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A Tale of Two Abbeys by Rosie Lear
The Abbey Shop in the Close has taken delivery of the third in the series... Read more →
A sermon for Evensong at Sherborne Abbey, preached on Sunday 3 November 2019 by the Rector, Canon Eric Woods
The story of the raising of Lazarus which we heard read just now [John 11. 32-44] has been called an 'enacted parable', and so it is. Jesus tells Martha "I am the resurrection and the life" – and in so doing tells us all that resurrection isn't a doctrine, it's a person. Here he is, standing in front of Martha, almost teasing her, challenging her to see beyond the mundane and the everyday into the inner significance of things; into the inner significance of Jesus himself. The people around them want Jesus to come and see the place where Lazarus is buried. He wants them to come and see the place where he will dwell in light and love and resurrection glory. In this enacted parable, the future bursts into the present. It is a foretaste of our resurrection in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Heaven. Christians don't talk much about heaven these days, and I suspect seldom think about it. Like most people, we find it hard enough to remember what we are doing next week, let alone to think about eternity. And that's a shame, because heaven is what we are made for. Heaven is where the road goes. Heaven is the destination that gives point and purpose to our whole journey through life. If you read the history of the Christian church in any century you will discover that the Christians who have done the most earthly good are precisely those who have been the most heavenly minded, who have had this other dimension in their lives, who know Jesus not as a dead hero but as a living Lord, who live in conscious fellowship with the saints in whose company we laud and magnify God's Holy Name.
And if that all sounds a bit high-falutin', let us come down to earth – literally. In the nature of things I attend more funerals than you do, and spend more time with the bereaved. I have taken many hundreds of funerals in the last 41 years, and I can tell you this, that there is all the difference in the world between a funeral where death is seen as the end, the final full-stop, and one where through all the sorrow and the distress there is an awareness of this other dimension, of our Christian hope, of life being lived more fully and more gloriously in the presence of God.
So why do I believe that heaven is our ultimate destination? After all, this wasn't a belief man came to easily. There's virtually no mention of eternal life in the Old Testament, and even by Jesus' time only some of the teachers of Israel were prepared to accept it. But I believe in heaven, and I believe I'm going to heaven, because I believe in God.
If God set in motion a process which finally produced humankind, men and women made in the image of God and conscious of themselves and forever seeking the cause of their being, then I simply cannot believe that God would cut us off just as we are beginning to be aware of our spiritual nature, our potential for further growth, our conviction of value in the sight of God. The Bible even declares us, made in the image of God, to 'be gods' [cf John 10. 34]. So how can we, made in the image of the God of infinity, be finite? Yet a recent newspaper survey suggested that Christians these days don't believe in heaven anymore; that the majority of churchgoers positively disbelieve in it. If that is true then, my brothers and sisters, it should not be. I believe, and I hope you believe, that one day I will see and you will see our Lord face to face, in that heavenly city where there is no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying nor pain, where God wipes away all tears from our eyes. I have taken too many funerals and seen death too often to believe that the coffin, or the casket of ashes, can contain the real person, the real personality – the person made in the image of God, with whom I have laughed or cried or argued or talked. You can't put a personality – a soul – in a box, no, no matter how many bugles you have sounding the Last Post. Rather, as the last note of the Last Post dies away on earth, I believe the trumpets on the other side will be sounding Reveille.
A long time ago, a Canadian Bishop called Charles Brent asked the question "What is dying?", and by way of an answer asked us to imagine ourselves down at the coast, looking out to sea:
I am standing on the sea shore. A ship sails and spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her till at last she fades on the horizon, and someone at my side says, 'She's gone.' Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all; she is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not her, and just at the moment when someone at my side says, ''She's gone', there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up the glad shout, 'There she comes.' And that is dying.
And that is dying. And it means that the words of the great Reformed Pastor Richard Baxter – "I preached as a dying man to dying men, as never sure to preach again" – are neither sad nor depressing, but full of hope and assurance. And it is that hope which gives us perspective in this world, and shows the things of this world in their true value.
In the enacted parable of Lazarus, Jesus says to Martha "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." These are words spoken at every funeral service, and yet you will often hear them intoned so sadly and mournfully that they are robbed of their tremendous meaning. But for those of us who know that Jesus has defeated death, who know that for us death is behind us and only love ahead, they are the most triumphant expression of our faith, which brings home constantly the sense of the eternal. "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." Which means that I can say, and you can say, with utter conviction and assurance: "Upon a life I did not live, upon a death I did not die, Another's life, Another's death, I stake my whole eternity." And for that, thanks be to God.


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Validus DC Systems, which makes DC power infrastructure products for data centers, has received $10 million in a first round of venture funding led by Oak Hill Venture Partners, the company said today. Validus was founded in 2002 as a spinoff from equipment vendor DSA/Encore, and has been developing a line of DC power products. The company made its first public presentation of its technology at the DataCenterDynamics show in New York early this year, but has now come out of stealth mode and opened its web site to the public.
The financing will be used to accelerate commercial deployments of Validus' integrated DC power infrastructure, according to Validus, which said earlier this year that it was working on several client sites. Validus has developed an end-to-end DC system using a -575V DC power distribution system and patented power converter unit to provide -48V DC at the point of use. The company says its approach can improve energy efficiency by 40 percent compared to existing AC systems.
The investment marks a vote of confidence in the future of DC power distribution as a means to improving the energy efficiency of data centers. The benefits of DC have been advocated in a white paper from The Green Grid and a study from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. But many data center professionals remain leery of DC power, and some vendors (notably APC-MGE) argue that high-voltage AC configurations would be a better approach than DC power distribution.
"This significant investment by Oak Hill Venture Partners is further validation that Validus technology can deliver the promised benefits of DC power in a scalable and modular design that businesses can use within existing IT infrastructure," said Rudy Kraus, CEO and founder, Validus DC Systems. "Data center efficiency is no longer just an IT issue; it's one of the most pressing concerns across all levels of business management."
Kraus previously co-founded Encore Power & Environmental (now DSA/Encore), which provided $4 million of seed capital in 2002 to start the company. The Validus DC solution was developed in partnership with Dr. Marcel Gaudreau, former head of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Plasma Science and Fusion Center. The company says the final offering represents more than five years of development and more than 100,000 team hours.
"The Validus DC Systems business is a direct fit for our datacenter investment focus," said David Brown, Managing Partner at Oak Hill Venture Partners. "The company has designed an end-to-end DC power distribution system that offers compelling power savings and increased server density versus conventional solutions. This business is well positioned for substantial growth in the next few years as an increasing number of datacenters migrate to higher efficiency power delivery that is also environmentally friendly."

subset: commoncrawl


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Summer Camp Angel is a cost-free weekend camp for kids 7-14 who are affected by the cancer of a close family member (sibling, parent or grandparent), or who have experienced the loss of a close family member due to cancer. We hope to provide these kids a break from cancer and show them the time of their lives! At Camp Angel they meet others facing similar situations and share fun, positive experiences to uplift and strengthen them.
Camp is held at a beautiful Northwoods campsite in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. Cost-free transportation is provided to and from camp via coach buses (Lamer's Bus Line) that begins in West Allis, WI with designated stops in Oshkosh, Green Bay and Wausau. Chaperones are on board to ensure that campers are well-supervised and safe at all times.
When the bus arrives at the campsite, our campers are enthusiastically welcomed by their counselors and other volunteer Angel staff. Once the group is settled, there are introductions, an orientation and some fun icebreakers. Let the new friendships begin!
Later, the kids discover their unique and creative weekend accommodations which feature the Ark, Fort, Tower and Tree Houses.
Following Friday night dinner, it's off to check out a unique and interesting activity, or perhaps a presentation, before heading to the campsites where campers and counselors bond over a cozy bonfire complete with s'mores and then settle in for the night.
Saturday, water rules! Kids can enjoy activities which include swimming, water craft rides (a very favorite), canoeing, kayaking and much much more. Kids who prefer to stay dry can express their artistic side with arts and crafts galore. A very special attraction for our summer campers is an intriguing pirate ship adventure down the beautiful Chain O' Lakes on the Strauss Family's famous pirate ship. Ahoy Mateys!
On Saturday night the kids can dance to the tunes of our very own Angel DJ, Dan Scafaro, and enjoy snacks and refreshments. After leaving it all on the dance floor, campers and counselors return to their campsites for campfires, s'mores, games and eventually sleep.
Sunday morning means it's time to pack-up, fill up on a great breakfast, exchange goodbyes (for now) and board the bus for the trip home with lots of new friends met and happy memories made.
First come, first served.


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Welcome to the weekly Bruins recap.
This is a blog that I'll be trying to put out every Sunday or Monday on the previous week of Bruins games. It's just a little look back at every game that happened in the past week; the biggest takeaways from the box scores and my biggest thoughts* from every period and ultimately the biggest ideas at the end of each game.
*My "biggest thoughts" are for games that I am actually able to watch. For games that I do watch I take notes on every individual period and record everything I happen to blurt out. For games I can't watch, I'll be recapping on what I see from replays and the box score.
I'll also be referring to the Bruins as "we" in most cases.
Let's get to it.
Montreal Canadians, 01/19/2016, @ Montreal
This was a huge statement game after the poor excuse they turned out in Foxboro on January 1st. Even though it was against a struggling Carey Price-less Habs team, this time around had a lot of value to get back to an even record against their historic rivals for the regular season.
Thoughts on 1st Period:
"No sense of a break out."
Thoughts on 2nd Period:
"Winning more puck battles"
Thoughts on the 3rd Period:
"Rask had to bail out the city of Boston on too many opportunities"
Overall recap:
Not as solid as I would have liked against a struggling team, but a win nonetheless. We proved ourselves with a somewhat demanding score. It was good to see Pastrnak come back strong with two points. Despite the lack of goals on the power play as of late, the special teams was pretty solid. Definitely need to fix our sense of precision and urgency in the offensive zone.
Vancouver Canucks, 01/21/2015, @ Home
This was meant to be a fast paced, physical, gritty and an overall dirty game (in my opinion) given the history of these two teams (never forget: Game Seven in 2011). This game was none of those things; no penalties AT ALL.
Thoughts on first period:
"Back and forth start"
"Back and forth tempo"
"Bite me, Burrows"
At the end of the day, we were only in the game for about 37 minutes out of the 60. We didn't deserve to be on that ice. There were turnovers ALL OVER the ice; mostly in our own zone and in the neutral zone. Ever since the first breakdown on the Canucks first goal we wrote our own script for that loss.
Columbus Blue Jackets, 01/23/2016, @ Home
This game was a wake-up opportunity after we dropped an egg against the Canucks. It's against a dumpster-fire of a team that needs to find itself. Despite basically every game against the Jackets being decided by no more than two goals (meaning every game is a battle), it's a needed win against a struggling team.
Thoughts on first period:
"Tough seeing Campbell in a different sweater"
"Such a slow start. Omg"
"What a penalty kill"
Where Momma hides the peanut butter.
Thoughts of the week:
For the week as a whole I feel as though the Bruins are showing signs of life in areas that have been lacking. Our power play has dropped down to second place from a depletion in productivity over the past month. Yet over the week, we have shown signs of knowing where each other are and knowing when to pass the puck.
As well as that, or penalty kill is RUNNING things. We've basically gone from worst to not that far off from best over the past couple of months, and the killed penalties are most of the time in game saving moments.
In short, keep it up.
By Jacob Lace
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In the early 1960's, a young man by the name of Ferdinando "Fred" Pizzo brought a piece of Sicily to Grand Rapids. He opened up a pizzeria and built a very successful business called Fred's Pizza King, based on quality products, friendly service, and fair prices. He started in his home, and slowly but surely, word got out about his great cooking. "We just grew and grew" remarked his son Salvatore "Sam" Pizzo, who started out washing dishes as a kid.
Eventually, Fred realized that his take-out business needed more; he needed a sit-down dining area, so he turned his business into a dine-in establishment around 1970.
On May 1st, 1996, Sam closed the restaurant for the night and headed home around Midnight. A few hours later he got a call from a Sheriff's deputy: The Restaurant was burning. Sam lived four blocks away, and he could see the smoke when he got halfway there. Fred's Pizza burned to the ground.
Sadly, Ferdinando passed on in 2010. But the vision of Fred Pizzo continues, as Fred's Italian Restaurant is currently being operated by his son Sam Pizzo and his family. Thanks to Sam having the same traits as his father, that same piece of Sicily lives on and the rich family tradition continues!
Our 50th year! A tremendous crowd showed up for the grand re-opening celebration. There are more pictures of this wonderful day in our gallery.
Even as we celebrate the past and remember Fred, we look to the future and exciting things ahead. Stay tuned!


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Name of Class: "Introduction to ESL Story Writing"
Level of Class: Beginner
Grade: 6th Grade
Total Number of Days: 10
Topic of Unit: Story Writing
Overall Goal:
Deriving from the fundamental concepts of education, linguistics, communication, and psychology, this course will cover the fundamental 5 W's (who, what, where, when, why), characterization, the Beginning/Middle/End of a story, composing, and publishing deriving from the topic of story writing.
Learning Objectives:
Materials and Resources:
Day 1: "The Christmas Play" by Kate, paper, markers
Day 2: "Identifying Character" worksheet, "The Christmas Play" by Kate, paper, pencil
Day 3: "The Christmas Play" by Kate, Video Resource (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLzfXQSPBOg, notecards, pencil
Day 4: Video Resource (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLzfXQSPBOg), "Beginning Activity" cards ("character": (ex.) Sam, Lauren, Tom, Megan, the dog, the family, a dragon; "setting": (ex.) the park, at night, Disneyland, at 3:00pm, a castle; "opener": (ex.) Once upon a time, Today, Last night, One time, A long time ago; "wild card": (ex.) colors, emotions, adjectives, extra details), paper, pencil
Day 5: Video Resource (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLzfXQSPBOg), Video resource(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBzPioph8CI)
Day 6: Video Resource (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLzfXQSPBOg), Video resource (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBzPioph8CI), handouts that have short stories.
Day 7: Video resource (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpkLjt4R8j8), one worksheet, one chart, a series of three pictures of different scenes, paper, pencil.
Day 8: Outlines/charts from previous days, paper, pencil.
Day 9: Construction paper, colored pencils, crayons, markers, safety scissors, glue
Day 10: None
Short Story Presentation (Day 10)
|প্রশিক্ষণ - "তথ্য অধিকার আইন ২০০৯"


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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (4.1MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS
So instead of the usual Feens Tuesday episode, today we have a special treat. The master recording, for free (!), of the new Feens hip-hop song with Rich Black, "Obama's Feet Stink." Rich Black provided his vocals, but is not in the video, because he lives in New Jersey and Hurricane Sandy hit there last night and cut off his power just as he was uploading his video. (He let us know via iPhone.) This collaboration is a dope track, has great rapping (and fun dancing!) from Neema, the best mix Neema's ever done, and we are really proud of it. The song is about how there's no difference between Obama and Romney, how voting is stupid, and how OBAMA'S FEET STINK!
PLEASE SHARE THE VIDEO, WE ARE TRYING TO GET THIS ONE TO GO VIRAL before the election! (We're gonna need all the help we can get, with much of the Eastern Seaboard of the US without power.)
Video link:
CREDITS: RICH BLACK (Andre Anarcho-Capitalist Palm, a.k.a MC Fuck You, a.k.a Silver Stax): Words, rapping, beat.
MC LIE-BARRY (Neema Vedadi, a.k.a. MC Choreboy, a.k.a. NeemaV): rapping, beat, words, mixing. mastering.
DJ CONIACAL THE SCRIBE (MC Micromanage, a.k.a Michael W. Dean): Guitar, bass, background vocals on chorus, words, video editing.
Thanks to Jessica Romanowski-Vedadi for the camerawork on Neema.
Label: Angry Peasant Records.
Links: Rich Black's YouTube. Mc Lie-Barry and DJ Conical the Scribe's Freedom Feens Podcast.
Obama is a socialist, a liar and his feet stink
He's sociopathic,
Slinging his bogus hope-and-change opiates by the boat load to the masses.
A black president to let him tell it, but he ain't fooling nobody.
He dances worse than Ellen.
A felon in a nice suit who works with words to crash weddings via drone strike.
A thirst for murder is written all on his face.
When the worst occurs he's in his element.
Hell bent on war for the hell of it.
O-Bam-a and Romney, like peas in a pod, the facade of peace deceives you
Your freedom is gone.
They'll send the police to detain you at 3 in the morning,
Ship you to a black site without reading a charge,
and still convince you that the terrorists all be from Iran,
to scare you into thinking they promote freedom with bombs.
America, land of the fee, home of the slave, ruled by a stank foot.
The smell will blow you away.
CHORUS: Obama is a liar and his feet stink (4x)
MC Lie-Barry, NeemaV,
Obama's one smelly dude, that's very true,
he murders tons of children
and brags about it on the news.
But Romney's a stooge too
steadily itchin' to loot you.
Mittins is jealous Barack
stompin' blue boots.
Romney wants to call the shots
blow the brains off little tots.
They're both just tiny dots
turds in our melting pot.
And yes I'm mocking the democracy
'cause it's a mockery.
TV is not stopping me
from thinking properly.
The government is a monopoly
and I'd rather play life
with my wife.
So fuck the left and the right.
MC Lie-Barry shine bright
while Barry lies right.
Sucking up the limelight.
Shoulda stayed a high guy
You feel me?
Now his feet smelly like
Porta Potties in New Delhi
Welcome to the fifth and final presidential debate, being hosted today by FDR-TV. We're coming to you live from the stately and hurricane-proof Dick Cheney Bunker at the War Memorial Social Contract Center in beautiful downtown Lie-opolis.
If I were president I'd do more to control guns
Control guns? I'd make it illegal to hold one.
What about the Fed? They need to print more funds?
Obama: (in a different tone but same words)
What about the Fed? They need to print more funds
I won't let the people bitch… How? Internet Kill Switch
I'll make 'em pay to log on, so we can milk that shit
Only if you spend the money on the drug war
But we'll need police for that so I'll employ more
I'll put a cop on every corner so you'll never be alone
I'll see your cops…and raise you: a drone above every home!
If I were to vote I'd vote for Ron Paul.
But voting is for suckers, nobody should vote at all.
Be your own kings and queens
and nobody's slave
to sum it up in a phrase:


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Cheap as chips? Not any more as potato prices grow by 250%
The humble spud may be poised to become a luxury ingredient after horrendous harvests last year destroyed stocks, it has been warned.
Wholesale prices have rocketed to two-and-a-half times what they were this time last year and local potato supplies have virtually run out with 12 weeks to go until the new season, according to Ian McBride of Eagle Hill Potato Marketing in Donaghadee.
Meanwhile, chip shops are struggling to keep prices low as the price of potatoes rises sharply, and some have been forced out of business.
Mr McBride warned that with many growers now thinking about switching to other crops after last season's poor harvest and this spring's bad weather, prices are unlikely to fall in the short to medium term.
"Local potatoes are all but finished and there are another 12 weeks to go till next season," he said.
"The price at the moment is around two-and-a-half times more than this time last year. With Pinks and Rooster fetching over £600 a tonne, that's even more than a 250% increase.
"We are doing our best to help our customers by carrying extra stock and holding our price for as long as possible."
Mr McBride said fish and chip shops have been the worst hit by the rising prices as they feel they can't put extra pressure on customers by putting prices up.
"The price of a portion of chips isn't reflecting that rise but it's come to a stage where they are going to have to raise it," he said.
"All their prices are going up – wheat prices are going up so burger baps have been pushed up, packaging is up, energy costs are up. You could be looking at 30-40p increase on a portion of chips."
Isle of Ely Produce, one of the major UK suppliers of Eagle Hill, said poor weather conditions have caused the UK's potato stocks to drop by almost 20% year on year.
Director John Boutwood said: "2012 was a challenging growing season, with exceptional weather conditions impacting on the GB crop's size and quality.
"With supplies of UK potatoes remaining low, we may also be forced to source more from abroad at greater cost.
"However, even these stocks are running low. The crops abroad have been affected, too. And also the quality is not always consistent, so whereas you could get great quality one week, the next one might not be so great."
Case study
Trevor McBride has owned the Golden Chip in Dundonald for 18 years. He estimates that potatoes cost around £11 a bag now, compared to about £6 last year.
He said he has been forced to bring in expensive Cyprus and Spanish potatoes before but it was always for a short period. "It has dragged out so much now," he said.
"It is very, very difficult to get the profit margin – we feel we can't pass on the cost to the customers. The saying goes 'cheap as chips', and we don't want to change that.
"Some of the chip shops have even closed down.
"We've trimmed every other side of the business that we possibly can to try to ride the storm out."
Belfast Telegraph


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"Dude … you always get to work on the coolest stuff!"
What a complement from another programmer / business associate. And I do have fun working on all kinds of cool projects.
Welcome to Green Country Technical Services, LLC.
We are a family owned business located in Eastern Oklahoma which is affectionately called "Green Country". Our combined talents give us the opportunity to offer a very unique blend of services from embedded programming to photography to music production. We are very customer centric and our only advertisement comes by word of mouth from our clients.
The LLC was legally formed as a partnership between Jeff, Laurie Ann and Daniel Powell in October of 2008 as a response to the growth of the consulting business in both revenue and in services offered.
The talent pool from within the four walls of the house includes Jeff with over twenty-five years of programming experience, Daniel with music production training from Berklee College of Music, Rebecca who is an aspiring artist and photographer and Benjamin who has begun creating 3D models for a game company. Rebecca has designed this and many other websites including commercial projects.
This website also serves as a proving grounds for various web technologies. In it's current state it is actually run on the wordpress engine although it is not a blog.


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IRELAND'S UPPER CHAMBER first came into existence in 1922, but was abolished entirely by Eamon DeValera in 1936 after it delayed a number of Government proposals. The Seanad in its current form was established the following year after the adoption of the Constitution. Often maligned as either a 'retirement home' for ageing TDs or a 'creche' where up-and-coming politicians could burnish their profile, the upper house has also given a platform to a wide variety of unique political voices over the years…
1925. WB Yeats lambasts the Government on its divorce stance
Senator WB Yeats delivered a series of speeches in the Free State Senate attacking the Government's willingness to bend to the wishes of the Catholic clergy on the issue of divorce. The poet, who served two terms in the House, viewed the issue mainly as a confrontation between the emerging Catholic ethos and the country's Protestant minority. In an iconic 1925 speech, he told the chamber that in "the long warfare of this country with England the Catholic clergy took the side of the people, and owing to that they possess here an influence that they do not possess anywhere else in Europe"….
1964. Drunk senators miss vote
The passage of the Pawnbrokers Bill was referenced by Fine Gael in the course of the referendum campaign — Richard Bruton staging a photo op with 'The Beatles' to point out that it's been almost 50 years since the upper house last used its powers to delay any legislation. DCU lecturer Eoin O'Malley, speaking during a debate last month, said it should be remembered that senators only blocked the Bill because some of them had got 'lost' (ie. drunk) and hadn't been in the chamber for the vote. Ahead of the ballot on the legislation, senator and professor Michael Hayes accused Justice Minister Charles Haughey of having an "insolent attitude," before voting 'níl' on the Bill. "It will pass just the same," Haughey said afterwards.
[Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland]
1970s. Mary Robinson campaigns on family planning laws
Ireland's first female president launched successful campaigns on a wide range of issues during her time in the upper house, but is was for her stance on contraception that she first hit the headlines. Elected to the chamber in 1969 at the age of 25, she said later she "completely underestimated the reaction of the establishment" when she introduced the first bill proposing to liberalise the law in the area. Although 'seconded' by two other members, Robinson was refused permission to put the bill on the agenda for debate. She was denounced from pulpits around the country for the move.
Mary Robinson speaks about her Seanad career (Youtube: CarnegieCouncil)
1988. David Norris finally gets the right answer in court
Perhaps the most famous occupant of the upper house, David Norris was first elected as an Independent for the Trinity College constituency in 1987. Having initially lost a case in the Supreme Court challenging Ireland's criminalisation of homosexual acts, Norris made use of his position in the chamber and his increased public profile to heighten public knowledge of the issue. Eventually, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in Norris's favour, and the laws criminalising the acts in question were eventually repealed from the statute book in 1993.
Norris speaks about gay rights at the 2007 Gay Pride march (Youtube: KarlHayden)
1993. Gordon Wilson's heartfelt appeal to the IRA
Peace campaigner Gordon Wilson, who was appointed to the Seanad in early 1993, took the opportunity provided by his maiden speech to make an impassioned plea to the IRA to cease their armed conflict. Wilson, a draper from Enniskillen, devoted himself to the cause of trying to bring about peace in Northern Ireland after his daughter Marie was killed during the Remembrance Day bombing of 1987. Three people had also lost their lives the previous night as a result of the conflict on the 23 March when Senator Wilson rose to begin his first speech to the chamber…
Later, he made a direct appeal to the IRA to begin considering an alternative course…
2001. Shane Ross spots a problem
The Government was forced to drop controversial plans to ban newspapers and other media outlets publishing opinion polls in the week before a referendum or general election, after Senator Shane Ross spotted a loophole in the Bill. Tánaiste Mary Harney said afterwards that the coalition was dropping its proposals as a result of the collapse of all party support for the issue. Opposition senators had put down more than 60 amendments to the legislations, which they called "unworkable" and "constitutionally flawed". The ban was originally proposed in the wake of a TG4 poll that was broadcast three days before a by-election in Tipperary South, which Fianna Fáil lost.
Shane Ross [Screengrab/Oireachtas TV]
2013. Abolition controversies
The Government's plans to do away with the upper house prompted a series of outbursts in the run up to the summer break. There was the 'Fannygate' scandal, when 'Father of the Seanad' David Norris accused Fine Gael's Regina Doherty of speaking out of a particular part of her anatomy. Further insults were traded by Senator John Crown and Junior Minister Brian Hayes, while Fianna Fáil's Marc McSharry's description of Enda Kenny as "a clown" who was turning the Government into "a circus ring" was met with widespread criticism. It was all pretty unedifying stuff.
Read: As it happened: TheJournal.ie Seanad Liveblog >
Read: 'Sometimes in politics you get a wallop' Taoiseach on referendum result >


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Java one keynote - Live report from San Francisco
This year I have the pleasure to attend the Java one convention and I'm currently present at the Java one first keynote.
There are literary hundreds of people here at the Hilton's grans ballroom
Announcing NeBeans IDE 7.1 Beta
Announcing JavaFX Scene builder
Announcing JavaFX developer preview for MacOS X
Announcing JavaFX 2.0 general avilability - Download at javafx.com/download
Java 9 - Some thought about the future of Java 9
Selft tuning JVM
Improved native integration
Big Data
Tail calls/Continuation
Meta-Object Protocol
Resource Management
09:06 - Oracle announces a new product - NoSQL database. The Oracle NoSQL database is a scalable key-value scalable high performance system.
Tweet |


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Friends of Ash Croft (FOAC)
Just by sending your child to Ash Croft Primary School you are already a member of the PTA. This section of the website is designed to keep you in touch with what fundraising events are being held at the school and how your money is being spent.
We are currently raising funds to improve the library.
But it's not just about pounds and pence. The PTA holds many social events during the year so you can meet other parents and feel like you're part of the school community.
Forthcoming events run by the PTA:
Easter Egg Bingo
Summer Fayre
For more information on how to take a more active role as part of the PTA please contact the school office.


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Maize Longboat is a 2016 graduate from the Faculty of Arts at UBC with a double major specialization in First Nations and Indigenous Studies, and History. During his studies at UBC, Maize also worked as the FNIS Student Assistant for several years – some of his projects included coordinating the Raven and the Post. We asked Maize to share some advice on how students can prepare for finals and how to find balance during a stressful part of the academic term. Keep reading to learn more about Maize!
Tell us a bit about yourself, what you decided to take at UBC, how you got here, etc.
My name is Maize Longboat and I graduated from UBC with a double major in First Nations and Indigenous Studies and History. My Mohawk ancestry originates from southwestern Ontario, but I grew up in Squamish territory on the Sunshine Coast. Moving to Vancouver to attend UBC made sense to me because it was so close to where I was raised, but prior visits to the campus and talking to Indigenous faculty and students prior to moving to campus solidified my decision to pursue my post-secondary education that much more.
What was the hardest part of this time of year for you during your studies?
University is not easy. Apart from juggling their course load, assignments, and readings all at once, students are encouraged, and rightfully so, to find a part time work, socialize with friends, maintain a healthy eating habit and sleeping schedule, exercise, and make time for self-care. These responsibilities become compounded more so during exam time and there may be nothing more stressful than having to prepare for your finals and assignments all at once. Having to complete my finals while juggling my other commitments and responsibilities was always the most difficult time of year.
How did you cope with the stress?
The stresses induced by finals can be suffocating, but it's important to remember that your peers are all in a similar situation as you. Finding ways to support both yourself and your classmates is particularly important, whether it's through organizing a productive group study-session or editing drafts for your term papers. Taking breaks from all-day study sessions for social activities and self-care is also vital to student success, so be sure to get some fresh air and reset every once in a while.
Do you have any tips for students for the upcoming finals?
Finals are temporary. University students are expected to get though many of them during their time at school, so continuing to develop personal strategies that help you succeed will only make things easier as you get closer to graduation. There are many exam periods and a lot of time to keep growing. Do what you need to do to learn while keeping yourself happy and healthy!
A lot of students are far from home, do you have any advice for them?
Just two weeks after I moved to UBC my mother landed work in Alberta and moved from the Lower Mainland to Edmonton. It was tough being a whole province away from my family, but having support from my new friends that I had made in residence, as well as frequent phone calls home, made the transition to university easier. If you're having trouble with homesickness reach out to your family and your friends. I'm sure that they will understand and want to support you.
What does life after graduating look like for you now? Any plans?
Currently, I'm working as the Indigenous Programming Intern at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art in downtown Vancouver. I will be helping the Gallery to create and deliver original programs that will engage the public. This position is limited, so I also plan on continuing my studies in graduate school next year. I have always loved school and I don't think I could stay away for much longer!
Need extra help with your final papers and exams? Visit the Learning Commons website to find out how you can receive tutoring support or read over the many resources available on their site!


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February 25, 2010
February 15, 2010
Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
A few months ago we dropped by the ultra cool Art in the Age boutique in Philadelphia to perform some songs. Video footage of this event has just recently surfaced! Check it out here!
If you're ever in the Philadelphia area, you should check out their store. They make really neat things, such as this original liquor called ROOT. It's truly one of a kind spirit, made with a variety of wonderful spices such as birch bark, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg (amongst others). It's apparently the stuff original ROOT BEER was made of, which is exciting for beverage enthusiasts such as ourselves. It's perfect for keeping warm during the snowpocalypse.
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No products
Distributed in chemists and drugstores
The natural range with more than 98% naturally, sourced ingredients *.
* Except the natural nail polishes containing up to 83% of natural-origin ingredients.
Come and join us the 2nd and 3rd April 2016 at the Pharmacy trade event PHARMAGORA PLUS at the Porte de Versailles - Stand Nr D10...
Natorigin is a well-known brand in the UK
In 2015, the mascara Natorigin have been chosen among hundreds of natural beauty products...
Bio-sourced nail polishes with up to 83% natural-origin ingredients, sourced from corn, potato, wheat and manioc.


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Cheery Lynn Designs Dies - Ornamental Gate
List Price:
Discount:£4.86 (60.00%)
Code: B196
Cheery Lynn Designs Dies - Ornamental Gate
Size: 3" x 2 7/8" (76mm x 73mm)
B196 is more traditional gate
For use with the Cuttlebug and other popular cutting machines.
- Buy or other a product from our Promo Selection to get 60% discount.


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If you would like an opportunity to join the Beary Best Academy Team, you may complete the online application and send it along with your resumé and letters of recommendation to firstname.lastname@example.com Please include a recent photo. To be considered for employment, all information must be completed in full. After your information has been reviewed by our Director an interview may be scheduled.
At Beary Best Academy we are looking for dedicated Childcare Professionals who have a genuine interest and love for children. We encourage our staff to approach each day with a good attitude, kind heart, patience and a SMILE!
Employee Benefits
© The Beary Best Academy for Children


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Donald C. Vetter, 82, Greene
Donald C. Vetter age 82 of Greene, IA, died Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.
Friends may greet the family 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 18, 2017, at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home – Olson Chapel in Nashua.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m Saturday, September 23, 2017, at the St. John United Church of Christ – Pleasant Hill rural Nashua with Rev. John Cofield presiding. Military honors will be conducted by the Nashua VFW Post #6792. Following the interment, there will be a luncheon held at the adjoining church. The family would ask that you feel free to wear your favorite college football gear while attending the visitation or graveside services.


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And the Oscar goes to…
You may have heard that the 2015 Oscars/Academy Awards are being telecast today to a worldwide audience. At this time each year we turn our attention to the world of entertainment and how it's portrayed and studied in top research. This always yields an interesting array of articles.
And here they are… 15 articles spanning film, television and the arts on topics such as: unpaid work, race and gender issues, cultural entrepreneurship, arts-based management education, films you may have missed, and much more.
Read the articles free through March 31st.
Neil Percival and David Hesmondhalgh
Unpaid Work in the UK television and film industries: Resistance and changing attitudes (European Journal of Communication: April 2014)
Iain Munro and Silvia Jordan
'Living Space' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Spatial tactics and the politics of smooth space (Human Relations: November 2013)
Leslie Stager Jacques
Borrowing From Professional Theatre Training to Build Essential Skills in Organization Development Consultants (The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science: June 2013)
Jason Smith
Between Colorblind and Colorconscious: Contemporary Hollywood Films and Struggles Over Racial Representation (Journal of Black Studies: November 2013)
Jessica Birthisel and Jason A. Martin
"That's What She Said": Gender, Satire, and the American Workplace on the Sitcom The Office (Journal of Communication Inquiry: January 2013)
Tohyun Kim and Mooweon Rhee
Structural and Behavioral Antecedents of Change: Status, Distinctiveness, and Relative Performance (Journal of Management: July 2014)
Jen Katz-Buonincontro
Decorative Integration or Relevant Learning? A Literature Review of Studio Arts-Based Management Education With Recommendations for Teaching and Research (Journal of Management Education: February 2015)
Sonal Minocha, George Stonehouse and Martin Reynolds
Bollywood on Creativity: An Interview With the Internationally Acclaimed Film Director Shekhar Kapur (Journal of Management Inquiry: April 2014)
Alexia Panayiotou
Spacing gender, gendering space: A radical "strong plot" in film (Management Learning: July 2014)
Pablo Dominguez Andersen
The Hollywood Beach Party Genre and the Exotification of Youthful White Masculinity in Early 1960s America (Men and Masculinities: November 2014)
Matt Witt
Out of the Mainstream: Books and Films You May Have Missed (New Labor Forum: January/February 2013)
Eric Yanfei Zhao, Masakazu Ishihara and Michael Lounsbury
Overcoming the Illegitimacy Discount: Cultural Entrepreneurship in the US Feature Film Industry (Organization Studies: December 2013)
Sarah Franzen
Engaging a specific, not general, public: the use of ethnographic film in public scholarship (Qualitative Research: August 2013)
Daniel Ashton
Making Media Workers: Contesting Film and Television Industry Career Pathways (Television & New Media: March 2015)
Keith Randle, Cynthia Forson and Moira Calveley
Towards a Bourdieusian analysis of the social composition of the UK film and television workforce (Work, Employment & Society: October 2014)
To receive updates for any of these journals, visit here to sign up for e-alerts.


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Lionsgate continues to cleverly announce just a bit of casting news for The Hunger Games at a time. The heavily-anticipated adaptation has made headlines almost (literally) every day this week, as it continue to cast primarily either novices or up-and-comers as the participants in the titular competition - with bigger names like Elizabeth Banks circling supporting roles in the film.
Today's casting news concerns the character of Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Prim (Willow Shields) Everdeen's mom - a part that will be filled by popular television actress Paula Malcomson.
Malcomson may not be a huge name, but chances are good that if you're a regular TV viewer, then you'll recognize her face from one place or another. She's played significant roles on shows like Caprica, The Event, Sons of Anarchy, ER, and the David Milch-created HBO series John from Cincinnati and Deadwood. The actress has also made memorable appearances on Fringe and Lost - and her resume includes one-episode stints on shows ranging from Private Practice to NYPD Blue.
Heat Vision has the scoop on Malcomson signing up for the dystopian tale of The Hunger Games, where she'll play the widowed Mrs. Everdeen - a woman terrified by the prospect that her children will be forced to "play" in the titular event. That's understandable, seeing as how The Hunger Games is a gladiator-style competition in which adolescents must fight one another to the death - so as to demonstrate the strength of the ruling Capitol and "win" supplies for the respective District they hale from.
I admit to personally being a fan of Malcomson (her turn as Trixie on Deadwood is my favorite). More important, for fans of the Hunger Games novel and/or those unfamiliar with Malcomson's work as an actress, she's the proper age and has the looks to be convincing as the mother of both Lawrence and Shields. We've already gone over the fact that Lawrence doesn't really resemble Katniss, as described in the book, so best to move on - and not keep harping on that point.
To reiterate: the confirmed cast assembled under director Gary Ross (Seabiscuit) for Hunger Games includes the following:
- District 12 members (and the story's protagonists) Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)
- District 11 members Thresh and Rue (Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla Stenberg)
- District One pair Marvel and Glimmer (Jake Quaid and Leven Rambin)
- Liam Hemsworth (brother of Thor's Chris Hemsworth) as Gale Hawthorne, a good friend of Katniss and (sort of) Peeta's competition for her romantic interest.
The Hunger Games arrives in theaters on March 23rd, 2012. How's it looking to you so far?
Source: THR


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Technology-based learning debuted in Umm Al Quwain
Mobile learning workshop showed uses for Twitter and the iPad in classroom learning
The UAE Ministry of Education and Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) have hosted a technology-based mobile learning workshop at Umm Al Quwain's Safia Bint Abd Al Motaleb School, Umm Al Quwain Secondary School.
"If a school of 400 students can successfully implement a programme of this scale, here in Umm Al Quwain, there's no reason why it can't happen in larger schools across the country, and indeed across the entire region. Technology has become a vital part of the learning process and this programme is one of many ways that the UAE is leading the way in technological applications in education," said Fawzia Gharib, assistant undersecretary for Educational Operations at the Ministry of Education.
The workshop focussed on technology-based education, including Twitter-based learning and iPad integration and education. Technology experts were on hand to demonstrate how mobile applications can be integrated into the curriculum, particularly in maths and science.
Event participants were shown how social media platforms such as Twitter can be integrated into classroom teaching to help improve student engagement. The event was the first workshop of its kind to be held in Umm Al Quwain.
"Traditionally, Twitter has been used primarily as a way for friends to connect and share experiences through short online updates. We saw this as an opportunity to tap into our students' existing relationships with social media platforms and apply this within a classroom setting. So far, the results have been extraordinary," said Manal Abd Elnaby, classroom teacher at Safia Bint Abd Al Motaleb School, Umm Al Quwain Secondary School.
Patrick Beyrouti, Business Development manager Education at authorised Apple distributor, Arab Business Machine, also showed how the iPad can be used as an effective learning tool in the classroom environment, and introduced a number of teacher and student friendly device applications, including Explain Everything, and additional educational apps.
"This technology resonates with our students in a way that textbooks and chalkboards can't always do. These students have been born into a digital age, and it's to be expected that many of them will learn best through digital tools and applications. It is in the best interest of both teachers and students to embrace these innovative tools, which is why this mobile learning programme is so valuable," said Beyrouti.


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An infrastructure investment to solve the problem of waste water treatment in a sparsely populated rural municipality.
Projects & Practice
An infrastructure investment to solve the problem of waste water treatment in a sparsely populated rural municipality.
A project addressing the Water Framework Directive, by restoring the natural flow of a stream, while preserving the local cultural heritage and protecting from floods.
An intervention supporting the sustainable management of forest resources, leading to improved economic performance.
Young people from Finland and Scotland came together to create a Youth Manifesto outlining ways in which local actors can engage young people in their activities.
The Rural Broadband project is a national intervention to close the digital divide in remote and sparsely populated rural 'white areas'.
Supporting co-operation and knowledge sharing to tackle eutrophication in a vulnerable lake system.
Investing in extending a cycle lane to promote soft mobility in the commute to work or the school run, as well as for leisure.
A small, remote rural community of around 1 300 inhabitants in Finland launched a Digi-Hub for the elderly.
Five districts in the north of Hesse joined forces to provide fast internet access in a region where no privately financed investment was covering the existing digital divide.
A project that supported local municipalities in their campaign to reduce the use of pesticides by their citizens.


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White Choir Tunic
- White premium matte fabric
- Ankle length bodice
- Coat style long sleeves
- Double-breasted design with front snap closure and slit front pockets
- Open cowl collar with Velcro neck closure
- Generous full cut
Enduring classics, this cassock combine traditional styling and contemporary comfort. With an open cowl collar, coat style sleeves, and simple full-length bodice, this white choir cassock gives your choral members a clean and crisp look.
Whether expressing your choir's musical personality through color and design or coordinating with your sanctuary decor, we'll work with you to create an ensemble that is just right for your choir.
Manufactured using premium matte fabric, this cassock comes with a double-breasted front with snap closure, Velcro neck closure, and two back pleats for a comfortable fit. Also comes with two slit pockets in front.
Available in many different sizes, and can be purchased in bulk for additional discounts. Also available in other colors.


text: The hands-on way to learn about Garifuna culture Located in the peaceful coastal town of Punta Gorda, Belize, Warasa and its founder, local drummer Ronald Raymond McDonald, provide interactive lessons in traditional Garifuna drumming, dancing, drum-making and more. Learn about the rich history and culture of the Garifuna while learning the different traditional drumbeats and dances that influence music throughout Belize and Central America. Our spacious traditional thatch drum school is located on New Road, in the heart of the Garifuna community surrounded by lush vegetation, with parakeets flocking around, the sounds of howler monkeys nearby, and the daily morning flyover by our local toucan. Ray McDonald's Warasa Garifuna Drum School Click images to expand: View Full Country Map Getting Here All just a 20 minute walk, 10 minute bike ride or quick taxi ride away from Punta Gorda Town Call +501 632 7701/ 628 2337 or email [email protected] for more information. Tell us about your experience at Warasa: by


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Wayne Rhodus
As a nearly lifelong resident of the state of Kansas it would be fair to say that I have heartland roots and values. Raised on the outskirts of Kansas City there was ample time in my youth to wander the hills and streams with friends as we searched endlessly to quench youthful curiosity.
Most nature photographers share first and foremost the love of all things natural. Like many others, I share a burning desire to experience firsthand the flora and fauna of our earth while striving to understand mankind's intimate role in the preservation of the vanishing natural species. Whether wandering in my National Wildlife Federation Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat or roaming the wild places and national parks of our country, I'm driven to record the beauty and diversity of nature's boundless miracles.
Time spent photographing in the natural world evolved into a desire to share my personal vision with others. While nature photography is a uniquely personal experience between the photographer and the natural environment, my hope is that my images may inspire others to immerse themselves in nature and reconnect with the sights, smells and sounds that permeate the earth.
See more of my work at: www.rhodusphotography.com


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September 2016
names have been omitted and changed in this post
this post contains language
My mother and I worked in the kitchen each preparing our dinner… as we spoke my daughter was out of earshot from us in another part of the house taking an early shower. Word had been relayed by her when she had returned for our week together that my grandmother had passed away earlier in the week. I hadn't known; I hadn't been told… but had promptly found her obituary and read it. Texting a photo of it to my sister who immediately responded when she saw what was printed had led to an all afternoon text-a-thon followed by people who had slowly begun reaching out in astonishment at the obituary they had read… reaching out asking how I was doing and their aghast at my noticeably missing name.
"He left me out??!" I exclaimed to my mother as I opened deep kitchen drawers searching for my favorite mixing bowl I needed to make waffle batter. "He included everyone but me… does he REALLY think that makes me look bad? I think not! His actions show exactly who he is… specifically his character!" I told her.
She diced up vegetables on the cutting board nearby for her salad… "Yes, it does. Even I didn't think he'd stoop that low. I knew he'd want to… but wasn't betting on him doing it. Oh, he is really something…" She trailed of. "And he's got your ex right there as a pall bearer. How fitting!" She replied.
"He should adopt him as his own!" I snapped. "He never liked him when we were going to get married! He didn't even come to our wedding! Told everyone in our family not to go! And now… because I won't KISS HIS ASS and won't be who he wants me to be, do what he wants me to do… because I speak the truth he's made my ex his friend… WHO DOES THAT?!" I exclaimed then sneered, "Ohhhh… how it all changes when it suddenly suits them… they can bend and twist it to however they want… however it serves them best and the pay off is highest! The loyalties change LIKE THE WIND!! LIKE THE WIND! He doesn't put my name yet he put my sisters names in there. He has spoken to Danielle what… MAYBE three to four times since July 2003 when she said she was marrying a black guy… in which he shut her out of the family. And yet suddenly she's needed, her name is needed, actually ironically it's HER HUSBAND'S NAME is needed and printed. And the thing is she KNOWS it! She said it herself. She knows she's been the black sheep and was appalled I wasn't included."
My mother shook her head completely disgusted by the latest turn of events. "I hate this town… I want to move." She remarked.
"Well, it's all in print right there for everyone in town to see!"I replied. "There are people who know the truth, saw the obit and are appalled." I told her "Shame on him! He will have to answer for it someday. I'm not going to shrink… I guess he thinks I'm going to feel embarrassed by what he did? I have nothing to be embarrassed about. I feel embarrassed FOR HIM. As far as punishment goes… my life moves on. I'm just going to hold my head up and keep going. There are those who believe whatever lies they've been fed and that's their deal. I know what we lived. And it was hell!" I snapped.
"Yes, it was… everyday." My mother affirmed.
Life with a narcissist is essentially a game of "Let's Make A Deal"…. they are always looking out for themselves and how you benefit them. There is no such thing as real love, care and friendship. There is no such thing as true concern for your well being, health, your dreams, your interests, etc. If you are bought anything you are indebted. If you are taken to their vacation home you are being groomed for something. If you are charmed with flowers and dinner sex is expected. If you are wed you will begin the long and tiring multitude of tasks ahead in which many deals and concessions will be made and yet you are to blame for any and everything that goes wrong despite continuing to try. If you are a wife you are owned like property and "his" but not in the sense of endearment and being cherished but instead in the sense that you owe him everything you've ever had; you will give up everything including your passions, money, identity, dreams, goals, health, and vagina. If you're a man you may be used by your wife merely to have a child… feeling like a part of you died when she conceived your seed… you are no longer needed… she now has all she was after, a mini her and soon you realize it when you're discarded. If you're the daughter of a narcissist it will be a constant stream of manipulation of how you can make him or her look better… your talents, your beauty and education will be wielded in some way as an image shaping refining shining tool by them so they may look better to the outside world. As a son you may be expected to be the attorney, the rancher, the new patriarch of the family, following in many lauded previous footsteps and any sway, uncertainty or even brash and blatant resistance by you will receive a huge outcry of angry ugly backlash.
Once you are born in a family in which a narcissist rules you are born into a silent secret society comparable to a cult that expects certain behaviors from you… and if you FAIL to meet those standards or expectations… their mold, what have you… you are no longer playing "Let's Make A Deal"… more suitably termed "Let's Make A Deal With The Devil"… but instead are choosing to be flung from their need, flung from their fickle affections, flung from their lair and cast out into the world with condemnation and cruel punishment.
Taking a stand and walking away… using your voice to state:
"This is not okay… I'm not adhering to what you want… I don't agree with your behavior… your reality is not reality and certainly not mine… I've had enough of your shit and I'm done… You are not going to continue to treat me this way… " is a brave act and one that should be acknowledged as so… yet in that be prepared for the onslaught of missiles and bombs by the narcissist who will use every tactic possible to come after you and engage flying monkeys; i.e. enablers to help… whispers, stares and eye brow raising in the community… people who don't know what to believe… those who do believe you yet don't feel they can show it out of fear… people who cling hard and steadfast to whatever they've been fed like a spoonful of poison… it happens. It happens everyday in towns all across this country and world… because narcissism is not something that happens in just a few small select families, towns or areas of the world. Narcissism, specifically a toxic personality disordered individual can and does destroy many families and his or her reign of wrath will continue to take place until death and sometimes even beyond their grave as they can leave behind those to continue their filthy work and create manipulative havoc where wills, trusts and money are concerned…. creating even more division even after long gone. There are always consequences when you won't play the game, when you will no longer adhere to whatever the narc wants or expects, when you use your voice, when you no longer cower and submit to their silent yet heavy handed understood pressures… when you will not engage in "Let's Make A Deal".
So what can you do? Keep doing what you're doing. Creating a beautiful new life. Choose kind friends and invest in those relationships. Do good to others, share your experiences… you never know who may need to hear them. Implement self care and take care of yourself because you matter. Nurture your relationship with your children and spend that quality time with them. Appreciate who you have remaining and cherish the time you have with them. Acknowledge in prayer how grateful you are that God is with you… He's seeing you through the difficult times and knows all the details of your situation… ask Him for strength to continue on. Be graceful in how you carry yourself… know that you don't have to be perfect and you won't be… but know that to rise above is always better than to stoop to a low level… keep journaling… keep praying… keep clinging to the fact you have been through tough times but always rose again from the pit… keep your head high and remain steadfast that no one…. NO ONE will thwart your peace and happiness. That is not for anyone to take. That is your's and your's alone. Each day you must be able to look yourself in the mirror… you must be able to lay your head down upon your pillow at night and rest knowing that you are not your circumstances… you are not the ugly things said about you… with a narcissist you perhaps waffled and tried for years… maybe decades… you questioned yourself, you questioned the reality of their behavior, you made allowances, you made all too many excuses… but today you stand tall… you stand tall knowing everything you've been through has made you a better person… it wasn't pleasant, it understandably wasn't wanted… you may have been targeted and a victim but at some point you are no longer… a victim mentality keeps us trapped in the sense we have no escape… VICTORIOUS IS WHAT YOU ARE… strong, unruffled and determined…
You are seen, heard and understood by many… and know that your story is many other's stories…. and in that find peace, find hope, find exhilarating newfound freedom in that you have the ability to live life free of chains… everything you've been through has transformed you into the beautiful person you are… chiseled, brave and inspiring. Keep on keeping on… you have a life to go live… celebrate that and go live it.
names have been omitted in this post
August 2016
With dating we meet all types of people and although this can be a very good thing as it helps us better pin point what were looking for in a partner… with that there can be some eye-brow raising and disconcerting revelations about said person were either chatting with and trying to determine whether we want to pursue a first date or in actually going out with them. In that it's interesting to see where things progress when you begin asking the really tough questions…asking the important questions relatively early on begins to weed out anyone who not going to be a match… let's not waste each other's time only to realize there's an elephant in the room and no way to work around it. So when you each share how and why you divorced which is important to ask… those answers or even the other person's reaction to yours may give you pause.
He had wanted to know why I had divorced. I shared with him that my ex had become emotionally… verbally abusive and I was considering divorce (that was a time period that I was considering it yet still questioned if the marriage was salvageable; there was much inner turmoil, confusion and my trying to figure out what was happening) and that once I had discovered his infidelity the decision became very easy for me. I immediately filed. He asked me if my ex had not cheated would I have fulfilled my marital vows? This gave me pause. I replied that yes, eventually I would have filed; it wasn't healthy. And now, fast forward three years later I'm not going to put up with abuse of any kind; once we look back and realize how much we put up with and now what we expect for ourselves we know what our deal breakers are. We become set in what we will tolerate and won't. His theory was that many people claim emotional abuse but that was not biblical grounds for divorcing… that if someone was to go through a bad season and be abusive then surely it was better to be patient and love them through it than to divorce them. I couldn't quite determine whether he was merely trying to have an open dialogue or was trying to see how much I personally would be willing to put up with. Regardless, I was now uncomfortable and decided that this guy wasn't someone I would go on a date with and simply let him know… I couldn't help but feel extremely upset. It followed me the rest of the day. And not just upset for myself. But for anyone who has been in an abusive relationship. I felt fiercely protective and defensive for them. Were just supposed to suffer because someone up and decides to be an emotional beater for lack of a better description? What was the answer? To be patient and put up with it? I believe we can hope and pray for our spouse and that they change, that they are open to God transforming them… and in that there is a big difference between someone who just has a case of the grumpies from a bad day at work, etc and someone whose behavior is to purposefully hurt, control, deceive and punish their spouse and children. As couples we can brainstorm, we can seek out our Pastor, try counseling, we can separate if we were having a tough time seeing eye to eye on issues and try to gain some distance in order to be objective while in counseling… but those are things that healthy couples may do. Man or woman; an emotional abuser is someone who is creating havoc and despair on purpose. And an emotional abuser often later becomes a physical abuser… it's usually just a matter of time.
A man's job is to love his wife. A wife's is to respect him. It seems like a pretty obvious domino effect that if the husband is loving his wife she will respect him. Intimacy then naturally follows and flows freely. You can't respect someone who is treating you poorly. And yet he won't be perfect, he's going to miss the mark… there will be days he is exhausted, he is stressed, etc and will have regrets… in that he takes responsibility for his behavior and she delivers grace… and vice versa… but emotional abuse? He stated he counsels men in the church on emotional abuse… I hope he's giving them examples of what constitutes emotional abuse so they can see their behaviors and begin the process of getting help for them… not expecting their wives to merely stay and suffer. The same goes for women who emotionally abuse. And yet in that if you have to point out to a dog that his or her poop stinks… well… God help them.
20 Examples of Emotional Abuse:
1. Yelling, cussing at your spouse.
2. Calling your spouse names and making ugly comments about their physical appearance, their goals, their abilities, dreams, job, parenting, family, etc.
3. Intimidating them through either slamming doors, yelling, throwing things (they point out they've never laid a hand on you - like they get brownie points or a gold star or this) or bashing their fist into the walls, etc.
4. Threatening to hurt you, your pets, children or family.
5. Breaking or throwing out something that belongs to you. Taking back gifts they've given you and telling you "you don't deserve these."
6. Isolating you from your friends and family.
7. Tracking your whereabouts with a gps tracking system or following you.
8. Threatening to leave you, abandon you and the children or take the children from you.
9. Lying to you about anything.
10. Not allowing your name on the car, the house, etc and using duress to make you sign anything against your will.
11. Telling you you're too sensitive.
12. Telling you that you're not worth the effort, you're too much trouble, you are always in the way.
13. Criticizing how you do things; load the dishwasher, pay the bills, clean the house, etc.
14. Treating you like a servant instead of an equal partner.
15. Pressuring you to have sex when you don't want to.
16. Making excuses for their poor behavior when it's pointed out and blaming you or others for it.
17. Not sharing important information that affects you; making a big purchase, not paying the taxes, quitting their job, etc.
18. Using projection; claiming you are trying to control them, that you are making them anxious, that you are cheating when in reality they are who is doing those things to you. Telling you you're not a nurturing parent, that you're not affectionate when in reality you are a nurturing parent and you shockingly just don't want to be affectionate to someone who does the other things on this list (!)
19. Gas-lights you; they twist reality and say you didn't say something that you did say or claiming that you said something when you didn't.
20. You find yourself in a weird cycle or dance where things are good for awhile and then they revert back to bad and then good again… and yet over time the good is happening less and less… eventually it's all bad and you question why it happened and what you can do to fix it… you can't fix it. You can't fix someone who is bent on destroying you and knows nothing about love.
July 2018
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Steep Information:
Amount: 2 tsp
Water: hot spigot water
Tool: kati loose tea system (my Review here.)
Steep Time: a little over 2 minutes (http://steep.it/)
Served: Hot
Tasting Notes:
Dry Leaf Smell: floral, vanilla
Steeped Tea Smell: vanilla, black tea
Flavor: astringent black tea with hints of vanilla, clove
Body: Medium
Aftertaste: astringent, nutty
Liquor: translucent dark orange brown
A gift from TeaEqualsBliss, thank you!
Post-Steep Additives: + 1 honey stick = a little spicier
I like it, and would select to have it again if it was an option
Pictures: http://amazonv.blogspot.com/2010/12/compass-teas-loose-leaf-black-tea.html


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The back is the important body part that really needs support if you are doing your own work on a sitting position, particularly when you are doing it all the time. The very best ways to do this is really to spend on a chair that supports your body correctly.When there is incorrect back assistance, you can acquire back aches, muscle malady, headaches and migraines or a few ailments altogether. This post is keen on emphasizing the key things to consider if you want to raise your productivity while operating on a sitting position at the job but maybe not decreasing vitality or even putting your wellbeing at risk.
The backrest of the common office chair needs to have a size of 12 to 19 inches.When the backrest of the chair is not locked to your couch, the elevation and the position should be pretty adjustable. Your spinal contour has to be supported naturally, by means of your lumbar region supplied with special support. In the event the chair and backrest are fixed in that situation the backrest's forward along with backwards angles ought to be adjustable. It will too have a sealing system that could secure it after the user decides the right angle for the backrest.
The fabric of your own office chair's chair should be comfortable and includes enough patches for your own comfort when sitting on it for extended amounts of time.The material has to consist of soft cloth mesh instead of those firm materials which are frequently available at lower prices. It really is desirable to truly have a wallpaper of the cells to enable the passage of moisture, prevent heat and is simple to keep clean. The low arms together with elbows should manage to rest evenly. A superb quality ergonomic office chair should swivel easily with the aim the consumer would have the capacity to achieve any part of his own desk without any stress.
Besides, as soon as someone walks into your office, you most likely would like the person to walk out on an optimistic note.idea It undoubtedly would become a much better idea to buy an excellent quality desk chair as opposed to a less than high-caliber swivel chair. In the other hand, don't seek the sort of chairs which are warranted for eternal, this suggests that you need to take proper treatment for your chair that you're using, otherwise it'll really lose the connotation it's proposed to present.
Even when a clear majority of people may simply take proper care of the good-quality workplace chair and keep away from relocating it in such a method it may get smashed, you'll find people that can end up doing just that. You just have to be watchful. The only method to prevent this would make use of the recliners only for its intended purpose and to use its own mechanisms properly and cautiously. You wouldn't prefer to degrade the character of the couch as a result of recklessness. Chairs, particularly the ones that are manufactured with excellent deal of power, will last long when you know how to use it. Naturally, these tiny things may go a very long way in protecting these good-quality office chairs and also to impress others.
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So, imagine my joy after i actually bought one & placed it in my relax. Giving yourself as so when as possible will help make the best decision. However, you still have to attend to private things.
Images supplied and available to download from Dreamstime.com


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166 Gertrude St
Commissioned by Kalex Projects, Urban Commons has transformed the old Manfax car park on Gertrude St, Fitzroy, into a verdant native and productive garden for summer gatherings, gardening workshops and cooking events.
The outcome is an architecturally inspired grassy knoll with recycled timber deck (supplied by Kennedy's Timbers) and stunning flowering Gum. The existing garden beds were also been given a new lease of life with Redbox gums and a lush assortment of native ground cover and grasses.
The space also features Tilt (generously supplied and installed by Tait) and our Foodscape range.
Kalex Projects
Fitzroy, Victoria
Install Time
5 days
AKAS, Ryan Young Design, Tait, Kennedy's Timbers


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Multiple Dates
Queensland Climate Change Response community event: Cairns
What does climate change and a low-carbon world mean for you, your business and your community?
What is the Queensland Government doing to lead our shared response?
Here in Queensland we need to prepare ourselves to meet the risks and harness the opportunities that climate change will bring.
A global shift is underway as the world transitions to a low carbon economy. Understanding the risks and opportunities while adapting to the changes ahead will help ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Queenslanders.
Come along to a community information session and hear about the Queensland Government's Climate Change Transition Strategy and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and what they mean for you.
Information sessions are scheduled for Toowoomba, Gympie, the Gold Coast, Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Brisbane; we'll be coming to Queensland's west and other regional centres in coming months.
Afternoon tea will be made available to all participants.


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The Message
Blog & Media
Online Satsang with Shakti Caterina Maggi – In ITALIAN and ENGLISH July 22nd, 9pm
Map Unavailable
Date(s) - Jul/22/2019
21:00 - 23:00
Live Worldwide Web
Monday July 22nd
Online Satsang with Shakti Caterina Maggi
@12:00 pm San Francisco | @3:00 pm New York | @9:00 pm Rome | @8:00 pm London
Dear friends,
We invite you to a new online satsang with
Shakti Caterina Maggi
Monday July 22th
00 pm
(CEST) , check your time —>
The event will be held in italian and english
The meeting has a ticket cost of €10 that allows to connect
via any device
, as long as it is supported by an Internet connection.
You can register and purchase your ticket here: https://www.shakticaterinamaggi.it/events/online-satsang-with-shakti-caterina-maggi-monday-july-22-9pm-italian-english/
You will get a confirmation email and registration link as soon as you payment will have gone through. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can make use of your credit or prepaid card.
Please note that some users are experiencing some problems during the booking process. There is a technical issue that is not depending on us.
In this case we suggest to:
– change browser or
– change credit card or
– change email or
– try again after a while
If none of this work please send us an email explaining the situation.
Thank you so much for your patience!
All participants will get a video recording of the meeting sent to their inbox by the following day.
Please email
if for some reason you don't get the recording.
See you there!
Life itself is a call towards the Self, so our daily life becomes the way towards liberation. Though manifestation is only an illusion, it is also an opportunity for awakening, an invitation to rediscover the Self at the center of our own humanity. In this sense, overcoming fear and illusion is to awaken to the extraordinary beauty of the moment, and to become a true incarnation of Consciousness itself in human form.
Life itself invites you to go through all those fears that seem to cage you into the human body and into the duration of a lifetime. From the conscious perception of the Immobility of your Being, these contractions, which are the same energy we call fear, are revealed as your own joy which is now free to radiate through the form.
At the center of the egoic contraction, there is only pure Emptiness, something that is mistakenly conceived as fragile and vulnerable. But it is actually Openness itself, only apparently covered by the illusion of being a someone.
From this direct perception, Life appears as an embodiment of the Absolute, and a precious opportunity to experience the Self consciously. As a Creator who experiences itself through its own creation.
Shakti shares a message of non-separation among living beings since 2003 with seminars, meetings, retreats, and publications. Her approach, albeit in line with the ancient tradition of non-duality (Advaita, not-two), has a contemporary dimension. It invites everyone to live their daily life from the recognition of what we are, embodying this understanding, and radiating it out in our existence.
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OPEN BOX Kidrobot Gloomy Bear : 1" Baby Pink Gloomy zipper pull 2/30 (complete with all original packaging)
We have carefully opened this blind boxed, Kidrobot Gloomy Bear charm in order to discover who is hiding inside and we found the adorable Pink baby Gloomy Bear. Now identified he has been popped back into his original packaging ready to send from our hands to your UK billing address :)
- Recommended age is 15yrs and above
- The chance of finding a blind packaged version of this Gloomy Bear is 2 in every case of 30 blind boxes (2/30)
- Opened blind boxed goodie - comes complete with all original packaging and accessories (as applicable)
- Contains small parts
- NOT a toy
Warning: Possible choking hazard. Not for those aged under 3yr


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Maybe you have clicked on the column title (which will change the order of the view).
Find these column, unclick it and you you will see your category back (so it is initial order) !!!
If you dont find it, you would "Replace the conception" by the template of Log.nsf
Register Hereor login if you are already a member


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You live a hard life in a cold climate, and after enduring the hardships of many brutal winters, you've gained some benefit from the frozen environs.
Benefit(s): You treat extreme cold conditions as severe cold, and severe cold as cold weather conditions. You are not impacted at all by normal cold weather conditions. In addition, you do not become fatigued by frostbite or hypothermia.
Special: This feat is unaffiliated-a character need not be affiliated with the Mammoth Lords to select this feat.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Adventurer's Guide © 2017, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Benjamin Bruck, John Compton, Crystal Frasier, Tim Hitchcock, Jenny Jarzabski, Isabelle Lee, Joe Pasini, Jessica Price, David Schwartz, and Josh Vogt.


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Here's a video of the Arch Linux, GNOME and Cairo Dock setup I've been working with for the past few months. Shown are a few of the customizations through the extensions repository that I think make this a very usable desktop environment, and one which can be extended easily and improve over time.
GNOME 3 introduces a 2-layer desktop concept including a navigational overview similar to OS X's dashboard, though not focused on widgets. One extension maps numbers to each window, which I can then select using alt+N as an alternative to what could be several alt+tabs. I have chosen, through another extension, to hide the top bar and only show it in the overview, which is bound to a hotkey as well as a pressure sensitive "hot corner" near the top of the screen. Since some of my other extensions are related to the top bar, this makes the overview a sort of widget layer as well. You'll note that hiding the top bar in OS X isn't even an option, so we can get more screen real estate when everything is hidden. I fully maximize the Clementine window near the end of the video, which also hides the dock.
Some of the other extensions include a "put windows" plugin comparable to SizeUp/ShiftIt for the Mac, and integration with media players like the excellent Clementine. Cairo Dock, a standalone program that provides an OS X-like dock UI, is also very customizable; I could probably devote several videos to exploring its options, shown briefly. It is currently set to "smart auto hide" which will hide only when overlapping a window, and not under the mouse. The Arch logo icon leftmost on the dock is an applications menu that groups by categories (not shown), like GNOME 2 or Windows. I briefly show a different applications menu, on the top bar in the overview, through an extension.
While Linus Torvalds famously attacked the GNOME 3 extensions repository for breaking extensions with the release of new versions, you can get old extensions to work on newer versions (sometimes) by editing a metadata.json file that is packed in with each extension (the extensions are written in JavaScript, I believe!). I think open bazaars like GitHub, Android Play Store and Arch's User Repository are the way of the future in software distribution, even though this means that users will sometimes experience bad or broken features with new releases. Taken together and once set up, I feel that this setup is comparable, if not significantly /more/ usable than similar ones on OS X. Those used to a more Windows-like experience can use different extensions or different configurations through KDE or XFCE.


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Website Designers In Los Angeles are faced with competing against offshore bidders, support US based Website Design companies who pay taxes to the United States and help stimulate our economy.
Our Affordable Website Design Company has gone through great lengths to make sure that we are providing lower-than-average rates for our clients while maintaining the highest quality and integrity of work. Don't put yourself through the headache of being awake at 2am to discuss and re-discuss the same design issues to people in a different country who may have different cultural views and a major language barrier.


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- Roll over image to zoom in
Heartland Seasons 1-12 DVD
Availability: Out Of Stock
Heartland Seasons 1-12 DVD Special Features
Actors: Amber Marshall,Graham Wardle
Language: English
Boxed Set: Yes
Number of discs: 64
Condition: New
Region: Region Free
Weight: 3.5 kg
Format: Support both NTSC & PAL
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
DVD Release Date: 2019
Heartland Seasons 1-12 DVD Photos
Heartland Seasons 1-12 DVD Overview
Lou recalls all of her past relationship troubles after what happened at her high school reunion. A threat from Tys past arrives in Hudson,Heartland Seasons 1-12 DVD putting the entire Heartland family in danger. Ty and Amy are rattled when they find their home broken in to. Georgie finally tells Adam about her and Wyatt. As Thanksgiving approaches,Heartland Seasons 1-12 Georgie convinces Amy to work with a high strung and dangerous jumping horse. A training accident results in a serious injury and Georgie feels conflicted when an unlikely ally arrives at Heartland to show support.
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Activating Spaces with People
Space activation refers to using people as props in a photograph to simulate active usage within the space. The inclusion of people helps define the functionality of a space by highlighting the intended usage. This becomes an important element in telling a story by showing how people function within a space and by highlighting important design elements within that space.
The concept of space activation mostly applies to commercial spaces, but can also be seen in residential architecture. It is certainly an important concept to consider when planning to photograph a space. The addition of people in a space not only shows how a space is intended to be used, but can also add a sense of scale, as well as a sense of motion.
In the images below, animations show spaces with and without people. You can see the difference made by including people and the contrast of mood between the two images is quite striking. Without people in the photo, it reads as a straight architectural image, and perhaps a bit sterile. But adding people creates a dynamic scene that speaks more to functionality and connection.


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Repair of the earthquake-damaged Washington Monument will be a complex project that could require some kind of external scaffolding as well as months of work that will probably keep the monument closed until 2013.
National Park Service officials detailed some preliminary work plans Thursday as they announced a private donation of $7.5 million toward the project. The federal government is paying the rest of the estimated $15 million tab.
The 555-foot-tall monument, which is entered by about 600,000 visitors each year, has been closed since the 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the area Aug. 23.
Bob Vogel, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, said at a news conference Thursday at the monument that the Park Service has awarded a contract for the planning phase of the job.
The firm of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, which used workers suspended on ropes to conduct the exterior inspection of the monument after the quake, already is designing the plan, Vogel said.
The contract for the execution of the repairs will probably not be awarded until late summer, with work starting sometime after that.
"This is a complex job," he said. "This is a one-of-a-kind structure that poses challenges for repair that other buildings don't."
The monument shook violently during the quake, especially near the top, and many of its stone blocks were cracked and chipped on both the interior and exterior.
It was not clear if the work will require extensive scaffolding like that which encased the monument during repairs in the late 1990s, or the kind used by high-rise window washers, said Sean Kenneally, the park's chief of facilities maintenance.
Park officials said they were not sure if the monument would remain closed the whole time, but Vogel said that was likely.
The news conference was called to mark the donation to the monument by David M. Rubenstein, a billionaire Bethesda philanthropist, through the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall.
"I would suggest that [the monument] hadn't even stopped shaking before David Rubenstein came to me and asked if he could help," said Jonathan B. Jarvis, director of the National Park Service.
Rubenstein, 62, is co-founder and managing director of the Carlyle Group, a global asset-management firm that handles $148 billion in assets, according to its Web site.
He also is a member of the board of regents at the Smithsonian Institution and chairman of Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he is the single largest donor in its history, with gifts totaling $25 million. Forbes magazine estimates his worth at $2.7 billion
Rubenstein, the son of a Baltimore postal worker, said he has been fortunate in life and wants to donate to worthy causes. "I don't want my executor to give it all away," he said. "I'd like to have the pleasure of giving away to things that I think are good while I'm alive. The country's been wonderful to me. The city's been wonderful to me and my family."
He said he toured the monument last week, riding the elevator up but taking the stairs down. "It's fortunate that they didn't have me walk up," he joked at the news conference Thursday.
Jarvis said he was not sure how long the monument would be closed. "Our hope is to get it back open as quickly as possible," he said. "I think it's going to be some time in '13, though, before it's fully back operational."
More news from PostLocal:
Two Metro employees accused of stealing thousands of dollars in coins
Wolf Trap sues tiny non-profit over 'The Barns' name
Police: Fire at federal judge's house was arson
Baltimore man pleads guilty to stabbing D.C. girlfriend 40 times


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The Watch - Alloy
$148.50 was $495.00
Sold Out
Cut-out asymmetrical sandal with toe ring, elastic back and snap closure. Cushioned insole. Made in Italy with 100% lambskin upper.
- Runs true to size
- Heel measures 1/2 in / 13 mm
- Leather sole
Don't see your size available? Email firstname.lastname@example.com to be notified when it's back in stock.


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After yesterday's post, I thought it would nice to mix it up and write about something a little lighter and fun! The Oscar's night fashion!
Now, I am the first to admit that I probably haven't seen 99% of the movies nominated, nor do I know many of the actors if they don't show up on People.com at least once a week.
However, I love watching the red carpet and getting to see the gorgeous dresses. One of my favorite things to do is check out the articles and pictures online the next day and make my own opinion of what dresses I loved!
My Choices for the Best Looks
I loved the color and the sparkle of this dress. This is a really hard color to pull off too, but I think Cameron did a great job, I think that a bra would have been nice though!! Some dresses can be way too busy, but I love how the top is plain since the bottom is so full of texture. If the whole dress would have ruffles like the skirt, it would have been way over kill!
I love everything about this look on Rachel Smith! From the color and shape of the dress to the statement necklace, it all just works together. I am so glad she kept the rest of the jewelry minimal, because a bracelet or earring would have been too much with a necklace that large.
I love this dress on Kristen Wiig. The color of this dress looks amazing with her skin tone and hair color. It's a tough color to pull olive if you don't have the olive undertones in your skin. The dark nail polish is perfect with this look too. I am also obviously into a textured skirt right now, (please see Exhibit A on Cameron above)!
Best couple of the night in my opinion! George Clooney is seriously handsome, and even though Stacy Keibler's dress is not one that I could wear out and about, I think she picked the perfect dress for this event. George may not have won Oscar gold, but he definitely had it on his arm Sunday night!
I think Giuliana Rancic looks so classy in this dress, which is not an easy one to pull off that's for sure. Keeping her hair in a tight bun, as well as wearing minimal jewelry helped keep this look from looking too busy. Whites, champagnes, and ivories were definitely top color choices of the night.
As gorgeous as so many of the dresses were, there were definitely quite a few dresses I wasn't feeling. However, I really don't like the whole worst dress polls, because I feel like everyone chooses a dress for a reason. Even though I may not have picked it as my number one choice, the woman wearing that dress may have loved it. I truly believe, to each their own with fashion! If you love something them buy it, wear it with confidence and be proud of your choice. I would say that my style tends to fall under a more classic/preppy kind of look. My favorite stores are Banana Republic, J. Crew, and department stores like Von Maur and Neiman Marcus. I also love finding gems at stores like Forever 21 or Francesca's Collection. I tend to know if I love something within a second or two of trying it on. I am not indecisive when it comes to shopping, usually the biggest struggle I have is justifying whether or not I should spend the money on certain pieces. I am cheap when it comes to clothes, especially those pieces that aren't considered classic. Usually my spending rules look like this:
Pieces worth the splurge: Handbags, Shoes (boots, classic peep-toe pumps in black and camel, running shoes!!), jeans, and a winter, spring and/or fall coat.
Pieces where to save that $: Trendy tops, fun flats (not classic pieces), costume jewelry, dresses for events (I buy a majority of my dresses for weddings or similar events at Forever 21, the outlets (there are so many great finds at outlet malls), or clearance racks at department stores).
I don't mind shelling out extra money on pieces that I know I will wear over and over, but I do have a problem spending money on tops that may be out of style by next season, or jewelry that I can find a very similar piece for $5 at Charming Charlie's. Learning where to spend and save definitely takes time and everyone has to decide what is most important to them.
I love clothes, shopping for bargains, finding the perfect pieces, and putting together as many outfits as I can from my own closet. I am thinking about starting a Fashion Page where I post outfits I wear to work, pieces from my closet or shopping excursions, or clothes I like to put on to go out on the weekends. I love reading other bloggers fashion pages and pulling tips from their suggestions. I love playing dress up, and try to do it almost every morning! As lame as it may sound, I truly feel so much more excited to go out or head to work when I love my outfit. This doesn't mean that I buy clothes all the time, because I don't. This also doesn't mean I am an expert, I just do what I know and like! I usually pick pieces that I absolutely adore and that I can easily layer with other pieces to create plenty of outfits, without a ton of clothes. Button up sweaters, colorful tank tops, cute shoes, and fun jewelry can go so far in making an outfit feel special and put-together.
Fashion Forward – Day 1
Grey Straight Leg Dress Pants – Express
Shoes – Aldo
Do I feel a little silly posting pictures of myself? YES! However, fashion is supposed to be fun, and light, and a personal decision. Besides, I would love to share my closet with all of you, so I am doing just that by going out on a limb! 🙂
How do you feel about fashion? Do you adore shopping and putting together outfits, or would you rather wear yoga pants all day, everyday? 😉
How would you describe your fashion style? What is your favorite piece in your closet?
Did you watch the Oscar's? What is your favorite look from the red carpet?


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Instructor: Kathy Quackenbush
Thursdays: 9:30 – 10:30 AM
7 Week Series: March 2 – April 13
7 Week Series: $90 Drop-in: $15/session
You may have heard of yoga's many benefits, but are reluctant to give it a try. You might not be comfortable getting down on the floor. If this sounds like you, then "Chair Yoga" may be what you need. The entire class takes place while sitting on a chair or standing. Other props, like straps and walls may be used, but you will never be required to sit on the floor! You will learn yoga postures to increase flexibility and balance; tone and strengthen muscles, and reduce the negative effects of stress. Further benefits include improved posture, calmer emotions, and more restful sleep. Eat lightly or not at all before class, and dress in comfortable clothing allows movement.
Kathy Quackenbush, completed yoga teacher training at The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts, in June 2006. Sharing the practice of yoga and its benefits, especially with people who don't think they can "do yoga," has been the focus of her teaching practice.


text: On September 6th, 2009 the third anual Great British Duck Race took place down the River Thames. They aimed to break their world record of 175, 000 ducks raced down the river last year to raise money for local charities such as the NSPCC, Cancer Research UK, Cats Protection, MacMillan Cancer Support, Diabetes UK, BEN, Shelter, FSID, BBC Children in Need, and Dogs Trust among many others. Happily the record was broken as 205,000 raced down the river this year! Many thanks to my flickr Paul Mansfield for taking this duck-tacular picture of the ducks racing down the River Thames and under the Hampton Court Bridge. You can see more pictures of the duck race taken by Paul here.