I am currently on Social Security Disability. Almost a year ago, on a doctor's recommendation and some hope that I would get my life back, I quit my job as a banker, hoping we would make it until I was approved. Going on disability was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make.
I started babysitting other peoples' kids when I was 11. I started looking for a job when I was 15. Nobody would hire me until I was 16. I've been working ever since. I'd worked in fast food, retail, a gas station, a hotel, and as a bookkeeper. When I landed a job as a banker, I finally felt like I'd found something I wanted to do long term. So when, at 25 years old, I started having trouble just standing at my teller station, I was worried.
I loved my job. I learned something new every day. There was always a puzzle to solve or a fire to put out. I loved that I could answer the phone call of an upset customer, and hear them smiling by the time we said goodbye. My boss was amazing. My coworkers were funny, fun to be around, and fun to work with. Most of our customers came in daily, or at least weekly. We knew them well and they were fun to be around too. The future was exciting. The career possibilities were endless.
As time went on, standing at the teller station wasn't the only thing I had trouble with. The distance I could walk grew shorter and shorter. Taking a shower seemed overwhelming. Even getting dressed was difficult. My time away from work was hard too. Getting home, it seemed like the only thing I could do was lay on the couch. On the weekends, when we were supposed to be going to the park or to a friend's house, we would end up staying home instead because I needed to stay in bed with a heating pad.
To make it easier for me to work, my boss gave me her desk next to the teller counter so I could sit and still do my job, while she sat at one across the room. That meant she had to stand at my teller station when we needed extra help. They let me wear tennis shoes, or even flip flops when I couldn't get shoes on, instead of following the business casual dress code.
When I could no longer handle walking through the grocery store, my doctor and physical therapist told me I needed a wheel chair and leg braces. Even using those I was still in constant pain, but finally I was told they couldn't do anything else for me. Surgery wouldn't fix this one. The only thing they could do was prescribe pain killers and muscle relaxers to ease the pain.
My husband, Sal, and my mom kept telling me I needed to go on disability. The thought of being able to relax when I needed to and not having to put myself in pain working every day – plus being able to stay home with my family – sounded great, but there were too many unknowns. I would have to quit my job just to apply. How would we pay the bills on one income? How long would it take to be approved? How much less would it be than my paycheck? What if I wasn't approved at all?
At the end I was late to work every day because getting ready for work seemed too overwhelming and painful. I had to take breaks between everything. I would cry at work from the pain, and my coworkers would all tell me to go home and rest. A lot of days I would call in because I literally couldn't get out of bed.
I loved my job. To me, quitting my job felt like giving up. Like my handicap won. I've never been one to just give up. What would the future look like without my job? I cried for a long time. I prayed for the pain to just go away.
I had big dreams when I was little. Still do. But honestly, the most important dream to me was having a family and giving my kids a great childhood. And I wasn't doing that. I was giving my little bit of energy to my job, only to come home and lay in the fetal position until I got up in the morning and did it all over again. I realized that I did not want to look back on my life and say that all I did was work at the bank.
It was a scary decision. It meant an uncertain amount of time on only one income. If I was denied I knew I wouldn't be able to just go get another job. I would have to keep fighting – without a paycheck – until I was approved.
Finally I felt a peace about not working. I started to see the bright side. While it was closing one door, it was opening up a world of others. I would be able to see my husband more than just on the weekends. I would be there when my daughter got home from school, and our time wouldn't be focused just on dinner, homework, and bedtime. I had just found out I was pregnant. Now I would be able to stay home with the baby. Maybe it would mean I wasn't in so much pain. I would be able to do all the things I could never find the time for before – music, writing, projects –maybe this wasn't such a bad thing. Maybe, it's an opportunity. An opportunity I wouldn't have if I wasn't disabled.
So with a recommendation from my doctor, I put in my notice. I was sad to go. I would miss the challenge of my job, and I would miss the people. But in a way it was an exciting new adventure. Who knows what the future could bring?
It took 5 months to get my case approved. Those 5 months were full of paperwork, interviews, doctor appointments, and anxiety. Being on one income, I would get dirty looks when I pulled out my food assistance card. But it was approved, and it was such a relief.
Life is better now. I can rest when I need to rest, and not worry about leaving them short handed at work. I can do much more, and I don't have to use my wheel chair as much. I haven't been completely unable to walk since a few weeks after my last day.
As a former member of the workforce, I know what it's like to see the enormous gap between your gross and net pay, and think of how much you could use that money now. I know how it is to feel like you've kind of been cheated out of a chunk of your paycheck.
I can honestly say I worked as hard as I could for as long as I could. I am thankful that we have programs like Social Security Disability, and other assistance programs that helped us stay afloat while we waited for approval.
Remember, while the person in line ahead of you pulling out the food assistance card might be someone who simply chooses to live off of government programs instead of working, the more likely story is that they were or are paying into these programs just like you. That they are doing the best they can. Be thankful that your family is healthy and doing well, and respect the fact that if that ever changes, there are ways to get help, because you, all of us, have helped fund the programs that help people when trouble comes.
Don't you wish you were normal?
Yes, people actually ask me this question. Which brings about the ever-popular enigma: What is normal?
When I was a kid, my disability didn't really bother me. I don't think I really even knew I had one until I started kindergarten and the other kids would ask me why I walked funny. I remember one day coming home from school and trying to watch myself walk in a mirror to figure out what they were talking about. Now, you can judge my family for not having 'prepared' me better, but I think the best thing any of them ever did for me was treat me just like any other kid. I think if I had grown up thinking I had all these limitations, I would have been ruled by their imaginary lines. But as far as I was concerned, if Jessica and Michael could do it, I could do it too. And I did.
As an adult looking back, I now understand things that I didn't as a child. Like why nobody else had trouble sitting on the gym floor during assemblies, while I fidgeted the whole time because it hurt my back and I kept falling over. And why it didn't bother anyone else to stand on bleachers during choir concerts, but I felt like I could take the whole row of kids down at any moment like a game of human dominos.
Even as a teen, it never really bothered me. I felt like "Okay, so I limp a little. What's the big deal?" I remember people at church would pray for me to be healed. I would go along with it. I believe God could heal me in an instant. I never admitted this to them, because it sounds crazy, but I wasn't so sure I wanted to be healed. I wanted it for other people, so they would believe in God, but I wasn't sure I wanted it for myself. I was comfortable with what I knew. I kind of believed there was a reason for it. That some good could come from it.
It never really bothered me – until it affected my children. Fast forward ten years and I am in constant physical pain. Hour by hour; sometimes not so bad, sometimes horrible, blood-curdling, if-I-wasn't-in-a-room-full-of-people-I-would-scream pain, but it's always there. There are numerous things I am not able to do because of it. I don't sleep well because of it. I have trouble holding my baby. I can't walk for about an hour in the morning, so if I don't wake up early enough, my daughter's on her own for getting ready for school. We've had to cancel plans to go to the park or to a birthday party. Some of these things don't seem like such a big deal, but they are to me.
Now let's look at it from another angle. In January of last year, my uncle was diagnosed with cancer. My uncle is one of the nicest, most caring people I've ever known. Not that anyone deserves this kind of thing, but he would have been last on the list.
The type of cancer he has is not a type you get from mistreating your body. It just 'happens'. The day before he was diagnosed, life was going pretty well. He and my aunt had just bought a beautiful house, and their oldest daughter had just married a great guy. Their middle daughter was having an excellent senior year. 24 hours later, he didn't know if he would get to meet his first grandchild. My aunt didn't know if the man she had loved her whole life, her best friend, was going to grow old with her as they'd always imagined. My cousin's didn't know how much longer they would have with their daddy.
Now my problem doesn't seem so bad, does it?
There is more to my uncle's story, and I know there are countless people in his situation. And countless more in other horrifying situations. I might be stuck on the couch every morning, sometimes all day, but you know something? My husband can bring my son in to me, and my daughter can come in, and we can all sit on the couch and have breakfast together; and I don't have to wonder if they'll be here to do it next year.
Ok, wipe your tears, because we're going to back track a little.
One day when I was 5 or 6, I came home crying because a kid made fun of me at school. My mom told me something I would never forget. Something that changed the way I saw the world. She told me that everyone has something wrong with them. Something 'abnormal' about them. Some things are more obvious, like my cerebral palsy, and some things you couldn't really see, like her asthma. And she was right. Not only was she right, but it made me feel like a person again. Like the other kids weren't 'better' than me. It also gave me empathy. It made me realize that you can't know what's going on with a person just by looking at them. That none of us were 'normal'.
So if none of us are normal… doesn't that mean we're all normal?
I hate to start my second post on a negative note, but I saw something on Facebook today that really bothered me. Something that one of my friends posted. Something that pretty much sums up why I'm writing this blog.
It kind of infuriates me that anyone would think anything beyond 'Wow, that is a nice car.' Seriously, like since I'm handicap I can only drive an Impala? FYI: Having handicap plates does not mean you don't have a job. It means you're handicap. The owner of that car could be a successful lawyer or a doctor and have millions. And for those of you assuming that the owner doesn't have a job and is on Social Security Disability; the amount you are paid monthly from disability is directly related to the amount you paid into it while you were working. So this person could have been a doctor or lawyer, would have paid a bunch into Social Security (automatically deducted as a percentage from your paycheck just like taxes), and then become unable to work. Maybe his grandmother died and he inherited millions. There are a million scenarios in which a handicap person could be the rightful owner of this car, and it's unfair to think otherwise. I realize it could also be a lazy bum working the system, but why is that the automatic assumption? I know more non-handicap people working the system than I can count on two hands. You know how many handicap people I know who are working the system? Zero.
I'll refer to my friend as AJ. AJ hasn't commented back on what I said, so I don't know if he changed his mind, but I hope so. Based on the comments from his other friends, I don't think they read my comment. I did get a couple 'Likes' from mutual friends, so hopefully my words are getting somewhere. AJ, if you read this someday, I hope you know my intention is not to make you feel bad. I realize that you are a good guy who had a lapse in judgment. I know a thing or two about lapses in judgment. My intention is only to change the world's mind on people who have a disability. One mind at a time.
For as long as I can remember, people have asked me what it's like. What's it like to limp around on crooked legs? Does it hurt? Don't I wish I was normal?
I was born with Cerebral Palsy. I'll spare you all of the scientific medical details and tell you that while my mind is fine, I have a lack of control in my muscles, mostly on the left side of my body. I have an obvious limp, which is what attracts most of the stares and questions.
I've gotten used to the staring. Friends and family (namely my husband) notice it a lot more than I do. When I do notice it I admit I do tense up a bit… which ironically makes the limping worse, but I usually just smile and keep walking. I prefer to use my disability as a good example of sorts, as opposed to turning in to that stereo typical bitter, angry-at-the-world, disabled girl. Don't get me wrong, I have my bad days. But for the most part I try to inspire; not punish.
Let me introduce myself a little better. My name is Ali, I'm 27, and I'm married with two kids, ages 8 years and 5 months. Music is my passion, I'm a little OCD about fitness, and I'm addicted to chocolate. I try (but sometimes fail) to see the bright side of everything, and in spite of my relationship with a loving God Who's mercies are new every morning, I'm way too hard on myself. That's just because I'm constantly trying to improve. Some of you are gagging by now I realize, but I'm just trying to give you an honest portrayal.
And now for my intentions of this blog. I'm writing this blog to answer the question "What's it like?". To hopefully be an inspiration. Even to help myself realize that sometimes it's okay if when I did such-and-such it didn't turn out as well as So-and-So's.
I'm not writing this blog to complain, or to throw myself a pity party (though I reserve the right to be upset and vent anonymously on occasion). I honestly believe that my handicap can be a blessing in disguise. I've lived it. I also believe there is a reason for everything. There is a purpose for this, even if I can't see it. And if I'm being completely honest, I'm also writing this blog to try to put an end to some stereotypes and judgements about me and other disabled people. Before you can judge and say what I should do or you would do, you have to go a mile in my wheelchair.


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Żuraw biały, żuraw syberyjski, żuraw śnieżny (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) – gatunek dużego, wędrownego ptaka z rodziny żurawi (Gruidae). Jest krytycznie zagrożony wyginięciem.

Systematyka
Jedyny przedstawiciel rodzaju Leucogeranus. Nie wyróżnia się podgatunków.

Charakterystyka

Morfologia
Wygląd zewnętrzny:

Upierzenie śnieżnobiałe poza czerwoną skórą na przedniej części głowy. Dziób czarny. Nogi, podobnie jak głowa barwy czerwonej, jednak nieco bardziej jasnej. Długie nogi i szyja zapewniają ptakowi szerokie pole widzenia. Samiec jest nieco większy niż samica.

Rozmiary:
Długość ciała: 125–140 cm, rozpiętość skrzydeł: 210–260 cm

Masa ciała:
4,9–8,6 kg

Występowanie
Środowisko

Zarówno podczas okresu zimowania, jak i gniazdowania zamieszkuje podmokłe tereny bagienne.

Zasięg występowania

Gniazduje w arktycznej części Rosji – w Jakucji (na terenie Parku Narodowego "Kytałyk") i zachodniej Syberii. Wschodnie populacje zimują na rzece Jangcy oraz na jeziorze Poyang Hu w Chinach. Centralna populacja zimowała w Parku Narodowym Keoladeo w Indiach, jednak od 2002 roku nie odnotowano tam żadnych stwierdzeń tego ptaka i prawdopodobnie populacja ta wymarła. Natomiast zachodnia populacja zimuje w Isfahanie oraz Fereidoonkenarze w Iranie.

Pożywienie
Głównie ryby, płazy, małe gryzonie, czasami także większe owady.

Status i ochrona
Międzynarodowa Unia Ochrony Przyrody (IUCN) od 2000 roku uznaje żurawia białego za krytycznie zagrożony wyginięciem (CR – Critically Endangered); wcześniej, od 1994 roku klasyfikowano go jako gatunek zagrożony (EN – Endangered). Liczebność światowej populacji w oparciu o liczenia na zimowiskach z lat 2008, 2011 i 2012 szacuje się na 3500–4000 osobników, z tym że populacja zachodnia jest na skraju wymarcia i należą do niej pojedyncze osobniki. Globalny trend liczebności populacji jest silnie spadkowy.

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne

Żurawie
Ptaki Azji
Gatunki i podgatunki zwierząt nazwane w 1773 roku

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Australis Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia
Chile, Argentina, Patagonia
Fjords of Tierra del Fuego five-day journey aboard the Stella and Ventus Australis Cruises sails along Chile and Argentina's Patagonia. This scenic voyage through the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego highlights the natural beauty of Patagonia.
This four-night journey on the Australis cruises includes visits to wildlife rich Ainsworth Bay and massive Pia Glacier. Followed by Glacier Alley, as well as mystical Wulaia Bay and the legendary Cape Horn. During the cruise, members of the Australis Expedition team will host lectures of wildlife, history, and geography of this legendary region. The presentations will take place both on board (with audio-visual support) and on land.
The Australis Cruises offer a number of adventurous and informative shore excursions to discover Patagonia's incredible flora, fauna, and geology. All are undertaken in comfortable Zodiacs, that allow exploration of narrow fjords and shallow bays where larger vessels cannot venture. Zodiacs are also perfect for landing on secluded islands, rocky beaches, and small piers.
During the excursions, whether from the Zodiac boats or on foot you will be able to observe and photographic the marvellous array of animals that live along the waterways of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Elephant and leopard seals, Andean condors and Caracara falcons, thousands of penguins and Albatross and scores of other bird species.
This itinerary also runs in reverse or you could take the 9-day cruise.
About the vessels
The twin vessels Stella Australis and Ventus Australis are awe-inspiring adventure cruise ships. The vessels, which were constructed in 2010 & 2017 respectively, consist of 100 total cabins and can hold up to 210 passengers each. Enjoy the comfort of cabins that provide you with incredible ocean views and lavish decor. Australis cruises offer a relaxed stay while providing breathtaking sights from the decks. Indulge in first-class Chile travel onboard the Stella or Ventus Australis Cruises. Wine and dine, mix and mingle, and enjoy the fabulous entertainment on your Patagonia vacation.
Feel the mystical aura in Cape Horne, the southernmost cape of the Archipielago of Tierra del Fuego.
Travel through the most important natural passage between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Visit Isla Magdalena where you will see the Magellanic Penguin, a unique species in the world
Sightseeing of Glaciers and learn more about these vast ice fields that play a vital role in the climate of our planet.
Accommodation in selected cabin abroad the MV Stella Australis or MV Ventus Australis
All meals and open bar including wines, beverages and liquor
Shore excursions with English speaking guide
Onboard entertainment and lectures
Day 1 Punta Arenas/Cruise
Board the Stella Australis or Ventus Australis at 6pm. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night, you will cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as you enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2 Ainsworth Bay – Tuckers Islets/Cruise
By dawn the ship is sailing up Seno Almirantazgo, a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snow-capped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound. While the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. Go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbours copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available today. One is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat inside a pristine sub-polar forest. The other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains.
Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, sail west to the Tucker Islets. After lunch, board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April -when the penguins live elsewhere- this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.
Day 3 Pia Glacier – Glacier Alley/Cruise
Overnight sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Stella Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning you will be entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. After disembarking, take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.
Back on board the ship, continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. The passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.
Day 4 Wulaia Bay & Cape Horn/Cruise
During the early morning, navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region's largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerising beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area. Passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these, you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand-delivered by future travellers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.
In the afternoon, you will cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, you shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbours legendary Cape Horn. Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition, Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. Before the creation of the Panama Canal, it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.
Day 5 Ushuaia
The following morning, sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Arrival at 08:30 a.m. or 9:30 am according to date of departure.
Iguazu Falls & Ibera Wetlands
Colonial Northwest
Puma Tracking Safari in Torres del Paine
Awasi Iguazu Relais & Chateaux

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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PicPay buys 100% of Guiabolso in open banking
The acquisition, weeks after suspending its listing on Nasdaq, shows how PicPay plans to expand the means to monetize its customer base.
The financial marketplace PicPay announced this Friday the purchase of 100% of the personal-finance portal Guiabolso, in a transaction in cash and shares, in the first large transaction in the country motivated by "open banking", according to Reuters.
The acquisition, weeks after suspending its listing on Nasdaq, shows how PicPay plans to expand the means to monetize its customer base, which has surpassed 55 million users, a move leveraged in part by the effects of the pandemic, which catalyzed the search for digital solutions for payment in the country.
Brazilians are into Open Banking
According to the vice-president of financial services Eduardo Chedid, "the acquisition will position us as a leading player in open banking,"
The executive, however, revealed that most of the operation was made in cash, while the founding partners of Guiabolso, Thiago Alvarez and Benjamin Gleason, will also assume a minority stake in PicPay. Details were not revealed.
Investors from rounds of contributions to Guiabolso in recent years, which include Vostok, Kaszek, Ribbit Capital, QED Investors, Omidyar Network, and IFC funds, have fully sold their stakes in the business.
An early player in Brazilian Fintech
Created in 2012 as a precursor of open banking, a system that the Central Bank is implementing in the country, Guiabolso uses data intelligence to offer financial guidance to around 6 million users and has also become a portal for products such as credit, personal investments, and insurance.
The 200 employees of Guiabolso will be integrated into the sheet of 3,000 PicPay employees. Alvarez, president of Guiabolso, will be PicPay's director of open banking.
Founded in Vitória (ES) in 2012 as a digital portfolio, PicPay gained strength after being purchased by the J&F group, owner of JBS, starting to act as a financial marketplace, digital store, and ad portal.
The announcement marks the rapid movement of the financial sector in Brazil amid Central Bank-led innovations such as PIX instant payment, and open banking, which gives customers power over bank data sharing and transaction choice, to raise the bar. competition.
In June, Goldman Sachs Asset Management announced an investment of 2.1 billion reais in fintech Meu Tudo.
Life goes on without IPO
PicPay was planning an initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq, forecasting a market cap of around $20 billion, according to media reports. As he realized that investors were offering a much lower valuation than that, the controllers gave up on the deal. Then, J&F announced a plan to invest 3 billion reais in PicPay by 2023.
"We've taken the field team out for now," Chedid said. "Now it's head down and focuses on the plan," he added, referring to the company's dream of reaching a base of more than 100 million users in the coming years.
Category: Money
Keywords: fintech


Our membership system is very popular because it makes true corrective/wellness Chiropractic affordable for everyone. Here's how it works.
In PayPal, you can have a number of linked accounts. Here's how to choose which one is used for your payments. You can also cancel your agreement following the same steps.


Whilst we might be small, we are certainly Mighty!
With a wide variety of services offered from our studio in Warwick, take a look you might be surprised!
We don't just make things look good (although we do that too). We really think about and consider everything we do to get as much out of your budget and go the extra mile to deliver results. Getting under the skin of your business, what's right for the client, the audience, offering and market. Only by getting this right can we produce effective results that drive our clients' businesses forward.
A wide variety of services fall under the heading of Graphic Design. Below are a list of services we offer under this category and is ever evolving.
Brochure design for products and services along with catalogues, sales literature, order of services etc.
We love print and pride ourselves on producing a large range of quality printed items. From business cards through to brochures and promotional literature.
Brochures, leaflets, reports, price lists, menus, folders, wallets, booklets, magazines, annual reports, catalogues, order of services for funerals & weddings etc.
From simple 1 page through to CMS websites for a variety of budgets. Video production, illustration and photography also ensuring you look good on screen.
Building signage, shop signage and vehicle signage has become one of our most used services. Being able to produce design concepts through to final artwork and then produce the actual signage in-house is a real bonus to our clients.
From embroidered polo shirts through to fleeces and soft-shell jackets. We not only design and source the clothing for workforce's, retail shops, golf clubs, football teams and hotels; we can personalise them with a variety of branding techniques include embroidery & printing.
Taking your valued brand and image on to a large range of promotional items and gifts. We can supply a wide selection of promotional items from pens, USB sticks, mousemats through to more complicated items.
If you have a project you want to discuss or just need a banner printing pronto, then get in touch. We are open 5 days a week from 8.30am till 6pm, later if needs be. If you just want to have a chat or ask some advice then we can help you.
With a diverse client list ranging from big brands to one man bands, we are proud to have worked with well known brands such as these over the years and still do to this day.


Demonsbane missing??, glitch? huh? wha? help!
So I restarted the game again and i've gotten past raithwall, i decided to go back and kill the other demonwall and get demonsbane. We killed the wall and went to the room.
What happened? It's not there!
ELL, it's not a glitch, it's just another one of those lovely random chests. What I recommend doing is saving right before you check the chest. Then, go to the chest, and if the Demonsbane isn't there, just reset and try again. You can get multiple Demonsbanes from that chest, also.


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Takeaways from Tallahassee — Boys State
Staff ReportsJune 26, 202156min
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried
Attorney General Ashley Moody
Capitol directions
Casey DeSantis
CFO Jimmy Patronis
Takeaways from Tallahassee
tomatos
transgender athletes
2022Headlines
Epilogue-TrumpHeadlines
'Remove Ron' trolls Donald Trump for not keeping Gov. DeSantis in line
Civic education takes the spotlight at 'Boys State.'
Editor's note: Florida Politics will be going dark for the week of June 28 to give the entire staff a much-needed break. "Sunburn," "Last Call," "Takeaways from Tallahassee," "Jacksonville Bold," and "The Delegation" email newsletters, as well our podcasts will be on hiatus until July 6.
Vincent Lahera was sworn in as Governor Thursday — Governor of Boys State, that is.
Three-hundred fifty-two high school boys descended on Florida's Capitol this week to create a mock government.
The weeklong nonpartisan civics lesson, which the American Legion runs in 49 states, has a reputation for notable alumni, such as former President Bill Clinton, Justice Samuel Alito, former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, and even Michael Jordan.
The program mirrors the structure of real-life government, except the mock political parties 'delegates' are divided into don't reference any existing political party.
The delegates create mock city and county governments where they participate in elections and other simulations. Ultimately, delegates form a full state government composed of judicial, legislative and executive branches.
Being elected Governor might be the top honor of the program. Lahera hails from Lecanto, where he attends Lecanto High School in Citrus County. He was sworn in as the 77th Governor of Boys State alongside his constitutional cabinet, legislative leaders, and Supreme Court justices.
"It's an incredible honor to have been selected by my peers to serve as Governor of Boys State," Lahera said. "This program has already taught us so much about our government in Florida, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the good we can accomplish over the course of our mock sessions."
But Florida American Legion Boys State Director Forrest D. Boone said creating future politicians isn't the program's primary purpose.
"Most of them will end up somewhere else, whether that's business or medicine or the military, law enforcement, something like that," Boone said. "But all of them will be able to be engaged civically, even in that, whether that's through a trade association or a union or the officer structure of their branch of the military."
Coming up, the usual assortment of tidbits, leftovers and not-ready-for-prime-time moments by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Renzo Downey, Jason Delgado, Haley Brown and the staff of Florida Politics.
The "Takeaway 5" — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:
State of emergency declared over Surfside collapse — President Joe Biden and Gov. Ron DeSantis have declared states of emergency over the condo collapse in Surfside. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing support to Florida and Miami-Dade County in the search and rescue effort and with helping survivors move on from the tragedy. In a rare break from his criticism of the Biden administration, DeSantis lauded the President for waiving standard requirements before providing aid. He thanked him for "stepping up to the plate." "They're all in," DeSantis said. "And so we really appreciate having the support of the President. And the people of Florida really appreciate the President and his administration stepping up to help people who are in need."
DeSantis signs civics and intellectual diversity bills — The Governor signed a trio of education bills that boost the state's civics curriculum and protect "intellectual diversity." One measure prevents colleges and universities from shielding students from political speech, an attempt to crack down on liberal "indoctrination" on campuses. The measure also surveys professors to track faculty's political leanings. The two other bills address civics curricula, including teaching students about the "evils of communism and totalitarianism." Implementing the new civics measures will lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, DeSantis said. The bill signings followed his and conservatives nationwide's push against critical race theory.
Fantasy interests file sports betting initiative — DraftKings and FanDuel launched a ballot initiative to open the Florida sports betting market. Both already had a minor victory in the Seminole Compact, which effectively legalized gaming. But the Compact gave the Tribe exclusive rights to the potentially more lucrative and broader field of sports betting. The proposed constitutional amendment, launched by a new political committee called Florida Education Champions, would legalize betting at professional sports venues, pari-mutuel facilities, and statewide online platforms. The Tribe opposes the initiative, calling it a political Hail Mary as the federal government's decision on the Compact nears.
DeSantis approves workforce system revamp — The Governor approved a series of bills expected to streamline Florida's system to connect hopeful workers with jobs through vocational and technical training. House Speaker Chris Sprowls, who made the efforts one of his top priorities, called the new system a "melody of economic mobility." The package includes the Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act, a bill for workers' compensation for students, and a bill creating the Dual Enrollment Scholarship Program. The decision to improve the state's workforce program came after an audit conducted earlier this year by the Department of Labor revealed weaknesses in the system.
Governor sends officers to Mexican border — The Governor is sending 50 law enforcement officers, and possibly himself, to Texas and Arizona to address border-related crime. DeSantis has blamed the Biden administration for increased drug crimes and human trafficking statewide, particularly in North Florida. The Governor isn't sure how much of the burden to deploy officers will fall on Florida's taxpayers, calling it an ongoing "point of discussion." Democrats have criticized the move as a political stunt over a manufactured crisis that pulls law enforcement resources from crime in the Sunshine State. But DeSantis says he's addressing crime at the source and is stepping up when Texas and Arizona asked for help.
Summer scams
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried partnered with the Federal Trade Commission this week to warn Floridians about the rise of fraudsters posing as rental car companies.
The partnership comes as rental car prices soar amid a nationwide car shortage. In turn, scammers are capitalizing on the situation — creating fake websites, phone numbers and advertisements.
As car rental prices soar, so do the scams.
"As vaccinations increase and the country is opening back up, Floridians are ramping up their travel plans, but that also means shortages in available rental cars, higher prices, and scammers looking to take advantage," Fried said. "If the rental car deal seems too good to be true, it probably is."
In a news release, Fried provided several consumer safety tips to consumers. Among them, consumers should always research prospective rental car companies and browse the reviews.
Consumers should also pay with a credit card when possible.
"You can dispute credit card charges, but gift cards and prepaid debit cards can disappear like cash," Fried said. "Once you give the number and PIN to a scammer, the money is gone."
Fried encouraged all Floridians who suspect rental car scams to contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Federal Trade Commission.
Winner, winner
It's awards season at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This week, the department and Fried announced winners for the 2021 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award, which recognizes agricultural producers who demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing innovative techniques to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources.
"Two-thirds of Florida's land is connected to agriculture — including nearly 10 million acres of farmland, from the produce farms of South Florida, to the citrus groves of Central Florida, to the timber stands of North Florida," Fried said.
Awards season: Congratulations to the 2021 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award winners.
"As I congratulate our 2021 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award winners, I also thank them for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture. Every acre of farmland is an opportunity, and together we can preserve our precious natural resources for generations to come."
The winners:
— Sandy Stein of Jungle Nursery in Homestead, for addressing pest risks to the nursery's plants by utilizing beneficial insects to control those that would be destructive, opting for biocontrol rather than chemical treatments.
— Brad Turner of Turner Family Groves in Lithia, for his commitment to promoting soil and tree health through the implementation of regenerative management practices, reducing the need for fertilizer and insecticides and increasing water retention.
— Eric Hjort of Tater Farm in Hastings, for his focus on adopting innovative practices to protect water quality and reduce water use by about 50% across 1,500 acres.
Hot car danger
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis urges parents and caregivers to think twice before leaving a child unattended within a car.
The CFO's warning comes a week after a 9-month-old child died in a hot car in the Florida Panhandle. The death marks the latest hot car death in a string of tragic incidents in recent years.
A hot car can quickly turn deadly for babies and animals.
In 2018 and 2019 alone, more than 50 children died of vehicular heatstroke each year.
"As temperatures heat up across Florida this summer, it's vital that parents and caregivers know the dangers of leaving children and pets in hot cars," Patronis said. "Do not leave a small child alone in a car under any circumstances. Temperatures inside a parked car increase rapidly, becoming dangerously hot in a matter of minutes."
In a news release, Patronis offered several tips to help prevent another tragedy. Among them, one central message: "Look before you leave."
Notably, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill into law this week that will prevent future hot car deaths in day care vehicles.
Instagram of the week
A post shared by Governor Ron DeSantis (@flgovrondesantis)
Safety praise
Democratic Sen. Linda Stewart of Orlando and Rep. Ben Diamond of St. Petersburg are receiving praise for the newly signed bill (SB 252) that requires day care vehicles to feature an alarm that will remind drivers to check the vehicle for passengers before exiting.
Stewart first proposed the legislation in 2017 after a 3-year-old boy in Orlando died after being left in a day care van for seven hours.
"I'm thankful this meaningful legislation has finally become law," said Stewart. "For years, we have debated this bill, and after each Session, we have gone home to hear tragedies of how children die because someone didn't double-check the vehicle. This law will help put an end to these terrible accidents and provide peace of mind to families that their children will be safe."
Ben Diamond and Linda Stewart are receiving kudos for their hot car safety bill signed by Ron DeSantis.
Notably, Florida has the second number of child deaths from vehicular heat strokes.
Diamond applauded Stewart for her devotion to the issue.
"I am grateful to Sen. Stewart for her leadership and years of hard work on this critical issue," said Diamond. "This legislation will help prevent more parents and families from having to endure the unimaginable heartache that far too many have already experienced."
New digs
Rep. Christopher Benjamin, a Miami Gardens Democrat, celebrates the grand opening of his district office Saturday with a public event at noon.
Benjamin is using the opening as a community outreach event to get in touch with constituents. Refreshments will be served, according to a release on the event. Benjamin's office is at 610 NW 183 St, Suite 204 in Miami Gardens.
"This will be one of the many outreach events that my office will host this summer to show our constituents that we are here and ready to work for them not only in Tallahassee but also in the district," Benjamin said in a statement on the opening.
Christopher Benjamin opens a new district office in Miami Gardens.
Benjamin succeeded Democratic Rep. Barbara Watson last year after Watson ran into term limits. He won a one-on-one battle in the Democratic primary and faced no competition in the General Election. The seat spans parts of Miami-Dade County, such as Miami Gardens and Golden Glades.
Last Session, Benjamin served on the Health and Human Services Committee and a handful of subcommittees. He was also tapped to join the House Justice / Senate Criminal and Civil Justice panel as part of the budget conference committee process.
Rep. Crime Stopper
The Florida Association of Crime Stoppers (FACS) recognizes Democratic Rep. Kevin Chambliss after he sponsored legislation (HB 363) to further protect individuals who use the tip line to report crimes.
"Any legislation that furthers the mission of Crime Stoppers and further enhances the community's confidence in the anonymity of the information shared is greatly appreciated," said Suzette Rice, executive director of Crime Stoppers in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys.
Kevin Chambliss is recognized for his support of the Crime Stoppers tip line.
"Rep. Chambliss stepping up to acknowledge the community's desire for safe reporting of crime, coupled with the efforts of co-sponsor Sen. (Aaron) Bean, as well as many other Legislators, resulted in a positive outcome for both the community and the Crime Stoppers organizations statewide. His commitment to public safety is outstanding."
Bean backed the Senate version of the bill (SB 1868). Gov. DeSantis signed the House version into law in early May.
The FACS acknowledgment granted to Rep. Chambliss reads: "In recognition of your dedication and service to the people of Florida and to FACS and its member programs, thank you for being a champion of Crime Stoppers in the Florida House of Representatives and for sponsoring HB 363. We appreciate your leadership and support for this critical legislation."
Chambliss wrapped up his first Legislative Session in the Florida House after winning the House District 117 seat last year. He succeeded House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee.
"On behalf of all the mothers who have lost children to gun violence and the countless families who have been victimized by violence and other crimes in our community, I am sincerely honored to receive this award," Chambliss said of the FACS honor.
"This new law provides more protection to those good Samaritans who are apprehensive about calling in crime-related tips. I receive this award in honor of mothers like Ms. Dorothy Williams, whose 2-year-old son's murderer has yet to be brought to justice. We all agree that the Crime Stoppers organization plays a vital role in bringing justice to these families. To be acknowledged for my work on HB 363, a bill I filed, passed, and have seen become law, on their behalf as a freshman Representative, has truly been the honor of my life."
Help coming
Florida is speeding up the process to help K-12 students with disabilities receive training on postsecondary education and career choices.
The state currently offers assistance to special needs students starting at age 14, which helps them identify postsecondary and career goals. A plan must be in place for those students by the time they are 16.
New legislation from Rep. Allison Tant (HB 173) moves that preparedness window, aiming to prep those students by the time they get to high school or turn 14. The state will also begin reaching out to parents once their children reach seventh grade. Gov. DeSantis signed the bill.
Allison Tant's bill will provide children with disabilities an opportunity for success in education and careers.
"Parents are not aware of the transformational work that school districts and the Department of Education are doing to put students with disabilities on a path to self-sufficiency and meaningful work," Tant said.
"This law will now require this information be shared with parents at their students' IEP meeting beginning at age 12 with long-term planning and teaching. Without this notice, parents are unaware of these options, and these students have no options once they graduate from school."
Tant's son is developmentally delayed and utilized the state's aid system to find a job. Now, she's trying to allow similar students to prepare even earlier and ensure they're ready for their post-high school life.
The legislation also requires the Department of Education to review existing transition programs and set up uniform best practices for Florida's system. Those best practices must be published on DOE's website by July 1, 2022.
Sen. Annette Taddeo backed the Senate version of the bill (SB 726) and released a statement after the Governor signed the measure.
"Things are already hard enough for parents of students with disabilities," Taddeo said. "This law will ensure school resources are readily available by providing a space for parents and educators to sit with their students and plan for their future which is integral to their success and their contributions to society."
Minority health
Rep. Kamia Brown praises DeSantis for signing a bill to close the gap in ethnic and minority health disparities.
Last week, the Governor approved her bill (HB 183), further outlining the role of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. That agency, created in 2004 within the Department of Health, will now offer specific information on their website, including information and links to resources for minority populations, resources for providers and data on health disparities and issues affecting minority populations.
"Right now, minorities are not receiving equitable health care and a lot of it has to do with a lack of outreach and accessibility," Brown said. "Through this, I believe that we can begin to outline the causes and work to close the gap in ethnic and minority health disparities."
Kamia Brown is working to close the health care gap for minorities.
The state budget, signed earlier this month, includes a $4.4 million increase for the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, a significant increase to make its budget $9.2 million for the coming year.
The measure would require the office to gather and analyze data to improve health education information coming from the office.
The bill connects the effort from the local level up to the national level by requiring county health departments to appoint a designated liaison with the state's Office of Minority Health and by requiring the state's office to appoint a designated liaison with the federal Office of Minority Health.
No boom
DeSantis has OK'd legislation blocking the sale or use of fireworks in Wellington's equestrian preserves, except for official fireworks displays operated by local officials.
Rep. Matt Willhite, a Wellington Democrat, was behind the legislation (HB 979) during this year's Session. Willhite said his office received complaints from horse owners in the area about their animals being startled by fireworks during the holidays, which can lead to the animals injuring themselves.
"Wellington houses approximately 13,000 highly valuable horses bred to train and compete in various equestrian sports during the season," Willhite said in a statement this week.
Horse sense: Matt Willhite is blocking fireworks in rural areas of Wellington where there are horse farms for equestrian training.
"Because of Wellington's unique circumstances, it is a great accomplishment that the Governor signed this bill into law. This legislation is crucial because equestrian sports are not an economic driver for just the Village of Wellington, but because of the tourism it attracts, it also economically benefits Palm Beach County and the entire state of Florida."
Last year, Florida lawmakers approved a bill expanding private individuals' ability to shoot off fireworks during the Fourth of July, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Florida's fireworks rules are usually enforced uniformly throughout the state. But because of Wellington's unique position as a horse haven, Willhite wanted the village's preserves exempted from the expansion approved last year.
Locally sanctioned fireworks shows, approved by the local police and fire departments, would still be allowed on holidays. Applications for such a permit must be made at least 15 days before the display.
Willhite represents House District 86, which covers parts of Palm Beach County, including Wellington.
The Florida Department of Education announced nearly $600,000 in federal funding for the state's Registered Apprenticeship Programs through a partnership with the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education and CareerSource Florida.
The funding will expand apprenticeship programs, fortify talent pipelines and help drive economic development across the Sunshine State.
Richard Corcoran is touting federal funding for apprentice programs.
"I am excited about Gov. DeSantis' commitment to workforce education, knowing there is an increased demand for skills training across our state," Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said. "These federal grant dollars are not only designed to help Florida's small businesses maintain and grow their talent, but also are meant to support underrepresented and minority residents' access to the necessary training and education for upward mobility. Together, we will meet the Governor's goal of becoming the No. 1 state in the nation in terms of workforce education by 2030."
The federally funded Apprenticeship State Expansion Grant consists of two mini-grants to support apprenticeship program growth and expansion.
The mini-grants come on the heels of a revamp of the state's workforce education. Gov. DeSantis on Thursday signed three bills that will create a more efficient pipeline from the classroom to the workplace by streamlining state career resources.
Stop texting and driving. It's not just us saying that. The Florida Department of Transportation is warning motorists about the dangers of driving distractions.
In 2020, more than 48,500 crashes in Florida were caused by drivers who had diverted their attention. FDOT will be educating drivers on distracted driving prevention during the peak summer travel months through an ad campaign on social media and community outreach statewide.
"Driving distracted is extremely dangerous and can turn deadly in an instant," Kevin J. Thibault, P.E., Florida Department of Transportation Secretary, said. "We urge all motorists to pay full attention when they are behind the wheel to help ensure their safety as well as the safety of everyone around them."
Distracted driving can change your life in an instant.
Texting while driving isn't the only problem. Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road, such as texting, talking, using your phone, adjusting the radio, setting your navigation, applying makeup, eating, or drinking. FDOT, in a news release, even took aim at "wandering thoughts," saying that "cognitively" distraction could impact your driving.
But FDOT didn't just shame distracted drivers. It looks like they want to build us up too. The department gave four tips to help people improve their driving.
Plan your trip ahead of time.
Pull over if you need to eat or drink or do anything that is not driving.
Put your phone away. Keep it out of reach.
Clear your mind and stay focused while on the road.
"In 2020, we saw far too many crashes in Florida caused by careless, dangerous, and selfish driving behavior that resulted in hundreds of fatalities," Terry L. Rhodes, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director, said. "As you drive this summer, respect your safety, respect the safety of your passengers, and respect the safety of other road users by eliminating all distractions and focusing on driving."
Regulatory reform
DeSantis this week signed a bill (SB 1966) that could make the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation fitter, better and more productive.
Sponsored by Sen. Manny Diaz and Rep. Wyman Duggan, the legislation furthers DBPR's efforts to "pursue regulatory reforms and operational advancements" while also helping the department get on better with the professionals they regulate.
The list of changes is long. The top-billed item in a DBPR new release is a permitting exemption for small-time soap and lotion manufacturers, a boon for the presumably growing number of bespoke body wash manufacturers in the Sunshine State.
Shape up: Manny Diaz is behind a long list of reforms at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Further down, DBPR highlights new temporary permits to allow drug, device, or cosmetic businesses to continue operating smoothly amid a change in ownership or location; elimination of the supplemental fee for electrical and construction contractor applications; and allowing local registered contractors to obtain certified status with five years of experience.
The bill also offers up a soft reboot for a fan-favorite state board.
Say goodbye to the Florida Boxing Commission, which will henceforth be known as the Florida Athletic Commission. The new name, DBPR says, signals conformity with similar commissions in other states and is more reflective of the array of sports it regulates. For those wondering, the list includes most sports where taking a blow to the face is expected — boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
"By improving the standards that govern our regulation of businesses and professions, we open new opportunities to improve the climate for those who are starting, relocating and expanding in Florida every day," DBPR Secretary Julie Brown said.
"With unanimous action by the Florida Legislature and the support and approval of Gov. DeSantis, this package of DBPR's recommendations enables a series of reforms that will enhance opportunities for businesses, improve agency processes and minimize regulatory burdens for multiple industries."
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is pointing out hurricane resources for businesses.
In a news release, the DEO encouraged businesses to use the FloridaDisaster.biz website and other resources to prepare for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began on June 1.
FloridaDisaster.biz has resources for business owners to prepare for potential disasters, provides critical updates during a disaster, and has post-disaster resources. The website is a partnership between DEO and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Dane Eagle wants Florida businesses to get ready for hurricane season.
"Floridians are resilient, but it is imperative that Florida businesses are able to reopen after a disaster as quickly as possible. FloridaDisaster.biz is an excellent resource for Floridians to prepare, stay informed, and receive disaster-recovery assistance in the event our state is impacted by a storm," Secretary of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Dane Eagle said.
DEO said a disaster plan is key to reducing the financial and physical impact a disaster can have on a business.
In the news release, the agency also pointed to two other resources for disaster preparedness.
Ready.gov is a FEMA disaster preparedness website. It has resources and information regarding various disasters and a section dedicated to teaching children about disaster preparedness.
FloridaDisaster.org is a site maintained by the Division of Emergency Management. It has resources and information about what businesses should do during and after a disaster.
"Gun Safety Champions"
Congrats to the 52 state Florida legislators designated 2021 "Gun Safety Champions" by Ban Assault Weapons NOW (BAWN).
Tuesday, BAWN said the champions, which include all 16 Democratic Senators and 36 of 42 Democratic Representatives, "demonstrated their commitment to banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines by co-sponsoring House Bill 653 and Senate Bill 370 during this year's Legislative Session."
The list comprises approximately 90% of the Democratic Caucus and constitutes a record level of support for the legislation. No Republicans chose to sponsor or co-sponsor the bills.
In a written statement, BAWN Chairwoman Gail Schwartz said.
Fifty-two Florida legislators were designated 2021 'Gun Safety Champions' by Ban Assault Weapons NOW.
"What we see in our politics is this: one party agrees that weapons capable of mowing down dozens of innocent people in seconds should be banned, while the other refuses to even acknowledge we have a deadly gun violence problem in our state. Their denial is shameful. BAWN looks forward to reminding voters which legislators care about saving lives and which do not during the next election cycle," Schwartz said.
In addition to the public recognition and plaques awarded to the lawmakers, BAWN announced they will also contribute to many of the lawmakers' reelection campaigns. In the 2020 election cycle, BAWN donated to the campaigns of 16 state legislative candidates and funded five independent mailers to support those pledging to sponsor or co-sponsor an assault weapons ban upon winning their elections.
Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith is among the lawmakers who received the designation from BAWN. Guillermo Smith sponsored House Bill 653.
"I am proud of my colleagues for backing these lifesaving bills and grateful to BAWN for their leadership and advocacy on this critical issue. The impressive level of support among members of the House and the Senate proves that the appetite for banning these weapons of war is real."
Here's the complete list of legislators receiving BAWN's 2021 "Gun Safety Champion" designation:
State Sens. Loranne Ausley; Lori Berman; Lauren Book; Randolph Bracy; Janet Cruz; Gary Farmer; Audrey Gibson; Shevrin Jones; Tina Polsky; Jason Pizzo; Bobby Powell; Darryl Rouson; Stewart; Taddeo; Perry Thurston; and Victor Torres.
State Reps. Ramon Alexander; Kristen Arrington; Robin Bartleman; Brown; Joe Casello; Kevin Chambliss; Dan Daley; Tracie Davis; Diamond; Fentrice Driskell; Bobby DuBose; Nick Duran; Anna Eskamani; Joe Geller; Joy Goff-Marcil; Mike Grieco; Omari Hardy; Dianne Hart; Yvonne Hinson; Christine Hunschofsky; Evan Jenne; Dotie Joseph; Andrew Learned; Travaris McCurdy; Daisy Morales; Angela Nixon; Michele Rayner; Felicia Robinson; Kelly Skidmore; Tina Slosberg; Guillermo Smith; Tant; Geraldine Thompson; Willhite; Patricia Williams; and Marie Woodson.
Municipal achievement
More awards.
Congrats to the three cities that won the 2021 Florida Municipal Achievement Awards.
The Florida Municipal Achievement Awards are hosted by the Florida League of Cities, which calls itself "the united voice for Florida's municipal governments."
Clearwater is tops in Placemaking. Image via city of Clearwater.
This year's winners and their projects are:
— City Spirit Award — City of Boca Raton, "StoryWalk Program"
— Florida Citizenship Award — City of Clearwater, "Placemaking Program"
— Environmental Stewardship Award — City of Jacksonville Beach, "#CleanDarkFlat Public Awareness Campaign"
The municipalities were chosen for the "superior and innovative efforts" in each of the three categories.
The City Spirit Award recognizes a specific citywide effort to address a local need. The City of Boca Raton's winning entry, StoryWalk Program, was launched during the coronavirus pandemic. The StoryWalk Program places a children's book along a popular walking route in the community.
The Florida Citizenship Award recognizes a city project or program that increases civic awareness and education and promotes active participation in local government among residents. This year's award was presented to the City of Clearwater for its Placemaking Program, a citywide initiative that engages the community with participation in a series of public art projects. The program has resulted in dozens of public art projects, such as Paint the pavement and Storm Drain Murals, completed by hundreds of participants.
The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes a city program that promotes conservation and improves and protects environmental conditions. This year's award was presented to the City of Jacksonville Beach for its #CleanDarkFlat Campaign, a public awareness campaign aimed at protecting sea turtles during the 2020 nesting season.
"Throughout the pandemic, Florida's local governments have demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate and create," FLC President and Commissioner for the City of Orlando Tony Ortiz said. "Whether it is municipal operations and finding local solutions or providing services and engaging the community, our cities, towns and villages are constantly evolving to better serve their communities. And that's exactly what this awards program aims to recognize."
The winning cities will receive a trophy and be featured in the League's magazine, Quality Cities.
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Where is Nikki.
What kind of non campaign is this.
All her geniuses LOL.
Just withdraw now. What a terrible first 30 days since announcement. Just not ready for prime time campaign, candidate.
Federal judge slaps down UF, compares school crackdown on professors to China


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Brush up on the 'Hunger Games'
Michelle Meredith|February 22, 2012
If you thought The Hunger Games was a children's book, you're absolutely right.
But if you found yourself being a full-grown adult and still connecting with its intricate commentary on politics, social media, and pop culture, you're one of the millions of fans propelling the series towards its amazing success and upcoming adaptation into a film for all ages.
Set in post-apocalyptic America, Suzanne Collins creates a dystopian nation, Panem, divided into 12 specialized districts and intimately controlled and suppressed by its manipulative, strategically located government district, the Capitol. The back story tells us that an earlier uprising of the districts against the Capitol ended in the destruction of District 13 and resulted in the Capitol's invention of the annual Hunger Games. The Games help the Capitol maintain control over Panem by requiring two tributes, chosen at random from among the children in each district.
The tributes, which can be as young as 12 or as old as 18, are thrown into an arena meticulously and artistically designed by game makers, and forced to kill each other until only one tribute remains. Each district is forced to watch the Games as the whole thing is televised as if it is a glorified reality show. The winner of each Hunger Games goes home as a celebrity.
While this series joins the genre of dystopian literature along with Brave New World and 1984, Collins wittingly gives her world its own voice through the narration by Katniss Everdeen, who tells us the story in first person.
The cold, cunning, and strong-willed 16-year-old from District 12 volunteers herself as a tribute to the Games when her younger sister, Primrose, is chosen in the drawing. Through Katniss' eyes, we engage her desperation and determination not only to survive the brutal Games and return to her family, but to endure and conquer the Capitol's merciless publicity and media attention that projects her and the other tributes as mock celebrities.
But Katniss is not the only character bringing us into this alternate new world. The rest of Collins' characters draw in a broad audience with equal vigor. This, along with the underlying critique of popular media and television that we all recognize, is what makes Collins' world so outreaching to all age groups.
At times, the advanced reader is reminded of the book's lower reading level whenever Collins slips into a loose, somewhat choppy style. Her lazy sentence composition and word choice escape the notice of young readers more readily than advanced readers, but this is how we remember that it's a children's book after all. The message, the story, and the emotions contained and projected in the books connect with kids and adults alike.
My 12 year-old sister highly recommends it, and so do I.
The Hunger Games is set to be released in its film adaptation on March 23.
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This towel set is made of microfibre and it has great characteristics of super water absorbtion, softness, ventile and eco-friendly.
Bow design makes it cute,vivid and attracting.
It can not be drycleaned, bleached and be under the blazing sun for quite a long time.
It is recommend to wash this towel in water with mild temperature about 30 degree Celsius.
Please do not put this towel into wash machine with other clothes.


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Ogawa is a Japanese surname.

Ogawa may also refer to:

Places
 Ogawa, Ibaraki (Higashiibaraki)-machi, town incorporated into Omitama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
 Ogawa, Ibaraki (Naka)-mura, village incorporated into Hitachiōta City, Ibaraki Prefecture
 Ogawa, Kumamoto-machi, town incorporated into Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture
 Ogawa, Nagano-mura, village in Kamiminochi District, Nagano Prefecture
 Ogawa, Saitama-machi, town in Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture
 Ogawa, Tochigi-machi, town incorporated into Nakagawa Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture
 Ogawa-machi (or Ogawa-chō), town incorporated into Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture

Companies
 Ogawa Seiki model aircraft engine company, founded by Shigeo Ogawa


This month the prompt is "TRUTH".
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the USA. We celebrate this every year with our family as a way to remember how thankful we are for our family, food, and this country. In the spirit of being thankful, I will provide some "truths" of mine.
Ugh....I regret this post because now I'm starving.
Blergh brussel sprouts. Ugh liver!


In Systema, the synergy of three components creates a TRUE WARRIOR - Combat Skill, Strong Spirit and Healthy Body.
The body has to be free of tension, filled with endurance, flexibility, effortless movement and explosive potential. The spirit or psychological state has to be calm, free of anger, irritation, fear, self-pity, delusion and pride. The combat skill includes movements that are powerful and precise, instant and economical, spontaneous, subtle and diverse, the signature of a true professional.
At Systema PR we incorporate the three components in a "laboratory" environment where we "empty our cup" and experiment with the Martial skills. We take what is useful, and discard what doesn't work.
"In Systema combat, the mind should not be restricted to just one direction, but flow with the movement, dictated by the opponent. Blend, and return the energy given."


text:
Q: jQuery - show div content on button click (modal style) What I am aiming for is to have all the divs hidden (via css class) and then show them in a modal style popup (again done via css). For instance:
Show Spec

This is spec 1

    Close

Show Spec

This is spec 2

    Close

the content in the divs (class of speclink) are hidden. when they press the button (id speclinkOpen) I want it to show the relevant content so "This is spec 1" if the top button is clicked or "this is spec 2 if the bottom button is clicked.
I know I will need to use on.click THIS as opposed to the actual class name but not entirely sure how i go about it..could anyone shed some light on it for me?
Essentially the jQuery would show the div content in an overlay style but how does it know which div content to load based on which button was pressed as im using the same class name? Naming each differently isnt an option as i have so many but perhaps i'm going about the problem totally the wrong way? Thanks John.

A: Take a look at data attributes.
You could do something like in your html:
Show Spec

This is spec 1

    Close

Show Spec

This is spec 2

    Close

And in jQuery script:
$(function(){
    $('img.speclinkOpen').on('click', function(){
       var id = $(this).data('div'); // take the id to "highlight"
       $('#' + id).addClass('modal'); // do whatever you want in with class or .css()
    });
});

EDIT
If you can't use data attributes because you cannot assign id attribute uniquely to your divs:
$(function(){
    $('img.speclinkOpen').on('click', function(){
       $(this).next('div.speclink').addClass('modal'); // do whatever you want in with class or .css()
    });
});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


OMAHA - Four boys. Ten Events. Fifty-two points. One State Championship.
The Hartington-Newcastle boys returned home from the State Track and Field Championship at Omaha Burke Stadium on Saturday with the Class C State Championship trophy.
The Wildcats bested the defending champions, Norfolk Catholic by six points on the way to victory, and the seniors led the way.
Cole Schmidt and Brian Santiago are no strangers to Omaha Burke Stadium, in fact the two could probably help with directions on the best way to get there. Both seniors have made it to the State meet all four years of high school, and that persistence each year paid off with a state championship this year.
Schmidt led the way with 34 points. The senior that signed to run track at Hastings College next Spring placed first in the long jump, and second in the triple jump, 100 and 200 meter dashes. Schmidt figured out early on Saturday what was needed from him for the boys team to win the team trophy.
While competing in the long jump finals, Schmidt watched Mitchell upset Norfolk Catholic in the 400 meter relay. He instantly ran over to the fence line to talk with his coaches Blair Kalin, Marcus Messersmith and Cody Stappert. The senior had a smile on his face and a glimmer in his eye as he ran over to them.
"If I place first her [in the long jump] and second in the 100 and 200, then Brian only needs to place eighth in the mile for us to win," said Schmidt.
One of his coaches then said, "well go do it," and there was a feeling that Schmidt was going to do exactly what he said. And he did.
Schmidt went on to win the long jump, and finished second behind Dylan Kautz of Norfolk Catholic in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Before the 200 meter dash though, Santiago made things easier on Schmidt by finishing third in the mile, breaking his own school record along the way.
Schmidt now only needed to finish sixth or better, but the senior is a man of his word and finished second.
The two seniors combined for 46 total points, enough to tie Norfolk Catholic on their own. The seniors weren't alone though, with juniors Lincoln McPhillips and Turner Korth making the trip to compete at State as well. McPhillips was tied at 6' 6" as the top qualifier in the high jump, and finished in third to give his team another six points. In the long jump, McPhillips finished in 11th, just three spots short of making the Finals. Turner Korth competed in the 300 meter hurdles, but his time of 43.04 was not fast enough to qualify for the Finals.
"It feels amazing," said McPhillips. "We are a small but mighty team. Us four always dreamed about getting it, but then we actually thought we could do it and did it."
Santiago had some of the biggest words about his teammates performances this weekend.
This is the second boys track and field championship for the Wildcats in the last five years, and third in school history. HNS was one day shy of the 70 year anniversary of Hartington High winning the 1948 Class C State Championship. There was then a drought until in 2013, it was still just Hartington High School at the time, and this year's athletes wanted to make sure to get a picture with their trophy next to the 2013 state champion Hartington banner that is one of many championship banners along the fence line of the track.
The boys surpassed their own high expectations, and were able to walk off the track with a true feeling of success.


(For Immediate Release: Onitsha Nigeria, 26th January 2019)-Cockerel or Male Fowl has laid eggs and palm kernel ripped at the tail of palm frond in Buhari's Nigeria. Nigeria has irretrievably crushed and crumbled from being Africa's enviable citadel of hopes, civilization and democratic freedoms and advancement to disgusting and despicable center of lawlessness, tyranny and governmental brigandage; administered by an assemblage of gerontocratic nonentities-Intersociety said today in a statement issued in Onitsha.
To say that we totally condemn the coupist and impeachable ousting of the CJN, Hon Justice Walter Onoghen by the sitting coupist President is an under-statement. The CJN's purported ousting is also nothing short of political witch-hunting, abuse of power and office; and ethno-religious persecution and intolerance. The coupists are so callously impatient that they could not wait for the substantive CJN to statutorily reach his age of retirement on 22nd December 2020 having been born on 22nd December 1950 or pursue his ousting through due, diligent and constitutional processes.
We have carefully followed the reactions and counter-reactions trailing the said impeachment of the Constitution by way of coupist removal of the CJN and unconstitutional appointment of a vulnerable and amenable element as "acting CJN". We have specifically read and analyzed the scripted speech of Mr. President and reactions from the Nigerian Bar Association and the opposition political parties, etc.
We also read the pro establishment reaction of Prof Itse Sagay, representing the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, justifying the coupist conduct of Mr. President. We have further ransacked the existing Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria particularly Sections 291 and 292 and the powers of the National Judicial Council over top judicial officers like CJN as contained in Supp. Section 20 under Part 1 of the Third Schedule in the Constitution.
In all these, it is validly found that circumstances under which Mr. President can remove the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria contain no minutest ambiguities and are clearly stated and spelt out. The conduct of President in the instant case is not only unconstitutional and ultra vires, but also impeachable. No section of the Constitution allows or empowers Mr. President to remove a substantive CJN by ex parte order of substantive or auxiliary court. It is also surprising how an auxiliary court that sat on 22nd January 2019 and adjourned to 28th January 2019; could turn around and grant an order ex parte a day after it had adjourned to 28th January 2019.
By Laws of Nigeria, the closest, quickest and easiest way provided for a sitting CJN to be removed by the President through the recommendation of the NJC is by the Presidency or Mr. President dragging the CJN to NJC with booklet of evidence of his or her misconducts and if credibly investigated and indicted by the NJC, Mr. President can safely and correctly act or remove him or her based on NJC recommendation. In presiding over the case or probe against the CJN, in the event the President drags him to the NJC, the existing convention provides that the meeting be presided over by the next most senior Justice of Supreme Court to ensure fairness and justness.
This procedure has been judiciously followed in Nigeria with Mr. President acting accordingly and safely in law until his latest goof. By virtue of Supp. Section 21 (b) of the Part 1 of the Third Schedule in the Constitution, powers of the National Judicial Council (NJC) include to recommend to the President the removal from office of the judicial officers specified in sub-paragraph A of this paragraph (i.e. CJN, JSC, PCA, CJs of Federal High Court, etc); and to exercise disciplinary control over such officers.
Further, contrary to Prof Itse Sagay's misinformed and utterly biased opinion, justifying the President's coupist conduct, the CJN can never be removed presidentially by mere or questionable ex parte order of an auxiliary court (i.e. CCT) or by lodgment of a criminal complaint before CCT. Contrary to Prof Itse Sagay's view, too, mere lodgment of a criminal complaint against the CJN before CCT is not and does not amount to "a breach of code of conduct"; until the matter is disposed and the accused found guilty and sentenced. Prof Itse Sagay's opinion is also not only mis-interpretative and incorrect but it is further viewed as technical admission of Mr. President's latest executive blunder and abuse of office.
Nigerians are freshly invited to re-read and analyze the well publicized text of the President's address leading to the presidential pronouncement illegally and unconstitutionally removing the CJN. The President's address is nothing short of voice of Jacob and hand of Esau. It is also beyond what a mere speech writer can prepare. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, possibly joined by Prof Itse Sagay; strongly have a case to answer and must be asked by Nigerians to tell them who actually wrote or prepared that speech or address and advised the person of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Apart from the fact that the President we know or have is not formally educated beyond arithmetic indices or grammatical parts of speech level, Nigerians are all aware or it is a public knowledge that Mr. President is aging and has some fundamental issues to settle with his physical and coherent health. Those who saw Mr. President few days ago in Onitsha, Anambra State confirmed or attested to this fact. As a matter of fact, a good number of those that graced Mr. President's visit to Onitsha and Enugu said they went to find out if "it is Buhari of old Buhari they knew or been heard of or Buhari of "Jubril of Sudan".
Other than the above, the way and manner with which the constitution and constitutionalism particularly the existing 1999 Constitution has been handled in the past 44 months or since June 2015 by the present central Government is utterly coupist and impeachable. The Constitution and the principles of Rule of Law are not only debased and castrated with reckless abandon but they are also applied in skewed, unpopular and undemocratic forms.
As a matter of fact, the country has since June 2015 been governed extra constitutionally or through personal opinions, self interpretative and self help or initiative methods. Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Prof Itse Sagay have severally been accused by critics of "usurping the Constitution and the Rule of Law" or undermining "the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria" through their biased opinions including defense and justification of Government's reprehensible policies and conducts.
There also seems to be a grand design to use "principle of vicarious liability" to gross disadvantage of the person and personality of Mr. President; whereby in a cabalistic manner, the person of Mr. President is deliberately, mischievously and selfishly pushed or encouraged or misled or ill-advised or misinformed by members of the country's ruling cabal particularly the so called "Learned Silk" or "activist legal icons" among them; to take or embark on taking certain unpopular and disintegrative positions, making the President and his person to solely bear the consequences or face damnation of such unpopular and disintegrative actions or conducts while in office or after leaving office. These are deliberately designed using the principle of "vicarious liability".
In other words, when the Presidency of Buhari finally ends, the person and personality of President Muhammadu Buhari will singly bear all the consequences and damnation alone, while those who actually caused, misled, ill-advised and misinformed him into taking such ill-fated actions will go scot-free or get transformed into "old wine in new bottle"; especially in the nowadays Nigeria's battered polity hit by gale of defection and political trading or mercantilism. Such was the case with the likes of Sani Abacha, Olusegun Obasanjo, Late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.
In the instance case, therefore, it will almost be an act of impossibility for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo both as a Prof of Law, Senior Advocate of Nigerian Legal Practice and so called "human rights activist"; not to be circumstantially or directly linked to the latest constitutional coup or impeachment.
Prof Osinbajo since assuming office as Nigeria's Vice President has received several condemnations from the informed critics for disadvantageously using his position as law professor to undermine constitutionalism and principles of rule of law and democracy in Nigeria. This he does by unleashing and imposing his personal biases and opinions as the law and governing principles on Nigeria and Nigerians.
This explains why we have resolved henceforth to include his name and position as vicarious perpetrator or accomplice in our national, regional and international advocacy campaigns against state crimes and other forms of mis-governance perpetrated and perpetuated by the present central Government in Nigeria. Also individual or collective victim or public interest litigation within and beyond national borders shall henceforth have his name and position included until he reverses himself and correctly and credibly parades himself as a true professor of law and activist Senior Advocate of Nigerian Legal Practice.
We therefore totally align ourselves with the positions already taken on the issue by other democratic movements including NBA and CUPP; provided they are not turned into the roaring of toothless lion. All courts in Nigeria must be shut down and organized labour movement down tools until the constitutional impeachment is unconditionally reversed and the CJN presidentially reinstated by Mr. President.


Located in Newmarket, Bloodstock Barn is in a rural location, within a 10-minute drive of National Horseracing Museum and National Stud. This 4-star bed & breakfast is 5.4 mi (8.6 km) from Newmarket Racecourse and 8.6 mi (13.9 km) from Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club.
Make yourself at home in one of the 3 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.
The preferred airport for Bloodstock Barn is London (STN-Stansted).


text:
Ontario cancels post-secondary expansion plans
The Government of Ontario, under Premier Doug Ford, has decided to cancel plans for three new post-secondary education campuses across Southern Ontario. The campuses had been approved, and funded, but the previous government under Premier Kathleen Wynne.
Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities provided the following statement to announce the cancellation of the new institutions:
"Our government committed to restore accountability and trust in Ontario's finances. This includes making difficult decisions about projects across the province. Through our government's independent commission of inquiry, we now know that Ontario faces a $15 billion deficit, about two and half times the estimate provided by the previous administration. As a result, the Ministry is no longer in the position to fund the following projects given the province's new fiscal restraints.
Markham Campus – York University in partnership with Seneca College
Milton Campus – Wilfrid Laurier University in partnership with Conestoga College
Brampton Campus – Ryerson University in partnership with Sheridan College
The government is committed to taking action to restore trust and accountability in the province's public finances. This measure will help make government more effective and efficient, and will ensure all spending is delivering the best value for the people of Ontario."
The cancellation of the projects will save the Government of Ontario over $300 million, as the previous government had committed $90 million to the Milton and Brampton campuses, along with $127.3 million for the Markham campus.
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This is the final post in a series of 4 on GDPR. Part 1 covered who is subject to GDPR requirements, Part 2 identified data security requirements, and Part 3 covered how organizations should prepare.
In this post, we'll look at penalties for non-compliance.
The GDPR gives new power to data protection authorities. Compared to its predecessor, the Data Protection Directive (95/46/EC), the GDPR gives data protection authorities more investigative and enforcement powers and the power to levy more substantial fines to organizations not in compliance.
Previously, each member state was free to adopt laws in accordance with the principles of the Directive, which meant that there were differences in the way each member implemented and enforced the principles of the Directive. The GDPR is a regulation that applies in all member states of the EU. It provides a new one-stop-shop regulatory framework for the investigation of complaints and enforcement of the GDPR requirements.
Lead Supervisory Authority - will act as the lead supervisory authority for the controllers and processors whose main establishments are located in its member state. This will permit a controller or processor to rely on the guidance and enforcement procedures of one single EU supervisory authority.
Local Authority - may deal with complaints or infringements that only affect data subjects in its member state.
Concerned Authorities - will act when data subjects in their member state are substantially affected and will cooperate with the lead supervisory authority for the matter.
This model is designed to provide a uniform, cross-EU enforcement model that still provides individual member states flexibility on matters that pertain only to data subjects residing within their territory.
If it is determined that non-compliance was related to technical measures such as impact assessments, breach notifications and certifications, then the fine may be up to an amount that is the Greater of €10 million or 2% of global annual revenue from the prior year.
In the case of non-compliance with key provisions, regulators have the authority to levy a fine in an amount that is up to the GREATER of €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover in the prior year. Examples that fall under this category are non-adherence to the core principles of processing personal data, infringement of the rights of data subjects and the transfer of personal data to third countries or international organizations that do not ensure an adequate level of data protection.
The key word is "greater". This generates the most concern for those who must comply with this regulation. Many global companies have annual revenues in the tens of billions.
Let's look at an example. Company A generates €30 billion in revenue in 2017 and in 2018 it is found to have transferred personal data to a third country that lacks the appropriate safeguards to protect that data. The relevant supervisory authority will have the power to levy a fine of €1.2 billion (4% of €30 billion), which is far more than €20 million. While 4% fines will be reserved for only the most flagrant violators, even a 1.5% fine – €450 million in our example – could make a material difference to a company that will also be dealing with pressure on its business from bad press and a loss of market trust.
What does this all mean? The time to start planning for GDPR compliance is now. May 2018 is not as far off, and time-consuming investigations and hefty fines may loom on the horizon. Once you discover and inventory your data repositories and sensitive data you can begin to better scope your readiness project.
For a free GDPR data security consultation, contact one of our security experts here.


A few years ago, at UNCO (a conference I attend annually almost religiously) I was pouring my second cup of coffee in the cafeteria when I saw Carol Howard Merritt writing on a bunch of small pieces of paper. As I walked by, she looked up and asked if I could help her.
"Sure, what are we doing?" I asked as I took a seat at her table.
I took a blue sharpie and starting writing phrases like: You have permission. Just do it. Yes, you can. Go ahead; do it. Today is your day. And the one that I got – This is your year.
I carried that permission slip around in my wallet for more than a year.
That was a stellar year for me and my congregation. We created a third vocation for our community of faith - a Wellness Center. And I wrote a memoir.
My friend, Carol affirms full life – so much so that she wrote a book on how to embrace full life even when the community of the guy who desires to give us full life beats the life out of us.
Carol has a similar background as me. She went to Moody Bible Institute; I went to Oral Roberts. She has been a faithful follower of Jesus since her earliest days. She has memories of church and prayer meetings and bible studies that mirror my own. She also has painful family memories that are intertwined with her faith formation – just like mine.
In our childhood and youth, we learn of faith while we are learning to be people. And then more often than not in our early adult life, we spend a lot of time with and money on therapists trying to separate the two. As a pastor, I have cared for so many people who have baggage from conservative Christian homes. This may be offensive, but one of my seminary professors told us that when she was raising her children, they were allowed to watch anything on television except Christian broadcasting. Christian dogma, or any religious dogma, is the hardest thing to unlearn.
Carol's book doesn't seek to help someone unlearn dogma. Instead, it creates a path for full life, despite dogma. She's has even created a path alongside dogma. But the book isn't for the faint of heart because she asks a lot from the reader. She asks us to remember moments of pain, grief an confusion. She questions the the picture of God we hold in our deepest hearts and she turns it upside down while still treasuring that very picture.
Carol, like so many of my friends and colleagues, have persisted in relationship with the church despite being chastised for our questions, our gender, our sexuality, our beliefs and interpretations of the Bible. Even though you may never know it, there actually is a robust herd of followers of Jesus who do not consider themselves evangelical Christians. We have a whole other way of understanding faith and God and our world and one another and ourselves. And we still call ourselves, rightfully, Christians.
There still are a lot of people who persist in attending church to sit next to people who are different, sometimes odd, almost always needing something in life – love, acceptance, rest, forgiveness, peace and maybe permission. But as many who have persisted with the thing called church, there are a lot who have not. There are a lot of people who have given up because the very place that should have offered them love, hurt them or rejected them. Carol shines light on some of that rejection: abuse, patriarchy, gender identity, sexual identity, body image, finances and even fear of emotions.
If this sounds like you or someone you know - maybe this is your year or their year. Maybe this is the year to remember the pain, grief or confusion of faith and religion. Maybe this is your year to turn your image of God upside down while still treasuring it. And if this is your year, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Carol Howard Merritt.
PS: Seriously... don't worry. She would happily guide you whether you have any intention of darkening the door of a church again or not. I promise. This journey is worth it regardless of the religious outcome.