You may not know this, but I am the undisputed king of awkward grocery store conversations.
I'm picking out cereal at Stop 'n Shop -- trying to decide whether to indulge the kids and get them that box of Fruity Pebbles -- and a parishioner who hasn't been to church in a long time sees me and is suddenly stricken with guilt. If he or she can't duck into the frozen food section fast enough, I'm greeted with an embarrassed look and peppered with excuses that would make an elementary-school teacher blush.
Most clergy have this experience in the communities they serve. These less-than-satisfying encounters take place at the town pool or the gas station or the coffee shop. Basically anywhere people interact with one another. It's awkward, it's uncomfortable, it's annoying.
I can't speak for other clergy but I do like to make it clear that I'm not the church's CGO -- Chief Guilt Officer. Despite any outward appearances to the contrary (like that collar I often, but not always, wear), that's not my job.
I don't take attendance at worship. I don't cruise around town hiding in shadows like a private eye seeking to expose and guilt wayward parishioners back into the fold. I don't haunt local sports fields on the rare Sunday off while I'm in town to glare at people watching their kids play soccer rather than coming to church.
So you don't have to explain your absences or make excuses about your life's priorities. I'd love it if you were here more often. The community is diminished when you're not present at worship. But I'm not Big Brother, or even Big Father as the case may be.
People are adults (well, unless they're children) and can make their own choices. I explain the importance of communal worship and am passionate about our responsibility as Christians. But I'm not an ecclesiastical bounty hunter.
My role is one of invitation. I'm more fling open the gates than gatekeeper. And there's personal and vocational freedom in this. So I will always encourage and invite but the rest is above my pay grade.
Know this, however: Jesus, is patiently and diligently seeking you out. Calling you by name; lovingly beckoning you home. Reminding you that the door is always open.
And Jesus doesn't just sit around twiddling his thumbs waiting for your return. Jesus goes out to find you. He goes to the unsavory places of your soul and calls you back. He enters your sometimes apathetic heart and calls you back. He chases you down wherever you may be and whatever trouble you may have found and calls you back. Lovingly and persistently.
Haha! This is so great. We pastored a small church in a small town for 10 years and the same thing happened all the time. Drove me crazy! Can't we just have a nice little chat instead of 10 minutes of explanation why you haven't been to church?
When we first started there, a guy came up at safeway and said he was a backslider and used to go to our church. So awkward!!
I once had a parishioner confront me for not checking up on them when they hadn't been to church in a while. (?!) I said that "I don't take attendance" line and she shot back that maybe I should. "What if we had been sick and in the hospital?!" she shouted. I replied--calmly--that I would hope someone would have let me know so that I could visit them. I think sometimes these conversations are a way to see if we care enough to notice. It's passive-aggressive and sick, and I'm not saying we need to play the game--only that there may be more to it than just their excuses.
I think Nancy Moore hit the nail on the proverbial head. I don't always think that it is so deliberate as she suggests. Sometimes I suspect people begin to feel disengaged,then they start coming less, and look at what the reaction is. I do think there should be a group in a parish that has it as their charge to follow up on members. especially during transition times like change of rector. Perhaps, Tim, if you could just introduce a topic in those conversations that focused on their kid or on some other topic than church attendance, that might turn the conversational tide into a happier place.


text:
More exciting moments from couple's fairytale wedding
ayodele johnson
The newly wedded couple successfully pulled off a memorable event, as Prince Harry brings in a Princess.
James Matthews and Pippa Middleton.
It was all thrills and glamour as Pippa Middleton and James Matthews got married yesterday, May 20, 2017, at the ancient St Marks church in the Berkshire village, Englefield.
One other thing that gained the attention of observers apart from the fashion statements made by guests was Prince Harry's girlfriend, Meghan Markle.
The "Suits" actress arrived in time to witness a flyby from a World War Two Spitfire which came at the cost of £700,000 according to The Sun UK News.
Her attendance is another indication that her relationship with the prince is sitting on high defenses.
What is a high profile British wedding without some uniquely designed costly hats? Don't look too far for an answer.
Female guests, including the sister of the bride, Kate Middleton proved to be delightful in their varied colourful, hate adding a final touch to their elegance.
And the energetic underlings that flocked Pippa as she navigated the picturesque church? Such lovely dolls these ones.
They were the perfect fit for what would be considered a memorable union between the bride and former Hedge Fund manager, James Matthews.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
What is no-code?
What are no-code platforms?
No-code app development platforms
No-code analytics platforms
No-code marketing platforms
No-code automation platforms
No-code web development platforms
Top 15 No-code Platforms To Scale Your Business in 2023
Maryam Oseni
24 Jan 2023 • 5 min read
The rise of digital transformation came with the need for businesses to automate and implement quickly if they ever want to scale and compete in the market. However, many businesses struggle with the technical expertise and costs required to do this efficiently. The solution: no-code platforms. With no-code platforms, companies can innovate quickly without waiting on a select few people to implement their solutions.
According to Gartner's Magic Quadrant report for enterprise low-code application platforms, 65% of application development activities will be done by no-code app development platforms in 2024. In this article, we will explore 15 of the top no-code platforms that can help businesses scale in 2023. These platforms have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for non-technical members to customize them for their needs.. We will also explore the features and pricing of each platform.
No-code means creating and building software, websites, and apps without coding experience or knowledge. This is achieved through visual drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and other user-friendly features that allow users to create and launch their projects without knowing how to code.
No-code platforms provide the necessary features to create and build software, websites, and apps without coding. They range from website builders to automation software to app development platforms. They are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, making them accessible to many users, regardless of their coding experience.
Flatlogic Platform
https://flatlogic.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlw0mUxohlg
Flatlogic is a no-code app development platform that allows users to quickly and easily create full-stack web apps without writing any code. It has customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for anyone to build an app. With Flatlogic, users can generate full-stack database-based apps using React, Vue, and Angular in three steps – select your stack and template, connect to Github, and deploy your app in minutes.
Flatlogic also offers a fully-documented REST API for creating Headless CMSs, making it simple to perform everyday data operations such as Create, Read, Update, and Delete. With Flatlogic, businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals can save time and money by creating full-fledged web apps without extensive technical knowledge.
Creates full-stack apps that are connected to a database and backend using React, Vue, and Angular.
REST API for creating Headless CMS
Easy connection to Github for app deployment
Pricing: Flatlogic offers an annual subscription that saves up to 37% compared to a monthly subscription.
The individual plan is priced at $299.00 per app/year, making it a cost-effective solution for small projects and MVPs.
The Professional plan is priced at $2,990.00/year, perfect for agencies and professional developers. It includes everything from the Individual Plan and allows unlimited applications, all front-end options (React, Angular, Vue), all backend-end options (Node.js, Laravel), and all database options (PostgreSQL, MySQL).
The Enterprise plan is adjustable to your business needs and comes with a dedicated account manager.
With its per-application pricing, Flatlogic is an excellent option for anyone looking to create a web app quickly and without extensive technical knowledge.
Adalo
https://www.adalo.com/
Adalo is a no-code app development platform that enables users to create custom web and mobile applications without code. It has a built-in database that allows users to easily manage their content and develop relationships, toggle visibility settings, or explore integrations for unmatched complexity and power.
Adalo also makes publishing apps to any app store or custom domain easy. Toggle publishing settings to run iOS and Android builds or instantly push updates to your custom web domain.
Adalo also offers monetization, scaling, and growth tools with a built-in analytics dashboard to keep you growing and iterating in the directions that matter. It also makes it easy to connect your app with thousands of third-party apps and services through APIs to build more intelligent and powerful custom software.
Customize your app with your own branding.
Built-in database for content management.
Easily publish your app to the iOS or Android app stores.
Pricing: Adalo offers five pricing plans:
Free: $0 per month/billed annually
Starter: $36 per month/billed annually
Professional: $52 per month/billed annually
Team: $160 per month/billed annually
Business: $200 per month/billed annually
Adalo enables users to create custom web and mobile apps without writing code, with easy publishing options, a built-in database, analytics, and integrations for a complete solution for creating, managing, and scaling your custom software.
https://bubble.io/
Bubble is a powerful no-code platform for creating digital products such as CRMs, SaaS apps, and dashboards. The platform offers complete functionality without the need for any code, allowing users to create multi-user apps for desktop and mobile web browsers, with features similar to apps like Facebook or Airbnb. Bubble also offers a range of design options, with no need for knowledge of HTML or CSS and robust, scalable infrastructure that handles deployment and hosting for you.
Responsive, pixel-perfect designs and layout.
Real-time collaboration.
Plug-ins to connect analytics, email marketing, SEO, and payment tools.
Pricing: Bubble offers five pricing plans:
Free: includes core platform features and bubble branding.
Personal ($29/month): includes core platform + API and custom domain.
Professional ($129/month): includes three units of server capacity, two application editors, and two development versions.
Production ($529/month): includes ten units of server capacity, 15 application editors, and 20 development versions.
Custom: includes a dedicated server, configuration, and hosting region choice.
Bubble is a no-code platform for creating digital products with a full range of features and customization options, robust, scalable infrastructure, and a dedicated learning platform. It is an excellent option for those who want to create complex apps without coding.
https://www.code2.io/
Code2 is a no-code platform for easy data integration and real-time data consolidation. It allows you to bring together scattered data, view it in real-time, and use it to power your apps without the complexity and expense of conventional data warehouses. The platform enables you to easily connect to your data, regardless of where it resides, such as Hubspot, Shopify, Stripe, or other databases, and merge different sources into a single, all-encompassing data source.
Code2 also allows you to automate repetitive tasks with smart workflows, simplifying your back-end and front-end actions, providing users with an integrated end-user experience, and creating triggers for UI and data, scheduled batch jobs, and user behavior. This allows your team to focus on value-creating activities and improve productivity.
Automate trigger responses to user behavior.
Ready-made UI blocks and app templates.
Easily connects to multiple databases.
Pricing: Code2 offers four pricing plans: Free, Lite, Standard, and Pro, priced at $0, $14, $49, and $139, respectively. The pricing increases with the number of features and functionalities offered.
The platform's real-time data integration and consolidation capabilities and smart workflows can improve your team's productivity and efficiency. The pricing plans are also very reasonable, making it accessible to all types of users.
Narrative BI
https://www.narrative.bi/
Narrative BI is a powerful no-code analytics platform to help growth teams turn their data into meaningful narratives. It provides valuable insights from marketing and advertising data automatically and makes it easy to connect all your data sources in one place. With the ability to integrate with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Google Analytics, Narrative BI is perfect for businesses of all sizes.
One of the standout features of Narrative BI is its ability to scale with your business. Its no-code automated marketing reporting platform for agencies is perfect for tracking multiple marketing campaigns at once and automating reporting for all your clients. You can generate automatic reports in minutes and speed up your agency's reporting process. With the ability to schedule reports to be delivered to clients daily, weekly, or monthly and intelligent insights in a single click, Narrative BI is an excellent option for agencies of all sizes.
Integrates with GA4, Universal Analytics, Google Ads, and Facebook Ads.
24/7 coverage for easy anomaly detection.
Automated reports delivered on schedule via email or Slack.
Pricing: Narrative BI has four pricing plans:
Free: integration with Universal Analytics and GA4, 100k monthly sessions, daily data syncs, two users, one workspace, and one data source.
Pro ($90/month): includes Facebook Ads and Google Ads integration, 1M monthly sessions, data syncs every 6 hours, five users, and 3 data sources.
Growth ($490/month): includes custom metrics and dimensions, roles and permissions, 10M monthly sessions, data syncs every 4 hours, 25 users, five workspaces, and 15 data sources.
Enterprise (custom pricing): unlimited users, data sources, and workspaces, unlimited monthly sessions, and hourly data syncs.
Narrative BI is a great solution for businesses and agencies looking for a powerful, no-code analytics platform that provides valuable insights, effortless integration, and easy scalability. Its pricing options can cater to a wide range of needs, from small businesses to large enterprise-level companies looking to streamline their data analysis and reporting process and gain valuable insights from their marketing and advertising data.
https://funnel.io/
Funnel is a powerful marketing data hub that provides performance control. The platform is designed for modern, data-driven marketers who want to unlock their potential and focus on improving their marketing efforts.
It defines marketing effectiveness, optimizes your spending, and provides faster and more accurate reporting. The platform also provides an omnichannel overview, giving you a clear picture of your acquisition and activation data from any marketing apps or platforms.
Funnel also makes it easy to share insights with your team. You can easily share data and insights through a dashboard, spreadsheet, warehouse, or another destination.
Automatically updated reports.
Connects to over 500 marketing data sources.
Automated data sharing to Looker, Tableau, and other data destinations.
Pricing: Funnel's pricing is based on two main categories for Marketers and Agencies and is billed annually.
Essentials: starts at €359/month, perfect for small teams familiar with data collection.
Plus: starts at €899/month and includes access to a custom connectors program, guided onboarding, and premium chat support.
Enterprise: starts at €1799/month, best for large teams that require robust support, security, and scalability.
Agency Small: starts at €359/month, best for small agencies who prefer self-service.
Agency Medium: starts at €899/month, best for most independent agencies.
Agency Large: starts at €1799/month, best for large agencies.
It is an ideal solution for global enterprises that want to avoid wasted marketing spend, excessive resource requirements, and data quality issues. With the platform, you can give every team a secure single source of truth without the overhead of a traditional data stack.
Corraldata
https://corraldata.com/
Corraldata is a powerful data platform designed for non-technical teams. The platform provides full-service integration and powerful built-in tools for business users, allowing you to connect everything from spreadsheets to ERP platforms in one place. With more than 200 out-of-the-box integrations and advanced support for custom integrations, Corraldata is a comprehensive solution that provides a single source of truth for all your data.
Pre-built analytics dashboards for easy customization.
Built-in collaboration and chat features.
Multiple custom integrations.
Pricing: The platform offers three pricing plans. Each plan has a 30-day free trial.
Essential: $150/month per data source.
Teams: $250/month per data source.
Enterprise: It's custom pricing; you need to contact them for more information.
Its comprehensive suite of tools and integrations makes it easy for anyone to turn data into action. The platform's pricing options are also flexible, making it an accessible solution for businesses of all sizes.
https://www.marketo.com/adobe-experience-cloud/
Adobe Marketo Engage is a marketing automation platform that helps businesses connect with customers and keep them engaged. It offers a wide range of tools and integrations, making it easy for companies to create personalized content and deliver it at the right time, every time.
One of the standout features of Marketo Engage is its ability to personalize user experiences, from emails to landing pages, even for anonymous visitors. It uses in-depth profiles, real-time behavioral and demographic data, and AI to create personalized content tailored to each customer.
It also offers advanced marketing analytics, multi-touch attribution, and tools that connect sales and marketing data, allowing businesses to quickly see the effectiveness of each piece of content and how well their customer journeys are working. With the ability to get a holistic picture of the entire customer journey from the first interaction to conversion, businesses can make more informed decisions and improve their marketing efforts.
Predictive audience building and segmentation using AI
Built in intelligence for account-based marketing
Cross-channel marketing
Pricing: Marketo Engage's pricing is not disclosed; you need to contact them for more information.
https://www.getresponse.com/
GetResponse is an all-in-one marketing solution that enables businesses to simplify their email campaigns, website creation, and marketing automation. The platform is designed to assist companies in establishing their online presence and expanding their customer base.
GetResponse has lead-generation tools that allow businesses to find new customers and grow their email lists through targeted and effective communication. The platform also provides a means for companies to engage with and retain their existing customers through tailored online interactions. Additionally, GetResponse offers e-commerce-specific features that help businesses increase their online sales by providing personalized experiences to their website visitors.
Pricing: GetResponse has three pricing plans:
Free: This plan contains everything you need for the basics, including email marketing, landing pages, and sign-up forms, and can connect up to 500 contacts.
Paid: Lowest plan starts at $13.30/month and includes premium features like marketing automation, segmentation, live chats, and e-commerce features.
Max2: A custom-made solution with unique features and custom pricing.
Overall, it's a valuable option for companies looking to expand their online presence and customer base.
https://useproof.com/
Proof is a website conversion optimization tool that helps businesses increase website conversions by up to 15% in under 15 minutes. The platform is designed to make customer-obsessed marketing easy and effective. With Proof, businesses can make their website more human and engaging, leading to better customer experiences and higher conversion rates.
One of the key features of Proof is Hot Streaks, which shows the total number of people who have recently taken action on a business's website. This is great for high-traffic pages such as content opt-ins, webinar registrations, and free-trial pages, as it helps build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Another feature is Live Visitor Count, which displays the number of people viewing a page or the entire website. This is useful for creating scarcity on pages with limited inventory, such as physical product, booking, and event ticket sales pages.
Easy to set up on your website.
A/B testing to track conversion.
Integrates with Zapier to send conversion events from your CMS.
Pricing: Proof's pricing is based on the number of monthly visitors.
– Basic (0 to 1k): $29/month
– Pro (1k+ to 10k): $79/month
– Business (10k+ to 50k): $129/month
– Premium (50k+ to 100k): $199/month
– Platinum (100k+ to 300k): $299/month
– Enterprise (> 300k): Custom pricing
Its suite of conversion optimization features can help businesses build credibility, create scarcity, and boost customer confidence, leading to higher conversion rates.
https://zapier.com/
Zapier is an all-around automation platform that allows users to automate anything, including lead flow, sales outreach, contracts, team updates, and even to-do lists. Zapier is a platform that connects work apps and streamlines business operations.
It helps businesses manage their entire funnel and empowers them to serve their organization better. From side hustlers to enterprise leaders, Zapier enables individuals and teams to focus on the bigger picture by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. It supports over 5,000 apps, providing infinite possibilities to connect the tools businesses use today and in the future.
Easy to set up.
Customized logical workflows for a range of actions..
Over 5,000 automation possibilities.
Pricing: Zapier offers several pricing plans that cater to different needs.
Free: 100 tasks/month.
Starter ($29.99/month): 750 tasks per month.
Professional ($73.50/month): 2,000 tasks per month.
Team ($598.50/month): 50,000 tasks per month.
Company ($1198.50): for organizations that want automation with robust security features and oversight capabilities.
In conclusion, Zapier is a powerful automation platform that can help businesses of all sizes streamline their operations and manage their entire funnel.
https://parabola.io/
Parabola is a tool that helps businesses automate, document, and collaborate their processes to achieve operational excellence. It's designed for businesses with unique, complex, and ever-changing workflows and for people who are experts at their processes rather than writing code. Additionally, it's beneficial for teams that want to unblock the engineering queue and scale efficiently.
Integrates with Shopify for ecommerce automation workflows.
Multiple API integrations to unify your workflow.
SOC 2 Type II compliant
Pricing: The platform offers three pricing plans.
Basic: free
Plus: $80
Advanced: contact sales for custom pricing.
The pricing plans are flexible and allow businesses of different sizes to access the tool. It's an excellent option for companies looking to achieve operational excellence.
https://webflow.com/
Webflow is a robust website design and development tool that empowers designers and teams to create, collaborate, and scale beautiful websites in a visual canvas without coding. With Webflow, you can build any website you can imagine with the full power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a visual canvas. With over 3.5 million users, Webflow is one of the most popular website-building tools on the market.
Ready-made templates built with HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
Flexible content management system.
Pricing: Webflow offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.
Starter: Free
Basic: $14/month billed yearly.
CMS: $23/month, billed yearly.
Business: $39/month, billed yearly
Enterprise: contact sales
Elementor is the ultimate website-building tool for WordPress users. With its powerful drag-and-drop editor, you can easily create stunning websites without the need for any coding. The platform offers a variety of widgets, including more than 100 full website designs based on the Hello Theme. With Elementor, you can choose from an extensive library of pre-designed website designs that are ready to use and easily customizable to suit your needs.
In addition to its robust design capabilities, Elementor also offers world-class hosting powered by Google, ensuring that your website will perform at its best. With Elementor, you can manage your entire website's design system, including global colors and fonts, to create a consistent web experience.
Built-in hosting powered by Google.
Full website design kits.
Available in multiple languages.
Pricing: For a one-time payment of $99 per year, you can access the full suite of Elementor's features, including the Theme, Editor, and Hosting.
With Elementor, you can easily build, manage, and host stunning websites, making it the #1 website platform for WordPress users.
Carrd
https://carrd.co/
The Pro plan gives you access to exclusive features such as custom domains, forms, Google Analytics tracking, widgets for third-party services like payment gateways, and the ability to publish more than three sites.
Very simple platform.
Integrates with multiple email marketing platforms.
Easy-to-edit, responsive templates.
Pricing: Carrd is free for up to 3 sites, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to create a website without breaking the bank. Carrd offers an optional Go Pro upgrade for just $19/year for those looking to add more features.
Carrd's pricing structure is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone looking to create a website with ease.
No-code platforms have revolutionized the way businesses and individuals approach technology and development. With the right one, anyone can create and launch a website or app or automate marketing tasks without knowing how to code. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or just someone looking to create a new project, these platforms can make your life easier and help you achieve your goals.
What is the difference between Low Code & No Code
The development industry has an obvious use for low-code and no-code platfo...
What is Low-code – A Detail Guide
Are you looking to leverage low code development for your applications? Bef...
Low Code vs No Code: Key Differences
Just try to assume that there isn't any difference between low code a...


Finding hidden insights into market dynamics is a challenge for players in the agricultural and construction industries. We get it, and as such, you can count on us to help you understand how IronTrends can improve your business's decisions. Let's talk about it.


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Photos: Nintendo Switch Road Trip Pop-Up Event Arrives at Universal CityWalk Hollywood with Games, Photo Ops
by Mike Celestino | Aug 25, 2022 2:53 pm (Pacific)
Tags: Nintendo, Nintendo Switch, Universal CityWalk
Here we go! After making the rounds though the continental United States with stops in Minneapolis, Denver, Milwaukee, Chicago, San Diego (for Comic-Con), Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, the Nintendo Switch Road Trip has made it to sunny Los Angeles, California where it is being hosted at the CityWalk shopping district right outside of Universal Studios Hollywood.
This exciting pop-up experience occupies the plaza next to the Universal Cinema, and features fun photo ops, free giveaways, and the chance to play some very cool Nintendo Switch video games.
Guests will see signs along the pathways at Universal CityWalk pointing the way toward the Nintendo Switch Road Trip pop-up location, where two lines are formed for entry– one for those with pre-booked reservations, and a standby queue for those without.
Outside the experience is a display for Jakks Pacific's upcoming Mario Kart 24V ride-on racer, which boasts speeds up to eight miles per hour, rear drifting wheels, and Mart Kart sounds.
Once guests have gotten through the queue, they are brought into the main tent, where groups of four can play a series of Nintendo Switch games together– specifically Mario Strikers Battle League, Nintendo Switch Sports, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Once participants have finished their experience with the three games (totalling about ten minutes with each title) they can pause for a photo op with Kirby and popping out of that famous green pipe from the Super Mario franchise (pictured above).
Departing guests are also given a complimentary Kirby and the Forgotten Land swag bag with a Super Mario action figure, a Nintendo Switch activity book, and a coupon for $1 off Fudge Stripe cookies. And on my way out of CityWalk, I caught a brief glimpse of the highly anticipated new land Super Nintendo World, which is currently under construction at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Nintendo Switch Road Trip continues at Universal CityWalk Hollywood from now through Sunday, August 28th. The tour then goes on to Seattle, Washington for its final stop from September 2nd through the 5th. For additional information, be sure to visit the official Nintendo Switch Road Trip website.
Mike Celestino
Mike serves as Laughing Place's lead Southern California reporter, Editorial Director for Star Wars content, and host of the weekly "Who's the Bossk?" Star Wars podcast. He's been fascinated by Disney theme parks and storytelling in general all his life and resides in Burbank, California with his beloved wife and cats.
View all articles by Mike Celestino
Nintendo Switch Pop-Up Experience To Arrive At Universal…
Chick Chick Chicken Opens In Universal CityWalk at Universal…
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Walkthrough Comes to Universal…
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Items where Author is "Al-Shishtawi, Mohammad Shafique"
Al-Shishtawi, Mohammad Shafique and Shafique, Muhammad Use of On-line Taxonomies in Creating Global Schemas. NCC1997.
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text:
Application for Certificate of Appropriateness
HDC Agendas
Preservation Resources
Submitted Applications and COA's (By District)
Submitted Applications and COA's (By Year)
City of Charlotte > Planning > Historic Districts
Due to the recent volume of HDC applications, the January & February 2020 HDC agendas are full. We are currently accepting applications for the March 11, 2020 HDC agenda and beyond.
The final plans deadline for the February HDC meeting is January 15, 2020.
The application & final plans deadline for the March HDC meeting is February 5, 2020 or whenever the March HDC meeting is full, whichever comes first.
Six of Charlotte's significant older neighborhoods have been designated by City Council as Local Historic Districts, in recognition of their importance in the history and character of the city. The twelve member Historic District Commission (HDC) and its staff work with property owners and businesses in the districts to assure that development and renovation occurs in a manner that is consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Any changes made to the exterior of a property in a historic district requires review by the HDC or its staff. The HDC Design Guidelinesprovide guidance on the types of projects and materials that are permitted and if they require review by staff or the commission.
Meetings
2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. (except where a City holiday requires a change in date). Please consult the meeting schedulefor details.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
See the specific HDC meeting agendafor room location.
COA application deadlines for full commission review: Deadlines are the first Wednesday of the month, one month prior to the HDC meeting. Please consult the meeting schedulefor details.
*Administrative review applications do not have a deadline and can be submitted on a rolling basis.
New for 2020: the HDC application and plan submission deadline is being moved from the third Wednesday to the first Wednesday of each month. The first Wednesday deadline is for projects wishing to be slated on the following month's meeting agenda. The submission deadline for applications, final plans and presentations are being combined into a single deadline and the plan revision deadline is being removed.
For more information on the HDC Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process and to apply for a HDC COA, please see the Application for Certificate of Appropriateness page.
Pre-Submittal Meeting
Applicants with major projects that are being considered for the first time by the commission can request a pre-submittal meeting in order to discuss the project and get feedback in order to streamline the application process. Please submit a pre-submittal meeting request here. We are interested in your feedback on the pre-submittal process, please contact staff at the information below to provide feedback.
Charlotte Historic District Interactive Map
The Charlotte Historic District map is an interactive program that allows users to view descriptions of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness which are highlighted on the District maps in bold color. You can search by street address, parcel ID, application number or by clicking on the parcel. If there are multiple projects per parcel, you will be able to advance through each description by clicking on the arrow at the top right of the pop-up box. If you need further assistance there is a help icon on the application.
Local District Information
(Designated 1983, 1992)
Map of Dilworth's Historic District
Since its inception in the 1890's, Dilworth has been one of Charlotte's most distinct neighborhoods. Developed as the city's first suburb, Dilworth was connected to downtown by Charlotte's first electric streetcar. The success of the initial development of Dilworth led its creator, Edward Dilworth Latta, to expand the neighborhood in the 1910's, under a plan by the Olmstead Brothers, then the nation's preeminent landscape designers.
Although their plan was never fully implemented, the Olmstead's curved roads and dramatic landscaping set the tone for much of Charlotte's future character. In 1987, Dilworth was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
(Designated 1976)
Map of Fourth Ward's Historic District
In the 1850's, Fourth Ward was a prosperous residential area, convenient to downtown businesses and shops. As residential development shifted to the suburbs with the opening of Dilworth in the late nineteenth century, all of Charlotte's original residential wards would see an eventual decline. By the 1970's, many of Fourth Ward's Victorian homes had been demolished or converted to boarding houses and offices. Through the combined efforts of civic and community leaders, Fourth Ward underwent a dramatic revitalization in the 1970's.
Plaza-Midwood
(Designated 1992)
Map of Plaza-Midwood's Historic District
Developed in the 1910's and 1920's, Plaza-Midwood is the product of several different developments undertaken by various interests. These early small neighborhoods grew together over the years to become today's Plaza-Midwood.
Fluctuating economic conditions during the area's growth and the differing visions of the many developers involved came together to create the most eclectic of Charlotte's local historic districts. The Plaza-Midwood Local Historic District came about as a result of efforts of neighborhood residents, and its designation created the model for the designation process today.
Map of Wesley Height's Historic District
Charlotte's only Local Historic District located on the Westside, Wesley Heights retains an amazing degree of its original character.
The neighborhood was developed primarily in the 1920's, and involved some of the same interests responsible for the creation of Elizabeth. Wesley Heights has survived some dramatic changes in its history, and yet still appears much like it did when it was served by Charlotte's streetcar system. The neighborhood's Bungalow style homes and tree canopied streets compliment the involvement of Wesley Height's residents, whose efforts led to the listing of the area on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994
Hermitage Court
Map of Hermitage Court's Historic District
In 1911, a new suburban development was announced, to be built on the on the southern edge of Charlotte . This new subdivision, carved out of a cotton farm long owned by the Myers family, became Myers Park, one of Charlotte 's best known and most desirable subdivisions.
The layout of Myers Park was designed by John Nolen, one of the most notable landscape architects and urban designers of his day. Following Nolen's vision of a new town in a forest, The Stephens Company, a family business of the Myers family, developed the overwhelming majority of Myers Park . There were, however, a few small sections that were developed by other interests under the umbrella of the Stephens Company, and within the overall plan conceived by Nolen and his protégé, Earle Sumner Draper.
Hermitage Court was one of these small areas, and was developed by Charlotte builder F. M. Simmons. Simmons was responsible for the stone gateways that flank each end of this section of Hermitage Court. He also built for himself the house at 625 Hermitage Court. This grand Colonial Revival style house, completed in 1913, is one of the oldest existing homes in Myers Park.
A 1914 survey map shows the original street and lot layout for Myers Park , and includes Hermitage Court stretching from Simmon's home east to Providence Road. With the exception of two later multi-family projects, the homes along Hermitage Court were all constructed between 1913 and 1925, and include some of the oldest homes in the neighborhood. The architecture of Hermitage Court is an eclectic mix of Bungalow style houses interspersed with examples of several of the revival styles that were popular in the early 20th Century, including Colonial and Tudor revival homes. Almost a century later, the overwhelming majority of the houses retain their original architectural character.
Map of Wilmore Local Historic District
Wilmore, located to the southwest of downtown Charlotte, was developed as a streetcar suburb in the early years of the 20th Century. Wilmore mirrors the single family bungalows and wide curvilinear streets and sidewalks of Dilworth, and shared the streetcar line from the center of town with this sister neighborhood.
The early history of the area that became the Wilmore area included its long use as farmland. It also contained parts of Blandville, one of several African-American villages that lay just outside the town of Charlotte. The Rudisill Gold Mine, one of the most productive of the mines that fueled the country's first gold rush in and around Charlotte.
In 1906, developer F. C. Abbot and the Southern Realty Company purchased the land that would become Wilmore from several owners. Abbot combined the names of two of those former owners, the Wilson and Moore families, to create the name "Wilmore for the new planned suburb just south of the rapidly growing town of Charlotte.
Wilmore contains a wide range of styles and materials in its buildings, with the majority exhibiting the low overhanging roofs, full-width front porches and craftsman details typical of the Bungalow style. Although it is primarily a single family neighborhood, Wilmore is also home to numerous duplexes, apartment buildings and churches, as well as commercial and industrial buildings.
Commission Staff
Ms. Kristi Harpst
Ms. Cindy Kochanek
Ms. Candice Leite
Ms. Linda Keich
Historic District Commission Information
- 2020 Meeting schedule & deadlines
- Agendas & Minutes
- HDC Roster
- HDC Year in Review Infographic (2018)
- Rules & Procedures
- Charlotte's Local Historic Districts Map
- Design Guidelines
- Do I Need a Building Permit?
Resources & Neighborhood Information
**Active Delay of Demolition Properties**
Oaklawn Park Open House
- Charlotte Architectural Survey Ph. 1 Report
- Local Historic District Maps
- National Register Maps
- American Small House
- Preservation Resources
- Repairing Old Windows
For more information regarding the Historic District Commission contact:
Charlotte Historic District Commission
600 East Fourth Street (8th Floor)
charlottehdc@charlottenc.gov


Q: My 10 or 11 year old bassett hound has for the past 2-3 years drank water excessively and then urinates large amounts. In the past 2 years he has wanted to eat dirt, and of course any rocks or sticks that are in the dirt. Then when he was boarded for 10 days in June, he started eating his poop. Now, I cannot get him to stop eating the poop, I have put hot sauce on it, to no avail and just have to follow him outside and scoop it immediately. I have tried several pills on the market to put in his food to deter poop eating but no change has occurred. He has been tested several times in last few years for diabetes, thyroid problems,etc. He has not tested positive for any of these. What do you suggest for his diet that may give him the minerals or nutrients he so evidently appears to need. He currently eats 3 cups of dry food daily(Nutro-small bits) mixed with plain yogurt and chicken broth but has an obsession with eating also--never appears satisfied. Any suggestions for helping with the poop eating, excessive drinking, excessive urinating, and dirt eating would be greatly appreciated!!!
Secondly, when dogs eat stool, it can be a sign of a lot of different types of issues. One can be parasites so it is important to get a stool test done by your veterinarian. Another can be that your bassett hound is greatly lacking in protein and nutrition. Again, back to the kidney issue. Sometimes pets are losing protein through the urine--repeat a urine test to be sure that your dog isn't losing protein in the urine. Even if you had laboratory tests done over the last few years, a lot can change in a few months with an older dog. If you haven't had a test in the past 3 -4 months, repeat it just to be sure. Definitely add the Kidney Health Protein Support for Pets This formula breaks down protein and is essential for any pet that is losing protein in the urine. It helps the body break down and utilize protein more efficiently and we have had excellent results using it for conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and PLE (protein losing enteropathy).
The food you are using has some issues too. Dry kibble is made for your convenience and even in the best of brands, it is just not the same as eating fresh food. Dry food lacks enzymes and is similar to a person eating cereal day in and day out--it lacks nourishment although the calories are there. Dry food can also cause excessive thirst--think about how you feel after eating a lot of crackers. Pets, especially senior cats and dogs, need a high moisture diet. I would completely eliminate any type of dry kibble. Much better to updgrade to a more holistic pet food such as Natures Variety or Ziwi Peak as the brand you are using might contain excess amounts of grain such as corn, rice or wheat gluten. This is used to artificially inflate the protein in the food and can also contribute to why your dog isn't feeling satisfied. Having said that though, I wouldn't run out and purchase a grain-free diet without using Renelix and repeating the laboratory tests as well.
A telephone or inperson consultation would greatly help after you repeat the bloodwork and urine analysis as indicated above. I would be reluctant to recommend a food to you without confirmation that there isn't something else going on. Definitely upgrade the food though in the meantime and add some fresh vegetables and fresh lean protein to your dog's diet. Use a digestive enzyme such as Digestzymes to help enhance protein digestion too. All of the issues you mentioned could be greatly improved upon, but getting a new set of laboratory tests first would be the best place to start.
This is really helpful. The link to Renelix is broken, but I searched for it and found it. Thanks so much, will try for my 10yo Fr Bulldog, with excessive thirst, urination and hunger (even on raw diet) PS He loved Nature's Variety Beef n Barley.


The Municipality of Krokom borders on lake Storsjön in the south and goes all the way up northwest to the Ansätten mountains and further on to the Norwegian border. Fiskevägen (The Fishing Road) passes a whole lot of fishing waters from Krokom through the community and in to Norway via Valsjöbyn and into Namsos on the Norwegian side. Krokom & Ansättfjällen is about hiking and has attractions like Mus-Olles Museum in Ytterån with a remarkable collection of everyday and curiosity items. Glösa hällristningar are rock art from the stone age made some 8 000 years ago. Wången trav- och galoppskola has education through a multitude of levels around horsemanship with a hotel-, conference and restaurant. The flower mountain Ansätten is interesting for its´ rich flora, Gamla Lanthandeln in Krokom is an old style country shop with events, Skansen Klintaberg in Valsjöbyn has guided tours through the shelters from World War II and artisan cheese makers in Skärvången has daily tours in their dairy.
In winter there is alpine skiing in Almåsa and Åkersjön and cross country skiing, ice fishing and winter fun.
The community Krokom has an authorized Tourist Information with strategically placed InfoPoints around the community.


text:
module OffsitePayments #:nodoc:
  module Integrations #:nodoc:
    # Usage, see the blog post here: http://blog.kiskolabs.com/post/22374612968/understanding-active-merchant-integrations and E1 API documentation here: http://docs.verkkomaksut.fi/
    module Verkkomaksut
      mattr_accessor :service_url
      self.service_url = 'https://payment.verkkomaksut.fi/'

      def self.notification(post)
        Notification.new(post)
      end

      class Helper < OffsitePayments::Helper
        # Fetches the md5secret and adds MERCHANT_ID and API TYPE to the form
        def initialize(order, account, options = {})
          md5secret options.delete(:credential2)
          super
          add_field("MERCHANT_ID", account)
          add_field("TYPE", "E1")
        end

        def md5secret(value)
          @md5secret = value
        end

        # Adds the AUTHCODE to the form
        def form_fields
          @fields.merge("AUTHCODE" => generate_md5string)
        end

        # Calculates the AUTHCODE
        def generate_md5string
          fields = [@md5secret, @fields["MERCHANT_ID"], @fields["ORDER_NUMBER"], @fields["REFERENCE_NUMBER"], @fields["ORDER_DESCRIPTION"], @fields["CURRENCY"], @fields["RETURN_ADDRESS"], @fields["CANCEL_ADDRESS"], @fields["PENDING_ADDRESS"],
                    @fields["NOTIFY_ADDRESS"], @fields["TYPE"], @fields["CULTURE"], @fields["PRESELECTED_METHOD"], @fields["MODE"], @fields["VISIBLE_METHODS"], @fields["GROUP"], @fields["CONTACT_TELNO"], @fields["CONTACT_CELLNO"],
                    @fields["CONTACT_EMAIL"], @fields["CONTACT_FIRSTNAME"], @fields["CONTACT_LASTNAME"], @fields["CONTACT_COMPANY"], @fields["CONTACT_ADDR_STREET"], @fields["CONTACT_ADDR_ZIP"], @fields["CONTACT_ADDR_CITY"], @fields["CONTACT_ADDR_COUNTRY"], @fields["INCLUDE_VAT"],
                    @fields["ITEMS"]]

          (0..@fields["ITEMS"].to_i-1).each do |i|
            fields += [@fields["ITEM_TITLE[#{i}]"], @fields["ITEM_NO[#{i}]"], @fields["ITEM_AMOUNT[#{i}]"], @fields["ITEM_PRICE[#{i}]"], @fields["ITEM_TAX[#{i}]"], @fields["ITEM_DISCOUNT[#{i}]"], @fields["ITEM_TYPE[#{i}]"]]
          end

          fields = fields.join("|")

          return Digest::MD5.hexdigest(fields).upcase
        end

        # Mappings
        mapping :merchant_id, "MERCHANT_ID"
        mapping :order, "ORDER_NUMBER"
        mapping :reference_number, "REFERENCE_NUMBER"
        mapping :customer, :first_name => "CONTACT_FIRSTNAME",
                           :last_name  => "CONTACT_LASTNAME",
                           :email      => "CONTACT_EMAIL",
                           :phone      => "CONTACT_CELLNO",
                           :tellno     => "CONTACT_TELLNO",
                           :company    => "CONTACT_COMPANY"

        mapping :billing_address, :city     => "CONTACT_ADDR_CITY",
                                  :address1 => "CONTACT_ADDR_STREET",
                                  :address2 => "",
                                  :state    => "",
                                  :zip      => "CONTACT_ADDR_ZIP",
                                  :country  => "CONTACT_ADDR_COUNTRY"

        mapping :notify_url, "NOTIFY_ADDRESS"
        mapping :currency, "CURRENCY"
        mapping :return_url, "RETURN_ADDRESS"
        mapping :cancel_return_url, "CANCEL_ADDRESS"
        mapping :description, "ORDER_DESCRIPTION"
        mapping :tax, ""
        mapping :shipping, ""
        mapping :include_vat, "INCLUDE_VAT"
        mapping :pending_address, "PENDING_ADDRESS"
        mapping :culture, "CULTURE"
        mapping :items, "ITEMS"
        mapping :preselected_method, "PRESELECTED_METHOD"
        mapping :mode, "MODE"
        mapping :visible_methods, "VISIBLE_METHODS"
        mapping :group, "GROUP"

        (0..499.to_i).each do |i|
          mapping "item_title_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_TITLE[#{i}]"
          mapping "item_no_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_NO[#{i}]"
          mapping "item_amount_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_AMOUNT[#{i}]"
          mapping "item_price_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_PRICE[#{i}]"
          mapping "item_tax_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_TAX[#{i}]"
          mapping "item_discount_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_DISCOUNT[#{i}]"
          mapping "item_type_#{i}".to_sym, "ITEM_TYPE[#{i}]"
        end
      end

      class Notification < OffsitePayments::Notification
        # Is the payment complete or not. Verkkomaksut only has two statuses: random string or 0000000000 which means pending
        def complete?
          params['PAID'] != "0000000000"
        end

        # Order id
        def order_id
          params['ORDER_NUMBER']
        end

        # Payment method used
        def method
          params['METHOD']
        end

        # When was this payment received by the client.
        def received_at
          params['TIMESTAMP']
        end

        # Security key got from Verkkomaksut
        def security_key
          params['RETURN_AUTHCODE']
        end

        # Another way of asking the payment status
        def status
          if complete?
            "PAID"
          else
            "PENDING"
          end
        end

        # Acknowledges the payment. If the authcodes match, returns true.
        def acknowledge(authcode = nil)
          return_authcode = [params["ORDER_NUMBER"], params["TIMESTAMP"], params["PAID"], params["METHOD"], authcode].join("|")
          Digest::MD5.hexdigest(return_authcode).upcase == params["RETURN_AUTHCODE"]
        end

        private

        def parse(post)
          post.each do |key, value|
            params[key] = value
          end
        end
      end
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


As most Clemson supporters know by now, Clemson's football program is going to have a four-year contract with South Carolina for Saturday on Thanksgiving weekend starting in 2006. It might be useful for us to review some of the elements that transpired which led to this new arrangement.
The Atlantic Coast Conference voted at the May meeting that all conference schools would play on Thanksgiving weekend. Clemson is the only school that voted in the negative because of issues that related to family time, the Thanksgiving holiday as well as our students not being on campus at that time.
From a conference viewpoint, the ACC is requiring that its members play on Thanksgiving weekend for three basic reasons. The first pertains to student-athlete welfare. Although each school picked up an extra game with the 12-game schedule, the season did not expand.
The second reason has to do with Thursday night football, which is tied to our television contract. Preferred scheduling is to have an open date during the season in order to avoid playing on Thursday after playing on the previous Saturday, thus creating a short week for a team.
The other reason is a desire by the conference to have a uniform playing schedule leading up to the conference championship game. For instance, a team playing on Thanksgiving weekend before the conference championship could be disadvantaged if it were playing a team that did not play on Thanksgiving weekend and had two weeks preparation time.
For those three reasons, it was decided that all conference teams will be required to play on Thanksgiving weekend.
As a result, we have entered into a four-year contract to play South Carolina on Thanksgiving weekend. We have the option to play another team other than USC on that weekend, but it seems practical to play your rival on the last game of the season.
That is particularly important if your team is in the conference championship hunt because you want your conference status settled prior to that game. So, for practical reasons, it is preferable to play your natural rival the last week of the season.
I recognize that there are some great rivals like Texas-Oklahoma that play mid-season. However — at this juncture, with these circumstances and our history of playing South Carolina on the last game of the season — it now makes sense to play them on Thanksgiving weekend.
The purpose of the four-year contract is to get into it and determine how it is working. That will give us an opportunity to evaluate the situation. As is our practice at Clemson University, careful and diligent consideration was given to the issues involved in this decision. Please know how grateful we are for your support.


Akinola James "Akin" Ayodele ( /ˈeɪkənɑːjoʊdɛˈleɪ/ ; born September 17, 1979) is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue. He was also a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills.
A linebacker is a playing position in American football and Canadian football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen, and therefore "back up the line". Linebackers generally align themselves before the ball is snapped by standing upright in a "two-point stance".
Ayodele attended MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas, where he was named All-District as senior as a linebacker and tight end.
MacArthur High School is a public high school in Irving, Texas. Opened in 1963, it is named for the American General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. In 2010, the school was rated "Academically Recognized" by the Texas Education Agency.
Although he had good grades in high school, he was missing a course to be able to accept the scholarship from Purdue University, so he enrolled at Coffeyville Community College for one year. He was switched to defensive end, registering 101 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. He received second-team NJCAA All-American, All-Jayhawk and Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors. At the time, he ranked second on the school all-time tackles for loss in a season (33).
Coffeyville Community College (CCC) is a community college located in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States. It was founded in 1923.
Ayodele was a three-year starter at defensive end for Purdue University. As a sophomore, he recorded 64 tackles (19 for loss) and 11 sacks. The next year, he started the first 5 games at linebacker, registering 66 tackles (15 for loss), 9 sacks, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defensed and 2 fumble recoveries. He finished his career with 194 tackles (131 solo), 29 sacks, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 11 pass deflections. He was named the Jimmy Rogers, Jr. Most Valuable Lineman at the 2001 Wells Fargo Sun Bowl.
He was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference as a senior and second-team All-Conference as a sophomore and junior. He is tied with Jeff Zgonina for second on Purdue's career-record list with 29 sacks, topped only by Rosevelt Colvin with 33.
Jeffrey Marc Zgonina is a former American football defensive tackle who played for seventeen seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Purdue University and was a seventh round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1993 NFL Draft. He earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the St. Louis Rams in 2000, and also played for the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans.
Rosevelt Colvin, III is a former American football linebacker, who now works as a football analyst for the Big Ten Network. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, he played college football at Purdue.
Former Cowboys teammates Ayodele (left) and Jason Ferguson in Miami in 2009.
Ayodele was selected in the third round (89th overall) of the 2002 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the intention of playing him at linebacker. As a rookie, he recorded 3 starts, 108 tackles (fourth on team), 3 sacks, 3 passes defensed, one interception, 2 forced fumbles and 13 special teams tackles (tied for second on the team).
The Jacksonville Jaguars are an American professional football franchise based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team plays its home games at TIAA Bank Field.
He became a starter at outside linebacker in his second season, while posting 150 tackles (second on the team), one sack, 4 passes defensed, 2 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries.
In 2004, he registered 131 tackles (second on the team), 2 sacks, 3 passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked field goal. The next year, he tallied 100 tackles and 4 forced fumbles (led the team).
Ayodele never missed a game and was the first player in franchise history to record at least 100 tackles in four consecutive seasons.
In 2006, he signed a five-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, to play inside linebacker in the team's 3-4 defense and help shore up their run defense. Coincidentally, as a child growing up in Irving, Ayodele was a ball boy for the Cowboys.  In his first year, he recorded 84 tackles, 2 interceptions (third on the team), 4 passes defensed and 2 fumble recoveries.
"Akin" is a short name for "Akinola", which in Yoruba language means 'the brave and wealthy one'. His younger brother Remi Ayodele played defensive tackle in the NFL.
Keith Howard Brooking is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft and also played for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. He played college football at Georgia Tech. Brooking was a five-time Pro Bowl selection with the Falcons.
Kevin Bradley Burnett is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. He played college football at the University of Tennessee.
Byron Keith Traylor is a former American football nose tackle who played 17 seasons in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Central Oklahoma. Traylor has won a total of three Super Bowl rings; he won two with the Denver Broncos and one with the New England Patriots.
Genos Derwin "D. J." Williams, Jr. is a former American football linebacker who played 11 seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He also played for the Chicago Bears.
Bradie Gene James is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. He played college football at Louisiana State University.
Nathan "Nate" Jones is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers University.
Dimetry Giovonni "Vonnie" Holliday is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 19th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.
Kevin Lamont Hardy is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Illinois.
Renaldo Hill is a former American football strong safety who played for the Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State. He is currently the Defensive Backs Coach for the Broncos.
Robert Lee Jones is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins. He played college football at East Carolina University.
Shaun Jamal Phillips is a former American football linebacker. He played college football for Purdue and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. Phillips has also been a member of the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts.
Reggie Jermaine Torbor is a former American football linebacker. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn.
Robert Michael Ninkovich is a former American football outside linebacker who played eleven seasons in National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Purdue as a defensive end and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He also played for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls with the latter. After eight seasons with the Patriots, Ninkovich announced his retirement from the NFL following 2016.
Anthony E. Spencer II is a former American football outside linebacker who played nine season's in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Purdue University and was drafted by the Cowboys 26th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Fredrick William Strickland, Jr. is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. He played college football at Purdue University.
Justin Ryan Durant is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and has also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Hampton University.
Dixon Voldean Edwards, III is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football at Michigan State University.
Anthony Charles Dickerson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. He played college football at Southern Methodist University.
Jesse Andrew Penn II is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech.
Joe Lewis Thomas Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at South Carolina State, and was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
↑ "Cowboys sign OLB Ayodele, their former ball boy" . Retrieved February 19, 2016.
↑ "Cowboys trade Ayodele, Fasano to Dolphins for fourth-round pick" . Retrieved February 19, 2016.
↑ "Fins drop Porter, Ayodele, Wilson" . Retrieved February 19, 2016.
↑ "Broncos release Akin Ayodele" . Retrieved February 19, 2016.
↑ "Bills shelve LB Kawika Mitchell" . Retrieved February 19, 2016.
↑ "Bills sign LB Ayodele; Mitchell to I-R" . Retrieved February 19, 2016.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Akin Ayodele .


Chandrika Shankarnarayan teaches Scott about how Azure Web Hosting Plans are now exposed in the new Azure portal. We'll see how they can save me money, show me exactly how much money my sites are costing me, and enable finer grain control than we ever had before.
Does Evolution have any Religious Significance?
Gerry Wright talks about fighting antibiotic resistance.


text:
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We don't teach, we train
We don't guarantee you a job,we actually make you confident to be successful in life Come and explore the world in YOU
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Excellent placement records since 2010 Admissions open for the session 2020- 2021
Select Course Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication TV Journalism Cinematography (Video Camera & Lighting) Post Production & Video Editing Radio Production & Jockeying Still Photography TV Production & Direction Creative Writing Acting for Camera Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) Advance Diploma in Business Administration (ADBA) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Master of Business Administration (MBA)-Dual Specialization Master of Business Administration (MBA)-Fashion Technology Management
Expert's Speak Student's Speak
"It is a school for perfect shaping of body and soul for the present scenario of media industry. It gives not only theoretical knowledge but also give thorough out practicals. I am a media person, many times I saw the student of M V Media Institute in various typical assignments at beginning. It makes them more efficient to others. Practical, practical & more practical makes a perfect media man."
ANUPAM JAISWAL - HINDUSTAN
"MV Media Institute is a world class institute which is available for the students to provide the platform to express their views opinion, commentary on topics related to the field of mass communication and journalism."
HEMANT SHARMA - ZOOM TV
"I know Mohit since 2007; he is a passionate guy towards journalism. I know him as a fellow journalist then a teacher and head of journalism institute. I have been to his institute and I can say that the way he has handled his students is recommendable. I wish him all the best for his future assignments."
SHIVENDRA KUMAR SINGH - INDIA TV
"To answer all the budding journalists' questions regarding the coverage of news and the integrity of the news article is never easy; I was surprised and pleased to see the hunger for the more knowledge. "
UMESH PATHAK-ABP NEWS
"It's been a real delight to have interacted with budding journalists of M V Media Institute. The best part has been their training to explore, enquire and seek a logical answer to what my experience as a journalist says! For a journalist like me, the best challenge along with a story is always the justification of that story. How much of an impartial value, fairness and neutrality did it have? Pleased to hear such questions coming from students of M V Media Institute."
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"Do you know the difference between 'learning' and 'reading'? Well, I am sure you do. My graduation experience resolves around the same question. I was not very good at 'reading' during my graduation days and the good thing was I was never forced to do that. This institute has provided me enough opportunities, necessary liberty and resources to 'learn' things by 'doing' them. The whole premises of the institute became my canvas and I was learning to paint my dream with the support of the team of very nice faculty. This institute always made sure that I dream as wild and big, as I could.
BHASKAR TRIPATHI
"It was a fun learning experience with the college, studying every aspect of media within college helped me a lot, knowing what is going around the world in the field of media.
DEVANSHU MANI TIWARI
"It was a great experience being a part of such an institute where we got so much exposure to learn closely about the media world. I got huge support from the faculties and the Director. As we know that media is a very challenging field we need lots of motivation to make our self confident to face all the challenges and we got this attitude from our college."
PRASHANT SRIVASTAVA
"Thank a lot M V Media Institute for showing us mirror of our talent. Our future is unpredictable, but it hardly matters because today we believe in our self."
PRATYUSH CHAURASIA
"College days were really a nice experience as I got to learn a lot about the media industry. All the practical work that I learned in college is helping me now in my job. We also got to learn a lot from personality development classes and other extra curriculum classes. I got a big support from my faculties and classmates. I am thankful to my college for all the support."
SHEFALI SRIVASTAVA
"Faculty and right guidance has instilled a new confidence in me and a highly liberal college environment allowed me to participate in number of outdoor media activities, through which I got to know this field in a better way than students of other media institutes gets to know."
YASHASVI UPADHYAY
Neither does every time you get a chance to bounce back, after being a failure, nor would you be blessed always with the boon of proper guidance to heal. But after a splendid time span of 3 years in my institute, I must say that it has transformed me completely.
Finally, giving a filmy touch to my quote, let me just say that M V Media Institute has not only given me a new life, but it has also helped me a lot in re-discovering myself, just like some sort of re-incarnation……Amazing Na!!!
Shantanu Majumdar
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An affiliate program is a program advertisers enroll in that allows them to sell products on behalf of a company. Instead of housing or shipping products, the advertiser only has to send traffic to the company.
When this traffic results in a sale, the advertiser gets a cut of the profit.
As an affiliate marketer, your goal is to find products or services that people need and show them to those who are most likely to buy.
The biggest benefit of affiliate marketing is being able to capitalize on the growth of ecommerce without having to worry about providing the products or services themselves.
Instead of worrying about business details, you are able to focus on finding new and innovative ways to promote products.
Because of the wide variety of advertising venues and social media networks online, you will always have a place to promote. Plus, making your first ad can be as simple as writing a positive Facebook post about a product.
If you aren't sure where to begin when it comes to choosing a product, try promoting several. As an affiliate, you are able to choose how many companies and brands to work with. This helps you to find what works and what doesn't much quicker.
The variety of options also allows you to select things you already know will be profitable, saving you time in the long run.
Another excellent benefit is the ability to set your own hours. The Internet never sleeps, and thus your ads will to make you money all day and night.
You only need to put them up, which can be done at any time. Set your own hours and work at your own pace to break away from the traditional job routine.
Why is This a Viable Option for Newbie Marketers?
Newbie marketers love affiliate marketing for a number of reasons, but the thing that makes it stand out the most is the low-cost set up. Affiliate marketing companies don't charge money to establish an advertiser account or get started.
Your costs occur as you discover new venues to advertise in. For example, if you choose to make a new blog for a product you found, you would need to pay for a domain name and hosting.
This is not a requirement and many people find success using venues that are free to advertise on, such as Facebook, Blogger or e-mail.
Another reason affiliate marketing is a friendly option is there is a small learning curve. Those just starting out can do what they feel comfortable with and then learn new skills as they go. Some affiliate marketing websites will even have step-by-step guides for new marketers.
This allows them to get started right away and with little investments.
Pro Tip: Wise Entrepreneurs take the quickest route to the market.
There are several places to promote new products. Aside from creating your own blog to make money on, the two biggest ways to use affiliate marketing are social media and email.
Social sharing allows you to promote products rather quickly to friends and strangers alike. Email marketing allows you to capitalize on your existing contacts.
It's no secret that over half of all Americans are on a social network. While most of these people are on Facebook, other social networks still have billions of users that are eager to hear from you.
Twitter, the second largest social network, is full of active users from around the world. YouTube is perfect for those who want to show how to use a product or service and make highly-sharable media.
Focusing on pictures can also be a great idea when promoting products. Both Instagram and Pinterest have a growing fan-base that shouldn't be ignored.
Simply upload interesting pictures and add a link in your description to see results. These photos can be shared on other networks too, helping you expand your reach.
One way to get the most out of social media is to advertise on multiple networks. If you are only familiar with one network when you start out, that is fine.
Learn the best ways to share product information on that network. Once you have that mastered, move on to the next network to increase you profits.
Email marketing is slightly harder to break into than social media sharing. This is because you need to have a list of contacts that would be interested in the product or service that you are offering. This means building and maintaining a contact list, as well as finding new ways to gain contacts.
To get started, you need to pick the right email provider. Try one of the popular providers like Aweber, GetResponse, Mailchimp, Infusionsoft or Active Campaign.
Having the right provider from the start can help you save time later on. Think about the needs of your affiliate marketing campaign and explore the features of different providers.
Pro Tip: Pick your autoresponder provider carefully. It could cost you more money than you think.
Once you have your provider set up, you need to build your newsletter. The initial email needs to be enough to get your audience interested in the product you are promoting, but be prepared to follow up with additional emails.
Learn the best times to send your emails and how often to send them.
To see success, you cannot send too many emails. Sticking to one or two per week can help you maintain a professional appearance. You also want your emails to seem helpful, not like advertisements.
Pro Tip: Get to know what your audience likes.
This takes practice and you should be prepared to spend time finding the perfect formula.
Another way to advertise products and services is on websites. This means learning search engine optimization. Search engine optimization, or SEO, affects the visability of your website on sites like Google and Yahoo.
One of the biggest factors in SEO is keywords. Carefully selecting your keywords and writing them into your content helps to bring you relevant traffic that is more likely to buy.
If you aren't sure where to start when it comes to SEO, try exploring a long tail keyword that matches what you are selling. Long tail keywords are strings of multiple words that people actively search for.
The content on your website could then discuss pencils, types of pencils, pencils in schools, and how to use a pencil.
Pro Tip: Focus on buyer keywords.
Learning SEO tactics can be difficult when first starting out. This is because search engine algorithms are constantly changing and there is never a perfect formula for success. Experiment with several websites or blogs and discover what works best for your audience.
The amount of success you see depends on the affiliate marketing program you join. Each program has its own set of rules when it comes to advertising.
Learn about some of the top programs online and select one that works for you. Don't be afraid to join multiple networks, as this can help you broaden your income and give you more options.
Amazon is the largest affiliate marketing network online and offers thousands of different products. Anything found on the Amazon website can be selected and marketed. This gives you the widest range of products to promote, making it easy to find something that fits your style. The program is known for being friendly to new bloggers, offering a plug and play system that works well with Google AdSense and other forms of revenue.
The Amazon affiliate marketing program is also one of the most time-tested. It was one of the earliest programs of its nature and the longest running.
While your profit margins may be smaller on each sale, the brand recognition and wide variety can make it very profitable.
Another downside to choosing Amazon is the lack of recurring revenue. Other affiliate programs will provide advertisers with ongoing revenue when they promote subscription services.
Even if you are promoting Amazon Prime, you will receive a one-time payment. This means that you will have to continue to promote products and services in order to maintain your income.
Despite the lower profit margins, Amazon Associates is one of the most dependable networks, making it perfect for those just starting out.
Click the join free banner.
Click "I am a new customer"
Enter your contact details and tell Amazon who to pay.
Enter your website details. This is the site that you want to display Amazon products and services.
Seclect "No" to ensure you are not marketing to children under 13.
Click "Confirm and Proceed to Website Profile".
Now select all information that pertains to your website. Remember to choose your categories appropriately.
Select "You agree to the terms and conditions".
You are now ready to start promoting the products or services that best suits your online brand.
EBay is another highly trusted ecommerce website with a lot of brand recognition. Like Amazon Associates, their program has been around for several years and can provide you with a dependable source of income.
Unlike Amazon; however, the site uses timed auctions and buy it now listings. That means that each product you choose to promote is only available for a few days and links will need to be updated more frequently.
Even if the specific item that you want to promote is no longer available, the site still helps you earn money. Every person you send to eBay will have a cookie on their computer that keeps track of what they buy, and you will receive a cut of that. One way to get around listing individual items is to install an automatic feed on your website that lists everything under a specific keyword.
Affiliate marketing using eBay is fairly easy for beginners, but it requires a little more creativity. No one wants to visit a website just to see eBay listings.
If you want to see success using the eBay affiliate program, you will need to find innovative ways to display listings and give people a reason to visit your page. It is a little more complicated than simply writing a product review.
Direct connect through API to your website.
Drive quality traffic to your links.
Direct pay to Paypal or preferred bank.
Accept many countries from around the world.
Prices can change at no notice.
Will suspend your account quickly for inappropriate behavior.
1. Click on "Join Now".
2. Fill out your contact details.
3. Insert your site information.
4. Insert your preferred links and widgets on your site.
5. Drive quality traffic and make money.
iPRO, or Internet Profits, is an affiliate program that is quickly gaining in popularity. Designed by Dean Holland, the program is often promoted as a "shortcut to six figures a year." It is sold as a complete program, giving the user everything they need to create success. Users will get tools to create traffic and make conversions. They will also gain access to the iPRO community for additional support and have access to exclusive webinars to help them learn more about their trade.
While this may seem like the ideal work from home solution, it is one of the few that cost money to start up. The fee is small, priced at under $20 for the Elite Training Course.
This can be a great choice for beginners who need a little more help learning the ropes, but seasoned advertisers may be turned off by the extra cost.
Aside from the affiliate marketing steps being spelled out, those in the program are able to scale up their business fairly easily.
This allows them to get bigger profits and more commissions. Because you have all of the tools you need available, you will also be able to follow up with leads, rather than simply placing ads.
Most of the affiliates or partners in this program send traffic from the likes of solo ads.
Some have faster success than others, but the key for you is to treat as you would any other business.
Expand your own business beyond iPro.
Drive quality traffic to high converting system.
Back end products can be pricey.
Extended coaching fees beyond your initial cost (optional).
Learning curve for traffic generation.
Click the"Yes Send Me The Free Video"
Follow instructions at the end of the video.
ClickBank is another large affiliate marketing program that is known for its diversity and high customer satisfaction rating. Registration is prompt and free, making it easy to capitalize if you already have experience in online marketing. Another great benefit is that payments are more frequent than other networks like Amazon or eBay.
The thing that sets ClickBank apart from other affiliate marketing programs is the attractive commission rates. Merchants set their commissions fairly high compared to other programs.
While many merchants set commissions at a standard 10-percent, it isn't uncommon to see commissions as high as 75-percent. Ongoing income is also possible when selling subscription services.
Most of the people who use the network say that it is easy to navigate and set up. The issue is that if you are new to the affiliate marketing scene, your sales may be slow at first since you have little guidance when using ClickBank.
Persistence can really pay off; however, as the profit margins are very high.
Click "Sign up for a Clickbank Account"
Enter the "Captcha or text given to prove you are a real person"
Select the products you want to promote by searching "Find Products"
Research the ones that you feel is a good fit for your market.
It's always a great thing to order the product yourself.
Watch this video below to see how to get your own hop link to promote the products of your choice.
JVZoo offers a very similar set up to ClickBank. Unlike ClickBank, vendors on JVZoo have to approve you in order for you to promote their products. Affiliates apply to individual offers and describe how they will promote their products or services. This gives vendors more control and helps to eliminate some of the competition.
The network also makes it very easy to promote products and integrates social sharing options at every opportunity. This helps to increase sales without putting forth extra effort. You also do not need to rely on third party tools to make your sales, as everything can be done quickly from JVZoo's website.
While JVZoo is a newer affiliate marketing program, its unique style has attracted a variety of new sellers and makes it easy for advertisers to start up.
Once activated, wait for a confirmation email with your login details.
Affiliate marketing can be an easy way to make money online. Even new marketers can start making a six figure income in just a few years while working at their own pace.
By learning more about the different networks that are available, you can find something that suits your sense of style. With a little effort and the right platform, the sky is truly the limit.
What are your thoughts? What are other ways that you've been able to make money as an affiliate? Please share your comments below.
Very informative post for anyone who wants to go the affiliate route.
affiliates as associates), you can actually create up to 100 Amazon stores at no cost.
or integrate it using a frameset.
I'm an Amazon associate but don't do to much with it due to my focusing on iPro.
The affiliate route is definitely a wiser choice for the newbie marketer. They have a better chance to leverage what is already working for so many. There primary goal or task is only to send the targeted traffic to the site(s) they are promoting and let them do their thing.
Thanks so much for your feedback bro.
Jerry many thanks for sharing such incredibly detailed coverage of yout top 5 recommended affiliate prorams.
Affiliate marketing is no doubt the easiest and fasted way for a newbie online marketer to get started online and this post will be invaluable research for these folks.
I actively use Clickbank and JVZoo plus I am a partner with Dean Holland's iPro business – your comments on all 3 were very fair and ueful although I must tell you that iPro are about to launch a whole series of new sales funnels.
May I also add that if you are starting out as an affiliate marketer that you simply don't drive traffic straight to a vendor's sales page. If this method is used then you will never see those prospects again and all you have done is build the vendor's mailing list.
Instead create your own landing (squeeze) page with some sort of appropriate high value freebie and commence your list building right from the start. Be real and authentic in the emails you send to your list and don't be afraid to say you're just starting out as an affiliate marketer – build your relationships with your subscribers and then send them off to your chosen affiliate product offer on Clickbank, JVZoo etc.
Peter you are absolutely correct about creating your own squeeze page to build your list but 10 times out of 10 the newbie is not ready for that just getting started.
Now of course after they have developed more marketing education and knowledge it would be very wise for the to initiate that process for sure.
As to the other funnels in iPro that is yet to come. As of right now this post reflects the current position and when the new funnels come I will update the post.
Thanks so much for your feedback and I'm glad you liked the post.
Hey Jerry, Great blog post explaining different ways to work online. Great comments, also above, that add to your content. I really like the pro tips and I need to look into the app that does that cool typing while I am reading. I do affiliate marketing and list building and looking back, I wish I would have started with ebay and Amazon. 🙂 Reading your post reminded me of when I got started and the time involved in just learning about affiliate marketing.
Thanks Theresa. I appreciate your comment. As to the app that does the cool typing I use Thrive Content Builder for that.
You can find a link on the tools tab here on the blog. In full disclosure it is an affiliate link and by purchasing through that link you will be contributing to this site.
thanks again for your feedback and good luck to you in your business.
Great write up with easy steps to follow for those who are starting out.
As always, you do have the gift of presenting information in a very simplified and easy to follow manner.
Is the landing page skin that was there when I first came on to the page and disappeared as I scrolled down, part of Thrive as well?
Thanks Ben. As to the welcome mat that is presented when you land on the site, yes it's is a part of the thrive suite called thrive leads. It too is on the "Tool" tab above. Also it is an affiliate link and you will bless the site if you choose to purchase.
And now to the really important issue of Product Reviews. By reviewing different affiliate options, one easily gets a sense of the positive and negative aspects of each offer. This then makes the decision process much easier and so the aspiring affiliate marketer has an increased chance of success.
You're exactly right Neil. Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for sharing these very good tips on affiliate marketing. You gave a good detail breakdown on these different affiliate programs. I promote Clickbank and Amazon products and I'am starting to make money with these affiliate programs. Keep up the good work mand you will go far by giving value with your content. I look forward to more of your tips to making money with affiliate maketing by signing up to your mailing list. Take care and have a blessed day my friend.
Thanks Alonzo and may God bless you and yours my friend.
A brilliant list, though i have not came across JVZoo yet. I expected shareasale instead to be on #5 before scrolling down the list to number 5.
Since you have added this so i am gonna check it now.
I love how you break it down and make it so easy to read and follow.
You have everything well laid out, I can read your blog everyday.
i can use to help monetize my email list.
Thanks for providing such great value.


The skippers and representatives of the six entries in the Oryx Cup flew out of Qatar on the 8 May, happy in the knowledge that The Oryx Cup is now full steam ahead.
Tony BULLIMORE, Team Daedalus reflected on the conference saying, "We had no idea what to expect when we arrived here in Qatar but the past two days have been fantastic. We have been given all the information we need about The Oryx Cup and the quality of the conference has been absolutely superb. We now have the confidence to go back to the UK and find the sponsorship we need to get to the start line next year."
The teams arrived in Doha on 5 May courtesy of the national carrier Qatar Airways and spent the day relaxing at the Marriott Hotel before sampling a little local hospitality in the evening. The conference was attended by all the teams, the Maiden Ocean Racing Qatar (MORQ) team and the Qatar 2006 crew. Tracy EDWARDS MBE opened the conference explaining how the vision of The Oryx Cup had become a reality over the past six months.
"Since the announcement in the UK on the 14 October last year MORQ has been working extremely hard in Qatar to lay the groundwork and the structure for this exciting event. We have worked closely with Qatar Sports International and many other bodies in Qatar to get us to where we are today. There has been much to do to ensure that The Oryx Cup is the best sailing event in the world but my team have worked tirelessly towards that vision. Today, seeing all these teams here is, for all of us, a reward for that hard work and determination."
Alan GREEN, Race Director went though the preliminary Notice of Race with the competitors explaining that this was the framework for the rules and that contributions from the teams would be welcome. "This is your event." he concluded, "and we want to get it right for all of us. We have come together to ensure that we have great events for these great boats and if we work together as team, we will be taking the next step towards that goal".
The VIP lunch sponsored by HSBC and hosted by General Manager Kevin SMORTHWAITE, was attended by The Qatar Marine Federation, Qatar Sports International, Qatar Tourism Authority and other Qatari dignitaries.
Mike NOEL-SMITH, MORQ Operations Director, "We wish to thank HSBC for all their support and assistance behind the scenes over the past six months and for sponsoring this splendid lunch today. Thank you to QSI, Qatar Marine Federation and QTA for their enthusiasm and their hard work. We could not have done this without you"
Read the full article on bangthecorner.com at the address below. Further details of the Oryx Cup and Maiden Ocean Racing Qatar (MORQ) are available on the MORQ website at the address below.


text:
Naghmeh Abedini Tells Children 'Daddy's Coming Home!'
George Thomas
DF_GEORGENAGHMEH_011616_HD1080_0_717.972
Naghmeh Abedini says she knew something dramatic was unfolding when she received news that her husband, Saeed Abedini, was being moved from prison.
"We heard Saeed was being moved out of his cell by the intelligence police and we felt like that was indication of his release," Naghmeh told CBN News in an exclusive interview from her home in Boise, Idaho.
Click play to listen to her full interview on how she and her children reacted to the news and what's ahead for them as a family.
Then this morning around 7:30 a.m. Mountain time, Naghmeh said the phone began ringing off the hook.
"I got calls from people in Iran saying that the Iranian government had announced that they had released four Americans."
Shortly after those calls from Iran, Naghmeh was contacted by the U.S. State Department confirming that her husband was indeed being released.
"I woke up my kids at 7:30 in the morning our time and told them that 'Daddy was coming home!'" she told CBN's George Thomas.
Pastor Abedini is among the four Americans Iran released on Saturday. The 35-year-old convert from Islam to Christianity had been in prison since July 2012 for conducting Christian activity.
Naghmeh said she and her kids were in total shock.
"They got out of bed and just started jumping up and down, rejoicing. It was very loud, very joyful and I could see a heavy weight lifted off their little shoulders."
The couple's two children, Rebekka and Jacob, have spent almost four years wondering if their father was ever coming home. In a 2013 interview with CBN's Wendy Griffith, Naghmeh said no matter how much faith she has in her husband and her God, she said was difficult to watch her children suffer.
"As a woman, God's given me the grace to go to Him for comfort, but as a Mom it's a stab in my heart to see them struggling," Naghmeh said in 2013. "My son's character has changed. He's not as talkative. My daughter, as a girl, cries a lot, 'Daddy, daddy...where are you?' They draw pictures of sad children crying, missing their daddy."
In late November 2015, Naghmeh shared with supporters that she was stopping all public efforts to gain her husband's release following revelations about some very serious personal challenges inside her family, including "abuse" issues.
Now with her husband finally heading home, Naghmeh admits there will be difficult days ahead as the family seeks a time of healing.
"The reality is that we are not heroes, Jesus is the only hero, He is our only example and we are broken people with issues," Naghmeh told CBN News hours after her husband's release.
Naghmeh said since revealing those marital challenges, she has gained a new understanding of what it means to suffer abuse.
"My brokeness has allowed me to understand other people who have gone through similar struggles and abuse in their own relationships so we are both broken people."
Naghmeh said she regretted making those marital challenges public but insisted "there needs to be change" and healing going forward.
"I love him, but there are serious issues that we need to deal with once he's home."
Since his imprisonment on September 24, 2012, millions of people around the world have prayed for Pastor Saeed's release. Naghmeh says those prayers sustained her and her family throughout the ordeal.
"Outside my faith in Jesus Christ, I'm so thankful for the millions who prayed, who trusted God with me, who did not give up, who sent me messages and letters saying, 'We are not giving up, we have not forgotten him.'"
Naghmeh told CBN News there were many times she wanted to "give up and throw in the towel" but didn't because of those prayers.
"Those messages and prayers is what kept me going and kept the hope alive both for me and for Saeed also," she said.
Saeed Abedini Released from Iranian Prison
Prayer Answered, Pastor Saeed Abedini Released from Prison