text:
IamA Susan Calloway AMA!
My short bio: I am a recording artist, singer and songwriter . . many people know me as the girl who sings Answers and Dragonsong for FFXIV! Hey you guys! Thank you for all the great questions, it was awesome to speak with you! Lets do this again soon! Maybe even an online concert is in order? Much love, Suz xo
My Proof: http://www.twitter.com/susancalloway
DaveMcElfatrick26 karma 2016-03-18 20:10:37 UTC
I saw you live in Dallas a few years ago, performing with the Distant Worlds orchestra! Lovely voice, and find myself singing with your ballads a lot during the drive to and from work. Just wanted to say thanks.
susancalloway17 karma 2016-03-18 20:19:39 UTC
thank you so much Dave! I hope you grab my new version fo Answers - the Artist cut! I also have a new CD coming out later this year ( in the fall ) so I hope to fill your CD player with even more music!
otterchoice16 karma 2016-03-18 19:19:51 UTC
When Final Fantasy XIV was first released to a lot of negative press were you concerned that your song might not get as much recognition?
Yes we all were at first, including Nobuo and Arnie. . but than they did the new trailer and it was even better than the first ! So we were like WHEW!
jaydenwolf11 karma 2016-03-18 19:08:29 UTC
How did you get involved with Square Enix? Did someone approach you?
yes! I was working with Arnie Roth, the orchestrator for many of Noubo's songs. He actually had the idea to include me and thought Noubo would like my voice! And fortunately for me, he was right :)
prof_gumby8 karma 2016-03-18 20:41:01 UTC
Hi Susan, I saw you way back in '93 when you were with Red C in Detroit. Ever keep in touch with your old bandmates?
susancalloway6 karma 2016-03-18 20:43:25 UTC
a little - We have all grown up and changed so much! That was a great experience tho . . I was so so young. It's great to be where I am now as I know who I am as an artist. I'm much more focused. They were all fantastic musicians and I learned so much from each of them.
Codofwisdom8 karma 2016-03-18 19:09:48 UTC
Hey Susan,
I have a couple of questions: Have you ever thought about trying your hand at voice acting? And do you play games yourself?
Loved the Artist's cut, by the way. Very different feel from the original, but no less powerful.
Hi there! I really would love to learn Final Fantasy but haven't yet played. Mostly because I work so much these days . . it's hard to find the time needed to really get into it! I actually have done some voice acting . but not in a video game. It would be really fun to try though! I've had quite a few fans suggest that :) ha ha:) I am SO GLAD you like my own version of Answers. We had so much fun creating it. It is really different than the original . . but hopefully that's a good thing :)
hiyukihime8 karma 2016-03-18 20:35:43 UTC
would you rather be a Quest Npc or a Boss Fight in FFXIV? :p
I will have to get back with you on that! My limited knowledge is showing! LOL :) But I like the idea of being a "boss" fight. Who doesn't like being the boss ? haha
OneTrueChaika6 karma 2016-03-18 19:21:12 UTC
Alrighty since people have asked you about where Answers plays, have you ever personally had the pleasure of participating in T13 while the song you sing plays?
It still strikes me as one of the most intense moments in video games i've ever had.
No but I would love to do that! We should plan a google hang out or something and you guys can all have a good laugh at me trying ! LOL
SesuRescue6 karma 2016-03-18 19:15:12 UTC
Hi Susan!
How does it feel knowing that Answers is heard at absolutely the most epic fight of FFXIV: ARR, and how do you feel about the players of FFXIV going through 3 of the hardest raids of ARR just to get a chance at hearing your voice?
It feels amazing . .and humbling. I know how important this game is to you guys and how much the music means to you as well. The fact that you would embrace me the way you have is so awesome. Getting to know you all has been so great. You are more than fans but friends. I hope that you will all support my music as well as the FF music I do, too. That would allow me to make this into a lasting career - and be able to tour more !!
nanorii5 karma 2016-03-18 20:24:52 UTC
Susan, I love your music and I tweet to you on occasion, I don't really have a question, but one day, I would love an autograph? ;-;
You got it! Glad we are connected on twitter !! xo
Demonologyx5 karma 2016-03-18 19:23:23 UTC
As another fan of your amazing voice, and the power and emotion you put behind your singing. I would really love to know how involved you were in music throughout your life, if you've ever performed school musicals?
I wish you the best of luck in the future, and hopefully one day Square Enix will approach you to voice act someone in FFXIV, that would be awesome!
ha! Yes it would! I love Square and have a great relationship with them. I have been singing and performing my whole life. For my full bio, you should check out my website! http://www.susancalloway.com but the short Answer is oh yes, my whole life. I started writing music at 12, performing at 9, piano at 5. i was a nutty kid.
lanceTCT5 karma 2016-03-18 19:17:55 UTC
Asides form being artist, singer, and songwriter. Do you plays FFXIV? :)
No not yet, but I NEED TO LEARN!
Buddhafied5 karma 2016-03-18 19:21:47 UTC
Hello, Susan! I had the honoured to see you a few years ago in Chicago, at the 25th Final Fantasy Distant Worlds concert. You performed Answers with the End of the Era CG behind you, for the first time live. It was the highlight, for me, of that show. Thank you.
My question: When you get the lyrics of Answers and Dragonsong, did you also get a background story? Your emotions were dead on for both songs, I just wonder how much info do you get, consider you don't play the game. Thanks!
yes! i got enough to tell the story . . and really, i understood the lyrics . .they can universally apply to so many things. I think that is what good music does when it works well . . we all have wars we fight every day. It is a common theme, tho the players and details change.
gr0c3ry4 karma 2016-03-18 20:17:44 UTC
Hi Susan! Which race do you think is cooler in XIV? Lalafells or Elezen???
Hmmm . . not sure. We will need another AMA to address this so I can decide!
UWSMeilin4 karma 2016-03-18 19:19:52 UTC
Did you know what was going on in XIV prior to recording the songs?
I hope one day I get to see you perform either of them, so make Distant Worlds come to NYC! Thanks a ton for the music, it was so chilling to listen to Answers at the end of such a hard fight. My entire group might have broken out into song... Not as good as you.
I knew a little, but I have some friends who play FFXIV so they have filled me in. It's amazing what complicated story line it is! It would be awesome to play NY . . I have on my own but not with FF. Glad you and your friends jam to Answers!
I live in NYC too, we need distant worlds here
reseph1 karma 2016-03-18 20:31:12 UTC
Wasn't DW at NYC multiple times? I went there back in 2011 for it.
It was in Brooklyn I think but not NYC proper . . and that was quite a while ago :) we are due! I agree!
Jalian1744 karma 2016-03-18 19:56:10 UTC
Any news on recording for a second FF14 expansion?
not yet but Square is very happy with Answers and Dragonsong . . so watch out!
clawbriar3 karma 2016-03-18 19:21:14 UTC
other than Answers & Dragonsong obviously; what's your favourite piece from the FFXIV soundtrack?
that's a tough one. I am so partial to vocal pieces . . ! i would have to get back with you on that one! hey a good excuse to do another AMA, right?
ConfusedMayor3 karma 2016-03-18 19:33:25 UTC
Have they invited you to FanFest yet?!
NOOOO! i am tying to make that happen for Las Vegas in the fall. Maybe you can help me spread the word???
tinyhipsterboy3 karma 2016-03-18 19:54:49 UTC
Hey there! I've been taking singing classes for almost three years now and music has always been a huge passion of mine--I love how much it can add to a scene, be it games, TV, or movies. You did such a great job with the XIV music!
My question, though, is less about the music itself and more about performing: do you get nervous before you go onstage? If so, how do you deal with the nerves?
Also, what's your favorite part about touring?
YES I get nervous for sure. That is the only icky part of performing! But it also keeps you focused. Being nervous means you care about doing a good job. The biggest thing is learning how to slow down your breathing when you are nervous . .as that is the kiss of death for a singer. You need to be controled and breathe deeply. It is really a discipline. The more you do it, the better you can manage it.
dekkarra3 karma 2016-03-18 20:59:13 UTC
Hi Susan! Love your music, not just with XIV, but also your previous work (Chasin' the Sun is a favorite of the Missus and myself).
The FF games have lead to a large amount of exposure for artists who may not have really been widely known prior to their involvement in the series, especially internationally.
How has it felt having such a surge in international following since your involvement with FFXIV?
I am so flattered and honored for the opportunity! It has been tremendous and I really owe it all to the fans. It was up to them if they would accept me and like my voice. I'm very grateful to Arnie and Nobuo too . . especially Arnie as it was his idea to get me involved! He is also an amazing talent and musician :)
rbazzo3 karma 2016-03-18 19:47:07 UTC
What are your favourite songs from the Distant Worlds I, II and III albums?
Kiss me Goodbye. But they are all cool and all very different !
I really like your voice in Melodies of Life. It fits the music perfectly.
thank you so much! That is a great song I agree :)
antimonyfunk3 karma 2016-03-18 19:29:41 UTC
What sorts of things do you enjoy doing outside of your voice work?
I love to cook, play with my dogs, Of course I love writing music. I'm working on a full length CD to be released this fall . . and I am also writing my first inspirational book! which I'm really excited about. I just signed with a book agent and everything - I'm really thrilled.
Mithent3 karma 2016-03-18 20:03:39 UTC
Hi Susan! Both Answers and Dragonsong are both great songs (I listened to the latter on repeat when Heavensward came out), and I was fortunate enough to see you perform at Distant Worlds in London.
Since you're a songwriter, do you feel any different about performing songs that others have written compared to those you wrote yourself?
yes! and very good question. I am a singer . . but that is only one part of me. I am in truth an artist, which means I create songs and music not just sing. The most pure form of susan is what I create. I love the FF songs and they are fun to sing, but the don't fulfill me as an artist compared to doing my own music. I love London and I can't wait to come back!
BirdGangCawCaw3 karma 2016-03-18 19:39:32 UTC
Any particular vocal track from XIV that is your favorite and/or you would love to have recorded your own cover for? Such as Thunder Rolls, Oblivion, Under the Weight and Broken Steel?
What are your methods for preventing unintentional vocal chord exhaustion when doing extended recording sessions
Someone else asked me this and I will have to get back! I've onlyheard some of these songs once . . I'd have to listen more closely to answer . For Vox health. Water. Lots and lots of it. stay off the phone - get a ton of sleep. Vocal sessions aren't what wear me out, its live shows. Vocal sessions are short - usually a couple hours. But touring is much harder as you are tired, can't always hear on stage the way you want . . etc. that is what can really be tough on your voice.
phantasmage2 karma 2016-03-18 21:17:32 UTC
Hello Susan!
I started listening to your beautiful voice thanks to FFXIV and will certainly forever have Answers and Dragonsong in my list of timeless songs!
Do you have plans to do a concert in Africa in the near future? I read in the comments that it's in your list of places to visit and we would be glad to have you!
thank you so much! I would love to - we will see if that can happen! It is not on the schedule, but I hope one day! I am fascinated with African culture, landscape . . and the animals too.
taz34852 karma 2016-03-18 21:38:39 UTC
Hello Susan. You have such a great voice. I have a couple questions.
Do you have formal music theory training?
What influenced you to become involved in music?
What non-Final Fantasy based music do you currently listen to?
Hopefully we can hear more from you in the future.
Yes, I studied classical piano and voice since I was 5. I have been performing all my life so it really chose me more than I chose it! I listen to Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, The Rolling Stones, U2, Dead Can Dance, Florence and the Machines, stuff like that :) of course Adele is awesome. as is Sam Smith - both just incredible singers.
TheOneTrueE2 karma 2016-03-18 21:44:45 UTC
Chasing the Sun is one of my favorite songs. I found it while doing a search for an unaltered Answers. One of the questions I ask all my favorite artist is Who do you listen to?
Ha! I just answered this ! I am so glad you like Chasin the Sun! I have a new CD coing out this fall so I can't wait to see how you like it! I listen to Sam Smith, Adele, Florence and the Machines, U2, Coldplay, Dead can Dance, Tori Amos . and classical music - I listen to tons of different things . .
blackhammer792 karma 2016-03-18 19:13:00 UTC
What inspires you to give such powerful performances, not just in the Final Fantasy songs, but in your own writing as well?
Also...are you in love? Asking for a friend.... ;)
I really love singing and performing so much. It comes from a very honest place. I don't know how else to sing except to sing from my heart. When I sing for you guys, I am telling you a musical story . . taking you on a journey with me. I especially love writing music. . it is alwasy an even deeper story when it comes from your own experience. This is what God made me to do so it comes easily to me . . but I also work hard at being as good as I can be. Nothing happens without great effort, practice, time, and focus. Hmmm am I in love? Well I do have someone I am dating right now. We will see how it goes!
Eanae2 karma 2016-03-18 19:10:56 UTC
Do you still perform anything from FFXI on Distant Worlds tour?
I think so! You will have to remind me which songs go with which versions ( I have the worst memory - LOL ) But I do Kiss me Goodbye, Eyes on me, Suteki Da Ne, Distant Worlds, Melodies of Life . and of course the 2 songs from FFXIV
ExKage2 karma 2016-03-18 19:11:53 UTC
How did you get involved with FFXIV and singing Answers and Dragonsong?
Thru Arnie Roth. I met Nobou- san thru Arnie and Nobuo liked my voice and felt like I was the right fit for Answers . . which of course led to Dragonsong.
and I just realized I misspelled Nobuo - I am worst speller EVER!
Bioman112 karma 2016-03-18 19:12:31 UTC
Answers is a great song! Paired with the End of an Era video, it especially conveys some powerful emotions. How do you, in particular, interpret the lyrics? I'm sure there's been plenty of debate by fans on what they mean!
thats a great question! To me Answers is describing this great tragedy, while also giving hints as to how to survive it. It is both narrative and inspirational . . which make it very unique.
kalyissa2 karma 2016-03-18 19:12:47 UTC
How much fun was it to work with Square Enix and record Answers.
Did you find it an emotional song to sing?
It was great! Square Enix has been SO supportive of me and I so appreciate that. I especially enjoyed working with Nobuo and Arnie tho . . as they were more of the musicians involved. Square just listens and approves. Yes it is an emotional song to sing for sure . . but when we recorded it we had no idea what scene would be going on. That happened later! Sort of a fun fact for fans to know
Hi Susan, thank you for taking the time to do this AMA and we from /r/ffxiv appreciate it!
It's fantastic to see you at Distant Worlds. Do you have a favorite song during the tours?
(For anyone wondering, here are her tweets to confirm the AMA)
probably Answers or Kiss me Goodbye. They are all such different songs so it's hard to pick. I like KMG because its more like a regular pop song and it lets me dig in as a singer more. And of course I love Answers because it's Answers! LOL
AstralElement2 karma 2016-03-18 19:20:24 UTC
I love your rendition of Memoro De La Stono!
Have you actually played any of the games?
aw thank you! That piece is seriously beautiful. We are actually working on a susan version of that one as well ! I still need to learn to play - I'm just super busy.
darkside23892 karma 2016-03-18 19:22:05 UTC
Hi Susan. Would you sing any upcoming primal songs in final fantasy 14? Hopefully the Goddess theme in the Warring Triad? Fingers Crossed
I would if they asked! That's a good question for Square Enix! LOL
Dempf2 karma 2016-03-18 19:22:24 UTC
Hi Susan. Like many, I have learned about you through your absolutely beautiful work on the FFXIV soundtrack. Dragonsong and Answers are both fantastic pieces. I have two questions for you:
How has your experience been interacting with the Final Fantasy fan community? Any major positive or negative experiences?
I think I may have read somewhere that you've never played FFXIV yourself (correct me if I'm wrong). How much context does Square Enix give you about the story behind the songs that you perform?
Aw thank you for the kind words! The fans have been amazing - nothing bad to say. You all have become my friends and I appreciate you so much. Every once in a while I get some critical comments but that seems to be a rare thing ( most singers get a ton ) hey, you can't make everyone happy! you are right, I don't play FF yet . . but I have done research on my own actually. I just wanted to know and understand more. Square actually doesn't brief me . . I just decided to investigate. I'm very Nancy Drew that way :) ha ha
kevasir2 karma 2016-03-18 19:28:48 UTC
Since you've been asked about Square Enix, I'll instead ask, how did you meet Arnie Roth?
And: Besides the FFXIV songs, what are your favorite songs that you yourself have sung on the DW tours? Seeing as you've done several. :)
I met Arnie thru his technical director, Chris. Chris and I had worked at some other recording studios together and he was very familiar with my voice and my work as an artist. Good question!
vinta_calvert2 karma 2016-03-18 20:40:58 UTC
Have you ever been approached by the Distant Worlds organization to perform 1000 Words, Real Emotion, or My Hands (all from FF games)? I'd love to hear your take on those songs.
Edit: There's also the Cosmos, Chaos, and The Messenger (same lyrics, 3 songs) tracks I'd love to hear from you.
No not yet. We have thought about doing a vocal CD that includes some of these songs you mentioned however. We shall see!
sheepcat872 karma 2016-03-18 21:05:50 UTC
Hi Susan! I saw you sing Dragonsong recently at Distant Worlds in Chicago the day after Christmas, what a great performance!!!
Here's my question to you.
I've read several stories of artists similar to yourself that start out with their own personal work, end up doing a part for a game that has a massive fan base and from then on their personal work will always take a backseat to their involvement with the game.
Although you're amazingly talented and I hope you achieve great success outside of FFXIV and its fans, if its ok to ask, how do you feel when you see your personal work and career overshadowed by your involvement with the game? Is it bittersweet? Or do you embrace this new direction and roll with it?
I feel like I'd be a bit miffed if I was a great artist and I did one song for one game and now that's all people ever knew me from, but then again, it's a great opportunity that millions would love to have (traveling around singing final fantasy songs?!) so I was just curious on your thoughts!
that's a really insightful question. For me it's all about exposure. I don't look at my susan music as having failed because honestly, I haven't released anything in so long. BUT when I do this fall, I am hoping that the FF fans will give it a chance. The fan base for FF was there for this music way before I got involved. So that has been a blessing. And it is very fun to work with the game and the music from it. My prayer is that as I move forward that my susan music would get more exposure so it would have a chance to succeed, in addition to the F music that I do. This happens more than you think for artist. Bruno mars was writing hit songs for people way before he was recognized for his own voice and music. It's a common road . . and also an effective one. The story isn't over. And ultimately, I'm in God's hands. If it's his plan, He will bring whatever success is needed for me to make a difference. I trust Him completely :)
Pokerodres2 karma 2016-03-18 21:26:50 UTC
Hello Susan! I'd like to say that I really like your powerful voice and all the pieces you have sung are really beautiful, I was really blown away by your singing when I heard Answers for the first time.
I'd like to ask you about how you feel about singing songs that are written and connected to Final Fantasy, is it hard to sing a song that already has a preconceived specific idea and story behind it that at first you dont know about,and then when its up to you to evoke those feelings and message, how do you go about it? Do you have some specific instructions to follow or is some of it ''improvised''.
Edit: I thought my question wasnt well made and tried to make it more understandable, sorry if it is convoluted. Thanks.
thank you so much! Im so glad you like my voice !!! so appreciate that! I actually think it would be much harder to sing a song without any story of meaning. The story behind the song is what gives you the passion to sing it ! I just close my eyes and think about what the song means and my voice just takes over :)
Sententia13092 karma 2016-03-18 19:17:10 UTC
Hello! First I'd like to say thank you for taking the time to answer all our questions!
Now for my questions: Is there any song (whether for the Final Fantasy series or not) that has particularly blown you away the first time you heard it? and Is there a song that you particularly enjoy singing?
you are welcome! I think more than a song, I have been blown away by an artist. I remember the first time I heard Adele sing Someone like you I was like - holy cow, this chick can belt it out! Or the first time I heard Coldplay's "Flock of Birds" - It's called "O" on the CD . . it choked me up. It was so moving. Honestly I love singing the FF music but Even more, I love doing my own music as it is so personal to me
MrCrowley762 karma 2016-03-18 20:28:52 UTC
I absolutely love your voice and greatly enjoyed Answers and Dragonsong on FFXIV. I also really like that you follow and interact with your fans on Twitter and Facebook. It feels like you use social media as way to really interact with your fans more than just as a tool to advertise yourself. As a fan, I really appreciate that. Do you see yourself using continuing to use social media to connect with fans as your popularity grows?
I hope so! And thank you for the nice comments. It is very hard to make a living at being an artist these days. It is really ALL about the fans. YOU guys are the ones who will decide to buy my music or support me. And even more, connecting with you all and building friendships with you make me a better artist. That is the greatest thing I could do for you guys - create music that you will love. But if I don't know you - what you are thinking about, your struggles, your wins, your frustrations, how could I ever create something that inspires you? Thank YOU for supporting me and for being my friend! I will always try to be as available to you all as I can :)
Kuja90012 karma 2016-03-18 19:22:44 UTC
Hi, What is your favorite part of the lyrics from Answers?
I like the section about "war born of strife, these trials persuade us not" . . because it's a great reminder that sometimes bad things happen but we can't give up and quit in the middle. We must go thru . .
Turtlehead322 karma 2016-03-18 19:23:51 UTC
What was one of your favorite moments working on Answers and Dragonsong, and also are you planning to do more music with Noubo and Roth?
I am alwasy hoping for that so we shall see! My favorite moment is when we get the thumbs up! We work over skype with Nobuo while He is in japan. It actually didn't take that long to record the vocal. Knowing that I am giving them a great performance that tells the story, that the fans will embrace . . that is the most important moment :)
Sounds like you had a lot of fun doing what you do and hope the future allows you to do even more amazing work!
thank you so much! yes i do enjoy what I do - and that is a great blessing.
How much fun was it to work with Square Enix and record Answers?
it was very fun for sure! And yes it was emotional . . but honestly we didn't know how it would be used until later! That's what made it such a cool thing when it worked so well with the new trialer
pandarynn2 karma 2016-03-18 19:24:52 UTC
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer all our questions!
Out of all the final fantasy songs, which do you prefer performing the most? And which one has has the most meaning for you?
Also posting for my fiance! But he wants to know if you have ever performed at weddings and how much it would cost? (Or if you would come if he invited you, haha. He's such a fan of yours!)
LOL .. well in general, I don't do weddings. I'm so sorry! It would just be too much with everything else going on right now.
I like all the FF songs but Answers and kiss me goodbye are def my favorites :)
nakano132 karma 2016-03-18 19:28:21 UTC
What has been your best and/or favorite opportunity/memory since working with Square Enix that you would not have been able to experience had you not been working together?
Going to Tokyo and performing at the Tokyo International Forum, getting to meet the whole team who created FFXIV . . that was so great. They were so gracious and kind and so happy I agreed to come to Japan. I won't ever forget it! Plus they give the best presents. Amazing cookies and sweets . . the BEST!
Hyperion-OMEGA2 karma 2016-03-18 19:30:43 UTC
So what did you first take from your first performance of Answers? And did you think it succeeded in setting the tone for the rest of the game?
That's a tough one. The hardest thing as a singer is to let a performance go and say it's "done". I always hear things I want to do different. One of the reasons I wanted to do my own version of Answers is to address this issue. Answers can be big and powerful but it can also be emotional and moody . . given what's going on. It would be cool if both versions were used during game play :)
Curiousplay2 karma 2016-03-18 19:32:01 UTC
Do you have any projects for FFXIV or ones with Nobuo and Roth that are in the works? I've been an immediate fan since the moment I encountered Memoro de la Stono~Distant Worlds. The song and vocals are stellar, utterly fantastic.
aw thank you so much! We shall see. Nothing official right now. Noubo is doing his thing and I am writing for my won record right now but you never know! We have talked about some ideas. we shall see
Post_cards2 karma 2016-03-18 19:33:08 UTC
Who are your favorite singers or bands? Musical influences?
Adele, Coldplay, U2, Rolling Stones, The Police, The Beatles, Ed Sheeran ( tho I think he may need to go to AA - too much drinking in his music - LOL ) I like Florence and the Machines a TON. Best music videos EVER. I like lots of different things . . but those are the more mainstream things
S-r-ex2 karma 2016-03-18 21:30:36 UTC
What are your less mainstream preferences?
I love Dead can Dance . . or Tori Amos as she is not so mainstream now. I love classical music - Bach, Debussy . . old classics like Aretha Franklin and Karla Bonoff. there's a million
GeezyHeat2 karma 2016-03-18 20:07:30 UTC
Will you be at the distant world in Houston July 23rd?
Not at this point, but that could change! If you request it on the DWFF facebook page. . that could help our cause :)
FrakkinPhoenix2 karma 2016-03-18 20:12:03 UTC
What is your favorite sandwich?
garden burger - does that count ?
King_Lindblum2 karma 2016-03-18 20:21:47 UTC
Is there a chance you will perform the theme song for Final Fantasy XVI (yes, 16)? It is rumored the game is currently in development by the same dev team behind Final Fantasy XIV. They recently posted a job advert to say they were hiring for their next AAA project.
Personally, I believe you should perform the theme song for all future numbered Final Fantasy games, just like how Yoshitaka Amano always draws the logos. Your voice is amazing and just suits Final Fantasy. Peace!
I have not been asked yet but you never know! I think there is a strong chance I will keep working on XIV . . as they create more versions. BUt for 16 . not sure! But hey, you can request it ! Can't hurt?
out of all the songs you have sang for the distant worlds concert, which one was your personal favorite?
Answers - as it is sort of my song ! No one compares me to another singer or anything :) which is nice.
sonovah2 karma 2016-03-18 20:27:39 UTC
Assuming they haven't already asked you, would you come back and sing the theme for the next expansion?
Yes! I love working with SE.
Kananetwork2 karma 2016-03-18 20:28:38 UTC
Being a singer isn't easy, most creative fields aren't, do you have any struggles where you thought about giving up? I know this is a personal question, so I hope you won't find me rude, but it's always inspiring to hear how someone continued on with their dream.
like a million times! And being involved with FF has been such a great opportunity. So many of you have discovered my susan music thru my voice and FF. It is hard to break thru all the noise out there. What I'm learning is that if you create music and build a situation that inspires others, it creates a great community that we all benefit from. You have to have a really good "why" in life . . otherwise you just won't stick with it thru the hard stuff. My Why is that I want to make a difference in your lives - inspire, encourage, uplift . . make you see yourself different, your life different . . that you would become everything God intended. THAT is a really good "Why" :)
RavensEyeOrder2 karma 2016-03-18 20:35:21 UTC
Hello, Susan! Thanks for doing the AMA! I have a few questions, if you don't mind!
What's your favorite place you've ever been to?
What place have you dreamed of going, but haven't gone yet?
Do you have any pets?
Do you have a favorite recipe or comfort food you would be willing share?
A favorite book?
If you played Final Fantasy XIV, what role would you choose? The tank protecting the party? The healer keeping everyone alive? Or the damage dealers (Bard being one of them!) who take the monsters out as quickly as possible?
wow great questions! 1) Paris and London are tied 2) Italy & Africa 3) Yes! I did have 2 labs . . one of them died last week - super heartbroken! Looking for a puppy so my other lab Sam has a sister again. 4)I love cooking so I have a million recipes! I will tweet one out later - how about that? 5) The Bible - it is my life force. 6) Probably the healer. We can do so much to empower each other if we just paid attention more. I am so about doing this with my music and life! I love to see the people around me soar :)
Shuyin812 karma 2016-03-18 20:48:44 UTC
Hi Susan, do you have plans to come out to the pacific northwest, namely Seattle area, any time in the near future? Also, more random, but do you watch any anime? If so, which is your favorite.(I find a lot of the community of FFXIV seems to like it, so they may find that interesting like I would)
We have done some shows in San Francisco . . but I have yet to come to Seattle. I would LOVE to!! If not with FF, maybe my own tour. I think anime is super cool but I don't watch it regularly. I'm so deep into my music right now in my life that my freetime is about hanging out with friends, unplugging from technology, watching a movie, etc. super chill type activity
its been a few years since distant worlds was last in san francisco, will it be possible to have another distant worlds concert here in the possible future?
yes for sure ! It's a big city and we have lots of fans there. Just a matter of when :)
newgirlie2 karma 2016-03-18 21:04:54 UTC
Do you listen to other game soundtracks in your spare time? If so, any favorites?
Hope to see you at Fan Fest in October!
me too! honestly I don't listen to a ton of soundtracks. especially right now as I am working on a new CD! staying focused :) But I love many of theme from films that I love.
sirafiinikkusu2 karma 2016-03-18 21:07:57 UTC
The biggest question I have is why must we suffer? That and of all the places you have traveled to where did you enjoy the most and why, scenery/fans etc?
They have all been so great . . the fans are awesome pretty much everywhere . . but London was pretty amazing. I was leaving the venue and a bunch of them were waiting outside to get autographs and photos. It was so much fun and they were so cool and genuine. Very classy fans of this game. One more reason to love you guys! Why must we suffer? The answer is too long for reddit. But I will say this - many of the best character qualities we get come thru difficulty. Sometimes our perspective is what needs to change, more than what we are going thru :)
Kzin_Silkencoat2 karma 2016-03-18 21:09:09 UTC
Since PandaRynn asked my question already and there have been so many other serious questions I have two not so serious ones.
1) What place has the best desserts that you have been? 2) What is your dogs name that we see in the pictures all the time?
hmm . . well, when I'm traveling I don't alwasy get dessert! But i think Paris has the most tempting goodies. It's hard to get away from it! I had 2 labs - Sam and Lucy. Lucy passed away last week however. It has been pretty heartbreaking for me so I didn't post anything about it. I love labs tho and plan to get a nother one for her brother who is still here. Lucy was only 5. She had a rare form of cancer.
I'm sorry to hear about Lucy. Its always hard when a pet passes. Any ideas what you will name the next Lab?
thank you so much :) I'm thinking about Suki or Gracie :) what do you think ?
Suki Da Ne Calloway? I think that would be a fitting name. Gracie I'm not a huge fan of. Grace is such a powerful thing that that changing it to a diminutive form seems not right to me. Though Grace and Sam would be a nice set of names.
i hear you. that's funny my mom doesn't like Gracie either. But I know what you mean about Grace. Such a gift from God :) Glad you like Suki!! ha ha
SABOTAGE832 karma 2016-03-18 21:11:18 UTC
Hello, Susan.
First of all I love your voice. Secondly, were you familiar with Final Fantasy before you worked on FF XIV? Ever play any of the older ones in your childhood?
FYI- Other People's Property.
I started singing at the live concerts before FFXIV so yes I was familiar . . and I had heard of the game but no, did not ever play when I was young!
illusion22692 karma 2016-03-18 21:15:53 UTC
Hi Susan, we really appreciate you connecting with the FFXIV community in the way you have been the past month, it has been fun getting to know you for more than just your beautiful voice.
Outside of music, singing, songwriting, etc..., what do you like to do for fun or to unwind at the end of a long day?
Also, I really hope we get to see you in Vegas for FanFest!
me too! Would love to come to Vegas! you are welcome and I love interacting with you guys! we will do more of this! When I am home I like cooking dinner with friends, Hanging out, watching a good movie, I also workout alot. I run 5-7 miles a day most days and kickbox, stuff like that. I also host a mentoring Group for young women - I love empowering my fellow sisters!
you are so funny . . that would be so funny if he named a daughter sephy - LOL !!!! i would love to come to Malaysia. It is very far for Nobuo and I both and that makes it very expensive so that is why we haven't done it yet. But you never know! It would be so great to do this
Texas_Ninja0 karma 2016-03-18 19:41:34 UTC
are you down with opp?
I'm not sure what you mean ? sorry


Lana Popham's 2009 Campaign: Remember the days when we were so crazy and used plastic grocery bags?
Remember the days when we were so crazy and used plastic grocery bags?
Customers at Langford's Real Canadian Superstore didn't seem to mind bringing their own bags to the checkout yesterday, as the store became what it says is the first major grocery retailer in B.C. to go plastic-bag free.
Shoppers packed purchases into reusable bags and plastic bins, as well as old plastic bags. Many had already switched to cloth bags, part of a growing movement against single-use plastic bags.
About 950,000 plastic bags a year were distributed from the Langford store prior to the ban. To replace them, the store has sent Langford households reusable bags made from 85 per cent recycled plastic water bottles, Stene said. The bags are selling for two for 99 cents until Dec. 8. Area residents also received a coupon for a free plastic bin with a minimum purchase of $25.
Environmentalists say Canadians use about 10 billion plastic bags a year. Many end up in the ocean, where they look like jellyfish and are swallowed by animals such as whales, sea turtles and sea birds, Popham said. Dumped in landfills, the bags have been predicted to last up to 1,000 years.
The move to ban or limit the bags is global. Tiny towns like Leaf Rapids, Man., to big cities like San Francisco, have banned the bags, while Ireland has a "plastax" of about 20 cents per bag.
Already, most grocery store chains in Greater Victoria sell reusable bags, and many pay customers a few cents for each bag they reuse.
A little challenge....in the Saanich News.
A bold move.....Who is next to step up?


Investing into the realty sector has been a buzz since long time. You must have heard about the end number of benefits that they provide you. Whether it's for monetary benefit or securing a lifetime asset for your family, real estate assures you all options to dwell in for leading a happy life. But other than these very common points, let us have an insight on what are the points that make the real estate investors be assured of valuable financial benefits, irrespective of the fluctuating economic condition of the markets across the world.
The following points will let you know how investing in real estate not only gives you profits but also lead to save your current earnings.
1. Getting a Mortgage was never so easy – Banks and financial institutions are making the process simpler for your planned real estate investments. Loans at affordable interest rates will enable you to choose among range of property options suiting your budget and requirements.
2. Free from tax and growing – Though buying rental property can be speculative in terms of the involved huge cash flows, the return based on appreciation can lead you to a tax free scenario. For decreasing your tax liability, you can go for 1031 exchange, an installment sale or charitable trust options. The best part about real estate investments is that as you need to be tax free in case you would have leveraged mortgage or home loan, a real estate investor can be free from taxes levied on your cash flow for most of your time.
3. Further tax cut offs depending upon your income – Based on couple of major factors including whether you are an active or real investor; and what is your monthly income there are very bright chances that you are able to enjoy overage of tax deductions against your salary other than the tax free on cash flow benefit that you are already availing.
4. Best option for Spendthrifts – People who consider themselves bad at saving money, for them investing in property can turn out to be an extremely significant achievement. Just investing one time, you treasure an asset for lifetime that is going to give you monetary gains all lifelong. Also, if there is any unfortunate incident or a mishap that would require huge amount of capita, this asset would be solving your purpose most conveniently.
All the above mentioned points have proved to be essential contributing factors especially in the success of rental property entrepreneurs. Saving huge costs and tax benefits, these business men can take advantage of this favorable market for real estate which is now growing substantially post-recession. Even if you are a working employee, investing in rental property is going to be very fruitful in terms of your finances. This way you not only make huge amount of money through the lucrative returns from renting it or selling it in future, but at the same time you are saving abundantly on your expenses with this huge one time investment option.
Author Bio: KunalChhibber is a professional content writer with flair in writing articles on the dynamic real estate sector. A graduate in management, music is his passionate hobby to which he is committed to as a part time Disc Jockey.


For security purposes, Punt Club uses 128bit SSL encryption and does not store credit card details on our database.
If you would like to withdraw funds from your personal betting account, we (like all other Australian Bookmaking operations) have a few further security requirements.
Customers who deposit using a Visa or Mastercard must within 90 days verify their account by submitting a legible copy of both the front and the back of the credit card used to fund the account. This process must be completed for each credit card used to fund your account. The copies must clearly show the first 6 and last 4 digits on the card. Other digits including the CVV can be obscured.


text:
Q: Either drawImage or paintImage doesn't work properly in Flutter I basically want to show an image that I have in the assets folder onto the canvas.
    import 'package:flutter/material.dart' as ui;

    ...

    ui.Image img = ui.Image.asset("images/some_image.png");
    ui.paintImage(canvas: canvas, image: img);

And have got the following error message when I tried to assign img to paintImage's image.

The argument type 'Image (C:\ABC\flutter\packages\flutter\lib\src\widgets\image.dart)' can't be assigned to the parameter type 'Image (C:\ABC\flutter\bin\cache\pkg\sky_engine\lib\ui\painting.dart)'.

I don't really know what could go wrong, I have seen other codes that had a similar approach with ui.Image.
Please advise.

A: There are two classes called Image in flutter, in different packages.
There's the Widget, which behaves like a widget and can be instantiated from an asset, from memory or from the network through its named constructors.
There's also the ui package Image which is used when painting at a lower level, for example in a CustomPainter. Since this version is in the ui package it's normally imported with the ui prefix like this:
import 'dart:ui' as ui;

Don't import material as ui! That will lead to a lot of confusion.
To make a widget, use the Image.asset constructor, passing the asset name.
To make a ui.Image from an asset use this snippet:
  Future<ui.Image> load(String asset) async {
    ByteData data = await rootBundle.load(asset);
    ui.Codec codec = await ui.instantiateImageCodec(data.buffer.asUint8List());
    ui.FrameInfo fi = await codec.getNextFrame();
    return fi.image;
  }

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


One of the major things that you need to ensure when it comes to your logo is that it is unique. It is also important to make certain that it is easily recognisable and can become synonymous with your business and brand identity.You want your customers to see a visual representation of your company which when seen, people will immediately associate that logo with you and your eCommerce solution.
Your logo design should never be a piece of clip art, not only because it can look unprofessional, but this image could also be used by a competitor, and will not be personal to you.
Also if using an image or font that is commonly known, you defeat the object of having a logo in the first place. This could even cause a negative view among your audience who may view your company as unimaginative.
Another reason to have a unique and recognizable logo design is because you don't want to violate any copyright laws. If your logos far too similar to a competitors, its best to make modifications to differentiate yourselves otherwise there is risk of a future court case.
If you have a simple, unique and recognizable logo design, people who visit your ecommerce solution often, will quickly associate your logo design with your business. Done properly, a logo design is one of the simplest ways to make a brand name recognition impact.
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text:
Anthropology, International, News
World Mongols USA: In support of Mr.Munkhbayar.Ch, the "Chinggis Khaan Memorial Foundation "Open letter to the Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene L.
Posted by WorldMongol
The Right Honorable Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
Prime Minister of Mongolia
Government of Mongolia
Dear Prime Minister,
I write you on behalf of the Chinggis Khaan Memorial Foundation, in support of Mr. Munkhbayar Chuluundorj. The Chinggis Khaan Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the memory of Chinggis Khaan in the United States. As Executive Director of the Chinggis Khaan Memorial Foundation, I have met and worked with many Mongols from different parts of the Mongolian world, in connection with our annual Chinggis Khaan memorial ceremony. I met Mr. Munkhbayar in Japan and the United States on several occasions, and got to know him well, and consider him to be a good friend. Mr. Munkhbayar has an international reputation and is known to Mongol communities all over the world as an individual who has a strong and deep commitment to Mongolian human rights, freedom and independence. I can vouch for the good character and honesty of Mr. Munkhbayar, and know that his commitments to Mongolian human rights, freedom and independence of Mongolia are genuine. I believe he should be given every opportunity by the Mongolian government to express his views freely and without restraint on matters related to his commitment to Mongolian independence. There is a perception that the legal proceedings against Mr. Munkhbayar are being motivated by pressures arising from either the Chinese government or organizations closely aligned with the Chinese government. I believe it is not only a liability for the government of Mongolia to bow to such pressures, but also runs the risk of denying the Mongolian people's right to their own national freedom. For this reason, I urge you to do all that you can to release Mr. Munkhbayar from this false incarceration and restore all of his freedoms immediately.
Chuluu Ujiyediin
Mongol-American Cultural Association Inc. 50 Louis Street New Brunswick NJ 08901
Telephone: 1-732-297-1140 Email: MACA@MACA-USA.0rg
Human rights, Munkbayar.Ch
Over 100 global rights groups call for the immediate release of Mongolian writer and activist Munkhbayar Chuluundorj
World leaders urged to jointly press for all charges against him to be dropped and for him to be freed FULL STATEMENT PDF H...
Anthropology, News
Munkhbayar Ch's open letter: Wake up, Mongolians, if you don't want to be wiped out!
Since February 17th, journalist, writer, human rights defender, and citizen of the independent country of Mongolia Mr. Munkhbayar Chulu...
World Mongols Europe:"Mongolian Cultural Association in Sweden" In support of Munkhbayar Ch, sending an open letter to the Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai.
Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai: The Mongolian Cultural Association in Sweden is a non-profit organization dedi...
World Mongols USA: "The Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center" In support of Mr.Munkhbayar.Ch, Open letter to the Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene L.
March 30, 2022 The Honorable Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene Prime Minister of Mongolia Government of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar, Mong...
World Mongols USA: "Mongol-American Cultural Association" In support of Mr.Munkhbayar.Ch, Open letter to the Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene L.
March 30, 2022 The Right Honorable Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene Prime Minister of Mongolia Government of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar...
International, News, Southern Mongolia
Activist Ch. Munkhbayar was reported by foreign news agencies. AFP: Prominent anti-China activist arrested in Mongolia
Mongolian campaigner Munkhbayar Chuluundorj (pictured in 2015) was arrested Friday on suspicion of 'receiving instructions and funds fr...
Categories Select CategoryAnthropologyArtArticleBuryatiaCultural and traditionalCultureCulture, artEventsHistoricalInternationalInterviewKalmykMediaMiscellaneousMongol anthropologicalMongolian language, scriptMongolian studyNewsPhotoPolitical and International relationsProject, programsSocial, humanitySouthern MongoliaTuvaVideosWorld MongolsYouth program
Archives Select Month January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021
Tsagaan Sar of the Xilingol league, Southern Mongolia
D.Sukhbaatar: Buryat Mongol during the White Tsar of Russia

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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text:
Laura Yan
We've made innovations in how we live, but what about how we're laid to rest? With the ever increasing environmental toll caused by traditional funerals, the growing modern burial movement seeks to find simpler, more graceful ways of returning to the earth; burying unembalmed bodies in biodegradable coffins or shrouds, putting QR codes on headstones, creating facilities for human composting in city centers.
As Caitlin Doughty, funeral director and founder of The Order of the Good Death, told Hopes&Fears, "There's a large segment of the public that doesn't understand why they can't just be buried under a tree. Not only for the sake of simplicity and thrift but because there is a yearning for a return to nature. These aren't necessarily people who even know that they're part of the alternative funeral movement. But because of what they believe and want for their bodies, they effectively are."
Natural burials were standard affairs in the U.S. before the Civil War—when embalming became necessary to preserve bodies of soldiers who died far from home—and there's growing interest to cycle back to those sacred rites today. "When you really accept that your body is made up of atoms that you have to effectively give back at the end of your life, it radically changes your entire perspective," said Doughty.
Changes are happening in traditional cemeteries, too, with some adapting portions of their acreage to accommodate green burial grounds, while others are accepting Quick Response, or QR, code on tombstones. As cremation rates rise, cemeteries are building crematorium spaces filled with niches for urns. Meanwhile, private companies are investing in unconventional ways to use ashes after they are cremated.
Options are a good thing, Katrina Spade, founder of the Urban Death Project, explained to Hopes&Fears. "People often say, 'just cremate me, I don't want to make a fuss.' But I think our deaths are a big deal. I think death should be fussed over."
Here are just some of the ways the death industry is moving into the next century.
Green burials
Green burials are the minimalist, eco-conscious burials of the future, but emerging from a history deeply rooted in the past. The dead are wrapped in cloth shrouds or placed in simple coffins made from natural materials like cardboard or pine and buried in a green space, such as a rural or woodland area. "It turns a gruesome procedure into something more natural and celebratory," explained Mark Harris, author of Grave Matters: A Journey through the Modern Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial.
He describes the process as, "returning a body into the earth, where it's allowed to degrade naturally, renourish soil, push up a tree, rejoin a natural cycle of life." And, green funerals are much cheaper, with most costing in the low thousands, whereas the median cost for a funeral requiring a vault comes in at over $8,000. According to Harris, "the current cemetery functions less as a resting ground for the dead than a landfill of non-biodegradable and sometimes hazardous materials."
In a conventional ten-acre burial plot, there's enough wood to rebuild 40 homes, and enough toxic embalming solution to fill a small backyard swimming pool. The amount of concrete used in the United States funerary industry can create a highway running halfway across the country; the amount of metal used in American caskets is enough to completely rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge every year.
People take funerary arrangements for granted, Harris explained. They often don't realize, for example, that a body does not have to be embalmed, or that you don't have to go through a funeral home. "The great thing about natural burial is that just like compost, it happens. It's very simple," he went on. "It's not just an eco-phenomenon for Hybrid driving enthusiasts. It's a form of burial that speaks to good old fashioned American values: simplicity, thrift, love of family, a desire to do it yourself."
The funeral services market at a glance
The number of funeral homes in the United States in 2004
↓19,391
of funeral homes in the US are privately owned by families or individuals
are owned by
publicly-traded corporations
people were employed by funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and other funeral services in 2012
$16 billion
The approximate revenue of the funeral industry in 2012
Source: National Funeral Directors Association
Ramsey Creek Preserve, the first green cemetery in the U.S, opened in 1998. The original site stretched a quarter-mile along a creek in South Carolina and consisted of 33 acres of protected woodlands.
Funeral photos from the preserve show a different ritual of death. Not polished wood, stiff faces and black suits, but dirt paths through pine forests, graves surrounded by wilderness, flower petals spread over the fresh, raw earth. Bodies are wrapped in floral shrouds or placed in unembellished wood caskets.
The mourners come dressed for the outdoors, in jeans, dresses, flannel and tie dye. Some bring acoustic guitars. Some smile brightly and make silly faces. Burials happen through the seasons: in freshly green spring, in the rich redness of autumn, in barren winter or the thick of summer.
Harris sees green cemeteries as more than just graveyards. "These become places of life, not just places of death," he said. Cemeteries become reserves where people can picnic, stroll, and commune with nature. The flat fieldstone grave markers (upright ones are not allowed) are covered with leaves and pine needles. "They blend so seamlessly with the landscape, you can walk through Ramsey Creek and never realize you're in a cemetery," Harris said.
The site will remain protected regardless of what happens to Memorial Ecosystems, the funeral service parent company, ensuring that the burial plots remain undisturbed. For Harris, green burials are the future. "We're at the start of a movement," he said. "I don't think it's just hyperbole—green burial will change burial practices in our lifetime."
Seven years ago, when Harris first wrote Grave Matters, there were about half-a-dozen green cemeteries in the U.S. Now, there are over 200, many of which are smaller areas in extant cemeteries. He's also seen a rise of the "old-fashioned coffin shops," merchants on Main Street selling funeral wares. The Green Burial Council certifies funeral directors for green burials, and there's growing attention paid to the end of life care.
According to Harris, it's about time. "When you look at what our modern burial methods do, with the embalming and gussying up of the corpse so it looks like somebody asleep instead of somebody actually deceased... We spend much of our time denying death," he said. "But now we're finally having this conversation."
Funeral costs in the United States, itemized
the median cost for an adult funeral with a casket in 2012
That cost if a vault is included
Here's how those numbers break down
Nondeclinable basic services fee
Removal and transfer of the remains to a funeral home
Embalming
Other preparation of the body
Use of facilities and staff for viewing
Use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony
Car or van service
Basic memorial printed package (memorial cards, register book, etc.)
Metal casket
Human composting
For Spade, the organic process of death and decay is equally important, but it can occur in a different landscape: the metropolis.
The architect has a vision for a library branch system of Urban Death Project facilities across city spaces, buildings where bodies are composted, then restored to the public in the form of memorial gardens and green spaces.
Each UDP building will have a three-story vault at its center to process the bodies. Mourners carry the deceased up a circular ramp to the top floor and complete a ceremonial laying of the body in a space called "the core," which can hold up to 30 corpses at a time.
A body is surrounded by woodchips and sawdust, and as it decomposes, it moves down the core. Finally, the remaining materials are screened, cured, and fill up what Spade estimates to be a three-foot cube. The resulting organic matter can be used as fertilizer for the soil. Loved ones can use the compost to plant a tree in their own backyard, contribute it to the onsite memorial garden, or distribute it to a city park.
Turning corpes into compost allows them to complete the cycle from life to death and back again. "To decompose naturally is about the most respectful thing you can do for a person after they've died," Spade says. Even in traditional burials, with the heavy defenses of embalming fluids and complex caskets, bodies still decompose.
The Urban Death Project is a compost-based renewal system. At the heart of the project is a three-story core, within which bodies and high-carbon materials are placed.
Source: urbandeathproject.org
Spade sees current funerary practices as "a status quo we've created" over time. They're not meaningful—spiritually or culturally, and are toxic to the environment. "People are starting to question things and figure out that they can and should be reframed," she said.
Spade finished a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the UDP in early May, raising about $90,000 from over 1,200 backers all over the world. The UDP is also collaborating with students from Wake Forest University School of Law to help work out the legalities of human composting. Currently, death care laws vary by state, with most states permitting burials, cremations and donations to science.
This August, Spade will see the results of UDP's first human composting experiment in Western Carolina. "We're going to uncover the matter—I don't even really want to call it bodily, because at some point our bodies transform into other material," Spade said.
Recently, Spade and her team uncovered the bodies, tested the soil, and began planning a design system for actual UDP facilities. The next stage is to build a small prototype of what the system might look like. The initial trial is a more simplified version of the UDP process: "simply a body, laid with woodchips, with more woodchips on top, relying on natural aeration." It takes four to six weeks for bodies to decompose, which is a longer than the time frame Spade imagines for the UDP.
In the future, Spade hopes to see a UDP facility in almost every neighborhood of every city, each with its own individual design and character: "Part funeral home, part park, part museum and part secular sacred space." Each building would also be a sanctuary for the living to contemplate the dead.
"I envision people going on their lunch break, even if they haven't lost someone, and just sitting there and being confronted with this idea that we're all part of nature in the end," Spade said. "There's something powerful to me about that."
Modern cemeteries
Change is seeping into the soils of traditional cemeteries, too. Some are turning into hybrid institutions, providing zones for green burials. Some host spaces for cremated remains, and others yet are bringing what has always traditionally been an earthbound industry into the digital realm.
Companies like Quiring can add QR code to new or existing tombstones. The barcodes link to an online profile "similar to a personal Facebook page," which features a memorial website with information uploaded by the family, such as an obituary and the personal history of the deceased—as well as ways to share that information on social media.
The QR code stands out on granite, a jarring modern incursion on a long historical tradition. The idea is that loved ones will be able to connect with the story of the dead from afar, and long after his or her death. Headstones get worn away with time, but digital records are forever—or, at least, as long as the data is safe, and the technology still relevant.
The historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York houses multiple, modern crematory spaces. The Tranquility Garden, its most recent addition, is a light-filled, zen-like space, surrounded by bamboo plants, cherry trees and grass. There are meditation areas, a fountain, a koi pond, and plenty of space and quiet to contemplate the dead. The building is composed of "the elements of nature itself": stone, wood, water and metal, and like the cemetery itself, it's a surprisingly lovely place to spend an afternoon.
By the end of 2015, cremation rates are expected to outnumber burial rates for the first time. By 2030, the National Funeral Directors Association estimates cremation rates will be over 70%. The growth of cremation comes from practical concerns for cost and environment, of course, but it might also have something to do with all the bizarre things you can do with your ashes afterwards. According to Doughty, that's a good thing. "There's no such thing as a strange burial method," she said. "We've been doing weird and wonderful things with our dead bodies since the beginning of human history."
Death and mortality
The number of deaths in 2012
The death rate per 100,000 population
The average life expectancy
The infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births
The mortality rate per 100,000 Americans in 1935
↓746
The MORTALITY RATE per 100,000 Americans in 2010 (a 60% change)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC NCHS Data Brief
New-age cremation
Among the weird things you can do with your ashes is blasting them into the cosmos. Services like Celetis will fly a small, sealed capsule of your remains into space. They're "symbolic" portions that weigh between one to seven grams, placed aboard the Celestis spacecraft, which is attached to a rocket (Families and loved ones can watch the launch unfold.)
The first private space burial took off in 1997, and carried the cremated remains of 24 people, including the ashes of psychologist, philosopher and LSD aficionado Timothy Leary, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry (actually Roddenberry's second trip to space: some of his ashes traveled aboard NASA's Columbia space shuttle in 1992), a space physicist and a rocket scientist, to an altitude of 38,000 feet.
The length of the orbits ranges from five weeks to several hundred years. The spacecrafts are attached to the rocket until it reenters and becomes consumed by the Earth's atmosphere, "blazing like a shooting star in final tribute to the passengers aboard." A lift into space (subsequent return to earth included) will run you $1,295, while launching the remains to the moon or deep space starts at $12,500.
If you'd prefer to stay earthbound in the afterlife, you can mix your ashes with concrete to create an artificial marine reef. Eternal Reef will create the mixture and place it into a mold, which is cured and finished overnight. Survivors get a chance to view the reef, engrave a bronze memorial plaque and leave any last traces on the memorial. Then it's out to sea for the reef's placement, and a final goodbye. The constructed Reef Balls simulate natural reef structures. Fish will congregate and plants will grow, allowing it to become a permanent fixture of the undersea ecology. The simplest reef cast, with no family involvement, costs $2,495, while a large marine reef fixture that weighs up to 4000 pounds costs $6,995 and can accommodate four sets of remains.
If you can't bear to part with a deceased love one, you can also turn a portion of his or her remains into a diamond that will, well, last forever. LifeGem will create jewels in a vast variety of colors and shapes from cremated ashes—or, a Victorian-style lock of hair. The company extracts and purifies carbon from the remains until it is converted to graphite. The graphite goes into a diamond press, which applies heat and pressure to generate raw diamond stones. Finally, diamond cutters facet the stone. Aside from a traditional colorless diamond, they also come in red, green, yellow or blue. Prices go from $2500 to $20,000.
And, if you're the poetic type, you can always remind others of their imminent mortality. Get a portion of your cremains made into an hourglass by In the Light Urns. Sadly (fittingly?), these curvaceous vessels can't keep exact time because of the consistency of their insides. They can, however, broadcast to everyone else that their days are numbered too. Urns go for $330. Or, you can opt for a wearable silver necklace filled with ashes for just $100.
The rising popularity of cremation in the United States
Of the dead were cremated in 1998
↑45.3%
Of people preferred cremation as a method of disposition in 2013
The estimated percent of cremations by 2020
The percentage of people cremated in Nevada, the state with the highest rate of cremation, in 2012
The percentage of people cremated in West Virgina, the state with the lowest rate of cremation, in 2012
The percentage by which the number of people cremated increased between 2008 and 2013
The annual growth rate in cremations from 2008 and 2013
Source: National Funeral Directors Association, Cremation Association of North America
Cryonics
Not ready to die, and very wealthy? Take a page from William Gibson's sci-fi masterpiece Neuromancer, and consider investing your capital in cryonics, or the preservation of your body with the hopes that one day, technology will allow your life to be restored. Alcor, a "life extension foundation" based out of Arizona, will preserve your entire body for $200,000. Or, use an ice-free "vitrification" process to save just the head for $80,000. There's no guarantee that the you'll be revived in the future. But if recovery does work, cryonics patients "will have been unconscious, not dead."


I'm studying to be a composer.
How can one learn to compose? By studying what others have done, by digging into the theory, and by experimenting. That's what I do: I study, I learn and I experiment.
I like to create music that is rhythmic, melodious and harmonious, music that feels natural and good inside and that connects with the inner self. Rhythm involves us, melody gives music its meaning, and harmony renders it more acceptable and makes it stick in memory.
Music is part of human nature. Just listen to the music in your head. I've had melodies swirling around my head for as long as I can remember, and I love working them into full melodies.
I experiment. I've built a virtual orchestra in my computer, with instruments from around the world. As I go along, I discover new tricks. I hear new effects. I discover more secrets in composition and sound processing.
Here you'll find some steps of my learning. The site keeps growing. With every piece of music, I wonder how to make the music even better with my various tools.
Also, a love story winds itself through these compositions. It starts with this article.
Have a look around. Perhaps you might like something here. All my music is free. Many thanks to Ivo Antognini of the Lugano (Switzerland) Conservatory who has been guiding my music studies since the autumn of 2017.


Arrived in Ireland with his wife Macha his four sons and their wives and twenty other Nemedians. Nemed had lost all but one of a fleet of thirty two boats. The nine Nemedians became settlers who cleared, like Partholon, the forests of Ireland to create twelve more fertile plains. The Nemedians also had to fight the Formorians with their dark and evil ways. They won three battles but finally lost the fourth and were destroyed.
Nemed and his family arrive din Ireland thirty years after the plague that had wiped out Partholon and his people. He had had a great fleet of ships that had been lost in a greedy pursuit of gold when they discovered a tower of gold in the sea. In pursuit of the gold the sea had risen up to destroy the fleet, as well as nine hundred and fifty one of Nemed's people. They became cultivators and settlers, and on the model of Partholon cleared the forest of Ireland.
They created twelve plains and by diverting rivers they created four new lakes. One of these was named after Nemed's wife, Macha. She was a seer and predicted in her dreams and vision great happenings on the plains. One of these visions was about the creation of a grand court, which became known as Emhan Macha, after the place she was buried. Nemed defeated the sea pirates, the Formorians, in three battles. He made four of the Formorians build a fortress which they did in one day. He had a ruthless streak and killed them in case they built a better fortress for other people. Nemed died of a plague then on an island in Cork harbour.
After his death, the Formorians gained the upper hand and eventually the Nemedians rebelled and attached the Formorian stronghold at Tory Island.
They did capture the tower on the Island but reinforcements and the sea rising up led to a defeat. It was a frightful slaughter and only one boat managed to get away. Some, with Simeon fled to Greece. Others went North to become the Tuatha de Danann.
Nemed was a druid but also a great leader with the ability to engender prosperity and well being. To do so required the skills to cultivate land, having cleared it but also the warrior that was able to defeat the Formorians. With his wife, Macha, they constituted a powerful force whose role was taming nature and establishing a culture.


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I've created this course in order to help you get started publishing low-content books quickly and easily, while being able to bypass the trial & errors and minimize the learning curve.
While I can't promise instant success, I will say that this is one of the easiest side hustles I've found in a long time. I think you'll have a great time making money while building a profitable and sustainable business in this evergreen market.
I've also just launched a Facebook group for those interested in self publishing. The group will encompass all things self-publishing, not just low-content books. You can find the private group here and our new template shop here (if you're looking for additional premade journals and templates).


The Supercar Aspark OWL was been unveiled in the last Frankfurt Motor Show. At this moment it was only a concept but with the idea of continuing with a development program to became a production car, obviously for a few people considering the price that will be high.
Now Agshin Badalbayli of Aspark has sent more news to Electric Motor News, with some details of the development program carried out so far on the Japanese supercar.
The stated goal is to achieve an acceleration that can run from a standstill up to 100 km/h in 2 seconds and according to information from Agshin Badalbayli the goal was achieved during the driving test that took place in the Tochigi Prefecture in Japan on 11th February.
Agshin Badalbayli specifies that 2 tests were carried out and the best time reached in the 0-100 km/h acceleration was 1s89, (second test in 1s92) while concluding with the confirmation of the presence of Aspark OWL at the next Mondial de L'Automobile in Paris next October.
Aspark OWL achieved these results as commercial car so we can say that, OWL is the fastest electric supercar in the world – concluded Agshin Badalbayli .


SUFFERING HOUR's highly anticipated debut album, In Passing Ascension. One of the most exciting new bands BLOOD HARVEST has had the pleasure of hearing, SUFFERING HOUR exhibit a power and maturity that exceeds their otherwise short existence. Theirs is a death metal that defies most modern paradigms, safely eluding prevailing trends whilst driving deep into the heart of timeless DEATH METAL art, evoking mysticism as surely as molten crush, songwriting class as surely as hideous chaos, with a serpentine flow like no other.
As a title, In Passing Ascension is thus apt. There's something elusively transcendent about the sonic wormholes SUFFERING HOUR create here, something that sounds plucked effortlessly from the ether whilst being grounded in the dirt and grime and filth of the earth – and, surely, the foundation of death metal itself. It's a sensation of floating across suspended terra firma, as paradoxical as that may read on paper. For verily, SUFFERING HOUR have mastered the art of extremes: melodicism vs. miasma, space vs. swarm, tech vs. hypnosis, osmosis vs. disintegration, death metal as art vs. death metal as death metal.
In Passing Ascension therefore is an experience in and of itself, a virtual world in which to roam (and perhaps get lost). With suitable (and suitably stirring) cover art created by Witchrist's Alexander Brown, In Passing Ascension shall soon be hailed as one of the year's mightiest death metal debuts.
If you enjoy this, you'll also enjoy Carcinoma | Abyssal.


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Dr. Sherrill Slichter
Sherrill J. Slichter, M.D.
Dr. Slichter's contributions to the field of transfusion medicine over 45 years have revolutionized platelet transfusion therapy. She has identified methods to significantly prolong the shelf life of platelets, determined approaches to prevent alloimmune platelet refractoriness, identified the minimum number of platelets required to maintain hemostasis, and provided insights into understanding platelet production and viability. These long-term studies have established and improved state of the art practice in transfusion medicine.
After earning her medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC, Dr. Slichter completed her residency at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. She went on to complete her fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Washington in 1968, and performed her extensive platelet research at Bloodworks Northwest (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center). Her lifelong determination, dedication, and major contributions to hematology continue to revolutionize the field.
Determining the Appropriate Dose of Prophylactic Platelets
Bloodworks Northwest is one of 17 trial sites across the U.S. that are part of the recently established Clinical Trials Network in Transfusion Medicine/Hemostasis funded by the National Institutes of Health. A prophylactic platelet dosage study in cancer patients, proposed by Dr. Slichter, has been selected as the first clinical trial to be initiated by the Network. In this study, cancer patients are randomly assigned to receive all their platelet transfusions at a low dose, a medium dose, or a high dose. The goals of this trial are to evaluate bleeding risk based on transfused platelet dose and how many total platelets are transfused in each study group. The primary objective is to determine the lowest dose of platelets that prevents bleeding. Although enrollment in the study has started, it will probably be another two years before enrollment is completed and the results of the study have been analyzed.
Once the minimal effective dose of prophylactic platelets that prevents bleeding is determined, this will be incorporated into patient care. We expect that the ongoing clinical trial will show that we can substantially reduce the number of platelets needed by cancer patients. This will not only decrease the need for platelet donors but should, more importantly, substantially reduce patient care costs.
Extending the Storage Time of Platelets
As platelets can currently only be stored for five days, as opposed to the 42 days possible for red cells, the need to collect platelets drives the donor collection system. Dr. Slichter's lab is actively pursuing techniques to extend the storage time of platelets. Using a physiologic solution instead of residual plasma to store the platelets, the lab's preliminary data suggests that platelets may be stored for up to 13 days. These studies have been done by storing a normal donor's own platelets, tagging their platelets with a radioactive substance after storage, and transfusing the donor with their radioactively labeled platelets. By drawing serial blood samples from the donor after transfusion, the lab can determine the recovery and survival of the donor's stored platelets by measuring the residual amount of circulating platelet radioactivity. Future studies will involve transfusing the extended stored platelets into patients with low platelet counts to determine their ability to circulate and prevent or control bleeding.
Having a longer shelf life for platelets will significantly reduce the current outdate rate for platelets as well as decrease the lab's need for donors. It will also mean that the lab will be able to maintain a much larger inventory of platelets, thereby having a continuous supply of platelets readily available to meet patient needs.
Preventing Transfused Donor Platelets from Being Rejected
Red blood cell transfusions usually require matching for only two blood group systems between donors and recipients (ABO & Rh) to prevent the rejection of donor red cells. Unfortunately, platelets require matching for the very complex histocompatibility system that must also be matched between organ donors and recipients (such as stem cell or kidney transplants) to prevent graft rejection. Platelets are transfused from random donors until the patient shows signs of rejecting these platelets as evidenced by no increase in the patient's post-transfusion platelet count. If rejection of random platelets occurs, platelets must be obtained from histocompatible matched donors by apheresis procedures to obtain enough platelets to constitute a transfusion dose.
The Blood Center maintains a registry of approximately 21,500 histocompatible typed donors to have a chance of finding one or more matched donors who will be able to provide compatible platelets for the genetically and racially diverse patient populations who require platelet transfusions. These platelet apheresis registry donors have agreed to be typed for histocompatibility markers and are on-call to provide platelets for patients who are rejecting platelets from random donors.
Using an animal model of transfusing platelets from random donors, Dr. Slichter's lab has determined it is the white cells that contaminate the transfused platelets that signal the transfused recipient's immune system that donor platelets are being transfused. These contaminating white cells activate the recipient's immune system causing the rejection of the platelets from random donors. Unfortunately, the centrifugation procedure used to separate platelets from the other blood cells in a unit of whole blood or during an apheresis procedure does not completely remove all of the white cells.
In the lab's animal transfusion model, preliminary data suggests that combining two different procedures may effectively prevent immune recognition of donor platelets. The first is to remove a large number of white cells by using a filter designed to allow the platelets to pass through, but not the white cells. If the filtered platelets are then gamma irradiated, this inactivates the residual white cells that the filter has not removed. Filtration and gamma irradiation procedures are both used routinely in blood centers. If it can be shown that combining these procedures is effective in preventing platelet rejection, these processes can easily be transferred to clinical application. However, additional animal studies are required to confirm these potentially very significant observations. Following the animal studies, transfusion studies in patients with low platelet counts will be used to determine the effectiveness of these approaches in patients.
Between 20 to 30 percent of chronically transfused cancer patients reject platelets from random donors. For these patients, it requires a substantial time commitment from platelet apheresis donors to support their platelet needs. For some patients, matched platelets are not available, which increases their bleeding risk. Therefore, preventing a transfused recipient's immune system from recognizing donor platelets as foreign will be a significant benefit to both patients and platelet donors.
Verghese PS, Smith JM, McDonald RA, Schwartz SM, Nelson KA,Warner PR. Impaired graft survival in pediatric renal transplantrecipients with donor-specific antibodies detected by solid-phase assays. PediatrTransplantation 2010: 14:730–734. PMID20598090
Kieran N, Wang X, Perkins J, Davis C, Kendrick E, Bakthavatsalam R, Dunbar N, Warner P, Nelson K, Smith KD, Nicosia RF, Alpers CE, Leca N, Kowalewska J. Combination of peritubularC4d and transplant glomerulopathy predicts late renal allograft failure. .J Am Soc Nephrol 10) :2260-8., 2009. PMID19729438
Slichter, S.J., Fish, D., Abrams, V.K., Gaur, L., Nelson, K., and Bolgiano, D. Evaluation of different methods of leukoreduction of donor platelets to prevent alloimmune platelet refractoriness and induce tolerance in a canine transfusion model. Blood, 105(2):847-854, 2005. PMID15231575
Reinsmoen, N., Zeevi, A., and Nelson, K.A. Anti-HLA antibody analysis and crossmatching in heart and lung transplantation. Transplant Immunol, 13: 63-71, 2004. PMID15203130
Gaur, L.K., Nitta, Y., Kennedy, E., Lernmark, A., Nelson, K.A., Allen, M., and Nepom, G.T. Induction of islet allotolerance in nonhuman primates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 958:199-203, 2002. PMID12021106
He, J.Q., Gaur, L.K., Stempien-Otero, A., Nelson, K., Levy, W.C., O'Brien, K.D., Bolgiano, D.C., and Reiner, A.P. Genetic variants of the hemostatic system and development of transplant coronary artery disease. J Heart Lung Transplant 21:629-36, 2002. PMID12057695
Nitta, Y., Nelson, K., Gaur, L.K., Andrews, R.G., and Allen, M.D. CFSE dye dilution mixed leukocyte reactions monitor alloreactivity following cardiac transplantation in non-human primates. Transplantation Proceedings, 33:226-9, 2001. PMID11266844
Reiner, A.P., Teramura, G., Nelson, K., and Slichter, S.J. A platelet monoclonal antibody-inhibition assay for detection of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa-related platelet alloantibodies. J Immunol. Meth.,184:153-162, 1995. PMID7658019
Nelson, KA., George, E., Swenson, C., Forstrom, J.W. and Hellstrom, K.E. Immunotherapy of murine sarcomas with auto-antiidiotypic monoclonal antibodies which bind to tumor-specific T cells. J. Immunol. 139:2110-2118, 1987. PMID2957449
Forstrom, J.W., Nelson, KA., Nepom, G.T., Hellstrom I., and Hellstrom, K.E. "Immunization to a syngeneic sarcoma by a monoclonal auto-anti-idiotypic antibody." Nature 303:627-629, 1983. PMID6190090
Nelson, K., and Sjogren, H.O. "Effects of presensitization in vivo on cell-mediated responses to embryonic antigens in vitro." Int. J. Cancer 10:108-114, 1978. PMID624596
Nelson, K., Pollack, S.B., and Hellstrom, K.E. "Specific anti-tumor responses by cultured immune spleen cells. I. "In vitro culture method and initial characterization of factors which block immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro." Int. J. Cancer 15:806-814, 1975. PMID1140873
Sherrill Slichter, MD
Emeritus Member
Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute
Professor Emeritus of Medicine
Division of Hematology
1551 Eastlake Ave E
Email: sjslichter@bloodworksnw.org
Renetta Stevens
Email: RenettaS@bloodworksnw.org
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Arsen Avakov. Official website / News / Arsen Avakov: Thanks for the years of working together to every officer, soldier, and employee! I am proud of our team!
Today, on July 14, the Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov awarded 84 employees of the MIA system with orders, medals, departmental insignia; law enforcement officers were awarded honorary titles. The Minister congratulated attendees with awards and thanked the entire large team of MIA system employees for their service.
"Dear friends, officers, sergeants, employees, on behalf of the state of Ukraine, I have the honor to present state awards to you – the best of the best. Thank you for performing your daily duties in such a way that every citizen of Ukraine can feel safe and protected, and the law is observed in our country. I hope all of you have something to be proud of because today, the best gathered here. And we have about 350 thousand officers and employees in the MIA system. I am proud of our team, proud of our professionalism! I wish all of you success in the future", – stated Arsen Avakov.
He awarded the NGU soldier Alexander Pavlyuk posthumously with the Order of Bogdan Khmelnitsky of the III degree. Pavlyuk's son, Nikolai, received the award.
"Alexander was a worthy man and officer. Glory to the fallen Heroes", – said Arsen Avakov.
With a moment of silence, those present honored the memory of the fallen law enforcement staff, who gave their lives for the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
First Deputy of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Sergei Yarovoy, stressed that MIA is a powerful system, which employs true professionals.
"I am grateful to each of you. To those who were with us in the most difficult times for our country and provided for law and order. This proves that the MIA is a powerful system. Thank you to everyone present and to those who are on duty now. I am sincerely grateful to the captain of our team of many thousands, Arsen Avakov. We have seen everything that has been created and put into practice; we feel your constant care and concern to make our system really professional", – said Sergey Yarovoy.
The Head of the National Police of Ukraine, Igor Klimenko, congratulated law enforcement officers with awards and thanked the leadership of the state and the Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov for the appreciation of the joint work of all MIA units.
"I wish you strength, vigor, motivation, and inspiration to work for the good of our state. Congratulations to all. Glory to Ukraine!" – Igor Klimenko said.
The head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, Mykola Chechetkin, noted that each employee of the MIA system is worthy of an award because each of them protects the integrity of our state and comes to help the people.
"For the eighth year in a row continues the war unleashed against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Unfortunately, our people are paying a very high price – tens of thousands of dead and wounded, orphaned children, almost two million temporarily displaced people, thousands of hectares contaminated by explosive ordnance territory. But thanks to people like you, who daily contribute to the development of our state, protection of its sovereignty, we will succeed, and we will definitely win", – stressed Nikolai Chechetkin.
Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine Mykola Balan congratulated everyone on the high awards and wished peace, wellbeing, and further achievements:
"Any state award means the gratitude of the state, its leaders to their soldier and employee. But it also means a certain duty of those awarded to fulfill their service duties and combat tasks. I wish all of you always to return home alive and unharmed."
The medal "Distinction of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine" of the II degree was awarded to Volodymyr Filenko, adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs. By the way, he was one of the authors of the Constitution of Ukraine.
"More than seven years ago, Arsen Avakov was appointed the head of MIA which was falling apart and disorganized. During these years, we have reformed the National Police; we have now a qualitatively new State Border Service and the National Guard, the State Emergency Service with the most powerful equipment, new weapons, helicopters, and most importantly – a new generation of employees, who are a reliable pillar of the MIA and the state as a whole. Thank you", – summed up Volodymyr Filenko.


Hillside Place Senior Living, located at 1400 SE 19th St. in Lincoln City, is looking for volunteers.
"Lincoln City runs on volunteers," said Debbie Donner, life enrichment coordinator for Hillside Place Senior Living. "There are so many people in our area that want to give of their time and talents, so talk to us to see how we can help each other.
"Currently, we have several seniors who live here that, for various reasons, find it difficult to socialize in larger groups," added Donner. "We would love for some volunteers to come and spend one-on-one time with a single resident, getting to know one another and engaging in mutual interests.
Hillside Place Senior Living runs background checks on all volunteers and also conducts interviews to help match volunteers with residents that likely share common interests.
Areas of interest may vary for each volunteer. Agate collecting and polishing, cooking demonstrations, reading books aloud, playing games, arts & crafts, watching movies together, working on model planes, photography and cameras, well-mannered dogs for pet therapy, singing, demonstrations of your hobby are only a few of the ways to volunteer at Hillside Place.
To learn more about volunteering at Hillside Place Senior Living, call 541-994-8028 and ask for Debbie Donner.
For more information on Hillside Place Senior Living, go to www.enlivant.com.
Hillside Place Senior Living, located at 1400 SE 19th St. in Lincoln City, is looking for volunteers. "Lincoln City runs on volunteers," said Debbie Donner, life enrichment coordinator for Hillside Place Senior Living. "There are so many people in our area that want to give of their time and talents, so talk to us to see how we can help each other.


The Watermark is the quarterly newsletter from Automated Water & Effluent Ltd which provides information on new developments, systems we've designed and built for customers, new products and where to find industry news and developments.
Automated Water & Effluent Ltd have been producing copies of The Watermark for our customers since 2007, and while many things have changed over the course of time some of the tips have remained invaluable. Some of the advice is universal - such as the installation of dosing pumps to prevent syphoning, how to install an industrial mixer, amongst many others, which is so useful that we've listed it all in our guides section, but still the best place to pick up on tips and advice for the installation of measurement and control equipment for Process Control, Water Treatment and Effluent Treatment is by subscribing to The Watermark - which you can do right here.
For previous issues of The Watermark - we've listed them out by year below, and if you require a PDF copy or if there is something specific you need or an old issue that you're after - please don't hesitate to let us know.
This 2018 issues of The Watermark.
So far in 2018 we've had a special feature on how to introduce reliable lime dosing to a pH correction system, new temperature controllers and dosing pump spares.
2017 was an exceptionally busy year for Automated Water & Effluent Ltd as celebrated in The Watermark across 2017.
Firstly we celebrated our 35th birthday - we've been continually trading since 1982 under the same name with the same owners.
We also had a number of product launches, including a new pH Transmitter, new conductivity transmitter, and the P6587 pH / Redox controller with IP65 housing and PID control.
We also looked at control panels we developed for customers, exhibiting at the WWEM exhibition, peristaltic pumps, industrial mixers, cooling tower controllers and ampere hour meters to name just a few!
Every edition of The Watermark since 2007 is available to download as a PDF.


Zone Select Genetics means we breed hybrid corn that accommodates the diverse soil types and climate zones in the east.
We're proud to present here our hybrid corn choices for 2017. We have 80 choices. Use the selection app below to find the varieties likely to produce best in the fields on your farm.
Begin with relative maturity, that's the number of days you usually have from planting to maturity in a typical growing season on your operation. Simply move the circles on the ends of the slider tool to set your range of days for relative maturity to black layer. Next select the intended use of your crop, and the app will display recommendations for your farm.
Click "Read More" for details about each choice. Some varieties include video shot in our test plots at our main complex in central Pennsylvania. Use our "Compare" tool to evaluate your choices side by side.