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SERAP threatens to sue CBN over alleged flawed recruitment
Alleging secret recruitment reportedly carried out by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has threatened to sue the CBN and the governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
The group has therefore asked the management of CBN to reverse the action in the interest of justice and fair play.
The group in a letter to Emefiele by its Executive Director, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, yesterday said it will make good the threat, if he fails to "immediately withdraw hundreds of letters of employment issued following a seriously flawed recruitment process and to put in place a system of recruitment and hiring based on the principles of non-discrimination, transparency, participation and objective criteria such as merit, equity and aptitude."
According to SERAP, "Should Mr. Emefiele and the CBN fail and/or neglect to act as requested within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take appropriate legal action to ensure effective remedies for millions of Nigerians that have been denied equal opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. And this may be without further notice to you.''
The letter reads: "This corrupt process amounts to a fundamental breach of constitutionally and internationally recognized human rights of millions of Nigerians particularly the right to equality and non-discrimination, to work and to human dignity.
"Instead of the CBN promoting equality of opportunity and access to employment for all Nigerians, it has perpetrated discrimination, and therefore denied an opportunity for economic self‑reliance and in many cases a means for millions of Nigerians to escape poverty and live a life of dignity.
"The process also directly breaches article 7 of the UN Convention against corruption which Nigeria has ratified. Article 7 requires institutions like the CBN to adopt, maintain and strengthen systems for the recruitment and hiring of civil servants that are based on principles of transparency and objective criteria such as merit, equity and aptitude.
"SERAP believes that by the secret recruitment, millions of otherwise qualified Nigerians have been treated less favourably than the children of the politically and economically connected. This differential treatment is arbitrary and cannot be reasonably and objectively justified. It can in fact result in pervasive discrimination, stigmatization and negative stereotyping. The secret recruitment also offends the requirement for Nigeria to make the labour market open to everyone in the country.
"SERAP notes that non-discrimination and equality are essential for the exercise and enjoyment of other constitutionally and internationally recognized human rights, as well as equal and effective protection before and of the law. We also remind you that every Nigerian has the right to be able to work, allowing him/her to live in dignity.''
"SERAP is seriously concerned that the secret recruitment unfairly deprives millions of Nigerians the right to work, impermissibly limiting their freedom regarding the choice to work, and undermining their personal development and social and economic inclusion. While the right to work is not an absolute and unconditional right to obtain employment, it implies the right of access to a system of protection guaranteeing every eligible Nigerian access to employment, and the right not to be unfairly deprived of employment.
"The secret recruitment has therefore impaired and nullified the exercise of the rights of Nigerians, especially disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and groups to human dignity, equality and non-discrimination.
"Furthermore, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) provides in section 42 that a citizen of Nigeria of a particular group shall not, by reason only that he is such a person: a) be subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other groups are not made subject; or be accorded any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to all citizens of Nigeria.
"Section 16(2) provides that the economic system will not be operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group, such as the politically and economically connected or their children.
"Section 17 provides that the state social order is founded on ideals of freedom, equality and justice. Subsection (3) of the same section provides that the state shall direct its policy towards, ensuring that all citizens without discrimination on any group whatever, have the opportunity for securing adequate means of livelihood as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable employment.
"According to reports, the CBN carried out an alleged secret recruitment of over 900 employees on your directive and under your supervision. Many of the beneficiaries are said to be children and relatives of the politically and economically connected. Our information suggests that there were no prior notifications on the recruitment through advertisements to give all Nigerians the opportunity to participate."
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Alicia Auping (AC '13) received her bachelor of arts degree in English literature with a minor in art history from the University of North Texas. She worked at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza before entering the Mayborn School of Journalism to pursue a graduate degree in narrative nonfiction. After graduating in spring 2014, she plans to pursue a career in literary nonfiction writing for magazines and online publications. She is currently a regular contributor to the Dallas Observer's arts and culture blog, Mixmaster.
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Amelia Jaycen (AC '13) is a student and graduate assistant in the Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at the University of North Texas. She worked as an online science reporter for the UNT Office of Research, the Center for Community and Environmental Journalism and was a reporter for the Somerville Star at the age of 16. Jaycen has managed the self-produced runnewsblog.wordpress.com since 2009. "I wasn't a writer until I went to Archer City. It taught me how to write with grit and temper and to always remember the human heart. There is magic dust in Archer City, it kicks up your nose every time your boot hits the red dirt."
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Annette Nevins (AC '12) is currently a student and teaching assistant at the Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism and a Mayborn Scholar. She is also an intern at Spirit Magazine. She has previously been a reporter for The Dallas Morning News and the Austin American-Statesman.
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Christian McPhate (AC '12) graduated from Midwestern State University with his Master of Arts in English and is currently enrolled at the University of North Texas where he's pursuing a master's degree in journalism with a focus on narrative journalism. McPhate works as a freelance writer for the Dallas Observer, Fort Worth Weekly, Wichita Falls Literature and Arts Review, and an assortment of other publications.
Eric Nishimoto (AC '11) is an award-winning media relations and strategic communications professional in both the public and private sectors, Eric came to the Mayborn to learn to write. He'll get his Master's this December, and has won an SPJ Mark of Excellence award, Texas Intercollegiate Press awards for feature writing and illustration, and a Texas Associated Press Managing Editors community service award as part of an in-depth reporting team from the Mayborn. He's been a finalist in the Arthur W. Page Society national PR competition and presented academic papers at the AEJMC mid-winter conference. All this thanks to Dr. Busby, Cathy Booth Thomas, Suzanne Frank, some of the nation's best student journalists, and especially George Getschow.
George Getschow teaches literary nonfiction writing to graduate students at the University of North Texas's Mayborn School of Journalism and is the writer-in-residence for the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Iowa State University and a master of fine arts degree in creative nonfiction from Spalding University. He was a reporter atThe Wall Street Journal bureau in Chicago and also chief of the Dallas and Houston bureaus. Getschow was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for distinguished writing about the underprivileged. He is editor of Ten Spurs, a collection of the best essays and narrative submitted to the Mayborn Conference. He is a member of the Texas Institute of Letters and is currently working on a book, Walled Kingdom, based on a series of stories published inThe Wall Street Journal.
As early as the third grade, Kathy Floyd knew she wanted to write. After working for the U.S. Postal Service for 16 years, including time as a writer/editor for several Postal Service publications at headquarters in Washington, D.C., she wrote for newspapers and magazines in Cooke, Denton and Grayson counties in Texas. She has won awards from the Texas Press Association for photography and headlines and the Vinson Award for Journalism at MSU in 1991. She now works at MSU as Marketing and Public Information assistant. She has attended the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference since 2008.
Matt Jones (AC '13). He worked as a copy editor at the Odessa American in Odessa, Texas, before coming to the Mayborn to study narrative nonfiction. He plans to graduate in spring 2014.
Special Contributors
Bill Marvel: Bill worked for newspapers, covering cops, courts, politics, the arts, and occasionally freelanced magazine pieces until discovering, after almost 50 years, that what he really wanted to do was write books.
Since then he's been scrambling to make up for lost time, with Burning Ludlow, a narrative history of the great 1913-14 Colorado coal strike, the bloodiest labor conflict in U.S. History; with Islands of the Damned, a Marine's account of the Pacific War co-authoring with R.V. Burgin; and most recently with A Mighty Fine Road, a history of the Rock Island Railroad to be published in 2012 by Indiana University Press.
Bill is the resident guest writer and lecturer of the Workshop.
Erik Calonius: Erik began his career as a printer and typesetter in Boston before venturing into journalism. He graduated from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, and began shooting pictures for the EPA's Project Documerica. He subsequently founded the photojournalism department at the University of Central Florida, and later became the Managing Editor of Memphis Magazine.Calonius joined The Wall Street Journal in 1981 as a reporter in Atlanta, and later became a writer in the London Bureau and an editor in New York. He became Miami Bureau Chief for Newsweek magazine (where he was nominated for the Overseas Press Award), and then a writer for Fortune Magazine (where he was nominated for the National Magazine Award). Since then he has collaborated on more than 20 books, and authored a narrative history about the last American slaveship. Both the ship and the book are called The Wanderer."One of my greatest pleasures is in attending The Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference in July—and then trekking out to Archer City with George and his grad students to teach storytelling in that wonderful Texas town."
Erik is a regular guest writer and lecturer of the Workshop.
Tom Junod: As a staff writer for Esquire for 16 years, Tom has written some of the country's most controversial and enduring journalism, from his profiles of Steve Jobs and Roger Ailes to his classic eulogy for the dead of 9/11, "The Falling Man." He has twice won the National Magazine Award, and has been a finalist a record 11 times. Though he does not specialize in food writing, he won the James Beard Award for Personal Essay in 2011 for "My Mom Couldn't Cook," which is one of the four essays Tom has contributed to Esquire's newly published cookbook, "Eat Like A Man." He lives in Marietta with his wife and daughter, and cooks for them, and himself, almost every night.
Tom is a guest writer and lecturer of the Workshop.
Ron Powers: National Emmy Award winner and the first television critic to win a Pulitzer Prize, Ron draws upon his experiences with small town life to explore American mass culture and community across all major genres: as a journalist, novelist, narrative nonfiction writer, broadcaster, teacher and most recently, playwright.
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Born in Twain's boyhood hometown of Hannibal, Mo., Powers draws inspiration for much of his work from Mark Twain's fierce affection and scabrous argument with this country. Mark Twain: a Life, a 720-page biography by Powers, was a finalist for the 2005 National Book Critics Circle Award. Tom & Huck Don't Live Here Anymore: Childhood and Murder in the Heart of America, an account of two killings by adolescents in Twain's hometown of Hannibal, was a finalist in 2002 for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize and a semifinalist for a Robert F. Kennedy Prize. Powers examines the many forces arrayed against the health and continuity of town life in his nonfiction work, Far From Home: Life and Loss in Two American Towns. Powers was just 31 years old when he won a Pulitzer Prize for his critical writing on television as a TV-radio columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. In 1985, he won a National Emmy for his work as an on-air television commentator for CBS News Sunday Morning.
Currently living in New England, Powers moderates and does commentaries for public radio and television shows. He examines rising teenage alienation in his adopted state of Vermont in "The Apocalypse of Adolescence" published in the March 2002 issue of The Atlantic Monthly. Most recently, he wrote and co-hosted "What's Happening to Our Kids?" as a documentary on Vermont Public Television. His two-act play, Sam and Laura, an imaginative extension of a true romantic encounter in the young life of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, has been performed in various venues around the country.
Powers has taught at the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, the Bread Loaf Writers Conference, the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, and at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt. He is currently a writer-in-residence at Castleton State College of Vermont.
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At about 12:33 p.m., Poon announced that of the 1,132 votes cast by members of the 1,200-member Election Committee, Leung Chun-ying won 689 votes.
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Two harvest from one grow
Part 1 / Intro
So now you have finally after two long months of blooming and a period of pre-growth got some cannabis buds raised by your own fair hands. But the fun does not stop there. As well as cannabis we can also extract some skuff or water hash from the harvested plants. Both principles are dead easy and efficient. In short, the harvesting is not quite over yet...
All the buds of the plants should by now be neatly stored for drying, and the very smallest buds should even be dry enough to take for a test smoke. Two weeks further down the line and all your buds will feel or look dry on the outside, but inside they are for the most part not yet fully dry.
The larger buds will need a little while longer. Let them all dry out slowly in a dark room that is large enough or is equipped with a ventilator, so that the moisture released by the buds can escape.Once the small twigs of the buds snap cleanly including those of the largest buds we can gather them all up ready for leaving to ripen so that the taste and smell of the cannabis can fully develop. Don't worry if the cannabis still smells a bit green during the first couple of weeks; some varieties do need a little more time to develop the typical, trademark smell of cannabis.
Part 2 / Skuff
In the meantime we have also let the considerable volume of leaf waste and trimmings also dry out. Depending on which variety you have just grown and the number of leaves this variety develops you should end up with about the same amount of dried leaf material as the weight of buds produced. Around 500 grams dry cannabis from your plants should result in about 500 grams of dry leaf, in other words. Of course, this will be a whole lot more with the more leafy varieties, and by the same logic if you're growing a variety that produces little leaf cover around the buds, you'll get less.
We only gather up the leaves that obviously have THC on them, generally the leaves surrounding the THC-rich buds. We also use large leaves that have THC on them. All other leaves that have no THC on them can be separated out. This usually occurs during the trimming of the buds, when we first take off the large leaves and then trim nice and neatly around the buds. In this way you should produce two piles of leaves during the trimming.
In one pile you put the large leaves with no THC while the other pile is made of the THC-rich leaves. It makes little sense to just mix the two types of leaves in together, because by doing so you will only reduce the quality of your hash. There will be much more unnecessary contamination by the not THC-rich leaves in your hash. It is very important in any case to let your leaf trim dry fully. Usually this takes longer than the buds themselves take to dry. Just 'dry' is not good enough; the leaf material must be so dry that when you take it between your thumb and finger and rub it, it just crumbles and falls apart.
The drier the better and the greater the yield of hash you can expect from your leaf material. The THC crystals just come away from the leaf material much easier than when the leaves have just been lightly dried. This is when the leaf material looks pretty dried out, but it does not crumble. In this state, the leaf material gives up little to no THC crystals. Our goal is to get as many THC crystals as possible and clump them together and make ourselves a nice lump of hash. The gold- yellow powder that is on the buds has a very different effect when you smoke it pure and some smokers prefer the sweet high and effects of hash to the more stoned effect of smoking cannabis buds.
Each to his own. When you roll a joint with welldried cannabis buds then you will frequently notice that your fingers become sticky with a sort of gold- yellow dust. These crystals are what I have been talking about. The nice thing about making hash is that in addition to your regular harvest cannabis buds, you also get a reasonably large quantity of hash from the same harvest. So supposing you have a harvest of 500 grams of bud, and have about 600 grams of dry leaf material left over, you can count on perhaps 60 grams of hash out of this.
This 10% yield is a fair rule of thumb when using well-dried leaf waste. Naturally, it also applies here that the better the quality of your leaf material, the more crystals you will find on it, and the bigger your yield will be. So if you've grown a real white variety or another variety with a very high THC production, then logically you will get a larger yield of hash out of it. Normally you will achieve more than a 10% yield when you are growing indoor cannabis; some growers have been known to achieve yields of up to 16% or more when using good leaves.
When growing outdoors there will be much less than that possible, especially with poor autumn weather, which reduces the level of THC your leaves develop and so reduce the yield well below 10%. That is why it is important not to put yourself under pressure, since there is no point in mixing 400 grams of THC-rich leaf material with 200 grams of large leaves in the vain hope that this will produce 600 grams of good leaf material. You still have just 400 grams of good leaf material.
By mixing I mean that instead of just using the neatly trimmed THCrich leaves you add in the large THC-poor leaves. Of course it is lovely that whether you get a good or a bad harvest of buds you can still bank on scoring yourself a nice lump of hash. This is always handy when you have had a poor harvest of buds that are hardly worth the effort, as can happen with outdoor growing. Then you can just make hash of the whole damn lot.
Part 3 / Polination
The principle of making hash is fairly easy and works thanks to the breaking loose of THC crystals. There are various ways in which this can be achieved. You can get a sieve and spread your leaf material out on it and then shake or let the sieve be vibrated. The sieve you use must be fine enough to hold back all the leaf material and let only the crystals through. There are also specialised hash making devices into which you put a small amount of leaf material and then shake it by hand.
The newest grinders work according to the same principle as hash making. Many grinders now incorporate a small sieve that allows you to collect the THC crystals in a separate compartment, whilst the cannabis itself loses little of its power. You will be amazed at the amount of hash powder you collect or actually lose when you use a normal grinder or crumble your buds by hand. But if you want to process a reasonably large amount of leaf material then you are going to need a polinator. A polinator is a machine that uses the rotation of a drum with a sieve around it to break loose the crystals.
You put the leaf material into the drum and a motor turns it around. The leaf material is shook up and down and thrown around and it is this action that shakes the THC crystals free from the leaf material. After a bit of time - 30- 40 minutes is usually enough - we can stop the polinator and scrape the hash powder into a pile, and if we are going to press this powder straight away (prior to storing it for at least a year for ripening) to get hash.
This pressed powder is called skuff. The reason why we press the powder is because this improves the taste and smell. It is also easier to make a joint out of, and more easily transportable. A pressed piece of hash is easier to share with someone than a pile of sticky powder. In any case, the better the quality of the hash the less powerful the press has to be. With poor quality hash you need a press that can exert a greater deal of force because the crystals have so much contaminating vegetable matter mixed in with them they have trouble sticking to each other.
As well as the material you use having to be very dry, it is also useful to give your leaf material a night in the freezer, especially if you are planning to use the polinator. The extreme cold makes the THC crystals break loose more easily. In the best scenario you would actually be able to make your hash inside a walk-in freezer or something else that allows you to keep a constant cold temperature. This would give you the very best product, but of course not many of us have such facilities to hand. But if you know someone who can make such facilities available to you, then it is well worth going to the trouble of using them.
It is always a marvel to watch how much hash powder can be extracted from even a small amount of leaf material. It is not necessary to polinate your buds given the quality of the leaf material, but of course if you are a real hash aficionado and don't fancy smoking your buds then go ahead and polinate your whole crop. Make sure than you first break up the buds though, so that the crystals from every corner of them can be shook loose.
This will dramatically increase your hash yield. Also ensure that no twigs (or as few as possible) are left in your buds because these can damage the sieve. A piece of sieve does cost quite a bit of money, so it is more than an annoyance to wreck it. Although a polinator machine or suchlike does cost about 300-500 euros, it is an investment that will immediately pay itself off in the first harvest and hash production. It will also work well for many years without problem.
The only pre- requisite should you be thinking of equipping yourself with such a gizmo is that you need a nice amount of leaf material every few months with which to work with. There is very little sense in getting your own polinator if you only have a very small amount of leaf waste and the polinator spends more time in the cupboard than in action.
Part 4 / Water Hash
The newest method of hash making in recent years is to make a 'water hash'. This works according to the same principles as polination, but uses ice cold water and churning to separate the crystals and leaf material. Making water hash is somewhat more labour-intensive than simple hash making, but the quality that you get with it is something special. To begin with, you cannot just toss it in a drum, and so you will need a bit more leaf material to work with.
We need a bucket of about 20 litres capacity into which we will be plunging the special sieve bag. A water hash set consists of two or more bags into which a sieve is sewn. Each sieve has different dimensions so that one sieve lets the crystals through and the other sieve catches the crystals and so does not let them through. With many sieve bags the crystals of different sizes are caught separately. In place of one big pile of crystals in one bag, you end up with different qualities in each bag.
Because the crystals in each bag differ between them, so the effects and taste of the eventual water hash differ. So the bags are placed in the bucket; lower-most is the bag that will catch the crystals and only let water through. Above that come all the sieve bags that will hold onto some leaf material and a certain size of crystal. We first fill the bucket with icecold water (in effect, around 3 degrees). The colder the better since then the crystals will break loose more easily.
By putting a (food) mixer in the bucket the leaf material is beaten and this action loosens the crystals. Do not use the mixer at full speed because the idea is not to reduce the leaf material to a pulp. This will only succeed in creating a poorer quality end product. I'll advise you once again to let your leaf material spend a night in the freezer before you begin. If the temperature is not low enough in the bucket you can add ice cubes. This is unless you have a water cooler attachment for your water taps, which will generally give you water that is cold enough without having to add extra ice cubes.
What you can also do is an hour before you begin to make your water hash, stick a couple of 1-2 litre bottles of water into your freezer compartment.. This water will be perfectly ice cold by the time you need it, and perfect for making a quality water hash with. Watch out that you don't leave them in the freezer too long otherwise their contents will freeze, which is no good to you. Or I suppose you can cut open the (PET) bottles and use the frozen contents instead. The simplest way to make water hash without too much hassle is to set your mixer on a timer so that it will run for 20 minutes, then switch itself off for 5 minutes before doing another 20 minute cycle. Do this for about an hour and a half.
It is important to make sure that your mixer is well and truly fixed in place so that it cannot break free and wreck the whole operation (and bags). If you're happy this is OK, then there's no need to stand and watch the mixer, switching it on and off. Certainly do not use a beating attachment with sharp edges - I'll repeat: the idea is not to make marihuana leaf smoothies. The simple action of gentle agitation combined with icecold water will be enough to break the THC crystals free. It is pretty easy to see whether your leaf material is delivering or not.
When the water turns a goldy- browny-yellow colour then you can be assured that it contains a decent amount of crystals in it. Since you use water extraction to make the hash there is far less contamination in your final product, which boosts the quality of the hash and its purity is increased. Water hash is also very different in its effect and power than ordinary hash.
It's just something that you have to try for yourself in order to appreciate. Water hash can even be too powerful for inexperienced smokers. Not all cannabis varieties are equally suitable for making water hash from; some varieties lose some of their taste. That is why it is better to act in the same way as a wine connoisseur, so to speak, and use both methods when you are trying a new variety so that you can determine which the best method is to make hash from with this particular variety. Making water hash is an experience in itself, and that moment when you first haul the final bag out of the bucket remains a magical one, as you shake it back and forth before opening it and there are the yellow crystals lying there in a pile.
It is also true when making water hash that the drier the leaf material the better the harvest of crystals you can hope for. On the other hand, the quality will be slightly lower. The advantage of making water hash is that you can get to work even with fresh, un-dried leaf material. The yield when you use fresh leaf trim is quite a bit lower, but what you get is of very good quality because you get less leaf contamination than if you use dried leaf.
Part 5 / Bubbleator
Man is essentially a creature of leisure, and one of the drawbacks of the whole 'working with ice' routine, if I can call it that, is the difficulty of securing the mixer safely. So you can't just suddenly decide 'oh, I think I want to make some water hash', but must always first find yourself a suitable mixer that will operate safely in this context. This can discourage some growers meanwhile from even trying make this excellent variety of hash.
The company that makes the Polinator has recently released the Bubbleator on the market, which is designed to make water hash quickly. The Bubbleator is in effect a mixer and looks like a small washing machine. You just bung your leaf waste into one huge sieve bag that you then put inside the Bubbleator, which you then fill up with ice cold water, and by just cranking a handle you can churn the mix for 15 minutes.
The advantage of the system is that you don't have to search for a suitable domestic mixer and everything is done with much less fuss and mess. You just let the Bubbleator run itself empty in your sieve bags and you're left over with the desired crystal pile. I reckon the Bubbleator will convince many new growers to give making water hash a whirl by cutting out the annoying Hunt the Mixer game.
You can buy the Bubbleator separately or in a deal that includes ice-o-lator bags.The real hash-lovers leave their hash at least a year to ripen before they even think of consuming it. It is certainly worth you stashing at least a part of your harvest away. If you do this every year then you are soon going to build up a supply of fantastic quality hash.
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IP: server.mc-kingdomcraft.com
Website: http://mc-kingdomcraft.com
Welcome to KingdomCraft, the next best thing to happen to Factions! We offer a multitude of unique plugins to help improve the gameplay experience for all players! For example, players can log in and rank up in-game depending on their kill count, time spent on the server, XP level, and much more!
Here at KingdomCraft, we also allow players to donate to help with the server expenses. All donations are used to help improve the server experience for all players.
To donate to KingdomCraft, simply click on a product you would like to purchase, and click "Buy". You will be presented with a confirmation page in which you will have to input your paypal information and accept the terms and conditions.
KingdomCraft does it's best to make ranks that help players along in the game while not making the game less fun for others by making the server 'pay2win'. Remember that KingdomCraft is free to play on, but there are extra kits and ranks you can buy to your liking! We always strive to be 'pay4more'.


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its blue and black7:09 AM
There's a fun debate rounding the internet right now about the specific color of a dress posted on twitter. Users are quite polarized claiming is white & gold while other vehemently swear by it's black & blue hues. I think it has much to do with how the material reflects color. It looks like the shot was taken under warm tungsten lighting so the gold we're seeing is simply the washed-out black. Same with the 'white' some users are seeing.
I did some simple white balance adjusting and it revealed a much clearer image. Hope this helps! =)


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Shrimp is the most popular shellfish in the United States and readily available. Lucky us! This dish is an easy-do in your Aroma Wok. The recipe is so good you'll want to make extra and serve them three ways: eat by the tails, roll in rice paper (fry or not!) and chop some to eat in Napa cabbage leaves. Any-way, every-way, Yum!
1 lb tail on shrimp, peeled, deveined and patted dry
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1 cup almond flour
3/4 cup shredded coconut, either sweetened or unsweetened
2 large eggs, beaten well
2 tbsp coconut oil, adding more as needed
Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment or waxed paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together until slightly frothy. In another bowl, combine the almond flour with the shredded coconut. Lightly season the shrimp with the salt and pepper.
Add all the shrimp to the bowl with the beaten eggs and toss to coat. Removing one shrimp at a time, coat with the flour/ coconut mixture, being sure to cover both sides well. Set aside on the prepared pan until all shrimp have been prepped. (Can be prepared up to three hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap and keep in refrigerator.)
Turn the wok to medium high heat and add 2 tbsp coconut oil. When it is hot enough to fry, cook a few shrimp at a time, about 3 minutes per side. Do not crowd the wok but leave plenty of room for the shrimp to cook. When golden brown, remove from wok and drain on paper towels.
To make the shrimp spring roll wrappers: Cut carrots and cucumber into thin julienne strips.
Soak one rice paper wrapper at a time in warm water for half a minute or until pliable; lay on a clean wet towel and pat dry. Place one or two pieces of cooked shrimp across the center of the wrapper and top with the carrots and cucumbers. Fold the bottom portion of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and continue to roll up into a tight bundle. Either fry in hot oil or cut in half and serve with a dipping sauce.
Over to You
What's your version of coconut shrimp? Share and inspire us!


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SUNRISE, Fla. — Marian Gaborik's response to coach John Tortorella's pointed criticism of the Rangers' top offensive weapon was short and sweet.
The day after Wednesday night's 5-3 loss at Tampa Bay, Gaborik said he needs to play better, and said he will, starting tonight against Florida.
"I just need to find the groove and just go out there and play better and work hard overall," Gaborik said after yesterday's practice. "Obviously it's not just scoring, but I want to go out there and create chances, and that's what I am gonna do. … I need to do."
Tortorella said he had no problem challenging Gaborik publicly because he thinks the 28-year-old forward, who has four goals and six assists in 11 games this season, could handle it.
"This is what I respect about [Gaborik], is that he's one of the more engaged and in-tune elite players in this league," Tortorella said. "I'll leave it at that — I don't want to comment on other elite players. I think we have a good one here, because he's engaged, he understands … he's in tune, and I think he'll respond.
"He's our best player … Our team knows that. He'll respond the proper way, and work himself out of it."
In his own response to Wednesday's lackluster effort, in which the Rangers fell behind 5-0 after two periods, Tortorella yesterday jumbled his lines in practice, including splitting up the Artem Anisimov-Brandon Dubinsky-Ryan Callahan line.
Rookie Derek Stepan centered Gaborik and Dubinsky, Brian Boyle played between Ruslan Fedotenko and Callahan and Anisimov skated with Brandon Prust and Alexander Frolov.
"I'm not sure those are gonna be the lines [tonight]," Tortorella said. "I just wanted to see something different today."
Gaborik said he was looking forward to having a chance to play with Dubinsky, but admitted a change in the lines won't affect the outcome of tonight's game if the Blueshirts don't put forth a stronger effort.
"Well, lines change, and no matter who is on your line, we need to play better as a team, and myself as well," he said.
One thing that won't change from Wednesday's lineup is the starting goaltender.
Tortorella said Henrik Lundqvist would get a second straight start after sitting the previous two games behind backup Marty Biron.
Michal Rozsival will miss his ninth straight game tonight with a right shoulder strain.
Rozsival participated fully in practice yesterday for the first time since suffering the injury. Tortorella wouldn't rule him out for a return tomorrow night in Nashville, the final game of the Blueshirts' three-game road trip.


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I made these sweet little birds a couple of evenings ago. I needed a break from crocheting squares for my latest blanket, and these were the perfect little project as they were so quick and enjoyable to make. The pattern for the little birds can be found here and the little hearts here. I used a 4mm hook and DK cotton yarn.
I loved reading all your comments about craft books! So nice to know that others share my love for crafty reading material. Lots of suggestions too for some lovely books which I hadn't considered before...my wish list is now a bit longer than it was!
Happy Sunday!


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Choosing a skilled nursing facility for your loved ones can be a difficult decision. Who will provide the best care? Can we find a place close to home so friends and family can visit as often as possible? With those questions in mind, we invite you to consider Early Memorial Nursing Home, a 117 bed skilled nursing facility in Blakely with complete access to the resources of the main hospital. We offer long-term care in a small town atmosphere. Our professional staff strives to reach and maintain the maximum rehabilitation potential for each resident. Whether a school group visits or a local pastor leads devotion, a variety of activities and familiar visitors provide an anticipation that keeps our residents stimulated and interacting with friends and relatives. With 24-hour nursing care, your loved one will enjoy a personalized treatment plan to maximize their abilities and achieve a satisfying quality of life.
For more information please contact:
Nursing Home Administrator


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Academy of Children's Educational Studies
The Academy of Children's Educational Studies provides students with a skill-based curriculum and hands-on experience so they are equipped with job specific knowledge, skills and credentials to enable employment in career fields that focus on children. The Early Childhood Education classes in ACES provide classroom and practical experiences necessary to meet the cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs of children from infancy to preschool. Students transfer theories learned in the classroom into practice by working side-by-side with Child Development Associate Teachers to nurture and instruct the children in our school's childcare program.
Contacts: Mrs. Marin
Academy of Media of Productions
Contacts: Mr. Bell, Mrs. Gee, Mr. King, Mr. Randall and Mr. Williams
Environmental Agriculture & Technology Academy
The Environmental Agriculture & Technology Academy is a four year program designed to give students the knowledge and experience necessary to work as an Environmental Technician upon graduation.
Contacts: Mr. Ogzewalla and Mrs. Ogzewalla
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Core
Contacts: LTC Phelps, Sgt. Peebles, 1st Sgt. Chishlom and 1st Sgt. Fredrickson
Visual Art Academy
Contacts: Mr. Aho, Ms. Crawford, Ms. Debello and Ms. Randles
Performing Art Academy
Contacts: Ms. Bowne, Mr. Cleveland, Mrs. Mitchell and Mr. Henry-Dixon
Additional Information: Music Theatre
Physical Education
Contacts: Mr. Gee, Ms. Marcum, Mr. Pritchett and Ms. Salary


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"A wonderful pre-school. My child has been exceptionally happy there. Thank you"
"Really Fantastic. I recommend Warely Pre-school to everyone I know"
"My daughters confidence, speech and learning have developed so much since starting at pre-school. She loves to go and talks about what she has learnt. Amazing staff with childrens development at the centre of everything they do.
"An outstanding setting with staff you can trust"
" All staff are very approachable. They engage at all times. They are very understanding. I can't fault them one bit. Brilliant."
July 2018
"Warley Preschool is a great place for children to grow and learn. We would highly recommend it"
"Warley preschool is an outstanding setting and I am proud to say both my children have attended there"
"Quality of care provided by preschool is unparalled. I could not have asked for a warmer, more nurturing environment for my children. I feel that they are cared for and loved whilst at preschool and so do they"
"The focus on the interests and strengths of each child results in strong learning outcomes. These are always interesting topics and themes and m children often talk about these at home. Both of my children have flourished in their time at Warley preschool in developmental terms"
"Fantastic relationships with carers. If ever I had any concerns or worries about a particular issue with my child they were always helpfully resolved and reassured me completely"
"All staff have a warm and friendly manner, they are approachable and available for guidance when needed. They keep parents informed on progress and issues arising"
July 2017
"All staff are friendly and approachable, communication between staff and parents is outstanding"
"Communication via a wide range of media. Good use of verbal and written feedback. Open and honest environment and relationships"
"The staff at Warley are all outstanding. They are all very professional and show commitment and dedication every day. Moreover they are supportive of parents and incredibly
approachable. They've been invaluable to me during the past year"
"Brilliant. Staff always communicate well with parents on a daily basis"
June 2016
"All staff are very understanding with the children and take fantastic care of them."
Fab quality of care. My son really feels at home at preschool."
"All staff provide an excellant qaulity of care to all children."
"Clear communication and parents are kept fully informed via learning journey and at pick up and drop offs and parent afternoons."
"Excellant, relaxed, yet professional. All know the kids very well and all very knowledgable. Lovely atmostphere."
"staff are extreamly professional, every single member knows each child and where they are in their development. You can see the dedication and hard work. Thank you."
July 2015


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5G rollout within 20 days of green signal: Huawei India CEO
Chen said the company was "proactively engaging" with the Indian government to explore opportunities in the country's telecom ecosystem.
RBI moves to boost digital transactions, protect users
RBI announced reduced consumer liability in case of reported fraudulent digital transactions, and a grievance redressal mechanism for such modes of payment.
View: India on right track to reach the top 50 in Ease of Doing Business Index
The lessons learnt will be fundamental in going forward to make India reach the top 50 in Doing Business Report.
Mandating e-commerce firms to store user data exclusively in India to impact their biz: Experts
Pratibha Jain, Partner, Nishit Desai Associates said that data localisation would not help in resolving privacy concerns.
How India can become the manufacturing capital of the world
India is expected to jump six ranks to No. 5 in the 2020 Predicted Manufacturing Competitiveness.
EPFO, NPS data show 2.2 million formal jobs added in 6 months
EPFO data shows 3.1 million new additions across age groups over the six months to February, of which those in the 18-25 age group amount to 1.85 million.
Melinda Gates believes economic empowerment of women is the key to their development
Melinda Gates says her foundation will invest $170 m to help women access economic opportunities.
Digital transactions on the rise but fall drastically short of 25-billion target
Only about 14.8 billion digital transactions were undertaken across India from April 1 to January 28, show data sourced from the ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY).
View: Are we ready for a digital tax?
The world over, policymakers are facing challenges over the issue of taxing digital transactions. These challenges indicate the need for a separate tax code.
How can India compete with a global economy undergoing profound change?
Today, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reducing the importance of low-wage labour.
Domestic IT spend to grow 11.6% to Rs 2.33L cr in 2018: Report
In 2018, around 25 per cent of the IT spend of enterprise and government segments would be on digital technologies: Report
Machine learning will not replace people in all jobs: Study
Machine learning computer systems, which get better with experience, can outperform people in a number of tasks, though they are unlikely to replace people in all jobs, a study has found.
Government to bear MDR charges on digital transactions up to Rs 2,000
The merchant discount rate (MDR) will be borne by the government for two years with effect from January 1, 2018 by reimbursing the same to the banks.
Bitcoin now bigger than Warren Buffett: What else can it buy?
Here are five things that have been eclipsed by bitcoin in terms of market capitalisation.
Modern day management mantra: Disrupt yourself first before someone disrupts the industry
The key mantra is to disrupt oneself before somebody else disrupts the industry. The only way to overcome the fear of future is to create the future.
Digital payment fast replacing cash as predominant way: Arun Jaitley
The finance minister, after launching the Paytm Payments Bank, also observed that technology has changed the entire dynamics the way the banking is done in the country.
India has potential to be $10 trillion economy: McKinsey MD Dominic Barton
"GST, Aadhaar and demonetisation are serious attempts that are risky, maybe unpopular, but will lead to formalising the economy and put foundations in place to build something."


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Last Day for a chance to win $25 in Twilight Merchandise
by Leandra on December 2, 2012
in Contests, Merchandise
Today is the last day to enter our giveaway for a $25 gift certificate from Cafepress. They have tons of t-shirts, apparel, posters, gifts and other collectibles.
Click here for the giveaway page.
Today is also the last day to get $15 off and free shipping on orders of $60+ with coupon code 11AFF60FS. Visit Cafepress.
Cafepress Twilight Merchandise Giveaway!
by Leandra on November 27, 2012
in Contests, Merchandise
The holidays are fast approaching and we have a way for you to get an extra gift this year. Just leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Cafepress.
Cafepress is the place for Twilight t-shirts, hoodies, hats, totes, and many other gifts and collectibles. They also have an amazing selection of fan-made and official Twilight movie posters.
Good luck and happy holidays!
If you don't want to wait to see if you win, you can get $15 off and free shipping on orders of $60+ with coupon code 11AFF60FS from 11/26 – 12/02. Check out all the cool Twilight goodies here.
Win a Trip to the Los Angeles Breaking Dawn – Part 2 Premiere
Win a trip to the Los Angeles Breaking Dawn – Part 2 Premiere from Time Warner Cable.
Like them on Facebook then enter.
The sweepstakes ends October 21st.
Head on over to Facebook to enter and for all the details.
One Grand Prize:
The Grand Prize winner will receive a 3-day/2-night trip for two to attend the premiere screening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, one year of the best available Digital TV and Broadband Internet service and The Twilight Saga prize pack.
Win a Trip to the World Premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 in Los Angeles!
by Leandra on September 13, 2012
in Breaking Dawn Movie, Contests
Fandango has announced a contest to enter to win a trip to the world premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 in Los Angeles!
Here is a little information on what you will win:
1 Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
• Round-trip airfare for 2 to Los Angeles
• 2-nights hotel stay in Los Angeles
• 2 tickets to the world premiere of
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
• Car rental
Head on over to Fandango for all the information and to enter.
Also pre-sales for tickets start October 1st.
This is one awesome prize!
Source: Twilight Lexicon
Contest Giveaway: Enter to WIN an Ashley Greene Autographed 'The Apparition' Poster
Ashley Greene's new movie, The Apparition, comes out this Friday. To celebrate, one lucky fan gets to win a poster from the movie that has been signed by Ashley! To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.
The winner will receive a signed version of this poster.
The Apparition looks quite spooky and the hands in the trailer are very creepy. I love horror movies and can't wait to see it.
When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence that was accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition feeds on their fear and torments them no matter where they try to run. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural, Patrick (Tom Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force.
To learn more about the movie, check out pictures and wallpapers, and find more giveaways visit:
The Apparition Official Site
The Apparition Facebook
Kristen Stewart Thanks Fans, Introduces Chance to Win a Trip to 'Snow White' Premiere
by Leandra on April 18, 2012
in Cast & Characters, Contests, Videos
Get more info at Celebuzz!
Bella's Wedding Dress on Bridal Guide Cover Plus Win the Twilight Wedding Gown and a Honeymoon
Head on over to Bridal Guide to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to Win the Twilight Wedding Gown and a Honeymoon.
Via Twilight Lexicon
Breaking Dawn Part 2 included in MTV Movie Brawl 2012
Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog
MTV is having a Movie Brawl!
They want to know which movie you are most excited about in 2012?
Voting has already began and Breaking Dawn part 2 is included.
Go here to vote in Round 1!
Win a Twi-Hard Gift Package!
Cafepress is giving away a Twi-Hard gift package to a lucky fan. You could win t-shirts, magnets, and other Twilight inspired items. To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post by Sunday (12/11).
Examples of some of the items you could win are:
Team Edward Tee
Mrs. Jacob Black T-Shirt
Team Jacob Button
Cafepress has hundreds of other Twilight items that make great gifts for any fan. If you don't want to wait to win, you can check out everything they have here.
Congratulations to Wendy from Leesburg, GA on winning the Twi-Hard Gift Package.
Snow White and the Huntsman Sweepstakes on Facebook
by Leandra on November 2, 2011
in Cast & Characters, Contests
Head on over to Facebook to enter for your chance to visit the set of Snow White and the Huntsman.
You have to Like the Snow White and the Huntsman Facebook page to enter. I know the pic looks like you have to like the post to enter, but I just took the pic from their facebook page.


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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 9 - A photo of the last item your purchased.
I am sleeping like an angel on a marshmellow cloud.
It is reversible too. One side Egg Crate effect is like a mini massage the other side Firm Comfy Bliss. OMG the best money I have spent in quite some time.
I have also bought a mini Vacation Package to Las Vegas. I am going in less than 2 1/2 weeks. My dear, awesome, sweet friend Sara is going with me and we are meeting my little sister Crystal there. Awesome!!
I have also booked my flight to PHILLY! Carla and I are looking to do a Memorial Day long weekend road trip. Look out Philly, New York, Rhode Island and Boston! We plan to leave our own landmarks. So excited!! 6 days with Pea aka Carla. It will be one major laugh fest indeed.
Also looking for tickets to go to Vail, CO second weekend in June with my sweet friend Oanh. We have a beautiful mountain top home to call ours for a long weekend.
The following weekend is off to my hometown to go to my baby sister's baby shower! FUN FUN FUN! I can't wait to see my sister preggers! She is a doll. Pictures to come soon.
7 comments:
- Rachel said...
Man!!! You are traveling a ton!!!! Sounds like a blast!!! And I have never slept on a memory foam matress... and I am scared that I'd never go back!
- March 23, 2011 at 5:39 AM
- TresaM said...
I bet it is alot better then the Memory foam matress I bought.. I hate mine...
- March 24, 2011 at 8:37 AM
- Anonymous said...
hey - hit me up if you come to Boston! Margaritas are on me!
- March 24, 2011 at 10:30 AM
- Stephanie said...
Holy cow..look at you miss World Traveler! lol
Sounds like so much fun!! Cant wait to hear all about them!!
- March 25, 2011 at 11:58 PM
- raeanne said...
You are going to be a traveling machine! I can't wait until June for your trip!!!
- April 1, 2011 at 9:27 PM
- raeanne said...
OMG....I just noticed that Aiden is one of the labels!! Awe!!
- April 1, 2011 at 9:29 PM
- Lovely Lalo-Cha said...
Yes ladies, I am the SisterHood of Traveling Lalo Pants! I can't wait.
Yes Aiden is a TAG!! Yay
Girly, I will hit you up for sure. Whoo hoo!
T-My mattress is awesome, still loving it.
- April 15, 2011 at 12:05 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Ryan Reed Advocate T-Shirt
Represent Type 1 diabetes with T1D NASCAR Driver Ryan Reed! Shirt details include "Racer. Advocate. Champion." and the target design from the patch used on Ryan's racing suit allowing him to get an injection if necessary. How cool is that? Ryan is showing the world how to #livebeyond every day. Support #16 and Beyond Type 1 by rocking this tee.
Product information: Sizing is adult unisex. New ERA NEA 100 Tee, 60/40 cotton/poly blend.
50% of the proceeds from this shirt go directly to Beyond Type 1!


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Let me be very clear...although this is a book about teens... it's NOT a teen novel. I was fascinated with Lippman's characters. The girls, of course, but also the adults. The male detectives especially Lenhardt, who has a daughter himself, the female guidance counselor, and the parents of the girls ... all with their own complex and sometimes bewildering lives. But don't just take my word for it; have a look at Jane Gross' review "Laura Lippman: When Friendship Fails You." It's a great article about Lippman's book including some fascinating biographical stuff about her inspiration for the novel. You can read Gross' article here.
Reading Lippman's book reminded me of the Tana French novel The Secret Place, which I read a few months ago. Also about teen agst, highschool, friendship, shattered vows and murder. And the secret lives of girls. I love French's work. Similar to Lippman's book, The Secret Place flips back and forth between the adult world and the world of teenage girls, the baffled and beleaguered homicide detectives who are determined to get at the truth, and the high school girls who seem just as determined that the truth shall remain hidden.
Which reminds me of an incident a few years ago. A female student in my grade eleven class approached me one day when I was alone in the classroom and tearfully said..."Miss, my mum says that these are the best years of my life. Is that true?" "No way, Tiffany," I replied. "Being a grown up is the best!" I don't think I've even seen a kid look so relieved.
So that's it for me for tonight. Tomorrow Mum and I are shopping for furniture for her living room. I will need my beauty rest for that adventure. On the weekend I'll be seeing friends that I only connect with when I'm here... except on Facebook. That will be fun. In between, Mum and I will overdose on Jane Austen. We'll probably watch Death Comes to Pemberley. And maybe some of our other favourites. We haven't watched Sense and Sensibility for a few years. I do love the scene where Fanny finds out that Lucy Steele is engaged to her brother Edward. I know that Emma Thompson messed about with the characters and some of the original scenes....but I still love this adaptation.
Any thoughts on crime novels about teenagers.... these or others?


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Who we are
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering was formed in 1987 and is housed in the Sir Robert Hadfield Building (pictured right). The School of Materials, as it was then known, was an amalgamation of the Department of Metallurgy and the Department of Ceramics, Glasses and Polymers and has since flourished becoming one of the largest centres for materials research in the UK, providing a focus for research innovation and collaboration.
The Department's excellence in teaching has been recognised nationally having been awarded 22 out of a possible 24 in the recent HEFCE teaching quality assessment. Our teaching is research-led and is therefore at the forefront of current knowledge making our Department a stimulating environment in which to study.
Wide ranging academic excellence
We have a strong history of excellence in materials research with many major research breakthroughs being made in Sheffield Materials Research Centres. For instance, the discovery of polymer electrolytes was made here and the role of carbide precipitation in the strengthening of ferrites was established. Some recent findings are listed below.


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Years ago, my husband and I attended a panel about living with a writer. One of the participants said he has a writing hat. When he wore the hat, his spouse wasn't allowed to interrupt him unless she was closely followed by a fireman with an ax and a need to evacuate the building.
Thus began the hat tradition in our house.
- My writing hat is a purple fedora with a yellow band, saying Police Line Do Not Cross around the crown. The same rules about the fireman apply when I'm wearing this hat.
- My playwriting hat is a crocheted yellow, orange, and lime green African kufi hat, with crocheted butterflies. Don't ask why, crochet, butterflies and wild colors seemed appropriate at the time.
- My maker's hat is a pink engineer's cap with Thomas the Engine and Proud to be an Engineer on the front.
Doing the household accounts is my least favorite thing. Going digital has helped, but not much. I decided I needed a hat, or rather a headband a la 1920s style to wear when I was dealing with numbers. A few years ago a mathematician at Cornell University did some work on crocheting hyperbolic planes. Here's the link. So here's my hyperbolic headband, designed to concentrate math rays into my brain.


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On Tue, Nov 06, 2001 at 07:33:53PM +1100, Daniel Stone wrote: > > Oh, yeah, sorry. I forgot about that feature where it shows all 29347 oh bullshit. eb@socrates ~$ time ls -l /dev | wc -l 1221 real 0m0.256s user 0m0.050s sys 0m0.130s *plonk* -- Ethan Benson http://www.alaska.net/~erbenson/
Description: PGP signature


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Dojo Etiquette
Please read and familiarize yourself with our dojo etiquette and guidelines prior to entering the dojo. Since we are a traditional Japanese martial arts school, many of the rules follow cultural guidelines and should be understood as such.
Dojo Cleaning
In our Western culture, we often tend to think of cleaning as a "chore", as demeaning work performed by others. It is important to our training that we transcend such ideas. To see work that needs to be done and to do it is, in and of itself, a special kind of training. The development of character and humility is equally as important as refining technique. The responsibility to keep the dojo clean is a communal one and all members should make sure it is clean and presentable for those that come through our doors. In this way we have the sense of a fresh start for all of our training, and leave the dojo in a state that reflects our respect for what we are learning.
Download PDF: Cleaning Schedule
Testing Requirements
Testing requirements are handed down by the United States Aikido Federation, the governing body of Aikido in the United States and the liaison between Hombu Dojo (Japan's headquarters.) As a dojo under the umbrella of the USAF, we follow their test requirements when passing Adult Kyu and Dan ranks. Ranks and certificates are NOT handled by our dojo–we send out applications after testing for approval. Kyu ranks are handled by the USAF, and Dan ranks are handled directly by Hombu Dojo.
Download PDF: USAF Test Requirements


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What keeps you awake at night? Money worries? Your conscience? Traffic? Dogs barking? Or the shrill sound of a stressed robin forced to sing at night to find a mate?
This composed feature by Nina Perry explores the problem of sleeplessness and the crucial relationship between sound and sleep, all set within a soundscape of noises heard during a sleepless night interwoven with specially composed music.
Tinnitus sufferer Helen takes us on a journey through a sleepless night of thought and sounds of ticking clocks, snoring, a restless child, mysterious footsteps and a neighbour's late night party. How are these sounds perceived in a state of sleeplessness? How do we respond to sound emotionally, physiologically and hormonally. Are the sounds of the night changing? Are silent nights a thing of the past?
Answering these questions and elucidating the relationship between sound and sleep are: Professor of Acoustics and Dynamics Andy Moorhouse and Senior Lecturer in Acoustics Bill Davies, from Salford University; David Baguley, Head of Audiology at Cambridge University Hospitals, who discusses sound perception, the meaning of sound and the reaction to sound as elements within Tinnitus treatment; Dr Ken Hume, a sleep researcher specializing in sound and sleep, discussing the physiology and psychology of sleep and sound disturbance; and Rupert Marshall, Lecturer in Animal Behaviour at Aberystwyth University, describing how urban wildlife is changing its behaviour to cope with modern life (for example, robins nesting in urban areas who struggle to be heard during the day are more likely to sing at night than their country cousins).
Producer: Nina Perry
A White Pebble Media production for BBC Radio 4.


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Eating at least two weekly servings of oily fish, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), can help middle-aged and older people with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for diabetic retinopathy, suggests a post hoc analysis of a major diet trial.
After adjusting for factors including age, sex, and intervention group, researchers from the PREDIMED trial found that participants who were 55 years or older and consumed at least 500 mg/day of omega-3 PUFAs showed a 48% reduced risk for incident diabetic retinopathy compared with those who consumed less than 500 mg/day (hazard ratio, 0.52; P = .001).
"Higher risk reductions were observed in participants with hypertension, those with diabetes of greater than 5 years' duration, and those treated with insulin at baseline," according to the report from Aleix Sala-Vila, DPharm, PhD, a researcher at CIBER-Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, in Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues, published online August 18 in JAMA Ophthalmology.


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- 250 grams Plain White Flour
- 125 grams Unsalted Butter
- 1 Pinch Salt
- Cold Water
- 8 medium Eggs
- 160 ml Skimmed Milk
- 150 grams Parmesan cheese
- 350 grams Salmon cooked
- 200 grams Broccoli cooked
- 50 grams Spinach
- Salt & Pepper to season
Servings: people
To make the pastry
- Put the flour and butter and salt in a bowl, and rub with your fingers until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
- Add small amounts of cold water, gently mixing in until the mixture just comes together. You do not want the mixture to end up too wet, so only add the water in small amounts.
- Wrap the pastry in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- When the pastry is chilled, pre-heat your oven to 200°C. Roll out on a lightly floured surface until large enough to fit your 12" flan tin, ensuring you have rolled it out enough to fill the bottom and the sides of the tin. Gently push the pastry into the corners of the tin, and remove excess pastry from around the top of the tin.
- Using a fork, prick the bottom of the pastry in several places, then cover with grease proof paper and add ceramic baking beans. Place in the oven and blind bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the beans and grease proof paper, and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
The Filling
- While the pastry is baking, add the eggs, milk and parmesan cheese to a bowl, and combine. Season well with salt and pepper.
- When the pastry has baked, fill it with your salmon, broccoli and spinach, then top with the egg/milk mixture. The mixture should nearly fill the tart to the top.
- Turn your oven down to 160°C, and bake the tart in the middle of the oven for 20-25 minutes, until set and golden brown.


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Viz Media announced today at New York Comic Con that it will publish in November the eagerly awaited translation of Gogo Monster, by Tekkonkinkreet creator Taiyō Matsumoto.
Released in 2000 in Japan, Gogo Monster centers on Yuki, a boy who has no friends because he claims he can see spirits. Yuki's isolation ends when one day Makoto decides to sit next to him at school. But then the spirit world begins to intrude upon reality. (A more florid description of the well-regarded work can be found here.)
Viz also announced it will handle the North American translation of the new, unnamed manga by superstar creator Rumiko Takahashi (Ranma ½, Inuyasha, Maison Ikkoku).
A complete breakdown of the new titles, including Yu-Gi-Oh! R and the Boys Over Flowers epilogue, can be found here.


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How to set up Outlook calendars on the iPhone
If you plan to use an iPhone with your Microsoft services, you'll want to set up your Outlook calendars.
Microsoft services are ubiquitous across the major mobile OSes, and one of the main reasons to use them is that it doesn't matter which device you choose to put in your pocket. In the case of the iPhone, setting up your calendars can be done in a couple of ways, neither complicated.
Here's what you need to know.
1. Download Outlook for iOS
It's that simple. No, really, it is. The Outlook app for iOS contains both your email and calendars in one application and is hands-down the easiest way to use either of them on your iPhone.
Microsoft acquired a former iOS app, called Accompli, which formed the base of the Outlook app. Everything that was good about it lives on, and it's a winner for getting at your Microsoft-stored important bits on the iPhone.
- Free - Download now
2. How to set up Outlook natively on the iPhone
If you'd prefer not to use the Outlook app, you can set up your services natively on the iPhone. The added benefit to this method is that some third-party calendar apps, such as the excellent Fantastical, will tap into the accounts stored on the phone. So it doesn't mean you're resigned to using Apple's stock apps.
Here's how to get up and running:
- Open settings.
- Tap on calendar.
- Tap on accounts.
- Select add account.
- Tap on the outlook.com logo.
- Sign in to your Microsoft Account.
- Choose to sync calendars (and anything else you want such as email and contacts).
With this setup on the iPhone, you'll be able to just use the stock apps with your Microsoft Account or third-party ones that need to hook into this information to operate.
Whichever of these two methods you use, you'll be well taken care of.
Let us know in the comments below.


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Sidley Austin LLP Africa- Asia Agriculture Enterprise Pro Bono Program
Description: The Africa-Asia Agricultural Enterprise Pro Bono Program was launched in 2012 by Sidley Austin, to provide free legal support to small and medium sized agricultural-related enterprises and development non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Africa and Asia. The Program aims to impact and benefit the small, poor farmers and farm workers, particularly women, who labor at the bottom of the food chain. Sidley's holistic approach ensures both tangible and intangible gains to the beneficiaries.
Website: http://www.sidley.com/


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Frequent Links
Heidi Fleiss
|Heidi Fleiss
Fleiss in 2006
Heidi Lynne Fleiss
December 30, 1965
Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, US
|Pahrump, Nevada, US
|Madam, television personality
Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew
Celebrity Big Brother
|Dennis Hof
Heidi Lynne Fleiss (born December 30, 1965) is an American former madam, and also a columnist and television personality regularly featured in the 1990s in American media. She ran a prostitution ring based in Los Angeles, California, and is often referred to as the "Hollywood Madam".
Early life
Fleiss was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her parents, Paul M. Fleiss and Elissa (née Ash), are divorced. Her parents adopted Elissa's sister's daughter, Kim, then adopted Paul's sister's daughter, Amy. Both were infants at the time. Heidi was born later the same year. Paul and Elissa then had Shana (born 1967), Jason (born 1968) and Jesse Fleiss (born 1977).[1][2] On December 28, 2009, 41-year-old Jason drowned in the sea off Hawaii.[3]
Work in prostitution and criminal charges
At the age of 22, Fleiss began managing a prostitution ring under Madam Alex after meeting the famous Madam 90210 in 1987 via film director boyfriend Ivan Nagy. Fleiss stated in 2002 in an interview with Larry King that her relationship with Alex was "a very intense relationship" and that she "was kind of like the daughter she loved and hated, so she was abusive and loving at the same time." In the same interview, Fleiss said she was a prostitute for a short period in order to learn all aspects of the business. At the time Heidi was learning to take over Alex's business, there was a labor shortage as most of Alex's prostitutes were approaching middle age and setting their sights on retiring from prostitution. Alex tasked Heidi with revitalizing the business by recruiting a new batch of young attractive women.[4]
By 1990, Fleiss parted with Alex and started her own prostitution ring. Fleiss has stated that she made her "first million [dollars] after only four months in the business" as a madam, and that on her slowest night she made $10,000.[5] By 1991 and 1992, she was so successful that she began rejecting girls to work for her. In June 1993, she was arrested for multiple charges, including attempted pandering.
Federal charges were filed in 1994, and Fleiss posted $1,000,000 bail. The state trial began the same year and Fleiss was convicted. In May 1996, her state conviction was overturned, and her appeal bond was set at $200,000.[6] Fleiss was convicted of federal charges of tax evasion in September 1996 and sentenced to seven years in prison.[7] Fleiss served 20 months at the Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin in California. She was released to a halfway house on November 19, 1998 and ordered to perform 370 hours of community service.[8] Fleiss was released from the halfway house in September 1999.
Fleiss' ring reportedly had numerous famous and wealthy clients. When questioned by British TV presenter Davina McCall about revealing the names of her clients, she replied, "It's not my style."[9]
Media appearances
In 1995, Nick Broomfield made a documentary about her prostitution ring called Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam. In 2004, a made-for-TV movie was produced called Call Me: The Rise and Fall of Heidi Fleiss, in which Fleiss was portrayed by actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
Fleiss and reality TV personality Victoria Sellers (a friend of Fleiss since their teens, although their relationship had hit the rocks during the period Sellers was interviewed for Broomfield's documentary)[10] hosted and produced an instructional DVD titled Sex Tips with Heidi Fleiss and Victoria Sellers in 2001. She is a periodic guest on Fox News programs and is currently[when?] featured in Maxim Magazine's "Ask Heidi" column.[citation needed]
In January 2010, Fleiss was the third housemate to enter the final Channel 4 series of Celebrity Big Brother in the UK;[11] she was the second to be evicted.[12] During her appearance on Big Brother, she stated that she does not want children, as she would be a poor mother, and would respond to an unplanned pregnancy by terminating it—her exact words were "Thank God for abortion!"—this comment elicited angry responses from viewers.[13] She did not return for the finale; Davina McCall said Fleiss had to look after some exotic birds. (The report of exotic birds is substantiated by Nye County declining to arrest Fleiss for growing pot.[14])
Business interests
In 2005, Fleiss announced plans to open a brothel in Pahrump, Nevada called "Heidi Fleiss' Stud Farm".[15][16] In 2007, Fleiss opened a laundromat called "Dirty Laundry" in Pahrump, as her plans for the brothel had been put on hold due to a "slight complication."[17] In 2009 she said that she had abandoned her plans to open such a brothel.[18] She opened a fashion boutique in Los Angeles after being released from prison.[citation needed]
Personal life
After completing treatment for substance abuse, Fleiss became engaged to Dennis Hof, owner of Nevada's Moonlite BunnyRanch.[19]
Fleiss is Jewish,[20] and has said that she is a vegetarian.[9]
She owns an ultralight flight park in Pahrump, FAA designation NV54.
In 2003, Fleiss accused her ex-boyfriend, actor Tom Sizemore, of domestic violence. Sizemore was convicted by a California jury of domestic violence, making criminal threats, and making obscene phone calls.[21]
Fleiss eventually moved to Pahrump, Nevada,[22] where she came to live in solitude in Death Valley[23] while caring for 25 parrots.[24] Dr. Drew Pinsky, who treated Fleiss for substance abuse, performed brain scans on her that showed significant frontal lobe dysfunction, which Pinsky surmised was behind her inability to empathize with people, and her affinity for doing so with birds.[25] She had developed a particular closeness to a macaw called Dalton who later died.[26]
In 2009, Fleiss was treated for substance abuse at the Pasadena Recovery Center, which was filmed for the third season of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. One of her fellow patients was Sizemore, against whom her prior restraining order had lapsed. Both Fleiss and Sizemore consented to appear together on the show before filming began,[25] and their reunion, depicted in the third episode, was amicable,[27] though Fleiss subsequently expressed mixed feelings about his presence there.[28] During the filming of the program, Fleiss left the center and was involved in an accident with her SUV near her home in Nevada. She subsequently returned to rehab.[23]
|The Doom Generation
|Liquor store Clerk
|film debut
|Alien 51
|Lead role
|Porndogs: The Adventures of Sadie
- ^ Hubler, Shawn (April 9, 1995). "Did father know best?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 20, 2010.
- ^ California Birth Index 1905–1995
- ^ Heidi Fleiss's secret heartache over drowning death of brother days before entering Celebrity Big Brother house
- ^ Interview with Larry King
- ^ "In Defense Of Prostitution"; by Heidi Fleiss as told to Nadya Labi | Million dollars [in] four months
- ^ "Conviction Quashed In Heidi Fleiss Case". The New York Times. May 30, 1996.
- ^ "Heidi Fleiss Given 37-Month Sentence". The New York Times. January 8, 1997.
- ^ "Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss Placed in Halfway House". Los Angeles Times. November 20, 1998.
- ^ a b Jill Smolowe (December 19, 1994). "A High Price to Pay". Time. Retrieved July 22, 2007.
- ^ Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam (1995)
- ^ "Celebrity Big Brother 2010 contestants unveiled". BBC News Online. January 3, 2010. Retrieved January 3, 2010.
- ^ "Katia Ivanova and Heidi Fleiss evicted from Celebrity Big Brother". Daily Mirror. January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 15, 2010.
- ^ Celebrity Big Brother viewers turn on Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss as she rants: 'Thank God for abortion'
- ^ "Marijuana plants found at 'Hollywood Madam' Heidi Fleiss' Nevada home". CNN. 14 August 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
- ^ George Knapp (May 26, 2005). "I-Team Exclusive Interview With Heidi Fleiss". KLAS-TV. Retrieved February 8, 2008.
- ^ "Heidi Fleiss eager again to do what she does best". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. June 19, 2005. Retrieved February 8, 2008.
- ^ Pat Lalama (July 2, 2007). "Heidi Fleiss Opens 'Dirty' Laundromat". Fox News Channel. Retrieved February 8, 2008.
- ^ Heidi Fleiss gives up on plan for brothel for women Las Vegas Review-Journal, February 10, 2009
- ^ "Fleiss to Marry Brothel Boss". contactmusic.com. June 25, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
- ^ Ariel Levy (February 2008). "The Once and Future Madam". Elle. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
- ^ Stephen M. Silverman (August 18, 2003). "Sizemore Convicted of Abusing Fleiss". People.com. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
- ^ Knapp, George. "Famous Hollywood Madam Moves to Nevada", Las Vegas Now; Accessed January 30, 2010
- ^ a b Video of Celebrity Rehabe Episode 3.8 ("Acting Out") at VH1.com
- ^ Brean, Henry. "More Dirty Laundry", Las Vegas Review-Journal July 1, 2007
- ^ a b Margy Rochlin (February 1, 2010). "Addicted to Rehab". TV Guide Online. Retrieved January 30, 2010.
- ^ Heidi Fleiss: Would-Be Madam Of Crystal. SBS TV, December 21, 2010
- ^ Video of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, Episode 3.4 ("New Patients") at VH1.com
- ^ Video of Celebrity Rehab Episode 3.5 ("Loss") at VH1.com
Further reading
- "Then & Now: Heidi Fleiss". CNN. June 19, 2005.
Books by Heidi Fleiss.
- Pandering. Los Angeles: One Hour Entertainment. 2002. ISBN 9780972016407.
- The player's handbook: the ultimate guide on dating and relationships. Los Angeles: One Hour Entertainment. 2004. ISBN 9780972016414.
External links
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Heidi Fleiss.


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Yet another of our ongoing points of contention, for those of you who are just getting to know us, is the subject of my husband's snoring.
ME: Honey, you're snoring (poke)
HIM: Hmmm?
ME: You're snoring.
HIM: Oh, okay (three second pause) is that better?
ME: (giggling) I love you!
HIM: Good thing, nobody else would
It's important to note that in spite of my perfection I don't hold others to impossible standards. For instance, just because I sleep like a Disney princess, that doesn't mean that my husband isn't entitled to some somnolent habits. Hell, I might even find the snoring cute if it wasn't for one teeny little shriek-inducing frustration.
ME: Ugh, the snoring!
HIM: I don't snore.
ME: Okay, but ya do.
HIM: Nope. I don't snore.
ME: How would you know?!?!
Now, of course I've tried convincing him, both through eye-witness testimony and with actual physical evidence. I even recorded it once, barely suppressing my own smug giggles as I held my phone above our heads and envisaged the moment of my vindication. Then I fell asleep, lulled by the oscillating roar beside me, and forgot about the recording until, about a week later, we were at a dinner party with some fans of ACWMH who especially enjoyed the ongoing saga of The Snoring.
HIM: I don't snore
ME: Ooh, I… I have PROOF! (whips out phone)
HIM: You RECORDED it?!
ME: (triumphantly stabbing at the screen) So THERE!
HIM: (shakes head) All that proves is that you slept with someone who snores.
HIM: (walking away) And we'll talk about THAT later.
Do you see what happened there? Do you see what he did?!?!
ME: Hey, you up?
HIM: Yeah.
ME: I can't sleep.
HIM: Me either.
ME: Really? Because the reason I can't sleep is that someone's been snoring like a damned lumber mill for the last hour.
HIM: Really? Huh.
ME: (plots murder)
Let's set aside for a moment the fact that in sleep I resemble an angel. Ignore the fact that my lips press together in an endearing moue, that my breath is a mere whisper and my hair falls perfectly across the pillow (my morning breath also smells exactly like fresh apple pie, in case you wondered). Because this isn't about the snoring itself, or any comparison one might be tempted to draw between a mortal man and his shockingly perfect mate.
ME: Please stop snoring
HIM: I'm trying
(he never remembers these conversations in the morning, of course)
This is about the trap he has neatly set, in which any – perfectly reasonable! – complaint I might register becomes the sharp-toned ravings of a lunatic. I am left to either endure in patience and silence (a thing which is only possible on nights when the cacophonous score of his sinus orchestra couldn't be heard over, say, an invasion of black helicopters) or wake him to beg for peace and face his fiction.
HIM: (snoring so loud the animals have fled the bedroom)
ME: Roll over
HIM: (no movement, continues to snore)
ME: (poke) ROLL. OVER
HIM: (begins to move) okay… what's this for?
ME: Health and Safety.
HIM: What, your mental health and my safety? Because I'm snoring too loud?
ME: Yes.
HIM: Even though I don't snore?
ME: Yes. Thank you for understanding
But what really winds me up? What really drives me to lose my impressive self-control and wish for him to be infested by some sort of heretofore-undiscovered brain mite that could render him catatonic for 22 hours a day? Those times when he admits it, and then he takes it back.
ME: (fed up with his snoring right in my damned ear, I liberally apply elbow to rib)
ME: Roll over!
HIM: Thank you.
ME: … uh…
HIM: it was starting to wake ME up
ME: You're welcome. So you admit that you were snoring?
HIM: I admit nothing. I'm asleep.
At least we had that talk, and he no longer gets mean about it…
ME: Honey?
HIM: (snoring so loud the neighbors' dogs have asked to borrow my ear plugs)
ME: (poke) Honey? You're snoring, please roll over.
HIM: (continues to do his lumber mill impression)
ME: Sweetie, please.
HIM: (enraged roar) WHAT?!?! WHAT THE HELL, I WAS ALMOST ASLEEP AND YOU'RE WAKING ME UP! DAMMIT!
ME: (drily) You've been snoring for hours.
HIM: I don't snore! Now I'll never get back to sleep!
ME: (closes eyes for a moment)
HIM: (resumes snoring)
(he never remembered any of those, either. Because of course he talks in his sleep.)
Gentle reader, I love this man with all my heart; I would trade him for no other. But if, perchance, one night he were to meet his end through suffocation, his own pillow forced down his goddamned ever-vibrating throat, well…. you'll all testify on my behalf, yeah? Justified. Totally justified.
ME: Oh, good you're already in bed! I was worried that I'd have to hunt you down and drag you in for snuggles.
HIM: I'm trying to rest. I plan to do a lot of snoring very soon, and you're just going to interrupt.
ME: … Seriously?!?! You're trying to claim SNORING as prior plans?
HIM: Yeah.
ME: You know, last night I asked you – very politely – to stop snoring and you said, "I'm trying to"
HIM: I don't snore
ME: (stunned silence)
Incidentally, my cat snores too. But it's an adorable little noise, like a mouse.
ME: Awww! He's snoring, listen.
HIM: That's not snoring, that's just breathing.
ME: No, HIS snore is just little and cute.
HIM: That's not snoring… I should show you what snoring is some time.
HIM: But I don't snore
ME: (muffled screaming into pillow)
HIM: (laughing) When you post this, you'll have to type in that you screamed into a pillow.
ME: (death glare)


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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter CookiesPosted: July 15, 2012 | Author: onethousandbites | Filed under: Dessert | Tags: cookie, cookies, easy, flourless, gluten free, peanut, peanut butter |Leave a comment
I honestly believe that peanut butter is one of the things that makes the world go round (sorry to those of you who are allergic). It has always been one of the staples of my diet growing up. There were peanut butter sandwiches (no jelly), peanut butter patties (also known as Tagalongs), I put peanut butter on my oreos, peanut butter chips and cups on ice cream, and just peanut butter on a spoon to lick as a snack. But strangely, I never really had peanut butter cookies.
So on one of my days off from work, I decided to try the ultimate peanut butter cookie. These cookies are gluten-free, flourless goodness. This means they're pretty much pure peanut butter and sugar which is fine by me. They're very crumbly but in the most delicious way. They are super easy and quick to make as well.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
(Recipe from Pastry Affair)
Makes 12 large cookies
1 cup Peanut Butter – any texture will do, I used creamy
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
Preheat oven to 350.
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and sugar together. I used a wooden mixing spoon, which made the work easy. Once the sugar and peanut butter are combined, mix in the egg and baking powder.
Scoop out dough balls that are between 1 and 1 1/2 tablespoon in size. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down the balls with a fork cross-wise to flatten the cookie and create the iconic peanut butter cookie look.
Bake cookies for 10-14 minutes. They will still be soft when they come out of the oven so let them sit for 10 minutes or so to harden up.


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Colonial Mortgage Service Company of America, 418 Stump Road, Suite 100, Montgomeryville, PA 18936, NMLS#112851, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org, is an Equal Housing Lender and we fully comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and all other Federal and State regulations. Applicants applying for credit from Colonial will never be denied on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, military status, marital status, age, or because you get public assistance. This is not a commitment to lend. Our products, rates, and services may not be available in all states and are subject to change without notice. All applications are subject to underwriting guidelines and approval. We are licensed in the following states: Delaware: Licensed by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner-Licensed Lender #012690, Maryland: Licensed by the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation-Mortgage Lender License #06-20109, New Jersey: Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance-Residential Mortgage Lender License #112851, Pennsylvania: Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities-Mortgage Lender License #22633, Virginia: Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission-Virginia Lender License #MC-5658, Florida: Licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, the Division of Consumer Finance-Mortgage Lender License #MLD1684
We've been helping customers afford the home of their dreams for many years and we love what we do.
Company NMLS: 112851
418 Stump Road, Suite 100
Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania 18936
Phone: (215) 661-1200


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This section contains 520 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Darwin uses an unsharpened pencil as a weapon in Termini Station because he has a phobia that causes him to become enraged when he sees or touches sharp objects.
Paul's Gun
Darwin gets a crash course on using a gun when he takes Paul's gun from him and Paul makes fun of him for not knowing how to turn off the safety. Darwin puts this knowledge to good use when he kills three of Fuccini's men in the stairwell of the Fuccini office building.
Darwin has a phobia of sharp items and he Darwin sees them, he becomes enraged. To help Darwin fight Fuccini's men, he asks them to show him a knife. Later, when being attacked in his new Florida home, Rosina knocks over a knife block to purposely enrage Darwin so that he will attack their attackers.
Isabella's BMW
Darwin borrows Isabella Capote's BMW...
This section contains 520 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)


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Cruise Tourism On the Rise in UAE
Cruise tourism is on the rise in the UAE. In Dubai, 625,000 passengers arrived on nearly 160 ships over the course of the 2016/17 season – a 15 percent increase year over year. Many of the ship calls were first-time arrivals, including visits from the Norwegian Star, MSC Fantasia and Mein Schiff 1.
"We are very pleased with the success of our 2016/2017 cruising season, and with the city's sustained popularity as a winter cruise destination," said Jamal Humaid Al Falasi, Director of Dubai Cruise Tourism. "Bolstered by our recent success and our upcoming partnerships over the coming seasons, we are confident we will achieve our strategic goal of welcoming one million cruise tourists to Dubai by 2020/21 cruise season."
Just down the coastline, the brand new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal has already begun boosting Abu Dhabi's numbers, even in its first full year in operation. TCA Abu Dhabi reports that bookings for next year are 23 percent higher than the same period in 2016, and the forecast is for a total of over 300,000 passengers for 2018. A recent study commissioned by the agency and its partners found that the emirate's cruise business is on track to grow to 800,000 passengers by 2025.
According to the agency, the thriving cruise business in the UAE falls into three broad categories: winter sun circular tours of the Arabian Gulf, home ported in the Emirates; port-of-call stops on regular regional itineraries; and one-day stopovers of vessels that are on round-the-world voyages. Celebrity Cruises and MSC Cruises both have vessels homeported in Abu Dhabi, and bookings have been strong. "The success shown by [these lines] underlines the growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a viable home port base for the world's leading cruise lines," said Saeed Al Dhaheri, the cruise tourism manager at TCA Abu Dhabi, speaking at a recent conference.