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Get the Facts
Women and HIV/AIDS...America.While there were a handful of women among the first cases, AIDS was thought toprimarily affect gay men. However, as the years passed, women have emerged asanother group hard hit by the AIDS epidemic. Even though more men than womenstill have HIV in the US, women are catching up. In some countries, HIV+ womenoutnumber HIV+ men. The proportion of HIV/AIDS cases among women has more than tripled from 8percent in 1985 to an alarming 27...
Ask the Experts
My husband got HIV from an infected Man or Woman?I am starting to wonder whether or not my husband is telling me the truth about his activity with prostitutes call girls or would it be more possible that he contracted HIV from receiving anal sex from another man or possible oral sex with either...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...Hi,Sorry to hear about your husband's recent infection. I have no way to determine over the Internet if he slept with men, women or both. Does it really matter now?As for trying to determine if your hubby is straight as a lawn dart or gay as the... Read more »
Is anal sex ok with a woman that has HIV/AIDSI am interested in a woman who has HIV/AIDS. She wants to have anal sex not vaginal sex and that is fine with me. Her disease is not active or full blown. Is it all right to have anal sex with her if we take it slow and easy and use lots of K-Y...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...Hello, Let me clarify a few points for you:1.There is no such thing as an HIV infection that is "not active."2.We don't use the term "full blown AIDS," because there is no such thing as "partially blown Read more »
hiv+ woman performing fellatio on hiv- man risky?I've seen some stats here on oral sex but can't quite figure out if the stats pertain to the scenario of an hiv+ woman performing fellatio on an hiv- man. Is the man at risk for contracting hiv in this manner, and if so, what do the stats say? ...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...Hi,The risk is extremely low. The estimated per-act risk for acquiring HIV from unprotected insertive (negative guy) oral sex with a poz partner (male or female) is 0.5 per 10,000 exposures. However, Read more »
How can a HIV- woman live with a HIV+ man?This question is in response to a woman who was contemplating marrying someone with HIV. My husband and I have been married for four years.Before the wedding,I did a lot of praying and sought advise from people in our church. But in the end it was...
Response from Steven Pieters
Metropolitan Community Church of LA...Thanks for sharing your personal story about a marriage where one is HIV+ and the other HIV-. The Body and I do not endorse or promote this "sperm-washing" procedure or other anecdotal treatments. Read more »
HIV & Me: A Woman's Guide to Living With HIV: HIV in Women and Men: What's the Difference?...men. However, there are differences between men and women when it comes to living with HIV -- in fact, living with HIV as a woman can often be more complicated than it is for a man. CHILDREN More than half of HIV-positive women have children.... Read more »
This Month in HIV: State-of-the-Art: Women and HIV/AIDS...would be the first thing on it? Dr. Mardge Cohen: It's very hard to figure out a list of what is useful to get across to a woman during her first visit to a health care provider. I think what women are most worried about is: How long am I... Read more »
HIV/AIDS Among Women Who Have Sex With Women...confirmed cases of female-to-female transmission of HIV, the findings do not negate the possibility. Information on whether a woman had sex with women is missing in more than 60% of the 246,461 case reports -- possibly because the physician did... Read more »
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The sbcltr list of iconic Berry covers that launched music careers
When he died on the 18th of March, Berry was 90 years old and just a few weeks short of releasing his debut single in more than 4 decades. John Lennon once said that if Rock and Roll had to be given another name, it would be called Chuck Berry. Paul McCartney said that Berry's song hit him and the Beatles, "like a bolt of lightning." Bob Dylan called him the "Shakespeare of Rock Music." When Joe Perry was reviewing Berry's name for a greatest artist list (Rolling Stone), he said, "That feeling of excitement in the pit of my stomach, in the hair on the back of my neck: I got more of it from Chuck Berry than from anybody else."
It is no secret that most of us associate Elvis as the king of Rock and Roll, but in true essence, the genre truly belongs to Chuck Berry. Like Keith Richards told Rolling Stone, "Chuck had the swing, there's rock, but it's the roll that counts." In a career that spanned over six decades with hits such as, Johnny.B.Goode, Maybelline, Memphis, Sweet Little Sixteen, Berry was the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, AC/DC and even Jerry Lee Lewis, were all influenced by him in a way. In 2011, in his autobiography Life, Keith Richards said that, "The beautiful thing about Chuck Berry's playing was it had such an effortless swing. None of this sweating and grinding away and grimacing… just pure, effortless swing, like a lion."
To give you a rough idea of exactly how deeply did Berry impact other iconic musicians and help you understand the breadth of his influence, sbcltr made a playlist of the best Berry covers, performed by some very iconic musicians themselves.
Plug in. Tune out.
John Lennon: You Can't Catch Me
The song was first recorded and released as a single in 1956. Almost 10 years later, the Rolling Stones, recorded their version of the song, so did John Lennon in 1975 for his LP, Rock 'n' Roll. Lennon's version amalgamates Come Together and You Can't Catch Me. Both the songs have interesting trivia and history together, apparently, in 1969, Berry's music publisher sued Lennon for copyright infringement because of the melodic similarity between the two. The Beatles' song had also used some of the lyrics of Berry's song, "here come old flat-top." The case was settled out of court eventually.
The Beatles: Johnny.B.Goode
In January 1958, Berry recorded a song that would end up becoming one of Rock and Roll's most recognizable numbers. Johnny.B.Goode, became so famous that the Carl Sagan, included Berry's recording of the song on NASA's, Voyager Golden Record, the song was meant to represent rock and roll, it was one of the four American songs to be included. When the Beatles recorded their cover in 1964 at the Playhouse Theatre in London, they did it for the BBC radio show, Saturday Club. By then they had already recorded two more Berry songs including, Roll Over Beethoven, saying that he was a favourite among them.
The Rolling Stones: Come On
Two years after the original's release, the Rolling Stones decided to give their own spin to Come On, and released it as their debut single. Not only did their version of Come On, manage to stand on its own, but it also launched their illustrious career in 1963.
ACDC: School Days
The hard rock band covered the song in 1975 for their Australia only album, T.N.T. In this cover, Ben Scott's cheeky vocals are as much of a treat as the beautiful riff that is worked to the perfection.
Jimi Hendrix: Johhny.B.Goode
When the guitar god covered the song, he called it a "loose jam kind of a thing." It also became the name of his 1986 posthumous album. His version of the song was also called "the definitive version of the definitive guitar anthem," by music critic Robert Christgau.
Faces: Memphis
One of the most covered songs of Berry, including five recordings by The Beatles, an attempt by The Who, Paul Anka, Dave Berry, Bo Diddley to name a few. The best cover version unarguably belong to Faces and more specifically to Rod Stewart, who gives a gut wrenching disappointment of youth a voice in his glorious interpretation of the 1959 song.
Nina Simone: Brown Eyed Handsome Man
The social political rock song got a makeover of a lifetime when the high priestess of soul decided to lend it her voice.


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Age: 23
From: Kauai, Hawaii
Have you always loved water sports?
Definitely, when growing up in Hawaii you don't really have much choice! I was raised alongside the waves and was literally picked up and thrown into them by my Dad, so that's how I got into surfing.
Did your Dad inspire you to become a surfer?
Actually my whole family inspires me. I pull strength out of people I love like my family or my boyfriend (Dean Morrison).
When did you decide to commit to surfing full time?
I've been competing since I was 12 years old, then I started to be a freesurfer when I was 20 or 21. The decision did not come suddenly, it kind of grew as my surfing progressed.
What's your favourite surf spot?
I really love my homebreak in Hawaii but apart from that it's definitely Sumatra.
How do you relax when you get the chance?
Lounging and watching movies is perfect to take your mind to another place.
How do you balance acting and surfing?
My acting is really coming along at the moment and being an actress makes me feel complete. But, despite that, surfing defines who I am more than anything else.
Is it difficult to switch between the two mindsets of surfer and actress?
Surfing is a natural act, and being natural when acting is what makes a good actress, that's what I learned during my acting lessons. Every character has something you can identify with. When you have to play a murderer for example. I never killed somebody, but I can fake it. I'm good at acting angry or disappointed too…
If you had a chance, what would you change in the world?
My mom and I are part of the Joshua Project. Children in Africa who would like to attend school have to pay a lot of money, for example for the school uniform and for their books, etc. The Joshua Project built a special school where all these costs are paid by money raised from fundraisers and donations.
Are you eco-aware?
Yeah, I'm not part of an environmental organisation, but I think if everybody does something little it will make a big difference. In our house, for example, we use energy saving lightbulbs only, we only wash fully-loaded laundries, I try to keep my showers as short as possible, we recycle, we try to avoid leaving electrical items on stand-by and I love eco-friendly clothing too.
What are your plans for this summer?
We're going to the Billabong Girls Days for several weekends which should be really fun! My mom and I are planning on heading over to the UK a bit early so we'll also get the chance to visit some friends there.
What is your role in the Billabong Girls Days?
I help out the girls in the water, but this year I'm also looking forward to taking part in the yoga, Hawaiian dancing and hip hop lessons. I like the events because it's all about the girls learning in the water, so there's no pressure on me. I love hanging out with the girls and experiencing the different cultures in Spain, France and the UK.
Words by: Anna Langer


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The Birth of Annabel Grace
Monday, May 23, 2011 was a day like any other. Until, I started feeling cramps. I was five days past my due date. Could these be contractions? I wasn't sure. And everyone had told me, "Oh, you'll know when it's a contraction!" [Warning TMI]: other than the cramps, I had practically been pooping my intestines out all day. I think my body was clearing out to get ready for pushing! I went to spin class in the morning. People were nervous my water would break on the bike and I'd go into labor during class! Dad came over and helped with some things around the house—including setting up the co-sleeper (which turned out to be perfect timing!). But as the day went on, the cramps became more intense and more regular. It got to the point I was afraid to leave the house for fear of going into labor while I was out. I didn't call Mark about the cramps. I knew it wasn't "go" time and I didn't want to distract him from work. So instead, I called my midwife, Amber, to tell her what I was feeling. I knew deep down, Baby Austin was coming soon! She said it sounded like I was in early labor, but not to worry. She instructed me to continue on with my day and normal activities. So I followed "doctor's" orders and went to HEB to get some grocery shopping done. At the store, I had to pause in my tracks a few times because the pain took me by surprise. On one aisle, a man tried to ask me about where to find Spam. Spam, really? I'm in labor and you're asking me about Spam, of all things?! I tried to tell him I didn't know as politely as I could. The lady who always pushes the "Meal Deals" stopped me to ask how far along I was. "Actually, I'm five days overdue and I think I'm in early labor!"
Mark got home in the evening and I told him about my day. "You'd better pack your bag!" I said. I showered and shaved in preparation of what was ahead. I made some mango protein smoothies, which I would later be so grateful I'd done for energy. After dinner, we sat down in the living room to watch the premiere of The Bachelorette (shameful, I know). Mark was on the couch; I was sitting on my birthing ball. By this time, we started timing the contractions because the cramps were coming every fifteen minutes or so. During the contractions (yes, by this point, I realized they were definitely contractions!) I had to stop everything and just breathe, bending over to hold onto the coffee table. Mark would knew the contraction was over when I finally was able to speak. We still didn't call anybody to tell them I was in early labor because Amber had told me these symptoms could go on for days. I didn't want to alarm anyone or get them calling for updates constantly. Mark and I retired to bed around 10pm. I tried to sleep between contractions, but when they came on, I was darting out of bed to sit on the toilet (this position just instinctively felt more comfortable) or I'd motion for Mark to massage my lower back. We went on like that until about 2am when I just couldn't take it any longer. I was not getting any relief during the contractions. I couldn't doze off anymore. And I was starting to get a little anxious about the drive to the New Braunfels Family Birth Center. Mark called Amber and told her how I was feeling. By this time, I was moaning in the background. She said it sounded like it was time for us to head to the birth center. I tried to pull on a sundress, but it wouldn't fit over my belly. I thought, Forget about it! And put back on my nightgown. Who cares what I'm wearing anyway? It's two in the morning and I'm in labor! I put on my flip flops and we were out the door.
We arrived at the birth center about 3am. Amber and Meridian (her apprentice) were waiting for us. They had candles lit and soft spa-like music playing in the background. The atmosphere was so relaxing! I got on the bed and Amber checked me...four centimeters. Not bad! She said it was definitely a good time for us to come. Amber instructed me to walk around or sit on the birthing ball if I felt up to it. Yes, anything to keep this birth moving forward! Mark lay in the bed while I labored on the ball. Once again, when a contraction came on, I was calling for him to hurry and start massaging my lower back. After an hour or so, Mark told me, "Babe, I'm so tired. I'm not sure I'm gonna make it. I really need to try to get a little sleep." I though to myself, Tired, huh? Really? Sleep, yes, you do that. I'll continue to labor here for the both of us. But I didn't really mind. Meridian was by my side acting as my doula, helping me through the pain. I can still remember her sweet little soft hands. She knew just what to do so I didn't really mind Mark resting. I more just found it humorous that he needed rest...no rest for the weary! Amber and Meridian were like little floating angels the entire night. They were fairly hands off at first, allowing Mark and I to experience labor together. But they were with me the moment I needed them.
I continued laboring on the ball until around 7am. During that time, I was so thirsty. Meridian kept feeding me ice. I tried to drink water and Gatorade. I even felt a little hungry and tried to eat an orange. But I ended up throwing it all up. I actually threw up several times. So many I stopped counting. I had read many birth stories in Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth that throwing up was common during transition. Vomiting actually seemed to help. Each time I vomited, my stomach would contract and feel like I was pushing Baby Girl down further. The coolest thing during labor was each time Meridian would check the heartbeat; she moved the sensor lower and lower. When I first arrived, she was listening to her heart near my belly button. Several hours later, she was down by my pelvic bone. Such a visual reminder; this baby was moving on down the birth canal!
Mark was so into the entire experience. He kept asking Amber what was going on each step of the way…even during my contractions. I got to the point where when he'd ask a question during a contraction, I'd just shake my head from side to side and wave my hands…obviously indicating for him to stop talking. He didn't seem to get it, but Amber did. She told him I needed everyone to be quiet during the contraction. He was like, oh okay.
Around 7am Mark called my mom and asked her to come over. I wanted to be sure she'd be present for the birth. We texted friends and family and asked them to be praying. None of them had any idea I'd gone into labor. One friend actually wrote back saying she had woken up at 3am and felt lead to pray for me. Crazy because that was the exact time we arrived at the birth center. God is so gracious to let us get a glimpse of His work behind the scenes!
I definitely wanted my Mama by the time she got to the birth center. Amber had just decided to let me get into the bathtub around 8am when I was a little further along. The water felt so good. Such a relief and very relaxing. I continued to labor in the water. I'd lie back in the water between contractions, but during contractions, I'd pull myself up. I was so exhausted by this point; I would doze off between contractions. My head would bob like a bobble head as I drifted off to sleep. I was still enjoying the spa music, but there was one song that would repeat occasionally that I did not like. I would ask Amber to skip that song each time. For some reason the beat really irritated me! A little later, I noticed Amber and Meridian weren't in their street clothes anymore. They had changed into scrubs, ready to get down to business!
Mark got to asking questions again. I think it was hard for him because he wanted to understand what I was feeling and why. At one point, he started to ask a question right as I felt another contraction coming on. I sharply shouted, "DON'T TALK!!!" He quickly got the not-so-subtle direction. After the contraction passed, I sweetly said, "Babe, I'm sorry for yelling. I just really need everyone to focus during the contraction." My mom was impressed that I apologized in the moment…so was I!
After a while in the tub, Amber asked me if I felt the urge to push, but I wasn't sure what I was feeling. She said to try to push a little on the next contraction just to see how it felt. If it hurt too badly, stop. If not, keep pressing on. It took me a couple tries before I got the hang of pushing. Previously during contractions, I'd moan out load. It's a natural response and my sister had told me that the reverberations of your voice travel through your body and help move the labor along. Also, I'd read that keeping my mouth open wide with an "ah" sound is a key to the Sphincter Law (if you don't know what it is, look it up). But when it came time to push, Amber told me to stop making loud noises. Expressing the pain out of my mouth was actually taking the power out of my pushing. I was able to put more oomph in my push if I directed everything south instead. Boy was she right! I started feeling like I was getting somewhere...and yet nowhere at the same time. Pushing is very frustrating. I couldn't feel any progress. Each push felt the same as the last.
I had lost all concept of time. Except it was now light outside. I knew the morning was passing me by. I felt like I wasn't progressing. I asked Amber, "Am I really having this baby here in this bathtub today?" I was feeling like I wasn't getting anywhere and might need to be transported and take some drugs to get things moving. She assured me with a knowing look and said, "Yes, you are having this baby." That was all I needed. Okay, let's do this! Throughout my labor, Amber was so amazed by my baby girl's strong heart. She kept a great heartbeat throughout labor and never dropped a beat! I guess she got my endurance!
I did not labor alone. Mark was up at my head holding my arms. Mom was by my side. Meridian was at the other side. And Amber was at the end of the tub. I could not have done it without them. In order to push, I instinctively flopped my legs of each side of the tub. I held onto Mark's arms over my head. Each contraction, I basically did a giant crunch. Thank goodness for all those days I the gym. I was finally cashing in the work. And boy did it pay off!
I've heard it before, but now know for myself: giving birth has a lot of similarities to running a marathon. You have to go the distance. And although you can try your best to prepare, you won't really know what it's like until you experience it yourself. You have to be rested, hydrated, and well fed to have the strength to endure. Unfortunately, unlike with a marathon, you have no idea when the gun is going to go off! The infamous "wall" in a marathon showed up during birth except this time it was a "ring of fire." Just like the wall (around mile 19 for me), I knew it would be waiting for me. I'd read all about it and was expecting it. Once I first encountered the wall, I thought, I can't do this! But I knew I had to. I had no choice. This baby had to come out. I'd been preparing for nine months for this moment. And I couldn't turn around. The ring of fire was not going anywhere. I had to face it. And if I didn't jump through it, I'd just keep beating myself up against the wall. And that hurt! I didn't want to feel the pain anymore. So at some point, I just determined myself to blaze through it. I couldn't stop or else I knew I wouldn't start again. Both the marathon and birth are total mind over body experiences. And both have sweet victory at the end.
Amber told me she could see the baby's dark hair. She had me reach down and feel the baby crowning. She said I'd never feel anything like this again. At this point, the baby's skull was collapsed (praise the Lord!) so it could fit through the birth canal. The skin on the head was all scrunched up and fuzzy. I thought I might be giving birth to a Shar-pei puppy! Feeling her head was so encouraging to know how close I was. And with the final push I determined it would be my last. Oh my goodness...there was her head. The most bizarre thing to look down and see a head between my legs! The hard part was over. I barely remember pushing her body out. And then Amber said, "Get your baby, Sally." On May 24 at 11:08am, I reach down and lifted her to my chest and said, "Well, that wasn't so bad!"
I will never adequately describe my feelings. Most women talk about this instant love greater than they ever knew possible. I can't say I felt the same way until later. Right then, I just couldn't believe this little person came out of my body. Who are you? We've only just met and yet we've been together for so long. You belong to me. You are mine. You're coming home with me. I'm responsible for you. She needed me and more than the way I'd been passively parenting the last nine months. I was her mother. Mark was crying (even if he won't admit it). Baby Girl heard his voice and looked up right at him and grabbed his finger as he extended it to her. I guess she recognized his voice from all the months of talking to my belly!
I was surprised how little I hurt after all my body had just been through. I guess it was the endorphins because the pain did kick in later. I just continued to lay in the tub while Meridian changed the water and added some healing herbs. I held my baby and we just stared at each other. I could not believe how alert and calm she was. Everyone else was bustling around. Mark was texting photos. Mom was talking to my dad, my sister, and my niece. Amber and Meridian were scurrying around taking care of things. I was just sitting in amazement. She latched onto my breast right away without any trouble. And I gave her first bath. Amber showed me what to do to try to get some of the sticky white vernix off her body. Once I got cleaned up and got in bed, I realized I was starving! I asked Amber when I could eat something. The first thing I had was a banana (of course!). Baby Girl weighed in at 7.6 ounces and measured 19 inches long. A surprisingly smaller baby than I'd expected since Mark and I were so big. But no complaints here!
After tying up all the loose ends (literally...I got two stitches!). My family said their goodbyes. Amber had Jason's Deli delivered. It was the best sandwich of my life. When Amber told me they were ready to leave the birth center, she asked me if I had any questions. Questions? You're leaving already? Alone with our baby? First time parents. We have no idea what we're doing. Uh, no. I wouldn't know where to begin. So I just thanked her and said, "Bye!" Mark and I just stared in amazement at the sweet baby between us on the bed. We were so tired, we slept a couple hours. Mark's mom came to see Baby Girl right before we left. On our way home, we stopped by Mark's parents' house so his dad could meet our little one. We also stopped by his brother's house so his family could meet our new addition! Everyone was so amazed I was up and around. I said, "I gave birth, I'm not incapacitated!" Of course, I do think I was still running on endorphins because the pain and tiredness set in later. But it was all worth it. I can't imagine giving birth any other way. I'm so thankful God gifted me with such a wonderful birth experience!
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About Michelle
Michelle is an author, award-winning speaker and teenage expert
who has presented to over 200 000 people in her career to date.
Michelle started her career as a teacher.
In 2000 Michelle left teaching and founded Youth Excel, a charity which has
supported thousands of young people and their families with mentoring and psychological services.
Michelle's hands-on experience and passion for 'all things young people' has made her a sought-after and entertaining speaker. She has a unique ability to transfer years of knowledge to a wide range of audiences.
Michelle presents to parents, primary and high schools, business and mental health professionals
on topics of well-being, family and connection.
Michelle's innovative work has been featured on the TODAY
Show, Channel Ten Morning News, Today Tonight, 96fiveFM, ABC radio
and in countless print media including The Age, Dolly Magazine, Australian Women's Weekly and the Courier Mail.
Michelle's books and resources have been called an 'encouraging and
guiding light' for parents and professionals. She has a marvellous way of speaking truth in a way that all appreciate.
She lives in Brisbane with her husband and two teenagers.
Everything Michelle does aims to empower families and advocate for those without families.
Her key messages to parents include -
"You are your child's GREATEST advantage"
and "Parenting WELL is all about perspective."
What people are saying about Michelle
Michelle's insight and knowledge about teenagers and their experiences are invaluable for parents. Her ideas are practical and sensible while being loving and understanding. I highly recommend Michelle's expertise to parents who are embarking on these challenging years.
Carmel Nash
Executive Director - Queensland Parents & Friends Federation, Catholic Education
Michelle has a way of telling parents how it is, why it is and what to do about it! This practical empowerment guide is essential reading for every parent with teens and pre-teens, especially girls. The passion poured into this book should be enough to get every parent inspired to not just survive, but thrive through the Twilight Zone years!
Dr Robi Sonderegger – Humanitarian Activist and Clinical Psychologist
Michelle has a marvellous way of speaking the truth in a way that parents can all appreciate. Sometimes shocking, yet straight from the heart. Parents will know they are not alone in the battle.
Dale Dearman – Guidance Office
Student Counsellor, Grace Lutheran College
I stand in awe of Michelle's incredible energy, passion and relentless desire to empower our girls. Her latest book contains real life stories, relevant advice and researched facts that will assist parents in the roller coast ride of parenting a teenager. As a mother of girls and a women's health care professional for over twenty years, Michelle's book is one you do not want to miss.
Karen Spatuzzo - Registered Nurse / Mother of Teenage Girls
The teen years can be a daunting and confusing time for parents. Thank you Michelle for giving us such insight into some very complex issues and for helping us to build resilience into our children. Your work on the frontline of youth issues is to be highly commended.
Joanne Hobbs
Executive Director of Teen Challenge QLD


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Indie 103.1 Goes Off The Air
Posted by Jim Connelly in Music, Radio, Unexpected Results on Jan 15, 2009
If you have any kind of commute in the Los Angeles area at all, and spend any part of that commute listening to old-school FM radio — and I'm guilty on both counts, especially in the morning, when I want to be plugged into the universe — then you've probably noticed Indie 103.1.
In this day and age, Indie 103.1 was a small miracle: a radio station that was dedicated — mostly — to independent rock-oriented music, programmed outside of the normal boundaries. It was always worth a spin to see what they were broadcasting.
But now — according to their website — they're leaving the airwaves, and will continue as an internet-only radio station.


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Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation laws can be complex and difficult for an injured worker to understand. Attempting to enforce your rights without an attorney can have dire consequences if you make a mis-step. Having an attorney in your corner can make all of the difference in the world, and can maximize your recovery and potential settlement. Here are four suggestions to help you find the right attorney for your Pennsylvania workers' compensation case.
- Search online legal directory web sites.
There are invaluable legal resources available to help you in your search for the right attorney. For example, Avvo, has a great tool that enables you to "Find a Lawyer" by area of expertise or geographic location. You can start with the broad search of "workers compensation" and then narrow your search by selecting a city such as "Harrisburg." "York" or "Pottsville." From there you can look at their reviews from clients, and also see what other attorneys have to say about that specific attorney. Many attorneys contribute to legal forums and this will provide insight on the attorney as they render advice to others in need. You can also see if they have submitted any Legal Guides, possibly elaborating issues such as the one you are seeking help about yourself. Another example of a legal web site you can use to review an attorney's background is Justia. Like Avvo, Justia is a great resource for someone looking for an attorney and this site also allows attorneys to upload videos that may be of interest to injured workers and other.
- Use Google and Social Media to find out as much as you can about the attorneys you are considering.
Google will provide you with excellent information on local workers compensation attorneys. You will be able to see the attorneys web site, articles they may have written, or that may have been written about them. This will enable you to read about them, get to know more about them, and to be prepared when you finally meet with them to ask any questions you may have about your case, the attorney, or their firm. Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media can also give you insight to attorneys you may want to meet.
- Call your local Lawyer Referral Service
Many county bar associations have lawyer referral services and will provide you with the name and telephone number of attorneys that practice workers' compensation in your area. The Dauphin County Bar Association for example, operates a Lawyer Referral Service which assists in identifying private attorneys appropriate to their needs who can then be retained for their professional advice and representation.
You should certainly make an informed decision when hiring a Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Attorney. You should not rush into making this important decision. Take your time, call a few different attorneys to see who matches your personality best and ask for a free consultation. After using some of the resources listed here, you will be best prepared to hire the attorney for you and your case.
Free Workers' Compensation Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has suffered a work injury and want to speak to an attorney that is right for you and your case – contact Norfleet Law Officesto speak with our Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyers today. Our workers compensation attorneys in Harrisburg , York and Lemoyne will answer all of your questions and lead you through the complex workers' compensation process. Call (717) 737-7574 or fill out our case evaluation form.


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Here we are – at the end of 2016. For some 2016 was a great year. For others... not so much. It was indeed a year where we saw many changes around the world. And you know what they say about change. No no - not the holiday thing, that funny thing about not wearing ski pants in the desert.
Was 2016 a bad year for Maltego? Hmm - no. We released a major version (M4) this year. We fixed a lot of bugs in it and we're now up to the 12th update for the 4.0 version. We finally had the courage to split it into two flavors (Classic and XL). We built the MDS this year. A few more tests and it's ready for production in early 2017. Every time I play with the MDS I smile. It's truly a thing of beauty. Maltego 4 + MDS is going to turn out to be VERY powerful.
The company has grown too – not just with clients and sales – but with people too. Yesterday another recruit started with the company. His name is Andrew. How is it that we have five people working in one office and two of them are called Andrew? Don't ask – it's still 2016. We now have proper offices in Pretoria(here and here) having moved from Cape Town. Yes – we moved there and then moved back. I said don't ask.
After almost 10 years around people tend to think we need to "grow up". Become a "proper company". Focus more on "making the numbers" and thus less on making cool and useful tech anymore. Cut the intros for our videos and use "sensible fonts". Find a receptionist and a PABX and a stall at *that* conference and a real company letterhead. Well |=|_|[|< all that. We fight against that on a daily basis. We resist to conform, to become a "me too!". And after every Maltego design meeting we sit down again and question our decisions and ask if it's REALLY the direction we want to take.
I know you're actually only here for the Christmas special coupon code. It's a tradition we've kept going for the last few years. The plan here is that you can buy Maltego as a gift to your partner/wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend/dog/parakeet/goldfish/cactus/athlete's foot at a real bargain and that you don't need to buy them socks - again.
The coupon is all lower case. It contains no spaces. It's the new server we're releasing in 2017 – append to that the name of person that just joined the company. You can of course Tweet this coupon to the world. Do that and we'll give your Twitter alias to a South African traditional healer which in turn will give you a penis enlargement. Even if you're not male. And keep in mind they're not always super reliable so stuff might go wrong. It's up to you.
The coupon gives you 40% off Maltego Classic and XL (discount do not apply to renewal free). The coupon is valid from now to the 27th of Dec (00h00, GMT+2).
Baby seals,


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In this post i will show , how you can visualise computational graphs created by tensorflow bu using tensorboard.
I am using visual studio for tensorflow development in windows. Refer my previous blog to setup tensor flow in windows Installing tensorflow in windows
Hope the reader has some basic understanding of tensorflow. Tensorflow execute every operation by building computational graphs. To visualize such graph we use tensorboard.
Tensorboard is a visualisation tool that will be installed as a part of tensorflow installation.
Write below code in visual studio. In this code we declare four constants, then we multiply 'a' and b' after that we divide 'c' and 'd' then result of both were added to produce the final output.
import tensorflow as tf a=tf.constant(6,name="a") b=tf.constant(3,name="b") c=tf.constant(10,name="c") d=tf.constant(5,name="d") mul=tf.multiply(a,b,name="mul") div=tf.div(c,d,name="div") addn=tf.add_n([mul,div],name="addn") sess=tf.Session() output =sess.run(addn) print(output) writer=tf.summary.FileWriter('./visual',sess.graph) writer.close() sess.close()
These line actually help us to create graphs for above computation. Here "visual" is a folder created in your running directory.
writer=tf.summary.FileWriter('./visual',sess.graph) writer.close()
Now go to your running directory and execute below command.
tensorboard --logdir="visual"
Now browse to the link and see the graph.


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It must have been an odd sight. On September 18, 1996, Lee Jin Gyu, a South Korean taxi cab driver, was taking a passenger on the Gangneung-Tonghae coastal highway. A little before one in the morning, the driver noticed a group of men clustered on the side of the highway. Their hair was short, their clothes nearly identical. Lee—perplexed and curious—completed his fare before returning to the area. The men had disappeared. A strange shape, however, lurked in the water. Walking down to the ocean under a waning crescent moon, he observed what "…looked like a dolphin or a submarine" about 65 feet from the shore.[i] "I was certain it wasn't a fishing boat. So I reported it to the police," Lee recalled.[ii]
The cab driver was lucky to be alive. He had unintentionally stumbled on 26 North Korean soldiers and a grounded DPRK Sang-O (Shark) class, 325-ton submarine.
The next seven weeks would lead Republic of Korea (ROK) forces on a desperate manhunt to capture the infiltrators. 16 South Korean citizens and 24 of the 26 DPRK soldiers lay dead before it was over. Authorities would take just one North Korean into custody, while a surviving member of the doomed submarine crew vanished completely—likely across the demilitarized zone into North Korea.
And yet, on September 13, 1996, as the submarine crew set out from Toejo-Dong—the headquarters of the North Korean Navy's East Coast Fleet near Hamhung—there was little inclination of the grave events awaiting them. The lone captured crewmember later informed investigators that the mission was not new; a year earlier, on approximately September 15, 1995, infiltrators had conducted a similar operation around Gangneung, gathering intelligence on nearby military installations.[iii] A year later, as a North Korean general treated the crew to a special dinner before their departure, they only knew for certain that their mission was significant.[iv]
The North Korean submarine's 26 passengers, part of the 22nd Squadron of the Maritime Department of the Reconnaissance Bureau, consisted of 21 crew members, three Special Operations Forces, as well as the Director and Vice Director of the Maritime Department. They had prepared extensively, conducting five separate training missions. Every member of the doomed crew, moreover, affirmed his total allegiance to the Dear Leader, signing a vow to come home "only 'after fulfilling the order of General Kim Chong Il.'"[v]
From September 14-15, the Sang-O submarine moved stealthily towards Gangneung on South Korea's eastern coast. Around 11 PM on the 15th, three SOF commandos and two crewmen, serving as escorts of some type, slipped quietly into the water about 1000 ft. from the shoreline. After arriving on the beach, the reconnaissance unit stashed their scuba equipment and set out on their mission. The two escort crewmen swam back to the submarine, and the North Korean vessel moved away from the coastline. An attempt the following evening to retrieve the three North Korean infiltrators failed for reasons unknown, leading the submarine to return to the coast for a third and final time on Tuesday, September 17. That evening, at approximately nine o'clock, the submarine's back tail became lodged in a reef. Efforts to free the submarine failed, and the commander, Captain Chong Yong Ku, ordered the crew to abandon ship for the shore.[vi] There, the crew broke up into smaller groups and headed for the mountains of Odaesan National Park.
Within hours, South Korean forces arrived at the abandoned submarine, finding a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, 100 grenades, and "a note that read, 'We must accomplish the mission without fail.'"[vii] By early morning, the ROK Army was mobilizing massive forces to find the submarine crew.
By 4:30 on the afternoon of the 18th, ROK forces captured a North Korean soldier, Lee Kwang Soo, after a farmer saw him and notified police. While Lee remained silent at first—expressing concern for his family's wellbeing in the north—he opened up after investigators offered him four bottles of Soju—Korean vodka. Lee lied at first, telling investigators that ocean currents pulled the submarine into South Korean waters after it lost power, but eventually admitted that he and 25 other soldiers were on a reconnaissance mission of military and naval installations.[viii]
South Korean soldiers stumbled on a grisly discovery two and a half hours after Lee's capture. A little under five miles from the submarine site on a mountainside, 11 members of the crew were found dead, each with a bullet wound in the head. The bodies, clothed in civilian garb, lay neatly beside each other, minus the Director of the Maritime Bureau—a DPRK colonel—who fell a few feet to the side, pistol still in holster. Aside from the colonel, the remaining dead included the Vice Director of the Maritime Bureau, the submarine captain, and eight crewmembers. It remains uncertain whether the group willingly committed suicide together or if the colonel had ordered the weaker crew members' execution to prevent their capture.[ix]
On Thursday, September 19, South Korean soldiers, numbering approximately 40,000, closed in on the area with a dragnet. That day saw seven DPRK soldiers cornered and killed in multiple firefights. ROK forces then succeeded in tracking down and killing an additional four infiltrators over the next 11 days.
Thus, by October 1, only three individuals of the 26-person crew remained at large. These North Korean soldiers would prove much more difficult to find.
North Korea, for its part, demanded the immediate return of the submarine and its crew, claiming the vessel had only drifted into South Korean waters after engine trouble. As the manhunt unfolded, Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency threatened the South repeatedly, stating: "'It is self-evident that we the victims cannot show self-restraint any longer…we have the right to retaliate on the offenders.'"[x]
Following another North Korean threat of "serious consequences" in early October a South Korean diplomat, Choi Duk Keun, was murdered in Vladivostok, Russia after two assassins stabbed him in the stomach with what is believed to have been a poison-filled hypodermic needle. His body was found on a staircase with $1,200 still in his pocket.[xi] Whether North Korea ordered the assassination is impossible to confirm, but, as tests later revealed, poison from the diplomat's body matched poison found on the submarine's crewmembers.[xii] Pyongyang denied having anything to do with the assassination.
Adding to the drama, North Korea announced on October 6 that it had captured an "American spy," Evan Carl Hunziker, after he swam across the North Korea border—naked and intoxicated—on August 24. Though Hunziker admitted the incident, he later claimed he had gone to North Korea to "preach the gospel."[xiii] Shortly after, Department of State officials, commenting on the American's arrest, rejected the possibility that the U.S. or South Korea would consider any agreement exchanging North Korean crewmembers for Hunziker.[xiv]
South Korea, searching frantically for the remaining three members of the submarine crew, continued in a state of alarm throughout October.[xv] It wasn't until November 5, however—49 days after the manhunt started—that South Korean forces managed to corner and kill two of the remaining infiltrators. In the ensuing firefight, the North Korean soldiers, clad in ROK uniforms and armed with M-16 rifles and hand grenades, killed three South Korean soldiers, including a colonel, and wounded 14 others before being overcome. They were just 12 miles south from the DMZ.[xvi]
A diary and film rolls found on the soldiers revealed ominous details about their journey. After September 18, the infiltrators evaded authorities for nearly two weeks in underground dugouts before starting to the north. Along the way, the soldiers seized food from private households and—quite inexplicably—spent a night at Yongpyong ski resort playing video games.[xvii] As their travels continued, the soldiers later stabbed three civilians to death and strangled a lone ROK soldier. The film rolls demonstrated they had photographed military bases along the way.
Even with the death of the two soldiers, the South Korean public remained disquieted as the last member of the submarine crew disappeared altogether; authorities believe he made it across the DMZ—or died trying.
Tensions would not abate on the Korean peninsula until December 29, when the DPRK offered a statement of "deep regret" for the submarine incident. While not an outright apology, the statement was a rare moment of contrition for Pyongyang, reading:
The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is authorized to express deep regret for the submarine incident in the coastal waters of Kangrung, South Korea, in September, 1996 that caused the tragic loss of human life. The DPRK will make efforts to insure that such an incident will not recur, and will work with others for durable peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.[xviii]
The following day, the South Korean government returned the remains of the submarine crew at Panmunjom. Days later—as Pyongyang urged its citizens to "finish the 'arduous march' victoriously"—North Korea explained the return of the soldiers' remains as proof that "the South Korean authorities admitted and apologized for their inhuman crimes."[xix]
[i] Quoted in Bruce W. Nelan and Stella Kim, Time, Vol. 148, Issue 16 (September 30, 1996).
[ii] Quoted in Ibid.
[iii] Harry P. Dies, Jr., "North Korean Special Operations Forces: 1996 Kangnung submarine infiltration," Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, Vol. 30, No. 4 (October-December 2004): 30-31.
[iv] Nicholas D. Kristof, "North Korea Threatens the South Over Killing of Soldiers from Sub," The New York Times, September 28, 1996, 4.
[v] Quoted in: Harry P. Dies, Jr., "North Korean Special Operations Forces: 1996 Kangnung submarine infiltration," 30. Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., North Korean Special Forces, 2nd Edition (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1998), 161.
[vi] Ibid., 29-31.
[vii] Quoted in Nicholas D. Kristof, "South Koreans Hunt Last of Infiltrators from Sub," The New York Times, September 19, 1996, A1. Bruce W. Nelan and Stella Kim, Time, Vol. 148, Issue 16 (September 30, 1996).
[viii] Dies, "North Korean Special Operations Forces: 1996 Kangnung submarine infiltration," 32. Kristof, "South Koreans Hunt Last of Infiltrators from Sub," The New York Times, September 19, 1996, A1
[ix] This statement is based on the captured DPRK soldier's comments at a press conference in Seoul that the group was killed "'by their colleagues because they were not as strong and might have been captured…we were told to commit suicide to avoid arrest.'" See: "Captured Agent Says N. Korea Building Sub for Infiltration," The Korea Herald, October 1996, 1. Quoted in: Dies, "North Korean Special Operations Forces: 1996 Kangnung submarine infiltration," 32.
[x] Kristof, "North Korea Threatens the South Over Killing of Soldiers from Sub," The New York Times, September 28, 1996, 4.
[xi] Nicholas D. Kristof, "North Korea Delivers Warning in Sub Incident," The New York Times, October 3, 1996, A8.
[xii] Dies, "North Korean Special Operations Forces: 1996 Kangnung submarine infiltration," 32.
[xiii] Nicholas D. Kristof, "North Korea Reports It Has Arrested an American in a Spy Case," The New York Times, October 7, 1996, A9. Timothy Egan, "Man Once Held as a Spy in North Korea Is a Suicide," The New York Times, December 19, 1996, A14.
[xiv] "North Korea Charges American With Spying," The New York Times, October 9, 1996, A7. Hunziker was later freed after then-U.S. representative Bill Richardson traveled to North Korea to negotiate his release. Hunziker killed himself less than a month later. See: Egan, "Man Once Held as a Spy in North Korea Is a Suicide: A life of Alcohol, Drugs, and Futile Dreams," The New York Times, A14.
[xv] With the public's frustration mounting, President Kim Young Sam fired the ROK Defense Minister, Lee Yang Ho, on the 17th of that month. See: "Seoul's Defense Chief Ousted Over North's Sub," The New York Times, October 18, 1996, A8.
[xvi] Dies, "North Korean Special Operations Forces: 1996 Kangnung submarine infiltration," 33.
[xvii] "South Korean Manhunt Missed a Video Parlor," The New York Times, November 8, 1996, A7.
[xviii] Quoted in Nicholas D. Kristof, "'Deep Regret' Sent by North Koreans," The New York Times, December 30, 1996, A1.
[xix] "New Year editorial calls for stepping up general onward movement of Korean socialism," Korean Central News Agency, January 1, 1997. "KSDP and CCP of Korea on settlement of 'submarine incident,' Korean Central News Agency, January 3, 1997.
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[Click here to view the video in this article]
If you've never noticed the similarities across summer blockbuster movies, this super trailer is for you.
Red Letter Media has glued together parallel scenes from multiple movies, categorizing them according to commonly used devices, such as initiating with vague and mysterious narratives, followed by silence to build up to the climax. Let's not forget the action hodgepodge and the hero's airtime in slow motion while looking cool and suave.
What's probably more amusing however, is the comment left by YouTube user Chandler Hull who wrote on the video's YouTube page, "I can't wait to see The Amazing Supertransformers Jurassiczilla Rises: The Winter Soldier v Star Trek 2: The Into Dark Days of Revelations Reloaded Reconstructed Retconned Rise of Cobra Legacy: Avengers Assemble!"
Perhaps after watching the compilation video below you'll share Hull's enthusiasm.
[via Laughing Squid, video via Red Letter Media]


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This time the former Beatle gets his own 'Outstanding Contribution' gong
[b]Paul McCartney[/b] is to receive his second Outstanding Contribution To Music Award at next year's BRITS ceremony.
McCartney already holds a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution To Music for his work with [b]The Beatles[/b], is now to be honoured for his solo work.
The singer has previously refused to accept the award, as he thought it indicated that his career was coming to an end.
It has also been announced that singer [b]Adele[/b] will be given the Critics Choice prize – a new award "created to encourage and launch new talent".
The Brits Committee spokesman [b]Ged Doherty[/b] said: "Huge congratulations to Adele. I know the competition was fierce in this, the inaugural year of this award, and she is a worthy winner."
Other contenders for the new award included [b]Duffy[/b] and [b]Foals[/b].
Next year's BRITS are to be hosted by The Osbornes, Ozzy and Sharon and is set to take place at London's Earls Court on February 20.
The show will be live broadcast on ITV1.
Pic credit: Rex Features


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Is he a monster or is he a hero?
Sunil Babu Pant/Pahichan – During the time of the Buddha, he was slandered. When someone renounced household life to join the Sangha (monastic commune), family members and others criticized the Buddha, "He took away our sons and daughters from us." "He took away my husband (or wife) from our family. Our family is now all torn up."
The accusations against Buddha increased when Buddhism became more popular and Buddhist shangas multiplied in numbers. On one occasion, a follower of another religion retained a lady-for-hire (called Cinca) to make a false accusation at the Buddha. While the Buddha was preaching, she stood up with her abdomen bulging and raised her voice at the Buddha, "Sakyamuni, though you talk a good game when you preach the Dharma, what are you going to do with your baby in my tummy?"
Buddha remained silent. "Was the Buddha the father of her child!?" There was quite a stir among the audience. Somehow, while the women staging this drama, a basin tied to waist, to make look-like she was pregnant, dropped and rolled around the floor. Truth revealed. The Buddha continued his silence toward the woman and kept on preaching the Dharma.
Is the truth always revealed like that? Perhaps not! But how does one deal with such challenges in day-to-day life? False accusations — or even credit when it is not due — such challenges may be faced by each of us. And when one is put in a leadership position, this may become even more problematic.
Back in 2003 when Nepal was under state of emergency, security presence was visibly increased, day and night, across districts. In Kathmandu valley there were several check posts set-up both by the police and army. Some populations of people were more vulnerable to their attentions.
More and more (male-to-female) third-genders were stopped, briefly arrested and questioned. (male to female) Third-genders wearing makeup and female dress on a daily basis was not the norm as it has become today. However, during festivals and special occasions or going out at night to disco or clubs in Kathmandu, wearing a dress and putting make up by such third-genders were common since 1980s or even before. But, during the state of emergency, when asked by the police, "why do you wear make-up and dress", they answered: "oh, we work for Blue Diamond Society (BDS) and our office asked us to wear makeup and dresses".
The light-dishonesty ensured swift-release from police detention (or questioning) but also, eventually, set a very negative image of BDS's leadership that "the office forces people to feminize", which was/is never true. Yes, even in early years of BDS, we discussed office attire and decided to exercise the freedom of expression, at least in the office premises, as per one's will, but no one was forced to wear what they didn't wanted. So for years, more and more 'metis (local term for feminine men and TGs)', told the police and anybody else, while being caught or questioned them about putting on make up and dress, the easy mantra chanted: "oh the office asked us to wear"…fueling the myth: 'BDS's leadership forces people to feminize'.
After a few years the emergency lifted, BDS grew further, took on more projects, which meant increased opportunities for LGBTI to get a job who had nowhere else to go. So the competition was (and still is) fierce. A few TGs who were seeking job and already open about their gender identity and readily exercised their freedom of expression by wearing makeup and dress, argued saying: "we must get the opportunity as we are out, visible and equally qualified but gay man are still in closet, not visible".
They also said it out-loud among the LGBTI communities that they deserve to get hired by BDS whenever there are vacancies. These arguments were then twisted further, spread across and another myth is established that "BDS leadership pushes people to wear makeup and dress to get/retain job".
In 2012, a (female to male) third gender was assigned as a physical training (PT) officer to the community participants to the Nepal's first LGBTI-sport festival prior to the festival. He had to start the PT at 7am in the morning at the national stadium. For few days only few people showed up in time and many anticipated participants didn't show up at all. Disappointed by this he told them that: "Sunil sir (some staff called me Sunil sir, some called me Sunil Dai (Dai, elder brother in Nepali) ) had said everyone must come on time and regularly". When asked "I never said this, why did you say so?" He replied saying: "Nobody listened to me, so I must use your name and see the results, more people are in PT these days and on time; everyone in the office uses your name for "things to be done" regardless of what you said or not said".
That puzzled me thinking, using my name for the 'good-cause' (like this one) is OK but what if someone in the office also uses my name for selfish-causes? My weakness was I didn't contain such name-using-phenomena in time; but it was also impossible to go after each and every staff or member of the society and try to control what they say or do using my name. So, over time, another big myth is established that everything happens within and around, not just BDS but also, LGBTI communities in Nepal has a direct link to its leadership.
The pros-and-cons of that culture were that I got all the praise for anything that went well and I was the one got blamed for anything that went not-so-well. After 2011 such 'name-using' incidents become more public for the wrong (or for some, right) reasons. Some lesbians who had quietly registered separate organizations started spreading rumors that: "BDS is corrupt and does not support lesbians". Similarly, some gay identified men who had quietly registered separate organizations have started saying that: "BDS is only for flamboyant males and TGs and BDS is hugely corrupt". Universally, negative news get quick attention and spread farther and faster. People as well as media from far and wide started believing these narratives.
A hero, so far, was painted with a mismanagement charges, corruption charges, sexual assault charges, attempted murder charges. All-praising-media so far suddenly turned against and started demonizing me/BDS. Charges were filed against the leadership of BDS at several governments, judiciary and other semi government entities. Donors rushed to investigate. For the next two years BDS spent time answering all these questions. No evidence was found to substantiate the charges since they were false charges. But the name-using did not stop for the right and/or wrong reasons.
I enjoyed working with such a great and diverse teams of very dedicated people and organizations across many districts of Nepal, and we achieved so much in terms of securing LGBTI rights in Nepal, ranging from greater visibility, to empowerment, to constitutional guarantee, to becoming powerful civil society, to joining the political arena.
By mid of 2013, I decided to quit BDS, mainly for two reasons, one was entirely personal and other reason was my own reading/understanding of these latest incidents of 'name-using'. South Asia is a dialectical culture; one must be able to read the 'metaphor' behind everything said or told. The charges against me (initially started by some community members, later joined by others) were not actually charges; it was the revelation that the community is empowered enough and wishes to take the lead on the social and political space created by BDS. It took a while to read this metaphor (one donor representative actually helped me to understand this when she asked me in early 2013 at a private family gathering: "why don't you quit, just see what they actually get up to?"). I was very happy with decoding the 'metaphors of events' and resigned from BDS in July 2013 but many people are, still, left with two niggling questions: Is he a monster? Or is he a hero?
Perhaps neither, as I was just doing what I believed I should do for larger good. But this 'name-using culture' is not just at BDS, such practices prevail across many cultures. The middleman's role is always crucial for the success (or survival) of leadership in feudal societies. We blame the ex-King of Nepal entirely but how much we can blame to these "name-using middlemen" for the dissolution of the monarchy in Nepal? Perhaps no one will know. When the x-king took power in 2001, he was all-praised for a while and then he was demonized later by both the media and political parties.
Nepal is struggling to adopt a culture of democracy and leave behind the feudalism. As the monarchy is successfully replaced by some leaders with the help from these "name-using middlemen" entities that still occupy every institution Nepal has, establishing democratic culture will remain a challenge regardless of who is the head of state. Now, increasingly, political party leaders are unpopular and the ex-king is gaining popularity. So who is a hero and who is a monster? Is there an actual hero and a monster or they just created by these middlemen and mafias by creating myths through different means of media for the public consumption, or to serve their own interests? In India, some say PM Modi is a hero and others say he is a monster. For Tibetans, Dalai Lama is a hero, while for the Chinese, he is a monster. Different middlemen play their won card; play their own means of media, creating myths of "a hero and a monster".
Regardless of leadership change, several times since I left BDS, every leadership, including the current one experiences (or faces) similar enhancements (or challenges) by/of these "name-using middlemen" entities. And this is not just a BDS phenomenon, the whole culture thrives on this phenomenon called: middlemen and bureaucracy (or popularly known as "dalals" and "babus" in South Asia).
So the public-in-general may never know the truths. But is it important that the truths are revealed to others? The answer is: it depends.
If you believe in Hero-Villain dichotomy, then it is important that what you have done is revealed to others and proof of truth is verified (examination of evidence to achieve justice). You are not satisfied until the truth is established. But if you believe in Karma-concept then revealing truth to others is not much of your interest, rather paying attention whether your intentions, at the time of the act, are good or bad are more important for you (examination of own's mental tendencies). You are satisfied with your good actions regardless of other's knowing or perceiving it because you have deeply questioned your own intentions.
In the end, that is all any of us can live with — if our actions arise from selfishness for wealth or praise, they can lead us to actions that are in conflict with our mission. And for someone who wants to become a hero, it is important for him to speculate 'whether the history will judge him kindly or not'. But for a nobleman his own, here-now, judgement is far more important than the judging-history of the future.
Thank you and Namaste!


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You often hear it said that all good things must come to an end, but that appears to be a phrase that simply doesn't apply to All Inclusive Ads. I have spoken before about how a program can only really be deemed as great if it continues to deliver in the long term and that is exactly what AIA has done for me. Judging by many of the comments left on my previous articles it would seem that I am not the only one cashing in on this great program.
As is the case with my previous posts, I am going to grade how I am doing with All Inclusive Ads and where the vast majority of my leads and sales are coming from. I had previously mentioned that I was now operating two separate AIA accounts, and that continues to be the case. Now onto the results:
Adwords + Yahoo/Bing PPC: Overall 9.5/10
Once again I am incredibly tempted to give this full marks, but I just don't like the idea of overselling any one method in that way. That said, a solid 65% of my sales are still coming in through this particular route.
You Tube Videos: Overall 9/10
I'm moving YouTube up half a point over my last rating, simply because it is delivering at a far steadier rate than ever before. I now have a pair of videos that seem to be doing the vast majority of the leg work, but I really don't have any complaints about how any of my All Inclusive Ads videos are performing. The feedback is very much in the positive for all of them, which is always a good sign. I really do recommend using microgig services if you are looking to get quality videos made for an incredibly small investment.
Social Bookmarking: Overall 8.5/10
I am tempted to drop this a half point, as it seems to have stagnated a little. The reason that I am keeping it the same is because if I take out the pair of AIA links that went viral in my last update the results have in fact remained very steady.
Article Submission: Overall 9/10
An increase of a half point here, thanks in large part to a pair of great writers that I found on microgig sites. They have been delivering quality articles that seem to be building a steady increase in backlinks.
Blog Posting: Overall 9/10
Another half point increase here as the software that I am using to track AIA member links continues to deliver. In my last update I mentioned that there were 394 blogs that contained links. That number has now crossed the 500 mark, and the good news is that they are all on the types of niche sites that help deliver great targeted leads.
My experience with All Inclusive Ads continues to be incredibly positive, to the point where I am now considering adding a third account. I am getting very close now to making the kind of money that I always wanted and I believe that the slow, steady growth approach that I have been taking, as well as the help of AIA, has helped me get there.
Sheila Seib


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Next issue:
June 7, 2007
Questions? Comments?
E-mail our editor.
Since first lacing up for the Sea-Hawks basketball team five years ago, Justin Halleran has become one of the most decorated - and respected - varsity athletes at the university. His career on the hardwood might be over at Memorial, but this modest stand-out has his sights set on breaking into elite pro leagues. Click here for more.
© 2005 Memorial University of Newfoundland


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NASA Space T-Shirt
Sign Up to be Notified When Your Size Is Available
Product # MFDF966901
Pushing science into the future is NASA's game. Our game? T-shirts, but we appreciate the scientific advances that those astronauts and astro-physicists have done over the years. That's why we like this NASA Space T-Shirt and think it's a perfect fit for any science-minded individual! (Softness Rating = 7/10)
- 90% cotton/10% polyester
- NASA logo & words "It IS Rocket Science" printed on front
- Officially licensed


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The above prices include test fees which are currently Mod 1 - £15.50 & Mod 2 - £75.00
This course provides a minimum 12 hours tuition
Not included is a CBT which is £120.00, or a Motorcycle Theory Test which is currently £23.00 and is taken at a DVSA centre near you. You can book this here and on-line learning material can be found here or contact us and we can do this for you.
The content for each course is the same, the only thing that will differ is the category of bike used.
The elements of the tests are as follows (these are the same irrespective of category):
For Module 1 you will be required to:
The Module 1 test is allowed a maximum of five minor marks and the test lasts about 15 minutes.
For Module 2 you will be required to:
For the module 2 test you are allowed 10 minor marks but be aware that a repeated minor problem may turn into a serious fault. No serious or dangerous faults are allowed. The test is carried out under 2-way radio control with the examiner following behind on a bike or in a car.
No test comes with a guaranteed result, however we can guarantee that you will be properly trained to enable you to pass the test and become a safe and competent rider.
Complete the below booking form. A member of the Pendle Rider Training team will then make contact with additional information.