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Click the button below to add the Wulfgar mini from Legend of Drizzt scenario pack to your wish list.
Wulfgar pre-painted miniature from Dungeons & Dragons Legend of Drizzt scenario pack.
We promise to never spam you, and just use your email address to identify you as a valid customer.
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Here we will help provide you with understanding cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitconnect, Litecoin, and more.
What are the requirements?
What am I going to get from this course?
Who is the target audience?
There is a definite process for you to become three times more confident in your ability to help others. It is not easy to come by and it is not easy to use. However, once you master it, you will find doors opening for you that you never even knew existed. The process helped DwayneJackson become an International Champion Speaker, a successful business coach and author of Become Unstuck and Unstoppable.

subset: commoncrawl


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Combine first 4 ingredients; stir well. Combine broccoli, cauliflower, tomato and green onions. Add mayonnaise mixture and toss gently. Chill 3-4 hours. Line a serving bowl with lettuce leaves, and fill with salad just before serving.
By Robin from Washington, IA
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!


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Organic CGi serie
A digital journey
Here is a compilation of some of my organic sculpts. By organic I mean characters sculpted, and in my case many insects/living things on earth.
Most where achieved with a combination of Zbrush, Cinema 4D/Vray and Photoshop, and… some courage! Hope you'll like them!


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Industry newcomers, Anagranimals, are celebrating after scooping a prestigious "Best New Toy" award for their new range of interchangeable plush toys at London Toy Fair this week.
Probably, the strangest animals that you will ever see, the Anagranimals are a gang of cuddly creatures each made up of several different animals. The characters include Heidi the Hippo-Croco-Puss, Pedro the Pig-Orilla-Roo and Ebenezer the Ele-Zeb-Zee, to name a few. Each plush toy comes in three separate parts that stick together with Velcro. A child owning a Hippo-Croco-Puss and a Pig-Orilla-Roo can swap and change parts to create a Hippo-Rilla-Roo or a Piggy-Croco-Puss and so on. There are currently six characters to collect with up to 216 potential Anagranimal combinations.
"We are absolutely over the moon," commented co-founder and Anagranimals CEO Leith Moghli. "The Best New Toy lists are usually dominated by the industry big boys so it's a huge coup for us to take the prize with our first product launch".
The new plush toys follow in the wake of the popular Anagranimal children's books. The first book in the series was published in Q4 2013 to rave reviews. More recently, the books have attracted the attention of publishing heavyweights Hachette and HarperCollins.
"The award is a huge boost," explains co-founder and managing director Heidi Ells. "The toys are being unveiled for the first time at Toy Fair so it's fantastic to see them receive such a warm welcome."


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Under the Tecademics Compensation Plan, the person who sell any combination of the core programs can earn up to 40% commissions. Additionally, when a student purchases all 3 programs from your referral, they become ELITE, which means even more affiliate perks for you!
The affiliate program will be quite lucrative for those who could afford to get into the Elite level from the get go. The program corresponds to the different levels of tuition that will be available for prospective students. Tecademics consist of 3 core programs: TEC, IMPACT, & MASTERS. Here are the details on our Internet Marketing College programs: :-
Level 1 : TEC or The Entrepreneurs Club : This is the most affordable plan and the one that will allow you to sell in volume with very little start up cost. The educational component will be powerful and teach beginning entrepreneurs the basic skills of success in online marketing. This program cost $100/month.
Level 2 : IMPACT. (Internet Marketing Principles and Full Training) : It costs $2000. It goes far deeper into core principles of the industry of internet marketing.
Level 3 : Master's or Signature Offering : This program costs $10,000. Those who purchase this product will receive 120 hours of the most in-depth instruction in the field of online marketing ever devised. Purchasing the Master's exempts you from any pass-ups and you are able to immediately collect commissions on all affiliate sales.
For those can't afford it, there is a complex "pass-up' program in which you would pass up the first sale at each level to the person who sponsored you into the group.
Along with this, there is also a Matching Million Bonus, in which affiliates who reach $100k in sales by November 11, 2015 get a matching $100k from Tecademics in cash, as well as entry into the raffle for the BMW. Along with this, those tecademics affiliates, who reach $1 million in 36 months will receive a matching million from Tecademics. For getting more detail about Tecademics Matching Million Click Here
The acronym "TIME" spells out the compensation plan for the Tecademics Affiliate program. Click Here to register for Tecademics Affiliate Program >>>


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Weekend Getaway: Visiting Winterthur
Looking for a weekend trip idea? Why not combine a weekend getaway with a little interior design education? Winterthur is a beautiful 19th century home of the du Pont family located in the picturesque Brandywine Valley region of Pennsylvania and Delaware. What's even more special about Winterthur is that it houses the largest collection of American period furniture and decorative arts and it is open to the public.
Winterthur houses several galleries full of decorative objects such as ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture and paintings. The above photo shows exceptional examples of period furniture – including a Sheraton-style secretary, a Federal high chest of drawers, and a pie-crust tea table with a tilt top.
Besides decorative objects, the mansion boasts of 175 rooms and several of them are decorated in authentic period furniture. The Port Royal Parlor below is just one example. The parlor is full of Chippendale-style chairs, tea table, and high chest.
Besides beautiful interiors, Winterthur sits on a 60 acre estate filled with floral gardens, walkways, woods, and picnic spots. Don't forget to include Winterthur in your weekend getaway plans!
Interested in learning more about the history of furniture periods? Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design. At Sheffield, you will learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories.


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Why Olive Oil is Good For You #92
Posted by Terry | Tagged as: Uncategorized
Here is the 92nd article in this great series of 100 Weight Loss Tips. Each new article is here to bring you another new top tip on how to lose weight successfully. The last tip looked at why it is better to lose weight slowly rather than go at it like a bull in a china shop. This healthy weight loss tip looks at the reasons that olive oil (and other oils) is good for you and good for your overall health.
There are several commonly used oils in cooking and different countries around the world tend to favor a particular variation over others. This is usually down to availability and/or cost. But it cannot be denied that one of the best oils you can use for health and to assist weight loss has to be extra virgin olive oil.
Why Olive Oil is Good For You
If you think of it in the way that your car needs a really good, high-quality oil for its motor to function at its best and most efficient, so too your body needs a top quality oil to help it stay healthy. Unfortunately, not all oils are created equal!
There are several schools of thought on which oils are better for you and your health than others. Most do agree however that extra virgin olive, which is 100% natural as well as being rich in Omega 9 fatty acids, is one of the best all rounders for maintaining a healthy body and aiding a slow or even a quick weight loss plan.
Choose the variety of oil wisely for your own personal diet, though. There are several grades of olive oil and it depends upon the country of produce and other factors such as the rainfall for the year and other factors. But most of the time, you can usually see a good quality oil just from the price! Ok, that's not always the best way of gauging the quality of something, but generally the more expensive it is, chances are the better its quality. That is as long as the bulk of that price isn't swallowed up in bottling in extremely fancy bottles or importation costs with an oil coming from a faraway place that can't be brought in bulk.
Spain is the world's biggest producer of top quality extra virgin olive oil, with Greece and Italy also figuring in there. Brand names that are most popular there, where people know a thing or two about the oil they use liberally on just about everything, are Carbonell or Hojiblanca, but if you can't get either of those, don't worry as there are many fine varieties of extra virgin olive oil.
When it comes to using the oil, it is commonly used straight from the bottle, drizzled over bread in place of butter (very healthy when you do it with wholemeal bread!) and poured liberally over salads as a dressing combined with vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.
From a weight loss perspective, olive oil is high in mono unsaturated fats (particularly oleic acid) which are the healthiest kinds and very good for your heart. It also passes through the body much easier than other oils and does not add to fat storage, meaning if you use it for cooking your food will be leaner and healthier.
One point you should be aware of is that when frying, extra virgin olive oil becomes unstable at high temperatures, so is not recommended for this type of cooking. It is better to use a lighter olive oil (non-virgin or second pass) with a low acidity value of 4 or less which is more stable at higher temperatures and can safely be used for stir frying dishes. This way it is better for your healthy diet and to keep things as natural as possible.
Olive oil is one of the main constituents of the famed Mediterranean diet and when used as part of your daily diet has a marked effect on cholesterol regulation, especially the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and therefor lowers levels of bad cholesterol. It also lowers blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels.
Particularly when used to replace unhealthy and potentially harmful animal fats in a daily diet, olive oil will help you lose weight over time and build a healthier and happier body from the inside out. Now isn't that something worth making the change for?
100 weight loss tips number 91 will follow in the next post!
Weight Loss Tips
2 Responses to "Why Olive Oil is Good For You #92"
I have kind of a different outlook on this idea of including olive oil in your diet for good health but basically talking, we are both on the same page.
Olive oil is very tasty and has some nutty taste too.


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Chasing words like feathers
in the wind,
seedlings that float away
when I try
to hold them in my hand.
Ideas turn to fluff,
like fairy dust dancing just
beyond my reach.
Stars twinkle away from me,
and the moon
slips behind a cloud.
Sunlight flickers and hides
in the shadows,
and the shine in love's eyes
lights up my heart.
Love is laughing
at my serious quest
teasing me,
playing hide and seek,
peeking out,
blowing kisses that turn
into flowers
all around me.
Love wants to play
and walks all over my words,
leaving stardust
on the page
for me to follow
wherever it leads.
Sometimes, we follow
a butterfly
or a rainbow
after the rain
and we slip through
an open portal
into an enchanted place,
where love's secret
joys are shared.
Painting by Rassouli
"Monarch of Love"


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Below are quotes from calls that I've read today--snippets of information that I find relevant (typically on a macro/industry level) from companies that I have some working understanding of. Complete transcripts can be found at Seeking Alpha.
Caterpillar (CAT)
"After a great first half the economies around the world began to slow around mid-year, and as a result dealer sales to end users began to flatten out. We found ourselves with inventory that was too high and dealers also found themselves with too much inventory. As a result dealers slowed orders, and in the third quarter we began the process of scaling back production. Now while production declined somewhat in the third quarter, we took it down much more in the fourth quarter, and because of that we were able to reduce inventory in the fourth quarter. "
"We've already seen pretty substantial pickup in construction orders in the fourth quarter. "
"On mining again, we had massive orders, I mean very large orders in mining throughout much of a '11 and really through almost the entire first half of '12. That's when sentiment changed I think in the world economy it was evident, in China it was softer, you had an easing of commodity demand, although, overall mining activity actually did go up in '12. So, orders on hand were quite significant and over the past six months customers have really eased off on ordering."Plum Creek Timber (PCL)
"Lumber and wood panel prices have increased significantly, encouraging lumber mills to increase their output. "
"Mill operators are reinvesting in their mills and some are adding shifts."
"contractor availability is expected to be a meaningful supply constraint to the industry"
"Southern sawmill owners are running extra hours to increase production to meet demand, and many are at the point where they are contemplating adding employees and an additional shift to meet the expected demand growth this year."
"assumptions that we'll see, 950,000 to 1 million housing starts next year, and we believe for that demand to be met, you're going to have to see an increase in production U.S. South, and the Southern production right now is about 14 billion board feet, and we expect that you'll see an increase in production in North America of about 3 billion board feet, and about half of it should come from the U.S. South."Harley Davidson (HOG)
"The biggest thing, I think, surprise in 2012 was just how low the retail credit losses were. At 79 basis points, clearly, the lowest we've seen in over a decade and considerably better than what we had seen in 2011."
"we think as far as the consumer is concerned, that they're starting to shift their behavior a little bit. We may see a little bit higher credit losses. "
"we said, I think, 3 years ago, that we were going to open between 100 and 150 new dealers around the world. As you mentioned, we're certainly on plan to do that. We believe that there is still opportunity really in every market."Yahoo (YHOO)
"talent is fundamental to our success. Attracting the best people to Yahoo! is critical, and we embarked on a number of initiatives to make Yahoo! the absolute best place to work."
"Yahoo! is focused on making the world's daily habits inspiring and entertaining. And while we're starting with unique strengths, exceeding the growth that we aspire to will take multiple years. Essentially, we need to start a chain reaction. First, we need to achieve product excellence and differentiation by launching new revamped and innovative products. With great products, comes user growth and more engaged audiences. And finally, that user adoption drives advertiser attention, spend and, therefore, revenue."
"Focusing more on the pure advertising and monetization standpoint, there's greater opportunity with the big 4: Search, Display, Mobile and Video"CIT (CIT)
"Deposits are now almost $10 billion, representing over 30% of our total funding."Danaher (DHR)
"I think the competitive dynamics are increasing, as we've kind of talked about. There's the continued focus on loan growth in our competitors as well as ourselves, but we are being very, very disciplined and so we're going to keep that discipline."
On credit spreads: "So cash flow still is probably in the 500 (bps) range, plus or minus, depending on the transactions. Our ABL is probably more in the north of the 300. And then some of the ABL market, more of the retail flow stuff is probably in the 200 range. So at least for our core markets, we feel the risk return is still attractive"
"we have 10 (Boeing 787's) on order. Our first delivery is we have 2 being delivered -- or scheduled to be delivered in 2015. So I think -- from our perspective, I think it's a little premature to kind of sort (concessions from Boeing) out. But the viewpoint is that it's modest in our overall order book and we hope that these issues kind of get resolved because it's something -- the aircraft itself is something that is big in the industry."
"I was in China 2 weeks ago, and we spent a fair bit of time on this subject. I think it's interesting if you just look at our own trends through the course of last year, we really saw quite the bifurcation between our industrial businesses and our healthcare businesses, both LS&D and Dental. We were basically up 20% for the full year, and we saw that strength throughout the year on the healthcare side of the portfolio. We were down nearly double digit the first half on the industrial side...I think when we look at what's happened in Life Sciences & Diagnostics, we are clearly the beneficiary of a multi-year buildout with respect to the healthcare delivery, particularly in the West but also increased utilization."Seagate Technology (STX)
"For the December quarter, we shipped over 47 exabytes of storage with an average of approximately 823 gigabytes per drive. This reflects a 59% year-over-year exabyte growth, which is well over twice the current rate of areal density growth."
"Data consumption and creation, along with the increase of global internet connectivity continue to drive petabyte growth at rates that are significantly greater than the areal density growth rate."Illumina (ILMN)
"the Illumina Genome Network received orders for approximately 13,000 genomes. Today, interest in sequencing services remains high, including preliminary talks of large hospitals and governments that hope to sequence significant numbers of individuals."
"we've added significant new capacity to our San Diego facility and will open a new lab later this quarter in our Hayward location. This facility, along with improvements to our existing infrastructure, will provide the capacity to sequence approximately 30,000 genomes this year."EMC (EMC)
"We are squarely focused on several of the hottest areas in IT: cloud computing, big data and trust."
"the companies and entities out there understand that cloud and big data are going to change the landscape and if one doesn't invest in these technologies, their companies will be left hopelessly behind."


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It was a few mint juleps in to the evening when Joe Heitzeberg and I started talking about the common experiences of startuphood. "I just maxed out one of my credit cards," Joe told me, consulting his iPhone nonchalantly at 1 in the morning. "I should get a badge for that."
We both looked at each other, and the idea for StartupVille was born.
The folks here in StartupVille are all a friendly crowd. They're happy to help you plant your rutabaga, or mind the ranch, or explain what it means to have capped participating preference on your doggone term sheet. The rules are simple: Each time you earn a badge, you tweet it (e.g. "Just unlocked #MeltDown badge on #Startupville, but the servers are feeling much better now"). Compete with friends to see who can IPO first!
"Discover" a badge we left off here? Come to StartupVille and tell us about it in the comments!
Had the "OK, one of us has got to be the CEO" conversation with a cofounder
Launched product beta
Maxed out one or more credit cards in pursuit of noble company goals
Three consecutive months of more than 50 percent growth
First site outage of more than five hours
Told your cofounder to tone down the pitch a little bit, as s/he was scaring you with the enthusiasm level
First time you get to clean the company windows, clean the company floor, or plunge the company toilet
Flown somewhere for purposes of giving a pitch
Read the entirety of Brad Feld's term sheet series in one sitting, while curled up with one of your own
Check clears from your first VC
Thrown your first post-funding company party
Got your own company T-shirt
Appeared in a print publication with a large national audience (New York Times, Wired, Oprah Magazine)
First encounter with a "real" person, unconnected to your industry or network, who has heard of your company
Turned down your first buyout offer
Game Over
Startupville's not for everyone. Some find it too time consuming. Some find they hate playing. And some wake up with a triple mortgage and a hundred grand in credit card debt, begging for a job at Microsoft.
But you'll never know if you don't give it a try! Do you have what it takes to win Startupville?
Dan Shapiro is the former CEO of Sparkbuy and Ontela, and when he's not creating fictional twitter games, he works at Google. You can follow him on Twitter @danshapiro or check out his blog here.


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1c Sweet corn frozen
1 Carrot
½ c Cabbage chopped
2tbsp Oats
2tbsp Corn flour
Pepper Powder
1tbsp Lime juice
1 Egg(fully optional)
1.In a vessel put corn and sufficient water and boil.
2.When the sweet corn is half done add the chopped carrot and cabbage.
3.Let it boil allow the water to reduce.
4.Now add the oats and allow to boil.
5.Now in add the corn flour dissolved in ¼ c water to the soup mixture.6.Allow to boil till it thickens to a soup consistency.
7.Now add salt,lime juice and pepper powder.
8.Now beat an egg and just pour over the soup and stir.(this step is totally optional)
9.Serve hot.


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Will He Bring Change.gov We Can Believe In?
So, how's the Obama administration doing so far?
It's a trick question: We're still about minus-23 days in. But already, folks on the left and the right are furiously reading tea leaves, worrying about whether he's as progressive as promised or trying to turn lemons into lemonade ("Hillary Clinton at State: a victory for conservative foreign policy values"). Through all this, there's been surprisingly little focus on what may be the most important question Obama faces.
The president-elect has already reinvented the fireside chat for the age of YouTube. Now he has to move beyond such nifty innovations and decide whether he'll be the first president to actually engage millions of real people, via the Internet, to govern and set the compass of the country. It's easier to roll out webby gimmicks -- everyone can submit a name for the First Puppy! -- than to serve as organizer in chief. But embracing connected politics may be the only road to the kind of transformation that Obama promised and that many in the country expect.
If this is new terrain, Obama has a map: his own campaign, which raised its money from millions of Americans, placed responsibility for field outreach in the hands of volunteers and allowed participants to communicate with one another even when they disagreed with the candidate. He can also look to the netroots movement that helped turn the tide against conservatism over the last six years.
The past half-decade has seen the worldwide rise of a connected, Internet-driven politics that can lead to bolder, more effective, transformative governance. MoveOn, which first showed in 1998 that $25 online contributions could amount to millions for candidates and which helped build a new online and offline movement against the Iraq war, is now 5 million members strong. But it's just one piece of a bigger narrative.
In the United Kingdom, any citizen can launch an online petition at Number10.gov.uk. When enough people sign on, the prime minister's office is compelled to respond -- as it did recently to the million-plus Britons who voiced their frustration over a new travel tax. In Australia, the online action group GetUp, which was modeled after MoveOn, has a larger membership than any political party -- and recently got the leaders of all three major parties to join together in a TV ad on energy.
In the United States, a homegrown, organic movement of blogs, campaign organizations and young people working off laptops in coffee shops has helped resuscitate an ailing progressive infrastructure. Now we have the opportunity to up the ante.
We've already seen how it can work. In 2005, we asked MoveOn's members to open their living rooms and kitchens to others in their community and host a conversation about which three issues the group should focus on. I joined a house party of 10 people in the tiny attic apartment of an old Victorian house in Portland, Maine. We passed around beer and crackers and talked about the state of the nation. One young woman was worried about losing her health care after she finished school -- could we do something about that? The graying gas-station owner in the corner nodded. As we talked, more than a thousand other groups were also convening in garages, church basements and dining rooms across the country. Together, we pieced together an agenda.
When our staff regrouped after these meetings, we were nervous. We were committed to work on whatever course our members set, but what would it be? As the reports rolled in from coast to coast, the results were strikingly similar. And when we asked our members online, there was no question where they wanted us to focus: The top three priorities were a clean-energy economy, ending the war in Iraq and securing health care for everyone. Our staff pulled together campaign plans and got to work.
Earlier this year, candidate Obama was asked what marker he'd put down for his first term. He said: "If I haven't gotten combat troops out of Iraq, passed universal health care and created a new energy policy that speaks to our dependence on foreign oil and deals seriously with global warming, then we've missed the boat."
This isn't a coincidence. And -- though I can hear Bill O'Reilly salivating as he reads -- the reason Obama's benchmarks track so closely with ours isn't because he was pandering to MoveOn. It's because both the Obama campaign and our process were tapped into what Americans want. And as our Founding Fathers guessed, real people who actually understand what's happening out in America are pretty smart.
Of course, it's never that simple. What about the politics of getting that platform through Congress? What about constituencies and deal-making and the art of the possible? What about raw power?


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Level 34: Modular Office by Vitra
Level 34, as in 34 centimeters off the floor. This modular office system by Vitra is built around the bench you see in the picture for a few different reasons. So why 34?
By using the 34 centimeter high bench as the central design element, modular elements like seating and storage cupboards can be placed on top and easily accessible. One or more work surfaces can also be extended perpendicular to the bench to allow for individual or even face to face seating. The best part of this design is that cable baskets are incorporated into the bench structure. This means no exposed cords or the need to place the desk next to an outlet so that you have a spot to plug in your desk lamp.
We can see this just as much at home in an open concept design office as in a home office.
-via Neublack


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Eye Care West
Contact Lenses
Interested in contact lenses?
Contacts come in a variety of prescriptions. Patients with astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness can be fit into contacts. As we age, your near vision may become blurry (presbyopia). Good news! There are options for presbyopia as well!
Pediatric Eye Exams
Children are welcome to get their eyes examined here!
Children as young as 6 months, through the InfantSEE program, can have their eyes examined. We recommend a comprehensive eye exam before they enter school. We evaluate their eye alignment, focusing system of their eyes (accommodation), prescription, and health
Medical Eye Exams
At Eye Care West we monitor many diseases.
We dilate those with eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes. This is to better evaluate the health of the ocular structures. We often dilate those who do not have eye diseases so we can evaluate and confirm that they do not have a disease.
Routine Eye Care
Need an updated prescription?
Call and make an appointment even if you aren't having any issues. We would be more than happy to evaluate your eyes and update your prescription so you can update frames and lenses.
Trauma and Emergencies
Do you have a red eye or something in your eye?
We accept same day emergency appointments if you have red eyes or foreign bodies in your eyes. We can evaluate and treat what is causing you discomfort. The doctors and friendly staff would love to help you!
Scleral Lenses
This is a unique service that may help those with corneal disease achieve better vision.
If you or some one you know has kerataconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, or has had a corneal transplant these lenses may be able to allow them to see better if they are unhappy with their current lenses. They may also be beneficial for severe dry eye. The lenses are large diameter and vault the cornea. They require a few visits to fit and evaluate but it's worth it if you can see your world again!


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Chennai: The Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, marking the beginning of the annual Ganesh festival, was celebrated across Tamil Nadu on Monday with people performing poojas before the moulded clay idols of the elephant-headed god. People also thronged Vinayaka or Ganesha temples, where special prayers were conducted before the grandly decorated idols. Many houses wore a festive look, as people held special prayers at home too. The aroma of "kozhakattai", a rice flour and jaggery dumpling, wafted through many kitchen windows here. After offering prayers on the occasion, neighbours and friends got together to share the "kozhakattais". Roadside vendors did brisk business even Monday morning, selling Vinayaka idols, flowers and holy arugam grass. The clay-moulded idols were priced between Rs.80 and Rs.200. The prices climbed down towards afternoon. –IANS
For more news updates Follow and Like us on Facebook


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See also:
Web, Radio, Print
BBC Breakfast/BBC News 24 and 1 o'Clock News: A collection of all the clips shown.
BBC One: Antique Road Trip at the Rise Operational Base.
BBC Spotlight: 5th April 2016. Trevor Miners Obituary.
BBC Spotlight: 16th September 2014. Read more on the patrol feat. here
BBC Spotlight: 8th August 2014. Watch it on the
BBC site here
ITV Wales: 10th November 2013. Clip
above from the evening news.
BBC Productions: Main BBC footage
of the march. 10th November.
BBC Breakfast TV
News (National) – 9th November. Interview with CART's Founder at Coleshill and with
Auxilier Trevor Miners. Aired on BBC Breakfast and then on news throughout the day. View the web story
BBC Points West news coverage of the Mabel
Stranks/Highworth Post Office Panel. 20th August 2013.
Swindonweb TV covering the Mabel Stranks/Highworth Post Office Panel. 20th August 2013.
BBC Countryfile - 11th November 2012. Piece about Coleshill and
Auxiliary Units in general. Feat. Bob Millard and CART member Bill
BBC Points West News - Friday 8th July 2011. Piece about stage two of
Meridian Tonight News - Friday 8th July 2011. Piece about stage two of Coleshill Uncovered.
BBC Oxford Evening News - Monday 24th January 2011. Piece about stage
one of Coleshill
BBC Points West Evening News - Sunday 23rd
January 2011. Piece about stage one of Coleshill
We found this clip on YouTube. It features some CART members and is from
'Wartime Secrets with Harry Harris' that was on the Discovery History channel. Broadcast in November
BBC 'Countryfile' - Scottish Auxiliary Units and CART member David Blair. Filmed in November
BBC Points West Evening News - Friday 23rd July
2010. Piece about the
Birdlip AW Bombs.
BBC Breakfast, BBC News 24, 11 & 1 O'Clock News - Wednesday 14th July 2010. Talking about
the July 4th event at Coleshill.
BBC Oxford Evening News - Thursday 27th May 2010. General piece on Coleshill and their
lottery funding.
BBC WEST "Inside Out" - Monday 15th February 2010. A general piece on the Aux Units and
training at Coleshill.
BBC Oxford Evening News - 14th August 2009. Tom talking about setting up CART and the
Coleshill estate.
© 2009 - 2014. All
content on this page is copyright to the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team
(CART) Content may not be copied
without written consent from the copyright owner. Sitemap Privacy


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View all Leelanau Conservancy Natural Areas
Finton Natural Area
Finton Natural Area at a Glance
birding, easy, flat terrain, guided tours, hiking, wildflowers
Year Preserved: 2000
Trail Mileage: 1/2 mile
Trail Difficulty: easy
Trail Map
Guided Hikes
Take a Magical Walk Through A Place of Purity
Max and Mary Finton donated this parcel to the Leelanau Conservancy to ensure that its natural beauty remained preserved forever. Finton Natural Area is part of a critical wildlife corridor that spans the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, including Conservancy Natural Areas, Leelanau State Park, and private conservation easement land. This corridor of preserved lands shelters and feeds wildlife traveling from Northport Bay to Cathead Bay. Finton's maple and beech forest forms a tight canopy, resulting in little ground cover other than spring ephemerals.
Trail System
Finton has a short 1/2 mile trail on easy terrain.
Getting there: From Northport, take 201 north (changes to CR 629). Turn right on Northport Point Rd.(CR 640). Look for the sign and property across from Paradesia Road.
Among the cedars are hemlocks whose acidic roots inhibit growth of other plants. These roots and those of other trees are relatively exposed. Historical high water levels caused the soil to bog up and slide away. You'll also notice boulders deposited by retreating glaciers and the raised ridges running along the ground that indicate past lake levels of Lake Michigan.
Look up to the tips of tall cedars and notice the many white birches. They are relatively free of cankers, those black, textured whorls that denote ill health. In fact, many of the Finton birches are covered with lichen. Lichen are sensitive to air pollution, so an abundance of lichen indicates clean air. All these elements contribute to excellent wildlife habitat.
Plants at Finton Natural Area
A Finton FQA and Summary is available here. The FQA, or Floristic Quality Assessment, tells the story of the types and quality of flora at Finton Natural Area.
Get Involved
Poison Ivy is commonly found on impacted areas. Keep an eye out for this three leafed ground cover for it can give you an itchy rash. If your skin comes in contact with ivy, wash that area with soap a.s.a.p. Stay on the trails to reduce risk of contact.


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Tagged: Red Sox
The Bullpen Saga Continues
The Red Sox bullpen was viewed as their biggest asset going into the 2013 season, and that is statement is farthest from truth on July 19th. The Sox had a deadly 7th, 8th, 9th combination with 3 guys who had closer experience. People lauded over this pen that would only force the Sox starters to go only 6 innings and still feel comfortable giving the ball over. Koji Uehara, Andrew Bailey, and Joel Hanrahan made up this super bullpen, but now only Uehara remains. Early in the season the Sox lost Hanrahan who had nearly every type of elbow surgery possible. Today John Farrell announced that Bailey has "pretty significant" damage to his shoulder and surgery is a possibility. If Bailey opts for the surgery he'll be sidelined for approximately 12 months. If he decides just to rehab the shoulder, it's still unlikely he'll return before the season ends. Either scenario shows that the Sox search for another bullpen arm should be intensified. For now, Jose De La Torre will fill the void left by Bailey, but I doubt he's the permanent fix.
Two guys, who appear to be long shots at best, have been added to the fold. Today the Sox announced the signings of Jose Contreras and Brandon Lyon. Both relievers have been assigned to AAA Pawtucket. Lyon, a former Red Sox, was pitching with the Mets earlier this year. Over 34.1 innings he posted a 4.98 ERA before getting released. Contreras, was with Pirates to begin this season pitching just 7 innings in 5 games with an ERA of 9.00 before getting sent to AAA Indianapolis. In his 19.1 innings in AAA he was dominant with a .0.93 ERA and 11.17 K/9. The Pirates released him and now he's here hoping for an opportunity. WEEI's Michael Holley speculated that this could be an attempt to lure top Cuban pitching prospect Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez to sign with the Sox. Gonzalez is likely to make a decision this week, and a chance to pitch alongside Jose Contreras would be alluring to a Cuban, but it's not likely to be a deciding factor. Either way Lyon and Contreras are likely just depth moves to help with the depleted bullpen.
Related articles
- Andrew Bailey likely out for the season, may need shoulder surgery (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- The Red Sox sign Jose Contreras and Brandon Lyon (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- Boston Red Sox: All-Star break report card (isportsweb.com)
Drake Britton Gets the Call
Today the Red Sox called up 23 year old lefty Drake Britton from AAA Pawtucket and optioned Jackie Bradley Jr. This is first time in the majors for Britton and it's a bit surprising, as he has only had one outing in AAA where he allowed 5 runs in 5.1 innings. Also, he was arrested and charged in March with DUI after crashing his truck going 111 MPH in a 45 MPH zone. It appears he had gotten past that as he went off to have his best year at any level, posting a 3.51 ERA in 97.1 innings with a 1.34 WHIP a 7.4 K/9 in Portland. All of that lead to him to get his first start in AAA and now his first shot in the bigs.
So the question is why now? With All-Star break approaching why do the Sox need to add an extra arm in the pen for today's game. Some believe it's insurance for Brandon Workman in case he implodes like Allen Webster has in many of his starts. Rather than blow through the bullpen the Sox's have an option, like Steven Wright was in the win against the Mariners the other day, where he can go multiple innings to help save the pen. That seems to be the most likely scenario, but often times things are not as they seem and he could be here for other reasons. One is that Farrell likes the option of 3 lefties in the pen. At one point Farrell had the option of one of Craig Breslow, Andrew Miller, and Franklin Morales, but Miller's season is done and Morales is also out with injury. The acquisition of Matt Thornton adds another lefty and so does Britton. This is unlikely, but it does give Farrell a lot of options, which Managers love to have. A third option is that the Sox got bad news on Clay Buchholz and they want another a starter and prefer to have Workman in the bullpen. All are feasible options, but the first option is the most likely and he'll likely be back in Pawtucket by the time the Sox return from the break.
Related articles
- Ben Cherington Would Like to Get Bullpen Help From Within, But Red Sox' Internal Options Limited (nesn.com)
- Steven Wright Opens Eyes, Makes Case for Bigger Role With Huge Relief Performance (nesn.com)
- Red Sox lefty Andrew Miller will need season-ending surgery (wyff4.com)
Red Sox Trade Targets
The Boston Red Sox have surprised almost all of baseball this season by becoming contenders after having the second worst record in franchise history. In the offseason they changed the culture of the team, ousting manager Bobby Valentine and negative influences like Josh Beckett, and have added players who have been known as "good guys" around the league, like Jonny Gomes and David Ross. The change has been day and night for the Sox, instead of the constant soap opera that was the Red Sox clubhouse coupled with losing game after game, they have quietly worked their way to the best record in the American League.
Now this hasn't come without some difficulties on the way, though. The bullpen hasn't had much success, with the only two consistent relievers being Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa. Andrew Miller was working his way to joining the Japanese duo, but his season has ended due to foot surgery. The Sox's starting rotation has also been inconsistent. Although it hasn't been to the level of the bullpen, the rotation has had issues. After hot starts from Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, they have both fallen off. Buchholz has struggled with injuries, while Lester hasn't been able to pitch anywhere near the level he was at, at the beginning of the season. The last major problem the Sox have had is the left side of the infield. So far this year Jose Iglesias, Will Middlebrooks, Stephen Drew, Brandon Snyder, Jonathon Diaz, and Brock Holt have played either shortstop or third base this season, and aside from Jose Iglesias, none have been all that great. Currently the two men who were projected to be the starters for the year, Middlebrooks and Drew find themselves in the minors and on the DL respectively. Overall, those three areas are where they should consider upgrading at the trade deadline. Here are some names who may find themselves on the Red Sox come August:
NOTE: Since writing this the Red Sox acquired Matt Thornton and cash considerations from the White Sox for Brandon Jacobs.
Matt Thornton (CWS): The 36 year old, 10 year veteran reliever's name has been mentioned in trade talks the past few years, and the Red Sox name always pops up. The Sox's interest has likely picked in the lefty after losing Andrew Miller for the season leaving Craig Breslow as the only left handed reliever in the Sox's pen. Thornton hasn't been as dominant as he was in previous seasons, he's still been better than a lot of the Red Sox's relievers this year. He's posted a 4.00 ERA, but has a career ERA of 3.54. He's also only allowed 4 home runs, which has been the root of many of the Sox relievers problems. He's been one of the top lefties in the game the past several years and shouldn't cost too much based on his age and expiring contract ($6 million option for next season). He'd be a worthwhile investment for the Sox if they can get him for their price.
Bobby Parnell (NYM): The Mets' closer has had ups and downs throughout his career, but the past couple of seasons he's seemingly figured it all out and has become a force in the back end of the Mets' bullpen. The hard throwing righty has posted 2.48 ERA in 48 innings pitched allowing no home runs and allowing just 9 walks. The Sox have reportedly had talks with the Mets about Parnell already, but their price was too much. More recently it appears like he's been pulled off the market. It' to be expected when a team has control over a player for multiple years and hope to contend with the player before they hit free agency. Parnell is first eligible for free agency in 2016, but the Mets are in dire indeed of assets to build around and Parnell can give them that. His value has never been higher, so it wouldn't be shocking to find him in a Red Sox jersey by the end of the month.
Matt Garza (CHC): Matt Garza is a name known to many Sox's fans. He spent 3 years pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays before being traded to the Chicago Cubs. He was part of the Rays team that knocked out the Red Sox in the 2008 ALCS before losing in the World Series to the Philadelphia Phillies. Needless to say he's pitched in big games before, although not recently, because of the deplorable state of the Cubs. Luckily for the Sox though, that same reason is why he's available. Although they are reportedly working on a contract extension, due to the great interest they are more than likely to move him. He's gotten off to a good start this year after being injured to begin the year. In 10 starts he's had a 3.22 ERA while averaging 8.1 K/9. The down side to it all is dealing with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, former heads of the Red Sox front office. They know nearly every prospect in the Sox's system and know who to pursue and who to avoid. If the Sox can find a way to get him for a reasonable price, but if the price is too high, then there's no sense in going after a marginal upgrade.
Yovani Gallardo (MIL): The Brewers ace is widely considered to be the second best starter on the market, behind Garza. He's been one of the Brewers top pitcher since 2009, but this year his numbers are at an all time low. If he continues to this trend he'll have his highest ERA of his career by a wide margin and his lowest K/9 rate. His walks are down, but is batting average against is at an all time which negates that. All in in all it's been a tough year for Gallardo, but his track record shows that he's capable of being much better. Maybe a move to a winning atmosphere where he's not looked as the ace could help him perform better, or he may just be starting is decline, although at 27 that is very unlikely. Also, moving to the American League, especially the east, could make matters even worse. The Sox should, and likely will, avoid Gallardo, unless they discover Clay Buchholz will miss a significant amount of time.
Francisco Rodriguez (MIL): K-Rod has had a bumpy road since setting the single season save record for the Angels. After that season he bolted for the glitz and glamor (and the money) of New York, where he stumbled on and off the field. He's now in Milwaukee, and this year he's seemingly regained his form. He's appeared in just 22 games this season after starting the year in the minors. He's posted a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 innings and striking out batters at a great rate, 10.38 per innings. He's also allowed just .195 batting average against with a WHIP of just 1.06. Overall, he's a risky pick up, but he could be worth it for the Sox.
Michael Young (PHI): Young fits in exactly with what the Sox have been doing. He's one the most respected guys in the league who always puts the team first, but can he help them win games? After being the face of the Rangers for the better part of the past 13 years, he was shipped to Philadelphia and has responded well. He's hitting .288/.344/.411 in 83 games with 6 home runs and 24 RBIs. Although the power is down a little he's still performed better than all of the Red Sox's other third basemen and shortstops. The Phillies gave up very little to get him and likely wouldn't ask for much more in return. He'd be a great fit in the clubhouse and the lineup.
Chase Utley (PHI): This seems like an odd target with Utley being a long time second baseman, and has only played first and second base, but he told the Phillies he could play third if need be. If the Sox believe he can make a successful transition to third he might be a risk worth taking. Utley has batted .276/.340/.504 this year with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs in just 61 games. The 5 time All Star has been arguably the Phillies most consistent hitter this year. It'd take a quality prospect or two to get the face of the Phillies franchise, but he may just be worth it.
Jonathon Papelbon (PHI): Last, but not least, every body's favorite trade target the former Red Sox's closer Jonathon Papelbon. One of the most dominant closers Boston has ever seen. He bolted for Philly following the collapse of 2011, but his new team didn't perform up to expectations finishing with a 81-81 record. This year they appear to be out of the hunt once again, so the rumors start to swirl. Phillies GM has been adamant that he won't move Papelbon, but that could be just for leverage. His contract runs through 2015, so if Amaro believes they can contend next year and/or the year after, he has a reason to hold on to him. The thing is, Papelbon is aging and so is the rest of the roster, so unloading big contacts might be the first step. The Sox are interested if the Phillies want to negotiate, but the price might be extremely high. If the Sox feel this is the year than they should go all in, but the reason they never paid him like the Phillies did was to avoid the back end of the deal, the same part they'd be picking up. Logically it doesn't make sense, but the bullpen is in such disarray that the Sox might just go for it.
Obviously these aren't the only options for the Red Sox, and they can numerous directions. All in all, I think the Sox will be aggressive at the deadline and try to improve the club as much as possible.
Related articles
- Guest Columnist: Kram Jr. on Trades and Ruf (noisenation.wordpress.com)
- Trade Deadline Looming (theshallowfly.wordpress.com)
- Eastern Heat (stoopsports.com)
- Open Season (stoopsports.com)
Who's Closing?
Tonight's 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays has created a bit of stir. It seemed like the pen was working as it has been for the past few weeks with Tazawa finishing off the seventh and Uehara pitching the eighth. Then things got interesting when everyone saw Joel Hanrahan warming up to pitch the ninth rather than Andrew Bailey. This caused mass confusion as everyone searched for answers, and at first they found none. Hanrahan would come on to close out the game and after giving up a hit to start off the inning, he got a pop out and a double play to get him out of the inning. Following the game it was revealed that Bailey was suffering from bicep soreness, the same injury that landed John Lackey on the DL the last time the Sox were in Toronto. It appears he injury is minor, but you can never know for sure. Hopefully he can avoid a DL stint, but if he does avoid it who is the closer?
Joel Hanrahan was brought to Boston to be a closer. Unfortunately for him, things haven't gone so smoothly. He's given up 7 runs in 6.2 innings posting a 9.45 ERA with 4 strikeouts and 5 walks. He has converted 4 saves in 5 attempts though, so he was come through when needed most of the time. He was also sidelined with a hamstring injury, which he believes was the source of his pitching woes. I hope that's true because if Hanrahan pitches anywhere near the way he did while "injured" I have no faith in him going forward. He did pass his first real test since coming back, but it was a little shaky, but it's steps in the right direction. If he wants to ever be able to fully take back his closer role from Bailey, he'll need to return to his 2011 form. 2011 was his breakout year where he saved a career best 40 games with a 1.83 ERA in 68.2 innings allowing just 14 earned runs all year. He also posted the lowest BB/9 of career, 2.1, and his lowest WHIP, 1.049. The following year he lost a lot of the control that made him the dominant reliever that he was in 2011 with his BB/9 sky rocketing to 5.2. We are starting to see that here so far this year as it seems as if sometimes his command will disappear for a couple pitches and then suddenly return. This volatile pitching isn't what you want in the ninth with the game on the line because you need to be able to come up with a big pitch at any given time, but he can't command his pitches he could find himself loading up the bases pretty quickly. Overall though, Hanrahan hasn't been completely awful. He's made the pitches when he's needed to (most of the time) and has carried himself well through this whole mess.
Andrew Bailey was also brought here to close, but after an injury plagued season and less than stellar performances in his few appearances, it appeared as if Andrew Bailey would never get a chance to close in Boston again. Luckily, for him, the man tasked with closing out games hit the DL and allowed him to show Red Sox Nation he's still a viable closer. Unfortunately Hanrahan has returned and Bailey has found himself injured and his stint as closer may be short lived, but is Bailey the better choice. The former Rookie of the Year compiled 3 solid years for the Oakland A's striking out 174 batters in 174 innings while posting a 2.07 ERA with 75 saves. What I like about Bailey being the strikeout machine that he is, is that he doesn't rely on the hitter not to square up his pitch, but he relies on his swing and miss stuff. That's the best way to stop a team, because if they can't hit than there's nothing they can do. Bailey has pitched well this year picking up 5 saves in 6 attempts and in his only blown save he was able to tightrope out of tough spot and ended up picking up the win. All in all, when he's Bailey could be one of, if not the, best reliever in the game.
Overall looking at both of them I think it's a no-brainer, Andrew Bailey should be the Red Sox closer. He's not only been the better pitcher this year, but has shown that he has a much more consistent track record. I have much more trust in Bailey right now than I do in Hanrahan so I believe that's the direction the Sox's should go. What's your opinion?
Related articles
- Joel Hanrahan's Injury Continues to Linger in Back of Closer's Mind, Creating 'Frustrating' Situation (nesn.com)
- BoSox take series from Blue Jays, win 20th game (sportsillustrated.cnn.com)
- Red Sox activate Joel Hanrahan, but will he resume closing? (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Can Alex Wilson Stick?
When John Lackey landed on the DL with a right bicep strain, the Red Sox decided to call up reliever Alex Wilson to add some length to the bullpen with Alfredo Aceves moving to the starting rotation. A lot has changed since then, Lackey has returned, Aceves is gone, Daniel Bard and Ryan Lavarnway have both had brief cups of coffee with the team, and Joel Hanrahan hit the DL and since returned. Through all of that Alex Wilson has been there and pitched surprisingly well. In 6 appearances he's pitched 6 shutout innings allowing just 4 hits and 3 walks and has struck out 4. Now he hasn't pitched in any high leverage situations, but still numbers he's still been impressive. Clayton Mortensen whose been in a similar role has not pitched quite as well. In 7 appearances he's pitched 9.2 innings allowing 6 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks and has struck out 11. So the question is once the team is fully healthy could Alex Wilson still be with the team? Alfredo Aceves is gone leaving an open bullpen spot and he's out-pitched another pitcher in a similar role, so I believe he has the ability to remain with the team and contribute in an even bigger role than he's in right now. We'll find out soon out his fate with Craig Breslow and Franklin Morales both returning soon. I hope that he will survive the return of the two lefties and continue to contribute to the team.
Related articles
- Red Sox Place Lackey On DL, Call Up Alex Wilson (boston.cbslocal.com)
- Victorino has lower-back inflammation (mlb.mlb.com)
- Are Red Sox equipped for injury to John Lackey? (boston.com)
- Red Sox option Dan Butler and Alex Wilson (boston.com)
Aceves Optioned to AAA
Following the Red Sox 6-5 win over Oakland today there was some shocking news. Alfredo Aceves had been optioned to AAA Pawtucket. He has 72 hours to report, but it sounds as if he doesn't have intentions of reporting. MLBTR is reporting that within that 72 hour window the Red Sox will try to trade him. During the spring it appeared like there was a market for Aceves, but that has since disappeared following his behavioral issues and his lack of on field production. One team that's been mentioned is the Los Angeles Angels, because their struggling bullpen, but they'd still likely have reservations about acquiring Aceves. Another team could be the Detroit Tigers, but that's unlikely. Regardless, a guy with 8.66 ERA in April is hard to move in April. Also his constant issue would deter anyone trading for him.
To replace Aceves the Sox called up catcher Ryan Lavarnway. This comes as a surprise, because first of all everyone expected a pitcher and secondly with David Ross and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, depth at catcher isn't exactly needed. Lavarnway has gotten off to a fast start in AAA, hitting with a .310/.423/.452 slash line but has just 1 home run and 7 RBI. This will be his third stint in the majors, but his first two weren't that successful. In 63 big league games he's hit just .172/.230/.286. Maybe third times a charm for Lavarnway and he finally puts it all together at the big league level. As for why he was called up, there's only been speculation. I've heard that when Lackey's activated Victorino will head to the DL with his back issues. Lavarnway would become just an extra bat for the time being in that case. Another reason could be that the Sox are dissatisfied with the production of Ross and Saltalamacchia and with the extra roster spot could be just for a brief tryout. It really just baffles me why they chose Lavarnway but I'm sure we'll find out soon.
Overall, this move proves the Sox are committed to putting together a team of good guys. While the debate between sabermetrics and traditional stats carries on the Sox will use their own formula of chemistry as their secret weapon. Hopefully this whole plan works out and these good guys actually have success.
Related articles
- Aceves to minors (cbssports.com)
- Red Sox Option Aceves To Triple-A (boston.cbslocal.com)
- Alfredo Aceves Optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, Corresponding Roster Move to Be Made on Thursday (nesn.com)
- Aceves Forcing His Way Out? (thebestsoxblog.mlblogs.com)
Aceves Forcing His Way Out?
Tonight's game did not go well at all. Nothing went right from hitting, to pitching, and even fielding. The starter, Alfredo Aceves, made matters worse following the game with his comments. Aceves refused to take accountability for his poor performance on the field. He blamed the weather, the umpires, and even his own teammates for the loss, but not himself. This goes against the "good guy" mantra that the Sox have been trying to buy into, and as long as Aceves is around they'll never fully achieve that.
This isn't the first time Aceves has caused a stir. Last year his relationship with manager Bobby Valentine was well documented and by the end of the year he and Valentine were no longer on speaking terms, and I doubt they'll ever speak again. This year he created problems in Spring Training when he and John Farrell had a misunderstanding when Aceves was throwing BP for someone. That blew over quickly, but he found himself in more trouble when he went to go represent Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. During a game between Mexico and Canada a Canadian batter was hit intentionally after Canada tried to run up the score. A brawl ensued and Aceves was right in the middle of it throwing punches. He was eventually restrained by Larry Walker and Walker said that he, "Saw the Devil in [Aceves'] eyes". Clearly, he's had his fair share of mishaps due to his character and attitude. This has always caused rumours about whether or not the Sox would keep him.
Personally, at this point in the year Aceves is way to valuable to get rid of. The Sox would be able to net a semi-decent return for him, but it wouldn't be worth what he provides for the Sox on the field. Having him as a swingman (someone who can be used as a starter and a reliever) is much better than a couple if hit or miss reliever prospects. The swingman has become a bit of lost art as many teams decide to use the spot in their bullpen for another quality arm rather than shoving a starter in the pen, but it comes in handy when your starters back tightens up 30 minutes before the game and can't pitch. The swingman saves you from a dreaded bullpen game and saves your bullpen as well. What makes Aceves so valuable is that he's also a very good reliever, and not just a long man. With the Sox injury history in recent years I'd feel more comfortable with Alfredo Aceves as a spot starter then Clayton Mortensen. Although I don't particularly like Aceves as a person he's too valuable to this team to get rid of.
Related articles
- Gresh & Zo: Alfredo Aceves' Comments After Loss To A's (boston.cbslocal.com)
- Aceves accepts little responsibility for loss (boston.com)
- Alfedo Aceves: "why don't we hit?" (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
- Larry Walker Thinks He 'Saw Satan' in Alfredo Aceves' Eyes While Restraining Pitcher During WBC Brawl (nesn.com)


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Naomi Leff: Interior Design
I first encountered Naomi Leff through the shelter magazine Architectural Digest. In October 1997 (and again in March 2011) the magazine published an article on a Manhattan townhouse that Leff designed. So taken was I by the interiors that I became a Leff fan on the spot. I found out later that Leff was famous for designing the Polo Ralph Lauren flagship store in New York, among other well-known retail stores.
Wanting to know more about Leff's works, I was surprised to learn that despite her accomplishments in commercial design, she did not publish a portfolio of her works during her lifetime. It was to my absolute delight that several years after Leff had passed away, a former associate of Leff's took to the task.
The result, Naomi Leff: Interior Design by Kimberly Williams (The Monacelli Press, 2008), is a beautiful and well-written book, and very much a labor of love. Containing not just photographs of Leff's major projects, it has concept boards, perspective drawings, a floor plan, a few before-after photos, as well as interviews with some of her clients. It helps greatly that the author, Ms. Williams, is a practicing interior designer: the writing is clear and concise, quite obviously from someone who's been-there-done-that.
A short but comprehensive biography, along with a description of Leff's design process, put the book beyond merely "coffee table". Naomi Leff: Interior Design is a treasure trove of information, a book that delights both the intellectual and aesthetic senses.
In Focus
This elegant living room in a Manhattan townhouse was decorated in the Art Deco style. The owner is a sailor so the Leff's inspiration came from luxury ocean liners in the 1930's.
Anegre, an African tropical hardwood, is used for paneling. Macassar-ebony armchairs (most likely with genuine patent leather upholstery)and a U-shaped table, probably piano varnished for a glossy black appearance, embellish the stylish 30's look.
There is also a side table in the forefront of the photo that is probably made of burr maple or walnut, richly figured timbers preferred by many Art Deco furniture designers.
Soft furnishings include a velvet-upholstered sofa, plain French-pleated ivory cotton curtains with simple brown trimming, narrow-slatted white venetian blinds, and cream-colored plush carpet.
Steel balustrade, a stone fireplace (granite or marble mantel and brick for the hearth ?) and a Cubist painting by Jeanne Rij-Rousseau complete the look.
Leff Really Gets Art Deco
Art Deco was the decorative stye of some of the last great ocean liners, such as the French Line's Normandie, the Queen Mary, and the Queen Elizabeth. This style also became a favorite for theaters, public spaces and building exteriors.
The sailor-owner was probably familiar with the style and thus was happy with the designer's choice. The symmetry of the design, the variety of textures, and the restrained elegance of the room is perfect for fashionable New York.
The Leff-designed room's furnishings are made of expensive materials, and care must be taken to maintain the polished surfaces that are so important to the Art Deco look.
The high Art Deco style is known for its use of exotic hardwoods such as rosewood, ebony and mahogany, most of which are now considered endangered species. Tortoiseshell and ivory inlays were also used.
It is easy to think that this preference for the rarest and most exquisite materials is not sustainable. However, these luxurious period pieces are now considered precious antiques and hopefully passed on from one generation to the next, thereby lessening their environmental impact.
Recommended Books
Naomi Leff: Interior Design by Kimberly Williams (New York: The Monacelli Press, 2008) – worth every penny. A short but comprehensive biography, along with a description of Leff's design process, put the book beyond merely "coffee table". This book is a treasure trove of information, one that delights both the intellectual and aesthetic senses.
Furniture: World Styles from Classical to Contemporary by Judith Miller (London: Dorling Kindersley, 2011) – a real treasure trove of furniture, encylopedic in scope, with excellent photographs. Written with knowledge, understanding, and a great deal of passion. My absolute favorite book in the Furniture category.
We Would Love to Hear from You!So, what do you think? Do you like this style? Do you have similar ideas or products to recommend? Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
2 Comments
Shelter magazine is a new term to me. I associate "shelter" with those basements made for cyclones or nuclear war, haha.


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Friday, May 03, 2013
Currently Reading: Elle UK June 2013
I saw Miley tweet about this the other day and knew i had to get it, i did try to resist but there was a benefit they're real mascara freebie and i have been wanting to try that for absolutely ages so there was really no real reason to resist. I'm glad i picked it up and can't wait to read it cover to cover. I'd forgotten but i really love Elle magazine it has such simple and chic design.
1 comment:
Dilan Dilir
I need to get some new magazines too read soon..maybe I´ll buy the ELLE Magazine,too! :)
4 May 2013 at 14:56
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From meeting USDA regulations to pleasing picky eaters, schools have no shortage of hurdles in the kitchen. This is where blueberries come in! A little change like adding more blueberries to school menus can have a big impact on students' interest in eating more foods that meet school nutrition standards. With this in mind, the Blueberry Council invited 16 school foodservice professionals from across the country to attend the first School Boot Camp held at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America's Greystone Campus in Napa.
Over the course of three days, attendees took a deep dive into blueberry education and experimentation sessions to discover:
- The ease and availability of sourcing USDA frozen blueberries, as well as fresh and dried blueberries
- The versatility of blueberries beyond snacking, as they can be incorporated into any kid-friendly meal, including breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks and more
- Innovative ways to get the most out of blueberries through cross-utilization between sweet and savory applications ensuring they never go to waste
- New, appealing recipe ideas to increase daily participation and help schools meet USDA's fruit requirements
- Lastly, small changes on school menus can lead to big changes in kids' consumption of healthier foods. By showing students how tasty and enjoyable blueberries can be, schools can help them make healthier choices today and in the long run.
In true top-chef style, the School Boot Camp finale challenged the school foodservice professionals to the ultimate taste testers: seven kid judges. After hours experimenting in the kitchen, the eight teams went head-to-head presenting their unique blueberry dishes to the honest & fearless lineup of judges. The winner? A delicious French toast sandwich filled with blueberries, cheese, ham, and topped with powdered sugar – also known as "The Blueberry Sensational Slider!"
With increased emphasis on healthful options and a lot of little mouths to feed each day, we hope school foodservice professionals will think of the easy-to-use, versatile and delicious blueberry for future menu development!
Want to join the fun? Contact Julie Stas to learn more about Blueberry Boot Camp and other opportunities for chefs.


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Ravens veteran defensive end Chris Canty is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Canty didn't practice at all last week because of a knee injury and still started against the Carolina Panthers, but he's regarded as a long shot to play this week.
An illness and a knee injury kept Canty out of practice this week. Only the illness is listed on the injury report, though.
"Depends on who the player is as far as that goes," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said when asked if a player can play without practicing all week. "The more experience a guy has, the less he needs to practice. A younger player needs to practice. That's probably...


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How did you like the hidden items? Do you think Club Penguin should add more? How about those penguins!? They look so weird now...too weird. One penguin is even crossed eyed!
Yes, this was my first video ever for Club Penguin. How good did I do? What would you rate it on a scale of 1 through 10? I really tried my best and I think I might make a lot more videos in the future. Keep in mind I just started this channel and I don't have many videos thanks!


text: Apply now for 2018 Gagnon and Perrault Scholarships. Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to St. Michael's parishioners for use to attend a post-secondary educational institution this fall. Nontraditional students are encouraged to apply. Pick up your common application form at the St. Michael's church office during business hours, by email from Denise Connolly at firstname.lastname@example.com or download from the church website. The application deadline is Monday, April 16, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. For more information contact the church office at 525-1902. Please direct questions about the application and review process to Linda Peplinski at 218-340-8980 or email@example.com.


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Sokol invites you to the traditional New Year's Eve Dinner Dance with live music. Price is $60 including dinner. Make sure to purchase tickets before 5. December. For more info contact Vera Zlaty.
With music for listening and dancing by Studio 4. Entry: $10. Dinner choice of two courses at $20. Reservations at (03) 9551 0279, or 0408 088 167.
After the AGM, Australian Slovaks' Association in Victoria would like to invite everybody to a family evening with dancing, mini-quiz about Slovakia, competition for the most delicious Slovak food and a raffle.
Admission: adults $20 (children under 15 free), members / retirees / students $15, and a tray of Slovak delicious food cooked at home to cover communal table. Microwave and gas oven will be available for reheating.
The Slovak Social Club "Ludovit Stur" are having a dinner dance in celebration of Mother's Day and the grape harvest. The children of the Slovak Language School of Ludovit Stur will greet all mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers. The harvest will be announced following dinner, and a rich hamper will be up for auction. For your entertainment, the Slovak ensemble Zmena 5 will play, and a rich raffle will also be held.
The Slovak Social Club "Ludovit Stur" are having an Easter dinner party on the Easter Sunday night, to which everybody is welcome. This is what their Facebook invitation says:
Come and enjoy the night with friends, great food, entertainment provided by our Slovak band Zmena 5 and we might even have a special visit by the Easter bunny on the night. Just don't forget to get in touch with Andy Guljas on firstname.lastname@example.com or 0401684215 and book your tickets. Hope to see you there. Entry fee, including smorgesbord dinner, is $20 for club members, $30 for non-members.
Website developed by Jan Tomka


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TRENTON -- The first round of swine flu vaccine, in the form of a nasal mist, will arrive in New Jersey as early as next week, top state health officials said today.
About 90,000 doses of the inhaled form of the vaccine will be shipped from the manufacturer directly to roughly 2,300 locations, such as doctors' offices, large companies and other sites state and local health officials are still working to identify, Deputy Health Commissioner Susan Walsh said.
The mist is reserved for healthy people ages 2 to 49, under guidelines by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant women, babies and people of any age with health problems will not be given the mist, even though they are considered among the high-risk groups, according to Walsh.
"You need a healthy immune system for the nasal mist to work best," she said while attending a H1N1 flu summit at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. H1N1 is the scientific name of the flu strain.
In this first round, "we'll be targeting a pediatric population," Walsh said.
The injected form of the vaccine will be shipped from the manufacturers as soon as it is ready in the coming weeks, she said. The manufacturer of the spray — MedImmune of Gaithersburg, Md. — was finished first, and health officials saw no reason to delay distribution while waiting for the shots to be ready.
Those interested in being vaccinated should contact their physicians or consult the state Health Department's website, http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/h1n1.shtml, for more information, said David Gruber, senior assistant health commissioner.
People without health insurance can get vaccinated at federally qualified health clinics, as well as at a battery of clinics that have yet to be announced, Walsh said.
State and local health officials are selecting which sites will distribute and administer the vaccine from the pool of businesses, private practices and clinics that have applied, Gruber said.
Officials said each state will get a share of the nasal spray at the same time.
The state is expecting $40 million from the federal government to fight the swine flu outbreak.
Getting vaccinated is voluntary and is not the only way people can protect themselves, Walsh said. Frequently washing hands and staying home from work and school when people are ill also are important steps.
New Jersey has reported 16 deaths and 977 confirmed cases of swine flu to the CDC. The number of confirmed cases does not reflect the actual number infected because only hospitalized patients and those suspected of being part of a new cluster are tested.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. health leaders gather to plan swine flu vaccine strategy


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This was the first bonnet that I made by myself outside of millinery class. It's McCall's 5129, which is now out of print. I made up View A (the red bonnet), but with modifications. I completely ignored the instructions, since it says to use a glue gun!
|Grey bonnet on left is McCalls's 5129, bonnet on right is Miller's Millinery Round Cottage Bonnet.
I dyed some ivory taffeta to a pearl grey color for the fashion fabric and cut strips from a periwinkle, lilac, and white silk plaid that I had on hand for the ties and bavolet. The brim is lined in cotton eyelet, which really needs to be changed out. I cite the "poor college student" clause for its use! I have a thin layer of batting over the top of the buckram frame to cover the seams where the wire is attached and to give a nice, smooth appearance. Instead of a gathered crown I made mine smooth and I made my bavolet much deeper. I think for my first independent attempt, it turned out okay. I don't wear it very often, but with a few changes and tweaks, perhaps it will come out to events again.


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Air Conditioning (Central AC) not working? Call 718-504-5853 The Appliance Repair Men to schedule a same day or emergency 5 star rated appointment. For peace of mind and 24 hr fast service, please call The Appliance Repairmen to get your central AC unit running again. If you are located near Forest Hills or inside of Queens County. Friendly, professional air conditioning repair technicians that are experienced on all ac unit brands including, Carrier, Goodman, Rheem, Amana, Trane Lennox, Ruud, York, Maytag, Arcoaire, Tempstar, Luxaire, Frigidaire, Janitrol, Weatherking, Armstrong, Coleman, American Standard, Bryant, Pane, Ducane, Comfortmaker, Heil, Gibson, Sears and many more. Some symptoms to check before calling The Appliance Repair Men would be to make sure you check the thermostat that it is set correctly and has power. Also check your fuses and circuit breakers and make sure they don't need to be present. Make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature and settings.
Do you need Central Air Conditioning Repair? Are you located near Forest Hills or in Queens County? Pick up the phone 718-504-5853 and call The Appliance Repairmen. They will send a trained and qualified ac repair technician for same day service. Technicians that are sent out are trained on all air conditioning (central ac) brands including Carrier, Goodman, Rheem, Amana, Trane Lennox, Ruud, York, Maytag, Arcoaire, Tempstar, Luxaire, Frigidaire, Janitrol, Weatherking, Armstrong, Coleman, American Standard, Bryant, Pane, Ducane, Comfortmaker, Heil, Gibson, Sears.
Call today, 718-504-5853, Lennox repair to schedule a same day or next day appointment for a small diagnostic fee, cheaper than the industry average (Appliance Blue Book pricing) which goes toward the repair price. Have an experienced Lennox technician service your appliance today 718-504-5853. All Lennox appliance technicians have extensive experience servicing all types of appliances including Lennox Refrigerator, Lennox Oven, Lennox Stove, Lennox Washer, Lennox Dryer, Lennox Dishwasher, Lennox Microwave, Lennox Cooktop, Lennox Freezer and Lennox Ice Maker. Lennox commercial appliance repair service as well. Same day appliance repair, Lennox appliance installation, ac repair, offering best pricing, affordable pricing, emergency appliance repair and weekend repair. Call now 718-504-5853.
Do not try troubleshooting your Lennox appliance at home by yourself as you can damage or harm your appliance. The technician will not be able to work on your Lennox appliance if it has been tampered with or taken apart by another technician. The Lennox technicians are extremely experienced and affordable, so they will be able to give you a reasonable price for the efficient service they provide.
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Other Communities serviced:


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Physical characteristics
Loons are medium to large, foot-propelled diving waterbirds,with anatomy specialized for pursuit and capture of fish.Overall shape is very distinctive with a short neck, pointed wings, and legs set far back on the body. Loon tarsi are flattened and knife-like, cutting through the water efficiently.The feet are large and palmate with the front three toes webbed, and a free hallux. Loon feet, legs, and nails are uniquely countershaded such that when swimming white surfaces,the tops of their feet are oriented down, helping the bird blend in against light sky. Bills are medium-sized and dagger-like. All species have a distinct blood red iris in alternate plumage. Sexes are similar, with the male larger than the female in all species. Each species has four plumages after they are fully grown: juvenal, second alternate (second summer), basic (nonbreeding), and alternate (breeding). Molt times are slightly different for all species. In alternate plumage all species have striking patterns composed of black, white, and gray. Upperparts are dark gray or black, with faint white speckling to bold white checkering. Underparts are completely white. Each species has a series of bold, thin, black-and-white parallel stripes on the neck. Head patterns are similar in Arctic/Pacific loons and common/ yellow-billed loons. The head pattern of red-throated loon is unique: it is the only loon to have brick red in its plumage.
Loons breed in freshwater inland lakes and tundra ponds.Where sympatric, different species occupy different-sized lakes.Larger species exclude smaller species from breeding ponds,but are limited to larger ponds by minimum take-off distances.Smaller species can occupy ponds too small for larger species.
Individuals usually spend winter near shore in oceans and seas,less than 62 mi (100 km) offshore. They are occasionally found in large freshwater lakes and rivers during winter.
Loons are extremely territorial on their breeding grounds.Pairs have been observed attacking their own species, as well as other species of loons, ducks, and geese. In one study, 50% of common loons had healed fractures believed to have been caused by the bill of other common loons. Loon pairs have a
series of territorial threat postures and calls to prevent fighting,which can be fatal. In winter and during migration loons may be found singly or in loose flocks. Loons are known for their unusual vocalizations, described as yodels, wails, and tremolos. Most vocalizations are given on the breeding grounds, occasionally during winter, or on migration.
Territorial yodels, most often given at night or early morning, can be heard from great distances (reports have been made of calls heard up to 16 mi [25.8 km] by humans).These male yodels are individually recognizable throughout the birds' lifetime.Flight is powerful and direct, with wings beating constantly.Most species require running on the surface of water to gain speed for take-off. The red-throated loon is the only species that can take off from land. All species are awkward on land; the posterior positioning of the feet often forces them to push themselves along breast first on their bellies. Occasionally loons accidentally land on wet pavement after mistaking it for water, or are forced to land during storms. In this case, they are stranded and will most likely die, although adults in this situation have traveled over a kilometer to seek
water at the expense of broken toes and wrists.
Feeding ecology and diet
Loons take a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate foods,but small to medium-sized fish up to about 7–8 in (18–20 cm) are the primary items. Young are also fed crustaceans, mol-lusks, and worms. Prey is located by sight from the surface of the water. Loons peer downward, often with their bill in the water, and dive with a thrust from both feet. Most prey is eaten underwater; fish that are too large to be handled underwater are taken to the surface. Most foraging is done close to the surface, but loons may forage as deep as 230 ft (70 m) if the water is clear enough. Very small serrations on the bill help loons hold onto prey. Adults and young consume large quantities of prey; an adult common loon consumes 1,214 kilocalories a day, and a pair may eat 2,000 lb (910 kg) of fish in a breeding season. Loons have large salt glands that remove excess salt consumed from marine environments. Stomach contents have shown that loons consume a wide variety of fish, including sticklebacks (Gasterosteus), trout (Salvelinus), sculpin (Leptocottus), cods (Gadus), herrings (Clupeiidae), haddock (Melanogrammus), whitefish (Coregonus), capelins (Mallotus), minnows (Cyprinidae), and many other species. At sea, menhaden (Brevoortia) are extremely important. Little is known about prey selection.
Reproductive biology
Loons are monogamous, although they will quickly replace a lost mate. Extra-pair copulation has been noted with marked birds, but has not been studied extensively to determine frequency. Pair bonds, which may last for life, are first formed on breeding grounds. Pair formation is not well understood, although it includes bill-dipping and paired-swimming displays where both adults rise out of the water in various postures. Both sexes quickly build the nest, sometimes in as little as half a day to a week; returning pairs may reuse old nests. Nests are constructed of wet vegetation on land or as a floating mat, with a 15–32 in (38–82 cm) diameter. Two eggs are usually laid (rarely one or three) from May to July, depending on latitude and weather; in northernmost areas there may be only two to three months to breed. Eggs are long, subelliptical in shape, from 2.9 by 1.8 in (72.7 by 44.8 mm) to 3.5
by 2.2 in (89.4 by 55.15 mm) in size, and are olive green with brown markings. Pairs will re-lay if the first clutch is lost. Both sexes incubate, beginning with the laying of the first egg. Incubation period is 24–30 days; larger species have longer incubation periods. Chicks hatch asynchronously, are semiprecocial, and covered with dark gray natal down. Chicks leave the nest soon after they dry, but may return for brooding.
Young rely on both parents for food but will begin to dive on their own in three days. Chicks will occasionally ride on a parent's back when small. Young can fly in six to eight weeks. Predators of eggs and chicks include many mammals and other birds. To avoid predators, chicks dive to the bottom of the water to stir up sediments, resurfacing in emergent vegetation for cover.
Adults have few predators, and band recoveries suggest loons have a life span of 25–30 years.
Conservation status
No loons are listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species of Birds. Isolation of breeding habitat protects their numbers from human disturbance in many areas, but where overlap does occur loons have declined due to habitat encroachment and acid precipitation, which can lower pH levels enough to kill all the fish in many lakes. Loon conservation groups have formed to protect them in many areas. At sea, fishnets kill many adults, and are responsible for one-third of red-throated loon banding recoveries. Oil spills kill many loons, which are especially susceptible when adults are flightless while molting primaries. The Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska resulted in hundreds of loons being washed ashore. Botulism, a bacterial disease, has killed thousands of loons staging on the Great Lakes. Common loon populations, in particular, have declined in parts of northeastern United States and in Ontario, Canada, due to increase in human activities—boating, use of jet skis, and canoeing—lake acidification, and mercury poisoning.
Significance to humans
The Inuit legally hunt loons in arctic North America for subsistence purposes. Roughly 4,600 may be taken each year. They are not considered to be the best-tasting food, and may be fed to dogs. Native Americans honor loons with many stories and parables. Loons are a symbol of the north, and a symbol of tranquility. The common loon is featured in Canadian currency on the $1 coin (commonly called "loonies") and the $20 bill.


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I wasn't ready. When my wife suggested we go see Get Out this weekend, I didn't know what to expect. Sure the movie got great Rotten Tomatoes reviews, but so have countless other movies I hated. Besides, it was a "horror film." I gave up horror as a genre a long time ago because I felt it had no value. Two days later I'm still processing what I saw. I know one thing. It wasn't JUST another horror movie. In fact, it wasn't a horror movie at all.
Two Different Conversations
Here's the strange thing. I find myself having two different conversations about the movie. One conversation is an insider's conversation with my black friends. They get the subliminal messages. They understand the protagonist's plight in navigating White culture. I was added to discussion threads. Friends shared memes of Crying Chris in place of Crying Jordan for March Madness upsets. We got each other. I was free to share my thoughts without fear.
The other conversation is a bit more guarded. How do you explain a movie that rails against dominant culture and the attack on Black bodies in a way that prompts White friends to go watch it? I tried. It's a great commentary on what's going on in our culture right now. It's a very timely movie in light of the racial tension in our country. I went with "sunken place" answers. The safe ones.
Get Out is a cultural Rosetta Stone for White people.
What I really want to say? If you want to understand what it means to really be "woke"…go watch this movie. But I can't say that. I've got to work past the "Well isn't it a horror movie" question first. Then move past the "Those previews were really strange" comments. I know. Because I had the same comments before watching the movie. The conversation is tough. And I think it's tough because I'm not sure my White friends are culturally bi-lingual.
Culturally Bi-Lingual
Black people have always had to be culturally bi-lingual. We work in majority culture jobs, play sports led by majority culture owners, and shop at majority culture owned retailers. I know Black lawyers who wear Brooks Brothers by day and Yeezy's on weekends. I can talk the development of the historical Black Church and have a discussion about the Protestant Reformation and its impact on Western culture without skipping a beat. It's what we do. Code switching comes as natural as walking for us.
This is what makes Get Out such an uncomfortable movie. I think there's only one thing scary about the movie. Black people aren't sure those who aren't culturally bi-lingual will get it.
Director Jordan Peele doesn't care. He wants that discomfort. He wants to set two cultures on a collision course for one another and force dialogue. Dare I say that Get Out is a cultural Rosetta Stone for White people. It says what Black people want to say. "Enter our fears. See the world through our lens for an hour and a half." So here's a not so subtle plea to my colleagues (of all races). Get past the strange previews. Get past the genre. And get out to see this film. You'll thank me later.


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A chapel which is also a major community venue is battling to ensure events in the run up to Christmas can still be staged there, following structural problems.
The programme of Christmas events at Hope Baptist Church, New Road, Hebden Bridge, has been put under threat by a series of problems with the building.
The latest involves a large patch of newly-plastered ceiling crashing to the floor last Tuesday, November 10, just moments after a singer left the stage during a practice session. Church leaders are now working with professional advisers to make the building safe in time for a line-up of seasonal events.
Hope has just started a phase of Heritage Lottery funded repairs that will complete nearly £1 million of work on the landmark chapel in the centre of Hebden Bridge. But over the last few months, attention has been diverted by problems that have emerged with repair work completed less than two years ago.
This includes failure to identify dry rot in one of the main timbers spanning the chapel, causing severe cracking in the ceiling, and failure to repair one of the gable ends, resulting in water pouring down the walls behind the pulpit. The latest problem with ceiling plasterwork has led to the chapel to being temporarily closed, although use of the community rooms at the rear of the building is unaffected.
Church member Gerard Liston said: "This is a frustrating setback after all our hard work to provide this town with a unique sanctuary space and to plan an inclusive programme of events and activities focusing on spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
"It is poignant that this should happen just before we publicise a programme of Christmas events that includes a Christmas tree festival, various choral activities and a Candlelit carol service. We are working hard with our current architect and engineer and seeking advice from Historic England to make the building safe."
Mr Liston added: "It is important that we investigate causes of the problems and hold people to account for poor workmanship, not least because £400,000 of public money has been invested in this building. But our current priority is to get the chapel open for Christmas. We have worked with our friends at the Methodist Church to relocate a choir event this weekend and organisers of the Alternative Christmas Concert on November 22 are planning to squeeze into our community rooms at the back. We ask people to bear with us at this challenging time and thank them for their support."
The show goes on: Fiona Pattison, of The Factoryline's Hebden Bridge Alternative Christmas Party Concert, had just left the stage at Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge, when the ceiling plaster collapsed.
It left her shaken but working hard to stage the concert this Sunday, November 22, in the chapel's Community Rooms (doors, at the side of the church near the bus stop, open at 7pm). Fiona said: "We are now in three of the community rooms rather than the church itself, so think of it more like a house party! The acoustic set will be seated upstairs in a cosy Christmassy vibe and then its downstairs to party the night away with Wobbly Bob and the Wes Paul Band. Real Cider Company will be hosting the bar and Wow, It's Vegan will be providing yummy treats. We want to support Hope and look forward to giving you a wonderful start to this time of year."