text:
Islam Questions & Answers
Previously Asked Questions
Purification Questions:
The Explanatory Notes for Songs 5 through 10 give more details about this topic.
Wet Ablution (Wudu')
Dry Ablution (Tayammum)
Bathing For Purification (Ghusl)
Wet Ablution (Wudu') Questions
> Can you give info on ablution and prayers for ablution?
You may get detailed information on wet ablution from
the Explanatory Notes for Song 6 of the Guiding Helper.
As for prayers of ablution, first and foremost, before starting
say: "a`udhu billahi min ash-shaytani r-rajim.
bismillahi r-rahmani r-rahim"
Then, upon finishing say the testification, "ash-hadu an la ilaha
illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah. wa ash-hadu anna muhammadan
`abduhu wa rasuluh."
These practices are well established in hadith of the Prophet
(May Allah bless him and give him peace) (e.g., those found
in Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari).
If you want more prayers for ablution, please refer to
Kitab al-Adhkar written by Imam al-Nawawi. He has done
an excellent job at gathering the verbal prayers of the
Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace) that
he uttered on specific occasions (e.g., when he was
unable to sleep, when he was sick, when he went to the
bathroom, etc.).
We will just mention one very good prayer that Imam
al-Nawawi mentions from the Prophet (May Allah bless
him and give him peace):
The Prophet used to say during (or after) ablution:
"allahumma gh-firli dhanbi wa wassi` li fi dari wa
barik li fi rizqi."
Translation: O Allah, forgive my sins. Make my house
expansive. And bless me in my provision/sustenance.
Pronunciation: Allaahummaghfir lee dhanbee wa wassi`
lee fee daaree wa baarik lee fee rizqee."
[KA: volume 1: page 24: line(s) 13-14: {al-Nisai's Hadith Collection}]
There are many more remembrances listed in Imam
al-Nawawi's book above and other books of the scholars.
> Allah's name in the washroom is it haram or not?
It is makruh according to most scholars of Jurisprudence
to recite with one's tongue Allah's Arabic names or the Arabic Qur'an in
a toilet-room in which impurities abound.
Introduction to Kitab al-Adhkar, Imam al-Nawawi
> what would be defined as a washroom because i want to say bismillah
> when i make wudu in my washrooom or ghusl but i don't know if it's
> permissable because my washroom has a toilet in it
According to our teachers, a modern bathroom does not necessarily
fit in with an ancient toilet-room (khala'). Thus, if one keeps one's
bathroom sparkling clean (and cleans and dries the sink area with a sponge),
then it is their view that one may recite bismillah out loud and get
mandub credit for it.
> This is a revised edition of my second question
> on the previous email. After reading the wudu section
> of the Guiding Helper, I'm confused about wiping the
> head for people with long hair: must they (men and women)
> wipe all of their hair? or can they just wipe their scalp?
> I got the point about braids/plaits (note: 394 of the
> Explanatory Notes), but what about pony-tails?
The popular opinion in the Maliki school states that women
and men with long hair must wipe all the external parts
of the hair down to the end of the strands (which have roots
in the scalp). Thus, one must wipe pony tails and hair
braids down to their ends according to the popular opinion.
We have narrated the popular opinion in the Maliki school in the
Guiding Helper (since we were trying to stick to the popular
opinions in about 95% of the subject matter;)
However as we realize that the popular opinion is
difficult, we have recommended a minority opinion
in the Notes of Sources which all users of the Guiding
helper are free to follow.
The minority opinion is noted in footnote 183 of the
Notes of Sources:
183 This is the popular opinion in the Maliki school. However, another valid
opinion in the Maliki school states that one need only pass
one's wet hands over the scalp [KH:V1:125:I2] (as mentioned in
lines 215-217 of the Guiding Helper). Those with long hair strands
(e.g., females wearing head scarves in public) that find it difficult to
wipe the entire head hair to the ends of the strands may follow the
easier opinion and wipe only the part of the head hair directly on the
scalp (by passing their hands under their scarves) and we pray that
their ablution is accepted in either case. Males with
long head hair may also take this dispensation.
Please note here that one need not be wearing
headgear in order to take this dispensation.
> I have a personal question for which I
> very much need an answer. Please could you answer this one
> for me, even if you cannot/will not answer the others, because
> this problem affects me very frequently. Sometimes I have a
> post-unine emission which sounds like what is being described
> in line 5:170 of the guiding helper.
Yes. It is what is described there.
> This emission is continuous and lasts for about 20-30 mins.
> So I wait for this period before I perform the ablution, as
> mentioned in line 8:278, which includes washing the entire penis.
> The problem is that up to about one hour and a half after
> urinating, I still find very small amounts of the emitted liquid
> at the exit of the penis. This amount is very small, and not
> enough to exit the penis and stain my underwear, for example,
> but nevertheless it is still there. This is annoying to me,
> especially if I discover it after I have completed a prayer,
> because I am uncertain about the validity of the prayer
> . Sometimes, I wait for its complete disappearance,!
A man asked Ibn Rushd about exactly the same thing and he replied
in words that mean "Don't worry so much about such a small amount.
You have done your job".
[Durr al-Thamin, explanation of verses 72-75 of al-Murshid
Thus, this is the position you may follow:
a) Since you are regularly experiencing such emissions, you
may ignore them altogether.
b) Try to ascertain whether the fluid emit is post-urinary
fluid or pre-semen fluid. The way you tell is that
pre-semen fluid is emit in conjunction with sexual
arousal and foreplay.
c) From what you state above, it seems that it is post-urinary
fluid, thus there is no need to wash the entire penis. That
is only necessary for pre-semen fluid which is emit in
conjunction with sexual arousal and foreplay.
d) If it is difficult to wash your underwear from the post-urinary
fluid (for example when out in public), you may pray with
it and your prayer is still correct. This is because
washing off impurities before prayer is only wajib if one
remembers to do so and if one is able to do so (for example,
it is not lawful to display one's coarse nakedness in public
in an attempt to wash one's penis).
e) Remember that if you discover impurities *after* you are done
with prayer, you previous prayer is still correct as long as
you had no cognizance of such during prayer.
GH Explanatory footenote(s) 459, 462, 803 and associated entries
in the Notes of Sources.
> but since this is about 1.5 hours, I have missed the first
> time for that prayer. Please could you give me advice regarding
> this matter.
The advice is ignore the emission and consider your previous
ablution to still be valid. Also, you might want to pray
to Allah to cure you by the doing the following:
a) place your right or left hand on your forehead and recite
the last four verses of Surah Hashr in Arabic and then ask
Allah to cure you or make it better.
This cure is an established practice of the Prophet (May Allah bless
him and give him peace) that Ibn Mas`ud narrated and is recorded
in the history book of al-Khateeb and also mentioned in the
tafsir of Shawkani Fath al-Qadir.
You can use the above dhikr as a cure for many ailments both physical
and metaphysical.
> Must I wait for the complete disappearance of this emission?
> Does it matter that I am missing the timings of my prayer as
> a result?
Ibn Rushd says about your case, "Don't worry about such a small
> My question, enshAllah, is case sensitive. I have had
> continous health problems for the last 7 years. I have a
> consistent problem with gas and urine. Whenever i have to
> urinate the urine will take about 10 minutes to be completely
> gone, that is without fail.
Try this when you can:
a) After urinating, stand by a private sink or crouch in
a tub/shower and wash you penis with cold water
until it feels like no more urine is coming out (e.g.,
wash with cold water for one minute).
b) Dry off your penis and surrounding area with soft
paper towels or some other absorbent material.
Be sure to gently squeeze your penis as is outlined
in footnote 496 of the Explanatory Notes during this
drying off process (placing absorbent paper/cloth
near the opening of the penis when doing so).
If you do this regularly, your body may learn to associate the
closing of the urine duct with the washing with cold water and
this will most likely reduce the time of the leak if it does
not entirely eliminate the leak altogether.
> Gas comes is usually between 2 states, building or releasing.
Gas is highly dependent on your diet. You may wish to change your
diet to a more "raw" type (e.g., uncooked cucumbers, celery, apples,
and carrots) to reduce your gas spells. This does not mean that
you cannot eat cooked foods, but it means that you have to balance
better between raw foods and cooked foods - reducing the number of
cooked foods (e.g, rice, bread, meat, beans, fried food, etc.)
which you intake. This is if you want to reduce your gas fits.
> Also, it seems I'm having trouble with the method that you teach for
> washing the arms during wudhu'. It seems, for me at least, that when it
> comes to twisting the arm over (so I'm wiping the top part of the arm),
> it is barely wet, since all the water already flowed over the bottom
> part and wetted that the most. Am I doing anything wrong here?
We're going to try to explain this to you even if it takes multiple
passes and in the process we will improve our directions.
Let's start with the right arm:
a) Turn on your faucet (or dip your right hand in the water container)
and cup your hands such that a significant amount of water
remains cupped in your hands as you lift it up horizontally
providing a left wall for the water cup with the inside of
your left hand flat against the left side of your right hand.
b) Next, start to tilt your right arm up, you should start to see the water
cupped in your hands starting to roll down the inside of your
right forearm.
c) Slide your left hand down rapidly with the thumb pointing to the
right and in contact with inner forearm. The other four finger
of the left hand should be in contact with the exterior surface
of the right forearm (where light hair usually grows).
d) When the thumb reaches the midway point between the wrist bone
and the elbow, you must begin twisting your right hand towards
the left while continuing to lift this right hand up. Similarly,
you should continue to slide the left hand down.
e) When the thumb of the left hand is close to the inside of the
elbow joint, your right hand should already be halfway twisted to
the its maximum destination towards the left (its thumb should
be pointing directly at you). At this point the other four fingers
of the left hand should be in contact with the inside of the right
f) When the left thumb hits the inside of the right elbow joint,
you should be continuing to twist the right hand down and to the
left (you should not feel any strain rather you should make it move
along its natural joints). At this point, you must start twisting
the left hand clockwise such that the four fingers
of the left hand will move from the inside of the forearm over
the elbow joint while the thumb moves down and then over the inside of
of the elbow joint as it shown in Figure 6-4 (the fourth and
fifth pictures) of the Explanatory Notes.
g) Now that the thumb of the left hand has changed places with the
other four fingers - in that the left thumb is now in contact with
the external surface of the forearm and the other four fingers
are in contact with the internal surface of the forearm (as shown in
the fifth and sixth pictures of figure 6-4), you must now continue
to slide the left hand down towards the ends of the fingers of the
right hand as shown in the last three pictures of figure 6-4.
If you did it right with the required speed, you should carry water with
you all the way down and a few droplets should actually splash off the
tips of the fingers of the right hand at the end. If you did it the
correct way you will fulfill both requirements of washing the arms in the
Maliki School all in one pass: (1) you have passed the internal side of
your hand over the washed part and (2) made water reach all the parts of
the external limb.
Once you master this procedure for the right arm, it should be easy for
you to learn the reverse procedure for the left arm.
If you do not use this regular procedure, you may have doubts about
fulfilling the requirements and it will take you longer to perform
ablution. Additionally, you will waste more water. If you use this
procedure approved by the Maliki Scholars all the way back to Imam Malik,
you can be sure that you have fulfilled the requirements. Nevertheless,
those who do not use this procedure will still have valid acts of ablution
as long as water reaches the entire external surface of the washed part and
the underside of at least one hand passes over the washed part.
Yes. This procedure requires practice. And with practice, one gets better.
Dry Ablution Questions (Tayammum)
> where can i get rocks to preform tayammum?
Anywhere. If you don't have rocks lying around in your residence,
then get a hand shovel and dig the ground (not on someone else's
private residence, but in the general shared public land) until you find
one. You should not have to dig more than one foot deep until you
find an appropriate rock (even if it is small or large). Take this rock
and wash it well at home in your sink with water and disinfectant soap.
And this rock can then serve as your tayammum rock. The tayammum
rock does not have to brittle but can be hard and smooth according to
the Maliki school (even if brittle rocks are preferable).
Footnote 591 of the Explanatory Notes of the Guiding Helper
and associated entries in the Notes of Sources
Bathing For Purification (Ghusl) Questions
> how to preform ghusl in the shower?
Basically, you can still follow the method outlined in footnote 586
of the Explanatory Notes of the Guiding Helper.
Your question returns to the fact that the ancient fuqaha' were assuming
that the person will make ghusl with a bucket full of water and a mug
to pour water on the body. Thus if this method is used, it is quite
easy to keep to the mandub order of washing the body parts (e.g.,
head first, then right side of body (top down), then left side of
body (top down), etc.)
However, you can do this in the shower in two ways:
a) Only stand partially in the shower and wet the body parts
in the mandub order while performing dalk on them.
b) As (a) may be difficult (especially if it is very cold and
one is likely to get sick standing half in water and half outside
of it), then one may gain credit for the mandub order by standing
fully in the shower but performing dalk in the order mentioned
in footnote 586.
[As a side note, those that keep to the mandub order of the ghusl
will find that they are able to finish faster and not linger endlessly
in the shower.]
In any case as long as the four wajibs of ghusl are performed
(i.e., to begin with an intention, wet the entire external surface
of the body, perform dalk on the external surface, and not take
a big break between the parts), the ghusl will be acceptable
according to the popular opinion in the Maliki school.
[KF: volume 1: page(s) 18-19 : {ghusl, first section, questions 1-6}]
> How long can a woman have post-natal bleeding
> or discharge?
Of course, practically-speaking it can be of a very short or very
large interval.
But in terms of Jurisprudence, the maximum limit is sixty days
from the date of birth. Any blood seen after sixty or more consecutive
bleeding days should be considered pure. And the woman can
pray, fast, and is not otherwise restricted after taking an
initial bath.
> Is there a maximum number of days or weeks that a woman
> must resume prayer, even if she has discharge?
If she has been having the discharge for more than sixty days
since the birth of the child (or miscarriage), she should ignore that
extra blood after sixty days.
> Does the discharge have to completely end before
> she takes ghusl?
If the woman feels that she is now completely free of post-natal
discharge, then she should do ghusl; this is similar to how she feels
whether or not she is completely free from menstruation when her
period ends. If she still sees some discharge during the day,
then she is not responsible for taking a bath yet (if sixty bleeding
days have not passed) nor praying.
Please also note that after the post-natal discharge ends and no
blood is seen for fifteen days, the next blood seen is considered
to be that of normal menstruation.
If the post-natal discharge ends for one or more days and then blood
is seen again before completing fifteen blood free days, the woman has
irregular postnatal bleeding. Thus, she should add the bleeding
days together until she reaches sixty. After which, any blood seen
is that of an illness and she is no longer restricted after taking
an initial bath.
Guiding Helper Explanatory footnote 551 and associated entries
in Notes of Sources.
> I hope that all is well with yourself and the GH people since the last time we
> corresponded. The question below is from my mother who is also a student of
> the GH, and she has read and attempted to understand the GH's notes on
> menstration, but she still is confused:
> Q. How does one know that one's menstrual period has ended? My problem is that
> I am not sure of the exact moment of cessation. For instance, I recently went
> a day without seeing any signs of menstrual flow, but after making ghusl and
> praying there was a slight streak of blood. Therefore I decided to try and
> clarify this issue because my period seems to withdraw very slowly over a
> somewhat lengthy period of time (a couple days).
> My practice in determining the end of my menstation is to await the passage of
> clear mucus; but this can take varying time limits; infact, there are
> occasions - like the recent one outlined above - in which there seems to be an
> extended waiting time, which makes me wonder whether my menstration has ended
> or not? Herein lies the confusion: am I waiting too long to ascertain its
> finish or am I making ghusl too early?
The clear mucus is the "qassah" or lime-like fluid spoken of in footnote
Now there are two ways in which a woman can determine whether her
menstrual period has ended: (1) the emission of the "qassah" or clear
mucus or (2) the drying up of the menstrual pad for an entire 24 hours
(24 hours is the maximum wait period and women who are accustomed to
having quicker endings to their menstrual period may take a bath earlier)
- what this means is that there are no red or pink streaks on
a menstrual pad placed on one's lower body and the menstrual pad
remains clean for an entire 24 hour period. If there is even a slight
red or pink stain then, one is still considered to be in menstruation.
Now if the menstrual bleeding/staining ends for an entire twenty-four
hour period, but then starts again, then the woman is said to have
irregular menstrual bleeding. In such a case, after the initial blood-free
twenty-four hour period, the woman should take a bath when able. And
then she should pray afterwards assuming that she is now pure. But
if she afterwards (after taking the bath and cleaning the area well)
sees a new blood stain or streak, then she will repeat the twenty-four
hour wait again and is not responsible for praying during this wait.
She will only repeat these 24-hour waiting periods up until the total
number of days she is excused for praying is three days more than her
previous longest normal menstrual bleeding period as is explained in
footnote 549.
This is the easiest but still acceptable way to handle a situation such
as that of your mom who sees a gradual (and not immediate) end to
her menstrual cycle.
Footnote(s) 538 and 551 of the Explanatory Notes.
[al-Qawanin al-Fiqhiyyah, Book of Prayer, Timings of Prayer,
Menstruation and Post-natal bleeding as an excuse from
> Note 578 to GH line 9:350 says: "If one does break one's ablution during (or after)
> the bath for purification, one may simply re-perform ablution in order to be pure for the
> next prayer." I'm not sure if this refers to breaking ablution by any means in general
> (i.e. urination, flatulation etc) or does it only refers to breaking ablution by touching the
> penis (as in line 9:350)?
Any act which will break ablution (if performed during ghusl) will
necesssitate that one re-perform ablution before the next prayer
or before the ghusl is complete or after the ghusl is complete. However, one's ghusl will still be correct even if one breaks ablution during the
This act of breaking ablution can be urination, flatulation, or any of the acts mentioned in footnote 455 of the Explanatory Notes.
[KF: volume 1: page(s) 20: line(s) 25-29: {taharah, ghusl, ruling for breaking
wudu' during ghusl}]
> I have one final question on this matter.
> It is regarding running the hands over the
> entire body for ghusl and the required areas
> for wudhu This is the established opinion of the
> Maliki madhab as your text indicates. Ibn Rushd
> says the following in Bidayat al Mujtahid:
> "The majority of the jurists maintained that letting
> water flow over the body is enough. Malik, most of
> his disciples, and al-Muzani from among the disciples
> of Shafi'i held that if the person undertaking purification
> misses a single spot of his body over which he does not
> pass his hand, his purification remains incomplete."
> My question is regarding if there is an acceptable minority
> position within the Maliki madhab that agrees with the
> "opinion of the majority of the jurists" who "maintained that
> letting water flow over the body is enough." Thank you for
> taking the time to read this short question. May Allah reward
> you and bless you.
We are not aware of a minority position on this
However, the popular opinion in the Maliki school states
that passing one's hand over the wet body is only wajib if
the person is able to do so. Unable people or inflexible
people are excused from rubbing the spots of their body which
they can not reach unassisted by a person or instrument.
[QF: volume 1: page 27: line(s) 10: {book 1, chapter 3,
section 2}]:
"And dalk (passing one's hand or a cloth
over the wet body)is a wajib essential of ghusl; however,
this is in disagreement with Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam al-Shaf'i,
and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal) "
[As a side note, there is a minority opinion in the Maliki school
which states that going between the body hair (e.g., undoing tight
braids) is not wajib but is a less-stressed sunnah or fadilah.
Thus, those that find difficulty with the popular opinion we have
narrated in line 341 of the Guiding Helper may follow the minority
opinion in the school which allows them to bathe for purification
without undoing their tight hair braids.
[QF: volume 1: page 27: line(s) 14: {book 1, chapter 3,
section 3}]:
"..And among the sunnahs are going between the hair, but a
another minority opinion is that it is a fadilah . . .]
[As another side note, the only absolutely agreed upon wajib
essential of ghusl among the traditional scholars outside the
Maliki school is making water reach all parts of the external body
(as long as one does not have a valid excuse not to).
For example, Imam Abu Hanifah has not counted making an intention,
passing one's hand over one's wet body, nor not taking a big break
as among the absolute fard acts of ghusl.
[MF: volume 1: page 42-43: line(s) 5-6, 1-2:
{Ghusl, Fards of Ghusl, before sunnahs are listed} ]
"Eleven acts are fard in ghusl: (1) rinsing the mouth, (2) rinsing
the nose, (3) washing the entire body, (4) washing under the foreskin
[if uncircumcised], (5) washing within the belly button, (6) washing
other holes in one's body, (7) washing between braids for men (but not
women), (8) making water reach the skin under the beard, (9) making water
reach under the moustache, (10) making water reach under the eyebrow,
and (11) making water reach the external of one's private parts."
[In the Maliki school, it is merely a less-stressed sunnah to rinse the
mouth, nose, and wipe other holes in one's body (e.g., ears). Thus,
it is more relaxed than the Hanafi school on this point.]
> Q. Bearing in mind that it is necessary to 'rub' one's
> skin when performing ghusl and wudu, when can one omit
> this pillar?
> i.e. can one avoid rubbing an area which has been merely
> cut, and is thus sore? If so, what area around the cut
> should be left un-rubbed?
First of all, 'dalk' as a fiqh term means simply passing
the underside of the hand for wudu` over the washed parts.
For ghusl, dalk can be done with the underside or backside of
the hand, any other limb, or a piece cloth or some other article.
Thus, there is no need to "rub" the area continuously.
The popular opinion in the Maliki school states
that passing one's hand over the wet body is only wajib if
the person is able to do so. Unable people or inflexible
people are excused from rubbing the spots of their body which
they can not reach unassisted by a person or instrument.
Thus, if one has a cut or a sore, one may omit rubbing that
part. Rather, one may simply pour water on it. If pouring
water on it will hurt, then, one may wipe it. If wiping it
directly will hurt, then, one may wipe a bandage that is
put over it.
[QF: volume 1: page 27: line(s) 10: {book 1, chapter 3,
section 2}]:
Footnote 557 of the Explanatory Notes of the
Guiding Helper and associated entries in the Notes of sources.
Impurity Questions
> My question concerns taharah. I know what the impurities are and how to
> remove them from the body or one's clothes (plentiful water), but I am
> not so clear regarding bedding. I'm not sure how things are done in
> Morrocco, but here in America, one typically sleeps underneath a blanket
> and a sheet, with one or more sheets below, between the sleeper and the
> mattress itself. The sheets and blankets can be easily removed and
> washed following (for example)any sexual intercourse when fluid drops
> into the sheets. However, the same is not so for the mattress.
> A drop of fluid may fall onto the sheet between one's body and the
> mattress; given the porous nature of the sheet's material, some residual
> wetness may potentially touch the mattress itself. The sheet can be
> removed and washed. The mattress can be wiped down with a(very)wet
> cloth, but it cannot be immersed or inundated with large amounts of
> water, due to its size and its dense and fibrous nature. Would such a
> wiping be sufficient to ostensibly remove an impurity that would
> otherwise make the bed impure? Provided that the amount of fluid falling
> onto the sheet and possibly indirectly onto the mattress is quite small,
> would such a wiping be enough?
> If not, what other measures may be undertaken to render the place of
> sleeping clean?
You may look into an affordable steam cleaner (such as the lean
green machine by bissel (under $100 U.S.)) for cleaning mattresses
and other such hard to wash surfaces.
In any case, you should understand the following two points:
a) If there are multiple layers, you need only worry about the
top-most layer to make sure that it is pure. For example, the
Fuqaha' state that there is nothing wrong with praying on
a clean wooden plank under which impurities are found.
Thus, you need only worry about the top-most sheet on which
you sleep to make sure it is pure and clean.
b) You should know that sleeping on impurities is not among the
unlawful acts. But, the learned scholars state that those
who sleep directly on impurities are more likely to see nightmares
and scary dreams even if their own bodies and clothes are clean
and pure.
[{Durr al-Thamin Sharh al-Murshid al-Mu`in, conditions of prayer,
purity of place, derivative ruling}]
> I have two questions regarding the following issues:
> It is mentionned (see bottom of this message) that "Additionally, ethanol
> alcohol which has been chemically altered to no longer be intoxicating is
> pure." Does this rule apply to the Alcohol Denaturalized (knowns as Alcohol
> Denat.) which is an altered ethanol alcohol (however it is not sure that it
> does not make people drunk)
The first thing you must understand is that the Laws of our
din pre-date modern chemistry and the break up of liquids into
different categories (e.g., primary alcohol, secondary alcohol,
tertiary alcohol, etc.).
Rather, the Maliki scholars labeled the "normally" intoxicating
substance (which they call a "muskir") as impure.
The second thing you must understand is that there is disagreement
in the Maliki school about whether or not chemical alteration of
impurities makes them pure. The mashur opinion (the opinion of
Ibn Rushd) is what we narrate that a chemical alteration that
deteriorates the normal intoxicating quality of alcohol will
render it pure.
As for your question: the way most manufacturers denaturalize
alcohol is by heating it up until it boils or by adding methanol to it
rendering it undrinkable for purposes of intoxication. We would say
that if the denaturalization is high (which is usually the case) then the
resultant liquid after treatment is pure. Now if something is labeled as
SD alcohol (that means it is "specially denaturalized" and one can be
assured that it is not intoxicating) and SD alcohol can be treated as
pure without stipulations.
[KH: volume 1: page 88: line(s) I7-8: {Explanation of Sidi
Khalil's words "And Wine, hardened wine or vinegar-type"}]
> The second question is related to other liquids from the
> familly of alcohol such methanol, xylithol and tjhe like. It
> is mentionned here that they are not impure (however i think
> that these alcohols are intoxicating). Many of these alcohols
> are called sugar alcohols and they are used in candies and
> tooth paste etc.
> Is it lawful to swallow these substances?
You may be confusing menthol with methanol. Menthol is
a natural crytalline substance found in peppermint oil whereas
Methanol is a poisonous substance known as "wood alcohol".
Methanol, Isopropyl, Cetyl alcohol, etc. are poisonous substances.
The poison characteristics of these alcohols takes precedence over
their intoxicating qualities. For example, if you tried to
drink a glass of Isopropyl (even if only 50% pure), you probably wouldn't
survive the night without needing to have your stomach
pumped. The same is not true for vodka (which is ethanol).
Thus, the Maliki scholars after looking at this subject decided
that only unaltered ethanol is impure.
As for small quantities of other alcohols (which will not harm
one), one may swallow them.
As for trace amounts of ethanol alcohol (e.g., .002% left over
from natural fermentation processes) which cannot be detected without
advanced modern instruments, it is forgiven.
As for non-Alcoholic wine beverages which have some ethanol alcohol
added *on purpose* (e.g., .05%) but not enough to intoxicate, the popular Maliki
opinion is that they are pure but disliked to intake (other opinions declare them
unlawful). Other scholars of jurisprudence (e.g., Hanafi) state that such a
low amount is mubah to intake. This is taken from a modern analogy from the
subject of "nabeedh" debated by our previous scholars.
[QF: volume 1: page 31: line(s) 16-19:
{Book 1, chapter 5, section 1, type 5}]
> Q. I have been informed that the Malikis do not consider leather
> made from unslaughterd animals to be pure; nor do they permit
> the purification of such leather (for instance, with water, as is the
> case in the Shafi'i school). Is this true?
> If true, can we - in the West - simply buy leather products which are
> made in the Muslim world? Also, should we ensure that we avoid
> praying Salat in leather which has been made in the kafir world?
The Guiding Helper states that tanned leather is pure and
usable for all daily tasks regardless of whether the animal
was slaughtered or not slaughtered. This is a reliable
minority opinion in the Maliki school.
The popular opinion in the Maliki school states that leather from
an unslaughtered animal is impure (even if tanned) but mubah
to use for one's necessities (e.g., belt, wallet, shoes, jacket, etc.).
The popular opinion states that salat is not permissible while
wearing or carrying such leather taken from an unslaughtered
With that said and done, please note the Guiding Helper is
not a blindly put together work of fiqh. Rather, the Guiding
Helper was written after many years of studying the situation
of the Muslims in the West.
For this reason, we have narrated reliable and strong minority
opinions in the Maliki school for issues whose popular opinion
was deemed too difficult for the average Westerner. Thus, the
Guiding Helper contains about 5% minority opinions in the
Maliki school and 95% popular opinions. We have noted the
places in which we have diverged from the popular opinion
in the Notes of Sources so that there is no confusion over this
Footnote 321 of the Guiding Helper Explanatory Notes and
entries for line 169 in the Notes of Sources for the Main Text
> Q1. Ustadh, you mentioned in your previous answer that a reliable
> opinion in the school is that 'tanned' leather, even from an unslaughtered
> animal, is pure. Does this ruling of purity extend to tanned leather that
> is made from pig-skin?
All pig skin is impure, regardless of whether or not it is tanned. This
is agreed upon in the Maliki school.
> Q2. Is suede (i.e. leather with hair remaining on the skin) from unslaughtered
> animals (pig or other) pure (according to the reliable minority opinion)?
Actually most suede is just regular leather with a puffed up soft side.
As is noted in this excerpt from www.shoesinternational.co.uk
This could involve:
1. Completely softening the leather (taking out any area of hardness
that may be left in). This is achieved by hand or machine process called staking,
in which the leather is flexed and pulled.
2. Final colouring.
*** 3. Buffing up the flesh side with abrasives to produce a nap finish (suede). ***
4. Rolling and glazing to produce a high gloss by flattening out and smoothing the grain surface (grain leather).
5. Pigmenting the leather to cover outstanding imperfections.
6. Correcting grain side leather by abrading the grain surface to give a more uniform and less marked appearance.
7. Patented polyurethane finishes which produce easy care - 'wipe clean' and 'wet look' leathers.
Suede is pure if made from dried animal skin (which was either tanned
using a natural process or a synthetic one).
As for leather with the hair attached, it must be fully dried/tanned
(as much as possible - at least the underside) for it to be considered
pure from an unslaughtered animal. If such hair-attached leather is from
a properly slaughtered animal, then it is pure even without
Refer to Notes of Sources for Main Text of the
Guiding Helper, Entry 124
> My question is connected to the process of dry-cleaning. In the West
> and the East (I have in mind Jordan, where I lived for almost a year),
> it seems that 'religious' people (i.e. people who would be considered
> serious students of knowledge and teachers of religious knowledge)
> seem to send their clothes to outlets which dry-clean their clothes.
Sorry. We don't know their rationale for this. Please note however
that if the dry cleaning using some non-water substance to clean the
clothes (e.g., chemical solvents), then this cleaning process will *not* be an
acceptable way to remove impurities in the Maliki school.
This link http://www.dynaclean.com/ states:
Dry Cleaning isn't really "dry" at all. Dry cleaning refers to
cleaning clothes with a liquid solvent rather than with water
(although water is technically a solvent). Dry cleaning is the
most effective process for cleaning most natural and man-made
fabrics. In fact, some fabrics cannot be washed in water because
of the possibility of shrinkage or fading of dyes in the clothing.
For this reason, dry cleaning has become an essential service
around the world today.
If clothes do not have any impurities on them, then one may
clean them in any way one desires.
If clothes have impurities on them, then it is safest to first
handwash the impurities with water and then one may
clean them in an automatic washing machine.
However, we are narrating the opinion, that if the
washing machine goes through at least two rinse
cycles (with pure water), then one may clean clothes
with impurities in the washing machine without
a preceding handwash. [The rationale for two rinses
is one rinse to get out the dirt and detergent and
one rinse with unchanged pure water to seal the
purification. As a side note, most automatic
washing machines do actually go through two cycles.]
Footnote 296 of the Explanatory Notes of the
Guiding Helper and associated entries in the Notes
of Sources
> I suppose that this question is also touching upon
> a query about whether the Maliki School requires 100%
> certainty about something being made impure (like the
> Shafi'i School) or whether a balance of probabilities is
> sufficient, in the School, for establishing such a condition?
We have encouraged every person who uses the Guiding Helper
to get into the habit of convincing themselves of surety when
they are "pretty" certain (e.g., 85% certain). This will make things
much easier for them when practicing the Maliki school which states
that an act becomes invalid by merely doubting about it (now, if one
is engaged in an act like formal prayer, then one waits until finishing
the prayer. Then, one ascertains whether or not whether one still
doubts before deciding to repeat the act).
As for doubts about the purity of a garment, the Maliki school states
that one simply sprinkles water over the area one doubts about and it
automatically becomes pure.
Footnotes 296, 489, 1032, and 2638 of the Explanatory Notes of the Guiding Helper
and associated entries in the Notes of sources.
> Q1. Bearing in mind what I have told you about
> the dry-cleaning process, do you feel that I should
> 'doubt' whether my dry-cleaned clothes have maintained
> their purity after mixing with a non-water liquid solvent
> and the clothes of other people? or, am I suffering from waswasa?
You may assume that they have retained their purity.
Your doubt is similar to a waswasa whose definition is
"a repetitive doubt caused by no real physical fact".
> If I should be doubtful (i.e. less than 85% certain of
> purity), must I 'sprinkle' water upon the entire garment
> that is returned from the dry-cleaners? (NB: I would avoid
> the process, but I need to clean some special work garments).
No. There is no need to sprinkle water as you know that
the chemical solvent used is not among the impurities. And the
chances that wet impurity is spilled on your clothes from
another person's garments are very low (and as such may
be ignored).
> Q2. What is the process of 'sprinkling' water on an
> item which one doubts is pure?
Basically, one can simple wet one's hand (with fingers loosely
folded) with water and "shoot" the water towards the
article by rapidly outstretching one's fingers towards
the garment. Small droplets of water should fly off
your wet hand onto the area in the garment which you have
a doubt about. If you are uncertain of the area, then you
should sprinkle all parts of the garment (this is the Maliki
Footnotes 296, 489, 1032, and 2638 of the Explanatory Notes of the Guiding Helper
and associated entries in the Notes of sources.-
Notice from the New Site Maintainer
(Monday 26 May 2014 )
Online Lessons
Terms of Use - Diclaimer


text:
Senator Mike Rounds On President Trump's Tweet About Russia, The Cohen Raid, And Mark Zuckerberg Testimony
Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota joined me this morning:
HH: I'm joined by Senator Mike Rounds of the great state of South Dakota, first time on the show. Senator Rounds, welcome, it's great to talk to you.
MR: Hey, good morning.
HH: Good morning.
MR: How are you this morning, sir?
HH: I am terrific. It's great to talk. Thune comes on a lot, because he knows I've got a shirttail relative connection to Philip, South Dakota. I married into the Philip clan, but it's good to have you. Let me get right to work with you. President Trump, Senator, just tweeted. You're on Armed Services, so this is very relevant. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready, Russia, because they will be coming – nice, new and smart. You shouldn't be partners with a gas-killing animal, capital G, K and A, who kills his people and enjoys it. Senator Rounds, your reaction?
MR: Well, first of all, this is going to be a very serious incident when it does occur. We most certainly have to respond. I hope we keep all of our options open, and that we don't telegraph what we're going to do or when we are going to do it. But most certainly, we have to respond. And I don't think we do it based on Putin or Assad's timing or terms. We do it when it's right for us, and I think that's what's going on right now. I think we're putting our assets in place. And then allow our military planners to make the decisions about what the best way is to send that message.
HH: Now Senator Rounds, I've had Senator Graham and Senator Ernst on the last two days. They both believe we should not warn the Russians about where we're going to be hitting, or the Iranians, and that we should target the Syrian Air Force. I want to target the palaces. Does Senator Rounds have any opinions on what ought to be targeted?
MR: I think it should be his command and control system. And but once again, we let the military planners make the decisions based on what our goals as a nation are to send the response. There are some things you have to do first, because you know, you have to take it in a sequential manner. So let our military planners put together the plan, and then there's no reason why we telegraph it to anybody. But simply, let's let it happen. Let the military planners, should make the decision about what we hit, when we hit it, and that should be approved by the President beforehand, but let the military planners make the decision about what it is that is the critical infrastructure that is vulnerable, and that will have the most impact on the situation in Syria. Remember, this guy's already been warned once. We took out part of an airbase before. We made it very clear that there was a new sheriff in town and that we weren't going to put up with the crap he was doing. Since that time, he's continued to do it, and just stepped back into it as if we weren't paying attention. And now, it's time to pay attention once again, and it's time to send a very clear message. And this is one that that should be noticed not just by the Assad regime, but by Iran and by Russia as well, very clearly.
HH: Now Senator, we just talked about the tactics – what do you hit. What is the strategic purpose of striking back?
MR: I think number one, you send the message that chemical warfare is simply not acceptable on the battlefield today. So your goal is to send a clear message to the rest of the world, including North Korea, that we will not allow it, and that there will be retribution. So when you do that, it can't just be a slap on the hand. This one is, this one's got to be a very serious, a very regime-threatening attack. And it should be done in such a fashion that the other folks go, the Russians and the Iranians go, I guess they really meant it.
HH: A few years ago, Senator, the then-chief of staff to General Mattis when he was down at Pendleton commanding, I think, the 3rd MEF, told me that civilians never think about second order consequences. If we are a regime-threatening attack away, a day away from a regime-threatening attack, do we not risk reigniting what has become a desert? I mean, it's, they made a desert and they called it peace sort of thing. But do we threaten to reignite the hostilities in Syria if we actually threaten the regime?
MR: That's one of the risks that we take, but it is a risk that is inherent in any military activity where you actually and truly weaken the Assad regime. It's one of the reasons why I suggest the command and control that he has would be a vulnerable area to go after. It would be something he could not easily recreate, and you know, would have long term lasting effects. In order to go after that, it means you have to soften up some other parts of his military establishment as well. It means you may very well have to take out some of the anti-aircraft systems. It means you may very well have to take out some of his aircraft themselves so that he can't respond as we're doing our job in terms of taking out command and control. But once again, this is a case for the military planners to make a decision as to what the appropriate response is.
HH: Now one of the narratives, Senator, has been that the President is soft on Russia. Well, today he says get ready, Russia, because they will be come, missiles, nice, new and smart. Yesterday, he named President Putin by name.
MR: Yeah.
HH: He's increased the NATO spending. He has expelled 60. Our combat troops engaged and repulsed Russian mercenaries in Syria. Any doubt in your mind that the President knows what Russia is and is serious about deterring them?
MR: No doubt in my mind, but I think I can explain partially why people have that perception. I think with this president, while he understands the serious threat that Russia is, I think he had hoped to be able to have a personal relationship, to be able to make contact with Putin directly, to have a business-like relationship with the leader of that country. And I think sometimes, that perception that he's not personally attacking Putin is misunderstood as being soft on Russia. I think what the President has wanted from day one is to be tough on Russia, to once again regain the military strength that we need to be able to make this world safer than what it was for the last ten years. But secondly, I think he really wanted to have the ability to go to that other nation and to have a personal contact with Putin, to be able to establish something different that might very well someday avoid that conflict that otherwise we may be in.
HH: Now let me switch to the Mueller investigation. I don't believe the President should tweet about Mueller, should leave him alone, let it go its course, because I don't see any evidence of collusion. Have you seen any evidence of collusion between the President and Russia in Election '16?
MR: What you just suggested is exactly what I've been telling the press for the last umpteen months, that we've seen no evidence of collusion. The President would be better off to leave Mueller alone, let him continue to do his work. Don't fire him. Don't give everybody a reason to try to create another independent counsel. Leave this person to what he can find. And when he's all done, make darn sure that his report comes out and says there's no collusion. Don't give him an excuse to try to find another reason to do another investigation. Put up with the insults and the clearly irritating attacks where they go into your, I mean, look. We all would feel as frustrated as this President was when your personal attorney's offices raided. And that clearly was designed to send a message of irritation.
HH: Let me ask you about that. Have you ever, ever heard, do you know any lawyer whose office has ever been raided?
MR: No, not, I mean, this was just a, and to think that they also then made it very clear that the information and the reason why the local authorities were raiding the office was because of tips from the Mueller office. That, to me, sent a message saying that they were out to irritate the presidency, or the President.
HH: And so Rod Rosenstein approved that, correct?
MR: I don't know.
HH: Well, that's what is reported.
MR: Yeah.
HH: My question goes…
MR: I can't answer that one, but I can tell you this. I don't think we fall for the bait.
HH: I agree.
MR: Yeah.
HH: I agree, but I do want to talk about Rod Rosenstein for a second. I know you served two years only with Jeff Sessions, so you only have a two year relationship with him.
MR: Yes.
HH: I like Jeff Sessions a lot. He's been a guest on this show a lot. I know his staff a lot. I worked at Justice under Smith and Meese. I know Justice. I'm beginning to wonder whether Jeff Sessions ought not to step down so the President can have an Attorney General running the department in whom he has confidence. What do you think?
MR: I think that would be a mistake. Look, I did only work with Jeff for a couple of years, but I can tell you during that time I got to know him. He is a man of honor and integrity, and he follows the rule of law.
HH: Well, I agree with that, but he's not involved. I mean, Rod Rosenstein is making the decision to okay the warrant to go into Cohen's office. It's breathtaking. Now it might be justified, but I'm beginning to wonder whether or not Rosenstein is more concerned with the reputation of the Department of Justice and with making Bob Mueller happy than with actually taking care of the national interests of the United States.
MR: You know, I wouldn't go that far on it, because I wouldn't connect that with your original question, which was should Jeff Sessions resign. The office of Attorney General is critical. And you want a person in there that understands the rule of law. And I'm just saying this is a man who regardless of whether you like the law or you don't like the law, this is a man who has lived with it, and he has integrity.
HH: Oh, I 100% agree.
MR: You don't walk away from that.
HH: I know Senator Sessions.
MR: Yeah.
HH: I agree completely. But he's not running this, and by the way, Rod Rosenstein has integrity. I'm not questioning his integrity. I'm questioning the ability of a headless Department of Justice to follow a plan and wrap this up if there's no collusion. I don't know that Rod Rosenstein has the stature or the political standing to be able to direct Mr. Mueller, wrap it up. If you don't have collusion, shut it down. Do you think he does?
MR: Yeah, look, and you see in the first thing that I came out of this when I heard that they had started this was number one, they'd better have a darn good reason for why they raided that office. And they're going to have to answer the questions why would you escalate this by going after someone's personal attorney? And if they don't have a real good reason for doing it, and I mean a real good reason for doing it, I think this makes them less credible when it comes to the final outcome of any report. This is almost like the dying throes where an organization that has been charged with trying to take down a president, and in many cases, folks on the other side expected that that's what would happen, and they're not getting any place, because there has been no collusion established in this. Otherwise, we'd be hearing about it. And if that's the case, here is one more opportunity for them to irritate and try to find another incident in which they can now further investigate. Look, don't take the bait. Get, the President needs to handle his way through this, lay low, and don't get in the middle of a tit for tat with these guys on what he's doing on that. Get through this thing, because they don't have anything.
HH: All right, last question, Senator.
MR: Yeah.
HH: And I'm taking you long, and I appreciate the time.
MR: Yeah.
HH: But I've got to ask this. The President's personal papers are in the possession of the Department of Justice now. I would assume his testamentary dispositions, his divorce decrees, any NDAs that he has, all sorts of stuff that you and I would consider our personal papers if they were in the possession of our lawyers, do we know where they are? Should they not be in a SCIF? And should we not have special protections on the President's personal papers?
MR: You know, I had exactly the same thought yesterday, was how many personal papers were taken out that belonged to the president of the United States that the rest of us, if they were ours, we would say what in the world are you doing, and why do you think you have the authority to come in and to take those personal papers out? Now that's where I ended up at, and that's the reason why I come back to this, they have, they have questions that are going to have to be answered. And if they can't answer those questions, there's going to be real problems here. And so they're going to, yeah, I mean, look, I have a huge amount of respect for the FBI. And I think they're following orders. And the institution of the Justice Department has to be respected. But there still has to be oversight of any federal agency and any federal activity. And as this draws to a close, those attacks, those inspections, those inquiries will have to be reviewed, and they're going to have to come up with some darn good explanations as to why they're doing it.
HH: Senator Mike Rounds, I agree completely, and I appreciate your candor and your time. Thank you for joining me. Come back early and often.
MR: Thanks, Hugh. You have a good day.
HH: You, too.
End of interview.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Introducing our NEW coffee; Goodbye dark roast my old friend...- January 16, 2018
Last year, we shouted about 'Coffee, but Better' and our five pledges for better beans, flavour, baristas, milk and sourcing. It got us thinking; what could we do to make our coffee even better?
Well, we've decided to shake things up a bit. Don't worry, we aren't going all geeky coffee house on you, just refining what we do, whilst showcasing some quirkier coffees that we think you're going to love.
The House
We're saying a fond farewell to our Medium and Dark Roasts, and all our coffees will now be made with our new 'House Coffee' as standard.
The actual beans haven't changed at all; we've simply tweaked the roast to give the best and most consistent flavour, however you take your coffee. The same BTP coffee, still excellent from both a quality and sustainability point of view, optimised for you, our lovely customers.
Read more about our House Coffee here >
The Guest
Alongside our House Coffee, we're introducing an exciting series of new Guest Espressos, which will change every other month. These will always be single estate (from one farm), always have strong sustainable credentials, and always be absolute lip-smackers when it comes to flavour too. If you're a fan of prominent flavour profiles or are keen to try out coffees from much smaller farms, you're going to love our new guest espressos.
Read more about our new Guest Espresso here >
The Filter
We'll also be continuing our seasonally changing filter coffee (which if you drink your coffee black is definitely worth a try) just ask our baristas for details of what's brewing.
The Decaf
Finally, our decaf coffee remains the same. We believe that, just because you don't want the caffeine, you shouldn't have to compromise on the flavour. We feel like we have got this one bang on and we will continue to give it the same attention we do for all of our coffees.


text:
[ Home | Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Erin
Date: 20 Aug 1998
Time: 19:59:55
Remote Name: 220.127.116.11
Hey John,
Thanks for the post card. Great web site! I'm really impressed with you guys...your web site and your adventure. Now try not to get too jealous, but I spent the first week of Aug. in Georgia doing my multi. The real treat, however, was the trip to Meridianville, AL for the check ride. This airstrip looked like a driveway in the middle of a field! My examiner was this old guy, Clyde, whose office was basically an aluminum shed. Clyde AND his cronies (all with their pants cinched over their stomachs and up to their necks) were present during my Oral. The clincher, however, was the goat that scurried across the runway during my check ride! I hope all is going well and that you have a smooth flight home. I'm looking forward to hearing your stories. See ya soon.


text:
Among the many sports that are available worldwide, this archery has been existence for an extended period. You will notice that the youngsters like this activity and they participate in it with joy. You will notice that not everyone is familiar with this kind of sport but the ones who know what it takes to do it have their best out of it. One is usually advised to learn about what their kids like doing so that they can provide for their needs. Every child is unique in their way, and they enjoy a variety of things. It is important to know that you have the power to influence the minds of the kids and make them like something that you are sure can benefit them. It is worth keeping in mind that the bows are essential for toning the muscles and keeping one fit. You can think some of the factors below suppose you are considering getting a bow. All of your question about compound bow parts will be answered when you follow the link.
It is required that you make a reasonable choice of this equipment. You are suppose to know that these things come in varying shapes and sizes. They range from the simple ones to the more complex ones that are used by the advanced archers. It is therefore important to know the individual you are purchasing this equipment for so that you get the right thing. Suppose the person is just a kid interested in the sport, you can choose something that is straightforward and easy to manage at the same time. This idea of getting the right tool will make the children get the best out of the game while they are practising. It is also important to get something reasonable for the people who are qualified in the field. Get attached to us now and learn some lesson about the best compound bow.
Another advisable thing to do is to get the bow after it has been in the market for some time. You will realize that some people will grab the deal when it is still fresh not knowing how expensive this can be. The reason behind this idea is that you will manage to get the same item, but a small cost. It is also wise to visit a variety of stores inquest for the best item at an affordable price. You will notice that many people are selling the same thing but at different prices and this gives you the flexibility in getting what you want. You should also know that there are shops available on the internet from where you can get the stuff. Examine the knowledge that we shared about compound bow http://www.ehow.com/how_2104504_repair-compound-bow.html.
One is also advised to consider the dimensions of the item. Owing to the fact that they come in a variety of sizes, it is important to know the person going to use it. Mark the dimensions to avoid errors.


text:
The Transportation Security Administration is now using robotic carts at Dallas Love Field to make screening suspicious bags more efficient.
DALLAS—The Transportation Security Administration is now using robotic carts at Dallas Love Field to make screening suspicious bags more efficient.
According to the TSA's website, 1.3 million checked bags are screened across the country each day.
Officers inspect those bags because something inside triggered an alarm during initial scans.
At Dallas Love Field, if a bag triggers an alarm—it gets to meet some new artificial intelligence.
Since November, TSA officers have been utilizing robotic tables (mobile inspection tables) to help them screen and inspect luggage.
The tables move on a magnetic track and take suspicious bags to stations where officers are standing, so they can be searched for any illegal items.
Once a bag clears inspection or prohibited items are removed, it's put back on the robotic table which then dumps the bag back onto a conveyor belt that leads to its plane.
Before, officers would just yank suspicious bags off of those belts. With the new robots, the TSA says work injuries may be a thing of the past.
"You can imagine working a shift down here would be very exhausting," Assistant Federal Security Director of Screening Jeffrey Tyler said.
"We're not lifting, pushing, or even pulling the bag."
Tyler said that the robotic tables also cut down on luggage backups during heavy travel days, putting the bags in a queue instead of forcing officers to just deal with them as they come.
He said that the system was initially implemented before Thanksgiving and Christmas of last year and was a major help.
"It gives us plenty of time and opportunity to clear that bag efficiently and effectively—and send it on for travel," Tyler said.
Chris Perry, Dallas Love Field's Communications Manager, told WFAA that the airport deals with 15,000 to 16,000 bookings a day.
It's the first airport to use this kind of automation to screen all checked bags.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport use the robotic tables too, but not for all terminals.
"If we can get those bags through safely and efficiently, we're always happy to do that," Perry said.
To be able to say that we have robots moving bags around, that's the fun part for us."
Perry couldn't go into exact costs for the tables because he said the system was purchased as part of the Love Field Modernization Program.
He stressed that any money the airport uses comes from its enterprise fund—and not the city's general fund.


text:
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Fill in this form to join my mailing list, or to give me feedback about the website. I look forward to hearing from you!
And a note to everyone that joins my mailing list: I respect your privacy -- I don't give or sell my mailing list to anyone.
Important Note: I have discontinued the Free Guitar Pick promotion.


text:
This year, Trent Cadillac Buick GMC is proud to sponsor the 2016 Havelock Chili Festival. This event brings together all kinds of different chili-lovers and visitors wanting to have a good time in order to raise money and awareness for local charities and non-profit groups in Havelock. So whether you're here for the chili, for the live music, to donate to charity, or just to have fun with the whole family, come down to the Havelock Chili Festival for a good time! The event is still happening on-schedule despite this past weekend's weather!
This year, the event will run from 5 – 9pm in the evening on Friday, October 14th, followed by even more festivities the following day running from 10 in the morning until 6pm. It will all take place at Walter B Jones Park. Admission and parking are both free, but the money is raised off of proceeds that go towards food and drinks at the various vendors onsite. The vendors will accept cash only, but ATMS are available at the event. Live entertainment will also be provided from open to close both days.
Whether or not you love chili, the Havelock Chili Festival is a great way for visitors to come out and connect with their community, both socially and through charity. So give back to your area and have tons of fun at the same time enjoying the cooking prowess of local chefs!


text:
Google and Ford Team Up To Optimize Your Commute
Is there anything Google can't do?
Apparently not. Already a tech giant on the internets, Google has been branching out to other spheres of late and is now scheming with Ford to reduce your commute times and increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Google's Prediction API uses Google's famous algorithms to track your driving habits, pulling together information on where you go and then factoring in variables like weather and traffic, among others, to optimize your driving route. The vehicle will ask you questions like: "Are you going to work?" and if you say you are, it will optimize the route for your vehicle.
This may sound a little Big-Brotherish, and in implementing Google's technology Ford has been careful to suggest that personal information security is priority number one. Hopefully they take privacy concerns more seriously than Facebook…which isn't hard to do.
Security questions aside, I have to say I'm impressed by Ford's commitment to tackling fuel efficiency from every possible angle, and partnering with a reputable American company like Google—one that sometimes seems like it can do no wrong—is a great idea. Lately I've been happy for American car companies in general, most of which have greatly improved their products over the past few years. It's a welcome sight after a decade-plus dominated by foreign competitors. Nobody likes to see American companies struggle and American workers getting laid off.
It's clear Ford intends to use the Prediction API on its all-electric lineup in the future to help reduce the "range anxiety" which remains such a bugaboo for EVs. This is smart marketing. Anything that warms the general public to the concept of EVs is a step in the right direction. Does this also mean that a self-driving Ford EV powered by Google isn't far off?
I'm admittedly a little creeped out by the car talking to me, though. I'm fine with my GPS barking out instructions, but I don't really want to have a conversation with it…
Source: Autoblog


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Max Haggerty was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that causes serious complications with the lungs. Many who suffer from Cystic Fibrosis have severe breathing problems and often symptoms become so severe a lung transplant is needed.
In Max's case the lung transplant was necessary at 22 years old. But the Cystic Fibrosis also caused his body weight to be too low for a safe transplant. A feeding tube was surgically implanted and Max gained the weight needed for the transplant. Most major transplants require transfused blood. Max's transplant lasted nearly 8 hours and required multiple units.
After the feeding tube surgery Max started to experience complications.
"Three mornings later, already weak from surgery, I went blind temporarily as I stumbled to my front door to let my home nurse in."
Max was rushed to the hospital, just three days later to cauterize a wound that hadn't healed from the feeding tube surgery. The wound caused severe internal bleeding and Max had almost no blood pressure. The wound was healed and Max went on to have a successful transplant.
At 26 years old, Max began to feel sick again, experiencing migraines and a loss of appetite. Max was suffering from low Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels, an indicator of a loss in red blood cells. Max required another blood transfusion and he immediately felt better.
A month later Max's health began to deteriorate again and another transfusion was necessary. With the help of a blood specialist Max found out that he had Parvovirus B19 which stop the production of red blood cells. To recover Max needed IVIG doses. IVIG stands for intravenous immunoglobulin, which is a product extracted from the plasma of over 1,000 blood donors. Max will likely need this treatment for much of his life until the Parvovirus is gone from his body.
Max is a testament to the extraordinary gifts of ordinary people. People who give a part of themselves to help a complete stranger. It could be a child born premature, a victim of an accident or someone like Max.
Max returned to the University of Oregon to pursue degrees in Accounting and Political Science. Max's favorite sports include basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and tennis.


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Everything as it Should Be . . .
Chapter 2 – The Three Wishes
The next week was a blur. Each day at work I struggled to maintain composure as women of all shapes and sizes unknowingly tortured my sex starved penis. Each night Cassandra required my hands, tongue and cock to perform sexual acts calculated to arouse her to ever greater levels of ecstasy and frustrate me beyond imagination. When Friday night finally arrived, I was a basket case and Cassandra knew it. She had booked a late dinner at one of the fanciest restaurants in town. Dressing for the event was a must. In readying ourselves for the outing, my wife suggested we shower together. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to see her naked, I whole heartily agreed. Under the hot spray, we proceeded to soap each other into a frenzied state of passion. After quickly rinsing, I started to massage her beautiful pussy. Even with the many times I had serviced I her temple of womanhood this week, my perpetual state of arousal flamed my desire to touch it yet again. In the commanding tone I had grown accustomed to in our new arrangement; my wife spoke the single word that revealed her desire, "Tongue." I dropped to my knees and with the water splashing into my eyes; I pushed my face into her sex. I licked and sucked and nuzzled and kissed the flesh that I so wanted to fuck. My efforts were rewarded by an energetic orgasm that made me both proud and even more aroused. After her climax, I was hoping beyond all hope to follow suit. When she got down on her knees and started massaging my balls, I was in heaven. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment I had been waiting for, begging for, all week long. I felt a lubricant being liberally applied to my groin and smiled inwardly, at long, long last. My cock grew to its fullest while enjoying my wife's massaging touches. Suddenly, I felt a pang of fear as new, unrecognized sensation touched my balls. Looking down I was startled to see Cassandra in the process of shaving my crotch. "What the…"
"Settle down" she said in a reassuring voice. "You don't want me to slip, do you?"
"I don't know if I want this!" I blurted out.
"Well I do" she responded crisply. "And you do want to please me, don't you?" That phrase was punctuated with a finger making tiny circles on my cock's most sensitive spot. "I think you'll like the… results."
Not knowing exactly which interpretation to apply, but not being in any position to argue the point, I resigned to let her have her way. I uttered the phrase that seemed to be cliché this week, "Anything you say, dear."
"That's a good boy" she responded. "You just let me trim all of this nasty hair so you're presented properly." Again, her choice of words could be interpreted more than one way. Before I could ask for clarification she continued, "When I get you all high and tight, I have a surprise for you this evening. Would you like a surprise?"
"You know it Cassandra. Can't you see I'm dying for a good fuck? You've kept me on edge all week and I think I'm going to explode if we don't screw soon. "
"Just the way I like you and exactly as it should be" she responded gleefully. "Now let me finish what I started and you can dry and dress me for dinner."
With that said she carefully finished shaving my pubic area and rinsed off the excess cream. Still luxuriating in the steamy water, she instructed me how to prepare towels to dry her magnificent body.
"Go get two of the guest towels, the soft fluffy ones we usually save for company. Warm them under the bathroom heater and let me know when you're ready to dry me off." Happy to assist in this activity (and motivated by the chance to touch her naked flesh) I exited the shower and grabbed for a towel to dry myself before proceeding to the guest bathroom.
"NO", she called out forcefully, "you say wet. Follow my instruction and…" she said changing her tone to a more seductive timbre "you may get that surprise I mentioned earlier".
Obediently, shivering a little from the cold air, I retrieved the towels she requested and warmed them as instructed. When all was ready, I called to her over the splashing water. "Ready my Lady" choosing what I thought was an amusing phrase befitting the circumstances.
Hearing the water cease, my wife emerged from the shower in all her naked glory, a sight that once again made my semi erect cock rise to fullness.
"My Lady, I like the sound of that. You will continue to address me like that."
Playing along with the game, I responded "As you wish, My Lady." I proceeded to towel her dry with long, slow, gentle motions; patting any sensitive areas as necessary. Standing, she held out her leg and foot with the implied expectation of service. Not wanting to spoil the mood, I crouched to dry the offered areas. She placed her hand on my head, as if to steady her balance and produced the second leg. When she had been completely dried, she looked down at me and said, "I'm going to the dressing room to put on my moisturizer. Why don't you join me after you're done?" Walking out of the room, she called back, "Don't dirty another towel, just use the one already in your hands, and be quick about it." Proceeding with haste, I dried myself with the semi-wet fabric that moments ago had been touching my wife's nakedness. It still smelled of her which feed my already heightened desire. Reaching my groin, I was startled to see that not one hair remained and I was bald as a schoolboy. This new twist excited me even further so when I approached my wife I was rock hard and fully exposed.
"I like your new look… Very exciting… Very sexy! "
"Thanks" I said.
"Thanks what?" she said seductively not looking up from the task of smoothing lotion on her long, well toned legs. The motion gave me ample views of her pussy which fueled my desire even more.
"Thank you, my Lady"
"Better" she responded with a sexy smile turning her gaze toward me. "Let's not forget again, shall we?"
"No, my Lady"
"See that you don't!" she quipped. "Now be a good boy and go fetch the shopping bags from our closet."
"Yes, my Lady" came my reply as I was proceeded by my cock dutifully bobbing towards the walk-in closet. Surprisingly, I found a whole host of shopping bags with names like Victoria's Secret and Nordstrom's. Collecting everything I could find, and I found quite a few, I returned to the dressing area to find my wife standing boldly, legs slightly spread, one hand on her hip and the other holding a small sparkling ring.
"Let's get dressed, shall we? And to make it even more fun with all these new things, I'll dress you and you dress me. I get to go first, here put this on" she commanded handing me the ring. Taking the item from my wife's hand, I looked at it and then back at her with a puzzled expression. I couldn't figure out what it was or how I should dress with it. "It's for your cock, silly" she said with amusement. "It's a cock ring. The perfect accessory for your new look." Hesitantly, I worked at slipping it over my cockhead with obvious difficulty due to my still engorged member. "Don't be a prude, just slide it on and push it to the hilt." With me still struggling, Cassandra provided encouragement "Just imagine it's my pussy. You know, the pussy your cock has been trying to penetrate all week?" That did it. I forced my cock into the too small opening of the ring and it slipped right to the root and held firm. "Beautiful" she exclaimed. The sight of my newly shaved cock protruding from the bejeweled ring was indeed striking. I didn't know whether to be happy or mad at this adornment, but I sure was excited. My cock literally pulsed with lust. "Now my turn to get dressed" she said with an excitement I hadn't heard in a while. Opening the expensive looking shopping bags she retrieved a necklace, earrings, two bracelets, shoes, stockings, panties, dress and a garter belt! My wife had never worn a garter belt in our entire marriage. Noticeably absent was a bra. When she noticed my bewilderment she smiled and stated that the dress she had picked out wouldn't tolerate such a confining garment. Holding out her arms in the manner of a pharaoh of Egypt she commanded "Dress me!"
"Yes, my Lady" was my response as I proceeded to clumsily dress her with the finery she had obtained for this evenings excursion. It took me over a half-hour to get all the clasps, hooks, buttons, straps and ties properly connected. All the while, my cock remained rampant in its new form fitting ring. The result was stunning! My wife, who always looked beautiful, now looked positively regal. The dress, with its low cut back, plunging neckline and side slits almost to the hip rivaled anything seen on the red carpet in Hollywood. I wanted to take her so badly I actually whimpered. "Discipline, dear boy, Discipline!" she chided. "Here's something to remember me by while you go put on your tuxedo. With that she fondled my still turgid cock until I was breathless. Then, turning away, she focused attention on her makeup and left me standing there panting. When it became apparent that I would get no more satisfaction until I had done as ordered, I left to get my monkey suit and proceeded to dress. I couldn't be sure, but I thought I caught her glance in the mirror insuring the cock ring remained in place. Finally, both dressed in our fashionable best, we enjoyed a leisurely drive to her chosen dining spot.
Arriving at the restaurant, we were seated quickly. It could have been my generous tip, or more likely it was the way my stunning wife spoke to the Maitre D', but whatever the reason we were shown to one of the best tables within a few minutes of our arrival. Cassandra ordered champagne while I had my usual single malt scotch. When the drinks arrived, I lifted my glass to her and said, "To an unforgettable week." With a coy smile she reached not for her glass but for her purse. Rummaging only briefly she extracted a key fob I hadn't seen before. When her delicate finger pressed the remote, I almost dropped my drink. The cock ring she had place on me when dressing began to vibrate with an urgency befitting a caged rodent. Her smile broadened at my astonishment and she said, "Aren't you forgetting something?" I tried to recall anything I had missed while the ring performed its unholy dance. I couldn't figure out what to do so I looked helplessly into Cassandra's eyes. She paused, enjoying my situation, and then finally revealed what must be done. "What did I tell you about how I must be addressed?"
Puzzlement turned to atonement as I spoke again, "To an unforgettable week, my Lady."
Smiling, she pressed the remote again and lifted her glass. Thankfully, the buzzing at my crotch stopped but not before it had done its work. I was stiff as a board again.
"You are a deliciously sexy woman, my Lady!"
"And don't your forget it!" came the response. "Not that I intending on letting you." That last statement amplified by another short burst of vibrations. My engorged cock saluted both her ingenuity and sexy figure as our glasses met with a clink. Somehow she managed to find enough mistakes and infractions during dinner and desert to keep me continuously erect. At the end of it all, I was putty; I was less than putty in her hands. When offering to get the waiter for an after dinner drink, the required my Lady appended of course, she grabbed my attention a different way. "I think you'd enjoy that drink more at home, wouldn't you?" I practically raced to pay the check and retrieve the car. On the way home, Cassandra commented on how motivated I'd been to please her throughout dinner. "Was it the dress or my new toy that kept you so attentive?" she gave the fob another press for emphasis.
"It's you, my Lady; all you!" I replied truthfully.
"Good boy!" she said as she leaned closer to me. I'm glad we didn't encounter any police on the way home because I drove like a groom late for his wedding. When we finally pulled into the driveway, Cassandra drew close, kissed me passionately and said, "Go get ready and slip into bed while I prepare. You still have a surprise coming." Then, whispering hotly in my ear she added, "Make sure you turn off the lights." I wanted to sprint from the car to the bedroom, but thought better of it. I opened her car door and escorted her inside before dashing to our bedroom and ripping off my clothes. Dousing the lights, I jumped into bed and listened to her movements first in the rooms below and then finally climbing the stairs to our bedroom. I didn't need any battery operated encouragement for my cock to remain taut and ready.
Cassandra entered the room carrying a tray. On the tray, among other things, was a single lit candle. Still wearing in the teasingly revealing dress, her jewelry sparkled in the candlelight. I started to rise but she signaled me to stillness. I lay there captivated by her beauty illuminated by the lone flame. I wanted her. I wanted her so badly it sent shivers down my spine. Her movements were so slow and gracefully that the single point of light didn't flicker as she crossed the room. Setting the tray by our bedside, she leaned close for what I thought was a kiss. The musky fragrance of her perfume enveloped my senses, she was so close.
"Now" she said in a barely audible whisper, "are you ready for your surprise?" Seeing my affirmative nod she continued. "Tonight I'm granting you three wishes…" The silence was infuriating. "However, unlike Aladdin you have to select those wishes from choices I offer you. Are you game?" Again my nod signaled her to proceed. "Good boy", was her sultry response. "First wish, now listen carefully… Do you wish you could touch me?" She paused for effect, "Or do you wish to see me naked."
"Please, my Lady, I wish to see you naked", was my quick reply. In truth, my rebellious cock answered that for me before I could think about the choices.
"Wish number one granted", she announced in a breathy voice. With that she removed a pair of handcuffs from the tray began to raise my arms above my head.
Resisting a little, I gazed at her searching for enlightenment. Smiling she explained, "By wishing to see me naked you also wished you could not touch me. Understand?" In truth it was logical, but the consequences of my wish only became apparent as she clicked the handcuffs shut. True to her word she then stood before me and performed the sexiest strip tease I had ever witnessed. My cock strained to touch her, but failed to achieve its goal. Now naked, she again leaned close and breathed, "Wish number two… Do you wish me to play with your cock?" That got my attention. "Or do you wish to masturbate for me?" In truth I wanted nothing more that to cum but playing her game required me to choose. If I asked her to play with my tortured dick, then I also chose not to masturbate. Seemed like a safe bet.
"Please play with my cock", I said. A momentarily lapse of consciousness was hopefully repaired by hastily adding "my Lady" and the end of my selection.
"Wish number two granted." With that she picked up the fob I had grown to respect over dinner from the tray and pressed a few buttons. Sure enough, the cock ring holding my manhood began to pulse and vibrate with a life of its own. It buzzed slowly at first and then with fervor. It ramped up and down driving me to distraction. It did everything but satisfy my burning need to cum. "I just love playing with my new toys" she said with elation, "and masturbation is forbidden". I answered with a groan of frustration. Ignoring my guttural plea she climbed over my sex starved body; placing her succulent pussy right above my tortured member with her gently swaying breasts inches from my eyes. She asked sweetly, "Are you ready for your third and final wish of the evening?"
"Please, Oh please my Lady Cassandra, will you let me cum?"
"I'll take that as a yes" she said ignoring my question altogether. Smiling with an evil smile she spoke, "Do you wish not to stay like this all night…" the dramatic pause was killing me, "or do you wish for three more wishes?" My mind raced, as much as it was capable of racing in my present circumstances. If I wished not to stay like this, I had no idea what would happen. Alternatively, wishing for more wishes may get my frenzied cock some blessed relief. There seemed little choice but to ask for more wishes. Informing Cassandra of my decision bought a sexy, evil laugh. "Wish number three granted. First, you will stay as you are all night. Second, you are granted three more wishes." She climbed down from her sexy perch above my up thrust penis and settled in next to me as if ready for sleep.
I protested. "But what about my three wishes, my Lady?"
Her response devastated me. "I told you that you were granted three wishes tonight, you've had them. You'll get to use your newly acquired three wishes the next time we play this game. Oh, and remember wish number two, no masturbation." With that she pressed a few more buttons on the fob, kicking it into overdrive. "Nighty-night, boy" she said as she closed her eyes and placed her hand on my buzzing, bloated balls. I whimpered a little at her last comment, "Everything as it should be" before she fell fast asleep.


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Titre : DIVIDED BY RACE UNITED IN WAR AND PEACE Version(s) disponible(s) : Anglais Date : 2013 Origine : United Kingdom Format : 57' Realisateur : Marc Wadsworth
They had fought under the British flag and risked their lives to keep the country free from Hitlers Nazis only to have to fight another battle to be accepted as UK citizens. This is the story of the virtually untold history of black servicemen who fought for the Allies in World War Two, returned home to Africa and the Caribbean, and then immigrated to the UK as civilians in the post-war period. The personal stories of 14 former military personnel black and white are revealed in moving, often witty testimonies, with some unexpected surprises. A beautiful documentary telling the hidden stories of thousand of African and Caribbean, black women and men who fought for the United Kingdom. Its our duty to keep their stories, our history, alive.
"They came they saw and together they conquered. Twice within the last hundred years in the two world wars, whose centenary and 75th anniversary respectively are about to be celebrated in 2014, the people of Britain and their former colonies came together to protect the values they shared against a greater tyranny. And twice afterwards, they came together to forge the peace. Yet, as Clayton Goodwin reports here, many commentators continue to classify them by the one characteristic that divides them, their race."
Read this great article on New Africa Magazine.
Informations pas encore disponible pour ce programme.
Informations pas encore disponible pour ce programme.


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to my favorite restaurant,
Rise No. 1
This Dallas restaurant specializes,
nay- divinely creates,
souffles for every range of the palette.
With "savory souffles" of
jambon et fromage, southwestern chicken,
creamed spinach, lobster, truffle infused wild mushroom....
to their list of"sweet souffles" of
Praline Pecan, Chocolate, Grand Marnier, Bread Pudding, & Raspberry....
... you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for.
{Or surprise yourself with one of Chef Sharif' Brahmi's latest inspirations.}
Oh, and did I mention they have an amazing wine list?
This table has the best view in the house- the kitchen at work.
Think more Provence, less Paris...
J'adore this place.
When you go, look for Sharif Brahmi
{head chef & co-owner of Rise No. 1}....
{head chef & co-owner of Rise No. 1}....
and his sweet daughter, Tara, the manager.
Between those two, a bottle of wine, and a few rounds of souffles-
I can only promise you a night that is...
say.... magnifique?
Rise No. 1
Inwood Village
5360 West Lovers Lane
No. 220
Dallas, Texas 75209
telelphone: 214.366.9900


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Contact Us
Phone: 509-499-3320
Fax: 509-443-7006
Mailing Address:
Conscious Connections Foundation
P.O. Box 342
Spokane WA 99210-0342
Along with her husband, Ric Conner, Denise is co-founder of the Spokane based for-profit, fair-trade import company, Ganesh Himal Trading http://www.ganeshhimaltrading.com. They have been importing fairly traded products from Nepal since 1984 and are longstanding members of the Fair Trade Federation www.ftf.org and Green America. http://www.greenamerica.org. Denise is co-founder with Sita Gurung of the Baseri Health clinic in Nepal which opened in February of 2010 and is providing the first ever health care to a remote part of central Nepal. Denise is also co-founder of the Conscious Connections Foundation, with her son Cameron Conner and co-worker Austin Zimmerman, established in July of 2014. She graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from Huxley College in 1984 and a J.D. from the University of Washington Law School in 1988.
Cameron is a 2015 graduate of West Valley High School in Spokane Washington and is currently enrolled at Whitman College. He is a Co-founder of the Conscious Connections Foundation and has spent the past year studying the impact of CCF's direct earthquake aid and managing its projects on the ground. Over 18 years he has traveled to Nepal nine times with parents Denise Attwood and Ric Conner (the first being when he was five months old). By forming the Conscious Connections Foundation, Cameron hopes to expose his fellow classmates and peers along with others to alternative cultures and societies, creating relationships and conscious connections around the world. In addition to his time with the Conscious Connections Foundation, Cameron has worked with mutliple large and small scale relief organizations both in Nepal, the United States and the military run refugee camps of Northern Greece.
Ric is co-founder with his wife, Denise Attwood, of the Spokane based for-profit, fair-trade import company, Ganesh Himal Trading . They have been importing fairly traded products from Nepal since 1984 and are longstanding members of the Fair Trade Federation and Green America. An avid traveler, Ric spends much of his time organizing fantastic trips for his family, helping others learn about budget travel and educating the public on the places they have been. Ric graduated with a degree in Environmental Science from Huxley College in 1985.
Saskia is an acupuncturist and energy medicine practitioner and has been empowering people for over 26 years. She runs her own acupuncture practice in Spokane, WA. Saskia and is an avid naturalist and photographer, and loves to travel and study indigenous cultures. She believes that true empowerment happens when people honor their culture and connection to self, as well as learn ways to support themselves. She is excited to be a part of the Conscious Connections Foundation, to bring people and communities together at home to support and empower people in Nepal, and especially to support the Baseri Health Clinic.
Austin graduated from the University of Colorado in 2007 with a degree in Sociology. Following three years of professional volleyball in Europe, she returned to her native Spokane and enthusiastically committed herself to a career in Fair Trade. After joining the Ganesh Himal Trading family in 2011, Austin traveled to Nepal in 2012 where she had a profound meeting with Heema & Heena Maharjan whose story inspired the Power of 5 campaign. Committed to girl's education and the long-term success of the Power of 5, Austin helped to co-found the Conscious Connections Foundation with Denise Attwood and Cameron Conner in July 2014. Returning to Nepal in March of 2015 Austin visited and was instrumental in documenting the progress in the Baseri Clinic Project, The Power of 5 Campaign and in starting the Menstrual Pad Project.
Dr. Maynard's objective is to straddle the gulf between the thinking and the doing, linking the realms of practitioner, academic, and policy maker to increase collective effectiveness by shaping institutional practices. She holds a doctorate in International Affairs from the Union Institute and is the author of numerous publications. Her speaking, research and writing include such issues as macro and micro level approaches to conflict recovery, participatory practices in generating social capital in war-torn communities, the role and capacity building of civil society and non state actors in post-war recovery, grassroots psychosocial issues and the healing process of conflict, among others. Her work has focused on supporting approaches to help revitalize societies suffering from conflict, with particular emphasis on grassroots methodologies and their connection to international strategies.
Dr. Maynard's fieldwork includes 30 years as a practitioner in crisis management, conflict recovery, and peacebuilding. She has lived and worked in conflict-affected countries in the Balkans, Central America, Central Asia, Former Soviet Republics, South and East Asia, the Great Lakes, the Horn of Africa, West Africa, and North Africa. Appointed the Mansfield Fellow of International Affairs at the University of Montana in 2011, she also works part time with the US Agency for International Development's Office of Transition Initiatives. Dr. Maynard has also served with non-governmental organizations, the Red Cross, UN Agencies, USAID, the World Bank, and consulting firms.
Martha has been a big fan of Fair Trade and Ganesh Himal Trading since managing the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center's Fair Trade store in Missoula, MT from 1991-1997. She has traveled to Nepal twice to observe the fair trade practices and social programs of CCF. As a donor she appreciates organizations that are nimble, effective, and making change in the world. The direct and long established connections of CCF with trusted Nepali partners made joining the board of CCF an easy decision for Martha. Returning to Nepal in March of 2015 Martha was instrumental in documenting the progress of the Baseri Clinic Project, The Power of 5 Campaign and in helping start the Menstrual Pad Project. She and her partner Mike have 2 sons.
Colleen is an art director and has spent 20 years in the corporate, agency and non-profit worlds working with businesses from a spectrum of backgrounds. She graduated from Boise State University with degrees in graphic design and illustration. In her work, she focuses on crafting authentic stories that evoke emotion enabling clients to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. She will carry this forward to create awareness for and share the work of CCF. She's traveled to Nepal twice, most recently in 2017 when she spent three weeks volunteering in a village and completing a trek to Everest Base camp. The people and character of this country left her in awe and searching for a small way to give something back.
Sita was born and raised in Baseri, Nepal and was the first women in the village to get a high school education. Recognized for her abilities Sita did research on Tamang families in remote areas of Dhading District for Michigan State University. She also was the first woman to run for district president. In 1991 she moved to Seattle, WA and has been involved in community work and social activity there for many years. She was the first women president of any Nepali Associations in America and was a founding member and president of the Nepal Seattle Society. She is co-founder of the Baseri Health Clinic in her birth village in Nepal and is President of the Northwest Tamu (Gurung) Society in Seattle. She is an accomplished lyricist, vocalist and composer of Nepali Folk Music and has traveled around the world and throughout North America performing her songs. She is also an ambassador of the Tamu Kalakar Sangh (association of Gurung Artists, Kathmandu). She owns her own business working as a home healthcare assistant and as a Nepali English Interpreter. She frequently travels back to Nepal and is loved by the people there for all of her many years of fund raising and her commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate.
Fred has been engaged in the management of for-cause 501(c)3 organizations and in corporate finance for the last 19 years. He is a graduate of Brown University and holds a master's degree in Accounting and Finance from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He has been a Certified Public Accountant since 2006 and is the president of the Spokane Chapter of the Washington Society of CPAs. He is currently the Executive Director of the largest affordable housing nonprofit organization in Spokane, Spokane Housing Ventures. Prior to that he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Spokane Housing Ventures, the Treasurer of the Spokane Center for Justice, the Controller of Sterling Mining Company, the Accounting Manager of Heritage Place, and the principal of Fred Peck Consulting. In his spare time Fred likes to travel, enjoy the great outdoors, and create functional art in the pottery studio and the lapidary shop. Fred served as a founding board member of CCF from September 2014 through March of 2017 as the Board Treasurer. He continues to serve on CCF's financial committee.
A retired physician, Wayne Attwood has practiced the specialty of Internal Medicine in Spokane, WA, for 31 years. He has been a long time supporter of the concept of Fair Trade, and has had the privilege of seeing the growth and development of the Power of Five, and the life changing potential it has given to many Nepalese girls. Having visited Nepal numerous times, and met with many Nepali artisans, Wayne is familiar with many of the issues most pressing to Nepal at this time. Wayne served as a board member from November of 2014 through October of 2016.
Phone: 509-499-3320
Fax: 509-443-7006
Mailing Address:
Conscious Connections Foundation
P.O. Box 342
Spokane WA 99210-0342
Site set up and styled by VexingMedia on Wordpress.


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Monitoring your batteries
So you've chosen your batteries, connected your solar panels or wind turbine; what now?
It is well worth taking a little time to monitor how your system is performing. Not only is this fascinating in itself (well, it is to us!) but keeping an eye on the state of your batteries will enable you to greatly extend their life.
To keep them at their best, batteries should be kept at least 50% full, and charged up as soon as possible after use. The only way to know the state of your batteries is to use some sort of monitoring device.
The simplest battery monitor is a basic voltmeter, though with experience this can tell you a great deal about how everything is performing. Generally speaking, a 24V battery bank is full at 25.6V, half full at 24.4V and in dire straits at 21V.
But it's not quite that simple; when your batteries are charging you will see voltages of up to 28.8V, and when they are working hard the voltage might drop as low as 21V. To get an accurate reading, you need to check the batteries when they are not charging, after they have done some work then had a little time to recover. Quite a pain.
The other failing of the humble voltmeter is that it tells you nothing about current, and hence the power that you are actually using or generating.
This is why a more sophisticated monitor such as our NASA Marine BM-1 is such a god send. It constantly tells you the voltage and current in or out of your batteries, so you can see at a glance how much energy you are using or generating. For the technically minded, voltage (in Volts) multiplied by current (in Amps) gives you the power (in Watts).
Better still, it has an 'intelligent' state of charge meter that will show you exactly how full your batteries are at any moment.
A battery monitor is a worthwhile investment that will help you to save energy, prolong the life of your batteries and give you something to watch in those quiet moments!
Our sister company Midsummer Energy sell 24V battery monitors