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Good Fight
Robert Kagan, William Kristol
But now Bush is about to become president and he shows signs of understanding that his presidency cannot mostly be about continuing to let the good times roll. Nowhere is the need for change, supported by steely determination, greater than in American foreign and defense policy. The need for a radical change of course is clear on four issues: the defense budget, missile defense, China, and Iraq.
Clinton Legacy Abroad: His Sins of Omission in Foreign and Defense Policy
Robert Kagan
Clinton's last-minute grandstanding has caused real damage. Even as the American-brokered negotiations crumbled and violence erupted earlier this year, Clinton had his people lobbying the Nobel committee for his peace prize. In the end, it was all about Bill Clinton.
Advancing Democracy: The Clinton Legacy
Thomas Carothers, Harold Koh, Elliot Abrams
As President Clinton exits the White House, Harold Koh, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, evaluates the administration's strategy for and record of advancing democracy around the world.
Moisés Naím
Why Bush's Missile Plan Might Bomb
Rethinking Foreign Policy Structures
William J. Drake, Jamie Metzl
Politics of National Defense in National Elections
Joseph Cirincione
Columbia International Affairs Online
Unless taken to an extreme, the particulars of a national candidate's defense policy positions are not likely to swing voters one way or the other.
Non-Proliferation Regime After the Elections
Election Matrix
Presentation at the College of William and Mary by Carnegie Senior Associate Joseph Cirincione
Ticking 'Legacies'
People who think Bill Clinton will go down in history as a poor foreign policy president are wrong. In the tradition of Eisenhower and George H. W. Bush, he has left ticking time bombs all over the place, any or all of which are likely to go off within the next four years. This will do wonders for his own reputation and provide an escape from chumphood.


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Nattering Nabobs of Neighborly Nuisance: Coop Unit Owners Trade Noise Complaints
Posted on July 29, 2021 | Comments Off on Nattering Nabobs of Neighborly Nuisance: Coop Unit Owners Trade Noise Complaints
This was originally posted on the SGR Blog.
Residential coop living comes with adjacent neighbors and the concomitant sounds of nearby use and occupancy. But how much "noise" is too much "noise" so as to amount to an actionable "nuisance". As a recent case illustrates, every "noise" may not rise to the level of legally cognizable "nuisance".
Richard L. Getty, a musician and the lessee of a cooperative apartment, brought a Small Claims action against Mike Tolentino and Laura Tolentino, the owners of a vertically adjoining cooperative apartment based upon loud music being played. Getty claimed the Tolentinos played loud music that constituted a nuisance and interfered with his ability to profit from an Airbnb deal.
The Tolentinos, one of whom was a musician, counterclaimed claiming that Getty played "satanic music" and of "construction noises", and excessively rang the door buzzer, and banged on the floor constituting a nuisance that interfered with the Tolentino's ability to prepare for musical performance and music lessons, resulting in the loss of profit from a sale of the cooperative apartment.
Mediation failed. And the Court held a trial.
At trial, Getty testified that he owned the cooperative unit that he purchased in 2002 for $40,000. In late 2019, early 2020, Getty heard noise, guitar playing, singing, and banging emanating from Tolentinos upstairs adjoining unit during the day into the evening up to 8:00 p.m. Getty left a note on Tolentinos' door and later called the building management and the police. The police report stated the responding officer heard guitar playing and stomping after exiting the elevator on September 19, 2020, at 5:09 p.m. and Tolentino said he would stop playing for the night.
Getty put the unit on Airbnb for rental from December 20, 2020, to January 11, 2021, for $4,947 and found a renter that previously stayed in the unit. The potential renter in electronic correspondence raised the issue of noise from the neighbor on a previous stay and said he had to confirm with his wife. An hour and a half later, the potential renter backed out.
Getty made recordings on his phone of the music coming from Tolentinos' unit, but they were not in a form that could be preserved in the record. He also testified he tried to sell his unit and hired a broker.
Getty said the noise prevented him from conducting Portuguese lessons.
A co-worker from the Metropolitan Opera testified that she had visited the Getty's apartment several times in January and February of 2021 and heard the noises. She was interested in renting Getty's unit but decided not to because of the noise.
The owner of the unit in the neighboring building, whose daughter owned a unit in Getty's building, testified that she was in her daughter's unit three times in the last year and heard noise and singing coming from Tolentinos' unit.
The Tolentinos' bandmate testified that they practiced Saturdays and Wednesdays from noon to 6:00 p.m. in Tolentinos' unit playing acoustic guitars and listening to music. He heard banging from the ceiling of the unit below and heard the door buzzer ring for two minutes at a time. He also heard loud music and extended "Joker" laughing coming from Getty's unit. He witnessed the Tolentinos make a recording of the noises coming from Getty's unit. The Port Chester police responded, but no summonses were issued. The witness wanted to buy the unit from the Tolentinos and made an offer in March of 2020, but there was no written contract because the Tolentino told him not to buy the unit.
The parties agreed that the Cooperative Corporation's rules prohibited subletting. The rules did not bar the playing of music. The "Joker" laughing continued for 55 minutes. The bandmate offered $40,000 to buy the unit.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Getty had no music jobs booked and was unable to conduct lessons.
To recover for loss of profits, Getty was required to demonstrate that the Tolentinos either breached a contract or committed a tortious act.
According to a legal treatise: "There is perhaps no more impenetrable jungle in the entire law than that which surrounds the word `nuisance'. It has meant all things to all men".
The elements of the tort of private nuisance are (1) an interference, substantial in nature, (2) intentional in origin, (3) unreasonable in character, (4) with a plaintiff's right to use and enjoy the land, (5) caused by a defendant's conduct.
The reasonableness of conduct is measured by reference to the ordinarily reasonable person. Apartment-house living in a metropolitan area is attended with certain well-known inconveniences and discomforts. The peace and quiet of a rural estate or the sylvan silence of a mountain lodge cannot be expected in a multiple dwelling. Mutual forbearance and the golden rule should, but unfortunately in many cases do not act as the yardstick for the conduct of tenants in apartment houses. Reasonable consideration of the comforts of neighbors should be exercised by the occupants.
Devotion to the development of one's musical abilities is viewed as being of high utility and, when conducted within reasonable parameters, it would usually be held to outweigh the harm or annoyance suffered by those exposed to it. It is generally stated that there are certain inconveniences which people living in populous areas must tolerate. Musical instrument practice commonly falls within this category. It was outside the Court's province to differentiate between musical pursuits and say, for example, that a piano is a legitimate musical instrument and drums are not. Each must be equally respected and protected.
The Court found that Tolentino's practice of guitar and vocals did not constitute a nuisance as there was no testimony that it continued late into the night nor was there any evidence of Tolentino's intent to have any sound enter Getty's dwelling unit.
The elements of the tort of interference with the contract are: (1) the existence of a valid contract, (2)a defendant's knowledge of that contract, (3) the defendant's intentional procuring of the breach, and (4) damages. The tort of interference with a contract requires the existence of a valid contract between a plaintiff and a third party. A defendant's actual knowledge of an existing contract is an essential element of a cause of action for tortious interference. The Court found there was no evidence that either party knew of the existence of any valid contract between the other party and a third party. Therefore, no interference with the contract was proven.
The elements of interference with a prospective contract or business relationship are: (1) a defendant's knowledge of a plaintiff's business opportunity with another party, (2) the defendant's intentional interference with that opportunity, (3) the defendant's use of wrongful means for the sole purpose of inflicting harm, (4) a showing that the contract or prospective business relationship would have been entered into but for the defendant's interference, and (5) resulting damages.
A cause of action for interference with prospective contract or business relationship required proof of more culpable conduct on the part of Tolentino. Specifically, Getty was required to show that Tolentino interfered with a prospective business opportunity either through the use of wrongful means or for the sole purpose of inflicting harm on Getty. An interference-with-prospective-contract or business-relationship claim required that Tolentino had knowledge of the prospective contract or business relationship.
The Court found there was no proof that either party: (1) had knowledge of the other's business opportunity with another party, (2) intentionally interfered with that opportunity, (3) used wrongful means for the sole purpose of inflicting harm, or (4) that the contract or prospective business relationship would have been entered into but for the other's interference.
The parties agreed that the cooperative rules prohibit subletting. But Getty argued that renting using Airbnb was not subletting.
A sublease is a grant by a tenant with an interest in the demised premises which is less than the tenant's own, retaining to the tenant a reversion. If a tenant retains a reversion in himself, he has made a sub-lease.
Airbnb does not own properties. It acts as an intermediary, a broker between those who want to rent out space and those who are looking for space to rent. Airbnb offers someone's home as a place to stay. The owner lists his property for rental and a renter will enter information and pay for the use. The stay periods are usually less than one month.
Here, Getty proposed using Airbnb to broker the rental of his unit for a three to four-week period. Thereafter, Getty would have the right to resume possession. That was a proposed sublease. There was no proof of any waiver of that prohibition or any consent to any sublet. It was not permitted by the cooperative's rules. Getty could have no reasonable expectation to lawfully profit by such a sublease and therefore had no damages.
The burden of proof rests on the party asserting the claim. That meant that Getty was required to establish, by a fair preponderance of the credible evidence, that the claim Getty made was true. Same for the Tolentinos' case. The credible evidence meant the testimony or exhibits was worthy to be believed. A preponderance of the evidence means the greater part of such evidence. That does not mean the greater number of witnesses or the greater length of time taken by either side. It refers to the quality of the evidence, that is, its convincing quality, the weight, and the effect that it has on minds. The law requires that in order to prevail on a claim, the evidence that supports the claim must appear as more nearly representing what took place than the evidence opposed to the claim. If it does not, or if it weighs so evenly that one is unable to say that there is a preponderance on either side, then the question must be decided in favor of the other party. It is only if the evidence favoring the party asserting the claim outweighs the evidence opposed to it that one can find in favor of that party.
Each party had the burden of proof of the other's liability and its own damages. Even in the relatively relaxed and informal atmosphere of a small or commercial claims action, each party had the burden of establishing its case by a preponderance of the evidence. And each party had the burden of proving the extent of their damages and the court cannot guess as to the extent of damages. Although the amount of such damages need not be proven to exactitude, they must be demonstrated with sufficient certainty, and cannot be speculative. Here, the Court found that neither party sustained their burden with respect to damages.
In providing the parties with substantial justice according to the rules and principles of substantive law, and under a fair interpretation of the evidence, with the Court having had the opportunity to observe and evaluate the testimony and demeanor of the witnesses and to evaluate the credibility of the witnesses, the Court found that neither party had proven their claim or their damages.
This entry was posted in Co-Ops, Litigation, New York Law, Real Estate. Bookmark the permalink.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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City Council Committee Passes POST Act, Bringing Oversight to NYPD Surveillance
June 18, 2020 By Nate File
On Thursday morning, the New York City Council's Committee on Public Safety passed the POST Act, a bill that creates civilian review of the NYPD's wide-ranging digital surveillance.
The POST Act, which passed 12-1, requires the NYPD to publicly report and describe which surveillance techniques it uses, guidelines and policies surrounding the use of that technology, and what will happen with the data collected from digital surveillance.
As Bedford + Bowery has reported, the full extent of the NYPD's digital surveillance is currently unknown. But some technologies at their disposal include facial recognition systems, cell site stimulators or "stingrays", and x-ray machines hidden in unmarked vans.
"I've not quite seen a day like this," said Committee Chair Donovan Richards before the vote, reflecting on the surge of public interest in NYPD oversight and the Committee's recent 10-hour public hearing on policing. Richards felt encouraged that his experiences as a black man were finally being heard by white allies.
But Richards recognized that as a City Council member, he has also been part of the problem that has led to so much unrest. "I will take ownership of my inability to do more," he reflected. "These bills barely scratch the surface, and we need to keep the pressure on."
The POST Act was packaged with other minor police reforms, like making it illegal for officers to obscure their shield numbers, developing an early-intervention system for officers with problematic records, and giving civilians the explicit right to record police activities.
Councilmember Vanessa Gibson sponsored the POST Act, which was first introduced in 2017. "These measures are important safeguards, we believe, to protect the civil liberties and privacy rights of all New Yorkers," she said.
The next step for the POST Act is a vote before the full City Council, where it is expected to pass with a veto-proof majority.
But as the NYPD pushes back against its passage and other reforms, including calls to defund the Department, Councilmember Gibson believes there's still much more work to be done.
"This legislation is the floor, and not the ceiling."
« Protesters, Politicians Testify About NYPD Brutality	» Juneteenth in NYC: Where to March, Mourn, Picnic and Dance


Do you feel you are worthy of good things?
If your answer is yes - then Well Done!
If your answer is No…. well there is a good possibility that you have a low self-esteem.
Firstly, don't panic. You can take control and empower yourself and improve your self-esteem. Let's define it further.
Self-Esteem is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self.
So, what we think of ourselves and others becomes our thoughts and our thoughts determine which choices we make.
By improving what we think about ourselves we improve our thoughts therefore improving our decision making.
Challenge yourself: Find something difficult that you have been wanting to do and do it! Make sure its big enough to feel that overwhelming sense of achievement. For example - complete a difficult Pilates class.
Choose to be positive: Stop using the words can't, won't, don't, and should have. Make sure it's all I CAN!
Be Mindful: Be mindful about what is affecting your self-esteem.
Change the story: We all have a story that we keep telling ourselves and then we land up believing the story. What is your story and change it.
Do unto others: Be kind, always!
Forgiveness can bring a strong sense of peace.
We offer career coaching, relationship coaching, study coaching as well as personal development coaching.


The fenestration industry is always percolating with activity—movement at the regulatory level, annual meetings among our biggest industry bodies, big-ticket shows like GlassBuild America and much, much more.
Quanex Building Products is committed to staying on-top of developments that affect the work we do and the solutions we provide, and that's why we make our presence felt at the industry's biggest events and shows.
Visit this page often for the latest news on events, conferences, and more.


Anyone could start to suffer from Lyme-Disease then you can often be in a great deal of pain and discomfort with that condition and as such you should always get some form of treatment for Lyme-Disease as soon as you can do as the sooner you treat it the better you will feel.
There is a great deal of information located around our website on a range of different medical conditions however this guide it going to give you more information on Lyme-Disease and it is also going to be introducing you to a drug that is going to clear up that conditions quickly and in a very cost effective way too.
That drug is Amoxicillin, and one thing that you are going to find of great interest if you do have to start taking Amoxicillin to treat Lyme-Disease is that it is a very low cost drug and one that you will never have to get a Doctor's prescription for.
In fact, you are going to be able to place an order for Amoxicillin directly from our website and we are an approved stockist of that drug so you will find our prices are very low and we do of course supply genuine Amoxicillin too.
No matter where you do live in the world we are going to be able to supply out with as little as just one month's supply of Amoxicillin, however if you do wish to purchase more than a single month's supply then you are more than welcome to do so and you can place an order for any quantity of Amoxicillin that you do require and you can pay for it in your own home currency too.
As Lyme-Disease can be and is a very difficult condition to first diagnose and can also be a very difficult conditions to live with then please do spend a few minutes watching the following video which will enlighten you on just hat Lyme-Disease is and how it can be treated.
Remember we are an approved stockist of Amoxicillin which in case you don't know is one of the very best non prescription drugs that can and will treat Lyme-Disease.
Lyme-Disease is one condition that can and is treated by taking Amoxicillin, however you should also make sure that if you are about to start taking it for the first time that you are aware of the many different side effects of taking Amoxicillin to treat Lyme-Disease.
If you experience any of the side effects when taking Amoxicillin to treat Lyme-Disease or for any of the other conditions treated by it then you should make contact with your Doctor or a medical professional and let them know you have taken Amoxicillin and the quantity you have taken.


Mr. Jiang Junlu specializes in labor issues and social security. He was one of the earliest lawyers to practice antitrust and competition law, and environmental protection law in China.
He was among the first lawyers to be awarded with a doctoral degree in labor law in China. He has a thorough understanding of labor laws in China and those of other countries and is experienced in reviewing and drafting labor contracts and internal labor policies for Chinese large enterprises and multinationals. Mr. Jiang often represents employers in labor dispute settlements. He is well recognized for his devotion to the legislation, implementation, and judicial practice of China's Labor Law.
Mr. Jiang Junlu joined King & Wood Mallesons in 2004. Before joining our firm, he was employed as an editor and journalist at China Labor and Social Security, which was affiliated with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. In addition, he was a founding partner of Beijing Qiankun Law Firm.
He received his LL.B. and LL.M. from the Law School of Renmin University of China and his Ph.D from the Law School of Peking University. He was admitted as Chinese lawyer in 1994.
He is proficient in English and Chinese.
China has introduced a more open visa policy for overseas talent.
Whether employers can dismiss employees on the basis of unplanned childbirth has always been a big social concern.


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News Hacking YouTube Is Serious About The Ban of Hacking Tutorials
YouTube Is Serious About The Ban of Hacking Tutorials
Aritra Sen
This year YouTube added the phishing and hacking tutorials into the "banned list." This means that no tutorial regarding the hacking or phishing will be allowed to be posted on the platform. This strict rule from YouTube has raised certain eyebrows and the teachers who make such tutorials are threatened right now. The crack down on an ethical white hat hacking channel has lead to all these circumstances.
Kody Kenzie is the founder of a channel named Hacker Interchange. Last week they have published a video of lighting fireworks with the help of Wi-Fi. Sadly, YouTube removed that from the platform altogether.
He publishes videos under the name of Cyber Exchange Lab and now he is no longer able to upload his videos on the channel. YouTube has flagged his channel and mentioned content strike. Kinzie and some other tutors who are running the tutorials on YouTube are in a shock due to this new decision of YouTube. They have stated that this is an extremely dangerous step. The students from the Computer Science department had a great opportunity to learn certain aspects from YouTube and now this new decision won't let them learned the things that they are interested in.
People can use hacking for illegal activities but completely hacking isn't illegal. There at times when hacking has proved how useful it is. There are legitimate researchers out there who practice hacking. It is still unclear on how long this ban will be there but according to the archives on the internet it has been on books from April 5th,2019. According to the YouTube rules, any content that is educational can be on the platform. But there is some ambiguity regarding the same and hence Cyber Exchange Lab has been banned.


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Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) have rules on how much you can contribute each year. Exceed your limit, and you'll rack up financial penalties.
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RRSP Contribution Limits: How Much Can You Deposit?
Contributions to registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) reduce the amount of income tax you pay, but there are limits on how much you can deposit each year.
ETF vs Mutual Funds The Difference
Mutual funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) fall under the same family tree, but there are a few key differences investors should know about.
What's A LIRA? And How Do They Work?
If you leave your employer's pension plan, a locked-in retirement account (LIRA) holds your pension savings until you reach the minimum retirement age.
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Registered pension plans are set up by companies to provide their workers with retirement income. RPPs offer a major perk: contribution matching by employers.
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Compound interest is a way to supercharge your savings by reinvesting your earnings and building "interest on interest"
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A mutual fund is a diversified, professionally managed investment. Mutual funds pool money from a large group of people to invest in a variety of stocks, bonds and other securities.
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Buying stocks lets you purchase a share of ownership in individual companies. While there are risks, investing in the stock market is a way to build wealth over time. Here's how to do it.
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A tax-free savings account (TFSA) is a way to save and invest money without paying taxes on the interest, investment gains or withdrawals.
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Financial advisors offer a wide range of services to help clients create and stick to a financial plan. Here's what to look for, and questions to ask.
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Given the complex laws around shipping alcohol, it can be difficult to send spirits as gifts. This is why we're big fans of spirit and cocktail books as gifts. This year there were hundreds of spirit and cocktail-related book releases, so we've picked some of our favorites as recommendations for this year's gift giving season.
Tasting Whiskey: An Insider's Guide to the Unique Pleasures of the World's Finest Spirits by Lew Bryson ($14) – You won't find a better or more complete guide to understanding and learning how to taste whiskey. Lew Bryson, Managing Editor of Whisky Advocate and founder of the Session Beer Project, has put together the book we wish we wrote. It covers every aspect of whiskey, sources of flavor, style, and how to actually taste it. This book is a must own for even the most casual whiskey drinker.
Bourbon Curious: A Simple Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker by Fred Minnick ($16) – One of the best written books about bourbon we've read, Fred Minnick is simply the authority on Kentucky Whiskey. There are so many amazing gems in this book, including very detailed breakdowns of exactly what goes into many of the popular bourbons, backstories, and detailed flavor notes on a dizzying number of whiskeys. The book is organized by flavor which is simply genious. Fred's last book Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey is also absolutely worth picking up.
The Tippling Bros. A Lime and A Shaker: Discovering Mexican-Inspired Cocktails by Tad Carducci, Paul Tanguay and Alia Akkam ($14) – If you love tequila (or know someone who does), look no further than this phenomenal love letter to agave. Arguably the penultimate tequila-focused cocktail book, A Lime and A Shaker is the best collection of tequila cocktails we've seen. The recipes are clear, well detailed, and don't require oddball ingredients. It's hard to think of a contemporary cocktail book that was this down to earth with cocktails this uniformly amazing. This book may be one of the best kept secrets in the cocktail book space, and it also happens to be one of our favorites.
The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion by Julie Reiner and Kaitlyn Goalen ($18) – While she doesn't always get the attention outside of NYC that she deserves, Julie Reiner is one of the most significant women in the spirits industry. Julie Reiner is known for her thoughtful attention to detail and her deep commitment to quality. That ethos runs through one of the most stunning cocktail books released this year. Julie curates some of the best cocktails served across the bar, both classic and modern. Each drink is well spelled out and beautifully photographed. The book is laid out by season and is designed to really be used (although we could just sit, flipping through it, looking at these stunning drinks all day long). It's a smart, classy, well done book that belongs on the shelf of any cocktail lover.
Apothecary Cocktails: Restorative Drinks from Yesterday and Today by Warren Bobrow ($18) – Warren Bobrow might be the best cocktail writer you've never heard of. He's also one of the more prolific, with three amazing cocktail books in the past three years, including Apothecary Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails: Rediscovered Classics and Contemporary Craft Drinks Using the World's Most Popular Spirit, and Bitters and Shrub Syrup Cocktails: Restorative Vintage Cocktails, Mocktails, and Elixirs. Each of these are filled to the brim with unique cocktails and riffs on classics. The proof is really in the pudding, as these cocktails are nothing short of damn tasty. If you want to venture beyond the classics, start with Warren – you won't be disappointed. We also can't wait for his upcoming Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails, and Tonics: The Art of Spirited Drinks and Buzz-Worthy Libations, which is sure to rock the cocktail world.
The Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Master Bartender, with 500 Recipes by Dale Degroff ($20) – As far as we're concerned, there's one cocktail bible, and that's this book by the legendary Dale Degroff. If Dale hadn't been working his magic behind the bar at The Rainbow Room, the modern cocktail wouldn't exist. Dale is King Cocktail and this book captures decades of knowledge and refinement into one single tome. You'll find every key classic cocktail here, clearly explained and well made. With 500 cocktail recipes, you'll never be left wanting. His follow up, The Essential Cocktail: The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks, is also worth every penny. If you want to own one definitive cocktail book, this is it.


This entry was posted on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 5:37 pm and is filed under Diamond Way Buddhism, Lama Ole Nydahl. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


NEWARK, N.J. (CN) – Hitting the elementary school one block from her home with a federal complaint, a New Jersey mom says the district threw out her bullied daughter in retaliation for bad press.
Though the Nov. 14 complaint abbreviates the names of mother and child, local news reports have for weeks reported on the plight of Irina Spektor and her 9-year-old, Emma.
Represented by South Orange attorney David Giles, the family says Emma had no problems in school until four girls in her third-grade classroom began bullying her last year.
Emma finally confided in her mother over the summer, however, and they met with the school principal this past September, a day before the start of the new school year.
Though Emma was initially looking forward to a fresh start in fourth grade, these hopes evaporated when the Spektors learned in early September that the Springfield School District's looping policy meant that the upcoming school year at the Thelma L. Sandmeier Elementary School would be spent with the same bullies and same unhelpful teacher.
Because a birthmark on her leg had drawn cruel comments from her classmates in third grade, Emma had taken to wearing long pants regardless of the weather.
The complaint says she asked her mom over the summer if she could get plastic surgery to have the birthmark removed.
Irina says her daughter's emotional and psychological harm from the previous year was palpable, but that the school refused to put Emma in a different class at Sandmeier. The school's refusal stemmed not from what was best for Emma but from its sensitivity to unrelated complaints about Emma's teacher and the looping policy, according to the complaint.
During her first month of fourth grade, Emma saw a private counselor who diagnosed her with anxiety and depression. Her pediatrician also determined she was not eating or sleeping properly, the lawsuit claims.
Irina says she pulled Emma from school at the end of September, and a psychiatrist diagnosed her shortly thereafter with major depressive disorder and recommended home instruction for at least a month, as well as a change in classroom.
Following news reports about the bullying and school's refusal to change classrooms, school board attorney Kerri Wright emailed the family's attorney on Nov. 6 and said that Emma was no longer welcome at Sandmeier.
"Unfortunately, while we could have — and were prepared to — make more than adequate accommodations for return to her previously assigned classroom … your client's media exploits have made that an unacceptable option," Wright wrote, as quoted in the complaint.
Wright noted in her email that the news coverage had caused word of the bullying to spread to nearly every student at the elementary school.
Several parents reportedly spoke of their own children's experiences with bullying at the school during a public board meeting that night.
According to a story in the Patch, one parent said her son had told her that he wished he were no longer "here on Earth because it would make the kids in school feel better." Another parent claimed bullies had dumped urine-filled toilet water on her son.
Superintendent Michael Davino reportedly said at the meeting that it was school officials who were being victimized by bully parents. Davino called the students' bullying stories unsubstantiated, and defended the practice of classroom looping.
More than a dozen parents in the Springfield school district earlier this year created a group called "Limit Looping" to stop the district's practice.
Though some education experts tout the benefits of looping, saying it establishes close and consistent relationships between students and teachers, others claim it can promote stagnation in the classroom or negative stereotypes of children by peers or even teachers.
Davino claimed that no official bullying or harassment claims had been made by any parents in that classroom during the 2016-17 school year, and that Spektor's initial bid to switch Emma's classroom stemmed from a personal dislike of her teacher.
Davino also noted that an "anti-bullying specialist" interviewed Emma and found that Emma did not confirm much of the alleged bullying.
In a lengthy response to the statement published at the Patch, Irina Spektor wrote that she had reached out to another teacher at the school regarding the bullying, which was her only concern. "My issue was to move my child ASAP (and I was hoping this would be done BEFORE the school year began, thus allowing her to simply start a new school year with a different class in a safe and nuturing environment," Spektor wrote.
Another public meeting is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Spektor's attorney did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Davino was not immediately available by phone, and he did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.


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Stellar Development Foundation Invests $5M in Crypto Payments Firm Wyre
A Wyre integration will introduce a variety of APIs that can be used by financial apps on the Stellar network.
By Tanzeel Akhtar
Tanzeel Akhtar
The Stellar Development Foundation has invested in blockchain payments company Wyre to boost support for financial applications in the Stellar ecosystem.
The Foundation said the $5 million Enterprise Fund investment in Wyre will introduce a variety of payment application programming interfaces (APIs) that can be used by apps on the Stellar network.
On/off ramps for the stablecoin USDC will also be introduced for existing fiat currency pairs including U.S. dollars, U.K. pounds sterling, the euro, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar.
Wyre was founded in 2013 and offers a number of services including fiat-to-crypto onramps, wallet infrastructure, compliance, forex and savings accounts.
"Adding Wyre to the Stellar ecosystem will create key payment infrastructure and enable relationships connecting international financial systems," the Foundation said.
With USDC set go live on the Stellar network in the first quarter, the Wyre integration will provide a "compliant and reliable" way for Stellar-based apps to utilize the dollar-linked stablecoin without the need for developers to build additional tools, per the announcement.
The Foundation said this is the first investment made from its Enterprise Fund this year. The fund has invested over $14 million since its launch in fiscal year 2020.
Read more: First Mover: Don't Like $34K Bitcoin? Stellar, Litecoin Yet to Conquer Old Highs
"The Enterprise Fund was created to support mission-driven businesses that mirror the goals of Stellar – like enabling cross-border payments and global access to financial services – while providing practical value to the Stellar ecosystem," said Jason Chlipala, chief operating officer of the Stellar Development Foundation.
Several more investments are expected in 2021, he added.
investmentWyreStellar Development FoundationCoinFlash
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Q: ImportError: No module named admin.js.compress,,,, etc I am trying to debug a django project code but when i run it shows an error like:
ERROR: Module: admin.js.compress could not be imported (file: C:/Users/admin/workspace/Project/admin/js/compress.py)

Can anyone suggest me where i am going wrong.. ?
Full Error Traceback:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "C:\Softwares\eclipse-SDK-3.7-win32-x86_64\eclipse\plugins\org.python.pydev_2.7.1.2012100913\pysrc\pydev_runfiles.py",
line 432, in __get_module_from_str mod = __import__(modname) ImportError: No module named build.psycopg2.doc.src.conf
ERROR: Module: build.psycopg2.doc.src.conf could not be imported (file: C:/Users/admin/workspace/Project/build/psycopg2/doc/src/conf.py)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Q: Minecraft 2.0-How Do I Turn Super Hostile Mode Off? I was wondering: how do I turn Super Hostile Mode off in Minecraft 2.0? I have tried many things, such as doing /weather clear 1000000 which was supposed to make the weather be clear for 1,000,000 seconds, but it didn't. Can you please help me out? I can't get OptiFine for 2.0 since it's just an April Fools joke, and it's lagging way too much when lightning strikes on Minecraft. I even tried turning it on Peaceful, but that only makes it so no monsters spawn in it, and it doesn't turn the lighting off. Please tell me how to turn this off as it is very annoying. I even tried making a new world, but there's no difference.

A: Super-hostile mode is hardcoded in Red and Purple. Use the Blue version instead.


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Pope: Priests formed and consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, like St. John Eudes
Benedict XVI stresses the importance of ongoing formation of clergy, by comparing our era to that of the French saint, who had "clear awareness of the serious need for spiritual help in which souls languished also because of the failure of much of clergy".
Castel Gandolfo (AsiaNews) - The figure of St. John Eudes and the urgency in formation of the clergy were the topics addressed by Benedict XVI in his general audience, which also pilgrims from India present. In this Year for Priests, the pope urged the faithful to pray for priests and candidates to the priesthood, recalling the exhortation addressed to them by the French Saint: "Gift yourselves to Jesus, to enter into the immensity of his great Heart , which also contains the Heart of his Holy Mother and all the saints, and loose yourselves in this abyss of love, charity, mercy, humility, purity, patience, submission and holiness "(Coeur admirable, III , 2).
The pope from the outset presented St. John Eudes – whose feast day is remembered today in the liturgical calendar - in the historical context in which he lived, that of the seventeenth century, "a century marked by conflicting religious phenomena, and also by serious political problems. It was the era of the Thirty Year War, which not only devastated much of Central Europe, but also devastated souls".
And yet, it is precisely the time the Holy Spirit inspired spiritual personalities of the calibre of de Bérulle, St Vincent de Paul, St. Louis M. Grignon de Montfort and St. John Eudes.
The pope explained: "The Council of Trent in 1563, set out rules for the establishment of diocesan seminaries and the formation of priests, the Vatican was well aware that the entire crisis of the reformation was also conditioned by insufficient formation of priests, who were not prepared for the priesthood in the right way, intellectually or spiritually, in the heart or in spirit. This in 1563; but the application and implementation of standards was slow in both Germany and in France, and St. John Eudes saw the consequences of this insufficiency . Moved by a lucid awareness of the serious need for spiritual help, in which souls languished also because of the failure of most of the clergy, the saint, who was a parish priest, founded a congregation specifically dedicated to the formation of priests. In the university city of Caen he founded his first workshop, a much appreciated initiative, which soon extended to other dioceses. The path of holiness, which was his path and which he proposed his disciples, had a solid foundation in trust in the love that God revealed to humanity in the priestly heart of Christ, and the maternal heart of Mary. At that time of cruelty, of loss of inner life, he appealed to the heart, to speak to the heart the words of the Psalms, very well interpreted by St. Augustine. He wanted to draw people, men and especially future priests to the heart, showing the priestly heart of Christ and the maternal heart of Mary. Of this love of the heart of Christ and Mary each priest must be a witness and apostle. "
"Even today – pope said putting his catechesis into a modern context - there is a need for priests to witness the infinite mercy of God with a whole life 'won' by Christ, and learn it right from the outset of their years of preparation in seminaries. Pope John Paul II, after the Synod of 1990, issued the Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis which incorporates and updates the rules of the Council of Trent and particularly emphasizes the necessary continuity between the initial and ongoing formation; which for him and for us is a starting point for a real reform of the life and apostolate of priests, and is also the key point for a 'New Evangelization' that is not simply just an attractive slogan, but translated into reality. The foundation laid in the spiritual life, is that irreplaceable 'spiritual humus' in which we 'learn Christ ' and allow ourselves be progressively conformed to Him, the one and only High Priest and Good Shepherd. The time of the seminary, therefore, should be seen as the actualization of the time the Lord Jesus, after calling the apostles, and before he sends them to preach, asks them to stay with him (cf. Mk 3:14). When Saint Mark speaks of the vocation of the Twelve Apostles, he tells us that Jesus had a dual purpose: the first was that they might be with him, the second that were sent out to preach. But always going with him, truly announcing Christ and bringing the reality of the Gospel to the world. "
A curious fact mentioned by Benedict XVI is that St. John Eudes and the Curé d'Ars - patron of this Year for Priests – were canonized on the same day - May 31 1925 - by Pius XI, "offering to the Church and the world two extraordinary examples of priestly holiness".
gandolfo
Pope: saints of Year for Priests, to understand the value of mission in the Church and world
Pope: Do not be afraid to knock with confidence on the door of the Lord
Pope: On vacation, or during work breaks, read some books of the Bible
Pope: martyrdom, a form of total love of God and others
Pakistan: citizenship for foreign investors to attract wealthy Afghans


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A City Within A Park
A Westerville Parks and Recreation Blog
Healthy Active Lifestyle
Education & Exploration
westerville.org
Category: Healthy Active Lifestyle
— Leave a Comment
Westerville Senior Olympics Moving Full Speed Ahead
In his third year planning the Ohio Senior Games, Westerville Senior Center Program Supervisor Chris Shirring says, "It is all the stories, moments and encounters that make this event truly special for so many spectators, participants and myself."
And successful. For the first time this summer, the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Ohio Senior Olympics State Games for the entire state of Ohio. This will nearly triple the attendance in years past bringing in an estimated 600 athletes.
The Ohio Senior Olympics State Games give adults ages 50 "or better" the opportunity to compete in a variety of athletic and artistic events during a three-week period starting Saturday, June 6.
"There is something for everyone," says Shirring. "If you like a little friendly rivalry, the Games give you a chance to get on the track or stage again and even try something new."
John Sherman Receiving an Award from Chris Shirring in 2014 Central Ohio Senior Games
That's a driving force behind 84-year-old John Sherman's consistent participation in the Senior Games.
"I was quickly drawn to the sense of community that comes from the tournament. I've been participating in the Senior Games on and off since 1990, depending on whether it was available. Every time, I've had a lot of fun playing and visiting with old and new friends," said Sherman.
Sherman has tried his hand at nearly every sport over the years, from track and field to cycling and volleyball. His strongest sports have always been table tennis and pickleball.
"I like the paddle games where I can smack the ball," he says laughing. "I thrive on the competition; it makes me better."
In 1999, with his family there supporting him, Sherman took home the gold medal in table tennis at the National Senior Games in Orlando, Florida.
"I don't have to win to enjoy the games. Don't get me wrong, winning does help, but my family is a powerful motivator too."
And that's apparent as Sherman's face lights up talking about his loved ones.
"I have four wonderful children and a wife who I've been married to for more than 50 years. I want to spend as much quality time with them as I can. I've had some heart issues in past, but for the most part, I'm pretty healthy," he said.
The veteran athlete attributes his good bill of health to his training regimen and discipline as a former Columbus firefighter.
"My Fire Chief wanted his unit to be in good shape. We had to do a half hour workout each day, and that led me to feel better and in turn exercise more. When I retired, I wanted to stay strong and fit. I still aim to do 75 minutes of physical activity three times a week."
As Sherman prepares for the 2015 Senior Games, so is one of this year's oldest competitors, 93-year-old Virginia Sterkel. She is getting ready for several matches with the help of her grandson and trainer, Ryan Jaroncyk.
"When Grandma turned 90, I knew she needed a change, something to get her moving," said Jaroncyk. "I did a Google search and found the Senior Games. She can be stubborn, but she trusts me. I asked if she was willing to give it a go and to my surprise she said let's try it."
Virgina Sterkel with her grandson Ryan Jaroncyk at the 2014 Central Ohio Senior Games
Since then, Virginia not only won the gold in corn hole, but the hearts of many fans. Last year, family and friends from her retirement village came out in "Team Sterkel" T-shirts to root her on.
"It take guts to compete. My grandma is a realistic representation of people that age. She is making the conscious decision to still to be active whether she is feeling up to it or not," said Jaroncyk.
The time they have spent training together has not only strengthened Sterkel, but their relationship as well.
"It's alright when he is nice. But he knows to be nice," jokes Sterkel. "He is a good teacher, I don't like to lose and can get pretty competitive during the Games."
Jaroncyk says it's another way to bond and make memories. "She is naturally a very active person. During the Games, she is really happy and gets a thrill out of beating younger folks. That tenacity has moved others we know to sign up for the senior games. And I'll be entering as soon as I turn 50."
Both Sterkel and Sherman are grateful to have the Senior Games held so close to home in Westerville the past few years. It's the kind of feedback Westerville Senior Games organizer Shirring loves to hear.
"It been exciting to see how the Games have grown in Westerville in such a short time. We coordinate 24 events over the course of 20 days. Those contests are further separated by age range and gender into heats. And Westerville is the only location in Ohio to offer an arts portion, including numerous categories from pottery to dance," said Shirring.
T he Games in Westerville have a bright future ahead. In 2016, the Westerville site will act as the state qualifier for the National Senior Games drawing more than 1,400 players to the area.
"It is a powerful opportunity to show off our facilities and the City to people that aren't from here. And at the end of the day, it is worth all the planning when you see the smiles, inspiring performances and overall positive attitudes that surround the games each year, " says Shirring.
The Ohio Senior Olympics State Games Opening Ceremony is set for June 6 at 12 p.m. 1972 Swimming Olympic Gold Medalist Jennifer Kemp will be kicking off the festivities. Those interested in competing can register until May 22. The public is also invited to come watch the free events throughout the month .
For registration details and general information about the Games presented by Senior Star at Dublin Retirement Village and Dublin Living and Memory Support, visit www.westerville.org/seniorgames.
Employee Wellness Scores Big with Healthiest Employer Nomination
What is your definition of a healthy lifestyle?
You don't have to be bodybuilder or a vegetarian to make choices each day that promote a healthy active lifestyle, says City of Westerville Wellness Committee Chair Mike Herron.
"Health is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone is at a different level," said Herron. "For one person the decision to quit smoking or taking a 30-minute walk everyday could be a huge step in their journey toward better health."
Herron is also Fitness Manager for the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department. He explained these types of healthy actions are just what the City of Westerville hopes to promote not only to residents, but employees as well.
"We provide numerous opportunities for the public to take advantage of Parks and Recreation facilities, parks and wellness programs. It is vital this focus is carried throughout the entire organization, starting with our own City employees."
In 2012, the City assembled a Wellness Committee comprised of a representative from each of the 10 departments. Their mission: to develop stronger internal health initiatives centered on physical, mental, financial, medical and occupational wellness.
"Once a year, we do free health screenings for employees. These collective test results, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helped us understand we needed to better engage our employees in more preventative opportunities," said Ann Lund, City of Westerville Human Resources Manager.
2014 City of Westerville Employee Health Fair
Through the work of the committee, workshops ranging from cancer prevention to office ergonomics and even financial planning are exposing employees to well-rounded approaches to wellness.
"Health is not just about being fit or eating right," said Herron. "We strive to provide resources on a variety of health topics. For example, if you are stressed about your finances then that stress carries with you to work and continues to weigh on your overall state."
Beyond frequent wellness workshops, the City organizes a fitness class for employees at the Community Center and the Electric Division.
"About a year and a half ago, we started doing high-intensity training in the electric building twice a week, and I have tried to make every class possible since," said Dan Amato, Engineering Technician.
During that time period, Amato has seen measurable improvement in his overall health by cleaning up his diet in addition to exercising with coworkers.
"For the first time that I can remember, my cholesterol and BMI are within the good range and I have lost 14 pounds," he said.
The positive changes Amato has experienced are more than numbers on a chart.
"These classes set the pace for my day and wake me up. I have more energy to power through that afternoon slump; and I am sleeping more soundly. Overall, I am more focused and am maintaining higher quality work. I feel great and people notice it," he said.
Amato isn't the only one seeing results from the wellness initiatives. The effects of his transformation have inspired others around him.
"One of my coworkers is consistently working out at these classes with me. He is trying to bring down his high blood pressure and slowly but surely he is making progress," said Amato. "And my daughter is now living and breathing fitness too."
This snowball effect is just what the City was striving for.
"We value our employee's health and happiness, so it is important that we invest in them now. It benefits the employee, their families and the City to have a better quality of life, be able to get off unnecessary medications, be more productive and even take less sick days," said Lund.
2015 Winter Olympics Hockey Skills Shootout
The City aims to keep wellness activities mostly fun and games. For three years, the City of Westerville has hosted Summer and Winter Olympic Games among the departments, who are organized and grouped into "Nations."
"We have different competitions throughout the week that promote team building and appeal to people of all fitness levels. This winter, our challenges included a hockey skills shootout, HORSE basketball and an aquatic obstacle course to name a few," says Herron.
The Winter Games just wrapped up and "Nation Electric, Water & Service" took home the traveling trophy this time.
Nation Electric, Water & Service Win 2015 Employee Winter Olympics
"Every time I participate in the Olympics, it cultivates a really good sense of comradery with coworkers. We laugh, joke around, cheer each other on and even get some exercise. How many work environments truly try to build up their employees like this?" said Electric Utility Finance Manager Chris Monacelli.
All these wellness efforts are now being recognized. The City of Westerville was recently nominated by Columbus Business First as one of the 2015 Healthiest Employers of Central Ohio for the first time. The honor was officially announced at the Healthiest Employers Awards Program and Wellness Expo on Tuesday, March 10 at COSI.
"We know that our efforts have been making a difference in the lives of our employees, but it is wonderful to get that validation from an outside party that we are on the right track in comparison to other businesses and municipalities in the region. We're very excited to see how our wellness initiatives will continue to positively impact Westerville," said Lund.
Healthy Active Lifestyle Uncategorized
Let's Roll
It is described by many as a historic sport for modern times. But the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department sees log rolling as a competitive way to have a lot of fun too. This spring, the department is offering a new course on log rolling.
You may be asking: "What in the world is log rolling?"
Log rolling has a history that dates back more than 100 years. As America was growing, the need for lumber grew as well. Lumberjacks transported logs down local waterways and frequently jumped from log to log on the rivers to keep wood moving downstream. The challenge and skill developed from rolling logs quickly turned into a sport outside the work day.
The popular sport in Wisconsin and Minnesota has transformed in recent years to become more accessible and user-friendly. At one point, 500-pound cedar logs were smoothed out and carpeted to be gentler on feet. However, this didn't solve the issue of transporting a very heavy log. A synthetic log was later developed by the company, Key Log Rolling. This new type of log weighs only 65 pounds before it is put into water, making it much more mobile.
With the addition of a key log, the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department is one of the first to offer log-rolling courses in central Ohio.
The man behind this new class is Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor Darcy Baxter.
"We're always looking to bring new adventure programs to the Community Center," said Baxter. "I was at the Ohio State Fair last year, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources had this cool log-rolling exhibit. I had never seen the sport in person before, and a light bulb went off…our camp kids would love this."
And so far the Parks and Recreation employees training on the log are loving it as well.
"You might be a little nervous the first time you get on the log, but you have to be able to laugh at yourself," said Parks and Recreation Facilities Supervisor J.R. Fourqurean. "I fell off within two seconds of jumping on the first time. Now that we are all getting better, we are battling it out on our lunch breaks to see who is the best lumberjack. It really brings out the competitor in you in the best way possible."
Beyond the fun factor, log rolling proves to be a well-rounded workout, improving balance, coordination, endurance and foot speed.
"Since you are having a good time, the physical fitness aspect of log rolling sneaks up; and you end up getting a really good workout. Your legs are constantly moving while your core is stabilizing the rest of your body," explained Baxter.
Log rolling also strengthens mental focus and concentration.
"You might think you just jump on the log and go. But, just like any other sport, log rolling takes specific techniques and strategies to be successful," said Baxter. "For example, unlike a balance beam, you don't look down at your feet and instead focus on the opposite end of the log.
The four-week course starting April 12 is intended to teach beginners the basics, including safety, stance, timed trials and even some matches to try to knock other class participants off the log. To make it easier to learn, the log comes with different "training wheels," which slow the log down so anyone can give it a spin.
Earlier this winter, ABC-6 Good Day Columbus Meteorologist Dana Turtle escaped the cold and tested his log-rolling skills at the Westerville Community Center pool. Check out his experience in this video.
The log roll will be utilized at camps, community events and Highlands Parks Aquatic Center in the future. You'll even get the chance to see the log roll in action at Party at the Creek on May 28.
For more information on log-rolling classes or to register beginning March 6, click here.
It is that time of year again. The time when you promise yourself you will get back on the wagon: start eating right, exercising more and refocus your priorities.
But what keeps you from breaking those resolutions? So many people start the new year strong, then fade out of a good routine.
This vicious cycle was one with which Westerville resident Bill Streetman was more than familiar. In 2010, he weighed 404 pounds.
"I was at the end of my rope," said Bill. "I felt like I had tried everything to lose weight. I couldn't ride a bike anymore, sit comfortably on an airplane or in a booth at a restaurant, so I would make up excuses of why I couldn't do something all because of my size."
While temporarily living in Michigan, Bill elected to have gastric bypass surgery.
"I was working as a project manager, and the project I failed at was myself. Something drastic had to change; and I decided surgery was the best tool for me to do that," he said.
From the start, Bill approached his weight loss journey methodically. Exactly one year after gastric bypass surgery in October 2011, Bill was half his size, down to 202 pounds.
"Before I even underwent surgery, I made a pre-surgery and a post-surgery diet and exercise plan. It didn't go perfectly, but I learned that I had to be honest with myself and take control of my daily routine."
And that first year was not without many more transitions.
"It was more than diet and exercise. From your relationships with family and friends to work, you can't lose that much weight and not have it affect every part of your life," said Bill.
A little more than a year after the operation, he sold his business in Michigan and moved back to Westerville.
"I couldn't work 120 hours a week anymore. I had to make myself a priority in order to serve my family and community. I loved Westerville and wanted to come back home."
Once settling back into the area, Bill knew his next step was to get plugged back in at the Westerville Community Center.
"I just had to start. I signed up for aerobics classes and ended up sitting through half the work out in the beginning. But it was a snowball effect. Once you get moving, you gain more endurance and confidence, and before you know it you are taking classes several times a week."
The friendship, accountability and flexibility that come from group fitness classes have kept Bill motivated.
"It is one thing to lose the weight, but it is another thing to maintain. This is not your typical gym, there are so many options to keep your workouts fresh. The people who go to the Community Center are fantastic and encouraging. And no one is there to judge, we want to see each other be successful."
And Bill took to one fitness instructor in particular.
"You know a great instructor when you work very hard in a class but it doesn't seem like it. That is Lynn Aventino. She is an inspiration to me. She wants to help you get stronger and healthier while having fun," he said.
Lynn, a Group Fitness Instructor at the Westerville Community Center, reciprocates the admiration.
"When I see someone like Bill and how far he has come over the last few years, it makes me want to be better," she said. "Bill gets it. He knows how difficult it is to start a new routine and he will go out of his way to make new people feel welcome and break the ice."
Bill loves sharing his story, and even created a website to write about his weight loss experience.
"It is not only a good form of therapy for me, but I want to be able to support others as well. It is important to know you aren't alone during this process," said Bill.
His positive attitude caught the eye of WebMD Magazine. In their January/February issue, Bill's story will reach more than eight million readers in doctors' offices across the nation and online.
Now what will your story be? No matter the time of year, your fitness level, shape or size, Bill would say, "What are you waiting for?"
For more information on group fitness classes and passes at the Westerville Community Center, click here.
— Comments Off on Energize the Holiday Season
Energize the Holiday Season
The Holidays: shopping, parties, cleaning, baking, decorating…the list goes on. You may feel run down or left with little time to devote to yourself this time of year. Megan Arnold, Westerville Parks and Recreation's Fitness and Wellness Program Supervisor, is here with a quick workout and a few other tips to help keep you going strong and healthy the next couple of weeks.
Megan recommends a 30-minute format of High Intensity Interval Training (or HIIT) workout that's easy to squeeze in before work or before the kids wake up and life takes over. With interval training, you focus on bursts (or periods) of intense work followed by complete rest or active recovery exercise. This kind of routine will give you a metabolism-boosting, energy-expending workout that will help burn off those Christmas cookies.
All exercises should be modified to your ability level, taking into account your fitness level, the time you have to exercise and personal goals. The workout below requires no extra equipment – just you, some space and some effort.
(The exercise provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Exercise is not without risk and if performed incorrectly this or any exercise program many result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury, before beginning this or any exercise program, consult your physician. As with any exercise program, if you feel faint, dizzy, or experience chest pain or chest discomfort STOP immediately and contact your physician. The City of Westerville assumes no responsibility for accidents or injury to persons or property that result in connection with this exercise program.)
If you are new to exercise, Megan recommends lower impact exercises (keeping one foot in contact with the floor at all times to better protect the lower back and joints.) Lower impact and intensity modifications are provided in parenthesis below. If you are more advanced, allow both feet to leave the floor when jumping for an increase in intensity. It is always important to listen to your body when exercising and take breaks accordingly. Perform all exercises with correct form. If you are unable to do so, reduce your workout intensity or take a short rest. When lunging or squatting, protect your knees by pushing your hips back and down and keep your knees behind your toes. And always remember to breathe!
HEALTHY HOLIDAYS HIIT
Warm-up for two to three minutes by walking/marching/or jogging in place.
*Click on the exercise for more information on proper form and demonstration.*
1. 15 Jumping Jacks and 15 Squat Jumps (or Squats)
2. 15 Tuck Jumps (or High Knees) and 15 Push-Ups (or Modified Push-Ups)
3. 15 Mountain Climbers (or Bench/Wall Mountain Climbers) and 15 Tricep Dips using a bench/chair/coffee table
4. 15 Jump and Reaches and 15 Glute Bridges
5. 15 Prone (face-down) Supermans and 15 Switch Lunge Jumps (or Alternating Forward Lunges – No Jumping)
Repeat the entire series one to two more times, continuing to the perform the same amount of repetitions and breaks noted.
Make sure to cool-down by walking/marching in place for an additional two to three minutes (similar to the warm-up). Add in some mild stretching following the cool-down to minimize muscle soreness.
It can be helpful to have a workout buddy. If you need a little extra motivation and a good stress reliever, join us for our Holiday Dance Party fundraiser benefiting W.A.R.M. Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. in Community Center Aerobic Room. And don't forget, the new year is right around the corner and you still have a chance to register for upcoming fitness classes.
BONUS TIPS:
Never go shopping without snacks.
Take a small bag of whole nuts, an apple, banana, or shaker with protein powder to keep your blood sugar stable while your body works hard running from store to store. If you go shopping without a plan, it is easier to become exhausted, hungry and make poor (and quick) food choices. Bring plenty of water, as dehydration can also make you feel hot and tired.
Have a holiday party strategy.
When you finally head to those holiday parties, don't forget to eat beforehand and bring your own healthy option to fall back. Try using smaller plates and wait before heading back for seconds to curb overeating. Remember, it is okay to say no to Aunt Mary's pumpkin pie too!
And lastly, don't skimp on sleep.
There's no doubt you might be up late wrapping presents before the big holiday, but on other nights try your best to get the amount of sleep you need. Research suggests getting enough Zzzs can help keep the pounds off, not to mention give you more energy throughout the day. If you're having trouble sleeping, try turning off electronics in the bedroom or avoid large meals late at night.
September 29, 2014 October 16, 2014
— Comments Off on Make Lunchtime Work for You
Make Lunchtime Work for You
Between work, running errands and getting the kids fed and off to bed, many days you are probably left wondering where the time is to recharge or even fit in a workout.
A new class offered at the Westerville Community Center aims to help ease this juggling act… Mindbody Fusion. The class combines a mix of Yoga and Pilates during your lunch hour to leave you relaxed but ready to take on the rest of the day. It provides a complete workout with an emphasis on improving posture, strength, flexibility and balance.
Mindbody Fusion Instructor, Amanda Smith, has been teaching group fitness for more than 25 years. She has found working out around lunchtime truly helps power you through the rest of the day.
"Many people start the morning with a lot of energy and then fall into that mid-day slump," said Amanda. "If you are doing chores, have to sit for an extended period of time or lift a lot for your job, a class like this breaks up the routine and makes you feel better and more aware of your posture."
This class goes beyond just a workout. "Our days are consistently focused on our responsibilities and other people. It gives you time to focus on yourself and take a mental break from all of the busyness around us," said Amanda.
For those unfamiliar with Pilates or Yoga, both forms of exercise have similarities but use different techniques to work the mind and the body. Yoga, at its core, is a fluid way of moving that boosts strength while focusing on breathing and how you feel. Pilates is centered on practicing controlled movements that develop the core muscles and correct muscles imbalances that could lead to injury.
Mindbody Fusion is a progressive class, meaning it slowly builds on exercises throughout the hour, weaving in and out of Yoga and Pilates moves.
Amanda has seen improvements in class participants in just a few short weeks.
"People seem more comfortable with the poses and can hold them longer with the right form, which shows they are becoming more flexible and stronger," she said.
Elena Akers, a Mindbody Fusion participant, is noticing a difference too. She has taken other classes with Amanda and was excited when she was able register for this new one.
"I was really happy when this class became available. I needed to tone my back muscles and I knew this class would help with that. I am feeling more balanced and healthier overall," she said.
The benefit of this type of workout during your lunch hour is you won't be left running on empty.
"It is not a high intensity class so you won't walk away feeling exhausted. This class enhances small muscles and body awareness so everything you do outside of the class is easier on the joints and the body as a whole. You learn how to properly engage muscles for activities like mowing the lawn or doing a boot camp class," said Amanda.
And you don't have to be a Yoga or Pilates pro to try out the class.
"If it is your first time, you may feel a little uncomfortable at first, even humbled as you begin to adjust to the moves. But if you stick with it, you will feel empowered from the progress you will make," said Amanda.
A new session of both Mindbody Fusion and another comparable class, Lunchtime Power Yoga, start at the end of October. If you are interested in joining a class, click here for online registration or you can sign up in-person at the Community Center.
— Comments Off on Girls on the Run Promotes Confidence and Character Development
Girls on the Run Promotes Confidence and Character Development
That first meeting. You may feel a little nervous; you aren't sure what to expect. But you have the feeling it is the start of something new, exciting, even life-changing.
This was the energy at the first session of the Westerville Community Center Girls on the Run group.
The national program gets girls in the third through eighth grade active while developing their character and confidence. They are taught life skills through interactive lessons and running games over a 10-week period ending with a 5k running celebration. Last Tuesday night, seven girls in the third through fifth grade and three coaches at the Westerville site kicked off the season and began to learn about one another through a few ice-breakers.
For some of the girls, it is their first time participating in Girls on the Run. Fourth grader Janie Bowers (A.K.A. Joyful Janie, her new encouraging nickname at Girls on the Run) was inspired to sign up because of her mom, a marathon runner. She has cheered for her mom on the sidelines, but they have never done a race together.
"I really like to run and we have wanted to run a 5K together for a long time so we decided this would be the one," said Janie.
Janie isn't the only one new to Girls on the Run. The coaches are all first-time volunteers. Head Coach, Valentine Cabell, is excited to lead the group and see how everyone will grow along the way including herself.
Valentine is still pretty new to running. Growing up, she struggled with her weight and thought she couldn't run, but that all changed last December when she signed up for a half marathon on a whim. In just five short months, she trained and completed her first race ever in May 2014.
"I learned if you push yourself, you can do anything you want. I want the girls to feel how empowering it is to set a goal and achieve it," she said.
Many of the activities will focus on teaching the girls how to positively approach situations in their daily lives. Franklin County Girls on the Run Council Director, Jessica Sparks said one of the exercises they do early on is a visualization activity where the girls sit with their eyes closed and picture how negative talk affects them and then how positive words influence them.
"How you think about yourself affects how you think about and treat others. We want the girls to understand every action that involves someone else can be positive or negative. Children can have a powerful impact in small ways from simply saying thank you to the lunch lady who hands them a tray to abstaining from gossip when it is around them," said Jessica.
The running portion of the meetings gives the girls another healthy outlet to work through life's challenges. Coach Valentine has experienced the social, physical and emotional benefits of running.
"I look at things in a different light, and don't get as angry. I now have this positive way to deal with stress. If I have had a bad day, I go for a run and it helps change my attitude," said Valentine.
And many others around Franklin County are enjoying working out with Girls on the Run. In 2010, the organization had just 60 participants per season and now more than 700 girls are involved this fall.
These hundreds of participants will come together for the 5K run on Saturday, November 15 downtown at the Columbus Commons. The run is open to the public and rather than being a competition, it is a celebration.
Fifth grader Rori Draminski is in her fourth season with Girls on the Run; and her favorite part of the program is the 5K. "I am so happy during the run. It is really fun meeting new people, being cheered on and crossing the finish line," said Rori.
Until 5K time, the girls at the Westerville Community Center will continue to get together twice a week.
"It is really neat to see how the girls and coaches bond after the ten weeks. Those relationships become such an important part of the program," said Girls on the Run Director Jessica.
We'll follow up with Girls on the Run later this season to see how the group has transformed from its first meeting. For more information on the program or volunteering, visit girlsontherunfranklincounty.org.


My mom corrects me when I say I am going home. She says home is where my family, my childhood, my lifelong friends coexist.
I smile at friends I have made and so many still to meet. I smile as I think of myself fifteen years ago, when I first arrived, and at how much of who I am today is Williams.
I smile because I am home.