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Title: Original Letters and Biographic Epitomes Author: Slater, J. Atwood Language: English As this book started as an ASCII text book there are no pictures available. Copyright Status: Not copyrighted in the United States. If you live elsewhere check the laws of your country before downloading this ebook. See comments about copyright issues at end of book. *** Start of this Doctrine Publishing Corporation Digital Book "Original Letters and Biographic Epitomes" *** This book is indexed by ISYS Web Indexing system to allow the reader find any word or number within the document. [Transcriber's note: The spelling inconsistencies of the original have been retained in this etext.] ORIGINAL LETTERS AND BIOGRAPHIC EPITOMES BY J. ATWOOD.SLATER PREMIUM HOLDER IN DESIGN, AND SILVER MEDALLIST OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, LONDON, SHARPE PRIZEMAN OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS, LONDON, CERTIFICATED STUDENT OF THE SLADE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE. LONDON: SPRAGUE & CO., LIMITED, 4 & 5 EAST HARDING STREET, E.C. _PAINTING._ _From the_ WESTERN DAILY PRESS, _Feb. 20th_, 1901. AN IMPRESSION OF "ECCE HOMO." _To the Editor of the Western Daily Press_. Sir,--First impressions forced upon me by an inspection of the picture, "Ecce Homo," by Mons. de Munkacsy, would be succinctly expressed in few words. It is haply, although not highly, inspired. It constitutes a work of laborious but of average ability, and descends to a lower technical state of imaginative eclecticism and expression than I had indeed expected to encounter in so lavishly-applauded a work. Let it be granted in the first instance that the theme is an onerous one; the problem afforded by the venture should have been met in a manner skilful in art, commensurate with its righteous obligations and its lofty demands by the artist. The one fine attribute conspicuously lacking in the work is its illumination, generally too yellow; the fine quality of light, naturally directing the hearts with the intelligences of the beholder to the central fact of the subject theme, "I am the Light of the World." The broad use and disposition of whitish pigment; I mean whitish, snowy light flecked, pimpled, dimpled with tints of orange and purple, like snow about to thaw, here and there, honeycombed or stippled to mark the intensity of its native regard for its own divine, suffering, martyred Lord, would have attracted the attention and won the curiosity, the sympathy, of many finer sensibilities. A dramatic and subtle sense of distance, such a powerful agent of spiritual injection in the hands of real artists is in this work absent; never skilfully employed either for negative or positive reflections of emotion. Linear perspective there is, and employed to much scenic advantage; but aerial perspective, utilised towards expressing overlapping figures, there is not, save in meagre degree. The canvas is too crowded, the sense of vision and admiration is nowhere at all lulled by repose. We may point to successful juxtaposition of individual figures, to masses of harmonious tones, but not to masterly composition. The mind of the artist is intent upon the bitterness of turmoil; it does not reach us directly by imperishably revealing or extolling the divine nature of "The Man," "Homo;" and is throughout the field of interest usually recognised in overstrained partiality for attitude and outline. Hence the title of the picture is almost sought for, expected in the multitude on the left, which should have been isolated. "Ecce Homo," briefly and emphatically, is not so suitable a title as I would suggest, with the utmost regard for reverence, might be described, as the interval between the two cries: "Away with Him," "Crucify Him," such intensely dramatic particles of time finding expression and vent throughout the work in coarse silhouetting. The crowding of the lawless throng against the front of the tribune, on which the chief characters of the scene are portrayed, though not in a material sense wrong, must be open to much æsthetic dispute; must mar the success and the action of reflex thought, the spiritual contest waging and recoiling between the Divine, meek victim and the surging rabble. At all events, it is sad to trace no direct or secret hint at new or transcendental methods conspicuous or even dimly apparent in the painter's art. Little there is in the effort to draw our finer instincts to spiritual truths. The utmost mechanical skill of the diligent artist is discernible, labouring incessantly without extraordinary or transcendental light to the appointed end, the goal accomplished. It should be understood that as spiritual Art of its own property and nature is beset, environed on all impinging sides with a multifold range, a series of difficult corners around which the sense cannot immediately travel, but would for the fructification or sustentation's sake of its etherealism, a process of counter argument may deduce this aphorism, that in works of art in which the eye travels quickly round all the corners of thought, motive, and expression, the priceless, highest crown of spirituality cannot be awarded to it. The painter, honestly striving with his subject, and on lines of intimate understanding, has none of his physical reasons thrown into shade, either be it for the nobility of his art, or for urgency's sake, or for the softer assuaging of sensitiveness in the breasts of his academic audience, having no inclination to be stung when in the precincts, the hands of Art; for to whom else is the pictorial homily directed? The group of figures upon the raised tribune is classically adjusted to its position of prominence. The spare figure of Christ, "The Man of Sorrows," is well conceived; the face is wan, haggard, the attitude tastefully depicted. A palpable and perilous digression is made by the artist in ignoring the text of Holy Writ, "Wearing the purple robe," electing to substitute for the purpose of his science a scarlet "toga." But the "torso"! This is essentially lacking in consummate understanding, skilful address. In all that assists most to mature a native work of this immense importance it is sound sense, equivalent to the gravest optimism, to express this opinion, that the highest powers of science ought humbly, intelligently to co-operate towards achieving a grand and triumphant finale, perfect, harmonious in all its parts, and responsible to the academic dictates of its sacred title. Such a figure Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, or Rubens would have painted and blessed our reasons with, for a certainty: bountifully inspiring us at once and for time with their divine interpretation of the great, the majestic omnipotence. Any failure in Art cannot rouse us to this pitch; our sensitive, appreciative spirits would assuredly flag unless some keynote of resonant power were sounded. The figure of Pontius Pilate is realistically depicted; it has not the aristocratic air of a Roman Governor, yet the face, not caring to meet the gaze of the people, is a work exhibiting some power. It sardonically, satirically suggests the thought, "I find in Him no fault at all," possessing a semblance of three meanings. The people, deputy officers, and supernumeraries assembled upon this elevation are somewhat stiffly grouped, and the architectonic embellishments--no unimportant feature--well conceived, as they form the framework of the drama, and must be considered well painted. Let it be observed that the basket capital of the arch is out of perspective; a like error is to be observed in the roof of certain of the houses on the left; the blue of the distance, although luminous and atmospheric, is too opaque. The arches forming the left-hand middle distance are finely depicted; correct as far as local traditional art will inform us, and of considerable value in such a work as ballast, substance, in steadying the erratic fancies or emotions of the painter. Criticism must justly deal with the figures of the Jewish rabble. The attitudes are telling, but over angular and rather vulgar. The populace, I may remark, are too excited; such sustained, extravagant attitudes, whether in a picture of large or small scale, but particularly in the former, are upon canvas rarely satisfactory; they mock with littleness at a Providence that made Art, and become puppets in the hands of artists. The heads of not a few of the spectators are too large, coarse, and expressionless. Here and there, in the distance for instance, amongst the living panorama, there appears a figure hinting at a better type of gesture, with a human heart, suggesting an acquaintance with refinement, but the breadth of awe, the girdle of salvatory redemption, even in coarse brutality is not even here apparent. The work is a mute exposition of gesture. The higher, the acute, the really more intense connection of poetry is absent. J. ATWOOD.SLATER 4, Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol. _From the_ WESTERN DAILY PRESS, _Feb. 25th, 1901_ "ECCE HOMO." _To the Editor of the Western Daily Press._ Sir,--A correspondent whose letter is to-day published, calling attention to my remarks upon the celebrated picture "Ecce Homo," of February 20th, cannot, I suppose have understood that the motive which impelled me in my previous letter was that the enlightenment of the public having the interest of art might follow; next to whom, as derivees of fresher, newer light, the spectators of the painting "Ecce Homo," impersonally and politely apostrophised as "his academic audience," may now be mentioned. Neither fault nor question was found with any of such for so being; your correspondent introduced this side view, I believe, irrelevantly--but with the picture alone. The mission of art royal should, I hold, be understood to elevate, to raise the public taste, to cultivate or correct a wrong line of popular impression; that of pictures of the like of "Ecce Homo," being to enlighten the current interest for whose delight moreover art, from a social point of view, is justified in its mission, having a yet higher motive, the kindling of rapture in the heart of the creative artist. Pictures since earlier times have been vehicles as well as ventilators of popular belief. It is for this cause, and in instances where it is proven, painful to touch or shake the constitutive elements of other people's faith; an acute sense of this compunction on the whole restraining the weight of my recent remarks. But, conjecturally speaking, in a world wherein all things are so public, it must be conceded that strong light should at stated times fuse the impinging points of understanding, that truth and common sense may scrutinise their sound bearings; moreover, also, that academic science may arraign itself with dignity. Your correspondent's remarks with reference to the colour of the robe are, upon the whole, useful, purple and scarlet being synonymous terms; preponderance of mention, rests though with the former. Pictures cannot be considered too much as books; such truth, Art, by the concurrence of testimony, has manifested in its destiny from time immemorial, confirming afresh benefits on man. Open discussion will not only add to, magnify, or deduct from their lustre, but cause their aims, in short, to redound to the public weal. Such being so, it is rational to expect an expression of opinion thereupon. They are not, universally, to be regarded as graven tablets, to be gazed at, nor to be received as infallible oracles of law. They are--at the same time, barometers, charts, and weather-glasses--chronicles towards the fine ends of justice, peace and mercy. Your correspondent has stated that my remarks are ambiguous. They may have been technical and recondite, but, as such, are excusable, and, in their sphere, just. J. ATWOOD.SLATER. 4, Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol. _SOCIAL SCIENCE._ _From the_ WESTERN DAILY PRESS, _Aug. 1st_, 1901. LOCOMOTIVE STEAM WHISTLES. _To the Editor of the Western Daily Press_. Sir,--It is essential, and, according to my instincts of decorum, necessary, to call the attention of those charged with authority in such matters, and the public generally, to the growing misuse, in the hands of engineers, of the locomotive steam whistle, the employment thereof having especially in town districts, grown to be out of all dimensions of private service, injurious to those whether officially called, or who, pending the pleasure of mercantile circumstance, are publicly obliged to pursue abstruse mental occupation, necessitating labour and much concentration of though[t]. A reasonable use of this means, or instrument, of signal and alarm, must be conceded to those in whose hands resides its use, but at the same time a firm directorship or jurisdiction ought to repress its extravagant or wanton employment. To warn passengers of the starting and of the approach of trains only a moderate application of the whistle is needed, whilst for the diplomatic the discreet purpose of practical manoeuvre, namely, to draw the attention of signalmen to the passing of points by trains, extra power is requisite; but the gruesome display, I maintain, of vocative sounds tuned to an intellectual point of mood is needless. Those daily engaged upon manual work only are not in a like manner affected, though for all reasons of civil and common honour the supercilious cry referred to should be deprecated. Rather tune and sound the whistle to two simultaneous notes in sharp, brief accent than that the chambers of the minds of the hearers of those sounds should be so continuously, remorselessly entered. Anything lengthy aggravates the auditory crisis. The stream of daily occupation with the set purpose of sedentary exploit is competent to regulate itself without an articulate "voice" from the railway companies. I am, Sir, faithfully yours, J. ATWOOD.SLATER 4, Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol, _July 29th_, 1901. _SCULPTURE_. _From the_ WESTERN DAILY PRESS, _Nov. 16th_, 1901. ALFRED STEVENS, SCULPTOR. ADDRESS BY MR. J. ATWOOD.SLATER. Sir,--I send you with the thought that you may wish to publish them the precise substance of my remarks verbally delivered at the meeting of the Bristol Society of Architects, November 11th, on which occasion a refreshing paper upon the works of Alfred Stevens was delivered, a man of high artistic repute, whose fame in this district is but dimly recognised, being of another parent soil. Yours faithfully, J. ATWOOD.SLATER. 4, Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol, _Nov. 12th_, 1901. Mr. Slater spoke as follows:--The importance of the moment bids me hasten with all seriousness to support the special retribution of plausible justice, amounting to adulation, which has been lavished on the labours of the distinguished English sculptor. Had it been necessary I should have travelled a greater distance to have paid with my testimony homage to the words of this evening's lecturer. It is not saying more than the truth will allow me, or admitting more than my own poignant feelings may to such expression give justification, when I confirm with my lips the belief that I have for much time dispassionately held that Alfred Stevens, with Turner, were the first artists that England produced from the middle of the eighteenth to that of the nineteenth centuries; and that, compared with the great oracles of the past, he reasonably approaches Michael Angelo, who he unquestionably touches and sometimes surpasses. To state my views, having received elementary drawing instructions from a friend of Stevens, I think that there is evidence, in carefully examining the figures upon the Wellington Monument and the Dorchester House chimney-piece a finer knowledge of line in Stevens's work. Michael Angelo's Medici figures, and indeed, his other famous works, are not so unequivocably good; the effigies superimposing the sarcophagi are, for brief instance, "pillowy," though they may be more anatomic. The suavity of nature's hypo-refined grace is not traceable in their easy posture. The fact is, that they pose for something; generally their own animal idiosyncrasy, if not respectable vanity. Stevens's figures, on the contrary, always for their own decency, which throws into the core, the heart of the monument such an expression of beauty, giving rise to the word innate, quenching the sense of frivolity, which unrestrained, disordered state of things oozes out somewhere, or is at any rate felt "in the air" in Michael Angelo's works. Stevens's head was wonderfully poised on his own "torso" to know and feel this with such thrilling, vital, consistent certainty. You catch awhile his lovely idea in the strong fragrant symmetry permeating his work. The iron soul of the man implants his lines of strength far inside the actual bounds of the visible crust, and the mind of the idea, naturally expanding is caught at the salient "processes" in curves and features, betokening nothing--that touches--but grace. I should mention that there is one fact which describes minutely my veneration for Stevens's work at its best, perhaps the fullest; whereby I mean that inspection of his intellectual labour has always restored to me the time so wisely occupied in regarding it, proving that there is goodness, virtue, essence in it, past all fellowship with ephemeral things. There is a true, not a laconic, logical, and prophetic inference in it that is apropriately styled, "time"; the finest embodiment of musical equipoise; felt to a "tick"; no faltering, barbaric, or false quantities, but a sustained and equable, uniform tone of chromatic measure, meted out as by a mind imbued by but sacrificing the scale of colour to its own actual, achieved end. One misses the heated passion of Watts's best pictures, which flow through the ordered channel of recognisable expression and make one adore them as poetry. But there, of a truth, invidious comparison ends, and reticence shall ever guard the space that intervenes betwixt the grounds sacred to the exposition of the embodiment of these master lights. _MUSIC._ _From the_ BATH CHRONICLE, _January 30th,_ 1902. MEDITATION ON BERTHOLD TOURS' EVENING SERVICE IN "D." _To the Editor of the Bath Chronicle._ Sir,--Personally it occurs to me that in a public sense it may not appear to be out of due place nor uninstructive to the readers of the pages of the "Bath Chronicle," if they were allowed to pursue quietly the "meditation" which I have thought fit, with, some amount of feasible excuse, to set in fair order, concerning the apotheosis of an evening service in musical form, from the versatile pen of Mr. Berthold Tours, in the key of D, which, with no inconsiderable _éclat_ was in the sequence of events, produced at St. Raphael's Church, Bristol, on Sunday, the 12th inst. A companion to the graceful evening service or setting of the appointed Canticles in F major, which be it observed, is the most popular, and from a purely suitable point of view, most successful of modern evening services, it marks a phase of expression, at once ethereal and predilectious. Produced at a more mature period, and under certainly different circumstances, it confirms, honours indeed, the fecundity of the age of its inception, namely, the era of British Æstheticism. Commenting upon its attributes discursively, it was at the period of its original initiation in London my privilege to be present; nor must I omit to graphically allude to my belief, not choosing to be otherwise than candid with my first impressions, that I had never listened to anything which so rapturously illustrated the spirit of those soul-elevating times; even to experiencing a passing pang, since the perplexing principles or established secrets of decorative or Æsthetic art, as understood by me, had so curiously been cajoled or interwoven into the very sanctuary of Classic Music. Every phrase appeared eloquently to illustrate and tell aloud the great burst of passionate fervour, felt to be with serious activity glistening, sparkling around, in painting and in decorative device. It was, as it were the unition, the brazing together of these serious impinging forces, and re-fusing them with fresher melody, newer vital ecstasy. (Sir) Edward Burne Jones, Oscar Wilde and W.S. Gilbert had all not dubiously striven nor for shallow effect. They had, though labouring incessantly apart, built up a ghost which was in no fear of glimmering or dissolution; and now Berthold Tours, spright of another element of sentimental, I should say continental mythical music, upon the scene springs with his amazing apparatus of staves and octaves, aiding the _chef-de-musique_ and his trained voices to make sound within the very presence chamber of Divine Worship this phantasmagoria of Teuton intellectualism! Be it understood that this Classic exercise is not to be ceremoniously regarded, nor classified, nor by me upheld as an example of Creative Art, but as the brightest pledge of homage æsthetically offered to a vital movement, essentially fundamental and wise; furthermore, must be allowed to occupy a position subsidiary to the works of the artists enumerated who evidently inspired it; unique and decidedly without an exact parallel in the inspired annals of modern phonetic literature; prefering at a more intimate examination to classify with it Professor C. Villiers Stanford's setting of the Te Deum and Jubilate in B flat--works, easily gracing the "Summus Mons" of co-spiritual achievement; that impulse which selects, confirms, and then unites all the fair fibres of Art. Berthold Tours personally possessed the evident characteristics of a musician. No doubt could be entertained whatsoever, by any who once saw him or his large meditative form, that music was his calling. The duties inherent to the post of "music taster" to the house of Novello, Ewer, & Co., he hopefully acquitted for many years, succeeding to that office on the retirement of my once, in a choral sense, esteemed conductor, Sir Joseph Barnby. The pianoforte accompaniment to many of the classical works of continental composers he transcribed and carefully arranged for his employers, whose confidence he completely enjoyed, whether in addressing them on matters relative to prospective treaties with contemporary composers, or in regard to works tendered to them for publication, or on recommending them upon the pianoforte arrangement of orchestral scores. Personally, I participated in the satisfaction of frequently dining in his company. Amongst the personal memories which I might in passing allude to, being my entire deferential attitude towards him of reverence, ere ever being acquainted with his patronymics, although already largely conversant with, and a sincere admirer of his music. To have been spoken amiably to by this distinguished "virtuoso" is a not unnoteworthy reminiscence to be recorded. He evinced much concern in the early rehearsals of his choral works; being individually present at the moment of their preparation; but it not infrequently appeared to me ambiguous, that unless accounted for by the responsibility of vast calls, he with frequency turned his back upon the musical conservatories wherein his choral works were performed; a custom due evidently to his innate modesty, and perhaps to his susceptibilities as a foreigner. Berthold Tours was a famous violinist of the first class, besides being a recognised composer of music, and edited with Natalia Macfarren a superb edition of the Italian, the German, and the French Operas. JOHN ATWOOD.SLATER, 4, Hill Side, Cotham, Bristol. _ARCHITECTURE._ _From the_ BRISTOL TIMES AND MIRROR, _April 18th_, 1902. BRISTOL SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS. The Annual General Meeting of this society was held in the Fine Arts Academy, Queen's Road, Clifton, on Monday, Mr. Frank W. Wills (President) in the chair. After the confirmation of the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, the annual report of the council was then read by the Hon. Secretary, and the audited accounts presented, and, upon the motion of the PRESIDENT, were adopted. A highly interesting lecture devoted to architectural research was delivered by Mr. J. ATWOOD SLATER, first silver medallist and premium holder in design in the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and Sharpe Prizeman of the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, describing an architectural tour undertaken in 1880, and detailing picturesquely the architecture and incidents of personal concern dependent on travel met with in the departments of Seine Inférieure, Seine and Oise, and Seine, penetrating into the heart of France as far as Auxerre. The course of the Seine, with its diverse monuments, was topographically followed from Harfleur to Paris, and subsequently in its considerable ramification the stately River Yonne, Melun, Fountainebleau, Sens, and finally the rich town of Auxerre coming under consideration. The lecturer also drew special attention to the advantage derived from travelling alone for the purpose of observing better the archæological wealth, and the customs of the French, having a distinct and definite line of study and object lesson ever in view; to his wide sympathy with the French people, to their sumptuous care for their ancient monuments, their courtesy and reverential manner of hospitality towards English speaking students; and also in particular to the unsuspicious, deferential manner in which they are entertained and regarded by the Ministerial authorities: detailing in precise biographical manner his experience with bourgeoisie and peasant, ecclesiastic and soldier. He recorded also minutely the incidents and popular events associated with travel, as study and the tide of time goaded him onward, the wave of diurnal events lying upon the open page of history, here dishevelled, here streaked with adverse episode, and here becalmed. The hour being late, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer, and the hearing of the conclusion of a most interesting tour was adjourned to another meeting. _AQUATICS._ _From the_ CORNISHMAN, _August 2nd_, 1902. SWIM AROUND ST. MICHAEL'S MOUNT. On Wednesday, a visitor to Marazion, Mr. J. ATWOOD.SLATER, from Bristol, in a sea for tranquility suited for the saline venture, swam completely round St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall. Accompanied by a local boatman the swimmer rowed out from the mainland, quitting his boat, and entering ten fathoms in depth of water at two o'clock. A mean distance of a hundred yards from the coast was, whilst the circuit was made, preserved. No inconvenience of any sort--excepting, towards the conclusion,--the chilliness of the water, was encountered; the distance of one mile and a half being accomplished in the space and record time of three-quarters of an hour. The swimmer at the finish expressed himself entirely satisfied with the nerve and capacity of his boatman (Ivey) and accorded a tribute to the romantic style in which the Mount and Castle proper are kept. The view from the watery verge being replete with quaint interest and delightsome variety. The previous occasion to this feat being performed was three summers ago, when Lady Agnes Townshend, and six years since, when Colonel Townshend swam the same distance; but no other authentic instance is credited, or preserved on record. The swimmer on this latest occasion is a Royal Academy exhibitor, and the designer of the subject panels in the reredos in the neighbouring Cathedral of Truro; having moreover aided the architect, now deceased, of the Cathedral of Cornwall in other departments of Architectural service. _From the_ CORNISHMAN, _September 4th,_ 1902. LONG DISTANCE SWIMS. IN A CORNER OF MOUNT'S BAY. (BY THE SWIMMER). On Thursday, August 14th, Mr. J. Atwood Slater, then staying at Marazion, who, as recorded in a recent issue, swam completely round St. Michael's Mount, made an attempt to swim from St. Michael's Mount to Newlyn. With his boatman (Ivey), he started from Marazion, entering the water at S.W. corner of the Mount. Whilst engaged in the preliminaries of the start a moment of suspense was passed, the distance appearing sufficient (when out of water) to unnerve all but the most intrepid of swimmers. Striking out in the direction of Newlyn, and using the breast stroke, the shore and beetling Mount were gradually left behind, but when a full distance of a mile and a half was covered, a swell got up from the S.W. and blew a quantity of water into the face of the swimmer. At each impulse progress becoming extremely difficult; nevertheless a yet further interval of half a mile was placed to the swimmer's credit; when, deeming it impracticable to continue further, and having covered relatively more than half the distance, in a mood of chagrin, he re-entered his boat. Then seizing the oars, and murmuring an ejaculatory note to the ocean which had sent him not a few malign caresses, he pulled, boatman, craft and all to Marazion; the time exactly occupied in the exploit, of two miles and an eighth, being forty-five minutes. On Saturday, August 23rd, Mr. Slater again, taking with him E. John, swam in deep water, from close to the pier head St. Michael's Mount to a point contiguous to Longrock; a distance of a mile and an eighth. Progress was without hap or hindrance, though in a grey misty light. At length, whilst the disappearing sun sank to rest behind a belt of clouds, parted asunder over Penzance, the boatman was called upon to draw in his boat, the swimmer thereupon going on board. Experience gained upon these occasions teaches that it emphatically requires greater nerve to swim in the open sea, always going straight in deep water, than is called for when propelling oneself round the Mount. Again, on Tuesday, at ten minutes to two, the swimmer, to confirm his past exploits and as a climax to his stay in Mount's Bay, swam from Venton cove to St. Michael's Mount, rather in excess of a mile, in thirty-one minutes, Ivey, his boatman merely steering his boat alongside. It is the swimmer's opinion, that the timing of mid, or half stroke, is the most elegant, most difficult, and to conceal, yet fully make use of this "break," constitutes the criterion as to whether the swimmer, be he amateur or professional, is first-class or not. _From the_ EXMOUTH JOURNAL, _Sept. 6th_, 1902 A NOTEWORTHY SWIM. A long swim from Exmouth to half-a-mile beyond the pier of Starcross, was on Thursday evening undertaken and accomplished by Mr. J. ATWOOD.SLATER, an Exmouth visitor. Starting from opposite the pier head, the swimmer, piloted by Mr. H. Tupman, in the _Ernest_, swam round the Bight on the west side of the Warren, passing the ships anchored therein, and hugging the west shore of the Exe, paused finally under the lodge at the further end of Starcross at 5.45 p.m., having, in logic swum the distance of two-and-a-quarter miles in twenty-three minutes. The aid the swimmer derived from choosing the flood tide he admitted was considerable, and served him for nearly half the distance; when out of the influence of this, the water suddenly became very choppy, the waves being too small for the swimmer to time, yet with annoying frequency throwing their crests above the surface of the water. Subsequently a great stillness was encountered, until Starcross was neared and passed; the boat, swimmer and pilot lying finally becalmed at the point aforesaid.--J.A.S. _From the_ WESTERN DAILY PRESS, _Sept. 15th_, 1903. A SWIM ROUND MONT ST. MICHAEL, NORMANDY. Sir,--On August 22nd, at 5 p.m., on August 28th, at 9 a.m., and on August 29th, at 10 a.m., I achieved in a more successful measure than had hitherto been accomplished the problem of swimming round Mont St. Michael, Normandy, at high water. Previously acquainted with the certainty that an adverse current would at one point or another be met, I pre-arranged, and made three bold attempts, and by going in a certain direction, met with the greatest success at the first essay. The tides that rise and flow against the base of the mount are more insidious and taxing to strike against than those which encircle the Mount of St. Michael, in Cornwall; but then the quality of the sea must be more pure and far more buoyant off the Cornish coast, and freshens to a greater extent the elastic movements of the swimmer. The sea, speaking from experience, does not harass one, swimming in the bay of St. Michael, Normandy, until the "retirage" is met; when all the force that can be exerted is necessarily called forth to prevent being seaward swept. Yours faithfully, J. ATWOOD.SLATER Albi, Tarn, France, _September 7th_, 1903. _ARCHITECTURE._ _From the_ PATRIOTE ALBIGEOIS, _Sept. 29th,_ 1903. Albigeois, vous qui passez fréquemment dans les rues adjacentes à votre cathédrale, n'avez-vous pas remarqué la figure d'un artiste récemment installé, avec son chevalet, auprès du gigantesque monument et mettant toute la science technique de son art à le reproduire exactement. C'est M. John ATWOOD.SLATER qui avait visité notre cité, il y a quelques années, il avait alors dessiné une belle perspective de Sainte-Cécile qu'il a exposée à l'Académie Royale de Londres. Il a admiré la plupart des cathédrales gothiques de notre pays et, en fin connaisseur, il nous informe que nous possédons un des plus recherchés specimens d'architecture qui existent en France. Quelques-unes de ces cathédrales sont à peine plus merveilleuses, mais il n'en est guère qui se prêtent favorablement comme elle à l'esprit tranquille de dévotion. Maintenant pour le profit de ceux a qui cela pourrait faire plaisir M. John ATWOOD.SLATER, cet artist nous communique bénévolement ce renseignegnement très spécial: Il est encore fort nageur! C'est lui qui aux dates de 22, 28 et 29 août a été signalé par la Normandie pour avoir fait à la nage le tour du Mont St. Michel: ce que personne jusqu'ici n'avait osé prétendre faire à cause des marées qui sont toujours très contraires.--J.A.S. UNPUBLISHED LETTERS. _MUSIC._ _To the Editor of The Times, London._ Sir,--Whilst admitting the all-importance and the austere role of circumstance weighted with interest, and fused to an all-volatile point sufficient to write to you concerning, and always entering, freed from _schism_, the moot point, I beg leave to advance the suggestion that (with correct apposition of sentiment, already said) the moment has arrived for an improvement to be effected in the Hymnal, in the public offices of St. Paul's Cathedral employed. For the furtherance of this important item of diocesan and divine service, "Hymns, Ancient and Modern," be it well known, has stood the crucial test of a number of years; while its mechanical characteristics have been demonstrated all the way along the metronome number of decades it has served to mollify and assuage the griefs and passions, and inspire the consciences of congregations using it habitually as a _vade mecum_. While believing in the sedate grandeur of its stereotyped orthodoxy, I powerfully plead, and in a tone of restraint, this prerogative: that the edition of hymns known as "The Hymnary," should upon examination be found to contain more agreeable, versatile value and fecundity of literary nutrition: honourably and scholastically capable of out-classing the rival for whose displacement I plead; and competent at once to put yet better light with wholesomer sustenance and rarer spiritual food into the minds of its privileged students. The ideas and principles conceived by the once editors and publishers of the volume whose richly bestraught merits I champion, and whose solemn rights I plead, (in the year 1871), was to place in society at once, all electrified, au prémier coup canonized (armed at all points), a work which should at a moment be complete in law; self-contained and academically referable to the stringent junctures of an ecclesiastical, a national, and a polyphonetic tribunal: a work which should loyally attract the acclaim of co-existing literary hymnals, and ever would, it was reverently hoped--a sentiment which I, for one, favourably concur in--remain, the key-symbol of the Reformed, Anglican faith, with its near, true, and ever new ally--a note as high, silvery and jurisprudential; purified domestic co-partnership! To further substantiate and enhance my devoutly expressed remarks, I confidently state that the compilation of "Hymns Ancient and Modern" was not originally in fact the outcome of an individual movement, or yet of a moment. At periods diverse, and at stages various, it matured its conditional purpose by repeated acts of regeneration and reform, by keeping generally within the radius of a stereotyped policy of pruning and paring; which consolidated by degrees and swept it on to the confines and the platform of its national respectability. Be it even tacitly acknowledged, in surveying the genesis of Hymnology that the function of revision has once been, a fact, applied to the "Hymns Ancient and Modern" since the appearance of "The Hymnary," in my estimation under a less searching eye than that which all impartially discriminated and directed, at one and at one time only, the laying together and the consolidating of the "particles predelix" of this frankincense offering of the National Church; a work of classic intent and æsthetic outcome. Personal labour designed it _purposely_ for the hearts of men, but not for their _faces_; a character which, Christian-like, it inseparably wears, like French martial music. Herein exemplified to noble British hearts is a bulwark that at once completely puts to rout no inconsiderable amount of the mildew mould of "Hymns Ancient and Modern," while never so much as tarnishing or jeopardizing the aroma of its native asceticism. Interested bibliophiles may peruse pleasantly the trenchant remarks launched by the editors, (of the work upheld) literary and musical; and examine for their predilection by turning its pages the analytical merit of its composer's names; all serious-minded men; capable lamp-bearers in the wide arcana of classic music. Stoical people do not know the wealth of chaste language stored up within the covers of "The Hymnary." A rare musician-poet is needed to resolve its pulpy flavour and discipline to the polemics of common life; whilst one, a connoisseur, would readily congratulate the sanguine, sensible, and all-seeing management, as regards to authors of words, indices of composers, indices of metres, metronome marks, which heralds and places it, in respect of completeness, ahead of all contemporaneous editions. J. ATWOOD.SLATER, _Medallist & Premium Holder of the Royal Academy of Arts, London._ 4, Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol, _Epiphany, 1903._ _LITERATURE._ _To the Editor of_ THE BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE. _March_, 1903. Sir,--Touched by a virtuous sense that a noble writer has passed from the central and celestial sphere of his vocation, and discharging the offices of respect voluntarily admitted as a literary admirer, with sympathy in a bruised state of liquefaction, I maintain that the season for uttering a few words is clearly at hand, and should be turned to the advantage of retrospect. Being bred of a generation which has read, with a spirit attuned to the pleasant influences of an Academic and a Saracenic art, the writings of John Henry Shorthouse, and ever discovering them to contain philosophic importance and pyschologic expression decidedly above the astuteness and ability of average writers; and having usually in them remarked wisdom, council and knowledge reminiscent of the inspired logicial writers and divines of the law-given Testaments; in point of enquiry, I am summarily induced to champion the belief that the psychologic, emphatic style adopted by the writer, with the success in high quarters attendant the disposal of his works, has not, convincingness being the indicator, been reached, nor surpassed. The Warwickshire alchemist invariably throws across his scenes and to the centre, a glare, a strong ray, which burns to the water-line the barque of Agnosticism. This is tacitly recognised, concurrently and alternately traced in the selection of the phrases, and in the subtle or dramatic sense of the scene photographed; the second inspiration springing into immediate co-operation, linking to the first the thought by a magnetised hyphen, causes his symbolistic pictures to thrive gloriously, rapturously; the first touch of sensitized matter at times appearing grotesque, dimly lit, although never flimsy. This pedantic, pictorial, even scholarly system by our revered writer adopted, is bent, applied to meet extreme passes of imaginative perfection and delicacy. The picture is naïvely introduced and obscurely, somewhat trenchantly elaborated, allows itself to be apologetically understood; whilst in succession the lower taste for animal sentiment is sorcerized by vivid flashes of captivating contrast, forked, as lightning, and left, as embers smouldering to glow in the crucible of memory's recesses. Specious instances of irony playing the manliest part: flashes of meteoric, mesmeric eloquence, fitfully flecking the embossed page, as one tier or set of ideas, in rhetoric orchestration, symphonizes with or eclipses another. Connection, an element of robust mesmeric cohesion with this prized author being the adamantine hyphen, the articulating link, which compacts the roll. John Henry Shorthouse, the templar, the confessor of music, was, and concurrently, the apologist of philosophic light. Engaged to a powerful mechanism of romantic dogma, the nett article of its creed; the neochromatic acoustic regalia of stage eloquence, the key, or longest recurrent note; the van or middle the next, the sinuous lever of stage discipline. After all, concurrently may it not, be said that this colour instinct aspect of cosmically conceived romanticism is never wilfully vulgarized. For its incomparable, iconographical purpose it exists, and is as intrinsically useful and serviceable to the scheme as the figures which admirably illustrate the pictures of Hogarth and Holman Hunt. When introduced, music is rarely intended to edge itself into the important place of "first study." This in alchemy or personification being occupied by the circumstantial cruxes of life, philosophic morality, vested usually in courtly attire; I would not say abstract attire, for the clean-cut character it bears is too strictly defined (for the sake of that Artist's art) for such an impression to be born, or even to lurk by sentiment, there beneath. The mould employed at all times is minutely fashioned, as a sculptor would, by investing his model with a code of spirituality, inspired with fire, which epicureanly endows fleeting emotion with a voice, and vitality lends also to distant-reaching invisible ends: hinting that the picturesque alchemy of music is potential too in reaching and touching the lower chords of animal passion, where movement is rapid and light redundant. The breast of the thoughtful writer heaved ever to animal instincts without measure in extolling the complex phases of court, ecclesiastic, and domestic oligarchy. Statesmanship and subjunction rise and peacefully sink together, and in his magnetic touch, are made to harmoniously coalesce in the political balance. Shorthouse the author, a believer in, a champion was of two-fold or dual cosmos: his colour sense being susceptible to and wrought upon in singular consular consistence with the effulgent dogmas of its creed, and in alliance with the spirit of the _cinque cento_ Italian Renaissance Schools of Painting and Architecture. Practically speaking, he conceived a train of adept ideas, at times fanciful, and at times morbid, transforming them adroitly by adept excursions of cross-lit introspection, accentuation, and by dint of manual caress, as the first of players upon stringed instruments. Music, I would apologetically infer, being the middle, the rallying feature, of Mr. J.H. Shorthouse's verbose apology. If fictionizing in prose, he writes with brief orange-hued flashes of liquid ether; each of short, all but, brief span. Characteristically, he belongs to the same school and unapproachable law as the French organist-composer, C.M. Widor: stringent, petulant observance of free uncurbed metronome time, allied to picturesque handling; punctuality of tidal consort rigidly regarding, when each, the one to the other, linked; less a care, by virtuous intuition displaying for lyric measure. The writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne more forcibly and piquantly evince cylindrical flow, and strike at the object lesson with less artificial, _cadavre_, fastidious touch; but Mr. Shorthouse, speaking strictly, as to temper and _tempo_ is a trifle more rugged; and never a shadow of suspense suffered he to stir a hand's breadth, that is, rest 'twixt poetic certainty and doubt, lest the ultimate end should all-attainable be or not. For freedom from this, and other literary ambiguity, yet never manifesting anxiety of freeing himself in prose from its insidious and arbitrary restraint, I attribute his tragical, subtle, gentle power of "connection," _liaison_; feeling for time; planetary time, be it lunar time, sometimes unmistakably, solar time; disallowing, by potency of sentimental touch, a sense of rupture, to linger. A noble stream by mute comparison, pursuing its course unwavering; interrupted but now and again, to the vast expansive ocean of shapeliness, of unity. J. ATWOOD.SLATER, _Premium Holder & Medallist of the Royal Academy of Arts, London._ Hill Side, Cotham Hill, Bristol. *** End of this Doctrine Publishing Corporation Digital Book "Original Letters and Biographic Epitomes" *** Doctrine Publishing Corporation provides digitized public domain materials. Public domain books belong to the public and we are merely their custodians. 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Chris Moran is our VR Solutions Architect, and Equal Reality Founding Team.
With a military background in Mine Warfare operations and training with the Royal Australian Army and Navy, Chris has been on the front-line of training cultural change for the past 7 years. His work has taken him from training sailors to find underwater explosives and leading divers in Africa and Latin America. Chris is passionate about leveraging VR technology to save lives and revolutionise training for corporate and military learning.
Chris first met our team shortly while he was in the Royal Australian Navy, while at the same time he was running his own startup, The Tie Collective. Chris came across our team at Vibewire's Pitch The Future event in early 2017.
After trying our around Gender Bias VR experience, Chris recognised that he had learnt more in a short simulation about the impact of behaviour, than he had in 10 years of classroom sessions around Diversity and Inclusion. He saw a great need for teaching other perspectives at the Navy. Chris expressed that over the 10 years within the military, many of his female colleagues; his close friends and peers; dropped out or left due to being excluded, mistreated or harassed. Chris wanted to see that changed.
Chris was an educator in the military and recognised that VR could be more effective than traditional methods, and that it was crucially important as it could not only could it result in more inclusive culture and a better working environment, better training could ultimately save lives.
Rick Martin, Chris Moran, Allison Reid representing our partners Remarkable Inclusive Technology at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance for iCare
Chris took great initiative and connected the team to the New Generation Navy who were tasked with initiating culture change, and it resulted in Equal Reality's first pilot to the Australian Navy in mid 2017.
Chris left the military after being there a decade and immediately deepdived into Virtual Reality development with one of our partners Academy Xi in Sydney. Learning how to design and develop VR experiences and use the technology.
When we started building our team, he was an obvious addition. Chris is self-motivated, engineer-minded individual, with an impressive aptitude for learning and taking on any task. Chris has really pioneered himself as an industry leader in VR simulation design and UX leader.
Since joining the team, Chris has made some major contributions to our success including:
Chris is intensely focused on customer needs and is constantly working directly with clients. He collaborates with our clients to co-create solutions to solve their most pertinent learning and development problems, to best build the future of learning with VR. Chris takes charge of the simulation design, testing, and optimisation focusing on executing the objectives of the learning and development, whilst ensuring the integrity of content and using VR technology to solve the most relevant problems. During this process, Chris will work as their point of contact communicating strategy, timelines, objectives, scripting, while constantly integrating feedback.
Chris has worked with several clients in this way, the most notable of them all being one of Australia's big 4 banks.
One of the major benefits of having so many skills is that while Chris is communicating with the client, he is also creating the framework of what that customer's experience will be.
Being able to build and iterate on what the final product should look like, and get direct feedback from the customer is invaluable- and makes sure that from the first to the last step, the client is involved and happy with the end result.
One of the major duties of a prototype developer is to test out ideas, and UX solutions. Chris and his colleague Allison are always coming up with new ways of interacting with the app, building them, and then watching how people respond.
Chris has lead development for some of our largest client work, using our Creators Suite to build the virtual reality training himself.
The first we ever worked together on was Singularity University, where he helped us demo on the show floor for the entire event.
Later, when we rolled out training with our partner mwah, Chris was crucial in supporting the training of 780 employees!
"I honestly couldn't recommend the team at ER highly enough…
We gave them an incredibly tight time frame to work to, and what they delivered was stunning. There was comprehensive support training our team up in the use of our own VR equipment as well.
The response from participants has been excellent – with participants in the program able to empathize and discuss the experiences of our scenarios in our workshops with detail that just wouldn't be possible without actually experiencing it themselves. I don't think role plays will ever cut it again in this space."
Chris will be continuing this good work as we expand in the USA market by representing Equal Reality at IITSEC; the largest conference in the USA for military simulation and training, where he will be showcasing the ongoing work that Equal Reality has been doing for the Royal Australian Navy with Acceptable and Unacceptable Behaviour Training in VR, which will be demonstrated at the Innovation Showcase on behalf of Team Defence Australia.
He is also credited with creating the team shirts, leveraging the experience with his startup – The Tie Collective.
Chris has recently stepped up to cultivating many of our Sydney / Australia relationships with Allison Reid, as our team expands into the USA. He has done a phenomenal job communicating the company's mission, vision and progress through pitches, meetings, newsletters and documentation.
Some of the most notable relationships have been:
Team-focused, business development, all-rounder, driven, loyal, lifelong learner, avid reader, future-focused, tinkerer.

subset: commoncrawl


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Our new range of ReVive Spa Rituals
The new treatment in our ReVive Rituals range; the first release in the series is the beautiful Himalayan Salt Scrub Ritual.
This ritual has a signature scent and an oil range all of its own. You are introduced to the ritual's signature fragrance as soon as you entre the treatment room by way of a hand and foot wash.
The treatment helps relieve tension and stress immediately though deep breathing and a pressure point face and scalp massage.
Hot Himalayan salt blocks are then used all over the body to warm and gently exfoliate the skin aiding in a wonderful feeling of sedation. This sensation helps to release tension build up in mind and body. Preceding is an exhilarating full body salt scrub with essential oils in a sublimely nourishing base to revitalise and enliven your energy levels.
An undeniably cleansing, calming and restoring experience to indulge in any time.


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Visit thermoscientific.com
Guest presenters* from the University of Zaragoza: Dr. Cristina Nerín, Professor, Head of GUIA, Dr.
Jesús Salafranca, Associate Professor and
Magdalena Wrona, PhD student
In this webinar, several novel applications of Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) analysis to determine different substances in edible oils, essential oils and fats were investigated with a Thermo Scientific™ DXR™ Raman microscope, and are presented and discussed. The antioxidant BHA, vitamins, the evolution of fat content in minced meat, or the presence of potential contaminants such as phthalates, mineral oil or chlorinated compounds are considered. One advantage of this procedure is that Raman spectroscopy requires minimal sample handling. Another significant advantage is that SERS can easily expand the capabilities of conventional Raman.
What you will learn during this webinar:
24 minutes
* Special Guest Presenters from the University of Zaragoza:
Dr. Cristina Nerín is the head of GUIA (Analytical Research University Group) and a member of the I3A (Aragón Institute for Engineering Research). Her research is focused on environmental chemistry, analysis of industrial risks, and packaging with emphasis on both active and intelligent materials for food preserving and safety-in-use for consumers by means of migration studies.
Dr. Jesús Salafranca is an associate professor in the GUIA and is using Raman spectroscopy to characterize packaging materials and migration of substances in food simulants.
Mrs. Magdalena Wrona is a PhD student in the GUIA using Raman spectroscopy to understand new packaging materials.
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- This event has passed.
BUILD NYC at Chelsea Market
January 12, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
|Recurring Events (See all)
An event every week that begins at 11:00 am on Sunday, repeating until February 16, 2020
Our BUILD program comes in from the street and lands at Chelsea Market. Come BUILD with Lego, Magnatiles, and more at an interactive building station at Chelsea Market. Always free, for all ages! Made possible by Chelsea Market.


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4 whole English cucumbers
1⁄4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp salt
3 tsp Splenda
- With a vegetable peeler, remove 4 evenly spaced strips lengthwise of the peel from each cucumber. Thinly slice. Place cucumber slices in medium bowl over a colander. Season with 1⁄2 tsp of salt. Let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- After 30 minutes, discard any liquid still left in the bowl, pat cucumber dry with paper towels.
- In a medium sized skillet, combine vinegar and Splenda, heat to boiling over high heat. Cook until Splenda has completely dissolved, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer to serving bowl and add remaining 1⁄2 tsp of salt. Add cucumbers and toss to coat.
- Cover, chill in refrigerator for 1-4 hours, to blend flavors.
Servings: 8
Degree of Difficulty
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Inactive Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours and 50 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1⁄8 of a recipe (2.6 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.


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Celebrate the holiday in style.
It's Cinco De Mayo this weekend! As you start to get ready for the event, remember these fiesta essentials so you have the best Cinco De Mayo if you plan to celebrate at home.
Chips and Salsa
No matter where you are, the chips and salsa will be flowing almost as much as the margaritas will be. Stay ahead of the game if you're hosting your own get together with this easy recipe.
Did we mention margaritas? There is nothing more essential than the delicious and tangy drink. Take your margarita to the next level with this bad boy.
You scream, I scream, we all scream….for tacos. They are one of the most perfect party foods and whether it's traditional or the unusual they are all tasty and a necessity for Cinco De Mayo.
Other Mexican Delicacies
Even though tacos are quite perfect, many Mexican restaurants will have their full menus for Cinco De Mayo. It may not be a bad idea to layer your stomach with something heartier like this before grabbing that third margarita.
Let's face it, wherever you're celebrating Cinco De Mayo somehow tequila will wind up in your hand. Whether it's in a margarita glass…or a much, much smaller glass, it's unfortunately an essential. Depending on what type of tequila-drinker you are, you may opt for the smaller glass a little quicker.
Salsa is definitely a must for the chips, but right next to queso guacamole creates the holy trinity of Cinco De Mayo dips. Whether traditional or with a twist, you can't beat the delicious appetizer.
Stay Festive
Ok, we've talked about tequila a lot. But have no fear, if you want to stay festive without the tequila there are other options. Take the michelada for example. A delicious drink that opts for beer instead, and who doesn't love that?


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Democrats in the New York Senate on Tuesday unveiled a host of measures that range from banning bump stocks and expanded waiting periods to establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
The proposals hyped this week would stretch background checks to 10 days, ban undetectable firearms, allow lawsuits against gun manufacturers, fund research into gun violence, and add a wide range of new laws to the books in New York. Proponents of the bills say they are aimed at increasing public safety while standing up to what they term "the corporate gun lobby."
"Enacting this common-sense legislation will help save lives by keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals and banning tools to make legal guns more dangerous," said Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousin in a press conference. The legislation includes:
- S.3355, by Sen. Liz Krueger, would mandate guns not in use be locked up or otherwise secured under penalty of law. Krueger has had similar legislation turned away in the past.
- S.4363, by Sen. Roxanne Persaud, would create a taxpayer-funded "Firearm Violence Research Institute" to study "gun violence and develop methods of prevention." California last year adopted a similar program, which has been slammed by gun rights advocates who say the practice allows for unequal access to public data which could be tailored to further a political agenda.
- S.5808-A, introduced by Sen. Michael Gianaris, will establish a 10-day waiting period to conduct background checks on gun purchases. The language of the bill also requires firearm dealers to report attempted possibly illegal gun purchases.
- S.5829, introduced by Sen. Kevin Parker, would make it a Class D felony to have, make or sell a gun that cannot be picked up by a metal detector. A federal ban on undetectable firearms has been in effect for years.
- S.5922, filed by Sen. Jamaal Bailey, will open up the gun industry to lawsuits if they "negligently market firearms to irresponsible buyers." New York is home to a number of gun makers including Remington and has over 2,300 federal firearms licensees.
- S.6902, proposed by Sen. Brad Hoylman, will make it a Class D Felony to possess a bump stock or similar device. Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo has argued that the devices are already illegal in the state.
- S.7133, introduced by Sen. Brian Kavanagh, would establish Extreme Risk Protection Orders which would allow courts to issue an order to seize guns from individuals reported to be at risk to themselves or others.
- Kavanagh also debuted S.7072, to add hate crimes to the list of offenses that strip someone of gun rights; as well as S.7605, which would require state officials to check the mental health records of an out-of-state resident during gun permit applications.
The bills have widespread support from gun control groups, including Giffords, Moms Demand Action, and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence
"As easy access to guns continues to cause daily carnage across this country, our New York lawmakers must step forward and pass critical gun safety laws that will keep our communities safe," said Rebecca Fischer with NYAGV.


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Lawless Flawless Finish Foundation is an SPF-free, non-comedogenic, skin-nourishing formula that won't clog pores, and wears comfortably throughout the day with a weightless feel that won't fade or disappear. Lightweight, antioxidant-rich, skin-balancing oils, including abyssinica, camellia, kukui, grape seed, and jojoba oils, help plump and replenish the skin's moisture barrier for a supple, youthful appearance. Soothing, anti-inflammatory shea butter helps soften and repair skin, while promoting collagen production and protecting against free radicals. With this formula, you can achieve medium to full coverage with a natural, skin-like finish that never looks cakey or dry on the skin.
Lawless Flawless Finish Foundation
Click here to find other great Lawless products we carry at SeaMakers & Co.


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Quetico Park is waiting for you.
A true wilderness adventure is within your reach. No roads. No hunting. No motorized boats. Just you, your companions and some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. If you are looking for an unforgettable canoe adventure with natural solitude and a rewarding fishing experience, our staff will outfit you with the tools and knowledge you need.
Please visit our website - canoecanada.com


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Pet owners share photos of cats who 'forgot how to sit'… and they will leave you howling
From a 'sorting cat' sat in a filing cabinet to one who's straddling a sofa, this lot are sure to make you chuckle...
PET owners have been sharing pictures of their cats who "forgot how to sit", and the results are pretty hilarious.
From a fat cat who's sat back on his bum, to another who's crouching down, this collection of photos is sure to have you howling.
The snaps have been shared in an internet gallery by proud pet owners.
In one photo, a cat sits in the filing draw on his owner's desk.
While, in another, a cat straddles a sofa - with one leg on either side of the cushion.
And, in a third, a cat lies back and relaxes on a bed. Here are some of our favourites...
Sorting cat
Claws for thought
You've got to be kitten me
Fur god's sake!
Sofa so good
Black to basics
Simply pawsome
Feline good
A bad catitude
A tail of two kittens
Pawsitively awesome
That sinking feeling
Not so black and white
Eye say!
Cool customers
Bum-bling along
If this made you chuckle, you'll love this collection of bizarre design fails which make absolutely no sense - from a half-built bridge to a 'loo for two'.
While these cheeky cats and dogs just look absolutely crackers with Snapchat filter makeovers.


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It's been quite a while since I last posted on DemCare, but Nancy Pelosi's eerily accurate statement that DemCare would have to pass before we found out all the nasty bits that were in it is now proving true. Here are just a few of the things we've discovered, now that it's actually the law of the land.
Obama's nominee to run the Death Panels is a huge, huge fan of Britain's Death Panel system of rationing health care. But don't worry about that because the Death Panels don't exist, of course.
Maybe the non-existent Death Panels will start by tracking your children's Body Mass Index to see how healthy they are. Oh, no, wait, that's not going to happen when DemCare gets fully implemented. It's happening now. But don't worry about that, either, because no government bureaucrat will be getting between you and your doctor.
One of the things that the Obama administration promised was that health care coverage would be cheaper. They planned to do this by bundling all states into high risk pools to help defray the costs to everyone, but — and I know this is hard to fathom — some states aren't too excited about paying for other states' unhealthy citizens, and are opting out.
Strangely enough, DemCare will hit you with a new 3.8% tax when you…wait for it…sell your house! No, I'm not kidding. But they're not adding new taxes, says President Wonderboy. Except that even the super-dense cheerleading squad Associated Press has figured out that new taxes are inevitable.
Also, shocker of all shockers, the CBO has now done some re-calculation, and published the fact that DemCare will be much, much more expensive than even the initial (jiggered) estimates. But don't worry about that because — despite the numbers irritatingly being larger than before — Obama assures us that DemCare will actually save us money long-term. So much so, in fact, that the medical device industry is now considering mass layoffs to recoup the
costs savings DemCare will force on them. And try not to think about the coming doctor shortage, either. That would be depressing.
Also never mind the fact that businesses of all sizes will be hammered with new penalties, some for not providing the
more less expensive health care required by the government. For those not decimated by the penalties, the IRS will require thousands of new forms to be filled out on an annual basis. Oh, and ignore the fact that DemCare will likely kill FSAs and Medicare Advantage. And ignore the job losses from hospitals that are actually owned by the physicians working there, which will also take a pummeling.
Seriously, what's not to love here?
Moving on…all this new information might have been good to know before it was signed into law, don't you think? Actually, we did know, or we at least had a pretty good idea. The problem was that Congress simply ignored the American people, thinking that we'd resign ourselves to it once it was over and done with. Wrong-o!
The number of U.S. voters who expect the recently passed health care bill to increase the federal deficit is at its highest level yet, and most voters continue to favor its repeal.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely Voters shows 63% now believe the health care reform legislation signed into law is likely to increase the federal deficit. That's up four points from last week and up three points from when the law was passed in March.
The percentage of voters who expect the law to increase the deficit has ranged from 57% to 63% since March.
Support for repeal is proving to be just as consistent as opposition to the plan before it was passed into law. Fifty-six percent (56%) now favor repeal, including 46% who Strongly Favor it. Thirty-seven percent (37%) are opposed to repeal, with 28% Strongly Opposed.
That vast miscalculation may help explain why the Obama administration is getting so desperate that they're threatening to veto parts of their own bill.
It would be funny if it wasn't so serious.
There's my two cents.


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How to make your home look more chic?
As we grow so does our style, I'm currently redecorating or I'm going to finish decorating my apartment. Now that I've graduated and my boyfriend and I are both working full-time we are in a different stage in our life. We want our taste to show we've grown up. So we are sorting, cleaning and reorganizing our apartment slowly. We should be done by the end of June. I say June because we are saving for small upgrades here and there. By that time we should have some money set aside to make some small upgrades.
Add woven baskets to hold blankets, in your home. We currently have cheap plastic baskets from Dollar Tree which are fine, but they are bent from being moved around often. Our living room would look nicer if the basket was a woven one. We use it to keep blankets since we're constantly using them in our living room when watching TV and what not.
Organize your wall art and have a common theme or color among everything. If you're struggling don't worry I am too. I have to redo all of our bedroom walls. I have an idea of what I'd like to do though. Be sure to check Pinterest out for some good ideas!
Have a theme. I think it's best to start the theme off with color and ours is black. Our shelves are black and half of our furniture is black. We'll have black and silver frames and our new decor will be in black as well.
Create open space, it gives the illusion of a bigger place, and you have way more room. We recently did this and we became even more in love with our home. Move things around and get rid of unnecessary clutter.
Organize organize organize, go and watch Marie Kondo if you haven't already! Start with one small section of your home and do one section a day or week as long as you can fully dedicate yourself to fulfilling that commitment.
Less is more. Keep less in your home because it makes it easier to move around and when you move or travel. There's less to clean up and your home will look less cluttered.
Thanks for reading, if you have any tips feel free to share! I'll be sure to do a before and after post, once we're complete.


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Cambridge Analytica is Out of the Spotlight—For Now
Facebook has been dominating our newsletter lately. Thankfully, for now, attention has shifted away from the Cambridge Analytica scandal—for the most part—that has dominated the news cycles for the last month.
But hold on, before you completely dismiss the scandal--it was revealed just this week that Cambridge Analytica also purchased tweets from Twitter over a five-month-period in 2014-2015. While Twitter has confirmed this, they have clarified that Cambridge Analytica did not obtain personal data of Twitter users. Stay-tuned?
Facebook seems to have weathered the storm, but the tone will likely be a bit more somber at f8, their yearly developer conference which kicks off today--May 1.
Interested in the news coming out of the conference? Bufferapp has put together a checklist of what marketers can expect to hear about at the f8 conference--the future of the newsfeed, updates to Instagram for business and of course, data privacy.
More Facebook, Twitter and a Social Media Spectacle
Facebook has made some changes to Messenger Kids, an app they launched earlier this year. Parents can now put the app on "sleep" mode. This can be a one-time restriction, or one that reoccurs—as in after 8:00 pm at night. Many are still skeptical, however, on whether a kid's app should even be available.
Twitter is moving to promote more news in your timeline and has started to link tweets that mention a specific link together. The app, which has been listed under the news category in the App store since 2016, is also airing live news shows on its homepage and compiling viral tweets into stories through its Moments tool.
These Twitter moves appear to be the exact opposite of the ones Facebook has recently made to make local stories more prominent than national ones. It will be interesting to see how these differences develop on their respective platforms.
Snap, Snapchat's parent company has released the second generation of their Spectacles, a wearable video camera that records brief clips and can be synced to a smartphone. The new version still captures video, but is waterproof and can stake still photos as well. The first generation was not very popular, so the company is hoping to breathe new life into the concept. While a convenient way to capture video, the glasses do raise privacy concerns among consumers.
First Quarter Earnings Are In
Several companies have announced their first-quarter-earnings and unsurprisingly, users and advertising revenue continue to grow.
Facebook seems to have successful converted itself to the mobile platform, announcing that for the first time, over 90% of their ad revenue comes from mobile ads. Zuckerberg also acknowledged that despite "important challenges", Facebook is off to a great start in 2018.
Twitter is also off to a strong start for the year, announcing that video is now their fastest-growing advertising format. They also reported that they have made progress fighting spam.
A recent study by MBLM however, can serve as a cautionary warning to marketers. Although ad buys are up, consumers aren't emotionally connecting to brands and there is a "steep" decline in trust for social media. These findings show there is a huge opportunity for marketers looking to create resonance and demonstrate value with their mobile efforts.
Spotlight on Video
Looking to brush up your video skills? Here are a few recent articles to keep in your tool box:
- Do you know how to see who is watching your YouTube videos? Entreprenuer published an excerpt from the new book, Ultimate Guide to YouTube for Business, detailing what marketers need to know about tracking their analytics.
- Want to repurpose existing video for a Facebook ad? Here's how!
Well, that's our round-up of need-to-know marketing news from the past two weeks. Subscribe now to make sure you don't miss out!
Need help developing unique digital advertising programs or content for your organization? Contact us today--we can help!


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Example Type Sizing
* The search is limited to articles published after 2010.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) celebrates with North Korean soldiers after watching the firing of "new-type tactical guided missiles" on Aug. 6, 2019, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Aug. 7, 2019. Kim said this week's missile launches were an "adequate warning" against the joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States that kicked off earlier this week, the KCNA said. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
To get the link, tap the URL.


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Phone: 573-884-2065 or 573-884-2059 (lab)
540f Bond Life Sciences Center
Laurie Erb is an associate research professor of biochemistry. The Erb lab's mission is to understand how tissue damage causes the body to mount an inflammatory response. The molecules within the body responsible for inflammatory response have not been conclusively identified, but evidence suggests that nucleotides and their cell surface receptors (known as P2 receptors) act as key players in the process. In injured tissue, several subtypes of P2 receptors have been reported to be involved in pro-inflammatory responses, but the receptor known as P2Y2R appears to be unique in its ability to be upregulated in vascular tissue under conditions of stress or injury. The Erb lab examines P2Y2R function to better understand how nucleotides influence inflammation and wound healing. This understanding could identify intervention points for selectively controlling inflammatory responses, leading to new treatments for inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis and ulcers.


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Vancouver 2010 February
February is not only Winter Olympic Month but also World Heart Month ending with a "wear red day" on the 26th of February in the UK. USA diflucan prescription drug Red Day was 5th February.
However it would be wrong of me to talk about the Wniter Olypics and not mention the tragic accident on the Luge. BUT I fully agree with Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes from the BBC who on her blog says "Now that two days have passed since Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili's death, I finally feel I can blog about the whole tragic experience" but she wishes TV channels would stop screening the accident. I applaud youtube.com for pulling down all uploads except tributes although some of these step over the mark.
Like these games, those that have gone before and those that will come in the future all produce heroes and any one who has became successful either in sport, wealth or health will all tell you one thing, its all about belief.
Enjoy the video which I would like to dedicate to the fabulous Canadians I met in Jamaica buy cialis online November 2009.


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Cardinal Directions Worksheet
Cardinal Directions Worksheet
How to teach Cardinal Directions
Using Cardinal Directions Worksheet, students use directions and map skills to answer questions.
Using cardinal directions is a life skill. This worksheet gives students an opportunity to practice cardinal directions by using a map.
Students practice using a map by following cardinal directions.
Other resources to use with this Cardinal Directions Worksheet
If you are using this worksheet, your students are probably learning about cardinal directions.
Use this Cardinal Direction Worksheet as an additional resource for your students.
Introduce this worksheet by reviewing cardinal directions using the Cardinal Rose Worksheet. Then, students complete the worksheet independently or with a partner. Once finished, students can create their own directions based on the map.
Be sure to check out more Map Worksheets.
Share your feedback!
Share this resource and write a review below! Tell others why you love it and how you will use it.


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2001 Ford F350 Diesel 4x4 PowerStroke Lariat,300k miles, Dually, We accept
715 people viewed this vehicle
Contact Sales at All Out Trucks and Diesels
Phone: (440) 815-1794
18222 Lanken Ave, Cleveland OH 44119
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Contact us
2001 Ford F350
Vehicle Description
***Free shipping within 500 driving miles at FULL price***
*All of our vehicles go through inspection reconditioning process, please call to check availability*
!2001 Diesel Ford F350 Lariat Crew Cab Dually Long Bed 4x4! 7.3L, Loaded with leather interior, heated seats, power seats, power windows, A/C and heat, aftermarket Kenwood radio head set unit with bluetooth, 8 foot bed, 308k miles. We accept all trades and do financing. We store our vehicles inside of a heated warehouse.
7.3l (444) Di V8 Turbo-diesel "power Stroke" Engine Original Cost: $4,370
Standard equipment
2-speed transfer case
3.73 axle ratio
Four wheel drive
Manual locking front hubs
78 amp/hr (750 CCA) maintenance-free battery
130 amp alternator
Trailer tow pkg-inc: 7-wire harness, trailer brake wiring kit, trailer tow guide
(2) front tow hooks
11,200# GVWR (4700 front/8250 rear), springs (4700 front/8250 rear), axles (4700 front/10,000 rear)
Mono-beam front axle
Front/rear stabilizer bar
Auxiliary rear springs *Activated when carrying heavy loads*
HD gas shock absorbers
Pwr steering
Front/rear license plate brackets
Argent box-rail/tailgate moldings
Valance air dam
Pickup box/cargo light
Roof clearance lights
Interval wipers
Black door handles
Color-keyed scuff plates
Instrumentation-inc: tachometer, trip odometer, voltmeter, oil pressure/ coolant temp/fuel gauges, indicator lights
Belt Minder seatbelt-not-buckled chime & flashing warning light
Inside hood release
(4) air registers w/positive shut-off
Color-keyed instrument panel w/dual cupholders/glove box/ashtray/cigar lighter
Auxiliary pwr point
11.5" day/night mirror
Color-keyed molded cloth headliner
Front passenger assist handle
Assist handles mounted over rear doors
Dual color-keyed coat hooks
Grey fabric back panel cover
Color-keyed safety belts w/front seat adjustable D-rings
Dual-note horn
At All Out Diesels, we are here to make purchasing your vehicle as easy as possible. We partnered with some of the leading financing institutions to make it happen.
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About us
Located in Cleveland specialize in Diesel and 4x4 trucks.
All Out Diesels is dedicated to customer satisfaction and we have provided you with a map, as well as our address and phone number to help you find us easily.
We are passionate about luxury cars and we are intent on sharing that passion with you when you purchase your new car from us.
Come by today and test drive the car of your choice.


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White Pink Flavor Stained Glass Table Lamp ArtsOnGlass
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Is anyone here involved still in mainframe?
Hello. I'm looking at graduating in less than a year from a school that emphasises mainframe programming in its education instead of web based. Is there anyone on this board that is involved in mainframe work still? What are your opinions on the future of the mainframe? I know there are lots of other sites that go into detail on this, but I've seen some good discussion raised on this board before, and i'd like to hear what you think. So far i've heard roughly the same amount of both pessimistic and optimistic views.
Where I used to work they were getting away from mainframes, and actually had a project to mount smaller linux servers within the mainframe (I don't know too much about mainframes, so forgive me if my lingo is off).
Are you talking about using Linux clusters to simulate a mainframe environment, or using setting up a set of virtual Linux machines on a mainframe.
Stephen Jones
> a set of virtual Linux machines on a mainframe
Considering that every other server in the place was Solaris, it seemed strange to me to run Linux on a mainframe of all things.
I was a on a mainframe migration/integration project for quite a while. I came away with the perception that a mainframe programmer is the stereotypical maintenance programmer. There might be big iron guys that can do some good work but I have only seen the system maintainer type.
What do you mean by mainframe programming? If you mean COBOL programming, then it's fairly limiting in my experience. Not that there isn't work out there, but it doesn't pay as well and is mostly maintaining legacy systems.
My advice is to ask your question on web sites where mainframe programmers hang out.
One Programmer's Opinion
I'm a recent college graduate doing Cobol programming (along with DB2, SQL Server, Oracle et al). From what I've been hearing from our instructors, mainframes aren't going anywhere (IBM just rolled out a new version of their iron).
Do you guys still do any assembler coding?
Charles Hammond
Walt Brier
Fog Creek Home


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There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, or a "Free" Employee: Pitfalls of Utilizing Interns and Volunteers
I see it more and more frequently—companies advertising for interns (free labor); potential employees offering to work for free to "show what they've got" (free labor); inquiries for volunteers (free labor). Unfortunately . . . there's no such thing as a free lunch—neither is there such a thing as a "free" employee. Maybe there should be. Seems like a good idea—offering an opportunity to learn in exchange for the person's labor; offering labor in exchange for a potential job. In those situations, there would be a give and take established by willing individuals. But currently in the United States, employers need to be careful not to run afoul of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—the federal law that governs wage and hour regulations—as well as parallel state laws.
Under the FLSA, employment is defined broadly as "to suffer or permit to work." If your company "employs" someone (i.e., lets them work for you), you need to compensate that person according to the often complex and confusing rubric of state and federal wage and hour laws.
Can anyone volunteer? Yes . . . but only in the public or not-for-profit sectors. People can volunteer for the local library, the soup kitchen, "meals-on-wheels" or the local hospital. People can volunteer for their local ambulance corps or fire house. The only caveat is that people who work for a non-profit organization cannot volunteer in the same capacity in which they work, in the same jurisdiction in which they work. A paid firefighter cannot volunteer for his or her own fire company, but can volunteer in another county. Private companies, however, simply cannot have "volunteers."
What about "interns" or "trainees"? After all, lots of industries make internships the gateway to an entry-level position. Unfortunately, however, as with many things in the employment arena, what seems like a good idea may just be something that gets your company in trouble with the local Department of Labor. Internships are one of these problematic arrangements.
In order for people participating in an internship or trainee program to qualify as something other than the company's employees who need to be paid, the program must satisfy all of the following criteria:
- The training, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to that which would be given in a vocational school;
- The training is for the benefit of the trainees or students, not the company;
- The trainees or students do not displace regular employees, but work under close supervision;
- The employer that provides the training receives no immediate advantage from the activities of the trainees or students and, on occasion, his or her operations may even be impeded;
- The trainees or students are not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the training period; and
- The employer and the trainees or students understand that the trainees or students are not entitled to wages for the time spent in training.
A relatively safe way to set up an internship program is to partner with a local college or high school. If the student is getting school credit for the program, if the employer has to submit progress reports to the educational institution, and there are sufficient educational components in the program (e.g., seminars and field trips, mentoring sessions with people in different departments, etc.), it is more likely that the program will pass muster . . . as long as all the above components are satisfied. The way the FLSA is set up, you get what you pay for—no pay, no work.
Remember, however, that under the law, an employer only needs to compensate employees at minimum wage (currently $7.25/hour under the FLSA, which comes out to about $13,000.00/year), and to compensate overtime wages if the employee works over 40 hours in one workweek (which the company can control). At this rate, it might be worth the investment to have paid "interns" and the associated ability to give them real work assignments that assist the company and its productivity, while providing peace of mind should the DOL come to call. Companies can still hire a paid intern for the summer, or a semester, and do not need to guarantee a job at the end of the internship period. Doing this may well be better than putting the company at risk from DOL penalties and fines—and you get to see how the intern functions under real working conditions.
Even though utilizing unpaid interns may seem like the perfect solution in certain situations, just as employees cannot waive the right to overtime compensation, neither can people waive the right to compensation for their labor when you "employ" them and permit them to work. You want someone to work for your company? To contribute to your bottom line? The company has to compensate them for their efforts.


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There aren't many pursuits out there that inspire more engagement, good or bad, on social than fitness. Whether it's workout pics, #gymselfies, or even calorie counts, people love to talk about fitness and everything surrounding it online. The social community has sparked a new wave of community among fitness brands and it's really, really fun to watch. Some fitness fanatics are doing it better than others, though. Here are 6 brands using social the smart way to inspire, agitate, and create conversation around being fit.
Jillian Michaels
Jillian Michaels is a classic example of someone parlaying a Reality TV career into a wildly successful branding opportunity. Thanks to her easy-to-look-at physique and take-no-prisoners style of speak, Jillian's developed a massive following online, particularly on her own self-branded website. She's particularly active on Twitter, giving daily fitness tips to her over 1,000,000 followers, and you can feel her voice in all her social presences, from Facebook to Google+. Jillian's made it big but she still follows the #1 rule of using social successfully: she still personally engages with the medium every single day.
Jen Selter
Can't remember where you've heard that name before? Jen Selter skyrocketed to fame a few short months ago after she became known as the "Best Butt on Instagram." Rather than being shy about all the attention her ridiculously-toned posterior was getting, fitness-enthusiast Jen has racked up over 1.3 million Instagram followers (a single photo can get 70,000 likes). Jen's barely in her 20s but she's scored lucrative deals with water company NY20 and supplement-maker Game Plan Nutrition. And, of course, Jen says she's in the process of creating her own line of booty-boosting yoga pants to boot.
Well + Good NYC
Well + Good NYC is, of course, hyper-local to the greater New York City area but they've done a great job cultivating a well-rounded fitness community among women on the most female-dominated social space: Pinterest. Well + Good's boards feature workout gear, great vegan restaurants, yoga poses, and even top trainers in the area. By becoming a curator of fitness rather than producing the content themselves, Well + Good NYC has carved out quite a niche among the fit-obsessed NYC elite.
Born Fitness
Born Fitness is the brainchild of Adam Bornstein, a personal trainer by trade. He's, in a word, unpolished – but that's exactly why he's developed such a following. His salty language and to-the-point blogging style have made him one of the most-read fitness bloggers on the web, and his social presence (namely Facebook and Twitter) have made him a hot commodity among workout consultants. By interacting with fans, answering questions, and posting raw, unfiltered content his audience can relate to, Adam's doing social right.
Six Pack Shortcuts
Mike Chang used to be a normal, slightly out of shape guy. He put together his own fitness plan focusing on the "Afterburn Effect" and the rest is history…now he's got a 36-pack and a Youtube following of over 2.5 million subscribers who hang on his every diet tip and exercise suggestion. One thing Mike did differently from other fitness gurus is to separate his brand from his person – his Youtube channel and social communities fall under the "Six Pack Shortcut" umbrella, leaving Mike free to stretch his personal fitness brand in other ways.
Ah, Crossfit. The much-maligned fitness brand has perhaps one of the most fervent online communities that exists. No one messes with Crossfitters. They're a devoted bunch and the brand has done an enviable job rewarding and encouraging participation on social from franchisees and Crossfitters themselves; you could spend hours on their massive Facebook page scrolling through location-tagged photos and Crossfit-sponsored "challenges." If there's a winner in the race for Facebook's biggest fitness brand, Crossfit is it with over 1.5 million followers.
There you have it. These fitness brands are flexing their muscles when it comes to using social to inspire, support, and nurture a community of potential customers whether it's for a clothing line or a gym membership. The question is, are you and your brand doing enough to create these kinds of social communities?