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EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs will hold a public meeting of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC) on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Thursday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held in EPA's first floor conference center at One Potomac Yard South, 2777 South Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202.
The agenda is available on the PPDC webpage.
<|fim_middle|> or zimmerman.dea@epa.gov. Read the Federal Register notice announcing the May PPDC meeting. | PPDC meetings provide advice and recommendations to EPA on issues associated with pesticide regulatory development and reform initiatives, evolving public policy and program implementation issues, and science issues associated with evaluating and reducing risks from use of pesticides. All meetings are free, open to the public, and no advance registration is required. The meetings are accessible to people with disabilities.
Please be aware of the ID requirements for visiting the Office of Pesticide Programs. View additional information on the ID requirements, as well as information on the location of EPA's building and how to reach it by public transportation or car. The ID requirements are under the Building Access tab and transportation information is under the HQ Buildings in Virginia tab.
Further information about the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee.
For questions on PPDC meetings, please contact Dea Zimmerman at (312) 353-6344 | 174 |
Absolutely fabulous experience with Fiderio & Sons in the remodelling of our new deck. From start to finish they were professional, on time and easy to work with. They exceeded our expectations. We plan to use Fiderio & Sons for our roof in the coming years. Thank you for a job well done!!
I called Fiderio & Sons for an estimate on a rather small job and the owner John Fiderio showed up to assess the needs. He could have offered me a contract with a fixed, and probably higher price, but after reviewing what needed to be done he said it would be cheaper for me if the job was done on a time and materials basis. This worked out extremely well. They showed up right when they said they would and finished in a reasonable time. I worked out to be a great solution. I highly recommend them. You will get quality work at a fair price, backed by the word of the owner!
The entire team was professional, helpful and competent. Communication was outstanding.
Everyone at Fiderio & Sons is wonderful: accommodating, efficient, skilled, responsive, friendly, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep the customer happy. From the initial consultation to the finished product, it was a pleasure working with them every step of the way and my totally renovated kitchen came out better than I could have hoped for. Thank you to EVERYONE at Fiderio!!! Highly recommend!
Very friendly, attention to detail is good, very good workmanship.
Fiderio was amazing. I had some seriously old windows that were a total wreck. He was incredibly nice, efficient, and understanding. There was a window pane with a sticker on it that I'd had since I was in grammar school. He carefully liberated the pane and gave it to me. I can't say enough good things about this place.
<|fim_middle|> be without a shower, Dave saw to it that the company went to extremes to remedy the situation. He made us very happy customers. We will gladly recommend them to friends and relatives and we will gladly continue to do business with Fiderio. Good job!
The Fiderio workers were awesome. Mark was incredibly diligent and helpful and worked to make the customer happy with their choices and including me in the process. I am not happy with the electrical subcontractor as he was unapproachable and seems to always be in a hurry. We still have work left to do not that area. In addition, the cabinet doors need adjustment so that when opened they don't hit the drawers and my curtain rod needs to be put back. We have been assured that these will be taken care of. Otherwise I am very satisfied!
Selected for basement work based on excellent experience with previous roof replacement. Very satisfied with the careful work of all the crafts involved. Everything completed as scheduled.
This is our second experience with Fiderio. They did a sizable exterior remodel of our home three years ago with a new roof, window, and front door, and constructed a large portico/porch for the front entry. The remodel elevated the look of our house from builders grade to ho-hum colonial to unique and classy. They were our first choice of contractor this year for replacement windows. Ron from Fiderio was assigned to the project as the installer. He did a great job and was very courteous and professional. He left the job site very clean and neat each day.
I am very pleased with the upgrades to my bathroom. The workers were very professional and a pleasure to deal with. David worked with us every step of the way and due to some unforeseen circumstances there were a few scheduling issues. Any concerns were dealt with promptly and to our complete satisfaction.
Project was done quickly and professionally. Very pleased with the results!
Windows are very nice, as is the sliding glass door. Installer worked clean. Very professional. I will highly recommend.
I had a great experience with Fiderio's. Mike was great in explaining the process of ordering windows. He was professional and polite. The installation was terrific. The installer was professional and easy to work with. I am extremely satisfied with my experience with Fiderio company. I would recommend their company for home improvement projects.
We have been doing business with Fiderio & Sons for , I want to say, thirty years. Every project from windows, doors,decks, bath remodeling, roofing and more have been handled professionally and timely. They and their staff are honest, friendly and professional. Family and friends are also pleased with them and their workmanship. Needless to say, we will continue to call upon Fiderio & Sons.
Super company to deal with!
From start to finish, Fiderio staff and installation crew showed great professionalism and craftsmanship with this entry door project. Even with this small project, Mike worked with me in choosing doors, color and hardware. When the doors came in, they were installed quickly, but also paying attention to detail and caulked seams and gaps between door frame and brick surrounding the doors. The area was cleaned up nicely and we had a beautiful new entry door system! I will call on them again for any projects for our business or our home!
Latest project was a front door unit with sidelights, a storm door, and an upstairs octagon window installation. We trust Fidero to do work with perfection. We've been very pleased over the years with a kitchen reno, two bathroom renos, replacement windows, siding, and roofing. Fiderios offers top notch products and professional installers. Jonathan always offers helpful advice.
Quality workmanship. The work crew was knowledgeable and skilled at every stage. We'll contact Fiderio for our next project.
Great salesman with a fair prompt price. Good communication on when the install was to take place, on time installation. There was an issue with the skylight necessitating a replacement skylight which was handled with professionalism and prompt service. A great experience.
We had our Master bath remodeled in July of 2016. We have been so pleased with the job. It's beautiful. The men who did the work were professional and easy to have in our home. They answered all our questions graciously.At the end of each day they cleaned after . themselves. We highly recommend Fiderios.
We have done business with Fiderio & Sons for quite some time now and have always been 100% satisfied with their workmanship and service.
Both upstairs and first floor bathroom remodeling projects came out first class. Our upstairs bath was remodeled in 2011 and first floor bath remodeled this past fall 2016. The Fiderio staff was with us from start to finish. My wife and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the projects.
There were a lot of issues: cabinet, near kitchen window, were the wrong size, microwave not properly installed which led to a circuit failure during the Christmas holiday affecting the kitchen lights, both bathroom light fixtures and some master bedroom lights and outlets, the dish washing liquid dispenser was defective and the kitchen faucet valve was defective and lastly the grout behind the kitchen sink shrunk. These problems were fixed but at your convenience not ours. I feel that for money that we paid we should have had better attention to detail. We are still left with a dishwashing liquid detergent dispenser that we cannot fill up without it leaking. I must say that all your employees were very courteous and efficient, especially Mark and his son. Sergio was also pleasant and knowledgeable.
We used Fiderio for a couple of projects in the last three years and we couldn't be happier with the result. We wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future.
Very happy with results. Time was taken to do the job right.
I needed a couple of skylights replaced and Fiderio was the five star installer of choice for me. The job was done right and the crew was great!
This was our second experience with Fiderio. They had done a kitchen remodel for us in a previous house. Increased the value and sold at higher price when we moved. A few years ago Fiderio & Sons did a 3 story addition for us – 2 bedrooms, spare room, sunroom and exercise room. Couldn't be happier. Worked through dead of winter and finished very efficiently. All staff was very hard-working. Excellent craftsmanship and very professional. Fiderio will always be our "go-to" people for any future projects!!
I had to coordinate from Florida with Fiderio's for the siding, window and door installation on my parents' house. After the job was priced, they started the job in the timeframe provided. Did a clean and neat installation, and followed-up on any questions that I had after the installation. It's hard to work with a contractor remotely but they were very professional and I would recommend them to anyone in the area!
We had our bathroom remodeled about a year ago. Fiderio has been fantastic with small issues that have come up, (not their fault). They have a great staff and always fix the issue without cost. We are happy to recommend them.
I was pleased with the professionalism of the salesman – Mike. Also, the roofing crew was clean, respectful and went out of their way to take care of the landscaping around the job – kudos to them! | Very professional and knowledgeable. They listened to what we wanted unlike other companies we meet with.
Had to replace siding on the back of our home due to tree damage. Their pricing was good and the worker, Rich, was great! Would recommend them and I certainly would use them again.
The employee carpenter did a great job and did good quality work. The company needs to communicate details better, making sure products ordered are correct and strive to make it easier for their employees to get the work done in a timely matter and not be rushed. Also making sure they a qualified workers trained for one's who leave.
Project was completed in one day – the day after Christmas!.
completed in minimum time during very cold day, cleaned up afterwards including rehanging of our curtains and placing the furniture back.
Our new deck is beautiful. Many thanks to Lenny and Eric, and the whole Fiderio team!
As a prior customer, I know the quality of their work and "work to meet customer's expectations".
Receptionists speak too fast & muddled. Never can understand that you have reached Fiderio. Consistent problem. Communication on the project could be better. Ends up costing Fiderio in the end. Work was all done well.
The new sunroom is even more than we expected and the workmanship and crew were wonderful every step of the way. They went above and beyond to make sure we were happy.
I am very pleased with my new roof. The roofers were very hard workers and cleaned up for hours after they were finished. They did a really nice job and were very professional.
The experience was all that I expected … very professional.
This is our third time using Fiderio & Sons. They have replaced all our windows, roof, siding, front door and front stairs. We are extremely satisfied with our salesman Mike, who was very professional and friendly. It was a pleasure working with him. We loved the great job that all the workers did on our house. We would highly recommend them, for the outstanding work that they do. We look forward to working with them in the future.
Sometimes a small job is the hardest of them all. Who really wants to pick up another company's mistake. I can't say enough about Mike (salesman) and how he went above and beyond for me in finding my old discontinued siding and being so extremely patient with me and my issues. Mario just completed the siding replacement yesterday by piecing the old and new siding on two sides of my house. What a fantastic job. I will recommend Fiderio in the future because of Mike. I can't say enough about his service.
The work and the staff are all top notch. Very friendly people, helpful in selection and attention to detail is very evident. Enjoyed working with Dave, Sergio and Morgan.
After a misunderstanding regarding the time we would | 579 |
DAY ONE OF TRAINING CAMP BEGINS IN ROCKFORD
Rockford, Ill. – The Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League open up training camp for their 18th season of professional hockey in Rockford, and tenth in the AHL as the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks today at the BMO Harris Bank Center.
Rockford's training camp begins today as players are scheduled to take the ice at 1 p.m. Two preseason games will take place during the upcoming week. In the first contest, fans are offered free admission to cheer on the IceHogs against the Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m. at the BMO. For more details on the free admission to the IceHogs game, click here. The following night, the IceHogs will travel to Milwaukee to take on the Admirals at the Kern Center at 7 p.m.
The Season Ticket Holder Pickup Party is Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m. Season Ticket Holders will be able to pick up their Season Ticket Holder Card at this time. Individuals unable to pick up their season tickets at the Pickup Party may pick them up at the Season Ticket Holder entrance prior to the preseason game.
The following<|fim_middle|> with the first home game of the 2016-17 season. The first 5,000 fans to enter the arena will receive an IceHogs calendar compliments of BMO Harris Bank. For tickets visit IceHogs.com or call (815) 968-5222. | is the IceHogs Training Camp Schedule:
Date Event Time
Sunday, Oct. 2 Practice 1 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 Practice 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4 Practice 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 5
Season Ticket Holder Pickup Party
(BMO Harris Bank Center)
Pregame Skate
Preseason Game vs. Chicago Wolves
Preseason game at Milwaukee Admirals
(Kern Center)
Saturday, Oct. 8 Team Workout 10 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 9 OFF DAY
Monday, Oct. 10 Practice 11 a.m.
Regular Season Home Opener: Saturday, Oct. 22 vs. Milwaukee at 7 p.m. The IceHogs open their 18th season of professional hockey at the BMO | 172 |
A survey by the international IT security company, Datto, has confirmed that ransomware is still the biggest cyber-attack threat to small to medium sized business (SMBs).
The survey of 2,400 managed service providers (MSPs) who support the IT needs of business worldwide has revealed the average attack is 10 times more costly than the actual ransom demanded, because of downtime caused by attacks.
The survey findings support the most recent Australian Government's Cyber Security Centre Threat Report which says: …… ransomware continues to grow as a method of extorting funds from a wide range of victims. It is one of the most prevalent financially motivated cybercrime threats worldwide and is likely to remain so due to its continuing success.
Phishing emails are the most popular method for cyber criminals to deliver ransomware, which is a malicious software that threatens to make business data inaccessible until a ransom is paid.
When it comes to protecting small and medium-sized businesses, the report found that business continuity and disaster recovery was the single most effective method for ransomware protection.
Think Technology Australia<|fim_middle|> your data and systems at regular intervals, and stores the data in a secure location. Should a disaster occur, we can simply 'turn back the clock' to a snapshot of your business before the incident happened and recover your data without you incurring any damage, or experiencing any downtime. | 's business continuity and backup solution provides the ultimate fail safe in a multi-layered defence approach. Leading-edge technologies ensure that your data remains secure and accessible in the event of a cyber-attack, natural disaster or hardware failure.
Talk to us and find out how our solution automatically and invisibly takes snapshots of | 61 |
This teambuilding workshop is conducted over one day (9:00 – 17:30) and will be facilitated by an experienced creaffective trainer.
Entire teams that have a common goal or face a common challenge relevant to the entire team.
The workshop helps to<|fim_middle|>Learn to better understand their team members' boxes and behaviours.
experience how our mental boxes influence the collaboration and communication of each person.
Learn and practice concrete approaches based on the common challenge how to think out of the box (individually and as a team). These approaches can be used immediatley after the workshop in daily work.
The Training supports participants to build a mindset of out-of-the-box thinkers.
Side effect of the workshop is that the group develops some real first ideas for their common challenge.
Introduction to and practic of a systematic creative process to think inside and outside the mental box.
Sharing Circle: How can we use what we have learned? Individually and as a team? | achieve a number of goals.
reflect about and build their personal mental box in regards to the common challenge. The learn about their personal filters, limiting believes and motivation.
| 33 |
Landan Kuhlmann
Recent Digital Issue
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55 Days of Summer 2019
New Comers Guide 2019
2019 Star Media Kit
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Fort Bend Southwest Star Newspaper
Local News, Classifieds, Real Estate for Sugar Land, Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City, Katy
Skeeters skid on the road
June 12, 2018 by Staff Reports
Sugar Land closer Felipe Paulino pitches during a recent home game for the Skeeters. He is leading the Atlantic League in saves with 10 as of Sunday. (Photo by Joe Southern)
The Skeeters went 2-4 on their road trip last week, dropping their record to 24-16, 3.5 games behind the Lancaster Barnstormers.
Last Tuesday, the Skeeters began their road trip with a 3-2 win over the Somerset Patriots in 10 innings. Barrett Barnes, Albert Cordero, and Denis Phipps each had two hits, while Konnor Wade allowed two runs on four hits over six innings. Felipe Paulino earned the save by striking out the side in the bottom of the 10th inning.
On Wednesday, the<|fim_middle|> the league with eight home runs and 33 runs-batted-in. Kubitza is third in the league with six home runs and fourth in the league with 27 RBIs. Matt Chavez is second in the league with a .347 batting average, and Albert Cordero is seventh at .319. Dallas Beeler is second in the league with a 1.97 earned run average, and Felipe Paulino leads the league with 10 saves.
Skeeter of the Week
Javier Betancourt is the Fort Bend Star Skeeter of the Week. Betancourt was 5-13 at the plate for a .385 average.
First Half Standings
Lancaster Barnstormers 27-12-0
Sugar Land Skeeters 24-16-3.5
York Revolution 19-18-7
Maryland Blue Crabs 15-24-12
Somerset Patriots 24-15-0
Long Island Ducks 22-18-2.5
New Britain Bees 17-24-8
Road Warriors 9-30-15
Filed Under: Skeeters News, Sports Tagged With: baseball, Sugar Land Skeeters
Copyright © 2019 Fort Bend Star | Skeeters dropped a doubleheader to the Patriots, 5-2 and 4-3, the latter game in 12 innings. Anthony Giansanti had a home run in the first game, and Phipps and Kyle Kubitza connected for solo shots in the second game.
On Friday, the Skeeters moved on to Southern Maryland to take on the Blue Crabs but fell 13-5. Giansanti had two hits and Derek Norris slammed a home run for the only Skeeters highlights.
On Saturday, Southern Maryland beat the Skeeters 7-6. The Skeeters jumped to a 3-0 lead in the third inning but couldn't hold it as the Blue Crabs scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to win it. Matt Chavez was 3-5 with a home run and two RBIs. Colin Walsh, Phipps, and Alvaro Rondon each had two hits.
The Skeeters avoided a sweep Sunday by winning the final game of the series 4-3 in their second 12-inning game of the road trip.
Javier Betancourt led off the 12th inning with a double and scored when the shortstop committed an error on Chavez's ground ball. Betancourt was 2-5 and Chavez had two RBI's. Kraig Sitton pitched the 11th and 12th to earn the win.
This week the Skeeters are at home for a seven-game home stand against the Road Warriors – a league-operated traveling team. On Wednesday, kids under 12 get in free, and Thursday is Thirsty Thursday with $2 beer and sodas. There will be fireworks after the game on Friday, and a stadium replica will be given away to the first 2,000 fans on Saturday. The home stand ends on Sunday with a pre-game catch on the field and post-game run the bases for kids.
All-star voting
All-star voting is under way through June 30. The 2018 All-Star game will be played at Long Island on July 11. To vote, go to www.AtlanticLeague.com/allstarvoting.
Potential All-Stars are Courtney Hawkins, who leads | 461 |
Percy Gentleman arrived from England last week and paid several friends here a visit<|fim_middle|> this district.
The grain around here is looking good.
Mr. Bell of Fork River has purchased the Mazurink Farm.
Jacob Strasdin has four colts this year. | . He intends to homestead in this country.
Wm. King is busy these days looking after the registration.
Miss Collins from McCreary is visiting her sister here.
Tag-day caused a bit of excitement and a fair sum was realized.
A meeting of the Women's Auxiliary was held at the home of Mrs. Ballard's Winnipegosis, and it was decided to send a delegate to attend the annual meeting in Winnipeg in June. Mrs. Ballard, vice-president, was the choice of the meeting.
The Methodist concert held last week was very well attended considering the busy time. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr. Rowan and this programme started with a chorus entitled Welcome; recitation, Ray Ellis; solo by Mrs. Clawson; play entitled "An Interrupted Proposal"; song by Mrs. Clawson and Mr. Snelgrove; dialog, Out All Around; recitation by Miss Tyndall and the play "My Turn Next" was very well done; chorus, "Good Night." The evening came to a close about midnight. Refreshments and ice cream were served, dancing was kept up till early morning.
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. T. Shannon died last week. The funeral service was taken at the home by the Rev. H.H. Scrase. Quite a number came and showed their sympathy and proceeded to the cemetery when the committal service was held.
A social and dance is to be held at the home of Mrs. W. King on Tuesday evening, June 7th at 8:30. Admission 10 cents. Proceeds for the Women's Auxiliary.
John Bolinski made a trip to Dauphin last week. Our roads are now in fairly good shape for travelling.
F.B. Lacey has been instrumental in starting another school in | 368 |
'Less Stress, More Success': Kellie Harrington On Staying Amateur
Irish Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington has confirmed that she will stay in the amateur ranks despite her heroics in Tokyo last month.
Harrington's future in amateur boxing has been the subject of much talk since returning home from Tokyo.
But she has put an end to that speculation by deciding to remain in the amateur game during a slightly surreal interview on the Late Late Show last night.
"I've made the decision, I'm going to stay amateur," Harrington told Ryan Tubridy from the back of a car. "It's not always about money."
"Less stress, more success"
Wise words from Olympic hero Kellie Harrington on why she won't be turning pro. (Whilst getting a lift from Ryan and managing to keep a straight face 😂) #LateLate | @Kelly64kg pic.twitter.com/7ozMejgPSi
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) September 3, 2021
Harrington has received offers to join the professional ranks since winning gold in Tokyo.
But not even the lure of professional sport could make her leave amateur boxing, an arena where she has had unprecedented success.
"That's what people are saying - 'You can make a fortune out of this, you can go for that fight, you can go for this fight' and what have you. I just want to be amateur," she said.
Kellie Harrington Stays In The Amateur Boxing Ranks
"I'm very happy. I'm supported by Team Ireland and I have a great team with the set-up.
"They'll have half of my half of my half a million, do you know what I mean?
"Less stress, more success."
As recently as last month, Harrington explained that she has no interest in seeking the fame or money that comes with success.
So,<|fim_middle|>Going forward, her decision to stay means that she has yet another chance to win Olympic gold in Paris in 2024.
And that can only be a good thing going forward for Team Ireland and her hopes of more Olympic success.
SEE ALSO: Kellie Harrington: Fair City In Tokyo, Tourism In Portland Row, And Going Pro?
Kellie Harrington: Fair City In Tokyo, Tourism In Portland Row, And Going Pro?
By John Dodge
The State Of Play For Irish Olympic Sport - How Are We Fixed For Paris 2024?
'What Is Fame? I'm All About Humility': Sublime Kellie Harrington Touches Down In Dublin
2020 Olympics Amateur boxing Boxing kellie harrington
Andrew Dempsey
See more from Andrew Dempsey | perhaps it is no surprise that she has opted to stay in the amateur ranks.
"I'm not a fame-hogger or anything like that. That's not me. What is fame? I'm all about humility," she said.
"You can be famous and you know what. But my people are in my community and that's what means the most to me."
| 73 |
Master Legend
Alias(es): Steve Vincent
Identity: Unknown
Alter Ego: Unknown
Category: Community Service, Crime Fighting, Social Activist
Location: Winter Park, FL, USA
Eccentric, eclectic and heroic to the core, Master Legend is of a category unto himself. Quite possibly the most colorful of the Real Life Superhero community, his outsized personality and sometimes over-the-top energy are exceeded only by the utter sincerity of his convictions, and the sheer enormity of his heart. A heart he puts to near-constant use in his community of Orlando, FL.
Master Legend views his mission as multifaceted, especially given his diverse interests. A regular fixture on his city's streets, handing out bottles of water to the homeless on hot days, running Christmas toy drives for local hospitals, and helping the elderly, he also prides himself on his ability to adapt to any given situation. "I am a fighter, along with being a person who helps people," he says. "I'm not afraid to bust heads. And I also do handyman stuff."
Raised by his parents in the presence of the Ku Klux Klan, Master Legend found his way free of that poisonous situation as early as the 2nd grade when he found it within himself to take out the class bully. "I came at him outta nowhere, dressed in a cape and mask I made out of an old t-shirt, then quick-changed my clothes so he didn't know. And after then, he never knew when that masked guy was gonna jump out of that corner again."
And from there, things get a little creative, spurred by his spiritual life experience, encompassing both Christianity and Louisianan Voodou traditions.
"I was born with a veil on my face," he confides, "and I use my powers from that all the time. But when I tell people, they get scared. See, I've died two times, and the second time a lot of wisdom was revealed to me. I have a divided spirit—when I came back, I did so with only half a spirit, half of me got divided in the metaphysical world," he reveals. "I am able to do amazing things with my missing half. I have no fear for myself, just for others, I worry about everyone else. People wanna see something, and I give 'em a show. I show 'em a wild time."
Over the years, Master Legend's candor and unpredictability have earned him a good deal of attention—and the word has been decidedly mixed. But keeping his eyes firmly on the prize, he takes it all in stride. "There's always someone putting their own intention behind it, but I accomplish my mission everyday," he states. "People all around the world know of me and my work, but I've kept a sense of humor about it all. I'm a fast person, and that's how I try to accomplish things."
And it is those accomplishments—from forming team Justice, Inc.
the first officially-recognized, tax-exempt non-profit for Real Life Superheroes, to the slightly more incredulous tales of psychic interventions and superhuman trials—that find Master Legend with one foot in the realm of the mainstream Superhero movement, and one in a world all his own. No one is perfect, we all must live with our shortcomings. But it is by working through those imperfections that a hero finds his or her footing, and the path to making a positive difference in the world. And that is Master Legend's course.
"You have to have a vision," he<|fim_middle|>. And if you do, if you wish it and will it with everything you got, one day, eventually, you'll reach it."
About Illya King
Creator of Totally Naked Man (https://totallynakedman.com/) and The Schlub (https://theschlub.com/). Web Developer and Designer. Pronouns: His, him, he
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We're as passionate about firearms as the thousands of hunting and shooting enthusiasts we serve and support. Since 1967, Thompson/Center Arms has been synonymous with firearms that stand up in the toughest situations and perform when it counts. With features like interchangeable barrels, 5R rifling and uncompromised quality and design, Thompson/Center is the brand that delivers value and reliability you won't find anywhere else. Perhaps that's why today's top hunters rely on T/C.
Thompson/Center Arms is proud to offer American-made quality while backing it up with knowledgeable support and a lifetime warranty. We know that missed moments can't be refunded and there is no replacement value for the trophy that got away. We know that there are only so many shots of a lifetime out there, and we're ready for each one.
Below you'll find helpful resources to answer your questions about our hunting firearms. Or see our Contact Us page to contact a customer service representative directly.
T/C Accessories Rec | 201 |
Held alongside the London Bike Show, the London Triathlon Plus Show is being launched next February, running February 13th to 16th at ExCeL, London.
Organiser VOS Media, a subsidiary of Telegraph Media Group (TMG), will run the show in partnership with the publishers of Triathlon Plus magazine and TriRadar.com, Future.
<|fim_middle|>014 season gets underway.
Geraldine Reeve, VOS Media's group show director, commented: "After the success and fast paced-growth of The London Bike Show, we are dedicated to replicating this success with the London Triathlon Plus Show. The Show will provide the perfect opportunity for exhibitors to get their products out to a large, engaged audience. Triathlon adds a new dimension to our offering at ExCeL and will attract a number of new exhibitors and visitors.
"Working closely with our owners, TMG, and Future we'll be able to promote the show to a huge, nationwide audience and provide the triathlon industry with a show reaching current and potential triathletes. | Targeting experienced triathletes as well as those new to the sport, the show will exhibit new clothing, equipment and accessories, provide opportunities to meet world class triathletes, offer training advice, 1-2-1 assessments and information on events and training camps – all before the 2 | 60 |
The City of I-O Love
by Stephany Below, SIOP Communications Manager
SIOP's 30th Annual Conference Boasts Third Highest Attendance Ever!
The "City of Brotherly Love" gave a warm welcome to more than 4,300 industrial-organizational psychologists from around the world April 23-25, as SIOP celebrated its 30th Annual SIOP Conference in Philadelphia.
With 4,325 registrants, this year's conference was the third highest attended conference SIOP has ever held, behind Chicago and New York City. The culminating event of the year for SIOP was once again buzzing with the latest research and practice in I-O psychology.
The conference, always a highlight of SIOP's year, was held at the Philadelphia Marriott, located near many of Philadelphia's most famous sites. Attendees could enjoy all of the sessions and fun at the SIOP conference and then make the quick walk across the street to the famous Reading Terminal Market for a wide array of food and shopping choices. Philadelphia's historic sites and landmarks, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, were also within walking distance of this year's hotel.
As always, the conference was preceded by a variety of workshops in which attendees could gain in-depth insight on specialized topics. The workshops were very popular this year, with nearly 300 attendees participating in eleven engaging topics.
The SIOP Visibility Committee once again organized a Top Minds and Bottom Lines event Wednesday night to reach out to local business leaders and HR practitioners about the science and practice of I-O psychology. The event, titled "Developing Women Leaders: Evidence-Based Approaches from Academia, Consulting, and Corporate Experts" was led by Jolene Skinner, with presentations by Mikki Hebl, Lorraine Stomski, and Anna Marie Valerio. The event attracted around 30 local students and professionals.
The SIOP Foundation also held its annual dessert reception Wednesday evening, which included the presentation of Foundation awards, fellowships, scholarships, and grants.
The opening plenary kicked off the conference Thursday morning with Conference Chair Eden King welcoming attendees to Philadelphia and then introducing Awards Chair David Baker, who presented this year's recipients. (See the awards story this week for a complete list of winners!) This year, the SIOP Foundation was especially proud to present the inaugural Dunnette Prize to Frank L. Schmidt. This award is designed to honor living individuals whose work has significantly expanded knowledge of the causal significance of individual differences through advanced research, development, and/or application. With a $50,000 cash award, the Dunnette Prize is the most significant ever presented by SIOP.
Fellowship Chair Ron<|fim_middle|> Bob Muschewske, Stephany Below, and Jen Baker. | Landis presented the 26 newest Fellows, elected to the honor for their outstanding contributions of performance in I-O psychology through research, practice, teaching, administration and professional service. (The SIOP Fellows are listed in a full article here.) Foundation President Milt Hakel also brought members up to date on the Foundation's activities.
Incoming president Steve Kozlowski announced the presidential address of outgoing president Jose Cortina with a humorous overview of Cortina's career and accomplishments, including childhood photos and an homage to Cortina's numerous talents and hobbies. Kozlowksi then continued with an overview of Cortina's many career accomplishments as well as an introduction to his passion, "to advance rigorous research methods" and "to discourage the dubious practices of 'torturing data' and 'cherry picking' analyses to support a priori hypotheses 'that are anything but'."
Cortina's address focused on his presidential theme, titled "The Revolution with a Solution: Culling the Madness from our Methods." During his address, Cortina first thanked his wife, his collaborators, mentors, and various other I-O psychologists and colleagues who have helped build his career, including his mother. He then continued to explain that "We have a review process that has been too ad hoc and driven by the wrong forces for too long" and outlined various issues and problems with review processes in I-O publications. Cortina encouraged SIOP members to start a "revolution" and fix some of these issues for the sake of better research and practice. (Watch the entire video of the Opening Plenary address later this month on SIOP's YouTube channel.)
Following the plenary, the conference continued with more than 800 symposia, panels, posters, special events, and presentations on a wide variety of topics ranging from "Getting Rid of Performance Ratings: Genius or Folly?" to "Uncharted Waters: Navigating Selection, Disclosure, and Employees With Disabilities." Other topics included women in leadership, workplace deviance, bullying, incivility, an aging workforce, talent management strategies, workplace teams, the impact of cultural differences in the workplace, worker turnover, mergers and acquisitions, workplace surveys, employment testing, hiring, social media in the workplace, and work and family issues.
Thursday offered several Theme Track sessions focusing on "Rethinking Our Approach to Organizational Science." New this year was the HR Practitioner Track. The SIOP Program Committee assembled this highlighted track for those with specific interests in the practice of HR. All of the sessions were held in the same room on Friday, and included topics such as "Developing Human Resources Standards: Tools for Organizational Effectiveness" and "Data Science in Human Capital Research and Analytics."
The rest of the conference continued with hundreds of sessions, including invited speakers, panel discussion, master tutorials, Communities of Interest, Friday Seminars, and poster sessions.
A highlight of any conference is the opportunity to network, greet colleagues, and meet new friends. SIOP offered plenty of venues for those exchanges, including several lovely receptions for everyone as well as special receptions for international members, and LGBT and alumni groups.
The Exhibit Hall was bustling with visitors Thursday and Friday, with attendees engaging with representatives at nearly 60 booths. In the exhibit hall, attendees were able to ask questions, gather literature, test samples, and chat with representatives from some of the leading organizations in the I-O field. Cambridge University Press was also present to, among other things, present the new look of SIOP's journal, Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice.
Just outside of the exhibit hall, attendees could view the SIOP time capsule, which was formally presented at the opening plenary. SIOP Historian Jeff Cucina will gather items for the capsule, and later this year, it will be sealed for 30 years. It will be unveiled and opened at the 2045 SIOP conference to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Division 14 and the 60th SIOP conference. (Learn more about this project here! If you would like to suggest an item to be donated for the capsule, please send your suggestion to jcucina@gmail.com.)
Other popular spots were the Wi-Fi lounge and the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) social media booth in the exhibit hall. At the social media booth, SIOP's ECC members handed out SIOP and conference swag—t-shirts, water bottles, mugs, luggage tags, and sticky notes—to attendees who participated in SIOP's social media coverage of the event. Visitors could stop by and learn about SIOP's social media platforms or take a seat to watch the live Twitter feed from the conference. SIOP's Twitter presence was especially robust this year, with many attendees posting about their favorite sessions and SIOP conference experiences.
The conference also included several professional development opportunities, such as CE sessions, the always-busy Placement Center, and the sixth annual speed mentoring event, where attendees discussed various pertinent I-O topics with seasoned professionals. For the second year, attendees could participate in the popular Science Funding Speed Mentoring event as well. As a part of SIOP's efforts to strengthen the science foundation of I-O psychology, this event aimed at assisting participants interested in pursuing scientific funding opportunities.
Bright and early Friday morning, SIOP greeted runners taking part in the 23rd annual Frank Landy 5k Run, coordinated by Paul Sackett. Participants ran through a beautiful course at Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River, a short bus ride or a modest warm-up jog from the hotel.
To round out the conference, SIOP outgoing president Jose Cortina introduced the closing keynote speaker and also thanked the many people who made the conference a success, including Conference Chair Eden King, Program Chair Kristen Shockley, members of the Conference Committee, the many volunteers and the SIOP Administrative Office.
The closing keynote address was given by Amanda Cox, data visualization expert and Graphics Editor at The New York Times. Cox gave an overview of data visualization, providing various interesting and useful examples from her work at the Times as well as others' work. Her address was one of the most well-attended in SIOP's history, and the crowd enjoyed Cox's mixture of engaging information and humor.
Outgoing SIOP President Jose Cortina then passed the ceremonial gavel to incoming President Steve Kozlowski, who outlined his goals for the coming year. During his address, President Kozlowski praised the SIOP leadership for being proactive in promoting the I-O brand, but also explained that he believes "lasting systemic change comes from the bottom-up." Kozlowski outlined some of his goals for SIOP over the next year, including expanding horizons to enhance impact, promoting translational and evidence-based practice, and leveraging self-organization.
We need to better fuse science findings and evidence-based practice, he said.
"It's about finding those real-world problems where the science can actually make a difference," he added.
This goals aren't going to happen from the top, he continued. This is really something that needs to happen from the bottom-up.
"We need to develop an infrastructure that enables engaged and like-minded I-O psychologists to self-organize," he explained. "Because… it's a signaling mechanism, for the leadership to understand what is important to the membership." (Check out SIOP's YouTube page later this month for a video of the closing plenary session!)
The conference concluded with a hopping Philadelphia Bandstand reception that featured music from the 1950s and beyond, giant vinyl record décor, and sample of some of Philadelphia's iconic cuisine, including a Philly cheesesteak station and soft pretzels.
Next year's SIOP Conference will take place April 14-16 in Anaheim, California at the Hilton, so begin making your plans now!
We hope to see you next year in sunny Anaheim!
Photo credit: Clif Boutelle, | 1,623 |
Trouble acting normal
Eclectic Playlist Series 9.08 (August 2022)
Maybe it's the heat, maybe it's the hiatus, or maybe it's the ever-unfolding perturbations of life in the 2020s, but I'm going to let the music do the talking this month. For a few enlightening details on a few of this month's songs, scroll down past the playlist and the widget.
1. "Every One of Us" – Goldrush (The Heart is the Place, 2007)
2. "Dog & Butterfly" – Heart (Dog & Butterfly, 1978)
3. "Harps" – The Sea and Cake (Runner, 2012)
4.<|fim_middle|> surprising and satisfying winner from La Havas's 2020 self-titled album.
* I programmed the old-school R.E.M. song "1,000,000" into this mix just because it seemed like a good idea, which is pretty much how I put these together in general. Only after I slotted it in did I find out that the band's debut EP Chronic Town, where it comes from, which is 40 years old this year, was being released–last week–for the first time as a standalone CD, with a bunch of new liner notes from Mitch Easter, who produced it. I enjoy a good synchronicity whenever I encounter one.
* In our current pop cultural moment, Leslie Uggams is known, if at all, for roles in the Deadpool movies and in the television series Empire. But the 79-year-old actress/singer has been in show business and recording singles since she was a child in the 1950s. As a teenager, she was a regular on NBC's popular Sing Along With Mitch series, a show that seems preposterous now but was a thing for a few strange early-'60s years. Then there was the probably inevitable effort to establish her as an R&B singer, which to these ears sounded pretty promising, if 1965's "Don't You Even Care," on Atlantic Records, is any indication. But she soon found her niche in more pop- and/or musical-theater-oriented material, and landed in 1969 as the host of The Leslie Uggams Show on ABC, which was the first network variety show hosted by a Black woman. Since then she's had a multi-faceted career including a star turn on the original Roots mini-series and a lot of varied stage work. MCUers can expect her back as Blind Al when Dead Pool 3 eventually emerges.
* I have long-standing admiration for the Spanish singer Christina Rosenvinge, who ditched a successful pop career as half of the duo Alex y Christina in the late '80s for a more offbeat, soul-searching, and substantive solo career; she's worked off and on as an actress as well. Openly critical of the misogyny she has encountered over the years in the music industry, she is likewise vocal in her support of the LGBTQ community, as this new single of hers demonstrates. I stumbled on it in Spotify but haven't seen it talked about in any English-speaking media, so you can be the first on your block to check it out.
* And then there's Ron Sexsmith, the Canadian troubadour with a extraordinarily consistent–and consistently overlooked–catalog of recorded music, with 14 quality studio albums now to his credit, dating back to his self-titled debut in 1995. What he does is neither ever in fashion nor quite out of fashion but boy does he do it well. Every album of his contains hidden gems, perhaps none gemmier and more hidden than "Dandelion Wine," from his fine 2004 effort, Retriever. (The album received stellar reviews on both Pitchfork and AllMusic, with neither mentioning this song among the highlights.) His most recent release is 2020's Hermitage, which I still haven't caught up with, but I will note that his previous album, 2017's The Last Rider, ranks up there with his best.
* There's no standout segue this month but the best one may be "Round Here" into "Ese Chico"; I can definitely nominate a worst segue, which would be "1,000,000" into "She Loves the Way They Love Her"–it was one of those that was almost brilliant but in missing by a little it's kind of a clunker. Apologies to the deep listeners among you.
Author jeremyfingertipsPosted on August 23, 2022 August 23, 2022 Categories playlist
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Next Next post: Push off the bottom | "Falling Down the Stairs" – Even As We Speak (Feral Pop Frenzy, 1993)
5. "Weird Fishes" – Lianne La Havas (Lianne La Havas, 2020)
6. "Reptile" – The Church (Starfish, 1988)
7. "The Planets" – The Clear (Patchwork, 2017)
8. "Pavement Cracks" – Annie Lennox (Bare, 2003)
9. "Bones" – Soccer Mommy (Sometimes, Forever, 2022)
10. "1,000,000" – R.E.M. (Chronic Town EP, 1982)
11. "She Loves the Way They Love Her" – Colin Blustone (One Year, 1971)
12. "Small Pony" – Dott (Swoon, 2013)
13. "Don't You Even Care" – Leslie Uggams (single, 1965)
14. "What About Now" – Robbie Robertson (Storyville, 1991)
15. "Mirage" – Jean-Luc Ponty (Enigmatic Ocean, 1977)
16. "Dandelion Wine" – Ron Sexsmith (Retriever, 2004)
17. "Round Here" – Counting Crows (August and Everything After, 1993)
18. "Ese Chico" – Christina Rosenvinge (single, 2022)
19. "Bigmouth Strikes Again" – The Smiths (The Queen is Dead, 1986)
20. "Come All Ye" – Fairport Convention (Liege & Leaf, 1969)
Odds and ends:
* Sometimes Wikipedia is enlightening, sometimes it's weirdly dense, and other times it's just plain sad–and here I'm thinking about the way the information can just stop, page abandoned (but still online) because a band has ended its life without fanfare or notice. A page can go from being updated by various fans and observers to being deserted seemingly in midstream, with no one even bothering to change the present-tense intro ("XYZ are a band from…") to past tense ("XYZ were a band…"). The Oxford, UK-based band Goldrush seems to have suffered this fate, despite being a band with a certain amount of notice and success in indie rock's early-21st-century halcyon years. I don't claim for Goldrush an undue amount of praise but I did feature them twice in the '00s, and in particular loved "Every One of Us," which I still find deep and affecting.
* With its bedroom rock ambiance, hazy vocals, and midtempo stasis, Soccer Mommy's song "Bones" could've veered into a faceless mush but instead elevates to fabulous via the anchor of a terrific, poignant chorus melody. And don't miss the increasingly frantic guitar work that dominates the last third of the song. Soccer Mommy is the Nashville-based singer/songwriter Sophie Allison; "Bones" is the opening track on Sometimes, Forever, her excellent third album, which was released in June.
* For a minute there in the 1970s, Jean-Luc Ponty was the planet's most famous electric violinist. After working with Frank Zappa, Elton John, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, among other notables, he recorded a string of solo albums that collectively sold in the millions. His most recent project seems to have been 2015's collaboration with Jon Anderson, the Yes front man, on an album called Better Late Than Never. Ponty will turn 80 next month. The track featured here comes from his mainstream heyday, 1977's Enigmatic Ocean.
* I find it delightful that Lianne La Havas would even think of covering Radiohead's "Weird Fishes," independent of what the finished product sounds like. Watching talent seek talent is invigorating. And yet, not surprisingly, the end result is a marvel–an unexpected showcase for La Havas's uncanny vocal prowess on the one hand, and for the emotional resonance, on the other, of a song that always intrigued but seemed, previously, a bit too abstract for its own good. It's a | 948 |
How to: Get Started with Blackberry.
It used to be that getting photos and video on and off your Blackberry was a complicated process. The arrival of the Media Sync software however has changed all that. Now simply connect your phone up and transfer music directly from iTunes playlists. The music player app included with Blackberry OS 6.0 handsets is pretty decent and the expandable micro SD memory means you can carry plenty of<|fim_middle|> of that of Android or iPhone but it comes close. Streaming video on your phone is great but do remember it uses up plenty of your monthly data allowance. | songs with you.
Most handsets come with BBM pre-installed. But if for some reason yours doesn't download it. It is a speedy instant messenger client for communication between Blackberry phones.
One of the best reasons to own a Blackberry is the way in which it handles email. Simply enter your email address and password into the email setup option and you are away.
Facebook doesn't have to be a PC only thing. The Facebook app for Blackberry is extremely good and integrates well into the smartphone. Any posts on your wall or messages from friends are sent straight to the handsets notifications, without you having to open the app.
The YouTube app on Blackberry OS 6.0 is pretty darn good. Not quite the quality | 149 |
New Heart of Texas is a Ministry which guides women and men through a healing process to find wholeness and forgiveness from the pain of abortion through Rachel's Vineyard Retreats.<|fim_middle|> experience forgiveness. Peace is found. Lives are restored. A sense of hope and a meaningful future is finally revealed. | Rachel's Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. These retreats offer a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment where women and men can express, release, and reconcile painful emotions and begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing.
Rachel's Vineyard helps participants experience God's love and compassion on a deeply profound level. It creates a place where women and men can share, often for the first time, their deepest feelings about abortion. They are allowed to uncover troubling secrets in an environment of emotional and spiritual safety.
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats are therapeutic for the soul. Participants, who have been trapped in anger towards themselves or others, | 140 |
Event Festivities – 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Learning Foundation and Performing Arts- Warner Campus is a K-6 charter school with emphasis in music, theatre, and dance. LFPA's performance teams include a show choir, The Leading Tones, and a dance team, Energy. They have performed all over town sharing songs of all styles, including pop, rock, Broadway, and hip hop.
The Dance Loft is located on Germann Rd, just west of Gilbert Rd, and offers dance instruction for ages 2 thru 18 in the dance styles of Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical<|fim_middle|>ancestudio.com.
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting is seeking vendors to participate in this year's event. Interested vendors must submit an application either online or by mail to the City of Chandler.
Applications are no longer being accepted. Please check back in September 2018 for the 2018 Tree Lighting Vendor application.
For information on being a vendor, please contact Special.Events@chandleraz.gov or 480-782-2669. | , Tap, Theatre, and Tumbling. Their state-of-the-art studio consists of five large dance rooms with true floating Marley floors that are designed to assist with injury prevention and aid in the technical excellence of our dancers. The Dance Loft is dedicated in sharing their passion of dance with all … stop by for a visit today.
Arizona Dance Studio locally owned and operated by a Arizona native. Offering a variety of classes for boy and girls ages 2 to adult in tap, jazz, ballet, tumbling, and much more. Their mission at Arizona Dance Studio is to provide excellent dance education in a caring and compassionate environment, which encourages the growth and development of the individual student, while developing character qualities, which will last a lifetime. Arizona Dance Studios' unique approach to dance instruction nurtures these concepts in a non-competitive atmosphere. Visit them at their new location on the South West corner of Arizona Ave and Riggs Rd. For more information visit us at www.arizonad | 196 |
John Gronski
Leader Grove
Iron-Sharpened Leadership and Resilience Training: Somerset
The Iron-Sharpened Leadership and Resiliency Workshop is an exciting and inspirational two-day course for aspiring leaders and those already in leadership positions within the law enforcement community and other sectors who want to sharpen their leadership skills and strengthen their resiliency. The course will be interactive and will include small group breakout sessions.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch or there are facilities to purchase lunch within 15 minutes of the classroom.
Dates: April 21 and 22, 2022
Day One, April 21: Sign in and gather at 0800. The course will begin at 8:30a.m. There will be a<|fim_middle|> me catch my breath and it was then that I knew I was going to be unstoppable.
My mother died when I was nine years old. When you are left without that single most important female role model, you begin to take stock of who you are and what you are going to do in life. My mother's parents raised me to be a strong woman. They were dead by the time I finished college. The Italian family was gone, so I joined the military to be part of something bigger than myself and vowed to be a leader. I had a story to tell and lives to touch. I knew that at a young age.
I was part of the very first female integrated basic training class at Ft. Dix New Jersey in 1980 and learned very quickly what I was made of. I returned home to join the 28th Infantry Division Judge Advocate General Corps where I served as a Senior Paralegal NCOIC. I served with them for 34 years during which I saw the very worst of human behavior.
While serving in the PAARNG as a reservist, I pursued a successful civilian career as a senior paralegal, a law office manager and then the Legal Studies Division Chair at Central Pennsylvania College where I taught and directed three academic programs for 17 years and mentored many young men and women who needed guidance.
In 2002 I went on active duty with the Guard, serving with SFOR XII in Bosnia Herzgovenia and then a combat tour in Iraq in 2009 with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade. One can never unsee what war looks like. It leaves an indelible mark on the soul. When I returned home from Iraq, sounds, situations and environments that I knew before my deployment, became a threat to me and, like many of my male comrades, I felt best in isolation, so I stayed inside my house for weeks and did not re-engage with my friends.
Luckily, in Iraq my comrades taught me yoga and also how to salsa dance. Both calmed my psyche and enabled me to reconnect to my strength and endurance. So when I returned home I continued to dance as a coping strategy for PTSD. Today I am an avid ballroom dancer for the same reason. My story of reintegration is published in three resilience books, one of which is a U.S. Army reintegration medical manual.
Following my combat tour, I began working with the Resilience Directorate at Ft. Indiantown Gap where I became a resilience instructor, state resilience coordinator and a Master Resilience Trainer, training soldiers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in resilience strategies for coping with trauma, loss and adversity.
I retired from the military as a Sergeant Major in 2014. I am currently employed as a Federal Contractor for the Service Member and Family Support Service branch of the PA Army National Guard as the Risk Reduction Coordinator, (formerly Alcohol & Drug Control Officer). I am also the proud CEO of PA DanceSport Ballroom in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a veteran owned business, where I employ six teachers of dance, one of whom is a current member of the PA Army National Guard and the other an 82 nd Airborne Ranger.
In 2021 I competed and won the title of Ms. PA Senior America. I am the first female veteran to hold the title and my platform is increasing the visibility and relevance of PA's 60,000 female veterans. Today, I seek to inspire others to continue to adapt, renew and tackle adversity with vigor and confidence through all stages of life, especially those who live with PTSD.
Testimonials about Iron-Sharpened Leadership and Resiliency Workshop
"On behalf of me and my agency I wanted to extend my sincere gratitude for the last two days of training, education, and motivation. I reference my entire agency because they are going to benefit from everything I learned from you about being a better and stronger leader. John, I look forward to reading your book and sharing everything I learned over the last two days with my guys. Thank you again and I hope to have the opportunity to hear you speak again. " Sgt. Bryan Macartney #516 Branchburg Twp Police Department
"General Gronski's iron sharpened leadership book and course are valuable tools for leaders in all professions. As a physician I have attended numerous leadership courses and workshops that use key words and catch phrases but fail to provide useful tools. General Gronski's approach provides useful effective training that can be put into practice immediately. His emphasis on the pillars of good leadership involving character and responsibility is refreshing and realistic. He seems to have an uncanny ability to explain human behavior and motivation. He is a charismatic speaker who humbly shares his military leadership experience and combines it with an unmatched academic mastery of the subject. His teachings produce introspective leaders who lead by example and continue to grow." Michael Kelly, D.O.
"We were honored to host the first leadership and resiliency seminar / workshop for law enforcement leadership and aspiring leaders in New Jersey. Major General John Gronski was the keynote speaker and leader of the workshop. The two-day seminar taught a variety of leadership lessons and resiliency strategies based on the experience of the presenter. As the resiliency officer I look forward to making this a yearly event. The message is both powerful and timeless and I can't thank John Gronski enough for his passion and dedication. In 23 years, this was the most impactful and powerful training I have ever attended." – SGT Andrew Berkery, West Orange, NJ Police Department
"It was a great experience. The workshop was amazing. Thank you." Police Captain Richard McDonald, West Orange, NJ Police Department
"Great leadership and resiliency training." Lt. Robert Osborne, City of Bristol, CT Police Department
"General Gronski, thank you for your commitment to sharing your powerful life lessons to help us learn what it takes to be better leaders. Your class was very inspirational, and I have started to implement many of your teachings into the field. It was an honor meeting you sir." Captain Luis R. Perez NJ Transit Police
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© 2022, Leader Grove Store Powered by Melior | one-hour lunch and the course will end at approximately 4:30p.m.
Day Two, April 22: Sign in and gather at 0800. The course will begin at 8:30a.m. There will be a working lunch and the course will end at approximately 3:30p.m. We recommend you bring your lunch on day two.
Location: Somerset County Police Academy, 402 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ
All participants will receive a copy of the book "Iron-Sharpened Leadership"
and a certificate of training at the completion of the course.
How this course will benefit you:
This course provides tools and techniques that will enable you to become a better character-based, servant-leader. You will learn ways to identify your core values and grow trust among those you lead and work with. This course will improve your communication, listening skills, and team dynamics. You will learn decision making skills. You will learn tools and techniques to develop your own resiliency and help those you lead and work with to become more resilient. The result is a more effective and high-performing organization.
Cost: $185 for the entire two-day course.
Organizations may use purchase orders. The PO should include the position and name of the people attending along with individual mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Email the purchase orders to John@JohnGronski.com
Organizations or individuals may use credit cards by utilizing this eCommerce site.
Dress Code: Comfortable, casual, professional.
Questions: Direct questions to John Gronski at John@JohnGronski.com Phone 610-463-5492
Major General John L. Gronski (US Army, Retired)
When John Gronski graduated from the US Army's elite Ranger School in 1990, he was 34 years old, and was the oldest student in his class to make it through the rigorous course. He still remembers a Ranger Non-Commissioned Officer offering this advice at the end of the course, "Now that you have earned that Ranger tab, you have to prove you deserve it every single day." John has been trying to prove himself every day since and believes that self-discipline is the key to success. John believes one must look for opportunities to leave one's comfort zone and seek challenges to develop resiliency.
One of the biggest challenges of John's life was commanding 5,000 Soldiers and Marines in Ramadi, Iraq in 2005 and 2006, At that time Ramadi was known as the most dangerous place on earth. It was there that John saw exactly how important every member of the team was. When the wolf is at the door there is no room for arrogance and leaders must have the ability to communicate and instill "purpose" into the team.
John's leadership philosophy is based on character, competence, and resilience. Even though John has over 40 years of leadership experience in trying conditions in both the military and civilian sectors, John is still on a journey to become an even stronger leader. John is highly respected for his operational leadership experience and is a leadership trainer popular with law enforcement and civilian executives alike due to his "muddy boots" style of getting out with those he leads and setting the example.
Major General John Gronski (USA, Ret.) served 40 years in the United States Army both on active duty and in the Pennsylvania National Guard. John has commanded infantry units at every level from a 140 Soldier company to a 15,000 Soldier division. John is a decorated combat Veteran and has served overseas four times during his career. He attended numerous Army schools to include the US Army War College, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Ranger School, and Airborne School.
John has an MBA from Penn State Great Valley and a Master of Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. He is the founder and CEO of Leader Grove, LLC, a leadership consulting firm. John is an experienced leadership trainer, international speaker, and executive coach.
John is the author of two books. "Iron-Sharpened Leadership" is a leadership book grounded on John's leadership philosophy and fraught with inspiring stories and lessons learned over John's extensive career in the military and private sector. "The Ride of Our Lives" is a book about a transcontinental bicycle adventure John embarked on with his wife and 15-month-old son in 1983.
John and his wife Berti have been married for over 41 years. They have two sons. Stephen served in the United States Marine Corps and works with the reservation maintenance department at Ft. Indiantown Gap. Timothy served in the United States Army and had combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and is now a Pennsylvania State Trooper. They are also blessed with grandson Kevin and granddaughter Emma.
Sergeant Major JoAnn Tresco (US Army, Retired)
I grew up in an Italian American home in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the Sunday dinner table was full of veterans who were nothing short of heroes. My cousin survived the Bataan Death March and surprised everyone in our family by returning home alive. His mere presence made | 1,072 |
The Babylonians may have been the first people to take censuses around 4000 BC, using them to determine<|fim_middle|>5 AD. This included the number of people, their age and where they lived.
England's William the Conqueror arranged a count of landowners and their land and stock in 1086, including values, for tax purposes. The details recorded became known as the Book of Judgment or Doomsday Book and its contents became law and could not be appealed against.
Jerusalem took a census in 1183 to count the number of men and amount of money that could be used in case Egypt and Syria invaded.
In the 15th century, the Incas, who did not have writing, recorded census and other data on quipus made of many llama or alpaca hairs with small knots, using a base ten system. | how much food was required. They used clay tiles to record census data.
Censuses were conducted in ancient Egypt in the Pharaonic period in 3340 and 3050 BC. By the second millennium BC, the Egyptians took regular censuses for tax purposes and military recruitment. Around 600 AD, an Egyptian census recorded people's ages and residences.
The oldest census for which data are still available was held in China sometime before the Xia Dynasty which started about 2070 BC. It counted 13 million people. A census in 2 AD counted 57.67 million people in 12.36 million households in China, which must have been an enormous task without modern transport and technology.
Ancient Israel held a number of censuses and these are mentioned in the Bible, the first by King David and another by his son King Solomon in the 10th century BC. Other censuses were held around the 6th century BC before and after the exodus. According to Luke, a census was underway when Jesus was born.
Regular five-yearly censuses in ancient Rome started in the 6th century BC by Roman king Servius Tillius. They were used for administrative purposes and to calculate taxes. At census time, everyone was expected to return to the birthplace of the household head to be counted.
The first censuses in India were around the 3rd century BC for taxation purposes and included population, economic and agricultural censuses.
The Caliphate, the overarching Islamic government, held regular censuses from about 63 | 335 |
This past week was pi week, and for those of us that don't do math it was pie week. Which of course means that I made an apple custard pie. Claremont throws a pie festival every year to celebrate this amazing day. Last year I entered a pie into their contest and won. This year I entered this apple custard pie, and I am happy to say it turned out great. Though it did not win, it did receive praises and that is enough for me.
1. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl or food processor; pulse several times at 1-second intervals to mix. If it's in a bowl, just take a whisk to it for a minute.
2. Add the butter. If in a processor, give it a good pulse so no visible pieces remain. If you're using a bowl<|fim_middle|>, make the streusel. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 cup sugar. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in 4 tablespoons of cold butter. Cut until you have pea-sized chunks of butter. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to add it to the pie.
So the first time I made the topping I read 1 1/3 cup sugar, not 1/3 cup sugar. I liked the extra sugar more – it covered the top of the pie more evenly.
Also if you make the topping early it is fine, but make sure you refrigerate it. You want the butter to be chill when you start baking it or it will melt too quickly.
16. Once the pie has baked 20 minutes, remove the pie from the oven and add the streusel topping.
18. Use a pie crust cover*** to cover the crust so it doesn't burn.
If you don't have a pie crust cover, you can just put tinfoil around the edge.
19. Bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes at 375 or until a toothpick comes out clean.
This was the first time I had ever eaten custard before, and it is definitely interesting. I don't think I could eat it on its own, but in pie I am starting to become more open to the idea. The nice thing about this pie is that it has all the textures you want in a single bite. The crust is flaky, the apples are crisp, the custard is creamy, and the topping is crunchy. Though this pie has a lot of layers, they are easy to prep. This pie has something for everybody. | , use a pastry cutter.
3. Use a fork to beat the eggs enough to break them up, and add to the bowl. If in a processor, give it a pulse until it forms a dough. If you do it too much, the dough will become too soft. If you want, you can also knead with your hands; that is my preferred method.
4. Invert the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and gently knead together 3-4 times to make it smooth.
5. Divide the dough into 2 pieces and form them into disks. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. This dough makes two crusts. This particular pie only needs one crust, so if you want you can freeze the second one for up to three months. It will also last three days in the fridge.
6. Before rolling the dough, place it on a floured surface and gently knead until smooth and malleable. Form into a disk again before beginning to roll.
When you roll out pie dough, start from the middle and roll up, then put the rolling pin back in the middle and roll down. Turn the dough and start again. You always want to start in the middle.
Once you have the crust in the pan, you want to poke it with a fork so it does not bubble.
2. Prepare the pie crust and arrange in a DEEP pie plate, crimping edges. Set aside.
I made this pie 3 times in the past month. The first two times I used a 10″ pie tin. I would advise you to use this size. The 3rd time, I used a 9″ tin and I feel like it was cramped. You don't want a pie with no filling.
3. Peel and core the apples. Slice them very thin.
I used 2 Granny Smith, 2 Fuji, and 1 Red Delicious. Most often when you make apple pie you would use Granny Smith, but since the custard is a little tart due to the sour cream you should use a mixture of different apples. You can use whatever one you like, but make sure your apples are crisp.
4. Put them in a bowl and squeeze lemon juice on them after every apple you slice, tossing to coat. This is to add flavor and also to keep the apples from browning.
I actually didn't use the lemon. I just moved to step 5 right away and the apple doesn't brown.
5. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
I don't have a skillet large enough for 5 apples, so I used my dutch oven.
6. Add the apples. If you used a lot of lemon juice, don't add all of it. Add 1 teaspoon maximum.
7. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Turn the heat up to high and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid is bubbling and has reduced somewhat.
I used a sifter to take the apples out of the dutch oven, so then you leave all the extra juice behind. Since apples are juicy, you want the least amount of liquid possible in your pie since once you bake it more will release from the apples.
8. Pour the apples into the unbaked crust and set aside.
9. Make the custard. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, egg yolks and vanilla.
Most the time if you make a custard, you would mix the egg yolks and the sugar first. But since this is made with sour cream, it is better if you mix the sugar in last. I tried it both ways and sugar last is better.
10. Add the sugar and whisk well.
11. Gradually add the flour while whisking. Whisk out any lumps.
12. Pour the custard over the apples, but be careful not to overfill! How much you need depends on the size of your pie pan. I used all but about 1/3 cup of the custard.
13. Place the pie pan on a baking sheet in case it spills over the edge.
14. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. The custard should be starting to set and be golden on top when you take it out of the oven. Decrease the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.
15. Meanwhile | 920 |
Ice cream season is upon us. The weather is warm enough that I've started making ice cream regularly. I have recipes that I like, and I also like creating my own recipes. But I also like trying new recipes from cookbooks.
When I got the book, The Perfect Egg, I realized that the frozen custard was perfect. It calls for a lot of egg yolks - a full dozen of them - which is exactly what I had after making a batch of macarons.
I've made plenty of ice creams that used egg yolks, but usually it's a lot less. Maybe four or even six. Never a dozen for this amount of ice cream. I wondered if it would be overkill. I wondered if the ice cream would taste "eggy."
I<|fim_middle|> custard mixture.
Let the custard cool, stirring occasionally, until it's no longer warm. Cover the top of the custard with plastic wrap (to avoid the chance of it forming a skin). Refrigerate until fully chilled - 8 hours is good, but I usually leave it overnight.
Remove the vanilla bean and churn the mixture in the ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. | shouldn't have worried. The finished ice cream was definitely rich and had a lovely yellow color, but it didn't taste like eggs.
If you're looking for something with a little more flavor than a vanilla custard, there are eight other variations of the ice cream: Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Coffee, Matcha & Black Sesame, Cake Batter, Raspberry & Coconut, Stracciatella, and Blackberry & Merlot.
For more about The Perfect Egg, check out my review.
Combine the cream, half-a-half, and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Scrape the seeds from half of the vanilla bean using the back of a knife, and add the seeds and that half-bean to the saucepan. Heat on medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolved and bubbles start forming around the edge of the pan. Remove from the heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until the eggs are pale yellow and fluffy.
Slowly pour about a cup of the hot cream into the egg mixture, while constantly whisking or stirring the eggs.
Add the now-warmed egg mixture to the cream mixture in the saucepan, while constantly stirring or whisking the cream mixture. Turn the heat back on to medium low, and cook, stirring or whisking constantly, until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon - this means that if you dip the spoon in the mixture and run your finger across the spoon, the line will hold.
Prepare an icebath with a bowl on top of a second bowl that's got ice and some cold water in it. Make sure the top bowl can't actually submerge in the water, even after the ice starts melting. Strain the hot custard through a fine-mesh sieve into the top bowl. Scrape the vanilla seeds from the second half of the vanilla pod and add the seeds and bean to the | 415 |
How was your weekend? Mine was great! I got lots done inside the house and outside.<|fim_middle|> adorable! Thanks so much for sharing at March Madness! | I loved being outside in the warm sunshine. I do believe I got a fair dose of vitamin D! LOL!
Today I have a few little gift bags that I created not too long ago when I attended a scrapping party. Of course everyone else was working on scrap book pages while I constructed my little bunny gift bags!
They are all basically the same, except they each have different papers. Oh and the flowers are all different too.
I used an older Kim Hughes stamp for the hang tag. Its from an Easter set and I love it! I use this set every year several times.
The bunnies are cut out using a Sizzix die that I got a long time ago at Hallmark Scrapbook. Isn't he a cutie? I inked all the edges for definition.
These 3 little bags are for sale in my Etsy shop, but hurry because we are running out of time for me to ship them to you in time for Easter.
These gift bags and tags are simply | 202 |
Jessica and Robert had an amazing wedding! This wedding was the largest bridal party that I have painted to date. It was grandiose and everyone looked beautiful and it was my honor to create this painting for them. The church was one of the biggest I have ever seen and the reception was so well detailed in elegance and was really a grand party that people will be talking about for a very long time. The Bride and Groom were so humble and just so appreciated all that was done for them in their honor and was moved by how their dream wedding came to life right in front of their eyes!!! Rhonda Caldwell with The Main Event, Inc. did an amazing job with the decor! You can tell in the photograph with them with the painting how much in love there were and it was captured in the power of the painting that I created. This is an oil painting, size 16X20 and was painted in Charlotte, NC. I love painting LIVE at weddings and events and creating these unique elements<|fim_middle|> else can. I can travel all over the world to freeze your wonderful moment in time and I am just a phone call away!
Test would love to paint LIVE at your event ~ please call or email today! | that will last a lifetime for the couples that I paint for. My unique gift to finish the portrait before the end of the event really adds a special element to the event that nothing | 36 |
Bartholomeus Klip Private Nature Reserve, Riebeeck-Kasteel.
The farm is situated approximately 1 hour's drive from Cape Town.
On the farm, wheat is the major crop with oats, canola and clover pastures grown on a rotational basis.
The 4 000 merino sheep are kept primarily for their wool.
Visitors enjoy visiting the shearers in the big shed near to the farmhouse, where the wool is shorn, graded and packed into bales.
An interesting and unusual project at Bartholomeus Klip is the breeding of disease-free buffalo.
As most of the buffalo in Southern Africa are infected with corridor disease and foot and mouth disease, "clean" animals are bred to supply game ranches, especially as buffalo are one of the Big Five (the others being lion, elephant, rhino and leopard).
The conservatory-style dining room allows guests to enjoy brunch in the mornings and a four-course menu in the evenings.
The Main House - The main homestead has four bedrooms and an outside suite.
Wild Olive House - Wild Olive House consists of a open-plan sitting room, dining room, equipped kitchen, two double bedrooms, a smaller single room and two bathrooms.
The Cottage - The Cottage is situated in the garden of Wild Olive House and consists of double bedroom, bathroom and small sitting room, and a private verandah overlooking the reserve.
The Deckhouse is situated at the edge of Bartholomeus Klip's lake-sized farm dam and caters for intimate weddings and conferences.
Functions for around 30 people can be arranged with sleeping for 16 in shared accommodation.
A highlight when visiting Bartholomeus Klip, are the morning and evening game drives through the 10 000 acre nature reserve.
The reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest and bontebok.
Also to be seen are zebras from the Quagga Project, which has aroused enormous interest around the world.
This project is aimed at re-breeding the extinct quagga, a zebra-like animal with no stripes on its rump and legs, and reintroducing it into its former habitat.
Probably the most important inhabitant however, is a small creature: the endangered geometric tortoise, one of the world's rarest reptiles.
Among the birdlife that can be seen, are the black eagle (Verreaux's<|fim_middle|>, one of the world's six floral kingdoms, but extraordinarily rich in plant species.
Vegetation in the reserve consists largely of highly endangered renosterveld, which is particularly threatened since it grows on rich soil which has almost entirely been ploughed up for agriculture.
An in-house project has already identified more than 800 species of plants, some of which, such as the Elandsberg candelabra lily, the Elandsberg pea and a new species of pelargonium, the Elandsberg pelargonium, have only ever been found in the reserve.
Activities on the farm are varied, with the game drives being the obvious hightlight. Mountain bikes are provided to cycle through the reserve or along the farm roads and there are plenty of routes to choose for walks.
At the dam guests can take to the water in canoes, go windsurfing, trout fishing or birdwatching. | eagle) that nests in the mountains and an array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors.
The farm falls within the Cape Floral Region | 51 |
thank you all for sharing in our day!
Welcome to our wedding website! After, over 9 years of friendship and dating, we were engaged November 5, 2005. We are incredibly excited about our engagement and upcoming marriage, and have created this website so everyone can share our experiences over the next few months. For those of you who will be attending, all of the information you could ever want<|fim_middle|>, we hope that you will all enjoy it as much as we do.
For all of you who will be coming in from out of town, we have provided you with wonderful suggestions of places to stay. Hopefully, some of you will decide to make a vacation out of this and extend your stay to a full week! | to know about us and our wedding will be available for you here.
We are looking forward to having our wedding in Southeastern Pennsylvania at Paxon Hollow Country Club. We have chosen to get married in Southeastern Pennsylvania as it is where we live and where much of our families are located. The area is absolutely beautiful and full of history | 67 |
The Department of Student Engagement proudly supports over 120 diverse student organizations. We have academic and professional groups; service groups; social and hobby groups; spiritual and cultural groups; and an array of other miscellaneous groups. All groups are created, organized, and run by the students and open to the campus community. Our groups provide a lot of ways our students can get involved outside of their academics, whether they would like to be entertained and have fun or want to build their skills.
The ALPA ACE Club is dedicated to enhancing the culture of professionalism and safety at ERAU, Prescott. ACE Club members are recognized as student leaders who have a desire to better the airline pilot profession, and be example flight students both on and off the fight line. Visit ALPA ACE at The Control Tower.
The Rocket Club on campus. Striving to teach students about high powered rocketry, and safety around high powered rockets. We Compete yearly in the IREC Rocket Competition in Green River, Utah and give students a chance to be a part of our competition team.
Eagle Eye is an analytic intelligence wire prepared by ERAU students. Members will develop analytic and research skills essential in today's Intelligence Community while learning about the world around them. Visit Eagle Eye at The Control Tower.
We build satellites! The Official Club of the ERAU EagleSat Program. Visit the EagleSat Club at The Control Tower.
From team sports to intramural activities and sports clubs, Eagle Athletics represents the very best Embry-Riddle has to offer. Here students develop the skills — physical, social and intellectual — necessary for success. Visit ERAU Intercollegiate Athletics at The Control Tower.
Professional development club for students that have interest in working within the helicopter industry. All majors welcome. Visit the Helicopter Club at The Control Tower.
Wind Ensemble/Orchestra/Jazz Band/Drum Line/Choir. Anyone welcome! Visit the Music Club at The Control Tower.
Women pilots from the surrounding Yavapai area are invited to join the Yavapai Chapter. We sponsor aeronautical events, FAA seminars, and actively promote aviation safety throughout Arizona. Visit Ninety-Nines – Phoenix Chapter at The Control Tower.
The Student Government Association (SGA) is responsible for maintaining communication between the students, faculty, staff and administration. The SGA is a student governing resource for voicing concerns and suggestions. Visit the Student Government Association's homepage.
The purpose of this organization is to demonstrate that students of different disciplines (UAS, Aerospace Engineering, GSIS, Business, and others) are able to work together on a large project with the same quality of work done as single-degree-program teams, with our members gaining technical expertise and social skills that they might not otherwise be exposed to from their own degree tracks.
The Weather Club is an academic organization with a passion for meteorology and the outdoors. We as a club believe that the best way to experience the weather in Arizona is to get outside and explore and have hands on opportunities such as launching weather balloons and tracking<|fim_middle|> group of college-based military Veterans and supporters dedicated to supporting active duty military, Veterans and their families. Visit the Student Veterans Organization at The Control Tower.
Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. Our 10,000+ membership includes astronauts, corporate pilots, maintenance technicians, air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers and many others. Visit Women in Aviation at The Control Tower.
Women's and Diversity Center, Area 51, is committed to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive campus climate for women, people of color, LGBTQ community. Visit the Women's and Diversity Center at The Control Tower.
What if your hobby or interest isn't currently a student club or organization? Then we invite you to start your own! To find the club or organization that is just right for you, visit our Campus Clubs and Organizations Directory and see for yourself all the incredible opportunities available at Embry-Riddle! | storms. Visit the Weather Club at The Control Tower.
The Student Veterans Organization is a | 17 |
From the musical
Music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
It's a choral showstopper! An ideal concert finale, you'll feel the powerful beat and fill the hall with sensational music! From the musical Sweet Charity, don't miss it!
Voicing: SAB
Voicing: 2-Part
Barrie Carson Turner : Little Voices - Show Tunes
Little Voices - Show Tunes brings together five fun musical songs specially selected and arranged for young groups and choirs.
Songlist: Bad Guys, Food Glorious Food, Joseph's Dreams, The Rhythm of Life, Hakuna Matata
Voicing: 2-Part | 2988b | Songbook | $11.95 | With Piano
Jonathan Wikeley : Just Voices - Showtunes
The perfect introduction to unaccompanied three-part choral singing! Each book in the Just Voices series contains ten themed songs in simple a cappella arrangements created especially for beginners. Complete with piano reductions for easy rehearsal, all of the songs in the book can be sung by either SSA or SAT choir, making Just Voices the most enjoyable and flexible introduction to unaccompanied choral singing available. Just Voices Showtunes brings together ten stage songs that make an ideal introduction to mastering the a<|fim_middle|> the title track, which is been heard recently all over public television, the King's Singers demonstrate their usual facility with any sort of arrangement or style. "New Day" is a simple tune, essentially contemporary folk in style, with an uncomplicated arrangement that gives the blend of the voices preeminence. "Noveau Poor" is tongue-in-cheek wit at its most profligate ("we're in Burke's Peerage, we're in "Who's Who," we're in the red, and in penury too." ). "What's In A Tune" tosses a salad comprised of various classical melodies, sung a cappella and fully orchestrated-all vocally, of course. "Can't Buy Me Love" is arranged as a sixteenth century madrigal.
Songlist: You Are the New Day, Nouveau Poor , Three Times a Lady , What's in a Tune? , You'd Have to Be a Rosie, Can't Buy Me Love , Singapore Girl , The Rhythm of Life, The Gambler , It Was Almost Like a Song , Here Comes The Sun, Hush, Little Baby, Don't Say A Word , Money, Money, Money / Summer Nights , The Summer Knows , Could it Be Magic
Performed by King's Singers | 6101c | 1 CD | $16.98
King's Singers : Greatest Hits
Considering the longevity of the King's Singers' career (which began in the 1960s with performances of the Schola Cantorum Pro Musica Profana, or, as they were more casually known, the Cam River Boys), it's only natural that a greatest-hits album would require two discs, each crammed full of arrangements of popular songs and vocal pieces from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Whether performing infectious versions of songs by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, smooth standards by Cole Porter and Harold Arlen, sublime motets by Adrian Willaert and Orlande de Lassus, or lush fin de siecle classics by Gabriel Faure and Edward Elgar, the King's Singers always deliver entertainment first and foremost, and make their virtuosic repertoire fully accessible to audiences. Of course, their singing varies from classically polished formality to a more relaxed, even humorous glee club delivery. Fans who appreciate their amazing sound and enjoy their lively manner will appreciate this generous retrospective, which brings together recordings made between 1974 and 1990. 48 songs in all.
Songlist: Penny Lane, Help!, Yesterday, Elanor Rigby, Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Sound Of Silence, You Are the New Day, Three Times a Lady, The Rhythm of Life, Here Comes The Sun, Barbara Allen, Early One Morning, She Moved Through the Fair, Bugeilo'r Gwenith Gwyn, Londonderry Air, O My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, The Little Drummer Boy, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Stille Nacht, Night and Day, Stormy Weather, The Barber of Seville - Overture, The Donkey Serenade, Walking in the Air, Something's Coming, O Dolce Vita Mia, Vecchie Letrose non Valete Niente, A Little Pretty Bonny Lass, Now Is The Month Of Maying, Fine Knacks for Ladies, and more
Performed by King's Singers | 8863c | 2 CDs | $16.95 | A Cappella
Philharmonix : Lazy Day
Rick Serpico, Amy Carr, Donna Perrone and Tom Halley are PhilHarmonix, is a mixed Barbershop/Sweet Adelines quartet founded in 1997. They are winners of the 2000 Buckeye Invitational. Included on the CD are 13 songs. Some of our favorites: the title tune, "Lazy Day," The Beach Boys' "In My Room," Gershwin's "Slap That Bass," Tom Jones' "Soon It's Gonna Rain," Randy Newman's "Dayton, Ohio-1903," and "The Rhythm of Life" by Cy Coleman. Tight harmonies and great tunes add up to a winning CD!
Songlist: Lazy Day, Straightened Up and Fly Right, Once in a While, Blue Skies, In My Room, A Whole New World, Puttin' on the Ritz, Soon It's Gonna Rain, Slap that Bass, When the Red, Red, Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along , Dayton, Ohio -- 1903, This Little Piggy Went to Market, The Rhythm of Life
5491c | 1 CD | $9.95 | A Cappella
Seattle Children's Chorus : Songs From the Heart
The Seattle Children's Chorus was founded in 1988 by artistic director Kris Mason; whose purpose was to promote a high level of vocal and choral training for young musicians in the Seattle area. The approximately 175 choristers perform formal concerts throughout the year, and the Performing Chorus has toured annually throughout the Northwest, Canada and the West Coast. Other tours have taken them to Britain, and they have appeared at Carnegie Hall. These 21 songs mostly feature the Performing Chorus, with the exception of "The Little Birch Tree," "Simple Gifts" and "This Old Man," which features the Advanced Ensemble, who also sing "All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord." Some other favorites are "Festival Sanctus," "Bist du bei mir," "The Father's Love," "Who Can Sail," "Jabberwocky," the poignant "In Flanders Fields," "Psalm 100," "Agnus Dei," "Dance With Me," "Kalinka" and "The Rhythm of Life." There is light piano accompaniment on most tunes, but the soaring, innocent voices of the children are what "Songs from the Heart" is all about. Beautiful and moving, from first cut to the last!
Songlist: Festival Sanctus, Over My Head, Bist du bei mir, Duet From Cantata #15, The Father's Love, Who Can Sail, Jabberwocky, In Flanders Fields, Cantate Domino, The Little Birch Tree, Simple Gifts, This Old Man, Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree, All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord, Psalm 100, Art Thou Troubled, Agnus Dei, Dance With Me, Kalinka, The Storm is Passing Over, The Rhythm of Life
8978c | 1 CD | $15.95 | Some a cappella
Sweet Adelines : Top Choruses 2007
The 61st Annual Sweet Adelines International 2007 Convention and Competition took place in Calgary, Saskatchewan, and this wonderful live CD gives us a generous helping of the colorful chorus competition. One only has to glance at the photos of the top ten finishers in the sparse liner notes to get a taste of the color and excitement of this event. Anaheim, CA's Harborlites Chorus took the gold, Pride of Baltimore 2nd, Lions Gate Chorus from Vancouver, BC, Coastline Show Chorus from Providence, RI 4th, and Kansas City Chorus took 5th place. Harborlites has four winners here, "My Honey's Lovin' Arms," "A Bundle of Old Love Letters," "When Day Is Done" and "Sweet Georgia Brown;" the 2nd through 4th place finishers have 3 songs each, and the 6th through 10th place winners, which include the Toast of Tampa Show Chorus, Greater Nassau Chorus, Mountain Jubilee Chorus, Christchurch City Chorus from New Zealand, and the Choral-Aires Chorus, all have 2 tunes each. A powerful, richly harmonic, touching collection of Sweet Adelines' best!
Songlist: As Long As I'm Singing, All Aboard For Dixie, I Will Love You Till The End Of Time, Once Upon a Time, The Joint Is Jumping, Medley: Angry, There Goes My Heart, The Rhythm Of Life, The End Of The Road, Goodbye World Goodbye, After You've Gone, My Honey's Lovin' Arms, (Here Am I) Brokenhearted, Tips, Help Is On The Way, Pick A Little, Ice Cream, Marion, Till There Was You, Lida Rose, Seventy Six Trombones, Medley: William Tell Overture, Darktown Strutter's Ball, Something's Coming, Look Me Up At The Convention , Barbershop Convention, Hooked On Classics Medley, Medley: How Many Hearts Have You Broken?, Canadian Man, Born To Be Wild, and more
5830c | 1 CD | $14.95 | A Cappella
Various Artists : Take Me Home - The Male Choirs of Wales
A beautiful collection of favourite songs by the Welsh Male Voice choirs from Porth Tywyn, Godre'r Aran, Bangor, Llangwm, Dyffryn Tywi, Caernarfon, Lleisiau'r Frogwy, Dyffryn Tywi, Hogia'r Ddwylan, Llanelli, Cwmbach, Brythoniaid, Dyffryn Peris, Pendyrus & Maesteg Gleemen.
Songlist: Take Me Home , Dawnsio'r Ffandango , Lily Of The Valley , Bytholwyrdd , Hen Fenyw Fach Cydweli , When The Saints Go Marching In , Gwenno Penygelli , Un Dydd Ar Y Tro , The Rhythm Of Life , Gweddi Dros Gymru (Finlandia) , Cwm Rhondda , Pan Fo'r Nos Yn Hir , La Vergine , Dyffryn Peris , Morte Criste , The Lonely Steppe , Kalinka , Myfanwy , Llongau Caernarfon , You'll Never Walk Alon
2036c | 1 CD | $12.95
John Leavitt : The Rhythm of Life
Arranger: John Leavitt | Composer: Cy Coleman | Lyricist: Dorothy Fields | Musical: Sweet Charity
Voicing: SATB | Sheet Music | $2.25 | With Piano |
(Minimum order 4 copies) | 00155849 | Showtrax CD Available
Voicing: SSA | Sheet Music | $2.25 | With Piano |
Arranger: John Leavitt | Composer: Dorothy Fields | Musical: Sweet Charity
Voicing: 2-Part | Sheet Music | $2.25 |
Roger Emerson : The Rhythm of Life
A concert showstopper! Feel the tingle in your fingers and your feet with this wonderful new setting of the popular Cy Coleman classic from Sweet Charity.Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, 2-Part, ePak(C) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:30.
Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Cy Coleman | Lyricist: Dorothy Fields | Musical: Sweet Charity | cappella style.
Songlist: Close Every Door, One, Pick A Pocket Or Two, Seasons Of Love, Sit Down, You're Rocking The Boat, Sunrise, Sunset, The Rhythm Of Life, Tomorrow Belongs To Me, Whistle Down The Wind, You'll Never Walk Alone
Voicing: SSA. / SAT | 7262b | Songbook | $14.95 | A Cappella
Vocal Selections : Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity, based on Federico Fellini's screenplay for Nights of Cabiria, was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon. It opened on Broadway January 29, 1966, and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards. It's since gone on to many more performances around the world including multiple Broadway revivals.
Songlist: I Love To Cry At Weddings, There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This, I'm A Brass Band, Sweet Charity, Baby Dream Your Dream, I'm The Bravest Individual, Too Many Tomorrows, You Should See Yourself, Rich Man's Frug, A Good Impression, If My Friends Could See Me Now, The Rhythm Of Life, Where Am I Going, Big Spender
Voicing: Solo | 20049b | Songbook | $16.95 | Voice and Piano
King's Singers : New Day
Leading off with | 315 |
Red Wine Paint and a Pig Skin Interior Never Looked So Good
Lamborghini 400GTs don't pop up very often, and there's a good reason for that.
By Bryan Campbell
Lamborghini 400GTs don't pop up very often, and there's a good reason for that — only 247 were ever built. An even rarer find would be a right-hand-drive example, such as this one. But, what makes this particular 400GT even more special is that its first owner is none other than Sir Paul McCartney.
The 400GT tends to get overshadowed by the likes of Lamborghini's first car the 350GT and the legendary Miura, but the 2+2 Coupe deserves<|fim_middle|> Members' meeting this weekend. This Lamborghini 400GT may have been somebody's daily driver back in the day, but that somebody was Sir Paul McCartney. | more love than it gets. If anything, as the Italian upstart's second-ever car, the 400GT helped cement its credibility and place next to the mighty Ferrari. Autocar Magazine gave it rave reviews back in 1967, saying it was "better than all the equivalent exotic and home-bred machinery in this glamorous corner of the fast-car market." That's high praise considering the high-end grand touring competition that year included the Aston Martin DB6, Ferrari 275 and Jaguar E-Type.
If you have between $560,000-$690,000 to spare, then make sure you keep an eye on Bonhams Auction at this year's Goodwood | 149 |
VBF-1200X-H8-UL is a compact vacuum chamber furnace with a 7.5" ID x 13.4"L heatable quartz tube chamber placed horizontally. Water-cooled stainless steel vacuum flanges with valves are installed to achieve a vacuum atmosphere of 10-2 to10-5 torr through the use of a mechanical or molecular vacuum pump. All electric components are recognized by UL and ready to pass CSA, UL inspection.
High quality<|fim_middle|>200°C.
Stainless steel vacuum flange with dual high temperature silicone O-rings at front door.
One needle valve is built into the flange for use as gas inlet.
One KF25D port on left side of furnace for connection to vacuum pump.
A water cooling jacket has been built inside the flange to protect the vacuum sealing assembly from melting at over 300°C. The inlet and outlet ports located on the left side of furnace are used for connecting to a water chiller through two 12 mm dia. polyurethane tubes (water chiller is sold separately). Please click here to review detailed info of the water chiller.
A Quartz Thermal Block (filled with fibrous alumina) is included to prevent heat radiation and dissipation. It also provides excellent vacuuming while ensuring a clean environment inside the chamber.
Optional: If using the furnace for flat samples, a flat sample holder (pictured left-bottom) can be ordered.
KF25 Vacuum Fitting with KF25 Right-Angle Valve for quick connection to KF25 Bellows. | Ni-Cr-Al resistance wire as heating elements and can be heated up to 1 | 17 |
The microfluidic chip on a microscope stage, here filled with food dye to show the fluidic channels.
Using microfluidic chips and stem cells, physicist Amin Banaelyan creates human tissue and then tests the effects of various medications on this tissue. The objective of the project, called Organo Vitro, is to develop technology that can be used easily in the future to tailor medications for individual patients.
All test models currently used for ensuring that newly developed medications are not health hazards have their disadvantages. Using laboratory animals is not only expensive and an ethically complicated issue, a medication that works well on animals can prove to be dangerous for people.
Using people instead can be risky. In France there is an ongoing court case in which test subjects for a medication ended up in a coma. And even when pharmaceuticals have been tested and released on<|fim_middle|> that cleans the body and its functions include breaking down pharmaceuticals.
A patent application has been submitted for the microfluidic chip. Banaelyan hopes it will eventually be possible for biologists and toxicologists to easily use the chip in a laboratory environment to tailor the right medical treatment for the patient.
Similar research is being done using other cell models. Eventually, it will be possible to combine different models to study whether a medication that does not adversely affect heart cells is also harmless for the liver.
Mattias Goksör is Banaelyan's supervisor and collaborates with him on the Organo Vitro project. He believes there will be a significant increase in these types of solutions for medical research in particular.
Goksör points out that as his thesis supervisor, he is proud of Banaelyan's research and what he has achieved. He feels it is fairly unique for a PhD student to apply for a patent and plan to eventually launch a company based on research results before having completed a dissertation. | the market, it is no guarantee that they are harmless to humans. Different people react differently to the same medication, and it is still not possible to foresee all possible side-effects when a patient combines several medications.
When Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka discovered that mature cells could be reprogrammed into pluripotential stem cells, that is, cells that can develop into essentially any other cell in the body, this opened the door for developing advanced pharmaceuticals. In 2012 Yamanaka received the Nobel Prize for medicine for his discovery.
These tests are done using the microfluidic chip that Banaelyan has developed. A microfluidic chip is a thin plastic chip containing tiny channels. Extremely simplified, the cells from one organ are placed in the chip and human tissue is created. The researchers can then pump different substances into the channels in the chip and through the cell to see how it reacts to them.
The cells he has worked with come from the liver, however, the system also works well with cells from other organs, such as the heart and the kidneys. The reason he chose to work with liver cells is that the liver is a metabolic organ | 237 |
After a short introduction of bleeping electronics<|fim_middle|> The Sun, both of which make much use of the band's varied dynamics. The former begins with spaced-out prog noodling, building into a lumbering stop-start doom riff, and then into trundling melodeath overlaid by a nifty synth solo. Lovely. And the latter makes superb use of its spooky quiet passages, with subtly effective use of single-finger piano plinking blossoming into another big, melancholy chorus.
So, a nice album. It reminds me of Septicflesh, in the way it brings heavy use of synth strings to bear on strangely-angled metal, but it is also rather more accessible, drawing on the tuneful likes of Katatonia and Paradise Lost. Worth the time of adventurous gothic doom fans. | and synth strings, Thy Kingdom Gone piles into a strutting symphonic black metal, replete with squawking harsh vocals. But to counterbalance, in come Przemyslaw Kajnat's harmonised clean singing, which is somewhat reminiscent of Katatonia, and this juxtaposition characterises much of Eternal Deformity's music. The tunes they pluck out on this track interweave with the haunted-house synths, gradually morphing into an almost power metal climax, adorned by some neat lead soloing. Pestilence Claims no Higher Purpose opens with grandiose piano-bashing, putting me in mind of Opeth's Silhouette (from Orchid), which dissolves into a freewheeling jumble of atmospheric lullaby sections and scratchy doom-death. It is unpredictable and entertaining.
The strongest tracks here are, in my view, Caught Out Lying and | 183 |
Lightly grease the tin with Cake Release or a little butter.
To make the pastry, sieve the flour into a bowl and rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar and 2 tbsp cold water or enough to bind to a soft but not sticky dough.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface, line the tin then prick the base and sides with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6.
Line the pastry case with foil and fill with baking beans. Bake blind for 20 minutes then remove from the oven and carefully lift out the foil and beans. Allow the pastry case to cool slightly then spread jam evenly over the base. Reduce the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.
For the filling, melt the butter gently in a pan. Lightly whisk the eggs, sugar and almond extract in a bowl, gradually add the melted butter and fold in the almonds, flour and baking powder. Pour the mixture into the pastry case and bake for 35 to<|fim_middle|> too dark. | 40 minutes until the filling is firm and golden. Allow to cool slightly in the tin then transfer to a wire rack.
To decorate, sieve the icing sugar into a bowl, add 2-3 tbsp cold water and mix well until smooth. Place 2 tbsp icing in a small bowl and colour with 4-6 drops black food colouring, then place in a small disposable piping bag and snip the end. Spread the white icing evenly over the top of the tart then pipe 4 equally spaced circles on top using the black icing, starting with a small one in the middle. Run a cocktail stick from the centre to the edge of the cake, through each circle of icing, at 2cm intervals to create a cobweb effect. Let the icing set before cutting into wedges and serving.
Tip: if the tart starts to brown, cover loosely with foil to prevent it from becoming | 183 |
General : Sports
Dima Hasao observes 31st national road safety week
Land pattas distributed to forest dwellers
14,000 runners, raising INR 33 cores pre-r<|fim_middle|> by India National Coach Zeeshan Ali
RPPL set to enthrall motorsports fans with 2023 edition of Formula 4 & Formula Regional Indian Championships
Cold conditions prevail in several parts of North India
Monsoon to cover entire country before 15th July: Met dept
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Heat kills three in MP, Nagpur hottest in six decades
North India reels under schorching heat wave | ace day for charity at Tata Mumbai Marathon 2020
by Sachin Murdeshwar
Mumbai: The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) brings people together in more ways than one and when it comes to philanthropy, there is no event like it.
TMM 2020 has raised over Rs. 33 crores and counting, for 291 NGOs, making it the biggest philanthropic sporting platform in Asia. This year, TMM has over 14,000 running to support a cause. The previous year's charity collections record of INR 40.7 crores is now within touching distance.
With a tagline of 'Be Better', the Tata Mumbai Marathon not only brings the best running event, to the citizens but also brings out the best in them. More than 2000 runners have campaigned and raised over Rs. 12 crores at TMM 2020. These funds will help educate children, improve healthcare, provide livelihood opportunities, and safeguard the environment in communities across the country. Another evidence of the significance of the Tata Mumbai Marathon as a philanthropy platform, is the record participation of 204 corporates, fielding 321 teams and 8,391 runners.
United Way Mumbai (UWM), the Philanthropy Partner to the event, enables NGOs to raise funds for their projects through the event. UWM maintains a cause neutral, level-playing field for all participating NGOs and provides a functional platform to several corporates and individual fundraisers to support these NGOs.
From a cumulative total of Rs 1.4 crores through just 12 NGOs in the inaugural edition of the event, philanthropy at the event has made great strides. Promoted by Procam International, the Tata Mumbai marathon has embedded philanthropy as a founding pillar of the event. Over the years, the fundraising platform has earned the distinction of being the single largest philanthropic sporting event in Asia.
In this journey, there have been some extraordinary individuals who have raised phenomenal amounts; in 2017, Mihir Doshi was the first person to break the Rs. one crore barrier, and in 2018, Sankara Raman broke his own record to become the highest fundraiser. In the 2019 edition, six individuals including Sankara Raman, broke the Rs. one crore mark and V S Parthasarathy became the highest fundraiser in the history of the event. This year V S Parthasarathy has already raised over Rs. 1.4 crores, crossing his last year's tally and becoming the highest fundraiser at the event.
Jayanti Shukla, CEO, United Way Mumbai said, "As someone who has the opportunity to witness how fundraisers run their campaigns, what truly amazes me is the power of the event to bring so many people onto a common ground. While each campaign always has a distinct approach, success only emanates when they unite people, in support of their campaign."
She added, "At United Way Mumbai we believe that in order to successfully overcome the challenges that we need to address in our communities, stakeholders need to come together and combine their strengths to affect real and lasting change. The Tata Mumbai Marathon is an excellent example of the work we do and the impact that we make in the development sector."
On this occasion, Vivek Singh, Joint MD, Procam International said, "One of the most important aspects of the Tata Mumbai Marathon has been the immense positive response from all sections of society to the event's unique charity platform. The amount raised and the fundraisers have created new records every year, and the 2020 edition is no exception. We are extremely proud of our incredible journey with our philanthropy partners, United Way Mumbai, who have enabled the event to contribute in multiple ways to help society #BeBetter. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to every individual who has worked towards this betterment and celebrate their commitment!"
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Newspapers' future- yesterday's news?
The editors of Europe's iconic publications say that newspapers will never become yesterday's news.
The pressures on the industry - in Europe as in the United States - are prodigious: tumbling circulation and ad revenue, competition from the Internet, the proliferation of free papers. Rapidly changing technology and consumer trends have made adaptation especially difficult.
But European editors interviewed by The Associated Press appear strikingly optimistic about the future. They see the online media explosion more as an opportunity than as a threat and express confidence they can provide the content readers need - whether it's accessed on newsprint, a computer screen, a smart phone, or a futuristic electronic scroll.
Some European editors predicted the media revolution underway may even allow them to return to the deeper, more sophisticated journalism on which they took pride in decades past - yet in some cases felt they had to dilute under the pressures of the 24-hour news cycle.
There was disagreement, however, on how that new emphasis on quality will play out - whether it will ultimately find its greatest impact online or in print.
Bruno Patino, director of online and digital projects at France's Le Monde, spoke of an "inevitable fragmentation" between print and online editions in which the newspaper would go "back to basics, even more elitist" - focusing on in-depth investigations. The Web site, then, would aim at more hurried audiences, he said.
For Marco Pratellesi, online editor of Italy's leading Corriere della Sera, it was exactly the opposite: The Internet, he said, is the medium that opens up opportunities for a return to what he called long-form traditional reporting.
"In a way we are returning to journalism of 20 years ago, offering more investigative pieces," Pratellesi said, noting that it costs next to nothing to post a 10,000-word story online compared to clearing space on the printed page and selling advertising to pay for it.
Where the two viewpoints converged was that traditional newspapers will live or die based on the quality of their content - an authoritative perspective free papers cannot provide.
"Our strategy is quality, to select the themes that interest our readers," Pratellesi said. "Free newspapers, for example, are just quick reads, not newspapers that readers actually seek out."
There is no denying, however, that newspaper circulation is tumbling across Europe, as it is in the U.S. market. The most recent figures available from the World Associated of Newspapers showed that daily paid newspapers in the European Union saw a -0.61 percent drop in circulation in 2005, and a -5.26 percent fall over the five years through 2005.
Le Monde has taken a particularly steep hit, declining from 416,000 to 355,000 in 2002-2007 for a fall of nearly 15 percent. Most newspapers in Britain - which has an impressive array of national dailies - have seen steady declines as well.
Many European newspapers are investing heavily in online editions in hopes of growth.
Berlin-based Axel Springer, Europe's biggest newspaper and magazine publisher, is set to spend some EUR2 billion (US$2.67 billion) to expand its digital offerings both in Germany and elsewhere.
In Sweden, Raoul Gruenthal, managing editor of Stockholm-based Svenska Dagbladet, said the daily has started a financial news site, www.e24.se., in addition to its regular news site, www.svd.se.
"We are seizing the opportunity to use the position we have to grow in areas where we previously didn't have a strong position," he said.
Going online also helps newspapers reach a global audience, a factor that is particularly important for British papers that can count on a massive worldwide English-speaking readership.
Industry-wide in Europe - as elsewhere - it's not yet clear whether Internet growth will be able to soon offset declining print revenues.
But there are positive signs: Le Monde's Patino said that after recent loss-making years, the paper is expected to break even or make a profit this year entirely thanks<|fim_middle|> PDA-type "readers." The next step would be an "e-paper" - a flexible sheet using electronic ink that could be constantly updated wirelessly.
Philippe Jannet, director of Les Echos' digital projects, says his paper is trying to boost income by expanding the number of platforms but narrowing their targets.
All of this has brought about profound overhauls in newsrooms.
Zach Leonard, the digital media publisher for the Times of London, said pressures of the online world were forcing old journalists to learn new tricks and turning black-and-white newspapers into multimedia portals.
Search engines' tendency to reduce stories to their first 200 characters meant writers needed to think up ever snappier headlines, Leonard said.
"We're writing very pithy first paragraphs, and making the headlines as packed as we can," he told The AP. "It's important in a newspaper, but it's even more important for a search engine, where the content is organized vertically."
The Times is also encouraging its journalists to fill out their articles with video and audio content, and teaching them how to conduct podcasts and upload video from mobile phones. In the YouTube age, the quality of material was secondary to the need to put it online in the first place, Leonard said.
"The Web is very forgiving as far as high end audio and video goes."
Still, broadcast quality video was becoming an increasingly important part of how the Times made ends meet. The paper was being turned - in part, at least - into a small television studio, fielding pitches from production companies and organizing advertising deals.
Leonard didn't discuss specific figures, but said the sponsorship for the Times' online video content - such the TimesOnline TV series, "Cool in Your Code" - were among the top five percent of the paper's revenue-producing deals.
That was a model he said the Times applied to all its online features.
"We don't do anything on the site unless it makes money," Leonard said.
As in the United States, European media companies have been seeking way to harness more Web sites to drive advertising revenue and eyeballs to news-oriented sites.
Many publishers are charging for access to Web sites, much as they would for subscriptions to their newspapers or magazines.
France's Hachette, part of Lagardere, sells online subscriptions to 200 of its magazines, a process it started in August 2006, for just less than EUR10 (US$13.36) a month, which gives readers complete digital copies of a magazine, including audio and video.
Advertising online is a strong lure for newspapers, too, as more and more advertisers embark to the Internet to pitch their products, ranging from upscale Mercedes-Benz sedans to new video games.
In Britain, for example, online advertising rose 41 percent in 2006 to reach more than 2 billion pounds, giving it an 11.4 percent share of the market, just higher than that of the newspapers.
That compared to 7.8 percent in 2005, according to the Internet Advertising Bureau report which was compiled by consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and the World Advertising Research Center.
"With almost all expenditure on traditional media in decline, the upward momentum of the Internet reflects a new era," the report said. | to online services making up for print losses.
Peter Wuertenberger, managing director for Axel Springer's Welt/Berliner Morgenpost newspaper publishing group, said Internet revenues are growing 20-50 percent year-on-year, depending on the Web site.
Meanwhile, Wuertenberger said Germany's older population is helping keep newspapers going.
"Two-thirds of the population have not been part of the young Internet generation," he said. "Those people are still used to, and dependent on, paper as one of their information supply chains. So we don't see newspapers fading away so quickly."
Svenska Dagbladet's Gruenthal also said it was too soon to write off print editions.
"I'm optimistic when it comes to print," said Gruenthal. "Right now there is no hardware that can compete with print. ... I don't think print will die quickly, but of course it will be a stagnating market compared to the Internet, which is growing explosively."
A key variable is the speed with which technology for making electronic content as portable as papers might evolve.
French business daily Les Echos this month plans to launch a "digital paper" version available on specially dedicated | 242 |
Sturla Jon<|fim_middle|>ben 1971
Mann | asson Gudlaugsson (* 16. Juni 1913 in Skagen, Dänemark; † 3. März 1971 in Rotterdam) war ein niederländischer Kunsthistoriker und Museumsdirektor.
Sturla Gudlaugsson war der einzige Sohn des isländischen Schriftstellers Jonas Gudlaugsson (1887–1916). Seine Mutter Maria Ingenohl stammte aus einer holländischen Familie, bei der er nach dem Tod des Vaters seine Kindheit in Kleve verbrachte. Er besuchte ein Gymnasium in Berlin und studierte Kunstgeschichte an den Universitäten München und Berlin. Zu seinen prägenden Professoren gehörten Wilhelm Pinder und Oskar Fischel. Gudlaugsson arbeitete ab 1936 als Volontär unter Robert Schmidt am Schlossmuseum der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, in dem die Sammlungen des Kunsthandwerks ausgestellt waren. Er promovierte 1938 bei Pinder mit einer Dissertation über die holländische Malerei und das Theater.
Zu Beginn des Zweiten Weltkriegs verließ Gudlaugsson als dänischer Staatsbürger 1939 Berlin und zog nach Dänemark um. Er wurde Assistent am Dänischen Nationalhistorischen Museum im Schloss Frederiksborg in Hillerød. 1942 übersiedelte er nach Den Haag und übernahm zunächst eine kurze Tätigkeit am Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. Ein Jahr später wurde er Mitarbeiter am Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), wo er 1965 als Nachfolger von Horst Gerson zum Direktor ernannt wurde. Diese über 25 Jahre währende wissenschaftliche Tätigkeit am RKD hat Gudlaugsson wesentlich geprägt. Im Juni 1970 wurde er als Nachfolger von Ary Bob de Vries zum Direktor des Mauritshuis in Den Haag berufen, starb aber überraschend bereits im folgenden Jahr.
Als ein Hauptwerk seiner Forschungen hinterließ Gudlaugsson die zweibändige, in deutscher Sprache verfasste Monografie über den holländischen Maler und Zeichner Gerard ter Borch. Für dieses Werk erhielt er 1960 den Karel van Mander-Preis. Daneben veröffentlichte er wichtige Beiträge zur Ikonografie in der holländischen Malerei, in denen er besonders ihre enge Beziehung zur Dichtung und zum Theater darstellte.
Werke
Ikonographische Studien über die holländische Malerei und das Theater des 17. Jahrhunderts, Berlin (Diss.), Würzburg 1938.
De komedianten bij Jan Steen en zijn tijdgenoten, Den Haag 1945.
Een ruiterstuk van Gerard Ter Borch. In: Kunsthistorische Mededelingen van het Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie, 2, 1947, S. 19 ff.
Een ander ruiterstuk van Gerard Ter Borch. In: Kunsthistorische Mededelingen van het Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie, 2, 1947, S. 40 ff.
Bredero's Lucelle door eenige zeventiende eeuwsche meesters uitgebeeld. In: Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek 1, Den Haag 1947, S. 183–185.
De datering van de schilderijen van Gerard Ter Borch. In: Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek 1948–1949, Den Haag 1949, S. 235 ff.
Gerard Ter Borch, Den Haag 1959/1960 (zwei Bände).
Literatur
Horst Gerson: Totentafel – Sturla J. Gudlaugsson †. In: Zentralinstitut für Kunstgeschichte (Hrsg.): Kunstchronik 24, Nürnberg 1971, S. 274 ff.
Horst Gerson: Sturla Jonasson Gudlaugsson. In: Jaarboek van de Maatschappij der Nederlandse Letterkunde te Leiden 1971–1972, S. 150–164. – niederl.
Ary Bob de Vries: S. J. Gudlaugsson. In: The Burlington Magazine 113, 1971, S. 742 f. – engl.
In Memoriam S. J. Gudlaugsson. In: Oud Holland 86, 1971, S. 1 f.
Jan Emmens: In Memoriam Dr. Sturla Gudlaugsson. Simiolus 4, 1970–1971, S. 123.
I. Bergström: In memoriam Sturla J. Gudlaugsson 1913–1971. In: Konsthistorisk Tidskrift 42, 1973, S. 67. – dän.
Cornelius Müller Hofstede, Weltkunst 41, 1971, S. 350.
Weblinks
Gudlaugsson, Sturla im Dictionary of Art Historians (englisch)
Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter eines Museums in den Niederlanden
Kunsthistoriker
Däne
Niederländer
Geboren 1913
Gestor | 1,318 |
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The General Regulations of the Foresteria Lombarda "Locanda San Bernardo" and "Residenza San Bernardo" of Vigevano (hereinafter the "Regulations" and "Locanda") guarantee the Manager and Guests (hereinafter "the Parties") a pleasant, informed and secure accommodation experience, assuming contractual nature between the Parties and implying, upon confirmation of a reservation, the total acceptance and respect during the whole stay.
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Tourist information: Informative material about the city of Vigevano, the Parco del Ticino and other localities of the Territory is available at the Reception. The digital version of the basic documentation is also available on the Locanda's website in the "Destination Vigevano" section, where some interesting videos can also be viewed. Call the Infopoint in Castello for free from the room (tel. 0381 691636 Tue-Fri 10: 00-13: 00 14:00 -17: 00 Sat, Sun and fest 9.30am-6.30pm) to get more information and updated timetables on the initiatives in progress in town as well as current openings hours of the Museums.
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Iron: for safety reasons it is forbidden to use an iron in the rooms.
Manager and Guests, at the time of booking confirmation, take responsibility for any accidents and damage to things and people directly or indirectly caused by them inside the Locanda, that is inside the buildings, the portion of the courtyard and the driveway as described in the plans attached to the Locanda's start-up declaration (SCIA).
The removal from the rooms or common areas of any object (linen, furnishings, equipment, etc.) will be considered theft and immediately reported to the competent authorities unless the stolen goods are returned or repaid before departure.
The Manager has insurance coverage (liability) for incidents of his responsibility that may occur to Guests when they are inside the spaces of the Locanda, delimited as described above. The coverage also extends to damages caused by our dog.
Guests undertake not to damage the Locanda, its premises and the things contained therein. Any damage caused voluntarily to structures and things, even if attributable to inexperience or distraction, will be charged at the cost of restoration. The Guests, at the time of booking, also take responsibility for the damage caused to other persons present in the structure, to other Guests and to things belonging to other Guests. Cases include, by way of example, the damage caused to cars parked in the courtyard or to the equipment and furnishings of the Locanda. The Guests also undertake to settle the account of the assessed damages even in case they have already left the Locanda, provided they are documented.
For further information refer to the Manager.
The wireless Internet access service (hereinafter "Service") active inside the premises of the Locanda San Bernardo (hereinafter "the Company"), located in Vigevano at Corso Novara 2, is provided by means of the ADSL connection services of TIM, with registered office in Milan in Via Gaetano Negri 1.
By accessing the Service, the User accepts and undertakes to comply with the following Terms and Conditions of Use, which is advised to read carefully.
and recognizes that the contract is valid as any signed contract.
The Company provides the Internet Access Service through Wi-Fi access points using the 802.11 standard. To access the Service, a compatible device is needed. The Service aims to provide access to the Internet for traditional applications, such as sending/receiving e-mails, web browsing, downloading files via the 'ftp' protocol and other purposes consistent with these Terms and Conditions. The Service is not intended to guarantee broadband applications such as video streaming.
The open nature and ease of connection to a public Wi-Fi hotspot increase the risk that unauthorized persons can access the user's smartphone, notebook or other device or the information exchanged by the latter via the Wi-Fi network. Users of the Service must therefore take the appropriate precautions to reduce security risks.
The Company invites to comply with the standard security practices in the field of wireless communications. You need to make sure<|fim_middle|> the Service at your own risk and take full responsibility for assessing the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of all opinions, advice, services and other information, in addition to quality and marketability products offered through the Service or available on the Internet in general. The Company does not offer any explicit or implicit guarantee that the Service is error free and that there is no risk of data loss. By using the Service the User waives all implied warranties, including but not limited to, copyright warranties, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any information, merchandise or service provided through the Company or the Internet. No warranty, representation, condition, commitment or termination – explicit or implicit, legal or otherwise – including but not limited to the condition, quality, duration, performance, accuracy, reliability, non-infringement, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use of the Service is given or assumed by the Company. The user expressly agrees to use the Service at his own risk, recognizing the risks related to the security and privacy of communications with wireless technologies. The Company provides no guarantee with respect to these risks. No suggestions or information provided by the Company or its representatives will create a guarantee. The Company and its employees are not responsible for any damages of any kind, including direct, indirect, general, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary and punitive damages.
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold the Company innocent, from and against all claims, damages, losses, costs and expenses, including reasonable legal fees arising from your use of the Service or any violation of these Terms and conditions. | that the information stored on your devices is not shared; that notebooks have firewall protection and that an up-to-date and functional antivirus is installed. The Company advises to avoid transmission or access to sensitive data over a Wi-Fi network, and to connect only to known and secure websites.
The Company is in no way responsible for any loss or damage due to the use of the Service.
By accepting these Terms and Conditions of Use, you agree not to use the Service for fraudulent, illegal, offensive or abusive purposes or that in any way may cause damage or cause risks to the Company, its activities, reputation, employees, or other users, devices or any third person. The Company may suspend or interrupt the Service in case of improper use of the same in accordance with the provisions of this document.
The service available for free.
The Company has the right, but not the obligation, to monitor the Service and to disclose information regarding the use of the Service for any reason it deems appropriate, in its sole discretion, including the need to comply with laws, regulations or legal provisions; optimize the management of the Service; protect itself and its customers. In the same way, the Company may collaborate with Public Bodies, Law Enforcement or third parties in the control and investigation of any suspected crime or civil offenses.
The Company reserves the right to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, at any time and from time to time, the Service (or any function or feature of the Service or any part thereof), with or without notice. The user indemnifies the Company from any responsibility towards the user or third parties that may be due to modifications, suspension or interruption of the Service.
Without notice, the Company, in its sole discretion, may suspend access to the Service for any reason, including the actual or alleged misuse of the Service and failure to comply with the Terms and Conditions of Use.
Please refer to the Privacy Note -that the User, by using the Service, accepts- for information about how the Company collects and protects the personal data of users in compliance with the applicable privacy laws (EU Regulations n. 679, 2016).
The Company does not control the contents, information or services accessible via the Internet through the Service. The User may be exposed to sexually explicit and potentially offensive content on which the Company exercises no control and for which it assumes no responsibility. You agree to use | 479 |
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Connecting with Alumni
Careers and Mentoring
Exec Team and Board
Magali Depras
IEP 07<|fim_middle|> spaces for many years now and also serves on the Board of Governors at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston."
© INSEAD Alumni Association Canada | J and IDP 14S
"Magali loves travelling (visited 50 countries), enjoys learning languages (speaks 6), and is a life-long classical ballet dancer, a big fan of innovation and new technologies."
Frederic Yale-Leduc
MBA'06J
"Aside from balancing the alumni association's books, Fred has worked in various capital markets roles for the last 15 years. He is a proud father of 2 children (plus a puppy) and is actively working to improve his Lindy Hop dancing skills to impress his wife."
Joe Sovran
MBA '94J
VP, Memberships
"Joe grew up in Canada but after INSEAD spent almost 20 years abroad (mostly in London) before returning to Canada in 2013. He's worked as an entrepreneur, advisor and investor. Joe spends his leisure time hitting the gym, reading the Economist, and hanging out with his young son."
Nathalia Parra
GEMBA '17E
VP, National Events
"Nathalia was born in Colombia and has lived in Canada for the past 13 years. She has a background in engineering and global experience in management, operations, strategy , marketing and product development. She loves traveling (specially to Colombia), jogging and is passionate about technology, digital transformation and personal improvement"
Bruno Correa
VP, Communication
"A proud father of 2 curious boys, a drummer and board gamer, Bruno is also an Engineer by formation and a Marketer by heart and experience, with a passion for fact-based decision making."
Laura Amin
VP, Faculty Relations
"Laura is a marketer from Bangladesh who moved to Canada recently and lives for food and travel. She has diverse experience across brand and advertising, product, strategy and operations."
Ray Dagher
MBA'10D
VP, Careers
"Management Professional with product development, strategy and business development experience. Obtained his MBA from INSEAD and worked in several countries, cultures and industries."
Karen Bozynski
President Toronto Chapter
"Karen loves bringing innovative ideas to life. With over two decades in electronics manufacturing, she led lean manufacturing and ran and optimized factories at Celestica worldwide prior to INSEAD, and led M&A integrations and a startup after INSEAD, as well as a dip into financial services but has returned to her love of working with companies to bring electronic products, medical to aerospace to IOT and wearables, to market built cost-efficiently here in Canada. She has degrees in Economics and Engineering from Queen's, and is INSEAD MBA'03J. She lives in Toronto, is married to James and has two entrepreneurial daughters!"
Pascale Roberge
President Montreal Chapter
"Pascale Roberge is an executive, strategic advisor and entrepreneur who has worked with Fortune 500, start-ups and small businesses across Europe and Canada. Insightful and creative, Pascale is passionate about developing market-driven strategies that leverage core organizational capabilities. Pascale is also the proud mom of four almost fully-grown-up kids. "
Mary Huang
President Ottawa Chapter
"Mary is an Ottawa-based BI consultant in planning and forecasting solutions on SAP platform, specifically BI Integrated Planning (BI-IP) and BPS in addition to general BI. Has worked on multiple BI and Planning projects in US, Canada, NZ, and Asia.
Mary is involved in advocacy for Dementia, Senior and Housing issues and participated in National Dementia Conference organized by Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and member of Dementia Advocacy Canada. Involved in several startup / entrepreneurial technology projects plus advisory. Trying to initiate changes that can make research happen faster and loosen the bottleneck of research participation."
Jacqui Vanos
President Vancouver Chapter
"I am a Vancouver-based alum, working locally in a corporate role in the resources sector. I moved to Vancouver in 2017 after completing my MBA ('17J) at the campus in Fontainebleau. I'm an passionate skier, and also an avid traveler, having lived and worked abroad for much of my career."
Dawn Fiander-McCann
EMCCC '14
President Calgary Chapter
"Dawn is Calgary-based (EMCCC '14), a mother of two adults and loves to road bike and hike in the mountains with her husband when she's not practising classical guitar. She's worked in the consulting and technology strategy | 919 |
You are here: Home > Things to Do > What's On > Sport > Tennis & Racquet Sports > Laver Cup London 2022 at The O2
Laver Cup London 2022 at The O2
From 23 September 2022 to 25 September 2022
Laver Cup Geneva 2019. Image by Ben Solomon and provided by Laver Cup.
Watch the world's top tennis players in action as Team Europe take on Team World in the Laver Cup at The O2.
Immerse yourself in three days of high-octane men's tennis during the Laver Cup London 2022 at The O2.
See six of Europe's best tennis players join forces to take on six tennis superstars from the rest of the world. John McEnroe will be captain for Team World, while Björ<|fim_middle|> rivalries aside and cheer each other on from the team benches.
Held in London for the first time, the tournament will feature both singles matches and doubles pairings split across five sessions, all played on the tournament's iconic black court.
Get ready for heart-warming team camaraderie and fierce competition to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Register your interest to be the first to hear when tickets go on sale.
Peninsula Square, North Greenwich
SE10 0DX
customerservices@theo2.co.uk
http://www.theo2.co.uk
Hotels near Laver Cup London 2022 at The O2
Ibis London Docklands
Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel, London | n Borg is at the helm of Team Europe.
Named in honour of Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, the unique format of the tournament sees players put old | 31 |
Why does my child need a Cleaning Appointment?
A prophylaxis appointment is basically a professional teeth brushing procedure. During the procedure, one of our Pediatric Dentists will use an electric prophy brush and a special toothpaste. For older children we use an<|fim_middle|> of the growing teeth. This will help detect problems early and prevent serious and costly treatments. | ultrasonic scaler to remove calculus. Additionally one of our Dentists may use a hand tool to clean those hard to reach areas. We may also apply a fluoride treatment which helps strengthen enamel in your child's teeth. If fluoride varnish was used, children can eat right away as long as they don't eat any hot food or drink carbonated drinks like soda. If fluoride foam is used, the child shouldn't eat or drink for at least 30 minutes. Even though chewing surfaces might feel sticky its best not to brush the fluoride off. The longer the fluoride is on the teeth, the better the result.
Why should cleaning appointment be 2x a year?
A cleaning should be done 2x a year (once every 6 months) to both help prevent cavities and also helps the doctor see the status | 166 |
I posted this to 1timothy<|fim_middle|> to encourage you to cling tightly to God and step into His will with courage and bravery. He has us where we are for a reason. If we had stayed in elementary school our whole lives, imagine how much we would have missed out on! We grow through new experiences, new people, and new places.
I don't know how God's going to use me in college or what this season will look like, but I trust that He'll guide me through this process. I have officially decided to make Joshua 1:9 my "verse-of-the-year".
I may be in a new stage of life, but I know that I'm not alone in it. Just because my school isn't 'Christian' doesn't mean that God isn't there. He's with me in those very hallways, within the walls of each one of my classes. God may push us out of our comfort zone, but He will never leave us alone. He is our strength and our shield, making us warriors ready for anything that comes our way.
If God brings you to it, He'll give you the strength to get through it—and thrive in the midst of it. If we take one day at a time, and trust God with every moment, we can rise to any occasion and grow in our faith.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." Ephesians 6:13-18. | 412girl.com a few weeks ago when I started my first year of college.
The first week of school is always an interesting time. With this season comes new teachers, new classmates, and at times—a new school. College, I've found, contains all of this and more.
As I walked through the glass doors of college last Tuesday, the realization came in full force that this was my first time in a secular environment. I had a Christian education all the way through school, so most of my interactions up until now have been with fellow believers. And, as much as I've joked about some of the interesting customs of Christian subculture (e.g. "testamints" are actually a thing), I've come to find that there really is something special about being surrounded by other believers.
Thankfully, no one has been hostile about my faith (I honestly thought they were going to confiscate my cross earrings on the first day), but it's also common knowledge that faith is not a normal conversation topic. Knowing about all of the hip Christian singers and bands gets you virtually no brownie points from fellow classmates in college. For the first time, I'm faced with the challenge of being "In the world, but not of it".
I'm still trying to figure out what this looks like in real life.
Nonetheless, I believe everything happens for a reason. I've learned a lot over the course of high school and I believe that now God wants to teach me something new. He has each one of us in our current life situations for a reason. Even Jesus couldn't stay in His hometown forever if He wanted to make an impact—He had to venture out in to the world around Him. In the words of an old Kelly Clarkson song "I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes until I touch the sky." In order to fly, I must first jump, using my faith as wings to guide me through new and unfamiliar territory.
If you're at a new school, a new work place, or like me, starting college for the first time, I want | 432 |
Gems Sensors and Controls' XM/XT series are single-float transmitters designed to provide continuous fluid level monitoring within smaller, more-compact tank environments.
The float transmitters are ideal for off-highway vehicles, heating, venting and air conditioning, locomotives, commercial printing and medical original equipment manufacturing.
Gems XM/XT-300 series fluid level transmitters are constructed from all-wetted polysulfone plastic parts. This makes them compatible with a variety of chemicals. The Gems XM/XT-700 series are constructed of stainless steel or brass for durability. Both models are designed to serve as drop-in replacements using existing tank fittings.
Marsh Bellofram's Westcon 758 series consists of industrial AC tachometer generators designed for high-reliability jet and diesel engine rotational speed measurements within voltage responsive systems. They have also supported military and off-highway vehicle diesel and gas engine applications.
The Westcon 758 Series AC tachometers convert rotational shaft speed inputs into linear analog voltage outputs. They feature a multi-pole cylindrical magnet, which turns within a wound stator. The stator is constructed from transformer iron lamination material. Single-phase output current is expressed as a sine wave over the full speed range of the tachometer. Units feature 100 ohm stators as standard. Two binding posters are available for electrical connection.
Mahr Federal has introduced two optical surface-measuring systems designed to provide noncontact 3-D scanning and evaluation of small to medium-sized surface details.
The MarSurf WM 10<|fim_middle|> the dust particles with the electrostatic charge neutralized to prevent re-attraction.
Deionization air knives are available in a range of standard lengths and can be customized.
Available accessories include filters, pipework, flow valves, silencers, acoustic enclosures and remote-monitoring systems.
BelGAS has introduced the PL82, PL82B and PL83 series pilot regulators designed to provide gas back-pressure relief. Typical applications include gas and liquid service, oil and gas separators, and distribution relief for gas distribution systems.
They feature aluminum body material and vent continuously when the main valve is either repositioned or in relieving mode. They will not bleed or relieve when pressure values fall below set pressure.
The PL82B is designed for more general purpose back-pressure relief. The PL83 is a high-bleed restriction pilot and lower-pressure unit. Options for low, medium and high gain allow for the lowest buildups and fastest response speeds and are determined according to the needs of each application. | 0 uses a white light interferometer, and the MarSurf CWM 100 includes white light and confocal microscopy.
The systems are designed for the measurement of optical, technical and reflecting surfaces, and to provide 3-D topographical analysis where high information density is required, such as printed circuit boards.
The white light scanning sensor in both units is designed for fast-paced 3-D roughness measurement, using real-time video scanning technology for high-resolution reproduction of even microscopic surface details. It comes standard with a 20x lens, with others available ranging from 2.5x to 100x, and provides resolution down to 0.1 nm.
Photron's Fastcam Multi is a flexible, multi-head camera system that is tethered to a remote processor. The small, sealed camera heads and the system's configuration allow users to capture images in confined spaces with megapixel resolution up to 6,000 frames per second.
Fastcam Multi's camera processor is separate from the camera heads so that data is safely retained in the processor if the camera heads or cables are damaged or destroyed during the capture of an explosive high-speed event.
Photron's new camera system is ideal for applications such as off-board automotive safety testing, detonation and explosives testing, and for any high-speed image capture in confined yet demanding environments. It is also ideal for use in microscopy, life sciences, biomechanics, fluid dynamics, material sciences and digital image correlation.
ACI's deionization air knives are based on the company's standard units used for cleaning, cooling and drying operations. They have a powerful ionization bar attached to ionize delivered air to neutralize static charges for effective cleaning.
The blower produces a high volume of air, which exits from the air knife in a fast laminar flow at a pressure of about 7 bar. This process removes | 382 |
Many spas, fitness, and wellness centers offer heat therapy as an amenity to their guests. You may pass by and notice people inside, clothed with towels and sipping water. They sure look relaxed, don't they? Spotting these healthy individuals in the locker room may lead you to wonder. Dry sauna, wet sauna,<|fim_middle|> the skin and body.
A dry sauna is most often a room constructed of wood with benches. The dry heat in a sauna can be helpful for pain relief, relaxation and improving sleep. A dry sauna gets substantially warmer than a steam room, though you most likely will be able to withstand the same session length in a steam room due to the evaporation of steam making your body feel hotter despite the lower temperature. The heat in a dry sauna can be administered through a stove, infrared heat or an electric heater. Participants can withstand a longer experience in a dry sauna, though most sessions top out at about 20 to 30 minutes. Experts say that more sweat is produced in a dry sauna than in a steam room.
Which is more efficient, the sauna or steam room?
Hard to say! Some may enjoy the misty fog of a steam session, while others prefer the dry heat a sauna can provide. Those who participate in steam room sessions have noticed similar benefits to that of a dry sauna; it depends on the person and the benefits they seek.
How so? Heat and specifically infrared heat seems to be more effective when it does not have to travel through as much space to reach the body. For example, the gap between your body and the radiant heating elements in a sauna may be from 6 inches to a couple of feet with the space lowering the effective amount of energy reaching your skin. During a wrap, the design permits gaps of 1 millimeter to perhaps 6 inches; less loss due to distance means more energy and more sweat. The session length is also longer, allowing the body more time to work up a sweat and release fats and toxins. This is possible because the participant is breathing room temperature air.
Furthermore, some infrared body wraps made of materials that are easily sanitized using a hospital grade disinfectant. Do keep in mind, not all wraps are made of this material, so do your research and choose a reputable brand! Wraps made of non-porous vinyl do not absorb the sweat that each client produces during their session. If a dry sauna or steam room is not cleaned properly, this can encourage the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
The answer to this question depends on the wellness goals you want to achieve. You can utilize all three, though, we do recommend that you try them on different days and make sure you hydrate before, during and after any sweat-inducing activity! Regardless, taking the time to relax and look after your body is beneficial. | steam bath, steam room? What's the difference? We're here to help, so let's talk saunas and sauna benefits.
Both dry saunas and steam saunas (also known as steam rooms) are a traditional spa offering. To make it simple, let us start by saying the word steam indicates a "wet" treatment. You may also hear the phrase "dry sauna" which suggests the use of dry heat which in some cases can mean infrared.
Both steam rooms and saunas can help with relaxation and loosen up tight muscles. They can also assist with inducing sweat, unclog the pores and increase the blood flow, but the experience inside the rooms themselves can be quite different.
A steam room uses what is called a steam generator to boil water into steam and release it into the air. Steam is said to help open up airways, relieve congestion, help with detoxification and induce sweat. The room itself is airtight, allowing the humidity to build up, dampening the air, room and the persons inside. Steam rooms are often made with tiles, plastic or other non-porous materials, and the participant sits inside for about 10 to 15 minutes. This wet and humid heat may help those with acne concerns by balancing the production of oil, though experts warn against staying in too long to avoid dehydration of | 271 |
Our Catalog Alternative Rock Indie & Lo-Fi Lo-Fi
Save on Lo-Fi at Public Sounds. Top brands include K Records, Recordhead Records, New Video Group, Inc., Greyday Records/Latest Flame, Mammoth Records, Phantom Sound & Vision, New West Records, Orange Twin, Rough Trade Us, In the Red Records, WEA, Sub Pop, 4AD, Matador, Geffen, Merge, & Sony. Hurry! Limited time offers. Offers valid only while supplies last.
By K Records
Live in the Middle East
By Recordhead Records
Eyesinweasel is the new outfit from former Guided By Voices member Tobin Sprout. This live recording from Boston, MA was limited to 1000 copies and features 25 tracks, including a handful of songs made famous while Sprout was a member of Guided By Voices..
Guided by Voices - The Electrifying Conclusion
By New Video Group, Inc.
A definitive record of one of the greatest bands in indie rock, THE ELECTRIFYING CONCLUSION is a chronicle of the last four hours of GUIDED BY VOICES. The film captures GUIDED BY VOICES' final concert at Chicago's Metro on New Year's Eve 2004 - sixty-three songs - completely uncut. Excitement and nostalgia emanating from both the band and audience throughout the memorable evening are powerfully captured here in fantastic performances of both standard GBV tunes and special, seldom-played
They Live We Sleep
By Greyday Records/Latest Flame
A loud-as-hell indie rock band with a rhythm section built by the gods and guitars so graceful and melodic they make your ears actually cry..
Rare on Air, Vol. 3
By Mammoth Records
More proof that radio would be a lot more interesting if we could all tune into KCRW/Santa Monica. This batch of 1995-'96 live tracks begins with a shivery, very electric Cowboy Junkies version of Springsteen's ''State Trooper'' and includes real keepers by Patti Smith (''Dancing Barefoot''), The Wallflowers, Stereolab, Ben Folds Five, Fiona Apple, and a riveting Me'Shell Ndegeocello. --Jeff Bateman.
Live in Liverpool
By Phantom Sound & Vision
mpn: 88697217262, ean: 0886972172620,
Limited Edition Australian-only 2007 live release from the American Alternative band fronted by Beth Ditto, one of the most talked about bands of the year. 13 tracks recorded in Liverpool including 'Eyes Open', 'Jealous Girls', 'Standing In The Way Of Control', 'Listen Up' and more..
Live at the Horseshoe Tavern
mpn: LUNA76CD, ean: 0802685007622,
Tobin Sprout has never been as versatile or dynamic a songwriter as his former Guided by Voices bandmate Robert Pollard (the two probably connected at the hip for posterity), but he has probably been the more consistent one, avoiding most of the pitfalls, potholes, cul-de-sacs, and half-baked experiments, even if he has never quite scaled the same creative peaks or achieved the often spectacular melodic highs. That consistency has resulted in a catalog of songs remarkable for its sturdy,
Live from Austin, TX
By New West Records
The latest release from the acclaimed Live From Austin, TX series of releases from the vaults of the award-winning PBS Austin City Limits TV show.Guided By Voices are one of indie rock s most loved and prolific bands. On their 2004 farewell tour they performed one of their final concerts on Austin City Limits. Recorded on live on 24 tracks, this special 2CD set features 30 songs from their entire performance. Many of the songs were never aired on the TV broadcast. At the tail end of ''My Kind
Live at Jittery Joe's
By Orange Twin
mpn: ORTW4.1, ean: 0656605600413,
Jeff Mangum 'Live at Jittery Joe's' is the first live recording of Jeff to be released to the public. The solo acoustic show took place at a local coffee house in Athens, GA in 1997 and was recorded onto high 8 video by R.E.M. cameraman and independent film maker, Lance Bangs. The CD consists of both audio tracks (playable on any CD player) and the video image (viewable on both Mac and PC computers using Quicktime movie viewer). Jeff Mangum is well known as the lead singer and songwriter for
Moldy Peaches 2000: Unreleased Cutz & Live Jamz
By Rough Trade Us
LIVE IN JAPAN [Vinyl]
Country Teasers: Live Album
By In the Red Records
mpn: ITR116CD, ean: 0759718511628,
NEW Combo BLUWAVS CD and FLAC FILE.
In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
By WEA
Named Best Album of the 1990s by Magnet Magazine, Aeroplane gives us Jeff Mangum's powerful solo acoustic work, full horn-section marches, history, religion, & sex -- everything you hoped for and more! Now available on high quality 180 gm vinyl! Includes coupon for MP3 download of the entire album.Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea. Side One 1. ''The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One'' 2:00 2. ''The King of Carrot Flowers Pts.
Around the Well [Vinyl]
By Sub Pop
mpn: SP808, ean: 0098787080810,
This double CD/triple LP collects songs ranging from out-of-print to never-before-released and spans Iron And Wine's earliest sessions which yielded the band's debut (2002's ''The Creek Drank The Cradle'') through material recorded for 2007's ''The Shepherd's Dog''. The double disc is broken into two sections. The first is an assortment of hushed home recordings, unedited and raw, and the second highlights moments captured in the studio with the help of other musicians, friends, and engineers.
The Sunset Tree [Vinyl]
By 4AD
mpn: 72508 A, ean: 0652637250817,
''It's rare to come across such specific and purposeful prose in modern pop. But, alongside Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst and the Decemberists' Colin Meloy, John Darnielle is helping bring fine lyric writing back to life'' - NY Daily News.Shrink-wrapped.
Brighten The Corners (120 Gram)
mpn: OLER197, ean: 0744861019701,
To coincide with the 2010 reunion tour and the release of Quarantine The Past: The Best Of Pavement, we are launching our new L(ow) P(rice)Vinyl series with special affordable introductory editions of all 5 Pavement albums plus the Watery, Domestic EP. 120-gram vinyl, MP3 coupons. Genre indie rock or pop.Shrink-wrapped.
OUR ENDLESS NUMBERED DAYS [Vinyl]
On his second full-length, Sam Beam ''...launches balloons of sweetly whispered regret over trance-inducing backwoods string arrangements and watches them float away, his heart in tow''--Entertainment Weekly. ''Equally assured with sweetly lilting pop and doom struck ballads, Beam invests these songs with hypnotic beauty and sparkling melody, making them as accessible as they are affecting''--The Onion.Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days. Side A 1. On Your Wings 2. Naked As We Came 3.
By Geffen
mpn: 6 3 00246342, ean: 0755067888718,
BECK MELLOW GOLD Far more<|fim_middle|> the longest time, singer-songwriter Isaac Brock seemed to exist solely to defy the established rules, forging forward on sheer momentum and ingenuity. Even Pavement looked relatively ordinary in comparison to the band's early releases like 1996's This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About and 1997's The Lonesome Crowded West. But on Good News for People Who Love Bad News, the frontman
View more products in Indie & Lo-Fi. | than a novelty jester, Beck is a musical anarchist and bummed-out street prophet whose audience will squirm and thrill to the slacker delta blues of ''Whiskeyclone'' and urban nightmares like ''Truckdrivin Neighbors Downstairs.'' --Jeff BatemanBECK MELLOW GOLD.
The Mountian Goats/ Transcendental Youth
By Merge
mpn: MRG 446, ean: 0673855044613,
Transcendental Youth is full of songs about people who madly, stupidly, blessedly won't stop surviving, no matter who gives up on them.Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging.
Good News For People Who Love Bad News
mpn: MFR696998712522#VG, ean: 0696998712522,
It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment Modest Mouse started sounding like a real band. For | 212 |
The District recognizes that students who come from homes where a language other than English is spoken may require special instructional programs. The District will provide free, appropriate English language instruction to all students identified as less than fluent in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The District's<|fim_middle|> to the development of the student's potential and acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to society while maintaining pride in their first language and culture.
Meeting the needs of K‐12 English Language Learners will include the training and participation of all teachers and staff, as well as encouraging the participation of parents in the educational process. | English as a Second Language Program seeks to ensure the best educational opportunity for all students with limited English proficiency to prepare them to engage in the quality K‐12 education provided by the District. To meet this goal, certified teachers with English Language Learner (ELL) training will identify all ELL students, provide them with the services necessary to meet their language needs, and assess them annually to monitor progress. The program will enable the students to acquire the English language skills to succeed academically, and also contribute | 102 |
Louisa is our Operations Assistant. She has worked in<|fim_middle|> through the vast land diverse landscapes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
What Louisa loves most about travel is stepping outside of her day-to-day existence to observe and engage with people from other cultures. She also has a keen interest in wildlife and loves the excitement of safari style holidays.
Louisa looks forward to one day walking the entire Camino Francés with her family once her little boy is old enough. Until then she continues to enjoy short breaks to rural areas of Victoria on family camping holidays where she can feel connected to nature. | the travel industry for the past 20 years, mostly in the adventure travel space. Her experience has predominantly been in group operations, itinerary design and product development.
From a young age, Louisa was drawn to travel. Her first travel experience was at 6 months old when her Dad took her on a camping trip to beautiful Wilson's Promontory in Victoria, where she must have caught the travel bug. Since then she has travelled extensively across the globe.
Louisa's most memorable travel experiences have included an expeditionary cruise to the Scandinavian Arctic, a gorilla trek in Rwanda, trekking the Annapurna Dhaulagiri in Nepal, walking the Lares Trail in Peru and cycling through the magnificent Loire Valley of France.
A few years ago, Louisa took off on a 4-month sojourn to Latin American travelling overland | 173 |
{| style="width: 25em; font-size: 90%; text-align: left;" class="infobox"
|-
!align="center" bgcolor="lightblue" colspan="2"| El Salvador: Agua y Saneamiento
|-
|
|-
!align="center" bgcolor="lightblue" colspan="3"|Datos
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Cobertura del agua potable(definición amplia)
|valign="top"| 94% (2015)
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Cobertura del alcantarillado (definición amplia)
|valign="top"| 75% (2015)
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Continuidad de servicio(%)
|valign="top"| Baja
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Uso de agua urbano promedio (litros/persona/día)
|valign="top"| 150
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Tarifa de agua y alcantarillado urbano promedio (US$/20m3)
|valign="top"| US$4.20/mes
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Porcentaje de usuarios con micromedición
|valign="top"| 90% (2013)
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Porcentaje de agua residual recogido y tratado
|valign="top"| 2%
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Inversión anual en agua y saneamiento
|valign="top"| US$33m (2013) o US$5/capita
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Fuentes de financiamiento para inversiones
|valign="top"| 85% externas, 15% internas
|-
!align="center" bgcolor="lightblue" colspan="3"|Instituciones
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Descentralización a los municipios
|valign="top"| Limitada
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Compañía nacional de agua y saneamiento
|valign="top"| ANDA
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Regulador de agua y saneamiento
|valign="top"| Ninguna
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Responsable para deseñar políticas
|valign="top"| Presidente de la República
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Ley sectorial
|valign="top"| Ninguna
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Número de proveedores de servicios urbanos
|valign="top"| 97
|-
!align="left" valign="top"|Número de proveedores de servicios rurales
|valign="top"| 800
|-
|}
El nivel de acceso a servicios de abastecimiento de agua y saneamiento en El Salvador ha sido aumentado de manera significativa. En 2015 un estudio de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte calificó El Salvador como el país que ha logrado el mayor avance en el mundo en términos de incremento de acceso a agua y saneamiento y en la disminución de la in-equidad en acceso entre áreas urbanas y áreas rurales. Sin embargo, los recursos de agua están seriamente contaminados y una gran parte de las aguas residuales se descargan en el medio ambiente sin ningún tratamiento. En términos de institucionalidad, únicamente una institución pública está de facto a cargo de formular las políticas del sector y también de proveer el servicio. Durante los últimos 20 años, los intentos para reformar y modernizar el sector a través de propuestas para nuevas leyes no han logrado producir fruto.
Acceso
Fuente: Programa de Monitoréo Conjunto OMS/UNICEF para Agua Potable y Saneamiento 2015
El nivel de acceso a los servicios de agua y saneamiento en El Salvador continúa siendo bajo en comparación con los estándares regionales. En 2015, el acceso al agua potable y a un saneamiento adecuado alcanzó en 94 y 75 por ciento, respectivamente. Este nivel de acceso es más bajo en las áreas rurales, donde reside aproximadamente el 33 por ciento de la población. Para el agua potable representa el 87% y para el saneamiento adecuado el 60%.
Nota: se debe corregir el último censo existente del 2007, y utilizar el factor de corrección para obtener datos más reales, como el histórico definido:
Fuente: Compendio Estadístico de Índice de Desarrollo Humano de El Salvador, PNUD UNDP 2009-2010
Fuentes y uso de agua
Las principales fuentes de agua potable en El Salvador son aguas subterráneas, fuentes y aguas superficiales como el río Lempa que abastece parte del Gran San Salvador. El uso de agua potable en áreas urbanas de El Salvador disminuyó entre 2007 y 2013 de 260 a 222 millones de metros cúbicos a pesar del crecimiento de la población. Basado en una población abastecida estimada a 4 millones de personas, el consumo era de 150 litros por persona por día en 2013. La producción de agua era mucho más alta que la facturación con una producción de 363 millones de metros cúbicos en 2013, lo que implica que casi 40% del agua era no contabilizada a causa de perdidas en la red de distribución, errores de medición y consumo ilícito.
Impacto de la falta de acceso a los servicios de abastecimiento de agua y saneamiento sobre la productividad y la salud pública
La carencia de acceso al agua ejerce un impacto no sólo sobre la calidad de vida de los pobres, sino también sobre la productividad y la salud. Según una encuesta realizada en 2001 por la fundación salvadoreña FUSADES, los pobres rurales, en especial, dedican un porcentaje significativo de su tiempo productivo a la recolección de agua. Las familias que no cuentan con acceso a agua dedican, en promedio, el 8.5 por ciento de su tiempo productivo acarreando agua, mientras que aún aquellos con conexión domiciliaria dedican el 4.9 por ciento de su tiempo productivo esta tarea. Entre los pobres estructurales, los valores fueron mucho más altos, representando un 13.6 y un 7.1 por ciento, respectivamente.
La falta de acceso a servicios de agua y saneamiento en las zonas rurales ejerce efectos adversos demostrables sobre la mortalidad infantil y el crecimiento. La tasa de mortalidad infantil entre las familias que no tienen conexión domiciliaria es de 40 por cada 1,000 nacimientos, en comparación con 30 en las familias que sí cuentan con dicha conexión. De forma similar, la tasa de mortalidad infantil entre los hogares que no tienen letrinas es de 37, en comparación con 30 para los hogares que sí las tienen.
Calidad del servicio
En la mayoría de las zonas cubiertas por ANDA, el servicio de abastecimiento de agua es intermitente, variando entre 16 horas al día en algunas zonas, a menos de 4 horas al día e incluso a una vez cada cuatro días en otras, según lo revela la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Familiar (FESAL) realizada en 2002. Sin embargo, casi todas las localidades parecen recibir agua al menos una vez al día. El cumplimiento de la calidad microbiológica del agua era 99.6% al nivel nacional en 2013 según ANDA.
Recursos hídricos y contaminación del agua
Los recursos hídricos de El Salvador están severamente contaminados a causa, en parte, de la total ausencia de tratamiento municipal de las aguas residuales. Además, el país sufre escasez de agua durante la época seca y conflictos entre los usuarios. Se estima que el 90 % de los cuerpos superficiales de agua están contaminados. Casi toda el agua residual municipal (98 %) y el 90 % del agua residual industrial se descargan en los ríos y riachuelos sin ningún tratamiento. Se estima que los mayores esfuerzos de mitigación de la contaminación deberían realizarse en las cuencas del río Acelhuate y del río Sucio, una zona que produce un tercio del agua que abastece al Área Metropolitana de San Salvador. Durante los últimos 20 años, el rendimiento de una muestra de vertientes declinó en un 30 % debido a la deforestación. Esto ha reducido la disponibilidad de agua para la población rural obligándola, en algunos casos, a depender de pozos más costosos que bombean agua de acuíferos cuya tabla de agua ha declinado tanto como un metro por año en algunas localidades.
Responsabilidad por el abastecimiento de agua y el saneamiento
En El Salvador la misma institución, la Administración Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (ANDA), es el ente rector del sector y el principal proveedor de servicios urbano, mientras que no existe un ente regulador. No existe una separación de roles como en la mayoría de otros países de la región. Hay poca disponibilidad para darle prioridad al saneamiento en el ámbito nacional y existe un traslape de legislación, por lo que se tienen vacíos institucionales y no hay claridad de roles y competencias.
Política
La responsabilidad para definir políticas en el sector recae en la Secretaría Técnica de la Presidencia de la República, con el respaldo técnico del ANDA. El Presidente de ANDA tiene el rango de un Ministro y entonces no es baja la autoridad de otro Ministro, pero del Presidente de la República. El Presidente de la Junta de Gobierno de ANDA es el Presidente de ANDA mismo. Por fines presupuestarios el presupuesto de ANDA forma parte del presupuesto del Ministerio de Obras Públicas, pero este Ministerio tiene ningunas atribuciones en el sector de agua y saneamiento.
El Ministerio de Salud Pública es encargado de vigilar la calidad de agua potable y el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales es encargado de la administración de recursos hídricos. El Ministerio de Economía apruebe ajustes a las tarifas de agua.
No existe una política bien definida de agua y saneamiento en el país.
Prestación del servicio
La prestación de servicios de abastecimiento de agua y saneamiento en El Salvador es responsabilidad de un gran número de distintos proveedores de servicios. El proveedor dominante es la ANDA, la cual presta servicios al 40 por ciento de la población total salvadoreña en 149 de los 262 municipios de la nación.
Entre los demás proveedores de servicios se cuenta: las municipalidades, los proveedores de servicios descentralizados, los desarrolladores de proyectos de vivienda y las cooperativas rurales. Ochenta y tres municipios, en su mayoría pequeños, proporcionan los servicios directamente. Más de 13 proveedores de servicios descentralizados han suscrito contratos bajo los cuales ANDA les ha otorgado el derecho de gestionar sus servicios en forma autónoma. Más de 100 desarrolladores de proyectos de vivienda han tenido que construir sus propios sistemas autónomos de abastecimiento urbano de agua porque ANDA no ha podido conectarlos. Ahora operan esos sistemas por sí mismos o han delegado la prestación del servicio en asociaciones de usuarios. En las zonas rurales, el servicio es provisto por más de 800 organizaciones basadas en la comunidad, incluyendo Juntas de Agua y Asociaciones de Desarrollo Comunitario. Estas últimas dan servicio a aproximadamente 30 por ciento de la población.
Otras instituciones públicas
El Fondo de Inversión Social para el Desarrollo Local (FISDL), a través de la Red Solidaria, desempeña un papel importante para inversiones de agua y saneamiento en áreas rurales. Sin embargo, no presta asistencia técnica o capacitación a las Juntas de Agua para mejorar la sostenibilidad de los servicios.
El Instituto Salvadoreño de Desarrollo Municipal (ISDEM) fortalece a los municipios con asistencia técnica para modernizar su administración y promueve la descentralización.
Organizaciones no gubernamentales
La Red de Agua y Saneamiento de El Salvador (Red de Agua y Saneamiento de El Salvador RASES) constituye un foro para el intercambio de experiencias en el sector, especialmente en lo que concierne a las zonas rurales.
Historia del sector y acontecimientos recientes
Antes de 1961 los municipios brindaban servicios de agua potable en El Salvador. El sector fue centralizado en 1961 con la creación de ANDA, a la cual la gran mayoría de los municipios entregaron sus sistemas de agua. Durante la Guerra Civil de El Salvador (1980-1992) el sector sufrió de un descuido de la infraestructura, una pérdida de recursos humanos, un debilitamiento de las instituciones del sector, la destrucción física de infraestructura y de niveles de inversión bajos. Después del acuerdo de paz los niveles de inversión aumentaban, particularmente a través del Plan Nacional de Saneamiento Básico Rural (PLANSABAR), un programa ejecutado por el Ministerio de Salud y apoyado por el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID). Sin embargo, en 1996 el financiamiento del BID se agotó y el Ministerio de Salud se retiró del sector de agua y saneamiento, dejando las Juntas de Agua casi sin apoyo.
Desde hace 1995 han surgido diversas iniciativas para reformar el sector agua y para crear un nuevo marco legal. Las reformas previstas incluyeron la fijación de tarifas con base en la recuperación de costos, la creación de un ente regulador, y la introducción de la participación del sector privado, entre otros. El BID condicionó un largo préstamo de agua y saneamiento a la adopción de un paquete de leyes para encaminar<|fim_middle|>anciamiento es un incremento significativo en los costos unitarios de ANDA que van de US$0.21/m³ en 1994 a US$0.46/m³ en 2001, debido en parte al inicio de operaciones del sistema del río Lempa, altamente intensivo en cuanto a consumo de energía.
Referencias
Fuentes
World Bank: Recent Economic Developments in Infrastructure, 2006, Water and Sanitation Chapter, p. 172ff. World Bank REDI(El presente artículo es un resumen de varias secciones del reporte)
Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS): Evaluación de los Servicios de Agua Potable y Saneamiento 2000 en las Américas El Salvador
Enlaces externos
Administración Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de El Salvador
FISDL Fondo de Inversión Social para el Desarrollo Local
Instituto Salvadoreño de Desarrollo Municipal
El Salvador
Salud en El Salvador
Ecología de El Salvador | estas reformas. Sin embargo, ni la administración de Armando Calderón Sol (1994-1999), ni la de Francisco Flores (1999-2004) o de Elías Antonio Saca (2004-2009) sometieron esta legislación a la Asamblea Legislativa. Sin embargo, en 1999 empezó una descentralización limitada con el apoyo de la CARE y de otros actores, transfiriendo la prestación de servicios en 12 pequeñas sistemas de agua del ANDA a cooperativas, empresas mixtas y a municipios. Los terremotos de 2001 causaron gran destrucción a lo largo y ancho del país. Después de los terremotos el BID desbloqueó su préstamo de agua para asistir a las víctimas del desastre.
En 2003 se descubrió un escándalo de corrupción involucrando el entonces Presidente de ANDA, Carlos Perla, varios miembros de su familia y altos funcionarios de la ANDA. Carlos Perla se refugió en Francia, pero fue extraditado en noviembre de 2006 y condenado en primera instancia a 15 años de cárcel en noviembre de 2007 para haber construido su casa con fondos de ANDA y para haber recibido sobornos de US$ 10,959. En un caso de soborno mucho más grande y de fecha anterior a 2000 involucró una empresa española que ganó un contrato de US$ 30 millones para la construcción de un acueducto para suministrar a San Salvador agua del río Lempa. Perla no fue juzgado para este delito porque las autoridades de Francia aceptaron extraditarlo, aún no habiendo convenio para ello, solamente bajo la condición de que solo fuera juzgado por los delitos cometidos después del 10 de noviembre de 2000.
En octubre de 2009 hubo un aluvión de denuncias contra la ANDA a causa de un nuevo pliego tarifario que causó fuertes variaciones de tarifas cuando se superó un cierto nivel de consumo. Después de estas protestas el pliego tarifario ha sido cambiado en marzo de 2010 para introducir una nueva gradualidad y tarifas más bajas para muchos usuarios. Al principio de 2010 Marco Antonio Fortín ha sido nombrado como nuevo Presidente de ANDA.
En su Plan Estratégico 2014-2019 ANDA se compromete a lograr 20 objetivos, entre ellos de conducir una campaña publicitaria para promover la aprobación de la Ley General de Agua, establecer un anteproyecto de ley del subsector de agua potable y saneamiento, analizar la estructura tarifaria vigente para generar una propuesta en 2015-2016, reducir su consumo de energía eléctrica en al menos 25% y reducir el de agua no facturada en San Salvador en un 5%.
Aspectos financieros
Por razones políticas los ajustes de ANDA a las tarifas de agua han sido infrecuentes. Entre 1993 y 2014, éstas se ajustaron sólo tres veces, en 1994, en 2001 y en 2009/10. Los aumentos eran menos que la inflación. ANDA obtuvo un déficit en su resultado del ejercicio de 2013 de 35.6m USD, con ingresos de 131.3m USD (entre ellos 110.3m USD de venta de servicios) y 167m USD de costos, incluyendo gastos financieros y depreciación. ANDA tenía 4,000 empleados en 2013 y 787,000 conexiones. Eso corresponde a más de 5 empleados por mil conexiones, lo que es un nivel más alto que empresas de agua eficientes que tienen menos de 3 empleados por mil conexiones.
Estructura y nivel de tarifas
Zonas urbanas. La tarifa da agua de ANDA es menor para clientes residenciales y mayor para clientes comerciales. La tarifa residencial es subsidiada para consumos de menos de 45 metros cúbicos por mes, mientras que hay une sobrecarga para consumos arriba de 60 metros cúbicos. Sin embargo, la gran mayoría de los consumidores consumen menos de 45 metros cúbicos ("el consumo de hasta 31 m³ es el 80.5% de la población), lo que causa un déficit estructural en los ingresos de la empresa. Para un consumo de 50 metros cúbicos por mes un hogar paga 43 USD o 0.86 dólar por metro cúbico. Para un consumo de 20 metros cúbicos por mes un hogar paga 4.20 USD o 0.21 dólar por metro cúbico. Estas tarifas están por debajo de las aplicadas en muchos otros países de América Latina. Las tarifas para el servicio de alcantarillado son aún más bajas que las tarifas de agua: Para un consumo de 10 metros cúbicos el servicio de alcantarillado es gratis y por un consumo de 20 metros cúbicos cuesta solamente 0.10 USD o medio centavo por metro cúbico. Por ende, se genera un subsidio a usuarios con conexión de alcantarillado, que suelen ser personas en mejor situación que los que no tienen alcantarillado.
Zonas rurales. Las tarifas que pagan los usuarios del agua en las zonas rurales sí permiten la recuperación de los costos financieros de operación puesto que no hay disponibilidad de subsidios directos. Estas tarifas suelen ser mucho más elevadas que las que pagan los clientes de ANDA. Algunos usuarios rurales de los sistemas de bombeo de agua reciben un subsidio a través del Fondo de Inversión Nacional en Electricidad y Telefonía (FINET), el cual subsidia las tarifas de electricidad.
Inversiones
En 2013 el nivel de inversión en agua y saneamiento en El Salvador era de 33 millones de dólares. Los niveles de inversión entre 1995-2001 eran entre 20 y 40 millones de dólares al año, frente a necesidades de inversión anuales de entre 50 y 100 millones de dólares.
Financiamiento
La mayor fuente de financiamiento para inversiones (85%) era en el financiamiento externo con 28 millones, principalmente del BID y de la cooperación española. 4.6 millones de dólares han sido financiado por recursos propios del estado.
En el período 1990-2002, solamente el 63 por ciento de las inversiones eran financiadas a través de préstamos y donaciones internacionales, el 21 por ciento mediante el autofinanciamiento de ANDA, 16 por ciento con recursos gubernamentales, y el 0 por ciento con financiamiento comercial. La situación financiera de los proveedores de servicio casi no permite la autofinanciación de las inversiones. El coeficiente de explotación de ANDA se acerca a 1, lo que indica que la empresa apenas cubre sus costos de operación y mantenimiento de rutina. La razón detrás de la reducción de la capacidad de autofin | 1,736 |
Can You Get an STD From Masturbating?
More in STDs
More STDs
Is It Safe to Masturbate While Being Treated for an STD?
Elizabeth Boskey, PhD
Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases.
Medically reviewed by Susan Olender, MD on May 23, 2018
Susan Olender, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.
Susan Olender, MD
Masturbation and STDs are two topics that people are often reluctant to discuss. That's true individually, but it's even truer when you put the topics together. People are often concerned about whether or not it's safe to masturbate while undergoing STD treatment, and, more often, whether it is possible to get an STD from masturbation.
Understanding how STDs are spread can help people get a better idea of the risks from masturbation. However, there's one thing that everyone should be clear on: If you don't have an STD, you can't get one from masturbating. The only exception to that is if you're using an infected sex toy to masturbate with, but that is unlikely.
If you don't have an STD, you won't get one from masturbation unless it is transmitted by an infected object such as a sex toy. If you have an STD, the safety of masturbation depends on your diagnosis.
Masturbation and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Whether or not it's safe to masturbate when you have an STD depends on what STD you have.
Sexually-Associated Infections
It's reasonably safe to masturbate with sexually associated infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. That's true even if you're using a local treatment, such as a cream or suppository. However, with these diseases, there are some precautions you should take. If you masturbate with sex toys or other objects you should be certain to cover them with condoms and/or disinfect them thoroughly between masturbation sessions. If you don't, those same toys could end up harboring germs, becoming a fomite (an object that carries an infectious organism). Then, playing with those toys could end up reinfecting you at a later date.
Skin-to-Skin Transmitted STD
If you are infected with a treatable STD that spreads by skin-to-skin contact, the answer is different. You will want to be cautious about masturbating. You can still masturbate, you should just be thoughtful about doing so when sores are present. It is possible to spread diseases such as molluscum or herpes around your body through a process known as autoinoculation.<|fim_middle|> touching your partner's genitals—or vice versa. You can also consider using gloved hands to touch your partner and bare hands to touch yourself. Either one of these things makes it less likely that you would spread an infection between you.
In general, STDs that spread through bodily fluids—such as HIV and chlamydia—are relatively unlikely to be spread through mutual masturbation. There's a bigger risk for STDs that spread from skin to skin, such as herpes and molluscum.
Making Masturbation Safer
People don't always know when they are infected with an STD. These dos and don'ts will help make masturbation safer without making it less fun. The main idea is that you do your best to avoid transferring bacteria and other pathogens to or from your genitals.
If you think you could have an infection, see your doctor or visit an STD clinic for screening.
Wash your hands before and after masturbation.
Clean under your nails regularly and/or keep them short.
Immediately wash your hands if you find pimples, sores, or other strange bumps while masturbating, then try to avoid touching them.
Touch your eyes while you are masturbating. The eyes are mucosal surfaces, just like the genital region, and are susceptible to a number of STDs.
Share sex toys without covering them with condoms or disinfecting them thoroughly.
Reuse any sex toys without thoroughly cleaning them.
Planned Parenthood. Is masturbation good for you?
Columbia University. Go Ask Alice!
Avert. MYTHS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet
Anderson TA, Schick V, Herbenick D, Dodge B, Fortenberry JD. A Study of Human Papillomavirus on Vaginally Inserted Sex Toys, Before and After Cleaning, Among Women Who Have Sex With Women and Men. Sex Transm Infect. 2014 Nov;90(7):529-31. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051558.
de Vries HJ, Zingoni A, White JA, Ross JD, Kreuter A. 2013 European Guideline on the Management of Proctitis, Proctocolitis and Enteritis Caused By Sexually Transmissible Pathogens. Int J STD AIDS. 2014 Jun;25(7):465-74. doi: 10.1177/0956462413516100.
Hughes CM, Damon IK, Reynolds MG. Understanding U.S. Healthcare Providers' Practices and Experiences With Molluscum Contagiosum. PLoS One. 2013 Oct 14;8(10):e76948. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076948
Mell HK. Management of Oral and Genital Herpes in the Emergency Department. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2008 May;26(2):457-73, x. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2008.02.001.
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An Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases | If you touch a sore, you can move infectious material to another part of your skin and start to get sores there. Therefore, you should try to avoid touching active sores or disease lesions during masturbation. It is also possible to end up with infectious material trapped under your nails. Therefore, masturbation or mutual masturbation with gloved hands can be a good option.
STI's That Are Spread Through Skin Contact
HIV and Hepatitis
Finally, masturbation is very safe sex for people with HIV or hepatitis. It is not possible to reinfect yourself with these viruses. However, you should be careful about masturbating in a shared environment. If you do that, be certain to clean up after a session to avoid the risk of exposing anyone you live/work/play with to potentially infectious biological fluids. Potentially infectious secretions include semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and breast milk.
Masturbation When Being Treated for STDs
It is generally safe to masturbate while you are being treated for bacterial STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. These STDs are treated systemically with antibiotics. They also aren't spread by skin to skin contact. However, it's important to remember that when being treated for a bacterial STD, you should not have sex again until you and your sex partner(s) have completed treatment. That will help you to avoid infecting a partner until you (or both of you) are done with treatment. However, there's no reason not to masturbate as much as you want.
In general, you can think about it this way. If the STD treatment you're using is systemic, it's probably safe to masturbate. In other words, if you're taking a pill or being given medication through a shot, your whole body is being treated. You're therefore not at significant risk of reinfecting yourself.
However, if you're being treated with creams or other local treatments, be careful. Those treatments are usually used for infections of the skin that are easy to move from one place to another. Treating one area doesn't protect the other areas of your body from becoming infected.
Mutual Masturbation and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Mutual masturbation is when you and a partner sexually arouse each other using your hands. It can also involve you each masturbating, but near each other. In general, mutual masturbation is relatively safe sex. That's particularly true if no bodily fluids are transmitted.
There are, however, ways to make mutual masturbation even safer. If you are touching your genitals, you can wash your hands before | 527 |
DOM 21 DE ABRIL DE 2019 - 10:05hs.
ICE Totally Gaming has traditionally<|fim_middle|> Quixant UK.
"We see the event as a fundamental pillar of our yearly calendar. It is therefore very pleasing to see our considerable effort put into technology development receive a very positive reception, acting as a driver to move business even further forward through 2018," Malin added. | been the centrepiece of Quixant's global exhibition schedule, and this year's event proved to be no exception. Showcasing a full, rapidly-expanding portfolio at ICE, the company experienced unprecedented interest in present, new and future solutions.
The new QX-60, a high-powered Windows 7 and Linux compatible gaming platform which supports multiple 4K screens and innovative new on-board hardware, software and security features, made its European debut to substantial acclaim.
The QxTrio 3-in-1 monitor, providing cost-effectiveness and high reliability levels relative to the curved screens it simulates, and 13.3" interactive PlayDeck were among impressive recent additions to the company's wide portfolio.
"This year represented our thirteenth appearance at ICE, and was our strongest yet", comments John Malin, Sales Director for | 173 |
Biografia
È nato a Kladno, una città a ovest di Praga, in quella che allora era la Cecoslovacchia.
Il<|fim_middle|> | suo gusto per il disegno risale alla sua infanzia; nel 1936 entra alla Scuola Nazionale di grafica di Praga. In seguito ha studiato presso il Collegio di Arti Applicate di Praga (Uměleckoprůmyslová Škola Praha). Ha iniziato la sua carriera nel 1942 nello studio Bat'a a Zlín, dove si è specializzato nella produzione di film di animazione. Dopo la seconda guerra mondiale, incomincia a lavorare per la società di produzione di film d'animazione Bratří v triku, dove ha iniziato come disegnatore, e successivamente come regista. Alla fine ha preso il comando della società.
Autore di una settantina di film, il suo personaggio più famoso, una piccola talpa (Krtek o Krteček nella lingua d'origine), è presente in almeno cinquanta cortometraggi.
Negli Anni 70 realizza una serie di cortometraggi con protagonista Cvrček, il grillo musicista.
È scomparso nel 2011 all'età di 90 anni.
Altri progetti
Collegamenti esterni | 286 |
Jo McAntee returned a very good score to win the day sponsored by Anna's Hair. We thank Anna for her continued support of ladies golf. Jo's score of 79 gross is now the best gross of the year (so far) and nett 70 won the day. Jill Pfingst beat Jan Edwards on the countback with 71 nett and other players were Linda Hooke, Maureen Maynard, Anne Brown, Juleen Sippel, Vicki Bird and Robyn Fitzpartick. Anne won both pin shots and Jo had 22 putts to win<|fim_middle|>iston. This week will be sponsored by Quality Management Australia playing a 4BBB stableford competition. Next week will be sponsored by the Forsyth Family as we play the K & L Forsyth Memorial. Timesheets are out now.
The Chook run winner this week was B Casey, runner up L Hooke. The pin shot was received by O Brook. This Sunday we have a 2 Social Clubs using all the buggies. If wanting a game you will have to wait until they have finished their round, ring the club to make a booking or for further details. | a ball. Wednesday we play for the Audrey Morris Memorial which is sponsored by past patron Josie Newlove. Next week is a meeting and the 9th round of the Consistency Cup with Linda Hooke sponsoring the day. Good golfing and may all your putts drop in!
Wednesday the Sporters was sponsored by Sugarloaf Bakery playing a stroke 1-9 + 10, 14 & 15 competition. The winner was L Blunt 44 net, runner up L Vandenbrink with 46 net. The ball run down went to G Parker 48 net and R Fitgerald, K Kirgis & B Brown 49 net. Pin Shots were received by L Vandenbrink on 4, A Stick received 8 while L Blunt received 9. The Dugie dice sponsored by the Dugandan Hotel was received by K Rhodes. The best gross for the day was received by G Parker with 51 off the stick. This week will be sponsored by W Hall & B Sampson playing a stableford 10-18 + 1, 5 & competition. Next week will be sponsored by Boonah Jewellery & Gifts playing as stableford 1-9 + 10, 14 & 15 competititon. The Pub day will be held on 24th October so get your teams ready.
Friendly Fridays had 18 players tee off for a stableford back 9 competition. The winner was P King with 23 pts, runner up K Kirgis 20 pts followed by N Hooke with 19 pts ocb. The ball run down went to R Brooks 19 pts, B May, S Fahey, K Rhodes & W Harrison 17 pts followed by J Handley, M Hassan & K Sawtell 16 pts. The pinshot was received by B May while R Eacott received the NAGA. The best gross for the day was received by P King with 37 off the stick.
Saturday was sponsored by Furniture Court playing a stroke/monthly medal competition. The overall winner was A Bennett with 64 net. This was a 71 off the stick. The mens winner was R Patrick 67 net, runner up G Ball 69 net. The Ladies winner was M Tress 77 net, runner up D Wall 79 net. The rundown went to I Browning, W Harrison, W Gnech, G Philp & P McNiven 70 net, followed by J Beasley, R Maudsley & B Philp 72 net, M Dickson, K Eugarde, G Balharry, G Parker & V Riley 73 net and B May 74 net. Pin Shots were received by K Sawtell & Z Eviston on 4/13, J Browning & Z Eviston received 8/17 while J Beasley received 9/18. The pro pin on 4 is sponsored by Drummond Golf and currently held by W Harrison. The pro pin on 17 is sponsored by Sugarloaf Bakery and currently held by J Browning. The Accurate Drive was received by Z Ev | 675 |
Local boy recovers after life-threatening lung infection
There goes Augie, speeding down the hallway at Covenant Children's Hospital.
"Now he's a running, crazy, two-year-old," said Kaitlin Riojas, Augie's mom.
"There's not a whole lot that slows him down," said Nathan Riojas, Augie's dad. One year ago, Augie's visit here was much more serious.
"They kept telling us it's just a virus. It's just something he's going to have to work through," Kaitlin said. Kaitlin and Nathan said tests for common viruses came back negative, and little Augie kept getting worse.
"It just got really bad, really fast<|fim_middle|> heal itself until age eight. Augie's oxygen levels are improving with each checkup, so they're expecting him to make a full recovery. | ," Kaitlin said. After a month, Augie was struggling to breathe. "They decided to do an X-ray and they found he had an infection of some kind on his right lung. The virus that he had was called the human metapneumovirus." The virus weakened the lining around his lung and allowed infection to fester. Augie immediately went into surgery.
"He was on a ventilator when he got back to help his lungs rest," Kaitlin said. The Riojas said the next few days were terrifying, especially when doctors had to do an emergency chest tube placement.
"I remember Nathan and I walking into his bedroom, and just being so worried we'd never see him there again," Kaitlin said. 16 nerve-wracking days passed by.
"When they finally took him off it was probably one of the best days of our life," Kaitlin said. The Riojas overwhelmed with emotion when they saw their little boy breathing on his own. Now, every day with their son is treated as a gift.
"We enjoy every moment with him. We just wanted him to know how loved he was and how thankful we were for him," Kaitlin said. The Riojas say they'll never forget the people that gave support.
"Extremely thankful. Not just for our family and friends, but for the staff here. They were so amazing," Nathan said. Also, they won't forget their faith that gave them hope.
"That's one of the most frustrating things. There's almost nothing you can do. It almost forces you to rely on God's strength," Nathan said.
"What was amazing is that our prayers were answered. We got to keep him and take him home," Kaitlin said. Doctors say when a child's lung is hurt, it can | 366 |
Neumarkt is a very common name in Germany. Obviously it means New Market, yet inevitably the towns are very old. As the title at the top of the page indicates, this one is in the Oberpfalz area of Southern Germany, which is part of the province of Bavaria (Bayern). It's about twenty miles south east of the ancient city of Nürnberg and can be easily reached by Regional Express train from there. This part of Germany is awash with beer and small historic breweries and the reason for going to Neumarkt was because this old market town<|fim_middle|> a straight road. When you arrive at the end the pub and brewery are in sight. The station is served by S-Bahn local trains from Nürnberg and Regional Express trains running between Nürnberg and Regensburg.
to be found in Obere Marktstrasse in the pedestrian-only centre of the town. | has three.
I walked down Bahnhofstrasse from the station and in less than ten minutes I was standing opposite my first watering hole. The tap of the Goose Brewery is attached to the brewery itself. The beginnings of brewery are recorded in 1580 when an inn with the name "Goldener Gans" was first recorded. It had its own brewery yet in 1842 there was pressure on it to take beer from the Kommunbrauerei (owned by the town) so the first brewery was founded as a limited company.
In 1866 it was purchased by Leonhard Ehrnsperger and his descendents run it today. The brewery and its pubs were destroyed in World War 2 and they were rebuilt. It was located at Ringstrasse 4, adjoining the Oberegans pub.
It is reached through an entrance which passes under the administration offices. It is just wide and high enough for the drays to pass though.
Next door, the tap is a handsome building with a partially walled terrace adjoining the street for al fresco dining and drinking.
It was coming into its own during May when I visited. I entered the building and went to the main room, which was very traditional; as was the menu.
It was lunchtime and I had a Bavarian liver dumpling soup (Bayerischer Leberknödelsuppe) which is a favourite of mine, a dumpling made with liver in a sea of beef bouillon. Next was a Schnitzel made with pork. I don't normally remember the meals I have had, but this stood out as being particularly good.
What about the beer? Well that was very good. On offer were Hell (4.9%), Dunkel (5.0%), Pils (5.0%), and Kellerpils (5.0%). I had a small Dunkel, a bit too malty for my taste; a small Pils, good, a fine example. Finally I had a large Kellerpils, served in a stone krug because it is cloudy. Absolutely wonderful! This is a great pub and comes completely recommended.
From the railway station walk down Bahnhofstrasse which is | 454 |
<|fim_middle|> the lead-off single - and promptly banned by radio for it's supposed drug references. Filled with moody vocals atop clattering and chiming guitar work, this rarity is now available from... | Home > Artists > Baroques, The
The first non-R&B act signed to the famed Chess Records, the Milwaukee based Baroques mixed garage intensity with sonic experimentation that would come to define the later part of the decade. Though widely overlooked, their debut album was rumored to outsell Sgt. Pepper's on a local level.
Fronted by the dark baritone vocals of Jay Berkenhagen, the Baroques weave through the structures of early 60s rock, adding a subtly gloomy touch and at times departing into chaotic bursts of noise. Almost as quickly as they appeared, the Baroques quickly dissolved, but not before making their unique statement with an eclectic array of eccentric tracks.
Baroques, The - The Baroques - LP
Badger State Garage / Psych Weirdness! The lone album by Milwaukee's Baroques was recorded in 1967 and issued on Chess Records as part of the label's effort to market music to a new audience. It's a beautifully-grungy affair; somewhat lo-fi, featuring many incredible originals, such as "Mary Jane," issued as | 229 |
Rebel Blood #4
Posted by Andrew Ardizzi | Jun 27, 2012 | Reviews | 0
Plot: Alex Link and Riley Rossmo
Writer: Alex Link
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Colours and Letters: Kelly Tindall
Cover: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: Image Comics
Rebel Blood is one of<|fim_middle|> very good one at that.
Tags: Alex Link, Horror Comics, Image Comics, Kelly Tindall, Rebel Blood, Rebel Blood #4, Riley Rossmo, zombies
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Andrew Ardizzi
Andrew Ardizzi is an honours graduate of journalism from Humber College, and is currently working out of Toronto as a freelance writer and editor. He's also the Senior Editor at Crystal Fractal Comics. You can find him at his blog, or follow him on Twitter.
You Want 2nds? Secret Wars #2
Uncanny X-Force #15
The Eyes Of The Cat
Lotus Root Children | many zombie-based books available for the consumption of horror fans, and considering that, we must ask what differentiates them from each other. Which are good, which are less so; in the end, which are worth our money and which are not? Given the arc of Link and Rossmo's story and its ultimate conclusion, it's very clear Rebel Blood in any incarnation is worth every cent of its price tag.
Chuck, weapons in tow, finally arrives at his and his wife's home.
Where the first issue establishes Chuck Neville as the defacto protagonist of the story, subsequent issues continue his trek across the forest in search of answers, stumbling upon his former mates and locals after having been subjected to the zombie virus raging throughout the forest's landscape, infecting animal and human alike. In desperate search of his wife and children, Chuck kills every individual in his path until he eventually arrives at his fated destination.
Issue four begins with Chuck's arrival at the home he shares with his wife, shotgun and hatchet in hand as he exits his pick-up truck. Walking into the house, his wife, unharmed to this point, exits the bedroom and greets her estranged husband in the kitchen. She strangely quizzes Chuck, naively from his perspective, on why he holds his two weapons as he quickly glances around the kitchen table area to notice two empty plates and half-consumed glasses of wine. Hearing a noise coming from the bedroom, he turns to find a large zombified man storming in his direction beyond the bed room door's threshold. Quickly turning to blast him with his shotgun, the aftermath finds his wife consoling the fatally wounded corpse before she transforms into one of the undead herself. Chuck reactively beats his seemingly undead wife with the butt of his gun, taking a moment to rest after he acts before hearing someone call him from the outside. He runs out to find his two children under distress and in the "care" of two men, killing one before the other takes his daughter away. Moving with his son back inside, the story unfolds unexpectedly as his wife, not nearly so dead as first thought, kills Chuck while the horde outside the cabin stand revealed prior to the denouement.
Chuck and his wife have a chat.
Without discussing the ultimate revelation, the story Link and Rossmo have crafted is an amazing, albeit intensely horrific tale that is executed in such a way that it stands above the cut-and-dry zombie horror comics currently available. Employing the storytelling equivalent of a sleight of hand, the duo pulls the rug out from underneath readers expecting a straight forward zombie romp and delves into the analysis of its characters. Rebel Blood is very psychological and cerebral in how its plot unfolds, and although violence is very much an inherent and necessary part of the comic, the climax of the series is hardly what could have been expected despite allusions to the contrary throughout the first issue. Where zombie comics much like Walking Dead hone very much in on the standard survival horror nature of its foundation, Rebel Blood manages to be entirely unpredictable and is rewarding as a completed story.
Rossmo's artwork is horrific in every positive sense. His undead creatures are grotesquely disfigured and are reminiscent of the worst things humankind can conjure within its thoughts. The monstrosity of these characters define the narrative of this ultimate tale of humankind's struggle against itself, a view skewed by the lens of subjective reality. Rossmo's work navigates beyond the simple horrors of the story and employs a measure of elegance as the characters systematically break-down, evident in panels such as Chuck's spying of the dinner plates in a separate panel as he says, "totally blind to what's happening around you," or a shadowy transition from the normal complexion of Chuck's wife to that of her more monstrous self when she seems to become angrier. The grand revelation in the final pages capped off the mystery behind the events of the comic, crystallizing the monstrous realities of his and Link's script.
Chuck kills a zombie in issue four of "Rebel Blood."
Where many comics seem to fall short of functioning outside the borders of predictability, Rebel Blood as a complete mini-series was a resounding success. As a zombie comic it infused a measure of horror into every facet of its storytelling devices from the script itself through to the pencilling and ink work. The atmosphere portrayed throughout is one ripe with violence inherent to the genre, which despite its face-value promotion is much more than something so simplistic. Rebel Blood is a horror comic in every sense, a | 926 |
Tag Archives: 3D
Google's Building Maker: crowdsourcing the world's architecture
October 14, 2009 Paul Raven
Is there anything that can't be crowdsourced? Google sure don't think so, as they've just announced another new project for Joe Public to muck in on. Google Building Maker will be used to populate Google Earth with 3D models of major buildings:
We like to think of Building Maker as a cross between Google Maps and a gigantic bin of building blocks. Basically, you pick a building and construct a model of it using aerial photos and simple 3D shapes – both of which we provide. When you're done, we take a look at your model. If it looks right, and if a better model doesn't already exist, we add it to the 3D Buildings layer in Google Earth. You can make a whole building in a few minutes.
It's entirely browser-based, too, so no compatibility problems. Of course, you don't get the freedom of Second Life, where you can build any damned building you feel like… but then learning how to build well in SL can take weeks of practice, whereas Google have aimed to make it as easy as possible. Which is a sensible move if you want people to do work for free, I guess… [image by Visentico/Sento]
3DarchitecturecrowdsourcingGooglemodelling
Touchscreen tech goes 3D
October 7, 2009 Paul Raven
People keep doing clever stuff with touchscreen interfaces, despite a continuing dearth of products bigger than a<|fim_middle|> crazy surveillance obsession, but because this Guardian headline seems to have been beamed up from a quarter century ago:
Will 3D television be a hit?
Apparently BSkyB plans to launch a 3D TV network in Europe next year, for which you'll need a special display set and glasses (and, no doubt, a hefty subscriber fee). That's gonna claw viewers back fro the temptations of the intertubes, for sure!
3Dbroadcastmediatelevision
Immersive 3D: 'Please touch' coming soon?
August 28, 2008 Tom Marcinko
The ability to touch and manipulate 3D images is key to the future of interactive entertainment, not to mention every other episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Now two UC-Santa Barbara researchers say they've built a prototype room-sized 3D display using projectors, a user-tracking system, and two FogScreens, which produce 2D images using microscopic water droplets and ultrasound.
To achieve the 3D effect, the same image is rendered on two overlapping screens at different depths. Users' head positions are tracked since the 2D images on each screen depend on the user's viewing direction. The system computes the image alignment in real time, and users see a single, fused 3D image where the screens overlap.
But a room-sized DFD [depth-fused 3D] still presents technical challenges for researchers. For instance, the fog from two FogScreens can bleed through and disrupt each other, air conditioners and open doors can cause turbulence that interferes with the image quality, and alignment and tracking errors can occur because people view the 3D images with two separate eyes.
Possible future applications include virtual museums, surgery, and offices, not to mention virtual catch or Frisbee.
[Image: 3D teapot by Cha Lee, UCSD, IEEE]
3Dentertainmenthologramsimagessimulation
Johnny Chung Lee does incredible things with a Wii at TED
April 13, 2008 Tomas Martin 1 Comment
TED 2008, the annual Technology, Entertainment and Design Conference, was held this March in Monterey California. Among the most exciting talks given was by Johnny Lee, who displayed two incredible uses of the Wiimote controller from the Nintendo Wii. Using the infrared camera at the front of the controller, a projector and an infrared pointer pen, he has made a virtual whiteboard that can be manipulated at more than one place at a time.
This interactive whiteboard is a fraction of the cost of traditional ones. Using sunglasses that emit two infrared dots that show where the glasses are looking Lee also used the Wiimote to make a flat TV screen look truly 3D to the wearer of the sunglasses. Watch and be amazed.
[via Joystiq, video by TED]
3DinfraredreinventionTEDvideowhiteboardwii | smartphone that actually include one. Some chaps from the University of Potsdam have been working at making a Microsoft Surface touchscreen computer detect items that aren't necessarily directly in contact with it:
Each Lumino block has a pattern on its base that identifies its 3D shape, and the Surface table can read them using its four internal cameras that peer up at the acrylic top. That means the computer can build up a 3D picture of what lies on its surface.
The Luminos can also make themselves known to the Surface when they're stacked up, however. They are packed with fibre-optic threads that ferry the pattern of any block placed on top of another down to the screen. So, although a second storey Lumino isn't in direct contact with the touch screen, the computer knows it's there.
As blocks stack up, the risk increases that the patterns from different layers of Luminos will become too jumbled for the screen to interpret. But the fibre-optic bundles are angled so that the pattern visible to the screen at the bottom of a stack includes parts of the patterns of all its blocks. That can allow the screen to recognise stacks up to 10 blocks high.
I really want some hardware like that for use as a combined coffee-table and workbench… though I think I'll wait until someone other than Microsoft is making them.
3Ddisplayinterfacetechnologytouchscreen
Wait, is this actually 1984?
August 4, 2009 Paul Raven
I ask, not because of "my" government's embarrassingly | 323 |
Microsoft Issues Advice on SSL 3.0 Security Vulnerability
Microsoft is offering more guidance regarding a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 3.0 security flaw, including how to disable SSL 3.0 for users of Exchange Server and Azure Websites.
SSL 3.0 is an encryption standard that's used to secure Web traffic using the HTTPS method. It has a flaw that could allow an attacker to decrypt information, such as authentication cookies, according to Microsoft. The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) issued a notice about SSL 3.0 earlier this month. The flaw was first disclosed by researchers using a Padding Oracle on Downgraded Legacy Encryption (POODLE) type of attack.
The POODLE attack compels the use of the flawed SSL 3.0 protocol, enabling the exploit. SSL 3.0 is an older protocol that's largely being replaced by the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, which doesn't have this security flaw, according to US-CERT.
For the SSL 3.0 flaw to be exploited, attackers have to conduct a so-called "man-in-the-middle" kind of attack, so the exploit is considered difficult to pull off. However, it could be exploited more easily in networks subject to those kinds of attacks, such as Wi-Fi networks, according to US-CERT.
Microsoft's Advice
On<|fim_middle|> "configure a custom action" should a browser attempt to establish an SSL 3.0 connection. The custom action can be set up using a code snippet, called a "URL rewrite rule," that's provided by Microsoft.
Security expert and Microsoft MVP, Troy Hunt, prefers using the URL rewrite rule over disabling SSL 3.0 on Azure. The reason is that disabling SSL 3.0 likely will cause connection problems for a small number of users. By using the URL rewrite rule, the SSL 3.0 connection is still made, but the attacker doesn't get the information needed to conduct an exploit, Hunt explained, in a blog post.
Hunt doesn't recommend ignoring the SSL 3.0 flaw. "Yes, this means that taking no action leaves you vulnerable," he wrote. | October 14, Microsoft issued a security advisory noting that all supported Windows Server software uses the SSL 3.0 protocol and are "affected by this vulnerability." The advisory added that the vulnerability was "not considered high risk to customers." The SSL 3.0 flaw isn't considered to be a high-risk problem because attackers would have to make "several hundred HTTPS requests before the attack could be successful," according to Microsoft.
Microsoft's advisory offers workarounds that include disabling SSL 3.0 in Internet Explorer and in Windows. However, doing so will cause browser clients that rely on SSL 3.0 to fail in their server connections.
Microsoft recently offered additional advice for addressing the SSL 3.0 vulnerability, particularly for those using Exchange Server 2010 or Exchange Server 2013, as well as Azure Websites, Roles and Windows Virtual Machines.
For Exchange Server users, disabling SSL 3.0 on Windows Server will affect users with clients that don't support the more current TLS protocol, according to Microsoft. They won't be able to connect to the server. It will also affect other software, such as IIS, that might not support TLS. Users can test whether their browser clients are subject to POODLE attacks via this test page, according to Microsoft's announcement.
URL Rewrite Rule
Microsoft also indicated that Azure Websites, Roles and Windows Virtual Machines enable the SSL 3.0 protocol by default. SSL 3.0 can be disabled for those solutions, although Microsoft cautions that "we encourage customers to evaluate the risk of regression before implementing these changes." Alternatively, IT pros can | 330 |
It appeared in the Black Water Dive®<|fim_middle|> in Hawaiian Waters. Pacific Science, Vol. VII p399-437. | in Kume Island I went the other day, About larva of Mantis shrimp with the shell of a unique shape, Discussion of the write some.
Vertical length of the about 45mm.
Swim of this mantis shrimp larva is not faster than other mantis shrimp larvae.
It's just floating like a balloon.
Most of the body, it has been protected in this shell.
The shell has ridge line on back and side.
This specimen has Rostrum and Median spine. However, It's look like a little defective Rostrum in this individual. Probably, the original rostrum slightly longer than this photo.
And, there has shorter and obtuse of Postero-lateral spine.
Carolin Haug & Joachim T Haug, 2014. Defensive enrolment in mantis shrimp larvae (Malacostraca: Stomatopoda) Contributions to Zoology, 83 (3).
Sidney Joseph & Townsley, 1953. Adult and Larval Stomatopod Crustaceans. Occurring | 222 |
I love to cook. Some of my fondest memories are when I was a boy watching my mom cook in our kitchen. She made delicious meals. She made delicious casseroles.
If you're a busy parent like me, preparing healthy meals, with limited time, can be challenging. Preparing a tasty casserole is ideal.
The following is quick, inexpensive, and healthy recipe.
In my household, we're big on chicken. We love chicken. While grocery shopping, I'll pick up a fresh, pre-cooked chicken from the deli. They usually run around $3.99 and for the purpose of this recipe, I'll use only half of the chicken.
Next, I'll swing past the pasta and spaghetti sauce isle. There I'll pick up a box (16 oz.) of pasta. My wife and I have two little girls – ages 3 and 6. I'll usually pick a type of pasta that's "fun" for the kids to eat – funny shapes or designs. This will run me around $1.
After the pasta, I'll move over to the next aisle and pick up three cans of cream soup. I usually choose two cans of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom and a single can of cheddar cheese soup – for recipes. These three cans will run me around $2.50.
Next stop: Beans and veggies. I like Black beans. They're super good for you, lots of fiber, protein, antioxidants and low in calories, and my kids like them. I'll pick up one can for 79 cents. Veggies: I'll pick up a 16 oz<|fim_middle|>, there's half of the casserole left. So, this meal will serve a family of 4, provide leftovers, and will cost around $11. | . bag of frozen broccoli florets, or mixed veggies – carrots, corn, beans, peas, Lima beans. My daughters love both types. I'm VERY lucky! Either bag will cost me 99 cents.
Last stop: CHEESE (In case you didn't notice, I like cheese). For my casserole recipe, I'll pick up an 8 oz. bag of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheddar gives the dish extra flavor. The cheese will run me $1.69.
We're done at the grocery store!
Step 1) I'll remove the meat from half of the chicken, cutting it up into small pieces and placing it aside. Pre-heat oven – 350 degrees.
Step 3) Thoroughly mix all ingredients well.
Step 5) Wrap glass dish with tin foil.
Step 6) Place in pre-heated oven for 30 minutes. Take out. Stir mixture well. Return to oven for another 30 minutes at same temperature.
Step 7) Remove from oven. Let cool for 10 or 15 minutes (remember, I have two little angels), and serve.
I ALWAYS cook with the intention of having "leftovers". Typically | 253 |
<|fim_middle|>801. | Remembering When™ is a comprehensive fire and fall prevention program for older adults in our community.
Adults 65 and older are twice as likely to be at higher risk of fatal falls and killed by fires compared to the general population due to many factors. By age 75, the risk increases to three times, and by the age 85, four times.
Through the Remembering When™ program, the Maplewood Fire Department and Regions Hospital has partnered together with the goal to reduce fire and fall deaths and injuries by delivering home visits.
Older adults account for the primary cause of injury in the City of Maplewood and the leading cause of unintentional injuries in the nation.
Approximately 95% of adults over the age of 65 live independently; however, face many increased challenges.
Remembering When™ is centered on 16 key safety messages – eight fire prevention and eight fall prevention – developed by experts from national and local safety organizations.
Falls in older adults often lead to debilitating fractures and other injuries that decrease a person's independence and further complications towards their overall health.
Community members living independently age 65 and older.
Fire and life safety personnel will review a home safety checklist with resident.
Recommendations and referrals on how to reduce fires and falls in the home will be made based needs.
For more information, or to schedule a free in-home visit, please contact the Maplewood Fire Department at (651) 249-2 | 300 |
<|fim_middle|>enden. That could mean DNS look-ups take longer than need be, or web addresses fail to resolve at all. Try a free alternative such as OpenDNS if you notice a delay in websites loading despite a strong signal.
Those who struggle to get a decent 3G connection indoors may be better off avoiding USB dongles and tethering their PC to their smartphone. This allows you to place the mobile handset on a window sill, where it has more chance of picking up a decent signal, without having to awkwardly shuffle your furniture around so your desk is near the window.
Alternatively, consider buying a mobile Wi-Fi router. Both 3 and T-Mobile sell excellent 3G Wi-Fi routers that allow you to plug in your dongle and broadcast the 3G signal to other rooms in the house, as well as share the connection among multiple PCs/devices. The portable MiFi router (web ID: 351289) sold by 3 and others could perform a similar function.
Mobile networks assign different APNs (Access Point Names) to customers on regular monthly contracts and pay-as-you-go deals. We have it on good authority that some mobile networks give priority to the more lucrative, contract customers, rewarding their loyal custom with marginally improved bandwidth. If you're determined to get every last kilobit per second out of your connection, it may be worth considering signing up for a long-term deal with one of the fast networks, such as Vodafone, T-Mobile or 3.
Next Next post: How to make WhatsApp group voice and video calls. | Don't plug your dongle straight into your laptop, use the USB cable that's supplied. Not only does this reduce the impact of electrical interference from your PC (from your Wi-Fi radio, for example), it also gives you the flexibility to position the dongle for maximum reception. Merely changing the orientation of a USB modem can boost signal strength, potentially adding crucial extra bandwidth.
Modems may be cheaper when you buy them from a specific mobile network, but that of course means you're tied to that specific provider. Instead, consider buying an unlocked modem and carrying around a selection of pay-as-you-go SIM cards.
Standalone modems aren't ludicrously expensive: you can buy a 7.2Mbits/sec Huawei E1750 modem for £90 from Expansys.com, for example. The networks literally give away the SIM cards for free, or charge a nominal fee for them, so there's nothing to stop you getting a SIM card for every UK network.A selection of SIM cards is particularly useful for those who spend much of their lives on the road, as the gaps in one company's 3G network may be filled by another provider. Remember that T-Mobile and 3 share some of their same 3G network, and Virgin Media's service runs off T-Mobile's network, so there's little point in doubling up with these providers.
The DNS servers used by the mobile broadband networks "tend to be pretty patchy," according to PC Pro's wireless and mobile expert, Paul Ock | 310 |
Bay District Schools teachers will all be getting raises
By Katie Bente
Published: Nov. 15, 2022 at 10:43 PM CST
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Bay District Schools teachers will soon be seeing bigger numbers on their paychecks.
Local teachers have been fighting for more pay, rallying outside the Panama City Mall last week and the school board building Monday evening.
After months and countless hours at the bargaining table, the district and the union finally reached an agreement Tuesday night.
<|fim_middle|>, officials said teachers can expect to see those raises starting in the new year. | The proposal brings the starting salary for teachers up to $47,544, which meets the state-mandated minimum of $47,500.
Across the board, teachers will get a roughly 5.52% raise, but that's just an estimate. The agreed offer comes to just over $5 million in raises.
"A commitment from both sides to not want to drag this out again. So again, we were able to find a middle ground on some things that we've worked hard on the past few months, but we were sort of mutually walking away from some things, and we may talk about them again in a year. We may decide a year from now they really weren't that important," Sharon Michalik, Director of Communications for Bay District Schools, said.
"Remember, a good bargaining session is one where nobody gets everything they want, and nobody loses everything they want and I think we struck a good compromise this year," Alexis Underwood, Chair of the Association of Bay County Educators, said.
The next step is to send the proposal over for union ratification and it still needs to go before the school board for final approval, which will likely happen after Thanksgiving break.
" Everyone at Bay District Schools is totally committed to doing what's right for the students. Ultimately, we're all on the same page. We're all on that same team, although at times we are bargaining for different sides of that team. But when it comes to the end of it, we shake the hands and we sign on the dotted lines. We're all about the kids and doing what's right for them," Michalik said.
"If we can come to an agreement at the table, keeping the interests of our students at the center of the discussion, we always find a way to partner together," Underwood said.
Once everything is finalized | 378 |
Moon Fiji is the original travel guide to the Fiji Islands while Moon Tahiti covers all five archipelagos of French Polynesia. Author David Stanley has been writing about the South Pacific since 1979. Moon Tahiti is now in its seventh edition and Moon Fiji is in its ninth. Each 400-page guidebook contains over 50 maps and 100 photos.
By ordering online, readers receive the electronic editions of Moon Fiji and Moon Tahiti instantly worldwide without customs duties or shipping costs. In addition, each eBook costs half what is charged for the printed edition. The launch<|fim_middle|> more historic and religious aspects of French Polynesia, you are bound to find much that appeals to your palate. | of the Fiji and Tahiti eBooks allows Pacific travelers to download their favorite guides in under a minute. For Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, and Sony users, it's definitely the way to go!
The seventh edition of Moon Tahiti and the ninth edition of Moon Fiji were published in April 2011 by Avalon Travel of Berkeley, California. Each eBook costs under $10.
Moon Tahiti (ISBN: 978-1-59880-738-7), the 7th edition of renowned traveler Dr. David Stanley's work in the Moon Handbooks series, is as comprehensive, up-to-date and enlightening as ever. Containing 47 detailed and easy-to-use maps, the guidebook describes the must-see sights, activities, restaurants, and accommodation available not only on Tahiti, but on all the other islands in French Polynesia as well, including invaluable insights into tourist highlights on Moorea, as well as on the Leeward, Austral, Tuamotu and Gambier, and Marquesas Islands. In addition, in his inimitable environmentally aware way, he provides an informed analysis of the land itself, its flora and fauna, its history and government, its economy, its people and culture, and the arts and entertainment opportunities granted by French Polynesia, so that the book is a valuable source of information for tourist and armchair traveler alike. For the former, he supplies a chapter on such essentials as transport, visas and officialdom, customs, and health and safety, while for those who wish to approach their trip with the added insight to be gleaned from other sources he provides a glossary, phrasebook, and a list of suggested reading and Internet resources.
That Stanley truly loves these islands is clear from start to finish. His intimate knowledge of the islands is rivaled only by the fluency of his writing. His balanced outlook on French Polynesia allows him to retain an objective stance throughout, enabling him to pinpoint both the merits and the demerits of the islands. For example, he doesn't hide the fact that the cosmopolitan city of Papeete becomes a ghost town on Sunday afternoons, as "life washes out into the countryside," so best avoid at such times. Stanley's style is concise and factual—he provides you with a great deal of information in a limited number of words. His main intent is to give a complete picture of each place so that you can make informed decisions about how you wish to spend your time in the islands. Stanley consistently keeps the primary focus of the reader in mind, so that no matter whether you are more interested in sports, culture and the arts (his references to the leading French Post-Impressionist, Paul Gauguin, are numerous), the natural beauty of the islands, or the | 582 |
Models Jegor Venn<|fim_middle|> | ed, Myrthe Bolt, Sven de Vries, and Damaris Goddrie star in Trussardi's spring-summer 2018 campaign.
Trussardi creates its own idea of family with its spring-summer 2018 campaign. The Italian brand cites a varied group of forward-thinking individuals, sharing the same dynamic lifestyle and contemporary aesthetic vision, into the energetic vibe of the contemporary Milanese scene. Photographed by Billy Kidd, the stylish outing brings together top models Jegor Venned and Sven de Vries. They are joined by Myrthe Bolt and Damaris Goddrie. Taking to a Milanese rooftop, the models wear covetable looks styled by Kate Phelan. They also appear in a video by Mattias Pettersson.
Billy Kidd photographs Damaris Goddrie, Jegor Venned, Sven de Vries, and Myrthe Bolt for Trussardi's spring-summer 2018 campaign.
Damaris Goddrie, Sven de Vries, Jegor Venned, and Myrthe Bolt front Trussardi's spring-summer 2018 campaign.
Trussardi enlists Jegor Venned, Damaris Goddrie, Sven de Vries, and Myrthe Bolt as the stars of its spring-summer 2018 campaign. | 288 |
This song is the opening track to my album, "Soul In Exile 3: Love Runs Aground," and it is a frank exploration of how a relationship or marriage disintegrates from the inside out, couched in the imagery of a legendary old building on the Asbury Park boardwalk crumbling by itself.
<|fim_middle|> If our music offends you, we're not sorry. Move along, please.
Alternative rock with a deliciously catchy groove, lush keyboard textures, and wicked guitar lines.
An inspiring song with a lyric that talks about survival. The artist has clearly lived by example and has carefully crafted a rap single with an important message that is quickly becoming a mantra among his music fans. | This song is Daft Punk inspired; I am mostly a Hip Hop Producer I helped dozens create their own sound but yet I never really created my own, so I was afraid that people would simply hate the song because it is so different.
This song is about Spiritual Growth and Ascension. Where are all here to transform from our egoic me centered self (our Dragon) into an awareness of Unity and Relationship. It's a journey.
Angel Circuit Engaged was one of the first songs C Wired wrote. It's a call to all to engage our Higher Selves our Angelic Circuitry. It's very much needed now as we find ourselves challenged by lower energy forces that are in control of and are making our planet uninhabitable.
The music we are creating is fun and upbeat. We aren't here to make any political or social statements. We're having a great time and so should you. Life presents enough stress and discord, music should not add to it. | 196 |
Fair has sustaintial experience in organising such events, having put together the Bulgarian expositions in Lisbon and Hanover. The overriding philosophy of the exposition is the precept that the wisdom of nature should be sought in inter-cultural relations. The basic theme is The Wisdom of Nature. EXPO 2005 will generate new ideas concerning culture and civilisation bearing in mind both the wisdom of nature (the wonderful mechanism of nature and the life force) and the model of society in the 21st century having in mind the lessons taught by the experience of manking to this day. This is to be achieved through exchange of knowledge among people internationally.
EXPO 2005 AICHI will be held from March 25 trough September 25, 2005 (for a total of 185 days). The venue is the AICHI Region: Seto, Nagakute, Toyota. The total area is estimated to amount to 173 hectares. The visitors are expected to amount to 15 million.
The subject of the Bulgarian participation at EXPO 2005 AICHI is: "Bulgaria -Wisdom and Nature's Bounty for<|fim_middle|> in the region will be determined.
A temple of tolerance will integrate the four directions of the world and the 4 religions in Bulgaria, united under the same dome. The temple, symbolising our common home, the place housing in tolerance people from different races, with different beliefs and religions: East Orthodox, Catholics, Muslims, and Jews. | the health and Complete Life of People and Their Tolerant Co-habitation. It refers to the title: The Art of Living.
Our country, thanks to its crossroads geographical location, to its thousand-year-old history and culture, as well as the numerous external factors it has had to adopt to, is uniquely connected to nature and generously helps itself to its vital forces. The environment , which we inhabit, has been the traditional knowledge of its bounty, all the more enriched by the achievements of modern science and education.
The interpenetrating of the different culture results in an awareness of global community overcoming national borders while simultaneously confirming the unique value of the individuals, the groups, and nations. The representation of the topic will also show how politic authorities envisage an adequate understanding of relations at the out start of the third millennium and the need for its strengthening. The Bulgarian exhibition will show the interrelations among the selected highlights and the prospects of maintaining tolerant co-habitation and the natural balance in the future. The reasons determining both the cultural and ecological balance | 212 |
Females prefer short lengths of beach, with shallow waters for pupping and nursing. This is presumed to aid her in protecting her offspring from shark predation and rough seas.
The birthing period is a relatively long one and stretches from early February right through until mid July, though most pups tend to be born between March and May, with mothers coming to shore around a week before hand. Mating takes place at sea and is rarely witnessed.
Pups are born with a black coat and weigh between 15-20 kg at birth. They measure approximately 1m long. They gain weight rapidly with one study showing them to go from 18 kg at birth to 64 kg at the time of weaning some 5 weeks later. Thereafter the pup lost 9kg and dropped back down to 55 kg.
The female does not eat<|fim_middle|>They get their name from the soft folds of fur around their necks which resembles a monks cowl as well as their solitary lifestyle. . | during the period she spends nursing her pup. From birth to when the pup is fully weaned (around 6 weeks) the female can lose as much as 90 kg in weight.
Adult males are known to mob females, where a group of males will gang up on a female in an attempt to mate. This practice may even cause the death of the female.
Monk Seals will show almost no flight response to humans, which undoubtedly led to their current predicament by commercial sealers.
These seals have been known to fully adopt other pups, especially if their own has died. Nursing duties are sometimes shared among females, particularly if female to male density ratios are high. This propensity has enabled humans to foster pups whose mothers have died more easily.
Their plight was highlighted in 1990 when hooks from a swordfish longline fishery operating in the vicinity were found embedded in their mouths and skin. Pressure from environmental groups resulted in a 50 nautical mile protected species management zone around the islands, banning all pelagic fishing. A measure perhaps taken too late.
In 2010, a law was passed in Hawaii making it a criminal offence to harm these animals. A fine of up to $50 000.00 may be imposed for violations. In January of 2012, three Hawaiian Monk Seals were found bludgeoned to death. A fourth may have suffered the same fate.
Ongoing efforts are made to protect Hawaiian monk seals. Regular removal of marine debris from surrounding reefs is undertaken. This in an attempt to reduce entanglement statistics. In 1998, 7.5 tonnes of discarded net was collected from a 1.5 square kilometer area near French Frigate Shoals, a major pupping area. A similar operation at Hermes Reef in 1999 amassed over 23 tons of discarded nets. Over 700 tons of marine debris has been removed from the area since 1996.
In the last 50 years, Hawaiian Monk Seal populations have dropped by over 60%, despite having legal protection.
| 436 |
Stacy Jackson has been an art educator for over six years. She received her BA in Art Education at Maryville University in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her student, Dylan H., was selected as a Top Ten Winner in our Fall 2012 national art contest. This is a very prestigious award as only ten students in the entire United States and Canada are<|fim_middle|>, with their faces and eyes generating energy all of their own. They are eager to create and have such a wonderfully free approach to art. I enjoy reaching children through art.
I think my lessons are mostly successful with children because I develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their creations. I strive to display every piece of artwork my students create. They must see their work displayed to promote pride and ownership. Getting their work published is the icing on the cake! I am so grateful to Celebrating Art for giving art teachers the opportunity to promote a very important part of education.
Congratulations to Stacy on her wonderful success as an art educator. CelebratingArt.com has published nearly 100 art pieces from her students and we look forward to seeing what the next contest will bring.
Below is 2nd grader Dylan H.'s art piece, "Impressionist Tree". | selected as Top Ten Winners for the K-3 grade division each contest.
We asked Stacy to share with our readers what has helped her to bring success to her classroom.
"My students are of the young set; grades K-2. They come to me barely able to sit still in their chair | 59 |
Few situations rival the awkwardness of visiting the gynecologist. Dr. Silva and I have a good relationship–as good of a relationship as you can have with the woman who inspects your lady parts annually and asks whether or<|fim_middle|>. I'll also tackle the ins and outs of access to healthcare for those who are insured, uninsured and underinsured as well as lift the veil on the Affordable Care Act. Finally, I will discuss the overall state of health for black women and provide a few resources for us each to get just a bit more informed when it comes to our health.
Ty this was super important, a conversation we need to have in our community. I know too many people who aren't covered, and when the Affordable Health Care Act happened, there was a lot of talk about how it wasn't so affordable. I'm blessed/privileged to still be covered under my dad's insurance, and actually decided to opt out of medical from my job because of it. But I have dental and vision through them. I can't even imagine how it must feel to have serious health concerns, and no access to health care. | not you have a boyfriend yet. Clad in a pink paper gown that I'm convinced isn't helping to cover anything, I answer Dr. Silva's routine questions about where I work, where my parents live and what's my current form of birth control. I haven't ever thought much about those visits every October, but digging through piles of research for Part 4 The Battle for Reform: Healthcare has forced me to consider them a bit more.
Healthcare is something we talk about in lofty terms–plans, organizations and policies. But, I want to do my best to dissect the lofty terms and give voice to some of the narratives behind the healthcare industry, those on the patient side as well as the clinician side. Part 4 of the series will focus on reproductive health and justice and revisit the importance of sexual health first presented in Part 2 The Battle for Reawakening: Sexuality and Sexual Assault | 184 |
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates: It's complicated
The companies, as well as Jobs and Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates, helped pioneer the industry and define an era. The two executives partnered at various times, competed all the time, and challenged one another in ways that helped shape the landscape of techdom. It's a complex relationship.
In the early days of computing, Apple depended on software from Microsoft for its Macintosh computer.<|fim_middle|>anian oil and gas sector is the industry with amazing opportunities. Unfortunately, only a few have access to informatio...
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East Africa Herald. Powered by Blogger. | There's a charming 1983 video, aired in an edited form for the D: All Things Digital Conference in 2007, in which Jobs hosts a "Dating Game" with software execs including Gates. It's a love fest with Gates commenting that the Mac "really captures people's imagination" and Jobs deciding in the end that he needs all of the executives support, including Gates'.
As Microsoft climbed to the top of the computing industry and Apple became more marginalized in the late 1980s, the gloves came off. In 1988, Apple sued Microsoft for infringing on the patents regarding the look and feel of its operating system. Over years of litigation, Microsoft won rulings that whittled away almost all of Apple's claims.
By 1997, Apple's fortunes had sunk so low that it reached out to its sometime partner, sometime nemesis for a hand. Gates appeared via satellite at the MacWorld conference that year, agreeing to invest $150 million in Apple and to develop and ship future versions of its Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and development tools for the Macintosh. The companies also settled remaining claims in their patent dispute.
What was Steve Jobs' most important moment as a technology and business leader?
That investment, which surely paid off for Microsoft over the years, also helped Apple regain financial footing. And it helped Jobs move forward on the job of turning around Apple and ultimately making it the most valuable company in technology.
Along the way, Jobs often sparred with Microsoft, criticizing the company's lack of creativity.
"The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste," Jobs said in the 1996 public television documentary "Triumph of the Nerds." "They have absolutely no taste. And I don't mean that in a small way, I mean that in a big way, in the sense that they don't think of original ideas, and they don't bring much culture into their products."
In a New York Times article that ran after the documentary aired, Jobs disclosed that he called Gates afterward to apologize. But only to a degree.
''I told him I believed every word of what I'd said but that I never should have said it in public,'' Jobs told the Times. ''I wish him the best, I really do. I just think he and Microsoft are a bit narrow. He'd be a broader guy if he had dropped acid once or gone off to an ashram when he was younger.''
At the time, and for many years after, those words often seemed like sour grapes from an executive whose company had been surpassed in so many ways by Microsoft. But in the end, Jobs proved his vision right. His design chops and vision helped launch the iPod, the iPhone, and the iPad, industry-changing products that turned Apple into a more profitable and more valuable company than Microsoft.
By Jay Greene
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Petrol Station Business in #Tanzania
We all know Tanz | 611 |
Astaxanthin Plus combines AstaREAL® astaxanthin, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, with lutein and zeaxanthin to protect cells from oxidative damage. Astaxanthin Plus is cardioprotective, supports the immune system, and protects the skin from premature aging and other health risks associated with UV exposure. Astaxanthin also helps<|fim_middle|> is produced by fermentation and is significantly more effective at scavenging free radicals than the synthetic form, which is made with petrochemicals. Although the body is equipped with its own natural antioxidant defences, they can become overwhelmed by overexposure to everyday environmental factors such as pollution and stress, as well as by the production of reactive oxygen species that are a result of normal metabolic processes. | maintain gastrointestinal and eye health.
Astaxanthin Plus combines one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, astaxanthin, with lutein and zeaxanthin for the maintenance of good health. Clinical studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, supports cardiovascular and immune health, as well as protects the skin from premature aging and other health risks associated with exposure to the sun's UV rays. Astaxanthin Plus contains natural astaxanthin, which possesses greater biological activity than the artificial synthetic astaxanthin that many products use.
Astaxanthin is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, known as the "king of carotenoids". It is significantly more potent, in terms of quenching free radicals, than other members of the carotenoid family. Astaxanthin Plus by Natural Factors combines astaxanthin with lutein and zeaxanthin to protect against oxidative damage, providing cardiovascular and immune system support and protecting the skin from premature aging and other health risks associated with UV exposure. Astaxanthin also has gastro-protective effects and helps support eye health.
Astaxanthin Plus contains non-GMO ingredients, including AstaREAL® natural astaxanthin made from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. AstaREAL | 272 |
Gorgeous genuine Ruby stones in their raw, natural state have been hand crafted into pendants and<|fim_middle|> wider or longer than others in the same size group.
so beautiful, bought for my friend for secret Santa. she will love it! | suspending from beautiful shimmering chains. Available in 14K Gold Fill or 925 Sterling Silver. Comes with a crystal information card in a beautiful Abiza gift box. Perfect for July Birthdays or healing purposes!
•Each stone has a unique shape, colour varies slightly. Stones are small, dainty. Slightly bigger sizes are very limited.
•Please see all images for the size comparison, variations and the scale. Please choose your stone size and metal from the 1st drop down menu. Stones shown are just examples not for selection. And please your chain length from the 2nd drop down menu.
•Stones are listed and priced by their carat weights. Uncut stone shapes are not so easy to measure. A flatter stone might measure | 158 |
Import Legend Vinny Ten Returns to Drag Racing with New Nissan
Ainsley Jacobs
VINNY TEN RACING has announced that the well-respected and record-setting driver, Vinny Ten, will make his return to drag racing competition in 2016.
For over a quarter of a century, Ten has worked with turbocharged, multi-valve import engines and developed a reputation as one of the best when it comes to high-performance import cars. He was the first U.S. engine builder to break the 1,000 horsepower barrier for import engines during the 1999-2000 season with a Toyota 2JZ inline-six.
Not just a builder and tuner, Ten also has a long and successful career as a driver. In import drag racing, he was the first to break the 12-, 11-, 10-, 9-, 8-, and 7-second mark with a Toyota Supra, and he was the first to break the 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 mph barriers as well. Ten drove both the world's first six-second Nissan and the first 200+ mph Nissan. He was the IDRC Outlaw champion in 2003, and won two NHRA Wally trophies at Englishtown, New Jersey and Pomona, California. With multiple records and countless accolades to his name, Ten has also had tremendous success both as a driver and as a builder in series such as NHRA, NOPI, and more. Over the years, his name has become synonymous with top-level import drag racing.
After taking time off to focus on growing and developing his business, Vinny Ten Racing, which is located on Long Island and produces some of the quickest and fastest import cars in the nation, Ten has decided to make his long<|fim_middle|> engine platform available today. Learn more at or like VTR on Facebook at . | -awaited and much anticipated triumphant return to drag racing.
Ten partnered with Massapequa Nissan for his new project, and a Nissan 350Z was selected as Ten's platform. The chassis, which was built by the talented team at Vanishing Point Race Cars, was designed to Pro Mod class specs and features a 3.5L Nissan V6 motor which has been bored out to a 4.0L. The new car will receive a substantial boost of power from a set of twin turbochargers, and will run on a methanol fuel system. World-renowned racing tuner, Shane Tecklenburg, has been tapped to manage the Nissan's high-end MoTeC system while Eric Luzinski has joined the team to manage the clutch and do chassis tuning.
"I want to race with the very best even if I'm down two cylinders, and safely re-legitimize import racing," said Ten. "I want to take this Massapequa Nissan car even further than I've ever gone before."
Ten's new car will be unveiled at a special event hosted by Massapequa Nissan, located at 3660 Sunrise Highway, Seaford, New York 11783 on Sunday, November 15, 2015. The event begins at 4:00pm EST, and fans can expect lots of great entertainment including an on-site car show and special autograph session with Ten.
Ten's plans for the 2016 season include running at least half a dozen races, if not more. His focus will be on series like the North East Outlaw Pro Mod Association (NEOPMA), NHRA Competition Eliminator, PDRA, and large stand-alone events such as the wildly popular World Cup Finals: Imports vs Domestics event in Maryland.
About Vinny Ten Racing (VTR)
In business for over 25 years, Vinny Ten Racing, home of import drag racing legend Vinny Ten, is the East Coast's premier automotive performance tuning shop and the East Coast Distributor of HYDRA EMS. Vinny and all of the techs at VTR know what it's like to run factory backed race teams, build the quickest and fastest race cars, and develop any race | 461 |
Tag: Frank Morrison
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul (Carole Boston Weatherford)
Hello, friends! Our book today is R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison, a gorgeous tribute to the iconic singer, songwriter, and activist.
This brief introduction to the life of the queen of soul begins with a young Aretha saying prayers at her bedside: "B-L-E-S-S-E-D" reads the header, the rhyming couplet that follows describing how she was raised in a home of faith and black pride. Each spread continues in a similar vein, using a one-word theme to describe the moment or period in Aretha's life as she grows, develops her voice, stands up for equality, and becomes a L-E-G-E-N-D in her own time.
Beautiful. Aretha is certainly a luminary deserving of the picture book treatment, and while this is not a particularly comprehensive biography, it is a great way to introduce the Queen of Soul to young readers. Yet what it lacks in informational breadth, it more than makes up for in style; from a design standpoint, this title is a knockout. Morrison's rich, vibrant illustrations are positively striking, each one a work of art in composition, light/shadow, and dynamics. The choices to spell out each spread's header and end each line with an /ē/ sound (just like in the bridge of Franklin's mega-hit "Respect), and even to make the book itself 12×12 inches (the standard size of an LP) are wonderful details that celebrate Aretha's connection to and love of music. There is one spread that's quite odd: one in which the break-up of Aretha's parents is attributed to her father's infidelity, accompanied by an illustration of Clarence Franklin smiling proudly over his children. The overall effect is rather strange and explaining the concept of being "faithful" might be an awkward conversation for young readers and their caregivers. But overall, this is a visually stunning ode to music royalty, and we both loved it. Baby Bookworm A-P-P-R-O-V-E-D!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Let The Children March (Monica Clark-Robinson)
Hello, friends! Our book today is Let The Children March, written by Monica Clark-Robinson and illustrated by Frank Morrison, a powerful account of the Birmingham Children's Crusade.
In Jim Crow Alabama, a little girl's family attends church to hear the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. He is trying to raise a peaceful army to march for civil rights, but the attendees are reluctant for fear of losing their jobs. But a remarkable group from the congregation step forward to volunteer: teens and children, who sagely point out that they have no jobs to lose. The adults, including Dr. King, are hesitant – even peaceful protests can and often do turn violent – but the children insist; it's their own rights they're marching for, after all. On a sunny Thursday, one thousand children begin their march and, over the course of three days, thousands more would join – despite being harassed, threatened, brutally assaulted by police, and arrested. But in the end, their courage was a landmark moment for the movement that caused the world to sit up and take notice, and began a wave of desegregation in Birmingham less than a week later.
I am always shocked that the Birmingham Children's Crusade is not a more wildly-known event, likely because of the national shame the horrific treatment of American minors brought. Clark-Robinson handles this difficult story deftly, putting the reader into the perspective of a young, unnamed marcher and allowing them to connect to the pain, pride, and perseverance of the children and teens who marched. Each child is illustrated in exquisite detail, giving every character vivid personality and humanity. The art also doesn't shy away from the violence, an bold choice – children are seen hudd<|fim_middle|> | ling against fire hoses and cowering from attacking police dogs, clothing tattered and bloody. It's never exploitative, but brutally and vitally honest of what these kids risked to be heard. The length is fine for most reading levels, and JJ was spellbound by the heartbreaking art. This is a book that should be read by bookworms of every age, to pay tribute to these brave young people and remind us that courage knows no age. Baby Bookworm approved.
The Roots Of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop (Carole Boston Weatherford)
Hello, friends! Our book today is The Roots Of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison, a lush and beautiful ode to the art form.
It started with poetry, folktales, spirituals, and rhymes. Then came funk, providing the basslines and rhythm, then the Jamaican MCs and dub. Finally, it was all pulled together in the Bronx by DJ Kool Herc – and hip-hop was born. It spread across the country, then across the world, giving rise to street fashion, culture, dance, and – most critically – the music and verse. Now it is a worldwide nation of the faithful, those who feel the beat, hear the words, and are moved – ya heard?
Phenomenal. Using a flowing rhyme interspersed with onomatopoeic syncopated rhythms and drop-dead gorgeous urban-inspired art, this book takes both fans and newcomers through both the history and musical elements of hip-hop. Not only the music itself is explored; B-boy and B-girl dancing, street art, and other cultural elements both influential and influenced by the genre are showcased. Kid-unfriendly elements are skipped over (the East Coast/West Cost feud, the censorship wars, etc.), and the focus is primarily on East Coast and male rappers, though two spreads gloriously celebrate the original holy trinity of female rap: Salt n' Peppa, TLC, and Queen Latifah. A wealth of backmatter and a foreword by Swizz Beatz are the cherry on top. The length was great, and JJ especially loved trying out the beats. Stylish, beautiful, informative, and fun – a must for music lovers of all ages. Baby Bookworm approved! | 494 |
I love putting things off. It's in my blood-- ever since I ignored my moon phases project in the 2nd grade, which led me to drawing a bunch of oddly shaped circles on<|fim_middle|>, as well as others who have come and asked me for help with their performance.
I think that there is certainly a procrastinating element. Traders certainly have a mix of weakness, ambition, and conflict. There is always the conflict of the need to be right over the need to make money. It seems that the stars have to align for us to put risk on the table, and when we do, we actually have a higher risk because we put off our setups.
This current market felt like it was procrastinating. It never really pulled back and stayed in overbought conditions, and it never ripped higher. As the market often acts as a collective consciousness, it seems as though she was putting off movement. And that makes sense-- there was plenty of uncertainty due to domestic elections and QEII. So once the stars aligned, the market stopped putting it off, and we saw a great run over the past 2 days.
Problem is, if a trader has procrastinated and waited for the "perfect setup," the risk is actually higher at these levels relative to the slow, uncertain crawl that we had over the past few months. | construction paper the night before the project was due.
[...] procrastination starts to look less like a question of mere ignorance than like a complex mixture of weakness, ambition, and inner conflict.
So rather than looking for new software or other hacks that will make us more productive, there may be an underlying set of emotions that go on when putting off large tasks.
One way a trader can lose money is ignoring the best setups-- essentially procrastinating. Once the best setups are ignored, and they work, the trader will move on to lower odds setups out of fear of missing the big move, or out of spite due to lost potential profits. I've seen this in my trading | 135 |
Written by hitmakers Grant Williams and Becky Buller, the song is the first collaboration for the two. Notes Buller, "Grant had the idea to write something around the old saying 'We don't believe in divorce ... murder, maybe ... but never divorce' and it just took off from there.<|fim_middle|> 150-plus performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Additional honors include President Barack Obama's Inaugural Ball at the Smithsonian and two performances for President George W. Bush. | The Grascals liked the creepy little tune and made it sound so fine." Creepy it is - taking the listener from "I do" to "I don't" in three short minutes ... but it is saved from pure melancholy by John Bryan's urgent vocal, a fast-moving track and the group's superb picking.
Will you be sleeping with the reaper or me, tonight?
Sleeping with the reaper or me?
"Sleepin' With The Reaper" kicks off Before Breakfast and, while it's a departure for the group, it's a natural fit as the band continues to develop and meld organically. This is the second album for this configuration of The Grascals and their growing closeness is obvious. The current group features founders Terry Eldredge (lead vocals, guitar), Terry Smith (lead vocals, bass) and Danny Roberts (mandolin), plus fiddler Adam Haynes, John Bryan (lead vocals/guitar), and banjo ace Kristin Scott Benson, 2017 IBMA nominee for Instrumental Performance of the Year and Banjo Player of the Year.
Timely yet timeless, The Grascals deliver cutting-edge Bluegrass that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music's founding fathers. It's a unique sound that has earned the group three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as a level of national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts from various niche genres. High-profile appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS' The Talk. The bastions of Country and Bluegrass continue to welcome them, as evidenced by | 370 |
Tesla Model 3 = # 1 Luxury Car In USA In the first quarter of 2019, the Tesla Model 3 was again the # 1 top selling car in the US luxury car market.
Home https://server7.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/smyrwpoii/p2/ Business https://server7.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/smyrwpoii/p2/ Tesla Model 3 = # 1 Luxury Car In USA In the first quarter of 2019, the Tesla Model 3 was again the # 1 top selling car in the US luxury car market.
April 6th, 2019 by Zachary Shahan It was far and away the winner. It was actually # 13 in the overall US car market, and no other top-class car even made the top 20.
The Tesla Model 3 accounted for 16% of the sales in the small + midsize luxury car markets.
There are more ways to play with the<|fim_middle|> about cleantech at conferences in India, the UAE, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, and Canada. | numbers to put Tesla's first quarter performance into perspective, but I think that's enough for this article.
Aside from this article focused on the Tesla Model 3 versus its small and midsized luxury class competitors, I've also published articles about Model 3's place among the top selling cars in the US and Tesla's overall position in the luxury car and luxury vehicle market in the USA.
Zachary Shahan Zach is trying to help society help itself (and other species). He spends most of his time here on CleanTechnica as his director and chief editor. He is also the president of and the director / founder of EV Obsession and Solar Love . Zach is globally recognized as an electric vehicle, solar energy, and energy storage expert. He has presented | 154 |
Hardcover Details
Michael Malpass
Humdinger
Michael A. Malpass, author
Book Website |
Adult; Art & Photography; (Market)
Humdinger is a compelling visual and emotional journey through the life and work of the extraordinary artist, Michael Malpass, whose life was cut short at 42 years of age, as he made his way from the burgeoning art scene in New York City to becoming a "house sculptor" along the water in New Jersey. This book takes us beyond his astonishing body of work to the man behind the artist, and in doing so invites the reader to experience a truly unique level of understanding and appreciation. This is more than just a book: it is a journey that is meant to appeal to anyone.<|fim_middle|> process of creating—which he did until his death at 44 from a heart attack when the author was a teenager. This beautifully crafted book offers an indelible portrait of a sensitive artist, his spirited psyche, and his diverse body of work; it is also a son's loving homage. (BookLife) | For the art aficionados, it takes them into the mind of an artist to explore the inner workings of a genius mind, displays pages of photos of beautiful sculpture and other art forms, and gives insight into the technique behind the art. For those more interested in the story of a man, they will be taken on a journey filled with emotion, struggle, history, love, and beauty.
Malpass, the oldest child and namesake of sculptor Michael Malpass (1946–1991), immortalizes his father's legacy in this beautifully illustrated, reverential tribute. The author traces his father's artistic drive to his childhood in Yonkers, N.Y., in the late 1940s, through his education at Pratt Institute in New York City, to his time in the Vietnam War. The younger Malpass describes how his father infused his art with existential wonders at every stage in his career. The older Malpass was inspired by the sphere, which he called "the most perfect form," and his best known sculptures are patchwork metal globes (up to five feet in diameter), which he welded together from metal scraps, creating what he dubbed "humdingers," "an outstanding thing of its kind." Whether finding spiritual connection in the spheres, whimsical joy in his "chicken men" sculptures, or authenticity and psychological depth in his collages and autobiographical drawings, the sculptor expressed his passions for life and family through the | 297 |
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The Gomark VSPIX range of hydropresses are simple<|fim_middle|>.
Heavy Duty Wheels with Brakes make the Lancman quick to maneuver and secure. | to operate, cost effective and are an excellent way of producing a high quality juice. The unique tilting cage design makes the VSPIX easy to unload and its high quality green press sack ensures a consistently clear juice, especially from apples. Constructed entirely from AISI 304 stainless steel, the VSPIX is also easy to clean and keep clean.
Using the VSPIX could not be easier. Milled fruit is emptied into a straining sack that is placed between a central rubber bladder and the outer stainless steel wall of the press. The bladder is then inflated by means of mains water pressure (operating pressure is 3 bar) and the juice is squeezed out of the press and runs freely down the outside of the press wall into a collection tray at the bottom. The juice can then be pumped into a storage tank. Typical pressing time takes about 30 minutes.
Vessel, Basket, Lid, & Chassis constructed entirely of AISI 304 Stainless Steel with an Electropolished Surface | 204 |
If you find yourself in Sucre,<|fim_middle|> out a little bit more to enjoy the sunny courtyard. Cheers! | Bolivia you have to go to El Huerto restaurant for lunch. First off the service is excellent. My waiter patiently answered all my questions regarding the menu.
Secondly, the salad bar was fully stocked with plenty of fresh vegetables so started off with a delicious plate of healthy greens to get ready for the main attraction. I came at noon and was the first one there.
I ordered the filet mignon (medium rare) in mushroom sauce. It was a generous portion and cooked perfectly. A steal at 60 Bs (less than $9!).
Following the meal, I wanted to head up to Cafe Mirador and asked the waiter how much a taxi would cost. He told me around 5 Bs and as soon as I was done paying he told me a taxi was waiting outside the front door when I was ready!
I highly recommend a visit here if you're in Sucre. Come around noon to enjoy the fully stocked salad bar and hang | 192 |
Rubiks Cube/Tuple
(Redirected from Rubiks Revenge/Tuple)
1 Notes on Tuple Representation of Rubiks Cube
1.1 Tuple Representation
1.2 Why A Tuple Representation
1.3 Code
1.4 More on Permutations
2 3x3 Rubiks Cube Representation
2.1 Numbering System for 3x3 Cube
2.2 Mapping Moves to Permutations for 3x3
2.3 3x3 Permutations and Properties
2.4 3x3 Cube Code
3.1 Numbering System for 4x4
3.2 4x4 Moves Mapped to Permutations
3.3 Permutations and Their Properties
4 Flags
Notes on Tuple Representation of Rubiks Cube
Let's first explain what we mean when we talk about a tuple representation of a cube, and why this is useful.
Tuple Representation
A tuple representation means, we are representing one possible permutation of the Rubik's Cube using a tuple, ideally a tuple of N items arranged in some particular way.
Now, if we think about how a 3x3 Rubik's Cube or 4x4 Rubik's Revenge is mechanically constructed, we see that the cube consists of:
Rubik's Cube (3x3 cube): 26 total cubies (mechanical pieces)
8 corner cubies
12 edge cubies
6 center cubies (fixed)
Rubik's Revenge (4x4 cube): 56 total cubies (mechanical pieces)
24 double-edge (dedge) wing cubies (12 left wing, 12 right wing)
24 center cubies
Professors Cube (5x5 cube): 25*2 + 16*3 = 98 total cubies (mechanical pieces)
24 triple-edge (tredge) wing cubies (12 left wing, 12 right wing)
12 triple-edge (tredge) center cubies
6 center (of face) cubies (fixed)
48 face cubies (mobile)
However, it is important to note that we are not trying to find the minimal representation of the cube, we are simply trying to find a unique representation of the cube. Listing the state of every single face requires more information - there are more faces than pieces, because corners have 3 faces and double edge pieces have 2 faces - but it is much simpler to accomplish, by thinking about "unfolding"the cube into a map of colored squares.
The 3x3 Rubik's Cube has 9 squares on each face, and 6 faces, for a total of 54 colored squares.
The 4x4 Rubik's Revenge has 16 squares on each face, and 6 faces, for 96 total colored squares.
The 5x5 Professor's Cube has 25 squares on each face, and 6 faces, for 150 total colored squares.
Now, if we were looking for a minimal representation, we would utilize the fact that some of these squares are innately linked (for example, the three faces representing a corner piece are always positioned in the same way relative to one another, even though they may move relative to the rest of the pieces on the cube).
However, we simply want a unique representation, so we can represent the state of any 3x3 Rubik's Cube using a 54-uple, or the state of any 4x4 Rubik's Revenge cube using a 96-uple, or the state of any 5x5 Professor's cube using a 150-uple.
Why A Tuple Representation
Finding a tuple representation enables us to study the properties of various move sequences and understand how the cube works.
Applying a sequence of moves, such as
U R U' R'
(that is, turning the upper face clockwise, right face clockwise, upper face counter clockwise, and right face counter clockwise), to a solved cube repeatedly will eventually result in the cube returning to its original, solved state. The sequence above will return a solved 4x4 cube back to solved state after the sequence is applied 6 times.
Other sequences take much longer; the sequence
U R
will take 105 applications to return a solved 4x4 cube back to solved state.
It turns out that the tuple representation of a cube helps simplify and streamline the representation of these move sequences. If we write the state of a cube as a tuple, we can see which squares are exchanged after a sequence of moves. For example, after applying the sequence
to a solved 4x4 cube, it exchanges 10 pieces total, exchanging different groups of pieces in different orders. On the other hand, after applying the sequence
to a solved 4x4 cube, it exchanges 20 pieces total, exchanging different groups of pieces.
It turns out that the placement and order in which those different groups of pieces are exchanged determines the number of times a sequence must be applied to a solved cube to reach the solved state again. This is referred to as the order of the sequence.
This intuitively makes sense: if you apply a sequence that cycles through 3 pieces, then every 3 applications of the sequence the pieces will return to their original positions. If you have another sequence that cycles through 4 pieces, then every 4 applications of the sequence the pieces will return to their original positions.
But now, if we mix these two sequences together, then the order is LCM(3,4), where LCM is the least common multiple. In this case, we need to apply the sequence 12 times to return to the original state.
Supposing we had a cycle of length 105, which factors into 105 = 3*5*7. Then this could be caused by two interlocking sequences with orders 7 and 15.
We can use techniques demonstrated by Donald Knuth in Volume 3 of The Art of Computer Programming (see AOCP) to derive a permutation algebra, factor permutations into cycles, find the order of each permuation, and implement algorithms for everything.
Code implementation: https://github.com/charlesreid1/rubiks-cycles
Specifically, the tuple representation and permutation factoring algorithms are here: https://github.com/charlesreid1/rubiks-cycles/blob/master/tup.py
More on Permutations
This article covers the tuple representation of the Rubik's Cube, with the ultimate goal of using it to describe permutations and sequences of moves on the cube.
To skip straight to the notes on permutations, see Rubiks Cube/Permutations
3x3 Rubiks Cube Representation
Numbering System for 3x3 Cube
Mapping Moves to Permutations for 3x3
3x3 Permutations and Properties
3x3 Cube Code
Numbering System for 4x4
Start with a numbering system for the cube. The nxnxn rubiks cube solver library I'm using (https://github.com/dwalton76/rubiks-cube-NxNxN-solver) implements the following numbering system:
17 18 19 20 33 34 35 36 49 50 51 52 65 66 67 68
corresponding to the following cube state:
U U U U
L L L L F F F F R R R R B B B B
D D D D
Now we can write the solved cube as the following 96-tuple:
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96]
4x4 Moves Mapped to Permutations
Each move of a face - U, D, R, L, F, B, and other two-layer or second-layer moves, as well as sequences of moves - can now be thought of as a permutation of these 96 integers.
I modified the nxnxn rubiks cube library to print out the permutation corresponding to each type of move. For example, here is U:
In [7]: r.rotation_map('U')
Out[7]:
[(1, 13),
(2, 9),
(5, 14),
(10, 11),
(11, 7),
(68, 20)]
Now the starting state of a cube can be written as the above tuple, and rotations of various faces can be written as permutations.
Once we can write a sequence of<|fim_middle|> Cube
Solving: Rubiks Cube/Layer Method · Rubiks Cube/Fridrich Method
Rubiks Revenge · Category:4x4 Cube
Solving: Rubiks Revenge/Layer Method ·
Professors Cube · Category:5x5 Cube
Solving: Professors Cube/Layer Method ·
Counting the Number of Cube States:
Rubiks Cube/Numbers (3x3) · Rubiks Revenge/Numbers (4x4) · Professors Cube/Numbers (5x5)
Cube Representations with Tuples:
Rubiks Cube/Tuple (3x3) · Rubiks Revenge/Tuple (4x4) · Professors Cube/Tuple (5x5)
Permutation Algebra and Groups:
Rubiks Cube/Permutations (3x3) · Rubiks Revenge/Permutations (4x4) · Professors Cube/Permutations (5x5)
The Most Useful Link:
https://www.speedsolving.com/wiki/index.php
Related Flags:
Template:PocketCubeFlag · Template:RubiksCubeFlag · Template:RubiksRevengeFlag · Template:ProfessorsCubeFlag
Flags · Template:RubiksFlag · e
Retrieved from "https://charlesreid1.com/w/index.php?title=Rubiks_Cube/Tuple&oldid=26451#4x4_Rubiks_Cube_Representation"
Rubiks Revenge | moves as a permutation of 96 integers, we can start to dig deeper into the effect that it has on the cube state.
Permutations and Their Properties
Now that we have a tuple representation of the cube, we can start to use it to characterize sequences of moves, the permutations they lead to, and their properties.
See Rubiks Cube/Permutations
notes on solving 3x3, 4x4, and 5x5 Rubiks Cubes
Category:Rubiks
Rubiks/Todo - task list for things to do on the wiki related to the rubiks cube pages
Cubes and Solutions:
2x2 Cube:
Pocket Cube · Category:2x2 Cube
Solving: Pocket Cube/Solution Method ·
Category:3x3 | 159 |
Ever-increasing operational complexity in the wake of a financial crisis tied to high-profile financial fraud makes controlling risks a top priority for the financial services industry. Over the years, financial institutions have invested in stringent controls and robust Operational Risk Management (ORM) programs and frameworks, and these programs and frameworks have been implemented broadly within the financial services industry. Recently, however, in light of technological advances, trends in globalization, and new regulatory requirements, financial institutions are reconsidering the effectiveness of current ORM frameworks and programs.
It's important to note that prioritization of MOGEs helps in phased implementation of an ORM framework. During implementation, organizations can leverage preexisting operational risk or enterprise risk management frameworks for efficient implementation and shorter turnaround time. Organizations may find it useful to assess and cross-leverage ORM frameworks with the JV.
Risk assessment and identification: Risk identification provides opportunities, indicators, and information that allow an organization to identify and ensure remediation of major risks before they adversely<|fim_middle|> the third-party relationships essential to today's increasingly competitive business environment. | affect the JV. The partnering organization's top-down risk assessment can be leveraged to understand its risk profile, and processes directly impacting the JV can be reviewed. Other key sources to assess the risk profile of the partnering organization could be reports/minutes from audit/risk/governance committees and assessments of the organization's internal controls assurance framework. If significant differences exist between the Inherent and Residual risk of the partnering organization, it should be supported with a comprehensive and robust controls assurance program.
Internal loss data: This data can be based on the risk profile and size of the JV. Two thresholds could be established with a lower threshold for events directly impacting the JV and its associated processes and a higher threshold for any significant loss event within the organization that could directly or indirectly impact the JV. To avoid double counting of the losses, organizations should only capture losses commensurate with their stake in the joint venture.
External loss data: Organizations should customize their external loss reports to include any events that pertain to their JVs.
Scenario analysis: This can be performed in a workshop setting involving the leadership team and all organizations associated with the JV.
Key Risk Indicators (KRIs): Risk assessments, internal/external loss events, and scenario results can be leveraged to identify KRIs for the JV.
By following this approach, organizations can better manage operational risks that come with | 273 |
Home Motorhomes Motorhome News Fire-Scorched Texas Park Set to Reopen Dec. 1
Fire-Scorched Texas Park Set to Reopen Dec. 1
The new target date for reopening Bastrop State Park located 30 miles southeast of Austin, Texas, has been pushed back to Dec. 1 due to scheduling delays for ongoing and start-up capital repair projects affecting the cabins, campground, park roads and refectory, The Memorial Examiner, Houston, reported.
The Central Reservation Center in Austin will continue to alert customers who had reservations for cabins in coming months that those reservations have been canceled for now due to the re-roofing project, which originally had been slated for completion by the end of December, but whose start has been delayed due to the fire and cleanup efforts. The re-roofing project is now scheduled to begin later this year and wrap up by the end of February 2012.
"We understand that these projects will displace many park visitors," says Todd McClanahan, superintendent of the Lost Pines Complex, which includes Bastrop and Buescher state parks, "however, they are sorely needed. We are fast-tracking the cabin re-roofing. Park staff will continue with cleanup efforts from the devastating wildfire as well."
Although the fire has scarred the landscape,<|fim_middle|>"Bastrop will soon reopen and in many ways will be like a new park," McClanahan adds. "Park management asks for its customers' continued patience as we work to restore this national landmark."
Bastrop State Parks 18-hole golf course, operated by the Lost Pines Golf Club, recently reopened to play and is open daily.
Camping on Public Lands
State Parks of the West You Never Knew About (And Will Never Forget)
How to Set Up at a Campsite in 12 Easy Steps
Compact Comfort: 11 Nimble and Cozy Motorhomes
Traveling With the Elks
Fly Away to the the Magic Valley
Allegany State Park: A Charming Recreational Gem in New York State
2013 RV OOPS AWARDS | McClanahan says campgrounds will be reopened by Dec. 1 despite the ongoing demolition and replacement of two restrooms. Alternative restrooms and showers will be made available. Campers will find resealed or new roads, parking areas and RV pads being paved by the Texas Department of Transportation.
| 59 |
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Ying Yuan () were stamped blocks of gold bullion. This was an early form of currency that could be considered a precursor to gold coins. They were issued by the ancient Chinese state of Chu during the Warring States period between the 400s and late 200s BCE.
Names
Because these gold blocks are inscribed with Chinese characters they<|fim_middle|>)
Coins of ancient China
Gold coins | are variously known as yin zi jin (), jin ban (), or gui bi ().
History and overview
The oldest ones known are from about the 5th or 6th century BCE. They consist of sheets of gold 3-5mm thick, of various sizes, with inscriptions consisting of square or round stamps in which there are one or two characters. They have been unearthed in various locations south of the Yellow River indicating that they were products of the State of Chu. One of the characters in their inscription is often a monetary unit or weight which is normally read as yuan (). Pieces are of a very variable size and thickness, and the stamps appear to be a device to validate the whole block, rather than a guide to enable it to be broken up into unit pieces.
Some ying yuan contain the Chinese characters ying yuan (郢爰).
Another inscription that is sometimes found on these ancient gold blocks is chen yuan (陳爰).
Some specimens have been reported in copper, lead, or clay. It is probable that these were funeral money, not circulating currency, as they are found in tombs, but the gold ones are not.
See also
Economic history of China
Ancient Chinese coinage
References
External links
What is the Earliest Gold Coin in China ?
Chu (state | 268 |
The next Parish Council Meetings will be held on Thursday 19th February and Thursday 19th March at 7.30pm in Brayford Village Hall. Parish Council meeting minutes are on show at 4 notice boards - The Nook, Village Hall, High Bray and Charles (by the Church). Anyone living within the parish is most welcome to come along to a monthly meeting so if you have a local issue of any kind that you would like considered we will be pleased to see you at any future meeting.
The A399 is currently closed and the remedial works are well under way. The diversion signage is, however, unclear and inadequate and as a result lorries are arriving at Newtown only to find that they are unable to turn around. Devon County Highways have been asked to set out additional signage to restrict large vehicles from going beyond Northland Cross. Vehicles of any size wishing to access Brayford should leave the A399 at Northland Cross and proceed to Molland Cross, Yarde Gate and then turn left at Yarde Down by the Poltimore pub.
It is anticipated that a small fund will be available this<|fim_middle|> Nativity in Church. "Jesus' Christmas Party" was played to a packed Church and we all enjoyed watching as they went around.
Spring has arrived in Charles Bottom, but not quite in Charles. Charles Church Council meets on 19 February at 2.30 pm at Town Barton, and Deanery Synod in the evening at 7.30 pm. The quinquennial Inspection of the Church fabric is due this year. There is always an air of apprehension coupled with reassuring confidence, the team of supporters having done their best. Thanks are due to the group of friends who enjoy the building and help to keep it in good order. The Charles Village Stall at Brayford Village Market produces a modest but steady income, mainly greetings and Christmas cards. Anything suitable for sale will be gratefully received at the market or at Welcombe Farm. Thank you.
As in past years on Good Friday, people from our villages will read aloud the 2000 year old Bible story of human frailty, deception, treachery and death, each taking a part from the story. All are welcome to come and listen, and to participate if you wish. 7 pm on Friday, 3 April at High Bray Church. Celebrate Easter with an Easter Egg hunt in the Churchyard at High Bray, all ages, with prizes, Songs, Readings and Easter goodies for everyone. Come and join in the fun on 5 April at 3 pm. We will be looking for anyone with an hour or so to spare as we need to rub down and Hammerite the gates to the churchyard, hopefully in April.
On Shrove Tuesday, 17 February at 10.30 am Churches together will be holding a Pancake Party. We will also have a Bring and Buy. Proceeds from the morning will be sent to the Chemotherapy Unit at North Devon District Hospital. Our new Chairman of the District, Graham Thompson, will be preaching on Sunday, 8 February. He will be in South Molton at 11 am and North Molton at 6.30 pm. Women's World Day of Prayer – this year's service will be on Friday, 6 March at 10.30 am at North Molton Methodist Church. All women are invited to share the same service throughout the world. If you have never attended before, come and share this special experience. Messy Church will be on Sunday, 1 March from 3-5 pm at the Methodist Schoolroom. Parents and children under ten are welcome.
2015 is the one hundredth anniversary of the Women's Institute – 80 of these years have been enjoyed in Brayford! Our Programme Secretary, Mrs Ruth Knights, has produced another interesting programme for the year, so do ask her for a copy if you haven't already received one. We were delighted to welcome Diana Lewis and her colleague from North Devon Animal Ambulance in January. Diana told us about the variety of animals/reptiles they rescue and re-home. Everyone working for the charity is a volunteer and all money collected is spent on the care of these rescued creatures. We are going to hear more about Pilates on 11 February when Sarah Ayre is coming to talk to us. We will be joining Goodleigh Garden Club for our March meeting (11 March) to listen to Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener at Great Dixter Garden. This meeting is open to everyone and contact for tickets is David Hopkins (01271 345246). Ladies of all ages are invited to our meetings, cost £3.50 including high tea.
January not only marks the start of a new year but a new academic term at Brayford Primary School. The children this term are learning about the surrounding area through a topic entitled 'On our Doorstep'. We are currently studying the geography and history of Barnstaple and will be taking trips into the town to explore it through first hand experience. The children have been stepping back in time to explore how Barnstaple has changed through history and looking in depth at why people settled there many years ago. They will also be doing map work and becoming more familiar with the geography of the area. After half term the children will be studying an area closer to home and looking at Brayford in more detail. If you have any old photographs of the village or any other items of interest for the children then please drop these in to school – thank you. Our links with Umberleigh and Pilton Bluecoat Schools are continuing and last week the older children enjoyed an assembly and workshop at Pilton about how to keep themselves safe. Both classes will also be taking trips out with the children from Umberleigh school. We will also be taking part in a football tournament at South Molton Community College where we hope to demonstrate our sporting skills as well as enjoy playing as a team.
The children will be leading an Easter service on Tuesday 24 March at 9.30am at High Bray Church. We would be delighted if members of the community would join with us.
Boomerangs have enjoyed playing in the little bit of snow we have had. They have done some lovely winter displays for the Village Hall. We are now linking with the infants at the Primary School on Fridays for play times which the children look forward to. We are currently doing the theme of journeys and the children have enjoyed pretending the role play corner is a train station. Boomerangs and Brayford Primary School will be holding a Ferret Race evening to raise money on 21 February at 7 pm in the Village Hall. The cost is £3 to include a Hot Dog. Please call Beverley on 710908 if you would like to sponsor a race or a ferret. We still have places available at Boomerangs so please get in touch if you have child aged between 2 and 4. Our telephone number is 710718 in session times (Tuesday and Friday 9 am to 3.15 pm or Wednesday 9 am to 1 pm).
These will begin again on Wednesday 4 February at 10.30 am in the Methodist Schoolroom. If you would like to take a turn at providing coffee and biscuits or just come and enjoy, we would be pleased to see you. No fund raising or money, just chat.
Anthony and Thelma Bawden are celebrating their Pearl Wedding Anniversary and we send our love.
There will be a refresher course on Tuesday, 10 February at 7 pm in the Village Hall. Please come along if you can. We have two defibrillators in the community, one in Brayford and one in Charles so it is important that we all know how to use them. | year and the Parish Council have agreed to link with Kings Nympton again in order that Tidyman works can be carried out in December. Such works are deemed to be the best use of the funds as blocked drains etc can create a serious hazard. With this topic in mind thanks must go to Geoff Collier and Ken Leworthy for clearing blocked drains along the closed off section of the A399.
Two beech trees have now been purchased and will be planted out in March. Commemorative signs will also be erected and the style and wording is in the process of being finalised.
This event will take place in the Village Hall on Saturday, 28 February from 1.00pm to 4.00pm and although numbers are limited please contact the Parish Clerk if you would like to attend.
An application for the erection of a summer house at Lamb Cottage Charles has been approved by NDDC and also approved is a change of use for an annexe to holiday accommodation at Oakmead House. Applications for the erection of agricultural buildings at Little Bray Farm and Lower Hall Farm have both been recommended for approval by the Parish Council.
Carols at the Nook were a great success and the sum of £135.25 was raised for the Devon Air Ambulance. The event was much enjoyed by a good gathering and Sunday evening appeared to be a popular timing. To all those generous people who organised and contributed to such a successful evening - very many thanks.
It is with great sadness we are reporting that Barrie died suddenly on Sunday, 18 January. Barrie came to Brayford about 15 years ago when he bought Little Bray Farm. He was busy for a long time in "restoring" the bungalow and it was during this time he started to become known to the Brayford community. He became a very useful member of the Parish Council – his Rosa Rugosa plantings survive both at Charles and Brayford as growing examples. He helped with the Parish paths for some time. A good example of the way he worked is illustrated by his identifying the damp problem in his bungalow which was caused by rodents. The building had open topped cavity walls but they were being filled with debris from above – straw and various bits and pieces – so he found. He set to work and over a long period of time, gradually worked his way around the walls taking out a few bricks at a time and removing the debris. He got the job done and then set about the inside. He was a qualified electronics engineer – and many people here much appreciated his willingness to help mend or advise on both electrical and mechanical problems. His ability to turn up quite unannounced for a chat was well known. Clearly he was a very sociable person, although at the same time, very quiet and reserved. He had an amazing ability to store the most varied of old vehicles, which almost always needed repair, and he enjoyed the challenge. He did not always complete the project! He loved his motorbikes and owned a Harley among others. The purchase of a new Morgan three wheeler was a surprise to all, which also turned out to be another unexpected challenge. There are so many stories we could all bring to this account, but that is not the purpose here. This brief note above gives some idea of the man. We have been unable to say "goodbye" here in the way we would wish now as Barrie sold the farm a little while ago to start a new life. Unfortunately, it seems that this did not materialise as he expected and it was only relatively recently that he moved to a property near Derby, where his father and brother live. We have known a man who was most sensitive and capable, kind and loyal, not easy to understand at times and about whom we will always have many fond memories.
Although Christmas has passed and we are still in the depths of winter it is good to have an event to look forward to. Already there is a hint of spring with the gentle twittering of birds, and snowdrops and primroses peeping from the banks. Our season for planting is just around the corner, so why not start preparing for the Brayford show to be held on Saturday, 15 August at Brayford Village Hall. There is a huge selection of categories plus some new classifications to suit all ages. So, put the date firmly in your diary as apart from being a competition it is also great community entertainment for all the family. There will more information with the next Newsletter on schedules, entry forms etc.
Don't forget the Village Market held on the second Saturday of each month at the Village Hall from 11 am to 1 pm. The next markets will be on Saturday, 14 February and Saturday, 14 March. Lots of stalls and tea, coffee and cake to enjoy with your friends and family.
This is very much enjoyed by young people age 11 to 16, and they have produced their own programme which is obtainable from the Leaders, Mrs Hilary Ayre (710352) and Mr Nick Jefferson (740283). Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 pm in the Methodist Schoolroom unless otherwise stated. 11 February is swimming at The Calvert Trust, 25 February, Skittles/Dodge Ball, 11 March, a walk and 25 March, Games at The Calvert Trust.
Do you like to sing? Do you like to have fun? Come and join us in singing once a week on Thursdays at 7 pm at High Bray Church. There is no need for previous singing experience, or auditions, or anything of the sort. We are about to start planning our next Puddings & Song (8 May) and would love to have more people in the community participate. Call Madeleine Brownell on 710389 if you think you might like to come, or just come to listen for one night to see what we do.
Thank you to Brayford School children for a really super | 1,248 |
BB: First of all, congratulations on your first World Cup win!
BB: I see that your teammates didn't shave off your beard to celebrate your win.
Ganong: The beard stays. My teammates can give me a funny haircut or shave my head, but they know not to touch the beard.
BB: You and teammate Steve Nyman each have a win this season. What is the secret of the US men's team's success? Are you eating something different this year?
Ganong: No. We eat the same things we have always eaten.
BB: You didn't break into Kjetil Jansrud's stash of ojlmsfjaegger?
BB: Ojlmsfjaegger. They are cubes of pickled reindeer heart in a special smoked salmon and chocolate sauce. Norwegians eat them on birthdays.
Ganong: That sounds awful! But that does explain why Kjetil is leading the overall standings this season. He's probably trying to get away from someone chasing him with them.
BB: I happen to know that his grandmother makes very good ojlmsfjaegger. (short pause) Does the US men's team now have a secret witch doctor?
Ganong: No. Why would we need a witch doctor?
BB: A lot of ski teams now have witch doctors. A witch doctor can really help a team by making special potions to help a ski racer become more physically and mentally fit. They can also put curses on the opposition.
Ganong: Wouldn't some of those potions violate the policy on performance enhancing drugs?
BB: Evidently not. So far the FIS has allowed witch doctors' potions.
Ganong: I see. But no, our team doesn't have a witch doctor. I think that our success comes from self-belief and good training, not from voodoo magic.
BB: Think what you want. But witch doctors have helped other teams. Back to your maiden win. Do you feel a little weird because you won a women's race?
Ganong: It was a men's race. There were no women in the field.
BB: But you started at the women's start, therefore it was a women's race.
Ganong: The start was the reserve start and it was moved there because of the weather. It was a very tough course. I can't imagine women being able to ski it well.
BB: I won't argue with you because that would be poor journalism. Let's just say that we will have to disagree on Santa Caterina being a women's race because of the start and it being on a shorter<|fim_middle|> tongue twister. By the time a commentator said that whole name, Mitch would have finished her run. Maybe we will really confuse the fans and scramble the letters in our last names into something new like Gannog or even Noggan.
BB: Wouldn't you feel guilty for confusing the fans and racing commentators by doing that?
Ganong: No. In fact, it would be a lot of fun.
BB: Maybe you and Mitch could keep your last names and give each of your kids a different last name that are all anagrams.
Ganong: Mitch and I want to have children when we retire from racing. But we haven't discussed their names yet. I'll have to talk with her about giving each child a different last name. I'm sure that she would go along with that.
BB: I can imagine her going along with it. She seems like a woman who likes to have fun.
Ganong: She is. That's one reason why I love her.
BB: What are your goals for Vail?
Ganong: Hopefully to win a medal or two. I hope that Mitch can also win a medal.
BB: Good luck in Vail and congratulations again on your first World Cup win. May it be the start of many more wins.
BB: Well, it looks like we are out of time. I want to thank you for this interview. We at the Blickbild wish you even more success this season. And that concludes another Boston Blickbild exclusive interview.
The Boston Blickbild. Our motto is: We won't confuse our readers by calling ourselves Eth Stobon Billdbick. | course. Let's move on to another subject...your relationship with Canadian racer Marie-Michele "Mitch" Gagnon. What initially attracted you to her?
Ganong: She is very beautiful. After we talked, we realized that we have a lot in common.
BB: Fair enough. So your attraction to her had nothing to do with your last names being anagrams of each other's?
Ganong: No. But we figured that out very quickly.
BB: I'm sure you did. Now that Marlies Schild has retired, do you think that you and Mitch should be Alpine skiing's power couple?
Ganong: Why not! Benni and Marlies will be hard to top, but Mitch and I would do our best to fill their shoes.
BB: If, or when, you and Mitch get married, will she change her name to yours or will she be Marie-Michele Ganong-Gagnon?
Ganong: We haven't thought about that. But I think that Marie-Michele Ganong-Gagnon would be too much of a | 223 |
Superman Without the "S" on His Chest? (Or, The "Flaws" That Make Us Special)
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books Tags: author, comic books, comics, fantasy, pop culture, reading, sci-fi, science fiction, superman, Thanksgiving, writing, YA
By the turn of the year, 1940, Superman was already a sensation. The Man of Steel had been around for just under two years, and, as the first comic book superhero, the titles he starred in (Action Comics and Superman) always were at the top of the marquee. Imagine the surprise, then, with the publication of Action Comics number 20 (January 1940) when the world's greatest adventure hero appeared on the cover with a major omission on his costume.
It's not hard to visualize the youth of America that holiday season of 1939-1940 (historically, comics always appear on the newsstands a month or so earlier than the date listed on their cover) as they spun the squeaky comic book rack at the corner store. Browsing the covers of the new issues, trying to decide which one to plunk down their hard-won dime on, surely they would have paused when confronted with the cover of Action Comics number 20. What sacrilege was this? How could they make such a mistake? And yet . . . there it was, for all to see.
The yellow triangle with the signature red "S" at the center that was supposed to grace the Man of Steel's barrel chest was . . . missing! In its place was . . . nothing—a blank, an empty spot orphaned of its famous emblem. Was DC Comics changing Superman's costume? Had they decided it was too flashy, too loud? But no. Of course not. When the following month's issues arrived, the "S" had returned on Superman's costume, confirming that the cover of Action Comics number 20 had been . . . an oversight. A mistake. A gaffe.
The result? Not much. It's not as if the youth of the day rebelled and planned a "Superman strike," protesting the publication's carelessness. They continued to support the Man of Steel, and Superman has not suffered. He has been around for eighty years, after all, gracing thousands of comic books, not to mention a wide array of TV series and movies. The Man of Tomorrow is enduring.
But so is the cover of Action Comics number 20. Maybe the buying public of 1940 didn't create a stir (though surely there were letters streaming in to the publisher's offices that winter), but, as the decades ticked on and as comic book collecting became a major hobby worldwide, vintage comics enthusiasts began to take notice. In fact, they especially sought out the issue. Action Comics number 20 is now a prized item, often priced higher than the issues that immediately preceded it (a rarity in comic book collecting, unless a particular issue introduces a key character or for some reason had a smaller print run). Look it up in the comic book price guide and the note will be provided: "Superman appears without 'S' on his chest." Rather than creating a black eye for the issue, the costume oversight has made it something special, something unique, a one-of-a-kind presentation.
In The Eye-Dancers and The Singularity Wheel, the protagonists also must deal with what they perceive as slights, flaws, blemishes that make them feel less-than or even freakish. Mitchell Brant has a speech impediment. Joe Marma is the shortest boy in his class. Ryan Swinton is the tallest, and has a nasty case of acne. Marc Kuslanski, as a junior-high student, is the class nerd; as he matures, he feels the need to shed his thick glasses and rid himself of the label. And Monica Tisdale, "the ghost girl," feels like an outcast, wielding a rare and devastating power that makes others—and sometimes even she, herself–fear her. Each of them must learn to accept, even appreciate, the very things they are ashamed of, the things others make fun of, belittle, name-call.
They are not alone, of course. We all carry insecurities inside of us. Some of them are nagging things, relegated to the back burner, a little voice that whispers in our ear at certain moments. Others are monsters, albatrosses, wound tight around our neck like a gallows waiting to snuff the life from us. No one is immune.
There is no magic spell, of course, no secret code or talisman to erase the things that dog us and threaten to drag us down. Whether it's some aspect about our appearance, or the way we talk, or the way we walk, or our professional acumen, or the way we furnish our home or the car we drive, or any and every other permutation imaginable, we are all imperfect, and we all feel the weight of it.
But, in this season of Thanksgiving, perhaps we can at least try to perceive our "faults" a little differently. Maybe, just maybe, that "S" that's missing from our chest makes us stronger, more genuine, more compassionate. Maybe it's the flaws that radiate the beauty and the potential within.
Just ask the Man of Steel. If any character is said to be "perfect," surely Superman—with his super-strength and super-memory and super-intelligence and super-morals and super-everything—tops the list. And yet, for all that, it's his decidedly imperfect cover from eight decades ago that is still, all these years later, remembered and treasured by the collectors and pop-historians who know him best.
A Musty Magic (Or . . .The Counterintuitive but Wondrous Nature of Collecting )
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books Tags: author, comic books, comics, fantasy, hobbies, life, nostalgia, reading, sci-fi, writing, YA
So . . . what do you do? Where do you go? How do you deal?
For me, when life gets too hectic; when the creative process is blocked with thick, rough-hewn logs; when the rage tweets emanating from Washington become more numerous and unhinged by the day, even the hour; and when the world just seems like too much to take, I have several "safe places" where I turn. Places that calm me, allow me to escape the madness, if only for a little while, to get grounded again, to become reacquainted with the magic and the wonder.
Old movies provide comfort–I have always enjoyed films that predate my birth. I often say, "If the film is black and white, I'll probably like it." Walks in the woods or along winding country roads provide the opportunity to de-stress and re-center myself. Vermont, my adopted state, is replete with quiet, pastoral hideaways, and for that I am thankful. Books–fiction and nonfiction alike–have been my friends for as long as I can remember. Stepping away from the cacophony to enter a well-plotted novel or an engaging biography or historical tome is, and always will be, bliss. And sports and the long-standing family and friends fantasy football league I have been the commissioner of since the 1990s have always offered a fun diversion.
But if there is one thing that never fails, one thing I can count on just as surely as the sun rising at the break of day, it is comic books. I fell in love with them when I was a little kid, and it's been a lifelong love affair ever since.
I remember where it all began, too. In my older brother Dave's room, back when I was six years old. Dave was a collector of sorts–he'd amassed a collection of several hundred issues by then–primarily The Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Barbarian, and The Defenders. He kept his comics in protective Mylar sleeves, and the most valuable ones also had a firm, thin cardboard backing to keep them from being bent or folded. I enjoyed leafing through his issues, admiring the covers, sniffing their distinct comic book scent.
Indeed. That has always had a lot to do with it for me. The smell. That old comics smell. In The Singularity Wheel, Mitchell Brant is sure "that if you could store magic in a bottle, it would smell just the same." He won't be getting any arguments from me. And when I began collecting seriously myself, around the time I entered junior high, there was nothing that thrilled my senses more than visiting the local comics shop. The musty scent was all around me, engulfing me like a fantastical cloud, full of wonders and adventures and history.
I spent all of my teenage years saving up what money I had to buy collectible comic books. People would ask me, "Why not just buy the reprints?" Why plunk down so much extra for an often ragged, beat-up original from 1955 or 1960 instead of buying a fresh, new replica for a fraction of the cost? It was–and still is–a difficult question to answer. It goes against everything practical, economical, utilitarian. Whether you buy an original or a reprint, the story's the same. So why do it?
Countering with the old-comics smell isn't sufficient. While it's true that newer comics don't have that musty magic about them, it's not enough. There is more to it than that. A lot more.
An original comic book from the 1950s predates my existence by two decades. For me, that increases the charm exponentially. There is something almost mystical about opening an issue from 1955 or 1956–or 1946, for that matter–and knowing that I am holding in my hands a treasure trove of memories. If only the comic could talk, I think! But it can. If you listen, it can.
The artwork, the story, the dialogue–primarily aimed at children and teenagers of the day–feels dated, quaint. It's a window into a time sixty years in the rearview mirror, when adventures and imaginative tales were presented in a far different manner. Reading such stories, I am transported back to a decade when my parents themselves were just teenagers. I am, quite literally, stepping into a time machine, the years peeling away, reversing, autumn to summer to spring, fifty times over, crashing through the speed of light.
But even so, the skeptic says–can't you still experience all that with a reprint? Just read the stories . . . And that's true, I suppose. A reprint can offer a peek through the partially opened door, a glance through the window. But it's not the same.
A reprint is new, contemporary, a facsimile of something that came before. (Though, it must be said, comic books have been around so long now, some reprints are, themselves, decades and decades old.) The original, the vintage comic book from 1945 or 1957 or 1962, was picked up, leafed through, handled (often roughly) by kids back then, when the story was conceived, when the writers and artists who created it were thinking of the children and teenagers of that day. Every time I flip through an old comic, I think of the sandy-haired boy at the corner drugstore, sixty years ago, who may have grabbed the same issue from the spinning, squeaky comics rack in the corner, drawn by the cover and the promise of adventure within. Did he have a dime to give to the store proprietor, enough to buy the comic and take it home? Did his sister or his younger brother steal it from him later when he wasn't looking? And did he wrestle it back? Is that where the spine roll came from? The small rip in the upper right corner? The creases that line the cover like wrinkles, forged by the passage of time?
There are two stories to enjoy in vintage comic books. The one the creators cooked up, the twists and turns of the plot, the nuances and renderings of the art. This is the same story available in reprints. But the second story–the story only the original can share–this is the story of the physical comic book itself. It's the wear and tear, the yellowing of the pages, the mouse-chewed corner on page 6, interfering with a thought balloon. It's the ads for X-ray-vision glasses and sea monkeys, magic wands and moon monsters. It's the interweaving of past and present, of memories and moments, and of childhood dreams that have spanned the long years, bridging one century to the next.
You can't get that kind of story in a reprint. And you can't put a price tag on it.
And, after all, there's nothing quite like a tank full of sea monkeys.
The Value of a Dime
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books Tags: author, comic books, comics, fantasy, history, life, money, reading, sci-fi, writing, YA
In both The Eye-Dancers and The Singularity Wheel, Mitchell Brant, Joe Marma, Ryan Swinton, and Marc Kuslanski can't help but notice how inexpensive things are in the variant town of Colbyville. In The Singularity Wheel, in fact, Ryan manages to secure a room in an inn for just $5 a night. Prices like that make the boys think of period-piece movies, Beaver Cleaver, black-and-white still lifes from a bygone era, speckled with cobwebs.
Indeed, I once worked with a woman who, every year, upon receiving her annual "cost-of'-living" raise, would grouse, "Well, three percent of nothing is still nothing!" Many of the other employees would nod their heads in agreement. We all notice the increase in prices ($4.49 for that box of cereal? $10 for a standard book of twenty stamps?) and are caught in the current of escalation as it continues along on its slow, steady, and inexorable march.
It has gotten to the point where there are plenty of people, reasonable people at that, who argue that coins should go the way of the dodo. "Who needs 'em anymore?" a friend of mine said just the other day. "All they do is clutter up my jacket pocket." And I had to admit, he had a point. But I'm also glad we still have our coins, our one-cent, and five-cent pieces.
Our dimes.
In the economic milieu of the 21st century, a single dime cannot purchase much of anything. But it wasn't always that way. Take comic books . . .
Nowadays, to buy a single issue, you need to plunk down $4. But jump in an imaginary time machine, become ten years old again, and pretend it's 1950. At that time, a ten-year-old (let's call him Kyle as a point of reference) might ask his dad for a dime, just one dime ("I'll mow the lawn later, Dad, promise!"), and then head over to the corner store, where dozens of comics would be tantalizingly arrayed on a spinning rack. He'd browse over the issues, the rack squeaking as he turned it, hunting for just the right one, and, maybe, just maybe, he'd pick out a gem like Strange Adventures number 2.
This particular issue hit the newsstands in the fall of 1950, and for just ten cents, Kyle was rewarded with a glorious, end-of-the-world-style cover, four feature stories, fifty-two action-packed pages, not to mention tempting advertisements, a short picture-less sci-fi tale, and various illustrated informational blurbs scattered about the issue, one of which was called "A World of Thinking Machines." This prescient piece laid out the groundwork for AI and advanced robots. In fact, thinking machines were not just figments of imaginative sci-fi enthusiasts. At the time of the issue's publication, sixty-eight years ago, the article proclaimed the existence of a "metal monster with sinews of electrical wire that can solve the most intricate mathematical equation in minutes . . . [and which can] 'think' more perfectly than a dozen human mathematicians!" The next step, according to the piece, "will be the robot–a tireless, mechanical servant that will perform man's duties in factory or office or on farm with the utmost efficiency. The metal workers will usher in the dawn of leisure"–which, the article concludes, will ultimately spread to the home itself, allowing for the "bliss of domestic luxury."
That was a lot of material for a humble dime's investment. It brings to mind, in the cold, hard light of 2018, how far we have come, how much inflation has affected our world. This isn't a diatribe against inflation–I'm no economist. Just a statement of fact. It elicits a certain nostalgia. I was born long after the phenomenon of ten-cent comic books. But there is a part of me, perhaps a substantial part, that hungers for a simpler time, a simpler age, when coins were cause for a child's excitement and enthusiasm.
What is the value of a dime today? What does a single, solitary ten-cent piece, in and of itself, have to offer? Anything except the ability to break change? In a purely practical, utilitarian sense, perhaps not. But consider the dime from a different angle. Look at it with a new perspective.
For starters, the physical characteristics. I have before me a dime with the year 1993 imprinted on its copper and nickel surface. The left-facing profile of FDR stares at something we cannot see, his stoic expression etched for the ages. On the flip side, there is a lit torch flanked by an olive branch on one side and an oak branch on the other, symbolizing liberty, peace, and strength. The dime in my possession still maintains some of its original luster, even twenty-five years on, though smudges also exist, the result of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fingerprints coming into contact with the surface–some rubbing, some squeezing, some flitting across it for the briefest of moments, but leaving their mark just the same.
And those prints, those hands that touched this lightweight alloy of metals, have a story to tell. This dime could write a novel or a memoir if someone might just give voice to it. Was it stashed at the back of a dresser drawer, out of sight, for months or years on end? How many times did it get rolled and deposited into a bank? How many cashiers handed it out when making change, and when they did, were they focused on this dime, the customer, the next person in line . . . or were their minds drifting, wondering what they might do when their shift ended, if Jeff or Suzie would agree to hang out later, what they would eat for supper, or where they'd go on their next day off?
Did the dime ever lie in the belly of a child's piggy bank, the ten-cent portion of a financial dream? Did someone perhaps drop it on a sidewalk or a parking lot unknowingly, or, if knowingly, without care? And did someone else later pick it up, pocket it, and add it to their jar of coins under the kitchen sink? How many cities has this dime journeyed through? Has it been to the West Coast and back? Was it in someone's pocket as they toured Manhattan? Has it tasted the sting of dust on a country road in late summer, the sun shining, hot, the hands that fiddled with it salty and moist with sweat?
It's true. A dime can no longer purchase fifty-two-page comic books that can mesmerize a child–or an adult–over the course of a lazy, leisurely afternoon. But the other things it can do, the narratives it can weave, and the lessons it can teach if we're willing to look and listen and wonder and imagine are worth far more than a mere ten cents.
And all this time later, I'd like to think that Kyle, our fictional friend from yesteryear and now on the doorstep of becoming an octogenarian, would see it that way, too.
Arriving at the Intersection of Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Classic Comic Books
31 Jul 2017 37 Comments
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books, Singularity Wheel Tags: childhood, classics, comic books, comics, fantasy, nostalgia, reading, sci-fi, science, writing, YA
What is your nostalgic pleasure, the thing that makes you hark back to a simpler time? For me it is, and has always been, old, vintage comic books. Since I was in junior high, these gems from yesteryear have called out to me with a song and a story I can't resist.
I have always found it easy to imagine transporting myself to a time years before I was born–say, circa 1955 in a drugstore or a little corner shop, browsing through the comics rack, listening to the squeak it emits when I make it spin, and figuring out which issues to plunk my dimes on.
When I started collecting comics, the mid-1950s were, to me, an alien world glimpsed primarily via old, grainy, black-and-white TV shows or Hitchcock classics. I enjoyed them, but they belonged to another era, beyond the purview of my personal experience. Vintage comic books, however, brought the mid-20th century alive to me in ways television and cinema never could. The culture of that period jumped off the pages, both from the stories themselves as well as from the ads and fan letters. I couldn't afford the issues that were in tip-top condition. I could only buy the ragged copies, with missing staples and spine rolls and water stains. Some even had corners chewed off by rodents who had no doubt long since met their demise. If anything, though, these imperfections just made me love these comics even more. They were more personal this way. More mine.
To this day, I still have hundreds of old comics. I have the tried-and-true titles, such as Mitchell Brant's favorite, The Fantastic Four, along with other stalwarts like Superman, Batman, The Avengers, and The X-Men. But it is the science fiction comics from the 1950s, sans superheroes, that appeal to me the most. The ingenuity of the stories, the old-fashioned and innocent tone, the crisp, imaginative artwork all inspire.
Perhaps more than anything, though, I respect the attempt these vintage issues made to educate as well as entertain. Granted, it was with a light touch, but the effort was deliberate and consistent. The authors and editors of DC's (the same company that gave birth to Superman and Batman) famous sci-fi duo of Strange Adventures and Mystery in Space eschewed all-out, no-holds-barred fantasy in favor of hard science fiction that always managed to have one foot firmly planted in the laws and realities of science. By approaching their work in this way, the creative team inserted tidbits of learning for their readers. The hero would generally solve a puzzle, perhaps even save the world, through some ingenious application of a scientific principle.
While it's true that many liberties were taken, nuggets of actual science were always there to be mined. For example, in Strange Adventures number 95 (August 1958), in a little tale titled "The Boy Who Saved the Solar System," the protagonist, a twelve-year-old son of a scientist, accomplishes what the best minds of the Solar System cannot. (Indeed, in the story, we meet the brightest minds from Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Saturn. Liberties!) The entire Solar System is imperiled by a great gaseous cloud that emits a blight, the effects of which are ruining the crops and farmlands and limiting the food supply. As the twelve-year-old's father tells him one evening, ""It's slow starvation, Son–for the entire human race."
The boy is interested in science himself, and while his father tries to find a remedy for the worldwide (actually, Solar System-wide) blight, he fills balloons with hydrogen gas. When his father forgets his wedding anniversary (he's busy trying to save the world, so the date slipped his mind until it was too late!), the boy tells him not to worry, he'll find something to give to Mom and then offer Dad the credit. The boy picks some roses from the backyard–from the same rosebush one of his hydrogen balloons broke on the day before. The thing is–the roses are perfectly healthy, not a sign of the blight that has plagued virtually all other plant life on Earth.
That's when the boy and his dad realize–hydrogen kills the blight! And Dad dutifully informs us that hydrogen is the simplest element in the universe.
So we have a good son, covering for his absent-minded dad, and in his kind act, he accidentally discovers the cure for the worldwide blight. A neat and tidy (and deliciously corny) tale wrapped up and delivered in six pages.
In addition to the stories, there were other methods of sharing scientific information with the audience. Take this same issue, Strange Adventures number 95. In a page called "Amazing Ratios," we learn that the weight of the earth in tons is equal to the number of atoms in a single drop of rain–6,000,000,000,000,000,000,000! And that Phoebe, the outermost of Saturn's moons, takes longer to revolve around the planet it orbits (550 days) than Earth does to revolve around the sun (365.25 days).
There is even a "Spotlight on Science" letters page, where readers ask science questions for the editors to research and answer.
Likewise, in both The Eye-Dancers and its sequel, The Singularity Wheel (scheduled for release this fall), an attempt is made to tether the far-out and the mind-boggling with some semblance of scientific explanation. And the primary vehicle for achieving this, in both novels, is Marc Kuslanski, the science wiz, who is, in some respects, the scientific mouthpiece for the unfolding events. When Mitchell or Ryan or Joe stray far afield in their speculations, Marc is there to reel them back in, often with a theory or a hypothesis grounded in quantum mechanics or cold, hard logic. And does he ever have his work cut out for him in The Singularity Wheel--which takes the concept of parallel worlds from The Eye-Dancers and expands it exponentially.
At the outset of The Singularity Wheel, Monica Tisdale, "the ghost girl" from The Eye-Dancers, is five years older and five years more advanced in her ability to bridge the chasm between dimensions. And she wants to explore.
From the opening scene of The Singularity Wheel:
"She was endless. Infinite. She knew that now.
Monica Tisdale smiled.
With her eyes tightly closed, she sent out a mental thought-wave to . . . herself.
No. That wasn't right. Not to herself. To herselves. She was more than one—far, far more.
She had practiced religiously, diligently, ever since she'd contacted the boys who had rescued her. The boys who had come here from another world. That knowledge had awakened a thirst in her, a quest to learn and discover.
And connect.
She was not like other girls. The day-to-day happenings in Colbyville, New York, bored her. Sure, she loved her mom and dad, liked a few of her classmates at school, and sometimes just wanted to have carefree fun. But she had always been different, attuned to phenomena most people didn't recognize and didn't see. As the weeks merged into months, and the months to years, her awareness of these things had sharpened.
She was ready."
And in so doing, Monica sets off a chain reaction that will push her to the brink, as she sees and experiences her life in an infinite number of worlds, remembering things from a billion places, unable to know one world from another, one self from another.
Marc will be there, of course, to try to make sense of it all–if he can.
So while The Singularity Wheel will be as much fantasy as sci-fi, it will, hopefully, in the tradition of the classic sci-fi comic books from decades ago, keep its eye on the factual and the actual as it ventures off into the shifting, capricious landscapes of the unknown.
Ditko or the King? (Or, Why Does It Have to Be an Either/Or?)
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books, On Writing Tags: comic books, comics, fantastic four, fantasy, pop culture, reading, sci-fi, Spider-Man, writing, YA
Nearly every second of every day, we are confronted with choices. Many are made without our even being aware of it. Did you just tap your foot against the floor, and perhaps not even realize it? Did you glance up at the ceiling? Look to the left? To the right? Maybe you cracked a knuckle, stretched your calf muscle, took a quick sip of coffee.
We make choices all the time.
When writing–be it a novel, a short story, a newspaper article, or a journal entry, and everything in between–we also make myriad choices. Again, the vast majority of these are at an unconscious level. If you were to stop and ruminate over every word you wrote, you would, quite literally, be paralyzed, incapable of creating a single sentence. The words come as they come. The story evolves–often on its own, as if imbued with a certain ineluctable magic. Authors and thinkers and scientists have pondered the creative process for centuries. It may never be fully understood.
But, whether understood or not, whether made beyond the awareness of the conscious mind or only after a tortuous and seesawing inner conflict–the choices are real. And, when writing, one of those choices is: Should you tell it with gusto, with in-your-face enthusiasm and beefy, muscular prose? Or should you go for a more subdued, subtle approach, using the quiet power of understatement to capture the essence of the scene?
Fifty-five years ago, in the offices of Marvel Comics, Stan Lee faced a very similar dilemma.
In the summer of 1962, Marvel Comics was on the rise. Just over the past year alone, the company had introduced The Fantastic Four, The Ant Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and The Mighty Thor to the world. The driving creative force behind this comic book revival–Marvel (previously called Timely Comics during the Second World War and Atlas Comics through the 1950s) had been mired in a slump for several years–was Stan Lee, the company's lead writer and editor.
But Lee certainly wasn't acting alone. For any comic book endeavor to thrive, it needs the services of a top-notch artist, and Marvel, at the dawn of the 1960s, had two of them: Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Both were accomplished, worked quickly, and brought their own, unique form of genius to their work. Kirby was the older and more experienced of the two. The King, as he was called, had already put his stamp on The Fantastic Four--he would be their primary artist for a decade.
Nevertheless, Stan Lee's next planned her0–The Amazing Spider-Man, set to debut in the high summer of 1962–needed a different touch. Kirby's work was larger-than-life, his covers and panels bursting with energy. He was ideal for penciling giants and powerful, musclebound monsters, action sequences, and battle scenes.
But for Spider-Man, Lee wanted a defter touch. Spidey's alter-ego, after all, was Peter Parker, an awkward teenager, a nerdy bookworm, the antithesis of powerhouses like Thor and The Hulk. Who better to draw Spider-Man than Steve Ditko, a master of shadows and the macabre?
Ditko's Peter Parker would be skinny, almost scrawny, a science geek who accidentally is bitten by a radioactive spider. And Spider-Man himself, particularly in those early days, is lithe, a creature of the night, hunting criminals in back alleys and climbing buildings, elusive, hunted by the law and striving to avoid the limelight.
And so–who is the top dog here? Does the decision go to Ditko, or the King? To subtlety and nuance or bold, in-your-face power? Perhaps there isn't a clear-cut decision.
Maybe it just depends . . .
When it comes to the writing process, the Ditko method, if you will, is ideal for dialogue, where the characters' words and body language, along with a sprinkling of interior monologue or brief descriptions of place and surroundings, say everything, and the need for lengthy, power-packed narrative exposition is limited. This approach also works for emotions–rather than crafting paragraphs that tell what the character is feeling, a writer can instead simply describe what the character does, or how he or she acts, thereby indirectly informing the reader what is going on inside the character's head.
In chapter eight of The Eye-Dancers, there is an attempt to accomplish something like this with Mitchell Brant. Mitchell, self-conscious and lacking in confidence, is afraid of girls his own age. And so:
"Suddenly, the girl appeared—the pretty one. She looked at him, and, up close, she was even more beautiful than he'd feared. She had shoulder-length dark brown hair, close in color to his, and wore a sleeveless sundress that showed off a summer tan. Worst of all, she smiled at him.
"So he did the only thing he could think of. He escaped into the diner.
"As soon as he opened the door, a bell jangled, announcing his presence. Faces turned to look at him. Grizzled old faces, coated with stubble. Fresh, young faces, questioning, sizing him up. Middle-aged faces, embedded with deep smile lines and wrinkles around the eyes. The attention made him uncomfortable, and he glanced behind him, through the window. He saw the girl walking away.
But the Kirby approach definitely has its place, as well. The Eye-Dancers is a sci-fi/fantasy novel, so there are parts of it that are "out there," complete with interdimensional transfers and dreams that are far more than "just dreams." These portions are built for Kirby-esque flair.
In chapter six, Marc Kuslanski and the others are pulled into the void, bridging this universe with another. From Marc's perspective, the journey begins this way:
"'Wake up!' he said. 'You have to wake up!' He wanted to shake them, hit them, but he couldn't. He had no hands. All he could do was yell and plead and hope they would hear. But they were almost gone now—beyond the point of hearing, perhaps beyond the point of anything. And he was joining them.
"His arms were gone. He had no feet, no shins, it felt like he was standing on air. Horrifically, he watched as his thighs slowly vanished, eaten away by the invisible force that had trapped him. The others were completely gone now, and he felt himself being pulled . . .
"He had no body now, none of him remained, but he could still think, was still aware of his surroundings. The basement grew indistinct, fading out of focus.
"He tried to talk, to say something, anything, but no words came out. And now the basement was gone, the bar, the blue glasses and bottles of champagne, a memory. He looked around, saw nothing, no one—only emptiness, a vast blue ocean that spread out as far as he could see.
"'What the . . .?' he said, or thought he said. There was no sound, only thought.
"And then, in a flash, he was there again—his hands, his feet, his legs, all of him—there. He clenched his hands into fists, smacked himself in the chest. Yes. He could feel. He could move and kick and reach. But what good did it do? There wasn't anything solid to hold onto, no firm ground to walk along. He was surrounded by blue, the deepest blue he had ever seen, stretching on forever."
So often in life, we want to declare a winner and a loser, to settle a competition. But some contests are better left undecided. Or, perhaps more accurate, some contests are better left unplayed. Because when said contest calls for us to choose between the literary equivalencies of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, that is just as difficult, and unnecessary, as choosing between the artists' original creations. Why decide which style, or which approach, is "better" than the other?
Stan Lee found room for both men in the offices of Marvel Comics.
Surely, we can do the same.
"Super," "Fantastic," and "Batty"? — Milestones All Around!
18 Aug 2016 44 Comments
by The Eye-Dancers in Blogging/Blog Chains, Comic books, Eye-Dancers General Stuff Tags: anniversary, batman, blog, blogging, comic books, comics, fantastic four, fun, superman, Wordpress, writing, YA
It was a gala event, an anniversary for DC Comics' signature hero, and the creative team made sure to announce it to the world.
When Superman number 100 hit the newsstands in the late summer of 1955, the title had been going strong for sixteen years, and the character (introduced in Action Comics number 1, in 1938) for seventeen.
The 100th issue would serve as a celebration of what the cover proudly proclaimed to be the "World's Greatest Adventure Character!"
In 1955, this sort of special anniversary issue was a new phenomenon, in part because the comic book industry had yet to become the collectible gold mine it would morph into several decades hence, but also because most titles simply hadn't been around long enough to feature major anniversary issues. But the celebration of the Man of Steel's status kicked off a trend in the industry.
The following year, it was Batman's turn. The Caped Crusader's title hit number 100 in the spring of 1956, and just as with Superman, Batman's title was celebrating sixteen years at the time issue number 100 rolled around. (The character of Batman had been around one year longer, introduced in 1939 with Detective Comics number 27.)
Once again, DC pulled out all the stops. "Batty" stuff indeed . . .
Meanwhile, and several years later, another powerhouse in the comic book field–Marvel Comics–was marking the anniversaries of some of its signature titles: The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, The X-Men, and Mitchell Brant's favorite, The Fantastic Four. All hit their 100th issue in the early and mid 1970s. By this time, it was fully expected that such a milestone issue would be celebrated with pomp and circumstance . . .
The stories housed within these special anniversary issues may or may not have been among the best of the genre. In some ways, it didn't matter. More than anything, a title's 100th issue represented a benchmark, a reminder, if you will, that the heroes had been able to stand the test of time and that the writers and artists involved still possessed a passion for storytelling and a desire to press on.
I began The Eye-Dancers blog in the summer of 2012, a complete novice to the blogosphere. If you were to look up the word "blogging newbie" that summer, my picture probably would have been looking back at you.
(Okay, so putting my kindergarten picture here is probably a bit of an exaggeration. Chalk it up to poetic license!)
I remember feeling overwhelmed and confused as I launched the blog. I was about to release The Eye-Dancers, the novel, and I knew I wanted to "get the word out," but how would I manage to do that? And how many original posts would I be able to come up with?
So I thought about it, and struggled through the first few months, still grasping for blogging ideas, flailing and poking and writing posts that I doubted anyone other than myself would read. I'd hit the Publish button and imagine the words drifting outward, not to other bloggers, but to some nowhere zone at the center of a lost cyber-galaxy, an eternally hungry black hole that feasted on unread sentences and paragraphs.
But then I would see a Like appear, and before long a few intrepid fellow bloggers began to follow the blog. Very few at first, but their support filled me with enthusiasm and optimism. Someone out there was reading my words. Encouraged, I again thought about what I could do, how I could potentially blog for the long haul. And I decided–why not just write about things that interest me? Sure, I would want them to tie in to The Eye-Dancers, the novel, in some way, but even so, the possibilities seemed endless. I dove in, and a remarkable thing happened. The insecurity lessened, the ideas started to arrive in waves, and I had a blast! It was fun. And more surprising still, more and more bloggers began following The Eye-Dancers. Suddenly that black hole I had initially imagined disappeared, and an ongoing and wonderful adventure kicked into high gear.
And now, four years after its inception, The Eye-Dancers blog has reached 5,000 followers. If someone had told me in the summer of 2012 that, by 2016, The Eye-Dancers would be fortunate enough to acquire such a following, I wouldn't have believed it possible. But that's been the great thing about these four years. The WordPress community welcomed me with open arms, and things just continued to get better and better.
Then again, there's no need for me to break out the past tense here. I'm not going anywhere. The sequel to The Eye-Dancers–as long as the literary stars stay aligned–will be due to come out during the early portion of 2017, and I will certainly be blogging about that, as well as many other things, in the months ahead.
It is my great hope that you all will continue to read and follow these ramblings and ruminations of mine. Certainly, The Eye-Dancers doesn't compare with the great superhero icons and their anniversaries from yesteryear, but your ongoing encouragement has often been as much a tonic for me as any radioactive spider bite or red Kryptonian sunlight. You are the reason this blog is so enjoyable for me, and you are without a doubt the reason The Eye-Dancers blog is still going strong four years in. I can't thank you enough for all your support over these past four years. You are all the best.
Thanks so much for reading, and I can't wait to get started on the next four years!
The (Cover's) the Thing . . .
14 Feb 2015 34 Comments
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books, Eye-Dancers General Stuff, On Writing Tags: adventure, art, comic books, comics, covers, fantasy, marketing, writing, YA
"Don't judge a book by its cover."
It's an expression so common, so overused, many of us may turn a deaf ear to it. Perhaps we even roll our eyes and think, Can they spew out more cliches while they're at it?
But for authors who have worked countless hours on a novel, experiencing the high, soaring peaks and muddy, shallow bottomlands of the creative journey, and who stuck through the process, even on those dark days when all seemed lost and the literary well seemed as dry and barren as the surface of a dead world floating endlessly in orbit, the notion that the story, their story, which they have finally completed, needs the window-dressing of a sensational cover may at first blush seem rather insulting. After all, isn't it the story that counts? The prose? The characters that populate the pages? Shouldn't the novel stand alone, on its own merit?
Of course it should, and, to a large degree, it does. But readers can only enjoy your story if they know it exists. They can't become entranced by the literary world you've created unless they first choose to purchase the book. And, apart from family, friends, friends of friends, what can an author who is anything but a household name do to attract a broader readership? Social media, paid advertising, marketing, and of course joining the wonderful WordPress community are all potential ways of discovering a wider audience.
But creating a can't-miss, spectacular cover for your book is essential, and its something comic book publishers have known, and practiced, since the first issues hit the newsstands nearly a century ago.
As a lifelong comic book collector, I am not ashamed to admit–there are some vintage issues I have acquired over the years simply on the basis of the cover alone. I can well imagine the comics buyer from decades ago, the ten-year-old with the freckles, the teenager in pigtails, spinning the squeaky rack, deciding which issues they should plunk their dimes and nickels and pennies on. In an era before cable television, before VHS cassettes and DVDs, and long before the Internet and smartphones, comic books were wildly popular. Hundreds of issues graced the stands every month.
A great cover was not just an option. It was a necessity.
Classic comic book covers came in all genres, all styles, all moods . . .
From the bombastic . . .
to the fun . . .
to the spooky . . .
to the startling . . .
to the adventurous . . .
to the ironic . . .
to the larger-than-life . . .
When it came to The Eye-Dancers, I knew from the outset who I wanted to design the cover. One of the earliest posts on this website covered (pun intended!) this topic. Matt Gaston, artist, graphic designer, and all-around talented and creative guy, is a lifelong friend of mine. I was very fortunate that he agreed to do the cover for the novel when I asked him.
Like me, Matt is a longtime comic book collector, and we agreed that the look and feel of The Eye-Dancers cover should pay homage to our hobby. So whenever anyone tells me, as some have, that the cover of The Eye-Dancers reminds them of a graphic novel or a vintage comic from yesteryear, I smile. I'm sure Matt does, too. We wouldn't want it any other way.
When we were kids, Matt and I used to talk about the future. Maybe we'd team up and do a comic book strip. I'd be the writer, he the artist. We never quite made it to collaborating on a comic strip. But I like to think that The Eye-Dancers represents a little slice, a miniature helping of that long-ago dream.
When that last sentence is written, when you shed a tear at "The End," thinking of the long journey, the obstacles overcome, when you hope that your characters will move readers, that your words, your similes and metaphors, your twists and turns, your story will carry them away to another world, far, far away, beyond some distant, star-speckled horizon, consider those classic old comic books that wowed the young, and young at heart, of bygone eras . . .
No book should be judged by its cover. But it just might be purchased because of it.
Embracing Your Inner Grogg, Zog, and Groot!
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books, On Writing Tags: comic books, comics, creativity, fantasy, fun, hero, marvel, monsters, writing, YA
There are so many aspects, so many parts to the process. An idea strikes, giving birth to a story–perhaps it's a short story that can be crafted in a day; perhaps it's a novel that will take months, even years to complete. But here, now, at the outset, that's not important. All that matters is the desire, the need, to write.
It doesn't take long for that to change, and for the situation to become more complicated. I know, for me, if I have written a short story, there is the initial euphoria of finishing it. A job well done. But now–where to submit it? Will anyone want to publish it? A dozen rejection slips later, a crisis of confidence hits. Who was I fooling? It isn't any good. Maybe it's not as polished as I thought–so I go back, edit it some more, and then resubmit to a dozen more magazines. Eventually, I have so many rejection slips and form letters, I can wallpaper my office with them. But I keep submitting, keep believing. It just takes one . . .
And as for the novel . . . multiply the above by a thousand. Whereas the short story is a sprint, a forty-yard dash, the novel is a marathon, a test of endurance. At some point, I know, I will question the entire project. There will come a low point, when energy reserves have been depleted, when ideas hide underneath rocks and behind thick, impenetrable walls, when I ask myself–"Is this story going anywhere? Where do I take it? What do I write next?" Writer's block, while in the middle of a novel, is a grim feeling. All the work already put forth now appears for naught, stuck in the middle of a chapter that refuses to cooperate.
I had to confront this middle-of-the-story crossroads while writing The Eye-Dancers–the point where the novel will either take off and infuse me with a literary second wind, or die on the vine, withering under a sweltering summer sun, thirsting for ideas that never arrive. For me, and for The Eye-Dancers, this defining moment occurred in chapter 18.
I was slightly more than halfway through the novel, and felt pretty good about what I had so far. But chapter 18 was a quagmire. It was a pivotal chapter, and one of the longest in the novel. I couldn't seem to get it right–everything I wrote came up flat, like soda left out on the porch all night long. I wrote a first draft–ugh. Lifeless and forced. Reluctantly, bemoaning the wasted effort, I deleted every word of the chapter and began anew. The second draft proved no better. I threw my hands up, literally. Was my concept wrong? Should I take a step back and rethink the whole thing? I remember taking a long walk, thinking, figuring, looking at the impasse from all angles. But nothing came to me. Nothing sounded right.
It brought to mind something George Orwell once said: "Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand."
Later that day, at a total loss, I flipped through some of my old comic books, looking for something, anything.
I found it.
When I was in junior high school and began collecting comic books seriously, I never thought I would buy any issues that weren't superhero-related. The Fantastic Four, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Avengers, and later Batman and Superman were my focus. But as I learned more about the history of the medium, realizing how rich and layered old comics were, I decided to branch out. One of the gems I later discovered was what collectors often refer to as "pre-hero Marvels."
Prior to The Fantastic Four number 1 (November 1961), Marvel Comics published a small line of adventure and sci-fi comics–certainly not unique in those days. Even DC, creator of Superman and Batman, incorporated a quality line of non-hero comic books. But what made the Marvels special were the monsters . . .
With names like Grogg, Groot, and Zog, just to name a few, these larger-than-life creatures jumped off the page.
I can easily imagine an exuberant ten-year-old in 1960, at the height of the phenomenon, spinning the comics rack at the local corner store, trying to decide which monster-book to plunk his dime on.
The stories, with titles such as "I created Sporr, the Thing That Could Not Die," were formulaic, silly, and, frankly, ridiculous. But they were magic, too.
What's more, they were fun.
That particular day, seeking something of an escape from the writing process, I opened Tales of Suspense number 29 (February 1962). Tales of Suspense is the same title that, ten issues and just over one year later, would introduce the world to Iron Man–but I wasn't thinking of the Golden Avenger as I flipped through the story, laughing and smiling all the way through "The Martian Who Stole a City."
The story was dated, predictable, and by no means a masterpiece. But it was just the tonic I needed. It made me feel twelve years old again. It infused me with optimism, a sense of wonder, and it instilled in me a belief that anything was possible, and that any obstacle to creativity can be hurdled and left far behind in a sun-streaked rearview mirror.
Energized, invigorated, I went back to the book, dared to key in the first word of the revised and revised and revised again chapter 18, which expanded to the first sentence and then the first paragraph. Two pages later, I paused, pumped a fist. The logjam had broken. The mind-block had lifted, disintegrated, like smoke on the wind.
It was a necessary reminder that, no matter what our Amazon sales ranking, no matter what or how many reviews we have, no matter how hard it sometimes is to get our thoughts and visions onto the page, when it's all said and done, we are doing something we were born to do. Something we need to do. Something we love.
Ray Bradbury once wrote, "Zest. Gusto. How rarely one hears these words used. How rarely do we see people living, or for that matter, creating by them. Yet if I were asked to name the most important items in a writer's make-up, the things that shape his material and rush him along the road to where he wants to go, I could only warn him to look to his zest, see to his gusto. . . . For the first thing a writer should be is–excited. He should be a thing of fevers and enthusiasms."
As I continued to type, the words now pouring out of me like lava, the classic issue of Tales of Suspense number 29 still lay there, in full view, on my desk.
Precious Jewels Hidden in Tattered Pages
by The Eye-Dancers in Anecdotes, Comic books Tags: childhood, comic books, comics, imagination, Love, money, New York, nostalgia, superman, vintage, writing, YA
I remember it well. It was one of those lazy midsummer days in western New York State, the air thick with humidity, the droning, mechanical call of the cicadas giving voice to the trees.
My parents were entertaining an old family friend, who lived out of state. He hadn't visited in several years, and now, upon his arrival, I wanted to impress him–with my growing comic book collection. I was seventeen years old, a month away from my senior year in high school, and I was eager to show this well-traveled gentleman, who lived in a fancy home out West, that I was no slouch myself.
He slapped me on the back, told me he remembered me as a little kid with a bowl-shaped haircut, four feet tall–where had that kid gone? I told him I collected old comic books, had been for years now. Would he care to see the cream of my collection?
"Comic books?" he said. "They're worth something, eh?"
Were they ever! I showed him the latest edition of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, published annually each April with updated market values for every American comic book that has ever graced the newsstand. And I pointed out some of the issues I owned, purchased months or years ago, but which, over time, had appreciated, their price tag growing like green plants in a well-tended garden.
"Kind of like buying blue chip stock, I see," he said, as I showed him my most prized issues, vintage copies of The Fantastic Four, The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, along with select issues of Superman, Batman, and other heroes from yesteryear.
After a few minutes, I could no longer resist.
"You know what these are all worth, put together?"
He didn't hesitate. "Absolutely. They're worth<|fim_middle|> tightly shut as she pushed, focused, threw everything she had into the effort.
"Unnh!" she said again.
He looked at the ad of the magic wand, and suddenly he felt a firm conviction. With his wife straining in the other room to move her legs, her feet, just a little, just a twitch, a spasm, anything—he picked up the scissors, lined them up just so. . . .
"I love you, Lori," he said, and began to cut.
Previous Older Entries | whatever someone will pay you for them."
I exhaled, feeling like a pin-pricked balloon, all my pride and anticipation and excitement bleeding out of me, drip by drip. Whatever someone will pay for them? But . . . what if I didn't want to sell them? Did that negate their worth altogether? And besides, I didn't like viewing my comic books as commodities in such a bald, in-your-face manner. Sure, I bought the Overstreet Guide every spring when it came out. And sure again, I enjoyed seeing issues I already owned rising in value. But that wasn't why I owned them, or why I'd bought them.
Was it?
In The Eye-Dancers, Mitchell Brant shares my love of old comics, particularly The Fantastic Four. They hold for him, as they always have for me, an undeniable magic. And yet, he, too, feels the need to put a monetary value on them–and a fictional one at that. As he is prone to do, Mitchell exaggerates their worth, claiming, to anyone who will listen, that his collection would go for thirty thousand dollars if he wanted to sell it. He knows this is a gross misrepresentation of the truth, but he just can't seem to help himself.
I would like to believe, however, that when he is alone, thinking about it in more depth, he will realize he is not only lying to his friends.
He's also lying to himself–for reasons that go far beyond the actual market value of his collection.
When the out-of-state family friend left the next day, returning to the house he had built, the life he had fashioned, I still felt bad. And I felt worse when I checked the values of my best issues yet again in the price guide. What was I doing? Had my perspective really shifted so far from center? I needed a new outlook, or, to be more accurate, an old outlook–the same one I once had, when I was nine years old buying my first comics off the drug-store rack that squeaked when I spun it, round and round, watching the covers flash before my eyes like action scenes from the greatest movie I ever saw. I needed something to remind me why I had started collecting old comic books in the first place.
So I sat down on my bedroom floor, cross-legged, and pulled out my priciest issues–not as a collector, or an investor, or even a hobbyist. But as a reader. As a lover of the ride they took me on. As a seventeen-year-old, standing on the rocky, high precipice of academic choices, college majors, and career decisions but wanting, desperately, to cling to an aspect of my childhood that seemed to be receding, day by day, further into the shadowlands of an irretrievable past.
I read issue after issue that day, copies printed years before I was born, stories that transported me to other worlds, distant galaxies, negatively charged universes, where the very atoms of matter itself were in complete opposition to our own. I read about super villains who wanted to rule the world and who spouted off the corniest dialogue I had ever heard, and yet I loved every word. I read about characters I had grown up with, who I knew so well it seemed they were real, and might at any moment jump out of the illustrated panels and join me in my room.
And when I put those comics away, I felt better than I had in days . . .
I won't lie. I still purchased the Overstreet Price Guide in subsequent springs, still checked the market value of my comics from year to year. But I also read through the entire Price Guide, enjoying the pictures of countless old comic book covers and reading the informative articles on the hobby. It was now a supplement, a part of a whole. It no longer defined the whole.
Because the truth of the matter was, those old comic books, many with brittle covers and spine rolls, water stains and clipped-out advertisements, housed jewels of the rarest sort within their tattered and yellowed pages.
Later that same summer, talking with a friend of mine, my comic book collection came up.
Inevitably, perhaps, the question arose: "So, what's your collection worth?"
I looked at him, smiled.
"Priceless," I said.
Short Story — "Relics"
by The Eye-Dancers in Comic books, Short Stories Tags: advertisements, comic books, comics, fiction, hope, inspirational, literary, magic, mainstream, paralysis, short stories, short story, vintage, wheelchair
We learn early on in The Eye-Dancers that Mitchell Brant is a comic book collector. The old, vintage issues transport him to a different place, one filled with magic, wonder, and gold-glittered avenues that lead to a world of endless possibilities. As it turns out, these qualities will become essential to his survival. As the novel progresses and things seem more and more hopeless, Mitchell must tap into that sense of magic and wonder. He must believe in those possibilities, and keep the faith that everything will work out in the end.
I wrote the short story "Relics" while I was still writing the first draft of The Eye-Dancers. The main character in "Relics" must, like Mitchell, believe in the unbelievable, and hold on to faith when all reason, all logic dictates that hope is lost. And, surely, Mitchell would appreciate the role that vintage comic books play in this story.
I hope you enjoy "Relics" . . .
Copyright 2013 by Michael S. Fedison
Looking at his wife from across the room, it was easy for John to pretend that things were normal, the way they should be, the way they used to be. She was sitting on the couch, her light blonde hair in a ponytail. Everything seemed in place, as if their life, her life, hadn't taken a sudden, irreversible turn four months ago.
But then his eyes shifted, just a little, to the right, and he saw the wheelchair. He swallowed hard at the sight of it, took a deep breath, and crossed the room.
She smiled at him when he sat beside her on the couch, and he reached for her hand.
At least she can move her arms, can breathe unaided, he thought. At least the damage was only from the waist down. The doctor had told him, hours after Lori had been rushed into the ICU, when his world felt like it was spinning and reeling, out of control, that his wife was fortunate. The collision had been head-on. It could have been much worse. She was lucky to be alive. And, after assessing her injuries, the doctor assured him that she would live, recover enough to lead a productive life. There was only one catch.
She'd never walk again.
"Never?" John had asked. Nothing seemed real. Lori was fortunate? Fortunate? Is that what this guy had just told him?
The doctor looked away for a moment. "Well, I suppose I shouldn't say never. But, in all honesty, it would take a miracle."
A miracle. He had read very little on paralysis—he'd never had reason to. It hadn't touched his life or that of anyone he knew. But now, now, it loomed before him, a towering monolith, tottering, toppling, about to land on him and crush him to dust.
He scoured the Web for hours, days, gleaning information, searching for guidance, stories of recovery, of hope. He read about the latest research, the new and exciting discoveries that were being made every day. Of course there were differences of opinion among the experts, but nearly all of them agreed on one thing: a cure was still a long way off—years, decades, even. Someday, catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord would be healed. There was little doubt about that. But that day was but a speck on a distant horizon, ten thousand tomorrows hence. What good would it do Lori?
"I think I have a little more feeling in my right leg," she said. Sitting next to her on the couch, as he had so many times before the accident, the questions came in a torrent. Why couldn't he turn back the clock? Why did she have to be driving on that road, at that moment? Why did the other driver, intoxicated beyond all reason, have to pick that night to lose control, why did he have to swerve into the wrong lane just as Lori was approaching . . .?
He rubbed his temples, his forehead. A raging headache was coming on. Ever since the accident, he'd been getting headaches regularly. Thinking too much. Brooding too hard, too often.
She loved to run. She had been training for a marathon. He tried to join her a couple of times when she went out for a run, but he couldn't keep up. Lori was like that with everything—a dynamo, always in motion, full of energy and life. Now what was she?
A cripple.
"I just have to believe, that's what I tell myself," she said. He saw her veins bulge out on the side of her neck, felt her hand squeeze his, hard. She was trying to move her legs. Pearls of perspiration beaded on her forehead.
He felt like telling her not to strain herself. It wasn't worth it. It wasn't worth the frustration, the effort, the heartache. And yet, every day, multiple times per day, she kept trying. . . .
"Unnnh," she said, and finally relaxed again. She let her head fall back, against the couch cushion. Immediately he noticed moisture forming in her eyes.
"Damnit!" she said, lifting her head, looking at him. "Why won't they move? Why can't I make them move?" She cried then, and he reached out to hold her.
"Ssh," he said, stroking her hair. He wanted to follow this up by saying everything would be all right, things would get better. But he didn't. He had no right to say such a thing. He wasn't the one who could no longer walk. He wasn't the one who now owned a broken and battered body, full of pain and unending, unrelenting frustration.
He again thought of what the doctor had said. It would take a miracle for her to walk again. The therapists at the rehabilitation center—where Lori had learned how to compensate for a crippled lower body, where she learned the skills she would need to lead a reasonably independent life, where she learned how to cope—all of them had said the same thing. It was better, more productive, to work hard at rehab, focus on today, on realities, on tangible goals and graspable plans. For the most part, Lori was adjusting remarkably well—better than he would have, he was sure. She even intended to go back to work at some point. But she had not been willing to believe that her paralysis was permanent. Not when she first heard the news, and not now.
"I'm sorry," she said, sniffling. "I didn't mean to cry like that." He could tell by the determined expression on her face that she was readying herself for another try.
He didn't want to watch her strain and strain, to no avail. Not again. He got up, feeling guilty, as he often did these days, at the easy functionality of his legs.
"I'll go back to making supper," he said. The fact was, he hadn't even started supper yet.
She looked at him. There was a hurt in her eyes, and it had nothing to do with her now useless legs. She had asked him before to believe with her, pray with her, dare to hope.
"Miracles are like flowers," she had said just yesterday. "They need watering. They need care." Perhaps. But he couldn't raise up his hopes, only to have them dashed every time he saw her struggle to move her legs. Maybe she was simply stronger than him. Or more naïve. Then again, it was her legs, not his, that were paralyzed. He wondered, had their situations been reversed, how he would be coping. He guessed that he, too, would be hoping, working, for a miracle, just as she was. The difference was—if she were in his place, she would, undoubtedly, be believing, too, right alongside him.
"I'm making spaghetti and meatballs," he said, feeling like a jerk, as he walked away, "with lots of garlic in the sauce, the way you like it."
He hoped she'd smile at this, but she didn't. She just stared, straight ahead, concentrating, getting ready for another round of exertion.
He cleared his throat, wishing he could find the words she needed to hear, the words he needed to say, whatever they were. But all he did was walk out of the room, into the kitchen. He made supper, burning the sauce and boiling way too much spaghetti. He didn't have much of an appetite.
That night, after she had maneuvered out of the wheelchair into the bed without assistance, she was thumbing through a photo album. In the pictures, Lori was usually smiling, moving, the camera catching her in full stride, or with a tennis racquet, about to strike the ball, or playing Frisbee, reaching out to make a one-handed grab of an errant toss. There was one picture of the two of them, taken with a self-timer, on the summit of a mountain they climbed five years ago, a lifetime ago, on a trip they had taken to the Pacific Northwest.
Beside her in bed, his gaze, inevitably, continued to fix itself on her legs—how healthy they looked in the photographs, how ready to scale and run and conquer the land. Why did she look at these relics? These reminders of a life that used to be, but could never be again? What good did it do?
He turned away.
Beside him, he heard the photo album snap shut.
"You know, it would really be nice to have you support me, John," she said. "It's hard enough trying to deal with all of this. I didn't think I'd need to do it by myself."
That stung. It made him feel like a failure, a pathetic excuse of a man. On the other hand, what was he supposed to do? What was he supposed to say? They didn't exactly write instruction manuals on how to adjust to life after your wife becomes paralyzed.
"I need you to believe in me," she said then. "In what I'm trying to do."
"Why? So I can watch you cry and be disappointed day after day after day, when you can't move your legs?" The words shot out of him, too quickly, before he'd had a chance to think them over. But now that they were out, he needed to go on, needed to explain the way he felt. "Why do you look at those pictures, Lori? Do you like torturing yourself? Is that it? I don't understand it!"
"No," she said. "You don't."
"Why can't you accept the truth?" he went on. "We both need to accept it. I have. But you . . ."
"You must really think I'm stupid," she said. There was a quiver in her voice. I put that there, he thought. I hurt her, again.
"I'm sorry," he said. The anger was gone, replaced by a heavy, massive blanket of regret. Why had he lost his composure? Didn't she have enough to overcome, without his outbursts? "I didn't mean that."
He thought she would turn away from him, stonewall him for the rest of the night. Instead, she took hold of his hand. "I know this is hell for you, too," she said. "And I'm sorry for saying you haven't supported me. You have. You've been by my side throughout all of this. Don't think I'm not aware of that, John. And grateful for it. It's just . . . Look, I know you don't want me to get hurt, to believe I'll be able to walk again, and then . . ."
He started to say something, but she stopped him. "I have accepted this," she said. "I know it probably doesn't seem like it, but I have. Well . . . I'm working on it, anyway. I know I might not walk again. I know what the doctors said. But that doesn't mean I'm just going to lie down and tell myself it's impossible. I won't stop trying, John, and I won't stop believing. And what I really need, more than anything, is for you to believe, too. I need you on my side for this. Can you do that for me?"
The logic-oriented part of his brain wanted to argue with her. If she had accepted her situation, why would she still be trying to accomplish the impossible, or, at the least, the highly improbable? Why put herself through that? But he didn't argue with her. He just nodded, and said, in a whisper, "I'll try."
"Hi, John, glad you could make it," Seth said, smiling, the creases in his face multiplying like randomly expanding spider webs.
John smiled back. He liked Seth. He'd worked for him at his previous job, and the two became friends. When John quit, moving to a higher-paying position at a company across town, they remained in touch; though, since Lori's accident, he rarely got out to see anyone. He hadn't seen Seth since the older man had visited him in the ICU, when the nightmare was still fresh and new. He'd barely heard what Seth had said that day.
"Been wanting to stop in for a visit," Seth said. "But I figured it was still too soon, you know."
John nodded, and an awkward silence hung in the air. It was Seth who broke it.
"Come on inside," he said. Another smile, more multiplying spider webs.
Seth's house was a spacious ranch, overlooking a two-acre backyard, complete with a trout pond, lilac bushes, a well-kept flower garden, and a vegetable garden that was his pride and joy. He had boasted about his garden dozens of times at work, before the start of a meeting, as employees shuffled in to the conference room. But the boasts were true, and now, at the height of its midsummer lushness, the garden looked to John like an oasis, a rich, green world just waiting to lure him in with its charms.
Seth led him to the back den, with its wall of windows and glass-sliding door that opened out onto the green expanse of the yard. There was a birdfeeder just beyond the windows. Blue jays and grackles scuffled for control, while a cardinal and two grosbeaks looked down from a nearby perch, waiting for a chance.
But what really caught his eye were the comic books. There were two stacks of them, side by side. One stack piled at least three feet high, the other much less substantial—only a dozen or so comics. Beside this smaller stack, a pair of scissors, a collection of envelopes and stamps, and several clipped-out old advertisements lie scattered on the floor.
Seth sat down in a cream-colored, comfortable-looking oval chair.
"Plant yourself," he said, motioning to the sofa across from him. "Make yourself at home, John."
He did as instructed, sat down, let out a breath that felt as though it had been building for months. It actually felt good to be here, away from the house, for a little while. He wasn't sure if he should leave Lori alone, but she had all but pushed him out the door, assuring him that she'd be fine. Besides, his extended leave of absence from work was coming to an end; he would be going back next week. So this would be good practice for both of them. She wouldn't be a burden to him, she said. They needed to get on with their lives.
"What you must think of me," Seth said. "I didn't even offer you a drink. Maybe that's what being a department manager does to a fella after a while—gives him a big head." He jumped up, spry as a man decades younger, and walked swiftly into the kitchen. He returned a moment later, with two glasses of lemonade.
"Thanks," John said, reaching for one of the glasses, taking a drink. Very tart, just the way he liked it. But he felt shy being here. Usually, when he saw Seth, they met for lunch or coffee in one of the cafes downtown. Sometimes they golfed together. Rarely did he come here, to his ex-boss's house.
He eyed the stack of comic books, looking for a diversion.
"Yeah, I just found those the other night," Seth said, sitting back down in his oval chair, the glass of lemonade already beginning to sweat, in his hands. "Ever since I returned from my trip back home, I've been puttering around the attic lately."
"You went back home?" John asked. He'd been so out of touch with Seth, with everyone. This was the first he'd heard of it.
Seth nodded. "My nephew got married a couple weeks ago. I went back for the wedding. It was nice." He paused, brought his finger to his lips. It was what John had always thought of as his thinking pose. He sometimes used to do that at meetings, too, before saying something. "Going back was odd, though," he went on. "Hadn't been there in years. I saw some old friends, talked about the old days." He shook his head. "When I got back, I started looking for any junk I might find, lying around. Stuff I'd maybe forgotten about. I found my high school yearbook, flipped through that. Looked at some old pictures. And I came across those comics I bought way back when. Most of them are more than fifty years old, you know. Fifty years!" He let out a whistle. "Where's the time go?"
John couldn't relate. Time, to him, had nearly stood still these past few months. The vigil in the ICU, the long, tedious, torturous days at the rehab center, and now the days spent at home, with Lori, as she struggled to readjust her life, to master what had once been the simplest of tasks but now, thanks to the recklessness of one drunk driver, had become grueling tests of grit and patience.
"Why do you have them in two piles?" he asked. He didn't want to talk about time. And he sure didn't want to talk about Lori. He needed to steer things in a direction of his choosing. "What are the scissors for?"
Seth glanced at the scissors, then at him. John could almost hear the cogs and circuits spinning in the older man's head, could almost hear his thoughts. Didn't he come here to talk about his wife, about what happened? Isn't that what he needs? To talk about it? But, to his relief, Seth didn't push or prod.
"Oh, I don't know," Seth said. His mouth hinted at a smile, but didn't consummate it. "Going back home, seeing how so much has changed . . . I guess it made me feel kind of old. I guess it . . ." He waved his hand dismissively, set his lemonade aside. "Ah, never mind. I'm just rambling."
But the clipped advertisements, the stacks of old comic books—these weren't merely ramblings. . . .
Outside a blue jay hollered at a bold grackle, and there was a flutter of wings as they both flew away. Eager to pounce, the grosbeaks descended on the feeder.
"Besides," Seth went on, "you're still young, John. I don't expect that you'd really want to hear any of this, or that you'd even understand if you did."
Young? Lori was young, too—in her midthirties, a lifetime ahead of her. But what did it matter? What kind of life would she be able to lead? Yes, she would reenter society, return to work, read, think, dream, imagine. But would she be able to run again, to train for marathons, to hike up hills and mountains? Young. What was youth to her now? What was it to him?
He took a sip of the lemonade, hopped off the sofa, knelt on the floor, beside the comic books. The top one on the taller stack was a Superman, with a cover story titled "The Man with the Zero Eyes." He examined the cover, admiring the artwork, then looked at the ads, scattered on the floor. There was one for sea monkeys, another for a Daisy Air Rifle, another for free passes at an amusement park—valued at twenty-five cents, the ad boasted. The advertisements themselves were brittle, the paper yellowing. Relics.
"Did you just cut these out?" he asked then, as he picked up the Daisy Air Rifle ad, examining it. Grinning boys, guns in hand, smiled back at him from across the chasm of fifty years.
Seth smiled, but there was no joy in it. "Yeah, I did. Stupid, I guess."
John didn't know very much about comic books, but he did know that old collectable comics were worth a great deal of money—sometimes astronomical sums. He also knew that if you clipped out the ads, said value would plummet like a failing stock. What was Seth up to?
"I used to cut out the ads that interested me back when I was a kid," Seth said. "Then I'd mail 'em off, and wait. And believe me, the waiting wasn't easy. I'd run home from school and ask my mom right off if anything for me had come in the mail. Probably drove her crazy sometimes." He paused, looked away. "It's funny. Back then, I remember wanting to grow up, you know? Finish up with school, move away, make a lot of money. Guess I did all those things. But now, it's just the opposite. Now, I wish I could go back to those days, maybe try out for the high school baseball team, maybe appreciate my folks more, while they were still here, you know? Maybe ask Gloria Cooper out on that date, like I always wanted to but never did. I wonder whatever became of her. . . ."
John knew that Seth had never been married. He rarely talked about his past, but he had mentioned once how lucky John was to have found Lori, to have found love. And John knew he was right. He hadn't met Lori until he was twenty-eight, and he often wished he had gone to school with her, had a chance to meet her sooner in life. But then he'd stop himself. He was fortunate to have met her at all. They'd planned on having children, but hadn't yet. They thought maybe next year would be the right time to start a family. But that had been before the accident . . .
"Why'd you just cut these out now, though?" he asked. His train of thought was moving too much toward his own life, his own loss. He didn't want to deal with that, not now. Hadn't he come over Seth's to get away from himself, even if only temporarily?
The older man just sat there. John thought about repeating his question, but he didn't. Surely Seth had heard him.
Seth glanced at the stack of comic books, the scattered pile of snipped-out ads. "You know, most people would say I've had a good life, and I guess they'd be right. I can't complain. I'm still healthy, successful. I mean, look at all this." He swept his hands in a wide arc. "This is what I always wanted, what I strived for. But maybe, all this time, I was striving for the wrong things. Because now, I . . ." He smiled. "It's kind of hard to explain, I'm afraid. Guess I'm just having my midlife crisis a little late. Because looking at these comic books now . . . there are lots of ads in them that look good, you know? They remind me of a time, a place, I had almost forgotten. But now I wish I could go back to that time, to that place, and do things over. Some of them anyway."
John just looked at the older man. None of this was making sense.
"Guess you're still wondering why I cut out the ads," Seth said. "Well . . . I suppose you could say I'm looking for a miracle."
"A miracle?"
"Yeah. I used to believe in miracles, once. I think we all did."
John swallowed. "What do you mean?"
"Guess it's like I said." Seth reached for his lemonade, took another sip. Outside the jays and grackles had returned to the feeder, squawking and pecking at each other. "I wish I could go back—someway, somehow, at least for a little while. So I'm clipping out those old ads. And you know what? I'm gonna send for them, just like I used to. Oh I know they'll probably just get returned, I know the addresses can't possibly be good anymore. But then, who knows? Maybe one of them will get a response. Maybe I'll even get the product I sent for, at a price half a century old. It doesn't hurt to believe, does it? To hope. Sometimes, I think, believing is what we need the most. Sometimes, that's what carries us through."
"But . . ." All of a sudden, it seemed like there was so much to say, and yet nothing to say.
"Why don't you take a comic or two, John? I don't mind. As you can see, I got plenty to spare."
He was ready to tell Seth that this was all crazy, a childish scheme, ridiculous. A waste of time. But he found his fingers rifling through the stack of comic books. He felt them pull out an issue of Journey Into Unknown Worlds, number 36. The cover featured a species of giants, preparing to menace the ill-prepared human race.
What am I doing? he thought. Why am I taking this?
As if reading his mind, Seth said, "Maybe you can clip an old ad out of that, too. Send it off. And hope."
He was in the living room, flipping through the comic book, actually enjoying the stories. It was published in 1955, but the material held up surprisingly well. Whenever he saw an ad, he examined the merchandise, considering whether or not to clip it. He had a pair of scissors at the ready, on the seat beside him. . . .
"C'mon," he said. "Don't be stupid."
But one ad in particular caught his eye.
"Mystery! Science! Fun! Magic!" it read. "Magic wand to amuse and amaze your friends!" It was fourteen inches long, with a black center and white tips. It enabled the amateur magician to perform dozens of tricks. It—
"Unnnh!" It was Lori. She was in the bedroom, supposedly taking a nap. Apparently, she hadn't felt like sleeping. "Unnh!" Every few seconds, he would hear her grunting. He didn't need to go to the bedroom to know what she was up to. He formed a mental picture of her—sitting on the edge of the bed, arms pressed firmly down on the mattress, supporting her weight, as she struggled to move her legs. He could easily visualize the sweat forming on her forehead, her face scrunching up, her eyes | 6,667 |
John Calvin and William Farel are fired by the town council of Geneva and ordered to leave the city within three days. They had refused to administer the Lord's Supper the day before in part because of notorious sins among the city's folk, and in part because they did not want to follow the lead of Bern in serving unleaven<|fim_middle|> showed him that all revivals had sprung from prayer meetings, and he preached and spoke throughout the world to share this vision. | ed bread.
King Charles II charters the Royal Society of London by that name, "for improving Natural Knowledge." Most of its initial members are Christians and it will become a leading force for scientific inquiry.
Pioneer American Methodist bishop Francis Asbury wrote in his journal: 'I found Christ in me the hope of glory; but felt a pleasing, painful sensation of spiritual hunger and thirst for more of God.'
The motto "In God We Trust" first appeared on U.S. coinage, being struck on a bronze two-cent piece, issued during the American Civil War.
Patriarch Tikhon raises Justin Lvovich Olshevksy to the rank of Archbishop of Omsk. He takes the name Sylvester. He opposes the Soviets and blesses the White Army that resists Soviet control. Eventually the Soviets will defeat the Whites and arrest and torture Archbishop Sylvester for two months before killing him.
Baptist leader Olisemeke Samuel Wadei "Martin" opens the first of several schools. In his long and useful life, he will also establish a teacher training college and health centers for his Nigerian people.
American Bible teacher and author Kenneth E. Hagin traces his conversion to a saving Christian faith back to this date, at age 16.
Five thousand pastors and laypeople gather in Ulm where they create the "Confessing Church," relying on the Reformation confessions in interpreting Scripture, rather than Nazi racial theories and propaganda.
At a constitutional convention in Minneapolis, three major Lutheran bodies in the U.S. merge to form the American Lutheran Church, with a combined membership of about two million.
Death in North Carolina of J. Edwin Orr, revival historian. His research had | 345 |
everwas
Trump-Fired
Celeb Sellouts
Tag: online media
Is Social Media Just Network Television Reborn?
Post author By Ian Kennedy
No Comments on Is Social Media Just Network Television Reborn?
What if we follow the trend of the "app-ificaiton" of media to the next logical step? What if Snapchat's Discover feature is just the modern version of network television where channels control distribution and readers become passive again, replacing their allotted 5 hours of TV with 5 hours of browsing Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and the rest?
If in five years I'm just watching NFL-endorsed ESPN clips through a syndication deal with a messaging app, and Vice is just an age-skewed Viacom with better audience data, and I'm looking up the same trivia on Genius instead of Wikipedia, and "publications" are just content agencies that solve temporary optimization issues for much larger platforms, what will have been point of the last twenty years of creating things for the web?
– The Next Internet is TV
Tags business model, distribution, online media, television
Advertising, paywall or a bit of both?
1 Comment on Advertising, paywall or a bit of both?
GigaOM posted the audio to a fascinating session at last month's paidContent Live conference. In it, there's a great insight/throw down by Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB, Advanced Media. Right around the 15-minute mark Bob calls those that read metered sites such as nytimes.com without subscribing, rooting around their 25 articles/month limit are, "professional freeloaders" of no interest to advertisers. He goes on to state that mlb.com gets 4X<|fim_middle|>.
I'm sure I'm missing something but I can't think of an example of this happening online with any premium news sites. Sure, Yahoo bundled in brands such as ABC and CNBC into news.yahoo.com, that's not what I'm talking about – I am talking about instances where a group of online publications get together to share subscription plans so their customers get the benefit of multiple brands with a single subscription.
I'm interested in this because it's the next step in something that I first wrote about last year. Once you have the concept of a subscription bundle, the next step is to get sponsors to underwrite these bundles.
But the most visionary thing and something I keep coming back to is will.i.am's vision of the next generation internet. It's a world where brand "alliances" pool together to subsidize content producers. A world where, "chips talk to chips" without a middleman to make the free flow of content seamless and automatic. In this new world, a collection of devices will marry themselves to a library of content and work seamlessly together. – this blog, Feb 23, 2011
Imagine a perk for all American Express Platinum members that includes annual subscriptions to wsj.com, nytimes.com, the iPad app for the New Yorker, Spotify, and a Netflix account. Maybe they give you an iPad as a bonus for signing on today. Wouldn't that be a compelling benefit? That would speak to me better than free access to airline lounges or free hotel room upgrades.
Besides iTunes or Amazon, is there a business out there pulling together online subscription bundles that isn't tied to hardware?
Chris Dixon describes how subscription bundles maximize revenue.
Tags business model, online media, subscription
© 2021 everwas | the CPMs for ads served to their paid subscribers than the CPMs served to free, logged out users.
Bob's argument is that media sites that have a paid audience are more valuable to advertisers. While the audience of subscribers may be smaller than the audience of drive-by readers via the social web & Google – it is the subscribers, the true fans, that are more valuable to a media company. While CPMs on non-paywalled sites are driven downwards by the infinite number of impressions on the public web, subscription audiences get better CPMs because advertisers know that subscribers have a relationship with the site on which they are running their ads. There is an opportunity to further increase CPMs by taking an editorial interest in making sure the advertising compliments, not competes, with the editorial, making the advertisements even more relevant.
The challenge for a subscription site is how to gain new subscribers. You will always have churn so you need new subscribers to come in and replace those that are lost. Free sites do not have this challenge. Paid sites always have a bar that new readers will have to clear to read their content and the broader question is how much do you show before you require a potential reader to pay? Give too much and they don't realize the value. Give too little and they never scratch around enough to try.
One innovative method a desirable subscription site such at the wsj.com can try to bring more potential subscribers in the door is to have the occasional open house where paywalls are dropped and the public invited in to poke around. According to the presentation from where the slide above was pulled, advertisers have been pleased with the campaign delivering 126% of the impressions anticipated. While the profile of those that see those impressions may not be as well-defined as the logged in subscriber, they are still an attractive segment of aspirational readers and therefore suitable proxy for the core audience. I have not heard of other publications using this same tactic and how effective it is in gaining new subscribers. A paidContent piece written about the Open House concept suggested that the benefits may be primarily for advertisers but I'd be interested to hear how effective they are in gaining new subs as well.
I watched Mad Men last night and as I DVR'd through the latest three episodes it struck me that the regular spots of Lincoln and Johnnie Walker featuring Roger Sterling and Joan Holloway blurred the lines between content and advertising. The brands are as much a part of the identity of the series as the characters. The two compliment each other perfectly so it makes perfect sense to have them underwrite each episode in just the same way it fits that Jaguar would invite me to enjoy 24 hours with The Wall Street Journal.
Something to watch.
Tags advertising, business model, dow jones, media, online media, subscription, wsj.com
Is Next Issue the Spotify for Magazines?
No Comments on Is Next Issue the Spotify for Magazines?
Over the weekend I posted a question wondering why no one has done what Spotify has done for music and Netflix for movies. The fact that no one has stepped in to offer a bundled subscription for another "old media" type, the magazine & newspaper, seemed like an opportunity to me that made economic sense.
Yesterday, Next Issue, a company that had been doing exactly that on the Android platform jumped up with the launch of their iOS app which brings together all you can read from almost 40 magazines, for one monthly flat fee.
The publications are from their investors Condé Nast, Hearst, Meredith, and Time (full list of magazines on offer and their parent companies are listed on paidContent). Their basic plan is for $10/month while for $15/month you get access to additional "premium" magazines such as The New Yorker, People, and Sports Illustrated.
Now that the solution is here, would you go for it? The reception seems mixed. A shortcoming that my colleague at GigaOM has noted is the lack of social features. The web has forever changed the way we read. Both in how we discover what to read and again in the way we share what we've read. I think I saw Dave McClure wearing a shirt once that said, "If you can't share it, it doesn't exist" – this is the future, this is the way to growth.
It's not clear to me how Next Issue will be able to roll in social into their subscription-only product. As with other paywalled sites, sharing of Next Issue articles will not work unless they get creative because subscribers will know that they're sending out dead end links to their non-subscriber friends.
Social sharing will work if enough people can access what you're sharing so a network effect kicks in. This is starting to work with Spotify because they have a free, ad-supported subscription so all you need to do is register and install the app to listen. The hope is that after enough listens, you'll get hooked on the product and up-sell to their ad-free subscription product.
Without sharing, there will be no social discovery. Without social discovery, you're stuck with what's on the newsstand shelf and how the articles are presented to you by each publication. This is the way it used to be, this is the way to stagnation.
So how can Next Issue grow it's subscriber base so that social sharing can kick in and drive further subscriber growth? I suggest two options.
1. Create an ad-supported freemium client that lets those that follow links put out by Next Issue subscribers get a taste of the product. They have a 30-day free trial but it requires a credit card, that is too high a barrier, it needs to be totally free and dead easy to install. This is probably not an option as there is almost no reason to convert to a paid subscription if such a free product exists. That leaves the next choice,
2. Do a deal with a major brand such as American Express or Microsoft to underwrite enough subscriptions as a membership benefit so that you get an install base large enough to encourage broad sharing between subscribers and a community of "haves" that are sufficient to encourage those without to sign up either with the sponsor or Next Issue directly.
The future is with sponsored subscription bundles. Not only for Next Issue but for Spotify and Netflix, all these services will take off when the media buyers put together deals which pay for these memberships. I have a bunch of United Airlines miles but would much rather use them to pay for my Spotify subscription than another cramped trip in a tin can on an airline.
Sponsored subscription bundles. That's my big bet. It's the future of the subscription business model and the future of brand advertising.
Tags advertising, business model, online media, subscription
3 Comments on Subscription Bundles
Very interesting experiment over at the Chicago Tribune.
The Chicago Tribune will at last begin charging for its online content through an innovative scheme that will also give readers access to a premium package of third party content, the newspaper has told paidContent. Under the plan, readers will see selections from the Economist and Forbes magazines included in a new paid section, which will also include Tribune content that has been newly designated as premium. – paidContent, June 26th, 2012
Bundles are the obvious way to add value and therefore charge a premium. This is common in the print world. The Japan Times did a deal with the International Herald Tribune and would include several pages of their international coverage within their weekly paper, the Wall Street Journal makes it's business news and Weekend Journal available for other papers to license. I'm not talking about the AP, Reuters, or other wire services that make a business from licensing their content – I'm talking about visibly branded bundles where the reader recognizes they are getting two publications for the price of one | 1,580 |
Golf is a sport where players hit a ball with a club in order to insert it in different holes placed on a golf course. This implies movement and exercise, which are a great help in maintaining your health. Here are some benefits that golf can offer for<|fim_middle|> muscles, burn calories and fasten your metabolism, which leads to a slimmer figure and less fat. | your health and body shape.
Any kind of sport is good for your health, especially if it is an outdoor sport, because the combination of exercise and fresh air helps your body detoxify. Outside sports keep you moving, as they force you to jump, run and lean almost permanently. The sports practiced in nature involve the mobilization of a greater number of muscle groups than ordinary gym equipment training, such as the stepper or the treadmill. The fresh air improves the quality of your sleep, releases the pressure and stress and prevents fatigue, depression and cardiovascular problems.
Golf is a sport that requires moving a lot on the golf course, due to the fact that you have to follow the ball after each hit. The coordination of your movements improve muscle tone and endurance and can also mean better focusing and attention.
Golf can do wonders for your health and your heart. Walking an average course for a round of golf a few times a week can represent an optimal amount of exercise for your heart, therefore next time you play golf you can skip a cart ride and walk on the course. Pulling and carrying your clubs can also mean more muscle activity.
In the old days, golf players would calculate the distance to the hole by pacing it. Nowadays they use rangefinders, which calculate the distance on their own and so players don't have to walk so much, which is not necessarily a good thing, but it sure is easier and more comfortable. Moreover, rangefinders are essential golf tools that can greatly improve a player's game as they provide accurate course readings. You can find more information on the best rangefinders on the market on golfrangefinders.reviews. If you do decide to purchase such a gadget, thus reducing your walking time, you must find other ways of exercising on the golf course such as stretching, swinging your hips, rotating your body and bending over as much as possible during the game.
As the majority of the sports do, golf can help you reduce your weight and body fat due to the fact that you exercise, you train your | 413 |
The impacts of climate change are already tangible and real. Each day's news brings us fresh examples of the risks to life, risks to species, risks for the planet. We feel the tension in our stomachs, feel the urgency to act, feel the overwhelm, fear the situation is too big and complex for us to solve.
This is just the right moment for us to pause, come together, and reflect on how we in Transition are doing. Let's create some space to appreciate<|fim_middle|> will launch the process and provide more guidance about how you can share the results from your group.
We hope you will join us in this exciting international experiment. If you are a Facebook User, please register your interest here [Health Check Month event page] so we can build up a picture of who is participating.
Have you done the Transition Health Check yet? | our glorious achievements and courageous failures, notice what's feeling challenging, and strengthen our connections as a global movement of communities rebuilding and reimagining our world.
In March 2019, Transition Network is working with a number of Transition Hubs to coordinate the first ever international Transition Health Check Month.
We all want to encourage and support Transition Groups around the world to use the health check tool to reflect together on how Transition is going in their community. And we are experimenting with ways for those groups to share the results of their discussions, so that we can all see a bit more of the bigger picture.
We find this idea exciting. Imagine Transition Groups in very different places having similar conversations and sharing the results to create a global picture of Transition. We know that individual Transition Groups have found the healthcheck process very useful and we're interested in what might happen when the process is multiplied and connected internationally. We see this potentially as the start of wider conversations about the health of the Transition movement and where it might go next.
The Transition health check tool offers an opportunity to explore the essential elements of Transition and how your group relates to them. It is not a test, but a framework to prompt useful reflection and discussion. The health check tool supports you to celebrate those things you have done well, understand better what has been challenging for your group and work out together how best to move forward.
Once you have done the healthcheck, there is a range of support resources available to help you to further develop Transition in your community.
Transition Network is developing a new platform where Transition Groups will upload their health check scores. As this starts to be used, it will give us all more of an overview of how the Transition Movement is doing. The data can inform the future development of resources, training and much more.
It's not easy to maintain an accurate picture of the spread and activity of the international Transition movement and this often means we are underestimated by decision-makers, funders, the media and others. Transition Network hopes that the new platform will make it as easy and useful as possible for individual Transition Groups to provide feedback about where they are and their current state of health. Let's make our movement more visible and explore its potential together!
How to be part of this experiment.
Agree that at least one of your group will read through the Healthcheck guide before the meeting, so they can lead the process.
You can apply your own style and find ways to make the event even more nourishing and fun. Some groups have arranged a shared meal beforehand or a party afterwards. Some have chosen an interesting venue or have come together in a space where they feel connected to nature. You may be able to find someone from outside your group who will act as a facilitator.
We will be posting further information here in the days leading up to International Transition Healthcheck Month. Then on 1 March, we | 579 |
New report analyzes driving behaviors that lead to pedestrian fatalities in Portland
Posted by Lisa Caballero (Southwest Correspondent) on August 30th, 2021 at 10:22 am
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
"The top causes of pedestrian deaths are mistakes made by sober, everyday drivers."
— Vivek Jeevan, safety advocate
Speed kills, and it is the number one cause of pedestrian fatalities in Portland, according to a new independent analysis of crash data led by safety advocate Vivek Jeevan. His group of seven volunteers from BikeLoud PDX, a grassroots nonprofit advocacy group, worked with a statistician to comb through 48 police reports from Oregon Walks' Fatal Pedestrian Crash Report (released earlier this year). Jeevan trained his group to look for driving and walking behaviors which led to the crashes. This behavioral approach is a noteworthy shift from the usual focus<|fim_middle|> puts too high a burden on pedestrians and drivers around the speeding car to judge the velocity and closing time between the car and other road users. When I walk out into an intersection I can reasonably expect drivers going at or below the speed limit to see an react to me in a given time. Add an outlier, speeder, to the mix and this judgment is impaired.
We expect drivers to generally be going a certain speed, and when they don't it negatively effects our ability to move safety in proximity to them. That speed it set by law and posted, when you exceed and you hit someone, your are at fault, at minimum shared fault, but you now have to prove the other parties actions were inappropriate regardless of your speeding, which is a difficult task.
In my opinion the biggest cause of the increased traffic fatalities is the lack of enforcement in Portland and the lawless climate created by this vacuum. Drivers speed and drive recklessly because they know there are essentially zero repercussions.
After 30 years of driving cars and riding bikes around Portland I can think of two places where I would not be surprised to see a traffic officer. Those are the Sunset Highway west bound by the cemetary, and Ladd Circle.
Clem Fandango
I kind of want to print "Pedestrian distracted by electronic device 0%" and force Jo Ann Hardesty to eat it.
« The Monday Roundup: Congestion pricing, cabinet-to-courier, cost of cars, and more
Rider's 911 call leads police to man holding rifle adjacent to I-205 bike path » | on infrastructure.
The top causes of pedestrian deaths, says Jeevan, "are mistakes made by sober, everyday drivers."
The report itself is rigorous. Jeevan is a medical physicist and he brings the discipline of the medical sciences to this work: the volunteers followed a well-formulated protocol (PDF); each crash report was analyzed by two different volunteers; conflicting findings were resolved by Jeevan.
Safety advocate Vivek Jeevan
I asked him how he decided which "Causes" should be included. He responded that he had done a "literature review" which provided the foundation of the list. But he also wanted to dispel myths about behaviors that get a lot of attention but which are not causing fatalities. Pedestrians on phones running into crosswalks? "Those are issues which didn't cause a single fatality in our dataset." He went ahead and included them in the "Cause" column to better make that point.
The purpose of the study is to provide feedback and education about what behaviors to focus on to avoid pedestrian fatalities. For each "Cause," a traffic instructor can teach a positive driving habit, or best practice, which would prevent it. For example, "Turn your head before your wheels" would prevent many turning movement crashes. "If you can't see the crosswalk, don't assume it's clear." To better see pedestrians, "look up, scan the horizon, and plan 30 seconds ahead."
Jeevan points out that most drivers only plan five seconds ahead, and that twice as many pedestrians are killed inside crosswalks as outside.
This is not the type of talk I'm used to hearing from safety advocates. Of the three "E"s of road safety (engineering, enforcement and education) advocates understandably focus on engineering–road width, connectivity, bike lanes, crosswalks, lights. This not only provides a counterweight to an historic "blame-the-victim" tendency (the crash as "accident," "the victim was wearing dark clothing," "the cyclist was not wearing a helmet," etc) but it can lead to improved street design which is known to save lives.
"I truly in my heart think that it takes two years to understand how to drive safely."
— Vivek Jeevan
The second "E," enforcement, is a hot-button issue given the role of fallible human enforcers. Education? Well, maybe it's a little sleepy, it certainly gets short shrift–but it also happens to be Jeevan's passion, "When someone is educated, it changes the way they walk, bike and drive."
Jeevan is a recent transplant to Portland from Corvallis, where he founded and ran a non-profit to stand up for the transportation rights of vulnerable road users. Part of what they did was to reach out to drivers to promote conversations about safe driving. He is carfree, and also happens to be a League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor. We talked last week about what it takes to create a "culture of safety," and he mentioned that in his line of work, radiation oncology, a minimum of over two years of training is required before one qualifies to operate the powerful machines, and continuing education is a must. Yet, "these machines are less dangerous than cars, and what do we require in the way of driver education? I truly in my heart think that it takes two years to learn how to drive safely."
Given that he is a daily bike rider, and used volunteers from BikeLoud, I asked Jeevan when he was going to do a similar report for crashes involving people on bicycles. "We would love to do cycle crashes next."
Vivek Jeevan has only lived in Portland for just over a year, but he certainly hit the ground running. We look forward to following his continuing advocacy for vulnerable road users.
Lisa Caballero
— Lisa Caballero, lisacaballero853@gmail.com
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Lisa Caballero (Southwest Correspondent)
Lisa Caballero has lived in SW Portland for 20 years. She is on the Transportation Committee of her neighborhood association, the Southwest Hills Residential League (SWHRL) and can be reached at lisacaballero853@gmail.com.
Front Page, Research
Bike Loud PDX, vivek javeen
Metro: Region is failing to meet transportation safety goals March 3, 2020
Oregon Walks releases landmark report on fatal pedestrian crashes March 17, 2021
Information access is at the heart of Portland's Vision Zero struggle March 18, 2021
With departure of executive director, Oregon Walks will push even harder for racial justice October 8, 2020
I wonder how much the top two numbers overlap, in the pedestrian fatalities chart. I.E. what % of the 72% drivers exceed safe speed and 42% driver fails to yield. Are those numbers overlapping or non-concurrent? Were all of the 42% accounted for in the 72%? If not, what is that delta number? Ultimately, I'm looking for the number of accidents caused by motorists. At least 72% but how much more?
idlebytes
I tracked the 2019 pedestrian fatalities and drivers were at fault 65% of the time. 17.5% of the time pedestrians were at fault. The remaining 17.5% were undetermined because of the vagueness of the police reports. The 65% includes all fatalities where the driver left the scene which was over half of that percent at 35%.
47% of the fatalities occurred in the roadway outside of a crosswalk. The remaining 53% were in a crosswalk 41%, on the sidewalk or in a recreational area (boat ramp) each 6%.
Wow. Very practical research! Welcome to pdx, Vivek!
Vote Up11Vote Down Reply
This is a great report that goes against some of what I had previously assumed was likely, but you can't argue with the data. I would have thought that the number of drivers distracted by mobile devices, and those who failed to obey traffic control devices, would have been larger. While 44% were failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, larger than I would have thought.
I think this shows that we need more treatments like HAWK signals and the like, to make people crossing the road at crosswalks much more visible to oblivious drivers. People will obey these traffic control devices but they won't obey yielding at unmarked/paint-only crosswalks, as shown in the data.
Babygorilla
I'm always a bit taken aback by reported budgets for electronic traffic control considering the advances in lighting / networking tech.
Do you think any driver is going to admit to use of a mobile device? Do cops routinely check with cell phone companies to see if the motorist was connected?
All a motorist has to do is mutter the words "he stepped right out in front of me without warning."
The PPB pulled out all the stops and did extensive analysis to "prove" that Mark Angeles, the bicyclist struck and killed by a tow truck driver at noon in May, was (maybe) exceeding the speed limit by three mph and was less than 60 feet from the signal when it turned to yellow. They all but exonerated the truck driver – just a ticket for failing to yield and a fine of a couple hundred dollars.
The analysis seems good, but the validity of the data is suspect because of how it was collected and reported.
I would have thought that the number of drivers distracted by mobile devices, and those who failed to obey traffic control devices, would have been larger.
They might be larger than reported. If I hit someone after looking at my phone, I'm probably not going to report that, and the report writer would have no other way to know. Instead, I'm going to say "the pedestrian came out of nowhere", which would likely be coded as "driving too fast."
I strongly suspect "driving too fast" is overrepresented because it serves as a bit of a catch-all. Some of the other categories, especially those that rely on driver self-reporting, are likely to be underrepresented.
You all (referring to all three commenters here who mention it) make good points on the distracted driving part. That being said, I still think that doesn't detract from my conclusion that more HAWKS should be used. I'll, as a walker or runner, gladly trade a 5-second delay after pressing the walk button for vastly increased safety.
I agree with your conclusion, though personally prefer the rapid flash beacons (flashing yellow ones) because they are instant gratification, and seem to work well, even on streets like Powell. I think many people find the HAWK signals confusing.
Bill Stites
I appreciate the work being done here, but we need to be careful about conclusions based on a sample size of 48, and a source of POLICE REPORTS.
What raised my eyebrows was the driver distraction down at 4%!
Anyone who is out on the streets – car, bike, on foot – knows that distracted driving is epidemic … pandemic … just by anecdotes of seeing so many drivers cruising along with their eyes down!! It's obviously very dangerous, and that doesn't seem to come through here.
I write here because it feels like people are responding with pleasant surprise that distracted driving isn't contributing significantly to pedestrian (injuries and) deaths … and that just feels wrong based on what we see every day.
hamiramani
Viv is a dedicated advocate and stalwart of all things safety. So glad you were able to talk to him and share this important research. Great article!
Thanks for the great reporting, this was very interesting. Is Jeevan's full report publicly available? I am not seeing it linked in this story.
Hi Lowell, I'm not aware of Viv putting more online anywhere. If you look at the link in the 3rd paragraph, "well-defined protocol," it has a lot of information about their methods. All I've seen are that, and the graphic at the top of the article.
Robert Burchett
I really appreciate this study, limited in scope as it is. Were the percentages based on police crash investigations? Guess I need to read that again.
I have one quibble with the title. Gas pedal pressure is applied by a consciously controlled muscular movement. When I drive 40 mph on, say, NE Prescott, it's a choice and not a mistake.
yeah OK I agree. I tried to be too cute with the title. But it's not worth the distraction from Lisa and Viv's work! Changed it to: "New report analyzes driving behaviors that lead to pedestrian fatalities in Portland"
So, are you completely giving up on enforcement because of "fallible human enforcers?" I'm not, but then again, I'm an old white man.
Giving up on enforcement has led us to a record number of fatalities. Can we at least set a metric (maybe 150 traffic deaths per year) at which we will begin to consider planning for thinking about trying an increase in enforcement? Let's have a task force and public involvement to actually try enforcement when it reaches one traffic death per day.
We're already beyond the point at which we need to declare this a crisis and DO something about it. For goodness sake, let's try enforcement.
This is a great dataset. I'm curious how it was determined if a vehicle was traveling too fast for conditions; unless the driver is doing something egregious, it can be a tricky thing to judge objectively.
Steve C
"Behaviors defined:
Motorist Speed Excessive to Conditions – Oregon calls this the basic speed rule, stating in law that speed must be reasonable with respect to all traffic conditions. The practical way to understand this, as taught in traffic classes, is to imagine a child or log laying on the road. If you can stop in time, you're traveling at speeds reasonable to conditions. We define the speed limit as exactly what it is, the limit of speed when all conditions are optimal (sunny, clear, etc). If conditions are less than optimal, speed must be decreased.
We tallied this when drivers exceeded the speed limit, or drove at/near the limit in conditions where they should have slowed (rain, darkness, crowded areas, etcetera). Drivers often admitted that they didn't have enough time to stop, which means either the pedestrian entered the crosswalk too suddenly or the driver was too fast for conditions. We tallied this when drivers admitted that they didn't have enough time to stop for the pedestrian, and evidence showed that the pedestrian had been in the crosswalk for a reasonable time for the driver to stop, and when other drivers were clearly able to avoid hitting the pedestrian"
A speed limit is a legal limit, not necessarily a reflection of what is safe. While I am pretty religious about following them, and wish others would be too, it is not accurate to say that someone driving 25 on a 20 MPH street is always violating safety limits (especially as safety is a gradient, not a binary). Nor is it automatic that driving 20 MPH on that same street at night is a concern. It might be, but it's hardly a given. I think it is important to understand what this category actually means, and how incidents end up in it, when interpreting and communicating the data.
Most of the other categories seem much more specific and clear-cut (at least as much as is possible in a project like this).
While I agree safe speed is variable based on conditions, and I don't think anyone is seriously arguing this point. If a driver is going over the posted speed limit they are definitionally driving at a speed excess of conditions. First, because the condition on the road is the speed limit, imposed by law, and second and most salient in regard to pedestrians, it | 2,920 |
This would quite possibly be the coziest place to study, ever.
Madrid is getting a new public library and when I say you've never seen anything like it, I mean that in the truest definition of the phrase. The two halves of the building couldn't be more different.
Designed by 3GATTI, the municipal library that will live in Villaverde has a plant-covered top and a transparent, glassed-in bottom floor. From above, it resembles Iceland's traditional turf homes, but from the street, it would seem like you<|fim_middle|> moments for studying and reading happen in the plant-covered second floor. Just the thought alone of studying while surrounded by an exterior wall of plants is cozy.
Also included in the plans are a handful of outdoor courtyards. From above, they appear as cut-outs in the main building. Throughout the top level, you'll also find various light wells and chimneys built into the structure to help keep the rooms bright and airy.
Don't get too excited yet; this is simply a plan as of now. But cross your fingers—what city couldn't do with a bit more greenery sprinkled throughout its common areas? | 're peering into a modern, almost futuristic, structure. Much like the turf homes I mentioned, the greenery has more function than just looking cool: It provides insulation that helps protect the building from heat during the summer.
The exterior styles dictate the activities happening on each floor, according to Designboom. Communal events and other noisy happenings take place on the transparent ground floor while the quieter | 79 |
Debt can be a useful tool, but if you're not careful it can become a lifelong obligation. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to ensure debt doesn't drag you down.
It's surprisingly easy to sleepwalk into debt. Payday loans, pawn shops and unplanned overdraft fees are the kind of quick fixes that have been developed to feed on financial short-sightedness. Avoiding these costs is a simple matter. Just keep a close eye on your finances, and ensure you leave enough slack to deal with unforeseen costs.
If that sounds daunting, try using our free money management software. You can import data from all of your accounts, track your income and outgoings, and use budget alerts to warn of an impending budget crisis, all from one simple, secure console.
Buying goods and services on credit comes with interest rates that can leave you paying off goods for a very long time. Even interest-free credit deals require close scrutiny. They often come with strict time limits, and if you can't cover the full cost before your time runs out you'll be slapped with onerous rates.
So swap your credit card for a debit card and set yourself strict saving targets before setting your heart on a big purchase.
Some costs, like rent/mortgage payments and utility bills, are fixed, recurring and unavoidable. Others are optional. If you want to avoid debt, keep all non-essential payments as flexible as possible. Locking yourself into long-term gym memberships, mobile providers and other contracts means giving up the freedom to ditch the service when money is tight.
It's also wise to compare your service providers on a regular basis. Loyalty is all well and good when you're guaranteed market-beating rates, but markets change so frequently that a regular survey of rival offers will usually turn up a better deal. It would be a shame to miss out on them.
Direct debits are a great way ensure you don't miss payments, and some services even offer discounts for their use. In these instances, there's every reason to put them in place.
<|fim_middle|> galling than borrowing to cover costs when you have money locked in the bank.
Being flexible doesn't mean you can't invest or save your money either. Look at alternative saving methods like investing your cash yourself, or using peer-to-peer lenders such as Funding Circle, who allow you to sell your loans on to other investors if you need to access your money quickly. You'll be surprised how many options are on offer. | customers paying by direct debit. Then there's the danger of utility companies billing based on estimated meter readings. So if you do opt for direct debit payments on any bills, make sure to keep track of what you're spending.
There are no foolproof methods for avoiding debt, and that's why one of the most important weapons against debt is liquidity: by which we mean a pool of cash you can dip into when you're faced with sudden, unavoidable costs. Because there's nothing more | 97 |
How cities renew, rebuild & remember
Perhaps it was just a little ironic that, at a time when the bombing of Baghdad was in the offing, a conference should be held in The Lighthouse, Glasgow, Scotland on Sense & the City. Addressed by speakers representing Glasgow, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and New York, the conference was accompanied by an exhibition called Information Exchange: How Cities Renew, Rebuild & Remember organised by the Van Alen Institute in New York.
The cities examined were Berlin, Beirut, Kobe, Manchester, Oklahoma City, San Francisco, Sarajevo and New York. Some had been devastated by war, some by terrorism and one (San Francisco) by an earthquake. Berlin was the exception. A city divided by a wall that, after 38 years, had finally come down, the former capital of Germany has been given an opportunity to renew itself in a way that symbolises the reunification of the country.
Since Glasgow hosted both the conference and the exhibition, it was not surprising that the regeneration of the city should be the first topic examined. Various speakers, including Councillor Charles Gordon, Leader of the City Council, presented an historical account of Glasgow's growth from a medieval crossing on the River Clyde to a centre for the tobacco trade and then to Britain's 'second city' of the Empire noted for its shipbuilding, railway locomotives, engineering and textiles. However, despite optimistic remarks about its 6,000 design jobs and 600 enterprises, it remained unclear as to how Glasgow is going to recover from its long, industrial decline - or break out of the boom and bust cycle that has accompanied the Garden Festival of 1988, the Year as European City of Culture of 1990 and its Year as European City of Architecture & Design of 1999. Business tourism seems the main answer.
A much clearer plan of action was presented by Esther Agricola of KEI Rotterdam, an organisation founded in 2000 which now has 180 participants, including local authorities and private companies, devoted to renewing the city. During the 1980s, she said, the focus on the New Towns led to the stagnation of the cities whereas now, in the case of Rotterdam, massive government investment is leading to the redevelopment of its waterfront with architects like Sir Norman Foster and Renzo Piano playing their part. Similarly, renewal has also been introduced in Amsterdam. At the same time, the 'top down' decision-making on planning and design adopted after the Second World War is being replaced by local consultation and decision-making which is especially important as some two million houses (one-third of the country's stock) are in need of renewal. Nevertheless, she admitted that it is much easier to find solutions for waterfronts (inspired by Barcelona and London) than for some of the country's huge, run down housing estates.
Speaking about the US, Ray Gastil, Executive Director of the Van Alen Institute, said that America has no policy for its cities - a situation that might have been different had Al Gore been elected President. Indeed, as Mike Davis says in his new book, Dead Cities (not cited by Gastil), Americans are currently paying no attention to the threats to their cities which, he says, range from gang culture to deregulation, and from local government corruption to the dumping of toxic waste.
Of all the cities in the US, it seems that Seattle is the best, a place where, said Gastil, its citizens will ride on a bus because it's the right thing to do. New York, on the other hand, is in a worse state than it was when the I Love New York campaign, with its logo designed by Milton Glaser, was introduced in the early 1970s. Today, it is on the brink of bankruptcy and is faced by rising unemployment. What the Van Alen Institute is doing is to promote the renewal of specific areas such as Governor's Island, Pier 40 (a 16-acre site which is mostly parking lot), the East River Project (aimed at putting right 40-50 years of neglect) and Queen's Plaza (an area beneath an elevated railway that is reminiscent of a scene out of Kojak).
And, of course, there is the site of the World Trade Center. Gastil said that Daniel Libeskind's winning design was not his choice (he would have preferred THINK'S two, latticework towers) and how exactly the Wall of Remembrance, the sunken plaza and the garden in the sky will materialise remains to be seen. But it is certainly a bold and dramatic concept and, as the exhibition accompanying the conference showed, the natural or man-made devastation of cities has enabled some very positive and imaginative renewals to be put in place.
Dead Cities by Mike Davis is published by New Press. The catalogue on Information Exchange: How Cities Renew, Rebuild & Remember is published by the Van Alen Institute, 30 W 22 Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10010, www.vanalen.org.
Richard Carr
Book review: Archaeology of an Urban Desert
Jon Naar is a British photographer who has been based in New York. In 1974 he joined up with the late Norman Mailer to produce The Faith of Graffiti (1974), which contained around forty of his photographs. This combined survey was immediately successful, and is now a rare collectors' item. At that time, Naar's pictures captured brilliantly the spirit of the times, from inside the closely woven infrastructure of New York City, opening the very arteries and veins of the urban complex.
200 Trips from the Counterculture: Graphics and Stories from the Underground Press Syndicate – book review
As I wandered around another bookshop feeling visually deprived and in a vague search for something to stimulate my senses, I caught in a faraway glance a big fat book with Sixties graphics and a picture of a girl sitting in the feathers of an emu, with blue stripes like sky in the background. I moved a little closer and like Alice in Wonderland with the bottle that says 'Drink me', this book,200 Trips from the Counterculture: Graphics and Stories from the Underground Press Syndicate, was saying, 'Read me. Now'.
Richard Lindner and the human being as a toy
Richard Lindner and the human being as a toy – A Lindner retrospective exhibition, shown at the Städitsches Museum Schloss Morsbroich, Leverkusen in November, is to be shown at the Staatliche Kunsthalle, Baden-Baden, from January 1 until March 9, 1969.
Towers: from Manhattan to Moscow
Renzo Piano's New York Times Building, situated on 8th Avenue, Manhattan, was opened this month to considerable approval from New Yorkers, architects, critics and particularly the press, who will work within Piano's superb spaces. The tower is 52 storeys high. Being in the centre of Manhattan, the architect and clients<|fim_middle|> classic variant of the traditional skyscraper format for which the city is so famous.
MVRDV KM3: Proposals for Chinese Cities
MVRDV KM3: Proposals for Chinese Cities – if you think that you will be stepping into a familiar exhibition space, think again. Once inside, you feel like Gulliver travelling in the land of Lilliput, with representations of city skyscrapers as tall as you are. The city itself has been brought into the 4.2 m high, 1,000 sq m1 exhibition space of the Shanghai Gallery of Art, as a 1:50 scale model. | have wisely sought to create, in this context, a | 11 |
PRIVATE-SECTOR JOB MARKET IMPROVES, REACHES FIVE-YEAR HIGH…. In the previous post, we talked about the new monthly jobs report, but in keeping with tradition<|fim_middle|> numbers, but given the hole we've been in, what we're looking for are significant steps in the right direction. That's exactly the news we received today.
With that in mind, here is a different homemade chart, showing monthly job losses/gains in the private sector since the start of the Great Recession. The image makes a distinction — red columns point to monthly job totals under the Bush administration, while blue columns point to job totals under the Obama administration. | , here's a slightly different chart — one showing just the private sector job market.
In April, the overall economy added 244,000 jobs, but 24,000 Americans working in the public sector left the workforce, as state and local governments continued to cut spending. The private sector, however, added 268,000 jobs, marking the 14th consecutive month of private-sector growth.
More important that the streak, however, is the data. The 268,000 total not only beat expectations, it's a genuinely good number. We're accustomed to dealing with relative encouragement — results that are only heartening because of the larger, awful context. But a month in which 268,000 private-sector jobs were created is actually quite strong regardless of context.
Indeed, looking at the chart below, it's worth emphasizing that April's private-sector numbers were the single best Americans have seen since the Great Recession began in 2007. What's more, the combined data from February and March shows easily the best three-month stretch in the last five years.
It is, in other words, encouraging. As we talked about earlier, the kind of robust job growth we'd need to bring the unemployment rate down in a hurry would require even stronger employment | 275 |
Also they will be showcasing their newest model – The Texas Two-Step – at the 2017 National Tiny House<|fim_middle|> that duplicates the natural look of wood, brick, stone or stucco finishes.
The average thickness of a their panels, for the Tiny House models, are 2 inches. Offering, basically, 5,000 PSI concrete panels reinforced with galvanized steel and fiber mesh.
So durable, thin, and relatively light for something made from concrete. Enough that they can offer designs on both wheels as well as traditional foundations.
Hi. I am trying to find out info on the 375ft trail cabin house. If there's any way you can get me info on it I would greatly appreciate it. | Jamboree in Arlington, Texas October 27-29.
Our big thanks to Virginia Stuart for sharing!
I didn't see any insulation in the roofing area. So would I be wrong in assuming this cabin would not be welcome in any where where it might get cold?
It's not exactly what it appears, Superior Concrete Tiny Houses is a branch of Texas based Superior Concrete Products that as the name suggests manufactures concrete based building products.
In this case they're selling constructed and engineered structures made from modular precast concrete | 106 |
If you're looking for things to do in Glasgow that involve exciting cuisine, you'll want to know the best places to eat, whether you're here for a week or a month. If you're here on business, or you've got a family and a busy few days visiting relatives, you'll be wanting to know about the best eating venues, but perhaps you don't have the time to look yourself.
We've done the hard work for you and come up with a comprehensive list of the some of the best eateries in Glasgow, where you can sit back, relax and eat some of the best food Scotland has to offer in this wonderfully vibrant city.
This lovely bistro on 10 Clarendon Street is a family run business that's north of the city with delicious food and a friendly service<|fim_middle|>. If you want to try traditional South American cuisine then the Brazilliant Churrascaria & Steakhouse is definitely the right place to visit!
So there you have it, a list of restaurants that embraces international cuisine, from Indian tapas, Spanish food to a South American steakhouse. We hope you find Escape Glasgow's comprehensive list of things to do in Glasgow for food useful, we're sure there's at least one restaurant here that has made it on to your hot list of places to eat. | . There's 14 wines to choose from and a comprehensive range of liqueurs and spirits and the menu is superb. If you like a warm friendly and personable service, then the Black Sheep Bistro is well worth a visit.
The Cail Bruich is on 725 Great Western Road, a place that creates wonderful meals using local Scottish ingredients, combining all the latest cooking techniques to produce both a classical and contemporary menu. There's a varied drinks menu too, with plenty of traditional Scottish spirits to choose from and there's some really delicious Scottish craft ales. This is a restaurant where you'll be able to taste the best that Scotland has to offer.
The Gamba is the prestigious UK Seafood Restaurant of the Year 2015 with not one but two AA rosette awards with locally sourced and sustainable seafood which you can eat alongside an impressive wine menu.
The best seafood Scotland has to offer, on the best seafood menu in Glasgow, with Scottish lobster and smoked salmon and GIgha halibut. It's a mouth-watering experience. You'll find the Gamba Seafood Restaurant on 225a West George Street.
In the day it's a café, at night it's a restaurant. You'll also find a deli with a first class selection of oils, Italian breads, cheeses, wines and vinegars. The food here is delicious and the evening menu is a lesson in Italian cooking. You'll find Celino's on 620 Alexandra Parade.
Cubatas is on 108 Elderslie St, it's a Spanish Restaurant with the best in Spanish cuisine. It's a great place to relax and the menu is versatile using the finest ingredients possible. If you enjoy Spanish food then you'll love Cubatas Tapas Bar & Restaurant.
A tapas bar that serves Indian food, small portions that are enough to fill you and give you a really good taste of Indian cuisine. This is Indian food done differently, and it's proved to be a great hit with diners who've come back to this great restaurant. Come to Mother India and enjoy Indian food in a unique and different way.
A uniquely named restaurant that's family run and situated on the Great Western Road. There's both seasonal and local produce that's cooked to perfection to produce a really exciting menu. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and it's the perfect place to eat after a busy day.
For vegetarians there's good news with a really imaginative vegetarian menu on the cards, so all palates are catered to. A definite must visit for those who love their food.
You'll find the Brazilliant Churrascaria & Steakhouse on Sauchiehall Street and is owned by the same people that opened the Hey Brazil restaurant in Aberdeen. Now there's the Brazilliant here in Glasgow. It offers diners an authentic Brazilian menu in the heart of a Scottish city | 593 |
Do you need to buy one of the best fabric shavers buts don't know which one to choose? This list of top 10 fabric shavers will offer you value for money. From morning to evening or dusk to dawn, your clothes have to deal with a lot of abuse when you put them on. Clothes are the only items that suffer the most from pilling and the buildup of fuzz compared to other fabrics.
This shaver is sure to restore your fabrics and make them as good as new. It removes lint, fizzes, and fabric fluff easily, and works with all manner of fabrics. In the end, it saves you money. It comes with a USB charger pot to recharge its batteries each time they get depleted.
The USB port enables it to connect to a portable charger or even use with the computer. The shaver is portable and can be carried and used anywhere thus offering great convenience. When you purchase this, it comes with a lint remover, friendly customer care as well as a 12 months warranty.
With this sweater teamer, you first need to charge it before you start using it when new fully. Consequently, you will be required to recharge it before the battery is completely depleted, as this extends the battery life.
This trimmer comes with a strong motor as well as a powerful device that suctions dust. It is your perfect helper for shaving the fuzz balls on your wool coats, scarfs sweater, knot and also your plush toys fast. It available with two capacity batteries will guarantee double power for the motor that power up to 5 W.
Comes with and an extra replacement blade.
This electric shaver is turned on easily by switching. Then run the head over clothes surface and obtain a quick clear. Using the large shaving will have the work done quickly and effortlessly. The shaver removes fuzz on fabric without deforming or damaging your clothes.
The shaver features a stainless steel wire mesh which guarantees a long service time. Has a comfortable handgrip which makes it more convenient to use. Also running it on fabrics needs a slight pressure. It sh<|fim_middle|> in the market. These brands are reputable, while the products are of high quality. Use the list today, and you will be sure to make the right choice. | aves quickly without damaging your clothes.
The shaver comes with a safety switch design, and in case the mesh is loose, this appliance will immediately stop functioning. It has a USB interface meaning that the device can be connected to a power bank, a car, computer a wall charger or even a mobile charger and charge.
5 Minutes is all it takes to rejuvenate your garments using the Alista Professional rechargeable shaver. The shaver does much more than the lint roller as it removes deep lint and pills. The best tool for furniture, sheets, clothes, comforters, blankets and even curtains.
The shaver protects users as well as all your delicate fabrics unlike the blades of a variety of fabric shavers. This shaver is highly portable and easy to use. It is lightweight and of compact size. It comes with a 180 degrees twist handle meaning you can use it vertically as well as horizontally.
Uses Quad Protection Technology to prevent users from getting hurt and also fabrics from getting damaged.
Renew your clothes in just minutes. Fabric lint shaver turns your jumpers, sweaters, cushions, carpet leggings, and even furniture get sorted effortlessly using the Electric BVTidy professional fabric shaver. The shaver is lightweight as well as space efficient which allows you to keep your fabrics in pristine condition.
This remover will automatically stop the blade cover anytime gets looser open. This makes it more secure and keeps the user from accidentally hurting themselves. The remover comes with a 180 degrees rotatable and easy to handle, and this aspect you to use it easily and much comfortably.
The Airsspu Furniture remover allows you to breathe new life into your clothes, as it restores them to fresh new looks. All you need to do is to gently switch it on and gently run its shaving head over your clothing as to get the work done. For large jobs, it is a recommendation that you use the large shaving heads.
The shaver needs no batteries, unlike most removers in the market today that use batteries that run out after a few hours of use. Instead, use the money that you'd have bought batteries to purchase more clothes. The shaver has a stunning design and is easy and quick to use.
For this EasyLint Professional Sweater Shaver, you will need only to purchase the replacement blade only. This professional sweater shaver is safe on wool, linen, lycra, as well as cotton fabrics. You can also use it on furniture.
It is easy to replace the blade as all you need is to unscrew it and replace the new head. Once replaced, you can use it for life. The blade is ideal for EasyLint only, reason being, it is so far the only lint shaver on the market these days.
This battery operated fabric defuzzer is so far considered the safest in the market. It removes spilling, fuzz, and lint in just a matter of minutes. It comes with 3-setting depth control for a customized shave.
The remover also comes with a comfortable grip handle called the detachable lint catcher. It comes with a large shaving head which enables you to finish work in just a matter of minutes. It is appropriate for large jobs.
With the Beautural Portable Fabric Shaver, you are sure to revive your garments and give them a fresh new look, free of fluff, bobble or lint. It works perfectly well for sweaters, bed sheets, blankets, sheets as well as upholstery.
The shaver works quickly and efficiently especially with its expanded blades that cover a large surface area and gets the work done effortlessly and in minutes. It is highly adjustable and suits all your different types of fabrics. You have the option of using any of the 3 shaves heights, 2 speeds, and the three shaving heads.
Buying fabric shavers is one of the most daunting tasks these days. When buying, you are not certain whether the one you choose will adequately meet your needs or not. Therefore, as a buyer, you are at crossroads, not exactly knowing which one to select. Worry not as you no longer have to try every fabric shaver in the market to know which one beats all these days. We have already done it for you. We believe that this list bears so far the best fabric shavers you can find | 870 |
Grand Central Magazine | Your Campus. Your Story. Grand Central Magazine | Your Campus. Your Story.
Your campus, Your story
January 16, 2020 College Living, Student Lifestyle, Students
Student Benefits of Study Abroad
January 14, 2020 Campus Life, Student Lifestyle, Students
Welcome Back Chips – How Students Prepare For Spring Semester
November 25, 2019 Community, Lifestyle, Opinon, Students
What Are You Thankful For This Thanksgiving?
November 1, 2019 CMU Alumni, Student Lifestyle
CMU Grad And NPR Reporter Speaks On His New Podcast
October 28, 2019 Beauty<|fim_middle|> poetry and short stories.
For example, one exercise tasked the inmates with writing about a tomato without using the word "tomato," or any other related words like "red" or "ketchup." At first the inmates were skeptical, but by the end they had gotten creative.
"It gave them an outlet, and when they read it in front of each other, they smiled," Horton said. "Everyone was encouraging, like, 'you got it, you got it.' When people got emotional, others were supportive. It was just a really great environment."
As a self-described artist-activist, Horton's research into creative workshops for prisoners is a fight against mass incarceration and to reassert the humanity of people we "lock up and throw away the key."
Horton plans on going to graduate school, the goal of the Ronald E. McNair program, during or after which she wants to return to Flint in her artist-activist role and open a non-profit performance art studio.
When asked about what Flint and its people mean to her, her voice lowers and her excited tone becomes something more somber and reverent.
"It's made me have to be strong, creative, innovative and work really hard for what I want," Horton said. "Nothing was handed to me. Everything I got I had to work for. I'm a first-generation college student and I'm the first to graduate high school on time. It's a lot of pressure. There are hundreds of me in the city of Flint, and so everything I do, I do for my city."
Horton sees a Flint separate from the usual discussions about poverty and the water crisis, which she says rages on in the city's African American neighborhoods.
She holds immense respect for those in the city who believed in her— friends, family and teachers who took her under their wing.
"If I didn't have people who would encourage me, I probably would have stopped writing a long time ago," Horton said.
Horton encourages other poets of any skill level to find a network of people who will push them, who will ask when their next piece will be finished and what it's about.
D.O.P.E, Horton said, is a great place to see the effect your work can have on other people — the exact sort of thing that broadened Horton's horizons when she was a part of Brave New Voices.
"That's when you realize it's not just about yourself," she said. "It's bigger than yourself."
Separator image Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Pop Culture and tagged with Arts & Entertainment, Danielle Horton, Justin Cooper, Poetry.
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Danielle Horton on Poetry, Flint, Prison Reform
Story by Justin Cooper, photos courtesy of Danielle Horton
For some, poetry is therapy. To others, it's a way of making sense of the world, a catalyst for change or a light to hold in the dark. For Central Michigan University senior Danielle Horton, poetry is all of the above.
"All I can remember is writing poetry," Horton said, "but I would say I started taking it seriously when I was in the ninth grade."
That's when Horton tried out for Flint's first team in the Brave New Voices international poetry festival. What had previously been a way for a quiet kid to vent her emotions became a way of life.
Horton made the team four years in a row and competed around the country as far west as San Francisco and as far east as Philadelphia. Even before her first tryout she was being recognized as a "poetry prodigy in the making."
"That experience just changed my life, literally," Horton said.
A communication student with minors in theater and entrepreneurship, Horton finds that poetry seems to fit into everything she does. Danielle's Open Mic Poetry and Entertainment, or D.O.P.E, a monthly event she hosts at the Bovee University Center (UC), is just one of those manifestations.
Through D.O.P.E, Horton hopes to show a "different side of poetry," something that breaks down the walls between audience and performer.
"Sometimes people may be afraid to interact with the performer," Horton said. "They may think that's rude, but in reality, the energy the audience gives the performer is going to be reflected right back at them. So, it needs to be like a Baptist church. If you like something, you tell that performer that you like it. Hype them up."
D.O.P.E. is designed to be a reliable safe space for artists, especially those new to performing to "share their truth." At 7:30 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month, anyone can come to room 108 in the UC and express themselves in an uncensored environment.
The point, Horton said, is to hear not only things you love, but things you hate and things that make you think.
"That's the beauty of art," Horton said.
Horton is also a Ronald E. McNair scholar working with the Saginaw Correctional Facility to research how the arts can be a part of prison reform. Under the guidance of communication professor Dr. Shelly Hinck, Horton puts on workshops where six inmates chosen by the facility participate in writing, performance and vocal exercises involving | 935 |
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