As it is International Women's day I thought I would write something relevant to women and mental health. Both men and women suffer with a variety of mental health problems. However, it is often argued that their experience of certain disorders may vary between the sexes or the proportion of men to women affected is variable. For example, I have read from certain sources that women are more likely to be treated with depression but men are more likely to commit suicide. I have also read that women with bipolar are more likely to suffer with mixed and rapid-cycling forms of bipolar compared to men.
I don't feel like I know enough about the accuracy of these sources of information or have had enough experience with this topic to focus a blog post on these issues. However, one issue which I can be sure affects men and women differently is the experience of pregnancy and mental health. So that is what I will briefly discuss. This is particularly relevant to me as I hope to get pregnant sometime in the next few years.
The decision to have a baby when you are mentally ill is an issue for both men and women. Having one parent or both parents with a mental health difficulty makes raising children challenging. My father was raised by two parents, one of whom had bipolar disorder or manic depression as it was known then. My grandfather was in and out of hospital throughout my Dad's childhood and seeing him ill affected my Dad a lot. His mother wasn't there for him either as she hadn't bonded to her children for some reason (possibly due to post-natal depression?). As a young teenager my Dad was forced to take control of the bills, the food and the chores.
Having a mental illness affects your ability to function. It affects your mood, your energy levels, your social skills and your general ability to cope with everyday situations. Having a child throws a whole load more situations for you to cope with. You become responsible not just for your own life but for another's too. This will present unique challenges for parents with mental health problems who may find it hard enough to take care of themselves.
Although the decision to have a child is difficult for all parents with mental health difficulties, it is a woman who has to carry the baby to term. Her mental health is therefore affected in a unique way. She has to undergo all sorts of hormonal changes whilst pregnant and watch her body change. Instead of being exciting this may trigger a mental health problem. The anxiety of carrying a child and giving birth may cause a lot of stress. In addition women that suffer with mental health problems may be more likely to suffer from post-natal depression after giving birth. This risk has to be taken in to consideration by a woman who wishes to become pregnant. For me this is a particularly strong risk. As I have bipolar disorder type 1, I have been told that I have at least a 50% chance of developing a severe post-natal episode. This could be a depressive or manic episode and there is a significant chance of the episode being psychotic as well.
Another challenge for a woman with mental health difficulties who wants to get pregnant surrounds medication. If you are taking medication for your mental illness you have to decide whether to stay on it to keep well or to come off it to reduce risk to the foetus. Obviously if you are well and your body is healthy then all the better for both you and your baby. If the medications are helping to maintain your health then it may be important to stay on the medication. However, all medications carry risks to the foetus so it is a case of trying to balance up these issues to come to the right solution.
I have been told that because my bipolar is quite severe, I should remain on my medication during pregnancy. No doubt people will have different opinions on this and it is a personal decision but I am inclined to agree with my psychiatrist. If I suffer manic and depressive episodes during pregnancy because I am not on medication this would harm the baby even more than the effects of the medications themselves. However this does lead me to ask myself occasionally: should I have a baby at all?
These are the kinds of worries that affect women when considering whether or not to get pregnant. They may lead some people to question whether or not to have children at all. Only you as an individual can work out what the risks are and what is the right thing to do for you and your body.Just remember that lots of mentally ill people have managed to raise children just fine. Mental illness doesn't have to be a barrier to you having a family.


Our marketing professionals know how to make your home stand out.
We use professional photography, video, floor plan renderings, and more to attract buyers from all throughout the Metro area. Check out some of our work!
HDR digital photography is just one of the many marketing strategies Expert Realty Solutions employs when listing your home. We use experienced real estate photographers that know how to make an impact on local buyers. Pictures are like a first impression for your home, that's why we use high-quality photos for every listing.
When it comes to attracting buyers, you need more than just great photos. Your home's layout can be a great selling point. Our floor plan renderers can produce a professional layout of your home in just two days, instantly adding more views to your online listings.
Our Marketing Experts know the in's and out's of every online real estate database. Our team will post your listing to over 100 websites, including Zillow, Trulia, realtor.com, and homes.com, and use carefully crafted marketing strategies on each platform.
Using both still photos and drone footage, Expert Realty Solutions can make an incredible video of your home. Research shows that listings with video tours get more views by prospective buyers. We go above and beyond to help you get the best offer in the shortest amount of time.
3D Virtual Tours allow potential buyers to virtually walk through your home by clicking through each room, or even by using virtual reality goggles. Allow buyers to see your house in 3D, all from the comfort of their home or office. While other real estate agencies continue to use traditional and sometimes outdated marketing methods, Expert Realty Solutions embraces the newest technology in real estate. Click on the photo to try it yourself!


text:
Home / Topic / tim duncan
Kobe, Duncan, Garnett headline Basketball Hall of Fame class
By Press Trust of India | New York
UPDATED ON APR 05, 2020 12:38 PM IST
Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, and fellow NBA greats Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett headlined a nine-person group announced Saturday as this year's class of enshrines into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The payout to Ghosn, who remains in a Japanese detention centre awaiting trial, was "subject to his presence within Renault", the company said in a statement.
"The board unanimously notes that such condition is not met, thereby triggering the loss of Mr. Ghosn's rights."
Ghosn's chief defence attorney Motonari Otsuru resigned on Wednesday and was replaced by a team that includes high-profile lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, in a change of strategy.
If left intact, Ghosn's golden parachute could have been politically explosive in France, where President Macron is battling "yellow vest" street protests over low pay and inequality.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire had asked the government's lead board representative at Renault to "ensure that Mr Ghosn's compensation is cut as much as possible", a ministry official said on Wednesday.
"We've always been against excessive pay," the official said. "It's not about the presumption of innocence but ethics and decency."
It also agreed to "waive Mr. Ghosn's non-compete commitment and, consequently, not to pay the corresponding compensation", Renault said - adding that a decision on his 2018 pay package would be taken separately at a March 15 board meeting.


text:
Q: $\cos x -1+\frac{x^2}{2!} \geq 0$ for every $x\in \mathbb{R} $ I am having a problem in showing that $\cos x -1+\dfrac{x^2}{2!} \geq 0$ for every $x\in \mathbb{R}$.
I have tried the following:
I understand that $\dfrac{x^2}{2!}$ is always non negative. But $\cos x-1$ can be negative. So I can't conclude anything about their sum.
I know that $\cos x=1-\dfrac{x^2}{2!}+\dfrac{x^4}{4!}-\ldots$ so that $\cos x-1+\dfrac{x^2}{2!}=\dfrac{x^4}{4!}-\dfrac{x^6}{6!}+\ldots$ but how do I show that the series in RHS is non-negative? I need some help.

A: Notice that $f(x)=\cos(x)-1+\frac{x^{2}}{2}$ is even so it suffices to show that it is non-negative on the non-negative reals. Differentiating we get $f'(x)=x-\sin(x)\ge0$ so $f$ is increasing on the non-negative reals. Hence, $f(x)\ge f(0)=0$.

A: By the Maclaurin formula and for $x\in\Bbb R$ there's $\theta\in(0,1)$ such that
$$\cos x=1-\frac{x^2}{2}\cos(\theta x)\ge 1-\frac{x^2}2$$
and the result follows.

A: From $\cos^2x+\sin^2x=1^*$, we have $|\cos x|\le1$, and
$$\color{magenta}{f''(x)}=1-\cos(x)\ge0.$$
The zeroes of $f''$ are isolated, at $x=2k\pi$.
This implies that
$\color{green}{f'(x)}=x-\sin(x)$ is strictly monotone increasing, for all $x$, except at $x=2k\pi$. As $f'(0)=0$, this is the only real root of $f'$.
This implies that $\color{blue}{f(x)}$ is strictly decreasing for $x<0$ and strictly increasing for $x>0$. The global minimum of $f$ is $f(0)=0$, and
$$\cos x-1+\frac{x^2}2\ge0.$$

*$\cos^2x+\sin^2x=(\frac{e^{ix}+e^{-ix}}2)^2+(\frac{e^{ix}-e^{-ix}}{2i})^2=\frac{e^{2ix}+2+e^{-2ix}}4-\frac{e^{2ix}-2+e^{-2ix}}4=1$

A: Perhaps this can be considered a "precalculus" answer.
There are geometric proofs that $|\sin x| \le |x|$.
(for instance, see this: https://math.stackexchange.com/a/75151/1102)
Combine that with $\cos 2x = 1 - 2\sin^2 x$, we get your inequality easily:
$$ \sin^2 (x/2) \le x^2/4 \implies 1 - 2\sin^2 (x/2) \ge 1 - x^2/2 \implies \cos x \ge 1 - x^2/2$$

A: Once you've proven the result for $x \in \mathbb{R}^{+}$ with the above-mentionned geometric evidence, just use the fact that your function is even to get your proof done in $\mathbb{R}^{+} \cup \mathbb{R}^{-}$, which is $\mathbb{R}$.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


DykotianWolf gave this 5 stars!
The Double Dragon leather bound, blank book has been hand tooled to depict the image of two dragons facing each other in fight, with their scaled, serpentine bodies entwined. Size 5" x 7".
I love this book. It's the perfect size for writing information, and many other things! I was happy with how quick it came! Thank you!


15-18 Story 1: Baseball Movies: Why are they so popular?
Synopsis: There are movies about a lot of sports and athletic competitions, but for some reason baseball outnumbers them all. Why is that? And what are the hallmarks of a good baseball movie? We talk to an author and professor of communications, and to a baseball novelist, player and screenwriter about these issues. We'll also hear about a novel way one guest is seeking to "crowdfund" and cast his upcoming baseball film.
Host: Gary Price. Guests: Brother Gerry Molyneaux, Prof. of Communications, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA, author of several film biographies including John Sayles: An unauthorized biography of the pioneer filmmaker. Mark Donahue, author of the novel, Last At Bat, screenwriter and life-long baseball player.
Synopsis: When we learn about the Bill of Rights in school, we often look at it as ten separate amendments to our Constitution instead of as a single, well-structured work, like a poem or symphony. Our guest didn't see this either, until he needed a document to type while practicing his word processing program. We'll hear about his realization that the Bill of Rights is, indeed, a cohesive and carefully plotted document, how it captures the essence of democracy that our forefathers fought for, and how, in modern cases, he thinks some Supreme Court decisions undermine the founders' intentions.
Host: Marty Peterson. Guest: Burt Neuborne, Norman Dorsen Professor of Civil Liberties at NYU Law School, former National Legal Director of the ACLU, author of the book, Madison's Music: On reading the First Amendment.


text:
Tweak says, "What is taters?"
daddyissues_ ( daddyissues_) wrote in spinningcompass,
Entry tags: !closed, katherine lokadóttir, thor, ~sif
Who: Thor, Sif and Kat
Where: Their house
What: Sif and Kat have a sniff at each other
When: After this
Rating: low?
Open: Nope
Status: Unfinished
They took their time. Katherine's eyes wandered to the clock on the wall again and again. Twenty minutes. Forty minutes. Did Thor do a whole tour around the island? She occupied herself with the piano until she became restless a few minutes later, redid her hair, fumbled with her camera and redid her hair again. Yes, she was nervous. She wasn't sure if she could deal with another Asgardian in her life. The two she had acquired so far made it complicated enough - not that she would swap them for anything, especially not after last Sunday. She hoped Sif's appearance wouldn't ruin her current family situation. The warrior seemed to have an incredibly low opinion of her father. One that she hoped would not get extended to her. Her well trained defense already started to prepare for a battle, ready to be judged like she had been so many times before. Would Thor pick her side if that happened? Would he leave her eventually? Would her father take her in?
She almost jumped when she heard voice from downstairs. Taking a deep breath, she hid her nerves behind a mask of friendliness. She straightened her green dress, suddenly unsure if she shouldn't have picked a different color. The dress was human enough, simple and reaching till just above her knees. Bare feet padded down the stairs as she adjusted the chain that carried her grandmother's locket.
"Hey," she greeted the two with an open smile as she spotted them.
(Read comments) - (Post a new comment)
daddyissues_
Katherine was taken aback a bit by Sif's reaction. She felt like a horse on display at a market place which character and looks were carefully assessed by the potential buyer. "Hello to you too," she muttered barely audible. Nervousness had always made her touchy and sarcastic. She refrained from rolling her eyes though as she did not deem it profitable in a situation that was far too important.
She forced the friendliness back onto her face. "So, welcome to this hellhole, Lady Sif," she said and meant it. All the places she had seen, all the stories she had heard so far - this place couldn't compare.
bladesofasgard
Rather than be perturbed at the mumbled sarcasm and the friendly-if-sardonic greeting, Sif chortled in the back of her throat, her eyes sparked with mild amusement.
"Definitely see the resemblance," she remarked back at Thor, but her attention was squarely returned to the woman in front of her. "I see you have mastered the art of being simultaneously jovial and annoyed. Well done." Sif grinned in a subtle way. "As for this hellhole, I have seen much worse. At least not everything is on fire."
god_ofthunder
"True, fire would be unduly horrible," Thor said as he wandered a bit. He put his keys in the dish at the door, ran a hand through his hair from the neck out, then started into the living space. He felt at a loss for words--he wasn't really good with them, anyway.
"Ah, Katherine, perhaps you would like to show Sif around?" he offered as suggestion, lumbering with those big steps of his around said living area. He could have done it but then if he did it how would the two get to know each other?
Katherine watched the other woman closely, searching for even the mildest form of contempt. She couldn't find any. And while her shoulders relaxed a little, tension still remained. The question that was directed at her let her drop the dry remark she had on her lips. Sometimes this place made you welcome a good fire.
A smirk appeared on her face, teasing her uncle was one of her favourite ways to pass the time. "If you are that tired after your walk," she said with mirth in her eyes. Then she changed position. She disappeared from the stairs and appeared next to the door that led to the lower ground floor. "I guess you see the resemblance?" she said, turning her attention to Sif. "We can start with downstairs." Her eyes jumped back to Thor while she continued to talk to Sif. A devil's smirk appeared on her lips. "Let uncle have his needed rest. Just look how exhausted he looks."
Thor made a face, picked up his tablet from the coffee table, and sat upon the sofa as if he owned the place. He did, in part. "Ha ha," he teased back at his niece. "Yes! I am weary from my long day of travel. Woe is me. I must put up my feet a while!" He grinned in good play with his family and all he would need now were a pair of half moon glasses to complete the look.
He wanted them to get along and there was nothing he could say that would make it happen.
When Thor 'suggested' Katherine give her the grand tour, at the same time his niece pegged him with a vaguely horrified look, Sif looked at the side of his face with an exaggeratedly incredulous expression.
She adored him, but sometimes she had difficulty understanding how he had survived so long when he could at times be so completely dense.
But, even humbled and changed by his experiences on Midgard, Thor was who he was, and off he went, driven to distraction. Sif sighed through her nose, glancing back to Katherine only to find her having materialized elsewhere. That had the potential to be annoying.
"He really has no idea of women," she confided in the girl. An olive branch, of sorts.
Katherine chuckled at her uncle. It was clear that the man was displaced in either space or time. But then, who wasn't in this place? And she had always enjoyed their friendly banter. It had become a comfortable routine, something you could rely on to pick up your spirit when it was struggling.
A smile tucked at her lips at Sif's words. "Nope, he does not. The same goes for cleaning," she said in a voice raising her voice loud enough to make sure that her uncle would hear. She pushed open the door and motioned for Sif to take the stairs.
(Read comments) -


text:
<project xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0 http://maven.apache.org/xsd/maven-4.0.0.xsd">
  <modelVersion>4.0.0</modelVersion>
  <parent>
    <groupId>com.dms</groupId>
    <artifactId>dms-root</artifactId>
    <version>1.0.0-SNAPSHOT</version>
  </parent>
  <artifactId>dms-bpmn</artifactId>

  <dependencies>
  	<dependency>
  		<groupId>org.activiti</groupId>
  		<artifactId>activiti-engine</artifactId>
  		<version>5.22.0</version>
  	</dependency>
  	<dependency>
  		<groupId>org.activiti</groupId>
  		<artifactId>activiti-spring</artifactId>
  		<version>5.22.0</version>
  	</dependency>
  	<dependency>
  		<groupId>org.slf4j</groupId>
  		<artifactId>slf4j-api</artifactId>
  	</dependency>
  	<dependency>
  		<groupId>org.slf4j</groupId>
  		<artifactId>slf4j-log4j12</artifactId>
  	</dependency>
  	<dependency>
  		<groupId>com.h2database</groupId>
  		<artifactId>h2</artifactId>
  	</dependency>

  	<dependency>
			<groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
			<artifactId>spring-boot-starter-web</artifactId>
			<exclusions>
				<exclusion>
					<groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
					<artifactId>spring-boot-starter-logging</artifactId>
				</exclusion>
			</exclusions>
		</dependency>

		<dependency>
			<groupId>org.springframework.boot</groupId>
			<artifactId>spring-boot-starter-log4j</artifactId>
		</dependency>

		<dependency>
			<groupId>org.apache.commons</groupId>
			<artifactId>commons-lang3</artifactId>
			<version>3.1</version>
		</dependency>
  </dependencies>
</project>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


We know that our moods are changing hour by hour. Why? Why are we not stable? It depends upon our mind and intellectual which is equal to soul. Our soul is loosing energy day by day by our bad karma. Do you feel that when you do good things and satisfied, you feel very good that day. And, when you do bad things, you feel bad that day and you are not satisfied that day. What is the reason of changing moods?
We always take care about our physical health, physical body but do not take care of our mental health and our soul(battery of our body). Your mental health will decide your mood. Ill Mind makes us depressed and have many physical illness. And, depression and other mental health problems contribute to many physical diseases like abdomen disorders, insomnia (sleeping issue) and many more health issues.
Did you feel that when you are so happy, you never be angry on anybody. And when you are sad someday, even you become angry on small things. What is the reason behind this? So, our emotions, mood depends upon our mental health.
We are not physical body, we are an energy(Soul), which we have to charge daily basis like daily food and cell phone battery. It will make our mind healthy, wealthy and wise. If you want to charge your soul on daily basis, meditation will help you. And Rajyoga Meditation is the oldest and proved technique to charge up your soul and make your mind healthy. You can learn Rajyoga Meditation in your nearest Brahma Kumaris centers.
There are many more technique like physical exercises, eat healthy diet, other kind of meditations, yoga etc which makes our brain strong and happy but its a temporary solution. If our soul has five vices(thieves) like lust, rage, greed, attachment and conceit, then our mind can not be happy forever. Practicing the Rajyoga meditation will help our soul to control over these vices and make our mind healthy forever.


text:
Subscribing to Inside Press Magazines
Chappaqua Cover Stories
Armonk Cover Stories
Inside My New Castle
Chappaqua Just Between Us
Armonk Just Between Us
Single & Smart
The Inside Press
Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester
New Castle News
New Castle Releases
North Castle News
North Castle Releases
Discover New Castle
Gotta Have Arts
Lifestyles with our Sponsors
Sponsor News!
Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors
Answers to Your Questions, or Contact Us!
Debra Hand
About Debra Hand
Debra Hand is a longtime Inside Press editor and contributor, application essay advisor, and second-year LUCA college coach.
Latino U College Access: Dreams Come True
October 26, 2019 by Debra Hand
Helping First-Generation Students Unlock Their Potential
PHOTOS in this feature are Courtesy of Latino U.
"We're trying to make the starting lines more equal; if it's a race, not everyone is running with the same pair of sneakers."
Shirley Acevedo Buontempo understands challenges faced by low-income students seeking higher education, but Latino U College Access ("LUCA"), her Westchester nonprofit, is committed to increasing enrollment and completion for Latino youth who are first in their family to attend college. Through educational programs, advocacy and collaboration with partner school districts, businesses and volunteers, LUCA opens doors previously unimaginable.
"Our first-generation scholars are more than just children: they're translators, have an incredible amount of family obligation, and have maturity beyond their years," said Buontempo, LUCA's founder and CEO. But they lack knowledge about their options.
"When our first-gen scholars cry, they're crying for what their parents and grandparents have sacrificed. We're moved by them – their awesome sense of responsibility and recognition of how this next step can change their lives."
A Glaring Need, And a Vision
Buontempo, Puerto Rico-born but Bronx-bred, was first in her own family to attend college: "as a first-gen married to a first-gen Italian-American, education opened doors to opportunity we never dreamed of."
After working in marketing and advertising, Buontempo pursued a Masters in Public Administration at Pace University examining higher education challenges and success among Latinos, inspired to address both financial considerations and cultural ones like reluctance to stray far from home.
Buontempo obtained nonprofit designation in 2012, launching a pilot program – an English/Spanish information session on college options–at Fox Lane High School, but recognized a need for individualized attention.
With an educational consultant, she sought to identify "what resources do more affluent families have access to and how can we make that available to low-income, underrepresented students?" The model for LUCA "college coaching" was born.
Eligibility & Introducing the Basics
LUCA promptly expanded to three majority-Hispanic Westchester high schools: Ossining, White Plains and Sleepy Hollow. Juniors nominated by guidance counselors at partner schools must demonstrate academic potential (3.5 GPA with honors/AP courses), be first in their family to attend a U.S. college, and qualify for free or reduced lunch. This year, more than 100 students were nominated, 60 applied, and 40 chosen as LUCA's Class of 2020, growing each year from only two in 2012.
LUCA scholars attend a weeklong July "College Knowledge" Orientation at Pace University, which provides classroom and computer lab space. Workshops expose them to online search tools, campus resources, financial aid, college lists, and the Common Application. Scholars also network with first-generation professionals from corporate partners like MasterCard and Morgan Stanley, and have access to free summer SAT preparation classes and essay brainstorming seminars.
College Coaching: The Key to Scholar Success
LUCA's small staff works virtually around the clock, but volunteers enable its outreach, with almost 100 community members trained to support administratively, at information sessions and supply drives, or with financial aid applications.
Noting vital collaboration between LUCA's partner school districts, volunteers, libraries and corporate sponsors, Buontempo stressed "the power of partnership–engaging the entire community for the benefit of the children. Their success is our success."
College coaches from Chappaqua, Armonk, Briarcliff and elsewhere develop close relationships with students, providing individualized attention to detail, personality and passion Buontempo envisioned. Supported by Deputy Director Diane Rosenthal and College Access Program Manager Emily Latainer, coaches get to know scholars over the summer, exposing them to colleges they've never heard of or thought were beyond their reach academically or financially. College lists are created, visits encouraged, and personal statements started. Coaches also organize the many pieces of the process, from Common Application accounts to standardized testing, interviews and college "fly-in" programs for students from low-income, diverse backgrounds.
College coach Ellen Lynch loves having real impact on a young life: her 2019 scholar studies biochemistry at SUNY Stony Brook after a prestigious summer internship. "I can't begin to imagine the sense of helplessness many of these parents feel, especially where there's a language barrier. The fact that we can help ease that helplessness is an incredible thing," she said.
Thirty-one coaches delivered over 2,400 hours of support to the 36-student Class of 2019, now freshmen at colleges ranging from Ivies to SUNY institutions and everything in between. LUCA scholar/Ossining High School graduate Ariana Cardenas, an aspiring forensic psychologist, is both grateful and cognizant of the responsibility to set an example for other first-gen students: "LUCA has created an amazing family and support system that I've created a bond with, especially my College Coach, which has helped my journey and determination to pursue the highest level of education I can."
Latainer adds that the "unwavering determination of our scholars and their families, and their desire to change the trajectory of their lives" inspires the entire team to work harder to create meaningful change for a deserving community.
College acceptance aside, tuition is an overwhelming concern for LUCA families. Trained volunteers assist with the formidable task of completing the complex Free Application for Federal Student Aid ("FAFSA") and related forms to increase aid and identify scholarship opportunities. In 2019, LUCA scholars received $5.3 million in financial aid, the average annual out-of-pocket cost of college just over $7,000.
"Students can't succeed until parents have buy-in; our goal is to get that buy-in, but fears set in, largely financial. Their child is entering a world they know nothing about," said Buontempo.
LUCA also offers free programming to the wider Latino community. More than 4,000 parents (many with incomes under $35,000) and students have attended LUCA FAFSA Boot Camps and Spanish-language Community Information Sessions discussing college options, applications and financial aid.
First Gen Forward: Continuing Support
LUCA's coaching program culminates in a Graduation Celebration attended by scholars, parents, staff, Board members, volunteers and dignitaries, this June including Guillermo Linares, President of the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (himself first generation) and Westchester County Executive George Latimer. The palpable sense of pride was underscored by personal stories relayed by attendees.
But LUCA's job isn't over: it continues to support scholars until they graduate from college with full time jobs. LUCA's "First Gen Forward" College Success program launched in 2016 with a $100,000 Impact 100 Westchester grant, since "65% of first-generation college students drop out because of a lack of social capital and knowledge," Buontempo said.
A seminar before freshman year addresses stress management, homesickness, grading, and "imposter syndrome," the cultural adjustment of a first-gen on campus.
"We check on them throughout the year, make sure they're still on track," she added, and will intervene if there are issues that parents aren't equipped to handle.
LUCA also assists with resume preparation, LinkedIn, and job searches, working with local businesses to identify paid internships: "corporate partners are always looking to expand diversity, and we have incredible talent among our scholars," Buontempo added. Scholars also graduate with an overwhelming desire to "pay it forward and uplift their community."
"'Lift while you climb' really resonates," she said.
Increasing Impact on an Underserved Population
To date, LUCA has "graduated" 136 scholars, 98% of whom are on track to complete college, defying national odds showing that 41% of Latino students attend 2-year community college, and more than half do not complete college. Conversely, 93% of LUCA scholars attend 4-year universities (60% private institutions), with 54% at "most selective to very selective" schools.
"We're trying to flip it on its head," Buontempo said.
LUCA has received local and national recognition, named 2019 Examples of Excelencia Finalist, and Buontempo presented with the Pace Opportunitas in Action Award and Univision Nueva York Angel del 41. She hopes to expand both scope and reach: four additional county schools have Latino populations exceeding 50%. LUCA is limited by capacity–management, training, and workshops–but buzz is building and "we're primed to jump. Our program model has established success and is achieving results beyond expectation."
The Board of Directors, a diverse group of mission-driven community members and professionals, has shifted its focus from "managerial" to fundraising. Chappaqua's Jane Matluck, a Board member and coach since 2013, is committed to introducing LUCA to more colleges, as diversity officers are generally receptive to community-based organizations. "What's special about our program is that volunteers are trained in-house and get ongoing support, developing relationships with students and other coaches," Matluck said. Lynch agreed, noting LUCA's exceptional job differentiating skill sets–from financial aid expertise to coach support– keeping volunteers engaged. Focused on growing capacity to help more students, LUCA also aspires to start working with scholars earlier to give them even more of a head start. LUCA credits its success, though, to the drive of its incredible scholars.
"Honoring their parents, and their parents' sacrifices, they recognize that the future of their family weighs on their shoulders," Buontempo emphasized. And with LUCA's help, their journeys can begin.
To donate, support LUCA's Dorm Supply drive, or learn about corporate partnerships or volunteer opportunities, visit latinou.org.
Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: academics, Coaches, College, College Admission, College Coaching, First Generation, Hispanic, Individualized Attention, Latino U, Latino U College Access, LUCA, Mentors, Potential
Overcoming Obstacles: Kelsey Childs Conquers Challenges, Physically & Emotionally, Inspiring Thousands
August 24, 2019 by Debra Hand
In life you hit that brick wall and think it's impossible to get over it. It's about training yourself and training your mind to get stronger to get over that wall.
– Kelsey Childs
Wise words from Chappaqua's Kelsey Childs, who found that by pushing her body to the limit athletically, she could also overcome personal struggles by proving to herself that she could do anything. In doing so, Kelsey has amassed a huge social media following inspired by her honesty, self-awareness, fortitude and perseverance.
From Difficulty Fitting In To Spartan Star
By her own admission, Kelsey, now 21, was "impossible," with ADHD and extreme impulsivity, disruptive in school and unable to finish anything. Medication did not help, and she struggled with sensory integration, PTSD, depression and anxiety. After Westorchard and one year at Seven Bridges, Kelsey changed schools several times before graduating from a nearby boarding school, needing that structure to force her to follow rules. At age 12, Kelsey's then 16-year-old sister Alexis suggested they take karate together, and they both immediately fell in love: "it stopped being a sport and became a lifestyle," Kelsey recalled. But it wasn't enough; a year later, Kelsey transitioned to mixed martial arts ("MMA"), combining boxing, muay thai (a form of kickboxing), jujitsu and wrestling, before a friend encouraged her to try something new: Spartan racing.
Spartan is an obstacle course race ("OCR") that includes running with obstacles including monkey bars, rings, wall climbing, mud crawling, and climbing under barbed wire. Races range from three miles with 20 obstacles to 30+ miles with 60 obstacles. Spartan and similar OCR events have millions of participants worldwide of all ages with up to 15,000 people per race. It took Kelsey six hours to complete her first nine-mile race in 2016, but she met wonderful people and was hooked, phasing out MMA training and concentrating on weightlifting, calisthenics and running.
The impact of OCR on her psyche was profound, as Kelsey no longer "felt like a victim" in her own life prone to giving up when things got hard. Whereas school and coping with emotions had been difficult, obstacle course racing helped her train her mind to persevere. "OCR made me feel empowered," she emphasized. "Look what I just did – I can do anything."
Kelsey started racing competitively ("elite") in June 2017 and started college, simultaneously training with a bodybuilder, a triathlete/marathon runner, and at an OCR gym to perfect her obstacle form. With her parents' blessing, she left school after a year and moved home, working at a gym, training, rock climbing, and running mountain trails on weekends, logging up to 60 miles per week. The Spartan company noticed, hiring her as a social media/marketing intern; she also teaches at an OCR gym and competes every weekend in a different state (or country), now averaging two hours per race.
"It's OK to Not Be OK"
Kelsey developed her Instagram account ("storm_the_spartan") realizing that her story of overcoming personal struggles through OCR was moving others to accomplish goals. Along with photos and videos chronicling her feats of strength and endurance, Kelsey shares words of inspiration with her 20,000 followers, reassuring that there's "always someone there" and offering support. "The OCR world is a very close community, because you have to be somewhat dysfunctional to live such an extreme lifestyle," she said, "but by proving to themselves that they can do it, they're proving something to others." "People approach me at races thanking me and saying my story inspired them to become a different person," Kelsey said. "There's so much stigma and hate that people don't like discussing their struggles, whether it's PTSD, depression, anxiety, divorce, helplessness. From my posts, others see there's a way."
Proud Parents, Future Goals
"Marc and I are in awe of the person that she's become – the kid who never felt she could succeed in life now inspires so many and there's nothing that she can't tackle," Kelsey's mom Randi says of her daughter's strength (physical and mental) and resilience. Randi and her husband Marc are thrilled their daughter has discovered this community and endeavor that has changed her life, recalling when Kelsey's childhood ADHD and over-enthusiasm frightened other children.
"She was a handful but also so delightful, just bubbling over with personality," Randi recalled, adding that many of Kelsey's Chappaqua teachers recognized that and kept in touch for years, even calling her every first day of school to wish her luck. Supporting Kelsey's break from college, Randi and Marc are also proud that she is using her impressive writing skills to inspire others. "She went from the girl who always said 'I can't' to a young woman who can do anything."
But the extreme lifestyle of a dedicated Spartan competitor isn't without pain and injury; Kelsey has thrown her hip out and torn her hands apart and burned them on hot metal. Despite the pain, though, she refuses to give up on an obstacle, aspiring to compete professionally and earn money doing what she loves. But she is compelled to keep inspiring people, committed to helping others as she has been helped by OCR. "I found my people, my community, my purpose."
Sometimes, all it takes is ONE STEP forward.
The truth is – we are so small in such a big world, but the footprints we leave behind will stay forever.
You're never going to please anyone. The feeling of not being good enough can become overwhelming but you have to untangle yourself from the expectations around you – and rediscover yourself as an individual.
Aim to make yourself happy and not to make everyone else happy. You ARE good enough, and you don't need others approval to BE good enough.
One step forward, it's just one step forward. Don't overwhelm yourself with thoughts of the future. By thinking about everything that "could be" you are missing the simple joys of this current moment.
Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: ADHD, dedicated, empowerment, Kelsey Childs, Mixed Martial Arts, overcoming obstacles, Spartan
Briarcliff "Points Kid" Jumps Miles Ahead
May 31, 2019 by Debra Hand
Vacation planning isn't easy. Deciphering the complicated world of frequent flyer miles and credit card points, partner airlines and excursion fares with built-in stopovers seemingly requires an advanced degree. During his Briarcliff High School days, however, it was Rob Karp's hobby. That hobby became a passion, and that passion turned into a thriving business before he was out of his teens.
On the Runway
Beyond balancing school, standardized tests, varsity soccer and the debate team, Karp (BHS '15) had another commitment – leveraging airline and credit card points for free travel. He had always loved flying, even as a young child.
"My true passion has always been planes and aviation; when other kids were playing on their Xboxes I was sitting on a computer being a virtual pilot on Microsoft Flight Simulator," Karp recalled.
Fascinated with all facets of airline business, and aware of "these things called miles" which could be earned and used to pay for flights, he spent middle school Friday afternoons calling airlines' customer service numbers with questions and poring over online blogs. Karp helped his father research business travel, and with his father's accumulated miles got his entire family to Israel business class with a multi-day stopover in another country.
When area airports closed following Hurricane Sandy in late 2012, Karp succeeded in booking his family to Minneapolis for a bar mitzvah by routing them from Westchester County Airport, which opened first, through Atlanta. A relative was impressed and suggested he turn it into a business; three weeks later, a day shy of his 15th birthday, Karp Enterprises LLC was born.
Demand grew quickly as word of his miles and points wizardry spread. Known locally as "the points kid," Karp's early success and decision to charge for services was largely due to word of mouth in the Briarcliff Moms and Chappaqua Moms Facebook groups. He spent up to 30 hours every week analyzing customers' points and miles, intended destinations and dates, researching creative ways to book flights for no or drastically reduced cost. Eventually he used money earned as a soccer referee to hire someone to build a website.
Karp also familiarized himself with credit card "points" programs, offering paid consultations to help clients maximize point-earning potential based on spending habits. And he continued to immerse himself in the aviation business; for his BHS science research project, Karp worked with Delta's Domestic Revenue Group, analyzing "hub" ramifications of airline mergers and interning for two summers at Delta's Atlanta headquarters.
Word of the young entrepreneur's expertise spread. He was featured by Bloomberg TV and Fortune.com, and as a BHS junior was named a "Westchester Wunderkind of 2014," celebrating the area's brightest young professionals under 30. By the time Karp graduated from BHS in June, 2015, Karp had worked with 100 customers, all on his own.
Spreading His Wings: Expansion during the College Years
Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration ("SHA") was a perfect fit for Karp. After his BHS graduation, he rebranded his company "MilesAhead," but shut down 90% of his business the first semester.
"I wanted to start college with no strings attached," he said. "It was one of the best decisions I've made, because stepping away made me realize how much I missed the business."
Late that first semester, he hired three students part-time who shared his passion for aviation to help him research and book flights. Shifting his focus to luxury travel, in January 2016 Karp partnered with large national agency Valerie Wilson Travel, a member of the Virtuoso network, which provided MilesAhead with access to special airline values and hotel perks. Karp forged his own relationships with travel vendors, his team now having visited roughly 300 properties.
"I saw an opportunity," Karp said. "Customers whose flights I was booking were booking hotels elsewhere, but said that they would be happy to give me the business if I were to provide it." Building industry connections allowed him to expand MilesAhead's offerings to hotels by the start of sophomore year.
Through 2017, his team was mostly Cornell students working part-time; Karp eventually became busy enough to hire a full-time assistant and independent off-campus "contractors," also aviation enthusiasts, he met via connections. MilesAhead developed a presence on campus, and this past year was the first student owned and operated company to exhibit at the Hotel School Career Fair.
Flying High: Growth and Customer Service
Even during his BHS days, Karp recognized the need to keep clients happy, for example driving out to JFK himself to resolve a ticketing glitch. "That was an early example of my company's commitment to customer service."
He wants to make things as easy as possible for clients, and finds that MilesAhead's use of the AXUS itinerary management app is a "key part of the customer experience." Clients can download AXUS to their phones and view multiple trips–all flight, hotel and excursion information–and get updates on changes.
Karp has grown his company considerably–this spring about a dozen part-timers–to cover customers' travel needs before, during and after their trips. MilesAhead is now comprised of Advisors who build trips, the Concierge Team, which finds and books anything from private guides to dinner reservations, and the VIP Team, which deals with logistics such as check-in and boarding passes.
The Sky's The Limit
As a college student, Karp managed to devote 50-70 hours a week to MilesAhead, but upon his graduation this month is poised to "hit the ground running." He has secured Manhattan office space and will have six full-time employees, all with the company for over two years, as well as additional part-timers. MilesAhead's growth has not gone unnoticed; Karp and his company have been featured in or on CBSTV, the Cornell SHA magazine, the New York Times, and Forbes.com.
"I'm a full-time business owner and CEO. But it's been one of the best learning experiences–being a student, a 'college kid,' and business owner all at the same time. I've learned to prioritize and what's important to me," he said, noting his evolving role. "Now my focus is building, developing and training my team and growth. We're always looking for awesome new young talent, and have exciting and grandiose plans to keep expanding. We're still savvy and thrifty," Karp added, "but with building our luxury services, we have maintained our commitment to keeping that personal touch."
Filed Under: Briarcliff Cover Stories Tagged With: Briarcliff High Schol, Business, kid, miles, Points, Rob Karp, startup, Travel
Sad Outcome Follows Bet Torah's Rally To Bring Home Armando Rojas
November 24, 2018 by Debra Hand
Photos by Joanna Segal
For over 20 years, a smiling face, a helping hand, a high-five for preschoolers. Kind, sweet, friendly, and unassuming. And then, simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, he was gone.
On November 16, the Bet Torah community received the heartbreaking and devastating news that their longtime and beloved custodian Armando Rojas lost his final appeal for asylum with his case returned to the Department of Homeland Security "for removal of the alien." As Rabbi Aaron Brusso stated in his email to the congregation, "Armando Rojas is father of Ulises and Armando Jr. He is husband to Silvia. He is a member of our synagogue family. He is a human being with hopes, dreams, loves and a track record of gentleness and kindness. What he isn't is an 'alien.'"
On the evening of October 16, in advance of his final asylum hearing, the Bet Torah and local communities gathered on the synagogue steps in Mount Kisco to rally in support of Armando, suddenly deported earlier this year following a mistaken arrest. Preschoolers to retirees, as well as local clergy, community leaders, and Armando's sons Armando Jr. (26) and Ulises (15), spoke of Armando's contributions, presence and being part of the Bet Torah family, which sang, with love, "Bring Armando Home."
A New Home, A New Life
Armando entered the United States from Mexico over 30 years ago at the age of 18, crossing without inspection, to escape dangerous circumstances and gang violence and seek a better, safer life, according to Rabbi Brusso. With little Immigration and Naturalization Service interior enforcement at that time, he was permitted to apply for and receive a social security number. Armando was hired as a custodian by Bet Torah, where he worked for over two decades, becoming more than a valued employee; he was a member of the synagogue family, knowing almost every member–certainly every child–by name.
Armando had also married an American citizen and had two sons, creating a life in the New York suburbs, reporting to work–sometimes seemingly seven days a week – and dutifully paying taxes and social security. In other words, a model "citizen" and role model for not only his own sons, but for the young children of Bet Torah whose paths he crossed daily.
In February 2018, Armando was celebrating with family at a Westchester restaurant when a fight broke out nearby and the police called. Likely because of his ethnicity, he was arrested along with others; Armando was quickly exonerated and released, but the arrest record was forwarded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE"), which identified him as a fugitive for not appearing at an immigration hearing over 25 years ago. Armando was detained without notice and promptly dropped over the Mexican border without identification, money or a cell phone, despite a superseding stay of deportation. He made his way to family in Mexico City, but once there received threatening phone calls from groups responsible for murdering family members long ago.
A Roller Coaster of Emotion
The Bet Torah staff and congregation quickly sprung into action to facilitate Armando's return. Qualified immigration counsel was retained, a GoFundMe has raised over $40,000 to date, and his wife, sons and new grandson were assured that they would be supported throughout the efforts to have Armando granted asylum on the basis of "credible fear" upon deportation and brought home.
In June, Rabbi Brusso, together with Armando Jr. and congregants Linda Dishner and Mike Kraus, flew to Mexico and escorted Armando to the U.S. border to request asylum; a video (see link below) of the walk to the checkpoint, along with interviews of Armando, his son and the rabbi, was shared widely on social media and via Rabbi Brusso's moving article in The Forward. Armando was accepted into ICE custody after a second attempt, first placed in detention in Arizona and then moved to an Albany County Prison wing for asylum seekers.
In early October, in discussions with Armando's attorney, the hearing officer seemed to indicate that Armando had a strong "credible fear" claim for asylum, even under recently narrowed definitions promulgated by the U.S. Attorney General's office, because of "participation of government actors – in the form of local law enforcement–with gang violence," according to Rabbi Brusso; Armando had told ICE that local authorities allowed gangs to freely function. However, his claim for asylum was rejected without explanation, with one remaining appeal before an immigration judge before re-deportation.
Community Efforts Strived to "Bring Armando Home"
After consultation with Armando's attorney and family, the decision was made to further publicize his plight to appeal to someone in the administration (beyond the many local and state politicians already involved) who might be able to help. Congregants and members of the wider community were urged to write directly to and petition the immigration judges, and almost 250 people attended the evening rally, covered by numerous New York area media outlets alerted to the event by congregants with public relations backgrounds and contacts.
Rabbi Brusso described the effort as a way to "come together to create a positive space, for positive, constructive actions around these issues without the rhetoric of 'you're wrong and I'm right,'" he added. "We can talk about the issues, and our values, from there. It's important to show people that there's a caring, nurturing place as real as the destructive place." He said the rally offered an opportunity for the congregation and others to come together communally to express its loss, much as it does to celebrate happy events and mourn sad ones. "When Ulises said 'I didn't realize how many people loved my dad,' it made it all worth it," he said.
Bet Torah's Rabbi Brusso addressing hundreds at the rally.
A Lesson in Compassion
"Bring Armando Home" also became a teaching opportunity for Bet Torah children, many too young to understand issues surrounding legal citizenship and immigration but able to develop compassion for someone they know. An email to the synagogue nursery and religious school communities, shared on Facebook, reminded them that "we are here for each other no matter what we are going through." Rabbi Brusso addressed children directly at the rally, gently urging them not to be scared that their own parents would be taken away, but suggesting that "this imaginary fear teaches you to be sensitive to the real fears faced by others" and this "moral fear" teaches you how to be compassionate.
"I wanted to create a moral space that doesn't exist elsewhere," Rabbi Brusso explained, "to take it out of the political and make it focus on the personal." He added that houses of worship are really the last places where people with diverse points of view, outside of their social media echo chambers, can gather and come together for a larger purpose without using the language built for argumentation often used in public discourse.
Rabbi Brusso is unsure of what the next steps may be, but spoke for all present on October 16: "Some of us are lucky enough to be born into wonderful homes, others have to search for them. Armando went on a journey to find his home. He found it here. And he is a blessing to his wife and his sons and to our entire community. We ask one thing: bring Armando home so that he can continue be a blessing to all of us again. Let's bring Armando home."
Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: armando, custodian, help, immigration
Get On Your Feet! Pantsuit Flash Mob Takes Chappaqua — And The "Movement" Continues
December 1, 2016 by Debra Hand
PHOTO BY JEANNE MUNCHNIK
When Katonah resident Maria Colaco saw Dawn Greenberg's Chappaqua Friends of Hill & Tim Facebook post suggesting an Election Day flash mob honoring the hometown nominee by wearing her attire of choice, she jumped at the chance to organize and choreograph.
A former professional dancer turned social media/digital content creator, Colaco quickly created a Facebook group for anyone interested in participating, secured rehearsal space at Scattered Books in downtown Chappaqua, and chose a song (Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling") from the official Hillary Clinton campaign playlist and a hashtag: #HRCPantsuitDance. The whole thing–from idea to execution–came together in only 10 days. Colaco said it was "short, intense and passionate."
Approximately 115 women came to two hour-long rehearsals, having to split into three groups to have enough room to learn the relatively easy steps that Colaco had choreographed. She recalled that even at rehearsals some participants were openly crying "because it was such a moment."
At 1:30 p.m. on Election Day, the 115 pantsuit-clad dancers were joined by newcomers and children in front of Chappaqua Station for a joyful and electrifying performance that rapidly "went viral;" within hours, the video appeared on people.com, all of the major U.S. networks, and many domestic and international websites.
"We really tapped into something," said Colaco, noting that flash mobs are usually associated with the young. "This is an amazing demographic, a fantastic group of women who joined to sing and dance as a medium for social empowerment, social change and social awareness."
Even though the Facebook group was created as a centralized organization tool, it has turned into a community for its members in the aftermath of the disappointing election, now looking ahead as to how the Election Day energy can be harnessed and utilized effectively. Colaco is hoping to take the Pantsuit Flash Mob to the "next level" by teaching it via video to any group interested and repeating the event nationally on January 20 (Inauguration Day), which she has also proposed be a national day of Acts of Kindness–everything from public art, crafting with children and adults at local hospitals, painting rocks and leaving messages of hope around neighborhoods for people to casually find, playing music in nursing homes, to helping friends and neighbors or at a food pantry.
"We did something and made a difference," Colaco said, inspired to continue this forward motion." Everyone was "so incredibly passionate. It's nothing you can teach or expect. It just happens."
Chappaqua resident Debra Hand is a longtime writer and editor for The Inside Press.
Filed Under: Hillary's Run Tagged With: #HRCPantsuitDance, Chappaqua Flash Mob, Chappaqua Friends of Hill, Chappaqua Station, Flashmob
Search Inside Press
Download our Latest Issues
The Harlem Wizards are Coming to Town!
Magi Shower Kids with Gifts at Northern Westchester Hospital's Annual Three Kings Day celebration
A Gutsy Grand Finale
The Beatles vs The Rolling Stones: A Showdown in Peekskill
The Little Tree with Big Dreams
Organic Wine and Cheese Social at Life Energy Art Gallery
Categories Select Category 2016 DNC After Hurricane Sandy Armonk Community Armonk Cover Stories Armonk EtCetera Armonk Just Between Us Armonk News Releases Book Excerpts Briarcliff Cover Stories camp Chappaqua Community Cover Stories Discover New Castle Et Cetera From the Editor From the Inside Out Gotta Have Arts Growing Up Here Guest Editor Happenings Happy Holidays Health & Fitness Hillary's Run Holiday Recipes Holidays with our Sponsors HRC Campaign News IC's 10th Year In and Around Town In the Know Inside My New Castle Inside Thoughts Inside Westchester Issue Archive Just Between Us Letters to the Editor Lifestyles with our Sponsors Local Goes Global Maggie Mae Pup Reporter Merchant Profiles Momprenuers New Castle News New Castle Releases North Castle News North Castle Releases Not for Profit News Past Happenings Pleasantville Community Pleasantville Cover Stories Pleasantville Just Between Us Political Advertorial Politics Rick's Last Licks Single & Smart Speaking Your Truth Special Needs Sponsor News! The Inside Scoop Top Ten Top Ten Anything! Top Ten Sponsors Town Election 2019 Travel Travel Opp Uncategorized Westchester Words & Wisdoms From Our Sponsors Worth a Thousand Words
Archives Select Month January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 January 2011 November 2010 October 2010 June 2010 May 2010 March 2010 February 2010 December 2009 November 2009 September 2009 June 2009 May 2009 March 2009 December 2008 September 2008 June 2008
Did you know you can subscribe anytime for the print editions of either Inside Chappaqua, Inside Armonk–or both?
Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.
Copyright © 2020 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in


text:
@create_dreamspace
Instagram: @create_dreamspace
My name is Becca Thomas. I am from a small rural town in Indiana. Growing up I spent a lot of time by myself playing in the woods and daydreaming. I think that explains a lot about why my work is so abstract and escapist now. I've always spent a lot of time in my own head and now I do that through my work. I have always loved making things with my hands and creating. Once I got into high school I think I really knew I wanted to be an artist.
First of all, I love color. I'm obsessed with constantly thinking of new color ideas. Sometimes before I think of anything else in a new piece, a color combination pops into my head and then I have to pursue it. In addition, I like making shapes and patterns that have a flow to them. I have sketchbooks full of shape and pattern combinations. I would say that a lot of my work has a dream-like and playful quality.
Textiles. Being able to physically work with fabric and create something that I can hold in my hands is a really special feeling. I like to dye fabric, sew, and embroider.
I never used to sketch anything but I realized I needed more inspiration to draw from. Now I sketch constantly filling up as many pages as I can with little ideas. Whether it is a pattern idea or a color combination, sketching allows me to make mistakes without any pressure. I've learned a lot from looking back at my own sketchbooks. From there I translate parts of those ideas into finished pieces.
I'm really inspired by Yayoi Kusama. I love that she can make entirely immersive pieces made from all different materials. In her younger days she was very experimental. She took a lot of risks and put herself out there. I really respect that. I'm also inspired by making work that can reach across cultures. Art, in general, has the ability to transcend language. When I went to Japan for an artist residency it was so enlightening to see how people from another country reacted to my work, especially children.
Art allows me to channel my creative intelligence in a way that is really fulfilling. Making new artwork is actually almost addictive, I would rather be doing that than almost anything else. I also really love seeing the way people react to my work. In my interactive pieces, it's really satisfying to see how people can relate to it. It makes me realize that everyone should be able to enjoy art and that everyone has their own perspective and way of seeing. Art can mean something different to each person and I think that's pretty magical.
I got my BFA from Indiana University and now I'm pursuing my MFA in Fiber and Material Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
In five years I hope that I'll be teaching at a University while making artwork and exhibiting as much as I can!
I suppose more or less the same as five years from now. I don't really plan things out that far. The one thing I would like to do besides teach and make art is live in another country at some point.
I hope that I can show people that art isn't just something on a wall. That it can be something you can physically feel and experience.
I love anything with truffle oil on it. Truffle pizza, truffle fries, balsamic truffle vinaigrette...
1Q84 by Haruki Murukami
I'm really into practicing martial arts. I also really love anime and I speak a little Japanese.
I always thought it would be fun to be fluent enough in another language to be a translator and be able to travel through that. Knowing another language allows a different way of thinking and looking at life.


text:
Convention delegates complete balloting
HOUSTON—During voting today, all remaining elections were completed, including positions on the newly formed Board of National Mission and the Board of International Mission. The two boards were formed earlier this week when delegates passed Resolution 8-08A, "to realign the national synod ministries around two mission boards."
The resolution eliminated existing program boards and some staffed commissions at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis; made all staff, except the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, accountable to an officer of the Synod; and assigned most functions to the two ministry boards or others, such as the Synod president, the Board of Directors, districts or other LCMS agencies.
The Office of National Mission will be responsible for coordinating national ministry that is directed toward, or serving, domestic ministries, especially congregations and schools through their districts. Such ministries may include but not be limited to Lutheran school ministries and accreditation, human care and domestic mercy efforts, stewardship, evangelism, youth ministry, church planting and revitalization.
The Office of International Mission will oversee LCMS work in other countries. This office will place and support foreign missionaries, establish and maintain international schools, coordinate international relief efforts, and support and encourage the work of the Synod's international partner churches in conjunction with the Office of the President.
Both boards will be comprised of one individual member of Synod and one layperson from each of the five newly formed regions: East (New Jersey, Atlantic, Eastern, New England, Southeastern, Florida-Georgia Districts); Great Lakes (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, North Wisconsin, South Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Central Illinois, Southern Illinois); South (Texas, Oklahoma, Mid-South, Kansas, Southern, Missouri); Great Plains (Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa West, Iowa East, Minnesota South, Minnesota North, Nebraska); and West (California-Nevada-Hawaii, Northwest, Pacific Southwest, Rocky Mountain).
Members of the SELC and English Districts—nongeographic districts—will be placed in the region where their congregation is geographically located. Canadian congregations will be placed in the regions to which they are adjacent.
The 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is meeting July 10-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center under the theme "ONE People—Forgiven." Among the approximately 3,000 participants are some 1,200 clergy and lay voting delegates.
The results are listed by board or commission:
BOARD FOR NATIONAL MISSION
Individual member of Synod (elect one from each region)
Thomas E. Engler, Havertown, PA (EA)
Martha J. Milas, Champaign, IL (CI)
Steven C. Briel, Maple Grove, MN (MNS)
Samuel Cosby, Houston, TX (TX)
C. Bryan Wolfmueller, Aurora, CO (RM)
Layperson (elect one from each region)
James Tallmon, Harpers Ferry, WV (SE)
Ernest E. Garbe, Dieterich, IL (CI)
Carla M. Claussen, New Brighton, MN (MNS)
Gary Quick, Edmond, OK (OK)
Linda Stoterau, Orange, CA (PSW)
BOARD FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSION
Juan A. Gonzalez, New York, NY (AT)
Rose E. Gilbert Adle, Secor, IL (CI)
Bernhard M. Seter, Grafton, ND (ND)
John F. Temple, St. Charles, MO (MO)
Michael Lange, Brentwood, CA (CNH)
Kermit W. Almstedt, Weeki Wachee, FL (FG)
Phillip A. Magness, Bolingbrook, IL (NI)
Robert Van Gundy, St. Paul, MN (MNS)
David E. Bruns, Topeka, KS (KS)
Lois Peacock, San Francisco, CA (CNH)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
(Formerly elected as Board for University Education)
1 ordained minister; 1 commissioned minister; 2 laypersons
Ordained:
Daniel N. Jastram, St. Paul, MN (EN)
Commissioned:
John E. Mierow, Wauwatosa, WI (SW)
Laypersons:
David Hawk, Fort Wayne, IN (IN)
Nancy (Drews) Petrie, Beaverton, OR (NOW)
COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
1 ordained minister (parish pastor); 1 commissioned minister (parish teacher);
1 layperson
Arlo W. Pullmann, Laurel, MT (MT)
Timothy D. Hardy, Mount Clemens, MI (MI)
Jeffrey Schwarz, Edwardsville, IL (SI)
CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alvin J. Schmidt, Jacksonville, IL (CI)
Mark L. Bender, Ballwin, MO (MO)
Ruth N. Koch, Denver, CO (RM)
Natalie Oleshchuk, St. Louis, MO (MO)
Gretchen A. Roberts, Knoxsville, TN (MDS)
LUTHERAN CHURCH EXTENSION FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1 ordained or commissioned; 2 laypersons
Ordained or Commissioned:
David L. Bahn, Cypress, TX (TX)
Thomas M. Buuck, Meridian, ID (NOW)
David E. Wuenscher, St. Louis, MO
BOARDS OF REGENTS
Concordia University at Ann Arbor, Michigan
Martin K. Moehring, Decatur, IN (IN)
Wesley J. Wrucke, Evansville, IN (IN)
Christian A. Preus, Plymouth, MN (MNS)
Leslie K. Sramek, Mascoutah, IL (SI)
Concordia University at Austin, Texas
Michael P. Dorn, Houston, TX (TX)
Jan W. Lohmeyer, Houston, TX (TX)
Noreen L. Linke, Sugar Land, TX (TX)
Kristi A. Matus, San Antonio, TX (TX)
Concordia College at Bronxville, N.Y.
Arthur W. Scherer, Baltimore, MD (SE)
Jonathan C. Laabs, Roselle, IL (NI)
Heidi J. Fields, Atlanta, GA (FG)
James T. Jahnke, Bronxville, NY (AT)
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind.
1 ordained minister; 2 laypersons
Ronald M. Garwood, Casper, WY (WY)
Leo S. Mackay Jr., Alexandria, VA (SE)
Bradd Stucky, Fon du Lac, WI (SW)
Concordia University at Irvine, Calif.
Michael A. Morehouse, Tucson, AZ (EN)
Heather H. Wyneken-Manning, Orange, CA (PSW)
Sandra Ostapowich, Loveland, CO (RM)
Glen Piper, Valparaiso, IN (IN)
Concordia University Wisconsin at Mequon, Wis.
Klemet Preus, Plymouth, MN (MNS)
Lynette A. Fredericksen, Suring, WI (NW)
Mary Dittmar, Sheboygan, WI (SW)
Robert M. Knox, Geneva, IL (NI)
Concordia University at Portland, Ore.
Stewart D. Crown, Palo Alto, CA (CNH)
Keith E. Brosz, Anchorage, AK (NOW)
Kathy Schulz, Augusta, MO (EN)
Andrew T. White, Boise, ID (NOW)
Concordia University Chicago at River Forest, Ill.
William C. Weedon, Worden, IL (SI)
Mark P. Muehl, Fort Wayne, IN (IN)
Deborah Grime, Fort Wayne, IN (IN)
Mark O. Stern, Wheaton, IL (NI)
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo.
Harold L. Senkbeil, Waukesha, WI (SW)
Albert N. Allen, Houston, TX (TX)
Paul Hegland, Kenosha, WI (SW)
Concordia University at St. Paul, Minn.
Karl A. Weber, Ottertail, MN (MNN)
Angela Hublick, Elizabethtown, KY (IN)
Carol M. Fehrmann, Brooklyn Park, MN (MNS)
Gregg Hein, Billings, MT (MT)
Concordia College at Selma, Ala.
Dien A. Taylor, The Bronx, NY (AT)
Lawrence E. Sohn, Milwaukee, WI (SW)
James A. Sandfort, Ballwin, MO (MO)
Ellen R. Ziehr-Lange, Anaheim Hills, CA (PSW)
Concordia University at Seward, Neb.
1 ordained minister; 1 commissioned minister; 2 laypersons (2 from Seward County)
Keith H. Grimm, Omaha, NE (NEB)
Robert L. Cooksey, Kirkwood, MO (MO)
Timothy L. Moll, Seward, NE (NEB)
Jill Wild, Seward, NE (NEB)
Convention recognizes special guests
Convention supports 'pastoral formation'


nicolaus and i had a pretty fun anniversary week. it kicked off with a foxygen show the night before our anniversary. they are one of my very favorites, so when we were eating dinner at rye before the show, and the band was eating there too, i was nerding out big time and turned into the world's most annoying super-fan to nicolaus. i had a whole plan of what to say to the lead singer and how to ask to take a photo with him when he walked past our table, but when he actually did i got too nervous and chickened out...haha which was probably for the best, because who really knows what embarrassing things would have come out of my mouth. so instead i just settled for creeping over nick's shoulder at them and snapchatting a sneaky photo of them.
aaanyways, the show was a good time. we met up with our friends nicole, tanner, conor, raul and mike, then bumped into a few other friends up there, and basically danced the night away. they put on a great, high energy show, which we all definitely paid for the next day. my right ear had been facing the speaker and i was mostly deaf in it the entire next day. and my ears were ringing for about two days after..ha remind to always wear ear plugs at concerts from now on. i've become quite the old lady and i'm embracing it.
that saturday, we went on our real anniversary date and got a fancy dinner at pallet which was INCREDIBLE. if you're ever in salt lake you need to go there and eat their truffle fries. after dinner, we headed over to a party at the design firm, super top secret and met up with a couple friends. the party was a pretty fun mix of people jumping motorcycles and watching crazy-good kids skate the mini-ramp and even spotting a few instagram-famous people and athletes like jeremy jones. which i thought was preeeetty cool. but my favorite highlight was definitely petting this adorable pitbull puppy and the owner telling us her rescue story. she was adorable and it made me want to rescue every puppy in the world.


PHYSICS OF STAR TREK - Audiobook (abridged) | Listen Instantly!
A must for any serious Trekker or for anyone who wants an easy-to-understand introductionto the world of physics.
What exactly "warps" when you are traveling at warp speed? Whatis the difference between the holodeck and a hologram? What happens whenyou get beamed up? Are time loops really possible, and can I kill my grandmotherbefore I was born?
Until now, fans of Star Trek were hard pressed to find answers tovital questions such as these. Now Lawrence M. Krauss,an internationally known theoretical physicist and educator, has writtenthe quintessential physics book for Trekkers and non-Trekkers alike.
Anyone who has ever wondered, "Could this really happen?" willgain useful insights into the Star Trek universe (and, incidentally,the real universe) in this charming and accessible volume. Krauss boldlygoes where Star Trek has gone -- and beyond. He uses the StarTrek future as a launching pad to discuss the forefront of modern physics.From Newton to Hawking, from Einstein to Feynman, from Kirk to Janeway,Krauss leads the reader on a voyage to the world of physics as we now knowit and as it might one day be.
Lawrence M. Krauss is the director of the Origins Initiative at Arizona State University and has written more than three hundred scientific publications and seven books, including The Physics of Star Trek. He has won numerous awards, including the Gravity Research Foundation First Prize Award and the Presidential Investigator Award. He lives in Tempe, Arizona, and Shaker Heights, Ohio.


text:
District of WondersTales To TerrifyStarShipSofaFar Fetched Fables
Far Fetched Fables No. 86 Martha Wells and Aidan Doyle
December 22, 2015 by Gary Dowell
Flash Fiction: "Remembering the Dragon" by Aidan Doyle
Do you remember me? I was once a great adventurer, journeying to distant lands, exploring lost ruins and chronicling momentous events. Now I'm trapped in a decaying ruin. If I show any weakness, my fellow prisoners will try to take everything from me.
"You're sitting in my chair, Henry. I reserved it because it has a view of the driveway and I want to know when my family arrives."
It was the anniversary of your mother's death yesterday. Alice used to get annoyed when I told my stories, but now they're all I have left. Most of my captors assume that because I'm old I must be stupid and torture me with cruel games.
"Residents are reminded that bingo starts at two o'clock."
Aidan Doyle is an Australian writer and computer programmer. He has visited more than 90 countries and his experiences include teaching English in Japan, interviewing ninjas in Bolivia and going ten-pin bowling in North Korea. His stories have appeared in Lightspeed, Strange Horizons, and Fireside.
His website is at aidandoyle.net.
"Remembering the Dragon" first appeared at Every Day Fiction on September 16, 2015.
Main Story: "The Potter's Daughter" by Martha Wells
The potter's daughter sat in the late afternoon sun outside the stone cottage, making clay figures and setting them out to dry on the flat slate doorstep. A gentle summer breeze stirred the oak and ash leaves and the dirty grey kerchief around her dirty blond hair.
Someone was coming up the path.
She could hear that he was without horse, cart, or company, and as he came toward her through the trees she saw that he was tall, with dark curly hair and a beard, with a pack and a leather case slung over one shoulder. He was unarmed, and dressed in a blue woolen doublet, faded and threadbare, brown breeches and brown top boots. The broad-brimmed hat he wore had seen better days, but the feathers in it were gaily colored. Brief disappointment colored her expression; she could tell already he wasn't her quarry.
Boots crunched on the pebbles in the yard, then his shadow fell over her and he said, "Good day. Is this the way to Riversee?"
She continued shaping the wet clay, not looking up at him. "Just follow this road to the ford."
"Thank you, my lady Kade."
Now she did look up at him, in astonishment. Part of the astonishment was at herself, that she could still be so taken by surprise. She dropped the clay and stood, drawing a spell from the air.
Martha Wells has written well over a dozen fantasy novels, including the Books of the Raksura series (The Cloud Roads, The Serpent Sea, The Siren Depths, Stories of the Raksura Vol. I, Stories of the Raksura Vol. II), The Wizard Hunters, Wheel of the Infinite, and the nebula-nominated The Death of the Necromancer, as well as YA fantasies, short stories, and non-fiction. She has had stories in Black Gate, Realms of Fantasy, Stargate Magazine, Lightspeed, and in the anthologies Elemental, Tales of the Emerald Serpent, The Other Half of the Sky, and The Gods of Lovecraft. She has also written the media-tie-ins Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary, Stargate Atlantis: Entanglement, and Star Wars: Razor's Edge. Her new book in the Raksura series, The Edge of Worlds, will be out in April 2016.
You can find her online at marthawells.com.
About the Narrators:
Eric Luke is the screenwriter of the Joe Dante film Explorers, which is currently in development as a remake, has written the comic books Ghost and Wonder Woman, and wrote and directed the Not Quite Human films for Disney TV. His current project Interference, a meta horror audiobook about an audiobook… that kills, is now available on Audible.com. For further information on creative projects go to Quillhammer.com.
Diane Sieverson has been involved in the SF Poetry Scene (yes, it's a thing) since 2010, is a staff blogger for Amazing Stories Magazine, and is a member of the Science Fiction Poetry Association. She contributes the audio feature Poetry Planet to StarShip Sofa, and narrates stories for it and Tales to Terrify. The best place to find her is on the web because she tends to pick up and move to another country at the drop of a hat. She and her family currently reside in Germany.
You can find her online at divadiane.eu.
http://rss.acast.com/farfetchedfables/far-fetched-fables-no-86-martha-wells-and-aidan-doyle/media.mp3
Categories: Podcast
Haha! I actually live in Germany now! We moved in July 2015.
D'oh! Sorry about that. We'll update your bio ASAP!
Gary Dowell
AMAZING NEWS: 1/2/2016 - Amazing Stories says:
[…] Far Fetched Fables #86. Go visit the District of Wonders […]
Hey adventurer, need a Gravatar for your comments?
Join Far Fetched Fables Newsletter
Explore fantastical lands with Far-Fetched Fables! Do you sometimes wonder how things could be different, should be different? Do you feel the call of the bizarre and surreal? Each week, Nicola Seaton-Clark explores a little further into the rare and mysterious lands which lie just outside our familiar reality, forging paths of wonder, magic and delight! Join us on the journey!
Support the show with a one-time donation: Donate
Or become a monthly contributor:
£2.50 £5.00 £10.00 £20.00
©2020 Far Fetched Fables | Design: JLeuze | Log in


text:
Q: Database connection failed SQL Server 2012 Express + node.js I'm getting the "Database connection failed" trying with the Node.JS driver for SQL and the example from:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sqlphp/archive/2012/06/08/introducing-the-microsoft-driver-for-node-js-for-sql-server.aspx
The string I use against SQL Server Express 11.0 64-bit, local
var conn_str = "Driver={SQL Server Native Client 11.0};Server=(local);Database=MyDB;Trusted_Connection={Yes}";

I also tried "sa" and another local user vs Windows Authentication --  all without luck.
Running node 0.6.10 (the version supported by the SQL driver), SQL Server Config showing SQL Native Client 11, so the versions match.
Are there any ways to troubleshoot?? Any guides / tutorials where the connection was successful for my stack?

A: RESOLVED:
I had been trying to incorrectly access the named instance of SQL Express. Should be .\\SQLEXPRESS, not (local) or .\SQLEXPRESS.
The correct String:
 var conn_str = "Driver={SQL Server Native Client 11.0};Server=.\\SQLEXPRESS;Database=NPv1;Trusted_Connection=Yes";

A: Trusted connection tells the connection to use the Windows ID of the process. If you are hosting this in IIS, this id will be the one the application pool is using. Make sure this id has access to both the database server and the database. Using sa and other local users won't fix the problem unless you tell it to not use a trusted connection and then specify the user id and password in the connection string (btw, this approach is not recommended; stick with the trusted connection if you can).