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This is not about Saddam Hussein, and this is not even about regime change in Iraq or ...missiles or chemical weapons. It's about whether the United States is allowed to run world affairs ~ Pierre Lellouche, French Politician.
|The Anfal campaign, which began in 1986 and lasted until 1989, is said to have cost the lives of 182,000 civilians, according to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The campaign was headed by Ali Hasan al-Majid, a cousin of the Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. The campaign included the use of ground offensives, aerial bombing, systematic destruction of settlements, mass deportation, concentration camps, firing squads, and chemical warfare, which earned al-Majid the nickname of "Chemical Ali". (Source: Wikipedia).
In a second trial which began on Monday, August 21, Saddam Hussein and six co-defendants (all former members of Hussein's government) will face Iraq's High Tribunal. The charge is genocide of the Kurdish people.
I think it can be said with a certain amount of certainty that Saddam will eventually face the death penalty for his crimes. However, discussing Saddam's guilt is not the reason I chose to post on this topic. Assume, for the purposes of this discussion, that Saddam is guilty of ordering the use of chemical weapons against the Kurds. My concerns, are as follows: Who supplied Iraq with these chemical weapons, should they be held accountable - and to what extent?
Before I get to those questions, however, there are a few other points I'd like to raise. First of all, should we even care if Saddam gets a fair trial? Secondly, should we care if that trial is perceived as being fair by the Muslim community?
|Frontline (India's National Magazine): The appearance of Saddam Hussein in a United States-appointed and supervised court in Baghdad has once again highlighted the double standards adopted by the occupation forces in Iraq. As commentators have observed, the trial in Baghdad was very different from the historic Nuremberg trials of German leaders. Many in the Arab world viewed the entire drama as yet another illustration of "victor's justice" being meted out. (A Farcical Trial by John Cherian, 11/18/2005).
According to a 2004 article published by The Guardian, "the only way to guarantee an appearance of impartiality, and lend the proceedings a greater air of authority, would be for the trial to be handled by an independent, internationally staffed war crimes tribunal set up in accordance with international law".
|Global Policy Forum: Human Rights groups and legal experts agree that the Iraqi people must have the right to try their own persecutors, but question the competence and impartiality of Iraq's judicial system. The Regime Crimes Liaison Office (RCLO), run by the US Department of Justice, is actively involved in the court's investigations, the translation of materials and the training of Iraqi lawyers and judges.
Critics believe that by backing a trial in Iraq, Washington hopes that its past support for Saddam Hussein will not be revealed. Opponents of the court had hoped for an internationally organized tribunal with significant domestic participation, similar to the special court for Sierra Leone, to avoid the tribunal degenerating into "political show trial". An international tribunal would also have allowed Kuwait and Iran to take part in the trial (as they have requested) for crimes committed against these two countries. (Trying Saddam Hussein and Other Top Baath Leaders, The Global Policy Forum).
This mention of "past support" brings me back to my original question. Is it possible that the United States provided the chemical weapons used to murder the Kurds? As it turns out, the answer is YES. Not only did Washington provide chemical weapons to Iraq, but the "past support" referred to in the article above also included the approval of millions of dollars in loans and the shipment of US weaponry and technology to Iraq (in violation of the Arms Export Control Act) (Arming Iraq: A Chronology of U.S. Involvement.)
In particular, note the following sequence of events...
May 1985: The US Department of Commerce licenses 70 biological exports to Iraq between May of 1985 and 1989, including at least 21 batches of lethal strains of anthrax.
March 1988: Saddam Hussein launches a poison gas attack on the city of Halabja in which four to five thousand Kurdish people were killed, most of them women and children. In total, the Iraq regime will go on to use chemical weapons to kill over 100,000 Kurdish civilians and destroy over 1,200 Kurdish villages (Wikipedia: Al-Anfal Campaign).
April 1988: US Department of Commerce approves shipment of chemicals used in manufacture of mustard gas. (Arming Iraq: A Chronology of U.S. Involvement).
Notice that Washington approval for the sale of chemical weapons to Iraq continued AFTER the Anfal campaign for which Saddam is currently being tried. (If you want to know why Ronald Reagan decided to sell Saddam chemical weapons in the first place, see the article "Who Was Behind the Prolongment of the Iran-Iraq War?" listed below under "further reading").
I find it more than unlikely that US involvement (or more precisely, the Reagan and Bush Sr. Administration's involvement) will be mentioned during this trial. The Wikipedia entry I quoted above lays the blame for Iraq's acquisition of chemical on a multitude of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and China. It also states that "By far, the largest suppliers of precursors for chemical weapons production were in Singapore, the Netherlands, Egypt, India, and Federal Republic of Germany". This, however, does not negate the United State's involvement.
Support for Saddam Hussein's regime began under the Reagan Administration, and continued under the administration of George HW Bush...
|The Washington Post: [Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez D-TX, alleges] Senior Bush administration officials went to great lengths to continue supporting Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his unreliable regime long after it was prudent to do so. U.S. officials insisted in 1989, for instance, on playing down the importance of a scandal involving an Atlanta-based bank and more than $5 billion in unauthorized loans to Iraq, including $900 million guaranteed by the U.S. government. They even intervened in the case to prevent indictment of the Central Bank of Iraq while the Persian Gulf War was raging. Senior policymakers pressed for continued Export-Import Bank financing despite congressional sanctions - and kept sharing intelligence information with Baghdad until a few weeks before Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. (Excerpt from a 3/22/1992 Washington Post article, as quoted on the Global Policy forum).
In the wake of the gulf war when Congress began demanding more information about the prewar conduct of U.S. policy toward Iraq, administration officials tried to hide their embarrassment under a cloak of national security and created what Gonzalez has called a "cover-up mechanism" to keep investigators at bay.
According to interviews with knowledgeable officials, records made public by Gonzalez and documents obtained from other sources, it was soon apparent that Iraq was involved in a massive fraud to pump billions of dollars in illegal loans and credits out of BNL-Atlanta, far above the amounts reported to the Federal Reserve. Investigators said [more than half of this money] had helped fuel Iraq's military buildup.
U.S. Customs Service reports dated Sept. 21, 1989, and Oct. 20, 1989, pointed out that BNL was suspected of financing shipments of industrial machinery, military-type technology and various controlled chemicals to Iraq and providing loans "to various U.S. firms for the illegal export to Iraq of missile-related technology". (Excerpt from Gonzalez's Iraq Expose: Hill Chairman Details U.S. Prewar Courtship, by George Lardner Jr. Reprinted on the web by Global Security.org).
Prison Planet: What if Saddam Hussein were to have a genuinely fair trial? That is the central question of a hard-hitting documentary to be aired on French television Tuesday. Michel Despratx of France's Canal Plus television teamed with independent Canadian filmmaker Barry Lando to produce "The Trial of Saddam Hussein, the Trial You'll Never See".
The 43-minute film begins with frank and graphic highlights of Saddam's brutal reign. But it soon delves into a history of collusion going back to the cataclysmic Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when Washington, fully aware that Saddam was using mustard and nerve gas against Iranian civilians, calculated that it was better to keep backing him as the lesser of two evils.
One of the most notorious episodes of Saddam's rule was the gassing of 5,000 Kurds in northern Halabja, an atrocity which drew little international condemnation. "The West closed its eyes a little bit... Iraq was a strategic country for the balance of the region", adds Peter Galbraith, top adviser to the Senate foreign relations committee at the time. "Nobody wanted to upset Saddam Hussein, and if Kurds getting gassed was something that would cause troubles, neither the Reagan nor the Bush administration wanted to hear a word about it". (New documentary indicts US as co-defendant with Saddam. Article from Prison Planet, 10/25/2004).
Taking into consideration the enormous support given to Iraq by both the Reagan and Bush 41 administrations, my conclusion is that the trial of Saddam Hussein under US auspices is, in large part, a farce. The primary purpose of these trials will be to (1) Justify the junior bush's illegal invasion, and (2) keep quiet the United State's involvement in Saddam's crimes. As Haroon Siddiqui of the Toronto Star described it, "This is an American show trial, through and through".
|The Toronto Star: The problem with all this is not that Saddam may not get a fair trial, as the bleeding hearts fear. Or that the nincompoops running it will let him steal the show from the prosecutors. The real danger is that the propagandist phoniness seeping out of this exercise will undermine its validity. As a human rights activist told The Star's Middle East correspondent Mitch Potter, "the majority of Arabs will see this as nothing but a charade". (Saddam Trial Won't Hide Bush's Historic Mistakes by Haroon Siddiqui, The Toronto Star 10/23/2005. Reprinted on the web by Common Dreams).
My conclusion? How can we prevent this from happening again if the United State's role in selling Saddam chemical weapons is simply swept under the rug? Obviously those who supplied Saddam with weapons and technology knew he would use them to murder Iranians (even though the use of chemical weapons in war is prohibited by the Geneva protocol of 1925). And, as I already pointed out, the Reagan Administration continued to approve the sale of chemical weapons to Iraq even after he used them against the Kurds. How can we call this trial justice for the Kurds when our own government is actively attempting to cover-up its involvement in these crimes?
Further Reading
[1] Iraq: Flaws in the first trial before the Supreme Iraqi Criminal Tribunal should not be repeated. Amnesty International Public Statement. 8/18/2006.
[2] Who Was Behind the Prolongment of the Iran-Iraq War? Whose Justice Does Saddam's Trial Serve? By Behrooz Ghamari, Counter Punch. 10/23/2005.
[3] Downing Street: The Monster Saddam. The Heretik (blog). 6/22/2005.
[4] The Ties That Blind: How Reagan Armed Saddam with Chemical Weapons. By Norm Dixon, Counter Punch. 6/17/2004.
[5] Liberal Oasis Interviews Greg Palast. 3/1/2003.
Image: New Film Reveals the Shocking Depth of Collusion between Saddam and US Republicans: Copies of the "The Trial of Saddam Hussein, the Trial You'll Never See", a documentary by French filmaker Michel Despratx and Canadian filmmaker Barry Lando reveals the "history of US collusion [with Saddam] going back to the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when Washington, fully aware Saddam was using mustard and nerve gas against Iranian civilians, calculated it was better to keep backing him against Tehran. US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is shown shaking hands and joking with Saddam in 1983.
7/30/2014 Update: I changed the link above to the 11/18/2005 article "A Farcical Trial" by John Cherian. The reason is because "The article you are looking for is no longer available in this website". The new link connects to Hindu.com (the exact same article).


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SDLP Westminster candidate for Foyle, Mark Durkan, say he plans to continue his fight at Westminster for better pay and conditions for public sector workers in Derry hit by pay freezes and a higher pensions levy.
Mr Durkan, who has also shown his support for midwives and radiographers at Altnagelvin Hospital who went on strike for four hours last week, said:
"In the Chancellor's recent Budget (of late March) he offered nothing to people in key public services who have endured pay restraint after pay restraint, even as their workloads have increased. As payrolls have decreased and workloads have increased, the pressures on them have gone up and the rewards have gone down.
"With the exception of what they can find in the changes in the personal tax allowance, absolutely nothing – not relief or respite – was offered to them. Instead, they are being offered more of the cuts that will affect the circumstances in which they are working very hard to provide those services.
"Deterioration in pay standards combined with service stresses is having a negative impact on professional morale. Indeed, public sector workers have been on a pay freeze for a number of years now – which in real terms amounts to a pay cut."
Mr. Durkan continued: "Staff are being put under more and more pressure, with roles expanded, people not getting away from work on time, and many struggling to even take breaks. They are being pushed to the limit and services are suffering as a result.
"The projected ongoing flat pay freeze for hard pressed public servants – especially in health and care services – was one of my reasons for voting against the budget.
"I also co-sponsored a parliamentary motion condemning the government's decision to reject the Independent Pay Review Body's recommendation that all NHS staff – including in Derry and throughout the North – receive a one per cent cost of living pay increase.
"Similarly, in both a parliamentary motion and a debate in Westminster, I reflected the indignation at the 'vocation tax' increase in nurses and midwives' registration fees while being denied overdue pay increases.
"Importantly, nurses and midwives – who are already facing so many frustrations relating to their pay and conditions – are particularly aggrieved when hit with a 'vocation tax' for the privilege of continuing to work.
"Government Ministers are often the first to pay great tribute to hardworking nurses, midwives and key public service staff – but they must now listen to their worries and concerns.
"I will therefore continue my fight at Westminster for better pay and conditions for public sector workers in Derry who have been hit with longer pay freezes and a higher pensions levy as a direct result of the government's austerity measures.
"I will also take my seat in the House of Commons to press the government to address the fundamentally unfair and inequitable pay differentials which exist in the civil service."

subset: commoncrawl


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February 11 and 12, you can catch the Vulog team at MOVE…
2019 Women4Climate Conference
From R&D/product to project management, customer success and data science, women have enabled Vulog to grow from a start-up to a world tech champion and they are driving the change in the mobility industry. That's why on February 21st you'll find us at the 2019 Women4Climate Conference!
Women are crucial to shaping a healthier, more sustainable and inclusive future. The 3rd Annual Women4Climate Conference will bring together global mayors, business leaders, innovative change makers and the mentees from the Women4Climate initiative to showcase how women are taking the lead when it comes to climate action.


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Opendoor, a San Francisco startup that buys and sells homes, has raised $325 million in new funding led by General Atlantic, Access Technology Ventures, and home-builder Lennar.
Bottom line: Opendoor says that it's on track to purchase more than $2.5 billion worth of homes this year — up from a $1.3 billion run rate last October. But it doesn't disclose data on homes sold, and Opendoor's ability to profitably offload is viewed as a major risk factor.


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Captain's Log: Stardate 10529.9
To say that a lot has transpired in the last 24 hours would be an understatement of galactic proportions.
And no, I'm not talking about the new pope (although why he chose Benedict XVI is a mystery. I always thought the best way to follow John Paul II was with George Ringo II, but that's just me.)
Last night, I received the May 2005 issue of Offshore Magazine, which features, on page 92, the "Wednesday Night Warriors" of the EBYRA Wednesday Night Race Series. On the following page is a photo of the Enterprise crew around a table after a race, and on the page after that, a photo of the Enterprise and Wow prior to a race, and on the page after that, a few sentences where yours truly is quoted. There's also a few references to our so-called "uniforms."
And this morning, though still quite a ways off from being a "done deal," my offer was accepted on a 1990 C&C 37+ (40 feet) K/C as the next starship to carry the Enterprise name. So, if all goes according to plan (does it ever?), we'll be sailing the latter half of June and the rest of the season on the NCC-1701-B.
She's roomy, sleek and fast (I'm told by a YRA rep that her PHRF rating will be in the 90's with the current sail configuration.) Real fast. I'm expecting Warp 7 and Warp 8 to become regular occurrences – that is, once we learn how to sail her right. In the end, we'll be going more boldly than ever before.
In the meantime, we have to get the Enterprise-A ready for the first part of the season and ultimately for sale. The work party stands for a week from Saturday – April 30.


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Gray, Maine
Store Information:
The Gray, Maine Ride-Away location was established in 2003 as the fourth Ride-Away satellite location. By opening a location in Maine, Ride-Away was able to offer its customers another convenient location serving the communities of Augusta, Biddeford, and Portland.
The Gray, ME location has been the best vehicle modification company in the state of Maine since 2003. The employees in Gray have served as a true testament to the kind of customer service and values that Ride-Away has lived by since 1986, and it shows.
Awards and Recognition
Ride-Away's Maine location received the prestigious Ralph Braun Signature Award in 2013 for customer service from The Braun Corporation for having the highest CSI score in the region.
Stop by to experience what our customers have been raving about since 2003 – the best mobility products, wheelchair accessible vans, handicap vehicle conversions, and the best customer service in Maine!
32 Lewiston Road Unit 2B
Gray ME 04039
Store Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8 AM- 5 PM
Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
Sun: Closed
View our Gray location on Google Plus
Rate our services on Google >>


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Seaport Village, San Diego, California
849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101| Map |
Other Nearby Places to Visit
Seaport Village is large shopping, dining and entertainment area located right on the waterfront in San Diego Bay. For families visiting San Diego, the Village is a pleasant place to visit in order to view unique hand-crafted gifts and enjoy some seafood in the fresh air. There is a food court for casual dining, as well as several sit-down restaurants to choose from. Over four miles of cobblestone paths meander through the Village, which is beautifully landscaped with tropical trees, ponds and nautical décor. Stops along the waterfront walkway are perfect for picture-taking of passing ships and views of Coronado Island, as well as the USS Midway aircraft carrier. Seaport Village is easily accessed from downtown San Diego via West Harbor Drive (either driving or via public transportation.) There's even a pedestrian boardwalk that actually connects to the Convention Center, cruise ship terminals and major hotels. Seaport Village is a perfect place for families to relax, have a snack and enjoy the great San Diego weather.
Christy Titus and 3 other parents have been here
Ratings by kids' ages
- Tots (0-2)
- Little kids (3-5)
- Big kids (6-8)
- Tweens (9-12)
- Teens (13+)
Tips for Families
Tourist vendors are also on site, giving families the opportunity to purchase tickets for the next attraction on the list.
Address: 849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101| Map
Phone: 619-235-4014
URL: http://www.seaportvillage.com/
Hours: Year Round More Info
Price: Free More Info
Family Trips that include Seaport VillageView All
Recent User ReviewsView All
Peoria, Arizona
- Visited: June 2013
- Submitted: Sep 23, 2013
- Traveled with:
Big Kids (6-8) and Teens (13+)
Love going here and checking out all the shops.Flag review
Go here everytime we are in San Diego. Lots to look at and right next to the ocean.
Tips for Families
Plenty of fun things for kids.
Suggestions for nearby family-friendly accommodations
Suggestions for nearby family-friendly restaurants
My Kid's Review
Was this review helpful to you?Yes
Greendale, Wisconsin
- Visited: January 2013
- Submitted: Jan 28, 2013
- Traveled with:
Teens (13+)
My trip photosView All
A family friendly shopping experienceFlag review
If you like shopping when on vacation, this is the place to go. From a host of local souvenirs to clothing, coffee, and chocolate, the Seaport Village has it all. The prices are family friendly too, for both shopping and eating.
Tips for Families
Parking here is reasonable IF you watch your time. With any purchase, you get 2 hours of parking for only $1.00, but after that, it is another $1 for every 15 minutes. Shop owners will tell you it pays to take a trip to your car (if you want to shop and eat longer as we did), and drive out and then drive right back in!
Suggestions for nearby family-friendly accommodations
Suggestions for nearby family-friendly restaurants
My Kid's Review
Was this review helpful to you?Yes


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Browsing Tag
How to clear Chernarus of all the junk Rocket put on it…
… with 1 line of code! Yes that's right, you can do it with 1 line, but lets make it 3 so it looks good.
ArmA2 DayZ Repair Vehicle Fix (inc Leaking Hueys)
I've recently done quite a bit of modding of DayZ which is a mod of ArmA2 in itself (modeception?). Me and my friend Sy added
ArmA 2 DayZ Private Server Admin Tools Chernarus
These are the same tools I used for Lingor Island now adapted for Chernarus map. Installation The same as with Lingor Island. Admin Tools Files


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Walker Stapleton unmasks PERA delusion
Walker Stapleton is the first major public official to buck the company line and tell the truth about Colorado's public pensions – the truth being that the legislature did not entirely solve the long-term funding problem for the Public Employees' Retirement Association when it passed a major reform last year.
As the Republican state treasurer pointed out in a column in Sunday's Denver Post, whatever the virtues of last year's reforms, PERA is still tied to an implausible forecast of 8 percent annual growth over the next 10 years – and that "in the real world, you won't find one private contract that will guarantee investors an 8 percent or even 7 percent rate of return."
Unfortunately, sponsors of Senate Bill 1 last year were so intent on promoting their handiwork, which was blessed by the PERA board, that Democrats and Republicans alike repeatedly congratulated themselves on how they'd solved PERA's funding problems.
But as Stapleton, who sits on the board, insists, that judgment is premature. And it's a grave disservice to taxpayers and PERA members alike for officials to insist that 8 percent is a sober forecast.
No doubt some PERA members were shocked to read Stapleton's remarks, since lawmakers from across the political spectrum have been congratulating themselves since last year for coming together on a bipartisan basis to put PERA on the road to solvency. Stapleton disrupted their cheerful mantra.
Too bad he wasn't in office last year at this time.


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20th anniversary Artige
In April 1997 Ton Hollander started a new company called African Trade Doetinchem. He started as a wholesaler who sold the beautiful greeting cards and reproductions of Prime Arts Ltd as a first collection. This collection consisted mainly of images of African nature and wildlife. Later on African Trade became Artige and this year we celebrate our 20th anniversary. We have become a company that proudly publishes more and more of its own greeting cards collections. Today we sell over 30 collections in The Netherlands and in Belgium, and we have almost 10 collections available for export. Twenty-five people are working for our beloved company.


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There aren't many dates that need no introduction, no context, no words. Some are worth celebrating: July 4, 1776, for example.
Or July 20, 1969.
Other dates are painful to reflect upon and worse still to remember, for those who endured them.
Dec. 7, 1941.
Sept. 11, 2001.
Nov. 22, 1963.
We've asked readers for their memories of that day 50 years ago. Please share yours below or on social media.
Naturally, our conversation segued into another, as conversations do.
Then there was this highlight of a day.
Did you know all of these dates without having to
Feel free to chime in yourself with a date or a memory. Thanks everyone.


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Cycling can be a life-changing experience for a great number of reasons. A chance meeting, the discovery of a new place, an introduction to a new way of life.
We recently asked Cycling Weekly readers whether a bike ride had ever changed their life. Here are a selection of answers, brought to you in association with Decathlon.
Has a bike ride ever changed your life? Let us know in the comments section below
I booked on a ride one evening about this time last year with my local Breeze group. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with very early breast cancer. The riding and the friendly companions kept me going through surgery and radiotherapy. Now treatment done, fitter, happier and a bit skinter after buying a carbon road bike. These ladies are inspirational and I'm not sure I would have come through it all without them.
Sally Fulker
London to Brighton 2008; I signed up despite having not ridden a bike since I was a kid and not even owning one. Caught the cycling bug, joined a club, did a few 100s, started time trialling, met my partner on the CW forum, moved to Scotland, had a couple of kids together and set up a bike shop together; Kirkcowan Cycles. If it wasn't for L2B none of this would have happened!
Sarah-Jane Coleby
A few years ago whilst taking part in an off-road challenge a chap that I had just met and was riding with complained of not feeling well. We stopped and he collapsed. At the same time two guys were riding past and stopped to see if help was needed. The poor chap stopped breathing and we had to set to with CPR.
Long story short, the guy had a ruptured artery with a one in 10 chance of survival. Thanks to all involved, the chap survived and every year since we meet up and ride together.
Ian Humphries
Watching the Milk Race pass my school when I was 10. Not my bike ride but someone else's inspired me to want to ride and race.
Susan Hoare
On March 20 this year, after a 50 miler with the local road club, I got home feeling out of sorts. I texted my friend who I had just ridden with. When he tried to call me, all he got was me gurgling. I'd had a heart attack that was rapidly followed by cardiac arrest.
My friend found me on my lounge floor and immediately started CPR. After 40 minutes of CPR and seven defibs, I had just enough output to get me to hospital where I was put in a coma, where I remained for six days. Doctors gave me a 10 per cent chance of survival, and even if I did pull through I'd be severely brain damaged.
The next day I woke up. It's been a long battle, but despite having permanent damage to my heart, and being diagnosed with heart disease, beyond all odds I'm back on the bike again. Despite everything my love of cycling continues and my heartfelt(!) thanks go out to my friend who saved my life! Love life, you never know what's around the corner. That ride changed my life forever.
Stuart Mottershaw
Did Manchester to Blackpool last summer because someone told me it was 'flat'. Hated it and haven't ridden a bike since.
Josie Mills
Well it's changed my bank balance a fair amount, if that counts!
Isaac Hulse
Two years and four months ago l weighed 115 kilos. Through inspirational friends l got on an old mountain bike and cycled 7.7km in 43 minutes. This weekend, weighing 85 kilos, l climbed Port de Tudons before Chris Froome did in La Vuelta on an old Gios road bike. And today l did a 55km time trial in an ave speed of 34.4kph. I am 49 years old and that ride changed my life.
Andy Rayner
A bike ride that changed your life? Either you had a serious accident or a very very sad life beforehand. Can't wait for the next feature 'Where did you have your first Costa Coffee?'
Rob Wilson
Numerous & continual bike rides changed my life…..My wife decided to leave me. On the plus side, I now have a permanent bike/turbo set-up in the spare room.
Dave Pargeter
If ending up in Birkenhead at 8am on a Sunday after two wrong turns, 35 miles in and being the one stared at for being in Lycra whilst the patrons were in dressing gowns and rollers, then yes. Cycling leaves many good spots in my mind.
Gino De Blasio
Riding to Brussels in memory of my younger sister who died that year of kidney cancer, my wife realised she was pregnant. She hid it from me till we got to Bruges, as she knew I'd make her get off her bike and into our support van.
Robin Rance
First time I cycled 20 miles in 1:30:00 I wanted to better my time and cycle further. So I kept pushing my self and now have that time down to 1:05:00… I feel fit, healthy and a lot more happier since I started cycling that distance.
Danny Lee Lennon


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La Glass Vallée and Luxe pack Monaco : a successful marriage
Very satisfactory balance sheet for this first booth of La Glass Vallée in Luxe Pack Monaco 2009, from 21st to 23rd October. Both companies which had decided to exhibit on the booth, Val Laquage and Waltersperger, draw up a positive balance sheet of this presence noticed and appreciated by numerous visitors.
If Wednesday was relatively quiet, Thursday and Friday were marked by uninterrupted contacts and even firm orders. A lot of business managers of the valley came and had exchanges on the booth where there was a good user-friendliness. Other companies where present too : SGD, Verrerie Pochet et du Courval, les Verreries Brosse, Saverglass, MMB et Pulvorex, no doubt that La Glass Vallée held a first role in this luxe packaging meeting that should not be missed.
After more than a particularly difficult year, it was more than ever the moment to show that La Glass Vallée's companies still lead in innovation and intend to keep its worldwide leadership.
Voir quelques photos des stands


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Swan Lake Campground located across the highway from Swan Lake has 35 campsites and encompasses an area of 2 acres at an elevation of 2,500 feet. The area is wooded with birch and fir trees and the Swan Mountain Range borders to the east. Water and restrooms with handicapped facilities are located along paved loops. Access to the Swan Lake Day Use Area is included in the nightly fee. The Swan Lake Campground is also a great place for bicyclists to stop and spend the night. The campground features bike lanes and a first-come first-serve fully featured campsite for bicyclists. A boat launch is also conveniently located there. Fishing, swimming, and boating are popular activities at the lake.
There are also scenic trails for hiking. Pets are welcome on a leash. Groceries, a cafe, laundry facilities and showers are within one mile of the site. The maximum recommended trailer length for the area is 50 feet.
Please limit stay to 14 days. A fee is required for the use of this campground. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov.


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What is the bioinformatics analysis service?
This service provides data analysis support for all high throughput genomic platforms, including RNA Seq, Whole Genome Seq, and Whole Exome Seq. We can also provide guidance with large consortia data such as from TCGA, 1000 genomes and ENCODE.
Who is the contact person?
For analysis requests and questions, please email Uma Chandran at firstname.lastname@example.com or call at 412-648-9326.
Do you work with the Cancer Genomics Facility (CGF) or the Genomics Research Core (GRC)?
We work very closely with the CGF, which is a UPMC Hillman Cancer Center shared resource. GRC is an independent facility on the Oakland campus. Our facility supports primarily cancer studies.
Will you work with non-Hillman investigators?
The CBS supports cancer studies. A second core, the Genomics Analysis Core (GAC) supports non-cancer studies. Please contact Uma Chandran for your non-cancer data analysis needs.
Can you help us download and store TCGA data?
Local infrastructure for regulatory compliant storage and analysis of TCGA data is provided through the Pittsburgh Genome Resource Repository (PGRR). Please see the PGRR website for details or contact Uma Chandran for assistance.
Do you provide computing and storage for Next Gen Sequencing (NGS) analysis?
We do not provide storage media for NGS data. It is up to each investigator to purchase hard drives and store their data. However, DBMI has contracted with the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center for storage and analysis of data from projects in which the CBS is involved.


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Tag: Coccinellidae
Coccinellidae day
The Latin word coccineus means "scarlet" and the Coccinellidae are a family of small beetles, sometimes scarlet in colour with black spots on their wings. The insect became known as "Our Lady's bird" because Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted in early Christian paintings wearing a scarlet cloak, and the spots of the seven-spot ladybird were said to symbolize her seven joys and seven sorrows. Incidentally, the German name Marienkäfer translates as Mary beetle.
Note: Today, 1 February, is the feast day of St. Brigid ("Mary of the Gaels"), the prolific patron saint of babies, blacksmiths, boatmen, cattle farmers, children whose mothers are mistreated by the children's fathers, dairymaids, fugitives, Leinster, mariners, midwives, nuns, poets, the poor, poultry farmers, printing presses, sailors, scholars and travellers.Tweet


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Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson wrote a book, titled Mercury Rapids. It is a science fiction adventure, heavily influenced by UFO lore. Two sequels followed, The Thoth Imperative and The Mountains Of Tomorrow. MERCURY RAPIDS is a science-fiction trilogy. Steve's website also features articles on UFOs, the paranormal and conspiracies, as well as TV, book and film reviews and original screenplays.
After attending the Great British UFO Show in Leeds in 2005, which was organised by former UFO Magazine editor, Russell Callaghan, Steve wrote a review for his website. Russell contacted Steve and asked if he would like to join the team for a new print magazine called UFO DATA Magazine.
The magazine ran for fourteen issues until closing in 2008. Mr Johnson contributed many articles for UFO DATA and also worked alongside Russell, Philip Mantle and Michael Buckley in producing the magazine.
Philip Mantle later contacted Steve and asked if he could write for a new print magazine called UFO Matrix. Steve wrote a new column for the first few issues, but personal matters forced him to step away.
No longer writing or actively participating in the UFO field, Steve still has an interest in the subject and his articles can still be found on his website www.mercuryrapids.co.uk
All books were published by iUniverse and are available on line.


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Russian President Vladimir Putin is not a fan of the internet. Not long ago he described the worldwide web as a "CIA project" that Russia must be protected from. Meanwhile his government agencies are frenetically scouring Google, flagging and bidding to block more content than the rest of the world combined.
Russian state bodies sent the U.S. search engine over 13,200 requests to remove content between the last day of 2015 and the first day of 2017, according to Google's new transparency report. The largest surge in Russian state requests came in the latter half of 2016. The majority of the removals – nearly 12,000 – took issue with content on YouTube.
In roughly the same time period, the rest of the world's state-owned and government-run bodies, including the U.S., China and India, submitted just over 9,000 total requests for content removal from Google.
Unlike Russia, the world at large seems to find much less to complain about on YouTube, as government calls to take down content from the site make up less than 16 percent of global figures. So what is it that Russia finds so unpalatable about the video-sharing site?
Defamation online has consistently ranked as the top concern for governments around the world over the last few years, with privacy and security concerns another priority. Nudity or obscene content peaked as a top global concern in 2013, since tailing off.
Russia's top concern with Google content, however, is "national security". Over the last year, 85 percent of Russia's removal requests fell under national security concerns. Content criticizing the government was the Russian government's second biggest reason to flag videos, pictures, text and other files on Google services, accounting for five percent of Russia's removal requests.
So great was Russia's worry about online security risks last year that its thousands of removal requests on security grounds made national security the undisputed leading cause for flagged content in late 2016 with nearly 10,000 requests arriving at Google between June 2016 and January 2017 alone.
Extremists have repeatedly threatened attacks on Russia in videos online, with at least one plot resulting in the death of 15 innocent commuters on the St Petersburg metro in April. YouTube and other Google services are also regularly used by Putin critics to gather supporters, whose activities have also been regarded as a security risk by state officials.
Google's new statistics come with a caveat. While Russia's desire to remove Google content is clearly greater than that of the U.S. and the West at large, it has stopped short of completely pulling the plug on Google services. That is not true of a handful of countries that have rarely complained about digital content, according to the Google report.
China's low number of removal requests, for example, is likely linked to the fact Google services are virtually inaccessible legally in China due to large scale government censorship.
The Russian government has considered a number of methods to tighten its own grip on the internet, with one recent law threatening international sites with blackouts if they do not store servers with Russians' data on Russian soil.
"In particular, the authorities appear to want to control creation and spread on content aimed at achieving radicalization, separatism or civil unrest," Alexander Kokcharov, Russia analyst at IHS Jane's Markit says. "In order to achieve tighter control, the Russian authorities use a number of tools – from technical (such as blocking websites and providers) to regulatory. The regulatory restrictions for the internet sector have been tightened dramatically in the previous several years."
"It is likely that Russia would continue to use a combination of methods to improve efficiency of its strategy aimed at achieving much tighter control of information flow on the internet," he says. "The urgency for this will likely increase ahead of the 2018 presidential elections, which have a potential to trigger increased frequency of political protests in Moscow and other cities across Russia."
This summer, Russian authorities recently threatened encrypted messenger Telegram with a ban if it did not comply with the law and Russian lawmakers are currently in the process of banning the use of digital tools that disguise a user's IP address.
Russian online porn fans also found a reason to be wrathful earlier this month when PornHub created a mandatory login with users' social media accounts to avoid another ban by state watchdogs.
Source: http://www.newsweek.com/what-russia-does-not-want-you-see-kremlin-tops-list-flagging-google-content-640114


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Mindfulness at work case studies
- Three in depth mindful leadership case studies can be found in Mindful leadership for dummies.
- Case studies of mindfulness in the workplace including RWE npowe, Tata Steel, Surrey and Sussex Police, Google, Transport for London, Bosch and Beirsdorf, Tees, Esk and Wear NHS Foundation Trust can be found in Mindful Nation UK, A report from the mindfulness all party parliamentary group
- Mindful work by David Gelles contains a number of organisational case studies including General Mills, Ford Motor Company, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Monsanto, US military.
- Mindfulness in the Workplace: An Evidence-based Approach to Improving Wellbeing and Maximizing Performance
by Margaret A. Chapman-Clarke contains some good indepth examples of
the implementation of mindfulness within different sectors, written by
practitioners, with an HR readership in mind. Case studies include Starcom Media Vest, Capitol One, Leeds University, NHS
- Mindfulness in Organizations: Foundations, Research, and Applications (Cambridge Companions to Management) Edited by Jochen Reb and Paul W. B. Atkins contains in depth case studies


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Bob Ross the Joy of Painting: Summer Collection
- Format: DVD
- Rated: NR
- Release Date: 3/17/2015
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It's your own private class with the legendary Bob Ross, host of TV's favorite art show The Joy of Painting! Bob Ross' Four Seasons: Summer is an astounding three DVD set running for six and a half hours that brings you lazy days and lots of warm sunshine, plus much more - everything you love most about Bob Ross' landscape painting techniques in this special collection. Across 13 detailed segments, Bob patiently teaches you his world famous Wet-on-Wet Painting Technique for painting your very own refreshing summer scenes.


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Ice Makers
Here are the most common malfunctions reported by icemaker users, their causes and tips for what you should do if the icemaker doesn't work.
First of all, clogging is a very common problem with icemakers, so if you've noticed that the appliance stopped working, you should try replacing the old water filter with a new one. Also, make sure the switch is turned on, because it is not uncommon for people to turn them off by accident.
Secondly, some icemaker malfunctions are caused by improper temperatures. A minimum of ten degrees F is necessary for the appliance to work properly. If the temperature gets any hire, this could indicate a problem with the cooling fan or the condenser coil. Another common cause, that can be found especially in older generation icemakers, are obsolete ice level control boards. In normal conditions, they stop the ice-maker from producing ice once it has reached the maximum level and turns it on again when needed. If the sensor of the control board malfunctions, the appliance will not make ice, even if the other components are functional.
The water inlet valve is an essential icemaker component. Older designs usually have a two-coil valve, which, when defective, stops the freezing process completely. Check whether the valve is disconnected or affected by debris and if you do not notice these problems, it means that it should be replaced.
Water pressure is another reason why your ice-maker no longer works. For best results, it's recommended to have an optimal pressure of 20 psi for the water to freeze and if the pressure gets too low, this could indicate a mechanical problem. Also, there are many cases when the components of the ice-maker are fully functional, but the appliance doesn't deliver excellent performance because it is kept in the wrong conditions. Make sure you store and use the appliance in accordance to the official user manual. If you want to check whether all the icemaker components are working or not, don't forget to you disconnect the appliance from the power source. If you notice a malfunction of any kind, contact AAA Appliance Service And Repair at 404-867-5481 to schedule service appointment.


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8:10 I drop my daughter off a daycare and we give our kisses and good bye waves. I shut the door and look through the peep hole to watch her for just a minute so I can take in the happiness of seeing how she is not only 21 months now but socializing and making friends. I watch as her little friend Taylor brings her a toy and Sophie's excitement and joy is all over her face as she giggles and jabbers. I turn to leave for work but yet a part of me wants to stay because seeing your child interact with others is not only adorable but hilarious at the same time and always brings a smile to my face.
8:30 I am walking into work with a smile and saying my "good mornings" just as I always do like nothing is wrong and I have the confidence to hold my head up and have it all together. Hair is straightened and perfectly parted with sunglasses hidden as an accessory in my dark hair while my necklace and earrings shine with the light of the windows glaring against them. I have been told many times that I come across intimidating with how well I have it together and how others think I have it all together with not a care in the world and still being a single mother. Little do they know that I have to pray sometimes every few minutes to God to give me peace and emotional comfort. They don't believe me when I tell them anyways.
8:45 I get my first call. I have been fighting with insurance and begging to get better assistance to not only pay my existing medical bills for my daughter but to get them to pay for evaluations and therapy due to her loss in hearing in her left ear due to an infection during her ear tube surgery when she was a baby. I only want the best and she is not behind at the moment since I work with her but I need help to continue this. Last week we had more hearing tests at Children's and she had a Speech Therapy evaluation as well as a Behavior Observation as well. I will let you add all of that up since it is all out of pocket right now due to not being in network, insurance not paying for certain preventative measures under 3 years of age, and it is only March and I haven't come close to the enormous out of pocket I have to pay before my insurance will pay their generous 70% as long as they approve of the appointments AFTER the medical office files it. With all that being said, my first call was an interview to try and get another private insurance and my income immediately disqualifies me. I told the lady that I do not bring home this income because so much is taken out for insurance, social security, taxes, retirement, etc. Plus, due to the fact that I was already receiving insurance that hurt me as well. So let me just sum this all up so there is no confusion: I have insurance but they will not cover specific things for therapies especially when a child is under 3 years old even with doctors letters and me begging. These days when you schedule anything you have to pay upfront in a lot of offices if you do not have Medicaid or an alternate Government insurance. Also, even though my insurance states to the medical office that they will not cover the hearing assessments regardless of being recommended by the treating physician the offices also do not allow me to pay using a sliding scale (which is at a discount price) since I do hold an insurance card because the sliding scale is strictly there for the ones who do not have any insurance what-so-ever. I can't use my insurance since they do not pay and I can't pay at a discount because of the card I hold in my hand so I am obligated to pay that full 329.00 for that one observation and if I do not pay that full amount right then and there then I have to sign a contract stating I will make payments or have to pay it in full within 45 days or they reserve the right to turn me over to collections. Maybe I am thinking too literally but is that not messed up? I know some would say.. go ahead! Send to collections, let them pile up!! But that explanation comes later. This call was just another rejection I had to take but the rejection to get your child help is like a fist punch in your stomach. You can't breathe and you can't understand. I brushed it off and the lady said she would kindly mail me my rejection letter.
9:10 I am breathing hard to prevent tears and trying to get a report written and emails out before I had to leave for my next meeting. I down my coffee and try to think of anything and everything positive and focus only on work and also get 2 hours worth of work done in 50 minutes.
10:00 I leave the office to be able to make the next appointment in town which is at the bank. Why? Well that is why I am so careful to pay everything off and be on top of everything is because I have cleaned up my credit report to show no outstanding debts or medical bills or even anything of Sophie's surgeries at all. I have my car and a few credit cards and they thought for sure that it was time to apply to get a house. This has been my dream. I have the income, the cleaned credit and just need the "yes" from the bank. Especially with knowing that I will need to do most of Sophie's therapy's and coping counseling at the house it has been important for me to get this going to help me be able to do this whether I did it myself or paid someone to come in twice a month atleast to work with her and show me what to do. My heart was filled with Joy to know that something might work out and if anything we can get out of our apartment and into a place that has a yard and even though it is just me and her I still consider that family and who doesn't want a home for their family? I walk in with my lady from the housing association who has worked with me for close to a year now to get old stuff cleared off and things paid off and she was just as excited hoping this was the day. Application was pulled, nothing outstanding, Debt to income was less that 14%, nothing late, several things closed, but there was a problem. My score had plummeted! Doing the right thing had bit me so hard in the butt that not only was I rejected they wanted me to get a loan or make more payments on something!! I could not understand what I was hearing! How is it that I am trying to do the right thing, Single Mom, Full time career mom on top of it all and there is a balance that is always missing. I just stared at the lady because I had nothing to say. I was frozen and I couldn't cry or talk or even make sense of it all. All I remember is her saying give it about 6 months and it will either get higher or lower pending if you can add some things to pay on. Then she just smiled. She just smiled like this was nothing and a quick fix and she didn't have to fill out any paperwork and could get back to her own life. She smiled like she had no idea that this was just so small to her but so big to me. The fact that she smiled with no compassion and had no idea what was going through my head every day broke me. Her hands were tied and she was sorry and she smiled and said have a nice day. Like I was supposed to have a nice day? I couldn't talk to the housing lady as we walked out and just told her to email me because I needed to collect my thoughts.
11:20 I am driving back to the office but swing through to drop off the water bill. I make it back to the office and park and feel the sun on my body and the warmth is like a comfort I needed like a hug almost. I sat there for a minute thinking I can't believe I made it here because I barely remembered driving because of being in shock. I get out and walk in and smile of course at the ones I know and see. I could tell some thought I took an early lunch. I made it to my office and just logged on like normal and got ready for my 11:30 call regarding work.
12:05 My friend messages me asking how it went with insurance and the house. I just messaged that it was a no on both. My mother had text me as well asking the same thing and I told her it was a no on both. My friend and my mom reply asking "Your kidding, Now what are you going to do?" That is when it hit. What am I going to do? My mind is racing! I have a test to take tomorrow over statistics that I have to keep studying for, I have a website to finish creating for my IT Portfolio for school, I have to re-write several queries to get a report working properly again, I have to call my school mentor to make sure I am on target for finishing my classes by the end of the month, I have a call with my daughter's Speech Therapist at 5:30 to discuss further treatments and payments, a friend who needs me to do her taxes before the weekend is up, I can't get help in any way for my daughter without a huge bank account, I can't qualify for a house because I was doing the right thing and paying my bills and cleaning everything I could up! I am doing the RIGHT THING so why me?!? Why!? I don't understand! Years of pain and hard work are just not making sense! Fighting for my daughter just doesn't make sense when I see so many who do not even want to fight or speak up! Why do some people get things handed to them and my life is just not like that!?
12:20 I grabbed my purse and walked calmly to the bathroom to make sure nobody was in there and just cried so hard that not only were my tears big and blinding but I threw up and started dry-heaving. It was just so uncontrollable. The pain of loving my daughter so much is killing me because I want to provide and do so much for her and I want her to have the best and every corner I turn to brings tears to my eyes. So when someone asks what am I going to do, I really just do not know what I am going to do. I know I will continue on and keep doing the best but when do you know when to stop fighting and if you have lost the battle? I want to go home and lay on the couch and cry and sleep until the happy ending decides to happen but I know that will not happen in one day. I finally dry my eyes and face and make sure there are no footsteps so I can wash my face and reapply makeup and eye drops as if nothing happened. Luckily it works. I walk out and continue to listen to lunch stories and smile and say me and Sophie are great and head back into my office. If they only knew what I had been through just today, but then again they might not understand either.
2:00 Comes and goes. 2 days a week I try to go and work with Sophie at her daycare on talking and enunciating and anything else to try and advance her as much as possible. I do not know what the future holds so I want to help her in all that I can to try and advance her in case she does lose hearing or gains it all back and it is a new world for her. Some people do not realize that coping is big. The days when she hears great things are loud and muffled and it is almost like she has a seizure but it is just that she has to separate herself from the noise since it is so new. She stays in a corner with books for a while and that is how she copes. On the days where she has a cold it is like she is hearing underwater because her ears will fill up with fluid and she is mostly loud speaking these days and plays in her own world these days. A lot of kids go through this but there is something about how my daughter wants to learn that makes me want to help her succeed higher than what is "state labeled" for her to succeed. I think only a mother can understand who has had a similar situation. She is so healthy that it kills me to know anything is even wrong and like most I would love to stay in denial. I called to remind the daycare I would be there tomorrow to work with her since my morning has put me behind. I don't advertise this since it brings about questions and when people see and hear my daughter they do not understand what even goes on behind her eyes. They see a beautiful toddler talking, jabbering, listening, focusing, playing, etc. Your children don't wake up knowing all of that though.
3:30 This is when I normally make it back to the office after working with Sophie. It is amazing that she is 21 months and can spell her name and talk and draw and know animals and shapes and colors and you would never think she suffered any hearing damage. Why do I push for help? Because she is getting older and I need help and proper assessments to make sure she is getting better and not worse. A few weeks hindered by hearing loss or anything can put a child behind or change them in many ways. I don't want my happy bubbly intelligent daughter changed or know there is anything wrong which is why I will push to help her in all ways. Why would any parent sit back and let their speech be hindered with any possible hearing loss and let time tell them how the ending plays out? It is definitely cheaper and a lot less effort but I couldn't and can't do that. But right now I am just recovering from my earlier episodes and finishing up work so that I can try and get her early.
4:45 I pack up the laptop from the office since I work most evenings and get out of here. Smiling and telling everyone I will see them tomorrow. I get to the car and feel the sun and I feel tears coming again but suck it up so nobody at daycare can see. When I get there and hear the words "Mommy" I am full-filled but yet I could just bawl because I missed her so much. I look in her eyes and she has no idea that I was told she couldn't have additional insurance, that my insurance denied our claim request, that we will not be getting a home right now and have no idea when that will happen. All she knows is mommy is here and we get to go home. She doesn't understand being so young but yet she can understand when mommy is sad so I try not to do anything but squeeze her and smile.
5:15 Everything is unloaded and I get her some milk and we read book while I usually ponder on dinner. This is a usual routine every day. She loves books and could swim in them if she could and if we had enough that is for sure. I have to say that is something that I love about her. She loves puzzles, books, and drawing. So that is how we spend our times.
5:30 I am either making dinner or reheating from last night since it is just us 2. She is always fussy at this time because she is hungry and tired and wants me to hold her all at the same time. Which I can't but we work it out.
6:30 Dinner has come and gone and Sophie usually gets some fruit or a smoothie at this time and I can tell if it will be an early bed time or if we will be able to work on words. We work on words and flashcards and she sounds just like a little adult. I keep a journal so I know how we progress and I think that is the best thing any parent can do for any child under 5 who is learning. It is amazing what a child can learn and pick up on. Her signing, her words, her communication and social skills and her personality are all definitions of her. I just take it in every night and see how things change so much each day. When I take time to think about the blessings then I forget about my day and when it comes to her I have learned that I have to do that or I am not living and I am just surviving.
7:15 I fill the bath up for her favorite time of night and with her favorite toys. I go in the bathroom and see how the curtain is not staying up, how the vinyl on the floor just continues to peel and how the shower door will never look clean no matter how much I scrub it. Then my sad day hit hard again and tears start to come and I slowly sit in the floor as the bath runs and as I hear her coming I put my head on my knees so I can wipe my face. She runs in their screaming "Bubbles Ahhh, Tank you, Tank you!" She saw a bath of bubbles and me in there to play and the excitement was all over her face! I snap back to reality and play and bury my emotions like they don't exist for that moment and seeing her smile is a therapy all in its own. I put cotton in her ears to protect and keep water out so she can splash and just watch as she pretends she is having tea and cleaning the cup. She is so happy that I never want to take that away. I have noticed that when I read back in my prayer journal that I state that often because she is truly happy and I want her to always be that way.
7:30 My baby is all clean and soft. I make her homemade milk formula as she watches me and then add some lavender oil to a wet towel and rub her little feet. This is the time where I just spend it with her doing whatever. Sometimes we read until 9:00, maybe we play until she is ready to go to bed, but I let her mostly decide unless there is a pressing reason that I need to get to work or she is super fussy and tired. Tonight she wanted to read and rock and watch a Peter Rabbit Episode. Holding her makes my heart full and I catch a happy tear because I don't want that moment to pass. To me she is getting to big but I have to realize she is just a baby in my arms and to enjoy the moment and not wish for the new days and not miss the old days. Living in the moment is definitely challenging when you have a mind that wants to fix everything and question your life and your daily thoughts at every moment.
8:00 (pm) She is double blinking and holding her milk and just tuned towards me to hide her face. This is when she is ready for bed but lately she enjoys me holding her and rocking her until she is fully asleep rather than being laid down first. I have learned to throw the books away that say to stick to a bedtime and to put them to bed and let them fall asleep on their own. Why throw them away? It is good advice in the beginning but I want my child to feel the closeness and I need to feel it as well. She is my baby and if I want to hold her and she wants me to hold her then why am I listening to a book or people tell me to fight that and put them in bed no matter what. Structure is good and needed but there is something more to this "love" thing that is helping me not only get through my rough days but make her happy and feel my voice when I talk so I personally believe we should all have a bonfire with those books and just love our children during these times they need us and when we need them.
8:30 I am still in the recliner, with the television on very low, "self-healing". I am listening to her breath, holding her little hands and reading my devotional that is beside my chair aloud so she can feel and hear my voice. I then read aloud Deuteronomy 31:6. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." I sit for a moment before I pray because that is also the verse I have at my desk on a sticky note so I remind myself that I need to be strong and to know that God is with me and will not leave me. However, I am human and I do feel sad and alone. I can't tell you if that is just my own mind playing tricks or being attacked from Satan but I do know it is pain and I have to pray to receive peace. I take the time to pray aloud but close to a whisper so I don't wake Sophie. I pray over her to be healed which I do every night and for her to never feel that she is not wanted since our family life is not a perfect situation. I take this time to focus the prayer on her but yet my emotions really come through and it is almost too much to handle.
9:00 I finish rocking and realize she is out cold and I can go lay her down. The only thing is this is the time I don't want to lay her down and at times I may fall asleep with her in the recliner or on the couch holding her. But, this is a weekday and I have work to do among other things and I know she needs sleep without me interrupting. I lay her down and turn on a night light nd adjust the fan to drowned out noise and leave. But first I stare at how sweet she is. A lot of times I will take a picture with my phone because a sleeping baby is so precious. I leave the room and then realize that I am alone. It's a cold clammy feeling at first because it is so quiet and I just had my devotional and I get lost for a few minutes. I will either grab a bottled water, sprite, dr pepper, or make a hot chocolate on my Keurig. ( I know what you are thinking.. so healthy right? Well I have my weaknesses when I know I have to stay up and need comfort in a soda product or a warm chocolate drink.. Hey it's my thing).
9:20 I notice the time because I have my drink, the television on, and my computer pulled up. The time going forward really mentally messes my mind up because I would like for it to be 8:20 but those are just thoughts since I know what all I need to get done.
9:30 I am fully escaped into working and finishing up a report and keeping my mind focused on anything other than my day. My emotions are not fluttering, no tears blinding me, just me and this query that I want to complete and run and get it loaded into the report.
11:15 My query has finished running and I loaded it into the report and it looks successful! Now I just have to wait for the 'Ok' from the customer, but for tonight my work is done; with work anyways. I am also a full-time student who has got to pass this statistics test before the end of March, THIS MONTH! So study time it is.
11:25 Debating on what to drink next. I had Hot chocolate and now I guess I could settle for water. I just hope I can stay awake. Standard Deviation is what I am struggling with and that is my focus along with homework to help me and a practice test.
11:40 I want to just forget about school. My mind is fried and my heart is elsewhere and my thoughts are dwelling on my day and how I will survive tomorrow. Tears are blinding me again and I just have to stop and pray crying to God to give me strength to just wake up and be happy and help Sophie however I can and to give me the strength to fight these battles whether I lose or win. Help me to press on to find a home, to pay for therapy or to get the knowledge to help her. I pray for guidance and an angel to watch over us closely. But most of all I pray for peace and happiness and for my friends and family who have struggles of their own. Today you just see the sadness and struggles of one day, but you don't know the struggles that come everyday and how my life has really been hard at times. Reading this you may see me in many different lights. You may see me as that struggling single mom or that maybe I have made these choices so I need to deal with them. Maybe you see this and know the feelings and the struggles I am facing, not only today but as a woman and as a single mom. You may read this and think I need to count my blessings and be glad I have insurance and a great job and may even think I am petty. Whatever you are thinking is probably right in some form. However, emotions come without a lot of control. How you feel about things and your passions are what make a person human and compassionate. So before you judge or label me I hope you see that I am passionate and that my life is real. This is just me.
1:15 (am) I have studied and taken a practice test. I am not confident but I feel better about the class than I did earlier. I shut down the computer and put it away. I plug in my phones and pick up the living room. I check the weather and then get an outfit for Sophie ready for that next morning as well as make sure she has milk for the next day. I wash bottles and sippy cups and pull out the clothes in the dryer and either fold them or leave them on the table praying for the cleaning fairy to come. I then go ahead and grab Sophie's bottle from her crib and then fill it up and then shower because I know she will wake up wanting some milk usually around the time I am almost asleep. I get out of the shower and dry off quickly since it is always cold in there and get ready for bed. I lay out my outfit, necklace, and earrings, then take Sophie's clothes into the living room with a diaper, socks, shoes and bow and leave it on the love seat. I grab my prayer journal so that I can pray to God and clear my thoughts. I am careful to pray that he do his will but give me peace and understanding and bring me happiness and dry my tears. This always makes me feel complete no matter how bad my day is or what struggles I have faced. I know what it is like to struggle so bad that you take an appetite suppressant so you don't get hungry because you don't have any money for food and I am the type to never ask for help. I know what it is like to crave a 55 cent coffee at work and beg to find it in your purse or on the floor in your office. I know what it is like to feel like a failure sense your marriage ended and you are devastated to the point that you would rather people read it in the paper rather than have anyone know the truth. I also know what it is like to pray that daycare does not ask for payment at the same time rent is due. I know the feeling of over joy when someone knows you are struggling to be a single mom and that you have pride and leaves diapers on your doorstep anonymously even though I know who it is and thank her with tears and hugs. I know what it is like to hide a pregnant belly from people at work so they do not know your situation. I know what it is like to fear for your health. I know what it's like to watch a parent suffer with cancer and one slowly deteriorate until they find the problem. I know what it is like to see your friends and cousins go through the excitement of announcing their weddings and when they are expecting while you keep your divorce and failed marriage to yourself and pray they don't notice you are 7 months pregnant without a spouse or a father involved. I couldn't be excited since I had health risks and spend my time terrified and sad. Hormones and emotions play against you and you don't know what you feel. I know what it is like to get your baby's birth certificate messed up because they keep adding mother and father and by the 4th time they get it right and you notice that it has your child's name on there and the mother is you and there is just this massive empty space and you immediately start fearing you might lose your child to this invisible person or you will have to explain to this beautiful baby why there is so much blank space. I know what it's like to have that moment where you are told your baby does not have a heartbeat at 17 weeks and the life you were preparing for has just ended and you just leave the office because you just can't stomach the thought of having the baby removed and hold out hope that it was a mistake until your body can't dispose of it naturally and you bleed out so bad you come close to needing a transfusion. I, Casey Poff know what it is like to struggle through life and come out on the other side and into a new journal and realize that I have overcome a lot and received many blessings and helped others along the way, but that does not mean I don't hurt and that you can tell what goes on behind my eyes even if I am smiling.
2:00 I finish my journal writing and prayer and I do feel peace in knowing that I have conquered so much and realize the strength that is in me. I have peace and try to know that I need sleep. I hear Sophie and go check on her and she is half asleep so I give her a bottle of milk and head back to the couch. I sleep there so that she can have my room and it is quiet. It works better that way and I love the comfort of being in the living room.
8:10 (am) I drop my daughter of at daycare and watch her smile through the glass of the door again. I think quietly and pray that my day today is better than yesterday and to realize yesterday is now the past and today may bring happiness and success because our God is always full of surprises and no matter how the day turns out, I will still keep loving and I will still keep praying.


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The Grönstedt Family Saga
Enjoy my latest book about the Grönstedt family – in Swedish only – which traces my family on my maternal grandfather's side from the 17th century.
Sweden and the Family
This is the photograph of my mother, Karin and her sister, Brita which links the Veronese painting with my family and started the idea for the story about the Grönstedts.
Travel through history
The Grönstedt family was first recorded as soldiers in Karl XII army during Sweden's imperialist past. Five generations served in Dalarna's Regiment, Dalregementet. One of the Grönstedts became famous as a wine merchant and this square in Leksand was named after him.
The story started in Venice
Family and art history combined in this story of this small oil painting, a copy of Veronese's altarpiece for San Zaccaria in Venice. From there it starts its journey on the Grand Tour.
Scotland and the Dukes of Hamilton
Which Duke of Hamilton brought the painting home to Hamilton Palace in Scotland? This part of the mystery has not been solved, so maybe there will be a second edition of the book. Watch this space!
Finding Veronese
Read all about the painting's journey (in English) in my Amazon E-book, Finding Veronese: Memoir of a Painting, or find out about the family Grönstedt in my latest book (in Swedish) Från Dalarna till Saltsjöbaden – familjen Grönstedts historia.


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Price for tax invoices registration has risen in Ukraine
Since the 5th of November, 2012, the annual cost of using the local version of the workflow software M.E.Doc by Ukrainian company BEST has increased by 85% from 810 to 1500 UAH.
Since the 5th of November, 2012, the annual cost of using the local version of the workflow software M.E.Doc by Ukrainian company BEST has increased by 85% from 810 to 1500 UAH.
Yandex invested dozens of thousands dollars in a US/Ukrainian Internet startup Refine.io. Its office is in California, USA, and the development team is in Ukraine
Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF), with more than two decades of successful experience investing in small and medium-sized companies, announced…
Kyivstar, the largest mobile service provider in Ukraine, together with Amdocs, a leading provider of software and services to communications…
The Ukrainian most popular file-sharing site Ex.ua has been shut down by Ukrainian police with immediate effect.
An ugly rumor coming out of Ukraine claims that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is canceled and developer GSC Game World has been closed down.
On November 29, 2011 International Investment Forum "Seed Forum Kyiv" will be held at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Velyka Zhytomyrska Str., 33, 4th Floor, conference hall "Colosseum"). Forum co-organizers are the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, "Seed Forum" and the State Agency for Investment and management of national projects of Ukraine.
Russian telecommunications equipment and technology distributor Netwell opens representative office in Kyiv. Ukraine is the first country in which Netwell will have its international office. The main task of Kyiv office will be extending the sales network in Ukraine.
Ukraine is to experience a significant increase of new TV services, with up to two DTH (direct-to-home) platforms and a DTT (digital terrestrial television) operation expected to start this automn.
AVentures Capital, along with several other private investors, are the first to invest into Divan.TV. Divan.TV is a new concept in the television experience. Divan will be targeting the Central Eastern European area. Adventures Capital has stated that their investment, at this time, has not exceeded $1 million.
According to a report by the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA) Ukraine attracted EUR 96 mln investments from private equity funds.


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Mercy and love, kindness and encouragement, forgiveness and patience are things we all constantly want and need from others. Shall we not constantly bestow them upon others? Continue reading
Mercy and love, kindness and encouragement, forgiveness and patience are things we all constantly want and need from others. Shall we not constantly bestow them upon others? Continue reading
"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee." (John 17:1-26)
In these 26 verses of Holy Scripture we have the high priestly prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, as he was about to enter into the Holy of Holies in Heaven, with his own blood, to obtain eternal redemption for his people.
Our blessed Savior left us the full text of this prayer. He prayed frequently while he was here on the earth in our flesh; but this is the only prayer of our Lord Jesus that is recorded in its entirety. This is Christ our God-man Mediator, our great High Priest, praying to the heavenly Father on our behalf, interceding for us. He left us the full text of this prayer as an example of his intercession, which even now he carries on for his people at the Father's right hand.
The Scripture says that when the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and was buried and raised again that he ascended to Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. There he prays or makes intercession for his people. This prayer is the prayer of our High Priest, our Mediator, which he is praying for us at this moment, as he makes intercession for us in heaven (Romans 8:34).
In Hebrews 7:25, we read that, "He is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him; seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." So, this is the prayer of the great High Priest, the one Mediator between God and men. The Scripture says, "There is one God and one Mediator," one who prays for us and only one. That is our Lord Jesus Christ. This is his effectual prayer of intercession.
It is the Lord Jesus himself who is praying here. The fact that he prayed, prayed often, and prayed earnestly ought to encourage us to pray (Hebrews 4:14-16). Prayer doesn't change God or change the will of God. It finds the will of God. Prayer not only finds the will of God, it bows us to the will of God. Prayer rejoices in the will of God and changes us, causing us to know and to follow the will of God. If our Master prayed, his servants certainly ought to pray.
Three Statements Continue reading
Note: this is probably the longest article placed on our little blog, all of 83 pages long. Take your time to read and understand this serious error being taught today, a damnable heresy called Lordship Salvation. I have found this to be the most clear and explanatory article I have yet read about this serious error which is proving to be so popular in, so-called, Reformed circles. It is my prayer that this is of value to you, the reader, as it was for me.
The Errors of Lordship Salvation
By Pastor Kelly Sensenig
D L Moody told this story:
"An old man got up in one of our meetings and said, 'I have been forty-two years learning three things.' I pricked up my ears at that. I thought if I could find out in three minutes what a man had taken forty-two years to learn, I should like to do it. The first thing he said he had learned was that he could do nothing toward his own salvation. 'Well,' I said to myself, 'that is worth learning.' The second thing he found out was that God did not require him to do anything. Well, that was worth finding out, too. And the third thing was that the Lord Jesus Christ had done it all, that salvation was finished, and that all he had to do was to take it."
Can it be true that God does not require the sinner to do anything in order to be saved? Can it be true that God only asks a poor lost sinner to take salvation as a free gift? Can it be true that salvation does not require any previous commitment to following Christ or obedience? It is true because eternal life is called "the gift of God" (Rom. 6:23). It is true because salvation is called "the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8) and a person receives this gift "through faith" (not following). It is true since a sinner is only asked to "come" (Rev. 22:17) and "take the water of life freely" (not follow). It is true since salvation is offered freely "without money and without price" (Isa. 55:1). However, not everyone in the evangelical community would agree with this conclusion.
Those who embrace the teaching of Lordship Salvation would disagree and convey that a person must promise to follow Christ, obey Him, and make Christ Lord over area of his life before he can be saved. Lordship Salvation teaches there is a price or cost that is attached to salvation. In short, a person must meet the requirements for discipleship, become a follower of Christ, commit himself totally to Christ, step out to obey His commands, make Jesus Lord over area of his life, take the initiative to serve Christ, and comply with the conditions that Jesus requires for salvation, if he wants to be saved.
Lordship Salvation is a serious departure from the historic and Biblical teachings regarding the content of the Gospel message, old-fashion repentance, and simple faith in Christ. When this teaching is analyzed in the light of God's Word it is found to be spurious and misleading. Lordship Salvation pertains to the area of a person's salvation and specifically how a person is saved. For this reason it becomes a serious issue in relationship to what a person must do in order to be saved. It strikes at the very heart of the orthodox Christian faith. Continue reading
"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first." (Luke 11:21-26)
From the beginning of time the prince of darkness has been at war with the Son of God, and the Son of God has been at war with him (Genesis 3; Isaiah 14; Revelation 12). It is a mutual conflict, a mutual enmity. It is ever the purpose of that fiend of hell and the myriads of demons ruled by him to topple the throne of God, usurp his authority, and destroy the souls of men. His principle weapon of warfare is religion — self-righteousness and will worship (2 Corinthians 11; Galatians 1:6-9).
But the fiend of hell, that old serpent, the devil shall accomplish nothing. He is God's devil. He is by the omnipotent power of Christ forced into servitude. And soon he shall be cast into hell, crushed beneath our Savior's feet and ours. Yes, he shall be crushed beneath the feet of us, poor, weak mortals he seeks to destroy (Romans 16:20). Continue reading
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them."
(John 10:1-6)
There are some people among the fallen sons of Adam whom God almighty has purposed to save. They are called "his own sheep." These sheep are sinners loved of God with an everlasting love, chosen by him unto salvation, and redeemed by Christ the Good Shepherd. They shall, each of them, be called to life and faith in Christ by the power of God's irresistible grace at his appointed time and preserved in him unto everlasting glory.
Sheep and Goats
According to the Word of God, the whole human race is divided into two categories: sheep and goats. Sheep never become goats; and goats never become sheep. Our Lord plainly tells us that some men and women are his sheep; and some are not his sheep. Some are goats (Matthew 25:31-33; John 10:16, 26). This division of the human race was made in eternity in God's sovereign purpose of grace in eternal election. He chose some to salvation and passed by others.
This division is made manifest in time, at the time of love, when the sheep are called by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the gospel to life and faith in Christ. The call of the Spirit and our resulting faith in Christ do not make the division or make us sheep; but the call of God and the gift of faith in Christ make the division manifest, and make it manifest that we are Christ's sheep, chosen, redeemed, and called by grace.
This division of the human race is a permanent, immutable division. — Sheep never become goats; and goats never become sheep.
Lost and Found Continue reading
Every promise of God in Holy Scripture, every covenant blessing is made to one race, only one. Every prophecy in the Book of God concerns the welfare of one nation, only one. And I assure you that few people in this world have a clue who that race and that nation is. This will come as a shock to many, but it needs to be shouted from the housetop: — God is not a Jew, an American, a Democrat, or even a Republican.
There is only one nation in which the God of Glory is interested, only one nations whose interests are his interests, and that nation is "The Israel of God" (Gal. 6:14), "the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Read 1 Peter 1:9-10. Here the Holy Spirit clearly identifies that race and nation upon which the very heart of the triune God is fixed and has been fixed from eternity.
(1 Peter 2:9-10) "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
Let's read Exodus 3:15-18 together. Continue reading


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You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'Style' category.
Last night marked the London premier of Skyfall at the Royal Albert Hall. Fans turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of the stars of the film, and even Charles & Camilla. Daniel Craig walked the red carpet in what appeared to be a blue shawl collar dinner jacket from Tom Ford which differed only slightly from the classic black number he sports in the movie.
At some point in the film – my guess is it follows London – 007 finds himself in Shanghai where he encounters the beautiful Severine played by French actress Berenice Marlohe. The trailer shows an encounter where he inquires about her boss, who we may assume to be Javier Bardem's character. They later film a shower scene together, and at another point he watches her in a hotel room from across the street (more on that later this week.)
The shawl collar tuxedo is very classic, and fairly easy to find in most stores including, yep you guessed it, J.Crew. And if you hadn't already figured it out, I have assembled a kit below highlighting the elements to Bond's sleek style using mostly items found at J.Crew. Can you spot the one that isn't?
Clockwise From Top Left:
Ludlow Shawl-Collar Tuxedo with Slim Pants in Italian Wool | $525, Jacket $265, Pants
Satin bow tie | $52
White linen pocket square | $42
Omega Seamaster Special Edition | From $4,195, Omegawatches.com
Preston bluchers | $215
Black satin cummerbund | $75
Thomas Mason® for J.Crew Ludlow bib tuxedo shirt | $148
Like in an good Bond film, Skyfall takes Commander Bond back to London. From what I can gather from the story & trailers (possible spoiler alert) is that after the first scene in Istanbul, James is presumed dead and "enjoys death" somewhere in Turkey (more on that tomorrow) before some unknown forces him to come back to London to make things right with MI6, etc. In the above image, we see Daniel Craig as Bond standing on some London rooftop gazing out over his home city with the Union Jack flapping in the background.
Bond's style here is rather simple and London conservative. Luckily, I was able to find good options for all pieces at J.Crew (see, I don't like to scour a lot of websites for this sort of thing. I do 90% of my shopping at J.Crew, so why not feature it predominantly?) from a heavy English wool suit to the black shoes, overcoat, scarf, & gloves.
Clockwise from top left:
Ludlow Fielding Three-Button Suit in Heathered English Wool | Jacket, $750, Pants, $375
Thomas Mason® For J.Crew Spread-Collar Dress Shirt in Fine Stripe | $135
Portolano® for J.Crew cashmere-lined leather gloves | $138
Mayfair topcoat in wool-cashmere | $398
Alden® for J.Crew black leather longwing bluchers | $515
Mini-herringbone wool tie | $59.50
Cashmere scarf | $98
Those of you who know me well (or maybe even not so well) know that I am a big fan of the James Bond 007 film series. I have been watching Bond films since sometime in the 80's when my dad and I were flipping channels, and landed on Octopussy. Since then I have watched all films – some many times over – I've bought the merchandise, drank the drinks, and have even attempted Commander Bond's style here and there.
James Bond has always had high, yet classic style, and from what we've seen so far for Skyfall (November 9th, US) lives up to the gold standard. This week I present a series of kits based on Daniel Craig's Skyfall wardrobe ranging from his suits, to the razor sharp tuxedo, and even a more casual option perfect for scorpion drinking games. I look to my favorite outpost, J.Crew for most options, though you'll notice a little something extra thrown in here and there as necessary.
In the image above (top) we see Bond on a motorcycle whipping through the streets of Istanbul in pursuit of…somebody. He's wearing a classic, medium grey suit, and a light tie, white shirt, and a pocket square. We don't see his footwear, but one can only imagine it's something stylish, yet practical (for running, etc). We can also see a glimpse of his watch which is undoubtedly an Omega, but for the sake of creativity I chose an option that he may wear had Omega not been an endorser of the film (no worries, the real one will show up later this week.)
Clockwise from top left:
Ludlow Suit in Grey Worsted Wool | Jacket, $425 Pants, $225
Mougin & Piquard™ chronograph watch in black | $695
Stitched-edge belt | $59.50
Thomas Mason® for J.Crew spread-collar dress shirt | $125
Alden® for J.Crew cap toe cordovan boots | $645
Bird's-eye wool tie | $69.50
Walther PPK | $629 – $859, Smith & Wesson
'Tis the season to be toasty. If nothing else, J.Crew's October launch of new items features a good amount of colder weather outerwear, sweaters, and accessories. Many of these are the same as in years past. This is not a bad thing. Sometimes one just needs to replace a peacoat, or a knit hat. You can click the smiley fella above to see everything. What I have highlighted below are a few of my favorite items from the mix.
Ludlow two-button suit jacket in Prince of Wales check Italian wool flannel $425
My favorite of all the new items is this one. Prince of Wales has been very popular for the past couple of years thanks, in part to Michael Bastian's version for GANT.
Click on this image for closer detail. If you are a fan of the pattern, and of the Ludlow cut, then I imagine you will be one of the first to purchase this. It can actually be obtained as a full suit, but I don't see why one couldn't pair it with jeans.
Ludlow slim suit pant in Prince of Wales check Italian wool flannel $225
Don't forget your pants. They come in classic fit too.
Ludlow sportcoat in velvet $288
Sticking with the Ludlow theme for a moment, J.Crew has also re-released the black velvet sportcoat. This would make a nice alternative to the dinner jacket for a New Year's Eve party. Is anyone even thinking of NYE yet? Goofy facial expression not required.
Wallace & Barnes Shetland wool Sutherland sweater $128
I don't normally give a ratatouille about the W&B offerings. I mention this one because last month I noted that I really liked the slub merino sweater with elbow patches. Turns out it didn't look very good on me. Perhaps this one would be better? Maybe I'll try it.
Marled lambswool shawl-collar sweater $75
I am still digging the shawl collar sweaters too.
Dacota down jacket $218
Nice update on the down jacket. Price isn't too bad either.
Thomas Mason® for J.Crew spread-collar dress shirt in gingham $125
I really like the Thomas Mason dress shirts. This month, it appears they have dropped the price from $135 to $125. Every little bit helps.
Thomas Mason® Archive for J.Crew slim shirt in 1887 check $168
A new development in the TM collection. The website describes the shirts as follows:
'This heritage plaid hails from Thomas Mason, the first name in fine shirting since 1796 (their fabrics have been a long-time favorite on London's Jermyn Street, the acknowledged shirt-making capital of the world). Originally produced over a century ago, this pattern was brought back to life by our design team after visiting the British shirt maker's archives in Italy. After combing through their library of over 200 historical prints (some dating back to the 1700s), we hand selected this plaid for its standout pattern, which feels just as fresh today as it did when it was first designed. Recreated exclusively for us with the same attention to detail that you expect from Thomas Mason, this limited-edition plaid can only be found here at J.Crew. Slim fit—a trimmer version of our regular fit that's cut more narrowly through the body and sleeves.'
I dig.
TouchTec® gloves $85
These are probably one of the most practical items available. You can be wearing these, and still be flipping through emails, texts, etc on your iPhone, Android, or tablet. If I find that I will be spending a lot of time outside this winter (could happen) then I may buy a pair of these.
Alden® for J.Crew longwing boots in antique natural $539
Another Alden collaboration gem!
Billykirk® for J.Crew padded briefcase $380
A very handsome and practical briefcase that tethers the line between rugged, casual, and luxurious.
Croc-embossed leather flask $42.50
Finally, I include this for that little hint of indulgence. It's not real croc, but it looks pretty authentic. Now you can feel a bit more sophisticated when sneaking a swig of your favorite cold weather spirit. I know I will.
All items available at jcrew.com and select J.Crew stores.


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An Exclusive dedicated option for South central Railway Personnel Department Employees, book rooms in Rail Vihar through this app. Plan your holiday with secured advanced booking of room.
View and Install this App in Playstore : https://goo.gl/LavrZP
Benefits of the App :
- Planning for holiday? check here for Room availability through our dedicated Mobile App for South Central Railway employees.
2. Hassle free way to Book Room through our dedicated Mobile App for South Central Railway Employees.
3. Exclusively designed for those Railway employees looking to stay out of station, can Book room for the future date.
For any suggestions please email to developer : firstname.lastname@example.com
Keywords : South Central Railways, South Central Railway Employees, Rooms for Railway Employees, Rail Vihar, Railway rooms, Railway employees, Rail ticket booking, Rail Vihari Mobile App, Rail Vihari Mobile Application


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The holidays present unique job development opportunities. Read the entire article or just read the 5 reasons summarized here.
A more recent article from a major recruiting and consulting firm provides much of the same advice through the lens of recent strong job growth numbers reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Enjoy the season, have fun AND do a little passive preparation to hit the ground running in January.
- Competition levels plummet. Most job seekers aren't looking over the holidays.
- January and February are the strongest hiring period of the year. Laying the groundwork now can help you make up placement numbers in the slower holiday months.
- There's no better time of year to schmooze. A hard sell won't work, but our work always makes interesting cocktail conversation with new contacts.
- Now is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old contacts. Click here to get more info and download a free eCard graphic to send a holiday thank you to employers.
- The holidays are a great time to enlarge your circle. There are all kinds of unique venues to meet more people. You never know who might be a future refugee employer.
(The holidays always bring different work flows for us, changing circumstances for employers and special challenges for clients. Throughout the holiday season, watch Higher's blog for ideas and analysis you can use now to navigate the holiday season and get a jump on the new year. )