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By Ajai Shukla
Business Standard, 1st Feb 14
India's cumbersome arms procurement procedures and a plodding ministry of defence (MoD) bureaucracy have long been blamed for shortfalls in combat capability. Now there is another, more worrying, reason --- a growing crisis of funds, magnified by the lack of tri-service coordination.
Slowing economic growth and a weak rupee have left insufficient money for the military's ambitious modernisation programme. With no tri-service chief to coordinate and prioritise the needs of the army, air force and navy, their 15-year "Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan" is just an unaffordable wish list.
So dire is the funding shortfall, say senior ministry officials, that negotiations with vendors are dragged on simply because there is insufficient money for new contracts. The capital budget (meant for new equipment) goes almost entirely on previous years' purchases, for which instalments are paid over 5-10 years. This year only Rs 2,955 crore of the military's capital budget of Rs 73,444 crore was available for new purchases.
Meanwhile, revenue expenditure rises as the army grows in size, even as pay commissions increase the cost of manpower. Last month, Rs 7,870 crore was transferred from the already stressed capital account to meet the burgeoning revenue expenditure.
In these circumstances, major acquisitions languish. These include the planned purchase from BAE Systems of 145 M777 light guns for a mountain strike corps (MSC) on the Himalayan border. With no order forthcoming, BAE Systems has halted its M777 assembly line in the USA; the contract cost has risen from $647 million to a potential $885 million. Instead of raising the MSC in five years as planned, it will now be raised in eight years to spread its Rs 64,700 crore cost.
Also stuck in the pipeline are contracts with US company, Boeing --- for 22 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and 12 CH-47F Chinook multi-mission helicopters, together worth some $2 billion; and a billion-dollar repeat order for four P-8I maritime aircraft to supplement the eight already bought. Delay is inevitable in the purchase of another ten C-17 Globemaster III, worth $4 billion; as also in the $3 billion purchase of Honeywell engines to extend the service life of the IAF's hundred-odd Jaguar fighters.
Seemingly impossible now is a contract for 126 Rafale medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). The IAF would need to fork out Rs 15,000 crore as the 15 per cent signing amount, even at the lower end of the Rafale's estimated price band of $16-20 billion.
Meanwhile, the weaponry bought this financial year --- like the December 27 purchase of six C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft for a billion dollars --- will swell the "committed liabilities" for coming years, leaving a diminishing percentage for new purchases. If the Hercules are delivered over four years, the MoD would need to pre-commit four annual instalments of Rs 1,560 crore each.
The proportion of pre-committed instalments has risen each year (see Fig 1 below). In 2010-11, the capital budget allocated Rs 17,278 crore for new contracts and Rs 28,408 for "committed liabilities", or instalments due. In 2011-12, there was Rs 9,467 for new contracts, while Rs 32,995 crore went on committed liabilities. Last year, the money for new contracts dropped to Rs 5,520 crore, with Rs 54,840 crore pre-allocated for instalments. This year, there is just Rs 2,955 crore for new contracts, while Rs 64,680 crore is pre-committed. Next year, without a sharp hike in the defence budget, there may be nothing for new contracts.
Fig 1: Capital Budget: declining purchasing power
Capital Budget
New Contracts
Committed Liabilities
(Figures include expenditure of army, navy and air force only)
This crisis has been predictable in the absence of a tri-service commander to coordinate army, air force and navy spending. Each year, budgetary figures show no correlation between planning and expenditure (see Fig 2 below). In 2011-12, the military asked for a capital allocation of Rs 88,680 crore; the government allocated far less, and the military eventually spent just 59 per cent of what it had projected. Last year, capital expenditure was just 63 per cent of the Rs 93,828 crore the military had asked for. This year the military will spend a mere 58 per cent of the projected requirement of Rs 1,23,911 crore.
Fig 2: Capital Budget: Demands and allocations
Likely 72000.00
(Figures include budget for Defence R&D Organisation, Lands & Works, etc)
Former army vice chief, Lieutenant General Shantanu Chaudhary, says that appointing a tri-service chief is essential for easing the pressure on military budgets ---both capital and revenue. A permanent chairman of the chiefs of staff committee (COSC), which the Naresh Chandra Task Force recommended to the prime minister last year, would rationalise the roles and capabilities of the three services, many of which are wastefully duplicated today. Expenditure could be reduced and efficiency increased by getting the army, navy and air force to share infrastructure, logistics, command systems and even platforms. He cites multiple examples of needless duplication --- electronic warfare capabilities created by all three services; complex command, control and intelligence networks that each service has created separately, instead of a common platform; and separate surveillance systems that result in thrice the expense and half the efficacy.
"The three services essentially look out for themselves. The senior-most service chief, who is the ex-officio Chairman COSC, naturally looks out for his own service rather than the tri-service good. Sensible modernisation demands a tri-service chief, who can prioritise procurement, plan budgeting and slash the duplication and triplication," says Chaudhary.


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As summer became autumn in 1918, the Spanish Flu struck hard at the eastern shores of New England. Cases emerged in Boston, Brockton, Quincy, and Gloucester and at Camp Devens. By mid-September, 21 flu-related deaths were reported in Boston alone. By October 1, 85,000 cases had been reported statewide and the city was experiencing deaths at a rate of about 200 a day. Doctors, health officials, and scientists rushed to control and find a treatment for the influenza epidemic as they watched victims die within days, or even hours, of the appearance of their first symptoms.
John Owen, my grandfather, was just 17 years old and living in Lawrence, Massachusetts at the time. He remembered seeing the wagons come around the streets of Lawrence to collect the bodies of those who had fallen victim to the flu. As he explained it, the horse-drawn wagons would approach from the end of the street and collect bodies placed on the sidewalks, or carried out from houses. Coffins became scarce at the height of the epidemic and workers were forced to pile the bodies one atop the next, and carry them to mass graves.
As influenza cases and death tolls mounted in Boston and statewide, panic emerged. Misinformation and fear abounded. What were the symptoms of the flu? How could it be distinguished from the common cold? The US Public Health Service soon released a pamphlet, informing the public that the Spanish Flu came on suddenly, striking the victim with pain and soreness throughout his body, especially in the eyes, ears, back and head. Some experienced dizziness and nausea; most suffered fevers as high as 104°F that lasted as long as four days. The US Public Heath Service advised that flu sufferers looked sick and likely would have bloodshot eyes, a runny nose, and a cough.
Beyond the pamphlets, schools became a means of disseminating information about the disease to children and their families. During the height of the epidemic, the National School Boards Association advised the worried public to avoid sick people, crowds, and badly ventilated places, to keep warm, and to change from wet clothes quickly. This is familiar advice, even for us today. Local papers took it a step further, perhaps sensationalizing their advice somewhat, in order to attract more readers.
To slow the spread of the disease, public buildings, schools included, in Lawrence and many other New England cities and towns were closed. Haverhill, Massachusetts went a step further and prohibited its schoolchildren from attending motion picture houses or other public meetings during the epidemic. In Marblehead, Massachusetts, the high school building was converted into a hospital by the Board of Health in October 1918. Boston's Committee of Public Safety asked school teachers to attend flu victims; most did as schools were closed indefinitely.
During the epidemic, fresh air was thought paramount in protecting against infection. Open-air emergency camps were set up in many Massachusetts cities and towns to treat the infected. The first opened on Brookline's Corey Hill on September 9, 1918. Gloucester, Ipswich, Brockton, Waltham, Haverhill, Springfield, and Barre soon followed. My grandfather would have also seen Lawrence open its own emergency camp for flu victims from the city, as well as cases from the neighboring communities of Methuen, Andover, and North Andover. Controversy surrounded the opening of the Lawrence camp, named Emery Hill, which had been a large dairy farm that supplied milk to nearby residents. Though the residents objected loudly to Lawrence's Mayor Hurley; in the end, Lawrence city officials protested that they had little say in the matter. They maintained that the state had chosen the site and was running the hospital. By October 12, 1918, the camp had 150 patients.
In the end, more than one in every four people in the US suffered some form of the Spanish Flu, and within one year, the average life expectancy for a US citizen was shortened by 12 years. Worldwide, more than 50 million people died – more than three times the number of lives claimed by World War I.
The Influenza Epidemic of 1918 is frequently overlooked in discussions about the history of the United States. Does your family have a story about its experiences with the epidemic? Did you lose any family members to it?

subset: commoncrawl


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Ceramic Oodles of Noodles, Burgers or a Slice | 8-12 yearss
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Ceramic Oodles of Noodles, Burgers or a Slice | 8-12 yearss
Have a great time making your dinner, but you won't be able to eat it! Learn how to use clay hand building techniques to make your bowl and noodles, bacon and egg, burger on a plate or a pizza slice. Learn to design and shape your items then add some colourful expression. You're limited only by your imagination.
The artworks made in this class
will be
fired in our kiln.This means kids will not take their artwork home on the day. You will need to return later to collect the artwork (approx 3-4 weeks after the class). The class fee includes an additional fee that covers 2 x kiln firings and glazing your artworks.
Using your Creative Kids Voucher for school holiday activities
Use your 2020 Creative Kids voucher for our Summer holiday workshops and save $100! All you have to do is claim your Creative Kids Voucher from Service NSW after 1 January 2020, choose a your workshops (see below), call us to enrol on 95641519 after 3 January 2020 with your Creative Kids voucher details and leave the rest to us!
Read on for more details on using your Creative Kids Voucher.
The framework set down by Service NSW means that
you cannot use your CreativeKids voucher for a single 3 hour workshops
.You can only use your CreativeKids voucher in the school holidays in the following circumstances:
Enrol one child for a full day (that is you enrol your child in 1 morning session and 1 afternoon session on the same day, or one of our full day workshops),
build a 1 week program enrolling one child in a minimum of 4 × 3 hour workshops morning or afternoon in the same week.
To enrol using your Creative Kids Voucher, you will need to call on 02 9564 1519 during regular office hours 10am-5pm Monday-Friday (online enrolments not available with these vouchers). Please have your voucher number ready, you will need to provide the child's full name and DOB
. We cannot take enrolments by email and we cannot retrospectively apply the Creative Kids Voucher if you have already enrolled and paid.
Other Frequently asked questions
Did you know you could stay all day?
Children enrolled in morning and afternoon sessions will be supervised through the 1 hour lunch break. Just pack lunch and extra snacks.The break may include a visit to Lambert Park Playground just around the corner at the end of Davies Street – so bring a hat and sunscreen.
There is NO additional fee for this supervision
My child is older/younger than the suggested age, can they do the class?
Our holiday classes are structured with age appropriate activities. If children are older than the listed age target they can do the class as long as they are aware there will be younger kids in the class and this does not worry them. However it is not appropriate for children much younger than the listed age to attend classes aimed at older students (eg a 6 year old enrolled in a class for 8-12s or a 9 year old in class for teens).
How many children are in each class?
We keep classes to 12 students to ensure maximum learning opportunity.
Are materials included in the workshop fee?
Yes, the fee for each school holiday class includes all materials and tuition.
If I cancel a booking can I get a refund?
Please read our school holiday cancellation and refund policy in our terms and conditions carefully. We do not offer refunds for cancellations
and a cancellation fee may be payable or you may forfeit the course fee, depending on when you cancel
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Ceramic Oodles of Noodles, Burgers or a Slice | 8-12 yearss
Have a great time making your dinner, but you won't be able to eat it! Learn how to use clay hand building techniques to make your bowl and noodles, bacon and egg, burger on a plate or a pizza
Fri 24 Jan
1 session, 3 hours total
Art Est. Art School (Ceramics Studio)
Isis Star
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Ceramic Oodles of Noodles, Burgers or a Slice | 8-12 yearss
Session Notes
Fri 24 Jan 2020
- 4:30pm (UTC+11:00)
Handbuilding Studio
Art Est. Art School (Ceramics Studio)
Directions from:
Unit 9/67-69 Lords Road
Site Directions
Art Est. Art School is located in a light industrial estate at 67-69 Lords Road, Leichhardt. We have two venues: the main studios are in Unit 4 where painting, drawing and printmaking classes are held. The ceramics studio (clay work and pottery) is located in Unit 9, the first building on the right as you arrive. Art Est. student parking is the spaces directly outside Units 4 and 9. General visitor parking is also available opposite Unit 4 (under the trees). Tandem parking is in operation in the visitor parking, so please leave a note on your car if you park someone in for any length of time. There is plenty of unmetered on-street parking available.
It is important to remind you to only park in the signposted Art Est. spaces OR the general visitor parking. Please do not park in front of any other tenant's premises. This includes loading dock next door as this is in use 24 hours/7 days by our neighbours.
Public Transport
By Rail
T2 Airport, Inner West & South Line
Alight at Summer Hill Station then a 11 minute (900m) walk via The GreenWay.
View map
or Alight at Lewisham station 15 min/1.2 walk via Flood Street.
View map
Sydney Trains info
By Bus
STA Buses via Parramatta Rd Routes 461, 480, 483
STA Buses via Marion Street Routes 436, 438, 439 to Foster St/Lambert Park
Light Rail
Light Rail runs every 15 minutes from Central Station. Alight at 'Marion', cross over at the pedestrian crossing and it is a 6 minute walk by the canal path along 'The Greenway', then turn left at the pedestrian tunnel with the fish mosaics to reach Lords Road. Art Est. entry is via the second gate, 50 metres up the hill on the left.
We're perfectly positioned along the GreenWay near Hawthorne Canal at Lords Road, so you can walk or cycle here too.
Other Information
Wheelchair access
Please phone us on 02 9564 1519 to discuss any accessibility needs.
The entrance ramp for the main painting and drawing studios can be negotiated with a wheelchair and the wheelchair access to the bathroom is possible.
Session Notes
Fri 24 Jan 2020
- 4:30pm (UTC+11:00)
Handbuilding Studio
Art Est. Art School (Ceramics Studio)


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Last year, sales of BMW's midsize sedan hit 5.5 million. The outgoing 5er, known as the E60, represented the car's fifth generation. I have at least five personal stories to tell about the 5-series. Coincidence? I think not!
When it comes to cars, a personal connection is the only thing that matters — all the horsepower or fuel efficiency in the world doesn't mean squat if your car doesn't make you feel something. The recent appearance of a new 5-series, along with the five-fold number thing mentioned above, reminded me of my long, quiet love affair with Munich's businessman's express. Here now, a few memories, plus a gallery of cool images (check the bottom of the page) that recently found their way into the BMW press archives.
E12, 1972 - 1981: If It's Not Bracq-en...
The E12's lines come courtesy of French designer Paul Bracq, the man who penned the Mercedes-Benz 600 and W108 as well as the TGV passenger train and BMW's first-generation 7-series. It's pretty, even dainty. The car also holds the distinction of being the first Bavarian sedan to wear the company's hallowed Motorsport badge and color scheme — the M535i, produced from 1979 to 1981, was the one of the first hot Munich four-doors.
The E12 is the only 5-series that I've never driven. I've worked on them, ridden in them, and pushed them across dingy parking lots, but I've never climbed behind the wheel. I even almost bought one once — a rusty, nasty 530i with a leaking head gasket — only to be talked out of it by a friend who pointed out that there were other, smarter things I could do with my time, things like nailing my fingers to a piece of dirty drywall and getting slop-ass drunk in front of public officials. An hour after I told the seller no, I received an impassioned, likely drunken email from another friend, this one an E12 freak. It went something like this, and it's as good a summary as any:
"If you do not buy this car, you will regret it for the rest of your life. What the hell is wrong with you? It's nimble, clean, entertaining, modern. It's like a 2002 that someone turned into a real car and gave functional HVAC. It's old, interesting, practical, German, and cheap. People hate because it's not an Alfa, but if you don't like it, you're a crackhead. E12s are subtle, and most people are too blockheaded to appreciate that."
In the years since, I've purposely not bought one several times. If I'm going to own something this old, I want it to be a bit more exciting, a bit more different, a bit more technically interesting. This is the problem with E12s. They have an alarmingly small enthusiast following because they're just too damn normal. Tall, thin, sparse, and kind of quirky, yes, but too normal. I'm afraid to drive one because I'm afraid I'll like it, and there's a whole lot of other, quirkier stuff I want to buy first.
E28, 1982 - 1988: Solid, Fun, Ubiquitous
Ah, the E28. They are cheap, they are everywhere, they are essentially an E12 in '80s drag with an updated suspension, a few computers stuffed under the dash, and newer interior. A blue gazillion of these things were sold everywhere from Boston to Bangalore and most of them are still around. The E28 is one of those cars that just barely made the cut into modernity, a machine that is comfortable and durable enough to be used by normal people without explanation or apology. They run forever, you can buy one with a diesel, and the E12 connection is so strong that you can bolt that car's doors on and still have things look right.
The E28 also marked the first appearance of the M5, essentially a lowered, stiffened, 150-mph version of the base car with a modernized version of the M1's six-cylinder under the hood. American-market examples were sold only in black. I've always wanted one, but have held off because A) I refuse to own a black car (mild OCD doesn't go well with twenty-year-old black paint) and B) I hate tan interiors. The closest I've come was when I used a 180,000-mile 1988 535iS — the U.S.-only sport-pack special with heavily bolstered front seats, an air dam that looked like an underbite, and a small rear spoiler — as a daily driver and track car for a year. I sold it to a mechanic in St. Louis, and two years later, I found it parked in a junkyard with a tree-sized dent in the nose and a pair of bent control arms. Good car. Kind of miss it.
E34, 1989 - 1996: Understated Chic
Big. Bad. Sedate but threatening, like a muscled German mobster in a too-tight suit. This is the E34, the world's most anonymous continental ass-hauler.
The E34 marked the first appearance of a lot of things: It was the first 5-series to be offered as a wagon; the first to be offered with four-wheel drive; the first to offer a V-8; and the first car to carry BMW's hallowed M50 six-cylinder, the engine that formed the basis of every BMW six that followed until the appearance of the magnesium-alloy N52. The E34 M5 boasted a 3.6-liter, 311-hp (3.8 liters and 335 hp in late European spec), Motronic-1.2-equipped version of the S38, the E28 M5's engine. It is one subtle-bad mamma jamma, and it will eat you and your Porsche for lunch.
I have worked on and driven a lot of E34s, but most of them left me cold. The sole exception was a 140-mph passenger-seat run down Chicago's I-290 in a euro-spec M5 six years ago. The car was a weird purplish blue, and 500 rpm before its 7000-rpm redline, the sound made my toes curl. (Note: This model M5 was used for the final chase in Ronin, which explains why I cannot watch that movie without cranking the volume through the roof.) No BMW since has packaged as much balls-out awesome in as calm and snoozeworthy a package.
Also, I once swapped an E34's four-speed automatic without a transmission jack while lying in a puddle in the middle of a snow-covered parking lot in thirty-degree temperatures and freezing rain. It was not fun. We must never speak of this again.
E39, 1997 - 2002: Modern Refinement
Oh, oh, oh, the E39. We will ignore the excellent bread-and-butter models, charming though they are, in favor of the 394-hp, V-8-powered M5. This right here is the king dog, the arguable peak, the best combination of refinement and raw and technology and torque to ever come thundering out of Bavaria. Sure, the steering is a bit numb and parts of the interior feel cheap, and yes, the car is both heavy and complex. But hell, it feels good. It feels like Detroit. It feels like a four-door Camaro as filtered through a glass of hefeweizen. It loves you, and it wants to charge down an autobahn with the tach pegged and the exhaust screaming and loud, distorted guitars pouring out of the stereo.
I once tried — oh, how I tried — to get my mom to buy one of these things. I was just out of college, she was looking for a new car, and she had allowed as how she would like to have four doors and torque. I got her this close, even going so far as to arrange a test-drive in a 2001 example owned by a friend. She liked it but ultimately wanted a lighter, smaller car. Frustrated, I attempted to illustrate the M5's excellence by leaving our neighborhood sideways and doing clutch dumps at every stop sign. She laughed, put her head in her hands, and asked me if I needed to go on Ritalin.
Good car. No — great car. At some point, I'll get off my ass and buy one.
E60, 2003 - 2005: Aloof Acceleration
Pity the poor E60: It's a capable, quiet, and thoroughly talented car that just happens to seem tame next to its predecessors. I've got more miles in E60s than almost any other 5-series, and yet, it's the last one I would buy. Too docile, too refined, too complex.
As with most of these cars, my most vivid memories are tied to the M model. I flogged an E60 M5 — 500 hp and an 8000-rpm V-10 — across Germany several years ago, spanking the hell out of the car on the autobahn and waiting for it to come alive, to respond, to offer something compelling in the way of feedback. When it finally did, I was deep into the evil side of the speedometer and convinced that few things worth doing can be done below 130 mph. The M5 is sparkling but subdued, a wonderful engine imprisoned in a big, distant car. Had previous 5ers not existed, it would be hailed as a landmark; instead, it's widely viewed as a black sheep, a dull misstep from a company not known for product-planning mistakes.
Still, dull is relevant. There is no such thing as a bad 5-series, even if the lesser iterations don't offer the character or charisma of their predecessors. Happily, the current model — the four-door sedan (F10) and five-door (F07) hatchback — is a welcome step toward the qualities that made cars like the E39 and E28 great.


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By David Ponce
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$13 at Amazon for a pack of 4.
[ Bacon Lip Balm ] VIA [ Uncrate ]


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Kim Nelson
Business Development Manager – Scotland and Northern Ireland
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Happy 2013!
It's been such a long time. I've missed this space. I've missed you guys. I'm back from Peru and have so much to tell you about the trip.
But first, some exciting news. I started a new job!
Maybe you prepare for a new role by self-reflecting and setting goals for success, researching the company and industry, honing skills that might need, well, honing. I did all those things, but I spent my last days of freedom figuring out how I was going to transition from a home office to an office office: I chose my first-week outfits.
And then I decided to mix and match in the kitchen too. I prepped food over the weekend so that, morning or evening, I could open my fridge and pantry like a closet, easing the scramble to pack lunch or throw together dinner. There were greens and herbs to clean, vegetables to roast, dressings and sauces to whisk, meats and grains to cook, nuts to toast.
A few rules of thumb. The vegetables last a few days, so don't make too much. Dressings are usually good for two weeks unless they contain fresh herbs. Sauces, meat, and grains are easy to freeze, and toasted nuts stay fresh in a jar for at least a month, so make a lot and squirrel them away.
I started week one with butternut squash, using farro that I made a while back and froze.
Tomorrow is a tabouli-like bulgur salad. More on that later, but, right now the big question is … what shall I wear?
Butternut squash and farro salad with pepitas and ricotta salata
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen. Farro, wheat berries, freekeh, barley, brown rice, quinoa – use whatever grains you have around. (Yes, I know quinoa is a seed.) I roasted the squash at a slightly higher temperature and used scallions instead of red onions. Don't skip the pumpkin seeds, and definitely don't skip toasting them. The crunch is worth it.
While you're at it, make extra squash (keeps in the refrigerator for a few days), farro (freeze for a few weeks), and pepitas (store in a jar for a few weeks).
Serves 4 as a side dish, 2 for lunch
– 2 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds)
– 4-5 T olive oil, divided
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1/2 C dried farro (or wheat berries, freekeh, barley, etc.)
– 1 T sherry vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
– 1 T water
– 1/2 t salt
– 1/2 t granulated sugar
– 2 scallions
– 1/3 C pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
– 3 oz ricotta salata or another salty cheese (about 3/4 C crumbled) – a dry feta would work well too
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Roast. Cut the butternut squash between the bulb and neck to make peeling easier. Spoon out the seeds. Cut the squash into pieces about 3/4-inch all around. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the squash out in one layer. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast until pieces are browned and tender, about 30 – 40 minutes. Shake the pan once or twice during roasting.
Simmer. While the squash is roasting, make the wheat berries (or other grains or quinoa) according to the package directions and drain. If you have one, use a pressure cooker! Otherwise, this "beyond rice" guide from the January 2013 Cook's Illustrated is really helpful. Let the drained grains cool a bit.
Whisk. While the squash is roasting and the grains are simmering, prepare the dressing. Whisk in a small bowl or jar the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. There will not be a lot of liquid. Thinly slice the scallions and add them to the dressing. There will be more scallion than dressing. Let the scallions mellow in the brine for at least 10 minutes.
Toast. In a small pan, toast the pepitas over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Shake the pan a few times while toasting. The seeds will color slightly, puff up, and some will even pop. Once the pepitas are ready, mix with a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Mix. In a large bowl, mix together the squash, grains, scallions and brine. Toss. Crumble half the cheese over the salad and add half the pepitas and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss again. Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and pepitas.


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Cynotilapia sp. 'hara'© photo by Ad Konings
A new species of paedophagous Lake Malawi cichlid has been described — A new species of paedophagous cichlid from Lake Malawi has been described by Katrien Dierickx and Jos Snoeks of the Royal Museum for Central Africa [Tervuren]. The new species was previously known as... more
Maskaheros argenteus (Allgayer, 1991) — by Juan Miguel Artigas Azas
The name pasorela, coined by Carl H. Hubbs for this species was never formalized.
Metriaclima chrysomallos Stauffer, Bowers, Kellogg & McKaye, 1997 — by Ad Konings
An attractive species resembling the iconic M. aurora but without barring on the flank.
Feeding in cichlids – The feeding apparatus — by Juan Miguel Artigas Azas
One of the reasons why cichlids are so successful in terms of the number of species and their diversification is their evolutionary plasticity; a feature that has allowed them to take advantage of most of the potentially edible organisms in the habitat they inhabit
Copyright 1996-2018 Juan Miguel Artigas Azas, All Rights Reserved


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| 12.3°C Belfast
Tim Sherwood will return to the Tottenham dugout when Sunderland visit on Monday - a decision the head coach insists is nothing to do with the fans' irritation at him watching recent matches from the stands.
Following a touchline tete-a-tete with Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, the Spurs boss has preferred to watch matches from the stands, claiming it is for the good of the team.
However, a section of Tottenham fans audibly disagreed with that last weekend, chanting "where's our manager?" during the 4-0 trouncing at Liverpool.
Those supporters will no doubt be pleased to hear he will be back in the dugout on Monday, although he continues to defend his decision to watch from the directors' box.
"I'll be on the touchline on Monday - I'll be knocking out as many people as I can," Sherwood said with a smile.
"I've had a lot of time to prepare this week. If they don't know what it's all about this week, then they ain't going to know.
"When you're playing against Liverpool and teams like that, I feel there was a technical mismatch between the two teams.
"We have to try to worry about them and they might need some adjusting during the game - they certainly did after 20 minutes.
"There was nothing we could do to turn it around, unfortunately.
"I can learn more about my players sitting up top for the future than going down there to the touchline.
"I would've had to have no effect on that game. Against teams we've got left to play, the players know the script now.
"We will play the same way between now and the end of the season and it's up to them to try to entertain.
"I'll be there at the forefront with them and hopefully we can get a positive result together."
Monday certainly looks a decent opportunity for Tottenham to put a smile back on their fans' faces, although Sherwood is wary of the threat posed by Sunderland.
Managed by former Spurs team-mate Gus Poyet, the Black Cats are in relegation trouble and need positive results quickly.
"If their spirit can mirror their manager, then they will certainly be going until they have no breath left in them," Sherwood said.
"That gives them a real opportunity. They haven't been fantastic - their results have suggested that.
"But we really have to worry about ourselves. It is all about pride now and getting the maximum points possible between now and the end of the season.
"We've got to play with the shackles off. We are not coming up against a technical mismatch now, against teams in the top four.
"We're playing against teams who are in and around mid-table or below that, so we really have to play with a lot of freedom and try to entertain these great fans we have."
Sherwood will be able to call upon top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor against Sunderland after a spell on the sidelines, while Vlad Chiriches and Paulinho are also back in contention.
However, Kyle Walker, Etienne Capoue and Erik Lamela remain unavailable and are joined in the sidelines by Roberto Soldado and Jan Vertonghen after they were injured in the defeat at Anfield.
Poyet admits Sunderland are going to have to do something unexpected to get themselves out of relegation trouble.
The Black Cats head for Tottenham on Monday night lying seven points adrift of safety and knowing they will need to win at least three of their remaining eight games if they are to stand any chance of remaining a Barclays Premier League club.
Given the fact that they have only six league wins to their name to date this season, and that their four away fixtures take them to Spurs, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, that may be a tall order.
However, Poyet knows from experience that strange things happen as seasons draw to a close, and he is hoping that will be the case for his struggling team.
Asked if they may have to do something unexpected to survive, Poyet said: "Yes, yes - but I think it is possible.
"I remember clubs in the past - I am not going to talk about names - they have played five or six games at the end of the season against teams who were playing for nothing and they won four or five.
"People say it's incredible, a miracle, but it depends what the there teams put on the pitch and what you do. But it can happen.
"I suppose I would try as a professional not to alter the end of the season, but if a team goes down early and they make seven changes to try things for the following year, I wouldn't blame them because they are trying for themselves.
"Now that can affect the result of that game and then everybody is blaming somebody else. But a the end of the day, you have got 38 games, it's you.
"You cannot blame the rest for what they do because it happens during the season when someone is playing in the Champions League and chooses to make five changes in midweek.
"Nobody remembers those, they only remember the last three or four when people are already out of any possibility."
Poyet has no fresh injury concerns. T he Uruguayan's biggest problem will be to find the best XI to attempt to return from White Hart Lane with something to show for their efforts, after admitting he may have made a mistake in starting Monday's 2-1 home defeat by West Ham with leading scorer Adam Johnson sitting on the bench.


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HRPP Document:
Effective Date:
Revision Date:
UAB Policy on Definition of Child, Parent Guardian
In accordance with its Federalwide Assurance, it is the policy of UAB to require compliance with applicable regulations when conducting or overseeing research involving children. The IRB is responsible for determining whether research involves children and, if so, for ensuring compliance. (See also: PRO108 Procedure for Additional Safeguards for Children Involved in Research.) In the event of a conflict between federal or national, state and/or local law, the most restrictive shall apply.
Federal regulations (21 CFR 50.3, 45 CFR 46.402, 34 CFR 97.402) define children as "persons who have not attained the legal age for consent to treatments or procedures involved in the research, under the applicable law of the jurisdiction in which the research will be conducted." Usually the law of the jurisdiction in which the research is conducted is supplied by state law; under which the legal age for consent is termed the age of majority. Individuals who have not attained the age of majority are termed minors.
The terms "minor" and "child" are not synonymous. Minor refers to individuals who under state law meet the state law definition of "minor." A "child" is an individual who meets the federal definition of "children" based on state law that defines the legal age to consent to the treatments or procedures. Who is a "child" depends on the jurisdiction in which the research is being conducted and the treatments or procedures being conducted. In many states certain minors have reached the legal age to consent to certain treatments or procedures and therefore are not children under DHHS and FDA regulations. In some states certain adults have not reached the legal age to consent to certain treatments or procedures and are therefore children under DHHS and FDA regulations. Some states have emancipated minor laws that allow minors to consent to certain treatments or procedures as an adult. Other states do not give emancipated minors those rights. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that emancipated minors in all states have reached the legal age to consent to the treatments or procedures involved in research.
Under Alabama law (Ala. Code 26-1-1), a minor is a person younger than 19 years old, unless such a person has been emancipated. A person who is 18 years old and is either married or widowed is automatically emancipated. While Alabama law permits adolescents to consent to "medical" treatment, if they are (1) 14 years of age or older; (2) have graduated from high school; (3) are married or divorced; or (4) are pregnant, there is no statute addressing their capacity to consent to procedures purely for research purposes (i.e., where no "treatment" is involved).
When conducted in Alabama research involving children as defined above will be reviewed in accordance with 45 CFR 46, Subpart D, which generally requires the consent of at least one parent and the assent of the child. The IRB has discretion to consider the ability of adolescents to consent to treatment under state law (see (1)-(4) above for Alabama) as a factor in determining whether to waive parental consent on a case by case basis pursuant to 45 CFR 46.408(c)
Notwithstanding the above, a minor who is the parent of a child who is a prospective participant in research being performed in Alabama may consent to research involving that child or infant (neonate). Also, assent of a child may be waived if the capability of the child is limited by age, maturity, or psychological state.
When research studies are conducted outside the State of Alabama and intend to enroll participants which arguably are children, the investigators and IRB may seek advice from the UAB Office of Counsel on whether the definition of children is met for the applicable jurisdiction.
A parent, for purposes of consent, means either a child's biological or adoptive parent. In some instances, the consent of a guardian may be used in lieu of parental consent. A guardian is an individual who is authorized under applicable state or local law to consent on behalf of a child to general medical care. For purposes of research conducted in Alabama a guardian is:
A person acts in loco parentis of a child where the individual voluntarily assumes responsibility for the child's custody, care, and maintenance even though no court order exists formally appointing the person as the guardian, legal custodian, or adoptive parent of the child.
When research studies are conducted outside the State of Alabama and intend to enroll participants who may have guardians, the investigators and IRB may seek advice from the UAB Office of Counsel on the correct manner to obtain legally effective informed consent for the applicable jurisdiction. The investigator shall ensure that all required consents are obtained before any research involving children as subjects begins.
Approved on March 1, 2010, by:
Richard B. Marchase, PhD
Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Ferdinand Urthaler, MD
IRB Chair
Sheila Deters Moore, CIP
OIRB Director


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Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords (PC) review
"August 1, 2007- On this day, I created my people. I named them the Memians, after internet memes of old. I knew I would need to give them the right skills to survive in this harsh galaxy, so upon them, I blessed them with augmentations to their soldiering skills, their shipbuilding abilities, and their reproductive 'talents'. My bunny-like custom race--with their ability to fuck like rabbits and increase their population by over nine thousand times--set out to dominate thei..."
Community review by espiga (August 15, 2007)
Espiga likes big butts, and cannot lie.
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Hili Stone Co., Limited
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- Tel: 86-592-5981844
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Stone waterscape, Model 20
Material: Black GraniteFinish: water feature
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Custom designs and different materials are available
Natural stone garden water features like fountains and small waterscapes are typically used to beautify the garden due to their attractive features that they could easily pass on to their surroundings. The sound of water trickling through the rocks has that magical appeal as though you are seated near a river.
Our waterscape fountains are made mostly from Granite, as it's known for their durability and easy-to-maintain nature, they could maintain their original appearance for almost their lifetime, and the economic cost.
Stone waterscapes are visually entertaining as they bring the beauty of nature right into the gardens and they can also blend well in any kind of garden landscape orientation.


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Monday, March 12, 2012
Moments in Time - Imaginarium Designs
May I just say, this is just my second month on the Imaginarium Designs DT, and I am LOVING it! We only have one rule...use Imaginarium Designs chipboard. Seriously? I just grab stuff and PLAY?! I've been having a blast seeing what I can create when there are no rules. My favorite way to create! {giggle}
I want to thank my very good friend, Christine Schaffer, for this photograph. Every year we have a paper crafting retreat into the mountains east of San Diego, and Chris always takes the most amazing photographs to share with the group. She has a lovely eye for just what to snap! I've used her photos often in my design work. I appreciate her more than I can say!
To get started with this layout, I placed the large clock chipboard onto paper to act as a mask. I then sprayed the stuffing out of it with glitter mist! Once the paper looked like what I wanted, I removed the clock to a safe spray area, and finished spraying it up. I sprayed the chipboard with several layers of color for more depth.
The border across the top of the page is called "Edward Relief Border." I sprayed it with Copper Glimmer Mist, and once the ink was dry I inked over the top with Ranger Fired Brick Distress Ink. {Yeah, my ink pad is a bit glittery now, but no matter.}
I never get tired of saying...layer layer layer. I layer everything. To make my layers of patterned paper "pop" I always mat them with cardstock, in this case I matted with black cardstock. I am very much a linear scrapper. Once I have things all lined up, nice and straight, I start to add junk to the page. But the base...almost always linear!
To create the aged look for the fence, I sprayed it with Log Cabin Smooch Spritz. When the mist was dry, I inked with black archival ink, just hitting the "high spots."
I also sprayed all of my foliage. Most of these leaves were in my "junk" box. They were either odds and ends or were really ugly! Once I hit them with some ink...they turned out pretty fantastic! Then again, these colors are right in my wheelhouse!
I sure used a ton of chipboards on this layout! It probably weighs too much to put into an album. I really want to start framing my favorite layouts and using them as wall art in my house. We have a lot of blank wall space!
That's it for today. Make sure you stop by the ID Blog to see what the other girls are making. Plus, this is my second post for today, so scroll down to see another layout. {I don't make only cards, you know!! hee hee}
Supply List:
Imaginarium Designs Chipboard: Edward Relief Border, Spade Top Picket Fence, Clock Face without center and hands 6 inch, Small Clock Face, Moments in Time Phrase, Embellishment 8 Small
Graphic 45 Papers: Le Cirque Magnifique, An ABC Primer Games and Playtime, Steampunk Debutante Mechanical Mind
American Crafts: Black Cardstock
Neenah: Natural White Cardstock
Clearsnap: Colorbox Graphic 45 Decades Antiquing Ink Dark Cashmere, Venetian Lace, Triumphant Red; Smooch Spritz Black Velvet, Log Cabin
Tattered Angels: Glimmer Mist Tuscan Sun, Copper, Candy Apple Red, Peach Delight, Bronze, Harvest Orange
Ranger: Distress Ink Fired Brick
Close to My Heart: Archival Ink True Black
Prima: Flowers, leaves
Craft supply: Leaves and other floral supply; mini brad, glue
Spellbinders: Grand Calibur Die Cutting System, Nestabilities Labels Seventeen
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: Foam squares
Scotch 3M: Tape runner, foam tape
4 comments:
That is stunning! The details are just amazing! I laughed about the linear thing, I always do the same thing. Things must be lined up and then go crazy. LOL!ReplyDelete
Gloria - I'm with you on the linear design! This is a fantastic layout with delicious details. I really need to find a US supplier for Imaginarium chipboard. That border is killing me!ReplyDelete
Gloria your layout is stunning, the colours amazing, and a I really like how you used the ID chipboard elements.ReplyDelete
what, no rules?? you go girl :) lolReplyDelete
love the photo!! and such a beautiful layout :)
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J Roddy Walston and the Business at Amos' Southend
They performed in Charlotte with Jessica Hernandez and the Deltas, and Moon Taxi. Great show. We didn't have a very good spot for photos (as you can see), but got a couple of decent ones. They also weren't very camera-friendly: they considered anything other than a phone with a camera as "professional", and didn't allow "professional" photographers.Read More


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Royal Oak police are seeking tips as they try to identify three men involved in an armed robbery at a Radio Shack store where employees and a customer were bound with duct tape.
The three entered the store at 29160 Woodward shortly before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said.
An employee told police that the men wore baseball caps and hooded sweatshirts and had nylons over their faces.
'The suspects moved two employees and a customer to a storage room, placed duct tape over their eyes and taped their hands behind their backs,' Royal Oak police Lt. Dave Clemens said in a statement. 'At least one of the suspects was armed with a handgun.'
The three men stole an undisclosed amount of money from a register and about 50 cellphones from the store.
Police said none of the victims were injured in the robbery and the three men fled in an unknown direction. An employee called 911 after the trio left.
A K-9 officer from Troy police showed up at the store and followed a scent track the robbers left that ended in the area of Benjamin and Woodward, police said. Police believe that is where the men entered a vehicle and fled the area.
All three of the men are black.
Anyone with information about the robbery or the identity of the men is asked to call Lt. Dave Clemens at 248-246-3456.


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Jesus, Save me from the Legion
by Jacob Gibson
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1 [You're in the moment now, a bitter root, a wandering eye, and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin... within.
You're in the moment now, when all that you've been blessed with is not enough.
Here's where the ground gets loose, here's where the devils call your bluff.
(chorus) Stay strong! You are not lost. Come on, fix your eyes ahead.
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day. We've gotta stay strong!
You and I run for the prize that lies ahead. We've come too far to lose our way.
Our way.
2 [We've seen the tragic flaws, the tortured souls, the saints with feet of clay.
Here's where sin becomes cliché. We've come through wilderness and
Watched the cloud by day, the burning sky into dawn. Have you forgotten who you are? Did you forget who's trip you're on?
Get up, there's further to go. Get up, there's more to be done. Get up, this witness is sure. Get up, this race can be won. This race can be won.
"Stay Strong" by Newsboys.
"Hold him tight!" one man yelled. "Don't let him get loose again!"
A second man pulled hard on the chains. "I'm doing my best! It's very difficult!"
"He's too strong!" shouted a third man holding on to other chains. "How can we do this?"
"We need more strong people!" shouted a fourth man. "Right now! Hurry, people! He's going to break free!"
The chains these man struggled to hold were attached to a man's arms and legs. But not just any man. This one had strength of unusual power and a very frightening appearance. His naked body was covered with cuts that he had made himself with sharp rocks. The man growled at them like a monster, jerking his arms and legs to try and break free. Other people from the town quickly rushed to help, while others ran away from the area.
"These stronger chains and fetters are no good! I can hear them about to break!"
"Hold him down! Hold him down!"
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!!!!" The man pulled with all his might and the chains suddenly snapped off him easily. Now free, the citizens around him tried to hold back but he broke from their grasp and pushed them away. He ran at full speed from them and left the town in the country of the Gadarenes, opposite of Galilee.
Who is this wild strong man, you ask. Who is this that can break chains and runs around naked? I am he. I was not always like this. My life up to recently had been just like any other man. I tried to work hard and live a good life. If you asked me then if one day I would be like this I would have laughed at you. Now it actually happened and I can't believe it.
My troubles began when I discovered the secrets of the darkness, completely by accident. Although my experience was scary, it also intrigued me and I had to go back and have more. I heard voices speaking things to me, revealing secrets to me. I felt like I was a part of something exciting and powerful. Not too long I felt something come inside of me, like some kind of dark being. I let it stay with me and thought it would be... a guide to me, or a spiritual friend, or something like that. But part of me knew I shouldn't be involved with this and needed to let go. However, I didn't.
After time a second being came into me, and I still did nothing. Later, a third, then a fourth. Then the beings held the door of my heart open and over time a flood of these things rushed into me and began to take over. My mind went dark. My body was no longer under my control. All I had left was my thoughts, and those were filled with evil voices whispering things to me. Things that I knew were evil, some I couldn't understand.
"GRAAAAAAAAAARRRR!" I had escaped again from the people who tried to arrest me. No matter how hard they tried, the demons in me gave me the strength to break them like thin ropes. Now I ran towards my favorite dwelling place among the tombs, shouting strange things at the top of my lungs. Everyone stayed far away from the area to avoid the scary thing that I was.
I knew that I had gone too far. When I jumped into this I found myself in over my head faster than I could believe. Now all I wanted was to escape from these dark powers before I drowned in evil. But who could help me? I was powerless to my own powers. God seemed to ignore me and give up on me for my sin. Father, I thought in my restless mind, save me from myself! I beg you to save me! Please forgive me! I'm sorry. Why did I have to let my curiosity ruin my life? Don't let me die! Don't let them drag me down to the world of the dead! I am surrounded and helpless! Aaaaaaaaaaagh!!
The demons inside me caused me to hit myself and throw myself down to the ground.
"Silence!" the demons made me shout to myself. "It is too late! God hates you for what you've done! You are worthless and vile to him. You will soon die and He cannot save you! There is no hope!! Haaaaa haaaaaa haaaaa haaaaaaaaa!"
God, be merciful to me! I thought. Again, the demons tortured me for thinking this.
Suddenly they stopped and made me turn and look to the wide ocean. There was a small boat coming to shore at a steady pace. Who was on it? Why did this make them stop and stare?
"Oh no!" I shouted. "He's coming here! We must escape!"
Who was coming? Who had made them so afraid? Nothing had made them act like this before. A new hope rose in me. It must be him! I thought. Jesus! Our land had heard much about this incredible man. He was supposedly a wise teacher of things and a very radical person that divided people with his actions and words. Some said he was the messiah who the prophets foretold would come some day to rescue all people. Others said He was a lunatic who spent time with bad people and said crazy things. Some even said He was the Son of God! But one thing everyone couldn't deny, was that He could heal anyone of anything if they had faith. Blindness, leprosy, deafness, lameness... and even demons! Please, God, let it be him! I must meet Him!
The things wanted me to run in the opposite direction as fast as I could, but I determined to meet him. All of a sudden I could feel I had regained control of my legs! Thank you, God! I ran as fast as I could to the shore, and ignored the demons pleading for me not to.
"Stop!" I yelled. "Stop! Stop! STOP! Do not go any closer! That man will kill you if you approach him! Please stop!!!"
No, I will not listen to you any more! I want to be free of you! You will hold me back no more!
The boat arrived at shore and soon several men climbed out. There were 13 men, if I counted correctly, and one of them matched the description I had heard about Jesus. I had to get to him now or I might never be normal again.
As they set the vessel in place some of them noticed me running towards them and looked a little surprised, possibly even scared. Who could blame them? Here was a naked man covered with cuts and bruises charging at them like a wild animal. Jesus didn't look afraid though. In fact, it seemed like He knew I was coming. The demons inside me screamed and begged me to turn back. Hope became stronger than it ever had before.
He looked into my eyes and I stared back into His. It seemed as though he was looking past the ugly creature I was, past the dark, blood-shot eyes, past the demons and straight into my soul. I could feel that He wanted to rescue me! He looked sternly at the demons in me and said, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!"
I dropped to my knees and bowed down before his presence. The demons in me made me yell in a loud voice, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me."
Have no pity on them! I thought. Do whatever you want to them, for they have tormented me! He calmly asked, "What is your name?"
I wanted to tell him my name but instead I said, "My name is Legion; for we are many. We beg you! Do not send us out of the country and into the abyss!" I turned and saw a great number of pigs feeding by the moutains. Then I said to him, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them."
Why they wanted to go in the pigs, I didn't know. And why He had pity on them, I also don't understand. All I knew is that if they would finally leave me I would be the happiest person alive. Jesus nodded his head and allowed them to do so. Instantly I felt like my chest had burst open and a flood of creatures had exited my body like a rush of water. My mind cleared up, my body was mine again. Oh, what joy and bliss! Hallelujah! Oh praise His name!
Suddenly all the pigs, almost 2,000 of them, went crazy. All of them ran away from those feeding them and charged full speed to a steep cliff, plunging into the water where they drowned. Again, I don't know why they made them do this but it had to be one of the most wonderful sights I had ever seen. Praise His name forever!
The caretakers of the pigs ran back to town like a herd of gazelle, and probably told everyone they could about this scary experience. I was given new warm clothes to wear and almost wept at the the wonderful comfort and love shown to me. Soon many people rushed out to see Jesus and I and the 12 disciples. When they saw me sitting at the feet of Jesus with clothes and acting calm, everyone gasped and couldn't believe their eyes. The eye-witnesses told the people everything that had just happened without taking a single breath. Everyone quickly rushed to Jesus and begged him to leave the area.
Leave? Why would they want Him to leave? The Son of God had come to their land to help them and do great things, and they didn't want him because they were scared or upset over the pigs?! I was totally dumbdounded.
Jesus said nothing but turned to go back to the boat and the disciples followed Him. A number of them also seemed disappointed or confused. I knew right away that I had to go with this Man. I had to follow Him everywhere, see His miracles, feel His love, work for Him, and be a part of His great mission. I caught up with Him and jumped in His path, bowing down again and begging that He would let me be with Him. Jesus smiled at me, but shook His head. He looked into my heart and said with love and urgency, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."
At first I felt veryy disappointed, but I knew that if this was important for Him, it was important to me. I would gladly do it. Much had been forgiven to me, and much I wanted to give in return. I stood up again, looked into his face and said full of enthusiasm, "Yes! I will do this with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength! It is the least I could ever do! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Jesus smiled again and then returned to the boat with the others.
I wasted no time at all and charged straight to Decapolis and shouted the news to everyone what this Man had done for me. "Everyone! Everyone! Listen to me! I used to be possessed by a legion of demons and had no control until this man Jesus came to me and cast them all out! It's true! Ask anyone who used to know me! He came all the way to our land and I was the only person He healed! You must believe me! There is no doubt in my mind that He is the messiah, the deliverer, and the Son of God! He is here and there is now hope for all people!"
And all marveled at this.
Matthew 8:22-33, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-40
2 Corinthians 5:17
One more thing: Until reading Matthew, I forgot that there were two demon-possessed men, and I may try to change this later to mention that.
Copyright © Jacob Gibson
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Do you want to find out more about how time is measured? Then this is the route for you! On the approximately 320 km circular German Clock Route, which runs from Villingen-Schwenningen from Triberg – St. Peter – Lake Titisee and then back to Villingen-Schwenningen, you will experience enchanting countryside and find out more about the history of time, its keepers and what lies in store for the future.
The German Clock Route runs through some of Germany's most picturesque, striking countryside: the Black Forest and Baar region. On this route, you will follow the trail of the Black Forest's most famous clock-face makers and will be greeted by one interesting museum after another, as well as a multitude of enchanting sights and attractions where you can find out more about the Black Forest Clock. There's no better way to experience the Black Forest!
Here every clock has a tale to tell
Factories, workshops and sign painters' studios give visitors a fascinating insight into the day-to-day lives of clockmakers. Here you will get a real sense of just how strongly the Black Forest has been influenced, and continues to be influenced today, by its clock making heritage. You will also get an overview of international time measurement and by the end, it will be very clear that the cuckoo clock, the symbol of the Black forest, has lost none of its fascinating allure.
In the land of the clockmakers
Whilst you're here, you really should see the world's biggest cuckoo clock in Triberg (near Schönberg), which made it into the Guinness Book of Records at more than 15 m high. No-one really knows for sure when the first clock was made in the Black Forest but one thing is for certain: since the wooden foliot clock was first made in Waldau in 1667, the clock has gone through myriad incarnations.
The rich diversity of Black Forest Clocks
Trumpeter clocks, flute clocks, picture clocks, watchclocks, sundials, atomic clocks, exquisite pendulum clocks and kitchen clocks, double bell alarm clocks and even modern quartz and radio-controlled clocks were, and still are, produced here.
If time is not running short...
Factory tours and a chance to grab a bargain can be found almost everywhere. Discover the unique Black Forest landscape and its lush mountain meadows, dark-green forests, old half-timbered towns, picturesque villages, quaint Black Forest farmhouses and their typical wooden shingled roofs. Even the Black Forest gateau and traditional costume are distinctive: both are black and white with red spheres on top! Here time really is on the side of those who know how to make the most of it.
Length: approximately 320 km
Theme: clocks and history, countryside and culture
Furtwangen: largest cuckoo clock, the "witch's hole mill" (Hexenlochmühle), the source of the Danube
Rottweil: castle ruins, minster, museums
Schramberg: Hohenschramberg Castle, museums, park
St. Georgen: St. Lawrence Church (Lorenzkirche), museums, Black Forest railway (Schwarzwaldbahn)
St. Märgen: abbey museum, church, nature experience trail (Natur-Erlebnispfad)
St. Peter: abbey, Black Forest farmhouses and mills, the Kandelhöhenweg trail
Titisee-Neustadt: Lake Titisee, Märklin World, the Gutachtalbrücke bridge
Triberg: highest waterfalls, high ropes course,
Trossingen: German Harmonica Museum (Deutsches Harmonikamuseum), stock car racing track
Villingen-Schwenningen: old quarter, minster, museums
Waldkirch: Kastellburg Castle, precious stone grindery, the Elztal Museum
Dvi naudingos klavišų kombinacijos, skirtos keisti mastelį naršyklėje:
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Daugiau informacijos rasite naršyklės leidėjo žinyne paspaudę šią piktogramą:


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This extension is currently not actively maintained! Although it may still work, any bug reports or feature requests will more than likely be ignored.
If you are interested in taking on the task of developing and maintaining this extension, you can request repository ownership. As a courtesy, you may want to contact the author. You should also remove this template and list yourself as maintaining the extension in the page's {{extension}} infobox.
If you need per-page or partial page access restrictions, you are advised to install an appropriate content management package. MediaWiki was not written to provide per-page access restrictions, and almost all hacks or patches promising to add them will likely have flaws somewhere, which could lead to exposure of confidential data. We are not responsible for anything being leaked.
For further details, see Security issues with authorization extensions
Warning: The code or configuration described here poses a major security risk.
Site administrators: You are advised against using it until this security issue is resolved.
Problem: This extension does not properly check caching, and may leak data if $wgMainCacheType is not CACHE_NONE. See phab:T48843
Solution: If unsure, don't install this extension.
Release status: unmaintained
|User rights
|Extends native MediaWiki protection to allow article's viewability to be restricted
|Aran Dunkley (Nadtalk)
|Latest version
|5.1.0 (2012-01-19)
|Database changes
|GNU General Public License 2.0 or later
|Translate the SimpleSecurity extension if it is available at translatewiki.net
|Check usage and version matrix.
The SimpleSecurity extension extends native MediaWiki protection to allow article's viewability to be restricted.
The general problem with implementing a proper security solution in MediaWiki (giving rise to the scary looking warning box shown above) is that although most of the actions one can perform on articles can be restricted easily, the ability to read content cannot be easily restricted on a per-title basis. The reason reading is difficult to restrict is because it's an operation which is not just performed via one action, but rather that many different actions, special-pages and extensions access article content and display it in diverse ways. To make matters worse, many of these diverse means of article access are done by querying the database directly rather than going via the Article class.
See the technical details section below for more details on this problem and the solution that SimpleSecurity above version 4 uses to overcome it. The solution is disabled by default (see configuration settings below), it is still functional without it but there are then simple means available to view restricted content such as by exporting it or transcluding it in another page.
Create a SimpleSecurity folder in your extensions directory. Download this extension from the OrganicDesign site and add it to your extensions directory. Then include it in your LocalSettings.php file as in the following example.
$wgSecurityUseDBHook = true; # NOTE: this directive MUST be used before the require_once directive
$wgSecurityRenderInfo = true;
$wgSecurityAllowUnreadableLinks = false;
$wgPageRestrictions['Category:Servers']['read'] = 'sysop';
SimpleSecurity extends the way the inherent MediaWiki permissions and restrictions system works. Following is a list of the specific functionalities which are added or extended and how to use them.
"Read" restriction added to protect tabEdit
It seems that the main code-base development won't have a solution to the read problem for some time, but the current method of article protection already allows for restricting edit, create and move actions by group, and allows for the possibility of other actions to be handled, so the approach that Simple Security 4 has taken is to add a new restriction to the existing protection page called read which you can see in the images below which show the protection page with and without Simple Security installed.
|Protection form without SimpleSecurity
|Protection form with SimpleSecurity
The image on the right shows the additional read restriction has become available. Also the tick-box which is used to allow adjustment of the restrictions individually is changed to be more general so it will be appropriate for any number of additional restrictions.
Extra groups added to protection tabEdit
To have extra groups available in the select box for each action (like "Security test group" in the picture above), add them to the $wgSecurityExtraGroups array in your LocalSettings.php file, for example:
$wgSecurityExtraGroups = array(
'foo' => 'Foo group',
'bar' => 'Bar group'
The index should be the internal name of a group (as seen in the user rights special page etc), and the value is a more friendly name shown in the protection form. There should not be any actions specified in that array it's just for adding groups into the protection form.
Restriction by category & namespaceEdit
Category-based permissions are now handled from LocalSettings.php for efficiency reasons and will not inherit more than a single level. Namespace permissions are also supported, both are defined in the $wgPageRestrictions array which uses a format as follows:
$wgPageRestrictions['Category:Our_people']['edit'] = array('sysop', 'management');
$wgPageRestrictions['Namespace:Special']['read'] = 'user';
This example restricts article in Category:Our people such that only members of groups sysop and management can perform "edit". And "read" can only be performed by user for all articles in the "Special" namespace.
Note that categories which include a space must use an _ (underscore) in place of a space as in Category:Our_people above. Please also note that English descriptions such as "Category" or "Namespace" must be used no matter which language is being utilised on the wiki and which was used to set it up.
Restrictions set in $wgPageRestrictions can be overridden by those in the article's protect tab.
Note that even if you restrict "read" action for a category this won't prevent to read the list of pages, categories and files belonging to that category!
Security-based conditionsEdit
SimpleSecurity adds two parser-functions for rendering content conditionally based on security permissions or group membership. Here's a couple of examples,
{{#ifusercan:edit|Main page|Check the homepage editing [[todo list]]!|check the [[latest news]]!}}
This example renders a link to a todo list if the user has permission to edit the main page, otherwise a link to the news is rendered instead.
{{#ifgroup:sysop|Check the homepage editing [[todo list]]!|check the [[latest news]]!}}
Here's the same example again, but this time the conditions is whether or not the user belongs to the sysop group. A comma separated list of groups can be used for the group parameter in which case the condition will evaluate to true if the current user belongs to any of the groups in the list.
- Notes
- The last parameter is optional and defaults to an empty string if not supplied
- Extension:TreeAndMenu can be used with these options since it doesn't render nodes with no content
Security informationEdit
Articles which exhibit restrictions either from the protect tab or from $wgPageRestrictions can optionally have the information displayed by setting the $wgSecurityRenderInfo global variable to true. A link will be rendered entitled Security information which when clicked will reveal (or hide) the list of restrictions exhibited by the article. The show/hiding link is of the CSS id security-info-toggle, and the list of restrictions is contained in a div of id security-info, so a custom style can easily be applied by adding some CSS rules to your MediaWiki:Common.css article. For example the following rule gives a border and background to the listed rules when they are visible.
#security-info-toggle {
background: transparent url(/wiki/skins/monobook/lock_icon.gif) no-repeat scroll left center;
padding-left: 16px;
#security-info {
border: 1px solid #ccc;
background: #eee;
Unreadable linksEdit
Still has some bugs to iron out
If the
$wgSecurityAllowUnreadableLinks global is set to false (default), then links to local articles which the current user does not have permission to read are rendered as plain text rather than a hyperlink.
The image above shows a small fragment of a recent changes list. Notice that the Sandbox article title and its diff and hist show up grey and are not links, their style can be set in CSS by addressing the unreadable class attribute.
Global security settingsEdit
Here are the global variables which affect the operation of the extension. These should be set in your LocalSettings file after the include of the SimpleSecurity.php script.
|Default value
|Specifies whether or not the voodoo should be used to intercept the database queries. To enable this, it must be set to true before the SimpleSecurity.php inclusion.
|Renders security information for articles for which restrictions apply
|Whether or not a hyperlink to a page which is not readable by the current user should still render as a link
|The name for doing permission-based conditional content
|The name for doing group-based conditional content
|An array of the additional groups which should be available in the protect tab
|Additionally extra groups can be supplied in an article (default namespace assumed is "MediaWiki")
|An array of category and namespace based restrictions
DB Hook: Technical detailsEdit
To allow restrictions on the reading of article content requires a hook at a very low-level in the programming which is common to all the kinds of operations involved in the retrieving of article content. The MediaWiki code is written to support a number of different database servers each with their own implementation of the SQL language, and it has also been designed to allow a wiki's database to be served from many servers concurrently. To achieve this, a Database class has been created to abstract the database access functions from the SQL langauge specifics. All database interaction is handled via the methods of the Database class, and specifically, the only way that any legitimate MediaWiki code would obtain any article content is through the fetchRow and fetchObject methods.
So to really solve the per-title read-restriction issue, some of the methods of the Database class would need to be intercepted. There are no official hooks in the methods we need to intercept, so instead hooks are added in a sub-class of the database type specified in $wgDBtype called DatabaseSimpleSecurity.
All text content is held in the old_text field of the text table, so the row-reading needs to be intercepted. But the SELECT queries also have to be adjusted to ensure that the old_id field is available along with old_text otherwise it cannot be established whether or not the text is allowed to be viewed (since the id is needed to relate the text fragment with a current article title). The query method of the database class has been overridden to patch the SQL, and fetchObject has been overridden to replace the content of the requested old_text field if it should not be accessible.
Patching SQL statements directly is not an ideal solution as it's inefficient and lacks portability, but we have a number of clients running mediawiki on their intranets who have been in dire need of a reasonable means of restricting their content on a per-title basis, but are also dead-set on sticking with MediaWiki. Unfortunately this is the only solution we've been able to come up with for them, but testing so far is showing positive results and should be no problem for all but the very high traffic sites.
For more information, see the development notes at OrganicDesign:Extension:SimpleSecurity.php.
- $wgPageRestrictions
- doesn't work for '*' group, for example $wgPageRestrictions['Category:Public']['read'] = '*' fails.
- neither does '*' work for the area to restrict, e.g. $wgPageRestrictions['*']['read'] = 'employees'
- The name of the "Main" Namespace is an empty string, so if you want to limit access to all pages in Main you need to specify $wgPageRestrictions['Namespace:']['read'] = 'employees'
See AlsoEdit
- OrganicDesign:Extension:SimpleSecurity.php - development discussion and notes
- Bugs on Bugzilla
- Manual:Preventing access
- Help:User rights - available native MediaWiki rights
- $wgGroupPermissions
- Security issues with authorization extensions
- Help:Administration
- MeatBall:SoftSecurity


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Chris Felix
Contributing Editor, Production Machining
Contributing Editor, Production Machining
Related Suppliers
A friend of mine recently purchased a new computer and had some immediate issues with one of the applications that came standard on that PC. He called the manufacturer's helpdesk to request assistance and, with a couple of very simple steps, was able to open his computer up to the person on the other end of the line. My friend was shocked that with the use of diagnostics and remote access software (and an internet connection), the helpdesk employee, in this case on the other side of the world, was able to see and control everything that was on the screen of my friend's PC and locate and resolve the issue in minutes, requiring no further assistance from him.
While allowing a stranger access to one's computer might make a person uncomfortable, if handled responsibly with a reputable company, it makes troubleshooting far less painful and tedious. And access is initiated and terminated by the computer owner, so once the problem is resolved, privacy can be restored.
This method of remote diagnostics is not new. In 1999, Modern Machine Shop published an article titled "Long-Distance CNC Service" that takes a look at a software product that allows a service technician to examine virtually any aspect of a control's functionality as well as many aspects of the machine tool, regardless of where the machine is physically located. This story ran at a time when PC-based machine controls were only starting to gain popularity, and remote connectivity was achieved pretty much exclusively through phone lines. But the principles remain the same today, and the advantages are now greatly amplified.
Now, Okuma America Corporation equips all of its THINC-OSP controlled machines with its Constant Care remote troubleshooting and monitoring software as a standard feature. This software allows the machine, with the push of a button, to connect via the Internet to an Okuma service professional. The service engineer can diagnose and troubleshoot problems or issues with the machine, decreasing service times by providing accurate and real-time information.
Of course, this remote connectivity allows some issues to be diagnosed and fixed without the need for an on-site service call. If, however, the diagnosis determines that an on-site service call is required, intelligent dispatch ensures that the service engineer arrives with advance knowledge of the problem, its solution and the necessary parts in-hand.
Machines can be connected on an "as-needed" basis or in "always-on" mode, depending on how the manufacturer chooses to operate. When connected in "always-on" mode, machines can be monitored to provide proactive alerts and regular status alerts, improving information gathering and sharing and decision making.
A video demonstration of the Constant Care service can be viewed on the Okuma website.


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Pecan CaramelCrisp
$47.00 / Classic
In Stock
Get swept off your feet with the fine flavors of roasted pecans paired with our signature caramel popcorn. We handcraft the caramelized pecan clusters by stirring the nuts into our copper kettles of CaramelCrisp®. Experience a delicate crunch with just the right amount of sweetness.
Get 71¢ ground shipping sitewide at checkout. No promo code necessary. Just add to cart. Hurry! Offer ends 9/27!
- 0% trans fat
- Gluten free
- Preservative free
- Non-GMO kernels
- Made for you the day we ship
- Allergen Info
- Nutrition Facts
Contains: Milk, Pecans.
Produced in a facility that also processes Tree Nuts, Dairy, and Soy.


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Course pages 2014–15
Graphs, figures and tables
Link to Slides for Lecture 10 and 11
Link to Encyclopaedia article on visual representation
Example data sets for assigned exercise 4
- The Guardian Data Blog
- Data.gov.uk
- The U.S. Government open data site
- The Google public data directory
Video lectures
You can view the 2012 lectures on these topics, as delivered by Neil Dodgson:
Good and bad graphs (24 minutes)
Figures, Tables, Maths, Algorithms (25 minutes)
Two live examples of creating basic graphs (15 minutes)
Two live examples of using graphs to explore data (10 minutes)
Further resources from previous years
- Lecture 3 ("Good & Bad Graphs") of Ross Ihaka's course on Information Visualisation is a good introduction to some of things to watch for when graphing.
- Steve Simon has some nice Guidelines for Good Graphics (290kB PDF), which includes references to the academic papers that justify each of his rules (see below).
- Neil Dodgson has produced a case study (104kB PDF) of the figures, tables, and graphs in his 2011 SPIE paper (3MB PDF), written with 2009-10 MPhil student Melinos Averkiou.
- Neil Dodgson has made a simple example of how to improve the readability of a table of results.
Good & Bad Graphs: Concepts
Based on Ross Ihaka's lecture (see above).
- The basics Choose the correct type of graph for the data. Label the graph. Label the axes.
- Data content Small amounts of data do not require graphs. The human brain can easily grasp one, two or three values.
- Data relevance You cannot produce a good graph from bad data: graphs are only as good as the data they display.
- Complexity Graphs should be no more complex than the data they display. Avoid "chart junk": irrelevant decoration, unnecessary colour, 3D effects. Use the ink to display the data, not junk.
- Distortion Graphs should not give a distorted picture of the values they portray.
- Story Decide what "story" you want the graph to tell. The same data can tell many stories, what is important for communicating your ideas?
Six Principles for Good Graphics
Based on Steve Simon's notes (see above).
- The Minimum Ink Principle Avoid gimmicks like pseudo 3-D effects or fancy crosshatching. Use the minimum amount of ink to get your point across.
- The Small Table Principle A small table is better than a large graph. If your graph contains 20 data points or less, consider a table of numbers instead.
- The Error of Error Bars Principle Error bars are confusing and ambiguous. Plot all the data if possible, or use a box plot.
- The Size and Shape Principle. Carefully consider the size and shape of your graph. Rectangular graphs are sometimes better than square graphs. Bigger is not always better.
- The Reproduction and Reduction Principle Colours, shades of gray, and small symbols may get lost when a journal prints your graph, when a student photocopies your graph, or when a colleague prints your graph on a poor printer. Make sure your graphs can withstand reproduction and reduction.
- The Fault of Default Principle Graphing is an iterative process. Do nt rely on the default options provided by your graphics package. Try everything. Re-draw your graphs as often as you rewrite your text.


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Do you think you may be pregnant? Here are a few tips about your pregnancy testing options.
Pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample of urine or blood. HCG is produced by the placenta and is found in pregnant women. The amount of hCG produced during early pregnancy doubles every 2-3 days and peaks at 7-10 weeks. You can be tested for pregnancy with an over-the-counter pregnancy test or in your healthcare provider's office.
Some, but not all, home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy as early as 1 day after a missed menstrual period. Most home pregnancy tests are accurate when done about a week after your first missed menstrual period.
There are several different types of home pregnancy tests that are readily available at your local drug store. Because there are many brands, it is important to follow the directions on the individual package carefully.
Some tests require that you urinate directly on a stick, while others ask that you urinate in a cup and then place a small sample into a testing well with a dropper. The results can be as fast as a few minutes or as long as a several hours. Keep in mind that results are displayed differently with different tests as well. For example, some show a red plus or minus sign in a window, others show pink or blue lines on a test strip, while others change the color of a urine sample.
Once you get a result, you may begin to question the test's accuracy.
Home pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate. Many manufacturers claim to have a 99% accuracy rate, but inaccurate results may be more frequent. This is because of improper use of the test, using the test after its expiration date, exposure of the test to the sun, and other factors. Again, make sure to follow the directions of your particular test exactly as you are supposed to. This should help make the test more accurate.
After conception, a woman produces a minimal amount of hCG. Not all tests are strong enough to pick up the amount of hCG hormone present the first time. Later tests may be positive. Whatever the result or the brand used, most manufacturers recommend repeating the process several days later to confirm the results.
Other potential problems include:
Either a urine test or blood test is available at your healthcare provider's office or a family planning clinic. For the urine test, a urine sample is taken, usually first thing in the morning.
A blood hCG test involves taking a sample of blood from a vein in the arm. A blood test may be ordered to measure how much hCG is in the blood. The blood test can detect a pregnancy earlier than the urine test. Results of these pregnancy tests may be available the same day they are given.
If your test is positive, make sure you follow up with your healthcare provider right away. You cannot start prenatal care too soon.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Women's Health—Department of Health and Human Services
Health Canada
Women's Health Matters
Knowing if you're pregnant. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: http://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/before-you-get-pregnant/knowing-if-pregnant.html. Updated September 27, 2010. Accessed October 25, 2016.
First trimester: Pregnancy testing. Lab Tests Online—American Association for Clinical Chemistry website. Available at: http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/wellness/pregnancy/first-trimester/hcg. Updated January 22, 2016. Accessed October 25, 2016.
Routine prenatal care. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114252/Routine-prenatal-care. Updated June 22, 2016. Accessed October 25, 2016.
Last reviewed October 2016 by Michael Woods, MD Last Updated: 12/9/2014


text:
Downed tree keeps Harford County community in dark
BGE restores power to Edgewood neighborhood on Friday
To restore power BGE crews are working to clean up debris, downed power lines and uprooted trees.
But in one Harford County community it was a slow go. Many homeowners were cold and frustrated.
Neighbors said a tree limb fell on a power line and they said last year during a snow storm the same thing happened with the same tree.
"It's a shame. The whole thing is over a tree limb," resident Therese Anderson said.
After days of frustration caused by a historic tree, high winds and plenty of rain, neighbors on Snow Road in Edgewood finally feel satisfied.
"Actually, I love the tree. It used to be beautiful and you could hear the wind whistle through it, but it definitely needs to go down because it's going to happen again," resident Linda Miller said.
The limb that fell on electric lines and shut off power is now on the ground chopped into shreds of debris. Electricity is restored.
It was Monday afternoon when a generator kicked in and others on the same road remained in the dark. By Friday, the 20 or so families had lost patience.
"I'm a diabetic, type 1 -- insulin dependent -- and also I'm still recovering from quadruple open heart surgery. I depend on the electricity to do a lot of different things," one resident said.
They said because the tree is historic it can't be cut down.
"It's an historic tree. Right now I'm just concerned with getting the limb down so everybody can get their electric back," Anderson said. "It's just a pain in the butt."
Residents said they could not understand why BGE crews had come out over several days but seemed to leave the situation alone.
"We saw the situation and made it safe because the main thing for us, the concern, is the wires," BGE spokesman Rob Gould said.
While 11 News spoke to Gould in Owings Mills, work crews cut the branch and got the power back on in the small pocket of Edgewood.
"We've actually talked to Harford County. There's nothing that prohibits us from doing what we need to do on the tree. For us, it's absolutely just a matter of having the crews to move from one location to another, get in there and restore power," Gould said.
At the height of the storm, BGE said 45,000 people in Harford County were without power. Gould said BGE followed its restoration process' making sure that public safety is handled first, handling larger communities and then, smaller communities.


text:
With just two days until Election Day, President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney are running neck and neck nationally, according to the final national NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll before the election.
Obama gets support from 48 percent of likely voters, while Romney gets 47 percent.
In the NBC/WSJ poll released two weeks ago, the two candidates were deadlocked at 47 percent each.
While both Obama and Romney are running virtually even in this national poll, a majority of surveys from the battleground states – especially in the crucial battlegrounds of Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin – show the president with a slight advantage.
The NBC/WSJ poll was conducted Nov. 1-3 of 1,475 likely voters (including 443 cell phone-only respondents), and it has a margin of error of plus-minus 2.55 percentage points.
The rest of the survey will be published at 6:30 p.m. ET.