text:
Love�s Chapel Presbyterian, 204 Lincoln St., Belmont, holds an indoor yard sale and hot dog sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 6. Call 704-825-8342.
Mount Moriah Baptist, 111 Lincoln St., holds a hot dog and fish sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13, sponsored by the Special Service Committee. Cost for one hotdog, chips, soft drink or water is $3.50; two hotdogs, chips, soft drink or water is $5; fish plate for $7.
The Power of The Spirit Church, 118 School St. (North Belmont) holds a revival at 7 nightly April 10-14 with guest evangelist Brandon Stephens. Special singing each night.
Eighth Street Church of God, 906 S. Eighth St., hosts the Good Samaritan Supper Club on April 6 with dinner at 5 p.m. and a gospel singing featuring Purpose at 6 p.m. Held the first Saturday of every month. For tickets call 704-884-6530, 704-435-8256 or 704-860-3492. Reservations are encouraged.
First Baptist Church, 107 E. Washington Ave., Bessemer City, holds its Homecoming Service at 10:45 a.m. April 28 followed by dinner in the Family Life Center.
New Life Baptist, 614 S. 11th St., holds a Morning Prayer Meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Gary Deaton.
Trinity Baptist holds a revival at 7 nightly Wednesday through Friday with Pastor Danny Castle. Call 704-691-4838.
Charity Fellowship Ministry, 114 James Holland Drive, presents Wordfest 2013 celebrating the 11 th pastoral anniversary of Pastor Gaston Battle. Services begin at 4 p.m. Sunday and continue at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 4 p.m. April 7. Special guests include Apostle Raquel Broadie, of the Restoration Apostolic International Network on Sunday; Apostle Dorothy Matthews, of the Word of Power Ministries, Gastonia, on Wednesday; Bishop Nathan J. Anderson, Presiding Prelate of WAR Fellowship Ministries and pastor of Greater Myers Chapel, Charlotte, on Thursday; Overseer Dorothy Wood of Life Changing Church, Charlotte, on Friday and Apostle Ravon Matthews of the Jerusalem House of God, Charlotte, on April 7.
Firestone Wesleyan, 1700 Union Road, holds traditional morning worship services at 10:30 a.m. on April 10 and 24.
Mount Hebron Baptist, 711 Mount Hebron Church Road, celebrates the Gospel Chorus 53rd Anniversary Reunion at 2:30 p.m. April 21. The church invites all current and past members of the church/chorus to participate in the reunion. A choir rehearsal will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the church. A meet-and-greet event will be held at 7 pm. April 19 in the family life center. The last rehearsal will be held at 1 p.m. April 20 followed by lunch at Amber Jack Seafood and Steaks, 4253 S New Hope Road Cramerton. The choir will sing during the 10:15 a.m. service on April 21. E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com
Pisgah A.R.P. Church, 3600 Linwood Road, Gastonia, hosts a �Hats Off to Spring� luncheon at noon April 13, presented by the Women�s Ministries. The event will feature a meal, devotional, special music, fashion show and hat parade. Tickets are $10 adults and $5 for 10 and younger and may be purchased at the church. Call 704-865-7611.
Providence Presbyterian, 2850 Union Road, has announced its speakers: Chuck Evans on Sunday, April 7 and April 14, Jon Ross Williams on April 21 and Chuck Evans on April 28
Temple Baptist, 701 Littlejohn St., holds a Car, Truck & Bike Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20. Cost is $13 if registered by April 6 and $15 the day of the show. The event will feature food, music, door prizes, a silent auction, a raffle, games and awards. Proceeds will go to support the church mission trip to Honduras. To register or for details, contact Amber at 803-222-6968 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Adams Chapel AME Zion, 212 Lake Montonia Road, holds Youth Explosion 2013, Wednesday through Friday. There will be food at 6 p.m. followed by the service at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Minister Antwan McNeil, from House of Refuge of All Nations, Gastonia. Choirs, liturgical dancers, step teams, mimes, and gospel rappers are welcome.
Mount Zion Baptist, 220 N. Watterson St., celebrates the first anniversary of the Rev. Raymond Gardin at 3 p.m. April 14. The guest speaker will be the Rev. William Thompson, St. Peter Baptist.
Open Heart Ministries, 306 N. Piedmont Ave., hold a yard sale from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13.
Burge Memorial United Methodist, 312 W. Glendale Ave., presents �A Princess Closet� from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today. Girls who can�t afford a prom dress will be able to get one during the event. The day will feature refreshments for the girls while they try on dresses and there will be a drawing for three gift cards for free manicures and pedicures.
Christ for the Nations Church, 409 Polkville Road, Shelby holds and Healing Services, April 5-7, with Joan Hunter, daughter of Charles and Frances Hunter (Happy Hunters). Times are 7 p.m. April 5; 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 6 and 10 a.m. April 7. Call 704-482-8001, ext. 1501.
Bethlehem Church hosts a Cinderella Day from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Dream Center of Gaston County, 2782 Fairview Drive, Gastonia. Girls in need are invited to attend the event, where they can select a dress, shoes and accessories for prom night for free.
Grace Providence Christian College holds its 3rd Women in Ministry Conference from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 6 at New Providence Baptist Church, 1104 Old NC 27, Mount Holly. The theme is �Living beyond your feelings: Controlling your feelings before they control you.� Speakers are: Apostle Dorothy Matthews of Word of Power Ministries, Gastonia; Pastor Sandra Mason of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church of Rock Hill, S.C.; and Minister Tangela Hinton of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Gastonia. Cost is $25, which includes breakfast (beginning at 7 a.m.), materials, lunch, certificate of completion and one credit unit from the college upon becoming a student. The book �Living Beyond Your Emotions� by Joyce Meyers can be purchased at Amazon.com or by the Rev. Jerry Friday for $16. The conference is open to all. Call 704-349-1370 or 704-827-0822.
Send faith announcements to email@example.com or fax them to 704-867-5751. The deadline for submissions is noon Wednesday.


text:
View track
You need to contact the author and request a track before using it, unless otherwise stated in artist profile or track info, even though it's available with a freeware license and can be downloaded.
Search results:
47 bpm
Music - single full track
|Slow relaxing ambient track, very suitable for background music in puzzle/card/board games. Could also be used for a menu, when viewing highscores or when game-over.
"Moments" is also available as building blocks.
Author: Roald Strauss [Request this track] [View track & author details]
About the author
Authors description:
Enthusiastic musician with more than 20 years of experience with various platforms.
Available for project work:
No, artist isn't available for project work.
Accepts paypal:
Yes! Artist accepts payments by Paypal!
Accepts bank transfer:
Yes! Artist accepts payments by bank transfer!
Payment notes:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - With two short sentences, the head of the European Central Bank took the heat out of the euro zone crisis this year. In 2013 Mario Draghi has to live up to even bigger expectations.
The ECB's own forecasts suggest the euro zone economy will shrink 0.3 percent next year and markets remain skeptical that the bloc's weaker members, such as Spain and Italy, can fund ballooning government deficits without formal aid programs.
Progress towards closer economic and fiscal union — deemed essential by policymakers to solve the euro zone crisis — is likely to be painfully slow in 2013 because two of the bloc's top three economies, Germany and Italy, hold elections.
Draghi's inbox will fill up quickly.
"There will be a lot of focus on preparation for the ECB as the new single supervisor," said Nick Matthews, economist at Nomura, referring to new plans for the ECB to take over supervision of the bloc's biggest banks.
"The other big challenge is the performance of the real economy - does confidence return as the ECB is expecting?"
Draghi had only been in office eight months when he pulled the euro zone back from the brink of break-up by saying in July: "Within our mandate, the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. And believe me, it will be enough."
Although he began 2012 relatively untried at the European level, with Berlin suspicious, the new ECB president won support from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her nominee on the ECB board, Joerg Asmussen, for his bold plan to save the euro.
That involved the ECB standing ready to buy government bonds in secondary markets to bring down borrowing costs for stricken countries, provided they signed up to a tough program of economic targets.
Draghi's stroke of genius - or luck - was that during 2012 the mere threat of ECB action sufficed to push borrowing costs down by a critical two percentage points for Spain and Italy, without the need to actually intervene.
This was just as well, since the most influential single ECB council member - Germany's Jens Weidmann - opposed the plan.
Clemens Fuest, research director at Oxford University's Said Business School and an adviser to the German Finance Ministry, explained that Draghi's vow to "do whatever it takes" to save the euro and the development of his plan came at a time when Berlin was under intense pressure to hold the bloc together.
"They didn't like (being pushed to do more) and they knew this would take the pressures away from that area," he added.
For a man who likes to say "the proof is in the eyes of the beholder", Draghi will need to deliver on his pledge next year but without triggering another ECB internal schism that would blow the market confidence he has restored.
The first test is already looming. In Draghi's native Italy, the reforming government of technocrat Mario Monti has collapsed and there is no guarantee that elections early next year will deliver a strong government committed to economic reform.
This threatens to take the three-year-old crisis to a new level and further test Draghi's ability to get a convincing policy response from a fractured ECB Governing Council.
The ECB will likely need to activate its new bond-purchase program - dubbed Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) - in 2013 to ease Spain's borrowing costs. Any intervention will have to be strong enough to show Draghi's pledge is credible.
Bundesbank chief Weidmann would rather not use the OMT at all. Others at the ECB would, and sooner rather than later.
"We would prefer them to apply," one member of the policymaking Governing Council, speaking on condition of anonymity, said with reference to the request for aid from Europe's bailout fund Madrid must make before the ECB can act.
If juggling these pressures is not enough, Draghi also faces the managerial challenge of building up a banking supervisory body at the ECB next year that is both credible but separate from the bank's main business of setting interest rates.
The ECB's new supervisory role is part of a vision for a more integrated euro zone that Draghi has pushed for since he succeeded Frenchman Jean-Claude Trichet as ECB president in November, 2011.
Under a landmark deal last week, the ECB will have new powers from 2014 that will give it automatic oversight of around 150 of the euro zone's 6,000-odd banks, and the authority to intervene in smaller banks if there are signs of trouble.
The establishment of this single supervisory mechanism is a first step towards a banking union that will lay a cornerstone for closer economic integration.
The Governing Council member, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the banking union as being of "existential importance for the euro zone". It will later include a fund to wind down problem banks and a deposit guarantee scheme,
But he and others at the ECB still worry about how the central bank will handle its new supervisory role without compromising its independence on setting interest rates - for instance by keeping rates low to keep banks alive.
"This institution is starting to be overburdened," said the Council member, who wanted tight rules to delineate the bank's new supervisory role and to separate it from monetary policy.
Draghi's challenge here is two-fold: he needs to put the right structures and people in place to ensure the supervisor operates effectively. But he must also separate it from ECB monetary policy business or risk losing the bank's independence.
Draghi's solution is to keep himself out of the supervision business - a strategy that poses a risk of its own as the ECB must make the new body credible without the authority he brings.
"It's not going to be me who is going to take care of this," he told European lawmakers on Monday. "We have to make sure that monetary policy and supervision are rigorously separated."
One tightrope walk Draghi cannot opt out of its monetary policy: in the past this was mainly the business of setting interest rates to keep inflation in check. This year, Draghi took ECB's monetary policy to a new level with his OMT plan.
In Germany, however, the OMT plan has led to worries that Draghi is moving the ECB away from the Bundesbank model of fierce independence. Before the ECB can intervene under the program, a country must seek help from Europe's bailout fund.
"This means the ECB becomes dependent on fiscal policy decisions, and gives up its independence to a degree," said Fuest, who in March takes over as head of German think tank ZEW.
These concerns echo the views of Weidmann. The resignations last year of his predecessor, Axel Weber, and German chief economist Juergen Stark in protest at the ECB's previous bond-buying plan rocked the young central bank.
While Weidmann has indicated he will not resign, 65-year-old Draghi was only able to secure his OMT plan by isolating the Bundesbank chief. Draghi needs to keep him in a minority of one, or else risk his signature policy plan losing value.
This means Draghi may have to forgo the interest rate cut some at the ECB would like in 2013 to help the euro zone's recession-hit southern economies, just to avoid other hardliners - or hawks - joining Weidmann in opposing use of the OMT.
Euro zone rates are currently at 0.75 percent, higher than Britain's 0.5 percent and the Fed's rate of close to zero.
"Draghi's key task for 2013 is keeping the sharpest weapon the ECB has - the OMT - as sharp as possible by keeping as many of the Governing Council hawks on his side as possible," said Christian Schulz at Berenberg Bank, a former ECB economist.
"If there is a gradual recovery, as expected, his chances are good because another rate cut, which the hawks would not like, would not be needed."
Editing by Michael Stott


text:
House Call – Vol. 2, No. 2
Have you read our Summer issue of House Call?
This issue of House Call pays tribute to South Carolina's veterans. Read about our sponsorship of Honor Flight South Carolina, taking our state's World War II and Korean War heroes to Washington, D.C.
Did you know that LMC delivered more babies than any other hospital in the Midlands or that managing fibromyalgia pain takes more than medication? Read it all in the electronic version of House Call!
Click the LINK. http://webversion.staywellcustom.com/lexington/2013/summer/#/1/


text:
We're sorry! This account is currently suspended
This could be for many reasons including a bandwidth overage issue or a resource usage issue. Please check the email address on record for this account for a notification from ROMARG.
If you are owener of this account, please contact us by email at email@example.com or via ROMARG Helpdesk at https://support.romarg.com.
Thank you for choosing ROMARG The Cloud Hosting Provider.


text:
Paul Thomas Anderson tells the story of the relationship between controller-leak and self-contained designers (played by Daniel Day-Lewis) and his muse. To prepare for his role, the Englishman learned to draw sketches, cut fabric, sew and send duplicates, such as, "Have you been sent to ruin my evening, and probably my whole life?" A truly great movie with unique beauty.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNsiQMeSvMk (/ embed)
It may be obvious, but if you don't know, Satan is wearing Prada is one of the best fashion films ever made. There is a scene for everything. A provincial who arrives in the city, a learned and fragile monologue, a change of appearance, an awareness of his own shortcomings in costume … A memory of a whole lot of hard copy without forgetting what the hierarchy is. How can we hate this movie? We don't know.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XuaVC87ZUc (/ embed)
Ready to wear >>: Ready to wear
This satire on the fashion world signed by Robert Altman is going to be a little too fun for a mental partner Satan is wearing Prada. Imagine, at once, a cartoon polar thriller that comes with fashion week. And besides, we invite you to read the reviews at the time, where all the New York glamans who were slightly offended were offended by seeing their surroundings so poorly described.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGVLcwMzGhk (/ embed)
Nicolas Winding Refn has made Elle Fanning the living anthem of this satirical young beauty and innocence of the luxury ready-made clothing industry in Los Angeles. Saturated colors, beaded cheeks, endless legs and arms, Saint Laurent's bare back and G-shaped dresses. There is something to impress. We need to add to the mix a sense of vulnerable terror, a superficial obsession, a heavy climate of jealousy that is largely maintained by veteran models (generally interpreted as top real models) and by hip-shadow motel managers, played by Keanu Reeves. The result is a wild story that ends with a bloody turn. We just warn you that while you watched Pepito, you avoided eating everything on your sofa.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9onWt_gL6RA (/ embed)
It's not really a movie on fashion, but that starts from fashion to the branch to something else. We follow Kristen Stewart as a personal buyer / seller of a popular supermodel. His twin brother recently died, and he receives strange anonymous text messages. One day his boss is found murdered. A cocktail of fashion and Stewart's, therefore, with a great deal of ghosts, blood and shopping.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVKJT7BQqEs (/ embed)
Crazy rich Asians the story is as hot as it is cleverly put together. But if we talk about it here, it is first and foremost an exclusive level of her dress. It is one of the few "normal" films to achieve the status of Fashion Cinema. Gemma Chan amazes us with every outfit, and Constant Wu actually performs the famous makeover scene of a forced figure change. And that's without forgetting Awkwafina wig.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ-YX-5bAs0 (/ embed)
Armani diptych. My best friend's wedding 0 0My best friend's wedding & American Gigolo
There are some fluctuations in Armani's hygiene. In Cinema American Gigolo is certainly one of the greatest moments. The Italian couture dresses are almost a trio with Richard Gary and Lauren Hutton. It should be remembered that the brand was not as popular as it was today, and there is always something fresh and very new to see Gary wearing these fabrics. But Armani fans tend to forget about another movie. My best friend's wedding, in which ian Ulyan Roberts plays a woman with a near-mad jealousy when she sees that her best friend is engaged to the much-loved Cameron Diaz. It is very clear that Julia Ulla only wears Milan's men's costumes. If you have never understood what "shattered" means, hurry up.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2segbP94SE (/ embed)
Recognition of patterns/Identification of regularities By William Gibson
Literary cyberpunk pioneer William Gibson signs up for romance caseworker Casey Pollard, who is tasked with finding out a series of fascinating online videos. But it's also about the clothes of the novel, as Pollard's world coincides with Japan's extreme brands, and his dreams are pursued with foil and nylon images. Allergic to the logo itself, the taste of his clothes is so special that he can hardly wear anything other than his black Buzz Rickson MA-1 jacket. Because we know that Gibson is very good at clothing. He's even completely cunning with the Acronym brand. There is something fascinating about reading this bestseller before knowing its heart. The book was released in 2003, when it was not too surprising to discuss the first collections of Yohji with him. bro. Especially as a good SF vision, Gibson more or less announces the emergence of the Hypebeast culture.
D.V.By Diana Vreeland
There are some good books (as well as documentaries) about high fashion priest Diana Vereland, but these are probably her first memories to read. The story begins with childhood memory. The legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue allegedly attended the Mona Lisa Flight in Louvre – to put an end to long thoughts on how to walk. A cute and crazy book that spans almost a century of folk culture, from Buffalo Bill to Mik Agger.
Amethora. How does aponia save American style?By W. David Marx
Everyone who has visited Tokyo knows how much Japan's aponia has adopted and refined American fashion. In this book, aesthetics and scholar V. David Marx explains with fascinating precision this strange assimilation process over the past 150 years. And how, by the way, he changed the way Americans dress.
Supreme:By David Shapiro
More or less the autobiographical novel, whose main character, David, tries to find out who he is by visiting every supermarket in the world while swallowing the repositories and clinging to them. The style is simple and the heroes refuse, but Shapiro manages to accurately analyze the magic of the Supreme, which makes the brand so cool and why such dedication inspires it.
2011 Raf Simmons plunging into the Dior workshop. The atmosphere is electric as the designer has begun his contract, finding that he has to create the entire collection within eight weeks. Therefore, the film follows very closely one of the most beloved figures in the fashion industry, at the core of its creative process, the downfall of time.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AbdLH9-wGg (/ embed)
With the help of Kanye, Farrell and Daddy, Freshly dressed follows the profound and profound influence of hip-hop culture on the fashion world. Director Sacha en Aync follows a range of styles from the Bronze to the current icons like the A $ AP Rocky.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ9LyiNrA-s (/ embed)
If you think you are not catching fashion, this doctor may force you to change your mind. He returns to the frame of Alexander McQueen and his work, both Gothic and extractive. It shows how much McQueen is a dead couture, nature designer, sketch master, wizard of materials, and a boy whose heart was shaking with constant love for his art.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OjX3ZbsfbU (/ embed)
A deep portrait of one of the most important figures in the sport of sneakers. Sonny Vacarro is one of the reasons that institutions like Jordan Brand exist because he helped sign basketball player Nike in the 80s. He is also there for many to sign "sneakers", a practice now common around the world.
When everything seems to be collapsing around you, there is something comforting about thinking or wearing a tailored suit. Some of us even spent time around the house surrounded just for our videoconferencing meetings. But we can gladly watch this documentary on Ralph Lauren directed by Susan Lacey to understand the calming potential of strips, buttons, tin pants and blouses.
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3T8ttxTX-I (/ embed)
Applications and series
Fashion lovers have long known the show Project runway, which is its eighteenth season this year. The team has changed two years. Heidi Klum has been replaced by Carly Claus, and host Tim Gunn has replaced Christian Siriano. You will not believe that the program is so old when you look at this new formula that shines as time goes on. This past season's episodes are in the best of the best. We especially liked the sponsored "Cats" theme. The level of candidates is impressive. One in particular is thinking of this 64-year-old woman, Nancy Volpe-Beringer, whose latest profession as a seamstress is turning into luxurious works of art.
The world was simpler. And men's fashion too. Before we spent our days thinking about which coat to wear with tie and loafers, many male lovers of clothing left the same place – raw jeans. And here's this HBO series called How to make it in America? While it was wonderful and funny, it told the story of two friends who tried their luck in the world of high-end jeans. At that time we were talkingSurroundings: street clothing option. Today we'd rather see a friends APC version.
Authors: Nikki Ogunnaike, Codie Steensma, Rachel Tashjian, Cam Wolf, Samuel Hine
Stay home but with us … Get three free editions by subscribing to GQ Magazine. Take advantage of our exclusive subscription offer by clicking here.
- Richard Marx says wife Daisy Fuentes inspires her music: NBC Southern California for richard marx w polsce
- M. Delevoye, the corrupt bourgeoisie for richard marx greatest hits youtube
- Unlimited: Richard Mark. Amazon.fr: Music for richard marx 1990
- Death of Robert Conrad (mysteries of the West) at the age of 84 for richard marx i'll be waiting
- BD authors. End of Concessions for richard marx quotes
- Interview with Daniel Bachet about the company's goals for richard marx mullet
- "Let's live together as brothers, or be crazy until the end," said Martin Luther King Jr. | LICRA: for richard marx new song


text:
Windows: Right click on the image, then select "Set as Wallpaper" You can fine-tune your wallpaper settings in the Display Control Panel.
MacIntosh System 8 and 9: Click and hold the mouse button on the image. Pull down menu to "Download Image to Disk." Save the image down the path of: Your Hard Drive, System folder, Appearance, Desktop Pictures, and Photos. Go to "Appearance" under the control panels and set the image as your background.
All photographs © Copyright Coastal Living Magazine.


text: Dealer Disclosure: While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Price Difference may include Manufacturer incentives. Please see store for details. Please verify any information in question with Bergstrom Automotive. Prices do not include additional fees and costs of closing, including government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer documentation fees, any emissions testing fees or other fees. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice.


text:
Affidavit: Three involved in Ohio woman's dismembering
https://email.journalregister.com/owa/#URBANA, Ohio (AP) -- Arrest affidavits show investigators believe three people were involved in the dismembering of an Ohio woman found dead last week in her bathtub.
Documents obtained by the Springfield News-Sun (http://bit.ly/HfPw9V) say Jessica Sacco's boyfriend, Matthew Puccio, suffocated her with a plastic bag, then stabbed her in the torso in their Urbana home.
Authorities say another Urbana couple helped him cut off her legs and Puccio also removed one arm.
The affidavits say a Fenton, Mich., couple helped hide the parts and transport them for dumping in Cincinnati and Kentucky. Police have said she was killed around March 22.
Puccio is charged with murder. The others face tampering and other charges. All are jailed on bond.
The suspects' attorneys either haven't returned calls or have said they can't immediately comment.


text:
Incontinence supplies are among just a few
of the products that we carry on our site designed for our adult customers that
have experience problems with incontinence. We carry men's incotinence briefs
as well as women's incontinence panties. Our reusable incontinence undergarments
look and feel like regular soft cotton. Incontinent supplies will allow you
users to enjoy public events in comfort and security.
Incontinence supplies have become
common products in today's society for those that may experience loss of
bladder or bowel control. Stress incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB) are
the main causes of incontinence and Urinary incontinence affects about 25
million Americans today. Don't be held back from living, live to the fullest,
visit our site to find incontinence supplies and enjoy your mobility with


text:
Flame Gourmet Burgers in Berkeley, California
Note: You may remember Brad Japhe's email from last week in which he called us out on our lack of reviews in the San Francisco area. To help us build our repertoire, he contributed this review of Flame Gourmet Burgers in Berkeley. Thanks, Brad!
Flame Gourmet Burgers
2985 College Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705 (map); 510-666-8500
The San Francisco Bay Area—renowned for its access to splendor—long ago established itself as a culinary utopia. In 1971 Alice Waters opened Chez Panisse, introducing the country to "California Cuisine" and revolutionizing the concept of gourmet dining to incorporate fresh, local ingredients, and bold new fusions of flavor. It should come as little surprise then that the same city of Berkeley, California—home to this world famous restaurant—also lays claim to places where you could find thin crust pizza topped with peaches, arugula and pine nuts, or even a burger with brie on a French baguette with a little French flag toothpick holding it all together. Although the recent national phenomenon known as the "gourmet hamburger" was not originally cooked up in the Bay Area, it's certainly one that we can sink our teeth into.
Riding this wave is newcomer Flame Gourmet Burgers, located in the Elmwood section of Berkeley. I admire the steps that the owner has taken to mark the setting as a shrine to hamburgers. Alternating bottles of ketchup and mustard line the walls and are at once aesthetically pleasing and nearly Pavlovian in their suggestiveness. Framed low-resolution pictures of assorted styles of hamburgers dot the walls.
When it comes to their ground beef Flame satisfies the burger purists out there. They sandwich a hearty serving (around 1/3-pound) of char-grilled ground organic Niman Ranch grass-fed beef between an adequately sized, toasted sesame-seed bun. The result is a tasty, well-balanced burger that has that wholesome beefy flavor although perhaps with a little less-than-ample juiciness. I appreciate the double sided toasting of their bun;it helps the bun better hold the burger and gives each bite added crunch.
What really stands out for me is the variety of specialty burgers featured on their menu. Ranging between $7 and $8, their many inventive offerings include a Tropical Burger with grilled pineapple and applewood smoked bacon, an Ortega Burger with chilies and avocado, or a burger with teriyaki sauce, red onions, and sautéed red peppers. I went with the Fried Onion Burger, which comes with swiss cheese, sautéed red pepper, and enough fried onions on top to jam a paper shredder. I ordered it medium and the result was an initially crunchy, yet enduringly chewy bite of burger. The overall flavor was enhanced by the addition of ingredients rather than overpowered by them. I tasted the crisp saltiness of the fried onions, the lingering sweetness of the sautéed red peppers, and the savory meatiness of the lightly charred patty with each bite.
The extensive menu items are also highlighted by an array of sides. Shoestring, steak cut, curly, and garlic fries are all available as well as onion rings. There are also sliders that come in four- and six-packs. I didn't order them, but I saw someone at the next table enjoying the heck out of theirs and became appetizingly intrigued.
This place receives bonus points for its inventiveness and the reverence with which it honors its subject matter. To many burger enthusiasts reading this there can be no cuisine more Californian than In-N-Out. In Berkeley, however, local ingredients and fresh fusions of flavor are the hallmarks of the more textbook variety "California Cuisine" invented therein. Consequently, the originality of a place like Flame is what people from around here have come to expect from their food, even something as seemingly traditional as the hamburger. Always striving to create a political utopia, Berkeley residents should never fail to appreciate the gastronomic paradise it has already succeeded in making: a place where all of one's culinary dreams can take flight.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
The Literatures in English Section, as part of the Association of College and Research Libraries, provides a forum in which academic and research librarians who support literatures in English programs exchange ideas, exercise leadership, and contribute to the improvement of library service in the field.
Members of LES are professionally involved in the acquisition, organization, and use of information sources related to the study and teaching of literature written in English from around the world.
LES is a section of the Association of College & Research Libraries, a division of the American Library Association.
Join the Conversation
- LES-L: Subscribe and discuss library issues related to literatures in English
- LES-Blog: Participate in the section's forum for professional discussion and debate
- Facebook: Like the LES Facebook page
- Twitter: Follow LES on Twitter
Attend Annual Programs and Discussion Group Meetings
- Past Programs: Held each summer at the American Library Association Conference
- Discussion Groups: Talk with other literature librarians in small groups (Collections, New Members and Reference)
- Committees: Volunteer for a LES committee and meet other members
- Mentoring Program: Share your experience with someone else or request a mentor's guidance
- Biblio-Notes: The section newsletter publishes articles and announcements contributed by members
- LES Bibliography: Studies of Interest to English and American Literature Librarians: Help LES identify citations for the database
Learn about LES and Its Activities
- Brochure
- Promotional Video: Literature Librarians and Faculty Partnering for Academic Success
- Annual Programs (1983 to present)
- LES-Wiki: The wiki archive of LES documents
View the Section's Research Competency Guidelines and Statement on Primary Materials
Comments may be directed to the LES Website Editor, Brittany Richardson.
Special thanks to Jackie Hackman for designing the LES logo.
Last updated: February 5, 2018


text:
A team led by biologists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has solved the long-standing scientific mystery of how mice first know to nurse or suckle.
This basic mammalian instinct, which could be a key to understanding instinctive behavior more generally, was thought to be triggered by a specific odor (pheromone) that all mouse mothers emit. But, as described online ahead of print by the journal Current Biology on October 4, 2012, the trigger in mice turns out to be a more complicated blend of nature and nurture: a signature mix of odors, unique for each mother, which her offspring learn.
"We set out to find a pheromone trigger, but were excited to find this alternative mechanism," said team leader Lisa Stowers, an associate professor at TSRI who was the senior investigator for the new study. "Compared to a pheromonal system, this mechanism would have been easier for animals to evolve."
Looking for the 'On Switch'
Suckling is the defining behavior in mammals, whose very name refers to the milk-making mammary glands of the breast. Most mammals are born knowing how to find their mother's nipples and drink, and would quickly perish if they didn't—making suckling an example of an instinctive or "innate" behavior hard-wired into the brain. "So far, little is known about how innate behaviors are coded in the brain, what triggers them and what represses them," said Stowers.
A first step in studying an innate behavior is to look for its initial trigger or "on switch," yet that can be like searching for a proverbial needle in a haystack. Even a very young animal is exposed to a vast complexity of sights, sounds, smells and other factors. Many of these may seem to be triggers for an innate behavior, but that may be only because the animal has learned to associate them with the behavior. Finding the essential trigger for the very first instance of an innate behavior—before it has ever been experienced or taught—is a painstaking process of elimination requiring an array of sophisticated laboratory methods.
Scientists had found evidence that the trigger for initial suckling in mice is mediated by the main olfactory epithelium (MOE)—the principal smell organ, located within the nasal passages. Without the MOE, newborn mice fail to suckle and die of dehydration. In the new study, Stowers and her colleagues, including postdoctoral researcher Darren W. Logan, who performed most of the experiments, set out to find the special MOE-sensed odor that triggers initial suckling.
Process of Elimination
Stowers's initial hypothesis was that the trigger was a pheromone, a chemical that is emitted by one animal and straightforwardly triggers a behavior or other response in another. In separate research, her laboratory had found several pheromones that activate other innate behaviors in mice. Moreover, an independent group of scientists had found that a specific, MOE-sensed pheromone in mother's milk serves as the trigger for initial suckling in the European Rabbit. Stowers and her colleagues expected to confirm that a similar chemical does the trick in mice.
The researchers began by subtracting certain maternal fluids from the environment of newborn mice, hoping thereby to see a delay or elimination of their first suckling, which would indicate that the subtracted fluid had contained the pheromonal trigger. The scientists eliminated maternal milk and saliva from the newborns' environment and still observed suckling behavior. That left the amniotic fluid of the womb as the source of the suckling trigger. Next the scientists fractionated the amniotic fluid, separating its chemicals into different molecular weight ranges, with the expectation that they would find the trigger in one of these smaller mixes and eventually isolate a single pheromone.
"It soon became clear that the trigger is not a classic pheromone," Stowers said. No single fractionated part of the amniotic fluid could trigger suckling on its own. Even more strikingly, when the researchers added other chemicals such as vanillin to samples of amniotic fluid, the altered amniotic fluid no longer triggered suckling in newborns—whereas a typical pheromone would still have worked under such circumstances. After further tests, Stowers and her colleagues were forced to conclude that there is no single chemical trigger that works for all newborn mice.
Surprising Results
Instead, the results indicated that the trigger for the first suckling in newborn mice is a blend of chemicals that is specific for each mouse mother. The brain of a mouse does not recognize this maternal "signature blend" automatically with neural circuits that are fully programmed by the mouse genome. It must learn the signature blend before it is able to suckle. In a narrow time window after birth, a re-exposure to this maternal odor mix triggers suckling. Thus, a behavior that appears completely innate is triggered by a mechanism that is partly learned.
The results suggest to Stowers and her colleagues that other seemingly innate behaviors in mammals may have learned triggers that make use of the versatile MOE. "This mechanism that we found is really just a twist on what the main olfactory system already does, which is to learn to recognize odors to guide an animal's behavior," Stowers said.
Stowers and her colleagues now hope to characterize the special, just-after-birth window of time within which the odor mix of a mother mouse triggers suckling in her newborns. "When we have a full understanding of the trigger mechanism, we'll use it to stimulate the relevant MOE sensory neurons in the lab," Stowers said. "We'll explore the connections those neurons make in the brain, and thus we'll be able to study how these circuits bring about this fundamental behavior."
The other contributors to the paper, "Learned recognition of maternal signature odors mediates the first suckling episode in mice," were Lisa J. Brunet and John Ngai from the University of California, Berkeley, William R. Webb of the Center for Mass Spectrometry at TSRI, and Tyler Cutforth of the University of California, Irvine. Darren W. Logan is now a Group Leader at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridgeshire, UK. For more information on the paper—including a video abstract—see http://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(12)01006-8
The research was supported by NIH-NIDCD (R01 DC009413, R01 DC006885), the Skaggs Foundation at TSRI, and a grant from the Wellcome Trust (#098051).
Send comments to: press[at]scripps.edu


text:
- Prayer and Worship
- Beliefs and Teachings
- Issues and Action
- Media
- Bible
- Catholic Giving
- About USCCB
WASHINGTON—Next week,Pope Benedict XVI will canonize seven saints including two Americans: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, and Blessed Mother Marianne Cope, who spent the last 30 years of her life ministering to the sick on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.
The canonization Mass will take place at the Vatican October 21.
"Kateri's life is a witness not only to the cost of discipleship – she bore a great deal of suffering for her faith among her own people – but also to its fruitfulness," said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. of Philadelphia, chairman of the of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Subcommittee on Native American Affairs. "She reminds us that Jesus came for all people in every age, but especially for the lowly, whom God loves in a special way."
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, of Algonquin and Mohawk descent, is also known as the "Lily of the Mohawks." She was born in 1656, became an orphan as a child and was raised by her uncle, the chief of the Mohawk village. A smallpox epidemic left her eyesight impaired and her face scarred for life. Despite the anger of her relatives, Kateri was drawn to the faith by the teachings of missionary priests. She ran away to Montreal, Canada, where she practiced her faith with freedom.
Blessed Marianne Cope joined the Sisters of Saint Francis in Syracuse, New York, in 1862.She became a leader in the field of healthcare, often caring for those considered "outcasts," which then led her to volunteer in the Hawaiian island of Molokai where she took care of the lepers and the poor.
"While Mother Marianne was most noted for her selfless and cheerful work with leprosy patients in Hawaii, it should also be noted that the majority of people she served were Hawaiians," said Bishop Clarence Silva of Honolulu, a member of USCCB's Subcommittee on Asian Pacific Island Affairs. "In this Year of Faith, we thank God for these beautiful models of women who embraced the sufferings of life and who nevertheless exuded great joy because they were so in love with Jesus."
Among other saints to be canonized is martyr Pedro Calungsod of the Philippines, a lay catechist who suffered religious persecution.
As many as 4,000 pilgrims from at least 15 dioceses and archdioceses around the nation are expected to attend the canonization events. The largest pilgrimages are being organized by the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions and Tekakwitha Conference, and the dioceses of Syracuse and Albany in New York, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
The canonization Mass will be aired October 21, from 3:30-6:30 a.m. EDT on EWTN, and it will be rerun at 11a.m. EDT.
More information on these saints can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/new-saints.cfm
Keywords: canonization, saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, Mother Marianne Cope, Pope Benedict XVI, Rome, pilgrims, pilgrimages, Syracuse, Albany, Honolulu, Archbishop Charles Chaput, Bishop Larry Silva
# # # # #
By accepting this message, you will be leaving the website of the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This link is provided
solely for the user's convenience. By providing this link, the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops assumes no responsibility for,
nor does it necessarily endorse, the website, its content, or
sponsoring organizations.


text:
Recommend UsEmail this PageeGazetteAlislam.org
Harassment: Three Ahmedis accused under blasphemy laws
By Rana Tanveer
Published: December 24, 2011
LAHORE: The police have registered cases under the blasphemy laws against a student and his father in Khushab and a headmaster in Gujrat, all three of them Ahmedis.
Sajeel Ahmed, 18, of Khushab was accused of making derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) in a first information report (FIR) registered under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which carries the death penalty. The complainant is his classmate Waqas Nadeem, who said that Sajeel had tried to convert other students and made remarks that hurt their religious sentiments.
Sajeel's father Hakim Jameel was accused of describing his son as a Muslim in his school admission form, an offence under Section 298-C of the PPC with a penalty of up to three years in prison. The complainant in the case is Qari Saeed Ahmed, who submitted that "the Muslims of Khushab are worried about the increasing number and activities of Qadianis in the city".
Mujahid Ahmed, Sajeel's brother, said that the police had registered the cases under pressure from religious leaders. "They have been making announcements at local mosques against Ahmedis and taking out protest rallies," he said. He said that Qari Saeed had a long-term dispute with his father over property. He said that Saeed's own son, a former teacher of Sajeel, had given police a statement in support of Sajeel. Previously, Jameel had said the charges against them were baseless.
Meanwhile in Gujrat, the police registered a case against Basharat Ahmed, headmaster at Government High Schools Kang Chanan, Gujrat, under Section 295-B of the PPC. He is accused of defiling the Holy Quran, an offence that can be punished with life imprisonment.
Ahmed allegedly snatched Arabic books from students who were cheating during exams at his school and threw the books in a pond. The complainant, Qari Mazhar Zargar, accused him of defiling Quranic verses written in those books.
Mubarik Ahmed Chaudhry, the brother of the accused headmaster, said that no one from the school had joined the case against his brother. He said that Zargar was being directed by people who had a property dispute with his brother.
"The teachers have all given statements to the police backing my brother. The police have been put under pressure by clerics here. The case has been registered six days after the alleged incident," he said.
Sub Inspector Akhtar Shah, the investigation officer for the case, said that the headmaster had been arrested and investigations were ongoing.
A spokesman for the Jamaat-i-Ahmediya said that the community faced "an organised campaign of hatred and persecution" in Pakistan. "The campaign of hatred has reached new heights where even educational institutions are not safe for Ahmedi students and teachers," he said.
"Such baseless cases against Ahmedis will not deter us," he said. "This is not the first time that such cases have been registered against Ahmedis and will not be the last one. As in the past, these cases will also be proven false."
He said that since 1984, 298 Ahmedis had been charged under the blasphemy laws.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2011.


text:
We found out that face-to-face with natural and social factors and their clash and confrontation, man should not be a neutral observer. On the contrary, he should play a decisive and effective role in employing specific human powers. With his voluntary and conscious activity, man should use all (his) powers (by setting them) in the right track. He should mobilize them in the way of reaching the main objective and the ultimate perfection.
Without doubt, the power of reasoning is one of the human faculties that could aid this fruitful effort. Solidification of this power will have a tremendous impact on the process of man's development. Even Socrates (according to the different interpretations related from him) saw virtue in reason, learning and wisdom.
But Aristotle cavilled at him saying that many men possessed of learning and wisdom do not use them and thus are not qualified with ethical virtues. For this reason, (Aristotle believed that) it could not be regarded as the foundation of all virtues. By accepting this criticism we add that basically the function of perceptive powers is not to stimulate and instigate. Even divine guidance and illuminations transcending reason cannot spontaneously give rise to will-power and do not guarantee man's attainment of the desired perfection:
…"الَّذِي آتَيْنَاهُ آيَاتِنَا فَانْسَلَخَ مِنْهَا... وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَاهُ بِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّهُ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ"…
"... Of him to whom we give our communications, but he withdraws himself from them.... And if we had pleased, we would certainly have exalted him thereby; but he clung to the earth and followed his low desire... (7:175-176)."
The requirement of prosperity is the domination of the sublime desire to worship Allah (SWT) and the defeat of base carnal and satanic desires. At the same time however, we stress the significant role of man's power of reason in justifying (his) will-power. The reasoning faculty assists us in providing the preliminaries for selection and the manner of regulating and justifying them. These discussions are instances of its effects. As a result, we should always determine our course of action in the light of the guidance of reason and we should prepare ourselves for the reception of divine illuminations.
The power of reason has great importance in determining the objective and recognizing the main course of action. However, it is not sufficient for the recognition of details of the course of action and exact plans. One must necessarily seek help from the wahy and reap benefit of the all-embracing programmes of religion. Thus it is exigent to strengthen the religious insight and to expand (the range of) awareness of religious sources and resources, as solidification of innate perception by means of heartfelt concerns and exercise to concentrate them in various forms of worship is an important - or rather the most genuine factor for true development. Recognition of all these realities takes place owing to reason and rational reflections.
But in this part of the discussion, it is of exceptional importance for us to know how to provide grounds for stimulating the sublime human demand and desire to reach qurb with Allah (SWT) and how to strengthen this demand and make it overpowering.
It was previously noted that at times, a desire is stirred due to actions and reactions inside the body. At other times, contact with external factors provides this. Still at other times it is due to psychological activities which are, in themselves stimulated by external stimuli. Normally instincts related to the branch of self-preservation are roused naturally with the first two factors. The philosophy behind the fact that their stimulation is not dependent on man's conscious activity is that man's individual and social existence in this world is directly related to the functioning of these instincts.
If the instincts were dependent on man's will and choice, they would be abandoned and no ground would be left for the process of development because of heedlessness or erroneous ideas. Yet after ground is paved for development, it is man's turn to reach perfection through voluntary activity. As man's true perfection is voluntary, the greater the range of free choice, the greater possibility will there be for voluntary development. For this purpose, the activity of the second branch of instincts, even the stimulation of the instincts and the determination of the means to satisfy them have been, to a large extent, entrusted to man so that he would reach a developmental result by preparing the means for it.
When a desire is stirred in man and when upon satisfying it, a pleasure is derived or a pain is removed, the soul will pay greater attention to it. In the second phase, this desire will appear in a stronger form. And finally as a result of its recurrence, it will be implanted in the soul. Likewise the soul will become interested in the external factor which promotes the action and which somehow serves as a means to fulfill the desire. In this state, we express love for such and such an act, object or person.
The requirement of love is the incessant concern of the soul for the beloved and the performance of deeds harmonious with this concern. So if we want to give a particular direction to our process (of development) and to mobilize all our powers for the attainment of a specific goal, we must strive for the persistence of the soul's concern for the objective and for its direction. We must do something, so that the soul would become acquainted with the objective and would develop strong love and affection for it.
Persistence of the soul's concern for and concentration on a single objective hinges on ignoring whatever is contrary to it and on abstaining from independently considering any other demand. The soul should employ all instincts at the service of its sublime and perfectionist demand and deem their satisfaction secondary to the fulfillment of this (main) demand. Success in this endeavour depends on a practical programme comprising specific positive and negative efforts to strengthen the desire for (reaching) perfection and theism: The most significant positive items of this programme are as below:
Worship and especially the timely performance of the wajib daily salat with full concentration and sincerity:
"قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ. الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلَاتِهِمْ خَاشِعُونَ"
"Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers (23:1-2)."
If possible, we should devote a part of our time to heartfelt remembrance (of Almighty Allah) and we should allocate an appropriate time and place to it:
"…وَاذْكُرْ رَبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً"
"And remember your Lord within yourself humbly and fearing ... (7:205)."
Continuation of this act would bring about the heartfelt intimacy with Allah (SWT), the pleasure of praying to Allah (SWT) and indifference towards material enjoyments. Likewise we should not abandon charity donations and sacrifice which are the best means to dispense with worldly pleasures and to purify the soul from being tarnished by the worldly affairs:
"وَمَنْ يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ..."
"... And whoever is preserved from the niggardliness of his soul, these it is that are the successful ones (59:9)."
"…لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ"
"You shall not attain goodness unless you spend out of what you love... (3:92)."
"…خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا"
"Take alms out of their property, you would cleanse them and purify them thereby... (9:103)."
Salat and charity donation are complementary to one another. It is perhaps for this reason that they are often cited with one another in the Holy Qur'an:
"وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا..."
"... And He has enjoined on me prayer and poor-rate so long as I live (19:31)."
Each day, we should allocate a part of our time to meditation over the features and signs of Allah (SWT), the goal behind creation, His infinite blessings and beneficence, determination of the sound course of action, the prolonged nature of the path, shortage of time and power, multiplicity of barriers (in the way), futility of worldly objectives, limited and infected nature of worldly pleasures, attachment of worldly pleasures to pains, hardships and afflictions, as well as other matters which encourage man to tread the path of servitude and which preclude him from egotism and mammonism.
"إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ…"
"... Most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect (13:3)."
We should make a daily programme for the recitation of the Holy Qur'an with concentration and meditation. Likewise we should study the traditions, sermons, philosophical statements, jurisprudential decrees and ethical orders so as to always remember the objective and the sound means of reaching it, and so as to use them (as signals) to remind us of our desire to seek perfection.
"وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِنْ مُدَّكِرٍ"
"And certainly We have made the Qur'an easy for remembrance but is there anyone who will mind? (54:17, 22, 32, 40)."
The most important negative aspects of this programme are as follows:
(1) We should not go to excess with regard to material pleasures, as these would habituate the soul with animal drives. In using worldly blessings, our motive should be to prepare the means for the development process. These means include salubrity, power and vivacity of the body for worshipping and being grateful to Allah. Among factors involved are fasting, not eating to satiety, saying little and sleeping little while observing moderation and health.
"وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُونَ"
"And who keep aloof from what is vain (23:3)."
"وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ ۖ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ…"
"... And that you fast is better for you if you know (2:184)."
(2) We should control the sensory and visionary powers which could stimulate animal drives through association. We should especially safeguard the eyes and the ears from seeing sensuous scenes and hearing vain and amusing words and sounds. On the whole, we should abstain from whatever draws our attention to things that do not satisfy Allah (SWT):
"... Surely the hearing and the sight and the heart, all of these shall be questioned about that (17:36)."
(3) We should keep our thoughts from declining. We should especially avoid studying and discussing doubtful matters which we do not have the power to answer. If we occasionally conceive of doubtful matters or hear them, we should immediately set to find a convincing answer to them:
"وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ أَنْ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ يُكْفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسْتَهْزَأُ بِهَا فَلَا تَقْعُدُوا مَعَهُمْ حَتَّىٰ يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِۚ إِنَّكُمْ إِذًا مِثْلُهُمْۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنَافِقِينَ وَالْكَافِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا"
"And indeed He has revealed to you in the Book that when you hear Allah's communications disbelieved in and mocked at, do not sit with them until they enter into some other discourse; surely then you would be like them; surely Allah will gather together the hypocrites and the unbelievers all in hell (4:140)."
"Whoever listens to (the words of) a speaker has worshipped him. Thus if this speaker represents Allah, the listener has worshipped Allah and if he represents Satan, the listener has worshipped Satan.1"
The point which must be kept in mind in the regulation and implementation of the programme is the observation of gradualness and moderation. That is to say, we should never inflict an intolerable pressure on ourselves because, in addition to bringing about rebellion and revolt in the soul, it might produce irreparable physical or psychological damage. As a result in drawing up a programme, it is apt to consult an informed and reliable person. On the other hand, we should not be slack in carrying out the specified programmes and we should not make excuses for abandoning them, because the continued pursuit of these programmes brings about useful results. At any rate, we should put our trust in Allah (SWT) and ask Him to grant us success.
"All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds."
- 1. Wasa' ilush - shi'a, Section on the Features of a Judge, chapter 10, wisdoms 9 and 13


text:
iOS users - add a Speech Case to your iPad* and experience AAC the Tobii Dynavox way!
The Tobii Dynavox Speech Case and Speech Case Pro are iPad cases designed specifically for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Equipped with extra loud speakers, an ergonomic and durable design, warranty options, and more - the Speech Case and Speech Case Pro provide a reliable communication solution for iOS users by transforming your iPad/iPad Pro* into a true AAC device.
Choose between Speech Case for iPad 9.7" (6th and 5th generation only) and Speech Case Pro for iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation only). Learn more in our compatibility section.
Do you already have Snap Core First?
Speech Case and Speech Case Pro can be purchased without software.
* iPad or iPad Pro not included.
Product no: 113500
Everyone has their favorites, and if yours is iOS, the reliable communication solution you've been waiting for is here. The Speech Case, which was designed specifically for AAC with ultimate durability and unmatched sound, helps to unleash the power of your iPad, so you can experience AAC the Tobii Dynavox way.
When combined, your iPad or iPad Pro and the Speech Case work together to create a solution for communication like never before. The Speech Case gives users the freedom to choose technology they already know, parents can rest assured knowing their child is comfortable with their device, and professionals can be confident in recommending a best-in-class solution for their client.
Built purposefully for AAC
with a durable yet light weight design so you can go anywhere with confidence.
Be heard loud and clear
with powerful, integrated, outward facing speakers that provide AAC quality speech output from your iPad.
Created to adapt
to your lifestyle with an integrated handle, strap, and mounting plate holes so you never have to compromise.
Designed to meet
your access needs with one or two switches for control and independence over your iPad.
Tobii Dynavox offers a suite of additional communication software for iOS to meet you wherever you are on your communication journey.
Snap Core First is the ultimate in symbol-based communication software. The research-based Core First Pageset is centered on Tobii Dynavox's systematic delivery of the Core Word vocabulary. Topics, QuickFires, and Behavior Supports, which allow the user to begin their communication journey where they are, and continuously keeps them growing and moving forward. Learn more about Snap Core First.
Compass provides powerful tools that help you communicate using the precise words needed. Features the Stroke and Brain Injury pageset.
Snap Scene is an instant scene-based language learning app that turns everyday moments into chances to learn and communicate naturally.
Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL™) is an evidence-based learning approach to teach basic reading skills to users who are non-verbal and require AAC.
Our software is supported by an unparalleled ecosystem of content and a library of resources to help you learn and grow your literacy and communication skills. Created by leading professionals in the field, our software's broad range of supports will help to ensure successful language development.
Pathways for Core First
Pathways is a free, one-of-a-kind companion app for Core First. Designed to facilitate successful use of Snap Core First software, Pathways is a unique learning gateway that will enhance your partner communication skills and features an interactive goal setting tool, lesson plans, and materials, cheat sheets, and videos to help you make the biggest impact on user success.
Pathways is also available as an online version accessible directly from your web browser.
Core First Lessons and Core First Books
Free, downloadable Core First Lessons are designed to support the numerous free Core First Books we offer. The lessons focus on 3 key goals - to teach what each word means or how it is used; the position of the word in the system; and finally how the words work in connected text.
Access social media, entertainment, medical support and environmental control via Alexa, Google Home and Siri. These smart assistants are integrated into page sets. They support communication and access to information; promote engagement with people; and provide control of things such as music, games, television and lights.
With Snap Core First, you can back up all your files to the cloud via myTobiiDynavox.com, ensuring you'll never have to worry about losing what you have created. Also, this is an excellent way to practice remote editing and modeling. Remote editing is important for parents or SLPs who want to make changes to their child's pagesets while their child is still using the device for communication, and modeling is one of the best strategies for teaching someone how to use the device.
The Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) Reading Program
The ALL program, created by Dr. Janice Light, Ph.D. and Dr. David McNaughton Ph.D., of Penn State University, is an evidence-based approach designed specifically to teach basic reading skills to students who are non-verbal and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Boardmaker Student Center app
Boardmaker Online offers a host of tools to support Speech Language Pathologists and Special Ed Teachers as they provide instruction to students. The Boardmaker Student Center app is where students of all abilities can go to access activities assigned to them through Boardmaker Online. The app brings the power of personalized visual supports and symbol-adapted educational materials.
Live and Recorded Webinars
There are an abundance of live and recorded webinars available for free on TobiiDynavox.com. Webinars ranging from beginner to advanced will be available for Snap Core First. Some webinars will be eligible for ASHA CEU credits.
Our products are the innovative result of a highly-experienced team from Tobii Dynavox made up of educators, clinicians, PhDs, engineers, and professionals who are passionate about empowering others to reach their full potential. We work every day to help people communicate and achieve literacy so they can live richer and more independent lives.
Service and support is easily available from one place, Tobii Dynavox, for all your Indi needs. Indi comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty and 90 days of telephone support to get you up and running quickly.
The optional Tobii Dynavox Care warranty comes with telephone support and covers any device repairs, no questions asked! Contact your local sales consultant for pricing.
Tobii Dynavox also offers the most comprehensive support in the industry. Find all our support information at: www.tobiidynavox.com/support. In addition to email support, you can browse our knowledge base and find plenty of other support materials.
Download product sheets
Have questions about AAC?
Any Other Questions?
9.7" iPads supported are the 5th (2017) generation and 6th (2018) generation versions:
12.9" iPad Pros supported are the 2nd generation version only:
Please see Apple's Identify Identify your iPad model help section.
The Speech Case and Speech Case Pro are covered by an optional TD Care warranty. Coverage includes repair for replacement parts, labor, return shipping, and telephone support. Coverage is USD$119/year for Speech Case and USD$139/year for Speech Case Pro.
The Speech Case and Speech Case Pro are available in three colors: Steel Gray, Raspberry, and Teal Blue.
|Type/ Model
|Speech Case / Speech Case Pro
|Supported Hardware
|5th and 6th generation iPad / 2nd generation iPad Pro
|1.26 lbs (570 g) / 1.8 lbs (816 g)
|9.8 x 7.2 x 1.8" (249 x 182 x 46mm) /
12.4 x 9.2 x 1.8" (316 x 234 x 46mm)
|2 x 31mm
4 ohm, 3.5 W
|Micro USB (charging), Headphone Jack, 2 Switch Ports
|1 x Power On
1 x Volume Up and Volume Down
|Bluetooth 3
|Power & Battery
|15.54 Wh Lithium Ion Battery
|Battery Run Time
|>10 hours normal usage
|Battery Charge Time
|<4 hours
Attach a Keyguard to your Speech Case to improve access for individuals with fine motor concerns.
Spare Charger Kit with adapters and USB cable for your Speech Case or your Speech Case Pro.
© Copyright 2020 Tobii Dynavox


text:
Parents, districts discuss Newtown shooting with students
One of a parent's worst fears was realized Friday as a gunman killed 20 children and six staff members at a Connecticut elementary school.
Many parents said that fear then turned into a fear of how to discuss the subject with their own children.
Mishinda Vinson is the parent of a 6-year-old. She said her son asked if it happened at his school.
"It didn't happen at your school but it did happen at someone's school," she told her son.
Other parents we spoke to near Hi-Mount Elementary said they tried to reassure their children to be aware of their surroundings and to keep calm in an emergency.
"Scream... faint... do what your teacher says," is the advice Marie Noel gave.
"If you see something strange going on, you tell somebody," Vinson told her son.
But she said the questions kept coming.
"You only get too far with a six-year-old and then they have a lot of questions that you can't answer," Vinson said.
A Milwaukee Public Schools representative said the district is helping to give parents important talking points on its website:
Our school psychologists have a few suggestions to help.
- Talk to your child about this, but consider the age and developmental level of your child as you speak.
- Ask open ended questions like, "What did you hear?" or "How are you feeling?" so you'll know what your child knows and what his or her concerns may be.
- Be calm when talking to your child. Your child will take cues from your reaction.
- Reassure your child that adults are there to help them.
- Maintain normal household routines, but do not minimize the incident.
- Remember that, depending on your child's age, it may not be appropriate to have him or her watch ongoing media coverage of the event.
- If your child is having unusual difficulty handling this tragedy, please contact your school's social worker or psychologist for help.
The district feels that conversations at school, at the dinner table and before bedtime can help calm a child's fears.
"Friday's school shooting in Connecticut is a thousand miles away from Milwaukee, but today we are drawn closer by our grief and concern," Thornton said.


text:
On Münsterplatz square, against the majestic backdrop of Ulm Minster, which has the tallest church tower in the world, more than 120 beautifully decorated stalls create a glittering festive atmosphere. There is something new every day, with real sheep in the stable, life-size Nativity scenes, a fairytale marquee and evocative events. Neu-Ulm steps back time too with a blacksmith's workshop, candle making, archery, knife throwing and a wide variety of traditional crafts at the medieval Christmas market. Specific seasonal travel offers and special guided tours are also available.
Christmas market - opening times:
25 Nov - 22 Dec 2019
daily 10am-8.30pm
Två praktiska tangentkombinationer för att zooma i webbläsaren:
Förstora: +
Förminska: +
Om du vill ha mer hjälp av webbläsarleverantören, klicka på ikonen:


text:
The Ultimate Troubleshooter 4.95 Database 29.08.2015 + Keygen-tsrh : 26.45 MB
The Ultimate Troubleshooter offers full-fledged diagnosis of system processes, evaluating each one and tagging those that are suspect or known to be troublesome. It will help rid your system of malware, clashing processes, and processes that slow your system down. It provides detailed advice and simple tools to ensure system stability. It is indispensable for those who require absolute stability on their systems.
A staggering 65% of problems which a PC encounters (lockups, crashes, blue screens of death, computer is running slow, sluggish PC), whether in business or at home, are not caused by hardware problems, they are not caused by viruses, they are not caused by spyware â they are caused by background tasks belonging largely to legitimate and well-known software you use every day! For example: perhaps you have a laptop which works wirelessly in your home with no problems whatsoever. However, when you take it on your travels you are unable to connect to any wireless network.
You're frustrated, you've asked a friend to help, you've been to the PC repair store â and still no joy â you can use wireless only in your own home !! This is where The Ultimate Troubleshooter (TUT) comes in : load it, and immediately it identifies for you the background task which is causing this nightmare. And the irony : the wireless router installation CD sent to you by your Internet Service Provider installed that task, and, naturally, you never suspected it might be the cause of all your problems. This is just one of the many benefits which have made The Ultimate Troubleshooter (TUT) the PC Tuning and PC Troubleshooting tool of choice for Home Users, Small Businesses, and IT Specialists and Large Corporations alike. TUT is PC healthcare, PC repair, PC tuning, and PC maintenance in Plain English.
– Software answers & PC tips
– Fix PC problems
– Configuration solutions
– Networking tips
– General computer tips
– Recommendations Drivers
– Boot disks and Boot CDs
– Software downloads
– Our famous Task List
– ISP email settings
– PC Tune Up, PC Performance
You can find all the above in our Libraries of Answers That Work to help you fix computer problems, speed up slow PCs, disable or remove unwanted background programs, fix computer errors, and tune up your PC. Also, through two decades of providing first class expert IT support, we have developed the award winning The Ultimate Troubleshooter PC Tuning, Task Manager Replacement, PC Optimizing, and PC Troubleshooting program.
What's new in The Ultimate Troubleshooter 4.94:
After five months of testing we finally released TUT v4 (The Ultimate Troubleshooter v4), the next generation. We hope you will like it as much as we like it ourselves and that you will continue to enjoy the best PC tune-up and PC troubleshooting utility around.
Faster start-up time
TUT now starts up faster â 4 to 15 seconds, depending on the PC it is running on, compared to 30 to 60 seconds with version 3.
Clearer presentation
TUT now displays more information on the screen, yet the presentation is a lot spacier than it used to be, and we use bigger display fonts too.
Windows 7 – Windows 8 and 8.1 ready
TUT now does Windows 7 and Windows 8 and 8.1 (32-bit/64-bit) along with running also on all server versions of Windows, Windows 2000/2003/2008/2012 Server.
Popup Help everywhere
Hover the mouse on most parts of the screen and TUT now has popup help.
TUT now shows your running tasks in real-time
The Ultimate Troubleshooter now shows your running tasks in real time. In the previous version of TUT, if you opened a program while TUT was open, TUT would not show the new program until you pressed the REFRESH toolbar button. This has now changed completely. The Tasks tab now operate in real-time. By default it will refresh the display every 10 seconds. You can quicken this refresh frequency to 3 seconds, or actual real-time (less than 1 second), or you can slow it down to 20 seconds. You will find the option under the "View \ Task Refresh Rate" or "Tools \ Preferences" menus.
Colour customization
Don't like the green popup help depicted in the screenshots above ? No problem â change it through the "Tools \ Preferences" menu. There is also a choice of 5 colours for the highlight bar on the Tasks, Services, and Startups screens.
Real-time utilization graphs
In addition to the constantly updated memory and CPU utilization for each individual task shown on the Tasks screen, TUT now also has two graphs permanently visible at the top of the screen which show a constantly updated view of the CPU utilization (processor utilization) and memory utilization of your PC, thereby enabling you to accurately monitor the performance and health of your PC.
TUT shows program icons
TUT now shows program icons next to each task, service, or startup so that the experienced or regular TUT users can visually instantly recognize a task, service, or startup without needing to first read our write-up about it.
Display filtering options
You can filter the display of Tasks, Services, and Startups on the Manufacturer or Status columns so that, for example, you can choose to display only Microsoft Tasks, or display only Tasks with a Not OK status, etc..
TUT is strong on services too
TUT 3 was weak on SVCHOST hosted services. TUT 4 is now strong on SVCHOST hosted services and as a result provides a lot more scope for fine tuning and improving the performance of your PC thanks to our world renowned descriptions, explanations, and recommendations.
TUT can now remove services
TUT can now remove Windows services from the Services tab. Many users find themselves having uninstalled software they no longer want but with the uninstall program having left obsolete services behind. While TUT users have had the ability to disable services for a long time, being able to remove a service when you know that the software which owns it is no longer on your PC, is even better. With TUT 4 you can now remedy the situation with the Delete Service right-click menu option. Note that TUT will take you through 3 confirmation screens before allowing you to delete a service (remove the service), and there are specific Windows core services which it will never allow you to delete.
Ability to "suspend" a task
You can now suspend tasks. This is a very valuable feature. If you suspect an unusual process to be the cause for your slow downs, but you are not sure, you can suspend a process rather than terminate it outright, then observe the TUT CPU and Memory graphs. If they show the performance getting better, then you can go ahead and terminate the task outright (if you think it's a nasty) or investigate why it is consuming so much of your resources. If there is no change in performance, then you can simply resume the task and check another possible culprit.
More comprehensive Log
TUT logs all changes you make to your PC setup and configuration, as well as specific actions such as terminating a task, running Housekeeping, etc… We have now made the logs even more comprehensive with fuller details. You can access the TUT log through the "View \ Log of changes you made with TUT" menu option.
A completely redesigned SYSTEM INFO tab
The System Info tab, previously called the Hardware tab, has been completely redesigned and now sports an amazing wealth of information, particularly in respect to the new Network Connections section as well as the much enhanced TCP/IP Ports and Connections section where Technically Advanced Users you can see which programs open which ports and where you can cross-reference the programs back to the Tasks tab. Check it all out for yourself.
Download Via RapidGator
Download Via SecureUpload
Download Via NitroFlare


text:
An April 26 Wall Street Journal story on costs associated with terrorism––with a particular focus on the bombings in Boston–– quoted CMC's Brock Blomberg, the Peter K. Barker '70 Professor of Economics, George R. Roberts Fellow, and dean of the Robert Day School.
Blomberg was among the economists weighing in on the topic: "How much will the attacks harm the economies of Boston and the United States?" Property damage, deaths, and injuries were significantly less than the 9/11 attacks in 2001, but still managed to shut down most of Boston for the majority of the day.
The writer of the WSJ story pointed out that "economists studying terrorism's impact generally try to separate the direct costs of attacks from the costs of responses," including the cost of war or other military action.
Blomberg was quoted as saying it's best to exclude war costs when assessing the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "Otherwise it turns into a bit of a political exercise."


text:
Skip to main content
We have no alerts at this time, please check back for new G2E alerts!
The G2E Education program will be posted shortly. Check back soon for more information.
1 - 3 of 3 results
Items per page:
Running a casino resort can present a big stats problem. You might know the probability of patrons winning different games but guaranteeing their happiness isn'...
AI offers new tools for casino operators, allowing them to search millions of potential slot floor configurations to maximize predicted theoretical win. AI can ...
Join as the Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professional and the Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Medi...
© Global Gaming Expo (G2E), and the American Gaming Association.
Chat: Live Help - OnlineLive Help - Offline
Presented By
Join Our Mailing List
Organized By
We use cookies to operate this website and to improve its usability. Full details of what cookies are, why we use them and how you can manage them can be found by reading our Privacy & Cookies page. Please note that by using this site you are consenting to the use of cookies.


text:
(Garden Grove, CA) June, 2014 – There are two things that can be said about TV/Film/Theatre actor John Walcutt: He doesn't do things half-measured (quoting the Jonathan Banks character, Mike, in the Emmy award-winning series Breaking Bad and the soon to be aired Better Call Saul) and he thinks outside of the box. As an actor on the Shakespeare Orange County (SOC) stage in Garden Grove, he approached his memorable roles in very unconventional ways: a battle scarred, war hungry Cassius, an uptight Malvolio who longs to reveal his "inner Elvis," a pleasant, happy-go lucky Richard III…even when he starts killing people, and a complex portrayal of Macbeth that has been called Walcutt's best performance by several Southern California presses.
His ability to accomplish any goal utilizing creative methods was also reflected in the beginning of SOC's 35th anniversary as he took over as artistic director and delivered a powerful punch of a welcome mid May as SOC featured a fundraiser benefit that included a barbershop quartet, a deluxe prized raffle, and especially producing a 1940s radio show that highlighted an all star cast of veterans, like Academy Award nominee James Cromwell (Babe), Rene Auberjonois (Star Trek), Gregory Itzen (24), Robert Hays (Airplane), Robert Foxworth (Falcon Crest), and Tamlyn Tomita (Joy Luck Club), as well as rising stars Michelle Krusiec (Saving Face), David Denman (The Office), Jerrika Hinton (Grey's Anatomy), Trieu Tran (The Newsroom) and Hrach Titizian (Homeland).
It was a night of hilarity for the packed amphitheatre, serving as a tantalizing prelude to this diverse 2014 season, beginning with the brilliantly staged A Midsummer's Night's Dream. Performing in front of a sold out performance during press night—the first for this 500+ seat amphitheatre in many years—this dynamic show has been updated and adapted to include over 60 cast members and a plethora of exotic dance numbers that enhance the overall outdoor Shakespearean experience. Courtesy of a talented, multiethnic cast and Susan Angelo's deft direction, this popular Shakespearean comedy enhances Garden Grove's presence as a cultural capital in Orange County.
Three stories transpire on this particular night, starting with the tale of a four love-struck youths (EJ Arriola, Morgan Lauff, Patricia Fa'asua, and Mikki Pagdonsolan) who try to flee an arranged marriage established by the Athenian King Theseus (a regal commanding portrayal by SOC's Jeremy Schaeg, who has grown substantially the past ten years from background to leading parts) and the Amazonian bride Hippolyta (a feral Kapua Miyahira-Chow). The passionate lovers hide inside a mystical forest which is ruled by the Fairy King Oberon (a charismatic Miguel Perez) and his queen Titania (Amanda Zaar). The king has his own problems as he and his chief fairy, Puck (Evelyn Carol Case), try to steal an orphan child away from his queen, utilizing a group of dim-witted rustics to get what he wishes. Meanwhile, the rustics, led by Peter Quince (a hyper Nicholas Thurkettle) and the pompous Bottom (Thomas Bradac) are trying to rehearse a play for King Theseus' wedding. When the mischievous Puck casts the wrong magic on the wrong people, everything goes out of control until Oberon steps in to bring order to the magical chaos.
This season opener—which is a co-produced by SOC and the award-winning Hitia O Te Ra Polynesian Dance Group—beautifully combines the comedy of Shakespeare's prose with the magical ambiance of the updated 1700s Polynesian settings, as well as the native and British military costume design, beautifully recreated by Shon LeBlanc. By also including multiple dance sequences in between certain scenes, courtesy of Hitia O Te Ra, this production had the risk of becoming an unwieldy large ship to sail. Fortunately, Director Susan Angelo serves as the play's perfect captain. As a critically acclaimed stage actress at such esteemed LA based theatre companies—most notably A Noise Within and the Theatricun Botanicum, Angelo's eye and instincts are razor sharp when it comes to exploring the fine intricacies of the characters she has played in the past. Her sense of precise control and mercurial creativity is amazingly shown in this production, which flows as though it were a symphony going from one movement to another without slowing down. With a cast of over 60 actors and dancers, Angelo succeeds in tapping into the nuances and pacing of this popular comedy.
All of the performances—from both the actors and dancers—stand out in their own prominent glory. What is extremely impressive is SOC has accessed a magical reservoir of talent that spans many different cultures and ethnicities. The performances and chemistry amongst the four young lovers is a pure treat. Arriola's Lysander is a wonderfully whiny protagonist and Lauff's Demetrius is an amusing callow dolt where it's a wonder what Hermia (Pagdonsolan) and Helena (Fa'asua) sees in them in the first place. As far as Pagdonsolan is concerned, she expertly combines the delicate beauty of an island princess with the fiery temper of a pit-bull. But although all three give fine performances, Fa'asua steals the show whenever she appears on stage. Her grasp of Shakespeare's poetics is the strongest of the four; her projection and eloquence is quite fluid and natural, without any effort at all. She combines a self-deprecating charm with overeager compassion. And her comic timing and composure is masterful where even a look or a simple gesture draws laughs. Hopefully, Fa'asua will appear in many other SOC productions in the future.
SOC veterans such as Zarr and Case memorably show more facets of their creative range. Known for playing tragic victims like Portia in Julius Caesar and Lady Anne in Richard III, Zarr finally shows her "theatrical teeth" as the lioness Titania, who exudes a primal, protective nature regarding her realm and her orphan child. However, Zarr also adds layers of endearing humor when she is under the spell of a love potion and falls for Bottom, who is transformed into a donkey-like creature. In past SOC productions, Case possessed an air of dignified, disciplined regality playing queens. As the playful, frenetic Puck, Case phenomenally demonstrates her physically limber expertise in playing this prankster. Her performance combines human and animalistic traits perfectly.
But the most pleasant site comes in the form of the voluminous Bradac as Bottom. His first stage appearance in almost 16 years, the former artistic director wears Bottom as though he was wearing an old tuxedo that hasn't been worn in a long time, and it still fits. He interlaces both foolish pomposity and intellectual denseness, but also adds a surprising dose of pathos when the "dream" is over with Titania. As the spells wear off, his image as the King of the Forest is broken, and Bradac shows a subtle touch of sadness that brings sympathy to the character. But when he performs the play with his troupe, Bradac brings the house down with his "death scene" that hilariously goes on and on and on. After 16 years, Bradac's return to the stage is something to behold. And if A Midsummer Night's Dream is another indication of what the 2014 season is going to be like, then Orange County and all of its diverse cultural facets will be treated as though they were, quoting SOC's slogan, "one big family under the stars."
Peter A. Balaskas is a journalist, fiction writer, editor, and voice over artist.
A Midsummer Night's Dream opened June 19-20, then runs from July 3 to July 20
Tickets: $25---714-590-1575
Shakespeare Orange County
The Festival Amphitheatre, 12740 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA
Photos by Jordan Kubat


text:
This layout is also known as "Full Screen" or "No Sidebars."
Don't like sideburns? No problem. Here's our favorite layout for month-view calendars!
*Tip: Each theme has different layouts and a different number of layouts. The sidebars pull from the Primary and Secondary Sidebar widget areas. Feel free to play around with the layouts until you fall on something you like. You can change the default layout for your entire site in your theme's settings, or you can change the layout just for one page.


text:
Struggling to fit your thoughts into Twitter's measly 140 characters? Facebook may be your answer.
The Palo Alto-based social-networking site wants you to know that you have exactly 63,206 characters at your status update disposal.
That is an increase of almost 60,000 characters from its previous limit. Facebook increase its character count from 500 characters to 5,000 just this past summer.
And when Facebook was first getting popular it used to be almost Twitter like with its 160 character limit for any status update.
Now users can feel free to unleash their inner Fyodor Dostoevsky and put that mental novel down in print -- status update print.
It will only take you seven status updates to reach the average length of a novel, according to The Los Angeles Times' count.
But whose counting? Not Facebook.
Facebook Limits You to 63,206 Characters
Social-networking site ups its character count by giant amounts.
Struggling to fit your thoughts into Twitter's measly 140 characters? Facebook may be your answer.


text:
Airline delays and cancellations have dropped significantly in the last few years. At least that's what federal statistics show. But the numbers may not be telling us the whole story.
Airline delays and cancellations have dropped significantly in the last few years. At least that�s what federal statistics show. But the numbers may not be telling us the whole story.
That is one of the conclusions in a new report by the office of inspector general for the U.S. Department of Transportation, which recommends new ways of calculating airline delays.
The Department of Transportation�s data says that airline delays fell by 33 percent from 2000 to 2012, while flight cancellations dropped by 56 percent at the nation�s largest airports.
The problem with the numbers, according to the inspector general, is that the Department of Transportation only looks at flight data from the 16 largest airlines. Those airlines account for about 76 percent of domestic flights. The other 24 percent are not calculated in the federal analysis.
The nation�s �published flight delay data present the public with an incomplete picture of the number of delays that actually occur at a given airport or are generated by all carriers,� the report said.
Another reason the numbers don�t give an exact picture, the report says, is that most major airlines have increased their scheduled gate-to-gate time for nearly every flight, giving themselves a cushion to absorb delays.
In 2000, the time that airlines scheduled for a flight exceeded the actual flight time on 73 percent of routes analyzed by the office of inspector general. By 2012, this rate had grown to 98 percent of all routes. One example cited by the study was a LaGuardia-to-Indianapolis route � typically a 21/2 -hour flight. From 2000 to 2012, airlines have increased the scheduled flight time by 21 minutes, the report found.
Airlines say that they don�t inflate the scheduled flight time to avoid delays but try to be realistic about the time each flight needs.
�Airline scheduling is based on the realities of the air travel system, taking into account conditions such as airspace and ground congestion or weather that can impact gate to gate time,� said Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Airlines for America, the trade group for the nation�s airlines.
�2013 Los Angeles Times
Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Topics: t000141113,t000030739,t000002537,t000002707,t000030742


text:
Updated: Sept. 6, 2012 at 9:55 a.m. EST
The scene of multiple shooting deaths in France became even more macabre late on Wednesday, when a 4-year-old girl was discovered hiding in a car amid the bullet-pierced cadavers of three adult victims. The girl was found lying unharmed beneath the lifeless bodies inside a car that French officials believe belonged to a family from the U.K. vacationing in the French Alps. Both the brutality of the crime and the mystery surrounding it have sent shock waves around the normally peaceful Lake Annecy area, where the killings took place, as well as throughout France and the U.K.
That enigma seems to deepen even as more about the murders is known. Some news reports on Thursday identified the driver of the bullet-strewn BMW as Saad al-Hilli, 50, an Iraqi-born resident of Claygate, Surrey. Others stated that the women slain were al-Hilli's wife and mother or mother-in-law. But during a press conference later on Thursday, Annecy prosecutor Éric Maillaud said neither the identity of the driver, nor those of the two women killed with him, have been confirmed.
Maillaud said two of the victims died of what appears to have been deliberate kill shots to the head from outside the car. He stated that the exact cause of death of the third person will be confirmed in an autopsy.
The chronology and details surrounding the killings are similarly tormented and astonishing. The car and victims were discovered Wednesday afternoon by a passing cyclist. After inspecting the vehicle, that rider also found a gravely injured 8-year-old girl unconscious on the side of the road. He then saw the dead body of another cyclist who'd passed him in the remote, wooded area just minutes earlier, and who had apparently been killed after arriving as the murders were taking place. The locked car was still running when discovered, Maillaud said on Thursday and all victims had been shot through the windows by an assailant who fired over 15 bullets.
It turned out that was only the start of the terrible drama. Maillaud said the police avoided searching the car or moving bodies to avoid "polluting" critical evidence before the arrival of forensic experts. Though heat scans of the car had been taken to detect additional bodies, Maillaud said the 4-year-old had remained motionless under the corpses and had pressed herself so hard to her mother's legs that she was "totally invisible" from the outside. But when officials got a tip from a nearby campground, where the family had been staying, that the group had contained two little girls, not one, police decided to approach the car anew.
"She began smiling and speaking English when a gendarme took her in his arms and lifted her from the vehicle," Maillaud told reporters present early Thursday morning. "She heard noises, shouts, but she can't say more. She's only 4 years old."
But even that tender age wouldn't have earned the little girl any mercy from the killer she so wisely and successfully hid from. Maillaud confirmed that though the 8-year-old girl had at least one gunshot wound in the shoulder, the skull fractures she suffered apparently resulted from severe blows to her head. The killer clearly left believing she was already dead, or would be soon.
"This little girl was very violently struck in the head," he said.
Given the mystery surrounding the killings, the police said they're examining all possible theories and motives. French media reports speculate the drama could have been the result of a roadside robbery gone wrong, or of the family and unlucky cyclist interrupting a drug deal whose participants decided to kill all potential witnesses. Maillaud refused to elaborate on various theses or rumors — and wouldn't touch a flurry of media reports suggesting that the car owner's Iraqi origins may indicate the killings involved a clock-and-dagger element explaining the extreme violence and mystery of the killings. However, he did confirm that the owner of the British passport used to register at the campground was thought to be from a naturalized U.K. citizen and that two other passports — one Swedish, one Iraqi — were also found in the car.
Though Maillaud noted the 4-year-old girl was traumatized and under psychological care, he said she is starting to speak more and "ask about her family." As brutal as it will be when the time finally comes, what that little girl can tell police about the final moments of her family's life together may be the only way of resolving the mystery about who ended it.