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President Barack Obama gave a lovely speech at the recent National Prayer Breakfast — and one is reluctant to criticize.
But pry my jaw from the floorboards.
Without a hint of irony, the president lamented eroding protections of religious liberty around the world.
Just not, apparently, in America.
Nary a mention of the legal challenges to religious liberty now in play between this administration and the Catholic Church and other religious groups, as well as private businesses that contest the contraceptive mandate in Obamacare.
Missing was any mention of Hobby Lobby or the Little Sisters of the Poor — whose cases have recently reached the U.S. Supreme Court and that reveal the Obama administration's willingness to challenge rather than protect religious liberty in this country.
It is true that our religious liberty issues are tamer than those mentioned by Obama. We don't slaughter people for their religious beliefs. We don't use blasphemy laws to repress people. But we are in the midst of a muddle about where religion and state draw their red lines, and it isn't going so well for the religious-liberty lobby.
As it turns out, many in the audience were reaching for their own jaws when Obama got to the liberty section of his speech, according to several people who attended the breakfast. Michael Cromartie, vice president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, summed up the general reaction of many with whom he spoke: "Stunned."
"Several people said afterward how encouraged they would have been by President Obama's remarks if only his acts reflected what he said," Cromartie told me.
One table was applauding only out of politeness, according to Jerry Pattengale, who was sitting with Steve Green — president of the Hobby Lobby stores that have challenged Obamacare's contraceptive mandate. Pattengale described the experience as "surrealistic."
The government's position is that because Hobby Lobby is a for-profit business, the owners' religious beliefs can't be imposed on their employees. Hobby Lobby insists it shouldn't have to sacrifice its Christian beliefs regarding human life.
Pattengale, assistant provost at Indiana Wesleyan University and research consultant to the Green family, also noted the disconnect between the president's message and policies at home that "are creating a queue at the Supreme Court."
Perhaps Obama's advisers counted on the good will of the audience. Or they reckoned that juxtaposed against atrocities committed elsewhere, our debates about birth control might be viewed as not much ado.
It is understandable that many Americans might not see these legal challenges as especially pressing, especially if they'd just like insurance coverage for contraception — a position with which I personally have no disagreement. But these cases are more than a debate about birth control. They have far-reaching implications and, as Obama pointed out, there is a strong correlation between religious freedom and a nation's stability.
"History shows that nations that uphold the rights of their people — including the freedom of religion — are ultimately more just and more peaceful and more successful."
Since this is so, one wonders why the Obama administration is so dedicated to forcing people to act against their own conscience. By requiring through the contraceptive mandate that some religious-affiliated groups provide health plans covering what they consider abortifacient contraceptives, isn't the Obama administration effectively imposing its own religious rules? Thou shalt not protect unborn life.
The answer to this question is above my paygrade, as Obama memorably answered when asked by Pastor Rick Warren when life begins. The more germane question to cases such as Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters is whether the government can accomplish its goal of making free contraception available without burdening religious objectors. Can't women in Colorado get contraception without forcing the Little Sisters, a group of nuns who care for the elderly, to violate their core beliefs? Their charitable work could not long survive under penalties the government would impose on them for noncompliance.
For now, the Little Sisters have been granted a reprieve, thanks to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Arguments in the Hobby Lobby case are scheduled for March, with a decision expected in June. Meanwhile, another case settled in 2012 reveals much about this administration's willingness to challenge religious freedom. In Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the question boiled down to whether the government can decide whom a church hires as minister. Since when?
Not yet. In a rare move, all nine justices ruled against the government, stating that the federal government does not, alas, get to direct who preaches the gospel. But it wanted to.
Kathleen Parker is a member of Washington Post Writers Group.


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Story Of Manti Te'o's Dead Girlfriend Was A Hoax
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — A story that Notre Dame football star Manti Te'o's girlfriend had died of leukemia -- a loss he said inspired him to help lead the Fighting Irish to the BCS championship game -- was dismissed by the university Wednesday as a hoax perpetrated against the linebacker.
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Te'o told coaches on Dec. 26 that he had received a call while at an awards ceremony from the phone number of his late girlfriend, Lennay Kekua.
By Te'o's own account, she was an "online" girlfriend. Swarbrick said they also talked by telephone.
More Coverage:
Manti Te'o Releases Statement
Notre Dame's Response To The Allegation
Deadspin Report On Girlfriend Hoax
Swarbrick said that, based on a report from an investigative firm hired by the school, he believes Te'o was duped into an online relationship with a woman whose death was then faked by the perpetrators of the hoax.
"Nothing about what I have learned has shaken my faith in Manti Te'o one iota," Swarbrick said at a news conference Wednesday night after Deadspin.com reported in a lengthy story that it could find no record that Kekua ever existed.
Te'o said in a statement: "This is incredibly embarrassing to talk about, but over an extended period of time, I developed an emotional relationship with a woman I met online. We maintained what I thought to be an authentic relationship by communicating frequently online and on the phone, and I grew to care deeply about her.
"To realize that I was the victim of what was apparently someone's sick joke and constant lies was, and is, painful and humiliating," he said.
"In retrospect, I obviously should have been much more cautious. If anything good comes of this, I hope it is that others will be far more guarded when they engage with people online than I was."
Swarbrick said investigators' report indicated those behind the hoax were in contact with each other, discussing what they were doing.
Deadspin reported that there was no record of Lennay Marie Kekua dying with the Social Security Administration, that a record search produced no obituary or funeral announcement. She supposedly attended Stanford but there is no mention of her death in the Stanford student newspaper.
The website reported Stanford registrar's office has no record that a Lennay Kekua ever enrolled. There is no record of her birth in the news.
There are a few Twitter and Instagram accounts registered to Lennay Kekua, but the website reported photographs identified as Kekua online and in TV news reports are pictures from the social-media accounts of a 22-year-old California woman who is not named Lennay Kekua.
The week before Notre Dame played Michigan State on Sept. 15, coach Brian Kelly told reporters that Te'o's grandmother and a friend had died. Te'o didn't miss the game. He said Kekua had told him not to miss a game if she died. Te'o turned in one of his best performances of the season in the 20-3 victory in East Lansing, and his playing through heartache became a prominent theme during the Irish's undefeated regular season.
Te'o's statement also said: "It further pains me that the grief I felt and the sympathies expressed to me at the time of my grandmother's death in September were in any way deepened by what I believed to be another significant loss in my life.
"I am enormously grateful for the support of my family, friends and Notre Dame fans throughout this year. To think that I shared with them my happiness about my relationship and details that I thought to be true about her just makes me sick. I hope that people can understand how trying and confusing this whole experience has been.
The linebacker's father, Brian Te'o, said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press in early October that he and his wife had never met Kekua, saying they were hoping to meet her at the Wake Forest game in November. The father said he believed the relationship was just beginning to get serious when she died.
Te'o went on the become a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing second in the voting, and leading Notre Dame to its first appearance in the BCS championship.
Te'o and the Irish lost the title game to Alabama, 42-14 on Jan. 7. He has graduated and was set to begin preparing for the NFL combine and draft at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., this week.
"Fortunately, I have many wonderful things in my life," he said in his statement, "and I'm looking forward to putting this painful experience behind me as I focus on preparing for the NFL Draft."
(TM and © Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

subset: commoncrawl


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©1979 Twentieth Century Fox. All Rights Reserved. |
Whenever I think of science fiction, I inevitably think of Alien, which, despite being a Lovecraftian thriller, is, for me, one of the quintessential science fiction movies of the last quarter of the 20th century. One of the more prosaic reasons I believe this is because I associate the film so strongly with Marc Miller's Traveller RPG. Take a look at that publicity still at the top of this post. I defy anyone to find a group of cinematic characters who look more like they could have been generated using the rules in the 1977 little black books. The bulk of the cast are in their late 30s or older and they all have the looks of people who've been around the block a few times -- and not on heroic adventures in pursuit of a noble cause. Whenever I think of a crew of Traveller PCs, I think of these guys.


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Crisps are among my favorite desserts and although I have been enjoying apple and pear crisps I have been looking forward to spring and summer crisps. Not too long ago I came across the concept of a mango crisp which sounded really good. I had never even thought about using mangos in a crisp and I just had to try it. Now that the mangos are in season I got the chance to make one. I had also recently come across the concept of adding nuts to the crust of a crisp and I thought that adding some macadamia nuts to the mango crisp would be a good ideal. Continuing with the tropical theme I also thought that some coconut would do well in the crust. I had also been experimenting with cardamom and I thought that a touch of it would add a really nice fragrance. Crisps come together really easily and the hardest part is waiting for them to bake. The mango crisp with macadamia nut crust was amazing! I really liked how mango worked in a crisp. Mangos are naturally sweet and slightly tart and they held the crisp up all by themselves. The tropical topping was also really good! The hint of coconut and the crunch of the macadamia nuts added new dimensions to the crisp. Of course melting vanilla ice cream made the mango crisp even better!
Mango Crisp with Macadamia Nut Crust
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (ground)
- 5 cups mango (diced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon (juice)
- 1/2 cup flour1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup coconut (unsweetend)
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts (toasted and chopped)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
- Mix the sugar, cornstarch and cardamom in a large bowl.
- Add the mango and lemon juice and toss to coat.
- Mix the flour, rolled oats, coconut, macadamia nuts, brown sugar and butter in a large bowl.
- Place the mango mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish and pour the topping on.
- Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until it is bubbling and the top is golden brown, about 45 minutes.


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Yes, the Super Bowl has been won by the Seahawks for two weeks now. Yes, the game continues to to rehashed, the Seahawks continue to be darlings/villains on the national talk-show circuit. And yes, it's reasonable to ask that we move from the afterglow to other things.
But hey, it's the first Super Bowl win in team history, and done in a fashion that created welts not only in Denver but across the media landscape among the many who couldn't get past the sentiment around Peyton Manning to see what he was up against.
Filmmaker Joe Vincent captured the skepticism and dismissal of the Seahawks, which makes this seven-minute video all the sweeter for Seahawks fans.
We promise to move on. But it's a rainy February Saturday in Seattle. What else you got?


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Brenan Hanifee
$5.99 - $199.99
per item
Please note: Framed 11x14 requires 3 Day Lab / Production Time.Framed image is simulated for example purposes, actual matte color may vary to better match photo.
Digital Download(s) are available for purchase for $24.99 each. Please email a request of what image(s) you'd like to purchase and an invoice will be sent to your email. Images will be emailed within 24hrs of confirmed purchase. Digital Download purchases will include a release form pdf file, should you choose to print locally. The downloaded file will be formatted as an 8x10 (unless stated otherwise), but can be enlarged up to at least 16x20.


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Free Local Delivery for orders over $750
160 Whiting St., Ingersoll, On
About Floors Xtra
We are excited and eager at Floors Xtra to get to know you and help you with all of your floor covering needs. We offer in-home service and are very experienced in the commercial area. We look forward to meeting you at our Ingersoll, ON location.
Floors Xtra is more than just a flooring specialty store. We are experts trained in flooring sales and design and will help you find the perfect floor for the way you live.
As part of North America's leading flooring retail group, our 500-store nationwide buying power guarantees you low prices on thousands of carpet types and other flooring options backed by the most solid warranties in the floor covering industry.
Our store is locally owned, so we can also guarantee a truly unique level of personal service. Our goal is to make sure you enjoy your shopping experience and find exactly what you want so that you are confident in your purchase.


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Animated explainer videos in Wester Essenside TD7 4 are popular for many corportae businesses and they're created to showcase certain products or services that they offer. We are specialists in designing and making these short films using advanced animation technology. Some companies near me use their animation movie to promote a new product launch, or just for marketing of the business as a whole. They are great for explaining a topic quickly and keeping the viewer interested. Studies show that having a good quality video on your website is great for retaining the audience, and it also increases conversion rates.
One advantage of using marketing clips is that your organisation can show customers the products and facilities that they supply. We are an expert corporate movie development business for a range of animated cartoon promotion videos. We're able to make a design for the animation, complete the actual creation process and lastly manage the animation video clips by using expert editing to create a great marketing outcome. Our high grade films get your own potential customers' interest. All of the advertising videos which we develop will be bespoke made for each specific business.
There are a range of benefits of having animated explainer videos and they're more and more popular now. Having a cartoon like film can make your audience more interested as there is normally a selction of colours used, nice music and they are easy to follow and understand which is great for marketing and this is why animation clips are being used a lot.
We have now gained a wealth of practical experience via working with a range of organisations to generate company videos. Our specialists have worked along with a wide variety of organisations including sports clubs, corporate businesses and schools. Having these types of animation promotional films created can be quite good for many businesses and facilities since new customers will have a look at a website to find out more about the services.
Schools may sometimes choose to have a promotional film in Wester Essenside TD7 4 created for their website which enables newer pupils to see what after school clubs and extra facilities they have got. One popular design is the promotional whiteboard video style of animation. This is where the different animated characters and features of the story are being created with a drawing motion in a whiteboard style throughout the film. These can be created for a whole host of different topics and products as a way of informing potential customers about what you have available.
With a specialist online marketing film working closest to you, nearby companies and organisations are able to showcase their best features for newer individuals. Before mums and dads send their children to a new school, they could check out the school's web site. When they have got interesting animation videography clips to watch, this will create more awareness as it provides them an insight to the school atmosphere.
Our top cartoon animators have a selection of professional software and pieces of equipment to organise, design and also edit advertising videos for the best quality finish for marketing. Our company's videography services consist of innovative concept scheduling, animating and enhancing, as well as being able to design a specific brief for your company and then speak about it with you. The expense associated with creating a publicity video clip will vary for every project with regards to the specification as to what needs to be included and also who you're aiming to focus on. We'll work together with your spending budget to provide a good value quote that you will be content with. Creating promotional business films is one of the most powerful strategies used by organisations to market their professional services and products. The different movie clips that we create are generally engaging and help to enhance the web marketing strategy for a corporation by getting a clear message across towards the viewers.
Professional movie clips can be made to be put on your website for marketing techniques, and be shown all over social media profiles and other places. You'll be able to apply your animated explainer film together with email marketing, and also traditional advertisement and social media. The goal of any promo movie will probably be to enhance knowledge of a local corporation, facility or surrounding area, and present the audience with increased information. We're specialists in company video creation in the UK and have executed a variety of projects with unique animations and bespoke cartoon designs. Through a premium quality marketing film, it is possible to get more customers interested in your company or organisation.
Individuals will often prefer to view a simple video rather than look at lengthy text, therefore using a short publicity film may help expand income for a business. Please get in contact with our company immediately if you need to create a top quality animated explainer video to exhibit your products, services or features. We'd be happy to help you come up with explainer videos designs, and offer you some advice on the costs of our animation service in Wester Essenside TD7 4 so just enquire now.


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Insomnia – Definition
Insomnia is a sleep disorder. It may cause a number of sleep problems including trouble falling asleep, waking in the middle of the night or waking very early in the morning. It may also be a sleep that is not restful. Insomnia can be a short term problem, or it can be chronic. Chronic insomnia lasts for more than 4 weeks.
Insomnia – Causes
Insomnia can occur for many reasons. Short term insomnia is often caused by temporary situations or problems with the environment. They may include:
- A life crisis or stress, including the loss of a life partner, divorce, or loss of a job
- Environmental noise
- Extreme temperatures (like a room that is too hot or too cold)
- Change in the surrounding environment
- Sleep/wake schedule problems, such as those due to jet lag
There may be no clear reason for chronic insomnia. It may also be due to other medical or psychiatric conditions. Examples of these conditions that can lead to sleep problems include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart disease
- Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Sleep apnea
- Hyperthyroidism
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcer
Both chronic and short term insomnia may be due to
- Behavioral factors, including:
- Misuse of caffeine, alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or other substances
- Disrupted sleep/wake cycles from shift work or other nighttime activities
- Chronic stress
- Excessive napping in the afternoon or evening
- Certain medicines such as:
- Allergy medicines
- Corticosteroids
- Blood pressure medicines
- Psychiatric medicines
Insomnia – Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of getting insomnia include:
- Age: adults 50 years or older are more likely to have insomnia
- Sex: female (especially during and after menopause)
- Stress
- A history of mental disorders (eg, anxiety, depression)
- Chronic pain
- Having chronic medical conditions
- Using alcohol, drugs, or certain medicines
- Shift work
- Use of multiple medicines
Insomnia – Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep
- Waking up too early
- Not feeling refreshed after sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability, anxiety, inability to concentrate
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor if you are having frequent insomnia. Let your doctor know if the insomnia is making it hard for you to do your daily activities.
Insomnia – Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will also be asked about your job, eating habits, and drug and alcohol use.
The doctor will also ask about your schedule and sleep patterns. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary. This will include information about your naps, bedtime, and how often you wake during the night. Your doctor will review the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements. These questions will help your doctor understand what is causing your insomnia.
Laboratory Testing
Your doctor may recommend observation in a sleep lab. This may be done if the diagnosis is uncertain or if other sleep disorders are suspected. You will need to spend the night in a special center. Your movements, breathing, and brain activity are monitored. This will allow your doctor to identify a treatable condition that is affecting your sleep.
Insomnia – Treatment
Treat Underlying Medical Conditions
A number of physical and mental disorders can disrupt sleep. Diagnosis and treatment of the underlying illness, may fix the insomnia.
Identify and Modify Behaviors That Worsen Insomnia
There are steps you can take to improve your chance of a good night's rest. Your doctor may ask you to reduce intake of certain items or avoid them all together to see if your sleep improves. You may be asked to:
- Reduce or avoid caffeine especially late in the day
- Reduce or avoid alcohol and drug use.
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, avoid doing so near bedtime.
- Avoid eating or drinking close to bedtime.
Your sleep habits can also affect how well you sleep. Steps that may help you sleep better include:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- If you must take naps, keep them short.
- Only use the bedroom for sleep or sex. Avoid watching TV or worrying in bed.
- Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature and dark. Minimize disruptions such as pets.
- If you work at night and sleep during the day, make sure to block daylight from the room. Decrease the amount of noise. Use a fan to block out noise.
Sleeping pills are available by prescription or over the counter. Some doctors advise against the long-term use of sleeping pills. They may cause dependence. This is a physical change in your body. It makes your body dependent on the drug for sleep.
Proper use of prescription sleep medicine may increase sleep. Most of these medicines are only approved for short term use. They can cause drowsiness, dizziness and headache. Serious side effects can include abnormal thinking or behavior changes including having suicidal thoughts.
Many over-the-counter sleep medicines contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This medicine can make you feel groggy and might help you fall asleep. However, this drug can have serious side effects. Most people should avoid using this drug regularly. Elderly persons in particular may have a variety of adverse effects to this drug. They should discuss its use with their doctor.
Exercise can help you get a better sleep. It can reduce stress and allow your body to reach a deeper relaxation. The timing of exercise is important. Exercising early in the day may be best if you are having trouble sleeping. If you have to exercise later in the day make sure you are done exercising at least a few hours before bedtime.
Herbal Therapies and Supplements
Some people use the herb valerian to reduce insomnia. Others take melatonin. It is not clear that these supplement help. Talk to your doctor before taking an herbs or supplements.
Relaxation Therapy
This therapy may reduce or eliminate anxiety and body tension. It stops the mind from racing and allows the muscles to relax. This can support a restful sleep. The therapy may include deep breathing and progressive relaxation.
Sleep Restriction
A sleep restriction program is a strict sleep program. It limits the amount of time in bed to only time that you are actually sleeping. The amount of time allowed in bed will be determined by previous sleep logs. The time you spent sleeping will be used to determine the amount of time you can spend in bed. At first your time in bed may seem short, usually about five hours. Gradually, the time is increased until a more normal night's sleep is achieved.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy. This means that you discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a mental health professional. CBT focuses on how the way you think affects the way you feel and act. CBT may have more lasting effects than medicine. CBT is usually applied over six weeks, with maintenance therapy given as needed.
Reconditioning helps people associate the bed and bedtime with sleep. This means not using the bed for activities other than sleep and sex. As part of the reconditioning process, the person is usually advised to go to bed only when sleepy.
Insomnia – Prevention
To reduce your chance of having insomnia:
- Minimize intake of caffeinated food and drinks after lunch (like coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks).
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Avoid eating too fast or too much. Do not eat too close to bedtime.
- Avoid drinking fluids before bedtime.
- Do not smoke.
- Exercise regularly, but not within less than three hours of bedtime.
- Use the bedroom only for sleep and sex. Do not use electronics or watch TV while in bed
- Schedule relaxing bedtime routines. Listen to quiet music or soak in warm water.
- Make sure that the bedroom is not too cold or too hot.
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
- Get sunlight during the day.
- Use shades or lined drapes. Or wear an eye mask to reduce sleep disruption.
- Use earplugs, or listen to relaxing music or white noise. This helps reduce the disturbing effects of noise.
- Make sure your mattress is supportive and the bedding is comfortable.
- Avoid "clock watching" after going to bed.
- Keep bedtimes and wake-times consistent throughout the week.
- If you cannot avoid naps, keep them short.


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This is the first time I am able to say that I prepared something from The French Laundry Cookbook, and it's kind of exciting to get to say that. Opening that book in the kitchen and actually following the recipes felt a little like cooking from kitchen scripture. I kept the book a good distance from the mess as if it were placed on a pedestal, and I wondered if I should have bowed before measuring out the first ingredient. All jokes aside, this is a really excellent book, and I learned a great deal from reading it alone. To begin this treat, I set about making the jellies. The two suggested flavors are yuzu and concord grape. I searched high and low and did not find yuzu juice in this town of mine, and by comparison concord grape just seemed a bit pedestrian. I decided to make just one flavor, and opted to use acai juice. Next, the suggested apple pectin was as elusive as the yuzu juice, so I used an equal measure of citrus pectin and it seemed to work fine. Keller does note that apple pectin is the key to the jellies delicate texture, so I'll try harder to procure it next time. For the truffles, I used El Rey milk chocolate and organic, freshly ground peanut butter. Once the truffles are formed, they are then dipped not once, but twice in melted chocolate which can be either milk or bittersweet. I found a 53% cacao El Rey which is somewhere in between and used that.
So for jellies, a combination of juice, sugar, and corn syrup was simmered and skimmed. Pectin was combined with more sugar and dissolved with some of the simmering liquid. All was returned to a pot to simmer a bit longer, and then it was poured into a pan and left to set. The truffle filling was made by blending peanut butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Melted milk chocolate was added and then some softened butter, and they were blended into the mixture. This was then refrigerated until firm. I formed the truffles by using a melon baller, and then they were chilled. More chocolate was melted, and the truffles were dipped once, allowed to set, and then dipped a second time. For presentation, the truffles were dusted with cocoa powder.
For me, the truffles were like the best Reese's peanut butter cups ever made. The jellies were delicious, albeit sticky due to our humidity, and the combination of the two was fun and cute and a good food pun. The truffles were far and away the better half of the duo, but I will definitely make this again with both parts.


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Nothing has hit the world of music writing harder than the social networking explosion. But the ways in which the writing has changed – and whether these changes are good or bad – are still very much up for debate.
In 2009, a man in Iowa stood up and told the world that he was doomed. That man was Christopher Weingarten, a music critic, and it would be wrong to suggest that this turn of events was entirely unexpected. Weingarten was a speaker at the 140 Characters Conference in Des Moines, an event which explored digital media and social networking. A writer with Spin, Revolver and The Village Voice, Weingarten took to the stage and proceeded to give one of the most inflammatory, hysterical and downright brilliant speeches in the history of music criticism. Possibly in the history of Iowa.
In his speech, Weingarten raged against the effect of social networking on his job; how he would soon be unable to make a living as a music critic; how the reliance on the knowledge of crowds was resulting in both mediocre music and mediocre writing. "Crowds are morons," he said, to thunderous applause. "People have this open maw, this endless abyss … If it doesn't fit into 140 characters, it's not worth saying."
Two years later, things aren't quite as doom-laden as Weingarten would have had it. Social networking hasn't killed music writing, but it has still had a huge impact on it. Weingarten remains one of the most polarising and complex figures in the debate; he seems to rail against what Twitter is doing to good journalism while actively taking part in the medium (he runs the @1000TimesYes feed, which reviews a thousand new records each year in 140 characters or less. And this is very much a conversation about Twitter – other sites like Facebook and Google Plus are powerful, but they simply can't compete with Twitter's immediacy or ubiquity).
Weingarten is cheerful, talkative and intelligent. He certainly makes no bones about the level of impact that social networking sites have had on long-form writing – that is, longer, more considered pieces usually found in magazines and newspapers. "Most of my colleagues thought it was a really good idea," he said. "Some people have lauded it for doing record reviews that work with the speed of records, which is one thing that music magazines and websites haven't been able to do. You want an 800-word review of [Jay-Z and Kanye West's new album] Watch The Throne? Everyone already reviewed that over Twitter 45 seconds after it leaked. Some of the negative feedback was people thinking I was being really reductive and sometimes just cutting complicated records to one-liners and zings."
One of the key issues that Weingarten raises early on is whether there is in fact any point to long-form record reviews anymore. Professional critics are no longer the arbiters of taste: when you can get an instant opinion on your chosen social network, why would you pick up the NME or The Word?
"There's a lot of talk about what the point of a record review is anymore," says Weingarten. "Long-form record reviewing for a paycheque is completely dying out. It's not just MP3s, it's everything else – why would I read 2000 words on this record when I could type in the name on Mediafire and hear it for myself and come up with my own opinions? Twitter is changing the way we read. It's making us all a little bit dumber, and making us gravitate towards headlines, two paragraphs of weirdness. It doesn't take us out of our day, as opposed to sitting down and absorbing something. The 24-hour news cycle is hurting long-form writing."
He does, however, add that a lot of music writing – a lot of writing in general – certainly wouldn't be hurt by a little economy. Of course, Weingarten has managed to straddle the best of both worlds, maintaining a full-time writing schedule as well as the active 1000TimesYes. But there's no question that long-form writing is making less and less business sense. In the UK, the NME – once among the most successful music publications in history – has seen its circulation drop 14.3% to just over 29,000 copies a month in the first half of 2011. The New York Times – a title with a similarly august music section – dropped from 950,000 copies a day to 916,000.
There's no quantifiable way to compare those numbers to Twitter feeds, but Weingarten and company have certainly been successful. 1000TimesYes sits at just under 12,000 followers at the time of writing, while the hysterical Twitter review account Discographies (which The Village Voice named as its Music Critic Of The Year in 2010) has over 29,000.
Twitter is changing the way we read. It's making us all a little bit dumber, and making us gravitate towards headlines, two paragraphs of weirdness.
Of course, this still doesn't answer the question of what social networking is doing to the quality of the writing. Weingarten says that the 24-hour news cycle is hurting it, but others aren't so sure. Daphne Carr is the editor of the annual Best Music Writing anthology, published each year by Da Capo. She's certainly no stranger to technology – she talks to us using Skype on her smartphone from a sunny Central Park – but she believes that there's still extremely good writing available. She certainly hasn't seen the quality of the stories she publishes plummet: "I don't think quality's an issue, honestly," she says. "There's great writing out there. There's just as much or more than there ever has been in the history of writing about popular culture. The number of places it's available has expanded dramatically, as has the number of audience members as people have more access to it. The question is: how can I find it all?"
Music writing's form and availability is a product of its environment. MP3s and cheap technology for making music means that there is exponentially more music available, which means there is less time to consume it. Couple that with tough economic circumstances across the board, and it means that there is less money to pay writers, which means that there is less chance for quality long-form music writing. It's still out there; it's just, as Carr says, a lot harder to find, and one has to wade through an awful lot of bad (and sometimes very good) Twitter and Facebook opinion to get to it.
"I don't want to undermine the democracy of the Internet – which is very empowering," says Weingarten, "but when everyone's a writer, everyone's a writer. Instead of being confronted by a couple of writers, we're confronted by an endless expanse of bad writers with a couple of gems peaking through. When we suck the money from all these industries and hand it over to hobbyists, the quality is just going to plummet."
One of the big challenges that long-form music writing has to overcome is diminishing attention spans. In his 2010 book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains (W.W. Norton & Co.), which was shortlisted for a Pulitzer Prize, the author Nicholas Carr argued that the always-on, constant-stimulation of the Internet was physically rewiring our brains and affecting how our memory works. Put simply: while it may not be making us stupid, it's lowering our ability to deal with anything longer than … well, 140 characters.
Perhaps one of the things that got Weingarten and the people at the Iowa conference so riled up was that social media's takeover is inevitable. It's happening, and for young writers beginning their careers, it's something they have to use – or they'll simply become obsolete before they've started. Says Carr: "It's definitely generational. Every generation of critics has a completely different engagement with social networking, and different [expectations of it]. I can say for people over 40 and in their mid-30s, we're still using it primarily as a marketing tool for another medium, or for a place that is a home for our actual work. People younger than that are tending to take it not as a means to another end but as the end itself, and are therefore using the medium to its fullest potential. Instead of saying, here's a link to my awesome article on Twitter, they're actually putting it in the character count and having some critical engagement.
In many ways, the long-term effects of social media on music writing are still being worked out. Nobody really seems to know what's around the corner. But what is clear is that social media will have an effect, and it will change the music writing landscape. But, as Carr says, it's not necessarily something to be feared. "Twitter and social media can be a form of art, or it can be a conversation, or some place between those. But…it's discourse. It's talk. And none of that stuff was recorded or broadcast before. And now it's all there as a permanent record, an enormous amount of writing and data that was just chat before."
For more information visit @1000TimesYes and @Discographies on Twitter, and for the Best Music Writing anthology www.dacapopress.com
Rob Boffard


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AP Movie Critic
(AP) - Tom Hooper's extravaganza, big-screen telling of the beloved musical "Les Miserables" is as relentlessly driven as the ruthless Inspector Javert himself. It simply will not let up until you've Felt Something _ powerfully and repeatedly _ until you've touched the grime and smelled the squalor and cried a few tears of your own.
It is enormous and sprawling and not the slightest bit subtle. But at the same time it's hard not to admire the ambition that drives such an approach, as well as Hooper's efforts to combine a rousing, old-fashioned musical tale with contemporary and immediate aesthetics. There's a lot of hand-held camerawork here, a lot of rushing and swooping through the crowded, volatile slums of Victor Hugo's 19th-century France.
Two years after the release of his inspiring, crowd-pleasing "The King's Speech," winner of four Academy Awards including best picture, Hooper has vastly expanded his scope but also jettisoned all remnants of restraint.
But he also does something clever in asking his actors sing live on camera, rather than having them record their vocals in a booth somewhere as is the norm, and for shooting the big numbers in single takes. The intimacy can be uncomfortable at times and that closeness highlights self-indulgent tendencies, but the meaning behind lyrics which have become so well-known shines through anew. You'd probably heard "I Dreamed a Dream," the plaintive ballad of the doomed prostitute Fantine, sung countless times even before Susan Boyle unfortunately popularized it again in 2009. An emaciated and shorn Anne Hathaway finds fresh pain and regret in those words because her rendition is choked with sobs, because it's not perfect.
That's definitely part of the fascination of this version of "Les Miserables": seeing how these A-list stars handle the demands of near-constant singing. Hugh Jackman, as the hero and former prisoner Jean Valjean, is a musical theatre veteran and seems totally in command (although the higher part of his register gets a bit nasal and strained). Amanda Seyfried, as Fantine's daughter, Cosette, whom Jean Valjean adopts, had already proven she can sing in "Mamma Mia!" but hits some freakishly high notes here _ which isn't always a good thing. Eddie Redmayne is a lovely surprise as the love-struck revolutionary Marius. And of course, Samantha Barks gives an effortless performance as the lonely and doomed Eponine _ everyone here is doomed, it's "Les Miserables" _ a role she'd performed on the London stage.
And then there's Russell Crowe as the obsessed lawman Javert, who has pursued Jean Valjean for decades for breaking his parole and insists he's still a dangerous man, despite the pious and prosperous life Valjean has forged. Although Crowe has sung in rock bands for years, he's vocally overmatched here, which strips the character of the menace that defines him. Seeing him sing opposite Jackman makes you wish you could watch these same actors having these same conversations with, like, actual words. But again, it's hard not to appreciate the effort, the risk it required to take on the role.
For the uninitiated, Javert hunts for Valjean against the backdrop of the Paris Uprising of 1832. Adorable street urchins, sassy prostitutes and virile subversives band together to build barricades, and to sing on top of them, until they are gunned down by French troops. The adorably smitten Cosette and Marius wonder whether they'll ever see each other again. Thieving innkeepers Monsieur and Madame Thenardier (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, garishly over-the-top even by the characters' standards) wonder when their next unsuspecting victim will come along. And Jean Valjean wonders whether he'll ever truly be free.
How you feel walking out of this film two and a half hours later will depend a great deal on what you brought into it going in. Maybe you listened to the soundtrack fanatically in high school and still know all the words to "On My Own." Perhaps you were thrilled to see the show on stage during a vacation to New York (and there's a nice little cameo from Colm Wilkinson, the original Jean Valjean from the London and Broadway productions). You will probably be in far better shape than someone coming into this cold.
You may even cry when key characters die, even though you know full well what fate awaits them. There's no shame in that _ we're all friends here.
"Les Miserables," a Universal Pictures release, is rated PG-13 for suggestive and sexual material, violence and thematic elements. Running time: 158 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.
Motion Picture Association of America rating definition for PG-13: Some material may be inappropriate for young children.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian police on Monday said they had arrested a man after a drone allegedly carrying drugs was seen "hovering in the vicinity of a prison".
Victoria state police said the unmanned aerial vehicle, which was carrying a small quantity of drugs, was found near the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Melbourne's west on Sunday.
"A man and a woman were located in a car ... with what was believed to be a drone with four engines and a small quantity of drugs," Victoria Police said in a statement.
The 28-year-old man was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and attempting to commit an indictable offence and was bailed to appear in court later this month.
Police refused to give any details on the size of the drone, a technology already deployed by the military but increasingly used in aerial photography and law enforcement.


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Pay the mortgage or any other debt.
Maintain your family's standard of living.
Keep your children in their current school and fund college.
Pay for final expenses.
Leave a legacy.
Life insurance can also be more than a safety net. Depending on the type of life insurance, it can also be the foundation for a sound financial strategy. With permanent life insurance, for example, as you pay
premiums, the policy accumulates cash value that grows tax deferred and can become a source of funding you can utilize to help meet your financial goals.
That's in contrast to term life insurance, which does not build cash value but is one of the most affordable types of insurance you can buy. If you're a business owner, offering life insurance as part of a comprehensive benefits package will help to recruit and retain valuable employees and give them the financial security they need while contributing to the success of your business.
Life insurance can also minimize the financial impact felt by the death of a key contributor to your business. Its proceeds or cash value can be used to cover the potential loss of business or recruit a successor.


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Choisya ternata 'Sundance' – Mexican orange blossom 5 Litre
Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is a medium-sized, evergreen shrub with a rounded habit. It has vibrant yellow/green foliage with young growth being brighter. In spring and late summer Mexican Orange Blossom plants have clusters of fragrant, white, star shaped flowers. Choisya reach a mature height and spread up to 2.5m and grow well in full sun and moist, well-draining soil
The low maintenance Mexican orange blossom is an attractive shrub and ideal as a stunning specimen in flowers borders.
If the shrub is not in stock please call or email for current availability and delivery options.
All prices are inclusive VAT
In stock, available for nationwide delivery or collection.
Too heavy/large to ship by normal carrier. Customer services to arrange.
Not in stock currently, usually only a short order time.
Not available at present.
If the availability below is not listed as 'In Stock' please contact us for more information regarding the item. We are always updating the stock for sale at our tree nursery but some varieties may only be available through the winter season.
Choisya ternata 'Sundance' – Mexican orange blossom 5 Litre
- Size : 5 Litre pot
- Botanical name/s : Choisya ternata 'Sundance'
- Common name/s : Mexican orange blossom
- Flower / Foliage : Bright yellow/green leaves and clusters of white flowers that appear in spring and late summer.
- Plant type : Evergreen
- Flowering period : Late spring
- Mature height : 2.5m
- Mature spread : 2.5m
- Growth rate : Moderate
- Recommended usage : An attractive shrub, ideal as a stunning specimen in flowers borders.
- Nursery grown : Yes
Once planted, Choisya ternata 'Sundance' will need watering throughout the first growing season, but make sure not to over / underwater.
Check tree tie / stake isn't rubbing and / or too tight or too loose on the trunk.
Check for and remove any dead, decaying, diseased or crossing branches.
Remove any weeds from around the base of the Mexican orange blossom (including grass).
- Position/Aspect : Prefers a full sun/partial shade and sheltered spot.
- Soil : Tolerates most, moist, well-draining soils.
- Hardiness : Hardy in most places throughout the UK.
- Plant maintenance : Low maintenance.
How do I order from King & Co?
Order online
Your order may be placed via our Online Shop, which is fast simple and secure.
After your Online Shop order has been placed we will send an order confirmation email to the email address provided. This will provide you with details of your order, including the order number, which you should check and retain for your records. If there is an error in your order requirement, please contact us as soon as possible quoting your order number, so that we can rectify prior to dispatch.
Phone us
We will take your credit or debit card payment over the phone. Simply call us on 01376 340469 and one of our experienced team are always available to discuss your order.
From our Nursery
Collect your trees or shrubs from our Nursery in Rayne.
We accept all major credit cards including: Maestro, MasterCard, Visa Credit, Visa Electron and Visa Debit.
How can I expect delivery from King & Co?
Overnight to your door
We can delivery to you anywhere in England and Wales via an overnight courier service (two days for Scotland & Ireland).
Via Online Shop
Orders placed via our Online shop if placed by 10am Monday –Thursday can be delivered to you the very next day. If placed on a Friday – Sunday delivery would be on Tuesday.
We deliver by national overnight courier service.
Should you require a specific delivery date, let us know in advance and we will arrange for your delivery to arrive on your required date.
Every tree and plant is packed to ensure your order arrives safely.
For large trees or quantities of trees and plants
Please phone us to discuss, we are usually able to deliver to you via a dedicated vehicle.
For local deliveries
We will deliver to you in our local area and we will be pleased to arrange this with you whilst you are visiting our Nursery or via the phone. We also provide a planting service.
Planting service
We have our own installation teams to carry out planting in Southern & Eastern England. Please call us to discuss, we are always happy to provide you a quotation.
After Plant Tree and Shrub – Bio-Active First Year Feed 1Kg
After Plant Tree and Shrub - Bio-Active First Year Feed is a refined plant feed tailored to the needs of all t..


text: Access to Insight's text library includes hundreds of short essays, books on meditation practice and Buddhist doctrine, Study Guides, sutta commentaries, and much more. To find what you're looking for, use the indexes or the search engine, or browse through the list of contributing authors and translators. You may also want to try these quick links to some of ATI's featured offerings:


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The growing interest among filmmakers in issues surrounding the modern food system and agri-food cultures will be represented in Amsterdam this weekend at the third Food Film Festival, an initiative of the Youth Food Movement Netherlands which is part of the Slow Food Youth Network.
Running from today until Sunday, the program includes three world premiers, a European premiere and fourteen Dutch premieres. At its heart is a program of shorts, including the Dutch animation Super (by Johan Klungel, 2012) and Meatwork (Madeleine Parry, 2012) from Australia. The festival opens with the Dutch premiere of Canned Dreams (Katja Gauriloff, Finland, 2011) about the faces behind typical supermarket products.
But film enthusiasts won't be just sitting in the audience. The Food Film Festival includes many debates and side-events. As today is World Water Day, Oneworld Live (NCDO) and the festival are presenting a special discussion entitled Chewing on Water to investigate the water footprint of food, along with special guest Arjen Hoekstra, the creator of the Water Footprint concept.
The 2013 Great Debate will bring together a wide spectrum of thinkers to discuss why GMO food is such an emotionally charged discussion. Mark Bittman, New York Times columnist and author of the book Food Matters: A Guide To Conscious Eating will deliver the keynote speech for this year's festival.
For the second year, the festival also welcomes chefs, food producers, students, scientist and food activists from all over the world to the Slow Food Youth Conference. Slow Food President Carlo Petrini gave the keynote speech at the conference opening on Wednesday, and will also address the FoodPoliticsEU Conference on Saturday – a platform to link farmers and consumers created by Youth Food Movement Netherlands and NAJK (young farmers organization) in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Of course, where there's talk about food, people get hungry! The legendary Food Film Festival restaurant is serving sustainable meals under the supervision of young and promising chefs Joris Bijdendijk and Samuel Levie. Outside the main venue, the festival market has expanded this year to include a variety of Food Trucks that add quick, tasty and healthy snacks to the festival menu.
And with all that viewing, talking and eating, visitors who want to get active over the weekend can join workshops on topics ranging from Korean cooking to the 'Skills Workshop' (by Jamie magazine) and a ravioli lesson using Slow Food Presidia products. In one of the most popular sessions, Ben Reade, Head of Culinary Research and Development of the Nordic Food Lab, will be leading a unique seminar to investigate taste, through a virtual trip through northern Europe.
For more information visit: www.foodfilmfestival.nl
To follow the event as it unfolds this weekend, follow the festival on twitter or facebook.
The Food Film Festival is an initiative of the Youth Food Movement Netherlands, members of the Slow Food Youth Network.


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Ricky Rubio on the Celtics?
"The bottom line is, why would he want to play in Minnesota?" a senior member of Rubio's camp said this month. "He'll continue to say all the diplomatic things, and Minnesota needs to keep his value up for trade purposes, but the family's preference is to be on the East Coast, specifically New York, Miami or Boston. He wouldn't be troubled if he has to stay another year."Well every other Celtics blog seems to be posting this as a rumor, so I figured I might as well (Damn peer pressure). Nowhere is it said that Boston is his preference mind you. I take it as the East Coast is closest to his home in Spain and on the East Coast, Boston, New York, and Miami are all cities with good basketball teams and significant Spanish speaking populations. That said for fun I'll ask the following question: In the offseason would you trade Rajon Rondo for Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio?
Feel free to comment on your reasoning.


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1. Flattering as it might be to assume that the old school renaissance has had any effect on WotC's bottom line, I rather suspect that Mr Mearls's paean to D&D unity is in fact directed more towards fans of Paizo's Pathfinder, who, even by conservative estimates, are a sizable number of gamers who are no longer WotC customers. If any group of gamers' dissatisfaction with D&D IV has had a noticeable impact on WotC, it's the 3.0/3.5 holdouts who've now sworn their allegiance to Pathfinder rather than people like me, who abandoned WotC before 4e was even announced. Granted, I am assuming a business motive for the column and perhaps that's cynical of me, but it seems the most logical explanation for the current head honcho of D&D making a public plea for D&D fans to recognize "that there are far more things that tie us together than tear us apart."
2. Ultimately, any appeal for "unity" is meaningless without a show of good faith above and beyond platitudes. If WotC is serious about trying to win back fans of previous editions of D&D, then it'd be nice if they did something to demonstrate that seriousness. A good first step would be making legal PDFs of out of print material again available for purchase. I don't expect that to happen, of course, but, if it did, it'd go some way toward alleviating the skepticism this column elicits in me.
As I said, my interpretation of the column is deeply colored by cynicism. Corporations rarely admit mistakes, preferring instead to leverage brand loyalty to paper over their missteps. That's what I see here. Mearls's suggestion that "Whether you play the original game published in 1974, AD&D in any of its forms, 3rd Edition and its descendents, or 4th Edition, at the end of the day you're playing D&D" is an appeal to loyalty to a venerable brand without (as yet anyway) any reason for those of us who've abandoned the brand to return to it. Mearls himself even admits that
D&D is the moments in the game, the interplay within a gaming group, the memories formed that last forever. It's intensely personal. It's your experience as a group, the stories that you and your friends share to this day. No specific rule, no random opinion, no game concept from an R&D designer, no change to the game's mechanics can alter that.Once you've admitted that, what can WotC possibly offer those of us who got off their train years ago (or never got on in the first place)?


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Skift Take
Cancel early and cancel often, that's the crux of it.
As the Northeast braces for its largest winter storm in more than a year, airlines are already employing a strategy that has served them well in recent years: Cancel flights early and keep planes and crews — and passengers — away from snowed-in airports.
Up to 3 feet of snow was forecast along the densely populated Interstate 95 corridor from the New York City area to Boston and beyond. In response, airlines canceled hundreds of flights for Friday, a figure likely to eventually surpass 2,600.
That means emergency planning for Boston's Logan International Airport, the three major airports in the New York Metropolitan area and smaller airports around the region.
Here are some questions and answers about what the airlines are doing:
Q: What are the airlines doing differently?
A: Just a few years ago, a powerful storm dumping two feet of snow on the Northeast would have brought havoc to some of the region's busiest airports. Passengers would sit on a plane for hours, hoping to take off. Families slept on the airport floor with luggage piled up around them. The only meal options came from vending machines.
Now, having learned from storm mismanagement and the bad public relations that followed, U.S. airlines have rewritten their severe weather playbooks. They've learned to cancel flights early and keep the public away from airports, even if that means they'll have a bigger backlog to deal with once conditions improve.
Travelers can still face dayslong delays in getting home, but the advanced cancellations generally mean they get more notice and can wait out the storm at home or a hotel, rather than on a cot at the airport.
Q: Why is it smarter to cancel early?
A: It allows the airlines to tell gate agents, baggage handlers and flight crews to stay home — keeping them fresh once they're needed again.
And by moving planes to airports outside of the storm's path, airlines can protect their equipment and thereby get flight schedules back to normal quickly after a storm passes and airports reopen.
These precautions make good business sense. They also help the airlines comply with government regulations that impose steep fines for leaving passengers stuck on planes for three hours or more. And they reduce the chance of horror-story footage of stranded passengers showing up on the nightly news.
Q: When did airlines change their storm preparations?
A: Things changed almost exactly six years ago. JetBlue was late to cancel flights as a massive snowstorm hammered the East Coast on Valentine's Day weekend in 2007. Passengers were stranded on planes for hours. When the storm finally cleared, other airlines resumed flights but JetBlue's operations were still a mess.
Other airlines took note. Severe weather manuals were updated. Reservation systems were programmed to automatically rebook passengers when flights are canceled. And travelers now receive notifications by email, phone or text message.
Q.: What should passengers know?
A.: First off, don't rush to the airport in hopes of getting a flight before the snow falls. Check with your airline, which will likely cancel your flight before the storm is near your airport.
The good news is that if you miss your connection, the airlines will automatically rebook you on the next available flight. The bad news is that next flight could be a while if you're traveling to or from a city that is buried under a foot or more of snow.
If you're unhappy with your rebooked flight pick up the phone and call the airline directly. Or go onto the airline's website and even consider sending a Tweet.
Q.: How tough is it for the airlines to get operations back to normal?
A.: Once the clouds clear, flights won't start up immediately.
When Superstorm Sandy hit the New York area, JetBlue's Rob Maruster, the airline's chief operating officer, equated starting up the airline again to putting together a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. It's not about staffing levels, but an overall game plan that makes sense. "At a certain point, putting more hands on the table doesn't help get it solved faster," he said.
The airlines will need to ask a lot of questions before bringing in planes.
First, are the runways open?
Next, is there public transit to get workers to the airport? If not, does the airline have enough staff staying at nearby hotels that can be bused in?
Finally, the airline has to check on all the other people needed to run an airport: the Transportation Security Administration, customs officials, caters, fuel trucks and even the people who push wheelchairs through the terminal.
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Tags: snow
Photo credit: A Delta flight at LaGuardia Airport in New York. Allen Skyy / Flickr


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U.S. Foreign Policy in Central and South Asia
Over the next four years, the U.S. will face a number of foreign policy problems, most of them regional, some of them global. It is important to analyze some of the key issues for Central and South Asia as this region will prove vital for U.S. foreign policy. From the ice-bound passes of the Hindu Kush to the blazing heat of the Karakum Desert, Central Asia is a sub-continent steeped in illusion.
For more than two millennia conquerors have been lured by the mirage that it is a gateway to immense wealth: China to the east, India to the south, Persia to the west, and to the north, the riches of the Caspian basin. Greeks, Persians, Arabs, Mongols, British, and Soviets have all come and gone, leaving behind little more than forgotten graveyards and the detritus of war. Americans and our NATO allies are next.
It is a cliché that Afghanistan is the graveyard of empires, but a cliché doesn't mean something is not true, just that it is repeated over and over again until the phrase becomes numbing. It is a tragedy that the US was "numb" to that particular platitude, although we have company. In the past 175 years, England has invaded Afghanistan four times. Our 2001 invasion was itself built on a myth—that the Taliban had attacked the US on 9/11 was fabricated to lay the groundwork for the invasion of Iraq 17 months later. That both invasions turned into disasters is hardly surprising. Rudyard Kipling and TE Lawrence predicted those outcomes more than a 100 years ago.
Most of all, the war has been a calamity for the Afghan people. The country has staggered through more than 30 years of war. According to a recent UN survey, conditions for Afghans in the southern part of the country are desperate.
Some one-third of the area's young children—one million under the age of five—are acutely malnourished. "What's shocking is that this is really high by global standards," Michael Keating, deputy head of the UN mission to Afghanistan, told The Guardian. "This is the kind of malnutrition you associate with Africa, and some of the most deprived parts of the world, not with an area that has received so much international attention and assistance."
The area in question embraces Kandahar and Helmand, the two provinces targeted by Washington's 2009 troop surge. That the provinces have widespread malnutrition and are still deeply restive—both are among the most dangerous areas in the country— is a commentary on the futility of the entire endeavor. The question is, what now? How the White House answers that will go a long way toward determining whether Afghanistan can begin to extricate itself from its long, national nightmare, or once again collapse into a civil war that could destabilize the entire region.
There are a couple of truths the White House will need to absorb. First, there can be no "residual" force left in the country. Right now the Obama administration is trying to negotiate a status force agreement that will allow it to keep anywhere from 6,000 to 15,000 troops in the country to train the Afghan army and pursue al-Qaeda. Such an agreement would exempt US forces from local laws and is a non-starter for Afghans from the get-go. The Taliban and their allies—in particular, the highly effective and quite lethal group, the Haqqanis—will not allow it, and insisting that US troops remain in the country will guarantee the war continues. If there is one truth in Afghanistan, it is that the locals don't cotton to outsiders.
Nor are the regional neighbors very enthusiastic about having the American military in residence next door. Since those neighbors—specifically Iran, China, Pakistan, and Russia—will be central to any final settlement, one does not want to annoy them. It doesn't take much effort to derail a peace process in Afghanistan. As for al-Qaeda, it doesn't exist in Afghanistan, and it is even a specter of its former self in Pakistan. In any case, the Taliban and its allies are focused on local issues, not worldwide jihad, and pose no threat to the US or NATO. Indeed, way back in 2007, Mullah Omar, leader of the Afghan Taliban, pledged that the organization would not interfere in the affairs of any other country.
The White House can get the ball rolling by finally closing down Guantanamo and releasing its Taliban prisoners. Pakistan has already started its prisoner release. Washington must also stop its aggressive use of drones and Special Forces to pursue Taliban leaders. These so-called "night raids" and drone assassinations are not only provocative but make any final agreement more difficult to negotiate. The US has already decapitated much of the Taliban's mid-level leadership, which, in turn, has atomized the organization into scores of local power centers. In fact, that decentralization may make reaching a final agreement much more difficult, because no single person or group of people will be empowered to negotiate for local Taliban affiliates.
In the long run, the war will most likely be resolved the way most things end in Afghanistan: in a compromise. For all their war-like reputation, Afghans really excel in the art of the deal. The Taliban will be part of the government, but all the scare talk about Islamic extremists sweeping into power is exaggerated. The Taliban are mostly based in the Pashtun-dominated south and east, and they will remain the biggest players in Helmand, Kandahar and Paktika provinces. But Pashtuns only make up a plurality in the country—about 42 percent—and will have to compromise with the other major ethnic groups, the Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazaras. Even when the Taliban ruled the country it never succeeded in conquering northern Afghanistan, and it has less support today than it did then.
One major danger comes from US support for local militias that do nothing to control the Taliban but are quite successful at building up provincial warlords and protecting the opium trade (harvests increased 18 percent over a year ago). The Soviets followed exactly the same path, one that eventually led to the devastating 1992-96 civil war.
In short, the US needs to get out, and as quickly as possible. Its NATO allies have already boarded that train—the French are leaving a year early, the Dutch are gone, and the Brits are bunkered down—and prolonging the war is more likely to end in a debacle than any outcome favored by Washington. It is not our country, we don't get to determine its history. That is a lesson we should have learned in Vietnam but apparently did not.
The future of Afghanistan is linked to Pakistan, where current US policy is in shambles. A recent poll found that 74 percent of Pakistanis considered Washington an enemy. Many attribute those figures to the deeply unpopular American drone war that has killed scores of civilians. The drones have definitely made a bad situation worse, but the dispute goes deeper than missile-toting Predators and Reapers. Pakistan is legitimately worried about its traditional opponent in the region, India, and Islamabad views Afghanistan as part of its "strategic depth"—a place to which to retreat in case of an attack by the much stronger Indian Army. Given that Pakistan has lost four wars with its southern neighbor, paranoia about the outcome of a fifth is understandable.
Instead of showing sensitivity to this concern, Washington has encouraged India to invest in Afghanistan, which it has done to the tune of over $2 billion. India even has paramilitary forces deployed in southern Afghanistan. Further, the Obama administration has taken Kashmir off the table, in spite of the fact that, in the run-up to the 2008 elections, Obama promised to seek a solution to the long-running conflict. Dropping Kashmir was a quid pro quo for a growing alliance between New Delhi and Washington aimed at containing an up and coming China.
But Kashmir is far too dangerous to play the role of a regional pawn. India and Pakistan came very close to a nuclear war over the area in the 1999 Kargil incident, and both countries are currently accelerating their nuclear weapons programs. Pakistani and Indian military leaders have been distressingly casual about the possibility of a nuclear war between the two countries.
Rather than actively discouraging a nuclear arms race, Washington has made it easier for New Delhi to obtain fuel for its nuclear weapons programs, in spite of the fact that India refuses—along with Pakistan—to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. As with agreeing to mute concerns over Kashmir, the US's waiver of the NNPT is part of Washington's campaign to woo India into an alliance against China. A nuclear exchange between the two South Asian countries would not only be a regional catastrophe but would have a worldwide impact.
Independent of the dangers Kashmir poses for the region and the world, its people should have the right to determine their own future, be it joining Pakistan, India, or choosing the path of independence. A UN-sponsored referendum would seem the obvious way to let Kashmir's people take control of their own destiny.
For starters, however, the US should demand that New Delhi accept a 2004 Indian government commission's recommendation to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which Human Rights Watch calls "a tool of state abuse, oppression, and discrimination." The Special Powers Act was first created to control Catholics in Northern Ireland and then applied across Britain's colonial empire. It is used today by Israel in the Occupied Territories and India in Kashmir. It allows for arrests without warrants, indefinite detainments, torture, and routine extra-judicial killings.
Washington's fixation with lining up allies against China has also seen the US cut corners on human rights issues in Sri Lanka, Burma, and Indonesia. But recreating a version of the old Cold War alliance system in the region is hardly in the interests of Central and South Asians—or Americans, for that matter. India and Pakistan do not need more planes, bombs, and tanks. They need modernized transport systems, enhanced educational opportunities, and improved public health. The same can be said for Americans.
There was a time when countries in Central and South Asia were responsible for much of the world's wealth and productive capacity. In 1750, India produced 24.5 percent of the world's manufactured goods. England, in contrast, produced 1.9 percent. By 1850, the world had turned upside down, as colonialism turned—or to use the anthropologist Clifford Geertz's term, "de-evolved"—India from a dynamic world leader to an economic satrap of London. The region is emerging from its long, colonial nightmare, and it does not need—indeed, cannot afford—to be drawn into alliances designed half a world away. It is time to bring the 21st century's version of "the Great Game" to an end.


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About Us
Welcome to Sign Of The TImes! We have been FULL TIME autograph & Sports Memorabilia dealers for over 25 years!
We strive to present the very best available for your purchase- the same way we strive for the best in our own autograph collection!
You'll find loads of autographs, autographed photos, music signed albums, Olympic torches, celebrity autographs, sports autographs, including signed balls, bat, helmets, jerseys, boxing gloves, and lots of one of a kind collectibles!
We are a CERTIFIED ONLINE APPRAISER as well as a member of the I.A.C.C. (International Autograph Collectors Club). In addition, we have apprasied items and full collections for many individuals and auction houses as well as ESPN Sports!
All autographs and signed items are guaranteed to be authentic!
Our autographs come from many sources:
Private Signings In- Person signings Celebrity and Athlete's agents ther Quality Dealers which we have dealt with for many years
At Sign Of The Times, you'll discover an easy to use, information packed web site. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the visit!
Please also feel free to E-mail us with any special request or want.
We have over 1,000 items listed on this site and an additional 2,000 items in our store inventory! We also have access to many associate dealers who may be able to help us acquire what you are looking for!


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PHP manages freeing all resources. Users does not required to free file handle resource, database resources, memory, etc, unless programmer need to free resource during script execution.
(All resources are released after script execution)
PHP4 also have reference count feature. For example, memory for variables is shared when it assigned to other variable. If contents has been changed, PHP4 allocate new memory for it.
For example, programmer does not have to use pass by reference for large parameters for better performance with PHP4.
It would be a nice section for new PHP users, if there is "Resource Handling" section or like. Explanation about reference count feature in PHP4 would be very helpful to write better PHP4 scripts also.


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Coconut lemon meringue pie, Indian carrot halwa, tiramisu or saffron kulfi – desserts were my mother's specialty. She was a spectacular cook but it was her desserts that really made her popular amongst friends and family. Once a month she got the opportunity to display her skills when friends would get together for their regular games nights. Often potluck evenings, I have many fond memories of those nights.
They were boisterous gatherings, full of laughs, debates, arguments, accusations of cheating and of course plenty of eating. Guests usually brought a variety of delicious home cooked meals and being an international group, there was everything from pot pies, casseroles, stews to curries, bakes and stir-fries.
While men discussed the latest in sports or current affairs over tumblers of whiskey, the women spent a good deal of time complimenting each other and exchanging recipes. Once the small talk was over they gathered around the table set up for the game. Usually card games similar to poker were played and often high stakes were placed, but most important at that table, men and women became equal. Their roars of laughter and heated debates could be heard throughout the house.
With the adults busy playing their games, we kids were often left to our own devices, the eldest in charge to intervene if things got out of control. Our games were of make believe worlds, where we literally rearranged the bedroom furniture to suit our needs. Fortresses were made out of beds and pillows, sheets became our royal robes and we used whatever we found in closets to dress for the occasion.
Dinnertime brought the required interlude to bring us all together again. Assembling at the buffet-style table, the aromas of the food whet our appetites coaxing us to overeat. My mother's presentation of the desserts was always the highlight of the evening. Having spent most of the day in the kitchen, she would present a few different types of treats. These were usually special requests from the previous games night. Mum always liked to please everyone.
Those family game nights were always a success with friends and family for years and continued for many years, moving with us from country to country. There are so many fond memories that come to mind when thinking of those nights – the games, victories and losses. Although my parents have now stopped with those game nights, they still love to entertain and my mother still is in charge of dessert.
The apple does not fall far from the tree as they say. In my own circle of friends I seem to have taken over my mother's tradition and am usually the one who is put in charge of dessert. One little treat that cannot be missing from the dessert table are macarons. I always enjoy watching people play guessing games as to what flavor combination is tickling their taste buds. This combination really brings together an exquisite pairing together. Freeze dried raspberry powder provides a powerful and tangy flavor level for the shells, while rich white chocolate is combined with coconut for a smooth ganache.
Printable version of recipe here
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
For the macaron shells
- 110g icing sugar
- 60g almonds, very finely ground
- 60g egg whites, (about 2 eggs) aged for either 5 days in the fridge, then for 24 hours at room temperature or a little over 24 hours on the countertop
- 40g granulated sugar
- 15g freeze dried raspberry powder, sieved
- 280g white chocolate, finely chopped
- 155ml heavy cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut flakes
For the macaron shells
- Prepare your baking tray and baking sheets with a stencil of circles. Draw circles on some baking paper using a (mathematical) compass about 2 cm in diameter. Then place some white parchment paper on the baking tray and flip the baking paper back around. Or use this macaron template.
- In a large mixing bowl mix the egg whites with an electric hand beater (alternatively you can use a stand mixer with the whisk attachment) until it is thick and frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, whisking all the while, until the mixture turns into a thick glossy meringue. The consistency of the macaron batter should be similar to hair mousse or shaving foam. Make sure the meringue is not over-beaten or else it will be too dry.
- In a food processor pulse together icing sugar and almonds until everything is finely ground and powdery. Sift the mixture 2 or 3 times to make sure there are no lumps.
- Place the dry ingredients, including the raspberry powder into a bowl. Add the meringue in three portions, giving it a quick fold using the macronnage technique described in my macaron tips section. Fold the mixture a few times to break the air. Continue until you get a smooth and supple mixture, thick in consistency so that when you lift the spatula it flows back in thick ribbons. Test a small amount on a plate – should the tops fall back and flatten by themselves then it is ready, if not give it a few more folds.
- Fill a piping bag with a plain tip with the batter and pipe small rounds (2 cm in diameter) on your prepared baking paper. Leave the macarons to rest and dry for about 15 to 30 minutes.
- In the meantime preheat the the oven to 150 degrees C. When the macarons are ready bake the shells for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Use a flat offset spatula to gently remove the shells from the baking paper and allow to cool further on a rack.
- Put the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Bring the heavy cream to a boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Working with a whisk or spatula, gently stir the chocolate and cream together. Add the coconut and when the ganache is smooth, stir in the butter.
- Cool the ganache by putting the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice cubes and cold water. Stir almost constantly, so it doesn't harden; when the ganache is thick enough to pipe, spoon into the pastry bag.
Assembling the macarons
Pipe small portions of the coconut ganache filling on one of the shells and gently cover with another shell. Do not press. Continue to do this until you have used up all of the filling and shells. If the ganache is really thick, simply use two spoons and spoon portions on the shells.
Storing Macarons
If you are not going to be using them right away you can store the shells in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They freeze well too but it is recommended to freeze them unfilled. To fill them take the shells out of the freezer 48 hours prior to serving and without defrosting fill them. This way the flavors will be allowed to blend as they thaw. Macarons taste best the next day. Prepare and fill them, then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to intermingle with each other. Enjoy them at room temperature the next day.
Some will say macarons are outdated or overrated. For me I doubt they will ever go out of style. I love the fact that they are so wonderfully versatile and one can dress them up in a plethora of flavor combination. For me macarons are like my little playground where I can test, experiment and play around with flavor combinations that are whirling around in my head.
A bag of freeze dried raspberries was lying in my pantry since May, when Arthi of Soul Curry brought some for me to test. Tastewise, it's powerful and intense on it's own, but mixed into the macaron ingredients it subtly lends it's raspberry tanginess throughout the shells. That's what one tastes immediately when the first bite is taken. The next taste level takes you away to a tropical island far away. Coconut does that to me, transporting me to places where beaches and palm trees are plentiful. The coconut in the ganache is wonderfully sublime and pairs with the tartness of the raspberry incredibly.
So, if desserts is what you too are in charge of, make macarons, they are easier than what they are reputed to be and always add a touch of splendor.
If you have not already heard, there's something new at Plate to Page. We've moved and have a new home. Come on over to www.platetopage.com and see what we've been up to. Not only are we shining with a new website but we also have a new logo to show-off. The girls and I have been busy behind the scenes with many tasks. Thanks to the men in our lives too who have also put in a few hours helping us on many levels. Plate to Page Tuscany is just a few weeks away and we are gearing up for that towards the end of October. Once again the workshop is sold out and we are looking forward to welcoming participants from around the globe. We're also looking ahead to May 2012 when the third Plate to Page workshop will take place in London. We recently secured an amazing venue after much searching. More news to follow on that. So please make sure you subscribe to Plate to Page, follow us on Twitter and stay connected via our Facebook page for all the latest news!
Hope you all have a fantastic week and weekend. Catch you all next week!
More macaron ideas from WFLH:
Raspberry Tea Macarons with Tahini Dark Chocolate Cream | Matcha Macarons with Passionfruit Curd | Rooibos Chocolate Chai and Sweet Spicy Chocolate Cinnamon Macarons |
All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2011 Meeta Khurana Wolff unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First


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The daughter was one of those huffy types who tried to answer every damn question for her mom, even though the old lady was clearly fine, independent, and a hell of a lot brighter then her offspring. Mom tried to talk around her, but the daughter just wouldn't let her answer my questions, even when asked directly of the patient.
Finally, when her daughter interrupted her for the millionth time, Mom looked at me and said, "You'll have to forgive my daughter, Doctor. Normally she wouldn't be accompanying me to doctor visits, but 52 years ago my diaphragm broke."


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Blue= Happy
Purple=Weird or Other
After the color, came an overall score:
3=OK (not bad, medium)
5=Great :)
The next 7 Pages, labeled "Jack 1" through "Jack 7" each listed 10 dreams and their ratings.
Examples include:
Scaffolding: "Red, 1" or Scary, Terrible
Mysterious Forest: "Blue, 4" or Happy, Good
Christmas: "Blue, 4" or Happy, Good
Reality: "Purple, 3" or Weird or Other, OK
Sponge Bob #1: "Green, 2" or Funny, Bad
Exhibit of Fun: "Blue, 5" or Happy, Great
Public School: "Red, 4" or Scary, Good
Kidnapped by Playdoh: "Purple, 5" or Weird or Other, Great
Some of his worst dreams centered around the demise of Margaret's (now departed) hermit crab, Smiley, which doesn't surprise me, given how worried Jack was about that crab back in the day.
For five nights his dreams were titled...
"Smiley's Destruction" and were rated: "Red, 1" or Scary, Terrible.
Tim has taken comfort in seeing these dreams listed:
Down the River: "Blue, 3" or Happy, OK
Bounding, Swirling and Slipping: "Green, 5" or Funny, Great
Water and Things: "Green, 4" or Funny, Good
I have laughed about the ones I was included in:
Mom Goes Mad: "Red, 3" or Scary, OK
Bee Mom: "Red, 1" or Scary, Terrible
Most leave me intrigued and wanting more details:
Freedom: "Purple, 1" or Weird or Other, Terrible
Cathead: "Red, 1" or Scary, Terrible
I like Jack's Dream Chart for so many reasons, mainly because it represents what I love about Jack.
First, it shows perseverance, as I can't think of very many things I've kept up with for 70 straight days (diets? journaling? exercise routines?). I don't have that kind of stick-to-it-ive-ness at age 42, let alone at age 10. Jack could focus on something for a long, long time. As I've written before, he had patience with people and with tasks.
The chart is also so darn quirky and creative, traits I will always admire about Jack. It didn't serve to accomplish anything by the world's standards, but I guess it fulfilled a desire of Jack's to track something fascinating and try to understand or make sense of it.
The quiet way Jack maintained this list each day while his dreams were still fresh, reminds me of the way he operated at home: quietly, methodically, always thinking. Whether he was building, doodling, or working his way through a logic puzzle book, Jack was quietly doing SOMETHING.
His humor and creativity, which we're learning was quite evident in school (although not always in the most appropriate manner!) shine through in the names Jack gave his dreams, just as they did in the many elaborate games he made up to play with Margaret and his friends.
I can't really sum up why I love this chart so much, but I do.
I'll just ask, what's not to love about someone who takes the time to record and remember a dream like this:
"Desert Neighborhood Parking Lot Mansion On Our Hill Theme Park Foreign Food Wars" ???
By the way, that one got a Green, 4 (Funny, Good)


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Orders placed during our working week (Monday – Friday, excluding Bank Holidays) will usually be processed and dispatched with 48 hours of receipt. During very busy periods, however, order dispatch may be delayed. In this instance, we will advise you of the estimated dispatch date of your order by email.
Please note the following:
Our working week is defined as Monday – Friday (excluding bank and public holidays).
All orders are tracked and require a signature.
You may, during the 'checkout' process, specify a different delivery address than your payment address if that is more convenient for you (provided the billing address matches the address on your credit card statement).
Please ensure that your delivery address is correct (including postcode) before paying for your order. We are unable to take responsibility for the delay or loss of a parcel where incorrect or incomplete delivery details have been provided. Depending on your local postal service you may need to ensure that you add a specific Delivery Name for parcels being delivered to a different address. For more information please check with your local postal service. If you are arranging for a parcel to be sent to a Business address please ensure to include the Company Name along with the name of the recipient.
We will deliver all products comprised in your order in one delivery.
If any product is not available we will inform you immediately once we're made aware of this. We will refund the value of this item back to your card and dispatch the rest of your order.
If your order is delayed by more than ten days we will give you the option to cancel your order.
We regret that we cannot change a delivery address once the item has been dispatched.
All delivery timescales are approximate and subject to availability. The precise timing of a delivery cannot be specified.
We do not take responsibility for delays once items have left our warehouse.
Although we will make every effort to ensure your products are delivered within the time stated, we take no responsibility for loss or damage incurred where delivery is time dependent. No compensation is payable to the customer for delayed receipt or inconvenience.
We do not take responsibility for a parcel in the event that it is opened or tampered with by a third party during transit, in these instances you should contact the courier and take advice on how to proceed under their procedures.


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The Hale County Housing Authority provides housing options for low-income individuals and families. They typically operate at the county or local level to offer low-income rental housing, rental assistance programs, and other housing options for people who meet the eligibility requirements in Hale County, Alabama. Some Housing Authorities own and manage apartments and single-family homes, while others focus on rental assistance programs. Hale County Housing Authorities provide information on applying for low-income housing, the income eligibility requirements, and living in Housing Authority properties. They also accept and process applications and handle low-income housing complaints. The Housing Authority website provides information about Hale County low-income housing.
Greensboro Housing Authority Greensboro AL 101 Centerville Cir 36744 334-624-7728
The Hale County Veterans Affairs Department is a federal agency that provides services to veterans, including Armed Forces veterans and Reserve veterans. The VA also provides housing assistance to veterans who meet the eligibility requirements, as one of the VA programs for at-risk veterans in Hale County, Alabama. Veterans can receive housing benefits through collaborations between local Hale County Housing Authorities and the VA, particularly for homeless veterans. The VA also leases land and buildings for veteran housing programs. Veterans can learn more about their eligibility for Hale County housing services through a local Veterans Affairs Office or the Veteran Affairs website.
Veterans Service Officer Greensboro AL Hall Street 36744 334-624-7770


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PTSD symptoms usually do not completely disappear. Therefore, you will likely need to continue coping with the symptoms and the problems they cause. Recovery is an ongoing and gradual daily process. The following lifestyle changes can help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life:
General Guidelines
Join a PTSD Support Group
Many communities have support groups for survivors of trauma with PTSD. Though it may be difficult for you to take that first step and attend a meeting, groups can provide additional emotional support and help you cope with your symptoms and other problems related to PTSD. It may feel awkward to meet new people and talk about yourself, but with regular attendance, many people find that they eventually feel more trusting and open. You'll likely also feel better that you're taking positive steps in your recovery.
Make Contact With Other Trauma Survivors
You need the companionship of those who can provide support and understanding. Increase your contact with other trauma survivors, possibly by joining a group of trauma survivors or a veteran's organization. Increased contact with other survivors can help you to feel more trusting, more satisfied with your life, and can help reduce your symptoms.
Keep in Touch With Family and Friends
Work at improving your relationships with your partner or spouse, family, and friends. The mutual support will aid in your healing. You will feel more "normal" as you increase your social support.
Relocate to a Safer Area
After surviving a trauma, you are likely to feel that the world is a dangerous place and that your chances of being harmed are high. If you live in a high-crime area, your beliefs and fears will be even worse. If possible, move to a quieter and safer area.
Join an Alcohol or Drug Treatment Program
Many survivors of trauma use alcohol or drugs for relief of PTSD symptoms. While this may seem to have some benefits in the short-term, it always makes things worse in the long-term. If you are using alcohol or drugs to cope with PTSD, it's important to get some help so that you can stop. A treatment program or group program is often the most effective way to stop using alcohol or drugs. Ask your doctor for referrals to services to help you stop using alcohol and/or drugs.
Begin a Regular Exercise Program
Walking , jogging, swimming , weight lifting , and other forms of exercise can help reduce physical tension. Exercise can also provide an outlet for your emotions, distract you from worries and disturbing memories, and can help increase your self-esteem and feelings of control. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.
Get Involved With Your Community
Get involved in a community activity such as volunteering, especially if you're not working. Whether you choose to work with youth programs, the elderly, literacy programs, or hospital services, or to take part in community sports, it's important to feel that you are making a contribution.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
Post-traumatic stress disorder. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml. Updated February 2016. Accessed February 1, 2018.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114915/Posttraumatic-stress-disorder-PTSD . Updated June 26, 2017. Accessed February 1, 2018.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/anxiety-and-stressor-related-disorders/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd. Updated May 2014. Accessed February 1, 2018.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
- Review Date: 11/2018
- Update Date: 12/20/2014