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Saturday, December 4, 2010
Gluten Free "Linzer Cookies" or "Spitzbuben" aka at least in our family as "Riesner Krapferl"
Grandma no longer bakes, because of her bad sight, but she handed down some of her recipes to me, so I could make them. I decided to adapt my favorite, the "Riesner Krapferl" which in other parts are called Linzer Cookies or "Spitzbuben", to a Gluten-Free version.
Here is what you need:
250 g / 7.5 oz Butter / softened
100 g / 3 oz Powdered Sugar
320 g / 9.5 oz of Sweet Rice Flour (Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour from Koda Farms)
1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum
2 Packets of Vanilla Sugar
1 sprinkle of Salt
Cream the butter with the sugar, salt, vanilla sugar and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix the sweet rice flour with the xanthan gum, then quickly combine the buttermix and the flour so you get a nice cohesive dough, form into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and let rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough to about 4 mm thickness and with a cookie cutter, cut out enough bottom and top cookies. Bake in the preheated 325 F oven for about 8 minutes or until light golden.
Mix some powdered sugar with vanilla sugar and set aside.
Once the cookies are cooled, fill cookies with raspberry, apricot or whichever jelly you like. Dust with vanilla/sugar mixture and ENJOY!
You can find Koda Farms "Mochiko" Sweet Rice Flour in Asian Grocery Stores or online from my Things to Buy section. Check out Koda Farms website at www.kodafarms.com for their long history in producing superior rice products. Their entire facility is dedicated to rice products and free of any gluten whatsoever!
Labels: apricot jam, butter, cookies, delicious, flour, GF, gluten free, Linzer Cookies, powdered, rice, Spitzbuben, Sugar, sweets, Xmas
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Steve Sumpton
Chelsea International Photography Competition
January 27 - March 8, 2018
Reception: Thursday, January 1, 1970, 6-8 PMInquire
Steve Sumpton's recent photography series explores the nature of the first encounter. Working in predominantly digital color photography, the artist aims to identify "the impact perceptions play in forming human identity." Sumpton's images exude both nostalgia and loneliness. Inspired by the triumphs and adversities the LGBTI community faces, the artist perpetually isolates his subjects through body language, gaze, or physical distance. Nonetheless, the settings of his images emanate an eerie familiarity; surely, we as an audience have sat in Sumpton's empty diner or palm-fronded motel room before. The artist currently resides in Melbourne, Australia.

subset: commoncrawl


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Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Facial Plastic Surgery and Head& Neck Surgery
The Institute of ENT at RAMKRISHNA CARE HOSPITAL Hospitals is one of the best in the country. The Institute is a full-fledged superspecialty centre, ready to meet the health Ramkrishna CARE hospital needs associated with the Ear, Nose and Throat & Head and Neck. Our aim is to make available the best ENT Ramkrishna CARE hospital, which is accessible and affordable. We carry out the largest number of surgeries, covering all aspects of ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Facial Plastic Surgeries and Head & Neck Surgeries — from the very basic to the most advanced, if necessary with the involvement of Onco Surgeons and Facial Plastic Surgeons. The ENT Institute has the most advanced facilities for the treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) diseases with world-class technology and renowned practitioners. The Institute provides a comprehensive range of emergency and non-emergency services, with a team of dedicated Consultants and residents who are available round-the-clock to provide patient Ramkrishna CARE hospital for sensitive issues.
The Institute has daily outpatient services and operation lists except Sunday, performed as part of in-hospital stay or day Ramkrishna CARE hospital surgery. The Institute is geared to tackle the most complex diseases of the organs, medically and if required, surgically. The Institute is renowned across the country for its ultra-modern facilities, patient amenities, well equipped latest operating microscopes, all ENT laser surgery facilities, Endoscopic Ear Surgeries,diagnostic video nasal endoscopes and nasopharyngo laryngoscopy, as well as an up-to-date Audiology Department. The Institute also conducts neonatal screening to detect hearing loss early in the newborn. Many children and infants have benefited from the diverse diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic audiological procedures available at the Institute at RAMKRISHNA CARE HOSPITAL Hospital.


text: The grade K to 6 students will be hosting their annual track meet with Borden School on Wednesday, June 7th. Most of the grade 11 and 12 students will be travelling to Cypress Hills on Thursday, June 8th for a two-night camping trip. Lastly, there is no school for students on Monday, June 5th as it is a teacher prep day.


text: New Horizons High School, formerly Pasco Alternative High School, opened in its current location on the east end of the Columbia Basin College campus in August 2017. Thanks to a ongoing partnership between Pasco School District and CBC, the District was able to renovate the former CH2M Hill Education Center and transform it into New Horizons' new home with more than 32,000 square feet of space, including a cafeteria, science lab, daycare center, computer lab, art room, food pantry, and more than a dozen classrooms.From 1989-2017, New Horizons was located in a series of portable buildings on the west end of the CBC campus. Since the 1970's, Pasco Alternative High School had been housed in a rented facility in the old airport area owned by the Port of Pasco until it was destroyed by a fire on April 6, 1989. Like the phoenix, the school rose from the ashes with a new name, a new location and a renewed spirit.New Horizons High School (NHHS) represents a learning community dedicated to doing whatever it takes by forming strong relationships with students, parents and the community to make each student's destination graduation. The school is uniquely designed to support teen parents with on-site childcare and a baby bus, and a powerful and effective teen parent program serving both moms and dads and babies who will be our kinders in a few short years.Designated a Washington State Innovative School in 2011, New Horizons High School has evolved to a school in which all students must meet the same academic standards as in any high school. In 2008 the school was accredited and students now receive a diploma with their school mascot and name embossed, a true identity achieved. The school's name, nominated by and voted on by the student body, symbolizes a forward-looking view. Many of its students are rising from the ashes themselves and recommitting to finishing their educations in spite of previous choices that may have taken them down another path. New Horizons High School students have rededicated themselves to their educations. New Horizons High School is a place of hope and a promise for the future for its students. If you haven't had a chance to judge their senior projects presentations, it is an experience you shouldn't miss.


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Seat Time – 2017 Subaru WRX – Affordable Performance
August 30th, 2016 at 6:00pm
Seat Time is a chance for us to share our impressions of vehicles being tested in the Autoline Garage and at media previews from around the globe.
Reviewer: Seamus McElroy
Vehicle: 2017 Subaru WRX
Price: $27,515 (Base)
Final Impression:
The Subaru WRX has always been one of my favorite cars to drive. And the new model didn't disappoint. Sure there are more powerful cars and ones with sexier styling but unlike the WRX those won't come cheap. There aren't too many cars for enthusiasts that start in the mid-twenties like the WRX.
Powering the car is a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged BOXER engine that's offered with a six-speed manual or a CVT. It cranks out 268 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque. And as you'd expect from a Subaru it comes in all-wheel-drive. I drove the manual and thought that it performed well. Shifting in and out of gear is very smooth. While I didn't get a chance to completely open it up, I still found it to be a fairly powerful engine. Fuel economy is 20 MPG in the city, 27 on the highway, which is good for a combined average of 23 MPG.
The only differences between the new model and last year's model, is an updated version of its EyeSight driver assistance system and its STARLINK multimedia platform, along with a few other minor changes.
Inside is where the WRX is a bit lacking but this is an issue with just about every car in Subaru's line-up. Sure its got sport seats, a sportier steering wheel and other WRX specific trim but overall the interior is fairly ho-hum and nothing special compared to other cars in its price range. But if you're like me this won't bother you too much because the point of this car is to have fun, and a lackluster interior won't deter from wanting one.
The WRX is on sale now with a starting price of $27,515.


text: Ladies, you'll enjoy comfortable living with safety and security as a must. Frazier and Dudley halls are identically laid out to assure everyone equality in living. Both halls come standard with central heat and air and a window in every room. Each room will also have a fixed desk, sink area (with mirror) and closet area. Both beds and chest-of-drawers may be re-arranged to the discretion of both residents, however all college issued furniture must remain in the room. Any outside furniture must be approved by the Associate Dean of Students. Decorating with your own personal touch is a must. Be sure to contact your roommate in advance to know who will bring what. Our rooms are very spacious, but space is still a commodity. Our ladies residence halls are 'suite style' accommodations. The restroom joins another room mirror image of the one pictured below. All rooms are two person rooms.


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Ethiopian Music Videos
Tigrai Online music page has the best Ethiopian and other African music videos and mp3 audio collections. We are adding great music videos and mps daily. We have 200 videos selected from the best Ethiopian You tube channels. If you know a great music video or mp3, email us the URL or the mp3 file and we will add it to our players. The music video player will play automatically all the videos on the playlist after you press the play the first time.
We all should do whatever we can to encourage our home grown artists by buying their music videos and music CDs. If we don't appreciate and help our own who would? The more we listen and support our artists the better they will get by buying more new technology and instruments. So let's help them and enjoy our music.
St.Yred the geatest Ethiopian composer
St.Yared was born and raised just out side the city of Axum in Tigrai state in northern Ethiopia. Saint Yared is the creator of modern Ethiopian music as we know it.
St.Yared was born and raised just out side the city of Axum in Tigrai state in northern Ethiopia. Saint Yared is the creator of modern Ethiopian music as we know it. Ethiopian Orthodox Church song melodies are based on his music principles. Yared was born in the city of Aksum from his father Abyud (Isaac) and his mother Christina (Tawklia). His parents were born and raised in Aksum. Yared is thought to have used a form of musical notation. His father died when he was seven, and his mother sent him to be raised by his uncle Gidewon, a priest who taught religious studies. A legend describes Yared gaining musical insight and talent through interaction with three birds, which inspired him to link the spiritual with the musical through the blending of musical terms which he defined as Ge'ez, Izil, and Ararary. Yared arranged and composed hymns connected to religious celebrations and holidays, introducing the concept of sacred music to the Ethiopian Orthodox services.
St.Yared and the Inspiring Caterpillar St.Yared was born and raised just out side the city of Axum in Tigrai state in northern Ethiopia. Saint Yared is the creator of modern Ethiopian music as we know it. St Yared was staying and learning with his uncle Abbaa Gideon who taught The Old and New Testaments in the capital city of the Axumite kingdom. Abbaa Gideon also translated these and other sacred texts to Ge'ez from Greek, Hebrew and Arabic sources. Even if Abbaa Gideon allowed young Yared to live and study with him, he was not doing that well. It was taking him a long time to complete the study of the Book of David. He could not compete with the other children, even though the teacher was his own uncle and tutoring him every day. He was so doing so bad in his education, the kids in his school used to make fun of him. His uncle was so upset with him and he was punishing him for his poor performance and not to able to compete with the other kids.
Realizing that he was not going to be successful with his education, Yared left school and went to Medebay Tabir, a village where his another uncle resided. On his way to Medebay Tabir, not far from Aksum, he was forced to seek shelter under a tree from a heavy rain, in a place called Maikirah. While he was standing by leaning to the tree trunk, he was immersed in deep thoughts about his poor performance in his education and his inability to compete with his peers. Suddenly, he noticed an caterpillar, which was trying to climb up the tree. The caterpillar despite trying six times it was not successful to climb up the tree. However, at the seventh trial, the caterpillar was able to successfully climb the tree and went on its business. Young Yared watched the whole incident very closely and carefully. He was touched and inspired by the determined acts of the caterpillar. He then thought about the tiny caterpillar tried so many times with giving up and then he thought why can't he do the same on his own schooling. Hew went back to school, finished his school and became the best composer, poet, priest and scholar in the history of Ethiopia.
Tigrai Online Audio Player
Gebretsadiq Woldeyohaness
Gebretsadiq Woldeyohaness was one of the greatest artists of all time. Gebretsadiq Woldeyohaness was born in Adwa, Tigrai State in Northern Ethiopia. Both his parents are from Tigrai, Ethiopia. He left Adwa when he was a little boy to Mekelle. After Mekelle he went to Asmara, Eritrea and he was leaving in Asmera until he joined the TPLF to fight for his people


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Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
DENVER (AP) — A father whose four young sons could communicate only in grunts when authorities rescued them from a filthy Denver apartment was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday by a judge who said he hoped it would send a message to parents that they can't treat their children like pets.
Judge J. Eric Elliff said Wayne Sperling, 67, made outrageous excuses for neglecting the boys to the point where they could not recognize food and did not learn his lesson after an earlier child-abuse conviction cost him custody of three other children.
"The message is, you've got to treat your children with dignity and respect," Elliff said. "They're not pets. They are not possessions. They are human beings that need to be carefully nurtured. That didn't happen here."
Prosecutors said Sperling, his wife and the boys lived in an apartment where nearly every surface was covered in cat feces and flies. The children, ages 2 to 6, were malnourished when they were found on October 2013.
Sperling's wife, Lorinda Bailey, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years of probation last month, and Sperling's attorney argued he should receive a similar sentence. Prosecutors sought the maximum of seven years in prison.
"They just weren't equipped to be parents," defense attorney Betsy Atkinson said.
But Elliff said the case was more tragic because it wasn't a first for the family. The couple lost custody of three other children amid similar allegations in October 2006. The children mostly grunted and pointed to communicate, and officers found a home full of trash and rotten food. Bailey and Sperling pleaded guilty in June 2007 to misdemeanor child abuse.
"There have been so many failures on so many different levels," Elliff said. "Now we have seven children who are going to be scarred by these early childhood conditions."
In the most recent case, an emergency room doctor suspected abuse when the youngest was taken to the hospital for a cut on his forehead. The doctor noticed he was unwashed, reeked of cigarette smoke and had bruises consistent with pinching. That led authorities to the apartment, where they found decomposing animals and about an inch of solidified cat feces and urine beneath one of the boy's beds.
Sperling, mumbling, told the judge to do "whatever you feel is right" when given a chance to speak before he was sentenced.
Prosecutors said it was one of their most horrific cases they had ever seen, but Colorado's child abuse laws kept them from pursuing harsher penalties because the children didn't suffer serious physical injuries.
After the boys were rescued and given bagged lunches to eat, they acted as if they hadn't seen food before, patting the sandwiches and playing with the apples, Deputy District Attorney Anita Drasan said. An adult mimed eating an apple to encourage them to eat; they licked the fruit instead, Drasan said.
The boys are improving while living in foster care, but still struggle as a result of the squalor. They have breathing problems and are sensitive to light, requiring them to wear special glasses, Drasan said.
"They didn't smile, they didn't laugh, and they lived in constant fear and were unable to express themselves," Drasan said. And, reading a statement from their foster mother, she added, "these are fighters and survivors. They will grow to do great things. But they have a long battle before them."
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Written by:
Diana West
Wednesday, May 05, 2010 4:06 AM
Medal of Courageous Restraint: Will they be eligible?
Ruth King sent along this AP report featured at NRO:
FORWARD OPERATING BASE RAMROD, Afghanistan – NATO commanders are weighing a new way to reduce civilian casualties in Afghanistan: recognizing soldiers for "courageous restraint" if they avoid using force that could endanger innocent lives.
The concept comes as the coalition continues to struggle with the problem of civilian casualties despite repeated warnings from the top NATO commander, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, that the war effort hinges on the ability to protect the population and win support away from the Taliban.
Those who back the idea hope it will provide soldiers with another incentive to think twice before calling in an airstrike or firing at an approaching vehicle if civilians could be at risk.
Most military awards in the past have been given for things like soldiers taking out a machine gun nest or saving their buddies in a firefight, said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall, the senior NATO enlisted man in Afghanistan.
"We are now considering how we look at awards differently," he said.
NRO's comment: "This doesn't sound good. Any military readers care to weigh in?"
Of course, the military is floating this medal in the first place. But no American should require expert advice to judge this one. The proposed medal of courageous restraint is a deep and multilayered disgrace -- the perfect emblem of the Bush-Petraeus-Kilcullen-Obama-Mullen-McChrystal war to win Muslim hearts and minds.
Update: Meanwhile, where are the Purple Hearts for the jihad-war dead at Ft Hood and the Little Rock recruiting station?


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MacCleanse for Mac helps you utilize every byte on your hard drive by searching for obsolete and unnecessary files and cleansing your computer of them. In addition, this app protects your privacy by cleaning your system of unwanted applications, and deleting Web histories, cookies, caches, and logs. This premium app offers a 15-day trial and comes packed with many features that you can use to optimize your computer.
After a straightforward installation, MacCleanse for Mac greets you with a report of how much space you can save by using the automated cleansing tools. The interface, itself, is appealing and intuitive, as is the way different options are grouped together. When using the automated cleansing tools, the app scans and prompts you to remove various caches and logs, along with the Trash contents. We have found the app to be relatively quick; it took us only one minute to do a complete scan of the system and another minute to carry out the cleaning operation. The only downside of the cleanup process is the inability to restore files deleted by accident. Along with an extensive cleansing catalog, MacCleanse also features app management tools that let you remove unused binaries, orphaned support files, plug-ins, and more. You may also use the app to manage your log-in items, to further improve system performance.
Looking for a premium tool that lets you manage every aspect of your system storage, while at the same time protecting your privacy? MacCleanse for Mac is definitely worth a try. The developers have struck a good balance between features and accessibility, packing all the disk storage scanning and cleaning tools you need in an easy-to-use interface.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of MacCleanse for Mac 4.0.8.
Shop your favorite products and we'll find the best deal with a single click. Designed to make shopping easier.


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Law enforcement in Sweden turned to a Sensors & Software GPR system to pinpoint the location of a murder victim's body.
It all started with a seemingly disturbed youth. At the age of 25, the young man started to have disagreements with a senior member of his family. As is all too common, the dissension focused around money.
An acquaintance of the family was quoted as saying, "There are many millions to fight about." Hatred began to develop and the young man was labeled as an outcast by members of the community. The senior family member was 63 years old at the time and had been a lifelong entrepreneur. When the elderly man disappeared, law enforcement first considered it abduction. But as time passed, it became clear that it was indeed a homicide.
Evidence surfaced regarding the family feud. The police sought out the 25-year-old man to no avail. For more than a year, the young man evaded police until finally they located and incarcerated him as a suspect in the murder case. The young man confessed to the murder and explained to police where the body was buried. Even with the perpetrator's description of the burial, the location was far too vague to warrant an excavation.
The investigators recognized that they needed a more detailed map of the subsurface and did not want to start an excavation based on an unreliable criminal source.
Law enforcement then turned to Sensors & Software's GPR systems. Officer Lina Isaksson Funke explained that they were relying on Sensors & Software's GPR system to give them the rationale necessary to begin the excavation and find the remains of the homicide. Prosecutor Sonevang and Reconnaissance Team Leader Ulf Martinsson accompanied the GPR team as they completed the subterranean search of the area.
The excavator operator was directed to the location where, based on the GPR data, it was believed the body was present.
Using a Sensors & Software 500Mhz GPR system, an optimal frequency for forensics, the teams quickly completed a thorough examination of the underground. After analyzing the data, one area stood out as a point of interest.
The excavator operator was directed to the location where, based on the GPR data, it was believed the body was present. The excavator operator worked slowly in cooperation with the officers wielding shovels. Periodically, a dog trained to locate rotting flesh was allowed to jump into the hole. Though the GPR gave them an indication of the depth of the body, the dog would serve as a secondary alert when they started getting close to the cadaver.
At a depth of 1.5 meters, the cadaver of the 63-year old entrepreneur was located. Forensic teams quickly set up a tent around the scene of the evidence and respectfully removed the body.
It is difficult for a murder trial to proceed without a body. Sensors & Software's equipment provided police with the information they needed to bring a troubled man to justice.
Download the case study: Murder in Sweden – GPR Guides Evidence Search
INDAR® offers law enforcement officials a means for reliably locating buried evidence, be it a clandestine grave, a firearm, or caches of drugs and money in order to produce evidence to close criminal cases. It is capable of locating metallic and non-metallic items.
A 10-foot by 10-foot area can be searched in less than 30 minutes. Data can be processed and viewed on site to offer immediate evidence recovery.
Sensors & Software offers forensic-focused training with industry experts who have led high-profile
law enforcement evidence searches internationally.
When learning about GPR, the best practice is to review several similar case studies to develop an understanding of variability. Check for other insightful information on the resources tab to learn more.
Use Contact Us to reach our Application Specialists who can help you tap into Sensors & Software's vast array of technical information.


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Killer Metal Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 11.02.2015
Yup. The "most metal band on Earth," Lords of the Trident is back. Bow down puny heavy metal minions for their third long player Frostbun. Okay, most everything I said about the band and their previous EP Plan of Attack still holds true. They may look like they walked out of a live action Dungeons & Dragons skit at Comic-Con, but these dudes know how to craft some mighty fine American melodic power metal.
While the wardrobe selection and goofy stage names are pure heavy metal wonkery, the music within is pretty darn terrific. Need I remind you every player in the band plays lead according to their particular instrument: lead guitar, lead bass, lead drums, yeah, lead drums. You get it. Basically, LoTT keep the fires of traditional glowing from it's early NWoBHM roots to it's current incarnation, mostly found in Europe. Their heavy metal is large on melody and harmony, mostly displayed through the twin guitar harmonies, but also the vocal arrangements. Ty "Fang Von Wrathenstein" Christian has a strong clear voice, and never rages or goes too screamo (well maybe within Kill To Die). Honestly, I think he's one of the best new heavy metal vocalists out there, and he's from the States. Gasp.
After these things, two things stand out in the songs. One is the flexibility of the arrangements, where tempos can vary, but only in the loosest sense. Most of the songs are heavy and charging in the true power metal style, but never without that aforementioned melody and harmony. And underneath everything is the band's simple instinct for groove. Lords of the Trident know that classic heavy metal should have you tapping your toe, while banging your head and doing windmills (if you still have the hair for it). The second stand out characteristic is simply the guitar work. The riffs are large and sharp, yet always melodic, and the leads kill: classic metal styling with a touch of the neo-classical. I think the only thing that would have made this album better would have been some sort of metal anthem. I'm not taking a ballad here, just something dialed back on the speed and heaviness. Shattered Skies with it's instrumental intro The Cloud Kingdom comes close, but it's still rather intense (though the guitar breakdown around the two-third point gives a nice respite). In the end, and quite plainly, Lords of the Trident's Frostburn is a fine and entertaining example of how "true" melodic heavy power metal should be done. Accept no substitutes. Recommended.
Quite plainly, Lords of the Trident's Frostburn is a fine and entertaining example of how "true" melodic heavy power metal should be done. Accept no substitutes. Recommended.
Formed in 1999 by singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Erik Martensson, Sweden's Eclipse is well into their third decade of making music. In the recent past, their recordings and reputation have ... [ Read More ]


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Meet Piyush Sethia, Salem's Green Warrior
Reported By Preeti Zachariah | Originally published on livemint
Piyush Sethia pauses beside what looks like a mound of dirt, plunges his hand right in and pulls out something. "These are the gems of our earth," he says, holding out his hand. A mass of earthworms wriggles frenetically on his palm.
It is the compost generated by these worms that has helped create the green space on which we are standing. Constant experimentation with landscaping and water harvesting techniques has coaxed this dry and arid land in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district into going green.
The 39-year-old environmentalist (who refers to himself as Piyush Manush; "Sethia only appears in my police and court records," he grins) calls this space the "Coop" forest. "I bought 1.5 acres and started planting trees here in 2009," he says.
Over the years, the Coop forest has expanded to over 150 acres—and it is still growing. "I convinced my friends to buy patches of this land and it is now a cooperative," he says, adding that the cooperative has around 40 members.
Chennai-based writer and activist Nityanand Jayaraman, who is also part of the cooperative, recalls, "When I first saw that land, there was nothing but rocks." The forest is now home to guava, custard apple, chiku, ficus, bamboo and aloe.
"I am looking at creating forests for profit," says Sethia. "And I constantly seek to create eco-friendly development options. Green economics has taken over my life." He uses the bamboo cultivated here to make furniture. "Bamboo is a grass and grows very easily. Unlike the bamboo of Kerala, the bamboo of Tamil Nadu is solid, not hollow, is really strong, and is great for furniture," he says. Holding a foot-stool with a single finger, he says, "Look at how light it is, yet this can take a lot of weight."
His bamboo-manufacturing unit, started in 2009 and located a few kilometres from the forest, is "a labour-intensive business that provides seasonal employment to the people of this area. I want people to come and learn how to make this sort of furniture and open more factories like this," he says, adding that through initiatives of this sort he hopes to encourage migration back to rural areas. "People move to cities in search of a better life but this doesn't really happen, and we are killing our cities in the process."
Sethia, proud to be an activist, looks the part too: Khadi kurta, rubber chappals, scruffy beard and cloth bag proclaiming the need for sustainable development. He started off as a student activist. "When I was in college in Salem, I began organizing students and we rallied against the system," he says. It was there that he encountered the injustices meted out by the state. "In my third year, I was wrongly charged with attempting to murder the principal of my college. That is when I realized how the state can foist false cases on you, how the police and courts are used. It made a huge impression on me," he says.
After graduation, Sethia found himself at a loose end, "This was in 1991. I was 23 years old and I didn't have much exposure back then. Salem is a small place and I didn't want to join my father's textile business there." So he started planting trees in the city, discovered vermicomposting, began producing plates made out of areca palm leaves and manufacturing charcoal. "I realized how sustainable green businesses could be," he says.
In 2006, he met Jayaraman. "I was bragging to him about the work I was doing when he turned to me and said, 'Do you know where your drinking water comes from?'" says Sethia. "I didn't, so he took me there. Chemplast Sanmar, which has several plants at Mettur, a little town in Salem district, had been dumping mercury in that water for years and it was teeming with it." Chemplast Sanmar did not respond to an email sent by Mint.
He understood then, he says, the politics of natural resources: how only a few folks have access to them while regular people are deprived of the basics they are entitled to. Salem, a mineral storehouse surrounded by hills, "represents a confluence of all evils", believes Sethia.
"When I first met Piyush around 12-13 years ago, he was a lone cowboy of sorts, primarily an animal activist working in isolation," says Jayaraman, adding, "Today he is no longer that; he has succeeded in mobilizing large groups of people who are inspired to make these changes too."
Environmentalist Shibu K. Nair of Thanal, a Thiruvananthapuram-based not-for-profit, adds: "It is amazing to see the changes he built not just in the physical environment of Salem, but the changes he made in the attitude of its citizens. His confidence and passion have motivated people to trust him and get involved."
This area, especially the Kanjamalai hills located around 14km from Salem, is rich in iron ore—a fact that was apparently first noticed by companies in 2008. Sethia and other environmentalists have been opposing the entry of companies and educating locals on the effects of mining. Raja, who belongs to one of the villages clustered in the foothills, was an active member of the Kanjamalai Padagap Iyyakam, a local group that strongly opposed the entry of companies, "We gheraoed the district forest office and submitted multiple RTI petitions," Raja recalls with a hearty laugh.
The multiple protest movements did bear fruit. "The resistance was so strong that every application was withdrawn. Three protests and the government knew that they couldn't do a damn," says Sethia. "I do know that mining is a required evil but it needs to be done responsibly. And honestly, I think if mining rights are given to local communities instead of large corporate houses, it will be better regulated." It's easier, he adds, to mobilize people in a rural area than in an urban area.
In 2010, as a representative of the Campaign for Justice and Peace, a nationwide campaign started by people concerned about human rights violations in Chhattisgarh, he was arrested and charged with sedition. "I marched into a Republic Day parade in Salem and started distributing pamphlets containing details about Operation Green Hunt (a government offensive against Naxalites) in Chhattisgarh," he says, explaining why he was picked up.
The arrest proved to be a blessing in disguise, he says. For one, it catapulted him into the news and more people began to take notice of him. "The collector called me one day and asked me if I would be interested in restoring a lake," he says.
Water-body conservation was always something he had been interested in. And by now, the fiery activist had managed to connect to many like-minded people who were willing to help and support his initiatives. They came together in 2010 to form the Salem Citizen's Forum (SCF). What started off as a bunch of volunteers coming together to clean up that first lake—the Mookaneri lake, a 58-acre water body located at the foot of the Shevaroy hills in the Eastern Ghats, in Salem district—is now a full-fledged civil society movement. They meet regularly to discuss and find solutions to every problem in the district—civic, social, cultural, environmental—and have also managed to clean up six lakes in the area. They are now starting on the seventh.
At dusk, Mookaneri lake is bathed in soft darkness. There is a walker's path along the lake; friendly dogs greet passers-by; people perched on the roughly hewn steps that lead to the amphitheatre are involved in a deep discussion.
It wasn't always like this, of course. In May 2010, when Sethia first began working on the project, the lake was a cesspool, overflowing with sewage, stuffed with plastic, devoid of life. A committed bunch of people in the city helped in the turnaround. "Every Sunday morning, for seven months, they gathered here," he says. "They picked up garbage, planted trees, created the islands: There are many species of birds here now."
"The students of my schools were encouraged to volunteer for this project," says Meena Sethu, who runs two schools in Salem and is an active member of the SCF. "It is important for them to learn these lessons now if they have to undo the damage of the last 30-odd years," she says, adding that the students of her school continue to help maintain the lake.
"Through restoration of lakes, Sethia actually restored people's faith in justice. It is beyond conservation work. It is all about rebuilding society and relationships," says Nair.
Jayaraman agrees: "His vision is deeper than merely picking up some plastic. He is trying to clear the rubbish in people's minds."
The bamboo shelves at Sethia's home in Salem are crammed with labelled files detailing his various projects and causes. It is an eclectic array—from the sexual abuse of children to domestic abuse, from details of mining activities in Salem to future plans for his Coop forest, from photographs of some of the lakes he has restored to pamphlets of causes past, "There is so much injustice in the world today. It is hard to choose what to fight for today," he says.
He has thrown open his Coop forest to the public. Anyone interested in what he calls "green ventures" is free to visit, he says.
Already, a few thatched huts have sprouted in the forest and some young men are camping outside them. They spend time in the forest, understanding Piyush's vision of it, planting trees and building settlements there. A few have even begun planning their own eco-friendly initiatives.
Gopi, an assistant professor at an engineering college and an aspiring entrepreneur, is one, "I am working on repairing the biomass gasifier here," he says. "The filter isn't working. Once I fix it, we can produce electricity for the forest," he says.
Sethia hopes to convert more young people to this sort of lifestyle. "I want to increase the number of sustainable development initiatives in this country. The biggest challenge is questioning people's notion of development. Once they understand how harmful some of these development measures really are, no one, not state or government or military, will be able to change their minds."
Local donors, notable among them Meena Sethu, who runs two schools in Salem, and M. Srinivasan, a textile merchant.
Funding and volunteers for the Ayyappan Vanam Project, an afforestation initiative, and the seventh Salem lake restoration project.
By learning about and creating more sustainable development initiatives, working on research projects, joining protests, filing RTIs.
Sethia at 9443248582 or [email protected]


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Kara - Blossoms
Added on May 11th, 2010
Viewed 34820 views
Inspired by "Butteflies among the cherry trees"
Loving life, freedom
Veronica requested an Asian styled tattoo for hef foot, with butterflies and flowers. The hi-res image contains two versions of it: the upper one has a date and a letter hidden inside, whereas the lower one has not.
The butterfly symbolizes freedom and transformation, and the cherry flowers symbolize the "carpe diem", living every moment as if it was the nicest and the last: cherry ...


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A report by the United Nations reveals that insurgent groups are involved in human smuggling often for the purpose of sexual slavery and forced labor.
Addressing a UN session, the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki R. Harley said Taliban and Daesh are involved in human smuggling.
"As noted in the Secretary General's report, victims of trafficking by violent extremist groups like ISIS (Daesh) and the Taliban suffer from particularly severe trauma," she said. "Not only is the United States fully committed to the complete defeat of these violent extremist groups, but we join you in complete commitment to helping those victims."
The session also called for more pressure to be put on terrorists groups, including sanctions.
"The nature of today's conflict has encouraged growth of armed groups, terrorists and powerful criminal networks. They all thrive in the absence of rule of law and they profit on an unprecedented scale from the chaos of ungoverned spaces," said Matthew Rycroft, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations.
"We have witnessed that anti-government armed militants in Afghanistan are involved in this respect by using the security and safety gaps and unfortunately they use children for war purposes and their operations. We have heard from media that they (terrorist groups) have misused and sexually abused children. These acts are condemned by the (Afghanistan Independent Human Rights) commission," said Bilal Seddiqi, spokesman for Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.
The United Nations Security Council in the report reiterated its condemnation of human trafficking.
The Security Council reiterated its condemnation of trafficking of people at its session on Tuesday – especially regarding the sale of people by Daesh, as well as other violations and abuses by Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, the Lord's Resistance Army and other such groups for the purpose of sexual slavery, sexual exploitation and forced labor.
Unanimously adopting resolution 2388 (2017) ahead of a day-long debate on that subject, the Council underscored the importance of collecting and preserving evidence relating to such acts so as to ensure that those responsible could be held accountable. It reaffirmed its condemnation, in the strongest terms, of all instances of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, who made up the vast majority of all trafficking victims in areas affected by armed conflict.
The Council stressed that trafficking undermined the rule of law and contributed to other forms of transnational organized crime that could exacerbate conflict and foster insecurity and instability, thereby undermining development. The Council also underscored the importance of cooperation in enforcing international law in investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases.
In addition it expressed its intention to give greater consideration to how peacekeeping and political missions could help host countries combating human trafficking. It also requested that the UN Secretary General ensure the inclusion of trafficking in assessments of country situations and in the training of mission personnel, which would help in identifying, confirming, responding and reporting on situations of trafficking.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres briefed delegates at the meeting and declared "it is our collective responsibility to stop these crimes" by bringing perpetrators to justice, increasing humanitarian aid and strengthening national capacity to protect the vulnerable. There was also an urgent need to ensure more opportunities for regular migration and to restore the integrity of the refugee protection regime.
"Slavery and other such egregious abuses of human rights have no place in the twenty-first century," he stressed. However, reports from UNODC showed that increasing numbers of victims trafficked from Iraq, Syria and Somalia were appearing in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, he noted.


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So many choices, manufacturers and specifications, but there are some simple things we can use to make the right choices. You really only need to ask two basic questions:
How many and what type of speakers do you need?
First, a quick lesson on speakers: there are two types of speakers: one that produce the upper range of frequencies (called main speakers) and one that produce only the low frequencies (called subwoofers). In home cinema, the number of each type of speaker is denoted by the first or second number in the specifications. For example: 5.1 means 5 main speakers and 1 subwoofer.
For someone starting out with Home Cinema, I recommend one of two choices:
1. If your room can accommodate 5 speakers and a subwoofer, go for a 5.1 set-up arranged in the following way:
- Two stereo channels at the front (Front Left and Right Speakers)
- One centre channel for dialog (this is optional if you don't have the room)
- Two stereo channels at the back (Surround Left and Right Speakers)
- One subwoofer channel (the subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room as long as it sounds good to your ears)
2. If your room cannot accommodate 5-6 speakers, go for a sound bar.
A sound bar is a speaker that is placed under or over your TV and bounces sound around your room to create the surround sound field AS IF you had 6-8 speakers in your room.
I would recommend a sound bar that has a subwoofer in a separate box for the best sound quality and full impact of movie soundtracks.
Although many manufacturers now make sound bars, some manufacturers have more experience in creating virtual surround sound such as Yamaha. Other manufacturers have some great products also, but be sure to read the reviews and audition them to see if you like the sound effects they create.
What kind of amplification do you need?
If you're going for a 5.1 set-up, you have the option of choosing an all in one package that includes an amplifier or buy separate speakers and amplification. The former is easier to get and set up, but will almost always produce inferior sound to a separates system.
For home cinema, the amplifier is also usually tasked with decoding the audio and passing the video signal to your screen. An amplifier with built-in decoding of audio and video is called an Audio Video Receiver (or AV Receiver for short).
A sound bar 99% of the time includes amplification and decoding of audio from TV, DVD and Blu Ray so you won't need to buy a separate AV Receiver or Amplifier.


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It appears that one of the ways to find readers and get exposure is to upload multiple chapters of your book(s) to various websites geared towards this. I just don't know. I realize that many authors in ages past serialized their works—Charles Dickens, for example—but keep in mind, they got paid for doing so. We indie writers don't. The reason others do this is to garner fans, but me? Not so much.
Maybe I'm old fashioned. Maybe I'm paranoid. But here's the thing. If you share chapter after chapter, you may get read and receive critiques from what may, perhaps, be a growing audience, but what do you sacrifice in the meantime? I like to tell my stories. I'm bursting with the ending of Lisen of Solsta. I can't wait to offer it to the world. But uploading chapter after chapter? They say it's a way to get the attention of agents and publishers, but how well does it really work?
And then there's plagiarism, a devil who reared its horned head this weekend in a fellow author's blog. Apparently it's rife amongst those who frequent these sharing websites. Especially the fanfiction sites. The raptors swoop in, carry off anything they choose, change a word, a name, a this-or-that, and then pass it off as their own. And the actual author of the piece has no idea unless and until someone familiar with their work spots it posing as another's creation someplace else. Ouch.
So, much as it might help to further Lisen's progress in the world, for now I think I will avoid such sharing. The positive feedback could certainly prove helpful in my quest for worldwide domination, but I suspect that goal is a bit out of my and Lisen's range. For now I'll keep my chapters to myself until after publication of the book. Minds change, and mine could, but in the meantime, look for Tainted, book 2 in Lisen of Solsta, in the early fall.


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Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas Photographed for the First Time Together Since Marriage News
This is newlywed life!
Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas were photographed out in New York City on May 22, just days after news broke that the couple privately tied the knot.
For their stroll in the city, the pair were both dressed in casual fashion with Justin sporting a grey T-shirt and ripped denim with grey sneakers while Sofia donned a white top, black denim skirt and black boots. They were seen walking hand in hand after reportedly dining at The Palm Court restaurant inside the Plaza Hotel.
The former Young and the Restless co-stars, who starred in the show together from 2015 to 2016, first sparked speculation of marriage when they were seen each wearing rings in early May. The couple then walked the red carpet of the MTV Movie & TV Awards on Sunday, May 16, wearing those same matching bands on their ring fingers. As a source confirmed to E! News the next day, the two had indeed gotten married recently, but have yet to reveal more details surrounding their wedding day.
Published at Mon, 24 May 2021 14:28:41 +0000


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Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat Reviewed
There are many reasons why people wear hats… Especially in the outdoors. They can help to keep you warm when it is cold and cool when it's hot, and most of all, protect your head from the sun. Hats come in all shapes and sizes, and vary greatly in terms of quality. Today, I'll be looking at the LTM6 MultiCam Airflo Hat from Tilley Endurables. It is a higher-end head covering with a guarantee to match, so let's see what it's all about…Read More
TYBELT Premium Reviewed
When it comes to gear, survivalists always look for gear that can perform more than one function. A heavy-duty leather belt can double as a strop. Belts made from 550 paracord can become emergency cordage. A nylon and polyester webbed belt can easily be turned into a strap or tourniquet. Not long ago, I received a webbed multi-purpose TYBELT from BBM Equipement. Let's have a closer look at this belt and what it can do…Read More
People Socks Merino Wool Socks Reviewed
When it comes to survival footwear, some people often put a lot of thought into their boots, but do they put as much thought into their socks? Probably not if they are wearing cotton. Wool socks have a lot of advantages over cotton, especially on multi-day trips. Today I'll be looking at Below Zero Merino Wool Socks made by People Socks, so let's dig in…Read More
Voodoo Tactical Crossfire Glove Reviewed
In this article, I will be reviewing Voodoo Tactical's Crossfire Gloves. Whether you are running through tactical drills or just stacking firewood, everyone needs a good pair of gloves for protection. I ran across these Voodoo Tactical gloves on Amazon and liked what I saw. They had a fairly high rating and decent comments so I thought I would give them a try. Read on for more…Read More


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FC Barcelona to face Alavés in Copa del Rey final
Mauricio Pellegrino's side defeat Celta with a goal from Edgar in the semis to set up a showdown with Luis Enrqiue's men
Força Barça
FC Barcelona will face Alavés in the Copa del Rey final after Mauricio Pellegrino's men defeated Celta Vigo in the second semi-final of the tournament with a solitary goal from Edgar on Wednesday night.
The 0-0 draw at Balaídos a week before set up a juicy encounter at a heated Mendizorrotza and, with the score goalless again until the 80th minute, it looked as though the tie was headed to extra-time. But up stepped Edgar who marauded through the Celta backline and smartly finished to send Alavés through to the cup final for the first time in their history.
Barça have met the side from Vitoria on five previous occasions in the cup, and have a very good record with the Catalans progressing on each occasion.
Only twice have Barça lost, both away from home: the first defeat dates back to 1929/30 (2-1) and the other was in 77/78 (1-0).
The last tie was in 2012/13, when Alavés were in the third tier of Spanish football – Barça won 3-1 at home and 3-0 away.
To get to the final, Alavés overcame Gimnastic Tarragona in the Round of 32 (6-0 aggregate), Deportivo in the last 16 (3-3 aggregate but progressed on away goals rule), Alcorcón in the quarters (2-0 aggregate) and finally Celta in the semis (1-0 aggregate).
Even though the cup final is not until 27 May, this weekend provides the ideal chance for Luis Enrique's side to get to know their opponents a bit better as they face off in Week 22 of La Liga. Alavés in fact pulled off a shock 2-1 win over Barça earlier in the campaign at Camp Nou so, along with the Copa final date booked, Saturday's game will contain an added spice.


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Chris Mack promised at his opening press conference, there would no longer be "eras" when it came to UofL basketball. Three months on the job, and he has already shown how determined he is to keep that promise. The 2013 National Championship team held their 5 year celebration on Friday night and the former players talked about how Mack has gone above and beyond to make them feel welcomed on campus and in the program.
From @jakelourim: Louisville's former players talk about their developing relationships with their program's new leader. https://t.co/alAtRYSAa7
— Jeff Greer (@jeffgreer_) July 2, 2018


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How Would Lawrence of Arabia Defeat the Islamic State?
Lessons from the early 20th century for the chaotic, modern Middle East.
A colleague of mine recently watched the Oscar-winning classic 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. His brief comment on its merits in regard to understanding the Middle East of today: a cynical shrug of his shoulders and the words "nothing has changed."
A colleague of mine recently watched the Oscar-winning classic 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. His brief comment on its merits in regard to understanding the Middle East of today: a cynical shrug of his shoulders and the words "nothing has changed."
Obviously, in the aggregate, a great deal has changed since the early 20th century, something of which he is actually quite aware. But there is a central grain of truth in his comment, which is that we could profitably spend some time looking at the life and times of Thomas Edward Lawrence, otherwise known to posterity as "Lawrence of Arabia." From his story emerges some potentially helpful insights that could inform our badly constructed policy, such as it is, toward the region generally and Syria in particular.
Lawrence was born in Victorian England, and his parents moved to Oxford when he was a child. He intensely studied the Arab world there from 1907 to 1910, taking first-class honors in archaeology. He spent time excavating and traveling through the Near East in the run-up to World War I. In the months before the war's outbreak, he surveyed the Negev Desert (strategically important, as an Ottoman army would have to cross it to attack British Egypt).
As the war began, he was recognized as what we would think of today as a highly qualified foreign area officer, with deep expertise in the Levant and both the Ottoman and Arab worlds. As was depicted in the rather sensationalized film, he played an important role in helping lead the Arabs' revolt against their Ottoman overlords.
What can we learn from his experiences in what has today become an even worse theater of war than that which he faced? What would T.E. Lawrence tell us about how to approach the challenges we face today in the Levant and the Arab world?
First and perhaps most importantly, he would tell us to understand the strategic terrain in vastly more depth than we do. Know the language, history, and culture of the region. Lawrence had spent a decade preparing for his role, beginning in the classrooms of Oxford. He knew that any successful engagement in the region had to be built upon a base of knowledge and understanding before deciding on courses of action.
In today's world, this means doing a better job of comprehending the long history of the region, relying more on the opinions of regional experts, and studying what has worked and what has failed far better than we are doing. The U.S. Defense Department's Afghanistan-Pakistan Hands program, which builds a cadre of Central Asian experts, could be well applied here, increasing the numbers and knowledge of Middle Eastern experts within the military planning staffs.
Second, Lawrence would counsel us to build alliances with local leaders, especially the Sunnis. This was the general course he undertook, and though there were tortuous twists and turns, he recognized that the only way to ultimately succeed in a regional conflict would be through recruiting, training, organizing, and deploying local fighters. But he also knew his presence as a mentor and leader would be crucial.
As we look over the Middle East today, our best bet will be working with our Sunni friends and partners — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt. Ironically, we will also need to work closely with the inheritors of the Ottoman Empire, the modern day Turks. Without good cooperation among these countries, little can be accomplished. The United States needs to play a role in helping to bring them together in a tactical and strategic sense.
It also means looking beyond the discouraging experiences we have undergone with the recently canceled training program in Syria, the collapse of the Iraqi security forces, and the setbacks we see with the Afghan security forces. There have been more successful programs and places where U.S. training and engagement have made a powerful difference, including Jordan, Egypt, and the Persian Gulf states. We should build on those and not lose heart with the idea of standing up capable indigenous forces.
Third, there is a central role for special operations at the campaign level in much of what we need to accomplish. Just as Lawrence needed to conduct strong, decisive special operations, we need to think in terms of a coherent strategic plan that melds U.S. and partner capabilities. Not only do several of the Sunni partners have capable forces, but America's Israeli friends do as well. Melding them together is probably a bridge too far at this point, but thinking in a campaign sense about a special-forces role is crucial. U.S. Central Command's Special Operations Command is well situated to do this, perhaps working with NATO's Special Operations Headquarters.
Fourth, Lawrence would say to do the unexpected militarily. He once said, "Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books; but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals." We need top military planners to think about new operational concepts in this most complicated theater.
For starters, this could include more aggressively combining cyber-operations with kinetic activity, conducting joint special forces raids with Kurdish and Sunni partners, considering Israeli capabilities and intelligence, creating and enforcing no-fly and no-entry zones along the Turkey-Syria border, and shaping the battlefield with long-dwell sensors across logistics and smuggling routes.
Fifth and perhaps most importantly, like Lawrence we must have the humility to recognize the limitations of Western influence in this most volatile of regions. Assessing the overall effect of Britain's activities in the region, Lawrence once wrote, "The people of England have been led in Mesopotamia into a trap from which it will be hard to escape with dignity and honour." The region does not have to be a trap in the end, but we should certainly appreciate the complexities of the challenges we face and realize that some ideal outcomes may be beyond our reach.
There are no silver bullets in dealing with the volatile Middle East. And success requires considering every element in the tool bags — both hard and soft power. But in selecting what to do next, we can do a better job of looking to those who know the region well for ideas — including to the previous century and the life of T.E. Lawrence.
Guillaume Briquet/AFP/Getty Images
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Release: Feb 17, 2016 - Author: Eiskaltes Grab - Translator: Tony Montana - external link: IMDB
Compared are the R-Rated VHS by Imperial Entertainment and the uncut UK DVD by Universal (BBFC 18).
The differences:
6 cuts = 57.5 seconds.
2 cuts with alternate footage = 11.5 seconds.
The King of the Kickboxers is the forth installment of the No Retreat No Surrender series and it is quite violent. Different cuts for different countries were made. In some countries, the movie is not available uncut. In the UK for instance, the BBFC 18 VHS by 4 Front Video lacks 45 seconds. The UK DVD however is uncut. In the US, only a cut version is available, too. The R-Rated VHS by Imperial Entertainment lacks footage of approx. 1 minute. If anyone would like to buy the uncut version, I would recommend the UK DVD or the Australian DVD.
12 Min
When Jake burns the pushers face, the second shot of it is missing in the US Version.
5 sec
13 Min
The Police Captain screams and swears longer in his office. The camera zooms in on the door, then it pans to the window. A cop ist standing there eavesdropping. He waves over another cop so that he can listen to the Captain as well. At that very moment, the Captain gets to the window and shoos him away. He then closes the shutter.
13 sec
23 Min
The guy in the white overalls ends up on the hood. While lying there, he removes the tarp and finds a blood-smeared young woman's body underneath. He backs off and covers the body with the tarp again.
9 sec
24 Min
Khan smashes the guy's head on the table two more times (two shots).
4.5 sec
24 Min
The hook scene is almost entirely missing.
The US Version lacks Khan getting a hook and ramming it in the neck of the guy with the overalls. He then anchors the hook at the crane hook and activates the crane. The guy with the hook in his neck gets pulled up. The US Version contains a little alternate shot of the two guys watching.
R-Rated: 2 sec
Uncut: 13.5 sec
58 Min
The conversation between Jake and Prang is longer.
17 sec
61 Min
At the market, the camera pans to an old woman. Molly approaches her and asks her something (indistinctly).
9 sec
64 Min
Molly shows her boobs. The US Version contains a shot of Jake in the wooden tub instead.
no difference


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Well, Summer is winding down, school has begun for most people, and more than half of the year is over. Just wow.
Kicking ARC August's ass!
August was the month where I participated in an event that helps you tackle your arcs. Suffice to say, I kicked ass! I had a pile of 10 books, but only managed to read five (and start three others). I take it as a win though because I know how easily I could've not read any of the books I picked out for ARC August, being a mood reader and all.
I finally bought a fan.
Of course I wait until this month to buy a fan. It's been very hot this month, so I needed to go out and get one. I went to four places to find a pedestal fan. Seriously the best purchase ever. I can actually sit in my room without sweating like I'm in a sauna.
Halsey's album came out, and everybody was freaking out.
For very good reason too! I can't stop listening and singing to it. It's an AHMAZING album. GO LISTEN TO IT. AND REPORT BACK ON HOW YOU FELL IN LOVE WITH IT.
Unfortunately, I didn't receive any books this month. :( I did buy comic issues. But watch out for September because holy book galoreeeeee. I ordered a few books a couple of days ago, so I should be receiving them sometime in early September.
- Why You Need to Read Goodbye Stranger
- Not for Me, Everything Everything
- Everything You Need to Know About Still Life Las Vegas
- All the cheers + jeers for Anna Dressed in Blood
- What You Gotta Know About A Night Divided
- All the cheers + jeers for A Curious Tale of the In-Between
- Essential Reading · Books that Shaped Dave and Julia from Never Always Sometimes
- Why I want to read The Rest of Us Just Live Here
- Top Ten · Most Read Authors
- July + August Graphic Novel Releases I'm Excited About!
- Music talk · Albums I'm Excited About
Killjoys fulfills my love for space + friendships.
What is Killjoys about: "Killjoys follows a trio of hard-living but fun-loving bounty hunters – Dutch, John, and D'avin– taking on interplanetary missions, chasing and capturing deadly criminals throughout a distant system named the Quad. They have sworn amongst themselves to remain neutral during a bloody, multi-planetary class war that threatens to destroy the Quad." — Syfy
Reasons to watch: I'll give brief reasons because I do want to dedicate an entire post to why you should watch this amazing show.
- It's set in space.
- It has badass + diverse characters.
- Johnny and Dutch's friendship are everything! Just look at these bbs:
one · two · three · four · five · six · seven · eight
- It has found families. (You see it in the Killjoys friendship.)
- It's funny.
- Awesome action + very fun!
- I said you should watch it.
If you love shows about space, bounty hunters, + friendships, you should definitely watch Killjoys. Even if you don't love those, you should still watch this.
Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Comics, comics, comics.
I'm gonna take another page from last two months because I was incredibly productive. I hope I kick more asses in September, and do more graphic novels/comic posts.


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The MSO Network Modernization Conundrum
Pity the cable operators. Their business is under relentless assault from existing and new competitors. Their networks are increasingly strained by the insatiable demand for bandwidth. And unlike in times past when the playbook to improve their network was well-defined, today, their modernization options are numerous, complex, and involve significant trade-offs and dependencies. At the same time, the pace of change has accelerated significantly. For example, 1.2 GHz started in 2016 and only took three years for wide deployment. Some operators are now talking about 1.8GHz, undoubtedly driven by things like turbo EPON (up to 2.5 Gb/s downstream) and 5G wireless. In the near term, operators are grappling with how to achieve 10G, which is expected to deliver 10Gb/s capacity, lower latency and improved security.
Here are just some of the technologies cable operators have to consider:
- Distributed access architecture, which itself has primarily two flavors to consider: R-PHY and R-MACPHY
- Full Duplex DOCSIS (FDX) for operators that are able to commit to an N+0 architecture
- Extended Spectrum DOCSIS (ESD) for operators that are more likely to adopt an N+small architecture
- The virtualization the CCAP core.
Just when operators are working on wrapping their arms around 10G, the vendor community already has 25G in its sights. Although there are many alternatives to deliver 10G, 25G inevitably will require more spectrum, perhaps as much as 3GHz of it. Increasing spectrum is a major undertaking for operators. It requires changes to the amplifiers and taps in the outside plant, a very costly and operationally complex undertaking. In recent time, operators made changes to the outside plants every 10 or so years. Recent industry developments are forcing them to consider significantly shorter change cycles.
And that's not all. Recently CableLabs announced that it started working on DOCSIS 4.0, which is supposed to include FDX, ESD, and low latency, as well as other capabilities that are yet to be defined.
Sorting their way into all these options is no simple matter. Operators need to do this while maintaining a complex network and while serving customers that are ever more demanding.
A telecom executive nicely described the challenges operators face as they modernize their networks and operating environments:
"When you're in a business like ours, you have to execute across a couple hundred initiatives in parallel, into multiple markets, across multiple infrastructures, with all sorts of different people. And we make our overall numbers as the sum of a thousand small numbers. It's not a straightforward path", said Simon Moutter, outgoing managing director, Spark (nee Telekom New Zealand).
All things being considered, it is no wonder that operators are not moving at lightning speed to evolve their networks. Their roadmap will be carefully planned, thought through, and will be driven by the need to solve real problems they face today or are likely to face in the foreseeable future. It is up to vendors to meet them where they are, to help them as they define their roadmaps by creating end-to-end solutions that solve their specific needs, while providing the guidance on tradeoffs and alternatives that will help them plan their transformation journeys.
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Guest blog author Liliane Offredo-Zreik is a principal analyst at ACG Research, where she is responsible for cable access infrastructure market research and consulting practice. Offredo-Zreik is also president and founder of boutique advisory firm The Sannine Group.


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Axians Infoma GmbH
Hörvelsinger Weg 21
Headquarters: 89081 Ulm, Germany
Phone: +49 731 1551-0
Fax: +49 731 1551-555
E-mail: email@example.com
Managing Directors: Daniel Riss, Holger Schmelzeisen
Authorized representatives: Steffen Schanz, Michael Gräter, Eva Wagenpfeil, Peter Krischke, Kai Eickmeier
Commercial register: Commercial register div. B of the District Court of Ulm (Danube)
Commercial register number: HRB 1961
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First of all, September in Greece feels like a second August and you can easily call it a small summer. The weather and the sea are hot and vacations during September are spectacular.
14 Reasons to Love September
From all the months, September is my favorite one. For these 12 reasons:
- The weather is mildly hot but the nights are quite fresh and a bit chilly.
- Swimming at the sea is refreshing because you don't have to go through the heavy summer super-hot temperatures.
- At the beach, there are fewer people and less noise.
- The variety of summer fruits are still in season but with a mix of some autumn fruits. Like my beloved grapes!
- At the last days of summer sales, you can buy anything you can dream at the lowest prices. The last days of summer and at the beginning of September, I am doing all my Christmas shopping from my List of Presents.
- Also, I can book at the best hotels in Greece at a better price for my last set (6 days) of autumn vacations.
- Airtickets tend to have friendlier prices after the second half of September. Guess what? Of course, I am booking as many tickets as possible for my next autumn or winter trips. This is one of my top priorities, every single year.
- New books are showing on the bookstores and can't wait to read them.
- New digital technology gadgets are showing up in stores. Yes, I am guilty of a digital technology crash…
- Many new conferences are starting to fill in my calendar. For example WordCamp Thessaloniki 2019 or Syros 1st WordPress Meetup.
- All my friends have returned from their summer vacations and I can see them again! Dinner and red wine with friends is the best way to enjoy a September evening under the Athenian night sky.
- New projects and goals are knocking my adrenaline's door. Each September a new circle of creative growth is pushing forward my business. New challenges are most welcomed!
- Finally, the autumn hues will gradually start to color nature.
- One more reason: we are closer to Christmas season!
What do you think of September?
Today I wanted to share with you my 14 reasons why I love September. What makes me look forward to discovering what this summer-looking month will bring to my door. It's a month full of gifts and new experiences.
But how about you? What do you think about September? Does it give you that feeling of eagerly anticipate knowing September has arrived? What are your best reasons to make you embrace this September?
Enjoy it and do share what you most look forward to as well in the comments below. Wishing you a lovely September.


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The Arrels Foundation has unveiled a collection of fonts made from the handwriting of people who live on the streets. These distinctive handwriting fonts are being marketed to big brands in the hope that they will be purchased and used for packaging, advertising and other materials. The proceeds will go towards the foundation's projects to support homeless people in Barcelona.
Each font is named after its creator, and the website contains a video of each person telling their story and conveying their experience of homelessness. "The only word I've found that really [describes] the street is horror, absolute horror," says one participant. The video on the homepage shows another participant, Loraine, browsing bottles of olive oil from Valonga, a Spanish company that has used her font for its packaging.
The typefaces can be downloaded under a personal licence (€19), or for professional use (€290).


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The recent BMWFilms experience wrapped up with over 200 players descending upon Las Vegas to meet a mysterious man in a black warmup suit. The result: Someone went home with a brand new BMW Z4! Read the Unfiction article here.
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