1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADOPTION PHOTO CONTEST
Adoption.com is sponsoring a photo contest for all types of photos related to adoption. Submit photos of your cute kids, your adoptive families, your birthfamily reunion, or anything else adoption-related. The winner will receive a $250 gift certificate for AdoptionShop.com, a $100 gift certificate for second place, and 20 other winners will receive a free adoption music cd, "Adoption...The Songs You Love". All entries must be e- mailed to editor@adoption.com or mailed to:
Adoption.com Photo Contest
2141 E. Broadway Rd., Suite 214
Tempe, AZ 85282
Entries may be published on Adoption.com websites and e-magazines. All entries must be received before June 30, 2002 to be eligible. See http://adoption.com/legal.html for more terms and conditions. No photos will be returned, so please send copies or electronic versions.

"ADOPTION...THE SONGS YOU LOVE"

Adoption.com's new adoption CD, "Adoption...The Songs You Love", is dedicated to everyone who has been touched by adoption in one way or another. These adoption songs were compiled with the help of Adoption Week e-magazine readers who kindly suggested their favorite adoption songs for consideration. The emotion put into these popular songs will definitely touch your heart. The CD is being pre-sold at AdoptionShop.com and will be shipped on the release date. Thank you for making this CD the first of its kind! http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=13&pf%5Fid=1197

ADOPTION HEALING: ADOPTION FORUM ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM
When: Saturday, June 8th 2002
Where: National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: $25 per person, which includes registration, continental
breakfast, and admission to the Aviary, plus free parking).

For more information or to register, e-mail AdoptionForum@aol.com, visit http://www.adoptionforum.org, or call Carol Chandler (412) 341-0227 or Theresa Boguslawski (412) 856-1141. Adoption Forum has reserved a block of rooms at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh (412) 281-3700.

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2. NEW ARTICLES

The views expressed by the authors are solely their own, and for which the authors are responsible. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.

My Birth Parents Found Me October 2001! - new article by Rebecca Hughes
My birth dad was working on some genology information for his side of the family, he said he can not recall how he got to my posting about looking for birth mother. But he knew when he saw it. He printed it, and now has it in a nice frame. It was from my post of "Finding In Florida" http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=48

What the Books Didn't Tell Us - new article by Matt Forck
Although it seems like yesterday, it was almost two years ago. As I write this, our beautiful daughter, Natalie Faith, slumbers. I have a different perspective on adoption now. I think the books had merit. They helped us to understand the different types of adoption. They covered the laws, what to expect from agencies, the average wait times for an infant, and the average expenses. But for all they offered, some things weren't covered, so I want to share my newfound expertise. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=49

Selections From the Book Adoption Wisdom - new article by Marlou Russell, Ph.D.
"Phantom" children can be very loud and present in people's lives. It is virtually impossible to forget having a child or having difficulty conceiving a child. Acknowledging these facts and experiences allows healing to take place. Respecting these losses honors the people and souls who have had such impact on one's life regardless of the amount of actual contact. To ignore or deny these losses can lead to trying to replace the lost person or halting the necessary grieving process. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=50

On Being a Single Adoptive Parent - new article by Susan Chenault
Becoming a single adoptive parent was not too difficult. Being a single adoptive parent is another story:
· You cannot plan for parenthood, you learn as you go.
· When you go out for the first time, as a new parent, don't forget to take the baby with you.
· Taking a vacation entails a lot more than just packing a suitcase
· When the children are gone overnight, the house is so quiet you can't sleep. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=51

Two Different Kinds of Love - new article by Skye Hardwick
For years we have heard about all the differences between an adoptive Mother and a Birthmother, in this article, Skye focuses on the similarities between an adoptive Mother and a Birthmother, and how we can gain from the knowledge of them. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=52

Read these articles at www.AdoptionWeek.com

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3. ADOPTION NEWS

Heartbreaking - and All Too Typical (FL)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edpmyword02050202may02.story?coll=orl%2Dopinion%2Dheadlines

Biological Father Ending Legal Fight for Adopted Daughter (OK)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.uniontrib.com/news/state/20020428-1045-adoptiondispute.html

Mishap Changes Foster Care Rules (FL)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/04/27/TampaBay/Mishap_changes_foster.shtml

Vegetarians Face Child Abuse Charge (NY)
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020430/ap_on_re_us/vegetarian_abuse_1

Above & Beyond: Foster Mom Finds Love, Woe (CA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/2409204p-2859887c.html

Court Won't Review Paternity Law (WA)
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020429/ap_on_go_su_co/scotus_paternity_1

Landrieu Says Adoption Ban Hurts Cambodian Children (WA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/washington/index.ssf?/newsstory/cambodia24.html

Adopted Guatemalan Baby Nicole a Blessing for Family (PA)
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=3948292&BRD=2305&PAG=461&dept_id=478569&rfi=6

If any of the links to the news articles do not work, Click Here for a list of headlines.

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4. DAVE THOMAS CENTER FOR ADOPTION LAW WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY

April 30, 2002

"ROCK-A-BABY BYE-BYE: A STATE PROGRAM WAS SUPPOSED TO GIVE MOMS A SAFE PLACE TO DROP OFF UNWANTED NEWBORNS. THEN WHY ARE SO MANY BABIES STILL ENDING UP IN THE TRASH" - by Wendy Grossman
The "safe haven" law allows a mother to relinquish her parental rights by safely turning over her newborn baby to a hospital without the fear of prosecution. Although the law was passed to keep abandoned babies alive, babies continue to be abandoned in unsafe places. Advocates of the law say it simply needs more advertising, but critics contend that more billboards will not help.
Houston Press; Thursday, April 25, 2002; SECTION: NEWS/FEATURED STORIES.
http://www.houstonpress.com/issues/2002-04-25/feature.html/1/index.html

"GRASSROOTS ENTERPRISE, INC. CHOSEN BY CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS FOR ADVOCACY COMMUNICATIONS"
Casey Family Programs is a Seattle-based national operating foundation that supports children, youth, and families through local and national direct service programs, advocacy initiatives, and collaborations with other organizations and agencies. It recently hired Grassroots Enterprise, Inc. to manage Internet advocacy communications as part of Casey's extensive communications and outreach efforts. The new partnership will help Casey Family Programs quickly and effectively communicate with people who are or may be interested or involved in foster care and child welfare.
Business Wire; Wednesday, April 24, 2002.
http://www.businesswire.com


"MINORITY FOSTER PARENTS SOUGHT" - by Steve Silverman
One Church One Child, a faith-based organization that recruits black foster parents and adoptive families, recently placed a local recruiter in the Bloomington office of Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services to tackle the shortage of placements for minority children in McLean County. The organization plans to collaborate with area churches to identify new foster parents and help them get licensed.
The Pantagraph; Wednesday, April 24, 2002; SECTION: NEWS; Pg. A3.
http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/042402/new_20020424009.shtml

"FIXING FOSTER CARE; CHANGES IN THE SYSTEM HAVE CUT ADOPTION TIME AND THE LENGTH OF TIME CHILDREN ARE KEPT AWAY FROM THEIR BIRTH PARENTS" - by Agnes Palazzetti
In February 1998, New York State family courts and social services departments were given a federal mandate to drastically reduce the time between foster care and permanent placement. At the time, Erie County had the largest foster care population in the state outside New York City. Today, however, hundreds of children who were in foster care before the changes were implemented are either back with their birth parent, adopted, or in the process of being adopted.
The Buffalo News; Monday, April 22, 2002; Final Edition; SECTION: LOCAL; Pg. B1.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020422/1015733.asp

"HOMELESS FUNDING WILL SHIFT TO KIDS" - by Carol Kreck and Cindy Brovsky
Denver Human Services recently decided to shift more than $500,000 from a family homelessness program to adoption, foster care, and child welfare programs. The shift is part of an effort to pare $1.2 million dollars from the department's budget. Families in the homelessness program will not be abandoned, but new clients will not be helped. Despite this fact, advocates for homeless families say the new plan pits family against family.
The Denver Post; Monday, April 22, 2002; 2D Edition; SECTION: DENVER & THE WEST; Pg. B-05.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E563928,00.html?search=filter

"FOSTER CARE IN DANGER OF BECOMING AN ORPHAN"
Palm Beach County continues to run into problems in its effort to shift its child welfare services to a private company. The County has successfully turned over adoption services to Children's Home Society of Florida, but it cannot do the same with foster-care services until the private company it hired, Child and Family Connections, replaces its executive director. Meanwhile, officials of the state's Department of Children and Families are removing more children from abusive parents than they have places to house them safely.
The Palm Beach Post; Thursday, April 11, 2002; Final Edition; SECTION: OPINION; Pg. 20A.
http://finaledition.pbpost.com/
Note: This site charges a fee to access archived articles.

Credit: Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption

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5. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB


Adopting On Your Own

This book is the perfect guide for singles considering adoption. Lee Varon, a social worker and author of this book, provides single adults with information they need to know prior to deciding to adopt. From chapters on breaking the news and creating a support network, to the needs of adopted children, Varon helps single adults become more aware of what they might face in their journeys to become single parents.


For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00012.html

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6. ADOPTION BUZZ

Pregnancy After Adoption: - Amazing! Pregnant Again.
Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com.

Bonding: - Feeling Confused
Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com.

Adoptive Mothers' Stories : - If I Had to Do it Over Again....I Wouldn't.
Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com.

Open Adoption: - In the Middle of Adopting
Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com.

If any of the links above do not work, visit www.Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions.

For more online adoption discussions visit www.AdoptionBoards.com, www.AdoptionCafe.com and www.AdoptionForums.com..

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7. MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com.

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8. NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

Congratulations to all of the new adoptive families this week!

Congratulations on your adoption-in-progress, Scott and Mary Lisa!

Congratulations on your adoption-in-progress, Roger and Karen!

Steve and Stephanie, congratulations on the adoption of your baby boy!

If you are hoping to adopt, visit www.ParentProfiles.com today to start building your online profile.

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9. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

Crystal is a very personable, lovable child. She requires and wants lots of attention. Crystal usually goes through a honeymoon period and then will test adults. She then will return to herself and follow directions. Crystal does very well in school. She enjoys singing and dancing. Crystal makes friends and adjusts well to most situations. Crystal would do well in a single parent or two parent household. She would function well in a one child home or with a sibling her same age or older.

photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes.

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10. REUNITED WITH BIRTHFAMILY

Congratulations to everyone who has been reunited with their birthfamily this week! Please share your story with us at www.AdoptionWeek.com.

Just a note to say THANK YOU!...with your help and others I have found my son...THANK YOU!...Connie

Karen and I have made contact and it is a definite match. I have never felt such joy and can't thank you enough for providing an accessible website and for forwarding Karen's original email to me. Kind regards, Kathy

To register in the Internet's largest adoption reunion registry for FREE, visit www.AdoptionRegistry.com.

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11. ADOPTION GEM

"During these trying times, we should all come together
as compassionate human beings and not as indifferent moral cowards,
no matter what the circumstances.
Be someone's Hero... We all need Heroes."
- Unknown
See a daily adoption gem at www.Adoption.com.

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12. TO BIRTHMOTHERS AROUND THE WORLD

Whether you are still searching for her, have met her, or know little about her, one thing remains true - she gave you the only gift you may have ever received from her, but which is invaluable - life.

Saturday, May 11th is the day that has been chosen to honor these special, unique women in the lives of so many. As Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh, the "mother" of Birthmother's Day, simply put it:

"May Birth Mother's Day bring acknowledgement and recognition to every birth mother who ever loved a child lost to adoption. May it honor and celebrate every mother who became childless after birthing a child, and was forgotten on Mother's Day."

To all birthmothers across the globe, THANK YOU for the joy you have brought into the lives of many adoptive families and hope you have given your children all around the world!!!

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13. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: www.AdoptionNetwork.com

Through its advertising efforts, AdoptionNetwork is able to assist couples and singles in achieving their goal to parent. The Network runs extensive nationwide advertising targeting suitable birthparents for prospective adoptive parents. The Network limits the number of adoptive parents it works with so that their dreams of parenting may be realized within a relatively short period of time.

This site is helpful to both birthparents and adoptive parents with answers to commonly asked questions and additional information that will benefit both parties.

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit adoptions.adoption.com.

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14. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

BATHROOM SCALES
Two youngsters were closely examining bathroom scales on display at the department store.

"Have you ever seen one of these before?" one asked.

"Yeah, my mom and dad have one," the other replied.

"What's it for?" asked the first boy.

"I don't know," the second boy answered. "I think you stand on it and it makes you mad."

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15. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

A BRAVE CHOICE
Wynnewood, PA
marsbars39@yahoo.com
(610) 642-7182

A Brave Choice is a Pennsylvania licensed adoption agency which places children of all races, including special needs. The agency hotline number can be called collect at (610) 761-7288. It's Director and Attorney is Martin S. Leventon, who also maintains a private adoption practice representing birthparents, adoptive families and agencies. He is a member of AAAA (American Academy of Adoption Attorneys).

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16. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

The Seven Core Issues in Adoption - Only $44.95
Adoption is a life-long, inter- generational process, which unites birth parents, adoptees and adoptive parents forever. It triggers seven lifelong issues for all triad members. Recognizing these similarities triad members and professionals can reduce the adversarial nature of adoption and improve understanding. 2 hour tape is perfect for adoption support groups including all triad members, for libraries, agency training, adoptive parent training.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/KIN00002.html.

For more adoption products, visit adoptionshop.com.

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17. SPEAK OUT

Needing your input! I am putting together a website for those who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy, and would like to hear, and possibly post for our site, from those who have been there. Did you ever find yourself in a crisis pregnancy and consider abortion, but decided to place your child for adoption? Do you have any poetry about choosing life? If you would like to submit your story or poetry, please email me, Skye, at Siren6000@yahoo.com - Thanks!

After 13 years of searching, I was reunited with my birth family last September. Through the efforts of a lady with Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C. and a change to the adoption laws in Maryland, this reunion was possible. Nothing could have prepared me for the wonderful things and people I would find. This is the greatest thing I could have imagined and I would encourage everyone searching to never give up. You definitely will have a life changing experience when you find your birth family. Nothing is stronger than genetics and heredity. - Malcolm

Adopted Cedar Lake resident used Internet to track down birth parents. CEDAR LAKE -- When she turned 7, Barbara Christine Glinski's parents told her she was adopted. She never dreamed she would one day find out she was born on a train in Canada and eventually meet her birth mother, grandmother and a half-sister.

"I had great parents, but it was always in the back of my mind that there was another part of me that wanted to come out all my life," said Barbara, now 49, whose married name is Echterling. - Barbara Echterling

To Speak Out and share your opinion or a comment, or to respond to a message, e-mail editor@adoption.com.

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18. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW

Here's a post from the Older Child Adoption support group:

Dear Wendy:

We recently placed an older child with a family for adoption. Her story was very unusual. We were her guardians, looking for an adoptive family for her. She is also a special needs child. I found a wonderful family for her through one of these e-mail lists. Perhaps you might write to her new mother, to ask your questions about adopting an older child, but bear in mind that her case was unusual and that she was not only older but also special needs (verbally delayed)…Since the case is so different and so unusual (because the little girl, can't talk, this may not shed any light on what you're interested in.
Good luck,
Marcia

To be part of this group, visit http://adoptionlists.com, register, and join.

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19. ADOPTION POETRY

A Red Thread To China

A red thread to China was cast today
From us to a child so far away.
This thread symbolizes an attachment of hearts
That distance alone can't keep us apart.

Her mother and I are caught in a chase
That time alone will bring us to face
This loving young child we want so much to greet
With love in our hearts before we did meet.
This tiny, thin thread may stretch, tangle or fray
But our love for her grows stronger each day.
Through the test of time it won't break or sever
She'll be part of us forever and ever.

With oceans between us, the distance is spanned
By a love that is greater than man could have planned.
For God in His mercy loved her and us
And decided our family would be a great plus.

So for now we'll just love her and pray every day
That God keeps her and loves her for us till we may
Travel to China, that land of great past,
To the side of our daughter, to hold her at last.

T.A.F.
fish48223@earthlink.net

For more adoption poetry, visit www.AdoptionPoetry.com.

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20. ADOPTION CALENDAR

CHAT SCHEDULE:

Sunday:
Evening with Loretta for reunion support group chat at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.

Monday:
Evening with Karen DeLuca in adoptee room! Join her at 4:30pm Pacific, 5:30pm Mountain, 6:30pm Central, 7:30pm Eastern.

Evening with Carol Bird in birthfamily support group chat, hosted in Reunite.com chat room at 5:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Mountain, 7:30pm Central, 8:30pm Eastern until about 11:00pm. Eastern.

Evening with Dr. Art Becker-Weidman, ask him questions on attachment therapy and treating children with trauma-attachment disorders. Join him in the Adopting.org chat room at 2pm Pacific, 3pm Mountain, 4pm Central, 5pm Eastern.

Evening with Kathy; discuss ideas on getting started in the amazing journey of adoption. Join her at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the Adopting.org chat room.

Tuesday:
Birthmom chat with Jennifer in the BirthMother.com chat room on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesday, at 6:30pm Pacific, 7:30pm Mountain, 8:30pm Central, 9:30pm Eastern.

Birth mom chat with Linda in Reunite.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.

General adoption chat with Jamie in the Adopting.org chat room at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern.

Wednesday:
Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Hosted in Adopting.org chat room at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.

Join an informative chat on the ups and downs of reunion hosted by Sabra since 1997. Talk out your next step and share your experiences in search and reunion at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the reunion room.

International adoption with Donna at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern in InternationalAdoption.com chat room.

Parenting issues for adoptive/foster parents with Dimasmom in FosterParenting.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.

Thursday:
Evening with Colleen Buckner, search expert, in Reunite.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.

Open adoption with Stephanie in Adopting.org chat room at 9pm Pacific, 10pm Mountain, 11pm Central, 12pm Eastern.

Friday:
Meet Louise and others in a forum for parents with children that may have physical challenges and/or emotional challenges in the InternationalAdoption.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.

Transracial and general adoption with Trish at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the InternationalAdoption.com chat room.

Saturday:
Older child adoption/foster care behavioral issues with Jerry in FosterParenting.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.

For a listing of times and descriptions, and to attend scheduled chats, or join the live chat, visit http://forums.adoption.com/chat.

For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit www.AdoptionCalendar.com

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CALL FOR CONTENT
Adoption Week Magazine is looking for well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news, event announcements, product reviews, photos, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, job openings, letters to the editor, reviews of adoption websites, product recalls, information on adoption legislation, great deals on adoption and family-related products, other adoption-related content. To submit content, or if you would like to be interviewed or to nominate someone for an adoption service award, please visit www.AdoptionWeek.com.

TO ADVERTISE
Would you like to advertise in the Adoption Week e-mail magazine? For more information, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com.

REFER IT
We hope you enjoyed this issue of Adoption Week Magazine and encourage you to forward it to others who might find this information useful.

TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE
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DISCLAIMER
This e-magazine is provided as a free community service, and by using and reading it you agree to the terms and conditions as posted at www.AdoptionWeek.com. Adoption.com makes no warrantee about the accurateness of any information in this magazine, and does not endorse any adoption professional, adoption product or other adoption service. If you have received this e-mail erroneously, or do not agree to the terms of this disclaimer, please unsubscribe.