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Our Mother's Day Weekend Macaron Pairing is back! Treat mom to a perfect pairing of these delicate, flavorful French cookies, created by New York City's famous, MacarOn Cafe.
$25 per pairing includes a tasting of three of our wines with three French Macarons. Reservations are required with ticket purchase at time of booking. Please let us know the time you prefer between 1 and 4 p.m.

subset: commoncrawl


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160F, Around Town, Danger, Death, Excessive Heat Warning, Heat Stroke, Hot Cars, Pets, Weather
Oh joy. The heat just keeps on giving. Now the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning. Apparently the temps of 105-110F (C) which translate to 115F+ where I live, are mixing with the approaching moisture from Hurricane Norbert moving north and creating a rather deadly combo.
After too many unnecessary deaths of children and animals in cars throughout the summer, I was happy to see the Service had a warning to that effect regarding the unholy temps that can occur in cars, even with windows open.
It amazes me how stupid people can be. A 90F car can reach 160F in 10 minutes! Animals can sustain brain damage, irreversible organ damage and die from within just 15 minutes.
"It's important to remember that it's not just the ambient temperature but also the humidity that can affect your pet," says Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. "Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly."
"Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. Link.
Share this video and information on your blog or Facebook, Tweet it, etc. just so people realize, learn and avoid such situations.
Also be aware of hot asphalt/pavement.
Please share this too! Thank you and stay cool.


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Graphic Novel Review: Snotgirl, Vol. 1: Green Hair Don't Care by Bryan Lee O'Malley
by motifink
Who is Lottie Person? Is she a gorgeous, fun-loving social media star with a perfect life or a gross, allergy-ridden mess? Enter a world of snot, blood, and tears in this first collection.-Goodreads Jumping right into this, the author tries to hard with Liottie. She is a influencer, a fashion blogger with million of followers and a reputation to hold as perfect and always on point. I get it. This is what the world is now. There are so many people, so […]
Categories: Graphic Novel, Image Comics, Young Adult • Tags: Bryan Lee O'Malley, graphic novel, Graphic Novel Review, Snotgirl


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Site Evaluation
In order to find the right concept for a location, a thorough market and location analysis will need to be carried out first. This will serve as the basis for establishing a location profile which will reveal possible market niches or opportunities and hence show the potential for a new hotel.
Hotel Market Analysis
From an undifferentiated point of view, most business locations will have sufficient hotel capacities. The hotel market analysis developed by Feuring, which takes a detailed look both at demand and existing hotels, makes it possible to determine what demand for what kind of hotels there really is in a particular location.
Feasibility Studies
Due to Feuring Group's holistic approach and in particular to the company's long years of experience in the realisation of hotel projects, Feuring's own method of tackling feasibility studies is a lot more extensive than that of most other feasibility studies.
Concept & Area Programmes
The foundation for the long-term success of a hotel is laid when the project is still at a preliminary stage. This entails an efficient and profitable configuration of the building. An efficient area concept is the basic requirement for the profitable operation of the hotel.
Hotel Valuations
Hotel valuations by Feuring have a holistic approach and take into consideration both the material value as well as the market value of a property. The most important aspect in this context is our deep understanding of a hotel's life cycle and of the marketability beyond the intended investment period that is connected with this.
Commercial Reviews & Steering
Due to more variable contract clauses, the financial risk is being shifted from the hotel operator to the owner and this in turn is creating new challenges for investors. Even when the hotel is already under operation Feuring Group can provide the investor with some very effective tools in order to protect his interests vis-à-vis the operator and his obligations resulting from the operating agreement.
Emergency & Interim Management
In order to avoid a difficult economic situation when it comes to a change of operator, the Feuring Group can provide the investor with another competent tool, i.e. interim management. This includes both the winding up of the existing operating agreement as well as taking over and securing the operative side of business and procuring a new hotel operator.
Strategic Planning
Feuring's motto "driven by visionary hotel development" is not only true in terms of operations and design within hotel development but also from a strategic point of view. When it comes to the strategic development of companies and products, Feuring regularly provides its support and advisory services to some of the most important decision-makers in the hospitality sector.
Contract Management
Feuring gives advice to the owner in respect of the rights and obligations towards the operator and third parties resulting from the respective contract. Predominantly, contract management stands for the review of the fulfilment of the operator contract. Beyond that Feuring assists with all kinds of contract negotiations or adaptations.
More and more often, hotel properties are being traded as investment goods alongside other forms of real estate. It is, however, very difficult to use a uniform valuation method as the parameters influencing the value of the special kind of property a hotel is, are completely different to those influencing other forms of real estate. In order to ensure the long-term success of hotel investments, Feuring regularly assesses available hotels with the help of previously defined parameters.
Representation of the Owner
As representative of the owner the Feuring Group works hand in hand with the entire project team by the name of and by order of the owner. The coordination of all involved project parties takes place on all levels.
Steering Committee
Feuring establishes a Steering Committee with the objective to cause all necessary decisions between owner and operator. Furthermore Feuring provides a thorough documentation and informs the principal about the building phase and progress of the project.
The conception of the mobile and immobile inventory (FF&E) as well as the operating equipment (SOE) needs to be planned as early as possible within the project, but at the latest during the construction phase. For several years now, the Feuring Group dedicates itself to the facility and equipment of hotels. Several thousands of hotel rooms in Europe have been shaped and equipped by Feuring.
Hotel-specific Inspection and Sign-off
The professional approval of the building is the last step within project management. The aim of this phase is to hand over the turnkey property to the hotel operator and to finish the project. Thanks to its team of experts and the multitude of successfully completed handovers, Feuring Group can guarantee that the final inspection and approval of the hotel will be satisfactory to both, the owner and the operator.
Financial Advice
Funding a hotel project in Germany, as in most other European countries, continues to be difficult. Hotel developments are basically always in direct competition with other investment opportunities. For this reason it is important to take into account the risk involved and to reflect this in an appropriate rate of return.
Utilisation Concept & Optimisation
The foundation for the long-term success of a hotel is laid when the project is still at a preliminary stage. Feuring Group's approach in developing a suitable configuration of the building is carried out on three levels: Area Efficiency, Functionality and Usability by Alternative Operators.
Operator Procurement
Feuring Group offers the pre- and final selection of a suitable hotel operator as well as the negotiation of an appropriate operating agreement and offers these services in one service package. Thanks to many years of experience and wide-ranging contacts with all major international hotel chains and operators, Feuring can ensure a fast and discrete selection of a suitable operator.
Implementation of Operator Standards
One of Feuring's main tasks within project development is the careful balance between a neutral and individual concept. The aim is to implement the operator's standards to such an extent that the individuality of the brand in question is maintained without neglecting the generally accepted standards in the hotel industry.
Construction Costs Estimate
A realistic estimate of overall project costs has a direct influence on the success of the project. Especially in times of increasing construction costs it is extremely important to closely observe their development and to reflect them correctly. Due to its extensive experience in the field of project development and the wide range of objects of comparison it can refer to, Feuring Group can guarantee its customers a realistic estimate of the overall construction costs.
Project Coordination
Project coordination is the collective term for the comprehensive steering of the entire project. Feuring's competence in cross-functional communication plays a very important role in this. It has the task and function of bringing together all parties involved in the project in order for them to make mutual decisions and to speed up the development process.


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This year at Parkside, we have extended opportunities for our Gifted and Talented pupils by offering a series of subject based 'Master classes', in association with the University of Durham.
'Master classes' are aimed at pupils who have a keen interest in or show particular skill at chosen subjects and take place outside of lesson time, often at the University or related sites.
Topics for KS4 pupils so far have included;
- Creative Writing
- Astronomy
- Analyze this!! Psychoanalysis and Freud
- The Psychology of Celebrity and Fandom
- How to conduct an enquiry
- Confidence building and interview techniques.
- Using research data
Our KS3 pupils are invited to attend STEM sessions (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) which take place every Thursday. This year in STEM club, pupils have completed challenging activities and participated in (and won 2 out of 3 categories) the Engineering Challenge to design and build a remote controlled car. They have also made chocolates, learnt about dinosaurs and built motorised trains amongst many other fun and exciting activities.


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The RobotZoo Beetle Floor Cleaner. With a large dust bin, a water tank for mopping after it sweeps, a base station for automatic recharging, the beetle has all it needs to be on call 24/7.
What's in the box?
- 2200 mAh, 14.8V lithium battery, fully charges in 3-4 hours.
- 22 watt motor, runs for 120-150 minutes on full charge.
- Whisker brushes (x2) sweep dust & lint into central brush roller.
- Brush roller and rubber roller sweep dust into large 370 ml bin.
- Dimensions – diameter of 32cm and height of 9.0cm.
- Detachable water tank with damp cloth to mop after sweeping up.
- Remote control operable within 10 meter range.
- Charging base station for automated recharging.
- 'Virtual wall' electronic gateway (x2) to block exits from room.
- Bump sensors as well as IR obstacle detection sensors.
- Programmable time-of-day, day-of-week scheduled cleaning.
- Sensors underneath to detect steps and edges.
- Accessories – AC Adapter + batteries, Base Charging Station + batteries, IR Remote, Virtual Wall x2, Water Tank, Dust Cloth x1, Dust Filter x1, Whisker Brushes x2.


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Hill Tribe Silver Double Bangle Bracelet
Item# BDN-BR-DB37
0.0 star rating
Your Cost$ 200.00
We have run out of stock for this item.
This unique bracelet features two stacked cuffs etched with traditional floral motifs. Flowers and bells dangle from both ends, creating a lovely and light jangling sound whenever you move! Bracelet is made of Hill Tribe silver, a signature craft of the Karen Tribe of Southeast Asia. Hill Tribe silver has a higher content than that of sterling. 94% to 98% of Hill Tribe silver is pure!
Together, bracelet bands measure 0.375 inches wide and 7 inches around. Dangling ornaments are 0.375 to 0.625 inches in diameter. Bracelet weighs about 50 grams.
- Double bangle jangle bracelet
- Made of Hill Tribe silver
- Bands are 0.375 inches wide
- Measures 7 inches around
- Ornaments are 0.375 to 0.625 wide
- Weighs about 50 grams
- Made in Laos


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The Iomic Large Putter Grip features a more rounded profile to enable the grip to fit into the palms correctly, reducing grip pressure.Weight: 75 grams.Available in: Red | Pink | White | Royal B..
The Iomic Medium Putter Grip features a squarer profile for those who prefer to feel the contours of their grip. A supremely comfortable grip.Weight: 65 grams.Available in: Orange | Sky Blue | Re..


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I decided it would be fun to do a "spotlight" post on a vendor that I really enjoyed working with. It's going to be a mix between reception halls, florists, bakeries, food caterers, makeup artists, etc. Just a little bit of everything.
So this month, I wanted to share The Grande Hall at the Hofmann Ranch. First of all, it's sad to me that I have only photographed one wedding at The Grande Hall, because let me tell you, the ranch is absolutely gorgeous & I only wish I could shoot here more often!
The ranch is outside of San Antonio in a little town called Castroville. As soon as we turned into the ranch, I was smitten. The land is so gorgeous. Seriously, made me want to buy land and raise some cows.
The first thing you notice of course is the gorgeous red barn with the metal roof, The Grande Hall. SO BEAUTIFUL! I also noticed there was a courtyard patio that is set right in the middle of The Grande Hall. The patio area is brick paved & it crosses over to a covered pavilion that is equally pretty. So it's almost like there are three separate areas all combined into one. I really loved that!
My bride Brittany got ready at the little red cabin on the premises. A beautiful "bridal suite" indeed. Lots of windows for natural light and plenty of space to get ready.
If you are planning on having your ceremony & reception at the same location, I highly recommend for you to ask if there is a 'bridal suite' located at your reception venue. In most cases there is.
Makeup artists love lots of window light too 😉
Your bridal suite is a great place to take your 'getting ready' photos.
The covered pavilion would be so gorgeous for a bride who is wanting that outdoor wedding, but may be getting married during a "rainy season", although with Texas weather, that happens randomly. I feel like you really get the best of both worlds- outdoors, but still the protection of a roof (just in case).
The courtyard. A beautiful location for a ceremony. For Brittany and Marco's wedding, they had their actual ceremony in the courtyard area, where there are twinkle lights & it overlooks a beautiful view. Their reception was held at the Grande Hall, but something that I really loved, was that once they cleared the chairs from the patio area, guests were able to mingle inside & outside- while Brittany & Marco took more family photos after their ceremony.
Loved the brick pavement.
Inside The Grande Hall
I loved that there were so many charming photo spots located on the ranch.
Brittany & Marco decided to do a first look before their ceremony, due to day light savings (their wedding was in the month of February). I'm so happy they took my advice, because they had an hour set aside just for photos of the two of them, we added in family members that were ready towards the end.
The sun setting behind them while they said their vows was breathtaking.
Sparkler exit right on the courtyard. Doesn't get any better.


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Looking for a unique gift to give a loved one? Would you like to be a super hero or your favorite movie character in an illustration? Have you ever wanted to mash up your favorite movies, and characters with your own unique twist? With this personalized gift you can have your family, friends, or pets as characters from your favorite tv show or movie. The location can be where you had a first date, or an imagined exotic setting. You can interact with a sports idol or pose in a wedding party with the cast from a beloved movie. Contact me at email@example.com about a personalized illustration.
These personalized commissions are great for birthdays, weddings gifts, anniversaries, the holidays or for your own personal collection. They come in different sizes, with different price points and are an affordable gift for all different kinds of special occasions. Book a free phone consultation today so that we can get started on the perfect present for your loved one. For holidays such as Valentine's Day or Christmas, make sure you book a few months in advance as I have a limited amount of availability. If you are interested contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Many families in America face a similar crisis every day; "how do we pay for our medical bills?" they ask. Health care costs have skyrocketed and, unfortunately, sometimes when a family can no longer pay for medical care, the medical care they desperately need is no longer available to them. When this happens, families can turn to health care fundraisers to help pay their bills and continue to receive treatment. We have a number of healthy care non profit fundraisers that are designed to be uplifting and inspirational that you can use to pay for medical bills.
All of our fundraising ideas at Go Green Fundraising have one overarching theme; they are healthy, they are organic, and they are earth friendly. We have everything ranging from fair trade coffees to vegetable gardens to reusable shopping bags and even organic foods all of which you can sell to raise money to help cover the costs of your health care.
Our most popular health care fundraiser is the broad Go Green fundraiser. It has all of the products mentioned above plus others and is a wonderful sampling of all of our best selling products. There is no cost to start this fundraiser which is a big help to families with doctor bills to pay.
If you would like help picking the right fundraiser to help pay your hospital bills, feel free to call one our earth friendly fundraising consultants at 877.448.9746. We would love to help you get started on the very best fundraiser for your needs.
"Thank you for your great customer service- I very much appreciate it!!"
"It's refreshing to work with a company that recognizes how tired we are of "hard sell" tactics. We were looking for a fund raiser with useful products, a message of conservation, no nonsense organization and great follow through. We found it!! Thanks so much!"
"Thanks for all your assistance with our fundraiser. You
have really made this a great experience for us."
"Thank you for being so easy to work with on this fundraiser and I know who I will be contacting for future fundraisers : )"
Home | Green Fundraising | Fundraising Groups | Local Sitemap | Sports Fundraisers | School Fundraisers | Church Fundraisers | Non Profit Fundraisers | Club Fundraisers | Smencils | Site Map | Contact Us Copyright 2008 www.go-green-fundraising.com


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Understand how Microsoft delivers Exchange in Office 365 Dedicated
Here is a link to a great talk Konstantin Ryvkin gave at the Redmond Interoperability Protocols Plugfest this past June on Exchange in Office 365 Dedicated:
I've been working with Kostya on a number of partner engagements lately. This is a great depth understanding of Exchange Online in Office 365 Dedicated, how it is delivered to customers, and what that means for partner solutions. Dedicated is a very unique beast as compared to Exchange on-premises or even Exchange Online as part of Office 365 Multitenant/Shared. If this is a target environment for your solution, you should watch this presentation.


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It has long been the law in Indiana that only shotguns could be used in the modern gun seasons. However, all that is about to change. As of July 29th, Indiana state law now allows rifles, chambered to handgun cartridges, to be used in the modern gun seasons. There will still be some restrictions on these guns on public land, including: Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Crane Naval Support Center, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.
Indiana has always had the philosophy that short to medium range weapons were best for the state's deer hunting season. This law change will stay with that philosophy as the cartridges made legal are classified in the "medium range" category. The new law allows for rifles that fire the following cartridges, all handgun cartridges: .357 Magnum, .38-40 Winchester, .41 Magnum, .41 Special, .44 Magnum, .44 Special, .44-.40 Winchester, .45 Colt, .454 Casull, .458 SOCOM, .480 Ruger, .475 Linebaugh, .50 Action Express, .500 S&W.
There will be no restrictions on the action of the rifles, or on the number of cartridges that can be loaded in the rifle.
The new laws will be in force immediately, and the first opportunity for the new calibers to be used will be the youth hunt scheduled for September 29th and 30th, 2007. The regular modern firearm deer season this year will run from November 17th through December 2nd.
For more information, visit the Indiana Department of Natural Resources web page.


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Trees are one of the most important elements of the Australian ecosystem. They ensure the health and well-being of the environment, as well as anything living within their proximity.
More specifically, trees create an ecosystem, releasing oxygen and provide habitat & food for birds and other animals, as well as absorbing carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gasses such as sulphur dioxide & carbon monoxide.
When it comes to the protection of trees on development sites, as can be expected, governments at all levels take the matter extremely seriously.
To assist all parties concerned in the proper management of established trees on development sites, the Australian Standard – AS4970-2009 (Protection of Trees on Development Sites) was created, mandating the creation of a Tree Protection Zone (or TPZ).
This TPZ determines certain setbacks that are calculated based on the relevant characteristics of a tree, including:
The TPZ is about securing the space around the tree so that anything within the development including above and below the ground does not affect the integrity of the tree.
It should be secured by a lockable gate to restrict access, supported by signage to ensure the longevity of the trees.
Should there be an existing structure such as a building, fence or wall that is in place, that this too would be considered as sufficient to support the establishment of a Tree Protection Zone in the area.
In addition to the permitter protection, the Tree Protection Zone should be mulched and free of weeds to ensure the development doesn't do anything to harm the tree for obvious reasons.
Within the design phase of your development project, it is a requirement that a resource evaluation of your site is taken, to ensure the project developers have important environmental elements such as gradient, drainage, trenching to prevent damage to trees.
By engaging professional arborists from the beginning of your development can save significant time and money – not to mention the potential of sanctions or fines should you not comply with the local laws and restrictions.
When considering a development in a particular area, it is paramount you review their particular guidelines before even purchasing the land – as in some cases, you may simply not be able to develop what you plan to if it is set to impact too much of the local environment.
All local councils will have a planning document available, such as this example from Moreton Bay in QLD, not to mention a planning department who are there to assist you with potential issues.
When it comes to tree protection zones, they are not to be taken lightly and could cost your development a significant amount of time and money should they not be given the proper consideration.
Tree Science are the industry leaders in arborist development consultation and can provide all the relevant checks, reports and advice needed to keep your development moving forward.
With clients all over Australia, we are passionate about applying practical arboricultural and ecological solutions to government, commercial and residential projects.
If you need arborist reports to assess establishing a tree protection zone on your next development project, whatever the size, give Tree Science a call today on 1300 731 859 or get in touch via the contact form.


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According to legend, Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer was originally meant to be a comic book eye called MIKE DANGER. After his comic attempts were rejected in 1946, Spillane (a former writer for the Timely Comics line) tried to sell it as a comic strip. According to Mike Benton in his The Illustrated History of Crime Comics, "In 1947, Spillane wrote a "Mike Danger"comic strip for the newspapers. Drawn by Mike Roy and offered by Jerry Iger's syndicate, the comic strip appeared briefly in New York area newspapers and disappeared. Spillane decided to leave the world of comics to become a mystery writer."
In fact,writer and Spillane fan extremis Max Allan Collins thinks this is probably a mistake, and questions whether the Danger strip was ever actually published. He figures Benton may have confused a non-existent Danger strip with the later From the Files of... Mike Hammer. As Max points out, "I've seen lots of Iger sydicated stuff, and comics collectors know about my Spillane fixation...if this existed, I'd have seen an example by now." (At this point, if anyone can straighten this out, both Max and I would be extremely grateful.)
Either way, though, Danger wasn't the success Spillane had hoped for. Spillane changed the character's last name to Hammer, and decided to turn it into a novel.
But, seven years after Mike Danger was rejected by his publisher, the unsold stories actually did make an appearance -- in Crime Detector #3 and 4 in 1954. Evidently someone dug up the pages for Spillane's original Mike Danger comic book and published them. The intro to the first story let's us know what we're in for: "He's rough...he's tough...he's terrific! 190 pounds of bone and muscle...and afraid of nothing! He backs up the law with his two fists and a .45 slung under his left armpit, ready to slug or shoot it out anyplace, anytime! Yes, meet Mike...but be smiling when you do!"
And that's the story of Mike Danger, until 1995, when fellow P.I. writer and long-time champion Max Allan Collins dusted off the original name and had another whack at it, with a comic book.
But the Mike Danger of the 1990's is a far cry from what Spillane originally envisioned. Sure, MIKE DANGER's a tough-talkin', babe-lovin', two fisted, hard-drinkin' yadda yadda yadda kinda P.I., straight out of the 1950's, a sort of pre-Hammer figure. But then Collins really gets cute (and it's almost certainly Collins running the show here, despite Spillane's name being plastered all over. Instead of leaving Danger back in the bosom of the Eisenhower decade, he's catapulted a hundred years into the future and ends up with a new office in the head of the Statue of Liberty and a holographic replica of his old secretary (long-time dead) Holly. And what a passionless, proper, squeaky-clean future it is. Eating meat is a felony, "incorrect" political views are illegal, and you can be fined for saying the wrong thing to a woman.
Charged with murder after killing a would-be assassin in self-defense (in 2052 there's no such thing as "justifiable homicide"), he beats the rap with an offbeat defense-he's dead! Since he supposedly died a century earlier, he can't be charged with any crime. However, because his remains were found on bigshot Simon Holden's land, Mike is Holden's property.
Eventually, Mike manages to get back home, but by then both the storyline and the publisher were running out of steam, and the book vanished. Too bad. The direction the book was taking showed some promise, with Mike continuing to become involved in some rather hinky doings; sort of an X-Files with tailfins.
Not a bad series, but Collins has done much better, more solid work, both in comics (Ms. Tree, Johnny Dynamite) and straight novels (Nate Heller).
The editor, Christopher Mills, was also the editor of the late, lamented Noir mystery mag, The Detectives comic book, and Shadow House. He wrote an ongoing series for that publication called Nightmark, which is a hard-boiled detective/horror fiction hybrid, very much in the pulp tradition. It's about a PI named Gideon King, who's also a monster hunter." Aren't they all?
At one point Mike Danger was optioned for a feature film by Ed Pressman, producer of "The Crow" and "Judge Dredd." nothing came of it...
Report respectfully submitted by Kevin Burton Smith.
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AWS Big Data Blog
Process Encrypted Data in Amazon EMR with Amazon S3 and AWS KMS
Russell Nash is a Solutions Architect with AWS.
Amo Abeyaratne, a Big Data consultant with AWS, also contributed to this post.
One of the most powerful features of Amazon EMR is the close integration with Amazon S3 through EMRFS. This allows you to take advantage of many S3 features, including support for S3 client-side and server-side encryption. In a recent release, EMR supported S3 server-side encryption with AWS KMS keys (SSE-KMS), alongside the already supported SSE-S3 (S3 managed keys) and S3 client-side encryption with KMS keys or custom key providers.
In this post, I show how easy it is to create a master key in KMS, encrypt data either client-side or server-side, upload it to S3, and have EMR seamlessly read and write that encrypted data to and from S3 using the master key that you created.
Encryption: AWS KMS, CSE, and SSE
AWS KMS is a centralized key management service which allows you to create, rotate, log, and control access to keys that are used for encrypting your data. It protects your keys by using hardware security modules (HSMs) and provides a very cost-effective solution by allowing you to pay only for what you use. KMS integrates with other AWS services using envelope encryption, which is described succinctly in the KMS Developer Guide.
KMS can be used to manage the keys for both S3 client-side and server side encryption. For more information, see How Amazon S3 uses AWS KMS.
The main difference between the two is the location where the encryption and decryption on the data is performed. This is important because although both CSE and SSE can encrypt data in transit using Transport Layer Security (TLS), certain applications must meet compliance requirements by also encrypting data at rest before it leaves the corporate network.
The following diagrams illustrate where encryption and decryption are performed for SSE and CSE.
Figure 1. Server-Side encryption – Location of operations
Server-side encryption uses S3 for the encrypt/decrypt operations.
Figure 2. Client-Side encryption – Location of operations
Client-side encryption, as the name suggests, uses whatever the 'client' to S3 is for the encryption and decryption tasks. When using CSE with EMR, your cluster becomes the client and performs the required operations when reading and writing data to S3.
Encryption tutorial
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to:
- Create a master key in KMS.
- Load two data files into S3, one using CSE and the other using SSE.
- Launch two EMR clusters configured for CSE and SSE.
- Access data in S3 from the EMR clusters.
Create a master key in KMS
Use the console to create a KMS key in KMS. This is covered in detail in the KMS Developer Guide but I've also provided a summarized version below. Note that KMS is a regional service, so make sure you create your key in the same region as your S3 bucket and EMR cluster.
- Go to the IAM section of the AWS Management Console
- On the left navigation pane, choose Encryption Keys.
- Filter for the region in which to create the key.
- Choose Create Key.
- Go through the 4 steps and make sure that you provide key usage permissions in Step 3 for:
- The user or role that uploads the file to S3
- The EMR_EC2_DefaultRole to allow EMR to use the key
Load the files into S3 — SSE files
To load data files for SSE-KMS, first make sure that Signature Version 4 is being used for your request. Follow the Specifying Signature Version in Request Authentication instructions which explain how to ensure that this is the case.
In the Encryption Keys section of the IAM console, find the key-id for the master key you just created and use it in the S3 cp command below. This instructs S3 to encrypt the file at rest and contact KMS for the master key that corresponds to the key-id. For more detail on what's going on under the covers, see the Encrypt Your Amazon Redshift Loads with Amazon S3 and AWS KMS post.
aws s3 cp flight_data.gz s3://redshiftdata-kmsdemo/flight_data_sse.gz --sse aws:kms --sse-kms-key-id abcdefg1-697a-413c-a023-1e43b53e5392
Load the files into S3 — CSE files
Using S3 client-side encryption involves a little bit more work because you are responsible for the encryption. In this tutorial, use the AWS Java SDK because it includes the AmazonS3EncryptionClient which allows you to easily encrypt and upload your file.
A colleague of mine has kindly provided the following Java code as an example which takes as input the S3 bucket name, S3 object key, KMS master key id, AWS region, and the source file name.
package S3Ecopy; import java.io.File; import java.io.FileInputStream; import com.amazonaws.AmazonClientException; import com.amazonaws.auth.profile.ProfileCredentialsProvider; import com.amazonaws.regions.Region; import com.amazonaws.regions.Regions; import com.amazonaws.services.s3.AmazonS3EncryptionClient; import com.amazonaws.services.s3.model.CryptoConfiguration; import com.amazonaws.services.s3.model.KMSEncryptionMaterialsProvider; import com.amazonaws.services.s3.model.ObjectMetadata; import com.amazonaws.services.s3.model.PutObjectRequest; public class S3ecopy { private static AmazonS3EncryptionClient encryptionClient; public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception { if (args.length == 5) { String bucketName = args[0]; String objectKey = args[1]; String kms_cmk_id = args[2]; Regions aws_region = Regions.valueOf(args[3]); File src_file_loc = new File(args[4]); // create KMS Provider KMSEncryptionMaterialsProvider materialProvider = new KMSEncryptionMaterialsProvider(kms_cmk_id); // creating a new S3EncryptionClient encryptionClient = new AmazonS3EncryptionClient(new ProfileCredentialsProvider(), materialProvider, new CryptoConfiguration().withKmsRegion(aws_region)) .withRegion(Region.getRegion(aws_region)); try { System.out.println("uploading file: " + src_file_loc.getPath()); encryptionClient.putObject(new PutObjectRequest(bucketName, objectKey, new FileInputStream(src_file_loc), new ObjectMetadata())); } catch (AmazonClientException ace) { System.out.println("Caught an AmazonClientException, which " + "means the client encountered " + "an internal error while trying to " + "communicate with S3, " + "such as not being able to access the network."); System.out.println("Error Message: " + ace.getMessage()); } } else { System.out.println("syntax for command line s3ecopy "); } //syntax for command line s3ecopy } }
After this is compiled and you call it with the correct parameters, the code sends a request to KMS; in response, KMS returns a randomly generated data encryption key that the code uses to encrypt the data file. In addition, KMS provides an encrypted version of the data key that is uploaded with the data object and stored as metadata.
java -jar S3Ecopy.jar emr-demo-data/cse flight_data_cse.gz abcdefg1-697a-413c-a023-1e43b53e5392 AP_SOUTHEAST_2 flight_data.gz
Launch EMR clusters
To configure your EMR clusters to use CSE or SSE through the CLI, add EMRFS parameters to the create-cluster command; if you're using the console, configure it under Advanced Options, Step 4 – Security.
It's worth noting what the EMRFS encryption configurations mean for reading and writing data encrypted using the different methods, assuming of course that the cluster has permissions to use the KMS master key.
The table below shows that SSE data can be read by an EMR cluster regardless of the EMFRS configuration, while CSE data can only be read if the cluster has been configured for CSE. The EMRFS configuration also dictates how data is written to S3.
Now launch your two clusters, starting with the one for SSE:
aws emr create-cluster --release-label emr-4.5.0 --name SSE-Cluster --applications Name=Hive --ec2-attributes KeyName=mykey --region ap-southeast-2 --use-default-roles --instance-groups InstanceGroupType=MASTER,InstanceCount=1,InstanceType=m3.xlarge InstanceGroupType=CORE,InstanceCount=2,InstanceType=m3.xlarge --emrfs Encryption=ServerSide,Args=[fs.s3.serverSideEncryption.kms.keyId=abcdefg1-697a-413c-a023-1e43b53e5392]
The command for the CSE cluster is very similar but with a change to the emrfs parameter:
aws emr create-cluster --release-label emr-4.5.0 --name CSE-Cluster --applications Name=Hive --ec2-attributes KeyName=mykey --region ap-southeast-2 --use-default-roles --instance-groups InstanceGroupType=MASTER,InstanceCount=1,InstanceType=m3.xlarge InstanceGroupType=CORE,InstanceCount=2,InstanceType=m3.xlarge --emrfs Encryption=ClientSide,ProviderType=KMS,KMSKeyId=abcdefg1-697a-413c-a023-1e43b53e5392
Access data in S3 from EMR
The advantage of having the SSE or CSE parameters baked into your EMRFS configuration is that any operations that access the S3 data through EMRFS are able to read and write the data seamlessly without any concern for the type of encryption or the key management because EMR, S3, and KMS handle that automatically.
Note that the encryption settings in EMRFS only apply to applications that use it to interface with S3; for example, Presto does not use EMRFS so you would have to enable encryption through the PrestoS3Filesystem.
Hive does use EMRFS so use it here to illustrate reading from S3.
SSH into the cluster and drop into the Hive shell.
$ ssh -i mykey.pem hadoop@<EMR-CLUSTER-MASTER-DNS> $ hive
Create a Hive table pointing to the S3 location of your data.
hive> CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE FLIGHTS_SSE( FL_DATE TIMESTAMP, AIRLINE_ID INT, ORIGIN_REGION String, ORIGIN_DIVISION STRING, ORIGIN_STATE_NAME STRING, ORIGIN_STATE_ABR STRING, ORIGIN_AP STRING, DEST_REGION STRING, DEST_DIVISION STRING, DEST_STATE_NAME STRING, DEST_STATE_ABR STRING, DEST_AP STRING, DEP_DELAY DECIMAL(8, 2), ARR_DELAY DECIMAL(8, 2), CANCELLED STRING ) ROW FORMAT DELIMITED FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' LINES TERMINATED BY 'n' LOCATION 's3://emr-demo-data/sse';
If you get an error from KMS when you create the table, saying that you don't have access to the key, then check that you've given usage permissions to EMR_EC2_DefaultRole on your KMS master key.
Now you can query the table.
hive> select origin_region, cancelled, count(*) from flights_sse group by origin_region,cancelled;
Midwest f 211141 Midwest t 14544 Northeast f 126801 Northeast t 10167 South f 336676 South t 11643 West f 280969 West t 8059
To test the CSE configuration, log in to your CSE-Cluster and point your Hive table to the location of your CSE data file, which in this example is emr-demo-data/cse.
In this post, I've shown you how to configure your EMR clusters so that they can read and write either Amazon S3 client-side or Amazon S3 server-side encrypted data seamlessly with EMRFS. There's no additional cost for using encryption with S3 or EMR, and KMS has a free tier of 20,000 requests per month; if you have an encryption requirement for your EMR data, you can easily set it up and try it out.
Note that the encryption I've talked about in this post covers data in S3. If you need to encrypt data in HDFS, see Transparent Encryption in HDFS in the EMR documentation.
If you have questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below.
Encrypt Your Amazon Redshift Loads with Amazon S3 and AWS KMS
Want to learn more about Big Data or Streaming Data? Check out our Big Data and Streaming data educational pages.


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Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeynep D. Dervişen
Head of Department
Real Estate and Asset Valuation specialization is a new profession very much required by the Turkish Economy and Markets. The subject of Real Estate and Asset Valuation is independent determination by the hand of a valuation specialist of values of real estate, estate and related rights and liabilities, assets registered in the balance sheets of companies and banks, guarantees taken by the same, rights and liabilities arising from the agreements they signed, and many assets alike on a certain date. Real Estate and Asset Valuation Department is a 4-year department opened for the first time in this field in Turkey to raise valuation specialists and prepare students for SPK Valuation Specialization Exams.
A valuation specialist is a professional who engages in valuation activity. Valuation specialists may work in valuation companies by a service contract or they may work as self-employed specialists. To become a valuation specialist, one has to graduate from a four-year higher education institution and must have obtained a Valuation Specialist License granted by Turkish Capital Market Board (SPK).
Some international institutions have been formed to determine the rules to be followed during valuation processes and the international standards on the qualifications of valuation specialists. Among these institutions are: International Valuation Standards Committee, Appraisal Institute, Institute of Real Estate Management, etc. Existence of numerous international institutions on the subject of valuation is an indicator that shows how much importance this profession has gained internationally. Government institutions in Turkey on this subject are the Capital Market Board (SPK) and Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK). Our department gives great weight to professional English courses because of the international dimension of the subject.
Valuation is related to the following activities: Real and financial market transactions such as expropriation, privatization, sales, and mortgage. Enterprises related to this subject are banks, loan demanders, public-owned companies, real estate investment partnerships, and factoring and financial leasing firms. The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) published a regulation on 29 September 2007 pertaining to valuation, which obligates valuation companies to report the real estate taken as warranty for commercial loans or pledged within the scope of mortgage. All these emphasize how important the profession is. There is great demand for valuation activities in Turkey. This demand will further increase in the near future. However, there is not an adequate number of independent valuation companies and valuation specialists that may meet such demand.
Our faculty comprises primarily of highly qualified members of the SAS. One of our superiorities in the subject of teaching is that we will be hosting active and experienced people who are actively working in the fields of applied real estate valuation, title deed registration and cadastre as guest academic members. Our faculty members in applied education will certainly equip our students with the highest practical and application abilities.
Fields of employment and work for the graduates of SAS Real Estate and Asset Valuation Department are: banks and financial leasing firms; real estate management and estate consultancies; planning institutions; real estate investment partnerships; land and parcels development and building enterprises (such as Housing Development Administration (TOKİ)); construction, estate and expropriation units of public institutions; mapping and construction companies; mortgage and real estate valuation (appraisal) companies; real estate project development; management and auditing institutions; insurance companies; privatization administration; tax administration; and general directorate of national estate.
It is clear from the copious and diverse working areas mentioned above that the graduates of the department will not experience any difficulty in finding a job and working. Favoring our department by the talented students who are interested in this subject will constitute the greatest contribution in the development of our university.
Head of Department
Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeynep DENİZ DERVİŞEN
E-mail: email@example.com


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Who is Corporate Credit Success?
Our Mission is to provide the small business owner with the education, knowledge and access to the corporate credit and unsecured financing options their business deserves.
Words from Corporate Credit Success:
Having been an entrepreneur since the 90's and starting multiple businesses in a variety of disciplines, one problem kept emerging and that problem was a lack of liquidity and access to the credit and/or financing that my business desperately needed to take it to the next level. There came a point in each business that I was forced to use my personal credit to purchase supplies, fund payroll, etc. Not only did this feel uncomfortable knowing that my business was being hindered but also my personal credit was adversely affected to the point that I could not qualify for any more personal credit. In order to continue with business as usual it was necessary for me to research other small business funding opportunities.
Late one night I came across an article online that discussed obtaining business credit that does not require a personal guarantee. I thought to myself, why would someone lend my business money without some type of security? As it turned out, I was amazed to find out how easy it really is for businesses to get financing and NO you don't have to be a Fortune 500 company, NO you don't have to have millions in sales and NO you don't have to give a personal guarantee! All you need is the education and knowledge to do it, and do it right.
<< Get Instantly Matched with Lenders: Click, Complete & Know in 60 Seconds >>
There is one caveat, the first thing I learned is that before you go on an application spree there are very integral, yet basic, steps that must be taken to have the success with your approvals. I went out and made the mistakes, fell on my face and now have the knowledge to duplicate it again and again with future businesses. I have amassed over $500,000 in credit just for one of my businesses, just think of the possibilities this would create for you and your small business.
My vision behind Corporate Credit Success is to provide the small business owner with educational materials that take the hassle out of the business credit building process and drastically reduce the learning curve. I spent countless hours of reading and sorting through all the muck that's out there in order to be able to offer you a simple process that can be followed to achieve the same results. My knowledge and experience is now available on our website which you will find offers current, credible and best of all FREE information that when coupled with connections to the industries best product and service providers your small business is empowered to obtain the financing it deserves without all the hassle.
I encourage you to find out more about the services we offer and let us help by getting your business access to the credit it deserves!
Mark Sheron
Chief Financing Officer
ENTER YOUR EMAIL BELOW to join our Email Newsletter and gain Instant Access to our special report titled Underwriter Keys to Approval. In addition you'll receive information about our company and how we can help you obtain business funding now and in the future. We promise to never SPAM you!
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What is a Celiac Plexus Block?
Celiac Plexus Blocks Performed by Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson Nevada's Top Pain Doctors
Cancer patients have consistently reported that the pain associated with cancer is not surprisingly the single most distressing aspect. Further, pancreatic cancer is well documented to be one of the most painful malignancies, and this pain has been reported as often non-responsive to typical medication interventions, such as opioids.
The celiac plexus block is a non-surgical treatment option available for patients experiencing chronic abdominal pain. Indeed, the celiac plexus block has also been beneficial for relieving nerve pain in patients with pancreatic cancer.
The celiac plexus is a bundle of nerves located behind the stomach and in front of the diaphragm. It contains between one and five large ganglia that receive information from the abdomen and transfers this information to the spinal cord and brain. Thus, a celiac plexus block serves to prevent this information transfer and, thus, reduces or eliminates the patient's experience of abdominal pain.
How is a
Celiac Plexus Block Performed?
The celiac plexus block is minimally invasive, does not involve surgery, and is done using only local anaesthetic. This treatment includes anaesthetizing the celiac plexus nerves, thereby preventing or "blocking" the nerves from transmitting information about pain sensations to the spinal cord and brain.
There are several methods by which physicians are able to anaesthetize the celiac plexus bundle of nerves. The most common method requires the patient to be lying on their abdomen. A local anaesthetic is applied to two places on the surface of the skin on the patient's back. Using an x-ray as a guide for proper placement into the celiac ganglia, the physician inserts two small needles on either side of the patient's vertebrae. Contrast dye is used to test for proper placement of the needle prior to injecting the anaesthetic, as well as appropriate distribution of the solution within the area.
Once proper placement has been assured, the physician administers the anaesthetic.
In a neurolytic celiac plexus block, alcohol along with a numbing agent is used to destroy the nerves that carry pain information, rather than simply impairing their functioning temporarily. Thus, the alcohol destroys the celiac ganglia, preventing them from transmitting information about pain sensations within the nerves of the abdomen to the spinal cord and brain.
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and significant reductions in pain are experienced almost immediately. The patient is then moved to a recovery room and is monitored for adverse reactions for anywhere between two to four hours.
Patients are expected to feel relief from pain following a celiac plexus block within approximately six to 24 hours. A series of procedures is typically recommended as a treatment for pain. If a patient experiences relief from pain symptoms following a celiac plexus block, then it is recommended that they have repeat injections until they are no longer experiencing abdominal pain. Generally, patients can expect the duration of pain relief following the procedure to increase following each administration. Patients can expect to experience approximately two months of pain relief from the neurolytic celiac plexus block.
Conditions Related To Celiac Plexus Block
The celiac plexus block has been documented as most effective in reducing or relieving abdominal pain that is characterized by a strong nerve, or visceral, component. In particular, patients suffering from chronic abdominal nerve pain are ideal candidates for celiac plexus blocking. Individuals with pancreatic cancer have also been reported as having responded well to this pain management option, as well as patients suffering from malignancies of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, or large colon owing to the locality of the condition.
Neurolytic blocks are less common and typically reserved for treating pain associated with malignancies of the upper abdomen, particularly pain that has been unresponsive to opioids. Nonetheless, neurolytic blocks have been utilized in treating chronic abdominal pain associated with non-malignant conditions.
The celiac plexus block is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment option for individuals suffering from abdominal nerve pain. This treatment option is particularly helpful to those patients whose pain has largely been unresponsive to opioids treatment or
who have exhausted other conservative treatment options. This procedure involves a relatively low risk and its pain-relieving effects can be experienced immediately. For individuals whose pain does not respond right away to the intervention, effects can be felt following a few repeat interventions.
- Bahn BM, Erdek MA. Celiac Plexus Block and Neurolysis for Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013;17;310.
- Bektas M, Atiq M, Bhutani MS. First report of celiac plexus block for refractory abdominal pain secondary to peripancreatic colon cancer metastasis. Gastrointest Endosec. 2012;76(3):692-3.
- McGreevy K, Hurley RW, Erdek MA, Aner MM, Li S, Cohen SP. The effectiveness of repeat celiac plexus neurolysis for pancreatic cancer: A pilot study. Pain Pract. 2013;13(2):89-95.
- Yan BM, Myers RP. Neurolytic celiac plexus block for pain control in unresectable pancreatic cancer. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102(2):430-8.
- Zhong W, Yu Z, Zeng JX, Lin Y, Yu T, Min XH, Yuan YH, Chen QK. Celiac plexus block for treatment of pain associated with pancreatic cancer: A meta-analysis. Pain Pract. May 2013; [Epub ahead of print].
- Zou XP, Chen SY, Lv Y, Li W, Zhang XQ. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis for pain management in patients with pancreatic carcinoma reasons to fight a losing battle. Pancreas. 2012;41(4):655-7.


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Cognitive Hypnotherapy
The Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach is totally individualised and holistic. If you visit a conventional hypnotherapist s/he will often read from a pre-prepared script: the same script that anyone else seeking assistance for the same problem will receive. The reality is that each of us 'does our problem' in a way that is truly unique to us. As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist the first session we spend together is usually taken up purely with eliciting information from you so that we can both be sure future sessions and interventions meet your very specific needs.
The Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach allows you to re-frame problem patterns from your past by:
- identifying the triggers (the stimuli)
- recalling the memories attached to these
- recognising the emotions that these memories generate
- understanding how you act in response to the above
- then, with our help, to change one or more of the above. In so doing you are able to respond differently (more positively) in the future
By doing so, it helps you to change the way in which you respond to an issue or a problem in the future. Clients often report that changes have benefits that extend beyond purely addressing their presenting issue. It can lead to increased overall confidence, raised levels of self-esteem and enable people to achieve things that they previously would not have considered e.g. changing jobs, increasing their social network.
Are there any conditions contra-indicated for Hypnotherapy?
Yes. Epilepsy and some mental health conditions including Schizophrenia and Bi-Polar Disorder.
Within our approach we also draw on other techniques from the fields of:
Different Approaches
Think about this:
Doing something well consistently is not an accident, it is a process.
Doing something badly consistently is not an accident, it is a process.
NLP provides the tools to understand these processes and develop your ability to change whatever you do that does not bring you the results you want, into something that does. NLP is the study of how each of us makes sense of our own unique world (our map).
By understanding the structure of our map we can identify negative thought patterns that inhibit us (and change them); by understanding the structure of someone else's map we can understand and communicate with them more effectively. This can help us to improve our relationships in personal, social and business contexts.
EFT is a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments for over five thousand years, but without the invasiveness of needles. Instead, simple tapping with the fingertips is used to input kinetic energy on to specific meridians on the head, chest and hands while you think about your specific problem, whether it is a traumatic event, an addiction, pain, etc., and voice positive affirmations.
This combination of tapping the energy meridians and voicing positive affirmation works to clear the "short-circuit" – the emotional block – from your body's bioenergy system, thus restoring your mind and body's balance, which is essential for optimal health.
EFT has spread rapidly, because of its very high rate of success, and can now be found in every corner of the world.
More information can be found on the following web-site:www.emofree.com
The Positive Psychology UK Website describes Positive Psychology as the science of positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, well-being and flourishing. It can be summarised in the words of its founder, Martin Seligman, as the:
scientific study of optimal human functioning [that] aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive.
Until recently Psychology has more often than not emphasised the shortcomings of individuals rather than focusing on their skills, capabilities and potentials.
Positive Psychology focuses on what we are capable of, what we require to experience continued well-being, how we can increase our resilience so that we can cope with the demands of life etc.


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Reflecting On the 2014 Literary Scene
As 2014 comes to an end, let us reflect on what happened to our literature in the past twelve months. You cannot ignore the role of our active writers' associations, publishers, authors (at home and abroad), and the funding organisations and others. The annual National Arts Merit Awards have a certain way of starting the year with artistic fervour. The three well known literary arts awards categories at the NAMAs are something that writers look forward to every year. And this year, there was what others referred to as "the return of Charles Mungoshi". His "Branching Streams Flow in the Dark" and Ignatius Mabasa's "Imbwa YeMunhu" emerged co-winners of the Outstanding Fiction Book Award. It was spot on. How could one separate the two sizzling works? Thank you, wise judges. In the Outstanding Children's Book award it was Fortunate Tazvivinga who won with her book "The River God Unyaminyami" and Solomon Mwapangidza won Outstanding First Creative Published Work for his book "Rebel Soldier".
NoViolet Bulawayo's book "We Need New Names" added glamour to the NAMA's literary awards by receiving Special Mention. Elsewhere, the Bulawayo-born author won the 2014 Hemmingway Foundationen Award with her same novel.
Zimbabwe's writing light shone brighter this year at the regional Golden Baobab Prizes for Children Literature as South Africa-based writer Mike Mwale was longlisted and shortlisted for the Picture Book Prize for his story "The Big Ball". In the past, other local writers such as Mirirai Moyo, Ivor Hartmann, Rutendo Chabikwa and Sabina Mutangadura have either been shortlisted or won the award.
Do you remember the Zimbabwe Writers Association meeting held in April in Harare under the theme "Writers' Family Reminisce"? We got to know, through the eyes of his son, the writing habits of the late Shona writer Nobert Mafumhe Mutasa. One of the reminisces that got writers and journalists excited and touched at the same time was the Charles Mungoshi's journey of love, trials and triumphs. Did you know how Charles Mungoshi met his wife Jesesi?
We could not help falling in love with the story as narrated by his wife. I re-told the story as follows: The year was 1974. Jesesi was lying ill in her room at her sister's house. In a short moment, her sister's husband came into the room in the company of his friend and a fellow artist named Charles. Introductions were made.
Jesesi was not sure if her babamukuru and Charles were drunken or not but the first words Charles said were, "Ah saka tinoziva vakareba sei kana vakarara?" Although she was in pain, Jesesi burst out laughing. Why was she laughing? She could not tell. Later, the two men left the house but Charles had done his job like a doctor of love. I guess Jesesi got healed suddenly with the romantic poetry of his few words and her heart followed him from that day!
Readers have a wide range of books this year to choose the best they can take with them on holiday. Emmanuel Machado's Gweru based Book Love Publishers published exciting new and established authors such as Mimi Machakaire's "Princess Gangster", US-based Emmanuel Sigauke's "Mukoma's Marriage and Other Stories", and Aaron Chiundura Moyo's "Kereke Inofa". Sigauke's collection "Mukoma and Other Stories" was long overdue and when it finally came out, we were relieved to read about "Mukoma's" machinations!
I personally would give away as Christmas gifts books like Sigauke's irresistible collection of short stories "Mukoma and Other Stories" and Memory Chirere's poetry anthology with the mouth-watering title, "Bhuku Risina Basa (Nekuti Rakanyorwa Masikati)" which was published by Bhabhu Books with support from Culture Fund of Zimbabwe.
What more, Chiundura Moyo, one of the outstanding writers Zimbabwe has ever known, reminded his readers he still can create interesting characters like the religious infidel, Pastor Gift Mwenje in "Kereke Inofa".
Phillip Chidavaenzi bounced back too this year, after an eight year long hibernation, with "The Ties That Bind", a sequel to his first novel "The Haunted Trail" (2006). The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe also sponsored the publication of "The Ties That Bind". Surely, the Culture Fund has provided some oxygen to writers because it has assisted in the publication of various local books. Another book published with support from Culture Fund is Tendai Huchu's new book "The Maestro, The Magistrate and the Mathematician" which was published this year by AmaBooks Publishers. Poet, actor and journalist Tinashe Muchuri, who is set to publish his first Shona novel "Chibarabada" in 2015, moved a step further by publishing an educational non-fiction book for children called "Zvipfuyo Nevana Vazvo" (2014, Bhabhu Books). Muchuri's contemporary Simbarashe Kavenga also got the year moving for him when his second children's book called "Kare Kare Zvako" (Mambo Press, 2014) was unveiled at the 2014 ZIBF. Another spoken word poet Cynthia Marangwanda has "Shards", a novella, to her name. This one is poised to be a controversial book as I can tell from the responses I got after reviewing it last week. As it is an autobiographical work, it seems readers have many questions for the author at the book's official launch later this month.
This year we also saw new poets publishing an anthology "Zviri Mugapu" which attests to the truth that Zimbabwe has writing talent but unfortunately it is at risk of not being recognized and developed.
Zimbabwe Women Writers should be rewarded for the resilience. They continue to publish under very difficult funding environment. This year, their new publications included "Revai" by Rapofadzo Mupunga, "A Struggle Alike" by Debra Vakira and others.
There were other events such as Harare International Festival of the Arts spoken word programme which brought poets from South Africa, Botswana and Holland. Again, HIFA should be encouraged to produce anthologies from its annual poetry programmes. This helps preserve memories.
On a negative note, the book industry continues to be bogged down by book piracy, an evil that is creeping into its bone. We had the chance to listen to the other side of the story, that is, the book vendors who said they are forced into illegal photocopying or reproduction of books by harsh economic realities. Even given this reason, should we recoil and let writers suffer?
Writers need to come up with tangible solutions regarding book piracy. I have recently gathered that Zimbabwe Book Publishing Association has a recent success story to tell concerning piracy. ZBPA has it that some of these pirates have now been brought to book but "Bookshelf" is yet to get more information. It is encouraging indeed.
The passing on of Paul Brickhill who founded the popular arts venue Book Cafeacute was really sad but we continue to celebrate his life. As it is said, life is short but art is long.
The 2014 ZIBF had as many good episodes as it had bad ones. The ZIBF tackled various issues affecting writers such as copyright, the need to free local languages, book piracy but the greatest sad memory is the empty exhibition stands that punctuated the Harare Gardens. Exhibitors made losses, especially those that had travelled long distances.
We cannot forget the heated debate at the official launch of the 2014 Caine Prize anthology titled "The Gonjon Pin and other Stories" in August at the Book Cafeacute. I came to understand that while African writers are free to write anything they want, there is an unanswered question that runs behind their imaginations. What is an African story? Are we celebrating foreign standards of writing in order to win coveted international awards?
Many will remember the call I made earlier on that Zimbabwean writers deserve stand-alone literary awards and by 2015, we must see the beginnings of such as endeavour. NAMA awards cannot quite cater for the broad interests of the industry.
However, the year lacked enough public readings and discussions. Had it not been for the few ones that took place such as Zimbabwe Writers Association and ZIBF's literary evenings and LitFest Harare discussions, writers would have been too lonely.
The aspiring writers' association, Writers International Network Zimbabwe, which was founded few years ago, continue to do certain activities but they are not fully-fledged due to poor funding.
Last but not least, thanks goes to the Herald for launching this column "Bookshelf"in June. It indeed has been an aenturous writing and reading party for me and readers across the country and abroad. We need more spaces like these.
There is more that happened not covered here but in conclusion, it is well done to all players in the writing sector. We hope 2015 will be much improved. Please enjoy your holidays and do something to always keep accidents away. Keep reading!
Source : The Herald


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The Lunatic Fringe has been out of action since January with a triceps injury. Since then, Dean Ambrose has been rehabbing and working on getting back into the ring, and it seems that could be sooner rather than later.
According to PWInsider, Ambrose was in Birmingham, Alabama again this weekend to check in with doctors. He'd been at the WWE Performance Center lately working out and testing his arm. It seems that should things go his way, we could see the former WWE Champion back before Summerslam.
With a stacked Raw roster and new talent making their way to Monday nights from Smackdown and NXT, there are quite a few great feuds for Ambrose to start up when he makes his return. What are you expecting from the return of Dean Ambrose?


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It's not often we get to make the same bad joke twice in quick succession, but having recently shown you the 'armless coat, we couldn't resist pointing out its opposite – the 'armful dress. (As in, it's full of arms…)
Yes, Fashion Force, this dress has twice the usual amount of arms (Although, in its defence, only two of them appear to be functional), and the model looks every bit as confused by that fact as we are. Her facial expression in the second image says it all: she's all, "Seriously? You want me to WEAR this thing?" Never forget that Modelling Is Hard, people.
In addition to the fact that the dress basically has a sweater attached to the front of it, the back is also longer than the front, creating even more of a mish-mash of different hem lengths. While you work out what you think of that (or maybe you don't need any time to work that out?), here's another question for you to ponder:
[Buy them here]
Why are these sheer flares £1,303? (Other than the fact that they're by Balmain, we mean.) Why do they even exist? How could you walk in them – especially in spike-heeled stilettos – without ripping the delicate fabric to shreds? Assuming that the model is the usual height for a model (i.e. taller than average), can you imagine what these would look like on someone of average height, or less? And again: how on earth could you wear them without falling over? Would you have to buy shoes like these?
[Buy them here]
OK, so that was quite a few more questions for you to ponder. Sorry about that. These questions need answers, though, so if you think you have an explanation for the existence of any of these items – or would like to have a go at telling us when and how you'd wear them – you know what to do: call the Fashion Police!


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This photo of a man and a gorilla sharing a sweet embrace has earned Jo-Anne McArthur the coveted title of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award.
Pikin the gorilla had originally been captured by poachers with the intent of using her for bushmeat. Thankfully, the Ape Action Africa charity rescued her and brought her to an animal sanctuary in Cameroon.
In the photo, Pikin was being transferred to a new sanctuary when the sedatives wore off and she woke up.
While some animals might have exhibited discomfort towards finding themselves in a moving car, she woke up in the arms of her caretaker Appolinaire Ndohoudou.
LOOK: Homeless Teen Goes From Living in a Car to Creating Absolutely Stunning Photos as a Wedding Photographer
Ndohoudou shares a bond with Pikin; not just because he helped rescue her from the poachers, but also because he too was forced out of his home in Chad because of a civil war.
Upon rebuilding his life in Cameroon, he found a passion for helping displaced wildlife – just like Pikin.
The competition, which was held by the Natural History Museum, received over 50,000 entries. Now that McArthur's photo has been chosen as the winner from a shortlist of 24 photographs, "Pikin and Appolinaire" will hang in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Museum until it closes in late May.
"I'm so thankful that this image resonated with people and I hope it might inspire us all to care a little bit more about animals," said McArthur.
"No act of compassion towards them is ever too small. I regularly document the cruelties animals endure at our hands, but sometimes I bear witness to stories of rescue, hope and redemption. Such is the case with the story of Pikin and Appolinaire, a beautiful moment between friends."
Quit Monkeying Around: Click To Share This Sweet Photo With Your Friends – OR, [icopyright_one_buttton_toolbar] (Photo by Jo-Anne McArthur / Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award)


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For whatever reason, something called "A Change of Pace Foundation" elects to route several thousand plodding joggers/strollers past my house of a Saturday morning the week before Thanksgiving every year.
Needless to say, it is the sort of thing that tends to get one's attention, as it did on November 17th.
Such massed humanity that seems already stressed after lumbering/strolling hardly two blocks invited snap shots from my front deck.


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Tip 1: Stop Running in Circles
Have you ever been to a gym class? they are fun…but, I notice how people aren't getting results. Lots of cardio conditioning but this can be achieved in less effort and a shorter period of time. (such as interval training)
Tip 2: Stop Blaming Everything On Your Age
Hey: You don't have a clock installed in your body. Many Studies show that men and women above 75 Years old were able to gain muscle tone in just a matter of weeks of with simple weight training. I've seen men and women transform their body at literally all ages!
If you're around those negative people who are constantly talking about growing old, all their aches and pains, and how life is just down hill after 40—GET AWAY FROM THEM- Surround yourself with positive thinkers who absolutely crave a challenge. A challenge is what keeps you YOUNG, and the best challenge there is happens to be taking control of your health and body.
Tip 3: Avoid being dehydrated. Drink Water
Water isn't just "good for you" — water burns fat. Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Water suppresses hunger. Water Helps Energize Muscles.Water Keeps You Looking Young . Water renews your skin. Just drinking 16 ounces of pure water every day can take a few years off your face in a matter of weeks. You'll also drop fat, have more energy, and save your kidneys and liver from chronic overwork.
When your kidneys are taxed from too little water, your liver has to take over. Now, get this: Your liver is your #1 fat-burning organ.
Do you REALLY want it processing liquids and toxins rather than BURNING FAT? No way, right? Well, grab a glass of water, and watch the mirror. Within a few weeks, the change to your face and body will be 100% noticeable. You will like what you see
Please leave a comment below. look forward to your input


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* Store hours may change during school holidays or without notice
When I drove up the hill and saw the sign for Oran Park I fell in love. Something was telling me this was where I was meant to be. Levon Yavia, owner of The Chocolate Room.
"Fancy a hot chocolate? Well, it's time to make some serious decisions! At The Chocolate Room you can choose between 23 flavours of hot chocolate, from strawberry, raspberry and cherry to tiramisu, hazelnut and the surprisingly pleasing chili. And, if you prefer your chocolate drinks on the cooler side, the same flavours are available in the store's iced chocolate range - heaven in a glass. The Chocolate Room owner Levon Yavia is passionate about chocolate, and just as passionate about customer service. "What makes me really happy is seeing a satisfied customer walk out the door with a big smile on their face," he said. Levon is working alongside his mum and sister at his new store to deliver a mouth-watering array of desserts, cakes, light lunch options and chocolate themed gifts including the quirky chocolate pizza and freckled love heart. Sweet!"


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At the West Midlands UTC (WMUTC) our curriculum is different to other schools and traditional types of learning. Students can choose from one of our programme pathways in Design, Build or Innovate. This will team academic subjects with practical learning, and core subjects alongside a small number of optional subjects up to GCSE or A Level equivalent.
Years 10 and 11 – a combination of academic and technical learning
Students will gain up to seven GCSEs and two technical awards.
Young people who join us at 14 will study GCSEs for 60% of their timetable. For the remaining 40% they'll be working with local employers on technical projects using industry standard equipment within our Design, Build and Innovate programmes.
All students
Students will also take part in enrichment activities that encourage interests beyond the normal West Midlands UTC curriculum – this can include sport and outdoor activities, voluntary and charity work, art, music and creative activities, and can also include projects and school competitions.
Employer Partners:
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I usually don't have a beef with the Arab performance crowd. They don't block tails and their horses usually don't drag their heads around like zombies. Also the WP riders know at least a modicum of equitation and don't lean back like they are about to tip off over the ass of the horse. But photos from the 2011 Scottsdale Arab show really got my blood boiling and confirmed why drawing and quartering is an acceptable form of punishment.
Let's talk about horse training for a second. Horse training is such a simple process. You make the horse do what you want him to do, by making him think he wants to do it in the first place. Let's face it, unless you're dealing with miniature horses you are at the mercy of an animal that is much bigger and stronger. A person can equalize the relationship with talent and training, or, as the dickheads in the below photos show, with cruel equipment and harsh methods. It never ceases to amazes me how people can take something as simple as a snaffle or bosal and turn it into a torture device, yet it gets done at every show, in every warm up pen.
The Arabian is a gorgeous animal. He is intelligent, dynamic and spirited. An Arabian running across a grassy meadow is proof that the hand of God has touched this world, even if only briefly. To take such an animal and subject it to harsh methods is a crime.
My first example is how a good piece of equipment can be bastardized to become something abusive. A bosal is about as gentle a piece of horse gear as you can find. It's a simple loop of braided rawhide with a heel button. Fitted correctly and used properly it is the first stage to creating a "bridled" horse. Made out of other material it can become a tortuous device as shown below.
A bent metal bosal? This thin? You can see the mark on the horse's jaw where this thing has created a pressure point. And the damn thing is riding too low on the nose too. Is this the kind of thing you want on your young horse? Is this acceptable as a training measure? Hell no! This sucks and it should never be allowed on a show grounds
The next most basic piece of equipment is a snaffle. Most snaffles are fairly benign bits. They usually have a regular jointed mouthpiece and work by direct pull. It's pretty hard to mess up a horse with a regular snaffle, so the trainwhores have figured out how to make this seemingly innocuous bit into a torture device.
What's wrong with this picture? Where do we start? Some asshole stuff a thin twisted wire snaffle on a horse and cranked it until the horse's lips are screaming at the seams and he's foaming. Then they added a running martingale and draw reins. Really? Like one of those wasn't enough to slow your horse down? You're in a warm up pen, just how much crank control do you need? I wish this poor horse had flipped over on your dumb ass like you deserved. This is the kind of shit that makes people want to sit in the stands with a deer rifle and pick idiots off.
A step up from the snaffle is a curb bit. Curbs are leverage bits. They produce poll, mouth, tongue, and chin pressure. The standard curb bit has a 1½" cheek and a 4½" lower shank, thus producing a 1:3 ratio of cheek to lower shank, a 1:4 ratio of cheek to full shank, thus producing 3 lbs of pressure on the chin groove and 4 lbs of pressure on the horse's mouth for every 1 lb placed on the reins. In other words, keep your fricking hands light and stay off the bit. The standard rule of thumb that any GOOD trainer uses is that you don't use leverage devices with a leverage bit. No martingales or draw reins on anything with a shank, it's simply too much pressure.
The person below missed that lesson and decided to add even more leverage and use a German martingale with the curb bit because ten pounds of pressure across his horse's tongue just wasn't enough!
Can you say "Asshat"? I can. Are you really so incompetent that you can't train without cranking your horse's head to his chest with 15 pounds of leather? How would you like to try to work with this much crap on your head?
For some reason in history people decided that one bit wasn't enough and created the Weymouth. I know people use them in upper level dressage and saddleseat, but really the point escapes me. However, when used properly they probably don't do too much damaged. The problem with them is that you don't have to pass a test before using such equipment, so these bits end up in the hands of people that aren't qualified to pick their own noses, such as the dimwit below.
A martingale on the curb and the snaffle rein? What a complete dick you are! And that's an illegal bit for dressage anyway, so why are you training in it? You horse sure looks unhappy! How would you like to have two bits pressing down on your tongue and the bars of your mouth? I can't stand to have a fricking hair lay across my tongue; I can't imagine how this shit feels.
Sadly it's not only the English riders that do this stupid shit. For a long time western trainers didn't use shit like draw reins and martingales, especially not with a shanked bit. Looks like times have changed and now every trainwhore in the country is using draw reins to take shortcuts in training.
Doesn't this look wonderful? Don't you wish that the judges could see this shit and rate it? Nothing like an 8 inch shank bit with a set of draw reins on it. Maybe we should just throw out all the show rules and let people ride in classes like this so everyone could see up close how sucky these trainers are. Think about it, isn't this shit in the warm-up pen kind of like models who get their photos airbrushed to cover up crows feet and cellulite? Ten minutes after this photo you expect us to believe that your horse is trained perfectly and will make a balanced consistent ride? Liar!
Once thing that is consistent in all of these photos is the whole tight nostril-tense lip look that every one of these horses display. They are in pain and they are frustrated. These are not happy horses; they are pissed off and fearful. They should be allowed to buck these idiots off and then stomp their heads.
Shame on the trainers that perpetrated these abuses and shame on the show management that allowed this kind of abuse in the warm up pen! Where the hell is the oversight that would have prevented this crap? The AHA needs to step up and put a stop to this kind of thing!
This blog is about all the shameful things that happen in the equine show industry. If it's bad to do to a horse we're going to bitch about it here.
Lets take this blog to the next level
If you have a photo of crappy show riding, know of a jerkwad trainer or judge, or someone in the show world that is an abusive piece of shit then send the info to me. This blog is not anti-showing, it's anti-abuse. So there is no truth to the claims from the TWH, ASB, western pleasure and dressage zombies that I'm trying to shut showing down. Instead I'm trying to make showing more honest and to get abusive practices out of the showring! Email me at email@example.com
I have a request for my readers: If you have successfully rehabbed a show horse, or gotten a rescue and taken it on to a show career then let me know, I'd love to feature you here!
I have a request for my readers: If you have successfully rehabbed a show horse, or gotten a rescue and taken it on to a show career then let me know, I'd love to feature you here!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Arabian crowd really knows how to DRAW you in
Posted by ShameintheHorseShowRing at 8:55 PM 23 comments:
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New or Transferred Utility Service
For new or transferred utility accounts, you may apply in person at 116 East Dallas or by emailing us at email@example.com. You may also fax the required documents to 918-259-8215.
*A signed contract PLUS a form of identification is now required to open a new account. Click here to read the new policy.
Click on the following links for applications:
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Service will be initiated the next business day.
To report utility emergencies after hours or on the weekend, contact the Police Department dispatch center at 918-259-8400.
Utility Deposit RequirementsA utility deposit may be waived based on a favorable credit inquiry evaluated by an independent agency with customer's social security number. Without the credit inquiry or with an unfavorable credit report a deposit is required. Deposit is applied to the account after 3 years of good credit history or balance refunded when service is terminated. In the event your service is interrupted due to nonpayment, a deposit plus payment of past due amounts, and any other applicable fees, is required to restore service. To see a list of fees, click here.
Access to Your Utility Account
In accordance with federal law, utility information is available to the customer and person(s) designated by the account holder. Utility account information is available online by accessing the City's website through Online Payment options under Utility Accounts. A pin number is required and is located on your bill below Your Monthly Usage and above the perforation. Account information and/or a customer service representative are also available through an interactive telephone system (918-259-8409) and selecting appropriate options. Customer service representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
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• Check , cash and credit card payments at the Utility Office 116 E. Dallas.
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Paying Your Bill Online – Click 2 Gov Using Click 2 Gov is simple! All you will need to access your account are your account number, personal identification number (PIN) and an active e-mail address. You can obtain your PIN number from your most recent utility bill statement, or by e-mail. Please include your account number in your message request. For more detailed information on using the Click2Gov feature, click here.
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The City of Broken Arrow invites you to sign up for Auto Pay, a bank or credit card draft will automatically deduct your payment from your selected method each month. You can enroll online by logging into your account and selecting the Auto Pay option. If you are not able to login you can complete the plan authorization form, attach a voided check, and include both the authorization and the check with your bill payment this month. The City will set up the Auto Pay within 30 to 60 days after you return the authorization. Once you are on the plan, your monthly utility statement will reflect the amount due and the date the amount will be deducted from your checking account. The date will usually be 10 – 14 days after the City mails your utility statement to you.
Budget Billing Plan Available
The city offers budget billing plan for customers. This service allows customers to pay their monthly utility bill on an average of the current month and the previous 12 months.
This payment schedule will reduce the variations in payments between high and low usage months. A customer may apply for this service by completing an application available in the utility office, mailed on request, or online. For more information, click here or call 918-259-8409.
E-Notification Available
In our efforts to be "green," the City of Broken Arrow offers a program to utilize e-mail and notify customers their bill is available for viewing on the City of Broken Arrow's website.
The E-Notification service increases our conservation efforts and is a cost savings for the City. By accessing your account on the city's Click2Gov utility Web site, you can sign up for E-Notification under the Account Information and selecting Manage eBilling. In addition, your utility billing information is available for viewing and you may make a payment utilizing your debit/credit card or bank account.


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For two days, people poured into the streets of Cairo, burning buses and trams, government buildings, and expensive cars. In Tahrir Square, troops fired tear gas at the demonstrators. Cairenes cheered from balconies and rooftops while their comrades in the streets below chanted antigovernment slogans: "You dress in the latest fashions," they roared at their president, "while we sleep 12 to a room!"
It was 1977, and revolution was in the air. When an already unpopular government tried to rescind food subsidies -- meaning massive price increases for staples like bread, rice, and cooking gas -- riots erupted. By the time they were over, hundreds of buildings were burned, 160 people were dead, and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat had learned an essential lesson for the modern Arab dictator: let them eat bread. Lots of cheap bread.
Change is sweeping through the Middle East today, but one thing remains the same: the region once known as the Fertile Crescent is now the world's most dependent on imported grain. Of the top 20 wheat importers for 2010, almost half are Middle Eastern countries. The list reads like a playbook of toppled and teetering regimes: Egypt (1), Algeria (4), Iraq (7), Morocco (8), Yemen (13), Saudi Arabia (15), Libya (16), Tunisia (17).
For decades, many of these regimes relied on food subsidies to ensure stability -- a social contract so pervasive that the Tunisian scholar Larbi Sadiki described it as dimuqratiyyat al-khubz, or "democracy of bread." But over the past several years, grain prices reached record levels, and these appeasement policies lost their luster. In Tunisia, pro-democracy demonstrations began in late December 2010 with protesters brandishing baguettes. In just a few months, a wave of uprisings rippled across the region, toppling Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and Egypt's longtime ruler, Hosni Mubarak.
The revolutions, of course, are about more than just bread. Middle Easterners want basic human rights, dignity, and a chance at a decent future -- good jobs at livable wages. But when a government puts those things out of reach for the majority of its
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Silicon Valley
Amanda Crew is a series regular on HBO's Silicon Valley and has appeared in the films The Age of Adaline, Bad City, Jobs, and Charlie St. Cloud, among others. Born and raised in Langley, British Columbia, she began her acting career on the Canadian television series 15/Love and later starred on CTV's Whistler. In her spare time, Crew maintains a lifestyle blog, Granny Girls, with her friend Amber Borycki.


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Englacial Surprise
On a recent trip out to the Mendenhall Glacier with family and friends, Corey shared the glacier's latest secret. Thinking the the best days for glacial features on the lower west edge of… Continue reading
On a recent trip out to the Mendenhall Glacier with family and friends, Corey shared the glacier's latest secret. Thinking the the best days for glacial features on the lower west edge of… Continue reading
Nearly all of my visits to Joshua Tree National Park have been short and photographically one-dimensional. On one trip there were sweeping views of the granite boulders and monoliths, and on another it… Continue reading
I spent Father's Day in the Virgin River Narrows with my daughter and wife. I can hardly believe how much God has blessed me, to be able to have these kinds of experiences,… Continue reading
2014 was a year of enormous blessing in my life. I feel like I say that every year at about this time, but it is none the less true, and I think I… Continue reading
So much has been made of the "problem of pain", but what about the invitation of beauty? As I stood atop the giant concrete blocks that border the path leading down to the… Continue reading
A place called Ford's Terror needs some introduction. The name is a reference to the experience of a naval crew member who, in 1889, rowed a small boat into the narrow entrance of the… Continue reading
The fourth day of the trip was all about moving camp. From the tip of Endicott Arm, near the face of the Dawes Glacier, we traveled nearly half the distance back to… Continue reading
It was impossible for the weather during my stay in Endicott Arm not to factor into how often I was carrying my camera with me or when I was willing to bring it… Continue reading
On the first morning of the trip to the Tracy Arm – Ford's Terror Wilderness, I woke up in a comfortable bed in a cabin on board the Safari Endeavor (Un-Cruise Adventures was… Continue reading
I recently returned from a week-long trip into the Tracy Arm – Ford's Terror Wilderness. The trip was part of a class I am taking through Discovery Southeast, and as it's title was… Continue reading


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I was first exposed to Gordon Ramsay's The F Word when I visited New Zealand in 2007/2008. I was staying in the Skotel (Ski/Hotel) on Mt. Ruapehu, and … [Read more...]
Cooking: Popovers
Waking up to rain is always a surprise in Los Angeles, but a blustery day on top of it? With actual weather knocking on my window and a fresh carton … [Read more...]
Homemade Bagels: The Taste of Redemption!
The last time I tried a Nigella Lawson recipe, it's turned out badly. This of course was no fault of hers, but still, I didn't want there to be any … [Read more...]
Cooking: Meringues
Why hello Thursday, I didn't see you there! I've been up to my eyeballs in a web project that, once finished will be hugely satisfying, but is … [Read more...]
Stiff Peaks
Stiff Peaks, originally uploaded by radmegan.Coming tomorrow... the tale of perfect meringues, and the couple who devoured them. … [Read more...]
Eating Out: SusieCakes Cupcakes
Yesterday was my first visit to SusieCakes Cupcakes. Everything about this small bakery is inviting. Outside a heart-dotted logo welcomes visitors … [Read more...]
Eating Out: Coffee & Donuts at LAMILL in Silver Lake
I recently went to Silver Lake California for an afternoon of coffee and donut holes at LAMILL Coffee Boutique. This is where coffee is made with … [Read more...]
Have Your Poison Cake and Eat it Too
Last Monday, my better half turned 40. We celebrated by driving home from a family camping trip in the desert, showering, and napping for almost 6 … [Read more...]
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9 April 2018
China Matches US Move to Impose 25% Import Tariffs
In response to the 25% import tariff imposed by the US on some US$50 billion worth of mainland-originated products, China has retaliated by imposing a matching tariff on an equivalent level of its US imports. Among the China-bound US exports to be subject to this tariff are a wide range of agricultural products (including soybeans), as well as automobiles, chemicals and aircraft. Further details of the measures, as well as the proposed implementation date, are to be released in due course.
For further details in Chinese, please refer to the following link:
Announcement of the Ministry of Commerce on Increasing Tariff on Certain Products Originating in the US (Announcement No.34 [2018])


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Astronaut Edward M. (Mike) Fincke, Expedition 9 NASA science officer and flight engineer aboard the International Space Station, juggles fresh fruit in microgravity.
Courtesy of NASA.
What is microgravity? How is it created? And how does it impact astronauts during spaceflight? Gregory Vogt, EdD, provides answers to these and other questions about the near weightless conditions in space.
Author(s): Gregory L. Vogt, EdD
Upward Acceleration
Downward Acceleration
Birthplace of Microgravity Science and Technology
Historic Shot Towers
Modern Drop Towers
NASA C-9D: Reduced Gravity Aircraft
Water Balloons in Microgravity
Black Brant Sounding Rocket
Sir Isaac Newton's Concept of Gravity
Microgravity: Why Should I Care?
What About Microgravity?
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