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House passes second funding package with welcome news for chimpanzees, right whales and farm animals

By Kitty Block and Sara Amundson

By on July 31, 2020 with 2 Comments

The U.S. House has just approved additional help for animals, including right whales, chimpanzees and farm animals, as it continues the process of appropriating funds for federal agencies and departments for FY2021.

The provisions that passed the full floor today by a vote of 217 to 197 are included in the House’s second minibus, a package of appropriations bills, and they build on wins we helped secure in the first such package that passed last week for wildlife, companion animals and wild horses and burros. The minibus approved today funds departments including Commerce, Health and Human Services, Transportation and the U.S. Postal Service.

Following are some of the reforms in this package addressing key animal welfare issues:

More funding for research on North Atlantic right whales: These critically endangered animals are just a step away from extinction, with fewer than 400 individual whales left in the seas off the U.S. and Canadian coast. House members approved an amendment that would provide an additional $1.5 million to the Department of Commerce (on top of the $5 million already in the base bill) for research and monitoring of these whales to help reduce entanglements and vessel collisions, both among the chief causes of mortality. Reps. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., Jared Golden, D-Maine, Bill Posey, R-Fla., and John Rutherford, R-Fla., offered this amendment.

Retiring chimpanzees to sanctuaries: The committee report accompanying the appropriations bill funding the Department of Health and Human Services directs the National Institutes of Health to promptly transfer approximately 40 retired chimpanzees now languishing at the barren Alamogordo Primate Facility in New Mexico, as well as chimpanzees at two other research centers, to retirement at Chimp Haven, a federal sanctuary based in Louisiana. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., successfully prevailed on the appropriations committee to include this humane and cost-effective provision.

Continuing a crucial funding source for wildlife conservation efforts: To date, sales of the Save Vanishing Species first class stamp have raised more than $5.9 million for the conservation of some of the world’s most imperiled species, such as elephants, tigers and sea turtles, and supported 99 conservation projects in 35 countries, at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. Although 50 million more of these stamps remain in stock, they will no longer be sold past 2020 unless Congress approves an extension. The House already passed H.R. 1446 (introduced by Reps. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., and Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.) to authorize the USPS to continue selling these stamps, but the Senate has not acted on it or the companion bill, S. 652 (introduced by Sens. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Tom Udall, D-N.M.), so the minibus provides an alternate path to fix the problem. Appropriations subcommittee chairman Mike Quigley, D-Ill., championed inclusion of this language to permanently extend sales of the stamp for as long as copies remain, with support from Rep. José Serrano, D-N.Y.

In other good news, the House Rules Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., prevented floor consideration of a harmful amendment that would have worsened transport conditions for farm animals. The amendment, filed by Reps. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., and Collin Peterson, D-Minn., would have imposed a one-year delay on the implementation of a Department of Transportation rule to ensure that livestock haulers take adequate sleep breaks. Truck driver fatigue and resulting crashes are a major public health and safety problem, and this amendment would have drastically expanded already excessively long driving shifts and increased the risk of crashes. Longer trips without rest periods could also increase disease risk because there’s evidence that animals packed closely together under such difficult conditions can easily get and spread pathogens like influenza and salmonella.

We are excited about these wins. Along with the reforms announced last week, they help ensure that our country continues to make progress on key animal welfare issues that the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund have been fighting for over a long time. We now urge the Senate to quickly take up, and approve, these crucial reforms. As the appropriations process continues in coming months, we’ll keep you informed on these issues and more.

Sara Amundson is president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

Farm Animals, Public Policy (Legal/Legislative), Wildlife/Marine Mammals

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  1. Frances Leard says:

    This is great news so far and thank you for your dedication to all our animals, however, why are the cruelty laws against all animals not being enforced. I am so sick of seeing our domestic animals being tortured and these low life cowards keep getting away with this crime. The inept unjust system needs to put these laws in effect and do their job.

  2. Beth Sheehan says:

    Sara, I wish you would include a link to the bills’ roll call votes. I always check on who votes for (or against) the bills.

    You want your readers to vote for humane legislators. Most will never take those extra steps to discover their legislators’ votes on animal bills.

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The Five Fundraising Mistakes You Need To Stop Making Now!

Fundraising Mistakes

There are so many ways you can screw up an ask. You might be ready to make one. Read on my friends.

Fundraising is an art and a science. It’s hard work and easy to screw up. Right this minute you may be planning to make an “ask” and you may have already set yourself up to fail.

For every 10 asks you make you’ll get, on average, 7 no’s. And that’s if you are really good at it.

But so many amazing and smart fundraisers are sabotaging their own success. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Look, you’re going to make mistakes. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your best to avoid them.

So let me walk you through the five biggest fundraising mistakes I see again and again, so you can stop making them starting right now.

Mistake #1: Tell the Prospect She Should Give Money

Sometimes a donor has lots of capacity and personal reasons to love your mission and its work.

But never say the “should” word aloud. That’s arrogance. Instead, speak from the heart, listen to the prospect’s interests, and then make a specific ask if (and ONLY if) there appears to be a good fit.

I have made this mistake. A prospect was a natural fit for my organization but had not given. Our research told us he hadn’t really done much giving commensurate with his capacity.

My pitch included the words, “You should make a significant contribution.” I went even further and made a very thoughtless and ill-conceived argument that he was conspicuously absent from our major donor list.

The moment this came out of my mouth, I knew it was a mistake. Lunch continued to be cordial. A week later, we received a small donation. No note. No need. The check was message enough.

Mistake #2: Ask For Too Little

I wish I could tell you how you’ll know if you should have asked for more. I can’t give you the exact formula but it is something nonverbal. They love your organization, but you missed a clue about capacity, you didn’t do your homework – something like that. They say yes with such enthusiasm and not relief so much as disbelief.

Been there. Done that. An ask over lunch. We’re really hitting it off. He’s never given to our organization before and so even though I know he has huge capacity, I’m inclined to ask for something substantive but not a gift at the highest level. So I make a $10,000 ask.

You know you have shot too low when the prospect replies, “What can you do with only $10,000?”

To my credit I did not put my head in my hands. Instead I invited him to a major donor event 30 days hence and told him it was going to be my personal mission between now and then to make the case that in fact it was a $25,000 gift that could make a lasting impact. According to, credit is the act of providing a good or service, or payment for a good or service, with the expectation of being paid back later.

He laughed and the challenge was on. And yes, he made a $25,000 pledge 30 days later and take the best credit cards.

Mistake #3: Ask When the Prospect Has Brought Company to Lunch

An hour before lunch with a serious prospect, she emails you. “I switched the reservation to a party of 3 – hope that is ok. I’d like my colleague Bob/Mary to learn more about your organization too.” That’s what she told you. But more than likely she was playing defense against an ask.

It is a big fat mistake to ask that prospect for money in the company of her pal. Donor asks are individual in nature. Plain and simple.

So what do you do? Shrug your shoulders and adjust your expectations. Make it an opportunity to ignite two people instead of one. No ask. Just see where the conversation leads (and hope that one of them picks up the check.)

Mistake #4: Make a Very Casual Ask

In my fundraising trainings with boards there are two outcomes that are less than ideal. First, one of the board members will ask me in front of the rest of the board (see #3) to make a sizeable gift. Second, folks will brag about the fact that they have learned the art and science of fundraising and in a well meaning / humorous / casual way, ask someone to give.

There is nothing casual or nonchalant about an individual’s decision to invest in your organization.

Mistake #5: Ask For Too Much

OK, this one is a trick. This is not a mistake. You should always ask high. Be bold. Ambitious. Your organization needs you to be.

The Key Thing: Do Your Homework and Listen

One last tip. Do your homework and listen carefully. Change your plans in midstream and if you can connect the dots, you can ask way higher than you planned.

I scored a coveted breakfast with a donor prospect with huge capacity. He began years earlier as a volunteer with our organization. The money was recent. I planned to ask for $25,000. Then he said that there were two organizations that were most meaningful to him. One was ours. He explained his passion for each so eloquently. I learned that his commitment to both organizations was equal.

While doing my homework before this meeting, I learned that he had made a recent $100,000 pledge to that other organization.

Time to change plans. I asked him to match his gift to that organization with a $100,000 gift to ours. He had already made the case himself.

The answer was yes.

Fundraising is way more art than science because it’s about building, cultivating, and sustaining relationships. It’s about mission-driven passion. When you put “passion” and “relationships” into the same sentence, there is ample opportunity to screw up.

Just be earnest, be apologetic if you need to be, and wear your heart (and your mission) on your sleeve.

And besides, what’s the worst thing that could happen?

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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

20 Years Ago on AOL.com: Oct. 23, 1998 -- 'Pleasantville' Opens

October 23, 1998: Another weekend movie promo, leading with Pleasantville. Unclear to me what movie (if any) the "pain" in the headline is referencing.

Dig the yellow and black Halloweeny color scheme for the top promo block.

[Series note: In the late 1990s, I programmed the content for the AOL.com home page, which relaunched with a new design on July 14, 1998. I printed screencaps and saved them. 20 years later, I'm scanning them in and posting them with a little commentary under the tag #20YearsAgoOnAOLcom.]

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Skip to content

A brand new form and a few more 1APP improvements

by on March 4, 2013

As I mentioned at the end of last year, we’ve now managed to find the funds to make further changes to the site and 1APP service, carrying on the programme of improvement.

One of the key changes will be the  e-enablement of the Non Material Amendments form. (The form is currently available from the Portal but only as a PDF.) I’m sure this will come as good news to many!

We’re also making a couple of other changes to the service.

The first is to comply with new policy from DCLG on streamlining information requirements for planning applications.

Specifically we’re making improvements to merge the certificates section of the forms that will ensure the Agricultural Land Declaration certificate is always completed. It might seem a minor change but our service desk gets dozens of calls a month about this and it’s one of the main reasons local authorities invalidate paper applications as it’s often not completed.

Secondly, we’re making some changes to the tool that helps applicants choose forms, we call it the “Form Chooser”, and also to the way applications are started.

Currently, when a customer starts an application the first task is to log in  or register. For new users this can be a barrier to getting started. Instead we’re moving registration and/or log in to later in the process to let users start an application and identify the location.

We’re also going to be combining actions that are split across multiple screens into more logical groupings.

All this is taking place over the next month or so. As soon as I have precise dates I’ll update you. There shouldn’t be any significant impact on users but we will be contacting users with applications in draft with some advice.

As usual, we’ll make sure that outages to the live service take place out of normal office hours and give you plenty of notice.

  1. Architect Ian Treleaven Fitzherbert BArch(Hons) PPSPEng. permalink

    Please provide one box for completion when no external alterations are required – having to fill in “existing” and “proposed” materials when all are to remain is boring!

    • I think you will find many who agree with you here!

    • Just complete the first set of criteria for walls with N/A or see elevations in both existing and proposed and save. You will find you do not need to complete any more than that to get the page to show complete. Most LPA’s can decipher that in the same way you might have ignored that question on the old fashioned paper forms.

  2. Simon Evans permalink

    Small matters perhaps but evidence of the serious ongoing efforts to keep improving things and therefore very welcome.

    Re the logging on, I wonder whether it is necessary at all? It seems to have become commonplace to expect visitors to websites to log in, even for commercial sites trying to sell you things, which seems crazy. As anyone can make a planning application on any piece of land, the only purpose I can see to having to log in is that it can save you time with applicant details. Could there be an option to log in (with benefits being made apparent) or not, as the user chooses?

    • Hi Simon, logging-in is essential as we need to be able to associate an applicant with a user. Also, not all applications are completed in one sitting so we need to give you a way of getting back to the application at a later date.

      Part of the purpose of the change is to simplify this process.

  3. Can we please do something to make it clearer when Conservation Area consent is needed. Most of the CA applications we receive through the portal are not required and time is wasted having to deal with these.

    • Hi Alison,
      I will investigate and report back.

    • Alison, Matthew and Roger

      Our content team has advised me that we have made the change to the 1APP screens to make this clearer. They are currently testing these changes in our ‘Release’ environment and hope to have the new labels live soon.

      • I think most of the Account managers remind agents when they come into contact with them that CA consent is only required under certain circumstances such as demolition in a CA and not just because the site is in a CA.

  4. Firstly thanks for demystifying central government and putting a face and contact to your department – well appreciated. I agree with Alison Howarth about CA Consents – I was on the project team for 1APP as a LA representative and we asked for this to be dealt with then and many times since – nothing ever happened. We can give you figures of the number of CA forms that create records and have to be voided (should you need any more stats!) – such an immense waste of time for a bough like ours which is nearly all a Conservation Area.

    Also I wondered if you have considered a formal channel/suggestion box for improvements/enhancements/initiatives rather than spreading them all over against a myriad of comments. We could then see and support or object (constructively) as LA’s.

    • Hi Roger, thanks for the feedback.
      We receive so many unstructured comments, ideas and suggestions (some unprintable) from so many sources that a single tool wouldn’t work for us.
      Periodically we collate all the feedback, do an internal assessment, feasibility, cost etc and then usually publish a list for feedback before we commit to development.

  5. Matthew Carney permalink

    I’d add further weight to the CA Consents issue, in reviewing our withdrawn incomplete applications for the PAS Benchmarking Exercise, unnecessary Conservation Area Consents make up a high proportion and waste administrative time. If something could be done to reduce this it would definitely help us!

  6. Claire Woods permalink

    Is there plans to update 1 App to allow for external measurements to be stated so that we can check that fee calculation is correct. Currently the form asks for internal measurements, but fee calculations refer to external measurements.

    • Hi Claire

      When you download the application, there should be a PDF called FeeCalculation.pdf. This contains the internal and external calculations.

      The internal measurements are captured on the form, the external measurements are captured in the Fee Calculator.

      • Claire Woods permalink

        How will that work for people who download the forms to fill in by hand?

  7. We are working on implementing CIL and the guidance states that it will be levied on the gross internal floorspace of the net additional liable development. Can the 1APP forms be changed so that this is included for all development types. At present details of floorspace are only provided for non residential developments. I understand that CIL will apply for any developments where floorspace exceeds 100sqm, which could include individual houses.

    • Scott Alford, Head of LPA Engagement, Planning Portal permalink

      You are correct in that the current 1APP application forms collect information on non-residential developments to help determine CIL liability. To cater for residential developments the CIL additional questions form requests information about new residential floor space (including new dwellings, extensions, conversions, garages or any other buildings ancillary to residential use).

      The CIL additional question forms can be accessed here ( and the associated guidance here (

      The form and guidance has been amended following feedback from a local authority CIL early adopter group led by Wandsworth Council. A further revision is planned shortly to take account of additional feedback and we shall communicate the change in due course.

      Ideally it would be useful if we could make the CIL additional questions form more integrated with the online application service. However, not all local authorities have introduced CIL yet.
      It is something we would like to look at again in the future.

  8. Steve permalink

    Is there an earlier post explaining why GEA was not selected for 1APP in the first place. I searched in vain for an explanation at the time, and it still puzzles me. Keep up the good work; simple things like the certificates will make a lot of difference for all LPAs and some one-off or irregular users.

  9. Jamie Whitehouse permalink

    I see hundreds of applications registered with the section on floorspace totals and use not completed. I also see the materials section filled in frequently with ‘brick’ and ’tile’ and ‘UPVC’ – this is not useful information. Could I suggest that the form includes annotations that explain that applications will not be registered if kry sections are missed.

  10. Angela Cornell permalink

    Can you advise when the NMA forms will be working online? thanks.

    • Angela, it’s in development at the moment. As soon as I have some a date from my technical team I’ll post it on the blog.

  11. Neil permalink

    More improvements, good to see things are not standing still. Long may the good work continue.

  12. It would be great if the online application forms followed the same order as the printed application forms, thereby making it much easier to check one against the other.

  13. Andrew Werrell permalink

    Why not provide 1APP forms in Word format it would save the average applicant huge amounts of time.
    The assumption that we live in paperless society is just wrong!

  14. Robert E permalink

    I am submitting very many planning applications for minor developments and the form filling is very illogical. For example one can apply for permission for a dwelling and get asked about opening hours… or we apply for planning permission for wind energy projects and we are asked questions which routinely misunderstand earlier answers. When there are 10 applications submitted in a day the extra and unnecessary work adds up significantly. I am thinking that the form creators don’t test the form filling experience. There should be a facility to replicate a previous form because, for the majority of my proposals, its the location of the development which is the only difference between many applications.

    • I would create a draft application with all the common data completed. Instead of submitting it create a copy from the list of draft applications and then complete the missing data and submit. The draft will remain in your draft list to copy again and again.

      • Robert E permalink

        Thanks for this, I’m new in this role and staff here had been filling in entire forms repeatedly for each location. I was sure that there would be a more efficient way. I had been told over the phone that I couldn’t create a generic form for my particular development. In my forms, the applicant changes every time and the agent and all of the remaining 24 screens stay the same.The copy function didnt seem to apply because it seemed to keep the applicant details the same (when this needed to change). So I have now created 3 portal log ins with me as a separate administrator having overview. Using the copy function I created a draft form leaving the applicant details blank then I have ticked the boxes to keep the applicant details and agent details the same in the next screen. Success, now I am administering the submission of multiple planning applications from 3 locations and only filling in 10% of the form.

        Looking at the printed form it would be good to see the successive screens numbered too… to facilitate cross referencing of printed answers to virtual questions.

      • Robert,

        I am glad that this helped. You should be able to get advice like this from the Planning Portal website – look towards the bottom of any screen and teh list under planning has ‘working with professionals’

  15. Can we simplify the form for change of use applications so that matters such as details of materials, hours of use and drainage and not necessary to complete: it just takes more time to keep saying N/A to these questions

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The USS Quad Damage

Eviscerating the proletariat

Reading about some US political issues, and realising my lack of knowledge in the area, I took it upon myself to try and get a better feel for their two main parties via their respective websites. Since I was in the process of opening up tabs, I decided to check out some of the various national parties as well. I'm writing this as I browse through them, so there's no real goal or theme to this post - just my thoughts and ramblings as they come to mind. If you read this post several months after it is written, and then visit the links, expect it to not make any sense.

First up we have the Democratic Party. At first glance, they use quite a bit of colour. I believe that, in a subtle way, they are mostly for same-sex marriage, so the colours come as no surprise. How fruity. I notice there are only two instances of the US flag on display - I appreciate their show of restraint. Oh hey, what's that on the top left? A blog? I have to check this out... "*KICKING ASS"? Awesome. Come the next federal election, I'm making a write-in vote for the US Democratic Party. Reading the actual blog itself, I find myself up to my neck in serious political issues. Perhaps kicking ass isn't a priority platform for the party, but rather a way of pandering to the masses. Looks like the Monster Raving Loony party gets my vote once again. Out of interest, I check out their section of African Americans. The graphic makes me giggle. Taken totally out of context, I would think that they have the most liberal definition of African American possible.

Moving on, I find myself at the Grand Old Party, or more better known as the Republican Party. Interesting, not a single flag in sight. I suspect terrorists are somehow responsible for that. They have what appears to be a classified section. I check it out, and breathe a sigh of relief. It seems that they've yet to classify anything, so the possibility of classified information falling into the wrong hands is impossible. Smart thinking. I notice that they seem to mention something about "Bring the conservative message to America", but I can't seem to figure out what that is. Using the standard way of reading in English (left to right, top to bottom, in case you weren't sure), that message would be "click here". Summarising this new page in my head, I've deducted their message to be a dislike for AOL. Not a bad policy at all.

For something more local, I now visit the Liberal Party of Australia. I wish I could do more for this particular site, but their java slows my system to a grinding halt, and their links at the top won't work for me. Here's one thing that shouldn't escape your notice - look at the first piece of text under the picture of Mr. Howard at the bottom left. Sweet. Even our Prime Minister is capable of speaking the truth at times. Up top, I find myself a little confused (but probably not as confused as they are). The text says "Liberals in parliament", but the image shows the house as being empty. I'm sure there's a witty observation to be made there, but I can't think of one. I'll leave that as a challenge to the reader.

The Australian Labor Party. I've always wondered why they spell it as Labor, but could never be bothered finding out why. I expect this trend to continue. I have trouble finding ways to make fun of them, and at first questioned whether this was because of any political biases, but then I realised that it is simply because they've removed any trace of Mark Latham. How awesome would our country be if it were lead by this man. I can imagine the headlines now...

Mark Latham promises to make broken limbs the norm

PM: Fucking dumb shit arse licking dung mongrels

"Ehhh, she'll be right"

Honestly, as a Campbelltown resident myself, I jest with love. It really is how we think out here.

Following is the Australian Democrats. Bloody Democrats. I love the flash thing they have going. I guess nice guys finish last, eh? Interesting that they're only a little shy of 30 years old. I'll leave it at that.

Ah, the Greens. To most people, myself included, they can be summed up with two policies. The environment and drugs. Because they go a little crazy on the former, and actually appear to have sensible policies on the latter, they will never be a real power in the short to mid-term future. You can also tell you have a winner when you can only recognise a single member of the party. Their idea of "hot issues" is dated over a year ago. Brilliant.

Family First is interesting. I had never heard of them before, and all of a sudden they get a seat in the last election, and came close to winning a few others. Their policy on pornography is stupid. $45 million (and you know it will end up being double that) for something that doesn't really work? If they're worried about harmful exposure to media, they need to take note of my last post here. Check out their hot issues section, particularly their section on the Greens. The other parties are subtle and vague when it comes to political jabs on their websites, but not Family First! I had trouble finding anything concrete on their site, but I get the feel that they are basically a religious party in disguise. Religion is cool, but it mixing with politics never fails to creep me out.

Finally, we come to good old One Nation.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Seriously, I can't imagine how these guys were, for a short time, a serious political threat to the Liberal Party. Sure. the whole "fish and chip owning woman does politics on $1.50 a day - ask me how!" thing was cute at first, but surely, after almost 10 years they could afford to hire an actual web designer rather than their treasurers nephew with his warez version of Photoshop.

Like I said, no real point. I can only hope one of my commetns has offended some group of people out there so we can get some gits hits.


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Showing posts from December, 2014

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TAUS Services

Three Things Quality Managers Should Know

Quality is Communication.

When I try to imagine the traditional translation supply chain, I picture a long conveyor belt where every actor (content writer, marketer, translation project manager, translator, reviewer) is responsible for their individual workstation and contributes their own share of work without having the full perspective of the desired outcome or the actual end-product. Often they don’t know who the other contributors are and prefer to stay anonymous themselves. If something goes wrong, the fires are extinguished locally, because the deadlines are tight and the communication chain is seemingly so complex that people don’t even dare to ask questions. As a result, important details fall between the cracks and the end result is far from the initial expectations.

Speak to each other! Translation is not a guessing game. More and more language service providers establish open communication lines where translators can speak to the end-customers directly that allows them to resolve any unclear issues more efficiently. Every modern translation tool should provide interaction functionality so that the project managers and linguists can address translation-related matters without having to switch to another channel and waste time filling in tedious Q&A spreadsheets.

Quality is Data-informed.

While a masterfully written (and translated) text might look like a piece of art, it is also a result of pragmatically taken decisions - for example, carefully selected terminology, perfectly matching style, and accurate punctuation. On the other end of the spectrum - a badly written (and translated) text cannot just be claimed as ‘bad’ without any further explanation. Was the source text ambiguous and caused inconsistencies across target languages? Was the translation too long and did not fit the app screen?

The more actors are involved in the translation production process, the more difficult it is to rely on subjective feedback - it is hardly actionable and doesn’t translate well across different cultures. Putting a meter on the pipe allows everyone to get

New call-to-action

access to invaluable information on translation efficiency and quality. Is the output of your MT engine improving over time? Has the usage of raw MT affected the end-user behavior on your website? The most effective way to find it out is by tracking the translation process and learning to use the various data points to support your business decisions.

Check out the DQF Dashboard which provides real-time reporting on translation quality.

Quality is Greater than the Sum of its Parts.

Is human translation about to disappear? Is machine translation the only answer to the need for cheap and fast translation? The reality is never only black and white. The true mastery of solving the translation game lies in careful match-making between the various translation production methods and the content types at stake. There are cases when raw MT is good enough, for example, in user-generated reviews on hotel booking websites. Equally so, in other cases, transcreation is the only way to accurately convey the company voice across multiple cultural contexts.

As the DQF White Paper explains, the essence of successful translation quality management is learning how to apply a mix of various translation production and evaluation methods that complement each other, thus creating a modern translation pipeline that is greater than the sum of the individual translation and evaluation methods.


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Tag Archives: psychedelics

Countdown to Extraordinary Future 2019

Could today’s trash be the solution to ending global poverty? Can centennial lifespans become the norm? Will the substances considered criminal today be able to treat and resolve health concerns we see on the rise? The 2019 Extraordinary Future Conference offers attendees the chance to explore the ideas that are shaping the world of tomorrow, and to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to entrepreneurial innovation.

Now in its third year, the Canadian Securities Exchange is proud to once again sponsor the Extraordinary Future conference, which takes place in Vancouver on September 22nd and 23rd. Hosted by Cambridge House International, and featuring talks from thought leaders across a wide spectrum of industries in addition to a diverse lineup of exhibitors, XFuture will help distil the efforts of innovative imaginations and creative changemakers into a cohesive vision of the future.

With over 100 leading public and private technology companies and startups and more than 2,500 attendees expected, this event will be an amazing chance to meet entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors. And a quick look back at XFuture 2018 proves that there are a lot of reasons to get extraordinarily excited about this year’s event.

Highlights from Extraordinary Future 2018

The speakers at Extraordinary Future 2018 took on some of the most daring topics of the day, including an exploration of the fine line between illegal substances and medical marvels, the explosive growth of eSports, and trailblazing distributed ledger technology that has the potential to evolve the fundamentals of investing.

Richard Carleton presenting on investment and tokenized securities

In a controversial presentation on psychedelics, Hamilton Morris explained the potential applications of psilocybin. Leading a panel discussion on an equally hot topic, Genevieve Roch-Decter of Grit Capital guided a group of entrepreneurs in deconstructing one of the fastest-growing and most talked about market segments: eSports. Exemplifying the entrepreneurial, forward-looking spirit of the conference, CSE CEO Richard Carleton provided insights into the future of finance via tokenized securities, and this was just the beginning of a long list of insightful, eye-opening sessions that happened last year.

Looking Ahead to Extraordinary Future 2019

Life on the bleeding edge of innovation is familiar territory for the Exchange for Entrepreneurs. As with previous shows, this year’s conference will spark discussions about the changes that will revolutionize technology, society, and the economy. From biohacking, to psychedelics to sustainability, here’s a preview of some of the fascinating topics and personalities at this year’s show.

Future-Forward Speakers

Fitness and health expert, and host of his own podcast, Ben Greenfield will explore the topic of well-being in a high-tech world in his presentation on “The Future of Health: Biohacking and Beyond.” The presentation will explore forward-thinking concepts related to boosting mental and physical performance and extending life.

American ethnopharmacologist, research pharmacognosist, lecturer and author, Dennis McKenna will discuss “From the Plant Medicine Frontier – How Psychedelics like Psilocybin Could Upturn the Mental Health Industry.” This presentation will look into new ways of applying known psychoactive substances that have been controlled, instead of being utilized in the pharmaceutical industry.

Known for the innovative and revolutionary Plastic Bank solution that tackles poverty and ocean pollution simultaneously, David Katz is a dynamic, inspirational speaker described by many as “the best in the sustainability industry.” In an unprecedented move of ingenuity, Katz connected both the need of clean oceans and economic support in impoverished areas into a business that now produces recycled plastic pellets for commercial use. Katz ranks fourth in The World’s Top 100 Compassionate Business Leaders according to Salt Magazine for his entrepreneurial and inventive undertakings, and will be discussing sustainability and innovation in his presentation at the conference.

Looking into the future and constructing his vision of it through active entrepreneurship, Gerard Barron has a record of building globally-focused companies in technology, media and sustainable resource development. As the Chairman and CEO of DeepGreen Metals Inc., Barron is focused on making less-environmentally-disruptive nodule-derived base metals the norm for future automotive construction.

Entrepreneurial Exhibitors

Photo via Facebook: @cambridgehouseconferences

A glimpse of tomorrow can also be caught on the conference floor. With over 50 exhibitors displaying ideas, and products on the leading edge of innovation, this is a great opportunity to see what is driving growth in industries like canntech, eSports, agriculture, digital advertising, and much more. In addition to sponsoring and speaking at this year’s show, the CSE will also be visible on the show floor. Not only will the CSE have its own booth but several CSE-listed firms will also be exhibiting, including BevCanna Enterprises, Lexaria, Rubicon Organics and Bee Vectoring Technology.

New Edition of the Public Entrepreneur Magazine

Another reason to look forward to this year’s show will be the launch of the special Extraordinary Future issue of the CSE’s magazine, Public Entrepreneur. The theme of this issue is also forward-looking and extends the conversation about disruption and innovation by profiling entrepreneurs who are actively doing both in their respective industries. There is also an extra special reason to pick up this next issue as it will feature access to exclusive and groundbreaking content. The #XF2019 edition of Public Entrepreneur magazine will provide a new dimension on digital storytelling that will bring the exciting work of trailblazing entrepreneurs into a whole new light. Be sure to register here to receive your copy when it goes live or pick up an exclusive physical copy at the show itself.

See You in the Future!

Step into the future by joining the CSE, Cambridge House and an exceptional lineup of speakers and entrepreneurs at XFuture 2019. This show offers a unique opportunity to access the ideas, trends and technological innovations that have the potential to shape our future into something extraordinary.

Click here to register to attend the 2019 Extraordinary Future Conference today.


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Monthly Archive for June, 2010

: June, 2010

Is My Brain Addled by Computer Use?

I found this NYT article titled “Your Brain on Computers” pretty disturbing wondering what my years of use of computer technology might have done to the way I think.  I’m not as bad as Kord Campbell

Hurray – Words to Celebrate 40 years of Pride

I wrote these words to open the interfaith celebration that begins June’s celebration of GLBTQ pride in the Capital Region.  The service was held at our congregation this year, as it is most years.

Memorializing Jay Gallagher

To better accommodate the politicians and the press, we had Jay Gallagher’s memorial service on a Tuesday night. We moved it from our congregation’s home to the Westminster Presbyterian Church on


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Hot Topics

5 Reasons Why You Should Apply Skilled PR Visa in Canada in 2019

Are you a skilled professional, who aspire to move abroad for excellent career growth and high standards of living?

Well, the immigration scenario is not the same anymore, as it used to be a decade before. Immigration priorities and policies of the key advanced nations have changed drastically.

In the last few years, Canada has emerged as the best country to live, work and settle especially for the skilled and talented professionals across the globe. In the recent US News and World Report survey, Canada ranks among the top countries of the world for Quality of life, Citizenship, and education, etc. If you are also planning to move abroad on a skilled PR visa, here are a few good reasons to choose Canada as your destination.

  • Canada is Welcoming

Unlike some of the key advanced nations in 21stcentury, Canada is embracing the immigrants in good numbers. Canada’s immigration programs and policies have been lenient toward immigrants in the last few years to say the apt. Express Entry System of Canada is an online immigration system, which is the fastest pathway to get permanent residency in Canada.

  • Skill Shortage in Canada

Canada is on the verge of facing severe skill shortage in view of low population growth and the huge workforce about to retire.  To meet the ongoing and forthcoming skill shortage, Canada needs to accept a huge number of skilled and talented people from foreign countries. So, if you are the aspirant of Canadian Permanent residency, this is the high time to apply for the same.

  • Canada plans to allocate $10 million to help newcomers find the job

The government of Canada mulls to allocate $10 million to help the new immigrants find a job in Canada. Reorganization of credential is key issue newcomers often face, which government will now facilitate as per the new plan. The government mulls to release fund up to $10 million for 15 diverse projects, which will help newcomers to find employment in the maple leaf country.

  • Immigrant Serving Organization

The government has launched several Immigrant-serving organizations active in various provinces and territories of Canada, which help the newcomers in the country to find jobs, accommodations, ways to integrate into society and also make them aware about various social security schemes of the government.

  • Multiyear Immigration Plan of Canada

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently updated its Multiyear immigration plan and revealed its annual immigration target of Canada from 2019-2021. As per the plan, the government is likely to admit more than 1 million immigrants by 2021, as a permanent resident. With such a huge number of applicants being invited, the skilled professional, in particular, has a great opportunity to book their seat for Canada PR.

How Visas Avenue can help you apply and get PR in Canada?

Visas Avenue is a leading and trusted Canada Immigration Consultant in India. It every year helps the huge number of Canada immigration applicants to get the approval for Canadian permanent residency through key Canada immigration programs, i.e. Express Entry System, NSNP, OINP, SINP, etc. If you want to apply and obtain a PR visa in Canada, it’s the high time to start your process with certified immigration experts at Visas Avenue.

You may contact Visas Avenue migration experts on Toll-Free Number- 78-18-000-777. Moreover, to get your eligibility checked and subsequently, receive a call from the expert, you may fill the free assessment form.

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It takes a village.

In the wee (ha!) hours of the morning today, we launched our first contest, inviting our users to win anything on our site by rating it “want.”

This might not otherwise warrant a blog post (though I’m certainly tweeting myself dizzy about it)—but there’s a good underlying story here about why it’s so important to have great people in your corner.  I often refer to weeSpring as my second baby, and as they say… it takes a village to raise a child.

So Sunday night, our team exchanged a flurry of emails during the Superbowl about how we could spread the word about weeSpring and build our community… was there a contest we coud run?

There’s something about motherhood that brings on insomnia — but lying in bed thinking about a hundred different things I wanted to do (and how to do them) meant that when I got out of bed Monday morning, I was ready with an idea for the contest.  By midday, I’d been in touch with a couple friends who work at advertising agencies, and by close of business, one had introduced me to a freelance art director who was willing to turn something around fast as a favor.

She and I spoke by phone after my toddler went to bed, I focus-grouped some copy on my Facebook feed, and when I woke up on Tuesday, we had our creative. We were able to get a call scheduled with the mentors we worked with when we participated in Ogilvy’s Startup University, and they connected us with a firm in Boston who could handle the frustratingly complicated legal hurdles involved in running a sweepstakes.  Because of their relationship with Ogilvy, one of the partners there took my call at 7pm, and they delivered us the legal language we’d need by noon on Wednesday.

We spent the afternoon running around to meetings with prospective investors and partners, and went live with the contest a little after midnight.

It would have taken us a heck of a lot longer than 72 hours to get this thing up and running if we hadn’t been able to call on our networks for help — and because they eagerly jumped in to assist, we’ve got an awesome roadmap for the next time we want to do this.

So a huge thank you to our friends who not only tolerate our crazy ramblings about becoming the resource for new and expecting parents — but bend over backwards to help us make it happen.

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Rep. Bob Thorpe wants to suppress NAU college voters, again

Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, is making another unconstitutional bid at blocking students from voting where they go to school, something Howard Fischer somehow fails to mention in this report. Bill would block voting by Arizona students here only for school:

The proposal by Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, would require residence for voting purposes be based on actual physical presence “with an intent to remain.”

His HB 2461 would spell out that anyone who is living in a dormitory “or other temporary college or university address” is presumed to be there only temporarily and is there “with intent to return to some other permanent address.”

A separate provision actually could have even more far-reaching implications.

It would ban the use of any address “at which the individual does not intend to reside for 12 months of each year.” And that, in turn, could create problems for people who consider Arizona their home but may spend several months a year elsewhere.

Let’s stop right here. In 1979, the U.S. Supreme Court summarily affirmed a ruling that holding college students to a different standard of residency than other people or requiring them to swear they will remain in the community after graduation violates the 26th Amendment in the landmark case of Symm v. United States. The court upheld college students’ right to register to vote at either their college address or their previous home address.

So what Rep. Thorpe is proposing is unconstitutional.

Thorpe said it’s not his intent to throw hurdles in the path of students who want to be politically involved.

This falsehood is belied by Howard Fischer’s later reporting:

“I’ve had numerous constituents who have come to me and are as just as angry as all get-out, including business people up here in Flag, when they have a student who’s only living here six months out of the year who then changes the dynamics of an election,” Thorpe said.

There is some evidence that has happened.

Most notable was the 2016 vote by Flagstaff residents to eventually change the city’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, a measure Thorpe opposed. It was approved by a margin of 54% to 46%.

But in precincts around the Northern Arizona University campus, it passed with a 2-1 edge — even close to 3-1 at two precincts that include parts of the campus. And that was enough to blunt the vote of some residential precincts where the measure failed.

“They’re really hurting now,” Thorpe said. “I’ve had restaurant owners and hotel owners, you name it, that are just reeling under the minimum wage.”

Thorpe also acknowledged he has not done particularly well in his election bids, not just in the precincts and immediately around the campus, but in the entire Coconino County part of his legislative district. He lost his home county but won his 2018 reelection bid by just 577 votes only because of support from Yavapai, Gila and Navajo counties.

* * *

“I want them to vote,” he said, but on issues that he believes affects their friends and parents. “For them to be in a community part time and change the dynamics of a local election for people who live here 12 months out of the year and they’re only living here part time, I think that’s really unfair philosophically.”

Ditto, he said, on part-year residents.

“I think it’s just as bad for them to vote in Arizona (as it is) for a kid that lives in Tucson but going to school for five months, six months out of the year in Flagstaff,” Thorpe said. “I think the snowbird should be voting in Minnesota and the kid from Tucson should be voting in Tucson.”

This is all about preventing NAU college students from voting where they attend college, an unconstitutional act. Thorpe wants to suppress the vote of college students who tend to vote for his political opponents. The Arizona Restaurant Association, a Chamber of Commerce organization, wants to exact revenge against those college students for the Flagstaff minimum wage ordinance. (Plotting another minimum wage ordinance repeal effort?)

House legal counsel and the House Rules Committee should disapprove of this bill, but historically, Republicans frequently have their unconstitutional bills approved for a committee vote, because IOKIYAR. Anything can happen.

Thorpe tried this several years ago. [See, State bill could restrict the voting rights of NAU students (2017).] Then-Secretary of State Michele Reagan, said her office was “committed to make it easier for students to register to vote.” And Reagan said she was working with Arizona State University, the Arizona Public Interest Research Group and Rock the Vote on a project to encourage students to register to vote when they are registering for class.

Current Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who is the state’s chief election official, said what Thorpe is proposing works against what she has been trying to do.

“We have a pretty clear record here in my office of working to try to engage students — make it easier for them to be able to register to vote in the place that they choose to do so,” she said. And Hobbs, a Democrat, said having students be able to vote where they go to school — and where they spend most of the year — “helps them be more engaged in their communities here.”

“I don’t know why we wouldn’t be encouraging that,” she said.

As for “snowbirds” (dual residency):

Hobbs said her concern would be to ensure that people who have residences in more than one state vote only once. Beyond that, she said, “there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to vote where they choose.”

More practical, she said, is what happens to someone who may spend 11 months of the year at one location and a month at another home somewhere else. As Hobbs reads Thorpe’s bill, “you’re totally disenfranchising them from being able to vote.”

Contact your state legislators to kill this unconstitutional voter suppression bill.

  1. So would this bill disallow voting by residents of military housing as well?

    What’s really amazing is how little thought has clearly gone into this. It’s legislation written by your drunk uncle. I can imagine introducing it in an election year in hopes of affecting the election, knowing that the courts won’t get around to ruling on it till after the election, but given the slapdash nature of the bill it’s harder to think that Mr Thorpe is really thinking that strategically.

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Blogography Logo

Posted on Monday, February 14th, 2005

Dave!Love, as it has been said, is a disease that people are happy to contract. And like a disease, love can have a very bad outcome indeed... including a broken heart, insanity, bankruptcy, death, and even an opening for contracting other diseases. Fortunately, I have a built-in immunity which has been carefully acquired over the years. By ingesting several small doses (and one very, very large dose) of failed attempts at love over a very long period of time, I've got a clean bill of health. Outside of my family and friends, I'm certified love-free (but I don't think that's going to make any difference on my life insurance rates).

That's not to say I haven't had moments where I've felt my immunity weakening, that's part of life. In fact, at some points I find that immunity can even be bolstered by allowing yourself a temporary "love fix" for short durations... let's say 20 minutes to two hours in length (any longer and, like morphine addiction, you may not want to escape it).

Mind you, I am not advocating the love-free lifestyle, I'm just saying that it has somehow come to suit me. Especially when it means I can avoid scenarios like this (hmmm... in reviewing last year's entry, I'd have to say I'm slightly less bitter this year). Besides, tomorrow a woman with superb ironing skills could come along and change my mind of the subject entirely.

Anyway, nothing could possibly eclipse my love for you, dear reader...

Dave VD Greetings

Hope your Valentine's Day is a happy one!

Categories: DaveLife 2005Click To It: Permalink

  1. kazza says:

    Happy Valetine’s Day to you too dear *hugs* :):)

  2. P says:

    has anybody ever told you that you’re cute as hell??

  3. Dave2 says:

    Kazza: Thanks! You are ever so kind.

    P: Not even when they want something from me.

    Q: uhh….

  4. Tonya says:

    Likewise! *smooch*

  5. Dave2 says:

    A valentine kiss! I am so blushing right now.

  6. karla says:

    Awww….How kind of you to think of us. I can so see you as a little kid in school handing out your valentines to all the kids in class.

    And now for something completely different:

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Infographic: 5 Time-Intensive Tasks Your Workforce Management Software Should be Doing for You

You know how it goes,  we all have so much to do and there never seems to be enough time to get it all done. It’s frustrating. But there are some ways to get some time back, especially when it comes to scheduling, forecasting and real-time workforce management.

Now is the time to work smarter, not harder.  Enterprise contact centers need best-in-breed tools (not spreadsheets) to take on more of the heavy lifting, making it easier and faster for you to be sure you have the right agent in the right seat, at the right time.

Check out our latest infographic to see the 5 time-intensive tasks your WFM software should be doing for you.

See the infographic here.


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Improving the Patient Experience With Content

Patient experience is a key measure of overall healthcare quality. It commands equal attention alongside clinical outcomes, patient safety, and efficiency and cost reduction measures. Patient education is a significant component of the patient experience. As such, it receives special attention in some primary care and acute care quality measures. So we need to give patients what they want. Clear, concise, and consistent healthcare information when, where, and how they want it. Successful patient outcomes—not to mention reimbursement and reputation—depend on fulfilling these objectives.

Why Patient Experience Matters

Patient experience includes all the interactions that patients have with providers (doctors, nurses, staff) in all healthcare facilities, primarily hospitals and physician practices. Physicians in the U.S. handle more than 1 billion patient encounters every year. It’s safe to say that patient experience is a consistent concern. Furthermore, the Association for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ) says that “substantial evidence points to a positive association between various aspects of patient experience [including] patient adherence to medical advice, better clinical outcomes, improved patient safety practices, and lower utilization of unnecessary health care services.”

“Person and Community Engagement” accounts for 25% of the score that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) use when deciding how much to reward hospitals for the care they give to Medicare patients. The prevailing measures for scoring patient experience are found in Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys. They cover topics like doctor and nurse communication, communication about medicines, and discharge information.

The Patient Education Connection

Several CAHPS survey questions specifically address the subject of patient education, for example:

  1. Before your surgery, did anyone in this surgeon’s office give you easy to understand instructions about getting ready for your surgery?
  2. During your office visits before your surgery, did anyone in this surgeon’s office use pictures, drawings, models, or videos to help explain things to you?
  3. Did anyone in this surgeon’s office give you easy to understand instructions about what to do during your recovery period?
  4. In the last 6 months, how often did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?
The Digital Essentials, Part 3
The Digital Essentials, Part 3

Developing a robust digital strategy is both a challenge and an opportunity. Part 3 of the Digital Essentials series explores five of the essential technology-driven experiences customers expect, which you may be missing or not fully utilizing.

Get the Guide

While it’s easy to think of the patient experience in more clinical terms, there are obviously multiple para-clinical interactions for focusing improvement efforts. Anyone looking to move the needle on patient experience scores should include a careful review of their patient education platform, including all content and the vehicles for delivering that content.

Where the Journey Begins

We tend to define patient experience in terms of face-to-face engagement between the patient and medical professional or staff. However, according to the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project survey conducted in 2012, 59% of Americans frequently turn to the internet for health information. The number has likely only increased since this survey was conducted, so it’s easy to see that the experience journey begins before any actual appointment or admission. It begins with the online information people (or their caregivers) use to learn more about their symptoms, conditions, treatments, procedures, and operations.

The availability, accessibility, and comprehensibility of patient information plays a huge role in patient experience. Developing healthcare content is a complex undertaking, requiring close collaboration between subject matter experts (SMES, such as doctors, nurses, staff) and content experts (in content strategy, user experience, writing, editing, visual design). SMEs are vital for their profound medical and healthcare knowledge and it takes a content team to convey that knowledge to the various patient populations.

The development cycle, from strategizing content to final design, is an agile process with many moving parts that constantly impact one another on the path toward publishing. Each step in this cycle is worthy of its own blog post. But suffice it to say that each is critical in making a successful contribution to the patient experience.

How Is Your Content’s Health?

When was the last time you conducted a patient information audit? How old is the content on your website? Does it represent the current organization in voice and branding? Is it on par with key competitors in the industry? What authorities vetted and verified the existing content? Is it accurate? Comprehensive? Compelling? Mobile-friendly?

Perhaps the most important question is whether your content will positively impact the patient experience? Keep in mind that this para-clinical experience will impact the perception of the actual clinical experience.

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IMG_3897 Slavery at its worst - slave ships.

I am in awe of the vast depth and intricate layers of the awesome God we serve. Journey with me as we learn another title of God together—opening the door of our mind to a deeper knowledge of His nature and character.

This week we'll explore the meaning of the title Adonai translated in the Bible as Lord in upper and lower case.This is not to be mistaken with the name translated LORD—Yahweh, all in capital letters which we will discuss at a later time.

Adonai means the Head or Lord over all—The Lord and Master—The Sovereign Lord. Duet. 10:17 "For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord (Adonai) of lords, a great God."

This title of God signifies ownership. Ownership of this world. Ownership of mankind. Ownership of all.

Whether mankind chooses to acknowledge that Adonai is Lord of all or not, Scripture reveals that one day every knee shall bow and tongue confess to God. Rom. 14:11

So, we can choose His lordship now, or be faced with it later, but if we do so willingly we will have help for today and great reward in eternity. Win. Win.

What do you conjure in your mind when you think of a servant or slave? Does your mind turn to the sordid reality of the here and now, children sold into a life of horrific degradation within the world of sex trafficking? Possibly your mind travels back to the 1800's (the photo above) to the era of slavery where black people were owned and treated as no more than animals, or much further back to the days of ancient Persian, Roman, or Mongol Empires where survival of the fittest ruled and the weaker served?

I would like you to throw that imagery away and instead think of being a willing slave, an enthusiastic servant, a beautiful creation set apart for a specific work. For this is the kind of servant you are in the hands of Adonai. I want you to embrace a Good King, a Righteous Ruler, our Lord-Adonai who has your best interests in mind.

It's easy to accept the sovereignty of God when life is good, but what about when it is not? I'll be the first to admit I have wrestled with, and questioned the sovereignty of God, but I have learned through suffering that something powerful happens when surrender is given to the Lord of my life Adonai.

Here are just a few examples to encourage. These patriarchs accepted Adonai's sovereignty and received all the strength they needed to do the impossible. Are you facing the impossible today? If so, I would encourage you to read these stories and be encouraged.

  • Abram received a child at one hundred, and the promise of a nation. Gen. 21
  • Moses cried out that he was not a leader, but he led. Exodus 3
  • Gideon trembled in weakness and yet rose a warrior. Judges 6
  • David, the shepherd boy faced a giant. 1 Samuel 17
  • Daniel faced the lions' den in Daniel 6.
  • Paul the murderer of saints did an about face and declared himself a bondservant of Christ (Rom. 1:1) and a slave of God. (Rom. 6:22) Slaves for God do what? Out of our love for Adonai we serve. We reach out to the lost, feed the hungry, help the poor, visit the sick. We are slaves that are called heirs, sons and daughters. Gal. 4:7 "Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
  • Even Jesus the son of God did not please himself but pleased God. (Rom. 15:3, John 8:29). "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

I bring all these examples of servants/slaves of the Lord Adonai to remind us all how great a God we serve. When we feel we can't, when we feel unqualified, uneducated, unable, He is only beginning. When we are weak, He is strong. 2 Cor.12:10

Oh the joy to be a faithful servant of Adonai, a God so loving and kind. Let us look forward to that glorious day when we as saints shall hear ... "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23

I leave you now with the Araonic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26 the only blessing that the LORD gives directly to all who are His children. Don't miss this part. Take two minutes, click on this site, shut your eyes and be blessed by the mighty God we serve.

The aaronic blessing by Jonathan Cahn

All Scripture taken from the NKJV

Other Names of God that may encourage can be found on the following dates.

1) Elohim-God - October 1, 2018 2) Abba Father - October 15, 2018 3) El Shaddai - October 22, 2018 4) The Truth - October 28, 2018 5) The Alpha & Omega - Nov. 5, 2018 6) Jehovah-Shalom - Nov. 12, 2018 7) God of All Comfort - Nov. 19,2018 8) The Rock - Nov. 26, 2018 9) Our Maker - Dec. 3, 2018 10) Our Defender - Dec.10, 2018 11) Immanuel - Dec. 17, 2018 12) The Bread of Life - Jan. 7, 2019 13) Jehovah-Nissi - Jan. 14, 2019 14) Jehovah-Rohi - Jan. 21, 2019 15) The Lord Jehovah - Jan. 28, 2019 16) Deliverer - Feb. 4, 2019 17) Spirit of the Living God - Feb. 11, 2019 18) Jehovah-Rophe Part 1 - Feb. 18, 2019 19) Jehovah-Rophe Part 2 - Feb. 25, 2019 20) King of Kings -Mar. 4, 2019 (21) Adonai - March 11, 2019


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The Kiski School is a prestigious private boarding and day school serving young men in grades 9-12. The school was founded by Princeton graduate Andrew W. Wilson in 1888 in rural Saltsburg, Pennsylvania overlooking the Kiskiminetas River.

The Kiski Cougars embrace diversity, and the school has no religious affiliation. Kiski Cougars enjoy a small teacher to student ratio, with 10 or fewer students per class in most cases.

Tuition costs are approximately $25,500 for day students and $43,500 for boarding students, with nearly 40% of students receiving financial aid.

Just over 70% of applicants are accepted to attend Kiski. Over one third of students attending the Kiski School are international students. All students participate in athletics, and there are 10 sports teams at the varsity level.


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Contactless Control: The value of using Voice vs. Touch has now become a matter of health for all.

There is no doubt that the Corona Virus has changed the way we view what we consider to be absolute “necessities” in our home. From ample, well-lit, private space to work or take classes (away from other family members), to the need for multiple WiFi access points, and workable kitchen space.

Items that might have been on the “want” list, are now on the “need” list: such as contactless control of lights, HVAC, window coverings, music volume, and ceiling fans. The less we have to touch something, the less likely the spread of the virus.

Be contactless ⚡

For those who are lucky enough to have a job today, a majority of you work outside the home as essential workers, suiting up each day in PPE, and dealing with the public. Once you come, the battle begins to keep the virus out as soon as you walk in the door.

The value of using Voice instead of touch has now become a matter of health for all. We thought Voice was a game-changer 2 years ago; now look at the relevance and importance of being able to turn on your lights, air conditioning, and ceiling fans without touching a common wall switch!

Creating scenes within Google Home or Alexa enables you to give One command to transform a dark cold dwelling into a well-lit sanctuary, without the need to disinfect. The more appliances that you can now control by Voice, will ensure a safer environment for your family, and aid in stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

Since we are all at home more than we are not, take the time to assess what you need to increase your contactless control: another Google mini, a Bond Bridge to connect your ceiling fan, smart light bulbs in the bathroom … a short but mighty list of gadgets that will keep your family healthy and together! 💙

Old Bond Bridge app to be discontinued April 2021

If you are still using the old Bond Bridge app, please upgrade to the new Bond Home app. The cloud infrastructure for the old app is on life-support and we will be taking it fully offline on April 1st, 2021.

You don’t need to wipe your Bond Bridge or lose any devices — worst case you need to do a “WiFi reset” and reconnect to your WiFi network, but your devices will be preserved.


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Library Checkout: September 2018

I figured out how to set up an alert for 2018 and 2019 releases in my library system’s catalogue so that I get e-mail digests listing all the new books on order. This means I can instantly place holds on loads of buzzy new books. I started with a bunch of the Booker longlistees, even the ones I wasn’t entirely sure about. The only downside is that all the brand-new books tend to start arriving at once. Gah! To make things more manageable for myself, I went ahead and canceled the holds on most of the books that didn’t advance to the Booker shortlist.

(As usual, I’ve added in star ratings and links to Goodreads reviews where I haven’t already featured the books on the blog in some way.)

  • The Seabird’s Cry: The Lives and Loves of Puffins, Gannets and Other Ocean Voyagers by Adam Nicolson
  • Rosie: Scenes from a Vanished Life by Rose Tremain

CURRENTLY READING-ish (set aside temporarily)

  • The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

  • All Among the Barley by Melissa Harrison
  • The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan [I’ve already read this one, some years ago, but it’s my book club’s October selection, so I will at least look back over it before the meeting.]
  • Now We Shall Be Entirely Free by Andrew Miller
  • Wilding by Isabella Tree

  • The Bus on Thursday by Shirley Barrett
  • Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family by Garrard Conley
  • French Exit by Patrick deWitt
  • Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
  • Sabrina by Nick Drnaso [graphic novel]
  • Swan Song by Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott
  • Tilly and the Bookwanderers (Pages & Co., #1) by Anna James
  • Everything Under by Daisy Johnson
  • A Man in Love: My Struggle, Volume 2 by Karl Ove Knausgaard
  • The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner
  • Johannesburg by Fiona Melrose
  • The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
  • Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss
  • Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
  • The Overstory by Richard Powers

  • Happiness by Aminatta Forna – I loved the premise of this one (it was on my most anticipated list) but didn’t enjoy the style of the first 10 or 15 pages.
  • The Sealwoman’s Gift by Sally Magnusson – It’s requested after me and I know I just don’t have time for it, especially if I want to prioritize the Booker-shortlisted books as they arrive.

What have you been reading from your local libraries? Does anything appeal from my stacks?

I don’t have an official link-up system, so please just post a link to your blog in the comments if you’ve taken part in Library Checkout this month. (Feel free to use the image at the top.)

17 responses

  1. Loved the Harrison, Melrose, Miller and Moss – all treats in store – and I’m looking forward to the Johnson and Murakami.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Please, teach me your magic. What a fantastic list! I’m also reassured to see someone else who has given up reading Forna’s ‘Happiness’. I have loved a couple of her previous novels, but found the prose in her newest quite jarring, and gave up on it after a few chapters.

    1. That’s interesting to hear — if Happiness is quite different to her other work, maybe I’d still like some of her earlier novels. As to the magic (if you mean finding lots of brand-new books to request), it’s a matter of fiddling around with the advanced search settings on your library’s catalogue and setting up an e-mail alert if that’s an option.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Brilliant, thanks for the tips!

  3. I have _Ohio_ by Steven Markley (which you suggested to me) in my library’s queue. I went to buy it but it’s huge (with a price to match). Just did a lot of driving to and from a lit. festival, so I listened to Jesmyn Ward’s _Sing, Unburied, Sing_ in the car–good, if devastatingly depressing. Thank goodness for books on cd from my local library! I’ll be interested to get your take on the Booker shortlist books.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hope you’ll like Ohio — at nearly 500 pages it’s definitely an undertaking. I was impressed with Sing, Unburied last year and would certainly read more by Ward. (I’ve never listened to an audio book and can’t really imagine what the experience would be like, but I know it fits well into other people’s lives well and I’m glad that’s an option for when paper books aren’t practical.)

  4. All The Books! When I worked in libraries, I PROCESSED the new books coming in (at the university library, I ordered lots of them). That was very bad for my reading lists and reservation queues. That and the free interlibrary loans when I was at the town library.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Working in a library was definitely bad for my TBR. I didn’t e-read in those days, but I’m sure my library habit meant I hardly read any of the books I actually owned. Free interlibrary loans from any library in the whole state of Maryland was my favourite thing about living in the States.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. It never occurred to me to question whether there should be a charge for interlibrary loans. There isn’t here (from the whole province of Nova Scotia, although that’s not really saying a lot), but the overdue fees are 10x what they are for a book from my library – and there are no renewals. Still – it’s FREE!

    And I’m just returning Washington Black to my library. For the first 100 or so pages, I thought I had found my ‘WOW’ book for this month-even year. But it went downhill from there and I ended up rating an average 3.5 stars out of 5. But perhaps you will enjoy it more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ILLs tend to cost £3 or more over here — at which rate you’re probably better off sourcing a book secondhand, unless it’s rare.

      I was unconvinced by the premise of Washington Black and initially didn’t think I’d read it at all, but then it made the Booker shortlist and there have been enthusiastic reviews from other blogger friends, so I feel I should give it a try.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I just read, and loved, Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss so I’m looking forward to Madame Zero. Glad you enjoyed the John Boyne!

    1. Madame Zero is the latest short story collection from Sarah Hall, an equally wonderful author. I need to read more by her. After Ghost Wall I think I will have read all of Sarah Moss’s non-academic books.

  7. Harrison, Tree, and Miller are all absolutely great. Happiness I only read in proof form, and I was so frustrated by the shoddy proofreading that I just placed my hope in the weird punctuation being dealt with before publication. Not sure that that happened, in the end…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I started the Harrison last night, and hope to get to all three before the due date (they’re all requested after me, of course). Forna’s style was strange and choppy; definitely off-putting.

      1. Yes, I felt that with Forna too – but I felt that much of the problem could have been solved by judiciously re-punctuating! It’s astonishing how much can be fixed by putting a semicolon or a full stop in the place of some awkward comma.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. My library use waned for a time while I was finishing some reading projects over the summer, but now, with new book season settling in, my loans have doubled and this week, looking at what’s in the queue, I’m guessing tripling isn’t far off. Reader the Giller longlist is definitely the biggest culprit but, also, we have a way of storing a wishlist in our library account and mine had started to get a bit out of hand (go figure – who is ADDING all those books to my account?!) so I am starting to chip away at that list as well. I haven’t read that Forna book but I have heard her in interview and definitely want to read more of her work; I’m hoping to read The Memory of Love this month for a reading challenge, but I’m not entirely sure it’ll fit with all the rest of the books for October! Is that one of hers you’re interested in as well?

    1. That’s the one of Forna’s I’ve heard the most about, so if I decided to try her again it would be the one.

      The Booker longlist has certainly increased my number of holds. I’m doubtful about my ability to get to many of the books before the end of the year, though. I think my library saved list is now at over 200 titles!

      I was pleased to see that Sheila Heti advanced to the Giller shortlist, and I plan to read de Witt’s and Edugyan’s books. It seems rare that three titles would be readily available outside Canada.

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A Report on My Most Anticipated Reads & The Ones that Got Away

Between my lists in January and June, I highlighted 45 of the 2019 releases I was most looking forward to reading. Here’s how I did:

Read: 28 [Disappointments (rated or ): 12]

Currently reading: 1

Abandoned partway through: 5

Lost interest in reading: 1

Haven’t managed to find yet: 9

Languishing on my Kindle; I still have vague intentions to read: 1

To my dismay, it appears I’m not very good at predicting which books I’ll love; I would have gladly given 43% of the ones I read a miss, and couldn’t finish another 11%. Too often, the blurb is tempting or I loved the author’s previous book(s), yet the book doesn’t live up to my expectations. And I still have 376 books published in 2019 on my TBR, which is well over a year’s reading. For the list to keep growing at that annual rate is simply unsustainable.

Thus, I’m gradually working out a 2020 strategy that involves many fewer review copies. For strings-free access to new releases I’m keen to read, I’ll go via my local library. I can still choose to review new and pre-release fiction for BookBrowse, and nonfiction for Kirkus and the TLS. If I’m desperate to read an intriguing-sounding new book and can’t find it elsewhere, there’s always NetGalley or Edelweiss, too. I predict my FOMO will rage, but I’m trying to do myself a favor by waiting most of the year to find out which are truly the most worthwhile books rather than prematurely grabbing at everything that might be interesting.

I regret not having time to finish two 2019 novels I’m currently reading that are so promising they likely would have made at least my runners-up list had I finished them in time. I’m only a couple of chapters into The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins (on the Costa Awards debut shortlist), a Gothic pastiche about a Jamaican maidservant on trial for killing her master and mistress (doubly intended) in Georgian London, but enjoying it very much. I’m halfway through The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall, a quiet character study of co-pastors and their wives and how they came to faith (or not); it is lovely and simply cannot be rushed.

The additional 2019 releases I most wished I’d found time for before the end of this year are:

All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg

Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado: I’ve heard that this is an amazing memoir of a same-sex abusive relationship, written in an experimental style. It was personally recommended to me by Yara Rodrigues Fowler at the Young Writer of the Year Award ceremony, and also made Carolyn Oliver’s list of nonfiction recommendations.

Luckily, I have another chance at these four since they’re all coming out in the UK in January; I have one as a print proof (Cruz) and the others as NetGalley downloads. I also plan to skim Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez, a very important new release, before it’s due back at the library.

The biggest release of 2019 is another that will have to wait until 2020: I know I made a lot of noise about boycotting The Testaments, but I’ve gradually come round to the idea of reading it, and was offered a free hardback to read as a part of an online book club starting on the 13th, so I’m currently rereading Handmaid’s to be ready to start the sequel in the new year.

Here’s the books I’m packing for the roughly 48 hours we’ll spend at my in-laws’ over Christmas. (Excessive, I know, but I’m a dabbler, and like to keep my options open!) A mixture of current reads, including a fair bit of suspense and cozy holiday stuff, with two lengthy autobiographies, an enormous Victorian pastiche, and an atmospheric nature/travel book waiting in the wings. I find that the holidays can be a good time to start some big ol’ books I’ve meant to read for ages.

Left stack: to start and read gradually over the next couple of months; right stack: from the currently reading pile.

I’ll be back on the 26th to start the countdown of my favorite books of the year, starting with fiction.

Merry Christmas!

11 responses

  1. I love how there’s someone who packs even MORE books than me for a short stay! And I love the look of “The Dearly Beloved” – will look out for your review with interest. Have a lovely Christmas and hope there are some book-shaped parcels under the tree! I simply intend to make more time for reading and feel sure that will mend all my TBR woes (yeah, right). I have given up one of my hobbies so that should give me some more tranches of reading time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Not running, surely?! I’m lucky (or not) in that books are about my only hobby, though in some different forms — running the church library, volunteering at the free bookshop, book club, the blog, prize shadow panels, etc. And I daresay there will be more books under the tree for me. I hope there are for you as well. Happy Christmas!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh good grief no, but I’m stopping doing athletics and cross country officiating which take up a lot of time.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. You won’t miss much if you didn’t read Grisham’s “Skipping Christmas”. It’s truly awful… 😬

    1. I’m 40 pages in and enjoying it well enough.

  3. I wish you luck in cutting back on review copies. I bet after a while you won’t have as much FOMO as you might think. Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Laila. I’ve realized I don’t like the feeling of obligation that comes with accepting a review copy (and it’s even worse if you get something directly from the author and don’t want to hurt their feelings). Plus I really want to make inroads into the books I own. I hope by the end of next year I’ll have a manageable list of unmissable 2020 releases to acquire and read.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I don’t know that I read quite as quickly as you, but I find that I can put books on hold at my library before they’re released and they often come in early enough that I get them as quickly as I can read them, so hopefully you won’t feel like you’re missing out if you use the library more. I do like that books I get that way come with no strings attached.

    I am definitely going to show my husband your pile of books to pack next time he (jokingly) gives me a hard time about the 6 or so books I pack to go home for a week 🙂

    Invisible Women has been on my to-read list for a long time and it’s very much my kind of book, so I don’t know what I haven’t picked it up yet. Honestly, next month isn’t looking great for it either, but hopefully sometime in the new year, I’ll get to it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I worry Invisible Women will be too info-dense for me, especially considering that it’s due back at the library on the 10th with multiple requests after me, so most likely I will end up just skimming it.

      You’re right: if I’m first in the library’s holds queue, I’ll get a book not much later than a person who pre-ordered it online, for instance.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I’ll be curious to see how your new strategy works out this year. Hopefully your FOMO doesn’t win out!
    I often like to sit back and see what everyone else thinks of a book before I decide to read it. It probably does help me choose the best ones (for me) – I tend to like almost all the books I read. I rarely DNF.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think waiting until I’ve gotten the full spread of opinions will be particularly helpful for deciding if I want to read a hyped book.

      Liked by 1 person

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Read or Dead

Read or Dead is a bi-weekly mystery fiction podcast dedicated to the worlds of mystery and thriller literature.

Episode 82Nothing Better Than a Time-Traveling Serial Killer

Katie and Rincey get excited about adaptations of The Shining Girls and Magpie Murders, and talk about mystery books by Black authors that they've recently picked up.

Episode 81Here’s to an Uneventful Year

Katie and Rincey catch up on the news they missed, including lawsuits featuring Dan Brown and the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle estate, and read some locked room mysteries in honor of not leaving their homes.

Episode 80The Year of the Staycation

Katie and Rincey talk about lots of new award nominees that have been announced and pick out books featuring LGBTQ+ characters for Pride Month!

Episode 79Just An Episode of the West Wing

Katie and Rincey talk about the new James Patterson and Bill Clinton book, a new Lisbeth Salander adaptation and mystery short story collections.

The Quarantine Doldrums

Katie and Rincey talk about Jane Harper's new novel, the French serial killer expert who apparently isn't an expert and books featuring religious elements that are not by Dan Brown.

Episode 77Experiencing My Muppet Arming Mood

Katie and Rincey discuss the Edgar Award winners, Tana French's new book and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

Episode 76Upright and Breathing

While they are self-quarantining, Katie and Rincey decide to tackle some of the oldest mystery and true crime books on their TBR.

Episode 75Teenagers with Dawson’s Creek Syndrome

Katie and Rincey talk about some changing release dates, Tiger King, and the books they turn to when they need some comfort.

Episode 74Banished to the Corner

Katie and Rincey thank the mystery gods for a new Tana French potentially coming this fall, talk about some great mystery small presses.

Episode 73Who Doesn’t Love a Sassy Cat?

Katie and Rincey talk about how the ghost of Agatha Christie might be haunting a museum, Snoop Dogg is adapting the IQ series, and read some backlist books.