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1. Who You Are
Okay, this might seem obvious. But most people who arrive at your website won't know much about who you are or what you do. Some of them will have followed a link, others will have come via a search engine. They might not even know you're a writer. And they might arrive at any random page on your website.Your name and what you write on the top of every page (www.stephanieburgis.com) |
Make it very clear on the top of every page who you are and what you write. Your name and either a tagline or a (very) brief intro are ideal.
2. What You're Selling
Most authors don't like selling. We think we're being pushy and that we're going to come off as arrogant. But our visitors want to know what we're selling. They want to know about our books or stories. They're not going to appreciate having to dig into the depths of our websites to discover them.Let your visitors see what you've written and let them see what it's about. If they're not interested, they'll move on, and they won't be offended.
Highlight what you're selling (www.liahabel.com) |
If you've got another book coming out soon, make sure you promote that too.
Highlight your next book too (www.juliejames.com) |
3. An Excerpt
Not everyone goes to bookstores anymore, and not every bookstore will carry your book. If you've followed step 2, you've already got your cover and a brief description on the front page of your website, and on a page specifically about your book. Now you need to give your potential reader the chance to decide if they are actually going to like it.Almost every publisher is happy to let you post a portion of your novel on your website (and your contract probably explicitly lets you do this). Try to post the first three chapters, but certainly put up the first chapter. Make sure you check with your publisher first, though.
Let your visitors read excerpts (www.nkjemisin.com) |
Make sure the chapters are real web pages, not just PDFs or ebooks to download. It's okay to have downloadable versions too, but most readers will want to get a taste straight away, just as they would flick through a book in the store.
4. Calls-to-Action
Eventually, you are going to want your visitors to do something, other than just leave your website. It might be as simple as giving them the chance to leave a comment or tweet a link to the book. Or it might be to buy your book. To throw in a bit of jargon, you want to offer them a 'call-to-action'.A 'call to action' can just be a link, but it's better if you can make it really prominent so that it pops out of the page.
Clear calls-to-action (products.sitepoint.com) |
Every page on your website should have some kind of call-to-action, so that your visitors don't hit a dead end at the end of the page, and every major section of a page would benefit from one too.
5. Your Next Book
Once someone has read your book and loved it, they may visit your website to find out when your next book is due, particularly if you are writing a series. Tell them! If you don't know the exact date, or even if you don't yet have a cover or title, make sure you let them know there's another book coming and roughly when.Readers want to know what you're publishing next (www.stephenking.com) |
6. A Complete, Up-to-Date List of Your Books
Number six in any list is where the author shares a vague, personal anecdote (I just made that up), so here goes. Some years ago, I was a big fan of a certain author. I read every one of his books I could find. But then no new books appeared. I checked the bookstores and the libraries, but nothing.I looked on his website. Zilch. I was disappointed, but not surprised; these books were quirky, and they certainly weren't bestsellers. I figured the publisher had dropped the author.
Fast-forward a few years, and I'm looking through Amazon, and I suddenly think to check up this author. I find out that not only is there a new book by this author, but the author has been publishing steadily, through a small press. I checked his website again, but still no mention of these books.
In fact, you'd probably be surprised at how many author websites are like this. It's crazy. I would have been buying this author's books all these years if he had listed them on his website.
Now, websites can be time-consuming. That's why you need to be realistic when you're building or commissioning your website about how much time you can put into it. If you commit yourself to a blog, and a news section, and videos and a vast selection of extras and you don't have time to do it, your website will quickly become out of date.
But! At the very least, you need a page that lists your works and which is always up-to-date. If you mention publication dates and books in several places, make sure you keep a list of the locations, so that you can update everything at once. And schedule a complete review of your site a couple of times a year where you read through every page and fix what needs fixing.
7. An 'About Me' page
Unless you have a very good reason for needing privacy, you should always have an 'about me' page on your website, with a photo. If readers love a book, they want to feel like they have a connection with the author. They want to know about the author.About the author (www.writingandsnacks.com) |
Remember, though, that you need to tailor your biography to your audience. If you're writing funny books for eight-year-olds, don't go on about your jobs and degrees. Author Barry Eisler has an excellent article on writing your biography.
8. Cross-Linking
If you've got a large website, particularly if you've got a blog, you should make sure you cross-link to your books or stories. For example, a visitor may well have arrived at your website to read a blog post.Your blog posts will, of course, be enough to make them interested in you and your work. So make it easy for them. Feature books and stories on every page, and cross-link from each book or story to another one. Give your readers the chance to discover all your work.
Cross-linking so readers can easily find your books (www.tobiasbuckell.com) |
9. Clear, Easy-to-Read Text
If there's one thing that writers' website fall down on more than anything else, it is the typesetting on the page. The chances are, your website is going to have quite a bit of text on it, particularly if you're posting extracts from your novels. That text needs to be easy to read.This means, in almost all cases, you should have a white (or nearly white) background with dark (not pure black) text. Dark backgrounds or backgrounds with significant amounts of texture make reading text much more difficult.
There should be a reasonable amount of space between lines (for web techies among you, that usually means a line-height of 1.5 - 1.6 em), and you should use a clear, simple font (nothing too elaborate).
If your website was built more than two or three years ago, the chances are that your text is too small. Back then, most people were still using fairly low-resolution screens that sat on their desks.
But screens are changing fast. They are becoming much higher resolution, and tablets (e.g., iPads) and smart phones are becoming far more common. This means that the text on many websites is now painfully small. Sadly, even some newer websites are still being built with tiny text. Make sure yours isn't one of them. (Again for web techies, a font-size of at least 13 or 14px is the minimum you should be aiming for with most fonts.)
Clear, easy-to-read text is absolutely essential (www.jennreese.com) |
10. Contact Info
At some point, people are going to need to contact you, maybe to chat, maybe for business, maybe just to tell you how great you are. Ideally, you should have a contact form on your website, rather than an email address.Make it easy to contact you, your agent or your publisher (www.stephanieburgis.com) |
If you do have a contact form, don't include a 'captcha' (one of those annoying things where you have to figure out a horribly distorted word and type it in a box). Don't make people jump through frustrating hoops just to contact you. If you have to deal with a bit of spam, that's a price worth paying, and there are other ways to stop spammers. (Ask your web developer how...)
If for some reason you don't want to allow visitors to contact you, make sure you include contact details for your agent or publisher.
And a Bonus...
If you want to keep your readers simmering nicely until your next book is out, think about an 'extras' or bonus material section on your website. Extra chapters, background material, additional short stories, 'making of', games, newsletters, competitions, seasonal specials, and whatever else you can think of. You might also consider making this a members section with exclusive content, to reward people who sign up to be contacted by you. Eloisa James does this as well as any author I've come across.Extras keep your fans excited between books (www.eloisajames.com) |
The End, at Last...
What do you look for when you visit an author's website? What particularly good (or bad!) sites have you visited recently?I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this!


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It's MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Steve Inskeep.
And I'm Renee Montagne.
There was more violence this morning in an Afghan village that was the site of what appears to be the worst American war crime in the 10-year mission there. Militants attacked a high-level government delegation sent to the village by President Karzai, killing one Afghan soldier. The delegation included two of Karzai's brothers. Meanwhile, the U.S. has in custody an Army sergeant who allegedly walked into two rural villages in the Kandahar province and methodically killed 16 Afghan men, women and children.
The massacre has clearly reframed how Afghan and American officials are looking ahead. For the latest, we reached NPR's Quil Lawrence in Kabul.
QUIL LAWRENCE, BYLINE: Good morning, Renee.
MONTAGNE: How is the reaction playing out in Afghanistan? I mean, after several weeks ago, the huge protests over the burning of Qurans, what's going on now?
LAWRENCE: There was an expectation that it might be just as bad or worse, but so far, that has not come to pass. There was a small demonstration out in Jalalabad in the east of the country. Some students burned an effigy of President Obama, just a few hundred, and it ended peacefully. There have been some sit-ins, reading of the Quran at Kabul University, but not really what we had feared.
I've been told by sources in the Afghan media that they've gotten sort of unofficial orders not to add to the chaos, which was certainly not the case in the Quran riots. But the Afghan state media especially hasn't been showing photographs of the bodies, the sort of thing that would inflame tempers that are already quite stirred up.
It also - some people have been speculating that it means that these Quran riots last month might have been pushed and more engineered, that different warlords around the country who own some of the media or who can gather a crowd in the city when they want might have stirred up those demonstrations. Maybe they got a little bit more than they bargained for, and they're not interested in pushing it now.
Others have said that maybe people are just exhausted from last month's turmoil. And anyway, Afghans are no strangers to civilian casualties, to violence.
MONTAGNE: Well, it did seem like Afghan-American relations were just getting back on track after those Quran burnings. Does this suggest that maybe those relations will continue to recover?
LAWRENCE: What people are telling me is that they have to. It's not as if there was a great reservoir of love between the two sides just before this incident. The Afghans, most of them, know that they're not ready to defend their country and this region, or even to control the - sort of the fragmentation within the country, and they figure that they need America.
Americans seem to want out, especially after the killings that happened in the wake of the Quran incident, where American soldiers were murdered by their Afghan colleagues. But the American strategy doesn't seem like it could go that much faster, although there's some discussion of that.
There has been a lot of discussion about the subject of nighttime raids, which are still very controversial here. There was supposed to be a deal coming on how to handle night raids in the near future, and that may have been set back by this incident.
MONTAGNE: Well, again, this massacre, the Afghan parliament walked out in protest yesterday and demanded that the American suspect be tried in Afghanistan. That is not likely to happen, right?
LAWRENCE: No. The technical agreement that governs the U.S. troops here says that they're under U.S. military jurisdiction. And unlike Iraq, where this was a major issue and eventually was the issue that prevented a long-term U.S. troop presence there, the Iraqis would not grant immunity to U.S. troops. Here in Afghanistan, it has not been such an issue. It wasn't a major stumbling block to the strategic partnership deal, and from what I hear, it still isn't - although the Afghan parliament has certainly brought this up.
MONTAGNE: NPR's Quil Lawrence, speaking to us from Kabul. Thanks very much.
LAWRENCE: Thank you, Renee. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

subset: commoncrawl


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»Borough Departments Information
»Tax & Water/Sewer Payments
»Meeting Agendas & Minutes
»Employment Application/Job Openings
»Public Notice Bulletin Board
»COVID 19 Updates
»Financial Information
»Borough Ordinances
»Business Directory
»Board of Education
»Building & Code Dept
»Police Dept
»Public Works Dept
»Site Directory
»Lake Como Map
»Lake Como History
»Tourism Commission
»Environmental Commission
Lake Como NJ
(Lake Como)
as reported by the Asbury Park Press in 1962 In 1924, the Borough of South Belmar was formed out of the boundary of old Wall. It is a small , interior municipality, bounded on the west by the railroad, on the north by Sixteenth Avenue, on the east by "B"street, and in the South by Lake Como and Polly Pod Brook. One of the original settlers of the area now making up South Belmar was Jeremiah Newman, who was born in 1798 and died in 1828. His gravestone, at the Newman Family Burial Ground on Leslie Street, Belmar Gardens, is still legible. Mr. Newman arrived in the area around the 1817, and as with most early residents, devoted his original efforts to farming. But this not always successful, and he and his neighbors soon began to turn to the sea to make part of their living. The farmlands were eventually divided into smaller tracts, and later were developed under numerous subdivisions according to a much less regular pattern than is evident in the neighboring Borough of Belmar. It is interesting to note that the Lake Como was known as Three Cornered Pond in the early days, and the area immediately to the west was known as Polly Pond Bog.
When the borough's first mayor, Claude W. Birdsall, a municipal engineer, presented his first message to Council June 3, 1924, he outlined three main areas in which the community needed improvement.
They were sanitation, street repairs, and the parks, Mayor Birdsall put sanitation at the top of the list, because there was no garbage or sewage disposal in the borough.
He also considered street repairs as an immediate need, since auto traffic was increasing and the gravel roads were inadequate.
Parks were at the bottom of the mayor's list, although he regarded Lake Como as the Borough's chief asset
Voters Were Divided
When Mr. Birdsall presented his message, the borough was little more than a month old. it had been created May 6, 1924 by a referendum in which 152 voters favored the separation of Wall Township and 115 were opposed.
However, once the borough was founded, its citizens became fiercely proud if their new identity and have strong supporter of local government since.
The mayor's improvement plans were soon put into actions. Bids were asked for trash and garbage disposal, and a pickup system was organized. Streets were graded and widened to the proper standards, and confusing dead-end road were extended.
Police Force Expanded
Police protection had been scanty up until this time. Borough Council too speedy action by appointing five special policemen to serve without pay until December of that first year.
In June, Borough Clerk Mrs. Grace B. Hoff was instructed to inform Coast Cities Railway Co., which operated the trolley system, that the roadway adjacent to the tracks on F Street needed gravel. The line then ran between Long Branch and Sea Girt and was one of the bigger financial enterprises at the Shore.
In the summer open trolley cars were used, and on busy days riders taking the air hung from the cars in clusters. Fleet conductors had to be contortionists as well to collect fares, especially on the shorter runs.
During the first month of the borough's life, a disorderly person ordinance was adopted to cope with intoxication, loud and abusive language, alms collectors, indecent or immodest pictures, gaming places, and other violations of public property.
Another measure was adopted to prevent dogs from running at large. They were required to wear muzzles during the warmer months when rabies was usually more prevalent. Licenses were set at $1.00 for male and $2.00 for a female.
Rich in History
Although the borough is only 38 years old, it is by no means young in history. The land was originally a part of Shrewsbury Township, formed in 1693 by an act of Provincial Assembly.
The township then encircled all the eastern portion of Monmouth County from Navesink River to Little Egg Harbor, including the greater part of what is now Ocean County.
Congregationalists from Connecticut and Quakers and Scotch Presbyterians from New York and New England settled it.
In 1879 Neptune Township was carved out of Shrewsbury Township and comprised all of the land between Asbury Park and Manasquan.
One of the early settlers in the immediate area here was Jeremiah Newman. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, he built a cabin on the north shore of Lake Como and made his living by farming, fishing and hunting.
Family Had Burial Plot
He was buried in the family's cemetery on Leslie Street, Wall Township, at a site once used by the Leni-Lenape Indians for burials. The cemetery is still owned by the family, but laws prevent any more burials.
The Newman family flourished and eventually owned most of the land known as the greater Belmar area. Some of the family took to the sea, as did George Newman, born in 1849. Others took up trades or farming.
By the middle of the 19th Century Issac Newman was selling Belmar beachfront property for a dollar an acre. The land was gradually divided and drifted out of the family. Today the Newman Street here is a landmark that testifies to the family's early importance in the community.
In 1856, the Newman children were attending Pleasant Hill grade school in Wall Township for about 1 ½ cents a day. They paid an extra penny a day for janitorial services, and another penny for firewood, unless they brought their own.
Houses Still Stand
Members of the Newman family once owned some of the oldest houses here. The house at 504 18th Ave., about 150 years old, was built from sea timbers found on the beach by a Newman.
Another house at 814 Oak Terr. is some 110 years old, and the one at 398 New Bedford Rd., is more than 100 years old.
In more recent years, Capt. Jordan Newman, a retired carpenter, with an inventive knack, built a houseboat and docked it in Shark River. The craft included a special hatch through which he fished on rainy days. He boasted that the trap door was right next to the stove and skillet.
During the hurricane of 1938 the boat broke its mooring and the captain was barely rescued as the craft swept down the inlet toward the open sea.
Before the turn of the century, people began "discovering" the Shore and flocked here in droves. Low priced living quarters were in demand, and tent colonies bloomed as the answer to the shortage.
Tent Colony Founded
The Parkway Association, a group of city residents, who banded together for common interests, founded a tent colony at Lake Como on land bought for $3000. It is harder to imagine a choicer Shore spot, with the sea a few miles to the east and the lake sparkling under the bright sun.
Many residents still remember the fire ring and sledge hammer on White Street that was once used as an alarm. It was later moved to 18th Ave. in front of a building that formerly served as borough hall and is now occupied by Gallegher's Tavern.
Still later, a fire bell was installed and, in June 1924 the volunteer fire company was formed. Today, the company has two fire trucks and about 40 members headed by Chief Henry Poland. It is located in its own building on F Street nest to the Borough Hall. Built in 1935, the present Borough Hall contains five rooms and the police Department.
The regular four-man police force was organized in 1938, and now is directed by Chief Bradford Behrman who has been on the force 30 years.
Donald E. Newman, a descendent of the pioneer family and a member of the police force is captain of the first aid squad. The volunteer group was founded in 1938 and has its own building on 18th Ave. off of F Street. It has 25 members and two ambulances.
Playground Created
Four years ago the South Belmar Youth Center built the playground on the south side of Borough Hall. The borough owns the land, but the center is charged with keeping it in shape.
Chief Behrman, the center's president, relates that the group gives a barbecue each year to raise money for the playground. After its expenses are met, the extra money goes to local civic groups.
Mayor Walling, who is chaplain for the police force and Fire Company, served as councilman for five years before coming mayor. Before that, he was active in the First Aid and Fire Company.
He sees little expansion for the borough, with its year – around population of around 1,500 persons.
The community is pretty well built up now, Mayor Walling says, and there is little vacant land left. Mayor Walling says, "I would say we have just about reached out limits here."
But the community – often called the "Little Borough" – will probably continue its way of life for years to come in the tradition of American independence.
Report Discouraging
In September 1924 Norris J. Wolley, borough collector, gave his first official report. It was discouraging, to say the least, for a new borough intent on improvements. The cash balance was 141.03 and outstanding notes totaled $500. It was necessary for the Council to authorize a $500 emergency note to pay the bills.
It was not until July 1926 that the borough was ready to float a $20,000 bond issue for sewage disposal, and a $75,000 issue for improving the water supply.
Residents had been using cesspools and wells, and the bond issues provide them with sewage and water services from Belmar.
Wait 26 Years for a Park
The shore of Lake Como, the last goal on Mayor Birdsall's initial list, was not made into a park until 1950. World War II had been over five years and it was dedicated as the Denman, Fisher, and Perkins Memorial Park in honor of those who died in service.
Mayor Leroy F. Walling, who had held his office for the past 10 years, observes that through the years Mr. Birdsall has witnessed the fulfillment of the pro-proposals made in that initial message. It was just this year, continues Mayor Walling, that Mr. Birdsall designed the storm drains laid in F Street to carry off water from flash rains, and the mayor expects that Mr. Birdsall will continue to play a significant part in the borough's development in years to come.
Your elected officials and borough administration are here to help serve and assist all residents of Lake Como with their immediate concerns. You will find useful information on our web site. If you are unable to find what you need please contact the Borough Offices at (732) 681-3232.
©2016 Borough of Lake Como, NJ Alll Rights Reserved
Browse the Lake Como Website
Lake Como, NJ Borough of Lake Como 1740 Main Street Lake Como, NJ 07719 (physical address & for "overnight" mailing)
Phone: 732-681-3232
Fax: 732-681-8981
Email: email@example.com


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On November 1st I flew onboard the Twin Otter aircraft. This day was an incredibly interesting day to fly. Not only did we fly through a large stratocumulus cloud but we also flew through lots of smaller cumulus clouds. Cumulus clouds are not as common in this area because they usually form over warm water and land.
On this day, the cumulus clouds formed in their own layer below the stratocumulus cloud layer. Atmospheric scientists call this kind of boundary layer 'decoupled', meaning the layers are separate and may not be working together. All of the scientists are very excited to try to piece together how and why these clouds formed.
We noticed a few interesting things while flying through the cumulus clouds. For one, the instruments measured much more liquid water in the cumulus clouds than in the stratocumulus clouds. Also, there was much more turbulence while flying through the cumulus layer. Have you ever been on a plane ride? You might have noticed sometimes the ride gets really bumpy. This is because the air outside your plane is moving up and down and this movement is strong enough to push the plane around.
Besides flying through the stratocumulus layer and the cumulus layer, we also flew right between the two layers. This was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen during this field project and wanted to share it with you.
Postcards from the Field: Climate Science from the Southeast Pacific
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BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aurora Organic Dairy, a leading U.S. provider of high-quality private-label organic milk and butter, today announced it donated more than 28,000 gallons of organic milk and 2,540 pounds of organic butter to hunger-relief organizations in 2012. These in-kind donations represent approximately $100,000 in retail sales of these products.
"At Aurora Organic Dairy we do what we can to give back to the communities where we operate," said Marc Peperzak, CEO of Aurora Organic Dairy. "Our milk and butter donations go to food banks and hunger-relief organizations in the areas where our employees live and work, and to the communities where we ship milk. We know these organizations serve many families who are struggling during the recession, and we are happy we can donate organic milk – a protein-rich, healthy product – for these families."
Hunger-relief organizations, such as Community Food Share in Boulder, Colo., the Weld Food Bank in Greeley, Colo. and Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, Colo. receive regular donations of organic dairy products from Aurora Organic Dairy's processing plant in Platteville, Colo. The Company also provides free organic milk and butter to neighbors living near its farms and facilities; and to the Company's nearly 500 employees so they can enjoy the high-quality dairy products they work so hard to produce and process.
The Company also supports many community organizations, youth agricultural programs and schools in the areas where it operates its farms and milk processing plant. In addition to in-kind donations of dairy products, Aurora Organic Dairy has been providing academic scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in organic agriculture, and has funded academic research focused on organic dairy production and processing. Since its inception, Aurora Organic Dairy has donated more than $1.1 million to fund academic scholarships and research to advance the organic dairy industry, and has hosted interns from 32 countries at its farms and facilities.
Aurora Organic Dairy is the leading producer of private-brand organic milk and butter for U.S. retailers. Based in Boulder, Colorado, it operates a calf ranch and organic dairy farms in Colorado and Texas, as well as an organic dairy processing plant in Platteville, Colorado. Organic agriculture, the proper treatment and care of animals and sustainable production are the cornerstones of Aurora Organic Dairy's business. Its processing facility and each of its farms are certified organic by USDA National Organic Program accredited certifiers and certified by Validus, a leading independent animal welfare auditor.
Aurora Organic Dairy is involved in overseeing quality organic standards from cow to carton. It monitors the entire product lifecycle, to ensure quality from its farms to its processing facility, focusing on organic quality every step of the way.
SOURCE: www.auroraorganic.com


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Fathers of the Church
Letter CLXIX
by Theodoret in 431 | translated by Blomfield Jackson
Letter written by Theodoretus, bishop of Cyrus, from Chalcedon to Alexander of Hierapolis.
We have left no means untried, of courtesy, of sternness, of entreaty, of eloquence before the most pious emperor, and the illustrious assembly, testifying before God who sees all things and our Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the world in justice, and the Holy Spirit and his elect angels, lest the Faith be despised which is now being corrupted by the maintainers and bold subscribers of heretical doctrines: and that charge be given for it to be laid down in the same terms as at Nicaea and for the rejection of the heresy introduced to the loss and ruin of true religion. Up to this time however we have produced not the slightest effect, our hearers being carried now in one direction and now in another.
Nevertheless all these difficulties have not been able to deter me from urging my point, but by God's grace I have pressed on. I have even stated to our pious emperor with an oath that it is perfectly impossible for Cyril and Memnon to be reconciled with me, and that we can never communicate with any one who has not previously repudiated the heretical Chapters. This then is our mind. The object of men who "seek their own not the things which are Jesus Christ's" is to be reconciled with them against our will. But this is no business of mine, for God weighs our motives and tries our character, nor does He inflict chastisement for what is done against our will. Be it known to your holiness that if ever I said a word about our friend either before the very pious emperor or the illustrious assembly, I was at once branded as a rebel. So intensely is he hated by the court party. This is most annoying. The most pious emperor, especially, cannot bear to hear his name mentioned and says publicly "Let no one speak to me of this man." On one occasion he gave an instance of this to me. Nevertheless as long as I am here I shall not cease to serve the interests of this our father, knowing that the impious have done him wrong.
My desire is that both your piety and I myself get quit of this. No good is to be hoped from it, in as much as all the judges trust in gold, and contend that the nature of the Godhead and manhood is one.
All the people however by God's grace are in good case, and constantly come out to us. I have begun to discourse to them and have celebrated very large communions.
On the fourth occasion I spoke at length about the faith and they listened with such delight that they did not go away till the seventh hour but held out even till the midday heat. An enormous crowd was gathered in a great court, with four verandahs, and I preached from above from a platform near the roof.
All the clergy with the excellent monks are on the contrary utterly opposed to me, so that when we came back from the Rufinianum, after the visit of the very pious emperor, stone throwing began and many of my companions were wounded, by the people and false monks.
The very pious emperor knew that the mob was gathered against me and coming up to me alone he said, "I know that you are assembling improperly." Then, said I, "As you have allowed me to speak hear me with favour. Is it fair for excommunicated heretics to be doing duty in churches, while I, who am fighting for the Faith and am therefore excluded by others from communion, am not allowed to enter a church?" He replied "What am I to do?" I said, "What your comes largitionum did at Ephesus. When he found that some were assembling, but that we were not assembling, he stopped them saying, 'If you are not peaceful I will allow neither party to assemble.' It would have become your piety also to have given directions to the bishop here to forbid both the opposite party and ourselves to assemble before our meeting together to make known your righteous sentence to all." To this he replied "It is not for me to order the bishop;" and I answered "Neither shall you command us, and we will take a church, and assemble. Your piety will find that there are many more on our side than on theirs." In addition to this I pointed out that we had neither reading of the holy Scripture, nor oblation; but only "prayer for the Faith and for your majesty, and pious conversation." So he approved, and made no further prohibition. The result is that increased crowds flock to us, and gladly listen to our teaching. I therefore beg your piety to pray that our case may have an issue pleasing to God. I am in daily danger, suspecting the wiles of both monks and clergy, as I witness alike their influence and their negligence.
Taken from "The Early Church Fathers and Other Works" originally published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. in English in Edinburgh, Scotland, beginning in 1867. (NPNF II/III, Schaff and Wace). The digital version is by The Electronic Bible Society, P.O. Box 701356, Dallas, TX 75370, 214-407-WORD.


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15. The Wilderness Of Judea—The Ultimate Getaway
Very few places in the Holy Land still look original.
Most historic sites in Israel have some church, or a mosque, or a settlement, or thirty feet of civilization piled on top of them. The places pilgrims come to see today show centuries of scars from the ruins and reconstructions of many faiths and peoples.
Photo: The Wilderness of Judea at sunset. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands (BiblePlaces.com).
But in the Wilderness of Judea, one can see what the ancients saw. Deep ravines. Rocky terrain. Barren grades with scant vegetation. Horizontal lines cut in the hills betray generations of flocks that have worn trails like terraces in the stony slopes. Miles and miles of desolate land, interrupted only by an occasional camel, a shepherd with his flock, or a group of Bedouin tents with satellite dishes.
Bleak, inhospitable, stark, and harsh—the Wilderness of Judea has sat virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
It was the perfect place to escape.
A Dry And Weary Land
In the wilderness wanderings under Moses, the Hebrews learned to trust God for water, because the places of their journey offered very, very little of it. Those four decades of thirsty travel provided the training ground for living in the Promised Land—a land that also had no abundant sources of natural water—"a land of hills and valleys [that] drinks water from the rain of heaven" (Deuteronomy 11:11).
The rainfall in Israel—both in antiquity, as well as today—falls mostly west of the hill country's watershed.
· The further north and west one goes in the land, the more precipitation occurs. The Wilderness of Judea misses on both counts, lying south in the country and east of the watershed.
· A rain shadow dominates the chalky wasteland of the wilderness. This is the "dry and weary land," as David scribbled three thousand years ago, "where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1).
Photo: The Mar Saba Monastery. Courtesy of the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands (BiblePlaces.com).
David Slept Here
David knew this wilderness well, especially in the years before he became king. Just as the wilderness wanderings of his ancestors prepared them for the land, so the Wilderness of Judea served as David's preparation for his kingdom.
· Here the young shepherd wrote his most famous song—comparing the tracks of his flocks to God's "paths of righteousness."
· In such a barren context, lying "down in green pastures" would be a rare blessing (Psalm 23:2-3).
· In later years when David fled from King Saul, the future king of Israel would hide in the wastelands of Ziph, Maon, and En Gedi—all portions of the Wilderness of Judea.
A Place Of Escape And Seclusion
Because the Wilderness of Judea remained so arid and uninviting, most people only passed through it on their way to somewhere else. Because nobody wanted to go there, often only the "nobodies" of society did. The wilderness attracted those on the fringes—outcasts, shepherds, fugitives, hermits, and even fearful rulers.
· The paranoid Herod the Great built fortifications in this general area at Cypros, Dok, Herodium, Hyrcania, Masada, and Macherus.
· Here John the Baptist announced the coming of the Lord in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of a "voice crying in the wilderness" (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:1).
· Jesus retreated to this wilderness to fast and face temptation for more than forty days (Matthew 4:1).
· After the death of their brother Judas Maccabeus, Jonathan and Simon centered their insurgency near Tekoa in the Wilderness of Judea (1 Maccabees 9:33).
The Ultimate Getaway
Undoubtedly the most unique inhabitants of this land were the thousands of Christian monks who flooded the area and formed monasteries—the ultimate getaway. In the Byzantine period between the sixth- and fifth-centuries, the Wilderness of Judea hosted more than sixty-five monasteries all connected by a network of trails.
Today, visitors to the wilderness can travel to see Mar Saba east of Bethlehem, the only monastery that boasts a continual occupation since its origin. The easiest monastery to see is Saint George's. Its blue domes and white arches dot the colorless canvas of the wilderness and cling like a barnacle to the northern face of the Wadi Qelt's cliffs. Housing one of the oldest monastic communities in Israel, the monastery has been inhabited since the fifth century and gives a vivid illustration of monastic life. The ultimate getaway is today a tourist attraction.
One of the best places to stand and observe the Wilderness of Judea is near Saint George's Monastery. At the top of a nearby overlook, a covered observation point allows visitors a long view across the vast, unspoiled wilderness. Here, it isn't hard to go back in time.
Very few places in the Holy Land can one travel and still see the terrain as it appeared for thousands of years—and likely, how it will stay for many more.
Devotional Thought For The Wilderness Of Judea
Read Luke 3:3-6.
When a king or dignitary would visit a foreign land, he would often send an envoy ahead to fill the potholes, remove the rocks, and flatten any part of the road that might make the journey uncomfortable. We could compare it today to "rolling out the red carpet."
All four Gospels point to John the Baptist as the "voice crying in the wilderness," in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy on one who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3). In preparing the way for Israel's King, John used the rough hills and rocky valleys of the Wilderness of Judea as a metaphor for the hard hearts of the people. Imagine trying to prepare a highway through the Judean Wilderness!
"Every ravine will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be brought low; the crooked will become straight, and the rough roads smooth." —Luke 3:5
John's command to "repent" meant to change one's mind about following God. It forced the people who walked in the Wilderness of Judea to consider the spiritual lives with every ditch they avoided and every rock they stepped over. What would Jesus have to walk around in our lives if He were to come today?
Related Topics: Devotionals, History, Archaeology


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Best Vinyl Windows
Best Vinyl Window TIPS
- Cheap vinyl windows can sag and discolor
- AAMA Gold Label windows are the best
- Don't trust salesman - each window must come with the label on window frame
- Get FREE & FAST BIDS below
- CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!
Vinyl windows are very popular. Their clean lines, no maintenance characteristics, and energy efficiency make them a natural for both new homes and older homes that need a facelift.
Big Differences
However, not all vinyl windows are created equal. In fact, there can be vast differences in quality between windows that look identical.
Vinyl Can Sag
Wood and aluminum windows have an advantage over vinyl windows in one respect. Wood and aluminum are stiffer and they don't bend quite as easily as vinyl. This is just one reason why it is important to really do your homework when deciding which vinyl window to purchase.
Many homeowners who installed the first-generation of vinyl windows were disappointed. Large windows or windows that faced direct, hot afternoon sunlight sometimes were the victims of sag.
The vinyl would sag under the weight of large, heavy pieces of glass and/or would sag because the vinyl softened because of heat. The results were not pretty, as the vinyl would sometimes retain this new shape after the vinyl had cooled.
Free & Fast BIDS
Ugly Color Change
Other homeowners became disenchanted with vinyl windows because they would mysteriously change color after several years. Poor quality vinyl windows had a tendency to turn yellow. This color change was a result of poor quality ingredients in the vinyl.
What Makes Good Vinyl?
Vinyl windows are made using polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This is the same plastic that is used in plumbing pipes, electrical pipes and many other household items.
PVC is made by combining several chemicals, fillers, plasticizers and pigments. As you might imagine, each of these ingredients is available in different levels of quality.
Those manufacturers who choose to make a quality product almost always purchase the highest quality ingredients. These, of course, are more costly. This, in turn, makes the cost of the materials higher than those being used by a competitor who wants to offer you a low price.
AAMA Gold Label
Color Change
Let's talk about color change as an example. The ingredients which make PVC stay pure white for many years are basically two ingredients: titanium dioxide (TiO2) and an organic form of tin. TiO2 is a pure white chemical used to tint the vinyl white. It is also used heavily by the paint industry to make pure white paints.
Anyway, these two ingredients are costly and they need to be used in certain minimum quantities to produce a high quality vinyl. Also, the grade of TiO2 must be a non-chalking grade, so that your windows don't begin to dust after so many years.
Window manufacturers who do not use sufficient amounts or high quality forms of these two ingredients often must tint their windows a light blue color to buy time before they begin to yellow. If you see vinyl windows that are a polar blue shade of white, BEWARE! If in doubt, ask for a sample of the vinyl material and take it to another showroom.
Hold it against the windows in the highest priced showroom in your town. Compare the colors of different samples. When seen by itself, a polar blue vinyl doesn't really look blue. But, when held against pure white samples, the blue coloration is dramatic.
It is important to note that some certified manufacturers do manufacture a high quality vinyl which does have the blue shading. They have chosen to do this on their own accord, as some of them think the blue coloration is attractive. Your assurance of high quality is the presence of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) certification label on the frame of the window.
The Chambers
When you visit a window store, be sure to ask to see a cross section of the window frame material. Ask for a sample that you can take with you. You will notice that the frame is constructed of various sized chambers. Not only will the chambers be different sizes, there will be different numbers of chambers depending upon the quality of the manufacturer. The highest quality windows usually have the highest number of chambers.
The number of the chambers is important. The strength of the window and frame are a function of where the walls of each chamber connect to the walls of the other chambers. Yes, this sounds confusing, but it is important.
We already discussed that heat can make the vinyl soft. This softening can lead to deformation. The high quality vinyl windows have frames and sashes (that part of the window which frames the glass) that have been engineered to withstand the heat that causes the deformation.
During research and design testing, the stress points on a window frame or sash are identified. The good manufacturers then design the sashes and frames to have extra chambers to hold in shape those chambers exposed to the sun. These chambers are generally shaded and remain cooler. High quality window frames can have as many as fifteen different chambers!
How the windows and frames are assembled should be of great importance to you. After all, all joints need to be weathertight and the windows shouldn't fall apart after five or 10 years.
There are two main ways that vinyl windows are assembled: mechanically fastened (screws), or heat welded. There can be, in some cases, a big difference between these two methods.
Mechanically fastened windows use screws, brackets and caulk to hold together the individual pieces of the window sash and frame. This method does work, as long as everything goes right from the time the windows are made until they are installed in your house. Should a window be dropped, twisted or racked during shipment or installation, the caulked seams may break and leaks could develop. If a screw is slightly over-tightened it may strip out the vinyl. The caulk may not last the life of the window.
Welded frames, on the other hand, take advantage of the chemistry of PVC. PVC is really neat. The welding process actually creates one piece of vinyl.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using this process. Welded corners on frames and sashes usually look better. However, welded windows sometimes have hidden drainage chambers that allow rain water to drain to the exterior. Sometimes it is difficult to block air movement in these channels and small amounts of cold air can drift into your home. The strength of the connection between individual pieces can be stronger. Leaks at the corners are practically non-existent.
The strength of a welded connection is a function of how much PVC from one piece is touching the PVC of another piece. This is often measured in square inches. The chambers we discussed earlier play a significant role in this area.
The more chambers that you have in a sash or a frame means that more PVC is available for the welding process. Manufacturers know this and many actually will tell you how many square inches of PVC are in contact at each corner. Look for a window that has the highest total.
Column B73


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House budget proposal dismisses role of IMLS
For Immediate Release
Tue, 04/01/2014
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a new budget released today from Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI), the House Budget Committee Chairman denounces the critical role that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) plays in supporting civic engagement, literacy and lifelong learning in more than 123,000 libraries nationwide. Rep. Ryan recommends that the federal government not have a role in libraries and that Congress shift the federal agency's responsibilities to the private sector in his 2015 fiscal year budget resolution.
Today, American Library Association (ALA) President Barbara Stripling released the following statement in response to Rep. Ryan's budget (pdf):
"We were shocked to learn that Representative Paul Ryan recommended eliminating IMLS, the agency that promotes library services for the American public. We are disappointed by the House Budget Committee's outright dismissal of IMLS, the agency that administers the primary source of federal funding to libraries. Libraries depend on the support they receive from IMLS to help patrons learn new skills, find job opportunities and access reading materials that they otherwise could not afford. More than $180 million has been appropriated to the Institute for Museum and Library Services through September 2014 to help libraries make information and services available to the citizens they serve.
In Rep. Ryan's own state of Wisconsin, more than 65 percent of libraries report that they are the only free access point to Internet in their communities. Just a few blocks from Rep. Ryan's Wisconsin office, more than 716,000 visitors used the Hedberg Public Library in Janesville, Wisconsin to access library computers and research databases, check out books and receive job training in 2013. The Institute of Museum and Library Services administered more than $2.8 million in the 2014 fiscal year to help Wisconsin libraries prepare young students for school and provide lifelong learning opportunities for all Wisconsin residents. For example, the state reported that more than 215,000 children participated in summer reading programs at Wisconsin public libraries.
IMLS provides invaluable professional development opportunities to librarians across the country. As the director of school library programs for the New York City Department of Education, I witnessed the ways in which the IMLS-supported programs helped young students learn and discover new information. In recent years, IMLS provided professional training for New York City school librarians, who used their training they received to change the lives of children with limited access to books and technology.
Furthermore, the Institute has been a vital component in facilitating collaboration between federal agencies that relate to library services, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communication Commission and the Government Printing Office, among others. For example, the Institute has been instrumental in working with the U.S. Department of Labor so that libraries can be considered additional One-Stop partners for job-seekers.
Library funding support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services wields large returns in the form of literate and civically engaged communities. We hope that Congress will support the important role that the Institute for Museum and Library Services plays in supporting educated communities by rejecting the House Budget resolution."
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately 57,000 members in academic, public, school, government, and special libraries. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.


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How to make an 8-bit video game FX sound
Getting started
Step 1: When it comes to lo-fi, it's pretty hard to beat the squeaky, creaky sound of the Commodore 64's built-in SID chip. We can create a similar tone with Basic 64, a free PC VST synth that you can download here. Grab a copy and fire it up. The default patch should take you right back to the arcades.
Oscillator adjustment
Step 2: Our mission? To create a special effects sound for a retro video game. Start by loading the factory preset Blank. It's not very exciting, but let's keep things simple. Turn the third oscillator's volume (Vol) down.
Changing the waveform
Step 3: Currently, the second oscillator is generating a triangle wave. Let's change that to a pulse wave for its added harmonics. While you're at it, set the Pulse Width knob to around 4.10. It's still not terribly interesting as yet.
ADSR tweaks
Step 4: Turn to the first oscillator's envelope generator. Increase the Decay time to about half way and reduce the Sustain to around 2.9. Finally, increase the Release to about 1200 or so. You can hear how the first oscillator's volume changes in relationship to the second. Have some fun with the second oscillator's envelope, too, and hear what happens to the patch.
Filters and arpeggiation
Step 5: Next, click the Filter buttons for both of the oscillators we've been tweaking. Currently, the filter is wide open. Reduce the Cutoff to 6.9 and boost the Res to 5.0. Activate the arpeggiator at a setting of 1/6 for the total arcade effect.
Finishing off
Step 6: That sounds good, but it's not weird enough for our tastes. Crank up the Pitch knob and set the envelope's ADSR to low (but not zero) positions. Click the 1 button next to the envelope. Now, send our two oscillators to the Ring Mod. Done! You can listen to the final sound below.


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Red Carpet Glam! Best, Worst & Wackiest Dressed At Glamour Women Of The Year Awards
May 29 2012, Published 3:30 p.m. ET
Talk about a glam-packed event!
Hollywood's hottest stars shared the red carpet with Britain's biggest bombshells on Monday night at The Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London, dressed to rock and shock in the best, worst & wackiest fashions – and RadarOnline.com has all the winners and sinners!
Eva Longoria showed off her hot bod in a vibrant orange Victoria Beckham curve-hugging cocktail dress, but apparently the former Desperate Housewife broke the heel of her sky-high nude stilettos during the show! Other best dressed babes included Jessica Alba, who got goth-glam in Alexander McQueen, and Lea Michele, who showed off her covetable curves in a Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2012 ink blue draped shoulder gown.
Is Donatella Versace getting a little too much inspiration from The Avengers? The fashion designer looked a little freaky in her self-designed strapless gown, which appeared like it was a costume for a superhero.
And being that she is a psychic, it's too bad that Dionne Warwick's crystal ball of a clutch couldn't have told her that her crazy couture would land her in the fashion dog house! The singer landed herself on the wacky list, wearing a bizarre beaded ensemble.
For all the rest of the best, worst & wackiest dressed stars at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards, click here.
Cannes Glam! The Best, Worst & Wackiest Dressed Stars At The amfAR Cinema Against Aids Gala
Kim Kardashian Pulls An Angelina Jolie Leg Move On Cannes Red Carpet
Sloppy Seconds? Kim Kardashian Is Recycling Everyone's Designer Dresses!
Cannes Glam! The Best, Worst & Wackiest Dressed Stars At The French Film Festival


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Proscan 32-Inch LED HD TV with Built in DVD PlayerPerfect for use as TV, DVD Player and Computer MonitorProscan's latest TV with Built in DVD Player is the perfect accompaniment to any room. This TV is super versatile. You can watch all your favorite over the air broadcasts in crystal quality via the built in Digital ATSC tuner. Also, connect this to your cable and watch all your fun reality shows or sporting events. Pop a DVD movie in to your TV and enjoy your watching experience. This TV even comes with a VGA port allowing you to use this as a Computer Monitor when needed.
Lots of Features!This Flat Panel LED TV is wall mountable. Not to worry, a stand is also included with the TV if you chose not to mount this on a wall. A Full functioning remote control is included in the box so you can enjoy your TV right out of the box. This TV includes an HDMI port as well as, VGA, YPbPr, PC Audio, AV Audio/Video, Coaxial Out, Headphone & RF connections...enough to connect this to any device!
Sleek LookingThis Proscan 32 inch LED TV with DVD Player features a super slim edge - it will look great in any room.
1 Year Manufacturers warranty.
TV/DVD Combo


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PRESS RELEASE: Announcing the KAOSSILATOR PRO - a powered-up version of the palm-sized KAOSSILATOR, reborn as a powerful track-making tool and loaded with live performance power.
As a trailblazer among the "instrumental gadgets" that allowed anyone to easily create melodies and phrases, the KAOSSILATOR gained a strong and dedicated user base, even among those without any performing experience. Today, the KAOSSILATOR continues to be enormously popular. Retaining these revolutionary features - while adding a wide variety of new ones as well - the KAOSSILATOR is now reborn as the new KAOSSILATOR PRO. With 200 sound programs, a new Electribe-inspired gate arpeggiator, and four loop recording banks that can even record external audio sources, the KAOSSILATOR PRO is packed with features that make it ideal for live performance. In addition, USB connectivity with your computer and SD card memory storage allow the KAOSSILATOR PRO to be used not just for improvised performances, but also as a superbly intuitive, track-making music production tool.
Intuitive X-Y touchpad lets you perform complex phrases with one finger
Using touchpad is highly intuitive - simply rub, stroke, or tap it to instantly create gestures that were difficult to produce on synthesizers of the past. Horizontal motions control the pitch, while the vertical axis can control tone parameters such as cutoff, feedback, or modulation depth. This makes it easy for anyone to create entirely original sounds and musical phrases.
Two hundred exciting sound programs covering synths, drums, and acoustic instruments
The Korg synthesizer technology acclaimed by top musicians around the world has been carefully distilled into the KAOSSILATOR PRO. The versatile array of pro-level sounds covers all styles of dance music including techno, house, breaks, hip hop, R&B, reggae, and electro. There are also numerous acoustic instruments such as piano, trumpet, and guitar, providing a further boost to your expressive resources. You can assign your favorite programs to the eight Program Memory buttons for instant recall, ensuring that your live performances will be smooth.
Extensively enhanced drum sounds
Rhythm can be the most important element when creating a phrase. In addition to the modeling synthesis borrowed from the original KAOSSILATOR, the KAOSSILATOR PRO provides a new PCM sound generator as well, allowing even more realistic drum sounds. There are twenty different one-shot sounds for kick, snare, and hi-hat etc., as well as twenty-five rhythm loop patterns that will be immediately useful in dance music styles.
Vocoder programs for creative audio effects
The KAOSSILATOR PRO features a mic input jack and fifteen types of vocoder programs, making it easy to achieve unique sound effects, create robot voices and unique more.
Thirty-one scales for musical expressiveness
The thirty-one types cover a range from chromatic scales to major, minor, blues and beyond. By specifying a scale and key, you can use a single finger to play perfect melodies and phrases that would be difficult to play even on a keyboard. There are also special scales such as Spanish, Ryukyu, and Raga, letting you play phrases that have a distinctive atmosphere. Another boost in expressive power is provided by the new Note Range function, which lets you specify the range of pitches available on the touchpad.
Gate Arpeggiator provides tightly sync'ed grooves
Inspired by the EMX-1 and ESX-1 Electribes, the new Gate Arpeggiator allows you to play a pattern of sounds that are always in sync with the tempo, generating phrases that defy imagination. The KAOSSILATOR PRO's slider can control the gate time or gate speed, allowing even more complex phrases to be produced. Tempos can be set manually, or on the fly using the Tap Tempo function.
Loop Recording with unlimited overdubbing
Loop Recording can be set for up to four measures /16 beats. Your KAOSSILATOR PRO musical performances can be recorded into one of the Loop Recorder Banks. By adding (overdubbing) additional sounds one at a time, you can create amazing loop phrases by repeating the cycle of selecting a sound, playing a phrase, and recording the sound over and over again.
Four Loop Recording Banks allow DJ-style performances
The KAOSSILATOR PRO provides four Loop Recording Banks. These banks can be combined for virtually infinite performance possibilities. Each of the four loop banks can be muted or un-muted, its volume adjusted, and its loop length changed, making live performance easy for anyone. An unneeded loop can be erased during playback, and a new one recorded, so there's no need to stop the performance.
Loop Recording using an external source
The KAOSSILATOR PRO provides line inputs and a mic input, allowing loop recording using an external audio source. This makes it easy to add a rap, vocal, or audio from an external device to any loop phrase created on the KAOSSILATOR PRO.
USB MIDI provides versatility and compatibility
The KAOSSILATOR PRO offers standard MIDI IN/OUT connectors. I addition, the USB connector lets you use your computer to back up the loop recording data, and use the KAOSSILATOR PRO to control your software applications or an external MIDI device. The KAOSSILATOR PRO can send or receive MIDI clock.
Convenient SD Card* data storage
The KAOSSILATOR PRO provides an SD card slot for storing loop data and user settings such as program memories. Favorite phrases can be saved to build up a collection of loop data that will inspire your musical arrangements. SD Card storage also allows you to create the same show with the same loops, night after night. You can also swap loops with other KAOSSILATOR PRO users, or use your data in multiple units.
* not compatible with SDHC cards and SDXC cards.
Dedicated Editor / Librarian Software
KAOSSILATOR PRO Editor is a dedicated software program for managing your recorded loop data, as well as MIDI assignment editor functionality that lets you transform the KAOSSILATOR PRO into a powerful MIDI controller that's set up just the way you want. KAOSSILATOR PRO Editor can be downloaded free of charge from the Korg website.
* Runs on Microsoft Windows XP (SP3 or later) / Vista (SP2 or later) / 7,
and on Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
PRICE: £355 SSP inc VAT (Tentative Price)
AVAILABLE: March 2010
Main features
- KAOSS X-Y touchpad offers intuitive, realtime control
- 200 sounds covering modern synth sounds such as lead and bass, and diverse acoustic sounds from piano to trumpet and beyond
- PCM samples provide dramatic one-shot drum hits and complex percussion patterns
- Vocoder programs deliver scintillating vocal effects
- Access up to eight of your favorite sounds instantly using the assignable Program Memory buttons
- Loop Recording can layer both internal Program sounds and external audio overdubs
- Four Loop Record Banks each allow up to four measures of loop recording, with easy muting that allows expressive realtime looping, layering and DJ-Style re-mixing - ideal for live performance.
- Gate Arpeggiator repeatedly triggers sounds in sync with the tempo. The slider controls either the gate time or gate speed.
- Choose a key and select one of 31 musical scales to easily create musical phrases. Limit the X-Y pad's note range for even more control
- Loop data, user settings and Program Memories can be stored on SD card
- Dedicated software lets you manage loop data, MIDI assignments, and user settings from your computer
- Performs double-duty as a MIDI controller for external equipment or software applications
For more information, visit http://www.korg.com
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SAN DIEGO – (June 12, 2013) — Seeking to improve the lives of sickle cell anemia sufferers around the world, researchers from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, the Dana- Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center in Boston and the BloodCenter of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and others are preparing to launch Phase II of a clinical trial to investigate a potential new therapy for reducing the disorder's severest symptoms. Sickle cell anemia is a serious, painful and chronic illness that impedes blood flow and can lead to early death. More than 100,000 Americans and several million people worldwide suffer from this genetic disorder.
The phase II trial, funded by a $10.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, is testing an already existing drug called Lexiscan™ (regadenoson – Astellas Pharma US, Inc.), which is used for diagnosing heart disease. Researchers are exploring whether the drug's anti-inflammatory effects will significantly reduce the pain and blood flow disturbances of sickle cell anemia. A Phase I safety study was completed earlier this year. Recruitment is now under way for the trial's second phase to be conducted at treatment centers in eight major U.S. cities: Boston, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Chapel Hill, and St. Louis.
"We are excited to begin the next phase of investigating Lexiscan's potential for reducing inflammation that contributes to the poor blood flow and serious complications of sickle cell disease," says La Jolla Institute scientist Joel Linden, Ph.D., a prominent researcher whose studies laid the groundwork for the trial. "Our phase I results were promising. Participants experienced no adverse reactions and our tests indicated that the drug significantly reduces inflammation. It is too early to tell whether this will translate into reduced pain and tissue damage. But we remain cautiously optimistic." The Phase I results were published as the cover article in the print edition of
the journal Blood on April 25th, 2013.
David G. Nathan, M.D., president emeritus of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who is the trial's co- lead investigator with Dr. Linden and Joshua Field, M.D., of the BloodCenter of Wisconsin, says he is excited by the prospect of reducing some of the worst symptoms of sickle cell disease, particularly periodic disease exacerbations that lead to severe pain or breathing problems, known as vaso- occlusive crises and acute chest syndrome, respectively. Patients typically do not live beyond their late 40s or early 50s, with pulmonary problems being the most common cause of death.
"Pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease can be fatal because blood flow problems restrict the amount of oxygen going to the lungs," says Dr. Nathan, former physician-in-chief at Boston Children's Hospital and one of the world's top sickle-cell experts. "We are hopeful that the drug will reduce pulmonary injury and extend the lives of sickle cell patients."
In sickle cell anemia, the oxygen-carrying red blood cells become stiff, sticky and misshapen or "sickled" in appearance. This leads to poor blood flow that deprives tissues of oxygen and causes symptoms such as severe pain, difficulty breathing and damage to multiple organs. An inherited disorder, sickle cell anemia occurs in individuals who inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene—one from each parent. It is most common in persons of African descent, but is also found in Hispanics of Caribbean ancestry, and people of Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, Latin American, Native American, and Mediterranean heritage.
"I treat patients with sickle cell anemia in my clinic every day," says Dr. Field. "It is a devastating disease and therapies for the two most common complications, pain and acute chest syndrome, are very limited. Lexiscan has the potential to help people with sickle cell anemia by decreasing the severity of these life-threatening problems."
The sickle cell trial grew out of research by Dr. Linden, who is a leading expert on adenosine receptors, which are known to act as a natural brake on inflammation. While Dr. Linden had previously explored adenosine's role in protecting tissues from damage due to low blood flow in single tissues such as in heart disease, he was struck one day with the idea that it might also protect people with sickle cell disease, who suffer tissue damage from poor blood flow to most tissues.
Dr. Linden began testing his theory in mouse models about four years ago and found that adenosine- like compounds significantly reduced the damaging effects of the disease. He was aware of an existing FDA approved adenosine-like drug, Lexiscan™ that had already been approved for another use. "This was good news since it meant that Lexiscan was known to be safe in humans and could probably gain rapid approval if proven effective in clinical trials as a treatment for sickle cell disease," he said.
Dr. Linden joined forces with Dr. Nathan, who participated in the development of the only existing FDA-approved drug for sickle cell treatment, hydroxyurea, and another clinical collaborator, Dr. Field, to seek NIH funding for the Lexiscan trial. They launched the trial's first phase in 2010 using patient volunteers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and Washington University in St. Louis.
In the trial, Dr. Nathan, Dr. Field and other clinicians collected blood from patients and sent it to Dr. Linden in La Jolla for analysis of white blood cell inflammation. Gene Lin, Ph.D., a scientist in Linden's lab, has been a significant contributor to the analysis effort. The same protocol will be used in the trial's second phase.
Lexiscan is approved as a pharmacologic stress agent used for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), a procedure that measures coronary blood flow to help in the diagnosis of heart disease. Lexiscan is used in patients too ill to undergo exercise stress testing using a treadmill. It is given in brief (10 seconds), intravenous doses.
In Phase I of the trial, a dose escalation safety study, participants received very low doses of Lexiscan administered by continuous intravenous infusion, over 12 or 24 hours, to suppress inflammation. Following this initial study of adults with sickle cell anemia not experiencing pain crises, Phase II of the trial will expand to include patients experiencing pain crises and acute chest syndrome, and children over 14. Dr. Linden adds that Phase II will be a placebo-controlled trial.
The Phase II trial is being funded primarily by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the NIH, under contract number: P50 HL110790.
About La Jolla Institute
Founded in 1988, La Jolla Institute for Immunology is a nonprofit, independent biomedical research institute focused on improving human health through increased understanding of the immune system. Its scientists carry out research seeking new knowledge leading to the prevention of disease through vaccines and the treatment and cure of infectious diseases, cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, Crohn's disease and asthma. La Jolla Institute's research staff includes more than 150 Ph.D.s and M.D.s. To learn more about the Institute's work, visit www.lji.org.


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The Semester Ticket as an E-Ticket
Copyright: © RWTH AachenBeginning winter semester 2017/2018 ASEAG will be issuing the Semester Ticket as an e-ticket in the form of a chip card. The e-ticket is valid beginning at the start of the coming semester. The Semester Ticket on the e-ticket remains valid for the following semesters, assuming you re-register per usual. The validity is automatically extended on the existing e-ticket.
Replacement of Old eTicket Chip Cards
ASEAG has informed RWTH that the eTicket chip cards on which the AVV semester ticket is stored will be replaced by default after five years. It is soon time for this replacement.
If any students at RWTH are using eTicket chip cards that are five years old, ASEAG will send new eTicket chip cards to all affected ticket holders in the next few weeks.
Please note that address changes can only be taken into account until November 6, 2023.
If students have only provided an address outside Germany (with the exception of addresses in the "Dreiländereck" area), the card will not be sent out and the ticket will remain at the ASEAG Customer Service Center (Schumacherstraße 14, 52062 Aachen) for collection.
Shipments will start in mid-November so that students' mobility is not affected.
Please note that you must use your old chip card through November 30. The new ticket will only be active and valid from December 1, 2023. After this point, you can dispose of your old chip card.
Simply cut up the card into the smallest pieces possible, make all legible personal details – such as your name and customer number – unrecognizable, and hand your card in at a collection point for electrical equipment (chip cards are considered electrical equipment by law). Alternatively, you can send your chip card to the ASEAG Customer Service Center. ASEAG will then take care of the disposal for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the E-Ticket
Below we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about the e-ticket:
General Information
What is an e-ticket?
An e-ticket is card with a chip on which the transit ticket is electronically written. The validity of an e-ticket can then be electronically controlled by a reading device.
Is the e-ticket replacing the present paper ticket?
Yes, the e-ticket is replacing the present paper ticket. Current paper tickets (FH Aachen) will lose their validity by January 8, 2018, when passengers' tickets are controlled upon entry.
Why is ASEAG introducing the e-ticket?
The goals of electronic fare management are:
- Eliminate access barriers to and simplify use of ÖPNV
- Use of only an e-ticket state wide and across the border (still being tested), on which multiple authorizations to ride can be saved.
- Use of other services such as car and bike sharing with the same e-ticket
- Increase in the efficiency of ticket sales and thus an increase in revenue
What are the advantages of the e-ticket?
The electronic chipcard is more practical for customers:
- The semester/NRW ticket remains valid during enrollment (assuming the student has re-enrolled on time).
- If the card is lost, it can be locked.
- The e-ticket can be used for other services such as car and bike sharing.
- In the future passengers will be able to use the e-ticket throughout NRW and across the border.
- Other ÖPNV tickets can be loaded on the card.
How do I recognize my e-ticket?
The customer ID, the holder's first and last name as well as the fare product name "Semesterticket NRW" are printed on the e-ticket. The card holder can have their e-ticket read in the ASEAG Customer Service Center.
What is the best way to store my e-ticket? (How to use/store the chipcard/protective case)
The chipcard is valid for 5 years starting the date of manufacture, requiring the holder to store the e-ticket with care. In practice it is extremely difficult to read the ticket information and thus highly unlikely. However, it is technically possible. For this reason the universities and AStA offer protective cases to protect the cards. Due to different production processes and resulting problems with the print layout, these protective cases should not be used for the BlueCard.
Receipt/Validity of the E-Ticket
Who will receive the semester ticket/NRW ticket as an e-ticket?
Enrolled students at RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen will receive the e-ticket.
How do I get the e-ticket?
The e-ticket will be mailed to all enrolled students' private address.
When can I start to use the e-ticket?
The e-ticket is valid starting at the beginning of the semester or the date of receipt in the event that you re-enrolled at a later date.
How long is my e-ticket valid?
The e-ticket is valid for 5 years beginning the date of manufacture. The e-ticket expiration date is on the front under the AVV logo on the right in the MM/YY format (example: 05/22). You will receive a new e-ticket after 5 years. The validity of the public transit ticket on the e-ticket is dependent on the holder's enrollment status at the university.
If the ticket holder terminates their studies during the semester, the pubic transit ticket will cease to be valid starting the date of exmatriculation.
Do I need to apply for the e-ticket every semester?
No, the Semester Ticket on the e-ticket remains valid as long as you re-enroll.
Is the e-ticket valid during a semester of leave?
Yes, you can use the ticket when you take a semester of leave. In some cases, you can request an exemption from the Semester Ticket during the semester of leave via the AStA Students' Union. You can find more information about this on the RWTH Aachen AStA's website.
When do I receive my e-ticket?
The e-ticket will be mailed to you no earlier than 14 days before the semester begins. If you do not re-enroll on time, the tickets will be processed with a maximum of 5 business days once ASEAG has received the data. If you enroll during the semester, you will receive your e-ticket 5 business days after paying the complete semester fee.
I didn't receive an e-ticket. Whom do I contact?
If you did not receive a Semester Ticket, first check your CAMPUSoffice account to make sure you have re-enrolled for the coming semester.
If your re-enrollment has not yet been recorded but you are certain that you have already paid for re-enrollment (in which case, please be aware that it can take up to 4 days for the re-enrollment to be visible in the system), and your account doesn't contain information about being prohibited from re-enrolling or any other information, please contact your respective contact person in the Registrar's Office.
If your re-enrollment for the coming semester is recorded in CAMPUSoffice and you still have not received your e-ticket, please contact the ASEAG Customer Service Center by calling 0241/1688 3040 or by going in person to Schumacherstraße 14, 52062 Aachen to make a complaint about the missing ticket. ASEAG will review whether the ticket was returned due to possible delivery problems.
If you are unable to pick up your ticket in person due to conflicts with your course schedule, you can request to have the ticket sent to you again. To make this request, please call or email the Customer Service Center.
The ASEAG Customer Service Center is open:
- Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6pm
- Saturday from 8:30am to 2pm
On the go with the e-ticket
Where is the semester ticket on the e-ticket valid?
The NRW Semester Ticket is valid throughout NRW on all buses, trams, light-rails, subways, commuter trains, the RegionalBahn, and RegionalExpress (Straßen-, Stadt-, U-Bahn and S-Bahn). Additionally, the ticket is valid on some AVV bus lines crossing the border, e.g. to Kerkrade (line 34) or Vaals (lines 25 and 33).
Is there a ticket inspection?
This e-ticket serves as your transit pass. Please always carry the e-ticket with you when using the buses or trains in the Aachener Verkehrsverbund. Be aware that the e-ticket is only valid as a transit pass, including during inspections, together with an official photo ID.
ASEAG will install new control devices, so called validators, in its entire fleet by December 10, 2107, when its schedule changes. These devices will be located at the second door of every ASEAG bus and its contracting firms (Quick check in).
Starting January 8, 2018, self-checks will take effect. This means that if you enter the bus through the first door you must show your e-ticket to the driver and if you enter through the second door you must hold up your e-ticket to the control device every time you board. If a green symbol appears, your transit pass is valid and you can continue on your journey. If a red symbol appears, the transit pass is invalid or the e-ticket is damaged. In this case, please pay attention to the information on the bus, contact the ASEAG Customer Service Center, or call the service number 0241-1688 3040. If you still want to begin or continue your journey, you must purchase a new ticket from the driver.
What do I do if the machine won't read my e-ticket?
You don't need to do anything as the e-ticket is already a valid ticket as long as the tickets saved to the e-ticket are valid. You don't need any further proof.
What happens if I lose my e-ticket or it is damaged?
If your e-ticket is lost or stolen, please immediately contact the ASEAG Customer Service Center. The e-ticket can be quickly locked. You can get a replacement card for 15 euros. If your ticket is intentionally damaged, you must also pay a 15-euro processing fee to be issued a second one. If the ticket is defective, you will receive a new card free of charge. If you need a second replacement ticket within a contract year due to loss/theft, you are required to pay a 15-euro fee for losing the ticket and a 10-euro processing fee.
What do I do with the e-ticket when my NRW semester ticket expires?
Please return the e-ticket to the Registrar's Office or the ASEAG Customer Service Center, Schumacherstraße 14 in Aachen, when you terminate your enrollment.
What is the expiration date printed on the e-ticket?
The expiration date is independent from the validity of your NRW Semester Ticket and is solely to designate the validity of your e-ticket. If your Semester Ticket is still valid, we will contact you shortly before your e-ticket expires and you will receive a new e-ticket free of charge.
How do I get a connection transit ticket?
Connection tickets for zones beyond the area of validity, such as the Anschluss-Ticket AVV, Einfach-Weiter-Ticket NRW, and others, can continue to be purchased as paper tickets or Handy-Tickets.
Am I allowed to take anyone with me using the Semester Ticket?
The Semester Ticket is not transferable and does not allow you to bring another passenger or bicycle free of charge (Exception: children ride for free pursuant to the fare regulations of the transportation associations).
You need an additional ticket from the transportation association to bring your bike on the public transit. Some transportation associations have blocks of time, where passengers are not allowed to bring bicycles. You may only take your bike on AVV transit, when the bus driver consents.
Data Changes
The name on my e-ticket is incorrect – what do I do?
Please first contact the Registrar's Office.
My name has changed, making the name on my e-ticket incorrect – what do I do?
Please first contact the Registrar's Office.
The wrong birth date and/or gender is printed on the card – what do I do?
Please first contact the Registrar's Office.
My address has changed. What do I do?
Please first contact the Registrar's Office.
Data Protection
What data does the transportation company save on the e-ticket?
In accordance with the guidelines determined by the VDV-KA standard the ticket holder's first name, last name, date of birth, gender, the validity of the contract, any periods of temporary suspension such as a semester of leave or similar, and ASEAG customer ID are saved on the e-ticket. Additionally, your fare product including price and area of validity are electronically recorded.
Who can access my data?
The contracting transportation company ASEAG can access the data when drawing up the contract and billing for the Semester Ticket. Additionally, every transportation company connected to the VDA-KA can check the e-ticket and read the first and last name, date of birth, and gender to review the transit pass.
How are my data protected?
Data protection is extremely important to ASEAG when using personal data. ASEAG exclusively uses the transmitted data to issue, bill for, and process the e-ticket. The data are not used beyond this purpose. ASEAG is committed to Section 6 of the NRW Data Protection Act (DSG NRW) and Section 5 of the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG)
How can I protect or lock my e-ticket from being misused if I lose it?
In the event of loss, please immediately contact the responsible contracting transit company (ASEAG). You may do this via email, phone, or in person at the customer service center. You will receive a new e-ticket at the ASEAG Customer Service Center and your lost ticket will be blocked.
Assistance and Contact
Who can help me with (further) questions about the e-ticket?
Please directly contact the ASEAG Customer Service Center or contact ASEAG via email or phone: 0241 1688 3040.
The ASEAG Customer Service Center is open:
- Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6pm
- Samstag from 8.30am to 2pm
NRW Semester Ticket Update
(pdf: 730 kb)
Only applicable to cardholders who were sent an email.


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text:
It's a subject we volleyed on Wednesday's edition of the Around The League Podcast.
The Seahawks have lost a handful of key contributors from last year's Super Bowl squad. The 49ers will have questions about All-Pro linebackers Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman entering this season.
The potential changing of guard in the NFC Championship Game, though, is more about the improvements in New Orleans and Green Bay.
Drew Brees was downright gushing Wednesday over the possibilities for first-round draft pick Brandin Cooks to replace Darren Sproles as a mismatch in the Saints' offense. Throwing in a bigger role for promising deep threat Kenny Stills and a breakout campaign for Khiry Robinson, and an offense that had grown stale down the stretch suddenly has a high-octane infusion of playmaking ability.
That's without even factoring in the additions of future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey and three-time Pro Bowl selection Jairus Byrd to a revamped secondary.
'ATL Podcast'
The Around The League team hits all the NFL's hottest topics in its award-winning podcast. Join the conversation. **Listen**
There were points last season that led coach Mike McCarthy to believe his Aaron Rodgers-Eddie Lacy pick-your-poison offense would be the best he's ever steered.
Now he has a defensefilledwith "Making the Leap" candidates, more key starters returning from injury than any unit in football, a potentialHall of Famer in Julius Peppers and an impact safety in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Parity in the NFL is on hiatus. While the Broncos and Patriotsrule the roost in the AFC, there are four Matterhorns towering above the NFC dominion.
Here's the rest of the news from around the league during Wednesday's mandatory minicamps:
- According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, a settlement remains unlikely in Jimmy Graham's franchise-tag grievance against the Saints. Graham didn't do himself any favors in listing himself as a tight end in his Twitter byline.
- Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is prescribing 70 to 75 percent of the first-team reps for Geno Smith during training camp. Michael Vick is taking his mentor/backup role as well as you might expect.
- Recently released cornerback Brandon Flowers is visiting the Chargers, per Rapoport. It's a good fit, as the Bolts struggled to find quality cornerback play in 2013. The Patriots, Falcons, Ravens, Steelers and Vikings are reportedly among the teams also interested in Flowers.
- Former Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma is working out for the Falcons, who recently placed linebacker Sean Weatherspoon on injured reserve. We remain skeptical that Vilma's surgically repaired knees will allow him to play a high level.
- As it turns out, rookie Tre Mason was not telling tales out of school when he said he was competing withZac Stacy for the Rams' starting running-back job. Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Wednesday that Stacy will have to hold off competition to keep the lead-back role.
- In other running-back news, Lamar Miller continues to make Knowshon Morenolook like persona non grata in Miami's backfield.
- Is converted defensive end Nate Chandler edging past Byron Bell in the battle to protect Cam Newton's blindside? The Panthersrewarded Chandler with a three-year extension on Wednesday.
- Big-ticket free-agent signee Jason Hatcher will need to undergo arthroscopic left knee surgery this week. The Redskins' new defensive end is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks, which puts him on the questionable side for training camp.
- What is it with Packers players and career-threatening neck injuries? The team is reportedly worried that second-year running back Johnathan Franklin's late-season neck injury might threaten his career. The Packers have seen the careers of All-Pros Sterling Sharpe and Nick Collins end early due to neck issues. Jermichael Finley's status remains up in the air.
- Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. He expects to be ready for training camp, but stands to lose playing time to offseason acquisitions Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner.
- Julio Jones announced that he is "back to the old Julio" -- and still "the best receiver in the league" -- following last October's foot surgery.
- Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle encapsulates the NFL's offseason news cycle. NJ.com noted Wednesday morning that Randle continues to shine in June practices. Hours later, Randle revealed that the coaching staff believes he's carrying too much weight. As always, we will have a better read on the situation in August.
- Trope alert: Rams coordinator Brian Schottenheimer deemed 2012 draft bust Brian Quick the most improved player he's seen this offseason. This comes less than two weeks after trope veteran Kenny Britt was widely hailed as the most impressive player on the field.
- Redskins tight end Jordan Reed had another one of several "eye-opening" practices this offseason. His role is not expected to be diminished in the shift to Jay Gruden's new offense.
- Remember those concerns about Matt Barkley's arm strength?
- The Jets finally released ostracized running backMike Goodson, who was never going to be higher than fifth on the depth chart behind Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Daryl Richardson.
- Congrats to NFL Media analyst Kurt Warner, who will be inducted into the Cardinals' Ring of Honor at halftime of Arizona's regular-season opener. The author of one of the NFL's most extraordinary careers, Warner still holds the three highest single-game passing marks in Super Bowl history.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the heroes discuss which teams "realistically" have no shot at winning the Super Bowl this season.


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Handcrafted reusable tote bag made with Mexican Sarape, mesh material, polyester straps and cotton fabric. Bag has outside and inside pocket.
Detachable Pom Pom tassel (made in Mexico) included.
Size: Height 13", Width 19", Depth 6", Handles 22"
These bags are so versatile. Aside from a staple piece for any outfit, they are sturdy and can be used to carry so many things. This reusable tote bag can also be a market bag, beach bag, gym bag, baby bag, book bag, and so much more.
Each bag is truly a unique piece!
All sales are final. Listing is for mesh bag only. Zipper pouch sold separately.
Ships only to US.