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"There is very significant public interest in this matter… the implications of the allegations are that individuals and/or the Conservative Party may have committed deliberate acts intended to circumvent the party and election finance rules… These allegations go to the very heart of our Democracy." – Judge Barron.
1. This is an application brought by Kent Police under section 176 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 ("the Act") to extend the time for prosecution of offences under section 81, 82 and 84 of the Act. There is also a request for an order that Thanet District Council retain all relevant documents.
2. The Act provides that proceedings for offences must be commenced within one year after the offence was committed but a magistrates' court may extend the time to commence proceedings to not more than 24 months after the offence was committed.
3. In order to the extend the time limit I must be satisfied. That there are exceptional circumstances which justify the granting of the application, and b. That there has been no undue delay in the investigation of the offence to which the application relates.
4. Kent Police appear represented by Timothy Straker QC and Sappho Dias.
5. Craig Mackinlay MP for South Thanet and Nathan Gray his election agent are represented as "interested parties" by James Laddie QC and Tamara 2 Jaber. Mr Laddie has pointed out that he does not represent the Conservative Party.
6. The Act is silent as to the procedures to be followed when an application is made. In his written arguments James Laddie QC submits that the hearing should be in public and Craig Mackinlay MP and Nathan Gray have a right to make representations as interested parties. Timothy Straker QC submits that the procedure is, so long as the purposes of the Act are met, in the hands of the Court and ordinarily the hearing should be ex parte. On this occasion he takes no point on behalf of Kent Police as to appearance or the matter being heard in open court.
7. It is my view that the nature of the application is such as it would normally be heard ex parte, however, I find that I have a discretion as to how to proceed today. Kent Police put Craig Mackinlay MP and Nathan Gray on notice of their application and have had no objection to them making representations. The subject matter of the hearing is already largely in the public domain and is a matter of considerable press and public interest. I decided to hear the application in open court and allow representations from the interested parties.
8. The last General Election was conducted on the 7th May 2015. Craig Mackinlay was returned as the MP for South Thanet. Nathan Gray was his election agent.
9. Election candidates and their agents are required to lodge declarations as to the expenses incurred by their campaign in the so-called "short period" leading up to the election. This has to be done within 35 days of the election. In this case the relevant return was lodged by the Interested Parties on the 11th June 2015.
10. Parliamentary candidates and the parties that they represent are subject to statutory spending limits in terms of their election expenses. It is an offence under the Act for a candidate and/or his agent to exceed those spending 3 limits; it is also an offence to submit a false return. An alleged breach of either obligation may be prosecuted under the Act as an "illegal practice". If convicted, a person may be subject to various sanctions including being barred from standing for Parliament or holding office for 3 years. Conviction of a sitting MP for an illegal practice automatically voids the result of his or her election. The Act also provides for more serious offences to be prosecuted as "corrupt practice" and there are corresponding sanctions.
11. On the 20th January 2016 Channel 4 News broke a story to the effect that there may have been a breach of election expense returns by the Conservative Party in South Thanet. Specifically, it was alleged that the Conservative Party's national expenditure returns showed hotel bills which it was suggested were to do with the local campaign rather than the national campaign. This was a major story, because if those expenses should have been declared on the Interested Parties' local expenses return rather than the Conservative Party's national return, the local expenses limit would have been exceeded and an illegal practice may have been committed.
12. The Electoral Commission became involved. As I understand it the Commission has no direct responsibility for candidates' compliance with the statutory spending limits and/or the accuracy of the candidates' returns but it does have jurisdiction over national party returns. On the 18th February the Commission announced that it would be commencing an investigation into the Conservative Party's 2015 expenses return.
13. On the 29th February 2016, the Daily Mirror ran a story alleging that expenses connected to the Conservative Party's General election "battle bus" had been incorrectly attributed to national party spending when the expenses should have been attributed to local election expenses. It was alleged that 23 Conservative MPs failed to declare expenses connected with visits from the battle bus. South Thanet was one of the constituencies visited. INFORMATION BEFORE THE COURT
14. In reaching my decision I have considered the followinga. Application by Detective Sergeant 9606 Brian Gilham of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate under section 176 of the Act; 4 b. Supporting Statement of Louise Kate Edwards, Head of Regulatory Compliance and Casework at the Electoral Commission, dated the 17th May 2016; c. Written submissions of Timothy Straker QC and Sappho Dias on behalf of the Police; d. Written submissions of James Laddie QC and Tamara Jaber on behalf of the Interest Parties; e. Supporting documentation submitted on behalf of the Interested Parties, which includes press extracts and correspondence; f. The oral representations made at court during the hearing;
15. I did not hear any oral evidence from witnesses.
16. DS Gilham in his written application summarises the background as he sees it and then continues: "A decision has been made that each police force affected should consider applying to local magistrates to extend the time limit for prosecuting these offences by a further 12 months. Whilst we do not have any specific evidence to date, it is anticipated that the Electoral Commission investigation will provide that evidence. I understand that to extend the time limit I need to evidence a) exceptional circumstances b) no undue delay. Whilst these allegations have been in the public eye for some time, the evidence indicating that some expenses incurred may be a local expense as opposed to a national expense, has only been provided by Channel 4 news on the 3 May 2016 and further information is being provided that evidence is still with the Electoral Commission. As a result of the information presented by the Electoral Commission I have reasonable grounds to suspect that offences may have been committed under the Representation of the People Act 1983 in relation to the expense submissions and declarations for the South Thanet constituency. 5 In making this application I request that the time limit for prosecution be extended for a further 12 months, providing an overall time limit of 24 months from the date of signing the expenses declarations. I also seek a further order to ensure that the officers at Thanet District Council do not destroy paperwork, which includes the concerned expenses returns after the original 12 month expiry. Thanet District Council has been contacted and has raised no concerns in the granting of this order and do not wish to make any representations."
17. Louise Edwards provides a detailed statement on behalf of the Electoral Commission in support of the application to extend the time limit. She explains the Commissions functions and the regulation of campaign spending under the Act, and the relevant offences that the Act creates. She states that the Commission set standards for well-run elections and its aim is to ensure integrity and public confidence in the UK's democratic process by working to support a healthy democracy. She notes that the Commission has an important role in the regulation of political party finances and has a number of investigatory and enforcement powers in this regard.
18. She states that the Commission are investigating offences in connection witha. Campaign expenditure by or on behalf of the Party and/or its candidates in three by-elections in Clacton, Newark and Rochester and Strood in 2014 (which are now out of time for offences under the 1983 Act); b. Campaign expenditure by or on behalf of the Party and/or its candidates in the South Thanet constituency during the 2015 general election (she describes these as the "South Thanet matters"); c. Campaign expenditure by or on behalf of the Party and/or its candidates on the "Battlebus" campaign activity, including costs incurred on transport and accommodation, during the 2015 campaign (she describes these as "the Battlebus matters").
19. She sets out a chronology of the Commission's investigation and comments: 6 "The Commission's investigation will not be completed before the one year period in section 176(1) of the RPA expires. The Commission's investigation in respect of potential offences under the PPERA [the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000] is ongoing. This is due both to its complexity and to the fact that the investigation has been delayed and hindered by the failure of the Party to provide complete and timely disclosure of relevant material. This has led to the unprecedented step of making an application to the High Court for a document and information disclosure order. As a result the Commission has not been in a position to make any evidence relevant to potential RPA offences available to police forces sooner. In line with our enforcement policy we will bring to the attention of the relevant police force any evidence of potential RPA offences as soon as possible. We anticipate that the Commission's investigation will continue into the autumn."
20. Louise Edwards submits that there are exceptional circumstances for the following reasons:- a. The Battlebus campaign with organised transportation of groups of activists with expenses met by the party is new; b. The Channel 4 News allegations indicate the potential for offences committed in a significant number of constituencies on an unprecedented scale and the Commission has had to liaise with a large number of police forces; c. The relationship between the Party's national return and multiple local candidate returns is fundamental to ascertaining how the Party attributed its spending across them; d. There is very significant public interest in the matter. The implications of the allegations made by Channel 4 News are that individuals and/or the Conservative and Unionist Party may have committed deliberate acts intended to circumvent the party and election finance rules as set out in the RPA and PPERA. That in turn may have led to candidates spending more than the legal limit (and more than their opponents). 7
21. She concludes:- "These allegations go to the very heart of our democracy. The party and election spending rules are intended to ensure that financial resources do not determine the outcome of elections. Similarly, transparency and accountability in relation to campaign spending by local candidates and political parties is essential, in order to ensure confidence in the electoral process. The Electoral Commission humbly submits that these circumstances are truly exceptional; and that there is a very strong public interest in ensuring that the police are able to investigate these allegations properly, justifying an extension of the time limit for investigation of offences under section 176(1) of the RPA."
22. Timothy Straker QC for the Police argues the application should be granted.
23. He submits there are exceptional circumstances:- a. The public interest and the national interest lie in securing an electoral process with integrity. If the electoral process cannot be policed or monitored then the process is both tainted and lacking in integrity; b. Parliament recognised that it was going to be appropriate for an extension of time for the initiation of a criminal charge. Parliament plainly wanted there to be an opportunity for the investigations to be made and for prosecutions, if warranted, to follow; c. It is an exceptional circumstance when the party seeking to take advantage of the time limit is the party of government. It would be foolish to suppose that the party of government does not lend its support or tacit support to the opposition to a continued effective investigation of this matter; d. This is a matter that exceptionally involves a substantial public concern; e. The very large number of potential offences is exceptional; 8 f. He asks rhetorically what could be more exceptional that a candidate, supported by one national party, defeating a leader of another national party by the use of national funds for a local campaign; g. The tension that exists between the national and local is exceptional; h. The breadth and complexity of the Commission's investigation is exceptional;
24. Mr Straker submits it is apparent there has been no undue delay:- a. The return by the candidate precedes by a considerable time the national return; b. The national matter with the boxes of material only being supplied was in the hands of the Electoral Commission who were in turn dependent on the national party, which had supported the candidate, supplying the material. This material was not provided until the 12 May 2016 c. It is not strictly correct to talk of a statutory division of responsibility; d. The Act is concerned with the question whether there has been undue delay in the investigation of the offence and not whether the person who makes the application has been guilty of undue delay; e. The investigation of the offence is and was principally a matter of consideration of the material relating to hotel or battle bus expenses borne nationally but, as it appears, being local expenses. The sequence of events spelt out by Louise Edwards reveals no delay in investigation.
25. James Laddie QC argues that the application should not be granted.
26. He submits the circumstances are not exceptional: a. The conditions imposed by Parliament to justify an extension of time have deliberately been set at a very high level – there is a need for certainty about elections and electoral challenges; 9 b. "Exceptional" suggests that there must be unusual circumstances beyond those that would exist in a typical case where election offences are being investigated; c. Public interest will never be exceptional, without more, as there will almost always be a public interest in prosecution and accordingly it will never be "exceptional"; d. DS Gilham fails to provide any exceptional circumstance to justify grant; e. DS Gilham cannot rely on recently discovered evidence as all the evidence in the case is and was publicly available; f. The police cannot rely on the Electoral Commission investigation as there is a statutory division of responsibility between the Commission and the Police. The former is responsible for investigating national party spending and the latter are responsible for investigating candidate spending; g. The Commission only commenced an investigation in this case because Kent Police declined to do so. The fact that Kent Police may now have changed its mind is not a basis for pretending that exceptional circumstances exist.
27. He submits there has been undue delay: a. The police have failed to show "such diligence and expedition as would be shown by a competent prosecutor conscious of his duty to bring the case to trial as quickly as reasonably and fairly possible." b. The application fails to provide an accurate account of the investigation. The allegations became public in January and February 2016 and Kent Police decided not to investigate and reported this to the Commission in mid-February. There could hardly be a clearer example of undue delay than a conscious decision not to investigate at all; c. The allegations in relation to the Battlebus emerged via the Mirror on the 29th February 2016 and not on the 3rd May; 10 d. The only investigative step apparently taken by Kent Police in the four months since the story broke is a letter to Mr Mackinlay on the 14th March 2016 asking him two questions; e. Delay is the defining feature of the investigation, if it can be described as an investigation at all.
28. I have no hesitation in concluding that there are exceptional circumstances which justify the granting of the application largely for the reasons given by Louise Edwards in her witness statement and added to by Mr Straker at court.
29. In my judgment the combination of circumstances before me is wholly exceptional and goes far beyond the usual circumstances that would exist in a typical case where election offences are being investigated. These circumstances are:- a. The election campaign with the use of the Battlebuses and the organised transportation of groups of activists, with overnight accommodation, subsistence and travel expenses met by the Party rather than the local candidate; b. The nature and extent of the enquiry with the involvement of the Electoral Commission and investigations taking place not just in South Thanet but across the country. As Louise Edwards points out this is on an unprecedented scale. c. The fundamental relationship between the Party's national return and the multiple local candidate returns with the national return being submitted to the Commission on the 6th November 2015 and the consequent delay in the start of the investigation. d. The very significant public interest in the matter being fully investigated. I cannot agree with Mr Laddie that public interest will 11 never be exceptional. Whilst there will almost always be a public interest in investigation of offences under the Act the weight of the public interest will depend on the nature and extent of the allegations being investigated. In this case the allegations are far reaching and the consequences of a conviction would be of a local and national significance with the potential for election results being declared void. DECISION – UNDUE DELAY
30. I must also be satisfied that there has been no undue delay in the investigation of the offence to which the application relates. In my judgment this issue is more finely balanced than whether exceptional circumstances exist. Mr Laddie has advanced some compelling arguments. For the purposes of this hearing he has accepted that the starting date for considering undue delay is the date at which the story broke on the 20th January 2016.
31. A central question is the extent of the investigation by Kent Police. I am not satisfied on the information before me, that there has to-date, been any substantive or meaningful investigation by Kent Police. There was an initial decision not to investigate that appears to have been reversed as a result of pressure from the Electoral Commission and concerns in the media. The Police investigation was opened in March perhaps with the letter to Mr Mackinlay on the 14th – I have not been given a definitive date. I have also not been informed of any other actions taken by Kent Police to investigate the offences themselves. It seems they have, so far, relied on the investigation by the Electoral Commission.
32. Mr Laddie submits that Kent Police can and should have investigated the allegations and their failure to do so inevitably leads to the conclusion that there has been undue delay.
33. I do not accept that the police refusal and then subsequent failure to investigate necessarily leads to finding of undue delay. I also do not accept the initial submissions of Mr Laddie that the investigatory roles of the Commission and the Police must be considered separately and in isolation – 12 they are not sandboxed. As with any investigation the police can take the components of the evidence they use from a range of sources, even other investigatory bodies. 34. In my judgment the Police can step back, for whatever reason, and allow the investigation to be progressed by the Commission provided that overall there is no undue delay in the investigation of the offences to which the application relates. There is no requirement in the Act that the investigation must be conducted by the police or, as Mr Straker points out, even prosecuted by them.
35. The relationship of the potential offences committed by the Party and the potential offences committed by the candidate is so closely entwined that inevitably a considerable body of the evidence will be the same or overlap. 36. Similarly there is a close relationship between the potential offences both locally and in other constituencies under investigation such that, in my judgment, they cannot be considered or investigated in isolation (the Battlebus for example), this makes the overall investigation more complex and time consuming.
37. Having considered the chronology of events provided by Louise Edwards it is clear that the Commission has taken a lead role in the investigation since soon after the allegations came to light with the Commission commencing its investigation in February 2016 and progressing it throughout March, April and May. This investigation relates not only to the Conservative Party campaign expenditure but also to the campaign expenditure of its candidates (see paragraph 36 of her statement) and so is directly related to the offences which are the subject of this application.
38. She refers both to the complexity of the overall investigation and the delay caused by the failure of the Party to provide complete and timely disclosure of relevant material such that application had to be made to the High Court. The fact that the Commission had to seek disclosure of information in the High Court indicates that it does not believe that all relevant evidence is in the public domain and as readily available as Mr Laddie asserts. Louise Edwards anticipates that the Commission investigation will continue into the 13 autumn. I find that it is unlikely that any decision could be made on whether to prosecute individual candidates or others until the outcome of that investigation is known.
39. Since these allegations came to light a little over four months has elapsed. The reality is that that is not a long time for an investigation of this type.
40. Taking all these factors into account I am satisfied that there has been no undue delay in the investigation of the offences to which this application relates. DISCRETION
41. In his written submissions Mr Laddie argues that I should exercise a discretion not to make the order sought principally on the grounds of material non-disclosure. I find that it is in the interests of justice that the investigation is pursued to its conclusion whether or not there has been any material nondisclosure by the Police.
42. Taking into account the information provided in the statement of Louise Edwards about the expected length of the investigation I find that it is necessary for an order to extend the time to commence proceedings for the specified offences to not more than 24 months after the offence was committed.
ORDERS 43. I make both the orders sought by Kent Police.
District Judge J. S. Barron 1st June 2016
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When Your Boss Stresses You Out
You like your job, but your boss gives you a hard time. What can you do if your current boss stresses you out?
First, try to do more than what is expected from you at your current job. Instead of just doing what you are suppose do, try to go the extra mile. Try to get things done ahead of time and help out your co-workers. Your boss and co-workers will notice and give you more respect.
The Fastest Strategy for Learning and Succeeding
The term "mentor" comes from The Odyssey. Odysseus entrusted the care of his son, Telemachus, to Mentor when he set out to fight the Trojan War.
The best mentors will help you learn and grow by sharing their knowledge and wisdom with you. In this way, you can benefit from their experience without having to suffer the consequences of gaining that experience firsthand.
The importance of joyful work in the second half of life!
The importance of joyful work
Sadly, most people did not learn at school about the importance of enjoying their work, unless they were fortunate to have a parent who taught how important it is. Often, the notion of work is to earn an income and support a family. And, while career theories and assessment tests focus on the right fit, rarely do they point out joyful work. As a result, many people find themselves in a career they may be good at but are rarely passionate about.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
which this year housed 28 of them in a 30-foot-
by-60-foot space located near the main entrance
to the show floor. "Aside from it being front and
center in the exhibit hall," Salamone said, "it was
featured as a premier booth on the online map and
there was an article about it in the show daily."
ADVICE Planners should do their homework
before instituting any patient-advocate programs.
"Don't think you know what advocates want outof your meeting," Salamone said. "Ask them whatthey want, and work with them one-on-one tomake that happen.""While our attendees found it interesting andapplauded us for doing it, it's not like that many ofthem were participating. They were busy attend-ing sessions," Wurster said. "This year, we shiftedto the patient education. Even though it's asmaller number of people participating, these arethe patients who are already living with the dis-ease, so the quality of the interaction was muchmore compelling than the broad-based public-awareness events."
WHY AT THE ANNUAL MEE TING "It's about
being good stewards and trying to deliver on our
mission," Wurster said. "Our mission is to end
suffering due to heart-rhythm disorders, educate
the public, and serve our patients, so it's a nice
connection. It's also a way to show our attendees
that the Society is actively participating in all the
activities of our mission."
LOGIS TICS HRS promoted "Living With Atrial
Fibrillation" via area members in Boston and San
Diego, local support programs, and a patient-advocacy organization. An area physician led the lunch-and-learn at both the HRS and ACC meetings.
Each program was held at the meeting's headquarters hotel (The Westin Boston Waterfront for HRS,
the Hilton San Diego Bayfront for ACC) and drew
about 100 patients and caregivers.
ADVICE While a citywide awareness campaign
might seem like a fun, high-profile way to generate interest in your meeting, Wurster cautions
against biting off too much. "As planners, we're
focused on serving the needs of the attendees,
first and foremost," she said. "A lot of people want
to do something big and creative, but when you
stack it up against the reason you're there, which
is the business of the meeting, it can become a
logistical challenge." .
Contributing Editor Molly Brennan is a freelance writer
and editor based in Highland Park, Illinois.
WHAT IT IS After several years of conducting
citywide awareness campaigns related to cardiac
health in the locale of its Annual Scientific Sessions, HRS scaled back this year with a smaller,
more focused patient-education program for
patients and caregivers. Co-organized with the
American College of Cardiology (ACC), "Living
With Atrial Fibrillation" was offered both at Heart
Rhythm 2015, held at the Boston Convention and
Exhibition Center on May 13–16, and at ACC. 15 in
San Diego.
HOW I T CAME ABOUT "Several years ago, we
wanted to draw awareness to the disease states that
we're focused on," said Christina Wurster, HRS's
vice president of brand, "and also give back to the
city hosting our Scientific Sessions." Working with
a public-relations firm, HRS conducted citywide
awareness campaigns at its meetings from 2012
to 2014. In addition to having the month of the
Christina Wurster
'It's about being
good stewards and
trying to deliver on
our mission.'
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text:
March 11, 2014 Calendar Entry
Have you ever compared yourself to someone else? Have you ever thought that someone's gifts were better than your own? How did that make you feel inside? Turn to page 21 in your zine to begin reading about how, many years ago, Witch Hazel struggled to appreciate her beauty and abilities. Does she ever find happiness within herself? What about you? What are your special gifts?


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Coco-nutty Banana Pancakes
Serves: 8
Flippin' amazing pancakes. You'll go absolutely bananas for these guys. Or nuts. Whatever cheesy pun you want to use to celebrate just how tasty these light, fluffy pancakes are.
Ingredients:2 ripe bananas, cut into chunks 1 free-range egg 100ml almond milk 2 tbsp almond butter 1 tbsp coconut nectar 1 tsp vanilla extract 110g plain flour 50g coconut flour pinch of ground cinnamon 1 tsp baking powder pinch of bicarbonate of soda pinch of salt coconut oil, for frying
For the topping:almond butter fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries coconut yoghurt honey
- In a food processor, blend the bananas with the egg, almond milk, almond butter, coconut nectar and vanilla, until smooth and well combined.
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a large bowl then slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking together until you have a thick, smooth batter.
- Working in batches, add one tablespoon coconut oil to a large, non-stick frying pan and heat until melting. Once the pan is nice and hot, drop large tablespoonfuls of the batter into the pan and cook for two minutes on each side until lightly browned and the pancakes are fluffy. If you're making a big batch to serve all at once, then keep the cooked pancakes on a heatproof dish, separated with baking parchment, in a low oven, while you cook the rest.
- To serve, top the pancakes with almond butter, berries, yoghurt and honey.
Pip & Nut: The Nut Butter Cookbook by Pippa Murray (Quadrille, £15) Photography © Adrian Lawrence
Did you make this recipe?
Share your creations by tagging @livegreenandgood on Instagram with the hashtag #livegreenandgood


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Nina Berenato
Fortuna Eye Ring
Since the 16th century, Fortuna has often been depicted wearing a blindfold. The blindfold represents impartiality, the ideal that justice should be applied without regard to wealth, power, or other status. The earliest Roman coins depicted Fortuna with her eyes open but glazed, reminding nobles that good or bad fortune extends beyond the reach of riches.
This ring is hypoallergenic and nickel-free. It is very light and comfortable. All NB jewelry is finished in the highest quality luxury 14k gold finishing.
Made in Austin, TX.


text:
Collection is 149 dolls as listed below. Dolls have been stored in glass display case since 1985. Boxes were stored in our attic. Some are in great condition, others are average. PICTURES ARE OF THE ACTUAL ITEM(S) YOU WILL BE RECEIVING.Renoir Girl with Hoop 1574. Gone with the Wind 1590. 14 INCH DOLLS (FIRST LADIES). The item "RARE MASSIVE 148 Madame Alexander Doll Collection with Boxes 70's & 80's Lot" is in sale since Monday, March 26, 2018.
This item is in the category "Dolls & Bears\Dolls\By Brand, Company, Character\Madame Alexander\Modern (1970-Now)\6-8 Inches". The seller is "jng2000" and is located in Owings Mills, Maryland. This item can be shipped to United States.


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"How can I praise God with these little lips of mine?".We can not, I can not. The glory of Heavenly Mother is amazing, even the highest heavens can not contain Her. Heavenly Mother is love, mercy and sacrifice. Since She came to this world in the flesh, being God Amighty, She never doubt about leave Her heavenly throne to come to this earth to seek Her children. Her love for us is infinite, is a true love.
According to the bible, Her coming was prophecied for the last days, now, the Bride has made herself ready for the wedding of the Lamb (Rev.19:7), and we are invited to participate in it. Actualy this is such an amazng blessing, because the Bible testifies that Her children will adorn Her wedding dress.
I am really amazed to be part of this prophecy and be a witness of its fulfillment. Heavenly Mother is only wating for us, as soon as we wake up we will go to heaven with Her. Please, let us not delay anymore. Let us praise our Heavenly Mother now, with our faith, with ou deeds, being obedients, following Her teachings, making Her the praise of the earth...
All praise, honor, thanks and glory to our Heavenly Mother the New Jerusalem
Monday, November 30, 2009
How can I praise Heavenly Mother: Holy City the New Jerusalem
"How can I praise God with these little lips of mine?".We can not, I can not. The glory of Heavenly Mother is amazing, even the highest heavens can not contain Her. Heavenly Mother is love, mercy and sacrifice. Since She came to this world in the flesh, being God Amighty, She never doubt about leave Her heavenly throne to come to this earth to seek Her children. Her love for us is infinite, is a true love.
Posted by Jenn at 7:53 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, November 29, 2009
If we believe we will receive what ever we ask for in a prayer, from Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother
Our Father said:" Pray and you will live". The prayer is the breath of our spirit.
It is so amazing the power of a prayer, and I am so thankful to Father and Mother because they allow me to, once more, realize how powerful a prayer is.
Father says in Mattew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you want in a prayer" I remember the first time I saw this verse was in my New Song Book (Chapter 213)I was so shocked because it is true, we only have to believe. Father and Mother will give us all we ask.
Praise, glory, honor and thanks to Our Hevanly Father and Heavely Mother, because in the past days, because They allow me to pray earnestly, Father and Mother led me to one of his lost children. Exactly yesterday, Sabbath Day, the day that our Heavenly Parents apointted to receive Their blessings, holiness and resting, They gave me this amazing blessing. One brother was found, we did not have to say too much when we preach to him, only invite him to come to Zion and He came, he kept the last service and then he studied and then he reborn as a child of God, through the true bastism, the one in the name of the Father Jehova, the Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit Christ Ahn Sahng Hong he received a new life.
I will continue earnestly praying for him and for all the new brothers and sisters that were found in this month and the ones that are no found yet.
Praise to Heavenly Father and Havenly Mother.
Posted by Jenn at 3:06 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The wisdom of Heavenl Mother
In the same way as Salomon was blessed with GOd's wisdom after he prayed a thousand times for it. This is an example for us in the Bible. In the times we are living nowadays, if we eagerly pray for wisdom, we will receive our Heavenly Mother wisdom, and we will be strong gospel workers. Our mission is amazing, make Heavenly Mother the praise of this earth, we are so blessed because we the children of God receive it.
Let's pray to Father and Mother for wisdom, let's do it eagerly and we will receive it.
Posted by Jenn at 10:50 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Let's proclaim the Heavenly Jerusalem to the whole world
Thanks to Father and Mother for their amazing love and mercy. Two days ago my brother was baptized. They allow me to realized with this baptism that nothing is impossible for Father and Mother, and according to THEIR WORD everthing happens in Their due time. Father and Mother show us how eagerly They want to give us eternal life, I see my brother now in the truth, I see my mom and my daughter in the truth also. Father and Mother want to save us all, They just want us to wake up and we will see Their glory. Let's clothe our selves wih the strenght of the Holy Spirit and proclaim The Heavenly Jersualem to the whole world.
Posted by Jenn at 2:24 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Christ Ahn Sahng Hong and Heavenly Mother are true God
I remember since I was a little girl, one question always in my mind was, where was my spirit before I was born. Now that I look back to the times when I used to have that though I only can say Thank you Heavenly Father Christ Ahn Sahng Hong and Heavenly Mother New Jerusalem because You allow me to have that though even before coming to the truth. Now I can say: Yes!!! I was in heaven before, I was an angel before, delighting day after day in the presence of Elohim God, right next to Them when they were creating this earth and everything that is in here (Proverbs 8:22, Job 38:1) but because of my iniquities I am here now, in this earth, but Father came 2000 thousands years ago to established the NEW COVENANT PASSOVER and came again for a second time in 1948 to bring the salvation to us.
Christ Ahnsahnghong You are Almighty God, You are the Holy Spirit You came to redeemed us, You brought your wonderful bride, because You came before, our Mother is here with us. Thanks a lot for Your love Father and Mother.
"The knowledge of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them"
Posted by Jenn at 1:52 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Friday, November 20, 2009
Christ Ahn Sahng Hong and Heavenly Mother testified in the Bible
If the holy land 2,000 years ago was Israel, nowadays, the Holy land is South Korea, according to the Bible, Second Coming Christ Ahn Sahng Hong and His bride, the Holy City New Jerusalem will come from the east in the last days. Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother came to South Korea and They revealed Their glory to the whole world, from the east to the west.
I remember when I study about this prophecy, I was so amazed when I saw how exactly the Bible prophecies about South Korea, and how exactly prophecies about when and how they will come to This earth. Yes, the Bible is the perfect word of God, and this perfect word became flesh and made His dwelling wit men (John 1:14)He came a first and a second time for us. Also testifies about the female image of God that is our Heavenly Mother. We can not deny the Bible, if we do it we are saying that we do not believe in God.
There are so many truths in the Bible, everything that is prophecied on it, is according the perfect plan of God, Their plan of redemption that lead us to salvation, to the eternal life.
"The knowledge of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them"
Posted by Jenn at 2:05 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Heavenly Mother the New Jerusalem, the Queen of the universe
Gal. 4:26: "But the Jerusalem that is above is free and She is our Mother". Apostol Paul testified 2000 years ago that we have a Mother, and Apostol John testified in Rev 21:9 that in the last days, She, the Holy City the New Jerusalem will come down from heaven out of God. Our Heavenly Mother, Almghty God, the Queen of the Universe already came, and She is here according to the prophecies in he Bible, She came from the east to give us the water of life freely, the eternal life. How amazing is to live in the days when She is here in the earth with us, how amazing is that while we are living in this world we can praise Almighty God, we can see Her, we can touch Her. I really have no words to express how blessed I am that I met God in the flesh, that I was with Her and I could touch Her and hug Her.
Heavenly Mother is our salvation. She came to this earth for us to give us true life. Thanks Heavenly Mother for Your coming.
Posted by Jenn at 2:31 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Almighty God Christ Ahn Sahng Hong who disclose the seven seals
When I came to the Church of God World Mission Society and I started studying the Bible, after every study I became more and more amazed for what I was learning and also feeling so blessed because Father and Mother show me this truth, the truth of all the mysteries of the Bible; this truth could be only revealed for Almighty God, yes, Second Coming Christ Ahn Sahng Hong came to this world for a second time according to the biblical prophecies and disclose the seven seals of the bible, revealing this ruth to His children, like the Bible says in Mattew 13:11: "The knowledge of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them".
Thank You Heavenly Father Christ Ahn Sahng Hong, thank You Heavenly Mother New Jerusalem, for Your love and sacrifice.
Posted by Jenn at 2:29 PM 0 comments Links to this post


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Previously at the ICA - Films
19 Apr 2017
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Juho Kuosmanen and Little White Lies editor David Jenkins. The film continues to screen after this special event.
This stunning debut from Juho Kuosmanen was awarded the 'Un Certain Regard' Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and tells the true story of Olli Mäki, the famous Finnish boxer who had a shot at the 1962 World Featherweight title.
Immensely talented and equally modest, Olli's small town life is transformed when he is swept into national stardom. However, Olli he has also just fallen in love – and boxing and romance become unlikely adversaries vying for his attention.
The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, dir. Juho Kuosmanen, Finland 2016, 92 mins, Finnish with English subtitles


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God's Kingdom Coin Update
Jul 02, 2009
A few months ago I reported that a friend of mine felt led to mint a God's Kingdom coin, one oz. of pure silver, using our two doves logo on one side, with a lion and lamb on the other.
The mint finished it and sent him 100 coins for evaluation. Unfortunately, they misspelled a word, and some of the engraving was not good quality on one side. So this project will be delayed for another few months while the drawings are altered and the new dies are made.
Because of the delay, however, it has given us opportunity to make a few changes, not the least of which will be that one side will be "God's Kingdom," while the other side will be "Arise Shine," named after our sister organization that was formed in 1993 here in Minneapolis. And because it will be delayed past the Hebrew new year (Sept. 20), we will also be altering the date from 2009 to 2010 to coincide with this very important date in Kingdom history. I have written about 2010 quite often already, so I won't take time to explain it here.
It does show, however, that there is a prophetic side to this project.


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Have you ever thought that current anime is crap? That the golden age has passed for the medium? That what we really need is elementary school students to make them? Well then, do I have the anime for you.
First of all, I need to give a basic explanation of what this actually is. Tsui no Sora (translated as Endsky, but nobody calls it that) was a hentai OVA, but I'm strictly speaking about the "all-ages edition" that someone put on YouTube. Basically, they just omitted the H-scenes and did some quick censoring of the remaining naughty bits.
Let me give you a good idea of what you can expect from this.
It's literally just like that several times. Rather than including the scene and censoring all the naughty bits, whoever edited the "all-ages edition" simply omitted the sex scenes completely. Which means this also happened.
Still not convinced that you should spend 13 minutes of your life watching this? Then let's get into more of what you'll actually spend that time watching.
The story follows Mr. Genericmaincharacter as he goes to school and all this completely unrelated stuff happens, which involves this thing called "Endsky," "metempsychosis," the end of the universe… Deep stuff, man. After observing a series of seemingly random deaths, Mr. Genericmaincharacter finally tries to stop the antagonist, Mamiya, after his (maybe) girlfriend goes missing. After finding her, punching Mamiya, and waiting for a ghost to finish telling the antagonist the error of his ways, they go home and he is "rewarded" by his (maybe) girlfriend for helping. If you know what I mean. The end.
It's a hentai, what did you expect?
The characters for this anime are… there. It's a hentai, so there isn't any character development or anything, they merely exist as a means of presenting sex to the viewer. Of course, since this is the "all-ages edition," you don't even get that. Not that I'm sure you'd want to.
The visuals for this anime are one of a kind. Where else can you find background art that looks as if it was drawn by kindergartners?
And the character design is also worth praising, as the strong similarity in appearance between the protagonist and antagonist reinforces the underlying theme that all men are evil. Or something. I thought they were the same person at first, but their voices proved otherwise. And the females show just what men expect women to look like in this day and age.
Also worth mentioning is the wide color palette. There is definitely a focus on blue, green, and red, but you are also presented with neon green and pink hair, along with half the other colors you'd expect in something like this.
The animation is as flawless as you might expect. The brief periods where characters are running show this off the best, as it is very easy to see the low framerate they utilized for such a perfect result.
Sound-wise, this is once again something that the rest of the anime studios out there should take a lesson from. The voice acting is superb, one example being the main antagonist, Mamiya. If you've ever thought that high school boys need to sound more like middle-aged men, then he's the guy for you.
The music sounds like it's straight from a video game from the 90s, complete with random piano and harp arpeggios for accent. And to accompany the incredible running animations, such as from 10:20 in the YouTube video, is some Eye of the Tiger-tier running music. At least it's not like Mars of Destruction, which merely alternates between the occasional royalty-free classical music and absolute silence.
There is also some amazing subtitling from "Serious Business Fansubs." Of particular note are these two examples.
So to sum this all up:
Story – 1/10
Characters – 1/10
Art/Animation – 1/10
Sound – 2/10
Enjoyment – ?/10
Overall – 1/10
Recommendation – So, do I think you should watch this? That's a bit of a loaded question, but I'll say yes. Just make sure you watch the "all-ages edition." I am not responsible for any eye cancer resulting from the uncensored version.
I also considered doing a "review" of a parody version of Rapeman. But then I realized that was an awful idea.
I originally wrote this at 3am yesterday while extremely sleepy and after drinking a lot of cough medicine, so I apologize if there are things that don't flow well or make any sense. At least I've removed all the inappropriate things that somehow seemed reasonable at the time.
The effort put into the featured image shows just how much I care about this anime.
On a completely unrelated note, I'll hopefully have a thoughts post on the Final Fantasy X HD Remaster out before the North America release on Tuesday. Don't count on it though.


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I went grocery shopping at Smiths yesterday 2/25/12. The store had plenty of everything in stock so I was excited. Most of the cookies got put into the pantry (cold storage) so we can take them with us camping over the summer. unfortunately, our store does not double coupons, so the amount we saved was more than what it could have been. Either way, we still saved 60% on our shopping trip.!
It was SO funny, when I was checking out, the guy behind me was only buying a case of beer and a pack of gum…he stood there and watched while the checker rang everything through, then as I handed my stack of coupons over…I looked at him and smiled and apologized that it was taking so long and he just waved his hands like no worries…about half way through the cashier ringing the coupons through, he looked at me and said 'Man, I feel like I am on episode of one of those coupon shows'! It was all I could do to not burst into laughter. I didn't think I was that bad…lol. I smiled and laughed and said sorry again. Have you had a funny experience like this? Please share it in the comments!
Last night I posted a contest on the UtahCouponDeals facebook page:
The one that guessed the closet to how much we spent was…
Ardy H. guessed $63.00! She was almost head on!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Ardy, email me at UtahCouponDeals at Gmail dot Com to claim your inserts!
Now onto the details of the shopping trip:
My total BEFORE Coupons was $156.60
I used $31.93 in Manufacturer Coupons (almost all of the coupons were from the newspaper inserts, this essentially paid for about half of one of my 1 year subscriptions to the newspaper, in just one trip!)
(since we don't get to double coupons here, the savings are not as great, but this is still great savings for this area! I am excited.)
I got $52.41 off for the Fresh Values Savings
I got (5) $2 catalinas
Total Paid $62.26 (savings of 60%)
To see how I got these awesome deals view the Smith's Deals.


text: It was the recent 7th of September 2014! Water from River Jhelum had entered the localities of Rajbagh forcing the residents to move on to the roof tops. The level of water was continuously rising and the speed was such that even cars were washed away. It was chaos. Mournful, tense, helpless faces were visible all around. Cries for help but no one to hear. Weeping children, wailing women and helpless men were waving their hands through windows and rooftops. Despite repeated attempts of seeking help, no one came to their rescue. Faced with certain death in deluged Rajbagh, ETV's Rifat Abdullah recorded his last message after dialling his high-end contacts for help turned futile. That was when the dare-devil reporter who not only managed to get out alive, but saved many others, decided to swim across Jhelum to arrange for a boat with no idea where he was going to get one. Through divine intervention of providence he got the boat! The first one in the locality which he managed to rescue was his family, workmate, and an old man in the neighbourhood. He took the boat back and forth rescuing people, since the need was immediate and urgent in the locality of Rajbagh. Rifat continued risking his life by taking part in the dangerous rescue operation for almost four days in which he along with other volunteers rescued 300 people, many of them children whom he carried on his shoulders taking them to safer places. Being a sportsperson who has participated in national swimming and kayaking and canoeing championships, he was able to combine together all these skills brilliantly to make the risky rescue mission effective. After the floods subsided four days later, he managed to fly to his head-office in Hyderabad where he handed over the footage and on his way back via Delhi he collected medicines and baby food from friends and got them to the flood affected valley in Kashmir. The story of the Devastation in Kashmir will not be told without the courageous and selfless Rifat Abdullah who endangered his own safety to rescue 300 people which has no doubt earned him a place in the pantheon of the profiles of courage.


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Article provided by: Bonnycastle Appliance & TV
As the summer lingers on, and the daily temperatures are on the rise, we think more about dining and entertaining outside of our home. It's extremely relaxing and enjoyable in being able to experience more and more time with our outdoor activities, including cooking and serving delicious food that is carefully prepared in your outdoor kitchen in Louisville. Depending on your budget, you can have a simple kitchen that will provide you with the essentials that are needed in order to entertain your family and your guests, or you can be extremely extravagant and have a look that will astonish and impress all those who see it. Bonnycastle Appliance & TV proudly offers all types and styles of outdoor kitchens, with one that will be sure to suit your needs.
Bonnycastle Appliance & TV is known as the leader in the appliance industry, and has the largest selection of affordable and elegant household appliances, such as an outdoor kitchen in Louisville, and throughout the entire area. We have appliances for your outdoor activities that work as well as the ones that are located in your home, and include all of the styles and designs that you desire. Whether you are looking for a grill that will accommodate just your immediate family, or a full sized kitchen that includes prepping and cleaning facilities, we have a full inventory of appliances for you to choose from.
When you are thinking about the location of your brand new outdoor kitchen, there are many thing that need to be considered, such as keeping it within a close proximity to your indoor kitchen so you can easily transfer items such as tableware, tools and ingredients. Setting up your kitchen near an exterior wall also allows you easier, and more affordable access to the plumbing and electricity if your budget includes buying and operating outdoor sinks and refrigerators. Including an outdoor kitchen bar with stool seating and a roof that protects cooks and guests from blazing heat and pouring rain, offers even more efficiency and quality to your project.
At Bonnycastle Appliance & TV, we have a full staff of the most professional and experienced team members that we are proud to offer you. With their intense know how and specific expertise, we are confident that you will leave our showroom with a smile on your face and a good word to say about us. Even if you are simply browsing around, looking for ideas and plans for your kitchen space, we are more than happy to show you around and answer any questions the you may have.
If you would like some additional information regarding the beauty and value that an outdoor kitchen in Louisville will bring to your home, Bonnycastle Appliance & TV would like you to visit our web site to learn more about all of the quality appliances that we have within our amazing inventory. On our home page, you can leave your contact information, or you can also call us at 502.454.4891 and speak with one of our experienced and friendly team members.Outdoor Kitchen Louisville
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When your child gets sick there is no fun to be had around the house. Olivia contracted some sort of stomach flu thing from school and was so sick the last week. At first I figured that she ate something that didn't agree with her but I found out that half her class was ill with the same sort of icky barfy fevery thing. I ran out of sheets Wednesday night. I freakin' ran out of sheets people. I can't believe that. Still can't believe that. Thankfully no one else became ill and the bug stayed with Olivia. I became the No-One-Will-Share-Food/Drink-With-Anyone police. With all that excitement Wednesday night I didn't want to have a repeat or additional participants.
Olivia started returning all of her food orally beginning at 9pm and kept at it every hour until 3:30 a.m. She didn't sleep, I didn't sleep. I did get lots of laundry done though. After the 1am excitement I figured that she'd go another time before really be through the rough zone. I made my way downstairs and began laundry. There was so much by that point I needed to catch up and keep up. So me and the cat sat and waited for the next performance and rushed to her aid as the clean up crew. Finally I was able to go to bed about 3:30am and got about 4 hours of sleep.
By the way I'd like to make a complaint here. I walk my children to school every day. We live less than a football field away from the school and that has been great. Except for the crazed parents driving their children to school. Not one person is nice or really paying attention to anything other than getting their dear child to school on time. Even if it means running over a mother and her daughters one of which was so ill she was in a haze. The woman that nearly ran us over was on the cell phone yelling or talking wildly you pick, and frantically trying to turn left into the school. She glanced at us and continued to carry on. It was raining out I had on my bright pink rain slicker, Leah her bright red one and Olivia had on her white striped one (clearly brightly dressed) and we were on the curb for a long time so I figured we waited long enough and began to take a step when that woman started to go! My toes were half an inch from her front tire. Thankfully I was strong enough to manhandle my children back out of the way. This was not the first time this has happened but it was the closest we had to getting seriously hit. As we passed in front of her car she rolls down her window and says "Oh! Sorry! I'm so sorry!" she pauses and then snottily says "You know you should really make contact with the driver before crossing."
Make. Contact. With. The. Driver.
If Olivia had not been so ill requiring me to hold her I would have made contact with that driver alright. I was mad and thankfully said nothing to her. Anything coming out of my mouth would not have been G let alone PG. She looked right at us as well as all 2 other drivers, one trying to turn left out of school, another turning right into school and they all were waiting for us to cross. It was that woman who thought "Gee, looks like everyone is giving me the right of way now is my chance to go."
This school has no crossing guards and this is evidently seriously dangerous. That's funny because this school is right in the middle of a development and shoot with all these houses surrounding the school who would think people would actually walk their kids to school? Really. Why would people living across the street from the school want to walk their kids when they can drive them? Is it because even if I were stupid enough to waste gas to drive my children the 800 feet to school there is no freakin' way I'd be able to get across the street and queue up in the mile long line that goes out of the development? Could be.
I'll be writing a letter to pass around to the big dogs of the school system knowing that there will be no action. I am fully expecting the response to my letter to place blame on non-drivers (me) and/or lack of money (taxpayers) for reasons why the problem will not be fixed. I'm sending it once a month until there is some resolution. And I'll even send one to the builder just to make sure the school system won't blame them to get out of addressing the problem. That way when a person is hurt and the county investigates the accident (that at this rate will happen somewhere) and oh, wait a minute, there seems to be a letter, rather letters, from one family indicating that there is a serious traffic problem with this school and they didn't act upon it? Hmm. That can't be good.
Yeah. You'll be so hosed elementary school X.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sheets and drivers
⋅ Labels: My Thoughts


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Cynthia B Hill Entered the field of Reflexology in 1987 when she was healed of plantar fasciitis and the curiosity began. Lovell Small was the dear woman who originally mentored her and when Lovell began to chastise her for not putting herself forward in her community she responded with "Darlin' you have to have a certification." to which Lovell responded, "Well go see Dwight then." Having accomplished formal training and a huge amount of background work in the field she discovered the North Carolina Reflexology Association and soon after RAA and found her tribe.
This launched her into the then raging battle with a newly formed massage board who evidently decided they wanted to umbrella "all the things" and march everyone including Reflexologists through massage schools that happened to be owned by the very officers on said board. It was a dark time. NC was fortunate however, a state rep was consulted who uncovered that and many other "conflicts of interests", RAA was VERY helpful, and lo and behold Reflexology was exempted from massage and continues to be a stand-alone therapy thanks to the aid of ARCB's independent testing board, a condition upon which we remain sovereign. As you can see many hands make light work.
Cyndi's education has since expanded to include:
- the lovely and talented Bill Flocco's work with Integrative Reflexology (Ko Tan you represent! Ears still make me drunk!)
- Moss Arnold's Chi Reflexology (thank you my brother. Such elegant work!)
- Lone Sorrensen's version of Facial Reflexology and Temprana
- Susanne Enzer's Maternity Reflexology (met all my grandbabies for the very first-time that way! So much fun!) as well as a host of magnificent instructors from across the pond.
She's worked with:
- the Delegate Assembly
- held office for NCRA
- worked to bring advanced education to North Carolina with the help of a tribe of guys (David, you are the BOMB) and gals who could not be told "no" (I love that!) and has been known to instigate ideas and challenge the status quo.
- There's even a PowerPoint she developed for those prefer a script. If you don't have it, contact her. It's yours for the asking.
Her private practice at Shalom Regel Reflexology offers a myriad of facets of Reflexology tailoring to the client's needs. She's seen quite a lot of PTSD as one of her state's largest VA hospitals is in her hometown of Salisbury and her work bringing awareness to domestic violence can be evidenced at a local event called "Chickweed" showcasing artists, musicians, local body therapists and REFLEXOLOGY. Her work there is a featured event. She also specializes in addiction recovery working to help combat the scourge of opioid addiction. Her work with cancer patients and their families is an unending mission.
Cyndi formed The Academy of Reflective Wellness in 2013. Its 300 hour basic certification program (which is soon to be expanded) offers students the opportunity to fuel their passion for Reflexology. Advanced classes and hosting other instructors helps keep everyone fresh. She keeps classes small to give students the time and attention needed to be elegant and precise (after all, who's going to look after my peeps if I get hit by a bus?).
Cyndi Hill is a nerd/geek in the field of Reflexology who's proud to wear that title and honored the be a Reflexologist. She hopes to serve RAA (that means all y'all) and bring Reflexology into the spotlight it deserves.


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About Us
Geography is a broad discipline that combines social and natural science to examine the environment – the World in which we live. Geography examines the spatial relationships between humans and the natural environment. It attempts to answer questions related to where, how and why such spatial patterns and processes exist and how they interact. It uses tools of spatial analysis, Geographic Information Science, to answer many important questions that we face as a society. Geography is inherently interdisciplinary and provides a broad, well-rounded education that is an appropriate base for many different careers.
At Western Geography and Environment, we are committed to excellence in research and teaching. Our four research clusters include Environment Development & Health, Geographic Information Science, Physical Geography, and Urban Studies. Our faculty conduct research right here in London and around the world in a variety of settings. We are actively building research strength in the area of "Urban Environments" with new faculty appointments to address the many geographic issues that arise from the majority of humanity now living in urban settings.
If you are a high school or undergraduate student considering a degree or module that is right for you, then Geography and Environment has a wide range of options, including BA and BSc degrees that allow you to focus on social science, physical science or technical aspects of the discipline. Many of our courses include applied and hands-on-learning components.
If you are considering graduate school, we offer both MA/MSc and PhD programs in Geography and Environment, as well as a number of collaborative graduate programs. All our graduate programs are research based, so finding an appropriate research supervisor is an important first step in the application process.
James Voogt, Chair,
Department of Geography and Environment


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There's never been a better time to switch to iPhone. Whether you're tempted for yourself or looking to help the Android user in your life, the all-new, all-bigger iPhone 6 and iPhone-6-plus make the move more compelling than ever — starting with the new 4.7- and 5.5-inch screen sizes.
Big and bigger
Previously, if you wanted an iPhone, you had to make do with a screen that was 4 inches or less. If a bigger screen was more important to you, you had no Apple-created option — it was Android or bust. Today, you can have both — your bigger screen and Apple's iOS operating system.
The iPhone 6 offers a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with 1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi. That's a real sweet spot for people who want a bigger screen for games, surfing the web, exchanging messages, and more, but still want something they can easily hold in their hand, keep in their pocket, or slide into their purse.
The iPhone 6 Plus offers a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with 1920x1080 pixels at 401 ppi. In portrait mode, it's a bigger iPhone; in landscape, it's almost like a tiny iPad. It's perfect for those who want more of everything.
Big and better
As we mentioned above, Apple wasn't the first to build a larger screen on a phone. The company wasn't going to build a big phone just to fit in an early, inefficient LTE radio, nor did they want to create a larger screen when the devices required compromises like PenTile sub-pixel arrangements or over-saturated colors. That's why, when Apple made bigger displays, the company also made better displays.
It starts with the LED-backlit LCD panel itself. Apple is now photographically aligning the liquid crystals using ultraviolet light. That significantly reduces the chance for bleed, which helps keep blacks dark and text crisp. It makes everything look better, from videos to books.
Apple has also gone from single-domain to dual-domain in-plane switching (IPS to DD-IPS) for the panel. IPS is terrific when you're by yourself, looking straight-on at your display. DD-IPS helps compensate for uneven lighting and color distortion, so it provides for even wider viewing angles and pretty much the best contrast ratio in the industry. That's not only better than previous iPhones, it's better than the AMOLED screens used on other bigger phones. That makes it terrific when you're with family, friends, and colleagues, and you want to share what's on that newer, bigger display.
There's even a new polarizer. It's designed to prevent the typical interference you get when wearing sunglasses and trying to look at your screen. So, instead of colors darkening, shifting, or disappearing entirely as your rotate your iPhone, they look as close to the way they're supposed to look as possible. That way you can get on with enjoying both your iPhone and your fun in the sun.
Anandtech thought the display was almost too good to be true:
Overall, it's hard to find any criticism for this display. I would normally be incredibly suspicious to see these numbers on a smartphone, but the fact that there's a hot pixel in the center of the display suggests to me that this was not a cherry-picked unit. The fact that I find this level of calibration to be suspicious speaks volumes about how good this display is. While contrast isn't AMOLED levels of black, there are no purple smearing effects, noticeable uneven luminance near black, or any other idiosyncrasies.
The display isn't just more advanced, it's thinner. It's so thin, pixels on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus not only look like they're embedded into the glass, but that they're just below the touch surface itself — they're sharper, clearer, more colorful, and viewable at wider angles than ever before.
That's great for you, and great for those you want to share with.
Bigger and more accessible
Apple has always paid special attention to Accessibility, making the iPhone as inclusive to as wide a range of people as possible. That's why, when they made the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, they also made "Display Zoom", which lets you choose not to see more content, but bigger content.
With Display Zoom, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus can make everything bigger — including text and buttons — so you can read more easily and tap around more reliably. On the iPhone 6, you get the same amount of screen estate as the iPhone 5s, just magnified. The iPhone 6 Plus, in contrast, magnifies to support the same amount of content area as the iPhone 6.
For anyone with visual or motor impairments, it can make the iPhone much, much more accessible than its default settings.
Time to switch!
If the lack of a big screen has been holding you or someone you know from getting an iPhone, the good news is the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus offer you not only big and bigger screens, but big and better options across the board. It's just one of the benefits you get by switching to iPhone.
- iPhone 6 review
- iPhone 6 Plus review
- iPhone buyers guide
- How to move your data from old Android to new iPhone
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Stivers Alumni
There are 2 ways for Alumni to be involved. The Stivers High School Alumni and The Stivers School for the Arts Alumni (Graduation year 2000 and later)
All Alumni are welcome to sign up for e-newsletters via the Stivers homepage (click HERE)
The Stivers School for the Arts Alumni
This organization is reaching out to graduates of Stivers School for the Arts (2000 and later)
- Emai: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Website: www.stiversalumniconnection.weebly.com
The Stivers High School Alumni
This organization publishes a quarterly newsletter. For more information, contact one of the following:
- Facebook: "Stivers Alumni"
- Answering Machine: 937-298-5048
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- President, Larry Kincaid: 937-776-2485
- Vice President, Judy Kennard: 937-573-8116 or email@example.com
- Membership, Bob Cotter: 937-626-2080


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A return to the Shithouse? Why here? Why now?
The direct-to-video debut of a Toby Keith screenplay? With guest appearances by Mac Davis, Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis, and Ted Nugent? You tell me.
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses .A mantra of sorts?
Apparently, its a Toby Keith song, though Ive never actually heard it. Whether the movie is actually inspired by the same tune is a different story, as I cant imagine any country hit being in any way related to Mexican drug lords, shady bankers, and rescuing girlfriends kidnapped at gunpoint. That's hip-hop's territory.
Tobys the star, right? Does he play a down-and-out country star looking for redemption?
Though its a stretch, Keith taps his inner Lee Strasberg to inhabit one Bill Rack Racklin, a deputy sheriff in a small Oklahoma town who plays hard, drinks even harder, and isnt above blocking off his Thursdays for pig huntin. When we first meet him, hes answering a call at a trailer park, where the proverbial woman-in-a-bathrobe is screeching at her man for raising a ruckus in the driveway. One of these days, the cinema will construct a reason for white trash women to hate their men other than, He never takes me anywhere!
Tobys pretty manly, I gather. Whats the tale of the tape?
47 years old, 64, 250 pounds, all sumbitch. Though never shirtless, he is undoubtedly barrel-chested. Oddly, despite his astounding masculinity, the man never stops grinning. Ever. Even while telling Tom Skerritt to go fuck himself. And yet, Nugent has em all beat. Fuckers so tough he has his sheriffs badge literally tattooed on his chest. Whats more, he was raised on an Indian reservation and summons Cat Scratch Fever on the soundtrack whenever he fires his weapon. And his name is Skunk. And he doesnt utter a word of dialogue until the final scene, where he matter-of-factly intones, Circus Jolly.
Circus Jolly? Dare I ask?
Its a hard liquor that tastes like elephant piss, though its been known to inspire great acts of derring-do. It can be found among carnies in a Texas border town, and is usually bottled in jugs for easy transport. The community in question is led by Charlie (Willie Nelson), who first appears in a run-down truck filled to the brim with pot smoke, just in case that joke didnt wear itself out around 1980.
Dont get ahead of yourself, now. What the hells the story?
Rack and his fellow deputies have a shootout with some Mexican drug lords, who are pushing meth into a once clean, god-fearin Okie hamlet. Tito, the kingpin, is arrested and thrown in the slammer, though not before a healthy beating. While Rack and his men were bravely staking out the fertilizer warehouse for hours, they may never have found their man unless he had been kind enough to be the one person in the area to dress like Tony Montana. Naturally, Rack saw the wide-collared, flaming red silk shirt and gargantuan medallion and fired tried and true into the Oklahoma night. Tito, always called the Mexican by Rack and never by his actual name, has a brother in Mexico who, upon learning of the arrest, sends his men to kidnap Racks girlfriend as ransom for Titos return. Though labeled a comedy, the film turns deadly serious at the halfway point, and the bodies start piling up. Not even the truck stop hooker can bring back the laughs.
What do we learn about Toby Keiths Oklahoma?
Surprisingly, cops like donuts. Especially bear claws. Second, any random drive about town will produce several scantily-clad, busty chicks washing their cars. Third, seeing a movie involves driving to another town at least two hours away. Last but not least, the easiest way to get an Oklahoma broad into the sack is to offer her a corn dog.
We know Toby Keith hates him some A-rabs. Hates em like poison. Any other prejudices on display?
Besides reducing Mexicans to tacky music, drug-pushing, and being all-too-easy to bribe, Keiths screenplay equates big city life with crime, corruption, and dark skin. Even his girlfriend had to return from Chicago because the pace was too fast. In addition, Toby hates the government. District attorneys and judges are pussies and cocksuckers, and are always using the law to make sure criminals are protected. Blacks dont escape the lash, either, and are attacked most crudely during a rest stop bathroom scene. Several menacing-looking black youths surround Rack while he tries to take a piss, but quickly scatter when he pulls out his gun. They return, however, when Racks partner starts singing in his stall. Within seconds, they start harmonizing like a proper minstrel show. In a shocking turn, not a single black man is shot or does any shooting himself. Maybe theres hope, after all.
Still, Toby has an eye for the ladies, does he not?
Indeed, though Gina Gershon exits the movie before making out with a biker chick. The best scene occurs when Rack and his crew are driving down to Mexico and they encounter one of those standard cars of the movies; you know, the convertible ones teeming with big-titted college girls who suck on lollipops and bare their chests with each blow of the horn. While they flirt like the whores they are (and the camera focuses on the one wearing a shirt that says, Farm Hands Feel Better), we hear a song grind away on the soundtrack with the lyrics, You got two fun bags, show them to me. And oblige, they do.
Is there a climactic shootout in Mexico?
Would Toby take us all this way without a little bloodletting? Interestingly, an earlier murder took place off-screen, making me think the whole thing was trying to be a family film. Theyd go far, but not too far. Once they cross the border, chaos ensues. And its not just the hordes of little ninos selling chicklets. Its not exactly Peckinpah, but its pretty gritty. Interestingly, white skin acts as a bulletproof vest, and only dirty Mexicans die on the floor of Rustys Cantina. And then the farting dog saves the day. Just as it should be.
And whats with all those fucking previews on the DVD? And the Toby Keith infomercial?
For some reason, Toby yammers on for what seemed like an hour — again, before the movie even started — taking us through the making of portion, as well as selling Ford trucks. After that, no fewer than eight previews popped up, all of which were similarly straight-to-DVD. Im glad I didnt scan through them, though, as I never would have heard about Bait Shop, the worlds first professional bass fishing comedy. Starring Billy Ray Cyrus. And so begins Barack Obamas America.


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Calculate the 2. moment of area for many different sections and do some simple beam calculation, also for different materials.
Take benefit from our engineering know how and calculate the max. tightening torque for many different screws. Get also the preloads.
Calculate the length, width and time for different laws of ballistics: Horizontal, vertical and oblique throw.


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As we all know any game that you play your character can pick up multiple quests. I think it will be a lot of fun if we can slowly progress the Awakening gear for multiple Heroes. This will certainly encourage people to buy and spend more diamonds; especially during events of double drops for Heroic instances. The amount of heroes that you can awaken at a time can be added as your VIP level increases.
Let's be honest, the benefits that you gain for VIP 15 is utterly useless.
Stamina reset
- Sweeping 160x
- Arena reset 13x
- Midas touch 300x
- Hero reset 25x
I don't think I've used more than 2 resets for any of these benefits. And I don't think anyone has ever done Midas touch 300 times. So why not give us something that we're all looking forward to. Essentially the end goal of this game is to awaken everyone and to obtain orange + 2.
After reaching level 100 I can see how the game slows down and can get boring. There's not much of a reason for me to buy stamina after level 100. With 30 sweeps I'll get about three rare orange fragments. To me it isn't worth it to spend so much diamonds to get 3 fragments. But what I will spend diamonds on are resets and stamina for awakening Quest.
I don't mind trying to reach to the VIP 15, but these benefits are not inspiring me to to spend more.


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Make Sure You're Okay
Wednesday 30 July, 2014
The inspiration for this post comes from the very beginning of my training, almost 15 years ago. It was the first men's group I attended, a few weeks before I began writing my journal. As the newest member of the group and the youngest by a number of years, it was a new experience for me and I was unsure of the format and my place in the evening's events. So I sought solace and security in my default behaviour: say nothing and watch what happens, all the while looking for clues on how to behave and how best to fit in. I have two main memories of the occasion. The first relates to the goals I had been asked to write down prior to the group. The other is of an answer to a question, the simplicity and power of which has stayed with me ever since.
We were in the middle of the session when one of the group, Naveen, made a straightforward inquiry: 'My wife is due to give birth to our first child; a boy. How can I make sure my son will be okay in life?' In the briefest of moments before Karaj answered, I remember thinking that whatever he is about to say will tell me much of what I need to know. I sat forward a little, fully expecting it to be a long and detailed response; perhaps even a bespoke answer, specifically tailored to Naveen's personal journey. But, of course, it was neither long nor detailed. Instead, it was beautifully concise: Make sure you're okay. That was it, and I've never forgotten it. Everything I did after that was done with the goal of making sure I'm okay.
You may think it's a selfish attitude, but there's nothing selfish about it when done properly. Every time you fly, the safety instructions tell you to put your oxygen mask on first before helping other people. The reasoning is that if you behave in a way which causes harm to yourself, how can you possibly help anyone else? That same logic applies equally to life. You can look after yourself without taking away from others. In fact, if we take care of ourselves in the right way, we are much more able to contribute to other people in a positive and uplifting manner. For example, from the feedback I received about the previous post, '300 Days', it's clear that a number of people were inspired to help themselves with their own exercise routine. Whatever you do, make sure you're okay.
Related posts: Make It All About You | Be True To Who You Think You Are | Only You Can Fully Know What You Need
Related articles: Givers, Takers, and Matchers: The Surprising Science of Success | Is Giving The Secret To Getting Ahead?
2 Responses to "Make Sure You're Okay"
George Says:
July 30th, 2014 at 8:52 am
How true. On a simulated First Aid exercise I had to go through, we were always told to check the area before dealing with the casualty. However, I forgot to do so on one exercise. I had become lazy, forgetful, even 'cocky'. As a result I was electrocuted as I had overlooked a 'live cable'. It taught me not to rush in thinking I was doing good.
So the practical is equally true as is the personal. We are of limited use to others if we have not ensured our own safety and wellbeing.
Jonathan Lewis Says:
July 30th, 2014 at 9:24 am
That's a great example. Thanks, George.
In a similar way, research suggests that, in a world of givers and takers (and so-called matchers), the givers come off worst of all. But here's the interesting part: they also come off best. The difference between the two is that the successful givers make sure they look after themselves, whereas the unsuccessful ones burn themselves out.
See here for more details: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/04/10/adam-grant-give-and-take/
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Will we get a one cent RFID tag?
There is currently a huge wave of RFID adoption going on in fashion and apparel retail. This growth is largely based on a business case that can be easily made: the need for accurate stock data is critical for today's retailers; while at the same time the operating cost for deploying RFID has significantly decreased due to lower RFID tag prices that are now below three eurocents a piece.
Considering that the price was at ten eurocents only five years ago, this has made a big difference and significantly improved the business case. An even lower price would allow for adoption in other markets, like food retail. The question is now: is there any more improvement to be expected or has the bottom been reached?
Current price structure
To answer this question, we need to understand how the price of an RFID tag is currently set up. The price of an RFID tag consists of the following core components:
- The antenna plus substrate
- The RFID chip
- Attaching the chip on the antenna
- Margin for all of the companies involved in the process
(We don't consider label conversion, encoding and printing for now).
New ways of creating the antenna
The RFID antenna (plus the substrate it is attached on), can be created in different ways. Traditionally, an 'etching' process is used to make those antennas. Etching works by creating an aluminium layer on a plastic film – and then etching away the parts that are not needed for the antenna with chemicals. The aluminium that is etched away is wasted and the chemicals used for this process can be hazardous for the environment.
Newer methods involve printing the antenna using conductive ink, cutting the antenna with a rotating drum or laser cutting the antenna. All those methods are less wasteful, and allow the antenna to be directly attached to paper – doing away with the plastic film that is required for the etching process. This saves costs and significantly reduces the environmental footprint for RFID.
Another advantage of the new antenna creation methods, is that those processes can be 'in-line' with the chip attachment process. With etching, creating the antenna is typically done in another environment (and typically by a different company, than the company attaching the chip). If the antenna can be created by the same company, in the same factory as the chip-attach, this saves costs and logistic complexities – another opportunity for cost price reduction.
Direct Die Attach – Picture courtesy of Muhlbauer, "Concept 2020 – Roadmap for high volume RAIN tag manufacturing"
Smaller chips lead to lower prices
The price of the chip is heavily related to size of the chip. However, the smaller you make the chip, the more difficult it is to handle and manage the chip. Traditionally, RFID machines where based on a pick-and-place technology that was similar to how Printed Circuit Boards were produced. The disadvantage of this process, is that it requires a lot of moving parts and that it doesn't allow for very small chips. According to a presentation of chip-attach machine manufacturer Mühlbauer, they have a new way of working which is called 'direct-die-attach'. Direct-die-attach moves the wafer over a tape of RFID antennas, and the chip is directly attached to the antenna when it is ejected from the wafer.
With this method, it not only allows for much higher throughput (40.000 units per hour in the current machine), it also allows for smaller RFID chips. The current size of an RFID chip is approximately 0.5 x 0.5 mm – and of course size is an important driver for chip cost. It is expected that chip manufactures use this potential for size reduction by switching to smaller chip sizes. This is standard practise in manufacturing chips: by using more advanced manufacturing processes, the size of components can be decreased.
A 50% reduction in storage on a chip could give even lower prices
Another variable at play is the amount of available memory on tag chips. Current tag chips still have memory that stays unused in retail applications. 96 bits are needed to store the product information and serial (the SGTIN) – but there is a lot more memory available on the chip. This memory is for example used for:
- The TID serial: a unique serial number that is programmed at chip manufacturing, and globally unique. As we already have the serial number in the EPC, it is not strictly necessary to also have a serial number in the TID. However, because the serial number is programmed at chip production, it is guaranteed to be unique. This proves valuable in detecting EPC duplicates or product authentication checks – but that is not always relevant.
- The kill password: The kill password is only relevant when you need to kill tags. In most situations, this is not strictly necessary. The access password however is still relevant – mainly to control privacy features like read range reduction.
- Additional EPC memory (or user memory): Some ICs have more EPC memory (or user memory) than the required 96 bits for retail applications. This is most often not used in retail applications, as additional information is stored in a cloud-system, where storage is much cheaper.
If the kill password, the TID serial and the additional EPC memory are removed from RFID chips, this can save up to 50% of the storage of the chip, whichwill again reduce the price.
Conclusion: the cost can be reduced at all components
To summarise, for each of the cost components in an RFID tag there are optimisations available:
- The antenna plus substrate: newer manufacturing methods lead to less waste and less material required, leading to lower cost
- The RFID chip: more advanced production technologies allow smaller chips, and additional savings can be expected in reducing the memory footprint of those chips
- Attaching the chip on the antenna: new manufacturing technologies like direct-die-attach allow for higher throughput, and lower per-unit cost
- Margin for all of the companies involved in the process: integrating the antenna production with the chip-attach in one machine and facility simplifies the supply chain
Whether this will give us the one cent RFID tag remains to be seen, but it at least shows that there is significant room for improvement over the next few years. If the price drops further, it will allow spreading RFID to other markets than just fashion/apparel. Potentially even stretch into food retail, opening up all kinds of new use cases.
About the author: Danny Haak
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CEOs of community foundations believe strategy is important but few actually use it in their foundations' work, a new report says.
CEOs who are strategic in working with donors "are guided by a focus on how their work with donors will benefit the community," while CEOs who are strategic in their programmatic work "build their understanding of community need through research and data," says Rhetoric Versus Reality: A Strategic Disconnect at Community Foundations, a report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy.
The report, based on interviews with CEOs at 30 community foundations with $50 million or more in assets, says the "gap between the rhetoric and reality" of strategy for community foundations may be the result of competition for donor resources, "resulting in a focus on donors as an end in itself rather than as a means to an end."
So instead of connecting donors to the needs of the community," it says, "donor relations are shaped by the personal needs and interests of donors."
The U.S. is home to over 700 community foundations that together control $49.5 billion in assets, raise roughly $4.8 billion a year, and make grants totaling an estimated $4.2 billion, the report says.
But over the past 10 years, it says, competition for donor dollars has grown in the form of charitable gift funds and online service vendors, with many of them offering lower-cost options for donors.
The report cites a study by the James Irvine Foundation that argues a community foundation that acts "strategically" and actively seeks accurate information about community needs "will be better able to attract unrestricted funds" and will be seen as "a strategic investment vehicle" rather than "a vehicle for simple transactions that commercial charities can process at a lower cost."
It also cites work by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation that argues that strategic decisions made by community foundations can attract donors.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy defines "strategy" as a "framework for decision-making" that focused on the "external context" in which a foundation works and includes a "hypothesized causal connection" between the use of foundation resources and the achievement of its goals.
Among the 30 CEOs interviewed, the report says, only 27 percent are strategic in their donor work, only 20 percent are strategic in their programmatic work, and only 10 percent are strategic in both their donor and programmatic work.
Many of the decision-making processes at the 30 foundations were externally oriented, the report says, but those processes "were frequently not connected to any kind of theory or hypothesis about how those decisions would lead to the achievement of their goals."
CEOs who are strategic in their donor work tend to work at foundations at which donor-advised funds account for most of the giving.
"The ultimate focus of decisions made by strategic CEOs in their donor work is what will be of benefit to the community – rather than how the foundation functions and survives," the report says.
But CEOs who are partly or not at all strategic in their donor work describe goals — such as increasing foundation assets — that are "more removed from community benefit," the report says.
"The focus strategic CEOs place on benefiting the community does not come at the expense of engaging donors," it says. "In fact, strategic CEOs emphasize the importance of building relationships with their donors to a greater extent than their less-strategic counterparts."
Strategic CEOs "engage differently with their donors, focusing attention on how funds are used," the report says.
Those CEOs either make efforts to get donors involved with issues the foundation sees as important by educating donors about community needs, the report says, or they work to "understand clearly areas in which donors have expressed interest and then inform those donors or relevant new giving opportunities," or both.
And in addition to cultivating existing donors, it says, strategic CEOS tend to focus on recruiting new donors.
CEOs who are strategic in their programmatic work are "data-driven," the report says, turning to research or data about issues in the community to understand community need, and articulating "how that research or data relates to their efforts to achieve their goals."
Strategic CEO also "emphasize seeking input from a variety of stakeholders," and value their ideas and concerns.
They also work to "align donor giving with what is happening in the community by building donor knowledge to address community needs."
In their day-to-day decision-making, the report says, strategic CEOs "place community needs front and center in every important decision in a way that the other CEOs do not."
Strategic CEOs "do more to seek out research, data and external perspectives to inform their thinking – and they seek to educate and inform donors, rather than being simply responsive to what donors prefer."
The report says it is possible that competition for donor resources "has led some community foundation CEOs to focus on being responsive to donor interests and needs in a way that undermines the foundation's ability to work strategically."
The focus on the donor "becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to community impact," the report says. "This approach may not ultimately lead to the most success in donor work because it may erode opportunities for differentiation from other giving vehicles available to donors."
The report profiles three foundations it says are strategic in working with donors or in their programs, including California Community Foundation, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, and Orange County Community Foundation.


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