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Penn State Basketball
Penn State basketball: Lady Lions on road to face Virginia Tech
They've logged nearly 13,000 miles in the air and on the ground so far this season. Throw in a preseason junket to Europe and the number jumps to nearly 23,500 miles.
The non-conference globetrotting finally ends tonight for the No. 11 Penn State women's basketball team as it travels to Blacksburg, Va., to face Virginia Tech at 7 p.m.
If the Lady Lions (7-2) could borrow a little bit from an old TV series, this season could be called, "Have Ball, Will Travel." They've logged trips from Connecticut to California to Florida and points in between like Texas and Virginia. They also went to France and Italy in August for a series of preseason exhibition games.
While she and her teammates have spent a lot of time in the air and in hotels, senior forward Mia Nickson sees the benefits. The Lady Lions have played at three teams currently ranked in the Top 25, including No. 2 Connecticut.
"Our road schedule has been one of the best since I've been here," said Nickson. "I really enjoyed playing the high-caliber teams that we've played. I don't think anyone that we played didn't cause problems for us that we had to adjust to. We were really focused in film and with our scouts. We had to be on our toes because they were capable of beating us and we're going to see them in the tournament at some point."
The Lady Lions enter tonight's clash with a 2-2 mark on the road with the two losses coming at current No. 21 Miami (69-65) and UConn (67-52). They defeated No. 23 Texas A&M (63-58) and Cal State Northridge (85-73).
"I think we've played very well," Penn State coach Coquese Washington said of her team's road clashes. "We knew we had some tough non-conference road games and we just wanted to perform well in all of them. I've thought for the most part, we have performed well.
"Even though we didn't win the game in Miami, that was a tough challenge given a cross-country trip (after playing in California). We were still in position to take that game, even with our tired legs. We went to UConn and had our opportunities there as well. You're not always going to come away with a win, but I like the way we've fought in all of our road games. ... We've got to do a better job of taking care of the ball on the road, but I think that will come as we move into conference play."
Guard Maggie Lucas sees a benefit that extends past the regular season.
"It will be a good thing for us later down in the season, just getting that experience on the road for everyone," she said. "You could end up anywhere in the NCAA Tournament and we'll be prepared for that."
And Nickson sees even further into the future.
"Especially for those who want to play after this, this is what they've got to get used to," she said, referring to professional basketball. "People that aren't going to play, they get a look at the professional world where you have to stay up late one day and get up early the next day. It's good at helping us prepare us for whatever future endeavors we go into."
The Lady Lions head into tonight's contest coming off their best effort of the season, a 97-74 dismantling of Georgetown. They were dominant in the first half, riding Lucas' 26 points to a 53-25 halftime lead.
"It shows how patient we can be," Nickson said of the offense. "There was a lot of passing going on and there weren't a lot of quick shots. We made the defense work."
And Penn State's defense frustrated the Hoyas into 9-for-34 shooting in the half.
"I think it was kind of a glimpse of who we can be, who we need to be and who we want to be," Washington said. "We've got to have that for 40 minutes. Certainly, that is the type of team we want to be — a team that plays tough, aggressive, stingy defense that leads to some pretty good transition opportunities and when we have to slow it down we can execute in the halfcourt as well."
The Lady Lions will face a team tonight that they embarrassed last year at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Hokies scored a school-record low in a 66-28 loss.
Virginia Tech (4-3) has struggled offensively this season, having lost 55-35 to Old Dominion and 57-29 to Michigan State.
The Hokies have just one player averaging double figures, junior guard Monet Tellier (12.1).
"She's playing good basketball and does it in a variety of ways," Washington said of Tellier. "They rely on her a lot to score points and generate offense for them. We're going to have pay a lot of attention to her."
Lucas is coming off a career-high 39-point effort against Georgetown. The junior, who leads the Big Ten with a 22.7 scoring average, was named the U.S. Women's Basketball Writers Association's National Player of the Week on Tuesday.
Notes: Penn State leads the all-time series 2-0 against Virginia Tech. The Lady Lions defeated the Hokies 61-48 in Blacksburg in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. ... Ariel Edwards is 17 of 23 from the field since assuming a reserve role three games ago. ... Lucas needs one basket to reach 1,400 points for her career.


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Welcome back to our end of the year round-up! The categories haven't changed, but we are giving out something a little different this year to our winners... cuts. That's right, we're jumping you into the Comic Bastards winner circle! You can also listen to the "Best of 2014" podcast episode which is posted at the bottom to hear the entire list, otherwise check back for the next category. Now let's get going with our next category: Best Original Graphic Novel, Trade or Reprint.
James - The Best of Comix Book: When Marvel Went Underground
Who knew that Stan Lee and Denis Kitchen collaborated for an underground Marvel publication in the early 1970s? I found the reprint of the best the comics had to offer as informative and thought provoking. Shoot, the first American publication of Maus happened in Comix Book. Pretty cool. I found this "best of" book to be filled with enlightening tidbits and it really captures a moment in time when Marvel played around with some cutting edge themes.
Andre - Seconds
I haven't yet read many of this years OGN releases, but Seconds was one I picked up as soon as possible. With a story about an ambitious, 20-something who's wants it all, there was no way I wouldn't have been able to relate, and empathize with Kate's consumption of reality altering mushrooms (they allow her to revise a mistake, not think that trees are gonna eat her). In addition, you got O'Malley's trademark humor and illustrations of beautiful foods.
Samantha - Seconds
Love how O'Mailey can capture the thought of each character. Such a cute, impressive, and fun graphic novel.
Kevin - Andre the Giant: Life and Legend
Even though it read like there were a few bits glossed over in the icon's life and understandability so; the book does a fantastic job giving you a peek into André René Roussimoff's interesting life. Cartoonist and biographer Box Brown has done a great job
Neil - Andre the Giant: Life and Legend
A great graphic novel of one of wrestling's legends.
Carl - Andre the Giant: Life and Legend
He was Fezzik, bitches. 'Nuff said.
Dustin - Doomboy
This year I read a lot of graphic novels. So many that I can't even remember them all, but Doomboy stands out because I read it three times. I'm not talking about one time and then bullshit flipping through it two more times though I did do that. I'm talking about three actual readings of the book. It's fantastic. It's one of the best things I've ever read and will be one of those rare titles that I read again and again.
Austin - OPUS
OPUS wasn't my favorite story that I read this year, but the experience of seeing Kon's unfinished work from nearly two decades ago for the first time in English was by far the most special thing I read.
Jeff - The Wicked + The Divine
Like 'Preacher' and 'Sandman: Season of Mists' had a kid and that kid went out clubbing all night.
Allen - Grandville Noel
Just go read my review I wrote about this. Such a beautiful book that.
Nick - Casanova Vol. 1: Luxuria
The main series is crazy fun and proves that you CAN throw everything together and make it work, but the backmatter is the star. It's the first place you see that Fraction is a writer who has actual things to say and a lot of heart to boot.
Steve - Moon Knight, Volume 1: From The Dead
This collection of one-and-dones took me completely by surprise: a wicked, fractured superhero story with some of the finest art of the entire year. This was an exceptional creative combo that fired on absolutely every cylinder to make something insanely special.
David - Deadly Class Vol. 1: The Reagan Youth
I picked up this trade on a whim when I had a bit of extra money burning a hole in my pocket one day, and it was definitely one of the better financial decisions I've made recently. This book blew me away. Remender quickly establishes a cast of characters that are interesting, likeable and in the case of one particular villain - very disturbing. I loved the first six issues contained within this trade; they had a great mix of drama and humour, and the artwork was beautiful - particularly in the acid-trip issues which looked phenomenal. Pick it up, folks!

subset: commoncrawl


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Core Overview
Our core program curriculum is delivered in a one-day-a-week format for 30 weeks each year. Students are each assigned a core day. They arrive by 9:00 a.m., eat lunch at 11:45 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Core programs are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Students in grades 1-4 are in the Grammar level; while students in grades 5-8 constitute the Logic level. High school students in grades 9-12 are in the Rhetoric level.
Every homeschool is unique, and we honor the flexibility which home educators value. There are many different ways to couple one's homeschool with Greenhouse. For every Grammar- and Logic-level core course, the syllabus provides additional resources and possible projects for families who want to go further. Since the goal of "homework" is for the student to be prepared for class, Greenhouse allows parents the freedom to adjust or replace assignments in instances when they believe they have a more suitable way to prepare their child for a given class. We often sponsor a panel discussion with several veteran families so others can see the variety of ways that Greenhouse can be combined with different home schools.
Co-schooling is a fundamental partnership ... between a homeschooling family (you) and a co-school (us). Read more about it.


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Crunchyroll to Stream "Oreimo Season 2" and "Sparrow's Hotel" Anime
Launch dates and times TBA
The spring anime season is just on the horizon, and Crunchyroll reps at Kawaii Kon have just made the very first show announcements at this afternoon's panel: Oreimo Season 2 and Sparrow's Hotel are coming your way soon! Launch dates and time have yet to be confirmed, and we don't have region info yet, but both are on their way!
The second season of Oreimo (Short for Ore no Imoto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai, AKA "My Little Sister Can't Be this Cute" is based on the ongoing light novel series by Tsukasa Fushimi and Hiro Kanzaki. A manga adaptation by Sakura Ikeda began in 2009 and made the jump to anime in 2010. Director Hiroyuki Kanbe is slated to return for this new production, which is being animated by A-1 Pictures. Season One of Oreimo is available now for viewing on Crunchyroll.
Sparrow's Hotel is an adaptation of a four-panel comedy manga by Yuka Santoh about a big-boobed front desk clerk at a business hotel who uses assassination techniques to deal with unruly customers. Direction is by Tetsuji Nakamura (Zatch Bell).
Again, launch dates, regions, and time slots have yet to be announced, but stay tuned to Crunchyroll News for more details and show announcements!
Patrick Macias is the editor in chief of Crunchyroll News. He also runs the Japanese Fashion Inferno tumblr blog. Follow him on twitter at @Patrick_Macias.


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Himalaya Herbals Protein Shampoo with Conditioner
I first "discovered" this product in my Mom's bathroom. When I visit her every weekend, I had no choice but to use the shampoo/conditioner that she uses, which is how I got to try this. Verdict? I absolutely love it! I've been using it for a month now and my hair definitely looks healthier, softer, with less hairfall. Moms know best, in the end.
What I adore about the product
- Keeps my hair soft and moisturized. I don't use conditioner anymore.
- Safe for colored hair
- Smells nice
- Has a creamy texture. I don't need much to get a good lather.
- Lessened my dandruff and hairfall
- If the back is to be believed, it's made of natural ingredients - shoe flower, chickpea, thyme gratiola, basil, and thistles. What an odd combo, but it works.
- THE PRICE! It's only P89 in Watson's. For a two-in-one product, that's a good deal already. When I bought mine, it was the only one left in the shelves. It seems to be a best-selling product and I can see why. It comes in a big 200ml bottle.
What I don't like about this
- Nothing! It's perfect for me.
Product is a light-green color
It's good for dry and damaged hair, since it has moisturizing properties. I feel it is mild, too, so it should be okay for sensitive scalps like mine. I leave it on for two minutes - like conditioner - and then rinse it out thoroughly.
I will buy back-ups of this product - as soon as I see it again. It's usually sold out, and not all Watsons branches carry the Himalaya Herbals brand. I haven't launched a serious search for it yet since I still have a lot left in the bottle, but I'll let you know where I find it. I bought mine in SM Rosario, Cavite.


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I think there will be several posts about this weekend, because I do want to write about them with some detail. I do want part of this blog to serve as my diary. And, the memories from this weekend are well worth preserving.
On the drive down, the sky was incredible. I really like trying to take interesting pictures from the car as I am riding. Here are some of the sky-scenes from our drive to Tulsa.
The sun shining through the clouds
A far-off rainshower
A giant mushroom
We also saw these ominous looking clouds right in our path.
When we reached them, there was a bit of rain, but not a lot. I wonder if we actually saw a dust storm? Or a dust/rain storm. It was much scarier looking than it turned out to be.Finally, a blazing sunset to the west and a soft moonrise to the east, at the same time (about 6:05 pm)


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WEDA's Fall Conference 2016 was held in Eau Claire, WI with the focus on Making Their Community a Destination for Business and Talent. Eau Claire was recently featured in Time Magazine on the many recent events that have spurred exciting community development efforts.
During the conference attendees learned about various ways to brand their community as an attractive place to live, work and play. Attendees learned firsthand how development deals were structured, creative ways to keep and attract talent, and innovative ideas on how music can be an economic driver. Our speakers focused not only on teaching attendees something new, but demonstrate how to implement it in their community.
The conference had a offsite reception, multiple exhibitors, keynote, multiple seminars, and a culinary crawl reception. The conference took place at the new Lismore Hotel in downtown Eau Claire.


text: I found some great and inspiring pictures of Chelsea that I wanted to share. If you're reading this then I know you agree it is important to always look for new ideas and inspiration; no matter what you do. I have gotten ideas from newer, less experienced designers that were amazing, and of course, I always look to those that are really making a name for themselves and have produced great work. So, here is some inspiration…..


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Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen Says Interest Rate Hike Possible
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen hinted at an interest rate hike in comments she made at a hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday. She said a rate hike "could well become appropriate relatively soon."
Yellen says there appears to be room for economic improvement. She said the Federal Reserve sees the benefit of low borrowing costs, but if the Federal Reserve waits too long for a rate hike -- the central bank may have to raise rates more quickly down the road.
Yellen also mentioned the U.S. economy is in relatively good health and continues to make progress. She mentioned job gains averaged 180,000 per month from January through October .


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It's been said that New York City is the best place for a traveler to be based. Not only is it easy to escape to a brand-new city or country via several airports, there are countless neighborhoods to eat and explore, from Little Italy to Little Colombia to Chinatown. Sam Horine is one such traveling soul: while he's constantly exploring the abandoned and forgotten neighborhoods of New York City (we're particularly enthralled with the fantastic street art he finds), he also seems to be in a new exotic locale practically every month. As a freelance photographer and popular Instagrammer, his work covers of a broad spectrum, with recent projects like taking over the TriBeCa Film Festival Instagram feed and shooting for the New York Rangers and the Israeli Board of Tourism. If you want to be inspired to cross the globe or perhaps just look at your own neighborhood with fresh eyes, look no further: Sam's photos can give even the most sedentary soul a dash of wanderlust.
Sam uses the Leather Brixton in Dark Truffle.
ONA: How did you get into photography/videography?
SH: It's hard to pinpoint an exact moment, but I have some very distinct memories of poring through the National Geographics that came to my parents' home each month–spending hours looking through the magazine at scenes far different than my life in a small town in rural Maine. I took a few classes and eventually developed a healthy addiction to Polaroid film–there was something magical about being able to capture moments and memories instantly. Eventually i moved to New York City and got involved in the music scene where I discovered that by taking a few photos at shows, I could go for free and stand in the very front. From music to fashion and food, New York City was a mecca of interesting stuff to photograph and once I started it was hard to stop.
ONA: What camera do you shoot with? What is your "go to" lens of choice?
SH: These days I'm shooting mostly with the Canon 5dmk3 and an iPhone 5. The go-to lens is usually the 35mm f/1.4L – it's tack sharp and gives you a nice angle of view that's wide without being overly wide.
ONA: What sort of project drives your creativity? Follow Up: What is your dream project?
SH: Anything that forces me to think on my feet while pushing me out of my comfort zone. While I mostly work in stills at this point, I've been slightly obsessed with vine as it's an entirely new problem in that it's video and it's only six seconds, so you need to figure out the entire story arc and direction in advance as opposed to editing it together afterward as you might do with stills.
Lots of dream projects. Would love to spend some time traveling in Asia: meeting people and telling stories from a part of the world that I really don't know too much about. That or going to the Bonneville salt flats and drifting fast cars.
ONA: What is the hardest thing about being a photographer/videographer?
SH: For me, it's probably the business side of things: making sure that all your records are up to date, invoicing, keeping everything straight and orderly and making sure that it all ends up where it should while making sure everyone gets paid.
ONA: Describe your style of shooting.
SH: While i do a lot of research on shots that I'd like to get, at the end of the day my style is a little more run and gun: trying to catch things in the moment without overthinking them too much.
ONA: In one sentence, what advice would you give to a photographer/videographer just starting out?
SH: Keep trying new things.
ONA: How did you hear about us?
SH: Through friends: you've been working with a great group of photographers and I saw the bags around with them, so it was great to hear from you about a potential collaboration.


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Our last day trading for 2009 was 23rd December when we closed early at 5pm and went for fish and chips followed by Public Image Ltd. at the Electric Ballroom.
We are pleased to announce we have been invited to take part in a show;
"Louder than Bombs- Art, Action and Activism" at the Stanley Picker Gallery in Kingston in the spring.
Our plan is to challenge the fashion and textiles industry with a bike powered wool mill / disco / boutique / protest platform, with which you are invited to participate.
There are seven artists taking part and each project seems to echo a song from The Smiths, 'Louder than Bombs'. Our song for the work in progress is 'Money Changes Everything.'
More info to follow. See you there!
Congratulations to Sarah Cobb, who has knitted a Robin Hood bear, who rides through the glen in the most handsome trousers, crocheted from Prick Your Finger's hand spun "Bethnal Green Forest".
There is no doubt that this curious bear is a rebel. Sarah wants to knit him a hat, and is asking for suggestions.
A pukka trilby with crochet feather?
Mrs Cooper said to Mr. Cooper many times,
"Don't leave your valuables in the back of the car, because someone might break in and steal them!"
Most of the time, when parking the car, Mrs Cooper's words resounded in Mr. Cooper's head, but one sunny day in Somerset, a big green hill beckoned Mr.Cooper, and off he went on his walk, forgetting about the back seat.
At the summit, scanning the view, he noticed two men breaking into the back of his car. Pegging it down the hill, on reaching the car, his bags and new camera were no where to be seen.
Several months later, Mr. Cooper received a telephone call from the Somerset Police. They had recovered his bag from a hedgerow, sadly minus the camera, but his favourite guernsey was almost in tact, apart from a few large holes, where some slugs had tucked in.
(Yes, slugs and snails have been known to eat good quality wool)
Mrs. Cooper asked us to darn it, and it is now ready to be worn by Mr. Cooper on more adventures.
Mrs. Cooper doesn't think Mr. Cooper will make the same mistake again.
But we do need shoulder pads. Back in fashion and now in stock at Prick Your Finger, £3 a pair.
Here are the first and last verses of Christina Rossetti's 'In the Bleak Mid Winter,' knitted in a word search, for you to puzzle over through the longest nights. There are clues to the words too, listed below, and the little words like 'in' are all present.
I am fully aware that it is impossible to do this on a computer screen, and it is meant as your Christmas card, so if you require a larger version to print out, please e-mail email@example.com and I shall e-mail you a copy .
1. Charmless, inhospitible and dreary.
2. Half way through the coldest season.
3. Popular snowman in children's song.
4. Experienced after eating too many sprouts.
5. Another way of spelling 'maid'.
6. Noise made with pleasure or pain.
7. The planet we live on.
8. Up right on both feet, past tense.
9. Not soft.
10. Used to flatten creases.
11. We are advised to drink 8 glasses a day.
12. A rolling _ gathers no moss.
13. Atmospheric water vapour, frozen into ice.
14. Not recently. (4,3)
15. To be generous.
16. Lacking in money.
17. Tender of sheep.
18. To take along.
19. Baby lamb.
20. Learned.
21. Male.
22. My share. (2,4)
23. Pumps blood around the body.
24. _ from grace.
In the bleak mid-winter,
frosty wind made moan.
Earth stood hard as iron,
water like a stone.
Snow had fallen,
snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak mid winter,
Long ago.
What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give him?
Give him my heart.
The first one hundred customers received a PYF, hand printed goody bag, which we made in the shop last Monday.
Some were red and some were pink.
We were teaching people to knit in the bar, and our stall was set up on Louise's laundry rack.
I've not seen so many crafty feminists in one place for a long time. They all bustled around Tatty Devine's Christmas Tree Tombola.
We laid a wool trail between York Hall and the shop, which proved good for our business.
We taught lots of people to knit, and had a lovely day but by twenty past six we had done too much talking and were ready for chips.
Thank you Victoria for organising such a brilliant event and to Mrs. Higgins of Tatty Devine and Zarah for the photos.
We are delighted to announce that we are the proud receivers of a Crafts Council 'Spark Plug Award'. This means that we are becoming curators.
It is all due to Mr. Trevor Pitt, who in coming all the way from Birmingham to deliver his 'Soft Bench in a Hard Landscape', stopped for a cup of tea, looked around and suggested I applied for the award.
Taking everything Trevor says seriously, I wrote all weekend, as the deadline was only 3 days away. Ella Gibbs drove over to have dinner and read what I wrote and the Spark Plugs failed on her car. The AA man said that was pot luck, and that they weren't earthed. He had to come out twice, so I hoped my application would be successful. With about 5 hours to go, Louise gathered images and fixed the printer, Trevor juggled the English and I hand delivered the envolope.
Trevor was right, Louise and I are developing a show, which we are passionate about. I shall write more about it in due course.
Please come and visit us and lots of other crafty people at the BUST CRAFTACULAR st York Hall this Saturday. We will be near the bar, ready to help you with any knitting or crochet enquiries, and there is a free Prick Your Finger goody bag for the early birds. See you there!
For more info go to http://www.bust.com/craftacular/About-London.html
Serious second sock syndrome with this pair! I started them during the Men's Wimbledon Semi - Final and finished last weekend.
The postcode socks are incredably warm, in Wensleydale 4 ply, and contain postcodes of my loved ones, so should I ever be washed up or lost on an adventure, I shall be returned to somewhere familiar.
The second sock was harder, because after my family, there are so many postcodes and places and loved ones to choose from.
Thank you to Bev, who brought us this wonderful package in Spain.
'Kiki, Pelo Especial Para Nidos' is luxury bedding for baby chicks.
It is just rough goat hair sold in a beautiful packet.
Why can't all packets of things be this cool.
Bev has a shop on Columbia road, and she makes fabulous clothes, and witty bits and bobs. Do pop in if you are passing.
Today we told fortunes in our house made of old coats, at the Art Worker's Guild Christmas fair. We have never been fortune tellers before, but it seemed to work. We wrote of good things that could happen, and household tips. The Brothers were then asked to sit on a tin bath in our tent, which was lit with a torch, and then we spun a Chinese wicker hat, containing all the folded papers. The customer picked a paper and we discussed its relevance. There were some freaky co-incidences. It's suprising the belief that people put into this ancient ritual.
Many were warned of moth attack, blocked drains, and hidden abilities to sing, which will hopefully now be worked on over the holiday period.
If you are an art worker and want to apply to be a brother, let me know. Next year's lecture program is very good and I can take up to two guests and propose new members. Lectures are every second Thursday.
The Environmental Justice Foundation.
EJF highten the awareness of the true cost of cotton.
"More than 3/4 of cotton output is accounted for by developing countries" - John Baffes, Senior economist at the World Bank.
Those countries are forced to live with deadly chemicals on the fields, which cause serious illnesses and birth defects. Child labor is common. Water is short.
Cotton fields drink loads of water and in Uzbekistan the Aral Sea has been drained to 15% of its former volume. The draining has uncovered 40,000Km square of the sea floor. An area the equivalent to 6 million soccer pitches. The area now takes the form of dry mud flats, contaminated with salt and pesticide residues. The winds carry huge dust clouds to poison the neighbouring regions, and the local climate has changed.
The true cost of cotton is too high to explain here, but it might be worth noting that North America and Europe account for 45% of global cotton product consumption, despite being home to just 13% of the world population.
Our Christmas tree is decorated in pictures from the EJF literature, and Katherine E Hamnett postcards saying 'SAVE THE FUTURE'. Aketsun Loveable is offering little wind up and whistling plastic toys, (great for bath time) for which we suggest a donation of £2.
We have collected over £50 already, but there are enough plastic toys to hit our target of £100.
Please donate generously next time you visit!
Thanks to EJF for the photos.
Our Zara, The Uld Pixie, who works here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, has been busy knitting Christmas gifts.
You could buy an Angelic Sheep to put on your Christmas tree year after year, or why not purchase a Mince Pie Tape measure to check the difference of waist circumference before and after the Christmas meal?
Beautifully made, and reasonably priced.
Welcome Aketsun, who has flown in from the land of the rising sun, to bring us a pot pourri of fantastical dolls attire, little bird necklaces, handbag bears who carry a change of clothes,and new directions in Christmas decorations! Aketsun collects tiny gems from micro plastic high heals, miniature spoons, to pretty beads. With delicate stitches in sewing, knitting and crochet, she creates a utopia.
It takes several moments to appreciate how much work has gone into each piece. In Aketsun's world, everything is loveable, hense I presume, her name 'Aketsun Loveable'.
Doll collecting is massive in Japan. Aketsun showed us several copies of a Japanese Magazine 'Dolly Dolly', a bizare publication featuring over sexualized dolls that might have died on their wedding day, complete with roses around the coffin etc. Then, as you turn the pages (backwards) Aketsun's joyus world leaps out from the rest, and is, I imagine, very collectable.
It's the best example of contemporary Japanese doll craft I have seen. Paper dress making patterns, and crochet diagrams are also on show. Recognising, that the English might not get the doll world, she's made beautiful fantasies which you can wear, and decorations for Christmas. We are very proud to be showing something so bright, happy and completely alien.


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PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA--(Marketwired - March 2, 2016) - Avenira Limited (ASX:AEV) (TSX:AEV) is pleased to announce that the joint venture and placement transactions with Groupe Mimran companies have achieved financial close.
Avenira has received approximately A$28 million in proceeds which, combined with Avenira's cash balance at 31 December 2015 of approximately A$12 million, ensures funding for:
In accordance with the terms of the MOU, settlement of the transaction has allowed the following to occur:
Mr. David Mimran has been appointed to the boards of both BMCC and Avenira Limited.
Avenira Managing Director and CEO Mr. Cliff Lawrenson said: "We are delighted to have concluded the final stage of the transaction with Groupe Mimran. This is a key funding and strategic milestone for Avenira and we are one of very few resource companies that is fully funded to production. We welcome Groupe Mimran as our project partner and as a key shareholder and we look forward to the contribution David Mimran will make as a board member of Avenira as we progress the Baobab Project into production in the second half of 2016."
Cliff Lawrenson, Managing Director
Contact Information:


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Username 17Hilltop — Jan 07, 2017 02:52PM PST
How do I change my username?
1 Community Answers
Ripley MyFitnessPal Agent Jan 07, 2017 03:08PM PST
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Can this music sort my existing medical condition?
Soulful Soundwaves does not provide medical advice and if you have a pre-existing condition you should consult a doctor. Our music may be able to help alongside your current treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.
Is there anyone that shouldn't listen to your tracks?
Please do not listen to our music tracks while operating machinery, dangerous equipment, performing hazardous activities or driving. People with epilepsy should contact their medical practitioners if they wish to use the frequencies.
Do I have to use headphones?
It is important to use headphones when listening to our binaural beats tracks as each track has been composed to ensure your right and left ear receive a difference frequency. The better quality headphones you use the better quality the result you will experience. We do not advise using cheap earphones.
What's the perfect volume to listen to the music?
It depends on the track you are using. It's advisable to use a volume that is comfortable and relaxing (e.g background music volume) for the tracks used for relaxing, meditation, sleeping, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc. The tracks used for boosting purposes (focus or motivation) can be used at your preferred volume.
How long should I listen to your tracks to get the best results?
We advise you listen to our binaural beat music for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at any one time.
Does it work immediately?
You may begin to notice benefits immediately; however in order to get longer lasting and more noticeable effects, it is advisable to use the tracks daily for a few weeks. To ensure these benefits remain, we advise listening to our music regularly.
What happens if I forget to listen to your tracks regularly?
Don't worry. You still benefit from listening to our tracks every time you use them.
What side effects may I experience using your music?
The side effects you might experience are all positive. However, brain waves work slightly differently depending on the person who is using them. If you feel uncomfortable just reduce the volume, as in rare cases the brain takes a bit of time to align with the frequencies. If you experience any mental discomfort, please stop listening immediately and seek advice from your doctor.
Can children listen to your music?
Yes, we also have a number of tracks specifically designed for children. It is not necessary to use headphones for our music tracks designed for children as all tracks are also available in monaural - specifically for speakers. A low volume is advised when playing music to young children.
Do I have to meditate to your music to experience benefits?
Meditation is just a word to describe a concentration and breathing exercise. It's not necessary to meditate while listening to our tracks, however it is advisable to listen to them in a relaxing environment where you cannot be interrupted. A comfortable position is recommended, but which one, is completely up to you.
Can I listen to your music while pregnant?
Yes. We also have a section dedicated to pregnant mothers and expecting parents.
How do I download your music tracks?
Shortly after you pay and purchase for your chosen tracks, you will be sent an email with a link to download your music. As we have zipped two tracks together so you get a monaural (for speakers) and binaural version (for headphones) of each track, you have to download your music onto your desktop or laptop. From here, you can choose to play your music immediately or add the tracks to your preferred music player (iTunes, Google Play etc). You can then simply plug your smart phone into your computer and sync your phone so the music appears on your phone. We've put a little how-to document together if you're having trouble. You can download this help document here.
Why is your music not available on iTunes?
We understand that having our music available to buy and download on iTunes would be much easier, but there is a reason as to why we don't have our music on there. iTunes and any other streaming music platform unfortunately compresses the music so it is easily played on mobile devices. As we have healing frequencies embedded in each of our tracks, by compressing the music it unfortunately reduces the benefits associated with listening to these healing frequencies. We want to ensure the music you buy is the best possible quality and the most beneficial.
Have you got another question you'd like answered?
Please don't hesitate to contact us on firstname.lastname@example.com and we'll get back to you. We'll also continue to update and share new questions on this page.


text: The six candidates for Norfolk City Council Ward 3 and the two candidates for Ward 4 participated in a forum last Thursday at Booker T. Washington High School. The lighting was quite poor so I apologize for the quality of this video, which is below. At the very least, you can hear what was said, even if you can't, at times, see who was speaking.


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10 Old Hollywood Style Icons That Can Inspire Us Today
Without getting all biblical on you, the Book of Ecclesiastes states that there is "nothing new under the sun."
In other words, nothing is original but is instead borrowed or inspired from a previous moment in time.
In 2016, hipsters are starting to sport beards and moustaches in a nod to the late nineteenth century when your great great GREAT grandfather never had a shave and worked down a mine.
Vintage is also back with a bang, as music lovers everywhere are starting to invest in vinyl records that not so long ago were just big, black cumbersome discs that your parents stored in their attic.
And because the past is currently inspiring everyone, Beauty & Tips decided that we'd take a look at 10 old Hollywood style icons that can inspire us today!
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Heburn was a classy mix of chic and elegance when it came to her style, and is one of the biggest style icons of the 20th century.
The Breakfast At Tiffany's star has certainly gone down in the history books because of her looks and fashion sense more than her films, yet the two often went hand-in-hand; the movies she was in, including Roman Holiday, were as famous for their wardrobes as for their plot lines.
The great thing about Audrey is that she kept things simple; a simple colour palette, a classy black dress and a few nicely tailored pieces.
Elizabeth Taylor
Dark, sultry, exotic, yet 100% British, Liz Taylor was often seen as the yin to Marilyn Monroe's yang. With luscious black curls, bright red lipstick, and a smouldering smile, she was born to play the role of Egyptian fashion queen Cleopatra.
Elizabeth became famous for simple dresses with plunging necklines that teased but only ever showed just the right amount of cleavage. Never crass, always elegant, she dazzled in sequins, flowers, bows and feathers, and stuck to her preferred rich, bright and vibrant colours, eschewing anything pale or muted. For Liz, boldness was everything.
Marilyn Monroe
Perhaps the most quoted female actress of all time by women of today, Marilyn Monroe lived a largely troubled life that was ended prematurely. She captivated audiences with her vivacious sexuality, irritated her co-stars by constantly turning up late, and frustrated her husbands who couldn't keep up with her. More than anything, she wowed audiences with her style.
Marilyn Monroe was Hollywood's first blonde bombshell, and her fashion ideas are as applicable today. She had curves – and she knew how to incite them in a way that surely inspired J-Lo. Forgoing baggy clothes for tight dresses and pencil skirts, Marilyn fully embraced her shape and flaunted her body rather than hid it.
Marlene Dietrich
If you're not a movie fan, you can probably be forgiven for not having heard of Marlene Dietrich. Despite starring in a clutch of good films, her most famous was Shanghai Express.
Yeah, me neither.
In fact, Dietrich became known as "box office poison" and is arguably more famous today for her style than for her acting. If you want to take your cues from this German-American goddess, you simply have to start with your brows. Although today many women pencil in their lashes and brows, it was a totally new thing back in 1930.
And Dietrich went further than everyone else. She shaved off her entire brows and pencilled in new ones instead. Were they good? Honey, they were divine.
Mae West
Before Marilyn Monroe, Hollywood had Mae West. It would be hard to term her a blonde bombshell or on-screen sex icon in an era when men and women couldn't be filmed in the same bed or sharing an onscreen kiss for longer than 3 seconds, but West was still the original silver screen siren.
Glamorous, intelligent and caustically witty, she was every man's dream and every woman's style icon. West had plump legs, but used her wardrobe to her advantage; like Monroe, she emphasised her curves, and wore satin clothes, platinum blonde hair, thin eyebrows and thick lipstick. She was confident and bold, and wore clothing that accentuated cleavage and clung to her waist.
Louise Brooks
History has remembered Monroe, Taylor and West, but what about petite Louise Brooks? Unfortunately, the movie industry has brushed aside this style icon, but if you ask any fashionista's in the know, they'll tell you that silent film star Brooks had it all.
Brooks didn't smile in photographs, and was the first Hollywood girl to popularise the bob hair cut. With her innocent looks and small frame, she was ahead of her time.
Al Capone
This one is both for the guys and the gals (come on, what girl doesn't want to see her man dressed up like Al Capone?!)
Big Al may have been a villain, but while everyone else remembers him for his crimes and misdemeanours, we at Beauty & Tips would like to focus on his style.
After all, who dressed as sharply as this guy before this guy?! Look at those prim suits, those hats, those cigars, and those shoes! Indeed, his style was so good that many historians reckon it was a driving force behind his rabid success.
Coco Chanel
The big question that women are always faced is whether they want to be comfortable, or whether they want to be chic and elegant?
Well, Coco Chanel showed that you can be both.
Draped in pearls and trilbies, Coco Chanel was the innovative fashion designer who dared to change women's fashion totally, demanding that women can wear comfortable fabrics while still looking the business.
Lauren Bacall
After the war was over, men everywhere were happy.
Then, along came screen goddess Lauren Bacall and they were even happier!
Bacall had a husky voice that complimented her arresting looks that actually became known as The Look. Part of The Look were crisp blouses, slacks, neckerchiefs, and cherry red lipstick. She could be chic, she could be casual, but her hair was consistently curly. Naturally.
Grace Kelly
Elegant Grace Kelly's dresses are still inspiring red-carpet actresses today. Even royalties and celebrities are inspired by this former actress and Princess of Monaco.
In truth, anyone can be inspired by Grace's style. She had a soft femininity that she emphasised with her makeup, while she highlighted her lofty regality with A-line skirts and classy evening gowns.
Oh, and don't forget the jewellery!
Stay beautiful!


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Akoya Pearls: Ascending Once Again To Their Rightful Reign Of Royal Regalia
Fashion trends continually flux and fizzle, come and go, rise and fall, ebb and flow … after all, that's precisely what the definition of a trend is … but thankfully and predictably, genuine class, inherent elegance and timelessly traditional beauty are forever … and that stands eternally true with regards to the beloved and treasure Akoya Pearl and the heirloom quality jewelry that is meticulously craft with them supreme gems of the sea!Don't get me wrong, every individual type of pearl under Heaven has its very own uniquely distinct qualities, characteristics, facets and dare I even say … personalities that are genuinely "one of a kind" and when you're deeply immersed in the in wonderful world of pearls, you quite naturally love ALL of your babies … but that veritable truth in no way insinuates that you are obligated to pretend that you don't take note of certain special, distinguishing elements that set each member of the family apart from the rest in their own very characteristic fashion.This is one of the truly fascinating thing about fashion fluxes when it comes to pearls, because as many different types of remarkably gorgeous pearls as there are on this bountifully blessed planet, the pristinely pure, symmetrically perfect, traditional class and style of Akoya Elegance continues to return to its palatial place of prominence after each and every new trend builds up upon itself, over time gaining popularity and "peaking" for a time at its summit, momentarily managing to maintain maximum momentum and eventually decelerating into a downward degradation of diminishing decay, dystrophy and descent.So why is that? Well, first of all, the Akoya Pearl is the very first variety of pearl to effectively and efficiently be cultured, with some of this expertise achieving repeatable consistency and predictability dating as far back as the early 1900s. While these techniques weren't the same as assembly line, mass produced machining or molding, it definitely made a difference to pearl farmers who used to have to rely exclusively on nature hope for the best and was a very far cry from the original inconvenience of having to dive to the bottom of the deep in order to harvest pearls from their mollusk hosts the old fashioned way!These new procedures were first observantly discovered and then creatively and strategically mastered by the insightfully and conceptually adept Australian William Saville-Kent in Australia.Then, when word eventually got out and spread globally throughout the entire pearl industry "grapevine" … these genuinely genius techniques were expertly and efficiency applied … and over time … modified in such a way to make them progressively more and more impressively applicable to "Mass Farm & Produce" these "Akoya Pearls," which were already increasingly high in demand as favored and beloved gems.The dedicated visionary who had the exceptional foresight and financial / organizational wherewithal to take it to the next level … and well beyond … was Mr. Kokichi Mikimoto of the Mikimoto Pearl Company.This meant that for the very first time ever … there was now a way to actually "create" perfectly round, organically symmetrical pearls that majestically radiated the royally regal qualities of uncompromised clarity and classic elegance … but at a price and with such largely increased numbers that you no longer had to be a King or Queen to be able to afford such beauty.Here was thick, highly protective and exceptionally reflective nacre, providing a veritable prism of sparkling, glistening fountains of light and color, with a vast spectrum of shimmer, luster and near infinite subtle overtones, now available to everyone.Truly a powerfully alluring tradition of classic, elegant style was set into motion and when that wave is still cresting more than a century later … one can hardly dare call it a trend … or even a movement … as it's so much more than that, it's simply come to be a way of life … and most of us wouldn't ever want it any other way.The famously repeated cliché' that "Everything OLD is NEW again" has never been more true than it is when considering the extremely long, hot and cold, on again / off again obsession with Akoya pearls as the reigning supreme as the "Gem of Choice" when it comes to both Fashion & Style sensibilities, as well as revered, traditional, classic beauty and elegance.Like ALL timelessly touted treasures of lasting and recurring value, appreciation, desire and adoration, The Akoya Pearl and the awesome jewelry crafted thereof is back my friend … and of course … we wouldn't have it any other way!


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"I was thinking," says one of Simpson's shattered mothers at one point, "what a cheesy business Eng Lit is, all those old men peddling us lies about life and love. They never get as far as this bit, do they." The mother is on what we shall purely for convention's sake call a holiday, looking over Thomas Hardy's cottage with her baby, toddler and husband. It was Hardy, we are reminded later on, who has an entire brood kill themselves "because we are too menny". ("The third's the killer," says an embittered mother to her later on.)
Yes, Simpson is the writer who most famously went where male writers were either too frightened or bored to tread: examining the "ever after" that follows the supposed happy ending. And doing so more or less unimprovably, against some highly stacked odds. She makes much of the inroads that motherhood carves into the intellect, and although not all of her characters have literary hinterlands, many of them have enough to notice the lack of fit between reading and child-rearing. In "Heavy Weather", the story I've been quoting from here (and which is, in its way, the quintessential Simpson story, the one you'd have to rescue if you were only allowed to rescue one), the father makes an unfamiliar observation about Hardy's life and the mother is able to accuse him of reading. She's right: but he only pulled over to the side of the road for five minutes, and she lets it go. (In my experience, doing this kind of thing – the crafty use of a pleat in time to pick up a book – is not usually treated so lightly. It is perhaps the only implausible or false note in any of Simpson's domestic dramas.)
So this may well be why a new collection of Simpson stories only comes out at five-year intervals, although 22 years after the first one you would have thought that she might have a bit more time on her hands by now. We're due another in three years, so until then, here is a sort of greatest hits compilation to keep us happy. In her strangely ill-tempered introduction (which is set up as an imaginary question-and-answer session with someone who accuses her of being a "baby bore" and then a "global warming bore") she responds to the suggestion that novels have more breadth than short stories by saying: "I think a good short story can be like a core sample." This is true, and a good way of putting it: and this selection, from which five stories have been taken from each of her five collections so far, could also be seen as a core sample of Simpson's career. A core sample of core samples, as it were.
I had worried, on picking the book up, whether I was on the point of wearying of Simpson's schtick, or becoming inured to it. I have, after all, made a point of regularly recommending her in this column. Would this be one recommendation too far? Well, no, because I found her stories just as hard to put down as I used to; and repeated exposure to them (although there seem to be one or two here which are unfamiliar, which is odd, because I thought I'd read every word of hers) just makes one appreciate the artistry even more. (Notice the lack of a question mark at the end of "they never get as far as this bit, do they" – the speaker is too tired even to raise her sentences to the interrogative.)
There is also a little bit of dating going on: "Besides, it was difficult to sack people these days," says a woman who discovers a talent for oversleeping in "The Bed". (This was in 1990. Oh, happy days.) Details like these show, mainly, that Simpson keeps her eyes open to what is around her, as well as to what is within her characters. It's the kind of detail that makes us wish she would hurry up so that we can read her thoughts about what's going on right now, the precise contours of our present anxieties. I suspect that she will have much to say, and be able to say it very well.
Until then, though, we at least have this to be getting on with.


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Normally for these insta faves I do a round up of 8 different Instagram accounts to follow but today I decided to feature just one, as her account is so incredibly beautiful. Introducing teresacfreitas - most of the images in her feed are like works of art in their own right and not something that she has snapped while she is out and about (although there are a few of those two) - and I really enjoy the glimpse into how her creative mind works. After a bit of internet stalking I discovered that Teresa is from Portugal and is a photographer (duh! Well obviously!).
There are lots of surreal images in her feed and her work, she is inspired by the sea and you can see that in a lot of her photographs.
I really do think that Instagram is my favourite form of social media, and although every now and then the green eyed monster rears its ugly head meaning occasionally I have to unfollow someone for my own sanity, most of the time I discover the most wonderfully creative people that inspire me in all sorts of ways.
Who is your favourite person to follow on Instagram?
If you want to see my other insta faves check out: one, two, three, four,


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DCU and Insight collaborate to develop tool to combat bullying in schools
Insight's Dr Mark Roantree has teamed up with DCU's National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre to devel to develop an automated inclusivity survey tool for post-primary schools in Ireland. The inclusivity tool will be available online through the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre at www.inclusivity.ie
The tool was developed on foot of research conducted by DCU's Dr Debbie Ging who found that students who experienced bullying at school were predominantly taunted about their weight or body image. Furthermore, it found that teenagers, regardless of gender, were reluctant to report incidents of bullying to school staff.
Teachers highlighted that a focus on body aesthetics, particularly in social media was a factor behind students being subjected to hurtful names about their physical appearance. These findings emerged from a pilot study entitled 'Taking the Temperature' carried out for the development of a survey tool to evaluate Irish schools' inclusivity climate in relation to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
Dr Ging said, "Other indicators such as ethnicity and sexuality were still very significant factors in bullying behaviour but the prevalence of body size-based bullying surprised us, in both the boys' and the girls' schools."
In total, 418 second-level students between the ages of 12 and 17 participated in the study conducted in three schools in the Dublin area encompassing an all-girls Catholic school, an all-boys Catholic school and a co-educational (mixed gender) community college.
Verbal bullying and threats were common with 32.8% of participants reporting that they had been called hurtful names or threatened at school. It was considerably higher in the all-boys school (48.5%) than in the all-girls school (22.4%) or the mixed community college (23.8%), and was most frequently attributed to body type/size.
In relation to promoting an atmosphere of inclusivity for LGBT students, the research found that only a small number of participants in the all-boys school (7.5%) felt their school was 'very accepting' of LGBT people, compared with the 19.1% in the all-girls school and 38.6% in the mixed school.
Key findings included:
In the all-girls school, body type was the most frequently cited reason for having mean rumors or lies spread and for being excluded or 'left out'.
Physical harassment was considerably more prevalent in the all-boys school.
Students in the mixed community college expressed the highest levels of belonging (81.1%) and feeling safe (68.3% felt very safe).
Only 41.8% of students in the all-girls school and 20.7% of students in the all-boys school felt very safe.
Reasons for feeling safe were attributed to; having good friends (81.8%); Supportive teachers 50.5%; Bullying not tolerated 42.1%
Dr Ging said, "The schools were also surprised by a lot of what the surveys revealed, highlighting the need for ongoing self-assessment instruments to improve the equality and inclusion climate."
Feedback from teachers and principals indicated that schools needed broader instruments to evaluate the diversity climate taking into account a range of issues such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, body image and religion, which has led to the development of Dr Roantree's inclusivity survey tool.
You can read about this in thejournal.ie here.


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Submit search
The course uses the lessons from the
Business Writing Skills course without the 12 practice activities. The time you would have spent on the practice activities is devoted to the grammar training.
The training materials include an online index for continued use of the reference tools after the course is finished. Course materials remain online for the duration of the course and after the course is finished.
Present Lists Clearly.
Create lists.
Open list blocks.
Mark the list items clearly.
Keep list items in a single list.
Keep list items in the same format.
Lesson 1: Proofreading Principles
Lesson 2: Using Active Voice


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ANSCHLÜSSE Audio-Eingang, Strum-Eingang, 1V/Oktave-Eingang Odd-Ausgang, Even-Ausgang CV-Eingänge für: Brigthness, Frequency, Damping, Structure, Position ABMESSUNGEN 3 HE Eurorack-Modul, 14 TE breit, 23 mm tief Stromverbrauch: 120 mA auf +12 V und 5 mA auf -12 V GEWICHT 0.253 kg
Mutable Instruments Rings
Nicht vorrätig - Join the waitlist to be emailed when this product becomes available
Rings brings physical modelling synthesis to your Eurorack system, from a more modular angle than Braids' models or Elements. Instead of trying to be a complete instrument, Rings focuses on the key ingredient, the resonator, ready to be excited by envelope clicks, trigger pulses, granular noise or any other audio source produced by the rest of your system.
Three families of vibrating structures are simulated by the module, with CV control over their parameters:
- Strings, membranes and tubes as modelled by Elements' resonator section (modal synthesis).
- Strings coupled together and vibrating in sympathy, with controllable intervals between them.
- Strings with a variable amount of inharmonicity.
Rings can be configured so that each new note is played on its own virtual string, while the previously played note(s) still decay(s). This unique take on polyphony allows the module to play strummed chords.
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Rodents can damage buildings, contaminate food, and transmit diseases to people. The rodent family includes over 2,000 species of rats, mice , gophers, voles, beavers and more. They're also adaptable, capable of learning by trial and error. As a result, people who need to control them have always struggled to "build a better mouse-trap."
Annual sales of rodenticides in the United States can be estimated to be $1.4 billion. In other nations, crop damage by rats impacts both human survival and that of various endangered species. Globally, over $40 billion is spent on rodent control. Despite all efforts to control them, rodents are a persistent problem resulting in over $27 billion in annual losses in the United States alone. They cause infrastructure damage, crop loss, food contamination and disease. In SouthEast Asia, 1/3 of the rice crop is damaged by field rice rats. A mere 10% increase in rice production would feed an additional 380 million people.
With years of experience, we work to deliver unique solutions — rooted in science — that protect every home. With award-winning training and advanced technology, we will look for conditions that invite rodent, tackle current infestations, and stop the life cycle to prevent future invaders. With extensive training in all areas of termite control combined with industry-leading technology, DM Pest Control will know the type of rodent you have and how best to get rid of them.


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We had the perfect day for our autumn day today - wild, wet and windy!! Class 1 and R went looking for signs of autumn this morning, collected lots of fallen leaves and identified which trees they came from. We took time to explore the different items we brought in from home and discussed how the season we are in is different from the others. This afternoon we observed the changeable weather we were experiencing and discussed what would be the best clothes to wear on a typical autumn day. Well done Class 1 you have worked hard!
Year 1 Newsflash >


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Let's go, Church!!
See those seats? That's roughly 4,000 seats right there. Counting the seats on each side and the floor that don't fit in the screen, we have over 7,000 seats that will have a clear view of the platform. The Arena has over 13,000 seats, and nearly all of them will be able to view one of the four jumbo screens so they will be able to see even if they're behind the stage.
Why can't we fill every one of them for this event? Why have people suggested to me that this event will be a flop because we're not bringing in a big name act?
We fail to understand the sheer glory of our God, and the mission and Commission to which He has called us.
This arena is filled, many times a year. It is filled for UD Arena basketball games, play-in games for March Madness, and has been filled numerous times for different musical artists.
We can fill every seat for a sports team or an artist's name, but we can't fill it for the name of Jesus Christ? Church, what does this communicate to the world around us? I have nothing against sporting events or musical concerts, and am in no way suggesting that you shouldn't attend such events. All I am suggesting is that if we can so easily fill the arena for these, we should fill many arenas to lift high the name of Christ!
The world is watching. There are many who know Declare Dayton is happening. It's on billboards throughout Dayton and will hit radio advertising soon. Channel 7 news covered our Church Leaders Luncheon and indicated that they planned to cover the event. This city will be watching. Will they see a weak, divided, and ineffective church that has lost its luster?
Consider for a moment the incredible witness when they see the arena packed to the brim with God's people, for the sole purpose of lifting high the name of Jesus Christ. When they see God's people bring hundreds and thousands of shoes to reach this city with the love of Christ. When they see God's people give generously to support mothers and families in need.
Church, let's rally together to show this city and the world the love of Christ! Let's not sit on our couches and like Facebook pages. Let's rally together at UD Arena on September 30, lifting our voices together in one voice to proclaim to this city and the world that Jesus Christ IS worthy of our worship, IS the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and has given His very life to bring salvation to all who would repent and believe!!
We. Need. You.
This world needs to see the hope of Christ.
How will they see it if the Church doesn't rise up?
We've been given a light.
We have been chosen to be the salt of the earth.
NOW is the time to stop hiding the light.
NOW is the time to stop living in indifference.
NOW is the time to stop dwelling in bitterness.
NOW is the time to stop living in disunity.
NOW is the time to leave sin and bondage behind!
NOW is the time to proclaim the hope of Christ!
NOW is the time to declare the glory of God!
Let's go, Church!!!


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TD Bank Fined $52.5 Million for Role in Ponzi Scheme
Regulators Say Bank Failed to Raise Red Flag Over Lawyer's Fraud
WASHINGTON—U.S. regulators fined Toronto-Dominion Bank $52.5 million over its alleged role in imprisoned attorney Scott Rothstein's $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network announced the civil charges and fines on Monday. Mr. Rothstein has already pleaded guilty to bilking investors out of more than $1.2 billion and is serving a 50-year prison sentence....


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About Us
An introduction from our new Headteacher
Firstly I would like to say how delighted I am to have been appointed as the Headteacher of Isca Academy. I was certain from my very first visit to the Academy that Isca Academy was the right choice for me as Headteacher. It is an exciting, welcoming place where student learning, creativity and personal development are at the heart.
I am joining Isca Academy as its new Headteacher with a breadth of experience, having spent five years as Vice Principal at Tavistock College contributing to the journey from Special Measures to Good. Previous to this I worked at Lipson Cooperative Academy in Plymouth for 11 years with 7 years as an Assistant Principal.
As Headteacher I am passionate about providing high quality education for the young people of our community which is tailored to meet the needs of each and every child. I am also committed to providing inclusive education with an equality of opportunity for all. I have the highest expectations of all the staff and students and it is my intention that by working together, we can continue to raise standards at Isca with the ultimate aim of making sure that every young person has a clear progression route and is able to succeed both at the Academy and beyond.
As parents or guardians you know your children and are experts in meeting their needs. Therefore the relationships between parents, guardians, students and staff are critical and only by working together can we ensure that students at Isca Academy are safe, happy, make good progress and leave us as responsible young people, able to make a valued contribution to society.
At Isca Academy our expectations of the students, in terms of their achievement and behaviour, are very high. We expect all members of our community to uphold the values of respect, tolerance, courtesy and cooperation. Your support in reinforcing our high expectations is very much appreciated and I look forward to meeting you all in due course over the coming months.
Miss Aimee Mitchell
Exe Valley Challenge 2019
Exe Valley Challenge June 30th 2019 The winning teams this year were: Minis - Brampford Speke 4 ..
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This week students in year 10 and 11 have been introduced to a new and exciting approach to help sup..
Exam Results 2019
Students and staff at Isca Academy are celebrating our GCSE results today, where many students have ..


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5 July 2015
The English Missal (5)
I have heard it argued that the Extraordinary Form is not part of the Anglican Patrimony. I find this difficult to understand, and, if you have read the first four parts of this piece, so will you. Of course, the Extraordinary Form was never officially authorised in the Church of England or the American and Australian branches of the Anglican Communion. But, then, neither was the Ordinary Form. Certainly, in England, the Anglo-Papalist movement which is our own much loved ecclesial background did use the Tridentine Rite, used it and loved it, and suffered persecution for that use and that love. The Missale Romanum was the gold standard, with the English Missal providing, over half a century, an intermediate stage in the journey towards its full adoption. That is the place we have come from.
In any case, the Magisterium has solved the matter. Anglicanorum coetibus makes clear (Paragraph III) that Ordinariate clergy may use the Roman Rite as well as using their own liturgical books, and the Apostolic Constitution makes no distinction here between the two forms of the Roman Rite which exist by law in the Latin Church. And Summorum Pontificum establishes that, in principle, every Catholic priest of the Latin rite may use the Extraordinary Form without permission either from the Apostolic See or from his Ordinary. To put the seal on it, the Ordinariate Order of Mass promulgated by Rome incorporates the Preparation, the Offertory Prayers, the Libera nos, the Last Gospel, from the Tridentine Rite. These things are seen by Rome as part of the Anglican Patrimony. Roma locuta est.
This series is now complete.
3 comments:
- Josephus Muris Saliensis said...
This is the most wonderful series of articles, that you dear Father. As ever with your multiple posts, one never quite sees where you are going until the punch at the end!
One odd thing strikes me, in the light of your final comments: The Ordinariate also uses nearly all the Roman Canon, but with the words of consecration borrowed from the Ordinary Form. This struck me as odd when it was promulgated, in the light of your words it strikes me as even odder now, and a point which perhaps Rome should address sooner that the than later. The one thing, as you rightly say, which is most certainly not part of the (very broad) Anglican patrimony is the Ordinary Form, and the inclusion of little, nearly random, bits seems most unhappy. They stick out like a sore thumb.
- 05 July, 2015
The English Missal in combination with the traditional (pre-1955) Roman Missal having formed an important and genuine liturgical practise of the Anglo-Catholic world, it`s continued use also under the Roof of the Ordinariate should be allowed soonest. Please, Father, work in this direction as you are one of the few remaining clergy still having living memory (and I guess also practise) of this tradition. An official approval of this practise as a lawful alternative would be the greatest gift you could achieve for the church.
- 05 July, 2015
- neilmac said...
Dear Father
I am not sure whether or not you were familiar with S John's, Tuebrook, Liverpool, which had as its parish priest the saintly Canon Frank Sampson from 1946 to 1994. This parish used the English Missal, following the structure and prayers of the Missale Romanum, but using the Prayer Book Prayer of Consecration. After the upheavals of the 1960s, some changes were introduced. Thus the Last Gospel, birettas and maniples disappeared from all Masses; and at the Solemn High Mass, celebrated each Sunday and holyday, after the prayers at the foot of the altar and the censing of the High Altar, the Mass was conducted from the sedilia until the Offertory, with the Epistle being chanted facing west. In the late 1970s, at the behest of the altar servers, the maniples, birettas and Last Gospel were all restored, though, unfortunately, the Solemn High Mass was never fully restored to its full former glory.
Cannon Sampson, who died as incumbent, not being subject to the rules of retirement then in force as he had been inducted under an earlier system, celebrated Mass according the English Missal to the end.
S. John's, Tuebrook, was designed by G. F. Bodley and is one of his finest works, now being classified as a grade 1 listed building. In some ways it is a shrine to Bodley's work. If I remember correctly, the Lady Chapel was decorated by Hare, one of Bodley's pupils and the chapel under the tower, constructed in the 1970s, used much of the decoration from the rood screen of (I think) Dunstable Abbey, which Canon Sampson had saved from total destruction. The High Mass cruets and a number of vestments which may still be in use were made to Bodley's design. Stephen Dykes_Bower, the Bodley expert was the architectural consultant for many years. The building today preserves almost all of its Victorian splendour. The stencil work covering walls and ceilings is astounding.
- 06 July, 2015


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Originally a coaching inn built around 1700 and situated just one hundred metres from sandy beaches, overlooking St Michael's Mount, The Marazion Hotel provides a luxury getaway for couples and families looking to explore the coastline of West Cornwall. This friendly hotel offers 10 well appointed en-suite bedrooms with a high quality service and idyllic home from home environment. Guest facilities include a restaurant, bar, coffee lounge, parking and free Wi-Fi.
We offer attractive accommodation in 10 tastefully decorated guestrooms. Choose from double, twin and family rooms, all with en-suite facilities, sumptuous beds, TV's, generous hospitality trays and access to Wi-Fi throughout.
We have a range of exclusive sea view rooms with views over St Michael's Mount and the sea beyond.
Our triple rooms are ideal for larger families with sleeping facilities for two adults and three children or three adults. We also have a family suite comprising two bedrooms; a double room with sea views and a bunk room for two children. A fully tiled family bathroom is accessed from each bedroom via a private internal hallway. Cots are available on request at no additional cost.
Our breakfasts are cooked to order and ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible. We offer a variety of tea, coffee, juices and cereals. We are able to cater for special diets with prior arrangements. Bed linen and towels are provided on your arrival and there is a hairdryer in each room. The hotel also has a laundry service. The hotel and all guestrooms have full central heating throughout.
Our award winning restaurant, The Cutty Sark serves a tasty range of home-cooked lunches, evening dishes and desserts, using the best produce from local suppliers. Our bar area also provides a wide selection of local beers and wines.
In the coffee lounge which overlooks Marazion Square you can relax and enjoy a coffee and indulge yourself with a delicious homemade cake.
We also have a private function room for hire, holding up to 50 guests or our coffee lounge can be hired for evening functions. We can provide catering services to suit your needs from finger buffets to full meals. Please contact us for more details.
We provide a laundry service, free wifi and a large car park
Two night minimum booking.
With a wealth of places to visit locally you'll be perfectly placed to take a trip to St. Michael's Mount; walk along the shoreline of Mount's Bay; drive to Lands End; explore Cape Cornwall or visit the nearby towns and villages such as St. Just, Mousehole, Penzanze and Newlyn. There are plenty of opportunities for a spot of fishing or you can take in the Cornish Heritage of the tin mines in Poldark country.
Follow the A30 to the Newtown roundabout, about 2 miles east of Penzance. Stay in the left-hand lane and take the second exit (signed Marazion Car Parks). With St Michael's Mount to your right, follow the road into Marazion. Go slowly around a left hand bend and you will be in the centre of the town. Take the immediate left in front of the Marazion Hotel and then turn right into our car park. Our reception entrance is at the front of the building.


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Finding The Way
Finding the Way brings awareness to individuals and families about the dangers of the overuse and continuous use of antibiotics, the problems with the country's food supply, the importance of nutritious food, and how to limit our daily exposure to toxic ingredients and chemicals. These toxic ingredients and chemicals are causing physical chaos and disease on a level never before seen.
This book will educate and empower you on the necessary steps to begin or continue your journey toward holistic wellness with emphasis on one aspect of holistic health - the body.
I offer practical solutions, suggestions, and resources I discovered while improving my family's health. Eight years after our lifestyle transformation, I am happy to report that my son continues to be medication free. Discover how it can be done for you and your family in Finding the Way.
"Impressively informed and informative, exceptionally well written, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Finding the Way" is an extraordinary contribution that should be a part of every community and academic library Health/Medicine collections and supplemental studies reading list."
Small Press Bookwatch: July 2017 | James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief | Midwest Book Review


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We had the pleasure partnering with The Brave Millennial to throw a Dinner Party for 100 influential Women who Lead Orlando! We got to Celebrate the ladies of our city and share with one another, while overlooking the City Beautiful at The Balcony Orlando. The evening was hosted by Big.Vision who also captured each moment from the night as well! The lovely set up by A Chair Affair, InBloom Florist, Lawton Connect, PECOX, and The Runway Collective set the stage for a gorgeous dinner with all the perfect touches. It was an honor to be surrounded by so many integral members of our community who are passionate about this city and work hard each day to make it a truly beautiful place to live.
We had music provided by Nicholas Roberts and a posh set up to take photos provided by The Runway Collection with the help of Big.Vision to capture memories of all the special ladies we shared the evening with.
We started with various delicious cocktails provided by Tito's Handmade Vodka and served by Shakers Bar Catering along with a bit of Shrimp Ceviche for the hors d'oeuvres provided by Black Rooster Taqueria, before taking our seats around the dinner table.
We loved that every course was refreshing with a feminine touch, and served to us by Athena Staff. Each table had one of our very own TDPP guest hosts to keep the conversation flowing with fun, stimulating questions from The Brave Millennial about what it's like to be a woman in Orlando and the challenges we face. The Rusty Spoon took the lead on the Spring Tonic Soup, that was light and layered with Melted Leeks, Snow Peas, Stinging Nettles, Radish and Chervil and oh so lovely to look at!
Our Entrée was provided by The Osprey Tavern, which was a Braised Prime Short Rib, with Beef Fat Confit Potatoes, Red Onion Marmalade, and Bordelaise. Served by Athena Staff with our choice of pairing white or red wine.
We wrapped up the evening with a Vanilla Bean Cake with Cream and Berries provided by Fig and Flour Bakery and a cup of coffee courtesy of Credo. The Brave Millennial ended the night by sending us off with a Women Lead Orlando manifesto provided by our very own Mayor Buddy Dyer. Overall the dinner was a spectacular evening filled with strong community, great food, and just a handful of some of the amazing women that help lead our city! A huge thank you as always to all our sponsors. We look forward to doing this again!


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Want to Volunteer to help at the TRUE Leadership Conference?
To make TRUE happen, we need willing servants with loving hearts to give of their time and energies so that this will be a fabulous, life-changing week for all to remember. If you would like to attend as a volunteer please contact us.
ALL volunteers must sign up just like students.


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As an apartment marketer I'm fed up with Facebook for changing the rules yet again. BUT, as a shareholder I'm thrilled that my stock has tripled! In this video blog I point out to myself how Facebook has changed for users since going public.
The shift at Facebook from the user being most important to now catering to the investor is putting Facebook at risk of losing big brands and especially small businesses like apartment communities. As a Facebook Investor how can I complain about my stock price tripling? As an avid user running two companies that manage hundreds of brand Facebook Pages, how can I not complain? Facebook encouraged brands to buy 'likes' and now they're forcing brands to pay to have that same audience see their posts. Facebook has admitted that organic reach will continue to decline for brand pages and urges brands to buy ads. These changes will cause a shift in how brands use the social network and a paradigm shift in how social media is viewed. I believe this will be detrimental to the user experience, will cause brands to look for a new place to connect with fans and will cause me to look at other social networks for my clients.
Photo Source AdAge
I would love to hear what you think. Are you in apartment marketing or are you a social media manager too? Have you seen organic reach on your brand Facebook Pages decline since December? Have you written a blog about social media or recorded a video where you talk to yourself? OK, that last one was just me looking for more people like me. Tweet me or comment below. Also check out my apartment marketing blog and my social media predictions for 2014 video. –> by Joshua Swanson


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It is fashionable these days to avoid the 'F' word – by which, of course, I mean "Fail". This is not confined to the area of teaching Computing, but enough people in this field have written about it to nudge me into writing my thoughts on the matter. So, the FAIL acronym, in case you haven't come across it, is First Attempt In Learning. The idea of it is that instead of telling kids that they have failed at something, you tell that they have not failed. They may have not succeeded, but that is fine, because it was a First Attempt In Learning. Well, I have always been a believer in telling it how it is, and so for me the FAIL acronym does not benefit kids at all. Quite the opposite in fact. Here are my objections:
- Failing is empowering. You have the option of improving by recognising your mistakes, or having them pointed out to you. Additionally, it gives you the option of doing something else instead. There may not be much scope for this in school, but Kristine Kathryn Rusch, in her book Discoverability: A WMG Writers Guide* includes a great acronym: WIBBOW. This stands for Would I Be Better Off Writing? Obviously, that applies to writers, because that's who the book is written for, but the principle is a good summary of the economist's concept of the law of comparative advantage, which I explained in the article Why you should collaborate on a Computing scheme of work. Basically, it's like this: I am useless at home improvement. If I put up a bookshelf, it will fall down as soon as I put a sheet of paper on one of the shelves. But I'm pretty good at other things, like writing (according to feedback I've had). So I would be better off writing and paying someone else to put up my bookshelf. The reason I know this to be true is that when I bought my first house, I spent ages putting up a bookshelf, using a spirit level to make sure it was completely level. After a few hours' labour, I stood back and admired the jaunty angle that the bookshelves had assumed. In other words, I failed. And frankly, I am pleased I learnt after a relatively short and innocuous project that DIY and I don't get on. Can you imagine if I had decided to install my own shower?
- This business of not wanting to upset kids by using the F word. Good teachers address the work rather than the person, and make it quite clear that pointing out that some work that doesn't come up to scratch is not the same as saying the pupil is a failure. So this FAIL acronym merely serves to muddy waters that should be crystal clear.
- Besides, I thought one of the things that schools were meant to be doing is instilling resilience (another current buzzword). I don't see how you can build up resilience without saying that some things a pupil has done aren't good enough.
- The acronym isn't really logical. What do we call the second attempt "in" learning (horrible grammar too if you ask me)? SAIL? The third attempt? TAIL? Fourth attempt? FAIL? Gotcha!
- Quite frankly, it's patronising. What's even worse is that most kids know when they are being patronised.
- When the pupil has to take a test or an exam that is externally marked, getting insufficient marks to pass will not earn the pupil a pat on the back with a note from the examiner saying "Well done! This was your First Attempt In Learning"
- In real life, getting a computer program wrong may have some pretty unfortunate circumstances. Employers and users are highly unlikely to say "Never mind! It was your First Attempt In Learning, so I don't mind that I've wasted a lot of money!"
- Finally, is there any research evidence saying that using the FAIL acronym has benefits? I haven't come across any. It sounds to me like the same sort of nonsense that says kids' self-esteem suffers if you mark their work with a red pen, so you should use a green one. (Incidentally, that is nothing new. My head of department mentioned this to me in 1978.)
In my opinion, we should stop bending over backwards and tying ourselves in knots as if we are doing some sort of advanced mental yoga. Just tell it how it is: honesty is always the best policy.
* If you buy the book via this link, I will earn a small commission from Amazon. Go on, buy it: you know it makes sense!
For more articles like this, plus news, commentary and freebies, sign up for my ezine Digital Education, for great content, longer articles, book reviews, news, comment and guest articles. I'm working on a new issue right now, in fact.


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Don't worry; this isn't about to become a political blog. If anything, it's more important than ever you sit down and throw dice with folks who think differently than you, look different than you, work differently than you do...
I'll always enjoy sitting around a table with folks I know the best, but we live a wired world, and now it's a great time to connect and game with people around the country, around the world. It's like voting: it is both critically important and potentially disastrous.
So, let's talk about Fortunes.
Every character at creation gains Minor Fortunes for free equal to their Void; a Major Fortune is worth 2 Minor ones. Optionally, you may renounce a single Bushido Virtue to gain another Major Fortune (see Virtue, Glory, & Honor further on in this chapter), but must accept the consequences.
Some Fortunes can be bought after character creation, or taken away during play. Each Fortune has a descriptor indicating whether it can be purchased or lost during play.
- Innate: Cannot be purchased or removed normally during play. The Boons and Curses are equal parts circumstance and fate, material and spiritual, worldly and celestial; they cannot be removed with Renkinjutsu, unless by direct intervention involving the Fortunes or higher celestial spirits.
- Trained: Can be purchased, but will usually cost time and effort. Minor Fortunes cost 2 Season Actions to develop; Major Fortunes cost 4 Season Actions.
- Granted: Can be purchased or removed, but only if the opportunity presents itself during play, often as a great boon or doom.
There are also four special classes of Fortunes: Blessings of the Seven, Loyal Retainers, Sacred Items, and Yokai Blood. These are purchased and treated just like any other Fortune, but each has its own special considerations.
Blessings of the Seven
The Seven Fortunes of Luck are revered beings in Hachigoku's cosmology, even among the lower castes. Their influence can be seen in the lives of those favored by their close patronage in the form of a Blessing. Blessings, like their progenitors and all other Fortunes, have Boons and Curses. Members of the Seven each have ancestral ties to certain kingdoms; samurai from these regions can treat their patron Fortune's Blessing as a Minor Fortune.
All Blessings are innate, but should the samurai have the temerity to displease the patron Fortune personally, they are capable of stripping their Blessing. Or just stripping the offender of the Boon and leaving the Curse, depending on their anger.
Loyal Retainer
Assuming you serve a daimyo, you have access to a number of servants in their employee for daily tasks, and even more depending on your Obligations. You yourself are a loyal retainer, after all. However, there are those servants who stand above others in loyalty and expertise. Perhaps they've served your family for years, and been passed onto you as an individual. Perhaps you saved them from calamity, and in return they swear themselves to your service. Perhaps you were awed by some creation or other display of expertise, and promised them patronage in return for unswerving loyalty.
Whatever the circumstances, such a loyal retainer is always of the lower caste and their expenses are at your cost. You don't need to worry much about paperwork over their service; their daily needs are considered part of your usual stipend. Each servant is a Kaonashi character with Rank 1; you can increase their Rank one step by spending 2 Season Actions, or buying this Fortune multiple times at character creation. Each purchase increases the retainer's Rank by one step, or purchases another loyal retainer. They can be promoted to Namae status just like any other Kaonashi, but you lose any Boons or Curses they grant you.
Different types of loyal retainer have their own Skills, and bring their own set of Boons and Curses to your service. Of course, any retainer might be slain, as well; such a valuable servant is not easily replaced.
Sacred Items
Samurai relish the tools of their trade: weapons, armor, and other less obviously deadly items. While not as clearly dangerous as a blade, in Hachigoku the rustle of a silk kimono or sly eyes behind a courtly fan kill just as surely. Their makers all have little idiosyncrasies in their work passed down from generation to generation; they are no less tradition-bound than their samurai counterparts. Some traditions are more famous, more powerful than others. Sacred Items reflect these superior weapons, armor, and other accoutrements as they are re-gifted down through generations.
All Sacred Items share the following Boons and Curses:
- Boon: The item replaces a normal item in your outfit. If your outfit does not contain one, you cannot have this Fortune at character creation. It is Fine Quality, granting a +1k0 to Skill rolls involving it; any other bonus provided takes this into account. You gain +1 Glory when you receive the item, at creation or during play.
- Curse: If the item should ever be lost, destroyed, or stolen, you immediately lose 1 Virtue and 1 Glory. If possible, restoring the item to your possession regains 1 Virtue. Some items have only this Curse, and no more.
Yokai Blood
Somewhere within the branches of your part of the family tree is a twisting, alien vine merging in your blood and bone. A samurai fell in love with a yokai, or a yokai tricked the samurai into laying with them. There may even have been a darker pact with local spirits. Whatever the case, their descendents manifest peculiar yokai traits once or twice in a generation, and become the focus of mystic trouble. All the various strains of yokai-human progeny have the following Boons and Curses:
- Boon: You already have one foot in the spirit world; any Renkinjutsu and Shingaku rolls you make (skilled or unskilled) have Simple difficulty. All social rolls made involving nonhumans also gain Simple difficulty.
- Curse: Others feel uncomfortable around you, even if they do not actually know your ancestry; all social rolls you make with normal people (both samurai and commoners) have Moderate difficulty.
While the list of yokai who might interbreed with humanity is quite extensive, they are usually restricted to those who can wear a humanoid guise. Choose from the four below; they are not the only possibilities, but they are the most common. Each may have their own additional Boons and Curses, and might have a reduction in cost. Yokai blood is also jealous; whatever your ancestry, you may only have one Yokai Blood Fortune.
Fortunes: A Selection
The actual rules have dozens of Fortunes, but I didn't want to make this another chopped up listing. So instead, I'm only going to list a few Fortunes as examples: a standard one, a Blessing, a Loyal Retainer, a Sacred Item, and a Yokai Blood.
Sidebar: Fortune Format
Fortune Name (Cost) (Type)
- Boon
- Curse
Fortune Name: The name of the Fortune. This may be prefaced by a descriptor if it is a Blessing of the Seven, Loyal Retainer, or Sacred Item.
Cost: Lists whether the Fortune is Minor or Major. The Fortune may also be limited to a certain kind of samurai (Bushi only, Ronin only, etc.), or may be a different cost for certain samurai (Minor for Ii samurai). If it has a discounted cost, any samurai with the right qualification (they may be a member of the Ii family, Ii uji, or Ii Discipline, for instance) applies the discount.
Type: Whether a Fortune is innate, trained, or granted.
Description: The flavor text and broad outlines of the Fortune.
Boon: The mechanical benefits.
Curse: The mechanical drawbacks.
Ancient Battlefields (Minor) (Innate)
- Your family has an ancient tradition of valor on the battlefield; almost any notable battle in Hachigoku's history counts one of your ancestors among the warriors, and you can name them all. The insight of your battle-hardened ancestors still aids you today.
- Boon: You gain a Free Raise on all attack or defense rolls in a Skirmish or Battle, and can spend an Honor to change any Battle Action targeting you in a Battle from one kind of "Ground" (Contentious Ground, Deadly Ground, etc.) into another.
- Curse: You have a Moderate difficulty applied to all Jutsugaku or Chonin Skill rolls outside of a Skirmish or Battle.
Blessing of the Seven: Benten (Major, Minor for Nigoku samurai) (Innate)
Benten is the patron goddess of the arts and elegance, and snakes serve as her messengers. Those she favors find themselves gifted with their hands and voices, but her jealous streak haunts their lives.
- Boon: All Artisan and Performance rolls made by you have Simple difficulty, and so do all social rolls involving artists and entertainers. Also, you are immune to snake venom and can talk to all natural, normal snakes as if you were an onmyoji talking to kami.
- Curse: What's yours is yours. Your daimyo? Your family? Your otokodate even? Yours. And not truly worthy of anybody else; it's not like anyone could do your calling justice except you, after all. All social rolls involving members of your own faction and Discipline have a Moderate difficulty; this may cancel bonuses from your Boon. It is difficult to let go of a dueling challenge; you can only resist by making a simple TN Virtue roll. In a Romance, you can never be the one to end it, and when it does end you can only gain the Heartbroken Fortune, not work towards the Lost Love Fortune.
Loyal Retainer: Artist (Minor) (Granted)
You have a skilled artist for whom you are their primary patron. They produce paintings, sculptures, theater performances, or any other form of art covered by Aspects of Artisan or Performance. The artist excels at a single Aspect, the free one granted by their chosen Skill.
- Skills: Artisan or Performance, Commerce, Etiquette
- Boon: Their fame becomes yours. You gain Honor equal to their Rank at the beginning of each Story, and all social rolls involving one of their productions have Simple difficulty.
- Curse: An artist is a fickle creature. Each Season you must roll for Trouble with the artist as if they were an Obligation. If they are Troubled, you gain no benefits from their Boon. You may spend a Season Action to Quell Trouble as normal, or request a Story to resolve the matter.
Sacred Item: Ancestral Armor (Minor) (Granted)
Your family hands down a suit of revered armor down through the generations, and judges you worthy to carry on the tradition. Don't let them down.
- Boon: This is either light or heavy armor, and replaces the respective armor in your Outfit. It is considered a tsukugami. All active Defense rolls made in the armor gain additional unkept dice equal to your Virtue.
Yokai Blood: Kitsune (Major, Minor for Kinoshita samurai) (Innate)
Women dominate the descendents of kitsune; even men tend to be have delicate features and a willowy slenderness.
- Boon: You gain the Touch of the Moon Fortune for free, and any who break an oath to you lose all Virtue and Honor.
- Curse: There are always telltale signs of your magical ancestry, choose one: you have a coat of fine hair on your body, only discernible up close; your shadow is in the shape of a fox; your reflection is that of a fox; dogs and cats avoid you and growl in your presence, and approaching them leaves them cowering. Any who can use the Eyes of the Kami ability immediately sense your kitsune nature. The difficulty of any social rolls you make against those who detect your magical gifts increase 1 step.


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Use this list to find the freezer friendly options among the starters, mains and sweets categories. Hopefully this will assist those who are keen to cook meals to give away or stock up for the future.
- Red Lentil Soup
- Cauliflower Soup
- Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup
- Roasted Pumpkin Soup
- Dill & Smoked Salmon Frittatas
- Carrot & Tomato Soup
- Donna Hay's Simmered Tomato & Basil Chicken
- Chicken with Onion Sauce
- Farmhouse Chicken Pie
- Donna Hay's Oven-baked Risotto
- Cottage Pie with Cheesy Mash Crust
- Jamie Oliver's Chicken Korma
- Massive Massaman Curry
- Butter Chicken
- Pumpkin, Cauliflower and Lentil Curry
- Zucchini Slice
- Chorizo Pilaf
- Roasted Pumpkin Soup
- Dill & Smoked Salmon Frittatas
- Slow Cooker Chicken with Cashews
- Donna Hay's Instant Chicken Satay
- One Pot Chicken and Basil Pasta
- Oven-baked Bolognese
- Tray Bake Chicken with Feta and Olives
- Anzac Slice
- Nigella's Chocolate Brownies
- Quick Fruit Slice
- White Chocolate Mud Cake – any size you need!
- Bill Granger's Blueberry Tea Cake
- Banana Bread (with no added sugar)
- Woman's Weekly Family Chocolate Cake
- Big Batch Banana Choc-Chip Muffins
- Big Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Muffins That Taste Like Doughnuts
- Gingerbread Slice
- Long Track Chocolate Cupcakes
- Belinda Jeffery's Coconut and Caramel Slice
- Big Batch Triple Chocolate Muffins
- Orange, Poppy Seed and Sour Cream Muffins
- Amy Heap's Lemon Bread