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Now you can advertise products, services and events on our website using banners to display their information.
The Muslim Community Association Website receives about 9000 unique visitors a week with an average of 30000 page views on our website.
Just for 3 days (From Monday 08-09-2010 to Wednesday 08-11-2010), We had average 9000 visitors per week and 35000 pageviews/week. To see our web traffic report please click here to download web traffic analytics report.
You can chose one or many placements from different Zones as showing below where your banner will be displayed.
This would allow prominent exposure to your advertisement.
We offer four types of Zones advertisement and 4 different sizes of banners with Flat rate:
- Zone1 (Home Page) | - Zone2 (Video Section) | - Zone3 (Live streaming webcast) | - Zone4 (Online Bookstore)
- Zone 1 (Home Page)
- Full horizontal banner (580x70) [$80/week]
- Square banner (170x170 ) [$60/week]
- Zone 2 (Video Section)
- Square banner (170x170 ) [$60/week]
- Zone 3 (Live Streaming Webcast)
- Full horizontal banner (580x70) [$50/week]
- Full vertical banner (70x580 ) [$50/week]
- Zone 4 (Online Bookstore - All website)
- Square banner (170x140 ) [$80/week]
Note: that your banner in any zone might rotate with 2 other banners
- Submit Your design: to email@example.com
- Payments:
- You can submit your payments online or by mail to the Finance Office.
- The publications committee will not publish any advertisement without payments.
Please make sure you indicate the size of ads when purchasing. The publications committee does not offer graphic designing service.


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A Sandwich a Day: Chicken Breast Sandwich with Bacon from Epic Burger
Reviews of Chicago sandwiches.
As far as recently opened Chicago burger chains go, Epic Burger is my favorite. Their relatively thin-pattied burgers are balanced and flavorful, and their fries are pretty good, too. But although the menu seems to operate on a KISS philosophy, there are options for the non-ground beef inclined as well. The Chicken Breast Sandwich ($5.99) comes on the same oatmeal-flecked bun as the burgers, and as long as you ask, will be topped with lettuce, tomato, pickle, Epic Sauce, and grilled or raw onions. As far as chicken breasts go, this one is relatively tender, with plenty of crunch-producing char to make up for the cut's inherent dryness. The real draw, though, are the toppings. Fresh and crisp, these vegetables would brighten any sandwich they were party to. A few slices of rich and crispy Bacon ($0.99) didn't hurt things, either.
Epic Burger
550 W Adams Street Chicago, IL 60661 (map)
and multiple Chicago locations
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.

subset: commoncrawl


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CRESTVIEW � Benjamin Shea, at 13 months old, is pretty much like any other toddler.
Editor�s Note: This is the first installment of a series on north Okaloosa County residents with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society�s Buddy Walk is Oct. 26 in DeFuniak Springs.
CRESTVIEW � Benjamin Shea, at 13 months old, is pretty much like any other toddler.
"He laughs the same, he cries the same, he teethes the same,� Benji's mother, Stefanie Shea, said. �He has the same stubborn streak as his brother and sister."
But Benji, as his family calls him, has Down syndrome.
Stefanie and her husband, Chris, knew Benji was going to be special when prenatal screenings came back positive for the genetic disorder that affects development.
"We knew we were going to be blessed," Stefanie said.
While life is as routine in the Shea household as it was when Benji's 2-year-old brother, Logan, was his age, there are a few extra challenges, including physical therapy and other medical appointments, Stefanie said.
When Benji reaches 3 years old, he'll enter school at the same time as Logan, though he'll be in a special needs program. It will "help him stay in line with his intellectual and physical development," Stefanie said.
However, having a child with Down syndrome is no burden, Stefanie and Chris stress. Life remains a typical family's whirlwind of activity, including runny noses, trips to the zoo and shopping.
"We really plan to raise him with the same discipline and the same love," Stefanie said. "There will be the same consistency at home."
The Sheas are putting together a team for the National Down Syndrome Society�s Buddy Walk, which is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at Walton County High School in DeFuniak Springs.
"We have our own team registered for the Buddy Walk," Stefanie said. "It's called Bennie and Jets. We are very excited."
Potential donors, supporters or new team members can call Stefanie Shea, 902-2313, for more information.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.


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May BeyePERSPECTIVE Topics: SAP acquisition of Sybase, current data management approaches, analytic database platforms and data integration strategies
This month's panel of experts discusses the implications of the recent SAP acquisition of Sybase as key for evolving its mobile strategy and real-time delivery capabilities. The panel agreed there is no single ideal architecture for analytics, but there are a number of modern technologies that can work to meet the needs and resources of the business. On the topic of data integration strategies -semantics is one approach that enables better and faster integration.
Topics: Analytics, Business Intelligence, Appliances, Business Analytics, Data Federation
BeyePERSPECTIVE | 0 comments


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Meralco volunteer employees and school officials come as one for Brigada Eskwela.
This website does not support old browsers such as Internet Explorer 8
and earlier versions of IE due to their technical limitations.
Please use modern browsers such as Internet Explorer 9+, Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Opera to enjoy the full features
of this website.
The Foundation is humbled with the recognition given by various stakeholders here and abroad. They do not only celebrate the work the Foundation does, but more importantly, they inspire us to strive harder in making a positive impact on the lives of many Filipinos.Read More
Log-in or Sign-up to claim your points for reading this article!
Meralco volunteer employees and school officials come as one for Brigada Eskwela.
One Meralco Foundation entered into a partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to bring solar power to the Philippines' northernmost island.READ MORE
On his first assignment as principal, Gregorio Legal, 31, an educator with over eight years of teaching experience in public schools in Masbate, was assigned to the Mary Perpetua E. Brioso National High School in Brgy. Tigbao, municipality of Milagros. It is not unusual for new public school teachers and school heads to be sent […]READ MORE


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Boots, Boots, Boots so many styles and how to get it right for you!
What style boots to wear with what and what boots not to wear… plus, how did they ever get on the topic of Brazilians?
Who knows.
But Sharon Haver & Brad Boles are at it again and in this ridiculously hilarious video episode of Impromptu Madness, they talk boot styling tips and what happens when you over mow the lawn, so to speak.
Boots, all the way from short, ankle boots, riding boots, over the knee boots, duck boots, open toe booties to moths and a Brazilian wax!!! Boot styling tips to get it right!
WATCH All About Boots and Brazilians Too- Impromptu Madness with Sharon Haver and Brad Boles, Episode 23:
Watch more Impromptu Madness with Sharon & Brad
Video Topics Include:
- Why you should move on from the tired and overdone open-toe bootie fad. Or as Naveed Hussain said of a tacky fashion event, "It was a circus and open toe bootie was the sponsor!" Don't let that be you!
- Riding boots are beautiful but are difficult if you aren't tall and lean. There are some wide calf styles. Watch the video for riding boot fit tips. And, don't forget that authentic riding boots are not meant for walking the street but really for riding horses.
>> SHOPPING GUIDE: The Best Boots
- Rubber boots and ducks boots are big on trend, but the fashion experts think they are best for the weather and not to be worn as a fashion statement, when there's no mud involved.
- Ankle boots are a classic and here to stay and steer away from the trendy versions. Try more of a bootie with a bit of a heel when you want to wear it with a skirt.
- Combat boots and moto boots are the type of rugged boots that look better slightly distressed.
- Over the Knee boots are tricky to wear and suede looks best as it's not so slutty. If you don't have pin straight legs and have bow legs or have knock knees, opt for knee-length boots as a more flattering choice.
- Have the boot match what's on your thigh for a longer, leaner silhouette
Here are some boots styles that Sharon & Brad talk about:
Sharon is wearing a Rag & Bone jacket, Dolce and Gabbana shirt, Juicy Couture T-shirt, her own of course.
Sharon Haver is the founder and editor in chief of FocusOnStyle.com. Brad Boles is the editor at large and also a reappearing cast member and Jill Zarin's gay husband on The Real Housewives of New York City


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adidas has long been a favorite brand for top tennis players around the world for its style, innovation, and durability. Here you'll find Midwest Sports' selection of adidas tennis bags—the seamless merging of practicality and eye-catching design. If you're looking for a convenient and stylish way to carry your tennis racquet and accessories to and from the court, you're on the right page. These adidas tennis bags range in capacity from small tote bags and backpacks to 6-racquet touring bags. Shop below and be sure to check out our wider selection of tennis bags as well!
25% Off
$65.00 $48.75
20% Off
$14.00 $11.20
29% Off
$14.00 $9.99
20% Off
$14.00 $11.20


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I am excited to share that my husband Nazim Nazim (Nazim Artist) has a painting featured in this exhibition. I hope all of you who are geographically close to Santa Ana, CA will stop by to see it. It is … Continue reading
Tag Archives: oscars
Presenting FEMME: Women Healing the World, a documentary film by Emmanuel Itier
The directors cut of FEMME – Women Healing the World, directed by Emmanuel Itier is currently being screened at various film festivals across the county. Nazim and I are so proud to be among the producers of this amazing film. I am honored to be interviewed and Nazim is over the moon to have 8 of his paintings included, as well.
For the last three years, director/producer Emmanuel Itier has been interviewing women around the globe about the state of the world and what we can do to save our planet and life as we know it. The consensus is that men and women need to use both the masculine and feminine sides of their natures and work together to shift the world towards a more balanced ethos.
FEMME is a daring undertaking, executive produced by Sharon Stone, that starts with the Goddess cultures and traces how the loss of the Sacred Feminine, the diminishment of women, the rise of patriarchy and the development of capitalism have affected our planet. It concludes that now is the time for women to step up and guide the way toward a world of caring economics that benefits everyone on the planet, not just men or a select group of elites.
Included are interviews with visionaries and scholars such as Jean Shinoda Bolen, Jean Houston, Marianne Williamson, Riane Eisler, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Gloria Steinem, Angela Davis, yogi Seane Corn, Rickie Lee Jones, shaman Sandra Ingerman, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Shirin Ebadi, Mairead Maguide, Jody Williams, Celeste Yarnall, Barbara Lazaroff, Carole Wells, T.S. Wiley , Sharon Stone and many more.
FEMME was a huge success at the Awareness film festival and received a standing ovation by 800 women at a women's conference in Aruba. Next screenings for FEMME for the Spring 2013 season will be Palm Beach then Bermuda then Santa Barbara for a special U.N Association sponsored screening!
Watch the trailer for FEMME!
Please contact me firstname.lastname@example.com for possible screening opportunities.


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by Suzanne Collins
Published August 24, 2010 by Scholastic
When District 13's plans come to light, Katniss realizes she has been a pawn from the start. It seems everyone has had a hand in her fate. Now the rebels look to her to assume the Mockingjay persona, to be the visual symbol of their fight. Countless lives hang in the balance, awaiting her decision. Will Katniss become the Mockingjay, despite that it might cost her her very life?
For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:


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[Verse 1 - Tonedeff]
Can you feel the speed coming? The beats humming
You need something to keep your knees buckling?
Keep frontin', you'll be duckin from these huntin' obese gunmen
Airing out these fuckin' MCs puffin', so breath some in
See each one of my words is just stunningly stern
And it's funny you learn through action, not example
That's exactly why I have to smack you
Learn that {smack, smack} Learn it again {smack} got it now?
Didn't ya know that Tonedeff can flow fast enough to mow Sonic down?
Well, I'm on it; shower your senses, power defenses up
If you don't wanna get offended, or else it's death and
A negative attendance in the census when I render you senseless
I'm the veteran that was sent with a vengeance
That's leaving you with a set of bent wrists
And a dented cleft chin, left with a horsejaw
Prolly gonna need a veterinarian or a dentist
Better get a move on; call U-Haul and troop on to Sioux Falls
With blue balls; you all really think you're ill?
Until we're just sharing the bill with you all and we're too raw
Who's stalling? Cause I done never held it back man
Step or take your last stand while we enact raps to packed jams
Idiot niggas, figure they're quicker 'til the maniac
Is leaving them with one shoulder missing like it's Flashdance
Can't stand these motherfuckers that can't rap
Tonedeff and Stan, instrumental like Sam Ash
Fuck a bitch until her pussy cat naps
Y'all niggas are pretty in pink
And you been chillin with the Brat Pack
Fact is, my stats kick your ass bitch
You're too average to consider surpassing
The task is tedious, really, this beat is just feeding me
You thought Gonzalez was Speedy!
Do you feel the need for speed?
Indeed ya do, we need ya to
Clear the way to speed ya through
Can you feel the velocity? Just hold tight
Bare witness to what future emcees will flow like
[Verse Two: Substantial]
You're wacker than Ja Rule, we fast and furious like Vin Diesel
Ink penetrates the papyrus, my pen's lethal
Sookie, Sookie you rookie; goodie, goodie, we been evil
Fuck one-on-one! Tone and I take ten people
To even up the odds cause you and your friends feeble
Styles been played like movies with ten sequels
(Do you love hip-hop?) Does Eminem offend people?
Well, so do we, so absolutely nothing's what you're showing me
Vocally magnificent; what you want is insignificant
In the big picture, bitch nigga, you're so sensitive
Gonna squirt some, I hurt one or two persons before the verse done
Your mom be sucking the girth numb, beat it up and made her cum
E Famm making you nerds run; when I get the mic, it's curtains
If you don't like it when your earth's done blow me homey
Hold that mouth full of cock sauce and a bozack
UV and E til I got wack that's never homey know that
[Hook] - 2X
[Verse 3 - Tonedeff]
Say what you want, but don't ever claim that you want it
Stay in the closet or you'll sustain so much pain
That you'll vomit solid objects you never swallowed
Like hollow organs, you'll cough up dried esauphagus knots and notches
We're the marvelous two that are part of the crew
That came to astonish, The Plague is brolic
Scrape your face with abrasive cleanser, say that we're raining comet
Fame's a promise you'll never fulfill, I'll just set up the kill
Substantial lances in your neck, and then sets your head on a hill
Really, for the world to see, everybody wanna get busy
Until they really gotta twirl with me; I score with ease
And floor your team I'm sure you dream of fuckin'
If weren't for your ball disease, you'd prolly skeez a broad or three
But all of 'em see that you ain't nothing but a poor MC
So, if you're looking for your pride, and a reason to die
In the blink of an
Eye, then keep in mind that they all with me
Now, hold your screams in, you don't wanna play in the court
The kings in From Newport to Kingston
I'll give you more defeats in wars than Normandy
Complete with hordes of soldiers beefin'
Keep your orders straight, cause sweepin me is more than fate could even orchestrate
Erasin more pieces of you than your whore's abortion takes
[Verse 4 - Substantial]
(Substantial, why you rap so slow?) I got asthma
Give me a second... lets see if I can rap faster
I'm smarter, harder; spit quicker, stronger
Even my dick's bigger, longer
In fact it sucks to be you, but what can we do?
You're a weaker, sweeter, poster-boy wussie
Who needs a hug cause you're pussy
You stank pot, thou reek of skank twat
My speech is flame; hot E weak? I think not
We link and bang spots, we drink to slain cops
Who were crooked; the little props I got? I fucking took it
Then spat on my doubters and shattered these cowards' glass jaws
By ripping up rap tours, whether little or no audience
Killed it a capella, even killed it to accordions
Not a battle rapper, backpacker, bitch-smacker thug
Just someone who could whip your ass but would rather show you love
So any further sleeping on me is not recommended
We'll never be fam if you haven't already been befriended
[Hook] - 5X


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Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and Antawn Jamison added 17 in the Los Angeles Lakers' 21st consecutive victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-94 on Thursday night.
Bryant and Jodie Meeks each hit four of Los Angeles' 16 3-pointers, and Meeks finished with 16 points. The Lakers (29-30) have won 12 of 17 and five of seven while moving within two games of Houston for the eighth playoff position in the Western Conference with their longest stretch of solid play in this tumultuous season.
J.J. Barea scored 20 points and Luke Ridnour added 19 for the short-handed Timberwolves, who have lost four straight and 20 of 24.
Los Angeles' mastery of Minnesota is the NBA's longest active winning streak in a matchup. The Lakers never trailed the undermanned Wolves in the latest meeting, cruising to their 13th straight home win over Minnesota.
Ricky Rubio had 13 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, but Minnesota never threated to get its first road win over the Lakers since Dec. 2, 2005.
Andrei Kirilenko sat out for Minnesota with a strained right calf, while Nikola Pekovic scored eight points before leaving with an abdominal strain in the first half.
The Lakers haven't lost to Minnesota since March 6, 2007.
Bryant scored 22 points in a strong first half for the Lakers, clearly focused on scoring while the Timberwolves overcompensated defensively for their low-post injuries. Frequently guarded by Los Angeles native Derrick Williams, Bryant catalyzed a solid all-around game by the Lakers, who finally appeared to become a cohesive team in February.
Bryant and Steve Nash sat out the fourth quarter for the Lakers, who will have a chance to get back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 28 when they host Atlanta on Sunday night.
Bryant threw down a ferocious dunk over Pekovic on the Lakers' second possession, and the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history played the entire half with particular fire. Los Angeles' veteran legs appeared rejuvenated by two days off, and the Lakers took a 10-point halftime lead on nearly 53 percent shooting with eight 3-pointers.
Barea kept Minnesota close with 13 points on a series of strong drives to the hoop, but the Wolves' lack of inside depth was obvious. Rubio also responded well to his benching late in Tuesday's overtime loss at Phoenix.
NOTES: Los Angeles finished one 3-pointer shy of tying its franchise record for a regulation game, most recently matched Nov. 30 against Denver. ... Kevin Love attended the game, but the former UCLA star hasn't played since Jan. 3 with a broken bone in his right hand. ... Zach Galifianakis, Will Arnett, Adam Carolla, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Los Angeles Galaxy players Robbie Keane and Mike Magee watched from courtside


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LGM Year in ReviewComments
Happy New Year! Stay safe!
2012 LGM in Numbers*:
Posts: 2723
Comments: 163,243
Visits: 3,934,352
Unique Visitors: 803,173
Pageviews: 7,459,130
Top Ten Posts of the Year:
- The Two American Flags (Loomis)
- Law School Applications are Collapsing (Campos)
- Oh, God (Noon)
- Obama's the Only President Who's Ever Bowed, Except for All the Others (Kaufman)
- Stupid or Lying: Wildly Overpaid Faculty Edition (Farley)
- The Radicalism (and Hackery) of the Health Care Cases Dissenters (Lemieux)
- I've Had Enough Of You Water-Drinking, Air-Breathing Urban Elitists (Lemieux)
- Third Party Nihilism: The Arguments Can Always Get Worse! (Lemieux)
- Keep Chuckin' Those Facts! (Lemieux)
- White Man Date (Lemieux)
*All numbers according to either WordPress (posts, comments) or Google Analytics (all others)


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Nate Berg
Nate Berg is a freelance reporter and a former staff writer for CityLab. He lives in Los Angeles.
It's an all-too-familiar cycle in municipal budgeting: the city's on the verge of going broke, officials propose cutting funding to libraries, community members protest. It's happened in countless cities, especially since the onset of the recession. In Philadelphia, the record seems to be skipping: that city's libraries have been the recurring focus of proposed and realized cuts. When officials proposed shuttering 11 of 54 branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia back in 2008, outrage followed, community members pushed back, and eventually the branches were spared. Though the closures were prevented, cutbacks were not. Hours were slashed. And the drama has waged on over the years, with the mayor periodically threatening to close down or severely constrict the city's libraries.
Things are bad in Philadelphia, thought Larry Eichel, project director of the Philadelphia Research Initiative at The Pew Charitable Trusts. But are they this bad everywhere else?
"We knew that there were lots of attempts to close library branches in a lot of cities, but in most cases those closures didn't happen," Eichel says. "Library budgets were cut, substantially in some cases, but library branches weren't closed."
Eichel wanted to know how cutbacks have affected library users not just in Philadelphia, but nationwide. He led a Pew study looking at big city library systems to see how they've fared in recent years – before the recession, during, and throughout the recovery. The report, The Library in the City, compares Philadelphia's system to those of 14 other large cities in the U.S. – Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Queens, San Francisco and Seattle.
The report, authored by Claire Shubik-Richards and Emily Dowdall, compares library visits, material circulation, library spending per capita, changes in revenue over time and changes in full-time employment over time.
Overall, library systems across the country have been hit hard by the belt-tightening of city and state budgets. All but two systems – Atlanta and Seattle – saw reductions in full-time staff between 2008 and 2010, ranging from cutback rates in the low single digits to 25 percent in both L.A. and Phoenix and 34 percent in Charlotte. Every city except for San Francisco saw decreases in public revenue dedicated to libraries.
But at the same time, total library visits between 2005 and 2011 were up in 9 of the cities, with double-digit increases in 7 of them. Despite cuts, people seem to be using – and in need of – their local libraries more than ever. And if numbers from Philadelphia can be seen as a proxy for what's happening in other cities, it isn't just story time and research papers that are bringing people to these libraries.
Eichel's research found that 79 percent of visitors over the last 12 months used the Philadelphia library to do the usual: check out books. The second most common activity, though, is computer use, at 57 percent. Between 2005 and 2011, the number of people using the library for computers grew by 80 percent. Growth in the use of the library's circulation materials, on the other hand, grew by just 12 percent.
"Libraries, particularly branch libraries and particularly those in low-income communities, are being asked to perform a number of functions that most people probably don't associate with libraries," Eichel says. "They really are supporting and complementing the work of other public agencies. In some sense, libraries have become community centers. A lot of this has to do with the internet, because in a lot of cities, libraries have become the default providers of internet access."
And this is what makes it such an unfortunate time for library systems to be facing such deep cuts. Now is the time when libraries are most needed by people with limited incomes and educations and resources looking to increase all three. The Pew report highlights this state of affairs, but recognizes that until city and state budgets become less contentious, the trend of pulling funds from local libraries is likely to continue.
Photo credit: George Frey / Reuters. Charts courtesy Pew Charitable Trusts.
The short-term rental market is reeling from the coronavirus-driven tourism collapse. Can the industry's dominant player stage a comeback after lockdowns lift?
Renters in apartments and houses share more than just germs with their roommates: Life under coronavirus lockdown means negotiating new social rules.
Because of coronavirus, millions of tenants won't be able to write rent checks. But calls for a rent holiday often ignore the longer-term economic effects.
We must prepare for a protracted battle with coronavirus. But there are changes we can make now to prepare locked-down cities for what's next.
To help get essential workers around, cities are revising traffic patterns, suspending public transit fares, and making more room for bikes and pedestrians.


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As riders, we know there's a special connection between us and our horses that's hard to put into words, but this bond is so strong that even non-riders can sense it. In an effort to better understand this relationship, our staff Photographer, Kristi (one of the few non-riders at SmartPak), will be visiting a different SmartPaker's barn each month to watch them interact with their horses and learn more about their story as a pair. She will document her experiences in this monthly blog series along with some of her photography, because we all know that a connection so special is hard to describe simply in words.
This month, Kristi headed out to Valinor Farms with Sara from our Creative team to meet Sara's horse, Diem.
Sara Florin stands on a mounting block armed with a grooming towel. Carpe Diem puts his ears back and closes his eyes while she wipes his face. She kisses her horse's nose and giggles. This is a woman in love.
It's early on a Sunday morning and the barn is quiet aside from the distant bark of a dog. I can tell she's excited about her photo shoot from the care she's taking in Diem's grooming and in her own. Her outfit is well put together and pristine, made up of Bradley breeches, SunShield Shirt and Ariat belt. She looks every bit the part of model and rider. Today I'll be playing the part of Photographer, Interviewer, Ring Crew, and Mom (I showed up that morning with husband and baby in tow). My husband walks the grounds, pushing my 6-month old son in his stroller and I begin my interview with Sara. We talk about riding while she tacks up. Mostly, we talk about Diem.
When asked what she loves the most about riding, she talks about feeling the connection between herself and her horse. She says it's great when everything comes together on the course. "Out on cross country, there's an exhilarating thrill in the combination of speed, bravery and precision it takes to get through the course. When that all clicks, it's such a rush."
Sara and Diem first met a little over 5 years ago at a barn in Groveland where she was taking lessons, mainly on boarders' horses. Diem came to the barn off the track as a sale horse, and Sara started to take some lessons on him. Before she knew it she was in love. The jokes from her trainer about buying Diem only made the fact that she couldn't afford him all the more painful. When her trainer approached one day and said it was time to get the photos posted for his sale, she was spurred into action. Feeling the first pangs of what life (and riding) would be like without him, she became determined to buy him. And that's exactly what she did. It wasn't easy; in the beginning she had to take on another job to make it work. "He's the best first horse I could have asked for!" she says, and when I see them together I don't doubt it for a second.
Sara continues to groom Diem to perfection (after all, you don't get a personal photo session everyday!). She answers my questions fluidly, only pausing to kiss and nuzzle her horse. With the way she works you would think she had been doing this her whole life, only she hasn't. Though the horse bug bit her early on, she was unfortunately very accident-prone and her parents wouldn't allow her to ride ("I fell down a lot" she says with a sigh). To compensate she read every horse book she could get her hands on. By the time she was able to start riding at age 12, after begging and pleading with her parents to take lessons, she was well schooled in all aspects of riding and horse care. She knew what posting diagonals were before ever sitting on a horse!
Sara and Diem now compete in eventing together, and he's becoming a pro at Novice level. She talks to him while she rides, which I find completely charming. She says it's mainly for her own benefit, but I suspect he likes it too. For their photo shoot she has set up 2 jumps in the ring and as the sole member of the Jump Crew, I periodically set them higher at her request. I can hear her talking to him and saying "good boy" after each jump. He gets an affectionate pat on the neck and I can tell he loves his job. Not being a rider, I feel like an outsider looking in on something very intimate. Watching them together is like watching a Conductor and his Orchestra, or a ballet…I don't understand it completely but it's mesmerizing. I can't wait for the next shot…
Check back for another "In the Tack with the Pak" update from Kristi next month featuring another one of our SmartPak horse/rider combos.


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Somehow I have landed meself with a rather fantastic lion (a lion of Lyon) and he is a very special Shameless Lion who makes up part of a bloggers writing group.
Not content with just giving away his lions, Shameless makes more unreasonable demands. I have to name my lovely lion and write a piece of prose or poetry to go with it - cheek!
So here is Bragi.
In Scandinavian mythology his name means God of eloquence, prose, poetry and song. This was not my first choice of name and I shall always think of him as Steve but I thought you would all laugh and not take me for the very serious person that I am.
I am also not very good at being a member of anything but I will try my valiant best to be a good member because this looks like a good thing to be a member of.
Check out the details HERE and get yourself a lion of your very own.
Now, what the hell am I going to write......
pee ess - I would also welcome any tips on keeping a lion. I am a vegetarian, do you think Steve will adapt?


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Himmeliwool blanket
|122,90 €
Read more about this product
Made out of 100% high quality, fine South American and Austarlian woolfiber, spun in Europe according Öko-Tex standard. Yarns are dyed in Europe. Product development and design, material purchasing, bindings of the fabric and programming of the jacquard machine is done in own weaving mill in Finland. Warping, preparing, weaving, finishing, drying and fabric inspection is done in own weaving mill in Finland. Sewing in own daughter sewing company in Lithuania, in own weaving mill in Finland and in subsidiaries located nearby in Finland. Accessories come from Europe, mainly from Finland. Main part of production is made in Finland. Country of origin is Finland.
Care instructions
Only wash if textile is very dirty, otherwise take textile outdoors in fresh air for a while. Hand wash at max. 30°C or dry clean. If using powder detergent, dissolve it in plenty of water. Immerse the blanket in the water and wash immediately. Squeeze gently. Do not scrub, stretch or wring out. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out most of the water. Press the blanket between towels until half-dry and leave it to dry in an airy space. Do not tumble dry. Iron with a damp cloth, max. 150°C.
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Shipping & Payment
Shipping to Finland
- Postal parcel, pick up from post office 9 €
- Matkahuolto, Near parcel 9 €
- Postal parcel to the doorstep 15 €
- Matkahuolto, delivery parcel 15 €
- Pick-up from the store 0 €
Shipping outside of Finland
- UPS Standard -package 30 €
United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Italy and France
- DPD Classic -package 30 €
Sweden, Germany and Denmark
Payment methods
- Credit and debit cards:
Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, American Express, Eurocard, Diners Club, JCB
- Finnish online payments


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After apparently solving things a few weeks ago, the Red Sox have (thankfully) returned to aggressive catastrophe status. They're 2-8 in their last 10 games, including an 8-3 thrashing yesterday at the hands of the Cleveland Indians. Josh Beckett gave up seven runs in a little more than two innings, which vexed Boston fans extra because Beckett went golfing while apparently injured last week.
Beckett said of his golf-off day,
"I spend my off days the way I want to spend them," he said. "My off day is my off day. We get 18 off days a year. I think we deserve a little bit of time to ourselves."
Yes, only 18 off days, plus the other 150 or so off days during the winter months, plus the four days out of every five during which Beckett isn't expected to do anything. His sentiment is right-on, I guess, but the math is wrong.
Josh Beckett, Red Sox off course [Boston Herald]


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I grew up watching this strange Japanese cartoon called Starblazers about a space battleship trying to save the earth.
Apparently it's no longer a cartoon.
Man, I'd watch this thing without subtitles.
Click below:
Monday, February 21, 2011
I grew up watching this strange Japanese cartoon called Starblazers about a space battleship trying to save the earth.
7 comments:
- Jon said...
Every weekday.
After school.
Channel 38 (WSBK in Boston).
"Only 209 days left!"
I was a huge fan of this show!!!
See also: "Battle of the Planets" and "Force Five".
- February 21, 2011 at 4:02 PM
- Hopsy the beer drinking clown said...
Where's Desslock??
If you like Star Blazers check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnkdYOhVw&feature=player_embedded
- February 21, 2011 at 7:02 PM
- Civ said...
Wow, I remember that cartoon too. It was pretty good - sort of like BattleStar Gallactica. Do you remember another Japanese one called GForce? These were all on the heels of Star Wars....
- February 21, 2011 at 7:57 PM
- Mer said...
G-Force was the team of heroes on a show called Battle of the Planets. that cartoon actually preceded Star Wars I think.
- February 21, 2011 at 10:36 PM
- Johnny said...
Also a huge fan! That and G-Force and Voltron! The acting on Star Blazers was so ridiculously over-dramatic. Halacious.
- February 23, 2011 at 11:01 AM
- Rot said...
I never really saw those other shows. Just Starblazers. The countdown was such a cool aspect of the show.
Check out this cool vid:
- February 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM
- Eric Lowther said...
I loved Star Blazers!
- February 25, 2011 at 10:58 PM


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I am prone for depressions. I have had 2 or 3 in my life. I've been told being prone is heridatary.
I refuse to take medication for anything unless it is absolutely necessary or it is something that is effective and quick.
I never took any medication against depressions.
The best medication is sports. When you raise your heart beat for 15 minutes, your body starts to produce hormones which are the best anti-depressants. There exists no medication like that.


text:
Analytics should do more than gather. It should act.
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Web analytics.
Organize vast streams of data, traffic, and site navigation patterns into crisp visualizations and reports.
Marketing analytics.
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Audience analytics.
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Mobile analytics.
Know why they come to your apps, why they stay, and how to keep them coming back.
Make it predictive.
Data no longer just informs, it predicts. Get answers to the questions you don't even know to ask.
Data is more than a numbers game. It's game changing.
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Hooked on Books
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019
Chanhassen High School
9 a.m. to noon
Community Listening Session
March 11, 2019
Chaska High School
Blue Forum
Join us for Chalk Talks — April 2nd
Parents – Educators – Community Members are welcome!
Chalk Talks is a community conversation series that features speakers who discover, explore and present big ideas. These fun, short, TED-style talks aim to spark productive conversation and promote advancement in our community.
Tuesday, April 2
6 – 7:30 pm — $10
Chanhassen Dinner Theater
Fireside Theatre
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged
Call Community Education at 952-556-6400
Featured speakers for April 2nd event:
Juan Llerena
Juan LLerena has a passion for entrepreneurship, philanthropy and social responsibility. He is a husband, father and son who loves to engage in activities that bring people together. Born in Lima-Perú, Juan has called Minnesota home since the year 2000. "I cherish every opportunity I have to share personal experiences which have shaped me into who I am today. I hope that by sharing my journey I can inspire others achieve something beautiful with their lives". Juan Llerena
Joe Beckman
Reclaiming a Culture of Human Connection in a SnapChat World Human Connection MATTERS! However, as our society races toward newer, faster, and more efficient, Human Connection is getting left behind. Based off Joe's 17 years of experience speaking in schools world-wide, this keynote identifies the key forces that bind a culture of human connection together, and reveals practical ideas on how to reclaim it in our schools, homes,
Chalk Talks is presented by Eastern Carver County Schools Community Education. All proceeds benefit District 112 Foundation, working to support the advancement of innovation and excellence in Eastern Carver County Schools.


text: The SCOTT Arx MTB helmet: Style, performance and adjustability, at a very appealing price. The MRAS2 fit system ensures a comfortable and secure fit so all you need to do is focus on the trail. All of the lessons learned from Scott's top mountain bike helmets have trickled down to this great all-rounder.Construction:In-Mold TechnologyPC Micro ShellFit system: MRAS2Features:Optimized VentingOptional Reflective Safety DecalsAdjustable Cam DividersRemovable VisorWeight: 260g size M


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Dave.gcb necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 87 diseños de 30 diseñadores freelance.
Gold Circle Benefits (goldcirclebenefits.com)
Gold Circle Benefits Inc. is a corporate benefits brokerage and consulting firm for multinational employers. The important elements to note on our capabilities:
-Global reach
-Target market is Medical coverage for global employees
-We ourselves are multinational employees
-Expertise and focus in our niche market
-High level of service
Our company offers specialized services and consulting in planning, implementing and servicing international benefit plans for global companies.
The roots of the name "Gold Circle" come from the image of the gold rings in the olympics- although we're not in any way interested in replicating the olympic rings. But if there were a single ring used to somehow convey the message, this could be okay. Or the idea could go in an entirely different direction. It's up to the design artist.
We're trying to convey with the logo:
Excellence in service and knowledge
Satisfaction level of our customers will be the new 'Gold Standard'
The circle seems to be a symbol of completion
The circle also may inspire images of the earth, equator, sun, etc.
Also a note that part of the profits by Gold Circle Benefits are shared with Microfinance opportunities for women in developing countries.
Our market is multinational companies who have needs in finding benefits for globally mobile employees. Today they usually depend on generalist brokers- US agents who know very little about global benefits, and do even less to research or help but get paid handsomely anyway.
The possibilities are endless if you have unlimited creativity. There are no rules here. I personally like a shining gold ring reminiscent of the olympics, but my partner doesn't necessarily think that's so important. The name of the company doesn't have to be so prominent, especially if the logo is totally awesome and cool. But the name Gold Circle Benefits, Inc. is much preferred over any abbreviation like GCB for example.
We're a sustainable company looking to improve efficiency for our clients, saving valuable time and money, and we also feel strongly about giving back to communities around the world where opportunities are less abundant.
Where global business partners looking to change how international benefits consulting is viewed, purchased and serviced.
Looking forward to being inspired by your design.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Delivery & Returns - Ambient (Non-Chilled Items)
UK STANDARD Daytime Anytime - £10 (FREE on orders over £50)
UK MORNING (Pre 12 pm) - £15
LONDON SAME DAY (Order by 12 pm, delivery by 7 pm) - £30
Please note: If your order contains a mix of Chilled and Ambient products, we aim to deliver chilled items as a priority and in some cases, ambient products may be delivered separately.
When your order is completed you will be sent a confirmation with the delivery date and tracking information.
It is not possible to specify an exact delivery time on STANDARD, therefore, if you would like a guaranteed morning delivery or to receive same day delivery, additional charges will apply for upgrading the service.
Please understand that our drivers are advised to never leave packages unattended. We will attempt to contact you on the telephone number you provided and it is your responsibility to ensure you are available at this number. Your order will be sent back to us if no one can sign for delivery and re-delivery will be done at the customer's expense.
We endeavour to provide a delivery service to the whole of the UK but there may be some instances where we will inform you if there are any additional charges or timing limitations associated with your selected postcode.
Need some help deciding what to order? Give us a call on 0203 621 8866 or email email@example.com.
Returns: We want you to be happy. If for any reason we deliver a service or product that has not met your expectations, please contact us and we will be happy to investigate the situation further and resolve any issues.
For Ambient Items (Non-Chilled Produce) items must be returned in saleable condition: unopened with all packaging/hygiene seals intact. Items must be returned to us within fourteen days of your receipt.
If your order has qualified for a free gift, the gift must also be returned before your refund or replacement can be processed.
Please be aware that due to EU hygiene regulations we cannot offer a refund, replacement or exchange on items returned in non-saleable condition.
Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of returning the item if it is not faulty.


text:
LOST GALLERY has many photographs of just a man and woman. While the amateur snapshots are often more revealing, candid, even humorous, there are many portraits done in a studio setting, with controlled lighting and props.
Just for this page, let's look at the couple as seen by a professional photographer.
Go back to THE MAIN INDEX PAGEThere are now more than 8,000 photographs in the Lost Gallery. Or try out the NEW BACK PAGE INDEX
Bassingbourn 1944 Long lost negatives taken during the winter of 1944-45 at Bassingbourn AAF base in England.
Area 51 and a Half You are probably not authorized to see these.
Don't take my picture! Oh! You DID didn't you! This is a collection of photographs that disappear on the way home from the photo processing shop.
And don't missCabinet Card GallerySquare AmericaTattered and LostVernacular PhotographyThe bestFOUND PHOTOGRAPHsites on the web. And for postcards try POSTCARDY And see what's going on over at Sepia Saturday!
All images are the property of Lost Gallery and the author. Permission must be granted for their use. All rights reserved.
THE KIDS It is always a mystery how a photograph of any of these precious children could end up lost or abandoned. Here are a few. You will probably say "Ooh..." at least once.
Dee and the Business School The beautiful Dee. A curious story; What do you see?
WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? "What are they doing?"


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Baby Birth Gifts
Baby Birth Gifts
Baby Birth Gifts Collection
A baby's birth brings in moments of happiness and merriment. The best gift on such an occasion can be none other than gold for new born baby. The Baby Birth Gifts Collection from Malabar Gold and Diamonds presents you with the right kind of gold ornaments for gifting a baby. Malabar Gold and Diamonds is one among the best in the gem and jewelry industry operating from Mumbai and the world around. Gold is an auspicious gift for a baby. We offer you several ranges of rings, pendants, bangles and bracelets on our web page that are not only attractive but reasonably priced as well. The jewelry showcased on the web page has the latest designs and are undoubtedly the best in the world.
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10-night Northern Europe & British Isles Cruise
Silversea Cruises — Silver Spirit
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12-night Norway Cruise
Silversea Cruises — Silver Whisper
Destination: Edinburgh (Rosyth/Leith)/Tromso
Departure: 7/26/2021
Length: 12 Nights
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14-night Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Svalbard Expedition Cruise
Crystal Cruises® — Crystal Endeavor®
Destination: Edinburgh (Rosyth/Leith)/Longyearbyen
Departure: 6/8/2022
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(Full spoilers ahead) I'm not normally one to compare books to movie. Movies are a completely different way to tell the same story as a book, and I usually enjoy movies more. There are things books can do, like detail what's going through a person's mind during any given situation, that a movie can't replicate. Likewise, movies can entertain in ways books rarely can.
(Full spoilers ahead)
I'm not normally one to compare books to movie. Movies are a completely different way to tell the same story as a book, and I usually enjoy movies more. There are things books can do, like detail what's going through a person's mind during any given situation, that a movie can't replicate. Likewise, movies can entertain in ways books rarely can.
The problem movies run into is when directors change the story or ignore big chunks of the story in the book. The latter is what happened with "Ender's Game."
Don't get me wrong, the movie was good. The story of Ender Wiggin was told accurately, albeit a little too brief at times (seriously, the pacing of both the book and the movie were awful. Transitions were way too quick and unclear). Ender (played well by Asa Butterfield) is a prodigy child who has been chosen to lead the human army against an alien race that attacked Earth 50 years ago. Legendary Fleet Commander Mazer Rackham was the hero who saved Earth the first time around, and now Ender is believed to be the next savior.
Throughout his training at the Battle School space station, Ender quickly ascends the rankings and makes new friends (and a few enemies) who join his arm. He is a tactical genius and learns how to handle himself as a leader.
This was the first misstep the movie made. The battle room was the coolest, most entertaining part of the book, but the movie had only a couple quick scenes, really only one extended scene. This was a key aspect of Ender's development as the prodigy he was, but the movie simply brushed through it. Very disappointing, especially considering the one scene they did show was cool. The battle room is an enclosed arena where two teams shoot each other down (the combatants' suits freeze when struck, rendering them useless for the remainder of the battle) while trying to get to each other's base, all while in zero-gravity.
The competition and the need to win became a big driving force in Ender's development. He was so good, in fact, that the commanders would send two teams against Ender, and they would make Ender's team fight multiple times per day, both of which were unheard of. Yet he still stayed atop the leaderboard. Ender's endurance and test of mettle in the movie was far hollower.
In some ways, I like to think of "Ender's Game" as a futuristic space version of "Hunger Games." Kids were being used in morally questionable ways. This was the crux of the story that young director Gavin Hood ("X-Men Origins: Wolverine") focused on in the movie and absolutely got right. Colonel Graff (played by Harrison Ford) and Major Gwen Anderson (played by Viola Davis) are the Command school big wigs. They are monitoring Ender, trying to understand what motivates his every move.
It started with a simple fistfight. Butterfield exuded confidence while calculating his moves, similar to, but not nearly as good as, Robert Downey Jr., did with his Sherlock Holmes character. Ender showed the pain he felt while beating his adversary mercilessly, which was supposed to send a clear message not to engage in a fight with him anymore.
That's what Graff wanted in a commander. A leader who wouldn't be afraid to eliminate enemies at all costs and eliminate future battles. Graff nailed the "It's us or them" mantra into Ender's head during simulations.
Where this becomes morally questionable is when Ender isn't given all the facts. Leading simulated battles is one thing, but in real combat, would Ender lead the same way and make the same sacrifice along the way? When Ender finds out the simulated battles he leads are actual, real-life battles, he is devastated. This is when Ford and Butterfield deliver the best dialogue exchange of the movie. Butterfield shows a range of emotions-betrayal, anger, remorse-exactly as the book did.
There were two major aspects of the book that the movie ignored. One involved Ender's siblings, Peter and Valentine, who created alter egos using pseudonyms and a worldwide media connection to influence entire countries. This story was interesting, but not pertinent to the rest of the story, so its exclusion from the movie was not a big deal.
The understanding of the alien race, which directly affected a big reveal during the ending, however, was a big deal. The aliens found ways to communicate to Ender (mainly through this cool computer game, my favorite part of the book). After Ender destroys the alien's home world in one final, epic battle (done very well in the movie), one last queen alien reaches out to him and reveals to him that they never meant the human race any harm.
This completely changed the psychology of the book, but the movie didn't touch on this. This realization led Ender to sympathize with the aliens so much that he did what he could to preserve the species and let them start anew.
This is definitely a movie worth watching, but to me, it's one of those less-common instances where I'd recommend reading the book first.
Jeremy Costello writes for the Augusta, Kan., Gazette.


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Eight Forty-Eight
Where was President Obama on September 11th, 2001?
In just over a week, the country will mark ten years since the September 11th terrorist attacks. We'll be bringing you all sorts of stories and conversations related to that anniversary. Today we're going to focus on one Chicago resident: what he did that day, and how he reacted in the days that followed.
In 2001, Barack Obama was a lawyer, a professor and a state senator. We have this look at the president's 9/11 story.
As personal memories of September 11th go, President Obama's are remarkable in how unremarkable they are. Mr. Obama recounted the day as "one bright, beautiful Tuesday morning" a few years ago in an August 2007 speech captured by C-SPAN.
"I remember that I was driving to a state legislative hearing in downtown Chicago when I heard the news on my car radio, that a plane had hit the World Trade Center," he said.
Then an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama recalled he was on Lake Shore Drive. He continued to the Thompson Center, the state building in downtown Chicago, for a meeting of the policy wonky Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Vicki Thomas is the committee's director. She and her staff rushed to the Thompson Center when they heard of the attacks.
"And on the plaza outside, we began to see members arriving, so we all kind of clustered," Thomas recalled. "They decided to cancel the meeting."
"As members arrived, we told them that that had been the decision, and everyone was sharing news, of course, about what had happened, what they had heard," Thomas said.
Thomas doesn't remember exactly who was in the group. Mr. Obama may have even arrived at the building a bit later.
"By the time I got to my meeting, the second plane had hit and we were told to evacuate," Mr. Obama said. "People gathered in the streets in Chicago, looking up at the sky and the Sears Tower, transformed from a workplace to a target."
He went next to his day job, at the law firm Miner, Barnhill and Galland.
"Back in my law office, I watched the images from New York - the plane vanishing into glass and steel, men and women clinging to window sills, then letting go. Tall towers crumbling to dust," Mr. Obama said. "It seemed all the misery and all the evil in the world were in that rolling black cloud blocking out the September sun."
In his book, The Audacity of Hope, Mr. Obama wrote about the scene in the law office. "A group of us sat motionless," he wrote, "as the nightmare images unfolded across the TV screen."
"This is our conference room, and this is where we had the television when the 9/11 explosions happened," said William Miceli, a partner at the firm, standing in the small basement room, with old furniture, law books and green carpeting.
The firm's offices are kind of hidden in a three flat, with no sign on a relatively quiet street just North of downtown.
"The firm was clustered in this room - basically everyone - lawyers, secretaries, paralegals - and the room was full," Miceli said. "We were all watching...it was a small screen.... As I remember it, there was really little conversation. There was no talking. People were just transfixed by what they were seeing on the screen."
So transfixed, Miceli said this week, that he wasn't aware of exactly who was in the room. He has no specific memory of Mr. Obama being there.
Miceli recalled that most people left early that day. At some point, Mr. Obama did too, to his home at the time, a condo not far from Hyde Park's Promontory Point. He described that night in a recent interview on CBS.
"I remember going home and Sasha had just been born," he said. "And I usually had night duty, so Michelle could get some sleep. And I remember staying up...late into the middle of the night, burping my child and changing her diapers, and wondering, 'What kind of world is she going to be inheriting?'"
At that time, few were interested in any profound thoughts this Illinois legislator had on the state of the world. His reaction to the attacks did not appear in the local newspapers, except for a very local one: the Hyde Park Herald.
The paper frequently ran columns by the neighborhood's elected officials, including Mr. Obama. After 9/11, then-editor Caitlin Devitt invited them to submit short statements for the following week's edition.
"The essence of this tragedy, it seems to me, derives from a fundamental absence of empathy on the part the attackers: an inability to imagine, or connect with, the humanity and suffering of others," Mr. Obama wrote. "Such a failure of empathy, such numbness to the pain of a child or the desperation of a parent, is not innate; nor, history tells us, is it unique to a particular culture, religion, or ethnicity. It may find expression in a particular brand of violence, and may be channeled by particular demagogues or fanatics. Most often, though, it grows out of a climate of poverty and ignorance, helplessness and despair."
Devitt said these comments were perhaps more nuanced that most political reactions at the time. Politicians like Mr. Obama, she said, know how to write for the less-hawkish Hyde Parkers.
Devitt doesn't remember taking special notice of Mr. Obama's September 19th statement.
"I mean, I never really imagined that these words that I'm reading now would one day maybe be translated into policy - foreign policy, you know, or our national policy, that's, you know, that's pretty, I don't think I thought that big about him," Devitt said.
At that time, the future president was also a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago's law school. The fall quarter hadn't yet begun, but a university spokesman said that by late September, Mr. Obama was teaching a couple courses.
Jaime Escuder was in one of them: Constitutional Law III: Equal Protection and Substantive Due Process. Escuder said in a recent interview that he can remember only one time that Mr. Obama made a comment related to September 11th.
"People starting wearing...the American flag starting appearing everywhere, and particularly - frankly - Republicans, although he didn't mention Republicans," Escuder said. "He did make a comment, though, such that it was clear he was uncomfortable with the - I guess you could say - the effort to politicize the American flag."
Escuder is a public defender now, and remembers his professor's comment when he sees other lawyers wearing flag pins, and when he sees President Obama wearing one. He said it maybe disappoints him a little, but he doesn't fault the president.
"He probably made the calculation that it could be turned into something far bigger than it really was, if he didn't wear it," Escuder said. "He is a patriot and it just takes away one more argument that people could be making against him, if he just sort of goes with the flow on that small issue."
In the fall of 2001, Mr. Obama's political future was cloudy. The year before he'd had an embarrassing primary election loss when he tried to oust U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush. But he'd started to think about a statewide run.
"We went to lunch right after 9/11," said Eric Adelstein, a political consultant based in Chicago.
At lunch, he and Mr. Obama talked about the terrorist attacks, which dominated most conversations at the time, Adelstein recalled. And the state senator with eyes for a bigger office asked him about the logistics of a U.S. Senate campaign. Adelstein said they both acknowledged a specific hurdle.
"He or I might have said, 'You know, now his name rhymes with this horrible mass murderer who's been accused of doing this thing and that would just create an added challenge," Adelstein said this week.
In his book, Mr. Obama wrote about this lunch with an unnamed "media consultant."
"We both looked down at the newspaper beside him," Obama wrote. "There, on the front page, was Osama bin Laden."
"Hell of a thing, isn't it?" Mr. Obama quoted the consultant. "Really bad luck. You can't change your name of course."
Mr. Obama wrote that the consultant "shrugged apologetically before signaling the waiter to bring us the check."
Adelstein doesn't remember it quite like that.
"I think I'd write that off to the poetic license of the author," Adelstein said. "It didn't exactly happen that way. But, you know, he's become president at a difficult time. Everyone who knew him back then, knew that this guy was going to go far, and I think we're grateful that he has."
Adelstin doesn't remember the exact date of the lunch, name of the restaurant or what the two men ate.
A lot of details get fuzzy over ten years. And it's not like everyone in the aftermath of 9/11 made a conscious decision to remember their interactions with Barack Obama, on the off-chance he would someday be in a position to, say, order a military operation to kill the terrorist behind the attacks.
Back then, he was a lawyer, a professor and a state senator. No more important than any of us, on a day that nonetheless would largely shape his presidency.


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Direct bookings offer the best room rates, cancellation terms and a choice of rooms. Reservations staff at Number Four Hotel - Part of The Mercer Collection know every room and building inside out so can offer you the best advice on which room to opt for. We can also talk through specific requests i.e. if you require a low floor, prefer a walk-in shower, want to make sure your room doesn't have a sloped ceiling or any number of other requests!
With any room booked on a 3rd party site there is no specific room choice and we cannot offer upgrades or changes due to 3rd party restrictions. Using one of these sites also means the booking is more expensive - you will see a comparative rate when searching on our site so you can be assured you are getting the best possible price.
If you are booking on our website and there is a particular room you would like let us know - we will do our best to accommodate it for you.
We do not take dogs at Number Four Hotel.
Why not call us on 02392 008444 or email us here if you need more help. You can also use the live chat widget to the left of the screen where a reservations staff member can help you.


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- Products
- Services
- News
- Gallery
- Support
- About us
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|Guaranteed optical output
|Center wavelength tolerance (± nm)
|Center wavelength (nm)
|637 (red), 520 (green), 445 (blue)
|Beam size (FWHM, hor. x vert., mm)
|3.5x3.5 (red), 4x3.5 (green), 4.5x4.5 (blue)
|Beam divergence (half angle, hor. x vert., mrad)
|0.3 (red), 0.4x0.2 (green), 0.4x0.2 (blue)
|Linear polarization
|Modulation frequency
|Power consumption
Name: Module 3.0RGB
Length: 110
Width: 60
Height: 35
Contact us about current delivery dates. If you need your equipment by a specific date, we will do all we can to ship it to you as soon as possible.Contact Us
Do you have a specific request? Click the button below to get a custom quote addressing your needs and preferences.Get a Quote
All our products comply with strict international safety regulations. Click to find out more about laser safety.Learn more
|3W|full colour KVANT laser module
|2,280 €
|3W|full colour KVANT laser module
|2,280 €
If you don't need to buy, just rent. Over 100 laser systems are ready for immediate transfer to you and your spectacular show.
From laser shows and displays to laser mapping, 3D video and holographic projections, right up to fireworks and water shows. You name it, we can do it.
If you need professional custom work, our in-house development, design and production department is ready.


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I am an avid LEGO fan in my twenties. I never had what I've seen called a "Dark Age(s)."
I started getting into castles not too long before the time they changed the colors in 2003.
I still only use the old colors and elements from before 2003 - a habit which is increasingly expensive.
I have been reading the forums here for a couple of years. I'm really not sure why I didn't register sooner.
I really enjoy seeing everyone's MOCs, and I look forward to sharing my current projects as I get the pictures uploaded to Flickr.
Seems like a great community of talented builders here, and I look forward to meeting you all, as it were.
The Flowers of Time


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ECOTOX, Ecotoxicology and Marine Chemical Pollution, is a research team at the University of Vigo. It is staffed by a dedicated team of scientists with a wide range of experience in all types of ecotoxicology studies, belonging to the Department of Ecology and Animal Biology and the Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food. + info
ECOTOX's Cartographic Viewer is part of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). It is being implemented in order to provide the scientific community and society with a tool for monitoring and consultation on the environmental status of the Galician coast. + info
© 1995 - 2020 Equipo de investigación ECOTOX.


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Wearing #42
It is going to seem strange on Monday night when Dan Baker, the Phillies PA announcer, bellows the starting lineup:
"Batting first, #42, Jimmy Rollins; batting second, #42, Shane Victorino; batting third, #42, Chase Utley, etc."
All the Phillies as well as all the Houston Astros will be wearing uniform #42 on Monday night.
Jackie Robinson Day festivities were originally scheduled for Sunday, April 15 (60 years after he broke baseball's color barrier) but it got washed out at Citizens Bank Park by the nor'easter. The Phillies and Astros were going to wear the jerseys that day.
The game and the festivities were reset for Monday. (For a complete list of the pre-game activities on Monday check out the "Phillies' Robinson Tribute Set for April 23" story in the Official Releases on this site).
Any player who wore #42 for the baseball-wide tribute will autograph the jersey. Major League Baseball will auction all the jerseys with proceeds benefiting the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
One interesting historical note: Robinson, playing first base and batting second, was 1-for-4 with two runs scored against the Phillies 60 years ago on April 23. It was Robinson's second game against the Phillies (2-for-4 in a 1-0 win on April 22).
The second-place Brooklyn Dodgers (3-2) defeated the third-place Phillies (4-3), 5-2, at Ebbets Field on that Wednesday night, April 23.


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If you are looking to pass time, flash games are one of the best ways to do that. There are hundreds of flash games available both online, offline, and you can't easily choose from one of them, unless you a zombie dedicating your life on finding the best flash games online. But I'm certain that you are not. And here's a list to help you find the best flash game to play.
The game's initial impression appears to be somewhat average, such as obliging players to role-play the part of a small-town blacksmith hell-bent on furnishing his band of pig warriors with the finest weapons ever amassed. Once created through a straightforward procedure incorporating a large number of click-dependent mini games (i.e. pouring bronze, pounding edges, developing grips), players then manage a few warriors in the field, gathering plans, pearls, and different assets foes drop so as to manufacture more refined weapons.
Realm of the Mad God
Realm of the Mad God is a bullet hell shooter by Wild Shadow Studios. The player is transported into a dreamland ruled by malevolent followers and bosses sent by the tyrant Oryx. Whether you decide to solo or play co-operatively, you must fight through hordes of beasts, finishing missions, at the same time plundering an extensive variety of weapons and protective layers. The rarest and most powerful things can be found by investigating enormous complex dungeons and combatting bosses.
The tunneling title is reminiscent of old classics like Dig Dug and Boulder Dash, setting players in a mission for a mythical, valuable abundance of uncommon metal covered deep inside the dull breaks lying underneath the surface of Mars. Players control an automated mining pod, burrowing some way or another through the earth using down, left, and right arrow keys, and flying upward to refuel their machine at the closest depot.
Kingdom Rush Frontiers
Like its tower defense brethren and forerunner, Kingdom Rush Frontiers obliges players to assemble a huge number of fortified towers to battle off a ceaseless torrent of twisted mythical beasts, man-consuming plants, and devilish barbarians recklessly determined to scour your adored kingdom. The most up to date incarnation of the title touts almost 10 specific tower updates and 18 tower capacities, also a group of new heroes and three difficulty modes, and even presents an in-game reference book specifying every towers' particular strengths and weaknesses.
Boxhead 2Play
Like almost any zombie title ever made, Boxhead 2Play is a session of kill or be killed. Clad in a boxy air likened to Minecraft, players navigate a meager, hindrance loaded map as one of four characters (Bamboo, Bon, Bind, and Bert), getting an arms stockpile of upgradeable weaponry extending from the ordinary gun and projectile to the scattered shotgun and railgun.


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Would you like to sharpen your intuition? Y8 has a lot of amazing exercises for you: choose an escape game and try to solve all the problems to find a way out of tangled situations.
The objective of games of this type is to escape from some place like a room or a vehicle. At your disposal are particular objects that will likely be useful in finding a way out. However, it is not all sunshine and roses since you have to use your keenness of wit to understand how objects will be helpful to your escape from the trap.
Do you know anything about the history of escape video games? Here are some facts we discovered for you.
Some decades ago the world learned about point and click games. In 1983, the Planet Mephius game, designed by Eiji Yokoyama, was released by T&E Soft. The goal of the game was to interact with different objects using the cursor. This game is considered to be the prototype of modern escape video games.
In 1988 behind closed doors, a text-based game was published. The main character of the game was the Balrog, locked in an outhouse. Just this release is mentioned as the first escape game.
Following the early escape games, Mystery of Time and Space was published in 2001 and helped popularized escape games. The main goal for the player was to escape from a room using available objects and clues.
Since 2004, new escape games are being published every year. Some examples are: Crimson Room (2004) and Viridian Room (2004), A Gunshot in Room 37 (2006), Cottage (2008), Bars of Black and White (2009), Dasshutsu Game series, Appli Archives collections and other releases. All these games are widely popular, making players plunge into adventure to solve the puzzles.
Recommended escape games
- Escaping the Prison - escape from the prison
- Submachine 1: The Basement - escape from the basement
- Halloween Party Escape Game - escape from the party
- Royal cave Escape - escape from the cave


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Home Decor
Whatever your decorating personality, you'll find fun and functional projects for your home in these inspirational books. Use them to transform your living space and express your own unique style and personality. From quilts and fabric accents, to wreaths and shadowboxes, you can give any room a fresh look with these easy-to-do projects. Discover beautiful home decor craft ideas to add a personalized touch to your kitchen, kids room, living room, bath or den.


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Patient Helper For Hill-Rom CareAssist®
The Mizuho OSI Patient Helper is designed to allow the patient to take additional control of their own mobility while the nurse does less physical moving of the patient. Features include convenient caregiver access to adjustments and the ability to lock the trapeze in place where it is most beneficial for the patient.
The Mizuho OSI Patient Helper may be quickly removed from the bed with a turn of a knob. This means quick and clear access to the patient's head in an emergency. You can also quickly remove from one bed to place on another.
Product Features
The Mizuho OSI Patient Helper is designed to assist patient mobility. The Patient Helper is particularly useful to assist with repositioning in bed, transfers to transport platforms and bed egress.
The Mizuho OSI Patient Helper requires an adapter bracket from Hill-Rom (P/N P1180C01) and a Patient Helper Sleeve P/N 3423-1.
– 200 lb. (90.7kg) safe working load
– Steel construction
– 72in. (183cm) height. Fits through doorways, elevators and operating room entrance
– Weight 29 lbs. (13kg), two piece design for light weight assembly
– 180 degree swivel allows the Trapeze to be locked in position most advantageous for patient assist
– Trapeze swivel feature allows for minimal interference for nursing care, X-ray or TV
– Swivel handle is conveniently located in caregiver's reach, not behind the bed
– Assembles in seconds
– Easily moved from one bed to another in seconds with a turn of the Quick Release Knob
– Easily removed in seconds to allow for access to the patient from the head end of the bed
Order Information and Warranty
|Part Number
|Qty Required
|Mizuho OSI Patient Helper, Includes 3423-1 Sleeve
|Patient Helper Sleeve Only
|Patient Helper Upright & Trapeze
|Hill-Rom Bracket (required to mount Mizuho OSI Patient Helper to the CareAssist®)
Warranty: Mizuho OSI guarantees all of its products for a period of one (1) year from date of invoice for defects in material and workmanship with the exception of products which are misused, altered or damaged.
Product Resources
Assembly Instructions for 3423 Patient Helper
Q: What do I need to attach a Mizuho OSI Patient Helper to my CareAssist® Bed?
A: You need two items:
1) Hill-Rom Bracket P/N P1180C01. This is purchased from Hill-Rom.
2) Adapter Sleeve. The Adapter Sleeve is provided standard with Mizuho OSI Patient Helper P/N 3423. The Adapter Sleeve may also be purchased separately from Mizuho OSI using P/N 3423-1. Hill-Rom also provides an Adapter Sleeve. Make sure you ask Hill-Rom if they are providing the Adapter Sleeve or not!
Q: What is the weight capacity of the Mizuho OSI Patient Helper?
A: 200 lb. (90kg) safe working load. Remember that Patient Helpers are assist devices and are not intended to suspend a patient off the mattress. As such, larger patients receive benefit from the Mizuho OSI Patient Helper. As an example, a 300 lb patient applying 2/3 their body weight to the trapeze will receive the benefit of repositioning in bed, assisting bed egress or patient mobility.
Q: How tall is the Patient Helper? Will it fit through doorways?
A: The Mizuho OSI Patient Helper has a low profile of 72". The actual height varies with bed adapters, but the overall profile is the lowest on the market. On the CareAssist® bed it does not move with the high/low function of the bed. This ensures that doorways, elevators and trips throughout the hospital are not impacted.
A secondary benefit of the Patient Helper not moving high/low with the bed is that when the bed is in the patient room the wall lights and apparatus are not damaged by moving parts.
Q: If I have more questions, who should I call?
A: Please contact your local Mizuho OSI sales representative
Request Information


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Axman is a sculpture I created several years ago and made a poor decision of mounting the sculpture by simply pounding the ax head into the stump. The sculpture eventually loosened and came crashing down. The fall caused several cracks and chips. The repair job consisted of bandaging up the cracks, welding a ¼" steel rod into the head of the ax and drilling a hole into the stump to accept the rod. The final results turned out better than the original and the sculpture is currently on display at the West Seattle Tool Library. I hope you get a chance to check it out.
Author Archives: westseattlefixers
Fixers' Collective Tinkers with Purpose
Top photo: Tool Library Director Patrick Dunn and Tool Library Manager Micah Summers collaborate on fixing a broken espresso machine. Bottom photo: West Seattle Fixers' Collective organizer Greg Kono takes a break from trying to fix a broken clock radio.
The first meeting of the West Seattle Fixers' Collective was lightly attended but productive as members tried to bring a broken clock radio and an espresso maker back to life.
The collective, which plans to meet Thursday nights at the West Seattle Tool Library workshop (Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), is a new venture for people interested in prolonging the life of the things they own, learning how things work, saving a few resources, or who just love to tinker. It is modeled on a Fixers' Collective in Brooklyn, New York.
The small crew that gathered Thursday night dissembled a clock radio that would no longer turn on after it was dropped on the floor. A look at the innards revealed a broken circuit board. When superglue, epoxy and a soldering job
failed to restore power to the clock radio, it was determined that it would probably require an extensive refurbishing and new parts to save and not worth the trouble.
The group, made up of the collective founder Greg Kono, Tool Library Director Patrick Dunn, Tool Library Manager Micah Summers and West Seattle resident Christy True, had better luck with a broken espresso maker. The espresso maker did not appear to be receiving power, indicating a possible electrical short.
After Dunn completely dismantled the maker and checked all the power connections, swapping two switches brought the long dormant power lights to life!
It was an exciting moment. The espresso maker will require one new switch and possibly some jury-rigging to become usable, but should have a second life in the Tool Library. True, who brought in the espresso maker, is donating it to the Tool Library so patrons can have an espresso drink when they come in to pick up their tools.
And the clock radio may still get some life yet. Summers kept the broken appliance to possibly reuse its functional parts on other projects.
Anyone is welcome to attend the next Fixers' Collective, on July 7, from 6-8
p.m. For details, visit http://www.meetup.com/West-Seattle-Tool-Library/events/21903891/
For details on the Tool Library, visit


text: LesbianVideos.com has the largest collection of unique, rare, sensual lesbian sex videos available on demand. It's like you've stumbled into some mysterious all-women lesbian sex haven. If you crave to see two gorgeous women seduce, kiss, and lick every sexy line of each other's body, deeply finger every hole, suck each beautiful inch of flesh of her lover, then come on in, and get ready to indulge in the finest lesbian video library you can imagine.


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It takes summer to get a real picture of just how many people have them. In the wet and (relative) cold of a big city winter you'll spot the odd one peeping out of a collar or cuff, but it's only when the weather warms up and the clothes come off that you really get it.
It seems everyone has a tattoo somewhere. Heels and calves to backs and necks and arms, to places unseen. As I've noted before, how ironic that something meant to make you stand out in a crowd has become so commonplace.
I still maintain that it's ironic that something that's meant to make you stand out in a crowd has become ubiquitous.
A while ago in this blog, I had this to say about them: "My opinion? They're stupid, pointless, ugly, ubiquitous, mundane, and a hostage to fortune. If you want body art, buy a Texta."
I kind of still think I was right - but as with Ronnie Reagan, who once said, when he was proved to have been lying about his dealings with Hezbollah: "My heart and my best intentions still tell me that's true, but the facts and the evidence tell me it is not."
St Paul saw the light just down the road from where Bonzo's favourite bombers now hang out and I've had a bit of a conversion too. It happened like this . . .
I was watching the Graham Norton Show. Channel Ten, the other Sunday night. Comedian Bill Bailey was on.
"I've always been hairy, even as a little kid," Bailey said. "I was like a Tribble. It stopped me getting tattoos. I really wanted tattoos when I was a teenager, as a rite of passage.
"So I went to a tattooist and he looked at all the hair and he said 'The only thing that would work on you would be something you glimpse in a forest, like a panther trapped in a thicket or a woodman's cottage'."
Lots of hair
Men are hairy - in fact, if you look back over the topics of this blog, most of what I've written about is men's hair. And there are still some areas I've yet to have a crack at (no pun intended). We have lots of it, in lots of different places.
Many, many men are getting tattoos and many, many men are hairy, especially in the very places - the arms and legs and chest - where body art is best dispayed.
What do they do? Surely being hirsute can't be an impediment to getting inked - if it was, there'd be far fewer tattooed men - unless they all had designs featuring panthers or cottages. So how you deal with the hair?
Paul's in his 40s, he's got a high-profile job in corporate PR, he's got body art he's very proud of, and he's hairy.
"I keep my arms clean from hair because tattoos are art and art should be seen," he told me. "I use a body trimmer once a fortnight, then shave with a razor and cream."
I might sound stupid but the simplicity and straightforwardness shocked me a bit. I was expecting secrets and potions. Some sort of depilatory cream specially formulated for the hairy tattooed gentleman.
But no, a body trimmer and a shaving razor. It's not like I'd cracked the secrets of the universe, but I was knocked a little bit sideways by the lack of complexity or arcana. And if that was a minor revelation, what he had to say next - and the passion he displayed - changed my opinion about tattoos entirely.
Five years in the making
"I was a late bloomer," Paul admitted. "I started getting them in my 30s. When other men were spending their money on clubbing or cars, I spent mine on tattoos.
"The process is very enjoyable. Mine have been four to five years in the making. A good tattoo artist will do a consultation, look at your body form and ask what sort of imagery you're after, look at styles, then freehand draw with Texta on your body before starting to ink."
Paul was obviously proud of his tattoos. They mean a lot to him. He hadn't chosen them in haste and he didn't seem likely to regret getting them.
That's still my objection to most tattoos - they'll last as long you will - and it seems to me too few people choose them with care.
"It's lots of work [but] if you just walk in to the sort of tattooist where you can pick a pattern off the wall then you're asking for trouble," he said.
Paul's tattoos cover his arms and chest but they are very much not the footballer's friend - the 'sleeve'. They're 'meaningful', he says. Patterns and words that matter to him now and given that he was old enough to think hard about it to begin with and took the time time to achieve the art he was after, not something he seems likely to ever regret.
Why jump on the tattoo bandwagon? Disfiguring yourself for the sake of fashion or a passing fad seems foolish, but getting something you can live with, something you'll always be proud of, seems worth all of the time and trouble in the world.
Stupid, pointless, ugly and ubiquitous still pretty much sums up what I feel about tattoos, but Paul made me think about those few whose body art is part of them. Not just skin deep, but soul deep.
Tattoos. We could go on and on. And we have. But how much effort and time would you put into them? Hours and minutes, or years and decades? And what do you do about body hair?


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Students' problems are legitimate and can be helped. These are some of the reasons a student might come for help:
- Feeling hopeless or sad
- Feeling unduly worried or anxious
- Trouble in relationships with friends, roommates, family or other members of the college community
- Feeling unmotivated or unable to concentrate
- Feeling that something is wrong, but not being able to figure out what it is
- Vocational/career indecision
- Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
- Problems around eating, sleeping, sex
- Overuse of alcohol and/or drugs
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling overwhelmed or stressed out
- Difficulties adjusting to college life
What will happen in the first session?
Students will be able to talk freely and in confidence during the session. A counselor will listen, clarify and help the student develop a plan to resolve their personal concerns. Treatment options will be discussed, which may include short-term individual or group therapy in Counseling Services, referrals to external mental health providers and other support services on campus.
All clinical contact with students in Counseling Services is privileged and confidential. Disclosure to parents, faculty, staff or any unauthorized person requesting information about the student or the counseling relationship is both illegal and unethical, unless the student has signed a "Consent to Release of Information" form.
For Parents
Clinicians are available to speak with parents by phone or in person (by appointment) if they have questions about specific services provided. Parents may contact Counseling Services prior to or at the beginning of the academic year to discuss treatment options. This may include short-term individual or group therapy in Counseling Services, referrals to external mental health providers and other support services on campus.


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U21 European Championship: Michel Platini no decision made on future
UEFA president Michel Platini insists no decision has yet been made on the future of the Under 21 Euros.
By Jon Holmes in Jerusalem
Last Updated: 18/06/13 11:26am
At a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Cyprus in 2012, a study was initiated into the scheduling of the tournament and its format.
The suggestion was made that the 2015 tournament in the Czech Republic would be the last in an odd-numbered year, with later editions to be held in even-numbered years.
Platini, speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem ahead of Tuesday's final between Spain U21 and Italy U21, explained the national associations initiated the study with a view to giving more focus and attention to women's tournaments.
"The way I would manage these tournaments is not necessarily the same as the executive committee," said Platini. "We meet many times, and we talk about many different possibilities.
"In Cyprus two years ago, we talked about the women's game and we thought maybe the calendar should change. We wanted to give more prominence to women's football.
"Today, we're back tracking and at our next Executive Committee meeting in Dubrovnik in August / September, we will again be discussing the young tournaments.
"No decision has yet been made, it's not final - we will talk again."
Platini also praised the Israeli Football Association for its hosting of the 2013 tournament, particularly in the face of political opposition from pro-Palestinian sympathisers.
"Everything was fantastically organised," he added. "Everyone was happy to be there, and there lots of families at the grounds.
"As for politics, I am not involved in that. We have had similar problems in Ukraine and Poland recently.
"We know there are some people who demonstrate in favour of one side or another. They're entitled to demonstrate and we as UEFA want to work in cooperation with others to help.
"I want everybody to play football and from my perspective, the IFA has the same rights as any other association."


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Turkey vows more force against Syrian shelling
October 10, 2012
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's military chief vowed Wednesday to respond with more force to any further shelling from Syria, keeping up the pressure on its southern neighbor a day after NATO said it stood ready to defend Turkey.
Gen. Necdet Ozel was inspecting troops who have been put on alert along the 910-kilometer (566-mile) border with Syria after a week of cross-border artillery and mortar exchanges escalated tensions between the neighbors, sparking fears of a wider regional conflict. Turkey has reinforced the border with artillery guns and also deployed more fighter jets to an air base close to the border region since shelling from Syria killed five Turkish civilians last week.
"We responded and if (the shelling) continues, we will respond with more force," the private Dogan news agency quoted Ozel as saying during a visit to the town of Akcakale, where he offered condolences to a man who lost his wife and three daughters to a Syrian shell.By
On Tuesday, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the alliance was ready to defend Turkey, its strongest show of support to its ally since the firing began. The solidarity, however, is largely symbolic. NATO member Turkey has sought backing in case it is attacked, but despite publicly supporting Syria's rebels Ankara isn't seeking direct intervention. And the alliance is thought to be reluctant to get involved militarily at a time when its main priority is the war in Afghanistan.
On Wednesday schools in Akcakale reopened despite the tense situation. They had been closed due to security concerns. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported fighting between Syrian rebels and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime around the Syrian town of Azmarin, in Idlib province, across from the Turkish border. It said Syrians were fleeing homes in Azmarin, some crossing into Turkey on rowing boats over the river Orontes, that runs along the border.
Private NTV television reported that explosions and automatic weapon fire could be heard in Turkey's Hatay province, coming from the Azmarin region. It said rebels were clashing with some 500 Syrian government soldiers, and that at least 100 rebels had been injured, some of whom had been brought to Turkey for treatment.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been fiercely critical of Syrian President Bashar Assad, said Wednesday that Syria was "the bleeding heart of humanity and the whole Islamic world."
Erdogan told a meeting of the Islamic Conference in Istanbul that Turkey had refrained from responding to half a dozen shells from Syria, but when five people were killed last week "we had to retaliate in the strongest way that we could."
Frank Jordans in Istanbul contributed to this report.