Burn Awareness Week kicks off the Sunday of the first full week of February.
The week’s goal is to raise awareness of burn hazards and help people learn to avoid getting burned.
Now you might think avoiding burns is common sense. But you might also be surprised at how many potential hazards you just don’t think about each day.
You’re not alone, either. Burn injuries rank as one of the top accidental causes of injury and death in the United States.
Remember, it’s not just about not sticking your hands in a flame.
The CDC’s definition of fire/burn/smoke inhalation injury is “Severe exposure to flames, heat, or chemicals that leads to tissue damage in the skin or places deeper in the body; injury from smoke inhalation to the upper airway, lower airway, or lungs.”
So it’s also about not accidentally scalding yourself with boiling water. Remembering that pan you just took out of the oven is still hot. Avoiding chemical burns. And so much more.
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Children are especially likely to suffer burn injuries. As much as parents try to protect them, they move quick and get into things in an instant:
Even young adults are more prone to burn injuries than the general population—by about 1.5 times between age 20 and 29.
No matter your age, you’re more likely to get burned at home. Almost 3/4 of burns happen there.
According to the National Safety Council’s Odds of Dying chart, the odds of dying from exposure to fire, flames, or smoke is 1 in 1,498. Of course, there are other sources of burns, too. For example, heat and hot substances (1in 56,992).
Learn more about burn injuries on the National Burn Awareness Week Fact Sheet (PDF).
Scroll down for some ideas on observing this safety-oriented week.
This is an important week for everyone, because anyone can suffer a burn. Accidents do happen. And even if you’re careful, someone else may not be.
Since most burns happen at home, start by learning more about preventing them. Then vow to look around your home to find ways to make it safer.
Some quick tips:
Learn more with this checklist for avoiding burns.
If you live with or care for older adults, this publication offers tips to help keep them safe.
A few quick tips:
Homes with children should also take extra precautions, including these:
And never leave a child alone with a lit candle. Curiosity can get the better of even the most well-behaved child. (Trust me. I was that child!)
The CDC has links to more resources for fire prevention.
And, of course, sometimes accidents happen even when you’re careful. So learn how to treat a minor burn (PDF) and when to get medical attention.
Work is the second most common place people suffer burns (although it’s a distant second). Employers can use this week to reinforce safety among their workers.
A few examples:
Will you be checking your home and/or workplace to improve safety? Do you have any tips or stories to share?
Amazon Native Search Ad – for health/beauty pages


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From practically the first moment since I stepped off the plane in Kolkata in late August, people have been telling me to visit the town of Krishnagar. Last week I had the opportunity to visit there with a group of artist friends. Krishnagar is famous for the production of highly realistic sculpture, from larger than life to extremely minature sculptures.
We visited with local sculptor Subir Pal, who has both a shop on the main road for his finished works, as well as a workshop that is just a short walk down a small alleyway near the shop.
Subir Pal’s showroom with cabinet of narrative clay works
Subir Pal with work in process
Subir Pal also works in fiberglass (as well as stone, plaster, bronze, and cement). Check out this cow – sculptural trompe l’oeil – in the photo above. Photo below, another cow sculpture is stored in the workshop loft.
In the alleyway between workshop and showroom, we encountered the raw, unprepared Krishnagar clay, loaded up onto a bicycle cart
According to Subir Pal, this clay is so dense that it is as hard as stone without being fired! I remain skeptical, but hopeful, since he generously gave me a big chunk of the clay to try it out!
These minatures are really amazing!
Below, Subir Pal’s “artist’s reserve” of minature sculptures. Wow.

domain: hobby


Gold fell $4.5 or 0.3% to $1,658.9 an ounce by 1107 GMT after rising to a session high of $1,658.0.
It has come off a 4-month low of $1,635.1 struck on December 20, but remains well below a record high of around $1,920 hit in September 2011.
For the year, gold is up around 6%, but well below a record of around $1,920 touched in September 2011, when a worsening debt crisis in Europe sparked a buying rush. US gold for February eased $4.00 an ounce to $1,659.7.
Gold is traditionally a safe-haven and inflation hedge that investors rush to in times of trouble, but it has lately behaved like any risk asset. The metal sometimes rises and falls with the stock market.
The euro fell to a session low against the dollar on Friday on year-end dollar buying from investors adjusting their portfolios and as traders took profit on the common currency's recent gains.
Global gold demand in 2013 should be led by further strength in Chinese demand and a recovery in India, helping the precious metal continue its bull run into its 13th year, the industry-backed World Gold Council has said.
Gold demand in India, the world's biggest buyer of the metal, was moderate on Friday as jewellers replenished inventory for festivals and the wedding season, but retail and investment demand remained sluggish.


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Controversial blogger Cameron Slater, public relations man Carrick Graham and former MP Katherine Rich have failed in a court bid to knock out a defamation claim by three health experts.
The High Court would not strike out the case, which was prompted by revelations in the 2014 book Dirty Politics, and said the defamation action could yet proceed to a jury trial.
Slater, founder of the Whaleoil blog, is accused by Dr Doug Sellman and two other health academics Boyd Swinburn and Shane Bradbrook, of defaming them in a series of posts on his site.
They allege Graham, son of the former National cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham, arranged for the posts to be published on the Whaleoil site for a fee and was in turn paid by the ex-National MP Rich through her employer the Food and Grocery Council, for having the pieces posted.
The case claims Graham wrote one of the pieces himself, “authored, commissioned or procured Slater to publish the others and authored and published” comments made about the articles.
Justice Matthew Palmer, who declined to strike out the case on the grounds of it being out of time, being the honestly-held opinion of the writer or as having qualified privilege as part of robust political debate about alcohol, sugar, fat and tobacco, suppressed the “alleged defamatory statements” until after a trial.
But he said: “In general they are personally abusive about the plaintiffs as well as their positions on matters of public policy relating to the regulation of alcohol, tobacco, sugar and fat.”
Sellman is a Professor of Medicine and director of the National Addiction Centre at the University of Otago; Swinburn is a Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health at the University of Auckland and Bradbrook is a senior public health advisor at Regional Public Health.
They disputed the defences put up by Slater, Graham and Rich: “If the posts were expressions of opinion, the opinions were not genuine in that they were published by Slater, Graham and FCL [Graham’s PR firm Facilitate Communications Ltd] without an honest belief in the truth of the facts underlying them or with recklessness or indifference as to their truth.”
They argued the blogger, PR man and industry chief were “predominantly motivated by ill-will” towards the academics.
Justice Palmer was asked by Slater, Graham, Rich and the Food and Grocery Council to strike out the case. However he determined the actions were not ‘time-barred’ despite being brought beyond a two-year period after first publication – because they continued to be published ‘multiple-times’ by still being available on the Whaleoil website. Defence lawyers had argued a ‘single-publication’ rule should be applied, thus making the defamation action too late.
The judge said: “If the blog is still up on the web and the publisher cannot show the post has not been accessed in the past two years, I see no reason why a defamed person should not be able to sue for the continuing publication of a blog in order to vindicate their reputation. Accordingly, I consider the multiple publication rule is the law in New Zealand.”
He noted: “A defendant may be able to disprove the reading or listening that is essential to publication. That would mean an element for defamation is not present, as reputation would not be harmed. That can be raised at trial, on the basis of evidence … There is no evidence before me that demonstrates the blogs here have not been read.”
Justice Palmer also found that Slater’s republishing of hyperlinks to several earlier posts amounted to re-publications of them. “That is an additional reason not to strike out those causes of action.”
Sellman, Swinburn and Bradbrook’s lawyers told the court they could not have known of the involvement of Graham, Rich and the Food and Grocery Council until the publication of Dirty Politics.
All the defendants also tried to strike out the case as an abuse of court process which would be a disproportionate waste of resources.
Rich’s lawyer, Willie Akel, said the costs of the proceedings to the parties and to the Court were disproportionate to any benefit gained. He argued the plaintiffs’ receipt of public funding called for public scrutiny of people with a high profile who had used emotive and pejorative language in public debates themselves.
But the judge found: “The right of a person or a group to access the courts in order to vindicate their legal rights has a high constitutional value in New Zealand, against however powerful or popular a defendant.”
Justice Palmer believed there should be, in the common law of defamation, a minimum threshold of seriousness of damage to reputation. While it might not have to be serious harm, it had to be more than minor harm. “I consider a threshold of more than minor harm to reputation should be required to found an action for defamation in New Zealand.”
He said there was no difference in the legal test applied to blogs and other media, and that “the tendency of political debate on the internet often to be expressed in hyperbolic and sarcastic terms does not lower the legal threshold for what is capable of being defamatory”.
He found some of the terms used by Slater’s blogs about the three plaintiffs would be considered by a reasonable person to mean more than just that they were being funded publicly, as claimed by defence lawyers. “For each, a derogatory meaning is part and parcel of the ordinary meaning of these terms in New Zealand. That seems likely to be why they were used. The reader is likely to think worse of their subject in a more than minor way.”
Of the 161 pleaded defamatory meanings, Justice Palmer struck out just 21.
He declined to strike out a cause of action against Rich as “speculative and a misuse of process”. And he would not strike out action against Rich because it was not capable of “founding legal liability against her.”
“If the pleadings are sustained, Rich and the FGC may have assisted Slater and or Graham, pursuant to a common design with them, to do an act which turns out to be defamatory.”
He concluded: “Because this proceeding could be the subject of a jury trial, and it is important the jury’s minds not be prejudiced, as the parties requested, the contents of the allegations in pleadings should not be publicly reported.”

domain: law


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For local connections, a 2.5G PCIe adapter helps build a lightning fast transport channel between a central storage device and other working machines in your local network. Local data transmissions will be a breeze for you as you handle bandwidth-intensive tasks easily at your home or office.
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Remotely power on/off your computer with WOL, good for centralized management.
In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is also provided for mini tower computer cases.
Simple software installation with the intuitive Utility on the provided CD.
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Tue, 15 Jan 2019 22:16:00 GMT
Attorney, lawyer, and law firm directory to find a lawyer, attorneys, and local law firms. Lawyers.com is the #1 lawyer directory.
Sun, 13 Jan 2019 06:12:00 GMT
A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, bar-at-law, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, counsellor, counselor at law, solicitor, chartered legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying law but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary.
Fri, 11 Jan 2019 03:37:00 GMT
Compare attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI. Access business information, offers, and more - THE REAL YELLOW PAGES®
Sat, 12 Jan 2019 00:44:00 GMT
Look for Attorneys in Popular Cities. Welcome to the FindLaw Lawyer Directory, featuring detailed profiles of attorneys from across the United States.
Fri, 11 Jan 2019 00:31:00 GMT
FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is the largest online directory of attorneys. Browse more than one million listings, covering everything from criminal defense to personal injury to estate planning.
Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:20:00 GMT
1. 'lawyer' Lawyer is a general term for a person who is qualified to advise people about the law and represent them in court.
Fri, 07 Sep 2018 16:44:00 GMT
Experienced Lawyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan Handling Business, Employment and Real Estate Matters.


text: Fabulous fan-shaped fronds, in this Mina Victory Royal Palm pillow collection, are like a cool breeze on a warm tropical evening. They are the perfect accents to refresh your decor. Add a uniquely modern touch to your living room or bedroom with this botanical throw pillow by Mina Victory Home. On its handcrafted cotton cover, a large and leafy embroidered fern sprawls beautifully across a neutral ivory base. Black piped edges complete this contemporary look. 16Ã¢â‚¬Â square includes a cozy polyester insert that helps your pillow keep its form, and a hidden zipper closure for worry-free spot cleaning.

domain: design


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Below is a collection of images of all sorts of digital and illustrative work I have done
An animated logo I created for my church's video series
Desolation: a short created for Monoversal/Avonom productions
Frontpaged on Newgrounds.com
Winner of daily 2nd pick award
Winner of weekly 2nd place award
Desolation is an animated short that independent production team "Monoversal/Avonom" hired Kevin Stolle to design, direct, storyboard, animate, color, and sound mix.
Available for commisions and proposals! Just send me a message below.

domain: artistic


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CRY057 - Clear Crystal Rectangle on Black Base
Clear Optic crystal rectangle attached to black base. Packaged individually in a lined gift box.
Please send artwork files using the upload form
Choose Axiom Design & Engraving for personalized gifts and awards that go beyond expectations. Our exceptional quality, customization options, creative team, diverse product range, personalized service, and convenient options set us apart from the rest. Contact us today and let us help you create a truly unforgettable personalized gift or award!


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The Witch Craze in Europe: A Talk by Professor Teofilo F. Ruiz
John Cabot University’s Department of History and Humanities welcomed Professor Teofilo F. Ruiz for a talk called The Witch Craze in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe on November 5, 2019. The talk, moderated by History Professor Fabrizio Conti, traced the origins and nature of the witch craze in Western Europe in the late 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Witchcraft in Europe
In the late 15th century in Europe, over 80 thousand people were put to death because they were thought to practice witchcraft. They were predominantly elderly women from small villages, who were targeted, labeled as witches, and killed. The witch craze was not a widely spread phenomenon at the time, and it was mostly characteristic of Northern Europe. Witchcraft was believed to be a mix of malefic acts that aimed at pleasing Satan, and it implied a dualistic separation between God and the devil, and good and evil.
Professor Ruiz explained that the term witchcraft was often used to describe religions or beliefs that were not common, such as pre-Christian agricultural cults. When religious men traveled to rural and isolated areas to spread Christianity, they often encountered various kinds of believers and cults, which were mistaken for devil worshippers. Midwives were among the favorite targets because stillbirths were thought to be their way of sacrificing babies to the devil. Brewers were also often accused of practicing witchcraft, because their product intoxicated men and that was thought to make them more vulnerable to the devil’s work.
Summis Desiderantes, Malleus Maleficarum and Compendium Maleficarum
Numerous works have been written about witchcraft. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a papal bull called Summis desiderantes affectibus, which recognized the existence of witches, approved their persecution, and threatened those who failed to make the inquisitors’ job easier. This text is considered to have ushered in witch-hunts. In 1486, the Summis desiderantes affectibus was published as part of the preface to Heinrich Kraemer and Jakob Sprenger’s The Malleus Maleficarum, a treatise on witchcraft. An inquisitor and a friar respectively, Kraemer and Sprenger divided the text into 3 main sections that explain how to identify witchcraft, how to protect oneself from it, and how to prosecute the accused.
The witch craze began to spread widely before the Protestant Reformation of the church in the 16th century. Germany was the epicenter of witchcraft because that’s where the Reformation began. In Protestant cities, most of the people accused of witchcraft were Catholic, and in Catholic cities most of the accused were Protestant. The accusers were both male and female, and they were often related to the accused. Among the ways to recognize a witch, according to the beliefs of the time, were physical anomalies such as a third nipple, or marks given by the devil, which usually resembled animals, like bats. These marks were immune to pain and they were mostly found in the accused’s armpits or around their genitals.
In 1608, Italian priest Francesco Maria Guazzo published the Compendium Maleficarum, a witch-hunter’s manual that gives a detailed description of witches’ powers and practices. According to the Compendium Maleficarum, witches had to sign a blood pact with the devil and place it on a crossroads. They had to abjure and cast away their rosaries and religious objects, pay homage to the devil by changing their name, recruit followers and make sacrifices in the devil’s name. They were believed to take part in witch gatherings called Sabbat, where they ate human flesh, murdered children, and had orgies.
The Decline of Witch Hunts
Professor Ruiz concluded that around the 1660s, magic was beginning to be shunned and put to the side. Witch trials gradually diminished and eventually stopped completely. Some still believe in witchcraft, particularly in Africa and Latin America, but people are no longer persecuted and put to death.
Distinguished Professor & Robert and Dorothy Wellman Chair in Medieval History at the University of California, Los Angeles, Teofilo F. Ruiz has been teaching history for almost four decades. Born in Cuba, Professor Ruiz moved to the United States in 1961, and in 1974 he earned a Ph.D. in History from Princeton University. In 1995, Professor Ruiz was named “Outstanding Master’s Universities and Colleges Professor of the Year” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and in 2008 he received UCLA’s Distinguished Teacher Award. In February 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Professor Ruiz a National Humanities Medal. With over thirteen books and numerous articles, Professor Ruiz’s scholarship has been recognized with fellowships from Mellon, Guggenheim, and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

domain: history


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Last Updated: Friday, December 13, 2013, 09:35
European leaders should "hang their heads with shame" over their treatment of Syrian refugees fleeing the country`s brutal conflict, rights group Amnesty International said on Friday.
Last Updated: Friday, December 13, 2013, 05:30
Lebanon`s caretaker PM Najib Miqati contended that the international community did not appropriately assess the scale of the humanitarian crisis suffered by Syrian refugees.
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 03, 2013, 12:03
The number of Syrian refugees seeking shelter in Lebanon has reached 832,000, according to the latest UN report.
Last Updated: Sunday, December 01, 2013, 17:40
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students` Union has urged President Pranab Mukherjee to arrange for deporting Chakma-Hajong refugees and all foreign nationals from Arunachal Pradesh to protect the indigenous culture of the state.
Last Updated: Friday, November 29, 2013, 12:00
Syrian refugee children are paying a cruel price as civil war rips their country apart, the United Nations warned Friday in a report with heart-rending testimony from youngsters driven from their homes.
Last Updated: Sunday, November 24, 2013, 21:56
Hundreds of refugees who fled Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday observed Martyrs` Day in memory of their family members killed during fights with tribals and Pakistani Army in November 1947.
Last Updated: Friday, November 22, 2013, 23:05
Dozens of Syrian and Palestinian refugees detained in the Egyptian city of Alexandria for trying to illegally migrate to Europe went on a hunger strike on Friday, a UN official said.
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 17:09
Gunmen who massacred at least 67 people in Kenya`s Westgate mall in September were special suicide commandos, Somalia`s Shabaab insurgents said.
Last Updated: Saturday, November 09, 2013, 23:52
The Jammu and Kashmir government will send a comprehensive package to the central government for rehabilitating Pakistani refugees settled in Jammu following displacement in 1947, 1965 and 1971.
Last Updated: Friday, November 01, 2013, 10:23
Amnesty International urged world support to help Jordan and other countries hosting Syrian refugees end border restrictions on those fleeing the conflict, saying hundreds are being turned back.
Last Updated: Saturday, October 26, 2013, 16:14
Pakistan won`t allow Afghan refugees to enter the country after the withdrawal of NATO forces from war-torn Afghanistan in 2014, a minister said.
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 08:51
Top UN official Jeffrey Feltman emphasised on Tuesday the "extreme vulnerability" of Palestinian refugees in Syria as fighting there escalates.
more videos >>

domain: news


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Several countries have been added to the travel corridor list for the UK this weekend after being assessed as posing a lower coronavirus infection risk.
From 4am on Sunday October 25, passengers arriving in the UK from the Canary Islands, Mykonos, the Maldives and Denmark will no longer need to self-isolate, as long as they haven't been through any non-exempt countries in the previous 14 days.
As a result, all passengers returning from Liechtenstein from 4am on Sunday October 25 will now be required to self-isolate.
The decision was based on data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England.
Find the latest travel news in your area:
A range of factors are taken into account when removing a country from the safe travel list, including the continued increase of coronavirus within a country, the numbers of new cases, information on a country’s testing capacity, testing regime and test positivity rate, and potential trajectory of the disease in the coming weeks.
Travellers who are planning any overseas trips are advised to check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice to keep up to date with the risks associated with travelling to another country.
All travellers are currently required to show a completed passenger locator form on arrival into the UK - unless they fall into a small group of exemptions.
There are strict penalties for those who fail to follow self-isolation rules when they return to the UK.
These penalties have increased from £1,000 for first offences to £10,000 for subsequent offences.

domain: geography


When I moved to Los Angeles, I naturally wanted to explore my new city: on foot. Happily, I discovered that despite its reputation, Los Angeles is eminently walkable. Almost the entire metropolitan area is graced with sidewalks that will take you wherever you need to go. I decided to go from my front door—Mile 0—near the Pacific Ocean to the farthest edge of this sprawling megacity, San Bernardino at the foothills of an eponymous mountain range. It was not an athletic feat, but an exercise in urban hiking with all the amenities La-La Land has to offer.
An aerial view of the city inevitably features a maze of Interstates but I carved out another artery, a nearly invisible footpath, that traces a route through the undulating cityscape that is Los Angeles. That footpath, on sidewalks and rough berms, won’t appear on a AAA or Google map but it has been seared into the life of the city. The route was southern, quite a distance from the elegant boulevards of Santa Monica and Hancock Park. Gage Avenue has few, if any, luxury stores and a curious absence of America’s most recognizable retailers. Thus the route pulls you through a marginalized Los Angeles, only visible to tourists and apathetic drivers from the elevated highways that cut above these neighborhoods.
On the surface streets, the monotony of the highway has no home. I walked from predominantly white to African American to Hispanic neighborhoods where the Spanish language was the local currency. West of the Los Angeles River, these tightly packed neighborhoods were a mix of urban and suburban. I passed just north of the intersection at Normandie and Florence, the site of riots in 1992; two decades later, the external wounds were invisible in the neighborhood.
Time passed between each mile but not as measured by my watch; the time between two points was determined by unexpected markers such as a rail-way crossing or the rare sighting of another pedestrian. As time slipped by, I passed sun-bleached and stuccoed homes with empty front lawns; no one was on the porch ready with a friendly wave as I walked by. The walk was, in fact, an exercise in solitude because few Angelenos take advantage of their extensive sidewalks. Walking in the day, the streets were basked in glorious sunshine, though I later learned of the gun violence in neighborhoods I had passed through.
Moving further east, the walk revealed the railways and rivers of Los Angeles. The Alameda Corridor, a massive railroad, speaks to all those international goods entering into Southern California. While the Los Angeles River has an iconic presence in Grease, the San Gabriel River further east, no less grand, ‘flows’ anonymously from the mountains through Baldwin Park down to the Pacific Ocean. Following convention these rivers appeared as blue on a map, but the trickle of water was not enough to soothe my tired feet.
About thirty-five miles east of home, the land-and socio-scape opened up with wider avenues and the peaks of mountains looming to the north. Endless rows of bungalows, chirpier than the ones along Gage, pulled the route east. The city was soon replaced by endless warehouses and the faded industrial glory of Fontana, where the abandoned Kaiser works took thirty minutes to pass. Trucks roared by heading for the I-15, the I-215, the I-10, and any other interstate they could find. I just plodded forward to Mile 72.5 at the San Bernardino train station. Seemingly abandoned, it stood there with all the grandeur of the central station in Milan. On arrival, I sat on a bench; in my mind, I started to knit together the tapestry of the incredibly diverse city I had just crossed.
Nigel Raab, October 2019
Extracted from 'Seventy-Two and One Half Miles Across Los Angeles' by Mark Ruwedel, published November 2020


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Seven romance stories take you back to the building of the Erie Canal and the opening of the Midwest to greater development. Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the Great Lakes to the Hudson River, and soon other states like Ohio created canals linking Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Suddenly the Midwest was open to migration, the harvesting of resources, and even tourism. Join seven couples who live through the rise of the canals and the problems the waterways brought to each community, including land grabs, disease, tourists, racism, and competition. Can these couples hang on to their faith and develop love during times of intense change?The Way of a Child by Lauralee Bliss Little Falls, New York 1817 Widower David Marshall has no interest in selling his farm to the Erie Canal project presented by agent Ray O’Neil and his daughter Melanie. But his sons Matthew and Luke have taken a peculiar liking to Melanie. What the children reveal paves the way to a surprising future. Wedding of the Waters by Rita Gerlach Goshen Creek, New York. 1819 Charlotte Verger, a physician’s niece, is unexpectedly reunited with her first and only love, Blaine McKenna. When word comes that the Erie Canal builders at the Montezuma Swamp, where Blaine is working as a surveyor, are stricken with malaria, Charlotte risks a journey to reach him. Digging for Love by Ramona K. Cecil Rochester, New York 1822 For budding artist Emily Nichols, the coming Erie Canal brings dreams of leaving Rochester for the art markets of New York City. As he builds the canal, Irish laborer Seamus O’Grady is building his American dream in Rochester. When hearts meld, divergent dreams and old prejudices threaten burgeoning love. Return to Sweetwater Cove by Christina Miller Sweetwater Cove, New York, 1825 Reverend Josiah Wells travels to his hometown to pastor the church and make restitution for his youthful sins. Betsy Bennett wants to honor her late husband’s memory and make sure Sweetwater Cove never discovers the secret she shares with Josiah. Can they leave behind the past and find love beside still waters?Journey of the Heart by Johnnie Alexander Circleville, Ohio, early 1852 Charity Sinclair secretly writes abolitionist pamphlets while thwarting architect Tavish Dunbar’s effort to redesign her father’s post office, a hidden stop on the Underground Railroad. When a slave-hunter captures a runaway, Charity vows to rescue the fugitive. But can she trust Tavish with her secret. . .and with her heart? Pressing On by Rose Allen McCauley Zoar, Ohio, 1856 As a child, Amanda Mack loved her life in Zoar, Ohio, where she was born to Separatists. Now an adult, she starts to chafe at its many restrictions. After meeting riverboat captain Daniel Jeremiah, they both must make decisions about their futures. Can she leave or will he convert or…?The Bridge Between Usby Sherri Wilson Johnson Albion, New York, 1859 John Hawkins steps back into Susannah Higley’s life just in time to save it. Despite her father’s longstanding disdain for John’s family, can Susannah and John settle the family feud and save her father’s struggling sawmill—and their chance for love? Or will the feud continue?
|Publisher:||Barbour Publishing, Incorporated|
|Product dimensions:||5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.50(d)|
About the Author
Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won't forget in a variety of genres. An award-winning, best-selling novelist, she serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts Writers Chat, and interviews other inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.
LAURALEE BLISS has always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and after several years of hard work, her dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then she’s had twenty books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee is also an avid hiker, completing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail both north and south. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family. Visit her website at www.lauraleebliss.com and find her on Twitter and Facebook Readers of Author Lauralee Bliss.
RAMONA K. CECIL is a wife, mother, grandmother, freelance poet, and award-winning inspirational romance writer. Now empty nesters, she and her husband make their home in Indiana. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers Indiana Chapter, her work has won awards in a number of inspirational writing contests. Over eighty of her inspirational verses have been published on a wide array of items for the Christian gift market. She enjoys a speaking ministry, sharing her journey to publication while encouraging aspiring writers. When not writing, her hobbies include reading, gardening, and visiting places of historical interest.
RITA GERLACH lives in central Maryland with her husband and two sons. She is a best-selling author of eight inspirational historical novels including the Daughters of the Potomac series of which Romantic Times Book Review Magazine said, "Creating characters with intense realism and compassion is one of Gerlach’s gifts."
Rose Allen McCauley has been writing since she retired from teaching school and joined American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She is thrilled for this to be her third collection with Barbour. She and her spouse just celebrated their golden anniversary with their three children and spouses and now six grandchildren! She loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or twitter @RoseAMcCauley and on Facebook under Rose Allen McCauley.
Read an Excerpt
1817 Little Falls, New York
Melanie O'Neil paced about the bedroom with her thoughts flying from one to the next. Her dress of pale green with an empire waist and tied with a moss-green ribbon swept the wooden floor, stirring up dust. How she wished she could calm the prickles dashing down her back or stop her fingers from twisting a handkerchief into a large knot. The day had finally come. If she chose to go, he would be waiting for her at the crossroads, the wagon loaded with possessions and provisions, ready to find the reverend and begin a new life in a strange land.
Sam told her how Ohio was ripe for farming, far away from this place that had seen many troubles, from poor weather to enemy invasion. The area still bore the scars of war in scattered piles of rubble. The village of Little Falls had to be rebuilt when renegade tribes decimated it twenty years previous. Yet her heart remained fixed in this place. She had grown up here. Buried her mother here. Worked beside Father in his business dealings. Inwardly she hoped Sam would have a change of heart. That he would arrive on his handsome bay horse, ready to say he'd been too hasty in his decision to abandon everything for a new place. He would acknowledge that Little Falls was his home too.
Melanie looked out the window, envisioning him riding up with a new desire to remain here. They would have a simple ceremony overlooking the river where she often went to pray, serenaded by the rushing sound of water over the rocks. They would build a home adjacent to the land owned by his family. And she would learn how to be a wife and then a mother. It seemed perfect.
But no. Sam wanted adventure and a new life. Ohio was calling his name.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Her hands shook, nearly dropping the handkerchief. The door creaked open and a familiar voice greeted her. "Are you all right, daughter?" her father, Raymond O'Neil, gently asked. He appeared strong and immaculate, dressed in tailored breeches and leather boots, a waistcoat fastened by brass buttons overlaying the broadcloth shirt. His reddish-brown hair that Melanie inherited reflected the sunlight streaming through the window.
"Sam is leaving today," she announced.
He stepped back as though the words had delivered some unseen blow. "I didn't know it would be so soon."
"We visited yesterday while you were away on business with Mr. Mader. He said if I agreed to leave, to meet him at noon at the crossroads. We will find the reverend to marry us and then make our way to Ohio."
Father's eyes widened and began to glimmer. Were those tears in his eyes? She prayed not. "He told me of his intent a few days ago," he said grimly. "Though he did not ask my permission, nor did he tell me it would be so soon." He straightened, his head held high, hands clasped behind his back in a picture of authority. Would Father now ask that she forsake Sam's proposal? "And what did you say?"
"I — I told him I would go if that's what he wanted." Father's hands slowly tightened and the veins began to bulge in his neck. She avoided the look on his face and turned to the view out the window, beyond the lay of the village and the river below, to the long mountain framing the valley. She must settle the anxiousness in the air. "He is desperate to head west. He's read all the tales of adventure, of Daniel Boone and stories of frontier life. He's grown weary of this place." She heard a shuffling across the wooden floor and then the aroma of tobacco mixed with the scent of the study where Father spent many long hours at his desk. She turned to face him. No longer did he portray a picture of anxiety, with the lines now softening on his face and large blue eyes that spoke compassion. There had only been the two of them since Mother's passing from the influenza many years ago. Maybe that's why hesitation also gripped her this morn with the thought of leaving him alone, possibly never to see him again.
"It's difficult to make such a change," he said. "I won't keep you here against your will, you understand. But I would be uttering a falsehood if I said I wouldn't miss you or that I didn't need your help in our work."
The work entrusted to Father's good hands was negotiating with the farms in the valley to purchase lands for constructing the Grand Canal. The project would allow an all-water route to transport goods and livestock and people from the Hudson River to the western regions. It was good for commerce and for Father's reputation, to be a part of securing the land so the canal could become a reality. But for Melanie, consumed by her affairs, she wondered if any of her involvement mattered. Especially when it came to her happiness.
Melanie inhaled a deep breath to gaze once more at the scenery. The view of the distant river meandering over the rocks proved comforting. She did love this place. The thought of leaving it for some wild territory she knew nothing about frightened her in many ways. She had tried to relay her fears to Sam — the difficult journey, finding a place to call home, the strangeness of it all. He only brushed it aside with tales of adventure and excitement.
Finally she turned from the window, moving to the large satchel to inspect the contents she packed in haste. Father looked on, saying nothing as she noted her other good dress neatly folded, a linen petticoat, night clothing and undergarments, some stockings, and then her dark blue pelisse for those chilly days.
"I will ready the carriage," he said softly. "I hope you will allow me to accompany you and bear witness to the marriage."
Melanie glanced at him. "Of course. I'm sorry, Father. I know you want me to stay. But I can't help but think this may be my only opportunity to marry and have a life. There are sure to be children too. You would love a grandchild."
Father said nothing, but from the way his lips twisted and his shoulders began to curve inward, it was as if the storm clouds once more descended. She tried to shake the thought away, instead thinking on scripture and how one plans his way but God wisely directs the path. While there appeared to be obstacles of the heart in place, if this was not meant to be, God would surely show her the way.
Melanie glanced around the room once more for anything to slip into the satchel. Sam had been firm that she not take much. She tucked in her Bible, a mirror that once belonged to Mother, and a shawl Grandmother knitted during the long journey from Ireland. The room began to shimmer under the flow of tears as she thought of her life here — of picnics and merriment by the pretty falls that gave the village its name, of Father's hearty laughter and the seriousness of the business as they traveled the valley, greeting the farmers and talking about the new canal. Now uncertainty and fear took over.
Father fetched her bag to load into the buggy. Puffiness encircled his shiny, red eyes. She tried to stem her own emotions, wishing now he had remarried after Mother passed on, to fill the void in his heart. But Melanie must consider her future and Sam's wish. Despite Father's sadness, it was her duty to marry and have a family. Even if it meant living far away in a strange new land.
They said little as the carriage pulled away from the humble home for the last time. She tried not to look at anything in particular for the emotion of having to bid farewell to a place she had known all her life. They crossed the narrow bridge spanning the river that flowed over rocks large and small. Along the shore were many fine places to romp on a hot summer afternoon and have Sunday picnics. She caught sight of a boat moving slowly through the old lock built around this rocky part of the river. It reminded her of Father's work and the Grand Canal project that would see a new and larger canal bypass the area.
"At least you will have many things to do," she offered.
He shrugged. "The commission's work has always been our work, and it is nearly finished."
Melanie winced. "Father, this is your work. I am but the lowly daughter, and ..."
"Lowly indeed. You are my only child, my daughter, and my joy. Because of that, I will not keep you here against your will. I give you my blessing, even if my heart breaks for missing you."
The ride became enshrouded in silence, except for the sound of the wheels on the hard-packed earth and the snort of the horse, Hagan, prancing along. Soon they came to the crossroads where Sam said he would be waiting with his wagon and team. Father brought the gig to a rest at the junction and pulled out his timepiece. "When did your Sam say he would arrive?" "Noon."
"Then it should be soon." He sighed as his gaze swept the clear blue sky without a hint of clouds. "It's certainly a lovely day to wed and begin a journey to Ohio."
The words held hope, though Melanie wondered at his sincerity. She shared in the view of the rolling countryside with farms scattered among the hills. Irish and English farmers had settled these parts, with large holdings for raising cattle. She considered what life in Ohio held. What would she see? What kind of people lived there? Would she be homesick?
Time passed slowly. After a while she shifted in her seat and gazed about, only to see another wagon rolling along the road. Hope stirred until she recognized the wagon's markings. "It's Mr. Thomas, Father. Sam's neighbor. Maybe he has seen Sam."
When the wagon came to a stop beside them, Father tipped his hat in a greeting. "Good day. Have you seen Mr. Winston on his way here?"
"Sam? Why he left at sunup just as I was headed to do some chores. Said he was going to Ohio. Gave me some nice things too, things he didn't want to take with him. Said the wagon was already full."
Melanie's mouth fell open. "I'm sure he didn't mean it."
The man shrugged. "I can only tell you what I saw. Then he left."
Melanie shook her head. "I don't understand. Sam said he would meet me here at noon. I'm certain of it. What time is it now, Father?" Father looked at his pocket watch. "Nearly one o'clock, daughter."
Melanie tried to steady the beating of her heart and wiped her damp palms across her skirt. Just a few days ago they sat beside the river where Sam had taken her hand in his and told her his plans. Perhaps something had delayed him. Like gathering provisions or completing whatever errands needed to be done. "We will wait a bit longer," she said, though anxiety began to creep in. "He — he may be buying supplies for the journey. Or ... or he is delayed for some other reason." She couldn't help the wavering of her voice that betrayed the escalating anguish.
They continued to wait quietly with private thoughts consuming each. She sensed Father's concern but didn't know what to do. Until suddenly Father flicked the reins and turned the gig about.
"Father?" Melanie began questioningly, trying to stem the flow of tears welling up in her eyes as they headed back down the road. The scenery around her blurred.
"I'm sorry, dear one. Sam has had a change of heart. The neighbor said as much."
"No! Perhaps his errands took him longer than expected." Or maybe he no longer wants to go to Ohio, she thought, suddenly excited at the possibility. Hadn't that been her prayer — for a change of heart? They could still marry by the backdrop of the river where she had lived all her life. They could set up their home, raise a family, and live in God's goodness and mercy. "I'm sure there's an explanation why he isn't here." She sat up straighter. "He may be home even now. We should go right away, Father." Hope brought the tears to a standstill and quieted her heart as they made their way toward the place where Sam grew up. As they drew nearer, she thought she recognized his horse behind the fencing. "See? There's his horse."
Father offered his hand to help her alight from the buggy. She lifted her skirt and walked up to the door, just as it opened. Sam's mother stood in the doorway, wearing a frown.
"Please, Mrs. Winston. If you may, I must speak to Sam."
"He's gone," she said shortly, without emotion.
"I see his horse is here. We were to meet at the crossroads at noon, but it's long since passed." Melanie glanced beyond the woman, hoping to see the man's sheepish face, his hands thrust inside the pockets of his breeches, an apology waiting on his lips.
Father strode up behind her, removed his hat, and bowed. Sam's mother obliged by opening the door wider. "What happened to your son?" Father asked weightily.
The woman stepped back and looked at the ground. "I beg your forgiveness, Mr. O'Neil, but Sam felt it unwise to take Miss O'Neil to such rough territory. I must agree with him. It is far too dangerous for a young woman, with enemies roaming about and danger underfoot. Maybe once he has settled and then returns for a visit, which he plans to do come the New Year ..."
Melanie shook her head as the tears came once more. "Why didn't he tell me? Why did he leave without saying goodbye?" Her questions remained unanswered as Father slowly took her arm and gently guided her back to the carriage.
Melanie's hands fell limp in her lap, her shoulders heaving as tears slowly dripped down her face. "Why?" she blurted. To be left at a crossroad, with no sign of the one she loved and whom she presumed loved her. How could this be?
Father shrugged. "I don't know, daughter. But it's for the better. God is guiding your steps."
Melanie tried to believe that, even as doubt bubbled up within. "Is the Lord truly guiding me?"
He looked over at her and patted her hand. "Our blessed Lord does not waver in His care for us. He did not want you to be alone in some forsaken place. Or in danger. I held little peace for this situation. I must admit, I'm glad."
You may be glad, but my heart is broken. Melanie began to gasp.
Father shook his head. "Do not fuss so, daughter. There is a time to weep."
Melanie bit down hard on her lip, forcing the emotion of her breaking heart inside. When they arrived home and Father left the gig, she remained in the seat and picked up the reins. "Do not unhitch Hagan, Father. I must go for a drive."
He looked at her. "Do not go after him."
"I have no such intention. Sam left without saying goodbye. He broke his promise to me. I must seek God to find out what to do next. And to forgive him. It's all I can do." Her voice trailed off. With a click of her tongue, Melanie ushered the horse onward along the dusty road. She cared little where the gig took her as she passed the junction where she was to meet Sam, find the reverend to marry them, then journey on to a new land. A thick lump formed in her throat.
Melanie tried to concentrate on the peaceful fields despite the sorrow. She continued to ride along until she spied two small figures trudging down the road. "Whoa, Hagan," she said, bringing the buggy to a stop before two small boys, barefoot in the dirt. Dust covered their young faces as they peered up at her. Their books, bound by a leather strap, were tossed over their small shoulders. "Where are you off to, young ones?"
"Goin' home," said one.
"Are you a queen?" inquired the other, staring up at her with large brown eyes as his small lips parted in awe.
Melanie laughed. "Certainly not. I'm out for a ride. Have you finished your lessons so soon? It's very early."
"Teacher was sick."
"Well then, come ride with me. I would like the company."
"Hooray!" the boys said in unison and climbed aboard, nestling in the cushion seat beside her. It didn't bother her in the least that the boys left dirty markings on the cushion and on her new skirt. The gown was to be her wedding garment, but no longer. She focused on the gleaming smiles on their dirty faces and the joy in their voices that eased her sadness.
"What's his name?" one of the boys asked, pointing to the horse.
"Hagan. It means young one. He loves to run. He's quite swift. What are your names?"
"I'm Matthew. I'm the oldest. I don't know why. We have the same birthday. But that's what Papa says. This is Luke."
"Ah. So are you a good older brother then, Matthew? Protecting Luke from strangers?"
"Ha ha. You're a stranger."
"No she isn't," Luke protested. "She's a queen. You can tell."
Both boys stared at the simple carriage that bore them up, which to Melanie appeared no different than any other cart. Though it did have some nice trimmings, like wood carvings and a padded seat cushion made of fine velvet. Father liked the rig as it was quick on the road yet elegant when calling on people. As they rode along, Melanie recognized the farm and property they passed as belonging to a client of Father's. They had recently called on the owner there with regard to acquiring property to build the Grand Canal. In fact, the man had been most agreeable to the compensation offered and even liked the new water route for transporting goods. "Isn't that the Mader farm?"
"Yes," Matthew acknowledged. "Papa's farm isn't far from here."
"You both have such a long walk to town."
"Papa usually takes us. But he had to wait for the calf to be born." Matthew suddenly jostled her arm. "Go down that road!"(Continues…)
Excerpted from "The Erie Canal Brides Collection"
Copyright © 2019 Lauralee Bliss.
Excerpted by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
The Way of a Child,
Wedding of the Waters,
Digging for Love,
Return to Sweetwater Cove,
Journey of the Heart,
The Bridge Between Us,

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Kevin Spacey's lawyers attempted to portray the disgraced actor's alleged victim in a new light during a court hearing last week, insinuating that the man, who was 18 at the time of the alleged assault, could not be a victim of sexual assault because Spacey groped him for three minutes.
In audio footage of a court hearing obtained by the Boston Globe, Spacey's lawyers argued that because the man, the son of former Boston news anchor Heather Unruh, did not report the 2016 incident to authorities right away that he could not have been a victim in the incident.
Spacey's Los Angeles-based attorney Alan Jackson told the judge that Unruh's son did not move away from Spacey or tell him to stop. "That's an incredibly long time to have a strange man's hands in your pants, correct?" Jackson reportedly asked in court.
The alleged victim told police that he couldn't move away easily because the bar was packed. He told investigators he tried to shift his body away from Spacey and to push away Spacey's hands, but "Spacey kept reaching down his pants."
He reportedly sent his girlfriend a Snapchat video during the encounter, but Spacey's attorney said it only shows someone's hand touching another person's shirt.
Unruh has said that her son didn't go to authorities sooner because of embarrassment and fear. He was not interviewed in person about the incident until about a year after it occurred.
Spacey's lawyers also said that Unruh's son told police he was the one who approached Spacey in the bar, eventually exchanging phone numbers with the actor and lying about his age, saying he was 23. They said that Unruh's son told police he drank between eight to 10 drinks — a mix of beers and whiskey — in a little over an hour at the bar, and admitted to being so intoxicated that he may have blacked out shortly after Spacey allegedly groped him.
The case first came to light in November 2017 when Heather Unruh publicly accused Spacey of groping her son at the Club Car bar on Nantucket. Shortly after news hit that Spacey was facing charges, the 59-year-old released a bizarre and cryptic video in which he seemed to be portraying his character, Frank Underwood, from the Netflix series House of Cards.
Spacey and his lawyers have not spoken publicly about the case or about whether the Twitter video was related, although in it, Spacey appears to urge people not to pre-judge the case.0comments
The charge Spacey faces carries penalties of up to five years in prison or up to 2-and-a-half years in jail or a house of correction and a requirement to register as a sex offender, according to court documents.
Spacey faces numerous other criminal investigations into sexual accusations, which began surfacing in the fall of 2017 and prompted his removal from House of Cards. His role in a Ridley Scott film was also re-cast.


June 28, 2013 marked the one year anniversary date of Isabella’s passing. All of us at ISF knew that this was going to be a very difficult day and felt a little anxious as it quickly approached. Three-hundred-sixty-five days had gone by since she took her last breath and every “first” milestone had already been met with great anxiety. That is… all, except one. This milestone was certain to be the hardest of them all, so the question remained — how can we get through the day and make it a celebration of Isabella’s life, rather than focus on reliving that awful day.
Isabella was unique. She had a “special” soul and a “special” spirit. She had a heart of gold, could make a friend out of any stranger, and honestly, inspired kids and adults alike, with a captivating power that most people never have in their entire lifetime. She affected thousands in just seven years. So the question remained… how do we pass through this day and honor this incredibly courageous girl in a way that she truly deserved?
With much thought, an idea was born. Isabella made so many people smile throughout her short life, so what better way of honoring her memory, than by having people around the world do the same. We put out a call to our supporters and asked that they do something on Friday, June 28 to “Pay it Forward” for Isabella.
It was incredible. Through Facebook alone we reached over 16,000 people and had 151 people share the idea on their own pages, reaching countless more. The good deeds were coming in faster than we could keep up with, and knowing that each time we read one, it was being done with Isabella in mind and on her behalf, the day that we dreaded so much was turning out to be an incredibly inspirational day.
We heard stories of people purchasing food for others; numerous charity donations made in Ib’s name; countless blood donations; random acts done for homeless people; candles lit across the world in her memory; children purchasing toys for other children; much-needed items taken to local Ronald McDonald Houses; snacks bought and distributed “from Isabella” at Disney World; and the list went on and on and on. It was simply amazing. People are good in this world, and although we do not understand why Isabella had to go through the horrible experiences that she did, in those moments and on that heartbreaking day, her life not only made sense, but the affect it had on others was proving to be incredible. It was an inspirational ripple effect, stemming from the heart of a 7-year-old girl. Wow. And the stories we heard were a drop in the bucket to the random acts of kindness that were actually occurring.
In addition to “Paying it Forward,” we also thought doing a PURPLE balloon release in her memory would allow people to commemorate the day in a healing way. There is something peaceful about letting go of a balloon and watching as it floats to the heavens – toward a child. We felt confident that people local to Charlotte would participate in this event, but the response we received was overwhelming. While trying to keep up with the good deeds coming through email and social media, we were also getting pounded with photographs of these beautiful purple balloons being released ALL over the country.
The pictures coming in had landscapes of all kinds — mountains, beaches, pools and lakes.
In addition, photographs were taken in front of businesses, neighborhoods, blood centers, and schools.
And the most powerful… Isabella’s memorial. See the rest of the balloon release photos from the day.
In the weeks leading up to this anniversary, ISF launched our #ISF3Wishes campaign and it was at its peak momentum (to date). We were gaining new supporters at a fast pace and our exposure on social media was reaching an all-time high. Our goal was to get to 5,000 likes by our 5K Kids for Cancer Race on September 21 and suddenly we had this crazy idea that with everything we had going on, why not try to get there by an even more important date — June 28? We had passed so many other goals we never thought we would — so why not this? It would be an incredible way to celebrate Isabella and the Foundation that continues to thrive in her honor, in her memory and on her behalf. So many people at ISF work tirelessly to continue this fight for other children dealing with pediatric cancer and we understand that a vital part of that is awareness. Social media can work like a wildfire, so we wanted to utilize this incredible tool we have at our fingertips. We rallied and had our incredible support system also rally. It felt like the ball dropping on New Year’s Eve as we watched our “likes” jump exponentially, moment by moment on the eve of her anniversary. The only word that can describe it is, exhilarating.
So… for a day that snuck up on us like a bad dream… it evolved into an incredibly beautiful, exciting, bittersweet and inspirational day. A 7-year-old girl truly had a ripple effect on the country and that alone could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Most people don’t have that affect in their lifetime and seeing hers was mind blowing. No one knows how long their journey will be on this earth; we are guaranteed no amount of time. We can learn from her. We can only strive to be the type of person she was in her short walk. Every day Isabella is painfully missed, but to witness the impact she continues to have on people is humbling and can only make one want to be a better person. Regardless what day it is or what anniversary it is, or isn’t… please pay it forward. Always.


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For my card for Sweet Pea Stamps this week I played with an idea I had hanging around of having elements of the card hanging over the edge:
I used one of Ching-Chou Kuik's gorgeous digi stamps - this one is called Butterfly Blue - and coloured her with my limited edition winter Promarkers:
I also used Stickles and a gold Perlen Pen to add lots of sparkles to her jewellery and the beading in her hair and used a Flexmarker to make a soft colourwashed background:
For the card I used some papers that came free with a craft magazine and cut some delicate filigree shapes from contrasting cardstock, using my Cameo.
I also trimmed the front edge of the card so that the filigree shapes would overhang the edge and used some more of the paper to decorate the exposed edge of the back side of the card:
And that was my pretty filigree card. :)


text:
Review by ZaleIsBackAgain
"Transformmers, robots in disguise! Oops, wrong game."
The chances of you watching an anime, and it being based on fighting robots is 50%; the other 50% will probably be a sword based or supernatural warriors type of show. Being original is hard, but in the case of Nintendo, Custom Robo is a pretty unique real time RPG that captures the essence of a true anime, incorporating kiddish elements with mature ones, and sealing it up with one of the most unexpected storylines for the Gamecube. Many may debate whether Custom Robo is an RPG or an arcade game, but with the amount of customization for the game, it wouldn't be quite proper to refer it as an arcade.
When you start up the game's story mode, you'll quickly encounter a conversation between a father and his son. The father will ask him to become a commander when he grows up, while lending his son his valuable watch. The father then leaves the boy for an important mission concerning the government. The son soon wakes up to find the apartment's maid interrupting the boy's slumber, reminding him of his job interview with Steele Hearts; a local and broke bounty hunting club that can't even get a decent poster up on its torn walls. Unfortunately for you, you don't have a robo! A robo is a small robot that resembles a child's toy, except with real guns. You'll eventually acquire a robo through some bizarre way, and you'll later be recruited to the Steele Hearts bounty club. The game plays like a day to day process; fight criminals, solve problem, sleep, wake up, and repeat. The game starts of really slow because of the lack of parts and robos you have, but as you fight battles, you'll be rewarded with more robos and parts from the spoils of your enemies.
The plot thickens as you find a dead body within an underground restaurant; the result of a lost from a non human controlled robo. Every robo is given an owner who are referred to as commanders. You'll fight your battles within arenas called holosseums; trench and wall infested places for strategical reasons. What's even odder than a non human controlled robo is the world the characters live in. Instead of living in a world filled with trees, bushes, natural graffiti, the people in Custom Robo live in an artificial dome, where everything is man made; from the trees, to the rain, to the source of light. This concept will make a big impact later on. The story mode is pretty good for a game that looks like its targeted towards Pokemon fans, though the ending leaves a lot to be desired. The gameplay isn't nearly as good as its story, but it's still a great experience, especially for fans of customization and decision making.
Before every battle, you'll be able to design your robo with a variety of different parts for each body part. You can change the type of weapon your robo wields; the type of boosters your robo wears; the type of bombs it holds; the type of rockets it launches; and most importantly, what type it is. You'll start off weak, using weapons such as laser blasters, 3 turret guns, etc. Later on, you'll acquire guns that are able to home into your opponents, guns that shoot out fire, etc. This also applies to the other body parts. Though the most important of all these attributes is the type of robo. One robo may excel in strength, though its agility can be poor. Another can temporarily vanish while dashing and dodging. You'll also be given a general map of the arena you'll be fighting in to add to your decision making. Each arena has been structured quite well, and some parts might not work well with the environment.
Within the battles, you'll be mashing the buttons throughout, while dodging your enemies attacks. The game requires some fast reflexes and skills in order to comprehend with it, especially in the latter stages, where weapons such as homing missiles and large area damage bombs will be available to your opponents. Though you won't solely depend on your fast reflexes and skills in order to win; but also with the assistance of your parts you've equipped for your robo. Some missiles are able to unleash duds in order to attract the missiles from reaching you. Pick the wrong equipment for your robo, and you're through.
Though sometimes the only skills you'll need to use is the ability to press buttons the fastest. There will never be a time where you'll simply stop shooting. You'll have to constantly press every available button in order to win, and it can get really repetitive sometimes. However, it's quite rewarding when you've received several new parts, and you just can't wait to try them out in the next battle. The compelling storyline also makes the game's repetitive nature quite obsolete. Unfortunately, the game is quite short, and can be beaten in a 3 day rental period. It's still a great game even outside the story mode. You'll unlock a tournament mode, where you'll be battling against every person you've fought with in the story mode, unlocking even more prizes. The final boss will not only reward you with new parts and robos, but some new gameplay modes, such as the ability to view the battle in 1st person, among others. The tournament mode can get really repetitive, but it's still fun while it lasts.
Aside from the gameplay, one of the best aspects of Custom Robo is its overall feel. Unlike in other RPGs where you'll be travelling to different towns, cities, countries, you'll be staying in the same city the entire game. You'll eventually know everyone in the city, and I mean everyone! It's a great feeling, a rare feeling that many RPG's miss. The feeling of being in a community. The community in Custom Robo will surely be memorable; your partner Harry is attracted to every cute chick he sees; your other partner Marcia is a quiet, timid, and mysterious girl; your boss, like all bosses, acts like a tyrant, but deep within is an emotional guy. There are a lot other other characters you'll encounter that you'll remember from previous days, which emphasizes that feeling of being in a community.
The anime interface also does a great job of giving Custom Robo its community atmosphere. During a conversation, a picture of the character talking will be displayed beside their dialogue, as well as their emotions at the time. Anime and manga fans will especially recognize these actions from other Japanese shows and comic books. I'm probably a little biased here, because I love animes, and especially love those exaggerated emotions and actions, but it does give the game more personality.
Anime fans will definitely adore the game's interface and surprisingly good story mode. Customization fans will also be absorbed by the game's extremely large collection of parts and robos. There are literally over 50 parts for each body part, which makes it rewarding after a battle, knowing you've made the right decision on which part to use. While the game can get repetitive, it's still a great experience that at least deserves your rental money.
Reviewer's Score: 8/10 | Originally Posted: 04/04/05
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domain: entertainment


text: The family of a high school senior who died in connection to a surgery 18 months ago is suing the surgeon and anesthesiologist who preformed the corrective procedure. The young woman experienced a reaction to the anesthesia known as malignant hypothermia while undergoing surgery to rearrange asymmetrical breasts. The medical malpractice lawsuit alleges that the victim’s surgeon and anesthesiologist were negligent in failing to diagnose their patient’s condition and denying her care. Experts have said that the intravenous muscle relaxant called Dantrolene sodium can be administered to counteract the effects of the malignant hypothermia. The patient’s mother told Avvo that “People survive malignant hypothermia episodes if treated quickly and properly.” This could account for one of the 98,000 people that die from medical mistakes each year. To read more about the medical error, please click the link.

domain: medical


text:
Your Favourite Photoshop Tutorials in One Place
Making a Melting Text Effect in Red
Under Photoshop Tutorial, Text Effect
This tutorial will explain how to use multiple Layer Styles to create a velvety glossy glittering red text effect. Then, using some more Layer Styles and a simple brush, that text will be surrounded with melting ice. It is an easy, very wintry-looking effect, that uses mainly the power of Photoshop’s Layer Styles.
For bright and warm background, it is ideally to be applied this transparent text effect as the text would not distract your reader too much. You can also choose some style fonts as initiation for your style text creation.
Textured work tends to be more and more popular, but more recently a ‘new retro’ style that’s captured the imagination. The general idea is to create a vision of the future from the past. This effect is good for all sorts of design such as flyers, websites and posters.
In this tutorial we’ll be creating a smokey night effect on text to give it an eerie supernatural sort of feel. Finally to give it a more eerie feel I added a layer above all the others and with a large brush painted some green on top, then set the layer blending mode to to make it so that the image is a blue-green colouring.
This tutorial will show you how to use Photoshop CC’s Shape Attributes and 3D capabilities to create a simple, yet sophisticated 3D letters on a shelf text effect. The focus is on creating the shapes, working with the materials, and modifying the lighting in order to get the soft, kind of vintage looking final result.
Using some simple fonts, you can turn them into a nice word art by adding simple effects. Fracturing effect is a great idea to turn your font to be special. The idea is to apply a fracturing background to your text plus color adjustment. You can also add shine on the text’s edge.


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As to the reasons It is so Hard to Exit a harmful Relationships
Leaving Dangerous Dating? Otherwise considering it? If so, my personal cardiovascular system goes out to you personally: You’ve started through the wringer. Given that a therapist who specializes in dangerous relationship dependency, and achieving researched and you can created a breakup recuperation publication, I understand out of numerous years of feel that when you might be dependent on a harmful matchmaking, they messes together with your attention. Poisonous relationships rubbish on your own admiration. They destroy what you can do to think. However, tough, immediately after tolerating days if you don’t many years when you look at the a harmful relationships they will make you feel like you simply can’t actually faith the judgement any longer.
This really is totally readable. To the list, anyone can get mixed up in a toxic dating. Which have that it sense does not mean that there surely is something wrong with you. It is happened to me, also. It’s not hard to take notice so you’re able to a captivating, romantic dating that renders you then become new chemistry you have been wish to own. Early values regarding poisonous relationship have a tendency to feel just like what we should believe “true love” is supposed to feel – severe, fanatical, and all of consuming.
So it really reason is the reason toxic dating are so perplexing. He’s, of the definition, filled to the high out-of highs. When you are in a poor relationship, there’s an elation once you hook, a sense of “completeness” while you are for the kids you really have such extreme attitude to possess…

domain: psychology


text:
Palmer says Qld Govt wants to jail him
Mining magnate Clive Palmer addresses the media in Brisbane on November 29, 2012. The billionaire accused the Queensland Government of planning to put him in jail.
This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced.
AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)


The Greater Toronto Area’s luxury home market has seen remarkable gains since even before the COVID-19 pandemic, but even one year later, its ascension is nowhere near complete, according to a new Sotheby’s International Realty Canada report.
Sotheby’s noted that sales in the GTA’s luxury residential sector surged by 157% year-over-year through the first two months of this year, of which five homes sold for over $10 million. Single-family homes that sold for over $4 million increased by 203% during the same period of time, while the GTA’s luxury condo market is slated for growth. According to the Sotheby’s report, although the sale of condominiums that are over $4 million declined in the first two months of the year, they recovered to previous levels in the March 1-15 window. Transactions involving $1 million-plus condos rose by 110% in the first 15 days of March.
“Prior to the advent of COVID-19 in spring 2020, the Greater Toronto Area (Durham, Halton, Peel, Toronto and York) luxury real estate market was positioned for bold gains, with sales activity projected to surpass spring 2019 levels. The first two months of 2020 saw luxury $4 million-plus sales activity increase 75% year-over-year to 35 properties sold, reflecting rebounding demand across the GTA within and outside the city core. Sales between $2–4 million and $1–2 million rose 120% and 106%, respectively, to 398 and 2,673 properties sold in January and February 2020,” said the Sotheby’s report.
Luxury condos in the $1-2 million range in Canada’s largest real estate market are poised for a strong 2021, according to Sotheby’s. Sales grew by 6% in the first two months of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, reaching 259 units sold, and during the first 15 days of March of this year, sales grew by a whopping 78% to 128 units sold.
“Overall City of Toronto condo sales over $1 million in the first two months of 2021 were largely on par with the same months of 2020 at 285 units sold compared to 284 last year, but experienced an 84% year-over-year surge in the first 15 days of March to 138 units sold,” said the report. “This upswing in high-end condo sales activity is expected to accelerate into the spring.”
Matt Smith, a broker with ENGEL & VÖLKERS Toronto Central in Yorkville, noted that the luxury market has benefited from the Bank of Canada’s commitment to a low interest rate environment, and that, moreover, Canadian households have essentially hoarded money because they’re incapable of travelling or spending on other non-essential outlays.
“Further to the above, because there has been a shift to spending more time at home, people are requiring more square footage,” Smith told CREW. “We are seeing multi-generational living, where parents who would otherwise be in retirement homes are living with their children, and the grandchildren are moving back home, creating an environment that allows families to pool together assets and increase their purchasing power. There’s also been a return of confidence back into the market with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.”
Smith added that this real estate market is reminiscent of 2017 when the Ontario Liberals introduced the Fair Housing Plan and cooled the market.
“Except this time we don’t expect the same type of government intervention and there are currently no signs of this market slowing.”


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Bad news and good news for Chinese investors.
Yes, the Chinese yuan is falling, and it’s making investors worry as this change will absolutely affect their investments within and outside the country. The good news is, bitcoin is right here to the rescue.
Just imagine the world without bitcoin, in China’s situation right now, investors are probably scratching their head already while desperately thinking about how to lessen the impact of yuan’s falling on their investments. Thankfully, with bitcoin’s more secured characteristic, they’ll be protected.
The demand for bitcoin increases as the value of yuan continues to depreciate.
Bitcoin rose almost nine percent through the week and was trading at $688.40 as of 14:17 GMT on Friday. That’s the biggest gain since June when its value rose with the UK’s vote to leave the European Union. Investors turned to the digital currency as a safe haven from the British pound.
— CoinDesk (@coindesk) October 28, 2016
With the yuan hitting a six-year low against the US dollar on Monday, Chinese investors rushed to buy bitcoin. Experts say the Chinese are using the digital currency as a way to circumvent capital controls.
“There is a premium in bitcoin pricing in China as a hedge against the yuan,” Jack Liu, the Hong Kong-based chief strategy officer at OKCoin told Bloomberg. “Strength is likely to carry into year-end.”
China accounts for about 90 percent of all bitcoin trading on exchanges. The country has strict capital controls, which makes it difficult for the Chinese to convert the yuan into foreign currency, and limits the amount of cash investors can move abroad.
Some analysts say the price of bitcoin will continue to rise as more devaluations are expected from the Chinese government.
Bitcoin could rise above $700 before the end of the year due to the strong Chinese demand and unexpected events, such as Donald Trump winning the US presidency, according to Aurélien Menant, chief executive officer of Gatecoin in Hong Kong.
“The outcome of the US elections is likely to have an impact, as would the consequence of a Fed rate hike,” said Menant. “Further yuan devaluation and interest among Chinese investors will continue the momentum,” he added.
The price of bitcoin plunged to as low as $408 in August after the hacking of the Hong Kong-based digital currency exchange Bitfinex. Over $72 million worth of bitcoin were stolen following a cyber-attack on the company’s systems.

domain: finance


It's true what they say...you are what you eat, and I must have eaten a big ole can of obnoxious for dinner last night....
I have so much to say about this weekend in Eco-Hampton, so many anecdotes that have me smiling on the inside, so many links to so much interesting (in my opinion at least) information, that I am experiencing a bit of a writer's block. It's like..where to begin? And how to tell it so that I convey the spectacularity of the setting, the quality of the teachings, the harmony of the sangha?
If you were an early reader of this post, then you may have seen an attempt on my part to jump right in and start to report on the weekend and its many lessons. Unfortunately, when I woke up this morning and reread it in the cold light of day, I realized that what I had written simply did not do justice to the spirit of the retreat, the earnestness of the teachings, the sense of reverence that I have for my teacher and the practice of Ashtanga yoga. And so, I have decided to remove it and replace it with this statement, which will offer a mere peep at what we learned this weekend about living a yoga-practicing-supporting lifestyle:
What is in the food that you eat is more than just the food itself: it is also the energy, intentions and emotions of those who prepared your food, along with the food was grown, harvested, and if applicable, killed. If you cook with love, your food will reflect it. If you cook with anger, have the Rolaids ready. Apparently, when I asked my children to peel bananas for last night's smoothies, I must not have taken into account their penchant for toilet humor and how it might imbue my writing with the sense of humor of a seven- and a nine-year old boy.
Apologies to those who were offended or misled by the original posting. More appropriate retreat-reporting will follow. Sans scatological humor and references to body parts.


GLOUCESTER'S All Black prop Greg Somerville has undergone surgery to re-attach the retina in his left eye.
The 30-year-old, capped 67 times by New Zealand, will be sidelined for more than two months after picking up the injury on his Guinness Premiership debut in Gloucester's 42-12 defeat at London Irish on Saturday.
Somerville underwent surgery at Cheltenham General Hospital yesterday and the operation was carried out by Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Rob Johnson.
"It's unbelievably bad luck, not only for Greg but for the squad because everyone was looking forward to working with him at this crucial stage of the season," said Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan.
"Our thoughts are with Greg because this is a nasty injury and will take some considerable recovery time. He is at a new club and desperate to make an impact for us, on and off the field as a player and a leader.
"We will obviously miss his contribution as a world class player and we wish him well for a speedy recovery."
Somerville made his Gloucester debut as a replacement against Calvisano in the Heineken Cup a fortnight ago before his first start at the Madejski Stadium.
After a longer than usual preseason, Backs & Attack Coach Nick Walshe told GRTV this week that everyone at the club is looking forward to the trip this weekend to take on Exeter Chiefs in the opening round of the West Country Challenge Cup.
Gloucester Rugby hosted their first ever Beach Weekender over the Bank Holiday, and Commercial Director Mike Turner hailed the event as a great success as supporters braved the weather to flock to Gloucester Quays for a weekend of fun and rugby on the beach.
Speaking after his team's exit in the semi-finals, following a 19-14 defeat to the eventual winners the Newport Gwent Dragons, Coach Tim Taylor spoke to GRTV of how pleased he was with how his team acquitted themselves at the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Finals.
Ben Vellacott was one of the standout performers in last week's pool stages and, ahead of Friday evening's Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Finals, told GRTV that he and his team mates will just try and play their own game once again.
Gloucester Rugby number eight Ben Morgan was today named in England's squad for Rugby World Cup 2015, a reward for eight months of hard work recuperating from a serious injury suffered back in January. Ben was one of a number of players who spoke at a press conference following the squad announcement.
Steph Reynolds led from the front once again as Gloucester kicked off their Singha Premiership Rugby 7s campaign in style on Thursday evening. The flyer scored three tries but admitted that he left most of the team talk duties to others.
Olly Morgan led the Cherry and Whites to three wins out of three in Group B of the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s and he expressed his delight in the young members of the squad in excelling in front of a bumper Kingsholm crowd.
Olly Morgan leads the Gloucester Rugby Sevens squad this Thursday in the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series at Kingsholm, and he is backing the young side to take the opportunity with both hands as they take to the field.
On Thursday, we focused on the powerful Georgians, as Head Coach Milton Haig introduced us to his exciting squad. Today we catch up with the Japanese camp before the two nations meet at Kingsholm Stadium this Saturday.
The Cherry and Whites kick off the inaugural West Country Challenge Cup at Sandy Park this Saturday when they meet Exeter Chiefs (KO 4:30), and front rower Dan Murphy is delighted that the return to action has arrived.


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Yes, we’re opening the new Dersingham Village Centre soon and there will be a celebratory week long series of events. Kicking it all off will be Open House on Saturday 20th October, 11.00am – 4.00pm. Borough Mayor Cllr Nick Daubney will be in attendance, and there will be an Activities Market Place where you can find out all about the various courses and activities that will be taking place in the new Centre and how you can join them! Refreshments will be available throughout the day, so pop it in your diary – Saturday 20th October.
During the week following the opening there will be a rolling programme of events and you’ll be able to drop into the new Centre, have a look round and maybe a cuppa at the pop-up cafe. More details soon.


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Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise
By Ruth Reichl
Garlic and Sapphires is a quick read about Ruth Reichl’s years as a food critic for the New York Times. Each chapter begins with a one or more personal stories about a food, a restaurant, or her personal life, and goes on to include a recipe or two and a restaurant review.
I enjoyed Reichl’s incredible, elaborate descriptions about the food and her service in the various restaurants. The thing that amazed me was how she seemed to be able to identify almost every flavor in a dish. (As a fellow foodie, I hope to someday know food that well!) It was clear that the good dishes really transported Reichl to another world.
At the same time, Reichl struggled against critics to sample and review all types of food (instead of the traditional high-class French food of the previous critics) and struggled to come up with an honest review – how does the restaurant treat people who are not restaurant critics or wealthy persons? To achieve this latter goal, Reichl created characters to disguise herself, such as her mother or hippie Brenda. Its incredible to think that restaurant service and food depends in part on your appearance and I applaud Reichl for standing up and giving these restaurants poor reviews because of it. These characters also helped Reichl find and better understand herself.
Overall, this was a great book for food-lovers.


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|Rejun Fang, Zhifeng Xiang, Manhu Cao, Jia He|
Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2012;25(10):1457-1465. Published online August 22, 2012
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domain: literature


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The housing is made of billet aluminum that is finished off with an anodized matte black with an anodized finish you won’t have to worry about UV rays damaging your flush mount lights for years. This LED light bar can handle the bumps, jars, and pounding your truck gets on and off-road and still work under extreme conditions. The Luminix led flush mount lights push 6000k color temperature for the absolute best offroad lighting experience and have 50,000hours of LED bulb life. They have been vibration tested, dust, immersion, high spray water, salt, and fog for superior performance. Manufactured by Putco of Des Moines, IA.
California Residents: Proposition 65 Warning


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Three abandoned children fight to survive scattered across the kingdom. Each hide a power. Only together will they find the truth. Coming together puts them in danger. With the help of mythical guardians, they will live to fight another day.
Nat is thirteen and the oldest in the girls’ home. She’s lived here for seven years and only remembers her pasts in wisps of dreams she can’t believe. The headmistress of the home hates her, but the voice in Nat’s head tells her she is loved and the Almighty has a purpose for her. Nat would give anything to believe her life will ever matter. Her ability to move things with her mind and her skill to read could change everything.
Jer is eleven and too old for the orphanage any more. A street gang that survives by stealing takes him in, but he hates the danger and dishonest life. When his ability to speak to animals gets him noticed by a city stable owner, he finds not only a friend but honest work. The voice in his head orders him to leave to save his life and he steps into a world he never imaged.
Cay is nine and the youngest on the farm. The farmer and other kids are cruel. He can only trust his friend, Lor. She looks out for him, but even she doesn’t know that the earth and water obey his command. The vision of the woman who visits Cay won’t allow him to tell anyone about his ability. But Cay has to leave Lor behind when runs for his life. He promises to come back for her. First, he must meet those who will change his life forever.
A stolen crown. Twelve stones that carry a power of the Almighty. Hidden family. The recipe for adventure.


text:
Many Christian women have come to understand our biblical mandate for life-on-life discipleship of someone younger in the faith. Most women embrace this role, though, with at least some uncertainty about their ability to carry such a great responsibility.
A biblically-based personal study, Woman to Woman: Preparing Yourself to Mentor will guide a woman step-by-step through the process of readying herself for such a relationship.
This study will help the mentor-to-be to evaluate her own gifts and how they can be used in mentoring, to examine the different possible roles of a mentor, to develop a plan for starting off the mentoring relationship in a positive way and to avoid the dangers that befall mentoring relationships.
Item #: N124137
Category: Christian Living, Practical Life, Women
Size: 9 x 6 inches
Page Count: 160
Pack Qty: 36
About the Authors
Award-winning author of 23 books and more than 400 magazine articles, Edna Ellison is a well-known keynote speaker who loves leading prayer retreats and writers conferences across the United States and overseas. Edna is an honor graduate of Presbyterian College with an MA from Converse College, an EdSp from the University of South Carolina, and a PhD from the University of Alabama. Having taught at three Baptist seminaries and two American universities, she now writes Bible study books from her Spartanburg, South Carolina, home. A leader in AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and a certified CLASS speaker, her life has been featured by Focus on the Family, where she has also been published.
Tricia Scriber has authored five books and written numerous articles for Christian magazines. As a conference speaker/teacher Tricia has served in venues throughout the US, as well as in foreign countries. Tricia holds a master of science degree in nursing from Northwestern State University and a master of arts degree in apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary. A former registered nurse, Tricia now works as a high school Bible teacher, teaching Old and New Testament survey, Apologetics, and Marriage & Family courses. Tricia and her husband Randy currently make their home in Charlotte, North Carolina.


It must be in the Pet Killing Facility Manual because so many of them seem to do it. Instead of owning their actions and taking responsibility for the work they are paid to do, too many shelter directors rely on secrecy to keep the abuse and killing from prying public eyes.
In Detroit, currently in the news for filing bankruptcy, all but one of the Animal Control trucks are reportedly parked behind the shelter collecting dust. The company contracted to pick up the pets killed at the facility hasn’t been paid in so long, it ceased services to the city. There are reportedly hundreds of dead pets piled up inside Detroit AC, hidden from public view. And:
It’s unclear if there are enough workers to properly determine what dogs might be suited to turn over to the Michigan Humane Society for adoption.
Detroit AC has zero pets listed on its Petfinder page. As far as dogs possibly not being sent to Michigan Humane, that is not a bad thing in and of itself since MHS is just another pet killing facility that implements every secrecy protocol in the
book manual. The city’s mayor hearts the idea:
A spokesman for Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said Animal Control workers are under strict order not to talk to reporters.
Although the local ABC affiliate received some anonymous tips from insiders, the threat against workers not to speak out publicly and tell the truth about what’s happening at Detroit AC is apparently working, for now. The fact that the pound falls under the police department probably emboldens those making the threat.
When pressed for a response by the local news regarding AC, the police department issued a vague there-was-a-meeting-and-a-report-so-everything-is-fine statement. You know what the top two signs are that everything is not fine at your animal shelter? Placing a gag order on your employees and hiding the mountain of bodies.
(Thank you Arlene for the link.)


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Back from a two week vacation and, during the time I was gone, not much happened. The market has started to slip but we still have a tug of war between the still-in-tact uptrend and the poor sentiment data:
Earnings estimates for the S & P 500 were unavailable at my data provider but I'm very sure that they will still be in an uptrend this week. Exposure remains the same this week at 100% because the weighted average is increasing as 2013 estimates are factored into the mix.
Investors in the Rydex Funds continued to hold extremely bullish positions that are at record levels.
Exposure = -10%, maximum bearish position.
NAAIM investors became a bit less bullish but they are still optimistic.
Exposure = 20%, up from 5% last week.
Small option buyers trimmed back their bullishness just a bit but they are still very bullish. Exposure = 5%, same as last week.
When one of my sentiment indicators is maximum bearish and each of the others is neutral or bearish I assign an overall sentiment exposure of 0%.
Percentage of value represented by net current assets increased last week.
Exposure = 60%, up from 40% last week.
Comparison of bond yields to stock earnings yields were unavailable but I assume they did not change last week.
Exposure = 50%, same as last week.
Total valuation factor exposure = 55%, up from 45% last week.
I combine these three factors by multiplying them together and then taking the cube root.
These factors, therefore, lead to a 0% exposure, same as last week.
The trend in high yield bonds compared to treasuries is still in an uptrend so I add 10%.
NH-NL is still positive but acting poorly. I add 20% when they are positive.
Total technical adjustments are +30% and exposure = 30%, same as last week.
Two week moving average is 30%, up from 25% last week.
With my wife on Aruba

domain: economics


Shelby officials thanked for trying to protect refuge
I would like to thank the Shelby Town Board for their vision in proposing Local Law No. 2 for the Wildlife Refuge Protection Overlay District.
It is vitally important to protect the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge from inappropriate land uses in its vicinity. Far too many times we have seen reckless industrial “development” lay waste to natural habitat.
This has been done in the name of “rights of landowners”, “need for jobs”, “progress”, and other such smokescreens. What it boils down to is short-sighted greed, pure and simple.
Town government directly represents the people, and your common sense is very much appreciated.
I would also add the Wildlife Refuge belongs to everyone. Land ownership is not a right to be a poor steward. Let’s not allow human arrogance to harm this special remaining piece of our natural world.