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Even though nobody worshipped the true dragons in the Divine Abyss Continent, to cultivators they were still an existence akin to the gods because of the ancient legends. The dragons were the royals of old and also one of the noblest races ever, true dragons especially. They were a noble bloodline that was famous throughout the heavens.
The true dragon image charged towards the beast head on and instantly shattered the savage-looking lion image into nothing. Just how powerful was the will behind that bloodline? A low-level image was only powerful in appearance. Without the presence of will, it would possess attack power but lack sovereignty. The image that Jiang Chen had formed encompassed the powerful will of a true dragon, and thus also contained the might of a true dragon. This was why it was able to shatter the enemy image in an instant.
For a brief moment, the entire arena was enveloped in silence. Many had yet to react, as they were too busy digesting the series of events taking place before their eyes. Their minds were filled with all sorts of questions. How could there be true dragons in the Divine Abyss Continent? Pill King Zhen had obviously refined the true dragon bloodline. Otherwise, the true dragon image that he'd conjured couldn't possibly possess such a strong willpower.
"Your Majesty, Pill King Zhen…" Cloudsoar Monarch's brain had also fizzled out for a brief moment. He couldn't even manage to eke out a proper sentence.
"The will of a true dragon! This young brat actually possesses the bloodline of a true dragon! He's a true genius!" Emperor Peafowl was overjoyed. Incidentally, the reason behind the emperor's current cultivation base and status was due to him having stumbled across the fortuitous encounter of a lifetime when he was young. He had accidentally obtained the bloodline of the ancient peafowl during his youth. The peafowl was also one of the noble beasts from the ancient era. In fact, their clan was only slightly inferior when compared to the dragon clan.
Due to the strength of that bloodline, the young Emperor Peafowl became famous for being able to master everything he learned, eventually becoming the overlord that he was at present. Because of that, he understood just how powerful bloodlines were more than anyone else. He could tell that Jiang Chen's true dragon bloodline was extremely pure. It was apparent that there were no impurities in it due to the authentic physique of the true dragon image. Countless people had descended from the dragon clan ever since ancient times, but their bloodline only became increasingly thinner with every new generation. However, there was also a few who were the direct descendants of the true dragon clan.
Emperor Peafowl was extremely shocked, but also a little glad that he had a keen eye for talent. Jiang Chen is destined to become a legend in the Divine Abyss Continent one day.
Over at an uneventful corner not far away from the arena, two elderly men disguised as wandering cultivators were in disbelief at what had just happened in the arena. They were in a bind. One was a twelfth rank inspector of the Ninesuns Sky Sect, while the other was the sect's venerated elder. They both held very high positions in the Ninesuns Sky Sect. They'd snuck into Veluriyam Capital for Pill King Zhen, disguised as wandering cultivators. Like the Eternal Celestial Capital, they were suspicious of Pill King Zhen's true identity.
However, they had a better reason than the Eternal Celestial Capital for their suspicions. They'd accidentally come across information that Pill King Zhen had once brandished his pill king badge at the border of Veluriyam Capital and stated that he was a second-rank pill king. In the Ninesuns Sky Sect, there was a second-rank pill king named Shi Zhen that was associated with Cao Jin. However, the name on Pill King Zhen's pill king badge was Zhen Shi. Obviously he'd simply reversed the order of the name!
The Eternal Celestial Capital had no idea that the Ninesuns Sky Sect once had a young pill dao genius called Shi Zhen. After all, a mere second-rank pill king wasn't likely notable. But, the Ninesuns Sky Sect knew that Shi Zhen and Cao Jin had disappeared at the same time. Moreover, all evidence pointed towards the fact that the fall of Cao Jin had something to do with Jiang Chen. If that were the case then Jiang Chen likely had something to do with Shi Zhen's disappearance as well. Thus, it was only logical to suspect Pill King Zhen after he had brandished the badge.
They were almost certain that the badge belonged to Shi Zhen. They also suspected that Pill King Zhen was the same person as Jiang Chen. After analyzing the evidence they had, they were at least eighty percent sure that Pill King Zhen was Jiang Chen himself. They had even more grounds for their suspicions than the Eternal Celestial Capital. Thus, the Ninesuns Sky Sect was paying close attention to this match. The large brute in the arena was actually one of their great disciples. His ranking was even higher than Cao Jin. Cao Jin was ranked ninth, while this man was ranked seventh.
He was Xiao Paohui, stronger than Cao Jin in every single way. Moreover, this man was very fierce and agile in battle. All his thoughts of fear and death were thrown to the wind during battle, making him incredibly aggressive. Many who had battled with Xiao Paohui couldn't adapt to his aggressiveness and were utterly crushed.
Xiao Paohui was actually quite close to Cao Jin. Because of that, he didn't even hesitate before accepting this mission. However, he wasn't just trying to avenge Cao Jin. His superiors from the clan had told him that the Ninesuns Sky Sect ardently wanted something that Jiang Chen might have obtained from a fortuitous encounter. This only gave Xiao Paohui even more motivation.
Xiao Paohui had placed great hopes on Cao Jin from the start. Thus, it was evident that Cao Jin's death had influenced him greatly. He wasn't sure if Pill King Zhen was the same person as Jiang Chen, but if he was, then his cultivation base must not be half bad if he could manage to eliminate Cao Jin and his three-man group.
Maybe there was an unexpected reason for Cao Jin's defeat, but he had no doubt that this was an opponent that he couldn't take lightly, even if the opponent only appeared to be at the seventh level sage realm. Xiao Paohui walked onto the arena with this in mind and didn't take his opponent lightly at all. He'd wanted to crush his opponent with the Thunderous Lion Roar, but it had proved ineffective. After that, he'd switched to his specialty of close combat, hoping to overwhelm his enemy with his strength and aggressiveness, but that had also proved ineffective. These continuous failures had made him take his opponent very seriously, which was why he decided to use his ultimate trump card of all, the power of totems.
He strongly believed that after using this trump card, he would be able to kill his opponent as easily as flipping a hand. After all, the power of his totem would double his combat strength. Moreover, the totem image was capable of destroying all in its path. The power of an image was not to be compared with that of common martial methods. An image didn't just deal physical damage; it also dealt divine damage.
Moreover, common defense methods were unable to deflect the power of an image. Xiao Paohui could never have imagined that his opponent would use an even more powerful image to instantly destroy his ultimate killing technique. Even a man as confident as Xiao Paohui would feel a great sense of loss after that. The proudest achievement in his cultivation had been easily destroyed by another person with the same method. He stared at Jiang Chen with a look of defeat. "You… you understand image attacks too?"
Jiang Chen revealed a bland smile. "The power of totems. You mustn't have come from a simple background, am I right? Who sent you? Why do you show your tail but hide your head?"
Xiao Paohui's glare danced to and fro as he roared savagely, "I'm not convinced that your image is stronger than mine!"
The savage roar was as loud as the collapse of mountains and the cracking of earth. Xiao Paohui's body began to emit a silver brilliance. It seemed like he was going to accumulate all of the strength in his body into one strike.
"Brat! If you don't fall with this strike, then it shall be my demise!" Xiao Paohui was no longer treating his opponent as he would any other. He understood that he would have to go all out in order to defeat this enemy. Silver runes began to materialize, as if they were carp splashing around in the blue ocean waves. They became increasingly brilliant. Xiao Paohui put his hands together and formed a rune that was a foot wide and three feet long. It appeared within the void and seemed to bear the strong will of a mighty expert.
He opened his arms, causing the rune to turn into a ball of silver light and enter his body. Moments later, it almost seemed as if he'd been possessed by an emperor realm expert. The silver brilliance emitting from his body suddenly swelled by ten feet and shot into the clouds.
"The might of a great emperor!" Someone below the arena exclaimed.
"This is the will of a great emperor! Did an emperor possess his body?"
"Not good! Pill King Zhen is in danger!"
Jiang Chen immediately realized what was happening when he felt the frightening amount of power. It was indeed as powerful as the aura of a great emperor, but it wasn't emitted by a genuine emperor. It was the rune that had encapsulated the might of a great emperor and temporarily manifested itself in Xiao Paohui's body. He suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of danger.
Jiang Chen made a decision in a split second. He grabbed the Imperial Advent Defense Talisman and activated it. The defensive power of a great emperor instantly entered his body as well. The Imperial Advent Defense Talisman had come from Ji San, indirectly given to him by the Coiling Dragon clan lord.
Jiang Chen had also used it once in the desolate wildlands. An Imperial Advent Defense Talisman could be activated twice. Since he had already used it once, it could only be used once more. Jiang Chen hadn't planned on using it easily. However, he understood that if he didn't use it now, there was a chance he would no longer get to use it again. Since the opponent had manifested the might of a great emperor, he now temporarily possessed the might and power of a great emperor. Jiang Chen now had the same. This way, the powers might cancel each other out, helping him endure the attack.
Ji San was relieved as he observed the battle play out. "It's fortunate that I gave him the Imperial Advent Defense Talisman. Otherwise, he would have eaten a big loss this time."
The Coiling Dragon Clan Lord nodded in agreement, "Ji San, you must maintain a good relationship with Pill King Zhen. He's an incredible genius that has an incredible future ahead of him. After thirty or fifty years, the entire continent will probably become Pill King Zhen's era and legacy!"
The clan lord didn't feel that it was inappropriate to describe Jiang Chen in such a way. The clan lord's words made Liuxiang, who was sitting right beside them, incredibly upset. The smug look on Ji San's face only served to make him even more jealous. Isn't it just due to luck that you were able to become friends with Pill King Zhen? Ji San! I, Liuxiang, will forever be better than you!
Unexpectedly, Ji Zhongtang seemed to be watching Pill King Zhen with a profound look in his eyes. His face was filled with nothing but admiration.


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The addition of the Skill of Xerolithia to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was approved of, and praised by the Intergovernmental Committee of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO, 2003) at the 13th annual conference (Port Louis, Mauritius, 26th November – 1st December, 2018), following the application thereof by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Management of Contemporary Cultural Heritage. Another seven countries: France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Cyprus and Slovenia had also applied along with Greece.
The stone structures are directly associated with the traditional organization of the production area of the agricultural communities and with the specific character of each region. It constitutes the global symbolism and presumption of the relationship between man and the environment, since manual labor is most evident in all areas; in every aspect, whether it is pathways, bridges, terraces, impressive cultivations on ridges, humble lodgings used for animal shelters for farming animals, a variety of constructions which support irrigation systems, dams and fences, division of fields and gardens, road network – the stone structures symbolize the environmental harmony to a great extent, especially in areas which suffer great soil erosion and other climatic issues.
The skill of stone constructions is to this day practiced, as it was in the past, by farmers and skilled workers. The younger generation learns the craft from their elders and the skill is thus carried on through the ages. There are also organized bodies who teach the skill to those interested.
The Skill of Xerolithias is Greece's sixth feature which is registered in the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO, 2003). The Mediterranean Diet, the Cultivation of Mastic in Chios, the skill of working the marble of Tinos preceded this, along with a tradition from Kozani called Momoeron and last but not least the Rembetico in 2017.
Two more applications awaiting to be accepted have been filed by Greece – that of Byzantine Psalm singing which was filed together with Cyprus and the Mobilization of animal farming in the Mediterranean and the Alps – in conjunction with Italy and Austria. Both files are awaiting assessment by the UNESCO committees in the autumn of 2019.

subset: commoncrawl


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Padding: 90% Down, 10% Feathers


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Their defensive zone percentage is at 50% for the season, which is 14th in the NHL.In fact, he's the furthest from being known as one.In 2008 Washington State was 1 heading into the game in which they beat a winless Washington team in double overtime.He has collected 76 hits so far while he's scored 40 runs and drove in 33.
It's never about the individual.In Cleveland for this season's opener on Sept.I think this game will be close to this number.They did it with a backup quarterback, Christian Alexander, running all over the Rockets' defense and also converting some key late third downs with his arm.I think way too much is made about the pass rush because Mike Pettine has been more successful with a lot less talent than Clay Matthews or Nick Perry at edge, not to mention our bevy of young rushers all with promise.I think our minds are all on wholesale jerseys that.
He has 43 assists, giving him a total of 65 points on the year.To search for https://www.bizcheapjerseyschina.com players who were born on a certain date, for example all players born on December 25, choose the month, day and year with the drop down boxes and then choose the 'Full Date Search' option.They are converting roughly half of their third-and-long attempts, including Sunday's 40-yard touchdown to Calvin Ridley.One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
The Coyotes have allowed 252 power play opportunities and given up 54 goals on those chances for a penalty kill percentage of 79%.Here are a few recent observations and thoughts on the Caps.Indeed, the percentage of Sparty backers seems to have dropped as the line moved toward MSU.Jockeying for position in the standings is starting to hit high gear as the playoffs draw near.That ranks them 105th in the NCAA in punting average.
I'm not sure the Clippers are a playoff team even if Griffin somehow manages to stay healthy the rest of the season as the club already has lost point guard Patrick Beverley for the season and had offseason acquisitions and projected starters Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic miss significant time with their own injuries.
Lucky for Harvick – or maybe unlucky – he's been in this spot before.
They are 12th in the league in team earned run average at 3.Saying the quarterbacks would be an obvious answer, so I'll go with the receivers.However, he is a little beat up and did struggle some against Orlando's Jameer Nelson.Cutler said the chatter surrounding Kromer's remarks did not impact his preparation for the Saints.Even a seven-minute span without a field goal didn't threaten the lead.
The Padres have 46 hits, including 9 doubles and 8 home runs.The exact cause of mental illnesses isn't well understood, but we know that social, genetic, and environmental factors all play a role, Aubrey Moe, Ph.D., a psychologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF.Even if Andujar is traded this offseason — a distinct possibility — Gregorius is going to come back at some point, and that may mean Machado doesn't get his preferred deployment.Advanced Statistics The Volunteers are 112th in the country in defensive rating with 99, and their offensive rating of 110 is ranked 63rd.He'd find us.
As James Neal told me of his coach during the season, He doesn't complicate anything.He has 5 hits this season in 22 at bats with 3 runs batted in.U16 Euro Championship A.


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When choosing a luxury southern vacation, the cities of Charleston and Savannah should top your list. Charleston, on the coast of South Carolina, has a special charm all of its own. This historic coastal town should be on everyone's itinerary at some point; it's well worth the time to plan luxury Charleston getaways. It's an architectural wonderland around every corner, beautiful beaches and ocean vistas, a mecca for seafood lovers of all ages, and a relaxed, Spanish moss-laced area for rest and repose. Roughly two hours down the coast lies the historic town of Savannah, GA. It's unique combination of architecture, tours, and attractions make it perfect for planning romantic Savannah getaways.
Luxury Charleston Getaways
One of the best ways to see Charleston is to use a romantic bed and breakfast as a base and make forays to different areas and attractions night and day. With a good B&B, you have a home-style atmosphere, a delicious, filling breakfast to start your adventure off right, and the quiet and relaxation you want after a fascinating day of touring. Bed and breakfasts in Charleston, South Carolina are a great way to explore this fascinating city and the surrounding area. One of the interesting attractions in the area is America's only tea growing operation, the Charleston Tea Plantation. You can see the plants, the process, and sample the teas right on the plantation.
Two of the best luxury B&B's to experience are the Governor's House Inn and the John Rutledge House Inn. The Governor's House was described by Southern Living magazine as a "…flawless urban hideaway." A National Historic Landmark, the inn features 12′ ceilings, nine fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, 4-poster beds, whirlpool baths, and private porches. Relish your gourmet breakfast, Low Country afternoon tea, wine and some of the finest local cheeses, and Evening Sherry in the Parlor. This elegant old mansion has 11 gorgeous rooms and suites with names like The Orange Grove Room, The Independence Room, and The Middleton Suite. You will experience the true meaning of Southern hospitality and attentive personal service. Just a short walk from the Battery, the Old Market, and the Spoleto Festival areas, it's a perfect place to experience luxury, Southern charm, and a trip back in time.
The John Rutledge House Inn is an AAA rated Four-Diamond national landmark that is near many historic homes and gardens. Whether you are enjoying afternoon tea, a delicious breakfast in the courtyard, the dining room, or your room, or evening port, sherry, and brandy, you will be surrounded by luxury, beauty, and timelessness. When you're ready to dine, it's a short walk to some of the world-class restaurants in the area. Just a short distance away is the famous Four Corners of Law too. Featuring 19 exquisite rooms and suites, the John Rutledge House was built by one of the fifty-five signers of the U. S. Constitution in 1763 and lovingly restored since. One of only 15 houses of the signers still habitable, the John Rutledge is the only one providing accommodations. Full of antiques and perfect reproductions, its rooms, atmosphere, obvious quality, and outstanding personal service, including 24 hour concierge service, are hallmarks of one of the premier luxury bed and breakfasts in Charleston, South Carolina.
Romantic Savannah Getaways
When you are done touring and exploring the Low Country area on a luxury Charleston getaways, head down the coast to Savannah, Georgia and make time to stay in the Hamilton Turner Inn, one of the top romantic Savannah getaways in Georgia. It was rated as America's Most Romantic Hotel in 2012 by Travel & Leisure magazine, and is number one on Trip Advisor out of 107 Savannah hotels. On Lafayette Square in downtown's historic district, surrounded by magnolias and massive oaks, the Hamilton Turner is a AAA Four-Diamond inn that envelopes you in quality. Overlooking Lafayette Park, the inn was built in 1873 by a local businessman for his family. It has been a home, an apartment building, and an inn at various different times in its 140 year history.
In its 17 rooms and suites, you will find luxury, comfort, and beauty. The front desk is staffed 24 hours per day to serve your personal needs, with pet-friendly rooms as well. There are various packages to help make your trip even more delightful, such as the Romantic Package, the Elopement Package, the Girls Getaway Package, the Honeymoon Package, the Ghost Tour Package, and several more.
There is something to intrigue and please you with one of the wonderful packages at the Hamilton Turner Inn. For example, the 3 day 2 night Romantic Package includes not only a glorious room and breakfast each day, with champagne and roses in your room, but also a dining certificate for one of the outstanding local restaurants and a carriage ride through the historic downtown area. If you're looking for a weekend to get girlfriends together again, try the Girls Getaway Package. In addition to your spectacular rooms and delicious breakfasts, you get wine, treats, movies, a tour of a 19th century mansion, high tea at the Savannah Tea Room, and a self-guided shopping map if that is your pleasure.
Breakfast is a special treat. The chef is experienced in presenting beautiful, imaginative, delicious meals to suit any palate. Every breakfast, whether Eggs Benedict or unique French toast, comes with fresh fruit, homemade granola, and a variety of flavored muffins baked fresh every day at the inn. Your breakfast is served in the elegant dining room overlooking Lafayette Square. It's a wonderful start to an exciting day in Savannah.
The rooms are stuffed with interesting and attractive antiques and reproductions that make you feel like you have stepped back in time, and some of the rooms have fireplaces. All are designed to make you feel pampered and comfortable. They help you enjoy your visit to a historic house in a city full of fascinating history.
There are many tours in Savannah that you can take advantage of while you are there, and most are nearby. They include Civil War tours, ghost tours, historic homes tours, even a Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Walking Tour! Plus you will not want to miss The Original Historic Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Blue Trolley Tour that lets you do your sightseeing at your own pace.
When you're in Georgia, you owe it to yourself to enjoy one of the best luxury getaways in the state — the Hamilton Turner Inn.


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Welcome Spring – Birthing New Potential and Possibility
Despite the unpredictable dramatically changing weather, Spring still remains my favorite time of the year. I love the signs of new life in the fresh buds and fragrant blossoms. I feel the energy of rebirth and renewal that characterizes the season. I celebrate my birth to earth day, April 6, all month!
- What excites you about this season?
- How are you celebrating this time of renewal?
- What are you allowing to be birthed or re-birthed through you?
As you contemplate Spring, perhaps it's time to:
- give birth to dreams and desires that have been gestating or re-awaken dormant aspirations and intentions
- resurrect a passion or hobby that's been put on hold
- consider how to support a cause or movement in a more tangible way
- forgive anyone or anything to make space for new possibilities and highest good
- use this potent time to tap into your imagination and creativity simply to see what emerges
- allow refreshing possibilities to grow through you!
"Now is the time for each of us to bloom where we are planted, overriding our tendency to hold back. Now is the time to say yes, to be brave and commit fully to ourselves, because until we do no one else will. Now is the time to be vulnerable, unfolding delicately yet fully into the space in which we find ourselves."
– Madysin Taylor
I welcome the opportunity to explore what this season is revealing to you; buried treasures, hidden opportunities or new ideas, innovative projects or plans…Allow me to support you in discovering what wants to grow through you. Let's schedule a Seeding Success Strategy Session: This 45-minute phone session will help you gain clarity, renew focus and identify next steps to Spring Forward!
Finally, allow the fresh air, new blossoms and perpetual hope of this season to inspire and motivate you, so that you are fully re-invigorated by the bountiful possibilities of renewal.
"No limit is placed on you; only the limits of your mind. Free your mind and know that your possibilities are truly unlimited!" – Harriet Tubman Wright
Affirming Peace and Abundant Blessings…
1 Comment
Carolyn CJ Jones on April 3, 2018 at 12:19 pm
Excellent points about things we can do to usher in spring! Thank you and happy, happy birthday!!! I am celebrating the buds and small things in everyday life. I am birthing my new program that I put on PowerPoint. Exciting!


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Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup: Just three laps of proper racing in Monte-Carlo
Sacha Fenestraz is the winner of the first ever race of the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup at the street of Monte-Carlo. We can hardly call it a race because only three proper laps of racing were held because the race was red-flagged on Lap 8. Prior to that, Safety Car was leading the pack for opening two laps, than it was again deployed on Lap 4 for the next two laps and finally on Lap 8 the race was stopped after a collision of Harrison Scott and Gabriel Aubry.
The rainy day in Monaco caused the problems even before the race, with slight delay of the start. Sacha Fenestraz was on the pole position after Lando Norris, the fastest driver from qualifying, was penalized due to technical infringement. The second-fastest qualifier Ferdinand Habsurg had a grid penalty from the first race at Aragon, so he was moved to the third starting place.
After the race started in Lap 3, Fenestraz defended the lead while Habsburg made a great move before the Casino and took over the second place from Max Defourny. The race was then interrupted with Safety car after Bruno Baptista and Jehan Daruvala collided at the exit from tunnel. After the re-start, Defourny lost one more place from Dorian Boccolacci. Unfortunately for Boccolaci, when the race was stopped the final result was declared according to results before his overtaking manouvre, so Defourny gets the last podium spot.
Here's the full results of the FR 2.0 Eurocup race at Monaco
Photos: Renault Sport


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More chimeras
Feb 26, 2014
The Chimera (1867) by Gustave Moreau. It's no easy task to catalogue all the chimeras that proliferate between the numerous examples in the work of Gustave Moreau to those produced before the First World War. Consider this a sample, then, and a pointer to further research. Several of these artists—Malczewski, Ernst, Brauner—returned to theme many […]
Posted in {art}, {fantasy}, {painting}, {surrealism}, {symbolists} | 1 comment »


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This is a follow-up discussion to an usual case of left bundle branch block (60 year old male CC: Shortness of breath).
Let's take another look at the 12-lead ECG.
It turns out this patient was experiencing a STEMI.
However, the 12-lead ECG doesn't meet any of the typical criteria for acute STEMI in the presence of left bundle branch block (if indeed this is a left bundle branch block).
While it's a supraventricular rhythm with a QRS duration > 120 ms and shows LBBB morphology in lead V1, there are S-waves in leads I and V6. Hence, you could argue that this is a nonspecific intraventricular conduction defect.
Having said that, there is something strange about the ST-segments in this ECG.
Normally when faced with a left bundle branch block I consider the "rule of T-wave discordance".
With a left bundle branch block, that means that the T-wave (and ST-segment) should be deflected opposite the QRS complex.
But what about qR, rS or Rs complexes in the presence of left bundle branch block?
Should the ST/T-wave be deflected opposite the majority of the QRS complex or the terminal deflection?
Opinions are divided on this point but I use the terminal deflection.
Let's look at lead aVR for this case.
You will note that the ST-segment and T-wave are deflected in the same direction as the terminal deflection of the QRS complex. That makes it concordant (bad).
Now let's look at the inferior leads.
I would consider this to be concordant ST-depression.
How let's look at leads V5 and V6.
Even though these are RS complexes and almost equiphasic, the ST-depression is in the same direction as the terminal deflection. Again, I would consider this to be concordant (bad).
So, we have ST-elevation in lead aVR and ST-depression in the inferior and lateral leads.
There also appears to be less ST-elevation than we would normally expect in the right precordial leads, but it's hard to say definitively due to the wandering baseline and the fact that the S-waves are "cut off" in leads V2 and V3.
It reminds me a little bit of the previous case 63 year old male CC: Chest pain.
Let's take a look at that 12-lead ECG.
Here the QRS duration is only 116 ms (not quite a bundle branch block) but there is ST-elevation in lead aVR and ST-depression in the inferior, lateral and anterior leads.
The patient was experiencing an acute left main coronary occlusion.
Again, this was a tough case, and I can't say that it was diagnostic for acute STEMI, but it wasn't "normal" looking either.
EMRAPTV Episode 68: aVR Gets No Respect!
Life in the Fast Lane … Another Widow Maker?
See also:
80 year old male CC: Chest pain
Excessive discordance as a marker of acute STEMI in LBBB
80 year old male CC: Chest pain – Conclusion
58 year old female CC: Chest pain
58 year old female CC: Chest pain (Sgarbossa's criteria)
62 year old male CC: Chest pain (LBBB with ST-elevation > 0.2 the QRS complex)
Identifying AMI in the presence of LBBB – Sgarbossa's Criteria Part I
Identifying AMI in the presence of LBBB – Sgarbossa's Criteria Part II


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Reforming the Advocates' Graduated Fee Scheme
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
This is the government response to the consultation, it provides a summary of the responses received on our proposals, our conclusions and next steps in relation to the consultation.
Related link
Annex 3: Banding of offences in the Advocates' Graduated Fee Scheme
Original consultation
Consultation description
This consultation paper sets out proposals for the reform of the funding scheme which pays advocates to defend clients in the Crown Court. The government is seeking views on all aspects of these proposals. In particular, the government would like to hear views specifically on:
- the graduated fee bundle
- categorisation of offences and standard cases
- early guilty pleas and cracked trials
- special preparation
- other aspects of the scheme design
- equalities matters
Last updated 26 April 2018 + show all updates
Impact assessment: additional tables published.
Consultation response published.
First published.


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Family Feud Series
Contributed by David Dewitt on Jan 14, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: God works in the life of Jacob even through an intense feud with Esau.
Family Feud
Selected Passages
Series: Essential 100
January 13, 2008
Evening Service
One of my favorite game shows when I was growing up was Family Feud. The show squares off two families against each other answering various questions based on surveys. The first family to three hundred points wins and gets to play for fast money.
The game show is a friendly feud between two families. However, there are feuds that take place within families as well. The Bible is filled with them.
Cain murdered Abel that feud ended badly.
Joseph was going to be killed by his brothers, but instead they decided to make a quick buck and sell him into slavery.
Absalom tried to kill David and take over the throne of Israel.
Adonijah opposed Solomon being the king of Israel and Solomon had him killed.
The Feud Begins
The intense rivalry between Jacob and Esau
The birth
Make no mistake that this feud began when the twins were born.
23 The LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." 24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. Genesis 25:23-26
God tells Rebekah before the twins were born that they were headed for conflict before they were even born. God had already chosen Jacob to carry on the line of promise. This would have made it easy for Rebekah to favor Jacob because God had told her about the destinies of her sons.
The birth is incredibly strange and shows a sign of what is to come. Esau was born first and his name means hairy. He will later be called Edom, which means red. Then Jacob is born holding onto Esau's foot. Jacob means supplanter or one who follows on another's heels. From the beginning there was a destiny of disagreement.
A lost birthright
27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was a quiet man, staying among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" (That is why he was also called Edom. ) 31 Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright." 32 "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?" 33 But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:27-34
Jacob schemes against Esau and looks for ways to gain an advantage in the conflict. Esau would become a hunter and Jacob would be a shepherd. Jacob sets up a situation where he can take advantage of Esau. At just the right moment, Jacob makes a pot of bean stew and uses it against Esau after a hunting trip. Jacob agrees to give him something to eat but only if Esau will sell his birthright. Esau gives up his birthright for a bowl of beans.
The birthright gave the firstborn son a favored position within the family. This would have included a double portion of inheritance, a role as leader of the family and a special blessing from the father. All of these things made the firstborn son to have a special place within the family.
A lost blessing
Rebekah's Scheme
5 Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, "Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, 7 `Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the LORD before I die.' 8 Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: 9 Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. 10 Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies." Genesis 27:5-10


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ELIZABETH — Julianna Marulanda dreams of a place where poodles, terriers, collies and other dogs can run without the confines of a leash, and has begun a campaign to turn a section of Warinanco Park into a dog park.
Almost 500 people have signed Marulanda's online petition since she launched it on change.org about a month ago. She has also collected about 70 additional signatures in person, putting her more than halfway to her goal of 1,000.
"You want to play with your dog and you don't want to be worried that you'll be stopped and people tell you, 'You have to have your dog on a leash,'" she said. "He just wants to play fetch. It's not fun trying to play fetch when they're on a leash. So, I was wondering and I started asking around, like, 'Yeah, why can't we get a dog park here?'"
Marulanda, 24, said she approached Councilman Manny Grova Jr. with the idea when she spotted him at a parade. She told him that if she wanted to take her German shepherd, Katya, to a dog park, she would have to travel to South Mountain Reservation in Essex County or Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Marulanda said Grova didn't think there was a place inside the city to add a dog park, but he suggested that a section of the 205-acre Warinanco Park, which traverses Elizabeth and Roselle, could be set aside for one. He instructed her to go out, get the signatures, do some homework and get the ball rolling. Eventually, Marulanda said, the signatures and the proposal will be present to members of the Union County Freeholder Board.
According to Marulanda, at least an acre of land is needed for a dog park, which should be divided it into a section for big dogs and one for smaller dogs. Sometimes agility equipment is generally installed as well as a water station. Otherwise, all that is really necessary is land and fencing.
She said there is plenty of room inside Warinanco Park, which has managed to carve out space for an ice skating rink, a boat house, several trails, tennis courts, playgrounds and a 5,458-square-foot event space.
Marulanda has identified a seldom-used baseball field, one of about 17 in the park, and said it seems reasonable to ask for one to be converted into a play area for dogs.
Marulanda said the coast of the dog park could be greatly offset, if not paid for, by grants. Petco and PetSmart donate money to communities to build dog parks. Plus, PetSafe, the largest manufacturer of electronic pet-training products in the United States, runs Bark for Your Park, a program that has doled out more than $1 million to communities to help them build and maintain dog parks.
The support the online petition has gotten has exceeded Marulanda's expectations. She is also heartened by the support she receives when she asks residents to sign the petition.
"I started the paper petition because I'm not Facebook friends with everyone who lives in Elizabeth and sometimes you have older people who aren't on Facebook, and they have dogs and they live a block away from Warinanco," she said. "Their faces just light up when I tell them what I'm working on, and they wish me good luck and they want to see this happen."
Katya waits for Marulanda to arrive home from her job on the campus of Rutgers-Newark, where she is an accountant, then the two go for a walk, hike or a run on the beach during the summer.
While there is currently no timetable for Marulanda's proposal, she hopes Katya will have a place near her home to run free as early as next summer.
"How is it that we don't have a dog park here?" Marulanda said. "So many people have pets. Elizabeth is so big. It will be a great asset to the community. It will make us more pet friendly. We live in a town where so many people want dogs. I've never seen so many dogs walking around a community.
"Just on my block, we have like 20 dogs. It's just a great companionship, and I think people just want a space where they can take them and sit down and let them enjoy running around freely or playing fetch without worrying."
Photo by Julianna Marulanda


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Written by Groupe Roullier / Published in Apr 2019
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Theater provides a safe space to challenge our thoughts and actions and to sharpen our ability to communicate in a constructive manner.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 01, 2017
Pico Union Project Theater Stimulates Respectful Dialogue Within Divided Communities
In a climate that grows increasingly divisive, several faith communities have come together for a program devoted to the need for respectful, open-minded dialogue around Israel and other hot topics.
"The Forbidden Conversation" will premier in Los Angeles on February 14th & 16th and aims to equip audiences with the strategies to engage in healthy communication in challenging times. Hosted by the Pico Union Project, a multi faith and cultural space in Downtown Los Angeles, "The Forbidden Conversation" will bring together diverse communities for this important play and conversation.
"We have landed in a time of palpable tension, anxiety, and fear around issues ranging from national policies to international issues in places like Israel," explained Dr. Zach Lasker, PUP Executive Director. "Theater provides a safe space to challenge our thoughts and actions and to sharpen our ability to communicate in a constructive manner."
Written and performed by Israeli actor and photographer Gili Getz, the play is followed by a panel of leading voices from the Anti-Defamation League, NewGround Muslim-Jewish Partnership, and beyond with expertise in mediation, coalition building, and human development. While visiting Israel during the 2014 Gaza war, Getz experienced difficulty talking about Israel with his father for the first time in his life. Finding himself in a 'forbidden conversation' with his dad, Getz embarked on a journey to understand one of the most complex, sensitive and contentious topics in the Jewish community — Israel.
The show is scheduled for two performances at the Pico Union Project:
Tuesday, February 14th @ 12:00pm – Workshop
Guest trainers from Advot, American Jewish University, COR AME Church, Anti-Defamation League, & NewGround
Thursday, February 16th @ 7:30pm – General Performance
Panel: Marc Purchin (mediator), Dr. Avi Havivi (psychiatrist), Aziza Hasan (coalition builder), & Dave Reynolds (anti-bias educator).
Tickets available at http://www.picounionproject.org. This program is co-sponsored by Americans for Peace Now, IKAR, JStreet, Temple Isaiah, God Squad, & Temple Israel of Hollywood.
Pico Union Project
1153 Valencia St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Media Contact:
Zach 818.760.1077


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When Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten retired at the end of the 2017 season, it capped off a 15-year career that included 11 Pro Bowls and 1,152 receptions — good for fourth all-time in NFL history. Witten followed the route taken by many former athletes and immediately launched a broadcasting career, joining ESPN's Monday Night Football booth. After just one season on the air, Witten came out of retirement and rejoined the Cowboys on a one-year, $4.25 million deal for the 2019 season. Whether Witten can match his previous accomplishments remains to be seen, but it's certainly not unheard of in the modern sports landscape. Here are 13 athletes who retired, only to come back bigger than ever.
Michael Jordan
Before the 1993 NBA season, after winning three consecutive NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan stunned the basketball world by retiring at age 30. His Airness said he had lost the desire to play the game and by the following spring, he was playing minor league baseball in the Chicago White Sox farm system.
Michael Jordan's Comeback After Retirement
Of course, Jordan returned near the end of the 1995 season and led the Bulls to a repeat of their championship three-peat, winning titles from 1996-98. He retired again in 1998, but that one didn't take either, as he came back for a much less memorable stint with the Washington Wizards from 2001-03. Jordan won five NBA Most Valuable Player awards during his career.
George Foreman
George Foreman burst onto the boxing scene by taking home a gold medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. Nearly five years later, he became world heavyweight champion after a knockout of Joe Frazier. After a loss to Jimmy Young in 1977 and a health scare that resulted from it, Foreman retired from boxing at age 28.
George Foreman's Comeback After Retirement
Ten years later, in 1987, Foreman returned to the ring and, in 1994 at age 45, he became the oldest heavyweight champion ever when he knocked out Michael Moorer. He retired for the final time in 1997.
Brett Favre
Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre played 16 seasons for the Green Bay Packers, capturing three MVP awards and leading The Pack to a Super Bowl victory in 1997. But in 2008, he retired at age 38, saying he was "mentally tired."
Brett Favre's Comeback After Retirement
Favre quickly changed his mind, but the Packers had moved on to Aaron Rodgers, leading Green Bay to trade Favre to the New York Jets. After just a single season with the Jets, Favre retired a second time, only to come back with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2009 season, leading them to a 12-4 regular-season record and the NFC championship game.
Michael Phelps
In 2012, at age 27, swimmer Michael Phelps announced his retirement. At that point, Phelps had won 22 Olympic medals — including 18 of the gold variety — and received a statuette to commemorate his status as the greatest Olympian of all time.
Michael Phelps' Comeback After Retirement
Phelps did return for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro and reinforced his status as the greatest Olympian ever. He won five more gold medals and threw in a silver medal for good measure. Phelps retired again after the 2016 Olympics, saying this time he meant it. His career medals tally: 23 gold, three silver and two bronze.
Roger Clemens
When he first retired from baseball in 2003, 41-year-old Roger Clemens had won six Cy Young Awards and more than 300 games, and he had struck out 4,000-plus batters while playing for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees.
Roger Clemens' Comeback After Retirement
In early 2004, however, Clemens unretired and signed with his home-state Houston Astros. He won another Cy Young Award in 2004 and another ERA title in 2005 — his seventh — all while leading the Astros to the most postseason success the franchise had experienced up to that point.
Mario Lemieux
Center Mario Lemieux played 12 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning two Conn Smythe trophies for leading the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992. But following the 1997 season, after coping with recurring back problems and a battle with cancer in the years prior, Lemieux retired at age 31.
Mario Lemieux's Comeback After Retirement
Following a 44-month retirement, Lemieux returned in December 2000 to help take the Penguins to the Eastern Conference Final in his first season back. He played another four seasons with the franchise, all while being part of the Penguins' ownership group.
Ryne Sandberg
Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star with nine Gold Glove awards to his credit when, at 34, he retired midway through the strike-shortened 1994 season. As with many players, he cited a loss of desire to do what it takes to play every day.
Ryne Sandberg's Comeback After Retirement
Sandberg missed the 1995 season as well, but he returned to the Cubs in 1996, hitting 25 home runs to go with 92 runs batted in. He retired at the end of the following season and at the time was the all-time leader in home runs for a second baseman.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Floyd Mayweather won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games and went undefeated up until his first (of many) retirements in 2006. After winning the welterweight championship by beating Carlos Baldomir, Mayweather retired. He almost immediately reversed his decision, winning two more fights before retiring again in June 2008 at 31.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s Comeback After Retirement
Simply put, Mayweather only comes out of retirement to win fights. In 2009, Mayweather reentered the ring to fight (and defeat) Juan Manuel Márquez. He continued fighting and ran his record to 49-0 before retiring again in 2015. He had a one-fight comeback against Conor McGregor in 2017, which he won to improve to an even 50-0, and predictably, retired again.
Andy Pettite
Left-handed pitcher Andy Pettite retired before the 2011 season at the age of 38, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and children. The three-time All-Star helped to lead the New York Yankees to five World Series titles and holds the major league record for postseason wins with 19.
Andy Pettite's Comeback After Retirement
After one season away from baseball, Pettite returned to the Yankees in 2012 and, despite an injury-shortened season, pitched well enough to help take the Yankees to the American League Championship Series. After the 2013 season, Pettite retired for good alongside longtime teammate Mariano Rivera.
Randall Cunningham
After 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Randall Cunningham was released following the 1995 season at age 33. Cunningham had offers to play for other teams but decided to retire.
Randall Cunningham's Comeback After Retirement
Like so many athletes before him, Cunningham missed a season, then signed with the Minnesota Vikings for the 1997 season as a backup quarterback. However, in 1998, Cunningham started 14 games and had, perhaps, his greatest season, posting a 13-1 record as a starter and leading the Vikings to the NFC championship game. That season, he threw for more 3,700 yards and had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 34 to 10.
Joe Namath
In June 1969, Joe Namath was the defending AFL Player of the Year coming off of a Super Bowl III victory with the New York Jets when he abruptly announced his retirement from football. The 26-year-old was a part-owner of the nightclub Bachelors III, which was frequented by gamblers and mobsters. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle demanded Namath divest himself of the establishment or face a suspension. Rather than give in, Broadway Joe chose to retire on principle.
Joe Namath's Comeback After Retirement
His retirement didn't last, however. After convening with Rozelle, Namath relented and sold his stake in the business. Namath played eight more seasons, capturing a fifth Pro Bowl selection and the 1974 Comeback Player of the Year award.
Dominik Hašek
Goalie Dominik Hašek was a two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner, which is given to the NHL's Most Valuable Player; a six-time All-Star; and a gold medal winner with the Czech Republic in the 1998 Winter Olympics. The Stanley Cup proved more elusive, but after winning it all with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002, the Dominator decided to hang up his skates at age 37.
Dominik Hašek's Comeback After Retirement
Hašek returned to the Red Wings during the 2003 season, and outside of a short stint with the Ottawa Senators, he played three more seasons in Detroit. The 43-year-old retired from the NHL after the 2008 season when he won his second Stanley Cup.
Randy Couture
Randy Couture was a four-time UFC champion with two heavyweight and two light heavyweight belts when he retired in 2006 after a loss to Chuck Liddell.
Randy Couture's Comeback After Retirement
Couture came out of retirement in 2007 to take on 31-year-old Tim Sylvia. Couture, 43, won by decision and earned his third heavyweight championship and his fifth title overall.
More on Money
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 13 Athletes Who Retired — and Came Back Bigger Than Ever


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Monday, September 29, 2008
I tawt I taw a putty tat!
By Lee at Monday, September 29, 2008
Labels: The Cat. 0 comments
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Edited beyond recognition...
Hahaha... I took the shot, expected something else. Amazingly the uncle came up beautifully. Decided not to waste it, I let myself go crazy a bit with Element editing after a long tiring day of work.
By Lee at Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Board of Keys
By Lee at Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Hanoi's Alley
pic #1: Added some 'noise" to enhance the gothic and errie-ness of this little lane...
By Lee at Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Buka Puasa in Ciputra, Hanoi
Serene Nite @Ciputra Hanoi
Hanoi on approach
The Jet Plane
Monday, September 8, 2008
Happy Belated Birthday!
By Lee at Monday, September 08, 2008
Wifey's car
By Lee at Monday, September 08, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Paddy Fields @Hanoi
Check-In at Noibai
Noibai International Airport, Hanoi
Ciputra Hanoi, International City
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Water Puppet@Hoan Kiem Lake
Dim condition & poor lighting made it almost impossible to take anything decent with those stops I am having on the 55mm lens. Enjoyable, realistic and funny puppet show nonetheless.
By Lee at Thursday, September 04, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Pagoda at Hoan Kiem Lake
Joss Sticks at Lake of the Restored Sword
Ngoc Son Temple is where the turtle of the Lake of the Restored Sword is being kept. Lake of The Restored Sword is now known as Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lantern-Mooncake Festival, Hanoi
Memorial Day, Hanoi
Monday, September 1, 2008
Old Quarters, Hanoi
By Lee at Monday, September 01, 2008
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Lewistown man pleads guilty to attempting to elude police
LEWISTOWN — Jarrett R. Bickel, 25, of McVeytown, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one felony count fleeing/attempting to elude police and one misdemeanor count driving under the influence.
In June, Bickel was reportedly operating a black motorcycle and traveling south on Ferguson Valley road, when he accelerated away from police after the officers activated their vehicle emergency lights and motioned for Bickel to stop. Police later observed the motorcycle that Bickel was reportedly operating, sitting in a driveway on Ferguson Valley road, court documents indicate.
Upon police locating Bickel inside of the Ferguson Valley road residence, Bickel produced a valid Class C Pennsylvania driver's license and admitted to not having a valid Class M license, as well as being the operator of the motorcycle at the time of the encounter, court documents state. Police had Bickel perform standardized field sobriety tests and determined Bickel to be intoxicated, according to court documents. Bickel was transported back to the police station where a drug recognition evaluator assessment was conducted, concluding that Bickel was incapable of driving safely. Bickel was subsequently transported to Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital for a blood draw, which showed clonazepam in his system, court documents indicate.
President Judge David Barron ordered a record check for Bickel and scheduled him for sentencing on Oct. 19.


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Once you've provided some basic information about your home loan and the combined balance of your eligible everyday accounts, this calculator will estimate how much money you could save.
Need some help? Talk to us today and we can help you understand ways to maximise the savings on your CUA home loan.


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Britain's Hunt says Iranian tanker will be released if oil isn't going to Syria
LONDON (Web Desk) – Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the Iranian tanker detained by Royal Marines near Gibraltar could be released, if the UK is guaranteed the oil is not bound for Syria.
The tanker, seized on 4 July, was suspected of breaking EU sanctions.
Iran claimed the seizure was "piracy". Iranian ships later tried to impede a British tanker, the UK claimed.
After "constructive" talks with Tehran, Mr Hunt said he was encouraged Iran has no desire to escalate the situation.
He said he reassured Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that "our concern has always been destination, not origin of the oil" and that the UK would facilitate release "if we received sufficient guarantees that it would not be going to Syria".
He added that Mr Zarif wants to resolve the issue and was "not seeking to escalate".
However, the Iranian foreign minister insisted his country would continue its oil exports under any conditions.
In a statement issued after the phone conversation with Mr Hunt, Mr Zarif said the destination of the oil tanker was a legal one in the eastern Mediterranean, adding that Britain should quickly release the vessel.
Why was the tanker seized?
A team of about 30 British Royal Marines were flown from the UK to Gibraltar to help detain the super tanker and its cargo, at the request of the Gibraltar government, the BBC was told.
Authorities said there was reason to believe the Iranian tanker Grace 1 was carrying crude oil to the Baniyas Refinery in Syria.
The refinery is subject to European Union sanctions against Syria.
How did Iran react?
Iran denied the tanker was bound for Syria and threatened to seize a British oil tanker in retaliation.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi called the actions a "form of piracy" and called for the ship to be immediately released and allowed to continue its journey.
Iran summoned the British ambassador in Tehran, Robert Macaire, to complain about what it called the "illegal seizure".
Mr Mousavi added that "the move indicated that the UK follows the hostile policies of the US, which is unacceptable for the Iranian nation and government".
Iran has since reiterated calls for the tanker to be released.
Last week, an Iranian official, speaking to state news agency IRNA, warned the UK not to get involved in "this dangerous game".
What happened next?
On 9 July, the UK raised the threat to British shipping in Iranian waters in the Gulf to "critical" – the highest level.
A day later, Iranian boats attempted to impede a British oil tanker in the region, before being warned off by a Royal Navy ship, according to the MoD.
Boats believed to belong to Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) approached the British Heritage tanker and tried to bring it to a halt as it was moving out of the Gulf into the Strait of Hormuz.
HMS Montrose, a British frigate shadowing the BP-owned tanker, was forced to move between the three boats and the ship, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said.
Iran denied any attempted seizure, with Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif quoted as saying the UK made the claims "for creating tension".


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The road to challenge Magnus Carlsen
8 players will compete in the Candidates Tournament. The winner will then be the challenger to Magnus Carlsen in the World Championship.
Sergey Karjakin already qualified as he will be seeded as the challenger in the last World Championship match. (1 spot)
The top 2 finishers at the World Cup will be seeded in the Candidates Tournament. It will begin in a few weeks in Georgia. (2 spots)
The top 2 finishers of the Grand Prix will be seeded in the Candidates Tournament. The winner of Grand Prix #1 was Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. The winner of Grand Prix #2 was Alexander Grischuk. (2 spots)
The top 2 rated players (by rating average) will be seeded in the Candidates Tournament. The current leaders are Fabiano Caruana and Vladimir Kramnik with Wesley So a very close 3rd. (2 spots)
The final spot will go to the Organizer of the Candidates Tournament. The Organizer can nominate any player with a minimum rating of 2725 (on any rating list during 2017). Usually, this spot will go to the player from the country which hosts the event. (1 spot)
These 8 players will play a double round robin to determine the Challenger to Magnus Carlsen.
Sign up for my free email chess course for Beginners and Club Players. In this free course, I focus on helping beginner chess players see the entire board. You will learn how to attack your opponent from move 1 and create a new threat with every single move! I've created this series of lessons designed to help beginner and club level players understand the game at a deeper level so that you can start beating higher rated players immediately. Start getting free tips from me directly to your inbox!
– GM Susan Polgar


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I had seen these Yummy Nummies products from Character at the Toy Fair this year and I was quite intrigued. Naturally when I was asked if I would like to review them, I said yes.
The Yummy Nummies are great for children who like to cook as it is really easy to do. All you need to do is mix powder with water to get something that is edible. How does it taste? Well, for that you will need to check out the video.
There are 3 products out at the moment – pizza, cookies and gummy candy.
Each food product kit comes with everything you need to make pizzas or cookies. All you need to do is add water and microwave it.
The children had lots of fun making and eating the pizzas and the cookies and they wanted more. I tasted the pizza and I have to admit that it tasted quite similar to margherita pizza, only a much, much smaller size.
As mentioned before it is easy to do. All you require is in the box including spoons and measures. The Pizza kit even had cheese powder with it for the topping.
The cooking time had to be adjusted as it did take longer than the given time. Perhaps it depends on the power of the microwave being used.
I have a small concern of how are these products so easy to cook but they are advertised as being 100 % natural. Anyway, the portions are so small that surely it cannot be a problem.
You have to remember that the product is not meant to be given to children as a meal. They are far too little in size. It is meant to be a cooking craft for children which is edible. It can be used as a snack but in my opinion it is more the idea of making it.
It is a great product for introducing children to cooking or if they want to cook things on their own. The only thing you need to help them with is the microwave.
The Yummy Nummies range is available exclusively at Toys R Us for the next 2 weeks.
Disclaimer: I was sent the above product for review and received compensation to do a video review.


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WMF "crown prince" Frank Gfrörer leaves WMF
As was rumoured around the Ambiente fair, Frank Gförer, WMF devision head for table & kitchen items, will leave the company at the end February as Moebelmarkt reports. With the … Continue reading
MIELE will boost individuality in Milano @ Eurocucina 2014
At this year's EUROCUCINA, Miele is set to offer new ways towards individualized designs in appliances. The company is set to unveil new design features with special materials and customised … Continue reading
iPhone Mania vs. real user value – Kitchen Trends @ IFA vs. Kitchen Furniture
After the autumn round of fairs in Berlin (IFA 2013) and the wood-industry home base in western Germany ("Küchenmeile A30"), it might be useful to compare these two industries as … Continue reading
SUBODH GUPTA – indian artist with a knack for steel
Subodh Gupta, well known Indian Artist with a certain passion for pots and pans in steel or brass, has recently opened a large exhibition in Dehli at the National Gallery of … Continue reading
Unbranded NOBILIA is starting to act like a brand – in India & UK
Recently Nobilia, the mainly unbranded german kitchen manufacturer, kicked-off a cooperation to launch NOBILIA branded showrooms in India in partnership with H & R Johnson. Additionally Nobilia offers kitchen … Continue reading
MALLE W. TROUSSEAU – "Best of Cooking" @ Maison & Objet 2014
We did not know the concept or the brand before, but MALLE W. TROUSSEAU has become an instant favourite. The brand is in search for the best & ultimate in life-long … Continue reading
Mauviel @ Maison & Objet 2014
The iconic copper cooking producer MAUVIEL 1830 showed their classic pieces in copper, black and hammered silver during the Maison & Objet. As copper is a fashionable colour now, the … Continue reading


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Whether he was writing for Hofstra's literary magazine, singing with the Hofstra Dutchmen or fighting the undead as part of Hofstra Versus Zombies, Alex Demarest '14 made every day on campus memorable.
Now his talents for storytelling, multitasking, and embracing the moment are serving him in his role as youth program assistant manager for New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization behind the largest marathon in the world, the TCS New York City Marathon, as well as the Airbnb Brooklyn Half and the United Airlines NYC Half.
The lion's share of Demarest's job revolves around email communication and social media for NYRR. This includes monthly newsletters, event registration emails and program management updates. He also manages projects within NYRR's youth program, Rising New York Road Runners, such as the "1 for You 1 for Youth Program," that provides kids in need with high-quality running shoes.
While he was a student, Demarest, an English major with a concentration in creative writing, relaunched the magazine FONT and founded the Hofstra English Society. He also co-founded Hofstra Versus Zombies, which continues to battle the "walking dead" on campus to this day.
What prompted your decision to major in English at Hofstra? Did you have any plans for what you would do with your degree?
I love stories. I'm the guy sitting on the edge of his seat at the movies; telling you that you absolutely have to read some book or watch some show; and rooting for the Super Bowl to tie at the 2:00 warning – simply because it makes a much better story.
Majoring in English allowed me to explore stories. What makes them good? What makes them bad? Why do so many humans turn to fiction and nonfiction on a daily basis to expand their lives, be it the podcast you listen to on the subway, the Netflix series you binge on a Tuesday night, or the beach book you decide to read for the fourth summer in a row.
Entering Hofstra, I was contemplating a double major in English and education. Then I double-minored in psychology and religious studies. I felt that the liberal arts focus gave me more options. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life as a first-year student, and I spent my four years learning about people, culture, and communicating my thoughts. In the end, it all paid off. Of course, with the creative writing concentration, a novel might someday be in the future. I'll keep those plans vague in order to keep expectations low!
What did you most enjoy about your studies?
The class discussions. I loved when professors would throw their lectures out the window, toss some ridiculous question out to the floor, and spend the entirety of class allowing the students to debate. I love being exposed to new ideas and having my mind changed while also perhaps changing the minds of others.
My personal favorite moment was when a professor once walked into class, sat behind his desk and challenged us: "Prove to me you're not in the Matrix." We all had a bit of an existential crisis that day.
You helped to relaunch FONT, the student literary magazine at Hofstra. What made you undertake this project?
At the beginning of my senior year, I realized that there was no English-focused organization for students to read, write, and share literature with each other. I began working closely with the English Department and other dedicated English students to create the Hofstra English Society, a student organization dedicated to the three pillars of the English education: reading, writing, and publishing. Out of the writing and publishing aspects of that organization came FONT, the student-run literary magazine, which had been on hiatus. I wanted to leave the Hofstra English Department with something that could be expanded upon, and also give the amazing student writers there an opportunity to publish their work.
You are currently working at NYRR as the youth program assistant manager. Can you explain how your studies and experiences at Hofstra have helped you?
My job at NYRR has two major components: communications and programming. I manage all of the external mass communications for NYRR's youth program, Rising New York Road Runners. Every day I'm writing and editing copy and looking for new and interesting ways to share information about the over 1,000 schools and 267,000 kids across the country who participate in our program.
My studies in English literature and creative writing are the foundation of my job. I consider it a privilege to share the stories of the kids we work with, as well as all the great things NYRR does beyond organizing the New York City Marathon.
As my job has different components, I always viewed my education at Hofstra having two major parts – my academic side and my extracurricular side. Right from the beginning, I spent my time outside the classroom doing as much as I possibly could. I had the privilege of founding and co-founding two major clubs on campus, singing with the Hofstra Dutchmen, playing rugby, and participating in a number of leadership workshops.
I have applied all of that programming experience to my job at NYRR. I have used it to help enhance Rising New York Road Runners and our summer scholarship program, Run for the Future, for which I am an assistant coach. My proudest accomplishment is the work that I have done managing NYRR's youth shoe distribution program. The "1 for You 1 for Youth Program," a partnership between NYRR and New Balance, has donated over 4,500 pairs of new running shoes to kids in our program, and in the coming year we hope to exceed that.
While you were a student you started the tradition of Hofstra Versus Zombies. How did that begin?
It began the way many good ideas begin – with four first-year students sitting in a dorm in the middle of the night the first week of the semester. We had heard about similar clubs happening at other campuses and became really passionate about bringing it to Hofstra. It wasn't just our enjoyment of zombie culture and nerf guns, but the potential of creating a real student community that Hofstra had never seen before. It started slow, but after a year it took off. I am happy to go back and stalk the group on Facebook every so often to see that the club is still going strong. It is one of my proudest achievements at Hofstra.
Any recommendations to help the rest of us to prepare if there was an actual zombie apocalypse? Where to go? What to stockpile?
– One. Always have at least two escape plans. It is simple tip, but in a zombie apocalypse, no weapon or survivalist skill can save you if you get cornered by the horde.
– Two. In honor of the 2009 cinematic masterpiece Zombieland, Rule #23: Enjoy the little things. No matter what you're going through – whether it's a zombie apocalypse or just a crummy day that feels apocalyptic – find something you love and don't let anyone ruin it for you. It will keep you sane, even if that something is as simple as a Twinkie.


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ARUSHA -The three States involved in a multi-national railway project last Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing the project.
The countries involved in the project expected to kick off soon are Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania and the MoU was signed by ministers in charge of Infrastructure of the three countries.
The railway network will commence from Isaka, Tanzania to Kigali and from Tanzania through Keza and Gitega before finally reaching Musongati in Burundi.
The MoU was signed at the closure of the five-day 6th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology (TCM), in Arusha, Tanzania.
Linda Bihire, Rwanda's Minister of Infrastructure chaired the meeting and signed on behalf of Rwanda while Infrastructure Ministers of Tanzania and Burundi, Shukuru Jumanne Kawambwa and Philippe Njoni, respectively represented their countries.
Othieno Ocheng, from the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs of the East African Community (EAC said), in a statement that the move commits the three EAC countries towards supporting the development and implementation of the above railway network.
Though the actual cost of the project is yet to be determined, the three governments will, according to the MoU, collectively deal with issues pertaining to the development of the new regional railway line and its link to the Central Corridor Railway network that connects to the Port of Dar es Salaam.
Julius Tangus Rotich, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, pointed out the necessity of transport in the regional integration process.
"The transport policy development has been entrenched in the Common Market Protocol which is under negotiation. This is an indicator of the central role transport plays in the EAC regional integration process," Rotich is quoted as saying.
He further assured delegates that tangible progress had been made particularly in the Roads and Civil Aviation sub-sectors.
He singled out the major achievement of the Arusha - Namanga - Athi River Road construction which he said was a tangible development of the various regional projects.
However, the EAC Deputy Secretary General further highlighted challenges that still faced the sector both at technical and administrative levels.
These include the slow ratification of protocols and lack of funds for projects and programmes among others.
To counteract these problems, the three governments agreed to establish a Joint Technical Monitoring Committee (JTMC) responsible for monitoring and managing the technical aspects of the railway project.
Rwanda was chosen to be the overall Project Coordination Unit.
Under the different positions, each Partner State is expected to facilitate the creation of the route for the Railway line within their territories, initiate and facilitate technical studies, including mobilisation of funds towards the necessary study for the implementation of the project and guarantee financial commitment.
This will be based on the equity share, in the case a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model which was adopted for the development of the railway line.
The railway development comes after member states of COMESA, SADC and EAC achieved the highest level of cooperation, by holding the first ever tripartite summit of the three Regional Economic Communities (RECs) last year in Kampala, Uganda.


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The Waterford at Woodbridge
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Find a new you at The Waterford at Woodbridge. We offer residents Assisted Living services in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Our caring and professional staff provides a helping hand for residents who may appreciate assistance with activities of daily living. You can be assured that our community provides the quality care that will allow residents to remain as self-reliant as possible while living in a supportive environment. Residents will appreciate the privacy and comfort of our spacious apartments while enjoying the social aspects of community events outside of their homes. Our smaller community feels intimate and offers residents more individual attention. For entertainment, dining and shopping, our excellent location makes it easy to get around Omaha. In case of emergencies, we are just minutes from highly rated medical facilities.


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Advantages of the Window Blinds and Designs
Without the right attention that is required to be provided for the buildings and structures, it can be hard for the parts of the building to function appropriately. All buildings that are constructed have a lot of important parts that enable the whole building to operate well and people to stay comfortably inside. Just like the parts of a body of an individual, windows of a building have to be frequently maintained and the correct treatment measures be done in time using the correct materials for it to provide the necessary conditions in a building and for privacy. There are window blinds and designs that are meant specifically for the windows to adjust them against the harsh environmental conditions. Every person has their own different ways of fitting the various window blinds and designs.
Window blinds fitted on the windows helps in controlling the amount of the light that enters the building creating a conducive environment for relaxing. There is no way of staying well in a room that is full of sunlight and parents together with the responsible building individuals ensure that the window blinds provide maximum control and protection. The blinds designed in a preferred style helps a lot in promoting privacy in the building and especially at the washrooms. The factors that enable the window blinds to operate well without any problem and provide the desired results are the blackout option fitted on them.
Window blinds are always made in different ways and the methods of designing them are different also which contributes in the perfect style at the window area. Color is applied in these blinds to make it translucent and these various types of the colors when matched correctly with the theme color of the building becomes amazing. Besides, there are various patters in which the blinds are made and the vertical ones are diverse thus giving the building an amazing color. There are modifications and advancements made at the industries where these window blinds are manufactured since the changes have made people want changes
Window blinds are very durable and they hardly get damaged after a short period which makes it possible for them to be chosen by the individuals. They are able to stay firm and fixed for many years without loosening unlike other fittings which cannot last for such a longer period. Besides, their maintenance is very easy since they can be cleaned easily without any struggles. Wiping of the window blinds using the wet materials with clean water is all that is required to maintain them.
Designs: 10 Mistakes that Most People Make


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Children for Change
The legislative Council simulation reflects the result of three consecutive years of work, establishing 164 Student Parliaments (SP) across the West Bank.
The SP's main goals are to develop a culture of democracy within the new generation, provide students with the opportunity to exercise their rights and equip them with leadership skills. The parliaments are established in collaboration with the counseling department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE). Students are selected based on a democratic election process. They are divided into different committees and are trained to create initiatives based on the needs of the schools and their peers.
To provide the students with an actual experience of a democratic process and how they can exercise their rights, the legislative council simulation was created by WV in cooperation with the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Ministry of Education, regardless of being ineffective since 2007. The main idea was to help students better understand the legislative process and the role of key players in the Legislative Assembly.
The simulation was held on Tuesday, April 24th, 2018 and attended by Dr. Sabri Saidam the minister of Education, the governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Dr. Laila Ghannam, World Vision Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza national director Mr. David Purnell, and a number of deputies of the Legislative Council.
The opening speech by World Visions National Director was directed to the students, thanking them for their efforts and dedication to make the simulation happen. He further expressed gratitude to all those who helped make the event a successful.
The students took the role of the legislative members and presented their main concerns. They asked the Minister questions relevant to reducing violence in schools, early marriage, increasing vocational schools and the integration of special needs children into the society followed by writing the recommendations needed.
In return, the minister responded to the student's accountable session, he promised that he will follow up on their concerns they highlighted. He reiterated that he will work with senior leadership to find the adequate solutions and answers.
The students handed over their written afore recommendations to Dr. Saidam, which entailed the main issues discussed in the simulation ensuring the implementation of policies that protect their rights to reduce violence in schools and also to enrich the extra curriculum programs at schools.


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Описание: Ever wonder what the weather was like at that place and that time!
Using the Dark Sky API, this plugin display the weather condition from the location and time of your photos or videos.
Совместимо с: 2.10, 2.9, 2.8
Доступные языки: 18 (see)
Changes from v2.8.a to v2.8.b
- Improve template support and layout
- Update re-brand Forecast to DarkSky
- Update language, thanks to the contributors
Release Note: https://github.com/xbgmsharp/piwigo-forecast/releases/tag/v2.8.b
Issue: https://github.com/xbgmsharp/piwigo-forecast/issues
Translation: http://piwigo.org/translate/project.php?project=forecast


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Viewing articles tagged 'Sales'
Can I test Love Your Domain hosting without paying?
Yes on streaming we offer a 3 Day trial and we offer 30-day money-back guarantee* so that you may...Do you Offer a Money Back Gurantee?
Yes we offer a 30-Day Money Back Gurantee. To get the 30 day money-back guarantee for your...What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?
Curremtly the Only form of Payment is PayPal


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JOBST Relief Compression Pantyhose 30-40 mmHg, Waist High, Closed Toe, X-Large, Beige
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Price as on: 2019-02-13 14:47:56


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See, hear, smell, taste, touch: Barcelona is a destination to play to all your senses. But since we're a classical music website, let's start with the city's three big music venues: two of them historic, one of them brand new. And where better to start than a place where music, art and architecture meet and which exemplifies the Barcelona mind set: the Palau de la Música, with its spectacular decor.
With the bulk of royal and aristocratic patronage focused further south, the Barcelona bourgeoisie went for some self-help, founding a choir – the Orfeó Català – for the improvement of the citizens.
The choir needed a building, and 1,800 subscribers raised the money to commission Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner – so many that it became clear that the planned number of seats would be insufficient to hold every subscriber on opening night, so a hasty redesign was required to accommodate them. As well as being exceptionally beautiful in the organic curves characteristic of modernisme (the Catalan version of art nouveau), every item in the hall has a meaning: giant Valkyries soar above Beethoven to represent old and new music (the hall opened in 1908); the choirmaster Anselm Clavé is opposite; music from every part of the world is represented by 18 muses who cast their benign gazes over the performers from around the stage. The central skylight alone is worth the visit.
The biggest and newest music complex is L'Auditori, which boasts three concert halls plus a theatre built for music/drama crossover. The Sala Pau Casals is the city's biggest venue for large orchestral concerts: elegantly finished in light wood, it seats 2,200. It's home to the OBC (Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya) and also hosts major visiting orchestras. The smaller halls – the Sala Oriol Martorell and the Sala Alicia de Larrocha – host a substantial chamber music season which features top international performers as well as local talent. In contrast to the UK and US scene, the chamber music concerts sell out, and the audience is predominantly young, partly due, perhaps, to the attitude of the Conservatori, which strongly promotes teachers and pupils playing together and listening to each other perform.
The Auditori complex also has its own music school, ESMUC, next door to the Museu de la Música, which displays an extensive collection of musical instruments through the ages. As you might expect, in Spain, the guitar collection is particularly fine, but there instruments of many types from all continents, as well as such historical oddities as a giraffe piano and a "claviorgue", a portable instrument which permits the simultaneous playing of organ and harpsichord keyboards. A surprising number of their instruments are playable; they are in particular demand for historically informed performances and recordings.
Another typical example of Barcelona's can-do attitude is its main opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu: rather than being funded by royalty, this was originally founded by Barcelona's music conservatory for its students and funded by local business people as a private venture, which it remained until it became public in the aftermath of the 1994 fire which gutted the building. The theatre was rebuilt with modern technology but the original styling. At 2,294 seats, it is the biggest traditional horseshoe-shaped opera house in Europe, with five tiers of seating above the stalls. The Liceu is on the circuit of the top European houses, with the 2016-7 season featuring productions by Patrice Chereau, Laurent Pelly, Kasper Holten and others of similar renown, not to mention Barcelona-born Àlex Ollé (of La Fura dels Baus fame).
The Palau de la Música, L'Auditori and the Liceu are members of Barcelona Obertura, an initiative in which cultural institutions in the city collaborate to promote clusters of events (one such initiative formed the trip which spawned this article, with concerts by Leonidas Kavakos and Gergiev and the Mariinsky as well as Piotr Beczała in Werther). It's an inventive way of promoting the city's culture, making it easy for visitors from abroad to plan a trip that will take in some of the best the city has to offer.
Daytime tours of the Liceu can include a visit to one of the building's hidden treasures: a set of paintings by modernist Ramon Casas, one of Catalonia's great painters, depicting a fascinating series of women in ways that were shocking for his time: one woman drives a car, another awaits her lover unchaperoned in a café, with a glass of wine. In fact, these do not belong to the opera house: they are found in the rotunda of the Cercle del Liceu, the private club founded in 1847 by the theatre's original patrons and still running today. The Cercle was famously Wagner-mad, putting on the first Parsifal outside Bayreuth the moment the copyright expired (11pm Spanish time on 31st December 1913 – Spain and Germany were in different time zones then); one of the hallways is adorned by a fine quartet of stained glass panels depicting the Ring Cycle.
Casas doesn't have anything like the international fame that he deserves. The Barcelona-born artist who does command international attention is Joan Miró. A visit to the city isn't complete without a trip to the Fundació Joan Miró, located high on the hill of Montjuic, with breathtaking views of the city.
What makes a visit to the Fundació Joan Miró so compelling is that you gain a complete understanding of the way Miró's work progressed, from his early days of "detaillism" followed by the growing abstraction in his work in his quest to make artistic sense of the violence around him. Recurrent Miró motifs like constellations, ladders and birds are used to depict people's struggles to break free; his 1968 triptych Painting on white background for the cell of a recluse I, II, III provides space for meditation, a gigantic wool tapestry (over seven metres high, made with Josep Royo) symbolises Mother Earth. Even those most chary of conceptual art are likely to be won over by the obvious spirituality of the man.
Pablo Picasso was not born in Barcelona, but lived in the city for a substantial part of his early life. A visit to the Museu Picasso is a fascinating way to understand his development as an artist: it's not home to a large array of his later, famous works, but it gives you a superbly vivid view of his learning process as he investigated a dozen styles before deciding which elements to make his own. It's particularly awe-inspiring to see the prodigious talent already on display in his early teens, with superb draftsmanship and a distinctive personal style.
The work of architect Antoni Gaudí, public and private, pervades Barcelona. There are many examples of his private buildings, but we focused on one particular apartment building: the Casa Batlló, set in Barcelona's "Golden Quadrant", where the modernist movement exploded, fuelled by the money of the rich families of Barcelona at the start of the 20th century. The building brims with Gaudi's craftsmanship and engineering innovation, all within the context of his desire to bring nature into his designs: ventilation slats are inspired by fish gills, internal arches might be a the backbone of some giant reptile, the roof tiles could be fish or dragon scales, plant motifs abound. Gaudi was a perfectionist, an artist in forms from stained glass, to metal work, mosaic and many more as well as an engineer in ventilation details as much as structures: the Casa Batlló shows off his work in many disciplines.
Gaudí's magnum opus is a very public one: the neo-Gothic Sagrada Familia Basilica. It's unfinished – as Gaudí knew it would be even when he joined the project in 1883, a year after it commenced. Currently, completion is planned to be just in time for his centenary in 2026; it's a tall order, with 18 spires still to be completed, but the entrance money from four million visitors each year should provide the requisite funding.
The building is extraordinary, both inside and out. The opposing outside faces represent the Nativity and the Passion, opposing each other in style as much as in location: the Nativity façade brings tidings of comfort and joy, full of soft curves, while the Passion façade is angular, brutal, terrifying. Giant towers, using Gaudí's favoured catenary arch, will eventually represent each of Jesus, Mary, the four Evangelists and twelve Disciples. Inside, the stained glass on the Nativity side is of cool blues and greens, filtering the morning sun; the glass on the Passion side is red and orange, enhanced further once the sun starts to set. Organ pipes will be sited on all four sides, while a high gallery will surround worshippers with an 800-strong choir (21st-century safety rules have required a reduction from the original plan of 1,500.)
Gaudí's obsessive attention to detail is everywhere, from the bunches of fruit on the rooftops to the stone nativity donkey, modelled on a live animal: it took Gaudí weeks to identify a suitably ancient and frail specimen.
Barcelona also has no shortage of original Gothic architecture. The main Cathedral of the Holy Cross is in a highly decorated style, but my personal favourite is the early gothic Santa Maria del Mar, which has characteristic Gothic high vaulting but is devoid of the elaborate decoration, making for a peaceful, welcoming interior. Even more of an oasis of calm is the tiny romanesque monastery of Sant Pau del Camp, in the Raval district close to the Conservatori, a wonderful place for quiet meditation.
After all that sightseeing, you'll be hungry – but not for long: Barcelona is a city that's serious about its food. Ferran Adrià, the Catalan gastronomic genius who revolutionised high end cookery, closed his restaurant elBulli in 2011, but a generation of chefs that he trained now populate Barcelona's top restaurants. At the other end of the economic scale, tapas bars provide superior quality for a couple of Euros an item: try out the "Pintxas" – all manner of foods stuck into a slice of crusty bread with a giant toothpick: the bill is computed by your waiter counting toothpicks at the end of your meal. Sea food is often superb, and the Spanish are the only nation who (arguably) obsess over cured ham even more than the Italians. Be sure to catch the overwhelming smells and tastes in La Boqueria market, a stone's throw away from the Liceu, and get some Spanish delicacies to pack in your luggage for the way home.
The article and David's trip were sponsored by Barcelona Obertura and Barcelona Tourism.


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Government Fraud Investigator: War Stories from the Trenches
*Qualifies for Yellow Book CPE credit*
Learn the schemes trusted employees have used over and over to commit fraud, the red flags that were missed, and how the frauds were ultimately discovered and investigated.
This event may be a rebroadcast of a live event and the instructor will be available to answer your questions during the event.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Registration Time: 11:00am
11:00am – 1:00pm
Registration Time: 11:00am
11:00am – 1:00pm


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Only one airwoman received the coveted Caterpillar badge during the war – Corporal F.H. Poser, who jumped from 600 feet while serving with a meteorological unit in the Middle East. This is Corporal Felice Helga Poser 2025650 who was originally from Austria.
She was pax in Anson NX592 which developed problems at (or near) Deversoir. Another airwoman in the same aircraft was 2992592 LACW Lili Bankier who also had to jump from the a/c.
The aircraft was bound for Shallufa, having departed from Aqir , there were five on board the Anson; the pilot W/O Joseph Turvey (RNZAF), an un-named WOp, LAC(W) Bankier, Cpl(W) Felice Poser and an un-named RAF Sgt. Felice Poser was also a Met WAAF and was returning to her unit at Heliopolis after a week's leave in Palestine.
On the way out to the aircraft Poser asked the pilot how the parachute worked, and he replied that in the unlikely event of her having to use it she was to pull the ripcord immediately. That 'briefing' saved her life.
In the confusion of the incident (the Very cartridge the pilot tried to fire to warn ATC the aircraft was in trouble, ignited in the cockpit), the WOp mistakenly thought he heard Turvey give the order to abandon the aircraft. He jettisoned the door, which ripped fabric from the top of the fusulage, which in turn streamed over the tail-plane, and that in turn began to disintegrate. Bankier was the first to jump (at approx 700-800 ft) but, although holding the release ring, she failed to pull it and died as she crashed through the roof of the Station Guard Room.
Poser went second, pulling her ripcord immediately, and she was followed by the WOp – both landed safely.
In the meantime the minor fire started by the Very cartridge had died out, and as the smoke cleared Turvey was horrified to see the WOp leaving the aircraft. The remaining passenger, the Sgt, was still on board and went to sit next to Turvey as he landed the aircraft safely.
Lili Bankier's body was returned the following day to her base, Lydda, for burial. Being of the Jewish faith she was buried in Jerusalem, but after her grave was lost a memorial stone was placed in the Ramleh cemetery.
Of the 23000 caterpiller pins awarded during the war, only one went to a woman – Felice Poser.
Sources: AIR28/200 (Deversoir ORB) and 'Jump for it' by G Bowman (1957).
Further Reading
Courtesy: Peter Davis, Lyffe (Brian) and Paul McMillan