The National Association of Government Accountants(AGA) was established in 1950 and has been dedicated to the enhancement of public financial management and advancing government accountability. AGA serves the professional interest of individuals in local, state and federal governments by offering programs and services to forward its commitment to education and training, professional development, networking, publications and certification that recognized the unique skills of government financial managers.
The Nashville Chapter of AGA is one of about 100 chapters across the country that promotes the organization's goals by providing professional support, education and training to members while serving their communities through volunteer activities.
The chapter was chartered on May 16, 1978 and serves the governmental financial community in Middle Tennessee and South Central Kentucky. The chapter is part of the Southeastern Regional governance structure.
VISION: AGA is the premier association for advancing government accountability.
MISSION: The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants fosters learning, certification, leadership, and collaboration for professionals and stakeholders committed to advancing government accountability.
VALUES: Accountability - Promoting and advancing accountability in government. Communication - Providing opportunities for members to learn and grow through education, meetings and networking events.
Diversity - Respecting the ideas and perspectives of all members.
Integrity - Fostering the highest professional standards of ethical conduct and behavior and exemplary services to all levels of government.
Leadership - providing experience to members to advance leadership roles in government.


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By Bharat Cities
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Raigarh is a city and municipal corporation in the Raigarh district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The administrative headquarters of Raigarh district, it is known for its coal reserves and power generation for the state as well as the country.
The download of the app doesn't contain viruses or any kind of malware. Raigarh is designed by Bharat Cities and its category is News & Magazines. The tool was downloaded and set up by over 100 users and its latest stable release was on Jan 24, 2019.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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An attempt to interview a Democratic Socialist: He can't say I didn't try.
Six days after the 2016 presidential election wherein Donald "The Hammer" Trump won, and five days after Killery conceded the race to him, a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, headed by Milton Tambor, projected a two-word phrase onto a high-rise hotel in Midtown Atlanta. As your Citizen Journalist, I read what I could find on the matter from the mainstream media, and found nothing useful. Therefore, I made calls and did research myself.
My first call was to the Crowne Plaza Midtown Atlanta's general manager, Patrick Palmer. He returned my call saying the company was not happy that their building was used as a canvas for a political message, much less one that featured the ever-popular ubiquitous F word. He further told me that attorneys advised there was nothing to be done about it as it was a free speech matter. He disagreed, but he's not in the business of fighting for Constitutional rights.
My next communication was to Milton Tambor via email. He confirmed it was he and his local chapter that pulled off the event. I said I'd like to interview him. He told me to watch the 5:00 and 6:00 news that evening as he would be interviewed. I did not want to see what MSM was going to do, and I, as Citizen Journalist, would love to interview him. Tambor called me and said he would agree to the interview as long as I understood he and the DSA were all about protest. I was fine with that and we agreed on doing the interview via email. Here is how far we got:
Angela: Mr. Tambor, I appreciate your willingness to be interviewed by this Citizen Journalist. You certainly got the attention of Atlanta, social media streams, and local news when you projected the properly punctuated "Fuck Trump." phrase on the side of a building in downtown Atlanta. How did you come to choose the Crowne Plaza building? How long was the phrase up on the building? Were you asked to remove it? If yes, by whom?
Milt: The Crown Hotel was chosen because it offered high visibility for pedestrians and motorists. The phrase was up for 30 minutes. A security guard came out to ask that we leave the location, which was promptly done.
Angela: The group you're a member of is called the Democratic Socialists of America. Their site says their purpose is to "fight for reforms that empower working people." How do you think you accomplished that with this latest direct action?
Milt: The message was intended to mobilize folks to stand up and fight back against the bigotry and racism that Trumps' campaign has been based on. DSA stands on the side of immigrants, Latinos, women, African Americans, and the LGBTQ community.
We support raising the minimum wage to a living wage, universal health insurance, protecting the environment, financial regulations, free college education, increased taxes on corporations and the wealthy, immigration reform, reform of the criminal justice system, collective bargaining rights for all workers, and a major public works program to create decent paying jobs.
Since Trump opposes these reforms. Those of us who want these changes will need to protest and resist when current protections are threatened. We have seen much positive feedback on social media from the latest direct action. We are also witnessing a surge in our membership particularly from young people.
Angela: Obviously, you're aware many do not agree with your vision, otherwise there would be no need for direct action to get your message across. When I saw your message being projected onto a building, my first thought was to wonder if the company agreed with it. I spoke with the GM there who said Crowne Plaza didn't agree to allow use of their building in that fashion. My next thought was to wonder if they didn't agree with it, would they be upset that their respected business name and reputation was associated with such a message? The company was upset about it.
Therefore, my question to you is, if visibility and impact to the most people was important to you, why not choose a Federal building or an overpass, both of which "belong to the people"?
Milt: Better to skip that question.
Angela: How come?
Milt: I already answered it. Good location, near freeway with black backdrop making for high visibility.
Angela: Then let me ask it another way. If you had it to do over again, would you choose not to project on a building owned by a business?
Milt: Just tonight the message projected on Macy's in the Lexington Mall was No One is Illegal. There is nothing sacred about a building owned by a business. Businesses have been sites of civil disobedience.
Angela: True, but haven't buildings been chosen because they had a pony in that particular fight? Surely, you'd agree that innocent parties should not be dragged into a fight that wasn't theirs.
Milt: I don't know of any lasting damage done to the "innocent" party. In fact, the hotel got some free publicity. But beyond that, I see no reason to continue our discussion. It is clear to me that your interest is in the hotel and not on Trump's policy proposals that will damage and even destroy lives. Wishing you the best as citizen journalist.
Angela: "No lasting damage?" "Free publicity?" Geez, Milton, are you kidding me? That's the best you can do? We were just getting started.
If your protest is to bring change in an existing system to a way that would serve more people in a better way (which you claim it will), it would seem to me you'd take every opportunity you could to explain your methods first to open more ears to your message. But you cannot even do that? You give up so fast? Frankly, I am disappointed. Where's your fighting spirit? Where's your gumption?
No further comment was received from Milt.
End of report. The rest to follow is opinion. Mine.
From talkingunion.wordpress.com: Milt Tambor, left, and Bill Lucy, right
Interesting point: Via phone Milt Tambor said he was unhappy with the TV news interviews because they were more concerned with his use of the dirty word "Fuck" where the little kids could see it. They didn't want to hear his democratic socialist agenda messaging. I agreed with Milt that MSM missed the whole point of the situation. Unfortunately, so did Milt.
On DSA's site they say they fight for reforms that empower working people. Yet the people working at businesses they use to project their messages are harmed by potentially causing bad feelings from the public, consumers, thus causing a drop in business and therefore not being able to pay a full staff, layoffs to follow. The DSA is working against working people. But that's what socialists do, isn't it? They claim to want to help "the little people" but push agendas that a long and well-documented history has shown will do more harm.
In any case, Tambor's idea of protest sounds more like whining to me. Mr. Tambor, though agreeing to it when I explained how I'd ask questions of a type and in an order he might not be familiar with, decided not to continue the interview. Which, of course, made me think of this old episode of The Andy Griffith Show. See which character you can pick out as the socialist.


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FROM ubuntu:16.04
RUN apt-get update && \
    apt-get install -y jq python2.7 python-pip curl
RUN pip install awscli
COPY storage /usr/bin/
COPY ebs/rancher-ebs common/* /usr/bin/
CMD ["start.sh", "storage", "--driver-name", "rancher-ebs"]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


China Widens Trading Band for Yuan.
Now, how does the U.S. political elite see that same world? Virtually no one is better qualified to handle that subject than former national security adviser, BTC pipeline facilitator, and briefly Obama ghost adviser, Dr. Zbigniew ("Zbig") Brzezinski.
And he doesn't hesitate to do so in his latest book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power.
If the Chinese have their strategic eyes on those other BRICS nations, Dr. Zbig remains stuck on the Old World, newly configured.
Translation; despite being outmaneuvered by a minority Pashtun insurgency for years, neither the Pentagon nor NATO have any intention of rebalancing out of their holdings in the Greater Middle East. Already negotiating with President Hamid Karzai's government in Kabul for staying rights through 2024, the U.S. has every intention of holding onto three major strategic Afghan bases: Bagram, Shindand (near the Iranian border), and Kandahar (near the Pakistani border). Only the terminally naïve would believe the Pentagon capable of voluntarily abandoning such sterling outposts for the monitoring of Central Asia and strategic competitors Russia and China.


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Home Current Affairs Did someone say 'Burn the Quran'?
Did someone say 'Burn the Quran'?
Last Updated on 20th April 2022
Romaan Basit, Final-Year Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK
Sweden is seeing yet another rising wave of anti-Muslim sentiment. A copy of the Quran was burnt in public this Easter weekend, causing violent riots in response. Rasmus Paludan, leader of far-right party Stram Kurs (Hard Line), wrote on Facebook that it was "time to burn the Quran", which he carried out last Thursday in the city of Linkoping.
The reaction was fierce; vehicles were set on fire and stones were thrown at the far-right group in protest, with the nation seeing the highest level of violence it has ever witnessed according to national police chief Anders Thornberg.
Danish politician, Paludan is no stranger to such controversy. In 2020, a similar plan was hatched to burn the Quran in Sweden, causing a parallel violent reaction. In the same year, Paludan was jailed in Denmark for offensive behaviour, banned from Sweden for two years and prevented from entering Germany amidst plans of a provocative demonstration in Berlin.
Far-right groups like Stram Kurs have declared war against Islam. They aim to rid the West of such a "violent" and "repressive" ideology, and have proved they will go to any length to do so; hence why atrocities such as Quran-burnings are becoming increasingly common.
What they do not realise is that burning physical copies of the Quran will never erase it from the hearts of the people. Safeguarding the Quran is a responsibility that Allah has taken on Himself. He says in the Holy Quran itself:
"Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian." (Surah al-Hijr, Ch.15: V.10)
The Quran has been preserved in its entirety; not only in letter but also in spirit. Every other divine scripture has been altered. The Quran, however, is the only book that has remained unchanged in the face of constant attempts to interpolate and even destruct it – from the wrongful interpretation by extremists to the burning of the Quran by the likes of Stram Kurs.
If all copies of the Quran were to disappear from the world
The reality is, even if every single Quran on the face of this earth was to be burnt, the Quran would remain preserved to the letter; in fact, it could be reproduced in a matter of days. This is a claim that no other scripture can make.
Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra explains this in Tafsir-e-Kabir:
"If all copies of the Quran were to disappear from the world, even then, within a couple of days, the entire Quran can be reproduced. We can instantly reproduce it to the letter even in a small town like Qadian, not to speak of larger cities." (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 18)
One might wonder how this is possible. As mentioned, Allah the Almighty has promised to safeguard the Quran. For this, there are certain means of preservation in place to assure this. For example, since the beginning of Islam up till this day, there have always been people who have committed the entire text to memory. Also, the verses of the Quran were always written down and then compiled in a book form.
Regarding this, the Promised Messiahas has written:
"Hundreds of thousands of Muslims know the whole of the Quran by heart, thousands of commentaries have been written upon it, its verses are read in Prayers five times every day. It is recited by its followers daily, millions of its copies have been spread throughout the world, and its teachings have become known to the people of every nation. All these things compel sane reason to believe that it is impossible for any kind of interpolation or alteration to ever find its way into the Holy Quran." (Brahin–e-Ahmadiyya, Part 2, p. 119)
There are other ways in which the Quran has been preserved, which have been mentioned at length by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in Tafsir-e-Kabir Vol. 4. A detailed discussion of this can be found in the following article:
www.alislam.org/articles/was-holy-quran-perfectly-preserved/
Therefore, yes, although the burning of the Quran is extremely inflammatory and provocative, this incident gives us proof of a living God who is All-Powerful. Despite all attempts, the Quran can never be erased. We should rejoice to know that no man can ever destroy what Allah the Almighty has vowed to preserve and safeguard.
How should Muslims react to the Quran-burning?
A question that naturally arises is how Muslims should react to such behaviour. When similar events took place in Sweden in 2020, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa not only condemned the burning of the Quran but also gave guidance on how Muslims should respond.
During the virtual mulaqat of the national amila of Sweden, Huzooraa stated:
"The reason why this is happening is that they do not know the true teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran. Moreover, due to the actions of some terrorists amongst the Muslims, these people get the impression that such things might actually be written in the Quran.
"They try to grab on to one verse that instructs the believers to do qitaal or to fight, whilst overlooking the rest of the verses which explain the circumstances or context enabling this permission.
"So, these people should be made aware of these teachings, and you should make your plans to propagate the true teachings in accordance with this."
A violent response is never the answer. The only practical and effective response is to educate the masses about the true peaceful teachings of Islam. To do so, we must first educate ourselves; and even better, act on its teachings and become a living example of what this magnificent book stands for. This is what Islam is all about.
Quran Burning
Khalida Jamilah 20th April 2022 At 8:02 am


Otherwise known as Jaws, our famous north shore big wave surfing spot. All images are taken from the water.
A beautiful unridden barrel in the early am at Jaws.
My favorite image from Pe'ahi. Shot the evening before the 2016 Pe'ahi Challenge right at sunset with the mist catching nice strong evening light.
This one won an online National Geographic contest. From the judge: "I see this and I think, "Hope that surfer is ok!" I feel so much anticipation in this image, the crash of the wave and the gravity defying surf board, both elements that lead you to create the before and after visuals in your mind. Really nice."
This is early morning Pe'ahi, when the sun rises and the fortunate few on the water get to experience mother nature in all of her beautiful fury. Waves of 80 feet or more rise and fall and crash and boom, while the bravest of surfers push their luck again and again. The waves destroy jet skis and surfboards and can certainly claim lives with violent focus. At the same time it is astonishingly beautiful, the sights and sounds and smell is not soon forgotten.
The preferable light breezes at Pe'ahi push the mist backwards over the wave as it crashes, forming afternoon rainbows with the sun dropping behind us in the channel.
I'd stay out on the water at Jaws until it was pitch black if we could. Such an incredible place, and always has something new and different to show us.
One of the perks of Jaws (as a photographer and observer) is that for some reason the light is almost ALWAYS night early and late. Makes for some interesting happenings.
From the 2016 Pe'ahi Challange. It takes a healthy dose of both skill and courage to be in the shadows at Pe'ahi. Tens of thousands of gallons overhead, wanting nothing more than total destruction. Aaron Gold (pictured here) nearly died on a wave at Cloudbreak six months before this was taken. Six months before that, he rode what some folks say is the biggest wave ever paddled into. I was fortunate to be on the water for that one as well and have images of it. Always a pleasure to watch him surf!
A long, unridden wall of water from December 2016.
Sunrise the morning of the Pe'ahi Challenge at Jaws. This was one of the first waves ridden, I believe it's Albee Layer hidden behind the swell between us and the boat.


Viva Las Vegas – Viva Long Drink!
The roots of long drinks go back the 1952 Summer Games in Helsinki, Finland. The country of four million people was still poor and recovering from World War II. Full of pride for their country, the Finns wanted to give all athletes and tourists an unforgettable experience.


Smoking cessation can save lives. Duration of smoking is the most important factor associated with risk of premature death. The sooner someone quits the better their chances of avoiding adverse health consequences.
For all the money poured into cancer research in recent decades, most of the progress in reducing cancer mortality has been due to deaths avoided through successful tobacco control, especially efforts to persuade smokers to quit.
The American Cancer Society recently examined how much the decline in smoking had contributed to the decline in deaths from all cancers in the US. It concluded: "Even our most conservative estimate indicates that reductions in lung cancer, resulting from reductions in tobacco smoking over the last half century, account for about 40% of the decrease in overall male cancer death rates ... A more realistic straight line projection of what lung cancer rates might have become suggests that, without reductions in smoking, there would have been virtually no reduction in overall cancer mortality in either men or women since the early 1990s. The payoff from past investments in tobacco control has only just begun."
If there was any doubts about the benefits of quitting sooner than later this question was erased by a recent report based on the 50-year follow-up of over 34,439 male British doctors. It found that prolonged smoking from early adult life tripled the risk of premature mortality, but cessation by age 50 nearly halved the risk and quitting by age 30 reduced the risk to approximately the same level of someone who never smoked. Even those quitting after 65 added three years to their life expectancy.
Doll R, Peto R, Boreham J, Sutherland I. Mortality in relation to smoking: 50 years' observations on male British doctors. British Medical Journal. 2004; 328:1519-28.
Thun MJ, Jemal A. How much of the decrease in cancer death rates in the United States is attributable to reductions in tobacco smoking? Tobacco Control 2006; 15:345-7.
Interventions that have the greatest chance of reducing tobacco use in the population are those that reach the most smokers repeatedly and make tobacco use less appealing, such as increasing tobacco taxes, restricting tobacco product marketing, implementing smoke-free policies, sponsoring hard hitting anti-tobacco media campaigns, and changing policies to dramatically increase access to cessation support.
Numerous studies by SAPRP investigators and others have found that various policies that make tobacco use less affordable, convenient and attractive can increase quit rates. The impact of such policies on reducing tobacco use appears to be enhanced when they are implemented simultaneously.
The effectiveness of such an approach was demonstrated in New York City after implementation of a comprehensive tobacco control plan that included increasing the cigarette excise tax; legal action that made virtually all work-places, including bars and restaurants, smoke free; a paid public education campaign about the risks of smoking; and improved access to cessation services, including a large-scale free nicotine-patch program.
Simulation models have also been used by SAPRP investigators to estimate how different tobacco control policies might impact smoking rates in the population. Using a dynamic simulation model of smoking trends, known as SimSmoke, it was found that by 2010, the aging of older population groups and the impact of policies implemented in years prior to 2004 would produce smoking rates of approximately 18.4%, which is substantially short of the national 2010 goal of 12%. According to SimSmoke, if policies such as higher taxes and clean air laws are implemented, smoking rates would be substantially reduced and come closer to reaching the 2010 goal.
In August 2002, the Subcommittee on Cessation of the federal Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH) was charged with developing recommendations to substantially increase rates of tobacco cessation in the United States. The subcommittee's report, A National Action Plan for Tobacco Cessation, outlined 10 recommendations for reducing premature morbidity and mortality by helping millions of Americans stop using tobacco.
The plan includes various strategies designed to promote cessation, such as establishment of a national "quitline" network and a $2 per pack excise tax increase to pay for a Smokers' Health Fund.
The main elements of the ICSH plan also were reiterated and expanded upon in a 2007 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which also outlined a national plan for reducing tobacco use. The IOM report describes a strategy that includes strengthening and fully implementing existing tobacco control measures known to be effective in discouraging tobacco use and expanding the regulatory framework for tobacco to limit the marketing of addictive products.
Bauer JE, Hyland A, Li Q, Steger C, Cummings KM. Longitudinal Assessment of the Impact of Smoke-Free Worksite Policies on Tobacco Use. American Journal of Public Health. 2005; 95:1024-1029.
Biener L, Reimer RL, Wakefield, et al. Impact of smoking cessation aids among recent quitters. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2006; 30:217-24.
Fiore M, Croyle R, Curry S. et al. Preventing 3 million premature deaths and helping 5 million smokers quit: A national action plan for tobacco cessation. American Journal Public Health. 2004; 94:205-10.
Frieden TR, Mostashari F, Kerker BD, et al. Adult tobacco use levels after intensive tobacco control measures: New York City, 2002-2003. American Journal Public Health. 2005, 95:1016-23.
Hammond D, Fong GT, Borland R, Cummings KM, McNeill A, Driezen P. Text and graphic warnings on cigarette packs. American Journal of Health Promotion. 2007; 32(3):202-209.
Hyland A, Higbee C, L Q, Bauer JE, Giovino GA, Alford T, Cummings KM. Access to Low Taxed Cigarettes Deters Smoking Cessation Attempts. American Journal of Public Health. 2005; 95:994-995. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Ending the tobacco problem: A blueprint for the nation. Washington, DC: The National Academic Press, 2007.
Levy DT, Nikolayev L, Mumford E, Compton C. The Healthy People 2010 smoking prevalence and tobacco control objectives: results from the SimSmoke tobacco control policy simulation model (United States). Cancer Causes Control. 2005;16(4):359-71.
Tauras JA. Public policy and smoking cessation among young adults in the United States. Health Policy. 2004;68(3):321-332.
Tauras JA, Chaloupka FJ. The demand for nicotine replacement therapies. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 200;3 5(2):237-243.
Tauras JA, Chaloupka FJ, Emery S. The impact of advertising on nicotine replacement therapy demand. Social Science & Medicine. 2004;60(10):2351-2358.
Wilson N, Thomson G, Grigg M, Afzal R. New smoke-free environments legislation stimulates calls to a national Quitline. Tobacco Control 2005;14:287-288.
Nicotine in tobacco is the primary reason why most people find it hard to stop using tobacco. Clinical trials have provided evidence that there are several drugs that can help people quit smoking. These drugs work by either mimicking the positive impact that nicotine has on the brain of a smoker or lessening symptoms of nicotine withdrawal that typically occur a when a smoker stops using tobacco.
As summarized in the 1988 Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health - and more recently in tobacco industry documents- there is no doubt that nicotine in tobacco is the primary reason why most tobacco users continue to expose themselves to the known toxins found in tobacco.
Nicotine creates dependence by stimulating the release of chemicals that make a person feel better. Over time, higher levels of nicotine are required to unleash the chemicals and reproduce the positive feeling, which explains why most smokers start out smoking infrequently and eventually increase their smoking to about a pack per day. When smokers stop smoking without any assistance, the abrupt discontinuation of nicotine can cause bad moods and other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which make it likely that the effort to quit will fail.
This problem has led to the development of smoking cessation treatment methods that emphasize nicotine replacement or nicotine mimicry. Nicotine mimicry, which is the goal of the newly engineered compound Varenicline, decreases nicotine withdrawal by weakly stimulating the body's nicotine receptors, while also decreasing the "high" of nicotine itself by binding much more strongly to the receptors, blocking nicotine uptake.
Cummings KM, Hyland A. The nicotine replacement therapy on smoking behavior. Annual Review of Public Health. 2005;26:583-599.
Silagy C, Lancaster T, Stead L, Mant D, Fowler G. Nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2002; 4:CD000146.
U.S. Department of Health Hum. Serv. The Health Consequences of Smoking: Nicotine Addiction. A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department. Health Human. Services, Centers for Disease Control, Office on Smoking or Health, 1988.
Effective behavioral and pharmacological treatments for smoking cessation are underutilized across the population, but especially among the poor.
Based on a recent comprehensive review of the effectiveness of different smoking cessation treatments, the USPHS recommended that all smokers receive practical behavioral counseling and support to quit, preferably in combination with FDA approved smoking cessation medication. It also recommended that health care workers screen all patients for tobacco use and provide advice with follow-up behavioral treatments to all tobacco users. In addition, the USPHS recommends that smoking cessation medications be made available to all smokers who wish to quit.
Despite these treatment guidelines, population based surveys reveal that most tobacco users today are not receiving treatment assistance from their health care providers. For example, a recent survey reported that tobacco counseling occurred in less than one-fourth of doctor visits by tobacco users and cessation medications were prescribed on less than 3% of occasions.
Interestingly, the odds of getting a prescription for a stop smoking medication increased 15-fold if the patient requested it. Studies by SAPRP investigators have documented that the utilization of proven smoking treatments is lowest among those who are uninsured and those who have the greatest need for assistance in quitting tobacco (such as smokers with mental health and other substance abuse problems). Similar findings have been found by others.
Bansal M, Cummings KM, Hyland A, Giovino GA. Stop smoking medications: Who uses them, who misuses them, and who is misinformed about them. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2004; 6[Suppl 3]:S303-10.
Cokkinides VE, Ward E, Jemal A, Thun J. Under-use of smoking cessation treatments. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2005; 28:119-22.
Fiore MC, Bailey WC, Cohen SJ, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Clinical Practice Guideline. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health Human Services, Public Health Service, 2000.
Steinberg MB, Akinciquil A, Delnevo C, et al. Gender and age dispariies for smoking cessation treatment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2006; 30(5):405-412.
Policies that make pharmacological and behavioral treatments more accessible and affordable, such as over-the-counter sale of nicotine replacement medications telephone "quitlines," and workplace cessation programs can increase their utilization.
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of interventions developed to make smoking treatments more accessible and affordable. For example, sales of nicotine medications for smoking cessation increased when they were made available as over-the-counter, as opposed to prescription-only, products.
There is also emerging evidence that employer policies can play a role lowering smoking rates. These policies include banning smoking at work, linking health insurance premiums to smoking status, and providing easy access to cessation programs.
Telephone "quitlines" that offer easy, instant access to information on how to quit smoking have been shown to be useful interventions for promoting smoking cessation. The advertising, word of mouth, and healthcare involvement associated with quitlines helps to stimulate quit attempts while increasing demand for and easy access to low cost treatments for tobacco cessation. Studies also show that smokers, especially younger adults, like the ability to access cessation assistance over the Internet.
In addition, there is evidence that smokers are responsive to the cost of stop smoking interventions. Studies have found that more people will make use of proven treatment interventions if the cost is covered by insurance or treatment is available for free or at a discount.
Increasing awareness of effective cessation treatments does not always guarantee greater utilization. But generally speaking, it will increase use, especially if consumers get repeatedly exposed to the information. For example, requiring cigarette manufacturers to print a national quitline number on cigarette packs has been found to be a cost-effective way to increase the number of tobacco users accessing the service.
Alesci NL, Boyle RG, Davidson G, Solberg LI, Magnan S. Does a health plan effort to increase smokers' awareness of cessation medication coverage increase utilization and cessation? American Journal of Health Promotion. 2004; 18(5):366-369.
Borland R, Segan CJ, Livingston PM, Owen N. The effectiveness for callback counseling for smoking cessation: a randomized trial. Addiction. 2001;96(6):881-9.
Burns ME, Bosworth TW, Fiore MC. Insurance coverage of smoking cessation treatment for state employees. American Journal of Public Health. 2004;94(8):1338-1340.
Burns ME, Rosenberg MA, Fiore MC. Use of a new comprehensive insurance benefit for smoking-cessation treatment. Prev Chronic Dis. 2005;2(4):A15.
Cummings KM, Fix B, Celestino P, et al. Reach, Efficacy, and Cost-effectiveness of Free Nicotine Medication Giveaway Programs. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. 2006; 12, 37-43.
Curry SJ, Grothaus LC, McAfee T, Pabiniak C, M.S. Use and Cost Effectiveness of Smoking-Cessation Services under Four Insurance Plans in a Health Maintenance Organization. New England Journal of Medicine. 1998; 339(10):673-679.
Halpern, MT, Dirani R.; Schmier JK. Impacts of a Smoking Cessation Benefit Among Employed Populations. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. 2007;49(1):11-21.
Hyland A, Rezaishiraz A, Giovino G, Bauer JE, Cummings KM. The Impact of Over the Counter Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Smoking Cessation: Results from a 2001 Survey of COMMIT Cohort Members. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2005; 7(4):547-555.
Keeler TE, Hu TW, Manning R, Marciniak MD, Ong M, Sung HY. The benefits of switching smoking cessation drugs to over-the-counter. Health Economics. 2002; 11(5):389-402.
McAlister AL, Rabius V, Geiger A, Glynn TJ, Huang P, Todd R. Telephone assistance for smoking cessation: one year cost effectiveness estimations. Tobacco Control. 2004;13(1):85-6.
McNeill A. Impact of UK policy initiative on use of medicines to aid smoking cessation. Tobacco Control. 2005; 14(3):166-171.
Miller N, Frieden TR, Liu SY, et al. Effectiveness of a large-scale distribution programme of free nicotine patches: a prospective evaluation. Lancet. 2005; 365:, 1849-54.
Moher M, Hey K, Lancaster T. Workplace interventions for smoking cessation (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005, (2): CD003440.
Stead LF, Lancaster T. Telephone counseling for smoking cessation (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(2):CD002850.
West R, DiMarino ME, Gitchell A, Strecher VJ, Shiffman S, West R. Randomized controlled trial of a web-based computer tailored smoking cessation program as a supplement to nicotine patch therapy. Addiction. 2005; 100:682-688.
Tauras JA, Chaloupka FJ. The demand for nicotine replacement therapies. Nicotine & Tobacco Research 5(2):237-243, 2003.
Willemsen MC, Simons C, Zeeman G. Impact of the new EU health warnings on the Dutch quit line. Tobacco Control. 2002; 11:381-2.
Zhu S-H, Anderson C.M., Tedeschi G.J., et al. Evidence of real-world effectiveness of a telephone quitline for smokers. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(14):1087-93.
Inconsistent efforts by health-care providers to offer proven cessation treatment is an important barrier preventing tobacco users from gaining access to effective treatments. An approach called "pay for performance" is being used to motivate health care providers to improve their delivery of proven cessation treatments.
Despite increasing national attention to the benefits of proven smoking cessation treatment, health care providers routinely fail to identify patient tobacco status. Also, their provision of cessation counseling and recommending of cessation medications and referrals to structured counseling programs for smokers are lower than they should be. Women and elderly tobacco users and those without private insurance appear to be especially unlikely to receive prescriptions for cessation medications. Patients who request treatment and those with tobacco-related health problems are more likely to get help.
In recent years there has been improvement in private, federal and state insurance coverage for some components of treatments recommended by the USPHS. For example, Medicare now provides reimbursement for counseling and pharmacotherapy.
However, insurance reimbursement for smoking cessation remains spotty. A 2002 national survey of Medical Care Organizations (MCO) revealed that 30 percent had no written policy on coverage for tobacco cessation services and 42 percent provided no coverage for behavioral interventions.
Evidence produced by SAPRP-supported investigators has helped demonstrate that MCO's would be wise to invest in comprehensive smoking cessation services. The costs of the services are low relative to the potential return on investment in the form of reduced smoking-related health care expenditures. This work has stimulated the adoption of pay-for-performance incentives by some health insurers to motivate health care providers to improve their delivery of proven cessation treatments to their tobacco using patients.
McMenamin SB, Schauffler HH, Shortell SM, Rundall TG, Gillies RR. Support for smoking cessation interventions in physician organizations: results from a national study. Medical Care. 2003;41(12):1396-1406.
McPhillips-Tangum C, Bocchino C, Carreon R, Erceg C and Rehm B. Addressing tobacco in managed care: results of the 2002 survey. Preventing Chronic Disease Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy. 2004;1(4):1-11.
Steinberg MB, Akinciquil A, Delnevo C, et al. Gender and age disparities for smoking cessation treatment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2006; 30(5):405-412.
Warner KE, Mendez D, Smith DG. The financial implications of coverage of smoking cessation by managed care organizations. Inquiry. 2004;41(1):57-69.


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The way you respond will vary depending on a number of factors including your personality and how you've experienced previous losses. The circumstance's surrounding the loss and how close you were to the person who died will also make a difference in the beginning stages of grief. If a loss is sudden or unexpected you may feel mostly disbelief and shock at first. However, if your loved one was ill or was older you may experience less disbelief, and greater sorrow. Yet, even with the variance in how the loss happens; the moment you learn of the death you begin the grieving process and deep inner changes will begin to unfold.
You can see changes in the mind reflected in your thoughts. You will find yourself desperately searching for a way to understand what happened. You may continue to review the events surrounding the loss. You may find that in one moment life feels normal again and in the next moment the reality of loss invades your thoughts. In your grief you may struggle to accept that in one moment your life changed forever.
expect your emotions to move through deep intense cycles and fluctuate greatly. The emotional changes in the beginning of grief will help you eventually to accept the loss.
The moment we learn of the death of a loved one is the moment we embark on a journey into grief. The grieving process is a deep inner adjustment to loss. Grief is a mind, body and spiritual experience; it is a synthesis of all the thoughts, feelings, sensation and experiences that arise as we struggle to accept our loss. We grieve for the death of the loved one and for our own anguish as we face their absence in our lives. The grief we feel in the face of loss can be overwhelming and overpowering.
Grieving is an experience that changes us and changes the way we perceive ourselves and our lives. We begin to feel and think differently. We may see life in ways that where not apparent to us before the loss. What we once held as dear may now lose meaning as we encounter the finality of death. Our sense of who we are in the world is challenged as we wrestle with the changes wrought by grief.
Grieving is a journey into the heart and soul. It touches us at our core and challenges us to excavate strength and courage to heal our deep wounds. Therefore healing from grief is an experience with the power to transform us, and to awaken us to life.
By following these steps you will create a daily routine that offers support for your healing. On some days you may not follow each step. One day you may feel willing to help yourself and the next day you may not feel like doing anything. That's okay. If you apply these steps to your daily life you will discover that you have the power to help yourself through it. You can endure and you can heal. Do what you can and when you get off track work your way back again. Each time you do something self-supportive you will give yourself another piece in the puzzle of your own healing.
The grieving process is a journey that demands great feats of your body, mind and spirit. You will need all of your strength to deal with your loss and continue to live your everyday life. Because of the challenges grief creates it is important to do what you can to help yourself through the experience.
There are several self-supportive actions you can take each day. They may seem simple and a part of your everyday life but when you are immersed in grief it is easy to neglect the most basic and significant aspects of your well-being.
Drink at least 10 eight Ounce glasses of water each day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and irritability that will accentuate your grief. You can prevent this by remembering to drink water throughout the day.
It is also very important to eat healthy and nutritious foods during this time. Focus on meals of nutrient-rich whole grains, vegetables and lean proteins. Be sure to eat three meals each day and keep your blood sugar stable by eating small nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugar as much as possible.
Both alcohol and sugar depress the body and deplete levels of serotonin, the brain chemical that helps us to maintain a state of well-being. The intake of alcohol and sugar can aggravate your already fluctuating emotions. If you use these substances to relax or to soothe your emotions; try taking a walk or talking with a friend instead.Caffeine should also be avoided because it can increase anxiety and irritability. If you drink coffee daily limit it to one cup. If you are tired; and you will be; give yourself permission to take a nap or rest for a period of time each day. Ask friends, colleagues and family to help you meet job responsibilities, take care of your children or run errands if you have little time to rest. Choosing rest instead of caffeine is a long-term choice that will ultimately help you to return to your normal energy level.
Get some form of exercise each day.
Even a short Walk will support the body's own healing resources. Exercise supports the release of stress and the production of healthy brain chemicals that create a sense of well-being. Whatever form of exercise you choose, try to set aside at least 20 minutes for it each day.
Spend time each day doing something that is relaxing and enjoyably. Whether you enjoy gardening, writing in a journal, reading, meditating or walking take time each day to nurture your soul. It will help you through the most difficult times.
Find support for your healing.
Support can be anything that gives you inspiration, guidance or encouragement. You may find support through a church, your family, friends, animals, hobbies, or you may discover that a healing professional is needed such as a counselor or psychotherapist; they are especially good for providing support. We like our local Grief share group : www.griefshare.org local sign up : redeemers.org Whatever works for you is what you should do.


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IMAGE AND ICON - 1 An Introduction by Dom Alex Echeandia O.S.B., Prior of the Monastery of the Incarnation, Pachacamac, Peru.
Father Alex Echeandia is a native of Chiclayo in northern Peru and is a monk of "The Monastery of the Incarnation", founded from Belmont Abbey (UK) in 1981. While he was studying Theology at Blackfriars, Oxford, he also studied iconography under Aidan Hart, an Orthodox iconographer.
Thr original icon of the Theotokos
"Our Lady of the Incarnation"
The above photograph is our monastic chapel in Pachacamac, not as it is, but as we hope it will be. In fact, only the left hand icon is up and painted. Fr Alex hopes to paint the right hand icon of the child Jesus among the archangels towards the end of the year, and the much larger Christ Pantocrator, perhaps as a fresco, next year.
Fr Alex gives a retreat on spirituality of icons and a course on icon painting every year in England at Belmont Abbey and in Peru in our monastery here
Theotokos of Tenderness
"Our Lady of Belmont"
IMAGE AND ICON - 1
How to participate in the mystery of faith?
a) Why does Christian art exist? – Incarnation – II Council of Nicea
b) Meaning of Icons
c) Roots of Iconography
A work of art is a new creation. It manifests an organic unity. The artist strives to so unite the different elements that a new reality comes into being, something greater than its parts, something that bestows richness and purpose on all the elements that make it up. This is true of icons as well as all other kinds of art. So, what is the difference between Christian works of art and other works of art? It introduces another transcendent dimension to the image which is seen in the light of Christ. It gives people a new way of seeing things, in faith and meditation within Christian spirituality.
Christian art requires first the use of the most advanced artistic techniques and artistic talent in the execution of the work. Together with the skills of the craftsman, Christian art also receives from Tradition its Christian content. Christian Tradition is the interior life of the Church, born out of the harmonious cooperation between the Holy Spirit and the faith experience of the Church, and is itself the extension of God's incarnation. Thus, Christian art first began during the centuries of persecution at the very beginning of Christianity. In the same Tradition, Christian art received new life from the dogmatic deliberations of the great ecumenical councils. Tradition combines with Sacred Scripture that it interprets to provide material for sacred art., Thus it is rooted in the very heart of our faith.
Images of God, as you know, were prohibited in Deuteronomy. Many believe that they are still against God's Law and that using them in prayer is a form of idolatry. How can one make an image of the Invisible God? How can one represent the One who has no quantity, height or limits? In fact, not all figurative representation was prohibited in the Old Testament. There was the bronze serpent[1] and the ordinances concerning the cherubim in the ark[2]: "For the two ends of this throne of mercy you are to take two golden cherubs, you are to make them of beaten gold". So, the Jewish world, showed a certain tolerance towards images.[3]
Mosaic Floor (517-528 AD) Beth Alpha Synagogue, discovered in 1922 in the Northern District of Israel.
Scene of Abraham preparing to sacrifice his bound son Isaac
In fact, for a Christian the Incarnation of God in Mary, brought about a new situation, a new reality, a New Creation. As St Paul says, Christ is the image of the invisible God.[4] Thus, for us Christians there should be no problem using images of God as signs of our faith because God has provided us with the Image of all images. John Damascene against iconoclasm declared: "I don't adore the matter, but the Creator of the matter who became matter for me, and through this matter I was saved." The incorporeal one became man for you. So, it is possible to make his human image. By Christ becoming man, one may see the image of the one who was seen by the Apostles in human features.
Damascene was a very important figure in the difficult time of iconoclasm, when there was a misunderstanding related to images. Iconoclasm means rejection or destruction of religious images seen as heretical. It involved religious icons, symbols or monuments. Iconoclasm was motivated by people who adopted a literal interpretation of Scriptures texts which forbids the making and worshipping of "graven images or any likeness of anything"[5]
Fresco destroyed in Cappadocia
Iconoclasm appeared in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. Since Constantine was converted and declare Christianity the religion of the Empire, images were allowed to represent Jesus Christ or other important figures of Christianity. The iconoclasts viewed the use of icons as pagan idolatry and therefore wanted to remove them from Christian worship. They also believed that the icons might be Nestorian. According to their view, art can only depict the human nature of Jesus, leaving undepicted his divine nature, thus separating these two natures which, in fact, are united in One Person.[6] If the icons portrayed only the human side of Jesus, they could not help but promote a Nestorian Christianity as opposed to the true Christianity.
From a manuscript Psalter 68, Constantinople 843
The II Council of Nicaea in 878, the seventh of the ecumenical councils, restored the use and veneration of images.[7] This council used texts from Scriptures and the Fathers and proved that the veneration of images was legitimate. The central truth of the Council was focused on the honour given to images. They receive veneration (proskinesis), and not worship (latria), which is reserved for God alone. What is more, images are not the ultimate object of veneration because the image only has a reality in relation to the object represented. The image is the reflection of the prototype, Christ; the veneration is transformed into worship. Thus iconoclasm was condemned as heresy and liturgical veneration of images was re-established. Monks in the East played an important role in its restoration.
Now, when we talk on the subject of images, we need to refer to icons, frescoes, mosaics, oil paintings as well minor arts. Here let us concentrate in what an icon means. What is the essence of an icon? What are its roots?
The word icon comes from Greek εἰκών eikōn "image" It also means likeness, reflection. When you look at your mirror and look at yourself it is also an icon. Thus this word has different meanings.[8] However, when we refer to images of Christ and the Saints we can call them the "holy icons".[9] This image or reflection we find in the icons. St Steven the New[10] in the 8th century call the icon a "door". It is a way to enter, to access the age to come; it is a way to encounter, to meet with the communion of Saints. As a door, the icon fulfills a mediating function. It makes person and events present to us: Christ, Our Lady, the Saints. Through the icon we participate in the mystery that is depicted. So icon means presence.
Some people call it a window, from which one can see. A door is something through which we pass and we can become part of what is on the other side of the door. The door can also permit someone on the other side to come to us; and, in an icon, Christ can come to us from the heavenly kingdom in order to meet us face to face. The icon makes the person present to us.
The icon is seen from three aspects: artistic, theological and liturgical An icon is a work of art, with human and natural qualities. At a higher level, the icon has a theological meaning that teaches the people of God. Finally it is used in a liturgical context because the icon exists in an atmosphere of prayer and worship. Out of this context of prayer it loses its meaning, because, principally, it is sacramental, a sign that makes what is holy present. The Eucharist makes Christ present in the bread and wine after the consecration. At a different level, paint and board make Christ and saints present to us. By itself the icon does not become Christ as in the Eucharist, but it reveals the presence of Christ and His Saints in a special way. Icons reflect the reality of the incarnation. The iconographer uses wood and paint from God's creation by which God's glory is presented in a new way: thus is the world offered back to God.
In addition, the icon is a product of Tradition that is formed within different cultures and styles. The icon, as well as the Early Christian art, did not develop in a vacuum. It is a result of a concrete evolution, and different cultures have contributed to its historical evolution. So, we can mention three main roots that have made the icon what it is today.
From the ancient culture of Egypt icons received a profound sense of presence. Egyptian art normally shows calm men and women acting from an inner calm to express piety, family affection and social harmony. This is exemplified in the Elousia icon, which takes the 'family affection' prized by the Egyptians into a new dimension. Egyptian art is based on the hieroglyph, which like Chinese writing expresses primarily an idea that the writer intended to convey. The icon expresses specific information and is immediately recognizable by its form. In the icon the child is a miniature adult, and it is noteworthy that the reason given here is to draw attention to the fully human quality of the child.
This can be contrasted with a modern attitude that justifies abortion on the grounds that the unborn child is not fully human. (An example of this type that came to Christian art and iconography is the example of "Mother & child" 1470 BC).[11]
Egyptian canon to depict an image was very influential in iconography. A Egyptian figure found in the tomb of a priest shows how they measure out the dimensions of the body which had not changed since 1900 BC. The image of the body remained.[12]
In practice, icons received a lot from the Egyptian art. Gesso was used for the mask to cover bodies from the earliest period (c. 2,000 B.C.). The gesso was made from glue and whiting, as today, and often polished to a very smooth finish. The surface was pointed in dense colours from a limited palette, or covered with gold leaf. Flat colour and simple natural tones were characteristic; the emphasis was on pure simple unmixed colour. Low relief carving as with icons was an important form of art. Workshops were under the direction of an educated supervisor, familiar with several crafts, able to recognise an inferior standard of work and to correct errors. Many similarities can be seen between this approach to sacred art and the later approach of the Christian icon.
From the pagan Greeks the image possessed a mystical character. Statues of Athena and Artemis of Ephesus were said to be not made by human hands and to have fallen from heaven. These images were decorated with flowers and were venerated through a rite of unction.[13] We may say that the head of Medusa was a pagan model that Christians may have used to depict the person and the effectiveness that its holds. Artistic inspiration came from different sources that for us can be difficult to make understand, but for the first Christians it was a new way of looking at things.
In the Roman world images played a special role. They were also influenced by the Greek culture. The portrait of the ruler was worshipped as cult objects. They were honored as gods. Under special circumstances, the image of the emperor became a legal substitute; it was a vicarious presence of the emperor himself. If the portrait of the emperor was present in court, the judge could decide a case as if it were the Caesar himself. It was also seen when the cities offered the keys to the emperor as a sign of submission.
The keys were given to another person but in the presence of the emperor's image. It was considered legal. The theory behind icons still remains as it was from the time of the Romans. Another element we find in icons is the halo. It is argued that Mithras was the origin of the halo around the head of Christ and the Saints.
The Roman god Mithras was always shown with a halo, and this symbol was adopted by the Christian Church to signify the concept of divinity in sacred images.
Thus, the development of iconography and other Christian art was rooted in different cultures and traditions and took from them what can express the faith of the believers.
[1] Cf. Numbers 21:4-9
[2] Cf. Exodus 25:18
[3] A good example is found in the discovering of Synagogues in Israel.
[4] Cor.1:15
[5] "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them." (Exodus 20:4-5a)
[6] Shown in the Pantocrator icon
[7] It had been suppressed by imperial edict inside the Byzantine Empire during the reign of Leo III (717–741)
[8] Narcisus saw his face on reflected on the water; he saw his icon.
[9] Kallistos Ware refers to it in his lecture given at an Orientale Lumine session. See: http://www.oltvweb.com
[10] From Constantinople, he died under torture and beatings. Finally, Emperor Leo gave orders to lock up the saint in prison, and to destroy his monastery. Iconoclast bishops were sent to St Stephen in prison, trying to persuade him of the dogmatic correctness of the Iconoclast position, but the saint easily refuted all the arguments.
[11] Cf. 'Egyptian Art' by Cyril Aldred. It depicts Senemut nursing princess Nofrure.
[12] In the unfinished tomb of a priest called Ramose, his brother was the Pharaoh's chief artist. It shows exact squares in red lines. The figure was 19squares tall. The feet were 2 ½ squares long. The pupil was 1 square of the centre line. This is why the style remained unchanged for so long. Egyptian society did not want to change. The society was driven by stability and order reflecting the cultural values.
[13] Egon Sendler, The Icon, p. 9.
We shall have two of this series each week.
IMAGE AND ICON - 2 : THE ANNUNCIATION AND THE NATI...
IMAGE AND ICON - 1 An Introduction by Dom Alex E...
ENGLISH BENEDICTINES IN THE SACRAMENT OF THE PRESE...
WHAT JESUS HAS TAUGHT US IN THE LAST WEEK
THE THREE PILLARS OF CHRISTOLOGY: SCRIPTURE, TRADI...
THE CONTEXT OF THE EUCHARIST If the synoptic...
FROM CONFLICT TO COMMUNION: Lutheran-Catholic Comm...
A MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO KILL US: YOU ARE LOVED by B...
PENTECOST 2017


TEMPLETON — The Templeton Eagles hosted the Santa Maria Saints on Friday in an important matchup in the Northern Football League that currently holds the two aforementioned teams along with Morro Bay and Nipomo. Coming into the game Friday, all three of the top teams (everyone except Morro Bay) all had two wins on the season and were fighting for a chance to hold the top spot in league. The Eagles fell behind early in the game and were never able to gain any rhythm on the offensive side of the ball. Santa Maria ran away with the victory winning 52-21, and held a 40-7 lead at the halfway point.
Head Coach Tyler Lane made a change at quarterback this week and brought up sophomore Zack Logan from the Junior Varsity where he had been playing very well. Logan had flashes of brilliance combined with rookie mistakes, but played OK considering the circumstances of falling into an early 14-point deficit. Because Templeton plays at such a fast pace in the spread offense, rhythm is very important and on Friday they just didn't have it.
The Saints took their opening possession right down the field and punched it in to give themselves the early 7-0 lead. The Eagles were unable to get a first down on their first couple of possessions and thus gave the Saints great field position. After Templeton's second three-and-out and a nice punt return from Santa Maria, the Saints started their drive at the Templeton 30 and were again able to score, hitting a receiver that was standing completely alone in the back corner of the endzone on a rollout pass. The Eagles secondary had trouble covering all the receivers the Saints would send into patterns for most of the night. The Saints continued to hit deep balls to wide open receivers all throughout the first half. Santa Maria's quarterback Blake Truhitte played extremely well all evening. The Eagle pass rush was not able to generate much pressure and his running ability made it difficult for the defensive backs to stick with their receivers, which is most likely what led to Saint receivers standing all alone 40 yards down field.
It wasn't just the Eagles being out of sync that hurt them, they were called for a number of penalties in the game, some of which were very ticky-tack and seemed to always go against Templeton. With a sophomore quarterback in his first start in a high tempo spread offense, rhythm, timing, and staying ahead of the sticks is crucial. Every time it seemed the Eagles offense would start clicking, a flag would be thrown and not only would that put Templeton in first and second and long situations, it gave the Santa Maria players plenty of time to rest and communicate. Penalties are one thing, but the officials seemed to huddle and discuss every call, virtually stopping the game for a number of minutes and completely dismantling any flow the Eagles had created. For example, in the first quarter while only down 14, Logan flung the ball out to his receiver Jesse McClain for a wide receiver screen and he took it down the home sidelines for a big gain that should have put Templeton in the redzone. However, blocking in the back was called on the play and it was brought all the way back and forced the offense into an uncomfortable second and long. Logan now, more than likely, felt like he needed to push the ball down the field rather than stay within the short, quick passing game that the offense generally operates in. As a result, the next play was intercepted, all the momentum shifted and the Saints scored again. That was a big turning point in the game for both teams.
Templeton went for a surprise onside kick after the turn of momentum and almost recovered it. The ball bounced around perfectly and for a second it lay on the ground in plain sight in front of the Eagle coaches but after the pile cleared it was Santa Maria that had the ball.
The loss drops the Eagles to third in league with and 0-2 record in league games, but it is clear why Templeton is excited for the future. Templeton will look to regroup this week as they are on their bye and will get prepared for their last two games which are both very winnable. After the bye, Templeton will play a PAC 5 opponent when they travel to San Luis Obispo to take on the 1-6 Tigers, and then will finish their season on the road in a league matchup against Morro Bay.
The Templeton Eagles hosted the Santa Maria Saints on Friday in an important matchup in the Northern Football League that currently holds the two aforementioned teams along with Morro Bay and Nipomo. Coming into the game Friday, all three of the top teams (everyone except Morro Bay) all had two wins on the season and were fighting for a chance to hold the top spot in league.


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But how can I correct the orientation when saving photo first time? (due to a security reason of my application I cannot do any changes to a photo after saving)
Thank you.

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I'm Jules Blythe, Master Energy Practitioner, and Holistic Life Coach.
You probably would love to hear that, as a Holistic Life Coach, I have my life completely sorted out and that I sail from day to day in bliss. Well, I have to say – I'm just like you. I have my share of lessons and challenges that come my way. It is what enables me to do my work with loving kindness, understanding, and compassion.
However, I have learned how to bring myself back to my center and feel a sense of balance within, mind, body, heart, spirit, and home, so that I can always find that sense of inner strength and come from a place of ever growing wisdom and peace. That is what I would like to share with you.
It's a good life when you open to the simple pleasures and the art of happiness.
Chakra Hygge is a journey of loving care and self-nurture, one of unity and togetherness, a life that is meaningful, beautiful and special. This is how I work with my clients through my 1-2-1 Soul Path Coaching, Readings, and my 21 Day Chakra Challenges. This is how I can to be who I am today.
I divorced from my childhood sweetheart after being together for 28 years. That was a BIG one!
At the same time, both my children started University. Talk about empty nest!
Again, at the same time, I lost my job in Corporate Training & Development. Anything else?
To top it all off, I had to sell my family home. There goes the nest!
I think the Universe was trying to tell me something! I was scared to death, didn't know where to go or what to do and I felt my whole life was over. Then, new challenges came along… that's another story.
I seem to have become the Queen of Starting Over. I can't believe the number of twists and turns that have taken me on a journey from a loving family life, to a millionaire lifestyle, to living alone, even a time when I was without a home of my own after severe losses in the 2008 financial crisis combined with a second and very untimely divorce! What an unexpected trip! Masses of experience and learning along the way and most importantly an ever-growing compassion for the journey of others.
Life can present the totally unexpected and we can feel completely unprepared. Building a foundation of trust and faith in yourself is the way to find more flow in your life and to enable you to let go of those things that are holding you back. My philosophy of Chakra Hygge and creating that place of home within has always been my strength and guide. It has helped me live with integrity and truth.
I'm happy to say that now I'm living a wonderful life in the place of my dreams in France (with many trips back to England to visit family and our first grandaughter) and practicing the work that I love. No rich knight in shining armor to save me (just my lovely husband and best friend Mark), and a strong faith and trust in the Universe and the gifts of my spirit, the chakras. What an adventure! Lots of lessons, lots of learning and growing. Lots of goodies I've discovered along the way to share with you!
From a corporate background in HR Training & Development, I turned towards my true love of helping others to create a better life with Holistic Life Coaching – Chakra Soul Path Coaching, online Chakra Challenges and Readings.
After years of study, searching, discovery, learning and growing personally and spiritually, I had the wonderful experience of opening my own Holistic Natural Health & Complementary Therapy Centre in Menorca, Spain, and ran my Practice there for 4 years as a holistic life coach, yoga therapist, and Reiki Master. I wrote and presented Personal & Spiritual Development events and I appeared on local television and radio and wrote articles for a magazine, all good fun! A perfect place for a free spirit!
What is a Master Energy Practitioner?
The Master Energy Practitioner bit covers a multitude of things all piled into one nice title!
I am a qualified Reiki Master, Yoga Therapist, Holistic Life Coach, Psychic Physiologist, Colour Therapist, Aura Reader and more (Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Emotional Freedom Technique, Neuro-Linguistic Programming). To think I started off working as a Corporate Training & Development Consultant! (great grounding for all my writing and course design though!).
I had so many therapists from all over the world to come and practice in the Centre and they contributed greatly to my further learning and experience. On my return to the UK, I managed three Natural Health & Wellbeing Centres and continued to run my own private practice.
I was able to build my knowledge and awareness and I gained an even deeper understanding of the connection between the energy of the chakras and our holistic well-being and so I have now combined my work to be able to present a 'toolbox' of natural healing tools, practices, and principles.
Peace of mind, body, heart, spirit and home.
Love for self, life and all others.
Happiness as a constant state of inner contentment and gratitude.
And, a sense of balance within, feeling grounded, present and living in the moment.
… a perfect recipe for creating flow in your life and opening to the simple pleasures and the art of happiness!
I have spent time in Kerala, India with Amma (Hugging Mother) studying yoga and meditation, Massage therapy and yoga in Thailand, meditation and psychic healing practices in Brazil with John of God, Kinesiology in Canada, and even healing with dolphins in The Bahamas! Also, Native American Indian healing practices such as Vision Quests in Yosemite, America. I have worked with people from all over the world. So, you see, my work is not just my work but rather a way of life, my passion, my mission, and quest. Now in France, I'm looking forward to staying with Thich Nhat Hanh in Plum Village!
I have made a study of Alternative Health & Wellbeing and personal and spiritual development for the past 35 years. The beauty of working online is that I get to share globally and connect with people all over the world to help them heal their lives and create the life of, peace, love, balance, and happiness, from the inside out. The Chakra Way!
Through Holistic Life Coaching, Chakra Soul Path Readings and Chakra Practice Workbooks, I encourage and guide you to trust your body and to discover your own innate wisdom to healing your life and discovering your purpose. This will empower you to take a creative part in your journey this lifetime.
Click here to see what others are saying….
Jules Blythe is a former Corporate Training & Development Consultant and now runs her own practice in France and England working online as a Master Energy Practitioner and Holistic Life Coach. She helps people to become empowered to create their lives from the Inside Out and to discover their True Purpose so that they can create more, peace, love, balance and happiness in their lives.
It's a good life when you open to the simple pleasures and the art of happiness!


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21 9월 GE Transportation enables digital rail system, from locomotive to train yard
운송 2016년 09월 21일
GE Transportation enables digital rail system,
from locomotive to train yard
BERLIN, Sept. 21 2016 – (NYSE:GE) – A series of announcements by GE Transportation at InnoTrans 2016 reinforce how advanced digital technologies and analytics are helping to create an efficient, digital rail ecosystem – from the locomotive and rail car to the train yard and operations center. With the news of global alliances, software and products powered by Predix, GE Transportation is applying its industrial domain and technology leadership to help extend the life of locomotives, reduce fuel consumption, decrease emissions, boost velocity and improve operations.
Today, GE Transportation launched its first-ever European digital pilot with DB Cargo, Europe's largest rail operator. Deutsche Bahn is leveraging GE Transportation's RailConnect™ 360 Asset Performance Management Solution, which provides locomotive health status updates that increase efficiency and spot repair issues before failures occur. This is the first step toward self-aware locomotives and digitalization of the entire rail operation value chain.
"The first results of this pilot project with GE are promising," said Steffen Bobsien, Senior Vice President Asset Management & Technology from DB Cargo AG. "We look forward to further extending GE's digital solutions to our European fleets to drive fleet availability, service quality and optimization of value chain assets."
In collaboration with Amsted Rail, a major freight car component manufacturer, GE Transportation is also introducing Car Integrity Monitor, which extends asset monitoring capabilities to railcars. Using sensors mounted on railcars, this innovative technology will enable Amsted to receive real-time notifications about the condition of key railcar components, as well as broader risk events related to broken wheels, hot bearings and handbrake application.
The Car Integrity Monitor solution enables integration of Amsted Rail's IONX Edge™ monitoring system for railcars with GE's GoLINC™ network and communication platform to collect and monitor sensor data. Car Integrity Monitor is part of GE Transportation's commitment to create self-aware trains that, through the use of sensors, real-time monitoring of assets, data and predictive analytics, gather information about the train and its environment to boost performance.
"With this advanced technology, we'll be able to move from intermittent data collected from wayside detectors, spaced sometimes 200 to 400 miles apart, to near real-time monitoring of railcar component health," said Brad Myers, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Amsted Rail. "The solution can support an individual railcar or a complete train – providing actionable data to allow for better, more informed decision-making."
Additionally, GE Transportation showcased a series of Modernization product offerings that breathe new life into railroads' aging fleets. GE Transportation has technology solutions available that revitalize old locomotives that are at the end of their useful life, and can digitally enable the asset with the ability to self-analyze, self-diagnose and communicate with the railroad headquarters. The Modernizations are projected to generate up to 10-15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, approximately 30 percent improvement in operational efficiency and roughly 50 percent increase in a locomotive's ability to haul – at a fraction of the price of a new locomotive. The solutions also significantly reduce railroads' maintenance costs and mission failures. Over the past five years, nearly 300 Modernizations have been delivered to customers worldwide.
"What's clear is that our vision for self-aware trains in a connected ecosystem is becoming a reality through our technology and digital solutions," said GE Transportation CEO Jamie Miller. "The digital industrial future is upon us and the need to turn information into insights and insights into outcomes has never been more important to our customers. We are committed to helping engineers and rail operators make the most of their resources, and drive meaningful productivity and efficiency gains."
GE Transportation's digital solutions have the potential to help customers save an average of 10 percent in fuel costs and 10-15 percent in velocity.
To learn more, visit invent.ge/GEIT2016, or meet GE Transportation at Hall 6.2 501.
About GE Transportation
At GE Transportation, we are in the business of realizing potential. We are a global technology leader and supplier of equipment, services and solutions to the rail, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries. Our innovations help customers deliver goods and services with greater speed and savings using our advanced manufacturing techniques and connected machines. Our digital solutions, which provide data-driven insights to improve efficiency, utilize Predix – GE's cloud-based operating system for the Industrial Internet. Established more than a century ago, GE Transportation is a division of the General Electric Company that began as a pioneer in passenger and freight locomotives. That innovative spirit still drives GE Transportation today and is strengthened by our ability to serve customers more holistically through the GE Store – a global exchange of knowledge, technology and tools across all GE businesses that ultimately provides better outcomes for customers. GE Transportation is headquartered in Chicago, IL, and employs approximately 10,000 employees worldwide.
DB Cargo
DB Cargo is the most powerful freight rail in Europe. With roughly 1,500 freight traffic stations in Germany and 3,700 in Europe, DB Cargo enables its clients to access one of the largest rail networks in the world. Headquartered in Germany, DB Cargo AG controls the European flow of goods, and as a strategic partner, provides high performance logistics across all borders.
Amsted Rail Company, Inc.
Amsted Rail, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is a globally integrated manufacturer of components and innovative systems for freight cars and locomotives. They have been an industry leader in freight railroading for more than 100 years, with facilities spanning over 40 locations across 6 continents. Amsted Rail's IONX solutions for mobilizing and monitoring unpowered assets provides an innovative platform for the next evolution of asset monitoring. The integration of sensors with railcar components, paired with the ability to measure and monitor lading, is a first for the transportation market.


We have office hours. We just don't post them. It'd be pointless, really. You see on any given day, at any given time, somewhere one of us is thinking about our clients. Not just simple daydreaming, but the kind of enthusiastic, strategic and creative thinking that drives a brand. Attracts attention. Increases awareness. Elicits a response. Improves sales. Builds share.
You don't stop thinking about your business. Neither do we. Even after a long day. Because we know ideas don't stop flowing when the front door is locked. Let's start a conversation about furthering your brand. We're available. Any time. Day or night.
Asher was founded in 1974 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Over 40 years later it has grown into an agency network with more than 60 employees and over $55 million in annual sales. Asher serves its clients from nine offices in seven states and the District of Columbia.
Asher is on a select list of agencies that have been named Google preferred partners. And we're the #1 SUBWAY® franchise agency — handling 58 markets. Currently, we manage the advertising and marketing for over 5,800 restaurants across the United States, as well as on Army, Navy and Air Force bases around the world.
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Jim Krumel: Closing the family business not easy
Columns, News, Top Stories
By Jim Krumel - jkrumel@limanews.com
Doug Johnson will be retiring at age 67, thus ending 65 years
Amanda Wilson | The Lima News
Pull up a chair and we'll chat, said Doug Johnson.
So, for the next hour, that's what we did.
It's been an emotional time for him. Such comes with the territory of pulling the plug on a family business, and that's what Johnson finds himself dealing with as he prepares to close Don Johnson's Florists and Bridal at the end of June. The business has been in the Johnson family for 65 years, started by his father and purchased by Doug in 1980. Twice during that time, father and son helped decorate for presidential inaugural balls, first for George H. Bush and later for George W. Bush.
It's the creativity of the floral business that Doug especially enjoyed. He's a former football player, cyclist and current outdoorsman (he's been on elk and moose hunts), but he'll tell you it's the sight of a flower that captivates him.
"I have passion for flowers like my dad did. I am always in awe of the beauty of flowers that God created," he said, pointing out the significance a flower has on a person's life.
"Flowers touch emotional moments … an anniversary celebration, a birth of a new child, a birthday, a party, wedding or the memory of a loved one who has passed."
That's what kept him in the business for 44 years.
"You want to know, 'Why leave?'" he said with a laugh.
"I'll be 67 this year. This has been pretty much what I've done my whole life," he said. "I started out by pulling weeds for dad. And then I went off to college and got a degree in business marketing from Ohio State. In between, I learned floral design from the best teacher ever — my dad. It's been a great run, but nothing lasts forever."
The Johnson family's first floral shop opened across the street from St. Rita's hospital. It added its current location on West Street in 1977 when Doug graduated from Ohio State.
Change has been constant over the years.
"When we had the Recession in 1981, I saw the writing on the wall. We had to diversify from being just a flower and gift store, so we added bridal," he said. "Our current location was great for that. Women liked to travel to look at gowns, and being close to I-75 worked in our favor. People came from Fort Wayne and Michigan and the whole side of Ohio to look for prom and bridal gowns. I was called 'the prom king.'"
Then came the explosion of the internet.
"It really changed everything for every business. It was the downward trend for people who had bridal shops," he said. "Buyers cut out the traveling. And it also became more difficult in the flower industry with all of the online 'order gatherers.' The customers in the new generation are not going to hop in a car and drive somewhere to buy flowers; They're going to order them through some 1-800 service, who then calls us to handle the order for a reduced price."
What hasn't changed is Johnson's respect for customers.
"Moms and daughters will tell me they bought their bridal gown or prom dress here. I'm a people person and always enjoy talking with them," he said.
Before summer's out, the flower shop will surrender to a bulldozer as 1707 N. West St. becomes the latest fast-food restaurant among the row that currently lines the northside street.
Johnson's "new life" will see him spending more time with his grandchildren, enjoying the outdoors, golf and traveling with his wife of 40 years, Shelli.
They have a son, Chase, who owns Johnson Construction in Denver with offices in Naples, Florida; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Steamboat, Colorado; and Toledo. A daughter, Haley, is a nurse practitioner at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. A son, Andrew, is an insurance executive in Middletown, where he and his wife have five children.
"The time's right to retire," Johnson said.
ROSES AND THORNS: A 15-year-old hero gets a spot in the rose garden.
Rose: To Jasmine Walker, 15, of Lima. As her mother was driving the eighth-grader to West Middle School, Jasmine noticed a girl sitting by the railroad tracks, crying. After they stopped to talk with the girl, Jasmine realized the girl showed suicidal tendencies. Jasmine then talked with the girl while her mother went to get help.
Rose: To Jane Krites, the past CEO of the Appleseed Ridge Girl Scout Council. She was recognized Friday for her community service and work as president of the Rhodes State College board of trustees.
Rose: Gov. Mike DeWine says Ohio's mask mandate and most other coronavirus-related state orders will end on June 2, an exception being made to nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Rose: To John Heaphy, who opened a Beer Barrel Restaurant across the street from the Allen County Fairgrounds. Heaphy now has three Beer Barrels in the Lima metro area, three in the Columbus metro area and one each in Findlay, Maumee and St. Marys. A 10th is scheduled to open in Fort Wayne.
Thorn: Not a week goes by without a car stolen in Lima.
Thorn: As if the cicadas aren't going to be bad enough, Northwest Ohio is under assault by an evasive weed called a cut-leaf teasel.
PARTING SHOT: To plant a flower garden is to believe in tomorrow.
https://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2021/05/web1_Jim-Krumel-2.jpgJim Krumel
https://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2021/05/web1_1stckoice.jpgDoug Johnson will be retiring at age 67, thus ending 65 yearsAmanda Wilson | The Lima News
By Jim Krumel
jkrumel@limanews.com
Jim Krumel is the editor of The Lima News. Contact him at 567-242-0391 or at The Lima News, 3515 Elida Road, Lima, Ohio 45807.
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Situated almost halfway between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast, Damara Mopane Lodge aims to deliver a comfortable rest stop in Damaraland. Although it resembles a local village in style, it feels more like a hotel.
Although not well located for Damaraland's best-known sights and activities, Damara Mopane Lodge is a very comfortable, friendly and characterful spot. Spending a night here is an ideal way to break up the long and bumpy drive between Etosha and the coast.
Damara Mopone Lodge is a perfect base to visit Twyfelfontein.
A friendly welcome to Damara Mopane Lodge from the bar lady.
Get a first impression of Damara Mopane Lodge and a friendly welcome from the trolley boy.


My addiction to Pinterest has resulted in me reading an ungodly amount of quotes, but recently, one grabbed my attention so hard that I could not get it out of my mind.
Now, if you're anything like me, giving your children what they want is extremely important to you. I thought I was doing just that by trying to be the perfect mom that they deserve. After reading this quote, I started to think that maybe I have actually been depriving my kids of what they really want and need: a happy mom. It has become clear that attempting to be perfect may not be the only thing that is robbing me of my ability to be happy. I want to change that not only for me but all moms.
For me, deciding to strive for happiness starts with accepting and understanding why perfection in motherhood is simply not attainable. Sure, perfection is possible in some parts of life. You can get a perfect score on a test but only because there is a teacher's guide to compare your answers to. As moms, we don't have a guide to tell us what we are doing correctly or incorrectly because no two people will every agree on what criteria a mother must meet to be considered perfect. Since we don't have a guide to follow, most of us end up comparing ourselves to other moms and that, honestly, is just foolish. That mom at the park who you think has it all together might be thinking the same about you. That means that we are allowing ourselves to feel inadequate based on not being "as good" as another imperfect mom.
also force us to make better ones. Therefore, even as we worry and overthink, we can simultaneously hold our heads high, be confident in our abilities, and continue on our journey to happiness.
the feeling of not living up to my fantasy to morph into a feeling of failure. If I had been able to let go of how I thought things should be, I would have been able to see the amazing transformation I was making. I was not failing, I was learning. We all know that becoming a good wife and mother can be a really challenging learning process. It was only after I let go of that fantasy that I was able to really enjoy how things were. So, if you haven't already, let go of that woman you thought you were going to be. When you do, you will see that you have been transformed into someone more amazing than you imagined.
I believe that we should never allow anyone to stand in the way of our happiness, especially not ourselves! I don't know about you, but I would much rather hear my children describe me as happy instead of perfect. I will no longer try to be perfect, obsess about being good enough or underestimate the woman I have become. I will steadily strive to become the happy mom that my children truly want and deserve.
By: LYCHELLE HOLLBACK is a military wife and stay at home mom to two wonderful boys, ages 3 and 6. She was born and raised in Wisconsin but now resides in South Eastern Virginia, where her husband is stationed with the Navy. She is extremely passionate about her role as a mother, wife and homemaker and enjoys writing about the many adventures that go on in her day to day life.