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As an artist people usually expect me to be messy and disorganized and I'm almost expected to miss my deadlines. Now I will be the first person to tell you I am messy, especially when I'm working, I regularly drive my husband crazy by leaving my stuff all around the house. But when it comes to my business as an artist I happen to be very organized and punctual. That's why this whole book thing has been extremely stressful for me.
I've been lucky that I've been able to do most of the work myself but unfortunately the production of a book is outside of my field of expertise, just a bit. This means that I have to work with a third party and that's where the stress comes in. Because up until now I've had everything in hand, if something went wrong I would be able to do something about it right away. Now however, I have to wait for someone else to fix it for me.
My book has been at the printer for almost a month now, I was nice and early and had all my files ready and checked. The first proof came back soon and that''s when things started to get stressful. I wasn't quite happy with the colours and the choice of paper so after some back and forth we decided to change the format an go for a 9"x9" hardcover instead. They would do some colour tests and everything would be perfect.
A different format however, makes for a longer production time and with the colours not being that great I still felt like I needed another hard-copy proof to ensure the quality was up to par. I am still waiting for that proof, time is ticking away and the show is coming closer and closer. Now I'm not saying anything bad about the printer, they are working very hard to make the book the best it can be and I greatly appreciate that. But I'm not used to working with a third party and the waiting makes me all kinds of crazy. The fact that it's out of my hands and there's nothing I can do to speed up the process is very frustrating to me.
I'm working hard to make sure that everything is ready before the show and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the book is going to make it in time. And even though there's nothing I can do bout it, I'll be stressing about it the entire time because that's just the kind of person I am :)


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Exceptional taste and freshness
Local food is able to be distributed fresher and therefore often tastes better than food shipped long distances. Vegetables shipped from distant places can spend as many as 7-14 days in transit before they arrive in the supermarket. Unless it's meant for storage, we harvest everything 1-3 days before we get it to you.
Environmental Impact
Local farms can reduce carbon dioxide emissions through decreased gas use and less need for packing material. Local organic systems don't use petroleum-based chemicals and engage in many soil and microbe-building practices. Small-scale farms replace a lot of oil-powered mechanized work with fuel-free manual labour.
Strengthen your local economy
Buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community. Buying direct from a farmer means the farmer gets full retail value for the food they grow. Buying local supports food sovereignty by strengthening the local food supply.
Get to know the source of your food
Buying direct from a farmer means you get to know the people who grow your food & can learn to trust how the land is being cared for & what you're putting in your body.


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The Best Swimming Pools in London
From beginner to seasoned swimmer - there's a swimming pool in London to suit everyone. Whether it's for families, fun or fitness, here's my top five:
Queen Mother Sports Centre
The pool at the Queen Mother Sports Centre has a special place in my heart - it's the place I properly learnt how to swim. While it's not the most visually exciting of pools, at 25m long and pretty shallow most of the way, this is a reassuring place for the beginner swimmer to do a few lengths. It has a separate diving pit where the synchronised swim team meet - so if swimming in straight lines is too boring for you, check them out. You also get your 20p back from the locker – something that can't be overstated as a big plus.
Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, Victoria, SW1V 1EL
St George's Pool
St George's Pool is a bit of a hidden gem. It's 33m long and the deep end drops away to make it deep enough for the pool to have diving boards. Both its length and depth scared me when I first visited as a rubbish swimmer, but over time they've become plus points. There's usually a maximum of three lanes open which leaves half the pool open for kids to splash about in. The big windows on either side and the pool's elevated position on the first floor mean that there's lots of light shining through and if you're here at the right time you can watch the sun go down as you swim.
St George's Pool, 221 The Highway, E1W 3BP
Clissold Leisure Centre
As I've gotten better at swimming, I've learnt to appreciate Clissold Leisure Centre. This place has three pools – the main pool, a training pool and a toddlers' pool. The main pool is just 25m long, BUT it's 2m deep the whole way. So there's no shallow end for kids or for those who think that going swimming with their partner is a romantic activity and that their fellow swimmers want to witness their public displays of affection. It's not and we don't.
Clissold Leisure Centre, 63 Clissold Road, Hackney, N16 9EX
Oasis Sports Centre
You might think Holborn would be the last place to head for a relaxing outdoor swim. But you'd be wrong. In the Oasis Sports Centre there are two pools - one indoor and one outdoor. Both are heated and they're next to each other so you can warm up indoors before making a quick dash through the cold air and plunging into the comparative warmth of the outdoor pool. Staring up at the sky and hearing the faint buzz of traffic is an unusually relaxing experience. It also has the most spacious changing rooms of any of public pools I've visited.
Oasis Sports Centre, 32 Endell St, WC2H 9AG
London Fields Lido
London has some fantastic lidos that are great for swimming in during the summer. But London Fields is heated and open all year round. At 50 meters long and with huge wide lanes, it's big enough to never feel too crowded. As the name suggests, the Lido is in the middle of London Fields and having trees around it gives it an open-water feel at least while you're doing backstroke.
London Fields Lido, Hackney, E8 3EU
Check out all our London fitness deals
Laura Fountain is a writer and running coach living in London. She's run 15 marathons, a couple of ultra marathons and a few triathlons, but not that long ago she couldn't run 400 meters. She's the author of two books 'The Lazy Runner' and 'Tricurious', and the blog Lazy Girl Running. Laura is a qualified running coach and personal trainer, and uses her experience to help beginner runners work towards their goals.


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HIV/AIDS News
Genetic Markers May Influence Disease-Free Interval in HIV-Infected People
A team of scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found multiple genes or gene combinations that appear to influence how long a person with HIV infection remains disease-free. A report describing the study appears in the April issue of Nature Medicine.
Although the median time from HIV infection to development of AIDS in adults is 10 years, individuals of similar age have highly variable rates of disease progression, a phenomenon that has remained unexplained," says lead author Richard A. Kaslow, M.D., formerly of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and now with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "This new information could help guide investigators in exploring mechanisms that promote or retard deterioration of the immune system and in evaluating certain therapeutic approaches." However, Dr. Kaslow stresses that the genetic profile his team studied is not a sufficiently accurate predictor for use in making individual patient decisions.
The genes encode human leukocyte antigen (HLA), molecules that help regulate the immune response to HIV-1. "The findings from this study provide further support that the immune response to HIV is an important factor in determining the rate of HIV-mediated disease progression," commented Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., NIAID director.
In the study, the differential effects of these genes on disease prognosis became apparent within three to four years after seroconversion to HIV-1. The people identified by this profile to be at highest and lowest risk showed about a seven-year difference in median time to AIDS.
The scientists identified the genes by analyzing HLA markers in blood samples from 139 white homosexual and bisexual men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), a long-term study funded by NIAID. All the men in this subgroup of the MACS population had become infected with HIV since 1984-1985 when the study began. At the time of analysis, almost half (71) had developed AIDS while the remainder (68) had not developed AIDS for six years or more.
The HLA risk profile determined in the MACS volunteers was then verified in a second group of 102 homosexual and bisexual men -- all of whom are white -- enrolled since 1982 in another longitudinal study, the District of Columbia Gay (DCG) cohort, conducted by the Viral Epidemiology Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In this group, all of whom had relatively closely timed seroconversions to HIV-1, 66 had AIDS and 36 did not.
The analysis focused on products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a cluster of genes that includes the HLA region. The MHC is important for immune recognition and for immune responsiveness to foreign antigens such as might derive from HIV-1. HLA (or MHC) class I markers, found on the surfaces of all nucleated cells and blood platelets, determine the immunologic acceptability of transplanted tissue. HLA (or MHC) class II markers, expressed on B cells, macrophages and other immune system cells, are required to initiate an immune response to foreign antigens such as HIV-1. Pieces of these foreign antigens are transported across the cell's interior by products of TAP genes (also in the MHC). The scientists examined all three classes of genes in the study.
The findings of numerous previous studies of HLA and HIV-1 disease progression have been inconsistent, Dr. Kaslow and his colleagues write, in part because of differences in the ethnicity of subjects, research designs and laboratory techniques. In addition, previous studies usually ignored the complex interrelationships between HLA gene products and between HLA genes that sit so close together on the chromosome that they are often co-inherited. The report's authors write, "The MHC seems to govern the rate of progression of HIV-1 infection through multiple interacting genes -- few of which show convincing individual relationships but which cumulatively have a substantial impact."
Each of the 20 single markers or marker combinations that showed a significant relationship to an AIDS-free interval was assigned a number representing its contribution to slow (+1) or rapid (-1) progression, respectively. Seven markers or marker combinations fell in the first category and 13 in the second.
Theoretically, each man could carry up to six contributory markers (two HLA-A's, two HLA-B's, and two class II markers with the appropriate TAP variant), but none carried more than four. Of the 139 men in the MACS cohort, 73 percent had at least one contributing marker.
A genetic score was calculated by adding the integers. Based on this score, each man was assigned to one of five relative risk categories (-2, -1, 0, 1, 2), and the investigators calculated the relationship between the resulting HLA profile and development of AIDS.
The authors write, "This search for immunogenetic determinants of progression of HIV-1 infection illustrates how exploration of HLA associations with disease may be enhanced by comprehensive and systematic methods. Such studies generally need to include larger numbers of carefully classified subjects than have customarily been assembled, and they should preferably aim from the beginning to identify important markers in one population and verify them in another."
The other authors on the paper are: Mary Carrington, Ph.D., James J. Goedert, M.D., Cheryl Winkler, Ph.D., Stephen J. O'Brien, Ph.D., William Blattner, M.D., and Dean L. Mann, M.D., of the National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Md.; Raymond Apple, Ph.D., and Henry Erlich, Ph.D., of Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Alameda, Calif.; Lawrence Park, M.S., Alvaro Munoz, Ph.D., and Alfred J. Saah, M.D., M.P.H., of The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, Md.; Charles Rinaldo, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh; Roger Detels, M.D., M.S., of the UCLA School of Public Health; and John Phair, M.D., of Northwestern Medical School, Chicago, Ill.
NIAID and NCI are components of the National Institutes of Health. NIAID conducts and supports research to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, asthma and allergies. NCI conducts and supports research on cancer, AIDS and related conditions. NIH is an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Hill AVS. HIV and HLA: confusion or complexity? Nature Medicine 1996;2:395-6.
- Kaslow R, et al. Influence of combinations of human major histocompatibility complex genes on the course of HIV-1 infection. Nature Medicine 1996;2:405-11.


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We are going to my Parents' for the annual Armstrong Easter Egg Hunt at the park. The best-dressed wins an Easter basket full of goodies and we are hoping this sweet Easter Apron wins for my daughter this year.
I designed the apron and chose colours to match her strawberry summer dress & Easter hat. Of course the nest needed to be a pocket so she can stash extra goodies when her basket is full! She promised that if she wins she will share the candy with her cousins. Thank goodness!
I used this lovely apron tutorial by Prairie Moon Quilts as a guide for my apron. I cut a 15 x 21" rectangle for the white background, 6-1/2 x 13" piece for the waist, and 6 x 40" strips for the ties. I love the long ties tied in a bow at the front.
Spring has sprung! The tulips are blooming in my garden! And I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my vegan chocolate bar to find this waiting for me! I'm certain all you crafty people would totally appreciate little details like this!
Enjoy your afternoon tea & quilted crafts :o)


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The former owner of Stag Arms, LLC of New Britain will serve two years probation and pay a $100,000 fine and the company has been ordered to pay a $500,000 fine for violating federal firearms laws.
In December, Stag Arms LLC pleaded guilty to possession of one count of possession of unregistered machine guns and the former owner, Mark Malkowski, pleaded guilty to failure to maintain firearms records.
"This is the first time nationwide that a major firearms manufacturer has been convicted of a felony and had its license revoked, effectively forcing the company to be sold to new owners," U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly said in a statement. "Stag displayed a systemic and egregious disregard of federal firearms regulations. The company was unable to account for hundreds of semi-automatic rifles and possessed over sixty unregistered machine guns."
U.S. & World
In a previously released statement, Stag Arms' founder Mark Malkowski said he "believe that public safety was never compromised, they have agreed to enter guilty pleas and to pay significant fines, because doing so is in the best interests of the company and its employees. Mr. Malkowski has also agreed to transition the business to new ownership and is in advanced talks with a potential buyer."


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Yay!! The new earrings have made it to the shop! Go check them here!!
I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends! I had a busy one, but a very good one too!! On saturday we went to this fun zoo with friends & sunday was flea market day. I found this great wooden sewing box, but also old books & other stuff i like...
Have a nice week!
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Check out the new Fall catalog and sign up for classes. Look for classes near you. Assessments start on August 30. Most classes begin on September 19. We look forward to seeing you here next month.
Announcements >
Announcements >
Our New Fall Catalog Is Here!posted Aug 15, 2016, 7:38 AM by Zoë, Webmaster [ updated Aug 15, 2016, 7:40 AM ]


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Non-bookish post. Similar to the Wreck This Journal entries, I was thinking of posting snippets from my moleskine journal – that too I brought about two years ago or so and its just been chilling on the side of my desk, not being filled in. To be honest, I just completely forgot my moleskine ever existed. I look at it the other day and thought to myself, wow I got to draw or doodle in it more often!
The reason why I brought it was the same reason for Wreck This Journal – I wanted to draw more. Due to its small size (A6) it just didn't made me want to work in it as I prefer to work on an A4 size, but since I have it, I'll make use it of more (hopefully anyway). This is the sketches I've done thus far:
This was the first page I drew. I was going to watch Into The Woods at the cinemas, which was the inspiration for this sketch. My friends hated it! I could see why. It was the music and the plot felt a bit off at times. Other than that I did like the scenery.
I really enjoy drawing hair. I never use to be good at it. I use to just draw lines at school and didn't actually sketch it out properly, like you should. Drawing hair is quite difficult because there are too many too lines but it requires patience and I started to enjoy it the more I draw of it. On my art instagram, I've illustrated a lot of hair. It seems like the only thing I can do XD
I was feeling rather creative one day and wanted to illustrate a crappy book cover (lol). It's more of a definition of 'Skinny Love' than a book cover.
I was inspired by compasses and the idea of finding your own way. There's an illustrator called Rebecca Blair, who illustrated a lot of these in her moleskine journals and I was basically inspired by her work.
I found this illustration of a girl holding a camera and thought thats the picture I've been looking for all my life XD just fits perfectly for a story I had planned to write but can't put it down onto paper. So this will be a reminder what I can't finish lol.
Any thoughts?


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Last Friday and Saturday, On January 12 & 13, I was able to attend the 2018 IMEA Educators Conference. Dozens of workshops and concerts were presented and I was able to attend many of them. I also walked through the Exhibitors Hall a few times and had conversations with a few representatives of companies there.
One workshop I attended was titled, Motivation, Innovation & Differentiation in your Beginning Band. Richard Canter,banddirector at Walnut Hills High School in Ohio, spent a few minutes telling the story behind a collection of small exercises (chunks) he developed in his work with beginning instrumentalists and then showed us how the "Scale and Rhythm Chunks" workbooks help new students.
The chunks workbooks are designed to be used individually (same instruments could play together) so the concepts presented are specific to the instrument the student is playing. The exercises are also quite short (4-8 measures), making them within reach for the player and quick for the director to evaluate. This gives directors like me a tool that can help students "where they are" (both technically and instrumentally). I've ordered a set for all my 4-7th grade students. I think they will encourage individual practice and achievement.
During the presentation, Richard asked for some volunteers. I'm always ready for that type of thing, so I helped him visualize why differentiated instruction is the right way to teach in certain instances. For helping, I got a t-shirt that says on the front of it, "I <heart> Chunks." Thus, the title. 🙂


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The Best Places To Eat In San Luis Obispo, California
Ironworkers have usually eaten lunch whilst sitting on top of their perform in skyscapers in New York and New Jersey. In certain, I visited 2 Plazas – Plaza de Colon and Plaza del Quinto Centenario – and 1 Park – Parque de Las Palomas which, as you would have guessed by now if you know some Spanish, is so named because of the numerous pigeons that freely inhabit the Park. For fancy restaurants in Pacific Beach, there are a number of locations that are outstanding, all in the north of PB. First, for great food and wonderful atmosphere, attempt Chateau Orleans, excellent Cajun Meals from New Orleans with reside jazz.
1st, let's go to Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, the originator of the Nashville Hot Chicken genre. If you happen to be looking for fun in the form of amusement parks, San Antonio also has its personal Sea World, as nicely as Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Welcome to the Austin Meals Blogger Alliance's City Guide, a list of the best places to eat in Austin made for and by food lovers. I bear in mind eating in a 'rest stop' more than a freeway in Chicago and considering that was just the coolest factor. So several of the places you highlighted are my fav, Essential West, New Orleans, LA. Thanks for a fantastic lens.
I had a delicious western breakfast this morning – a ham omelette and a hash brown washed down with a massive cappuccino. Traveling abroad I consume the nearby cuisine prepared at my hotel, unless dining out with colleagues, and then I pray not to get sick. For me you just have to eat the regional meals, it's all portion of becoming away from residence and attempting different things. Red Pipe Organic Cafe Forest Hills' only independent coffee place, situated smack dab in the middle of bustling Austin Street.
Yes, NYC is a 24/7 city, a mecca of high art and culture and a paradise for the finance minded, but it also has numerous drawbacks. It also has an abundance of places to eat, shop, sightsee and get pleasure from life for all it really is worth. Blind Lady Ale Home and Tiger!Tiger!'s new outdoor place at The San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. That you locate in the other middle eastern places around town, but watch out for dairy goods. I'm hanging out for a very good western breakfast of crispy fried bacon and eggs with toast.
San Antonio is the unofficial divider amongst the eastern and western parts of the state (see below.) On the eastern side of the state, the air becomes progressively more humid as you approach the Gulf area of Houston, America's fourth biggest city. My day began very early in the morning waiting at the 'Parada', a little way off from my modest Bed and Breakfast accommodation at Tres Palmas Inn.


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Rabbit with liquorice & salsify
by Luke Mackay
Luke Mackay makes the most of liquorice, inspired by an Italian peasant dish
Rabbit goes fantastically well with liquorice—the natural sweetness of both complement each other. The turnip tops, or 'cima di rapa', offer bitterness to offset it. This is, at heart, an Italian peasant dish.
For more on liquorice as an ingredient, read Luke's write up of his behind the scenes visit to Sweet Roots
1 wild rabbit
4 sticks of liquorice root
1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters
4 small carrots, peeled
2 tsp liquorice powder
4 rashers of pancetta
1 salsify root, peeled and cut into 1-inch sections
A splash of olive oil
1 bunch of turnip tops
Butcher your rabbit. Take off the fore and back legs and remove the loins. Brown the legs and the resulting carcass in a heavy saucepan, cover with 1½ litres water and add the liquorice sticks, onion and 2 of the carrots. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Trim up the 2 loins and remove the membrane so that you have 2 pristine pieces of meat. Sprinkle each loin with half tsp liquorice powder, and season with salt and pepper. Lay 4 rashers of pancetta out on some clingfilm and place the loins together on top. Wrap tightly into a sausage shape, twisting the cling film, and place in the fridge.
After 2 hours, remove the 4 legs from the stock and set aside. Strain the stock and reserve. Discard the carcass, liquorice and vegetables. Strain the stock again through some muslin and then boil hard until the stock is shiny and coats the back of a spoon—about 200ml. It should be quite intense.
Remove the wrapped loins from the fridge, remove the clingfilm and using butchers' string, tie up so that it keeps its shape. In a large, heavy pan, fry the loin and the braised legs in olive oil over a medium heat until crisp and golden—about 12 mins. Remove the loin and glaze the legs with 2 tbsp of the reduced stock for a further 2 mins. Set aside with the loin in a low oven.
Cook the remaining carrots and salsify in boiling water infused with 1 tsp liquorice powder, until just tender. Add the turnip tops for the last min. Drain and set aside.
To plate up, place half of the turnip tops onto a plate, cut the loin in half horizontally, on an angle, and stand half per plate with a fore and back glazed leg. Garnish with the salsify and carrot, and finish with the reduced rabbit/liquorice stock.
Recipe: Luke Mackay


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Public News Service:
"A new report about broadband access in rural America says communities without it will be economically crippled, losing out on opportunities to those with high-speed connections.
Dr. Sharon Strover of the University of Texas, who compiled the new report, says that with a slow connection even basic daily functions can put a small business at a big disadvantage."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Public News Service
Posted by Stephen Cobb at 8:51 AM
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Hello! Here's what you need to know on Monday.
1. Britain's referendum on European Union membership is in the final stretch before Thursday's vote. The Leave and Remain sides have battled each other to a stalemate, with each showing 50% support.
2. Rome elected populist Virginia Raggi as its first female mayor, a win for Italy's antiestablishment Five Star Movement.
3. Three people are dead and 45 injured after a violent clash between members of a dissident teachers union and the police in southern Mexico. It was not clear what sparked the violence.
4. "Star Trek" actor Anton Yelchin was found dead Sunday morning after a strange car accident in his California home. He was 27.
5. Japan has a bold idea to solve the country's population crisis. A Tokyo suburb will help women cover the cost of freezing their eggs in a pilot program aimed at countering Japan's declining birth rate.
6. US antitrust regulators are concerned about the health insurer Anthem's proposed acquisition of Cigna, according to The Wall Street Journal.
7. The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night in Game 7 of the NBA finals. The Cavaliers' championship marked the first time in 52 years that a Cleveland team won a major trophy.
8. A survivor of the Orlando nightclub shooting is being targeted by conspiracy theorists who insist she is a "crisis actor" who was part of a staged event. Patience Carter seems to be a target because she was an intern for a local TV station.
9. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange started his fifth year camped out in the Ecuadoran embassy in London. Assange is wanted for questioning over a 2010 rape allegation in Sweden.
10. A newly released court transcript shed light on a judge's decision to give a former Stanford University swimmer what some have called a lenient sentence in a sexual-assault case. Judge Aaron Persky said he believed a long prison sentence would only harm Brock Turner.
And finally ...
LeBron James saved the Cleveland Cavaliers with a superhuman play that will go down as one of the greatest blocks in history.


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Frank Witney, Ph.D., served most recently as President, CEO of Affymetrix, Inc. until its acquisition by Thermo Fisher Scientific in March 2016. Prior to that role Frank served as President and CEO of Dionex Corporation from April 2009 to May 2011. Frank held the position of President and CEO of Panomics, Inc. from July 2002 to December 2008 leading to its acquisition by Affymetrix. Prior to that role, Frank had a variety of executive positions at Bio-Rad, Packard Bioscience and PerkinElmer. Frank received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Indiana University and did post-doctoral research at the NIH. Frank is a member of the Board of Directors of Cerus Corporation, Exagen Diagnostics, Inc., and Perkin Elmer.
Operating Partner, Ampersand Capital Partners
David served as Executive Chairman of Protein Technologies, Inc. He concurrently serves as President and CEO of Advion, Inc. a life science instrument business sold to Bohui Innovation Technology in 2015. David also served as CEO of Advion BioSciences, a bioanalytical CRO business acquired by Quintiles Transnational in 2011, and CEO of Biotage, Inc. acquired by Pyrosequencing AB in 2003. David holds two separate B. S. degrees from The University of Richmond and Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and completed an International Management program through IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Magnus Persson, M.D. Ph.D., has 15 years of partner level experience in venture capital and has been a partner in two life sciences venture capital firms, one with its base in Sweden and with global reach and one in the Bay Area in California. Magnus has extensive experience in medicine, life sciences and biotech financing. He has led development teams of Phase II and III programs in the pharmaceutical industry. He has founded, and led private as well as public biotech and medtech companies as Chairman of the Board and Director in the Nordic Countries, Europe and USA. All in all, he has more than 90 Board years in the life science industry. Magnus has led audit and remuneration committees and several successful recruitment processes for senior management positions.
Investment Director, SLS Invest
Hans has 25 years of international experience in the life science industry. He has held various senior executive positions with Pharmacia, Pharmacia & Upjohn and Arthur D Little. He is a co-founder of the venture capital fund Innoventus which subsequently became part of SLS Invest. He is currently Vice Chairman of Oncolog Medical AB and a director of Action Pharma A/S, AdvanDx Inc, Medical Vision AB and Phasein AB. Hans holds an MSc in chemical engineering from Chalmers University of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD.
General Partner, Ampersand Capital Partners
Dave, who has more than 15 years of private equity experience, joined Ampersand in 1994. Dave's board seats have included Bako, NOVEX, Signature Genomics and Roadrunner. Prior to joining Ampersand, Dave spent five years consulting at Bain and Mercer and four years in corporate lending at Bank of Boston. He holds a B.A. in Government and Economics from Dartmouth and an M.B.A. from Wharton.
Gerrit recently retired and before that served as Senior Vice President, Head of Research and Applied Solutions, Western Europe Commercial for the Life Science Business of Merck KGgA, Darmstadt. Prior to this Gerrit was Managing Director EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa) at Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, the company he joined in 1999 and served in various sales and operational leadership roles, based in both the US and Europe. Prior to this he held a variety of positions at Amersham Pharmacia, Molecular Dynamics, Applied Biosystems and Spectra Physics. Gerrit holds an Engineering degree in Applied Physics.
Principal, Ampersand Capital Partners
Marina joined Ampersand in 2013. Prior to joining Ampersand, she was an Associate Director in Healthcare Investment Banking at UBS where she worked on a number of leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity financings for middle market healthcare companies. Prior to UBS, Marina worked at biochemistry laboratories at Harvard Medical School and Wellesley College. Marina holds a B.A. with Honors from Wellesley where she majored in Biological Chemistry and International Relations.


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At a glance...
In the late '80s, Japanese car makers were battling it out to produce the
ultimate Kei class micro car. Suzuki relied on its Alto Works RS-R while
Daihatsu released the Mira TR-XX – and Mitsubishi? Well, despite keeping a low
profile in the segment, they offered the most sophisticated Kei performer ever
The Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ-4 is a kick-arse piece of compact technology.
We're talking constant AWD, intercooled turbo, DOHC, full engine management and
5-valve-per-cylinder breathing. And you thought five valves per cylinder was the
stuff of late-model Ferraris...
Released in 1989, the Minica Dangan ZZ-4 employs a dramatically enhanced
version of the Japanese-market 550cc, three-cylinder engine (coded 3G81). In
ZZ-4 guise, the 3G81 wears a 15-valve DOHC head with needle roller bearings,
hydraulic lash adjusters and multi-point injection. A knock sensor is also used
to determine ignition timing. Boosting the little three-pot is a water-cooled
turbocharger and a small top-mount air-to-air intercooler which is fed by a
bonnet scoop. Maximum output is the class regulation 47kW (at 7500 rpm) and
there's 75Nm of torque at 4500 rpm – virtually identical to its
Tied to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 3G81 turbo engine is very flexible in
normal driving but needs a good rev to start hauling along. From about 5000 to
8000 rpm (1000 rpm shy of the redline) the engine fills the cabin with a frantic
mechanical symphony and gets the little hatch scooting along. The ratios are
quite closely stacked which means you're reaching for another gear on a frequent
The ZZ-4 delivers its mountain of grunt to the bitumen using a constant AWD
system with a viscous centre coupling. There's absolutely no wheelspin when you
jump on the power while exiting a tight corner but our test car showed
considerable understeer. This can probably be attributed to the mud and snow
tyres which were fitted. And that raises the point – the Dangan ZZ-4's AWD
system is aimed at maintaining stability on wet and snow-covered roads. It isn't
intended as a handling fix.
The fitment of AWD to the little Kei hatch adds a considerable percentage to
the car's overall weight – the ZZ-4 tips the scales at 700kg while the
front-wheel-drive ZZ version weighs just 640kg. That's almost a 10 percent
weight penalty. Inevitably, this extra weight impacts straight-line performance –
our test Minica accelerated from standstill to 100 km/h in around 12 seconds
(though this was with a relatively gentle launch as we didn't want to destroy
the clutch and/or gearbox). Fuel consumption is in the vicinity of 7 litres per
100km – just the thing for today's escalated fuel prices!
Like its all-paw Suzuki and Daihatsu rivals, the ZZ-4 uses a live axle rear
which is located by five-link suspension. The front-end uses MacPherson struts
and you'll find a swaybar at both ends. Braking is taken care of by discs at the
front and drums at the rear – there's no ABS. Interestingly, there was no option
for power steering and the relatively heavy ZZ-4 can be difficult to turn in
tight conditions. Its turning circle is miniscule but we did bash our elbow on
the door trim while muscling the steering wheel.
Inside, the Minica Dangan ZZ-4 is compact but it doesn't feel tiny. The large
areas of glass, low waistline and excellent interior space utilisation help
avoid the sensation that you're trapped inside a small tin can. Standard kit
includes sports seats, a sports steering wheel and pedals, power windows and
mirrors and air conditioning. There's a rear bench seat that provides a modest
amount of rear accommodation – the rear backrest is also 50:50 split and folds
forward to increase the load carrying area.
The Mitsubishi Minica (let alone the high-performance ZZ-4) was never
officially imported to Australia so you're guaranteed a few extended glances
from other road users. The body looks a bit awkward from some angles (like some
other Mitsubishi models of the era) but the rear spoiler, bonnet scoop, skirts,
fog lights and 13 inch alloy wheels add style. But the most intriguing feature
of the ZZ-4 is its bizarre triple outlet exhaust tip (which was,
unfortunately, badly rusted in our test car).
Our 1989 test car (supplied by www.yahoomotorsport.com.au) has been imported to
Australia under the now defunct '15 year old rule'. With 86,000km on the
odometer and in good overall condition (though in need of a good tidy up) the
car is offered at AUD$4000 plus ADR-ing.
The biggest problem associated with this car is parts – where do you find
The Minica H26A chassis was never sold in Australia, which means all body and
interior parts are virtually impossible to replace (not without a friend living
in Japan!). The three-cylinder engine is in the same category – it's completely
unsupported in Australia. You might be able to find a compatible oil filter,
spark plugs, fuel filter and other regular servicing items but you wouldn't want
anything major to go wrong. If there's a replacement engine and gearbox
available at your local import wrecker you'd be wise to buy it...
Modification potential? Well, the ZZ-4 would perform a whole lot sweeter with
an upgrade exhaust (just 2 ¼ inch press-bent cheapie), free-flow cold air intake
and almost any other OE intercooler. These mods will give much improved
response, flexibility and top-end pulling power. We'd avoid boosting the turbo
beyond standard in fear that you might blow the irreplaceable engine and/or
But, then, for AUD$4000 (plus ADR-ing) you might want to write off the ZZ-4
as a personal entertainment expense...
Yahoo Motorsport www.yahoomotorsport.com.au
+61 8 8345 0939/ 0416
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A New Home Workshop, Part 6
Special Features - 7 April, 2009
M1 Magnificence
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Building Ultra Light-Weight Tubular Frame Vehicles, Part 2
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Welcome Back,
A few years back, in my early days of writing reviews for SexGoreMutants I wrote a lengthy review of the infamous MONDO CANE series of films. It has come to light that genre author David Kerekes, who has written several books on this unusual and extremely controversial series of films for his Headpress Books series - notably Killing For Culture - which has just been reissued in a brand-new, wholly and extremely lengthily revised version, has mentioned my review in his book, and name checked me too. The book can be purchased from here and it's absolutely worth every penny! It runs over 600 pages in length, and the word "exhaustive" doesn't do the tome justice. The namecheck appears at the bottom of Page 157 and top of 158, for those who wish to see what is said.
For your edification, I thought I would post the original review I penned, from back in the day. Any errors remain as when originally written, for which I humbly apologise. That said, I still think this review is one of the better ones I've written. I shall be back soon, with the second part of my 2016 Arrow update. For now, enjoy this MONDO CANE review.
For your edification, I thought I would post the original review I penned, from back in the day. Any errors remain as when originally written, for which I humbly apologise. That said, I still think this review is one of the better ones I've written. I shall be back soon, with the second part of my 2016 Arrow update. For now, enjoy this MONDO CANE review.
In October 2003, Blue Underground released what could well be the best ever DVD boxed set, for horror and exploitation fans, as well as for those of you who consider yourself to be true Cinephiles! "The Mondo Cane Collection" is a set of eight DVD's, of the works of Italian documentary directors Franco Prosperi and Gualtiero Jacopetti. However, if you are simply a horror movie fan, or a lover of exploitation films, or even, someone who just likes something "different", then read on, because I think you'll like what you see!
In the early 1960's Prosperi and Jacopetti created a series of films that sought to show the weird, the hilarious, the brutal and the frequently offbeat people, places and events that existed on our humble planet. They were a form of documentary films, which were intended to show to Western audiences what was going-on in the furthest corners of the globe. ("Mondo" being Italian for "the world".)
However, what the two men kick-started, was a genre of films that many have heard of, yet few have actually seen. These films are considered to be both high works of art, and the worst kind of exploitation film, often spoken about within the same breath. Indeed, sitting down to work my way through this stunning set, I had only rumours and other people's opinions on which to rely. What I saw, was truly eye-opening! To allow for adequate discussion of the entire set, I will cover each film individually
Mondo Cane (1962)
The first one in the series, and in the Mondo genre overall. And even now some 40 years later, this film is just as uncompromising to view as it's always been. As a hardened gore-fiend, I had psyched myself up for what I was about to sit through, but nothing prepared me adequately for what unrolled right before my eyes. Here was one of the most unrelentingly distressing films I've ever watched… period! Forget "Cannibal Holocaust" or "Nekromantik II". Throw away "Flower Of Flesh And Blood", "Autopsy" and "Subconscious Cruelty"! All of these pale into insignificance! In fact, I'd even go so far to say, that you may never sit through another movie as truly sickening as this throughout the rest of your life! Why can I say this? It's down to one simple thing: nothing is ever as disturbing as real-life. And here, we get almost two hours of material that will test even those of you with titanium for stomachs!
In 1962, I would have expected many audiences to have walked out of the theatres within minutes of "Mondo Cane" starting. In fact, I doubt there were many people at all who could comfortably cope with the first hour, let alone nearly two. You see, what Prosperi and Jacopetti deliver is probably the finest view of how sick we can be. What is it that makes us - supposedly the superior species - act so barbarically and so consistently nasty towards other human beings, and treat animals in the same barbaric way, yet we can happily keep a cat or dog as a pet, and/or treasure, love and devote ourselves to taking care of a tiny baby for over 18 years?
It's this striking and hypocritical dichotomy that plagues the movie, that makes it so valid as a documentary. We are forced to look head-on at how lovely we can be, how wonderful the planet is, and yet in a split-second, we can revert to our most primitive and violent instincts in order to make money.
The film delivers scene after scene, of horrific animal cruelty that we humans commit on a daily basis. Watching a scene of bereaved owners express grief at an animal cemetery, and then have it followed by the skinning of live snakes, solely for a rare and tasty nibble for evening dinner, will leave you shell-shocked.
As humans, we all know where some of our food actually comes from. We know, that our McWhopperXL burgers all come from the slaughtering of cows. We accept that on Christmas Day, we'll happily consume a large turkey, in the name of tradition. And, we also acknowledge that kittens, puppies, mice and guinea pigs look so cute and huggable when they're just a matter of weeks old. But, as the hypocritical swines that we really are, we accept that food is simply food. We don't think about where it comes from, or how we got it. It just magically arrives, ready for us to cook, sauté and then divvy-up between our family and friends. It's the inherent genius of the two directors, that they force you to look at what we do as human beings, in order for us to gain food! They take us by the necks, smack us around for a while, quite literally put a loaded gun to our heads, and tell us that this is what we do to animals, so that we can enjoy stuffing our faces with their bodies! Seeing a goose being force-fed, so that it can be turned into Foie-Gras, will churn your stomachs! Viewing in unremittingly graphic and bloody detail as an Asian woman chooses a snake for her family to eat, and then we see in one, lengthy, butt-clenching moment, as the salesman happily pulls the snake taught, (whilst it's still alive), skins and then decapitates it, before slicing it in half, and into edible chunks for the woman, will make viewers want to vomit!
Aside from the animal slaughter, there is the occasional moment of hilarity that feels out of place within the rest of the work. The Australian Lifeguard scene, memorably sticks out, and is laughable for all the wrong reasons. To 1960's audiences it would probably have been fairly amusing. In 2006, it's almost pitiful, because it's a pathetic scene, rather than enlightening to us. It's obvious that lifeguards need to practice on live people, to make certain that their techniques will work when the time calls for it. But being a spectator to about forty 1960's young women offering their male "victims" the Kiss of Life, is trite and jars with the rest of the film. Thankfully, such scenes are rare!
For me, "Mondo Cane" is sickening, but it is also superb! It's an intelligent, articulate and challenging piece of work. Admittedly, at close to two hours, it can be an endurance test. Ditto, with all the scenes of animal cruelty. Yet, it is this kind of material that we should be made to watch! As humans, we deserve to be shown why we are such a lousy species. We bomb neighbouring countries into submission without a second's thought. But looking on, at what happens to those who are hit by those weapons, should make you feel sick… …and rightfully so! This is the world in which we live! This is what goes on, most days of the week, around the world, and here it is, in all its gaudy, bloodthirsty detail. It's a sorry sight; a regretful and bleak view, after the rose-tinted spectacles have been pulled from our eyes, and crushed in front of us! And thought it's an abhorrent view, it's all real!
If "Mondo Cane" affects even a minute amount of its adult audience, and makes them think about who they are and what their role is within society, then the release of this disturbing film will have been truly worthwhile. You won't enjoy this film, and I would expect many to claim it should remain unseen, but in my eyes, this is the kind of video nasty that cinema was made for! See it at least once, and change the way you look at the world today, because, it's not a pretty sight!
Mondo Cane 2 (1963)
After the grotesqueries of the original, this quasi-sequel is a little easier to handle, but still offers up many harrowing scenes, that may edge you close to the STOP button on your DVD player on several occasions. "Mondo Cane 2" is less a sequel, and more a leftover collection of odds-and-ends from the original. In fact, the directors claim that this is exactly what it was always intended to be. Sadly, it's this slap-dash attitude that hampers the film's overall tone.
Starting off well, with a vicious attack on the BBFC, circa 1963, of course. At the time, the BBFC banned "Mondo Cane", because of the content. Their objection were - unsurprisingly - to the scenes of animal cruelty. In the opening scene of "Mondo Cane 2", the narrator makes an enjoyably snide swipe at our state censors, over the shocking images of dogs having their vocal chords severed, so that they can't bark, scowl or vocalise their suffering, when they are tested-on at a later date! The voice-over dares them to edit this scene, if they still object to such material, and go on to satirise that we do indeed live in a dog-eat-dog world! Yikes!
Also known as "Mondo Pazzo", this is still a hard-hitting movie, but the jars between light-hearted fun sequences, and the harsher realities of seeing man's inhumanity to man, (made even worse, because the scene in which this is demonstrated most effectively, is left until very close to the end of the entire film), throws you completely off-balance. You're never sure what is the serious documentary material, and what's been included purely for a Western audience to laugh at. (Ah, all those silly foreigners, eh?!) This is extremely noticeable when we are shown a clip of African people mixing-up animal dung in order to cover their huts. The narration alleges that the aroma given off as the sun bakes the roof of the dung-covered huts, is a form of aphrodisiac to the males. Hmmm… I somehow doubt that.
In spite of this jarring effect, the genuine scenes are as unrelenting as ever. Images of the illegal slave trade that still goes on, makes for angry viewing. The shock of seeing non-Whites being treated in such a demeaning way, will get your goat for sure, but it can only begin to prepare you for later discs like "Africa Addio" or "Goodbye, Uncle Tom", which accompany the set. Ditto, the sight of pink flamingos flying across a bright, blue sky, before we are thrust into a scene of birds and fish dying from toxic waste, courtesy of an English fizzy drinks company. It's nasty material, and even worse, is having to try and endure every agonising second of it, as the helpless creatures flounder and collapse in front of our eyes, nothing more than feathers, bones, and semi-desiccated corpses that their stronger brothers and sisters will eventually feed upon.
Both "Mondo Cane" movies offer us an English-language narration, or the original Italian voice-over, with optional English translation. Viewing the English-language versions, allow viewers to really become enticed into the on-screen material. Although there is a certain amount of light-hearted jovialness to it all, (specifically in number two), the narration seems more appropriate. Trying to view such difficult subjects as life and death, whilst listening to a fast-speaking Italian man, with even-faster moving English subtitles, makes viewing even more intense than it needs to be. Having said that, the English-narration and the English-subtitles are quite different, and each offer you a slightly altered version of the movies. The translation from the Italian, seems to be more literal and authentic, but the English-language narration, comes across as more free-flowing and natural. Ultimately, it's nice to have the opportunity to choose for ourselves, which audio option to select, rather than have it chosen for us. Just don't select the English-language audio and the English-subtitles, as you're head is likely to spin trying to follow what's going on!
Whilst not as effective as the first movie, it's still a pretty damn good disc, and makes for worthwhile viewing Just be prepared to examine what you see, before deciding if something is real or not. Not everything is as it seems, which hampers the film in my opinion, and removes some of the overall strength. Both titles are in 1.33:1 full screen, which - in my view - suits the first movie fine, but seems a little too tightly cropped for number two. I think that they should probably both be in 1.66:1, but I have no way of verifying what format either title was originally released in, in cinemas. Irrespective, no major damage has been caused by having a full screen print.
Women Of The World (1963)
Fact fans: if you think you recognise the voice-over, then you'll be shocked when you find out who actually performed it. It was narrated by English actor, raconteur, and all-round theatrical artiste, Peter Ustinov! Who'd have thought it, eh?! Having said that, his voice, circa 1963, sounds nothing like him. So make of that, what you will!
As the title spells out quite clearly, this third Mondo movie deals solely with women - in all their glory, both metaphorically and figuratively-speaking! It's also, alas, the weakest disc of the entire set, at least in movie-terms. (Picture and sound, are as before!)
For the first hour, the film is a fairly sexist, sleazy, (albeit in a low-key kind of way), showcase of women from around the globe, in all their forms. From tall and short, to fat and thin, black, white and yellow: all of them are given similar on-screen treatment. The film flits between exposing the harsh treatment that women in different countries are dealt, either because of their culture, their gender, or because of the way the world was in the early-1960's, through to a showcase of female beauty in all their weird and wonderful forms. I have to confess, that the constant shots of women, accompanied by what is going to appear to many, as a highly crass narrative commentary, seems to me to be somewhat boring! It's almost as if Jacopetti, Prosperi and Cavara wanted to indulge their own pervery, rather than make any genuine statement.
However, at about one-hour into the film, things take a really nasty change! For the remainder of the film, the directors appear to get a conscience, and look in a more investigative form, at how women in different countries deal with being female, and the contradictory nature that the world says they must all be tall, thin and ultra-feminine, in order to obtain (or retain) a man, or how they must simply accept that women are the "lesser" sex, and not only is it a dog's world, but a man's world as well!
Depending on your own views of society, you may find this totally repugnant, or a strangely historically accurate depiction of how things were, and thank yourself that society is - more often than not - a more civilised place for women to be in.
The final half-hour or so, makes for harrowing viewing! We are shown plastic surgeons operating on Chinese women, to modify their bust-size. Whilst that might not sound extreme, this is the 1960's, and so implants and the such didn't exist then. Instead, women had their breasts physically sliced into, and then a one-way valve inserted into the flesh. The valve than had a tube connected to it, before the surgeon enlarges the bust by injecting large quantities of liquid paraffin! I kid you not! The camera refuses to shy away, and we watch in shock, as we see the woman's breasts physically expand, like a balloon being inflated slowly. Each breast is performed on individually, and the only way they are matched-up, is when the surgeon gropes the woman's breasts in his hands, and compares the way they feel. This was how such surgery was performed just 40-odd years ago! It makes the US TV drama "Nip/Tuck" seem like a piece of cake to sit through.
On top of this, we also get to see to what ends a woman is willing to go to, to make herself beautiful. In one, brutal and unrestrained sequence Western women, (from the USA), pay to have their entire faces covered in an acidic paste, that literally burns the top layer of skin off. After a week or so, and once all the dead skin has been burnt, we are shown the same womens' faces, with the red, raw flesh completely exposed, just like in George Franju's cult horror drama "Les Yeux Sans Visage" ("Eyes Without A Face")! According to the narration, it then takes another month or two, before a new layer of "skin" has formed, during which time, the woman have to have their flesh moisturised daily to stop the new "skin" from cracking! Seeing the depths that these women were willing to go to, in order to become "beautiful", truly shocked me! Why would anyone want to do this to themselves?! In my eyes, that single scene says more about us males in society and the media, than anything else!
Lastly, the film covers the raw power of child prostitution and the sex slave trade, in Singapore. It's amazing how relevant the issue still remains, but watching hidden camera's capture middle-aged men, paying for young girls in their early teens for sexual acts, is absolutely repugnant, despite the fact the film is very restrained in what it actually shows. Whilst I still stand by my initial opinion that this is the weakest film in "The Mondo Cane Collection" DVD set, the final 45 minutes or so, just about make this disc worth inclusion, and I can see why Blue Underground did include it.
In terms of audio-visual treatment, the picture is good. It's not the best remastering seen in this set, and there are some scratches, grain and brief moments where colour fluctuates, but it doesn't detract from the viewing in a major way. The audio is crisp and clear, and irrespective of whether you watch the English language or Italian language with English subtitling, neither seem to be inappropriate. I chose the English language option, and found that Ustinov's narration made the tone of the film a lot lighter, (despite some of the jokes he makes), than the Italian soundtrack, but ultimately, either track is worth a listen.
One other note I should mention, is with regards to the full screen print used. For the majority of the film's length, the picture seems fine. However, there are a few occasions when the picture appears to be cropped on the left and right hand sides, loosing small amounts of visual data. I suspect, that the true picture ratio should probably be nearer 1.77:1, but as with the previous films, there's no real way of checking if this would have been correct. I can only presume that no complete Widescreen print exists, because the film has Italian-language opening and closing credits, and as this disc has been restored from the original vault negative, then either the original negative was never in Widescreen, or the film was cropped before the master negative was created. It's a small issue, though, and nothing to really get fussy over.
Africa Addio: English Version (1966)
Africa Addio: Director's Cut (2003)
This longer and alternate version of "Africa Addio" comes to DVD for the first time ever, and as this extended cut has never before been seen, it has a 2003 copyright date attached to it. Like its shorter sibling, this is the controversial movie that Jacopetti was almost executed over! I won't go into the details too much, except to say that this is more of an alternative version, rather than simply an extended edition of the original movie. Scenes in this longer variant, appear in sometimes very different lengths and forms, and frequently in a completely different narrative timeline. For me, this version is a slight improvement and it should be viewed as an alternate print, only loosely related to the original Theatrical release.
Opening with an on-screen narrative statement, about "what the camera sees, it films pitilessly, without sympathy, without taking sides", you soon understand what you are about to be a witness too. "Africa Addio" is a mesmerising movie, depicting the state of Africa around the 1960's, as Colonialism collapsed, and a new Africa began to give birth. However, as we have come to expect, what emerges is not a wonderful new paradise, but something closer to Dante's vision of Hell on Earth!
As the film progresses, the viewer watches in horror as the country tears itself apart through bloodshed, barbarism and savagery, on a level never seen again until the Vietnam War - over a decade later. Certainly the film contains many of the DVD collection's most volatile imagery: scenes of Whites killing animals for their ivory or fur, without a single ounce of remorse, and relishing in the deaths of elephants, zebras, gazelles and lions; shots of local police officers and government approved soldiers taking the law into their own hands, and assassinating petty thieves and burglars; and a sequence of animal hunters with some of the their vast contraband which is quickly discovered by local authorities. This is Africa as you've never seen it before, and never imagined could be such a hotbed of outright atrocity! At turns, both heavenly and harrowing, it's an incredible two hour experience.
As with previous titles, the remastering is one of the finest jobs seen on disc! Apart from the rare, brief scratch or piece of dirt on the negative, every single scene is vibrant and as lifelike as you can imagine. Sound is clear and the balance between the audio and the natural sounds caught on the film, is just right. Ironically, US exploitation director Jerry Gross didn't like the original version of "Africa Addio", and so removed some 45 minutes of material, and retitled the remains as "Africa: Blood And Guts"! What he must have left in, was far inferior to the full-length version, and to my mind, an incredibly offensive and derogatory view of Africa and its population. Seeing both of the restored prints, Prosperi and Jacopetti outdid themselves! An accomplished masterpiece of documentary filmmaking that has rarely been bettered. This is probably the best film in the entire DVD set!
Goodbye, Uncle Tom: English Version (1971)
Addio, Zio Tom (Goodbye, Uncle Tom: Original Director's Cut (1971)
This is it! The film that became as incendiary and inflammatory as D.W. Griffith's 1916 black-and-white historical epic, "The Birth Of A Nation". In that film, the Ku Klux Klan appear to be seen as heroic. In "Goodbye…", the depiction of the slavery issue led to the movie being targeted as a movie that incited racial hatred, and was even labelled as "an unprecedented cry of Black rage and anguish"! Even to this very day, I can see why this film has been so-called!
If the original wasn't extreme enough, then maybe the extended version would do the job! Jacopetti was forced to cut and tone down much of the 1971 release, because of complaints from the distributors. Objections to the slave-trade atrocities were just one of many elements, they found reprehensible enough to warrant removal, before the film would be given public viewings. In 2003, Jacopetti personally restored this movie, back to its original 136-minute cut, in a painstaking fashion. Thanks to his hard work and tireless effort, we can now see this landmark film, as it was always meant to be - fireworks and all!
Irrespective of which version you choose to watch, this film is probably going to be considered the most offensive, denigratory and all-in-all unrelentingly distasteful film you are likely to have ever been a witness too! Of all the films in the "Mondo Cane Collection", this is just the absolute limit in what could ever be committed to celluloid.
Unlike the other titles in the series, "Goodbye, Uncle Tom" is a historically accurate, but dramatic recreation of events that took part from the 1800's through to the beginnings of the 20th Century. It is not a documentary, where the two directors simply pointed their cameras and filmed. As such, you have to bear that in mind, otherwise you are likely to find it even more offensive and distasteful! The film opens at the dining table in a stereotypical White Southern US household, circa 1800. Around the table are a set of Southerners, discussing their slaves, and what they each think of owning such accoutrements. As you'd partly expect, (if you've ever seen "Gone With The Wind"), their opinions are bigoted, antiquated and extremely dubious. In these peoples' eyes, Blacks were always meant to be slaves, with one man even going so far as to say that God created Blacks solely for White folks to use and abuse as they deemed fit! The racism in the movie is absolutely unrelenting! Being Black myself, I wasn't personally offended as I was able to distance myself from the film, but I can certainly see why so many viewers would feel so angry at seeing Blacks portrayed in such a disgusting fashion. I admit, that the white characters in the film are hardly unabashed or sympathetic, but still… For over 135 minutes, it's the sheer unrelenting bigotry that makes the film such a political hotbed! But - and get this - there is worse to come!
Yes: if racial offence wasn't enough to cause you to think twice about viewing this work, then maybe the issues of misogyny, incitement to racial hatred, and the overt sexualisation of children will do it for you! Scene after scene in this film, has the black characters being solely labelled as niggers, sluts, bitches, black bastards, and numerous other tasteful words! In a fictional movie, I could tolerate this. In a historical documentary that purports to be re-enacting history, I could understand that authenticity may be needed, but a recreation made in 1971 the language just makes you want to hit the eject button on your DVD player, and snap the disc in half! You could almost make a case that Prosperi and Jacopetti were unadulterated bigots themselves! They claim they weren't, and aren't, (see the "Godfathers Of Mondo" documentary), but it's very difficult to accept that, going from the content of this film.
Yet, putting the racism issue aside, the wallowing in the sexualisation of children of all ages - from babies, through to young teenagers - is just absolutely unforgivable! Such events may be historically accurate, but having the camera longingly gaze over a naked child discussing the rights and wrongs of having sex, whilst the male characters, (both black and white), abuse them, is just wrong on so many levels! One scene has a white man grope and fondle a naked black teenage girl. The young actress appears to be extremely distressed on-screen. Another scene, has a baby being voyeured over, clearly crying its eyes out at the noise, and its surroundings. There's simply no justifiable reason to include this kind of material! And, it's this aspect which makes the film so truly abhorrent! The racism can be seen as justifiable, because it was probably historically accurate. But the other material - no, no, no! There's absolutely no way in hell, that the BBFC could ever sanction any release of this movie, no matter how long or short you made the final edit. Simply put, this is as near to genuine obscenity, as film has ever got. Pasolini's controversial movie "Salo, or The 120 Days Of Sodom", would be seen as a piece of piss to get past the BBFC! But "Goodbye, Uncle Tom" takes things to a whole new level of extreme cinema, that I'd never thought I'd ever be a witness to, and to which people in the BNP would regard as their kind of pro-white pornography!
Thirty-five years have passed since this movie first came into existence, and it's lost not one ounce of the rawness and power to offend on every conceivable level! Trust me, when I say that this is the nastiest film I've ever seen! "Irreversible" was like watching "Play School" in comparison! Definitely for people with a very strong tolerance threshold!
Like the other titles before it, both the English Version and the Director's Cut have impeccable picture quality. It would be unjust of me to fault them, for the occasional glitch, and the sound appearing out-of-synch, when it was probably simply re-recorded by other actors at a later date. The audio/visual quality is better than some modern DVD releases, and as such, it's only fair of me to say that this is stellar work. If only the film itself, wasn't so unrelentingly nauseous.
The Godfathers Of Mondo: A Documentary (2003)
How could Blue Underground top this set? Well, including a 90-minute long documentary, would certainly be one way of doing things! The documentary interviews both Prospero and Jacopetti at their respective homes, and covers their work included in the collection you've just bought. As with Blue Underground, you get nothing but the best here: intelligent questions accompanied by details answers; appropriately chosen clips, and a thorough history of the significance these two men have had, on exploitation and horror cinema. If anything, it's not long enough for my liking. At the end, I wanted to know even more about their lives. One question that does go unanswered, is why these men refuse to be in the same room together now? Something that I'm certain even David Gregory and Co at Blue Underground must have been dying to know the answer too.
However, for a 90-minute piece, it does cover pretty much everything else you are likely to want to know about these characters. As the documentary was only made a few years back now, the picture is crystal clear, with not a single speck of dirt or dust on it. The audio is Dolby Stereo, and is loud, clear and perfectly balanced between the right and left audio channels. Optional English subtitles are available, should you need them, and it's nice to see a company supply them, even though the main language is in English anyway. Definitely a thumbs-up from me, for Blue Underground accommodating deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers! Other DVD companies around the world, please take note!
Overall, each disc is pretty much picture-perfect, given the ages of each of the films. In fact, I've seen modern films released to cinemas, in prints worse than these, which will hopefully give you a very good indicator of just how fantastic each disc looks. Apart from the rare scratch or single-frame piece of dirt, the picture-quality is nigh on pristine! Congratulations to Blue Underground, for what has to be one of the finest restoration jobs I've ever been witness too. Aurally, each film is in two-channel Mono. Expecting anything more than this, would be criminal, in my opinion. Having a pseudo-Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack specifically created, would probably serve the films less well, than the original, cleaned-up mono audio. The narration always comes through clearly and deeply, and no sign of hiss or other background noise was heard on any of the discs. Again, a stellar job by B.U.
I can't not mention the packaging! Here, for once, a company has gone for simple and effective, rather than glossy and flamboyant! Each disc is housed in a slimline DVD case, with the respective cover reproducing each movie's respective original theatrical image, over a single-colour background, and the requisite introductory notes on the back, along with each disc's running time, and other such information. Inside, the reverse of each movie's cover has around 25 chapter titles listed, which describe in simple and basic terms, what chapter you can jump too.
All discs then come, in a semi-flexible, blue plastic outer-sleeve, which houses the discs snugly, and comes with the main "Mondo Cane" image printed on the front, and back. The sleeve has some information about the entire collection, on the back, and simple disc information on the base. I have to say, that the set does look gorgeous on my shelf, and certainly stands-out against the myriad of dull, black cardboard cases that many other box-sets utilise.
With everything all said, and done, I have to admit that this is pretty-much a 100% perfect DVD set for any horror or exploitation fan! For the price, and for the content, this is just absolute perfection on practically every single level! If Blue Underground only ever released one DVD boxed set, this has to go down as one of the finest examples, I've ever seen anywhere in the entire world! William Lustig and David Gregory should be thoroughly proud of this collection!
If you can get hold of a copy, grab it, because you won't ever regret having this in your collection! Just don't expect any of these titles to appear in the UK, with BBFC approval! It just won't ever happen, unless you want a single, five-minute disc, with nothing but the Blue Underground logo on it. (Not even the extras, would escape unscathed, I'm afraid!)
Alas, this Limited Edition set of 10,000 copies sold out almost instantaneously, back in 2003, and the set is never to be re-issued in the same form again! (Each title is now being released as bare-bones titles, with English-language audio only, over a period of months. However, the documentary, is exclusive to the boxed-set reviewed here!) Most online DVD companies no longer have copies left, or are charging extremely silly prices, in excess of £100! Copies are, as always, available on e-Bay, but you buy these at your own risk!


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For anyone new to the arena of vaping, the concept of scientists skewing their data to fit pre-conceived notions may sound suspicious, but for those who have been around for a while, researchers cooking the books is as common as the misleading studies they churn out against the industry.
Toxic E-Cigarette Study
An article released on the Daily Caller website earlier this week stated that a group of researchers may have cooked the books to make vapor exhaled from e-cigarettes appear more toxic than they actually are. The research in question, published in the Current Environmental Health Reports states that "secondhand exposure" to vapor is harmful because it contains particulate matter which can pose a risk to the respiratory system. Shortly after its release, the report was held up by anti-smoking advocates, doctors, and the American Vaping Association – all of whom claimed the findings were totally bogus.
For anyone reading the conclusion, the study stated:
Both the literature review and the observational study indicate that e-cigarettes used under real-conditions emit toxicants, including PM2.5. Further research is needed to characterize the chemicals emitted by different types of e-cigarettes and to assess secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol using biological markers.
In the short story results category we saw:
The review identified eight previous investigations on the composition of aerosols from e-cigarettes originated by human vaping and indicated that emissions from e-cigarettes can contain potential toxic compounds such as nicotine, carbonyls, metals, and organic volatile compounds, besides particulate matter. In the observational study, the PM2.5 median concentration was 9.88 μg/m3 in the e-cigarette user home and 9.53 and 9.36 μg/m3 in the smoke-free homes, with PM2.5peaks concurrent with the e-cigarette puffs.
As a reader, I can see with my own eyes that the particulates in the e-cigarette users home are slightly higher, but the difference between the "non smokers" houses are roughly the same as the difference between the higher testing house and that of the vaper. The problem with the study begins, not because of these results, but because of the omission of the fourth test from this first page of findings.
The observational study found that while the results for these three houses were pretty much the same, the fourth home, the one they omitted from the conclusion, had levels of PM 2.5 60 times greater than homes with or without vaping. The house that contained tobacco smoke was exponentially more dangerous, but they felt it unnecessary to bring that point to light. The results, when you actually dig into the report, showed that the home with vaping contained 9.88 micro-grams per cubic meter of air, the two homes with no vaping or smoking measured at 9.36 and 9.53 respectively and the house with tobacco smoke tested at 572.52 micro-grams per cubic meter of air.
The Scathing Response
Dr. Michael Siegel, Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, made his feelings toward the report abundantly clear on THE REST OF THE STORY:
"The truth is that exposure to the e-cigarette aerosol is no more 'toxic' than baseline exposure in a completely smoke free, vape free home. In other words, in terms of fine particulate matter exposure, secondhand vaping appears to represent no risk."
Dr. Siegel added:
"The actual finding of the study is that the air in homes where vaping is taking place is no more dangerous than that in homes with no smoking or vaping, at least in terms of fine particulate matter exposure.
However, instead of reporting this actual finding, the article concludes that exposure to exhaled e-cigarette aerosol is toxic because it contains fine particulate matter….
…But the average reader would not come to this actual conclusion because the paper hides it. It has the appearance that because the results didn't come out the way the authors wanted it to, they misreported the conclusion to conform with what was apparently their predetermined conclusions against e-cigarettes.
This is a fine example of severe bias by anti-tobacco researchers in the reporting of scientific results about e-cigarettes. Sadly, it is just one of many examples we have seen in recent years.
The rest of the story is that many anti-tobacco researchers, advocates, and groups have a strong bias against e-cigarettes, and this bias is being reflected in their misrepresentation of the evidence from scientific studies of these products.
Not only cant the public trust information they are hearing about e-cigarettes from anti-smoking and health groups, they cannot even trust the information being reported in the scientific literature itself!"
Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, a cardiologist and researcher at Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center in Athens, wrote in agreement with Dr. Siegel on ECIGARETTE-RESEARCH.ORG, stating:
"It seems that the conclusion is contrary to the findings of their small observational study. Indeed, the published figure which displays the PM2.5 concentration in homes clearly showed that the levels in the vaper's and the non-smoker's home are virtually indistinguishable, besides some very small peaks at the time of taking e-cigarette puffs. At the same time, levels of PM2.5 in the smoker's home were about 60 times higher…
…The Spanish study is a classical and obvious example of misinterpretation of study findings. Their conclusion should be that PM2.5 levels in a home of a vaper are hardly distinguishable from a home of a non-smoker, and significantly lower from the levels in a smoker's home. Moreover, they once again ignore that the composition of the PM is of vital importance in determining any risk. Particles of combustion products like emitted from tobacco cigarettes and associated with environmental pollution are very different to the micro-droplets of PG, VG, water and nicotine that compose the e-cigarette emissions."
Our Thoughts
If a research team has taken the time to do the study, we would think that in the interest of science, they would release the whole thing. Unfortunately, we live in a world were preconceived notions seem to trump scientific fact. It is a sad day when we have to be more interested in the vested interests of those who are paying for studies to be carried out, than the results that they yield. As it turns out, this report works out very much in favor of those who state that e-cigarettes are much less harmful than combustible tobacco, especially for those in a second-hand environment. Unfortunately, if you had just read the conclusion, you would never know.
As always, enjoy your vaporizer, and vape safe!


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© 2009 - 2017 Community Restore
For more information Contact
Mike Pickel
(512) 415-4590
Send Email
We stick to exterior work only, but if your house needs a fresh coat of paint, we have many eager teenagers that are willing to put on that new coat. With adult supervision, of course :)
From repairing that leak around a roof vent, to completely tearing off an old roof and replacing it with new felt and shingles. Roofing is one of the ways we serve our Community
Maybe it's that window that keeps leaking or that porch that is sagging, or it could be that siding that's rotted. If your house is in need of some exterior repair, Community Restore can help
Trimming trees, mowing lawns, pruning the hedges, and picking up debris. These are some of the things we do in our Community


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Kiez Hostel Berlin
The team of the Kiez Hostel Berlin welcomes you to Berlin and our hostel! Are you looking for a cozy atmosphere and a place to chill out in this terrific metropolis? You´ll find exactly this with us and much more.
We offer clean, orderly and secure rooms for our guests. For 'girls' we offer a 6 bed dorm and a separate bathroom.
In the double rooms we also offer the possibility of adding an extra person, please ask us for more information.
Linen and towels as well as the Citytax have to be paid separately at check-in. Other than this, we love having guests from all over the world and look forward to meeting you.
Kiez Hostel is very centrally located in Friedrichshain, Berlin's most visited district. We are only 5 minutes away from the world famous 'East Side Gallery', 3 minutes away from the infamous 'Berghain' club, and also very close to a number of restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres.
By public transport you can reach everything in Berlin very easily. For instance 'Museum Island', shopping malls, or even the city of Potsdam with its palaces (all in the UNESCO world heritage program) are all just a ride away by U or S-Bahn.
Availability & RatesTo view availability and prices please select dates and click 'Update Dates'
Hostel Facilities & Policies
- Adaptors
- Bicycle parking
- Book Exchange
- Breakfast Not Included
- Café
- Child Friendly
- Common Room
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Telephone/Fax Facilities
- Free City Maps
- Free City Tour
- Free WiFi
- Hair Dryers
- Hot Showers
- House Keeping
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Key Card Access
- Linen Not Included
- Security Lockers
- Luggage Storage
- Microwave
- No Curfew
- Non Smoking
- Reading Light
- Reception (limited hours)
- Safe Deposit Box
- Taxes not included
- Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
- Towels For Hire
- Towels Not Included
- Vending Machines
- Wheelchair Friendly
Cancellation PolicyThis property has a 2 day cancellation policy. Failure to cancel within this time will result in a cancellation charge equal to the first night of your stay.
Must-Read Hostel InfoThis property has specific Terms & Conditions.
Policies & Conditions:
We will collect the full amount from your credit card about 48 hours before your arrival.
If the credit card you have entered is not valid, e.g. due to insufficient funds, we will ask you by e-mail for new card details. If you do not provide this information within 12 hours, we will be entitled to cancel your reservation.
You can change or cancel your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before the arrival date (local time). If you do not cancel within this time, a cancellation fee of the first night or full stay will apply. Payments to third parties cannot be refunded by the hostel.
Please note:
The name on the booking must match the name on the credit card used. If both names do not match, we have the right to cancel your reservation.
Reception is open from 9 am to 11 pm.
Check-in is from 14:30 to 22:00.
If you arrive later than 22 o'clock, please let us know and after we have received your payment we will email you the details on how to get the key and find your room.
We accept cash as well as Visa, Mastercard and AmEx.
Kiez Hostel Berlin Team
City tax Berlin is the only tax which is not included in the given rates: 5.00 % per person per night
No deposit for key card/key - In case of loss we charge 45 euros for the key (charged to your card, or payable by cash)
3.00 EUR for linen and towel.
Child friendly.
No curfew.
No smoking allowed.
No kitchen facilities.
DirectionsShow MapHide Map
Take the S-Bahn S5, S7, S75 or underground U1 to 'Warschauer Straße'. Coming out of the station turn right, cross the street and go into the first street to the left side. Switch to the (next) street right: 'Marchlewskistraße'.
You´ll find us in No.88 (on the left hand). You can reach us from the train station 'Ostbahnhof' directly with Bus 347 ('Helsingforser Platz'). There go back into 'Marchlewskistraße'. Trams (M10/M13) are around the corner - taxis, too.
Located Near
Kiez Hostel is very centrally located in Friedrichshain, Berlin's most visited district. We are only 5 minutes away from the world famous 'East Side Gallery', 3 minutes away from the infamous 'Berghain' club, and also very close to a number of restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres.


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Welcome to Herefordshire, a county of unspoilt countryside, tranquil rivers, remote valleys and bustling market towns of distinctive character. This wealth of varied landscapes provide unlimited opportunities for a short break or longer stay.
Wilton Court sits high on the Wye, next to the historic bridge into Ross. A ten minute walk will take you into the heart of the town, home to small shops, cafe`s, galleries and antique emporiums, with the ancient market place at the centre of it all. But it is the landscape that is the real star around here and the valley in particular. Seven miles from Ross on Wye is the dramatic Symonds Yat rock towering above the river. Not only does it offer great views of the valley but is one of the best spots to view Peregrine falcons in the UK usually between April and August. The little village beneath it meanwhile is the best place to hire canoes and explore the Wye. The Wyedean Canoe and Aventure Centre (www.wyedean.co.uk Tel: 01594 833238) offer hire, tuition and a guide if required. The Wye Valley walk, all 136 miles of it might be a bit much for a gentle stroll, but there are plenty of shorter circular routes to follow, Cyclists will also think they have died and gone to heaven, with the stunning 30 mile Wye Valley ride offering the most perfect day on two wheels. A full map can be downloaded from www.herefordshire.gov.uk Bikes can also be hired from Pedalaway www.zen95973.zen.co.uk Tel 01989 770357 in Llangarron, 5 miles from Wilton Court.
A lovely 5 mile walk or cycle from Ross on Wye takes you to the pretty village of Goodrich, home of the romantic mediaeval ruins of Goodrich Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel 01600 890538. There are also five walks from 2 to 8 miles starting at Godrich over Coppet Hill incorporating farmland riveside, woodland, openhill and dramatic Wye gorge.
- Goodrich castle www.english-heritage.org.uk/goodrich Heritage centre with refreshments 01600 890 538
- Hereford Cathedral, Hereford www.herefordcathedral.org and Mappa Mundi and chained libary exhibition 01432 374202. Has its own tearoom
- www.mazes.co.uk The amazing Hedge Puzzle Symonds Yat also with Minature Golf and Wye Valley Buttterfly Zoo, Garden centre and refreshments available with picnic areas
- Brecon beacons and Black Mountains www.breconbeacons.org/
- Symonds Yat, Wye Valley www.symondsyateast.co.uk
- Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley www.castlewales.com/tintern.html
- Clearwell caves, Forest of Dean www.clearwellcaves.com 01594 832 535 Has shop and a tea room for refreshments and lunches
- Dean Forest Railway, Forest of dean www.deanforestrailway.co.uk
- Eastnor Castle, Ledbury www.eastnorcastle.com also Landrover Experience firstname.lastname@example.com www.malverns.landrover.com
- Hampton Court Gardens. Leominster www.hamptoncourt.org.uk 01568 797777 Has tea room and restaurant
- The three choirs Vineyad Newent Restaurant and shop. Wine tastings
- Broadfield Court Gardens and Vineyard, Bodenham www.broadfieldcourt.co.uk 01568 797483 . Cafe and gift shop. Wine tastings
- The Weir Garden Swainshill nr Hereford 01981 590509 www.national tuest.org.uk
- Hellens Manor, Much Marcle 01531 660 504 www.hellensmanor.com
- Berrington Hall National Trust Leominster 01568 615721 and Croft Castle and Parkland 01568 780141 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Both have tea rooms
- Hugest croft gardens, Kington www.hergest.co.uk
- Wye Valley Shipley Gardens and Tea room 01432 870 356 www.herefordshiregardens.co.uk Tea room gift shop
- Weston`s cider, Much Marcel www.westons-cider.co.uk 01531 660619. Has restaurant and tea room
- The national bird of prey centre, Newent www.nbpc.co.uk
- Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat www.butterflyzoo.co.uk
- The Cider Route www.ciderroute.co.uk
- Nagshead Nature Reserve, Lydney www.rspb.org.uk
- Wye Valley & Forest of Dean www.wyedeantourism.co.uk
- Pony Trekking, www.forest-trekking.co.uk
- Angling Dreams (Adam Fisher) www.anglingdreams.co.uk


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"Innovate or Die" has been on my mind a lot. In fact I'm writing a speech for Toastmasters based on that idea. So coming across this presentation is wonderful timing.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Big Ideas for Social Influence Marketing
Posted by [tony:frosty] at 5/26/2009 10:51:00 PM View Comments
Monday, May 25, 2009
How Do You Use the Social Web?
So how do you use the Social Web? Or maybe the better question is - do you really care? Meaning you don't worry about the details, you just use it.
There are lot of articles out there that are intent on telling us how to use Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. But to me the beauty of all this is, that we can use these platforms in any way we choose. Sure there are the intended purposes, but to me the purpose is like a recipe, and I never follow a recipe exactly. I love experimenting.
Here's the breakdown of sites I use and how I use them:
- Facebook - Real life friends only.
- LinkedIn - Work and friends.
- Twitter - I follow anyone that has something interesting (in my opinion) to say.
- Flickr - All photos.
- deviantART - Select photography and artwork.
- Posterous - Whims, those things that I want to capture quickly.
- FriendFeed - Overall aggregator.
So the great thing about the Social Web is that you have plenty of choices. The bad thing is that its tough to keep track and difficult to weave them all together in a usable, meaningful experience. But hopefully that will be coming soon.
The greatest thing about the Social Web is that these tools allow you to express yourself however you want. From the silly to the serious, from the passionate to the trivial. Don't worry about doing it "right", or about anyone's approval or about being popular. Just show the world what's on your mind and in your heart.
Posted by [tony:frosty] at 5/25/2009 10:12:00 PM View Comments
Labels: platforms, social media, social web, tools, usage
Evolution means Change Again
Continuing exploration of the social web means evolution. Constant changes. I have a presence over at Posterous, where I've been capturing whims. I've decided to use this presence for my musings and writings - anything that will take longer than 5 minutes. It will be cool if I could find a good place to do revive my "Song of the Day" ...
We'll see how it goes.
Posted by [tony:frosty] at 5/25/2009 09:45:00 PM View Comments
Labels: change, evolution, social web
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Honda Insight - Let It Shine
Now this is what happens when you let your imagination take control. The experience is amazing and subtle and really sneaks up on you.
Posted by [ tony : oeb : frosty ] at 5/03/2009 12:18:00 AM View Comments