text:
We seem to have a definite spring in our step these days. It's not just the fact that warmer weather is on its way that has us feeling great, although that does certainly help. With the celebration of our 5-year anniversary, we decided that it was time to spruce up our look in a big way with a new website, new logo, and a newly-refreshed passion for helping others realize their creative or professional potential.
If you've ever found yourself walking taller (or running faster) in a pair of new shoes, or feeling smarter in some new eyeglasses, or even acting a little spunkier with a brand-new haircut, then you know what we're talking about. Confidence! Feeling powerful and unshakable in any situation.
If you are in need of a good confidence boost, here are 3 tips to get you walking a little taller in that favorite pair of jeans:
- Read More Outside Your Normal Topics.
Sure you may read every James Patterson novel ever written or maybe you are more of a FastCompany magazine reader. Pick up a few magazines or books outside your typical genre. Subscribe to a couple blogs that will give you insights into an industry that is new to you. You will learn things that can carry over into other areas of your life. - Learn Something New.
Nothing boosts your confidence like expanding your brain and mastering a new skill. YouTube is a wealth of information and can provide you an opportunity to learn how to use a new graphic design tool, pick up a new language or learn a musical instrument. - Teach Someone Something.
We know the best way to learn something is to be forced to teach it, so volunteer to teach somewhere. Interviewing skills at an organization like Dress For Success, or home budgeting to a group at your church or even to a young couple
This year our theme is "New Look, New You." We love being a part of your "New You" success stories, from simply sending you home with some fresh art for your walls, to helping to strengthen an important relationship through helping you create art together, to even talking with many of you about how YOU can start your own Wine & Design franchise. We know how powerful a fresh start can be, especially when we're empowered with the right tools to see it through.
Recognizing the impact that confidence and a new "look" can have on other women, we're thrilled to be partnering with Dress For Success, whose mission is "to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life." In fact, the events you book with us (at participating studios) during the week of March 24- April 2, will result in a donation to that local Dress for Success organization. Many of our studios will be painting the "Little Black Dress" painting to celebrate our "New Look, New You" theme. Some studios may be painting other chic images to support their Dress for Success affiliate, so be sure to check their Paint it Forward division for alternate painting choices.
You are painting with a purpose; helping other women seeking new or sustained independence and employment. During this month, you can bring in donations of gently-used purses to participating Wine & Design locations, and we'll pass 'em along to that local Dress For Success (check with your local Wine & Design to learn of some specific needs in your area). Find more information about this impactful organization here.
For the past five years we have been growing and changing, here at Wine & Design. We have been evolving as a business and more importantly, as individuals. We know that we must always strive to improve ourselves and our businesses, which in turn, improves the lives of others around us. Are you ready for a "New You" kind of year? Maybe you're ready to say goodbye to the 9-5 or that passion-less job. Maybe you're ready to start something big, now that kids have grown up. Maybe starting a new business has been on your bucket list long enough. We'd love to connect and help you not just have a new look this year, but help you see that there is a new and more amazing you waiting to be born. So what are you waiting for? Let's celebrate our milestones together!
If you'd like more information on kicking that passion-less job to the curb, check out our informational franchise site or just contact us and let's chat.


text:
I want to thank everyone who made it, it was a lot of fun as usual! Most games were up and running. Zoo Keeper, Marble Madness and Millipede were still down for the count though!
I didn't take as many pictures this time as I was busy playing Pinball, so I didn't get a shot of everyone. Sorry about that. Next one I will have to work on getting more pictures!
This time I decided to give catering a try and it was a big hit. We had Hot Links, Pork Ribs, Brisket, Beans, Macironi Salad. Todd brought Potato Salad and Cookies.
This year, the festivities started at around 4:30, and everything eventually wound down at around midnight like most years.
Funhouse was the big hit of the night. Everyone was lining up to play. Even playing 4 people at a time, we still had people waiting!
Rob and James playing Funhouse and Whirlwind!
Dave playing Funhouse.
I also had the Donkey Kong II kit in my Donkey Kong. That was another big hit.
Last BBQ 5 games where down or had problems. (Zookeeper, not done restoring, Make Trax, has a sync issue, Millipede has a board issue, Stargate has a board issue, and Marble Madness has a board issue, but is playable). That meant that 17 games were up and running.
This year, however, I only had problems with 3 games, which meant we were running 19 games (and the Jukebox).
I hope everyone had fun, and I hope they can make it to the next BBQ!
Rate this article!

subset: commoncrawl


text: We are GDIT. The people supporting some of the most complex government, defense, and intelligence projects across the country. We deliver. Bringing the expertise needed to understand and advance critical missions. We transform. Shifting the ways clients invest in, integrate, and innovate technology solutions. We ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. We are there. On the ground, beside our clients, in the lab, and everywhere in between. Offering the technology transformations, strategy, and mission services needed to get the job done. Visit gdit.com


text:
On 1 April 1928, Dutch engineer Hub van Doorne started a small construction workshop in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. From these humble beginnings, DAF has evolved into a leading global truck manufacturer focused on innovation, quality, and transport efficiency.
The DAF Truck History
The highly talented Hub van Doorne opened his small workshop in the corner of the local Coolen brewery in Eindhoven. Initial work included welding and forging for the city and local companies like lamp and radio manufacturer Philips. The Great Depression inspired Hub van Doorne – together with his brother Wim – to expand services. The workshop evolved into a trailer manufacturing business in 1932 and the company name was changed into Van Doorne's Aanhangwagen Fabriek (Van Doorne's semi-trailer factory), abbreviated to DAF. Thanks to their welded chassis, the trailers and semi-trailers that left the small factory, stood out from the competition because of their high payloads. The welding – used to make these trailers was a unique innovation in those days that significantly saved weight. Another unique invention was the DAF container trailer which debuted in 1936 and was designed to quickly load and unload containers from a railway carriage. This was a very early example of intermodal transportation and made DAF one of the world's first suppliers of container trailers.
A New Truck Company Was Born
In 1949, the first DAF truck entered production and the company name became Van Doorne's Automobiel Fabriek. A year later a dedicated truck factory was built and production started with three, five and six tonne truck chassis and the truck company we know today was on its way.
DAF Innovations
In the early days, DAF installed Hercules and Perkins petrol and diesel engines, but in 1957 the Eindhoven company designed and began manufacturing the first DAF-branded engines. Two years later, DAF improved the DD575 diesel engine by adding a turbo charger which was another ground-breaking achievement. DAF introduced turbo intercooling as an industry-first in 1973. The technology was initially developed to meet the demand for higher engine outputs and lower fuel consumption, but also proved to be indispensable in realizing cleaner exhaust emissions. In the 1980s DAF launched ATi, Advanced Turbo Intercooling which provided further power and efficiency gains through a further refinement of injection technology and an optimised shape of the combustion chamber.
In 2005, DAF unveiled the PACCAR MX engine that is now installed in all of DAF's heavy-duty trucks and over 40% of Kenworth and Peterbilt built trucks. The latest generation MX-13 and MX-11 engines feature extremely efficient down speeded engines, intelligent drive lines and efficient rear axles that result in high torque being available at impressively low engine speeds for unmatched fuel efficiency and the highest driver comfort. Together with advanced vehicle software algorithms, excellent aerodynamics and a new compact after-treatment system, these DAF innovations result in a fuel efficiency gain of an impressive 7%, the largest fuel efficiency gain in the history of the company.
Cab sets new standards
The first DAF trucks from the late 40's, early 50's left the plant as just a chassis with in front of the engine the characteristic grille with seven chrome bars and a temporary seat made of wood. The DAF chassis were driven to bodybuilders for the mounting of a custom and locally made cab. In 1951 DAF introduced its own cab, with round corners and a slanted front grill for better aerodynamics. Driver comfort was enhanced by the introduction of a suspended seat.
In the 1960's, DAF further enhanced driver comfort with the first cab designed for international transport. The DAF 2600 offered two beds and windows all around for a spacious feeling and an optimal view on the road. Power brakes and power steering eased the demanding job of the driver. The 2600 is now considered to be the first of all international transport trucks. In 1969, DAF was one of the earliest manufacturers to introduce a tilting mechanism for the cab-over engine model which greatly improved maintenance access.
With the introduction of the Space Cab concept in 1988 DAF enhanced its leadership position as a truck manufacturer with its full focus on both operating costs and the driver. With the remarkable Space Cab concept, DAF again set new standards in cab size and comfort for international transport. Together with the even larger Super SpaceCab which was introduced in 1994 DAF cabs continue to be the benchmark when it comes to driver comfort and roominess.
DAF, A PACCAR Company
In 1996, DAF became a PACCAR company. Since then, DAF has continued its leadership position as a global technology leader with major developments in trucks, engines, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Excellent Trucks in the Market
DAF launched the new LF, CF and XF series in 2001 and 2002, the award-winning XF105 model in 2005, and the Euro 4 and 5 program in 2006. A full range of new, ultra-clean Euro 6 models entered production in 2013. And in 2017, the New CF and New XF were named 'International Truck of the Year 2018' for their class-leading transport efficiency and impressive fuel efficiency gain of 7%. Also in 2017, In the United Kingdom, the New LF was awarded 'Commercial Fleet Truck of the Year'.


text:
Exclusive Taste of Buffalo Sneak Peek [WATCH]
The 35th Anniversary Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS will be on Saturday, July 7 and Sunday July 8! We got a sneak peek of 35 of the food items that you'll be able to enjoy at 35th birthday celebration! Take a look at some of what Carmine's Restaurant will be bringing to the Taste this year!
Day 30 - Tops Strawberry Shortcake
Here is the Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS complete list of restaurants, food trucks, and wineries that will be in the 2018 festival, which takes place July 7 and 8 in downtown Buffalo.
The list includes:
#getfried Fry Café, Buffalo
A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard*, Ransomville
Alex's Place*, Batavia
Andersons Frozen Custard, Williamsville
Bavarian Nut Company, Buffalo
Black & Blue Steak and Crab, Williamsville
Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Buffalo
BW's Barbecue, Blasdell
Caribbean Experience, Buffalo
Carmine's*, East Amherst
Cecelia's Ristorante, Buffalo
Cheesecake Guy, Buffalo
The Cheesy Chick food truck, Clarence
Chiavetta's BBQ Takeout, Lockport
Chrusciki Bakery, Lancaster
Clarence Center Coffee Co. & Café, Clarence Center
Danny's Restaurant, Orchard Park
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Buffalo
Dirty Bird Chicken N' Waffles food truck*, Niagara Falls
Fat Bob's Smokehouse, Buffalo
The Flaming Fish food truck, Buffalo
India Gate, Buffalo
J & L Boulevard BBQ food truck, North Tonawanda
Jack Astor's Bar and Grill, Cheektowaga
Just Pizza food truck, Buffalo
Lloyd Taco Truck, Buffalo
Local Kitchen and Beer Bar, Buffalo
Louie's Hot Dogs, Tonawanda
Merritt Estate Winery, Forestville
Mineo & Sapio Street Eats food truck, Buffalo
Mister Pizza, Buffalo
Niagara Café*, Buffalo
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, Lockport
Nick Charlap's Ice Cream, Hamburg
Original Crunch Roll Factory, Amherst
Osteria 166, Buffalo
Patina 250, Buffalo
Paula's Donuts, Tonawanda
Pizza Amore' The Wood Fired Way, Grand Island
Riverstone Grill, Grand Island
Rolling Cannoli Truck (powered by Panaro's), Buffalo
Ru's Pierogi food truck*, Buffalo
Saigon Café, Buffalo
Salvatore's Italian Gardens, Depew
Schnitzel & Co., East Amherst
SEAR, Buffalo
Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill, Buffalo
Stack Burger, West Seneca
Souped Up food truck*, Tonawanda
Spring Lake Winery, Lockport
Sun Cuisines, Buffalo
Sweet Melody's, East Amherst
T.C. Wheelers Bar & Pizzeria, Tonawanda
Taste of Siam, Buffalo
Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, Geneva
Tops Friendly Market
Venus Greek & Mediterranean, Amherst
Victorianbourg Wine Estate, Wilson
Vin-Chet Gluten Free Bakery, Snyder
Water Lily Café, Cheektowaga
An asterisk appears in the list above to designate restaurants, food trucks, and wineries that are new or returning after a hiatus. In total, there are six new restaurants and one new winery.
Event hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 7 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 8. Admission is free and food items cost between two and ten tickets ($1 and $5). Tickets are valued at .50 cents each and sold in $5 sheets at three ticket booths located throughout the event.
Beginning June 10, participating Tops Markets will sell pre-sale Taste food ticket vouchers at the registers available in $10 or $50 increments. Each $50 voucher comes with a coupon good for four free non-alcoholic beverages, redeemable at all Taste ticket tents.
Menu items and additional event details will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.tasteofbuffalo.com or visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.


text:
Search Sold Homes in Gretna
Browse all sold homes in Gretna. Get a clear picture of what homes are selling, how long they take to sell and for what price. Use the listings below to get a better idea of what type of homes are selling in the past 6 months. This list updates frequently so check back often to get a better idea of what's selling in your neighborhood. Browse the neighborhoods, cities and towns to find sold homes in these areas.
At Exclusive Listings Group, we focus on sellers and listings. We want you to get top dollar for your home in any market. With our exclusive strategy of pricing, listing, marketing, and selling your home, you know you're in the right hands. When you're ready, contact us below for a listing consultation to find out what your home is really worth.
Click here for a current list of all Gretna homes for sale.
- Bellbrook
- Chestnut Ridge
- Copper Ridge
- Coventry Ridge
- Covington
- Crystal Creek
- Devonshire Estates
- Equestrian Ridge
- Forest Run
- Green Acres Estates
- Gretna
- Hidden Hollow
- Highlands Ridge
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Place
- Lyman Hylands
- Midtown
- Northridge Estates
- Pebblebrooke
- Plum Creek
- Prairie Ridge
- Remington Ridge
- Sarpy Heights
- Southgate Estates
- Standing Stone
- The Estates at Wynnwood
- The Summit
- West Plains
- Willow Park


text:
recently i did a distal pancreatectomy (i removed the tail of the pancreas). it was an exciting operation. the guy was the victim of a soccer goal post falling on him, causing fracture of the pancreas. the injury was about two months old, just enough time for the pancreas tail to become a hard rubbery fibrotic mass adhered to everything. i took it out without removing the spleen (with supreme difficulty) and was very proud of myself. i thought back to the days of old.
when the prof felt we didn't have full control of the ward, he'd let us have it and he wouldn't let a thing go (as i have mentioned before). i remember once when he ripped into me in front of my students, but worse still in front of the patient i was to operate the next day. she must have felt great to hear that the guy who was going to take a knife to her the next day was 'useless and had lost all control of his ward'. it must have engendered in her a feeling of safety and comfort.
anyway, one of the imageries the prof used regularly was of someone riding a bike without handle bars, implying loss of control. i remember him telling me in front of my junior colleague, all my students and my patient that my ward was chaos and i was riding the bike without handle bars (i had failed to remember the sodium value for one patient and needed to refer to the results). as usual he went on for some time.
a while later we admitted a guy with a fracture of his pancreas. the next morning, as usual, we presented our cases to the prof in front of all the registrars. the prof asked the usual questions about diagnosis, presentation, treatment options and so forth. one of the things he wanted to know was how it had happened. it is usually the result of blunt abdominal trauma. the pancreas gets caught between the vertebral column and whatever caused the blunt trauma. in this case the patient was riding on his bike, he did a jump and came unstuck in mid air. he then fell with his abdomen onto the handle bars.
in the very formal setting of the morning meeting i had just presented the case to the room full of stern faces with the prof looking for a gap to have a go at some poor unsuspecting sod when my junior leaned across and whispered in my ear;
"that's why i think you should always only ride the bike without handle bars!"
i could not hold back my laugh. the prof was not impressed but it was worth it.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
5 comments:
- Sara said...
Sometimes, the universe just gives you the perfect set-up.
- January 23, 2009 12:26 pm
- rlbates said...
- January 23, 2009 4:00 pm
- Jade said...
lol! ;)
- January 23, 2009 10:59 pm
- Jabulani said...
As the Klingons say, "Revenge is a dish best served cold". :)
- January 23, 2009 11:18 pm
- Devorrah said...
cute (-:
- January 25, 2009 8:19 pm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Board meeting
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 10:30 AM
CPS Central Administration Building
125 S. Clark Street, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603
Save to your calendar
Add to Google calendar
David J. Vitale President, and
Members of the Board of Education
Dr. Carlos M. Azcoitia
Dr. Henry S. Bienen
Dr. Mahalia A. Hines
Deborah H. Quazzo
Jesse H. Ruiz
Andrea L. Zopp
Enclosed is a copy of the Agenda for the Regular Board of Education meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. The meeting will be held at the Central Administration Building, 125 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, Board Chamber, 5th Floor. The Board Meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Public Participation Guidelines are available on www.cpsboe.org or by calling (773) 553-1600.
For the April 23, 2014 Board Meeting, advance registration was available beginning Monday, April 14th at 8:00 a.m. through Friday, April 18th at 5:00 p.m., or until 60 speaking slots filled. Advance registration during this period was available by the following methods:
Online: www.cpsboe.org
Phone: (773) 553-1600
In Person: 125 South Clark Street, 6th Floor
The Public Participation segment of the meeting will begin immediately following the CEO Report and proceed for no more than 60 registered speakers for the two hours.
The complete, final Agenda of Actions from the March 26, 2014 Board meeting is on our website: http://www.cpsboe.org/meetings/past-meetings.
Actions | Proceedings | Videos | Reference Materials |


text:
how can we help?
Our experts act across the entire property and development lifecycle. Take a look at how we can help you achieve your business and property objectives.
Building Surveying And Reporting
Construction cost consultancy
Construction project management
Move management
Real estate due diligence
Refurbishment and fit out project management
Building Surveying And Reporting
Our range of building surveys and reports, carried out by our expert team of chartered building surveyors, can help you assess your property risk, understand technical issues and formulate clear strategic plans to manage your asset.
Our reports are completed by an expert chartered building surveyor, who will look at the specific technical and commercial issues that concern your property assets. Each report is designed to give decision makers and stakeholders the information they need and to be clear and easy to use for experts and non experts alike.
Supporting your decision making – from insurance to dilapidations liability
Our expert chartered building surveyors specialise in surveying and reporting for all situations – from defects analysis to space audits and from insurance to dilapidations liability.
We understand the construction of buildings and how commercial property can be maintained and adapted, as well as the importance of wider commercial considerations, such as technological, legislative, health and safety, environmental and legal liabilities.
No matter what your concern, we can look into it for you. Some of the questions we can help you with include:
- What is my dilapidations liability?
- What condition is my building in – and what are the possible consequences?
- What do I need to know before signing a Schedule of Condition?
- Do I have suitable building insurance?
- What risks do I face from building defects?
- Does my building comply with the Disability Discrimination Act?
- Am I making the best use of my property?
Reporting backed by experience and specialist expertise
Our expert chartered building surveyors inspect over 6m sq ft of property each year for clients including the BBC, AXA, Boots, Tesco, Heineken, Henderson, HSBC, Mapeley, Lloyds Banking Group, various local authorities and police authorities.
We survey all building types from offices, industrial & logistics, retail and alternative assets like hotels, leisure, and heritage/listed buildings.
Key Contact
Construction cost consultancy
Our construction cost consultancy service will give you the confidence that your construction project is delivering the best value for money.
Our experienced team will help you procure the most cost-effective solution for your new build or refurbishment project, and ensure potential risks to the budget are identified and mitigated.
We cover new build, Cat A and Cat B refurbishment and fit outs, together with repair and maintenance projects, from major residential, office and industrial projects to alternative specialist buildings such as hotels, care homes, prisons and other civic buildings.
Best procurement value
Our construction and cost consultants will devise and manage the procurement process, benchmarking costs against other projects.
Once the contractors are picked, we develop a cost plan so you know what outgoings to expect at every stage of the project
We also offer the following services – contract administration, performance management and cost auditing.
Development cost advice for the public sector
As well as development cost advice to private developers, our construction cost consultants provide financial analysis to public sector bodies embarking on joint ventures, regeneration or development partnerships.
Ensure best value in project delivery too
Our construction cost consultancy is often delivered alongside, or as part of, our construction project management service.
Find out more about our construction project management serviceKey Contact
Construction project management
Our specialist construction project managers have years of experience and are all RICS and CIOB qualified. They will take full responsibility for ensuring your project is delivered on time and meets all necessary building regulations and quality standards.
Make sure your new build or refurbishment project goes to plan – and stays on budget – by using our expert construction project management service.
We will also help you select and manage contractors – including architects, engineers and construction companies – ensure health and safety requirements are followed and provide you with the management information and reporting you need throughout.
A comprehensive construction project management service
Our service typically covers initial construction consultancy, comprehensive project planning, managing cash flow and payment schedules, and regular reporting.
Find out more about our construction cost consultancy services
Expertise in all types of construction projects
We cover new build, Cat A and Cat B refurbishment and fit outs, together with repair and maintenance projects. We work across all building types from major residential, office and industrial projects to specialist buildings such as hotels, care homes, prisons and other civic buildings.
We ensure your building and/or project meets the best sustainability standards having worked on multiple BREEAM excellent rated projects nationally.
Robust Quality Assurance
We offer a robust Quality Assurance process backed by industry leading processes and accreditations such as ISO 9001 accreditation, compliant with RICS Consultancy Code of Practice, Health & Safety ISO 18001, Environment and Sustainability, ISO 14001, Health & Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS).
Key Contact
We take the hassle out of dilapidations claims, minimise the costs and make it simpler for you to break or renegotiate a lease.
We are market leaders, looking after 2000 cases a year, settling c40 claims a week and typically reducing tenant's liabilities by 40%-50% annually.
Dilapidation claims cost businesses millions of pounds a year and consume vast amounts of time. They typically occur when a landlord believes an organisation is in breach of its obligations – set out in the lease – to repair, redecorate or reinstate the property.
Claims can be made during a lease term, but in general, they occur when you're looking to break or renegotiate a lease – potentially increasing your costs and delaying the process.
Dilapidations advice from the experts
Our expert dilapidations service helps you to understand your potential dilapidations liabilities before you serve a lease break or begin renegotiations. We then work with you to develop a strategy to manage risk and minimise your dilapidations liabilities. We will also negotiate on your behalf.
Examples of our work include managing a conditional lease break on behalf of a major IT company, reducing dilapidations liabilities by £20 million in the process and in two recent cases we've recovered over 500,000 in loss of rent charges.
Key Contact
Move management
Our team of specialist surveyors will work closely with you to develop and implement a move plan which maximises the benefits to your business whilst minimising the disruption and distractions a move can create.
Every organisation goes through a move or relocation at some point in its life. Whether you are relocating or re-organising your existing business space, there will be an impact on your business and employees.
Delivering a successful relocation on time and on budget
Relocating or re-stacking your existing space offers many opportunities – reduced costs, improved occupational flexibility, greater performance and increased employee retention and morale.
However, it also brings risk. In particular, there are significant liabilities associated with a fit out and move programme which can result in cost over-runs and business disruption.
We will deliver a relocation or re-stack on time and on budget, working in tandem with you to deliver for your business.
Robust Quality Assurance
We plan and manage relocations and workplace transition schemes for many clients including Camelot, Roche Diagnostics, Essex County Council, IPCC and the BBC.
Our toolkit of services includes:
- Business space audits
- Feasibility studies / option report
- Design services
- Surveys and workshops
- Move management programmes
- Procurement and management of specialist contractors
We offer a robust Quality Assurance process, backed by industry-leading processes. We have ISO 9001 accreditation and are compliant with the RICS Consultancy Code of Practice, Health & Safety ISO 18001, Environment and Sustainability, ISO 14001 and Health & Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS).
Key Contact
Real estate due diligence
Real estate due diligence defines the risk in any commercial property acquisition.
Our expert chartered building surveyors specialise in real estate due diligence. They understand the construction of buildings, and the pathology of building defects and deleterious materials. They'll also review the wider commercial considerations, such as technological, legislative, health and safety, environmental and legal liabilities.
Why do you need commercial real estate due diligence?
Acquiring property exposes you to considerable risks. Without due diligence, those risks are unknown, unquantified and unmanaged. If problems are discovered after the transaction is completed, your commercial property's investment values can fall.
Commercial property may be poorly designed, poorly built, use inferior materials, be nearing the end of its lifecycle, lack infrastructure connectivity or fast become obsolete due to technical and legislative advances.
Acquiring a commercial property without carrying out proper real estate due diligence usually limits your access to funding.
Poor real estate due diligence, carried out by unqualified surveyors with low professional indemnity insurance, exposes you to a real estate investment that is potentially damaging, both in financial and reputational terms.
For corporate transactions, it may sour the wider commercial benefit elsewhere in the transaction. It will also seriously call into question corporate governance.
What makes good real estate due diligence?
Good real estate due diligence, carried out by specialist chartered building surveyors, will properly identify and quantify the risks.
If the risks are significant, then you can withdraw from the process or renegotiate the sale price. At the very least, you have the option to strategically manage the risks through the life of the holding.
Good real estate due diligence also looks at the property in the context of the transaction – risks will vary depending on whether the commercial property is for investment, occupation, or part of a corporate transaction.
Key Contact
Refurbishment and fit out project management
Fitting out or refurbishing business premises is potentially one of the most important tasks an organisation will ever be faced with, not to mention the most expensive.
Get it right and it can enhance your brand, boost productivity and collaboration, as well as improve staff wellbeing, attraction and retention. Get it wrong however, and it could have entirely the opposite effect.With so much at stake it is essential that you appoint a Project Manager from the outset to ensure that your fit out or refurbishment project is completed to specification, on time, within budget and with minimum risk.
No matter the size or complexity, our experienced Project Management team will oversee the entire project, from programme management and procurement to contract administration, health and safety and employer's agent services, leaving you free to focus on your core business.
Our Project Management team is closely aligned with our Agency colleagues and operates across the whole of the UK providing our clients with access to market-leading, commercially-focused and practical advice.
Know dilapidations
Landlords who fail to deal with the issue of dilapidations robustly can encounter serious financial implications, this guide will help you understand and minimise risk.
Download reportKnow dilapidations
Our guide helps occupiers understand what their requirements would be when it comes to maintaining and repairing the premises during occupancy and when a lease comes to an end.
Download report#LSHKNOWS
Get in touch
Email me direct


text:
Alezori Cat Eye Shiny 04 15ml
Category: | Thermo Glitter Cat Eye Flash |
Code: | 666037 |
Manufacturer: | ALEZORI |
New professional product Alezori professional products- semi-permanent varnish "CAT EYE SHINY".
How to apply:
- We paint the entire surface of the nail.
- Clean with nail cleaner
- We pass Optimizer.
-We pass Primer.
- Apply a thin layer of base coat soak off. It cures for 2΄ in the 36W UV lamp and 30 LED in the LED lamp.
- Apply the semi-permanent varnish CAT EYE 1 time.
- We magnetize it with a special magnet.
- Apply a layer of top coat soak off and polymerize for 2 minutes in the UW lamp 36W and 30 "in the LED lamp. Removed within 5 minutes with POLISH GEL REMOVER.
We recommend working with all the semi-permanent varnishes of the "cat eye" series with one method of application, ie one nail - we apply a thin layer of cat eye, magnetize, polymerize and then pass the next nail. The magic of the cat eye is in its fantastic form. At different angles, the light creates the effect of coverage and play with different shades. The dazzling design will win the hearts of the most elegant and demanding lady.
Certified European product approved by the EOF


text:
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Peaches & Cream Cupcakes...sort of
Peach Cupcakes (a recipe in process)
1/4 cup of frozen peach slices (about 3), thawed & pureed
2 T buttermilk
1/8 t baking soda
Yolk of 1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 t vanilla
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/4 C plus 2 t sugar
1/8 t salt
2 T unsalted butter, at room temperature
Preheat oven to 350. Put cupcake liners in 4 muffin cups. Combine the buttermilk, peach puree & baking soda in a small bowl. Stir to mix. Whisk in egg yolk & vanilla.
In a medium bowl blend the flour, sugar & salt together. Add butter & the peach/buttermilk mixture. Beat with hand mixer at low speed until moistened. Increase speed to medium & beat until well blended, about a minute. Spoon into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 2 minutes.
Makes 4 cupcakes
Adapted from Plain Good Cupcakes in Small-Batch Baking
This frosting is so delicious I was eating it right from the decorating bag. One tip, don't use light cream cheese like I did as the frosting comes out a little runny.
Cream Cheese Frosting
3 oz cold cream cheese
4 t unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 C confectioner sugar
1/8 t vanilla
With a hand mixer beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy & smooth. Add the butter & beat until combined. Mix in vanilla. Add the sugar half at a time mixing until well blended.
(* So I tried my hand at a second batch of these. This time I used 1/2 cup of peaches & about 2 T peach schnapps & reduced that on the stove until it was 1/4 cup. Then I replaced the vanilla in the recipe with Peach Schnapps. Still there was no peach flavor to the cupcakes at all! Think I'll set this idea aside for awhile.)
11 comments:
Kat, I love the Small Batch Baking book. Did you know there is a Flickr group for those of us who share our photos and such? Please come join us. http://www.flickr.com/groups/small-batch-baking/
- March 4, 2008 at 5:59 PM
- Tina said...
Looks and sounds good to me! I am so looking forward to the peach and nectarine season! Frozen is ok but not common over here (as well as frozen corn) and the canned ones have always too much sugar for my taste. You could try with peach flavored buttermilk or yoghurt…
Do you really heat your oven for only four cupcakes? I make at least 16 (two trays) and freeze some – so over time we get a good variety to choose from spontaneously. We eat them without frosting anyway so that's no problem. - March 5, 2008 at 3:04 AM
- Thistlemoon said...
They look beautiful even if they aren't quite peachy enough! But I think the scnapps will do the trick!
- March 5, 2008 at 10:20 AM
- Unknown said...
What about adding peach preserves?
- March 5, 2008 at 11:44 PM
- kat said...
Mark - I was thinking the same thing though I hate to buy preserves for just a little in a cupcake (we aren't big jam eaters) so I'm wondering if cooking down the puree a bit will give me the same effect.
Jen - Yeah I think the Schnapps will add a nice kick.
Anyway I'll have fun trying to get this right - March 6, 2008 at 8:40 AM
For extra flavor try using dehydrated fruit. Health food stores usually sell it, and it can be crushed into a powder and mixed in. I have done this with strawberries and it came out great.
- March 7, 2008 at 8:32 PM
- Nikki @ NikSnacks said...
I think that if you add apples or applesauce to the peach mixture it will bring out the peach flavor more. That is what's used in lots of food products with peaches.
- March 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
peach nectar!
- March 17, 2008 at 3:46 PM
- Michele @ Frugal Granola said...
Maybe some almond flavoring would help bring out the peach flavor?
Good luck!
Sounds yummy!
www.frugalgranola.blogspot.com - March 23, 2008 at 5:42 PM
I tried to make Peach Bellini cupcakes one time using just real peaches and I also had the flavor problem. I tried this instead and it came out good:
add a thing of peach jello and then frozen peaches with your cake mix... - August 1, 2008 at 2:23 PM
also I think random stores sell peach extract... but its too hard to find for me.
and for Peach bellini I coupled it with a champagne frosting- they were awesome! - August 1, 2008 at 2:28 PM


text:
The election of Donald Trump has sent millions of people pouring out onto the streets to protest a man they think is a racist, misogynist, xenophobic bully who will destroy US democracy in his quest to establish himself as supreme fascist ruler of the country.
Maybe they're right. Maybe Trump is a fascist who will destroy America. But where were these people when Obama was bombing wedding parties in Kandahar, or training jihadist militants to fight in Syria, or abetting NATO's destructive onslaught on Libya, or plunging Ukraine into fratricidal warfare, or collecting the phone records of innocent Americans, or deporting hundreds of thousands of undocumented workers, or force-feeding prisoners at Gitmo, or providing bombs and aircraft to the Saudis to continue their genocidal war against Yemen?
Where were they?
They were asleep, weren't they? Because liberals always sleep when their man is in office, particularly if their man is a smooth-talking cosmopolitan snake-charmer like Obama who croons about personal freedom and democracy while unleashing the most unspeakable violence on civilians across the Middle East and Central Asia.
The United States has been at war for eight straight years under Obama, and during that time, there hasn't been one sizable antiwar march, demonstration or protest. Nothing. No one seems to care when an articulate bi-racial mandarin kills mostly people of color, but when a brash and outspoken real estate magnate takes over the reigns of power, then 'watch out' because here come the protestors, all three million of them!
Can we agree that there is at least the appearance of hypocrisy here?
Indeed. Analyst Jon Reynolds summed it up perfectly over at the Black Agenda Report. He said:
"If Hillary had won, the drone strikes would have continued. The wars would have continued. The spying would continue. Whistleblowers would continue being prosecuted and hunted down. And minorities would continue bearing the brunt of these policies, both in the US and across the world. The difference is that in such a scenario, Democrats, if the last eight years are any indication, would remain silent — as they did under Obama — offering bare minimum concern and vilifying anyone attacking their beloved president as some sort of hater. Cities across the US would remain free of protests, and for another 4-8 years, Democrats would continue doing absolutely nothing to end the same horrifying policies now promoted by a Republican." ("Delusions Shattered", Jon Reynolds, The Black Agenda Report)
He's right, isn't he? How many of the 800,000 protesters who marched on Sunday would have flown to Washington to express their contempt for would-be President Hillary Clinton?
Zero, I'd wager, and yet it's Hillary who wanted to implement the no-fly zones in Syria that would have put Washington in direct confrontation with Moscow, just like it was Hillary who wanted to teach Putin a-thing-or-two in Ukraine. But is that what the people want? Would people prefer to be led into World War 3 by a bonefide champion of liberal values than concede the post to a brassy billionaire who wants to find common ground on fighting ISIS with his Russian counterpart?
It seems like a no-brainer to me. And it's not like we don't know who is responsible for the killing in Syria either. We do.
Barack Obama and his coterie of bloodthirsty friends in the political establishment are entirely responsible. These are the people who funded, armed and trained the Salafist maniacs that have decimated the country and created millions of refugees that are now tearing apart the EU. That's right, the spillover from America's not-so-covert operation is ripping the EU to shreds. It's just another unfortunate side-effect of Obama's bloody Syrian debacle. As journalist Margaret Kimberly says in a recent post at The Black Agenda Report: "All of the casualties, the sieges, the hunger and the frantic search for refuge can be placed at America's feet."
Amen, to that. All the violence can be traced back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, home of Barack Hussein Obama, Nobel peace prize winner. What a joke. Here's how analyst Solomon Comissiong sums it up in another article at the BAR:
"Supporters of Barack Obama, and liberals in general, are disingenuous frauds. They had no issues protesting the likes of the amoral warmongering George W. Bush or the racist xenophobe, Donald J. Trump, however when it comes to Barack Obama they can find no reason to protest his mass murdering escapades. Obama supporters were recently nostalgic and teary eyed after he gave his last major speech as president of the United States, yet can find little reason to shed tears over the masses of civilians who were destroyed directly as a result of Obama's policies. Where were the emotions and tears when men, women and children were getting blown to bits by USA drone attacks, indiscriminate air strikes and bombs?…Those who protested the racist and xenophobic Trump, but not Obama or Clinton, are nothing more that disingenuous frauds and amoral cowards." ("As Obama Exits the White House, Never Forget His Destructive Imperialist Legacy", Solomon Comissiong, Black Agenda Report)
Let's be honest, Obama got a pass from his supporters strictly because of appearances; because he looked and sounded like a thoroughly reasonable bloke who only acted on the loftiest of principles. Obama was hailed as a moral giant, a political rock star, a leader among leaders. But it was all fake, all make-up and glitz behind which operated the vicious national security state extending its tentacles around the world, toppling regimes wherever it went, and leaving anarchy and destruction in its wake. Isn't this Obama's real legacy when you strip away the sweeping hand gestures and pompous rhetoric?
Of course it is. But Trump won't have that advantage, will he? Trump is not a public relations invention upon which heartsick liberals pin their highest hopes. Trump is Trump warts and all, the proverbial bull in the china shop. That's not to say Trump won't be a lousy president. Judging by the Wall Street cutthroats and hard-edged military men he's surrounded himself with, he probably will be. But the American people are no longer asleep, so there's going to be limits to what he can hope to achieve.
So the question is: How should one approach the Trump presidency? Should we denounce him as a fascist before he ever sets foot in the Oval Office? Should we deny his "legitimacy" even though he was elected via a process we have honored for over 200 years? Should we launch impeachment proceedings before he's done anything that would warrant his removal from office?
Veteran journalist Robert Parry answers this question in a recent piece at Consortium News. Here's what he said:
"The current danger for Democrats and progressives is that – by bashing everything that Trump says and does – they will further alienate the white working-class voters who became his base and will push away anti-war activists.
There is a risk that the Left will trade places with the Right on the question of war and peace, with Democrats and progressives associating themselves with Hillary Clinton's support for "endless war" in the Middle East, the political machinations of the CIA, and a New Cold War with Russia, essentially moving into an alliance with the Military (and Intelligence) Industrial Complex.
Many populists already view the national Democrats as elitists disdainful of the working class, promoters of harmful "free trade" deals, and internationalists represented by the billionaires at the glitzy annual confab in Davos, Switzerland.
If — in a rush to demonize and impeach President Trump — Democrats and progressives solidify support for wars of choice in the Middle East, a New Cold War with Russia and a Davos-style elitism, they could further alienate many people who might otherwise be their allies.
In other words, selectivity in opposing and criticizing Trump – where he rightly deserves it – rather than opportunism in rejecting everything that Trump says might make more sense. A movement built entirely on destroying Trump could drop Democrats and progressives into some politically destructive traps." ("Selectivity in Trashing Trump", Robert Parry, Consortium News)
Right on, Bob. A very reasonable approach to a very thorny situation.


text:
Are you searching for a fabulous wedding venue? Join us for the complimentary "Bridal Open House" at Arden Hills on Sunday, January 31st, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.!
Newly engaged couples and event planners are invited to the breathtaking resort where they will enjoy tasty appetizers and refreshments while touring the gorgeous site with three elegant ballrooms — one newly remodeled — two lush wedding courtyards, the luxurious overnight Villas and award-winning spa and salon. Known as the area's premiere wedding destination, Arden Hills is the perfect venue for creating events to remember.
Stop by our booth at this event to get your FREE copy of Real Weddings Magazine and a FREE copy of our wedding planner Real Weddings Magazine's The Planning Guide!
Plus, enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Fat's Asia Bistro!
Event details:
When: Sunday, January 31, 2016
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Arden Hills at 1220 Arden Hills Lane in Sacramento
Cost: Admission is FREE.
What You'll Experience: Enjoy complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres while you and your fiance tour the resort.
For more information, click HERE or call 916-382-8955.
Be sure to tell them you found out about the event from Real Weddings Magazine!
Blog post by Real Weddings Magazine's Social Media Maven, Aimee Carroll.
Photo by Jacqueline Photography, © Real Weddings Magazine. For additional cover model shoot photos and details, please click on this link.
Subscribe to the Real Weddings Magazine Blog! Click here:


text:
Mon, Jan 08
|New York
Latin Mondays at Taj
Featured as One of NYC's Top Dance Parties by TONY Magazine & The NY Times, celebrating 17 years!
Time & Location
Jan 08, 2024, 5:00 PM – Jan 09, 2024, 1:00 AM
New York, 48 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010, USA
About the event
Doors Open at 5pm. Happy Hour, Food & Drink Specials every Monday!
Excellent Dinner and Dancing Experience. Dining Available and tapas menu served til 11pm (Reduced prices for Monday night dining)
Free Salsa Dance Lesson 7pm hosted by Talia Castro-Pozo (As seen in The Today Show, Univision, Latina Magazine, etc.)
Latin DJ's 5pm til closing & 2 sets of weekly live music at 9pm & 11pm
Taj Lounge
48 West 21st Street-NYC (Between 5th & 6th Ave.)
Doors Open 5:00pm til 1am
Info & Dinner Reservations: Call (212) 620-3033 or Text (917) 620-3109
Hosted by: Talia Castro-Pozo


text:
I don't really care how much the latest superhero film took at the box office, although I'd probably know if you asked me. When I watch a film the main thing I am looking for is a good story. I like it when I look up at the big screen and can see a part of me staring back at me. More than anything, I am still looking for Jimmy Stewart and Jack Lemmon and Billy Wilder in every film I see.
Sunday 3 February 2013
Netflix Original Series - HOUSE OF CARDS - Review & Analysis
'House Of Cards' is a thirteen episode TV-series. Actually, it's more like a thirteen hour movie. Released solely on Netflix, through all of its worldwide territories, on the same day. Every single episode is available. Immediately.
That's why I'm loving Netflix right now, because they have their finger right on the pulse. Bringing back 'Arrested Development'? Yes please. The common myth in the world at the moment is that people have no attention spans -- we can't get our minds away from Twitter for more than four minutes at a time. But across the world this week people are staying glued to their screens all day, soaking up 'House Of Cards'.
And this isn't mindless junk, it's gripping drama. Expertly written in a way that's engaging yet fascinatingly mysterious. After ten episodes you know what's going on yet realise you don't actually have a clue what's going on. Exactly what is Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) up to? And why am I suspicious of Claire Underwood? (Robin Wright).
There used to be a clear line between film and television; the glory was all in the motion pictures. Then the best screenwriters began turning their backs on the big screen, to focus on the small one. It was where they could find the creative freedom to tell their stories. The actors rapidly followed. It's no surprise that people spend weekends on TV Box-Set Marathons; because they're created by the best writing, producing, directing and acting talent in America. They look just like movies, yet they last way longer and the characters are so much more developed.
With 'House Of Cards', you realise just how blurred the lines have become. David Fincher and Kevin Spacey took this on by choice, because it was the best medium in which to do this story. When you sign up with a TV Network, you have an hour a week, and depending on who the broadcaster is, you're liable to be have your show ripped apart by distracting commercials every five minutes.
Everybody hates the way TV works, it's just there's never been another choice.
But now that Netflix is funding and distributing its own projects, the future has truly arrived, and this might just be the death of television, and it'll affect movies too. If people have the time and inclination - they can watch 'House Of Cards' in one sitting. Block out a day, order some pizza, and sink into the story for thirteen hours. That's powerful. After seeing this, nearly every Film Director in Hollywood will be wanting a similar opportunity. The chance to do something intelligent and in-depth, online. The audience potential is huge. This thing is WORLDWIDE, and IMMEDIATE!
I've written a lot about how illegal streaming is growing because it gives the people what they want in the way they want it. And by that, I don't mean free stuff; I mean easy access, and complete control of how to absorb the content. We don't want the dumb commercials anymore and we don't want to be drip-fed content. We love nothing more than settling down with four seasons of our new favourite show.
That's why the simultaneous release of all thirteen episodes is genius. We're engaged more than ever when the content is GREAT, when a show is truly worth it. That's why 'The West Wing' has gone on to such legendary status, because people are still discovering it, staying up all night binge-watching, and then recommending it to their friends. Same for 'The Wire', and 'Lost', even 'Friends'!
This is one of Kevin Spacey's finest performances. His turn as Francis Underwood is immensely gripping--- you find yourself rooting for him despite his evidently evil machinations. Robin Wright is unerringly cold and calculating as Francis' wife, Claire Underwood. Together they make a chillingly perfect team.
Another standout performance was given by Kate Mara, who I've seen in bits and pieces over the years, most recently in the film '10 Years', which I wrote about previously. But this is surely her best screen work to date. She begins as an atypically ambitious young journalist, but the character develops in far more fascinating directions through each episode -- until by the end, you'd hardly recognise her from the Zoe Barnes we met at the beginning. To say too much more would surely be on spoiler territory, so I'll just say that I was hugely impressed with how Mara portrayed her character, and I can't wait to see more of her work.
Same goes for Corey Stoll, who plays Congressman Peter Russo. This poor character is completely controlled and ruined by Francis Underwood. Russo, already an alcoholic, fumbles through each episode desperately struggling for even an inch of control or self-respect. He's a riveting character, and feels all-too-real which is a credit to Stoll's great acting.
As you'd expect when David Fincher is involved, the show is stylishly shot. When Fincher directed the Aaron Sorkin penned 'The Social Network', the screenwriter often said, "He made scenes of people talking about typing look like bank robberies". That's what you get with Fincher - he makes the boring fascinating. 'House Of Cards' is thirteen hours of Kevin Spacey walking in and out of rooms, having small conversations and then walking out again -- yet it's all so atmospheric and compelling.
This is one of those shows where, in many ways, not a lot happens. But the characters are so absorbing that you go along with it, based on faith. Because you know this is all leading somewhere.
WARNING: The next two paragraphs are potentially mildly spoiler-ish. Maybe best to skip over them if you haven't watched the show.
The unfortunate thing, from my point of view, is that come the end -- you are led absolutely nowhere. The final episode, which promises so much -- ends flatly. The end result, which you may have had an inkling of near the very beginning (or something close), begins to fall into place in the final few episodes. In the last three parts, once we get a sense of what Francis' intentions are -- the show flattens, loses its zip. The final episode, which promised so much, delivers exactly what is expected, in an almost casual manner -- offering no excitement, no intrigue, no sense of denouement.
It seems likely that the final episode is designed to leave us wanting more, begging for Season 2, but to this end, it falls short. When you're gifted a thirteen episode story at once, when you watch a character weave his way in and out of situations in search of a goal -- to not deliver on that in the end, in a satisfying way, is majorly disappointing. You don't end watching this show excited and hungry for more, you end it flatly; wondering why it didn't deliver a killer punch. You don't feel satiated.
Spoiler alert over, you're safe.
Netflix could really be onto something. Original content, delivered immediately and cheaply to the hungry consumer: this is exactly what we want. Will it become commonplace? Perhaps; but the material has to be excellent, and it has to be expertly put together. If not, there'll be tons of thirteen hour shows where nobody gets past the thirty minute mark.
This time, they had Fincher and Spacey, they were in safe hands. And in 'Arrested Development', it's hard to imagine they could fail. But new and original productions will be more risky. Netflix could, potentially, revolutionise the industry, bringing us wildly creative projects from the best minds in the business.
It's a risk that I hope they continue to gamble with.
'House Of Cards' is, I would say, a big success. Hugely compelling, with fantastic performances from some of the top actors in the industry. As a model for how things can be done in the new world; online and immediately accessible, this feels like the future. In fact, it feels like where we're at, right now.
My personal opinion is that the first series ends poorly, that the audience are not given the ending they deserve after keeping faith for thirteen long hours. It will be interesting to see if other viewers agree with me. If I'm right, then the team behind the project may have misfired; because word of mouth will undoubtedly suffer. I think 'House Of Cards' is a great experiment with so much about it that is fantastic; but do I recommend you give up thirteen hours to watch it? Not necessarily. I'm not sure the journey will take you where you want to go.
But the journey that Netflix is just beginning; I'm along for the ride.
8 comments:
I really enjoyed the ending. This isn't structured like a normal TV show with formulaic cliffhangers galore, it's a story, and it only makes sense to give the season its own conclusion. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I see how brilliant and underplayed the ending was. For Underwood, our guide, things ended calmly, the battle was, for a time, over and now it was time to soak in the bounty. Meanwhile, there are journalists right on his tail ready to expose all of his exploits. The cliffhanger is subtle, like the Breaking Bad season 4 finale. The opposite might be the Sherlock season 1 finale. Personally I like a finale with a conclusion, but with layers of expectation.
ReplyDelete- Anonymous11 February 2013 at 20:40
I am impressed with the story in the first 10 episodes. Not so much of the last 3 episodes. Overall... I hope that the next 13 hours will be as much captivating as the initial 10 episodes of the first season.
Ending of the first season... mixed, we can expect more from the screen and story "creators". They are paid "big $" after all... - Anonymous15 February 2013 at 15:57
"Expertly written in a way that's engaging yet fascinatingly mysterious."
Yet you fail to mention the writer, Beau Willimon. I guess you're too busy starfucking Fincher and Spacey. Must write itself.RepliesAnonymous - you are completely right. It was a huge error on my part to not mention Beau's work by his name. This is an unusual error by me. As a writer, normally the main person I am keen to support is the writer.
On the charges of 'starfucking', I claim innocence, but I do admit I made an error by not mentioning Beau Willimon's name!Superb adaptation and acting.Check out Davies' UK original to see the roots of Francis Underwood.
- Anonymous17 February 2013 at 09:38
I hated watching Zoe playing Nancy Drew with her colleagues. They made ridiculous assumptions and jumped to conclusions just so we the audience could be in suspense that they are finding out "the truth" (Linking Kapeniak all the way to Underwood wanting the VP nomination involved a bunch of leaps of faith that just weren't grounded in reality.)
And what is the truth? That Underwood got Russo to dump the Shipyard in exchange for a Governor nomination? Is that really a big story? To me that sounds like normal politics. Educated people know you have to scratch some backs in Washington to get what you want. To me, the whole suspense of their investigation falls flat because there's nothing significant to find.
There's also the fact that Underwood has a "fall guy" for EVERYTHING. Russo's shipyard scandal directly benefited Womack. If that story is leaked, Underwood will throw him under the bus. Womack won't be able to fire back without admitting he conspired to get the Majority Leadership.
And the Kopeniak scandal? Russo directly helped Durant get the Secretary of State spot. There is literally no way to tie Underwood to that considering Zoe was the one who actually initiated Durant's nomination.
They could TRY linking it to Underwood, but Underwood can brush it off as a smear campaign. The reporters will sound like crazy conspiracy theorists if they even suggest Underwood mentored Russo to run for Governor just so he could tank it towards the end. Without linking Underwood to Russo's death, there's no way they can put anything on him. - Anonymous18 March 2014 at 06:41
am I mistaken in thinking this is about "end justifies the means" Here Underwood becomes President without having had a "single vote" for the job. A means for capturing leadership of a country by guile and manipulation, and perhaps, in the end, being exactly what the country needs? He has no children, he is a pragmatist....and, once president, he'll do what is best for the country???


text:
Good luck!
Get your party hats on! My Weekend Bloggy Reading link party is scheduled as usual for tomorrow morning (8 am ET), so be sure to swing by with your best post of the week.
Here's the button code for the party if you want to get a head start! Recipes, crafts, home decor, party ideas, tips and tricks, you name it. Come prepared to showcase your blog and find some great weekend reads.
Disclosure: I received both the Christmas Classics and VeggieTales DVD sets to review.


text:
Staying Strong: 8 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health During a Quarantine
Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, there's no doubt about it - these are trying times for everyone physically, mentally and emotionally. Even if you aren't a healthcare professional or other essential worker on the front lines, it's still difficult to cope with the dramatic change in lifestyle and stress we're all experiencing.
Remaining in quarantine for an extended amount of time is a challenge. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, but there are things we can all do to remain mentally strong. Below we're offering eight tips to help anyone better manage their mental health while social distancing at home.
Tip #1: Take Breaks from the News and Social Media
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's important to take breaks from social media and the news.1
While you want to stay informed, taking in too much information can be upsetting and stressful. If you continue to refresh your news feed, listen to the radio or watch the news, it'll be hard to break your attention away from the current global crisis. Find a balance that allows you to stay informed without overwhelming yourself. If you like to start your day by checking social media, for example, you may want to try changing your routine for the foreseeable future. With social feeds inundated with COVID-19 coverage, this could be a jarring way to start the day.
Tip #2: Remember to Exercise
Most of us want to stay on top of our physical health during this time, but exercise can be just as important for your mental health as it is for you physically. Whether it's yoga, jogging or walking, riding your bike or hiking, participating in these physical activities allows you to take time for yourself - away from others and the news. And with spring in full swing, you may even be able to take your physical activity outdoors.
Tip #3: Practice Meditation
Even if you've never done it before, mediation is an effective form of self-care. Through patience and practice, regular meditation can help anyone become more mindful and at ease. It can increase calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance and enhance overall health and mental stability.2
Tip #4: Make Sure You Are Connecting with Others
While we're unable to physically be present with friends and family, it's still possible to keep in touch. Set up a Skype, Zoom or Facetime meeting with your friends or catch up over the phone. Some people quarantined at home have even started sending letters or notes to one another, like penpals. Get creative and think of ways you can connect and brighten someone's day, because chances are your loved ones are feeling anxious as well.
Tip #5: Try a New Hobby
With more time on your hands than ever, now's the time to try something new. Whether it's painting, knitting, photography or whatever else you've always had an interest in trying, it's a great way to do something fun while clearing your head. If you are at home with children, you could also do age-appropriate crafts and activities as a whole family, as this provides fun for everyone involved. If you haven't picked up a board game in a while, maybe now's the right time to start a weekly family game night.
Tip #6: Help Others
There are plenty of ways to stay compliant with social distancing regulations while still taking the time to feel good by helping others. Some ideas include:
- Offer to get groceries for at-risk neighbors and family members
- Donate to local food banks
- Provide meals to local hospital workers
- Make a monetary donation online
Helping others in this time of crisis not only helps the community around you, it can make you feel good too.
Tip #7: Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is a time to recharge your batteries, unwind from the day and prepare for tomorrow. Getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep will help you to work better, feel better and stay healthy.3
Tip #8: Eat a Balanced and Healthy Diet
We may be stuck inside more, but that isn't an excuse to forego our healthy eating habits. While it's perfectly fine to enjoy some treats in moderation, make sure that you are still eating meals packed with protein, fruits and vegetables. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help everyone in your household feel better both mentally and physically over the coming weeks.
We hope that everyone stays healthy and safe while doing their best to support themselves and their communities during this time. As we all endure the emotional and mental stress of the coming weeks, it's comforting to know there are things we can do to make it better.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fmanaging-stress-anxiety.html
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-needs-get-the-sleep-you-need.htm
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.


text:
By Jennifer Belgard
Contributing Editor
Dirk Hays has been a force to reckon with since his arrival on the Atlanta Art scene in the early '80s. His style is a Dirty South Cocktail: a nostalgia-laced, moonshine Mai Tai served up in a flaming, coconut zombie-monkey cup garnished with a Fez. Dirk's alter ego, Uncle Daddy, is behind the bar this time shaking up his own country concoctions. So, grab a bar stool, a Psychedelic Sarsaparilla, and sit a spell with us. Let Uncle Daddy spin a yarn.
ATLRetro: Tell me a little about yourself.
Dirk Hays: I grew up in a small town in Alabama and my dad was a sign painter, so I used to spend a lot of time hanging out at the sign shop and watching him work. I spent a lot of my childhood drawing and listening to music for hours on end. I loved comic books and would draw my favorite characters from them. When I was 15 or 16, I discovered underground comics and that clearly shaped my drawing style, along with other artists of the time, such as Big Daddy Roth and Basil Wolverton, and the crew at MAD magazine.
I have a degree in Visual Communications from Auburn University and worked in advertising for a few years after moving to Atlanta in 1982. During those years, I worked off and on at the Center for Puppetry Arts and developed a love for sculpture. I started making and selling my art about this time and enjoyed doing that solely for about 13 years, until I had the opportunity to learn to tattoo. I've owned and operated East Atlanta Tattoo for the past 10 years and I also play washtub bass in Uncle Daddy and the Kissin' Cousins. I enjoy camping, working in my vegetable garden and hanging out with my wife [Editor's Note: That's Kool Kat Barbilicious Hays of Blast-Off Burlesque] and dogs. Oh, and bacon.
What led to the creation of Uncle Daddy's Woodland Critters series?
I've always preferred painting on wood for some reason; maybe that goes back to watching my dad paint signs on wood, I don't know. Sometimes the confines of a canvas with straight edges seems to restrict me and I tend to prefer cut out irregular shapes. The pieces started taking more of a sculptural bent, with the addition of various layers, a few years ago, with another series of work that I was doing. The idea for the critters has been with me for a while now, but only gelled recently. I made an owl one day and put the picture up on Facebook and had 60 some responses within no time. People were asking about prices and if I was doing any other animals, so it seemed like there was a good deal of interest right off the bat. I decided to work on this series under my band persona of Uncle Daddy, and I make them in my workshop on Woodland Avenue, so the name kind of came from that.
You repurpose materials like barn siding for the Critters. What other materials do you use and why?
I've always been a big trash scavenger for art materials. I like the mix of something old and weathered with the freshly painted, bright colors, in some instances. Mainly, the critters are made of birch plywood that I cut out on the bandsaw, paint with a combination of spray and acrylic, and then glue together.
One of my favorite Critters is the O KISSUM. Tell me a little bit about what influences your work.
Well, obviously music and pop culture are big influences, as well as the comic artists that I spoke of earlier. I like to inject a little humor into the work when I can and that was just a silly idea that occurred to me as I was making the possum. Sometimes the different pieces laying around on my work table unassembled, seem to gravitate toward each other in unexpected ways. Mixing the elements up a little allows for more variety in the series and something outside the box. Is that an udder on that rabbit? Horns on a beaver? Why not? Anything can happen in this forest, and the weirder the better for my tastes.
Where can we find Uncle Daddy's Woodland Critters?
I've only been doing this series since the beginning of December, and most of the sales have been through Facebook, or in my driveway, up to this point. I recently placed a few at HodgePodge Coffeehouse and Gallery, 720 Moreland Avenue, in East Atlanta. I'm also speaking with the nice folks at Pine Street Market in Avondale Estates about showing some there, as well. I don't have the space at the tattoo shop any longer to display art, since we gave up the gallery there, so I'm looking for a few locations around town to place them. People can still contact me through Facebook, and if you like the page, you can keep up with any updates there. I usually post any new critters as soon as they're done, too, so you can get first dibs on new creations. I also do commissions, so if you have an idea for a critter, other than a portrait of your dog, hit me up and I'll see if I can make it happen.
Any new projects or events coming up?
Just working on new critters, getting ready for spring. I'd like to show the work at some local art/craft festivals, if the stars align just right and I can make it work between band gigs and running the tattoo shop.
About the Author: ATLRetro Contributing Editor Jennifer Belgard is Co-Conspirator at Libertine, Curator of Curios at Diamond*Star*Halo, Barkeep at Euclid Avenue Yacht Club, and Co-Coordinator of Chaos for the Little 5 Points Halloween Parade & Festival. In her spare time she enjoys Turnin' TriXXX and playing Queen of Your Distraction.


text:
YI, JIANG - Jiangnan University | |
LI, YUE - Jiangnan University | |
Yokoyama, Wallace - Wally | |
ZHONG, FANG - Jiangnan University |
Submitted to: Food Hydrocolloids
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/25/2013 Publication Date: 3/4/2014 Citation: Yi, J., Li, Y., Yokoyama, W.H., Zhong, F. 2014. The physicochemical stability and in vitro bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in oil-in- water sodium caseinate emulsions. Food Hydrocolloids Journal. 35:9-27. Interpretive Summary: Beta-carotene is the normal dietary precursor of vitamin A. The bioavailability of beta-carotene is low because it is insoluble in water and has very low solubility in oils. Microemulsions as carriers of beta-carotene may increase bioavailability due to their high surface area. Microemulsions were prepared with food grade encapsulating agent, sodium caseinate, and were shown to have increased bioaccessibility. Technical Abstract: Beta-carotene (BC), the most important dietary source of provitamin A, is necessary for optimum human health. BC is insoluble or only slightly soluble in most liquids but its bioavailability improves when ingested with fat. Therefore lipid emulsions are ideal matrices for BC delivery. BC (0.1%) in corn oil, the dispersed phase (5 or 10%), was homogenized with 2% sodium caseinate solution in a microfluidizer. Homogenization at different pressures produced droplet diameters (Dz=368-124 nm) that were linear and inversely related to homogenization pressures in the pressure range 10-100 MPa. Nanoemulsions (r<200 nm) were prepared at 100 MPa. The sodium caseinate emulsions were generally very stable to coalescence or flocculation over 30 days and the slow rate of volume increase was found to be related to the square of the initial droplet radius following Stokes velocity of settling equation. BC stability towards oxidation was lower as droplet diameter decreased. The rate of lipolysis in an in vitro system was higher and linearly related to the inverse of droplet diameter. Bioaccessibility, as defined by the amount of BC recovered in the aqueous phase after ultracentrifugation, was linearly related to smaller emulsion droplet diameter. These results show that sodium caseinate, a food grade emulsifier, can be used to prepare stable emulsions of food oils carrying beta-carotene. Since foods oils facilitate the uptake of beta-carotene this may be a preferred system to deliver beta-carotene. |


text:
Paul Kavanagh was born in England in 1971 and lives in Charlotte, N.C., USA. His writing credits include poetry and short stories in Sleeping Fish, Burnside Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, Pen Pusher, Better Non Sequitur, Nano Fiction, Evergreen Review, Marginalia, Upstairs at Duroc, Mipoesias, Monkeybicycle, Milk Magazine, American Drivel Review, and Trnsfr.
The Killing of a Bank Manager (2011)
Iceberg (2012)


text:
I added a significant amount of detail to Wikipedia's Transhumanism page, much of it derived from our Betterhumans Transhumanism resource.
Yes, freedom of religion is important, but I would argue that freedom from religion is even more important. Canada and the United States must continue to separate church from state. Moreover, while science can certainly take on religious-like characteristics, it is not a religion. It is a rational methodology that is subject to rejection, correction, normative processes, and critical peer-reviews; religions are dogmatic, unyielding, with little reliance on proven methodologies. Thus, schools must better promote the sciences, and absolutely disallow the teaching of such things as Creationism. I saw a billboard recently that said: "Literacy is a right." I'd go one step further: scientific literacy is a right.
The World Transhumanist Association issued the following press release upon news that the Raelian religious cult had successfully cloned the first human:
Clones Are People Too, Group Says
WILLINGTON, Ct., December 27, 2002 -- Following claims by the Raelian sect to have successfully cloned a human baby, an organization dedicated to promoting appropriate uses of technology is urging the media and the public to remember that human clones are, first and foremost, human.
The World Transhumanist Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes discussion of improving human capacities using technology, believes that it was irresponsible to attempt human cloning before the procedure was perfected.
But the organization, which includes prominent scientists and philosophers, believes that in principle cloning is a legitimate means of procreation. If independent confirmation proves that the Raelians have indeed created a clone, the WTA calls for acceptance of the baby as human.
"It is important that we see a cloned child as what it is -- an individual person who is just as human as you and me. Just because it is cloned doesn't mean that it has any less human dignity than people who were born in other ways," says WTA chair Nick Bostrom. "This is an opportunity for us to overcome some of our prejudices. Scare-mongers have argued that a clone would somehow have a diminished degree of humanity. If the claim of human cloning is borne out, we will be faced with the concrete choice between rejecting this view, and denying the dignity of a living human baby."
Transhumanists have long argued that appropriate uses of technology can allow us to overcome human limitations. Cloning could allow many parents to have children when they would otherwise be unable. As with any technology there is a risk of abuse, but as with many technologies outright bans and irrational actions only increase danger.
The WTA emphasizes, however, that it does not endorse the action of the Raelians in attempting cloning this early. "It would be legally and morally just to hold the parents responsible for any medical side effects that occur as the result of an over-hasty cloning attempt," says Bostrom. "But the child itself is innocent, and in full possession of human rights and human dignity, whether or not it proves to be a clone."
Society's reaction to cloning is also important, the WTA says, as it will test our readiness for coming technological challenges and opportunities. Advances in biotechnology, nanotechnology and information technology hold incredible promise, but this promise is at risk from ill-advised prohibitions based on unfounded fears.
"Let us hope for a healthy, happy and long life for the first cloned baby," says Bostrom, "as we would for any other child."
Simon Smith and myself finally finished upgrading the Transhumanism resource for Betterhumans.
Human minds are essentially computers. Philosophers and scientists like Marvin Minsky, Daniel Dennett, Steven Pinker, and Hans Moravec have demonstrated the computational characteristics of the human brain. Even though it's composed of wetware components, the brain is essentially a massively parallel processor that runs (debatably) about 10x16 calculations per second.
And like the primitive PCs we use on a daily basis, our mind-computers interface with other mind-computers; we communicate with our fellow human beings (think of it as organic robot to organic robot interfacing).
Accordingly, instead of thinking about 6 billion people on this planet, conceptualize 6 billion discreet minds with interface nodes that can connect to other consciousnesses. Network connections are established anytime a form of communication takes place. In this Human Communications Wide Area Network (HCWAN), each individual that is capable of transmitting and receiving information can act as both a node and a router. And due to its theoretic universality, the HCWAN can be considered a fully connected network.
There are essentially three different types of communication exchanges in the HCWAN: 1) unidirectional data transfer (e.g. a speech), 2) multidirectional information queries and data exchange (e.g. a conversation), and 3) proxy medium data transfer (e.g. books). Communications technology are constantly improving and enhancing the efficacy of all three. And like the six degrees of separation argument states, there are paths (some short, some long) that interconnect every mind on the planet to each other.
Needless to say, this mind-network topology is massive, and limitations do currently exist. Not every mind can be interconnected directly with every other mind, nor are the connections permanent. And the number of simultaneous connects is limited by human limitations (we can only hold a conversation with a small number of people). And when there's no communication, the channel is closed.
The number and quality of nodal linkages are constrained by many factors, including physical and technological limitations/barriers that inhibit the interfacing between two or more minds, the quality of the mode of communication between agents (including the sophistication of the language, the ability to accurately convey and process thoughts, the integrity of the information that is being transferred (including the level of honesty on the part of the communicator), and of course, the willing establishment of communications between two minds.
Conscious agents can interface any number of ways, including verbal, expressive, and body language. There's also written text in any number of mediums (analog and digital), and the use of signs, symbols, and metaphors.
And what to two or more interfacing minds communicate? Information, including raw data, intentions, motives, humour, persuasions, emotional states, desires, or simply for the purpose of enjoying the presence of an interfaced mind and delighting in a good conversation.
Prepared by Simon Smith & George Dvorsky
The Omega Point Theory, also called the Quantum Omega Point Theory, is nothing less than an attempt to unify physics and theology in proclaiming the potential for Godlike powers and the possibility for heavenly existence at the end of the universe. Proposed by physicist Frank J. Tipler and expounded in his 1994 book The Physics of Immortality: Modern Cosmology, God and the Resurrection of the Dead, this theory has spurred both praise and ridicule.
While Tipler's work sounds more like radical science fiction than science, he's no slouch in academia. He's a professor in the Department of Mathematics at Tulane University in New Orleans, writes papers for the International Journal of Theoretical Physics and is well known for his insights into the Cosmological Antrophic Principle. Nevertheless, he has been attacked by scientists, who argue that he has concocted a theory to prove beliefs (some have even tried to have him "fired" from Tulane, which you can't do to a tenured professor). In addition, he has been criticized by theologians, who take issue with Tipler's notion of God.
But despite this, both the theory and the book are hugely important. While not everyone agrees with his eschatological speculations, Tipler's physics are endorsed by such scientists as the influential quantum physicist David Deutsch. And many note that his work marks an emerging renaissance in which advancing science and technology, from quantum physics to genetic engineering, is spawning new cosmologies and philosophies, such as Transhumanism.
God as a universal computer
"Either theology is pure nonsense, a subject with no content, or else theology must ultimately become a branch of physics," Tipler writes in The Physics of Immortality. "The reason is simple. The universe is defined to be the totality of all that exists, the totality of a reality. Thus, by definition, if God exists, He/She is either the universe or part of it. The goal of physics is understanding the ultimate nature of reality. If God is real, physicists will eventually find Him/Her."
The Omega Point Theory is an attempt to do so. With pages of mathematical equations, Tipler constructs an intriguing postulate: If the universe is headed for an eventual collapse, he argues, intelligent life can do some engineering and use the collapse to power a computer with infinite power in which it, and all intelligent life that ever existed, can live forever. Moreover, Tipler believes that the known laws of physics require life to engage in this engineering project.
Is this possible? Tipler believes that intelligent life could colonize the universe using self-replicating probes. Sufficiently advanced intelligences could then alter a collapsing universe in such a way that different parts collapsed at different rates (a "Taub-like" collapse). Intelligent life could then derive energy from the collapse, and this energy would diverge toward infinity as the collapse proceeded toward a singularity. By converting the universe to a computer that fed off the energy, this would allow an infinite amount of information processing and storage.
As the giant universal computer keeps shrinking in size, its power increases to the point at which it can emulate all possible permutations of the universe's history while also allowing all contained entities a heavenly and subjectively eternal existence. And because intelligent life would have to work together to do build the universal computer, Tipler argues, future intelligences will be altruistic and will therefore wantt to resurrect previous beings and give them eternal life. "If any reader has lost a loved one, or is afraid of death, modern physics says: 'Be comforted, you and they shall live again,'" Tipler writes.
Scientific controversy
If Tipler has proven the existence of God and immortality, why hasn't everyone heard of the Omega Point Theory? The reason is that while Tipler's theory represents a stunning paradigm shift, it has also been the subject of much criticism.
For starters there are Tipler's scientific assumptions. He assumes that the universe will collapse into a singularity, but there are alternate theories. The universe could expand forever, meaning that a collapse-powered universal computer isn't possible. After publishing his book, Tipler has admitted the possibility that acceleration could occur in the expanding phase of the universe and invalidate his calculations predicting a collapse. "If the observed acceleration were to continue forever, the Omega Point Theory would be refuted," he has said.
But Tipler hasn't backed down. His recent thinking on the matter leads him to believe that the expansion of life to engulf the universe is exactly what is required to cancel the positive cosmological constant (a.k.a. Dark Energy) driving the expansion of the universe. "As life expands outward, life will require energy, and before the collapse of the universe provides gravitational collapse energy, the energy source will be the conversion of baryons and leptons into energy via electroweak quantum tunneling," he has said.
The prediction of the universe's collapse isn't the only scientific theory under attack, however. Tipler also assumes that future intelligent life will be altruistic and resurrect past life, for example, which he bases on game theory logic. This is a leap of faith. There is no guarantee that future intelligent life will be altruistic, or that it will have an interest in resurrection.
Theological controversy
Then there is Tipler's theology. While he believes that God must be part of the physical universe, many theologians would disagree. And while his future universal computer becomes God by emulating everything, many theologians would argue that this is not God in the traditional sense. The theological denial is connected with the gnostic (or Manichean) heresy. This holds that there is a "spirtual realm" that is superior to the "material realm," which is uninteresting, evil or both. The goal in the gnostic heresy is to escape from the world of matter into the spirit world. "Unfortunately," Tipler has said, "this heresy is widespread even among Christians (who should know better), and it prevents the Omega Point Theory -- or Transhumanism -- from being taken seriously."
Tipler recognizes that most if not all religious leaders reject the idea that humans are just special types of computers, and that such things as mind uploading and artificial intelligence are possible. Instead, he notes, they believe in an "immortal soul" that appears to be some sort of "stuff" not subject to the laws of physics.
But Tipler expects that theologians will come to accept science-inspired insights in the future, and he continues to meet with religious leaders around the world. In fact, the Lutherian Bishop of Hamburg has recently come to accept the Omega Point Theory, so it's possible that religious leaders will find ways to sympathize with Tipler's secular neo-theology.
If not, Tipler's propositions will still be extremely important and influential. He has attempted to construct a testable theory of God and immortality. While it may have scientific and theological flaws, it is arguably the first step toward a secular eschatology that merges religious ideas with current scientific understanding and technological progress. And as with other scientific theories, it will no doubt be refined over time, addressing criticisms along the way.
Added some new quotes from Frank Tipler, Georg Hegel, JBS Haldane, George Lucas, David Brin, David Haig, & Anders Sandberg.
Ending Biblical Brainwash
For better mental and cultural health, it's time we classified religious fundamentalism as a psychological disorder
TRANSHUMANIST NON-HOLIDAY (humor)
With tongue firmly in cheek, WTA board member Eliezer Yudkowsky recently proposed an alternative to the traditional holiday festivities: Newtonmas. He also proposed that Santa be replaced by the Fairy of Doubt, who would only bring gifts to those children who did not believe in him ;-)
In light of the introduction of the first Transhumanist non-holiday, it would appear that revisions to traditional carols would seem to be in order. Here are a few of my suggestions:
- Frosty the Cyborg
- All I Want for Newtonmas Is My Two Frontal Lobe Intelligence Augementation Implants
- Fairy of Doubt is Not Coming to Town
- I'm Dreaming of a Gray Goo Free Newtonmas
- Nano Bells
- We Three Posthumans
- Cloned Sheep May Safely Graze
- Deus Ex Machina Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- Let It Singularity, Let It Singularity, Let It Singularity
- O Come All Ye Uploaded
- Deck the Virtual Reality With Boughs of Holly
- Rudolph the Red Nosed, Two Headed, Fork-Tongued Transgenic Reindeer
- Good King Singleton
- Joy to the World
Congratulations to everyone involved in the first cryonics case in Toronto, including Toronto Transhumanist Association member Brent Erskine. Read Ben Best's report.
Many bioethicists complain that human genomics is an imposition upon the unborn, forcing them to live with the changes their parents enforced upon their physical and cognitive makeup. I'm not so sure I buy this argument. Parents, as the legal guardians of children, already control and regulate many things in their children's lives: their name, the clothes they wear, how they are socialized and educated, and other factors such as socioeconomic status. But more to the point, when parents choose to have children, it's an issue of personal reproductive rights and the right to choose how one will produce offspring from one's own body. In most cases, parents will choose wisely and responsibly when it comes to the health of their children.
How would you feel if you born with some sort of disability, knowing full-well that your parents could have opted to have your genetic makeup repaired at at the embryonic stage? Remember, I'm not talking about screening and aborting fetuses -- I'm talking about the genetic manipulation of blastocysts in petri-dishes. I don't know about you, but I'd be furious. One could argue that it is a human right to not be born with a disability if the condition could be repaired at the embryonic stage.
Of course, this leads to larger ethical issues, specifically when it comes to genetic augmentations. Will parents feel compelled by social conventions to genetically augment their children? Would it be unjust to a child to not enhance them, to not give them every advantage available by medical technologies? Again, I think parents will make the right decisions. Mothers already take care of themselves during pregnancies to ensure healthy children, including careful diets, folic acid, and exercise. Parents will continue to do what they think is necessary to guarantee the healthiest children.
In a recent discussion with fellow Transhumanists on the wta-talk list, it was correctly brought to my attention that my December 4 statement on 'Technological Pathologies' was rather sweeping. They pointed out that some of these technologies could be utilised to desireable ends. For example, it would give people access to their own memories and personalities, giving people the capacity to mould themselves as they see fit. To this end, I will say that at the very least, these technologies will need to be closely monitored and regulated. But as for outright bans, perhaps not.
Some future technologies will need to be classified as pathologies, as they pose varying threats to individuals and society as a whole. Innovations that allow for the engineering and control of another sentient consciousness must be regarded as weapons of mass destruction and therefore prohibited. For example, technologies that would allow for the re-programming or brain washing of sentient beings, the planting of false memories and desires, and other speculative or unforeseen unethical persuasion techniques.
One could argue that modern neuromarketing is an example of this. Corporations are studying the human brain and how it responds to various stimuli. Advertisers use this information to craft extremely persuasive ad campaigns that tap into the viewers' intrinsic proclivities. I consider this to be quite unethical, as it removes a significant amount of freewill on the part of the consumer -- and it's becoming increasingly difficult to avoid advertising.
Perhaps we should worry less about the government gaining control of these technologies than corporations.
The human brain is the most complex mechanism yet discovered in the universe. It is also one of the most underutilized. It's not only that there are 'parts' of the brain that we're not using; it's that we don't know how to use the brain to its full potential. We're not thinking properly. What exactly do I mean by underutilized? Perfect psychological control over all of our body's processes.
Meditative and psychological techniques have tried to help us in this realm, but with varying and limited results. Some yogic masters have remarkable control over their bodies: they can slow their heart rate down, survive extended durations while buried alive, and control pain. But this is only the beginning. In the future, intelligence amplification and other neural enhancements, including nanotechnology and advanced meditative techniques, are sure to introduce the added side-effect of broadened consciousness and bodily awareness. We may be able to control the finer workings of our brain and release or inhibit various neurochemicals. We'll also have better pain management resources. Essentially, we will be able to perform the tasks of many modern pharmaceuticals. Additionally, we will be able to release certain hormones into our system -- you may be able to release pheromones to the environment when you're...in the mood. ;-)
Capitalism is a privilege, not a right.
The TTA press release re: Leon Kass has been posted on the LongevityMeme Website.
My Betterhumans Transitory Human column, Forward in the Face of Danger, is the featured article for December in the Extropy Institute's Journal for Transhumanist Solutions.
Some observers like to compare the burgeoning Transhumanist movement with Nietzchian philosophies and 20th century style eugenics. I take a different approach: I like to compare the Transhumanist ethic with progressive biologically-based social reforms [see my Transhumanism: The Next Great Threat to Oppression and Inequality article for more], which would include the emancipation of Blacks in the United States in the 19th century.
Prior to the Civil War, most Southerners were unbelievably racist, and refused to entertain the idea of extending full U.S. citizenship rights to blacks. Some believed that blacks were too unintelligent to take care of themselves, and that the slave-race/master-race relationship was the only viable social option. In fact, Southerners believed that they were doing Blacks a favour. And of course, gentlemen Southerners were fearful of exposing their delicate Southern belles to free-roaming Blacks.
Various Luddites (especially agrarians) argued that the South had achieved an extremely desirable social system; many looked at Northern industrialism with disdain. Compounding this was a strong elitist sentiment brought on by the South's respect for the Victorian ethic and aesthetic.
Also, feeling pressure from the emancipation forces from the North, many Southerners looked to the Bible for justifications of slavery, and of course, they found what they were looking for in several Old Testament stories (esp. see Canaan and the descendants of Ham).
There were also arguments from science -- or rather, pseudo-science. Some scientists, including the influential Swiss/American Jean L. R. Agassiz, argued vehemently for slavery. In fact, Darwin sent Agassiz a copy of his book on the origin of species, which contradicted Agassiz's belief in the 'fixity of species'. Agassiz only went so far as to support 'plural origins of mankind,' which provided scientific authority to racial supremacists and pro-slavery forces. Over time he became quite dogmatic and was opposed to the concept of evolution in any form.
And finally, Southerners bandied together to create a sub-nationalist coalition that basically said, "Hey you Yankees, you can't tell us what to do!" And the next thing you had was civil war.
I wonder what lessons this episode in U.S. history holds for Transhumanists.