text:
I will not lie. For a couple years now we've been chasing down Emma & Pete of Emma Case Photography to join their Welcome Home Workshop. We've admired their work from the beginning and have aspired to reach such rockin' photography coupledom. So it's been one of our greatest hopes that one day we would actually meet them in person. Finally, this year magically the stars aligned {and our schedules} and we finally could make it to the workshop. Jumping up and down the bed, we booked ourselves a spot for the London workshop, applied for a Visa, packed our bags, and flew over to see this awesome twosome. I didn't even know if I could make it back to the US since my passport was below the required travel requirements…but who cares!?…We are going to London to see Emma and Pete and there's no stopping us! Now we're back and missing Emma, Pete, fellow Homies, and our London Flat every single day. I don't think I can ever properly convey, as Emma would put it, the butterflies in our tummies, nor the friendships gained but we can at least share with you the Workshop day in photos. I still have some on film that needs to be developed and I will post them soon. But as you'll see it was a day full of chatting, crying, dancing, learning, shooting, jumping, hugging, eating, and everything in between. The workshop was filled with light bulb moments, business discussions, finding our why's, and bonding with the Homies. And Emma and Pete were all I ever imagined them to be…fun, kind, happy, humble, and caring people! Professional photographers who are willing to share and give to the world what they know and take everyone on their creative journey. And that is rare nowadays, sharing how they run their business and what they know, especially when there's lot of photogs out there working their way up in the industry. So Thank you Emma & Pete! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for welcoming us home. And to all the new Homies that we've met, you all are amazing!
Yay! The trip was everything I imagined it could be! Emma and Pete are absolutely amazing genuine people. Be sure to take a look at their work and give them some love. {Emma Case Photography} I think the coolest thing was that they are exactly how they present themselves online. If you've thought about a wedding photography workshop, don't be afraid to hop across the pond. Plus you get an awesome London trip out of it!


text:
Google is hosting its Google Geo Developer Day for major Google Earth API developers, local search gurus, and also to announce Google Earth 4.
According to Greg Sterling,
30K developers using the Maps API and 100 million downloads of Earth. Also, Maps and Earth, formerly separate, are being integrated — "different browsers on
the same database for different use cases."
According to Mike Pegg of Google Maps Mania,
Google's top brass Eric Schmidt (CEO), Larry Page and Sergey Brin (co-founders) just provided open remarks followed by John Hanke and Michael Jones of the
Google Earth teams. Eric, Larry and Sergey outlined the importance of Google Maps in the overall Google Search strategy. Cameras are all over the room, so
this address and thoughts should be available on Google Video soon.. I'll be sure to point you to it later. Google Maps product announcements to come soon!
According to Frank Taylor of Google Earth Blog:
Too many features to discuss here, but here is one big hightlight from the SketchUp guys:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Don't Just Plan Sprints. Pre-Plan Them.
Sure, you do Sprint planning. But if you're not doing Sprint pre-planning, even though it's not an official defined Scrum process, you're asking for trouble and delays.
That was the lesson I learned from a Scrum expert, based on our experience with the two seamless back-to-back meetings known as Sprint planning. In the first meeting, the product owners review the highest-priority items in the product backlog with the Scrum team, and decide how much work they can do within the Sprint based on their velocity in the previous Sprints. A game of planning poker is played and the user stories (or requirements) are rated based on the complexity, external dependency if any and amount of work involved. In the second meeting, the Scrum team decides how it is going to get the work done by breaking down the user stories into tasks and then commits to the Sprint plan.
Problems for the product owner often start from the word 'Go' since initially there are no priorities defined for items in the product backlog and all the team members may not have the same understanding of the user stories. The proceedings can then get delayed if a team member has a question about which the product owner must consult business users or stakeholders who aren't present. Another challenge is to prioritize user stories carried over from previous sprints, which the product owner usually wants to complete because the team has already spent a considerable time on them.
This is why going into the Sprint planning meeting without some pre-planning discussions and follow ups will increase uncertainty about user stories and make life difficult for the team.
Pre-Planning Done Right
To make a Sprint planning meeting as effective as possible, the team will need:
• A fully prioritized product backlog.
• A list of user stories which the team can complete within a sprint, and
• Clear and well defined acceptance criteria for each user story.
Before holding this official planning meeting, I suggest a pre-planning meeting focusing on:
• Clarifying what constitutes a high-priority user story, and what is required to complete each specific user story.
• Raising any questions the product owner must answer, to give him or her time to contact stakeholders (especially if they're in a different time zone).
• Providing a relative estimate of the size of user stories to help the product owner prioritize work on them.
• Breaking complicated user stories into smaller units that will fit within a Sprint.
• Understanding dependencies among user stories owned by different teams to decide which Sprint should work on them.
During this pre-planning process, whenever the participants cannot clearly identify the scope of work for a user story or the value it will bring stakeholders or business users, it is a sign that the team needs to clarify the scope. Work you do here will make your future progress faster.
Best Practice
One product owner I knew used the preplanning meeting to not only discuss the high priority user stories, but also to make sure different members had a common understanding of them despite language and cultural differences. He did most of the talking at the beginning, and then asked for questions. He also asked every team member to speak, which raised the confidence of some of those who tended to speak less.
These discussions revealed a lot of new information that helped refine estimates of the time and effort required to complete the user stories. They also clarified the acceptance criteria, helped the team visualize the different dependencies and set the expectations of the product owner about the complexity of the user story. That's especially important for the timely completion of today's projects that often involve multiple platforms with lots of dependencies.
Without a pre-planning meeting, teams can get lost in hours of lengthy discussion and still end up with some open, road block questions. Let me know if you agree these pre-planning sessions are critical, and your best practices for running them.
Harshal Sanjay Deole is a software developer with seven years experience in outsourced software development using both waterfall and agile scrum methodology.


text:
Jeff Rushton
Missing - Poem by Jeff Rushton
I see
The need for understanding
The fear of over demanding
Questions commanding
Why the unworthy standing?
Will love remain standing?
Will he respect?
Will he believe?
Will he have faith in me to succeed?
Will he raise hand in fist, or out to help stand?
Will he resist my need to assist?
Will he put forth an effort in my growth?
Will he have money to provide and thrive?
Will he be honest in every day life?
Will he love, cherish and hold me, in hot and cold?
Will he treat loved ones as one of his own?
Will he revert to his father's ways?
Will he be faithful no matter what we go through?
Will he understand the past I have been through?
Will he see and believe in my dreams and esteems?
Will he enjoy the hobbies I love?
Will he respect the people and things I hold close to my heart?
Will he adore, look forward to and explore the love I hold tight?
Will he know when to take a stand and where to turn over the other hand?
Will he honor his promises, vows and covenants?
Will he be an example, ensample and forefather of lessons grand and infinitesimal?
Will he know when to speak and to hold?
Will he see when I need a minute or three?
Will he be the comfort, blanket, and warmth I occasionally seek?
Will he stand up and stay steadfast in his beliefs?
Will he give when I need?
Will he take what I give?
Will he, will he, will he...
Be everything I need and want him to be?
Comments about Missing by Jeff Rushton
Read this poem in other languages
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem »
Jeff Rushton's Other Poems
Famous Poems
Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou
Still I Rise
Maya Angelou
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
If You Forget Me
Pablo Neruda
Langston Hughes
Annabel Lee
Edgar Allan Poe
Caged Bird
Maya Angelou
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Robert Frost
Rudyard Kipling
I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You
Pablo Neruda


text:
Buy Doves to Rabbit by Dave Powell for only $498.95
New Magic
Featured Magic
Complete List
Recently Viewed
Random Item
theSTUDY (listen)
Secrets (read)
Dreams Become Magic (free)
Magic Tricks
General Magic
Beginner Tricks
Card Tricks
Coin Magic
Silk Magic
Rope Magic
PK Magic
Bizarre Magic
Sands of the
Magic by Venue
Closeup Magic
Street Magic
Social Magic
Outdoor & Festival
Parlor Magic
Gospel Magic
Stage Magic
Magic by Media
Download Magic
Magic Books
Magic Magazines
Magic DVDs
Magic Videos
Mixed Media
Magic Supplies
Pads & Tables
Playing Cards
Card Marking
Magic Wallets
Magic Wands
Produce & Vanish
Switching Gear
Thumbtips & Pulls
Sponge & Foam
Cups and Balls
Invisible Thread
Magicians Wax
Magical Gifts
Magic Sets
Gift Certificates
Specialty Items
Market & Brand
Vent Dolls
Balloon Supplies
Fun Puzzles
Novelty & Gags
Magic by Price
Free Magic!
Magic on Sale
$0 - $10
$10 - $20
$20 - $50
$50 - $100
$100 - $250
$250 - $500
Fun Stuff!
Live Magic Chat
Meet The Family!
Discount Magic?
Free Magic Tricks!
Ad Archives!
Buyer's Guide
About Us!
Site Map!
Free Catalog!
Always Fair Prices
Wholesale Magic?
Return Policy
Shipping Rates
Contact Us
Beta Search Form
(Instant Results)
Browse »
Inventory Reduction Sale (E)
Doves to Rabbit by Dave Powell
Doves to Rabbit by Dave Powell
Out of Stock! Reserve yours today*
Dimensional Weight: Shipping charges apply.
Buy it now for only $498.95
Add to WishList
Write a Review
Item #S11-0991
Click to enlarge
*Reserve Item Notice!
As a convenience, you can reserve this item even though it's out of stock. It may be discontinued or just temporarily sold out.
Reserve items do not qualify for a refund.
If we can't ship it within one month, you'll receive a store credit for the full purchase price!
New and improved verson. Made from strong vacuum formed plastic to last thousands of performances.
The performer produces brtween one to four doves by any method he chooses and places each dove into the cage where they rest on a perch. They remian in full view at all times. After the last dove is placed into the cage the magician lifts off the top of the cage and the four walls drop down to reveal a live RABBIT! The doves having transformed into a rabbit instantly.
Doves to Rabbit packs flat, yet sets up in seconds.
Shipping Notice:
Because of dimensional weight, this item does not qualify for free shipping. Add it to your cart, checkout, and we will contact you with the actual shipping charges before the package is dispatched. This applies to both international and domestic orders.
Customer Reviews: Doves to Rabbit by Dave Powell!
Write a Review
and share it with our customers!
Writing a review automatically enters you into our drawings for free magic.
Customers who bought this product also purchased...
Out of Stock!
Dimensional Weight: Shipping charges apply.
When Will It Ship?
As a convenience, you can reserve this item even though it's out of stock. It may be discontinued or just temporarily sold out.
Reserve items do not qualify for a refund.
If we can't ship it within one month, you'll receive a store credit for the full purchase price!
Ironclad Return Policy:
buy from The Magic Depot in confidence! We offer a
thirty-day guarantee
on most items.
Skill Level:
The Magic Depot provides high-quality magic tricks and theatrical props to professional entertainers. As such, not all items are suitable for novice performerseither due to difficulty or caution. If you are unsure about an item, please
contact us
Payment Methods:
The Magic Depot accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Check, and Money Order. Want to pay by phone? Place your order online, and choose that option at checkout.
Need help or have a question?
View Cart
Please Login
Checkout Now!
Instant Help
Contact Us
Find More
Inventory Reduction Sale (E)
This Week's
DECK of SLATES
Old World Chain
Fish Wishery
Shimpossible Deck
PK Beetle
of All Time!
Silk Through Card
Poor Boy Escape
STAT Gimmicks
Sands of the Desert
Wand Scrolls
Old World Chain
Tongue Skewer
Cannibal Mask
Chain Game
PK Power
Mental Marker
Borrowed & Tied
Most Popular Searches!
WaxTaqs ITA
WaxTaqs Stick
STAT Magic!
Poor Boy Magic
Card on Ceiling
Wax & Putties
Invisible Thread
Featured Items
PK Rings
Magic Wands
Goodie Bags
Magic Sets
Gift Certificates
Depot Deals!
Pandora Bag (SMALL) by Creative Magic
[ More Specials ]
Read our Internal Policies!
Wouldn't you just love to see our internal policies? These are the same rules that I use to train employees. Get to know how we do business!
Click here to read our policies!
Our Freakin Awesome Shipping!
Everybody loves our FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE on orders over $75! Click below for details...
Free Shipping Worldwide!
Buy Today -
Thirty-Day Guarantee!
Hello! How may I help you?
You can call or e-mail me 24 hours a day seven days a week!
Send me an
Find Answers Fast:
Site Map
Use our FAQ for
instant help
Sands of the Desert
Wholesale Magic
Buy Magic Tricks
No Family For Cannibals
The Magic Depot in Oklahoma stocks thousands of magic tricks and supplies, like Doves to Rabbit by Dave Powell!
Wow! The Magic Depot has the best price on
Doves to Rabbit by Dave Powell, only $498.95


text:
This procedure assumes that you installed the data service packages during your initial Sun Cluster installation.
Steps 1 to 6 will normally already be done in order to prepare for the installation of the IBM DCE and SWIFTAlliance Access software. See How to Install and Configure SWIFTAlliance Access. Typically, you should go directly to step 7.
Become superuser on one of the nodes in the cluster that will host Sun Cluster.
Register the SUNW.gds resource type.
# clresourcetype register SUNW.gds
Register the SUNW.HAStoragePlus resource type.
# clresourcetype register SUNW.HAStoragePlus
Create a failover resource group.
# clresourcegroup create [-n node-zone-list] swift-rg
Specifies a comma-separated, ordered list of zones that can master the resource group. The format of each entry in the list is node. In this format, node specifies the node name and zone specifies the name of a non-global Solaris zone. To specify the global zone, or to specify a node without non-global zones, specify only node. This list is optional. If you omit this list, the global zone of each cluster node can master the resource group.
Create a resource for the Sun Cluster Disk Storage.
# clresource create -g swift-rg \ -t SUNW.HAStoragePlus \ -x FilesystemMountPoints=/global/saadg/alliance swift-ds
Create a resource for the Sun Cluster Logical Hostname.
# clreslogicalhostname create -g swift-rg\ -h swift-lh swift-lh-rs
Enable the failover resource group that now includes the Sun Cluster Disk Storage and Logical Hostname resources.
# clresourcegroup online -M swift-rg
Start the SWIFTAlliance Access instance manually.
su - all_adm The GUI will open up. From within the GUI, select the menu Alliance - Start Alliance Servers
Stop the SWIFTAlliance Access manually.
su - all_adm The GUI will come up. Stop the application from within the GUI.
Enable each Sun Cluster resource.
# clresourcegroup status -g swift-rg # clresource enable swift-saa-rs


text:
Eugen Leitl, M.Sc., is a German cryobiologist and transhumanist activist, a computer scientist, and an expert in several disciplines including neurotechnology. He is Owner at AtiVel Ltd. & Co. KG, Network Plumber & Systems Janitor at InfoChem GmbH, and Bipedal Primate at Planet Earth Inc.Eugen was Senior Chemical Technologist at 21st Century Medicine / Critical Care Research from October 1998 to October 2000. He performed chemical syntheses, chemical purifications, and chemical and biochemical assays and analyses, and interacted with chemical suppliers and other synthetic chemists as needed, designed and evaluated synthetic pathways, and carried out other duties as assigned.
As a typical transhumanist, early and current interests include — in no particular order — cypherpunks and privacy, virtual worlds, nanotechnology, cryonics, computational neuroscience and animal modeling, AI and artificial life in general. Newer activities include participating in the bootstrap of a local cryonics organization, transhumanist community-building and outreach in the current instance of the metaverse, political activism against EU-wide data retention legislation and loss of personal privacy in general.
He authored Information technology issues during and after Katrina and usefulness of the Internet: how we mobilized and utilized digital communications systems and coauthored Vitrification Enhancement by Synthetic Ice Blocking Agents.
Eugen earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Unversität München in 1996 and his Master of Science in Chemistry and Polymer Science at M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1998.


text:
Fun show, lots of info again today. I started with some really stupid criticism where I'm accused of being a "pseudolawyer" and that I use circular logic. Yes, asking for proof of an assertion is circular logic to some people. I'll have a separate video about these latest false claims against me.
Spoke with Jake about pseudo-skeptics, those who refuse to apply skeptic principles to the concept of government.
Jay from Texas and I spoke about defending against property taxes.
Discussed prosecutorial misconduct with Jeff from Fremont. He got a response from a prosecutor where the prosecutor claims he is not required to provide proof of an essential element of the charges. He also claimed the cop is an expert in the interpretation and application of the law. We already know this is a lie as the prosecutor himself will object on cross the witness is not qualified.
Comment here: http://www.marcstevens.net/board/thread-8820.html


text:
Click The Images To Go To Page Indicated
From "Barefoot" Bill L.
These two attachments are about the "How It Works" reading used to open up most AA meetings: How It Works Commentary and From Rarely to Never
The portion of Step Three usually follows the "How It Works" reading in Chapter 5.
Step 3 Made a decision to turn our will and our lives our to the care of God as we understood Him.
If the writer of a textbook has an understanding of a word, but the reader of the book has a DIFFERENT understanding of the SAME word, then the information that comes through will be garbled and incomplete. There are three words in the "lampshade on the wall" version of Step Three that are important to understand.
Most people think that the Third Step says that we turn our will and our life over to the care of God. But it doesn't say that. What it says is that we MAKE A DECISION to turn my will and life over to the care of God. So the first word that needs to be understood is the word DECISION, which is defined as "making up one's own mind." Let's say my car breaks down. Although the DECISION to get my car fixed is a vital and crucial step, that decision alone does not get the car fixed. I will ALSO need to take the actions necessary to get it fixed. For any decision to mean ANYTHING, it ALWAYS requires further action.
If we decide, or make up our own mind, to turn our will and our life over to the care of God as we understand God, that decision ALONE will not turn it over. We will have to take the actions necessary to turn it over. The first three Steps are designed to bring us to the point where we become WILLING to turn our will and our lives over to the care of a Higher Power, Steps Four through Nine are HOW we turn our will and our life over, by removing the blocks that prevent us from actually doing so; and the last three Steps are how we KEEP our will and our lives turned over to God indefinitely. After a period of time though, our ego (or self-will) begins to reassert itself again; and because of our "human-ness", we fall short in maintaining perfect spiritual focus in all of our thoughts and activities. That is why , even if we have worked the first nine Steps to the best of our ability once and are living in Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve, we will still need to eventually go back to Step One and begin the Steps cycle again and again for deeper awakenings and further growth in other areas where we have God blocked off that we may not be currently aware of.
The other two words that are important to understand are the words WILL and LIVES. The words "will" and "lives" are concepts way over our head and are way too large to relate to or comprehend. But these words can be better understood by explaining that our will is our thinking and what motivates us, and that our life is all the actions that we've taken up to this moment. That explanation makes the words a little more down to earth and easier to comprehend. So the Third Step can then be reworded as saying that I decide to take the actions necessary to turn my motivations, my thinking, and my actions over to the care of God as I understand Him. Also, what motivates me drives my thinking and my thinking directs my actions, so I need to go deeper than just acting my way into right thinking. If my motivation and thinking is God-directed, I will make the right decisions (whether it seems that way at the time or not), then the actions taken will also be right. But if my motivation and thinking is self-directed, I will usually make the wrong decisions (even though I may not realize it at the time), then the actions taken will probably also be wrong.
The Third Step in the "Big Book" begins just below the middle of page 60. How do we know that? Well, in this case, the "Big Book" authors tell us:
"Being convinced, we were at Step Three,..."
Convinced of what? If we've taken Steps One and Two, we are convinced that we are alcoholics and that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. Sometimes the word "sanity" is misunderstood. Other words that capture the essence of what is being said here are restore us to reality, or restore us to honesty, or restore us to peace of mind or restore us to balance; whichever you prefer. Now we need to get out of the way and let God direct our lives.
On pages 60 through 63, the 'Big Book" authors discuss self-will and God's Will in great detail. At the bottom of page 60, paragraph 4, they explain we are like actors trying to control every detail of a play:
"The first requirement (please notice that it says "requirement" not "suggestion") is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success. On that basis we are almost always in collision with something or somebody, even though our motives are good. Most people try to live by self-propulsion (not just alcoholics but MOST people). Each person is forever trying to arrange the lights, the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way. If his arrangements would only stay put, if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great. Everybody, including himself, would be pleased. Life would be wonderful. In trying to make these arrangements our actor may sometimes be quite virtuous. He may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest. But, as with most humans, he is more likely to have varied traits."
"What usually happens? The show doesn't come off very well. He begins to think life doesn't treat him right. He decides to exert himself more. He becomes, on the next occasion, still more demanding or gracious, as the case may be. Still the play does not suit him. Admitting he may be SOMEWHAT at fault, he is SURE that OTHER people are MORE to blame. He becomes angry, indignant, self-pitying. What is his basic trouble? Is he not really a self-seeker even when trying to be kind? Is he not a victim of the delusion that he can wrest (which means "take away by force") wrest satisfaction and happiness out of this world if he only manages (or manipulates) well? Is it not evident to all the rest of the players that these are the things he wants? And do not his actions make each of them wish to retaliate, snatching all they can get out of the show? Is he not, even in his BEST moments, a producer of confusion rather than harmony?"
Does anyone here NOT relate to this page?
We seem to be always trying to prove to everyone else that they would be better off if they just did things OUR way. I'm sure you'll agree that that's a bit of self-centeredness and a form of playing God. I think the word that comes to mind is "manipulation", but you can call it whatever you want.
In the first paragraph on page 62, the authors declare that it is this selfish and self-centeredness that has gotten us into trouble. We need to take responsibility for our selfishness and ask God to remove this shortcoming from our lives. Page 62, paragraph 1:
"Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the ROOT of our troubles. (And I always thought that ALCOHOL or other people was my problem.) Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate. Sometimes they hurt us, seemingly without provocation, but we invariably (which means "constantly") find that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be hurt."
"So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. (This brings a message of hope because it is neither necessary nor possible to change others. But if we, with God's help, can change ourselves, we will find that no other changes are needed. If other people or life were to blame for our troubles, there is absolutely nothing we can do about that. But if I am to blame for almost all of my troubles, there is something I can do about that because I am the only person that I can change. Like a wise man once said, "It is easier to put on slippers than to carpet the whole world." The book continues.) They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn't think so. (It's important to know that this includes before we started drinking, while we were drinking, and even prior to taking Step Three since we've STOPPED drinking.) ABOVE EVERYTHING, we alcoholics MUST be rid of this selfishness. (Please notice that it says, "above everything" and "must.") We MUST, or it kills us! God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without His aid. Neither could we reduce our self-centeredness much by wishing or trying on our own power. We HAD to have God's help."
So it's saying that the ONLY thing that we have going for us, which is self-will and self-knowledge, or MY life run on MY will, is the VERY THING that will lead us back to drinking (at best) or progressive misery as time passes (at worst). Let me repeat that. So it's saying that the ONLY thing that we have going for us, which is self-will, or MY life run on MY will, is the VERY THING that leads us back to drinking and/or progressive misery. If we are trying to make ourselves "un-self-centered", we are STILL being self-centered. A self-will problem cannot overcome self-will, a sick mind cannot heal a sick mind, we cannot USE the problem to SOLVE the problem. That gets rid of any hope we have of not pursuing this Higher Power stuff. Now what? Since Step One says that we are powerless over alcohol, what we need is the Power with a capital "P". And since our lives are unmanageable (especially our mental/emotional/spiritual life, whether we are drinking or not), what we need is a new Manager with a capital "M". Because anything at all that God has in mind for me is better than anything at all that I will EVER have in mind for me!
So the AA program ultimately asks us to make TWO surrenders, not just one. We need to surrender to our drinking alcohol (we do this in Step One), but we also need to surrender to our self-will (or "my life run on my will", and we do THIS in Step Three). Unfortunately, many members of AA only make the first surrender and inevitably do not experience all the freedom, joy and serenity that the AA way of life promises. Because of not surrendering their self-will, they are often miserable and/or go back to drinking.
Then at the bottom of page 62, the authors tell us what we have to do in order to rid ourselves of selfishness:
"This is the how and why of it. First of all, we HAD to quit playing God. It didn't work. Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going to be our Director. He is the Principal; we are His agents. He is the Father, and we are His Children. Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom."
For those who do not know, the keystone is the supporting stone for the ENTIRE structure, so the Third Step decision is the supporting Step for the rest of the Steps. Now this decision is starting to sound important. The Big Book just stated that we need to let God become our Director, so we need to be doing what we think our Higher Power would have us do. In other words, we need to be staying in the moment, being directed by unselfishness and love, and doing the next right thing. It also says that we need to move in the direction of being God's agent, and since an agent is given the power to represent the Principal, we are deciding to start acting in a way that would represent our Highest Power. It then mentions being God's children, and if we are all God's children, we need to start acting as if we are ALL equal brothers or sisters. So you can see that this paragraph says a lot, and actually contains the essence of what the Third Step decision is all about. The book continues and this next paragraph contains the Third Step Promises.
"When we SINCERELY took such a position (the position of God being our Director, our Principle and our Father), all sorts of remarkable things followed. We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, IF we kept close to Him AND performed His work well."
So, now we know our place in God's Universe. Contrary to what we may have thought in the past, the whole world does not revolve around US. Once we step aside and put GOD in the center, we are amazed at how much better our lives become.
In the Second Step, we are told that we need to come up with some sort of "God of our understanding" or "Power greater than ourselves." A.A. gives us a lot of respect by allowing us to believe whatever we wanted to believe about this Power. But there is a little unseen footnote next to Step 2 that states, "So long as WE are not it!" The Big Book says again and again that my belief that the universe revolves around ME is a big part of my problem, so this "center of my universe" needs to be replaced with some belief in a Power greater than human power. Then in Step 3, it introduces us to an important attribute that this Power needs to have when it says, "...the CARE of God as we understood Him." So our concept of the Power now needs to include the fact that this "God" cares and is caring. This may be difficult for many of us because our original concept of our Creator may have been more along the line of a "judgmental, harsh, He's going to get me, something to be feared" kind of God. We may need to completely scrap these old ideas and start over because this isn't the kind of Higher Power that one turns to for help.
By now, we have moved toward becoming more aware of the presence of God. Starting with line five on page 63, the authors explain this awareness. These are also more Third Step Promises:
"Established on such a footing, we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn."
We have been delivered from the gates of Hell, and we have come back to tell what it was like. It isn't a pretty picture. But, now we realize we never have to go back there again, as long as we don't forget to allow God to be our Director.
It is decision time once again. "The Big Book" authors tell us we are now ready to take Step Three. The middle paragraph on page 63 contains the Third Step Prayer. This prayer is an affirmation of the decision we are making at the bottom of page 62. Before we say this prayer together as a group, there are some considerations we need to look at first. About 2/3 of the way down page 63, beginning with the last line of paragraph 2, they provide us with the directions and a warning:
"We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready; that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly (or completely) to Him.
We found it very desirable to take this spiritual step with an understanding person, such as our wife, best friend, or spiritual adviser. But it is better to meet God alone than with one who might misunderstand. The wording was, of course, quite optional so long as we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation. This was only a beginning, though if honestly and humbly made, an effect, sometimes a very great one, was felt at once."
We are so fortunate that, in the years since the Big Book was written, the fellowship has grown to where very few, if any, newcomers have to take the Third Step alone. We're here tonight to take this monumental Step with you.
Because it says, "We thought well before taking this step making sure we were ready, that we could at last abandon ourselves utterly (or completely) to God"; we would like to take a moment for personal reflection for those of you taking the Steps with us. Could we please have a moment of silence, for about 10 seconds, to think about whether or not you are ready to decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of the God of your own understanding.
Thank you.
At the bottom of page 63, we can find the last point made about Step Three. The Big Book authors tell us what we need to do after we've made our Third Step decision. It is perhaps the MOST important point made about the Third Step, yet it is rarely discussed at meetings and usually overlooked. It states, "NEXT we launch out on a course of VIGOROUS action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had NEVER attempted. Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have LITTLE PERMANENT EFFECT unless AT ONCE followed by a STRENUOUS EFFORT to face, AND to be rid of, the things in ourselves which had been blocking us. Our liquor was but a symptom. So we had to get down to causes and conditions."
Please note the authors say AT ONCE. It's telling us that this Third Step decision will have LITTLE permanent effect unless we IMMEDIATELY follow it up with a strenuous effort to face (and where we face these things is in Steps Four, Five and Six), and to be rid of (and where we get rid of these things is in Steps Seven, Eight and Nine), the things in ourselves which had been blocking us (and what we're being blocked off from is the ability to turn our will and lives over to BEGIN with). So after working the six middle Steps, then and ONLY then, will we be able to turn our will and our lives over to God with any kind of consistency, or else our initial contact with our Creator won't last.
Let's see who is ready to proceed.
Please keep in mind that, like we just said, the actions necessary to bring about the Step Three decision are Steps Four through Nine, because Steps Four through Nine are how we remove the blocks from turning our will and life over to God.
This is the Third Step question:
Please answer yes or no.
Thank you.
Although they say the wording is quite optional, the authors do provide us with a prayer that can be used as a daily affirmation of this Third Step decision. Let's say it out loud, together with at least one other alcoholic. Starting with the second line in the second paragraph on page 63, it reads:
Please begin to include saying this Third Step Prayer as part of your daily time with God, and when needed throughout the day.
This attachment has an exercise for coming up with your own Third Step Prayer. Since Step Three says that "the wording is quite optional," why not come up with your own prayer, from your heart & in your own words, as your commitment to God: Step 3 Prayer Exercise
We have now completed all the information that the "Big Book" authors provide for Step Three. What follows has been called "The Step Three Parable" because it captures what we think is the essence of the Third Step:
A drunk is staggering along the street and he meets God.
"God, I can't do this anymore," he says. "Please, please, will you give me sobriety?"
God says, "Sobriety isn't free, how much money do you have?"
The drunk reaches into his pocket. "Fifty bucks."
"I'll take it," says God, "you're sober."
The man stands up straight, drunk no more. It feels pretty good. "Yeah but, God?" "Yes?" "I know I gave you my money willingly. But, you see, I need to get gas for my car."
God says, "You have a car?"
"Well, yes."
"You didn't tell me that. I'll take the car."
God interrupts and says, "I'll take the car. It's part of the price for your sobriety."
"But how will I get to work?"
"You have a job? I'll take the job, too."
"But God, how will I pay my mortgage?"
"Mortgage? You have a house? I'll take that too."
"But God, my family. How will I take care of them if You have my house and my job?"
God says to him gently and lovingly: "In order to keep your sobriety; you must give Me these things. But I will let you drive My car, as long as you remember it's MY car. You can have the job, but remember you're working it for ME. It's My house but I will let you live in it. And as for the family, they are MY family but I will trust you to take care of them."
Even though we have taken a considerable amount of time on the first three Steps, all we have done is make decisions. Now we are going to begin to take some specific actions that will carry us the rest of the way to God.
(The following is from the Big Book's December 1938 pre-production multilith. This is the opening of the Big Book's Chapter Five "How It Works" in the Original Manuscript that was sent out to inform the Fellowship that there had been progress made in the writing of the book, and so that the last changes could be made a few months before the Big Book was published on April 10, 1939.
"How It Works" was written and re-written over thirty times and this is how it looked before the very last changes were added. I am NOT suggesting that these last changes should not have been made. Actually, in most cases I think that it was really important that the changes were made, but I think it's significant to see that the Original Manuscript version reveals more of where the authors were coming from. Differences with how it currently appears in the Big Book are underlined below. Since this is heard hundreds of times by AA members, it often is not REALLY listened to anymore so I have included commentary here, in regular type, on some of the parts that are important and that many AA's no longer even notice.)
Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our directions(thoroughly does NOT mean "slowly", it means "completely"). Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program (please ask yourself occasionally, "Am I currently giving myself completely to AA?" In other words, "Am I CURRENTLY involved in ALL THREE PARTS of AA's solution for alcoholism: #1 Recovery [which can be found in the Program; also known as the working of all Twelve Steps], #2 Unity [which can be found in the Fellowship; also known as going to meetings, participating in a Home Group, and interacting with other AA's], and #3 Service [which can be found in unselfishly doing for others and expecting nothing in return - inside AND outside of AA; also known as altruism.]" I have seen many people go back to drinking who got away from one or more of the three parts to AA's solution [this includes old-timers], but I have NEVER seen ANYONE return to drinking who remained involved in ALL THREE.), usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally (which means "on their own") incapable of grasping and developing a way of life which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest. (Please notice that the word "honest" or "honesty" is mentioned THREE TIMES in the first paragraph, and even says that our way of living DEMANDS RIGOROUS HONESTY. Honesty must be really important because this is AA's MOST READ piece of literature. Also, we need to ask ourselves if we are becoming more and more honest. This is an important form of dealing with reality. Also, I would like to suggest that "grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty" is the ESSENCE of the AA Program and way of life!)
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now. If you [#1] have decided you want what we have (what we have is a spiritual awakening and freedom from the bondage of alcoholism, selfishness and fear as THE RESULT of working all Twelve Steps. Also, please keep in mind that the "we" here is not referring to all the people in AA today. They're talking about the first members of AA who contributed to the Big Book, and the experiences of the people described in and practicing the Big Book way of life. The promises in the Big Book are ONLY the result of working the Steps as outlined in the Big Book.) and [#2] are willing to go to any length to get it - then you are ready to follow directions. (So you don't have to wait months or years before getting into working all the Steps. Back when this was originally written, the Steps were worked immediately and quickly, and resulted in a 75% recovery rate throughout the fellowship for the first 20 years of AA's existence.)
At some of these you may balk. You may think you can find an easier, softer way. We doubt if you can. (No subtlety there!) With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. (They're BEGGING us!) Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely. (That's a warning AND a promise. If we let go of our old ideas, especially the ones that don't work anymore [like how we have been dealing with our alcoholism on our own and how we live our life], we'll get some positive results. But if we DON'T let go of these old ideas the result will be nil, which means "nothing" or "worthless".)
Remember that you are dealing with alcohol - cunning, baffling, powerful! (and let me add that alcoholism is patient, too) Without help it is too much for you. But there is One who has all power - that One is God. You must find Him now! (I think the Big Book authors are trying to tell us something important here!)
Half measures will avail you nothing. (Half measures do NOT avail us half results. Only being honest half the time is not being honest; only being kind and considerate to others half the time does not bring about half results in spiritual matters. I don't know if we'll ever be able to be 100% honest and loving at all times, but the more we are, the more and more freedom, happiness and serenity we'll experience! And if half measures avail us NOTHING, then LESS than half measures avail us LESS than nothing!) You stand at the turning point. Throw yourself under His protection and care with complete abandon (I think the authors are again trying to tell us something important. Also, abandon means "to give up with the intent to never take back".)
Now we think you can take it! (They say this because they have just given us over 65 pages worth of information describing the desperateness of the alcoholic dilemma. Now they're going to lay out the practical program of recovery which clears away what blocks us from a Power greater than human power, which WILL solve all our problems.) Here are the steps we took, which are suggested as your Program of Recovery (so it's a suggested program not a program of suggestions. Also, it's not enough to just READ about or HEAR about or TALK about the Steps. We need to PARTICIPATE and have an EXPERIENCE by taking ALL the actions that the Twelve Steps require):
(For a long time I translated or internalized this sentence as saying, "Admitted I was powerless over alcohol, and WHEN I'M DRINKING my life is unmanageable." But that's NOT what it says. When a dash is used in a sentence like this, what it's saying is: "Admitted we were powerless over alcohol, and admitted that our lives had become unmanageable." What does our literature say about this admission of powerlessness and unmanageability? In other words, what differentiates an alcoholic physically, mentally, and spiritually, from a non-alcoholic? Physically, the alcoholic has an allergy, or an abnormal reaction, to alcohol. The alcoholic's abnormal reaction to alcohol is a craving for more alcohol once we take a few drinks. This craving NEVER happens to a non-alcoholic. Because of this, a non-alcoholic can ALWAYS predict how much they are going to drink, but an alcoholic CANNOT. Besides the craving, alcohol DOES something for an alcoholic that it does NOT do for a non-alcoholic. When an alcoholic drinks, they get a feeling of ease and comfort; an "IN control, get up and go into town, I like this" kind of a feeling. When a NON-alcoholic drinks, they get an "OUT of control, beginning of a nauseating, slightly tipsy, I don't like this so I don't want any more" kind of a feeling. That's why they stop after one or two, and make statements like, "I don't want another drink because I am FEELING that first one." Spiritually, because of the selfish and self-centered way the alcoholic views and deals with other people, their emotions, and life; they are filled with inner turmoil, discomfort, and anxiety. Since alcohol is the ONLY thing that the alcoholic has experienced that brings relief from this inner unmanageability, we turn to alcohol again and again, even though it has caused problems for us in the past. We don't see what alcohol is doing TO us, we ONLY think about what it is going to do FOR us, which describes the alcoholic's mental obsession. A NON-alcoholic's relationship with alcohol is a "take it or leave it" kind of relationship, but an ALCOHOLIC'S relationship with alcohol is an "I need it to deal with life" kind of relationship. Please ask yourself if you can relate to the experience of an alcoholic. Also, in the middle of the first paragraph on page 44, the Big Book makes a few statements that can be used to review the information about Step One and the direction we need to move in. In the middle of the first paragraph on page 44, it says: "If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely" [which describes the mental and spiritual part of alcoholism], "or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take" [which describes the physical part of alcoholism], "you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which ONLY a spiritual experience will conquer." If I'm powerless over whether I drink or not, than what I need is the Power with a capital "P"; and if my life is unmanageable, especially my INNER life [WHETHER I'M DRINKING OR NOT] than what I need is a new Manager with a capital "M". In the Fourth Edition Big Book, this Step is described on Roman numeral pages 25 - 32 (xxv - xxxii), on pages 1 - 44:1, and 52:2.)
You may exclaim, "What an order! I can't go through with it." Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. (Which is why it's a good idea to go back and work the Steps, starting with the first one, every year or two. Because we are human, we WILL fall short in keeping spiritual focus in all of our affairs.) We are not saints. (An understatement!) The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. (Do you think that this is important? If you do, are you more loving, honest, unselfish and accepting than you were a year ago?) The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.
Our description of the alcoholic (Step 1), the chapter to the agnostic (Step 2), and our personal adventures before and after (there are two ways that this can be taken: before and after this part of the book, or your personal adventures before AND after you stopped drinking), have been designed to sell you three pertinent ideas:
(a.) That you are alcoholic and cannot manage your life. (Drinking or not. Step One)
(b.)That probably no human power can relieve your alcoholism. (Step Two. Please keep in mind that this includes everyone in the fellowship, yourself, your sponsor, your support group, etc. Although they are all important, they are still only human power.)
(c.)That God can and will. (Also Step Two, and what a wonderful promise IF God were sought!)
If you are not convinced on these vital issues, you ought to re-read the book to this point or else throw it away! (Rather humorous! In other words, take it or leave it!)
In the Fellowship of the Spirit,
I have heard so many people in A.A. say that Bill Wilson wanted to change the word "Rarely..." to the word "Never..." in the opening of "How It Works", that I just wanted to bring this rumor to the light of truth. In the book "Pass It On" (the green AA history book which came out 13 years after Bill died) it says on page 200: "According to an apocryphal story (which means "a story of doubtful authenticity"), Bill was asked in later years whether there was any change he wished he could make in the Big Book, and he replied that he would change 'rarely' to 'never'. Bill himself said he never considered that change.
How co-founder Bill Wilson answered a frequently asked question.
The AA Grapevine, December 1978
From time to time over the years, some AA members will question the wording of the first sentence of Chapter 5 of Alcoholics Anonymous: "Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path." Why, the enthusiastic member asks, doesn't the Big Book say, "Never have we seen a person fail..."?
This question was answered - several times - by an AA well qualified to speak on the subject, since he wrote the book, with the assistance of other early members.
Bill Wilson, AA's co-founder, answered a 1961 letter from Minnesota with these words (preserved, like those of the following letter, in the archives at the AA General Service Office): "Concerning your comment about the use of the word 'rarely" in Chapter 5 of the Big Book: My recollection is that we did give this considerable thought at the time of writing. I think the main reason for the use of the word 'rarely' was to avoid anything that would look like a claim of a 100% result. Assuming, of course, that an alcoholic is willing enough and sane enough, there can be a perfect score on [a person of this sort]. But since willingness and sanity are such elusive and fluctuating values, we simply didn't want to be too positive. The medical profession could jump right down our throats.
"Then, too, we have seen people who have apparently tried their very best, and then failed, not because of unwillingness, but perhaps by reason of physical tension or some undisclosed quirk, not known to them or anyone else. Neither did we want to over encourage relatives and friends in the supposition that their dear ones could surely get well in AA if only they were willing. I think that's why we chose that word. I remember thinking about it a lot.
"Maybe some of these same reasons would apply to present conditions. Anyhow, I do know this: The text of the AA book is so frozen in the minds of tens of thousands of AA's that even the slightest change creates an uproar."
And at the 1970 General Service Conference, this Ask-It-Basket question was addressed directly to Bill: "If there was any change you would make in the Big Book, would it be to change the word 'rarely' to 'never' at the start of Chapter 5.
* This statement follows the Third Step Prayer on page 63 of the Big Book:
Some of our founders and early members of the fellowship used a prayer other than the one on page 63 of the Big Book to take newcomers through their "decision" -- namely because the Big Book wasn't printed until 1939 and they got our Program from Oxford Group principles. Bill W., Dr. Bob, and Bill D. started making 12 Step calls and taking others through the "steps" in the summer of 1935.
Here are a couple examples of "3rd Step Prayers" used by our early members:
Used by Dr. Bob
Dear God,
Used by Clarence Snyder
(Both sponsor and protégé on their knees...)
(Protégé repeats after the sponsor):
Father, I abandon myself into Your hands; do with me what you will.
Here is the Third Step Prayer as stated in the Big Book on page 63:
"God, I offer myself to Thee-to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Try this exercise to be done after you've "decided to turn your will and your life over to the care of God as you understood God". Write your own Third Step Prayer. As the Big Book says on page 63, "The wording was, of course, quite optional so long as we expressed the idea, voicing it without reservation." (Examples can be found on previous page.)
YOUR prayer can be read to your sponsor, spiritual advisor, or a friend (expressing the idea, voicing it without reservation) before we say the Big Book's Third Step Prayer, together, as a group.
From Mike L.
The Prayer that my sponsors gave me to begin each day as I confirm my Third Step Decision. I have used it daily since then, virtually the only prayer that I use, and now many of my sponsees do too.
God, help me today to not put anything into my mind or body that you would not have there. Take all of my relationships in life and make of them what you will. Thy will only be done in their life as well as in mine. And let me know the Truth. Amen.
You see, there is no set prayer that "MUST" be used, just a simple prayer of your own wording to confirm your willingness to take action as a result of your decision, to do whatever is necessary to place your Higher Power in control of all aspects of your life, to abide by His will, that you might stay sober this day, Today.
Continue to Working Step 4
Return to Working The Steps Index
Index of AA History Pages on Barefoot's Domain
As in so many things, especially with we alcoholics, our History is our Greatest Asset!.. We each arrived at the doors of AA with an intensive and lengthy "History of Things That Do Not Work" .. Today, In AA and In Recovery, Our History has added an intensive and lengthy "History of Things That DO Work!!" and We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it!!
On the Web Feb 25, 2003 in the Spirit of Cooperation
Three mighty important things, Pardn'r, LOVE And PEACE and SOBRIETY


text:
Individual freedoms between state security and national security
Between 8 and 9 in the morning in 26/09/2013, I woke up, unusually my apartment was clean, I took a walk to enjoy the touching the clean ground. I found my dog (Plato) sleeping under the windy window, he didn't standup, he just takes his head up and keep his eyes on me to see me whenever I move. With closed eyes I said: good morning Plato.
I moved with a mechanical way to the other room, and lie down on my sofa with a plate of fruits, I catch the remote control and open the TV on National Geographic, after a while I slept again and I woke-up on a call from one of my colleagues at work, and after he reassured on me, told me that an officer from the National security call him and ask him about my number and he give to him.
I didn't believe my colleague, especially that he is famous among us with his joking and tricks.
I closed the call while he is insisting that the national security will call me, and with a confident smile I knew that there are no officer or anyone will call me, by the end of the call my colleague said "please reassured me after they call you" I answered, "Alright I'll if they call".
After a while I found the screen of phone telling me that the "27915400" number is calling me. A voice from the other said: "Mr. Mahmoud Farouk" I answered "Yes I am", the voice said "This is Colonel: Amr from the national security", at that moment I just knew that my colleague was serous in his talking.
Colonel: Amr said "I used to call you when the organization name is –Egyptian Union of Liberal Youth- and I knew that you change the organization name to Egyptian Center for public Policy Studies (ECPPS) and am calling you to ask about your activities and some information about the organization"
Between 2007-2009 I used to receive calls or even requisition to go to them from the National security -State Security at that time- in many of their offices (Gaber Ben Hayan – 6 of October – Warak) they used to ask me about our activities and the goal of the organization, also they used to call me when we make a reservation for training or conference in a hotel when they receive the information from the hotel, at that time they try many times to stop some of our activities but I refuse, and also they try many times to know through me information about participants and there ideas but I also refuse, and I used to tell them I'll not say anything more then what we have on our website.
On one occasion, there was an international organization having a training for some Egyptian organizations, and the state security canceled there hotel reservation, and they didn't find a place to hold the training, and I offer them to do the training in our office, and I remember that day the state security officer was very angry and he didn't like giving them a place to do the training, and since that time they use to send undercover security persons to attend our activities after I refuse to give him any information about the training.
I said to the Colonel Amr about ECPPS activities: "Why you asking me? and you can find everything we do on our website."
He said: "your organization (ECPPS) is contacting some ministries, and asking to cooperate with them in some activities exactly "the ministry of Petroleum and ministry of electricity" and his work to ask about us and know the real of the organization that contacting the government."
I answered: but we notify everyone and every institutions and ministry, who we are and what we do and why we contact them, so why you asking me "What we do and why we doing it?"
I said to Colonel Amr: I have no problem to answer any of your questions if you just answer two questions "which law that give you the power to call me and ask me for information about my work and my organization and why you want to know such information? "
He didn't answer with clear words: he just reiterated his previous sentence, and said, "Your organization is address some ministries and I am calling you to get to know about your organization"
I reiterated my question many times, and every time I repeat my question there was a long talk from me to explain my point of view, I told him that we meet with many ministries and we even meet with the ministry of interior and with the human rights section in the ministry of interior, and we meet with officers still working with the ministry and officers leave the ministry and people from the police academy, and all of this because we working on police reform.
Then he ask me: "Mr. Mahmoud is your organization registered" I answered: "No we established as Non-Profit Company". I filet from his time that he threat me in this question
Then he said: "Mr. Mahmoud, are you married?" I answered: "No I am not"
He said: "when you marry and have a cute daughter and someone like me come to you to ask to marry her, are you going to ask about him?"
I said: "It depends ….. But in general when someone want to marry he go to the woman family and tell who is he and what he doing for living … and then they ask about him"
He said: "This is exactly what am doing, I am calling you to ask about you because your organization is talk and contacting the government"
I answer with my the first sentence and said: "but we inform every one who we are" and I told him once again "if you just tell me why you want this information and under which law he call me I'll be very happy to answer your questions."
In more then 17 minutes which is the time of the call, he keep repeating: what is the kind of your organization work?. Are you doing reports and research's or what you do exactly?. Don't worry we're not going to arrest you?. Am just calling to cut the space and talk to you directly. and if you doing training or something like that he will not call you I am just calling you because your kind of work, and because you contact ministries.
And I keep repeating: I want to know under which law you call me and ask for this information, and why you want to know.
Sometimes during the call I told him: "We are a research based organization, and our goal is the legal and economic reform in Egypt, and we work with ministries and political parties and many others to talk with them about our research papers"
I knew when I was telling him that any information about me or about the organization that he is writing it, although all of this information can be found by one click on our website, but I knew it wasn't about what the organization do.
It was about breeding to obey the security and sow fear and awe and self-contempt, and flimsy authority that makes you feel that they watching you every and anywhere.
By the end of the call, I think the call was not so happy for me and for Colonel: Amr as well, he didn't found a welcome an hopefully cooperation, and I felt bitterness in my throat from a call that makes the man ask himself hundreds of questions about the personal, practical and the country future.
Colonel Amr closed the call while he telling me: "I'll search under which law I should call you and then I'll call you to tell you about it and ask my questions"
I don't say that the ministry of interior and the National security or the State security or whatever they want to name it, want to get back to the old times, as I do believe that they never change for a moment.
They as they used to be, and nothing going to change them unless we keep pushing them and make a pressure on them and make them change work under the law and change the authoritarian laws that give them the rights to violate the personal freedoms.
This is my witness for what happened with me in 26/9/2013, and we will keep working on ECPPS and will write a statement and send it to everyone and to all our friends to stop the National security from interfering and violating the personal freedoms.


text:
MLB's 10 Biggest Surprises of the 1st HalfJuly 11, 2012
MLB's 10 Biggest Surprises of the 1st Half
It's amazing to think that we've already been through half of the MLB regular season. We've already watched new faces emerge into stars, teams with low expectations lead their division, encountered unusual circumstances and much more. The season is still young, but in this slideshow, I will reveal the top 10 biggest surprises in the first half of the 2012 MLB season.
10. Miami Marlins
Miami Meltdown
One of the biggest spenders in the off-season, the Miami Marlins were projected by many analysts to be the team to beat in the NL East. I was not on the Marlins bandwagon pre-season and correctly predicted them as one of the most overrated teams in baseball.
Their winter spending spree was headlined by former Mets shortstop, Jose Reyes. The Marlins signed Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle for a combined $191 million.
Reyes has been average at best, hitting .264, with 41 runs, 38 walks and 20 stolen bases in 341 at bats. Mark Buehrle has been the best of the three, pitching to a 3.25 ERA, 1.13 Whip, with an 8-8 record in 113.2 innings. The most disappointing new addition to the Marlins has been closer Heath Bell. Bell has blown a major league leading six saves in 25 chances, with a 6.75 ERA in 34.2 innings pitched.
Their best player, Giancarlo Stanton, who has 19 home runs on the season, just received knee surgery and will be out four-to-six weeks after the all-star break. Emilio Bonifacio has been out since May 15th with a thumb injury but is on track to return later this week.
The Marlins have some good players and shown flashes of greatness, but their offense and bullpen are too inconsistent to catch the Washington Nationals in the National League East.
9. Five No-Hitters in the First Half
Aren't These Suppose To Be Rare?
There aren't many feats more impressive than pitching a no-hitter or a perfect game in Major League Baseball. However, the feat is starting to become less and less rare.
From 2000 to 2009 there were 15 no-hitters thrown (two perfect games), and in the past three years alone, there have been 14 no-hitters (four perfect games). In the recent years, pitchers have become more dominant, and hitters tend to swing for the fences fairly often.
Philip Humber of the White Sox threw the first perfect game of the year on April 21st vs. the Seattle Mariners. The White Sox won the game 4-0 at Safeco Field.
The same umpire who called Humber's perfect game was also behind the plate for the Mariners six-pitcher-combined no-hitter of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which took place on June 8th. Kevin Milwood left after six innings with an injury, leaving the rest of the game up to Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor, Lucas Luetge, Brandon League and Tom Wilhelmsen. They closed the door, and the Mariners won the game 1-0.
Jered Weaver became the second player to throw a no-hitter in the 2012 season when he no-hit the Minnesota Twins in a 9-0 victory on May 2nd. The third player to accomplish the amazing feat was Johan Santana. He became the first Mets' pitcher to ever throw a no-hitter, in a 8-0 blowout of the St. Louis Cardinals on June 1st.
The last no-hitter to occur in the first half was also the second perfect game of the year. On June 13th, Matt Cain became the first San Francisco Giant to ever throw a perfect game. Gregor Blanco made an amazing catch in the 7th inning to preserve perfection, and the Giants won the game 10-0.
8. Closer Turnover
Closer Roulette
There are always a few closer changes around the league each year. However, this year there has had more closer turnovers than usual.
Half of the teams in the league have had to use a different closer than they had on opening day at one point of the season. 12 of those teams are still using a different closer than they had on opening day: Yankees(Rivera), Blue Jays(Santos), Twins(Capps), White Sox(Santiago), Angels(Walden), Mariners(League), Athletics(Balfour), Mets(Francisco), Nationals(Lidge/Rodriguez), Reds(Marshall), Dodgers(Guerra) and Giants(Wilson).
The Marlins(Bell), Padres(Street) and Cubs(Marmol) have used a different pitcher at closer at one point but have returned their opening day pitcher to the role.
This also does not include the Royals' Joakim Soria, and the Reds' Ryan Madson, who both had to receive Tommy John surgery during spring training.
Curent closing situations:
Yankees: Rafael Soriano
Orioles: Jim Johnson
Rays: Fernando Rodney
Red Sox: Alfredo Aceves
Blue Jays: Casey Janssen
White Sox: Addison Reed
Indians: Chris Perez
Tigers: Jose Valverde
Royals: Jonathan Broxton
Twins: Glen Perkins/Jared Burton
Rangers: Joe Nathan
Angels: Ernesto Frieri
Athletics: Ryan Cook
Mariners: Tom Wilhelmsen
Nationals: Tyler Clippard
Braves: Craig Kimbrel
Mets: Bobby Parnell
Marlins: Heath Bell
Phillies: Jonathan Papelbon
Pirates: Joel Hanrahan
Reds: Aroldis Chapman
Cardinals: Jason Motte
Brewers: John Axford
Astros: Brett Myers
Cubs: Carlos Marmol
Dodgers: Kenley Jansen
Giants: Santiago Casilla
Diamondbacks: J.J. Putz
Padres: Huston Street
Rockies: Rafael Betancourt
7. Los Angeles Dodgers
Magic Trick
The Los Angeles Dodgers couldn't have had a better start to the 2012 campaign. After a disappointing 2011 season, where they struggled both on the field and off the field, the Dodgers have put themselves in a position to become relevant again.
In late March, the Los Angeles Dodgers were sold to Guggenheim Partners, which is represented by former Lakers' point guard Magic Johnson and longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten for 2 billion dollars.
Since the new ownership took over, the Dodgers have already signed Andre Ethier to a five year $85 million extension, attempted to trade for Carlos Lee and promised to be big players at the trading deadline. A lot of people are speculating that the Dodgers may be targeting Cole Hamels in free agency after the season.
At the half-way point, the Dodgers sit at 47-40, which is a half-game ahead of the Giants in the National League west. Matt Kemp was a big part of the strong 16-7 start to the season, hitting .417 with 12 home runs and 25 RBIs in April. Unfortunately, he was shelved with a hamstring injury and re-injured himself right after coming off the disabled list. Kemp will be back soon after the All-Star break.
The Dodgers rotation has been very solid with Chris Capuano looking like a great off-season signing, Clayton Kershaw having another very strong season and Chad Billingsley having his own ups and downs.
Los Angeles needs to improve its offense at the trading deadline if they want to keep up with the San Francisco Giants.
6. Baltimore Orioles
The Buck Stops Here
One of the most surprising teams so far in 2012 has to be the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles showed some potential when they eliminated the Red Sox from playoff contention at the end of the 2011 campaign. To start of this year, the Orioles are proving that they are here to stay.
Their offense has improved a nice amount this year and is third in the American League in home runs. A big reason the offensive has been clicking is two-time All-Star, Adam Jones. Jones is hitting .289 with 20 home runs and 11 stolen bases so far this season.
Another big cog in the lineup is Chris Davis. Davis is showing promise with a .271 batting average, 14 home runs and 40 RBIs.
The pitching has been impressive so far in 2012. Jason Hammel easily could have made the All-Star team with his 8-5 record, 3.47 ERA and 101 Ks in 106.1 innings pitched. Wei-Yin Chen has also been a huge surprise, pitching to a 7-5 record, 3.93 ERA and 78 Ks in 103 innings pitched. Jim Johnson has been lights out as the closer, going 26 for 27 in save opportunities.
The O's finished 45-40 at the All-Star break, leading one of the two wild-card spots. They could look to trade for another proven starter at the deadline, like Brewers' ace Zack Greinke or Astros' lefty Wandy Rodriguez.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phailing Phillies
The Phillies have really struggled to start off the season. They finished the first half with an NL East worst 37-50 record, 14 games out of first place.
The main reason for Phillies' struggles is a lack of offensive production. Carlos Ruiz and Hunter Pence have been the only bright spots in the lineup. If the Phillies had a better record, Ruiz might have been considered a front-runner for the NL MVP.
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard both recently returned from their injuries, but the hole the Phillies buried themselves into is most likely too far to dig out of.
Roy Halladay has missed a lot of the season with a shoulder injury, Cliff Lee didn't win his first game until his last first half start and the Phillies' bullpen has the second worst ERA in baseball.
With too much money already on the books, the Phillies can't really afford to give Shane Victorino or Cole Hamels extensions. Because of this, there are a lot of speculation that either could be moved at the trading deadline.
4. Rookie Production
19 is the New 25
The 2012 rookie class has been one of the best in years. Mike Trout has burst onto the scene, helping spark the Angels to a 48-38 record. He's batted .341 with 57 runs, 12 homers, 40 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. He is one of the front runners for the AL MVP and a shoo-in for rookie of the year.
Another one of the hyped rookies was Bryce Harper. Harper has helped the Nationals to a 49-34 first half record, leading the NL East by four games. Harper is hitting .282, with 43 runs, 8 home runs, 25 RBIs and 10 steals. He's also brought great hustle, defense and toughness to the Nationals team.
Along with the Trout and Harper, Wade Miley, Yu Darvish and Ryan Cook also made the All-Star team. These five rookies making the mid-summer classic is a Major League record.
3. R.A. Dickey
R.A. Diculous
There is no better first-half story than R.A. Dickey. The Mets' knuckleballer had pitched fairly well in both 2010 and 2011, but the first half of 2012 has been special. A journeyman a few years back at the break, Dickey has a 12-1 record with a 2.40 ERA, 0.93 Whip and 123 Ks in 120 innings.
Dickey is one of the leaders for NL Cy Young and has helped the Mets to a 46-40 record so far.
Hopefully he can keep up this production and be in line for a big payday when he is eligible for free agency after the 2013 season.
2. Tim Lincecum
The Freak is Freaking Out
No single player has been more disappointing in 2012 than Tim Lincecum. An owner of a career 3.27 ERA, this season Lincecum has almost doubled that. He has a 3-10 record with a 6.42 ERA, 1.58 Whip and 50 walks in 96.2 innings pitched.
The Giants are still playing extremely well without Lincecum pitching like himself. They are 46-40, and only a half game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong have been terrific, all deserving of trips to the All-Star game.
The only player to fall from superstar to a below average pitcher this quickly was Dontrelle Willis. Hopefully Lincecum can get back on track very soon.
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
Raise the Jolly Roger
For the second year in the row, the Pirates are leading the National League Central late into the season. The difference is this year's club is a much better team. At the halfway point, the Pirates are 48-37 and have a one game lead over the Cincinnati Reds.
Andrew McCutchen is one of the leaders for the NL MVP and has been crushing the ball all year long. The speedy outfielder has a .362 batting average, 58 runs, 18 home runs, 60 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez and Garrett Jones have also had solid first halves. The Pirates may look to add a bat at the trading deadline as they have already been linked to players such as Justin Upton and Carlos Quentin.
The starting rotation has also been strong this season. James McDonald was considered an all-star snub by many with his 9-3 record, 2.37 ERA, 0.97 Whip and 100 Ks in 110 innings pitched. Another surprise has been A.J. Burnett, who the Pirates picked up from the Yankees in the off-season. Burnett has won 10 of his last 11 games and has been lights out for the majority of the season.
Things are looking up for the Pirates as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.


text:
The Frankenstein theme of this music video for the song "The Girl & The Robot" is supplemented by a mad scientist creating a space-age female robot.
The electro-pop song is a collaboration between Swedish pop star Robyn and Norwegian duo Röyksopp.
First unleashed into the world in 1818, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein continues to be an inspiration in music, art, design and pop culture almost 200 years later.
'The Girl And the Robot' is taken from Röyksopp's just released new album, 'Junior.' It will be the second single after 'Happy up Here.'
Frankenstein Music Videos
More Stats +/-
30 Innovative Music Videos
Paint Splashing Music Videos
Spaceman Fashion
Tactile Image Cameras
Flexible GIF-Making Apps
Robyn and Royksopp Play 'The Girl & The Robot'
- By: AymanApr 1, 2009
References: royksopp & arabaquarius.blogspot
References: royksopp & arabaquarius.blogspot


text:
U.S. District Courts Providence, RI, USA
Feb 12, 2018Full time
The U.S. Probation Officer performs duties and responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, the following: Interviews defendants upon arrest by a federal law enforcement agency; prepares written and verbal bail reports; formulates recommendations for detention or release with conditions; presents information to judges and attorneys; represents the agency at court hearings. Conducts presentence investigations and prepares reports for the Court with recommendations for sentencing of individuals convicted of federal offenses. The preparation of these reports requires interviewing offenders and their families, investigating the offense, prior record and financial status of the offender, and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crimes, schools, etc. The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the offender's background, to assess the probability of future criminal behavior, to determine profit from the offense and any restitution, and to determine the offender's ability to pay fines and costs of prosecution, incarceration, and supervision. An integral part of this process is the interpretation and application of the U.S. Sentencing Commission guidelines and relevant case law. Presents presentence reports and sentencing recommendations to the Court; responds to judicial officers' requests for information and advice; testifies in Court as to the basis for factual findings and guideline applications; serves as a resource to the Court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence. Supervises defendants and offenders conditionally released to the community on bail, probation, supervised release, parole, mandatory release, and military parole to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and to provide correctional treatment. Maintains personal contact with defendants and offenders through office and community contacts and by telephone; investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle and associates to assess risk and compliance; responsible for detection of substance abuse and implements the necessary treatment or violation proceedings; refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, employment and training. Initiates contacts with, replies to and seeks information from organizations and persons such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys concerning offenders' behavior and conditions of supervision; detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions; reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities; prepares reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines; makes recommendations for disposition; testifies at Court hearings. Performs such other duties as the Chief may require.


text:
Masha Wacu
Iconpages is modern business community platform with price comparison and review system, deal communities, users can follow shops and add shop owners as friend, social transformation and empowerment tool.
Global Business Profile Series
All images are copyrighted to their respective owners. All content cited is derived from their respective sources.


text:
Coco has done just about everything so far this season on Ice Loves Coco: she's been a bridesmaid (briefly), an entrepreneur, a fashion designer, and even a weather reporter.
This week, you can add "superhero" to Coco's long list of identities, as she's heading to Comic-Con in full costume!
In this preview clip, Coco is wowed by the sights at the event and takes photos with her fellow costumed convention-goers. "I'm really happy that I found a way to connect to people," she says. Hey, where else but Comic-Con could she approach a fan and tell her how much she loves her boobs?
Coco also marvels over the chance to meet comics legend Stan Lee, and even does a short rap about him. Should we add "rapper" to Coco's list of career options, too?
Check out the preview clip below, and tune in this Sunday at 10:30PM on E! to see how the rest of Coco's Comic-Con experience goes!


text:
SINGAPORE, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Gold dipped slightly on
Wednesday but held near an 11-month high hit, as uncertainty
over Spain's bailout plan kept investors on their toes while
they wait for a key U.S. job market report expected to show the
effectiveness of the latest stimulus.
* Spot gold edged down 0.1 percent to $1,773.10 an
ounce by 0030 GMT. It hit $1,791.20 earlier this week, its
highest level since last November.
* U.S. gold was little changed at $1,775.50.
* Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Tuesday a
request for European aid was not imminent following a report the
country could apply for help as soon as this weekend.


text:
Forgot your password? Enter the email address you signed up with and we will send you a link to create a new password.
Your password reset has been submitted to the address provided.
Not specified
Legal services relating to personal and business taxation, to company law and to statutory and regulatory requirements, computer programming for others; advisory services relating to information technology
Business in LONDON, GB
Business in London, GB


text:
Advice from Elisabeth Elliot
We all have them. Bad days. Unexpected problems. Things we didn't sign up for. Things that are totally out of our control.
Maybe it is financial hardship or a loss of a job. Maybe someone who should be doing good to you is doing you harm.
A friend betrays you or a parent hurts you deeply. A child becomes terminally ill. A church member betrays you. A spouse walks out for good.
In all these things our hearts rise up in opposition to the crisis. We wonder if God sees, knows, or even cares.
I love this quote by Elisabeth Elliot who had her life turned upside down by the murder of her husband, missionary Jim Elliot, by the very people he was on mission to help. Speared through by the Auca Indians.
In an instant, her world changed. Her husband was gone and she found herself a widow. Her children were fatherless. She was in a strange land, and she had two choices:
to see God as a loving, wise Father who always does what is best for her or
to chose the path of bitterness and resentment toward God.
Hear what Elisabeth says:
"Lord, You have assigned my portion and my cup, and have made my lot secure' (Ps16:5). I know of no greater simplifier for all of life. Whatever happens is assigned. Every assignment is measured and controlled for my eternal good. As I accept the given portion other options are cancelled. Decisions become much easier,directions clearer, and hence my heart becomes inexpressibly quieter."
We need the same mindset when things seem all wrong. A life of faith is a life of trust.
The Bible shows us many examples of sisters in Christ who faced hard times and chose to walk in faith, knowing that God would do what was right for them: Sarah, Abigail, Hannah and Mary to name a few. They welcomed and walked the hard path through faith. The surrendered their life to His plans.
- Sarah packed up her life and followed her husband Abraham to their "new home." Problem was, Abraham had no idea where he was taking her. Only God knew where that would be.
- Abigail lived with a drunken fool, but was godly enough to protect her household from King David's anger at Nabal's rudeness and insolence.
- Hannah felt the pain of barrenness. She longed and prayed for children while living under the provoking taunting of her husband's "other wife" who had no problem having children.
- Mary risked her reputation and many misunderstandings when she agreed to be the mother of the Savior, Jesus.
"It is in our acceptance of what is given that God gives Himself." ~Elisabeth Elliot, These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge?
When trials come, they open wide the dark corners of our hearts and reveal the true us. Our words and actions show what is really reigning: the "fruit" of the spirit of the "fruit" of the flesh.
The spirit filled life will produce the same works and attitudes of the Lord Jesus Christ. His life is flowing through our life, enabling us to walk as He walked. We will respond to life's problems with trust and obedience. Our lives and testimonies will be characterized by loving others, joyful countenances, the peace of God, gentleness and kindness to all people.
When sin reigns, we will exhibit the characteristics of the fallen nature: anger, bitterness, unforgiving spirit, desire to rule others, jealousy, envy, manipulation and the list goes on and on.
We are living under the gracious hand of our Heavenly Father. How can we doubt Him? In child-like faith, we accept whatever He chooses to give knowing that though it looks bad and sometimes is hard, it's for our own good and His glory.
If you are discouraged today and fearful, remember the God who loves you and is in control, and pray for faith to trust Him.
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
*Post contains Affiliate Links to Amazon.com at no cost to you. I earn a small percentage when you buy via this link. Thanks for supporting this blog.


text: Bartlett Mall Penthouse.Open concept 2bed/2bath with inviting Kitchen and Living Room with beautiful wide pine floors.LR has a gas fireplace.Master Bedroom has a wall of closets, ceiling fan, and ceramic tiled full bath with skylight views of the park and pond.Second Bedroom has a large closet, double skylight with parkside views&another full bath right outside the room.Washer/dryer in unit.Rent incl deeded parking,off street shared guest spot. Gas heat. Walk score 98 out 100. Pets negotiable.


text:
GPRC Celebrates 50 Years of Student Success!
More than 50 years ago, community leaders in our region had a vision to bring post-secondary education to northwestern Alberta. A vision that led to Grande Prairie Regional College opening its doors to serve the first class of 119 students in 1966. An enrolment number more than three times the 35 students expected. Today, GPRC serves 10,000 students per year with a wide range of certificate or diploma options, trades programs, university studies and collaborative degree programs with four-year universities.
GPRC is committed to serving post-secondary education needs in its stewardship region, offering an encompassing learning environment designed for student success. Grande Prairie Regional College is just as vital now as it was 50-years ago, and will continue to build and serve the educational needs of people in northwestern Alberta and beyond for the next 50 years.
Learn more about the history of GPRC >
View our digital yearbook collection!
We've had a great time digitizing old
GPRC yearbooks and hope you will have as
much fun flipping through them!
50 years ago the inauguration of Grande Prairie Regional College was recognized with a special section in the newspaper.
To honour the past 50 years of student success at GPRC, we've teamed up with the Daily Herald-Tribune to bring you a new special section, complete with the original supplement from 1966!
This new supplement was distributed in local newspapers during the last weeks of November 2016. If you did not receive one, we'll have some on-campus so drop by Community Relations and get yours.


text:
With boutique bedrooms and tranquil gardens, Leverhulme Hotel offers fine dining and an impressive wine cellar. The hotel is situated in picturesque Port Sunlight, in the beautiful Wirral Peninsula... read more
Other boutique hotels near Port Sunlight
This boutique hotel is within Liverpool's Parr Street Studios, a mix of creative offices, recording studios, 2 bars. There is free WiFi throughout. Parr Street Hotel has modern en suite rooms feat... read more
A 10-minute walk from Lime Street Rail Station, this stylish boutique hotel has free WiFi. The hotel lobby, Cotton Lounge and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse restaurant are inspired by the local area... read more
In the centre of Liverpool, the 4-star Hope Street Hotel boasts stylish rooms with luxurious furnishings and views over the city. It has an award-winning restaurant and bar serving a range of drink... read more
In Princes Dock, Malmaison Liverpool boasts a state-of-the-art gym, boutique-style rooms and the sleek Brasserie restaurant. Designer shopping districts and rail stations are all just 1 mile away. ... read more
This stylish 4-star boutique hotel has a 6th-floor gym, a spa, and a relaxed restaurant with chic surroundings. The Vincent Hotel and Spa is on Southport's main shopping street, 100 metres from Sou... read more
Situated in Ruthin's town centre, Manorhaus Ruthin boasts an award-winning restaurant, along with a private cinema and a DVD library. This Grade II listed Georgian townhouse also provides a sauna, ... read more
Howarth House is chic and vibrant coastal location, we provided the ultimate setting for a luxury bed and breakfast experience, with stylish surroundings expressly designed to satisfy and delight b... read more
Set within a historic townhouse in the heart of Llangollen, mh Townhaus B&B boasts original features blended with modern interior design and facilities such as free WiFi and a rooftop hot tub. Eac... read more
Located in Wrenbury, less than 6 miles from Nantwich, Cheshire Boutique Barns features self-catering accommodation with a mezzanine over the living room, fireplace and patio area with outdoor dinin... read more
Situated just 1 mile from Lancaster's historic and vibrant centre, The Ashton offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking. This 18th century Georgian manor house is just 30 minutes' walk from Lancas... read more
Boutique-hotels. And great places nearby
We help you find the best boutique hotels in Port Sunlight. We guide you to cool design hotels, hip and trendy hotels and small five-star luxury hotels. These hotels might often be so unique and romantic that you do not want to leave your room. But still - you should! Therefore, we also help hotels guide you to the greatest places nearby - be it coffeeshops, restaurants or museums.Here are some recommended places nearby boutique-hotels in Port Sunlight:


text:
5 Responses to "Snaps"
Gracie dempsher
Beautiful pictures! What a classic, Argus and the fire hydrant!!! Sasha looks great, what an inspiration to defying adversity and enjoying life….we should be more like DOGS!! Take care, love u. Ta
christina leon newman
Wondeful pictures. Made me feel very at peace!
Thanks Christina, I'm glad you like the photos. We'll keep adding more!
Those are great pictures! I am an animal lover too. Currently I share my life and home with two dogs. I admire your passion and compassion toward dogs. I wish you many blessings. Please, keep on writing.
Hi Ada. Thank you for visiting and thank you for the compliment. I enjoy photography very much. I just wish I had more time to devote to the hobby. Thank you for the well wishes, and we will have more posts up soon. Liliana and I have both been feeling very drained as of late, and even writing seems to demand energy that we don't always have. Comments like yours do help to replenish our tanks and inspire us, so thank you again!


text:
The toenail being dead is not from white water rafting, but from soccer practice. As my mom told me, 'Stop doing this dangerous shit!" Let's take a stroll into the past, to ~Wednesday~. It was my first official soccer practice of the season and I was PUMPED. Soccer is by far my favorite sport to… Read more »
Posts Tagged: exercise
Now I know why cowboys/girls are sexy.
Because damn do they work out every part of their body while riding horses. Me and my fiancé took a trip up to Jefferson, Ohio to a place named Ashley Moores Stables. It's basically a ranch that you can stay at, ride some horses, have a bonfire, and you're only a half hour away from… Read more »
May: The Month of What Is Happening
This is a longass post that doesn't really accomplish much except explaining how absolutely ridiculous May 2015 was. Here's a preemptive TL;DR: In 23 days I ran a half marathon, got mono, went to NYC, and got engaged. Part 1: The Run I'm a runner. Not a good or fast runner by any stretch of… Read more »


text:
Amizmiz (أمزميز AMZ-meez) is a small town in Morocco approximately 55 kilometers south of Marrakech. It lies at the foot of the High Atlas mountain range.
Its population consists mainly of Berbers of Chleuh origin who speak the Tashelhiyt dialect. Its weekly souk every Tuesday is well-known in the area.
Get in
Nearly everyone who goes to Amizmiz gets there via Marrakech. Within Marrakech, you'll need to take a "petit taxi" to the "Bab Er-Rob" taxi station that is just outside of town. Once you arrive at the taxi station, start asking for "Amizmiz" (which is pronounced AMZ-meez), and someone will eventually direct you to a "grand taxi" (an old Mercedes Benz) that is waiting to get filled up, at which point you'll depart. The normal fare is 12.5 Dirham. You can also find a "mini-bus" that takes a lot longer (because of more frequent stops) which costs only 10 Dirham. For those who are not as eager to sit squished for an hour's ride in the heat, feel free to pay for two places (hence 25 Dirham) and ask for the front passenger area to yourself (normally two people sit in the front passenger seat!).
Get around
Once you arrive at Amizmiz, you'll be able to get everywhere by foot. They do have some local taxis now that can take you from the main part of town up to the administrative section of town where the high school is. However, there is little reason for the normal tourist to see that part of Amizmiz.
For the thirsty traveler, the best bet is to stop by one of the many hanoots (small general stores) spread all around Amizmiz. They will sell bottled water and cold sodas for a few dirhams.
You can also find quite a few cafes in the center of town near the taxis. You'll be able to pick up some hot tea, water, or soda.
Get out


text:
Reflections, insights, etc about yoga, meditation, inner work and self-development.
Monday, August 23, 2010
What Yoga Means to ME
An optimist is a person who sees only the light in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadow, but in addition sees something else: the possibilities of changing the picture, of making the light prevail over the shadows. Anon
I've always been labeled as either an optimist or an idealist, but the quote above makes me think how my yoga practice has made me an idealist. I see the light and darkness in the world (the reality of all the crap that's going on) and try to be a light myself for others and ask myself: "how can I rise above all this? how can I make things better? how can I bring more light into the world?"
How can I strip away all the bull*^#' from everything and everyone (including myself) and see things as they really are?
To me yoga is much more to yoga than bending, folding and twisting your body. Yoga challenges me every day..on AND off the mat. Yoga also stretches/opens my mind by asking me to challenge my beliefs about myself, my body, my consciousness, my identity, my community, society and the world. Yoga has created (and continues to create) a real and lasting change in my life. The physical postures produce the added benefits of cleansing my body, ridding any unwanted fat and healing old injuries. But yoga is not an exercise. It is a body awareness technique aimed at liberating my consciousness from old, habitual was of thinking, being and acting. The flexible yoga body is merely a seductive by-product of the work of awakening my consciousness.
Yoga challenges me to live more authentically, be more present, and be more aware and mindful of my every interaction. It teaches me to be more fully engaged in my every day living and face every day with clarity strength and courage. And if I can accomplish this sense of attention and mindfulness on the mat, I can duplicate this in my life off the mat.
What does your yoga practice mean to you?
Blessings and Namaste
Posted by anna at 6:59 AM No comments:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Emotions and Our Hips
Here's an excellent article on how and why we hold emotions in our hips:
Get Hip to Your Feelings
Blessings and Namaste,
Posted by anna at 4:27 AM 8 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)