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From the editorial:
"Durvásas was wandering over the earth, when he beheld, in the hands of a nymph of air, a garland of flowers culled from the trees of heaven, the fragrant odour of which spread throughout the forest, and enraptured all who dwelt beneath its shade."
Vishnu Purana Book 9
As the story goes, Durvásas gave this garland to Indra, who placed it on the head of his elephant, Aiávata, which took it by the trunk and cast it on the earth. Incensed at this disrespect, Durvásas cursed the deities and the earth they inhabited, leading to the withering of life.
The ancient story of Samudra manthan can be found in most of the Hindu scriptures, like a tale of original sin. It helps us understand the importance of the garland as a "dwelling of Fortune" (S'rí or Lakshmi). This myth is one of many that are woven into a platform on which cultures survive over millennia.
In a fast world, we have reason for concern that such classic stories get washed away in the daily torrent of information. Susan Sontag quotes the Latin phrase, Habent sua fata fabulae ("Tales have their own fate"): stories are continually disseminated, transcribed, misremembered and translated. Accordingly, this issue of Garland is based on the concept of "narrative materialism". We face the challenge of housing our stories in objects, parallel to the architectural challenge of accommodating our bodies.
Where do stories live? We might think of them as scripts that we keep in our heads. But clearly they have a life beyond the vagaries of our memory, not to mention a life that exceeds our own. Since the Gutenberg revolution, we have taken to housing stories in bound paper, which in turn reside in libraries. But with ebooks, these objects are no longer necessary to store tales. There are also many stories that are not found in books, such as personal memories. We attach these to an object that witnessed the event, such as a keepsake. A key value for most of the handmade objects we treasure is the story they tell—who made it, where we found it, who gave it to us or the story it depicts.
India has a remarkable tradition of objects designed specifically to tell stories. These objects follow the form of a book, with hinged elements that open to reveal the narrative over time. As Ishan Khosla writes, the kaavad is a cabinet that unfolds the story though a series of doors. The patachitra has flaps that reveal the action. And patua scrolls unfurl scenes to accompany a song.
As Sunaina Suneja writes, there are still patua artisans active in India today. And projects like Medhavi Gandhi's Handmade Tales seek to passed their traditions onto the next generation. But there's also a new form of storytelling. India has seen particularly innovative platforms emerge for selling craft online. This is not just the sophistical algorithm and coding, but also the meaning that the website can convey. Like the unfolding of the traditional objects, the story of a product is told as the consumer clicks through the layers of information, often leading to details of the maker themselves.
India stories travel far across the ocean. Our Garland quarterly essay contains the inspiring story of a partnership between Australian ceramicist Sandra Bowkett and the Indian potter Banay Singh and his village. What drives a potter from a comfortable life in central Victoria to spend time in a potters' colony in Delhi? A key part of the story is the intimate involvement of clay in traditional lifestyles, from the mutka water vessel to the chai cup.
Thanks to a partnership with Artisans Gallery, this issue has a particular focus on Mumbai as part of the broader western India region. To continue our Persian interest, Priyanka Kochar discovers the rare craft of Mumbai's Parsis. Expert guide to India, Fiona Caulfield, shares with us her favourite sources of craft and lifestyle in Mumbai. And Australian designer Trent Jansen writes of his confrontation with the phenomenon of jugaad in the legendary "slum" of Dharavi.
There are two wonderful stories related to our friends art Art Ichol. Tanya Dutt tells a heartening story of a quest to find the spirit of Gandhi in today's India. And Clare Kennedy shares with us her findings about the contemporary life of the brick.
Textiles prove to be a particularly rich source of stories. We consider craft classics, such as the kediyun (LOkesh Ghai), muslin (Gopika Nath), the sari (Malika Kashyap) and the dhurry rug (Liz Williamson). Ansie van der Velt joins us again to tells the story of Barbara Mullin, one of many Australians who has made Gujarati textiles a lifelong vocation.
We also go a little further west with some remarkable articles from Pakistan. Sahr Bashir tells us about the stunning new jewellery art coming from her country. And two architect designers tell us their thinking about dysfunctionality.
This issue coincides with a major glass event in the Asia Pacific, Ausglass 2017. We include beautiful works by Holly Grace that reveal a subtle use of photography in glass. And Mark Eliot backgrounds his use of glass to tell stories through animation.
We wrap this issue up with three important articles. The much respected Indrasen Vencatachellum tells us about his exciting new festival of natural dyes in Madagascar. While in Africa, we hear the stories of artisans who make Bolga baskets in Ghana. And finally, Anna Varendorff is a new voice who challenges the concept of craft today.
We like to think that Garland too is a suitable home for the stories that objects tell. We are fortunate in this issue to have some captivating tales of Indian crafts. We hope you take delight in this garland, but please keep it from disrespectful white elephants.


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- "Authenticity is the core of this musical brotherhood... the Midtown Men sound as crisp as their Rat Pack-inspired suits!"
- "... as good as popping Meet the Beatles on my turntable for the first time!"
About THE MIDTOWN MEN
THE MIDTOWN MEN: The high-octane musical tour de force, celebrating the best of the '60s.
From Boys to Men. THE MIDTOWN MEN reunites Stars From The Original Cast of Broadway's Jersey Boys, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. After sharing the stage for over a thousand performances, Tony® Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony® Award nominee J. Robert Spencer decided to take their signature sound and chemistry to audiences everywhere, bringing to life their favorite 1960s hits.
The New York Times says, "Sidling up to the microphone, the singers had the air of the Rat Pack, Motown and a nightclub act rolled into one," while the New York Daily News proclaims, "The Midtown Men sound as crisp as their Rat Pack-inspired suits. Their voices blend together so flawlessly on stage." After a recent performance with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, The Oklahoman praised the Midtown Men for "a joyous and nostalgic trip through the music of the 1960s with terrific orchestral charts," adding, "this high-spirited evening kicked the audience's adrenaline into overdrive."

subset: commoncrawl


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Event Series:
Club Bingo
Cash Bingo
May 24, 2028 @ 7:30 pm - 10:15 pm
FreeJoin us on Wednesday Evenings for our regular Social Bingo!
Eyes Down at 8 pm
With caller, Simon Woodward and should Simon not be available, we will be using some new technology to continue in his absence.
Prizes will be adjusted to allow for smaller groups when needed and there will be slightly fewer games to provide more time for socialising.
We hope you will enjoy the new format and look forward to seeing you there.
No entry fee just buy your books to join in!
£10 for eight or £5 for four.
Guests are welcome!
They must be signed in by a Member and there is small fee of £1 for 'Membership for the Night'


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If you understand the very basics of HVAC marketing, you know that direct response advertising is a great tool for generating leads.
Direct response ads go directly to a prospect and ask for a response. With attention grabbing headlines, they speak to a prospect about his problem or need and propose a solution right then and there.
There is no mystery that the prospect is supposed to respond to the ad. And the response to the offer is supposed to be immediate, if not sooner. The customer usually gets a little bonus for responding quicker, but that's not necessary.
Like I said, that's the basics. The experienced marketer, however, can take the concepts of direct response one giant step further, and make the ads too powerful to resist. The experienced marketer uses strategic triggers to motivate customers — usually without them even realizing it.
A trigger is a response mechanism wired to each of us. Behaviorists have conducted many tests to determine what makes people respond the way they do.
Do you remember Pavlov? A century or so ago, he studied something called "conditioned reflex," which is a scientific term for figuring out what makes a dog drool. Marketers use the same sort of theories to figure out what makes customers drool, and they gear their ads around those needs or desires.
In other words, a trigger is something that stimulates a customer to action, and that's what you want to use in your ad copy.
So, what are the triggers? Here you go. Copy this list. Recite them 'til you know them by heart. Use them for everything: Getting your hotel room discounted or seeing why your teenager is a great manipulator, or how to sell in less time, with less resistance.
The 7 Most Powerful Sales Triggers
Are you ready? Here they are:
- Fear
- Guilt
- Greed
- Anger
- Exclusivity
- Vanity
- Salvation.
Hit on one and you'll get attention. Hit on three and you'll get leads. Hit on five and you'll get sales. Hit on seven and you've got my job! (Oh, like you'd want it.)
How to Use the Triggers for Lead Generation
I start by headlining a customer's strongest, most immediate desire. Then why the offer exists; why it's an opportunity, and — if it's hard direct response — why it's limited. The price is mentioned early if immediately valuable or late if it requires building. If there's a guarantee, I put it nearest the price. Why? To minimize the fear and risk at the point anxiety is highest.
It goes in that order, because this is how you pull the trigger. Sound simple? Eighty percent of the ads I critique start with the company's greatness. They rarely build value or real benefits, often throw prices out randomly, and usually fail to call to action. If any room is left over, a graphic of a piece of pipe or a tool is tossed in just so everyone will KNOW it's an ad. And we wonder why it fails.
Bottom Line: As human beings, we're very predictable. For the marketer, that's good news. Repeatable behaviors make it easier for us to systemize our marketing and sales approach.
Use triggers to cause response from your prospects, instead of hoping and waiting. I've used them for 22 years and rely on them to immeasurably increase response. You can too!
I used four of them to get you to read this article. Just proves you're human… like your customers who will respond if you use them.
Adams Hudson is president of Hudson, Ink, a creative marketing firm for contractors. Readers can get a free marketing newsletter and a free 16-page report called "Get More Leads in Less Time" by faxing their letterhead with the request to 334-262-1115 or emailing to [email protected]. You can also call Hudson, Ink at 1-800-489-9099 for help or visit www.hudsonink.com for other free marketing articles and reports.


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Army Reserve Components Achievement Miniature Medal
Army Reserve Components Achievement Miniature Medal
The Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (ARCAM) is a Good Conduct Medal that is issued to a member of the United States Army Reserve. The ARCAM was originally required that a reservist completed four (4) years of honorable service as an active member of a reserve unit, however in 1995 that time requirement was lowered to three (3) years of qualified service. This change was not retroactive. Additional awards of this medal are represented by a bronze oak leaf cluster.
If a soldier begins service full time on federal service the become ineligible for the award and become eligible for the Army Good Conduct medal. The medal may be awarded to all enlisted soldiers, warrant and commissioned officers up to and including the grade of Colonel.
Email us about this product


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Toyota Supra 1986-1992 3.0L JDM Engine
Toyota Supra 1986-1992 3.0L JDM Engine,*Special Notes: To properly swap this 7M-GE 3.0L JDM engine into an USDM (American) vehicle, please be prepared to use your original external parts including oil pan, wiring harness, ECU, and other parts from your original USDM engine. Once these parts are transferred to the JDM engine, it can can be installed properly. Please contact us if you have not performed any JDM engine swaps before and we can assist you with further technical advice.
*Free goodies may or may not still be attached to or included with item from Japan. We do not remove any parts off prior to shipping the item to a customer but this does not guarantee that parts will be still be attached from Japan. We generally leave these parts on to protect the engine or item from external damage and we still highly recommend the use of your original external parts, including manifold, alternator, accessories, etc. This is to ensure proper performance with your existing electronics and to confirm passing of local emissions requirements in the United States. Although some critical parts like water pump, timing belt, timing chain tensioner, etc. may still be equipped on engine, these parts MUST DEFINITELY be replaced with new parts. Listings typically use sample pictures of item rather than actual pictures of item unless otherwise mentioned. Please contact us for more details and we will be glad to assist you.
*Transmission not included – please contact us via chat, email, or contact info at the bottom of this page to inquire about the transmission or additional parts.


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Solutions for Retail
What we offer
CrowdVision is a leading automated customer analytics and insights company. CrowdVision's customer analytics software shows what is happening to an entire shopper population, in real time. This enables retail and food & beverage operators to act decisively to increase efficiency and profitability whilst improving their customers' experience.
The CrowdVision customer analytics solution processes live video input from commercial off the shelf cameras. The system detects pedestrian movements automatically using sophisticated artificial intelligence techniques. CrowdVision outputs live data about everything from flows, queues and wait times to processing times, occupancies, and asset utilisation.
Live dashboards reveal actionable insights to improve real-time operations. Accumulated historical data provides reliable evidence for planning and investment decisions.
If you are a retail or food & beverage operator, we can enable you to improve your customers' experience as well as your bottom line by providing the data and insights that you need to make better decisions. Contact us today to find out how.
CrowdVision's customer analytics solution provides granular, real-time data about footfall and occupancies. Understanding how many people flow through entrances and exits, and how many approach or enter particular retail spaces, is essential if an owner or operator wishes to maximise the return from that space. CrowdVision data can enable the calculation of an end-to-end consideration and conversion funnel if time-stamped basket data is available.
CrowdVision provides real-time data about asset utilisation, for example ticket machines, information booths, and service desks. The solution can report upon utilisation by staff (where applicable) and customers, as well as a range of associated analytics, for example queue lengths and times, and transaction processing times.
CrowdVision's customer analytics solution provides real-time data about flows and queues to schedule future staffing needs, as well as help optimise staffing in the moment. CrowdVision data can also help inform the nature and optimal timing of equipment maintenance and facilities management. Many of these uses for CrowdVision data enable a retail or food & beverage operator to build stronger and more effective relationships with its operating partners.
Our Technology in action
- CrowdVision processes live video from commercial off the shelf cameras mounted on the ceiling or on pillars.
- The sensors have a fisheye lens and broad field of view. This keeps deployment costs down.
- Because sensors are looking down, the solution provides anonymous, non-personal data.
- CrowdVision's machine-learning, artificial intelligence algorithms have been trained to recognise people accurately, and distinguish them from other objects, like bags.
- Our software analyses pedestrian movements in real-time. It counts people and measures their speed and direction of movement.
- The solution is accurate even in the densest environments, having been originally developed to analyse crowd density during the pilgrimage at Mecca.
- As part of the CrowdVision software configuration we stitch images from different cameras together to derive a holistic view of an area of interest.
- We see everyone in that area. It is a 100% sample (all pedestrians) and we know exactly where everyone is at a point in time.
- This differentiates CrowdVision from Bluetooth/Wi-Fi technologies, which typically measure only a 20-40% sample (not everyone has a phone turned on, whilst others have more than one), and only know approximately where each phone is.
- Because it is a 100% sample, we can generate statistically-valid results about median performance, as well as best and worst case performance.
- As part of the CrowdVision configuration we set up boundaries and cylinders to enable the measurement of more analytics than any of our competitors;
- Flows, into or out of areas of interest,
- Queues and wait times, both expected and experienced.
- Asset utilisation, for example at desks, covering both passengers and staff.
- Processing times, for example at a desk or kiosk.
- Occupancies and densities in particular zones.
- Because the video images we process are high quality, even when sensors are mounted high on ceilings, and because our software has been trained using so much data, our analytics are over 95% accurate. Before finalising a configuration, we validate this using extensive manual comparisons of software measurements to human measurements.
- Having captured CrowdVision data about all the pedestrians in an area of interest, and analysed it, we output actionable data in a number of forms;
- Real-time dashboards. Live data to use for operational purposes, right now. CrowdVision dashboards are customised for each client to reflect the layout of the physical environment so that operational users quickly understand what the analytics are telling them.
- Pre-formatted historical reports. Clients also have the ability to use a portal to define their own reports.
- API data feeds from CrowdVision into data warehouses and Business Intelligence platforms, often so that the data can be combined with other data to generate even richer insights.
- The CrowdVision solution also offers an input API capability, so that data from other sensors and systems can be combined with CrowdVision's video analytics on the same dashboards and reports. For example, a client may wish to add Wi-Fi analytics like repeat customer % and measured dwell time to the analytics reported.
- CrowdVision's solution runs on the client's virtualised infrastructure, in real time – either an on-premise data centre or an off-premise private cloud. The main Virtual Appliances for the service are built on an Ubuntu Linux platform.
- By default, video feeds are not retained once they have been analysed, to reduce storage requirements.
- The solution is anonymous and privacy compliant, which brings peace of mind as well as alleviating the need for extensive security and personal data audits.
- The storage that the solution requires is configured as local storage, or as a SAN.
- Dashboards and reports are published on the client's intranet, with password-protected access if required. Data can then be shared with business partners if required.
- CrowdVision is an enterprise solution with built-in back-up processes, redundancy, and system health monitoring.
- Its security protocols conform with UK Government best-practice, but security settings can be customised to meet a range of scenarios across global regions. Whether you deploy on-premise or in the cloud, you can have confidence in CrowdVision security.
- The solution is designed to be easily scalable. Measuring additional analytics in an area with sensor coverage requires only software configuration changes. Should a client wish to expand physical coverage, it would simply add more sensors and expand the virtualised infrastructure appropriately.


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Be sure to visit the spa, and relax in a private vitality pool in the couples suite.
The elegant rooms and spacious suites, many with private balconies, feature contemporary Art Deco design. Decorated in Parisian haute couture style, suites overlook the hotel's courtyard and garden or rue Saint-Honoré.
Overlooking the garden, the relaxed Camélia prepares original takes on traditional French cuisine. For an evening cocktail, visit Bar 8, while The Cake Shop features sweet and savory delicacies.
The two-story spa includes a glass mosaic floor, studded with silver leaf butterflies and an indoor pool. The Spa's Paris Passion treatment incorporates an anti-aging body scrub with pomegranate and honey, along with a replenishing body wrap.
See Impressionist art at Musée de l'Orangerie or contemporary photography at Jeu de Paume. Explore the galleries at Centre Pompidou or the Louvre. Walk down Rue Saint-Honoré to shop at designer stores and boutiques.
251 rue Saint-Honoré. Paris, 75001 France
Charles de Gaulle International Airport.
†Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
Looking for more? See all our luxury hotels in Paris, France
Valid only for new Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings made through Platinum Travel service, Centurion Travel service, American Express Travel Online (where available) or any American Express Travel location. Payment must be made in full with an American Express Card in the Platinum Card Member and Centurion Member's or Centurion® Member's name. Available for Platinum Charge Cardmembers and Centurion® Members only, and excludes Platinum Credit Cardmembers who are not also Platinum Charge Cardmembers. Cardmember must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in and room upgrade are based on availability and are provided at check-in. Certain room categories are not eligible for room upgrade; call Platinum Travel service or Centurion Travel service for details. Breakfast amenity varies by property, but will be, at a minimum, a Continental breakfast. Complimentary In-Room Wi‑Fi is provided and Wi‑Fi will be provided in a common space on property. In the case where a property includes cost of Wi‑Fi in a mandatory resort fee, the Cardmember will receive a daily credit from the property in the standard amount that the property charges for Wi‑Fi. The credit will be issued on the Cardmembers final bill upon check-out. Benefit restrictions vary by Fine Hotels + Resorts property and cannot be redeemed for cash, and may not be combined with other offers unless indicated. Benefits and additional Fine Hotels + Resorts promotions are only applied at check-out and expire at check-out. Limit one benefit package per room, per stay. Three room limit per Cardmember, per stay.
© American Express.


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Thanksgiving week and the big shopping season has officially arrived. Are you holding onto a long list and ready to tackle them at once? Are you still waiting for the "Friday" to come and going to stand in line since 4am?
Nowadays you don't really have to do that anymore. The theme of the Black Friday sale has extended from one day to the whole month, and from retail to e-commerce. Most of the good deals can be found online which saves you so much time, work, and of course, money.
Even though online shopping has obviously been one of the biggest trends in 21 century, there are still common issues happening from time to time, such as private information leak, or credit card fraud.
Luckily, 360 Internet Protection was specifically developed for online shopping and to solve these problems. This web threat protection plugin/add-on is able to be free installed on Chrome, Opera, Firefox and Yandex. By using 360 cloud-based security technology, it blocks malicious websites in real-time. (Learn more about 360 Internet Protection and safe online shopping )
Safer Shopping and Save More – 360 Internet Protection


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Supernova blast bonanza in nearby galaxy [heic0402]
3 February 2004
The nearby dwarf galaxy NGC 1569 is a hotbed of vigorous star birth activity which blows huge bubbles and super-bubbles that riddle the main body of the galaxy. The galaxy's vigorous 'star factories' are also manufacturing brilliant blue star clusters. This galaxy had a sudden and relatively recent onset of star birth 25 million years ago, which subsided about the time the very earliest human ancestors appeared on Earth.In this new image, taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, the bubble structure is sculpted by the galactic super-winds and outflows caused by a colossal input of energy from collective supernova explosions that are linked with a massive episode of star birth.
Many open questions remain in astronomy as to how and when galaxies formed and how they evolved. Most of today's galaxies seem to have been already fully formed very early on in the history of the Universe (now corresponding to a large distance away from us), their formation involving one or more galaxy collisions and/or episodes of strongly enhanced star formation activity (so-called starbursts).
While most galaxies that are actually forming are too far away for detailed studies of their stellar populations even with Hubble, their local counterparts, nearby starburst and colliding galaxies, are far easier targets.
NGC 1569 is a particularly suitable example, being one of the closest starburst galaxies. It harbours two very prominent young, massive clusters plus a large number of smaller star clusters. The two young massive clusters match the globular star clusters we find in our own Milky Way galaxy, while the smaller ones are comparable with the less massive open clusters around us.
NGC 1569 was recently investigated in great detail by a group of European astronomers who published their results in the January 2004 issue of the British journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The group used several of Hubble's high-resolution instruments, with deep observations spanning a wide wavelength range to determine the parameters of the clusters more precisely than is currently possible from the ground.
The team found that the majority of clusters in NGC 1569 seem to have been produced in an energetic starburst that started around 25 million years ago and lasted for about 20 million years. First author Peter Anders from the Göttingen University Galaxy Evolution Group, Germany says "We are looking straight into the very creation processes of the stars and star clusters in this galaxy. The clusters themselves present us with a fossil record of NGC 1569's intense star formation history."
The bubble-like structures seen in this image are made of hydrogen gas that glows when hit by the fierce winds and radiation from hot young stars and is racked by supernovae shocks. The first supernovae blew up when the most massive stars reached the end of their lifetimes roughly 20-25 million years ago. The environment in NGC 1569 is still turbulent and the supernovae may not only deliver the gaseous raw material needed for the formation of further stars and star clusters, but also actually trigger their birth in the tortured swirls of gas.
The colour image is composed of 4 different exposures with Hubble's Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 through the following filters: shown in blue a wide ultraviolet filter (800 seconds), in green a green filter (930 seconds), in red a wide red filter (550 seconds) and also in red a Hydrogen alpha filter (1600 seconds).
# # #
Notes for editors
The team is composed of Peter Anders (Göttingen University Galaxy Evolution Group, Germany), Richard de Grijs (University of Sheffield, UK), and Uta Fritze-v. Alvensleben (Göttingen University Galaxy Evolution Group, Germany).
This composite image was constructed with data from the ESO/ST-ECF Science Archive. The original Hubble exposures were obtained by Hunter (Proposal 6423).
Animations of the discovery and general Hubble Space Telescope background footage are available from: http://www.spacetelescope.org/bin/videos.pl? searchtype=news&string=heic0402
Image credit: European Space Agency, NASA & Peter Anders (Göttingen University Galaxy Evolution Group, Germany)
The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA.
Peter Anders
Göttingen University Galaxy Evolution Group, Germany
Tel: +49-(0)551-39-5054
Email: pandersuni-sw.gwdg.de
Lars Lindberg Christensen
Hubble European Space Agency Information Centre, Garching, Germany
Tel: +49-(0)89-3200-6306
Cellular (24 hr): +49-(0)173-3872-621
E-mail: larseso.org


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Black Brown Blues Reds Custom Made Fringe Handbag,Unique,One Of A Kind,Upcycled
BEFORE I start with my description i wanted to let you know I CAN WORK WITH ANY BUDGET.
I can build a handbag to FIT ANY BUDGET. Just drop me a line and tell me what you want and i'll let you know what type/size/shape/design handbag i can produce for that amount.
I can custom make one for you.
This item is custom made and ONE OF A KIND. I cannot reproduce this exact item but i can custom make something similar for you. Please contact me to discuss custom details.
These Bags/Purse/Totes are handmade by re-purposing strips of fabric, so no two Bags will ever be the same. Because of the nature of how they are made if you are ordering a solid color Bag, the colors will not all be the same shade but will be very close. When ordering a custom multi colored Bag, you can order it in any color combo you like and you can use as many colors as you want. If you want it in printed fabric scraps i can do that too.
I will be more than happy to send you a photo of the fabric strips in the color/prints you choose. And if they are not what you had in mind we will change it until its just what you want.
WARNING: If you don't like to stand out in the crowd then these items may not be for you!! These unique Bags are guaranteed to turn heads and make all eyes on you!
(measurements in customs orders can be altered, please contact me first to discuss the cost difference)
These Bags can be used in many ways..as your everyday handbag, for a special occasion,as a tote bag,as a beach bag,diaper bag, to carry your tiny puppy...etc..the possibilities are endless, use your imagination.
Our items are all very soft,comfortable and easy to wear/use.
I prefer two to three weeks to make a custom Bag as they are very time consuming.,but i generally finish it much sooner.
when working with my customers i tend to ask a lot of questions, reason being this gives me a better idea of your likes and dislikes and your personality type. This all helps me build you the PERFECT handbag that you will LOVE...
Once i start building your handbag i will send you photos' so you can see how it is coming along and you can make any changes you like. I will send more photos to you when the handbag is finished for your approval before shipping..
Made in Odessa, FL
By ilovethelmalu
All of our products are handmade
by expert makers.
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Every maker has a story. Be a part of ilovethelmalu's story by placing an order, leaving a review, and seeing your review appear here.


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News and inspiration in your inbox, every week. Let's have some fun, with style.
Always a step aheadYou're one of us now
Stories and inspiration, Made in Italy style. In your inbox, every week.Thank you for joining the great Velasca family. We promise we'll have fun together! It will be like going to the moon in a pair of shoes.
Talk to usMon - Fri 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (CET)+1 929 384 6040!
Contact ourshoe experts at:firstname.lastname@example.com!
Your returning request has been sent
Shoes need care and love. The more you follow these steps, the longer your shoes will last:
1. Take the dust off your shoes by gently brushing with your brush 2. Using the correct spreading shoe polish brush, spread the polish all over the shoe surface 3. Leave the cream to work for about 20 minutes until it completely dries out. Brush and use the glove to remove the cream remaining on the shoe Inside the box, you'll find all the info in the details.


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Its a classic situation, when we are searching for SOMETHING to put all of our junk in. We need to stay organized but we do not really have a good vessel. A dopp kit may be there to fill those shoes. The size is nice and hefty with a YKK zipper, and the durability is unbeatable. So we say, load it down!!
Everyone can remember their grandpa's old leather dopp kit sitting on the counter when the family is on vacation, or grandma's little makeup pouch filled with all of her goodies. This is a hat tip at the classic. We didn't mess with the original design, because we did not see a need to.
Aside from just toiletries and makeup, this dopp kit can be used for a number of things. Its no stranger to a bundle of pens and pencils in an artist's backpack. Home brewers often load it down with a pour over cone and some beans. A handyman can pack it full of neccessary wrenches and screw drivers for a quck grab pack when you can't haul the whole tool box. Our dopp kits are made to last.
-Brass YKK Zipper
-Leather Handle and Pull Tab
-11oz Duck Canvas waxed in house
14" Zipper
How to care for this Waxed Canvas product.
This is a necessity you don't need to live without. Stop filling a plastic bag full of toiletries foryour weekend getaway and grab yourself a handsome dopp kit.


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Our hopes and fears are the same as every other parents'. The future we want for our children is one in which they are independent, happy and able to participate in society as equals. Isn't that what everyone wants? Some may call it emancipation, a word that has a general meaning for adults and another, narrower one for children wanting to take control of their lives. In either case, emancipation is best thought of as a long process which, for best results, should begin as early as possible in a person's life.
It was the very first piece of advice we received when our daughter Lucia was diagnosed with autism, aged three. In fact, it was delivered to us at the same time as the diagnosis. 'Teach her to be independent as soon as you can. Start now.' We took it to heart.
It begins in your social circle, with the people that surround you. It is grounded on a set of shared values, chief among which is that every person has a right to belong, to be included. You have a relative degree of control over this environment and make it a place where a desire for independence is nurtured. But true independence can only be measured against the wider society, which in the case of disabled persons is dominated from the outset by several layers of institutions: health services, social services, schools. You have little or no control over these. Luck plays a major part, as do your personal means and circumstances. Disparities of expectations and treatment are enormous, and the experience of most people who raise disabled children in New Zealand is one of constant and exhausting struggle against one or more of these institutions. Sometimes all of them at once.
I have written about this many times. We keep having to say these things. So this week for a change we're going to rally.
You may have heard of the latest raft of changes to what used to be called special education. First of all, our education authorities decided to do away with the name. That is a fine idea in principle. Advocates eschew terms like 'special education' because it is overtly exclusionary. When the institution does it, however, this 'making everyone the same' only works so long as the principles of inclusion are truly embraced. Otherwise, it becomes a tactic to make first the disability, then the person invisible.
The main plank of the ministry's new plan is to shift spending to early education, with the expectation that it will reduce spending later in the educational life of the child. This, too, is a fine principle. It's just not a principle that can be left in the hands of the people who for twenty years have refused – and continue to refuse – to do something as basic as counting our children.
Every consultation in this area works in the same way: parents and educators are assembled in front of a ministry facilitator in firm control of the agenda and the term of the exercise. The exercise is always the same: to tinker at the edges of a system that works just fine. The outcome is also always the same: parents and educators pointing out that the system as is being described to them is very different from the real one, in which under-resourcing and exclusion are the norm. But the exercise has no box in which to put these contrary opinions. None of the group activities allow for participants to take over and set the terms. The voices of students are the least frequently heard of all.
And so over time two realities have been allowed to develop. The official reality carefully constructed by government by studiously refusing to conduct proper surveys, and by teaching school administrators the language they should use to self-assess as being inclusive (so that the system as a whole, in turn, can describe itself as such); and the reality reported by teachers, students and families. The lack of funding for proper studies allows government to occasionally dismiss this second reality as 'anecdotal'. However, the few times that people are actually called upon by the institution to give evidence – as in the case most recently last year of the enquiry into the supports for dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism – it becomes clear that this second reality is far closer to the lived experience of students with disabilities.
This is what enables the likes of David Wales, the National Director for Special Education, to claim that this latest plan to shift resources to early intervention will not result in any of the older children missing out. This is an entirely paradoxical position. Since we have already been told overall funding will not increase, of course older children will miss out: a blanket is being pulled, and we're not getting any more blanket. But – and this is the beauty of the plan and the genius of the bureaucrat – the early intervention will reduce the need, as judged by the people in charge of telling us that things have been fine all along. The special kids will stop being special. They will be cured of their life-long disabilities by a subtle change in the modelling. At no point will they or their families be asked to determine what inclusion means to them and how it should be achieved. This degree of freedom cannot be given to us.
We asked our youngest son, who also has autism, to draw a picture of children at school together. It was his school's principal who had the idea that he may help us illustrate our campaign. Ambrose, who is eight years old, thought of children of different colours and shapes. His understanding of his own difference is still forming. In so many ways he's one of the lucky ones, and still things are very hard for him and for us. That they might get worse doesn't bear thinking about, but we have not given up on the radical idea that they should get better. Help us by joining us this Thursday afternoon at 4.30 on the grounds of Parliament. It will be a family friendly event, and we need as many of you as can make it there with us.
Photo by the Green Party |
I also strongly encourage you to watch Etta Bollinger's speech, which perfectly sums up the reasons for our rally and the road ahead.
Photo by Zandra Vaccarino |
Here are a couple of pictures of our school's kapa haka group, including my daughter.
Photo by Sadie Coe |
And here is that letter:
22 September 2016
Dear Minister Parata
The Education for All network is made up of disabled people, families, educators and service providers. We are disappointed and frustrated at the continued lack of commitment to ensuring that disabled people have access to a properly resourced and inclusive education.
We have had countless reviews, consultation and inquiries into 'special education' for many years and yet the barriers remain the same:
- Children unable to exercise their right to attend their local schools
- Children being sent home part-way through the day because of lack of learning support
- Children being excluded from accessing the curriculum, as well as participating in sports, recreation and cultural activities.
- Families having to pay for their children's Teacher Aides and additional learning supports.
- Schools having to fundraise and use operational funding to top up special education funding.
- Extremely limited tertiary and adult education options for disabled people, particularly those with learning disabilities.
- Lack of access to assistive technologies.
- Lack of inclusive education training for graduating teachers.
- Piecemeal access to professional development for teachers, support staff and schools.
- Meeting New Zealand's international human rights obligations and our own legislative requirements to provide every disabled person with an inclusive education.
- Putting an end to children, families and schools having to compete against one another for funding.
- Removing the disincentives for schools at all levels (i.e. ECE, primary, secondary and tertiary) to enrol and include students with disabilities by providing proper resources, supports and funding.
- Adopting a policy of universal design for learning so that everything, from the built environment, curriculum, teaching practices and support services, is accessible for everyone.
- Working with the disability community, families, educators and service providers to implement a system that works.
Education for All
Education for All is:
- Berhampore School
- Blind Citizens NZ
- CCS Disability Action
- Deaf Action
- Disabled Persons Assembly NZ
- Inclusive Education Action Group
- Inclusive NZ
- Joanne Dacombe, Parent
- NZEI Te Riu Roa
- NZ Down Syndrome Association
- People First New Zealand Inc - Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi
- Workbridge
- Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa
- Ara Taiohi
- Child Poverty Action Group
- Council of Trade Unions
- Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)
- The PSA Network for Deaf and Disabled Members
Once again: sign the petition!
For a recent independent view of the supports for children with disabilities in our schools, see the report released earlier this month by Youth Law Aotearoa. I recommend also two write-ups before the rally, by Tess Casey of Inclusive NZ and at the indispensable Autism and Oughtisms.


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Anne Schieber-Dykstra was the community engagement manager for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. She produced investigative video reports that demonstrate the impact of public policies on people's lives.
Prior to joining the Mackinac Center staff, Anne spent 30 years in broadcast journalism. She was a high-profile, award-winning reporter and anchor for WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids between 1998 and 2011. Anne has also worked for stations in Kalamazoo, Minneapolis, Buffalo, N.Y., and Allentown, Penn.
Over her career, she has won numerous awards, including a "Best Individual Reporting" honor from the Associated Press and "Journalist of the Year" from the Michigan Small Business Administration.
Anne received her bachelor's degree from Villanova University.


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It is increasingly difficult to document violations against the press in Syria, let alone hold those responsible to account. It has always been hard to verify facts within the country. But now, the sheer number of violations and the expanding list of violators have become admittedly overwhelming.
Take, for example, the terrible experience of a single news outlet: the local opposition TV station Orient News. In the past four weeks alone, four of their journalists were abducted, one was killed, and another four were injured, according to officials from the station. The chronicle of attacks on Orient News is a tragic microcosm of threats facing the media in Syria as a whole.
On Thursday, a group of armed men raided Orient News' office in the rebel-controlled countryside north of Aleppo. Correspondent Obaida Batal, broadcast engineer Hussam Nidham al-Deen, and assistant engineer Aboud al-Atiq were all taken hostage. The gunmen looted the station, stealing the channel's broadcast car and photographic equipment. Mohanad al-Sayed Ali, the station's head of news reporters, told me that he does not know who kidnapped the journalists or why.
The "why" is particularly hard to decipher these days, with battle lines constantly shifting and multiple groups apparently willing to kidnap journalists–whether in attempt to silence critical reporting or extort ransom, or out of simple xenophobia. More than a dozen local and international journalists are currently missing in Syria, according to CPJ research.
Why" also applies to another missing journalist who has worked for Orient News. On June 26, photographer Aboud Haddad was kidnapped in the Idlib province city of Atma, close to the Turkish border. Ali and the regional press freedom group SKeyes say he was kidnapped by a militia from an al-Qaeda affiliate, Islamic State of Iraq and Sham. SKeyes, citing a post on a popular Facebook page covering the civil war, suggests Haddad was detained after a disagreement with the Islamist militia, but Ali says the channel still does not know why Haddad was taken.
Abductions have not been the only threat to Orient's journalists this month. On July 5, Fidaa al-Baali succumbed to shrapnel wounds he sustained in government shelling of the Damascus neighbourhood of Qaboun in early June, according to news reports. Al-Baali, also known as Mohamed Moaz, had been in a coma for weeks before passing away.
As The New York Times reported, "Al-Baali never stopped trying to document the conflict–not when his brother, a rebel fighter, died in battle; not when security officials, trying to pressure him, arrested his father; not even when the rebel battalion he was embedded with unleashed a mortar attack that killed his fiancée."
Al-Baali joins 50 journalist colleagues who have been killed covering the Syrian uprising and civil war, according to CPJ research. Almost 90% of the victims were local journalists like al-Baali.
This month another four Orient News journalists narrowly escaped joining those grim statistics. On Monday, Hadi al-Monajed was injured during shelling of Free Syrian Army positions by government forces near the Damascus International Airport. His foot and hand were broken, Ali said, but he still published his report of rebels celebrating after gaining ground in the strategic area of Al-Ghizlaniyah.
On Sunday, Beshank Aalo was seriously injured while covering the shelling of the Sheikh Maksoud neighborhood in Aleppo. He is at a makeshift civilian hospital, and Ali worries that Aalo's leg may need to be amputated.
On July 23, Ammar Dendish was covering a battle in Jisr al-Shughur in the northern province of Idlib when a helicopter dropped an explosive. The bomb exploded in the air, shattering the windows of Dendish's car, but causing the journalist only minor injuries, Dendish said in a Facebook post. His report from the day shows rebels firing mortars at government positions.
On July 2, Yaman al-Sayyid was injured filming the shelling of the Damascus suburb of Kafr Batna. A picture posted by local activists in Kafr Batna shows a bloodied al-Sayyid lying on the ground with a bandaged right arm. Two days later, al-Sayyid could be found reporting on clashes in Barza, north of Damascus, with his arm in a sling.
In a statement on the recent attacks against Orient News employees, the channel's general manager, Ghassan Aboud, pledged what his staff has already proven: "These reprehensible actions will not stop the group from performing its duty to the Syrian people."
These violations against the press are the experience of just a few journalists from just one station over just one month in a war that has seen too many journalists from too many outlets killed, injured, and abducted over too many months.
The challenges to documenting all these violations are immense, but not so immense as the challenges of reporting from Syria in the first place. And yet, journalists from all sides continue to rise to those challenges at immense personal risk.
UPDATE: This blog has been modified to reflect the correct spelling of Ammar Dendish's name.


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Connecticut Alimony Reform is a grassroots organization of men and women in all professions, including attorneys, who believe that it's time for the state to update its antiquated alimony laws for the 21st century, as both New York and Massachusetts have recently done, and as New Jersey and Florida are considering. Adapting provisions and concepts from Massachusetts' and New York's new laws, CTAR supports legislation that will bring consistency, predictably and fairness to both parties and their children in this highly contentious area of family law.
End Of Alimony Deduction Hits Connecticut Couples
We have formed a relationship with National Parents Organization to work on all aspects of family law reform.
National Parents Organization is the national voice for family law reform. National Parents Organization, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, is reforming the family courts to ensure equal treatment for fathers and mothers which, in turn, further guarantees the well-being of their children; to make shared parenting after separation or divorce the norm; and to ensure that finances after separation or divorce are distributed equitably.
Help us change the oppressive alimony laws of Connecticut.
CTAR is a 501(c)(4) organization. Your contributions are NOT tax deductible because, as a 501(c)(4), CTAR is attempting to influence legislation.
Child support guidelines are reviewed by the legislature every few years, as required by the Federal government. By contrast, there is no Federal requirement that alimony laws be examined and updated to keep pace with current social and economic realities.
Connecticut Alimony Reform believes that judges need discretion coupled with guidelines, and that the laws need to give divorcing couples and their mediators and lawyers tools with which to settle their cases, not incentives to litigate them.
We recommend the following sites: AlimonyReform.org, California Alimony Reform Colorado, New Jersey Alimony Reform, Florida Alimony Reform, Massachusetts Alimony Reform, Virginia Alimony Reform, Maryland Alimony Reform, North Carolina Alimony Reform, Oregon Alimony Reform, Arkansas Alimony Reform (more states to come, to show the scope of this movement).
Become a Member


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TERRAVITA have released The Power Of Fire EP, seven deliciously wicked bass-in-your-face tracks for Datsik's FIREPOWER label. In addition, the group will join Datsik on his national FIREPOWER tour beginning October 3 in Syracuse, NY. Beginning October 3 in Syracuse, NY, TERRAVITA will join Datsik on his recently launched national FIREPOWER Tour.
The dubstep trio blazes with tracks like "Well Oiled Machine," "No Room" and "MetROIDS." Joining TERRAVITA on "Motive Unnecessary" is Philadelphia newcomer Shannon Swain, who provides a powerful female vocal on this hard-hitting number. There are also instrumental versions of "No Room" and "This Time Its Personal." Every track on The Power of Fire is a dance floor burner.
TERRAVITA was formed in 2004 when Chris Barlow, Matt Simmers and Jon Spero joined forces after meeting in the drum & bass scene in New England. Their first releases were tracks for Maldini & Vegas' Bad Taste Recordings and Simon Bassline Smith's Technique Recordings including the jump up hit "Adult Robot Kung Fu." From there, TERRAVITA released several tunes with Subsonik Sound as well as a remix of AK1200's rave anthem "Drowning" that hit #4 on the Beatport Drum & Bass Charts.
In 2010, TERRAVITA released "Up In the Club" on Beta Recordings, which hit #4 on the Dubstep charts and #94 on the Overall charts on Beatport, while "Lockdown" broke the Top 10 on Beatport's dubstep charts. TERRAVITA released their debut EP in 2011 on Rottun featuring "Freak Out" and "The Beat Goes On" which both hit #6 on Beatport's dubstep charts, while "Break The System" hit #2 on Beatport's dubstep charts. TERRAVITA did it again with a remix of Tremourz & J.Rabbit's "Sexy Party" which held down the #1 spot on Beatport's dnb charts for over a month. The group went on to release the Dirty Rottun Scoundrels EP on Rottun Recordings. The EP was the #4 overall release on Beatport for several weeks and contained the hits "Lords & Ladies" and "Are You Ready For Me."
Now well into 2012, this year is shaping up to be big for TERRAVITA. The group has highly anticipated remixes coming out for Steve Aoki ft Lil Jon & Chiddy Bang, Yelawolf, Zedd, Bare & Datsik and Bassnectar, and now they will unleash the heat with The Power of Fire plus a coveted spot on the FIREPOWER Tour.
The Power of Fire is available now on Beatport:
Track listing for The Power of Fire is:
Well Oiled Machine
No Room
Motive Unnecessary
This Time Its Personal
No Room (Instrumental)
This Time Its Personal (Instrumental)
Look for TERRAVITA on the FIREPOWER RECORDS tour in these cities:
Wed 10/3 Syracuse, NY Westcott Theater
Thu 10/4 Covington, KY Madison Theater
Fri 10/5 Detroit, MI Royal Oak Theater
Sat 10/6 Minneapolis, MN Skyway Theatre
Mon 10/8 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
Tue 10/9 Austin, TX Emo's East
Thu 10/11 College Station, TX Graham's Nightclub
Fri 10/12 Dallas, TX Lizard Lounge
Sat 10/13 Houston, TX Stereo Live
Sun 10/14 Lubbock, TX Cactus Courtyard
Tue 10/16 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
Fri 10/19 Los Angeles, CA Avalon
Sat 10/20 Santa Ana, CA Yost Theater
Thu 10/25 Santa Barbara, CA Casa De La Raza
Tue 10/30 Lincoln, NE Bourbon Theatre
Wed 10/31 Kansas City, MO Midland Theater
Thu 11/1 Iowa City, IA Blue Moose
Sat 11/3 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Mon 11/5 Chico, CA Senator Theater
Tue 11/6 Reno, NV Knitting Factory
Wed 11/7 Eugene, OR McDonald Theater
Thu 11/8 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
Fri 11/9 Seattle, WA Showbox Solo
Sat 11/10 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
Mon 11/12 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
Tue 11/13 Missoula, MT Wilma Theater


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by Alyssa A. Lappen
FrontPageMagazine | Mar. 14, 2007
Far from bowing to rising clamor for his deportation, the controversial Mufti Sheikh Taj Aldin al-Hilali is taking on the political establishment. Al-Hilali outraged Australians last fall by describing women as "uncovered meat," and in January compounded their furor when he claimed that Muslims had more right to the country than the "Anglo-Saxon" heirs to Australia's convict ancestors. On March 12, al-Hilali spokesman Keysar Trad brazenly baited politicians to stop using Muslims as a "political football."
In October 2006, after al-Hilali's misogynist sermon at west Sydney's Lakemba mosque, Prime Minister John Howard criticized him and other politicians demanded his dismissal and deportation. Egyptian-born al-Halali has been in that position before, however: after spewing anti-Jewish hatred at the University of Sydney in 1988, deportation proceedings began. But under Muslim pressure, in 1990, Australia granted him citizenship.
Al-Hilali certainly follows recent radical custom. In Iraq, Islamic radicals have slain at least 20 women for living (and dressing) as liberated women. In 2005, a Spanish judge sentenced Mohamed Kamal Mustafa to 15 months in prison for writing, "blows [to a disobedient wife] should be concentrated on the hands and feet using a rod that is thin and light so that it does not leave scars or bruises on the body." And in March 2003, Saudi Arabian religious police trapped 890 girls and women in a burning school rather than let them out in "improper dress." At least 15 girls died.
In Status of Women in Islam the "greatest" current-day Islamic scholar, Muslim Brotherhood spiritual leader Yusuf Qaradawi derides any woman with "free rein to assert herself, promote her personality, enjoy her life and her femininity… mix with men freely, experience them closely where they would be together and alone, travel with them, go to cinemas or dance till midnight together."
Actually, the "women are meat" motif is apparently Islamic tradition. Second Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644) stated, "innamaa al-nisaa'la Hm `alaa waDam illaa maa dhubba `anhu" (Women are only meat on the butcher's block, except for any parts that have dried up), according to a 1937 reference by Islamic scholar Georges Vajda to a medieval Arabic text. [1]
Likewise, from Cairo in January, al-Hilali laid claim to Islamic historical and cultural supremacy, prompting Australian leaders to urge al-Hilali not to come back. He stated on Cairo Today TV that Muslims with "deep roots in Australian soil [from] before the English arrived" had more right to Australia than Anglo-Saxons, who "arrived in chains." (It wasn't the first time, either: in 2004, he said that Afghan Muslims, not Capt. James Cook, discovered Australia.) Now, Al-Hilali also blames "racism" for the conviction and harsh sentencing of a Muslim gang rapist. His critics, he added, were racists, too.
Some Muslims rebuked him: Darulfatwa (Australia's Islamic High Council) called al-Hilali an ill-respected, "divisive figure" and asked the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) running the Lakemba mosque to fire him. The Forum on Australia's Islamic Relations (FAIR) also sought "sending [al-Hilali] out to an early pasture."
But Melbourne Sheik Fehmi Naji warned leaders against bullying Muslims; and spokesman (and Islamic Friendship Association president) Keysar Trad dismissed al-Hilali's latest outrage gaucherie as "a slip of the tongue."
Meanwhile, the British Undercover Mosque documentary broadcast west Sydney Global Islamic Youth Centre imam Sheik Feiz Mohammed despising infidels as filthy, dirty, disbelieving "kaffirs," and ridiculing Jews as "pigs." They'd found him, in the Islamic DVD "Death Series," urging young Muslims to be holy warriors, and their parents to "Put in their soft, tender hearts the zeal of jihad and a love of martyrdom."
To top it off, 450 Muslims packed a January Hizb ut Tahrir Khilafa conference in Sydney's southwest Lakemba area, where Indonesian radical Ismail Yusanto urged "all the sons and daughters of Islam" worldwide to impose "the divine order of Islam," take "responsibility for effecting political change in the Muslim world to manifest universal brotherhood"–and wage jihad for the establishment and defense of a universal Muslim state headed by one religious leader.
Clearly, Al-Hilali (and cohorts) subscribe to the belief succinctly expressed by Osama bin Laden–"The earth belongs to Allah and thus only Allah's rule should prevail all over the earth." They hold Muslims (believers) to be superior to others–and believe Islam should rule the world. As Sheik Ibrahim Mudeiris opined on Palestinian TV on May 13, 2005, "We ruled the entire world before, and by Allah, the day will come when we will rule the entire world again."
Like it or not, Al-Hilali and friends simply follow Islamic scriptural doctrine, which establishes the "divine," i.e. unchallengeable notion (Qur'an, 3:110) that Muslims are the "best community that hath been raised up for mankind…," that most Christians and Jews "are evil-livers" and that all land belongs to Allah, [2] like a mosque (masjid), which can never revert to private ownership.[3]
After migrating to Lebanon, in 1982 during its civil war, al-Hilali traveled down under on a tourist visa; he later refused to depart. In September 1988, reports a web archive of Australia's Counter Intelligence-Counter Espionage-Counter Terrorism, he recited traditional lessons from Cairo's al-Azhar University, the world's leading Islamic institution, to Muslim students in Sydney:
The Jews struggle with humanity is as old as history itself; the present continuing struggle with the Islam[ic] nation is a natural continuation of the Jews enmity towards the human race as a whole.
Judaism controls the world by secret movements as the destructive doctrines and groups, such as communism, libertinism, Free Masons, Baha'ism, the Rotary clubs, the nationalistic and racist doctrines.
He continued, Jews attempt "to control the world through sex, then sexual perversion, then the promotion of espionage, treason and economic hoarding."
Al-Hilali subsequently pretended to be chastened: On November 15, 2001, at a September 11 memorial with Buddhist, Christian and Jewish leaders, he opposed terrorism, killing and wars. And in November 2003, he coyly labeled Australia "our compassionate mother," criticized criminals among Sydney's Muslims and admonished them to "love this country or leave it; shape up or ship out."
But at a Sidon, Lebanon mosque in 2004, al-Halali said "September 11 is God's work against oppressors," praised the hijacker "pilot who reached his objective without error..," lauded the global "war on infidels" and heralded the "true boy" who, "despite his mother's objections," welcomes the jihad imposed on him to be martyred.
Fast forward: Last November, the same AFIC that named al-Hilali mufti in 1989 to thwart his deportation, formed the National Imams Council following his Meat Head gaffe, ostensibly to independently decide his fate. Who is AFIC president Ikebal Patel kidding? In February, rumors of al-Hilaly's pending dismissal proved false with LMA president Tom Zreika's announcement that the board would let him stay at Lakemba mosque until the contrived AFIC-NIC meeting in early April.
With the al-Hilali camp's latest political announcement, Australia's radical Muslims have also announced their strategy to again leverage multiculturalism and Western guilt for their advantage. This time, they're fighting Christians along with the politicians: Christian Democratic Party leader, Rev. Fred Nile, called Monday for a 10-year moratorium on Muslim immigration to Australia, in favor of Christians fleeing Islamic persecution–which not incidentally goes largely uncovered, in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Pakistan.
But failing a massive Christian campaign on the issue, Muslim pressure again looks ascendant in Australia, and al-Hilali highly unlikely to be sent packing for good. After all, the country's parliamentary multicultural affairs minister recently assured the public that a government-sponsored Islamic center will produce moderate imams.
[1] Georges Vajda, "Juifs et Musulmans Selon Le Hadit" ["Jews and Muslims According to the Hadith"] Journal Asiatique 1937, Vol. 229, pp. 57-127, included in (upcoming) Andrew Bostom, The Legacy of Islamic Antisemitism: from Sacred Texts to Solemm History (2007, Prometheus).
[2] Qur'an 16:41: "And those who became fugitives for the cause of Allah after they had been oppressed, We verily shall give them goodly lodging in the world, and surely the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if they but knew;"
Quran, 57:2: "To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: It is He Who gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things.";
Qur'an 59:7: "That which Allah giveth as spoil unto His messenger from the people of the townships, it is for Allah and His messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, that it become not a commodity between the rich among you. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal."
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 53, Number 392: Narrated Abu Huraira: "[The Prophet said to the Jews], "If you embrace Islam, you will be safe. You should know that the earth belongs to Allah and His Apostle, and I want to expel you from this land. So, if anyone amongst you owns some property, he is permitted to sell it, otherwise you should know that the Earth belongs to Allah and His Apostle."
Abu'l Hasan al-Mawardi, (d. 1058), "Chapter 12: The division of fay [property taken from infidels without battle] and the Ghaneemah [property taken by force]," and "Chapter 13: The Imposition of the Jizyah [head tax on unbelievers] and the Kharaj [land tax on unbelievers]," and "Chapter 14: The different statuses of the regions," al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah (The Laws of Islamic Governance), 1996 Ta-Ha edition, pp. 207-251. In any case, all confiscated property is "taken from the nonbelievers as a way of exacting revenge." (p. 207) According to al-Mawardi, second Caliph Umar ibn al- Khattab stated that he had "discovered what is good in that which Allah has given me authority over by means of three thing: fulfilling a trust [to Islam], taking by means of force, and ruling by what Allah has revealed; surely I have only found the good in this wealth by three things: that it is taken justly, that it is distributed justly [to Muslims and to benefit Islam], and that it is prevented from being spent on unjustified things…." (p. 251);
Ralph W. Brauer, "Boundaries and Frontiers in Medieval Muslim Geography," (1995), American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, in Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 85, Part 6, pp.65- 69;
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal anti-Discrimination List, Witness statement of John Mark Durie, 3 Oct, 2003;
Abul Ala Maududi, (founder of terrorist group Jamaat-e-Islami), "The Islamic Concept of Life";
"The Truth," ("The present 'system' whereby all are forced to be 'subscribers' and all are forced to pay whatever is demanded is to now cease as man is awakened from their 'sleep of ignorance' and are enlightened by their Allah. There will be no more land taxes as all land belongs to Allah not man.") http://www.dar-es-salaam.org/web/hell.htm, p.22.
[3] Thomas P. Hughes, "Masjid," Dictionary of Islam, 1895, 1994 reprint, Kazi, pp.329-332: "The Muslim law regarding the erection and endowment (waqf) of Masjids, as contained in Sunni and Shi'ah works, is as follows: According to the Sunnis: '…as soon as [a property-owner] separates [the masjid] from his property and allows even a single person to say his prayers in it, his right to the property as a mosque ceases…. delivery of it is made to the Qazi or his deputy….. Abu Yusuf was of the opinion that the property in a Masjid never reverts to the original appropriator…." [taken by Hughes from the Hidayah, vol. ii, p. 356] "The Shi'ah law regarding the endowment of the Masjids, or land for the benefit of Masjids, does not differ in any important particulars….." (pp. 331-333)
All Articles, Poems & Commentaries Copyright © 1971-2021 Alyssa A. Lappen
All Rights Reserved.
Printing is allowed for personal use only | Commercial usage (For Profit) is a copyright violation and written permission must be granted first.


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Jun 5, 2015
There are plenty of great reasons to bike to work: Commuters who ride save money on gas and car insurance, stay fit and help the environment (they don't get stuck in traffic, either). And they even have fun — as long as they keep safety in mind at all times, that is.
If you're just getting started on two wheels — or even if you're a seasoned rider — it pays to be prepared. So, don't just hop on your bike and hit the streets. Follow these tips to make your commute a smooth one.
(And drivers: We didn't forget about you. Below are some tips to help you share the road.)
The best way to get to work on your bike may be different from the route you take in your car. So take a few test rides to determine on which streets you feel most comfortable. This will also help you gauge your timing. If you need some help, stop in at a local bicycle shop to ask for tips and possibly purchase a map of bicycle-friendly streets and trails.
In general, when planning your bicycle commute, try to stick to streets with bike lanes and try to stay off sidewalks – you may be fined for riding your bike on a pedestrian-only walkway.
Riding in the same lanes as traffic can be intimidating — and dangerous. But, you can make it less so by following the law (yes, traffic laws apply to bicyclists, too) and the best practices promoted by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Here are some of the organization's tips on being a safe and responsible cyclist:
A proper lock – and proper usage of that lock – can help keep your bike secure when you're not on the road. But, the fact is bicycles are easy to steal – no key required. So take these extra steps to help protect your mode of transport:
As harrowing as it sometimes is to ride in traffic, driving around cyclists isn't always a picnic, either. The fact that your car is so much heavier and more powerful than a bicycle means that mistakes can be deadly.
Here are a few tips from Yield to Life, a cycling safety organization started by professional cyclist David Zabriskie (who has been hit three times while on his bike):
We can't guarantee that you'll always arrive on time, whether you drive or bike to work. But making an effort to share the road will help ensure that everyone arrives in one piece.
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.
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If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8 KJV


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This self-portrait of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows effects of wind events that had cleaned much of the accumulated dust off the rover's solar panels. It combines multiple frames taken by Opportunity's panoramic camera (Pancam) through three different color filters from March 22 to March 24, 2014, the 3,611th through 3,613th Martian days, or sols, of Opportunity's work on Mars.
For a comparison to what the rover looked like before a series of cleaning events in March, see a similar self-portrait taken Jan. 3 through Jan. 6, 2014, at PIA17759.
With the cleaner arrays and lengthening winter days, Opportunity's solar arrays were generating more than 620 watt-hours per day in mid-April 2014, compared to less than 375 watt-hours per day in January 2014.
This image is presented as a vertical projection in approximately true color. The mast on which the Pancam is mounted does not appear in the image, though its shadow does.
JPL manages the Mars Exploration Rover Project for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. For more information about Spirit and Opportunity, visit http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov and http://www.nasa.gov/rovers.
Photojournal Note: Also available is the full resolution TIFF file PIA18079_lg.tif. This file may be too large to view from a browser; it can be downloaded onto your desktop by right-clicking on the previous link and viewed with image viewing software.


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I've published nineteen novels, written lots of short stories, and (for those who like their cautionary tales with a dollop of irony) even co-authored a book on writing. And here I was, totally enamored of a manuscript that had deep structural issues. I should have known better.
Writers tend to want to share on social media when things are going well. We love to trumpet our happy news, and I'm certainly no different.
There are sound reasons for this. One is purely professional: It helps our careers to focus on the good stuff, to show the world new cover art, or to announce an upcoming release, the sale of a book to a publisher, an award nomination or great review from a major journal. Publicizing these things contributes to what the industry refers to as "buzz." We want people to talk about us, and about our work, for the right reasons.
There is also a purely human reason: As I have said many, many times, writing is a difficult way to make a living. It can be frustrating, even demoralizing. We do much of our work in isolation, struggling with story lines and character arcs, and it can seem, at times, as though those tidbits of good news come all too infrequently. So, when things do go well, we want to shout it from the rooftops. And when those disappointments come, we tend to keep them to ourselves.
Which is why this is such an unusual post for me.
I'm dealing with a professional setback, and I believe it's worth discussing publicly, because it represents, in many respects the very essence of what a writing career is like. Now let me be clear: In the larger scheme of things, this is a minor reversal, a tiny blip in the course of my career and something I will address and overcome quickly. But it certainly knocked me on my butt for a few days.
In December, I turned in a manuscript to my agent. This is a new project, the first volume in what I expect will be a time travel/epic fantasy trilogy (or more). In my excitement, I announced on Facebook and elsewhere that I had completed the book. I'm pretty sure I said at the time that it was the best work I had done to date. I've since been working on the sequel, and just last week I announced, again on Facebook and elsewhere, that I was 50,000 words in to book two.
The day following that most recent announcement, I received editorial notes on the first book from my agent–the terrific Lucienne Diver. And she tore the book to shreds. Poor pacing, lack of tension, slow development of my plot, flaws in the logic of my narrative that seemed to make things far, far too easy on my characters. There was more, but I'll stop there because, you know, pride.
As you might imagine, I was devastated, and here's why: A) She was right in just about everything she said; and B) I had thought the book was great and I couldn't begin to imagine how I could have been so wrong. I've been writing professionally for over 20 years. I've published nineteen novels, written lots of short stories, and (for those who like their cautionary tales with a dollop of irony) even co-authored a book on writing. And here I was, totally enamored of a manuscript that had deep structural issues. I should have known better.
I wallowed in self-pity and woe-is-me histrionics for a couple of hours, and then called my wise and wonderful friend, Faith Hunter, who basically said, "Yup, happens to all of us. Get off your ass and fix it." Which was perfect.
Because it does happen to all of us, and it points to several lessons that every writer, at every level, should keep in mind.
First of all, every manuscript has flaws. Actually, I would go further: Every published work has flaws. I have yet to read a perfect book, and I doubt very much that I ever will. This is why we revise and edit. This is why we send our books to beta readers and friends and agents for feedback.
This is also why every book needs a good editor. I don't care who you are: J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, Cormac McCarthy, Toni Morrison, the next World's-Best-Novelist, or the next Self-Published-Sensation. Whoever you are, or think you might be, you need an editor. I fancy myself a pretty decent self-editor, and with some books and stories I am. But I can only see so much in any of my own work. I am too close to my own creative process, too close to my own narrative assumptions. I can't possibly anticipate every potential issue.
Yes, it's hard to hear from someone we respect that our book, as it stands right now, is not yet ready for publication. Lucienne's notes hurt. Each criticism felt like a kick to the gut (or a few inches lower); taken together they left me bruised and bloody. (Figuratively speaking–my agent is tough, but not quite that tough…) But taking such criticism and using it to improve the work in question lies at the very heart of what it means to be a professional writer. If we can't abide critiques of our work, if we can't step out of ourselves enough to see and accept and correct the mistakes we've made, we don't deserve the privilege of telling stories for a living.
Even in those first couple of hours after I received Lucienne's notes, as I cursed and flailed and did more than a bit of whining, I also started to ask myself the questions that would move me beyond this setback.
Do I still believe in the novel? Yes, I do.
Do I still love the characters and the world building? Yes, I do.
Am I still satisfied with the prose? Yes, I am.
Can I do what's necessary to improve my story and make it worthy of those elements that remain sound? You bet your ass I can.
I already have ideas that will allow me to correct much of what my agent found lacking, and I sense the stirrings of additional ideas that will overcome the other problems. I know I can do this. I've fixed flawed novels before. Nineteen times, to be exact.
I'm eager to repair this book because I do love elements of it so much. I want to see it in print. I want all of you to read it. And you'll have that opportunity, because I have no intention of giving up on the project.
I'm a writer. This is what writers do. We write, we revise, we polish, we publish. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Keep writing. Enjoy the process, in all its frustrating, harrowing glory.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.


text:
- From: Jeni Tennison <email@example.com>
- Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:05:56 +0000
- To: email@example.com, HTML Data Task Force WG <email@example.com>
- Cc: RDFa WG <email@example.com>, email@example.com
Hi, The all new <time> element has been specced out in the WHATWG version of the HTML(5) spec at: http://www.whatwg.org/specs/web-apps/current-work/multipage/text-level-semantics.html#the-time-element (This isn't reflected in the W3C Editors Draft as yet but I guess it will be at some point.) As specced, it (a) accepts a bunch of syntaxes that aren't in the lexical space of any XML Schema datatype and (b) accepts some values that aren't in the value space of any XML Schema datatype, namely timezones and weeks. Looking at this from the perspective of extracting data into either RDF or XML systems, syntax variations aren't a particular issue, as values can be normalised to the standard lexical space for the relevant XSD type as they're extracted. However, there's simply no appropriate datatype to use when mapping the values that aren't covered by XML Schema. I see XML Schema 1.1 [1] is at Candidate Recommendation stage. Is it too late to slip in a xs:timezone and a xs:gYearWeek? Or should HTML+RDFa 1.1 do like the XPath Data Model did [2] and add definitions for these types so it can use them? Or should the types be created in a completely different namespace? Or should values of these types go typeless into any RDF or XML generated from HTML5? Any thoughts? Jeni [1] http://www.w3.org/TR/xmlschema11-2/ [2] http://www.w3.org/TR/xpath-datamodel/#types-predefined -- Jeni Tennison http://www.jenitennison.com
Received on Saturday, 19 November 2011 00:06:38 UTC


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If you live in Orange County and have even a little bit of a crafty bone in your body, then you're probably familiar with Peinture Studios in Costa Mesa at the SoCo Collection. They offer Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, beautiful stencils, and other unique items. They also hold workshops where they'll instruct you on transforming your own piece of furniture with chalk paint, wax and other finishes.
Peinture owner and designer Deborah Waltz has opened up her Orange home to Orange Coast Magazine this month and shares the secret to her own personal inspiration.
After a trip to Morocco, Deborah was so inspired that she arrived home with a new mission, to bring some of that old world charm into her home. Here's a little glimpse of how Deborah transformed her brand new tract home with vintage pieces, architectural salvage, chalk paint and distinct stenciling.
Salvaged Victorian porch columns anchor this space and give it symmetry. New light fixtures are replaced throughout the home with a variety of vintage ones. Annie Sloan Primer Red is used on the back wall.
I love that the stencil work on the fireplace is reminiscent of patterned cement tile that's so popular right now. Notice all the different patterns used here.
Two lovely vignettes of favorite gathered treasures.
I just so happen to have been at Peinture earlier this week picking up a couple of new colors for a chair and a bench that I'm working on. I hope a little of Deborah's magic rubs off on me and my projects!
Here's a shot from inside Peinture Studios. If you're in the area, stop by and get inspired!
ciao! fabiana
via Orange Coast Magazine


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Waist Taming
Traditional Corsetry offering profound Waist Reduction for when you really want to dress up!
Exceptional control and comfort in our most encompassing range. Our Waist Taming corsets offer a waist reduction of up to 4" without compromising on style. We have a wide range of styles and patterns for both outer and underwear. If you are serious about waist reduction and style then this is the range for you. Home to our Steampunk and Burlesque collections, there is a Waist Taming corset for everyone. Not only are Waist Taming corsets available in Regular & Longline lengths but the re-enforced construction offers ample support for larger busts. Hip gores or hip panels as standard offering enhanced comfort and curve.
- Rated to a 4" Waist Reduction
- Fully adjustable cord lacing & modesty panel
- Loops for suspender clips as standard and loops for bra straps (overbust only)
- Wider Width Spiral Steel Boning
- Superior support and control
- Striking & unique designs for any occasion
Brace yourself for ultra feminine glamour with this pink and ivory confection of sensuality and good looks. In pink with satin ribbons and appliquéd ivory lace detailing, this historically inspired overbust corset will delight with its intricate flossing detail. Two types of ivory lace are added to the bust and hips, dotted with tiny satin bows in pink. With a dramatic waist reduction of up to four inches, you can achieve the perfect custom fit using the lace up ribbon back. The overbust design enables you to wear this as outerwer as well as underwear. Be the star of your own costume drama!
- Style: Longline,Overbust
- Corset Features: Ribbon Lacing,Steel Busk
- Colour: Pink
- Achievable Waist Reduction: 3-4"
- Straight Line Underbust
- Fully Adjustable Structured Corset with Criss Cross Lacing
- Front and Back Modesty Panel
- Strong Waist Tape
- 6 Suspender Loops
- Outer Material: 100% Polyester
- Lining: 100% Cotton Twill
- 10 x 4mm Lightweight Spiral Steel Bones, 4 x 7mm Lightweight Flat Steel Bones
- Busk Length: 15"


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Scientists are getting closer to understanding one of the vexing mysteries of COVID-19: why some people hardly notice the infection while others get hit with severe disease.
A study by a team of San Diego scientists adds to a growing body of research suggesting the answer lies in our genes.
Using a first-of-its kind 3D mapping technique, researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified 12 high-risk variants for COVID-19.
The team showed these variants interact with genetic switches that can send certain immune cells into a frenzy, causing inflammation in the lungs that is the hallmark of severe COVID-19.
LJI computer scientist Dr. Ferhat Ay said the 3D map was critical to their findings. The first-of-its kind map, published in December in Nature Genetics, opens the door to a greater understanding of a range of diseases, including cancer and asthma.
Traditionally scientists have viewed DNA like a long strand, but the map allows researchers to see DNA as it truly is inside cells: like a bowl of spaghetti.
By looking at DNA in three dimensions, researchers are able to see sections that correspond, even though they may be far apart in the genetic code, Ay said.
Thanks to genetic research like this, people can get an individual prediction of their risk of COVID-19 with a cheek swab or saliva sample. Users can upload their DNA results from sites like Ancestry or 23 and Me to a website called Sequencing.com, which will scan their genome for signs of high-risk variants.
The service is currently available for free.


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Propositions de logo pour SPIRE (Sustainable Process Industry through Resource and Energy Efficiency).
SPIRE aisbl is an international non-profit association formed to represent the private sector as a partner in the Sustainable Process Industry through Resource and Energy Efficiency (SPIRE) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) launched as part of the Horizon2020 framework programme.
The mission of A.SPIRE is to ensure the development of enabling technologies and best practices along all the stages of large scale existing value chain productions that will contribute to a resource efficient process industry.


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QUITO, Ecuador — Ecuador has revoked the citizenship of Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks who is currently in a British prison.
Ecuador's justice system formally notified the Australian of the nullity of his naturalization in a letter that came in response to a claim filed by the South American country's Foreign Ministry.
A naturalization is considered damaging when it is granted based on the concealment of relevant facts, false documents or fraud. Ecuadorian authorities say Assange's naturalization letter had multiple inconsistencies, different signatures, the possible alteration of documents and unpaid fees, among other issues.
Carlos Poveda, Assange's lawyer, told The Associated Press the decision was made without due process and Assange was not allowed to appear in the case.
"On the date (Assange) was cited he was deprived of his liberty and with a health crisis inside the deprivation of liberty center where he was being held," Poveda said.
Poveda said he will file appeals asking for an amplification and clarification of the decision. "More than the importance of nationality, it is a matter of respecting rights and following due process in withdrawing nationality."
Assange received Ecuadorian citizenship in January 2018 as part of a failed attempt by the government of then-President Lenín Moreno to turn him into a diplomat to get him out of its embassy in London.
On Monday, the Pichincha Court for Contentious Administrative Matters revoked this decision.
Ecuador's Foreign Ministry told AP the court had "acted independently and followed due process in a case that took place during the previous government and that was raised by the same previous government."
Assange, 50, has been in London' high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019 for skipping bail seven years earlier during a separate legal battle.
Assange spent seven years holed up inside Ecuador's London embassy, where he fled in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed.
U.S. prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks' publication of thousands of leaked military and diplomatic documents. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.
U.S. prosecutors say Assange unlawfully helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published. Lawyers for Assange argue that he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment freedom of speech protections for publishing documents that exposed U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Earlier this month, Britain's High Court granted the U.S. government permission to appeal a decision that the WikiLeaks founder cannot be sent to the United States to face espionage charges.
In January, a lower court judge had refused an American request to send Assange to the U.S.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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I went to library camp in Montrèal and had a very good time. This was the second library event that I've been to recently where I stuck around for the whole thing and I'm glad I did. I even woke up early so that I could see John Fink and Jason Hammond's talks which were before mine and worth getting up for.
The promo materials said I was going to be "inspirational" so I tried my best. I basically did an anti-pecha-kucha talk with six pictures slides that were each on the screen for about eight minutes each. And I wrote out a talk, with all the words not just my usual "now talk about the digital divide" notes. I was pleased with it, though the informal no-podium nature of the event meant that I still wound up riffing a fair amount and doing weird things like this. Plus it was 100 degrees [37.7 C] but people were nice and stayed awake. The Library Camp event was in the Cyberthèque in the basement of a McGill building which was an awesome place to have an event. Big tables, lots of computers, working wifi, nearby bathrooms and snack machines, good screens and projectors and AV. Big big pros to Amy Buckland and Amanda Etches-Johnson for creating a terrific event and to everyone else for coming out and participating.
My talk — NOW I WILL INSPIRE YOU — is available in a few formats.
- The main page where slides are available in various formats (not super helpful)
- The actual words from the talk itself
- some live-blogged goodness which I had to make a real effort to not read while I was talking


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STEM Discovery Week 2018 is a joint international initiative that invites projects, organisations and schools across Europe and around the world, to celebrate careers and studies in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The tagline for this year's campaign "say yes to STEM" describes the partners' open-minded and dedicated support to STEM subjects at school, as well as wide-ranging collaboration among stakeholders in the area.
Interested to become a partner?
By committing to the STEM Discovery Week 2018, the partners agree to:
- Organise and share information about activities in STEM education as part of the STEM Discovery Week campaign.
- Encourage third parties to support and join the initiative by organising STEM activities of their own and share information about them as part of the STEM Discovery Week campaign.
- Publish on their web page information in support of the STEM Discovery Week campaign, hence facilitating an active exchange of information among projects, organisations and schools.
For more information on the registration steps that potential partners need to follow, please consult this document here.
Are you organising a STEM event around April 2018?
Include it on the map! Participants organising STEM activities in the course of April 2018, may also enter the STEM Discovery Week competitions. Visit the competitions' section for more information here.
STEM Discovery Week activities' map: