text:
My.Big.Fat.Pet.Makeover.S01E01.HDTV.x264-CRiMSON
The U.S. pet overweight and obesity rate for dogs and cats is more than 50%. In Animal Planet's new series My Big Fat Pet Makeover, pet expert and trainer Travis Brorsen begins a four-month long weight-loss and behavior modification journey with pet owners and their overweight animals with the aim of helping each pet live a healthier and happier life. Each story ends with Brorsen returning for a final weigh-in to see just how far the pets and pet owners have come.
Gold.Rush.S07E00.The.9.Million.Dollar.Season.WEB.x264-TBS
READY.SET.RENO.S01E03-E08.WEB-DL.x264-MFO
Design and construction power-couple Michael and Carlene are scouring all corners of Australia in search of the best home renovations, whilst simultaneously trying to finish their own renovation that has been six years in the making. So, learn a thing or two and meet some of the best designers Australia has to offer, teaming up with real Australians battling to achieve their dream home.
Trishas.Southern.Kitchen.S10E07.WEB-DL.x264-JIVE
Music superstar and best-selling cookbook author Trisha Yearwood welcomes you into her Southern kitchen to share in some of her favorite family recipes, both old and new. Trisha shows off her genuine Southern hospitality as she puts together meals with friends and family. Whether they're for a family reunion, a party for one of her bandmates or just a day hanging out with her girlfriends, Trisha's recipes are fun and easy to make and always have a story to tell on Trisha's Southern Kitchen.
Sarah.Off.the.Grid.S01E03.Designer.Daughters.WEB-DL.x264-JIVE
Late.Nite.Eats.S01E01.Pittsburgh.WEB-DL.x264-JIVE
In each episode of Late Nite Eats, Jordan Andino visits a brand new city and three exceptional restaurants that reign supreme in the late night food scene! Each one is cooking up something truly spectacular and revolutionizing what it means to eat out long after dark. Jordan will meet these passionate chefs in their kitchens as they cook up their late night specialties, mingle with energetic diners and ultimately taste the most popular and delicious dishes that after hours eating has to offer.
Duck.Quacks.Dont.Echo.S06E05.HDTV.x264-TVC
Each week, three celebrity guests will offer up an incredible fact for discussion. With the help of some plucky boffins, they'll attempt to prove to their fellow panelists - and the nation - it's true. The first episode features Ruth Jones, alongside Dara O'Briain and Spice Girl, Melanie C.
Little.Big.Shots.AU.S01E06.PDTV.x264-MFO
It's not a competition. There are no prizes. And no judges. It's simply about embracing what it means to be young, fun and free. Children will take to the stage to showcase their passion and will blow you away with their talent.
The.Doctor.Blake.Mysteries.S05E03.HDTV.x264-MFO
Doctor Lucien Blake returns to Ballarat to once again solve a series of strange and baffling murders, only to find change is afoot, nothing is sacred, and no one is safe.
Get.Krackn.S01E03-E05.HDTV.x264-FQM
Hard.Quiz.S02E08.HDTV.x264-FQM
Henry.Danger.S03E19.WEB.x264-TBS
Henry Danger follows the adventures of 13-year old Henry Hart whose life takes a wild turn when he gets selected by superhero Captain Man to be his apprentice. After promising to keep his new identity a secret, Henry must navigate a double life balancing the challenges of eighth grade with the crazy adventures of a crime fighter.
DuckTales.2017.S01E05.WEB-DL.x264.AAC-NG
Based on the Emmy Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, Disney XD's animated comedy-adventure series DuckTales chronicles the high-flying adventures of Duckburg's most famous trillionaire Scrooge McDuck, his mischief-making triplet grandnephews – Huey, Dewey and Louie, temperamental nephew Donald Duck and the trusted McDuck Manor team: big-hearted, fearless chauffer/pilot Launchpad McQuack; no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs. Beakley; and Mrs. Beakley's granddaughter, Webby Vanderquack, resident adventurer and the triplet's newfound fierce friend.
Grand.Designs.Australia.S06E01.HDTV.x264-RBB
Transformers.Robots.in.Disguise.S04E20.WEB-DL.x264.AAC-NG
In Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Bumblebee is summoned to save Earth from a new faction of Decepticons and assembles a rogue team of young Autobots that includes a rebel bad boy bot, an elite guard cadet, a bombastic Dinobot and hyperactive Mini-Con to capture their new enemies. Each new bot is a fully capable action hero but inexperienced in working together in a team, forcing Bumblebee to become both squad leader and coach.
Marvel.Spider-Man.2017.S01E10.WEB-DL.x264.AAC-NG
The new series, Marvel's Spider-Man tells the story of an unsure (but courageous) teen who has to figure out how to be a Super Hero from the very beginning.
My.Little.Pony.Friendship.is.Magic.S07E21.WEB-DL.x264-RARBG
"Get your muzzle out of those books and make some friends!" That's what Princess Celestia tells Twilight Sparkle. She may be the smartest unicorn in Equestria, but Twilight Sparkle gets an "incomplete" in friendship. There's more to life than learning magic, after all -- so she goes to Ponyville on a mission to make friends. There she meets five special ponies who take her on exciting adventures and teach her the most powerful magic of all ... the magic of friendship!
Justice.League.Action.S01E38.WEB-DL.x264.AAC-NG
Whether defending Earth, facing invaders from space or battling the bizarre forces of magic, the always-rotating team of Justice League heroes, are up to any challenge.
American Assassin 2017 HDTS AAC x264-MiniMe
After the death of his girlfriend at the hands of Islamic terrorists, Mitch Rapp is drawn into the world of counter-terrorism, mentored by tough-as-nails former U.S. Navy SEAL Stan Hurley.
Director: Michael Cuesta
Writers: Stephen Schiff (screenplay by), Michael Finch (screenplay by)
Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan
Gerald's Game (2017) 720p WEBRip x264-STRiFE
While trying to spice up their marriage in their remote lake house, Jessie must fight to survive when her husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her handcuffed to their bed frame.
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writers: Stephen King (based on the novel by), Jeff Howard
Stars: Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Bruce Greenwood
Game.Shakers.S02E20.WEB.x264-TBS
When Babe and Kenzie created Sky Whale for a seventh grade science project, they were hoping for a passing grade at best. They never expected it to become the most popular game of the year! Now they're making millions with their insanely successful business. What could go wrong on Game Shakers?
Match.Of.The.Day.2017.09.30.AAC.MP4-Mobile
Highlights and key analysis from all the day's games in the Barclays Premier League.
WWIIs.Great.Escapes.The.Freedom.Trails.S01E03.PDTV.x264-TVC
Former marine Monty Halls retraces the routes of great escapes from Nazi territory, meeting surviving escapees and locals who risked their lives to help them
Thunderbirds.Are.Go.S02E14.Volcano.WEB.x264-TVC
Thunderbirds Are Go! is a remake of the hit 1960's television show. In the 21st century, Jeff Tracy, a former astronaut, amasses a colossal fortune and decides that he must use it to benefit others. His answer to this desire is to create International Rescue, a unique private emergency response service equipped with customized designed vehicles and equipment that enable the organization to react to any crisis whether it be in sea, air, land, or space. Jeff's five sons volunteer to operate as the pilots and field agents, as well "Brain" who acts as the teams engineer. In addition, Jeff's friend, Kyrano and his daughter Tanusha aka Kayo (based on the original series Tin-Tin character) agree to be the support staff. In addition to the field team, IR also maintains an intelligence network with Lady Penelope and her ex-con chauffeur, Parker as the chief agents in this arm. The series depicts this team as they answer various calls for help around and beyond the world while they prevent enemies like the Hood from learning and exploiting their secrets.
The.X.Factor.UK.S14E09.HDTV.x264-TVC
The.Russell.Howard.Hour.S01E02.AAC.MP4-Mobile
The Russell Howard Hour is a weekly talk show in which Russell Howard will be chatting with celebrity guests alongside comedy stand-up.
The.Jonathan.Ross.Show.S12E05.AAC.MP4-Mobile
Jonathan Ross, the king of chat, is back. Employing his infectious wit and sense of fun, he chats to some terrific celebrity guests and asks the questions to which everyone wants to know the answers.
Strictly.Come.Dancing.S15E03.HDTV.x264-TVC
Saturday.Mash-Up.S01E01.HDTV.x264-TVC
Saturday mornings will never be the same again, as the interactive entertainment show, Saturday Mash-Up! crash-lands onto CBBC and BBC Two.
Fronted by Yasmin Evans, Jonny Nelson and Hacker T. Dog, Saturday Mash-Up! marks the riotous return of children's live programming to weekend television. Over two awesome hours our cheeky hosts will bring you the freshest music, fun guests and fantastic competitions for viewers to get involved with.
Mr.D.S07E01.HDTV.x264-RBB
Mr. D is a story about a charming, under-qualified teacher trying to fake his way through a teaching job, just like he often fakes his way through life.
Mock.The.Week.S16E10.HDTV.x264-GTi
Comedy show combining the best elements of panel show, stand-up and improvised games with two teams of comedians taking a satirical swipe at the news and world events.
Ghost.Adventures.S15E02.iNTERNAL.AAC.MP4-Mobile
Are you ready for the lockdown?
Ghost Adventures crew -- Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley -- is back to investigate the scariest, most notorious, haunted places in the world.
The trio will interview eyewitnesses and historians at each location, arming themselves with the stories of the ghosts they will later provoke and confront during their dusk-to-dawn lockdowns. (Note: They don't always come out unscathed!) Then they'll review and analyze their findings with some the most respected experts and specialists in the paranormal field.
Saturday.Night.Live.S43E01.Ryan.Gosling-Jay.Z.HDTV.x264-SDI
Saturday Night Live is an Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase.
Since its inception in 1975, "SNL" has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of their generation. As The New York Times noted on the occasion of the show's Emmy-winning 25th Anniversary special in 1999, "in defiance of both time and show business convention, 'SNL' is still the most pervasive influence on the art of comedy in contemporary culture." At the close of the century, "Saturday Night Live" placed seventh on Entertainment Weekly's list of the Top 100 Entertainers of the past fifty years.
Dragon.Ball.Super.S03E08.DUBBED.HDTV.x264-W4F
Dragon Ball Super, a brand new television anime inspired by Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball manga, will premiere on Fuji TV and other channels in July on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. This will be the first new Dragon Ball television series since Dragon Ball GT, which aired from 1996 to 1997.
The story of the anime is set a few years after the defeat of Majin Buu, when the Earth has become peaceful once again. The voice of Goku, Gohan, and Goten, Masako Nozawa commented on the new anime, saying, "We've always used the word 'chō' (Super) with Dragon Ball in commercials, games and the like, but the fact that the series titled Dragon Ball Super is beginning is the best thing ever."
Chelsea.S02E21.WEBRip.x264-RBG
Chelsea Handler is back with a freshly stamped passport and new global outlook as she tackles today's tough issues with the same acerbic wit and fearless curiosity you know and love. Handler is tossing the traditional talk show model out the window for Chelsea. Join her as she travels around the world – from Russia, Japan, and Mexico City, across the U.S. and back again to Sony Pictures Studios, where she tapes in front of a LIVE in-studio audience – to explore the subjects that matter most to you. Chelsea will also feature celebrities, dignitaries, and surprise guests, but as you've never seen them before: engaging in thought-provoking, yet hilarious conversations about topics like international cultures, alternative lifestyles, education, health, sports, parenting, politics, and more.
Casualty.S32E06.HDTV.x264-RBB
Drama series about the staff and patients at Holby City Hospital's emergency department, charting the ups and downs in their personal and professional lives.
A.Celebrity.Taste.Of.Italy.S01E01.HDTV.x264-PLUTONiUM
Travelogue and cookery series in which five famous faces set up home in an Italian villa to explore the food and culture of the region.
Halt.and.Catch.Fire.S04E07.HDTV.x264-RBB
Halt and Catch Fire is set roughly one year after IBM all but corners the market with the release of its first major product – the IBM PC. In this fictional drama, a former IBM executive, Joe MacMillan plans to reverse engineer the flagship product of his former employer and forces his current company, Cardiff Electric, into the personal computer race. MacMillan enlists the help of Gordon Clark, a great engineer whose unrealized dreams of creating a revolutionary product have created tension in his marriage to Donna, and Cameron Howe, a volatile prodigy who puts her future in jeopardy to join MacMillan's rogue PC project. Halt and Catch Fire thrives on the spirit of innovation and explores what it's like to stand at the forefront of something world-changing and work towards it, no matter the risk.
Survivors.Remorse.S04E07.WEBRip.x264-RARBG
Survivor's Remorse follows Cam Calloway, a basketball phenom in his early 20's who is suddenly thrust into the limelight after signing a multi-million dollar contract with a professional basketball team in Atlanta. Cam, along with his cousin, and confidant Reggie Vaughn, move to Georgia to start Cam's journey to success. The two confront the challenges of carrying opportunistic family members and their strong ties to the impoverished community that they come from. Cam, Reggie, and an unforgettable group of characters wrestle with the rewards and pitfalls of stardom, love, and loyalty.
Outlander.S03E04.WEBRip.x264-RARBG
Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
The Outlander series, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's international best-selling books, spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure into one epic tale.


Exquisite, delectable, delicious… we wanted to really tempt people's taste buds with this new website for Costley's unashamedly indulgent treats.
Working with Costley's to promote their two artisan patisseries and online shop, was truly a sweet experience. Our inspiration had to come from sampling the products themselves – handmade chocolates, ice cream to die for and cakes which are simply a work of art. We had to get across the real labour of love which goes into perfecting each individual product, from the people behind the aprons to the processes they use. The responsive design we created looks equally appealing across all media platforms and has resulted in a rise in sales.


This one came across the news wire today and I'm sorry, but I just can't resist a snarky comment.
An H&R Block manager was arrested in Van Nuys, CA in February for identity theft. Apparently he was using client's information to prepare bogus tax returns on their behalf and obtain refunds using the H&R Block "Emerald" cards to withdraw the refunds from ATM machines.
The usual corporate caveats are being ladled out, ie H&R Block takes the matter very seriously, it involves only a handful of clients, they are cooperating with law enforcement, and so on.
First off, let me say that there are a lot of experienced, competent H&R Block people out there. We have a former HRB person in our office that is very knowledgeable. However, the little secret that you won't see in their advertising is that each year they hire a lot of inexperienced people that have taken only a 3 month class on tax prep. Just enough to be dangerous.
If you want to avoid being the subject of a tax related fraud, you should deal with a legitimate professional you know or who has been around a long time. This guy was released on Bond and could conceivably be working again in a tax office somewhere right now.
Secondly, when police picked this guy up he was loitering around ATM machines at midnight with pantyhose over his head. Apparently none of his conduct during the daytime alerted anyone to his crimes, but if you are a confused cross-dresser, it's a dead giveaway.


VeerIT's team members come from all spheres of life and bring a combination of their expertise, energy, and professionalism to every project.
Hundreds of clients have loved us for our quality and support that we deliver and have chosen to continue doing business with us. We invite you to come and take a glimpse of the people who make it all happen and share a few moments from behind the curtain.
Understand and exceed customer's expectations, all the time.
Set trends for your peers and the industry in general to follow.
Treat others as you would like yourself be treated.


text:
Q: how to two versions of one wordpress site? I am making a wordpress site in webmatrix, and need it to be both in english and french, so far i have created a button in header.php to link individual pages to their counterpart
but what i did not consider is how to call the different headers and footers for every single page (french version and english version) as well as the amount of work will be to customize the button to be unique for every single page
is there a way to automate everything? prehaps two folders to store a copy of the whole site, one with english and the other french? can i get the different headers in each folder and just have the index call on header();?

A: You're going about this the hard way.
First, WordPress is fairly strong in the language / internationalization area.  You might consider reading up on this: I18N for WordPress
Second, to address your specific question, when you call a header or a footer, you do so using the WordPress function:
get_header()
and
get_footer()
With both of these functions, you can pass in a parameter that causes WordPress to find and load a different template, like so:
wp_header('english');
Will attempt to load the template file titled header-english.php
wp_header('french'); will attempt to load the templat file titled header-french.php
So, you could have a variable which told the site which version to load:
$language = 'english';
get_header($langage);
There's an excellent write-up on WordPress codex that covers mult-lingual sites:
Multilingual WordPress
Finally, there are plugins out there that claim to make multi-language WP sites easier.  I do not have any direct experience with them, so cannot vouch for them:
WPML, Polylang, and others.

A: You have to choose between WPML http://wpml.org/ (not free) and qTranslate http://wordpress.org/plugins/qtranslate/ (free). Both are compatible with the latest WordPress v.3.8.1
Personally I use WPML.

A: Have a look at  http://wpml.org/ this is the most common multi langage plug in, and it does help a lot! in the back office of wordpress pages are linked with their respective tranlastion, you can customize url....etc...
I tried it and it does worth the money to me
I hope it helps
Daco

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


oastal Orange County has some of the most breathtaking homes in the world. Over the years, the area has seen plenty of development which has led to an evolution in its architectural styles. Starting with the humble beach cottages and homes of early 1900's to the more grandiose and expansive designs of the current decade, cities like Newport Beach hold neighborhoods with homes of unrivaled style and class. We are taking you through the prevalent styles and wonders of Newport Coast architecture.
Tradition is something that is not lost in Newport Beach. Though homes and neighborhoods have evolved in the area, many of the styles of the early 1900s remain. Take, for example, the old school beach cottages of Crystal Cove. Flatness and beachy simplicity are key here. Shingled siding and exposed wood give us the vibe of California in the 20s and 30s. Fast forward a few decades and we have beach cottages along Corona Del Mar and the Newport Coast which emulate the quaintness and charm of old English homes. A-frames in white (or other light neutrals) with dark accents are the defining features of these homes. Half opening stable doors or large opening double doors allow for residents to enjoy the fresh beach air. These cottages add a whimsy to the Newport Coast that can't be replicated.
Mediterranean architecture is easily one of the most breathtaking styles along the coast. Typically used in large, mansion-sized homes, the style is an amalgamation of Spanish Renaissance and Colonial along with Italian Renaissance and Venetian Gothic designs. Since the 30s, these villas have been popping up along the California Coast. They are marked by their grand archway entrances. Rich, earthy tones with dark shingled roofs are common here. The designs tend to spread horizontally rather than vertically giving the residents an open feel with a wideness in their floor plans. The rears of these architectural wonders tend to bring more columned arches with breezeways that create a courtyard feel to their pool-adorned backyards. Lighting along the landscaping and faces of these homes give a light and shadow effect that really makes these designs feel warm and attractive at night.
Modern architecture is a concept that is fluid and without bounds. It is a style that is always evolving and truly defined by its inability to be totally boxed and defined. Basically with this style, if an architect can dream it, it can be engineered into fruition. Though we don't have a textbook definition for this enigmatic style, somehow we know modern design when we see it. Large glass fronts are popular. Though they don't offer much privacy, these frontal designs are sleek and provide the residents with amazing views of the ocean. Off-kilter slants and elaborate curves are common here. Futuristic and often stark aesthetics are at play. Metallics and shining glass designs will dominate modern architecture. Each one of these homes is a one-off that typically couldn't be replicated due to its uniqueness. Needless to say, these homes stand out!
Tuscan can be lumped into the Mediterranean category, but the trained eye can spot some key differences in this beautiful architectural styles. Like Mediterranean style, these homes tend to spread horizontally from their large archway entrances rather than vertically. Though, it is important to note that Tuscan style homes do have slightly more room for vertical designs with multi-floor variations that stay within the overall motif. They are known for flatter roof designs with only mild a-frames atop their entrances. A truly defining feature of Tuscan architecture is intricate stonework that can be found along portions of the house. These patchwork stone designs are common design details of Italy's Tuscan region. Open air courtyards can often be found in these homes which give the feeling of true Italian Villas.


Confirming a report leaked to a news outlet last week, Cornell announced Tuesday that A.J. Edwards, the University's former interim chief investment officer, was named its chief investment officer.
The Board of Trustees approved Edwards' appointment at its meeting Friday — the same day the private market news site peHUB reported that "a source with direct knowledge of the appointment" came forward with news of the new CIO.
In partnership with the Board's investment committee, Edwards will direct investment officers who stand guard over Cornell's $5.3 endowment, according to the University. He will also oversee risk management within the University's investments and make recommendations about asset allocations to the committee.
Edwards began serving as the University's interim CIO in May 2011 after Cornell's former CIO, Michael Abbott, abruptly stepped down from his position. Edwards, who was, at the time, senior investment officer for the University, was chosen to "take over Abbott's responsibilities until the University names a replacement," The Sun reported in May 2011.
Top administrators and University trustees lauded the decision to appoint Edwards CIO, citing his track record over the past year.
Edwards' "skillful management" of the investment office and "close and effective work with the investment committee of the Board of Trustees" was integral to Cornell maintaining its strong recovery from the recession, President David Skorton said.
"His ongoing record of accomplishment and well-established skills will hold us in good stead for the future," Skorton added.
In the course of his year as interim CIO, Edwards also improved the "internal investment decision-making process" in the office, according to the University.
"We have gained from his leadership of the investment office. The entire investment committee looks forward to continuing our fine working relationship for Cornell's benefit," Opatrny said to the University.
We have this habit of fitting things into neat little boxes when we don't know how to make sense of them. Our academic experiences tell us there should be a right and wrong box to fill in for every question.


text:
La Corriveau
K. T. Bryski
Issue: 3 October 2016
Content warning:
Show warnings
This page contains:
Death/dying
Rape/sexual assault
Violence/combat
Here is a most peculiar object. Come closer, take a good look. See, here it is, laid out in this museum basement. It is a battered iron cage—human-shaped. At the top, there are two bent strips to enclose the head. Down here are thicker bands to surround the rib cage, the pelvic bones. Look, here are iron rings to snap shut around the arms, the legs, the ankles, the wrists.
There are many mirrors here. Turn around. See how they reflect the cage on all sides? We are standing in a hall of cages, you and I, and no two of them are exactly alike.
Wait. There is something else I must show you. At the very edge of the table, so small that we almost missed it, there is a placard. Just a simple rectangle, beige with brown edges, and two words stamped in black.
From Québec.
Her name was La Corriveau and she was a witch. In the old days, before the English conquered Québec, she lived in Saint-Vallier, on the southern bank of the St. Lawrence. Throughout her wicked life, she had seven husbands and killed them all: with nooses, and with axes, and with molten lead poured down their ears, which was her favourite method.
After she was finally caught and hanged, and her body suspended in its cage over the crossroads, a man named Dubé was walking by the St. Lawrence late at night. When he passed the spot where La Corriveau's cage had been hung, cold, clammy fingers suddenly wrapped around his throat.
A breath hissed in his ear, like air escaping from an opened tomb. "Take me over the river," the voice rasped. "I must lead the witches' dance, and I cannot cross unless a baptised man carries me."
Well, Dubé knew that it was the ghost of La Corriveau, trying to get to the Île d'Orléans for the witches' Sabbath. He wrenched her fingers from his neck, his blood running cold.
"Take me over the river!" Her voice sharpened to a shriek; her hands clawed at his frock coat. Dubé whirled around, and he saw her under the moonlight, her long black hair streaming behind her, her flesh mouldering, yellow teeth bared and eyes flashing red.
She wore the shape of a woman, but Dubé knew that La Corriveau was no woman. With a prayer on his lips, he shoved her backwards, and ran as fast as he could to the nearest village. The next morning, the curate came to exorcise La Corriveau, but no one ever dared the crossroads after sunset again.
Actually, her name was Marie-Josephte Corriveau, and she was a farm girl from Saint-Vallier, the only surviving child of nine. When she was sixteen, she married a neighbouring farmer. His name was Charles Bouchard, and he was twenty-three.
They wed in November. Withered leaves carpeted the ground and the trees' bare branches scraped a sky gone cold and grey as iron. Marie shivered as she stood before the priest. The wind seeped under doors, through the joints between walls and windows. It tickled the back of her neck, playing with the strands of long, dark hair that had fallen loose despite her mother's efforts. Even as Marie clasped her hands together to stop them shaking, her fingertips went cold and purple.
Charles reached across and held her hands, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. As the priest read on, Charles watched her, questioning. A flush rose in Marie's cheeks and she nodded, just a quick dip of the head.
Slowly, as though he didn't want to startle her, Charles raised her hands to his lips. He did not kiss them. He simply exhaled, letting his breath warm her fingers. And then—still slow, still gentle—he lowered her hands, let go, and stepped back.
She decided in that moment that she loved him.
Though she was wicked, La Corriveau was a beautiful woman. No one disputes that. Her black hair tumbled to nearly the centre of her back. She was small in stature, slight, with cheek bones like knives and dark eyes that flashed with temper.
Her lips were always red, as though stained. Those lips had only to twitch upwards, and she could capture the heart of any man in Québec. With a single lift of her thick eyebrows, she set the women burning with envy. I heard a story once, that she killed one of her husbands by strangling him with her bare hands. Her fingers, you see, were long and tapered. A pianist's fingers, if she'd moved in the right circles in Paris.
But she lived in a hovel in Québec, and she didn't move in the right circles, even there.
Bien sûr, she was small. Maybe the hard winters that carried off her brothers and sisters stunted her, somehow. On their wedding night, Charles Bouchard thought that Marie-Josephte Corriveau looked like a child. Such little hands, that trembled as she let her petticoats fall to the floor. Her hair was quite dark, but not exactly black. In the flickering light of the rush lamps, Charles picked out hints of copper, chestnut strands that hid themselves among the darker curls.
A shudder passed through her as he trailed a finger along her cheek. High cheekbones, yes, but right now, they lay buried under childhood's roundness. Her eyes held his: wide and frightened, a deep, glimmering brown.
"C'est d'accord," he whispered to her, drawing back. "It is all right. I will not hurt you."
She looked like a child. She was sixteen—she was a child, though not so young for a bride in those days.
"Marie . . ." he began, and found he could not finish. He gathered his nightshirt and dressed himself in the next room. When he returned, she lay trembling at the edge of the bed, her green Sunday dress—her wedding dress—and brown kirtle folded neatly on the chair. The white shoulder of her nightdress showed above the woollen blanket; she had turned to face the wall, the blanket twisted in her hands.
Quietly, Charles slid into bed beside her. He blew out the rush lamp and curled himself at the far edge of the bed. Then he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His jaw clenched with nervousness of his own.
"Bon soir," he said, into the darkness.
And then, a soft voice. "Bon soir, Charles."
Do you know the story of La Corriveau's first husband?
Like all witches, La Corriveau was sterile. Nothing grew in her womb, and nothing grew in her garden either. When she brushed her fingertips along the cows' flanks, they gave sour milk, and when she stroked her husband's chickens, their eggs turned black and hard inside the shell.
La Corriveau did not care, of course. She roasted unbaptised babies with the other witches.
But this was a story about her first husband. Unlike La Corriveau, her first husband loved children, and he wanted nothing more than to bounce his own little son or daughter upon his knee. But La Corriveau did not respond to his kisses, or to his embraces, and when they did share a bed, no child came from it. Her husband was heartbroken, and so when another young woman smiled at him in the market, he could not help but smile back. Naturellement, he would never dishonour his wife—even a wife so cold as La Corriveau—but oh, it had been so long since a woman had looked on him with anything but scorn.
La Corriveau saw the glance that passed between the two. She seethed with jealousy. That evening, after they had eaten, she raged at her husband. He apologized, again and again, but La Corriveau was not satisfied. Her husband went to bed, but she paced before the hearth, unable to sleep for anger.
And so, she stoked up the fire as high as she could and she melted a lump of lead. While her husband slept, she poured the molten lead into his ear, and he died then and there.
She liked gardening, but baking was her favourite. In their house, Marie positioned a little table just so—close to the hearth, so the bread would rise better, but near enough to the window that the sunlight fell across her work, and she could gaze across the rippling barley to the forest on the far side. While Charles worked in the fields, she worked at her dough, stirring the flour, yeast, and water in the ceramic bowl they'd received as a wedding present from Charles's mother. She added brown sugar, because Charles liked it, and while she punched and kneaded the dough, she pondered names for their children.
"Jean-Luc," she whispered, as she raked out the bake oven, scraping the coals into the main section of the hearth. Her long iron peel clanged against the brick as she shook her head, her house cap nearly sliding off. "Non. Charles. Petit Charles."
That would do for a boy—but a girl? She bit her lip as she held her hand inside the bake oven, testing the temperature. Perhaps Françoise, after her mother, or Coralie, because she thought that sounded romantic. She was only nineteen, after all; she was allowed to be romantic.
When Charles came in that night, they dined on tourtière and warm, dense bread. They stole glances across the table, and when Charles rose, he raised his eyebrows at Marie. She hesitated for a moment, but only a moment, and then the tin plates and the bread pans and the remaining tourtière were all forgotten.
She approached him slowly, shyly. For his part, he could not hold her gaze, looking down and blushing. Mon Dieu, Marie realized, he is more frightened than I.
But am I so frightening?
Non. I am not. The thought filled her with warmth. Non, he is frightened of himself, he is frightened for me . . . .
She took Charles by the arm. She placed his hands on her waist, and they stayed there, resting. Stretching on tiptoe, she grazed his lips with her own. Charles' hands tensed for a moment, and in a voice gone thick, he asked, "Marie? May I?"
"Ouais."
His lips softened against hers. His tongue nudged at her lips, her teeth, and then retreated so that he could plant kisses along her neck. With a careful finger, he pulled the shoulder of her dress and chemise to one side and kissed the soft skin beneath. Marie shuddered. Tingling spread to her toes, her fingertips, gripping her belly and stealing her breath.
"Marie? I can always stop, if you are not—"
"Je t'aime, Charles."
He led the way to their bed. But she pulled him down among the pillows.
They say she married a doctor next, non? Bien sûr, a wealthy doctor, who kept her in a fine house with real silver and paintings brought over from France. The doctor did not mind that La Corriveau was barren—he had a nephew upon whom he doted.
To tend to his patients, the doctor rode to villages beyond Saint-Vallier. He might leave before breakfast and return long after midnight, if he returned at all. These long absences suited La Corriveau. Several times each month, she left the house in the dead of night and travelled to the Île d'Orléans, in the centre of the St. Lawrence River.
On the island, ghosts drifted like mist over the meadows. By their glow, La Corriveau could just see the hills humped to either side of the river. Her fellow witcheswere already there, bending and swaying before Satan, who sat enthroned on a high dais. He stamped his hooves in time to the unholy dance, scratching his furry rump with a long-nailed hand. La Corriveau was his special favourite, and so she sat closest to him, sharing wine with her master.
After one such Sabbath, she returned late, not arriving home until the next morning, just as her husband the doctor was setting out. When he saw her, he shook his finger and said, "You are returning from the Île d'Orléans! I forbid you to go there—it is the haunt of witches!"
La Corriveau did not like to be forbidden anything, and she was a witch, the most powerful witch in Québec. That night, while the doctor slept, she melted more lead, and she poured it down his ear, and he died just as quickly as her first husband.
They had three children: Françoise, Angélique (not quite as romantic a name as Coralie, but pretty nonetheless), and petit Charles. The blood and screaming of childbirth terrified Marie, but none of the children died. They were happy for a time.
Then the English came, breaching the Île d'Orléans when Françoise was just seven. Their scarlet uniforms blazed through fog that covered the river. Marie watched from the banks and shivered, lifting her skirts in one hand and running home to her children.
Of course, Charles fought: he was part of the militia. While her husband stood on the Plains of Abraham, his gun clutched tight in trembling hands, Marie huddled before the fire with her three children, petit Charles nestled on her lap and her daughters hanging off each shoulder. She sang to them, and she stroked their hair, and she did not let them see how terrified she was.
The English won, though they lost their commander, and Charles came home, already burning with fever. Marie ripped his shirt open, desperate to cool him, and gasped. An angry red rash spread across his chest. Charles scarcely managed the walk to his bed. He did not rise again; only gasped in a pool of sweat until finally, he died.
Marie felt herself shatter, as though the English cannons had struck her. She swept petit Charles into her arms and held him close, his face hot and wet against hers.
"Oh, mon petit, it will be all right, I am here." Her voice was little more than a murmur, and it kept catching. She cleared her throat and prayed for strength. "Françoise, Angélique, come sit with us, Maman is here . . . ."
She was only twenty-seven.
La Corriveau strangled her next husband, and then she hung him from the rafters to make it look like a suicide. She poisoned the next. The fifth, she shot, and for the sixth, she stoked another fire and melted down more lead.
Ouais, death by lead again. Perhaps she was running out of ideas, hein?
But the worst murder—her last murder—was her seventh husband: Louis Dodier.
Louis Dodier had been their neighbour, working the next farm over. He and Charles had exchanged no more than pleasantries; Dodier was two years younger than Marie and quick to anger. But Marie had three children to feed, and every time she looked at them, desperation curled itself tighter around her chest.
They had been married only months when Dodier stumbled home, eyes blazing. "Your father," he hissed. "He says I did not gather enough wood for his outdoor bake oven. There would be enough, if he did not heap it all in at once, the mauvais cochon." He spat. "Why do you need to use your parents' oven anyway? We have one inside, hein?"
Marie kneaded her dough harder than necessary. Angélique and petit Charles were playing on the floor nearby, and she did not like them to hear such words. She fought to keep her own voice light. "Ben ouais, but is quite small, you see, and—"
Dodier stepped forward, his hand quivering at his side. "Tell your father, if he wants more wood for his oven, he can get it himself, or go to le Diable."
"Louis, he is my father, I cannot—"
He moved so quickly, she didn't see it. She heard the crack, and then her cheek flamed. Touching it, Marie stared at Dodier, her mouth falling open. His hand was drawn back, ready to strike again, and petit Charles let out a wail.
"Not before my children," Marie said, clenching her own hand, willing the tears in her eyes not to fall. "Never before them."
Perhaps she should have said nothing. For that night, he followed her into the bedroom. As she unpinned and combed her dark hair, he was silent. He stood with his thumbs hooked onto the waist of his trousers, watching her with predatory eyes.
At last, he spoke. "The children are not here."
And then, he latched the door.
She was a drunkard, La Corriveau. While her poor seventh husband toiled, she lay about the house drinking whisky straight from the bottle. Her children ran wild in rags, mocking Louis Dodier and flinging clods of mud at his horse. La Corriveau's father was no kinder to poor Louis. He mocked Louis for being young, for being weak, for being small.
La Corriveau stumbled from the house when she heard the shouting, a bottle dangling from her grasp. She joined her father in haranguing Louis, her shrill voice ringing right down the end of the lane. The next time Louis went to Mass, he felt every eye land upon him, and he hunched his shoulders against the whispers and sniggers.
Of course, La Corriveau did not go to Mass, and when Dodier arrived home, he found her sprawled on the floor, snoring. He stepped over her, but her bloodshot eyes snapped open. She hauled herself upright, hissing, "Any one of my husbands was twice more man than you, Louis Dodier!" Her breath stank with alcohol, and Louis extricated himself with a shudder. As he turned, he felt her eyes on him, always on him.
Ouais, it is true, Joseph Corriveau, the father of Marie-Josephte, had a terrible temper. He had liked Charles Bouchard well enough, but when he saw the bruises on Marie's face and along her arms—when he saw the way she sat so gingerly—he could not control himself. All the parish heard the screaming matches between Joseph Corriveau and Louis Dodier.
"Please," Marie begged Joseph Corriveau, "please do not anger him."
"Please," she begged Louis Dodier, "he is my father, try to humour him."
She felt herself stretched thinner and thinner between the two, a cord about to snap.
Here is how La Corriveau killed her poor seventh husband Louis. One night, while he was asleep, she took a small axe. Without even hesitating, she swung it into his face—un, deux, trois, quatre! Then she dragged his body outside, into the barn. She led Louis's favourite horse from its stall, and then, the witch whipped the frightened animal into a frenzy so that it trampled all over Louis.
She planned to tell the neighbours that Louis had been killed by his horse. But as she left the barn in the grey morning light, a passing farmhand saw her laughing, her face and arms covered with blood. He fetched help, and before the end of the day, La Corriveau was clapped in a cell.
She will always remember the stillness of that dawn. The pale winter sun had not yet broken above the horizon. The sky and snow stretched grey and smooth as far as she could see, and it was hard to tell where one stopped and the other began. The world seemed to be holding its breath.
Her boots crunched on the snow as she ran. Cold air burned her lungs and her hair had come loose again, falling across her face and sticking to her cracked lips. Heart pounding, Marie opened the barn door. It creaked, too loud in the morning quiet. Shadows shrouded the barn. Until the sun rose to splinter through gaps in the wood, one could scarcely see the inside. Somewhere in the darkness, Louis's horse whickered, hooves thumping on the floorboards as it paced.
Back and forth. Back and forth.
And oh, she would think later, it was so beautiful, this dawn . . . .
When the trial began, La Corriveau manipulated her father and confused him into taking the blame. She stood to one side, hiding a smirk, while her own father was sentenced to hang. But when he gave his last confession to the priest, he revealed her treacherous game, and so justice was delivered and La Corriveau sentenced to death, her body to be hung in chains as a warning to all other evildoers.
As they led her to the gallows, La Corriveau threw back her head and shrieked, "I will be avenged!"
I almost forgot to say—in the weeks before Louis's murder, La Corriveau went around asking the newly garrisoned soldiers to give Louis a thrashing. She promised to give them a fat sheep each for their services. Oh, such a powerful witch she was, hein?
It wasn't just any trial. The English had conquered Québec, and so Marie-Josephte Corriveau stood before an English court martial. Her legs shook as she stole glances at the Englishmen with their stiff white wigs. They spoke to her, but she did not understand their harsh, halting tongue.
She wasn't the defendant. Not that time. Her father was the one on trial, and the verdict didn't take long to reach. As I said, all the parish had heard the vicious arguments between Joseph Corriveau and Louis Dodier. A great chasm yawned in Marie's chest as witness after witness took their place. Neighbours, English soldiers, her father's farmhand, and a dear little servant girl. Her fists clenched as each repeated the same story—Joseph Corriveau detested Dodier, he had told three people that Dodier would come to a bad end, and she, Marie, had shouted at Dodier, telling him that she missed her first husband.
Joseph Corriveau was sentenced to hang. As his accomplice, Marie would receive sixty lashes and the letter "M" branded on her left hand. That night, she gazed at her hand in the firelight, rubbing it and imagining an angry, scabrous "M" etched into the skin.
In the next room, her children snuffled. They had made Angélique testify, her tiny voice quavering in the hall of the Ursuline convent. Dull anger pulsed in Marie's chest, and then faded. She drew her knees up and wrapped herself around them, shaking.
"How have we come to this, Charles?" The smouldering fire blurred through her tears. "I thought . . . I thought . . . ."
In truth, she had thought they would have forever. She forgot that no one ever does.
Hanging was too good for La Corriveau. For her, the English constructed a monstrosity in iron, an abominable punishment such like Québec had never seen. It was a cage, just taller than La Corriveau, with thick bars that curved upwards to join at the top. There was a spike as well, carefully positioned so that if La Corriveau tried to sit—
You see.
They forced her into the cage as one forces a wild animal. She snarled like an animal, gnashing her teeth and swiping at the English soldiers with curved, rotting nails.
By order of the governor, the English erected a scaffold at the crossroads by Pointe-Lévy, and they hung her cage there. For three days and three nights, La Corriveau cursed and raged. But it was winter, and the nights were cold, and she had no food or water. She died with her fingers wrapped around the bars, her mouth frozen into a gloating sneer.
In the confessional, staring at the grating, Joseph Corriveau admitted that he was the accomplice—Marie herself had killed Louis Dodier with a gardening fork.
Or perhaps, it went like this. In the confessional, staring at the grating, Joseph Corriveau begged the priest for mercy, lies sticking between his teeth—denouncing his own daughter to save his life.
Or no, perhaps, it was more like this. In the confessional, staring at the grating, the priest murmured to Joseph Corriveau, low and comforting. The Corriveaux were a respected family, influential in the parish. They could not lose their patriarch—another victim must be found.
Who can say, hein?
I can say that Marie did not die in the cage. They hanged her first. She was such a small woman, though. So light, there was not enough force at the end of the drop to break her neck. Instead, she dangled at the end of the noose, slowly throttled.
They should have attached weights to her ankles. It would have helped.
I can say cage, and it was a cage, and yet it wasn't really. The French never had gibbets and hanging irons like this. They saw the English monstrosity, fumbled for words, and said, "La cage de la Corriveau."
The Québécois said cage, and eventually even the English forgot that it wasn't, really. When enough time had passed, they all imagined birdcages large enough to hold a grasping skeleton. Mistranslations are rarely so easy to trace. Language does not usually shatter into such neat shards. Myself, I like body-cage.
No grass ever grew near the spot where La Corriveau's cage was displayed. Even after it was taken down and lost, the ghost of La Corriveau remained. Travellers hear her cage rattling on windy nights, and her blood-curdling screams ring over the river without warning.
Werewolves still prowl the crossroads, begging for La Corriveau's hand in marriage. Do they not know what she did to her first seven husbands?
After five weeks or so, the corpse was removed and buried by the church, still in its cage, the iron bands now loosely clasped around bones and scraps of putrefied flesh. The children could not see their mother in the empty eye sockets, the bits of dark hair and scalp peeling back from the skull, the leathery skin along her chest and upper thighs.
Nearly a century later, workers dug into the church's foundations. Their shovels clanged against iron, and they unearthed the cage. One leg bone, also. The rest had gone to dust.
Iron remains, though. And it travels. An American named Barnum eventually got his hands on it, displayed it in a glass-fronted cabinet labelled: From Québec.
But he lost it again, somewhere in Boston, or Washington, or perhaps New York. It depends on the storyteller.
There. We have examined this cage from all sides, you and I. The lamps are burning low. Are you unsatisfied? Perhaps you feel I have cheated you: that after all this, I have not shown you La Corriveau. Not the real one.
Perhaps I have not, but you see, La Corriveau—Marie-Josephte Corriveau—she went to dust long ago. Have you ever tried to catch dust on the wind? A grain here, and a grain there. Nothing that stays in the hands.
Iron remains, though. Sometimes, it even travels home. Not to Saint-Vallier, but at least to the right province. And so, here we stand, us two.
We have examined this cage from all sides. Come. Stand here. Look through the bars, to the mirrors beyond. You see yourself reflected, hein? Now, it is you who is in the cage. It is a good trick, non?
But it is not a trick. Not really. Not like history is so often a trick, a shattered reflection pieced back together into something that looks right.
These mirrors were cracked from the start. Here in this museum basement, I can only laugh and shake my head, shake out my long, dark hair. C'est vrai, I promise. C'est tout vrai, it's all true. All of it. I promise.
But who can say?
© Copyright 2016 K. T. Bryski
About K. T. Bryski
K. T. Bryski is a Canadian author, podcaster, Stonecoast MFA grad, and winner of the 2016 Toronto Star Short Story Contest. When she isn't writing, she frolics about, teaching Canadian history through theatre. She also has a mild caffeine addiction.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
UNC Children's
Executive Board >
Director Letter
Prospective Donors
UNC Dance Marathon
Dance at the 2022 Marathon
One Weekend Campaign
2022 UNC Dance Marathon
Kilometers for the Kids
For(mal) The Kids
Benefit Reception
One Day Campaign
Performance Groups Shine at the Marathon
Kalina Mackay is a member of the Publicity committee.
The UNC Dance Marathon is that it brings together so many of UNC's amazing performing groups. Performances range from music groups, such as the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble, to dance groups like Kamikazi, all here to entertain the dancers.
Performances kicked off at 7:45 pm with the Achordants, a UNC acapella staple. A proceeding line-up of show-stoppers will continue until 2:00 pm on Saturday.
Blank Canvas, a dance group, is among those who have already performed.
Austin Regnerus, Blank Canvas Performance Team coordinator said, "Dance Marathon is an encouraging environment and it's great to perform in front of such a warm and enthusiastic crowd".
Blank Canvas dance group at the marathon.
Annie Proctor, Chair of Morale & Recruitment and a member of the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble agreed.
"It's usually a much more active and energetic crowd at Dance Marathon," Annie said. "It's much more interactive than our other performances and it's exciting to get to be performing before and after other different groups."
Annie Proctor in the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble.
The performances are exciting for not only the dancers, but the performers as well.
"I thought Divergence (a male dance parody) was hilarious, and I think a lot of people didn't expect it," said Josie Armstrong, a dancer. Josie said that the the performances are "light hearted and fun to watch, they help you forget that you're standing."
Many performers are also participants in the marathon, and enjoy the opportunity to unite their passion for performing with their passion for the cause.
"I love being able to perform while being a dancer, this will be my third year of dancing while being a dancer" said Emilee Armstrong, C-Style Jazz Director. "It's nice to have new fresh faces and you feed off the energy of each other."
"Carolina For The Kids is for such a good cause that's close to my heart so we will do anything Blank Canvas can do to inspire the dancers and keep them entertained" said Austin.
Room 2500, Carolina Union
© 2020 Carolina For The Kids Foundation. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Pat Bacon - Pat Bacon
Pat Bacon
Pat Bacon CD Baby
Review Text Pat Bacon is a singer songwriter who lives in Minnesota with his wife and four kids. His songs are witty and intelligent, and reflect real life experiences. His humor is reflected in songs like 'Don't Bug Me' and 'Half-Assed', and he reveals a serious side when singing about the death of a friend or the disappearance of a child. Bacon has been described as as Bob Dylan meets Warren Zevon. His influences include Dylan, Tom Petty,Bruce Springsteen, John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Todd Snider. His tastes in current music include David Gray, Pete Yorn, Shawn Mullins and Ike Reilly.


Welcome to the fifth issue of "Joyful Times Ezine"! We are an extension of Joyful You - Joyful Child, Inc. (website at www.joy4u.org ) It is a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 by Pegi Joy Jenkins, Ph.D.
This issue's focus is LISTENING. Our lives become so busy we may feel we don't have always have the time to listen to our children. Many of us don't recognize the value listening has on building a child's self-esteem.
Frank Linder's article in the BIG PICTURE PARENTING section challenges us to build a listening foundation, with 5 techniques that will benefit both involved, and give the children's words respect and value.
Vivienne Silver-Leigh agrees with the value in listening in our RELATIONSHIPS section. She challenges us to listen with emotion. And to notice more than just the words when you listen to someone.
Several of the children's books this issue suggest we take a walk and listen to Nature. You'll find them in the BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS section.
I have been challenged to life-changing experiences over the past 3 years by a different kind of listening. I was drawn by the words in an a newspaper ad about a "plum painted table..." "listening deeply..." and "come alive!" to take a course by a local Minnesota Career Counselor and Writing Instructor, named Laurie Mattila. She teaches a course called DISCOVERY WRITING. This course has opened up my heart, eyes and ears to learn to listen to MY voice. It has also helped me to nurture the things that bring me pleasure and joy... and to make time for them. DISCOVERY WRITING concerns "Listening-Exercises" which invite us to slow down, take time to write down truths or questions of our heart, and then listen deeply for more.
I was so surprised that in each of the exercises - SOME of WHO YOU ARE shines through no matter what the subject you are asked to write on, or the question you are asked to answer, or the style of writing you are asked to explore! Each exercise is done in a spirit of discovery and when you are still enough and open enough to listen to the "inner you" that speaks to your heart; the discovery of OURSELVES is realized. Discovery Writing has taught me not to judge my creative attempts -just to BE creative and enjoy the journey.
To learn more about Discovery Writing or if you would like to try one of Laurie Mattila's exercises on your own; go to www.discoverywriting.com and click on Listening-Writing Experiment. At the end of the first experiment you can click on the purple words: more opportunities for listening-writing. Laurie also offers a free newsletter - just click on Free Online Newsletter on the same web page.
This month LISTEN WITH JOY and be open to how life speaks to you.
A little child whispered, "God speak to me." And a meadowlark sang. But the child didn't hear.
So the child yelled, "GOD SPEAK TO ME!" And the thunder ROLLED across the sky. But the child didn't listen.
The child looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And a star shone brightly. But the child didn't notice.
And the child shouted, "GOD SHOW ME A MIRACLE!" And a life was born. But the child didn't know.
So the child cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let me know you are here!" Whereupon God reached down and touched the child. But the child brushed the butterfly away and walked away unknowingly.
Take time to listen. Often times the things we seek are right underneath our noses. Don't miss out on your blessing because it isn't packaged the way you expect.
*This "Take Time To Listen" story was forwarded by email. If a reader knows the author -please submit information to joyfultimesed@hotmail.com and proper credit will be given.
-by Frank A. Linder, M.S.,C.R.C.,Ct.H.A.
The early years of childhood are when a child will develop a level of self-esteem that may be with them throughout their lifetime. A child who has been listened to is much more likely to develop a positive self-image than one who has not been heard. Listening to children gives them the feeling that what they think counts and that they matter. Children need to be heard.
Pay special attention as they talk. Maintain good eye contact and eliminate distractions. Children can tell by an adult's reply whether or not they have the attention of the adult.
Listen with patience. Listen as if you have plenty of time. A child's vocabulary is often limited; it may take them longer to express their ideas.
Children sometimes need encouragement to talk. Children can be inexperienced in the art of conversation, so the adult will have to ask some questions. A child is more willing to open up when he feels that an adult is attentive.
Listen to the child's nonverbal messages. Children communicate not only through words, but also through their body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, energy levels and changes in behavior. Pay attention to the cues and respond in the way that is best for the child.
Know when to and when not to use active listening. Pay attention to the child's mood, and be sure the time and the setting is right for the child to talk. Sometimes a child just wants to play or to be left alone. Being playful with a child who wishes to play may also encourage them to open up.
Did you ever get lessons in listening at school? No, nor did I. Teachers expected us to listen to them, to the facts they told us about the subjects in the school curriculum. We learned very basic listenin;, writing down notes on what we hear, or what teachers wanted us to remember. But as adults we need listening skills for different purposes; to understand and develop our relationships, as well as to listen and be listened to, with warmth and empathy. But no one teaches us these skills.
So we struggle along somehow, although in fact there are classes in active listening if you look around. My first counseling training gave me an introduction to this subject, where I learned that a truly empathetic listener uses certain techniques, aiming to be aware of what the person talking to you is really feeling deep inside. Techniques plus a warm attitude can go a long way towards developing true empathy. Listening at a deep level means listening with the heart as well as applying techniques.
Think about the person who has really listened to you recently. What they did was to understand your feelings, to make you feel accepted, and they did not judge you. I remember the first time someone did that for me - a lovely aunt, a warm and accepting person - listened to me when I was 17, pouring out my adolescent miseries. She listened from her own inner sense of caring, really hearing beyond my words, and she did not laugh at me or criticize me. Now, many years later, I remain grateful for that accepting relationship.
More of us should practice developing the three qualities which Carl Rogers, the great American Psychologist of Humanistic Psychology, considered essential in any therapeutic relationship: unconditional acceptance, being genuine, and empathy.
According to Mearns and Thorne, "What is required is listening which hears the person rather than the content."2 One of the skills needed to develop empathy is that of reflection, saying carefully what you think the other person has tried to convey to you, picking out the feelings behind the words, not merely parroting them back again.
Many people in this country have been taught that it is wrong to be too emotional, or to express their feelings; that rationality is better. Academic achievement and worldly success were often valued above feelings. Rational words and self-analysis flow from people in torrents, almost overwhelmingly. To help myself listen empathically, I need to remember that there is often deep unspoken pain and yearning for understanding behind all the words.
Know your own feelings. If you learn to listen to yourself, to what goes on inside you, you gradually find that your feelings become clearer, less vague. Intuition can develop from listening to your own inner feelings. Practicing meditation and relaxation is helpful, giving you calm space in which to begin to recognize your feelings, and to reconnect with them.
Have a sense of empathy. Empathy means feeling what other people are feeling. Some people seem psychic, because they understand you immediately. This creates warmth and closeness; you feel understood and accepted as you are, without conditions.
"Empathy is walking with another person into the deeper chambers of his self - while maintaining some separateness."
"Empathy is different from sympathy, which is about wanting to do something helpful for someone in need."
Children's feelings need acknowledging even if you do not approve of them. If a child says, "I'm afraid of the dark", and gets the reply, "Don't be silly", that is ignoring his/her real feelings. If you find yourself continually shouting, nagging or not getting a response from children, it might be helpful to change our approach, and try listening with empathy. For example, "I know you don't want to get up and go to school, but I am worried that you are going to be late and get into trouble." This response expresses your own emotions and accepts theirs.
We are happier when our relationships work well, and this contributes to good health. Of course creating new patterns of behavior takes determination and practice, and becoming a listening parent or an empathetic friend is not an overnight job. Starting with the loving intention to really hear the feelings of someone talking, not just the words they say, combined with some idea of the skills it takes to do this, all of us can become empathetic listeners, if we choose to do so.
Rogers, Carl. On Becoming a Person. Constable. 1967.
Mearns, Dave and Thorne, Brian. Person Centered Therapy Today. Sage Publications. 2000.
Steiner, Claude with Perry, Paul. Achieving Emotional Literacy. Bloomsbury Publishing. 1997.
Bolton, Robert. People Skills. Prentice Hall. 1986.
This article "Listening from the Heart" by Vivienne Silver-Leigh was originally published in Positive Health Issue 69. October 2001 and portions of it were reprinted here with full permission from the Editor and Director Sandra Goodman, Ph.D. Please visit their website for over 1000 searchable articles on the latest news on complementary medicine and natural health at www.positivehealth.com . You can also buy single issues of "Positive Health" magazine or subscribe at great discounts.
a place to lay my head, food in the cupboards, and the ability to cook when I am hungry or not cook, if I am not.
a decision to look for the joy in every thing around me. And be joyful.
Please send in YOUR entries to fill this spot next month! We are looking for the way YOU, our readers, activate your inner joy.
Do you dread the alarm clock each morning? Do you have a hard time getting out of bed and getting started? Are you looking for a positive way to start each day? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the negativity in the local and national news of TV and radio?
Instead of being discouraged with all the things you have no control over, would you rather be inspired in your own journey?
I have found a way to do just that! You can bring global good news into your own home 6 days a week. I suggest you start each day with the "NEW MORNING" television show hosted by Timberly Whitfield on the Hallmark Channel 7-730 M-F EST/PST, and Sundays 8 - 3:30 EST/PST (available all over the world thanks to cable tv and dish networks - check your local listings).
If you don't have that half-hour available, or if you are more of a computer person, there is another alternative to this global good news program. You can view the same information at your own convenience on your computer at www.newmorningtv.tv (note - the last extension is ".tv" not ".com").
It is an upbeat show that is based on a daily themes such as; balance, turning points, play, courage, expectations, creativity, truth, animal teachers, support, clarity, truth, dreams, journey, or wisdom keepers. The format of the show takes stories from people in all walks of life from your next door neighbor to those from other cultures and many religious beliefs. Their stories remind us that what life has taught them can be experienced in our own lives when we allow ourselves to be fully present, open, paying attention and listening with our hearts to what each new morning brings.
then click on MONTH/YR ---I suggest you go to "August 2003"
click on DATE --- I suggest you try "August 3rd 2003"
I believe if you approach this show with a joyful heart - it will find a valuable place in your routine. Spread the Global Good News!
Chapter 5 - is dedicated to "The Joy of Listening Within". The author helps us to see that the stormy stuff takes place on the surface of our lives, but if we go beneath the surface to the depths, we will find calm, and stillness, and peace and joy. There are many listening and meditation exercises to do with children in this chapter.
Chapter 6 - is "Joyous Self-Talk" reminds us how we can help children to hear joyous messages through the words we each say to ourselves. Pegi reminds us to take a look at the "makes me" language, the "should" language, and others... and how to turn them around to something more positive through 16 activities.
Chapter 7 - is "The Power of Songs and Quotes" encourages us to collect and create songs that bring joy into our lives. The author points out how words set to music - can take a message to our subconscious even in our sleep.
Chapter 8 - is "The Power of Stories and Storytelling". Reading to your children can be one of the ways you first begin to share the listening experience. Children are not only entertained - but also informed and challenged and stirred to action through listening to stories.
This is a story of a woman who was unhappy with her life - and decided to get away from it all and spend the winter alone on Nantucket Island to listen to her heart. It is a book of hope and inspiration that will invite you to do some honest self-examination of how much you listen to your inner voice. I encourage you to find this one in the library or at a used book store. It is worth the read!
You may have seen this young man on Oprah - or one of the morning news programs. He has struggled with muscular dystrophy and much loss. Yet, he listens to his heart and writes poetry that is beyond his years in wisdom and encouragement. It will make you smile... it will make you cry... to read his words aloud and listen to how your own heartsong responds.
Buddy bunny was born with very long ears - but that doesn't make him the best listener. The confusion of not listening very well is funny at first - but then Buddy learns the importance of listening and his life is changed forever. If you have a little one whose ears march to a different drummer - this may be the book to lead you all through laughter to a new truth.
A father and his little girl go for a walk together and identify all kinds of sounds along the way. This might inspire you to want to do the same with your children.
The beautiful illustrations of this Caldecott Honor Book will draw you to look a little closer at the small things all around you. You can't help but smile at the choice of words used by a wise old man, as he shares his knowledge of listening to nature with a willing young boy.
Larry the Cucumber gets into a mess because he doesn't read directions and he doesn't listen when his friends try to help. He learns that NOT listening can have poor consequences. And there are things we need to listen to every day.
A little boy just wants someone to hear him. And he finally feels special when he learns that Grandma is available to listen when Mommy and Daddy get too busy. This is an easy to read book that your child might read to you.
We are led to wonder why a crocodile just sits by the bank of the river and doesn't move and doesn't eat... but just listens. The suspense leads to a wonderful answer about the importance of listening and loving.
Gabby's constant talking and babbling is driving everyone away (even her friends). She becomes lonely and sad till someone takes the time to listen, understand, and explain how to be a better friend by listening more and talking less.
A collection of lively, uplifting songs from several singers designed to get us in touch with inner joy. Includes the "Joyful Child Theme Song."
Simple and familiar childhood melodies with new words to familiarize children with universal principles. Good for background while playing, eating or driving.
Are you looking for inspiring, effective ideas on how you can more joyfully connect with your child? Whether you are dealing with a big challenge or have only a few small concerns, the ideas in this booklet are sure to increase the joy and connection you feel.
Most people have difficult situations with children because they have gotten into unproductive patterns relating with their child. These challenges often start as small problems that become greater over time.


text:
Home › Good News
American Medical Association Elects First Black Woman President
"It will be my honor to represent the nation's physicians at the forefront of discussions when policymakers and lawmakers search for practical solutions to the challenges in our nation's health system," says Patrice A. Harris.
A woman from Atlanta is displaying #BlackExcellence in the field of healthcare. Psychiatrist Patrice A. Harris was recently appointed to become the president of the American Medical Association; making her the first Black woman to hold the position, the Atlanta Business Chronicle reported.
Atlanta psychiatrist Patrice A. Harris will take the helm of American Medical Association after being elected president Tuesday at the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Chicago. https://t.co/DIrFiWd3q1
— AtlBizChron (@AtlBizChron) June 15, 2018
It was announced that she had been elected president of the association at the Annual Meeting of the AMA House Delegates in Chicago earlier this week, the news outlet writes. She's slated to start her new role in June 2019.
Harris—who currently serves as Fulton County's chief health officer—has dedicated her career to health advocacy; working as a public health administrator and a physician. She's used her platform and influence in the medical field to bring attention to issues related to healthcare reform and has worked with several healthcare organizations to advance their services. Outside of her work in Fulton County, she serves as an adjunct professor in Emory University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Harris says she's honored to take on this position and hopes to change the narrative about health care within our country. "It will be my honor to represent the nation's physicians at the forefront of discussions when policymakers and lawmakers search for practical solutions to the challenges in our nation's health system," she said in a statement, according to the news outlet. "I am committed to preserving the central role of the physician-patient relationship in our healing art. The American Medical Association has well-crafted policy concerning the changing health care environment in this country and I look forward to using my voice to help improve health care for patients and their physicians."
Prior to her appointment Harris was an AMA board secretary and AMA board chair.
There has been a push to increase African-American representation and participation in clinical and biomedical research in efforts to implement effective health care services that are tailored to our communities. Earlier this year, an initiative dubbed All of Us was launched to advance precision medicine in the United States.
How To Conquer The Critical Health Challenges Facing Black America
Florida State University's WhiteCoats4BlackLives Brings Attention To Racial Health Disparities
Mothers Of The Movement: Their Power, Protests And Passion
American Medical Association	, Atlanta	, Georgia	, Health Care	, Medicine	, Patrice A. Harris


Both sides of blanket will be made of the soft minky without the textured dots in your choice of color. Minky is a very soft, high quality, luxury fabric that costs more per yard than regular fabric. If you would like a color other than what is listed, send us your color choice.


Create lasting memories of your special day with beautiful wedding or bridal shower favors from Kate Aspen. These elegantly designed gold bottle openers with an epoxy dome offer easy personalization with your names and wedding details.
Details: Palm-perfect, metal bottle opener with gold finish and epoxy dome for personalization.Please Note: Colors may vary from screen to screen and may appear different when printed.


text:
The Media Food & Crafts Festival: A Feast for All Five Senses
By Autumn Konopka at 9:33 am on Tuesday September 29, 2009
Media Food & Crafts Festival
State Street, between Monroe and Orange Streets, in Media, Pa.
You know that feeling when you just can't figure out what you want to eat, and you're not satisfied with any of your options? Well, head on over to Media this Sunday and you shouldn't have that problem at all. The 29th annual Media Food & Crafts Festival, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., features tasty flavors for your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Each year, more than 8,000 visitors amble along six blocks of State Street—sampling street food and fine dining fare, browsing and buying unique handmade crafts, and bopping along to live music.
From Cajun to Greek, Italian to Thai, more than 40 restaurants from throughout the tri-state area will be lined up on State Street, vying for the opportunity to tickle your taste buds. Of course the Festival showcases nearly all of Media's best places to eat—like Azie, an upscale Japanese restaurant with global flavors; La Belle Epoque, a stylish French wine bistro; and Sligo, a comfortable Irish pub. Since Media is "America's first fair trade town," you can also be sure to look out for local restaurants offering fair trade products and items.
If –somehow- you're not satisfied by State Street's local fare, you're sure to find something tasty at the Food & Craft Festival, which is the only Media event that also invites restaurants from outside the borough to participate.
"We want to showcase the restaurants from Media," explains Zubair Khan, Executive Director of the Media Business Authority and organizer of the Festival. "We also try to bring in different types of restaurants where people might not have the chance to go."
This year, there are restaurants from throughout Delaware and Chester counties, as well as from neighboring states New Jersey and Delaware. La Locanda, of Edgemont, Pa., brings contemporary Italian to the Festival and The Big Easy, of Paoli, Pa., will be representing New Orleans-style with a menu of full Cajun flavors.
As the name would suggest, the Food & Crafts Festival isn't just about food. In addition to mouth-watering munchies, State Street will feature a feast of fine arts and handmade crafts. The juried exhibition showcases the work of at least 60 artists and artisans, including handmade jewelry and purses, African art, bonsai, metal work, paintings, photography, pottery, holiday decorations, sand art, and crafts for kids, among others. According to Mr. Khan, the Media Business Authority strives for high quality, upscale work when selecting artists. "We don't want to bring in flea market items that would undersell the local stores with cheap commercial products," he says. For shoppers, strollers, and art lovers, this means a street-full of unique finds.
Take Rebecca Dixon's wearable art, for instance. Ms. Dixon, of Folsom, Pa., makes fairy wings, masquerade masks, crochet wire jewelry, and bejeweled crowns and tiaras; she as created custom pieces for party costumes, weddings, and theatre companies. As a returning artist, Ms. Dixon is glad for the opportunity to support her local community. "The town of Media is very active in the arts, and sponsors many events throughout the year to promote cultural awareness and provide outlets for artists to show their work," she says. "I am thrilled to be so near a thriving artistic community."
Rebecca Michelle Lee, another local artist, is participating in the Media Food & Crafts Festival for the first time this year. "This is my hometown, so I love to participate in as many community events in Media as possible," she says. Ms. Lee, a registered artist of the Media Arts Council, creates acrylic and watercolor paintings, framed photographs, archival art prints, art trading cards, and miniature "upcycled" bottle cap sculpture "Venus Fly Traps." She has been exhibiting her work professionally, throughout Media, for about a year and is excited to be part of this year's Festival.
"I personally prefer outdoor art festivals," Ms. Lee says, "It seems to be much more fun for the visitors, especially the children."
The Media Food & Crafts Festival is a family affair indeed. The kiddos will be thrilled by the amusements erected in Veterans Square, including a moon bounce, slides, and games. And with three outdoor stages and four bands, the streets will be abuzz with blues, jazz, Dixieland music, and classic party tunes. Local favorites, Johnny B and Irving Street Blues return for their fourth Festival performance, along with Philadelphia Dixieland Sound, the Philly Horn Band, and Leroy Hawkes and the Hipnotics. Doug DiFilippo, drummer for Irving Street Blues, says the band looks forward to the atmosphere and the crowd. "It's a day where everyone can get together and have a good time," he says. "Before and after each set, we enjoy the various foods and crafts that are all along state street. You will always find something you like, which makes it that much better."
Supposing you like poetry, too? Well, if you're willing to stray a few blocks from State Street, you'll find the Mad Poets Festival at Media Borough Hall. Since 1987, the Mad Poets Society has organized its annual festival, featuring 40 emerging and established poets, in conjunction with the Media Food & Crafts Festival.
Admission to the Media Food & Crafts Festival is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods, which will be donated to the Chester Eastside Ministries.
Irving Street Band
Leroy Hawkes and the Hipnotics
Mad Poets Society
Philadelphia Dixieland Sound
Philly Horn Band
Rebecca Dixon
Rebecca Michelle Lee
The Big Easy
Zubair Khan
Login or register to post comments| 0 Comments | Permalink
Pennsylvania Ballet's Program II Feature Matthew Neenan and George Balanchine
3 Critical Tips To Prep Remarkably Well
How to Explain Adoption to Your Other Children
How to clean upholstery on a tight budget
Getting Ahead of Disasters
When Should I Actually Put on Snow Tires? Conquering Winter Worries
Philadelphia Personality Janet Zappala finds success with her new cookbook "My Italian Kitchen"
Pennsylvania Ballet Dancers Featured in Psychological Thriller Black Swan
Holiday Season Lights Up at Peddler's Village in New Hope, Pennsylvania
American Composers Forum and Dance/USA Host Panel on Composers and Choreographers Collaborating
Christmas, Philadelphia, Santa Norad Tracker, and the art of cramming on Christmas Eve
Action News Anchorman Rick Williams Performs in 'Guys and Dolls' by Moorestown Theater Company in South Jersey
Andrea Gibson, Performance Poet
Righteous Dopefiend at the Penn Museum
Launch Party for The City Real and Imagined at the ICA this Wednesday
Winter Solstice: The First Day of Winter
Hubble Telescope Celebrates 20th Anniversary


While meeting with Tom and Kathy during a recent meeting, we discussed their four children. Their oldest son, Royce, is in college and preparing for medical school. The second oldest daughter, Katie, is about to go to college at Central Michigan University this coming fall. Their third oldest child, Tom, is a freshman in high school. Their fourth oldest child, Nick, is in eighth grade.


Whether for corporate network administrators, Internet service providers, network operators (carriers) or network optimizers: tCPAnalyser (tCPA) maximizes ease of measurement and monitoring of IP performance – the real user experience is measured, from data throughput during uploads and downloads through loading times for web pages and videos to streaming interruptions and detailed IP statistics (re-transmissions). This applies to (W)LAN as well as the mobile network: worldwide, in real time and end to-end. Furthermore, the process is automated, standardized and reproducible. You thus have fast and easy access to reliable and, above all, comparable results.
tCPA supports several types of clients: PC, laptop, smartphone (Linux, Mac OS X and Android) – as long as Internet capability is given, whether via modem, surfstick, cell-phone tethering or LTE chip.
Connection servers distributed worldwide allow real-time measurements between clients and target systems around the globe – and make capture-files as well as trace-data centrally available.
How good is your IP performance?
In an all-IP world, IP performance is a significant success and differentiating factor. It increases the satisfaction of staff and customers and raises productivity and turnover. A prerequisite for constant, top performance: It must be monitored constantly to allow optimization where necessary. This is a complex undertaking – not least of all due to heterogeneous network components, regional differences in network expansion and time-dependent variance of shared infrastructures. Plus, there is no absolute measure of IP performance. This just leaves a comparison, which in addition to carrier service, regionality, and time, also has to take account of the applications (download, upload, streaming, etc.). For each relevant application, this requires regular measurements under identical conditions, such as simultaneous test runs in different regions. An enormous effort, which tCPA reduces to a minimum for you.
The tCPA control server offers an intuitive web cockpit. It allows you to conveniently and easily manage clients, measurement profiles, user rights etc., control clients and retrieve results.
The cockpit keeps all test runs and results ready for you: This includes raw data, TCP report and evaluation (box plot, CDF diagram, histogram etc.) as well as comparison and download options.
Test web-page and content loading times, upload/download speeds, start times, stalling and quality of videos (running times in SD, HD, full HD) and much more – standardized according to your requirements.
The integrated workbench allows direct comparisons so that you can analyze data of particular importance. Via drag & drop, you can easily and conveniently select the data to be compared.
Once configured, the clients conduct all performance tests punctually and reliably at the intervals you desire – controlled and managed from the control server. That saves time and money.
It is possible to define campaigns which are processed by the clients interacting with a tracing server.
The analysis server controls the process and ensures evaluation immediately after transmission of the measured data.
In unserem Flyer haben wir diese Informationen noch einmal zum Mitnehmen zusammengestellt.
And perhaps the best of all: You can get started right away – thanks to easy installation of your client (SaaS) and predefined, easily customizable templates for the most common performance tests.