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Discussion | Aleajo
Pittsburgh Teen Becomes One-Man Force to Bring Environmental Awareness to Community
Growing up, AmaRece Davis (pictured) didn't have the most-positive outlook. In fact, it was the same outlook as most of the young men in Homewood,…
National | roneam1490were
US Boys, Like Girls, Hitting Puberty Earlier
via CNN Boys in the United States are starting puberty earlier than ever, according to a new study publishing in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics. In the study, lead author Marcia Herman-Giddens from the University of North Carolina's School of Public Health and her colleagues show that boys are starting to sexually […]
London 2012: Olympic Games "Greenest Ever"
via BBC News London 2012 has been the greenest Olympics ever, the commission set up to monitor the environmental impact of the Games has announced. The independent Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 said recycling and regeneration had been a success. But it said much more could be done to minimize the impact of […]
US Government To Continue BP Deepwater Horizon Case
via BBC News The US government says it will continue its case against BP over the Deepwater Horizon oil rig spill despite a deal the company reached on Friday with the largest group of private claimants. The $7.8bn (£4.9bn) deal does not address "significant damages" to the environment after the Gulf of Mexico spill, the […]
Discussion | newstalkcleveland Staff
The Ugly Racial Backstory Behind Harlem's Sewage Plant Explosion
NEW YORK — In 1962, when New York city planners first proposed a sewage treatment plant for the residents and businesses of Manhattan's West Side, they picked a spot on the Hudson River around 72nd Street. The neighborhood, however, was well on its way to becoming what it is today — the white, upper middle […]
White House | newstalkcleveland Staff
Harlem Fire Sends Raw Sewage Into The Hudson River
HARLEM — New York City may be forced to dump untreated sewage into the Hudson River after a four-alarm fire erupted on Wednesday at a waste treatment plant on 135th street in Harlem. The fire created a 30-foot plume by noon and burned for three hours, sending employees running out of the plant. Thousands were […]
Italy Bans Plastic Bags In The New Year
via cnn Italy is a nation known as much for its food as for the ubiquitous plastic bag, given out freely with every purchase around the country and often left to litter streets or landfills. A new ban coming into effect January 1, however, may change that. The Italian Environment Ministry is banning shopkeepers from […]
Year In Review | newstalkcleveland Staff
How To Be Environmentally Responsible This Christmas
The time from Thanksgiving (November 27) through Christmas (December 25) is one of the most pollution producing times in our country. During this time we eat more, we spend more, and use more paper & electricity than we do during the year. Here's some tips on how you can make your holiday festivities fun and […]
Gulf Oil Spill 'Threatens Way Of Life' Says Governor Jindal
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has warned that the sprawling Gulf of Mexico oil slick threatens the very way of life of people in his state. As President Barack Obama prepared to fly in to see the devastation for himself, experts said the slick had tripled in size in just days. Attorneys general from five affected […]
Coast Guard To Try Burning Oil Slick Off Louisiana Coast
The U.S. Coast Guard prepared to set fire Wednesday to portions of a growing oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico to keep the pool of crude away from sensitive ecological areas in the Mississippi River Delta. Efforts to cap the well that was opened up last week when the Deepwater Horizon drill rig blew […]
National | newstalkcleveland Staff
Study Of Lakes Points To Faster Warming Of Water During Climate Change
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lake Tahoe, Clear Lake and four other large lakes in Northern California and Nevada are warming faster than the surrounding atmosphere, suggesting climate change may affect aquatic environments faster and sooner.


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Drake & The Weeknd Among Nominees for Canada's MuchMusic Video Awards
May 21st, 2014 by K104
Eric McCandless/CBSInitial nominees were announced a few weeks ago, but now the full list of nods for Canada's MuchMusic Video Awards — the equivalent of the MTV VMAs — have been announced. Drake has scored a whopping six nods, including Video of the Year for the clip "Worst Behavior." He's tied with the Canadian band Hedley for the most nominations this year.
The Weeknd, who frequently collaborates with Drizzy, picked up four nominations. Beyonce, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and Iggy Azalea each earned one nod.
Kendall and Kylie Jenner will co-host the 25th anniversary of the ceremony, which takes place Sunday, June 15 at 9 p.m. ET.
among awards canadas Drake muchmusic nominees video Weeknd
Ari Lennox releases Waste My Time music video Read More
Fivio Foreign drops music video for Notice Me featuring Tata, Jenn Carter and Kyle Richh Read More
Vivica A. Fox reacts to response to Kill Bill video Read More
Metro Boomin explains why Drake didn't make final cut for Trance Read More

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


One 9 foot long cardstock Tie Dye Banner with ribbon. This color-filled "Happy Birthday" banner will liven up your party room with bright letters and a fun pattern. Hang our Tie Dye Banner on a wall, from the edge of a table, or as a backdrop for fun photos. Fasten a bunch of balloons to the ends of your banner to add even more decoration!


Vibration Analysis services are the foundation for all our technical services.
Vibration Analysis is the number one choice in testing programs implemented by maintenance and facilities professionals. Studies have shown that the vibration signature of a machine provides far more information about the condition of that machine than any type of electrical, infrared, or other testing method. Substantial savings are realized if equipment is shut down for repairs before a failure occurs.
Traditional maintenance methods are preventive – components are replaced or repaired according to a fixed schedule whether worn or not. Traditional maintenance methods are also reactive – repairing components only after they have broken down. Neither method is ideal, although both are very common throughout the maintenance sector and both tend to incur much higher costs than methods that use vibration analysis.
Energy savings is another welcome by-product of vibration analysis. It is estimated that the average facility wastes between 5 – 15% of its energy usage. This loss is often attributed to the misalignment and unbalance of rotating machines – with energy being converted into heat rather than horsepower. Once again, both conditions can be easily diagnosed with vibration analysis.
New England SpinTech is also equipped to correct these issues or refer them to structural engineers.
When troubleshooting using vibration analysis you can quickly identify the problem and eliminate trial and error parts replacement. Vibration analysis can detect the early signs of machine failure allowing machinery to be repaired or replaced before an expensive failure resulting in downtime occurs.
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) techniques help determine the condition of in-service equipment in order to predict when maintenance should be performed. This approach offers cost savings over routine or time-based preventive maintenance, because tasks are performed only when warranted. Vibration analysis is the most common technique used in predictive maintenance.
Acceptance testing (the process of recording baseline data when equipment is new (or newly rebuilt) will identify the initial machine condition before it is put into service or the warranty expires. When followed by a properly scheduled Predictive Maintenance Program, the condition of your machinery will always be known.
Vibration Analysis Services can be performed on building floors, walls, and other areas to determine placement for sensitive equipment such as microscopes and medical equipment. It can also be used to identify vibration frequencies that may be bothersome to people in the building. Steps can then be taken to correct the causes.
Which applications are you interested in?
Copyright New England SpinTech [wpsos_year]. All rights reserved.


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Effortless Success
How to Get What You Want & Have a Great Time Doing It
Michael Neill
Imagine a CD set that could change your life for the better, just by listening to it. Effortless success is it!
For the past fifteen years, Michael Neill has been a coach, friend, mentor and creative sparkplug to celebrities, CEO's, royalty and people who want more out of their lives. In this friendly and practical CD set, Michael shares with you the techniques that have already helped...See more
For the past fifteen years, Michael Neill has been a coach, friend, mentor and creative sparkplug to celebrities, CEO's, royalty and people who want more out of their lives. In this friendly and practical CD set, Michael shares with you the techniques that have already helped thousands of people to:
Live your life to the level that you really want it to be at
Transform your relationships, finances and health
Experience happiness and inspiration on a daily basis
Contact your inner voice, which knows exactly what you should do in every situation See less
You're reviewing: Effortless Success


Happy 2019! With a new year comes new items! There's been a huge amount of new products that have been fueled by a great R&D year in 2018.
I've included a small sampling of some of our favorite picks from that group. They're small & inexpensive, which makes for great tradeshow giveaways for the coming months.
Check them out & let us know if you'd like to know more!
The soft 100% polyester exterior shell of the neck pillow provides a great amount of comfort, while the polyester micro-bead fill brings added shapeable comfort. The button-loop closure fastens the pillow around your neck so it moves with you if you doze off.
This Phone Stand & Holder can be used as a phone stand by sticking one side to the back of your phone and opening the shell to stick the other side to any hard surface.
Perfect for a car dashboard.
Never miss a beat. Never lose your place.
Our journal's hidden bookmark does more. Use a full-color bookmark, of your own design, that makes a big impact both inside and out.
The CamelBak Eddy® keeps your drinks shatter, stain, and odor resistant with durable Tritan™ material. Enjoy spill-proof sipping at work or on the trail with the eddy® water bottle.
The screw-on lid with spill-proof bite valve and one-finger carry handle. No tip drinking required—simply flip open Bite Valve & Sip. The wide mouth opening is for easy cleaning and filling. BPA Free.


American botanist who extensively studied North American flora. He was an early and strong supporter in the U.S. for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
[Concerning the former belief that there were no genetic connections among species:] This view, as a rounded whole and in all its essential elements, has very recently disappeared from science. It died a royal death with Agassiz.
From lecture 'Scientific Beliefs', as published in Natural Science and Religion: Two Lectures delivered to the Theological School of Yale College (1880), Vol. 3, Lecture 1, 35.
…the longest-domesticated of all species, man.
18 Nov - short biography, births, deaths and events on date of Gray's birth.
Asa Gray - by Charles Reid Barnes, from The Chautauquan (1907).


BEDFORD, Ind. -- An Indiana credit union is finding success helping another local cooperative get on its feet.
BEDFORD, Ind. — An Indiana credit union is finding success helping another local cooperative get on its feet.


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Wine And Whiskey Scammers Allegedly Stole $13 Million From Investors
NEWS EXCLUSIVES EAT DRINK COOK RECIPES CULTURE ENTERTAIN FEATURES
5PH/Shutterstock
By Gillie Houston/June 30, 2022 2:18 pm EST
Although the rare whiskey and vintage wine markets have boomed in recent years, fetching some bottle and barrel holders huge amounts of cash on the resale market, a recent scam illustrated that not all alcohol investments are created equal.
According to The New York Times, Casey Alexander, a British citizen who operated multiple boozy American investment operations, was arrested earlier this month for defrauding wine and liquor enthusiasts out of massive sums of money under the guise of rare investment opportunities. The FBI alleges that Alexander scammed primarily elderly Americans out of millions of dollars through an elaborate scheme conducted across three fraudulent companies: Vintage Whisky Casks, Charles Winn, and Windsor Jones.
According to authorities, the U.K.-based swindler reached his clients through cold calls after obtaining the victims' phone numbers. Alexander — along with some unknown co-conspirators — coerced mainly elderly and vulnerable targets to invest large sums of money in his wine and whiskey businesses (via Decanter).
The trio of companies advertised themselves as luxury wine and whiskey buyers and sellers, such as Windsor Jones, which notes that it "specializes in the acquisition and sale of the world's most illustrious exciting and pleasurable Investment Grade Luxury Fine Wine...to produce bespoke investment strategies for our loyal clients" on its website. Clients were promised massive returns on their investments, including one victim who, according to Decanter, was promised a return of 40% on an $85,000 fine wine investment.
Investors were defrauded out of $13 million
Dimitri Lamour/Shutterstock
Victims were urged to send large sums of cash via check or wire transfer in order to secure bottles and barrels of wine or whiskey housed in warehouses in Britain and France, where they would allegedly accrue value. According to authorities, in total, Alexander and his accomplices defrauded over 150 people out of $13 million dollars through his various wine and whiskey-peddling operations via various "aggressive and deceptive tactics" (via The Washington Post).
The news outlet goes on to say that the scheme was finally brought down in the spring of 2020 when the son of an 89-year-old victim discovered that his father had paid out over $300,000 to Charles Winn in exchange for a suspicious investment in rare sweet wines. After requests to return his father's investment were ignored, the son contacted local authorities who escalated the case to the FBI.
The Federal authorities finally brought down the scheme by running a sting operation, sending in an operative to act as a potential client for one of Alexander's businesses. As a result, Casey Alexander was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud; the alleged scammer has since been released on a $50,000 bond (via The New York Times).
Unfortunately, the victims are unlikely to see much of that money — or the barrels of fine wine they were promised — again.


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"Narcissister Organ Player" at the Film Forum
Last Saturday evening, A&N Salon regular Liz Margolies, visual artist Julie Lindell, April and I attended a screening of Narcissister Organ Player at the Film Forum in Manhattan. I had not heard of Narcissister before seeing the film, but Julie had attended one of her live performances a few years ago and sang her praises. I must admit I was very impressed. Narcissister had received national fame after her appearance on America's Got Talent, and publicized rumors of a brief tryst with Marilyn Manson.
Her skills as an artist are multi-faceted - a trained professional dancer, she has a perfect body and uses it to display hand-sewn costumes which morph into multiple puppets via layering of the fabric. She also constructs stage sets representing the female body, upon which she climbs and displays her gymnastic abilities.
The words "Organ Player" in the title refer to the representations of various bodily organs which appear on the stage sets, and in her own cartoons in wh…
An Autumn Musicale at Chez Hosford
Our dear friends Jacqueline and Christopher Hosford invited us to their home in Riverdale earlier this month for what they called "An Autumn Musicale." Christopher is a true supporter/fan of mine, so I planned to offer a few selections. Jacqueline provided a fabulous spread of cheeses, nuts, fruit and veggies, and Swedish meatballs. Libations were poured by singer/musician/model Joel-Isaac Musoki.
Christopher Hosford has a day job as editor for The Hosford Group LLC, and is the author of "Great Business Meetings, Greater Business Results." A talented pianist in his own right, he is the proud owner of a beautiful Chickering grand piano.
The program opened with Carl Viggiani, who is a pianist and composer. He studied piano and composition at North Carolina School of the Arts, New England Conservatory, and the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned performance degrees in classical music and jazz.He has performed regularly as a jazz pianist throughout the New York metropolitan…
April and Nina's Salon at the 5C Café
By Nina Kennedy June 21, 2018
April and Nina's Salon was recently held in its new location at the 5C Café on the southeast corner of Avenue C and East 5th Street in Manhattan. Queen Nejma Nefertiti served as guest MC, and also presented several of her signature performances.
By Nina Kennedy May 11, 2018
Since I can never rely on Wikipedia to publish the complete article, again I am posting it here, so y'all can get the WHOLE truth!
Ella Sheppard (4 February 1851 - 9 June 1914) was a soprano, pianist, composer, and arranger of Negro Spirituals. She was the matriarch of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers of Nashville, Tennessee.[1][2][3] She also played the organ and the guitar. Sheppard was a friend and trusted confidante of African-American activists and orators Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass.[4]
Ella Sheppard, singer, pianist, arranger of Negro Spirituals, and matriarch of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers Contents [hide] 1Early life and education2Career3Legacy4References Early life and education[edit] A direct descendant of Andrew Jackson, Samuella "Ella" Sheppard was born on Jackson's plantation The Hermitage.[5][6] Sheppard's father Simon hired himself out as a Nashville liveryman and hack driver, and was able to earn $1,800 to buy his freedom. Sar…
New York Times Review of Matthew Kennedy's New Yor...


Sue Hinz at the entrance to the River Walk at Tukwila, Washington.
The "On a Roll with" series started with women in Spokane since the blog focused on biking in Spokane. Now that I have a statewide role at the Bicycle Alliance of Washington I'm expanding the geography to feature women from all over the state. If you have a woman to nominate (and please nominate yourself!) drop an email to bikestylespokane-at-gmail.com.
I am beginning my 10th fall as a lecturer at the University of Idaho's School of Journalism and Mass Media, following 30 years with the News Bureau and University Relations offices at Washington State University.
I am a past Pullman City Council member, Pullman Chamber of Commerce board president, Pullman Education Foundation board president, United Way of Pullman board president, Festival Dance and Performing Arts board president to name a few. I am content to see others continue the valuable leadership roles of these organizations while I help out and begin to think about activities for me.
I enjoy masters track and field, competing in the hammer throw, shot put, discus, weight throw, super weight throw and javelin. About every five years I have added or tried another activity learned during childhood. Softball was fun, but when a ball took a bad bounce and sent me to the emergency room for stiches above the left eye, I decided I needed to find a team of gals more my age or another sport.
The family wasn't too excited about me trying in-line skating, roller derby or ice hockey, so biking became the next personal activity. It was one I had little to no personal contact with for decades.
So, 35 years later I had to buy a new one – and I was picky…no pink or purple ones…I had to be able to get off the bike quickly…I wanted to sit up so the handlebars had to be up. Easily done by the bike shop owner and out my bike and I went…to the back of the family van since there was snow on the ground.
On my way between Moscow (Idaho) and Pullman, I would see people biking on the Chipman Trail that runs the full length between the two communities. They were getting all kinds of exercise and enjoying the out-of-doors. Maybe biking would strengthen my legs for my track events?
My iTouch is my favorite thing about biking (alone). My very favorite music is right there and I can listen to it without disturbing anyone. The miles fly by listening to the Beach Boys.
My best biking buddy bought me a mirror so I can see people coming from behind… Remember, I ride looking at things, so many people pass me on my treks. I have a bell, but I would rather say something to those ahead than ring it. I have lights for night riding and a small pump for air in a hurry.
Of course, I wear a helmet. I really have appreciated biking gloves; I don't grip the handlebars so tightly now. I wear sunglasses a lot; keeps flying things out of my eyes. I also have a bag that slides onto a bar above the rear tire. Nice, but I have to be sure it is securely on. Otherwise, someone will find it along the trail. (Just happened and it was scary until the kind soul brought it to my house.) My bike lock travels with me all the time. I have at home a device I can use as a cross bar so my bike fits on a multiple bike rack with guys' bikes. We have carriers for both vehicles so we can bring the bikes in either of our cars.
I will emphasize often that I ride to work when the weather is great. But I ride for fun. My husband and I try for trips around Lake Coeur d 'Alene using that wonderful trail and along the Snake River between Clarkston and Asotin – again, a nice ride. We want to spend time on the Centennial Trail and another one that runs from Cheney toward Spokane (the Fish Lake Trail). I like trails developed from railroad lines…pretty flat! We have ridden the trail along Green River in the Seattle area. Nice!
Nothing really. We share interesting sites ahead of each other's journey.
I let the weather choose for me. The spring and early summer were chilly. I had long pants with shirt and sweatshirt. I don't plan rides in the rain. This summer I am riding to build up endurance in the heat, but I don't ride fast. Summer wear includes shorter pants and t-shirts. Fortunately there is always a breeze along the Chipman Trail to my office, so I can stay somewhat comfortable. Tennis shoes always. Helmet and gloves always. Sunglasses a lot.
What does your area need to make it an even better place for women to ride their bikes?
Safe riding areas are important for every rider. Wide, clear areas; lighting and pull-out with some seating and interesting signage will add a lot to a biking adventure.
Riding from Moscow to Troy, Idaho, and back – about 24 miles – with just a short break in Troy.
What would you tell a woman who is thinking of beginning to bike after decades of no cycling?
I really want women to know that riding is for everyone. Learn the few rules of the trail and you can enjoy this activity (and exercise) at your own speed. Work into the distance and be pleased with every extra mile you ride.
Previous post: I Am Woman. I Bike. I Am Strong.


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Art & PhotographyLightbox
TextAnastasiia Fedorova
Photography Matt Moran
Intimate photos of Kiev's ravers leaving the club at sunrise
Photographer Matt Moran makes a case for why Ukraine has some of the best nightlife in Europe
Matt Moran14
For many of us, the first luminous hours of the morning after a rave will be forever among the happiest memories of life. The innocent sincerity of emerging into the world after leaving the darkness of the club has always been worthy of a picture, even despite the dirty shoes and messy clothes. London-based photographer Matt Moran captured such precious early hours in Kiev, the home of renowned bourgeoning rave scene.
Moran first got into photography at the age of 17, after he got a medium format camera passed on from a family friend who used to work as a police crime scene investigator. Since these early days, his main interest in photography has been a feeling of discovery. "I like going to new places and I get inspired when I visit somewhere for the first time, meet people for the first time, see something new or hear the story I haven't hear before," he explains. "My work's mainly documentary and portraiture, and in every place, I'm always looking for people to take portraits of."
"I was surprised how many were there on their own – they might have come with friends but were dancing just on their own inside... I can't think of any places that matched that intensity" – Matt Moran
The drive for newness was what brought Moran to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, alongside his interest to architecture of Eastern Europe and its seemingly alien environment. Despite spending a lot of time in libraries and exploring historical monuments and edges of the city, he found his main subject in the youth scene surrounding the renowned party Cxema, which has been running in Kiev since 2014. Set up by Slava Lepsheev in the post-revolution nightlife void, Cxema is renowned for repurposing the city's empty spaces – from disused factory buildings to a graffiti-covered skatepark on the riverbank — and the support of the local music scene. More than that, it has shaped the new generation's approach to parties, perhaps more serious and dedicated than that of its Western peers.
"The party was at an old film studio, it was super loud, and the music quite," the photographer remembers. "I literally stood at the side of this rave for 45 minutes looking at people, and I was surprised how many were there on their own – they might have come with friends but were dancing just on their own inside. I've been to parties in London but I can't think of any places that matched that intensity."
For his series, however, Moran has picked the post-rave morning rather than the darkness of the dancefloor. He came out of the club as soon as the sun started to rise and photographed the ravers as they were going home. The result is intimate and personal, but all the same time it reflects the unifying spirit of the scene.
"There seems to be a definite style among Kiev ravers. A lot of sportswear, sunglasses – people were wearing stuff to dance and sweat. But also there was a feeling of connection, of a scene. In London there is a lot more separate groups of people, like kids who are into grime or into electronic music, you've got a very different dynamics. In Kiev, Cxema seems to be the party to be at," Moran says.
"I also got the impression that the organisers aren't so worried about making money – they're putting the nights on mainly because they care about it" – Matt Moran
Moran also had the opportunity to appreciate the unique circumstances which shaped Kiev's rave scene, which make it so different to most places in Europe. "I'd say I had more fun there than at a lot of nights in London," he says. "There is more emphasis on good sound, unusual venue, interesting acts which are not in the mainstream. The kids going there are getting a different experience each time, and it's a great quality of nightlife. At the same time, there are no places like this in London, there are no abandoned film studios, you're not allowed to turn the music volume up that loud, you're not going to be able to go on till nine or ten in the morning. It felt like something which used to happen in London but probably not anymore. I also got the impression that the organisers aren't so worried about making money – they're putting the nights on mainly because they care about it."
Overall, the rave scene truly channels the hopeful DIY spirit of the city, which defies a lot of existing preconceptions about Ukraine. "I thought the city was so interesting, it's an amazing place to walk around, and there was a lot more creativity than I thought," Moran admits. "There's definitely a real sense of opportunity – I felt like these were a lot of possibilities to do things for yourself."
Follow Moran here
Art & PhotographyLightboxArt and CulturePhotosUkraineYouthclubbing


He was the son of Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell, and Agnes Sinclair (d. 1572), daughter of Henry Sinclair, 3rd Lord Sinclair, and was styled The Master of Bothwell from birth. He succeeded his father as Earl of Bothwell and Lord Hailes in 1556.
As Lord High Admiral of Scotland, Lord Bothwell sailed around Europe. During a visit to Copenhagen around 1559, he fell in love with Anna Tronds, known in English as Anna Throndsen and posthumously as Anna Rustung. She was a Norwegian noblewoman whose father, Kristoffer Trondson (Rustung), a famous Norwegian admiral, was serving as Danish Royal Consul. After their engagement, or more likely marriage under Norwegian law, Anna left with Bothwell. In Flanders, he said he was out of money and asked Anna to sell all her possessions. She complied and visited her family in Denmark to ask for more money. Anna was unhappy and apparently given to complaining about Bothwell. His treatment of Anna played a part in his eventual downfall.
In February 1566, Bothwell married Lady Jean Gordon, daughter of the 4th Earl of Huntly and sister of Sir John Gordon and the 5th Earl of Huntly. They were divorced on 7 May 1567, citing his adultery with her servant as cause. He married Mary, Queen of Scots, eight days later.
Lord Bothwell appears to have met Queen Mary when he visited the French Court in the autumn of 1560, after he left Anna Rustung in Flanders. He was kindly received by the Queen and her husband, King Francis II, and, as he himself put it: "The Queen recompensed me more liberally and honourably than I had deserved" — receiving 600 Crowns and the post and salary of gentleman of the French King's Chamber. He visited France again in the spring of 1561, and by 5 July was back in Paris for the third time — this time accompanied by the Bishop of Orkney and the Earl of Eglinton. By August, the widowed Queen was on her way back to Scotland in a French galley, some of the organisation having been dealt with by Bothwell in his naval capacity.
In February 1567, Bothwell was one of those accused of having murdered the Queen's consort, The Duke of Albany (better known as Lord Darnley). Darnley's father, The 4th Earl of Lennox, and other relatives agitated for vengeance and upon his petition, the Privy Council began proceedings against Bothwell on 12 April 1567. Sir William Drury reported to Sir William Cecil, Secretary of State to Elizabeth I of England, that the Queen was in continuous ill-health "for the most part either melancholy or sickly". On the appointed day Bothwell rode magnificently down the Canongate, with The 4th Earl of Morton and Sir William Maitland of Lethington flanking him, and his Hepburns trotting behind. The trial lasted from noon till seven in the evening. Bothwell was acquitted and it was widely rumoured that he would marry Mary.
On Wednesday 24 April, while Mary was on the road from Linlithgow Palace to Edinburgh, Bothwell suddenly appeared with 800 men. He assured her that danger awaited her in Edinburgh, and told her that he proposed to take her to his castle at Dunbar, out of harm's way. She agreed to accompany him and arrived at Dunbar at midnight. There, Mary was taken prisoner by Bothwell and allegedly raped by him to secure marriage to her and the crown (though whether she was his accomplice or his unwilling victim remains a controversial issue). On 12 May the Queen created him Duke of Orkney and Marquess of Fife, and on 15 May they were married in the Great Hall at Holyrood, according to Protestant rites officiated by Adam Bothwell, Bishop of Orkney. Mary gave her new husband a fur lined night-gown. Within three days, Sir William Drury wrote to London that although the manner of things appeared to be forcible, it was known to be otherwise.
After fleeing Scotland at Carberry Hill, the Earl was arrested in Norway. Sources differ as to exactly how the Earl was arrested. It appears that Bothwell took ship from Aberdeen to Shetland. He was pursued by William Kirkcaldy of Grange and William Murray of Tullibardine who sailed into Bressay Sound near Lerwick. Four of Bothwell's ships in the Sound set sail north to Unst, where Bothwell was negotiating with German captains to hire more ships. Kirkcaldy's flagship, the Lion, chased one of Bothwell's ships, and both ships were damaged on a submerged rock. Bothwell sent his treasure ship to Scalloway, and fought a three-hour-long sea battle off the Port of Unst, where the mast of one of Bothwell's ships was shot away. Then a storm forced him to sail towards Norway.
Bothwell may have hoped to reach Denmark and raise an army with the support of Frederick II of Denmark to put Mary back on the throne. He was caught off the coast of Norway (then ruled by Denmark) at Høyevarde lighthouse in Karmsundet without proper papers, and was escorted to the port of Bergen. This was the native home of Anna Throndsen. Anna raised a complaint against Bothwell, which was enforced by her powerful family; her cousin Erik Rosenkrantz, a high-level official in Norway, remanded Bothwell to the Bergenhus Fortress while Anna sued him for abandonment and return of her dowry. Anna may have had a soft spot for Bothwell, as he persuaded her to take custody of his ship, as compensation. Bothwell would have been released, but King Frederick had heard that the English Crown was seeking Bothwell for the alleged murder of Darnley, and decided to take him into custody in Denmark.
The Earl was sent to Copenhagen, where the Danish monarch, King Frederik II, deliberated on his fate. The Earl was sent across Øresund to the fortress and prison Malmøhus Castle in Sweden. But as news from both England and Scotland arrived, the King eventually understood that Mary never again would become Queen of the Scots. And without Mary, the King considered him insignificant.
He was imprisoned at Dragsholm Castle, 75 kilometres west of Copenhagen. He was held in what were said to be appalling conditions. He died in April 1578.
A pillar to which he was chained for the last ten years of his life can still be seen, with a circular groove in the floor around the pillar. His (alleged) mummified body could be seen in Fårevejle, in the church near the castle, until a few decades ago. In later decades his extended family have tried to get his body sent back to Scotland, but their request has not been granted. The identity of the body has never been conclusively proven; an 1858 investigation concluded that the remains were Bothwell's.
^ Dunn, Jane (2003). Elizabeth and Mary. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. p. 185.
^ Calendar State Papers Scotland, vol. i (1898), 262, 290.
^ Calendar of State Papers Scotland, vol. 1 (1898), 548, 622, 652.
^ Donaldson, Gordon, ed., The Memoirs of Sir James Melville of Halhill, Folio Society, London, (1969), 65: Simpson, Grant G., Scottish Handwriting, Tuckwell (1998), no. 18, contract 14 May 1567.
^ Robertson, Joseph, ed., Inventaires de la Royne Descosse, (1863), 176, "a M. le Duc d'Orquenez ... ung manteaux de nuyct."
Her begynder det danske forløb. Jarlen blev ført til Bergen, hvor han tilfældigvis stødte på Anna Trundsen, som havde slået sig ned i byen efter at være blevet droppet af jarlen i Skotland. Nu måtte han igennem en ydmygende retssag, inden han blev ført til København, fængslet på slottet og senere flyttet til Malmøhus. I denne periode, hvor det endnu var usikkert om den nye skotske regering ville overleve, var jarlen lidt af en politisk varm kartoffel for Frederik II. Da det viste sig, at Mary Stuart ikke ville komme til magten igen, mistede jarlen sin betydning og blev overført til Dragsholm slot, muligvis fordi han var blevet sindssyg. Der døde han så i april 1578.
^ "735-736 (Nordisk familjebok / 1800-talsutgåvan. 10. Lloyd - Militärkoloni)". Project Runeberg (in Swedish). 17 January 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2017. — Swedish Encyklopedia "Nordisk Familjebok", first edition (1880) Article "Malmö"; 25-30 lines from the article name "Malmö", "Inom dess murar hölls grefve Bothwell, Maria Stuarts tredje gemål, en tid som statsfånge" - in English "Within its walls (Malmøhus Castle, as of then) was earl Bothwell, the third husband of Mary Stuart, held as a prisoner of the (Danish) state during some time."
^ Schiern, Frederik Eginhard Amadeus (1880). Life of James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. Translated by Berry, David. Edinburgh: Thomas and Archibald Constable. pp. 387–388.
^ a b "James Hepburn". Kendtes gravsted (in Danish). Retrieved 16 April 2017. — Danish site about burial locations.
^ A photo of the coffin in Fårevejle Church, with his assumed remains, can be seen here: "James Hepburn". Kendtes gravsted (in Danish). Retrieved 16 April 2017.
"James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 4 (9th ed.). 1878. p. 164.
Yorke, Philip Chesney (1911). "Bothwell, James Hepburn" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 4 (11th ed.). pp. 303–304.
This page was last edited on 23 April 2019, at 08:35 (UTC).


In a campaign finance report filed last week, Elk Grove mayoral candidate Tracie Stafford reported raising $14,750 in cash donations for the six month period ending June 30, 2018. The reports were filed with the Elk Grove City Clerk's office.
Stafford started 2018 with $26,622, recorded expenses of $16,976 during the six-month period and reported $24,161 on hand as of June 30. During the period the donations came from 38 donors, 37 of which were individuals.
In a press release, Stafford noted her campaign is funded by small donors, unlike her opponents Steve Ly and Darren Suen who receive large cash donations from various business interests, including those doing business with the city. Stafford further emphasized her small donor base shows she is "unbought and unbossed" and that over the course of her entire campaign the average donation is under $100.
"At the age of 52, I am solid in my values as well as my reasons for moving into public service," Stafford said. "I am a firm believer that political power should be used to empower rather than silence the community. My goal as mayor is to provide a brighter future for all Elk Grove citizens."


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Tag Archives: Financial Planning
A third of Americans who have a savings plan have less than $1000 in it
04/24/2015 Wintery Knight	Leave a comment
National Debt and Deficit 2007-2013
Let me start with the facts from Breitbart News, and then I'll comment on the part in bold.
Study after study shows that Americans are not saving for retirement like they should, and a new survey finds that nearly one third of people who have some sort of savings plan have amassed less than $1,000 for retirement.
The survey titled "Preparing for Retirement in America," by Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald and Associates, finds that only 65 percent of workers have any savings for retirement, a number that fell below the 75 percent figure from 2009.
But 28 percent of workers report that they have saved less than $1,000 for retirement, and almost 6 in 10 Americans say that their financial planning needs improvement.
Additionally, 34 percent say they have made no effort at all to saving anything or make a retirement plan. Still, most say that they intend to start saving at some point.
But intentions may not be enough. "Intending one thing and doing another is human, but it's an impulse we should all fight hard to resist," Rebekah Barsch, vice president of planning and sales at Northwestern Mutual, said in a press statement. "Intentions only get us so far. And when the stakes are high, it's taking action that's critical."
Many say that the average person needs to save one million dollars for retirement, but a recent piece by David Marotta, president of Marotta Wealth Management in Charlottesville, VA, noted that a 20-year-old in 2015 may have to amass up to $7 million to retire comfortably.
"Someone retiring now in 2014 with $1 million at age 65 can safely withdraw $43,600 a year," Marotta wrote last May. "However, [because of inflation], today's 20-year-olds will need over $7 million to have that same lifestyle when they retire. In 1970, they would only have needed $166,000 in retirement to have a similar purchasing power for the rest of their life."
Many Americans save for retirement using the 401K plans provided through their employer, but according to the federal government, around 50 million Americans don't have the ability to enroll in such a savings plan.
Here's a helpful article from CNBC that answers the question "how much do I need to retire?".
It says:
You can't feel secure in retirement if you don't have a good idea of how much money you'll need.
But if you believe a new Legg Mason survey, you may have to save far more than you think. Investors surveyed by the global investment management firm said they will require an average of $2.5 million in retirement to enjoy the quality of life they have today.
That's about $2.2 million more than the average balance of $385,000 those investors actually had in 401(k)s and similar retirement plans, which might help explain why only 40 percent of the 458 investors surveyed said they are "very confident" in their ability to "retire at the age I want to." (And the investors surveyed have set more aside than the average retirement saver. At Fidelity, the nation's largest retirement plan provider, the average 401(k) balance was $91,300 at the end of 2014.)
[…]Fidelity estimates most investors require about eight times their ending salary to increase the chances that their savings will last during a 25-year retirement. But every retirement is different. People also tend to spend lavishly in their first years of retirement before their spending declines in later years.
Health care is the wild card in retirement planning, especially as Americans live longer. Fidelity projects a 65-year-old couple retiring will need an average of $220,000 to cover medical expenses in retirement.
So, according to Fidelity's rule, if you are single and making $50K after taxes, then you need $400,000 to retire at age 65. You'll need more the earlier you retire. That seems about right to me. The important thing to do when planning for the future is not to imagine a higher income than you have right now, though. Imagining that things will be better than they are right now is a terrible mistake. You can't make the world change just by imagining things that make you feel good, or by looking at cherry-picked examples from people you know who got lucky.
The trouble with young people today is that they think that things tomorrow will be the same as they were yesterday. They don't see the future implications of running our national debt up to $18.5 trillion dollars. They think entitlement programs will be solvent when they are ready to retire. They aren't aware of what's going on in the economies of other countries that we trade with. They aren't aware of what's going on in Greece, and how that will affect the European Union. They aren't aware of the demographic crisis in Europe, and especially in Japan. They aren't thinking about the implications for future wars as America withdraws from the world stage. And so on. And since they are not aware, they are delaying making a plan to save, so they can have more fun now. Their retirement plan is all future sunshine and rainbows, but no actions are being taken right now.
If I could give young people one piece of advice, it's this. It's much easier to shift your life out of a position of financial security to something lighter but more meaningful in the second half of your life. It's harder to work back to earning and saving if you have squandered your early life on fun, thrills, travel, non-STEM degrees, etc. If you're 30 years old and don't have any savings, you are in serious, serious trouble. You need to get focused on a regular career as soon as possible, and start saving. Get those debts paid off now. Still think that your rosy picture of the future will obtain? Usually, you can tell how good you are at strategic forecasting by looking at your past decisions. Have you been wise before, or have you chosen poorly? If you've chosen poorly, then it's a good idea to defer to people who haven't made the same mistakes. If you're an optimistic person who is always being surprised and disappointed, that's a good sign you need to start saving now.
CareerEarningFinancial PlanningInvestingRetirementSaving


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Christmas in Chicago
A Community Mass
Music for Liturgy
Catholic Christmas Classics
Rediscovered Masterpieces, Vol. II
Complete Choral Listing
New Arrangements of Proulx Chant Masses
Catholic Marian Classics
Rediscovered Masterpieces
Catholic Latin Classics
Rare Beasts and Unique Adventures
Rare Beasts and Unique Adventures II
Sublime Chant
More Sublime Chant
Ars Antiqua Choralis Series - Rejoice in the Lord
Ars Antiqua Choralis Series - In Sweet Rejoicing
Spirit of God Unleashed
Proulx Conducts Proulx
Psalms of David
The Last Journey: Songs for Grieving
Tintinnabulum: Liturgical Handbells
Three Celebrated Trumpet Tunes Vol II
Richard Proulx
View Calendar for "Richard Proulx"
View Printed Music by "Richard Proulx"
View Tribute to Richard Proulx video
A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Richard Proulx began piano studies at age six and benefited from the unique musical training then fostered in that city's parochial and private schools, where twice-daily solfege and choral singing were emphasized. He attended MacPhail College and the University of Minnesota with further studies undertaken at the American Boychoir School at Princeton, NJ, Saint John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN and the Royal School of Church Music in England.
Proulx's organ studies were with Ruth Dindorf, Arthur Jennings, Rupert Sircom, Gerald Bales and Peter Hallock, and extensive choral seminars were undertaken with Donald Bryant, Robert Shaw and Roger Wagner. He also studied composition with Leopold Bruenner, Theodore Ganshaw, Bruce Larsen and Gerald Bales.
During 1980-1994, Richard Proulx was Organist/Music Director at the historic Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago, where he did much to strengthen that cathedral's outreach to the city it serves by establishing an extensive and innovative music program. As hoped by visionary Cathedral Rector, Bishop Timothy J. Lyne, the consistent excellence of this broadbased and varied liturgical music program quickly became a model for cathedrals across the country. The highly-acclaimed concert series, Music for a Great Space, involved the cathedral choirs with many of the finest instrumentalists in the Chicago area. The choirs toured the Midwest in 1982 and 1991, and Europe in 1988. Proulx was also responsible for the planning and installation of two new mechanical action organs for the cathedral: Casavant (Quebec, 1981) and Flentrop (Holland, 1989).
Before coming to Chicago, Proulx served for ten years (1970-1980) at Saint Thomas Church, Medina/Seattle, where he directed three choirs and chamber orchestra, established a tradition of liturgical handbell ringing, and was organist at Temple de Hirsch Sinai. Previous positions included Saint Charles Parish, Tacoma; Saint Stephen's Church, Seattle; and fifteen years at Church of the Holy Childhood in Saint Paul (1953-1968).
Richard Proulx is a widely published composer of more than three hundred works, including congregational music in every form, sacred and secular choral works, song cycles, two operas, as well as instrumental and organ music. He has served as a consultant for such recent hymnals as The Hymnal 1982, New Yale Hymnal, The Methodist Hymnal, Worship II and III, and has contributions in the Mennonite Hymnal and the Presbyterian Hymnal. Proulx was a member of the Standing Commission on Church Music of the Episcopal Church and was a founding member of the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians. He has conducted choral festivals and workshops across the country as well as in Canada, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand.
Proulx was appointed composer-in-residence for 1994-1995 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, UT and was named a 1995 Visiting Fellow at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. He has served on summer faculties of the Montreat Conference on Worship and Music, the Evergreen Conference, Saint John's University School of Theology, and serves as vice president of the Catholic Liturgy Society. Currently working as a free-lance composer and conductor, he has also been an editorial consultant to GIA Publications and Augsburg Fortress.
In the field of commercial music, Proulx composed the 1971 theme song for Union Pacific Railroad, as well as an orchestral score for a documentary film, "The Golden Door." Two recent arrangements (sung by The Cathedral Singers) were featured in a May, 1996 episode of "ER" on NBC and his brief organ setting of Veni Creator is heard in the 1997 movie, "The Devil's Own."
In 1991, Richard Proulx founded The Cathedral Singers as an independent recording ensemble. This group has sung a number of live concerts in the Midwest and have produced over fifteen compact disc recordings of a great variety of choral music.
Richard Proulx has received a number of prestigious awards. The National Endowment for the Arts awarded him a commission for a new opera in 1989, the same year he was presented the Gold Medal of the Archdiocese of Chicago by the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. In 1994, he received a doctorate, honoris causa, from the General Theological Seminary in New York City and also the BENE Award from Modern Liturgy Magazine as "the most significant liturgical composer of the last twenty years." In 1995, he was cited by Duquesne University for outstanding work as a church musician and in recognition of the library of music given to Duquesne. He was also named the 1995 Pastoral Musician of the Year by the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. In 1998, Richard Proulx received the Pax Christi Award from Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
A rare combination of talents as a composer, conductor, music editor, and organist, together with wide experience across denominational lines, have given Richard Proulx a unique perspective of both the opportunities and the challenges found in liturgical music-making in our time; he remains committed to the enriching and balancing role of the arts in all people. Workshops Hymn Festivals Richard Proulx will be a conductor or organist at your hymn festival or choir festival. Hymnody Richard Proulx will share his insights on hymns ancient and new. Easy Music for Small Choirs Richard Proulx presents easy-to-learn music for small choirs. Unison, two- and three-part music by the masters will be highlighted.
For a listing of Choral Music, try our Choral Music Search.
Click here for GIA Presents workshop information.


Thanks for coming by today, and I would love to see these printed out and hanging on your wall, or any other idea you can come up with! Post them on instagram, but make sure to tag me if you do! I can't wait to see what you come up with!
You know I love me some printables!! Thank you!


Paul Crane and his colleague Tony could compete with the world's leading opera singers in terms of vocal projection. Customers would have to be either deaf or abroad to miss their cries publicising fresh strawberries and whatever else happens to be in season. Paul's stall is always weighed down by a small selection of colourful produce: from raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and cherries to figs, clementines, tomatoes and satsumas.


I've lived and birthed in a time when women were forced to leave their partner in the hospital lobby to labor separated from loved ones who might witness things. Things like mandatory early labor enema, drugs given without informed consent or denial and pubic hair shave. We were put into a metal hospital beds with sides drawn up. Flat on our backs until we were wheeled away to have a surgeon (again without informed consent or denial) cut into our collective perineum.
Birthing in this period of time, at first made me angry. With the passage of time, the anger shifted to hunger for change. It made me who I am in the birth community. It gave me desire to serve. It is why I became a birth professional with empathy for women who choose to walk their own journey, even different from my own.
With the birth of Princess Kate's baby daughter, I am distressed by some of my birth professional sister's lack of tolerance.
I am disturbed by those who feel the need to use social media to publicly shame Princess Kate for her choice of hospital birth and manner of dress as she left the hospital steps.
Kate, with her newborn daughter in arms and her proud husband at her side, beamed with joy. It was a time when this woman was fresh from the accomplishment of her choice and with the innocence of a wide open heart, allowed the world a privilege that could have very well been kept private. She allowed us all to meet her 12 hours old daughter on the front steps of the hospital.
The evidence has shown that postpartum depression is often more likely to occur when women feel they've failed. Lifting up our sisters to see the good in their pregnancies, labor and birth is a catalyst to empowerment.
To add to the rumors of tabloid toxic soup that is the life of a public figure or any other mother isn't just wrong but is essentially against our purpose as birth professionals.
How many of us who work with women have witnessed the growth and positive changes that occur with praise? Even just a few words of kindness given can sometimes bring light back to a mother feeling dark.
I would like to urge everyone to keep in mind that all women, not just royalty, need our blessings whether they choose to surgically birth or birth at home. Whether they choose to stay in bed clothes for days after the birth or dress in heels and pearls 24 hours after the birth? Let us honor women and the choices they make regarding their own bodies, births and babymoon time.
In the end colleagues, it really never is all about us or how we would have done it. We serve, we validate. It is my wish that never tear down.
My congratulations go to the Royal Family on the birth of the brand new Princess.
Kendra Machen is a Childbirth Educator, LLL Leader and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist in Port Orchard WA. She has 4 sons, 1 daughter and 6 grandchildren. She feels privileged to serve all women and their varied choices in birth and postpartum.
The fear of the unknown can be so powerful. Kitsap Mothers-to-be are no different. They hear horror stories from well-meaning girlfriends and even strangers in the grocery store!
The popularity of reality television adds flame to the fire with the addition of dramatic music and lighting on programs like, "BirthDay" and "One Born Every Minute" Our community also has the factor of Navy dependents who are often very young, here for only a short time and separated from their families who might do quite a bit to ease the fears if they were nearby.
We know that the tools women gather in prenatal classes alleviate much of the fear of the unknown.Thirty years ago, most expectant mothers attended birthing classes. She learned how the changes in her body meant baby was healthy and growing, how baby receives nutrition by the foods mother consumes. The signs and symptoms of labor, and what works to reduce discomfort and even the very real pain of contractions once active labor begins.
Upon completion of her birth class series, she had several coping skills for comfort and the confidence to know that labor and birth were a normal and natural function of her body.
We live in a different time. Today's woman is both expecting a baby *and* busy! She's much less likely to be a "stay at home partner" and more likely to work outside the home to contribute to the family finances. Many times this means the couple work different schedules and precious little time off together.
In our area there are limited birthing class choices. Hospital based classes are rigidly scheduled in hopes that most couples can make them work. There are also independent birthing class series which last anywhere from 6-12 long weeks. These options are just not in the stars for the average busy working family and so too often, birth classes are being sacrificed… and so begins the fear factor.
Independent childbirth educators realize this. We've seen the drop in attendance and have been concerned.
One of the newest and best ideas hoping to change the trend is the "Weekend Birth Class Retreat" A full class series together with one last romantic getaway for the couple. The couples arrive on a Friday evening and leave *finished* and confident on Sunday afternoon without having put a wrinkle in their work schedules. The mothers form bonds with one another and the fathers leave with skills from labor support to diaper changing! Couples replace the fear of the unknown with questions and answers, laughter and friendship.
If you're a new Doula just out of training, here's a list of tips to get you started.
10. COMFORT ~ Quality shoes dedicated to attending births. Check out what other care professionals wear for comfort. Comfortable stretchable stain resistant clothing dedicated to wearing while attending births. Not scrubs but something nice that's cleaned, pressed and ready for action when the call comes in to support a family. Dress in layers. Depending on where you're supporting a family, the environment can be very, very warm or even chilly.
9. SUPPORT ~ A trusted support system of birth professionals. You'll burn out quickly without the shoulders and ears of another birth professional. There will be times you will desperately need advice and many times when you'll need a sounding board. Attending births, you'll witness wonderful miracles but you'll also sometimes see unkind acts toward yourself or the families you support. You want this person(s) to understand why you won't share names and keep the families you serve, confidential. Be that support person for them, in trade.
8. SUPPLIES ~ A "Birth Bag". Not the things you'll use to comfort mother, but one containing the things you'll want for your own comfort. Basic personal hygiene kit toothbrush/deodorant/hair brush and hair ties/bands. On the go food items, something for muscle/head aches, cell phone charger and an extra set of clothing in case you need them. You aren't a *real* Doula until you've been soaked good an proper in a surprise breaking of the water. (It's not a matter of if, but when!) As a Doula, you may be away from home for 24+ hours and having comfort items of your own can make a big difference!
7. CHILDCARE ~ If you have children of your own, a childcare provider *on call*. Babies don't come on our schedule so we need a personal childcare provider we can trust and we need to keep that provider happy! Pay her/him well and add bonuses when you get them.
6. HOMEFRONT SUPPORT ~ If you are involved in a relationship, an understanding, flexible partner makes your life so much easier. Someone at home with broad shoulders who has "got your back". Your partner needs to be alright with the fact that you may need to beg out of personal plans at the last minute. A sense of humor and maturity is a must! You'll miss family barbecues, your children's recitals, sports and plays, Holidays, birthdays and you will even get calls in the middle of the night during those "intimate moments". A supportive partner can make or break you.
5. TRANSPORTATION ~ If you don't live in a big city with great bus service, you're going to want your own car. Not a shared family car. It doesn't have to be new or even great looking. It does need to be reliable! Your clients should never hear that you'll be able to come to them when you "can" but that you'll be there as soon as they need you.
4. PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE ~ Even if you're attending a home birth and you know the family is like-minded to your personal style, remember there's always the outside chance you may have to transfer to hospital. Consider what others may see. Suggestive or political "sayings" across the t-shirt, low cut pants that show off your backside as you bend and stoop, multiple facial piercings, chipped polish, excessive (even natural) scents; can be a bit much for the typical hospital staff to take. You want those first 8 seconds when snap judgements are made, to be positive ones. Put your best foot forward and the next time they see you at that particular hospital, they'll already know you to be a professional.
3. INTEGRITY ~ If you interview and are hired by a family who based on *you*, want *you* to be their Doula, keep your word. Don't request on social media for a "back up" to take your place because you want to go camping or hiking or some other "out of area" activity. You agree to put this family on your schedule and only use a back up for true emergencies. Schedule fun and stick to it just like you do your Doula dates. There's no reason you can't have vacations or special days if you schedule them ahead of time and don't schedule labor support clients in that same time period.
2. NON-BIASED ACCEPTANCE ~ Adopt a personal creed of non-judgmental support. Use and re-use the tried and true mantra of Doulas all over the world, "It's not my birth" Repeat this in your head as you support the family in whatever decisions they make during the labor and birth. You may have interviewed and been hired by a woman who told you she wanted, "A non-medicated birth using water and position changing as her comfort measure." Be prepared to understand when she drastically veers off her birth plan and requests a surgical birth because she wants to choose the birth day of her baby or the mother who decides upon an epidural for her vaginal birth because her best friend shared, "It's the safest way for baby." Repeat, repeat in your head…"It's not my birth". Smile, go over benefits and risks but in the end, support her in her decisions regarding her birth.
And the number 1 Top tool to be a successful DOULA…………..
"EXPERIENCE!" A Doula training with an organization like, CAPPA or DONA can never be underestimated. You'll learn and *practice* the different ways women choose to birth and the methods to support those women.
Get out and experience all types of birth. Attend them for free just to get your foot in the door. Offer to "shadow" a more experienced birth professional as she attends births and get feedback so you learn from the experience.
Attend homebirths, birth center births, unmedicated hospital births, epidural supported hospital births and even surgical births. All these families need support and in the beginning, you need them just as much. Time and experience will shape you into a sought after Doula in your community.


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Michelle Branch Promises To 'Look Purdy' On VMA Red Carpet
Singer/songwriter tests out red-carpet outfits during tour rehearsal break.
archive-Brian-Wallace 08/26/2002
NORTH HOLLYWOOD — It's just after 8 p.m. on a Saturday night, and Michelle Branch, like most 19-year-olds, is hanging out with some friends.
But that's where the "like most 19-year-olds" part ends. Earlier in the day, Michelle flew in from Chicago — where she was shooting a video with Santana — to practice for her upcoming tour with Sheryl Crow. Right now she's in a rehearsal studio picking out an outfit to wear to Thursday's MTV Video Music Awards, where she's up for three Moonmen — Best Female Video, Best Pop Video and Viewer's Choice (click for the complete list of 2002 VMA Nominees).
Branch, who showed up wearing torn jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt, picks her first possible VMA outfit: a velvety pink Miss Sixty suit over a silky peasant-type blouse by Monah Li. (Click to check out all of her picks and vote on your favorite.)
"I need you guys to sing the 'Pink Panther' theme," she begs of her four companions, who are seated mirror-side and judging the action from a black leather couch that only seats three comfortably.
"Duh-duh — duh-duh," the girls start to sing, in what can hardly be called unison, before halting in a fit of laughter.
"This is cool," she says, arching herself up on her bare toes to approximate how it will look with heels. "I like this suit. It's a Miss Sixty. I've always worn their jeans, and I didn't know they made pink suits. ... It's kind of like being comfortable and a little boyish, but it's pink, so it's not [boyish], right?"
"Right," agrees the couch crew, which consists of makeup artist Tamara Ogden, fashion advisor Trish Summerville, sister Nicole Branch and management assistant Lindsay Lipton.
"OK, I need to see each of you [give me] either thumbs up, thumbs maybe or thumbs down," says Branch, who is then met with a confusing array of sideways, upward and downward digits.
"I guess I'm going to have to go back to the well," Branch sighs, turning to her wardrobe rack and selecting a silky black dress that ties in two places on the front and is worn over a matching pair of black slacks.
"It's a dress but it still has pants, so I'm completely comfortable in it, and I like it," she declares with a bright smile. "It's a lot comfier than the pink suit."
Her friends agree — eight thumbs up.
"This particular dress is a piece from Strenesse, and it's from the runway show they just did, so it's actually not out yet. It's just a showroom piece, so maybe I can show-room it off at the VMAs," she jokes before heading back to the wardrobe rack.
"This seems interesting," she says, grabbing a striped, long-sleeved pink and turquoise knit rayon Missoni dress with fringe along the bottom. "The VMAs are all about being different and interesting, so I'm up for doing this."
Once it's on, she can't resist spinning and sending the fringe flying. "It twirls really nice," she says, giggling. "I feel like a ballerina. Twirling, twirling. Oh, I'm dizzy looking at the stripes ... twirling ... stripes ... twirling."
Again, the couch is unanimous.
"I would totally be up for going out in jeans and a T-shirt to the VMAs, but ... I wanna do something that shows another side of me and show them that (putting on a hillbilly accent) I can look purdy once in a while, that I clean up nicely."
Selection of the fourth and final outfit competes with the starving artist's inquiries about where to find good Italian food nearby. Eventually, she picks another Miss Sixty outfit — a pair of flared black pants with a black coat over a black tank top. She finishes it off with a multicolored scarf from Missoni.
"I love Steven Tyler's style, 'cause I'm a huge Aerosmith fan," she explains. "This is a little bit more traditional rock and roll."
Looking at herself in the mirror, she says, "Scarf: A bazillion dollars. Suit: A bazillion dollars. Loser at the VMAs: Priceless." Her friends erupt in laughter as she insists, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding."
"This is really cool, because I could go to the VMAs and be totally comfortable, but leave to go to the parties and be even more comfortable. I mean, I could wear this with Converse [sneakers] if I wanted to," she says, turning toward Summerville, "but I won't."
A look of relief passes over the stylist's face. "Thank you!"
Catch all the sizzlin', star-packed VMA action direct from Miami on August 28. MTV News' preshow kicks things off at 6:00 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the big show at 8 p.m.
Vote for the Viewer's Choice Award, see a timeline of MTV Video Music Awards history, and more at our VMA web site.
Check out red carpet highlights, backstage reports, and all our VMA news in the VMA News archive.


Just wanted to announce some new speakers for TahoeFest 2013. The first is Dr. Thomas O'Bryan, D.C. whose topic will be "Differentiating Tools for Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease: In-Office and Laboratory Assessments." He will review this new-kid-on-the (science)-block, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, how to identify it, and more importantly how to treat it.
The next addition is Dr. Rachel Fresco, L.Ac., PhD. developer of Biocidin, one of my favorite herbal products on the market. I'm sure anyone who has attended any of my seminars will be familiar with the product for its many uses as nutritional support associated with intestinal ecology, systemic wellness and detoxification. Her talk will be on how to use the botanical combinations she has developed to help your clients achieve optimal health.
I also want to stress what the theme of TahoeFest 2013 is – Practical Tools For Your Clinical Practice. When I mean practical tools I mean things you can use right away to help improve your clients health as well as improving your practice whether as a physical trainer, naturopath, chiropractor, MD, DO or clinical nutritionist. Everyone will benefit from this seminar, especially your client.
To register, click on this link. Hope to see you at TahoeFest 2013!!!
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BPA Free – Another Con Job?


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ESPN because tv associate of nba to deliver sports news.
May 21, 2016 · by admin2014 ·
The National basketball Association is North Americas professional basketball league and it is one of the main professional sports leagues of North America. The NBA comprises of twenty nine teams from North America and contains 1 team from Canada. It is additionally a member of the USAB, which in turn is recognized as the National Governing Body for basketball by the International Basketball Federation. Created in 1946, in Ny city, NAB was in fact called the Basketball Association of America. The name changed post their merger together with the National Basketball League in 1949.
NBA commenced making major sports news from the 1980s as soon as the "Magic" Johnson era began. Bringing in additional sports fans with their already expanding database, NBA began growing with the addition of more franchisees. By having the Dallas Mavericks the NBA had a total to 23 teams inside their portfolio with the Lakers being led by Magic Johnson.
The growing interest in the league was further propelled when Michael Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls in 1984. The NBA fever continued to rise and more and more cities began demanding teams of their very own. It was in 1995 that NBA expanded into Canada introducing the Vancouver Grizzlies as well as the Toronto Raptors with their profile. Later, the Vancouver Grizzlies were transferred to Memphis making the Toronto Grizzlies the sole team from Canada. The 90s was also a landmark in NBA history as in 1996, NBA came up with the first womens league with the National Womens Basketball Association.
The NBA season begins in the first week of November and has a total of 82 games played by every team with playoffs starting in the month of April. ESPN is among the television partners for the NBA carrying news in connection with the games in addition to the players.
The "NBA on ESPN" journey began in 1983 when the NBA games were offered by ESPN through their televised cable network. ESPN continued the NBA sports news broadcasting till 1984. They have again started off the NBA games from the 2003 season. ABC Sports aired the games from 2003 until 2006 as "NBA on ABC" till it had been taken by ESPN on ABC. ESPN on ABC is the sports brand under the ABC umbrella used to broadcast various sporting events.
NBA games can be viewed on ESPN of Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. NBA Special Edition program is telecast for the days when ESPN has not aired a game or for the holidays.
ESPN also airs one Conference Final each year which is a part of the NBAs strategy to make sure they are more popular on cable TV. The playoffs are telecast on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Other than this ESPN also broadcasts the NBA Draft Lottery and the NBA Draft.
ESPNs principal competition to the NBA games is TNT. TNT airs most of the major NBA games on the other week nights looking to take up a chunk of ESPNs ratings. It's mostly in the playoffs and the Conference Finals that TBNT garners higher ratings. However, the standard season ratings are almost identical with both the sports news providers.
Filed Under: Betting · Tagged: sports


This dressing is for all ranch-dressing-lovers! It is real-food deliciousness and packs some protein and probiotics from the Greek yogurt as a bonus!
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend well until desired consistency, adding more or less olive oil as necessary. Store in a mason jar. Use within a week.


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The Socialistic Nine
Thread starter tattedupboy
tattedupboy
Thank God I'm alive!
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a thread on America's most gun friendly states. Today, I decided that I wanted to post a thread on America's most gun unfriendly places. A wide variety of factors went into my choices for the list, not just whether or not a state has concealed carry laws(which is why you will not see Wisconsin on this list; at least Wisconsin allows open carry and is hunter friendly).
9. Rhode Island: May issue, and requires handgun buyers to have safety training before they can obtain a purchase permit. Statutorally, the state is shall issue, but many sheriffs nevertheless refuse to issue permits to applicants who meet all the criteria set forth in the law.
8. Maryland: Not as bad as some of the other states on this list, but nevertheless, assault weapons and magazines holding more than fifteen rounds are banned. Also, the state is may issue and clearly is arbitrary and capricious with regard to the issuance of carry permits.
7. Illinois: In Illinois, one must obtain a Firearm Owner's Identification Card before being able to purchase a firearm or ammunition. Not only are Illinois residents not allowed to carry handguns outside their homes or businesses, but in Skokie, a suburb of Chicago, all firearm ownership (yes both handguns and long guns) is banned. Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Winnetka, Wilmette, Highland Park, and Morton Grove all ban handguns. It is so bad that back in 2004, Wilmette resident Hale DeMar, after shooting a man who broke into his home with his handgun, was fined $750 and had his handgun confiscated for violating the village ordinance against handgun possession. As if that weren't enough, the sheeple of Chicago, despite paying the highest sales taxes in the country (11%), keep electing Mayor Richard Daley, who, with the help of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger not only taxes Chicagoans to death, but also who, on more than one occasion, has stated his desire to have guns banned for everyone except for military and law enforcement personnel. He also tried unsuccessfully, at taxpayers' expense, to establish a 100-mile gun free zone around Chicago, which would have encompassed parts of Indiana and Wisconsin as well. As if all this weren't enough, Gov. Rod Blagojevich just signed a bill requiring private collectors to conduct background checks on buyers at gun shows. At least Illinois gun owners outside of Cook County can take some comfort in knowing that they don't have to register their guns with the state. At least they can always move to either Indiana or Missouri.
6. Massachussetts: What else is there to say about a state where the people keep electing John Kerry and Ted Kennedy to represent them? No one can purchase a firearm of any kind unless they first obtain permission from Massa(chussetts) in the form of a permit obtained by filling out a mountain of paperwork. Assault weapons are banned and only after filling out the paperwork for a class A license is anyone allowed to possess handguns or large capacity magazines. It is so bad that Glocks are not on the list of handguns approved to be sold there; Glock has had to produce "Massachussetts compliant" guns in order to do business in this god awful people's republic. If all this makes your head spin, move to either New Hampshire or Vermont.
5. New York: Much like Chicago in Illinois, having New York City, Chuck Schumer, and Hillary Clinton makes the rest of New York look worse than it really is. Depending on the county in which one resides it can be either very easy or nearly impossible to obtain a carry permit. However, no matter where one lives in New York, they must obtain a permit to purchase a handgun, which can take up to six months to acquire. And, if you have a LTC, you better make sure that the gun or guns you choose to carry are guns that you have registered with the state in your name, because if they're not, you'll be charged with illegal possession of a firearm. Don't even think about applying for a permit in NYC unless you are rich and politically connected because you WILL be rejected for insufficient need. It is so bad that the NYPD has refused to issue to applicants who they were supposed to issue licenses to by court order. At least Pennsylvania and Vermont are nearby.
4. California: Al Doyle said it best: No list of anti-Second Amendment places would be complete without this cancer on the body of liberty. Besides being required to register handguns and assault weapons with the state, freedom loving Californians cannot possess ammunition magazines that hold more than ten rounds, can only purchase guns approved by the state as "safe," and have the misfortune of having Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer as their U.S. senators. Furthermore, despite the failures of handgun bans in Chicago and Washington, D.C., San Francisco's voters approved a ban on handguns in 2005; fortunately common sense prevailed at the state Supreme Court and the ban was overturned in 2006. Other measures that have been proposed include a bill that would require all ammunition sold in the state to have serial numbers stamped on the shell casings; anyone found to be in possession of ammunition that did not have the markings would have been prosecuted. Another would have required all handguns sold in the state to stamp a serial number onto shell casings as bullets are fired; any handgun that did not have the serial number stamper would be considered "unsafe" and thus, illegal. Freedom loving Californians would rid themselves of a major headache by packing up and moving to either Arizona or Nevada, both of which are nearby.
3. Hawaii: Despite being classified as a may issue state, Hawaii is a de facto no issue state (in fact, only one person, a police department civilian worker, is known to have ever received one). All handguns must be registered, and assault weapons and magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds are banned. Furthermore, a permit must be acquired in order to purchase a handgun, and only after the permittee has undergone safety training. Firearms can only be carried in one's vehicle between the following points: one's home, a gun store from where a firearm is purchased, a gun range, moving to another residence, and a gun repair shop. Furhermore, only the most direct route between the points can be taken. If you want warm weather, while at the same time keeping your freedom, move to either Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, or Florida.
2. New Jersey: Even though New Jersey is classified as a may issue state, in reality, if you are not a retired police officer, it is a de facto no issue state (Nearly all of the 3,000 or so active handgun carry permits in the state, which has a population of over 8 million, are held by retired police officers). Furthermore, assault weapons and magazines capable of of holding more than fifteen rounds are banned. Class III and NFA weapons are virtually impossible to acquire unless the purchaser is wealthy or politically connected. Not only must handguns be registered, but they cannot even be purchased unless the purchaser has first gone to the police station to obtain a handgun purchase permit. Also, anyone who is going to or from a shooting range can only keep their guns unloaded and separated from the ammunition in the trunks of their vehicles, and is only allowed to take the most direct route between the two places; miscellaneous stops, such as to a restaurant, are forbidden and can get you in trouble (therefore, riding around with an unloaded and inaccessible handgun in the trunk while stopping to get something to eat will land you in a heap of trouble). Finally, even though nothing prohibits the possession of hollow point ammunition, the use of it by anyone besides police officers is prohibited. For freedom lovers, at least Pennsylvania is nearby.
1. Washington, D.C.: D.C. is the only one on this list that is not a state, but D.C. has America's worst gun laws by far. Handgun ownership is banned there (Try telling that to the gangbangers who own and carry them). Not only that, but shotguns and rifles must be registered and stored in the home unloaded and either disassembled or fitted with a trigger lock. Ammunition sales are only allowed if the buyer is able to present a registration certificate as proof of ownership for a weapon of the same caliber; therefore if you want to buy 12 gauge shotgun ammo, but are not the registered owner of a 12 gauge weapon, then guess what; you cannot buy the ammo. Also, ammo must be registered; possession of unregistered ammunition in D.C. is a crime punishable by jail time. You can forget about Class III and NFA weapons here; not only are those illegal, but so too are "machine guns" (defined under D.C. code as any gun that can shoot 12 rounds or more without reloading) and "sawed-off" shotguns (defined under D.C. code as any shotgun with a barrel under 20 inches in length). Finally, even pepper spray, which was only legalized a few years ago, must be registered there. For freedom lovers, thank goodness Virginia is nearby.
Things have gotten better in Washington, DC thanks to several lawsuits since you have posted this. The other states, not really.
JamesCC
Not shocked by this list but good to know where NOT to move
Either Delaware or Connecticut should be added in place of DC.
True good point
JamesCC said:
I would argue for both of them to be added.
RyanDekard
Great thread, love it for a wide range of thoughts and a great amount of information, going to use it to order an essay at https://www.wiseessays.com/buy-term-paper on a similar topic as I need to write it on my exam, thank you for the thread!
As of now (12/21) the unconstitutional, ass-backward, Communist state of New Jersey only allows 10 round magazines; and, yes, nowadays me and my standard capacity semi-automatics; and exceedingly evil, black, TACTICAL rifles are all living together happily, here, in Pennsylvania.
Cyr said:
And they are discussing constitutional carry in your state's legislature, so things might get better for you.
noylj


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Adam Oram
If you're in the market for a Mac upgrade, looking at the prices at Apple's site might not exactly fill you with joy, especially if you want something that packs some power. Fortunately, B&H is offering $350 in savings on Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar for a limited time. The 2019 machines are discounted to $1,149 today only and while supplies last. That's the best prcie we've seen for these particular configurations.
Apple MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (2019)
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Woot is holding a one-day sale on the latest Apple iPad and MacBook models in open-box condition. They're nearly brand new and come with a 60-day or 120-day Apple warranty as well.
The models on sale come in space gray or silver and feature Apple's Touch Bar technology. The machines are equipped with 13.3-inch Retina displays, two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and pack in 8th-gen Intel Core processors. Notably, the machines on sale today feature a 256GBGB SSD and Intel Core i5 processor. At today's sale price, they are as affordable as the 128GB version so you're getting double the storage at no extra cost.
The 13-inch machines balance power and portability, though the new 2020 MacBook Pro was just announced if you want to go for the latest specs possible. You can compare the 2019 and 2020 MacBook Pro models here.
Apple also recently released its 2020 MacBook Air. It might not have quite the same power as the MacBook Pro, but it's more affordable and even more portable. You can see how the two stack up in our guide to those, too. It's worth checking out our list of the best MacBook deals to help you decide which to go to.
At B&H, shipping is fast and free and you can also benefit from the company's B&H Payboo Credit Card. If you pay for a MacBook with the card, B&H will instantly pay you back the sales tax you paid. Depending on which state you live in, that could result in big savings.
MacBook Pro (13-inch)


The hearts of Britain's home owners skipped a beat when another housing market survey showed that prices were on a downward spiral. But the headline figures rarely tell the whole story and it's the same with the property market. Britain is a divided country when it comes to house prices.
Pessimism may be the order of the day in many areas, with the previous mini-boom giving way to a buyers' market. But in some regions of Britain the property market is still booming. For every caller to the BBC Radio 5 Live morning show last Wednesday worrying about house price falls, there was another recalling how they had sold for a higher price than they expected. One caller from Winchester admitted having gone over the asking price by £32,000 on a property she was completing on this week.
The latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed that across England and Wales as a whole, 8pc more estate agents reported a fall than reported a rise in house prices in July, the lowest reading in more than a year. It was in sharp contrast to June, when 8pc more surveyors reported rising rather than falling prices.
But the RICS "balance" figure – the difference between the percentage of agents reporting price rises and the percentage reporting falls – varied from minus 36pc in the East Midlands, the region in which estate agents were most gloomy, to plus 16pc in the North West. London, the North West and the South West are the areas where estate agents are driving their branded cars with smiles on their faces. Everywhere else they reported a glut of sellers, a shortage of buyers and expectations that prices will fall.
Comments from agents in London, where the RICS "score" was plus 14pc, had an optimistic tone. Henry Holland-Hibbert, of Strutt & Parker, said he had just had "the best June ever", while Benson Beard, of Bective Leslie Marsh, said: "With values now back at 2007 levels in central London I can see more properties coming to the market, which will lead to a levelling of prices for the remainder of the year." Arwel Griffith, of Robert Sterling in Walthamstow, described a "cautious recovery continuing following the general election".
Another agent explained why he thought the London market was different from the rest of the country. "London is still a micromarket underpinned by the financial sector, overseas buyers and high-net-worth individuals," said Brendon Thomas, of Maitlands Acorn. "This is further strengthened by the big infrastructure projects such as the Olympic site and Crossrail."
London's apparent immunity from falling property prices did not extend to the South East region, which reported a figure of minus 15pc. Geoffrey Holden, of Parsons Son & Basley in Brighton, said: "With rising numbers of new instructions and reducing numbers of able buyers, prices will fall from current levels."
While David Oswick, an agent in Halstead, Essex, said many purchasers were "extremely nervous", there were signs that areas closer to London were more resilient. John Frost, of the Frost Partnership in Beaconsfield, Bucks, said: "Properties in good locations are producing a lot of interest. School catchment areas and proximity to London are positively affecting the market." But he said first-time buyers were "almost non-existent" because of difficulties with mortgages.
The region with the most buoyant property market was the North West, where the balance of agents reporting price rises was plus 16pc. One, Andrew Holmes, of Carter Jonas, in the south Lake District, described the market as "relatively healthy", while Ian Macklin, of Timperley in Cheshire, said inquiries were beginning to filter through from BBC employees moving from the South East.
The South West was the only other region to report rising prices, although the RICS figure was a more modest 2pc. Colin Bowden, of Dickinson Bowden, in Dorchester, Dorset, said: "Lack of property will keep prices at the same level. I do not expect prices to increase."
It's unusual for estate agents to say property prices are falling – the last thing they want to do is talk the market down – but many of the agents from other areas who contributed to the RICS report were blunt in their assessments. One, in Yorkshire, spoke of the possibility of prices "spiralling downwards through a difficult winter". Another agent nearby said: "Prices will have to fall."
In the East Midlands the RICS figure was minus 36pc, the worst in the survey. Edward Wreglesworth, of Escritt Barrell Golding, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, said: "Prospective purchasers are daunted by negative market and property-value forecasts." Peter Mountain, of Louth, in Lincolnshire, agreed. "Since HIPs were abolished there has been a marked increase in new instructions and a decrease in sales," he said. "This can only lead to further price reductions as time goes on."
And Philip Barnett of Mundy & Co in Lincoln said that while lots of property was coming on to the market, the number of new buyers was static. As a result, there had been "a marked change in supply/demand over the past two months". It was increasingly important for sellers to be more realistic on pricing, he added.
The market was almost equally depressed in the West Midlands (– 34pc), where agents reported that concern over the outlook for the economy and government cuts was making buyers cautious. "For me, the market is the worst it's ever been. The Government's determination to balance the books has undermined confidence," said Jeremy Dell, from Oswestry, Shropshire.
John Ozwell, of Hunters in Solihull, said sales volumes had fallen between 15pc and 20pc over the previous few weeks. "Uncertainty over jobs, the economy and poor lending levels are probably the joint causes," he said.
Agents in Wales reporting price falls outnumbered those reporting rises by 25pc. Andrew Morgan of Morgan & Davies in Lampeter said: "The heady days of 2007 seem a long time ago."
In both the Yorkshire and Humberside and North regions, RICS reported a negative score of 19pc. One agent painted a particularly gloomy picture of his market: "More repossessions are starting to come through and make up a high proportion of monthly sales but at low prices, which could result in values spiralling downwards through a difficult winter," said Alex McNeil, of Bramleys in Huddersfield.
Paul Cocker of Blundells Professional Services in Sheffield said buyers were worried about employment and mortgages were scarce, adding: "Since HIPs were suspended there has been more stock but fewer buyers; prices will have to fall."