text:
Steven Spielberg's 'Halo,' Blu-ray, Live TV and Everything Else You Need to Know About the New Xbox
Today Microsoft held a big event to pull back the current on its next-generation console. Considering how integrated gaming devices now are with movies and home entertainment, we've pulled together all the relevant info that's relevant to movie buffs who may want the device for more than just gaming.
What's it called?
Xbox One
How much will it cost?
No word on that yet, but at minimum it's expected in the $599 range.
When's it coming out?
No precise date, but at some point later this year. One of the console's flagship games, Call of Duty: Ghosts (which is being written by Syriana and Traffic screenwriter Stephen Gaghan), has a release date of November 05, 2013, though, so expect the Xbox One either on that date or before it.
Can it play Blu-rays?
Yes, yes it can. This is kind of a big deal, as Microsoft has resisted Blu-ray support in the past (after having thrown its weight behind HD-DVD).
What's the deal with movie streaming and TV?
The Xbox One will support all the same streaming services you know and love now (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) without much of a change, but the big deal here is that it can also support live TV. You'll need a compatible cable subscription to take advantage of it, but it basically works exactly like a cable box, only it also takes advantage of Xbox One's new social and gesture features. For example, it will have a constantly updated list of what the most popular shows and movies are, among both your friends and the entire Xbox Live community. And using simple voice commands, like "Watch HBO," you can switch between playing a game and watching live TV in the blink of an eye.
What's Steven Spielberg got to do with it?
Very few details were presented, but Spielberg did make a prerecorded appearance at the event where he revealed he was working with Microsoft on a live-action Halo television series. Those are really the only details offered, unfortunately, but don't be surprised if this show has some kind of timed exclusivity for the Xbox (you'd have to subscribe to Xbox Live to see it).
What are the system specs?
8GB of RAM, an 8-core CPU and GPU, a 500 GB HDD. Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi. The Kinect has a 1080p camera that can record at 30 fps.
Will it be backwards compatible with Xbox 360 games?
No, it will not. Xbox 360 games that come on a disc will definitely not work, and it is expected that Xbox Live Arcade games will also not be natively compatible, though it's possible game developers can rebuild their games on Xbox Live's new core architecture.
Will it require an always-on Internet connection?
No, it will not. The Internet will obviously be required to stream movies and play games online, but it will not be required for the basic functioning of the console (as was rumored at one point).
Will it play used games?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. Gamers are used to buying or borrowing a used game and just playing it. The Xbox One will require that all games be installed on the HDD to play, and while Microsoft hasn't explicitly outlined the nature of this system, that means that there must be some kind of activation code that comes with the purchase of a new game, and that if you're buying a used game, you'll need to also buy a new activation code for it.
Is the controller any different?
Yes and no. The design is the same as the 360's, which is one of the most beloved game controller designs of all time, but the wireless device will have new functionality. It has more targeted "vibrating impulse triggers" and will pair directly with the Kinect, which will sense it as an extension of your hand.
And that's about it as far as the core details go. Once Microsoft clarifies some of these points, we'll update the post accordingly. In the meantime, enjoy some of these clips from today's presentation:
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
Copyright © 2020 FANDANGO MOVIES.


text:
John Diggle might be the next Green Lantern, says Arrow's David Ramsey
David Ramsey, who plays John Diggle on Arrow, electrified comic book fandom on Friday when he told Comicbook.com that he was willing to play John Stewart, one of the Green Lanterns of DC Comics.
He didn't confirm that that was in fact happening, but he hinted that the creators of Arrow are "working on some stuff."
I for one, would love this to happen. David Ramsey is perfect, and since John Diggle apparently changed his last name at some point in his past, the transition to John Stewart would be easy. And they share the same military background — honestly, this seems like such a no brainer. Make it so powers that be.
Some select quotes from the interview:
Theres been a lot of talk recently on whether or not Diggle needs a mask. Some have gone as far to say they'd want you to be the Green Lantern, John Stewart. What are your thoughts on that? Does Diggle need a mask? Would you want to become the Green Lantern?
(long answer and then…)
Now, John Stewart… Is John Diggle John Stewart? I cannot say "yes," and cannot say, "no."
Oh, come on!
I'm serious! I do know that there is serious discussion about whether or not this guy becomes John Stewart. But, I mean, I'll say this: it is top secret. David Ramsey has asked them, and they're like, "we're working on some stuff." If that's the case, it's gonna be huge. This is the stuff they want to avoid. I think they don't want anybody to know yet and they haven't even told me. They have told me that they are thinking about it and they are considering it. Greg Berlanti told me that. Andrew and Marc have told me that. I haven't spoken to Geoff Johns about it, yet. But that's the word from people directly involved in Arrow- that they're working on something.
Here's the truth of it: if I knew, I would tell you I knew and I'm not at liberty to tell you that. I probably wouldn't tell you anyway! I would at least tell you that I know. But I honestly do not know.
Would you want to see them go that route and see Diggle become a super-powered Green Lantern?
I love John Stewart. At one of the comic cons I met the original creator of John Stewart and he is just an awesome, awesome character. To answer your question: if Diggle becomes John Stewart, I would be honored to be play that character. Honored. The same way that I am honored that John Diggle is now a part of the DC canon. That's just an incredible honor to me. I would love it because I think that he's an awesome character. I would love to sink my teeth into it. I don't know how would fit into the Arrow Universe because the Arrow Universe is so rooted in kind of grounded reality, if you will, however real people with a bow and arrow can be. I don't know how a thought-based weapon fits into that world. I don't know how that fits into Arrow, but yes, to answer that question I would love to play the character.
Listen to the interview here:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Abigail Breslin, Peter Outerbridge, Michelle Nolden, Peter DaCunha, Eleanor Zichy, Stephen McHattie, David Hewlett, Sarah Manninen, Samantha Weinstein, David Knoll
Abigail Breslin stars in this supernatural thriller from director Vincenzo Natali. 15-year-old Lisa (Breslin) lives with her father Bruce (Peter Outerbridge), mother Carol (Michelle Nolden) and little brother Robbie (Peter DaCunha).
However, she is the only one in her family who realises they are repeatedly living out the same day in 1985 - the day before her 16th birthday.
As she investigates, she learns that she and her family were killed and and are trapped in the day of their death.
She manages to make contact with Olivia (Eleanor Zichy), a girl from a family presently living in the house, who helps Lisa discover that previous occupants of her home have met a similar fate.
Can Lisa find a way to put a stop to the murders in time to save Olivia and her family?
- Interactive Menus
- Making Of Documentary


text: Image via JAQOURAMANIMeet Courtney Thomas; Fashion Designer for Coaureo and Exquisite Intentions Plychette Montgomery April 24, 2017 Clothing Lines, Fashion 797 Tweet Share Share Email WhatsAppShares 0The fashion trend never settles. There's always a movement of fashion and an aggressive demand for the next big thing. There's a dire need for a new blueprint of clothing and an even higher demand for designers that will channel that aggression, as Courtney Thomas so pleasantly has done for her clients. Thomas interest in fashion started at the young age of 13. Under the direction of her aunt, she learned to sew and began designing purses. Thomas has recently started her own clothing line Coaureo. She is also the fashion designer and owner of Exquisite Intentions where she custom designs clothing per clients request. The challenging profession of design accommodates those that dare to dress different and allow designers to bring those visions to life. Prom season ushers a variety of visions and this year would be no exception for Thomas. Her ability to transform her clients' dream dress into reality set the bar for many on prom night. "I love seeing each client's reaction to the finished garment. It keeps me inspired knowing that the service I provide is a major key in another person's memory," Thomas said, "My clients aspire me by having faith and trusting me to bring their vision to life as well as pushing me to challenge my skill set." As prom season comes to an end, Thomas puts the finishing touches on her last custom dresses. The demand for her custom designs has increased. New seasons bring forth new fashion trends and she's ready.


text:
South Jersey Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial properties require comprehensive coverage that addresses the physical structure as well as other operational aspects of the property. It doesn't matter if you own the building or if you rent from a landlord. In almost all cases it is required that you have your own policy.
Property insurance is just one part of an overall risk management and disaster recovery plan for your business. A proper risk management plan can help to reduce the frequency of insurance claims. This is crucial because businesses with few or no claims are able to find coverage more easily and often at a lower price than companies that have more losses.
Commercial Property Insurance Coverages
- Physical Structure
- Product and Inventory
- Equipment and Machinery
- Outdoor Signage
- Fences and Landscaping
- Parking Areas and Private Roads
- Electrical Surge Coverages
- Fire and Water Coverages


text:
|The new look MovieMix channel on Freeview
The channel has a revised logo, building on the basic rectangular box logo it introduced last year, along with new look programme presentation elements.
A new website specifically built for the Freeview channel has also been introduced at www.moviemix.co.uk, ending the recent anomaly that saw adverts for MovieMix appear in Christmas and New Year TV listings magazines with the Sony TV website listed at the bottom, despite the Sony TV website carrying no references to MovieMix.
Among the movie highlights this month are Anna Katerina starring Jacqueline Bisset and the late Christopher Reeve as well as the Keanu Reeves sci-fi movie Johnny Mnemonic. MovieMix has lost much of the non-Movie programming, such as Baywatch and Storm Warning, previously featured on the channel.
A quick history
MovieMix originally morphed from shopping and gaming channel Big Deal under the control of Square 1 Management and started carrying programmes from More>Movies on 17th January 2013, when the satellite channel itself rebranded from its former identity: Men&Movies.
Movie Mix is now part of Sony Pictures Television's portfolio of channels licenced to broadcast on Freeview under a subsidiary company registered at the media giant's London address. The gradual morphing of the channel from Big Deal to MovieMix and a slow transfer of control ensured that the service didn't fall foul of Freeview channel allocation rules that stop new channels leapfrogging existing channels on Freeview - i.e. stopping new entrants to Freeview buying channels for their favourable Freeview channel number and then replacing them with a brand new service. Only 'channel families' of associated channels are allowed to leapfrog other services in order to swap and replace their sister channels on Freeview.
FAQ: Is MovieMix available on satellite and cable? ►


text:
We've entered the next phase of the Floating City Project. A model of the design we produced with our colleagues at DeltaSync is currently being tested in a towing tank at the University of New Orleans, School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. This study is led by our partner Michael Capitain of Welwynd Marine engineering firm.
The study will assess whether the design we're considering will be comfortable for residents in the floating marine environment where we plan to station the world's first floating city.
Our 50-meter-sided structures have been scaled down to 1.5 meters in the model. All other relevant dimensions are scaled down to match.
The University of New Orleans towing tank is 30.8 M long, 4.6 M wide, and 2.4 M deep, with wave-making capabilities for 0.3m – 22m wavelength and a maximum 0.5m wave height.
"Model basin testing dates back to William Froude and his work on ship hull forms in the latter half of the 1800s" Capitain explains. "By employing the physical testing methods of the model basin, systematic variation in vessel properties (displacement and weight placement) and environmental conditions (wave heights, lengths, and periods) are iterated, and their effects on vessel performance (speed, stability, seakeeping) are observed. This process directs the design towards a final product of improved performance. The cost savings and ease of property variation make the development of novel systems – such as the Seastead – more attainable, achieving an optimal platform or operational envelope in less time and for smaller budgets."
Our pursuit of the Floating City Project and other endeavors is only possible with the generous support of the thousands of people who have donated to the Institute. If you want to see our vision become a reality, please make a donation today.
With much appreciation,
Randolph Hencken, Executive Director


text:
STIRLING On DUNBAR – 16 Craftsman-style two, three & four bedroom homes in South Dunbar, featuring direct access secured garages & some with both front & backyards. Generous spaces of 1,519 – 2,004 sq ft, luxury finishings, overheight ceilings and thoughtful planning throughout.
STIRLING Townhouse Community
Current Listings in STIRLING
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.
Vancouver Townhouse
Stilhavn Real Estate Services
36 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1G8
Email firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
BEIJING — Finger-pointing over North Korea's flourishing weapons program has pushed the world's two biggest economies toward a high-stakes impasse, but observers warn that Trump-style outbursts are no way to get China to bend to the US's will.
Washington and Beijing have long traded blame over the failure to rein in the North, but a breakthrough in missile technology has raised the specter of a strike by Pyongyang on American cities, escalating the rhetoric.
"I am very disappointed in China," President Donald Trump tweeted after the North boasted last week that the entire mainland US was within range of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.
"Our foolish past leaders have allowed them to make hundreds of billions of dollars a year in trade, yet they do NOTHING for us with North Korea, just talk."
China, North Korea's main trade partner and ally, has repeatedly countered that it does not hold the key to the crisis, and it rejected Trump's attempts to link the issue to the trade relationship.
While China's restrained official responses have played the foil to Trump's 140-character outbursts, state media has been less muted.
"Trump is quite a personality," an opinion piece published Monday by the Xinhua state news agency said.
"But emotional venting cannot become a guiding policy for solving the nuclear issue ... and even less should (the US) stab China in the back."
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stepped in Tuesday to warn that the relationship with China had reached "a pivot point."
"Can we work through those differences in a way without it leading to open conflict and find the solutions that are necessary to serve us both?" he asked in a briefing to reporters.
Cards versus tweets
Trump has repeatedly urged China to use its economic sway over North Korea to curb the regime's nuclear program, while Beijing insists dialogue is the only practical way forward.
Tillerson has derided China and Russia as "economic enablers" that bear "unique and special responsibility" for the growing threat posed by the North.
And the US's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, spurned a UN response to the latest ICBM launch in favor of bomber flights and missile-defense-system tests, saying the time for talk on North Korea was "over."
Such admonishments will not change the way China operates, analysts say.
"Trump might be brash and have an 'in your face' blunt style, but Beijing's approach to Washington stays relatively the same," Xu Guoqi, a China-US relations expert at the University of Hong Kong, told AFP.
"While Trump tweets his positions to the world, Beijing keeps its cards closer to its chest. (China) will never dance to Trump's tune."
And with "today's America weaker and more isolated in the world," China has even less reason to respond, he said.
China has reacted with caution to Trump's unpredictable remarks, which have ranged from describing the country as a "currency manipulator" to calling President Xi Jinping "a very good man."
Relations had warmed following Trump's pledge to honor the key "One China" policy and Xi's visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida this April, but they have since soured again over North Korea.
If the US does not ease off against an implacable China, observers believe a deterioration is inevitable.
"If the Americans continue to blame China while shifting away from its own obligation to defuse the crisis, the two powers are likely to have more quarrels," said Zhong Zhenming, a China-US relations expert at Shanghai's Tongji University.
"(This is) exactly the result Pyongyang hopes to see," he told AFP.
No winners in a trade war
In June, the US slapped unprecedented sanctions on a Chinese bank accused of laundering North Korean cash after Trump tweeted that China's efforts to curtail North Korea's nuclear program had "not worked out."
Yet analysts said Trump would stop short of following through on repeated threats to start a trade war — his main bargaining chip thus far.
"Neither China nor America could afford a trade war," Zhong said.
An editorial in the state-run Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid, warned that the US would lose in a trade dispute with China, which as the top holder of US Treasury bonds "is actually supporting the dollar."
"Washington had better not threaten China with trade since China has the tools to safeguard its economic interests," it said.


text:
Mikey Dread, who has died aged 54, was a revolutionary force in Jamaican popular music and became known in Britain as a producer of the Clash; he produced the band's single Bankrobber and contributed to several songs on their album Sandinista! (both 1980).
Michael Campbell was born on New Year's Day 1954 at Port Antonio, on Jamaica's north coast. His enduring love of music began at an early age, while an aptitude for electronics saw him running the radio station at Titchfield High School, then the only school in Jamaica awarded a broadcasting licence. After taking the microphone at school functions, he also became involved with the local sound systems Safari and Sound of Music, which presented Jamaican music to the public at open-air events.
After moving to Kingston during the mid-1970s to study Electrical Engineering at the College of Arts, Science and Technology, Campbell began researching the history of reggae for a mandatory essay and was introduced to influential music figures by the singer Watty Burnett (an old friend from Port Antonio).
The most important of these was the masterly recording engineer King Tubby, who encouraged Campbell to begin voicing original material. His first single, the humorous Barber Saloon, was a local sensation due to Campbell's hybrid blend of rapping and singing, which became known as the "sing-jay" style in Jamaica. His follow-up, Love The Dread, was an equally popular single which led to his enduring stage name - although he did not wear dreadlocks until considerably later.
Concurrent with his earliest recordings was the Dread At The Controls radio show, which was born after Dread had convinced staff at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation to allow him to present a four-hour programme, starting at midnight, six nights a week. It featured only Jamaican music, instead of the foreign material then dominating the airwaves.
Immensely popular with the Jamaican public, and a source of fascination for overseas listeners who obtained copies on audio cassette, the show was eventually deemed too wild by the station management. Dread resigned in 1979, by which time he had already assembled his debut album, Dread At The Controls, which was licensed to Trojan Records in Britain. A second disc, called African Anthem, was a dub album mixed to mirror the style of his radio broadcasts and proved highly popular with punk audiences in Britain.
A major turning point came in 1980 after Dread was approached by the Clash, with whom he subsequently toured and recorded, helping reggae to penetrate a wider international audience. He was involved in the band's recordings for the Epic label, and, following his involvement in the group's experimental album, Sandinista!, he attended the National Broadcasting School in Britain; this led to his narration of Deep Roots Music, a six-part reggae documentary aired on Channel 4 in 1982, and his subsequent hosting of the television series Rockers Roadshow.
A later link with UB40 resulted in extensive European tours and the laid-back album Pave The Way, but by the mid-1980s Dread was spending more of his time in the United States. In the early 1990s he moved to Miami, where he became programme director of the Caribbean Satellite Network. He continued to deliver exciting live performances until he became ill with a brain tumour last summer, resulting in a move to North Carolina for medical treatment.
Mikey Dread, who died on March 15, is survived by his wife Monika, their infant son, Zylen, and by five children from previous relationships.


text:
Xtreme Guitars MULTiFORMAT
TEAM MAGNETRiXX | 30 NOVEMBER 2012 | 1.31 GB
ACiD WAV MPC REASON ABLETON AiFF REX2
Wanna rip up the rule book? Shred it to pieces with Xtreme Guitars, the hair-raising metal guitar sample pack fresh! This sound pack offers a motley selection of excessive guitar samples with some serious bite! 50% rock, 50% roll, this heavy-ass sample pack is all cranked up amps and down-tuned stings; ideal for those looking to inflict some serious anarchy on their tunes. But don t be fooled by the leather clad exterior, Xtreme Guitars will sound right at home in a number of genres, from pop to rock, dubstep, hip hop and many more!
Newest recruit, guitarist Jonas Hornqvist, and weighing in at a heavy 306MB, Xtreme Guitars has over 190 guitar riffs and licks waiting to be unleashed in a range of bpm from 140 all the way up to 180! Inside you can expect to find an electrifying selection of open and muted riffs, hard shuffles, heavy grooves, trills, tapping, exotic scales and demonic melodies as well as an additional folder of feral effects such as pick scrapes, dive-bombs and heavily modulated, string assaulting sounds!
Unlike a real guitarist, this pack is incredibly easy to work with! Xtreme Guitars arrives (on time) via direct download in stunning 24-bit high definition (without any hint of a hangover). Information on each sample, such as key/notes, tempo and tuning is displayed clearly in the filename and you can simply drag and drop these straight into any major software! If you want, you can even stretch or squeeze any of the samples to the tempo of your choice without corrupting any of the original quality!
So if you re looking to unleash some metal mayhem into the mix, strap on, plug in and crank up the gain with Xtreme Guitars; the fastest, loudest, most punctual guitar sample pack on the planet!
INFO: http://redi.se/axa


text:
Iran – European Council
Brussels, June 19, 2009
THE PRESIDENT – (…) I would like to say that I'm very happy to see Europe standing together as one to make strong and unambiguous statements about the Iranian situation. It is up to the Iranians to choose their government, but we can't help but be extremely concerned by the violence of the current regime's reaction. The courage of the Iranians who are taking to the streets to ask for what? For the right to freely choose their future. The fact that they aren't giving up is something that should make us extremely optimistic. Europe unanimously condemns the violence. As for the recount, the votes should either be recounted correctly or not at all, but you know that I've always taken a very strict view of this.
Q. – To come back to Iran, this morning the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, issued an extremely virulent statement in which he said that the results were final and that those who didn't take part in the victory celebration would be denounced by the guardians of the people, which foreshadows an extremely difficult period. Beyond condemning what's currently going on in Iran, what can Europe do if there's a bloodbath?
THE PRESIDENT – First of all, we don't want to give the impression that foreign countries, with everything this implies, are meddling in Iran's domestic elections. But we have values, we have convictions. When you see images of people being massacred because they are demanding a recount, when you see results that are so inconsistent, remaining quiet would not be true to European values. As for France, I believe our position has always been very consistent. M. Kouchner and I have always supported strengthening sanctions in the context of the nuclear issue.
What is being expressed in Iran? The unhappiness and protests of Iranians who wonder why their lives are increasingly difficult even though theirs is a country rich in resources, a country with a great history and great civilization. That's because the sanctions, the fact that a number of countries consider it unacceptable to speak of the Holocaust as though it were a joke, have helped awaken a portion of Iranian society that doesn't appear as trusting and satisfied as the Supreme Leader would like to maintain.
One can say all this and still hope that Iran will regain her full place in the region and in the world; that the Iranian people will have the means to bring about development; that talks will resume. But we're also sending a message that Europe and the rest of the world isn't prepared to accept everything. Otherwise, what would be the point of some of your colleagues doing their jobs in such extremely dangerous conditions? What must we say? I always urge dialogue with Iran, but when we have something to condemn, we must condemn it. But still, the emergence of an Iranian "street" demanding greater transparency and a better future is good news.
I hope Iran's current leaders won't commit the irreparable. We can only admire the aspirations of the Iranian people, when they express themselves with such courage and such dignity. We won't keep quiet, in any case; that isn't France's policy. I'm not saying this to attack anybody, even though you know what I think of the many repeated statements by Mr Ahmadinejad, who adores provocation. I've had the opportunity to convey this in particularly candid terms to the Iranian Foreign Minister, because I want good relations with Iran. But I don't go along with accepting statements and attitudes of this kind. So what will happen in the future? Who knows? I hope Iran will be spared violence and that Iran's current government will respect the Iranian people.
Q. – Have you had the opportunity to discuss the situation in Iran with President Obama, and how do you explain the American reaction, which seems more reserved than that of the EU?
THE PRESIDENT – I've often discussed it with President Obama. I even said to the Iranian Foreign Minister: "Take President Obama's outstretched hand, show your good faith." And I think that was the intelligent thing to do. It's true our reaction on Iran was more vigorous; we don't have to do exactly the same on every point. I was shocked by Mr Ahmadinejad's repeated statements. I think that in the twenty-first century, there is no reason to accept such statements on the Holocaust or various other things. For the rest, we'll see how things develop.
I also understand President Obama's position, as it reflects my own concern to avoid giving the impression – which would do Mr Ahmadinejad a favour – that we want to interfere in Iranian affairs, as you know quite well. But at the same time, we have convictions and we support Iran, we support the Iranian people. But where are the Iranian people? Today they are in the street. And think about this: in Iran, people are in the street to demand greater moderation and more reason, which shows that people take to the streets in this part of the world not just to ask for a more closed system. In this instance the opposite is true, and that's good news.
Q. – Did you talk about the situation with President Obama this week?
THE PRESIDENT – We didn't talk about it this week; we talked about it when we were in Normandy. (…)./.


text:
Pumpking Observe & Explore Day Children's Program
Join the Saturday, Oct. 15 "Pumpkin" Observe & Explore Day at Graham Creek Nature Preserve. Activities for children 10 and under include fall pumpkin crafts project, story time and more. FREE for all families. 10 am to 12 noon.
Category: Foley Community Event
Tags: Foley, Community, Event, Pumpkin, Halloween


text:
David C. Pearson; Gary R. May; Gordon H. Fick; Lloyd R. Sutherland
To assess the effectiveness of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine in inducing remission of active Crohn disease and the effectiveness of azathioprine in maintaining remission of quiescent disease.
Pertinent studies were selected from the MEDLINE database (1966 to May 1994), abstracts from major gastrointestinal meetings, and references from published articles and reviews.
Nine randomized, placebo-controlled trials of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine therapy were identified: Four addressed active disease, two addressed quiescent disease, and three had multiple therapeutic arms.
Data were extracted by three independent observers on the basis of the intention-to-treat principle and were analyzed with logistic regression. Each study was given a quality score on the basis of predetermined criteria.
Compared with placebo, azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine therapy had an odds ratio of response of 3.09 (95% CI, 2.45 to 3.91) in patients with active Crohn disease. When the single trial that used 6-mercaptopurine in active disease was excluded from the analysis, the odds ratio of response was 1.45 (CI, 1.12 to 1.87). No trials of quiescent disease used 6-mercaptopurine; the odds ratio of response in these trials of quiescent disease was 2.27 (CI, 1.76 to 2.93). For active disease, continuation of therapy for at least 17 weeks improved response (P = 0.03). For quiescent disease, a higher dose improved response (P = 0.008). Increased cumulative dose improved response in both groups (P < 0.001 for active disease and P = 0.01 for quiescent disease). A steroid-sparing effect was seen in active disease (odds ratio, 3.69 [CI, 2.12 to 6.42] and in quiescent disease (odds ratio, 4.64 [CI, 1.00 to 21.54]). Fistulae improved with therapy (odds ratio, 4.44 [CI, 1.50 to 13.20]). Adverse events requiring withdrawal from a trial, primarily allergy, leukopenia, pancreatitis, and nausea, were increased with therapy (odds ratio, 5.26 [CI, 2.20 to 12.60]).
Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine are effective in treating active Crohn disease and in maintaining remission. Cumulative dose was an important factor in predicting response. Adverse effects were more common among patients receiving therapy.
Pearson DC, May GR, Fick GH, et al. Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine in Crohn Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Ann Intern Med. 1995;123:132–142. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-123-2-199507150-00009
Download citation file:
© 2020
Published: Ann Intern Med. 1995;123(2):132-142.
Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Results provided by:
Copyright © 2020 American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.
Print ISSN: 0003-4819 | Online ISSN: 1539-3704
Privacy Policy
Conditions of Use


text:
On a night out in Roppongi, a group of us from the hostel ran into a bunch of other travelers (well, they were Germans working out here in Tokyo, some were on internships though; so part travel part work).
After the obligatory introductions, one of the guys exclaimed:
'Is it really backpacking in Japan?'
A number of people took offense to that – I personally thought it was funny but Christina and I were the only ones laughing.
He tried to save the situation by saying:
'Don't you backpack around less developed countries?'
And between you (the reader) and me, that did not save the situation.
To this man, the notion of backpacking could only occur in countries that were not first world – which seems silly.
To me, backpacking is essentially the same as purposeful travelling.
Here's what I mean.
There's travelling – where you go shopping, visit the main attractions, order room service, that sorta jazz.
Fun it its own right!
Then there's purposeful travelling – where you travel (with or without a backpack) to engage with a new culture, going through the path less traveled to meet locals and fully immerse in ways of life that are different from your own. This is purely for learning, often its not relaxing like a holiday is, but again, fun in its own way!
Both forms of travel are not defined by a certain country or by a certain standard of living – they are defined by certain actions you take.
Someone can have a backpack and live in the cheapest hostel in Costa Rica, but not leave their room the entire time – instead living off UberEats and Netflix.
Another can live in a fancy hotel, but still take daily trips out into rural Thailand to help out and engage with village life there.
The country – and the state of which it exists – does not define travel or the essence of it.
Travel is an incredibly personal experience, formed by the intentions of the travelling individual.
So I guess what I'm saying is –
You do you.
Travel widely.
Be open minded.
And think before you speak – if not you'll find yourself digging a socially awkward hole like that German guy was.
Ryan Cheng is the founder of The 88, and is passionate about telling stories surrounding travel, culture and identity.
Get in touch ~
Instagram: @chinkinthearmour


text:
Kyler Murray has made his decision.
It's the one that everyone has been expecting for a few weeks now.
The A's first-round draft pick will, indeed, not pursue professional baseball — at least not in the near future. Instead, he has decided to "firmly and fully" commit to playing football.
Good for him. Murray is, by all accounts, a solid young man who had a difficult decision to make — we should all wish him success on his journey.
Murray's reneging on his promise to play baseball isn't a reflection on the young man himself — it's an indictment of Major League Baseball.
The Oklahoma quarterback might be following his passion by choosing football over baseball, but it's a lot easier to do that when your passion will pay better now and probably later.
The A's pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training on Monday, meaning the baseball season has officially started, but the most marketable star in the sport, Bryce Harper, remains unsigned. Manny Machado — a 25-year-old four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner — is unemployed, too. There's a legion of solid players — Mike Moustakas, Marwin Gonzalez, Adam Jones, Dallas Keuchel, and Craig Kimbrel to name a few — who could absolutely help a team win games this year, but are currently held in limbo because Major League teams seem collectively disinterested in using even a small stack of their piled-high money on big-time free agent players.
But baseball's issues aren't just champagne problems for the top-level guys, it's a trickle-down disease.
Talking to a variety of Giants players this week at the team's media day, there was a consensus that just about every player in the MLB pipeline is getting jobbed in one way or another, and there's sadly no resolution in sight. Reading the tea leafs around baseball, the Giants aren't the only team feeling that sentiment.
A strike is looming in 2021 and Murray's decision illuminated why.
Veteran players? They're not getting paid what guys were a few years ago — despite the fact that Major League Baseball has never been richer. That's if they're being paid at all.
Young Major Leaguers? They're effectively indentured servants for six to seven years — which, most of the time, are the best six to seven years of their career. The best players have their wages artificially lowered, as teams control how much they pay a player for three or four "pre-arbitration" years, (hint: it's rarely above the league minimum), and if they're still a top player through that process, they have to fight with the team for every dollar in salary through an arbitration process for the remainder of the contract.
The lesser players on rookie deals? They're tossed back and forth between those indentured servant jobs and the minor leagues.
And those poor, poor minor leaguers. I mean that literally.
The average salary for a minor leaguer in 2017 ranged from $10,000 a month in Triple-A (not bad, but in-season only) to a little more than a $1,000 a month (same) in rookie ball. It hasn't gotten much better since.
Most pro baseball players aren't being paid a living wage, and Major League Baseball has lobbied hard to keep it that way, going as far to help slide the brazenly titled "Save America's Pastime Act" — a bill that exempts Major League Baseball owners from having to pay Minor Leaguers minimum wage or overtime — into the federal budget. Yes, screwing over minor league baseball players — all to save team owners an estimated $7.5 million a year — is now federal law. Your tax dollars at work!
Football has problems. So many problems. But a passion for the sport aside, why would you be stunned that Murray isn't interested in committing his future to Major League Baseball?
Even the MLB league office knows that their system is broken. Why else would they, along with the A's, reportedly try to woo Murray back to baseball by making big concessions for him, like having him be on the A's 40-man roster — and ergo making a Major League salary — from Day One?
But even that allowance would likely result in Murray taking a haircut playing baseball.
Murray was given a $4.66 million signing bonus as the No. 9 overall pick in last summer's baseball draft, but if he goes anywhere in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, he will get a contract roughly equal to what he would have made with the A's — all without having to spend time riding the bus in the minor leagues.
And if Murray is selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, it's no contest — he'll receive more than $5 million in a signing bonus and will start his NFL career with a $10 million contract. If he's selected No. 1 overall, he'll have a $23 million signing bonus and a $34 million contract. Plus, NFL starting quarterbacks are paid exceptionally well on their second contracts — unlike star baseball players these days.
For what it's worth, a variety of NFL mock drafts have Murray being selected around pick No. 13.
And while, no, NFL salaries are not fully guaranteed, neither is Murray making the Major Leagues.
Also, the NFL is part of the national zeitgeist while MLB has become a regional sport — which would you rather be a part of?
The go-to joke during this saga: It's going to take more than $5 million to get someone from Generation Z to care about baseball.
It is important to note how much of a foul up this was for the A's. They were too cute by half when they shocked baseball and drafted Murray with their first-round pick last summer, and now they're left empty-handed — Murray will return his signing bonus, but the A's won't receive a compensatory pick for him backing out of his deal.
Ultimately, the A's will survive — they're well practiced at salvaging strange circumstances and Murray's decision doesn't affect the team's promising 2019 season.
But while the sport is much larger than one player, I have a hard time seeing how Major League Baseball — on the whole — will bounce back from Murray's decision.
There's a real anger brewing amongst players — even mild-mannered Buster Posey is speaking out — as owners get richer but stingier. And if relations don't thaw via major changes being made outside of collective bargaining, it's hard to see how there won't be a work stoppage when the CBA expires in 2021.
And if — or rather, given the current circumstances, when — that strike happens, the players will only need to point to Murray as to why it went down. I doubt he knows it, but the quarterback is a case study of baseball's failures over the last decade.


text:
Busy times
Thursday, November 30th, 2006 at 10:58 am by Wally
Let's do a quick recap of events to Wednesday this week:
- Lot's of running into town to sit in the Jury Pool room waiting for something to happen. EVERY TIME I forgot to take a book, or grab the work laptop so I could squiz at some code I need to change. In some cases the wait has been hours – with only Oprahhhh or Judge Judy for company. Aaaarrrrggghhhh…. Daytime TV: Gag. Chunder.
- Meeting Monday night – part of a long running saga with a vicious person causing trouble for part of the family, so I was there as observer to write down anything untoward that might happen. Fortunately all quiet on that front.
- Oldest son off on aquatics camp – delivered to school on time. Hooray!
- While oldest son away, intro night at his new High School last night (rush home from town, sit for 30 minutes, then off again). Went way over time, and we were subjected to performances from the school Concert Band (very very good performance of the old Louis Armstring "What a wonderful world"), and the school Rock Band (cringe-makingly awful – I dearly hope they can find the school cat to give its yowl back)
- Numerous trips to the post office (don't ask)
- SWMBO off today to the union day of action rally. The Comrades doing the occasional protest against Bonsai's* new workplace laws. For somebody from a conservative rural background she's taking the union thing fairly seriously. Hardly surprising considering the amount she needed their support in a previous job. (And also considering that under the new laws she would have been done over even worse than before). I'm a piker – and besides, somebody had to take #2 son to school.
- The range-hood over the stove has packed up. It's not that it stopped working, it's more that the fan now runs continually at a very very very slow speed whilst making a very very very loud and horrid buzzing noise. Only cure – complete removal (only way to find the power outlet its plugged into). Now there is a large and ugly hole in the kitchen and a pending repair or replacement job…. This and the dishwasher playing up leads me to wonder what other appliance is going to cark it next. Large repair bills coming….
- And that does not include todays minor disaster at work, the running around this morning, the more running around tonight….
No wonder the Dump Family have been tired these last few days.
Oh for a couple of quiet days pretending to be a vegetable.
* Bonsai = John Howard – because he's a small Bush. Thanks to David Koch on the last Glass House for that one.


text:
India's INDC (Intended Nationally-Determined Contribution) was released just before the 1 October deadline for COP21. This article voices some preliminary observations.
India's INDC[1] is ambitious and relies largely on external funding. While targeting an increase of 3.5-5 billion tons of tree-based carbon sequestration by 2030, the INDC supports "Make in India" and invites investments for low carbon growth– as the per dollar emissions reduction is greater in India than in developed countries.
With current emissions less GDP-intensive than developed countries historical emissions, India believes in the common but differentiated responsibility but agrees to reduce its emissions sharply, subject to funding. India also speaks of increased vulnerability, loss and damage due to extreme and creeping weather events to livestock, coasts, crops and health- particularly increased malaria and dengue; leaving the door open to negotiate funding at Paris.
India aspires to increase its Human Development Index (HDI) and access to infrastructure while preserving and improving the environment. As "a large forest cover provides huge ecological benefits, but there is also an opportunity cost in terms of area not available for other economic activities and this also serves as an important indicator of fiscal disability"[2], 7.5% of the state's grant (approx. 7 Billion USD) from the federal tax pool will be based on the forest cover. This incentive to preserve and increase forest cover does not seem to prevent old growth forests from being replaced with younger trees. In fact, the current government is a strong advocate of a compensatory afforestation scheme that does not prohibit this.


text:
Sensory Playtime
Date(s) - 02/14/2020
Time: - 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Mesa Public Library
EVENTS FOR KIDS & FAMILYGet FREE fun Phoenix Kids Events like these right into your inbox free newsletter: Subscribe Here
Explore different sensory stations with your little one. These sensory play activities are engaging and fun for all young children. Ages 2-5.
All events are free; this event does not require registration. Find a full schedule of events at events.mesalibrary.org
Phoenix Family Friendly Events
Find Family Friendly Events in Phoenix Family Events Guide ! Discover fun kid friendly events and activities to do in Metro Phoenix. See FREE Kids events guide for free fun indoor and outdoor events with the family on the weekend and on the weekdays in Metro Phoenix. There's free musical presentations, STEM events, free movies and more!
Fun free things to do with the kids in Phoenix! Check out our:
FREE Kids Events Guide
SHARE with your friends! Let them know about Family Friendly Calendar - where they can find fun things to do with kids in Phoenix.
Free Kid Friendly Movie Events
FAMILY FRIENDLY CARNIVALSEnjoy the beautiful weather with family! Checkout our Carnival Friendly Guide here.
- Arizona Events
- Events for Elementary Age Kids
- Events for Kids and Family
- Events for Preschoolers
- Events for Teens
- Events for Toddlers
- Family Friendly Special Events
- Free Kids Family Events
- General
- Mesa Events


text:
Space Requests
Event Space Requests
The Ohio Union offers students, university users and external clients the opportunity to book a variety of spaces for meetings, events and more.
Our professional event services team will work with you every step of the way to ensure your event is a success. Please contact event services by phone at 614-292-5200 if you have any questions about space requests or event planning.
Request a Space Today
If you are ready to request a space for your event at the Ohio Union, please use one of the following methods to do so.
Online: Student organizations and Ohio State users should use our Space Request Tool. The tool allows users to see real time space availability and submit space requests quickly and easily. Please note that our virtual scheduling tool does not allow users to book the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom, US Bank Conference Theater, or the Performance Hall/Potter Plaza. To submit requests for these spaces, please contact our event services team. For additional help using the Space Request Tool please download our Space Request Tool - Quick Guide.
By Phone: Any user can request to reserve a space by calling our event services team at 614-292-5200.
In Person: Any user can request to reserve a space by visiting the event services administration desk located in the southeast corner on the Ohio Union's second floor (Room 2008). The desk is staffed Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Additional Information
Learn more about available spaces and how to request them.
Student Organization Recurring Meeting Space
Student organizations can submit requests for recurring meeting space using our virtual scheduling tool beginning on the following dates:
- Fall semester: May 15, 8 a.m.
- Spring semester: September 15, 8 a.m.
- Summer term: January 15, 8 a.m.
If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, requests will open the first weekday following.
Please note that recurring meeting space requests can be submitted online only using our Space Request Tool. Requests can be submitted only by students listed on their organization's roster. The student organization must have submitted their Student Organization confirmation at least two weeks prior to the opening date for submissions (see above).
Classroom Space
During the academic year, registered student organizations can request meeting spaces in select classroom buildings including Campbell Hall, Lazenby Hall, Hitchcock Hall, Independence Hall and Enarson Classroom Building. Learn more.
Outdoor Space
Registered student organizations can reserve outdoor space on Ohio State's campus using the Buckeye Event Network (BEN). Learn more at ben.osu.edu.
Promotional Space
External organizations, university users and registered student organizations can request promotional space in the form of credenza tables located on the First Floor of the building or outside on the West Plaza. Learn more.
Share Your Feedback
The Ohio Union's event services team welcomes your feedback, whether you recently hosted a meeting or event, or attended as a guest. Please use the applicable link below to fill out a brief survey.
- Event Hosts: Event Services Evaluation
- Event Guests: Event Guest Evaluation


text:
- Free Articles
- Shop
- Workshops
- Members Areas
- Cart
- My Account
Here is one I received from a Mother (and dance teacher) with a few questions about tension in the hip flexors. This is related to some things that we discuss in the Front Splits Fast program so I thought that you would appreciate the answers I gave her.
"Hi Lisa!
I am really excited to start working with your program both with my own kids (golf, soccer, hapkido, track) and with all of the ballet students that I teach.
I feel that any question I ask right now might be premature since I have not yet started the program, but I will go ahead and shoot them off because this is an area I have been studying and researching for years. The little girl who is playing Clara in my Nutcracker this year is a very strong, dedicated dancer. Her main holdback has been her turn-out. She seems to have extremely tight (sometimes painful) hip flexors which makes turning out very limited. She is also quite involved in swimming. I have noticed with other dancers who swim that they also have tight hips. One student who did not have any tightness started swimming for PE in high school, and also immediately started complaining of sore hips. Is there any relation? Can the hip flexors be a big problem both in flexibility and turnout range? Can there be improvement with proper care and knowledge as in your program?
Also, my son is involved in Hapkido. He is very aware of good stretching and seems to be quite flexible. However, he seems to always also be tight in his hip flexors, and seems to regularly pull his hamstring (way up high into his hip). Is it possible there is just a weakness here, or after being injured can't quite completely heal? He continues a cycle of going regularly to class, injuring himself, stopping because of the pain, waiting for it to feel better, and then continuing again.
I know how busy you are, so if you have any time to address my questions I will feel extremely honored. I have greatly enjoyed all of the information in the Perfect Pointe System and thank you for your dedication and wisdom.
Kelly M (Tustin, California)"
Hi Kelly, and thanks so much for your question! Yes, there is definitely a relationship with tension in the hips flexors and reduced turnout and flexibility, and also between reduced turnout and flexibility and tension in the hips! It is one of those "which came first... the chicken or the egg?" scenarios!
If it is hard to turn the hip out fully, when we attempt to lift the leg into retiré (passé) a little muscle over the front/side of the hip called your TFL often works much harder than it is designed for. (You will learn more about this muscle in the program). Overuse can obviously cause pain and tension in the hips. Tension in this muscle will then block turnout, especially when in standing. So therefore, if there is already less turnout range, and a student is repeatedly lifting their leg into retiré, then they will unfortunately tend to get tighter if there technique is not very good.
In relation to swimming, there are two possible reasons for the tension developing in the hips.
1) How much Breaststroke have each of the students been doing? While swimming freestyle can be great for releasing tension in the spine, depending on the technique of the swimmer (or lack thereof...) tension may build in the hips from repeated hip flexion during breaststroke. If technique is sound, I do not see that this should be a problem, and I personally swam considerable distances at competitive level when I was dancing with no detrimental effect!
2) The other thing that I would take a look at is the posture that both your son and your 'Clara' stand in outside of class. I have discovered that one of the biggest contributors to tight hips in students is their casual standing posture, as opposed to the posture that they hold in class. Especially note if they tend to tilt the pelvis forward (bottom out), or sit into one hip. Posture may also be affected if the student is getting cold after swimming and sits huddled with the hips flexed to keep warm (a very common position).
Swimming is a great adjunct to dancing as it can give a good form of cardiovascular exercise without any load on the feet or lower limbs. Perhaps just reduce the amount of breaststroke that they are both doing for a few weeks and see if this changes things.
With your son, often recurrent strains of the hamstring are due to underlying tension in the nerves (has he had a recent growth spurt?) or an imbalance in the strength of his hamstrings and gluteals (buttock muscles). We will be discussing the issue of neural tension in detail in the DVDs, so make sure that you follow all of the testing carefully and try the releases on him to see the difference. I am sure that he will notice a difference straight away!
This is a great reminder to us all that it is often what we do with our bodies outside of class that dictate how mobile it is in any given direction. Always be mindful of your posture and how this can affect your mobility.
There are lots of gentle hip release techniques in the program, so once your DVDs arrive, work on that section to discover new ways of improving the mobility in this area!
Let me know what you discover!
Kindest regards,


text:
Overcoming Apathy by Showing How You're Different—And Why It Matters
See how frustrating, apathetic responses from prospects can be transformed into sales wins with differentiation.
November 15, 2016
It's a frustrating conundrum: no sales rep wants to waste their valuable time, which means that apathy from leads can be a more challenging response than a simple "no."
Remember that the first step toward sharpening your sales messaging to is to ensure you've targeted the right buyers. From there, the challenge is getting prospects excited—but how? By differentiating your sales message and learning to sell yourself.
Target the Right Buyers
Whenever you're looking to develop your sales message, it makes sense to begin with a hard look at your buyers. After all, you could have the most exciting, revolutionary sales pitch in the world, but it won't mean anything to a lead who truly has no use for your product—or worse, one who doesn't have the license to make purchasing decisions.
If you aren't targeting the right buyers in the first place, you'll always get apathetic responses—if not point-blank no's. Fortunately, the reverse is also true: when you've targeted your buyers properly, your pitch will resonate, leading to better results.
Begin by developing a crystal-clear idea of your ideal buyer. Consider every detail, from industry to region to the titles of decision makers. Then, use the tools at your disposal to track these buyers down. For example, consider leveraging your existing network by reaching out to prospects who actively participate in industry-focused online spaces, like LinkedIn Groups or trade publications.
Differentiate Your Sales Message
Always remember to place yourself in your prospect's shoes. Chances are that they're bombarded with similar pitches, and yours will only be effective if it stands out from the crowd. They're likely wondering how your offering is different, what makes it superior to the competition, and whether they even need it in the first place. After all, if they can save money by not purchasing, they will—that's business.
According to growth strategist Paul Castain, you can proof your pitch against apathy through three concrete aspects of your messaging: say it first, say it better, and say it exclusively.
Saying it exclusively is easiest: you point to the things that set your product or service apart from the competition. But that's not all that you can do.
Saying it first means telling your prospects what's great about your products or services that they may not realize—even if the competition can say the same.
Saying it better refers to using hard evidence, like case studies and testimonials, to support your claims. Though sometimes overlooked, each of these is a critical component of differentiation.
Sell Yourself to the Buyer
Many sales reps forget one of their most important differentiators: themselves. In many ways, the most appealing and exclusive difference that you can offer over the competition is your own value. Once you've remembered this, you can learn to use it as a sales tool.
Begin by building your professional brand, especially online—the first place your prospects will look. Then, practice social selling activities, such as gathering industry-relevant insights and sharing them with your network. Over time, you'll effectively position yourself as an invaluable resource to your prospects—and that will encourage them to buy.
Here's the key: if your prospects seem apathetic, it's probably because they're either the wrong buyer or you haven't made your differentiators clear enough. Don't be afraid to sell them features that others haven't, or even to sell yourself through social media—ultimately, the right messaging will lead to more wins.
To learn more about using social selling to win deals and reach quotas, download The Sales Leader's Checklist today.


text:
Message from President Zuma.
President Jacob Zuma has sent warm wishes to the Chinese community in South Africa as they prepare to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse, tomorrow, 31 January.
"The relations between South Africa and China have grown from strength to strength, thus together we have an important duty to set goals for our relations in the year ahead. I would therefore urge and encourage the South African Chinese community that increased job creation be one such goal we can set ourselves to achieve this coming year," said President Zuma.
President Zuma wished the community well as they celebrate the start of the New Year.
Enquiries: Mac Maharaj 079 879 3203 / email@example.com
Issued by: The Presidency Pretoria
Website: www.thepresidency.gov.za


text:
Success Story Categories
Age Groups
Weight Lost
A Happy Client
I don't believe it - Cohens works!! I was very sceptical at the start but I thought "why not?". Af... more »
- Busy Mother and Happy Wife (Perth WA)
In Just 14 weeks Anthony Lost 24 kgs!
After years of being overweight and trying just about every fad diet known I was ready to give up. Then my father in law did the amazing Cohen's Weight Loss Program and lost 25 kilograms so I thought I would try it. That was 14 weeks ago and I am now 24 kilograms lighter and feel the best I ever have! I weigh the same as I did in high school and found Dr Cohen's Eating Plan very easy to stick to, especially when I saw the fat falling off.
I did this for myself and my young family and feel I have added at least 10 years to my life. I love the reaction on peoples faces when they see me now. I get asked if "I am okay?" because of the transformation as people assume I must be sick or addicted to crack to have lost this much weight.
The only advice I can give to anyone considering the Cohen's Weight Loss Program is DO IT! It will be the best move of your life. It is not a fad or flash in the pan diet, it uses science and years of research to optimize your fat loss. I could not get over how easy it was, I did not need to get up at 5am and go for a run or spend hours in the gym, I simply ate the healthy food they told me to. Meat, chicken and vegetables, all natural and no nasty chemicals or stimulants which wreck your body!


text:
9 Myths You've Heard about Muslims (The Truth From A Muslim Mom)
Welcome to our 3rd installment of the #MormonMuslimMoms Conversation.
When Amanda and I first dreamed up this series we knew there would be some 'hard' conversations and we agreed to tackle the myths and misconceptions people have about our respective religions. I simply encourage you to read all of Amanda's words here and if you have questions please ASK. But I also ask that you be gentle and kind in your words, respecting her sacred beliefs.
You are going to enjoy learning all of this in her words. I know I already have!
After a week away, Carissa and I are picking our series up this weekend by discussing common myths about our faiths. There's certainly more myths circulating but I tried to pick those that I have heard most often. I'm not picking these myths apart scripturally, but in practice and context. I believe that any text can be contorted any way someone chooses, especially when relying on translations of texts. Also, this isn't meant to be a critique of scripture and practice of Islam. I'm addressing these myths on a basic, human level.
Muslims Worship a Different God than Christians; the moon, Muhammad etc.
I usually give people the benefit of the doubt when I hear this comment but in fact no, Muslims do not worship a different God. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all worship the same single deity known in English as God. In Arabic the word for God is Allah. It's the same word for God used by the world's Arabic speaking Christians. Fun fact, 10% of the Arab worlds' population is Christian, that's 14 million people, more than the entire Jewish population in the world. Whether you say Allah, God, or Yahweh it's referring to the same entity. Muslims (and Jews) use a lunar cycle to time our calendar years. In the Islamic calculation, each month has either 29 or 30 days. Traditionally, the first day of each month is the day (beginning at sunset) of the first sighting of the crescent moon shortly after sunset. If the moon is not observed immediately after the 29th day of a month (either because clouds block its view or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then the day that begins at that sunset is the 30th. This was a way for people to track time and has continued today. But no, we do not worship the moon.
Likewise, Muslims do not worship the prophet Muhammad. He is revered as a great man, who delivered the word of God to people. But, he is not God, nor do Muslims elevate him as such. It is against Islam to worship anyone but God, so this notion goes against the very principles of our faith.
Muslims Hate Women
There are A LOT of myths that surround women and Islam. I'll be the first to admit, I believed most of them for a long time. In reality, women are not valued less than men because of Islam. There are many cultures that are Islamic and do not treat women well. Some use religion as justification for their actions but that does not mean it is right. There is a hadith (a saying of the Prophet Muhammad) that says;
"A man once asked the Prophet to whom he should show the most kindness. The Prophet replied: "Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then your father." (Sunan of Abu-Dawood)"
Some of the myths that I have heard include; a male child is more loved than a female child, Muslim women have no rights, women are second class citizens, abuse of women is acceptable in Islam, etc. Are there places in the world that all of these things are true? Yes. Is it because of religion? No. Culture plays a major role in how women and men live their lives.
Islam is very clear that it is a man's responsibility to care for his family financially and for a woman to care for her children and home. This doesn't mean a woman is worth less than a man but that there are roles for them each to play in a family. If a woman chooses to work, she is permitted to do so, and the money that she earns is hers and hers alone. She is not required to use this money towards family expenses – this is her husbands' responsibility.
Muslim Women Must Wear Hijab (AKA That "thing" on your head)
When I say Muslim woman what do you imagine? My guess is this;
Or at least this;
Hey that's me! When we moved to Morocco one of the very first questions people asked was, "oh so you have to wear that thing on your head then?" Um, no. Believe it or not, the majority of Muslim women CHOOSE to wear hijab. Some terms; hijab is the term used to describe the conservative way of dress and behavior for Muslim women, and in the US refers to the scarf. Niqab refers to the facial veil plus headscarf, while burqa means the full facial covering, including mesh over the eyes (most common in Afghanistan). Whether because of personal conviction, family tradition, cultural norms, or in some cases state mandate (so that's not really choosing but its one reason) women cover themselves. Would you be surprised to know there are Muslim countries that BAN the wearing of hijab and niqab? Tunisia and Turkey are two examples.
The bottom line is this is a choice that Muslim women make. Here in Morocco, I'm just as likely to see a Muslim girl wearing skinny jeans and a t-shirt as I am to see a woman in niqab. Actually, I'm more likely to see the skinny-jean girls.
A Man and his Wive(s)?
It's easy to misunderstand Islamic traditions for marriage. There are really two myths related to this topic. First is that men purchase a woman as their wife. In Islam marriage is a contract more than it is a lovey dovey affair (though it can be that too!) Both parties lay down the terms of the agreement in a contract that once signed is essentially the marriage. A woman and her family specify the dowry, the amount that the husband must give to the wife (and her alone), and a set amount in case of divorce. You can read more about marriage traditions on my earlier post on this subject. The woman and her family lay out their terms as to what the husband should provide.
The second myth is that if you marry a Muslim man you'll just become part of his harem of wives. It is true that in Islam men are permitted to take up to four wives. However, there are limitations and requirements that must be met; such as a man must be able to provide equally to all wives – this means financially and with his time. If one wife gets a house, the other must too. In earlier times this was a way to ensure widows and orphans were cared for and protected, not to satisfy some sexual lust of men. In modern society polygamy is rarely practiced. In many Muslim countries, men must go before a judge and prove they are capable of meeting the demands Islam sets out. There's a big problem with delayed marriage in the Muslim world because men can't afford to get married due to economics. Their ability to provide for multiple marriages is even lower. Does it still happen? Yes, but it's the exception rather than the norm.
Marrying an Arab Muslim man means people have a lot of assumptions. I tackled this subject earlier this year.
There is Forced Segregation
This is another issue that boils down to culture. In some cultures there is very strict segregation between men and women. Even in families they might not eat together. Then, there are others where this concept is just obscure. Women and men are segregated when praying, with women in another room or the back of the prayer hall. This isn't because they are hiding, it's because Muslim prayer is very physical, involving bending over and prostrating. Few western women I know would want to do that in front of a man!
Muslims Don't Believe in Jesus
A lot of people are really surprised to find out this isn't true. Muslims very much believe and revere Jesus as a prophet of Islam. In fact Jesus is mentioned more times in Islamic scripture than Muhammad. Maryam (Mary) the mother of Jesus, is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur'an and one of the chapters of the Qur'an is titled Maryam. We however also believe that Jesus had no earthly father. Like Jews and Christians, Muslims also believe that at the end of days Jesus will come again. We however do not believe in the crucifixion of Jesus. Some more basics about this question and Islam? Visit my earlier post here.
Most Muslims are Arab, Most Arabs are Muslim
Lots of people use these terms interchangeably when in fact they're very different. Only 20% of the world's Muslim population is Arab. Put it this way, 22% of the world's Christian population is African, but I'm guessing when you think Christian someone in Africa doesn't come to mind. It's easy to connect Arab and Islam, as the language of Islam is Arabic and many of Islam's holy sites are in Arabic countries. But, most Muslims live in the Asian-Pacific region; Indonesia, Pakistan, India etc. Indonesia has 200 million Muslims and the Indian sub-continent? Half a billion. But then most Arabs are Muslim right? Well kind of. But remember above where I noted that there are about 1 million Arab Christians?
Islamic countries are "backwards" and offer no value to society.
Some of the greatest additions to human kind have come from Muslims. Science and math wouldn't exist were it not for Muslims. During Europe's Dark Ages, the Muslim world was experiencing tremendous advancement. The fields of geography, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and architecture were all touched. But you're saying that was so long ago, look at them now, still stuck in the dark ages. Much of the Muslim world also lies in the developing world, and has only gained independence from western powers in the last century. Many of the Muslim countries we know today were not created by drawing lines that took into consideration ethnic or tribal boundaries, they were surreptitiously drawn by exiting colonial powers. There are many moderate, progressive voices shaping the Muslim world today, but too often their voices are not heard by people seeking a more "news worthy" story.
Source: http://www.1001inventions.com/media/educational-posters
All Muslims hate the West and want to destroy it.
This is probably the largest generalization and myth that is out there. It's hardly realistic to even think that 1 billion people would collectively hate a place. Based on the Muslims I know and have interacted with, the majority barely think about "the west." They're more concerned about their immediate family, their careers, and other concerns – probably the same things you worry about day to day. A lot of Muslims do equate the west with problems such as pornography, violence, and broken homes. They might hate/dislike those specific traits of culture but there are also things they admire.
That was really long! If you've stuck with me – thank you! If you've got questions please feel free to ask. Carissa and I will be taking to social media again next week to ask and answer additional questions. Also be sure to come by my site tomorrow to read Carissa's post about LDS myths.
Follow Amanda: MarocMama Facebook and MarocMama Twitter
Find me: GoodNCrazy Facebook and @CarissaRogers Twitter
- READ ALL OF Amanda's Muslim Mom posts on Carissa's GoodNCrazy.com Blog
- READ ALL OF Carissa's Mormon Mom posts on Amanda's MorocMama.com Blog
December 7, 2013
I have really been enjoying this series. Thank you both so much for sharing about your religions. I have learned so much!
Twitter: aheartfull
December 9, 2013
Love to hear this! Thank you for joining us!
December 7, 2013
Great educative post tackling some potentially tricky subjects without getting heavy. Keep up the good work dispelling ignorance and misinformation. I too am a white western woman who converted to Islam and married a muslim man.
Embracing Islam has been an education that's taken me beyond what many 'born' muslims could help me with, many of whom practice a faith deeply rooted in cultural mores masquerading as religious obligations. Learning to differentiate between the two has been quite a ride!
December 10, 2013
I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it. I tried to keep it light while being informational!
Linda Kovacevic permalinkDecember 28, 2013
"many of whom practice a faith deeply rooted in cultural mores masquerading as religious obligations"
I love that you identified this. I believe the same is true for the Mormon faith and and probably every other organized religion.
Dee permalinkDecember 9, 2013
Amanda, I know you were raised Christian. Could you talk about why you decided to convert to Islam and what your thought processes were in getting to that final decision?
December 10, 2013
I should probably write a whole blog on this subject but I'll do my best here! The first time I went into a mosque I had a really spiritual experience that at the time was wonderful but I brushed off. As I dated my husband I wanted to learn more just so that I understood what I was getting myself into! My studies led me to have a lot of questions about Christianity and when I went to my religious leaders, they couldn't offer me answers that truly answered my questions. Ultimately, I chose to convert because I believed in the basic tenets of Islam. I find myself to be a very spiritual person, I think all Abrahamic faith traditions have built on each other to create what exists in our world today. Am I the best Muslim, no. I try to focus on the core of the faith, what it means to me, my family, and the world around us. I hope that's a decent answer!
Ona permalinkDecember 11, 2013
What a cool idea you guys had for posting these! Can you tell me more about what led you to believe the first topic on your list though? From all of the scholarly articles I have read and research I have done on comparing Allah of the Quran and Yhwh of the Bible, I came to a much different conclusion!
December 12, 2013
Hi Ona. Religious scholars have agreed that Islam, just like Judaism and Christianity are all monotheistic religions that believe in one single same entity referred to as God. Our Quran, and many of our religious texts are built on the Torah and Bible, we believe that Islam is the third and final revelation of faith from God. I've had some, specifically Christians say no that their God is different than ours, which to the best of my knowledge is based on the concept of the triune (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit as one). I know there are a lot of interpretations, and I'm not a religious scholar but from what I've learned and studied, yes I do believe God is God whether you impart other entities with him or not.
Ona permalinkDecember 13, 2013
Well, there are some fundamental characteristic differences between Yhwh and Allah. The Torah used in relation with the Quran even has some major differences than the Torah in the Bible. For one example, the description of the sacrifice of Abraham vs. Isaac. But you are so right in saying that God is God, there is only one! Its the study that leads to which "interpretation" of Him is correct. Basic law of non-contradiction from Aristotle. Anyways, I am a theology nerd and just thought I could encourage us both to do some more research into these topics. 🙂 Thank you for engaging the world to even think about topics like this, many people do not even give them the time of day! 🙂
Chris Quincy permalinkDecember 12, 2013
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Tara permalinkDecember 12, 2013
Very interesting! I love learning more about what other people believe. I was only really surprised by number 6, I didn't realize what the Muslim opinion on Jesus was. Thanks so much for sharing!
December 13, 2013
Great post! Although I'd realised that a lot of the misconceptions you mentioned were myths, I certainly wasn't aware of the background to what really goes on that you described. I feel that I've learned a lot reading this.
December 13, 2013
So glad to hear that!
Bree permalinkDecember 13, 2013
Thank you for this article! It really has answered a lot of misconceptions I had believed were true!
I have a question: I find it strange that Muslims can believe that Jesus existed, but at the same time will persecute or harm a Muslim that converts to Christianity.
Is this treatment cultural, or doctrinal?
Thank you!
December 13, 2013
Bree, I fully acknowledge that this does exist, it's hard for me to comment on that specific article for a couple reasons, at the time of events I was a small child so it's hard for me to know what the historical context at the time was. I do know that a lot of the reactions Muslim people have to other faiths, is in big part cultural and a lack of education. As Muslims, we're told to read the Torah and the Bible, as well as the Qu'ran. We're told that Christians and Jews are our cousins as people of the Book. Leaving Islam is forbidden. I won't deny this. But you'll find similar scripture in Christian and Jewish texts. The biggest difference I see is that in many Muslim countries, the law is built around Islamic law, whereas you don't find this as common in other majority faith countries. In secular Muslim countries, like Turkey there is no legal application of apostasy (won't be jailed or punished).
In relation to the author's Egypt experience, there are serious horror stories from Egypt in past decades (it's part of what led to their revolution) and this happened to people of all faiths and nationalities. Please know I'm not condoning this, just stating there's a lot more to this than it happened because he converted. Nigeria has long had infighting between Christians and Muslims so my feeling is much of what the author experienced in his homeland was due to cultural, historical (how can you become one of our enemies?), and familial norms. — I really appreciated that the author included a closing paragraph that points out he knows that there are many other Muslims in the world who are good and he considers them brothers and sisters.
One final note, what the author experienced was state sanctioned making it difficult to digest, but I know of many many people who have converted to Islam and subsequently been shunned and essentially ex-communicated from their families and communities, lost their jobs, faced harassment, faced imprisonment for "suspicions", etc in the United States. Personally I believe a person should choose the faith path that resonates with them without external interference but in reality this isn't true for most.
Bree permalinkDecember 13, 2013
Thank you! I appreciate your forthrightness!
Sharon permalinkDecember 13, 2013
Wow! What a fantastic project you two have been working on! I loved reading about the Misconceptions of Muslims! So intriguing! I had no clue that in the Muslim faith you revered Christ as a prophet. The segregation explanation was also very interesting. As an LDS missionary I had the opportunity to visit a Ramadan service with a Muslim woman in the neighborhood and I remember feeling that the Muslim faith and traditions are really not that different than some of our mormon tradtions. Thank you so much for the new insight!
December 29, 2013
Really glad you took the time to read. Also makes me smile to know you visited a mosque. I've learned in this project there are so many people out there who are open minded and gracious. Something I really needed to feel!
Helene permalinkDecember 13, 2013
Beautifully written! I have many Muslim friends that I love dearly and it's nice to see that the misconceptions can be honestly and lovingly addressed. Now I have a misconception for you that you wrote in your article. Jews believe that in the end days a Messiah (Mashiach – anointed one) will come but he is not a Savior (Moshiahdo – helper, savior, saver). Jews believe that God is such that he could never take human body, like Jesus. The Jewish concept of the Messiah ranges from the idea that he will be a human born from House of David all the way to a time of utopia, depending on the form of Judaism you observe. Thank you for your article and I'm excited to see your next installment!
December 29, 2013
Hi Helene. Thanks for sharing! Our concept of Allah is very similar to how you describe Jesus for Jews. I have to admit I didn't realize there was such a range of views there. I did know that there was the belief that Jesus would come as the Messiah, but that's it.
Linda Kovacevic permalinkDecember 28, 2013
I apologize for not reading the entire series, I just followed the link from facebook to this article, but I was wondering, were you born to the muslim faith or did you convert with your marriage? And if you converted, do you have the same perspective as someone born to the faith? Also, thank you for explaining number two- the muslim males' financial responsibility. It was eye- opening.
December 29, 2013
Hi Linda – I was not born Muslim, I converted almost 10 years ago, and it had nothing to do with my marriage – I was a non practicing Christian when I met my husband and chose to convert out of conviction but it was not expected or required.(though I could have added that as another myth!) On the second question, tough to answer. I'd say that there are certainly people born Muslim who have a similar perspective however, I'd also guess that because I have had different life experiences my perspective is also different from others. I don't think a Muslim born in a rural Indonesian village (for example) has the same outlook as I do because we both have had different paths in life. Hope that makes sense!
Kaitlyn permalinkJanuary 7, 2014
Hi! I'm a Mormon and got here via the Mormon Myths post, I'm so glad I read this post! While I've never really harbored some of the harsher Muslim Myths, I was excited to read about some things, I didn't know Jesus was in the Qu'ran! Cool 🙂 I'm off to read more, I'm interested in reading more about the Muslim relationship to Jesus. Also I liked learning why the genders are separated during prayer, it makes sense. Thanks again for the info.
Comments are closed.


text:
I chose the picture above because it makes me feel calm. It was taken in September of 2012 as we were riding down the highway. It was a beautiful day as Corina and I enjoyed the comfortable life of the West Coast. I remember how serene it felt with the wind in our face and the warm sun on our bodies. Corina hugged me close and whispered I love you as the smooth vibration of our Harley massaged our bodies to calmness. I felt that serenity leave me as the political unrest began to corrupt our great country. I saw people getting benefits who had not earned them as my benefits began to disintegrate.
It did not help my wife passing away in o8, my neighborhood being invaded by drug manufacturing fanatics. I sold my house in California and moved to Las Vegas Nevada. It is much cheaper to live in Las Vegas; I bought a twenty-eight hundred square foot home for sixty thousand dollars. It is a fixer upper I put about fifteen thousand dollars into repairs. I found this environment even less calming. It is less expensive, but the crime rate is high. Every night someone gets murdered, so I searched for a calmer place to live. I found Lake Arenal in Costa Rica.
I still own my home in Nevada and will be visiting the USA in March for my taxes. I like the serenity I found in Lake Arena, a community of kindness and hard working people who do not expect "hand outs" from the Government. I see people who are poor, living in tin shacks, working to stay alive. Selling breads, pots and pans, scrap metal, never asking for a dime. They live on property handed down from generation to generation. There are wealthy, middle income, and the poor living together, helping each other survive.
The farmers, a lot of family farmers sell their produce at Féria's, Mercado's, and they even knock on your door. I have a woman who has whole chickens 🐓 who delivers to my door for five mil (10 bucks). A farmer and his wife delivers our produce with kindness and acceptance. I feel welcomed in this Country.
I listened to the State of the union Address, and I found it encouraging. Yet, the President never mentioned anything about changing the national debt. We heard a lot of noise about the historic accomplishments his administration has accomplished through bi-lateral agreements with the opposing party. Together we can become strong. Hogwash! USA newspaper took pictures of the opposing party, the once in control legislators. Every one in the auditorium stood up for the Presidents high points except the lower right rows of the elitist. The camera swooped in on their dismal, unconcerned faces who make their money off the middle class and the poor. You could see the contempt in one woman leader. It was obvious she was going to fight the president, damned if it was good for the people. I am a white man tired of the ways of the USA government. I do not know how it is to be black, green or yellow. I love my country called the United States of America, but I became tarnished by the rich elite who prey on the poor. The blacks who get hurt by a President's remark about their fatherland, Africa. I am tired of the disrespect given to our flag and the response by the American public who idly sit by while they do it. Where is the uproar, is it because it is a piece of cloth?Tell it to our founding Fathers, our Soldiers who have died to keep us and other countries safe from evil. If you think 🤔 it will change you are mistaken; one man can not change sixty years of criminality, because the people who rule the democratic oligarch will fight to keep themselves at a higher level than you. Look at the faces in Congress during the speech, contempt , hate, resentment. Do not look at the media who promotes fear, hate and anguish. Look for yourself, it is as plain as black and white, there is no gray. One man is not an island, you need a tribe to carry a nation. The State of the Union was an eye opener, just an observation. Pura Vida!
Sometimes I doubt God
At times when my country lets me down.
Three hundred thousand foreclosures were allowed.
The devil has us covered in a shroud,
A shroud of moral starvation.
Thousands of jobless and homeless in our nation,
Congress unable to make decisions;
A slice of the pie is their revisions.
Sometimes I doubt God.
It seems like he has forgotten
We hunger for guidance,
We hunger for reliance.
We ask for nothing.
We want leaders with gumption.
Keep your socialist propaganda.
We want a capitalistic agenda.
Your programs are senseless."
It is senseless.
Excerpt From
Timothy M. Nugent
This material may be protected by copyright.


text:
Shyam looked at Khushi as she hung up and put the mobile back in her bag. She looked back at him, her eyes unfocussed. She was already thinking about business; about Anjali's brother who would have to be picked up from the airport tomorrow because he had made a last minute decision to join in the festivities. Apparently he was against this wedding, and had decided not to attend it earlier. She could cheerfully wring his neck were he not an important part of the client's family. Now she could have to rearrange everything from sitting positions, cards to family presentation details.
"Khushi! I swear to God sometimes I wonder if you live on another platform!" Shyam's outraged voice brought her back. Khushi patted on his back in a friendly way, and smiled warmly at him, "You know I am a little like that. But you like me despite my eccentricities. Now be a good fellow and help me out."
"With what?" Asked Shyam, putting an arm around her good naturedly, his ill humour forgotten with her warm smile.
Khushi looked at him teasingly, "Your grammar is a bit sloppy, isn't it? "
Shyam gave her a crooked smile, "Well now, you know me honey. I don't care about such things. And there's always everyone's take on how to speak things you know."
Khushi snorted delicately and gave him a smart tap on his shoulder, "Huh! Just admit you like being a little out of ordinary yourself Mr. Shyam Jha! Now to business- I need your help. This new client has a brother who is arriving tomorrow. I want someone to go and pick him up from the airport."
"No can do sweetheart. I have an early morning meeting. You need to do this yourself. " Khushi groaned inwardly, but conceded she would have to do it. Another black mark against her as an elder sister, she thought to herself guiltily. Payal had asked her this morning, if she could keep her diary free for tomorrow, and she had assured her that nothing would come in the way.
Khushi's face must've shown some of her inner regret and sadness, because Shyam held her chin up and said, "Khushi, don't be sad! Look if you don't want to go to the airport to receive this fellow, just let them know you can't. They can't hang you for simply not going to receive him. After all, it is last moment notice."
That got Khushi out of her reverie. She couldn't afford to lose this account, for Payal's sake. She made herself smile as naturally as she could and said, "It's alright. I was just thinking about something I'd seen on the TV earlier and it made me sad. That's all."
"Khushi!!" said Shyam exasperatedly and they both laughed together.
Khushi was at the airport to receive Anjali's brother at four the next morning. She had hated getting out the bed and dressing up, but had no choice. Keeping her dress code casual formal, she had worn blue jeans with a pale green Shirt, topped it with an Olive green short jacket. Her hair was tied in a sleek ponytail and her feet were ensconced in green sandals with kitty heels. A pale pink gloss was all the make-up she had put on.
The placard in her hand read Alexander Sebastian Rothwell. She wondered at the name for a minute. Strange for Anjali to have a brother who sounded foreign. Maybe an English mother? She shrugged her shoulders mentally and yawned. What did she care? All she knew was that she was to receive him, drop him to the Taj Palace Hotel and go back home to snuggle down back into the covers for an hour or two, before accompanying Payal to whatever mystery place she wanted to take her to.
Arrival of the flight from New York was announced, and Khushi jerked herself awake. Holding the placard high in her hand, she stood a little apart from the throng of others who were waiting for their guests at the arrival gate. As soon as people starting coming out of the gate, Khushi looked around, hunting for a white Caucasian male to get out and look at her placard. She kept on looking, until almost everyone had left.
Had she missed him ? Had he not come after all? She turned around and checked people passing by. Nope, didn't look like he was among them either. So where the devil was he?
"Of all the people in the world—Are you here to receive me by any chance?"
The hairs on the back of her neck and hands stood up as Khushi heard the voice she had never wanted to hear again. Slowly, keeping her wits about her, she turned around and nearly fainted. ASR stood there, with his hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable in the faint light. He looked up at the sign she was holding and said resignedly, "It had to be you. "
He had not changed a bit in the last year, thought Khushi as she looked at him. In his thirty-third year now, he was still broodingly handsome, with a day's stubble on his face and those amber eyes that seared her body. Her heart beat fast as she tried to get over her shock.
"But I'm here to receive a Alexander Sebastian Rothwell, not you."
He looked forbidding and bored, as she said, "Take your pick. ASR – Arnav Singh Raizada or Alex Seb Rothwell, I'm still the same person you've come to receive at the airport. Now if you'd stop imitating a gold fish, I'd like to go to the hotel please. Or is it too much to hope that a room has been booked for me?"
Khushi flushed pink with anger at his tone and his words. Closing her mouth that had been wide open with shock, and holding her emotions in control, she spoke to him coolly, "A room has been booked for you in the Taj Palace, as per your sister's instructions. If you will please follow me, I'll take you to the car that will take you to the hotel."
His gaze moved to her head where her hair was tied neatly in a ponytail. He observed, "You've grown your hair. It is longer than I last saw it."
Khushi was startled at this piece of observation from him. He had noted the length of her hair and remembered it from last year? She refused to feel that small burst of excitement in her belly and replied with coolness she didn't feel, "Yes, I have grown it. Now, if you please—"
"Do I disturb you?" He asked and Khushi goggled at him.
"What ? I –" Khushi started and then, alarmed took a step back when he stepped forward. "What are you doing?"
A couple of inches that had separated them vanished as Arnav came closer. His eyes were dark and searching. Khushi tried to look away from him. In the next instant she felt a hand on her chin, and rough growl, "Stop turning away from me. " Khushi closed her eyes childishly, refusing to look at him, shivering by the touch of his hand on her chin. He bent a little to bring his face close to her and said softly, "Yes, I do believe I disturb you."


text:
The SharePoint Business Strategist and Sales Expert complete, online certification tracks including all business strategist materials, section tests, manuals, decks and exams. Certifications provide professional membership of the World Association of SharePoint Business Strategists (WASBS). Companion online strategist masterclasses and client SharePoint strategy workshops. All courses utilize the original Salem Process framework.
About Morgan & Wolfe Limited: Morgan & Wolfe is a global e-learning company, specializing solely in SharePoint business strategy courses, SharePoint strategist certifications and online SharePoint video masterclasses and online workshops for SharePoint business strategists. All courses are managed through our own Genius! brand at www.geniuspractitioner.com. All courses feature the Salem (Sequenced And Logical Enterprise Methodology) as featured in the 2012 Gartner report and used by some of the world's largest consulting partners.
The Genius! Practitioner and Sales Expert professional strategist certifications form the official membership tracks for the World Association of SharePoint Business Strategists (WASBS).
Specialties: SharePoint Business Strategist Courses & Certifications, Salem Practitioner Certifications for SharePoint, World Association of SharePoint Business Strategists, Sales Expert Certifications for SharePoint, Office 365 SharePoint Business Strategist Certification


text:
Topic (required)---TicketDirectionsComplaintsGeneral Enquiry
Events (required)---Dieter Broers Hamburg 2018Gregg Braden Paris 2018Bruce Lipton London 2018TCCHE Conference 2018Gregg Braden London 2018Dieter Broers Hamburg 2019Joe Dispenza Edinburgh 2019TCCHE Conference London 2019Gregg Braden Amsterdam 2019
Registered Office:
Unit 104 of 1 Riverbank Business Park,
Dye House Lane,
London, E3 2TB
+44 (0) 203 239 0773
The Conference for Consciousness & Human Evolution © Copyright 2012-2020. All Rights Reserved. Website Design, Development & Support by Akiko Design.
Username or email address *
Password *
Remember me
Forgotten Password?
Username *
Email address *
Password *
Receive Important Event Updates by Email? (Recommended)