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Can L-Spec Make My Car Turbo, if it was Naturally Aspirated from Factory?
At L-Spec we get asked this question on a daily bases and the short answer is: Yes.
However the long answer is to do the job correctly you need to build the car correctly.
The most common situation we come across is a customer has purchased an "Ebay Turbo Kit" and they want to install it on their vehicle.
These kits a VERY cheap, both in quality and price. The parts are made in china typically, and are poorly crafted. They fail very quickly, and when they do cause irreversible damage to the engine.
However if you do decide to convert your car to turbo we can do it properly but keep in mind for the vehicle to stay reliable and last without immediate failure you must do a lot of modifications. Most of the time it is cheaper to sell the car and purchase a new vehicle. Typical high quality turbo conversions cost $10,000 including everything or sometimes more depending on the situation. So keep that in mind before you give us a call.
20631 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA, 90503


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With Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment on either side, Halton region is a pleasant surprise for unfamiliar passersby. Expect to find long stretches of sandy shores, walking trails, and several beaches scattering the Lakeshore. Home to the popular Kelso Conservation Park, Halton proves to be truly Canadian with a range of activities for the summer and winter months. Stop by Coronation Park on New Year's day for the annual Polar Bear dip, or stop by during the summer to sail, swim, or enjoy the water while lounging shore-side.
Photo by Joe deSousa.
Need help? Email us!

subset: commoncrawl


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JaxPort plans, the St. Johns River and the aquifer's supply drew attention at a summit of utility staff, regulators, advocates and lawyers that provided a snapshot of Northeast Florida's hottest environmental issues.
The environmental summit, hosted Thursday by Florida Coastal School of Law and Jacksonville University, summarized the challenges and potential outcomes of issues being debated along the First Coast. Experts discussed whether dredging the St. Johns River to make it deeper would benefit the area economically - and whether that benefit outweighs the possible environmental damage.
JaxPort is attempting to get funding and authorization to deepen the St. Johns River to 47 feet so larger cargo boats can do business in Northeast Florida. The $684 million port expansion will require congressional approval.
George Gabel Jr., a partner at Holland & Knight, said JaxPort needs the expansion to be competitive along the East Coast and entice shipping companies to bring jobs to Jacksonville.
"Savannah, Miami and Charleston will be taking the business that we should have," he said.
David Jaffee, a University of North Florida sociology professor, said there are drawbacks for JaxPort is reaching higher than Jacksonville's resources can support, both economically and environmentally. He said the port should remain as a second-tier, supporting port, and shouldn't try to compete with other, larger ports for these larger cargo ships' business.
"These jobs will be coming at a very high price tag," he said.
Environmental concerns abounded in the discussion. Marc Hudson, land protection director for the North Florida Land Trust, said the river has been dredged for decades, and the environmental impacts can be seen from those expansions, such as bird die-offs, increased salt water levels in the river and concerns salt water will get into Florida's underground water supply.
"JaxPort does have the potential to make that worse," he said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did a study on environmental impacts from dredging, and the St. Johns will have a very small increase in salt from dredging, but nothing dangerous to plant or animal life, said Eric Summa, environmental branch chief for the corps' planning and policy division.
Experts also discussed Northeast Florida's stressed water supply.
Hans Tanzler, executive director for the St. Johns River Water Management District, explained how the demand for water is growing faster than the aquifer can support, which means the district needs to consider other options, such as using above-ground water.
The district is also in discussions with Central Florida, which is looking at taking water from the St. Johns River system to help supplement its shrinking water supply.
St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman said conserving the current supply, rather than pulling water from elsewhere, is a more sustainable solution.
Tanzler addressed several comments from attendees as to why the water management district doesn't force Floridians to use less water.
He said conservation is important, but the district can only set requirements for permits, not regulate once the permit is acquired. Permits often last 20 or more years.
"We cannot in effect say to a community, 'Thou shalt have low flow showerheads. Thou shall not have robust lawns.' That's not in our toolbox. That's in someone else's toolbox," he said.
He also said companies that get permits to pull water directly from the aquifer to bottle, such as for bottled water, alcohol or sports drinks, are legally entitled to those permits.
The district gave Niagara Bottling a 20-year permit on Feb. 11 for about 1 million gallons of water a day for its bottled water operations. Tanzler said the district made an agreement with the company that it would take the water from a lower part of the Floridan aquifer, which he said shouldn't affect Northeast Florida's water supply.


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Interconnection Between Markets And How To Exploit It In Circulation Study the correlation between the known English the term markets "intermarket Correlation", based on United Trading Software study of existing correlations between financial assets among themselves in one market or different markets. Along the lines that exist between the stock correlations among them, or the existing correlations between the bond market and the stock market or the commodities market and the foreign exchange market.
The many foreign exchange traders in the Forex market using the interrelationships that exist between commodity market and the currency market, to increase the likelihood of success of their transactions. For example, there is a correlation between the currency of the Canadian dollar relationship (CAD) and the price of rolling oil in the futures markets because of the importance of black gold in the the Canadian economy, which is one of the largest exporters of oil. While the Japanese yen is the inverse may be affected because oil is one of the most products imported by Japan. In this article we will talk about the existing relations of interdependence between foreign currencies and commodities traded in the futures markets, because it is a more interdependence between the markets used by 100K Factory Revolution Bonus traders to make their decisions in trading relationships.
Choose the interrelationship between the currency and commodity trading
Not all the interrelationships that exist between foreign currencies and commodities can be relied upon in making trading decisions independently of the other things that affect the market such as the events of political, economic numbers, liquidity and price differences.
For example, Canada is one of the largest exporters of oil and consequently its economy is affected by oil prices in the international market and the quantity that you export. While Japan is one of the most oil-importing countries and thus more oil prices affect the performance of its economy. As a result of the significant impact of oil prices on Japan's economy and the economy of Canada, there is a positive correlation between the currency pair Canadian Dollar / Japanese Yen (CADJPY) and the price of oil. This relationship Yemen also affect the currency pair US dollar / Canadian dollar (USDCAD). But the currency pair CADJPY knows less liquidity and price differences compared to the largest pair (USDCAD). Since oil is priced in US dollars worldwide, the value of the dollar volatility affects the price of oil (and vice versa), so the currency pair (USDCAD) can be monitored to exploit the relationship of interdependence, given that Canada's largest oil-exporting countries, while the United States It is the largest importer of him.
The chart shows the existence of periods in which the spacing between the pair CAD / JPY price and the price of oil. In this drawing oil prices have been modified, while the graph below, where oil prices unadjusted shows a relationship strong correlation between the currency pair CAD / JPY and the price of oil during the year 2010. The evidence on the necessity of monitoring the interrelationships in real time with real time data.
Another example of interdependence relationships between foreign currencies traded in the forex market traded in the futures market and commodities, the Australian dollar is a link at the price of gold. . Australia is one of the largest producing countries, the yellow metal in the world, what makes the Australian economy under the impact of the changes that knows the price of gold in the global markets and the quantity that can be exported. Add-on however, that New Zealand is the largest dealers with Australia and its economy is linked to the economy of Australia, which means that the New Zealand economy will be affected also by fluctuations in gold prices in international markets.
Australia is the fourth largest exporter of gold (2008), while the United States is the third largest importer of gold (2009), and therefore it can exploit the correlation between a pair Australian dollar / US dollar (AUD / USD) and a pair dollar New Zealand / US Dollar gold prices in making trading decisions.
And you can also note the presence of one of interdependence between the pair AUD / USD and oil prices in the futures market in the image below that between 2007 and 2010, despite the fact that Australia is not considered one of the major countries that export oil, and up until the month of September where he is no longer of this relationship any effective.
Interdependence between foreign currencies and commodities relations (or even different asset traded in other markets) may change with the passage of time. The trader can search for coherence between foreign currencies and commodities relationships by searching for major countries exporting a commodity and major countries that import this item, and therefore analyze and study how to move the currency pair that combines the processes of the exporting country and importing state, compared with the high and low price of the commodity.
The effectiveness of the correlation between foreign currencies and commodities
It is very important to realize that having a correlation between a pair Foreign currency and commodity (or any two originals how was their kind), does not mean at all that this relationship exists is always, but you should only monitor these assets and foreign currency associated with each other, because there will be times when it becomes this is where the negative correlation.
Knit relationship that may exist between a pair of currencies and commodity may be fairly strong during the year, for example, to become then this relationship is effective after that. So rolling to know when this interrelationship be positive and when to be ineffective. And it provides trading platforms at the moment many of the tools and indicators that enable the trader to monitor trading relations between the various assets in many markets. And a simpler strategy used by traders are exploiting spacing happening between two originals in the short term when there are two thread on the level of the general trend, so that the rolling to enter into a deal and wait for the return originally trajectory similar to the other out, which collects its interrelationship relationship.
Rolling that time known to enter and exit positions when trading based on the correlations between pairs of foreign currencies, commodities and the exploitation of winning the spacing between the two copies in the short term. It must also realize some of the things the following: – Are there any correlation at the moment between foreign currency and a commodity? – Does a trend led by the native concerned? – Is there a spacing between the native? For example, the native may be the one to continue to rise while the other parent is unable to walk in the same direction. In this case, we are waiting for the return of the native to walk in the same direction.
The interrelationships between foreign currency pairs traded in the futures market and commodities is not an exact science, and also applies to the interrelationships between assets in other markets, these relationships may last only for a limited period, so they have to rolling to be and understand what is going on in the market and when it is in the case of the native temporary spacing and when to be interrelationship between them has ended.


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Biodynamic Movement
Randall Grahm mentioned this last week and today we'll try to find out more about the growing movement to organic grape farming and wine making. What is the difference between biodynamic and organic wine making and framing?
We hope to address some of the answers with help from Jamie Goode's excellent series of articles.


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&Now Festival of New Writing:
Tomorrowland Forever!
October 13-15, 2011
University of California at San Diego
Check out the full schedule here.
Free featured events here.
&NOW is a festival of fiction, poetry, and staged play readings; literary rituals, performance pieces (digital, sound, and otherwise), electronic and multimedia projects; and intergenre literary work of all kinds, including criti-fictional presentations and creatively critical papers. We particularly encourage pieces that promote linguistic and genre transgressions, along with literary artworks that promote interdisciplinary explorations and conversations with past, present, or future literary concerns and movements.
&NOW 2011: Tomorrowland Forever! is especially interested in literary artistic and literary critical works that circle ideas of innovation, experimentation, newness, and not-yetness; in futurisms of all kinds; in queries about progress, technology, market practices, and identity in relation to them; and in the possibilities of interrelationship between arts and other disciplines and engaged practices.


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Floods, Tornados, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
First responders and survivors of catastrophic events are faced with the crisis of immediate survival and safety, and then coping with the aftermath on many levels. But there are also many people bearing emotional wounds who have been exposed to traumatic events on a smaller scale, but a diagnosis of PTSD doesn't fit what happened to them. How would you know if treatment might helpful?
Mental health counselors will tell you that trauma events come in many forms –more than the monstrous or life-threatening ones. What kinds of symptoms or problems would we be looking for diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related symptoms?
As a counselor who often works with trauma-impacted individuals, there are various symptoms that might be noticeable:
- Overreaction is one common red flag. Do you find that in certain situations, your reaction is much more extreme than the situation called for? This overreaction might be in the form of avoidance, startle, anger, panic attack, or irrational fear. It will be associated with something associated with the troubling event.
- Onset of heightened arousal such as being verbally or physically aggressive, irritable, easily startled, or angry. This might also appear as anxiety.
- The onset of sleeping problems. This can be difficult to notice for a person suffering from pre-existing insomnia, but you may notice new problems with intrusive memories or thinking obsessively about that adverse event when trying to fall asleep or upon awakening during the night. Distressing nightmares associated with the event may also happen.
- Exaggerated negative beliefs about yourself and others can take over even though you might also recognize the thought is irrational. For example, "I'm a bad person" "I can't be safe" "I'm not good enough" are beliefs that can affect other areas of living.
- The persistence of a negative mood that blocks out happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings.
Here's an example:
An employee at a care home for people with Alzheimer's is knocked down by a patient who is angry about a change in routine. The worker, Jan, knows this is a symptom of the disease, and it was not a personal attack. Jan was caught off guard by the situation, but admits it wasn't a big deal and was not injured beyond slight reddening of the skin. Jan was instructed to take a couple of days off work before returning. However, she finds that at the thought of returning, she becomes overwhelmed with strong, negative feelings and decides to call-in sick. On the day she plans to return to work, she become noticeably anxious, her heart is racing and she feels nervous just driving towards work. She feels embarrassed to talk about it with her co-workers because this was not an unusual situation in her field. After her shifts, she continues to think about what happened, especially at bed time, making it hard to fall asleep. Jan is affected by this assault even though it was not a serious threat to her life. If the problem persists, it could impact her employment.
What NOT to do after trauma
- If you are having troubling symptoms associated with bad things that have happened, be careful on coping with your distress:
- Substance abuse. Using alcohol or other drugs to help you sleep, or to decrease your level of distress can cause serious long-term problems.
- Avoidance of people or social activities. Recognize that part of the healing process is receiving support and connection to other people. When you isolate yourself too much to decrease your stress, you may have even more negative thoughts and feelings like sadness and fear.
- Working too much. This type of avoidance leads to poor self-care and social isolation.
Self-help and Coping
- Talk to others to give and receive support
- Relaxation methods such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, prayer, singing
- You can talk to your doctor about your symptoms, or see a counselor
For more information, here is an excellent self-help guide through the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.
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Cindy FergusonCindy is a licensed mental health therapist on the counseling team at Cascade Centers EAP. Her experience and training has focused on adults with mental health problems, especially related to trauma, as well as dealing with transitions and life stresses.


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Watershed Implementation Plan Update - September 2017
Hello Cypress Creek Friends and Neighbors!
We hope everyone weathered the recent storms and that you are safe and dry. There's been a lot happening and we have many updates to share with you. We are still adding content and data to the website, so if there's something you'd like to see please let us know. We'd also love for you to share anything you think would be valuable to include in our newsletter or news blasts.
In the past few months, we've hosted several workshops and meetings, including a riparian management training and a well owner's workshop. Huge thanks to Texas A&M for coming to visit us twice! We participated in the Blanco River Onion Creek Water Forum where we shared information and ways to collaborate with our neighbors on water issues. We hosted two open houses and we are still sorting through all the wonderful feedback we received. We will include that information in our brief news update next month and on our website. We are also planning to reconvene the Watershed Stakeholder Committee for a reunion and working meeting.
Texas Stream Team hosted water quality monitoring trainings. Congrats to all our new Wimberley Valley Citizen Scientists! The work you do is so valuable and we are grateful for your commitment to Cypress Creek and the Blanco River. Scroll down for additional Stream Team trainings and feel free to contact Stream Team with questions or to schedule additional trainings – joinstreamteam.org.
Furthermore, we began our efforts to learn more about the sources of bacteria in the downtown reach of Cypress Creek and have sent our first samples to the lab at Texas A&M for DNA analysis. We are still a few weeks out from having our first set of results and we will be collecting more samples. Moreover, we presented to City Council about the bacterial source tracking and the importance of quality assured data. Now, more than ever, it is important to make decisions based on available data and scientific expertise. Read more below and visit our website for updates.
In the coming months, we will be hosting several more meetings, trainings and workshops, as well as getting started with installation of rain water harvesting systems, rain gardens and other best management practices to prevent and mitigate pollution. We're excited to be working with King Feed and Ace Hardware to share more information about rainwater harvesting. Huge thanks to two wonderful local businesses. Texas A&M will be joining us again to teach us more about rainwater harvesting and smart landscaping and we are planning a fall rain water harvesting construction demonstration at the lovely Patsy Glenn Refuge. We'll keep you posted.
The team is still working on several technical reports, reviewing water quality trends, and wrapping up our "book" and educational hand out series. Please let us know if you would like to contribute photos, original artwork or personal stories about the creek for use in the book and handouts. We'd love to have them.
Keep reading to learn more about water quality, what some of our partners are up to, conservation tips, and more. If you are not on the mailing list, please let us know! There are many opportunities to get involved in protecting your watershed. Contact us for more information at firstname.lastname@example.com.
In closing, so many of our neighbors to the south of us were terribly impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Please visit the following sites for information on how you can help – Meadowswater.org and https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/28/hurricane-harvey-relief-efforts-how-help/. There are also many local residents and businesses supporting evacuees. The Lodge at Woodcreek is housing several affected by the flooding and is accepting donations, including gift cards. Cash donations are also being accepted at The Thrift Store and many other businesses. Thanks to Ace Hardware, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) and the many, many other wonderful Wimberley folks who are so generous. Please let us know if you come across other ways to provide support locally, we would be happy to share the information.
The Cypress Creek Project Team


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Erin Connelly and Kerry Clark Speake have a combined 35 years in the fashion and design industry. Both began their careers in the sewing rooms and design studios making things with their hands and falling in love with the process of concept to creation.
As the design industry evolved so followed production, and they saw the craft of construction move overseas for speed and cost, changing their focus to product engineering and away from the process of making things. On an inspired road trip across America they began discussing the incredible home designs happening right in their backyards by friends and peers, as well as companies who have been around for generations. Noticing a lack of place to find a curated collection of the best of these goods, they set out to create a destination where we can all find American made goods for the home and create an awareness of the abundance of talent and production happening right here at home.


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Current Portfolio
FibreCRM provide cloud-based Client Relationship Management software (CRM) & services to accountancy practices in the UK. Designed specifically for accountancy practices, the solution helps them identify, upsell and cross-sell opportunities, maximising the potential of the dispersed data locked away on various systems used by the Practice. FibreCRM will help a Practice better manage its relationships by allowing it to automate both operational and marketing communications and streamline the entire customer journey.
Fire Tech Camp is an innovative and creative provider of immersive tech camp and tech courses for young people. The business operates holiday camps, after-school clubs and workshops to deliver rich learning expeirences for 9 - 17 year olds across a range of technology-driven areas. Fire Tech Camp work with a range of schools, corporates and charities to improve skills and learning opportunities, which develop students' problem solving, resilience and creativity in an enjoyable and dynamic learning environment.
StaySafe is a mobile application and cloud-based monitoring service to track and manage safety provisions for lone and high-risk workers. The application offers a wide range of commercial and health and safety applications, and currently serves tens of thousands of employees across a range of sectors and global territories. Cass invested in 2017 to support further technology development and continued international expansion.
Sentiment is a multi-channel social customer service platform. The business delivers sophisticated technology-enabled solutions to allow companies to connect and respond to their customers in a timely, engaging and effective way. Founder-CEO Leon Chaddock is a technologist by background, with significant experience in the social, customer service and contact centre space.
Actus™ performance appraisal software provides leading-edge technology solutions to embed year round performance management in organisations. Founder-CEO Lucinda Carney is a Business Psychologist with over eighteen years' experience in HR and Learning and Development. Passionate about making technology work for people, Lucinda strives to deliver first class training and software solutions.
Raremark is an online platform providing trusted and verified information to the rare disease community. The company uses a proprietary platform to index scientific articles and medical guidelines, offering patients and stakeholders insight into the latest research and thinking in their disease area. Users of the platform can comment and share knowledge, and connect with specialist centres to learn more about the latest research and treatments in development.
alva is a technology company that analyses publicly-available content to create decision-ready intelligence for the largest companies in the world. The firm provides practical insight and actionable intelligence for senior company management, derived from real-time analysis of print, online, broadcast and social media, as well as financial analyst reports, parliamentary briefings and publicly-available polls and surveys. The business is led by Cass MBA alumnus Alberto Lopez-Valenzuela, and counts fellow Cass MBA alumnus Richard Fleming and UCL alumnus Alastair Pickering among its founding management team. Following investment from the Fund in 2010, alva has grown from a 3-person start-up to a multi-million pound organisation employing over 35 people at its Southwark headquarters, and a growing team in its New York office.
Accutrainee was the first non-law firm to receive training partner status from the Solicitor's Regulatory Authority. The company provides an innovative, cost-effective and flexible way for companies and law firms to manage their trainee requirements, as well as offering aspiring lawyers a richer and more diverse training experience. The business was founded by Cass EMBA alumna Susan Cooper, and won 'Best Collaboration with In-House Teams' at the prestigious 2015 'The Lawyer' awards.
Frontier MEA is a business intelligence and consulting company focused on frontier markets. The firm was co-founded by Alex Warren and Beth Hepworth, a Cass alumna and winner of the 2013 'MBA Star' award at the Women of the Future Awards. The company provides information and insight to support organisations exploring and developing business in some of the world's most high-potential economies.
Humble Grape is a high-growth wine business, with a multi-service model encompassing live events, wine merchant and online 'wine club' elements to deliver high-quality educational wine experiences and boutique wines to a range of 'blue-chip', corporate and private clients. The business was founded in 2009 by Cass alumnus James Dawson. The Cass Entrepreneurship Fund invested in the business in 2014 to support the firm's growth plans, and to help establish the company's first 2 retail and wine bar sites, in Clapham and Fleet Street.
Family Traveller is an online and digital publishing company specialising in family travel. Family Traveller provides inspiration and advice for holidaying with children of differing age groups, as well as multi-generational travel. CEO Andrew Dent founded Family Traveller in 2013, having held senior marketing roles at Harrods and News Corporation. In just 2 years the business has attracted high-end advertisers from the travel, fashion and motor industries. Cass invested in 2015 to support growth in the digital audience and digital platform functionality.
Cloud Business is a high-growth cloud consultancy, services and 'SaaS' business led by James Butler. The company provides consulting, migration and support services for high-profile clients including: Vodafone, ASOS, and Clifford Chance. The business has won a variety of accolades since launch, including being named global Microsoft Office 365 Partner of the Year 2012. The company has shown impressive growth since taking investment from the Cass Entrepreneurship Fund.
Cass's holding was realised in a trade sale in May 2017. The sale represented a full exit and successful return for the Fund and other shareholders.
NorthRow was launched in 2011. NorthRow is the only comprehensive risk scoring platform that can handle complex multi-source fraud detection and compliance checks on people, companies and ID documents at high speed, delivered in a single view, through one easily-integrated API.
NorthRow combines data from a broad range of commercial, open source and law enforcement sources with a proprietary risk scoring system to reduce the risk of fraud and make compliance checks and processes, such as AML (Anti Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer), as frictionless as possible.
Cass's holding in Northrow was fully realised in early 2019. The realisation represented a successful return for the Fund.


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Happy February and Groundhog Day, friends! I'm excited for another installment of my Season Remix mini series I started a year ago; last year, I remixed my pink gingham shirt, my rainbow-striped dress, and my old bright lace skirt. I thought it'd be fun to do it again this year, so I picked out some new candidates that have yet to see the light of day this fall and winter.
First up is my sleeveless chambray shirtdress that I picked up from H&M last summer. Even though it is chambray, the fabric is light and airy, and it lends itself as more of a spring/summer dress—no surprises there. I knew that it could be worn for winter, though! I layered up with a cozy chunky knit cardigan, fleece-lined tights, ankle boots, and a matching belt. (I also layered a long-sleeved Heattech tee by Uniqlo under the dress to keep out the chill.)
Last summer, I wore this dress on two different weekend outings—once for a walk to the grocery store and once for a walk around downtown. How would you remix this dress for winter? How do you like this look? :) Another option I considered was layering a cropped sweater over it, but I wanted to try something different since that's my go-to!
Everlane cardigan (last seen here; my referral link) / H&M dress (similar from Forever 21) / LeGale tights via Nordstrom Rack (similar from Target) / Madewell boots (new version) / J.Crew belt (similar from Nordstrom)


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Asian Mineral Resources
Asian Mineral Resources Limited ("AMR") is an independent, international based exploration and mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, under the symbol "ASN". Through its 90% ownership of the Ban Phuc Nickel Mines Limited ("BPNML"), AMR has developed Vietnam's only known nickel deposit which includes a 1.23 million tonne measured and indicated massive sulfide resource in addition to a large disseminated sulphide resource. AMR was granted the Ban Phuc Project Mining Licence in Dec 2007. Production commenced in June 2013.
For further information visit www.asianminres.com


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Every year, the Kenya Ceramics Project runs a charity banquet called the Winter Gala where we have a series of great speakers, good food, and a silent auction. It is one of the major fundraisers of the year. Here we see a picture of last year's banquet organizers, Jess and Vickie. The night was a success, thanks to all those who helped out or came out!
This year we are once again hosting a banquet in support of the project. Please check back soon for more details!


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Financing & Insurance
You can count on Cat Financial to provide the best financial solutions, built just for you.See our Current Offers
Compacting to specifications is critical for soil, landfill, and paving applications. Cat® compactors are specifically designed for all compaction operations.
Caterpillar offers a variety of mobile apps and eBooks designed to assist you in planning your paving and compaction jobs.Learn More about Mobile Apps
Cat Connect makes smart use of technology and services to improve your jobsite efficiency. Using the data from technology-equipped machines, you'll get more information and insight into your equipment and operations than ever before. Working with your Cat dealer, you can find the right combination of Cat Connect technologies and services for your jobsites. Whether your goal is to maximize production, reduce costs or improve safety, Cat Connect gives you the options you need to build the successful, sustainable business you want.Learn more about Cat Connect
You can count on Cat Financial to provide the best financial solutions, built just for you.See our Current Offers
The Paving Production Calculator is a tool for asphalt paving professionals to plan their paving jobs by helping to estimate trucking needs, paving speeds, compaction and other factors.Learn More
Connect with experts and get advice from your peers in our online community.Visit Our Forums
Your Cat dealer is committed to maximizing your success, helping you get the most out of your operations with site-level solutions, service and support.Connect with your dealer today
Purchasing equipment helps paving contractors build equity in their businesses. However, renting paving equipment may be a better option.Contact your Dealer
Learn how customers all over the world are using Cat® products to do great things.Learn More


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This weekend, Steven Spielberg releases his 30th film as director in the form of The BFG
The legendary director has been behind some of the most incredible films of the last 50 years, but which of them is the very best?
Here, we list every feature length film Spielberg has ever directed, ordered from worst to best. Agree with our list? Disagree? Let us know on Facebook or @wow247.
30. Hook (1991)
Any 90s kids out there will no doubt have a soft spot for Spielberg's take on Peter Pan, but we've grown up now, and it's definitely the director's weakest effort.
29. 1941 (1979)
There's little chance you've heard of 1941, and Spielberg himself would probably rather it stayed that way. This ill-fated attempt at comedy fell flat in every way.
28. The Lost World – Jurassic Park (1997)
The Jurassic Park sequel was Spielberg's last for the dino dealing series, but aside from some deftly directed action sequences, it couldn't live up to the classic original.
27. The Terminal (2004)
Trapping Tom Hanks in an airport terminal also trapped Spielberg's usually grand directing style. It's not awful, but not one of his finest.
26. Always (1989)
"Steven Spielberg" and "rom-com" are two words that don't go together. Always is why.
25. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
This tale of morally ambiguous robotics and creepy, non-blinking Haley Joel Osment isn't Spielberg's strongest sci-fi, even if it does raise some interesting questions.
24. The BFG (2016)
Spielberg's take on Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant is the his 30th film as director, and early reviews suggest a return to the family friendly magic of films like E.T.. Whether it can beat that classic though remains to be seen.
Read our review of The BFG here
23. War of the Worlds (2005)
This Tom Cruise starring take on H.G. Wells' alien invasion tale is one of Spielberg's most underrated; amazing special effects and tense action carry the film.
22. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
The Adventures of Tintin proved that it wasn't just live action where Spielberg was a directorial king, but animation too, using motion capture technology to bring the Belgian detective to life.
21. Amistad (1997)
Shocking many a Year 8 history class into stunned silence with its unflinching historical accuracy, Amistad's heart-breaking account of the era of slavery leaves an impression on all who see it.
20. War Horse (2011)
After the success of both Michael Morpurgo's 1982 novel and the subsequent stage play, it was only right War Horse got a big screen version, and Spielberg was the man for the job.
19. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
We're going to go out on a limb and say …Crystal Skull wasn't THAT bad. Sure, it had aliens, the titular Crystal Skulls and Shia LaBeouf, but the thought of an Indy 5 shouldn't have you shuddering with fear.
18. Munich (2005)
Spielberg's true-life story of Operation Wrath of God – the secret retaliation against the Palestine Liberation Organization after the Munich massacre – is another of the director's underrated gems.
17. Empire of the Sun (1987)
Spielberg's taken on a number of adaptations of classic books, and his movie of J.G. Ballard's war-time saga, following a young English boy (an early role for Christian Bale) captured by the Japanese, is one of his best.
16. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
The second instalment of Indy's original trilogy is probably the weakest, but the adventuring and movie matinee feel is still strong with this one.
15. Duel (1972)
Spielberg's debut feature film – about a terrified motorist stalked on a remote and lonely road by the mostly unseen driver of a mysterious tanker truck – immediately cemeted the director as one to watch in Hollywood.
14. The Color Purple (1985)
The Color Purple marked a moment when Spielberg slowed it down from the big summer blockbusters he was becoming known for, and tackled the heartfelt story of Celie Harris – who experiences the horrors of racism in the early 20th century.
13. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
It's not the best Indy film, but thrilling set pieces and classic characters make the final entry in the original trilogy well worth the watch.
12. Lincoln (2012)
Spielberg's political thriller may not have been the most exciting film to sit through, but you can't deny the director's craft, and the acting masterclass from powerhouse Daniel Day-Lewis.
11. Minority Report (2002)
Spielberg's mind-bending sci-fi introduced us to the idea of "pre-crime" prevention, which (along with various other aspects of the movie) is becoming – in some ways – scarily prevalent in real life in recent years. And we all wanted a pair of those amazing, screen controlling gloves, didn't we?
10. The Sugarland Express (1974)
Why this early Spielberg classic is not more well known is beyond us, but The Sugarland Express is a top-notch crime thriller about a husband and wife trying to outrun the law. It also marks the start of the long Spielberg/John Williams working relationship.
9. Bridge of Spies (2015)
Bridge of Spies was rightly up there in the Best Picture stakes at this year's Oscars. Brilliantly written and filmed; even the lengthy dialogues are engrossing to watch.
8. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Now we're into the realm of true Spielberg classics. One of the best war films ever made, Saving Private Ryan's iconic opening re-enactment of the D-Day landings was as technically marvellous as it was harrowing.
7. Jurassic Park (1993)
An instant classic back in 1993, Jurassic Park reinvented special effects and made us all infatuated with dinosaurs. Over 20-years on, it still stands up visually.
6. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The first Indiana Jones film captured the spirit of Saturday matinee movies; all amazing stunts and old school adventuring. It's the intrepid explorer's finest onscreen outing.
5. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
The true story of Frank Abagnale, who, before his 19th birthday, had successfully performed cons worth millions of dollars by posing as a pilot. Full of ingenious scams, the film's cat and mouse chase between Di Caprio and Tom Hanks is must see stuff.
4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
It may look a little dated, and it may have been overshadowed by a certain other space based movie released in 1977, but Close Encounters' eerie tales of extraterrestrial life remain poignant to this day.
3. Schindler's List (1993)
Years before he was hamming it up in the Taken films, Liam Neeson was putting in a star turn in one of the most critically acclaimed historical dramas ever in holocaust horror Schindler's List. Amazingly powerful, this is historical Spielberg at his very best.
2. Jaws (1975)
THAT music is enough to send shudders down your spine every time you hear it. The movie is timeless in part due to John Williams' score, but mostly down to Spielberg's amazing direction, which turned a shoot mired with technical difficulties into an all time classic, and basically invented the summer blockbuster.
1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
And our number one pick goes to family spellbinder E.T. Anyone who's seen it will remember the first time they did so, and if you had that privilege as a child, warm nostalgia will flood over you as soon as you think about it.
Films since have tried to emulate its charm (Super 8), and recent Netflix sensation Stranger Things drips in Spielbergian nods, but none can match the majesty of the original family classic.


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Track will feature on singer's new album 'Matangi'
MIA has previewed her new single 'Come Walk With Me'.
The singer originally debuted a teaser video for the song back in April 2012 but, as Pitchfork reports, the track has been altered since then and boasts a slower, slicker and brighter sound than the demo recording. You can hear a 90-second snippet of the song at SoundCloud.
'Come Walk With Me' is the second track from MIA's forthcoming new album 'Matangio' that the singer has previewed this month. Last week (August 21), she posted the track 'Unbreak My Mixtape' online, a song which samples the acoustic guitar and vocal from Blur's 'Tender', alongside samples including Carly Simon's 'Why'. Scroll down to listen.
MIA's new album, 'Matangi', is due to be released on November 4. The release date was fixed after the singer took to Twitter to complain about her label, Interscope, holding things up. "If Interscope takes longer I can always leak this next week and make a new one by the time they are ready," she wrote on August 8.
Meanwhile, a recent tweet sent by the singer seems to suggest that the documentary film about her is back on, following director Steve Loveridge quitting the project saying he "Would rather die than work on this." MIA's tweet, posted earlier this month (August 21), said: "doc started back up today". The film is set to feature appearances from Kayne West, Spike Jonze, XL's Richard Russell, Switch and Interscope's Jimmy Iovine.


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text: States should recognise equality before and under the law for all, prohibit all discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantee to persons with disabilities equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on all grounds. They should also take all appropriate steps to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided in order to promote equality and eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities. All persons with disabilities should have access to all the opportunities and resources that are available to the public and be able to participate in public life freely and openly.


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DAMIEN CARNEY | Master Hairstylist | @damiencarneypro
With a keen eye for detail and the ability to showcase a person's natural assets, Damien Carney has amassed a portfolio reflecting a virtual "Who's Who" in fashion and beauty. Music and film stars such as Ryan Gosling, Grace Jone, Olivia Munn, Krysten Ritter, Beth Riesgraf, Trudie Styler, super models including Abbey Lee, Magdalena Frackowiak, Liberty Ross, Jodie Kidd, and Karen Mulder are just a few of the "A - List" celebrities and tip models who turned to Carney to create their image-defining hairstyles.
In a career woven with honors and accolades, Carney's high notes include being voted one of Modern Salon Magazine's "50 Influential Hairdressers - Trendsetters" in 2008. In 2009, Carney was a finalist in the prestigious AIPP Coiffure Hairdressing Awards in Paris, honoring artistic achievement in internationally acclaimed hairdressing. He was a finalist in the 2007 NAHA Award category of "Contemporary Classic" and received considerable world press as winner of the British Hairdressing Award, "Men's Hairdresser of the Year." Carney has also been honored to judge the prestigious NAHA Awards. Passionate about giving back to an industry he loves, Carney designed a mask for auction at City of Hope's salon industry event, "Spirit of Life Dinner and Masquerade Ball - 2009." He was pronounced "International Stylist of the Year" at the 2012 Mirror Awards (produced by Canadian Hairdresser Magazine) - a coveted title which honors those select hairdressers who stand as mentors and inspiration for hairstylists worldwide. Carney was also named "International Stylist of the Year" at the 2013 Black Beauty/Sensationnel Hair Awards for the unsurpassed texture and detail work of his "Saturne Noire" collection.
A natural in front of the television camera, Carney has appeared on ABC, NBC, QVC and a Certified Presenter and and as lead stylist on America's Next Top Model. Bravo Network celebrity, Tabitha Coffey - "Tabitha's Salon Takeover" - specifically chose Carney's work for many of her latest book photos and was the stylist of choice to design her hair for extensive fashion shoot. Carney was thrilled to accept the role of Emcee for the International Fashion Theater at PBA's International Salon & Spa Expo in Long Beach and Midwest introducing industry icons.
Throughout his career, Carney has globally collaborated with photographers Gilles Bensimon, Ellen von Unwerth, Norman Watson, Rankin, and David Slijper. His work has graced the pages of international publications ELLE, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, W, Cosmopolitan, and GQ. Carney was honored as on-set stylist for the Movember ad campaign shoot. The funds raised through Movember's US campaign benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundations, to promote cancer awareness and research. Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics turned to Carney's luminous talent for an ad campaign shoot. He also was chosen as hair dresser for Loree Rodkin's shoot launching her Men's Eyewear Collection.
Demonstrating strong talent early in his career, Carney served as Artistic Director and Principle Trainer for one of London's top hairstyling academies. Carney was tapped by creative powerhouse, Trevor Sorbie, to join his legendary Covent Garden Salon. Not only did Carney enjoy mentoring with one of the industry's most prolific artists or all time in Sorbie, he worked in the salon with industry icons Eugene Souleiman, Vivienne Mackinder, Ruth Roche and Antoinette Beenders, as all were developing their own skills. It was there, in the fertile ground of unbridled creativity, that he achieved the position of "Principle of Education" and in turn received the training of a lifetime.
In 2006, Carney channeled his passion for education into establishing Damien Carney London, a modern, mobile hairstyling and photography academy with satellite offices in London, New York, and Los Angeles. Through his vision, Carney inspires artists around the world to take hair design to the highest level of creativity and excellence.
A much sought after artistic leader, Damien is currently serving as Creative Director for Schwarzkopf Professional North America where he oversees the creative content and image for the brand.
"I've always been about change and moving forward. You stand still and you simply get left behind. I feel is is now time for me to change, to move forward. To grow and surround myself with stronger talent that will inspire me to be better," Damien says. "I like to surround myself with those who are better than I, so I can learn in life. With that said, I couldn't be more thrilled to represent and partner with Schwarzkopf Professional North America."
In this new prestige position, Damien also leads other passionate artists in technical precision and continues to inspire growth through knowledge. Schwarzkopf Professional Director of Education Linda Gilbride believes Damien will bring Schwarzkopf Professional to a whole new level. "It is both exciting and inspirational with Damien as our Schwarzkopf Professional North American Creative Director. We are eagerly awaiting to see what we create together in the future," shares Gilbride. Known for its dedication to education, cutting edge technologies, and incredible haircare products, Schwarzkopf Professional is a fitting partnership for Damien. Together, their shared passion for hair and education will continue to elevate both the brand and the artist.


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Esteemed actor Donnie Yen has captivated audiences with his performance as the devoted Chirrut Îmwe, one of the most enigmatic characters in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Martial arts enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike rejoiced upon hearing that Yen would be heading to a galaxy, far, far, away in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Yen brought Chirrut Îmwe to life, acting as a spiritual anchor for the motley group of rebels in the film.
As with many other characters in the Star Wars universe, his name carries special significance. While the name "Chirrut" seems to be purely fictional, the word "chi" could be a nod to the martial art form of t'ai chi chuan. Given that Donnie Yen's mother has extensive expertise in martial arts, this reference makes sense. Yen's mother is none other than Grandmaster Bow Sim Mark, who has studied t'ai chi chuan, traditional kung fu, and wushu for decades. The word "imwe" translates as the word "one" in the language spoken by the Kikuyu people of Kenya. Guided by his faith, the warrior monk is strongly attuned to the Force and led by his moral compass.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Rogue One.
Here are 15 Things You Didn't Know About Chirrut Îmwe.
15 He is Force-Attuned, Not a Jedi
In the film, Chirrut dodges blaster bolts with lightning fast reflexes, sweep kicks Stormtroopers, and performs impressive stunts that make viewers do a double-take. Based on these things alone, many viewers might assume that Chirrut is a Jedi, or possibly a former Padawan. In the novelization, Jyn feels clumsy after witnessing his graceful and effortless fighting style. After Chirrut wrecks a dozen Stormtroopers on his own, Cassian asks Baze cautiously, "Is he a Jedi?", to which he replies, "No Jedi anymore. Only dreamers like this fool."
Although some fans might write this off as common knowledge, we had to include this one right off the bat, just to clear up any confusion—Chirrut is not a Jedi. (We repeat, Chirrut is not... a... Jedi.) That being said, he certainly has become a beloved favorite by many after watching the film. According to Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, written by Pablo Hidalgo, "Though he seemingly lacks Force abilities, this warrior monk has vigorously honed his body through physical and mental discipline."
For a better understanding, Chirrut a perfect example of a devoted disciple, spending years training his body, mind, and spirit. His character shows that there is way more to the Force in the new canon than what was previously assumed. The introduction of characters like Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus allow fans to explore the great dichotomy between the Jedi, the Sith, and the gray area in between.
14 Practitioner of zama-shiwo, a Jedha martial art
Although we're not given any background information in the film, the Rogue One novelization and an assortment of related books have given us snippetsof Chirrut's backstory. In the Rogue One novelization penned by Alexander Freed, the author gives us a clue during Chirrut's last stand. There's a line regarding Chirrut's connection to the art of zama-shiwo, defined as "the inward eye of the outward hand."
In Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, there are even more tidbits of information about the mysterious art form. "The central pillar of zama-shiwo involves perfection of physical awareness—conscious accounting of a body's placement, contact and internal functions. It is said that a master of these techniques can alter his heart rate, oxygen intake, and vital processes to produce seemingly supernatural effects. This is similar to Jedi physical exercises that emphasize bodily control—some believe due to a cultural connection with the ancient past." In the Rogue One: Secret Mission book targeted at kids, zama-shiwo "Allows him to use his senses to read his environment." Based on what we know, it seems like zama-shiwo is akin to t'ai chi chuan, ninjitsu, yoga, and meditation.
Our very own Rob Keyes had the pleasure of interviewing Donnie Yen leading up to the film, but when pressed about Chirrut's backstory, Yen wasn't allowed to elaborate. We hope to learn more about his mysterious background and find out more information about zama-shiwo in upcoming Star Wars films, books, and various media.
13 Served as a Guardian of the Whills, Protector of the Temple of the Kyber
For those in need of a quick refresher, Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus formerly served as Guardians of the Whills. Described as a near-extinct order, Îmwe and Malbus were sworn to protect the Temple of the Kyber located in the Holy City of Jedha. In Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, fans are given a small clue about the Guardians. "An ancient order, its origins are lost to time and inextricably woven into the legends of the Jedi Knights. Some believers insist the Jedi drew inspiration from the followers of Jedha, while historians surmise it is likely the opposite. Whatever the truth, it is all a matter of deepest faith to Chirrut." In the film, Cassian gets Jyn up to speed by telling her that since the temple was destroyed by the Empire, the Guardians no longer have anything to protect.
The word "Whills" might sound familiar, because it was part of an original concept by George Lucas. He had originally envisioned for the original Star Wars films to be excerpts from the journal of the Whills, but it never saw the light of day. The "Whills" were referenced in the original script, and were considered to be introduced in The Clone Wars, as the ones who instructed Qui-Gon Jinn on how to communicate through the Force after his death. Based on what we know so far about Chirrut and the Guardians of the Whills, it seems like we'll be getting even more information about them in future work.
12 Chirrut was Baze's father figure in earlier drafts
In the film, Chirrut and Baze have a unique dynamic, almost acting as the polar opposites of one another. However, in earlier drafts of the script, Chirrut was actually written as a father figure to Baze Malbus. According to The Art of Rogue One, "I [initially] arrived at this notion that Chirrut was kind of like Baze's father/confessor in a very 'the Force' kind of way. So Baze was able to lay his guilt onto Chirrut, even though he didn't believe in the Force, and Chirrut could believe in Baze's eventual redemption. I think that there's humor there, in these two characters who really seem completely at odds with one another but are tied together."
Although the most of the idea was scrapped, viewers are able to get a sense of the redemption theme in the final arc of the film. While imprisoned by Saw Gerrera, Chirrut comments that Baze Malbus used to be the most devoted Guardian of them all. The two share some amusing back and forth banter on screen, with Chirrut relying on his deep rooted faith, while Baze prefers a more pragmatic approach with his killer machine gun. In the novelization, Chirrut's chanting seems to guide his motions as he takes his last stand on Scarif. His final scene is particularly poignant, and when Baze heartbreakingly echoes Chirrut's mantra of "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me." It seems to captures the sense of redemption perfectly.
11 The hardest part of the role was wearing the contact lenses
Part of what makes Chirrut Imwe so appealing is his grounded, Zen-like persona. In Art of Rogue One, the artists revealed that they had initially played around with different ideas regarding his eyes. Some pushed for the idea of creating an effect similar to actual cataracts, but eventually settled for the haunting contact lenses used in the film.
While making the film, one might assume that the serious stunt work and martial arts sequences would be particularly challenging. But naturally, for a seasoned vet like Yen, it was actually the opposite. Yen said that wearing the contact lenses was one of the hardest parts of the role. When filming, he had to remove the lenses every two hours and give his eyes a rest for at least twenty minutes in between each session. Even when the contacts were removed, the blurriness would still affect his vision.
"It was harder than if I couldn't see," he said to South China Morning Post. "If I couldn't see, naturally I would convey the state of being blind. But when you have to play a blind person and you can see, it's very difficult to do because you have visual illusions. In the first few weeks of shooting, I had to find a way to convince myself that the surroundings are pitch black. I had to find that sensation. Before each take, I closed my eyes to find that sensation, and then I opened my eyes and tried to replicate it."
10 Almost turned down the role, but he agreed because of his family
When Donnie Yen was initially approached about taking on the role, he nearly refused. Being a part of Star Wars would require him to leave his family for over five months, which he was reluctant to do. When he sat down with director Gareth Edwards, Yen asked him brusquely if he was only being cast because of commercial considerations for the Chinese market. Yen initially wondered if he was just being considered to wield a lightsaber against Darth Vader. However, Edwards envisioned Chirrut as being the spiritual center of the cast and when he elaborated about the character, Yen felt that the role resonated with him. After reading the script, Yen was excited at the prospect of a female lead. In an interview, he said that having a Jyn as the main heroine gave a sense of balance and yin/yang to the film.
"I turned to my children and I said, 'Do you like baba's Ip Man series?' — Because I'm known to Western audiences for Ip Man. 'Or do you want baba to be in Star Wars? They went, Star Wars, of course! I said, 'Wait a minute — there's something special there.' Then my friends and family and fanboys, everybody was so excited and I realized, this is not just making a movie. You're making history here. So that's how I got involved, and I'm so glad I did," Yen said. Since then, Yen has been exuberant about being a part of the Star Wars universe.
9 It was Donnie Yen's idea for Chirrut to be blind
Yen was given a lot of creative input for his character. Earlier iterations of Chirrut were not blind, but Donnie Yen actually provided the idea for Chirrut to be a blind martial artist. He felt that the character being blind would actually make sense within the storyline, and help to better express how intricately connected to the Force he was. In an interview, Yen said that Chirrut Îmwe is the first blind character that he's played.
His backstory was given greater detail in supplemental books and other material. For instance, we have learned that Chirrut wasn't born blind, but how he became blind remains a mystery. According to Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, "Chirrut does not speak of how he came to be blinded, but due to the simplicity of Jedha medicine, the condition is real and irreversible. He has adapted to his new state well, with a mental discipline that filters the most crucial information from his remaining senses, and a keen control of body that allows him to move with pinpoint precision through his imagined surroundings." When playing Chirrut, Yen expressed how the role required more than a lack of physical sight. In addition to feeling a sense of darkness around him, he had to get into the mindset of having a loss of control.
8 Believes in the Force of Others
When we first hear Chirrut on screen, he is shown as being a wayward monk, casually wishing people in the marketplace, "May the Force of Others be with You." The line might make you think you accidentally misheard something, but it actually alludes to a significant difference between the Jedi and the Guardians of the Whills.
In Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, Pablo Hidalgo writes a short anecdote about the Force of Others, "Though Chirrut deeply believes in the reality of the Force and respects the former Jedi Order, he knows no one could ever hold a monopoly on understanding the cosmic energy field. Unlike the late departed Jedi, the teachings of the Guardians of the Whills do not emphasize the discord between lightness and darkness. The Guardians believe their approach allows mortal minds to encompass the totality of the Force." Although Chirrut carries a deep sense of reverence for the Jedi, his own teachings from the Guardians of the Whills differs slightly. Instead of the strict dichotomy between light and darkness of the Sith and Jedi, Chirrut is guided by his faith in the Force, as opposed to trying to understand the nature of it.
In the Rogue One novelization, author Alexander Freed cleverly adds in a series of Supplemental Data within the text. Before chapter five, one entry entitled, "Pilgrims of Jedha, a fragment excerpted from the archives of the Order of the Esoteric Pulsar" says that the Force of Others can be found, or felt, on the planet of Jedha.
7 Chirrut had a falling out with Baze in the past
In the Art of Rogue One, screen-writer Chris Weitz notes that Chirrut and Baze represent a continuation of the Star Wars tradition for "odd couples." Regardless if you believe that Chirrut and Baze are an actual couple or not, the two characters continue on this theme found in Star Wars films. We were first introduced to these odd couples in A New Hope with Han Solo and Chewbacca, highlighted by their amusing and infectious banter back and forth. R2-D2 and C-3PO are another clear inspiration, with the two incessantly arguing and taking jabs at one another. In the Rogue One novelization, Freed repeatedly refers to the fact that they have a brotherly attachment to one another. From both Chirrut and Baze's point of view, there are multiple references to seeing the other as a brother.
Interestingly enough, in the Star Wars: Rogue One Sticker Encyclopedia there's a small aside that notes, "Baze and Chirrut used to work together. A falling out saw them go their separate ways, before renewing their friendship many years later." In the film, Chirrut tells Cassian that Baze used to be the most devoted Guardian of them all, but for reasons unknown gave up that path. We haven't seen any more details surface about this yet, but we hope to get more information soon. Written by Greg Rucka, a middle grade novelization entitled Rogue One: Baze & Chirrut is slated for publication on May 2, 2017, and may include more details.
6 Chirrut wears a Jedha pendant, mirroring the Rebel Alliance symbol
Star Wars has an ongoing history with having a meticulous attention to detail. From the creation of elaborate set designs to realistic looking props, everything is treated with the utmost care. Of course, Chirrut's costume is no exception to the rule. Costume Designers Glyn Dillon and David Crossman spoke about their inspiration for his costume with Entertainment Weekly. In the The Ultimate Guide to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story edition, the designers revealed that, "One costume department staffer spent nearly three days working on the intricate construction of his leather sleeve."
In Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, we learn that, "Chirrut wears a Jedha pendant of reforged gold depicting an ancient starbird symbol only recently modified by the Rebel Alliance." The Alliance Starbird symbol is shown on the uniforms and pilot helmets of the Rebel Alliance and the more recently with the Resistance in The Force Awakens. Chirrut's costume is supposed to represent his devotion to being a Guardian of the Whills, and is called a "traditional charcoal kasaya robe" in the Visual Guide.
Donnie Yen might have hesitated before accepting the role, not wanting to be parted from his family for too long, but his son is certainly a supporter. For Halloween, Yen's son dressed up as Chirrut Îmwe in a costume created with the actual fabric used for the final costume in the film, generously provided by the Star Wars costume department. His son also sported the outfit again when heading to the Rogue One premiere.
5 He's inspired by Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman
When it comes to warriors, Chirrut Îmwe stands tall and unafraid, trusting in the Force to protect him. Just like Kanan Jarrus from Star Wars Rebels, inspiration for Chirrut's character can be possibly be traced to Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman, an iconic samurai hero who fights for justice. Chirrut is the latest blind warrior that we've seen on screen in Star Wars films, but for fans of Star Wars Rebels this is hardly new. In the finale of season two, newly-appointed Jedi Knight Kanan faces off against the nefarious Darth Maul while on the planet Malachor. In an unexpected twist, Darth Maul furiously slashes at Kanan, leaving him blind. In season three, we're given a greater look at how Kanan learns to cope with being blind, and further deepens his connection with the Force.
In similar suit, Chirrut is also a blind warrior, but unlike Kanan he does not share a history of Jedi training. As we mentioned earlier, he studies an art form called zama-shiwo, to further hone his reflexes and develop his reaction time to achieve near-supernatural abilities. That being said, we can't stress enough that Chirrut is not actually a Jedi. Actor Yen is the same age as Chirrut Îmwe, and at 53-years-old, he would have been old enough to have become a Padawan. For reasons unknown, it seems that Chirrut never took that path, but ended up becoming a Guardian of the Whills, one of the protectors of the Kyber Temple on Jedha.
4 Chirrut carries a lightbow and a staff
With the furious frenzy of fast-paced action sequences in Rogue One, one might accidentally assume that Chirrut uses a single multi-purpose weapon. However, he carries two weapons at his side, a staff and a lightbow. Both weapons are unique to Rogue One, yet they also resemble weapons we've seen on screen before, like Chewie's deadly Bowcaster and Rey's durable staff. Although Chirrut relies openly on his staff, he keeps his lightbow concealed most of the time.
The lightbow is a traditional weapon for the Guardians of the Whills. In Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, the lightbow is built by a Guardian of the Whills, "upon completion of the seventh duan—marking the Guardian's progression to physical perfection." The lightbow is described as being a handcrafted weapon, and known for being a complicated form of bowcaster that is native to Jedha. To stabilize the weapon, Chirrut uses an impeller gauntlet around his hand, and then pulls back on the handle. The opposing polarizer limbs are then deployed, and the impeller helps give Chirrut a sense of feedback. Powered by a diatium power cell, the weapon releases a blast that is more powerful and intense than a heavy rifle.
In The Art of Rogue One, sketches from costume designer Glyn Dillon entitled "Chirrut Version 1A" depict the warrior with a hooded mask, pulling back a rough version of the lightbow weapon. Instead of the finalized crossbow design, the original concept was a more traditional-looking bow and arrow design.
3 Chirrut's staff contains a kyber crystal
The Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide contains more details about the mysterious weapon used by Chirrut in the film. For instance, we've learned that there's a sliver of a kyber crystal located within the top of Chirrut's staff. Hidalgo writes, "Chirrut carries a flame-hardened uneti-wood staff to help guide his path… the top is capped with a metal lamp that contains a kyber sliver." We're given a glimpse of the staff in action when Chirrut steps out from the ship on Eadu. When you take a closer look, one end of the staff has a crystal containment lamp, and it seems to closely resemble the hilt of a Jedi's lightsaber.
When he walks out into the darkness, the top of the staff lights his way, emitting a soft glow. In the Visual Guide, it states, "Designed as a symbolic source of inner illumination, it allows Chirrut to better gauge where the end of the staff is, as he can hear both the battery and the crystal harmonic." This bit of information helps us understand Chirrut's connection with the Force, and how he uses the staff as a tool to help him in battle. The idea of being able to hear the kyber crystal also alludes to his ability to pinpoint Jyn's necklace in Jedha. In the film, Chirrut tells Jyn, "The strongest stars have hearts of kyber." Interestingly enough, in the novelization, Jyn feels the crystal in her necklace begin to burn after hearing his words.
2 There were tons of concept ideas for Chirrut, many of them bald
In the Art of Rogue One, fans are given a closer look at some of the visual treats from the movie. At least eight different concept art sketches for Chirrut are revealed in the book. Most of the original sketches showed Chirrut as a bald character, looking extraordinarily monk-like in his presentation. Many of the costume ideas show Chirrut wearing various types of robes, while others depict a more military-inspired costume, complete with battle-worn armor and accessories. One sketch from artist Lunt Davies created an idea for bald-headed Chirrut which bears resemblance to Aang from The Last Airbender. Fans of the animated series have also drawn parallels between Toph Beifong, a blind Earthbender, and the character of Chirrut.
Another piece of concept art "Chirrut and Baze Version 2A" from artist Brockbank depicts the pair as being laden with heavy weaponry and armor. In this sketch, Chirrut is also bald, and totes a hefty looking sword at his side. His costume is notably different here as well, featuring a mechanical-inspired rerebrace and vambrace, making him very reminiscent of a medieval knight. In "Chirrut and Baze Version 1A", the pair is shown with much less armor, and Chirrut wields a blaster at his side with a string of bullets around chest. Most of his costume ideas were all blue or muted tones with very little color. Director Gareth Edwards liked the idea of adding red to Chirrut's costume after he saw the brighter costume designed for Baze.
1 The first Chinese actor asked to play a prominent role in a Star Wars film
Donnie Yen was the first Chinese actor asked to play a major role in a Star Wars film. Yen is most well-known for his work as Master Ip, Grandmaster of Wing Chun, and one of the teachers of Bruce Lee, in the Ip Man films. Martial arts fans were buzzing to see martial artists like Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman in Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Unfortunately, we weren't able to see them in action. It was disappointing to only see them momentarily, as a quick cameo, and we're glad that Yen was given a more prominent role in Rogue One.
As a Guardian of the Whills, Chirrut Îmwe's character hints at a possible connection Lor San Tekka from The Force Awakens and additionally with Episode VIII. In the Rogue One novelization, supplemental data in between chapters included a piece entitled, "Sunset Prayer of the Guardians of the Whills". The short excerpt was also featured in the beginning of the novelization for The Force Awakens. We can only speculate that there will be more to details to connect the dots in future Star Wars films.
With themes of fighting against injustice, showing courage in the face of insurmountable odds, and sacrifice for the greater good, Rogue One has clearly made a powerful impact as the first standalone Star Wars film. After seeing the positive reception of the film since it's release, it certainly gives a new hope for even more diversity and inclusivity with future casting choices.
What else do you know about Chirrut Îmwe from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? Let us know in the comments.


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We got our first snowfall! :P The kids were sooo happy, even though Jacob didn't want to go out and play in it at all.
We had a very blessed Thanksgiving, a couple of friends, and a couple of the soldiers that Jon works with came to eat with us. We managed to rotisserie the turkey for 3 hours instead of bake it, but it all worked out in the end. Sorry, no pics of the dinner. I made creamed corn, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and apple cider. Yum!
Our Christmas tree is up, and the total ornament loss so far is 3- 1 by Caitlynn, 2 by Tiger. Surprisingly, James hasn't broken one yet! Although, he did manage to break a coffee mug and break the second leaf off of my porcelain rose that I've had since I was little. Good thing it didn't shatter.
We had planned to buy a car from a soldier that is leaving, but just found out that it got sold out from under us, so oh well. We have to start Christmas shopping anyhow, the kids have the wooden food and accessories for their play kitchen (the big gift from Santa to all three of them), but the kitchen itself isn't even shipped yet! :( It says it won't be here til after Dec. 25, so I might just have to buy the plastic Step 2 one, instead of the wooden one we wanted. Other than that, we have 3 or so gifts to get for each kid, and some stocking stuffers.
Here are some pictures from our snow play earlier- hope you enjoy!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Picture post
We got our first snowfall! :P The kids were sooo happy, even though Jacob didn't want to go out and play in it at all.
Posted by Amy at 9:42 PM
Labels: a holiday in Korea
1 comments:
- The Frisk Five said...
Super cute. We got snow for Thanksgiving.
- November 28, 2010 at 6:13 AM


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FIFA 18 Roberto Carlos Prime Icon SBC Cheapest Solution
This is the cheapest possible solution for the Roberto Carlos Prime Icon SBC on FIFA 18 Ultimate Team. This will cost you roughly 900K coins in FUT but that is by far the cheapest you are going to get this card for. Take a look at the full video below that details how to get it by completing all theRead more


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Hat House is a former hat factory of historical significance in Luton that is currently is being fully renovated into contemporary work spaces for the creative industries.
The property is a five-story building comprising 12,500 sq ft and is part of a major development of three historic hat factories in the Hat District for creative, design, tech and digital businesses.
Hat House will be part of the Hat District's cultural community of bars, live music, venues and events at the neighbouring Hat Factory Arts Centre.
Located in the heart of the Hat District in Luton's cultural quarter, the upper three floors will consist of individual studios ranging in size and scope. There will also be a ground floor retail offer and a basement area providing a contemporary food and beverage destination.
Hat House offers a rare opportunity to join one of the fastest growing and best connected creative clusters in the UK, being just a 2 minute walk from a mainline train station, a 5 minute stroll to the shopping centre and a 10 minute drive to the M1 and London Luton Airport.
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Looking for creative workspace? Get in touch with us here


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China Institute Gallery
125 East 65th Street, Manhattan
Through Oct. 6
China Institute routinely packs a wealth of art and information way out of proportion to its two tiny galleries, which at present hold a distillation of one of China's greatest Buddhist art sites, the Mogao Caves near the far western oasis city of Dunhuang.
According to legend, the caves originated some 2,000 years ago with a miracle: a wandering monk camped by a desert cliff heard voices encouraging him to stay. He chiseled a shelter out of the rock and hunkered down. Other monks joined him; a community gathered. More caves were excavated, some as spaces for worship, and these were adorned with frescoes and painted clay sculptures. As Dunhuang became a commercial hub on the Silk Road, the caves, numbering in the hundreds, became a pilgrimage destination, and remained one for centuries until trade routes shifted, traffic stopped and Mogao was forgotten.
European explorers rediscovered the place in the 19th and early 20th centuries and pillaged it, carrying off thousands of manuscripts and paintings stored in the so-called Library Cave. At the end of the 20th century, the caves began to attract tourism, which posed major threats to the art. To save it, the group of archaeologists on site and conservators known as the Dunhuang Academy, is building an elaborate visitor center nearby, which will serve as a museum and offer a surrogate cave experience as access to the real caves becomes restricted.
The China Institute show — organized by Fan Jinshi, director of the Dunhuang Academy, with Willow Weilan Hai Chang, director of the China Institute Gallery — gives a sense of what that experience might be like. A handful of the precious Library Cave manuscripts still at Dunhuang are on view, including two Buddhist sutras written sometime between the third and sixth centuries, and a fragment of a mathematical treatise in Tibetan.
There are also small stucco figures of bodhisattvas, all with traces of paint, all once attached to cave walls. The second gallery has been transformed into a cave, or a painted fiberglass model of one, filled with sculptured figures and painting. The sensation you get, of being a passenger on a crowded elevator up to the Pure Land, gives a sense of why a visit to Mogao is still so transporting.


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There aren't a huge number of raw materials developed specifically to fulfill a need in personal care. Most things that go into your cosmetics and toiletries were originally intended for another purpose altogether and got pressed into service by formulators. But carbomer was always intended for skin products. It has subsequently been used by other industries but it was ours to begin with.
Carbomer was first launched in the nineteen fifties, rapidly became a huge hit and by the middle of the sixties no cosmetic lab would have been without a jar of the fluffy white powder. It has retained this position ever since, despite the best efforts of the company that first created it and all their competitors to try and improve on it. So what is it? It doesn't really do it justice to just call it a thickener. There are plenty of ways to thicken something up. But carbomer not only gives you the viscosity you want, it also stabilises your formulation and gives it texture. By varying the level and the exact way you use it you can use carbomer as a base to create anything from a stiff hair gel that will stay exactly where you put it, a lotion with body but which still flows easily or a rich cream that holds it shape.
If you look at an ingredient list, if you see carbomer listed you will almost always see either sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine listed as well. These are neutralising agents used to neutralise the carbomer. Somebody in a lab somewhere will have thought through which neutralising agent at which level would suit the needs of the product best. If he or she has done their job well you should have a product whose look and feel make the product a joy to use.
Read more here


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About Claudia Slaney
Claudia is a watercolour artist seeking to bring a distinctive and contemporary feel to a beautiful and traditional medium. 'The stunning effects produced by the interactions of the different pigments with water, paper and each other are impossible to resist, so that of all the mediums it is always watercolour I return to'. Recently returned from Europe her focus is on New Zealand towns and landscapes, and the abstract images that emerge from these local scenes. She is largely self taught, but has attended numerous workshops over the years. She has received both inspiration and tuition from Brian Millard and Alvaro Castagnet and considers them to be her main influences. While living in London she regularly attended life drawing classes at Candid Arts Trust, drawing and painting classes at the Royal Academy through NEAC, and numerous workshops at the Sir John Soanes Museum. Claudia takes both group and private classes, and is available for commission work. More details can be seen at www.claudiaslaney.co.nz and www.facebook.com/ClaudiaSlaneyArtist


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Re: Problem with replying here on forum.tmo_marissa Oct 19, 2016 2:02 PM (in response to firstname.lastname@example.com)
- Member Since: Sep 7, 2016
Hey PJ! I'm so sorry you're not able to respond! Are you trying to reply via email, or by opening the site up in each of these browsers? Can you link me to the thread you're trying to reply to (if you can reply here)? I'm also going to shoot you a PM just in case - you can check your inbox here!
- Marissa
Re: Problem with replying here on forum.stevetjr Oct 19, 2016 2:17 PM (in response to email@example.com)
- Member Since: May 20, 2012
I have seen that error when you have a word it doesn't like. Even some words that might seem benign it today's world (like horses rear end or He double toothpicks) the "filter" doesn't like them so it won't "save" the response.
Re: Problem with replying here on forum.tidbits Oct 19, 2016 2:24 PM (in response to stevetjr)
- Member Since: Jul 15, 2011
Just say Donkey!


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