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text:
Oct 2015 : The month of October kindles deep devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary. During this month, people of each Ward join together every evening for Rosary. Statues of Our Lady were handed over to all the 24 Ward leaders by Rev. Fr. Anthony, the Rector of Shanti Ashram. Rev. Fr. Venus Praveen, the Parish Priest preached on the importance of Family Prayer during the Mass.
After the Mass, the Ward people proceeded in procession to their respective wards. There was great joy and enthusiasm in everyone. The statue of our Lady will be taken to each house of the Ward during the month and it will return to the Church by the end of the month.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Terry and Cerise were walking along the docs in St-Anne's. After leaving the restaurant they had driven around randomly for a while until deciding to take a walk along the waterfront. Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue was a college town, housing John Abbott CEGEP and there were lots of teenagers around, drinking and running in and out of bars. Terry wanted to suggest they go somewhere for a drink but figured Cerise wouldn't be into that.
"I'm sorry about Karine, being like, bitchy," he said suddenly.
"That's ok," said Cerise. "I mean, sometimes she's ok. Sometimes not. What's her damage anyway?"
"I dunno. Sometimes she gets weird. But she's usually pretty cool."
"You been friends long?"
"Since Sec 1."
"That's cool."
"Yeah, she's cool once you get to know her."
"If you say so," smirked Cerise.
Terry chuckled.
"Did you guys ever… go out?"
"No. We played those games like spin the bottle and shit in like Sec 1 but uh, you know, we never really hooked up or anything."
"Did you ever want to hook up with her? I mean she's really pretty."
Terry wondered if he should be honest. "Um… no. We're good as friends."
Cerise nodded and smiled slightly. Terry wanted to hold her hand but her hands were stuffed into her coat pockets.
"So how 'bout you and those dorks you hang out with?" he asked.
"What?" she turned to him, a frown on her face.
Vani was shooting an imaginary machine gun, killing a warehouse full of cybernetically enhanced
. Jaffa
Willy, who had fallen asleep after gorging himself on Sweet Chili Heat Doritos was roused and asked what was going on.
"We're going in!" announced Jay.
"Oh, finally. Have you been NPCing me?"
"I always NPC you," snarked Karl.
"Well I'll do something now! Just tell me what's happening."
"You're being attacked by a Glitter Boy."
"They're not dorks. They're just… nerds," said Cerise with a laugh.
Terry laughed as well. He was so cute when he smiled.
"No, I dunno," she went on. "They're not so bad. A little immature maybe but so are all guys."
"Is that right?" he smiled.
"Until I get any evidence to the contrary, yeah."
"It's just weird 'cause they don't seem like the type of people you'd hang with."
"Oh? What kind of people should I hang out with?"
"I dunno," he shrugged.
"People like you?"
"For instance," he grinned.
"But those guys and I have stuff in common."
"Like what?"
"Well I'm kind of a geek too."
He looked her up and down and Cerise started to feel a little uncomfortable.
"Maybe," he said, cocking his head to the side.
"Ok, be cool, be calm. No reason to panic," said Jay.
"Yeah, no reason at all. We're trapped in a room with no air and there's a Gllitter Boy outside the door. Everything's peachy keen."
"Well, as a last resort there's always suicide," suggested Willy.
"The GB comes in and puts you all in anti-suicide chambers. Except you, Willy," Karl smirked.
"Ha, ha, frakkin' ha," scowled Willy.
Three teenaged boys with cigarettes in their mouths were throwing empty beer bottles into the lake.
"I guess you're not into that kinda shit are you?" asked Terry, indicating the boys.
"What shit? Random acts of pollution?"
"Like getting drunk or high and shit."
"Uh, not really," she admitted.
"How come?"
Cerise wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't even sure she knew the answer. "I dunno. It just never appealed to me. Seems boring."
"It can be fun."
"Well, I guess. But it's just not my kind of fun."
"What is your kinda fun?" he grinned. "Building snow forts?"
"Hey, don't knock it 'till you try it," she smiled. "But no, I dunno. I guess I'd just prefer to have a conversation than like, drink until I pass out."
"Have you ever tried drinking 'till you pass out?"
"How do you know you won't like it if you've never tried it?"
"Well, I'm assuming. I mean, I'm just not that type."
"How do you know?" he challenged.
"I think I know myself," she said, letting her irritation begin to show.
"Ok well… what if I am?"
"What if you are what?"
"What if I'm that type?"
"Listen, if that's what you wanna do then great, I'm not gonna stop you. But it's not for me. I mean to each their own, right? I mean, I dunno, I just don't really wanna be like…"
"Like what? Like me?"
"No. Like Christina Penna."
Terry laughed. "Yeah, good point."
"Whew! Thank god!" Vani flopped back onto the couch and dramatically wiped his brow.
"Close one," said Jay. "Way to avoid death, RJ."
RJ was the name of Vani's character. It stood for Rough Justice.
"Never underestimate the power of a good roll," smiled Karl.
"Is it my turn now?" whined Willy.
Karl grudgingly agreed it was and offered him the dice.
"Aww man! You're just gonna ruin everything I just set up!" whined Vani.
Jay couldn't help but agree.
"Still though, it's fun sometimes just to you know, loosen up," said Terry.
Cerise shrugged. "I dunno, I think I'm already pretty loose."
"Oh yeah?" Terry grinned lasciviously. "Good to know."
"Well I don't mean it like that!"
"Aww damn, I thought I was gonna get lucky there for a second."
He was obviously joking but Cerise blushed anyway and turned away from him to look at the water.
"So such luck, eh?" he said.
She turned back to him and frowned. "I think your ego can take the rejection for like, you know, this one time in your life."
"You'd be surprised," he smiled.
"Surprised by what? How brittle your ego is or by how many times you've been rejected? Somehow I don't think you're used to being turned down."
"Why's that?" he asked, still smiling.
"Everyone knows you're a player."
"You make it sound like a bad thing," he grinned.
Cerise tried a combination of smirking and scowling. A smowl. Or a scirk.
"That might be another thing you wanna try out." He cocked an eyebrow and the left side of his mouth turned up.
"Red alert! Battle stations!"
Vani got up and ran around the room. "I send a red shirt to seal the breach!"
"You're out of red shirts!" announced Karl.
"Then I send Willy!"
"Fuck you!" yelled Willy, throwing a die at Vani.
"Hey," don't throw the frakking dice!" ordered Karl. "I still haven't forgotten the twelve sider you lost in Sec 3!"
"Oh my fucking god! Get over it! That was two years ago!"
"Seriously, Karl, they're just dice," said Jay, shaking his head.
"You dare disdain the dice?!" Karl picked up a twenty-sider on the table and held it to his chest. "My precious…"
"Yeah well, if and when I decide to try any new things, you will definitely not be who I try them with," said Cerise with narrowed eyes.
Oh shit. He'd done it again. It was so easy to make her mad. Terry really had to be careful what he said around her. She was good with banter so he always forgot that she had a tendency to take his sexual jokes too seriously.
"Hey, I didn't mean to piss you off. I was just kidding around. Seriously," he said trying to smile as innocently as possible.
"Ok," she smiled tightly.
They walked for a while, and it was sort of awkward. Terry knew he shouldn't press the issue but he had to know something. "Uh so… who would you try them with?"
"That guy you're always hanging out with?"
"The guy with the 'fro?"
"You guys ever hook up?"
"Didn't you already ask me this at Karine's party? Jay and I are just friends."
"Ok, cool. He likes you though."
Cerise stopped and turned to face Terry. "Really?"
Oh shit. He never should have brought it up. "Uh… maybe."
"You really think so?"
"I dunno."
"What makes you think that?"
"Nothing. I'm prob'ly wrong."
"Yeah, probably," she said sadly.
"Whatever, he's a spaz. You're better off without him."
"What does that mean?"
"He's a freak," said Terry, annoyed they were still talking about that loser.
"He's my friend. And if he's a freak, then I am too."
Terry sighed in annoyance. "Yeah, maybe you are."
"And what does that mean?"
"Nothing, forget it."
"No, you obviously mean something. Tell me."
"I just think you can do better!"
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "You think I can do you."
"Well what's wrong with me?" He knew he was raising his voice and sounding like an asshole but he couldn't help it. She was just so frustrating.
"Nothing. But it's not like there's anything particularly right with you either."
"And what the hell does that mean? You think you're too good for me or some shit?"
"I didn't say that! You're putting words in my mouth."
"Hey, believe me, words are the last thing I wanna put in your mouth."
"Eww! What does that mean?"
"Nothing," he sighed.
"God, screw you!" She stepped back, obviously in full on bitch-out mode. "You're such a fucking hypocrite, all beating up Vani 'cause he said nasty shit about Karine but you are constantly making disgusting sexual innuendos."
"Hey, I didn't beat him up…"
"You say my friends are losers, and yet all your friends call me Cherry, like right to my face! God! Why do I even bother with you?"
"I'm sorry, I…"
"No! Don't say anything! I don't wanna hear it! 'Cause this fucking thing between us, whatever it is, it is so over."
"That's it, we're screwed. There's no way out of this situation," Jay said despondently. "Way to frakk everything up, Willy."
"Suck it," responded Willy, masturbating a phantom erection.
"I say we sacrifice Willy and regroup," said Vani.
"I will stick my dick right in your mouth if you don't shut the fuck up," growled Willy.
"Keep your fantasies to yourself," said Karl. "Jay, just roll."
Cerise was walking away at about the speed of light. Terry ran after her and tried to take her arm but she shook him off.
"Wait!" he pleaded.
"Why should I?"
"God! Chill! You always freak out!"
"You know what?" she spun around to face him. "You can't say that. You can't say I always anything. You don't know me well enough to make a judgement like that."
"I know you're overreacting," he sighed.
"And I know you're a total asshole. And Jay knows it too. And so do the rest of my friends. Because they are my friends and they don't insult me every chance they get."
"How did I insult you? Fuck! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to piss you off. Come on, you said yourself you sometimes blow things out of proportion. Can we just start over?"
"This," her hands waved back and forth between them. "This was supposed to be us starting over. But I don't want to anymore. 'Cause maybe I'm not blowing things out of proportion. Maybe I'm seeing things the way they really are. So just leave me alone ok? From now on, just leave me the hell alone, you fucking perv!"
Jay held the die in his hand and cradled it. He shook his fist and then dropped the die onto the table. It landed on twenty. Jay leapt into the air and hollowered. Vani, Karl and Willy also cheered.
"We're saved!"
Cerise walked away from Terry to get to the main road. She had such nice legs, so long and thin but not like skinny thin, like nice thin… shit, she was right, he really was a perv. She was totally freaking out and he was only thinking about doing her. He needed to get himself under control and help her calm down.
"What are you gonna do? Walk home?" he asked much more snarkily than he'd intended.
"I'll take the bus."
"Who knows when it'll come?"
"The 211 passes every hour. I can wait."
"Cerise, come on."
"Leave me alone!"
"Cerise, its freezing. I'm not gonna leave you here. Just let me drive you home. Ok? Just let me drive you. And then I'll never speak to you again. I promise. I'll leave you alone for the rest of your life. I swear," he lied. "Please. I just, I can't just leave you here."
She turned and glared at him.
They drove in silence. Cerise kept her head turned the entire time, looking out the window. He drove slowly and tried to say something everytime he stopped at a red light but he couldn't think of anything that would make her forgive him. He wasn't even entirely sure what he'd done wrong. When he got to her house she quickly unbuckled her seat belt and opened the door. He put his hand on her arm.
"Cerise, wait. Please, listen, I…"
"Goodbye," she said icily, yanking her arm free. She slammed the door in his face.


text:
Performing Arts
South Florida becomes breeding ground for new works, playwrights
If it's autumn, it's time for the new South Florida theater season to kick into high gear.
And among more than a dozen regionally produced shows opening this month in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are two world premieres: Michael McKeever's #MeToo-influenced take on the horror classic "Dracula," for Zoetic Stage at Miami's Arsht Center, and the Broadway-targeted "Havana Music Hall," which is getting a lavish first production at Actors' Playhouse in Coral Gables' Miracle Theatre.
With music and lyrics by Richard Kagan, a producer-composer based in Los Angeles, and a book by Miami playwright-actor Carmen Peláez (whose new play "Fake" will get its own world premiere from Miami New Drama in January-February), "Havana Music Hall" is having an extended preview period Oct. 10-18 before its gala opening Oct. 19. The poignant, resonant piece about married Cuban performers whose lives are upended by the revolution had an earlier workshop presentation in Los Angeles, but close-to-Cuba Miami seemed the perfect spot for its world premiere.
As with several other New York-aspiring productions at Actors' Playhouse in the past, the show is the work of a largely out-of-town creative team; director-choreographer Maria Torres, for example, was associate choreographer of Broadway's "On Your Feet!" and the choreographer of Off-Broadway's "4 Guys Named Jose and Una Mujer Named Maria." And the cast is a blend of New York-based actors (many with Miami roots) and area performers.
McKeever's "Dracula," on the other hand, has pure South Florida running through its veins.
The playwright, whose Carbonell Award-winning "Daniel's Husband" opens at Off-Broadway's Westside Theatre Upstairs a week after "Dracula" begins artfully terrorizing audiences in the Arsht's Carnival Studio Theater on Oct. 11, is among three Miami playwrights whose work is in the national spotlight this season.
Christopher Demos-Brown, like McKeever one of the founders of Zoetic, is making his Broadway debut with "American Son;" starring Kerry Washington and directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, the play opens at the Booth Theatre on Nov. 4. On Jan. 10, "Moonlight" Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney makes his Broadway debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre with "Choir Boy," an Off-Broadway hit that was subsequently produced at GableStage in 2015.
Stuart Meltzer, artistic director and another Zoetic Stage founder, says of McKeever and Demos-Brown, "You work at it and the doors open up. And they write good plays."
The play-writing landscape in the region has changed since trailblazer Nilo Cruz won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for "Anna in the Tropics," which had its world premiere at tiny New Theatre in 2002. (Cruz, too, will have a presence in New York this season when his Spanish-language "Exquisita Agonía" rejoins the repertory after its world premiere last spring at Repertorio Español; the play will also be presented by Arca Images production at Miami-Dade County Auditorium's On.Stage Black Box Nov. 15-18.)
Given the success of these breakout playwrights, initiatives such as the Playwright Development Program run by the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, and developmental programs including Palm Beach Dramaworks' Dramaworkshop in West Palm Beach, Theatre Lab at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Jan McArt's New Play Readings series at Boca Raton's Lynn University and Miami Light Project's Here & Now Festival, it's clear that South Florida has become a place where new work — and playwrights — can flourish.
Juan C. Sanchez, for example, is putting the finishing touches on the second edition of Juggerknot Theatre Company's immersive "Miami Motel Stories," which will run at a Biscayne Corridor motel Nov. 30-Dec. 23. And three of Miami New Drama's four productions at the Colony Theatre on Miami Beach this season are world premieres.
Says Carbonell Award-winning actor Karen Stephens, who plays a decidedly different Van Helsing in "Dracula," "South Florida is fecund, a fertile place for new work, a breeding ground for original works."
McKeever, whose script for "Dracula" is his 30th full-length play since his 1996 debut with "That Sound You Hear" at New Theatre, has seen a significant evolution for the region's playwrights since his career began.
"The world has changed for playwrights here, more specifically in the last seven years or so," he says. "Not only are new works a normal part of the landscape, but they've been embraced by artistic directors and audiences. People want them."
"Dracula," for which McKeever also designed the tri-level set, has been percolating in his imagination for five years or so. But the #MeToo movement gave him fresh ideas about how to approach the Bram Stoker vampire classic.
"Dracula is the ultimate predator," McKeever says. "But I wanted to redefine things. What better way to turn the play on its head and empower the women? Now Van Helsing is a woman of color, a Johannesburg-born scientist with this great strength and resolve. The character of Mina Murray was set up to be a victim, but here she starts off talking about equal rights and finds her confidence. It's really Mina's play."
In "Dracula," Meltzer is directing a cast that includes Carlos Orizondo as Dracula, Lindsey Corey as Mina, Daniel Capote as Mina's fiancé Jonathan Harker, David Kwiat as Dr. Edmond Seward, Isabella Lopez as Seward's ward Lucy (and as the maid Bridgett), Caleb Scott as the disturbed Renfield and Stephens as Van Helsing. The director is savoring his first-ever experience at directing a horror classic with so many thematic colors.
"I want to play with light and sound, so there's an almost continuous soundscape that will get the audience into a hypnotic state," says Meltzer, who is working with lighting designer Rebecca Montero and sound designer Matt Corey. "Then it wakes you up, and there's blood spurting everywhere. This is gothic, comedy, drama and horror, all larger than life. You need a balance."
Orizondo, who teaches drama at Gulliver Academy, has gone beyond research (reading Stoker's novel, watching "Dracula"-related movies) to physically transform himself for his Zoetic debut. The slim, muscular actor grew his hair longer, pierced his ear and deliberately lost 20 pounds on a ketogenic diet.
"Dracula is the essence of the id. I see him as a tall, thin man – a wolf, an animal," Orizondo says. "He's the ultimate predator and ultimate egotist. It's all about satisfying his urges. He has no boundaries."
Kwiat, who quips that he's "enjoying sinking my teeth into the horror genre," is impressed by McKeever's reimagining of a familiar story.
"He took the bulk of the material and turned it into his own entity. He knows the audience knows the story," the actor says. "Michael is truly a renaissance man. He's a writer, a designer, a manager, an artist….As a writer, he rolls around in so many genres. He's a chameleon who takes on the hues of whatever he's working on….It's a joy to watch his writing get deeper and deeper."
Corey, who graduated from Miami's New World School of the Arts a decade ago, said yes to playing Mina before she had seen a word of the script. This is her first McKeever play but her third world premiere, after playing leads in Kim Ehly's "Baby Girl" and Demos-Brown's "Stripped."
"It's rare when a man writes a play like this about women," Corey says. "He's really mapped out her journey, which includes heartbreak and the promise of a different life. He has such a grasp of how people talk to each other. In a period piece, you can get lost in the language, but he writes so it's a natural flow."
Stephens, who also appeared in McKeever's Zoetic world premiere drama "After," concurs regarding the playwright's skills.
"He does his research, and the way he constructs the language of a piece is a strong point," she says. "Whether it's a comedy or a drama, he has an ear for the rhythms of language and a facility for moving the story along to its conclusion."
In "Havana Music Hall," a story devised by Kagan was turned into a script packed with joy, tension and loss by Peláez, author and performer of the successful solo show "Rum & Coke." Set in Havana in 1958 and in the present, the musical is a love letter to Cuban music and musicians, as well as a heartbreaking examination of the personal toll exacted by the revolution. Here, director-choreographer Torres is the artist who keeps the absorbing story moving along to its conclusion.
"This musical is about love, hope and redemption," says Torres of a show that features more than 30 characters. "I wanted to create something seamless … to feel the story's coming from everywhere…to immerse the audience and make them feel they've traveled to Cuba in 1958, then to present-day Cuba."
Kagan, a longtime friend and professional associate of the late composer Marvin Hamlisch, says he has loved Latin music from an early age and that the "Buena Vista Social Club" documentary affected him deeply. He took piano lessons from a Cuban musician. And when he met Cuban performer-musicologist Jose "Perico" Hernandez, who has translated lyrics and been part of the creative team for four years, Kagan knew his "Havana Music Hall" story rang true.
"Jose told me that in 1958 he was working at the Capri Hotel in Havana, making $20 a week to support his wife and three kids. The regime came in and said, 'We'll tell you what to play and how much you can make,'" Kagan says. "The first part is a story of what happened. Then the core of the musical is everyone singing together. This is an old-fashioned musical. It has songs you'll walk out humming."
Larry Blank, a Tony Award-nominated orchestrator and the show's music supervisor, was drawn to "Havana Music Hall" because he saw it as a musical about "roots, displacement, home and family. … To me, it's a basic 'Fiddler on the Roof.'"
Two sets of actors play the musical's focal couple, married musicians Rolando and Ramona Calderón. Owners of the late-night spot Havana Music Hall and parents of a baby daughter, they're about to break through with a gig at the famed Tropicana when the revolution changes everything and they must choose exile or the cost of staying in their homeland.
Alexander Pimental, a Miamian who now lives in Los Angeles, plays the younger Rolando. John Herrera, who played Daddy Warbucks in "Annie" at Actors' Playhouse and who came to the United States from Cuba when he was 6, is the older Rolando. Linedy Genao, who appeared on Broadway in the Gloria and Emilio Estefan bio musical "On Your Feet!," is younger Ramona. Miami native Isbelia Duran, the older version of Ramona, says she and Genao have found "situations in which we can mirror each other. The common connection is love."
Other than Herrera, the leads in this large Latinx cast have family roots in the Dominican Republic. But, says Genao, "you don't have to be Cuban to feel this music in your heart and soul. The message is: Never forget where you came from."
Observes David Arisco, the Actors' Playhouse artistic director who previously worked with Torres on the company's production of "Four Guys Named Jose," "Obviously it's a Cuban show. But so many families have been torn apart through exile and immigration throughout our entire audience base. The main message I saw in the piece is what happens when governments intervene and hope is torn apart, families are torn apart, musicians and artists are unable to do their work. And somehow, through it all, we find the chance at some later point for families to reunite, hope to be restored and the potential for a new future for the younger generation."
Herrera has been sharing his fragmented memories of Cuba with his fellow actors, savoring the chance to originate a role in a world premiere he sees as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.
"There is nothing like being part of a new show," he says.
Adds Pimental, "We're in the place where we should be to test out a show like this."
If you go
"Dracula" by Michael McKeever
- Where: Zoetic Stage production in the Carnival Studio Theater at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
- When: Previews Oct. 11, opens Oct. 12; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sunday (additional matinees 3 p.m. Oct. 13 and noon Oct. 24), through Oct. 28.
- Cost: $55.
- Information: 305-949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org.
"Havana Music Hall" by Richard Kagan and Carmen Pelaez
- Where: Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.
- When: Through Nov. 18.
- Cost: $30 to $75.
- Information: 305-444-9293 or www.actorsplayhouse.org.


text:
Celia Walden on how to look fresh the-morning-after-the-night-before
Back in my 20s, my best friend and I would joke about the curious phenomenon that is 'booze bloom'.We'd noticed that on mornings after too many Jägermeisters and too little sleep, our skin wasn't just good but freakishly good. Any budding imperfections would have retreated, too starved of moisture to carry through with their threats, and the alcoholic flush across our cheeks was fresher than anything even Laura Mercier could devise.
Of course we'd probably woken up fully made-up – and we were 20. God knows I haven't enjoyed a 'booze bloom' hangover in over a decade, and consequently most Decembers have been spent with a fear of waking up looking like a cross between a Walking Dead cast member...
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text:
Definition, Etiology, Pathogenesis Top
Acute respiratory failure develops suddenly and is potentially reversible. This definition pertains to the timing of development rather than its cause, which may be due to any of the processes discussed in the chapter on respiratory failure.
Anatomical approach to acute hypoxemia:
1) Diffuse lung parenchymal disease:
a) Pulmonary edema caused by increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary vessels (left ventricular failure, fluid overload), increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary barrier (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS]), drowning, lung reperfusion [after lung transplant or arterial embolectomy]); of unclear or complex mechanism (decompression [eg, pneumothorax], postobstructive [following the elimination of the cause of atelectasis], neurogenic, following stroke, after tocolytic therapy).
b) Alveolar bleeding: Vasculitis and connective tissue diseases (including anti-glomerular basement membrane disease [formerly known as Goodpasture syndrome]), disorders of hemostasis (particularly disseminated intravascular coagulation).
2) Focal lung parenchymal disease: Severe pneumonia, atelectasis (resulting from airway obstruction by a foreign body, tumor, or exudate), pulmonary contusion.
3) Pleural disease: Pneumothorax (particularly tension or large pneumothorax), massive pleural effusions.
4) Reduced pulmonary perfusion: Pulmonary embolism, shock.
Clinical Features and Natural History Top
1. Symptoms: Dyspnea is a relatively uniform finding in acute respiratory failure. Depending on the cause, the following may also occur: cough, fever, chest pain, hemoptysis, and other symptoms.
2. Signs include signs of acute hypoxia (cyanosis, tachycardia, tachypnea) and acute hypercapnia (headache, altered mental status) as well as signs of the underlying condition. In more advanced states, the use of accessory respiratory muscles and paradoxical movements of the chest wall and abdomen may be observed. Pulsus paradoxus—for instance, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] or asthma—suggests that respiratory collapse is imminent. Untreated acute respiratory failure can be fatal.
Diagnosis Top
1. Exclude other causes of dyspnea not related to respiratory failure (see Dyspnea).
2. Determine the cause of acute respiratory failure:
1) Assess the respiratory system: Inspect, palpate, and auscultate, looking for signs of upper airway obstruction, or parenchymal or pleural disease.
2) Assess the cardiovascular system: Assess for signs of cardiogenic pulmonary edema (Table 3.8-1), pulmonary embolism, or anaphylaxis.
3) Exclude or confirm sepsis (see Sepsis and Septic Shock), and if confirmed, determine its cause.
1. Pulse oximetry: Low SpO2.
2. Blood tests:
1) Arterial blood gas analysis: Hypoxemia, hypercapnia (respiratory acidosis), and metabolic acidosis may be present in various combinations. Blood gas analysis provides measurement of blood pH, oxygen tension (PaO2), carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), bicarbonate concentration, as well as the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2), allowing interpretation of oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base balance. While an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample accurately reflects oxygenation and pulmonary gas exchange, central venous blood is more accurate at detecting the acid-base status and hypercapnia at the tissue level if severe hypoperfusion is present (ie, circulatory failure).Evidence 1Moderate Quality of Evidence (moderate confidence that we know true effects of intervention). Quality of Evidence lowered due to data coming from a case series of 105 patients with consistent findings of acid-base status in patients with hemodynamic compromise. Adrogué HJ, Rashad MN, Gorin AB, Yacoub J, Madias NE. Assessing acid-base status in circulatory failure. Differences between arterial and central venous blood. N Engl J Med. 1989 May 18;320(20):1312-6. PubMed PMID: 2535633. Peripheral venous blood gas (VBG) analysis is a simpler, less painful, and more convenient alternative to ABG. While it is likely sufficient to estimate arterial pH, VBG may not be sufficient to estimate arterial pCO2, especially at highly abnormal values.Evidence 2Moderate Quality of Evidence (moderate confidence that we know true effects of intervention). Quality of Evidence lowered due to heterogeneity of findings in a systematic review of 20 eligible studies. Byrne AL, Bennett M, Chatterji R, Symons R, Pace NL, Thomas PS. Peripheral venous and arterial blood gas analysis in adults: are they comparable? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Respirology. 2014 Feb;19(2):168-75. doi: 10.1111/resp.12225. Epub 2014 Jan 3. PubMed PMID: 24383789. Byrne AL, Bennett MH, Pace NL, Thomas P. Peripheral venous blood gas analysis versus arterial blood gas analysis for the diagnosis of respiratory failure and metabolic disturbance in adults (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 11. Art. No.: CD010841. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010841. In the absence of circulatory failure or shock, venous pH, bicarbonate, and base excess have sufficient agreement with arterial values and, while the relationship between venous and arterial pCO2 remains unpredictable, it may still be of value as a screening test for arterial hypercapnia or to monitor changes in respiratory function.Evidence 3Weak recommendation (benefits likely outweigh downsides, but the balance is close or uncertain; an alternative course of action may be better for some patients). Moderate Quality of Evidence (moderate confidence that we know true effects of intervention). Quality of Evidence lowered due to imprecision. Kelly AM. Review article: Can venous blood gas analysis replace arterial in emergency medical care. Emerg Med Australas. 2010 Dec;22(6):493-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2010.01344.x. Review. PubMed PMID: 21143397. Bloom BM, Grundlingh J, Bestwick JP, Harris T. The role of venous blood gas in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Emerg Med. 2014 Apr;21(2):81-8. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32836437cf. Review. PubMed PMID: 23903783.
2) Complete blood count and biochemical tests: Abnormalities may suggest specific etiologies (eg, leukocytosis, anemia, or eosinophilia; elevated serum brain natriuretic peptide or troponin, elevated D-dimers).
3. Microbiology: Because acute respiratory failure is frequently caused by infections, attempt to identify the etiologic agent (microbiological tests of respiratory secretions [eg, during flexible bronchoscopy], blood, or other clinically relevant material).
4. Imaging studies:
1) Plain chest radiography: Specific abnormalities may suggest the etiology (eg, various patterns of interstitial or air-space opacification in the lungs, volume loss, pneumothorax, pleural effusion).
2) Chest ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) may further help in delineating the etiology of acute respiratory failure.
5. Electrocardiography (ECG) may reveal features of myocardial ischemia and pulmonary hypertension.
For diagnostic criteria, see the definition of respiratory failure and definition of ARDS.
Treatment Top
1. Clearing the upper airway, as the situation requires: Noninstrumental (see Cardiac Arrest, Head Injury); insertion of an oropharyngeal tube or other device; intubation (see Endotracheal Intubation); cricothyrotomy; tracheostomy (the procedure of choice in patients with massive laryngeal edema or prolonged mechanical ventilation). See also: management of aspiration.
2. Oxygen therapy with a high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 100%), as required. Consider the possibility of hypoxic respiratory drive.
3. Treatment of the underlying condition: Pharmacologic (eg, epinephrine for anaphylaxis, bronchodilators, antibiotics) or invasive (eg, decompression of pneumothorax, thoracentesis).
4. Mechanical ventilation:
1) Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation should be an early consideration for patients with an acute exacerbation of COPDEvidence 4Strong recommendation (benefits clearly outweigh downsides; right action for all or almost all patients). High Quality of Evidence (high confidence that we know true effects of intervention). Evidence includes a systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials within a clinical practice guideline. Trials showed large, precise reductions in the rate of endotracheal intubation as well as in the risk of mortality across a range of COPD populations. Keenan SP, Sinuff T, Burns KE, et al; Canadian Critical Care Trials Group/Canadian Critical Care Society Noninvasive Ventilation Guidelines Group. Clinical practice guidelines for the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation and noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure in the acute care setting. CMAJ. 2011 Feb 22;183(3):E195-214. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.100071. Epub 2011 Feb 14. PubMed PMID: 21324867; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3042478. or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (in the absence of shock or an acute coronary syndrome).Evidence 5Strong recommendation (benefits clearly outweigh downsides; right action for all or almost all patients). High Quality of Evidence (high confidence that we know true effects of intervention). Evidence includes a systematic review of 20 randomized controlled trials within a clinical practice guideline. Trials showed large and precise reductions in the rates of treatment failure and hospital mortality across a range of populations. Keenan SP, Sinuff T, Burns KE, et al; Canadian Critical Care Trials Group/Canadian Critical Care Society Noninvasive Ventilation Guidelines Group. Clinical practice guidelines for the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation and noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure in the acute care setting. CMAJ. 2011 Feb 22;183(3):E195-214. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.100071. Epub 2011 Feb 14. PubMed PMID: 21324867; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3042478. It may also be considered in other situations of acute respiratory failure.
2) Invasive mechanical ventilation may be required.
5. Respiratory physiotherapy, including postural drainage.
6. For nutrition support to prevent malnutrition, see chronic respiratory failure.
Complications Top
Consequences of hypoxemia and hypercapnia. More severe complications following intubation and mechanical ventilation: upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding—stress ulcers or hemorrhagic gastritis (prevention: see Acute Hemorrhagic/Erosive Gastropathy), venous thromboembolism (prevention: see Primary Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism).


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Let me be clear. Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto, is a hypocrite and a buffoon.
He is also an addict, and what drug he is addicted to shouldn't matter.
In the media, there was a mocking smugness directed towards him because he used crack. Crack is a poor person's drug. It is associated with African-Americans. It is perceived as the lowest of the low.
I read the media reports, the tweets, the comedians, as they yelled, "Look! A white guy, a wealthy white guy, uses crack. Ha ha." They should have just added what they really thought, "Stick to beer, or at least have the decency to use blow like rest of us."
I guess it's funny when someone uses crack, especially a powerful person.
Crack has always been treated as the worst of the worst. My childhood was filled with media reports of an epidemic of crack babies that would swamp hospitals, their feeble bodies and brains forever taxing the schools system and prisons. A narrative that played into every racist's fear.
The politicians responded, upping the war on drugs, and making crack enemy number one. It was all hype. The crack baby epidemic never materialized. Regardless, the laws were stacked against the users of crack relative to other drugs (for many years, there was a five year mandatory minimum sentence in the US for possession of crack). Legal stigmatization. It is only now starting to change.
The social stigma is still there, even out on the streets. I have spent a lot of time working with and photographing addicts in New York City. A heroin addict, white and homeless, spotting an empty crack vile, told me, "Fucking niggers and their drugs." Two feet away was his half-squeezed lime, used to cut crack, allowing him to inject it mixed with heroin. A street speedball.
Hypocrisy isn't just for politicians.
I am not defending Rob Ford. He should step down as mayor, for many reasons, and seek treatment. He has the luxury and advantages to get help, real help. Most crack users don't.
Toronto residents and the media have been given a crash course in living with an addict. The lying, the cheating, the selfish obsession. Many responded by mocking and belittling Rob Ford.
Criticize, but don't mock. Not because of the disease of addiction, but because of the other issues. The scandals, breaking laws, the hypocrisy, and the megalomania.
Don't laugh though. Crack is just another drug; another way people fight their demons. Even rich white people.


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A Full Summary of Skin Infections and Its Reasons
Skin infections are frequently discovered in lots of individuals and a majority of these infections heals without the demand for clinical intervention. Fungi infections are extremely infectious and if a typical person touches the contaminated person, he could additionally catch the infection.
Athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch are very common infections that cause sores. Often, these sores could contain pus creating swelling and pain in the afflicted location. Contaminations such as damp and moist in the public locations are the significant reasons creating skin infections.
Lots of infections are infectious and the impacted person carries bacteria with him. Red lumps on the skin are formed due to the fact that of germs and sometimes, these swellings might be uncomfortable.
Just how does it happen?
Occasionally, skin infections may be the signs and symptoms of other conditions. For some individuals, allergies additionally cause infections on the skin. Skin infections are likewise triggered by a hair. Several of these bacteria causing infections affect hair follicles resulting in hair loss. The infection may magnify and brown patches may be discovered on layers of skin.
Ringworm is one more kind that is brought on by fungus. This may appear on any type of component of the body. Suitable Coupon lotion needs to be made an application for this infection to quit the infection from dispersing.
Excessive of sweating might additionally cause skin infections. You need to not put on clothes that make you sweat extra because infections spread faster in moist conditions. Folliculitis causes infection in hair roots. Tight apparel and rubbing could likewise cause folliculitis which looks like pus loaded pimples. Furuncle is a serious type of folliculitis that appears as red nodes in locations that sweat much more.
Carbuncle is much more severe compared to furuncle and it is typically come with by fever. This influences fat layer under the skin creating multiple layers of pus. This trouble needs to be dealt with medically in order to eliminate pus and treat the infection.


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The NYVR meetup is a community of people interested in the development and application of virtual reality technology. While immersive gaming is always on the agenda we are also interested in the business, social, and medical applications of VR. Whether you are a product developer, investor, entrepreneur or just someone interested in the rapid growth of this exciting technology, NYVR Meetup is the place to meet and connect with like minded people.
On April 4th, 2018, Polley Wong had the great joy of representing VRARA AEC and share the stage with Sneha Keshav@IrisVR, Brian August@110 Stories, Christopher Mitchell & Thomas Dickerson @Geopipe, Gaspard Giroud@Garou, Katelyn Coghlan@Glimpse Consulting, Jim Prucey@Orbix360º, Mike Quan@Interactive Tactical Group and Jonathan Klein@GeoCV at Microsoft.


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(Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook). Grammy- & Juno-winning crooner Michael Buble describes his fourth studio CD as the "ultimate record about the inevitable roller coaster ride of relationships." Our songbook features all 13 tunes from this chart-topper, including the Van Morrison-cover title track and: All I Do Is Dream of You * All of Me * At This Moment * Baby (You've Got What It Takes) * Cry Me a River * Georgia on My Mind * Haven't Met You Yet * Heartache Tonight * Hold On * Stardust * Whatever It Takes * You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You.


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Third German Diversity Day - Today marks the start of the "Culinary Diversity Week" at Roche
Have you ever tried Mercimek Corbasi, Gado Gado or Svickova?
During "Culinary Diversity Week", Roche employees present their favorite recipes under the motto "This is my homeland as it lives, breathes and eats". In the canteens of the Mannheim and Penzberg sites, they will whisk you away to their countries with fragrances, flavors and a feast for your eyes. Let's go on a culinary journey around the world, where you will get to know the homelands of our colleagues in a somewhat different manner.
The Culinary Diversity Week marks the Third German Diversity Day. All around June 9 hundreds of companies and institutions will demonstrate what diversity means to them at the initiative of the association "Charta der Vielfalt" (Diversity Charter). "Living diversity is part of our identity and self-image," explains Susanne A., Diversity & Inclusion Manager at Roche. Roche Germany has also committed this image to the "Charta der Vielfalt".
Diversity originally comes from sociology and means something like variety: People are different, yet regardless of culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or religion, everyone should have the same opportunities.
As already mentioned, you can find the favorite dishes of our employees in the Roche canteens for one week. The employees had time to submit traditional recipes from their homelands and our jury, consisting of the respective Casino management and our cooks, developed an international menu with the winning submissions. By the way, the winners will also be standing over the pots and pans and cooking their dishes together with the Roche cooks.
The following dishes can be tasted in the canteens in both Mannheim and Penzberg:
- Turkish Lentil Soup Mercimek Corbasi
- East German Hunter's Schnitzel with Tomato Sauce
- Indian Poultry Korma
- Pudim de leite condensato (Brazilian Condensed Milk Pudding)
- Fränkische Blaue Zipfel (Franconian Sour Bratwurst)
- Italian Pasta Amatriciana
- Hard-boiled Eggs with Frankfurter Green Sauce
- Indonesian Vegetable Salad Gado Gado
- Austrian Mühlviertler Speckknödel im Reindl (Bacon Dumplings in a Pan)
- American Chicken Fajitas
- Svickova (Bohemian Roast Sirloin)
- Italian Schlutzkrapfen (Tyrolean ravioli)


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What do you get when you combine Australia's finest classical musicians with the pop hits from the 70s to the 90s? The best kind of Mixtape! Beginning in 2007, a long-term collaboration between the Benaud Trio and composer / arranger Nicholas Buc has resulted in a string of hits covering some of the 20th century's greatest popular music. This album demands to be heard – as a trip down memory lane, but also as a realisation of the inherent musical brilliance of these songs, brought to life by some of Australia's best-regarded classical musicians.
"You're bound to find yourself taken aback by just how different a pop hit can sound when arranged by an Australian composer like Buc." Limelight (Australia)
Kazka - Original Ballet Score
Written over 4 years for Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company's premiere production, Kazka recently toured Australia, Canada and the US. The music of Kazka represents a true cross section of musical worlds, combining all the hallmarks of traditional Ukrainian-style folk melodies with more contemporary scoring techniques.
Benaud Trio - Self Titled
The Benaud Trio's debut album features Nicholas Buc's Trailer Music, along with other wonderful Australian works by Ross Edwards, Paul Stanhope and Matthew Hindson. Recorded at the South Melbourne Town Hall in stunning clarity, it has received rave reviews around the globe.
"What lingers is the feeling of endless ideas and confidence in these composers' bright, unprissy writing . . . a real charmer." Fanfare (US)
"... action ...drama... romance all the way through to epic Cinerama". Limelight (Australia)
Benaud Trio - Bohemian Rhapsody
The Benaud Trio perform cherished masterpieces by great Bohemians, Smetana and Dvořák, capped off with a spirited homage to Freddie Mercury in Nicholas Buc's arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody.
"Nothing less than you'd expect from the Benauds…. simply the best of its kind in Australia: 5 stars" Arts Hub (Australia)
"Benaud Trio offers committed music making blessed with state-of-the-art sound engineering...performances to bask in..." Music & Vision Daily (UK)
Passenger - Whispers
Whispers is the fifth studio album from British singer/songwriter Passenger (aka Mike Rosenberg), featuring the string arrangements of Nicholas Buc. Recorded by Chris Vallejo at Linear Recording Studios, Sydney.
"..inspiring, touching, poetic, and charming songs that live in your heart like folk tales." Seattle Pi (US)
Stu Larsen - Vagabond
Vagabond is the debut album from Australian singer/songwriter Stu Larsen, featuring the string arrangements of Nicholas Buc. Co-produced by Chris Vallejo and Mike Rosenberg (aka Passenger).
"...honest and engaging...given extra weight by the Enigma Quartet string section." Folk Radio (UK)
Tina Arena - Symphony of Life
Symphony of Life was filmed and recorded at Hamer Hall, Melbourne during a series of sold-out concerts for her Australian fans in 2012. Arranged and conducted by Nicholas Buc, the live concert also screened on Foxtel's Ovation channel and was nominated for an ARIA Award for "Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album".
Concordis Chamber Choir - Journey
As a celebration of 10 years, in 2008 Concordis released its second CD, Journey, containing 13 all-time favourite works repeatedly requested by audiences. Featuring Nicholas Buc's original work, Bungonia, a portrait of thrill-seeking bungee jumpers set in one of Australia's most treacherous canyons, as well as his now much-loved arrangement of Botany Bay.


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confidential client
New Structural Test Facility
Architect: BFGC Architects (now IBI Group)
Design/Build Contractor: XL Construction
125 foot tall single-story private test facility. The facility houses a high bay gantry crane and reaction tower for testing of equipment. Due to the height of the exterior walls, steel trussed walls are utilized for gravity, wind, and seismic loads. Stringent stiffness and plumbness requirements govern the foundation and superstructure design.
(Note: the swirl seen at the bottom of the reaction tower is not a photoshopped image, but a steel plate showing grinding marks from the flattening process)


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De Maan moet ook een Kus
Bear is a sweet but wayward little Bear. Besides his Papa and Mama Bear he has a lot of friends, such as Deer, Hedgehog, Wise Owl, Clever Fox and last but not least, the Beavers.
He loves to give everybody a hug; and is extra careful when hugging Hedgehog!
One night, enraptured by the beauty of the moon, he wants to kiss her goodnight as well.
But the moon is so far away, and so high up in the sky...
Little Bear comes up with a clever plan, because he really wants to kiss the moon!
Will he succeed? Or is the moon too far after all.....
'De Maan moet ook een Kus' is a hardcover picture book full of recognisable Hartendief characters.
The magical picture book is available in three languages; Dutch, English and German. This version is in Dutch.
Click here for the English version.


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Concerns, Announcements and Devotional Thought
A Weekly Ministry of Indianapolis First Friends Meeting
As Way Opens
I was reflecting on Ruthie's message Sunday afternoon and reading a wonderful book, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene by Cynthia Bourgeault. The chapter I read examined the Song of Songs and its wisdom meaning of love. The author quoted St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the great reforming monk that started a monastic community at Clairvaux in France in the early twelfth century. St Bernard had great influence throughout Europe and the Holy Land and was a persuasive preacher as well as a mystic devoted to the contemplation of the humanity of Christ and the power above the pope.Bernard wrote extensively on the Song of Songs (a gripping tale of love) and his words affirmed the message that Ruthie shared on love this past Sunday.
"If anyone desires to grasp these writings, let him love! For anyone who does not love, it is vain to listen to this song of Love - or to read it, for a cold heart cannot catch fire from its eloquence. The one who does not know Greek cannot understand Greek, nor can one ignorant of Latin understand one speaking Latin. So too, the language of love will be a meaningless jangle, like sounding brass or tinkling cymbal, to anyone who does not love."
Jesus so clearly articulated the foundation of our lives - love! As the famous love chapter outlines in I Corinthians 13: 1-3, "If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." The concept is so simple and yet it is the challenge of our existence - to live in Love.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Come and Sing in a Summer Women's Chorus next Sunday! We will rehearse this Thursday night, July 10th at 7:00, and next Sunday morning at 9:00. If you can't come for one, just come for the other. Hopefully, you can come for both practices! . All women are welcome to join Ruthie and Pat Price as we make beautiful music together! No experience necessary! See you in rehearsal!
Got a dirty car? Bring it to our Youth Car Wash this Sunday, July 13th, when the kids of the Meeting will be washing cars after Meeting for Worship. They will be accepting freewill donations to benefit the Youth Quaker Affirmation Class.
A reception will be held for this years' Friends Education Fund Scholars this Sunday, July 13th. The fund was created in the mid-1940's by several members of First Friends Meeting who were the surviving governing board of the only orphanage for African American children in the state of Indiana. We will hear more about this treasured ministry in Meeting for Worship that day. Please join us!
Finance Committee Report – 5/31/2014
For the 5 months ending May 31, 2014, EXPENSES exceeded income by $1,632. Our budget for the entire year has a DEFICIT of projected income compared to projected expenses, as we expand our programs & services. To make it easier to ensure your contributions continue regardless of the weather or vacations, you may request automatic transfers from your bank to be sent to First Friends. Contact the office if you need more information. Thanks for your financial support!
Ladies! Oak Leaf: Meeting for Reading will be discussing Broken For You by Stephanie Kallos on the third Tuesday of July, the 15th, at 7 pm in the Parlor. If you would like to be on the email list or need a copy of the book list for 2014, please contact Kathy Rhyne at email@example.com. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak is our upcoming book for August.
Western Yearly Meeting Sessions, July 17-20 in Plainfield 'Stewardship'
"To turn all we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives." John Woolman
Don't miss the excellent speakers, along with all the other important events happening during Yearly Meeting this year. Eden Grace will bring devotions each day, in addition to speaking in Meeting on Sunday morning. She has just joined the FUM staff as Global Ministries Director after serving in Kenya with FUM for nine years. Eden is a member of New England Yearly Meeting. For information and to register for the sessions events, please visit www.westernym.net.
On Sunday, July 20th, we encourage everyone to attend Meeting for Worship at the Yearly Meetinghouse in Plainfield at 10:30am. Shawn Porter and Eric Baker will minister in music at 9:30 that morning, during the Concert of Gifts and Talents. Ruthie will be leading the singing. Eric and Shawn will also play during the Meeting for Worship. For those who wish to worship at First Friends, we will gather at 10:15 for Unprogrammed Meeting for Worship in the Meeting Room, hosted by Mary Blackburn.
Western Yearly Meeting Sessions Request – AFSC fundraiser – From Ann Panah: I have volunteered to host the Friday session lunch on July 18th at the Yearly Meetinghouse in Plainfield. This will be a fundraiser for our local AFSC Indiana Peacebuilding Program, led by Erin Polley. I would like to start planning this meal and I'm looking for volunteers to cook/serve/clean-up. AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) hosts local events such as the 'Windows and Mirrors' exhibit and works towards promoting programs to bring about peace and justice in the world. For information on AFSC please visit http://afsc.org/. Please contact me at email@example.com or 317-250-4161 if you are interested in helping plan and/or serve.
Our Vacation Bible School program, Wilderness Escape is quickly approaching! We will begin on Sunday, July 27th at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and will include lunch. Our adventure continues Monday, July 28th through Thursday, July 31st at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Our Fellowship Hall will be transformed into Camp Israel with a variety of tents and tribes! Kids up to fifth grade are welcome. Please consider signing up your kids, grandkids, neighbor's kids for this wonderful experience. Contact Beth Henricks or the office for registration details. We need the following help with our decorating: 1 EZ Up Tents/Canopies, ethnic looking rugs and blankets for the tents, large baskets. We will need these items by July 20th and will return them August 3rd. Please let Beth Henricks (email@example.com) know if you have any of these items.
Peace Fest 2014 is coming to First Friends on Sunday, August 3rd. Historic Peace Churches will gather - Shalom Mennonite, First Mennonite, Northview Church of the Brethren, and Friends Meetings through the Indy area - to share and celebrate the goal of peace in our community and world. First Friends is hosting this potluck lunch and gathering. Expect music, speakers, and lots of interesting time shared together. Come one, Come all!
Energizing Indiana is a program funded by utility rates (no cost to you) that can raise your home's performance, lower energy consumption, improve in-home air quality and increase your home's value. Sign up and schedule an appointment. After your home energy assessment is completed, First Friends will receive $25 from Energizing Indiana for each assessed home. Both you and First Friends will benefit!!! More info concerning this program is on the table in the hall.
Would you like to receive a copy of each First Day's sermon? Simply sign-up for Wednesday Word by sending an email request to firstname.lastname@example.com or call the Meeting Office at 317-255-2485.


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Crows' intelligence ignored
I am deeply offended by Ann Collins' letter ("Too many crows in Torrance," Oct. 16). I am also amused, as PBS ran a show titled "Nature: A Murder of Crows" the night her grievance was made public. I suggest Collins watch this program. It is available on demand at PBS.org. By doing so she would learn that crows are considered "feathered apes" by respected biologists. They are capable of making and using tools to gather food, perform tricks and stunts for their own amusement, and collectively mourn the death of another.
The fact that she hopes "that a solution can be found to lower the number of crows" is appalling. Two years ago I was in the YMCA parking lot in Torrance. A man shot a crow in a tree from his backyard. It plopped to the pavement right in front of me. Within minutes more than 50 crows gathered. They were deeply disturbed. So was I.
I informed security, they called the police and the man was cited.
– Sean Kelley, Torrance


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How we see ourselves
- An innovative member of the K+S Group, active in all aspects of freighting and transloading across the world.
Our mission:
- We are a flexible, efficient and dependable business partner for our clients.
- We provide competitive transportation, storage and transloading of K+S products along with bulk goods for other clients.
- We ensure sustainable transport, storage and transloading capacities in the long run.
- We offer attractive terms within the logistics procurement markets.
- We aim to be a source of inspiration to clients with evolving logistical requirements.
- We aim to raise added value by developing innovative logistics solutions.
- We respect economic, social and economical issues.
- We aim to be a good employer for our staff.


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Rachael Foster: 'Tis the season to be stressed out
Being a solo mum of five this time of year is not only a struggle financially, but the amount of school activities I have to keep on top of is crazy.
With five children, in three different educational institutions and all in different year groups I need a PA just to keep up with the various events and activities. The last two weeks of school are an amass of Christmas 'fun'. There's the Christmas school fair, the Christmas Nativity, theChristmas jumper day, the carol concert, senior school stage performances,Christmas present buying day, Christmas bring your auntie to school day, Christmas kill a hamster day… And so it goes on.
Every morning around this time of year is a panic. I wake up thinking what is it I need to sort out today. Do I need to provide vegan friendly sandwiches for the party? Do I need to send my child in a politically correct, non-offensive slogan Christmas jumper? Do I need to provide a tombola prize (I only ate one chocolate out the box and used the hand cream once.. they will do! ) Or give my kids money to buy tat at the fair that will get broken inthe car before we even reach home. Money that could go towards my electricity bill or petrol. I am at this time of year just a taxi, bank, and memory goddess.
I am at this time of year just a taxi, bank, and memory goddess.
Not only are the last two weeks of school filled with a million things for the parents to remember or take part in, it is also the most chaotic time in the house with excited buzzing children singing carols with certain words changed so not to upset the snowflake society we now live in.
Decorations are out and the lights are continually flashing away day-in,day-out and laughing at me as my electricity meter rolls around with joy helping to provide my energy suppliers managing director with his big fat Christmas bonus.
Then there is tinsel – which are banned in my house – yet each year somehow manages to show itself. It is used to decorate my female offspring's hair occasionally. Once cut to size, it is a never-ending shredding machine. No matter where I hide it after it has been dissected to required size, it keeps molting with shreds appearing everywhere, yet the tinsel never seems to get any thinner. I swear tinsel has magic regenerative properties.
And finally, being a control freak: Christmas trees and toddlers just don't bode well together. My main tree once first erected and decorated looked beautiful. I was very happy. However, over the past two weeks many a bauble, cracker and snow-tipped pine cone have been removed, thrown,chewed or rolled under the sofa. The bottom half of my tree now resembles a naked pine. Every night I replace the decorations – of which many have to be fished out from under the sideboard or sofa – which is time consuming and stressful, not fun. This is time which could be better spent wrapping and hiding presents where my teenagers may not think to look. Over the years they have discovered all my hiding places. This year my cunning plan it to wrap and hide them in the suitcases under my bed??
I'm not sure the long-haired, kimono wearing, sandal lover had all this in mind when he declared he was the saviour of man. If he now realised the amount of stress this season causes parents, I would ask him to reconsider his worldly declaration. Do you think JC ever wore socks with his sandals? Can't stand that!
Anyway.. 'tis the season to be merry. Have a good Christmas everyone!
Rachael Foster is a single mum to five children and lives in Netherfield. You can read her popular blog about parenting at www.yummymummy-5.co.uk


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Audio for Listening Practice Test 22
- Cambridge IELTS Series (1 – 14) for Academic and General Training Modules
- Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic with Answers (Ebook & Audio)
- IELTS Writing Test in 2019 with Band 8.0 Model Essay
- IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test 23 in 2018 with Answer Key
- IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test 22 in 2018 with Answer Key
Section 1: Question 1-10
Question 1-4: Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.
1. How did the student get the university prospectus?
A. From the woman
B. From the Internet
C. From a friend
D. During a visit to the university
2. What is the A-level requirement for the course?
D. There is no clear requirement.
3. What A levels is the student taking?
A. He doesn't say.
B. He hasn't started his A levels yet.
C. Politics, a language, and another subject
D. Economics, geography, and history
4. Who can use the language lab?
A. Only students who have chosen to study a language
B. Only students who are preparing for work abroad
C. Students who have chosen one of the five languages offered on the course
D. Any student
Question 5-7: Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR NUMBERS for each answer.
5. Who decides the country in which the student will work in year three? …………………………
6. How many students went to work in either Singapore or Brunei this year? ……………………………
7. What is the advantage of translating or checking translations? …………………………
Question 8-10: Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap.
8. The woman points out that the student can teach English and ………………………… together.
9. First-year students can study a language or do a project, but are ………………………….. on one.
10. There are no department ………………………….. for first-year students.
Section 2: Questions 11-20
Question 11-15: Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR NUMBERS for each answer.
11. According to Mr. Singh, on which thing do many people make superficial observations? …………………………
12. According to Mr. Singh, how do cultures change? …………………………
13. How many children does Mr. Singh have? ………………………..
14. According to Mr. Singh, what are young Indians not concerned about? ……………………….
15. According to Mr. Singh, what great advantage do young Indians have? ……………………….
Question 16-20: Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap.
16. According to Mr. Singh, the biggest problem for young Indians is that their parents ………………………. them too much at school.
17. ………………………. is becoming more widely available to people in India.
18. Mr. Singh believes that the best way to be successful is to be ………………………
19. Mr. Singh believes that Western methods plus the ………………………. are an excellent mix.
20. Mr. Singh says his generation could only dream, but the new one can …………………….. too.
Section 3: Question 21-30
Question 21-25: Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each answer.
21. When is the deadline for handing in dissertations? ……………………….
22. What should the word count exclude? ……………………..
23. Who must approve the dissertation topic? ……………………….
24. How long should the research take? ………………………
25. What will the students probably spend the second half of April doing? …………………….
Question 26-30: Complete the following statements using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap.
26. The professor recommends referring to ……………………… dissertations.
27. The students already have a printed …………………….. to help them with their dissertations.
28. Helen Trailforth's book is named ……………………….
29. The library has a ……………………. for getting books back from other students if you need them.
30.The professor says that questionnaires may not get interviewees real ……………………
Section 4: Questions 31-40
Question 31-34: Complete the following notes using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each gap.
Lack of preparation can lead to contamination, e.g. forgetting to remove 31 ……………………. or including the 32 …………………….. of material. The 33 …………………….. at the processing facility removes contaminants, but processors may refuse 34 ……………………. materials.
Question 35-37: Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap.
35. MRF is short for ……………………
36. At the MRF, trucks are ……………………..
37. Trucks leave the materials on the ……………………..
Question 38-40: Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR NUMBERS for each answer.
38. What are the two types of sorting? …………………………….
39. What closes the recycling loop? …………………………..
40. What is the current recycling rate? …………………………….
5. (the) student
6. none/O
7. (quite) well paid / (the) pay
8. do aid work
9. (only) assessed
10. scholarships
11. rock music
12. very slowly
13. two /2
14. politics
15. mobility
16. push/ are pushing
17. Education
18. creative
19. Indian value system
20. achieve
21. 28 May
22. contents, referances, bibliography
23. (your) personal tutor
24. 8-10 weeks
25. (extra) research
26. other/ previous students'
27. research guide
28. Dissertation Research Techniques
29. recall system
30. feelings and opinions
31. container lids
32. wrong type
33. sorting process
34. heavily contaminated
35. material recovery facility
36. weighed
37. tipping floor
38. manual and automatic
39. buying recycled products
p class="p1″>40. 33.9%
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text: Chef/Owner Joey Galluzzi may not have won NBC's America's Next Great Restaurant (no one watched this, it's not just you), but after he came in second in the contest and left New York, he went on to open this downtown meatball shop -- a total win for Houston. Using his Sicilian grandmother's meatballs as inspiration, Galluzzi lets you choose your meatball and sauce from options like classic Grandma-style with red sauce or eggplant balls with bright pesto. Toss 'em on top of rigatoni or spaghetti, or on the Saucy Sub, a freshly baked baguette with cheese, herbs, and balsamic glaze.


text:
- 1/2 cup Earth Balance vegan spread
- 2-1/2 cups of Stone-Sround Whole-Wheat Baking Mix ( recipe on site) made with stone-ground whole-wheat flour and extra virgin olive oil or you can use canola oil or grapeseed oil
- 2 cups peanut butter coconut granola (recipe on site) or your choice of granola that's good and healthy for you
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- One teaspoon good quality pure vanilla
- 3 eggs
Mix all ingredients in a KitchenAid mixer or in a good quality mixer or by hand with a really sturdy spoon.
Line a large 13 x 9 baking pan with parchment paper and then Pat out the dough until flattened uniformly so it cooks evenly.
Baked about 20 to 25 minutes at 375° F. and then cool on a trivet. Once cool, then slice with a very sharp knife into 24 pieces.


text:
70 th anniversary UACEG International Jubilee Conference
UACEG 2012: Science & Practice
15-17 November 2012, UACEG, Sofia
Aims & Topics
We hope to bring together from around the world academics, researchers and practitioners in the broad field of Architecture and Civil Engineering to review and discuss recent achievement of knowledge in these areas.
Architecture and Urban Planning
1. Architecture 2. Urban Planning
Civil Engineering
1. Reinforced Concrete Structures 2. Steel, Timber and Composite Structures 3. Earthquake Engineering 4. Mechanics 5. Building Materials and Insulations 6. Construction Technology and Management
Transportation Engineering and Geotechnics
1. Transportation Engineering 2. Bridges and Underground Structures 3. Geotechnics
Water Engineering
1. Water Supply, Sewerage, Water and Wastewater Treatment 2. Hydrotechnics 3. Irrigation and Drainage Engineering 4. Hydraulics and Hydrology
Geodesy, Cartography and Remote Sensing
1. Geodesy 2. Geodesy and Geoinformatics 3. Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 4. Cartography
Mathematics and Physics Infrastructure Projects and Legislation Social Sciences Lifelong learning
31 May 2012 Please, send the abstracts as soon as possible but no later than 31 May 2012. Notification for acceptance of the papers: as soon as possible but not later than 15 June 2012.
31 August 2012 Registration of the participants, receiving the full text papers and payment of the conference fee
Prospective authors are invited to submit a brief abstract (up to 15 lines) in English including the title of the paper, a completed list of co-authors and the mailing address. The abstract should be sent via e-mail to email@example.com or fax (+359 2 9632636) as soon as possible, but no later than 31 May 2012.
The notification for acceptance of the papers will be made as soon as possible, but no later than 15 June 2012.
In partnership with:
Bulgarian Construction Chamber
Chamber of Engineers in the Investment Design
Media partner: newspaper "Stroitelstvo Gradat"
In collaboration with:
Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Environment & Waters
Dr. EMAD HANI ISMAEEL
Ph.D. in Technologies for the Exploitation
of the Cultural Heritage .
Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of ArchitectureE-mail: email@example.com
College of Engineering , University of Mosul
Mosul - Iraq .
Web Site: http://sites.google.com/site/emadhanee/
Tel : +964 (0)770 164 93 74


text:
If Marvel Studios and its creative teams have been consistent about anything, it's in talking around the possibility of a sequel to The Incredible Hulk. Despite Mark Ruffalo's take on Dr. Bruce Banner becoming a fan-favorite in The Avengers, the largest and meanest of Earth's Mightiest isn't quite bankable enough for a solo outing.
Instead, like fellow Avengers Black Widow and Hawkeye, Hulk is a key supporting character, and so far his stories have been exclusive to the Avengers movies. That changes in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when, after all the other Earthly characters of the franchise show up in Captain America: Civil War, the remaining two - Thor and Hulk - return in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok.
Since long before Avengers: Age of Ultron opened in theaters, rumors dating as far back as early 2013 pointed towards Marvel using the Joss Whedon-written and directed sequel as a launchpad to a Planet Hulk adaptation that would launch the brute into space. Eventually, just like in Marvel Comics, Banner/Hulk could return to Earth seek vengeance in a World War Hulk style of story. Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige added that he believes Hulk could carry his own new movie and that these two aforementioned events from the comics are "cool" stories of interest to him and the studio.
That hope was quickly dashed however by Ruffalo and Whedon, and later completely eradicated when Marvel laid out their entire Phase 3 schedule in October of 2014. Hulk was nowhere to be found and Feige said himself, Planet Hulk wouldn't be the right move for a standalone feature because they'd want to use Ruffalo on screen more instead of just the CGI Hulk.
And then everything changed.
Reports began surfacing several months ago that Marvel was planning on using Thor: Ragnarok as a way to bring back the Hulk, and to do so off-planet... just like Ruffalo hinted at once again last year. We knew Thor 3 would finally focus less on Earth and explore more of the cosmic side of the lore, and as additional reports confirmed that Ruffalo would be teaming up with Chris Hemsworth for a "buddy adventure" film, speculation was once again sparked that Marvel could be taking a page from the books of Planet Hulk after all.
More: Thor 3 Details: Hulk, Valkyrie, and a Story That's Too Dark
The last time we saw Hulk was in the final act of Avengers: Age of Ultron when he stole the team's Quinjet and flew away. We didn't know where but early rumors about the Avengers 2 script pointed towards it launching Hulk into space. That didn't make the final cut and it was left ambiguous as to give Marvel more options as they plan for the future. And planned they have, according to the latest rumor from Geek which claims to have sources revealing more plot details about Thor: Ragnarok. Potential spoilers ahead.


text:
Ikea Heights
October 14, 2009
Leading on from my love of Summer Heights High, "Ikea Heights is a melodrama shot entirely in the Burbank California Ikea Store without the store knowing."
Killings and 'stuffing box' chat-up lines. Learnings: film an over-acted 80s plot in an ikea store on the sly and you're sorted.
IKEA Heights from DaveAOK on Vimeo.
More here – www.ikeaheights.com


text:
The Catholic Card Game & More Expansions
The Catholic Card Game is back with its second coming!
We are printing more base games AND we have created an expansion pack like you've never seen before.
The expansion pack comes with THREE decks: the Catching Foxes deck, the Tomics deck, and the Pints With Aquinas deck. These three decks will all come in one awesome box housing all 165 cards.
We also have a stretch goal: If we reach it, we will create an expansion deck with Fr. Mike Schmitz! Read more below to learn how this will happen.
The base game includes the original 480 cards. You can see our original campaign here: Catholic Card Game on Kickstarter
Here are some cards in the base deck:
Here are a few of the Catching Foxes cards:
A few Tomics cards:
A few Pints With Aquinas cards:
*The Tomics and Pints with Aquinas cards have never been printed (hence the mockups above) This campaign is intended to change that.
Stretch Goals!
$50,000 - Fr. Mike Schmitz Booster Pack!
Fr. Mike has graciously agreed to be a part of this game! If we reach this financial stretch goal, we will collaborate with Fr. Mike to create a Booster pack (25 or so cards) to be included with every order!
$53,000 - The Crunch Booster Pack!
We are partnering with the boys from The Crunch Catholic Podcast to create another Booster pack! This will be an additional 25 cards included in the expansion box.
What did we learn from last time?
From our first campaign experience, we learned a lot. Here are a few things we will do differently this time to ensure the best results for everyone:
- More proofing! A few errors made it through last time; but not again!
- Upgrade shipping time: This makes our financial goal higher, however, you can expect games to reach you about 3-4 weeks earlier.
- Estimated arrival time: This will still be tricky, but it is our goal to get the games to you on time or before the expected month listed.
Quickly on the timeline
You'll see that the estimated arrival month is in January. The main reason for this is that we do not want to guarantee that the games will reach you before Christmas and then they don't for reasons we can't control. As we all know, things get crazy for the holiday season and printing could be delayed or shipping could take longer with the increased demand.
We are planning to work quickly and try to get the games to you before the end of the year! But there is a chance that things will be delayed when it is outside of our control. So January is the estimated time, but there could be a surprise package at your door earlier!
Increase in goal and price?
Our financial goal this campaign is higher than our first campaign. The reason for this is that costs have gone up. We are anticipating demand to be high so we are calculating this cost to print double the amount of games as we did the first time. Also to compensate for increased costs, we have raised the price of the base deck by $5. This helps pay for quicker shipping from the printer to the fulfillment center.
Will you be selling the games after this campaign?
As it stands right now, no. We are campaigning to print games for everyone who orders right now. We do not have a distribution plan in place for after this ends. So if you want a game, now is an acceptable time!
If you are or know someone who would want to help us distribute games outside of Kickstarter, please reach out! We would love to talk about an opportunity like that. It is a bit out of our expertise so we would love to talk about a partnership.
Making It Happen
Printing with the awesome ninjas at PrintNinja again. They are a great team that printed our original game.
How The Money Will Be Used
Our largest expense will be for printing the two sets of games, followed by the cost to ship the games to you. We are also compensating the awesome collaborators behind the expansion packs. The rest of the money will be used to pay for marketing costs as well as the fees to host a campaign on Kickstarter.
Thanks! (be to God)
Please reach out with any and all questions. We are incredibly excited to share this game again and add a multitude of new cards into the mix.
Risks and challenges
Risks with printing: Poor quality of printing is the number 1 risk. However, with our partnership with PrintNinja, we are mitigating this risk because they are pros. And our first game came out GREAT!
Risks with shipping: the large package of hundreds of games could get delayed or lost. We are looking to estimate shipping arrival time much better this go around AND we are upgrading our shipping option to do priority rather than ground.
Risks with proofing: We could miss a few typos. We are taking extra precautions this time to ensure NO typos are printed and a professional game is created. That has always been our goal.
Other than that, it's all in the Lord's hands amirite?Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Funding period
- (31 days)


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I. Los Angeles, MCMLXXXIV
I was born at 2:57 am in Los Angeles California on Wednesday, October 31, 1984.
On this day Indira Gandhi, India's first and only female Prime Minister was assassinated by her own bodyguards, Ronald Reagan was only a few days away from being re-elected despite rumours he was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" was the US number one single, James Cameron's The Terminator was the top film at the box-office with a just-over four million dollar gross, and, after 359 years, Pope John Paul II declared the Roman Catholic Church had wrongly condemned Galileo for his work that said the Earth revolved around the Sun.
Supposedly I was meant to be born the next day, November 1. But the way my mother describes it, once I decided I wanted out, there was no stopping me. In fact, she once referred to her birth canal as a "waterslide," which used to gross me the fuck out. Apparently, they almost didn't make it to the hospital. As a soon to be Scorpio, I probably relished the drama of being born on the side of a freeway in the middle of the night, but it also makes a lot of sense that my love of drama was trumped by my love of good art direction, and the inside of a beat-up dark green AMC Gremlin was certainly not serving up that fantasy. So instead, I gripped the sides of the waterslide and held on until we were safely inside White Memorial Medical Centre.
At birth, I was nineteen and a half inches long and eight pounds, zero ounces. The back of my birth certificate features my tiny footprints in light purple. The left is rubbed almost clean, and the right is on its last leg. There is a clear imprint on the right foot of a round bandage where they pricked me for a blood sample. My first photo shows gigantic cheeks, an almost full head of hair, and pale skin that had yet to darken up to the caramel lusciousness that it is now. My parents used to joke that the staff actually mixed up photos and for all these years we've been looking at the baby of the East Asian family down the hall who was born on the same day.
My mother and I were soon discharged and we returned to my father and sister. We lived in a room of a house located in el barrio of East LA, a place that according to Wikipedia is 96.7% Latinx. The exact number of people who also lived in this house varies. The figure seems to have fluctuated between 10 and 20, all illegal save for me. The four of us slept in one bed. My sister was three, my parents were in their early twenties. Occasionally, with terrifying clarity, I can understand how, when they look at me, a barely educated, just above poverty line 33-year-old with no children, living in a run-down townhouse with three other people in one of the country's biggest most competitive cities, it might look less like progress and more like a lateral step. Then I think of the time I read somewhere it can take a whole generation for immigrant families to truly see advancement in their new home and I wonder if I shouldn't have children after all. You know, for the culture. Then I remember I'm too selfish for children and the weight of expectation returns.
At the time of my birth, my father was working at a tortilla factory, an experience he has described as pretty horrible. My mother worked for a rich Latin-American family as their maid and occasional nanny. She has said her employers were wonderful, still in touch with their roots, but their children, having grown up with everything, were terrible brats.
I have no memory of Los Angeles in 1984. After I was born, we lived there only until Monday, April 15, 1985, a few days after Madonna launched her Virgin Tour, when South Africa ended its ban on interracial marriages, "We Are the World" was at the top of the charts, and Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment was number one at the box office. We moved to Saskatchewan where, as the plane was touching down, my mother peered out her window, saw the dead trees, and thought to herself while clutching me tight, "What have we done?"
It's been said by people much smarter than me that we're shaped by our landscapes. Five months in a city seems like nothing, but babies are basically loaf-sized sponges. They have no idea what anything is yet are acutely aware of and affected by their surroundings. I've always tied my deep desire to live in large urban centres to being ripped from the hustle and bustle of LA and being dropped into the flat nothingness of Saskatchewan. I tie my distaste for being even slightly cold to the contrast between my first weather experiences: the harsh bite of early spring in Canada after the warm samey-sameness of beautiful southern California.
It's a bit of a cliché to romanticize The Golden State, I know. Especially for a Canadian in the arts. It's probably even more problematic for someone whose family experienced some of the worst poverty, racism, and classism that Los Angeles had to offer. California, like America, is sold to the world as the place where dreams come true, where magic is created, where the tortured artist can become fabulously wealthy and celebrated. These things can be true. But we've also all seen its dark side: the exploitation of foreign workers, the exploitation of young performers, the steep class divide. It's a place, like so many others, built on broken bones and dreams. Yet somehow it still calls to me.
I've examined this impulse in the past and come up with many reasons why. I've told myself this compulsion is based on an immature yearning to run away, or the infant sized void only a pilgrimage to one's birthplace can fill. I've convinced myself LA is the only place one can truly "make it," the only place to gain the kind of recognition I crave for my art. When I talk about this desire my friends roll their eyes, immediately conjuring up the same images we've all become accustomed to: the sun-dappled beaches, the endless traffic, the new age-y faux spiritualist posture of the uber rich, the stars in the eyes, the delusion.
No, America is not the only place to "make it." California is not the only place with nice weather. They're places with shitty health care, astronomical rent, horrendous immigration law, the kind of racist vitriol that turns your blood to ice. Where queer identities and women's bodies are disrespected, where corruption and ignorance have become a new religion. America the dream maker is a shambles. And Hollywood the mighty machine is destroying itself from within.
Still, it calls.
I think buried beneath it all is a need to conquer the place where my family lived with those 10-20 illegal immigrants, where we slept in one bed with rats on the floor, where we were refused food stamps for anyone but the legal baby, where the threat of deportation and familial separation hung over every move. Things I wasn't even conscious enough to understand but that were inherently woven into the fabric of our time there. Things that have since been reiterated to me again and again, seeping into the deepest recesses of my being. It's not enough to be satisfied with the country we escaped to and it's supposed promise of safety and diversity. I've got to go back and show the place we escaped from who's boss.
This is the kind of thing I'm not supposed to write. It's considered un-Canadian to speak freely of our ambitions. We're supposed to be humble and nice, beset by crushing inferiority complexes, the polar opposite of Americans. We're never supposed to be churlish to the land that made us modest and kind. This cultural rule is as much a part of me as my need to subvert it. Because as much as these qualities can be good, they can also be stifling, and can most definitely be a facade. Humility becomes performative, drive is suppressed. There should be nothing wrong with wanting to - and believing - you can make it all the way to the top. In Canada it seems we're expected to be grateful for settling somewhere in the middle.
Every industry has its problems, no doubt, but the Canadian need to find an umbrella identity of "Canada Nice, Canada Humble" (aka Rural, majority white) in my opinion often pushes more artists away than it welcomes in.
And so, it calls. And calls. And calls. And calls…
Maybe now… now that I'm five foot, eight and a half inches, about 140 pounds, when my footprint wouldn't even fit on my birth certificate, when Post Malone's "Rockstar" is at the top of the charts, when Thor: Ragnarok is the number one film at the box office, when the world and my chosen industry seem at their scariest... maybe I could return. To the place I was born, a land of perpetual summer and dreams beyond any dreams. Maybe, Los Angeles, 1984 was not only the beginning but also the end.
Or maybe I'm crazy, maybe I'm delusional, maybe I'm ungrateful and I should just be happy with where I am.
Or maybe...


text:
Deaths Death Notices
HUTSCHENREUTER, William C.
HUTSCHENREUTER - William C. Of Alden, NY, April 27, 2016, beloved husband of the late Shirley Hutschenreuter; dear father of Cynthia (Mark) Krzyzanowski, Linda (late Michael) Colson, Paul (Kristen) and the late William A. and Thomas Hutschenreuter; grandfather of Valerie Krzyzanowski, Zachary and Alexander Colson and Joelle, Edward and Ethan Hutschenreuter; brother of the late Anita Aristead. Family will be present at the CHARLES MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 13228 Broadway, Alden, NY, Saturday, 2-7 PM, where a memorial service will be held at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pet Connection or Buffalo City Pound. Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com


text:
Stuf is easily accessed through a user definable global shortcut or an always accessible menu on your menubar.
You can access shared clippings just as easily, through the menu, or the stunning black user interface.
Stuf stores your clippings and can share them over a local network to other Stuf users, with your permission of course. You can even assign passwords to different collections to make sure nobody can spy on your "Gift ideas" collection.