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Faith leads a believer to see in the other a brother or sister to be supported and loved. Through faith in God, who has created the universe, creatures and all human beings (equal on account of his mercy), believers are called to express this human fraternity by safeguarding creation and the entire universe and supporting all persons, especially the poorest and those most in need.
This transcendental value served as the starting point for several meetings characterized by a friendly and fraternal atmosphere where we shared the joys, sorrows and problems of our contemporary world. We did this by considering scientific and technical progress, therapeutic achievements, the digital era, the mass media and communications. We reflected also on the level of poverty, conflict and suffering of so many brothers and sisters in different parts of the world as a consequence of the arms race, social injustice, corruption, inequality, moral decline, terrorism, discrimination, extremism and many other causes.
From our fraternal and open discussions, and from the meeting that expressed profound hope in a bright future for all human beings, the idea of this Document on Human Fraternity was conceived. It is a text that has been given honest and serious thought so as to be a joint declaration of good and heartfelt aspirations. It is a document that invites all persons who have faith in God and faith in human fraternity to unite and work together so that it may serve as a guide for future generations to advance a culture of mutual respect in the awareness of the great divine grace that makes all human beings brothers and sisters.
In the name of God who has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and who has called them to live together as brothers and sisters, to fill the earth and make known the values of goodness, love and peace;
In the name of innocent human life that God has forbidden to kill, affirming that whoever kills a person is like one who kills the whole of humanity, and that whoever saves a person is like one who saves the whole of humanity;
In the name of the poor, the destitute, the marginalized and those most in need whom God has commanded us to help as a duty required of all persons, especially the wealthy and of means;
In the name of orphans, widows, refugees and those exiled from their homes and their countries; in the name of all victims of wars, persecution and injustice; in the name of the weak, those who live in fear, prisoners of war and those tortured in any part of the world, without distinction;
In the name of peoples who have lost their security, peace, and the possibility of living together, becoming victims of destruction, calamity and war;
In the name of human fraternity that embraces all human beings, unites them and renders them equal;
In the name of this fraternity torn apart by policies of extremism and division, by systems of unrestrained profit or by hateful ideological tendencies that manipulate the actions and the future of men and women;
In the name of freedom, that God has given to all human beings creating them free and distinguishing them by this gift;
In the name of justice and mercy, the foundations of prosperity and the cornerstone of faith;
In the name of all persons of good will present in every part of the world;
In the name of God and of everything stated thus far; Al-Azhar al-Sharif and the Muslims of the East and West, together with the Catholic Church and the Catholics of the East and West, declare the adoption of a culture of dialogue as the path; mutual cooperation as the code of conduct; reciprocal understanding as the method and standard.
We, who believe in God and in the final meeting with Him and His judgment, on the basis of our religious and moral responsibility, and through this Document, call upon ourselves, upon the leaders of the world as well as the architects of international policy and world economy, to work strenuously to spread the culture of tolerance and of living together in peace; to intervene at the earliest opportunity to stop the shedding of innocent blood and bring an end to wars, conflicts, environmental decay and the moral and cultural decline that the world is presently experiencing.
We call upon intellectuals, philosophers, religious figures, artists, media professionals and men and women of culture in every part of the world, to rediscover the values of peace, justice, goodness, beauty, human fraternity and coexistence in order to confirm the importance of these values as anchors of salvation for all, and to promote them everywhere.
This Declaration, setting out from a profound consideration of our contemporary reality, valuing its successes and in solidarity with its suffering, disasters and calamities, believes firmly that among the most important causes of the crises of the modern world are a desensitized human conscience, a distancing from religious values and a prevailing individualism accompanied by materialistic philosophies that deify the human person and introduce worldly and material values in place of supreme and transcendental principles.
While recognizing the positive steps taken by our modern civilization in the fields of science, technology, medicine, industry and welfare, especially in developed countries, we wish to emphasize that, associated with such historic advancements, great and valued as they are, there exists both a moral deterioration that influences international action and a weakening of spiritual values and responsibility. All this contributes to a general feeling of frustration, isolation and desperation leading many to fall either into a vortex of atheistic, agnostic or religious extremism, or into blind and fanatic extremism, which ultimately encourage forms of dependency and individual or collective self-destruction.
History shows that religious extremism, national extremism and also intolerance have produced in the world, be it in the East or West, what might be referred to as signs of a "third world war being fought piecemeal". In several parts of the world and in many tragic circumstances these signs have begun to be painfully apparent, as in those situations where the precise number of victims, widows and orphans is unknown. We see, in addition, other regions preparing to become theatres of new conflicts, with outbreaks of tension and a build-up of arms and ammunition, and all this in a global context overshadowed by uncertainty, disillusionment, fear of the future, and controlled by narrow-minded economic interests.
We likewise affirm that major political crises, situations of injustice and lack of equitable distribution of natural resources – which only a rich minority benefit from, to the detriment of the majority of the peoples of the earth – have generated, and continue to generate, vast numbers of poor, infirm and deceased persons. This leads to catastrophic crises that various countries have fallen victim to despite their natural resources and the resourcefulness of young people which characterize these nations. In the face of such crises that result in the deaths of millions of children – wasted away from poverty and hunger – there is an unacceptable silence on the international level.
It is clear in this context how the family as the fundamental nucleus of society and humanity is essential in bringing children into the world, raising them, educating them, and providing them with solid moral formation and domestic security. To attack the institution of the family, to regard it with contempt or to doubt its important role, is one of the most threatening evils of our era.
We affirm also the importance of awakening religious awareness and the need to revive this awareness in the hearts of new generations through sound education and an adherence to moral values and upright religious teachings. In this way we can confront tendencies that are individualistic, selfish, conflicting, and also address radicalism and blind extremism in all its forms and expressions.
The first and most important aim of religions is to believe in God, to honour Him and to invite all men and women to believe that this universe depends on a God who governs it. He is the Creator who has formed us with His divine wisdom and has granted us the gift of life to protect it. It is a gift that no one has the right to take away, threaten or manipulate to suit oneself. Indeed, everyone must safeguard this gift of life from its beginning up to its natural end. We therefore condemn all those practices that are a threat to life such as genocide, acts of terrorism, forced displacement, human organ trafficking, abortion and euthanasia. We likewise condemn the policies that promote these practices.
Moreover, we resolutely declare that religions must never incite war, hateful attitudes, hostility and extremism, nor must they incite violence or the shedding of blood. These tragic realities are the consequence of a deviation from religious teachings. They result from a political manipulation of religions and from interpretations made by religious groups who, in the course of history, have taken advantage of the power of religious sentiment in the hearts of men and women in order to make them act in a way that has nothing to do with the truth of religion. This is done for the purpose of achieving objectives that are political, economic, worldly and short-sighted. We thus call upon all concerned to stop using religions to incite hatred, violence, extremism and blind fanaticism, and to refrain from using the name of God to justify acts of murder, exile, terrorism and oppression. We ask this on the basis of our common belief in God who did not create men and women to be killed or to fight one another, nor to be tortured or humiliated in their lives and circumstances. God, the Almighty, has no need to be defended by anyone and does not want His name to be used to terrorize people.
This Document, in accordance with previous International Documents that have emphasized the importance of the role of religions in the construction of world peace, upholds the following:
- The firm conviction that authentic teachings of religions invite us to remain rooted in the values of peace; to defend the values of mutual understanding, human fraternity and harmonious coexistence; to re-establish wisdom, justice and love; and to reawaken religious awareness among young people so that future generations may be protected from the realm of materialistic thinking and from dangerous policies of unbridled greed and indifference that are based on the law of force and not on the force of law;
- Freedom is a right of every person: each individual enjoys the freedom of belief, thought, expression and action. The pluralism and the diversity of religions, colour, sex, race and language are willed by God in His wisdom, through which He created human beings. This divine wisdom is the source from which the right to freedom of belief and the freedom to be different derives. Therefore, the fact that people are forced to adhere to a certain religion or culture must be rejected, as too the imposition of a cultural way of life that others do not accept;
- Justice based on mercy is the path to follow in order to achieve a dignified life to which every human being has a right;
- Dialogue, understanding and the widespread promotion of a culture of tolerance, acceptance of others and of living together peacefully would contribute significantly to reducing many economic, social, political and environmental problems that weigh so heavily on a large part of humanity;
- Dialogue among believers means coming together in the vast space of spiritual, human and shared social values and, from here, transmitting the highest moral virtues that religions aim for. It also means avoiding unproductive discussions;
- The protection of places of worship – synagogues, churches and mosques – is a duty guaranteed by religions, human values, laws and international agreements. Every attempt to attack places of worship or threaten them by violent assaults, bombings or destruction, is a deviation from the teachings of religions as well as a clear violation of international law;
- Terrorism is deplorable and threatens the security of people, be they in the East or the West, the North or the South, and disseminates panic, terror and pessimism, but this is not due to religion, even when terrorists instrumentalize it. It is due, rather, to an accumulation of incorrect interpretations of religious texts and to policies linked to hunger, poverty, injustice, oppression and pride. This is why it is so necessary to stop supporting terrorist movements fuelled by financing, the provision of weapons and strategy, and by attempts to justify these movements even using the media. All these must be regarded as international crimes that threaten security and world peace. Such terrorism must be condemned in all its forms and expressions;
- The concept of citizenship is based on the equality of rights and duties, under which all enjoy justice. It is therefore crucial to establish in our societies the concept of full citizenship and reject the discriminatory use of the term minorities which engenders feelings of isolation and inferiority. Its misuse paves the way for hostility and discord; it undoes any successes and takes away the religious and civil rights of some citizens who are thus discriminated against;
- Good relations between East and West are indisputably necessary for both. They must not be neglected, so that each can be enriched by the other's culture through fruitful exchange and dialogue. The West can discover in the East remedies for those spiritual and religious maladies that are caused by a prevailing materialism. And the East can find in the West many elements that can help free it from weakness, division, conflict and scientific, technical and cultural decline. It is important to pay attention to religious, cultural and historical differences that are a vital component in shaping the character, culture and civilization of the East. It is likewise important to reinforce the bond of fundamental human rights in order to help ensure a dignified life for all the men and women of East and West, avoiding the politics of double standards;
- It is an essential requirement to recognize the right of women to education and employment, and to recognize their freedom to exercise their own political rights. Moreover, efforts must be made to free women from historical and social conditioning that runs contrary to the principles of their faith and dignity. It is also necessary to protect women from sexual exploitation and from being treated as merchandise or objects of pleasure or financial gain. Accordingly, an end must be brought to all those inhuman and vulgar practices that denigrate the dignity of women. Efforts must be made to modify those laws that prevent women from fully enjoying their rights;
- The protection of the fundamental rights of children to grow up in a family environment, to receive nutrition, education and support, are duties of the family and society. Such duties must be guaranteed and protected so that they are not overlooked or denied to any child in any part of the world. All those practices that violate the dignity and rights of children must be denounced. It is equally important to be vigilant against the dangers that they are exposed to, particularly in the digital world, and to consider as a crime the trafficking of their innocence and all violations of their youth;
- The protection of the rights of the elderly, the weak, the disabled, and the oppressed is a religious and social obligation that must be guaranteed and defended through strict legislation and the implementation of the relevant international agreements.
To this end, by mutual cooperation, the Catholic Church and Al-Azhar announce and pledge to convey this Document to authorities, influential leaders, persons of religion all over the world, appropriate regional and international organizations, organizations within civil society, religious institutions and leading thinkers. They further pledge to make known the principles contained in this Declaration at all regional and international levels, while requesting that these principles be translated into policies, decisions, legislative texts, courses of study and materials to be circulated.
Al-Azhar and the Catholic Church ask that this Document become the object of research and reflection in all schools, universities and institutes of formation, thus helping to educate new generations to bring goodness and peace to others, and to be defenders everywhere of the rights of the oppressed and of the least of our brothers and sisters.
In conclusion, our aspiration is that:
this Declaration may constitute an invitation to reconciliation and fraternity among all believers, indeed among believers and non-believers, and among all people of good will;
this Declaration may be an appeal to every upright conscience that rejects deplorable violence and blind extremism; an appeal to those who cherish the values of tolerance and fraternity that are promoted and encouraged by religions;
this Declaration may be a witness to the greatness of faith in God that unites divided hearts and elevates the human soul;
this Declaration may be a sign of the closeness between East and West, between North and South, and between all who believe that God has created us to understand one another, cooperate with one another and live as brothers and sisters who love one another.
This is what we hope and seek to achieve with the aim of finding a universal peace that all can enjoy in this life.
Abu Dhabi, 4 February 2019
His Holiness Pope Francis |
The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmad Al-Tayyeb |
Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana


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Bikes and The City in collaboration with BikeNOPA, brings you the weekly series: Dads on Wheels.
Every Tuesday, we have be featured dads from all over the city +around the Bay, and the ways they get around town with their kids.
Please check both our blogs for the current profiles.
We are coming close to a series end so don't be shy and comment away your thoughts and leave comments for the featured riders!
off roading with dad by deanne.
Simone's first ride across the GGB by Brian_Brooks
Dads on Wheels: Brian Brooks
How old are your kids and why do you bike with them? When did you start them biking?
I have on daughter, Simone(2yrs). Cycling is a great way to spent time together exploring the city and beyond. She love riding! She was 10 months old when she had her first bike ride. How often do you bike with your kinds now ….and do you bike with them for fun or also for taking them on errands, getting them to school?
We ride at lease once a week. We bike for fun, running errands and to day care.
What's the best thing about biking with your kid(s)?
Getting her outside and enjoying the feeling of cycling. I would love for her to have no fear but respect traffic.
What do you say to relatives or friends who think the streets of San Francisco are not safe for kids to bike?
I've only heard that once and my reply is where in the US are the streets safe walking cycling or driving?
What makes a route or street OK for taking your kids biking on it?
Bike lines, Sharrows or little traffic.
We saw Brian and his baby by Pamela Palma - bici girl
Is it even harder getting kids ready for trips if you're traveling by bike?
Not really. Its actually better because you can't carry as much "stuff"
How often do you bike on your own: recreation/exercise or for transportation also?
As much as possible. a few time a week plus every weekend.
Any advice for other dads who are thinking about biking on their own or with their kids?
At stop lights I also look drivers in the eyes so they know I'm riding with my child. Be confident with your cycling skills. Be aware of traffic.
+ + + + + + + + + +
Gracias Brian!!
Thank you for the use of photos as credited above from flickr users: Brian_Brooks, deanne. and bici girl
+Don't forget to stop by bikeNOPA's posts here

subset: commoncrawl


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I live pretty far from my dad, Gerald N. Lund. I'm in Michigan and he's in Utah. That's 1677 miles of a very long, very boring, very torturous I-80 drive through Nebraska and Wyoming. That's a lot of Kum & Gos.
I love getting his advice on writing, books, and pretty much anything else (like how to survive 3 teenagers). But we aren't able to do many book signings together because of the distance. So I thought it would be fun to do a book giveaway. I don't remember my dad doing a giveaway like this in his forty years of writing, but when I asked him, he said, "That sounds fun. How many books do you want?" Love him!
He donated 5 signed books, and I'm donating 4.
Here's the official info:
Author Gerald N. Lund and his daughter Rebecca Lund Belliston have teamed up to give away NINE of their combined books. Gerald N. Lund is the bestselling, award-winning author of over 30 novels and non-fiction religious works. Rebecca Belliston is the author of four novels, including the new dystopian trilogy, Citizens of Logan Pond.
Enter to win signed copies of Gerald N. Lund and Rebecca (Lund) Belliston books.
Prizes will be awarded in sets of three and include:
Set #1
Set #2
Set #3
Three winners will be chosen at random on November 2nd, so that gives you the rest of October to rack up some points. Get more chances to win by sharing, following, and all that fun jazz.
Good luck!!!!


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The following excerpt is from Stop Worrying! There Probably is an Afterlife, which looks into the evidence for the survival of consciousness beyond death. The book is available right now as an eBook download and in paperback format.
NDEs and Communication Through Mediums
After days of struggle against the disease that had struck him down, Dr. Horace Ackley could take no more. All of a sudden, he felt himself gradually rising from his body, with the distinct feeling that he had been divided, though the parts retained a tenuous connection of some sort. As the organs within his physical body ceased functioning, the feeling of being divided came to an abrupt halt, and he found himself whole again. Except he now appeared to be in a position slightly above his lifeless physical body, looking down on it and those who had been in the room with him. Then, without warning…
…the scenes of my whole life seemed to move before me like a panorama; every act seemed as though it were drawn in life size and was really present: it was all there, down to the closing scenes. So rapidly did it pass, that I had little time for reflection. I seemed to be in a whirlpool of excitement; and then, just as suddenly as this panorama had been presented, it was withdrawn, and I was left without a thought of the past or future to contemplate my present condition.
Dr. Ackley realized that he must have died, and was gratified to learn that it seemed a rather pleasant experience. "Death is not so bad a thing after all," he said to himself, "and I should like to see what that country is that I am going to, if I am a spirit." His only regret, looking down on the whirl of activity in the room, was that he was unable to inform his friends that he lived on, to set their minds and hearts at ease. At this point, two 'guardian spirits' appeared before Dr. Ackley, greeting him by name before leading him from the room into an area where a number of 'spirits' whom he was familiar with had assembled.
You may well be saying to yourself "ho-hum, another stock-standard near-death experience". You might guess that Dr. Ackley then woke up in his resuscitated body and told an NDE researcher about his experience. But if you did, you would be wrong. Dr. Horace Ackley truly did die that day, never to return to this life. The report that you read above was an account of his death, allegedly given by him through a spirit medium – one Samuel Paist of Philadelphia. And what makes it truly remarkable is that it was written down by Paist in his book A Narrative of the Experience of Horace Abraham Ackley, M.D., and published in 1861 – more than a century before the near-death experience had come to the attention of researchers and the general public. And yet Paist/Ackley tells of an OBE shortly after death, a "panoramic" life review (the exact word "panoramic" is used, just as in many other NDEs), and being greeted by spirits who subsequently guided him to an afterlife realm!
The after-death narrative of Dr. Horace Ackley is not an isolated instance. More than a decade before the publication of Raymond Moody's Life After Life – the book that started the modern fascination with near-death experiences – another scientist had already investigated and written at length on the topic. In a pair of relatively obscure books – The Supreme Adventure (1961) and Intimations of Immortality (1965) – Dr. Robert Crookall cited numerous examples of what he called "pseudo-death," noting the archetypal elements that Moody would later bring to the public's attention as the near-death experience. What's more however, Crookall also compared these tales of 'pseudo-death' with accounts of the dying process as told by 'communicators' through mediums – and found a number of these same recurring elements, well before they became public knowledge through Moody's Life After Life.
For example, Crookall showed that, according to ostensibly dead 'communicators' talking through mediums, the newly-deceased are usually met by other deceased loved ones: "Usually friends or relatives take the newly-dead man in charge". This of course may not be considered a surprising thing for a medium to say – it's probably what most people would expectantly hope for upon entering the spirit realm. But the common elements continue, and include some of the more idiosyncratic features of the NDE. For instance, Crookall noted that, as with the case of Dr. Ackley above, communicators often declare through mediums that "in the early stages of transition, they experienced a panoramic review of their past lives". In one case the communicator recounted that shortly after death "the scenes of the past life" are revealed; another said that upon 'waking' his "entire life unreeled itself". A dead communicator by the name of Scott told medium Jane Sherwood that his thoughts "raced over the record of a whole long lifetime", while another communicator said that he saw "clearer and clearer the events of my past life pass, in a long procession, before me." Crookall even discovered a reference in ancient texts to the experience of dying which agreed with the above accounts: the great Greek philosopher Pythagoras (circa 500 BCE) taught that at the time of death, the soul "sees, over and over again, its earthly existence, the scenes succeeding one another with startling clearness".
Considering how many near-death experiencers say the life review is a personal 'judgement day', with feelings of right and wrong accompanying each action and scene, it is fascinating to note the recurring motif that accompanies this aspect, as told to mediums by 'dead' communicators. "I saw my life unfold before me in a procession of images. One is faced with the effects emotionally of all one's actions", said a communicator quoted in a 1929 book. "Each incident brings with it the feelings not only of oneself alone but of all those others who were affected by the events", according to another communicator. And again, this account given by a medium, from 1928: "Like everyone who passes over, he had been through the whole of his past life, re-living his past actions in every detail. All the pain he had given to people he experienced himself, and all the pleasure he had given he received back again". Given the similarities to some of the NDE accounts mentioned earlier, we must remind ourselves here that this is the apparent testimony from deceased communicators, speaking through mediums, not accounts of near-death experiencers – and well before the elements of the archetypal NDE were well known. And yet the parallels are extraordinary.
Beyond the meeting with the familiar dead, and the past life review, Crookall's research also found that mediumistic communicators regularly make note of the out-of-body experience component. For example, one communicator noted that he "seemed to rise up out of my body". According to another, "I was not lying in the bed, but floating in the air, a little above it. I saw the body, stretched out straight". Furthermore, they also describe the familiar element of traveling through a tunnel! "I saw in front of me a dark tunnel," said one communicator, before travelling through it and then stepping "out of the tunnel into a new world". Another communicator noted that they remembered "a curious opening, as if one had passed through subterranean passages and found oneself near the mouth of a cave… The light was much stronger outside". And once through the 'tunnel', the environment is once again familiar to anyone who has perused a catalogue of NDEs: "I was with 'B' [her son, killed in the War]: he took me to a world so brilliant that I can't describe it".
The common elements are compelling. For anyone familiar with the NDE literature, these reports through mediums are startlingly similar to the accounts of near-death experiencers – and yet Crookall collected them years before the archetype of the NDE became common knowledge. And not only do they seem to offer support for the validity of the near-death experience, they also hint that there may well be more to the much-maligned subject of mediumship.
Do 'spirit mediums' really have contact with the dead? Dim the lights, join hands, grab a copy of Stop Worrying! There Probably is an Afterlife and read on…
Stop Worrying! There Probably is an Afterlife is available as an instant eBook download and in paperback format from Amazon.com, where it already has 18 5-star reviews!


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By Seth DeLand and Adam Filion, MathWorks
Energy producers, grid operators, and traders must make decisions based on an estimate of future load on the electrical grid. As a result, accurate forecasts of energy load are both a necessity and a business advantage.
The vast amounts of data available today have made it possible to create highly accurate forecast models. The challenge lies in developing data analytics workflows that can turn this raw data into actionable insights. A typical workflow involves four steps, each of which brings its own challenges:
In this article, we will use MATLAB® to complete the entire data analytics workflow for a load forecasting application. Using this application, utility analysts can select any region in the state of New York to see a plot of past energy load and predicted future load (Figure 1). They can use the results to understand the effect of weather on energy loads and determine how much power to generate or purchase. Given that the State of New York alone consumes several billions of dollars of electricity per year, the result can be significant for power generation companies.
Figure 1. MATLAB application for energy demand forecasting for New York.
This case study uses two data sets: energy load data from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) website, and weather data—specifically, the temperature and dew point—from the National Climatic Data Center.
NYISO publishes monthly energy data in a ZIP file containing a separate comma-separated value (CSV) file for each day. The typical approach for working with data spread across several files is to download a sample file, explore it to identify the data values to be analyzed, and then import those values for the complete data set.
The Import Tool in MATLAB lets us select columns in a CSV file and import the selected data into a variety of MATLAB data structures, including vectors, matrices, cell arrays, and tables. The energy load CSV contains a time stamp, a region name, and a load for the region. With the Import Tool, we select CSV file columns and a target format. We can either import the data from the sample file directly or generate a MATLAB function that imports all files that match the format of the sample file (Figure 2). Later we can write a script that invokes this function to programmatically import all the data from our source.
Figure 2. Top: CSV data selected for import. Bottom: An automatically generated MATLAB function for importing the data.
Once the data has been imported, we generate preliminary plots to identify trends, reformat time and date stamps, and perform conversions—for example, by swapping the rows and columns in the data table.
Most real-world data contains missing or erroneous values, and before the data can be explored, these must be identified and addressed. After reformatting and plotting the NYISO data, we notice spikes in load that fall outside the normal cyclical rise and fall of demand (Figure 3). We must decide whether these spikes are anomalous and can be ignored by the data model, or whether they indicate a phenomenon that the model should account for. We choose to examine only normal cyclical behavior for now; we can address the spikes later if we decide that our model needs to account for such behavior.
There are several ways to automate the identification of the spikes. For example, we can apply a smoothing spline and pinpoint the spikes by calculating the difference between the smoothed and original curves (Figure 4).
After removing the anomalous points from the data, we must decide what to do about the missing data points introduced by their removal. We could simply ignore them; this has the advantage of reducing the size of the data set. Alternatively, we could substitute approximations for the missing values in MATLAB by interpolating or using comparable data from another sample, taking care not to bias the data. For the purposes of estimating load, we will ignore the missing values. We will still have enough "good" data to create accurate models.
After cleaning the temperature and dew point data using similar techniques, we aggregate the two data sets. Both data sets are stored in MATLAB table data types. We apply a table join in MATLAB by invoking the outerjoin
function. The result is a single table giving us easy access to the load, temperature, and dew point for each time stamp.
MATLAB provides many techniques for modeling data. If we know how different parameters influence the energy load, we might use statistics or curve fitting tools to model the data with linear or nonlinear regression. If there are many variables, the underlying system is particularly complex, or the governing equations are unknown, we could use machine learning techniques such as decision trees or neural networks.
Since load forecasting involves complex systems with many variables to be considered, we'll opt for machine learning—specifically, supervised learning. In supervised learning, a model is developed based on historical input data (the temperature) and output data (the energy load). After the model is trained, it is used to predict future behavior. For energy load forecasting, we can use a neural network and Deep Learning Toolbox™ to complete these steps. The workflow is as follows:
Use the Neural Fitting app in MATLAB to:
Select the data set that we want to use to train the model, as well as a data set that we reserve for testing.
For this example, we opted for just one model. For most real-word applications, you would try several different machine learning models and evaluate their performance on training and test data. Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox™ provides a variety of machine learning approaches, all using a similar calling syntax, making it easy to try out different approaches. The toolbox also includes the Classification Learner app for interactively training supervised learning models.
When the training is complete, we can use the test data to see how well the model performs on new data (Figure 5)
To automate the steps of setting up, training, and testing the neural network we use the Neural Fitting app to generate MATLAB code that we can invoke from a script.
To test the trained model, we run it against the data that we held in reserve and compare its predictions with the actual measured data. Results show that the neural network model has a mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of less than 2% on the test data.
When we first run our model against a test data set, we notice a few instances where the model's predictions diverge significantly from the actual load. Around holidays, for example, we see deviations from predicted behavior. We also notice that the model's prediction for load on October 29, 2012, in New York City is off by thousands of megawatts (Figure 6). A quick Internet search shows that on this date Hurricane Sandy disrupted the grid across the region. It makes sense to adjust the model to handle holidays, which are regular and therefore predictable occurrences, but a storm like Sandy is a one-off event and therefore difficult to account for.
The process of developing, testing, and refining a predictive model often requires numerous iterations. Training and testing times can be reduced by using Parallel Computing Toolbox™ to run several steps simultaneously on multiple processor cores. For very large data sets you can scale up by running the steps on many computers with MATLAB Parallel Server™.
Once the model meets our accuracy requirements, the final step is moving it into a production system. We have several options. With MATLAB Compiler™ we can generate a standalone application or spreadsheet add-in. With MATLAB Compiler SDK™ we can generate .NET and Java® components. With MATLAB Production Server™ we can deploy the application directly into a production environment capable of serving a large number of users simultaneously.
For our load prediction tool, we made the data analytics developed in MATLAB accessible via a RESTful API, which returns both numerical predictions and plots that can be included in an application or report. With the Production Server Compiler app we specify the MATLAB functions that we want to deploy. The app automatically performs a dependency analysis and packages the necessary files into a single deployable component. Using MATLAB Production Server we deploy the component as a processing engine, making the analytics available to any software or device on the network, including web applications, other servers, and mobile devices (Figure 7).
The energy load forecast model developed here provides highly accurate forecasts that can be used by decision-makers via a web front end. Because the model has been validated over months of test data, we have confidence in its ability to give a 24-hour forecast within 2% of actual load.
The model could be expanded to incorporate additional data sources, such as holiday calendars and severe weather alerts. Because the entire data analytics workflow is captured in MATLAB code, additional sources of data can easily be merged with the existing data, and the model retrained. Once the new model is deployed to MATLAB Production Server, the algorithm behind the load forecasting application is automatically updated—end users don't even need to refresh the web page.
Published 2015 – 92308v00
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'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Review: The Saga Continues…
The original Star Wars was driven by nostalgia for pulp magazines, Saturday-morning serials, and a simpler era with clear-cut heroes and villains. The new Star Wars is driven by nostalgia for the original Star Wars, and a simpler era when that title evoked words like "adventure" and "excitement," and not words like "the taxation of trade routes," and "Jar Jar Binks." The characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens are all searching for something of great importance to the galaxy far, far away. I won't reveal what this MacGuffin is, but I will tell you what it represents: that old Star Wars magic. Can director J.J. Abrams and the rest of the saga's new creators find it?
They can and do on quite a few occasions, though somewhat surprisingly, The Force Awakens' finest moments mostly involve its new characters, and not its beloved returning cast. Though longtime Star Wars fans will flock to the theaters to reunite with Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), they might be surprised just how quickly the franchise's new generation finds a place in their heart. I certainly was.
That new generation includes Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), a great pilot in the galactic Resistance, Finn (John Boyega), a Stormtrooper of the First Order who defects and joins the Resistance, Rey (Daisy Ridley) a scavenger living on the desert planet of Jakku, and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a Force-powered knight of the First Order. They all meet by chance (or perhaps destiny) after Poe is dispatched to Jakku to retrieve some crucial intel for the Resistance. When the First Order (including Finn and Ren) interrupts Poe's rendezvous, he stashes the data in his droid, BB-8, which soon wanders into the hands of Rey. Her encounter with the cute robot thrusts her right into the middle of a battle for the fate of the galaxy.
If that sounds a lot like the setup of the original Star Wars, it should; it's the setup of the original Star Wars. This is not an anomaly in The Force Awakens, which contains too many homages (if not outright thefts) from the first Star Wars to count. There's an orphan living in the desert, and a droid with valuable information that could turn the tide in a war. There's a hidden rebel base. There's a space cantina full of weird aliens, with the Millennium Falcon parked nearby. There's a planet-sized weapon-slash-base, and a trench attack on it by X-wing fighters. And these are just the examples that aren't spoilers.
Star Wars nerds may note that these movies are famous for their repeating motifs — Anakin Skywalker loses his right hand in Attack of the Clones, then chops his son Luke's hand off in The Empire Strikes Back — and for lifting from primal myths that have been told and retold for thousands of years. They work precisely because they are familiar. But if not for the presence of old (and now older) characters like Han Solo and Leia, it would be very easy to mistake The Force Awakens for a loose remake of Star Wars, rather than a sequel to it.
No one would ever mistake The Force Awakens for a Star Wars prequel, though. For one thing, there's almost no slapstick — although there is plenty of wry humor in the bantering between Finn, Rey, and Han. And the prequels were, for better or worse (okay, worse), consumed with politics; with Senate hearings and parliamentary procedure and backroom dealings. The Force Awakens is — arguably to its detriment — completely uninterested in politics. The reasons for the film's primary conflict are incredibly obscure, as are the explanations for a fair number of plot points. (In one scene, they make a big deal about C-3PO suddenly having one red arm. Why does he have a red arm? They never explain. My guess? He has a red arm so Disney can sell two C-3PO toys; one with a gold arm and one with a red arm.)
J.J. Abrams famously prefers the "mystery box" approach to making and marketing movies; building big questions in the audience's minds that can only be resolved once they buy their tickets and head to the theater. The Force Awakens might be the first J.J. Abrams movie where he doesn't even open the mystery box for the paying customers. It's not clear who the Resistance is or how they connect to the Republic (which is mentioned but not seen) or how or why this evil First Order came into existence. Tons of big threads are left dangling for Rian Johnson to continue in Episode VIII. One huge storyline is barely resolved at all — and when it is, it's only through the grace of a literal deus ex machina that has nothing to do with any of the events that's transpired for the last 130 minutes. At a certain point, it becomes good guys fighting bad guys because good guys are good and bad guys are bad, and that's it.
Odds are, though, few audiences will complain about the lack of subtext or political allegory, because what's left in their place are a bunch of thrilling space chases and battles, lightsaber fights, and plenty of intrigue about the post-Return of the Jedi lives of Luke, Han, and Leia. Abrams hooks you early with a string of great action sequences, some surprisingly big laughs, and a great feel for the characters, both old and new. Viewers looking for Han Solo acting like Han Solo will get it. (They'll also get John Williams' magnificent score, which has aged even better than Harrison Ford.) And if nothing else, Abrams struck gold with his new cast. Isaac has the swagger and luxurious hair of a young Harrison Ford. Boyega brings real weight to Finn's repeated moral dilemmas; Driver delivers equal complexity in his performance as Kylo Ren. And Ridley has one of the most expressive pairs of eyes I have ever seen on a big screen. They pull you in like a tractor beam.
It's nice to see Ford, Fisher, and Hamill, but The Force Awakens really belongs to Ridley, Boyega, Isaac, and Driver. The screenplay by Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, and Michael Arndt is almost respectful to a fault of the original trilogy, and at times, particularly in the final act, it gets bogged down in fan service. The film is at its best in its first forty minutes, before the classic cast returns, and the new stars get to strut their stuff. Although Star Wars has always been about the past, The Force Awakens is ironically at its best when it looks to the future.


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WHMIS online training programs are easily administered with our LMS ( Learning Management System)
The Alert First-Aid inc Learning Management System (LMS) simplifies the administration, documentation, tracking, hosting and reporting of all our online Health & Safety training programs, including the online WHMIS training course. Ongoing record keeping facilities include the identification of expiring training certificates and proof of due diligence.
The LMS gives adminstrators an easier and faster way to ensure compliance
Once the WHMIS course has been purchased the client will be provided an ID and password with which to access our LMS. Each WHMIS course purchased will be assigned an access code. In other words, if the client purchased 10 WHMIS courses and 2 Managers & Supervisors Due Diligence courses they will be given 10 access codes for WHMIS and 2 for Due Diligence.
The LMS allows the administrator to assign these access codes to selected employees, advising them by email how to use the system.
As the trainees take their training courses, the Administrator can monitor their progress and test results, including the results of the final examination.
After the employee has passed the final test, the administrator is able to print a wallet card or wall certificate for the employee and one for the personnel file.
The Alert First-Aid Inc LMS remains available to the administrator even after the WHMIS course has been completed so that expiring training certificates can be monitored. The system is also used by clients to prove due diligence to regulation authorities, and sometimes even the police.
The Alert First-Aid inc LMS is extremely easy to use and clients are typically able to begin training within minutes of receiving their access codes.


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Thanks to my good friend Lori, I was recently able to procure a working hi-fi - one of those fancy vintage cabinet types, you know, the ones that will not only play 331/2 and 45rpm but 78 and *gasp*deargod* even 16rpm albums. The kind with a changer you use to play a number of albums at a time without having to get up off yer lazy arse. Or a least, once upon a time you could. For a while it was on the blink, and in my attempts to fix the problem, I kind of fubar'd the auto-play function. Totally fixable, but requires the assistance of someone with nimbler fingers and far more patience than I myself happen to possess.
The small collection of records I've held in storage for the last ten or so years consisted mainly of three subsets of records:
- Albums hand-picked for me by my best friend and her husband when they were forced to leave the bulk of his 1500+ album collection in London when they moved to the Great White North. These include some of my favorites from the time, such as The Doors and Blondie and 54-50, as well as some 'Here-you-might-like-these's' like the Patti Smith Group and Alice Cooper and the Cult.
- Duplicate albums culled from my parents collection - those which overlapped when when they got married. These are mostly typical of what you'd find in teh collection of young Newlyweds in the mid-70s - Elton Johns' Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Rolling Stones 'Hot Rocks' and one of my personal favorites, Harry Chapin's Greatest Stories Live (incidentally, this album contains two particularly awesome fuggin' tracks that can't be had on the CD version)
- Albums given to me, via my parents, from my Grandmother when she decided to clean out HER collection. This is an interesting bunch. First, therein lies the lone set of 78's in my collection - Ruth Wallis' Holiday Party. I've been told that as a child, my father was not allowed to listen to this one, as it was 'too racy' for little ears. There's also 'Music to Strip By', a number of 'Sing ALong with Mitch Miller' albums, and an absolute fuckton of Christmas Albums. I could celebrate Christmas 8 months of the year and not run out of holiday themed tunes.
Today, I happily discovered that my local pawn shop also carries a small collection of LP's, at the not unreasonable price of $2 a piece. For this evening's listening I've picked myself up the following:
- The B-52's -
- The Pretenders II
- The Go-GO's - Beauty and the Beat
- 25 Old Tyme Fiddle Hits
Off I am now to sample some more of these delectable audible goodies, for the place is an unholy disaster and there is much to be done.


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Henning Fritzenwalder
Experience Design ConsultantI'm an Experience Designer with 18 years of work experience in international companies (e.g. Nokia, eBay, Deutsche Telekom) and a focus on User Research and establishing user centred ways of working in projects and organisations.
I'm passionate about understanding human behaviour, Ethical Design, value-driven business strategies and empowered teams.
I'm especially proud to be part of a team that's dedicated to not only offer our diverse and rich expertise in technology but introduce clients to a respectful, strongly cooperative way of bringing innovations to life.


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Studying since February for their competition on May 2nd, the Anaheim Hills 6th Grade Pentathlon Team was thrilled to learn that they had placed 1st overall in the 2015 6th Grade Orange County Pentathlon! The team also earned 2nd place in the Super Quiz Relay and amassed 30 individual medals in all subjects including science, history, math, and literature!
Congratulations to the North Tustin MVP athletes Sofia R. (Soccer), Karishma R. (Volleyball), Nadia A. (Basketball), James K. (Golf), Ryan H. (Basketball), and Andrew L. (Football & Soccer)!
Anaheim students close the 2014-2015 performing arts season with
concerts featuring songs such as "Shake it Off," "Ode to Joy," "Shoo
Fly," and the Pink Panther theme.
Weekly Newsletters
Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools


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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Yogurt Cake with Berries
Yogurt Cake with Berries
(original recipe from here)
2 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla essence
a handful of mixed berries
Preheat oven to 180 deg. C.
Combine yogurt, eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil in a bowl until completely mixed.
Sift the flour, baking powder and baking soda together.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gradually until well combined. Sprinkle the berries on top - they will gradually sink into the cake as it bakes.
Pour into a round tin and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Absolutely perfect, soft and delicious.
This is also off to dear Siri for her Yogurt event - can't wait for the round-up!
28 comments:
- Srivalli said...
anu..that sounds so simple and nice...:)
- July 3, 2008 at 10:57 AM
- Swati Raman Garg said...
perfect haaan... garg would love it.. he loves blueberry muffins like mad...
- July 3, 2008 at 10:59 AM
- Unknown said...
Arundhati, I had lunch and just checking the Toi for updates.Oh my god I was going crazy to have ur cake,I can imagine what it must be tasting with the delicious berries it in.Great.
- July 3, 2008 at 11:12 AM
- SMN said...
such simple and yummy looking cake must be tasting great
- July 3, 2008 at 11:56 AM
- Raaga said...
I have to try it :-) I'm sure fresh fruit will work very well too :-)
- July 3, 2008 at 12:11 PM
- delhibelle said...
Utterly gorgeous! Saw the original recipe too..love how everything is measured in cups!
- July 3, 2008 at 12:27 PM
- Arundathi said...
Thank you, everyone! :-)
Raaga, I'm sure it'll taste great with any kind of fruit - something tart might be nicer though. - July 3, 2008 at 3:13 PM
- FH said...
PERFECT cake!! Good job girl!:))
- July 3, 2008 at 5:43 PM
- A_and_N said...
Pramaadhamana cake Arundhati! I really like the way the 'sides' are so well done. If I may ask, what kind of baking dish do you use?
- July 3, 2008 at 6:12 PM
- Bhawana said...
Wow I liked this one. Very simple, tasty and good looking :)). I am very fond of eating cakes like this. will try this one. nice post.
- July 3, 2008 at 6:39 PM
- Ranjani said...
You're just teasing now with all your scrumptious pics! I'm always ravenous after visiting:)
Looks great as all your food always does. - July 3, 2008 at 7:14 PM
- Sunshinemom said...
I am sure that kitchen of yours is smelling divine - what with double chocolate cookies and cakes!
- July 3, 2008 at 10:47 PM
- Madhavi said...
WOW cake looks great, simple and tasty. Great entry!!!!
- July 3, 2008 at 10:48 PM
- Mansi said...
that looks lovely Arundhati! I like yogurt in my cakes too..made one recently with pears and almonds:) makes it so much more moist and healthier!:)
- July 4, 2008 at 3:16 AM
- Chef Jeena said...
Fantastic recipe it would go perfect with a nice cup of tea. :-)
- July 4, 2008 at 4:22 AM
- DK said...
Simple and delicious. Would def try this one :)
- July 4, 2008 at 6:11 AM
- lakshmi said...
it looks perfectly moist. this has been duly bookmarked.
- July 4, 2008 at 7:41 AM
babes!! looks awesome....love the grain and texture you've captured in the pic of the slice!!
- July 4, 2008 at 8:58 AM
- Arundathi said...
Thank you so much, everyone! It really was delicious - and so easily adaptable to different fruit and flavors - I'm sure some lemon zest would work very well too.
A&N - I use a very old regular round baking pan! I bake in a toaster oven (don't have a regular oven), so its pretty small as well... - July 4, 2008 at 12:05 PM
- Vibaas said...
Arundathi, Looks delicious! :) I think i'm gonna give this and the cookies a try for sure!
- July 5, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Looks delicious and really easy to make. So many different possibilities for berry toppings
- July 5, 2008 at 10:21 PM
- Arundathi said...
Vibaas - do let me know how it turns out!
Jude - Yes, the possibilities are endless! Thanks. - July 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM
- Sumi said...
Hi Arundathi,
tried your cake today.Came out delicious.But the top become tad bit crisper.May be my cake pan is little big bigger, I should take it out 5 minutes earlier.All in all the cake was perfect.Waiting for my son to grow up and have all these goodies. :)Will post the picure in my blog over the weekend.Thanks for the recipe - July 10, 2008 at 6:05 PM
- Chutneytales said...
Hi,First time on your blog..The cake looks simple n awesome.I was waiting for such a recipe..Thanks for it :)
By the way,i have to mention that your blog is very informative.I live in India and i find it very difficult for many exotic ingredients..your 100th post saved me.Thanks again! - January 27, 2009 at 11:47 PM
- Arundathi said...
@ Sumi - You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
@ Madhu - Glad to help. Thanks! Hope the recipe works for you!
- February 16, 2009 at 12:48 PM
It is certainly interesting for me to read the post. Thank you for it. I like such themes and anything that is connected to them. I would like to read more soon.
- November 18, 2009 at 3:15 PM
It was very interesting for me to read that article. Thank author for it. I like such themes and everything connected to them. I definitely want to read more soon.
- December 24, 2009 at 4:49 PM
It was rather interesting for me to read the post. Thanx for it. I like such themes and everything connected to them. BTW, why don't you change design :).
- January 20, 2010 at 11:34 AM


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Make the most out of your investment with us. Our training sessions help you realize the benefits of deploying the ManageEngine Suite and maximize IT productivity. They also help you choose the right application to fulfill your company's specific needs. They give you the extra edge where you understand your requirements and drive ManageEngine applications to do the job for you.
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If the training packages described do not sufficiently meet your needs, the ManageEngine training team will be happy to develop a customized training for you. Register for customized training now.


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Ask a Vegan Baker
Our community would love to help you with your vegan baking questions. Please log in to ask or answer a question. Want to be on the Ask a Vegan Baker answer team? Contact us!
Good morning! I'm looking for something to replace 1 C. of corn syrup in a recipe for toffee. My husband is allergic to corn so your remedy is something I can use for all sorts of recipes.
Thanks so much for your help!
Thanks so much for your help!
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Responses (2)
Accepted Answer
laurelvbOfflineI appreciate the suggestion Marcia. Unfortunately for me soy is a big problem for me. I'm also chemically sensitive and what a manufacturer has to do to make a soy protein isolate which is probably from a genetically modified bean in the first place gives me the willies. Luckily I can make my own marshmallows which, if you never have, leave the prepared stuff in the dust. -
Accepted Answer
TestarosaOfflineThank you so much for your suggestion! Love Amazon there are so many great values there. Of course, you still need to be careful and shop around, but I'm amazed at the extent of items they carry. It's the old something-for-everyone place!
Have you seen or heard of Ricemellow Cream? You can find it at Suzanne's Specialities online. Her products are all natural/organic and don't have corn in them either.
Thanks again,
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Recently, there's been a lot of talk about how to use Pinterest to market a business. Many owners are uncertain of how this virtual bulletin board can be used to strengthen brand recognition or boost website traffic.
Those who are confused about how to use Pinterest can rest assured it is one of the easier online marketing strategies. Just like other forms of social media, Pinterest lets people share their own content, as well as content published by others. In this case, the content is pictures.
Business owners can create bulletin boards to showcase their products, recipes, how-to information, fashion styles, do-it-yourself projects, gardening tips, and just about anything else they offer. They can also connect with industry professionals, Pinterest users, and consumers.


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Park Assist is a system designed to make urban parking easier by automating some of the manoeuvres you need to get safely into and out of parking spaces.
Park Assist will help you manoeuvre both into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
Once you have switched it on, Park Assist uses sensors around your Jaguar to measure up potential parking spaces as you drive past. Once it has detected a space 20 per cent or more greater than your car, it asks you to stop, let go of the steering wheel and select reverse gear, via the Touchscreen. It then takes over the steering as you reverse. If you try to steer yourself, the system deactivates.
It automatically avoids objects and other vehicles, but you should always remain alert for children and animals in the vicinity. Because you control the accelerator and brakes, you can go as slowly as you like and stop when you need to.
If you need to change your direction for example, it will ask you to stop and choose a forward to reverse gear as necessary. It will still control the steering to park your Jaguar neatly within the space.
There are three modes: Parallel Park helps you reverse into a parking space parallel to your car, Perpendicular Park gets you neatly into a space at 90 degrees to your Jaguar and Parking Exit helps you leave the space.
To activate Park Assist auto-searching feature, you just need to slow down below 28.97 km/h. Alternatively you can activate Park Assist via the Touchscreen. You also use the button to choose which mode you need, Parallel Park, Perpendicular Park or Parking Exit and to switch the system off.
It is particularly useful in towns and cities, where finding spaces is more challenging. It will indicate spaces that you may have judged yourself to be too small. As it parks for you, you avoid those bumps and scratches that are part of all our urban parking experiences.
It isn't really suitable for trying to park on a bend, and on narrow roads with parked cars on both sides it may not be as safe. A minimum road width of 4.5 metres between parked cars is required.
The Park Assist system detects large objects like other vehicles, but may not see other hazards such as children or animals, mesh fences, bicycles or motorbikes near the curb. You should always observe your surroundings just as you do normally, when using Park Assist. If you are towing a trailer, Park Assist is deactivated.
Sensors in the front and rear bumpers are triggered when you select Reverse. The Touchscreen display and audio feedback indicate how close you are to obstacles.
The system warns you of vehicles, pedestrians or other hazards, approaching from either side of your vehicle. It will alert you with both audio and visual warnings so you know what's behind you even when the view is obstructed.
To enable the Driving and Parking features for InControl Driver Assistance, there is a choice of camera options:
For a clear view of your surroundings, the Surround Camera System provides a 360° exterior view via the Touchscreen, helping with various manoeuvres from parking by the kerb to getting in and out of tight spaces and junctions.
Rear View Camera makes parking in tight spots simpler. Lines representing the vehicle's outer perimeter and predicted path are superimposed on the rearward image displayed on your Touchscreen.
Parking aid sensors on the rear, front, and sides provide real-time audible and visual feedback to indicate how close you are to obstacles.
As we roll out InControl, specific features described may be optional and market or powertrain dependent. Please consult your local Jaguar retailer for availability and full terms in your country. Certain features require an appropriate SIM with a suitable data contract, which will require a further subscription after the initial term advised by your retailer. Mobile connectivity cannot be guaranteed in all locations.


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Everyone's just waiting to get discovered.
And that's the problem: They're waiting.
BIG mistake.
You can't just sit around, hoping someone will discover how cool and special and unique and talented you are.
You've GOT to stick yourself out there.
And whether you're a salesperson, writer, photographer, entrepreneur or entertainer — the absolute, number-one, failproof strategy for getting discovered is:
Here's a list of four ways to do so:
1. Get out of the house. I recently stumbled across as website that published the following list: "The 50 Hottest Victoria's Secret Models Of All Time." Don't ask me how I ended up there. Not important. Anyway, after "carefully researching" the lovely ladies on the list, I started to notice a commonality: Every one of them was discovered in a similar fashion. No pun intended. Check out the ten most common venues in which these supermodels were first spotted:
• Shopping Mall.
• Flea Market.
• Six Flags.
• Supermarket.
• Cornfield.
• Beach.
• Talent contest.
• Pizza Parlor.
• Hollywood party.
• My closet.
What's the commonality? They're all public venues. Interesting. I guess guitar legend Doyle Dykes was correct in saying, "Get your butt out of the basement and go out and play for people." And I suppose my mentor was correct in saying, "If you want to speak more – speak more."
DISCOVER THIS: If you want to be in the right place at the right time, you need to be in a lot of places. How many places are YOU in?
2. Position your unique value on a discovery platform. Speaking of iTunes and YouTube, let's talk about platform. That's the single greatest tool for driving your discoverability. And when I think of platform, I'm reminded of Lisa Donnavan (aka, Lisa Nova), a stunningly beautiful friend of mine from college. Well, OK, she wasn't really my friend, but at least she knew who I was. Actually, not exactly. I'm pretty sure she used to call me George. Not the point.
What IS important is that after college, Lisa moved to New York to begin her acting career. Naturally, she struggled. (Who wouldn't?) But instead of throwing in the towel and getting a job as a bartender, Lisa spent her days writing scripts for short movies, comedy monologues, song parodies and other entertaining vignettes.
Next, Lisa decided to post dozens of samples of her work on her YouTube channel. Long story short: After enough hits, views, comments and support, one of the producers of MadTV discovered her. And he liked her work SO much that the show eventually hired Lisa as a regular cast member. She now works as a successful actress in LA. And I would email her, but I'm pretty sure that restraining order is still active. Stupid judge.
DISCOVER THIS: More content = More visible. What discovery platform can you create a presence on with your unique content?
3. Persistence is the price of admission. Arty Skye has been producing and engineering music in New York City for over twenty-five years. He's worked on over one thousand records with major stars like Madonna, Will Smith, Santana, Public Enemy and Alicia Keys. So, with fourteen Gold/Platinum Records and six number-one Billboard Hits, Skye certain knows what it takes to be discoverable.
"If you want to get anywhere, if you're really serious, you'll learn the guidelines and do everything possible to increase your chances of success," Arty said. "Don't be one of the thousands of people who email companies saying 'please give me a chance,' and then get confused and bitter when no one responds."
I discovered this quotation on a 2008 article on www.GetSigned.com, a Discovery Platform where unsigned artists can share music and learn how to grow their careers. In the piece, Arty also shared a list of myths of getting discovered.
"Don't assume that if you email and call enough people, someone will give you a chance," he wrote. "Why should they? What you don't realize is that companies get literally thousands of emails everyday with people telling their stories about how they love singing and it's their dream."
"Yet, some people have no recording, no music up on the internet, no live performances and the only step they've taken in their musical careers is to email companies asking for a shot. Sorry, but that's not the way it works. If you don't believe in yourself enough to invest in getting a good recording made, don't expect anyone else to believe in you."
DISCOVER THIS: Calling a lot isn't enough. Believe in yourself. Prepare yourself. Equip yourself. Are you a waste of people's time?
4. Luck isn't a profitable strategy. In March of 2007, one of the producers of ABC's 20/20 contacted me about being a guest on their upcoming show called, "Luck: Fact or Fiction?" Apparently she had read an article I'd published called How to become the Luckiest Person You Know.
Naturally, as soon as I changed my underwear, I said yes. A week later, ABC flew a four-man camera crew, two producers and a news anchor to St. Louis. They filmed interviews at my office, shot footage from one of my speeches and followed me around town for two days. Overall, it was an amazing experience. More importantly, when the piece aired a few months later, more than four million viewers tuned in.
And within the next 48 hours, I received thousands of emails, booked several pieces of business and sold cases of books. Now, here's the best part: On ABC's website, millions of other potential show guests filled out an online form to be considered as an interviewee for that same segment.
But none of them were picked. Instead, the producer chose ME because she googled the phrase "luckiest person you know," and stumbled upon my series of blog posts on that very topic. I'll never forget email she sent me after the episode aired, "Scott, it's a good thing you wrote those articles or I never would have discovered you!"
DISCOVER THIS: L.U.C.K. is an acronym for "Working Your Ass Off." How could you find out where the rock created the ripple so you could go throw more rocks?
REMEMBER: If you're just waiting to be discovered, you're probably gonna end up just waiting tables.
Stick yourself out there. Make yourself more discoverable TODAY.
How are you boosting your discoverability?
For the list called, "101 Ways to Create a Powerful Web Presence," send an email to me, and you win the list for free!
* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag
Author, Speaker, Coach, Entrepreneur
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text:
Jerome, Letter to Pope Damasus: Preface to the Gospels
To the blessed Pope Damasus, from Jerome,
You urge me to make a new work from the old, and that I might sit as a kind of judge over the versions of Scripture dispersed throughout the whole world, and that I might resolve which among such vary, and which of these they may be which truly agree with the Greek. Pious work, yet perilous presumption, to change the old and aging language of the world , to carry it back to infancy, for to judge others is to invite judging by all of them. Is there indeed any learned or unlearned man, who when he picks up the volume in his hand, and takes a single taste of it, and sees what he will have read to differ, might not instantly raise his voice, calling me a forger, proclaiming me now to be a sacrilegious man, that I might dare to add, to change, or to correct anything in the old books? Against such infamy I am consoled by two causes: that it is you, who are the highest priest, who so orders, and truth is not to be what might vary, as even now I am vindicated by the witness of slanderers. If indeed faith is administered by the Latin version, they might respond by which, for they are nearly as many as the books! If, however, truth is to be a seeking among many, why do we not now return to the Greek originals to correct those mistakes which either through faulty translators were set forth, or through confident but unskilled were wrongly revised, or through sleeping scribes either were added or were changed? Certainly, I do not discuss the Old Testament, which came from the Seventy Elders in the Greek language, changing in three steps until it arrived with us 2. Nor do I seek what Aquila, or what Symmachus may think, or why Theodotion may walk the middle of the road between old and new. This may be the true translation which the Apostles have approved. I now speak of the New Testament, which is undoubtedly Greek, except the Apostle Matthew, who had first set forth the Gospel of Christ in Hebrew letters in Judea. This (Testament) certainly differs in our language, and is led in the way of different streams; it is necessary to seek the single fountainhead. I pass over those books which are called by the name of Lucian and Hesychius, for which a few men wrongly claim authority, who anyway were not allowed to revise either in the Old Instrument after the Seventy Translators, or to pour out revisions in the New; with the Scriptures previously translated into the languages of many nations, the additions may now be shown to be false.
Therefore, this present little preface promises only the four Gospels, the order of which is Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, revised in comparison with only old Greek books. They do not disagree with many familiar Latin readings, as we have kept our pen in control, but only those in which the sense will have been seen to have changed (from the Greek) are corrected; the rest remain as they have been.
We have also copied the lists which Eusebius the bishop of Caesarea, following Ammonius of Alexandria, set out in ten numbers, as they are had in the Greek, so that if any may then wish through diligence to make known what in the Gospels may be either the same, or similar, or singular, he may learn their differences. This is great, since indeed error has sunk into our books; while concerning the same thing, one Evangelist has said more, into another they have added because they thought it inferior; or while another has differently expressed the same sense, whichever one of the four he had read first, he will revise the other to the version he values most. Whence it happened how in our time that all have been mixed; in Mark are many things of Luke, and even of Matthew; turned backwards in Matthew are many things of John and of Mark, yet in the remaining others, they are found to be correct. When, therefore, you will have read the lists which are attached below, the confusion of errors is removed, and you will know all the similar passages, and the singular ones, wherever you may turn to. In the first list, the four agree, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; in the second, three, Matthew, Mark, John; in the third, three, Matthew, Luke, John; in the fourth, three, Matthew, Mark, John; in the fifth, two, Matthew, Luke; in the sixth, two, Matthew, Mark; in the seventh, two, Matthew, John; in the eighth, two, Luke, Mark; in the ninth, two, Luke, John; in the tenth some peculiar ones are given which the others don't have. Separately in the Gospels are numbered sections of unequal length, beginning with one and increasing to the end of the books. This is written before the passage in black, and it has under it a red number, which shows to which of the ten (lists) to proceed, with the first number to be sought in the list. Therefore, when the book is open, for example, if you will wish to know of this or that chapter in which list they may be, you will immediately be shown by the lower number. Returning to the beginning (of the book) in which the different lists are brought together, and immediately finding the same lists by the title in front, by that same number which you had sought in the Evangelist, which you will find marked in the inscription, you may also view other similar passages, the numbers of which you may note there. And when you know them, you will return to the single volumes, and immediately finding the number which you will have noted before, you will learn the places in which either the same things or similar things were said.
I wish that in Christ you may be well, and that you will remember me, most blessed Pope.
This text was translated by Kevin P. Edgecomb,
Berkeley, California, 27th July 1999, and released by him into the public
All material on this page is in the public domain - copy freely.
Early Church Fathers - Additional Texts |


text:
Monday, August 23
home again, jiggy jig...
74 comments:
- bunting said...
Can't believe you were at Branscome - I'm not so much further up the coast! Hope you had a wonderful time back in Blighty, despite the rain. Give Carlos a cuddle, it may comfort him on his journey to the pearly gates :)
- August 23, 2010 at 9:33 AM
- Jack said...
Great to have you back! I know exactly what you mean about the lack of sun over here in England - we are enduring yet another dismal August with no sun, but plenty of the wet stuff to compensate! Hope it is a little more sunny now you are home.
- August 23, 2010 at 9:40 AM
Tis so lovely to have you back! Hope you enjoyed your time in the uk and that your holiday was fabulous and fun. I know what you mean about the "extraordinary sunshine" (or lack thereof) in the uk. I'm from good old Northern Ireland and I sadly I think we see even less sunshine than the rest of the uk for some unknown reason :( Glad you had some sunshine on your hols, since it is a rare thing on these isles. Hope Carlos is feeling better soon. ♥
- August 23, 2010 at 9:42 AM
- Sonja said...
SO glad you are back safe, sound, and as "Dottie" as ever. We missed you so much.
- August 23, 2010 at 9:43 AM
- Lola Nova said...
I am sorry to hear of poor Carlos, woe and lamentations.
I am quite happy though to see you home! You were missed. - August 23, 2010 at 9:45 AM
- The Hobbit said...
RIP Carlos,You've given much to all of us.May your reward be as bright as the skies above.
- August 23, 2010 at 9:56 AM
- mamas collection said...
Heartbreaking about Carlos' infirmities....Does he have a brother that can stand in in his stead? We fear the loss of peeking into Dottie's life....
And might I just add that you were terribly missed?? - August 23, 2010 at 9:59 AM
- SWEDISH HOUSE said...
Oh Dear my trusted friend is acting exactly the same way...he really is not very focused.
Dare I say it too...I think my friend is destined for that same place :-(
Help! it's like a minefield out there I don't even know what type of camera to go for... Do You?
Any suggestions, gratefully received.
LOVE PEACE enJOY
Julie x - August 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Hooray! I'm so glad you've returned! I've missed your musings...
- August 23, 2010 at 10:03 AM
- Marion said...
It's lovely to see you back although, reading it is Devon where you have been, I could imagine you would maybe have doubts whether to stay in good old Britain...
I am sorry to read your Carlos has made his own decisions... was it maybe because he was so surprised to find sun in Devon instead of what he had expected?? - August 23, 2010 at 10:23 AM
- greenrabbitdesigns said...
Oh Tif, it is good to have you back again but I'm ever so sorry to hear about poor Carlos!
Vivienne x - August 23, 2010 at 10:51 AM
- Sherri B. said...
Welcome home, you were missed! I am sorry to hear of Carlos and his illness. Perhaps someone will discover a cure soon.
- August 23, 2010 at 10:56 AM
- Margith said...
Hello Dottie!
Have a look at my blog, I think you like the fotos. - August 23, 2010 at 11:06 AM
- sylviesgarden said...
Sooooooo glad that you are back my dear. I have missed you greatly.
Sorry to hear about Carlos's peskiness. x - August 23, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Hooray, you are back! Welcome home.
- August 23, 2010 at 11:19 AM
- Deborah said...
so glad to have you back!
you were missed.... - August 23, 2010 at 11:46 AM
- Melanie said...
Poor Carlos! It sounds like he's had a good, long life.
Try to enjoy your last few days together... perhaps a sunset shot or two would be appropriate... - August 23, 2010 at 11:48 AM
- Autumn Mist said...
Welcome back, you have been sorely missed. Sorry to hear about Mr C, though, difficult when we rely on them so much.
- August 23, 2010 at 11:48 AM
- ~ Junkyard Jennifer said...
Welcome back, Tif! How disappointing to hear about Carlos... I hope you had a fabulous trip just the same!
~ Jennifer - August 23, 2010 at 11:55 AM
- NJOma said...
We missed you too!
- August 23, 2010 at 11:57 AM
- Ampersand Commodities said...
get well soon carlos!
- August 23, 2010 at 11:58 AM
- Princess and the Pea said...
Glad to have you back, shame there won't be any photos of your time away though!
- August 23, 2010 at 12:02 PM
- standingquietintherain said...
Oh how I have missed your elegant prose. I'm so glad you're back stateside and know I'll be inspired by you again soon!
- August 23, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Oh no! Poor Carlos! Despite the sad news, it is lovely to see you back, hope you had a very nice trip!x
- August 23, 2010 at 12:33 PM
- Serenata said...
Great to see you back! With Carlos being so poorly, does that mean there are no more photos for us to peruse?
- August 23, 2010 at 12:44 PM
- Victory Garden Yarn said...
Oh, yay, you have returned! Blog reading time just isn't the same without you! Perhaps if Carlos is threatened with extinction, he will shape up?
- August 23, 2010 at 12:49 PM
- Ann said...
Oh dear - poor Carlos - hope he hasn't lost the memories you saved in his little head Dottie. Its happened to me in the past and its heartbreaking. So sorry August was not more august for you on your UK trip.... but as they say.... you should have been here in June! It was glorious! ;o)
- August 23, 2010 at 12:56 PM
- MarmaladeRose said...
Poor, poor Carlos. I'm sure he's had a long and fulfilling life snapping much creativity and beauty at Mossy Shed. Maybe it's time his little shutter had a long rest.
- August 23, 2010 at 12:57 PM
- Izzy said...
Sending Carlos much love and light and hopefully he realizes his life with you is special and worth while. So happy to have you back.
- August 23, 2010 at 1:29 PM
- Sharon Stanley said...
oh dear dottie...welcome home to the bloggy land of moss, sunshine, drizzle and (hopefully) soon fall temps....sorry about the little camera...perhaps a little vaca did him good...
- August 23, 2010 at 1:56 PM
- Sweet Birdy Love said...
Welcome back Tif, hope you had a lovely time away, you have been missed.
Sorry to hear Carlos hasn't been too well. Hope your were able to take a few snaps of your trip before he succumbed. - August 23, 2010 at 2:26 PM
- Unknown said...
oh lordy you do make wonderful stuff. love love love the blanket. wishing i could be better at knitting.
- August 23, 2010 at 2:29 PM
- Emily@theNest said...
Oh welcome back!! I didn't realise how much I enjoyed your blog posts til they were gone!!! And btw, love, love LOVE your blog header X
- August 23, 2010 at 2:48 PM
- marian said...
welcome home, Tif..it's been bleak without you :( but i'm feeling much brighter now :)
so sorry to hear about Carlos..i know that sinking feeling all too well. x - August 23, 2010 at 2:50 PM
I'm commenting for the first time because I'm surprised at how happy I am to see you are back and writing again. I've missed your posting. You bring cheer to my day and inspiration to my homemaking. Hope it all went well for you back in Old Blighty.
- August 23, 2010 at 3:30 PM
- Jeanine said...
Poor Carlos. I'm sure he will understand when you have to move on, to perhaps, a younger version of him?
- August 23, 2010 at 3:36 PM
- Michelle said...
Oh my dear Tif....
Missed...doesn't even come close...
Oh how I wanted to write...How I wanted to see the dottie goodness you have always shared...
I needed my fix...I was getting desperate and wavering from the path of granny goodness...
I had visions of pictures from far away places...Of seaside cottages and linens and lace...The sought of place we all want to spend our days...crocheting and drinking tea with scones and cream...
So sorry that Carlos has been so unwell...He has, in my eyes been a legend...A true friend to you and all of us who admire his work...
He will be sadly missed...
But you are back...
and I adore you for it...
If we lived closer I am sure you would hear me squeal with excitement...It's that loud...
Missed you so much...
my dear friend... - August 23, 2010 at 4:45 PM
- sharon said...
Welcome back, you've been missed. Consider yourself hugged and sympathized with over 'Carlos' dementia.
- August 23, 2010 at 4:46 PM
- barbara said...
Welcome back, we have missed you so much (and heaps of hugs to Carlos too!)
- August 23, 2010 at 5:04 PM
- Unknown said...
Yea! You are back....I missed you so.
- August 23, 2010 at 5:21 PM
- jen storer said...
Poor Carlos! Trust me, I did not laugh once at his maladies and malfunctions. I only wondered, would he be amenable to a little spell in rehab?
Welcome back, Tif. - August 23, 2010 at 5:47 PM
- Chloe said...
Welcome back, my dear. And my sincerest condolences over the decline of poor Carlos. To where should we send flowers?
- August 23, 2010 at 6:51 PM
- Jacqueline said...
My God, you've been missed!?! How loverly to have you back on this side of the pond. Poor Carlos. Perhaps he'll go out in style, with something akin to a doiley-tassel-ribbony tail attached to his smart pouch. xxx and then some.
- August 23, 2010 at 7:26 PM
- Laurie said...
Oh, welcome home, Tif! I've been a bit negligent in following my blogging friends as of late, and visiting your sweet blog has made my heart happy.
- August 23, 2010 at 7:49 PM
- Carmel's Closet said...
Welcome Back! Sorry to hear about your camera - I've had one stolen and two die in my life and it is traumatic. Hoping you still enjoyed your time back in ol' Blighty all the same.
Carmel - August 23, 2010 at 8:11 PM
- Jamie said...
wow - welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about it, though I'm sorry to hear about Carlos. Jamie V in MT
email@example.com - August 23, 2010 at 8:26 PM
- Michelle said...
Welcome Home!!!!
It is great to hear your ramblings once again, for I had great sadness at your depature. Sorry to hear that Carlos is ailing. Perhaps he needs a bit of time in the old folks home....
Nonetheless, I am confident that, upon Carlo's departure, you will once again find another camera to have a kindred spirit of its own. to share with you and your adventures.
Michelle - August 23, 2010 at 8:54 PM
- Annie B said...
Welcome home, my have I missed you. I have had to read other blogs when I wanted to be reading yours. I hope that you had a fabulous time and you are refreshed and ready to start anew.
- August 23, 2010 at 9:01 PM
- Kerri said...
I found your delightful blog and self just a few weeks ago and am so happy you are home again. I'm so sorry about Carlos, I have had a camera die on me in the past and it was quite tragic! Hope he feels better soon.
- August 23, 2010 at 9:34 PM
- ellie said...
Just wanted to let you know that I'm joining in on your handmade + second hand clothing challenge. There'll be lots of blog posts about it over the coming weeks.
Love your blog. Such beautiful light and views in your home. And so many pretty flowers. Thanks for letting me visit and soak it all up. - August 23, 2010 at 9:50 PM
- Serenata said...
Forgot to mention I have made my first OE blanket :-) I've posted about it here and and left a link to you :-)
http://thebalancingkiwi.blogspot.com/2010/08/bit-of-colour-needed.html - August 24, 2010 at 12:15 AM
- Dajda said...
How nice to read something from you again!
- August 24, 2010 at 1:17 AM
- Rachaeldaisy said...
Welcome home!!! We missed you!!!
- August 24, 2010 at 1:31 AM
- Jude said...
Poor Carlos...I returned to Blighty in June/July and the same thing happened to me. I had to buy a new one as I was there for a very happey expectant moment!!
- August 24, 2010 at 2:30 AM
Welcome back Tif,
The sunshine mostly arrived around Easter and lasted a fortnight. Since then it hasn't been seen much - unless as a nation we go through the rooting out of winter cardis because it's gone a bit nippy - and then a heatwave ensues...
Poor Carlos - might it be worth Googling any software updates for him?
Or could it be a dodgy memory card?
My Mr Nikonlas D'Forty is a mystery to me - thankfully he has a number of auto-programmes to save me from enduring things like depth of field (which sounds somewhat agricultural).
E x - August 24, 2010 at 2:56 AM
- Arthur Ransome said...
Dear, dear Tif
How I've missed you. So sorry to hear about Carlos. That last shot is priceless, though. Longing to hear how things went in Blighty.
Nora - August 24, 2010 at 3:10 AM
- Amanda Makes said...
We missed her too. So glad to have you back! Lots of love, Amanda xxx
- August 24, 2010 at 4:51 AM
- Pam said...
oh hello, and welcome back to this page! hoping you had the bestest time away from us all, but please be giving Carlos a most wonderous send-off. :)
- August 24, 2010 at 5:38 AM
- Mette said...
Welcome back. I have missed you!
- August 24, 2010 at 6:25 AM
- Greedy Nan said...
I think in a former life or even in one to come, I AM Carlos but still unwilling to give up completely!
SO-o-o pleased you are back in blogland - I have missed you greatly. - August 24, 2010 at 6:26 AM
- Elsa said...
sorry to hear that Carlos has been under the weather and I was wondering what the heck you've been ... glad you're back and looking forward new posts!
- August 24, 2010 at 7:26 AM
- gypsysticks said...
we missed you too. welcome home!
- August 24, 2010 at 8:27 AM
- Lavender Playground said...
Welcome back. Oh my time does fly, it's hard to believe Aug is almost over and I only have a month of vacation left!
- August 24, 2010 at 9:02 AM
- Scented Sweetpeas said...
My poor old digi camera started getting the shakes too and going all pink round the edges :-( I fear I dropped him one too many times in the garden whilst photography pretty flowers - I thought he was up to the challenge but he decided he wasn't :-( Hopefully Carlos will meet him in Camera heaven and that can click away at their hearts content.
- August 24, 2010 at 9:18 AM
- UmberDove said...
If it would not offend Mr. Carlos in his convalescence, then I'd I was MOST delighted to see this post pop up in your return. But maybe I'll say it anyways in hopes that he's sleeping and not up to comment reading these days anyways.
I'm delighted you're back! - August 24, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Sorry to hear of Carlos' indisposition but hope he is fully recovered. So very pleased you're back. Have missed you and tales of your thrifty adventures, little Olive, mossy shed etc. Welcome home.
- August 24, 2010 at 11:11 AM
welcome home! I am looking forward to more tales from your blighty return with or without the support of the unreliable Carlos. Branscombe is in our family hall of fame as the first beach ever to have be trodden by the furry one (aka the dog) at six months old.
- August 24, 2010 at 11:43 AM
- Renee said...
Ahh, cameras always tend to "go" at the wrong moment. We always miss them so.
RIP, Carlos. - August 24, 2010 at 12:57 PM
- dottie angel said...
oh my lovely dearest readers! what an amazing welcome home... gosh! it truly has made me beam to read all your kind words. of course i hid my beam from Carlos, wishing not to distress him anymore than his already declining self is distressed.
i am now off to set about the kitchen creating an orange meal for my clan whilst wearing a grin, yes indeedy! a grin that cannot be wiped off by cries of "no mum! not another orange meal"
thank you my sweets for making my evening cooking horrors so much more enjoyable! - August 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM
- Mette said...
I found your blog during the unplugging, so I've been eagerly awaiting your return. :) Love the blanket! Perfect color picks. :)
- August 25, 2010 at 3:48 AM
- hyggelig happy said...
so glad you are back safe and sound Tiff and had a nice trip even (if carlos may be away to 'a better place' soon). ive been humming that joni mitchell song 'da da da da da you don't know what youv'e got till it's gone' it reminds me of just how much i have missed you and how i must never take dottie angel for granted again! yes indeed the word is a sweeter place whith you and your blog.
p.s if you think the weather was rotten in england just be glad you did not venture up here to scotland!! - August 25, 2010 at 5:18 AM
- Regina said...
Welcome back - I hope Carlos is still feeling better. The thought of a worn out camera is always a sad one.
- August 25, 2010 at 6:28 AM
- Carol said...
Oh Tif, how we missed you too.
Poor, poor Carlos, he has been such a special servant of the devoted kind. Wishing him a full recovery from his breakdown or, if his time has indeed come, a well earned retirement.
Had to smile at your brave climbing!
Welcome home.
Carol xx - August 25, 2010 at 11:43 AM
- dottie angel said...
thank you again my dearies for such kindness! i am positively blushing :)
oh and i have told Carlos of your kind words for him, for a moment the old twinkle in his eye reappeared! - August 25, 2010 at 3:48 PM


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GCPEA News
Nigeria: Islamic extremists kill 8 in northeast
Associated Press, July 31, 2013
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Islamic extremists killed eight people in an attack targeting teachers and Muslim clerics in northeast Nigeria, witnesses and the military said Thursday.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Sagir Musa also warned that the Boko Haram terrorist network plans more such killings and "massive attacks" aimed at the northeastern city where their extremist movement was born — Maiduguri, capital of Borno state.
"The Joint Task Force wishes to alert citizens … of the impending plans by Boko Haram terrorists to carry out massive attacks and bombings in Maiduguri metropolis and other parts of Borno State any moment from now and during the Eid al-Fitr." That celebration on Aug. 8 marks the end of the Ramadan fasting period.
Musa said Tuesday's attack in Bui town, 185 kilometers (115 miles) south of Maiduguri, killed eight civilians and appeared to be the beginning of the planned campaign.
Witness Bala Anjikui said the militants struck at night and targeted teachers, like him, and Islamic clerics.
Indicating a change of tactics, he said the militants used only knives to kill their victims — apparently to keep the noise of gunshots from attracting soldiers.
Nigeria declared a state of emergency on May 14 to fight an Islamic uprising by militants in the northeast who want to impose Islamic law across a country divided almost equally between the predominantly Muslim north and mainly Christian south.
The insurgency poses the greatest threat in years to security in Africa's biggest oil producer and most populous nation of more than 160 million.
Earlier Thursday, the military congratulated themselves on the arrest of a Nigerian terrorist leader in neighboring Niger, saying it had foiled a plot to regroup and launch more attacks.
A statement Thursday said intelligence agents from both countries had been on the trail of the leader who was arrested Saturday in a border area. It did not identify the leader or his group.
Northeast Nigeria borders Niger and Chad and troops from all three countries have formed a joint force to try to secure hundreds of kilometers of porous borders.
The statement said the arrested leader had fled the military clampdown since the state of emergency was introduced and was recruiting and training militants in Niger to launch terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
Michelle Faul contributed to this report from Lagos, Nigeria.


text:
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