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I bet in your everyday life you don't often see angels -- but I have my own personal one.
This is my own angel -- my oldest son. He has Angelman Syndrome , always has and always will.
You've probably never heard of Angelman Syndrome before. I hadn't either until he was born 20 years ago. No, I take that back. I had never heard of it until he was diagnosed at the age of 5. I've lost count of the number of Doctors whom we have educated about it. Still, all these years later, we do the basic Angelman 101 when we come across someone new either at school, Doctors office, or out in the community. It's understandable, really. You see, my son is part of the first wave, if you will, of children diagnosed with AS. Only one year after he was born was the first official diagnosis made, and they trickled in after that. His is the generation that information and statistics are being gathered upon in order to better serve and inform the parents of children being born and diagnosed today. So, I guess we're breaking ground. Just the kind of job my angel is up for!
What is Angelman Syndrome, anyway? Technically, it is a deletion on a specific part of the 15th chromosome which causes an overall neural/developmental delay. Practically, it means that my son is a nearly 6 foot tall toddler. Seriously. He still thinks he can sit on my lap and he gives the best hug you've ever had in your life! He loves water, has no speech at all, is a couch-potato and a social butterfly. He's always in a good mood, except when mealtime is late.
It has certainly been a roller coaster ride these past 20 years, and it isn't over yet. Each stage has had it's challenge. When he learned to walk at five years - that was Wonderful!! He started school at 7, after little brother was born. Being naturally a great big people person, that was like a party for him. Getting older caused changes, as did another little brother followed by a little sister. We've gone through a few moves, puberty is past, and we had to deal with the heart-wrenching decision to place him in a care home when he became bigger and stronger than I am. But even then the LORD was faithful and gave me all that I asked for before I could consider making the placement. Our latest ride involves seeking Conservatorship over him. Not easy but not too difficult either. Just be sure you can write checks . . . . Lots of them.
I have a friend whose son is just a few months older than mine. Her son went through what is thought of as the typical rebellion and got into some trouble now and then because of it. She tells me often that I am lucky because my angel will never break my heart. Well, maybe not in that way, but there have been a few times when I thought my heart was broken regarding this sweet one who just goes through life with a smile on his face looking for his next hug. Doesn't a broken heart come with the job title of "Parent," at least every once in awhile?
When he was a toddler, we were part of a group that met once a week. The children, all developmentally delayed, would be in a little class like a therapy session - exposing them to all kinds of sensory experiences - and the moms would meet to share their angst on having a child who is delayed. Let me be right up front and tell you how much I hated those meetings (with the other moms) and felt even more of an outsider, which was strange because the whole point of the time together was to make us feel like we weren't alone and that there were others struggling, too.
Why did I dislike it so? Because essentially the whole time was spent lamenting the fact that they didn't have a normal child, how life was going to be different now than what they had planned, and how they hated the Down's or whatever Syndrome that had done this to their child. I absolutely could not relate to that. Call it bliss, call it delusion, call it faith in the absolute sovereignty of God, or whatever you will. From the second he was born, before we knew there was anything different about him, till today, my love and feelings for my son have been just the same. How could I hate this Syndrome for making my son this way when I felt there was nothing wrong with the way he was? He was happy and easy-going and a joy to be around. And he would stay that way his entire life. How can I be upset at that? Needless to say, it was a relief of sorts when he grew out of that particular program.
Just what is there to love about my angel? Well, I love the way he can sit / lay on the couch with me for hours and just snuggle. I love it when he is watching one of HIS movies and he just laughs and laughs and laughs! I love how he gets the picture frame with he and Dad on vacation years ago and will look at it and "kiss it". I love how his face lights up when he sees me. I even love how he can be so focused on an object, usually food, that he will avoid making eye contact with me. I love the way he plays with his brothers and the way they play with him. I love that he is the champion seeker in hide and seek. I love the way his little sister, half his size, can get him to sit down and stay there! I love how he is soooooo serious and focused -- and when you give him what he wants it's like you tickled him, he is so pleased. I love how he can sit in the tub for- just about -ever and splash and play as long as the shower head is dripping some water. I love how he never meets a stranger. I love the fact that, in his own silent way, he can get what he wants - like refusing to eat the hamburger and fries until he is given some of the milkshake first! (And the little light in his eyes when he knows he has won!) I love that when he has finished his food, he will stare and stare at mine until I give in and share. (it's a mother thing ;-) I love how he thinks he's so sly -- keeping eye contact with you and thinking that you can't see his hand reaching out like an elephant's trunk to grab some of your food! I love the fact that even though I may be done having babies, in a way, this angel will always be my baby. I love the thought in my head of a time years ahead of where we are now, when the other children are grown and gone with families of their own, and husband is retired, and it will once again be just the three of us like it was so many years ago. I love how just the thought of him puts a smile on my face.
My angel will turn 21 this year, which will mean that I've been a Mom longer than I've not been a Mom. Does that make sense? But with rewards like this . . . . . . . .
. . . . . who's keeping track?


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London, UK: The cutting edge contemporary furniture designer and manufacturer, AND Furniture has announced that it will exhibit at September's 100% Design exhibition in the exciting emerging brands category. A platform for the most inspirational new names in the design sector, emerging brands is the go-to pavilion for architects and industry professionals. As one of … Continue reading
people | o'hare & d'jafer
Flamboyant design duo Mevlit D'Jafer & Stephen O'Hare established their award winning company in 1999. We had the good fortune to meet them in London recently and find out more about just what makes them tick and what tickles their fancy. What is your favorite product at the moment & why? We are really pleased … Continue reading

subset: commoncrawl


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After a lot of ups and down (and server crashes), Pokemon GO was finally released in Japan yesterday. Along with its release came a flood of pictures from people all over Japan showing their prized catches.
A fair amount of those people are some of your favorite visual kei bandmen! We combed Twitter a bit to find who's catching what. Here are some Pokemon trainers we've found so far.
raL of MeteoroiD shows off his catch.
"Morning. I found a Bulbasaur in my neighborhood! I want a Pikachu!"
Vetchie from Misaruka beat raL to the punch, though.
"I got a Pikachu!!!!!"
Nagisa from Schwarz Kain, who we recently introduced, is succeeding as well.
"I caught a Dratini!"
Miku of An Cafe openly declares his Team Valor status.
ZERO (ex. D'espairsRay) catches an interesting looking Pikachu…
"I started playing Pokemon GO! I got a Pikachu!"
Itsuki of THE BLACK SWAN laments the endless stream of Doduo in the area.
"There are so many Doduo that I'm starting to laugh and think, 'Not another Doduo…' every time I see one…"
Hiro of NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST started playing on their Europe tour. He seems to be having just as much fun naming his Pokemon as he is catching them.
"Fly! Masa!"
Black Gene For the Next Scene's Ice is no exception to the Pokemon GO bandwagon, but he also warns people to be safe while playing!
"Everyone's playing Pokemon GO. Everyone who isn't playing it is saying, "Wow, everyone's playing Pokemon GO!" It's an odd scene. Of course, I'm playing too. I'm also playing Pokemon Tournament. Everyone, make sure you don't cause any accidents!"
Meanwhile, Rame is on the fence about playing. Perhaps you can convince him?
"I don't really understand Pokemon, but I wonder if I should jump on the bandwagon and start playing GO, haha."
Have you noticed any other bandmen playing Pokemon GO? Send us a picture or leave us a comment! (Also send us some of your best visual kei-inspired Pokemon names, if you have any!)
Source: Twitter (links above)
Tags: Black Gene For the Next Scene, D'espairsRay, METEOROID, Misaruka, NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST, Schwarz Kain, THE BLACK SWAN


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Our Ministries
At First Baptist Church Woodruff, we have a ministry group for all ages.
Christian Education: Sunday School for all ages, a Ladies Bible Study Group, and Bible Study on Wednesday evenings.
Mission Organizations: We offer Mission Friends for preschool children, GA's and RA's for girls and boys in elementary grades, Acteens for student girls, and Challengers for student boys.
Youth Ministry: Our youth gather each week on Wednesday evenings for Youth Lighthouse. Please contact Bryan Thompson, our Associate Pastor for Youth, for information.
Music Ministry: Our Music Ministry offers opportunities for service through our preschool and children's choirs, handbell choir, and Sanctuary Choir. Please contact John Carroll, our Minister of Music for information.
Senior Adults: Our Senior Adults meet together for Golden Age Fellowship.


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I wanted to make a sort of 'heavy infantry walker' type unit that should be able to deal with large riots. I based the design around Totoro, from My Nieghbor Totoro (see that movie its great).
I felt that the rabbits also needed a presence when it came to law enforcement. To make up for all thier physical short comings the rabbits use cyborgnetic augmentations to enhance combat abbilities. Each agent is named after thier specific augmentation. The plan is that there will be a trio; Mrs. Gun, Mr. Fist, and the leader Mr. Eyes.
As an added bonus you get uncle Jimmy (Yeh). This has nothing to do with Necrosis. Enjoy!


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As oil prices have plunged, US gas demand has soared, something that seemed unlikely just a few years ago.
According to Morgan Downey, CEO of Money.net, "A few years ago people were saying that US oil demand had peaked and would never recover — some called it 'peak demand.'"
In an email to Business Insider, Downey said the recent surge in demand is unusual because oil has a low price elasticity of demand, meaning demand is not very sensitive to changes in price.
"Now with gasoline at almost $2/gallon on average nationwide, US gasoline demand has not only recovered, but is at all-time seasonal highs and likely to be at a record high throughout 2015," he wrote.
"This 2014 demand rally is a little unexpected and shows that oil consumer behavior changes during 2008-2013 were temporary and not permanent like many claimed they would be."
Here is Downey's chart showing gas demand in 2014 compared to its 10-year range.
NOW WATCH: Here's One Of The Easiest Bourbon Cocktails You Can Make At Home
Get the latest Oil WTI price here.


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The JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show Returns to the Burt!
It's back!
We're happy to announce the return of the JP HOE HOE HOE HOLIDAY SHOWDecember 20 at the Burton Cummings Theatre, presented by The Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Time to celebrate. Time to sing loudly. Time to give back.
We've also partnered up with Sobeys, 103.1 Virgin Radio, 99.9 Bob FM, TSN 1290 and True North Entertainment so that we can donate a portion of the proceeds to the Christmas Cheer Board! We couldn't be more excited to help others during the festive season.
With friends to fill the stage, special guests popping in and out, and music that'll stick to your ribs, it's going to be another amazing night.
Saturday, December 20
Burton Cummings Theatre
Doors at 7:00, show at 8:00 PM
Click here for tickets! $29.50 plus fees in advance for adults, and $19.50 for children 13 and under.
Time to call your friends and family and help keep this tradition going strong Winnipeg. Thanks for treating me so well over the years.
Pass it on!


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Tag Archives: died
Prodigy of Mobb Deep Dead at 42
Prodigy, of iconic rap group Mobb Deep, has died, sources say. He was in Las Vegas at the time of his death. The exact cause of death is unknown, but Prodigy had battled with sickle cell anemia for years. Prodigy … Continue reading
Posted in B-boy Fidget, Mcing, Music, Videos Tagged 42, Art Of Rap, B-boy Fidget, battle, bboy, Bboys, clothing, dead, died, F-Rock, F-Rock Boyz, F-Rock Clothing, F-RockBoyz, Fashion, Fidget, Fraggle Rock, fraggle rock crew, HipHop, Las Vegas, mobb deep, New York, prodigy, rap, raplife, tour Leave a comment


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Parga Beaches
Sarakiniko situated 19 kms from Parga, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area and offers a peaceful and relaxing place to spend a holiday. The sandy and shingle beach, washed by the crystal clear water of the Ionian sea, has a backdrop of ancient olive groves sloping down to this beautiful bay, providing a unique setting for a family or romantic holiday. Swimming, pedaloes, canoes, fishing, diving and snorkeling are just some of the opportunities for recreation on this lesser known beach of Parga.
Kryoneri beach, is situated in the town of Parga and is its central beach. Kryoneri is a small, clean, half sandy and half pebbly beach with deep water. This beach hugs tightly the main street of the town where there is a brilliant selection of shops, such as cafes, restaurants, bars, gift shops, jewellery shops and gives visitors the impression, that Parga is more like an island than a seaside resort.
Piso Kryoneri beach ,is a small pebbly beach with deep water .This beach is situated in the town of Parga, after Kryoneri beach, within few minutes walk distance of the centre of Parga. It is well protected behind a hill which is known as Saint Athanasios hill, because of a little church at the top of the hill, which is devoted to Saint Athanasios.It is well sheltered from the weather. Visit the beach to enjoy swimming.
Valtos Beach. This picturesque beach is the diamond of Parga and locals are really proud of its natural beauty and majestic view. It is true that its spectacular scenery has been a rich source of inspiration for painters and photographers. Also it is widely admitted that Valtos beach is among the most famous beaches in the whole Greece for its silken, sand and crystal clear water .This sandy and pebbly beach with deep water is located behind the Venetian Castle of Parga and is within fifteen minutes walking distance of the town of Parga.
Lichnos beach is one among the most beautiful beaches of Parga which is conveniently located in a pretty and of natural beauty bay, just 4 kilometers distance of the town of Parga. Even though Lichnos beach is well hidden in the warm hug of a green bay visitors can easily find it on their left side while they are traveling towards Parga.


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I can not connect to SMTP servers using SSL.
I'm not able to connect to SMTP servers using SSL. The same application that have local, cloud server did not work (can not find the destination server 'smtp'). A command to test I found is: "openssl s_client-connect smtp.gmail.com: 465-crlf-ign_eof" But the answer I get is: "socket: Network is unreachable connect: errno = 101" I tried the servers: smtp.gmail.com and smtp.zoho.com, and no connects. What can I do to solve this problem? Sorry my english, I'm using google translator. Thank you!


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Curried Pumpkin Hummus
Curried Pumpkin Hummus Ingredients
1-15 oz. can of organic chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry (BPA-free)
1-15 oz. can of organic pumpkin puree (BPA-free)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp. coconut nectar
1 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Himalayan pink salt to taste
Vegetables for dipping
Pumpkin Seeds for garnish (optional)
Curried Pumpkin Hummus Directions
1) Add chickpeas, pumpkin puree, coconut nectar, curry powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to a food processor and process until smooth.
2) Leaving food processor on, slowly drizzle olive oil into hummus until fully incorporated.
3) Adjust salt to taste.
4) Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, if desired.
5) Serve with your favorite vegetables and enjoy!


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General Situation: Ambergris Caye: Conditions this morning by Elbert just before or after this post!
Belize NMS:
High pressure ridge maintains cool and mostly dry weather.
Advisories: None.
24-hour forecast:
Variably cloudy and cool weather. Periods of rain will occur over the sea and the extreme southern coast.
North - northeast 10-20 knots.
Marine Forecast:
Winds: N/NE 10-20 kts.; seas: Choppy - moderate.; waves: 3-5 ft.; a few showers and periods of light rain(mainly south).
Winds: N/NE 10-20 kts.; seas: Choppy - moderate,; waves: 3-5 ft.; a few showers and periods of light rain.
Marine Outlook:
Tuesday night:- winds northeast 10-20 kts.; seas: Choppy - moderate.; waves: 3-5 ft.; some periods of rain and a few showers.
Sea Surface Temp (°F): 85
General Outlook:
Through to Wednesday morning: Cloudy spells with a few showers or periods of rain across the country.
Tropical Weather Outlook:
Tropical cyclone formation is not expected in the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico during the next 48 hours.
Click for our daily Tropical Weather Report
From Belmopan...
The weather is certainly dipping towards the Winter now.. . . .There is usual no single indicator, but an overall general lowering of temperature trends.
The dotted lines show the 12 year long term average temperatures, the thin red and blue lines show the actual maximum and minimum daily temperatures. . . .And the heavy red and blue lines show the 31 day smoothed average temperatures. . . .The last 15 days can't show this yet.. . . .The Green line is only the Median between these max and min temperatures, it actually has little significance, it will not represent the actual days Average temperature, but it is used by many authorities when quoting temperatures.
Click for larger version
The Rainfall graph is more complex. . ..The blue line and dotted blue lines actually mean nothing, they just join the monthly triangles. . . . .The white triangles show the long term typical Monthly average rainfall. . .. .The filled in blue triangles show the actual Monthly rainfall for 2014.
Then there is the light blue line, which fairly closely represents the Water in the ground near the surface, that grass and other small plants can get. . .. The light green line represents the Water deeper in the ground that larger plants and trees can access. . . . .The dark Blue vertical lines are the real Daily Rainfall as measured in North Belmopan, which are usually very erratic, the scale is shown in mm/day on the Left and in/day on the Right. . . . . Those other 4 lines are actually drawn at 1/5 scale, since they are Monthly figures, to be able to show them on the same graph. . . . . .This year, we had a unusually very long dry season, absolutely no rain in April at all, very unusual. . . . Then we had very significant rain early in May, also very unusual.. .. .But then again, some years there is no clear dry season and some years, no clear distinct wet season. . .The highest single days rain I and other have recorded in Belmopan was 156 mm ( >6" ) in just one day, not seen in over 10 years.
From Belmopan... 08:30 BZT
High cloud still around in many areas and will be continuing for the next few days. . . . .The cold front is well south of Belize and cool air streaming in from the NE, where cold air is still steaming of the US to west of Florida.
So I am expecting areas of patchy high cloud and good sun between them, for most of the day, not expecting rain today as there do not appear to be conflicting clouds around today.
From Belmopan... 20:30 BZT
Looks to me as if the warmer Caribbean air is starting to push back the Cool air we are presently in.. . .This may well cause some rain tonight and possibly tomorrow morning. . . .There is not a lot of wet air out there, but when ever warm and cold air meets, there is the chance of rain.. . .As you may well have seen, the cloud cover has been getting thicker.


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Cars are boarding the Lötschberg car train in Kandersteg, to make their way across the Alps to Goppenstein in the Valais.
If pass roads are closed, or if you simply prefer not to drive on passes, car trains are a great way to get the car and passengers to the other side of the mountain. You drive your car on the train and either stay seated or sit in a passengers coach (it varies per route). Some car trains have to be booked in advance. Others work like toll tunnels: you simply show up, pay, and drive on to the train.
Discounts on cable cars, cogwheel trains and more with the Swiss Half Fare Card
The 5 easy things you can do to reduce global warming


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Why is it that when we're told to do something that will be beneficial to us, and accept it to be true, that oftentimes we choose to avoid it? The voice that only we can hear tells us that we'll start… someday. We're told that by eating lighter portions of our favorite foods and exercising on a regular basis that we'll lose weight, build stronger muscles and live longer. Countless books are written stating that our financial freedom depends on spending less and saving more. So, I'm wondering, why are we not following the advice of others and eating healthier, exercising more or saving money? The answer is simple: Being comfortable in our current lifestyle, and changing the aforementioned habits at a root level means changing our comfort zones and most of us are not ready to do just that.
Why not?
Uncertainty. Every day we face uncertainty, uncertainty to move forward because some level of fear of the unknown inhibits us from seeing the bigger picture. We need to constantly remind ourselves that where we want to be and who we want to become is going to be our reality, so long as we work at making it so. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely hard work and requires a considerable amount of self-discipline but, isn't that what's great about creating your own self-fulfilling prophecy and doing the things you really want to do? Ruben Gonzalez, author of The Courage To Succeed, wrote "every success you've ever had or will ever have is the product of your courage to act and the courage to endure."
Do you want to watch life go by sitting on the sidelines? I don't! I wasn't raised to believe that something is too good for me-with that mentality I'll always find ways not to do my best or quit. I was raised to reach for the stars, and I know I'll attain them. Like I said, it's tough at times but I imagine what I want and I try to create the lifestyle that looks just like what I've imagined; even when it rides up against my current comfort zone. There are things that I want to accomplish and I have already made up my mind that I'm not settling for less. Why would you? I want to stay healthy and eat better (a constant challenge) so I get out of bed, caffeine deprived, and drive my sleepy self to the gym. Not everyday, but I know my ultimate goal and I do what it takes to get it done.
I wish you the greatest success and hope you look at life in a way that constantly challenges your comfort zone so you can achieve the greatness that life can provide.


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Another artist I know absolutely nothing about. The album has a bunch of great musicians on it, though: the ebullient Mambo on drums, the ever-reliable Eddy Pollo on tenor guitar, the modest Eugene Ndema on rhythm, the aptly-named Soul on bass, the whiz kid Nkono Teles on keys and the underrated Eric Kol on background vocals... all pulled together by master producer Odion Iruoje.
Not too sure what "Burden Star" means, either; I thought it was "budding star." Oh well... Either way, it's a pretty cool track, I think.
Mikebbi - "Burden Star"
(Just in case it isn't completely obvious by now: Yes, I am kinda stalling to avoid having to write, y'know, actual posts and stuff.)


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Alan Bergman
Top SongsSee All
The Way We WereAlan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman & Ernesto Cortazar 2010
How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (feat. Alan Bergman)The Tierney Sutton Band 2019
The Windmills of Your MindJazz Singer Masters 2007
The Windmills of Your MindMellow Jazz Essentials 2007
The Summer KnowsRomantic Jazz 2007
How Do You Keep the Music Playing? (feat. Alan Bergman)The Tierney Sutton Band 2019
Singles & EPsSee All
BooksSee All
About Alan Bergman
Alan Bergman teamed with wife Marilyn to forge one of the premier lyric-writing teams in contemporary film music, authoring a series of hit themes for movies including In the Heat of the Night, The Thomas Crown Affair, and The Way We Were. Bergman was born September 11, 1925, in Brooklyn, NY, and began his career during the early '50s as a director of children's television programming.
In 1958, he married Marilyn and three years later the couple earned their first big-screen credit for their work on The Right Approach. 1967's In the Heat of Night was the Bergmans' breakthrough; composed with Quincy Jones, the picture's familiar title theme was sung by the inimitable Ray Charles. The following year, the couple teamed with composer Michel Legrand for The Thomas Crown Affair, notching an international smash with Noel Harrison's rendition of the film's "The Windmills of Your Mind," and the Bergmans subsequently enjoyed a lengthy collaboration with Legrand that yielded such familiar favorites as "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" and "How Do You Keep the Music Playing." Arguably their best-known effort was the title theme to the 1973 melodrama The Way We Were, written with Marvin Hamlisch. The song, a number one pop hit for the movie's star, Barbra Streisand, also earned an Academy Award. After notching Emmys for their work on the television projects Queen of the Stardust Ballroom and Sybil, the Bergmans reunited with Hamlisch for 1978's Oscar-nominated "The Last Time I Felt Like This," from Same Time, Next Year. With Dave Grusin, the couple also penned the Tootsie theme "It Might Be You," a Top Ten hit for Stephen Bishop in 1982. A year later they earned an Oscar for Best Original Score for their work on Streisand's Yentl, and the Bergmans also earned two Academy Award nominations, for their contributions to 1989's Shirley Valentine and 1995's Sabrina. Bergman took a tentative vocal on his own "It Might Be You" for Diane Schuur's 2000 album Friends for Schuur, and released his own vocal full-length, Lyrically, Alan Bergman, in 2007. ~ Jason Ankeny
- Brooklyn, NY
- Jazz
- Sep 11, 1925


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Dual weapons are a class of dual-wielded weapons in Infinity Blade II and Infinity Blade III. They attack quickly, but generally deal less damage than light and heavy weapons. Any light weapon combo can be used with dual weapons. However, a dual weapon can repeat the final strike of the combo in rapid succession, dealing a large amount of damage. The standard combo causes 200% damage (right, left, right or equivalent). The combo will then continue regardless of which direction you swing until the break ends or you do an ultra hit.
Dual weapons do not allow for the use of shields. Instead, the player must dodge or parry attacks. You will gain 2 extra points in the dodge meter to offset this. The number of times a player may dodge is decided by the equipped armor item. The dodge meter will slowly replenish when the player is not dodging. It can also be replenished by parrying (+1 dodge per parry) or forcing the next battle cutscene (full dodge points regardless of previous amount). If the player attempts to dodge while the meter is empty, an "exhausted dodge" will occur, damaging the player. If the dodge itself also fails, an "exhausted failed dodge" occurs, dealing both exhaustion damage and enemy attack damage. Side-swiping attacks can be avoided by using the central dodge button (duck). Some attacks will be (almost and sometimes definitely) unavoidable using dual weaponry (e.g. monstrosity arm shockwaves, triple kick revolutions from Plated Guards and MX-Stealth titans).
Stabbing is also an entirely different process when using dual weapons. After a super attack or a parry break on a titan, an icon appears somewhere on the enemy's body. After it is tapped, another appears, and so forth. Each time one of these icons is tapped, the enemy is stabbed. These stabs deal only 33% physical damage of the normal hit and do not apply any extra effects from an elementally powered weapon, which is very little damage compared to light weapon stabs and heavy weapon slashes, but there are a lot more of them. Siris does a special stab animation after you get around 8 stabs in.
Ultra Hits
Ultra hits, which cause 300% damage, can be performed by doing a sequence of combo hits (not normal hits). Ultra hits end the combo chain. There are two sequences which lead to an ultra hit:
- Begin the combo sequence by striking in one direction, then the opposite, and then the original direction again. Next, strike in the direction opposite of that, and the original once more. Finally, strike in a direction not used previously in the same chain.
- Example (huge hits are bolded): left, right, left, right, left, up
- Begin the combo sequence by striking in one direction, then the opposite, and then the original direction again. Next, strike in the direction opposite of that, and then in a direction not used previously in the same chain. Next, hit in the direction opposite of that, and finally in a direction on the other axis.
- Example (huge hits are bolded): left, right, left, right, up, down, left
Occasionally, multiple stab icons will appear on an enemy instead of just one at a time. These icons can be tapped in rapid succession for a large amount of stabs, dealing much more damage than usual. But, it is recommended that you tap the stab circles slowly and accurately, because tapping them really fast is what causes the "unregistered parry" glitch, and if you parry a lot, you could take a lot more damage than usual in a fight. Also, if you get a combo going, you can go e.g. left right left up, left right left right up, left right left right left up, and instead of the usual up swipe, Siris will perform an X-shaped attack.
|Weapons • Helmets • Shields • Armor • Rings
Classes (IB2)
|Light weapons • Heavy weapons • Dual weapons


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Youtube Ads - Cafe Life
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What's in this video?
City shops and café life scenes are displayed in this video. Artist views of the work in walls and a unleashing of urban existence. The video creates a snapshot of modern life in the city.
Creative Concept:
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Suited for:
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Baked Bean Soup
From Maine Home Cooking — 175 Recipes from Down East
From Maine Home Cooking — 175 Recipes from Down East
We got up early and ate our way across the state to bring you this definitive list of Vacationland's 30 most mouthwatering breakfast dishes — sweet to savory, traditional to oddball. This is how Maine does the most important meal of the day.
From Maine Home Cooking — 175 Recipes from Down East Kitchen by Sandra L. Oliver
With blond wood floors, copper tabletops, sumptuous high-backed leather banquettes, and floor-to-ceiling windows, MK Kitchen has the look and feel of a modern brasserie.
Beef stew warms your bones and lifts your spirits on cold winter days.
The pastries, quiches, soups, and sandwiches at Portland Pâtisserie and Grand Café, in the Old Port, are well on their way to standing on their own, with authentic French underpinnings and just enough New World innovation to keep things interesting.
A recipe for Stuffed Maine Lobster, by Chef Barton Seaver.
Approachable and affordable, with dishes culled from all corners of the world, Custom Deluxe is a reflection of Biddeford, a former mill town on the cusp of reinvention.
Choosing Thanksgiving wines that will complement the food and please everyone can be tricky, says Back Bay Grill general manager Adrian Stratton. A good rule of thumb is to look for wines that balance acidity with big fruit flavor. Here are some of his favorites.
What's Thanksgiving Without Pie? Baker Sara Ettinger of Aurora Provisions, a gourmet market, café, and caterer in Portland's West End neighborhood, offers her versions of two holiday classics.
Last year, 170 new restaurants opened in Maine. Statistically, more than a quarter of them won't make it through their first year. This is the story of one that did — restaurateur Annemarie Ahearn's ambitious Salt Water Farm — and of what it took to get there: bruised egos, broken friendships, and tough lessons about what Mainers want.
We set out to explore the radical breadth of styles and flavors that makes Maine's cider boomlet so much fun. Our search was fruitful.


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We're back for 2018! July 26, 27, and 28th in downtown SquamishRead More
Leave your cars at home and take public transit or ride your bike to Wind Festival. Check out this blog for more info!Read More
Come drop by the Squamish Wind Festival on Saturday, July 29th for one stop shopping of local artisan goods, food, baked goods and more!Read More
The Squamish Wind Festival caught up with visual artist Parker Lawrence Carruthers an employee at Tourism Squamish and a student at Quest University Canada to talk all things art. Check it out below!Read More
Learn how Coast Aggregates thinks differently about its landscaping and gardening divisions.Read More
Bring the family down to catch a FREE special showing of Beauty and the Beast presented by Squamish Savings at Junction Park!Read More
Lovecoast gets back to its roots with a performance at The Squamish Wind Festival on Saturday, July 29th at 2:15PM at the U Siyam Pavilion.Read More


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The Tipping Point: Book Review; V3 Issue 4/
Title: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Publication details: 2001, Abacus
Number of pages: 259 pages
In this very interesting book, Malcolm Gladwell analyses and explains the 'tipping point', "that magic moment when ideas, trends and social behaviours cross a threshold, tip and spread like wildfire." He looks for clues among spread of disease viruses, on how social epidemics like fads, crime waves and revolutions get started. And he identifies three key factors that play a role in 'tipping' a particular trend into wide-scale popularity.
The 'Law of the Few' factor states that certain people with exceptional social skills and social contacts can cause change. These people are Connectors (people who know a lot of people and are in a position to influence a lot of people or spread an idea and make it visible to a lot of people), Mavens (people with a focused interest in particular areas, like where to get the best prices, and a willingness and interest to share that information with others) and Salesmen (people with a talent for persuasion, and for changing our minds and making us see or act differently). The likelihood of a new idea tipping into exponential success is much higher if these three groups endorse and advocate the idea. The book cites the example of a nurse who wanted her community women, who would not ordinarily do so, to get tested for diabetes and breast cancer. When holding seminars at local churches failed, she switched venues to beauty salons and trained some stylists in the information that needed to be transmitted and it worked!
Gladwell defines the 'Stickiness' factor as the quality that compels people to pay close, sustained attention to a product, concept, or idea. The message has to be so memorable that it can incite change. Stickiness can be deliberately cultivated and refined to maximise the impact and 'spread' of content or behaviour. For instance Lester Wunderman created a 'gold box' treasure hunt in the TV commercials for its Columbia Record club account that made viewers part of an interactive advertising. This created stickiness for these ads. In the case of a successful children's TV show 'Blues Clues', it was the repetition and the format of asking questions and leaving preschooler sized pauses before the off-stage audience answered them that created stickiness.
'Power of Context' factor asserts that epidemics are sensitive to the environment in which they occur and that small changes in environment can make a big difference to outcomes. For example, some sociologists believe that New York City turned around a high crime rate problem by cleaning up graffiti, repairing broken windows and being intolerant of cheating on subway fares. Taking care of 'little things' ensured the 'big things' took care of themselves and New York became a much safer city. The magic number 150 is an interesting example. Once a workgroup exceeds 150, relationships break down. Traditionally, tribes used to split off when they grew beyond 150. Modern organizations like Gore Associates have also found by housing only 150 employees or less in a building, the R & D people know the sales people, the production people etc and hence work together more effectively.
So what if Gladwell's ideas are not original, they bring together ideas in such a compelling and clever manner that it has become a very popular book. Gladwell has a way with words that engages the reader. Consider this "Look at the world around you. It may seem like an immovable, implacable place. It is not. With the slightest push — in just the right place — it can be tipped."
Gladwell not only explains the factors for 'Tipping point', but also gives incisive examples of how to understand, measure, and take advantage of all the factors. By studying 'The Tipping Point' you can get insights into human behaviour. And a deep understanding of human behavior can help you create a more effective marketing message, promote political change and solve social ills. Hence, I feel, this is one of those books that anyone with a desire to create a wide spread change, can benefit from reading.


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WHO: Minnie Phan
FIND MORE AT: minniephan.com
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THE ZINES YOU CREATE AND/OR WHY YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO TABLING AT L.A. ZINE FEST 2016?: I want to make zines that speak in a language found in all our hearts.
Get to Know Your Zinester features collages of the 2016 Fest exhibitors.
Clockwise from left; the zinesters, their work, more work, and a source of inspiration!


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Collaboration Moves Us Further, Faster And With Greater Purpose
The Duke Cancer Institute Oncology Patient Advisory Council (OPAC) was established in 2013 in partnership with Duke Cancer Institute leadership.
The council is comprised of survivors, family members, and DCI staff who partner on opportunities to improve the patient experience for adult cancer patients and their families. The council engages with clinical, operational, and research staff to provide input into design, content, and implementation of new initiatives.
Accomplishments include:
- PCORI Smoking Cessation research grant
- Duke Cancer Center Survivorship Day event
- wait time communications board and infusion center wait time information card
- distress screening process
- enhanced Recovery After Survey education tools
Get Involved
Do you want to participate and provide input into the design of projects and shape how care is delivered? Our council meets monthly rotating between a lunch and dinner meeting at the Duke Cancer Center. For more information about the Oncology Patient Advocacy Council, including membership, please call 919.668.6679 or email Kristy Everette, Duke Cancer Patient Support Program.


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Shortly before graduating from Sheridan Institute's Interpretive Illustration program, Elissa Barber packed her bags and headed out with two friends on a road trip. "We based ourselves in Belfast for a summer and toured Ireland in a rental car," she says from her studio in Hamilton. The car, they crashed into a rock near Limerick. "But I fell in love, was offered a full time job and ended up staying for almost five years," she says.
During her time in Northern Ireland, Elissa dabbled in different creative pursuits. She worked as a fashion buyer, styled shows for Belfast Fashion Week and launched a fashion editorial for a local music magazine, spending chunks of time travelling to Spain, Italy and Egypt. "A stark contrast to my life now!" she says of her experience. She continued to sketch all throughout her time there. "I was trying new things, figuring out where I fit in the world. But I was not really making any art and at this point," she says, "And I started to feel it."
In her last year in Belfast, Elissa started illustrating for a magazine. Shortly after she returned to Hamilton, and to Sheridan Institute, to finish her degree. Right out of school, Elissa worked on images for the book, A Circus Mind, with American poet and journalist Ryan Cox. "I was particularly honoured to have my work alongside other great illustrators like Dushan Milic and Jackie Oakley," she says of the project, "I was also given a lot of freedom there so it was a dream."
Elissa Barber's bold, fluid drawings first caught my eye my eye on Instagram. So much so, that I decided to commission an original piece from her. I caught up with Elissa at her light filled studio on Ottawa Street. We instantly connected over mid century modern furniture and her latest finds from Mizener's Antique Market. When she framed my painting, I was so over the moon that we exchanged hugs.
You currently live and create in Hamilton. What is your perception of Hamilton as an artist?
As an artist... even saying it feels weird. It's only recently that I've started to feel part of the city and wider creative community because I was never really around it. But I love it. It's a special place and I've grown into it. I'm putting down roots now. I'm almost ready to face my experiences and channel them into my practice. My husband and I bought a house on Ottawa Street North. I have a home studio filled with natural light and for the first time in a long time things feel comfortable.
How do you approach projects and what influences your process?
I've been gradually getting back into the idea of 'personal work. My background in illustration makes visual problem solving through art very comfortable. Whereas connecting with who I am and what I have to say is extremely uncomfortable. Technically in my approach, I keep some degree of gesture (looseness and immediacy) in my work. I like when things feel a bit unfinished. It's a challenge for me to force myself to step back and be done.
Are there artists that have influenced you personally?
Growing up I loved looking at the pictures by illustrators like Eric Carle and Charlie Harper. I've always been drawn to work that has a sense of urgency and a more graphic, defined shape. Though I've moved away from it for now, I love life drawing and figurative work. Alice Neel was my biggest inspiration. Her work feels of its time, yet completely fresh. I also have an affinity for drawings and printmaking done by famous artists like Picasso and Matisse, as well as their pattern and surface design. There have been so many but these are the most notable.
Speaking of influence, where do you draw inspiration from?
I love things from the past and how cyclical trends are. I don't have much interest in creating anything entirely new or innovative. There are artists out there who do an amazing job of that but it's just not natural to me. I'm inspired by my travels, family and friends. I love antiques and flea markets. Living on Ottawa Street is a dream. I walk the dog through Gage Park every morning. I weave and cook in my spare time. I've always been into fashion and have diverse taste in music. I think all of these things start to come through in my images. I've also been obsessed with interior design since we bought our house and can't leave Houzz or Apartment Therapy alone.
What is your advice to young artists?
Don't put pressure on yourself to be something you're not. Figure out what you love and what comes naturally, Continue to challenge yourself and try new things and you'll feel much more satisfaction in what you do. Above all don't give up. You'll find your tribe.


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#1 Lee Hee Danae, the Barbie doll!
#2 What was her motivation?
Altered by plastic surgery, a fake personality is easily visible when you see this famous 15-year-old on social media.
#3 Asian beauty!
It is rumored that surgeries have been performed on her eyes, chin and jaws. The facial contouring surgery involves shaving cheekbones and jaw.
#4 The renovation is under construction!
#5 The virtual self?


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I made this pie around thanksgiving, inspired to use yams. You could definitely chuck some shredded turkey in there to make it a proper thanksgiving pie, and making it a perfect solution for leftovers. The base is one i have experimented with before in sweet tartlet recipes. To make it savoury i just added extra salt and two of my favourite flavoursome ingredients: sumac and nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast has been cropping up a lot lately which is good because it is a rich source of protein, and is vegan. People refer to it as 'the vegan cheese' because it has a nutty, cheesy kind of flavour. In my opinion it is a godsend, as i never thought i could live without cheese; but this satisfies my cravings. Just about. It is such a versatile ingredient to work with. You can eat it raw and simply crumbled onto salads, or work it into any baked good recipe. It particularly brought the flavour out in my Miracle Bread (which you should definitely try - very easy). Nutritional yeast boots the nutrient levels in any meal and is perfect for instantly adding flavour to something bland and uninspiring.
Next, the herb thats having a moment in all of my savoury recipes right now, sumac. This was introduced to me by my sister recently and is also to thank for its tasty nutritional boost. It has been used for years for its medicinal properties including being anti-fungal, rich in antioxidants and also anti-inflammatory. It is full of vitamin C and omega 3 fatty acids, helping to prevent illnesses and cardiovascular disease. It has been proven to help remove free radicals from the body. Research also suggests that sumac is effective in helping with hyperglycaemia, diabetes and reducing obesity. It has a tart, slightly astringent kind of taste when eaten alone, but is also cheesy in its own unique way and brings something really amazing to any recipe it is incorporated into. Sumac is a berry which is dried and then ground, which is the form i use it in in my recipes. It sounds exotic but it is super easy to get hold of.
This tart requires quite some concentration. It isn't difficult, but its a bit like a roast dinner; you need to time things well and keep an eye on a lot of things at once. To prep, you can start by dicing the greens and chopping the cauliflower and broccoli florets into a rice consistency and then set them aside. Also you can thinly slice the beetroot before you start the body of the tart, just to be organised. Once that's sorted you just need to keep an eye on the sweet potato whilst you make the perfect savoury tart base.
Take time over this one - it should be made for a lazy lunch or to accompany a warm dinner. Savour it, and enjoy it in company; you wont be able to stop talking about the flavours as they come through one by one. You wont get bored, lets put it that way.
(Makes one large pie of 18-20 small tartlets)
150g buckwheat flour
150g ground almonds
1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
30g coconut oil, soft
2 eggs
1 teaspoon agave
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon ground sumac
1 tablespoon nut milk or water
4 eggs
2 Large Sweet Potatoes, cubed
2 handfuls of kale
10 brussels sprouts, chopped finely
2 tablespoons original coyo or dairy free yogurt
1 raw beetroot, sliced
Handful of spinach (or greens of choice)
3 Cauliflower florets, chopped finely into a rice
3 Broccoli florets, chopped finely into a rice
1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 Tablespoon ground sumac
6 Garlic Cloves
Preheat the oven to 170c.
In a large saucepan boil the sweet potato cubes until soft. Whilst they cook, make the base.
Mix all of the base ingredients in a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. When it does, form into a ball and wrap tightly in cling film. Leave to chill in the fridge for 10 minutes. (You can get away with leaving this step out if your dough is dry enough and seems to be moulding successfully).
Press the mixture into the bottom of a tart dish. Press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon, and at the edges of the tart tin too. Make sure the pastry is compact otherwise it will crumble.
Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, a little longer perhaps, if your pastry seems quite thick. Remove and set aside.
Whilst you wait for the sweet potato to get soft enough to mash, in a small saucepan heat a tablespoon of coconut oil. Add the garlic cloves, whole or halved, along with a splash of water, pinch of salt and drop of agave or raw honey if desired (this will caramelise them). Simmer for about 10 minutes, adding a little more water if it evaporates instantly. The cloves should brown a little and become soft.
When the sweet potato is soft enough put half in a bowl and leave half to drain in a sieve. Mash the sweet potato in the bowl until a puree forms. Press the sweet potato puree onto the bottom of the tart until the entire base is covered.
Next, slice your beetroot thinly, and layer several slices on top of the sweet potato puree, until the entire base is covered.
Now scatter a handful of diced, raw brussels (you can cook these if you like - either will work) on top of the beetroot layer. Do the same with your finely chopped kale and spinach, and any other leafy greens you may choose to use. Be sure to leave half your amount of greens for the top layer.
Now take the cubed sweet potato and the garlic cloves and fill the pie evenly. Scatter the remaining greens on top of the sweet potato, followed by the diced cauliflower and broccoli florets.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. I added Organic Coyo to make the tart creamier, but that is not essential. You could leave it out or substitute it for tinned coconut milk. Whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes and then gently pour over the tart filling. You may need to rearrange the fillings to allow the egg to spread throughout the layers.
Bake for another 40-50 minutes. It may take longer depending on the amount of your fillings. To be sure it is cooked thoroughly, test the middle of the tart with your finger. If it feels jelly-like, it needs longer. Alternatively you can test it with a knife and if it comes out of the middle of the tart clean, thats a sure sign it is ready.


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Anime Wigs
Want to try a dramatic new hair color but not over process your hair? Come in and see our anime wigs from Creative Wigs & Hair Replacement today! We now offer a beautifully bright, fun & colorful selection to choose from. Visit one of our locations in Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Orem, or St. George today to check them out!
We understand that when you look good, you often feel better as well. That's why Creative Wigs & Hair Replacement works so hard to provide beautiful wigs and hairpieces in a variety of styles and colors. Our goal is to help you look good and feel great, whenever you want.
Whether you need wigs and hairpieces specifically for hair replacement or just want something for an upcoming show, we've got what you need!


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Private Dive | Flow Bonaire
Private dive services
Have you always been interested in learning how to dive? Do you already have diving experience, and would you like to improve your skills further? Whether you're looking for an introduction to the wondrous world of diving or a rewarding way to advance your current experience level, your vacation to Bonaire will provide ample opportunity to do so.
Flow Bonaire offers private dive services that will allow you to improve your diving skills in a uniquely personal way. We can provide anything and everything you need for an enjoyable dive experience at a location of your choosing, and our private dive courses are always tailored to your goals and fitness level. If you're looking for the most practical, customer-oriented approach to diving, our private dive services are the perfect way to get into the flow of diving on Bonaire.
The advantages of our private dive services
Diving raises a lot of logistical questions. Before you venture beneath the waves, you'll need to arrange dive gear, scuba tanks and other diving equipment. This can be a hassle, especially when you're staying in a private residence or apartment without the resources of a dive resort at hand. With Flow Bonaire's private dive services, however, you won't have to worry about a thing.
When you use our private dive services, Flow Bonaire will arrange everything you need – from high-quality dive gear to an experienced local guide. In addition, you'll be able to specify the exact duration of your private dive experience, ranging from half a day up to whichever time span you desire. In essence, we will provide you with your own private, mobile dive shop at any location on the island for as long as you wish. You decide when and where – we will take care of the rest.
Interested in Flow Bonaire's private dive services?
Will you be staying at a private home or apartment during your vacation to Bonaire? If so, Flow Bonaire's private dive services are the perfect answer for all your diving needs. Our private dive services cater exclusively to groups and individuals who prefer a more personal approach to exploring Bonaire and choose to stay at private accommodations. Our professional instructors have extensive local experience with the island and its waters. As a result, they're able to guide you to the best sights both on terra firma and underwater.
Are you interested in setting up a private dive experience during your trip to Bonaire? Do you have any questions about our services or rates? If so, please feel free to contact Flow Bonaire. Our team is always happy to work with you and help you find your own flow on the island.


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Next session is scheduled for #Application.nextsession#, Tokyo Time
(please check inside the application for your local time)
RemoteDriver is a home made robot made out of a tablet-pc a webcam and an old rc car chassis. When online it can be driven by anyone from anywhere in the world. All you need is a good ammount bandwith and a flash player to interact with it. Login at the indicated time above for some hot rod realtime action.
video: riding around the office (.mov 4mb)
video: live at MAX 2004, Japan (.mov 5mb)
coming soon: Phidget FlashPlayer and Phidget ActionScript Library
read more about it (japanese only)
learn more about phidgets
|all content © copyright 2003 - Marcos Weskamp


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Since 2004, we have worked alongside the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, Roberts Communications and dozens of other community organizations and individuals to address childhood lead poisoning. When the initiative launched, Rochester's rates of lead poisoning exceeded the national rates by 10 times.
The City of Rochester passed a lead ordinance in 2006 that is one of the most ambitious in the nation. The policy has been recognized as a leader in cost-efficiency and effectiveness, having identified over 9,000 homes with interior lead hazards since it began.
The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning provides community-wide education to the general public, health professionals, property owners, contractors, and parent groups. Roberts Communications partnered with us to develop materials in multiple languages about lead paint hazards and the importance of getting children tested at ages 1 and 2.
Today, our region is looked to as a national model in reducing the number of children reported with lead poisoning, with an 85 percent reduction to date. In the past ten years, more than 5,600 children have been spared from the terrible effects of this public health hazard because of the collaborative efforts of local government agencies, the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, community agencies, and property owners.
Still, the job isn't done yet. In 2014 there were 609 Rochester area children reported to have unacceptably high blood lead levels — that's enough to fill more than 30 kindergarten classrooms.
Visit letsmakeleadhistory.org or email firstname.lastname@example.com to find out how you can be part of the movement to protect Rochester's children from the dangers of lead poisoning.
PARTNERS: The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning| Roberts Communications | Greater Rochester Health Foundation |City of Rochester | Monroe County | Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency | BRX Global Research |Content Central | Icon Films |Forest McMullin Photography | Grant Taylor Photography


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Richard Swanson, who is running for Mayor of Chaska, has tax liens against his business totaling over $31,000 for tax years 2005-2008 according to the Chaska Herald.
Here's a helpful hint for folks thinking about running for office in the future — if you have tax liens against you, get it taken care of before you file your candidacy.
Last week, before we were aware of this story, Brick City Blog endorsed Mark Windschitl for Chaska Mayor.


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Okay, no one really asked me why I had a shirt (my favorite one, btw) hanging on my backpack, but I thought I'd take this opportunity to explain it since it ruined this epic view of the Pyrenees. As a photographer, the bright pink steals the show in this photo. But you know why I still like it? Because it's real. It's what I actually do out in the backcountry. If I need to dry something, I hang it on my pack while I hike. Shirts, socks, mini towel...underwear!
My shirt had gotten really sweaty while hiking (I'm a back sweater, what can I say?) and the wind started picking up. This is usually a bad combo because I'll start getting cold and uncomfortable, and in extreme cases could lead to hypothermia. To address my problem, I changed into a dry shirt and well, I'll let this gif explain the rest.
You're welcome. ;-)


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Edgen Murray goes beyond material supply to offer project management expertise. Through dedicated regional teams of project management professionals, we work with our customers to facilitate the planning, budgeting, procuring, and delivering of materials for projects around the world.
At Edgen Murray, we offer project management expertise for single products to the most complex material packages. Our project management methodology is centered on communication regarding scope, time, quality and budget with our customers. It is important to us that our stakeholders are kept abreast of the progress of their order and of any issues which may arise during execution.
Edgen Murray's global offices are staffed with project management professionals who combine international know-how with in-depth industry and local business knowledge; ensuring that complex projects and orders are completed successfully anywhere in the world.
Project Management:
- Budgetary and market consultation
- Capacity and stock availability (supply lead times)
- Technical guidance
- Quality management (vendor audits, inspection and test plans (ITP)
- Supply chain management (consignment and stocking options)
- Production status reports
- Documentation control (vendor data books (VDB))
- Order planning, scheduling, and logistics
- Expediting
- Fabrication management
- Third party provider management (coating, inspections, and testing)
Related Topics:
|Edgen Murray specializes in the supply and distribution of high strength steels suitable for varying applications. All materials are manufactured by globally reputable steel manufacturers and available from regional stocking facilities or project specific production allocations with partner mills.
|Edgen Murray provides highly engineered sections to meet project supply needs for offshore structural, shipbuilding or civil engineering applications.
|Pipe and Tube
|Edgen Murray carries a full range of carbon and alloy pipe, both for structural and process applications, in a variety of material offerings, as well as all complementary pipe components, fittings and flanges. We also offer a range of clad material, to meet bespoke requirements.
|Pipe Components
|Edgen Murray provides a full range of fittings and flanges to complement our pipe and tubular offerings.
|Edgen Murray is a stocking distributor for several quality valve brands and can supply almost any valve requirement. We supply valves from leading manufacturers to meet MRO and Project requirements – ball, gate, globe, check, plug, butterfly, and needle valves. In addition, Edgen Murray provides full automation packages built in-house to customer specifications.
|Piling Solutions
|Edgen Murray specializes in the supply of cold rolled and hot rolled sheet piles and tubular steel piles. We provide complete piling solutions, from general advice to full engineering support and design, including accessory packages and value add services such as painting, hot formed clutches, tie rods, and combination piling systems.
|Fabricated Components
|At Edgen Murray, we can support your procurement requirements from the supply of a single product to the supply of fully fabricated structures, skids, and other structural components for upstream applications, as well as prefabricated piping spools and bespoke piping components for power and downstream applications.
|Edgen Murray's state-of-the-art, DNC/CAD-controlled, multi-head oxy fuel and high-definition plasma machines work around the clock to ensure your complex profiling requirements and project schedules are met with precision.
|Edgen Murray has a great deal of experience in the cutting and preparation of steel. Saw services are available at most of our 35+ locations worldwide where we offer cutting of steel pipe from ½" to 27" OD. Bevelling services are also available up to 48" diameters.
|Shot Blasting
|Edgen Murray has established relationships with shot blasting and priming facilities worldwide for your shot blasting and coating needs.
|Coating and Finishing
|Edgen Murray is equipped to provide coating and finishing service through our experienced in house service or one of our leading sub-contractor partners.
|Edgen Murray uses its long established relationships with fully independent test laboratories to provide all your testing requirements. Our project management teams and document controllers work in tandem with your quality department and the laboratories to ensure all orders are processed accurately and smoothly as required.
|One Stop Service
|At Edgen Murray we understand that our clients need a service that goes beyond product supply and we strive to offer a turnkey solution that they can trust.
|Global Vendor Network
|Edgen Murray keeps you connected from source to delivery with our complete global premium steel network. We provide material inventory, unmatched expertise, and complete service offerings to support every step of your project's lifecycle.


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Sunday, April 14, 2013
They are back with inspiration. They left as pioneers—the first large batch of members from of our church to go on the mission trip with the local church just down the road. They have come back having touched the sacredness of shared purpose and accomplishment.
In the parking lot, the vans pulled in, and out came teenagers, dazed and weary from the road. Behind and around them were the shadows of even more tired adults. The kids wore t-shirts with lots and lots of tiny words, almost too many to read: "I want to have billions in the bank. I want to be successful. I want all of my endeavors to turn to gold." "DISRUPTED" was written through these words all across the front.
"It says sex on this shirt, Mom," Rowan demonstrated.
In the dark, the kids couldn't stop hugging each other. They piled around one kid and cooed his name. They jumped on each other.
"I want to go home," Rowan said. "I have to pee and vomit and take a shower." Fast food—road food—doesn't agree with him.
"You can pee and vomit in the building," Mike told him. "But the shower will have to wait. We have to unload and clean up."
Rowan, unperturbed, went off, hauled tools, put his belongings in the van. Minutes rolled by and I stood and watched the kids, glowing like fireflies in the dark.
"Are you all packed up?" I asked Rowan, as he passed by.
"Yes, he can go now," Mike told me.
But I watched Rowan, watched all the kids. In the dark, they hung together like insects clustered onto life-giving plants. As soon as they started leaving, it would really be over and they'd never all be together again. They hung in hallelujahs, in hugs, in glorious filthiness—together.
Then, finally, they started to disperse. All at the same time.
"I'm going to go home, take a shower, and go back to Mexico to build three more houses," Rowan suddenly said.
"Mom," he asked me as we got into the van, "I'm going again next year, right?"
"As long as you want, babe," I told him.
"When we handed over the key," he told me animatedly "I felt something in the place where I should have a heart."
So, I've decided that I really don't care if my son earns a lot of money or makes really great grades or does really well in his sport. Those things are nice, and sometimes helpful, but what I want for him—more than anything—is what he just found: his spirit somewhere, a reason beyond himself to be alive.
It's really all you ever need.
12 comments:
Beautiful. The spirit of volunteering, of bonding with others over a shared goal of building others up. Your son is pretty amazing. Obvs. :-)ReplyDeleteReplies
He is an extraordinary young man. I wish you all knew him.Delete
This is so true. My kids built houses in Mexico for years. Wonderful experience. Great postReplyDeleteReplies
It's was incredible, just incredible, for my son and my husband both. I'm so glad your kids had that as well.Delete
This post is just full of WIN! What a wonderful experience for your son, for any young adult. And I agree wholeheartedly. Finding their spirit and a reason beyond themselves to be alive, is worth gold and then some =)ReplyDeleteReplies
It is so nice when it all comes together in those moments of peak experience, and you can see what they are learning and see their soul growing before your eyes.Delete
Gorgeous post. I love the Rowan quote "I felt something in the place where I should have a heart." That is the very essence of adolescent boy, right there and sounds so much like something my second oldest would've said that I'm probably finishing this comment and immediately checking in with 22-year-old Son-Two just for the heck of it.ReplyDeleteReplies
It is. Exactly like a teenage boy. A teenage boy who actually was moved. :)Delete
Simply beautiful.ReplyDeleteReplies
I do feel so very blesses that this happened for them.Delete
That's just so great! Brings tears to my eyes.ReplyDeleteReplies
It was a phenomenal thing.Delete
When you comment, it keeps fairies alive.
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Faith in Ambiguity by Tara Adams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License


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Northampton, MA Group Fitness Training Member and Former Diabetic
John's program and the congenial non-threatening environment of Fitness Fusion are a large piece of why I was able to overcome diabetes.
I heard of Fitness Fusion through my wife, as John Glynn opened the gym in my wife's building. My first class was in July. I met with John and he did a fitness evaluation with me and recommended the fusion camps. I must admit, I found the first workout to be very hard. The work out was varied, combining cardio with strength and core training, and even though I thought I was in pretty good shape (and comparatively I was) I could not finish a whole circuit without taking a break. To be honest, I felt like puking! John was so supportive and knowledgeable and assured me that I should go at my own pace. As weeks passed, I began to see improvements. My energy level has improved and I began to feel differently. I can now complete a whole circuit of exercises without stopping and I look and feel better than I ever have. For the first time in my life, I truly enjoy exercising.
More importantly, as of my last check up, my diabetes is totally under control (without meds) and I have entered a new uncharted phase of my life.
I cannot recommend John and Fitness Fusion enough. I believe strongly that John's program and the congenial non-threatening environment of Fitness Fusion are a large piece of why I was able to overcome diabetes. John is always supportive, and open with advice about nutrition, stretching and what to do on recovery days. Now, as my fitness level has improved, John knows just how to and when to push so I can move beyond my plateaus.
He's always willing to meet with me to discuss my fitness goals, and I can mine his extensive knowledge to make sure I continue to improve. Exercise has become a part of my life now, and I thank John and all the other members at Fitness Fusion for making it so. If you commit yourself to growth and improvement, celebrate milestones, while recognizing but not agonizing over set backs, then you will see results with John and Fitness Fusion.


text: The United States will set up "interim zones of stability" to help refugees return home in the next phase of the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group and al-Qaeda, the US Secretary of State said on Wednesday. Top US diplomat Rex Tillerson did not make clear where these zones were to be set up. He was addressing a meeting of 68 countries gathered in Washington, DC to discuss the fight to defeat ISIL, also known as ISIS. "The United States will increase our pressure on ISIS and al-Qaeda and will work to establish interim zones of stability, through ceasefires, to allow refugees to return home," Tillerson told the gathering at the state department. READ MORE: John McCain warns of 'tough decisions' on Syrian Kurds Creating safe zones could ratchet up US military involvement in Syria and mark a major departure from President Barack Obama's more cautious approach. Increased US or allied air power would be required if President Donald Trump chooses to enforce "no fly" restrictions, and ground forces might also be needed to protect civilians in those areas. Trump and Abadi discuss how to 'get rid of' ISIL "We checked with the Pentagon and they say they don't have any guidance to create these zones yet," Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane reported from Washington, DC. "In the past when there was talk about safe zones, that meant forces on the ground, to protect civilians, and cover from the air. But that doesn't seem to be what Tillerson is talking about as he mentions doing it through ceasefires." ISIL has been losing ground in both Iraq and Syria, with three separate forces, backed by the United States, Turkey and Russia, advancing on the group's Syrian stronghold city of Raqqa. Defeating ISIL is the "number one US goal in the region", Tillerson said, adding the coalition will focus on "regional elimination of ISIS through military force". Wednesday's event was the first meeting of the international coalition since the election of Trump, who has pledged to make the fight against ISIL a priority. He vowed in January to set up safe zones in Syria for refugees. In a statement released after the meeting, the 68 partners underlined their "determination to intensify and accelerate... efforts to eliminate ISIS" in Iraq, Syria and beyond. They hailed progress by US-backed local forces against the group's main strongholds in Raqqa and the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. And, as they predicted victory on the battlefield, they vowed to prevent the group's fleeing fighters from spreading instability or from setting up a propaganda base in cyberspace. Tillerson said the flow of foreign fighters into Syria and Iraq was down 90 percent over the past year. "It is harder for terrorists to get in and more importantly harder for them to get out to threaten our homelands," he said. He called on coalition partners to make good on financial pledges to help secure and rebuild areas where ISIL fighters have been pushed out. OPINION: ISIL after Mosul - Insurgency and rivalry The US will do its part but circumstances on the ground require more, Tillerson said, urging allies to allocate more military, financial resources towards defeating ISIL. Wednesday's meeting is the first of the international coalition since Iraqi government forces, backed by the US-led international coalition, retook several Iraqi cities from ISIL last year and recaptured eastern Mosul. "We are at the stage of completely decimating Daesh," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said, using the Arabic acronym for ISIL. He believes reconstruction of Anbar province as well as Mosul, in Nineveh province, will cost about $50bn, US Senator Lindsey Graham said on Wednesday, recounting a Tuesday conversation with the Iraqi leader. How bad is the humanitarian crisis in Mosul? – Inside Story SOURCE: Al Jazeera and news agencies United States ISIS Middle East US & Canada


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By Matt Meltzer
The black sign on the front door of Government Street Grocery in Ocean Springs reads "Everyone."
A year ago, you would have thought it was some kind of droll meta-humor, like a sign reading "door" or "piece of glass." But in mid-2016, the simple black sticker with white lettering sends a serious message: we're not the Mississippi you think we are. And everyone is welcome here........


text: So it's day one of the ChannelNext Conference here in Banff and we're meeting our fellow 150 top technology and managed service providers from Western Canada. Vendors that are exhibiting include Level Platforms, Autotask, Barracuda Networks, HP, Kaseya, Kaspersky Labs, D-Link, Lenovo, and Eaton Power. Our goal here is to find new ways to increase our service offerings to you, our customers. As well, we meeting partners that may be able to solve technology challenges that aren't our bread and butter, again, to increase our service offerings. Also, the food is pretty good, and this morning I saw a full grown 10 point Elk not five feet from the passenger side of my car as I slowed down. Stay tuned.


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At this time of writing, there are over 20 condos on the market in South Boston with parking available with the unit. The lease expensive unit is listed for $259,000.
As an active broker in South Boston, one of the most requested items on the list of must haves is a parking space.
I run reports almost daily to keep tabs on condos with parking for prospective clients.
You can see a sampling of condos with parking in the report below.
Download South Boston Condos with Parking
If you are looking for a condo in South Boston, you will want to use the search below.
See all properties in South Boston
Thinking about a career in Real Estate - We are always looking for talent. Click here to learn more
Search for All Homes For Sale in Greater Boston
See How Much Your Boston Area Home is Worth
See How Much Equity is in Your Home Now
See Boston Area Foreclosure Opportunities Now
Interested in connecting with Realtor Michael Mahoney
Call 617-615-9435
Email Michael Mahoney via email@example.com


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Facebook has added new icons for couples in same-sex marriages—just in time for the nuptials of cofounder Chris Hughes, who married Sean Eldridge, his partner since college, over the weekend.
GLAAD, a nonprofit which promotes positive depictions of gays and lesbians in the media, praised the move. Facebook recently received a special award for GLAAD for its moves to support gay and lesbian members of the social network.
Previously, same-sex marriages used the same bride-and-groom icon as mixed-gender marriages.


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In the past few weeks, we've witnessed great contributions of university students who wanted to beautify streets and walls with works of art. Different groups of volunteers and students wanted to leave their mark on the Egyptian walls by creating artistic masterpieces that went viral on social media platforms and were admired by many.
It all started with a group of fine arts students who decided to paint the walls of the Giza Zoo as part of their university practical coursework. The ladies decided to give life back to the zoo through covering its blank walls with colorful paintings of animals.
Then another project received the applause when a different group of students decided to make the visit to the subway station a more enjoyable experience. As a part of an initiative called "Let's Color It", the students chose to turn the walls of the Opera Metro station in downtown Cairo into a galactic universe decorated with Egypt's brightest stars. This is not the initiative's first project, the first one was in Heliopolis when they worked on 26 wall paintings back in 2015.
Last but definitely not least, yesterday students of the faculty of applied arts decided to paint the walls of the airport's bridge in El-nozha neighborhood.
We bow down for the great and much appreciated efforts of these students and volunteers. To many more artistic acts to come!


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No specifications has been set for this product. Please contact us for further details.
Kids 12.5ft x 15.5ft Dinosaurs Bouncy Castle
Does your kid have a birthday coming up and are you clueless to what and how to make it more interesting and fun? The Dinosaur Bouncy Castle is the way to go about it.
It measures 12.5ft x 15.5ft, but you will have to count on a minimum of 3 feet at the rear, and the front end of the castle, plus an additional 1.5ft from both sides, for a safe space to place it.
The Dinosaurs Bouncy Castle comes equipped with all the necessary equipment needed for setup and we will do it all for you. You will also receive safety instructions with all the precaution measures, as we take safety very seriously.
It costs only £55 and the price includes delivery, set up, inflation and collection as well as all the necessary equipment to make it a fun day. Just give us a call or send us an email, or even use our contact form. Of course, for delivery at home, do make sure to remove all the garden items such as patio furniture, swing sets and the like, so we can set up everything without unnecessary delay.
If you throw a party with a bouncy castle as a surprise, you'll be a star and all your guests will be delighted, no matter whether child or adult, there will be enough fun to go around.


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Will Chapo Guzman Break Out of Jail? And if so, When? Top 10 Mac Park Quotes/
This morning I heard that the Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, head of the mighty Sinaloa Cartel, has escaped from a maximum security prison for the second time, Guzman was last seen about 9 p.m. Saturday in the shower area of the Altiplano prison, 56 miles outside Mexico City, according to a statement from the National Security Commission, Chapo likes to take a shower before escaping.
This is the article from February, 22, 2014, the day after Chapo was taken into custody.
In a Los Angeles neighborhood where kilos hurtled from Joaquin Guzman Loera's Sinaloa dope empire landed hard, news that "El Chapo" had been arrested Saturday morning in Mazatlan was met a jaded attitude that nothing will change in Mexico. The vast majority of the 30 people interviewed in and around MacArthur Park thought Guzman would break out of jail.
Here were the top ten replies to the question "Do you think Chapo Guzman will break out of jail?"
1. "Yes" - Jorge Garcia, 20, worker at a smoke store at 6th and Alvarado. When asked "When?" the man smiled and replied "Three hours ago."
2. "Who's Chapo Guzman? You can go now." - A mirror sun-glassed 35ish man sitting atop of table in the Columbia Li'L Cycos 18th Street quadrant of MacArthur Park overseeing a group of 15 cash-clutching men gambling who listened as he spoke and laughed at some things he said. When pushed ( very lightly), he continued, "I don't even know if it's really Chapo they caught. Last time they said they had him, they didn't. Come back when we know it's him. "
3. "Guaranteed. God is the lord of the sky, but Chapo is lord of the ground." - Alberto Cortes, 27, shopper.
4. "It's no problem for Chapo to break out. Minimum, one week, maximum, two weeks. Money Money " - Carlos Casllo, 30, taking time from watching Barcelona play soccer on a television set near the 6th street sidewalk with 19 others (Barcelona lost 3 - 1 to Sociedad. Big upset, I hear.)
5. "Not this time, He's a headache for the Mexican government." - A guy who looked around nervously when I asked his name. He wouldn't give it up
6. "If the US doesn't push it and bring him here, Chapo Guzman will be free in a couple months. The people in Mexico love him. He builds houses. He brings water and power to them. He brings the needs of the people to the people," Osveli Orozco, 45, owner of a internet cafe/computer repair/shoe repair/printshop/video store.
7. "Two, three months, Corrupt cops will set him free," - Christian Garcia, 19, student.
8. "It might be in the works now," - Patrick, tall, muscular, heavily tattooed 30ish man leaving Bank of America across the street from the park . "But, if he comes here, he's a goner."
9. "There's no need to break out. He's going to keep running the business from a prison in Mexico. And they won't extradite him - Eric Ayala, 33, manager of a different internet cafe
10. "I'm not sure how long it will take, but why wouldn't he break out again? What history has shown us with drug lords is you don't know who is working under them. And Mexico is very corrupt. It's going to be interesting." - Jesse Yaxon, 25, store manager.
When told Chapo Guzman had been arrested, a 30ish white man in Hancock Park walking a boxer and a pit bull said "Is he some kind of Latino pop star?"


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Wed, 17 August 2005
This is our first full episode, in which we discuss Welcome to the Hellmouth and the Harvest and respond to our first email!
Direct download: Buffycast_1-2_copy_1.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:57pm EDT
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Hi, i just discovered this podcast today and am refreshed to hear discussion about issues in Buffy, rather than just an episode by episode commentary that inevitably boils down to \"Oh, I just LOVE the moment when...\" however many times we may have conversations like that. Phew, long opening line. Anyway, i don\'t know how valuable writing on the board of a podcast made four years ago is going to be but what the heck. 2 points struck me about the points you made: 1) Like The Lonely Slayer above, I can\'t believe how little thought I\'ve put into how quickly Xander and Willow get over Jesse - it\'s jokes all round the night after they dust a best friend. 2) The whole souls/demons infection/take over thing has always seemed a loose complex in Buffy really giving the license to let the writers do whatever they need to. Most vampires are characterless monsters who seem to just want to feed on blood. They dress badly, have no money and are always in game face. Then there are vamps like Darla who seem to show obvious character traits from when they were human (how similar is Darla on her death-bed from the flash-back in the Angel episode \"Darla\" to the Darla vampire?), show real emotional connection to one another (Spike and Dru) and have money and fine clothes (Angelus). Why is it that if you\'re from Britain or really old you\'re automatically an awesome vamp with character while all the others are such total demonic losers? Some are pitifully pathetic, like the one human Darla tries to pick up to turn her into a vampire in the Angel episode \"The Trial\". Is the idea there that the demon personality inside him is actually a complete dork, or is that his human precusor shining through? What about Angel. Flashbacks from episodes like \"Amends\" make him look like a drunken lout (closer to Spike than Angelus) but then he quickly becomes a Hannibal-Lector style killing-is-my-art-form kinda guy, while tender, thoughtful William becomes drunken reveller Spike. Here the character of the demon seems very different to the human before. All in all, this demon inhabiting the body thing has always seemed loose allowing the writers the license to do whatever they want for whichever scenario they need. Anyway, looking forward to hearing the rest of the podcasts and i will almost certainly ramble some more after those as well.
Dearest Revello, This was in fact an excellent episode. Although i am no stranger to buffy forums, it is truly an entirely different experience to be able to actually \"hear\" somebody discuss the many buffy themes and also to hear the varying imputs of the other listeners. As a debut episode, i found it to be very thought provoking. I have a deep long lasting love for BUFFY but have never really been the big thinker into the things that your show discusses. I find it to be very valuable and appreciate it very much. The idea of Joss asking the audience to \"suspend belief\" had never really occured to me. And as i began to think about it more, i really started to think....\"Yeah. Why wasn\'t Xander crying over his best friend who JUST DIED!?\" lol. 10 years too late to be asking that i know, lol. Anyways...it\'s late. I\'m tired. Once again, great show. Love it very mucho. I\'ve only listened to eps 1-8 & 13. I\'m going to go listen to ep 9 right now as ur melodic voice lulls me peacefully to sleep. ha! :-D g\'nite and take care buffycast! so long and goodnight...
Thank you, I have just discovered your podcast and I am encouraged by what i have heard so far. I have been listening to another that was far more juvenile and also tinged with homophobia. I am going to listen to all the podcasts to get caught up in the next few days. I will let you know what I think. After just the first two, I think that a co-host is needed, someone to bounce ideas off of.
I have just found your podcast and have only been able to listen to 1 and 2 so far...but what a refreshing show! Like the previous poster, I have been listening to another juvenile that pretty much describes Buffy episode by episode, but since we have seen each show, obviously don\'t need a play by play--but a true discussion is wonderful. I was able to suspend disbelief enough when it came to Sunnydale being a small town--until, that is, it became a huge University town! Looking forward to the next 11 casts and hoping there will be more. I am sorry that I missed Nov. 2 of 2005, but will be sure to raise a glass on Nov. 2 this year!
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There are many ways to sniff out a trend, from hard facts and data to that instinctive gut feeling. In today's world of omnipresent technology, word of mouth reaches more people faster than ever before. People instantly share their excitement for flavor-of-the-moment crazes, and social media lets us eavesdrop on global gossip.
With a worthy goal of investigating beverage innovation through social media, we launched a project called The Drink Nation Experiment. We asked friends, colleagues and the general public to post anything eye-catching, delicious or innovative in the world of beverage on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The top 25 beverage trends from those efforts were gathered and presented at the 2014 Flavor Experience event in Newport Beach, Calif. The experiment continues today, and we're already seeing new sipping social developments.
Here, we've narrowed in on five top trends from The Drink Nation Experiment that can help you stay ahead of the flavor curve.
Ginger & Ginger Beer
Ginger has exploded in the beverage category—from spicy, bold and brisk to soft and bubbly to spirit-forward.
Generic ginger ale is now being challenged by full-bodied ginger beer and housemade variations. Syrup companies are helping boost housemade signature offerings with creative flavorings and blends.
Ginger beer is the "it" mixer of today, adding bubbles to creative cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and the red-hot Mule. Sourcing a local ginger beer is an easy way to add premium value to your beverage menu. Seattle-based Rachel's Ginger Beer, loved by area mixologists, features flavors such as blood orange and white peach.
Fresh ginger itself can certainly supply a spicy kick, especially when juiced—though its intensity can vary unpredictably. Whether you use ginger beer, ginger liqueur, ginger juice or purée, or even candied ginger for garnish, this bold taste is one to highlight on your menu.
Menu Mentions
Ginger Smash: Muddled ginger root and fresh pineapple shaken with Caña Brava Rum, Maraschino liqueur, Berentzen Apple Liqueur and fresh lime juice — Employees Only, New York
Huckleberry Mule: Absolut vodka, fresh lime, housemade ginger ale, topped with huckleberry preserves; served on tap — The Heathman Restaurant & Bar, Portland, Ore.
Easy Adds
» Add candied ginger as a garnish to a ginger-inspired drink.
» Finely grate fresh ginger over the top of a drink as a freshness cue.
» Make a frothy ginger beer to top drinks: Combine ginger syrup, beer and fresh lime in a soda siphon; double charge with CO2.
Bloody Marys and Brunch Cocktails
Everyone wants to "brunch," and what a great opportunity to upsell an alcoholic beverage. While lunch cocktail sales can be difficult, brunch seems to grant permission for that cocktail before noon.
Today, brunch spots are often chosen according to which place has the best signature brunch drink. And menu selections have expanded enormously in the past few years: milk punches, exotic fruit mimosas, creative takes on Ramos Fizzes and the iconic Bloody Mary.
Everybody has a Bloody Mary—what makes yours stand out? Give it an upgrade with a housemade mix, or try one of the multitudes of options on the market for easy speed-scratch variations. Choose a concentrated seasoning like Demitri's Extra Horseradish or chipotle-habanero, or customize a classic mix like Finest Call's Loaded Bloody Mary Mix. Recently, we discovered a Peppadew-Sriracha mix—two hot ingredients in one.
Vodka is traditional, but these days Bloody Marys are being crafted with spicy vodkas, botanical-forward gins, whiskey, tequila and even aquavit.
But the real fun is in the garnish. From charcuterie skewers and pepperoni straws to hot wings and pickled everything—the sky's the limit. But keep it in good taste: An entire slice of pizza or a whole smoked fish may be pushing it too far. And don't forget, an eye-catching Bloody Mary is a good social media opportunity— #BestMaryEver!
Menu Mentions
Mango Mimosita: Cava, mango, green chile — Mercadito, Chicago
Verde Maria: El Silencio Mezcal, cilantro, mint, serrano, tomatillo — Hyde Sunset Kitchen & Cocktails, Los Angeles
Easy Adds
» Offer an upcharge add-on such as pepperoni straws, beef jerky, skewered shrimp or a mini slider garnish.
» Serve with a hot sauce caddy featuring a variety of hot sauces and spicy condiments.
» Make a signature skewer of pickled garnishes such as beets, asparagus, beans, Peppadews.
Apple and Cider Craze
A few years ago there was only a slim chance of seeing more than one cider listed on a bar menu. Now we're seeing more and more new ciders coming into the mainstream. First, it was apple, then pear, and now ciders are even often featured on tap.
Cider fits right into the craft cocktail movement. From sweet to crisp and dry, there is a cider for every palate. Good on its own, cider can also be a great topper for cocktails or as a base for ice cream floats. Across the United States, full-fledged cider bars are opening, such as Chicago's soon-to-open cider pub, The Northman.
Consumers' taste for candy-like apple concoctions, like the green apple martini, has evolved with the rise in more sophisticated and dryer drinks. Cocktail guru and writer Camper English said it right: "The apple-spirits trend is once again bearing fruit—only now the drinks aren't leaving a sickly sweet aftertaste." Old-school spirits such as applejack and pear brandy, along with orchard liqueurs and syrups, appeal to today's modern mixologists and their guests.
Menu Mentions
The Porkchop: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Yardbird Dijon syrup, fresh thyme and citrus with unfiltered apple cider — Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, Miami Beach, Fla.
Coit Tower: Rittenhouse Rye, raspberry, thyme, lemon, cider — Trick Dog,
San Francisco
Easy Adds
» Use a dry cider in place of Champagne in a sparkling cocktail.
» Serve dried apple chips with an orchard-inspired drink.
» Get on the boilermaker bandwagon with a cider pint and shot of applejack brandy or bourbon.
Friendly Whiskey
Whiskey is not just your dad's drink anymore. From long and tall whiskey punches to moonshine to reimagined classics over ice spheres and large format cubes, whiskey has discovered its creative and friendly side. Millennials' attraction to both innovation and authenticity, along with women's interest in brown spirits, make whiskey drinks a hot trend.
Interest in classic cocktails has led to a cascade of twists. Old Fashioneds are getting menu placement with a variety of whiskeys, sweeteners and unique bitters. Manhattans are being crafted with infused sweet vermouths and spiked cherries, and the rediscovered Boulevardier cocktail is giving the Negroni competition.
These days whiskey is showing up paired with blackberries, peaches, honey and a whole gamut of fresh ingredients that make this spirit more approachable for first-time drinkers. It's the "friendly-tizing" of whiskey.
Menu Mentions
Jack's Berry Smash: Jack Daniel's Whiskey, wild berry, sweet and sour, mint and blueberries — Applebee's
Keep Your Head Down: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur, pineapple juice, falernum, Demerara syrup, Island Bitters — Alma Cocina, Atlanta
Easy Adds
» Craft a whiskey sour with a honey-lemon sour featuring local honey.
» Create a seasonal julep by incorporating fresh summer fruits such as blackberries, raspberries or ripe peaches.
» Infuse red vermouth with cranberry, clove, allspice, orange peel and ginger to give your Manhattan a signature twist.
Housemade Non-Alcoholic
Now that the cocktail arena has seen a tremendous infusion of creativity, it's time to infuse innovation into your non-alcoholic program. Housemade sodas, sparkling lemonades incorporating fresh citrus and herbs and creative coolers are top sellers.
Take a look in your kitchen and see what ingredients can be cross-utilized into new beverage offerings. It's easy to incorporate syrups, purées and fresh citrus. Think garden-to-glass; consider combinations such as mango-basil or tangerine-rosemary for seasonal flair. Add intrigue with exotic citrus flavors such as Meyer lemon, pomelo and ruby grapefruit. Garnishing with a few fresh berries or IQF fruit can provide that fresh visual cue.
Classic lemonade with a splash of blood orange syrup, fresh basil and a spritz of soda bubbles served long and tall with a garnish of pink-hued Cara Cara orange can look and taste like a million bucks.
Menu Mentions
Fresh Strawberry Mango Cooler: Fresh strawberries, hand-shaken with Fresca and Monin South Seas, featuring natural flavors of mango, guava and ginger — California Pizza Kitchen
Perfect Prickly Pear: Prickly pear, fresh lemon and grapefruit juices — Cactus Restaurants Southwest Kitchen & Bar, Seattle and Bellevue, Wash.
Easy Adds
» Since many operators don't have dedicated bartenders during lunch hours, be sure to post recipes and train waitstaff to execute them properly.
» Create a house signature soda that changes seasonally, utilizing a full-flavored syrup, fresh citrus juice and soda water. Serve it with a "wow" garnish.
» Incorporate local honey and varietals to add menu intrigue.