pleaser. The base for this recipe is from Bon Appetit magazine (December 2007).
3/4 cup reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill plus sprigs for garnish
1 1/2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups small pieces smoked trout fillets without skin and bones (about 6 to 7 ounces)
Assorted crackers and rye, pumpernickel, and black bread slices
Trimmed Inner celery stalks, cut into sticks
Mix the cream cheese, green onion, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Add the smoked trout and stir gently to blend. Season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice, as needed.
I have always used reduced fat cream cheese instead of marscapone cheese. I have purchased smoked trout from the grocery store - you'll find it in the same section as the packaged smoke salmon. I found smoked trout at the Lobster Place seafood market in Chelsea Market and it was delicious. If you can find smoked trout from a fish market, I would highly recommend using it instead of the packaged version.


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If your child is absent from school, you will receive an automated phone call telling you that your child was marked absent. If your child will be absent for more than one day, you may call the Main Office in the morning, and work can be picked up at 3:00. When your child returns to school, you must send in an excuse explaining the reason for his or her absence. Teachers will submit these excuses to the office for your child's file.
It is important that students arrive to school on time each day and
remain at school for the entire school day. However, we realize that
there will be exceptions when your child will need to sign in to school
late and/or leave early due to an appointment, illness, etc.
· If
your child arrives to school after 9:10, you will need to sign him/her
in at the Main Office. Your child will be given a tardy pass
for the classroom teacher.
If you need to pick
your child up before 3:10, you will need to sign him/her out at the Main
Office. When you arrive, Mrs. Swistak will call your child's
classroom to have him/her sent to the Main Office to meet you. Please
send a note with your child with the approximate time that you will pick
him/her up. This will assist staff in having children ready,
especially if they are at lunch, recess, or a special. Please be
prepared to show proper ID until the office staff gets to know you. For
the safety of your child, please refrain from last minute changes.
Changes in Pick Up Bus
your child has a change in his typical dismissal procedure, please send
a note with your child. If teachers do not receive a note, children
will be dismissed via their typical procedure (bus/pick up). If you
forget to send a note, please call the Main Office by 2:15 PM.
758 West Liberty Street
Rome, NY 13440


text:
Power MP3 Cutter Joiner is a program developed by Sagasoft that lets users cut audio files and join them together. It has a user-friendly interface and is easy to manage. In just a few simple steps, users can clip portions of existing audio files and merge those selections to make a new file.
Program features include a Slider bar where users can choose precisely what part of an audio file they want to include in the finished file, letting them indicate the exact start and end points. This gives them a lot of control over the output. The software has a preview option and built-in player that lets users listen to the output before continuing with the process. This gives room for some changes that users might want to make before proceeding. File arrangement c customized. By clicking on an Up and Down button, users can place selected clips in the order they choose.
Power MP3 Cutter Joiner supports and can convert audio files to MP3, WMA, WAV, or OGG formats. It also has options for adjusting file channel, quality, bitrate, frequency, and file name, and allows for batch cutting. It is a straightforward cutting and merging tool, and does not provide audio editing functions.


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Hi Skaters,
We are excited to share with you that rinks are starting to open! We want to thank all of our clients for your continued patience with us.
Things are very different, and they will continue to be different for the near future, that said the arenas have more restrictions, more rules, and less ice. As of now we are only offering private/semi-private lessons. The ice availability that we have, will change week by week.
A general list of what the rinks are doing differently is: signing waivers, limited interactions, restricted access to specific facilities. We can explain in detail what the changes are if you'd like to reach out to us through email.
We are only offering private/semi-private lessons because we are limited to a five (5) skaters on the ice during an ice-hour, which must include coaching staff. We are dividing our ice into halves so we can have two coaches teach two different lessons with a maximum of three (3) students. This means if there is one coach teaching a lesson, there is a maximum of four (4) students.
To limit the number of people in a facility at a time, ice slots are spread out leaving time in between them for sanitizing and prep work. This also means ice availability is limited.
We look forward to working together with the rinks, and our clients to make sure we stay safe, and move forward.
Dave Levtov


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Preliminary, Simplified Implementation of Bitcoin Lightning Network Released
Lightning networks are considered a promising innovation in the Bitcoin space, which would make the Bitcoin system much more scalable and able to process transactions at a high rate and low cost, and are suitable as an alternative to existing payment networks.
In February, developers Joseph Poon and Thaddeus Dryja proposed a decentralized Bitcoin Lightning Network where related transactions can take place instantly on "micropayment channels" off-chain, and only the final settlement is processed by the blockchain. According to the authors, lightning networks would enable Bitcoin scalability, efficient micropayments, and near-instant transactions. The Lightning Network white paper, a work in progress, has recently been updated.
"The payment network Visa has achieved 47,000 peak transactions per second on its network during the 2013 holidays, and averages hundreds of millions per day," note the developers in the white paper. "Currently, Bitcoin supports less than 7 transactions per second with a 1 megabyte block limit."
It seems evident that as long as the transaction rate supported by the Bitcoin network remains that low Bitcoin won't be able to achieve the global reach of existing payment networks like Visa. That's the main reason for the current – and heated – discussions about raising the block size. In a recent interview with MIT Technology Review, Bitcoin Core developer Gavin Andresen warned that the Bitcoin network might soon become oversaturated, and people might just stop using Bitcoin because transactions would become either unreliable or expensive.
"Looking at the transaction volume on the Bitcoin network, we need to address it within the next four or five months," said Andresen. "As we get closer and closer to the limit, bad things start to happen. Networks close to capacity get congested and unreliable. If you want reliability, you'll have to start paying higher and higher fees on transactions, and there will be a point where fees get high enough that people stop using Bitcoin."
That's what prompted Andresen to launch the Bitcoin XT alternative to Bitcoin Core, with 8 megabyte blocks, which is polarizing the Bitcoin community and could result in a "BItcoin civil war." But lightning networks could achieve the same scalability and sustainability without requiring dramatic modifications to Bitcoin Core.
"With a network of instantly confirmed micropayment channels whose payments are encumbered by timelocks and hashlock outputs, Bitcoin can scale to billions of users," note the developers in the white paper. In a presentation at the SF Bitcoin Devs Seminar, Poon and Dryja argued that lightning networks could make Bitcoin capable of processing billions of transactions per day and handling the volume of all global electronic payments on a single blockchain without custodial risk of theft.
The implementation of lightning networks would require appropriate tweaks to Bitcoin core. A soft fork, described in Appendix A of the white paper, has been proposed to enable near-infinite scalability. "To mitigate malleability, it is necessary to make a soft-fork change to bitcoin," note Poon and Dryja. "Older clients would still work, but miners would need to update. Bitcoin has had several soft forks in the past, including pay-to-script-hash (P2SH)."
Implementing the malleability soft fork will take time, but in the meantime developers are beginning to build stand-alone implementations of lightning networks for development and testing. In May, Blockstream hired developer Rusty Russell to work on lightning networks.
"[W]e can have a network of arbitrarily complicated transactions, such that they aren't on the blockchain (and thus are fast, cheap and extremely scalable), but at every point are ready to be dropped onto the blockchain for resolution if there's a problem," said Russell. "This is genuinely revolutionary."
In August, developer Mats Jerratsch launched a preliminary, simplified lightning network implementation dubbed "Thunder Network." Jerratsch's implementation, written in Java and available as open source code on Github, is less watertight than the full Lightning Network proposal, but doesn't require a fork and can be used now as it is.
"The initial proposal of the lightning network required some new features, that required at least a [soft fork], pushing any real implementation many months or even years into the future," notes Jerratsch. "I, therefore, changed the channel design of the initial paper such that it can be implemented with the tools currently available in bitcoin. While such a channel does no longer work in a completely trustless manner, it is a good trade-off to start implementing LN. Most importantly, it allows deployment of software using something similar to the future LN implementations for now."
"I think there is a lot to be done, before LN (or similar) is even remotely useful," said Jerratsch in a Reddit discussion. "My main goal is to start the process of implementing these changes, such that we may experience LN anywhere soon." Jerratsch added that lightning networks won't arrive in time to make any difference in the block size debate.


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[Skip to content]
Paediatric inpatient services at Alexandra Hospital are due to move to Worcestershire Royal Hospital under emergency measures being taken by the trust. The emergency changes will mean that for the vast majority of children there will be no change to where they receive their care.
Only those children who have a life threatening condition, need to stay overnight in hospital or need to see a specialist paediatrician, will see their care from September delivered at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Dr Andrew Short, the trust's Interim Chief Medical Officer and senior Consultant Paediatrician said:
"This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we recognise that this will for some be a cause of concern. Safety is our top priority and I would like to reassure the public that we are making these temporary changes so that we can ensure the highest levels of care for children.
"Our consultants over many months have continued to work additional shifts to cover vacant junior doctor rotas to keep the paediatric inpatient service going on both sites. This is no longer sustainable. The national shortage of doctors coming through training for paediatric posts, means that many trusts have vacant junior doctor posts.
"In addition, despite an active recruitment campaign, we have been unable to attract doctors to fill the vacant posts left as a result of the junior doctor shortage. This presents a significant issue for the trust in providing specialist paediatric doctor inpatient 24/7 cover on two sites. This has now reached a critical point and the Trust regrettably has to take the difficult decision to temporarily move to centralise inpatient paediatric beds on to one site at Worcestershire Royal Hospital."
From September Alexandra Hospital will continue to see and treat children with minor illnesses and minor injuries and who do not need an overnight stay. Children who are seriously ill attend via ambulance or are referred by their GP will no longer come to Alexandra Hospital. They will be seen and assessed by expert paediatric teams at Worcestershire Royal. Many of these will still return home but for those requiring an overnight stay in hospital they will be admitted to the dedicated 35 bed facility at Worcestershire Royal.
Dr Short added: "We have made sure that we have enough beds on our dedicated specialist children's ward at Worcestershire Royal to ensure to meet the needs of the children of Worcestershire. This means that we have the beds available for any child needing to stay in hospital overnight and transferred under this temporary arrangement. In addition, by all of our clinical teams being available on one site, children will be seen and treated quickly by senior paediatric staff.
"Over the coming weeks we will be working to ensure local people are aware of this temporary change. NHS 111, the ambulance service and GPs will be able to support anyone concerned about a child's condition, with parents encouraged to take sick children who might need a hospital bed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. However, should a child be brought into A&E at Alexandra Hospital and need to see a paediatrician they will be taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital."
Dr Richard Davies, speaking on behalf of Worcestershire's three Clinical Commissioning Groups, said:
"We have known for some time that the paediatric service has been fragile at Alexandra Hospital but we had hoped that the trust could keep it going until the public consultation on the acute services review had taken place. However, this is no longer possible. We have a responsibility to commission safe and secure services and the shortage of staff means it would be unsafe to continue with the current arrangements.
"The trust's decision to temporarily transfer inpatient paediatric care is therefore understandable and reasonable. Staff have worked tremendously hard over past months to keep both the Children's wards going at both hospital sites and we would like to thank them for going above and beyond what would normally be expected of them."
Currently there are over 3,000 attendances every year to the children's outpatient service at Alexandra Hospital. This service will remain unchanged, and children will continue to be seen as outpatients and have their diagnostic tests in their local hospital.
Planned surgery on children will continue to take place at Kidderminster Treatment Centre and Worcestershire Royal Hospital as now.
Children under two years of age who require surgery will be transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital, as now.
All ambulances will take critically ill children straight to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
This arrangement will be put in place from September 2016 and remain in place until the outcome of the public consultation into the future of acute hospital services model is known, or until there are sufficient medical and nursing staff to reopen services on two sites.
The Alexandra Hospital will treat children with minor injuries and illnesses as now. GPs will continue to be able to refer children to the Alexandra Hospital for further investigations as now but seriously ill children will be sent to Worcestershire Royal to be assessed. There will also be the option of referring children to be assessed on either the same day or following day in an urgent outpatient clinic (not weekends).
Staff at the Alexandra will have immediate access to telephone and telemedicine support from Consultant Paediatricians based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Any child who presents at the Alexandra Hospital in an unresponsive state will be given immediate treatment by staff trained in advanced paediatric life support before they can be transferred by ambulance to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital or Birmingham Children's Hospital. Staff trained in advanced paediatric life support will include emergency medicine consultants, emergency department nurses, anaesthetists, intensivists and primary care clinicians. A clinician with advanced paediatric life support training will be on duty 24/7 on the Alexandra Hospital site.
The reason for announcing these temporary changes now to take place in September is to ensure that a comprehensive publicity campaign can take place to ensure that parents, carers and the public are aware of what facilities are available at Alexandra Hospital for children and where very sick children requiring an inpatient bed will be safely treated.
To mitigate this paediatric consultants have been 'acting down' and staying at the Alexandra Hospital overnight to provide cover. This has impact on their ability to work during the day when the paediatric department is busier. The consultants have provided this cover as part of their agreed job plans. In addition, consultants are now acting down regularly and at short notice to cover gaps in the middle grade rota at the Worcestershire Royal site, which impacts on their ability to undertake their normal regular duties such as ward rounds and clinics.
On each site there are fewer than 10 consultants on the on call rota, and consultants are not timetabled to be in the hospital at all times of peak activity.
Although there will be no inpatient paediatric beds at Alexandra Hospital, the following will be available:


text:
okay folks it's crunch time before the big show, I am so excited for the new booth display as well as all the work we will have. I have more inventory than last year, so excited.
Wheeee! Well I feel a bit greedy because I already have a day bag but I hummed and hahhed for ages at the shop trying to pick one. All the designs are so lovely! So I hope the winner is me just so I can have two:) My pick would be "window". Congrats on your success. Keep it going!ReplyDelete
I love the triangle zip bag.ReplyDelete
you are such a generous person. thanks for the visit and the help with the snaps.ReplyDelete
Thank you Arounna, you are amazing & very generous !
Big hugs xoxo
I don't know where to leave a comment for the bag contest but would love to win the small day bag in the waxed cloth.
i have christmas dreams of the lines tote, of course if christmas came early... even better! thanks for the contest. tawnyaReplyDelete
Thank u for such a lovely giveaway arounna ! Would love the triangle day bag or triangle zip tote!ReplyDelete
This is a Wonderfull giveaway! Your bags are gorgeous! I like the line one in the middle of the bottom row :)ReplyDelete
What a great giveaway! I would love the triangle day bag...it's my fave pattern!ReplyDelete
Oh, I would love to have the zip tote in rain. It's lovely.ReplyDelete
thanks for all your comments, if you want to enter the giveaway
please head over to facebook
I am always so inspired by your posts and photos and love following your progress. I am also a huge fan of your work and would love to own the triangle zip tote! It's gorgeous! Thank you!!ReplyDelete
how great would it be to win one of you beautiful bags! I love the small triangle bag, single strap :)
gah. I am in the midst of creating a post on my blog of my dreamy xmas wish list and I was going to include a bookhou bag in my collage -- and then I see this! A chance to win one! The triangle tote bag is the one I covet. Holla. www.recovergirl.wordpress.com xo jamReplyDelete
i adore the bucket tote!!ReplyDelete
I would love to win any one of these awesome bags - it would take my wardrobe to another level! if i HAD to pick just one, i think it would be the great Zip Tote - with Lines. useful AND unique! thanks for the opportunity to play.ReplyDelete
Oooh, it's so hard to choose! I've been eyeing the triangle tote forever (top center), but the gray waxed canvas just trumped it (middle right). I'm so glad that you keep this blog. It's really inspiring to see your creative process, and that your whole family is a working together.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
anything would be amazing, but one or another with triangles would make me super happy. :)ReplyDelete
Hmmm.... THE DAY BAG TRIANGLE... although I like all of them.
I love the triangle tote bag. will you be having it again in the online store?
thanks for leaving a comment - we read each one and will try our best to respond back.
please wait a moment for the comment to be moderated, only submit your comment once.


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Although it is true, Netflix CEO wanted to deny for quite some time the possibility of offline content reaching the famous application of Content on demand. However, it has had no choice but to adapt to the new times, definitely and counting with the approval of the users, the downloadable content has reached Netflix definitively. Although it does not seem gold all that glitters, it is certainly a good start, you can enjoy Netflix content on your iPhone or tablet, whether or not you have a connection, go wherever you go.
For now we can only download content on iOS and Android, the update of the application is now available on the iOS App Store and in the notes itself tells us that we can download the content. In addition, just a few hours ago, the Netflix account in Spain echoed the novelty: "You asked for it and finally we bring you a new way of seeing us", so they have communicated with a video of Frank Underwood (House of Cards) accompanied To Tweet.
Now touch the bad news, not all titles are available for download, as with Movistar +. The emission rights are to blame, however, the original content, and more attractive, if it will be possible to download to view it offline in our device. For more information, we can select the quality of visiting the content, according to the subscription plan we have contracted. Here are some examples of the series that we can download: Orange is the New Black; Narcos, The Crown, House of Cards.
But like everything on Netflix, they will expand the catalog soon. To download it we will only have to press a new download button that has been added right next to the Play button in the corresponding application. When selecting the quality, we remind you that the more resolution, the greater the danger for 16GB devices.
Follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our Facebook Page, find us on LinkedIn


text:
I got a note from a This is True reader and saw he had a very intriguing link in his email "signature" block, commonly referred to online as a ".sig" (with or without the period). Smart: that's great real estate to briefly promote your site. The folks you exchange emails with are potential long-time readers or customers, so why wouldn't you let them at least briefly know you have something to offer? Check your signature right now, before you continue! Do you have at least something in that space?
His was intriguing enough that I clicked the link: it was a really good promo line (just nine words. I'm not going to repeat it since this article isn't about promo lines, and I don't want to identify him, but rather use the idea to help you).
Anyway, his landing page is somewhat similar to mine, in that he uses a hover box as described in a recent article, but that's all it is: there's no opportunity to close it to get more information, as is the case with mine.
Here's what his looks like — and I'm OK with using it as an example because you can't identify him at all from this:
Even though I was intrigued by his come-on, I didn't subscribe to his list. Why? Because his landing page didn't do anything to help set my expectations. Here are just a few things that pop through my head:
- What's the site about? No idea, since the URL is with a leadbox service, so I can't even bypass the box to look at his site. (His email address didn't help either: it's one supplied by his ISP, so I literally have no idea as to the subject of his emails. See Your "From" Email Address for more on why this is a bad idea.)
- What is he going to send? He mentions videos "and more" …but I don't want to sit through videos without knowing anything else: text newsletters allow me to skim.
- Who is he, anyway? Is he an expert in his topic? I have no idea. Neither his sig nor his landing page gives me a clue.
- and last, I was unimpressed with his "Privacy Policy" (which simply says, "I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe."
What's wrong with his Privacy Policy? That's not a policy, it's a reminder that some people are scummy scammers who take advantage of you and want your address to spam you. I'm not saying this reader is doing that, but without having any clue as to who he is or, more importantly, what he's going to do with my address because he doesn't tell me, I'm simply not going to take the chance.
Eleven words don't constitute a "Privacy Policy". Mine (which I'm not holding up as a paragon of perfect policies) takes a full page to actually lay out policy wording.
So is it any wonder whatever that I closed the landing page without subscribing?
A Better Example
Again, without claiming this is the be-all, end-all best example of a landing page, here's the similar opt-in page for this site, with my hoverbox, which addresses all of the points above:
- What's the site about? Email, clearly. More specifically, "email marketing more effectively, cheaply, and ethically." And if that's not enough information, the reader has the ability to close the box and explore the site for both details and examples.
- What is he going to send? Brief newsletters. That's why I call it "Emailified Briefs": I'm setting the expectation that the newsletters will be short. Have interest in the topic presented in the mailing? Great: there's a link to the full discussion. If not, it's a simple matter to hit Delete and go on to the next item in your inbox.
- Who is he, anyway? My name, photo, and qualifications are included, at least in brief: I've "been publishing by email since 1994, and created Emailified to guide entrepreneurs (and non-profits) to do email marketing more effectively, cheaply, and ethically."
- and last, the "Privacy Policy": Unfortunately, the service we both use doesn't allow for links here, but at least there's a note that there are full details on the site, should the reader be concerned about that, and there's the ability to read it before signing up.
Quite a difference, yes? It's still hard to get potential readers to give us access to their inbox, but I've made it clear what they'll get, and answered most objections without reminding them of their cursed spam problem.
Now, that reader with the intriguing sig promo is from my main list, not Emailified, but I told him that his landing page needed work, and that's the kind of thing that Emailified covers. Hopefully, he was intrigued enough to check it out. And, of course, he can, since my sig already has a link for the site. Does yours?


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It's no secret that the 4th of July makes us think about independence. Along that same line, July is also Independent Retailer Month. http://indieretailermonth.com/
How many of you shop local? Supporting local business does a lot for the community. Missouri Business Development has produced a list of good reasons to keep your money where your home is. http://missouribusiness.net/article/7-reasons-to-shop-local/
Did you know?
- Shopping local means stimulating the local economy. More local taxes means more improvements in schools, roads, police and fire departments.
- Shopping local creates jobs. More local businesses mean more local residents employed closer to home and less commuting.
- Shopping local provides more choices for consumers. More choices = better deals and more options. A lot of times local stores will stock unique and special items by request.
- Shopping local gives better customer service. You are more likely to get resolution to any issues you might have with a local independent retailer as opposed to a big box store. The owners and/ or key decision makers are usually accessible and willing to help.
- Shopping local is green. Local businesses are usually located centrally and not too far from one another. You can walk, bike, ride the bus, or use less gas getting from one local business to another as opposed to larger chains that are typically on opposite sides of town.
- Shopping local supports not-for-profits. Many local businesses donate more proportionately to non-profit businesses. These are the organizations that support friends, family, neighbors and possibly even you.
- Shopping local supports your own financial well being. By investing your money locally that money will more likely find a way back to benefit you.
There have been a number of different studies done about how much to spend, but this is the best example I have found. Although it is a study out of Michigan, it proves a very valid point. It doesn't take much to make a difference. Out of $100 in spending, when spent locally, $68 stays in the community and $32 leaves. When spent at the larger chains, only $43 stays in the community and $57 leaves.
So, keep it local Columbia and Central Missouri! Supporting local independents helps you maintain your own independence and it just feels good. When caring for your health, don't you want to know your pharmacists, nurses, technicians and staff?
We are your neighbors, friends, and family and we're here to help.
All of us at D&H Drugstore where Good Health is Just Around the Corner
Your local pharmacy since 1956.
Source Image: http://www.localfirst.com/why-local-first


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History of a natural
After 60 years in the job, David Attenborough reveals the changes he has seen – and the one he wants to see
By Samantha Weinberg
When David Attenborough joined the BBC, 60 years ago this September, Britain had only one television channel. Cameras had to be wound up like a clock and could only film live or in second bursts. There was no way to capture sound and vision at the same time, or to broadcast from anywhere but the studio. Attenborough, like most people, did not own a television set; he thinks he had seen only one programme in his life. He had applied for a job in radio, as a talks producer, and been turned down, and it was only by chance that his CV was seen by a television executive, the head of factual broadcasting, Mary Adams. She gave him a chance—but when he first went in front of the camera, she said his teeth were too big.
By 1956, Attenborough had persuaded the BBC to let him try a new way of filming—from and of the natural world. With only a cameraman and animal expert for company, he would go off for months to remote lands in search of rare beasts. In Borneo, some days' walk from civilisation, he was on the trail of orangutan when he spied a man paddling up the river, wearing only a sarong and bearing a message tucked in a cleft stick. It was from the BBC, giving instructions on how to use their new toy: colour film. What started in a makeshift fashion with "Zoo Quest" matured over the decades into "Life on Earth", "The Private Life of Plants", "Life in Cold Blood", "Frozen Planet" and many more. With Attenborough, the phenomenon of natural-history film-making was born.
He did so well that he became controller of BBC2, in 1965, and then BBC director of programmes—but had a clause written into his contract to make sure he could carry on making films himself, and within a few years he returned to his vocation. Now, aged 86 and still going strong aside from a gammy hip, he has revisited some of his early haunts to make a series of three films looking back over the six decades. "The BBC decided they wanted to do something to mark it, and I just hoped to goodness it wasn't going to be a dinner," he said. "A series sounded like more fun, but I wanted to shift the focus from me, to look at the changes in natural-history film-making, science and the natural world." The self-effacement is typical, but immaterial: the story of his life is the history of his genre.
He enthuses about the tiny cameras that let us peek into a mouse's love life, the underwater cameras that take us into the ocean deep, and the science that has enhanced our understanding of the natural world. "When I was at university, there was no such thing as genetics, nothing was known about DNA, and my geology professor dismissed continental drift as moonshine. The way in which our knowledge has expanded is extraordinary, and the pace of change is astounding."
But it is the changes in the natural world that preoccupy him. While he brushes off the suggestion that he has a message to convey, his recent programmes, particularly the ones he has authored rather than just fronted, have shown a growing urgency, a determination to lay bare the planet's plight. "The world is in terrible trouble," he says. "According to the UN, over half the world's population is now urbanised. Apart from rats and pigeons, they have probably never seen a wild animal. How are these people supposed to act? How are they supposed to feel it's worth preserving unless they know what it is that keeps them alive, unless they understand the extent to which we are dependent on the natural world, and that we are doing terrible things to it by our very presence?"
It is the media, he believes, that hold the key to our salvation. While this won't be to everyone's taste in the age of phone-hacking, Attenborough sees no other way. "The media need to keep people informed. If not, why would they agree to politicians devoting tax money and passing legislation aimed at preserving our planet? We have to convey the facts that scientists know very well, and impress on people and politicians that we have to act now.
"Am I optimistic about the future? No, not at all. But that's irrelevant. It's imperative that you do something, even if you don't think it's going to do any good."
That is not the sort of talk we expect from a man we associate with enthusiasm, with passion, empathy and baby animals. Attenborough's breathy tones, as he plays grandmother's footsteps with a penguin, or gasps at the display of a bird of paradise, have brought knowledge and wonder into our sitting rooms. "Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild" provides an irresistible excuse to replay the highlights and revel in those close encounters with silverback gorillas, aggressive elephant seals and bat guano that have become integral to the way we understand the natural world. As each programme kicks off, he is sitting at the front of a wooden boat, gliding gently along the brown waters of the Kinabatangan river in Malaysian Borneo, speaking with the clarity that has been a hallmark of his work. In the face of the desecration of that area, it comes across initially as gold-tinted, nostalgic, but when, in the last of the series, the camera pulls back to reveal the vast palm-oil plantations just beyond the river's fringe, Attenborough does not mince his condemnation: "Again and again, I have seen the impoverishment and desolation caused by the way we have ruthlessly taken what we want from the land, regardless of the cost."
In a 2009Reader's Digest survey, Attenborough was voted the most trusted person in Britain (a position even "Polar Beargate", the revelation that some of the bears filmed for "Frozen Planet" were born in a zoo, will have done little to dislodge). Despite his advancing years—perhaps because of them—he is using that capital now to give his viewers some home truths. It was not always thus: until a few years ago, Attenborough was unwilling to speak out about climate change.
He is not entirely despairing. "It is surprising how fast pennies can drop. Big change will only happen when human beings begin to realise that wasting energy and destroying the environment is sinful, that it's a crime to throw away a bit of plastic. Nonetheless it's a moral issue. A hundred and eighty years ago it was acceptable to keep other human beings as slaves. The shift in moral perception and attitude against slavery was remarkably swift. There has to be a comparable change now in attitudes about the environment."
Which is where the mouse cams and 3D cams and the heli-mounted gyrostabilisers that enabled those extraordinary close-ups of polar bears in the Arctic come in. The technological advances over the decades have enabled Attenborough to introduce us to the miracles of the natural world. And once we know what we have, he hopes, we will not willingly throw it away. As he concludes in the last episode of the new series: "I've spent my life filming the natural world and I've travelled to some pretty remote and exciting places to do so… But every journey seems to have got quicker and shorter. It's as if the world has shrunk – but then sadly so have the wild places. The increasing size of the human population is having a devastating effect on the natural world. Fortunately people are becoming more aware of that and are doing something about it. I'd like to think natural-history programmes have helped in that process."
More from 1843 magazine
Turn, baby, turn: reversals, from politics to palaeontology
Britain's leaders are in fine company
"I'm the same as Mahsa. And I want my freedom": anger at Iran's regime spills onto the streets
A young woman, a journalist and a tech professional speak out
Shoulda, woulda, coulda: why FOMO won't let go of us
The pandemic suspended our fear of missing out. Did it also teach us how to handle it better?


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I love holiday parties. There's something about free-flowing eggnog, lights artfully strung everywhere and caroling that just warms my heart. But when I received the evite for the shin dig I'm attending tonight, my love for the seasonal festivities grew even more.
Little ones still dig teddy bears, right?
The host of tonight's soiree, our friend Jason, has asked his party guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Spark of Love is organized by Southern California fire departments; the donated items are distributed to underprivileged children and teens in local communities.
Much as I love Secret Santa and white elephant gift exchanges at holiday parties, I'm absolutely enamored with this generous idea. It's really what the holiday season is all about, don't you think?
Are you going to any holiday parties in the next few weeks? Maybe you're hosting a holiday party? What do you think of this bring your own donations idea? Have you been to a party like this before?
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
More Ways to Get Glamour
Visit Shopglamour.com for cute stuff starting at just $10!
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
13 Style Lessons from the Best (and Worst) Dressed Men of the Week
Featuring Tom Brady, Method Actor Jared Leto, and Spiderman.
From great transitional outerwear to the one trend you should avoid, here's what you can learn.
He's playing Luke Cage in the upcoming Netflix series, so you know Colter isn't a small guy. Here, he shows how a suit should fit a muscular frame—namely, not too tight. Busting through the sleeves with your biceps isn't a good look.
Still on the fence about bomber jackets and Chelsea boots? Here's your weekly reminder that it's time to stop procrastinating and get on board.
OK, sure: It's for a role. But JT still shows us exactly why high-waisted, wide-leg trousers are making a bit of a comeback. Worn right—with a trim, throwback polo and simple sneakers—they look fantastic.
A sweater around the shoulders? What is this, Hyannis? The look feels a little dated. But the rest of Luke Evans' outfit is on-point, in a "casual, tooling around town" sorta way.
Speaking of on-point casual looks: Here's Ryan Reynolds wearing a truly fantastic green suede jacket (it's by Officine Generale, and you can get it here). He's walking proof that bringing a little color into your outerwear rotation is a very good idea.
These people are apparently from Celebrity Big Brother. No one should dress like these people. Please make a note of it.
This is so damn good—except for one thing. Ritchie buttoned the bottom button on his jacket, which feels like an amateur more, especially considering the expert combination of colors and textures in his tailored look. When it comes to the last button on a jacket and how often you should button it, the rule is simple: never.
We don't see a lot of Joshua Jackson recently. If his brighter-blue-suit-and-air-tie combo is anything to go by, we'd like to see a lot more.
What role is Method Actor Jared Leto preparing for here? A guy that wears entirely too many loud prints at once? Seriously, if you've got camo pants, printed socks, and checkerboard sneakers happening all at once, something's wrong. Try pulling one—or two—of those elements out of the equation.
Becks has airport style down. Clean, minimal luggage. Simple pieces like a bomber jacket, white tee, and black jeans. It's easy and comfortable, but still presentable.
That is one damn fine jacket, Tom Brady. Might look a little better with a crewneck tee, but altogether this whole look is solid. Just goes to show the power of great tailoring.
Is Pine taking his cues from Jared Leto now? There's too much going on here, from the period-piece vibe of the engineer striped overalls to the bright red Vans to the straw hat. When it comes to statement pieces, one is the magic number. (Though we're not sure those overalls work in any situation.)
There's some great colorblocking happening here.


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A job that becomes a game! In the period of the new oil, OL.MA. starts a new project in the schools: "L'olio secondo me" (The oil in my opinion).The goal is to introduce children into the world of olive growing, let them know inside their school environment an important resource of our territory, the resource of olive trees and production of extra virgin olive oil. At the beginning of the new school year, thanks to the collaboration and passion of the teachers of the schools in the area of Roccastrada, OL.MA, under the passionate direction of Gerardo Calabassi, asked the children of primary and secondary schools to comment the olive oil culture and the extra virgin olive oil as a product so rich in history and belonging. The result is a team work that produced dozens of drawings and thoughts which show a pure and simple vision of this fruit, of trees and of the traditional harvest.
Along with the educational mission, OL.MA chose to carry out this project by selecting two drawings and realizing real labels to put on the bottles of extra virgin olive oil produced only with olives picked in the fields of "Usi Civici di Sticciano Scalo". Part of the profit obtained by selling this product line will be devoted to the purchase of stationery for the classrooms involved, material that children have earned working on the project. A small contribution will be used to renew the regular child sponsorship that OL.MA employees have been carrying on for years with the project "Save the Children".All the drawings of the children will be entrusted to the "Studio Kalimero" to be collected in a calendar with pictures and thoughts for the year 2017. A calendar that will remember us for 365 days of this important and precious team work. These will be soon available and bottles in limited edition can be bought at the store of OL.MA by whom wish to make a contribution! Alternatively orders can be done directly on the shop on line where this item is linked to a free shipment.
Technical report of the Judge Renato Diana:
Hi Gerardo,
regarding the material (graphic and not) received on approval, I repeat that in assessing the children work and creations it's common meeting a range of very varied difficulties and each of them should be awarded. Said that, I have been given the difficult task to choose two drawings and I did it based not just on my personal experience but on different methods of analysis in relation to the different ages of children.
- For primary schools, I enhanced the visual impact and immediacy of the message transmitted by the student.
In the drawing selected by me, there are all the elements that contribute to the life, earth, trees, leaves, olives, sky, clouds and the sun that make it possible. Sun is represented with the natural colour for children, yellow, as well as the two arms, again yellow, which give rise to the oil…finally the oil and its tank.
- For secondary schools, in addition to the features mentioned above, I have considered some technical skills in drawing and even a minimal skill in searching the colours and their approach to the topic.
There's also a good graphic layout and the message arrives direct and unequivocal.
I confirm that I was very impressed by the creativity of all the children and I'd like to ask you to pass my compliments to the teachers because the active participation of the students shows the good work they're doing.
See you soon,


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Last night the Daily Show ran a segment on the slew of new "anti-voter fraud" legislation that's been passed in Southern states in the months since the Supreme Court decided that racism was no longer a problem and struck down the Voting Rights Act. Specifically highlighted was a recent law passed in North Carolina.
Along the way Aasif Mandvi interviewed Don Yelton, a GOP executive committee member in North Carolina. In addition to getting Yelton to admit on-camera that the new laws were less about preventing fraud and more about making it harder for Democratic voters to vote ("The law is going to kick the Democrats in the butt," Yelton said.) Yelton added that "one of my best friends is black" as a defense against charges of bigotry. Yes, he really said that. He also tossed in these gems…
"When I was a young man, you didn't call a black a black — you called him a negra."
"I had a picture one time of Obama sitting on a stump as a witch doctor, and I posted that on Facebook…for your information I was making fun of my white half of Obama, not the black half."
"Now you have a black person using the term n*gger this n*gger that and it's okay for them to do it."
It was all so ridiculous that at one point Mandvi jumped in to ask, "You know that we can hear you, right?"
UPDATE: The Republican Party forced Yelton out of his position today. The Buncombe County GOP released a statement saying, "Mr. Yelton's comments are offensive, uniformed, and unacceptable of any member within the Republican Party…In no way are his comments representative of the local or state Republican Party."


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Starting with a blank page is certainly a humbling task. There are so many directions that the black letters can take you on a white page.
For me, what started out as an ambitious project full of enthusiasm, drive and a vision quickly turned into a humbling experience showing me that running a newsroom full of writers is quite different from writing yourself.
That is one of the reasons why The Reformer has transformed, away from the independent news outlet towards a smaller, but hopefully just as an impactful platform.
A platform for me to share the stories that i am passionate about and driven by, with you, my reader.
I want to dedicate this first story, or rather in memoriam, to everyone I have met and worked with during these past twelve months – to all the great writers, guests on the podcast, our amazing designer Mauro, and everyone else that had a hand in what we tried to achieve here.
While all the content we have created is now lost to the ether, it feels good knowing that the internet hardly ever forgets and that some of the readers of The Reformer may return to this corner of the web to find a new project, filled with the same passion for independent investigative journalism as the previous one.


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One girl's twistedly fantastic interpretation of what the hell is really going on inside the Celebrity Big Brother house.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Bizarre Love Triangle
Glassy eyed and heavily buzzed we stare blankly at the rectangular glowing light in the darkness. Haphazard pillows tossed this way and that. Face cream slathered on as a bra hangs limply on the doorknob. 8 minutes. 6 minutes. Refresh. Refresh. Tell the virgins to calm down. Regret the fact that you drank as much as you did in "celebration". Must. Stay. Awake. 2 minutes. 1 minute. Refresh. Goddammit Refresh!
And voila! Blackness. A black hole from whence no light can escape. A black hole vacuum sucking up my patience, my dignity, and, most importantly, my buzz. After a very loud and determined Twitter temper tantrum, fans assisted fans in a "Hands Across America" kind of a way. Click the tiny clue, set it to a time only west coasters can relate to, clear your cache, sacrifice a virgin, dance around the fire clutching a clucking chicken, when he tells you the password, refresh and VOILA!
The Feeds sprang to life and we all exhaled. Downstairs in the bathroom, most of the womenfolk were busy getting makeovers by Ginamarie, GM for short, for an upcoming fashion show/pageant. Upstairs, a sad frightened lass clutched a pillow and looked forlornly into the distance. Jessie, my early call as the season crier and most likely to have a nervous breakdown, has even astounded yours truly with my scarily accurate skills of clairvoyance. As it turns out not only has Jessie been nominated for eviction along with Candice, but she is caught up in a bizarre love triangle and finds herself repeating words, comforting squishy words and mantras, over and over again in her head... I feel fine and I feel good. I feel like I never should. Whenever I get this way I just don't know what to say. Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday...
As far as the others go, we begin to get a brief glimpse into what their house roles might be. Judd, as it turns out, is just as hard to understand in person as he is in interviews. Inexplicably he wears sunglasses indoors while Amanda, the house comedienne, jokingly asks him, "What the fuck did you just say?" Jazz Hands Andy flits hither and thither in matching neon pink pants and shorts while Aaryn announces over and over that she's ready to be a Playboy Model.
Slowly we begin to get some game insight and are able to catch up with what's gone down over the past 5 days. With a chance to finally be alone, Howard and Nick sit in the HOH room intensely discussing the upcoming MVP twist. Here is what we know so far: Nick, Howard, Spencer, McRae and Jeremy are in an all boys alliance called The Moving Company. Do they strap things on their backs and break the knobs off of your one of a kind dressers? That, I do not know. What I do know is that they want Bouffant (David) and Elvira (Elissa) out of the house as soon as possible. They're unsure where Andy's loyalty stands at this point and are equally wary of Aaryn. Apparently, Aaryn and some of the other gals (not exactly sure whom) have an alliance called The Blondtourage. I am unclear as to whether that is a name the ladies gave themselves or whether it is something Nick made up. The point is that there seems to be a battle of sexes sprinkled with crossover suballiances, but more on that later.
Back downstairs, the girls are almost ready for their big fashion show/pageant. GM has sewn extensions into everyone's head and loaned out her best clubbing dresses. There is just one last contestant who needs some final touches - including glitter on his nipples, I shit you not. It is Bouffant looking fetching in hot pink.
As the crowd begins to gather and wait impatiently in the Living Room, Aaryn sits at an empty typewriter giving Amanda an improv opportunity that Jazz Hands has somehow let escape from his twinkling fingers. As Aaryn types, Amanda begins to voice over "Dear Diary" entries. Vapid entries of a blonde girl with the vocabulary of a 10 year old. Was Amanda subtly calling Aaryn a twit or was it all in good fun? Either or, Aaryn seemed to enjoy it and so did I.
Finally, after brutal minutes of Candice saying the phrase "Gone With The Wind fabulous" over and over and over again, the fashion/show pageant begins. When Candice tells the ladies that they'll be asked a question in front of the audience, Eyebrows (Kaitlin) crosses her arms over her chest and whines about how she doesn't want to have to talk. For some reason, the rest of the girls (save Amanda who was in the audience with the fellas) accept this with no questions asked. They must already be used to this sort of bratty behavior at this point. I have no idea.
So the fashion show/pageant takes place and we discover that Helen is a delightful little pistol. She's a tiny whippet of a gal ready to be Chenbot's understudy whenever a hosting emergency arises. Naturally, she wins and is immediately dressed up like a stuffed animal.
It is when the pageant ends and the hair extensions come out that the delicious whiff of scandal begins to permeate through our screens. Eyebrows and GM are up in the HOH room and Eyebrows is just busting to talk about her recent Diary Room session. She says that the DR asked her such leading questions that she now knows how some other people in the house think of her. And by "other people", I mean Jessie. It turns out that the gals of the house all had a discussion early on about the boys they wanted to canoodle with. Aaryn and Bouffant entered itemhood quickly while Jessie laid claim to Nick leaving Jeremy wide open for Eyebrows to pounce on. The only problem is that Nick isn't interested in bumping uglies with Jessie so Jessie quickly changed her mind and confided into Eyebrows that Jeremy is now the object of her affection. The problem is that Eyebrows now likes Jeremy too. Oh the horror!
Eyebrows laments about how awful it is that Jeremy flirts with her on his own accord while sad sack Jessie gets ignored and she's on the block to boot! Waving her hands around and acting like it's the end of the world, Eyebrows tells GM it's not her fault Jeremy flirts with her. Oh no Eyebrows, it's not your fault at all. You strategically bend over in ass crack shorts as often as you can as soon a boy enters the room. You're as innocent as a daisy.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Elvira and Amanda are changing out of their pageant wear and lotioning up for the night. Elvira announces what we all suspected would happen... she tells Amanda how she really wants to say hi to all of the Rachel fans especially the "Brenchel Army". So there you have it, the sister secret is out of the bag and everybody in the house knows who she is.
Speaking of Elvira, word on the street is that she may have gotten into some spats early on with Candice and GM. The house consensus seems to be to get rid of her as soon as possible with some people suggesting that McRae backdoor her this week. Because of some sound issues on the feeds, I was able to watch a conversation between Elvira and McRae, but I was unable to listen. It is unclear at this point whether MC (McRae) and Elvira are in a secret alliance together or if MC will do the bidding of The Moving Company and try to backdoor Elvira.
And now it's time for everyone to put on some melancholy chick music and prepare yourselves to that whiny hot mess Jessie. I'm still astounded by how well I nailed this chick. I knew, I just knew, she was going to be a hotbed of emotional breakdowns. This one is a handful. A whiny handful of tears and antidepressants. Anyhow, Jessie has decided to retire early for the evening because she doesn't like everybody giving her sympathetic looks for being on the block. Nick and Andy confront her in the darkness and advise her to keep doing exactly what she's doing and lay low. Andy tells her not to "ruffle any feathers" and Jessie says she won't as long as people stop asking her how she's feeling. It makes her feel "icky".
That's a nice story and all Jessie, but that's not why she's upset. After the boys leave and Aaryn enters, Jessie confesses that she's ooey gooey for Jeremy. Jeremy once said hi to her and she just naturally assumed that they were in love, planning a wedding, going to move into a house with a white picket fence, have 2.5 kids, an herb garden and 3 cats. But tonight Jeremy was all over Eyebrows! She whines that she doesn't blame Eyebrows (she totally does). I mean, it's not Eyebrows' fault she's so pretty. Jessie just thought she and Jeremy really had something special. He once asked her to pass the salt and she swooned. If that's not love, I don't know what is.
Aaryn tells Jessie that Jeremy is simply a flirt. He's just that type of guy who likes to rub girls inappropriately. It's just good old fashioned groping and nothing more than that. Jessie whines some more about all the mixed signals and the color of the peonies she ordered for the wedding. If Jeremy was flirting with her and thinking of names for their future children (that would naturally all start with J's) then how can he be snuggling with Eyebrows at the same time?! It's all so confusing for Jessie, but at the same time it is also a gift because it gives her something to obsess about and, lord knows, chicks like Jessie love to obsess.
Eventually, Aaryn leaves and Jeremy enters to have "the talk". He tells Jessie how he can't help it that all the girls are throwing themselves at him. *eyeroll* He's not even really thinking about the girls. He's focusing more on his game and can't let the girls throw him off his goal. Jessie whines that she knows Eyebrows is so pretty to which Jeremy replies, "All the girls in here are gorgeous." He assures Jessie that she is exactly the kind of girl he goes for - minus the smoking and fits of manic depression - and that just because he snuggled with Eyebrows, it doesn't mean that he likes Jessie any less.
Naturally, Jessie takes this as a proposal of marriage. She begins to sit up a little straighter and flip her hair just so. She'll try her hardest not to be bothered when Jeremy fingerbangs Eyebrows. She's just worried about what her TV edit will look like more than anything else. She doesn't want the viewing public to see her as a needy clingy leech girl (too late). The conversation ends and Jessie closes her eyes smiling to herself wondering if St. Lucia would be a cool place for a destination wedding.
And there you have it. Day 1 (kind of) in the Big Brother 15 house! I tell ya, I'm pleasantly surprised. This is a crew that's ready to play. We already have romance, jealousy, possible spats, multiple alliances, outed secrets and a future 5150 on our hands. I love it!
So, what do you guys think so far? Is there anyone you've changed your opinion about? Do you think MC and Elvira are secretly working together? Will Jessie stab Eyebrows in her sleep? Comment it out bitches and have a great day!
12 comments:
- AnonymousJune 27, 2013 at 12:02 PM
I was nervous about this cast but all signs point to an interesting summer so far. Looking forward to your blogs!ReplyDelete
Oh boy! Jessie looks like she's Danielle 2.0 with and Jeremy is her Shane. Get that girl some fried chicken and some sweat pants!ReplyDelete
Watching the live feeds, it was driving me nuts who Gina Marie reminded me of. Then it came to me. She's Cheri Oteri doing a skit for SNL. Expect the unexpected. LOLReplyDelete
Nice Recap. I'm living vicariously through blogs like yours this season since I lack the time or inclination to get the feeds and yet want to follow along more than just the network broadcast. Thanks!ReplyDelete
- DaleylifeJune 27, 2013 at 5:08 PM
I have never read your blog before this season. You've got me LOLing all over the place. Fantastic writing! :)ReplyDelete
I think that Jeremy had an "Oh Shit" moment when he moved that curtain back and saw Jessie standing there with a bloody knife. He and Kaitlin (Eyebrows works) better sleep with one eye open. That bitch is so delusional that she puts all of the other psychos in that house to shame. I love me some crazy! And...for the life of me, I can't see what is so great about Jeremy. I do agree that the male gender in that house is slim pickin's if you are a horny bitch. Let the bitch slapping begin!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 27, 2013 at 6:53 PM
After watching After Dark last night I have to say you nailed it! Amanda is definitely the most entertaining and she'd better stick around to be the comedienne of the summer!!!ReplyDeleteReplies
Amanda is my friend's niece. I hope she wins!Delete
My summer of chaos and you did not disappoint with the blog. Thank you.ReplyDelete
- InTheVoidJune 28, 2013 at 2:41 AM
Well, I thought going in I would like Spencer. He turned out to be a semi dbag. Maybe I will get used to it, at least he seems to be playing the game hard.ReplyDelete
Amanda seemed cool last night, but she is being too pushy already. Telling people they owe you week 1 before they are even really saved seems like a bad idea.I hope she eases up as she is kind of funny, like to see if she can hang.
Howard seems to be doing well. I never hear his name come out of anyones mouth and he is ALWAYS talking game, he may last a while.
The only one I think I could like is Nick. Not seen too much of him but he seems smart.
All in all, in terms of game play and batshit cray cray, looks like it could be a decent season. Just no one I can see being my fav as of yet (I am sure that will change!).
Thanks Bitch! Was a great recap. Am so looking forward to you're "new blog up" on FB! I, too, like Amanda so far and hope she stays just for the "get real" vib she sends out. I don't think she's going to put up with a bunch of shit from anyone and that might be her downfall. I guess I want Jesse around just for the theatrics. But I see Nick and Howard going far together since there isn't a girl following them around. What did Candace do I wonder to get herself put up? I really haven't seen much of her. The 2 blondes might be mean girls in real life.ReplyDelete
Anyway, the fun begins!
Oh Geez. Your NOT You're. Prby should reread posts.ReplyDelete


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Eli Lilly's IL-23 inhibitor mirikizumab is trailing the field in lead indication psoriasis – where it looks set to be fifth to market – but could leapfrog some of its rivals in Crohn's disease.
Lilly has just presented phase 2 results with mirikizumab in moderate to severe Crohn's – a form of inflammatory bowel disease – which reveal significant reductions in clinical and endoscopic measures of disease activity at 12 weeks compared to placebo.
That included an endoscopic response rate of 43.8% for patients on a 1,000mg dose of the IL-23 antibody, compared to 10.9% of the placebo group. Other doses of mirikizumab – 200mg and 600mg – achieved endoscopic response rates of 25.8% and 37.5% respectively.
Similar benefits on endoscopic remission rates and patient-reported remissions, plus a fairly clean safety profile, have prompted Lilly to accelerate plans for a phase 3 trial in Crohn's later this year. The data was presented at this week's Digestive Disease Week (DDW) medical conference in San Diego.
Crohn's could be an important indication for Lilly, as mirikizumab is very much playing catch-up in the IL-23 inhibitor category when it comes to psoriasis.
First to market was Johnson & Johnson's dual IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor Stelara (ustekinumab) for psoriasis, which rapidly achieved blockbuster status with add-on indications in psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's and made $4bn in sales last year.
Stelara has since been joined by J&J's follow-up IL-23 inhibitor Tremfya (guselkumab), Sun Pharma's Ilumya (tildrakizumab) and AbbVie/Boehringer Ingelheim's Skyrizi (risankizumab), which are all already FDA-approved for psoriasis and require fewer injections than Stelara with safety and efficacy that is at least as good. Tremfya also has data suggesting it works in Stelara-resistant psoriasis.
Lilly's antibody is still in phase 3 for psoriasis, well behind the leaders, but IBD presents a greater opportunity for the drug. With Stelara already available for Crohn's, Lilly is hoping to be among the leaders to market in this indication, although as Tremfya and Skyrizi are already in phase 3 it will have to move quickly.
Mirikizumab is however already in three phase 3 ulcerative colitis trials that will start generating results next year, and has a chance of being first to market in this indication – although once again it is in a race with Skyrizi, which also has phase 3 trials ongoing in this setting.
"Following last year's presentation of positive phase 2 results for mirikizumab for the treatment of moderate- to severe ulcerative colitis, we are excited to return to DDW to present more positive data for mirikizumab in patients with chronic, inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions," said Lilly's head of immunology R&D Lotus Mallbris.
"As we continue to advance the science of gastroenterology, we are hopeful that mirikizumab helps us raise the standard and make remission possible for people living with immune-mediated diseases like Crohn's disease."
Article by
Phil Taylor
22nd May 2019
From: Research
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Our annual report is an opportunity for Sacramento Self-Help Housing to show how we performed last year.
I think you will be impressed. With the addition of more staff, money, and resources in 2018, we have improved the performance of existing programs and expanded on more programs than ever before!
Click Here to View the 2020 Annual Report


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|In stock
This timeless glass jar includes a black ceramic lid and a hangtag that features a picture of a child who is supported through our LIGHT A CANDLE · FEED A CHILD program.
What Makes it Special:
Fragrance: Sweet Grace
Fragrance Family: Oriental & Spice
Fragrance Description: With exotic passion fruit, sparkling tea and classic patchouli, Sweet Grace is undeniably warm, peaceful and pure.
Use and Care:
Volume: 18.5 oz
Lifespan: 145 hours
Product Size (inches): 3.88l x 3.88w x 5.63h
Package Weight (pounds): 2.48


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2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa
Transferring up a league doesn't at all times convey success. The rewards may be greater, but the competition will probably be tougher. So it is for the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa. The one-time Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage rival has been reinvented as a more expensive SUV, so now it's up in opposition to formidable prestige-badged competitors such because the BMW X1.
Luckily, the brand new 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa builds on the strengths of the unique, offering more space, a classier feel and improved efficiency. It is still designed mainly for on-road use, however four-wheel-drive 4Motion variations now feature adjustable drive modes that allow you to sort out different conditions.
Learn on over the next few pages for every little thing you'll want to know concerning the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa, together with which engine and trim to decide on. And do not forget to visit our new automobile deals to see if you will get a good discount off a 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa.
The perfect-selling 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa is the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel model (badged 2.0 TDI 150) and it is simple to see why; it gives a fine mix of performance and gasoline economic system, whereas the cheaper 115 version (with 113bhp) feels slightly in need of puff. There's additionally a 190 model of the 2.0 TDI engine that delivers loads of punch however is reasonably dear, while the range-topping 240 model brings yet extra pace for an much more eyebrow-raising worth.
In case you're more fascinated with petrol power, the entry-level 125 model puts out 123bhp from its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. Nonetheless, while it's probably the most inexpensive mannequin in the range, it struggles a bit up inclines, especially when loaded up to the gunnels. The 150 version is healthier, however nonetheless lacks the low-rev pulling power of the diesels.
As for the 2.Zero-litre 180 petrol engine, it feels quick and is quick off the line, due to all-wheel drive coming as commonplace. It doesn't fairly have the in-gear flexibility of the diesels, although, however around city you'll have little challenge with the first rate efficiency it presents and out on the motorway there's no problem overtaking.
By small SUV requirements, the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa rides very effectively certainly. It smooths over bigger imperfections, similar to speed bumps, higher than the BMW X1, but the suspension continues to be agency enough to cease the physique from bouncing up and down an excessive amount of along undulating roads.
Patched up roads and damaged Tarmac can unsettle the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa slightly – particularly should you select a model with big alloy wheels – however compared with its key rivals the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa is comfortable. Even the sporty R-line trim is bearable, if inferior to lesser fashions. If you'd like a extra settled journey, you'll need to choose one thing with a decrease centre of gravity, similar to a VW Golf.
We would not trouble with the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa non-obligatory adaptive suspension. It would not enhance the trip that much and there are extra worthwhile extras to spend your cash on.
The 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa handles more like a traditional hatchback than a lot of its SUV rivals; it's genuinely enjoyable to drive. Some might feel the steering is slightly too gentle, but it surely's precise, making the car easy to place on the street. There isn't an excessive amount of physique roll through corners and all variations have loads of grip, although the four-wheel-drive 4Motion fashions unsurprisingly supply higher traction in slippery circumstances.
True, the X1 and Seat Ateca are much more agile by means of the twisty bits, however the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa outshines most other small SUVs, including the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. The R-line model is offered with sports suspension however this doesn't make the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa any more fun.
4Motion models add a dial next to the gearlever that lets you choose completely different modes depending on the terrain and provoke a hill descent system. An additional choice is adaptive chassis control – this lets you stiffen or soften the suspension to prioritise either trip consolation or flatter dealing with.
The petrol engines are particularly smooth, even when being labored onerous, and whereas the diesels sound a bit clattery at tickover and if you actually put your foot down, they're still muted at a cruise and much from raucous when accelerating. That said, the diesel engines in the rival X1 are barely quieter.
At high speeds, you'll hear a flutter of wind noise across the 2020 Audi A6 Allroad Usa door mirrors, however nearly no highway noise until you opt for a version with really large alloy wheels. The handbook gearbox is gentle and simple to use, while the DSG computerized is smooth and soothing the overwhelming majority of the time, with only the occasional jerk at low speeds.
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Mission and Vision
CECEMis originated from the NGO Training Project which was operating during the period 1995 – November 2001. The NGO Training Project was funded by 8
International NGOs according to a cooperation agreement with PACCOM. When the funded Project expired, the project team chose to become the Training
Department of the Labour Development Centre (LaDeCen). After two years of learning and growing, in October 2003, the Training Department detached from
LaDeCen and registered as an independent organisation with its own legal status, namely Centre for Community Empowerment (CECEM). CECEM is a not-for-profit
organisation, registered under the Southeast Asia Research Association Vietnam (SEARAV), according to decision number 194 – QĐ- TWH of SEARAV.
In the fields of work that we have chosen, CECEM continuously study the latest ideas generated and applied by other countries in the world, and at the same
time we constantly observe and study the contextual conditions in Vietnam. Therefore, those training courses and consultancies conducted by CECEM are
continuously updated with new thoughts and practically adapted to the context of Vietnam.
Whatever we do, CECEM put their effort in the design and delivery of the work to make it an enabling process to improve the capacity to work and to learn
more effectively for participating individuals, teams and organisations.
Until January 2013, CECEM have conducted over 700 training courses for thousands of participants who are staff members and project partners of INGOs,
VNGOs, public organisations at ministerial, provincial, district and commune levels. CECEM have also completed around 300 consultancies for the above
organisations and projects.
CECEM have chosen the mission of inspiring individuals, organizations to discover their potentials and be proactive in empowering themselves for better
CECEM vision themselves in 2015 as an innovative organization in capacity building approach with outstanding quality of work and high sense of
professionalism. CECEM will be evaluated by partners as a leading consultancy in Vietnam in terms of quality of services. CECEM will have started to gain
its reputation in the region as a consultancy specializing in capacity building.
CECEM will focus on four fields of work, including Adult Learning and Participatory Training, Development Project Management, Manager and Management
Development, and Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises.
CECEM will continue providing public training, tailored made training, and consultancies in the four fields above. CECEM will develop new training courses
to provide more advanced and/ or integrated knowledge and skills. CECEM will gradually extend their services to other countries in the region.
CECEM will also manage a number of projects that demonstrate effective processes for capacity building in organisational management, community management,
and poverty reduction through capacity development.
CECEM Exchange Program


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Supply of Printing Equipment and Software
Provision of Printing Services, including Multi Function Devices, printers, copiers, associated software and consumables.
United Kingdom-London: Printing and related services
Contract notice
Directive 2004/18/EC
Section I: Contracting authority
I.1)Name, addresses and contact point(s)
Oasis Community Learning
The Oasis Centre, 75 Westminster Bridge Road
For the attention of: David Cannon
SE1 7HS London
E-mail: email@example.com
Fax: +44 2079214201
Internet address(es):
General address of the contracting authority: http://www.oasisuk.org/
Further information can be obtained from: The above mentioned contact point(s)
Specifications and additional documents (including documents for competitive dialogue and a dynamic purchasing system) can be obtained from: The above mentioned contact point(s)
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to: The above mentioned contact point(s)
I.2)Type of the contracting authority
I.3)Main activity
I.4)Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities
Section II: Object of the contract
II.1.1)Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority:
II.1.2)Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance
Service category No 7: Computer and related services
NUTS code UK
II.1.3)Information about a public contract, a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system (DPS)
II.1.5)Short description of the contract or purchase(s)
II.1.6)Common procurement vocabulary (CPV)
79800000, 79810000, 42962000
II.1.7)Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
II.1.9)Information about variants
II.2.1)Total quantity or scope:
Estimated value excluding VAT:
Range: between 500 000 and 1 500 000 GBP
II.2.2)Information about options
Description of these options: See Statement of Requirements.
II.2.3)Information about renewals
II.3)Duration of the contract or time limit for completion
Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.2.2)Economic and financial ability
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required: Minimum turnover of GBP 1 000 000 per year.
III.2.3)Technical capacity
Length of trading in terms of applicable goods and services, and UK based resource pool.
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required:
Must have been providing comparative services for a minimum of 10 years.
Must have a minimum of twenty five UK-based permanent staff dedicated to the types of services being procured.
III.3.1)Information about a particular profession
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1.1)Type of procedure
IV.2.1)Award criteria
IV.2.2)Information about electronic auction
Additional information about electronic auction: See Invitation to Tender documentation — central email and secure shared folders for information dissemination and collection.
IV.3.1)File reference number attributed by the contracting authority:
IV.3.2)Previous publication(s) concerning the same contract
IV.3.3)Conditions for obtaining specifications and additional documents or descriptive document
IV.3.4)Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
IV.3.6)Language(s) in which tenders or requests to participate may be drawn up
IV.3.7)Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1)Information about recurrence
VI.2)Information about European Union funds
VI.3)Additional information
VI.5)Date of dispatch of this notice:


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Recovery Zone Facility Bonds: Waiver and Reallocation of Allocations; Counties Permitted to Issue Industrial Revenue Bonds Under WI 2009 Senate Bill 440
Public Finance Update 02/02/10 John W. Daniels, Elizabeth S. Blutstein, Ann K. Comer, Julianna Ebert, Brian G. Lanser, Ann M. Murphy, Jeff Peelen, Jennifer V. Powers, Michael L. Roshar, Rebecca A. Speckhard, Margaret E. Utterback, Bridgette DeToro, Alexander J. Gore, Allison M. Buchanan
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("ARRA") authorized various new bond programs including Recovery Zone Facility Bonds ("RZFBs"), a new economic development bond program. The Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 previously authorized a new economic development bond program, namely Midwestern Disaster Area Bonds ("MDABs"). Both of these bond programs allow private business entities to access tax-exempt financing for a broad range of capital projects, through the issuance of conduit revenue bonds by a municipal issuer.[1]
Under ARRA, the allocations for RZFBs were made directly to counties and large municipalities. Some counties and large municipalities may have used some or all of their RZFB allocation for the benefit of private business projects within their jurisdiction, and others may have made allocations to municipalities within their jurisdiction. Under 2009 Senate Bill 440 (the "Legislation")[2], counties and large municipalities will waive their allocation of RZFBs as of March 1, 2010 unless they take affirmative action. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce ("DOC") is charged with establishing and administering a system for a reallocation of RZFBs among authorities and local government units in response to applications received on a project by project basis.
For additional information on the requirements to issue RZFBs and MDABs, please see our prior updates and a comparison of RZFBs and MDABs, all of which are attached.
Waiver and Reallocation of Recovery Zone Facility Bonds[3]
The Legislation provides that a RZFB allocation that has been received by a city or county will be waived unless the city or county takes the following action:
1. Before March 1, 2010 sends written notice to DOC:
a) stating that RZFBs have been issued; or
b) identifying the amount of a proposed issuance of RZFBs and the nongovernmental entity that will own or
operate the project being financed, along with a letter to DOC from the prospective purchaser of the RZFBs
which states the prospective purchaser's expectation that an agreement for the purchase of the RZFBs will be
executed before May 1, 2010, and that the RZFBs will be issued before June 1, 2010;
2. before May 1, 2010 sends written notice to DOC stating:
a) that RZFBs have been issued; or
b) that an agreement has been executed by the issuer of RZFBs and a bond purchaser, providing for the purchase
of RZFBs; and
3. before June 1, 2010 sends written notice to DOC stating that RZFBs have been issued.
The Legislation requires DOC to establish and administer a system to reallocate any RZFB allocation that is waived. Any political subdivision of the state, special purpose district, agency or corporation of a political subdivision or special purpose district, intergovernmental cooperation commission, housing authority, redevelopment authority or community development authority can apply to DOC for a reallocation for a particular project.
Before DOC makes a reallocation of RZFBs, it must consider whether MDABs are an alternative source of financing for that particular project and whether sufficient MDAB bonding authority remains for that particular city or county. DOC must also consider the amount of RZFB allocation that has been waived by each city or county that seeks a reallocation after March 1, 2010 and before June 1, 2010. DOC will reallocate a RZFB allocation from the overall waived allocation to a project in a city or county that waived an allocation in an amount up to the total RZFB allocation that was waived by the city or county or the amount necessary for the project, whichever is less. If the amount of RZFBs requested for reallocation exceeds the amount that has been waived, DOC will prorate the available waived allocations among cities and counties in proportion to the amount the cities and counties previously waived.
If a city or county is eligible to issue MDABs (i.e., the 30 affected counties in approximately the southern 1/3 of the state) and has waived any portion of its RZFB allocation before January 1, 2011, DOC will increase that city's or county's allocation of MDAB authority by the amount that the city or county waived in RZFB allocation.
Provides Counties with the Authority to Issue Industrial Revenue Bonds
The Legislation also provides counties with specific authority to issue industrial revenue bonds pursuant to
Section 66.1103, Wisconsin Statutes (the "IRB Statute"). Prior to the passage of the Legislation, only a "municipality" (defined as a city, village or town) had the ability to issue industrial revenue bonds under the IRB Statute. Facilities that qualify for financing with MDABs and RZFBs have been added to the list of eligible "project" and "industrial project" under the IRB Statute, regardless of the nature of the business or project to be financed.
Expands Definition of "Municipality" for Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreements
Housing authorities, redevelopment authorities and community development authorities have been added to the definition of "municipality" under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Statute (Section 66.0301, Wisconsin Statutes), which means housing authorities, redevelopment authorities and community development authorities have been given authority to participate in intergovernmental cooperation commissions under the Legislation and will be able to enter into intergovernmental cooperation agreements. The significance of this change in terms of RZFB issuance is that intergovernmental cooperation commissions can apply for a reallocation of RZFB allocations that have been waived.[4]
Please call any of the Quarles & Brady Public Finance lawyers if you have any questions about the Legislation, RZFBs or MDABs.
[1] The private business entity must negotiate a commitment from a bank or other financial institution for a loan for the
project. Conduit revenue bonds are either underwritten by a financial institution or purchased by a bank based on the
borrower's credit. The municipal issuer of conduit revenue bonds then issues bonds to that bank or other financial
institution and lends the bond proceeds to a borrower to use for qualifying purposes. The private business entity must
repay the loan to the municipal issuer, which loan payments are used by the municipal issuer to pay debt service on
the bonds. The municipal issuer has no financial liability or other obligation to repay the bonds.
[2] On January 28, 2010, the Legislation was adopted by both the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly. It is currently awaiting
signature by the Governor. The Legislation will be effective on the day after its date of publication as designated by the
Secretary of State which may not be more than 10 working days after the date of enactment (i.e., the day on which
the Governor approves the Legislation).
[3] The Legislation for the recovery zone facility bond waiver/reallocation does not affect recovery zone economic
development bond allocations, a different bond program authorized under ARRA which assists state and local
governments in issuing bonds to promote development or other economic activity in a "recovery zone" including to
fund infrastructure and capital expenditures.
[4] Housing authorities, redevelopment authorities and community development authorities may also apply for a
reallocation of RZFBs even if they are not a part of an intergovernmental cooperation commission.


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NOTE These pages are being regularly updated.
Peaks and notches.
These are best considered together as they tend to occur together, often on apex corners of sculpted boulders. They are also the most obvious anthropogenic sculpting features. To create these relief features a considerable amount of rock has had to be removed using a stone hammer. Quite often considerable additional work may have been done on the boulder rims/ridges. Peaks and notches can be validated as a type as they occur on numerous evidence boulders.
These are the most subtle of the sculpting features yet they are the best validated as most of the Evidence Boulders display these features. The best examples occur on 'split' Evidence Boulders as the sharp edges of the unworked sides contrast strongly with the sculpted rounded rims often created with grooves around the rim.
Rim grooving is where a worked edge occurs – usually on the top of a boulder with a relatively level top and a vertical face.
A Ridge is where there is an almost equal slope on both side of the edge.
Examples of rims can be seen in most of the hollows and channels examples above.
PB66 Ridge
PB37 Ridge