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"Senior, you've been thinking in h.e.l.l for so long. Do you know what that is? Do you have any way to restrain yourself?" Chen Xiang asked anxiously.
Jiang Sheng looked at Qi Shi, waiting for his reply.
Qi Shi furrowed his brows and took a deep breath, "I think that it should be a Divine Deity, and one that is a G.o.d of death at that."
"At that time, this so called profound Cold Ancient Realm had once sent a group of G.o.ds to this place. I'm not too sure about the specifics, but in short, a true G.o.d of Killings came here and even died, leaving behind this Divine Deity. The Divine Deity contains a strong will of the G.o.d of Slaughterers, which is why it was able to go out of control."
After Chen Xiang and Jiang Sheng finished listening, both of them widened their eyes and slowly inhaled. This was actually a set of Divine Deity!
"Is this for real? Why do you only know now that you took over the Divine Deity of that craving dragon in the past?" Jiang Sheng still could not believe that this rare Divine Deity was actually in Chen Xiang's body.
"Heavenly Dragon Supreme Lord's Divine Deity has only just been formed, and is completely different from this kind of Divine Deity that has been formed for a long time. Her Divine Deity is still in the form of a soul body, and I've never seen any other Divine Deity before. Qi Shi said.
"In that case, the G.o.d who possesses the stone Divine Deity must be very strong." Jiang Sheng looked at Chen Xiang with a little envy.
Clutching his chest, Chen Xiang felt the crazily pulsing Killing heart. This was actually a set of Divine Deity, and it was much stronger than what Long Xueyi had condensed back then.
"Right now, what I am certain of is that the hidden consciousness within the Divine Deity was unknowingly suppressed by this kid. So, don't envy him. Qi Shi said, "Back then, Master and I both possessed this Divine Deity and we often lost control of it, so we had to use a great amount of power to suppress it.
Chen Xiang nodded his head, "Because of the influence of the consciousness inside, I once displayed a terrifying sword strike that was inconsistent with my strength. At that time, I thought that there was a mysterious soul within the Killing heart, but who would have thought that it was only the consciousness of the Divine Deity."
Qi Shi said with a serious expression on his face, "This is somewhat troublesome, this Divine Deity's subconscious is filled with killing intent. In this period of time, you have to fuse with this Divine Deity and completely control it."
"This is the G.o.d of Slaughter's Divine Deity, and it's the kind of perfect state. If you are gradually affected by him, you will become a real G.o.d of Slaughterers in the future. Under the influence of the G.o.d of Slaughter's subconscious, you will become someone else. This is extremely dangerous."
Chen Xiang's face was covered in perspiration, this was exactly what he was worried about the most.
"What should I do?" Chen Xiang asked.
Using the Heavenly Alchemy, refine the Divine Deity into yours, just like how you refine pills. In the process of refinement, remove all the impurities, and leave behind only useful things. Qi Shi said: "I believe that you can definitely do it using the Heavenly Alchemy."
Chen Xiang nodded.
Qi Shi continued, "You cultivated your soul, entered the Immortal-becoming realm, and fused your dantian into the Divine Sense Sea. You now have to transfer your Divine Deity to the Divine Sense Sea, and refine it there."
"Then what about my heart?" Chen Xiang's heart had previously been destroyed, but the Killing heart fused with his body later on.
Qi Shi looked at Jiang Sheng: "Do you still have more of those things?"
Jiang Sheng laughed: "There are three more. I have preserved them well."
Chen Xiang was confused, "What is that thing?"
Just as he finished asking, he saw Jiang Sheng taking out a jade box. Opening it, there was a heart that was glowing with a silver light, it seemed to be beating strangely, but every time the heart beat, it would release a ray of holy silver light.
"This is the Sacred Heart fruit, when you refine the Killing heart into the Divine Sense Sea, we will immediately use this Sacred Heart fruit to replace your missing heart." Qi Shi laughed, he grabbed a Sacred Heart fruit and smashed it onto the ground, and even ruthlessly clapped a few times: "Do you see that, this thing is very powerful, in the future, with this thing, it will be hard for others to hurt your heart."
Jiang Sheng also laughed and slapped his hands together. That Sacred Heart fruit seemed to have the ability to play, and was extremely difficult to break.
"After replacing your heart with this Sacred Heart fruit, it can affect your other forms of filth, and even your physical body. This way, your body can become stronger, and there aren't many good things like this." Qi Shi chuckled: "Rest a.s.sured, go refine the Killing-G.o.d heart."
"What a powerful Saint Fruit. I wonder how it would be used to concoct pills." Chen Xiang took out a bunch of creation divine liquid s and said, "Is there any way to split them into two, let me see if I can duplicate them."
After Chen Xiang cultivated the Alive Slain Method, his creation divine liquid had become a lot more powerful, but he did not go into the depths of the Alive Slain Method to comprehend it, so his current creation divine liquid still could not be compared to Lv Qilian's current state.
"Senior, have you never created this kind of liquid when you were cultivating the Alive Slain Method in the past?" Chen Xiang was suddenly curious, he wanted to seek Qi Shi's advice.
"No, I don't know, the Heaven Earth Killing Method is too complicated, but my main focus is on killing." Qi Shi shook his head, indicating for Jiang Sheng to cut it open.
Jiang Sheng took out a kitchen knife and a chopping board that seemed to be moving very frequently. Grabbing the Sacred Heart fruit that was jumping like a fish, he pressed it to the chopping board and evenly cut it into two sides.
Chen Xiang immediately released his G.o.d Power and sealed the wound on the Sacred Heart fruit to prevent it from losing energy. Then, he poured one of it into the creation divine liquid and poured it into a small jade bottle in his hand.
Jiang Sheng and Qi Shi were very surprised after that. They saw that only half of the Sacred Heart fruit emitted a weak white light, and then, it quickly grew into a complete piece.
After that, Chen Xiang dripped another half of it, and it became the same as the other half, quickly becoming a complete half again.
"No wonder that gluttonous dragon would follow you around. It's been such a hard job, why didn't I think of it then? It really is from the Alive Slain Method." Qi Shi slapped his thigh: "Truly regretting it back then, if I knew that the Alive Slain Method could be used like that, perhaps history would not be like that."
and Qi Shi were both surprised that one could become two, and that their speed could even be so fast.
Chen Xiang grinned: "Since I've used up all of that liquid, I need more time to condense it. Can you leave one for me?
"Of course." Jiang Sheng laughed excitedly: "Big lion, in the future, you have to help me make more. In the future, when I meet this Dan Emperor Tang Ying, I can exchange him for more Holy Pellets."
Chen Xiang laughed, "We should exchange some more Holy level medicinal ingredients from the Dan Emperor, duplicate more of them out, and then exchange them for divine pellets with him."
"Haha, that's right." Qi Shi was also very excited. He silently sighed to himself that after living for so many years, he actually didn't know how to use this method.
"Then I'll start now. You guys watch over me. If I still haven't woken up by then, please help me take a look at that dragon vein." Chen Xiang said.


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These developments are, in flip, affected by financial, social, cultural and political developments. With increasing longevity, the tempo of improve in numbers of the oldest outdated (aged 80 years and older) in Southeast Asia is projected to exceed that of East Asia over the interval 2025-2050. This rise may have necessary implications for administration of the burden of illness and healthcare provision for aged individuals.
Main care refers to the work of health professionals who act as a first level of session for all patients inside the health care system. 6 8 Such a professional would usually be a major care doctor , akin to a general practitioner or family doctor , a licensed unbiased practitioner akin to a physiotherapist , or a non-doctor primary care provider (mid-level provider) such as a doctor assistant or nurse practitioner Relying on the locality, health system group, and typically on the affected person's discretion, they might see another health care professional first, reminiscent of a pharmacist , a nurse (similar to in the United Kingdom), a scientific officer (resembling in components of Africa), or an Ayurvedic or other traditional drugs professional (reminiscent of in elements of Asia). Depending on the nature of the health condition, sufferers may then be referred for secondary or tertiary care.


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Home News Celebrity / Entertainment
Fast And Furious 9 and James Bond's No Time To Die delayed again
F9: The Fast Saga is pushed back and it's 007's fault.
Published by: Adrian Padeanu
The coronavirus pandemic has been cancelling auto shows left and right, and at the same time, it has had a negative impact on movies car enthusiasts have been eager to see.
Originally scheduled to come out on May 22 this year, the ninth instalment in the Fast and Furious franchise was reprogrammed for April 2, 2021. As it turns out, Hollywood Reporter says fans of the action-packed series will have to wait some more, with the release date pushed back yet again, this time to May 28, 2021.
If you're wondering why "F9: The Fast Saga" has been delayed yet again, it might have something to do with a similar decision taken by MGM and Universal regarding the 25th James Bond movie. Initially set for an April 3 release this year, No Time To Die was supposed to come out next month. However, an announcement made on the movie's website reveals Agent 007 will be back on April 2, 2021 – the previous release date of the new Fast and Furious movie.
See what's coming:
⠀ No Time To Die trailer drops, stars James Bond's Aston Martins
Understandably, it doesn't seem like a good idea for both movies to come out on the same day. It's especially true when you factor in coronavirus remains a major concern and continues to have a huge impact on film consumption. The No Time To Die official site says the movie has been delayed "in order to be seen by a worldwide theatrical audience." In other words, MGM and Universal are hoping the severity of the COVID-19 problem will decrease in the following months and more and more people will head back to cinemas.
As a refresher, F9: The Fast Saga will be the penultimate instalment in the long-running franchise and will see the curious return of Han while the role of Dom's brother will be played by John Cena. As for No Time To Die, it will represent Daniel Craig's final Bond movie and will be packed with Aston Martins of old and new.
Sources: Hollywood Reporter, 007
Celebrity / Entertainment
james bond fast and furious movie

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Machinery/Industrial Goods
Intertek swings to yearly pretax profit
Published: March 7, 2017 at 3:18 a.m. ET
Olga Cotaga
LONDON--Intertek Group PLC (ITRK.LN) reported Tuesday a swing to 2016 pretax profit, thanks to a weaker British pound, recent acquisitions and good organic growth, and said it expects to deliver good results at constant currency in 2017.
"The products and trade related divisions, which represent over 90% of the group's earnings, delivered an excellent performance with organic growth of 4% at constant rates while, as expected, trading conditions continued to be challenging in the resource related division," said Chief Executive André Lacroix.
The company that provides inspection, product testing and certification made a pretax profit of 347.1 million pounds ($418.2 million), compared with a loss of GBP307.7 million a year earlier. Revenue increased to GBP2.57 billion from GBP2.17 billion. At constant currency, revenue rose 8.8%, but at actual rates it grew by 19%.
In 2015 the company booked a GBP577 charge due to challenging conditions in the global oil and gas industry, resulting in a pretax loss.
The board recommended a final dividend of 43 pence a share, upgrading the total dividend by 19% to 62.4 pence a share.
-Write to Olga Cotaga at olga.cotaga@wsj.com, Twitter @OlgaCotaga
Barron's: The Economy Isn't as Strong as It Looks. Get Ready for Another Stock Market Tumble.
Lucid stock rockets on heavy volume, has been halted 9 times for volatility


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Objective Falaise (Hardback)
8 August 1944 – 16 August 1944
WWII Military
By Georges Bernage
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Published: 11th July 2018
You'll be £19.99 closer to your next £10.00 credit when you purchase Objective Falaise. What's this?
+£4 UK Delivery or free UK delivery if order is over £30
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Other formats available - Buy the Hardback and get the eBook for £1.99!
Objective Falaise ePub (62.6 MB) Add to Basket £8.00
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On the night of 8 August 1944, the First Canadian Army launched Operation Totalize, directing their advance towards Falaise, with the intention of breaking through the German defences south of Caen. In spite of large numbers, they were halted by the 12.SS- Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend", who managed to block the 600 armored vehicles. During one of the German counter-attacks, several Tiger tanks were destroyed, including that of panzer ace, Michael Wittmann, who was killed in the process.
The offensive was relaunched a few days later under the name Operation Tractable, the intention this time being to capture the strategically important town of Falaise and close the 'Falaise Pocket', also known as the 'Corridor of Death'.
This book provides the reader with a day-by-day account of this forgotten battle, while also acting as a field guide, including maps and both comtemporary and modern photographs.
The maps and photos are particularly good, some of them copies of original combat maps, from larger scale maps of the terrain down to more small scale maps with individual tanks marked. The photos also show some "then and now" type comparisons. Also very cool photos of actual wrecks in situ and even bits of tanks that a farmer salvaged and kept on his farm... Overall its a good read and very useful and interesting for historians and wargamers alike.
Read the full review here
Colonel Mustard Blog
A prolifically illustrated book covering the Canadian-led battles in Normandy as part of Operations Totalize and Tractable in August 1944.
Overall, this is a well written day-by-day account of these two hard fought operations that also acts as a field guide, and is recommended to modellers and students of tank warfare alike.
IPMS Magazine Nov-Dec 18
It is interesting to read, and describes the events well. It can by the nature of the events sometimes become confusing in understanding the chronology of specific incidents, but this is how it was no doubt at the time. By covering a limited period timewise and a small geographic location, this book provides a detailed account of the fighting of the Canadians and Poles. Provided the reader has an interest in the Normandy campaign, or the Canadian Army during the Second World War, this book will not disappoint.
British Military History, Rob Palmer
Among the photos there are even some original wartime colour pictures, as well as the more common black and white.
Add maps to help give more context, this makes for a very interesting and detailed account of this important week in the story of the Battle of Normandy. If you visit the area then I heartily recommend this as one to read beforehand (and take with you), to help plan your own itinerary.
Military Model Scene, Robin Buckland
As featured 'ON THE BOOKSHELF'
Wargames Illustrated, July 2018
About Georges Bernage
The historian Georges Bernage is one of France's premier experts on the 1944 Normandy Invasion. He has published over forty books on the subject since 1978.
More titles by Georges Bernage
Saving £8.50 (34%)
Other titles in Pen & Sword Military...


In her last years my mother was always cold, and she complained about it regularly. She always admired ladies she saw with mink hats, and since she rarely asked for anything, a few years ago, I decided to get her one for Christmas.
After some searching I found a company called–Big Fur Hats. I spent a ridiculous amount of money–had she known, my frugal mother would have been horrified–to buy her one. I was pretty pleased with myself when I presented it to her, but I could see instantly that she did not like it. Gamely, she tried it on, and I think she wore it once or twice, but she hated it, I could tell.
The Big Fur Hat (BFH) is mine now, and it is an essential part of my equipment on Washington Island. I don't care what I look like there–which is part of the fun, I admit–so I wear it when the dogs and I go for our walks. I look ridiculous. Nevertheless, it is a lifesaver, especially when the wind is blowing. Without it, I would be forced to shorten our walks, the source of the dogs' joy, and my inspiration.
There may be lesson here, but I'm not sure what it is.
A few weeks after blowing all that money on the unloved BFH, I found a vintage mink hat in a consignment store for $12. My mother loved it.
I had a similar hat, only fake fur, it was black, I wore it to my mothers funeral and probably looked pretty bizarre, Reminds me of a story, my Dad bought my Mother a mink jacket, it was a wedding anniversary gift, she made him take it back, because "what would people say?" I was crushed, and felt sad for my dad who really thought he was doing something special.


Earlier this week I was introduced to this sweet online store called after owner Sarah emailed me when she found out we both had a common love of skulls. Working in the online space I love finding new sites and exploring them and when I find one that is beautifully designed I always want to share it with others. This one was no exception.
Sarah as passionate collector is a graphics designer with a background in fashion design, she's worked with some big names in fashion but decided it was time to do something for herself and started Little Quarters. Travel is a huge influence on Sarah's drawings and the recent passing of her sister encouraged her to follow her dreams and start the business. Here's a little insight into Little Quarters and Sarah's inspiration… Sarah is kindly offering one unframed print to a Nest blog reader so please comment below with the print you would most like in your house and why to enter the competition. Winner will be announced Friday 13th Sept.
1. Where did the illustration idea stem from?
"They say what you do when you're procrastinating is what you should do as a career". I have been so fortunate to figure this out for myself, although still working on achieving it as a career in Little Quarters. After uprooting and moving from Geelong, Victoria at the beginning of 2012, to Sydney, I fell naturally into concentrating on my own work and in particular my Illustrations, doing what I love most.
Having spent 18 amazing months in Sydney, surrounding myself with as much art as physically possible, I have now returned to Victoria to be with family due to the recent passing of my beautiful sister who lost her fight with leukemia. This sad time has concreted within me that life really is precious, and we should all spend our time doing exactly what we love and doing what makes us truly happy!
2. You have a repeating skull theme happening, was that intentional?
My current SKULL+BONES series was sparked by a trip to Mexico, and experiencing the Mexican celebrations of (The Day of The Dead). The celebrations really opened my eyes to how we view skulls. I was fascinated by the amount of decorations made for this celebration and so it got me thinking about skulls as a graphic and symbol.
From the time you look at one of my skull illustrations, you don't know if I have drawn a boy or a girl, a black man or a white women, someone who is gay, straight or whether they suffer from an illness, have a disability, have any scars, whether they are beautiful, ugly, rich or poor… You know nothing! Other than in its simplest form the skull is familiar. The simplistic connection we have and the beauty of knowing that it's another human being, stripped back, with no judgment… And that's beautiful.
3. Are you self-taught or did you study?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always drawn. I was always found happy with a pencil in my hand, and a colouring book under my arm. I studied graphic design at the Gordon TAFE, in Geelong, Victoria. However I have never studied traditional illustration so I am self-taught in that aspect. I'm finding my design and fashion background falls hand in hand with my illustration work. I'm really enjoying the journey of discovering new techniques within my illustrations as I progress.
5. What is one thing you'd love to draw but never quite nailed?
Ahhh… tree's, really realistic looking tree's, and masculine men. Most of my men look a bit girly! With objects I'm not too familiar with, I try to research the objects I want to put into the artwork and study them and to see how I can best create the illustration. I try to create a realistic feel to my work, although still trying to master this. I am actually in the process of quoting a commission piece, of which my client is after a tree of life. I'm hoping the job goes ahead as I'm really looking forward to the challenge.
6. Any advice to other illustrators out there looking to create their own range like yours?
Take that leap of faith and go for it. There are so many tools out there to help with starting up a small business.
It is hard work, and you do need to be dedicated, and have a real passion for it, but its so rewarding! It's really exciting to see your work being enjoyed by others. It sounds cliché but life really is too short to not be doing what you love. I get to draw every day, and I love that! Whatever you find yourself drawn to, just have some fun with it! What have you got to loose?
It also helps if you have an incredible partner who will make you late night cups of tea, when your working away on a piece and lends a hand with packaging illustrations for posting out to customers for you. My partner really is my backbone, he keeps me going, and we have heaps of fun at the same time.
Illustrations are only just the start for this talented illustrator so keep your eyes peeled! Follow Sarah on or .
Having visited Mexico this work would remind me of my amazing trip everyday and the culture which Sarah has captured in this print!
Beautiful! Im always so envious of people who can draw, it seems like such a relaxing talent to have! I love 'Pineapple Head'!!
I love the skull with the cowboys hat. I'm glad Little Quarters was listed in this blog because it is a great find. I've been to website now and love the drawings.
I love the third print. It makes me go away in my head and dream 🙂 You are very talented and thankyou for a chance to have something special to hang in my home.
Love the Wild Horses picture.
Deepest sympathies for your loss – I know where you've been there.
I love the bottom left of the quartet – the colours and fluidity are great. The use of stark black coat hangers is a great design element too!
Sarah's illustrations are amazing! I Have literally been ogling each and every one of her artworks on her website. I am completely skull obsessed and keep getting drawn to 'Pineapple Head'. I always imagine skulls as being happy and I love the juxtaposition in the eyes with teardrops falling from the darkness of one eye and colour and happiness in the other. Every time I look at each print I see it slightly differently and notice something I haven't seen before. Love it!


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No safe space; how one Salt Lake City resident has welcomed LGBT refugees
Posted on October 26, 2017 by comm3660
Connell O'Donovan at the annual Salt Lake City Utah Pride festival. Photo taken by David Newkirk.
Story by KAYA DANAE
Apollo Kann, a gay Ugandan refugee and HIV/AIDS education activist, landed in Salt Lake City after spending two years in Nairobi, Kenya, waiting to be resettled into the U.S. The first local contact he made was Connell O'Donovan, a genealogist and well known activist for LGBT rights.
The next day Barnabas Wobilaya, Kann's friend and fellow HIV/AIDS education activist, arrived in Salt Lake City from Nairobi. "I'm professional friends with them," O'Donovan said with a laugh. "It started out totally informally. Apollo sent me a friend request on Facebook and for whatever reason, I accepted his request!"
After offering his help, O'Donovan arrived at the apartment that Kann, Wobilaya and two other Ugandan refugees had been placed in by the International Rescue Committee. O'Donovan immediately noticed that their apartment was sparsely furnished.
"The IRC had provided very minimal furniture, a table, two chairs, two beds, linens, basic soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. They showed up with a literal knapsack each, that was it," O'Donovan said.
O'Donovan reached out to his social circle and explained the situation, saying, "They need everything, what can you give?" Within 24 hours a truck was filled with everything they could possibly need, including a La-Z-Boy chair and new TV.
"I've just been a contact point with my circle of friends and the LGBT Community at large, anything that they need, they contact me. And I reach out and try to find it for them," O'Donovan said.
He brought Kann and Wobilaya to the Utah Pride Center, where they were introduced to the Executive Director Carol Gnade.
The Utah Pride Center had begun to establish a refugee subcommittee called The Heart and Home Project in November 2016, but plans were changed when Donald Trump became president.
"We had been told by IRC that there would be 25 other LGBT refugees that would be coming from Uganda in June," Gnade said in a phone interview. "We started scrambling to get a program together for all of these people, but they never came."
The Heart and Home Project proposed to distribute a pamphlet to resettlement agencies like the International Rescue Committee and Catholic Community Services. These pamphlets would help teach refugees about the LGBT culture and resources in Salt Lake City. The project has been put on hold until more LGBT refugees are resettled into Utah.
The Pride Center currently offers free counseling for LGBT folk and happily welcomes refugees who identify as LGBT. Several refugee resettlement agencies also offer counseling for refugees experiencing PTSD. But LGBT refugees are often hesitant to use the services in fear of being exposed and mistreated.
Aden Batar, the immigration and refugee resettlement director for Catholic Community Services and the first Somalian refugee to step foot in Utah, stressed the importance of befriending refugees. "They (refugees) are leaving their homes, friends and families behind. It is very easy to become isolated. The connections and friendships that are made through our volunteer programs can completely change their lives."
O'Donovan grew emotional when he began explaining that Uganda is one of the worst countries to live in for the LGBT community.
"You would not believe the circumstances these (LGBT) refugees are coming from," he said.
In 2014, Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, in which being gay was punishable by death. It has since been updated and the penalty is now a lifetime prison sentence. It is not uncommon for the death penalty to be carried out in more rural areas.
Even if an LGBT Ugandan is placed in a refugee camp, conditions are not much better.
A United Nations Refugee Camp in Kakuma, Kenya, has been known to treat its LGBT enclave especially inhumanely. "There are about 250 (LGBT) refugees that are placed next to the shores of the river. When there is rain, they get flooded out, they're constantly surrounded by mosquitos. Several of them have malaria, but they're not getting medicine because they are not a priority. They are given ridiculous charges and sent to jail. The camp security will come by and beat the hell out of them," said O'Donovan, who has been in contact with LGBT refugees staying at the camp.
Only five gay refugee men are known to be living in Salt Lake City, but two have not publicly come out in fear of being isolated from their own families and friends. Many LGBT refugees live their lives in hiding and secrecy. Even outing themselves in order to be granted asylum can be too dangerous. As openly gay men and HIV/AIDS education activists, Kann and Wobilaya have said they faced discrimination from fellow refugees here in Salt Lake City.
Catholic Community Services and International Rescue Committee have typically resettled approximately 1,200 refugees in Utah each year. Globally, 53 percent of all refugees are from Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria, all of which outlaw (some punishable by death) being an active LGBT citizen. Organizations like these are essential in helping refugees resettle into Salt Lake City, but Connell O'Donovan said that it is our responsibility as citizens to help our refugee neighbors feel welcome, especially those who may feel isolated in their own homes.
Filed under: Immigrants & Refugees, LGBTQ, Nonprofits, Organizations | Tagged: activism, Uganda, Utah Pride Center |	Leave a comment »
Utah Pride Festival unites community
Posted on November 1, 2012 by comm3660
Participants in the annual Utah Pride Festival show their colors as they march holding rainbow flags. Photo courtesy of the Utah Pride Center.
Story by AINSLEY YOUNG
The Utah Pride Festival is a three-day event held each June that allows people of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to come together to celebrate who they are and to show their true colors.
"People know they can attend the festival and are free to be who they are and they will see 20,000 other people also being free to be who they are. People will also find acceptance and love at the Pride Festival," said Megan Risbon, executive assistant and volunteer program manager at the Utah Pride Center.
In 2012, there were around 23,000 attendees.
"I think people attend the Pride Festival for many reasons," Risbon said. "Most people know they can see how diverse our community here in Utah really is at the Festival."
Risbon said it's important to attend the festival and make new friends and allies. One way to do this is by volunteering.
"This volunteer had recently come out and was afraid to attend his first Pride Festival without any friends or family. Even though he was hesitant, he signed up to volunteer for a three-hour shift. I assigned him to take tickets at the main gate for that one shift but he ended up working another shift for us that day," Risbon said.
"After the festival, he emailed me and told me what a wonderful time he had volunteering. He had met so many people when taking tickets and it was a great experience for him. He stated that he was usually quite shy but decided to be super friendly and extroverted while volunteering and because of that, he made many new friends," she said.
Bexi Lee, a volunteer at Ogden Outreach and the Utah Pride Center, said she has been to the Utah Pride Festival for the last three years in a row.
"It's a weekend off from work, a chance to hang out with friends and an opportunity to join my community in voicing our needs and wants. Oh, it's also the first sunburn of the summer," she said.
Lee said in addition to the parade and shows, there is a lot of information on sexual health. The Utah Pride Festival is also where she discovered the organizations she's a part of now.
"The more we continue to have the festival, the more opportunities we have to spread our message," Lee said. "Those who have a different idea of how life should be lived would consider it a victory on their part if the festival was discontinued."
Brenden Beery, who volunteered as parade monitor at the festival in 2012, said he goes to get more acquainted with the LGBTQ+ community.
"Being a gay male, I wanna know what's going on in my demographic. It's more than just a parade; they have political booths and other things like that," he said.
The booths inform people about the human rights movement and goings on in the fight for marriage equality. There was also a booth from the U doing a study on same-gender attraction.
To Beery, knowing he isn't the only one is comforting, and he finds that comfort at the Utah Pride Festival.
People attending the festival shows that they are proud of who they are, Beery said.
"It shows there is a generational shift in values regarding the LGBT community," he said. "They welcome all aspects of human sexuality; it's not so much a gay pride parade as an equality parade."
Each year, the festival kicks off with the Grand Marshal Reception where the Utah Pride Center honors its Grand Marshal along with other award recipients.
Saturday's festivities begin with a 5K run in the morning. Following the run are three simultaneous rallies and marches. The Interfaith Service, Gender Rally and Dyke Rally are held, followed by a joint march to the festival grounds.
When these groups reach the festival grounds, the opening ceremonies are held (national anthem, raising of the rainbow flag above the City/County Building) and the festival is officially opened.
The first few hours of Saturday's events are set aside for family-friendly activities. Parents may bring their children for family-specific events (clowns, magicians, cotton candy, kid crafts, etc.). Saturday night finishes up with a dance party at the Main Stage.
Sunday begins with the annual Pride Parade. The 2012 festival marked the largest Pride Parade and the largest parade in the State of Utah with over 150 entries, Risbon said.
Also in 2012, the festival welcomed 300 active and faithful LDS members representing Mormons Building Bridges, along with allies and parents of LGBTQ+ people to march at the beginning of the Pride Parade. After the parade, the festival grounds open with music, speakers, vendor booths, bingo, karaoke and other activities being held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Filed under: Arts, Entertainment, Culture, LGBTQ, Organizations | Tagged: Utah Pride Center, Utah Pride Festival, Utah Pride Parade |	Leave a comment »
TEA of Utah
by JENNIFER MORGAN
Teinamarie Nelson and Rebecca Wilder were having lunch one day and discussing an issue they heard about from the media regarding transgender people that they thought was unfair. The two women wanted to do something to help transgender people and those who interact with them so they didn't make the news the same way. They decided to form a nonprofit organization but, it wasn't until Christopher Scuderi came on board that things started moving.
Transgender Education Advocates, or TEA (pronounced "T"), was established in 2003 as a volunteer organization. It is an affiliate program of the Utah Pride Center and its mission is "to educate the public on transgender issues for better understanding and awareness of discrimination towards the transgender population."
TEA offers a Gender 101 class, which aims to make people aware of individuals who don't fit the binary gender system. Scuderi said 50 percent of the classes they teach are requested while the other half are through TEA's outreach efforts. Because TEA doesn't have an office of its own, classes are offered in the Utah Pride Center or at the organization receiving the training.
One group that received the Gender 101 training recently was the Public Safety Liaison Committee. PSLC is a group of individuals in service-related professions, including firefighters, police officers and EMTs that aim to educate those in their field about LGBT issues. Rachel Hanson of the Utah Pride Center and Scuderi conducted the training for PSLC, which lasted about an hour and half. Hanson felt it was a success because people openly talked a lot about biases and other subjects that came up during the presentation. Another good gauge for determining whether the training went well, is if participants feel free to ask questions. "I can often tell when people feel comfortable because they ask questions without worrying about sounding dumb," she said. "A lot of people don't understand transgender people."
Gary Horenkamp, PSLC's co-chair, said the training was "a well-organized, well-presented learning activity" with useful information that he hadn't heard anywhere before. Horenkamp also is the project leader for OUTreach Ogden, which supports the "personal growth, acceptance and equality" of LGBTQ people and serves Box Elder, Morgan, Weber and Davis Counties. Gender 101 classes are available throughout the year, but TEA also hosts special events.
During November, TEA hosted a number of events in recognition of Transgender Awareness Month. For 2007 it brought in two speakers to provide workshops for medical and legal students and professionals. TEA also observes the Day of Remembrance annually on Nov. 20 with a candlelight vigil. The memorial commemorates transgender people who have lost their lives due to hate-crime violence.
Although it wasn't a hate crime, Scuderi tells of an individual who was involved in a car accident that died because of a lack of understanding. When paramedics arrived they had to cut away clothing and when they discovered the genitalia of the victim didn't match the rest of their appearance they were shocked. Apparently they laughed and poked fun but never helped, which resulted in the victim's death. Some people have a hard time seeking medical help because they don't know how they will be treated.
In the Salt Lake City medical community there are four family doctors who advertise that they treat transgender patients, but only one, Dr. Nicola Riley, is still accepting new patients. The others had to stop because their practices were too large. Riley received TEA's 2006 award for Individual of the Year, while Equality Utah was given the Organization of the Year award for its work. Riley received this award partly because of her willingness to continue accepting transgender patients.
If a transgender person decides to have gender reassignment surgery, or GRS, they may have a difficult time finding a surgeon as well. Scuderi estimates there are a dozen throughout the United States, but none are in Utah. The closest surgeons are in Colorado, California or Arizona. Outside of the country, Thailand has the most GRS surgeons because of its progressive views regarding gender.
TEA's 2007 keynote speaker, Dr. Marci Bowers, has a waiting list of 150 people. Her practice is located in Trinidad, Colo., which is the "transgender capital of the world" according to the city welcome sign. Born Mark Bowers, she transitioned later in life after marrying and having children although she had thoughts about becoming a woman by the age of 5. Bowers has helped more than 500 patients through this process and is considered a world-renowned surgeon. She has been a guest on "Oprah" and "Larry King Live."
Locating a surgeon is just one challenge facing individuals. Securing funding also can be problematic. Many people can only afford changes from the waist up and can feel incomplete because of it. A few insurance companies cover GRS, but it has to be written into the plan. For male-to-female surgery, Scuderi estimates the cost ranges from $8,000 to $22,000. Female-to-male surgery costs considerably more: $30,000 to $150,000.
Because the costs are out of reach for many, TEA established the Cans For Change program. Aluminum cans are collected for recycling and the money goes toward a scholarship. The scholarship fund was developed to help with a portion of general reassignment surgery costs for an individual on a need basis. You can e-mail TEA to arrange a pick up of clean cans any time. While it has yet to raise enough to consider applicants, TEA hopes to have $1,000 soon for this purpose.
Due to confidentiality and stigma, few statistics are available on the transgender population. But Scuderi and Rachel Hanson believe the transgender youth population is growing. They think this is partly due to the media. Films such as "Boys Don't Cry" and Barbara Walter's segment on "20/20" bring exposure to the transgender community. Also, the Internet provides a forum for youth to discuss their lives and issues in a safe environment.
Hanson is the youth director at the Utah Pride Center and facilitates the transgender youth group that meets weekly. She said many transgender people are not receiving support from family or friends so they are at a higher risk for suicide and other self-destructive behavior than gay and lesbian youth.
Utah law doesn't allow the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Hanson says that when they have approached schools to educate them they often shy away from the training because they're afraid it'll fall under the "promotion" of alternative lifestyles.
Scuderi says TEA has had conversations with two school boards. "We've contacted most of them, but they've either declined or haven't returned emails or phone calls."
On campus and elsewhere, the most obvious place transgender people encounter problems is the bathrooms. If a female has male genitalia and goes into the boy's bathroom she's more likely to have a problem than using a girl's restroom.
Another place that is high risk for transgender people is correctional facilities. Currently when someone is picked up they are placed in holding cells based on their genitalia. Because their outward appearance is generally different than those their holed up with, they become easy targets for harassment or worse. Horenkamp said there was a senior officer from SLCPD at the Gender 101 training and he felt it was well received.
Filed under: Education, Health & Fitness, LGBTQ, Media, Organizations | Tagged: bias, discrimination, Equality Utah, hate-crime, health care, Media, Utah Pride Center, volunteer |	Leave a comment »
SLC drag troupe raises funds, morale
by AMANDA CHAMBERLAIN
Forty-five-year-old Don Steward says he's about as mainstream as it gets. The West Valley City resident has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in public administration, owns a small business and attends church every week.
"If I was an ice cream flavor I would be vanilla – probably sugar free," Steward said. "I'm that dull."
Perhaps it's Steward's dull home life that makes his charity work seem even more intriguing. He makes it a priority to stay active doing volunteer work, and has traveled across Utah and Wyoming mentoring nonprofit organizations. But it's when he stuffs his 6-foot, 230-pound frame into a curve-hugging, polyester dress and 5-inch heels that his charity work appears the most vibrant.
Meet Ruby Ridge, Steward's alter ego. He transitions into this bearded drag queen – brazenly outfitted with loud makeup, fluorescent hair and a sassy attitude – when he appears with the fundraising performance troupe, the Utah Cyber Sluts. As one of the about 10 rotating members in the troupe, Ridge performs improvisational comedy and lends herself to charitable events within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, such as Pride and WinterFest.
Most recently, the Cyber Sluts kicked off University of Utah's Pride Week on Oct. 15, 2007, performing a colorful show for attendees free of charge. On Nov. 29, the troupe will doll themselves up in the finest Deseret Industries dresses and attend The Red Party at the Hotel Monaco to raise money for AIDS awareness. Just one night later, they will unveil their Christmas performance "Cyber Night, Slutty Night, What's in Your Stocking?" at the Paper Moon.
But perhaps the Cyber Sluts' most famous fundraising effort is Cyber Slut Bingo. Each month, the merry bunch hosts a different-themed game night in order to raise money for the Utah Pride Center.
"The Pride Center has had a partnership with them for couple of years now, and one amazing thing about the Cyber Sluts is how much they do for charity," said Jennifer Nuttall, the Center's adult-program director. "Initially, the Center was having difficulty raising funds, and it was their idea to come and do the Bingo nights to help out the center. Now that we've gotten to a much better place financially, we're able to split the proceeds to go to both the Pride Center and the Cyber Sluts' other charities throughout the community."
In September, the Cyber Sluts collected more than $2,000 from Bingo night alone. And according to Nuttall, who attends Bingo night to direct "the Pride Center side of things," the number will only continue to grow. She said the game night fundraiser is attracting a bigger and "more diverse crowd," and at $5 admission per person, that can add up.
Nuttall also noted that the Cyber Sluts plan to take the event "on the road," hosting Bingo night starting Dec. 14, 2007, at the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society (6876 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City) for the next few months, then moving it to another part of the valley.
The Cyber Sluts experience no shortage of Bingo, AIDS benefits and Pride weeks, but just how does one find himself performing in drag for charity? Steward's story starts with the formation of the troupe itself, which was inspired by the Denver Cycle Sluts, a similar fundraising outfit. Two inquisitive Utahns, Rand Bodily and Chris Trujillo, caught a Cycle Slut performance nearly 17 years ago and felt inspired to mimic their antics and generosity, according to an article published in the November 2007 issue of QSaltLake.
Taking their concept back to Utah's salty turf, Bodily adopted the name Lucky Charms, and Trujillo became Andromeda Strange. As they acquired more volunteers, the twosome blossomed into a full-fledged performance troupe, which they named the Utah Cyber Sluts — tweaking the moniker to slightly differ from the Denver group's.
As one of their first charitable efforts, they started Camp Pinecliff Weekend, an annual camping retreat for people with HIV/AIDS, their family and their caregivers. And while the camp acts to bring hope to those with the disease, it also serves as the birthplace of Ruby Ridge, who now is one of the event's main coordinators.
"I knew Rand and Chris, and we just got to talking one night in the lodge and boom! Ruby was born," Steward explained. "They are great performers and sort of dragged me along by my boot straps until I learned the basics."
Though founders Bodily and Trujillo have passed the leadership torch on to other Sluts, such as Ida Slapter, the current "Madame," Ridge and the rest of the troupe continue to reach out to the LGBT community, and beyond.
"They really promote a sense of community," Nuttall said, "and they're a great and fun social outlet for both our community and the community at large."
Just like the Sluts aren't limited to raising funds for just one demographic of the community, Steward isn't limited to playing Ridge only under the Cyber Slut name. He also flexes Ridge's sharp-tongued wit as a columnist for the local LGBT news and entertainment newspaper, QSaltLake. Her column, in which she touches on current events amid a bounty of endearment terms (calling readers "muffins," "petals," etc.), has gained a steady following. According to Assistant Editor JoSelle Vanderhooft, Ridge's column, "Rocky Meadows Mascara," is one of the paper's most popular features.
"I'm really surprised at how many people actually read my column," Ridge said. "I always did it as a joke, but people really respond to it."
In many ways, the same sentiment applies to the Utah Cyber Sluts. Though they joke with funny names, bad fashion sense and diva attitudes, they get the attention of many in the community at large, and it's due to their unique and entertaining take on charity work.
Filed under: Arts, Entertainment, Culture, LGBTQ | Tagged: AIDS, charity, community, fundraising, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Utah Pride Center, volunteer |	Leave a comment »
Stuck in the middle: Some bisexuals struggle to overcome stereotypes
by MISSY THOMPSON
They are called fence-sitters, undecided or confused. Generally they are not accepted by straight or gay people, although the straight community lumps them in with the LGBT community.
Bisexuals have been marginalized for many years because they are underrepresented within the LGBT community. Stereotypes surround them like a cloud.
One misconception is that they are promiscuous because they are attracted to both sexes. However, many don't fit this stereotype because they believe in monogamous relationships, whether it's with a man or woman.
"There is not a lot of respect for bisexuals," said Bonnie Owens, a senior at the University of Utah and an intern at the campus LGBT Resource Center. "Some people believe it's just a transition period."
Bisexuals are included in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) acronym that has become the most widely accepted term for describing members of this population. But, the problem with bisexuality being part of the LGBT acronym is that they are not accepted by either gays or straight individuals, Owens said.
"There's a saying: 'Bi now, gay later,'" she said, referring to the misperception that bisexuals will eventually become gay or lesbian.
Owens and LGBT Resource Center Director Cathy Martinez are working to reaching out to misrepresented LGBT communities — including bisexuals — by making them feel as if they are part of the community. Although no definite plans have been made, Owens believes they need to be included considering they are part of the acronym.
"We are bringing bisexuality into a light of inclusiveness," Owens said. "[The media] have sexualized bisexuality."
But making bisexuals feel included in the LGBT community will be difficult because they are looked down on by gays, lesbians and straight people.
"Female bisexuality is more acceptable," Owens said. "For males it is more of an issue of if you are [gay] or aren't. A man is questioned more and thought of as testing the waters. It's much less accepted."
Bisexuality in younger males is questioned even more. Tom Campbell, 17, a senior at Tooele High School in Tooele, Utah, has been out about his bisexuality for a year. He has seen some people be completely supportive of his lifestyle, while others are less inclined to treat him the same as they did before they learned he is bi.
"There are a lot of people who treat you different in high school," Campbell said. "Kids give you a lot of crap [for being bisexual]. My doctor even put me on anti-depressants."
Campbell believes it's difficult for people, especially high school teenagers, to understand that having equal interest in males and females is normal for him.
"I'm asked if I'm gay a lot and I say, 'No, I'm bi, there's a big difference between the two,'" he said. "I have a strong attraction to both [men and women]. I like variety."
He has also seen the difference in the way bisexual women are treated compared to bisexual men.
"When you're at a dance club and two girls are dancing together in a cage it's OK," Campbell said. "But when I'm up there with another guy, it isn't."
Campbell is a member of the Tooele High stage crew where he helps build and design scenery for the plays the school produces. Some of the crew members who know he is sexual orientation have treated him differently.
"It's funny because when you're with [stage] crew it's like your family, but I'm not myself," he said. "It's the people you're around that make you feel comfortable and OK with your sexuality."
Although lesbian and gay have overshadowed the 'B' in LGBT, it is a lifestyle that bisexuals accept despite pressure from both the LGBT and straight communities.
For instance, Wendy Lynn, 43, an environmental studies student at the U, never questioned her bisexuality and has embraced her lifestyle.
"I didn't realize I was different," Lynn said in the Ray Olpin Union building over a cup of coffee. "I thought it was acceptable if men were with men and women were with women. I reasoned this as an 11-year-old."
Lynn was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and during a
Primary lesson — a Sunday school-like teaching session for children — challenged a teacher who couldn't give her the answers she wanted. She was taken to the Bishop, who told her not to vocalize her thoughts.
"I didn't realize I was voicing an anti-opinion," she said. "I stopped attending church at age 12."
Her sexual orientation didn't come up again until after she was married at the age of 18. When she was driving with her husband one day, Lynn saw a woman who she believed was beautiful. Lynn didn't think twice about telling her husband that they should ask the woman to go out to dinner with them. Later, she wondered, "What was I thinking?"
"I was in a marriage and at that moment [of seeing the woman] all I wanted to do was spend time with her," Lynn said. "A time came when it was clear to my husband that I was different. But I didn't plan on pursuing it."
Lynn and her husband divorced after three years of marriage. Eventually she began a 10-year relationship with a woman. Lynn said they would still be together if it weren't for her partner's alcohol abuse.
The only time Lynn felt accepted by the LGBT community was when she was with a woman. Her life revolved around this community while she was with her girlfriend. She hung out at bars that her friends frequented. But, once she began a relationship with a man, Lynn lost the majority of her friends.
"[Gays] have their own social network," she said. "It was my social life. When I chose to be with a man [my life] was gone and now I have very few friends. [Bisexuality] is not a choice for most people," she said. "Because it was for me, people can't accept that."
Lynn has been in a relationship with the same man since 1998. They were married, then divorced. Now, they are living together again, but are no longer married.
"For me, I grow more spiritually when I'm in a committed relationship," Lynn said. "You don't learn enough about yourself when you're not. You have to find a partner who mirrors you, it's easier to survive that way. I commit everything I can to one relationship, otherwise I get lonely."
Since she has been with a man, her parents have been more supportive about her sexuality. Because they don't see Lynn with another woman it's as if they can pretend she is straight.
"I can be honest with who I am," she said. "My boyfriend doesn't care what [other people] think. He will always support who I am."
Ultimately it doesn't matter to Lynn whether her partner is male or female.
"I will never stop being attracted to men and women," she added.
Lynn's philosophy is that in any population, 10 percent are gay and 10 percent are straight. Everyone else – mainly bisexuals – fall in the middle. That large gray area is where she, and many others, fit in.
"Some people who are bisexual may just be experimenting," she said. "Sexuality is fluid and more people are deciding that it's OK to be different."
Because Lynn is older, she has seen many of the hardships bisexuals have faced over the years. Most of the time, she said, they weren't necessarily persecuted, but definitely had a hard time fitting in with both the LGBT and straight communities.
Lynn has lived in Utah, California and Montana, but the only time she felt her life was threatened was in Wyoming where LGBT individuals have been killed because of their orientation. On another occasion at the gay club, Sun, in downtown Salt Lake City, a group of men surrounded the exit. Lynn, unaware they were there, nearly walked out but was pulled back inside before she could get hurt.
"I look conservative, I'm never dishonest," Lynn said. "I'm not one of those in-your-face people. I feel safe sitting here in the Union when a few years ago, I never would have."
Nevertheless, bisexuals still have to fight for approval from society.
For instance, the Utah Bisexual Support Group was only recently allowed to hold meetings at the Utah Pride Center in downtown Salt Lake City.
"We are viewed with as much suspicion in the gay community as in the straight,"
Lynn said. "Bisexuality for me has very little to do with who I choose — whether male or female. I don't take sex seriously, but there has to be a serious attraction. In that case I don't want to limit myself."
Campbell and Lynn are just two of many bisexual individuals living in Utah who don't feel at home in the gay and lesbian or straight communities. Until one, or both, sides decide to accept them, bisexuals will continue to live in limbo.
Filed under: LGBTQ | Tagged: high school, LDS, Media, relationship, respect, stereotypes, Utah Pride Center |	Leave a comment »


32 - 34" 25 - 27" 34 - 36" XS 27"
34 - 36" 27 - 29" 36 - 38" S 27.5"
36 - 38" 29 - 31" 38 - 40" M 28"
38 - 40" 31 - 33" 40 - 42" L 28.5"
40 - 42" 33 - 35" 42 - 44" XL 29"
Please note the measurement guidance above and keep in mind this shirt has an easy, oversized fit with longer sleeves designed to be pushed up.
A tiny frilled placket and collar is just the right amount of feminine — we used a very menswear-feeling bengal-striped poplin from Italy to offset it a bit. It's got a popover placket that only goes halfway down, so you can just pop it over your head.


The roofing system is easily the most essential component of a manufactured home's structure. Single and double wide home roofs withstand snow, rain, hot weather, hail storms, ice, tree branches, wind storms, hurricanes. twisters, and lets not overlook animals. Your roof doesn't only secure the building below. It also provides a safe haven for your family, which is the roofs most essential function. Mobile homes can be equipped with a few different types of roofing material. Most mobile home roofs will be manufactured with asphalt shingles or metal. Asphalt shingles are the best type of roof material to use when the home has a high slope. This is also known as a high slope roof. Most mobile home roofing systems in the past were made with flat roofs or low slope roofs. Today home owners are choosing to opt for roofs with a higher slope for numerous reasons. Flat roofs do not drain water away from the house like high slope roofs. Flat roofs also have a shorter life cycle for this reason. Rain has the potential to pool up on a flat roof. This can lead to roof leaks and also speed up the need for roof repair. There is also cosmetic reasons to go with a high slope roof. This type of roof will give your mobile home a more modern look while still providing exceptional protection for the rest of the home. Many times your roof is the culprit when it comes to your house not being energy efficient. A house that is not adequately insulated will cost you a lot more in heating oil, electricity, and energy bills. This starts with the roof. Heat rises to the top. If your roof is not insulated, you will always find yourself raising the temperature in your home to keep it warm. Most mobile home roofs are insulated with fiberglass or spray foam. Here are some things to consider when it comes to making decisions about your mobile home roofing.
Before you decide on a total roof over, you need to check to see its possible to repair your mobile home roofing system. Usually membrane roofs such as TPO and EPDM can be repaired. Most mobile home roofs in The United States are assembled with a metal or rubber roof. We will begin by discussing metal roofs first. When contractors refer to metal roofs, they usually are referring to using aluminum. Aluminum is a popular building material because of its flexibility. It can accommodate roofs of high and low inclines. Aluminum is lightweight and very durable. Most standing seam roofs are constructed out of aluminum. Aluminum roofs usually carry long warranties. They are easy for a roofer to install and require little servicing. When you are re-roofing your mobile home, you can also install insulation at areas that need it. If you are installing a metal roof over your existing roof, it is common practice for roofers to add insulation between your original and new roof. This saves money in the future, because the new insulation will help prevent drafts and help you maintain the temperature in your house. Adding insulation to your metal or asphalt roof is also important to prevent ice damming. Ice damming is when layers of ice form in the gap between your gutter system and your roofing shingles. Ice damming leads to water accumulating on your roof; because of the waters failure to drain properly in to your gutters.
With new technology advances, it is suggested to avoid using flat roofs on your mobile home. Flat mobile home roofing systems are synonomous with roof leaks. They are more susceptible to having problems. One of the problems with flat roofs is inadequate drainage. Water has the propensity to gather and pool on flat surfaces. On a roofing surface such as shingles or metal, this can result in a roofs early deterioration. Flat roofs also have a larger surface area that is subjected to the sun's heat. That is why you should select a building material like TPO that has strong reflective characteristics. Rubber asphalt roofs also tend to blister due to the heat. This can result in roof leaks and tears in the roofs exterior lining requiring repair.
Most newer mobile homes are designed with pitched roof systems. The top roof materials of choice today are metal or asphalt shingles. Shingles have become the roof over material of choice for the majority of non commercial applications. Shingles are relatively easy to install, they can last 25-30 years, and they add an aesthetic beauty to your home improvement project. A shingle roof can have more than just one layer. Your manufactured home may not require a whole new roofing replacement. If you currently have asphalt shingles. It is feasible to add another layer of shingles to your existing roof. This is normally done to repair leaks when asphalt roofs near the end of their useful life. TPO is another option. TPO is a roofing membrane that is used on both high and low slope roofs. It is reflective, affordable, and easy for a contractor to install. It is commonly regarded as rubber roofing. Usually you will have two roofing options. Either repair your roof or replace your roof. The installation prices of the roof will vary depending upon materials used, the roofer, and the type and size of the roof. Although roof cost is important, it is not advisable to cut costs here. A roof improperly installed can result in a constant demand for roof repair. This is why we do not recommend rolled rubber roofing for your mobile home.
Mobile home rubber roof coatings are an easy method to keep your mobile home air-conditioned. This process involves adding a elastomeric coating to your roof to reflect the suns heat. This will help you with air conditioner expenses. It also helps keep your roofing system from experiencing roof leaks because this material will bind to the existing roof surface area to keep water out. When this liquid rubber is applied around protrusions like mobile home roof vents and chimneys, it will perform like flashing. It is customarily applied with a brush. This is a necessity for mobile homes with flat roofs. Most roof coatings are asphalt based. Another roof coating selection is latex. Latex has shown to be a more reflective coating roof material than asphalt. Latex will require the use of a primer before applying the actual coating. It is encouraged that you reapply a roof coating to your flat roof every couple of years to preserve its integrity.
Any kind of roofing system that you choose for your mobile home will require a regular maintenance plan. You should consult with your roofing company and learn more about your roofing choices. It is not advised to do a roof replacement yourself. If you should use asphalt shingles, rubber roofing, or metal roofing on your manufactured home will quite likely depend on your surrounding climate conditions, the quality and expertise of your contractor, and how much money you are planning to spend. This overview should be able to give you a helping hand.


text:
Q: How do I use dynamic parameters with autofac's RegisterGeneric() method? Current situation
I am registering some classes, one-by-one, all with the following pattern:
builder.RegisterType<NpgsqlDapperRepository<Foo, int>>()
                .As<IDapperRepository<Foo, int>>()
                .WithParameter(new NamedParameter("connectionString", ConnectionString))
                .WithParameter(new NamedParameter("tableName", "Foos"))
                .WithParameter(new NamedParameter("schema", "dbo"))
                .InstancePerLifetimeScope();

What I am attempting
I want to use RegisterGeneric() as follows:
builder.RegisterGeneric(typeof(NpgsqlDapperRepository<,>))
                .As(typeof(IDapperRepository<,>))
                .WithParameter(new NamedParameter("connectionString", ConnectionString))
                .WithParameter(new NamedParameter("tableName", ???)) //TODO: Determine table name from entity type (acquire from dictionary or something). How do I acquire the type?
                .WithParameter(new NamedParameter("schema", "dbo"))
                .InstancePerLifetimeScope();

Obviously this is so I don't need to register 100s of entities which essentially have the exact same configuration with just 1 parameter being different.
The problem
I need to determine the table name from the entity type. How do I acquire the type when using RegisterGeneric()? Is this even possible?
Extra note
I noticed something called ResolvedParameter and looked into that, but I'm not sure if it's what I need. I am thinking not. However, if that is indeed what I need, I would appreciate an example for my situation.

A: You can create your own Parameter
public class TableNameParameter : Parameter
{
    public override Boolean CanSupplyValue(
        ParameterInfo pi, IComponentContext context, out Func<Object> valueProvider)
    {
        valueProvider = null;

        if (pi.ParameterType != typeof(String) && pi.Name != "tableName")
            return false;

        valueProvider = () =>
        {
            ITableNameResolver tableNameResolver = context.Resolve<ITableNameResolver>();
            Type entityType = pi.Member.DeclaringType.GetGenericArguments()[0];
            String tableName = tableNameResolver.GetTableName(entityType);
            return tableName;
        };
        return true;
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Men's Basketball Coaches
Jason Shay
Turner Battle
Matt Wise
Chad Donley
Tyler Janota
Director of Basketball Sport Performance
Desonta Bradford
Assistant for Player Development
Jalen Avery
ETSU named Jason Shay the 17th head coach in program history on May 6, 2020.
Shay spent the last five seasons as the Buccaneers' assistant coach where ETSU compiled an overall record of 130-43. The 130 wins are the most over a five-year run in program history, while ranking 15th nationally since the start of the 2015-16 season. The Bucs also won two Southern Conference regular season championships, two SoCon Tournament championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. This past season, the Buccaneers set a program-record with 30 wins, becoming just the fourth team in SoCon history to accomplish the feat. In 2017-18, the Blue and Gold tied the school record by winning 16 straight games – a streak that was the longest in the country at one point that season.
Prior to coming to Johnson City, Shay held assistant coaching stints at North Dakota, Northwest Florida State College, Tennessee, Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Mercyhurst (Pa.) College. Throughout those stops, Shay had a streak of helping lead teams to nine consecutive postseason berths at the Division I level, including Tennessee's first-ever trip to the Elite Eight in 2010 and a Sweet 16 run at Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2005.
During his time at Northwest Florida, the Raiders went 62-6, while winning consecutive Panhandle Conference Championships and back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA Division I National Championship game.
His two seasons at the junior college in Niceville, Fla., followed a six-year stint as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee. During his tenure in Knoxville, the Volunteers advanced to six consecutive NCAA Tournaments, which included the Elite Eight run in 2010. The Volunteers also won the outright Southeastern Conference Championship in 2008 – for the first time in 41 years – and UT averaged more than 25 wins per season during his time on the staff, including grabbing the No. 1 ranking for the first time in program history in 2008.
Shay's first Division I assistant coaching job came at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he was first the director of basketball operations for two seasons (2001-03) before being elevated to a full-time assistant prior to the 2003-04 season. The Panthers advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both of his seasons as an assistant coach before the staff moved on to Tennessee for the 2005-06 season.
Shay began his coaching career at Mercyhurst (Pa.) College where he spent two years as an assistant coach and also assisted in the sports information office.
Shay, a native of Galesburg, Ill., was a walk-on at the University of Iowa for Dr. Tom Davis where he earned his bachelor's degree in health promotion in 1995. Shay then graduated with a master's degree from Western Illinois in 1998.
Shay and his wife, Jana, have a daughter, Peija; and a son Joah.


text:
from __future__ import absolute_import, division, print_function
from six.moves import range
#import matplotlib.image as mpimg
from plottool_ibeis import viz_image2
from plottool_ibeis import interact_annotations
from plottool_ibeis import draw_func2 as df2
from plottool_ibeis import plot_helpers as ph
from plottool_ibeis import interact_helpers as ih
from plottool_ibeis import abstract_interaction

from matplotlib.widgets import Button  # NOQA
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt  # NOQA
import matplotlib as mpl  # NOQA
import six
try:
    import vtool_ibeis as vt
except ImportError:
    pass
#import utool
import utool as ut
ut.noinject(__name__, '[pt.interact_multiimage]')

BASE_CLASS = abstract_interaction.AbstractInteraction
#BASE_CLASS = object

@ut.reloadable_class
class MultiImageInteraction(BASE_CLASS):
    """

    CommandLine:
        python -m plottool_ibeis.interact_multi_image --exec-MultiImageInteraction --show

    Example:
        >>> # ENABLE_DOCTEST
        >>> from plottool_ibeis.interact_multi_image import *  # NOQA
        >>> import utool as ut
        >>> TEST_IMAGES_URL = 'https://cthulhu.dyn.wildme.io/public/data/testdata.zip'
        >>> test_image_dir = ut.grab_zipped_url(TEST_IMAGES_URL, appname='utool')
        >>> # test image paths
        >>> imgpaths       = ut.list_images(test_image_dir, fullpath=True, recursive=False)
        >>> bboxes_list = [[]] * len(imgpaths)
        >>> #bboxes_list[0] = [(-200, -100, 400, 400)]
        >>> bboxes_list[0] = [(20, 10, 400, 400)]
        >>> iteract_obj = MultiImageInteraction(imgpaths, nPerPage=4,
        >>>                                     bboxes_list=bboxes_list)
        >>> import plottool_ibeis as pt
        >>> pt.show_if_requested()
    """

    def __init__(self, gpath_list, nPerPage=4, bboxes_list=None,
                 thetas_list=None, verts_list=None, gid_list=None, nImgs=None,
                 fnum=None, context_option_funcs=None, xlabel_list=None,
                 vizkw=None, **kwargs):
        # TODO: overlay function or draw function using a metadata object
        print('Creating multi-image interaction')
        #def __init__(self, img_list, nImgs=None, gid_list=None, aids_list=None,
        #bboxes_list=None, nPerPage=10,fnum=None):
        print('[pt] maX ', nPerPage)
        self.context_option_funcs = context_option_funcs
        if nImgs is None:
            nImgs = len(gpath_list)
        if bboxes_list is None:
            bboxes_list = [[]] * nImgs
        if thetas_list is None:
            thetas_list = [[0] * len(bboxes) for bboxes in bboxes_list]
        # How many images we are showing and per page
        self.thetas_list = thetas_list
        self.bboxes_list = bboxes_list
        self.xlabel_list = xlabel_list
        if gid_list is None:
            self.gid_list = None
        else:
            self.gid_list = gid_list

        self.vizkw = vizkw

        self.nImgs = nImgs
        self.nPerPage = min(nPerPage, nImgs)
        self.current_index = 0
        self.page_number = -1
        # Initialize iterator over the image paths
        self.gpath_list = gpath_list
        # Display the first page
        self.first_load = True
        self.scope = []
        self.current_pagenum = 0
        self.nPages = vt.iceil(self.nImgs / nPerPage)

        #self.show_page()
        super(MultiImageInteraction, self).__init__(fnum=fnum, **kwargs)
        #self.start()

    def dump_to_disk(self, dpath, num=None, prefix='temp_img'):
        import numpy as np
        import plottool_ibeis as pt
        dpath = ut.ensurepath(dpath)
        num_zeros = np.ceil(np.log10(len(self.gpath_list)))
        total = len(self.gpath_list)
        if num is None:
            num = total
        fmtstr = prefix + '_%0' + str(num_zeros) + 'd.jpg'
        fig = pt.figure(fnum=self.fnum)
        for index in ut.ProgIter(range(num), lbl='dumping images to disk'):
            fig = pt.figure(fnum=self.fnum)
            fig.clf()
            ax = self._plot_index(index, {'fnum': self.fnum})
            fig = ax.figure
            axes_extents = pt.extract_axes_extents(fig)
            assert len(axes_extents) == 1, 'more than one axes'
            extent = axes_extents[0]
            fpath = ut.unixjoin(dpath, fmtstr % (index))
            fig.savefig(fpath, bbox_inches=extent)
        pt.plt.close(fig)

    def make_hud(self):
        """ Creates heads up display """
        # Button positioning
        hl_slot, hr_slot = df2.make_bbox_positioners(y=.02, w=.08, h=.04,
                                                     xpad=.05, startx=0,
                                                     stopx=1)
        prev_rect = hl_slot(0)
        next_rect = hr_slot(0)

        # Create buttons
        if self.current_pagenum != 0:
            self.append_button('prev', callback=self.prev_page, rect=prev_rect)
        if self.current_pagenum != self.nPages - 1:
            self.append_button('next', callback=self.next_page, rect=next_rect)

    def next_page(self, event):
        self.show_page(self.current_pagenum + 1)

    def prev_page(self, event):
        self.show_page(self.current_pagenum - 1)

    def prepare_page(self, pagenum):
        """ Gets indexes for the pagenum ready to be displayed """
        # Set the start index
        self.start_index = pagenum * self.nPerPage
        # Clip based on nImgs
        self.nDisplay = min(self.nImgs - self.start_index, self.nPerPage)
        nRows, nCols = ph.get_square_row_cols(self.nDisplay)
        # Create a grid to hold nPerPage
        self.pnum_ = df2.get_pnum_func(nRows, nCols)
        # Adjust stop index
        self.stop_index = self.start_index + self.nDisplay
        # Clear current figure
        self.clean_scope()
        self.fig = df2.figure(fnum=self.fnum, pnum=self.pnum_(0), doclf=True, docla=False)
        # For some reason clf isn't working correctly in figure
        self.fig.clf()
        ih.disconnect_callback(self.fig, 'button_press_event')
        ih.connect_callback(self.fig, 'button_press_event',
                            self.on_click)

    def show_page(self, pagenum=None):
        """ Displays a page of matches """
        if pagenum is None:
            pagenum = self.current_pagenum
        #print('[iqr2] show page: %r' % pagenum)
        self.current_pagenum = pagenum
        self.prepare_page(pagenum)
        # Begin showing matches
        index = self.start_index
        start_index = self.start_index
        stop_index = self.stop_index
        for px, index in enumerate(range(start_index, stop_index)):
            self.plot_image(index)
        self.make_hud()
        self.draw()

    def _plot_index(self, index, _vizkw):
        gpath      = self.gpath_list[index]
        if ut.is_funclike(gpath):
            showfunc = gpath
            # HACK
            # override of plot image function
            showfunc(**_vizkw)
            import plottool_ibeis as pt
            ax = pt.gca()
        else:
            if isinstance(gpath, six.string_types):
                img = vt.imread(gpath)
            else:
                img = gpath

            bbox_list  = self.bboxes_list[index]
            #print('bbox_list %r in display for px: %r ' % (bbox_list, px))
            theta_list = self.thetas_list[index]

            label_list = [ix + 1 for ix in range(len(bbox_list))]
            #Add true values for every bbox to display
            sel_list = [True for ix in range(len(bbox_list))]
            _vizkw.update({
                #title should always be the image number
                'title': str(index),
                'bbox_list'  : bbox_list,
                'theta_list' : theta_list,
                'sel_list'   : sel_list,
                'label_list' : label_list,
            })
            #print(utool.repr2(_vizkw))
            #print('vizkw = ' + utool.repr2(_vizkw))
            _, ax = viz_image2.show_image(img, **_vizkw)
            if self.xlabel_list is not None:
                import plottool_ibeis as pt
                pt.set_xlabel(self.xlabel_list[index])
            #print(index)
            ph.set_plotdat(ax, 'bbox_list', bbox_list)
            ph.set_plotdat(ax, 'gpath', gpath)
        return ax

    def plot_image(self, index):
        px = index - self.start_index

        if self.vizkw is None:
            _vizkw = {}
        else:
            _vizkw = self.vizkw.copy()

        _vizkw.update({
            'fnum': self.fnum,
            'pnum': self.pnum_(px),
        })
        ax = self._plot_index(index, _vizkw)

        ph.set_plotdat(ax, 'px', str(px))
        ph.set_plotdat(ax, 'index', index)

    def update_images(self, img_ind, updated_bbox_list, updated_theta_list,
                      changed_annottups, new_annottups):
        """Insert code for viz_image2 redrawing here"""
        #print('update called')
        index = int(img_ind)
        #print('index: %r' % index)
        #print('Images bbox before: %r' % (self.bboxes_list[index],))
        self.bboxes_list[index] = updated_bbox_list
        self.thetas_list[index] = updated_theta_list
        #print('Images bbox after: %r' % (self.bboxes_list[index],))
        self.plot_image(index)
        self.draw()

    def on_click_inside(self, event, ax):
        index = ph.get_plotdat(ax, 'index')
        print('index = %r' % (index,))
        if index is not None:
            if self.MOUSE_BUTTONS[event.button] == 'right':
                if self.context_option_funcs is not None:
                    #if event.button == 3:
                    options = self.context_option_funcs[index]()
                    self.show_popup_menu(options, event)
            elif self.MOUSE_BUTTONS[event.button] == 'left':
                #bbox_list  = ph.get_plotdat(ax, 'bbox_list')
                gpath = self.gpath_list[index]
                if ut.is_funclike(gpath):
                    print('gpath_isfunklike')
                    print('gpath = %r' % (gpath,))
                    import plottool_ibeis as pt
                    fnum = pt.next_fnum()
                    gpath(fnum=fnum)
                    df2.update()
                else:
                    bbox_list = self.bboxes_list[index]
                    print('Bbox of figure: %r' % (bbox_list,))
                    theta_list = self.thetas_list[index]
                    print('theta_list = %r' % (theta_list,))
                    #img = mpimg.imread(gpath)
                    if isinstance(gpath, six.string_types):
                        img = vt.imread(gpath)
                    else:
                        img = gpath
                    fnum = df2.next_fnum()
                    mc = interact_annotations.AnnotationInteraction(
                        img, index, self.update_images, bbox_list=bbox_list,
                        theta_list=theta_list, fnum=fnum)
                    mc.start()
                    self.mc = mc
                    # """wait for accept
                    # have a flag to tell if a bbox has been changed, on the bbox
                    # list that is brought it" on accept: viz_image2.show_image
                    # callback
                    # """
                    df2.update()
            print('Clicked: ax: num=%r' % index)

    def on_key_press(self, event):
        if event.key == 'n':
            self.display_next_page()
        if event.key == 'p':
            self.display_prev_page()

    #def clean_scope(self):
    #    """ Removes any widgets saved in the interaction scope """
    #    #for (but, ax) in self.scope:
    #    #    but.disconnect_events()
    #    #    ax.set_visible(False)
    #    #    assert len(ax.callbacks.callbacks) == 0
    #    self.scope = []

    #def draw(self):
    #    self.fig.canvas.draw()

    #def append_button(self, text, divider=None, rect=None, callback=None,
    #                  **kwargs):
    #    """ Adds a button to the current page """
    #    if divider is not None:
    #        new_ax = divider.append_axes('bottom', size='9%', pad=.05)
    #    if rect is not None:
    #        new_ax = df2.plt.axes(rect)
    #    new_but = mpl.widgets.Button(new_ax, text)
    #    if callback is not None:
    #        new_but.on_clicked(callback)
    #    ph.set_plotdat(new_ax, 'viztype', 'button')
    #    ph.set_plotdat(new_ax, 'text', text)
    #    for key, val in six.iteritems(kwargs):
    #        ph.set_plotdat(new_ax, key, val)
    #    # Keep buttons from losing scrop
    #    self.scope.append((new_but, new_ax))

    #def display_buttons(self):
    #    # Create the button for scrolling forwards
    #    self.next_ax = plt.axes([0.75, 0.025, 0.15, 0.075])
    #    self.next_but = Button(self.next_ax, 'next')
    #    self.next_but.on_clicked(self.display_next_page)

    #    # Create the button for scrolling backwards
    #    self.prev_ax = plt.axes([0.1, .025, 0.15, 0.075])
    #    self.prev_but = Button(self.prev_ax, 'prev')
    #    self.prev_but.on_clicked(self.display_prev_page)
    #    # Connect the callback whenever the figure is clicked

if __name__ == '__main__':
    """
    CommandLine:
        python -m plottool_ibeis.interact_multi_image
        python -m plottool_ibeis.interact_multi_image --allexamples
        python -m plottool_ibeis.interact_multi_image --allexamples --noface --nosrc
    """
    import multiprocessing
    multiprocessing.freeze_support()  # for win32
    import utool as ut  # NOQA
    ut.doctest_funcs()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


With so many branches and millions of customers across some of the UK's best-known brands, every day is filled with great opportunities to bring our values to life.
Through retail roles like branch support, customer service, branch management, mortgage adviser and more, you'll be one of the many friendly faces of our high street brands – and you'll be key to helping us achieve our goal of becoming the best bank for customers.
Using our great people skills builds relationships that help our customers get what they want out of life.
Building a long-term relationship really matters when it comes to the largest financial commitment most people make in their life.
Managing a Branch means leading colleagues to better serve customers and meet the needs of the local community.


Jamilah Samian, a certified professional trainer and author of Cool Mum Super Dad, Cool Boys Super Sons, and The Groovy Guide to Parenting Generation Y & Z , believes that in order to engage the children of today we need to give them feedback while not stifling them.
"In my time, kids looked at adults as figures of authority and knew that they had to listen to him or her without much questioning. That is not really the mindset of kids these days and in a way, it's a good thing, too.
"We want them to be able to think for themselves one day. We're not going to be there all the time for them and we can't do their thinking for them. So, if we were to think long-term, we have to train them to be able to think for themselves.
"If you keep telling them don't do this and don't do that, then how are they going to think for themselves? They need to be given enough space to define a lot of things but if there are certain things that you feel strongly about, then you need to explain to them why rather than saying 'This is the way it's always been done and you should do it this way'. They will really appreciate it if they know why," she says.
"There are so many negative influences outside. When it comes to their decision-making moments, I'm sure all of us, no matter how open-minded we are, want them to make the 'right' decision.
Another reason for wanting good communication is to impart our values to them like being optimistic, personal responsibility, personal accountability, and being non-discriminatory.
– Belief. If we believe that we can have good and effective communication with our children, then we can have it.
– Attitude. If we want to enjoy good communication with our children, we need to have a positive attitude.
– Skills. It's not enough that we want a good relationship and good communication with our children. If we don't have the right skills we will be repeating communication mistakes over and over again.
– Knowledge. We have to understand ourselves, how we've been raised and we have to understand our children. Much of how we communicate depends on how we have been raised and the environment that shapes us. We need to understand who we are and why we are the person we are.
2. Not being able to move forward.
We need to keep in mind that change begins with the smallest of things and when we say things could be better, it's not going to be better overnight. If communication has broken down for many years, then we cannot expect it to be better overnight.
If we are not happy about something, we need to be specific about what it is we are unhappy about rather than generalising and accusing them by saying 'You always do this' or 'You never do that'. Not being specific and using ambiguous words will lead to miscommunication and jumping to conclusions.
5. Not being sensitive to our children's emotions.
When we are tired, angry or stressed, we tend not to be effective communicators. That's not a good time to communicate and there is a risk of being insensitive to their emotions. So, if you are tired or stressed, then wait until you feel better before communicating with your child. If it's not urgent, ask your child if you can talk about it later. If it's urgent, then you'll just have to do it then and there, of course.
We tend to communicate a lot of things to our children in one breath. Sometimes, we may not be happy about certain things that our children do and for some reason we don't communicate specifically what we are unhappy with. So it just piles up and piles up until one day we are so angry that it's like a dam breaking and everything goes out and we have forgotten what the specifics are. We don't even remember what we are angry with, and that's when we make generalisations and accusations. That is always something that we need to avoid.
Be specific. Don't say, 'You are lazy, you NEVER …'.
Words like 'never' – we really have to be careful of that.
7. Not taking the chance to listen.
8. Not being able to rephrase.
Rephrasing is a very effective way to communicate. Effective communication takes place when the intended message gets to the receiver. But how do we make sure that this happens, because sometimes when somebody says something we might hear it another way. If you're not sure, say something to the effect, 'Do you mean to say that …' just to make sure you are on the same page. Being able to rephrase is important, regardless of how old the child is and especially with teenagers.
9. It's not just about listening; it's also about making a connection.
If we don't make the time to connect with our child, it's just a matter of time before there will be distancing between us and our child and then we cannot build trust and respect. Without trust we cannot impart the values we really want to impart to our children.
10. If there is more than one child, we need to spend time communicating with them individually.
When we have more than one, the elder ones are often given less attention. The child's age doesn't matter. Younger and older children need attention. Spend time individually with each child. Perhaps take each one out alone – time alone with mum or dad. Rotate them on a regular basis, perhaps monthly.
Taking time to do this solves a lot of problems, even issues like sibling rivalry that crop up in many families. When we make them feel like they're somebody and not like the rest of the siblings, somehow these issues disappear. If we want them to open up more to us we need to listen more rather than talk more.
Jamilah advises parents to explain the situation to the children if there are financial problems or if the marriage is going through a rough patch and the child is old enough to understand.
"If something is not right with the family, children tend to think that they are the cause of it. One of the reasons that you need to communicate with them about things is to clear the air. For instance, if your marriage is going through a rough patch, you need to explain to your children that they are not to blame, it is just between mum and dad.
"If you're not doing well financially, some children might think that they are a burden to their parents and that if they're not around there wouldn't be this problem. You need to reassure them that they are not a burden to you, that this is temporary and that eventually you are going to weather this storm as a family. The best news about explaining it to them is that they will understand and they will support you.


For years, a dog named Tchimi lived the good life.
When his owner, an American man, moved to Thailand to get married, Tchimi went with him. For several years, the three of them shared a house, and Tchimi got two meals a day and had a nice dog bed to sleep in.
But when the couple got divorced, the man immediately went back to the U.S. — and he didn't take Tchimi with him. The Thai woman also didn't take Tchimi when she returned to her hometown in another part of the country.
A neighbor felt bad for Tchimi, and she occasionally put food out for him. However, he didn't always get to eat it as other stray dogs would fight him for it.
The neighbor knew about Chour, who feeds and cares for about 500 dogs each day, and she asked if he could do something for Tchimi.
Chour also thinks other street dogs frequently attacked Tchimi — not just for food, but over territory as well. And this would have traumatized the poor dog. He lost trust for everyone — even Chour, who was eager to help him. In fact, the first time Chour approached Tchimi, he tried to bite him.
But Chour was patient — he sat near Tchimi for two hours, and his persistence paid off. Tchimi eventually approached Chour and ate the food he offered him. Chour also gave Tchimi some antibiotic medication in a hotdog. But when Chour tried to touch Tchimi, the dog backed away.
Chour kept visiting Tchimi every day to feed him and to spend time with him. A week later, Chour had found Tchimi a foster home.
The foster home was about 2 miles away. Tchimi still hadn't let Chour touch him, so instead of trying to put a leash and collar on Tchimi, Chour coaxed Tchimi to follow him.
"I just called out to him and he followed me … stopping sometimes as if he was asking himself if it was a good idea to trust me," Chour said.
Tchimi was also wary of his foster parents, and didn't let them touch him, although Tchimi got along with their other dog, Poumpouille.
Chour continued to visit each day to feed Tchimi and give him any necessary medical care. After about three weeks of doing this, Tchimi finally warmed up.
After this breakthrough, it seemed that Tchimi couldn't get enough of Chour. He always wanted to be close to him.
Tchimi still lives with his foster family, although Chour hopes to build a dog shelter at his own home, and eventually move Tchimi there.
To help Chour give Tchimi and other street dogs the food and care they need, you can make a donation. You can also follow Chour's rescue work on his Facebook page, The Sound of Animals.


This Rubber Believe Bracelet is made of high quality 100% Yellow Silicone Rubber and Debossed with "Believe". These wristbands are great for awareness campaigns and fundraisers. Each Rubber Bracelet is individually shrink wrapped.