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As a long-time San Diegan, I love my region. The sole exception: when I fly internationally. It is then, and only then, that I long to be a Los Angelean.... via JustLuxe.com
Private jet cards are often compared to debit cards in that a person pays money into an account, then as they fly, money is deducted out of the account. It is the same way as when a customer goes to the grocery store and picks up food.... via JustLuxe.com
Private Jet Services (PJS) may not be the highest-profile private jet charter firm out there but its gold-plated client base makes it the envy of the industry.... via JustLuxe.com
A statement or situation that seems contradictory or absurd but may be true in fact is a paradox. "Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink!" is the paradox for mariners adrift in any ocean. For aviators, the paradox is that progress...Show More Summary
An Airplane Geek for All Seasons I've always found keeping up with the demands of social media to be work, quite a bit of it actually. But I think Scott and I also see the work as a necessary effort. Who else is going to dig betweenShow More Summary
Malaysian Boeing 777 – @jetwhine There's no small amount of irony in today's announcement that the search for MH370 has officially been called off nearly three years after that Boeing 777 disappeared on a flight from Kuala Lampur toShow More Summary
Recognized as the world's most populous country, it is little wonder that the Chinese carrier, China Southern Airlines (CSA), operates the world's largest jumbo jet—the Airbus 380.
Happy New Year! As it has been for millennia, the year ahead is a blank diary in which we will write history with our daily decisions. What direction this uncertain future will take depends on how we make those decisions, especially those with zero-sum consequences, where one side gains at the expense of another. Show More Summary
On the cool, gray morning I parked before the terminal at the Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA) in northwestern Nebraska, I didn't expect my airport archeology effort to be a lesson about the airport infrastructure that serves the nation...Show More Summary
Dear Readers: One of the high points in my life this year at Oshkosh, was meeting Jen Adams, an aviation enthusiast I've come to know rather well. She's not a pilot, but rather a person who found gainful employment at an airport and realized she was and continues to be fascinated by what she found there. Show More Summary
If puzzled by present options for your descendants ' Christmas morning surprises, might I suggest a flying model. Regardless of their age, it may instill a lasting interest in aviation and teach them how to figure things out as theyShow More Summary
Hello, hello...is this thing on...anybody here?All joking aside, this is the longest I've gone without posting in the 11 years I've had this blog, and if you read the other blog you know why. We've been so busy working on our new boat and preparing to go cruising that we've scarcely had time to update that one. Show More Summary
With its back to the coastal mountains of Oregon, the world's largest free span wooden hangar sleeps like a giant on green grass under a rusty blanket of tin. Known as NAS Tillamook Hangar B, it is the sole survivor of the 17 wooden hangars the U.S. Show More Summary
Sir Richard Branson seems to always have something up his sleeve. A couple of weeks ago we told you about his new cruise line called Virgin Voyages, and this week the innovator debuted the brand's first 40-seat supersonic jet. The billionaire unv... via JustLuxe.com
If you're a frequent traveler, loyalty programs are nothing new or exciting to you. Plus, most of you have earned enough points with your preferred airlines to be able to access their VIP lounges. But in some airports, only the most elite guests... via JustLuxe.com
Working my way home on US 20, about 10 miles outside of Casper, Wyoming, I approached the entrance to the Natrona County International Airport. For a moment I debated making the left turn because nearly all of the airports I'd visited in the preceding several weeks were deserted, with few signs of aeronautical life. Show More Summary
To keep up with the FAA, I subscribe to the news feeds for most of its branches. The other day, the Flight Standards Service (AFS) sent me notice of a draft policy document, and its subject, updated air cargo definitions and abbreviations caught my attention. Show More Summary
There is no other way to put it. The Planes of Fame Air Museum overwhelmed me. Drowning in the aviation history it showcases, and the aviation provenance of the airport in Chino, California, where it presents it, I don't know where to start this piece. So let me start with the smell. Show More Summary
Don't Let Santa Monica Airport Become Another Meigs Field In the pre-dawn darkness of March 31, 2003, former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's wrecking crews laid siege to Meigs Field, a single 3900-foot runway airport on the western shore of Lake Michigan near the city's downtown. Show More Summary
The meeting room at the EAA Chapter 1158 hangar on the West Bend (Wisconsin) Municipal Airport (ETB) bubbled with eager anticipation, and a little bit of anxiety, before the briefing for its rain-postponed Navigation Challenge (see Fly-In...Show More Summary


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If you attended the Taste of the Danforth Greek festival last weekend, you may have been experiencing some side effects over the past few days - namely an uncontrollable desire for more delicious Greek food.
Being a resident of Markham, I ventured forth in search of quality Greek restaurants in my area, and I found myself at The Greek Point (8601 Warden Avenue #22, diagonally across from the Hilton Suites). I made two trips here in the last week, and I ordered the Vegetarian Dinner and Chicken Souvlaki Dinner, both of which came with a side of rice and a Greek salad. Both were the feature daily special the day I went.
My verdict? Delish! I must say, given the fast-food feel and decor of the place, I was pleasantly surprised (hence why I made two trips in a week!) It was great quality, especially at that price point, and tasted fresh. Definitely now my go-to place when I'm struck by a craving for some quick, tasty and inexpensive Greek grub! They are open seven days a week, with each day featuring a different daily special - as if I didn't already have enough reason to want to go back!

subset: commoncrawl


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Attorneys have right to inform news mediaNov. 11, 2004
By EDITORIAL STAFF
A long-recognized doctrine called "judicial privilege" that protects attorneys who file lawsuits from being sued for slander or libel over accusations made in court that are reported in newspapers may disappear after an Oct. 20 decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The court ruling involved attorney Kevin W. Gibson, an attorney who faxed a copy of a legal malpractice suit to a reporter for The Legal Intelligencer in Philadelphia. The case's defendant sued over what he said were false allegations made in the suit. The defendant claimed Gibson "opened himself up to a libel claim by providing a copy of it to the reporter," CNN.com reported.
A judge initially tossed the case out because of the "chilling effect" barring attorneys from forwarding copies of lawsuits to the press would have on newsgathering. The Philadelphia Supreme Court ruled 4-2 to reinstate the case. The October ruling decided that Pennsylvania's constitution doesn't recognize press protection, called the "neutral reportage privilege" which, in some states, protects news organizations from being sued for reporting defamatory comments made by public figures, as long as the media do it in a fair and balanced way, CNN.com reported. The rights lawyers have inside the courtroom to litigate passionately dissolve outside the courtroom, the state's supreme court ruled.
The Lariat editorial board disagrees with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. We believe lawyers have every right to forward cases, whether they concern motor ticket violations or murder charges, to reporters and media outlets. Just as a public relations firm has the protected right to send out information to members of the media, so should lawyers.
There is nothing legally wrong with a lawyer sending out requested information that can be accessed by the general public. If these cases were sealed or unavailable to citizens outside the courtroom, we would see the problem. It seems the court has done a disservice to both the members of the media and the lawyers by limiting the interaction between the groups.
Editorial Board 4-1
More News ...


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Welcome to Antelope Oregon — our city's official website
Antelope Oregon Council meetings are available online. Information updates on the infrastructure or other official "doings," just REGISTER by clicking the button.
Our Weather From the Antelope Weather Station: CLICK HERE, to get the full forecast.
For the current budget, CLICK HERE
Antelope Oregon City Council Meetings:
City Council meetings are being held in the room which was traditionally City Hall, located in the basement of the Community Center on the east side.
Date & Time: First Wednesday of each month, at 2:00 PM (Meeting time subject to change during the summer months)
The PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT criteria are met through the posting of notices here on this website AND at the City's main bulletin board on Main Street in front of the Antelope Oregon City Park, and on the South-side door of the Community Center.
The agenda for each meeting will be posted not later than 24 hrs prior to each meeting at the places noted above.
If you have any suggestions, requests, or even demands (keep it polite please 😎 ) for the next meeting's agenda, use the section below to let the Council know. We would also appreciate your feedback on any subject relevant to the City, its operation, infrastructure, problems, praises, or whatever is on your mind — see the form below.
Contact the City of Antelope Oregon


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Get Involved
If you are interested in joining our efforts and helping Healthy Henry County Communities make our community stronger, please give us a call at 319.385.6523.
You can join our Healthy Eating committee, Active Living committee, Substance Abuse Coalition, or Child Advocacy Council based on your interests. We also look for volunteers for our community events.
Follow us on facebook to see our current activities - facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty


text: Austin has been picking up steam and just recently has been mentioned as a top 10 pick. With the Titans looking so closely at adding a slot WR in free agency I think this is an area they are really looking at upgrading. I can see us trading Washington and adding in a slot guy like Austin. It really seems like they want to move Kendall to the outside. I'm still all over Warmack at 10, but I can certainly see this happening.


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Audi TDI Diesel Q5
Jun 7
Jeff – this one is for you!!! Because we know how much you love Audi Diesel – like the A3, and are especially fond of the demand for the Audi Q5 with a diesel power-plant, we are here to say; don't lose hope. Though the Q5 is only available in the USA and Canada with the 3.2L V6 and the 2.0T gasoline engines, in other parts of the world they are enjoying the fruits of diesel fuel in the hugely popular Q5!!! Enjoy and we hope this makes your day:)


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Welcome to Darkest of Nights. Hopefully our games (and other content) can get your attention. If you have any suggestions, comments, opinions, or just want to spam us, we are always available through social media.
All our games can be seen in the "Games" section, but if you're here, then you probably want the random generators. It doesn't take a genius to find them.
Check out our social media links in the About section, as well as our irregularly updated Blog.
Check out Cube Unicorn, our newest game!
Thanks to Seventh Sanctum for the link!


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I Raise a Sibling
Personal Stories, Advice, and Support 11 People
In A Way.My brother's father died when he was four. Ever since then my mom and I have been his parents together. I have taken so much responsibilty for him. I have also been responsible for my father's two sons. I only had custody of them six months but I...
BellasHappyPlace 18-21, F 0 Dec 3, 2009
I Raised My Brotheryup. yes I did. after my parents divorced anyway. My dad was never home when my bro and I were growing up so I did most of the raising part. I am not responsible for his spelling errors, blame the LCWM school system. :P He grew up fine, alive and well. He's...
wack1985 31-35, F 4 Responses 0 Dec 3, 2009
Senior GirlI am raising my 17 yo sis and its freaking hard can anyoe relate? I always thought me and my is would be sharing secrets and talking about life, not yelling at her about her grades. Please help
lilywinter 26-30 1 Response 0 Dec 4, 2008
Big Sister Trying To Be A Good ParentI am turning 21. My papa died when I was only 11 & my mama passed away when I was 17. I am the eldest of 7 children, basically I am now the parent to my 6 siblings, but I can't claim that much credit since some of my relatives are helping me out in...
Iamabigsister 18-21, F 1 Dec 2, 2009


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The Tyra Banks Show is going off the air after five ignominious years, and you know what that means: time for a Tyra Hair Retrospective! Not included: the season of Top Model where she only wore headscarves!
Unfortunately this is a clip from Jezebel so you'll have to click over there to watch it. It's worth it! Just protect your balls!


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MBLAQ is a South Korean quintet men band created by producer Rain. The main vocalist G.O, meaning of the name is coming from 'GO (go forward)'. And meaning of 'Joon' comes from his real name 'Lee Jun' for easy to remember. Joon appeared alongside his mentor Rain in the Holly wood movie Ninja A...
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- Korea′s fandom culture just got a little crazier, as sasaeng fans (stalker fans who follow the private lives of celebrities) will stop at nothing to know exactly where and what their beloved stars are doing. enews recently closely followed sasaeng fan girls, and even we couldn′t believe just how f..
- Did Lee Joon Show His Underwear to Ahn Sun Young? 2012.03.16 17:33
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- Lee Joon Makes It Big on Variety 2012.02.24 14:15
- Lee Joon became the king of variety with just one appearance on a variety program. He made issues with his wit on the February 22 broadcast of MBC's Radio Star. Lee Joon made his audience laugh by telling various stories about himself, such as the story of how he called his girlfriend 140 times bec..
- Lee Joon Says B2ST is More Popular Than MBLAQ 2012.02.23 09:52
- Uh oh, I think we just treaded into dangerous territory. MBLAQ's Lee Joon appeared as a guest on the February 22 episode of MBC's Radio Star, where MC Kim Gura attempted to push a few buttons by commenting that B2ST was doing better than MBLAQ and that MBLAQ was even being rivaled by Infinite. To ..
- Teen Top and MBLAQ are Battling It Out for No. 1 2012.02.06 15:21
- Teen Top may be considered rookies, but the group managed to go ′Crazy′ enough to snag its first Mutizen Song on the February 5 broadcast of SBS' Inkigayo. But before that one, the group scored its first ever main channel no. 1 win on the February 3 broadcast of KBS2's Music Bank, and proved it ..
- MBLAQ and Teen Top To Guest at Noel's Concert 2012.02.06 14:55
- Four-member vocal group Noel, who has recently made a comeback after a five-year long hiatus with I Miss You, revealed the lineup of guests for its Valentine Day concert. A rep from the group's agency, ITM Entertainment, stated, "During the Noel Valentine Day Sweet Proposal concert, which is takin..
- Will B1A4 be the Next MBLAQ or Infinite? 2012.02.02 13:01
- Will B1A4 rise to a star idol status and finally shedding the rookie tag? It looks like the group has gotten on the right track as it has been chosen as the star of Mnet's Wide Entertainment News's segment Sesame Seed Player season three. The first episode featuring the group is set to air on Febr..


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From The Outside, Something Doesn't Ring True
Firstly let me say I don't like Arsenal. It's not been a lifelong thing and I think it probably has more to do with the post Wenger era fans than some of the old stagers who are generally quite reasonable. Those fans who seem to think that Arsenal are some divine gift to wonderful football and should therefore not be judged like others.
The older fans remember 'Boring Boring Arsenal' and tend to be more reasoned about where you are now. (Indecently I remember watching Arsenal beat Chelsea 0-2 at Stamford Bridge about 10-15 years ago (Alan Smith was the player that stood out that day) and thinking men against boys then so last Sunday was especially sweet)
A big surprise on reading the programme on Sunday was your squad list. It seemed to go on for ages. Who are all these people? How many of them are genuinely good enough to start in the premiership for a top 4 team? At a guess, of the 30 plus names on that list only about half are genuine contenders for a starting place. You are rumoured not to pay the highest wages in the league but your total wage bill is still one of the largest, I presume therefore that this long line of people are all picking up a decent wage.
I know this is based on supposition but get rid of 15 of them, replace them with 6 or 7 experienced players and your squad is more balanced with probably not much more on the overheads.
Personally I think someone at your club is not playing fair with the supporters. Either there is a real cash crisis and Wenger has to balance the books and take profits where he can, in which case he is brilliant (but you are being lied to) or he has lost the plot and is being given an easy ride by the board, not having to win trophies. Either everyone at a high level has actually written this period off whilst the stadium is paid for (a valid strategy but you should at least be told in order to lessen expectations) thus setting up a base for the future or there really is money to spend which should not be lavished (no matter how good Arshavin is) on another identikit player when the actual requirements are glaringly obvious to all.
A couple of years ago we beat your kids 2-1 at Cardiff. Sitting on the bench or in the stands that day were half a dozen senior pros (Henry - Pires etc). Last year we beat you in the semi final. Your team was just as inexperienced but that was your first team, no better players sitting it out.
In my view you have not progressed but actually gone backwards which is a bit poor for a manager 10 years into his role with some kind of supposed grand plan. If this gets published I am sure some of you will resent it and slag me off for coming here giving my views but from the outside something just doesn't ring true


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Considering he's relied upon so heavily in the Mets' bullpen, Pedro Feliciano was given a nice little break recently. Now, with about a week and a half remaining in Spring Training, he'll be used rather steadily as he aims to prepare himself for what will probably be another 80-appearance season in relief for the Amazin's.
But the veteran left-hander has something else in mind.
"I just want to be the setup man," Feliciano said prior to his club's game against the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium, which resulted in a 2-1 loss. "I don't want to be the lefty specialist. … I want to be the setup man. I want to be the eighth-inning guy, and I want to prove to the organization that I can pitch to righties like I pitch to lefties."
Feliciano has been one of the key cogs in the Mets' bullpen for a while.
Over the last four years, he's put up a 3.04 ERA while appearing in an average of 79 games per season. In 2008 and '09, he led the Major Leagues in games pitched with 86 and 88, respectively. And last season, he put up a 3.04 ERA with a career-best 3.28 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Read more at mets.com
Somehow, I don't see this is as a good idea. Feliciano may feel up to the task, but didn't we try this once before with disastrous results?
Didn't we already learn that Feliciano is not a crossover reliever who can be effective against righthanded as well as lefthanded hitters?
In his career, Feliciano as an OBP against of .279 against LH and .364 against RH.


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Paul Holleran has confirmed that midfielders Darren Pond and Jordan Goddard have left the club, both returning to former employers Banbury United and Halesowen Town respectively.
Jordan returned to the club in January for a second spell, having been one of the bright spots of our last season in the Conference North after arriving at the club in the summer of 2014. The former Bristol Rovers youngster then spent time with AFC Telford United and Sutton Coldfield Town before signing for the Yeltz. His progress was unfortunately disrupted by injury after he returned to the Brakes starting eleven, but he made another 13 appearances for us, scoring an important winning goal in the eventful away game at Chesham United.
Darren Pond played an instrumental part in last seasons success after joining us from Oxford City, highlighted by the fact that he was sorely missed when not available. He made 44 appearances, scoring in the 6-0 rout of Cinderford Town and in the 1-1 draw at Merthyr Town. His contribution is probably best summed up by the manager, who says 'he will probably go down as one of my best signings for the football club.'
'We worked extremely hard to bring Darren here last summer, and that was fully justified as he had a fantastic season for us. I would have loved to have been able to keep him at the club but as we talked over the close season it became apparent that the geography of the National League North, along with where he lives and works, was going to be an issue. We had a bit of thinking time but sadly it became obvious that it was a deal we couldn't do.'
'I think Darren will probably go down as one of my better signings for the club,' said the Brakes boss. ' He fitted in seamlessly when we bought him in and is well liked by everybody both on and off the pitch. He put in some fantastic performances for us. Every team has a player that doesn't always get the recognition they deserve, but when they aren't around you realise how much you miss them, and Darren certainly falls into that category. I wish him all the very best at whichever club he decides to sign for.'
On Jordan Goddard, the manager said 'It was evident when Jordan returned to us mid season that he had a spring in his step. He put in some good performances for us but was hampered by injuries, and the fact that he tried to play through some of them made life difficult for him. Like Darren he took time to look at his options and has decided to return to Halesowen. I believe he will be doing some work with the academy there. Jordan is a good lad who I have watched develop, and I am sure he will go on to have a successful career.
'Both Jordan and Darren are players that tick a lot boxes, they have both done well for us and will always be welcome back at Leamington.'
We would like to thank both Darren and Jordan for their efforts while at Leamington, and for helping us to great success last season, and wish them both all the best in their future careers.


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has a zero of order k at the origin. Show that the function is bounded in magnitude by .
I want to use Schwarz Lemma because the function is analytic on the unit disc, its image is a subset of the unit disc, and f(0)=0. Then I can definitely say that , but I need more. How might I bring in powers of |z|? Would the other consequence of Schwarz Lemma ( ) help here?


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Gravity Falls Season 2 Coming To Disney Channel
A season 2 of the hit Disney Channel series "Gravity Falls" has been ordered, it was announced today by Eric Coleman, Senior Vice President, Original Series, Disney Television Animation. The animated comedy, created and executive-produced by Alex Hirsch, follows twin brother and sister Dipper (voiced by Jason Ritter) and Mabel Pines (voiced by Kristen Schaal) as they spend summer with their eccentric great uncle Stan (voiced by Hirsch), in the wondrous town of Gravity Falls. The series' growing fan base looks for the unique "secret message" at the end of each episode's credits. The key for decoding the message is incorporated in various episodes.
In making the announcement, Coleman said, "'Gravity Falls' is mystery, comedy and weird all rolled into one unique show – there is nothing else like it. Alex Hirsch and his team have crafted a show with memorable characters, multi-layered stories, and production values that are rarely seen in television animation."


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I have a question regarding old Briggs model 23A and 23D ignitions.
Posted January 02, 2016 - 11:48 AM
- boyscout862 said thank you
Posted January 02, 2016 - 03:41 PM
I'm not sure on the answer to your question but I did upload the service manual for these engines here. http://gardentractor...30pt-1-and-pt2/
I would think it would work as long as the magnets are passing the coil legs when the points open. Looks like there are different styles of magnet armatures on the magnamatic ignition. I don't remember them having flywheel keys. Most of my experience on these engines are just the plain 14 and 23 without the suffixes.
- classic said thank you
Posted January 02, 2016 - 05:44 PM
Edited by classic, January 02, 2016 - 05:51 PM.
Posted January 02, 2016 - 06:02 PM
Edited by classic, January 02, 2016 - 06:12 PM.
Posted January 03, 2016 - 05:30 PM
Doug, what I'm looking to do is to use a 23DFB block, cam, and points plunger assembly along with the crankshaft and Magnamatic coil/armature assembly from a 23AFB. The 23AFB crankshaft for the 23AFB does not have the notch for the tab for timing the 23DFB flywheel. I suppose I could make the notch in the 23AFB crankshaft, but it would have to be in the exact location in order to use the 23DFB flywheel and 3 leg armature/coil assembly.
I would think you could get away with that. The spark would have to happen about the same place on both engines. I thought you were talking putting the magnamatic system on the D shaft.
- classic said thank you
Posted January 03, 2016 - 09:36 PM


text: On Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:20:37 +0200, Jochen Friedrich wrote:> >> + /* Select an arbitrary address. Just make sure it is unique.> >> + */> >> + out_8(&i2c->i2c_i2add, 0xfe);> >> > >> > It's a 7-bit address... and are you sure that 0x7e is unique? Does this> > driver even support slave operation?> > > > It's in fact 0x7F << 1. The same value is used in the 2.4 driver and> in u-boot, as well. Slave operation is not supported.I'm not sure what exactly you are doing here, but 0x7f isn't a valid7-bit I2C address.-- Jean Delvare-To unsubscribe from this list: send the line "unsubscribe linux-kernel" inthe body of a message to firstname.lastname@example.com majordomo info at http://vger.kernel.org/majordomo-info.htmlPlease read the FAQ at http://www.tux.org/lkml/


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Sometimes I hate having twins. There I said it. Computer did not explode, nor did I.
Every week, while I'm enjoying my "vacation time" at work, I tell myself, this weekend, I'm going to really commit to spending quality time with my kids, rather than dreaming up ways to avoid them. The funny thing is, I really WANT to spend quality time with them. Part of me genuinely longs for them, when I'm away. So why don't I rush home Friday night looking forward to spending a weekend in twin-toddler-land?
Let me tell you why…
This weekend, as I often do, I planned an outing with my children. I do this to avoid the inevitable consequences of staying home; including trying to impress upon them the oven is not a toy, general destruction to my home, repeated tantrums, and finally, me hiding in another part of the house with my laptop, overwhelmed, and convinced I'm a horrible mother.
After careful research, I concluded the best-timed outing this weekend would be to one of the many story-times that were being run for Dr. Suess's birthday. After the usual lengthy period of getting ready, including pleading with them to let me get ready so that we can leave, we drive off. Mind you, by "me getting ready" I mean brushing my dirty hair, putting sneakers on, drinking a cold cup of tea that I've microwaved three times, and making sure my pajamas can pass for "sweats").Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013 Lyla Cicero


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Access Consciousness®: The Bars
What if you could truly be aware of everything you're aware of and not judge it, or label it? What if you could be present in every moment without judgment of you or anyone else? Would that create more ease in your life, more space? What if everything is perfect just as it is, and each and everything is offering you more of you?Learn More »
Tuning Forks and Singing Bowls
One of the more profound and relaxing treatments is a sound healing session. During these sessions I use the energy of sound to move the Qi (life force energy) of the body through the meridians by way of specific acupuncture points.Learn More »
Acupunture: Treatment & Preventative Care
Acupuncture is capable of not only treating illness, it was traditionally used to prevent illness and improve well-being. Since it is a holistic system that addresses the person as a whole, it can be effective for physical, psychological and emotional symptoms.Learn More »
AboutCoupling the ancient and profound healing system of Chinese Medicine with the tools of Access Consciousness has been powerful beyond measure. If you are wondering whether this form of treatment is right for you and what you can expect…You can expect immediate shifts, you can expect to blast through what you have experienced as limits, and begin to function on a whole new level, now. Learn More»
ServicesOur services focus on the wellness and healing of the mind and body. Treatments include acupuncture, The Bars, and sound healing with tuning forks and singing bowls. Customizable health coaching also available. Learn More»
- Gift Certificates
- 50% Off on your birthday
- 5 (1 Hour) Treatment Package
- 5 (1.5 Hour) Treatment Package


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Are you looking for a commercial loan that is specifically designed for your business?
At Revere Bank we'll walk you through every step of the loan process, helping your business get the funding it requires. Keep reading to learn how our commercial loan options can help you.
If you're ready to learn more about the commercial loan options available for your business, call us today.
You can also click here to fill out an online contact form and we will respond promptly.
Many businesses are challenged by one-size-fits-all approaches to commercial financing-especially small businesses. Our lenders take the time to listen to your needs, understand the requirements of your business and apply a personal approach to financing. We offer custom options, whether you are a sole proprietor, manage a small business or represent a partnership or S-corporation in the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery or Prince George's.
Take your business to the next level. The following are just some of the many commercial loan options we offer:
Line of Credit: Get A Line Of Credit To Fund An Array of Business Needs
Fund your business needs and growth opportunities with a line of credit. Take advantage of customized options designed for your business plus competitive loan rates.
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Customize a term loan that provides you with the financing you need for equipment financing or long term working capital, on terms that work for you. This is the type of flexibility you can only find from a local bank interested in helping its surrounding community grow.
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Revere Bank offers guarantees of payment on behalf of its customers through standby letters of credit.
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If you need help funding the acquisition, development, construction and/or refinancing of improved and unimproved real estate for your business, we can help. Learn more about Owner Occupied Real Estate Loans.
Income Producing Real Estate: Find the Right Financing
Revere Bank provides financing for both commercial and residential income producing real estate.
If you're ready to learn more about the commercial loan options available for your business, call us today.
Revere Bank is dedicated to providing commercial loans to help local businesses like yours reach their goals. Contact us today to learn how our personal approach to banking and flexible options can help you.
Go from Commercial Loans to the main Business Banking page
Go back to the Revere Bank HOMEPAGE


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We're sorry, this product is not currently available.
Price Attack
SPS Perming Solution 2 - Coloured Porous 100
Please check the latest pricing and stock availability directly with the retailer before travelling to the centre.
Call Store
Salon Professional Supplies is a range of high quality home hair dressing products that are available exclusively to Price Attack. Salon Professional Supplies Perming Solutions are available in 3 stre…
ngths. Alkaline Permanent Wave


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What does ASLA mean in Architecture?
This page is about the meanings of the acronym/abbreviation/shorthand ASLA in the Academic & Science field in general and in the Architecture terminology in particular.
American Society of Landscape Architects
Find a translation for ASLA in other languages:
Select another language:
What does ASLA mean?
- Asla
- Asla is a municipality in Naâma Province, Algeria. It is coextensive with the district of Asla and has a population of 4,784, which gives it 7 seats in the PMA. Its postal code is 45250 and its municipal code is 4507.
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#334 Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler
Fortune: self made
Source: Millhouse LLC
Net Worth: $3.3 bil
Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: London , United Kingdom, Europe & Russia
Industry: Oil/Gas
Marital Status: married, 5 children
Education: Gubkin Institute of Petrochemicals and Natural Gas, Bachelor of Arts / Scie
Fordham University, Master of Business Administration
Minority partner in Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich's Millhouse LLC; firm created 2001 to manage assets owned by Abramovich and his partners. Duo founded oil-trading outfit Runicom early 1990s. Took control of oil firm Sibneft 1995; sold stake to Russian state-owned gas monopoly Gazprom for $13.1 billion a decade later. Agreed to buy 41% of Evraz, Russia's largest steelmaker, in 2006. Took drugmaker Pharmstandard public last May. Other investments: Russian meat processor, Moscow real estate. Abramovich gave Shvidler his yacht 2006; Le Grand Bleu (The Big Blue) came complete with 65-man crew, helicopter, aquarium, speedboat. Boat was originally purchased from Paul Allen.
Distribution of Billionaires by ResidenceDiameter of disc reflects size of fortune. The red disc indicates Evgeny (Eugene) Shvidler
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The world has been stunned in recent months by the great increase of volcanic activity–all over the earth in Ecuador, Hawaii, Iceland, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines and Papau New Guinea. Many are reminded of a description found in the book of Revelation where "A mountain burning with fire," is said to be the second of the Trumpet judgements of God.
Revelation 8:8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.
Is there a link between an increase in natural disasters and the events described in the Bible? Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures there are examples given in the history of the earth where the Lord has brought disaster upon the residents of our planet for the express purpose of judgement.
Genesis 6:5,7 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. So the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air.
Continue reading "The Time of the End: A Marked Increase in Natural Disasters"


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Where is that blue dress from?? Love it!
Dressing for success at work holiday parties
One of the best parts about the holiday season are the get-togethers. Seeing friends and family and enjoying each others' company over food and beverage can create some of the best life-long memories.
Then, there's the office party. For some, the office holiday party can create a different kind of anxiety. Should I drink in front of my boss? Can I bring a date, and if I'm single who on earth will I bring? Should I cover my boss's tab? While I can't answer all of these questions for you, I can most certainly answer a much simpler question: What will I wear?
Like any other get-together, it's important to determine the fomality of the event. Last year, the office I worked for had drinks and appetizers at Arooga's. A friend of mine had a much more formal meal at Stock's on Second the same night. Some bosses even have parties at their house! How do we determine what to wear?
Click through for Tierney's fashion help:
Here are a few suggestions:
- If the party is at the office itself or a more casual venue such as a sports bar, go for a more casual outfit. Men, wear nice jeans, a polo or button-up and nice shoes. Ladies, try out the tailored jacket, dressy top and skinny jeans look with flats.
- For the party at the boss's house, it's always hard to gauge what to wear, especially if the invitation doesn't specify. In this instance, I suggest going for a look that can be easily dressed up or down when in a pinch. For guys, this is nice jeans and button up while wearing either a matching sweater or suit coat "for warmth" so you can gauge how dressed up you'll need to be when you get there.For the women, I recommend a pair of tailored dress pants, a dressy top and heels, or a solid top/pencil skirt combo with heels. Bring a scarf or a tailored jacket with you "for warmth," and if you need to dress it up a bit put on the jacket, dress it down with a scarf if necessary. And yes, do wear heels!
- Finally, for the formal dinner or cocktail hour, it's much better to be overdressed in a professional situation. Ladies, go with a classic dress with tights/hose and heels. (Find some Macy's coupons here.) For a little something to make yourself stand out, try a leopard scarf, daring collar necklace, ruffled sweater or a sequined jacket. All are very in this season and add a celebratory flair. Guys, go for something similar to office attire: dress pants/slacks, dress shoes, shirt and tie. If this bores you, I also suggest trying a sweater or vest over top of this combo, as long as it's not too bulky. And please please PLEASE leave that Christmas tree tie at home!
This isn't a work day, so feel free to use this time to show a little bit of your personality. Ladies, grab those zebra heels you wish you could wear every day, and men feel free to try out that bright colored striped tie. Just don't go too far, and save the tacky Holiday sweaters for your ugly Christmas sweater party. Also, remember that this is a work-related get together. Ladies, pack up that cleavage and keep the skirts at an appropriate length. Enjoy the company of friends and co-workers, but be responsible. No one wants to have to do that walk of shame back into the office after drunkenly singing, "Santa Baby."
Most importantly, have fun and appreciate the sentiments of the season.
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2 thoughts on "Dressing for success at work holiday parties"
Sorry for the late reply, I saw this dress originally on JC Penney's website, but it appears they no longer have it. How disappointing!


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Pressure on county players at crisis level
There was an inconvenient truth at the heart of John Mullane's decision to retire from inter-county hurling.
Mullane, who only turns 32 tomorrow, loved hurling for Waterford. He is an admirable character and although he never managed to win an All-Ireland, he will be remembered as one of the finest hurlers of this generation – and one of Waterford's greatest ever.
Mullane commanded a lot of respect and admiration among his peers, and there has been a lot said and written about the impact he had on the game.
When he met the media over a week ago to outline why he had taken this decision he had some very interesting things to say. Sadly, not enough attention has been paid to his remarks, because they shone a light on the craziness that has become an accepted part of Gaelic football and hurling. The demands placed on a lot of inter-county and club players are now way beyond what could be deemed reasonable.
Mullane went so far as to say that he had been mentally broken. He said that physically he felt he had a few more years in him at that level but he couldn't take the mental strain anymore. He is to be praised for making this admission. Some might pour scorn on it, and say he just wasn't up to it anymore, but this, in my view, is nonsense. With Mullane it has always been a case of what you see is what you get and his honesty on what was a difficult day for him should not be dismissed lightly.
Managers and coaches are placing more and more unrealistic demands on players and eventually a tipping point will be reached. A day will come when players will react against it. In a way this is what Mullane's retirement shows us. Here's an edited version of what he said 10 days ago.
"I had my mind made up last year. I remember we were running up the hills around Carriganore. Myself and two of my buddies that I actually started out with, Eoin McGrath and Eoin Kelly, and I think it was 'Banger' [Shane] Casey. The four of us, and I think we did about 10 or 12 of them [runs], and I remember coming down the hills of Carriganore and physically I was nearly getting sick. I just turned around to the lads. We kind of knew ourselves that this was going to be our last year. I knew then, coming down them hills, that that was it.
"Physically I feel I could go for another year or two, but mentally it's just after taking over. It's after breaking me. I just feel sapped from it. And there is a certain element of pressure from it too. It's nearly Thursday before you come around again mentally after a big game. The Monday and Tuesday you're drained. It just takes so much out of you mentally.
"I remember talking to Stephanie at home about the last couple of years and the amount of pressure that I have put on myself for the last five or six years to constantly go out and perform and to not leave anyone down. I just wanted to leave that go. I suppose it's the level of commitment then, and there were family reasons too. It is a young man's game. The bar is being raised every year.
"The preparation is five or six nights a week and I'm the kind of fella that just can't switch off. When I wasn't training I was preparing myself for the next session."
As more players retire in the coming years, this level of pressure that's being put on them by managers and coaches will become more apparent. It is unjustifiable, and it's unsustainable. At a time when job opportunities are rare, and money is tight, there are stories of players being driven to extremes.
One player, some weeks ago, let his manager know that because of a work commitment he would be late for training. The manager was far from impressed and this player felt he was put under pressure to put his job in jeopardy in order to make training on time.
Last week, a Dublin-based player went to physio at 7.20am, then on to work, then into his car to drive down the country for a body assessment, followed by a training session. He got back to his family at 10.30. He was away from home every night bar one.
There have been stories circulating about players who feel as if they are constantly on a mental tightrope, constantly being tested, almost as if there is an attempt to force some to quit. The rationale is that they are being prepared for battle, but where – as Colm O'Rourke asks elsewhere on these pages – is the enjoyment?
Another county trains on a Tuesday night, and again the next morning at 6.0am so that players who travel down from Dublin can stay the night and get two sessions in before heading back to college, or work, exhausted.
A player asked for the daftest and most extreme thing he had ever done at training replied immediately, "pulling sleds loaded with weights springs to mind".
Under 16 development squads are on intensive weight training programmes, college teams are training every day – some through exams – to prepare for the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups and some club teams are already training four and five nights a week. Where will it all end?
Successful teams are always fit, and strong, and motivated, and well coached – and they have to be to succeed – but it is going too far. The tipping point cannot be far away.
Sunday Indo Sport


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Raul Jimenez (#9) is expected to be on Mexico's roster for a friendly against Korea Republic on January 29, 2013, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced Thursday that its men's national team will kick-off its World Cup preparations with a friendly against Korea Republic on January 29 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
It will be Mexico's first match at the venue since 2004, when it defeated Guatemala 2-0 in a friendly.
Mexico has won five of the 11 all-time meetings between the Brazil 2014 participants, including their last, 1-0, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2006. Korea emerged victorious on three occasions.
While the FMF has yet to name a full-time head coach, on-loan manager Miguel Herrera has returned to Club America in advance of the its Liga MX playoff series against Tigres that starts Sunday. It is widely anticipated that the former Atlante standout, who guided El Tri to a 9-3 aggregate triumph over New Zealand in the CONCACAF/Oceania intercontinental playoff, will get the job on a permanent basis. No announcement is expected to be made until at least December 2.
Korea will participate in its ninth World Cup finals after finishing second in Group A of Asian qualifying behind Iran.
Liga de Campeones


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August 4, 2008
Lake Water Suspected of Sullying Tualatin River
By Yuxing Zheng, The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.
Aug. 2--Water from Wapato Lake near Gaston has led to a fish kill and suspicions that it caused last month's toxic blue-green algae bloom in the Tualatin River, and a musty odor and taste in some of Washington County's drinking water.Initial samples collected by the state Department of Environmental Quality on Friday near Wapato Lake indicated "pretty good water quality," but results next week will determine whether action will be taken, said Avis Newell, the Tualatin basin coordinator for the department.
"There are times the oxygen in the water is very low, so they're adding water of poor quality into the river," Newell said.
The safety and quality of drinking water from the Tualatin River are not threatened, said Kevin Hanway, general manager of the Joint Water Commission, which provides water to 350,000 customers in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard and the Tualatin Valley Water District.
Low levels of dissolved oxygen in the lake water have contributed to the deaths of about 300 to 400 non-native carp, bluegill and catfish, said Todd Alsbury, a fish biologist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife who visited the lake Thursday. Fish kills naturally occur, he said, and the Wapato Lake incident is not of tremendous concern in part because no threatened salmon, steelhead or trout were among the dead fish.
Meanwhile, Tualatin Riverkeepers blame the lake water for carrying nutrient-rich fertilizer runoff, spurring the toxic bloom that laced the river with aqua-colored mats of algae from Oregon 99W to West Linn.
The Joint Water Commission, the largest water supplier in Washington County, suspects the lake is the source of an earthy-tasting compound that costs an extra $6,000 a day to filter.
The Wapato Lake Improvement District manages the lake and is composed of the dozen or so landowners and farmers within the district.
Richard Adamson, a member of the district's board, said the district would shut the water off "if they can absolutely prove this water is causing" the algae bloom.
Adamson also said he was not aware of any fish kill and that he has not seen any dead fish.
The 750-acre Wapato Lake is normally filled only during the winter, then pumped into the Tualatin River starting in February so that farming can begin on the lakebed in April.
The trouble began when last December's fierce storm waters breached a dike and deluged the area. That delayed this year's pumping of the water until about a month ago, and farming began on portions of the lakebed in late July. Most of the lake has since been drained.
Others contend that this year's delayed pumping has already caused unintended consequences.
"The discharge is obviously causing serious problems for people downstream," said Brian Wegener, the watershed watch coordinator for Tualatin Riverkeepers. "Oregon's two enforcement agencies, Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Quality, have been sitting on their hands while this discharge feeds toxic algae blooms, kills fish and makes thousands of people drink foul-smelling, nasty-tasting water."
The Joint Water Commission noticed a musty scent and taste to its water starting in June and most pronounced in early July.
Workers from the commission took samples of the water at several points in the river and found higher levels of the compound geosmin, which causes the earthy taste and odor, downstream from the Wapato Lake discharge, said Hanway, of the commission.
The commission's intake facility is about six miles downstream from the Wapato discharge.
The plant has filtered the compound since mid-June and water quality levels have returned to nearly normal levels, Hanway said.
To see more of The Oregonian, or to subscribe the newspaper, go to http://www.oregonian.com.
Copyright (c) 2008, The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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Written by By Michael Torome
Dec 12, 2007 at 12:12 PM
With almost daily reports of chaos and violence rocking Mogadishu, the capital city of the failed state of Somalia, the average Kenyan would be forgiven to believe that the whole of Somalia is on fire, to be visited only by those who have signed up with fate! But alas, wait a minute. There is a safe haven in north western Somalia, actually a republican state in every respect but for international recognition. Welcome to the peaceful and beautiful state of Somaliland, one of the states Simon Reeve, in his popular award winning five-part BBC Four series, refers to as Places that don't exist.
I was in the city of Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland, two weeks ago on an assignment. This trip was in many ways an eye opener to me. It drastically changed my perceptions about Somalia, and Somaliland in particular, perceptions largely informed (misinformed) by a transnational western press eternally unfavorable to Africa and especially Islamic Africa.
After my brief visit, I now fully appreciate the support Somaliland is receiving from her visitors including the admiration of acclaimed scholars such as Prof. Ali Mazrui, Prof. William Reno, Prof. George Eshiwani, Gerard Prunier, Bernard Helander, I.M. Lewis, and the courageous Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay of South Africa to mention just a few.
The first thing that strikes a foreigner against his/her expectations is the peace, tranquility and order in the city. Unbelievably, one can walk or drive on the streets of Hargeisa by night without the slightest fear of muggings, carjacking and armed robberies, much unlike Nairobi and other major towns of Kenya where the government has nearly ceded control to organized crime. A robust and lively city, it is in many ways similar to the sprawling Eastleigh estate, in terms of aggressive commerce and social lifestyles.
However, the similarity ends there. Where eastleigh is crime prone, water and sanitation services stretched to the limit and burst sewers releasing raw human waste onto pot holed streets, Hargeisa is neat and with a working system of social services. The ordinary Kenyan accustomed to heavy police presence on our city streets, occasionally falling victim to their harassment, will not believe his luck to find unarmed and unobtrusive, though poorly dressed policemen, patrol the streets of Hargeisa. The popular thinking is that every Somalilander has an obligation to safeguard the freedom and territorial integrity which they valiantly fought for and reclaimed at great human sacrifice.
Somalilanders are united in their love for country irrespective of political affiliation.
This love for country immediately became evident to me upon landing at Egal airport. At the prompting of the Somalia embassy in Nairobi, my colleague and I hesitantly obtained visas even though we had already secured referred Somaliland visas to be issued on arrival in the country. The immigration officers were so enraged on seeing Somalia visas endorsed in our passports that they immediately refused us entry. We came to learn later that the head of a UN agency in the country and his entourage were furiously turned away on account of the same problem, two days ago. They considered Somalia's alleged authority to issue visas for entry into Somaliland, an affront on their sense of nationhood as a separate and sovereign state. We were kept waiting at the airport for our return flight to Nairobi for three hours.
It took the intervention of a smooth talking driver to end our ordeal and secure our entry. Looking back on that incident, I salute the fierce display of patriotism by those seemingly poorly paid officers. I was left questioning the feeble sense of patriotism me and many of my compatriots, some with genuine continuing and historical grievances against the state we have for Kenya.
Somaliland has made huge strides in expanding social services to its people since reclaiming its independence on 18th May 1991, despite a limited revenue base. Without formal international recognition as a sovereign state and therefore ineligible for funding by international lending institutions, it has been handicapped in undertaking large scale reconstruction programs. With few revenue streams, the economy is heavily dependant on monthly remittances from the Diaspora and international NGOs whose involvement spreads across a range of social sectors such as health, education and skills development etc
In a span of 16 years, primary school enrolment has shot up from a dismal figure of 10,000 to 150,000 in 2007, while enrolment in secondary schools increased by 56 % over the same period. There is a renewed impetus for modernization within the universities of Hargeisa, Burao and Amoud, churning out freshly minted professionals in as diverse fields as medicine, engineering, sciences and education.
Photo by Charles Fred – Somali army MIG Fighter jet
Social services such as water, electricity and mobile telephony are partly privatized. Indigenous businessmen team up in partnerships and joint ventures to provide these services at profitable but affordable costs to their people. The leading mobile phone companies Telecom and Telesom charge a fraction of what Safaricom charge its customers in tariffs, thereby increasing connectivity to a large segment of the population.
Though the economy is heavily dependent on imports due to a non-existing manufacturing sector, often only shipping out livestock to the Middle East, prices of basic foodstuffs and other commodities are comparatively cheaper.
While it is a nightmare for the average middle class Kenyan to import a secondhand car owing to prohibitive custom duties, an average Somalilander can buy a well conditioned Toyota Mark II, the popular car of choice from anything between 1500 – 2000 dollars, with the more powerful 4-wheel drive Toyota Surf changing hands for anything between 3500 – 5000 dollars in the local used car bazaars. I'm already seeing images of the typically aggressive kikuyu car dealer sniffing a lucrative business opportunity, if only he can find ways of going round the tax man.
Somaliland has established a strong and robust multiparty democracy in which the opposition has a majority in the House of Representatives. With the support of the international community, the country held its first multiparty elections widely praised as credible, free and fair in 2003, following the death of the second caretaker president, Mr. Mohamed Egal. In order to tap into the positive values of a clan system which plays an important role in regulating intra and inter group relations in much of Somalia, and also the principal culprit behind the failed state in Central and Southern Somalia, Somaliland has an upper house called the " Guurti."All clans select their representatives to the exalted 'house of lords'. A similar proposal in the initial CKRC draft was shot down in Bomas in our failed experiment at constitution making. The role of this house of elders is to moderate partisan acrimony in the legislative process, in a system of checks and balances aimed at promoting unity in diversity.
A robust and free media unafraid to criticize the establishment when necessary complete the picture.
There is in place a code of conduct, akin to our own IPPG deal of 1997, to which political parties subscribe in competition. Parties nominate representatives to the National Electoral Commission, are allotted equal airtime and space in the nation's electronic and print media to sell their respective manifestos and programs during elections.
The fabric of the state is founded on the twin pillars of devotion to the cardinal Islamic principle of Taw heed (unity of Allah) and social justice. A very proud people by nature, the search to find the existence of a class society characteristic of a capitalist economy is tenuous and elusive. It would appear that the emergence of a conspicuous class system is suppressed by religious imperatives and the clan system which serves as a focal point of group insurance. It is not quite uncommon to find a commoner engaging and interacting with a cabinet minister on the streets. To my consternation, I found a senior government official later introduced to me as the Minister for Youth and Sports , in an animated after lunch conversation with a group of people in front of a hotel, something of a rarity in Kenya. I mean, how many times have you seen Dr. Mohamed Kuti, his Kenyan counterpart, mingle freely with the youth on the streets of Nairobi. The humility of the political class in Somaliland has convinced me that we create leaders with cult like tendencies and then cry foul when they ride roughshod over us.
As other Muslim countries in or neighboring the middle east experiencing unbearably hot temperatures, official working hours ran from 7.30 am to 1.00 pm with the remainder of the day mostly devoted to miraa/chat chewing. As is the case with many pastoralist communities, the Somalis are a socially egregious and oral people with a strongly developed tradition of social affiliation. The miraa/ chat chewing sessions provide an appropriate forum to discuss debate and even argue over common issues in their trademark loud and garrulous manner. Friday is the only designated prayer and rest day.
Practicing a moderate form of Islam, the Somalilanders are a liberal lot, with smoking a national pastime and an entrenched habit unlike in other African countries including Kenya, where the practice is frowned upon on account of its emerging health implications.
Flickr photo by Guuleed
Hargeisa has a vibrant informal roadside business much like the hawkers paradise of Eastleigh's Garissa lodge. The money changers stand out from the crowd. Countless moneychangers sitting behind meshed boxes containing wads of blue colored notes in denominations of 500 Somaliland shillings dot the streets. During prayer times, the note holding boxes are left unattended without the slightest fear of theft. In a country where the
Somaliland shillings and the US dollar are the currencies of choice, a stranger will be tempted to conclude that every resident of the city is a money changer, considering the bulky notes in everyone's possession.
Trading at 6000 shillings to the dollar, one needs to carry a bagful of Somaliland notes to make routine purchases at the local supermarket.
But the most defining and instructive question remains, how have the people of Somaliland built such a stable democracy, society and institutions in a region that has not known peace in nearly two decades? In order to answer this puzzle, it is important to revisit the history of Somaliland.
Somaliland was a British Protectorate for nearly 80 years before attaining independence as the state of Somaliland on 26th June, 1960. The Southern part under Italian rule became independent five days later on 1st July, 1960. In pursuing a grand dream of greater Somalia which envisaged the re- unification of all territories occupied by the Somali's, including Ethiopia's Ogaden province and Kenya's Northern Frontier District, the newly independent and sovereign state of Somaliland rushed headlong against the wise counsel of the first prime minister Mohamed Ibrahim Igal, into a union with the South. It was an experience they would live to regret.
The British press at the time described Somaliland as the colony that rejected its independence. When the late Siad Barre took power in a military coup; he embarked on an ambitious public works programme and an expansionist adventure to annex the Ogaden province from Ethiopia. The ramifications of the war soon spilled over to Kenya culminating in the infamous shifta wars of the late 1960′s and 1970′s in which ethnic Somali dissidents took up arms in a war of secession to unite the present day North Eastern Province with the Greater Somalia.
The effect of this war on ethnic Kenya Somalis is best captured by the infamous Wagalla massacre of 1980 in which the Kenyatta government cracking so hard on innocent citizens causing massive displacement, confiscation of livestock and indiscriminate killings as a way to suppress the emergency. Survivors and relatives of victims of that massacre are still crying out for justice.
Somalia's late dictator
Mohamed Siad Barre
While the abrasive Barre initially appeared to have an upper hand in the territorial war with Ethiopia, capturing the strategic towns of JigJiga and Dirre Dawa, he was soon vanquished and humiliated by an Ethiopian onslaught reinforced by superior air power provided by Cuba and Russia.
Following this monumental disillusionment and a severely bruised ego, Barre soon became paranoid and captive to the wishes of his marehan clan, banning dissent to his rule. Barre's growing politics of exclusion soon bred discontent among the population and particularly in Somaliland which felt that it had been dealt a back handed compliment for its voluntary decision to join the Union.
Somaliland bore the worst brunt of Barre's military actions at muzzling dissent. In 1988, he ordered a series of air strikes against the city of Hargeisa from the nearby military air base, reducing the city to debris. A war memorial featuring the fighter plane used to flatten the city today stands out conspicuously in the freedom park in honor of the veterans and as a historic reminder to the present generation.
Unlike the Rwanda genocide very little is known about the ethnic cleansing of the tens of thousand Somaliladers between 1988 and 1991.
The Somaliland National Movement (SNM) together with other popular forces in the south, joined hands against Barre's dictatorship leading to the fall of Mogadishu in 1991. While the warlords in Mogadishu soon turned against each other over control of power, the people of Somaliland quickly organized to bring stability to the entire territory falling within the borders of an independent pre-unification Somaliland.
It is argued that Somaliland successfully managed the transition because they fell back on their experience of administration and governance for which they had been adequately prepared by the British. On the other hand, it is the butt of local jokes that the Italians trained soldiers instead of administrators in the south, hence the continued infighting and violence among the warlords of Mogadishu whose several attempts at forming a central government have proved elusive.
Smarting from the bitter experiences of unification, the people of Somaliland quickly secured and reclaimed their pre-unification borders and installed a caretaker government. Somaliland held its first multiparty elections widely regarded as credible, free and fair in 2003. The three main parties UDUB, KULMIYE and UCID have seats in an opposition dominated parliament. Sixteen years on, they are yet to get formal recognition as a sovereign state despite enjoying uninterrupted stability since 18th May, 1991.
However, it has established agreements and co-operation with several African countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda and even Kenya. In Europe, it has either established co-operation agreements or contacts with Belgium, U.K., Sweden, Ireland, the European Union and lately Norway, which the president, Dahir Rayale Kahin recently toured on an official visit.
The Arab states, led by Egypt and Sudan, have not been forthcoming in supporting Somaliland's statehood endeavor. Probably this has to do with the Ethiopia's Blue Nile. A strong united Somalia – and a member of the Arab League – is obviously an excellent proxy in the war for the Blue Nile.
It is not clear, though, why the rest of the international community is not forth coming in recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state and fail to recognize the inviolable right of the Somalilanders to revert to their original pre-unification status. We have seen the international community especially Western Europe, offer support to liberation fronts such as SPLA/M in Southern Sudan resulting in autonomy and self rule. It has further supported the separation of previously single countries such as Senegal and Mali, Egypt, Sudan and Syria, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Malaysia and Singapore and the disintegration of the former USSR into several distinct nation states.
As you read this the US and most other members of the UN Security Council are pushing for "supervised independence" of the province of Kosovo.
It would appear that the major powers in global politics especially the veto wielding permanent members of the UN Security Council, have failed to read the strategic benefits of recognizing the republic of Somaliland, as a way of bringing peace to the troubled horn.
With repeated US claims of the existence of Al Qaeda cells in Mogadishu, the international community should move fast and confer recognition on Somaliland and seal it off from possible terrorist infiltration. Terrorist elements can easily infiltrate and recruit membership in Somaliland by whipping up popular anti-American sentiments and tapping into the frustrations of an unfulfilled dream of recognition. Such recognition will also be in the best strategic and security interests of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.
In my view, the way to go will be to divide Somalia into original two separate states to bring any semblance of order and stability. At least for Somaliland, this is the way to go. In any case, I don't see why Somaliland should be forced to remain part of Somalia against the popular wish of its people. The people of Somaliland will definitely stand to lose a lot if forced to remain part of Somalia, after painstakingly having rebuilt their war shattered economy, democratic institutions and cities.
I think the starting point in Somaliland's audacious and treacherous journey in securing international recognition would be for brave individual states to come forward and affirm its right to self determination to reclaim its sovereign past. This way, international opinion would progressively change to favour its position. For historical reasons, the United Kingdom should take the lead in the effort to help restore Somaliland's sovereign past after the ill fated attempts at unification.
Despite differences in policy, the government and the opposition in Somaliland are singularly united in their resolve to become a sovereign state separate from Somalia. This presents them with a unique challenge to bridge the gap that divides them and instead harness their collective energies to rally the international community around their nationalistic cause.
This would entail the formation of a bipartisan network of think tanks and informed lobbies in Somaliland and the Diaspora to champion the cause of statehood at regional, continental and international levels.
Kenyan Somalilanders have an equally moral duty to support the cause of their kith and kin. The upcoming general election presents them with a rare opportunity to petition and influence policies of mainstream Kenyan political parties with regard to the thorny issue of Somaliland's recognition. As a focused interest group, they can throw their combined support behind one of the leading parties in return for the recognition of Somaliland.
An entry point would be to petition the Paul Muite led parliamentary committee on the administration of justice to push a motion in parliament calling on the Kenya government to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Hon. Muite led a parliamentary delegation to Somaliland in December 2006 which found and reported overwhelming evidence of a functioning democracy.
Do you know that Raila Odinga, once addressed a mammoth rally at the freedom park in the middle of the city of Hargeisa? Perhaps the ever courageous Agwambo, and fourth president of Kenya, can be approached for support. Are you listening Somalilanders?
If Somaliland has satisfactorily fulfilled the basic duty of any republican state, which is to protect the lives and property of those living within its borders, what else does the international community require of it? If the streets of Hargeisa are absolutely safer than any you can find in other African capitals, what justification does the African Union have in its dithering about recognizing Somaliland?
In spite of the formidable odds stacked against it, I have a feeling that Somaliland will finally reclaim its rightful place among the family of nations – (my prediction is this will happen around its 2010 – Somaliland's 50th anniversary of independence from the British rule) It would appear that Somaliland has failed to attract international attention for all the right reasons while the international community has failed to recognize Somaliland for all the wrong reasons.
The challenge for Somaliland is to keep stoking the fire of nationalism burning while maintaining peace and stability within its borders. This will prick the unfeeling conscience of the international community to act faster than it should. And finally, the hypocrisy of the southerners who pretend to favor a united Somalia should be exposed and dismissed for what it is. If they cannot keep peace within their own backyard, why else would they want to drag Somaliland into their never ending cycle of nepotism, violence and lawlessness, other than envy?
By Michael Torome
toromemichael (at) gmail (dot) com


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Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a village in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 census, the village had a population of 4,549. The Village of Lake Placid is near the center of the Town of North Elba, 52 miles southwest of Plattsburgh. Lake Placid, along with nearby Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, comprise what is known as the Tri-Lakes region. Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics.
Chaldean Numerology
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- Artist: Donna Konsorado
- Genre: Country
- Release Date: 6/7/2005
Donna Konsorado's roots in Western Canada stretch from her home on Vancouver Island to the wide landscape of Saskatchewn. She first heard frailing-style banjo on the porch of a log cabin in the hills of 100 Mile House, played by some wayfaring stranger. With a rodeo cowboy for a father, she listened to country tunes around the house and occasionally at local honkytonks. Donna was part of the Trout Creek Pickers in the 70's - which included musicians like Lesley Schatz. Donna's unique style of folk music reveals her prairie roots, and embraces the sensibilities of the coastal landscape. Her repertoire includes country and folk music, with a growing proportion of original material. She has done her part to maintain the frailing banjo style, but interchanges an acoustic guitar during performances. As well as being a performing musician, Donna has set up many concerts in the Nanaimo area for local and traveling musicians, including: Ben Sures, Terry Morrison, & Ian Tamblyn. Donna plays solo as well as increasingly in tandem with Ken Hamm, and her husband Bill Konsorado. Her debut disc, Skylines, is a collection of original compositions ranging from banjo instrumental to swinging guitar-led commentary on impertinent Alberta cowboys. Donna's vocals and banjo can also be heard on Ken Hamm's recording Cross the River which presents one of her songs as the title track. She has recorded with the Wake Up Jacob Band on the Rough But Honest Miner project, and most recently, on Hamm's latest recording Fingerlicks. Donna has opened for Lester Quitzau, Allen Dobb, the Laws, and Willie P. Bennett.
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Grammy award winning Stephanie Mills, is "the little girl with the big voice" who wowed Broadway audiences in "The Wiz" and in the '80s scored a string of R&B hits and joined the short list of R&B divas.
Ms. Mills began her career singing in church but she was soon singing R&B on other stages–winning the legendary talent show at the Apollo Theater six weeks in a row at age 11. She then toured with the Isley Brothers and debuted on her own album in 1973. She became nationally-known, however, when she won the role of Dorothy in the stage production of "The Wiz" in 1975. A highlight of each performance was her moving rendition of the beautiful ballad "Home," which quickly became her signature song.
In 1980 her Sweet Sensation album yielded the Top 10 R&B single "Never Knew Love Like This Before," which also became her biggest pop hit, peaking at #6. But in 1983 her scintillating performances in a revival of "The Wiz" led to her greatest recording triumphs as she then was wooed to MCA Records.
The first single from 1985's Stephanie Mills was "Stand Back," the second was the passionate ballad "(I Have Learned To Respect) The Power Of Love," which hit #1 R&B. Its follow-up, the George Duke-produced "Rising Desire," reached #11 R&B the next summer. Her next album's title cut was "If I Were Your Woman" and the album peaked at #1 in 1987 boosted by her second #1 R&B hit, "I Feel Good All Over," and third, "(You're Puttin') A Rush On Me." The subsequent single, "Secret Lady," landed at #7 R&B. In summer 1989, she again topped the R&B chart, this time with "Something In The Way (You Make Me Feel)" from the Top 5 Home album, which also included "Comfort Of A Man."
Mills had indeed come home. She had earlier dropped "Home" from her concerts in an attempt to establish a more mature image. But following the deaths of Ken Harper and Charlie Smalls, the producer and the composer-lyricist of "The Wiz," she reconsidered. As a tribute, she recorded a heartfelt new rendition with background vocals by the group Take 6. "Home" became yet another R&B #1, her last such single to date.
After leaving MCA in the '90s, Mills has continued to record and perform, including returning to her roots of her spectacular success with a gospel album release in 1995.
This musical theatre icon, and Grammy Award winning song stylist, took a bow to embrace motherhood and found a way to reconnect back to again share her incredible vocal talent. With full artistic control, and not having to concern herself with keeping up with trends, currently recording her new album Breathless on her own record label, CJ Entertainment. Currently finishing the album up for a late 2012 release between taking care of her 11-year-old son, Farad.
Recently Ms. Stephanie Mills took time out to speak to Aries from UrbanBridgez.com in support of our Black Music Month Interview Series. Stephanie speaks about her incredible musical legacy, finishing up her new album "Breathless," being able to maintain in a forever changing industry, why she doesn't like TV One's "Unsung," her biggest obstacles she's faced and more including what fans can expect at this years Essence Music Festival next month, who she wants to record an album with, her feelings on loosing Michael Jackson & Whitney Houston and so much more!
UrbanBridgez.com: You're currently working on a brand new album entitled Breathless, tell us what we can expect?
Stephanie Mills: Yeah, I'm working on a new album right now. We've been working on it for a very long time and I'm still writing for it. It is going to be called Breathless but it's not finished yet. I think they're going to be pleasantly surprised, but it's going to be my signature sound. Just an updated version of it, I don't like to put labels on music like R&B or pop. So I just think they're going to be pleasantly surprised and very happy with what I'm doing, because I'm not steering away from what they're use to hearing me sound like.
UrbanBridgez.com: Do you have any projected date the first single will be out?
Stephanie Mills: I don't want to say, then people will start pressuring me. You said it would be out in such and such, so I'm not gonna say (laughs). I don't know so I can't say yet.
UrbanBridgez.com: How does Stephanie Mills prepare when she gets ready to start a new project?
Stephanie Mills: I start thinking about things in my life, my friends lives, my girlfriends and guy friends. I listen to their stories and just really things I want to write about that's inside of me. With this album I really wrote alot of things from inside of me that I just really wanted to get out. I think it's very therapeutic to write. I've gown in my confidence in my writing. I wrote about alot of different relationships, my mom and dad and family things, just everyday things. You can be in the mall and hear someone say something and it will come with like the title, you'll hear a great title and then just start to think about that and live that kind of title. That's how I start.
UrbanBridgez.com: One thing about your albums is they're always very few guest appearances, has that been on purpose or do you just record & whatever happens, happens?
Stephanie Mills: I just record and whatever happens, happens. The thing about guest appearances is sometimes it's hard to get people that you may want to get. Sometimes I don't even think about having a guest, I get in such a zone of what I want to talk about and for the album to be me. But I would like to do an album with like Chaka (Khan), Anita (Baker) and Patti (LaBelle). I would love for all four of us to do an album together.
UrbanBridgez.com: That would be incredible!
Stephanie Mills: Oh yes, that's why it's a dream of mine. I would like to tour with those ladies as well, I think we would have so much fun.
UrbanBridgez.com: Alot of people don't realize you're a Brooklyn girl!
Stephanie Mills: Yes! Born and raised in Brooklyn, absolutely!
UrbanBridgez.com: How do you think growing up in Brooklyn helped prepare you for a career in entertainment?
Stephanie Mills: You know what, growing up in Brooklyn wasn't tough like I assume it is now. With people fighting with guns and everything. Just being a Brooklyn girl and having all of my sisters and brothers, it taught me to be strong and secure in my thinking and what I wanted to do. I think being in the business young taught me that too because I've been in the business since I was 9 years old. So I think me doing that and going away from the business and then coming back, not staying in it consistently. I would go away and then come back, I think that was healthy for me.
UrbanBridgez.com: You've had such an amazing career, how have you managed to maintain your desire to continue on in a forever changing industry?
Stephanie Mills: Oh yeah, it hasn't always been easy. There were times that I didn't want to be in the industry because it's so tough, it's brutal! I really see how people fall prey to drugs and things like that. I was never into drinking or hanging out, but I do understand how some of our artists can fall prey to that. I think my strong family foundation, I have a really strong family support. That has kept me going and on a good path and to not totally loose my mind in this business. Because you know you can (laughs). It's so crazy in this business but my family support and belief and with them it's not about the industry it's about me being healthy and doing what I love to do. That's what it's always been about.
UrbanBridgez.com: Your catalog of music is just simply amazing, I've always wanted to know what are some of your most memorable songs and favs that you've recorded?
Stephanie Mills: Oh my god, I would have to say Starlight is one of my favorites. The other day I was just listening to Lost in The Night Games and I was like wow that is really a good song (laughs). You know when you listen to it now, it's like wow that was really some good music. I absolutely love Give It Half A Chance and I put that in the show and I also put Starlight in it and Power of Love. There's alot of songs, because Angela (Winbush) and I are such great friends, there are alot of songs that when I listen to now; because when I'm getting ready to tour I go back and listen to my songs and sing them. So that I am close to the way people have heard them on record. Those songs are the ones that I really love!
UrbanBridgez.com: Home will always be your song, like the one people instantly think of Stephanie Mills no matter who's singing it. With so many of your industry friends who have passed in recent years and months, do you dedicate it to them when you perform it live now?
Stephanie Mills: I absolutely do! Matter of fact the last ending of the song has changed and it's a devotion to them. Michael's (Jackson) death was really hard for me and Whitney's (Houston) was extremely hard. I still can't believe that they're gone and they were just so young. I mean 48 and just 50, but that's what this industry can do to you if you allow it. I'm just thankful that I've been strong enough to withstand all of it. Some people are not as strong, but I'm happy that I was but it hasn't always been easy.
UrbanBridgez.com: You recently made headlines by stating that you will never do TV One's Unsung…
Stephanie Mills: Oh never..never…never, I don't like it. I don't feel like I'm Unsung, I don't like the title and I've watched it. I'm such a private person, I'm 55 years old. I don't think now I would allow my life to be exposed like that. You know we're living in a time, when I came through it was about privacy. Entertainers only talked about their music careers and all of that. You wasn't followed around and there wasn't all these reality shows. Now everything is just…anything goes! I just don't like that.
UrbanBridgez.com: I love the way you explained that, because now it makes perfect sense. I mean when I was younger we had no connection to the artists, outside of putting a stamp on an envelop and sending off a fan letter.
Stephanie Mills: Yeah it was private and honestly I don't think the audience really even wants to know all of that drama. I really think they want to know your music and think that your life is not like that. I think it's a little too much information these days.
UrbanBridgez.com: What's your thoughts on the current state of R&B, from radio to some of the newer artists?
Stephanie Mills: You know I think they've made less R&B, don't you? Do you think they've made Rap music R&B?
UrbanBridgez.com: Yes!
Stephanie Mills: What true R&B artists is really out there? Really, I mean there are very few like Ledisi…
UrbanBridgez.com: Leela James, SWV….
Stephanie Mills: Yeah and who else? Because like Mary J. Blige is mainstream, Beyonce' is mainstream, Rihanna is mainstream. Chris Brown is and all the other black artists who are really, really at superstar status are mainstream artists. So for R&B I really don't know, I think that Rap is R&B today. If that makes any sense and I love Lil Wayne, I love Jay-Z, I love listening to them. I love some of the rap, I can't listen to it all day, but I love listening to some of them. I think that's the new R&B. I mean you have Keyshia Cole and Monica and Brandy. I'm very happy they came back out and they're doing R&B. But Brandy is kind of mainstream also, but I like their new song. I don't know, there really isn't any R&B to really speak of. You know with Gerald LeVert gone, there is no one really holding up that male R&B like Teddy (Pendergrass) did, you know what I mean? Even though Teddy was mainstream too but he was such a strong R&B male. Gerald was doing that and he's gone, so there isn't anybody really doing that now.
UrbanBridgez.com: You stated in a recent interview you thought you was going to be the Mrs. Jackson…
Stephanie Mills: Oh yes, you couldn't of told me I wasn't going to be married to Michael Jackson (laughs)! I was so in love with him at the time and that was early on. We were babies, he was 18-19, 20-21 at the most. We dated for awhile and that was at the beginning of his career. Of course girls are more mature than boys so it was like yeah I'm going to be Mrs. Michael Jackson. But it didn't happen, but I still loved him towards the end. We didn't have much contact in the end and when he became huge, we didn't. I still loved him, I just think that he was very misunderstood and I think the pain of what he went though as far as all of the accusations that were on him just broke his heart. I really do believe that.
UrbanBridgez.com: Yeah, it's such a sad story. What's been one of your biggest obstacles you've had to face in this industry that has helped shaped you into the artist you are now today?
Stephanie Mills: I've always been one of those types of artists that didn't want to follow the pack. I was not one where they could easily say Stephanie do this or do that. I've always kind of danced to my own tone. I actually asked to get out of the business. I was being managed by Left Bank Management at the time in the early 90's and I was tired. I'd had a record contract my entire life and I just wanted to do some normal things. I just wanted to live a normal life and I got out of my contract with MCA. Now I have my own company but I haven't been with a record company since then. My obstacles have always been that I didn't want to follow and do what everybody else was doing. I just wanted to do my own thing, just sing and do my shows and do it when I wanted to do it. In the business what happens to artists is you're only looked at as a product! Sometimes that's too painful to bare for alot of artists. I think for Whitney is was too painful for her to bare she was really a product and for Michael. That's something that you really, really have to adjust to and kind of get it under your skin. You do realize it when you're at that level. When I was at that level when Never Knew Love was winning the Grammys and stuff, you're really a product and it's too much to bare!
UrbanBridgez.com: Crazy Industry!
Stephanie Mills: Yes it is, but I love it, I love it! I love it because I'm doing it sort of on my own terms and move it like I want to move it. I'm able to be a mom and be at home and have quiet time. Then I'm able to come out and sing and enjoy myself. I truly love singing and entertaining! But I don't like the grind of the entertainment business. I don't like the games of the industry and the business…I don't like the business of the business in the entertainment industry. The singing and the fans is absolutely wonderful!
UrbanBridgez.com: What's the best part about being a mom?
Stephanie Mills: Oh my god! The best part is that you're nurturing this little person and the person is like a canvas, my son is like a canvas. When he came into this world, it was just blank. Now to put my love and my knowledge and my protection and everything that I know on him and let him learn on his own. My son is an A student and he plays the piano and to see him develop into his own person at 11 years old is just magnificent to watch. It's just incredible, I'm sure your mother would tell you that there is no love greater than the love of a mother or father. My mother use to tell me that and I never understood it and until you become a father you won't truly understand it. I really didn't understand it until I became a mother. The love is just…I would let a train hit me for my son. There are just things a mother would do that no one else would do for a child.
UrbanBridgez.com: You're performing at the Essence Music Festival next month, give the fans a little tease on what we're going to see once you hit the stage?
Stephanie Mills: Yeah, I'm excited! I'm going to sing all of my hits, I'm going to look cute and sing all of my hits (laughs)! I'm doing two nights, last year I did two shows in one night. I can't do no two shows in one night this year and the reason why I can't is because I like to give my all. If I'm doing two shows in one night, I have to monitor myself and not give my all. This time I told them, I would come back, but I need to do two nights. So I can give my audience everything in one night and the next night do the same.
UrbanBridgez.com: Do you have any desire or plans to do anymore Broadway?
Stephanie Mills: I would love to! I would love to do a show that I wrote. I've been directing some plays recently and I would love to do a show that I wrote and direct it. I absolutely love theater. It's taught me every good thing that I know about the stage I learned from doing theater.
UrbanBridgez.com: Is There anything else you would like to leave with your fans?
Stephanie Mills: I love them! Please let them know how much I appreciate and love them. I see all of the tweets on Twitter and Facebook messages, I see them all! I want them to know that I so appreciate it!