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By Bonnie Kristian
The Trump White House is reportedly considering a secret Pentagon proposal to designate "temporary areas of active hostility"—"temporary battlefields," The Guardian dubbed them—in which the military could launch what amounts to six-month wars without congressional approval. This is a perversion of the Constitution of the highest order.
According to the guidance, once the president signs off on a temporary battlefield, commanders would be given "the same latitude to launch strikes, raids and campaigns" as they now have in active U.S. warzones like Iraq. Protections for innocents in these areas would also be lowered from the "near certainty" of civilian safety currently required to a "reasonable certainty" safety standard typical of official warfare.
The bureaucratic language in play here makes this plan sound like a mere simplification of too-complex rules instituted by President Trump's predecessor. The reality is much more serious, suggesting a dangerous course for American foreign policy which redoubles the worst excesses of the Obama administration and further undercuts the rule of law. To understand the recklessness of this proposal, a little history is in order. You see, though it names the president "Commander in Chief" of the U.S. military, it is only Congress, the Constitution says, that "shall have Power … To declare War."
The choice of the word "declare" was a careful one, James Madison's notes from the Constitutional Convention reveal. Originally written as the power to "make war," it was amended to communicate that while the executive is permitted "the power to repel sudden attacks" on American soil, it is not allowed to "commence war" independent of the legislature.
George Mason, the "father of the Bill of Rights," was against "giving the power of war to the Executive, because [it was not] safely to be trusted with it," Madison records, and Mason supported using "declare" as a means of "clogging rather than facilitating war [and instead] facilitating peace."
In the years since the Constitution's ratification, perhaps few of its provisions have been so thoroughly gutted of such well-established original intent as the War Powers Clause. The United States has engaged in military conflict in nearly every year of her existence, but just five times has Congress made a formal declaration of war: the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.
Following 1941's declaration of war against the Axis nations, Congress has all but abandoned its constitutional role in foreign policy. In 1973, the War Powers Act was passed in a half-hearted measure to regain some portion of the war authority seized by an already-overgrown executive. It provided that the president could commence war on his own, but he must notify Congress within 48 hours and withdraw U.S. troops from battle within 90 days if Congress declined to declare war or at least pass an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) in that timespan.
Well before the close of Obama's tenure, it had become abundantly clear the War Powers Act is all bark and no bite thanks to a Congress unwilling to enforce the law's demands on an imperial executive. Today, the U.S. military has commenced war in Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Somalia with neither a formal declaration or an AUMF, and the AUMFs authorizing action in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and especially the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq are strained beyond all reasonable limits.
With this "temporary battlefields" idea, any lingering congressional responsibility for our military is burned to the ground. The executive usurpation of power would be is completed and foreign policy almost entirely removed from the control of the American people.
What specifically makes this new plan different from the operations of administrations past is, as The Guardian notes, the new autonomy it gives the military from civilian control—certainly in terms of congressional oversight but also in terms of presidential direction. In Obama's scheme, which was already far afield from the constitutional war powers framework, "the president and his counter-terrorism adviser at the National Security Council played a substantial role in approving life-or-death strikes on suspected terrorists on undeclared battlefields." With the new plan, military commanders would be able to make these decisions independently during (apparently endlessly renewable) 180-day periods.
What is odd in all this is that Defense Secretary James Mattis seems to understand the importance constitutional congressional authority over military action. "Following more than a decade of fighting for poorly articulated political goals," he wrote in a 2015 op-ed about ISIS, "the Congress needs to restore clarity to our policy if we are to gain the American people's confidence and enlist the assistance of potential allies, while sending a chilling note that we mean business to our enemies."
Mattis reiterated this point Wednesday in a Senate committee meeting. "I would take no issue with the Congress stepping forward with an AUMF," he said. "I thought the same thing for the last several years, I might add, and have not understood why the Congress hasn't come forward with this, at least to debate."
So why is the Pentagon, now under his direction, apparently proposing this "temporary battlefields" plan?
The Trump administration need not maintain President Obama's policies and procedures—in fact, it should not—but this proposal is regression, not reform. It demolishes the last remnants of one our Founders' most necessary constitutional protections, and it opens the gate to a host of dangerous, imprudent military interventions with no demonstrable connection to U.S. national security interests.
After the last 15-plus years of imprudent executive war-making, what we need is not less oversight of our foreign policy, but more—more open debate about our goals and strategy, more realistic risk analysis, and more careful determination of what political outcomes we can achieve through military force.
Bonnie Kristian is a fellow at Defense Priorities. She is a weekend editor at The Week and a columnist at Rare, and her writing has also appeared at Time Magazine, CNN, Politico, Relevant Magazine, The Hill, and The American Conservative, among other outlets.
This piece was originally published by Politico on April 3, 2017. Read more HERE.


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This time around I dedicated the entire weekend to the expo, arriving late on Thursday with most oft the other Swedish Bushido players. The expo is situated at the NEC which is must be one of UKs biggest venue for trade shows and conserts and its within walking distance from the airport, so we never ventured into Birmingham.
On Friday we spent the all day walking around in the trade show hall. Hailing from Sweden I am really not used to big gaming events, the biggest being Gothcon. So this was really great fun!
Not being a player of any Hawk wargames, I was first greeted by a large ship from the Dropzone universe on display. My experience so far with the models from Dropzone commander is that I didn't really like them. But they had on display models for their new game Dropfleet commander they looked amazing. I really got hooked, but it hasn't been released jet. It got funded earlier this year from a Kickstarter. More pictures later in the post.
Steamforged games demo booth. The models on displayed looked great (they use the same painter as GCT does for Bushido, Dark Iron Studio) and its easy to get started with a game were you only play with seven models on the tabletop. So we got us a starter deal, I got the Union as they supposedly don't have to interact that much between each other. Peder bought Brewers, well because they seemed to drink a lot of beer I guess, we even hooked Magnus up with some Fishermen. More on Guild ball in a future post.
I had a quick chat with the guys from Rubicon models and a look at their very nice plastic WW2
models. They are working on some nice german motorcycles with crew, really looking forward to these. I told them I wanted some french motorcycles too!
Another game that had really good looking models was Battle for Troll Bridge from Warplouge miniatures. A lot of character in the miniatures, both the humans and the goblin/orcs/trolls.
Fantasy flight games had a big area in the hall where you could try many of their games and on display was the new ships from wave nine, which has just been previewed on their website. On Saturday and Sunday they arranged one of the biggest X-wing tournaments; Open series - Yavin. Would have been great to attend it but the Bushido Grand Masters was held at Saturday and in the next weekend I would attend the next tournament in the Open series in Copenhagen.
Another miniature company I was really impressed by was Otherworld. A friend of mine has gotten deep into this, investing a lot of time and money in it, but the miniatures he has shown me didn't impress me. But seeing their entire range painted was really impressive. They have a lot of really nice fantasy models!
After the trade hall closed we sat down with the other swedes and played board games.
Next day, Saturday, we totally dedicated to the Grand Masters in Bushido arranged på GCT studios. I played Silvermoon Trade Syndicate as I did last year, but a completely different list. This was my list:
- Jade rose Gumi
- Kyoaku-Han x 2
- Kyoaku-Han crossbowman
- Rakki
- Saki
- Sukoshi Kani
- Sukuratchi
- Tsubaki
- Wasupu
- Bought loyalty
- Dark secrets
- Inside information
I got to play against two Tengu, where I won one and lost one which I am satisfierad with as I haven't played against Tengu before. I only got to play against one Righteous warriors Temple list and I won against it. Righteous warrior is a really good temple list and I thought more would be playing it at the GM, but I was wrong. I also played a Yurei list. In the end I ended up in third place, and Peder got second place!
For some strange reason they hurried the tournament on and we hardly had any breaks, so after the tournament we were quite hungry and tired. After leaving our stuff at the hotel room we went around the area to find some much needed food, this turned out to be a lot harder than we first imagined, all restaurants was full. I guess because it was Saturday, we finally ended up in restaurant at the hotel where gaming part of Expo was held.
At Sunday we relaxed and just went for an hour or two in the trade show doing the last small purchases before going to the airport.
UK games expo is a real nice well run event, and it growing a lot each year. In its tenth year its one of biggest gaming events in the world, well run, more miniature games and big trade show.
My biggest grief about the event is that almost everything closes down after 17:00. The only thing that is open after then is the gaming library where you can borrow board games and try to find a free table and play that.
And now some more pictures:

subset: commoncrawl


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"Inspiring Stories: The Miracle of Life"
Yanir Gvirtzman
Yanir Gvirtzman was an avid runner when suddenly it became very difficult for him to run a single mile. Yanir learned that his body had stopped producing its normal hormones and a team of Hopkins physicians discovered an enormous rare type of pituitary tumor compressing his optic nerves and preventing normal hormone function. After a phenomenally successful surgery with Dr. Q, Yanir recovered rapidly and today he is running half-marathons and living healthily and happily with his family.
Watch Yanir's Story
Susan Garbett
Susan was stunned to learn that she had a tumor that is approximately one in a million – a sacral chordoma. Amazingly, Susan decided that she would give to future generations by donating some of her tumor cells to Dr. Q's lab, allowing us to develop a cell line for chordomas that can now be used in labs all around the world. Thank you Susan for your incredible contribution to science and future chordoma patients and congratulations on your brilliant success story!
Watch Susan's Story
David Reene
David Reene was a bright, family oriented, lovable person. On August 15th, 2013, David physically left this earth but his memory and presence is as strong as ever. His family and employer have kept his memory alive by sharing his story to help encourage people to love life and live every day as much as David did. He was taken at the young age of 53 by brain cancer.
Read David's Story
Sarah Wolfe
Sarah Wolfe is a recent college graduated who received the diagnosis of a Stage 4 Glioblastoma Astrocytoma while she was studying for her final exams during college. Determined not to let brain cancer slow her down, Sarah went on to graduate from college, became an advocate for brain cancer research through her modeling, signed up for a kickball team, and successfully underwent chemotherapy and radiation. She is an all around amazing and inspiring young woman.
Read Sarah's Story Here
Dr.Quinones on Hopkins: "I have failed in many things, but never in my ability to get up and try again."
Airing on ABC in 2008, Hopkins (TV series) followed doctors around Johns Hopkins Hospital to document their experiences with patients. Two of the episodes focused on Dr.Quinones and his patients. Watch these episodes to learn more about the emotions, complexities, and the hope that is involved in patient care.
Watch Episode 1
Watch Episode 7
John Mahoney
John is a young innovator, who collapsed behind his desk at work in early 2012 due to a brain tumor. Throughout his journey with brain cancer, John has overcome many obstacles with much strength and has set out to create the life that he wants to live. His story is one of great perseverance, foresight, and incredible love.
Read John's Story
Jane Zweig
"Dr. Quinones is my hero. He saved my life and gave me a new one." - Jane Zweig
Read Jane's Story
Joy Gaetano
When Joy was first diagnosed with a brain tumor, she made her sister promise she would send out Joy's Christmas cards to her incredibly large circle of friends. Thankfully, Joy was able to send out the Christmas cards herself, and including a special note asking her world-wide friendship circle to be supporters of Dr. Q's Quest for a cure.
Read Joy's Story
Ann Van Wagner
"What can I do to be a positive influence today?" That is the selfless question that Ann Van Wagner now asks herself every morning when she wakes up.
Read Ann Van Wagner's Story
Fiona York
A first hand account of a young mother and her inspirational journey through brain cancer.
Read Fiona's Story
John Petrovick
" Dear Colleagues and Friends
Isaac Asimov once said: "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome".
It is with deep regret that I inform you that we lost a dear friend and colleague to brain cancer. John Petrovick passed this Saturday around 3:00 AM. I was blessed to be part of his life and I was given the privilege to care for him and we were all given the privilege to share some wonderful moments and to learn from him in more ways than one."
- Dr Q
Learn more about John
Forty Years of Love: Leaving a Legacy
Mike Miller surrendered to cancer in 2011. His long journey with cancer started in 2006 when he was diagnosed with the unimaginable - skin cancer, then prostate cancer in 2007, and a precancerous colon tumor in 2008. In 2010, things turned for the worse when he was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioma tumor. Mike's wife and daughter share his story.
Read the article
Finding a diagnosis is not always an easy thing. Learn about Bill's journey towards a diagnosis and a cure.
Read the Article
"We have a pretty small family; cancer took everyone," says Amy Frondoso with a nervous laugh. Her family has a long history of cancer- her mother had pancreatic cancer, her grandfather had lung cancer, and her aunt had lymphoma.
Read the article
Lida Dickinson
Lida has four children and numerous grand-children. Two years ago she was diagnosed with a grade IV Glioma, one of the worst types of brain tumor. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet her and her husband Charlie to learn about her incredible story. I also had the opportunity to talk to Stephanie, Lida's daughter, who was willing to share her experience as a family member of a brain cancer patient.
Read the story
John Petrovick - Lance Armstrong
As John is going through a difficult time, Lance Armstrong is giving him some words of support.
Watch the video
Don: My Journey with Brain Cancer
"...Not being fully aware of what the disease had in store for him or for myself, we moved ahead in a relationship. We moved in together a year later, and I made the choice to commit to Don and to brain cancer."
Read Dana and Don's story
Watch PBS's NOVA video featuring Don's story (starting at at 29:40)
Baltimore Sun: Liane Lefever
Johns Hopkins doctors do brain surgery via eyelid:
"When you tell people you had brain surgery, the first thing people always do is look for a scar, and that's what's amazing, there isn't one," said Liane Lefever, a patient diagnosed with a meningioma.
Read the article
Johns Hopkins Bayview: Four surgeons and one very thankful patient
Othello Ooi, 26, was diagnosed with a large chordoma tumor growing at the base of his skull, putting pressure on critical regions of his nervous system.
"Most surgeons would've looked at it and said it was a hopeless case, but the four of us successfully did it together." - Dr Boahene.
Read the full article
Jeff Kellner
Jeff was a young and healthy man before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Like many patients, Jeff never thought such a thing could happen to him: "My life had changed drastically in a split second. I went from having no doctors to seeing 5 specialists in one week." He shares his story and his miraculous road to recovery.
Read his story
Johns Hopkins Bayview: Derek Jones
For years, Derek suffered from seizures, headaches and facial motor problems. As he nears his 16th birthday, Jones' dream of learning to drive is becoming more vivid. In this article, Derek describes his experience with Dr Q after being diagnosed with a glioma tumor and going through an awake craniotomy.
read the article
Josué Hernández Hervás
13-year-old Josué Hernández Hervás was treated by Dr. Quiñones for a cervical intramedullary spinal cord tumor that traveled from the medulla at the base of his spine down to his spinal cord. He traveled all the way from Spain to receive treatment from Dr. Quiñones. He is very thankful for the treatment that he received from Dr. Q and wrote an incredible story about his journey.
Click Here to Read Josué's Story
Sharon Byrnes
In September 2010, Sharon had a brain tumor removed through her eyelid. She was only the 19th person at Johns Hopkins to undergo the procedure. Her story shows the important breakthroughs that are being made in the field of neurosurgery.
Click Here to View a YouTube Video About Sharon's Story!
Paul X. English, III
We sat down with Mr. English to talk to him about his experiences pre- and post- surgery, and realized that while luck and fate play a role in bringing about favorable outcomes, a certain degree of responsibility falls upon the individual to tip the odds in favor of bringing about the results one would like to see. His story speaks to the incredible support that Dr. Q gives to each and every one of his patients, and the power of positivity.
Click Here for Mr. English's Full Story
Nancy Raine
"Nancy Raine, a bestselling author from Bedford, Virginia, had trouble finding words to describe her shock and anxiety when she learned she had a brain tumor. As someone who was generally healthy and exercised daily, she was stunned by the news. "I didn't know anything was wrong with me until it was really wrong," she remembers."
"At times during the surgery even her heart rate was affected," explains Dr. Quiñones-Hinojosa. "What really made a difference during this complicated procedure was the intraoperative CT scanner and neuronavigation tools, which helped me better map my work and gave me more precision during the delicate procedure."
Click Here for Nancy Raine's Full Story
Tony DeVary
A sports Coach wins his life back after brain surgery. Using some of the most advanced brain navigation tools along with an intraoperative CT scanner, Dr Q. was able to completely remove a tumor that many surgeons considered inoperable . Today, DeVary rarely has headaches and is able to exercise. He looks forward to spending time as a soccer and wrestling coach and enjoying the holidays with his family.
Click Here for Tony DeVary's Full Story
Listen to Tony Devary's goals as a coach after his operation with Dr Q
Mary Lamb and Shelby Lamb
Shelby Lamb, a high school senior student, tells her experience at the side of her mother who is being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is extremely thankful to Dr. Subramanian and Dr. Quinones for saving her mother's life.
Click Here to Read Shelby Lamb's story
Click Here to Read Mary Lamb's story
Teresa Scanlon
Mrs Scanlon was a patient of Dr. Quinones and has recently been crowned Mrs Maryland America 2012; She will be competing for Mrs America 2013
Click Here to Read Her Story
Click Here to visit her Website
Max San Roman
Max San Roman came all the way from Peru to receive treatment from Dr. Quinones. Dr. Q's reputation reaches far and wide, as Mr. San Roman's story shows us. Guillermo Vela, a master's student in Dr. Q's lab, sat down with Mr. San Roman to hear more about his story. In this interview, Mr. San Roman reveals his reasons for coming to receive treatment from Dr. Q, his experience at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and how his surgery has changed his life.


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Our business focus is organized around Business Relations & Advisory, Contract Negotiation, Training & Talent Sourcing capabilities.
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Talent Sourcing and Training: Eureka can support your organization by helping you recruit top talent from North America. We have the resources to advertise your position globally, review resumes and use competency based interview skills to ensure that you end up with the ideal candidate for your team. We also offer training on performance management, talent retention, Communication and leadership skills.


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Fri, 8 July 2016
Ryan Monahan is an artist based in the suburbs of Chicago. His work ranges from illustrations to graphic design to super detailed mixed media sculptures. His miniature cityscapes have been featured on BuzzFeed and The Daily Mini. In this episode, we talk about using found materials to make miniatures, where he pulls his inspiration, and the preparation that goes into each piece. You can follow Ryan's work on Instagram (@what_thehell) and on his site.
Direct download: Ep77_Ryan_Monahan.mp3
Category:Art -- posted at: 5:31pm EDT


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What happened when Pamela visited Bethel School and Burkina Faso - yes, love at first sight!
" I have read of travellers claiming to have fallen in love with a country at first sight. I had been rather sceptical, but now I understand.
I fell in love with Burkina Faso. I was there for only a few days, but knew immediately I would desire to return.
I visited Bethel school in Gourcy in February of this year, and met some of the teachers and pupils at the school. I was so impressed with the children's desire to learn. (I know this is a generalization, but they really were keen to acquire knowledge) When speaking to them of the food programme, which provides a lunchtime meal for those who are in the most need, their first comments were not "It's good to get food", but "as I don't have to travel to home and back at lunchtime, I have more time to study". Another response was iIf I eat at school there is more food to go round at home". The sense of community is very strong.
Apart from the classrooms, we visited the sewing project, where both boys and girls are learning how to make clothes. [such an important requirement] and the gardening project where students are learning the techniques of growing produce, however, irrigation is a problem as water has to be drawn from the well and then piped to water containers in the vegetable plot. The food grown is used for the lunchtime meals and, if in the future there was any excess, will be sold in the village.
The children travel to school on foot, or cycle, often in bare feet. The weather gets so hot that often bicycle tyres burst in the heat, something that had not occurred to me.
We were fortunate to be able to visit some local villages and meet some of the parents of the pupils at Bethel school. I met the mother of Naomie, who I now sponsor. It is really wonderful to feel a direct connection to the child I am sponsoring, to picture her at home and at school. I hope that the little I can do will help Naomie to get her foot on the road, so she can then stride forward towards the fulfilment of her hopes and dreams. "


text: What a beautiful family! Baby Alessia was such a delight to photograph, not to mention a very adorable and active big sis! The bond between sisters is so special (I have two :) and as they grow up together, I'm sure they'll always be there for each other <3 <3


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#Review / #Giveaway – Grace to the Finish by Julie Hyzy @BerkleyMystery
Grace to the Finish (A Manor House Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th and Last in the Series
Setting – North Carolina
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery (June 27, 2017)
An Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Kindle ASIN: B01M0ODZPA
Now that Grace Wheaton has officially been named heir to Bennett Marshfield's fortune, her usually busy schedule has become a juggling act. In addition to her duties at Marshfield Manor, she's bankrolling her roommates' refurbished wine shop, Amethyst Cellars. Grace is excited to check out the rustic space with Bruce and Scott. But that excitement turns to dismay when they stumble upon the body of the banker involved with the sale.
Grace wants to get to the bottom of this mystery quickly so that her friends' new venture isn't overshadowed by an unsolved murder, but she's got even more to balance when her troubled sister, Liza, is released from prison early. Liza's first stop is Marshfield Manor and her first priority is grabbing a bite of Bennett's fortune for herself. Grace has to keep her greedy sister at bay and catch a killer before her new life comes crashing down around her.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Grace Wheaton is learning her new role as heir to Bennett Marshfield's fortune. She and Bennett work together so she can become familiar with everything in his life especially Marshfield Manor. She is also the not so silent partner in her roommates wine shop, Amethyst Cellars. They have purchased a building and are just starting on their plans to not only open their wine store again but opening a restaurant in the building too. Add to that her sister, Liza, is being released from prison early and plans to stake her claim for her share of Bennett's money immediately. As if that isn't enough Grace, Bruce and Scott find find a dead body in their new building. So even though Frances seems to think Grace needs a new man in her life, she is going to have to solve the murder and straighten out her sister before she can even think of anything like that.
Julie Hyzy has created truly wonderful characters in this series. They are characters that are so engaging that it is easy to become involved in everything they do. Grace, Bennett and even Frances' relationships have grown so much since the beginning. Bruce and Scott have really evolved too. Aunt Belinda and Liza bring their own craziness to this story. We learn their real backstory and more about Grace's family in this installment and it is quite interesting.
The murder mystery is very well plotted and timely for the world today. Grace is like a dog with a bone as she tries to fit all the pieces together. A homeless man may have the final clue to help everything fall into place. A subplot to this mystery is that Joe is holding something back from Grace. She doesn't know if she can trust him and she may just have to give up on the relationship they have been working hard to build.
I was and still am sad that the author announced earlier this month that this is the last book in the series. I understand she wants to take her writing in a different direction. She does leave everyone in a good place but not everything is complete. I would love to be at the grand reopening for Amethyst Cellars, or see how more of Marshfield Manor is opened to the public, and find out if Grace did find that forever love. I know the door is closed for now, but I can hope Julie may revisit the Manor someday in the future. If not we say goodbye to some amazing characters and are blessed by the short time we got to spend with them.
Another perfect escape from Julie Hyzy!
About Julie Hyzy
Julie Hyzy is the New York Times bestselling author of the White House Chef Mysteries and the Manor House Mysteries. She's won the Anthony, Barry, Derringer, and Lovey Awards for her novels and short stories. Her first Manor House Mystery, Grace Under Pressure, earned a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly. Find out more about Julie Hyzy and her books on her webpage here.
Thanks to the publisher I have 1 copy to give away!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
4 Responses to "#Review / #Giveaway – Grace to the Finish by Julie Hyzy @BerkleyMystery"
I really have grown fond of this series but then I'm a big fan of Julie Hyzys.
I love this series and am so sad it is ending. Looking forward to whatever she writes in the future.
Julie I have loved this series and so so sad that it is coming to a close but will look for other series by you in the future!
I love this series and hope for great send off! Can't wait to read it!
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What's On > The Retro Show
Hat Factory Arts Centre
|Saturday 9th September, 2017
|10:00 - 18:00
|£10 Standard Ticket (Play, shop and access to all talks)
Early Bird: Book before Friday 9 June and pay £8 for a Standard Ticket
£6 Concessions (including Disabled and Senior)
£5 Kids Klub (10 years and under)
£20 Family Fun (4 people including at least 1 child)
£15 VIP Ticket (Standard ticket plus access to exclusive hardware reveals and early entry at 9am. Limited availability)
Regrettably this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologise for any inconvenience caused or any disappointment this may bring. Our Box Office will be contacting all customers who have booked tickets to organise refunds.
The Retro Show is coming to Luton!
In partnership with Luton Culture, The Retro Show presents a special event to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the two iconic computers – the 'Sinclair ZX Spectrum' and the 'Commodore 64'. Back in the eighties everybody either owned or knew somebody with one of these great systems!
Initially designed with serious intentions, both computers soon became loaded with games, from Jet Set Willy, to Wizball, the list of popular titles is almost endless. These classic home micros helped shape the booming UK games industry we have today, launching the careers of many, and the inspiration of millions!
Set over floor floors at Luton's historic Hat Factory, the event is within a couple of minutes walk from the mainline train station, and within very easy reach of local shops, restaurants, bars and hotels. The building is fully accessible with a lift to all floors, nearby parking and its own fully licensed bar and restaurant. The M1 motorway, and London Luton airport are only a few moments away by car.
A full day of entertainment is planned, including a wide range of retro computers and consoles to play on, arcade machines, stalls and traders, board games, competitions and tournaments, lots of special guest talks, and even some exclusive reveals of new games, and new hardware. All this alongside a very special celebration of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 ,where we hope to finally settle that age old question – which one is the best? There can be only one!!
So who are 'The Retro Show'? They are a dedicated team of industry professionals who have formally been involved in organising some of the UK most popular events including Revival, Retrovision, and Classic Gaming Expo UK, as well people who work within the games industry itself creating many well known hardware and software products. They will also be supported by a host of other highly respected enthusiasts including the Retro Computer Museum, Retro Games Ltd, a major games distributor, and various Retro Game retailers!
The Hat Factory Arts Centre has been hired for this event.
|Event website:


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District News
Monte Vista Water District is now on Facebook! (Oct 21, 2016)
MVWD is committed to providing quality service to our customers, and staying connected is an important part of that.
Join our Facebook community and connect with us online to get the latest on events, District news, alerts, and more!
Like our page to get updates on:
- Water use efficiency tips
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Click here to connect with us now!


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Welcome to our Wilmington, Delaware Estate Planning Law Blog
We established this blog to share stories and information about topics relevant to our practice. Our intent is to highlight local stories, as well as national subject matter, that we think you will find interesting. We will regularly update this blog and encourage you to share your thoughts on these posts.


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Imagine you're a parent of a seven-year-old who has just come home from school with her end-of-year report card. And the report card provides marks for only two subjects, and for children who are in grade-levels different from hers. Furthermore, there's nothing on the report card to indicate how well these children have been progressing throughout the year. There are no teacher comments, like "great participation in class" or "needs to turn in homework on time." And to top it off, the report gives a far harsher assessment of academic performance than reports you've gotten from other sources.
That's just the sort of "report card" that was handed to America yesterday in the form of the National Assessment of Education Progress. And while the NAEP is all well and good for what it is — a biennial norm-referenced, diagnostic assessment of fourth and eighth graders in math and reading — the results of the NAEP invariably get distorted into all kinds of completely unfounded "conclusions" about the state of America's public education system.
'Nation's Report Card" Is Not A Report Card
First off, let's be clear on what the NAEP results that we got yesterday actually entail. As Diane Ravitch explains, there are two different versions of NAEP: 1) the Main NAEP, which we got yesterday, given every other year in grades 4 and 8 to measure national and state achievement in reading and math based on guidelines that change from time to time; and 2) the Long-Term Trend NAEP given less frequently at ages 9, 13, and 17 to test reading and math on guidelines that have been tested since the early 1970s. (There are also occasional NAEPs given in other subjects.) So in other words, be very wary of anyone claiming to identify "long term trends" based on the Main NAEP. This week's release was not the "long term" assessment.
Second, let's keep in mind the NAEP's limits in measuring "achievement." NAEP reports results in terms of the percent of students attaining Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic levels. What's usually reported out by the media is the "proficient and above" figure. After all, don't we want all children to be "proficient?" But what does that really mean? Proficiency as defined by NAEP is actually quite high, in fact, much higher than what most states require and higher than what other nations such as Sweden and Singapore follow.
Third, despite its namesake, NAEP doesn't really show "progress." Because NAEP is a norm-referenced test, its purpose is for comparison — to see how many children fall above or below a "cut score." Repeated applications of NAEP provide periodic points of comparison of the percentages of students falling above and below the cut score, but does tracking that variance really show "progress?" Statisticians and researchers worth their salt would say no.
Finally, let's remember that NAEP proficiency levels have defined the targets that all states are to aim for according toto the No Child Left Behind legislation. This policy that has now been mostly scrapped, or at least significantly changed, due to the proficiency goals that have been called "unrealistic."
Does this mean that NAEP is useless. Of course not. As a diagnostic tool it certainly has its place. But as the National Center on Fair and Open Testing (FairTest) has concluded, "NAEP is better than many state tests but is still far from the 'gold standard' its proponents claim for it."
NAEP Results: "As Modest As It Gets"
So what to make of this year's results? Not much, according to most reports, which tend to echo Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's statement that "modest increases in NAEP scores are reason for concern as much as optimism." Or then, maybe neither?
Writing at the blog for the Albert Shanker Institute, Matt Di Carlo sums up yesterday's NAEP results so:
NAEP results indicated a "significant increase" in fourth and eighth grade math and eighth grade reading, but in all three cases, the increase was as modest as it gets – just one scale score point, roughly a month of "learning." Certainly, this change warrants attention, but it may not square with most people's definition of "significant" (and it may also reflect differences in the students taking the test).
So there you have it.
Nevertheless, the modest results yielded by NAEP don't stop Beltway-based journalists and edu-pundits from projecting their favorite policy idea onto the high-profile Rorschach test that NAEP has become.
As Di Carlo predicted in a different post, "People on all 'sides' will interpret the results favorably no matter how they turn out."
Sure enough, as soon as NAEP results were made public, the Washington Post's Valerie Strauss — no fan of the education "reform" movement — declared on her blog that the modest showing was yet more proof that test-based reforms were having no effect on improving schools. She writes, "Someone should be printing up a T-shirt about now that says: 'My nation spent billions on testing and all I got was a 1-point gain.'"
Conversely, school reform enthusiasts at the Education Trust used NAEP's modest showing as a pretense for declaring that school reforms are "not moving fast enough."
Meanwhile, In The Real World
All this back and forth about "what NAEP results really mean" would be just as entertaining as your favorite daytime soap opera if it weren't for the fact that there weren't significantly more consequential problems crashing down on the nation's schools.
While edu-pudits get a sugar high from statistical tables and charts, Americans on a strictly meat and potatoes diet are getting a very different view of the world. While Beltway policy wonks argue over miniscule data points, families are coping with the immediate reality of school cuts that are robbing their children of real learning opportunities.
During the run-up to the NAEP carnival, parents and teachers in Cleveland had far more important concerns about budget cuts denying their students opportunities to ride the bus, play sports, participate in school plays, and go to summer school. Parents in Pasco County, Florida wondered about the consequences to their kids now that art instruction has become rare and PE classes have been cut to once a week. Elsewhere in Florida, thousands of middle and high school students fail to grasp the importance of NAEP as they walk hazardous routes to school because there's not enough money to pay for bus services.
One wonders how all those who fancy themselves to be such clear-minded analysts of "real data" from NAEP feel about a new report from California indicating that "only about one in 10" elementary school students in the state get adequate instruction in science.
This kind of information from the reality community is often dismissed as being "anecdotal." But it's not "anecdotal" when it's your kid. Furthermore, when anecdotes become this frequent, it's called a trend.
Another popular notion among the political class is to parry concerns about student's every day lives in school with arguments about the need to change the focus on "inputs" — what kids actually do during the school day — to "outputs" such as test scores. But we know that the inputs of a well-rounded curriculum that includes art, music, PE, and science undoubtedly have real consequences in our children's lives. So why do we we confine our attention to outputs, such as NAEP, that completely ignore that?
What all the fetishization of NAEP results amounts to is so much scrutiny of the dipstick while the wheels are falling off the car. Can you say, "Out of touch?"


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Last updated: May 3rd, 2017 at 09:58 pm
Market Overview
True to its word, the Bank of Japan has made a comprehensive review of its monetary policy, and the market seems to be giving the BoJ a tentative thumbs up. Perhaps more of a reaction will be seen after this evening's FOMC decision is out of the way but the initial reaction to the BoJ has been for the yen to weaken, the Japanese government bond yield curve to steepen and Japanese equities to push higher. This comes after the decision to control the yield curve would be its focus. The BoJ abandoned its maturity range for JGB purchases, will target a yield of zero for the 10 year bond, abandon its target to increase the monetary base by 80 trillion yen per year suggesting that the 2% inflation target is no longer restrictive, effectively meaning looser for longer. Also importantly it also kept the deposit rate at -0.1% (to the relief of the banks). It seems as though these measures should be weaker for the yen. However, perhaps it is a bit early to celebrate as now the market will look forward to tonight's Fed decision.
The Fed is not expected to hike rates this evening, however there is an expectation for a "hawkish hold" where the FOMC points decisively towards a December hike. I think that any shirking from this will see the dollar sold off. The dollar has been gradually strengthening in the past couple of weeks and the early move this morning in the wake of the BoJ has been to continue this move. This is seen on the trade weighted dollar index which has pushed higher, whilst yields are also higher.
Wall Street closed all but flat for a second consecutive session last night, but the Asian markets have been supported by the BoJ. European markets are cautiously higher too but are likely to be restrained by uncertainty in front of the Fed tonight. Forex markets show the dollar is stronger across the forex majors, however commodities have been supported by the accommodative BoJ decision with gold and silver mildly higher. Oil is also up over 2% today helped by an inventory drawdown surprise from the American Petroleum Institute oil inventories.
The EIA crude oil inventories are at 1530BST (+3.0m barrels expected). The FOMC monetary policy statement is at 1900BST with Janet Yellen's press conference at 1930BST. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is also announcing monetary policy at 2200BST but is not expected to move on rates fromm+2.0%
Chart of the Day – GBP/AUD
Just a few days ago it seemed as though sterling was on the brink of rallying to such an extent that there would be a break above 1.7785. However the resistance held and the subsequent decline has flipped the improving outlook on its head to break below a key reaction low at 1.7205 to confirm a small top pattern which implies a target range of 1.6850 but could be a retest of the key low at 1.6715. The bulls will certainly be concerned by the momentum indicators with the Stochastics dropping sharply, the RSI below 40 with downside potential and the MACD lines giving a bear cross sell signal. The intraday hourly chart shows that the initial band of resistance comes in between 1.7250/1.7300 with a key pivotal resistance coming in around 1.7400 and rallies will be seen as a chance to sell today. The hourly RSI is now consistently failing between 45/50 and is showing how the sellers are returning quickly now.
The euro had already posted a fairly negative candle yesterday as the pair drifted lower throughout the afternoon to close around the low of the day,, however, ahead of the Fed the euro is falling. This fall is being exacerbated by the mild dollar strength in the wake of the BoJ, but the key August low at $1.1120 is coming under pressure this morning. I still do not expect an significant breakdown of this support, but there is certainly a negative bias that is taking hold. There have now been three negative candles completed in the last four sessions and the RSI is dropping away whilst the Stochastics are also falling. It seems as though the bears are straining to take control but are still likely to just hold off from taking a significant view ahead of the FOMC tonight. The hourly chart shows the near term ceiling around $1.1200 which was the previous near term breakdown. A move below the long term pivot range $1.1050/$1.1100 would change the outlook and open a new downward phase for the pair.
Cable has been in a medium term range between $1.2796/$1.2535 since settling down post-Brexit. However the drop below the $1.3060 pivot within that range has turned the outlook more for a negative bias. This pivot has also become a basis of resistance now in the past two sessions and the momentum indicators are increasingly corrective with the RSI below 40, the Stochastics negatively configured and the MACD lines crossing lower. The hourly chart shows rallies being sold into as the hourly RSI now fails around 50 and MACD lines sustain below neutral. The move back below $1.3000 leaves the market open now to testing the next support at $1.2863 and the range low at $1.2796 is increasingly possible. The FOMC tonight is likely to be the next phase of direction for the pair, but ahead of the decision the outlook suggests the bears are looking to pull the market lower.
Dollar/Yen was always going to be the big mover early this morning in the wake of the BoJ decision just a few hours ago. The daily chart finally shows that we may now be set for some direction. Already volatility has picked up significantly with the daily range (so far) of around 170 pips the largest in over two weeks. The consolidation may now be set to end. Although there was a brief dip below the September low at 101.18 in the volatility post the BoJ, the initial reaction seems to be bullish for the pair (i.e. weakening the yen). As yet it would be best to monitor the outlook, considering the Federal Reserve announces this evening and could change the outlook again. Look for a closing break above 103.35 which has been the consolidation high for the past couple of weeks. A move above here would suggest the bulls are making real ground as it would also break the log term downtrend. The intraday hourly chart has shown a push above 102.00 and this has been a pivot line over the recent consolidation and should also become supportive. There is still a long way to go on "Super Wednesday" and volatility could mean further swings, but the initial reaction is positive for Dollar/Yen.
Traders are processing the BoJ and have still got the FOMC to look forward to tonight. The technicals on the gold chart remain on the limit with the longer term bullish arguments still hanging on, but only just. The uptrend since December, the support above $1300 and the 89 day moving average (currently $1310) are all being tested. The daily momentum indicators are not pointing to an imminent breakdown, whilst the chart reflects an uncertainty the could be resolved this evening. The last three candlesticks on the daily chart show very small bodies (lack of indecision from traders) but holding the support above $1300 is important. Reaction to the BoJ this morning has been increased volatility but a continued uncertainty. The hourly chart shows the resistance overhead between the two pivot lines of $1325/$1330 is key, whilst the lows of the past few weeks come in at $1306.20 and $1301.90. There is little direction showing on the hourly momentum indicators. A hawkish Fed tonight would put the supports under pressure.
WTI Oil
The oil price has picked up in the wake of an unexpected inventory drawdown in the API stocks, whilst the contract roll over of the October front month expiry has also pulled the price higher. This means that the negative trend of the past few weeks has now been confirmed to be broken, whilst there has also been a push above the resistance at $44.15/$44.75. The bulls will now look to confirm this improvement in WTI overnight and consolidate the move. There is still a big volatility factor today with the EIA inventories and the FOMC meeting tonight. The resistance is now at $45.75 before the important pivot at $46.50. The hourly chart shows an immediate support band today at $44.15/$44.35.
At Hantec Markets Ltd we provide an execution only service. Any opinions expressed by analyst Richard Perry should not be construed as investment advice or an investment recommendation. This report does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. Forex and CFDs are leveraged products which can result in losses greater than your initial deposit. Therefore you should only speculate with money that you can afford to lose. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary prior to entering into such transactions.


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Well I don't want to turn this blog into a mouthpiece for the Royal Parks but I couldn't wait to step into Bushy Park to experience the recent St Jude storm. Oh I know that sounds irresponsible and reckless but there's a lot of tree-less space to stand in and watch the action unfold. Continue Reading
All posts for the month October, 2013
We are lucky enough to live right across the road from Bushy Park in SW London with fabulous views of this truly glorious parkland. As well as the lovely lakes teeming with huge carp and the stunning chestnut trees, the park is famous for its deer which roam freely and we can watch them grazing for hour on end from our balcony. It's like having our own personal Highlands panorama right here in Teddington. I love it.
Ah that's what I've been looking for, an image of a pothole roughly shaped like the Isle of Wight. Research out today, published by Britannia Rescue, claims that there is now one damn pothole for every mile of British road – that's around 200,000 holes covering an estimated total area of almost 300 sq miles of damaged roadway. And you've probably guessed that this is roughly equivalent to the area of the Isle of Wight. But you'd be wrong; incredibly it's an area twice the size of the IoW! That's one hell of a hole sitting off the Hamble.
And the problem is getting worse as anyone who drives the roads regularly will know. Based on separate figures released under the Freedom of Information Act almost 1 in 10 of we poor motorists have suffered tyre, wheel and suspension damage or worse in the last 12 months, an increase of 79% from 2011/12. That has resulted in nearly 33,000 claims for compensation causing Local Authorities to fork out £2.5m to claimants in the last year alone. Given that the average cost of a temporary fix for a pothole is £50 that amount of compensation could have been used instead to repair 50,000 holes or a quarter of the whole problem. Is it just me (and I'm speaking as someone who has had to replace yet another tyre in the last week) or are our priorities a bit out of kilter here?
Did you realise that only around 10% of our annual road tax payments get allocated to maintaining and repairing road surfaces? But what really hacks me off is that I have paid enough in car parking charges in the last 12 months to the traffic nazis within Richmond Borough Council to pay for 4 potholes to be repaired and have I noticed any work on this taking place? Nah. But, as readers to my Pasta Paulie blog will know, they have dug up and repaired virtually the same bit of roadway outside our apartment 4 times to make good repairs carried out by the utilities companies in the same period.
You know what I would do? I'd make use of a secure and willing proportion of the UK's prison population, which totals around 100,000 people, and forms one of the most under-utilised manpower resources, to be employed by the Local Authorities (under close supervision of course) to do this work. All costs would be covered by the Local Authorities and the involved prisoners could earn privileges or reasonable earnings or reduced sentences for performing a valued contribution back to society.
There are manpower resources and revenues available without bothering the exchequer to sort this problem and yet it continues to be a growing blight on our landscape and infrastructure. It makes you wonder how on earth we led the Industrial revolution, produced geniuses like Newton, Shakespeare, Turner and Brunel, established the greatest Empire the world has ever seen…and yet we can't fix some holes in the road. Sigh.
For any fan of English football the decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia was bitterly disappointing especially after the incredible success of the London Games proved how great we are at putting on truly spectacular sporting events. But looking at it objectively you could see the validity in the decision; Russia is a powerful state and a real football nation which has never hosted a major footballing event previously. And the Russian Government were determinedly behind the Bid right from the start unlike our bandwagonners. However the simultaneous decision to award the 2022 event to Qatar, a searingly hot desert state with a lousy human rights record and absolutely no football infrastructure nor tradition of playing the game, instantly seemed like the most blind, stupid and downright morally bankrupt decision of all the crazy pronouncements from the universally-derided FIFA organisation and its tin pot leader Sepp 'the Mad Hatter' Blatter.
Watching Blatter and his cohorts squirming towards a re-thought solution of converting the World Cup into a winter event to counter the impossibly hot summer conditions in Qatar, is as grotesque as it is laughable. And that's what FIFA have become, a laughing stock. There is a way for the organisation to find redemption I believe and that is to admit it made a serious mistake and re-run the process with full transparency. The respected sports journalist David Conn agrees it seems and has argued a superb case for a re-run in today's Guardian, which is repeated below in full. Great words.
Football's world governing body, Fifa, seems to believe it can maintain credibility in the World Cup vote taken three years ago with only one minor adjustment; holding the sport's greatest tournament in Qatar in the winter of 2022, not the summer. Sadly Thursday's meeting of the executive committee to agree that, and ask all of football – and other sports – to accommodate the change, is just another episode of self-delusion which, under the president, Sepp Blatter, Fifa manages to make farcical and monstrous at the same time.
This issue is more than just seasonal; the vote has no credibility. It should be rerun according to a new, decent, professional process befitting the love people have for the game and its greatest sporting occasion.
We know more now than we did at the time about Fifa and the Exco members who gathered in Zurich in December 2010 to hear the final earnest submissions from bidding countries. The BBC's Panorama, broadcast just before the vote, presented allegations by the journalist and long-term Fifa scourge Andrew Jennings that three senior Fifa Exco members, Ricardo Teixeira (of Brazil), Nicolás Leoz (Paraguay) and Issa Hayatou (Cameroon), had pocketed bribes from the marketing company ISL. That story has since been proven to be true by court documents in Zug, Switzerland, which Fifa and Blatter knew about all along. Fifa's own ethics committee confirmed in April that Teixeira, Leoz and the long-term former president João Havelange were paid bribes. Hayatou was, in December 2011, reprimanded for receiving money by the International Olympic Committee, of which he was also a member.
Jack Warner, of Trinidad & Tobago, and Chuck Blazer, his New York-based erstwhile general secretary at the Concacaf football federation, were found by a detailed Concacaf investigation in April to have committed fraud and misappropriated football money. Warner has resigned from football for life, while Blazer is under Fifa investigation for allegedly embezzling $21m while at Concacaf.
Mohamed bin Hammam, from Qatar, at the time the challenger to Blatter's presidency, was found by the court of arbitration for sport last year to "more likely than not" have brought cash to two meetings in May 2011 which was then handed to Fifa delegates.
Blatter will say he has implemented a process of reform since 2010, and to give the president credit, progress has been made, but that in itself makes the point: when the World Cup vote was taken, Fifa was unreformed. It was prey to and riddled with corruption. Blatter was found to have known about the bribes ISL paid, but he has sailed away from that, because receiving a bribe was not a crime according to Swiss law at the time.
Before Panorama was broadcast, the Football Association's bid attacked it, writing to Warner, Blazer, Bin Hammam, Leoz, Teixeira and the others to say they felt, "as a member of the football family, solidarity with you". After the programme, the bid smeared Panorama as "an embarrassment to the BBC".
That response and the schmoozing of Fifa remains an embarrassment to the FA. It spent £18m of English football's money and persuaded 12 local councils, now suffering swingeing government cuts and struggling to keep their swimming pools open, to spend £250,000 of public money each on the campaign to woo Fifa.
The FA presented its bid, alongside those other countries pleading for the World Cup, but then the Exco men, with no explanation required, sent 2018 to Russia and 2022 to tiny, rich Qatar, which has none of the 12 stadiums required, in the desert at the hottest time of the year. To a country with a well-documented record of exploitation of migrant construction workers they awarded the world's biggest building project.
Blatter has since sniped that the English media's focus on Fifa corruption came because England did not win. That is more self-delusion. The corruption has been proven.
Professor Mark Pieth of Basel University, called in by Blatter to recommend how to fumigate Fifa, concluded in his first report that the World Cup bidding process had been open to "corruption risk and conflict of interest concerns".
Russia and Qatar deny doing anything improper, but corruption does not have to be proven; the process, and Fifa at the time, were hopelessly invalid. Pieth argues his reforms, introducing new compliance procedures and decent new people on the Exco, are making a difference. He says some objective criteria are being worked on for deciding the venue for a World Cup, to avoid wasting so much money on bids ultimately decided by undeclared motivations.
Transparency, accountability, honesty, integrity: Fifa claims it is reordering itself to ensure these qualities prevail, over the gleaming Swiss swamp it was before. So, when the reforms are complete, they should run a decent vote for 2018 and 2022, and if appropriate according to proper criteria, Russia and Qatar can make their cases again.


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In the spring, Ofgem announced its Insight for Future Regulation project, and has now produced the first paper of a series: first Future Insights discussion paper. It sets out some of the dramatic changes in the way we use and buy energy which might come about in the next five or ten years.
First, a health warning – past predictions are not a firm guide to the future, though they are the best we have got. Between December 2012 and March 2016, the number of active gas or electricity suppliers in the domestic market doubled from 20 to 43. Forecasts by the (then) Department of Trade and Industry in 2000 for electricity demand in 2015 turned out to be 20% too high – our appliances are much more efficient than anticipated.
Installed solar photovoltaic capacity was predicted in 2012 to reach 6GW of generating capacity by 2030: in fact it was 10GW this year. Power from lithium ion batteries was anticipated to fall to a price of $210 per kWh by 2030, but if the recent rate of fall continues, it will be under $200 by 2019 – such is the development of battery technologies.
Smarter technology
We can see a better service for consumers who are using newer and smarter technology (when they can adopt it). Improved monitoring, the accumulation of 'big data' and the connectivity of the Internet of Things means that many of our services are becoming more interdependent, so power failures or a glitch in one system can have a major impact on others – think electronic records, or bills and payment systems. Will this interdependency foster a change in energy suppliers, moving away from simply providing power to providing a bundling of other services to offer a 'whole house' interconnected package?
Consumers like bundles and hate them in equal measure, and consumer demand will ultimately shape the market. Millions of households letting their freezers run fractionally warmer during periods of peak electricity demand can save the need for a new power station or two, and National Grid have just demonstrated that this can be done automatically with a 'message' on the electricity grid communicating with the freezers through an attached smart plug.
Moving to a low-carbon future
The really big change over the horizon is the decarbonising of our heating arrangements – the substitution of gas heating by electricity or hydrogen, or possibly the capture of carbon emission from our gas appliances. This could be hugely disruptive: it could also be compulsory, since you can't supply half the houses in a street with gas and the other half with hydrogen using the same pipeline.
There are bigger economic issues at stake too. Germany and Italy were the first to invest significantly in solar photovoltaic systems, and so have managed to command a major share of the global market. Denmark with offshore and Spain with onshore wind have done the same in those sectors. EDF energy are investing billions of pounds in Hinkley Point C to be paid back by UK consumers (via a contract signed by the UK Government) over the next six decades – time will tell whether it was the right decision or an unnecessary white elephant, but it will still have to be paid for.
We can see today, as the places where we generate our electricity and import our gas are changing, that we will need to pay much more to install new pipes and wires (even if the cost is offset by less costly wind power).
All of us, as citizens and consumers, will face these changes. Energy is an essential service which we cannot imagine living without. Ofgem is trying to prepare the way for managing and regulating this fast moving world and ensuring that all of us can expect at least minimum standards. Reassuringly, it also asserts that it will 'focus on protecting current and future consumers, including more vulnerable consumers who may find it hard to engage with energy sector developments'.
As consumers, we may well need that protection, since we will be faced with a mass of information and some bewildering choices as we move through these fast-moving changes.
For free Information and Advice on energy matters visit the Age UK website


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Why Personal Branding Matters On Facebook
[Attraction Marketing] Starts With Personal Branding
Happy 2018! Let's start with personal branding on Facebook by developing a unique professional identity and coherent message that sets you apart from others either in your company or in your industry. It helps you be memorable in your niche and target market.
Without personal branding, it's almost impossible to succeed in business. Having a personal brand enables you to create greater overall impact in your community. And your personal branding on Facebook will help you make money online.
I've been involved in the marketing of over a dozen product launches and new business startups. These startups range from global enterprise companies to small local businesses and online businesses. I also provided marketing for many companies, post mergers & acquisitions for their rebranding, relaunching and other refocusing solutions. Many of these businesses shared one common ingredient for success – a clear and strong brand.
Although I was a marketing professional for all these companies and business owners from 2001 to 2015, as well as in The Art Party, I failed to focus on my own personal branding until recently! Please do not make the same mistake.
The Secret To Personal Branding On Facebook
What finally helped me along my personal and business development has been hiring coaches and mentors. They can see what you can't see. They can help you avoid major mistakes and shorten your path to success.
Failure can be more powerful than success. If you learn nothing more than to focus on building your personal brand, then this post has delivered its most important message for business success.
I already had many years of experience in doing marketing for other companies and people, but could not become successful until focusing on my personal brand.
Your Specialty – First, ask yourself what you want to be known for. You may want to show a broad range of skills, but don't try to be all things to all people. That's like applying for 100 jobs which leads to nothing. So decide exactly who you want to be, then start your self-promoting. As soon as you're able to explain your specialty, both online and in person, the right opportunities will start finding you.
Your Website –You should also have your own website—ideally at yourfullname.com is where you can best control your message and allow others to search for your name to easily find you. Your website should give visitors a snapshot of what you do best.
Your Logo – Personal branding is more than just a logo. It is what you share with the outside world. This includes way you dress, the way you speak to customers and the quality of your work to communicate what is unique and special about you. Also tell your stories of failures—both in business and in your personal life to help your audience relate.
Your Photo – A professional headshot "immediately warms up any situation and helps build a trusting relationship with your audience.
Blogging – Your blog post captures your personality, humor or humility is far more likely to connect with the customer, get shared and be remembered.
Social Media – Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin can reach your potential clients and let your brand shine. By sharing content you feel are important, or recommendations for products you believe in, you curate and build authority in your community and industry.
Ebook – An ebook such as this one is a great way to establish credibility for your subject. Your ebook can be a source of rich anecdotes and help customer relate to you.
Speaking – There are a number of ways to increase your visibility with speaking: Meetups, presentations, short video blog posts, podcasts and interviewing other experts or customers.
Why Personal Branding is a Challenge On Facebook?
Fear of public speaking is one of the reasons personal branding is a challenge. It takes practice in front of a group of people live in-person or online with Facebook Live. With the latest technology, we're now able to broadcast to thousands of people around the world. It's both powerful and intimidating.
If you're new to public speaking, start by giving presentations to several colleagues or in small team meetings. As you develop your skills, and as your confidence grows, you can speak at bigger events.
Also consider joining a speaking group such as Toastmasters, so that you can practice your skills regularly. Toastmasters is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide to help members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.


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Open Gaming
As always, there will be tables available for open gaming at the Las Vegas Open 2018! Tables will be set aside for casual gaming between friends in the open gaming area. Just pull out your gaming goodies and have fun! All you need to use these tables is a Convention Badge.


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global DIGITAL solutions for trauma
BEATtrauma is a unified digital platform bringing together the best global solutions for trauma through partnerships and new product developments.
BEATtrauma is a unified digital platform bringing together the best global solutions for trauma through partnerships and new product developments.
BEATtrauma's vision is to provide immediate digital access to treatment in order to support people experiencing severe mental health challenges as a result of trauma. We focus on young refugees, humanitarian aid workers and veterans.
Currently, 97% of those living with trauma receive no treatment at all.
BEATtrauma is developing a comprehensive digital platform to turn that around. This platform will bring together a range of evidence-based support and treatments.
Our first priority is to develop the BEATtrauma platform for young refugees arriving in Europe, humanitarian aid workers and veterans.
Smartphone and internet use is common amongst all those groups. For example, in refugee camps, over 89% of young refugees have access to a smartphone according to Penn State researchers
Traumatised people often live in isolation and do not have access to mental health care, neither within conflicts (Internally Displaced Persons - IDPs) nor outside (in transit or receiving countries), during or when returning from mission or deployment.
In addition, cultural barriers make it challenging for people to openly speak about their mental health challenges.
BEATtrauma's digital platform will be based initially on a conversational 'AI tool' that has been deployed successfully already in the UK, Germany and in Spain.
The platform will be developed with experts, academia, international aid organisations, armed forces, refugees, veterans and humanitarian aid workers.
Trauma can result from a wide range of life-threatening events, that are both experienced and witnessed, such as:
Trauma is different from stress. Whilst, all traumatic events are stressful but not all stressful events are traumatic. Whilst stress may impact mental and physical health, it is not always harmful whereas trauma is harmful in the vast majority of cases.
In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, people often experience strong feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger and/or grief. As they begin to make sense of what has happened to them, these feelings usually begin to subside. For some however, the feelings persist and become symptomatic, resulting in mental health issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD has a defined set of symptoms which include:
These symptoms can emerge months and years after a traumatic event. PTSD is a particular condition and requires specific evidence-based support and treatments.
Source: Barends Psychology
In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) made a study in 21 countries on trauma. Respondents reported witnessing violence (21.8%) or experiencing interpersonal violence (18.8%), accidents (17.7%), exposure to war (16.2%) or trauma to a loved one (12.5%). An estimated 3.6% of the world's population has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the previous year, the study showed. In the US, PTSD affects about 7.7 million adults in a given year.
In Europe, PTSD prevalence ranges from 0.56% to 6.67% in the general population. Countries with the highest prevalence of PTSD are the Netherlands, the UK, France and Germany. Countries with the lowest prevalence of PTSD are Spain and Switzerland.
Some of those experiencing the highest rates of PTSD are refugees, humanitarian workers and veterans.
BEATTrauma will focus on all three of these groups with a first priority of young refugees.
Most refugees, especially the young, have experienced trauma related to war or persecution that may affect their mental and physical health long after the events have occurred. These traumatic events may occur while the refugees are in their country of origin, during displacement from their country of origin, or in the resettlement process.
While in their country of origin, refugee children may have experienced violence or war (as witnesses, victims, and/or perpetrators); lack of food, water, shelter, or medical care; torture; forced labor; sexual assault; and loss of loved ones. During displacement, refugee children often face many of the same types of traumatic events or hardships, as well as new experiences such as living in refugee camps, separation from family, loss of community, harassment by local authorities, and detention. Once resettled, refugees may continue to face traumatic stress, as well as Acculturation Stress (e.g., new school environments), Resettlement Stress (e.g., financial hardship), and Isolation (e.g., discrimination).


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Summer season dresses are indubitably the simplest strategy to excellent your seasonal type. It comes with a convenient handheld steam board to de-wrinkle collars, pockets, and sleeves, that additionally doubles as a crease attachment to supply a extra polished, or what one may name dry-cleaned look that offers structure to collars, sleeves, plackets, hems, and other clothing areas the place a completely steamed, flat finish would just appear odd.
The quality of our clothes is in decline , some argue, and the wrongdoer is a worldwide style system that prioritizes lightning-fast manufacturing and an inexpensive price ticket We shop always , and all the time need more new stuff, making a tradition of disposable, low-high quality clothes.
When it received to the purpose where it took too lengthy to heat up and produced weak steam, I parted ways with it. Total, I do assume for the price this steamer was top-of-the-line purchases I made that yr contemplating how a lot time it saved in my morning routine every weekday for a couple of full 12 months.
Poorly made clothes with skinny material wears out quicker and requires you to spend money and time repairing or replacing it. The key is not to spend more on clothes throughout the board, it's to spend a little bit more on just a few good items and not butt-a great deal of crappy gadgets.


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Why Us?
Gary Bale Redi Mix is an all-American, family-owned company based in Orange County. We manufacture and deliver the highest quality concrete possible, accompanied with unmatched customer service and quality control. From small custom homes to substantial commercial projects, there is no job too big or too small that we cannot handle.
Since the founding of Gary Bale Redi Mix in 1992, we have grown from a one truck unit to a 30+ truck operation that continues to grow due to our strong customer support and dedication to concrete excellence. Our locations in Irvine and San Juan Capistrano are positioned to service all of Orange County and beyond.
As an independent supplier of ready mix concrete, we are able to make on the spot decisions to enhance your satisfaction with our products and services. Our dedicated team of drivers, dispatch, sales, and office staff has an extraordinary number of years of experience, which translates to an "old school" style of quality customer service rarely encountered in our industry.
Our Office
16131 W. Construction Cir.
Irvine, CA 92606
Phone: (949)-786-9441
Hours: Monday-Friday 6am-5pm, Saturday 6am-12pm


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Criminal Justice Degrees in Pennsylvania
Guide to Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Schools
Pennsylvania criminal justice schools are easy to find and offer you just about everything that you need for your career success. There are many different colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to choose from, including Penn State and other well-known schools. You will also find a variety of online and technical programs for criminal justice degrees, allowing you to get the education that is right for you. There is no limit to what you can do once you have a degree in hand, so get yours today and be on your way to career success in no time.
Choose online classes for flexible and accessible learning, or even if you just want a faster course of study that you can do on your own time. Technical and vocational criminal justice schools are perfect for people who only need a short education or a certificate program in the field. If you are going to pursue higher careers in the criminal justice industry, you might need a four-year education or more depending on which career you choose. Fortunately, no matter what you choose, you can guarantee that you have options in Pennsylvania criminal justice schools.
Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Job Outlook and Salary
Pennsylvania has a very stable economy that is very diverse. The state is home to some pretty big businesses, and also relies on agriculture and manufacturing for the largest part of their economy. However, with cities like Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, and Philadelphia, there are plenty of opportunities for professionals in the criminal justice field, as well. The criminal justice industry itself is growing on a national level, and combined with the future potential of the state of Pennsylvania, people should have no trouble finding careers with their criminal justice degree in the future.
Criminal justice careers in Pennsylvania pay decently well when compared to other careers and the cost of living, which is low. The state has a high quality of life, which is imperative for anyone who is looking to settle down. Lawyers will earn about $120,000 annually on average, while the rest of the legal occupations average around $88,000 annually. This might be more or less depending on your exact position and education, of course. Assistants, aides, and paralegals can earn an average salary of $45,000 or more in the state, and those who choose protective services careers on the enforcement side of criminal justice will see an average annual salary of about $40,000 to $60,000 which is again dependent upon the position and education that you hold.
Compare Pennsylvania Colleges & Universities Online.
Compare Online Criminal Justice Degrees for better choices and flexibility.


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BOSTON, Mass.—Four Rhode Island College (13-8, 6-4 Little East) players finished in double-figures and UMass Boston (12-8, 4-6 Little East) tied their season-high with 25 turnovers, as the Anchorwomen dispatched the Beacons 68-50 Saturday afternoon at the Clark Athletic Gymnasium.
Danielle LeBlanc led the Anchorwomen with 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the free throw line, as Rhode Island College broke a two-game losing streak.
Sophomore Kirsten Morrison (North Reading, Mass.) poured in a team-high 13 points for UMass Boston, as the Beacons saw their two-game winning streak come to a close.
Little East Conference Rookie of the Week Olivia Murphy (Canton, Mass.) recorded her eight double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds. The freshman forward ripped down nine of UMB's 18 offensive rebounds and added two blocks.
Junior Andrea Suffredini (Milford, Mass.) added nine points, while Meghan Agger (Sacco, Maine) led the Beacons bench with eight points and four rebounds.
Rhode Island College led from start to finish behind their stifling defense. The Anchorwomen held the Beacons to 30.6 percent (15-of-49) from the field for the game and forced 25 UMB turnovers.
The visitors knocked down their first four shots to jump out to a 9-0 lead in the first three minutes and eight seconds. After Agger knocked down a three to make it 9-3, Rhode Island College struck for six in a row to open up a double-digit lead at 15-3.
UMass Boston used a 7-2 flurry to cut it back to single-digits at 25-16 with 3:27 to play in the first, but that's as close as the Beacons would get the rest of the way.
The Anchorwomen knocked down three of their next five shots to push the lead back to double-digits and cruised into halftime with a 34-23 lead.
Second half action would be more of the same, as Rhode Island College held the Beacons without a field goal for the first six minutes, to open up a 39-24 lead.
The Anchorwomen's defense was so efficient, that Gabriela Cogliano (Saugus, Mass.) became just the second Beacon to hit a field goal in the second half, when she made a layup with 8:22 remaining. Cogliano's layup capped off a 3-0 Beacons run that cut the deficit to 16, which was as close as UMB would come over the final nine minutes.
UMass Boston had a strong day at the charity stripe, finishing 17-of-25 (68 percent). On the other side, Rhode Island College knocked down 38.7 percent (24-of-62) of their field goal attempts and 76.2 percent (16-of-21) of their free throws.
UMass Boston will continue their seven-game home-stand Tuesday night when they host the University of Southern Maine at 5:30 p.m. Make sure to come out early as UMass Boston Athletics will be celebrating the grand reopening of the Clark Athletic Gymnasium with free food and a celebration of the women's volleyball and women's soccer teams.


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Our SIGHTS are set on YOU!
One of the largest optical retail companies in the nation is hiring, and we want you to join our team! At Eyemart Express, delivering the Right Glasses at the Right Price and in the Right Time isn't a new thing for us. Our focus has always been to provide affordable, quality prescription eye glasses without compromise. With over 25 years of doing just that, and over 170 stores, we continue to accomplish what we set our sights on so many years ago, and we've been able to achieve this level of success by having the right people in place. Our people are smart, dedicated and enthusiastic. They're empowered to anticipate and respond to customer needs, set goals, and seize opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
We're a Great Place To Work© and we have plans to continue adding locations each year. We're looking for people who can rise to the challenge and grow with us!
Check out all of our current openings below.
Don't see a job that fits your qualifications? Share your information with us by completing our general interest application.


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In the words of P.F.M. …….Celebration!!! Thank you, PROG Magazine Readers. Let's make more magic and hope 2016 spreads the word to those who have yet to discover Lifesigns.
- Band of the Year – No.7 Lifesigns
- Bassist – No.6 Jon Poole
- Guitarist – No.7 Niko Tsonev
- Multimedia – No.7 Lifesigns – Under The Bridge
- Male Vocalist – No.7 John Young (Lifesigns)
- Man of the Year – No.9 John Young (Lifesigns)
- Keyboards – No.3 John Young (Lifesigns)


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Family and Breastfeeding/
Welcome to The Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival! This post was written as part of The Breastfeeding Cafe's Carnival. For more info on the Breastfeeding Cafe, go to www.breastfeedingcafe.wordpress.com. For more info on the Carnival or if you want to participate, contact Claire at clindstrom2 {at} gmail {dot} com. Today's post is about family and breastfeeding. Please read the other blogs in today's carnival listed below and check back for more posts July 18th through the 31st!
My husband is Chinese. He has two sisters, a brother and his parents. Now don't get me wrong, I actually really love my in-laws, even though it took my MIL a good four years to love me back. They are SO, so good to my kids and at least once a week I don't have to cook a meal. But, to be honest, they are kind of an uptight bunch - DH included! Throw in a dash of crazy white chick breastfeeding your grandkids FOREVER and well....
...actually, they have been great about it! I was and still am sensitive to their needs, ie, to NOT see my boobs and they, in turn, have been very supportive of me breastfeeding my kids for an extended length of time. Maybe they say things to each other when I am not around, but never do I hear any of it. I have breastfed my babies at our monthly (sometimes weekly) family dinners at our favourite Chinese restaurant, at dim sum Sundays and at their home. I think it is more important to them that we have family time then it is to make a big fuss about me nursing in public. So they don't question me, tell me to stop or seem otherwise bothered by it. Now granted, at first my poor brother-in-law could not even handle being in the same room when I was nursing one kid or the other, but he has come around and is way more mature about it these days.
My family is likewise very supportive of my decision to breastfeed my babies for a long time. My sister has an 8 month old baby too and when we are all together, the boobs are being popped out and into someone's mouth left, right and center! We are also an EC'ing family (my sister too) and so there are also potty breaks for the baby girls in the middle of the living room when we all get together. We are just not a shy bunch. (For those who don't know, EC=elimination communication.)
So here's the thing, I have plenty of things that I could complain about with regards to my in-laws and my own family (and who doesn't), but their acceptance and I believe genuine respect for my breastfeeding practices is NOT one of them. And because I know that this is not the case for a lot of mommies, I wholeheartedly thank each and every one of them for that!
Peace out my mama peeps, Natasha~
Here are more posts by the Breastfeeding Cafe Carnival participants! Check back because more will be added throughout the day.
- Sylko @ Chaotic Mama—Breastfeeding Carnival: Family and Breastfeeding
- Timbra @ Bosoms & Babes—Legacy of Breastfeeding
- Kym @ Twinside Out—"One knows not the worth of water till the well is dry..."
- Shelly @ Lousy Mom—Family Dynamite
- Natasha @naturalurbanmama—Family and Breastfeeding
- Claire @ The Adventures of Lactating Girl—Breastfeeding In My Family
- Renee @ Just the 5 of us!—A family united
- Lexi @ Life As A Mommy—Breastfeeding & Family
- And of course the guest poster on the Breastfeeding Cafe's Blog today is Rachel Langshall—Breastfeeding and Family


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Ahh, December....There's no better synonym for the holidays. The first day of December is an exciting reminder for all of us that the year is coming to an end... and considering how crazy a year 2016 has been, this is definitely good news. December is the time when we reconnect with friends and family to celebrate our accomplishments and prepare exciting plans and goals for the new year.
As you cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and your significant other, we ask you to consider not only those closest to you, but also the people you might not know as well. Whether it's for a neighbor, a coworker, or a stranger on the street, we've put together a list of 31 random acts of kindness you can practice every day this month to put a smile on somebody's face and spread the holiday cheer.
1. Smile at someone when they look your way.
2. Call a relative you haven't spoken to in a while.
3. Compliment someone.
4. Pick up litter.
5. Give a gift to your neighbor (even something as small as a card and a candy cane).
6. Tell your parents/guardians you love them.
7. Pay for the person behind you at a coffee shop or café.
8. Offer to help someone with their bags.
9. Hold the door open for someone.
10.Write someone a love letter.
11. Offer to do the dishes.
12. Donate clothes you don't wear.
13. Let someone ahead of you in line.
14. Write holiday cards to be donated to Cards for Hospitalized Kids.
15. Invite someone over for dinner.
16. Text someone that you are thinking of them.
17. Leave a generous tip for your barista or server.
18. Assemble a care package for our military heroes and send it to Operation Gratitude.
19. Tell someone you are grateful for him/her.
20. Bring a treat to work to share with your coworkers.
21. Give a homeless person a blanket or some food.
22. Make a donation to a nonprofit through AmazonSmile.
23. Offer your seat on the bus or Metro to someone.
24. Offer to give a friend a back rub.
25. Buy someone flowers.
26. Donate children's toys to a hospital or a charity like Toys For Tots.
27. Write someone a thank you note just for being themselves.
28. Babysit for a friend's children.
29. Leave a nice comment on a YouTube video or Instagram picture.
30. Offer directions to someone who seems lost.
30. Say "hi" to a stranger.
31. Give a friend a hug.
Remember, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop.
We hope that you've been inspired by this list. Do good feel good!


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Galbraith wins Irish Close
Whitehead's John-Ross Galbraith proved that while you might drive for show, you definitely putt for dough as he claimed the AIG Irish Amateur Close title and a windfall from the bookies at magnificent Seapoint.
The Boys international (20) holed a string of clutch putts coming down the stretch to take advantage of a few unforced errors by Limerick veteran Pat Murray (42) and win the title by one hole.
With a handful of members from the Co Antrim club paying £80 for the taxi ride to the sensationally presented Termonfeckin links, Galbraith could easily have afforded to pick up the tab after netting £322.50 courtesy of Paddy Power..
"I had a fiver on myself each way at 50-1," a beaming Galbraith said at the finish. "But I can't believe it. It will take a while for this to sink in. I'm just delighted to win, obviously.
"I had four or five clutch putts and I holed them all. That's what did it for me in the end."
With a host of top internationals skipping the event to play in the clashing St Andrews Links Trophy, many fancied 2009 champion Murray to lift his third amateur major at the beguiling links designed by Des Smyth and Declan Branigan.
But having ended Warrenpoint Colm Campbell's hopes of a rare East of Ireland-Irish Close double with a clinical 2 and 1 semi-final victory, Murray ran into a youngster who is now likely (or in serious contention at the very least) to earn a full Ireland call up for the Home Internationals later this year.
Winner of the Ulster Boys title and a quarter-finalist in the British Boys Championship in 2011, Galbraith left school four years ago to dedicate himself to the game full-time.
He spent two years at the Darren Clarke Golf School under the tutelage of coach Seamus Duffy and has ploughed a lone furrow for the past 12 months. His hard work paid off in spades yesterday as he displayed an admirable long game, great touch around the greens and a nerveless putting stroke when it really counted.
In the semi-finals, he lost a two hole lead against Stackstown left-hander Richard Bridges, who missed several short putts but birdied the 16th to draw level. But Galbraith gave fair warning that his putter was a lethal weapon when, as Bridges had lipped out from around 15 feet, he birdied the 17th from 12 feet to go one up and took advantage of a bunkered approach by Bridges at the last to win by two holes.
The Dubliner drove into the semi-rough on the right and attempting to play a high draw with a five-iron, he caught it thin and caught the face of the fairway trap 50 yards short of the green.
Galbraith bunkered his approach greenside but it hardly mattered as Bridges caught the face of the bunker with his escape and came back into the sand. His fourth shot came up just short and after failing to hole his fifth, he conceded the hole and the match to Galbraith, who had splashed out successfully.
"The lip out on the 17th was pretty gutting, even more so when he followed it in," Bridges said. "I missed a few short putts today and never really got going. It turned around on the back nine but he rolled that one in on 17 and that was a bit of a stab in the heart. I tried to do to much with my second to 18, trying to hit a high draw with a five iron but at that stage I was a bit empty. Maybe this week has sorted out the interpros and if you play well there, it opens more doors. Hopefully if I keep knocking, it will open soon."
Murray was impressive in his semi-final with Campbell, riding his luck at times before closing out the match at the 17th.
Campbell had two shanks early on the front nine and was three down after seven before wins in birdie at the eighth, 10th and 11th got him back to all square. The next two holes were exchanged after first Campbell and then Murray found trouble off the tee but it was the Limerick player who edged in front with a touch of fortune at the 15th.
His wedge caught the rough on the bank on the right and came down 10 feet away from where he holed superbly for birdie to go one up.
He missed a chance from 12 feet to win the 16th but hit a stellar six iron to 12 feet at the 17th and looked on as Campbell ended up between clubs, opted for a five-iron and went through the back into the rough.
Faced with a tough stance, the Warrenpoint man went through the green in two and failed to save par, conceding Murray's putt and the match.
"I just ran out of steam," sighed the Warrenpoint man. "Pat's an experienced player and knows what to do and you can't give a guy like that a three-hole head start.
"A lot of eyes were on me this week so to get to the semi-final of the Irish Close after what I did last week, I'm pretty happy.
"I got a call yesterday to say that I've secured my Ulster place as well so that was the target this year and that's in the bag. Whatever else comes along I'll take it."
In an enthralling final played in a light southerly wind in intermittent sunshine, Galbraith went round Seapoint in an estimated level par 72 to Murray's one over with the drama played out over a back nine that appears to have been designed for mano a mano combat.
Murray was conceded the second but suffered off the tee, hitting several hooks. He lost the third, escaped with a half in bogey at the fifth but lost the sixth, conceding Galbraith's six foot eagle putt to go one down.
He immediately won the seventh in par, where Galbraith was bunkered off the tee and then got up and down from around 90 yards for birdie at the par-five eighth.
His gutsy 10 foot putt forced Galbraith to hole for birdie from around eight feet to remain all square. But Murray was soon behind again, mishitting his tee shot at the par-three ninth, where Galbraith pitch to four feet and saved a winning par after Murray had missed from 15 feet.
Galbraith then pitched stone dead to win the par-five 10th with a four to go two up and followed that by feathering a downhill bunker shot to 12 feet at the 11th and holing the putt nervelessly for par to remain two up.
Murray could not afford another mistake and fought back, winning the 12th in birdie and the 13th in par to square the match. But after missing a 12 footer for a win in birdie the 14th after Galbraith found deep rough on the right and made double bogey, the Tipperary native opened the door with poor bogeys at the 15th and 16th, hitting poor pitches each time.
Galbraith barged through the open door to win both holes, holing a pair or clutch four footers for winning pars.
Ever the competitor, Murray bravely birdied the par-three 17th from 12 feet to go to the downwind, par-five last just one down. But while the Limerick star chose the driver, he pulled it and was forced to lay up. Galbraith hit his second shot short and left of the green, finishing on a bare lie but chipped to 20 feet after Murray had laid up and hit a fine, 100-yard third to around 12 feet.
Galbraith failed with his birdie putt for the title but Murray's do-or-die 12 footer to force extra holes didn't break and slipped by the cup. A new champion was crowned. He'd bet on it himself, nine days earlier.
AIG Irish Amateur Close Championship, Seapoint Golf Club
John-Ross Galbraith (Whitehead) beat Pat Murray (Limerick) 1 hole.
Pat Murray (Limerick) bt Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) 2/1
John Ross Galbraith (Whitehead) bt Richard Bridges (Stackstown) 2 holes


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Totally Tangled
Totally Tangled
A Zentangle is simple tangles, or patterns that are combined in an unplanned way that grow and change in amazing directions. Even if you're an artist and feel perfectly calm Zentangle is for you. Learn to focus, relax your mind and boost your creative confidence. Pub.Apr-2010;52pp
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