In the end of January 2019, I received a new malware for analysis and would like to tell more details about this malware. After conducting a full analysis, it turned out that this is one of the latest versions of the SmokeBot Loader. Further in the analysis I will show how the malware checks virtual environments, how work its numerous methods of survival in the wild, that malware needs for a long lifetime on users computers.
In the title of this analysis, I described an attack on the business of Ukraine and in the report I will demonstrate specific facts, that will prove this and I hope you will agree with my opinion.
Analysis of malware on analysis services (including services like virustotal.com) showed that this malware is identified by various antivirus programs as various types of malware (from ransomware to viruses), but any of antivirus product identified it 100% . Analysis in virtual machines / sandboxes showed no activity. This indicates that the malicious code has methods for detecting virtual environments and blocking its dark work in a virtual environment.
The cryptor encrypts the main loader code in two steps. At the beginning of the cryptor there are garbage commands that repeat many times in the cycle to stop the work of emulators.
Next, the memory is allocated and the executable file is unpacked into it, which is present at the end of the decrypted block earlier After unpacking, executable is copied to the liter.exe address space and the header is configured, the sections are loaded over the old ones, then the control goes to the new entry point is made - 402d03 At this stage, you can dump the executable and get a workable code without an envelope and load it into the disassembler for further study.
We immediately get into the code, which is jmp obfuscated.
This data block contains table of dword. Each dword - hash(API function name) of various libraries, whose addresses are located through the export table of the corresponding library.
To find the Native API, Smoke, through PEB, finds the address of the ntdll.dll module in memory, then through parsing the ntdll PE header, gets to the export table, which it passes through sequentially, calculating the hashes of all export names and comparing them with the hash that is in the decrypted block data. If found, the address is stored in a table for future use.
Next, check for the presence of hooks and patches in the native api code. Thus various antivirus and monitoring software are in effect, and if there are any, then there will be no further cases.
We got to the "delicious" topic, namely, checking the keyboard layouts installed in the system. Smokebot will work ONLY, if the Ukrainian layout is installed in the system, and if there is none, then the presence of Russian is checked. This is one of the factors in my approval of the attack on the Ukrainian business. You may reasonably notice about the Russian layout, BUT, this is not my only argument)) In any case, we understand which users in the world can be affected as much as possible by this attack. Also, such a test can discard various kinds of sandboxes in which there are no such layouts.
where we run x64 or x86 system? Determined by the value of the GS segment register. Under x64 this register is not zero, in x86 the value is zero. Depending on the register, this or that data block is selected, with which we will work further. These are exactly the blocks whose checksums were checked above.
callback function, create a thread, the start address of the thread is the entry point in the unpacked file.
Next Smoke creates two threads.
For encryption, the authors chose the RC4 algorithm and a 4-byte key. To analyze this data, I wrote a script that decrypts it. The key 27F9051Bh was chosen for encryption.
after the launch of the killer-thread, the Smoke goes into a loop that checks the internet connection and if it is not, then falls asleep for a certain time and tries to repeat the check again. In case of success, it make connection with the command center. For checking the network and communication to with CC, the Smoke uses the same function.
In case of success, Smoke forms a unique computer hash (BotId) consisting of the computer name and the serial number of the system disk.
then it is installed in the system, the new file name is generated based on the first 8 BotId symbols, which are mutated using a substitution algorithm.
Through SHGetFolderPathW, it receives the path to User startup directory and forms a string with the name of the link file for the user startup directory.
Through the COM object, IShellLink creates a prepared lnk file.
In the process of installtion, the command center url is also decrypted and its crc32 is checked, if it has been modified, the process of system installation is interrupted.
Also Smoke blocks deletion of a new file and link file by opening them with read permissions.
Generates a package to send to the server and sends it.
the first block is text-block and carries commands from the server, settings for various plugins At the beginning of this block, word magic should be - 2018, if everything is in order, then the plugin_size string is searched and its value is received. if everything is ok, the second block is encrypted with rc4 and the BotId key and saved to a file in the AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\xxxx\xxxx (xxxx - names that were previously generated) - plugin file. Later in the report we will examine this text header in detail.
Let's talk more about plugins block. So… The block of plugins begins with a general header of all plugins, which contains information about what size of all plugins, plugins identifier = 0xF9B91548 and the number of plugins in the block. In my case, there are 11 plugins in the block. It is worth noting that some of them do not start because they have the Disabled attribute.
The analysis of the Smoke loader code itself can be completed and proceed to the analysis of plug-ins.
After analyzing the code for injecting the plugin, I saw that the decrypted plugin in memory is an executable file, with a partially overwritten PE header with zeros. The beginning of the plugin is the offset 0x3c of a regular PE file. On this offset is the field (in DOS Header) in which the PE Header offset is located. When I began to analyze the code of the injected plug-in in the debugger, I saw that its code was packed. Of course, for analysis you can make a memory dump and work with it - analyze packaging methods, see what the plugin code does. BUT we have 11 plugins, so I decided to take the path of restoring a workable PE file, which can be analyzed without problems in a disassembler. Script for the reconstruction of all plugins will also be attached in this report.
If you, like me, have been analyzing malware for more than one year, then you will be able to determine visually what kind of packer you have in front of your eyes, with a high probability, especially if this UPX packer :) or you can also use various packer detectors.
Therefore, our task is to to restore the plugin header in such a way as to run upx -d and it could recognize the packaged file and unpack it.
I will not dive into the description of the PE file structure for this there is a lot of information on the Internet. I will only touch on the fields that we need to restore.
I will recover pe file in two stages, the first stage is the creation of a minimal PE header. With such a PE header, PE-editors should open this file and understand that this is PE-File. The second stage is the recovery of data needed for the unpacker upx. which will be perceived by PE editors. The second stage is the recovery of data needed for the unpacker.
So let's restore these PE header fields here.
Already after these changes, the file can be opened in the peeditor and analyzed, but this data is not enough for UPX to consider that the file is correctly packed. To determine which fields still need to be recovered, I analyzed the source code of the UPX unpacker (https://github.com/upx/upx) and determined what other data we need to recover. These are the names of the sections, which must contain 'UPX' and the upx header itself, which is necessary for the correct unpacking of the packed file.
#db[size] - encrypted 1st part. This is encrypted with rc4 key (key len = 4, hardcoded in binary) text part.
# plugin start from byte MZ + 0x3c. PE header filled with zeros.
Let's go back to the title of the article and why I believe that this is a direct attack on the business of Ukraine. As I mentioned before, malware starts only on systems where the Ukrainian or Russian keyboard layout is installed. Now let's take a look at the textual header of the plugins.
If you look at it carefully, you can see the names of executable files - processes. These files are included in the software packages that Ukrainian banks use in remote service systems! If you list which banks of Ukraine use these systems, then you can see almost all banks in the country will have to list this.
The combination of these two factors gives a confident assumption of an attack on the business of Ukraine, since the systems of remote banking services use small, medium and large businesses in their work.
I also wanted to add that in attacks of this level, the real ip address of the command center is hidden behind a chain of proxy servers to which the loader is trying to connect.
These proxies change periodically, but most of them are located in Russia.
This is another indirect factor, the attacks precisely on Ukraine.


HeartMath – When you measure something, it tends to improve.
As you may remember from my April 27, 2009 article, "You Never Know", I told you about how Elise and I met Howard Martin and Deborah Rozman, two of the founders and developers of HeartMath.
Out of the blue, Elise told me a few months ago that she wanted to learn more about "HearthMath" — I nodded agreement but had no idea what she was talking about. That was the end of the conversation for some time.
A few months ago I had never heard of Joel Bauer — that was soon to change. I first saw Joel's name when I received an invitation to speak at an event in Phuket, Thailand in July 2008 and saw his name on the list of speakers.
A few days later I gave a talk in Cape Town, South Africa when someone from the audience mentioned Joel to Elise and I. Now I was curious. I checked his website, saw his Profit Point program and became curious about his material.
Elise and I were on a world tour at the time so we figured that we would not have time to attend Joel's program but, it turned out, he happened to be doing the program in Melbourne, Australia on the one weekend we had off during our tour. Not only were we off that weekend, but we were due in New Zealand the very next week. The coincidences were mounting and were now high enough for us to make a few changes to our schedule and attend Joel's program.
The program was called Profit Point II and it was all about platform selling and platform sales. We learned a great deal from Joel over the two very full days. If you make your living at speaking for a living, I highly recommend Joel and his programs.
If you want to know more about Joel Bauer, check him out on YouTube and then seek out one of his programs or systems.


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Fantasy/Sci-Fi/News
Are you ready for DC FanDome?
DC FANDOME IS A MEGA, 24-HOUR, IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL FAN EXPERIENCE WHICH BRINGS THE UNIVERSE OF DC TO LIFE AND FEATURES THE STARS, FILMMAKERS AND CREATORS BEHIND ITS BIGGEST FILMS, TV SERIES, GAMES AND COMICS
On Saturday, August 22, starting at 10 a.m. PDT, Warner Bros. will welcome fans everywhere into the DC FanDome—a free virtual fan experience where no badge is required.
Imagine all the Super Heroes and Super-Villains you've ever loved finally coming together in one place to celebrate DC's past, present and future. Accessible for 24 hours at DCFanDome.com, the global event will immerse fans into the DC Multiverse, with new announcements from WB Games, Film and TV, and comics, as well as an unprecedented opportunity to hear from the casts and creators behind your favourite feature films and TV series, including Aquaman, The Batman, Batwoman, Black Adam, Black Lightning, DC Super Hero Girls, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, DC's Stargirl, Doom Patrol, The Flash, Harley Quinn, the SnyderCut of Justice League, Lucifer, Pennyworth, SHAZAM!, The Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Teen Titans GO!, Titans, Watchmen, Young Justice: Outsiders and, coming this fall to theatres worldwide, Wonder Woman 1984.
The DC FanDome is the place to hear highly anticipated announcements and the latest news, see exclusive footage, and venture into themed worlds designed to entertain everyone from movie and TV superfans to gamers and readers, to families and kids. With special presentations to engage fans in every time zone across the globe, you'll have the opportunity to have an experience that's all your own. Inside this virtual world, fans will also get access to localized events, featuring the faces and voices from countries around the world in their local language. No matter where you live, your age or your level of fandom, there is something for you.
#DCFanDome
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dccomics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dccomics
V for Vendetta (2006) – Remember Remember the fifth of November
Peripheral: A gigabyte of ideas fail to upload
In Cinemas from today: An American Pickle

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Flo and co. are heading out on the High As Hope Tour in November 2018. Extra gig added due to demand.
Florence + the Machine has announced details of the UK leg of the 'High As Hope Tour'.
The seven-date run of shows opens in Leeds on Thursday 15th November and wraps up at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena 11 days later.
The shows support Florence + the Machine's new studio album 'High As Hope', which is released on Friday 29th June on Virgin EMI.


A Native American activist has been found dead in a US jail in what seems to be a mysterious death similar to that of Sandra Bland in Texas.
Rexdale W. Henry, 53, who had been arrested on July 9 for failing to pay a traffic fine, was found dead inside the Neshoba County Jail in Philadelphia, Mississippi, five days later, according to local media.
The body of Henry, who was a member of the Choctaw tribe and a longtime community activist, was discovered half an hour after he was last seen alive.
Rexdale Henry, a 53-year-old member of the Choctaw tribe, was found dead at Neshoba County Jail on July 14.
The state has conducted an autopsy in a crime lab in Jackson, but the results have not been released yet.
Meanwhile, Henry's family requested that a second independent autopsy be carried out in Florida.
"At a time when the nation is focused on the terrible circumstances of the brutal death of Sandra Bland, it is critical to expose the many ways in which black Americans, Native Americans and other minorities are being arrested for minor charges and end up dead in jail cells," said Janis McDonald, a Syracuse University law professor.
His death came one day after 28-year-old Bland was found dead in a prison cell at the Waller County jail in Texas.
Sandra Bland, originally from the Chicago area, was found hanged in her prison cell three days after her July 10 arrest.
Bland was arrested on July 10 by a Texas state trooper for failing to signal while changing lanes with her vehicle.
An autopsy has confirmed an initial finding by a medical examiner that her death was a suicide.
However, her family has expressed strong doubts that Bland would take her own life as she was passionate about civil rights and excited about a new job at a college near Houston, Texas.
The deaths of Henry, Bland, and Kindra Chapman, an 18-year-old black woman who was found dead hanging in her jail cell in Jefferson County, Alabama, are the latest in a series of suspicious police-involved incidents that have sparked protests in many cities across the US.
Share the post "Native American activist found dead in US jail"


Discussion in 'Mac Accessories' started by zelmo, Nov 30, 2005.
I'm looking for a relatively low-cost solution for backing up my iMac G4, PowerBook and my wife's VAIO laptop. Ideally, I'd want to do a direct connect to each laptop for backing up the drives, then also be able to access the drive via wireless from either laptop to copy files (GarageBand, iMovie and the like) back and forth.
I don't know much about networking or drive formatting. If I just get a 320GB external drive with FW400/800/USB 2.0 connectors and hang it off the iMac, will I be able to access the drive from both OSes by enabling filesharing on the iMac? Is it really that simple?
Remote access from the XP lappy is not really crucial, as long as the drive is formatted as to permit me to hook it up for backups.
Yep, direct connect a drive to your iMac and share it and it will be available to your other Macs or PCs on the network. This is way better than backing up to a drive attached to a PC - which would make you have to go over SMB which is slow and combined with windows-formatted drives loses resource forks/metadata from your files.
If you don't want to have your computers sharing all the time, you could go the route of Network Attached Storage or NAS. These hard drives are in a case but have an ethernet port on the back to connect to your network. Buffalo, Maxtor, and Linksys make some good ones from what I've read in articles. Just make sure you find one that doesn't need proprietary software. Just look around their sites. Just an alternative.
The cool thing about sharing like that is you can have the drive formated as whatever you want. HFS+, FAT32, (Still no one has tried NTFS on Mac like to have an external formated as NTFS, strange) NFS, EXT, RESIER.


An Ark is a unique, rectangular, insulated abode which offers comfort in the outdoors. Unlike a traditional circular Yurt, an Ark offers far greater space, and therefore a more comfortable glamping experience. The inside layout offers an open atmosphere very different from the norm.
The Arks can sleep 5 people, with a double bed and three futons.
Decorated with wall hangings & framed photos of animals on the farm. The floor is laminated with rugs – there is also a sideboard & small table & chairs.
Staying in a Yurt is a magical experience. The wood burning stove to keep you warm, and snug with Luxurious furnishings, it cannot fail to charm you.
The Arks are housed on on wooden decking which accomodates a table, chairs and a barbecue. Logs and kindling for the wood burner is supplied free of charge, however you have to supply your own BBQ charcoal.
Slippers for inside the Yurt.


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Queen's Faculty of Arts and Science
Queen's Research
Queen's & St. Lawrence Join Forces For New Biotechnology Program
January 26, 2016 Research News
Queen's has announced a new collaborative biotechnology program with St. Lawrence College, which will allow students from both institutions to enroll in a five-year, hands-on degree. The joint Bachelor of Science (Honours) Collaborative Biotechnology Program, which was announced earlier this month, is one of the first of its kind. It will be offered beginning next September. The program allows students enrolled at either Queen's University or St. Lawrence College to earn credit towards their degree from either institution. The program, which is designed to produce career-ready graduates to work in the emerging field of biotechnology — the use of living organisms to develop new technology — requires only five years of study. Previously, a similar program would take seven years to complete (four years for a university diploma and three years to acquire a college certificate).
Read more: http://www.queensjournal.ca/story/2016-01-26/news/queens-and-st-lawrence-join-forces-for-new-biotechnology-program/
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Political Studies Professor Celebrated for Excellence in Graduate Teaching January 13, 2021
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A churro vendor, community activist, and fixture in Corona Queens, Claudia Lopez spent her life fighting for justice and respect for immigrant vendors. She sold for more than ten years without a permit and was a leader in the ongoing campaign to #LiftTheCaps on food vending permits, which have been frozen since 1983.
She died of cancer on February 21, 2016, still waiting for a permit. Now, one year later, we will remember Claudia and other vendors who have died waiting for permits, due to the city's lack of action.
Many others are still waiting. Before another month or year goes by, we will call upon the City Council and Mayor to hold a vote on the Street Vendor Modernization Act. This bill will gradually double the number of vending permits available, creating an opportunity for thousands of vendors like Claudia to legalize their small businesses and work in peace.


The Apostle Paul and his co-laborers Silas and Timothy wrote this letter to the believers in Thessalonica between A.D. 50 and A.D. 53, making it one of Paul's earliest epistles. Acts 17:1-9 recalls Paul's ministry in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. He had preached and some of the city's Jews and God-fearing Gentiles believed in Jesus the Messiah. But trouble followed when another group of Jews accused these new Christians of sedition. Paul and Silas were forced out of the city, but wrote back to the Thessalonian believers from Corinth to encourage them as they endured persecution.
The first two chapters of 1 Thessalonians are intensely autobiographical, as Paul tells of the joy, motivation, method, suffering, and affection behind his ministry to the Thessalonian believers. Paul, Silas, and Timothy celebrate the faith of these believers, reminding them of their journey to Jesus and encouraging them in their ministry.
Despite opposition and persecution, the apostolic trio shared the gospel boldly when they came to Thessalonica. Careful to present the simple, clear truth, they had taken pains to live as servants among the Thessalonians by working overtime to support themselves. They treated the Thessalonians like their own family members, teaching them to obey God's words and coaching them to live God's way.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy also taught believers to see opposition as a way of joining the ranks of God's people; in this way, they simply reflected the life of their Savior who also endured much suffering. When persecution finally came to the Thessalonian church, Paul, Silas, and Timothy had already moved on to another city. They were deeply concerned they couldn't care for the new believers. When Timothy was finally able to visit, he saw that these believers had grown in their obedience. Paul and Silas expressed great relief and joy, praying for a chance to further their discipleship and unity.
In 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5, Paul teaches the believers how to obey God in their daily lives, stay sexually pure, love each other, and live quietly and responsibly. Some Christians had died as a result of the persecution in Thessalonica, so Paul explains the resurrection of believers that will occur when Jesus returns. He helps the believers understand that because God chose them to live in light they can have hope in suffering even to death.
As the epistle draws to a close, Paul gives these believers more guidance about living their daily lives God's way. They should respect and serve their leaders and teachers and lovingly relate to each other. They also should expect the Holy Spirit to teach them, enabling them to test every teaching they hear and share Paul's letter with all believers in their city.
After the first letter, persecution and pressure against the young church increased, and Paul wrote a short follow-up letter to encourage believers to persevere despite the difficulties. In addition, he wrote to correct false teaching about the Lord's return that had frightened the believers, and to confront those who were undisciplined and disobedient within the church family.
The primary theme of the book deals with future events, particularly the Lord's return, and stresses that certain events must take place before the end comes. Paul viewed the inevitable return of Christ as an event to celebrate—a future hope for believers, rather than an event to fear.


Artist Mona Johansson (1924–2010) visualized the town and her pictures are deeply rooted in the experience of growing up in Gothenburg, Sweden. The personal mannerism in her drawings is characterized by total freedom of perspective and a playfully unreliable naturalism. Mona has been a favorite artist of Fine Little Day for a long time and we have had the privilege of making a offset poster edition with her work.
Material Off white FSC marked paper, 240gsm/0.53 Ib.


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Premium Home Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Finance
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon believes there is 'absolutely' a need for a second stimulus package: 'The damage will be far less if we help them'
Reed Alexander
Jamie Dimon is the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, the largest US bank by assets.
Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images
"We absolutely need another stimulus package," said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, speaking at a virtual conference on Tuesday.
"It should focus on those who need the help: the long-term unemployed, some of the new unemployed, and you can debate the $200, $300, or $400 extra, but something," Dimon added.
Congressional leaders are discussing a $908 billion aid package, but it lacks a provision to send direct stimulus checks to Americans, as lawmakers decided to do earlier this year.
Dimon also opined about the cons of long-term remote work, and praised the government's quick construction of the Paycheck Protection Program to aid US businesses.
President-elect Joe Biden has expressed support for a second fiscal stimulus package as the winter wave of the coronavirus pandemic takes hold. On Tuesday, his hopes for a second stimulus were buoyed by support from another powerful leader: Jamie Dimon.
"We absolutely need another stimulus package, and it should focus on those who need the help: the long-term unemployed, some of the new unemployed, and you can debate the $200, $300, or $400 extra, but something, and then literally the small businesses," said Dimon, who is the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Wall Street's largest bank by assets.
Dimon made the remarks while speaking at Goldman Sachs' 2020 US Financial Services Virtual Conference on Tuesday.
"The damage will be far less if we help them" by providing short-term economic aid until a vaccine becomes more widely available in springtime, he said, while speaking to Richard Ramsden, Goldman's managing director for equity research, who moderated the discussion.
Meanwhile, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are coalescing around a $908 billion stimulus plan that's attracted support from both Democrats and Republicans. But the bill lacks one major element of earlier fiscal aid: direct stimulus checks.
Earlier this year more than 160 million Americans received checks from the federal government, with the maximum payments being $1,200.
Read more: The bipartisan $908 billion COVID-19 stimulus plan doesn't include new $1,200 checks for Americans, and senators say the checks can be agreed to only after Biden takes office
Among the components of the deal that lawmakers are considering now are $300 federal weekly unemployment benefits and $240 billion in new Paycheck Protection Program assistance, Business Insider has previously reported.
For his part, Biden recently opened up about his thoughts on the stimulus debate, saying in Delaware that "if we don't act now, the future will be very bleak," as he underscored his view about the urgency of getting a deal done to blunt further economic fallout.
Dimon praised the Paycheck Protection Program and cast aspersions on long-term remote work
In addition to weighing in on federal stimulus, Dimon also looked back on some of the other defining components of the coronavirus crisis, namely the government's federal loan program and the worldwide pivot to remote work.
In the case of the federal loan program that the government unveiled this spring, he praised the Paycheck Protection Program, a federal loan program designed to buttress US businesses, but which was also encumbered by allegations of misuse and impropriety in the disbursement process.
"I think the government did a very good job, you know, getting out the money and these programs," he said. "Of course, there are always negatives when you roll them out, but who would have thought our government could get programs out like PPP in literally three weeks?" he said, praising the loan program.
Juxtaposed against Dimon's remarks is a spotty history of JPMorgan's relationship with the PPP. Indeed, Bloomberg previously reported that an internal review at the bank found that more than 500 of its employees had received the taxpayer funds, with a handful having had "improperly tapped the program" to divert funds to their own accounts, according to a September report.
Read more: How big banks decided the futures of America's small businesses: The inside story of how $349 billion in government cash was doled out in just 12 days, leaving thousands of entrepreneurs without relief
And, as far as his thoughts on returning to the office, Dimon made no secret of his lukewarm thoughts about so-called Zoom culture.
"Banks are basically an apprenticeship model where you learn by sitting next to people and going on a trip with them or seeing mistakes being made. Very often you need a lot of collaboration in the room," he said.
But, working virtually, he said, "you miss all of the creative combustion that takes place from having a meeting, but having immediate follow-up."
Read more: Some Wall Street firms' return-to-office plans have hit a speed bump. Here's how Chase, Wells Fargo, and Deutsche Bank are navigating a spike in coronavirus cases.
"You're not going to learn that way by sitting at home," he added, describing the positive effects of working together in person. "We've learned — there will probably be some permanent work from home or rotating work from home that will change how we look at real estate a little bit, but it's not going to change the world, and we still need the collaboration where people work in a room together."
Dimon has been one of Wall Street's primary proponents for encouraging employees to head back to the office. Though his bullishness to see employees return to the physical workplace has been previously documented, employees within the Chase division were recently told that they would be able to continue working remotely "at least through the end of March," according to an excerpt of a memo which was viewed by Business Insider.
What's more, Daniel Pinto, the head of JPMorgan's corporate and investment bank, also told employees earlier this year that they would be able to take advantage of a rotational return-to-work model that might enable them to log time from home regularly.
SEE ALSO: Chase is adding 100 branches and hiring home-lending advisors to help boost access to mortgages for Black and Latinx customers
SEE ALSO: How big banks decided the futures of America's small businesses: The inside story of how $349 billion in government cash was doled out in just 12 days, leaving thousands of entrepreneurs without relief
SEE ALSO: JPMorgan and Blackrock are both looking to take part in the massive wave of money-manager mergers. Their execs gave some clues on what they could buy.
NOW WATCH: Jamie Dimon isn't losing sleep over the stock market's biggest fear
More: Jamie Dimon JPMorgan Chase Politics


Peabody-Burns High School Athletic Director Ray Savage has announced that senior athletes and their parents will be honored at approximately 7:30 p.m. between the varsity girls' and varsity boys' basketball games against Little River on Feb. 12.
Parents have been issued complimentary tickets to the game and will be seated directly across from the scorer's table. They and their student athlete will be introduced at half court.
Following the introduction, PBHS business students and their instructor, Patty Savage, will present a slide show featuring the seniors.
For more information, contact Ray Savage at the high school, (620) 983-2196.


I've been saying that I would review food for a while now. This is close enough, right?
Ramune (ラムネ, pronounced rah-moon-ay) is a Japanese soda best known for its unique bottle. Rather than a plastic twist cap or typical beer bottle cap, Ramune uses a Codd-neck bottle, where a marble is used to close the opening.
There are two ways to open a bottle of Ramune. The first is to follow the directions on the bottle – remove the cap, separate the small plunger, and press the plunger into the marble until it pops in.
However, the proper way to enjoy Ramune is "yakuza-style." First, shake the bottle. Second, slam the plunger into the marble as hard as possible. Third, chug it.
Here's a video demonstration of drinking Ramune yakuza-style (no, this isn't me).
When drinking from the bottle, the marble remains in the top section. To prevent this from rolling into the opening and blocking the flow of soda, there are two small indentations meant to hold the marble in place. Unfortunately, it can still slide around easily if the drinker tips the bottle quickly.
While Ramune flavors include oddities such as coconut, octopus, chocolate, and watermelon, my local Wegmans only has three flavors – "original," orange, and strawberry – so I will cover those today.
The original flavor is a lemon-lime, but not quite comparable to sodas such as Sprite or Sierra Mist. The flavor is a bit more fruity and uses real sugar in lieu of high fructose corn syrup, which is a definite plus.
The strongest of the bunch is the orange flavor. While it doesn't taste much different than typical orange soda, it is very tasty and refreshing. Out of these flavors, it is the one I would recommend most.
The strawberry flavor has a very faithful and fruity strawberry taste. It is also a bit sweeter than the other two, and seems better suited for a hot summer day. Unfortunately, the strong carbonation works against the sweet strawberry flavor, so this one isn't quite as good as the other two.
In the United States or other western countries, Asian markets or certain grocery stores have a decent chance of having the drink in stock. In Japan, while drinks such as Pocari Sweat and Gogo no Kōcha are all over the place, Ramune is not available in any vending machines I saw – the main reason for this would likely be its bottle. However, it is available at many festivals (I saw them at a Tanabata festival) and in certain stores.
Altogether, Ramune is worth it for the occasional treat, but the deceptively small bottle is not quite worth the asking price. At my local grocery store, a 6.76 ounce/200 mL bottle is 1.79 USD. I could get a two-liter bottle of Dr. Pepper for that price. More or less.
Recommendation – For a soft drink a bit outside the norm, try it!
While flavor variety won't be anything unique outside of Japan, Ramune is certainly worth trying at least once. At its core, it is just another soda, but it's different enough to warrant a taste.
I wonder what the chocolate one is like. I'll pass on the octopus.
I think the curry one sounds the most interesting. Curry bread is weird enough, I can't imagine that flavor in a drink.


When it comes to growing your database, quality trumps quantity. Populating it with your target market is your key to freedom, says Stefan Kazakis.
Contacting your current and future clients and members with frequent and relevant information is one of the most effective ways to grow your business. Centralising this information in a well-managed database will help you achieve this for the long term.
A database is a place where all your clients, prospects and strategic relationships data is kept. A central spot where everyone in your team can go to access the information they need to complete their tasks, whether that is marketing, sales, operations or administration. But it should be remembered that a database is only as good as the information you can retrieve – and that depends on the data that is input. Rules need to be created to ensure consistency, and all users should be trained in the processes to ensure that all data is synchronised.
Who do you include in a database?
If you run a fitness business, or are starting one, you obviously have a service that you think people will want to pay for. But thinking this and knowing how and why it will happen are two very different things. At some point in their busy lives, with all sorts of other options available to them, you want people to look at your club or business and say, 'Yes, this is what I need'. You want these people, your target market, to be on your database and you need to know exactly who they are and, ultimately, how you can solve their needs in the current and near future.
Why is this so important? Because if you're not shaping your business from the foundations up, focusing on how you can serve your target market, you are going to try to be everything to everyone and actually be no good to anybody. From a strategic point of view, your desired target market directs the cut of your business. You have made this strategic decision long before you go to market and grow your business (or at least this is what should have happened if you wish to grow a business and not a job). If you want to specialise in training males for strength, make this your target; if you want to train women for post-natal fitness, make this your target; if you want to train older adults, make this your target.
Why is it important to grow your database?
Creating a central location for all of this data will ensure that you are able to not only create a client management system, but also monitor the sales pipeline, customer retention program and customer delight system. Team access to the information that is relevant to their role will ensure that the data contained with the system is accurate and up-to-date. This list of assets in your business is your goodwill – I often refer to it as the 'gold' in your business. Your ability to grow, nurture and commercialise your database is your long term key to freedom.
So how do you grow your database?
Setting a KPI for database growth is the first goal. Ensure that your team is on board with this and keep a monthly scoreboard to keep it front of mind.
Enter everyone who comes into contact with your business onto the database. Ensuring that you meet the strict industry guidelines about who you can and cannot communicate with, you need to keep in regular contact with your database and ensure that all information you send is both frequent and relevant. Constantly sending sales information, or asking people to buy will not result in a motivated and engaged database – in fact it is very likely to ensure that people opt-out at the first opportunity.
Create interesting and valuable content so that prospects and clients stay subscribed and spread the word. Encouraging people to forward your emails to their friends and fellow business owners will increase engagement with your database. Make sure you have social sharing buttons on all outgoing emails and digital marketing material. Make it easy for people to opt in and share your information.
From time to time promote community building strategies such as gamification or incentive competitions where 'the crowd' opts in by providing data.
Adding links to all employees' signatures will make it easy for people to join your database and follow you on social media. Use social media to your advantage. While I am yet to find the number of Facebook likes on a balance sheet, you must have a social online presence. Not having a Facebook page, Twitter account or LinkedIn profile is like not having a mobile phone or still using a fax machine. It makes you look hopelessly out of date. Adding a call to action on your Facebook page, for instance, is an easy way to capture the data of those that take an interest in your posts.
Within your marketing plan create a series of regular lead generation offers, such as free mini-eBooks on the benefits of fitness, myths about exercise busted, and how to establish a fitness routine. Make sure that all signups provide their email address in order to download the content.
Create an online resource centre that can only be accessed by providing an email address. Provide free online tools, which provide real value for the subscriber or community member.
Of course, you may already have a database but believe that you are not getting the most from it. Prepare for the future as the database begins to grow by collecting as much information as you can. How would you segment your database so that you are only sending targeted information to those that will find it the most value? Think about being on a database for your local delicatessen and getting invited to their 'VIP cheese and wine event'. Great – but you're allergic to cheese!
And what do you do if you have an older database? Be brave. Consider an opt-in campaign. Create an exciting opt-in message and send it to all of your list encouraging contacts who wish to remain on the list to opt-in. If you do this you have to be prepared to remove all the contacts who don't respond. Although the prospect of shedding lots of old contacts may be daunting (however inactive they may be), it is important to note that having an active and participating database will improve your deliverability statistics and increase the chance of your emails and content being shared with those outside of your database.
Business owners today cannot escape the importance of a well-managed database. It is critical to ensure that the content of the database is valid, and that you put it to good use. By setting metrics against its growth and putting strategies in place to build it, your database will become a very valuable resource to your business.


text:
Marusia and John Popovich papers
Identifier: IHRC2163
Immigration History Research Center Archives
The Popvich papers (2 linear ft., ca. 1930-1990) consist of correspondence, official documents of various organizations, photographs, periodical clippings, posters and memorabilia related to Ukraine and the Ukrainian American community.
Popovich, Marusia and John (Person)
Mainly in Ukrainian with some additional materials in English
Open for use in the Elmer L. Andersen Library reading room.
OWNERSHIP & LITERARY RIGHTS
For further information regarding the copyright, please contact the IHRCA.
Ivan Popovich was a Ukrainian-American activist, a leading member of the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine until his death in 1978. In 1918, he joined the Ukrainian Galician Army of the West Ukrainian People's Republic. He moved to the United States of America and settled in Cleveland, Ohio in 1923 where he married Kateryna Lesko. His daughter Marusia (Maria) was born in 1924. She was an active member of the Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine (ODVU), Ukrainian Golden Cross, Shevchenko Scientific society, League of Ukrainian Catholics and numerous other organizations. She passed away in April 1999 and is buried at the Ukrainian cemetery in Parma, Ohio.
5 Linear Feet
The collection is organized into three basic categories: I. Personal notes and correspondence of John and Marusia Popovich (Series 1). II. Materials related to the history of Ukraine and Ukrainian organizations in Canada and United States (Series 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). III. Postal stamps, postcards (Series 7).
Collection acquired from Marusia Popovich of Ohio in 1998. It was processed in the spring of 2013 by Ihar Labacevich who also created and encoded the finding aid.
A related collection at the IHRC is the Records of the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee. (IHRC2757)
Granovsky, Alexander A.
Kuropas, Mykola
Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine.
Ukrainian American women -- Societies and clubs. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ukrainian Americans -- Societies, etc. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ukrainian Youth League.
Ukrainians -- Canada -- History. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ukrainians -- Canada -- Societies, etc. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ukrainians -- Cleveland -- ODVU. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
World Congress of Ukrainians
Inventory of the Marusia and John Popovich papers.
IHRC Archives
Finding Aid in English
Contact The Immigration History Research Center Archives Collecting Area
http://www.lib.umn.edu/ihrca
ihrca@umn.edu
Marusia and John Popovich papers, IHRC Archives, University of Minnesota
Marusia and John Popovich papers, IHRC Archives, University of Minnesota https://archives.lib.umn.edu/repositories/6/resources/4481 Accessed January 29, 2023.


text:
Ginx TV Canada
ON DEMAND X
GENRES X
ON DEMAND (A-Z)
SUPERTHONS
Welcome to The Super Channel Development Fund!
We are committed to helping launch Canada's next generation of filmmaking talent and to enabling established filmmakers reach audiences in Canada and around the world. Through the Super Channel Development Fund, we offer crucial financing to Canadian feature films, feature length documentaries, and series.
Upcoming submission deadlines for development financing:
NO DEADLINE: Super Channel is now accepting submissions for late stage development funding.
Super Channel encourages the advancement of content by and about women, Aboriginal peoples, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.
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ABOUT THE SUPER CHANNEL DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Super Channel Development Fund supports the development of feature films, feature-length documentaries and series. We take a craft-based and market-driven approach to the analysis of the projects submitted.
Our development financing takes the form of an interest free loan which is repayable on the first day of principal photography. When we support a project, we secure first look rights for the first broadcast window in English Canada, if those rights are available.
Before applying, please read our Guidelines, Terms & Conditions, and review the Document Checklist and Application Form to ensure you have the materials we need to receive in order for your project to be considered for funding. Please note that we have separate application forms Feature Films, Documentaries and Series submissions.
Decisions will be communicated ten to twelve weeks after each submission deadline.
Thanks for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you.
While there are no particular genres or budget levels we favour, our preference is to support theatrical quality feature films. We will also consider films which are made for television (MOWs).
In our evaluation, we prioritize the quality of the script and the creative team, along with the appeal of the project to our subscribers. We always welcome projects which have financing from other sources attached.
Our preference is to support projects in the late stage of development. Late stage development (e.g. packaging) is a crucial time to build the future success of a project, but financing for this phase can be hard to access. Also, projects have widely varying needs at this point in their development. As a result, we do not provide guidelines regarding how much financing may be requested. Rather, we expect the producer to present a reasonable development budget that reflects their unique circumstance, and to make a financing request that is appropriate relative to the budget.
Please do not submit outlines, treatments or first drafts for consideration. Competition for financing from the fund is significant, and projects which are closest to the packaging stage will be considered most competitive.
Names of all participants and companies must be removed from the creative materials submitted: script, synopsis, revision notes, director's vision and links to trailer/teaser, if included.
Feature-length Documentaries
We are interested in projects with strong concepts and characters that could potentially compete in the theatrical or festival marketplace. Super Channel is home to documentaries that entertain and surprise our audiences, introducing them to new worlds, characters or ideas. Our documentaries are concept driven, entertaining, fresh and accessible.
We prefer projects where access to subjects has already been established.
We consider very few series proposals, and prefer projects with interest or potential interest from other broadcast partners. We look for distinctive, original content suitable for a Pay TV audience with strong characters, bold concepts and fascinating worlds.
Our preference is to consider projects where a pilot script has already been written. Half hour and hour-long formats are acceptable. We will also consider mini-series and limited run series.
Series submissions are not tied to our deadlines, but we recommend applicants discuss projects with Jackie Pardy, Chief Content Officer, before making a submission.
We do not consider programming from the following genres: news, religion, formal education and pre-school, informal education/recreation and leisure or infomercials, promotional and corporate videos.
Applicant Eligibility:
Super Channel accepts applications from Canadian producers and production companies. The producer must be a Canadian citizen and the production company must be a Canadian owned and controlled corporation, as defined in the Investment Canada Act, with its head office based in Canada. Production companies must operate principally as a film, documentary or television production entity.
The Producer must have produced a feature length film or documentary (75 minutes +) that was released theatrically, broadcast or played at festivals within the last seven years. It is not sufficient for an Executive Producer, Co- or Associate Producer to fulfill this requirement. The Producer applying must meet this credit benchmark.
The applicant must have secured the rights to present the project for the phase of development relevant to the application, and will be asked to submit a chain of title reflecting their ownership of these rights.
Project Eligibility:
Submissions will not be reviewed until all materials on the Document Checklist and Application Form have been received.
Names of all participants and companies must be removed from the creative materials submitted: script (for features), treatment (for documentaries), revision notes, director's vision and links to trailer/teaser, if included.
Films and documentaries must have a projected running time of 75 minutes or more.
Submission materials must be entirely in the English language. We strongly favour projects which, when produced, will be predominantly in the English language.
Official treaty co-productions are eligible for development funding.
The applicant may submit more than one project simultaneously providing they receive approval from their development representative.
The project must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, standards and policies including any requirements in respect of broadcasting and intellectual property, and will not contravene any civil and criminal laws. Acceptable expenditures include those customarily allowed by Telefilm Canada or the CMF.
Resubmissions
Projects which were previously supported for development may only apply for additional development support once the previous development phase is complete and deliverables have been received and approved by Super Channel.
If a project was rejected for development funding by Super Channel, it may be resubmitted only if there are material changes to the script and package and if permission is obtained, in writing, from a Super Channel Development Executive.
Terms and Conditions Governing Submission of Proposals and Materials to Super Channel
Ideas, program formats and literary and other materials (collectively the "Materials") that are submitted to Super Channel (Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc.) may be identical or similar to those which have already been submitted or may be submitted by other producers. In order to prevent any misunderstandings as to the circumstances under which the proposal that you are submitting to Super Channel will be evaluated, the following terms shall govern both parties.
On the Part of the Applicant
1. I hereby represent and warrant that: (a) the Materials I have submitted for review are owned by me and/or; (b) I have the full right to submit the Materials to Super Channel under the terms and conditions stated herein.
2. I agree that Super Channel is not obligated to return the Materials, nor does Super Channel have any obligation for loss or damage to any physical Materials submitted.
3. I understand and agree that I shall not be entitled to any compensation for Super Channel's use of any Materials similar to those that I am now submitting if Super Channel has received a prior similar submission or a subsequent similar submission not based on the actual Materials which I have submitted. I further acknowledge and agree that Super Channel will have the unrestricted right to use such identical or similar materials and I will have no right or recourse against Super Channel in respect of such usage.
4. I confirm that Super Channel has not made any prior representations or commitments to me regarding the Materials and shall not be under any obligation if the Material which I have submitted is not selected for development or pre-licensing by Super Channel.
On the Part of Super Channel
1. Super Channel hereby acknowledges that the Materials submitted to Super Channel for review will be held in the strictest confidence, and that Super Channel will not reveal the Materials to any other party nor make use of the Materials without the Applicant's prior written consent.
2. Super Channel will not make any commercial use of any Materials submitted except under the term of an agreement to be negotiated between the Applicant and Super Channel.
Mutual Provisions
This Agreement shall constitute the entire understanding between Super Channel and Applicant. No other Agreement, written or oral, expressed or implied, exists between the parties with respect to the Materials. Any change to this Agreement must be signed by both parties. Any reference to Super Channel shall be deemed also to refer to Super Channel's directors, officers, agents, employees, licensees, successors and assigns. Super Channel's subsidiary, parent and affiliated corporations, companies under common ownership or control with Super Channel and their directors, officers, agents, employees, licensees, successors and assigns.
What type of programming is Super Channel looking for?
The best way to find out is to watch Super Channel. Because we're a premium service, we want premium product. For feature films and feature length documentaries, the subject matter should have a "big screen" feel. For series, we are looking for distinctive, original shows.
What stages will Super Channel fund in development?
We focus on late stage development.
May I send a demo with my submission?
Yes, you may send links to demos that are available online.
May I pitch in person?
Yes. Please see contact information below.
When can I expect to hear from you?
Decisions will be announced within 2-3 months of the submissions date.
How do I contact Creative Development and Pre-Licensing directly?
Carole Henson | National Liaison for Creative Development | Programming Coordinator
carole.henson@superchannel.ca
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To the Tennessee Board of Regents, elected officials, community leaders, and the supporters of our graduates today, thank you for being here this morning.
To the President of this great institution, Dr. Jerry Faulkner, the faculty, administrators and staff, more appropriately known as my Vol State Family, I am honored and humbled to be invited to offer the commencement address today.
And most important, to our graduates, thank you for allowing me to join you in this celebration and great achievement.
There are many reasons why each of you set out to accomplish this goal to earn a college degree or credential. For some, this journey started with a desire to get a job, or a better paying job. Others know for certain this will serve as a major accomplishment in their life. And there are others that believe earning a college degree is a great way to set an example for their family and community; that committing to higher education is a worthy and possible goal.
In either case, and for reasons that mean the most to you, you have accomplished that goal you set out for yourself today, and so much more.
Today, I would like to talk about one of those bonus gifts you have received from completing your degree; the gift of resilience. There is much talk in the workplace these days about soft skills, and in the halls of academia about critical thinking, and in the home it's known as "using common sense". But resilience can help you acquire all of these personal and professional characteristics we find valuable in our society, and so much more.
The common definition of resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. It's grit, and all those things we believe define someone who demonstrates the determination to flat out get it done!
This bonus gift you have received from your educational journey will benefit you in more ways than you know.
Here are some examples of how resilience can benefit you on your journey ahead.
For starters, you now know that goals are accomplished by committing to taking one more step forward. How many of you remember all the paperwork that was required just to even get to the point of registering for your first class? I had the misfortune of filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid with my daughter a few months ago, and I am now convinced it is the premier barrier for most to enter college. If you have not had this experience, trust me, you are not missing anything.
My point is that while the paperwork required just to get ready to register for your first course was tedious – often seemingly ridiculous at the time, getting beyond that point was critical to developing the resiliency needed to study for that next exam or signing up for tutoring.
There are so many things that have to go right to make college an easy experience. But, what happens when things go wrong?
What inspires me the most today as an advocate in higher education are the stories of how students overcome barriers beyond the imagination of most. Many of you have lost loved-ones during your journey, lost jobs, or run short on money due to unforeseen circumstances.
Today, we are celebrating you because you did not accept your circumstance as the end of the road.
As you look to each side of you, hopefully, you realize that the resilience you have demonstrated in this achievement has also helped the people around you. Yes, resilience can be contagious, and last for several decades, if not centuries.
My father, who has joined me here today, spent months laying bricks in Memphis after graduating high school to earn enough money to pay for college. He remains one of the few in his family to have earned a college degree. He is the symbol of his family back home for what is possible when you commit to your goal and embrace education.
He went on to earn his bachelor's degree, still laying bricks in the summer time during college, and then on to earn a masters and doctorate.
I say that resilience can be contagious for a long time because you have no idea what your accomplishment today will do for those not even born yet. From my father, there are five kids. Collectively, my siblings and I have earned six bachelor's degrees, six master's degrees, and one Ph.D.
Were it not for his commitment to taking steps forward, and overcoming barriers along with way, I am not certain the accomplishment of his kids would be what it is today.
From our vantage point here on the stage, and in the stands, we see before us a masterpiece of resiliency.
There were many that joined you in taking the first step forward, and the second step, and maybe even a few more. But somehow, their progress slowed or ended.
Volunteer State Community College has made tremendous progress in offering the supports necessary to increase the number of graduates that walk across the stage each year. During my time here, we only had one commencement ceremony in May. Now, the institution needs two to accommodate the volume of graduates each year.
But we have much more ground to cover in this effort to improve student success.
For many of your colleagues that have stopped out along the way, they encountered barriers that were too insurmountable - from their perspective - to continue on the journey. Family issues, work obligations, financial insecurities, even food insecurities are factors that impact the progress of today's students.
While the responsibility to get back on track is on the person, your presence, your encouragement, and your accomplishment today can make a tremendous difference in helping Tennessee in this worthy effort.
I close by encouraging each of you to reach out to one that you know and encourage them to consider coming back to college, or share your story with someone that is on the fence about entering college, or offer your time and resources to support the Volunteer State Community College Foundation.
Your accomplishment today is just that important, and can have more impact than you know.
Congratulations graduates, and thank you.


Choose from more than 120 unique motorhomes or caravans and book your amazing holiday with Camptoo. A weekend getaway or a long summer holiday? Our process is super easy and we offer a wide and affordable range of vehicles!
Camptoo makes sure you can hit the road safely and properly insured. We check the motorhomes and caravans, offer a secure payment system and with the reviews of fellow campers we provide a community you can trust.
The Camptoo support team is always there for you! Personal contact is our top priority and we are happy to give you advice when you need our help.
By hiring a properly insured privately-owned motorhome or caravan you can save money and have a sustainable holiday. Meet the owners and share your experiences with our camper community.
Very easy to use the camptoo site.
Easy to hire caravan. Caravan had everything we needed and was spotless. Craig very helpful.
Easy to use and very straight forward. Will use it again!!!!
Very easy. Happy with the experience!
So great to hire a camper that takes pets. Process worked well. Thank you.
Excellent service from Camptoo, easy to deal with, clear and understandable, no improvements required.
Very happy with Camptoo. I will continue to book future holidays through camptoo.
Camptoo were great to work with, with every part of the hire. They clearly lay down their process and next steps, and questions were answered promptly. Sometimes we think we are taking a bit of a risk going outside the companies with the big reputations, but our experience with Camptoo was excellent and offers a cheaper option for hiring.
Very easy to use. Brandon was very supportive all the way through the booking. Top!
Thank you Waiting for my bond other than that everything is great!
We didn't have to contact camptoo to solve us any problems, but the website, the messenger system work perfectly. Our bond was released on time and in full (we didn't damaged anything).
It was pretty straightforward so no complaints- just the insurance element perhaps wasn't as clear as it might have been but sorted this out in the end.
All good apart from not mentioning breakdown insurance not included in day insurance.
Camptoo were really helpful and patiently dealt with my concerns as and when they arose.
For stumbling onto the site for the first time, it was really easy to use and i had no issues. Was a little confused when trying to pay my bond as it tripped the fraud alert on my CC. I guess, collecting the rental and bond on the same transaction would have avoided my problem. But it was more of a credit card issue anyways.
The communication was very good through the website. The support team was very helpful .The only thing that is not very clear is where to upload the transfer form at the end of the rental .It would be good if there was a link/ button to make it more convenient. Also, in the transfer form you should add the time of the pick up/drop off, as many times hirers get speed or parking tickets, or toll invoices, so the owners can identify/prove when the offence happened.
It's good but be great if you could supply insurance.
The team at Camptoo went above and beyond to help us on our getaway. We originally booked another van that had to have an immediate repair but Camptoo came through with the goods and chased up another option that was as close to what we were originally hoping for, great service, will use again!
Yes we were happy with the booking process and communication.
This was our first experience with Camptoo. What a great idea. Everything worked well with the reservation process and with dealing with the van owner. I look forward to using Camptoo again.
Thank you for your kind support, everything was very easy with your help.
Camptoo is very well organised and kept updating with the owners of our van.
We are very happy with our first experience hiring from Camptoo for a two week van camping trip in New South Wales and Victoria. They were very responsive to our questions and everything went smoothly. Highly recommend.
Yes no complaints really. Thanks! Was a good value for money also.
Very easy to contact. Very quick and helpfull.
Great, seamless process - thank you!
Guy's your site was very easy to use and you were very quick to get back to me with a few queries that I had. I liked that insurance was included in the rate. You just need to get a few more on your books in the Melbourne area but all in all I was very happy. Thank you.
Great communication throughout the time of hire.
Good support over the phone.. The only issue I had was with the web site in managing my trip, which could do with some flexibility or interaction after the booking is confirmed.
This has been a pretty easy process. Any questions I've had have been answered and feel the support is excellent. Thank you!
I believe that for the % Camptoo charges, it ought to include more services. Comparable services in the US include insurance, for example (as does AirBNB).
Camptoo was quite easy, first time I've used the site. I wasnt too familiar with the booking process or the bond required, however received prompts and reminders via email and sms which streamlined it all.
Camphor was sensational! We will be booking again.
This is the second time that not being able to transfer a phone number by message has caused issues. The first time i lost a hire because of it. This time was a very last minute hire, and urgently needed the phone number, Although the Camptoo team got it to me after about 1.5 hours, this was frustrating when trying to organise drop off.
All was good until it came to the reimbursement for the van breakdown. Your finance people dropped the ball.
Good communication, informative and supportive for first time users, and the best part was how quick and easy it was to pay/release the bond. Great job guys!
It was our first time with camptoo and it was straight forward to use which made our holiday experience all the better . Will be using this again.
We have been pleased with the professionalism of Camptoo. Communications were always addressed immediately and we have advised others of your service.
Was easy and efficient. Was the cheapest alternative to owning your own. Love using the site.
Very easy experience with good communication through the whole process.
I didnt appreciate you guys trying to wangle another $200 out of me for things the owner had fixed under insurance (outside the dates we had it too..) that said I appreciate you playing medium between myself and the owner to try to hurry up the bond release.
Camptoo website is user friendly and all communication was prompt. The reservation and payment process was easy and the ease of booking through Camptoo made our holiday even more enjoyable. Highly recommended.
My experience with Camptoo was fantastic! Found it super handy getting regular email and text notifications if something needed following up on or simple FYI's, and the team was always super efficient. Can't fault them. Thanks guys will be going through this website again.
The Camptoo system is very logical. Bit confusing is that many owners show Free in their calendars but the hire was still impossible.
The process was easy and efficient. I'd recommend it.
I loved going through Camptoo to book our camper. They made everything so easy to manage, and kept us informed every step of the way. Well done guys!
We loved every minute in Bernie. She didn't miss a beat. What a great way to cruise along our beautiful coast line. Was great being able to pick the van up so easily and have everything you needed. Solar panel was also great allowing us to not have to rely on powered sites. Would definitely recommend Bernie.
Craig was very professional, showing us all the ins and outs of the caravan. The caravan was spotless and had all the basics we needed for our 6 days, easy to tow. We enjoyed our first time camping Thank You Craig.
We had great four days away in Angelique's van. Fantastic communication and nothing was a trouble for her. Thank you again for letting us your camper.
We had a wonderful time in Kath's Camper and communications with Kath couldn't have been better. It was an easy pick up by cab from Hobart airport. We had some problems with the water pump but Kath was great at giving support over the phone and it didn't dampen anything!
A lovely cosy little camper that drives beautifully.
Our experience with Camptoo and Radmilo's motor home was awesome. The motor home was in excellent condition with all accessories present and the handover and return of bond with Simon was seamless making the whole adventure one to remember - thoroughly recommended.
We had a fantastic holiday in Nicole & Aaron's caravan. It was extremely well decked out and had everything we needed. Nicole and Aaron were very knowledgeable in relation to setting up the caravan and tips on towing. We would definitely hire a caravan from them again. Thank you.
I wasn't going to write a review, but I keep getting emails requesting one so here goes. The van was just adequate. A lot of little things would have made a big difference. We ran out of water because the tank had not been filled. The cap for the tank which was attached to the van with duct tape, actually fell off as we were driving. We couldn't put the annexe up because we could only find one rope. The curtains weren't actually big enough to cover the windows to provide privacy at night. The van was a bit disappointing overall.
First time I have booked a caravan before and what an experience! First off I would like to thank Elizabeth for making this experience very enjoyable for us! She was very happy and friendly with us and was very easy to deal with. The caravan is almost brand new, in excellent condition and is very cozy and comfortable to stay in. We loved it and definitely will book again with Elizabeth!
The stay in Gypsy May was just lovely! We got married out in the Bush and got the benefit of staying in Gypsy May on our wedding night as well as a few days before and after the wedding day. Amanda had set it up so lovely and thought of all the little details. Great stay and great host, we can only recommend!
Jay's Camper was fabulous. We had it for 3 weeks with no mishaps or hic-cups. The only thing missing was the right attachment to connect to the water at camping grounds. However we were able to spend as much time as we wanted off the grid. Jay was a pleasure to work with throughout the trip as well as after and during the planning. I would hire her Camper again if available when next we travel to South Australia.
Great Van and even better service from Rye. He communicated well and had the Van spotless on pickup. We thourghly enjoyed our mini break.
heel goede ontvangst met volledige uitleg en rondgang voor alle toebehoren. Prima overnachtingen gehad maar geen gebruik gemaakt van de voortent omdat ik bij medecampeerders terecht kon. Wc en lavabo in een wel erg beperkte ruimte (ik ben tamelijk groot). Warm en koud water in orde. Zeker voor herhaling vatbaar.
Radmilo and Simon help us out on everything we needed during our journey. The motorhome is in excellent condition with everything clean and very organised. Every appliance works and the comforts of this vehicle is outstanding. If you fly to Lauceston I recommend organising the transport to Lilydale before you arrive and leave.
We absolutely loved Tony's camper. It was roomy, clean and chugged along the freeway with no trouble at all. Would love to do it again. Tony was great and easy to communicate. Only issue? No wine or champagne glasses. Cheers.
Amazing van! The van exceeded all our expectations and helped us have the most amazing weekend possible. The van is really well maintained. Darren is an extremely helpful and accommodating host. I couldn't recommend hiring this van more. A+++++!
Thanks so much for the lend of the Van, it's very comfortable, clean and very reliable. Belinda was also a great help if we had questions.
Callum was very accommodating with the rental of the camper. The Kia was indeed cozy with a comfortable bed and all the supplies you need to sort out meals for a weekend or longer. My only complaint is that I wish i had more time!
The van was amazing as we had torrential rain and it kept us all nice and dry. The van is in perfect condition and would be happy to hire again for next year.
Hi Sarah I wanted to start by saying thank you your father was extremely helpful and did his best to get us off on our holiday and was a champion. Our holiday was great and made easy by this large comfy camper the kids had a blast.
Had a great time in this camper. Graham explained all we needed to know and everything was also documented. Off we set for a great weekend in this lovely warm comfortable, well kitted motorhome. Although it is pet friendly there was absolutely no trace or scent of a dog. Graham was most helpful and contactable. Full deposit returned to us on our return of the campervan. 5stars ***** cant wait to hire again. Thank you.
Camper van was lovely so clean and comfortable, easy to work and owner was lovely and went through everything. only issue was camptoo didn't explain breakdown cover, only could pay deposit through credit card and was very hard to get in touch with. Phoned them 7 times before some one got back to me.
Thanks Jon! Awesome service and van! Thanks for the hospitality!
Molly was a real dream, perfect for a couple or solo traveller who like spending their time outdoors. Super cozy inside with all the storage space you need below made for a great trip from Syd to 12 Apostles and back the east coast line. Thanks heaps, Shane!
Our time away in Colin's van was really enjoyable. "Bernie" The Handsome One took us everywhere we wanted to go with olde worlde charm. Colin was easy to communicate with and flexible with pick-up and drop-off times which was very helpful.
Hi, Our trip was excellent. First we met with Dominique and he explained everything about the camper. He was very kind, friendly and helpful. And his caravan was very comfortable and cozy. Highly recommended. When we will plan our next trip we will choose his camper again. We hope it will be available.
Great camper with lots of amenities. Would recommend to other travellers!
Supergood van!!! Absolutely recommendable. It's a really cosy van, everything works perfectly and is very confortable for driving. Great experience with Josh and his van!!!!!!
We rented Nigel's van for two weeks in March 2019. Nigel is supportive and very conscientious. He was instantly responsive to the electrical problem we had. (One of the van batteries was not functioning properly). We were able to work around the problem and other than that the van worked very well and was very well equipped. We had a wonderful holiday and wouldn't hesitate to rent the van from Nigel again.
Hi, We really enjoyed our trip to Mt.Kosciuszko and Blue Mountain with the Motorhomes. Travelling with 2 adults and 4 kids, the camper space is spacious. We love it so much! The owner also very friendly and helpful in sharing some camper tips and his experience. 5 star for his services.
The Jayco Swift camper was awesome for the three of us. Easy to tow and the perfect size. Easy to set up and very clean and functional inside. Elizabeth and the staff at Camptoo answered all my queries promptly and professionally. Would definitely hire again. Thanks!
Chris and Megan were fantastic to deal with, communication was great, the caravan was perfect. I highly recommend them.
Everything works fine, the camper was perfect. Margaret was really nice and helpfull.
It was a pleasure to go around with Callums camper. Callum was very easy to contact and helpfull. His camper is an older car but everthing is functioning. The gear is a little bit hard to manage but once you are used to its no problem. The camper has a big fridge and two stoves. The mattress of the bed is very comfortable and Callum even provided beddings. You can charge your devices and read a book in the night because the camper has light. I would hire it again. Great experience!
We had such a wonderful time in this RV! Felt very homely and the bed is so so comfortable. Easy to drive and overall a great experience!
Just wanted to say that the fiat motor home Mim provided was just as it was described. Mim allowed me to pick it up at a time that suited me. The motor home was very comfortable and everything worked Provided at a reasonable rate with insurance, my wife and I are glad we chose this camper and would recommend it to anyone looking for one in the Melbourne area.
Great little 4 day trip around Friesland with Luuks van. Easy to drive, lots of space inside and really comfy couches/bed. Great storage, and it really is cosy without being too small inside, even for two, and even trapped in by the weather. The interior with the wood is warm, and with ample lights/sockets, and a full kitchen with all utensils and cooking supplies, nothing was a problem. Communication with Luuk was easy and quick. Would recommend booking to all - already looking forward to my next trip!
This van was built with exceptional love and care! Hired the van for 4 days, we love all the little details inside the van that applies to the day to day travel.
Hi Ahmar, We had a great time with the boys. We would love to use your camper again. The only thing needed if possible is an extra set of seatbelts for 2 people up at the front table as air con unit down the back doesn't operate whilst driving . This meant it is impossible to drive with passengers down the rear of the camper, so they sat up the front table with no seatbelts ( so If I had an accident my insurance would be void). Very comfortable & easy to drive. Cheers Sam.
The Tin Tent was very well equipped and really comfortable. Bev was extremely helpful, and gave us lots of useful advice. Absolutely brilliant!
We had an amazing holiday along the Central Coast, NSW. LoveLife is a beautiful, spacious, fully equipped motorhome, and Ahmar was very accommodating to ensure we had everything we need! Thank you!
Excellent van, very easy to drive, the camper conversion was great and very comfortable. My partner and I travelled to Adelaide for an overnight stay for a wedding. The van was so close to the airport, it made the process so much easier and cheaper (which was our original reason for hiring it) The pickup and drop off was really quick and easy. Overall, I'm glad we did it and will do it again :) thank you Skye!
The first time we have used a caravan and due to Scott and Cass it was nothing short of sensational! I was walked through set up and and break down of the van thoroughly, there were supplies and even some choccies! Scott explained everything and made me feel extremely comfortable with the van which just added to our family's holiday experience. We couldn't recommend Scott and Cass and the van highly enough. Out of 5 stars......6.
The van ticked all the boxes, big enough to enjoy some creature comforts without being too big. John & Marjie gave us some great tips on routes to take & any little quirks the van had & we greatly appreciated their help in dropping us back off at our departure point.
Bruce was perfect for our 4 day trip to Denmark. A little tired but super reliable, well equipped and a fun ride once you figure out the nooks and crannies. Dan was flexible and responsive both before and during the trip. Would definitely take Bruce on our next trip around WA!
Had a excellent time in Andrew's campervan! The van was very well laid out, very comfortable and was equipped with pretty much everything we needed for the trip. Andrew was very friendly and helpful and I'd highly recommend his van!
This caravan was great . It was comfortable ,spacious ,clean and well equipped . The beds are comfortable and it was suitable for a family.. the owners Chris and Megan were a pleasure to deal with. Definitely will be hiring this again !
Scott and Cass are very lovely people. Scott show us how to use the van before leaving and throughly checked that everything was in working order. They went the extra mile when and was understand of things been left behind. Could not fault the van nor the people. Customers for life.
Bec and Dave were great, very easy to deal with and gave me an awesome rundown on the camper telling me everything I needed to know and a few handy tips as it was my first time using one. Recommend them to anyone wanting to try out the pop top campers they were super helpful. Thanks Bec and Dave we had a super holiday in your camper.
Had a wonderful holiday in Tasmania thanks to Sue and her motorhome. Sue was extremely helpful, prompt with communication and keen to help however possible. The motorhome was very well presented and so comfortable. It was easy to drive and well appointed. I have no hesitation in recommending Sue and her motorhome.
We had the best weekend in your campervan. It was the perfect van for us, with everything we needed and more. We slept really well, were able to cook proper meals in the oven and make lots of tea :) . We loved it, thank you!
Hi yes Mike and partner are a very nice couple looked after van and kept very clean.
Jane and Nic were great renters. They were very friendly, careful with the van and arrived/returned on time.
It was a pleasure hiring out our Swift camper to Andy. Great communication, no issues. Please hire again!
Thanks for the hire all the best for future travels.
Mollie was a great first renter! I supplied the wrong hook-up cable but Mollie was very reasonable about it and managed to borrow an adapter from the campsite. Mollie returned the Campervan refuelled and on time.
Bridie was excellent in communication, and took very good care of the van. She returned it very clean and tidy. I would definitely recommend her as a hirer.
Mark and his wife were fantastic from start to finish. They kept to their word and looked after the camper. It came back the Same as it left which was very encouraging. It was hoovered and cleaned. We had good communication during their stay in it. I'm giving them a 5 star rating because of their trust knowledge and friendliness while using my camper.
Neal and Janet were a pleasure to deal with, they had the utmost respect for the motor home and looked after it like it was their own. I just wish other hirers were like Neal & Janet.
Really lovely guests. Our van was returned in good condition and everything was at it should be. A very genuine and honest couple that we would very highly recommend and also welcome back.
Daniel was excellent. Communication was impeccable. Which was a match to his punctuality, and care that he showed when using the caravan. I'm more than happy to rent to Daniel again. Lovely experience, excellent renter!
Clancy is a fantastic guy. Was very glad to have had the opportunity to meet and chat with him.
Allison and family took good care of the caravan. Helped me set it up as well at their place.
Easy to deal with Hassle free Transaction.
Mick and Paddy are a lovely couple. Easy to communicate with and very responsible. They were very understanding regarding the electrical issue with the fridge and Im glad it worked on gas. It's all fixed now, which is great. Thanks for the delicious grapes too, and I'm glad you enjoyed the tomatoes from the garden :-) Would not hesitate to rent to them again.
Loxley returned Winnie in good condition. No problems found. I would rent to him again.
Kate was good and honest with her communication, and left the van very clean. i would be happy to hire my van to her again in the future. thanks Kate!
Our hirer was fantastic. Very flexible at pick up and drop off. He looked after our van as if it was his own. Thanks for being so conscientious!
Thanks for taking good care of the van and for providing constructive feedback for me as a new van owner. It was a pleasure to meet you!
It was a pleasure dealing with Katrina and her crew. Such nice, down to earth people. I wish all my future hirers are as pleasant as her. Definitely would not hesitate to help her out again. Thanks again!
I would happily rent out our van to Kerry again. Kerry and her family were such lovely and respectful people. They took great care with our van and communication was clear and easy.
Coastal Cruizing Caravan was returned clean and tidy as requested .Would be delighted to rent to Brain anytime. Monique and I are glad you have a wonderful time away.
Rick & his family were great to deal with and took fantastic care of our van and would happily hire to them again.
Dave was great and a pleasure to hire to. It was great to help him and his family out for their Christmas holiday after an unexpected change of circumstances. Would not hesitate hiring again.
Great renters! Great communication, easy pick up and drop off. The Van come back beautifully clean. Lovely couple who knew what they were doing. We would very happily rent to you anytime.. thank you for getting in touch with us.
Marina and her husband were really lovely people and appreciated the fun nature of the van and the attention it got.
It was lovely to meet Ben and his family. They treated the van with care and respect and returned it in perfect condition.
Kerryn was awesome, as this was our first experience with Camptoo their understanding and assistance was greatly appreciated. Would gladly rent to them again.
Jeff and his family rented our bus and were super respectful and very easy to deal with. They brought it back clean and on time. We are more then happy to rent to them again.
Marone and her friend are communicative, letting us know in advance when they would come to pick up and return the Avan. They have kept things tidy and clean. We were glad to learn that they like Tasmania and plan to visit again.
Great Family - who treated the van like it was their own. Great happy and easy to deal with - van was left in great condition and more than happy for them to rent our van any time they would like to.
It was such a pleasure to rent out my van to Ludwig and his family. They treated the van with great care like it was their own. It makes my heart smile to know that I was able to make their special holiday an adventure with the use of the van. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any van owner. Very descent folk.
Barry and Marian hired my Motorhome while visiting Tasmania. After their 10 day trip they returned it in perfect condition, clean, tidy and full of fuel. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Thanks Barry and Marian for being ideal hirers!
Kylie was really great and easy to organize the pick up and drop off of the caravan. The caravan was returned clean and very tidy. She was a pleasure to deal with.
Chris and Jip were so lovely. Being photographers ourselves we had alot in common. We're delighted they used our van for their Isle of Skye adventure and would welcome them back any time!! They took great care of our camper and there was great communication throughout. Thanks guys!
Great renter, no problems at all.
John and his wife were great renters! communications prior/during and post to the rental were fantastic and the van came back in immaculate condition. I would highly recommend John as a renter! Thanks John!
What a lovely young family. They were a delight to deal with from beginning to end. We were so glad to help them have a wonderful time away for a well deserved break.
Helen was an absolute joy to deal with when she hired out our camper and she left Harry in a very clean condition. I would thoroughly recommend Helen as a hirer.
Richard and Elle and their kids were a pleasure to have, they took very good care of our Foggy would definitely hire to them again in the future if they wanted too. Thank you.
Laia is a very trustworthy and honest person. The van was returned in an excellent condition. And I hope I can rent it to them again.
Delighted to have Jeremy and Kate as renters. The van was returned in pristine condition and my requests regarding general maintenance adhered to. Excellent experience.
Liz and John were perfect customers, looking after the camper as if it was their own and returning it in a clean, swept out condition. They also shared some great photos of them enjoying the camper over on the west coast.
Chris was a great customer. He communicated his needs and timing well, arrived when he said he would and was very pleasant to deal with. The caravan was returned clean and tidy.


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Flowers That Do Well in Poor Dry Soil
By Callie Barber ; Updated September 21, 2017
coneflower image by David Dorner from Fotolia.com
Creating a colorful garden in clay, sandy soils that are starved of nutrients is possible. In fact, many perennial flowers thrive in harsh conditions like drought and high humidity but without sacrificing their colorful, vibrant blooms. Flowers that do well in dry, poor soils are often drought- and humidity-tolerant--a good indicator that the plant is able to withstand nutrient-poor conditions.
Purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are a perennial flower with a moderate growth rate and clump-like form. Drought-, heat- and humidity-tolerant, purple coneflowers thrive in poor, dry soils. Purple coneflowers grow 3 to 6 feet in height and 1 to 3 feet wide, ideal for lining a flower bed.
Low-maintenance, purple coneflowers have pink and purple blooms that emerge in late summer and grow 6 inches wide. Blooming through fall, the lance-shaped leaves are bright green to and oblong. Purple coneflowers attract butterflies and bumblebees to the garden and prefer full sun and well-drained soils to thrive. To promote flowering, cut back or deadhead spent blooms as soon as they are visible. The USDA hardiness zone for planting is 3 to 9.
Lance-leaved coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) is a fast-growing perennial bloom that grows in clumps ranging from 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. Drought-tolerant, coreopsis flowers grow well in a wide range of soil types, including poor, dry soil. The summer-blooming yellow flowerheads on lance-leaved coreopsis have a toothed edging and make striking, long-lasting fresh cut flowers. Heat- and humidity-tolerant, lance-leaved coreopsis blooms are ideal grown in arid climates where moisture is limited.
Lance-leaved coreopsis flowers require full sun to partial shade. Divide the coreopsis in early spring to plant in other areas of the garden like a perennial bed or meadow garden. Deadhead, or remove spent blooms on the lance-leaved coreopsis to promote new growth. The zone for planting is 4 to 9.
Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis) is extremely tolerant of poor soils, including both sandy and clay varieties. Goldenrod grows in a clump-like forms that reach 1 to 3 feet high and wide. The gray-green foliage holds the yellow flower plumes that often attract butterflies to the garden. Goldenrod flowers bloom in fall to last through winter, making for long-lasting bloom.
Deer-, drought- and frost-tolerant, goldenrod is a hard perennial flower to grow in a dry rock garden for a bright burst of color. Goldenrod prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Prolific at self-seeding, goldenrod can be divided in spring or fall to spread throughout the landscape. The zone for planting is 2 to 9.
Fine Gardening: Purple Coneflower
Fine Gardening: Lance-leaved Coreopsis
Fine Gardening: Goldenrod
The United States National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Callie Barber has been writing professionally since 2002. Barber's love for design and writing inspired her to create Design Your Revolution, a blog that shares creative and affordable ways to decorate indoor and outdoor living environments. Her articles have appeared on Travels.com and GardenGuides.com. Barber holds a Bachelors of Arts in international studies from the University of North Carolina.
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Perennial Plants & Shrubs
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SYNOPSIS | ScaredSacred
In a world teetering on the edge of self-destruction, award-winning filmmaker Velcrow Ripper sets out on a unique pilgrimage. Visiting the 'Ground Zeros' of the planet, he asks if it's possible to find hope in the darkest moments of human history.
Ripper travels to the minefields of Cambodia; war-torn Afghanistan; the toxic wasteland of Bhopal; post-9/11 New York; Bosnia; Hiroshima; Israel and Palestine. This powerful documentary captures his five-year odyssey to discover if humanity can transform the 'scared' into the 'sacred'.
Deep in the jungles of Cambodia, Ripper meets Aki Ra, a child soldier forced to lay landmines for the Khmer Rouge. Today Aki wanders his ravaged country with a simple wooden stick, decommissioning thousands of mines each year. In the shattered land of Afghanistan, Ripper searches for a Sufi musician who was banned from performing or even listening to music, by the reign of fundamentalism. The musician discovered a way out: he filled his house with songbirds. In each Ground Zero, he unearths unforgettable stories of survival, of ritual, resilience and recovery.
ScaredSacred deftly weaves together stunning footage with haunting memories, inspirational stories, and an evocative soundscape. Featuring an engaging, first-person narrative, this film is an exquisite portrait of a search for meaning in times of turmoil, a luminous gift to a world in shadows.
Running time: 105 min.
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