text:
Christmas Moose Large Notions Pouch
This bag was made with 100% linen fabric on the outside, and has 100% cotton plaid fabric lining.
I have used some light interfacing to give this bag a bit of structure.
I have added top stitching to reinforce the zipper, also so the fabric won't get caught when zipping.
This bag comes with a copper snowflake zipper pull that can also be used as a progress keeper.
This is a large notions pouch, perfect for all your knitting accessories. Can also be used for a small knitting project.
Measurements are approximate:
6 inches tall
8 inches wide
2 inches deep at the bottom
(Fabric placement varies)
(pictured with 2 mini skeins that do not come with this bag)
If you have any other questions about this bag that i may have left out please send me a convo and i will be glad to share more info.


text: Posted on February 19, 2018February 12, 2019 by Samantha LamphMemoir Mixtapes Vol. 3, Track 15 Votre Chanson by Reynold Junker Click on the album cover to read the piece. Please follow and like us:Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading... Related

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Today I want to explain EC2Rescue tool which can be used for diagnosing EC2 instances. EC2Rescue is a simple tool available both for Linux and Windows and may help us to diagnose and trouble... Read more
In this tutorial I'll demonstrate how to deploy AWS Elastic Beanstalk multicontainer Docker environment by using AWS CodeBuild. AWS CodeBuild is a new service that has been announced... Read more
This week I want to demonstrate how we can use AWS Batch for analysing exif ( Exchangeable image file format (officially Exif, according to JEIDA/JEITA/CIPA specifications) is a standard tha... Read more
This year I was able to attend to AWS re:Invent 2016 and it was amazing as always. As you know, every year AWS announces lots of new services at re:Invent and again, there are new interesti... Read more
This week I want to talk about ALB and ECS integration. As you know, recently AWS announced their new load balancing service, Application Load Balancer (ALB). ALB supports more advanced feat... Read more


text:
The two most widely used techniques for experimental stress analysis and transducer design are the foil strain gages and PhotoStress® methods. The bonded resistance strain gage sensor represents the more versatile and widely applied method. The modern strain gage sensor consists of resistance grid of strain sensitive metal foil bonded to a backing material. The gage is adhesively bonded to the surface of a test specimen and electrically connected to a measuring instrument. Strains produced on the surface of the test specimen under load are transmitted to the strain gage. These strains cause a proportional change in grid resistance which is precisely measured by a strain gage sensor recording instrument.
The PhotoStress® method of photoelasticity is a visual, full-field technique for determining stresses. When photoelastic materials are strained and viewed under polarized light, beautifully colored fringe patterns are seen. Interpretation of these patterns leads to an understanding of the overall field, and permits the measurement of the magnitude and direction of the strains at any point. In the Photostress® method, a coating of photoelastic material is applied directly to the surface of the test specimens. Strains produced on the surface of the specimen under load are transmitted to the coating. Observation and measurement of the fringe patterns produced in the coating are performed with a reflection polariscopic.
Design capabilities include the use of PhotoStress® coatings and two-dimensional photoelastic models, which makes the actual stress/strain patterns and gradients in a structure visible. This is, of course, a tremendous aid for choosing the strain gage locations, the gage size and the optimal gage geometry. Visualization of the response to applied loads also aids optimizing the structure for lowest weight and efficient production. Areas of excess material, as well as stress concentrations can easily be seen using these photoelastic techniques.
Together, Micro-Measurements and Stress-Tek offer turn-key solutions to practically any weighing or force measurement application. This includes initial assessment, specifying the strain gages, the adhesive system and the wiring requirements, and designing an appropriate and cost-efficient transducer or force sensor to suit your particular requirement.
Stress-Tek is a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art, rugged and reliable strain gage-based load cells and force measurement systems primarily servicing the North American market. Their sensors and display systems are used in a wide range of industries, predominantly in transportation and trucking, for timber, refuse, aggregate, mining and general trucking


text:
IndyCar's secret manufacturer war
Chevrolet subjugated Honda in the first year of IndyCar's aero-kit contest. The season might be over, but the battle has moved off-track and into a political row, as MARK GLENDENNING explains
The 2015 IndyCar manufacturers' battle was memorable for all sorts of reasons. It vindicated predictions that the arrival of aero kits would skew what had previously been a close fight between Chevrolet and Honda; a clash that achieved an organic type of parity through both sides doing an excellent job.
That clearly wasn't the case when the new aero bits were bolted on. Both needed revisions through the season, but the scorecard showed that the relatively simple and functional approach championed by Chevy's partner Pratt & Miller overwhelmed the elaborate but draggy-as-hell reply from Honda and Wirth Engineering.
To continue reading this feature...
You must have an AUTOSPORT+ subscription. Prices start from just $1.50 per week and give you full unrestriced access to all news and features. View package options? Magazine subscriber?
from just $1.50 per week
- Get unlimited access to AUTOSPORT with news and views from the paddock
- Enjoy AUTOSPORT+: subscriber-only analysis, comment and top-quality pictures
- Explore every F1 stat in the world's best motorsport database
Pay as you go
Read this feature right now for just


text:
The month is half over and I'm still working on that motorcycle jacket! I swear I'll finish this weekend. I've said that the last three weekends, but I mean it this time. Of course, we do have other things going on, like making this beautiful Ikea-hacked light fixture!
Category: other
Bay Area folks – SF Opera Costume Shop is having a sale!!
Okay, I know it's a little sad that my first post in a couple months (cat photo collages aside), is vaguely work related, but I just have to share! SF Opera is having a huge costume sale March 22-23! In addition to all sorts of costumes that have actually been onstage, they are also selling crafting supplies and a wide variety of fabrics including vintage textiles, laces, and brocades. They'll also have jewelry, armor, and other accessories. I'm certainly planning on checking it out, but I suspect I may be too overwhelmed to actually buy anything!
From the website:
Costume Shop Sale Details:
San Francisco Opera Costume Shop Sale Saturday, March 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no admittance after 4:30 p.m.) and Sunday, March 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no admittance after 3:30 p.m.) at the San Francisco Opera Scene Shop, located at 800 Indiana Street (between 20th and 22nd Streets) in San Francisco. Prices range from $1 to $750; costumes from the special opera luminaries collection are available upon request. Cash and credit card only accepted; no checks. All sales are final and benefit San Francisco Opera. For more information, visit sfopera.com/costumesale.
Flower Appreciation: Roses at Golden Gate Park
Here in SF we are lucky enough to still have a few roses clinging on into the new year. Roses are one of my very favorite flowers, despite being much more complex than the sweet wildflowers I tend to favor. I think part of it is that they are so ubiquitous and easily identifiable, but also contain such depth and variety, which is clearly evident when visiting a rose garden like the one at GGP, even at this time of year.
Merry Christmas!
Welcome to FlowerCat Designs!
I've made the move, officially! I know it's silly for me to be doing this so soon and I'm sure I'll lose followers who realize that I'm fully acknowledging the transition to cat lady who sometimes sews by this move, but I feel very good about it. Bennomusik was a meaningless pseudonym whose primary function was anonymity. FlowerCat Designs means something, and it will allow me to incorporate my cat more seamlessly in sewing posts. For example:
Thanks for making it to the new site! Be sure to update your readers! I promise there will be more sewing content soon, there's a lot going on behind the scenes and I'm feeling excited about this new platform!


text:
Each Holiday Hamper contains:
- 3 handmade and award winning Greek preserves
- 2 varieties of free from or low in pasta from brands whom
we share the same ethos and pathos with
-300g of organic whole coffee beans
-250g of our finest dried fruit and nuts
-300g in total of our decadent chocolates
-A cute box of Organic Pink Himalayan Salt Rocks (Great for
pinching into the fruit and nut mix!)
-One re-usable jar of our crowd favourite pistachio protein
ball mix (makes 2 and have fun making it by just adding
coconut oil!)
-One 750 ml bottle of Spartico sulphite free organic red wine
All included in a white metal cutout box totally re-usable and
easy to lock.
ALLERGY INFORMATION: Contains nuts and low amounts of Gluten (Wheat)


text:
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 1 Short title
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 2 Interpretation
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 3 Establishment of the Commission
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 4 Functions of the Commission
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 5 Commission to seek information
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 6 Commission may seek advice of persons with specialized knowledge
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 7 Evidence
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 8 Commission to provide access
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 9 Request for information to be kept confidential
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 10 Effect of refusal to provide information
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 11 Anti-dumping and countervailing duty
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 12 Other cases
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 13 Anti-dumping duty
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 14 Countervailing duty
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 15 Provisional duty
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 16 Payment and collection of anti-dumping duties
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 17 Return of duty where finding set aside or proceedings terminated
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 18 Exemption of goods from application of Act
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 19 Determination of export price of goods
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 20 Export price where information not available
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 21 Export price where goods are exported through another country
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 22 Investigation of receipt of complaint
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 23 Procedures re-investigation complaint
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 24 Where Commission decides not to initiate investigation
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 25 Notice of intention to commence investigation
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 26 Termination of investigation
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 27 Preliminary determination of dumping or subsidizing
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 28 Notice of preliminary determination
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 29 Extension of time
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 30 Final determination or termination
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 31 Action on final determination or decision referred back by Court
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 32 Acceptance of undertaking
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 33 Application for judicial review
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 34 Grounds of application for review
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 35 Regulations
<TS:0.5,NM,NO> 36 Repeal of Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act
<TS:0.5,NM,NO>[Date of Commencement: 1st July, 1999]
<TS:0.5,NM,NO>Act 22 of 1999.
This Act may be cited as the Customs Duties (Dumping and Subsidies) Act.
(1) In this Act-
"the Anti-Dumping agreement" means the Agreement on implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade concluded at Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994;
"amount of the subsidy" in relation to any subsidized goods, means the amount of the subsidy on the goods-
(a) determined in the prescribed manner; or
(b) determined in such manner as the Commission may specify in any case where-
(i) the manner of determining the amount of the subsidy has not been prescribed; or
(ii) in the opinion of the Commission, sufficient information has not been furnished or is not available to enable the determination of the amount of the subsidy in the prescribed manner;
"Commission" means the Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Commission established in accordance with section 3;
"country of export" means-
(a) in the case of dumped goods, the country from which the goods were shipped directly to Jamaica or, if the goods have not been shipped directly to Jamaica, the country from which the goods would be shipped directly to Jamaica under normal conditions of trade; and
(b) in the case of subsidized goods, the country in which the subsidy originated;
"dumped" in relation to goods, means that the export price of those goods is less than-
(a) the price at which like goods are sold in the ordinary course of trade for domestic consumption in the exporting country; or
(b) the cost of production of those goods in the exporting country including any subsidy provided in relation to such production;
"duty" means any duty imposed by virtue of this Act;
"export price" means the export price determined in accordance with sections 19 to 21;
"export subsidy" means subsidies contingent in law or in fact whether solely or as one of several other conditions upon export performance, including those illustrated in the Subsidies Agreement;
"fair market price" means the fair market price determined in accordance with regulations made under section 35;
"functions" includes duties and powers;
"importer" in relation to any goods, has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Customs Act;
"interested party" means a person-
(a) engaged in the production, purchase, sale, export or import of any goods that are the subject of an investigation;
(b) engaged in the production, purchase or sale of any goods produced in Jamaica that are like goods in relation to goods that are the subject of an investigation;
(c) acting on behalf of any person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b);
(d) who is a user of any goods that are like goods in relation to any goods that are the subject of an investigation.
"like goods" in relation to any other goods, means-
(a) goods which are identical in all respects with those other goods; or
(b) in the absence of such identical goods as aforesaid, goods of which the uses and other characteristics closely resemble those of the other goods;
"margin of dumping" in relation to any goods, means the amount by which the normal value of the goods in the exporting country exceeds the export price thereof;
"material injury" means, in respect of the dumping or subsidizing of any goods, material injury to the production in Jamaica of like goods;
"properly documented", in relation to a complaint in respect of the dumping or subsidizing of goods, means that-
(a) the complaint-
(i) alleges that the goods have been dumped or subsidized, specifies the goods, the country of origin or export of such goods and alleges that the dumping or subsidizing has caused, is causing or is likely to cause, material injury;
(ii) states in reasonable detail the facts on which the allegations referred to in sub-paragraph (i) are based; and
(iii) makes such other representations as the complainant deems relevant to the complaint; and
(b) the complainant provides-
(i) such information as is available to him to prove the facts referred to in paragraph (a)(ii); and
(ii) such other information as the Commission may reasonably require him to provide;
"provisional duty" means the duty imposed under section 16;
"release" in respect of goods, means to authorise the removal of the goods from a Customs Officer, warehouse (including bonded warehouse) or duty free shop for use in Jamaica;
"Subsidies Agreement" means the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures concluded at Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994;
"subsidy" in relation to goods that are exported to Jamaica means a financial contribution that is made in connection with the production, manufacture or export of those goods for the purpose of conferring a benefit in relation to those goods-
(a) by-
(i) a government of the country of export or country of origin of those goods; or
(ii) a public body of that country or of which that government is a member; or
(iii) a private body entrusted or directed by that government or public body to carry out a government function;
(b) by means of-
(i) a direct transfer of funds by the government or body as aforesaid to the enterprise by whom the goods are produced, manufactured or exported; or
(ii) the acceptance of liabilities (whether actual or potential) of that enterprise by that government or body; or
(iii) the foregoing or non-collection, of revenue other than allowable exemption or remission due to that government or body by that enterprise; or
(iv) the provision by that government or body of goods or services or other benefits to that enterprise otherwise than in the course of providing general infrastructure; or
(v) the purchase by that government or body of goods provided by that enterprise; or
(vi) the provision to the exporter of the goods of any form of income or price support as referred to in Article XVI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, 1994 that is received from such a government or body;
"undertaking" means an undertaking with respect to goods that are the subject of a dumping or subsidizing investigation under this Act, that is to say-
This section of the article is only available for our subscribers. Please click here to subscribe to a subscription plan to view this part of the article.


text:
Body Psychotherapy
sCHEDULE A 30 minute free consultation today
Do you feel like you have lost touch with joy and meaning in life? Like the life you long for is somehow out of reach?
Are racing thoughts or overwhelming emotions taking control of your life?
Are you wanting to move on from the past, but you don't know how?
Are you experiencing chronic illness, pain or symptoms that you feel might be connected to stress, emotions, or trauma?
Are you ready to start living life from a more authentic and empowered place?
If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, I am here to support you with a method of counseling that gets you out of your head, goes beyond just talking, and offers lasting transformation from the inside-out.
My holistic, body-centered approach to counseling is grounded in neuroscience and recognizes the inseparable nature of body, mind and spirit. The method of therapy that most informs my work is called Hakomi.
Hakomi is often described as "guided self-study in mindfulness." Developed by Ron Kurtz, the word Hakomi is a Hopi word that translates to "How do I stand in relation to these many realms?" During Hakomi sessions, you will be guided to notice what is happening in the present moment in your body, mind, and emotions. Sensations and emotions are given space to be felt. We will take time to ask what your body knows, trusting that your body carries information that can connect you to a deeper level of truth. Some of the most powerful opportunities for growth and change are when we experience something rather than merely talking about it.
Your body holds your stories, your beliefs about yourself and the world, as well as your deeper wisdom and guidance. Early in life we form a map of how life works, who we are, and what we believe is possible. Some examples of these beliefs might be, "I have to work hard to receive love," "I am not free to be myself," "I have to do it on my own," or "I am not safe here." These beliefs are largely operating beneath the surface of our awareness, yet they can have a powerful influence on how we experience every moment of life. Unconscious beliefs can manifest in the body as tension, pain or chronic illness. Hakomi can be a useful method of listening to the body to discover what messages or beliefs might be underlying physical symptoms. With new awareness comes the ability to change old habits and patterns that are no longer working for you. New possibilities will be introduced, creating new neural pathways in your brain and changes in your body.
I will help you to go slowly, at a pace that is comfortable and safe for you. I will help you to learn tools to become more embodied, to find experiences of safety and grounding in your body. Over time, you will come to a place of greater stability and ease, physically and emotionally.
Some areas we might explore:
Chronic Illness and Pain
Childhood memories
Intense Emotions
Physical symptoms
Self-esteem, self-talk
Eating disorders
Life transitions
Body image
My approach to therapy is gentle and compassionate, yet direct and insightful, and each session can bring lasting and powerful insight and results. I understand how important it is to find a therapist who is a good fit. If you are curious if my approach to counseling is right for you, contact me today to schedule a free 30 minute consultation.
Some questions you might have...
How does body psychotherapy differ from standard talk therapy?
Body psychotherapy works very directly with nonverbal experience and does not spend a lot of time in conversation and analyzing. Instead of staying in the thinking mind or trying to figure things out, you will be guided to pay attention to your inner experience. We will take time to ask what your body knows, trusting that your body carries information that can connect you to a deeper level of awareness. Body psychotherapy is experiential and experimental. Some of the most powerful opportunities for growth and change are when we experience something rather than merely talking about it. In fact, we can only access neural patterns associated with our core material by turning our awareness to our immediate, felt experience. I will continually suggest small experiments designed to teach us more about how you experience your life or to encourage you to try new things.
What is the role of touch in body psychotherapy?
Working with the body can include careful and deliberate use of touch, such as offering comfort during times of intense emotion or grief. Specific touch can be used as an experiment to study automatic habits and reactions that are relevant to your presenting issues. If it doesn't feel safe to you we don't have to use it. I will always ask permission before touching you and will keep asking if the contact feels appropriate and helpful.
Can body psychotherapy be helpful for managing chronic pain and illness?
Chronic pain and illness can affect every part of your life. You may feel that your body has betrayed you, or that you do not know how to fight the illness and maintain a loving relationship with your body. You may also be struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger, which can cause the pain to feel worse. Body psychotherapy can help you to bring mindful presence to your body, which can be a very effective way to cope with the pain. I can help you to learn practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, progressive relaxation, and healing imagery, which have been shown to be beneficial for managing pain. Bringing mindfulness to the body can help you to recognize the difference between the physical sensations and the emotional reaction to the sensations. Body psychotherapy sessions can help you to connect with your inner healing resources of strength and self-love, so that your body becomes your friend, not your enemy. Listening to your body can help you to make clear choices about treatment or lifestyle changes that are more supportive to your well-being.
Can body psychotherapy be helpful for healing trauma/ PTSD?
If a traumatic incident from the past is reliving itself over and over again in your thoughts, emotions and physical sensations, you may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma is a biological process of the nervous system; we cannot just talk ourselves out of experiencing the effects of trauma. Because body psychotherapy works directly with the sensations and nervous system responses, it can be extremely helpful for resolving trauma. I will help you to go slowly, at a pace that is comfortable and safe for you. I will help you to learn tools to become more embodied, to find experiences of safety and grounding in your body. By allowing sensations to be experienced only a little at a time, they will move through the body and integrate. Over time, you will come to a place of greater stability and ease, physically and emotionally.
How does change and healing happen in body psychotherapy sessions?
Healing happens when we integrate parts of ourselves that have been ignored or disowned. It is impossible to change our thoughts, emotions and behaviors until we are aware of what these are; until they are brought into consciousness, held with compassion and gentleness. By slowing down and staying with present-moment experience of body, mind, emotions and memory, we can integrate old parts of ourselves into a new place of consciousness. It is like taking apart the strands of a tapestry with care, to see how it was woven together to form the images of our life. From there we can choose to weave new strands in; new beliefs, new behaviors, new awareness of who we are. Through the process of integration we become more in touch with our innate joy, energy and passion for life, with more presence for ourselves and others in relationship.
Is therapy a long-term investment? Do I need to come every week?
Sometimes people receive benefit from just a few sessions, while others need support for several months or years to help them sort through and transform patterns of mind and body that have been present for many years. Therapy is a relationship that takes time to deepen, and having a regular time that we work together weekly or bi-weekly helps establish a container of safety so that you can make lasting changes. It is my intention that each and every session is meaningful and potent, providing you with insights and tools that transform your everyday life. Working with a therapist is an investment in you, and you are worth investing in! Therapy is an investment in your joy, your fulfillment, your inner growth and healing, and in helping you become the best version of "YOU" that you really are.
Psychotherapy Rates
My fee is $125 for one hour. Some sliding scale slots available by request. Though I do not bill insurance directly, I can offer you a bill to receive reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
I offer a free 30 minute consultation where we can meet to see if there is a good fit between us.


text:
AppChatter.com is now publishing to the Amazon Kindle
May 16, 2009 by Rob
Filed under News, Tips and How-To's, Site News
Looking for trusted iPhone app reviews but can't put down that Kindle? You're in luck… Amazon recently openned up blog publishing on the Kindle to pretty much anyone with a blog. Since we're always looking for ways to increase our readership we figured we'd give if a try, why not right? The big question now is whether anyone will actually sign up and read us via their Kindle. Since we publish primarily iPhone app reviews it will be interesting to see if we can get any Kindle readers following us.
If you have a Kindle, go ahead and sign us up! Remember that blog subscriptions are free for the first 14 days during the trial period.
AppChatter.com on Kindle is $1.99 per month (we're worth it!) via Amazon.com and Kindle.


text:
A great big shout out to Leslie of Storey Book Reviews for the latest Review of Cracks in the Sidewalk. She has such a wonderful pass-it-on way of book blogging. When Leslie reviews a book she asks that the author sign the book but not personalize it. When Leslie is finished reading she does a giveaway of the autographed copy along with her review.
A big round of applause for such a fun way of book blogging. To visit Leslie's blog, CLICK HERE
If you'd like to keep up with the contest, giveaways and special events happening here at Words, Wit and Wisdom, please click the button to sign up for my Newsletter…promise, not lots of spam, just a fun-packed quarterly newsletter.


text:
The removal of "good faith" from the definition of a protected disclosure
With effect from 25 June 2013 the requirement for a disclosure to be in 'good faith' is removed.
IMHO this provision makes sense when put alongside the need for a worker to reasonably believe the allegation. If what you were doing was a false allegation then its unlikely you could believe that was in the public interest.
Previously when looking at whether a disclosure was made in 'good faith' the tribunal looked not only at the truth of the disclosure but the motivation behind it. This means that if a disclosure was made in bad faith (such as out of hostility) instead of remedying the wrong, then it would fail (Street v Derbyshire Unemployed Workers' Centre [2004] IRLR 687).
Now we will have hearings focus on the quality and substance of the disclosure rather than the whistleblower's motivation.


text:
After the severe dip in weeks 5-12, we have seen a general trend towards an increase in clean sheets and the last 5 weeks have given us at least 25% of teams keeping the opposition out with a peak of 35% in week 15. However, goals per game are also up from the start of the year at around 1.44 from 1.20. This suggests that the when teams are conceding they are conceding heavily, a stat that has probably been adversely affected by the 9-1 drubbing of Wigan by Spurs and the high score draws seen in the past couple of weeks.
So how does this compare to last year? As the below graph shows, clean sheets are well down on last year and while we've seen the lows from last year, we haven't yet seen the equivalent highs.
The lack of the big weeks for clean sheets is largely attributable to the inconsistency of the premium defenses this year. Consider:
- Man United haven't kept back-to-back clean sheets all year
- In the 425 minutes Michael Essien has missed for Chelsea, they have conceded 6 goals which equates to 1.27 GPG. At that rate they would have the 8th best defense in the league behind teams such as Stoke and Spurs. Essien is currently injured and his next game for Chelsea could be as far away as gameweek 25 due to the African Nations.
- All of the 'big four' sides have failed to keep a clean sheet in the same week all season and in 11 of 18 weeks either one or none them have have done so.
- Last season Liverpool conceded 27 goals; they have already given up 25 this year.
- The top 6 fantasy goalkeepers include 'keepers from Stoke, Birmingham, Blackburn and Burnley.
With top line strikers scoring well and an abundance of mid level midfielders to pick from, my strategy for the coming weeks is to go for 5 defenders from good teams and play 3 of them based on matchup. Depending on how the cash works out, this may involve not holding any top rate defenders like Ashley Cole but rather cheaper options from top teams (Ivanovic, Song) or those exceeding expectations (Carr, Faye). This way you are less invested in a particular player and you should have the necessary fluidity to alter your team regularly to keep on top of double gameweeks and matchups.
I like Stoke (Collins, Shawcross, Sorensen) and Arsenal (Traore/Silvestre) most in the short term due to the double gameweek in week 20. Ivanovic remains a great option with Chelsea and De Laet should continue to get minutes for United for another week or two. Of the less obvious teams, Spurs have really solid fixtures and I like Dawson or Corluka most there. Fulham's fixtures are up and down but they are superb at home and fit nicely in a rotation scheme with Hughes being the best value option. Birmingham have been excellent this season but the injury to Johnson could be huge so watch this space before investing there. Finally, while local rivals Villa have also been immense, the fixtures get very dicey for the next 8 weeks and I might consider selling high if you're sitting on a profit.
Say for example, you picked up Traore, Ivanovic, Hughes, Collins and Dawson costing a mere 24.1m. You could play a back three for the next 8 weeks and your average opponents GPG would be 1.13 and you'd get three players with double gameweeks in week 20. Only in week 34 would you have to play a defender against a red light opponent (1.7+ GPG) and obviously by then your team would have changed anyway.
Its worth playing around with whose fixtures fit well together if you want to employ the rotation strategy but the certainty of them playing is even more important. It is therefore advisable to not get too many players like Traore who are not the normal first choice player for their club. The five I have suggested above are therefore risky as Traore, Dawson and even Ivanovic could all potentially be benched when other teammates return. Steadier players like Warnock, Corluka or Hangeland might be the way to go if you want to play it safe.
I feel that how we deal with our defensive woes might make or break our seasons and I think its vital you have a plan rather than just blindly sticking with big name players. Let me know what you think, and how you plan to obtain maximum points from you defense in the coming weeks. As always, post your thoughts below or @plfantasy and thanks for reading.


text:
"NBA.com" has reported that San Antonio Spurs bench boss Gregg Popovich was named the NBA Coach Of The Year Award. Popovich who has been the Spurs head coach for the last 16 seasons, won the award for the second time; he also received it for the 2002-2003 campaign.
Popovich did a very skilful job during the regular season as he led his squad to a mark of 50-16; tying the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the Association this year. With the same nucleus that he won the NBA Finals with in 2007; which is an eternity in the Association; Popovich took his squad to the top of the NBA Western Conference during the last few weeks of the season. Even with Manu Ginobili playing just more than half the team's games and Tim Duncan's scoring production far below the numbers he put up a few seasons ago; Pop helped his team climb past the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the West.
The Spurs bench boss won the award as he accumulated 467 points; easily topping Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau who finished in second place with 315 points. Rounding out the top five; Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel came in third place, Memphis Grizzlies bench boss Lionel Hollins wound up in fourth place while Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers took fifth place in the voting.


text:
Allies At Work | Neighborhood Allies eNews Update | March 2019Leave a Comment Highlights from the Asset Building Network, Job Opportunities, the PGH Mobile Toolbox's 3rd season, and more!
We're Hiring! Neighborhood Allies Seeks A Senior Program Manager for Corridor RevitalizationLeave a Comment Submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements by March 15, 2019!
We're Hiring! Neighborhood Allies Seeks A Program Manager for Neighborhood DevelopmentLeave a Comment Submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements by March 11, 2019!
Neighborhood Allies and the City of Pittsburgh are seeking proposals from community organizations to implement the Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center (FEC)Leave a Comment Questions pertaining to the RFP can be directed to Sarah Dieleman Perry at firstname.lastname@example.com. Please also email Sarah to register for the Q&A Session on July 27.
The Real Estate Co-Powerment Spring Series Kicks off on April 24th! Apply today!Leave a Comment We are currently accepting applications for our third cohort, which begins April 24th, 2018.
Have a great idea to improve your neighborhood? Apply for a Love My Neighbor! Grant Today!Leave a Comment Love My Neighbor! is BACK!
We're Hiring! Neighborhood Allies seeks a Chief Operating OfficerLeave a Comment Neighborhood Allies seeks a Chief Operating Officer to direct, administer and lead program and financial activities and help drive the organization to the next level of success
An opportunity from HACP to have your voice heard!Leave a Comment The 2018 Housing Authority of the City Of Pittsburgh's (HACP) 2018 "Moving to Work Annual Plan " is available for public comment through September 16th.
We Are Hiring! Let's Be Allies!Leave a Comment WE'RE HIRING an Executive Assistant/Office Manager!
Opportunity! Organization and Strategy Development of the Partnership Network RFP!Leave a Comment We are looking to engage a team of consultants to help establish the foundation for the Partnership
The Love My Neighbor! Grant Program Is Back!Leave a Comment The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 24th. Visit the Love My Neighbor! website for more information!
Neighborhood Allies Is Pleased to Share Our Streamlined Grant-Making Process!Leave a Comment Six facts you need to know about our streamlined catalytic grant-making program
Love My Neighbor! Grant Program: RFP for Technical Assistance ProvidersLeave a Comment We are seeking organizations or consultants to provide TA to residents interested in applying for a grant
Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. is HIRING!1 Comment PCSI is hiring an Executive Director! Apply today!
RFP|Placemaking+Temporary Public Art Call for Community Based Organizations1 Comment View the full RFP and submission requirements
DEADLINE EXTENDED THROUGH 8/14! Announcing the Neighborhood Allies Community Leadership Forum!2 Comments Be the change you want to see in your community! Submit your application TODAY!
Community Development VISTA Positions Available!Leave a Comment APPLY TODAY! Seven positions open all around the city!
Job Posting – Program Manager – Lending and Financial ServicesLeave a Comment Neighborhood Allies and LISC seek a Program Manager, Lending and Financial Services.
Neighborhood Allies seeks a Real Estate and Placemaking FellowLeave a Comment Apply today!
Neighborhood Allies to host New Markets Tax Credits 101 workshopLeave a Comment Don't miss out! There are still some slots open, REGISTER TODAY!
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! DEADLINE EXTENDED!Leave a Comment Attend the 5th Annual CD Summit May 12-13 for FREE!
REFER! APPLY! LEAD!Leave a Comment Refer or Apply TODAY! #LetsBeAllies
NMTC 101: You Don't Want To Miss This!2 Comments Take the mystery out of this powerful economic development tool!
Sprout Offers Neighbor to Neighbor Grants!Leave a Comment Grants of up to $1,000 to provide immediate support for small-scale community projects
RFP: URA seeks teaching artist for summer projectLeave a Comment RFP: URA seeks teaching artist for summer project


text:
Pink Empowered Zip Up Bra
BodyRock Sport's mission is to empower all women to look and feel beautiful by providing them with activewear that is equally fashionable and functional.
BodyRock Sport hopes to encourage post-Mastectomy and post-surgery patients to get back into the gym by addressing their unique needs. One key element is providing a product that adapts to the changing body shape of women as they go through reconstruction and beyond. For cancer patients that seek to thrive, a sports bra that shifts from cleavage to coverage is likely to meet their expectations and incentivize them to exercise, a critical part of their recovery.
Also available in Racerback-Blue Floral, Pink Floral, Pink Leopard
Over The Shoulder-Pink Camo
We Also Recommend


text:
Chalkboard table for the kidsJanuary 23rd, 2012 in member junk
Alison, member
I started with an $8 Ikea end table, and painted it with two layers of Chalkboard spray paint. Bought a few yard decorative wood border and spray painted it pink. The eraser holder is a pencil cup, and the two green chalk holders are bar soap holders - all from the dollar store (along with the eraser and chalk).
Gave it to the kids for Christmas, and we could have forgone all other presents they loved it so much.
Pattern or design used: My own design - Alison
posted in: member junk, furniture, table, paint
Comments (2)
gadgetsponge writes: Great job! There's going to be hours of enjoyment at that table. Posted: 2:26 pm on January 24th
JunkArchitect writes: It's amazing how the simplest presents are always the best...great job.
Posted: 6:29 pm on January 23rd
Posted: 6:29 pm on January 23rd
You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login.


text:
Dior Luggage UK On-line Procuring Outlet Retailer, Low cost Lady Dior Purses UK On Sale, Low cost Dior Luggage UK For Sale. We strongly advice to make your Christmas procuring early as no one likes the push on the day earlier than. On-line purchasing for 2014 Thanksgiving – the best choice for those who do not have much time to spend. Nonetheless, online procuring might have varied unfavorable elements such as poor quality control, warranties, supply failures and delays, return of goods policies, and guaranteeing value for money. This text examines the benefits and potential disadvantages of shopping online, the pros and cons, the traps to avoid, and precautions, and the insurance policies to look for relating to delivery ensures, warranties and return policies and conditions. On-line line buying risks are larger on-line, particularly with unknown suppliers.
This huge vary of products and types mixed with the fixed sale alternatives accessible makes Tillys among the best streetwear shops like Karmaloop accessible. My youngsters also purchase digital gadgets by On-line buying, since there are attractive reductions and a hassle free delivery at the doorstep. With one of the largest ranges of brands available of all of the websites like Karmaloop featured here. Now it's very straightforward to find online every thing you might want and to make your buying long time before Christmas gives start.
If it actually feels nice to wear it, I do. I am purging myself of too giant garments after a dietary change brought me a slimmer physique. Consider it or not a good current could make way more than phrases do. That is why Thanksgiving procuring ought to have a special strategy. If I may purchase every thing (milk, fresh meats,produce, etc.) on-line, I'd do it. I hate going into crowded stores. This checklist of on-line favourites is not at all only for Australians, but my focus is on these sites that may ship to Australia for an inexpensive value. It has made our life considerably straightforward and Flipcart, Amazon on-line buying corporations is proving an enormous hazard to numerous Stores , this can be a newest information. Additionally Snapdeal has been creating a name for itself and has all of the qualities of changing into the Alibaba (Chinese language on-line B2B and B2C) of India.
Public wi-fi and abbreviated URLs are a lot easier to get round than typical computing from house, so save your shopping fix for the most secure circumstances. Among the finest Coupon web site in India is You may get Amazon Coupons codes merely free of Value. I have been selling successfully on eBay and Etsy, however ran out of free listings on eBay so I wanted some alternate options. An early Christmas procuring has its advantages and in case you're amongst those who don't love the vacation rush, purchase earlier this 12 months every part chances are you'll need for Christmas, together with items and decorations. I typically get so far as the checkout, see the cost of the shipping and cancel my entire order.
Firms comparable to Flipkart, Amazon, and Snapdeal have got big funding and generated sales more sooner in comparison with other buying malls These corporations have become billion greenback entities with their capacity to ship something and every thing that a consumer wants. Karmaloop stocks tons of of fashionable streetwear manufacturers and hosts fixed gross sales which has solely added to its success as a web based retailer. HomeShop18 comes from the Network18 group and is fast becoming among the finest place to buy online in India. I do not discover as many nice labels as Shopbop and Revolve, mentioned above, however it is still one of the crucial standard sites for online shopping. Whether or not purchasing for particular events, or for your daily requirements-the tech savvy folks can do all of it from the comforts of their dwelling.


text:
Daring Contemporary Addition to Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum
The grand rooms, majestic staircase and natural lighting of the initial building of the Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum created in 1895 were retained in an "updated" modern version of the landmark. Benthem Crouwel Architects envisioned a bold addition for the famous contemporary art museum, situated next to the Van Gogh Museum and the Concertgebouw. The massive white volume provides more space for exhibitions and its interior design is said to blend in with the overall inner appearance of the main building.
The architects describe some of the features of the contemporary Stedelijk museum of art in Amsterdam: "From the entrance, visitors can familiarize themselves with the different routes that are possible through the building. The routing can be controlled by the programming, but is not mandatory in one direction. Thus it is possible to walk directly into the old building to follow the various circuits. The monumental staircase remained and continues to have an important function in the routing." Amsterdam enthusiasts worldwide, how would you comment on this new architecture addition to the city's landscape?


text:
If stirring rice in broth for half an hour to make risotto isn't your thing, try this easier way to make a risotto-like rice dish. I made this for Sam who paired it with meatless tortang talong.
What rice variety is ideal for this dish? Any kind of rice so long as it isn't glutinous. You want the grains to be separate before the cheese is added so that when the cheese melts, the mixture will be sticky in just the right way. I used brown rice but white, red or black will do just as well.
What kind of mushrooms is good? Any, really. Ideally, fresh mushrooms sautéed in butter. But I had no fresh mushrooms so I used canned. The rice dish still turned out very tasty.
And the cheese? The recipe on which this one is based had Parmesan. I opted for a mixture of Edam and mature cheddar. Feel free to use your preferred cheese.
- 1 cup very hot newly-cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon butter at room temperature
- sliced mushrooms (I used canned), drained well
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1 tablespoon snipped parsley
- salt to taste
- pepper
- additional grated cheese and snipped parsley to garnish
- In a bowl, stir together the rice and butter until the butter is melted and every grain of rice is glistening.
- Add the mushrooms and stir.
- Add the cheese and stir until melted.
- Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Add the 1 tbsp. of parsley and stir.
- Top with more grated cheese and snipped parsley before serving.


text:
With Memorial Day weekend kicking off the unofficial start to the summer season, it's once again time to break out the bathing suit and hit the beach. It also means that it's probably too late to drop the extra pounds you packed on during the winter if you haven't already.
Although it's never a bad time to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced nutrition plan and an exercise program under the supervision of a trained medical professional, anyone who wanted to lose a significant amount of weight in a healthy way should have started months ago. That won't stop many from going on potentially dangerous crash diets in a desperate bid to shed pounds.
If you believe that your diet scheme is somehow different, guess again. For decades, self-appointed diet experts have come up with all sorts of methods for slimming down. Many of them are simply ridiculous gimmicks that give false hope to the naive or misinformed. Some are just plain stupid. Others, however, can be downright dangerous, and those are the ones that dieters really need to watch out for.
BLOG: Futuristic Scale Checks More Than Weight
The Tapeworm Diet: Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of coming into contact with a tapeworm will tell you that these parasites are just gross. So it may come as a surprise that, in the name of losing weight, some less-than-health-conscious dieters have tried the so-called tapeworm diet to lose weight.
The concept is pretty simple, albeit entirely flawed. The dieter ingests a tapeworm, which will then turn that person's insides into a cozy home, growing larger everyday on the food that person ingests. By nurturing this parasite, you're not digesting the calories that would otherwise go straight to your thighs - at least that's the idea.
Yes, the diet will undoubtedly cause weight loss. It can also lead to nutritional deficiency and result in cysts on the brain, eyes, liver and spinal cord. Selling tapeworms is illegal in the United States, but the parasites can still be acquired in Mexico.
Fen Phen: If you lived in the United States during the mid-1990s and happened to turn on a television or radio during that time, chances are at one point or another you heard an advertisement for fen-phen. Fen-phen was probably the most notorious catastrophe of the diet pill craze in the 1990s.
Widely prescribed and easily available, fen-phen was among the most popular anti-obesity drugs of its time. It was also one of the most dangerous, causing potentially fatal heart valve problems. This spawned a torrent of lawsuits, and the drug was taken off the market in 1997.
The "Sleeping Beauty" diet: If Elvis, the king of Rock and Roll, followed this diet, then you know it must be good since he stayed pretty trim (though that was probably long before he even considered weight control).
What could be easier than sleeping away the pounds? The body does burn fat while you sleep, and of course you're not eating while unconscious. The Sleeping Beauty Diet sounds almost too good to be true - and it is.
BLOG: 25 Best and Worst Cities for Sleeping
Using sedatives to induce long periods of unneeded rest can not only mess with your circadian rhythm; it can also become addictive, which carries with it the risk of accidental overdose. Even used correctly, side effects can range to headache to cognitive impairment to hallucinations and worse.
The Last Chance Diet/The Prolinn Diet: When it comes to the "Last Chance Diet," you have to give the creators credit. For some users, it really was the last diet they ever needed since it proved to be so fatal.
The Last Chance Diet prescribes a program of fasting coupled with a blended protein drink. If you bother to look into what's in the drink mix, you'll find it consists if animal byproducts that simply aren't fit for consumption, including tendons, horns and hooves.
The diet led users to experience side effects including abnormal heart rhythms, possibly due to weakening of the muscle and nutritional deficiencies. Around 60 people actually died while on this diet.
The Nicotine Diet: A method famously allegedly used by skinny fashion models, the nicotine diet espouses smoking cigarettes to suppress food cravings. No doctor in his/her right mind would ever recommend this diet to anyone serious about keeping their weight down in a healthy way.
BLOG: Smoking is Good For You!*
Can nicotine actually suppress food cravings? Studies have actually shown that it can. But replacing food with cigarettes in order to lose weight is like warming up your home with burning garbage instead of turning on the heat to save money on electricity.
The point is: There are much healthier ways to curb your appetite without resorting to a method that is guaranteed to create more problems long-term. In fact, one of the best ways to curb appetite is through exercise, a much more proven method of control weight than simply trying to smoke yourself thin.
But of course, even when it comes to exercise, dieters shouldn't push themselves too hard. There's no need to take the same risks as this guy just to get fit (via Reddit).
Photo credit: Corbis Images


text:
GFI MailEssentials for Exchange/SMTP/Lotus is a server based anti-spam, anti-phishing and email management solution, which is used by 80,000 customers worldwide. The latest version uses two anti-spam engines, along with advanced spam filtering techniques, to give administrators a high spam capture rate straight out-of-the-box, with minimal configuration. GFI MailEssentials also minimizes false positives, so you do not need to worry about important emails being marked as spam.
"I am the Inspector Morse of IT journalism. I haven't a clue. D'oh" - Mike Magee


text:
Qt 4 is a comprehensive, object-oriented development framework that
enables development of high-performance, cross-platform rich-client
and server-side applications. When you implement a program with Qt,
you can run it on the X Window System (Unix/X11), Apple Mac OS X, and
Microsoft Windows NT/9x/2000/XP by simply compiling the source code for
the platform you want. Qt is the basis for the KDE desktop environment,
and is also used in numerous commercial applications.
This Qt 4 package is created to enable co-existence with Slackware
native Qt 3 package; developers should only remember to use versions
with "-qt4" suffix (like "qmake-qt4", "assistant-qt4", "designer-qt4",
etc.) of programs that exist under same names in Qt 3 (and developers
using CMake should be fine without any additional action, because stock
CMake is already looking for "qmake-qt4" first).
Qt 4.5 comes with a new graphicssystem backend named "raster" which
outperforms the current standard one, but is not yet set as standard
because it might not work with all Qt4 applications out there currently.
You can set it as standard by passing RASTER=yes to the script.
Alternatively you can also set it on runtime for each application (if you
start it from the command line). Tests have shown that "normal" Qt4 apps
work well with it, whereas KDE 4.2 does not.
Further you can enable the patches kde has included in its qt-copy
tree by passing QTCOPY=yes to the script. This fixes some issues which
make Qt apps nicer to use in kde(4). Descriptions of the individual
patches are available in the respective diff or patch files. If you
want to additionally *not* build with support for Phonon (as does qt in
Slackware-current at the moment), you can pass PHONON=no to the script.
WARNING: This requires *a lot* of harddisk space available on build time.
Be sure to have at least 2GB of free diskspace.
WARNING: Do not use upgradepkg to to upgrade from qt4-4.4.3 or earlier.
You should remove the old one and use installpkg for qt4 >= 4.5.0 in
that case. If you (accidentally or otherwise) ignore this advice, you
can safely remove any broken links in / and rm -rf /usr/lib/qt-4.4.3
afterward :-)
Maintained by: ppr:kut
Keywords: Qt,Trolltech,C++,toolkit,multi-platform,KDE
ChangeLog: qt4
Download SlackBuild:
qt4.tar.gz.asc (FAQ)
(the SlackBuild does not include the source)
|Individual Files:
| doinst.sh
| patches
| qt4.SlackBuild
| qt4.info
| slack-desc
© 2006-2019 SlackBuilds.org Project. All rights reserved.
Slackware® is a registered trademark of Patrick Volkerding
Linux® is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds
Web Design by WebSight Designs | Managed Hosting by OnyxLight Communications


text:
Welcome from Dr. Raphael Davis, Chair of Neurosurgery
Welcome to New York Spine and Brain Surgery, UFPC, of the Department of Neurosurgery, Stony Brook Medicine. Our physicians use their expertise to treat a wide range of adult and pediatric neurosurgical, spine, brain and cerebrovascular diseases and disorders using medical, surgical and interventional approaches. Trained in the management of maladies of the brain and spine, we strive for excellence when treating our patients. We use the latest in technology and minimally invasive techniques to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes. Read more >


text:
User Details
- User Since
- Nov 1 2016, 4:54 AM (158 w, 6 d)
Nov 7 2018
Jul 15 2018
From OFTC/#debian-ports:
Apr 30 2018
Mar 9 2018
Feb 1 2018
Oct 24 2017
I'm still struggling to find the cause of the segfaults locally; I can't seem to do anything to make the stage2 compiler *not* crash, even if I add -Iincludes to compiler_stage1_HC_OPTS. Hopefully I can get to the bottom of this soon, as it's rather tedious...
Oct 20 2017
Added includes/dist to rts/package.conf.in, hopefully fixing build errors.
Oct 19 2017
Obsoleted by D4114.
Oct 16 2017
Oct 15 2017
Oct 12 2017
- This was tested on sparc64 (with my local NCG work), not powerpc64, but it was seeing the same problem.
Sep 18 2017
Sorry for the lack of detail, @angerman requested I post the diff so I did so quickly before leaving this morning.
Note: I believe PowerPC is affected by this, but I have not actually tested that hypothesis.
Jul 19 2017
Jul 15 2017
May 15 2017
The command-line flags are somewhat confusing. For GCC, you compile with -fpie/-fPIE and link with -pie, and I think there's no guarantee that code compiled with -fPIC can be statically linked into a position-independent executable, although in practice I believe it's fine. Personally, I think GHC should accept -fPIE and treat it like -fPIC (with the option to behave differently in future should it so desire, so long as it continues to work for PIE) for compilation, and use this -pie option to govern linking.
Nov 27 2016
Looks much better style-wise; just a few more minor things.
Nov 26 2016
I've added a lot of comments picking up on style issues, some of which weren't introduced by you but might as well be tidied up since you're editing those lines.
Nov 1 2016
Note I filed this as Trac #12793


text:
Photo Items
Photo Packages
"Thank you so much for you help in making the National Honor Society assembly on March 4 go smoothly and respectfully. I, along with the members, thank you for helping make it memorable with the gorgeous flowers and my beautiful corsage!"
MLR - Newton Falls, OH
all Testimonials
Package E
(1) 12 X 18 Poster, (1) 5 X 7, (4) 2 X 3 Wallets
Well with our Photo Packages, you can be your own photographer. Just like the pictures you order at school or for sporting pictures, you can upload a photo and order a package of your own digital photo.
All of our photos are printed on lab quality printers or ordered through photo labs. They are not printed on lasers or ink jet printers ensuring the finest quality print that we can provide.
If you would like to add to these packages, all of these items can also be ordered individually on this website.
Please be sure to upload the highest resolution picture you can for these packages.
Note: Delivery time make take an extra 7 days if items must be ordered from our print labs. Anything larger than a 5X7 is ordered from a lab.
Price: $25.00
Please enter the information below to customize this product.
About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Client Map
Client Testimonials
Contact Us
Event Items
Personlized Items
Invitations and Announcements
Kid's Zone
Photo Items
Speaking Roses
Us On Facebook
Us On Twitter
Us On YouTube
YourCustomItems.com Blog
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use


text:
Here at the Microbicides 2010 conference in Pittsburgh I got a chance to talk with Dr. Gita Ramjee, one of the top researchers in the field, about the most exciting scientific challenges being discussed at the meeting. Dr Ramjee is the Director of the HIV Prevention Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council. She also explains in the interview why development of an effective microbicide for rectal use is so crucial, for both men and women in Africa, in particular given higher than expected rates of reported anal sex in several countries, as well as in many other regions of the world including the United States.
Posts Tagged 'Microbicides'
Microbicides Conference Opens Amid High Expectations
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 2010 International Microbicides Conference, HIV, HIV prevention, Microbicides on May 24, 2010| Leave a Comment »
This post is by the Global Center's David Bryden, who is attending the 2010 International Microbicides Conference this week in Pittsburgh. Stay tuned for more coverage of this important conference.
An exciting conference on microbicides for HIV prevention has gotten underway in Pittsburgh, Penn. There is an air of anticipation at the meeting because some of the most promising clinical trials of microbicides are due to report results soon, such as the CAPRISA study with findings expected on July 21 in at the AIDS conference in Vienna. If this study demonstrates a high degree of effectiveness, it will make headlines around the world and could reshape global health advocacy.
A key theme of the conference, appropriately enough for Pennsylvania's "City of Bridges," is achieving faster results by building strong connections between scientific disciplines and affected communities, so that studies of these products — such as vaginal or rectal gels, vaginal rings and other methods to prevent infection — can be even more successful. The 1,000 people in attendance, from 47 countries, have the beautiful view from the balcony of the conference center of the bridges across the river here to remind them of this theme.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Sharon Hillier, of the University of Pittsburgh, compared the development of microbicides to the successful development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk, right here in Pittsburgh. That required the use of 200,000 lay volunteers who helped out at trial sites, plus the involvement of 60,000 health care personnel and 64,000 teachers. She said that microbicide researchers should take inspiration from the polio effort, in particular from its determination, focus, and use of community support. "We will get there!" she said. "We will eradicate HIV, and what a beautiful dream that will be."
Dr. Ian McGowan, of the University of Pittsburgh, stressed that the latest figures on the rate of infection demonstrate the urgency of developing new prevention methods. He said young African-American men in Baltimore face an annual HIV incidence rate of 10%. He also said that the needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) are at the forefront, given the deplorable court verdict in Malawi condemning a gay couple to 14 years of hard labor. MSM in Senegal and Ghana face an HIV incidence rate of over 20% and in Nigeria and Kenya of over 10%.
Sunday's opening plenary brought together scientific and community perspectives. Nono Eland of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) took off her outfit to reveal a soccer jersey in recognition of the upcoming World Cup in her home country of South Africa, and she said that a microbicide would be like a good goalie who prevents the ball from getting into the soccer net. She said TAC consistently campaigns for prevention as it mobilizes for treatment, and she expressed concern that funding cuts in the fight against AIDS will threaten prevention.
She said that community awareness of the importance of microbicide research is still far too low. She recounted a meeting she attended of the gender committee of a major union in South Africa where people where clearly not aware of the research underway there. A major problem she said is that people are skeptical that innovations would ever reach them. She recounted one woman asking her about the AIDS vaccine, saying "I do not have access to the HPV vaccine, which already exists, so how would I ever gain access to an AIDS vaccine?"
Eland also emphasized the need for a strong partnership with advocates to get innovations to the field, and she said "science without activism can only go so far."
Dr. Robin Shattock of the University of London said it was concerning that there were only three microbicide trials underway. He said there was still insufficient lobbying for support for this research. The lack of funding has forced researchers to prioritize, considering potency, selectivity, potential for combination (e.g. with contraceptives), and stage of development. He sketched out some of the questions facing researchers, such as how much of the microbicide is needed, exactly where in the body and how to maximize continued, proper use of the product (i.e., adherence).
Check back here at this blog for more reports from the meeting! You can also find more info at the conference website here: http://www.microbicides2010.org/
Enhanced NIH Funding Vital For Success in Battle Against AIDS
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Adaora Adimora, Anthony Fauci, ARVs, HIV prevention, HIV/AIDS, Microbicides, NIAID, NIH, test and treat, vaccines, Wafaa El-Sadr on April 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »
If there's any question about the value of U.S. investments in scientific research on HIV/AIDS, Anthony Fauci probably put it to rest today by noting that in the period since HIV first emerged, "we went from a 26-week lifespan to a 40-year-plus life span" for those infected with the virus. Talk about measureable outcomes.
That dramatic change—from death sentence to chronic manageable disease—is thanks, in large part, to the 30-plus antiretroviral drugs developed through scientific inquiry over the last three decades. Fauci's remarks came at congressional briefing today, entitled "AIDS Research at NIH: New Opportunities to Change the Course of the Epidemic," sponsored by the HIV Medicine Association, IDSA's Center for Global Health Policy, and several other groups.
Fauci, director of the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and other presenters, including two IDSA physician-scientist experts, spoke of the vital need to maintain and increase U.S. support to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, whether through an eventual vaccine or biomedical and behavioral prevention strategies.
There is a presumption in some quarters, Fauci said, "that we really have our arms around this and things are stable." But with 2.7 million new infections each year, the epidemic is still spiraling.
"In the U.S.," Fauci added, "yes, things are stable, but they are stable at a completely unacceptable level." There are about 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S., with 56,300 new infections each year–a number that has stayed intractably level for the last decade.
Right now, "we are not winning the game," Fauci said, which means it is imperative to continue the search for a cure.
"Some have thought this is an impossible goal," he said. But while there have been many disappointments in the vaccine arena, Fauci said there is great hope of a "functional cure," in which HIV patients are treated aggressively and early enough that they go into permanent remission and no longer requirement ARV therapy.
"This is eminently feasible," he said, describing novel prevention approaches now under study, including microbicides and "test and treat" strategies.
Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr, director of Columbia University's International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs, said that with ARVs, an estimated 3 million lives have been saved.
"I call that success," she said. But noting there's still much "unfinished business," she said, "we should be energized to continue this work" both in expanding access to treatment, finding new drugs, and researching new prevention tools.
She noted that in parts of the U.S., including D.C., the prevalence of HIV surpasses the rates in some African populations, but that here, it is a very localized epidemic, with African Americans disproportionate impacted. That requires distinct approaches to treatment and prevention.
"We have to reconceptualize our approach to the epidemic," she said, and look for more structural, socio-economic interventions. But to do that, and be successful, requires more research. She pointed to a study she's involved with that is trying to identify the risk factors for HIV among women. Once the study gives them some answers, she said, they will need to do another study to figure out what interventions work to mitigate those risk factors.
Dr. El-Sadr also described the "test and link-to-care" study underway in Washington, D.C., and the Bronx, which will look at whether it's possible to significantly reduce transmission with such an approach.
"This is the epitome of a complex study," she said, "but it's the future of what HIV prevention will look like."
"… We have an emergency in this country and an emergency around the world," she concluded. "There's a need to continue an ambitious, innovative, courageous research agenda."
Dr. Adaora Adimora, a professor of medicine and epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina, took the audience in a different direction, with a talk about why it is vitally important to cultivate and support minority researchers in this field.
She joked that the subtitle of her presentation should have been: "Why can't white men solve all our problems?" But Dr. Adimora quickly turned serious in noting that HIV disproportionately affects minorities, particularly those who are disadvantaged and therefore vulnerable to forces that put them in the path of the virus.
"Minority investigators bring a unique perspective" on the health issues that affect their community, and are likely to think of research questions and connections that other researchers do not.
For example, until the early 1990s, the HIV-STD field focused research questions on "numbers of parents and sexual behaviors," she said. "Poverty was recognized as a risk factor but it wasn't clear how being poor could get you an STD, including HIV. Through the efforts of researchers, many of whom are minorities, this view broadened to include the importance of social forces and the pathways that link these social forces to HIV and other STDs."
And understanding these pathways is critical to developing successful interventions, she added.
Lack of funding is the main reason that minority researchers leave the field, she said, noting that an early NIH grant was the key to her own successful career in research.
"It's unlikely my career would have survived" if not for that grant because, she said, she would have had to devote all her time to seeing patients. "An increase in grant funding is critical to ensure that more talented investigators of all races and ethnicities are not lost," she said.
Scientific Data on PrEP is Promising, But Real-World Impact Still Uncertain
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Family Health International, HIV prevention, Microbicides, PReP, prevention of mother to child tran, Willard Cates on April 6, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Willard Cates, Jr., MD, MPH, President, Research, Family Health International, recently gave a provocative presentation at a Microbicides Trial Network meeting in Washington, D.C., providing insights about the potential public health impact of microbicides, if the scientific evidence demonstrates efficacy in preventing HIV transmission. We spoke with Dr. Cates about the challenges of translating scientific data into real-world prevention gains.
Q: There's a lot of excitement among AIDS experts and advocates about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission. The main question in the advocacy community tends to be: Will we have enough resources for PrEP roll out if and when the scientific evidence shows efficacy? But your presentation suggests that our collective expectations for the public health impact of PrEP may be overblown. Is that an accurate summary or how would you characterize your bottom-line message here?
A: The bottom line is yes, that is right. We need realize that the primary place we have focused as HIV prevention scientists has been at the innovation stage–will the prevention product work or not? We haven't gathered a lot of evidence about how things will get ramped up if effective. We've made many assumptions and done some creative thinking, but we haven't generated the qualitative or quantitative data about how people would be using oral PrEP or topical microbicides in the real world. Our discussions have been largely theoretical.
Q: You use the term "prevention cascade" in the presentation, which gets at this disconnect between scientific efficacy and real-world practical impact. Can you walk us through what that prevention cascade is and what the implications are?
A: With PrEP, a simple prevention cascade model looks like this: If you have no product at all, in an HIV discordant couple, let's assume 10 infections will occur for every 100 women exposed to HIV. If you have a PrEP product that's 50 percent effective, you will still get 9 infections for every 100 women exposed, because only about half of those women will have access to the product, and only half of those 50 will actually use it. Even with a PrEP product that's 80 percent effective, you still get 8 infections, because of the access and adherence barriers.
Moreover, our information in the PrEP studies is being gathered in a clinical trial setting that's as close to perfect use and perfect access as we can expect. The participants come back to get evaluated monthly, they get regular reminders about what to do, they get a regular stock of product every month. They are supported to an extent that doesn't exist outside this research setting. In the real world, they're going to have to pay for the product, travel to obtain it, have it be in stock, and so on. Unfortunately reality means imperfect access and imperfect adherence.
Once you have adjusted for the prevention cascade—meaning the number of people who drop out because of adherence or access issues—the effect of PrEP or microbicides only gains us a few averted infections for every 100 exposures. What would gain us a lot more public health impact is if we were able to increase access and increase adherence.
Yet we spend all this effort and money in trials trying to get from 50 percent to 80 percent effectiveness with PrEP or microbicides. We're nibbling around the edges of public health impact, trying to get incremental improvements in the tools. But the number of infections prevented by any of our innovations is much more affected by access–Can the community get this prevention product? Do they use this product?–than by any marginal increase in product effectiveness.
Q: You gave a startling example of this with prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) scale-up. It showed that with no PMTCT services at all, you get 25 HIV-infected babies for every 100 HIV-positive pregnant women. With access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), you still get 17 HIV-infected babies. Can you walk me through that–it just seems so hard to believe that you still have so many new infections with full scale-up of the most potent intervention we have.
A: Lynne Mofenson of NIH has presented these PMTCT extrapolations in many settings. She estimates only 92 percent of women will come to the clinic in the first place. Of those, 75 percent will get tested for HIV, and of those, only 50 percent will get ARVs. Using these access/adherence measures, she shows the difference in infections averted between single-dose nevirapine and triple-drug HAART is only two infections.
Where we are really going to get bang for the buck is by increasing those who will take up the particular intervention by going to the antenatal clinics, getting tested, and taking ARVs. Let's say, for example, we were able to increase by 50 percent the number of women who come to a clinic for antenatal care, and then increase by 50 percent the number who get tested once there, and increase by another 50 percent those who take the ARVs if they test positive, then you'd see much greater public health gains, compared to making similar improvements with the drug regimens.
As public health people, we need to do a better job of bringing our scientific creativity to the whole field of program science. We want to increase in the real-world access to the product and improve the circumstances under which people use these prevention tools. Once we have an effective product, whether it's condoms, PrEP, or microbicides, we need to optimize our public health bang by having that product accessed and used. This seems platitudinous, but we get so focused on the trials to show effectiveness, we neglect the factors most associated with having public health impact.
Q: So what would that mean in terms of crafting a more effective PMTCT program?
A: At the same time we're looking at the molecular level approaches to new drug regimens, we need to think about and invest in creative approaches that will overcome some of the barriers to access and adherence. For example, we could look at providing simple ARV regimens to all pregnant women, rather than just to those who get tested and are infected. We need to look at what are the gains and risks perhaps of using such broader scale approaches. This is a new time program science.
Q: And what might that mean for PrEP roll out?
A: Now is the time to think beyond our trials. How are we really going to use a successful product? If oral PrEP is successful, who would get it? And if topical microbicides are successful, who would get them?
I used to think because the orals are so much easier to use than topicals, they would have wider application. But because of cost and resistance issues, with the possibility of intermittent use and people sharing, I now think that oral PrEP, if successful, should only focus on the highest transmission intervals and individuals–discordant couples trying to get pregnant, transient sex workers, etc.
For topicals, I've also gone through an evolution. Because we're not giving it systemically, topicals are not absorbed to same level as oral medicines. We believe we'll have fewer resistance and safety concerns. Surprisingly, topicals may even have adherence advantages. One thing we've found is when these trials are over, many of the women do not want to give back the product. They like the product. It gave them a power over their sexual activity, and apparently it increased their pleasure. So another approach to improving adherence is finding out what aspects of the topical microbicides made women not want to give it back at the end of trials. We can then build on those motivations as a way to ramp up the topicals.
Q: So knowing what you know now, if you were in charge of U.S. government funding for HIV prevention, what would your priorities be and why?
A: I would allocate an increasing amount of prevention resources to examining creative systems to increase the access and adherence. We need to anticipate, if the products are effective, how we can get them to scale more quickly. We should start funding science that will address those questions now, so the evidence will guide our ability to have a faster public health impact.
The Administration is already moving in this direction. PEPFAR's initial aim was to get treatment out quickly to those most in need. Now the emphasis is getting it out more efficiently and effectively in a way that's going to have a public health impact, including using ART for prevention.
Funding Available for Microbicides Research
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged HIV/AIDS, Microbicides, NIH on April 16, 2009| Leave a Comment »
The National Institutes of Health is seeking grant applications for its Microbicide Innovation Program. The agency is looking for projects that will advance the development of new microbicides or shed new light on the characterization of microbicides for use against HIV or STIs linked to HIV, among other scientific pursuits.
Here's the link for more info:


text:
Labour says grace period 'likely' for capital tax on deceased parent's home
The Labour Party says there will be a "grace period" on the sale of a deceased parent's home before applying capital gains tax to its sale, but exactly how long has yet to be determined.
In response to National Party claims that a deceased parent's home would have to be sold within a month of their death to avoid being caught by Labour's proposed capital gains tax, a Labour spokesman told BusinessDesk by email "there is likely to be a grace period but details such as this will be worked out by the expert panel prior to implementation."
Labour regards the capital gains tax as central to its "economic upgrade" package of reforms because it would discourage speculative residential property investment.
While the tax would not apply to the family home, National has been seeking chinks in the policy, questioning earlier this week whether family homes owned by trusts would be affected and seizing today on comments by Labour leader David Cunliffe in a radio interview yesterday making it clear that a deceased parent's home could attract the tax when sold by its inheritors.
Cunliffe has confirmed that family homes held in trust will not be subject to capital gains tax when sold, but National's finance spokesman, Bill English, said Cunliffe had nominated a one month grace period after a parent's death before the tax would apply to such a property's sale.
"New Zealand families will be distressed to learn that Labour would force them to sell their deceased parents' home within a month of their death or face a punitive capital gains tax," he said, claiming Cunliffe and his finance spokesman, David Parker, had given different answers on the question in different radio interviews.
"The more David Cunliffe tries to explain his complicated capital gains tax, the more he ties himself in knots and confuses New Zealanders," said English.


text:
Dallas Cowboys
Justin Durant leaves for Atlanta
Justin Durant agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, ending the linebacker's two-year stay in Dallas. He is one of three linebackers off the Cowboys' 2014 roster who entered free agency Tuesday.
Durant, Bruce Carter and Rolando McClain combined to start 28 games at linebacker for the Cowboys last season. Dallas had hoped to get both Durant and McClain back.
The Cowboys covered themselves last week after failing to come to agreements with either Durant or McClain by signing free agent Keith Rivers. Rivers, who turns 29 before the start of the season, started only three games last season for the Bills but would serve as a capable backup.
The Cowboys haven't ruled out a Carter return, a source said, but it would have to be for the right price. He could get more from another team, with visits scheduled to Houston and Tampa Bay.
Sean Lee returns this season after missing last season with a knee injury, and Anthony Hitchens played well his rookie season. The Cowboys still retain hopes of having McClain man the middle again, with Lee at weakside and Hitchens or Rivers at strongside.
As much as the Cowboys wanted Durant back for his versatility, they were reluctant to commit a lot of money to him because of that as well as his age and his injury history.
Durant, who turns 30 in September, missed 16 of 32 games in his two seasons in Dallas. He ended the past two seasons on injured reserve, with a hamstring injury in 2013 and a right biceps injury in 2014.
Durant led the team in tackles when he went on IR last season. He finished with 59 tackles, an interception, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2014.


text:
EMG-Zine Entrance
August 2006
Leveling with Labels
Conventions Pt 2: The Art Show
August 2006; Water
One-Point Perspective
Heraldry, Pt 4: Charges
EMG-Zine is no longer active, but join the mailing list for other EMG projects and updates. You can also follow us on Facebook.Or Support us with an anthology purchase!
Lady in the WaterMovie Review
by Georgette Tan
Movie: Lady in the Water
Genre: Fantasy / Mystery / Thriller
Language: English
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jeffrey Wright, Bob Balaban, Sarita Choudhury, Cindy Cheung, M. Night Shyamalan.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
M. Night Shyamalan is known for that trademark plot twist at the end of his movies, so you won't be blamed for going to see Lady in the Water expecting one. There's my hint already... don't expect a twist. There isn't one. This is as straightforward as you can play a story.
Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) is a building superintendant with a rather pronounced stutter. In trying to catch the person who is swimming in the pool after hours, he discovers a mysterious young lady. Her name is Story (Bryce Dallas Howard), and she doesn't make any sense to Cleveland until he asks around and puts together that she is some kind of sea nymph called a Narf.
A Narf's role is what I would describe as similar to what creative people call a muse, except a rung higher in the food chain. Story is looking for a writer whose book will change the world. He lives in the apartment building Cleveland is looking after.
Cleveland asks around as he moves through his day's work, finding out that there are a number of writers around. He also encounters a strange grass-covered wolflike creature outside that will stop at nothing to make sure Story never returns home.
The apartment complex is teeming with interesting characters, which are so well-written into the story that despite their short screen time, they are just as engaging as Story and Cleveland. More importantly, their presence didn't feel convenient to the story. They are perfectly ordinary, although offbeat people, living in an ordinary apartment block, before something completely extraordinary came out of the swimming pool and changed their lives.
Shyamalan plays more than just a cameo in this movie. Some might call the casting of himself in the role a tad on the narcissistic side, but the thought didn't occur to me at all. This is a very personal project after all, and since he can act, being the writer in question seems quite natural.
Oh, and this isn't a horror movie either, so those of you going in expecting it can just take your expectations and set them aside as well. There are a few shocks involved but the story generally falls into the dark fantasy niche.
I guess what made the movie feel special to me is that at the heart of it is a writer who struggles with what he has to say and is hounded by doubt. He is given a glimpse of what his book will do and the price he will have to pay, yet he quietly accepts his role in the bigger picture.
There is also a cynical movie critic in the movie, which is rather funny because sometimes, I get snarky like that too.
All graphics on these pages are under copyright. Webpage design copyrighted by Ellen Million Graphics. All content copyrighted by the creating artist. If you find anything which is not working properly, please let me know!
Ellen Million Graphics Main Page - Privacy Policy
EMG powered by: a few minions and lots of enchanted search frogs
Random artwork


text:
Tap to Read ➤
Christian Christmas Games for Adults
Rujuta Borkar
Dec 19, 2018
In need of some Christian Christmas games for adults for the coming up church activity? Here are some ideas on the same.
Your church is holding a special event for Christmas and you've been given the responsibility of coming up with some Christmas games. Of course, nothing sets the 'celebration mood' quite like these games, we know.
Adults and children can both enjoy these games. Come up with Christmas party games and you're set to have a great time. It could be the case that you don't really know many games nor any activities to arrange for the day. And that is why we are here! We'll be giving you some of the best games ideas that you can arrange at your party and have a great time.
Puzzle Masters
Find pictures of varied Bible scenes and cut them into pieces of 4, 6 or 8 depending on the number of people at the Christmas party. Then mix the pieces together and put them in a box.
At the sound of the whistle everyone gets to pick a piece and then scramble about to find the rest of the people with the corresponding pieces of the picture. Once the people have been found, they have to use the chart and tapes to stick the picture together. The first team to complete, wins.
Bingo Cards
Form a card which has options like 'A person who is wearing stockings', 'A person who knows verse----' or 'A person who is wearing red shoes'.
And several such which are a mix of religious and regular items, then make copies of this card and give the card to each one at the party and set a timer for them. All of them have to find people who fit the bill and then tick the option off by writing their name against the option. The first person who completes the card is the winner.
Bible Quiz
Another interesting Christian Christmas game for adults is holding a Bible quiz akin to a Christmas trivia game.
Formulate Christmas trivia that centers on the Bible and then use that to ask questions about the Bible. Do this either as a team game or as an individual game. It works great just the same as Christmas games. This game can be played by adults and kids.
Scavenger Christmas
This game is similar to the original scavenger hunt games. Divide the guests into teams of equal numbers and give them each a list which has several Christmas related items on it, like a Santa cap, a Rosary etc. with varying degrees of difficulty.
The teams have to find those items and come back in the given time. The team that comes back first, wins. There could be various variations of this game. For example, instead of a ready list of items, each clue could lead to the next clue and so on.
Stocking Surprise
Have a huge custom stocking made and then fill it with items that are related to Christmas and seal it shut so that no one can see.
Have all the people at the party, feel the stocking and try to guess all the objects there are. Have a calculated time for them to do so. The person who can guess the maximum rights, in a given time, wins.
Wrong the Right
Collect a few verses from the Bible and then alter them slightly so that they are not the original verse. Distribute the chits.
People have to find the mistake and then correct it. The first person to find the mistake and correct it, wins. This can be made tougher by alternating only one word so that one really needs to know their verses well. Or instead of just one verse, there can be 2-3 given.
These Christian Christmas games for adults are not only a lot of fun, but also revolve around religion. So if that has been a major criteria to choose from, you now have your pick from some of the best games. Now all you got to do is get ready for the preparations, so you can have a great time at the party.
Follow Us:
Become a Contributor
Become a Contributor
Christmas Games for Adults
Christian Christmas Games
Christian Christmas Party Games
Christmas Icebreaker Games
Christmas Trivia for Adults
Christmas Trivia Questions and Answers


text:
Potential Energy (Live) [EXPLICIT]/
Here Be Monsters' creator and host Jeff Emtman grew up in a small town in Eastern Washington.
In the summers, he struggled to find things to do, so he started going to bed an hour later each night. During his nocturnal summer, his friends decided to throw a dance party in the laundromat.
This episode is a recording from a live storySLAM organized by The Moth. However, please note that this audio is not from The Moth's much-loved podcast.
Most medium-to-large sized cities have storytelling events monthly or more. While the Moth isn't the only organization with live events, it is one of the best organized. Check their events page to see if they're in your town
The story on today's episode might sound familiar if you're a regular listener to Here Be Monsters. And that's because it's a much shorter version of HBM021: Potential Energy, our Season 2 premiere episode.
Please rate us on iTunes!


text:
I had lots of fun to play with new Sparkle and Sprinkle Roses stamp set #784.
I started by making masks. For that I stamped the rose two times to the sticky notes paper and fussy cut them out. Then I took white cardstock panel, which was die cutted with Spellbinders Pierced Rectangles die, and stamped the rose with Versamark ink. I heat embossed it with White Detail EP. I placed the mask on top of rose and repeated those steps two more times. Entire panel was colored with Distress Inks. On flowers I used Worn Lipstick. Leaves and background are inked with Mowed Lawn and Twisted Citron. I added some water drops, let them sink to the paper a bit and then dried them with paper towel. This removed some color and added fun texture.
Sentiment is stamped with Versamark ink to the vellum. It is heat embossed with Gold Detail Embossing Powder.
I sprinkled some Super Thick Gold EP to the pattern paper and melted it from underneath the paper with the heat tool. To decorate my card I cut Want 2 Scrap Chickenwire chipboard in pieces, covered them with Versamark ink and heat embossed with Gold Detail EP.
To add some more interest to the background I scrolled up one corner of the pattern paper and inked the card base with Mowed Lawn Distress Ink.
This pattern paper was originally with yellow dots. It didn't suit my needs so I took white gel pen and colored all the dots white. I also added few pearls made with Pearl White Nuvo Crystal Drops.
Materials used:
Embossing Powders: White Detail (EP298), Gold Detail (EP168), Super Thick Gold (EP235);
Inks: Versamark, Distress Ink (Worn Lipstick, Mowed Lawn, Twisted Citron);
Dies: Spellbinders (Pierced Rectangles);
Cardstock: White, Vellum, Pattern Paper;
Embellishments: Want 2 Scrap chipboard (Chickenwire), Nuvo Crystal Drops (Pearl White);
Others: White Gel Pen;
Thank you for the visit!
Hugs & smiles,


text:
The mini world of Julian Assange
It's very, very warm in the room that connects Julian Assange to the real world.
London's summer has baked the Ecuadorian embassy, the modestly sized apartment next to Harrods where Assange has spent the past 400 days.
In the back room, a computer pushes hot exhaust air onto the floorboards and glowing studio lights burn through the day as he does video interview after interview, reacting to Bradley Manning's conviction in the US.
A fan limply pushes warm air across the space as Assange discusses his virtual campaign for an improbable seat in the Australian Senate.
We were here to talk about his life in the embassy. It's a particularly odd situation he has put himself in: a self-imposed prison sentence in the heart of London, for fear of a longer one in the US. How does he stay sane? How does he keep from getting stunningly bored?
But one of the things he is most bored of, I'm warned by an assistant, is being quizzed about his lifestyle.
And when the smart-casual Assange appears, he's not in a good mood. His voice is a quiet, gravelly vocal fry, and he gives off the tired air of someone who would rather be anywhere else.
In some ways, his physical location is unimportant. Assange has long been a digital native, and now more than ever the digital realm is his world, his lifeline, his freedom.
So, I ask, has his confinement made this more acute? Is he extra focused on the possibilities of the online universe, now that his physical one is this small, sweaty (though quite nicely appointed) box?
''That's a very interesting question,'' he replies.
''I have been aware for many years of the power of the internet to move across borders, for us to learn about other places in the world and communicate our thoughts and feelings to people at home and away. So it's not new to me.''
But what is new, he says, are easy, powerful video tools for one-to-one, or one-to-many communication across the internet. He can appear on American TV one minute, and take part in a festival for hackers in a camping ground outside Amsterdam the next.
He can fly across the globe at the speed of light.
''We've had to build a studio here to try to do that efficiently,'' he says. And it's going to come in useful campaigning in Australia. ''As far as I'm aware it's the first remote election campaign … yes, it makes it more difficult on the one hand but more fun on the other.''
Of course, politicians have long used satellite hook-ups to the electronic media. But Assange wants to cut out the middlemen who, he says, ''inject their own interests and the interests of their proprietors'', and instead forge a new, direct communication between candidates and the people who might vote for them.
''The penetration of society by the internet and the penetration of the internet by society is the best thing that has ever happened to global human civilisation,'' he says.
It's also the worst thing, he adds. His eyes get a kind of unfocused look, as if he's gazing into the Matrix.
He describes the online world as a battle between two great forces: the social web where citizens share knowledge and break down inequality and privilege, and the ''five-nation alliance'' that spies on them, stores their secrets and feeds them to ''a huge industry''.
''That really could lead to a dystopia and a complete breakdown of democracy,'' Assange warns.
By now his mood is improving. It's clear he doesn't want to talk about what he eats for breakfast, to rehash the interview he recently did for Who magazine, covering such matters as what he has for lunch (sushi) or where he sleeps (in a former bathroom with the toilet ripped out, because it's the most insulated from the noise of the Harrods loading bay) or how he keeps fit (treadmill).
As he told AFP recently, he does miss the outside world but ''my mind is not confined''. It exists in a world of politics, ideas and international intrigue.
I ask what kind of politician he will be. Disruptive?
He demurs at first, saying disruption for its own sake is boring. But ''to build properly sometimes it is necessary to sweep aside the old, corrupt foundations''.
Do you have any in mind?
He laughs. ''Ah, yeah, a lot.'' The Labor Party. The conservative parties. Also, Canberra.
''The decision to create Canberra … is perhaps one of the worst political decisions that has ever been taken in Australian history,'' he says. ''It's like a horror story from Sartre where you put all the politicians together in the one room, together with all the embassy officials, together with the most obnoxious bureaucrats and you expect good government to come out.
''It doesn't lead to a good outcome to suck resources in from the country to an out-of-touch group.''
Assange seems unaware of the irony. Thousands of kilometres away, behind police guard and caught in a legal trap, he sees himself as more connected to ''real'' Australia, over wire and fibre and an encrypted flow of ones and zeroes, than the inhabitants of the nation's capital.
''Those were good questions, by the way,'' he says as he leaves for yet another interview. ''I'm happy now.''
But maybe not entirely happy. I tell him I'm off on my honeymoon, having delayed it a day to speak with him.
''I heard,'' he says, more animated by far than at any point during the interview proper. ''I was saying I'm not feeling sorry for this guy that he's on a f---ing honeymoon. I mean, why would I feel sorry that he's on a honeymoon. I mean, my God, look where I am!''