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Gunmen in Burkina Faso have killed nearly 40 civilians in an ambush on a convoy transporting workers for the Canadian goldminer Semafo. Nineteen of the people killed were employees of an Australian company, Perenti Global Ltd, which had been contracted by Semafo. The military vehicle leading the convoy was struck by an improvised explosive device on a stretch of road where there is no mobile phone network. Shortly after the explosion, an unknown number of gunmen opened fire. They appeared to target the buses as well as the military escort, which was unusual. https://wp.me/p1kUZv-15r
Burkina Faso, once a pocket of relative calm in the Sahel, has endured a homegrown insurgency for several years, amplified by the spillover of jihadist violence and criminality from its chaotic northern neighbour, Mali.
[April 26 2018 Ambush in Niger: report won't recommend punishment ]
Poor training, complacency and a culture of excessive risk contributed to the deaths of four U.S. soldiers during an operation in Niger in October, according to a classified Pentagon report. The officials who described the report said it wouldn't recommend punishment for anyone.
[November 21 2017 attack from Mali killed 13 gendarmes ]
The Niger village of Ayorou, about 40 km (25 miles) inside the border has been attacked. "They were heavily armed. They had rocket launchers and machine guns. They came in four vehicles each with about seven fighters," and managed to make off with four Nigerien army vehicles, the first security source said. Gunmen on pick-up trucks and motorcycles coming from Mali killed 13 gendarmes and wounded five more in an attack on their base in western Niger, security sources said October 21.
The village is a few dozen kilometers (miles) from where militants killed four U.S. soldiers in an ambush on Oct. 4.
[October 19 French Mirage jets 104 miles from Green Berets ]
In Niger, France is said to operate four Mirage 2000 fighter jets and five Reaper drones for gathering intelligence. France currently has five unarmed Reaper reconnaissance drones positioned in Niger's capital Niamey.
A US private aviation contractor may have conducted evacuations of US and Nigerien troops after they were ambushed. Berry Aviation is presently fulfilling the terms of a three month bridge contract through the end of October 2017 that requires the firm to have one fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter situated in Niamey ready to go within three hours for operations throughout North and West Africa. US officials previously said that French military Super Puma helicopters evacuated the wounded Americans along with those killed in action while also providing covering fire. The wounded were first flown to the capital Niamey and later to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
A 12-man Green Beret-led team had just completed a meeting with local leaders and were walking back to their unarmored pick-up trucks when the unexpected ambush resulted in a firefight that lasted 30 minutes until French Mirage jets arrived overhead to fly low passes in an attempt to disperse the attackers, but did not have permission to drop bombs. The team was in two separate locations when the attack began. Some were walking back from a meeting with local villagers. Others were waiting outside, guarding the vehicles that the US troops were using."Had we anticipated this sort of attack we would have absolutely devoted more resources to it to reduce the risk and that's something we are looking at right now," US Africa Command spokesman added.
[October 6 Multiple Green Berets in unarmored pick-up trucks ]
US military launched a urgent search and rescue mission after electronic signals were monitored indicating the possibility that one of the US service members was still alive in the field.
A large scale search and rescue operation involving US, French and Nigerien troops was launched soon after US officials realized one of the US service members was unaccounted for.
Elite US Special Operations Forces troops were flown in from the continental US to aid in the recovery effort.
US Navy SEALs were deployed to a US military base in Sigonella, Sicily in anticipation of a possible rescue attempt but never went into Niger. The US military initially issued a statement December 5 saying the attack left three US service members dead and two wounded.
The body of a US service member who went missing following a deadly ambush September 4 in southwest Niger has been recovered..
The discovery of the missing US service member in a remote area of the northwestern African country by Nigerien troops comes nearly 48 hours after he was first discovered to be missing in the wake of the attack.
The recovery of the missing US service member raised the number of US troops killed in Wednesday's attack to four.
The American service member, who has been identified by US military personnel, went missing after a group of US soldiers near the Niger-Mali border were attacked by up to 50 fighters that are thought to be likely affiliated with ISIS, a US official said.
The 12-member US team was leaving a meeting in unarmored pick-up trucks when they began taking fire from small arms, machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, according to a US defense official. Non-standard Tactical Vehicles (NSTV or NTV), also known as Non-standard Commercial Vehicles (NSCV) are civilian 4×4 vehicles adapted for use by special operations forces.
With window glass exploding all around them, the US soldiers, including multiple Green Berets, exited the vehicles, ran for cover, and began returning fire.
It is unclear how the missing service member became separated during the firefight from the rest of the advisory team he was accompanying. None of the other soldiers involved in the engagement witnessed him being captured or taken away by enemy forces.
The US military does not believe the missing service member was ever in enemy hands.
In missions run out of a base in the northern Niger town of Arlit and others like the one that led to the ambush of U.S. troops, sources say they have helped local troops and intelligence agents make several arrests.
[September 5 Strategy to shift from Libya towards the Sahel band? ]
A joint Nigerien-American patrol was ambushed near the village of Tongo Tongo, approximately 17 miles from the border with Mali.
"U.S. Forces are in Niger to provide training and security assistance to the Nigerien Armed Forces, including support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts, in their efforts to target violent extremist organizations in the region," said U.S. Navy. "One aspect of that is training, advising and assisting the Nigeriens in order to increase their ability to bring stability and security to their people."
A senior military official described it as a "partner training mission."
A relatively new militant group called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara has claimed some of the attacks.
In a letter to Congress in June, President Trump confirmed there were 645 military personnel deployed to Niger to support counterterrorism missions there.The strategic emphasis will now shift from Libya towards the Sahel band, stretching eastwards from Senegal to Chad.
[July 24 Base 201 – Sub-Saharan Africa: widening U.S. military cooperation ]
Air Base 201, just outside Agadez which will be used for the deployment of drones, in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel. The United States has a drone base in Djibouti, at the southern tip of the Red Sea — on the opposite side of the continent from Mali. "Djibouti is a long way from Bamako, and there's certainly a growing need for intelligence-gathering,"
[May 6 2016]
U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Michael Franken, a deputy commander of the Pentagon's Africa Command, told a Washington forum last week that there now are 6,200 U.S. troops – most of them Special Operations Forces – operating from 26 locations on the continent. The widening U.S. military cooperation is a political victory for Buhari, who took office last year pledging to crack down on the rampant corruption that has undermined the armed forces in Africa's most populous country.
The U.S. administration is seeking to approve a sale of as many as 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to Nigeria to aid its battle against the extremist group Boko Haram, U.S. officials say, in a vote of confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari's drive to reform the country's corruption-tainted military. Washington also is dedicating more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets to the campaign against the Islamist militants in the region and plans to provide additional training to Nigerian infantry forces, the officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the administration's plans. "Boko Haram has morphed back in to what it had earlier been, not a holder of large amounts of territory, but rather a generator of asymmetric attacks," the second official said.
[March 16 2015 Nigeria hires mercenaries ]
The latest reports from South African media and the Reuters news agency suggest that the use of mercenaries is far more extensive than previously known. Several hundred mercenaries – including pilots of helicopters and fighter jets – are believed to be involved in the battle against the Boko Haram insurgents. At least one has already been killed.
Leon Lotz, a former South African soldier who became a private security contractor, was killed on March 9 in a friendly fire incident when a Nigerian tank opened fire on his convoy near Boko Haram territory, mistakenly believing it was a rebel convoy,
March 15 Nigeria hires mercenaries]
Hired men from South Africa and the former Soviet Union are deployed in the Nigerian theatre of war and some are armed. Some have been helping train the Nigerian troops on how to use the recently acquired military equipment including helicopter gunships, tanks and armoured vehicles. But the South African authorities suspect this is cover for illegal mercenary work.
For the Nigerian government, the issue of mercenaries is a sensitive one and adds to the already difficult job of explaining why it ever became necessary for the neighbouring armies of Chad, Niger and Cameroon to deploy inside Nigeria. It is against the law for South Africans to fight overseas for private gain. No serving members of South Africa's armed forces were in Nigeria.
more Boko Haram
[February 6 RAF flies strikes against ISIL around Bayji]
On the afternoon of Wednesday 4 February, a pair of Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado GR4s conducted an armed reconnaissance patrol to assist the Iraqi armed forces in their offensive operations against ISIL around Bayji. Two ISIL armoured vehicles were identified in a building and were attacked with two Paveway IV precision guided bombs, scoring direct hits. more RAF
[December 19 2014 82nd Airborne Division back in Iraq – Remember Fallujah 2004?]
Up to 1,300 more U.S. troops, including approximately 1,000 soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, will begin to deploy to Iraq in late January, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
"Their mission will be to train, advise and assist Iraqi security forces," Kirby told reporters at a Pentagon briefing. "This deployment is part of the additional 1,500 troops that the president authorized in November."
[December 18 "a minimum of three years" to defeat IS]
It will take "a minimum of three years" before the ISF and Kurdish peshmerga are capable of defeating the Islamic State group. Army Lt. Gen. James L. Terry, commander, Combined Joint Task Force – Our pace needs to be such that we… [aren't] getting too far out in front of the ISF [Iraqi security forces ] and making this our fight" instead of an Iraqi fight. A large contingent of American trainers will begin deploying to Iraq in the coming weeks,
[2007] Officials say that Mr. Gates has been quietly pressing for a pullback that could roughly halve the number of combat brigades now patrolling the most violent sections of Baghdad and surrounding provinces by early next year. The remaining combat units would then take up a far more limited mission of training, protecting Iraq's borders and preventing the use of Iraq as a sanctuary by Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, a Sunni Arab extremist group that claims to have an affiliation with Osama bin Laden's network, though the precise relationship is unknown.
[November 19 6,000 analysts at Langley and at other sites find targets for IS airstrikes]
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. Airmen based here at the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing pore over video taken from drones and other data, such as intercepted cell phone conversations and radar images, to help develop a picture of ISIS activity that can be used to target their fighters, according to Col. Timothy Haugh, the wing's commander.
Most of the 6,000 analysts here and at other sites around the world are young — in their 20s — and work 12-hour shifts for three or four consecutive days. They sit in a sprawling, dark complex filled with nests of plasma screens with feeds from Predator drones, U-2 spy planes and lines of chat conversations with pilots.
The analysts at Langley, none of whom would be identified by full name for publication for fear of retaliation, deal with issues largely unique to their profession. Watching traumatic events, such as ISIS massacres, unfold on their computer screens has led to rates of post-traumatic stress that are slightly higher than average, said Lt. Col. Cameron Thurman, the wing's surgeon.
To help keep the airmen calm, a therapy dog, a yellow Labrador retriever named Lily, walks the floor.
Monitoring video feeds from a Predator drone for a single person to move means hours of sitting in the same position, Thurman said. That has led to chronic lower-back problems among analysts and the need to work on core strength.
[August 17 RAF flying surveillance for Kurds]
RAF has been flying Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint system to provide real time on scene intelligence, surveillance and analysis to forces in the air and on the ground over northern Iraq during the humanitarian crisis there.
The Rivet Joint intelligence gathering aircraft has been deployed to boost a team of Tornado jets gathering intelligence as Kurdish forces battle against Islamist militants in the region.
Information picked up by British forces is being fed back to the Iraqi government, Kurdish fighters and US forces in the region as they try to stem the tide of the Islamic State (IS) advance.
RAF Tornado jets have been flying missions over vast areas in northern Iraq, aided by larger Voyager planes that help them refuel at 300mph.
[May 23 Nigeria: Boko Haram militants; US has deployed a Predator team to Chad]
The Aerostar unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) acquired by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 2006 have reportedly been grounded due to a lack of maintenance, limiting surveillance operations against Boko Haram militants. The nine Aerostar UAVs were acquired in 2006 and 2007 from Aeronautics Defense Systems (ADS), a company based in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv in a contract which also included the supply of unmanned patrol boats to the Nigerian Navy, bringing the net value of the contract to $260 million.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoted ADS marketing officer Tsur Dvir and military and diplomatic sources as saying that the Nigerian UAVs became inoperable five year ago due to poor maintenance.
"To the best of our knowledge, these systems aren't operational. We did receive an inquiry from them (Nigerian Air Force) about spare parts, but it never turned into a deal. I wish it had but now the drones are probably parked in a yard somewhere," Dvir said. Meanwhile the US has deployed a Predator team to Chad to search for kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls
[May 18]
Signs are growing that some Nigerian troops are near mutiny, complaining they are overwhelmed and outgunned by Boko Haram. Soldiers in the ranks actually fight alongside the group. Last year, Jonathan said he suspected that Boko Haram members and sympathizers had infiltrated every level of his government and military, including the Cabinet.
That complicates attempts to share intelligence. The U.S., France and Britain have all sent experts to help find the girls, but French and American officials have expressed concerns about how any information might be used.
Boko Haram
[May 17]
Imagery from U.S. surveillance drones and satellites May 12-17 has shown suspected bands of Boko Haram militants setting up temporary camps and moving through isolated villages and along dirt tracks in northeastern Nigeria.
The Obama administration has shared the imagery with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's government in Abuja. But Nigeria's security forces are hampered by poor equipment and training and have failed to respond quickly,
U.S. options are limited. A 1997 law prohibits American forces from working with foreign military units that have been accused of chronic human rights violations. The law has prevented U.S. officials from dealing with a Nigerian counter-terrorism unit that has experience tracking Boko Haram, officials said.
Boko Haram's brutal insurgency has created widespread fear in northeast Nigeria, but the military's harsh operations have left many villagers distrustful of authorities and unwilling to pass on tips,
[May 15]
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is deploying a team of ten US Africa Command (AFRICOM) personnel to assist the Nigerian Government in the search of the schoolgirls abducted by terrorist group Boko Haram. American military personnel are there to advise and assist with communications, logistics, and intelligence.
Foreign internal defense (FID) is a term used by a number of Western militaries, including the United States, France and the United Kingdom, to describe an approach to combating actual or threatened insurgency in a foreign state called the Host Nation (HN). Especially when the HN government, the insurgency, and the FID force come from different cultures, careful thought needs to be given both to the way the parties perceive the rules, and the ways the communicate their agreement to one another.Especially when the HN government, the insurgency, and the FID force come from different cultures, careful thought needs to be given both to the way the parties perceive the rules, and the ways the communicate their agreement to one another.
A manned twin-engine turboprop aircraft — the MC-12W Liberty — has begun flying surveillance missions over Nigeria. The arrival of the intelligence assets in Nigeria comes as the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, released a video of at least some of the captured schoolgirls.
The MC-12W Liberty aircraft is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF). An asset owned by the Joint Forces Air Component Commander, the aircraft's key mission is to provide ISR services to the ground forces.
A medium-altitude manned vehicle, the MC-12W is based on the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 and King Air 350ER models, which are variants of the C-12 series. The aircraft is an augmentation of the two King Air models to include ISR capabilities.
[March 25]
President Barack Obama ordered about 150 troops and at least four CV-22 aircraft to Uganda on March 23, marking the first time the U.S. has sent military planes to find Kony and his fighters.
The search is focused on the jungles straddling the borders of the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Pentagon said the U.S. troops are tasked with providing information and assistance, and are armed only for self-defense.
[January 14]
The US has established a military co-ordination cell in Somalia to provide planning and advisory support to the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] and Somali security forces to increase their capabilities and promote peace and security," said US Africa Command spokesman, Colonel Tom Davis.
The team was launched in October and became fully operational in December. It is based at Mogadishu airport.
A big step forward to normalisation of relations with Somalia.
A US defence official told Al Jazeera that the team numbers "fewer than five" troops but was a "big step forward to normalisation of relations with Somalia".
Since the 2011 withdrawal, the number of U.S. military advisers in Iraq has steadily risen to as many as 200.
In response to the fatal attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012, the Pentagon created a 150-member rapid response force in Djibouti in the Horn of Africa, and sent 500 Marines to a base in Spain, positioning troops, aircraft and military equipment closer to potential conflicts. a team of 45 soldiers from the larger force in Djibouti was sent to Juba, the South Sudanese capital, on Dec. 18 to reinforce the seven Marines and State Department officers providing security at the embassy.
[January 9]
"Early this morning," he said, "the Department of Defense sent two KC-130 aircraft (pre-positioned in Entebbe, Uganda, and) assigned to the Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response, also called the SPMAGTF-CR, … to Juba to evacuate approximately 20 personnel."
Soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, assigned to U.S. Africa Command and under the command and control of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, will continue to provide security reinforcement to the U.S. Embassy in Juba, according to an AFRICOM statement.
RAF Sentinel aircraft, one of five heavily modified Bombardier Global Express long-range business jets assigned to the Royal Air Force's 5 Sqn, is in Dakar, Senegal to provide a unique intelligence capability in support of French operations within Mali. The asset will provide reconnaissance information by using its dual-mode sensor payload, which comprises a synthetic aperture radar and ground moving target indication capability.
Images released by the RAF identify the deployed aircraft as ZJ694. This is the youngest of the service's Sentinel fleet, with Flightglobal's MiliCAS database showing it was delivered in 2004. While the RAF has not disclosed its current location, media reports suggest the aircraft was flown to Dakar in Senegal.
Sentinel aircraft have supported the UK's involvement in Afghanistan and also took part in the NATO-led campaign over Libya in 2011. The type is home-based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
[January 23]
"Less than 10" U.S. Air Force personnel were sent to Bamako last week to handle the flights that began arriving over the weekend, a Pentagon official said. George Little, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, stressed that the small Air Force contingent was not a precursor to U.S. combat involvement.
"Boots on the ground is a different question," Little said in repeating the assertions of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that the U.S. supported France in the drive against the rebels but would not send combat troops.
Little said the airmen were limited to the relatively safe environs of the Bamako airport.
"We are confident that security can be maintained at this airfield," Little said.
The French military has little airlift capacity and France has been hard-pressed to maintain air support for the 2,500 French troops now on the ground in Mali.
Britain and Canada began aiding the French with their own C-17 flights earlier this month but the U.S. C-17 flights started only after what reportedly was the heated rejection by French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian of U.S. requests that France reimburse the U.S. for the help.
Little said that the U.S. for now would not ask for payment.
"We've made the decision at this time not to seek compensation or re-imbursement," Little said, adding that there were no initial estimates on the costs of the airlift.
The French also need U.S. help for aerial refueling of their Rafale and Mirage attack aircraft that have been making long-haul flights from France and bases in Chad to bomb rebel positions. Little said no decisions have been made on whether to commit aerial tankers from the U.S. European Command to the effort.
Little would not confirm whether U.S. drones were also aiding the French with reconnaissance missions over Mali.
"We are sharing intelligence with the French," Little said, but he would not provide specifics.
[January 22]
"We have started air lifting French army personnel and equipment to Bamako from Istres," said Benjamin Benson, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). Another Pentagon spokesman said the U.S. flights were helping to carry a French mechanized infantry unit to Mali. Little said the United States had been providing France with intelligence since the outset of the operation, and was reviewing a request for aerial refueling tankers.
[January 21]
The total hostage death toll now stands at up to 48 with more bodies to process. Hundreds set free.
The Algerian government said that 32 militants were killed in the hostage recovery mission, with at least 11 executed during the 'final assault' on Al Qaeda-linked gunmen.
The fact that the target of the attack was a gas plant operated in part by foreign companies may have made Algeria particularly keen to tackle the problem on its own terms.
The idea that the Algerian elite and their foreign allies might be the main beneficiaries of large oil and gas profits is a common complaint among Algerians.
"It's important for [the authorities] to show to a domestic audience that they're not beholden to the international community, that they actually control their own hydrocarbon resources – that they're not just a puppet government," said Mr Parks.
[14:41 est]
UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed the crisis was over and that lives had been lost. At a joint news conference with his US counterpart Leon Panetta, Mr Hammond said the loss of life was "appalling and unacceptable and we must be clear that it is the terrorists who bear sole responsibility for it".
UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed the crisis was over and that lives had been lost. At a joint news conference with his US counterpart Leon Panetta, Mr Hammond said the loss of life was "appalling and unacceptable and we must be clear that it is the terrorists who bear sole responsibility for it".
[10:41 est]
Latest rumour:On the morning of Saturday, the terrorists have lost all hope to leave with the last seven hostages began to run some of them, pushing ANP special forces to intervene. In fact, the terrorists were preparing for a mass suicide attempt. The involvement of elements of the ANP has neutralization. Unfortunately the hostages were already executed.
A press conference will be held incessement to explain the circumstances of the assault elements of the ANP.
The United States will not seek a deal with hostage-takers at the In Amenas facility, a state department spokeswoman said in a daily briefing.
The U.S. State Department says one American, Frederick Buttaccio, had died but gave no further details.
It became clear the Algerian forces had retaken only the living quarters. Hostages and their kidnappers remained ensconced in the refinery.
[January 18]
"The United States does not negotiate with terrorists," spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters.
Mauritania's ANI news service earlier reported that militants at the gas facility had offered an exchange of American hostages for inmates held in US prisons.
Meanwhile the Associated Press reports that the State Department has confirmed that American hostages are still being held at the facility.
The British government is flying a team of consular staff and intelligence analysts from MI6 and MI5 to Algiers to help secure the release of the Britons involved in the ongoing hostage crisis.
The entourage is understood not to include members of the special forces, though the UK has continued to offer technical and logistical support, as well as experts in hostage negotiation.
Two Britons and two Filipinos were killed. Two others, a Briton and an Algerian, died on Wednesday when the militants ambushed a bus that was taking foreign workers at the facility to the local airport.
[January 17]
Five American hostages had survived and had left the country, US officials said The events at the plant brought back memories of the North African nation's bloody civil war against Islamist extremists in the 1990s. The war had begun in 1991 when the Algerian army canceled parliamentary elections after it looked like an Islamist party, the Islamic Salvation Front, was about to gain a majority.
Algeria's Communications Minister Mohamed Said stated combat operations had "ended," but he said efforts to free some hostages were continuing.
This attack may show that Algerians can't protect their hydrocarbon facilities as had assumed. This wasn't some isolated pumping station. It was a big project that had been getting bigger, and this is going to be seen as an extreme embarrassment for the government."
15 foreigners, including two French citizens, had escaped the besieged BP/Statoil gas compression plant deep in the Sahara desert.
[January 16]
The U.S. has information indicating Americans are among the captives.
"I hope you understand that in order to protect their safety, I'm not going to get into numbers. I am not going to get into names. I am not going to get into any further details as we continue to work on this issue with the Algerian authorities and also with their employers." [Norway – Prime Minister Jens Stoltenbergl] – "I can confirm that 13 Norwegians are involved,. "Two of the 17 employees at the Statoil plant have come to harm."
British Petroleum said a group of "unidentified armed people" attacked and occupied the facility at 5 a.m. and, as of late afternoon, were still occupying the site. The company said it had not confirmed the "identity or intention of the people occupying the site."
"We do not yet have confirmed information on the status of the personnel at the site but believe some are being held by the occupiers," the company said in a statement issued in London.
In 2003, Statoil acquired 50% of BP`s initial interest in the In Amenas project.
One of the Norwegians who witnessed the attack at close range said the Islamics first attacked a bus carrying employees who were on their way to the airport.
– We were just two hundred meters from the camp when they came out of the darkness and shot at us at around 5:50 local time.
The man said that the guards at the plant hit attack back quickly, so that they could run on. He is now in a military camp and says he feels safe there.
Algeria has allowed France to use its air space during its military intervention against Islamist rebels in Mali, although officials have yet to make a link between Wednesday's attack and the conflict in Algeria's southern neighbor
In Amenas is a wet gas field operated through a joint venture between Sonatrach, BP and Statoil.
Statoil's emergency response organisation is now mobilised, and is now working to get an overview of the situation. "Our main focus is the safety of the employees at the facility."
[January 15]
The U.S. believes AQIM members are fighting in Mali alongside rebels whose affiliations and intentions are less clear-cut. Some of these less-radical factions may be open to negotiations, the officials said.
In Libya, the U.S. decided to act against a clear-cut enemy, the Gadhafi regime; in Syria, the U.S. has been reluctant to deliver aid to a multifaceted rebel coalition that officials worry could have links to al Qaeda.
The U.S. response to the situation in Mali also reflects the growing U.S. reluctance to get involved in conflicts unless there is evidence of U.S. interests at risk, said Seth Jones, an al Qaeda specialist at Rand Corp. "The U.S. will be deeply reluctant to get into the fight directly," he said.
Gen. Carter Ham, the head of U.S. Africa command, said in an interview January 15 that the French campaign "may prove to be decisive," but that it wouldn't end after a few days of airstrikes.
"My sense is that the French are committed and understand this will not be a short-term campaign," Gen. Ham said.
Overnight, January 15, a regiment of 150 French soldiers drove overland from neighboring Ivory Coast, bringing in a convoy of 40 armored vehicles, including the ERC-90, a tank-like car, mounted with a 90 mm cannon. Britain's Ministry of Defense confirmed January 15 that their RAF C17 aircraft carrying French military personnel and supplies had arrived in the capital, Bamako. Four Rafale fighter jets were quickly moved January 13 from their base in Saint-Dizier France to Mali, where they began bombing operations.
A Danish Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane will head to Mali to assist the country's embattled government and their French allies in their battle against Islamic rebels. The plane is scheduled to be deployed to Mali for three months and will cost the state about 11 million kroner.
The French fixed-wing aircraft are performing long-range strike missions after flying from N'Djamena air base in Chad. helicopters coming in from bases in Burkina Faso, and special forces and Legionnaires from Côte d'Ivoire, Chad, Burkina, and France.
The French are using Mirage jets stationed in Chad, which are able to carry 250-kilogram (550-pound) bombs. Four Mirage 2000D fighter jets, based in Chad, and supported by two C135 refueling tankers. In total, France has two Mirage F1 CR reconnaissance jets, six Mirage 2000D, 3 C135s, one C130, 1 Transall C160 stationed in Chad as part of its Operation Epervier.
The first of the two C17s left RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on January 13 and was loaded with French armoured vehicles and other equipment at the Evreux airbase in Normandy overnight.
It was due to fly to Mali's capital, Bamako, on January 14morning, but has been delayed due to a "minor technical fault", a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
The problem is thought to be a short-term one and the plane is expected to be ready to depart later.
A second C17 is due to leave the UK at 14.00 GMT.
"We have the impression that Tunisia is becoming a corridor for Libyan weapons to these regions," said a Tunisian spokeman, whose country borders Libya but not Mali.
He was referring to arms from the arsenal of former Libyan strongman Moamer Kadhafi that he said are reaching Insurgents in northern Mali via Tunisia and Algeria, the latter of which shares borders with Mali.
[January 13]
A U.S. official confirmed that America will be sending drones to aid Mali against rebels. The United States is providing communications and transport help, while Britain is sending C17 aircrafts to help Mali's allies transport troops to the frontlines. None of this involves U.S. boots on the ground. Refueling will be for flights coming down from France. Intel will consist of long range reconnaissance, although it is still unclear whether that will be provided by drones or not. The Insurgents, including three separate rebel groups, are armed with weapons stolen from the abandoned arsenal of ex-Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. "They obtained from Libya modern, sophisticated equipment, much stronger and more efficient than we had imagined," he said.
Algeria has authorised the overflight of its territory, for which I thank them," Fabius said, according to AFP. He adding that France was hopeful Algeria would provide further help to the campaign by denying Islamist radicals an escape route from the north of Mali.
"We are working with the Algerians and our discussions are ongoing. What we have in mind is that if African troops move into the north of the country the Algerians will have to close their border."
Algeria had been the most reticent of Mali's neighbors about the prospect of foreign troops being sent in to reclaim control of the north of the country, which the Islamists have occupied for some nine months.
[June 24, 2012]A "mystery airstrike" targeted a convoy of the "Yahya About al Hammam Brigade," a unit of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb operating in northern Mali, and killed seven fighters. US intelligence would neither confirm nor deny the reported strike.
If confirmed, this would be the first known drone strike in Mali by the US since Ansar Dine, an AQIM-allied group, and the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad took control of Northern Mali. The two groups announced their merger and the formation of a breakaway state in late May, but reports of discord between the groups over the imposition of sharia law have surfaced since that time.
The US has used drones elsewhere in Africa, including in Somalia against Shabaab, al Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia/East Africa, and in Libya during the NATO intervention. Militants in Timbuktu from "Ansar Dine and al Qaeda groups" are becoming concerned about the increasing presence of surveillance aircraft in the area, and have begun using heavy weapons against them, but so far without success.
[July 9'12]
Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville said the official account of the crash didn't make sense. "It seems really dubious that six people died in a single-car accident. It's just very fishy,"
The three soldiers riding through Bamako Mali in April had rented their 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser from a local agency, according to written statements by the Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg.
Bast was in the driver's seat and was headed south across the Martyrs Bridge. Preliminary investigative results determined that he lost control of the Land Cruiser, which broke through the bridge's guard rail and landed in the river below.
Also in the vehicle were three Moroccan women, according to the Army's statement. Contributing factors in the accident, the Army said, were limited visibility and "a probable evasive maneuver on the part of the vehicle's driver to avoid impacting with slower moving traffic." Officials from the Africa Command also said that they did not know who the women were, but they added in a statement: "From what we know now, we have no reason to believe these women were engaged in acts of prostitution." An Army spokesman described Bast as a "communications expert" and said he was posthumously given the Meritorious Service Medal but declined to say why. Master Sgt. Trevor J. Bast, 39, a communications technician with the Intelligence and Security Command at Fort Belvoir.
The Intelligence and Security Command is a little-known and secretive branch of the Army that specializes in communications intercepts. Its personnel often work closely with the military's Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees missions to capture or kill terrorism suspects overseas.
During his two decades of service, Bast revealed little about the nature of his work to his family. "He did not tell us a lot about his life, and we respected that for security purposes," his mother, Thelma Bast of Gaylord, Mich., said in a brief interview. "We never asked questions, and that's the honest truth."
Under a classified program code-named Creek Sand, dozens of U.S. personnel and contractors were deployed to West Africa to conduct surveillance missions over the country with single-engine aircraft designed to look like civilian passenger planes.
A key hub of the U.S. spying network can be found in Ouagadougou (WAH-gah-DOO-goo), the flat, sunbaked capital of Burkina Faso, one of the most impoverished countries in Africa.
Under a classified surveillance program code-named Creek Sand, dozens of U.S. personnel and contractors have come to Ouagadougou in recent years to establish a small air base on the military side of the international airport.
The unarmed U.S. spy planes fly hundreds of miles north to Mali, Mauritania and the Sahara, In addition to Burkina Faso, U.S. surveillance planes have operated periodically out of nearby Mauritania. In Central Africa, the main hub is in Uganda, though there are plans to open a base in South Sudan. In East Africa, U.S. aircraft fly out of bases in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Seychelles. The bulk of the U.S. surveillance fleet is composed of single-engine Pilatus PC-12s, small passenger and cargo utility planes manufactured in Switzerland. The aircraft are not equipped with weapons. They often do not bear military markings or government insignia. The Pentagon began acquiring the planes in 2005 to fly commandos into territory where the military wanted to maintain a clandestine presence. The Air Force variant of the aircraft is known as the U-28A. The Air Force Special Operations Command has about 21 of the planes in its inventory.
In April 2010, one American, in particular, drew attention. A U.S. contractor who had been assigned to support the surveillance missions in Ouagadougou was flying home from Africa on leave when he announced that he had been "in Ouaga illegally" and was carrying dynamite in his boots and laptop.
As the contractor, Derek Stansberry, mumbled other incoherent stories about allegedly top-secret operations, he was grabbed by U.S. air marshals aboard the
Paris-to-Atlanta flight. No explosives were found, but the incident drew international attention.
Stansberry, who did not respond to a request for comment, was found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity; he said he was overstressed and had overdosed on the sleep aid Ambien.
To scour the terrain for Joseph Kony, the messianic and brutal leader of a Ugandan rebel group The Lord's resisitance Army, the aircraft used are Pilatus PC-12s, turboprops favored by the U.S. Special Operations forces for stealth missions precisely because of their nondescript appearance. There is no hint that they are carrying high-tech sensors and cameras that can film man-size targets from 10 miles away. The contractors supply the aircraft as well as the pilots, mechanics and other personnel to help process electronic intelligence collected from the airspace over Uganda, Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. The U.S. military has taken another unusual step: It has largely outsourced the spying operation to private contractors. The contractors supply the aircraft as well as the pilots, mechanics and other personnel to help process electronic intelligence collected from the airspace over Uganda, Congo, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.Late last month, however, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed a measure authorizing $50 million for the Defense Department to "enhance and expand" surveillance operations to help Ugandan and other regional militaries search for Kony.
A congressional staff member said the legislators' priority was to increase and improve the surveillance operations as quickly as possible, adding that Congress was not necessarily opposed to using private companies for the Kony manhunt.
"It's a concern, but when you're short on resources, it's what you have to do," said the staffer, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. "It's a permissive environment. Nobody's getting shot at, and we're just collecting intelligence."
Tucked into the legislative language was a rare unclassified reference to the key role played by contractors against the Lord's Resistance Army. The committee stated that it was "concerned" that the reliance on private firms to collect intelligence for the manhunt was "unnecessarily costly and is not meeting the needs of the supporting forces."
The Senate panel directed the Pentagon to study "alternative contracting arrangements," emphasizing the need for aircraft that can "loiter over areas of interest for extended periods of time."


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Jonathan J. TofilonAssociate, Geneva Office
Jonathan Tofilon is an associate in the firm's Geneva office. He focuses his practice on insurance subrogation and defense, specifically within the areas of products liability, premises liability, construction defect litigation, and general negligence actions. He has substantial experience in civil litigation, from expert retention, scene investigation, and evidence preservation immediately following a loss, throughout the formal litigation process, including depositions, dispositive motions, motions in limine and trial.
Mr. Tofilon has achieved a remarkable record of success in his career, including numerous major victories in securing early resolution or dismissals of serious disputes. Recognized for his clear communication in handling complex litigation, Mr. Tofilon is retained to develop and communicate legal arguments in class actions, consolidated actions, and MDL litigation. As part of his practice, Mr. Tofilon works with recognized experts across the United States on mechanical, material, and electrical engineering issues.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Tofilon clerked for the Honorable Judith M. Brawka, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit of Illinois and the Honorable Phillip G. Reinhard, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois. Mr. Tofilon volunteers at Administer Justice, a pro bono law firm serving the indigent in Kane and DuPage counties.
- Judson College, B.A. 2005
- Northern Illinois University, J.D. 2009, magna cum laude
- Illinois
- United States District Court- Northern District of Illinois
- United States District Court- Central District of Illinois
- United States District Court- Southern District of Illinois
- United States District Court- Northern District of Indiana
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- National Association of Subrogation Professionals
Volunteer / Public Service
- ABA Section of Litigation – Access to Justice Committee, Assistant Editor
- Administer Justice, Board Member
- AWANA Leader
407 S Third StreetSuite 200Geneva, Illinois 60134 (630) 262-1112Email

subset: commoncrawl


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CUPERTINO, CA -- Ahhh… the brand spankin' new iPhone 6 Plus. This baby is supposed to be bigger, better and… bendable?
Wait, what?
Yep, Apple fans are … well... a bit bent out of shape over this.
They even took to Twitter after discovering their latest toy doesn't stay in shape if you tote it in your pocket.
In case you're wondering, the phone's flexing feature is not like the LG Curve or Flex -- the ones actually designed with that cool curvy feature.
The iPhone 6 Plus? Yeah, not so much.
According to wired.com, it turns out the iPhone 6 Plus is made with a soft aluminum which, uhhh bends.
The LCD screen on the phone? Yeah, not so much. So far apple hasn't called back about this flaw.
Hmmm… sounds like this is something a software update won't be able to fix.


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Jennifer Hudson fans in Michigan may be following news of her ongoing court battle with a man she once intended to marry. She never did marry David Otunga, however, although the two had a son together. The boy is now the central focus of a child custody battle between the starlet and her former fiance.
Hudson's situation is evidence that not every custody battle occurs between formerly married spouses. Many single parents in this state and beyond may relate to the challenges Hudson now faces as she fights for custody of her son in court. The child in question is now age eight and the court recently issued a ruling that may have come as a surprise (and disappointment) to his mother.
A decision was recently reached whereby Hudson's son will have primary residence with his father, a former professional wrestler and reality TV star. Although Hudson reportedly agreed to the new arrangement, it is only temporary, until a permanent solution is achieved. Hudson apparently travels extensively as an Oscar winning actress who continues to work in the entertainment industry.
It's not always easy for full-time working single mothers to provide for their children while they are at work. This child custody battles is definitely not an isolated incident. Many Michigan parents may currently be facing similar struggles. If so, it may help to reach out to experienced family law attorneys for support. An experienced attorney knows what it takes to protect a parent's rights in court and seek a fair and agreeable outcome to complicated custody situations.
Source: bet.com, "Jennifer Hudson Just Suffered A Huge Loss In Her Court Battle Against David Otunga", John Justice, Nov. 28, 2017


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Dick Saslaw has led the fight for necessary transportation funding for our region. He serves on the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Transportation and continues to work to ensure that Northern Virginia receives the funding required to meet its growing transportation needs. He has been a longtime advocate for making critical investments in infrastructure aimed at reducing gridlock. He strongly believes that Virginia must expand the use of mass transit, increase efficiency, develop multimodal transportation options, and invest in maintenance of our existing roads, trains, and buses.
Saslaw knows that Virginia's transportation problems cannot be fixed overnight and has advocated for commonsense measures to generate new revenue. In the Senate, he is one of the leading advocates for new sources of sustainable transportation funding. During the 2018 Session, Dick championed a bill (SB 856) to provide annual funding for the Metro system in partnership with Maryland and Washington. The bill earned widespread support in the business community and among the various transportation authorities throughout the Commonwealth.
Metro removes more than 1 million car trips from the D.C. region's road every week day and more than half of all jobs in Northern Virginia are located within a half mile of a Metro stop. For every dollar the Commonwealth invests in Metro and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) it receives approximately $2.50 in value. Metro must be fixed from a financial and operational standpoint to secure our region's primary mass transportation system for the next decade and beyond.
It is well understood that leading companies place high priority on locating to regions with efficient public transportation. Amazon has been particularly vocal in listing it as one of the top criteria for the location of their next headquarters. Senator Saslaw will continue working to prioritize the most important transportation projects that show the greatest potential for alleviating traffic on our busiest roadways.


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Cooper Bag Pattern
$ 16.00
Printed pattern from Colette.
Cooper gives you three different bags from one basic body: messenger bag, backpack, and satchel. These highly durable bags can be made in a range of sturdy fabrics such as duck canvas, waxed canvas, twill, and heavy ticking.
All versions are lined and feature eight large pockets, magnetic closures, and hardware details. The messenger bag (version 1) has an adjustable cross-body strap. The backpack (version 2) has two shoulder straps and a hang loop. The two-handled satchel (version 3) does double duty as a bike pannier.
You can find the details about our finished project here.
Are you looking for the hardware for this pattern? You can find it here.


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This is the last post of a three-part series on creating and delivering content that inspires viewers, beyond just your slides (beautiful as they may be). Be sure to check out Part I (content) and Part II (medium) if you haven't had the chance, but today's topic is all about the delivery.
Delivery can make or break your presentation. As presenter, make sure you and your materials are not redundant. You are the one bringing life to the slides by adding useful information, not reading them verbatim. Usually there are 3 scenarios for a presentation:
- Bad content, poor presenter – this is just awkward for everyone
- Bad content, good presenter – good presentation skills can partially make up for lousy content, making this a slight step above the first scenario
- Good content, good presenter – this obviously produces the best retention, leaves the strongest impression and delivers favorable outcomes. Everyone wins.
So how do we assure that our presentation is on par with the third scenario? Here are the tips Jerry had to offer:
- Watch your speed – there's no substitute for practice when it comes to the speed of your delivery
- Engage the audience – create a two-way communication experience, whether in-person at a live event or online in a webinar. There are plenty of tools at your disposal, just get creative.
- Two are (often) better than one – having two presenters can break up the monotony of one voice and also offer additional perspective on the topic
- Take a poll or tell a story – both grab the attention of your audience and make them feel like they're part of the presentation, not just being 'talked at'.
Audience question – "What are your thoughts on having a panel discussion during a webinar?"
Jerry's answer – "I think you can host a panel discussion during a webinar very effectively. I would limit the panel size to 3 or 4 members, so that you don't have panelists trying to talk over each other. The other thing I would do is host a dry run, so the panelists can all get comfortable with the webinar platform and understand how things will flow during the session. You don't want to be figuring those things out during a live discussion! I think it's a great idea, and I also think it would have a lot of appeal to attendees."
ReadyTalk has worked closely with Demand Metric over the last six months to develop a number of marketing toolkits to make your job a bit more manageable when it comes to planning, producing and delivering your next webinar. Download the "Beyond the Slidedeck" toolkit which includes the Webinar Topic Mapping Template, the Web Conferencing Vendor Evaluation Tool, and the Webinar Presenter Evaluation Tool.


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A custom build to showcase your brand? We can do it.
Exhibition stands or visual displays?
Custom Solutions Group design and build to meet your requirements.
Events & SPECIAL PROJECTS
A one-off display, showcase or product launch?
Mini-event, breakfast presentation, AGM or conference?
Custom Solutions Group has managed events of all shapes and sizes.
Brand Activations within retail stores or shopping centres?
Pop-up stores or flash shops for short term retail display?
A national campaign execution for a premium brand?
We have the national reach to ensure a seamless delivery of your campaign.
No matter what your business requires Custom Solutions Group has the project management experience to ensure that everything is managed within budget and on time.
Fast and affordable service for your projects
Custom Solutions Group work Australia wide.
Our end to end management attracts domestic and international clients across a wide number of industries.
We take the stress out of exhibiting by providing exceptional customer service.
We go above and beyond for our clients.
Often time is of the essence, our ability to turnaround your project quickly removes the stress and frustration that often accompanies display marketing.
Your success is our business.
So whether it's a onetime use, multiple uses, adaptable or permanent, we can help bring your project to life
With over 30 years experience delivering effective display marketing
Steve established Custom Solutions Group in 2012, feeling there was an opportunity to do things better for clients.
Managing a custom display build was often causing a headache for businesses, and he felt his experience could make the process a lot smoother and easier for them.
When not onsite, Steve enjoys nothing more than taking out his motorbike or getting out and about with his two boys.
"We have been working with Steven Tiene from Custom Solutions for over 6 years now with excellent results. Steve offers great advice and he has a sound knowledge of stand building.When preparing for a tradeshow there is minimum time and maximum effort to build & dress a stand. The best laid plans can unravel very quickly so having a professional and calm team working with you is essential.To those who are considering Custom Solutions for their Exhibition Stand or Retail Fit Out I highly recommend this very professional and knowledgeable team."
Abby Daniel, Director Brice Australia
Brad is a passionate, experienced exhibition and event industry professional who strives to achieve memorable experiences for exhibitors, visitors and customers, whilst providing a seamless stress- free experience for clients.
Brad loves his sport, whether playing or watching! He spends his spare time with his two daughters who keep him on his toes, or on the golf course when there is a chance.
"He helped us to design and deliver a booth that could be adapted to multiple shows that we exhibited at this year, no issue with budgets nor tight delivery time frames."
Sophie Hunter, MEIKO Australia Pacific Pty LTD
"Brad delivered on both a functional and aesthetic level, and I can soundly say was a large contributing factor to the success of our event."
Samantha Clark, Spring Financial Group
Indeed Brad had been highly reliable, trustworthy and very very reactive (….Brad always helped to achieve what we needed on time with no issues)."
Emeric Langelier, Parrot
The team at Custom Solutions Group are one of the best in their field. From concept to delivery, with a few last minute tweaks (aka changes) every step was easy, painless, professional and perfect. They made a humble 3×3 stand look and feel like a million dollars. I was so impressed that the stand has now become the start of my professional showroom for our business.
Shane Hawkins
"I've been using Custom Solutions Group for a range of jobs ranging from a custom shelf to a entire office floor and extremely happy with the service and results.
When preparing for the job you are stepped through the process know exactly what you are going to get and consulted on the best way to achieve your goals. The job is delivered on-time and with high quality. Thanks, it just gives you confidence your own business can deliver on its goals instead of worrying about the construction."
Lital Green
"Besides making my job a breeze and reaping praise for my team, there's about a dozen standout points to say about Custom Solutions Group – expert project management, experienced and innovative solutions, no-fault installations, outstanding attention to detail, competitive pricing, personalised service and a particularly charming team. Their work consistently exceeds our expectations and the execution and management of the whole process is without peer."
Robyn Lowe
"Steve from Custom Solutions Group was invaluable in helping me prepare for my first expo earlier this year. Steve's innovative thinking, attention to detail and dedication to the project made the whole process easy and fun.
I absolutely couldn't have done it without him and I highly recommend Steve and the Custom Solutions Group team to any other business looking to put their best foot forward at any show or expo."
Courtney Bowie
"I always love working with Brad and his team. Brad is so helpful and reliable, and his work is of the highest quality. I have no problems with recommending him!"
Kate Milton
1300 855 445
Complete the details below and we will be in touch to discuss your requirements.
Level 4, 29 Kiora Road
Miranda NSW 2229
1300 855 445


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Introduction: Disco Lights With Arduino Uno and RGB LEDs
Maybe you already saw a lot of disco lights but didn't found the right one, maybe you have, as I did, asked you: can I transcend the sound into light and colour? How will it look like? Now I can tell you that: It looks pretty amazing!
Teacher Notes
Teachers! Did you use this instructable in your classroom?
Add a Teacher Note to share how you incorporated it into your lesson.
Step 1: From DJ to DIY
I use to be a DJ. The music is just a small part of the job. In order to do a great job it is necessary to be able to create an ambient that suits the party. The perfect light is an very important aspect in this matter.
I also made a lot of Arduino application over the last years. With this poject I tried to put the 2 together. That is the result:
Step 2: Shield or No Shield?
Well, maybe I don't like spider circuits anymore or I have enough shorts made already. So I decide to make my own power shield circuit. The arduino fits inside it just fine. I use for this project 3 BP power transistors Tip29C and 3 Analog Inputs: High Sensitivity Sound Detection Module Microphone Sensor For Arduino (from ebay ofcourse) with 3 diferent filters for Bass/Medium/High tones. At first, although the RGB LEDs changed their color very nice, I notice that the medium modul was more present as the other two. So I decided to change the trimmers from the audio modules with Potentiometers. It is more fun as well.
Step 3: Putting It Together in a 3D Printed Case
As the electronic came together I needed a case for everything so I printed one with the right holes for the Potentiometers, the microphones and the USB cable for the arduino. I install it on an 5 meter RGB string and tried to find the most interesting position for it: from inside the speakers, beyond the fake wall till it ended on the vertical lamp as shown in the video. That's all folks. Feel free to ask me whatever you like.
Participated in the
LED Contest
Participated in the
Lamps and Lighting Contest 2016
Be the First to Share
10 Discussions
Can you give me electrical shemas and PCBs
Thank you in advance.
Do you have schematics for your wiring? I'm very interested in trying this out but I want to know more about how it all works. What microphone did you use? And how did you also include potentiometers in the circuit? I'm not very knowledgable in circuit engineering.
No problem. Leave me your Email adress and I will send you the schematics.
hi, please send me those schematics too at firstname.lastname@example.com :)
Do you have schematics for this please also the sketch for the arduino thanks want to make this looks a amazing project email email@example.com
I love this lamp. I dont know about electronic. Please give me schematic diagram and arduino code to email@example.com Thanks
Hi, check your email!
Do you have schematics for your wiring? I'm very interested in trying this
Have you the program for arduino
M'y email
19 days ago
Check your email
Fun light idea!


text:
the soft, floaty look of a tissue paper tassel garlands can be a stylish addition to any celebration!
They are great used outdoors as they look especially lovely when the breeze catches them (check your weather forecast first though!)
|mint tassel garland
|rainbow tassel garland
Stunning across the front of a candy buffet table & fun to use as part of your photo backdrop
|pink tassel garland
Pretty to hang across a window
|mint tassel garland
Or why not tie to your pinata for an extra slash of colour?
|watermelon pinata
And don't just save them for a party … pop one up in the kids rooms across a wall or hang from the ceiling
|pastel tassel garland
You can also use them with giant helium filled balloons, just knot each tassel to the string so they don't all slide to the bottom! or you can purchase pre-made balloon tassel tails
|balloon tassel tail
The balloon tails look great with pinatas too
|silver heart pinata
If you've got any other ideas please let us know! just comment below :0)


text:
As of January 1, 2016, Gapers Block has ceased publication. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions over the past 12-plus years. ✶
Monday, January 20
In another step towards Peace on Earth, a referendum by the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas may end the ages-old feud between Santas with real beards and those with artificial ones.
by Robyn NisiA/C
by Steve ProkopyA/C
by Nancy BishopMechanics
by Jeff SmithDrive Thru
by Brandy GonsoulinTransmission
by Sarah BrooksBook Club
by Emma TerhaarMechanics
by Phil HuckelberryA/C
by Nancy BishopA/C
by Steve Prokopy
GB T-Shirt $12
I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15


text:
Michael Tran/FilmMagic
Ever since her untimely death last year, Carrie Fisher has been remembered as a trailblazer both in the realms of feminism and mental health advocacy. One new story that's emerged recently, however, shows just how far Fisher was willing to go to for what she believed in. When one of Fisher's closest friends told her she was sexually assaulted by an Oscar-winning producer, the Star Wars icon didn't just listen idly. She pulled a move straight out of The Godfather.
Allow Heather Ross, Fisher's aforementioned friend, to tell the incredible story, as she did in an interview with Tucson, Ariz.'s 94.9 Mix FM, according to Page Six. "Carrie sent me a message online and she said, 'I just saw blank at Sony studios,'" she recalled, before relaying Fisher's response verbatim.: "I knew [the producer] would probably be there, so I went to his office and personally delivered a Tiffany's box wrapped with the white bow. It was a cow tongue from [Los Angeles'] Jerry's Famous Deli with a note that said, 'If you ever touch my darling Heather or any other woman again, the next delivery will be something of yours in a much smaller box.'" Ross finished the story by saying, "If you don't know what a cow tongue looks like, Google it."
The story is one more reason to love Fisher, who was unapologetically herself and rallied against sexism throughout much of her career, including with her transformative role as Princess Leia. "The only way they knew to make the character strong was to make her angry," she told Rolling Stone in 1983. "In Return of the Jedi, she gets to be more feminine, more supportive, more affectionate. But let's not forget that these movies are basically boys' fantasies. So the other way they made her more female in this one was to have her take off her clothes."
It's all the more heroic that Fisher took such a strong stance at a time when sexual assault in Hollywood was often more taboo than talked about. It's easy to imagine that, if alive today, Fisher would have much to say about what's happening in Hollywood right now. Just this past month has brought decades of sexual assault allegations against infamous executive Harvey Weinstein, including ones from Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie. Cara Delevigne and Kate Beckinsale have also come forward with their own traumatic experiences with Weinstein.
Joel Edgerton's very special "Star Wars" birthday:


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The Grolier Club
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VOYNICH, WILFRED M. (FIRM : NEW YORK, N.Y.) AND ETHEL LILLIAN VOYNICH. Papers, 1916-1948
<-- Back
Wilfred M. Voynich and Ethel Lillian Voynich Papers, 1916-1948
RLIN ID No.
Main Entry
Voynich, Wilfred M., d. 1930.
Papers, 1916-1948.
Physical Description
8 boxes (4 linear ft.)
Historical/Biographical Note
Antiquarian booksellers. Voynich, a Polish revolutionary, left Poland and eventually settled in New York City where he became a dealer in rare books and manuscripts in New York and London. The business was liquidated after his death. The "Voynich manuscript," which he discovered in 1912, is at Yale's Beinecke Library.
Scope and Contents
Business records (1916-1934) of Voynich's New York shop, including account books, invoices and vouchers. Also correspondence (1927-1934) between Anne M. Nill manager of the New York Shop and Herbert Garland, manager of the London shop. Also records of books and manuscripts bought and sold by Voynich and a small group of letters Voynich wrote in Russian which may concern his involvement with the Society of the Friends of Russian Freedom. Collection also includes some research files of Anne M. Nill and her correspondence, including that with Myrtle Crummer, wife of an important Voynich client. Also, correspondence from William Romaine Newbold (1919-1928) regarding Baconian parallels in cipher manuscript. Also, original manuscript, revised drafts and galleys for Put Off Thy Shoes, a novel by Ethel L. Voynich published in 1945 with editorial assistance from Nill. Her research files include material on indix she created for Seymour De Ricci's Census of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the U. S. and Canada (1935-1940) as well as correspondence from Belle Da Costa Greene of the Pierpont Morgan Library. Other correspondents in the collection include William Warner Bishop, Romaine Newbold and James Westlake Thompson.
Finding Aid Note
Unpublished preliminary inventory available in repository
Voynich, E. L. (Ethel Lillian), 1864-1960.
Voynich, E. L. (Ethel Lillian), 1864-1960. Put Off Thy Shoes. 1945.
Garland, Herbert, 1885- Correspondence.
Nill, Anne M.
Nill, Anne M. Correspondence.
Crummer, Myrtle. Correspondence.
Bishop, William Warner, 1871-1955.
Greene, Belle da Costa. Correspondence.
Ricci, Seymour de, 1881-1942. Census of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the U. S. and Canada.
Thompson, James Westlake, 1869-1941. Correspondence.
Newbold, Romaine.
Antiquarian booksellers. England. London. 20th century.
Antiquarian booksellers. New York (State). New York. 20th century.
Booksellers and bookselling. England. London. 20th century.
Booksellers and bookselling. New York (State). New York. 20th century.
Account books.
Occupation (as reflected in collection)
Antiquarian booksellers. England. London. 20th century.
Antiquarian booksellers. New York (State). New York. 20th century.
Authors. 20th century.
Grolier Club, 47 East 60th Street, New York, N.Y. 10022-1098.
Collection Inventory
[Note: Boxes 1-6, 8 comprise the business records of William M. Voynich, New York Office, 1916-1934; boxes 7-8 comprise the personal papers of Ethel Voynich, ca. 1942-1946.]
Box 1 London house invoices, 1916-1930
[Itemized invoices of all books and manuscripts "sold" by the London office of W.M. Voynich to the New York office.]
Box 2 Binding expenses, 1917-1928
Book purchases, 1917-1928
[Invoices for books and manuscripts purchased by the New York office of W.M. Voynich. For records of books "purchased" from London office, see Box 1.]
Books on approval or lent—to be written off as losses
Commissions, 1917-1929
Entertaining expenses, 1922-1927
London Trip Cash Expenses, 1923-1928
Travelling expenses, 1921-1928 (excluding London trip cash
Box 3 Sales and approvals, 1927-1934 (including Sotheby auctions)
[Detailed records of all books and manuscripts sold by the New York office of W.M. Voynich, including buyers' names and purchase prices; includes records concerning liquidation of the firm's London and New York stock, 1930-1934, after Voynich's death.]
Box 4 Vouchers, June 1929-July 1930
[Cancelled checks, bank statements, and invoices for
miscellaneous business expenses for the New York office of W.M. Voynich; some invoices for book purchases are included.]
Box 5 Correspondence, 1927-1936:
Garland, Herbert—Letters to Anne M. Nill, 1927-1935
Nill, Anne M.—Letters to Herbert Garland, 1927-1936
[Extensive correspondence between Garland, London office
manager, and Nill, New York office manager, concerning all aspects of the business: Voynich's activities and sales efforts, book trade gossip, book and manuscript cataloging problems, liquidation of the firm, settlement of the W.M. Voynich estate (1930-1934), etc.]
Box 6 Catalog descriptions:
Stock nos. A1-A6400
No. 7111 (Astronomical treatises)
Marcanova manuscript (1465)
Printed books:
Stock nos. A2000-A3098
Slavonic books
Descriptions and notes re: books sold and still to be sold
[Research notes, drafts, and typescripts of final catalog
descriptions for various manuscripts and books sold by Voynich, arranged by stock number. These files are not complete.]
Correspondence and research files:
Nill, Anne M.:
Correspondence with Myrtle Crummer, 1928-1934,
Correspondence with Howard Goodhart, 1936-1947
Correspondence re: W.M. Voynich estate, 1930-1933
Correspondence re: Census of Medieval and
Renaissance Manuscripts in the U.S. and Canada, 1933
Correspondence with the Woods School re: her niece,
Anne Seilheimer, 1945
Proof sheets for index (v. III) of De Ricci and
Wilson, Census of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the U.S. and Canada (1940) [index compiled by Anne M. Nill]
Research files:
Americana and English books
Medieval manuscripts
Voynich cipher manuscript
Voynich cipher manuscript (plants)
Miscellaneous [chiefly clippings from bookseller and
auction catalogs]
Voynich, Wilfred M.:
Letters, ca. 1891 [three letters, in Russian]
Correspondence with William Warner Bishop, 1927-
1930 [includes correspondence, 1930-1944, between Bishop, Anne M. Nill, and Ethel Voynich]
Letter from Belle da Costa Greene, 1915
[includes correspondence, 1930-1944, between Greene, Anne M. Nill, and Ethel Voynich]
Letters from William Romaine Newbold re possible
Bacon authorship of cipher ms.: Sept. 12, 1919 (2 p.); Sept. 14, 1919 (9 p.); June 21, 1928 (3 p.); and June 29, 1928 (1 p.)
Letter from James Westfall Thompson, 1922
Letters and telegrams re: W.M. Voynich's last illness
and death, 1930
Box 7 Ethel Voynich papers, ca. 1942-1946
Put Off Thy Shoes (New York: Macmillan, 1945):
Parts I-IX: Holograph manuscript and revised drafts
Miscellaneous revised drafts
Final revisions and corrections
Research notes
Transcript of ABC Radio adaptation, July-Aug. 1945
Correspondence, 1945-1946
[See also Box 8 for galley proofs.]
Anne M. Nill's notes on the publishing histories of Ethel
Voynich's novels
Box 8 Ethel Voynich papers, ca. 1942-1946
Put Off Thy Shoes (New York: Macmillan, 1945):
Galley proofs, with author's holograph revisions
Revised galley proofs
Miscellaneous oversize manuscript reproductions
Site Scripts
Hide Click to Edits:
FED Scripts
CWS & Content Load


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Stand Strong provides trauma informed and culturally competent education and informational presentations to the San Luis Obispo County community on a variety of topics related to our work, including healthy relationships, the dynamics of intimate partner violence, preventing relationship abuse, and so much more. Depending on your educational needs, Stand Strong provides the following presentations:
Classroom Presentations:
Stand Strong and RISE educators team up to present on topics such as healthy relationships, recognizing types of abuse, setting boundaries, consent, and how to help a friend. These presentations include interactive activities, discussions, and the space for students to apply their own experiences to their learning. Our educators have experience in high school health and elective classes as well as colleges and universities.
To request a classroom presentation or to find out how we can create a presentation to fit your curricular needs, contact Sheridan Riolo at (805) 781-6401 ext. 211 or email@example.com.
*For more information on RISE, please visit their website at https://www.riseslo.org/
Community-Based and Inter-Agency Presentations:
Stand Strong's community-based and inter-agency presentations are intended for community partners who work with survivors of intimate partner violence in other contexts. During this presentation, you and your staff will get a more in-depth look at the dynamics of intimate partner violence and a greater understanding of Stand Strong's services. If your agency regularly refers to Stand Strong or plans to begin doing so, this will give you a better idea of what happens once a survivor is referred.
To request a community-based or inter-agency presentation, or with any other questions about the educational presentations Stand Strong provides, contact Christina Kaviani at (805) 781-6401 ext. 210 or firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
National Institute of Informatics - Digital Silk Road Project
|Innermost Asia : vol.2
Location of Chu-pin at Ying-p`an,
766 ON THE ANCIENT ROUTE ALONG THE KONCHE-DARYA [Chap. XXI
descending from the Kuruk-tagh to the south, is sufficiently accounted for by what we have learned above of the extent of the mountain area drained by that river, and of the height of the Hsi-ta-shan range in which its feeders rise. A reference to the map shows that similarly favourable conditions for the collection of drainage do not exist in any other portion of the western Kuruk-tâgh.
In view of the archaeological evidence obtained by me at a series of abandoned sites all along the southern edge of the Taklamakân and in the northern portion of the Tarim basin, I think we may safely recognize that the amount of water available for irrigation has diminished during historical times throughout this great region of innermost Asia, whatever may be the direct causes, rate of progress, and other factors connected with this process.17 Nor does the probability that cultivation on any appreciable scale is at present impracticable at Ying-p`an affect the question of the former importance of the site ; for the number of the ruined shrines and the size of the circumvallation traced there conclusively attest the former existence of a fairly large settlement at this point. The Kharosthi documents, mere fragments as they are, found at shrine i suffice to prove that the period of occupation of the site goes back as far as that which dated records enable us to assign to the Lou-lan station L.A. This chronological evidence in respect of the Ying-p`an site indirectly supports the location of ` the town of Chu-pin ' at that place ; for the account of Li Tao-yuan, or rather the record on which it is based, shows that at the time when the information was obtained both the ` towns ' of Chu-pin and Lou-lan were still actually occupied.
We know that the settlement at the latter place must have been abandoned about the middle of the fourth century. Occupation at Ying-p`an on the other hand probably continued into Tang times, as shown by the Tang coin picked up there and by collateral evidence found at the watch-stations of Kurghân and farther towards Korla. But this is exactly what was to be expected ; for long after the road through Lou-lan had ceased to be used, traffic from the side of Shan-shan, i. e. the Lop region, towards Korla is likely to have clung to the old and convenient route which led to it past Ying-p`an. The presence of surface water and the consequent possibility of some cultivation must have alone assured the continued occupation of the site, just as the springs and the grazing in the neighbouring portion of the Kuruk-daryâ bed have caused Ying-p`an to remain to this day a regular and necessary halting-place for travellers following the direct route from Lop to Turfân.
The above explorations will sufficiently explain my special interest in the region which separates the bed of the Kuruk-daryâ, at Ying-p`an from the present course of the Konche-daryâ. A reconnaissance made on March loth, the last day of our stay at Ying-p`an, had shown that the bed of the ` Dry River ' bending northward from our camping place approaches quite close to the end of the several flood-beds from the Shindi river below the ruined site ; thence it could be followed to the south-west for close on three miles, before it became indistinct. Continuing farther in the same direction, we passed rows of dead Toghraks striking to the south-east and suggesting successive shifts of the Konche-daryâ from its ancient to its present bed. Lal Singh had made the same observation when he followed the track leading from Konche-örtang (also known as Turfânkaraul) to Ying-p`an. But obviously such dune-smothered channels as these rows of dead trees probably mark lie too far south to be considered as possible feeders of the Kuruk-daryâ.
On the evening of the same day the additional supplies arrived from Tikenlik, but to my disappointment the Loplik guide asked for from Singer and again from Ying-p`an failed to appear. His absence, probably due to apprehensions of official displeasure, would necessarily hamper us in our work towards Korla. All the same I kept to my previously arranged plan. We should
17 See Serindia, i. pp. 243 sq., 286, &c. (see Index) ; - 459 sq. ; ii. p. 569, [and my paper, Geogr. Journal, lxv. pp.
Ancient Khotan, i. pp. 384 sq. ; above, i. pp. 71 sq., 435, 487 sqq•]•
Continued occupation of site.
Reconnaissance towards Konchedaryâ.
Copyright (C) 2003-2019 National Institute of Informatics and The Toyo Bunko. All Rights Reserved.


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Dagsboro installs planning commission
Dagsboro Town Council packed several years' worth of new development projects into the summer and fall of 2005 — the town may never see another season like it again.
Meeting agendas were getting so overloaded with presentations from developers that Town Clerk Stacey Long finally recommended some limits this summer (two new presentations, plus reconsideration of two projects midway through the process, at a maximum).
To date, council has been carrying that workload, and considering numerous amendments to zoning code, without the benefit of a functional Planning and Zoning (P&Z) commission. The commission dealt strictly with matters related to the town's Comprehensive Plan — it didn't review new developments, or comment on/recommend changes to zoning code.
P&Z Chair William Chandler started pushing for a more active role for the commission earlier this summer. Residents had begun to critique council from both directions, suggesting: (1) they were too accommodating of developers, and (2) their approval process was too muddled, sending developers back to the drawing board with little advanced directive.
With a reenergized citizenry standing ready to help, council members moved to both enlarge and repopulate a P&Z.
And as of the Nov. 28 council meeting, they've done that.
The commission will now consist of nine members. Terms now run five years, but council staggered them somewhat in appointing the new commission members.
Chandler will continue to participate, as will Clay Hall (who's retiring from his position on council after this week's election). Their terms don't expire until 2012 (prior to the recent changes, terms ran 10 years).
The new commission members and their term expiration dates are:
• Herb Disharoon (2006);
• Marjorie Eckerd (2010);
• Terry Hearn (2010);
• Ed Howe (2009);
• Margaret Morris (2008); and
• Norwood Truitt (2010).
Janice Kolbeck will act as the ninth commission member, and as secretary for the P&Z. She will have voting powers only when no quorum is present (in this case, a minimum of five commission members, or four plus Kolbeck).
The commission members will be meeting to organize themselves, and decide on regular meeting dates, within the month.


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With finals week, move out and starting a new job, I have not had time to write and it has made me quite sad! I love writing on here and being so busy that I couldn't, was not fun. However, I'm back! I'm going to try and plan posts for the summer to keep myself on track, so feel free to leave a comment with topic requests if you have any! I can't wait to get back into the swing of things here and continue creating! –Mackenzie
As I look back on my freshman year of college, my immediate thought is "wow it's already over?" I learned so many things over the course of 9 months and today I wanted to share some! So, here are 5 things that I wish I had known going into my freshman year of college!
1. Your first friends aren't always going to be your lifelong friends or even yearlong friends.
For some people, their best friends now are the first friends they made at school. For me, that isn't the case. My best friends now I didn't even meet until February! It could take you a while to really find your group, so don't sweat it if you find yourself growing apart from the first people you become friends with at school.
2. Doing things alone is okay.
At the beginning, no one will really go anywhere alone, and they feel a need to constantly be surrounded by friends. At least, that was the way for me. I quickly learned that always being with people is tiring. Once I started to do things on my own and not care, I really saw myself gain so much independence I didn't know I was even missing.
3. Only bring clothes you're actually going to wear
Packing up for move out is not fun. It's a lot of work, and you always somehow have an exorbitant amount of things that you didn't come to school with at the beginning of the year. Save yourself some trouble right from the get go and really minimize the amount of clothes you bring. Save the sweaters for later in the year and swap them out for your shorts when you visit home.
4. The first semester will be difficult- stick it out
I'm not going to lie, as much as I love my school, the first semester was awful. I was unhappy, homesick and even got pneumonia at one point. But, I stuck it out and am so incredibly happy that I did, and I'm sure you will be too!
5. It really is going to be amazing
I never really believed people when they said college will be the greatest 4 years of my life. But, college really is such a fun and unique time of your life. It only lasts so long so soak it in as much as you can.
My biggest tip to any incoming freshman would be to try and enjoy your first year as much as you can because it definitely goes by fast. Don't get discouraged if things aren't fantastic right away. It took me a while to fully enjoy school, and I'm so glad I didn't give up and move back home.
BONUS TIP: Save up your money because traveling to see friends over the summer is bound to happen! I have a trip planned to visit some of my new friends down in North Carolina and I can't wait!
With love,


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|At Red-X car show this summer
I can't believe it has been over a year since I last posted. So much has changed in my life, I thought I would catch you all up, and hopefully I can keep my blogging up to at least two posts a week. I really do enjoy writing and sharing beauty, makeup, fashion, and lifestyle tips and stories!
Last summer I know I posted about the death of my mom's cat Jerri, but I didn't really say all the other stuff. Basically, my grandma had to go to a nursing home and I became her advocate. It's a really wonderful thing and I'm glad I can help her, but it was an adjustment to my life.
Also, my uncle and I had a huge falling out, and we never really got along anyways since I had become an adult. He had stage four cancer and in April he died. We never got to patch things up, even though honestly I don't know that we could have. I pray for him everyday, and I hope he can forgive me for my part in all our arguments. Honestly, we leave all the petty shit behind when we die I hope!
Last fall and winter I got really depressed. We were trying to have a baby and it just wasn't working. This is such a frustrating topic I won't even touch on it for long. I just want to say if you are pregnant or have a baby please be sensitive to other women, and don't flaunt your baby around too hurtfully. I never realized how much having good reproductive organs affects a woman's self-esteem, but it does. I'm just saying, I got my feelings pretty hurt a few times by people making comments like, "Why don't you give your husband a baby?" or my favorite, "Just have sex 14 days after the first day of your period." Really people??? Lol, only people who have struggled to get pregnant probably get it.
Then last winter I got super sick with bronchitis and developed some asthma. You can't believe how scary it is not being able to breath, unless you've gone through it. My anxiety was through the roof. I was snowed in to my house, couldn't go to work, and literally felt like I was going nuts. It was a very bad time for me, and I ended up going back to my old shrink I went to after dad died. He's so awesome, he has really helped me get back on track with my anxiety and depression. I feel so much better now! :) I am currently not smoking and so proud of myself. Quitting smoking is like eating healthy, every day, every hour is a struggle. You just have to do the best you can. And FYI electronic cigarettes can be very dangerous and are not a good replacement for regular cigs...You can look up the studies if don't believe me.
So in the spring I developed some weird flu and could not eat, just in time for all my bridesmaid duties! I did them anyways because there was no way I was flaking out on my friend Courtney, but there were times I was afraid I would just collapse. At Courtney's rehearsal dinner my lymph nodes seemed a little swollen and I noticed a lump on my jaw. I asked one of the guests who works in the medical field and she said I should get it looked at.
|Court and I at Rehearsal Dinner
|Courtney's wedding
So starting in May I began the journey of finding out what the hell was on my damn jaw. The first doc said you're crazy and touching your face too much just take allergy medication and stop touching it. A month later it was still there I went to see a doc I knew and trusted. He gave me an x-ray and said maybe it was a cyst and sent me to a specialist. The specialist sent me to get an ultrasound, and then to get a biopsy. It turned out I had a tumor in my paratoid gland.
A paratoid gland is a saliva gland on the side of your face, right over your jaw by your ear. You have one on each side, and they are pretty big. My tumor was benign, but they still need to remove them because any tumor can turn to cancer, they are not meant to be in your body basically.
Getting the tumor off is a huge deal because you have a bunch of nerves right there and can get paralyzed. They basically cut your face from in front of your ear down to your throat, pull the skin back, pull your nerves back trying not to damage them, remove the tumor, lay your nerves back down, sew you back up. My surgery was only supposed to be two hours, but ended up taking about three and a half. You have a drain and everything. It is pretty painful. But I was blessed and everything went well. I'm telling you, Jesus keeps an extra eye on me so I'm trying to step it up and be a better person!!! Seriously.
I recovered and really had a wonderful summer. Everyone always says they cherish life better after something like this, and it ain't no lie. I am 31 years old and I could die anytime, I've already had a damn tumor in my freaking face. I am trying to enjoy my life and never be bored, just to really appreciate every single thing in my life, even stress.
At the end of March we joined a Catholic parish and we've been going every Sunday. It's been really great, I'm even converting. Hopefully, I will get confirmed and my first communion on Easter Eve.
On September 21, 2013, we got our marriage blessed by the church! It was our 12 year wedding anniversary, and it was such a beautiful day. We went to the Plaza Art Fair afterwards and partied!
Also, I got my old job back and I applied for a new opportunity so we shall see! I still do pinup shoots, just on a more limited basis. It's actually great, I have so much time and energy to devote them when I get an opportunity. I guess doing the photo thing for me full-time just doesn't work out right now, and I'm okay with that.
Starting three days ago, I stepped up my game and am wearing my cute clothes and wearing makeup every day! I decided it's not worth it to just leave clothes sitting in a drawer or hanging in the closet. I don't want to die before I get to wear them! Sorry, I know that sounds morbid but it's true, lol! Same with makeup, I have enough for a small army, it needs to get used so I can buy more, bahaha!
I am also transitioning to cruelty-free makeup, skin care, and other vanity products. It is a huge endeavor, and I should probably do a blog post soon so I can help anyone else trying to take that journey.
I'm going to end this post with a sad but funny story.
The other day in our Sunday school class for converts, we discussed Purgatory. This is a place people go if they are going to Heaven, but aren't ready yet. If you think someone you love is in Purgatory, you should pray for them, because prayers of the faithful help them in lots of ways, basically. So I asked Gabe if he would pray with me for all our dead relatives whether they are in Heaven, or Purgatory, just in case anyone we know needed our help.
So we sat down and held hands and I started praying, it kind of sounded like this because I'm not that good at praying yet,
"God, if you can, please help all our relatives who have died. Please help my dad Jim, Steve (my stepdad), Uncle David, granddad, Grandma Florene, my friend Marcie, Uncle Charles..."
Gabe started laughing and I was like, "What is so funny?"
He said, "Mom, everyone we know is dead!"
I was like, "No way, think of all the people who are still alive and be thankful for them."
I had to smile afterwards and think of how strong we all are, because we have lost so much but we keep going and find happiness everyday.
Whether you are religious or not, I hope you can find things to make you happy.
Now you are all caught up!


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Skate Boards and Clothing Box 13
Skate - Skate Board - Skateboarding - Skateboarders
skateboarding Games - Skate Wizard - Snowboard - Adventure Snowboarding
Social Media – Bring Your Skates
The owners of the social media site, ShoutLife, are all in their twenties. They have sought to create a fun environment for their thousands of guests. Connections are made and marketing takes place as members enjoy getting to know more and more 'friends'. If you stick around long enough you are likely to receive a bulletin alerting the minions to a group-wide event. Recently that event was a roller skating party in Michigan. The date and time was announced for a facility that likely housed around 200 individuals.
What about the individuals who live in Australia, or Maine for that matter? How many of these individuals would/could travel to Michigan for a roller skating party hosted by individuals they had never met? There is a strong likelihood that the owners of ShoutLife wound up skating with some of their friends and family. Perhaps a few members who lived in the region showed up, but most of the visitors of this social media site did not attend. The question is, "Did it make sense for the owners to post an event that would not likely draw a crowd?" The answer is yes. You see, for most of us just the thought of trying to gather a global network of individuals to something as simple as a skating party will draw a smile. Not only will we smile, but we will remember enjoyable times with friends in our past.
Not only will we remember, but we will come to associate a positive impression with the social network that promoted the idea. Chances are strong that the owners had every expectation that the attendance would be negligible at best, but in a strange way it served to provide a bond with site users who could identify with something that at first blush seems meaningless. Social media provides a sense of playfulness that can help visitors escape the frustrations of everyday life to a place where individuals with common interests can be found and discussion can take place. Social media works because it is a playground where anyone can go whenever they have a few spare moments. The anonymity of social media allows many to discuss thoughts and feelings they may never discuss with someone face to face. Some may argue that social media is feeding into anti-social behavior and I suppose this is possible, but it has also afforded shy individuals with the opportunity to interact with others and find that place of common ground where they can express themselves in an environment that provides a measure of safety. A portion of the strength of a social media site can be extracted for use in a business site through the use of enhanced blogging options or social media forums. If you provide the right environment you may be surprised at how many individuals will show up – roller skates notwithstanding.
Skate Boards and Clothing Box 13 Articles
Skate Boards and Clothing Box 13 Books
Skate Boards and Clothing Box 13


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A Cash Apology
The North Wales water pollution dangers have
passed. The nasty things lurking in the
taps of North
Wales have
gone. So the water company is paying
ten quid a household to pay for the extra kettles which were boiled to kill the
Without wishing to spread gloom,
despondency and panic, I wonder if, now that there's insufficient money
available to fund so many of our services, this sort of pollution could happen
again. Indeed, a friend mentioned to me
recently that, if terrorists wanted to upset the apple-carts, they might be
able to pollute water-supplies.
Having seen so many lovely lakes in
our land which are actually reservoirs – the Elan Valley springs to mind – I
know that they are often out in the wilds.
In the gloriously hot Summer of 1976, so-called hippies descended with
their tents on those lakes and used them as toilets. Extra precautions had to be taken to ensure
a pure water-supply.
The supply from the Elan Valley to Birmingham was disrupted some ten years
earlier. This was done, as I've
mentioned in this column before, by "Welsh extremists" who damaged a ten-inch
water-pipe, rendering poor old Brum waterless for a while. I doubt if any of our reservoirs and
pipelines have regular security guards.
Ten Glorious Years
There was dancing in the streets of Wales on Wednesday as we all celebrated
the tenth anniversary of our Assembly.
The cups of tea flowed like wine, too.
Big Rhodri claimed that, due to the
efforts of him and his fellow AMs, Wales was becoming more confident in
itself. It's not often I agree with any
political pundit, but I think there's some truth in what he said.
I have made the point before now that Wales has the least culture-confidence
than any of the other Celtic nations.
The great advantage of sending our
representatives down to Cardiff Bay is that they don't have to travel
so far to work as they would in Westminster.
Then, one can often see them – particularly in rural areas – going round
the (local!) shops, or walking along the street.
And, if the Bay Watch gang were given
proper law-making powers, their efforts would continue to help our
culture-confidence grow.
In the light of the news of
expense-fiddling among The New labour Party's front-benchers in London, one of the laws which must be
passed – Westminster permitting or not – that our AMs and their pay
must be transparently honest. They must
make themselves totally open to the electorate.
Indeed, I have asked my own AM, in a
face-to-face situation in a public place, all about his or her (not telling you
who s/he is) financial dealings. My AM
has all available savings in a building society based in Wales and owned by the people of Wales.
And yours?
Archie Lowe


text:
- Dimensions: 99 (H) x 99 (W) 43mm (D)
- Weight: 300g
- WiFi Connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth
- Alexa App is compatible with Fire OS, Android and iOS devices
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