text:
Much in the same way that Cisco founders Sandy Lerner and Leonard Bosack invented the router so they could send emails to each other across the Stanford University campus, Andrew Tridgell just wanted the three computers on his home network to talk to each other. The three computers, a PC running DOS, a Sun workstation, and a DECstation 3100 running Digital Unix, needed a common protocol that all could understand. Hacking on what he thought was a proprietary protocol of a DOS-Unix program called Pathworks, Tridge (as he's known) accidentally found himself reverse-engineering the heart of Microsoft's networking, the SMB protocol.
The Server Message Block protocol, more commonly known on most versions of Windows as Client for Microsoft Networks, worked hand in hand with NetBIOS naming to make up the cornerstone of Microsoft's networking, most notably the browsing through Network Neighborhood or Entire Network folders. Enabling Linux, and subsequently other flavors of Unix, to speak SMB has been integral in getting Linux into many companies. Since the 2.0 release of Samba (as this open source project came be known) Linux machines can even function as a Primary Domain Controller or Backup Domain Controller in a Windows NT Domain.
Microsoft has since moved on -- its networking infrastructure since the release of Windows 2000 Server has been built Active Directory, a cocktail of different protocols that use SMB and NetBIOS primarily for backward compatibility. Samba has evolved too. I caught up with Tridge at his home base in Canberra, Australia, for a virtual chat to talk about Samba, Linux, and international phone calls.
Q: Since Samba is still probably the best known pizzaware application, for the record, how much pizza did the Samba team end up accumulating? Are there still new pies rolling in?
The whole pizzaware thing started as a joke, but soon took on a life of its own. Many years ago I included the following paragraph in the README for Samba:
You could also send hardware/software/money/jewelry or pizza vouchers directly to Andrew. The pizza vouchers would be especially welcome.
I never expected anyone to actually do it! Soon after that an enterprising person managed to convince pizza hut in Australia to issue some pizza vouchers (which they didn't do at the time). I used the first vouchers to feed the assembled hordes at a Canberra Linux User Group meeting.
After that people found all sorts of ways to send pizza. I received cans of pizza makings, pizza vouchers, a 'pizza account' at a local store, GIFs of pizzas via email and even a nice little origami pizza. I'm not sure how many I received in total, but it was quite a few!
The best lot was when someone rang up from Germany and quoted his credit card number to a local pizza place for $300 of pizza. That's a lot of pizza in Australia, and it took my wife and me many months to get through it. At the time we were both students with an almost zero combined income so it was very welcome!
It's dropped off a lot in the last couple of years and I haven't received any vouchers at all for months. That's probably a good thing as my wife is now sick of pizza and I need to lose some weight! I'm also now employed in a good job so I can afford to buy my own pizza if I feel a pizza craving.
Q: According to the Samba web site, the Samba Team currently is looking for donations. Where does the bulk of the funding for Samba currently come from?
The team doesn't need a lot of funding itself, as our only significant expenses are travel expenses for team members (especially students) who can't afford to pay their own way to the two yearly conferences, and the hosting expenses for the main samba.org server.
Luckily IBM very kindly offered to pay for all our hosting expenses as of last October, so the only remaining expenses are travel. That is what we use the donations for.
We received a US$25,000 prize at the LinuxWorld conference a couple of years ago and that helped a lot in giving us a bit of travel money. Apart from that and the donations the team has no other source of revenue.
On the other hand, the biggest (and most appreciated) contribution isn't money, it's time! Quite a few companies employ Samba developers, documenters, and testers and allow them to contribute to Samba on company time. That makes a huge difference to the amount of progress we can make.
Q: How many people currently work on Samba?
That's quite hard to say. There are currently 27 people on the 'Samba Team,' which means there are that number of people with direct CVS commit access to the code and documentation. Not all of those people are active developers, but there are also lots of other people who work on Samba in some way but aren't team members.
I'd guess there are probably about 30 to 50 people who have written some code that has gone into Samba in the last year, and maybe 10 to 15 people who commit something regularly.
Q: At this point does the SMB protocol still hold any surprises? Or have you documented it enough that you primarily work on other issues surrounding it?
Oh yes, we discover new things about SMB all the time. We mostly just commit the necessary change or addition to the Samba source code rather than maintaining formal documentation, although we often also add a new test to the Samba test suite, so we can be sure that future versions of Samba also get that corner of the protocol right.
Q: On the face of it, making sense of Active Directory seems like it should be easier than Microsoft's earlier networking, since it's made up of modified versions of documented protocols like DNS, LDAP, and Kerberos. What have been the challenges in making Samba compatible with Active Directory and how close is Samba to functioning as an Active Directory Domain Server?
You are right that Active Directory is better designed than the earlier NT4 domain infrastructure. There are still quite a few interesting challenges however.
One thing that surprised us a little is how much Active Directory still relies on the old Microsoft Remote Procedure Call (MSRPC) transport (the one used in NT4) rather than doing everything with LDAP. When I first started investigating Active Directory I assumed that Microsoft would have moved as many of its calls as possible to LDAP, as LDAP is just so much more flexible. We're finding that Microsoft still make extensive use of MSRPC in its clients, even though there is usually an equivalent way of making the same query via LDAP.
One of the biggest advantages of Active Directory for Samba has been the increased flexibility of LDAP calls in the 'winbindd' daemon. In the old MSRPC-based NT4 domains there was a fixed set of remote queries that you could make to the domain controller. While this set of queries is quite large, we sometimes found that it didn't include exactly the query we needed, forcing us to use a nasty compromise.
A good example is when 'winbindd' needs to fetch a list of users from the domain controller along with each users primary group, which is needed for the very common getpwent() POSIX call. To do this properly with an NT4 domain we need to make a separate query to the domain controller for each user to fetch the primary group ID, which meant a huge amount of network traffic and latency cost. With LDAP the client gets to choose what fields are returned in a query, so we can just send a single query that says 'please send me a list of all users and their primary group IDs.' That is vastly more efficient.
Another challenge we are facing with the advent of Active Directory in Samba is a greatly increased tie-in with other free software projects. Previously Samba was fairly independent, and didn't rely on many non-core operating system services to function in a reasonable fashion. With Active Directory that all changes, as we are now very dependent on the exact functioning of a Kerberos, LDAP, and DNS library. That gives the potential for problems of matching Samba releases to the releases of other packages, which can be quite painful.
Despite these challenges we are pleased to say that the Active Directory support in Samba 3.0 is coming along very nicely. The alpha releases of Samba 3.0 are already being used in production in quite a number of companies as a Active Directory domain member, and two vendors that I know of have shipped the alpha releases in their appliance products. The reports back from users have been very positive.
The work to make Samba an Active Directory domain controller is in a much earlier stage of development. A few developers (in particular Jim McDonough and Anthony Liguori) have been doing a lot of work on this and while their progress is encouraging, I don't think you'll see something that could be used in production for a few months at least.
Q: One of the concerns in implementing support for Active Directory must have been the potential of corrupting the Active Directory database, since each Domain Server has a complete copy. Has this been a problem, or is it even an issue?
This hasn't really been a problem so far. While developing the 'ADS domain member' code we're just doing simple LDAP queries to a existing Microsoft ADS domain controller, and those queries were not likely to corrupt the LDAP database.
The effort to develop an ADS domain controller has concentrated on creating a standalone domain controller at this stage, rather than mixing a Samba domain controller and a Microsoft domain controller for the one domain. That means the potential for corruption really is minimised.
Once we have mixed Samba and Microsoft domain controllers on the one domain this could well be something we need to watch out for, but that isn't a top priority just yet.
Q: I'm not sure about Australia, but in the US more than 50% of businesses are defined as small businesses, many of which have little to no IT administration and primarily use their LANs for simple file and print sharing. While SMB and NetBIOS are less than optimal for many uses, for a small peer network where the goal is user-friendly LAN browsing and peer resource sharing, this combo has worked pretty well. Seeing as nobody really wants SMB or NetBIOS anymore, what do you think can replace this combo in the future?
First off I should clarify a bit what you mean by SMB and NetBIOS. The terminology in this space can be rather confusing!
Some people think of NetBIOS as a transport, at about the same level as TCP and UDP. I prefer to call that NetBEUI, as it better distinguishes it from 'NetBIOS over TCP/IP' or NBT, which is what Samba implements.
A few years ago, a fairly large proportion of people who were doing Windows file sharing on their home or small office networks were using SMB over NetBEUI. As you have pointed out, this was great for small LANs because of the minimal administration needed -- you didn't need to assign each computer an IP address. A lot of people used SMB over IPX/SPX for the same reason.
It seems that nearly everyone uses SMB over TCP/IP these days, partly because of things like DHCP that make the administration of an IP network much simpler. With the recent advent of zero-configuration systems and cheap, fully automated home gateways that get rid of even the small amount of administration needed for DHCP, I think that the last reasons to use NetBEUI or IPX/SPX are disappearing.
Some people are also a little confused about comparisons between SMB and CIFS. In recent years Microsoft has been referring to the file sharing protocol that it uses as CIFS, and talks about SMB as though it is an older protocol.
The basic fact is that SMB and CIFS are the same protocol. The name change was largely a marketing move to include the word 'Internet' in the protocol. Since the name change there have been a few minor changes in the protocol, but nothing really major. The changes between versions of the older SMB protocol were larger.
Just to add more confusion, Microsoft has recently started to use a new nomenclature. They now seem to use three terms:
- They use SMB for the core pieces of the original protocol.
- They use CIFS for the protocol with minor changes.
- They use Microsoft SMB for the union of the core pieces of the protocol with some other bits they they consider somehow to be their sole domain.
Of course, Samba implements all of the above. Our aim is to provide seamless interoperability with all Microsoft clients, and in order to do that we can't restrict ourselves to some artificial subset of the protocol.
As to your final question as to what might replace SMB and CIFS eventually, that is very hard to say. I really expect SMB and CIFS to be around for a long time to come, although it would not be surprising for Microsoft to start pushing some alternative protocol at some stage. A couple of possibilities have cropped up over the years (such as WebDAV), but none of them have turned into serious contenders for the Windows LAN file sharing market.
Q: OK, to clarify my last question regarding LAN browsing, we'll take the example of a small LAN of four computers with no real IT administration. As you pointed out, DHCP and inexpensive routers make it easy to set up a LAN like this with little to no configuration. The missing gap in this situation, as I see it, is a protocol that allows computers to have names instead of IP addresses and can announce/respond to local network broadcasts so that users can easily browse local resources. If at some future date there were a desktop version of Linux, say for lack of a better example Lindows, and this network were all Linux, would Samba be the best solution?
Samba (and more specifically the NBT protocol portion of Samba) would be one solution, but there are others. One method is to have a smart DHCP server that talks to a DNS server to automatically register names of clients in DNS when they grab an address with DHCP. This is quite a common setup, and while it can be a bit fiddly to configure this using standard tools I imagine that home gateways might start to support this kind of feature soon.
Another alternative is the Service Location Protocol, as implemented at OpenSLP. It's hard to know if this will take off or not.
There are problems with using Samba and NBT for this sort of name resolution that make me a bit reluctant to say that it is the right solution for non-Windows LANs. The limitation to 15-byte names, the poor handling of non-ASCII characters, and the global flat name space are all significant issues with NBT. It does have the short-term advantage of being relatively simple and already having a stable free implementation, but I'm not sure if that is enough to recommend it as a longer-term solution.
Q: What's the overhead of SMB compared to similar protocols?
SMB is a very large protocol and because of this there is considerable overhead in just fitting all the code needed to implement it into memory. That means that embedded SMB servers tend to need more memory than would be needed for simpler protocols, but with memory being so cheap these days that is not much of a problem.
For straight file transfers, the performance overhead of SMB is quite low on a typical small server on a LAN. Certainly it would be possible to design a lower overhead protocol but the difference would be quite small in typical usage.
For more specialised setups, such as when two machines have high-end fancy Gigabit Ethernet cards or are connected by some sort of high performance network setup like is used in expensive supercomputer clusters, the overhead of SMB would be much more noticeable. This isn't really a problem though, as in those cases you would not expect to be using a general purpose file sharing protocol anyway; you would use something tailored to the network architecture of the system.
Perhaps the most important overhead in SMB as it is implemented in Samba isn't really inherent in the protocol itself, but is instead a result of the fact that SMB semantics are not a good match for POSIX semantics, so Samba spends a lot of time mapping between POSIX and SMB. A good example is the work that Samba has to do to provide case-insensitive file names to Windows clients. That is really expensive to do on POSIX systems and is one of the biggest overheads that Samba has to deal with. Luckily there are some moves towards adding support for non-traditional semantics in Linux that will really help to lower this overhead in the future.
Q: You've often advocated NFS over SMB in the past. Is that still your position? And in what instances do you think NFS should be used as substitute for SMB?
I have advocated NFS over SMB for specific applications, not as a general solution. For example, I recommend that people use NFS between two Linux systems rather than using the smbfs client and Samba. I definitely don't recommend NFS for anything that involves Microsoft clients or servers. The tight coupling of SMB into all the Microsoft operating systems really makes it the only sane choice in those cases.
The really nice thing about NFS is its simplicity. It is a tiny protocol, and works really rather well between Unix systems. It does have some very poor points though, in particular the fact that current versions of NFS play dangerous games with coherence semantics.
Users of NFS servers just put up with the fact that they save a file, type
make and nothing happens. They then take a sip of coffee, type
make again and a build starts happening. This is a symptom of NFS using something called attribute cache times, which is basically a kind way of saying that NFS thinks that any information less that a few seconds old must still be correct. If you think about what can happen in a few seconds on modern machines then you will soon realise how foolish this idea is. You are really playing rather dangerous games with your data.
That will all change with NFSv4, which is a radical overhaul of the NFS protocol. In many ways NFSv4 is much closer to the SMB protocol than it is to NFSv2 and NFSv3. Unfortunately that means that NFSv4 is no longer a small protocol, but at least it is more cleanly designed than SMB.
When the NFSv4 protocol spec first came out I thought that it stood a good chance of being the main file sharing protocol of the future, but now I'm not so sure. A core problem seems to be that so much of the protocol is optional that you can have two implementations of NFSv4 that can't talk to each other in any reasonable fashion as each implements a different optional subset of the protocol. That makes it difficult for the protocol to really take off.
Q: Your résumé reads like a mini-history of Linux, starting in academia, moving to revenue-challenged Linux startups (Linuxcare and VA Linux), and now working at an established company (Quantum) presumably working on Linux enterprise software. While you have many other qualifications, have you been hired to work on Samba, more or less professionally, for the past couple of years?
It's even worse than you think -- I've changed company again! I left Quantum when they shut down their NAS division in October last year. This was rather similar to what happened a year before when VA shutdown its NAS division and I was laid off along with everyone else. I seem to have a knack for picking jobs that don't survive long, or at least it feels that way.
I recently joined IBM in the Almaden research labs, working remotely from the OzLabs lab in Canberra. I'm pretty sure that this time around I'll be there for a lot longer than one year! I'm having lots of fun doing NAS work, particularly in a research environment.
You are right that working on Samba has been an important part of my professional life for the last couple of years, but it hasn't been the only thing I've worked on. At each of the companies I have joined I have tended to do whatever needed to be done, from Linux kernel drivers to building systems and even writing a few bits of GUI code. I usually manage to spin bits of these off as new pieces of open source software, which is why I've released things like ccache, tserver and trd while working for these companies.
Each of these packages arose from problems that needed to be solved while helping to build products for the various companies I have been employed by. It is really nice to see that these are now being used by other people as well. I get a nice warm feeling knowing that I am able to help other people in the free software community by releasing these little bits of code.
Q: The Samba project seems like a good candidate for open source/private enterprise symbiosis, where if a company needs to interact with a Windows network they can hire a programmer to work on the Samba project and ideally get a little added expertise in implementing a Samba-based solution. Has the project actually worked this way?
In the early days of the project this didn't happen much, with almost all the development effort being put in by people on a purely hobby basis. Over the last few years that has changed a lot, with many Samba developers now employed by companies that are using Samba in a product or deriving revenue in some other way from Samba. The relationship between these companies and the Samba Team is quite informal, but extremely productive. The individual people tend to be hired to work on some particular aspect of Samba that the company cares about, but because each company has a different set of needs the overall effect is quite a well-balanced development team.
Q: Is Samba 100% compatible, no exceptions, with Windows NT 4.0 domains at this point? Can it be used interchangeably with Windows NT 4.0 Server as far as network interoperability is concerned?
Nothing is 100% compatible! Even different releases of Windows, or different service packs, are not 100% compatible, as any long-term Windows administrator knows only too well.
I can say that Samba is a very good SMB file and print server. It provides excellent compatibility with Windows and is used by a huge number of sites to provide highly reliable file and print services to Windows clients.
There are of course more things to do, and we are constantly improving Samba to provide a wider range of features or to improve performance. A good example is the fact that right now you can't mix Samba domain controllers and Microsoft domain controllers on the same domain. Most people don't want to do that, so it isn't a major problem, but it is something that we would like to be able to offer in the future and for some sites it is an important enough feature that they can't use Samba without it.
Q: Samba went through a bit of a security scare recently. Should computers connected directly to the Internet, without a firewall, be running Samba?
As with any network service you should only expose it to the Internet if you need to. There is nothing unique to Samba in this regard. You might think that because Samba is quite complex it poses a higher risk than other protocol servers, but this is offset by the fact that lots of people have inspected Samba for security holes, just as did the SuSE person who found the recent bug.
As part of the announcement of the recent security hole I wrote a small document on how to reduce your exposure by telling Samba to only allow connections from inside your network. If you follow those instructions then you will definitely reduce your risk.
Q: Windows, justified or not, has the reputation of being insecure. Does Samba inadvertently open *nix systems to the vulnerabilities that Windows systems have become notorious for?
No, there is nothing inherently insecure about a Samba installation. It is certainly true that the protocols that Samba implements don't have the level of paranoia built in that are inherent in protocols like SSH, but that doesn't imply that breaking into Samba is easy. There is also no reason to think that if Windows has a security hole that Samba will necessarily have the same hole. In fact, I can't think of a single case where a security hole in Windows has also been found in Samba. You tend to get holes in two programs at once when they share some source code, and of course Samba shares no source code with Windows so that just isn't an issue.
Q: Given your job history, have you gained any insight or opinions on how open source projects can secure funding?
I'm always rather skeptical when open source projects emphasize their funding rather than the technology. Most projects prosper with little or no funding, and I have noticed that projects that start off with funding as one of their core priorities in the early days of the project tend to wither and die quite quickly. The free software community thrives on the enthusiasm of individual contributors rather than on any particular funding model.
That doesn't mean that some funding isn't useful, and may even be necessary for the survival of some projects. The trick is to find companies or organisations that will benefit from the project, and approach them with a reasonable proposal that has a clear business case from their point of view. For example, that might mean that they employ someone who is working on the project, or fund someone to attend a conference or pay for some service such as Web hosting. All of these can be very useful contributions, but be careful you don't get into the position where the search for funding takes up more time than you spend on other parts of the project.
Q: How closely does the Samba project work with other Windows interoperability projects, such as Wine and Mono?
Not very closely at all. There are occasional discussions between members of the projects, but it tends to be very ad hoc. It's possible that it might increase in the future, especially if we start sharing a common piece of code. One candidate for that is the WIDL compiler in the Wine tree, which has interesting possibilities for the Samba MSRPC code. If we started using WIDL then I imagine we would start talking to the Wine developers a lot more.
Q: Having managed one of the better known open source projects for quite a while now, what advice can you offer aspiring project managers on how to supervise open source projects?
I have a very hands-off approach to project management, partly because I'm lazy and partly because I find that it works well. Managing an open source project is quite different from management in a traditional business because you can only ever ask people nicely to do things. You can't force anyone to do anything they don't want to do, as they are almost always working on the project voluntarily.
In fact, it would be hard for me to point at any particular action I take on a regular basis that could be called 'management.' All I do is participate in technical discussions and write code. My position as the original author of the project tends to give me a little more authority in those discussions than other people, but if I abused that position by forcing things in an unreasonable way then that authority would very quickly be eroded.
Some other free software project leaders tend to be much more proactive in how they manage the projects, and that's fine if it works for them. It's just not something that appeals to me.
Q: In an era where most people won't even put email addresses on Web pages, you list your home phone number. Why is this, and what kind of calls have you gotten?
There seems to be a strange reluctance to make international phone calls, despite the fact that they are really quite cheap for most people. When I first put my phone number up on my home page I thought that perhaps I'd get inundated with calls about Samba, just like I get huge numbers of Samba emails. In practice I tend to get one call every couple of weeks, and usually from people who really do need help urgently and have a good reason to call. Some of my most interesting discussions about Samba use in businesses have come from these phone calls, so I've left my phone number up. If it ever becomes a problem I can always remove it.
Q: Is there one Linux distribution or configuration you use more than others?
I only use two Linux distributions regularly, Debian and Red Hat. I prefer Debian, and run Debian 'unstable' on my development machine, updating every couple of weeks.
On some other machines I run Red Hat, usually because I need to share the administration with someone else who is more familiar with Red Hat. A good example is the main samba.org server, which runs Red Hat, but using the APT for RPM add-on to allow sane remote updates using the Debian apt system. I chose Red Hat for samba.org because it is located in a data center on the other side of the world, and if anything ever goes wrong I want to be running a distribution that the data center engineers are familiar with.
Q: While Linux in definitely succeeding in many areas, with every success the bar is raised higher, and the challenges facing Linux as a whole become more complex, require more coordination and cooperation. What's your opinion on the health of the Linux community and do you have any concerns about where Linux is headed?
I think that the Linux community is thriving, and will continue to thrive in all the ways that really matter. It's less certain that the companies trying to make a commercial success from Linux-based businesses will succeed, but luckily their success or failure will not prevent the parts of the Linux community that I really care about from continuing. From that point of view I think that the future of Linux is very bright indeed.
Q: What is the state of Linux in Australia?
We haven't quite got to the point of declaring ourselves to be a separate state, but apart from that Linux is doing extremely well in Australia. The Linux user groups are still growing well, and there are more and more indications of Linux taking off as an accepted platform in government departments and businesses.
The recent conference in Perth was an enormous success and was particularly enjoyable as it is one of the few conferences to have resisted the temptation to emphasise sponsors and corporate involvement over technical content. That allowed the conference to attract a really great set of speakers which made for very interesting technical discussions, which is what a Linux conference should be about.
Q: You've said in the past that you expect one of your other projects, rsync, to outlast and eclipse Samba in the long run. Is rsync on pace to make this true?
My comments were really about the rsync algorithm and the ideas behind it rather than the tool itself. I still think it's true, because rsync and delta compression in general is an emerging technology which has enormous potential to impact on such a wide range of computing tasks. In this way it is quite different from Samba, because Samba only exists to interoperate with a very specific set of clients, and Samba doesn't really contain anything that is fundamentally new or exciting in computer science terms. This limits the long-term prospects of Samba quite a lot.
Q: It's taken a couple of years or so for Active Directory support to make it into Samba. Over the course of the project how would you rate Samba's ability to adapt to major changes in Windows' networking? Is it driven more by resources or by demand? And, lastly, have you learned enough that the compatibility gap between native Windows and Samba will shrink going forward?
The gap is definately shrinking and I am quite sure that trend will continue, especially given the plans we currently have for Samba4.
As for Active Directory member support, that actually got done in about six months work, it's just that we didn't start on it until well after Windows 2000 was released. You are absolutely right that the delay in starting on the ADS work was driven by resources and demand, the problem being that the NT4 domain support was good enough for most people, so adding direct ADS member support didn't really become a priority until we started hearing from people who were running networks that had all NT4 domain support disabled. At that stage ADS support became a much higher priority and it got done pretty quickly.
Q: In your recent interview with DeveloperWorks you joked that you hoped the need for Samba would someday go away. While this is more up to Microsoft than the Samba team, do you think this will eventually happen?
Yes, I think it will. The protocol won't last forever, although it is hard to say when it will come to an end. The use of SMB/CIFS is still expanding at the moment, but I fully expect that someday Microsoft will switch to something different for its primary file sharing protocol.
The other way that Samba could come to an end is for people to stop installing Microsoft Windows on their desktops. That would really be the best result, but I'm not holding my breath.
Alexander Antoniades is a high tech journeyman who lives in the Big Apple, where his accumulated experience enables him to eke out a living in relative comfort.


text: Most Beautiful Sportsmen Sportsmen are primarily known for their skills in the ground. But today fans also like sportsmen because of their looks as various sports are glamourized. Good looks often multiply the number of fans and it is due to this fact that various lists regarding handsome sportsmen have been prepared in the past. Similarly, this list contains the ...Read More »

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Queen will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican today, the fifth time she will have been received by a pope in Rome.
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were due to be received at 3pm Rome time (1pm GMT) during a trip described by one official as an "official, informal visit". The audience will take place in the Pope's study, rather than in the apostolic palace, at the request of both parties.
The Queen was originally due to visit Francis last year but the Palace postponed the trip for health reasons, and Her Majesty's itinerary also includes a meeting with Italian president Giorgio Napolitano.
The Queen has visited three previous popes in Rome, first as Princess Elizabeth in 1951 when she was received by Pope Pius XII, by Blessed John XXIII in 1961 and by Blessed John Paul II in 1980 and 2000. She also met Blessed John Paul and Benedict XVI on their respective visits to Britain in 1982 and 2010.
This year marks the centenary of the re-opening of diplomatic relations between Britain and the Holy See.


text:
If you missed out on this deal the last time it came around, you have another chance to get in on it! Buy.com has a really fantastic deal on this 29″ Round Steel Fire Pit which comes in a black finish. It is marked down from $69.99 to only $24.99, and even includes FREE shipping!
If you still happen to have some of you free marshmallows left that so many of us snagged at King Soopers awhile back, then this would be such a fun way to use some of them up. 😉


text:
- Hotel Overview
- Rooms & Suites
- Dining
- Meetings & Events
- Weddings
- Facilities
- Gallery
- Offers
Book Now
It's important to stay healthy when you're on the go. Feel energized with a workout in our 2nd-floor Fitness Center, where you can work up a sweat while enjoying views of Central Park. The Fitness Center features an extensive range of Technogym equipment, with cardio machines, weights, stationary bikes and plenty of room to stretch out.


text:
Campo Verde's Biomedical Sciences uses the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum. PLTW is the nation's leading provider of rigorous education and innovative science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for middle and high schools. A nonprofit, PLTW began in 1998 in 12 high schools in upstate New York as a way to address the shortage of engineering students at the college level.
Please check out our website for more information.
Campo Verde BioMedical Sciences Website
Click the icons to follow us on and .


text:
Beauty Fixes During A Long Flight
Travelling is becoming a very vital part of our life. Being professional or house maker, we cannot skip the travel hustles. And the worst part is when you board a long flight looking decent and beautiful with makeup and at the time of landing, you are almost messed up, your kajal gets smudged, your lipstick fades and your face and eyes lasts puffed. So, for escaping all these makeup hustles, we will be discussing some makeup tips for long duration flights for keeping it intact.
The most embarrassing moment is when after a long flight, someone is there on airport to catch you up, maybe an office colleague with whom you have to go straightaway for a meeting.
Thick Face Moisturizer
The humidity is so low in the cabin that your skin will start dehydrate and you will fell a lot of dryness. For this always carry a good moisturizer and reapply it.
Please note that no makeup will remain intact if your skin starts drying. For makeup to look good, moisturizing is must.
Face Powder
Instead of putting foundation on your skin, go for face powder. As on flight, you will for sure discover dryness and that time if you are wearing foundation, it will start cracking and roughing down, on the other hand face powder just like a normal talc will remain there on your face and even if it gets down, it wont make you look weird. It will pretend like you didn't put anything on your face.
Eye liner
According to me, eye liner can be skipped and instead kohl only can do the eye magic as no matter how perfect and waterproof eyeliner you have applied, overnight flight will smudge it. For few hours you can be attentive but later on you only will accidentally smudge it while rubbing your eyes.
A good smudge proof Kajal can be applied. You can reapply as many times as you want because of its easy application and even if it smudges, reapplying it after wiping off with makeup remover stripes is an easy task.
Though Mascaras are not preferred on long duration flight as the dehydration there in cabin will dry off your lashes and you will end up losing many lashes while struggling to get the mascara off. But if it is important, take a lip brush and apply some Vaseline gel on your lashes. Wait for 5 minutes and apply waterproof mascara. The mascara won't get off while on flight and after landing also, you don't have to struggle much to get it off.
Liquid foundation
Well as earlier mentioned don't use liquid foundation as base, instead use it over your lipstick and Eye Shadow for color stay.
Take a little foundation on your finger tip and apply on your foundation lightly, it wont smudge your eye shadow as it dries faster and will help in increasing staying power. For Lipstick same procedure can be used as well
Lip Balm and Lipstick
Applying lip balm before will help both in softening and helping lipstick to stay longer. Also in flight's dryness it will help in hydrating lips. So keep in mind to apply a thick layer of lip balm and messaging before using Lipstick. Lipstick should be Long Lasting, if it is not than its better to skip the lipstick part as you will wake up as zombie after night.
Face Spritz
Face spritz are facial sprays which hydrates the skin and if applied above the makeup, it wont let makeup smudge from any corner.
Suggestions: The Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz worth Rs 740 and Evian Facial Spray worth Rs. 2,490. Both are magical sprays and are very natural. Spray it on top of your makeup to help set it or to refresh when it starts getting cakey or showing lines.
Wet Wipes and Makeup Remover Wipes
Small packets of both the products are must to carry on board to prevent makeup hustles.
What are your Beauty Fixes During A Long Flight?
You might also like to read
- Sugar Skull Makeup How To
- Wet N Wild Color Icon Lip Liner Chestnut 711 Review, Swatches & LOTD
- NYX Creamy Round Lipstick 565 B52 Review, Swatches & LOTD
- Colorbar Kiss Proof Lip Stain – 001 Hollywood Review And FOTD
- 10 Make-Up Tips You Must Know For Daily Use
- No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder In Spice Review & FOTD


text: South West Law Firm Gets The Charity 'Bug' By Helping Disabled Youngsters Become Mobile Irwin Michell Joins Forces With Charity 14.07.2011 The South West office of Irwin Mitchell solicitors has joined forces with a leading Bath mobility charity to help get disabled youngsters on the move.The leading firm of lawyers has pledged funds and will work in partnership with the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) who have developed a unique motorised buggy for children with severe mobility problems.The innovative Wizzybug, which is the brainchild of the BIME engineering team, has been designed specifically for children aged between 18 months and five years old. The bright red, fun buggies, which sport a smiley face & eyes as well as a colour coded control panel, are already a huge hit amongst users. However as each Wizzybug costs around £3,000 to build, the charity relies heavily upon donations to help families in need.Now BIME has set up a new loan scheme in a bid to make Wizzybugs accessible to even more local families and Irwin Mitchell's donation will fund the initial cost of a new buggy as well as its maintenance for the next five years.Julie Lewis, a partner and medical lawyer with the Bristol office of Irwin Mitchell explained: "Much of the work my team is involved with brings us into regular contact with children who have cerebral palsy and other severe mobility problems so we know first hand how important it is to help children gain independent movement at an early age. "For a child who cannot walk, it makes such a huge difference to have an electric buggy which has been designed especially for their needs. We are delighted to be working with BIME because we know their Wizzybugs help change youngsters' lives for the better."Alison Douthwaite, an Irwin Mitchell client, from Frome in Somerset is one of a number of parents who are delighted the scheme is expanding. Alison's seven year old daughter, Ettie, is one of a number of local youngsters who have already benefited from a Wizzybug during her early years.Mrs Douthwaite commented: "When we found out that Ettie had severe cerebral palsy and would be unable to move independently it was an overwhelming and confusing time. We wanted Ettie to explore the world, like other children but she always had to rely on other people to move her around to touch or see things.""We were put in touch with Wizzybug through the Pre-school Assessment and Therapy Centre at the Royal United Hospital Bath and Ettie was offered a place on a trial scheme for the Wizzybug. The difference it made to Ettie's life was incredible. To see her learn to move herself independently was amazing. She spontaneously drove over to plants and hedges so she could touch and feel them. Sometimes she would try to drive to the area in the hospital where the toys were stored. Importantly, having a Wizzybug at an early stage stopped her developing into a passive child and it was much easier for her to make the transition to a 'grown up' electric chair."Ettie's cerebral palsy was caused as a result of being starved of oxygen at birth due to errors at Frome Victoria Hospital's midwifery unit. The family were represented by Irwin Mitchell solicitors in their legal battle against Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, who admitted liability for the failings. After the trial scheme ended, Ettie no longer had access to powered mobility but her family successfully applied to charity Whizzkids for funding. Ettie's Wizzybug was returned for another child to benefit from, once she had out-grown it.Julie Lewis added: "The new loan scheme means that many more severely disabled children, who need help to become mobile, will hopefully be able to have access to a buggy without the need to raise the upfront costs. It's a fantastic development and we are delighted to be supporting a local invention which has been developed in the South West and will also help youngsters from our region." Press contact Dave Grimshaw Press Officer 0114 274 4397 Email Dave Related articles 24.05.2019Derbyshire Man Who Suffered Serious Brain Injury In Crash Looks To Future After Receiving Settlement 24.05.2019Senior Coroner Finds Risk Of Future Deaths Due To University Of Bristol Student Health Service Not Following Prescribing Guidelines 24.05.2019Exhibition Aims To Make A Difference To The Lives Of Disabled Adults And Children 23.05.2019Workplace Illness Lawyers Complete Coventry 5k In Aid Of Mesothelioma UK 23.05.2019Families Launch Legal Fight To End People With Learning Disabilities And Autism Being Detained Under Mental Health Act 23.05.2019Adults and Children Ill Following Stay At The Devon Valley Holiday Village After Football Tournament


text:
This basic knowledge can be applied to understand both the advantages and short-comings of International Organisations in today's globalized world.
Today, much of what we experience on a day-to-day basis is the result of the exchange of world-views, ideas, products, and cultures that have been made available to us through the process of globalization. The post-war world has been witness to the rise of diverse International Organisations that produce favourable conditions for the process of globalization. At the heart of these International Organisations is the desire for cooperation and global progress. Today, International Organisations are becoming increasingly dominant tools through which governments and non-state actors work together to create and implement legislation, trade regulations, and provide various forms of aid.
However, insufficiencies in contemporary International Organisations are rampant due to the fact that the conditions in the post-War world where these Organisations were founded were extremely different in comparison to the world within which they are presently functioning. The main difference between these two time periods include different forms of conflict, decolonization, and of course a more globalized world economy. Additionally, many International Organisations, although founded on the premise of good intentions, have become platforms for powerful members to exercise their influence over other, less powerful members to push their own agendas.
In order to understand both the benefits and consequences of International Organisations, it's necessary to know the basics, the different types of International Organisations, and their functions.
Broadly speaking, the term International Organisations can refer to Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs).
Inter-Governmental Organisations are often characterized by a specific set of members, typically, sovereign states or other international organisations with governmental ties. Many IGOs have a legal personality, with the power to create international law that is usually binding for its members. Some IGOs, like the United Nations, are developed to facilitate conflict resolution between states by serving as an arena for discourse and negotiation; developed to fulfil the mutual interests of a set of States or organisations that have collective aims in the preservation of peace through the use of conflict resolution techniques and better international relations; to promote issues such as human rights and the environment; and to encourage social and economic development. Other examples of IGOs besides the United Nations include the European Union (EU), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
International Non-Governmental Organisations have the same intentions as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), but pursue their activities internationally. INGOs are public organisations, whose members belong to the international community. INGOs can be advocacy-based, operational, or a mix of both. Advocacy-based INGOs focus on influencing policy-making by pressuring governments to act through the use of campaigns that increase public knowledge about prevailing or overlooked issues in society. Amnesty International is one example of an advocacy-based INGO. Adversely, some INGOs are operational, meaning that they place more importance on facilitating aid than on advocacy. Perhaps the main purpose of operational INGOs is to provide services that a state neglects to provide for its people out of inability or unwillingness. INGOs focus on providing relief and developmental aid to those in need of their services, as well as instituting health, education, and social services.
Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), also known as transnational corporations or stateless corporations, have begun to be included under the umbrella term of International Organisations. This is due to the fact that multi-national corporations produce, own, and sell goods in multiple countries – a process that involves coordinated global management. Although MNCs have the ability to create jobs and wealth and improve technology and infrastructure in countries that are in need of such socio-economic development, they can have undue political influence over governments, the ability to exploit jobs to developing nations, and in turn create job losses in their home country.


text:
I was lucky today to have an enlightening and exciting theater day.
Early in the day I attended a symposium on Farber's play Salome and women in theater with several outstanding panelists, among them director and writer Yael Farber.
Yael Farber directed The Crucible with Richard Armitage.
Asides Live: Where are Women's Voices was hosted by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC. There were three one-hour panels: Female Heroes in Drama, Women's Voices and Structured Poetics, Approaching Women of The Bible. Yael Farber was part of the second panel.
I arrived a bit late (thanks Metro) so had to sit in the front row, not my favorite spot usually. But it turned out for the best since I was only about two feet from the panelists who were seated up on a small platform in front of the room.
I'll just give you a few impressions, concentrating on Salome and on Farber, since that was my main interest in attending. I also had a ticket for Salome (matinee) immediately following the symposium. But all were wonderful and informative panelists. I used to attend this sort of thing, and the theatre, quite a bit when I was younger. I sadly don't really now for a variety of reasons, and I miss it.
The first panel featured Nadine Malouf who plays Salome.Without giving away too many spoilers, one of the highlights for me was her discussion about the "seven veils" and how the version in the play came about during rehearsals.
The second panel with Yael Farber was the one I was waiting for. She is the intelligent and articulate person we all saw or read in interviews during The Crucible, but she's also very funny. Good to know considering the seriousness of her plays, both her writing, "reimagenings" and directing. I can see why she and Richard Armitage would get along and work so well together. Her lovely daughter was there too, sitting in the front row, and at one point joined her mother on the platform. (She's about 12 or 13 I think.)
There were a few mentions about the Crucible by Farber, and she quoted Arthur Miller at one point. I wasn't taking notes, so don't remember the exact quote. Thought it was interesting that she said she never talked to any of the Crucible actors directly about their characters. (She was responding to a question about her way of working.) She believes in working with the physical first and foremost and discovering the characters and the play that way. Though she and Olwen Fouere, who plays the "nameless woman" in Salome and was one of the panelists, discussed together and separately how the conversation between director (Farber) and actor is a constant, before, during rehearsal, and even now that performances have started. I also must mention how much I enjoyed Olwen Fouere who I didn't know before, or if I did, not her name. She's coming back to DC in another play soon, one woman play, and I may go and see her.
(Yael didn't mention Richard by name at any point, only referred to the Crucible cast.)
There was also a moment during the third panel that made me smile in recognition. Salome's assistant director (Rob Jansen) mentioned this art book that Farber was constantly using during rehearsals and that she had the actors use as a reference and for inspiration. He said she also gave the book to the set designer for inspiration. The book, and the images, are from none other than Odd Nedrum.
Remember Odd Nedrum? Richard Armitage tweeted several images of Odd Nedrum's work when he was, or before he was, working on Pilgrimage.
No one in the audience reacted to the name, even the assistant director had trouble remembering it. I was the only one in the room probably excited to hear the artist's name and recognize it. I thought at that moment "I love you Richard for bringing so many wonderful new discoveries into my life."
It was a pleasure to see and listen to Yael Farber in person.
The third panel was very interesting too, about women in the Bible and their interpretation through the ages. Interpretations by men of course.
On to the play.
There are many fabulous and detailed reviews and analysis of Farber's Salome out there in the DC and professional theatre media. I'm just going to write a few of my impressions of the play, hopefully with only a few SPOILERS.
Adapted and Directed by Yael Farber
October 24, 2015
- Visually it is impressive, fantastic, minimalist. Amazing what light, fabric, color,texture, and a few chairs and tables will do.
- The opening was very reminiscent of the opening of The Crucible in movement and the use of music. Stage was not in the round, and setting in the Middle-East, colors, costumes, different. But the echoes of Crucible were there.
- A very political play, which I already knew from the symposium and two reviews I had read. Even so, still some surprising moments. Really a play that should be seen more than once. (Though don't think I will, again for a variety of personal/logistic reasons, and it is sold out.) But should be seen twice.
- An impressive cast. Two performances stood out for me.
* Olwen Fouere as Nameless Woman who may be Salome as an older woman, or her spirit. But she's also an "oracle" and/or "Greek chorus". To me she is the center of the play.
* Ramsi Choukair as John the Baptist (Iokanaan) who speaks all his dialog in Arabic. I don't understand Arabic, but I understand human expression and emotion. Even if we had not as the audience known what Iokanaan was saying, we would understand. The actor using the instrument of tone of his voice and body and facial expressions.
Nadine Malouf and Olwen Fouere
Ramzi Choukair
- Music and singing throughout the performance contributed to the feeling of being in a play that feels very much like an opera. Though none of the lead actors sing.
- Movement is also constant - the actors and the stage itself. Mesmerizing.
- Good performance also from T. Ryder Smith as Pontius Pilate. All the political machinations of all involved. Nothing changes.
- I'm not sure if I feel differently about Salome's act now,not the seven veils, (though that's an interesting scene) but what happens to John the Baptist. Was it a political act? Much remains unanswered.
I'm looking forward to continuing to follow Yael Farber's work. I do hope she and Richard Armitage work together in the very near future, whether here in the US (New York I hope) in the UK, or wherever they will.
I'm looking forward to continuing to follow Yael Farber's work. I do hope she and Richard Armitage work together in the very near future, whether here in the US (New York I hope) in the UK, or wherever they will.
Photos from various sources on Google Images.


text:
Product Information
Google Assistant Built-in Wireless Speaker in White
The smarter way to enjoy music
Wireless speaker with Google Assistant built-in
The LF-S50G combines Sony's high quality sound - from a 360° speaker system - with help from your Google Assistant.
Meet your Google Assistant
Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It's your own personal Google, always ready to help.
Get answers
Looking for recipes, unit conversions or nutritional information? Just start with 'Ok Google' to talk to your Assistant.
360° sound fills the room
Hear the same great sound from anywhere in the room.
Enjoy high quality sound
Feel more from your music, thanks to a two-way facing speaker, two-stage diffuser, and bass reflex duct.
|Power (RMS):
|FM Radio:
|Dimensions (W x H x D):
|H14.2 x W28.2 x D14.2cm
|battery life:
Product is not eligible for finance.
Would you like to pay by Finance?
Finance Calculation for your - order
I would like to pay a deposit of -
- 0%
- 10%
- 20%
- 30%
- 40%
- 50%
- 60%
Representative example: Cash price £699, Deposit £69.90, Loan amount £629.10, 19.9% APR representative, Interest rate 10.23% fixed, 36 monthly repayments of £22.83, Total term of loan agreement 36 months, Total charge for credit £192.78, Total amount payable £891.78.
|10 Monthly payments of
|10% APR (representative)
|Total Credit
|Interest Payable
|Total Amount Payable
Total Amount Payable Includes Deposit Amount.
The figures shown are an illustration based on the cost of goods. Final details including shipping and discounts where applicable will be displayed on the checkout page.
Credit is provided by Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance, a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
PRC Direct Ltd acts as a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
IMPORTANT: Hitachi Capital rounds down the monthly payments, which may result in your total amount payable being less than the total cash price.


text:
In July 1990, I was in a car accident. Now I don't remember being in an accident and I don't remember being in the hospital or even going to work on that fateful day. Hollie was 6 months old at that time, and even though I remembered I had a baby, I don't remember having a baby - the whole being pregnant and giving birth - I don't remember. It's actually a strange feeling not being able to remember part of your past.
- "Pearl Woman Critical After 2 Car Accident"
- "Pearl Woman Undergoes Open Heart Surgery"
- "Nurses Cry As Pearl Woman Wakes From 3 Day Coma"
On the third day, my (ex) mother-in-law (MIL) said I came out of my coma at 10:00 that morning. Later that day, she took Hollie and went to the mall and was talking with a friend when a lady, who had overheard them talking, asked if they were talking about "the woman in the accident", and my MIL told her I had come out of my coma at 10:00 that morning. My MIL said this lady's face turned as white as a ghost. The lady said she was in a prayer group, and the woman in charge called everyone that morning and said she had this urgent feeling that they needed to meet and pray for the woman in the car accident. Then she said, "we started praying for Laura at 9:30 this morning".
My (ex) husband's side of the family is from Massachusetts, and they are Catholic. My MIL said when she got home from the mall her phone was ringing. It was her aunt who said that some church members held a mock laying-on-of-hands for me, where someone played the part of me, and everyone went around laying their hands on "my head" and prayed for healing. My MIL asked when they did this, and her aunt said around 9:30 that morning. My MIL told her, "you're not going to believe this, but Laura came out of her coma at 10:00 this morning". (My MIL said it was the strangest thing. The doctors would present with a problem, then everyone would gather and pray, and by the next morning, the problem would be gone, leaving the doctors baffled.)
My injuries included the head injury, a ruptured aorta, collapsed lung, fractured pelvis, lacerated uterus, fractured knee, fractured fibula and bruised kidney. Many doctors I saw told me it's a miracle that I survived the heart injury, because 98% of patients with a ruptured aorta die before they reach the hospital, and of those who make it to the hospital alive, 60% to 70% die within the first 24 hours.
I was raised in church and have always believed in prayer. I know there are many who have doubts about God and prayer, but if you just open your eyes and mind, you will see that God performs miracles, large and small, everyday.


text:
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 | 11:16 p.m.
Prep Sports Now
When basketball coaching fails, it's back to football talking
Las Vegas Sun sports reporters Ray Brewer and Case Keefer recount their experience coaching the Las Vegas All-Star team against Findlay Prep in basketball and move on to football talk in the 11th Prep Sports Now of the year.
The Arbor View football team's 56-0 victory Friday against visiting Desert Oasis in the Sunset Regional quarterfinals put the Aggies in some elite company.
Palo Verde, Centennial and Bishop Gorman each posted quarterfinal wins Friday, meaning all three teams have won playoff games the past three seasons.
Just don't expected the undefeated Aggies to rest on their accomplishments. This year, they are hoping to take the next step, starting in the Sunset semifinal next week against Centennial.
"We are marching forward," Arbor View coach Dan Barnson said. "We (celebrate) after the season. We have the kids coming in first-thing tomorrow to start breaking down film on Centennial."
Jimmie Finister rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns for the Aggies, and Salah Boyce had a pair of touchdown runs and 84 yards on four carries. In total, the Aggies rushed for 413 yards.
Anthony Smith carried the ball seven times for 87 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Rasheem Parks added a rushing score. In comparison, Barnson said Desert Oasis carried the ball nine times for seven yards.
The coach knows duplicating the effort will be easier said than done next week against Centennial, which it beat 31-18 earlier in the season in a hard-fought contest.
"It should be a pretty fun night at our school next week," Barnson said.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.


text:
Artist's description:
Cute seahorse couple on this watercolour illustration,
The painting is on 200gsm watercolour paper.
It comes without mount and measures 8,5 x 11,5 inch
It will be carefully packed in a clear cellophane sleeve, board backed.
Please note colours in real life may vary from your monitor.
Dont forget to check out my other paintings :)
Copyright remains with artist.
Thanks for looking,
Materials used:
"Seahorse love" (2018)
Mixed-media painting by Marily Valkijainen
- Mixed-media painting on Paper
- One of a kind artwork
- Size: 8.27 x 11.69 in (unframed) / 8.27 x 11.69 in (actual image size)
- Signed certificate of authenticity
- Style: Illustrative
- Subject: Animals and birds
This artwork is sold by Marily Valkijainen from Estonia


text:
And then I got a cold. Talking has been...challenging.
And then I had a root canal Monday. Which is exactly as much fun as it sounds.
Not that any of that is an excuse. I really should get ahead on my drawing!!
Today I have another Josephine sheet. This one is a bit futuristic but also something that I think could be worn today. The colors are really bright! I think the blue-green top from sheet 13 might mix with this set, though I confess, I haven't tried it.
It feels a bit like it's out of the 5th Element. That's a crazy, fun movie that still holds up well, I think.
I will endeavor to stay on schedule now! That root canal is getting a crown in about ten days, so there might be a little lull around that.
More paper dolls on Friday!


text:
Athletics: Hooper hits out at hike in 'A' standard
'Marathon Mission,' set up to try to bring Irish standards back up to the level of its heyday, has lambasted Athletics Ireland's qualifying standards for this summer's World Championships.
The IAAF has set a flat 2:17 men's qualifying mark, but AAI have made that their 'B' standard and set 2:13 as the 'A' standard, which is two minutes faster than last summer's Olympic 'A' standard of 2.15.
"I cannot understand the rationale of creating a new 'A' and 'B' standard when the IAAF went with 2:17," said former Olympic marathoner Dick Hooper.
He is one of the founders of the 'Marathon Mission,' which was given credit for helping one Irishman and four women achieve the 'A' standard for London 2012. "We are trying to rebuild the marathon tradition here in Ireland and had made some strides.
"Getting people to the Olympics was just phase one of the exercise, but we were making progress," added Hooper, a 2:12 runner in his prime, whose training initiative holds its latest group session at Donore Harriers tomorrow.
"The last year showed that the tide is starting to rise, but setting an 'A' standard like that could kill it. You have to set attainable targets or you'll turn people off."
In the Olympics, no 'B' athletes can compete if the country produces 'A' standards, but AAI's high performance director Kevin Ankrom has clarified that this does not apply at this summer's Worlds and explained his rationale for having such a tough 'A' standard.
"Even if we have a couple of 'A' standards, we can also send a 'B' athlete. Technically there are five marathon places available and we will be guided by form," he said.
He judged the 2:17 standard as "soft" compared to many of the qualification standards on track and said he had hardened the marathon – and the 50km and 20km walks – "to try to give some parity of opportunity" between Ireland's road and track athletes.
Tallaght AC's Sean Connolly has also criticised AAI's decision. "Considering only one Irishman (Mark Carroll) has broken 2:13 in the last 20 years I don't understand it," he said. Connolly (2:16.42) was the second fastest Irishman, after Mark Kenneally (2:13.55), in last year's bid for Olympic qualification, but didn't make it. A recently-qualified primary school teacher in Stockport, he said his lifestyle makes achieving 2:13 extremely difficult.
"Athletics Ireland has got to be realistic," he said. "When someone in a club gets to represent Ireland, it is a massive thing. That could inspire another 10 or 12 kids to take up athletics or work harder, the knock-on effect is huge. What kind of a message is this sending out to clubs?"
AAI has also hardened the IAAF women's qualification standard (2:43) – which Hooper accepted was lenient – to 2:32 ('A') and 2:36 ('B'). Four Irish women broke 2:36 last year.
Elsewhere, Fionnuala Britton will come up against Olympic 5,000m champion Meseret Defar in her indoor season opener in Karlsruhe, Germany, tomorrow, while Ciaran O'Lionaird opens his season in a 3,000m in Boston.
Britton's burning desire to have a team supporting her at the World Cross-Country championships in March has taken a sudden turn for the better.
AAI had been lukewarm about sending a team to Poland, but it seems the excellent form shown by North Sligo's Mary Cullen last weekend, in her first race in 18 months, has forced a major rethink by AAI.
Irish Independent


text: DigitalNetflix Adds Miramax to its Streaming LibraryBy Nate Hoffelder|May 16, 2011 ShareBy Nate Hoffelder|May 16, 2011 Share Netflix has just signed another big Hollywood fish to a multi-year deal. Starting some time in June, Netflix members will be able stream such classics as Bad Santa, Scream, Spy Kids, and Pulp Fiction and hundreds of other Miramax titles.This marks a first for Miramax; it's never allowed its titles to be released through a digital subscription service before. The new content will be added on a rotating basis, with a few dozen titles showing up at a time."Netflix is thrilled to enter into this deal with the new team at Miramax," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. "Existing relationships with management and a shared affinity for these great films make this an important deal for both companies and for our members, who will enjoy instantly watching movies from one of the truly great film libraries for many years to come." Sharehttp://adweek.it/2ksAMwv copy Adweek Adweek


text:
Was Shihan Jan de Jong OAM 9th Dan a leader?
The first question to ask is, what is a leader or leadership?
Leadership is many things, but its most striking quality is that it is an ambiguous concept. To paraphrase the father of stress research, Hans Selye, everybody knows what leadership, is but nobody really knows.
Leadership is often associated with inspiring other people. The question becomes, what is inspiration? To inspire is to fill another with the urge to do or feel something? Did De Jong fill us with the urge to do or feel something?
In an organisational setting, inspire is defined in the context of getting the job done. Leaders inspire their personnel to get the job done. In my article, I argue that the necessity for a leader to inspire their personnel to get the job done reflects poorly on the people, systems and structures of the organisation to get the job done.
Did De Jong inspire me to be better at my jujutsu? To progress in the grading system? To be a better teacher? No. I was self-motivated. Did he inspire my contemporaries or even my instructors? Probably not. They were also self-motivated.
Business guru Peter Drucker said that it is easy to identify leaders, they are the ones with followers. Did De Jong have followers? What are followers?
Followers are an adherent or devotee of a particular person, cause, or activity. De Jong definitely had followers. Many people, including myself, were devoted to the man. He definitely inspired loyalty.
Based on leaders being defined by followers, De Jong was a leader. We now need to reflect on those implications. Would we have continued with jujutsu with or without De Jong's leadership? I suspect we would have for a variety of reasons.
Did De Jong lead? De Jong did what he did because he enjoyed what he was doing. He had no vision, and vision is another attribute that is often used to define a leader. When De Jong passed away, all of the senior instructors went their own way to form their own schools. There was a devotion to him personally, not to the school nor to any vision.
This then leads to the interesting debate concerning creating followers for the sake of creating followers. Mahatma Ghandi created followers to liberate India. Creating followers with no vision ...?
This post is no condemnation of the man I was devoted to. Rather, it is a meditation on the concept of leadership and what it means to lead.


text:
A Lavish Tapestry of Time
August 19, 2016 - August 26, 2016
- Day 1: (Lodging in Honfleur)
- Your guides will meet you in Paris.
- On our drive to Honfleur we will stop in Giverny and pass by Rouen.
- Evening
- Welcome apéritif and orientation.
- Day 2: (Lodging in Honfleur)
- Morning
- After breakfast we will visit Honfleur and its picturesque port, treasure to the artists of the 19th century, native town of Eugène Boudin, Monet's inspiration and teacher, and of the composer Eric Satie. Walk through favorite landscapes of the impressionists and discover their outdoor atelier.
- Afternoon
- Le Havre, Le Tréport
- Evening
- Dinner in Honfleur.
- Day 3: (Lodging in Bayeux)
- Morning
- Drive and walk in the rolling hills of the Pays d'Auge, famous for its apple orchards, fine cider and the powerful apple brandy known as "calvados."
- Visit the charming village of Beuvron-en-Auge and the seaside resorts of Trouville, Deauville and Cabourg. Final stop, Dives-sur-Mer, picturesque village of half-timbered houses, where William the Conqueror set sail for England in 1066.
- Late afternoon
- Visit to the 11th-century tapestry, a nearly 230 ft long embroidered cloth, depicting the decisive Battle of Hastings in 1066, where William the Conqueror became King of England.
- Day 4: (Lodging in Bayeux)
- Morning
- Guided tour of historic Bayeux and free time to explore Bayeux.
- Afternoon
- Falaise
- Day 5: (Lodging in Bayeux)
- Morning
- Guided tour of Caen, with a visit to the spectacular Abbaye aux Hommes and the Abbaye aux Dames.
- Afternoon
- Tour of the Mémorial Museum in Caen.
- Day 6: (Lodging in Bayeux)
- Morning
- Explore the D-Day Landing Beaches, starting at Arromanches , site of the famous WWII Mulberry temporary harbour that was towed across the Channel as part of the invasion force. Continue to the rugged cliffs near Port-en-Bessin for spectacular views of the beaches.
- Afternoon
- Walk the path to Omaha Beach and St-Laurent-sur-Mer, site of the American cemetery featured in "Saving Private Ryan," and Pointe du Hoc, one of the most telling memorials to the fighting, with its bomb craters and intact battery bunkers. See the steep cliffs stormed by Rangers in their struggle to destroy the six-gun battery.
- Day 7: (Lodging in Pontorson)
- Morning
- Stop in Villedieu-les-Poêles, for 400 years a center for copper and brass ware, and Saint-Lô, vital communications center in the Battle of Normandy.
- Afternoon
- Our destination is Pontorson, but we'll stop en route to visit Avranches to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mont-Saint-Michel, since the 11th century a significant site of religious meditation and hermitage.
- Late afternoon
- Arrive at Mont-Saint-Michel. Explore the island, then tour the abbey.
- Day 8:
- Morning
- Au revoir to Normandy. We will drive you to Rennes, where you can take the TGV (bullet train) to Paris or to your next destination.
Monet's garden in Giverny
Le Tréport
Harold giving his oath to Williams
Caen, Abbaye aux Hommes
Caen Mémorial Museum
Mont-Saint-Michel by night
Normandy A Lavish Tapestry of Time
8 days, 7 nights


text:
It's transfer D-Day for the Premier League. Most eyes will be on Old Trafford and the potential ins and outs, while Wolves look to make statement signings.
The English transfer window slams shut soon - keep an eye on the latest comings and goings across the Premier League as the panic purchases ramp up. Hit refresh for updates.


text: I wonder how the Model S will handle tire changes either from an accident or a routine tire replacement. Will a special jack be provided to disperse the load more evenly? Will normal car jacks or the car lifts at tire places damage the car or the battery? I don't think it will, but I want to make sure and search for places for tires that have the appropriate equipment (Those 21's aren't high wear tires so I would be replacing them every year)


text:
Imagine my surprise when I opened up my parcel to find this beautiful altered book. In the words of Virginia herself, she "mixed Disney with Tim Burton, the original book, Sir John Tenniel illustrations and not just a little bit of Alice Cooper."
Thank you Virginia, I will treasure it forever.
Can't believe it's mine, all mine, all MINE! Mwaahaaahaahaar!


text:
One of the massively growing business businesses nowadays is interpreting services, and many linguists in the whole world today need to offer translation and interpreting services to both private individuals and company corporations who are trying to deal and communicate with other foreign economies, and so, require an interpreter that can function as an intermediary for the whole communication.
It might not be enough even though the basic qualification for an interpreter would be to be learned of languages. Translators should possess an exhaustive understanding about cultures and have an expertise in particular subjects needed for the interpreting process that is given. In language interpretation a great command of vocabulary is required.
Although the world is made of distinct complex languages, people are free to communicate utilizing the universal language, English; nonetheless, most folks still would rather communicate using their very own mother tongue. Hence, the demand for interpreting occupations will continue to grow as the entire world becomes ever more globalized.
Interpreters and translators are both important professions in overcoming the diversity of languages and cultures. Both types specialists are critical in converting one language to another on earth , however both of these professions are different, and therefore, it is essential that customers should understand which expert can help them supply the right kind of linguistic service in a specified scenario.
Although some linguist do both, each profession requires knowledge and distinct skills. Translators usually translate one written language to another, in the event the written language would be to be translated into their native language, but she or he is only effective at doing so. On the flip side, interpreters interpret oral communication into and from languages, their native one as well as another.
While the world is experiencing the diversity of languages and cultures, it is now facing globalization too. Therefore, interpreting services or direct communication has been becoming a vital tool in individual lives almost every day. Spanish is considered as one of the toughest languages of all, you can browse inlinguautah.com/finding-best-spanish-teacher-salt-lake-city to learn Spanish, if interested.
Interpreting occupations have found significance growth in the marketplace today. This is because, as the entire world continues to face globalization, many people are becoming attracted to going into the international area, which suggests they need appropriate communication between those who speak different languages, and therefore, interpreting services are needed.


text:
Our leading Top 20 client are looking for an Experienced Indirect Tax Manager / Senior Manager to join their quickly growing Indirect Tax Team.
The role has been created due to rapid growth and a number of internal promotions at the firm.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Indirect Tax Consulting within any sector, ideally be ACA / CTA / ATT / ACCA / CPA qualified, and 6+ years of experience from a Big 4 / Top 10 / Top 30 Accounting Firm.
This is a great opportunity to lead on client engagements, gain exposure to a number of new areas within the Tax function, and quick progression to the more Senior levels within the team.
The firm are offering a generous compensation package, and very flexible working hours, including days where you can work from home in the week.
If this sounds like something of interest currently, please click apply now!
If you require further information please apply on the button or email me, Rhys Edwards on rhys"at"consultrpm"dot"com (decipher first) at your earliest convenience.


text:
5 UX Research Techniques And How To Apply ThemUX Design | 02th Abril 2018
Also known as design research, the UX research ends up validating the big decisions in regards to a project. From the beginning, it sets to identify some facts, to prove or disprove assumptions and in knowing/studying/understanding the target audience. Since design research informs the design process, interviews are the most complete and thorough way of doing it.
The working team has a chance to get to know the stakeholders and the users.
Qualitative UX research in the form of interviews
Interviews and conversations with users allow the gathering of "soft" data. To add a specific scientific framework there is a methodology applied: observation, understanding and analysis. We can think about the interviews in a group of three: first, with the stakeholders for a business POV, the second with the users/clients and the third with the business contributors, for an internal user POV.
Of course every UX project is different and research techniques need to be customized.
Even though we are focusing on interviews, UX research can gather data through surveys and questionnaires as well. This is an efficient technique since it allows to gather a massive amount of information in short periods of time, recommended to when there is a diverse and large group of users. The researcher has to have some care with the methodology as well, since there is no direct contact with the user. Logistically there is also the need to have some care with the platforms used for surveys and its accessibility, so that users are not discouraged to respond.
When it comes to designer or developer/user interviews, the researcher can conduct three main types:
- Directed interviews – typical question/answer interview. The researcher has a list of specific questions to ask, usually in a simple/direct nature. A good method to apply when it comes to big groups of users and to make comparisons.
- Non-directed interviews – this method implies more of a script than a list of questions. Some users may not feel comfortable with direct questions, so a conversation may be the best way to gather data. The researcher assumes the part of listener, intervening only when needed;
- Ethnographic interviews – this technique involves observation of the user in their daily tasks, in their natural work/home environments. Although it might be a more intrusive technique, it is very faithful in showing how users act and the difference between what they say they do and what they actually do.
Some of the techniques addressed here have applications in many areas and their origins have a lot to contribute to that.
5 UX Research Techniques and how to apply them
Card Sorting
For this technique, words or phrases are written on blank cards and the researcher asks the user to categorize them and/or to label the categories in which they fit. A quick method to get user input, as well as validation.
Expert Review
Like the name says itself, this technique is all about one single person, an "expert", testing and looking for issues with the product through the UI (User Interface). This technique can be quite relative, as there is no standard procedure; it changes from expert to expert, from professional to professional.
Usability Testing
Usability testing is one of the most popular techniques in UX research, and for good reason. It consists in observing users using the product, performing tasks with it, putting it into serious "testing". Usually it can be arranged in testing a specific action or process or in a wider range of actions.
User Personas
This research technique involves some acting. An ideal user is idealized and a fictional representation is used to test the product. The User Persona technique stems from other ones, to be able to develop this fictional representation. The focus is on the user, on the behaviours and reactions. Providing the characteristics of the ideal user helps developing the ideal product.
Remote Usability Testing
Think of Usability Testing, without having the users be in a controlled environment, space or laboratory. People are in their own locations and habitats while testing the product.
No matter the technique, usability tests are always needed.
UX Research Techniques: Pros and Cons
|Card Sorting
|Expert Review
|Usability Testing
|User Personas
|Remote Usability Testing
Upon deciding what technique to apply you have to ask yourself some questions:
What is the best UX research technique?
- What do I want to know?
- Who are the users?
- What are the assumptions I have about them?
- What are their behaviours, motivations, goals, needs?
- How do they use the product now? Do they like it? Do they use others?
Considering this first self-analysis, will it be more effective to follow the quantitative or the qualitative road? It's also important to look at logistical aspects like the size of your sample of users and how you have access to them. The plus side is that there is a UX research technique for every situation and every product.
Start today your UX research in order to improve your digital products.
Contact us and we'll help you in the process!


text:
Serves: 12
Total Calories: 167
1. Crush cereal to 1/2 cup. Stir together cereal, flour, baking powder, salt, spices and sugar.
2. In large mixing bowl beat egg slightly. Stir in milk and shortening. Add dry ingredients, stirring only until dry ingredients are moistened. Fold in dried fruit.
3. Portion batter evenly into 12 greased 2 1/2-inch muffin-pan cups. Sprinkle with Sesame Ginger Topping.
4. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, or until tests done. Serve warm.
This Sesame Ginger Muffins recipe is from the Kellogg Kitchens Recipes Cookbook. Download this Cookbook today.
"I must say this is the best recipe software I have ever owned."
"Your DVO cookbook software saves me time and money!"
-Mary Ann
"Call it nutrition software, meal planning software, cooking software, recipe manager, or whatever you want. It is the software I use to stay healthy!"
"Your software is the best recipe organizer and menu planner out there!"
"Thank you so very much for creating such a wonderful cooking recipe program. I think this is the best recipe program there is!"
"I saw lots of recipe software for PC computers but I was having a hard time finding really good mac recipe software. I'm so glad I discovered Cook'n! It's so nice to have all my recipes in a computer recipe organizer. Cook'n has saved me so much time with meal planning and the recipe nutrition calculator is amazing!!!
My favorite is the Cook'n Recipe App.


text:
Upcoming Mustard Plug Florida Dates
Thursday, January 23, at Will's Pub in Orlando Click here for tickets
Friday, January 24, at Churchills in Miami
Saturday, January 25, at Loosey's in Gainesville Click here for tickets
Sunday, January 26, at Beachside Tavern in New Smyrna Beach
Mustard Plug – Can't Contain It Album Review
I think it's important every now and then to stop whatever you're doing, raise your red solo cup, and salute a band in pursuit of party. Mustard Plug's new album Can't Contain It certainly encourages this notion.
The album comes across as sort of a motivational speech to dance. Can't Contain It starts off with a musical kick to the face as the horns in "We Came to Party" hypnotize the listener into a head bobbing, arm flailing, irresistible urge to dance. Not since the Ramones 1976 "Blitzkrieg Bop" have the words "hey, ho" had such feeling behind them. As the chorus echoes these hallowed words, the listener is jolted with energy. The first time I heard "We Came to Party" I was as encouraged to get out of my chair and dance as I was to get out of my chair and chuck it across the room. But, I think it's this uncontainable burst of emotions extracted from the song that tips a hat to the band's prominent punk side; while the band's small but devoted brass section reminds the listener that Mustard Plug intertwines its punk roots with ska vines.
However, Can't Contain It isn't all fun and games, as a few songs on the album play to the band's darker more serious side. While my favorite songs on the album are the thrashy ones like "We Came to Party" and "Aye Aye Aye;" it's the more solemn songs on the album that suggest Mustard Plug has spent the last seven years since their previous album release, maturing as a band. It's easy to party, if that's what you're good at, and Mustard Plug's last seven albums are a testament to this. Yet, it is their latest album that proves they've come to stand for something more than just party music.
The second to last song on the album, "Perfect Plan" is evidence of this truth. The lyrics in this song are a testament to Mustard Plug's successful attempt to reach their audience on a deeper level. "Should we start before we end" and "will we make it to the summer" are two questions posed in a song about a relationship that doesn't quite pan out the way two lovers thought it might. Clocking in at just over two minutes, the song is short, it's sweet, it's relatable, but above all else, it's honest. It's tough to write a song as honest as "Perfect Plan," both melodically and lyrically. Yet, it's even tougher to convey the kind of feeling prevalent in lead vocalist, David Kirchgessner's voice. It's rare to find a vocalist as seemingly invested in each and every song as Kirchgessner.
Die-hard fans of Mustard Plug will be pleasantly surprised while new listeners will be hooked. I highly recommend getting a group of friends together, hitting the nearest bar, and blasting Mustard Plug's newest album Can't Contain It. You might dance, you might get in a bar fight, or you might even just shed a tear. No matter how you feel after you've listen to the album, one things for sure, you know you've felt something.
-Joey Farese
Upcoming Mustard Plug Florida Dates
Thursday, January 23, at Will's Pub in Orlando Click here for tickets
Friday, January 24, at Churchills in Miami
Saturday, January 25, at Loosey's in Gainesville Click here for tickets
Sunday, January 26, at Beachside Tavern in New Smyrna Beach


text:
In the field of migration policy "migration dialogues" are an important cooperation tool. They help states to maintain open channels of communication between each other, from expert to ministerial level. Countries along the Silk Routes connect through the Budapest Process.
By Cecilia Lundström Carniel
Europe has seldom seen a refugee crisis of the present dimensions, characterised by massive movements of people in search of better lives, escaping from conflict and misery in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Apart from emergency measures to address the immediate humanitarian crisis, long-term responses are needed. We need to increase cooperation and coordination between countries along the migration routes and in this way create possibilities to manage migration better - for countries and for people. Dialogue is a tool to facilitate this cooperation and coordination.
What are the benefits a dialogue?
In the field of migration, "Migration Dialogues" or "Regional Consultative Processes" have successively gained strong importance as a cooperation tool.
Dialogues help states and other stakeholders to maintain open channels of communication between each other, from expert to ministerial level. Personal contacts are created, also when states have strained relations and states greatly benefit through this exchange, also in day-to-day cooperation. This networking is efficient: at a single meeting representatives can exchange with officials from 20 to 40 countries or more. Informal discussions on the side-lines can help break through stalemates or further bi- and multilateral discussions.
In 2010, the Turkish Chair of the Budapest Process, an intergovernmental migration dialogue active since more than 20 years, proposed to redirect the focus towards the Silk Routes Region. Stable cooperation has since then developed with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan. Also, Syria participated before the war broke out.
For the first time, the countries of the Silk Routes Region are engaging in this kind of migration dialogue with their counterparts from other regions involved, including South Eastern and Eastern Europe, the Black Sea region, Central Asia as well as EU and Schengen countries. The cooperation is instrumental for dealing with the migration challenges of today.
Growing familiarity and regular contacts between participants of various events organised in this framework increases the understanding of different migration realities and the respect for each other's situations. There is a special psychology of sitting at the same table which changes dynamics, between people, and in the long run, also between states.
Dialogue is also about knowledge transfer and capacity building
Following an important ministerial conference of the Budapest Process countries in 2013, the European Commission and several governments participating in the dialogue decided to co-fund a larger capacity building project. This "Silk Routes Partnership Project", has given the Budapest Process the necessary operational means to make a real difference in the Silk Routes Region through building their capacity to manage migration efficiently.
A clear benefit of migration dialogues is that they very often provide a homebase to capacity building projects – serving to improve the capacities of administrations to better manage all aspects related to the movement of people, including awareness of how migration could be more beneficial for the development of each country.
Another key feature of the dialogue is knowledge transfer - from peer to peer during meetings and related operational activities. The Silk Routes Partnership Project has shown that it is not only important to offer a platform for countries from different regions – but also countries from the same region need a place to interact and share experience. At a training held in Tehran a year ago, delegates from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan had countless questions for each other about respective experiences in the field of labour migration.
The Silk Routes Partnership Project has shown that capacity building can and also should start during challenging situations, parallel to other on-going measures serving to give aid, alleviate immediate needs or tackle security issues. Dialogue and capacity building activities have been highly appreciated among officials who get the chance to reconnect to the international community and raise their own competences and those of the administrations.
Flavour of the Silk Routes
The Silk Road and its many routes – the Silk Routes – were more than pathways for the trade of silk and spices. Along these routes, travel, trade and cultural exchange increased mutual understanding, respect and acceptance between peoples of many different cultures. Migrants still travel these routes, bringing with them new customs, ideas and culture and link the countries along the routes in migration systems.
The migration dialogue – in this case the Budapest Process – also brings the officials of these countries together and gives them a framework for genuine cooperation, for handling migration challenges and for managing migration better.
Each country is unique; each country brings its individual spice to the cooperation.
The flavour of the Silk Routes has brought a new set of perspectives for modern migration management, which benefits all levels of migration administration, and ultimately trickles down to the migrants themselves.
ICMPD, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, serves as the Secretariat of the Budapest Process. ICMPD is also the implementing partner of the Silk Routes Partnership Project. Find out more on ICMPD on their webpage.
Photo: lensnmatter on Flickr


text:
Some people know her from her acting in cult favorites like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Eureka, and Supernatural, while others recognize her from her YouTube series, The Guild, or other videos from her Geek and Sundry channel. Then there are the people who recognize her insanely popular Twitter feed. Felicia Day has made what she calls a "weirdly cobbled-together career" for herself by celebrating the things she loves the most, no matter how geeky or strange those passions may be, and by finding a community of like-minded fans and friends.
In the book's foreword, Joss Whedon, who cast Day in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, says "It's hard being weird. No -- it's hard living in a culture that makes it hard." In the first few essays (the first appropriately titled "Why I'm Weird") Felicia describes growing up very socially isolated - she and her brother were homeschooled "for hippie reasons" and their parents encouraged them to pursue their passions, enrolling them in all sorts of lessons so they could meet other children but also in case they were prodigies. Felicia was always the weird girl in her ballet class until she finally found a community to connect with - in the world of online role-playing games. She writes, "In my childhood world, the sound of a modem dialing up to connect with another computer was the sound of freedom."
Something new I learned about Felicia from the book was that she started college early and double majored in math and violin. The chapters about her college experience really get into her anxiety and perfectionism, and I appreciated how honest she was (while still being hilarious).
After college, Felicia decided to pursue acting, but got burned out when she was typecast in a role she calls the "cat secretary" over and over again - never mainstream pretty enough to be the leading lady and never in roles that were actually interesting to play. "When the system you want to be a part of so badly turns you into someone you're unhappy with and you lose sight of yourself, is it worth it?" Depressed about her acting career, Felicia became obsessed with World of Warcraft, to the point that playing the game became a full-fledged addiction. With some pushing from friends, she was able to quit playing WoW and turned funny experiences she'd had gaming into The Guild, a web series that went viral on YouTube even though it was produced in the cast and crew members' garages with props found through dumpster diving.
One of the common themes in celebrity memoirs is that notoriety doesn't fix things, and Felicia's essays are proof of that - even when she goes to conventions like Comic-Con and meets fans who love her, she suffers from impostor syndrome. When it became clear that the sixth season of The Guild would be the last due to funding issues and other restraints, she had a nervous breakdown because she'd conflated her work with her identity. Felicia also addresses #GamerGate, a recent online scandal in which well-known women in the gaming industry and culture were targeted with accusations of bribery and harassed for "ruining gaming."
I really enjoyed the anecdote Felicia used to tie together her experiences in the world of geekery: after YouTube stopped funding her channel, Geek and Sundry, and Felicia was forced to revise her company's offerings, she got the opportunity to visit Skywalker Ranch - every nerd's dream! While she was there, she saw some props from Star Wars that turned out to be made from Dixie Cups - much like the random Craigslist junk she'd used to turn The Guild's sets into her characters' homes. The message? The only real qualification for making something happen is passion. As Felica says, "I hope all my copious oversharing encourages someone to stop, drop, and do something that's always scared them. Create something they've always dreamt of. Connect with people they never thought they'd know. Because there's no better time in history to do it."


text:
Create an account
Get your thinking cap on, and attempt over 500 crossword puzzles that will keep you entertained for hours.
1 Players
See it in action
We use cookies to personalise your experience and ads on this site & others. For more info or to change settings, click here.