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Raytheon and National Air Traffic Services next spring hope to complete a test that will certify a project that will allow air traffic radars to distinguish between aircraft and wind turbines. Raytheon officials note that the multiple government agencies involved and the cost of the project could slow its adoption. "There's a lot of discussion taking place between everybody, but there isn't anybody who is tagged as lead," noted Peter Drake, Raytheon's technical director for Digital Airport Surveillance Radar. Meanwhile, observers note that wind turbines' interference with the air traffic control system is already stunting the growth of wind power. CNET
Technology could ease wind turbines' interference with ATC
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"Superb - if chilly - igloo hotel at 2,700m in Zermatt, with an ice-cool bar, snowshoeing and toasty alfresco Jacuzzis"
The mountain dominates your visit - you arrive in the late afternoon and walk up to the village, watched over by the famous peak as the sun is setting, then you sit in wonder at its majesty as you soak in the perfectly positioned Jacuzzi. In the morning, you wake up to see it in all its rosy, sunrise magic. Inside, the igloo rooms are basic but fun, with sleeping bags on blocks of ice and carvings on the walls. All are connected by corridors leading to a small indoor bar, a dining area and a dance floor. There's even a Romantic Suite with private Jacuzzi, perfect for honeymooners!
- The novelty of sleeping in a room built entirely of ice is a memorable addition to a Swiss holiday, with options to suit solo travellers, couples, families and groups
- The view of the Matterhorn from the outdoor bar and the surrounding grounds
- Snowshoe walking at night under the stars, and warming up in one of the alfresco Jacuzzis afterwards
- The camaraderie with your fellow Iglu-Dorf guests - the open-air Igloo Bar is a particularly fun, sociable place to hang out (this area is also open to day visitors)
- The igloo village itself - an impressive 900sqm construction that takes 3,000 man hours to build annually (the ice melts in summer)
- The cold. It is very, very chilly (the igloo village is at a constant 0 degrees), so you need to wrap up extremely warm
- Needing the loo in the middle of the night - best avoided if possible, because for most guests it involves an outdoor hike; there are no showers, either. Understandably, most guests only stay 1 night
- The walk to the hotel meeting point from the train station: you have to trek some distance on the piste so don't bring a big bag - see the recommended packing list
- Dining options are limited to an aperitif plate and cheese fondue (breakfast is taken at nearby Hotel Riffelhaus)
- The hotel requires full pre-payment at the time of booking, and is closed from late April until mid December. Also, you'll need cash for the bar, as they don't accept credit cards
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Winter-proof warm clothing and shoes i.e. skiing outfits, no jeans etc
- A scarf, good gloves and 2 hats (in case the first one gets wet) - you will need all these for sleeping in, trust us!
- Dry socks, long underwear and warm pyjamas
- Towel, flip-flops and swimwear for the Jacuzzis
- A torch / head-torch, toothbrush, sunglasses and sun-cream
- Cash (credit cards are not accepted in the igloo village)
- A rucksack to pack all the above in, as suitcases are not suitable for Iglu-Dorf Zermatt
- Igloo Hotel
- 12
- Half-board (snacks available on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- WiFi
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Beach Nearby
- Off-street Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Outdoor space
- Snowshoes
The rooms at Iglu-Dorf range from Standard Igloos (dorm-style sleeping for up to 6 guests), through to Romantic Igloos (just for 2) and Romantic Plus Igloos (just for 2, with your own indoor loo), and the lavish Romantic Suite, which comes complete with its own loo, sitting area and private Jacuzzi with obligatory view of the Matterhorn.
The rooms to go for are the Romantic Plus Igloos, and it's best to avoid the Standard Igloos unless you're travelling solo or booking one exclusively for a group of 4-6 people. If you're travelling with kids, the Family Igloos have plenty of space and offer good value (sleep 2 adults and up to 4 children).
Most of the rooms, apart from the Standard and Family Igloos, have huge ice carvings cut into their walls; when we visited there were lots of Greek gods and scantily clad women, but the theme changes each year. All rooms have their own electricity in the form of a small lamp. The corridor linking them is lined with artworks sunken into the snowy walls and frozen in ice - these range from arty bottles of vodka to small carvings. Apart from this, decoration is basic. Plump Arctic sleeping bags lie on top of ice plinths covered with faux-fur throws and sheepskin rugs and, well, that's it really.
There are no showers and running water is very limited. Those staying in the Standard, Romantic and Family Igloos also don't have an ensuite. Instead, there's a shared unisex toilet block just across the outdoor lounge area, where the bar is during the day. It's a bit of a walk but the loos flush and are perfectly clean, plus the block is heated and has 2 sinks. If this sounds a little too much like hard work, the Romantic Plus Igloos and Romantic Suite all have private ensuite loos.
Features include:
- Electric lamp
- Expedition sleeping bags and liners
Given that this is an igloo village, set in splendid isolation at 2,727m in the middle of a mountain, it's a wonder that food is on offer at all. But it is, if only rather basic options. The evening meal is a simple but delicious cheese fondue followed by chocolate brownies. You can eat as much as you like of either, although we challenge anyone to eat vast quantities of cheese fondue. An aperitif plate of cheese, garlic sausage, dried fruit and rye bread with a glass of Prosecco is also available at any time of day, and is included in some room rates.
There's an Igloo Bar which serves an impressive array of drinks, from flavoured vodkas to schnapps (recommended after the fondue), local white wine and beer, as well as an outdoor bar for daytime socialising. Alcoholic drinks cost extra (bring cash) but are fairly priced, and draw in lots of day visitors from the piste. There is also a tea bar which you can help yourself to all evening, stocked with a variety of herbal teas and powdered stock to make a light soup.
Breakfast is served at Hotel Riffelhaus after your night's stay in the igloo village. It consists of fresh pastries, croissants, fruit, yoghurts, and a selection of hot options including eggs, bacon and sausages - perfect for warming up after a night on ice.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Dinner included
A stay here is an activity in itself, but there are a few options to help keep you warm and the blood pumping:
- After dinner your guide will take you on a short snowshoe walk up the piste (included in the rates). It's quite magical to be on the mountain without any screaming skiers hurtling by, silently walking about under the stars with just the moon and the Matterhorn for company
- Back at the igloo you can jump in the Jacuzzi, which is properly hot and designed especially for warming you up before you climb into bed for the night. The views of the Matterhorn, once again, make stripping down to your swimwear in sub-zero temperatures well worth the discomfort
- If sleeping here isn't igloo-tastic enough, you can sign up for an igloo-building introductory workshop (additional cost). There are taster sessions that last an hour, or you can take on a bigger project lasting 3-5 hours
- Zermatt town has fantastic skiing and snowboarding, with 360km of slopes at your disposal. There's something for all levels here, and it's great fun to arrive at the igloo village on your skis or snowboard
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Igloo-building workshops
- Skiing
- Snowshoe walks
There is nothing specially set up for children, but little ones might really enjoy the experience of sleeping in an igloo. There is no age limit - it is up to parents whether they want to bring really small children - but we wouldn't recommend bring children under 5 years old (see our 'Families Should Know' section).
Family friendly accommodation:
The Family Igloo is the best bet. It can only be booked by families and is suitable for 2 adults and up to 4 children, though bear in mind this room does not have an ensuite loo. Sleeping bags can be zipped together for exchanging body warmth.
Families Should Know:
The igloo village has no running water and no showers, plus most rooms do not have ensuite toilets. Its temperature is kept at around 0 degrees, and the mountainside setting means it's not easy to leave if your children are cold or aren't sleeping well.
In the event of a medical incident, rescue transportation may take some time due to the exposed location and possible weather issues; no rescue transportation will be provided for minor injuries.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

subset: commoncrawl


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Unlike the iOS Devices from Apple, Android phones are something you can splurge on without splashing too much cash for it. Why? It is because Android phones can offer you a great deal of phone functionality that can equal the power of an iDevice. On the market, you can see several mobile phone choices that can well fit your needs and demands as a tech consumer.
But of course, being bombarded with a lot of tough choices can be difficult as there are possibly hundreds of Android phones out there which will try to lure you into buying them. Good thing this article will give you a short outline of the top five Android phones you can choose. I hope that after the discussion, you will have an idea what exactly it is that you want and which Android phone is the best for you.
First off, we have the Samsung Android phones! If you are rooting for a really nice looking phone, consider the Galaxy lineups. Take for example the Galaxy Y. It's got an 832MHz processor, 3-inch touchscreen and 3-MP camera. But this is for the users who are on a strict budget.
If you want a super phone from Samsung, I suggest that you buy the latest and logically, the best Samsung phone yet- the Samsung Galaxy S III. The full specifications are difficult to grasp and fathom. I guess you just have to search the net for this one.
The HTC phones are also viable choices. If you want a decent phone that will not cost you heaven and earth try HTC One V. This is a premium kind of HTC phone that is considered a high-end device. In spite of that, it still remains cost-friendly for all tech consumers. It runs on one of the latest Android OS versions- the Ice Cream Sandwich.
It also has a 1GHz processor, 3.7-inch display, 5-megapixel rear camera with 720p video capture, 512MB of random access memory, 4GB of internal storage that can be expandable via microSD.
HTC Evo3D is one hell of a phone too. It has a 3D capability but sells cheaper now. But don't think that its quality is substandard. It has beautiful specs like the 4.3-inch super LCD display, dual-core processor, expandable memory, front-and-rear cameras, and 3D video capture.
T-Mobile Vivacity can be a good Android option too. It sports a cool design and has a 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen, 5-MP camera and runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.
LG Optimus 3D is almost similar to the HTC Evo 3D, but it has better specs than any higher end phones on the market. It has a 4.3-inch display, a dual-core processor, 3D gaming, playback, and video capture that can come at a very friendly price tag.
These are just some of the best Android phones you can buy that will definitely not suck the dollars from your pockets. If you want, you can sell your used phone at Cash for Smartphones and get the right cash to offset the purchase of a new Android phone.
Maristella, an average geek who wants to write, talk and know everything about technology and
gadgets. She writes for Cash for smartphones where she is dedicated to give tips on making the most out
of your old electronics. Connect with here on twitter @kyoutohru7 or Facebook


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|Message view
|« Date » · « Thread »
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|"Bharath D (JIRA)" <j...@apache.org>
|[jira] Created: (GERONIMO-2568) Publish DST 2007 info for Geronimo
|Wed, 15 Nov 2006 08:51:37 GMT
Publish DST 2007 info for Geronimo ---------------------------------- Key: GERONIMO-2568 URL: http://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/GERONIMO-2568 Project: Geronimo Issue Type: Task Security Level: public (Regular issues) Affects Versions: 1.1.1, 1.1 Environment: Sun Java Reporter: Bharath D A provision of the United States Energy Policy Act of 2005 extends DST by four weeks, beginning in 2007. Several countries (Canada, Bermuda) are also implementing the same DST change; other countries may decide to make similar changes to DST rules. Beginning in 2007, DST start and end dates will be: Start date: Second Sunday of March (11 March 2007) End date: First Sunday of November (4 November 2007) Systems or applications that process dates and times could be affected by this change. If not addressed, time and date calculations could be incorrect. Some more info can be found here ->http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/Intl/USDST/ We need to let Geronimo users to be aware of this(may be by a posting at the Geronimo web site) and migrate to the recommended JDK levels to overcome the DST changes. -- This message is automatically generated by JIRA. - If you think it was sent incorrectly contact one of the administrators: http://issues.apache.org/jira/secure/Administrators.jspa - For more information on JIRA, see: http://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
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text:
Sometimes we meet a guy
and we hope,wish,pray
That he will be Everything...
The ending promised to us
As little girls
When we learned that every story ends
With a Happily Ever After...
I was not a fairy tale girl
And yet still I CRAVE
Something deep...something sweet
But if this special something
Isn't something at all...
I'll know that this was
The SWEETEST little NOTHING
Just how I'm feelin
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
$1500 a week though
while walking out of the car a man in a Dodge Charger rolls down his window and hands my friend a flyer. She doesn't look at the flyer until she enters the restaurant guessing it is for a party, when she does open the flyer it reads:
"NOW HIRING, MODELS, STRIPPERS, ESCORTS, and PORNSTARS, $1500/wk" with a picture of a video looking chic right in the middle
all we could do was bust out laughing while trying to make sure the "pimp" in the car didn't see us.
as we told the story to another friend she laughed and then with a serious face asked "$1,500 a week though" LOL get your money girl LMAO
thats what she said
Posted by Thats What She Said at 2:35 PM
No comments:
I need help! I like this guy and I have no idea what to do with that, lol.
He makes me laugh, we have fun together, and things seem so simple and peaceful.
But I'm having some issues 1) I don't know what I want and 2) there's another dude!
What's a girl to do?!? lol.
So I know most people would tell me to figure out what I want first and then plan from there - well how in the hell do i do that? I want a lot, damnit I want my cake and I wanna eat it too! But obviously I can't do that.
Right now the only things I know I want are: to be happy, to have fun, to enjoy my time, and to continue trying to reach my personal goals. Where do either one of these dudes stand in that, I have no clue!
Help . . .
That's What She Said
Posted by Thats What She Said at 12:46 PM
2 comments:
liar liar pants on fire ....lol
Im sure this topic has been discussed b4 but i cannot resist.
I CANT STAND LIARS. OMG......i dont get it ...it aggravates me. Not to say I have never a told a lie b4 because honestly sometimes its necessary. However, there are just some lies that people can keep. I think what gets me the most is when people lie about things as if i have no way of finding out the truth. Do u take me for a fool.........i guess so. I cant help but laugh because they went thru all the trouble of lying about something that i could careless about. I find it hilarious that u think i care that much ...lmao. Fellas ......ur not smarter than us [granted there are some DUMB broads out there]. If u think u getting away wit ur lies its cus we let u or we just dont give a damn. MAN UP!!!!!! please ....there is nothing more sorry and pathetic than a dude who lies. If u gone be a pimp own that ish. If u broke just take the L and say so. There is nthn worse than a broke dude tryna fake lik he got it. If u dont want a commitment say so. If u aint really feeling her keep it real. But seriously keep it 100 a woman will respect u so much more trust me.
Im confident that's what she said
Posted by Thats What She Said at 12:41 PM
1 comment:
Yours Truly
In case you haven't noticed many of the recent posts are lacking the signatures you've come to love.
In an effort to protect the innocent, or often the guilty, we have decided to remove signatures from many of the posts.
Yours Truly,
thats what she said ladies
Posted by Thats What She Said at 11:19 AM
No comments:
Labels: CALL THE COPS, sorry in advance
Am I Superficial
Recently I was talking to some friends about a two different guys that I used to talk to in the past. Both were cute, funny, and genuinely interested in me. When my girls asked why didn't it go further with either one of them I responded, "I could never take him seriously, he's short". They looked at me with disgust and proceeded to tell me how I was superficial.
To me that statement didn't feel superficial at all. I don't have very many "musts" in the looks department for guys except the fact that they have to be tall. I mean thats not to say some shorty couldn't come sweep me off my feet, but in terms of what I'm looking for I want someone tall.
So the question remains, is having standards in the looks department of the opposite sex superficial or is it just going after what you like? What are some standards that you won't budge on?
thats what she said
Posted by Thats What She Said at 11:12 AM
1 comment:
Labels: you're cute BUT
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
All this Relationship Advice!
So as I write this I am watching Tyra show (guilty pleasure) and she has Steve Harvey, this chick and these other two chicks (wow I'm really paying attention) who all have books out on Relationships.
I don't know about you all but I will NEVER spend 1 penny on a book like that...I admit it is a little intriguing to see all these theories and guidelines...but that is my BIGGEST issue.At this age I am beginning to realize that all the "rules" and "regulations" we once followed are becoming silly.
I feel like in general we do need a few of the basics which are the following: STANDARDS is the main one, I feel like if u don't set them high you'll settle for anything. COMMON SENSE is the second, its important to not let your brain get soooo focused on craving a relationship that you start doing some uncompromising things. Bottomline NEVER compromise your integrity. Also PATIENCE is a virtue! I personally feel like you shouldn't go looking for a relationship, because generally if you are focused on something it will appear...the only problemis you might find a man but most likely he'll be the WRONG one. Instead you just enjoy life and I bet when you least expect it, you'll find someone special. And because men are visual creatures appearance is important.Ladies try to look good: for YOU first and he'll def appreciate the beauty.
So I realized that what this entry first critisized is what I wrote: Relationship Advice!!!! Sue me I'm a hypocrite SO WHAT!lol at least my advice is simple, and free. But I have one last piece before I let you go and that one thing is LOVE YOURSELF!!!!! And I think you'll be OKAY :)
The One and Only
-Queen Bee
Posted by Thats What She Said at 5:44 PM
No comments:
Labels: im no Dr Phil but
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text:
Top 12 Surefire Ways to Improve Your Fuel System Design
by David Hurtado • September 22, 2011 • Code Compliance, FAQ's, General, Tutorials • 0 Comments
Fuel delivery and fuel quality are quickly becoming two of the most discussed issues among critical facility operators. This article will focus on fuel delivery, and one of its main components: the fuel day tank. The day tank is the most immediate source of fuel to the engine, and its design can be responsible for […]Read more →


text:
articles & podcasts of interest
On Death Cafes - In "High Country News" - by Laura Pritchett
My father's recent death was not beautiful, and neither were any of the other deaths I've witnessed of late. This has left me wondering about a better path. Death is not easy, to be sure, but these were made particularly painful by medical interventions — or perhaps I witnessed the confusion between saving a life and prolonging the process of dying. . .
So I threw a party. Or rather, I held my first Death Café, and it turned out to be a lively, invigorating affair.
In Europe, there's a tradition of gathering to discuss important subjects — a café philo, for a philosophical café, or café scientifique, a scientific café, and now there are café mortel, or death cafés. A death café isn't an actual place; it's a temporary event in various locations, such as my home, complete with decorations and a cake with DEATH: THE FINAL FRONTIER scrawled on top. . . . Read more here
Thoughts on the End of the World - an essay by Laura Pritchett and Ana Maria Spagna in "High Country News"
What would you do if you knew the world was ending, and you had 24 hours to live? I put that question recently to Ana Maria Spagna, friend and fellow writer, with a blush — it seems like a drinking-game question, after all, nearly trite in its grandness. But I meant it, because it seems to have burbled suddenly into my zeitgeist — tropical storms and earthquakes and raging wildfires as regular news, methane burps and Yellowstone rumbles as potential threats, and my major childhood fear of imminent death from Russian nuclear weapons now revived from North Korea. "Oh," she said, gazing out at the waters of Puget Sound from the cabin where we were staying on Whidbey Island. "Well. …" Read the rest here
What's Death Got To Do With It?
Listen to the podcast on Books in 30 here.
C. G. Cooper: Welcome to Books in 30 with me, C.G. Cooper. Here at Books in 30, we discuss great books with some of today's top authors. So welcome to our listeners, and a big Books in 30 welcome to today's guest, Laura Pritchett. Laura Pritchett is the author of nine books. She began a writing journey in her early 20s with a short story collection, Hell's Bottom, Colorado, which one the PEN USA award for fiction and Milkweed National Fiction prize. This was followed by a bunch of novels, I won't read all of them right now, she's an editor of anthologies, she also has two nonfiction books. She's published hundreds of essays and her work has appeared in the New York Times, O magazine, Salon, and Publishers Weekly, just to name a few. You could find her at LauraPritchett.com. Laura, welcome and thanks for joining us today.
My father's death - in "Tin House"
In my father's truck was this: an extra pipe, orange bailing twine, a bottle of Gink ("World's Best Dry Fly Dressing"), a black film canister full of fishing flies (bought for a buck each from his barber), Dr. Grabow pipe filters, an "Emeritus" parking permit for the university, a Stetson cowboy hat size 59-7 3/8, a bottle of mouthwash, and dust and bits of hay and a few ear tags for the cattle.
This was twelve years ago and it is exactly the last memory of him I have before the Alzheimer's. The last moment I had with the Regular Him. Read more here
The Best Movies, Music, and Books about Death (from the book's complete list)
Part of the book includes lists --- I'm a fan of lists! – and some of the lists are about Capital-A Art surrounding death. Here's a sampling of the list of movies . . . .These movies explore death. They offer something new about the processing of death, fears, corpses, afterlife, the mucky real stuff, and they're the Good Movies . . .
Harold and Maude – Anytime I mentioned a list of death movies, someone was sure to mention, "You've got Harold and Maude, right?" Of course. Yes. Here it is, up top. Because this movie is about life ("Give me an L, give me an I, give me a V, give me an E. Otherwise, you got nothing to talk about in the locker room!")
Departures - In need of a job, our young main character answers a vague ad that has him preparing corpses for burial—not what he planned on doing with his life . . .
The Sea Inside – Rendered quadriplegic by a diving accident, the main character launches a 28- year-campaign for euthanasia and his right to die.
Defending your Life – After those serious flicks, we thought it might be time for a laugh. This movie takes place at a weigh-station of sorts, a stopover for the recently deceased.
And here are some of our favorite songs that bring comfort
Let the Mystery Be (Iris Dement). This might be my first choice for comfort, because, yes, it allows me to just let the mystery be.
Do You Realize? (The Flaming Lips) - Probably the only song about mortality to ever be declared an Official State Song!
Sing Me to the Other Side (Steve Conn) – May we all have someone to sing us to the other side.
Death in fiction in "Writer's Digest" by Laura Pritchett
The greatest truth about the greatest writing, if you ask me, is this: The author never, ever averts her eyes. Easier said than done, of course, and I've not always lived up to my own dictum – for the sake of avoiding collateral damage, I've let my gaze waver; or, worse, I have averted my gaze completely and fallen silent. Still, my greatest goal as both writer and human? A refining of my sense of truthfulness, a blooming of bravery, a keeping of clear-eyed gaze even on issues that churn the heart and crush the spirit.
This was on my mind lately as I killed my father. Or imagined him dead. Or thought of the various ways he'd go, and what his particular death would feel like for him. My newest novel, Stars Go Blue, is based, in part, on my family's experience with my father's Alzheimer's. There came a day, about ten years ago, when my father stood in front of the elevator with me in Denver – we were helping one of my brothers move — and my dad had no idea what the elevator was for; he wouldn't step into it. I tilted my head, confused: Perhaps he'd been out of the city for too long, being a Colorado rancher and all? But no, he had also been a college professor, a geneticist, a world-traveler famous for his research.
Oh, god, I thought. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. . . . Read more here
On Chronic Pain, on the podcast "Pain Refraimed"
Renowned author Laura Pritchett joins us here on Pain Reframed! Laura is the author of multiple books, including "Stars Go Blue," "Red Lightning," "Sky Bridge," and just recently, "The Blue Hour." She's also working on her upcoming book, "The Death Book." Laura is the first of many guests who will be talking, not from the clinician's perspective, but from the perspective of those who have experienced very serious pain conditions.
Laura shares her journey with physical pain and how she's learned how to manage that pain through specific and effective thought processes. She, not only discusses the tough times when dealing with the pain, but also what was going through her head and how she was able to combat those thoughts to reduce, or even eliminate, Episode 3 at: http://www.ispinstitute.com/pain-reframed-podcast/ or at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pain-reframed-physical-therapy-pain-management/id1223789711
A favorite blog post on the many benefits of reading . . . with thanks to Jane Sandwood
The Many Benefits of Reading - Including Preparation for Death
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go" - Dr. Seuss
When you first receive a bad diagnosis, the sense of isolation can be overwhelming. Suddenly, all the things you love can suddenly seem alien, as though they have never been yours. It takes much reflection until we become ready to 'make friends with death' and say goodbye to the people and things we love, when and how we wish to. Reading is one way to understand our common humanity; to realize that we are united with others, in our happiness and suffering - for life is fleeting for as all. Reading can bring us many benefits in every stage of life, as well as in the months, weeks or days leading to death.
Reading in our Childhood
One of the best things about being widely read, is the ability to rely on the exact words and phrases we need to get our message across. New research published at the 2017 Pediatric American Societies Meeting showed that reading books with children in their early years, can boost their vocabulary and reading skills up to four years later. Reading is indeed a cyclical pursuit; the more you read, the more reading continues to interest you; the love of words leads to adeptness at expression, and vice-versa. Other research has found that exposure to new vocabulary increases scores on general tests of intelligence; strong early reading skills may also indicate intelligence in later life.
Reading in our Teens
One of the few studies carried out on the effects of adolescent reading, has shown that this is the only extra-curricular activity for 16-year-olds that is linked to having a managerial or professional job later in life. The study, carried out at the University of Oxford, showed that neither sports, socializing, visiting museums or going to concerts, had a significant effect on later careers.
Reading in Adulthood
Research undertaken at The University of Stavanger has found that people with poor reading skills are less likely to be healthy. "Some people don't seem to obtain necessary health information because they're not good readers," said researcher and associate professor, Kjersti Lundetræ. Literacy had a stronger link to good health, than gender, age, education, and income. Researchers believe that those who cannot read miss out on important health advice - contained in leaflets, brochures, etc. They concluded that a general improvement in reading skills might afford people better health. Everyone can benefit from reading, though seniors in particular should set aside time to read books regularly, since it helps boost memory and delay cognitive decline.
Reading in Our Final Years
Whether we are young or old, reading can help us discover the philosophies or belief we need to get us through what can be a confusing and, sometimes, lonely time. Research undertaken at Sussex University showed that reading reduces stress by as much as 68 percent; it can also help us get a better night's sleep. Finally, reading increases our empathy, helping us to understand what those we love are going through as they struggle to come to terms or even envision a life without us.
Reading has powerful benefits for people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. It can relax us and sharpen our mental abilities, but also provide us with a source of powerful ideas that can help us make an inevitable transition - that which takes us from life to death.
Some other articles and essays by Laura . . .
"The Middle Ages: Sex Scenes of the Middle Aged in Literature," Bloom, Feb 7, 2017 https://bloom-site.com/2017/02/07/the-middle-ages/
"Breathing Again," High Country News, Writers on Range, Feb 1, 2017http://www.hcn.org/articles/breathing-again-after-an-unexpected-election
"No Sound, No Fury" -- Modern Love, NYT - https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/22/fashion/marriage-breakups-separation.html?smid=fb-share&_r=2
"The Great West Has More than One Story to Tell," Literary Hub, Feb 2, 2017 http://lithub.com/the-great-west-has-more-than-one-story-to-tell/
"A Writer's Tip for Writing Better Sex Scenes," Publisher's Weekly, January 2017 http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/columns-and-blogs/soapbox/article/72439-a-writer-s-tip-for-writing-better-sex-scenes-steal.html
"Fracking: OnEarth" http://www.salon.com/2013/09/25/colorado_flooded_with_fracking_fluid_partner/
"When the Fires Came for Us," Salon, July:http://www.salon.com/2012/07/26/when_the_fires_came_for_us/
"An Ode to gardens and dirt," High Country News, November 2015 http://www.hcn.org/issues/47.19/an-ode-to-germs-guts-and-gardens
"Caregiving: I'll do it my way," O Magazine, November 2014, package winner of the ASME Award http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Care-for-Elderly-Parents- Elder-Care
"The Best Mango in the World," https://www.hcn.org/articles/the-best-mango-in-the-world Writers on Range, High Country News, July 2015
"Fracking," Salon: http://www.salon.com/2013/09/25/colorado_flooded_with_fracking_fluid_partner/
"When the Fires Came for Us," Salon, July, 2012. http://www.salon.com/2012/07/26/when_the_fires_came_for_us/
Selected talks and interviews
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EPURryVIDo
Adams State Featured Speaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-tKbfTKtA4
Jaipur Literary Festival, 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVlSypumzMU
Jaipur Literary Festival, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTcbN7NEFyQ
Stars Go Blue Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPPXGRRlTqM


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Jennifer C.
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Even in the best economic climates, owning a business can be confusing and difficult, however, the problems can seem insurmountable in tough economic times.
That's why the Throggs Neck Business Association has started a business seminar series intended to give business owners in the area a leg up when it comes to things like marketing, taxation and insurance coverage. The seminars will be free for all TNMA members and $20 for non-member business owners to attend.
"With the recession and the economy being down, a lot of business owners are having a hard time staying afloat, so we figure getting some tips on how to run businesses efficiently and effectively might be able to improve them and help keep them open," said TNMA president John Cerini. "It's scary now. Some places are just trying to keep their doors open."
The first seminar was held on Wednesday, January 26, at the Villa Barone Manor, and featured a talk on business development and marketing from business coach Ethan Chazin.
"He makes it very interesting," said Cerini. "He teaches about how to make businesses more productive and he gives tips about how to market your business."
The first lecture came courtesy of the city's Small Business Services, but the TNMA is looking to partner with the Bronx Business Alliance to host at least six more seminars this year.
According to Margaret Arrighi of the BBA, the meetings will mostly focus on advertising and marketing.
"Our mission is to help business owners improve the way they manage businesses, reduce over-head and increase profits," she said. "Anything we can do to help them do that is a good thing."
The BBA seminars will be less like a formal education course and more like question and answer sessions with business experts. Business owners will be encouraged to bring in the advertising and marketing materials they already have in use, so the experts will be able to offer them specific critics of their business methods.
"It's aimed at developing personal relationships and interactions with the customers, and not just focusing on making the sale," said Marge Lovero, a consultant with It's Strictly Business Inc., which is helping the BBA to develop the seminars. "Small business owners usually neglect that and then they don't understand why they don't have repeat customers."
Cerini said that the TNMA will also look to hold seminars that help business owners to better understand insurance coverage, tax codes and how to effectively use computers.
However, even with the classes, Cerini said the only way the business community can fully bounce back is by Bronxites making sure they shop local.
"It's so important that people in small communities shop local," he said.


text:
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We hope you had an excellent Memorial Day weekend!
If you didn't take an extended vacation this week or don't have one in the near future, you're most likely watching the summer unfold outside while you sit at your desk catching up on email with possible beach envy directed toward some of your coworkers' Facebook/Instagram/Twitter accounts.
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2) Open the blinds: If you're in charge of an office of employees, don't rely on fluorescent lights and computer screens alone. Invite the summer sunlight to join you and your employees/coworkers by keeping the blinds open (and the windows too if it's not too humid). Last year, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine discussed the benefits of keeping workers near the windows.
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text: The Euston Office is the 1960s tower that stands in front of Euston station and was designed by architect Richard Seifert. Floors 1,2,3,4 and 7 have been designed by architects March and White to deliver some very special flexible workspace. With private offices, co-working space and meeting rooms seating up to 75 people, this is a great building for everyone. Situated directly in front of the station you have access to national rail trains, the northern and Victoria lines as well as Euston Square, which has the metropolitan, circle and district lines and is just a 2 minute walk away.


text:
President Donald J. Trump released a video on Saturday of his first Weekly Presidential Address, in which the president detailed many of the actions he has taken as President of the United States in his first week.
"This administration has hit the ground running at a record pace, everybody is talking about it. We are doing it with speed and we are doing it with intelligence and we will never, ever stop fighting on behalf of the American people," Trump said in the video after detailing many of the actions he has taken in just his first week.
"Since my election, many companies have announced they are no longer moving jobs out of our country but are instead keeping and creating jobs right here in America," Trump said. "Every day, we are fulfilling the promise we made to the American people."
Watch the full video below:


text:
Red Hat Bugzilla – Bug 109243
utmp file grows
Last modified: 2007-04-18 12:59:11 EDT
From Bugzilla Helper:
User-Agent: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0;
Description of problem:
Entries in the /var/run/utmp file are never removed when a user
logs out and the file continues to grow. When a user logs out,
ut_type is set to DEAD_PROCESS and several of the other fields are
set to NULL but the entry itself remains. This can be verified
by running utmpdump... For systems that are not rebooted for
a long time (6-12 months) this file grows very large.
Is this expected behavior? If so why? I expect a user's entry to be
removed when they logout.
I have confirmed this behavior for both telnet and rlogin.
Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable):
How reproducible:
Steps to Reproduce:
1.login with either telnet or rlogin
Actual Results: My entry in utmp remained but the value of certain
fields was changed
as described above.
Expected Results: My expectation is that the entry would be removed
when I logout.
Additional info:
After looking into this problem more, I have found that /bin/login
is not re using previous entries in the utmp file for the same tty.
For example, if I login and logout on tty /dev/pts/0 multiple times
in a row a new entry is added to the end of the utmp file each time.
Looking at login.c this should not happen. login.c looks
for a matching pid or tty and uses that entry. What is really
strange is I downloaded the sourse (util-linux-2.11y-9.src.rpm),
compiled a new login and replaced /bin/login with it and the problem
goes away. With the new login, entries are reused if the tty is the
same. Please advise...and thanks for any help ..... Pete
Any x86_64 stuff involved here? That's the only explanation I know of.
No this is a 32 bit P4.


text:
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If you're a performer please get in touch too. We love to feature local talent as well as visiting stars.
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text:
Join us atthe first edition of 'HULA HOOP - The Circular Design Experience', ameeting place open to everyone, professionals and companies that want to participate in a day of knowledge, debate, interaction and experiences around the regenerative...[+]
On June 14 Barcelona Design Week came to an end, which had taken place between the 5th and 14th of June throughout the whole city. The number of visitors to the 130 programme activities was high, with 43 116 attendees, a figure that...[+]
The first case study of this publication is Sea2See, a change agent in the eyewear industry that is determined to face a very serious threat for our environment: the islands of waste created by the fishing nets thrown away...[+]
A new European project funded by Erasmus+ has been launched within the social business and the educational innovation field. Under the name 'Circular Design: Learning for Innovative...[+]


text:
|Main » Articles » General
|Entries in category: 36
Shown entries: 11-20
|Pages: « 1 2 3 4 »
Sort by: Date · Name · Rating · Comments · Views
I keep a document with a list of topics I want to write about when I have time, such as GMOs, thinking you're a better-than-average driver, and the pros and cons of graduate school in anything. Somehow, I never have the time, but once in a while I get lucky and someone expresses sentiments that are very close to what I wanted to write in the first place. So instead of duplicating their efforts (and possibly doing a worse job!), I will simply re-share such articles.
In this week's installment, we have a great Vox article on why you shouldn't go to law school. Even though much of the article is law-school-specific, everyone considering any type of graduate school should read reason #1 and mentally substitute "graduate school" for "law school": "Law school isn't a solution to your fear of the career abyss." Then, before you get too depressed, read point #2 - "There are other paths across the abyss".
I may have more to say on this topic later, but points #1 and #2 are key for anyone considering graduate school. To be clear, I'm not claiming that NO ONE should go to graduate school. But in my experience too many people go to graduate school because they don't know what else to do with themselves. That's a bad idea.
Matthew Yglesias was kind enough to write about my research on Vox this week. Here is the link.
From an interesting New Scientist article about a simulated rat that learns:
"The more fundamental issue is that brute-force computation cannot compare with the functioning of a real brain. Human intelligence arises not from logic, but from our ability to respond to ambiguity and adjust to rapidly changing situations. "The idea that human expertise can be formalised in logical rules turned out to be a fundamentally wrong assumption," says Rolf Pfeifer, an AI researcher at the University of Zurich in Switzerland."
Even more interesting:
"A brain consumes less power than a light bulb, and occupies less volume than a 2-litre bottle of soda," says Dharmendra Modha, a computer scientist at IBM.
I've been a subscriber of Scientific American (paper, not online) for several years. For various reasons, I decided to stop subscribing to it and look for another source of detailed science news (one that went into more technical detail than the Economist's Science and Technology, SciAm or Discover). After finding various potential candidates, I decided to square them against each other in an RSS Feed War. The best one gets a print subscription from me. After subscribing to the feeds, I realized that a paid subscription may prove redundant.
I have to admit that although I first heard the terms "Sunni Muslims" and "Shia Muslims" years ago, I never bothered to figure out what the differences between the two sects of Islam were. Recently I finally sat down and looked it up. Turns out, the differences aren't major. But the origins of the sects are pretty interesting – they arose over a disagreement about who should succeed Muhammad, someone elected by the the people or a blood/undemocratically chosen heir. You can find the details here. Here's a nice chart with the major differences in beliefs between the two.
For those who have heard that scientists in the 1970′s believed a new Ice Age was imminent, I recommend reading this article, which investigates what the true consensus was back then. To give away the punchline, the title of the article is "The Myth of the 1970s Global Cooling Scientific Consensus". It's non-technical and very well-written.
I was grading papers today and found out that Mississippi has the most bizarre set of alcohol laws of any state. Namely, you're allowed to drive while drinking, as long as you're not drunk. At the same time, most counties prohibit sales of alcohol on Sundays and there are many dry counties, where the possession of any alcohol is illegal.
A recent study has found that women born in the spring are more likely to be anorexic than women born in the fall. You can see the results graphically here.
The authors seem quick to attribute this to gestational factors. But there are two other more plausible explanations I can think of first. One is that women who are born in the spring face more looks-based pressure in school and are more likely to develop the disorder. Perhaps being the smallest/largest/medium kid in your class has something to do with it. Second, I would be surprised if the season of birth is completely random. Some parents undoubtedly plan when they want their kid to be born. How do we know that it isn't parental characteristics that contribute to this? It's plausible that gestational factors affect the development of this complex disorder, but the environmental/selection factors above are way more plausible.
The author of this one is pretty certain:
"The earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and in triumph they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of the dot on scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner of the dot. How frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds. Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity — in all this vastness — there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves. It is up to us. It's been said that astronomy is a humbling, and I might add, a character-building experience. To my mind, there is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known."
~ Carl Sagan
My roommate went out of town on Thursday. To celebrate, my subconsciousness decided to lock me out of the apartment by leaving my keys at home. Now this has happened to me a few times last summer. Luckily, we live on the first floor and our kitchen windows were unlocked, so I would simply climb back in. At some point, I decided that leaving windows unlocked on the first floor was not such a great idea and locked them. So there I was with no keys, no cell phone, and no roommate to let me back in. I tried a few of the windows just for the hell of it, but no luck. My landlady didn't pick up. Long story short, I managed to call a locksmith who took half an hour to arrive and then informed me that he couldn't open any of the doors because of the lock type. While standing there and pondering which one of my friends I was going to inconvenience tonight, I decided to try a living room window. Lo and behold, it opened. The locksmith charged me $75 (yep, just for telling me there was nothing he could do) and left.


text:
Articles in Press & Interviews
2016.03.05 – Southern Souls Podcast interviews Away
Mike sits down with Michel Langevin to discuss the past present and future of Canadian metal icons Voivod
2016.02.24 – Revolver Magazine Podcast interviews Voivod
Welcome to Revolver Magazine's "World's Loudest Podcast." Tune in every other week to hear the latest news, music and interviews with special guests from the …
2016.02.17 – The Daily Times interviews Away!
Tennesee's The Daily Times newspaper published this interview with Away on February 17, 2016.
Voivod continues its explorations of post-apocalyptic metal landscapes
By Steve Wildsmith email@example.com |
When …
2016.02.17 – toiletovhell.com interviews Chewy
Chewy, Piggy's replacement in Voivod, is one of my favorite people in the world but I never knew why until I recently had the chance …
2016.02.11 – Nationalrockreview.com interviews Snake
Howie D. from Hard Edge Radio talks to Voivod front man, Denis "Snake" Belanger.
Howie D. from Hard Edge Radio and National Rock Review recently spent …
2016.02.04 – joelgausten.com interviews Away
Voivod Lives: Michel "Away" Langevin on Lineups, Lemmy and Keeping the Band Alive
For nearly 35 years, Voivod has created some of the most esoteric sounds …
2016.01.22 – Danko Jones interviews Michel "Away" Langevin
Danko caught up with Michel "Away" Langevin, drummer for the legendary Voivod, arguably Canada's greatest band ever, when they both played in Eindhoven, Holland, for …
2015.11.29 – Metal Wani's Voivod Interview
Metal Wani's Editor In Chief Owais 'Vitek' Nabi had a chat with VOIVOD frontman Snake at Berlin, Germany. He discusses Deathcrusher tour with Carcass, Napalm …
2015.08.27 – VOIVOD Video Interview with Thrash Eaters
Thrash Eaters recently conducted an interview with VOIVOD in Paris, France.
You can now watch the chat below.
2015.03.30 – The Age Of Metal interviews Away
The Age Of Metal recently conducted an interview with drummer Michel "Away" Langevin of Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD. You can now watch the chat below.


text:
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text:
- Worldwide Rank #195,744,120
- Follower/Following Ratio 0.18
- Daily New Followers 0
0531 372 0119 Twitter Stats
@0119_0531 - Tracking 0531 372 0119 Twitter profile since August 5, 2016
0531 372 0119's story
0531 372 0119, also known as @0119_0531 has a reasonably significant presence on Twitter and is ranked by us in the 30% percentile for account strength. Active on Twitter since June 2016, 0531 372 0119 made it to having a respectable 11 Twitter followers and to being ranked 195,744,120 for number of followers among all Twitter users.
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Over the past month, @0119_0531's was hardly active on Twitter, with an average of 0 tweet(s) per day in the past 30 days. That's pretty consistent with a total of 1 since @0119_0531 joined Twitter.
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0531 372 0119 Tweets
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text:
Deutsche Börse Group's index activities are performed by the subsidiary STOXX Ltd. For our customers, this means one single point of contact for ...
Deutsche Börse Group supports efforts to create a Capital Markets Union as proposed by the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. To this end, the company presented in Brussels a policy paper entitled "Principles of a European Capital Markets Union" - Deutsche Börse's contribution to the initial phase of the initiative for economic growth and greater efficiency in European capital markets.
The paper proposed six principles as basic guidelines to establish a functioning Capital Markets Union:
In line with these principles, the paper argues for enhanced and better integrated European financial markets to ensure sufficient long-term financing of the entire European economy.
"Our policy paper stresses the link between the economy and the financial markets: a strong economy needs strong financial markets to finance its growth," noted Reto Francioni, CEO of Deutsche Börse Group. "The Capital Markets Union is the logical consequence of and an important milestone in European integration, which has the potential to lay the foundation for a broader, more robust and efficient financial system."
About Deutsche Börse Group
Deutsche Börse Group is one of the world's leading service providers for securities and derivatives markets with a product and service offering for issuers, investors, intermediaries and data vendors. The Group covers the entire process chain from trading, through clearing, to settlement and securities custody. Furthermore, Deutsche Börse offers market data, indices and analyses and is a service provider for the development and operation of IT systems.


text:
Defeated Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said Wednesday he has decided to take his claims that the presidential election was rigged to the Supreme Court, after previously refusing to do so.
The 72-year-old cried foul shortly after vote counting began, sparking protests that left at least dozens dead and 177 injured.
Kenya's election commission: the Independent Elecctoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said there was a hacking attempt but it failed, and election observers stated that they saw no signs of interference with the vote. The unrest quickly gave way to a tense limbo as his supporters waited to hear if Odinga will take his grievances to court, as urged by international election observers. "We refuse to sit and see Jubilee turn our country into a banana republic and a playground," Odinga said.
Odinga also announced peaceful mass protests and said they would hold vigils and beat drums to draw attention. He has rejected the results, which gave Kenyatta, 55, a second term with 54 per cent of the vote. Odinga, secured 44.7 per cent in last week's poll. He saod that "accepting such crime for the third election in a row will entrench the triumph of anti democratic impunity and permanent death of democracy." The veteran opposition leader has now lost four elections and cried foul over results in the previous too.
In 2007, his rejection of the result prompted rioting and retaliation by security forces that led to the country's worst crisis for decades. About 1,200 people were killed in the ethnic violence that followed.
In 2013, he challenged the presidential results in court and lost. Judges eventually ruled that much of his evidence was being submitted outside time limits set by the court. Odinga has up to Friday (18.08.2017) to lodge his case.
Meanwhile, the election commission said Tuesday (15.08.2017) it was not yet able to provide all the forms that were used to tabulate the presidential election results, raising the question of how it came up with the tally it announced Friday night. The European Union election observer mission in a statement Wednesday urged Kenyan authorities to promptly publish all results forms online.
Deregistration of critical NGOs
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has overturned a decision to shut down two rights groups that have raised concerns over last week's election, hours after authorities raided one of the group's offices.
Police and tax authorities on Wednesday raided the Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG), one of the organizations that has regularly highlighted problems with preparations for the Aug. 8 vote.
According to Reuters, acting Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i instructed Fazul Mohamed, head of the non-government organization coordination board, to suspend action against the organizations for up to 90 days while talks with the government are held.
Government's threats to shut the AfriCOG and the Kenya Human Rights Commission drew condemnation from the United Nations, European Union and human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch who feared a crackdown on dissent.
Following the August 8 presidential election in Kenya, one child was shot dead by a stray bullet while playing on the balcony of her home in Mathare. In Kisumu a baby is in intensive care. (15.08.2017)
Kenya's electoral commission has announced that incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta has won the election with 54 percent of the vote. The announcement follows claims of fraud by the opposition and a lengthy count. (11.08.2017)


text:
How Assets Grow
The Process of Individual Investment
Types of Direct Investment
Mutual Funds
The Bond Market
Money-Market Funds
Real Estate Investments
Real estate has been a very popular investment since the late 1940s. Individuals buy land and buildings for the purpose of income or development. Land speculation has proved to be a very lucrative form of investment. Many farmers located near major cities, for example, found their land values increasing to unprecedented levels when highways, suburban housing developments, and shopping centers were built around them.
A more complex type of property investment is the Real Estate…


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For me, it would be a quality-of-life question, not a performance issue. If the HGH weren't so expensive, I'd probably continue with it, at least until I had a good reason not to, like some new evidence that it makes you grow extra ears. (The side effects of HGH are reportedly mild—one is fluid retention.) If nothing else, it helped my eyesight, and I had more energy. Lately, I've been reading studies about how endurance athletes suffer from low testosterone, which leads to early signs of osteoporosis, so I'm going to continue to monitor my levels and, if they drop too far, consider boosting them with the cream.
With the EPO, even if somebody gave it away, I wouldn't go down that road. Using it is too much of a literal and figurative headache, and if you get sloppy there's always the danger of nasty results. And I would never touch steroids again, unless I had some specific medical need. It's all just too powerful, too strange, and it's hard to read a list of the side effects and not feel like you're playing Russian roulette.
As for the larger issue of drugs in sports, eight months in the world of the artificially enhanced convinced me more than ever that it's critical for an organization like the World Anti-Doping Agency to succeed. This group, founded after the Salt Lake Olympics by Canadian anti-doping leader Dick Pound, represents the most serious international attempt to come to grips with sports doping. WADA is the logical response to an argument that gets aired from time to time: that since cheating is impossible to eliminate, the only recourse is to simply legalize everything—that way, no athlete has a hidden advantage over another, since everyone would be free to try anything that might increase endurance.
Like a lot of powerfully bad ideas, that one has a certain mad logic. But it would turn every sport into a test of how much damage an athlete was willing to risk to improve performance, and would basically force every serious athlete to cheat and risk his or her health. Athletic contests would have a strange life-or-death quality. If we don't keep drugs out of these events, they become freak shows, the athletes like gladiators—with us playing the role of decadent Romans, urging them on.
Besides, on a fundamental level, drugs ruin the simple joy of competition. With drugs in the mix, it's not about the athletes, it's about the chemistry.
Now that I was off the program, I started to think about what I'd train for next. Probably something shorter than the PBP—say, the Canadian Ski Marathon, a two-day, 100-mile event. I got a calendar out and began to work on the training schedule. I'd done the race before and knew it would be long, cold, and brutal.
Sounded fun to me. And this time I'd do it on my own.


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Interview with Juergen Delémont, manager of vintage watches at Beyer Chronométrie Zürich.
Beyer Chronométrie Zürich is a veritable institution. Dating back to 1760, the watchmaking Beyer dynasty came to Zurich in 1860 and in 1927 moved into the premises it still occupies today, at the heart of the city's shopping and banking district. An agent for Patek Philippe without interruption since 1842, IWC since 1893, Rolex and Jaeger-LeCoultre since 1932 and another twenty or more other prestigious brands, Chronométrie Beyer is also the owner of a very large Horology Museum exhibiting numerous masterpieces collected over the years by the family, and open to the public since 1971. But Beyer has also had a Vintage Watches department since 1965, which has given it no mean edge over its rivals. Europa Star met Juergen Delémont, who heads up that department.
http://www.europastar.com/retail-world/ ... rands.html


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The LA Weekly's Bill Bradley — according to Daniel Weintraub, the only California reporter with access to Arnold — has an entertaining account of the days before Arnold announced his candidacy for California governor, with an interesting 1980 parallel: "True lies." (Courtesy of California Insider.)
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"Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." Winston Churchill
"Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." Inscription on the Liberty Bell


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We'll consider this an update post for my future self, so years from now when I'm bored and going through old blog posts, I can say, "Oh yeah, I remember that really amazing week. That was good times."
Because this week really has been jumpingly exciting (one can be hopping mad, so I'm going to say one can also be jumping excited). Not only did I just win SEVEN DOLLARS on a Bingo scratch lottery card, but yesterday marked my third and most fun book launch/signing event. A big thanks to Black Squirrel Books for hosting me!
I set up at noon and had a rush of people until close to 4:00, nearly selling out of the stock I'd brought with me. My bestie baked an incredible vanilla & white chocolate cake with strawberry jam filling, and I'm fully willing to accept it drew most of the crowd to my table.
I'm reminded on a regular basis of how wonderful my friends and family are, but never more so than yesterday when so many of them came to show their support and save me from the cake. Most of my business cards disappeared, as well as the postcards I carry around for promo material, and I have a sneaking suspicion some of those cards ended up forgotten in various public places.
When people came in off the street to see what was going on, my friends were quick to pitch in with how much they enjoyed Evensong, and I owe them a pint or two for a few sales!
Thanks to Adam Tupper, I had a lot of pretty and colourful items to display, and the prints were pretty popular! Who can resist Hello Talfyr's horradorableness?
The end result of the day was for me to become the most successful author event at this Black Squirrel Books, and to cart out a bag of books far lighter than I hauled in. Considering the cake, the company, and the conclusion – I'm calling it a conquest! Not actually, but alliteration is fun, right?
It's also one week since I set EVENSONG to a free ebook, and I must say the results have made me very happy. Thanks to everyone who shared the link of my blog post or told someone they should grab it. It's both terrifying and thrilling to know so many new people are picking up Jeff's story and following along with him. I really love this series and it's exciting to hear back from people saying that they love it as well!
In fact, I love the series so much, it's not letting me go. I told myself I would take a break from Andvell. I have other characters in other worlds waiting for me, patiently sitting by until its their turn. Venn is not a patient human being. She's begging like my cat at dinner time for me to pay attention to HER. So … BITTEN BY FIRE edits WILL be starting in a week or so, and I've been busy brainstorming the rest of Kat's series, but it looks like Venn might make it out first after all. I'll keep you up to date about where all this stands.
No, I didn't say that. I'm sorry, Imagination. Please don't leave me.
Coming up soon, I have a Q&A with a new author I've come across who has something really unique to offer you, and another short page-a-day story on Thursday!


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BBC News School Report
Welcome to the BBC News Report section.
Students have been attending this extra-curricular club since November 2017 and will be taking part in News Day on Thursday 15th March 2018.
The BBC News School Report has given students the chance to interview, collect information, work as a team and create articles, video clips or audio clips about things that really matter to or interest you!
Their work will be published all over the world for friends, family and teachers to see via the BBC website.
Their stories will be published at the bottom of this page from 14:00hrs on News Day.
Take a look at this video clip from the BBC website that outlines a bit about the project:
Click on the link below to view information from our BBC News School Report from the last 2 years:


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Pets At Home shares soar after sales rise to £256.5m in 'positive' start to year
Shares in Pets At Home rose sharply on Tuesday after the company saw revenues pick up in its first quarter.
The FTSE-250 firm said sales were up 5% to £256.5 million in the 16 weeks to July 20, underpinned by solid growth in both its merchandise and veterinary services divisions.
Merchandise sales increased by 2.8%, while in its smaller services division, which includes its vet practices, revenue rocketed by 18.8% to £40.1 million.
On a like-for-like basis, total sales rose 2.7%, with merchandise increasing 1.5% and services chalking up 10.5% growth.
The pet shop chain, which operates from 439 stores across the UK, said its financial outlook for the year was "in line" with expectations.
It opened five new superstores, two vet practices and six grooming salons in the period, and said it was on track to open a total of 10 superstores, 40-50 vet practices and 40-50 grooming salons during the current financial year.
Investors welcomed the news, with the stock rising almost 8% to 185.7p in morning trading.
Boss Ian Kellett said it had been a "positive" start to 2017.
"Whilst it is still early in the year, the financial outlook is in line with our expectations," he added.
The company cut prices for some of its products earlier this year in an attempt to shore up top-line growth, a move which it said is proving successful.
Mr Kellett said: "We have continued our everyday lower price repositioning and reduced the reliance on short-term promotional discounts.
"We remain encouraged by the overall response to our pricing changes and by the number of both new customers and those we have welcomed back."
However, analysts at Liberum sounded a cautious note, warning that the continued price reductions could put pressure on margins.
"The key for us will be to asses any further top-line momentum in the context of gross margin performance, where we read today's update as implying that there has been no change to management's guidance of a decline in FY18E of minus 100 to minus 200bps, reflecting its ongoing price investment initiatives.
"We believe the interims in late November will provide a better opportunity to assess whether this improved momentum can be sustained."


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Garden Shed From Concept to Completion
Home improvement: This versatile addition is a personalized sanctuary, storage in style, covering a host of needs. It's also a really satisfying one- or two-person project.
Subscribers to our print magazine have online access to all of our online issues going back 12 years. Download any issue whenever you want. You can also create your own online library, giving you instant access to all your favourite projects, tips, and techniques. As a Guest you can view up to 20 pages of the current issue and any back issues, and purchase issues online. Or you can become a subscriber for complete access to our full library.
Home improvement: This versatile addition is a personalized sanctuary, storage in style, covering a host of needs. It's also a really satisfying one- or two-person project.
Finer Details: The original Bosch Lute was made in the 1500s. There is only one of them in the world, but a skilled luthier from Saskatoon completed a very similar lute. Learn how he assembled all the pieces that make up the back of his version of the Bosch Lute.
Community - Victoria: When a huge bigleaf maple tree in the Cowichan Valley had to be taken down, it was sawn up into lumber and distributed between 46 artisans. From November 2015 to January 2016, the completed pieces were on display at the Robert Bateman Centre in Victoria, BC. Here are some of the pieces in the exhibit.
Wood Knowledge: Walnut is one of the most highly prized domestic woods, and for good reason. For colour, grain, figure, workability and other valuable attributes, the wood is in a class all by itself among domestic hardwoods.
Canadian Quotes: ...on research, losing track of time and joining the circus.
Top Ten: There are dozens out there, but some are crucial to have on hand, while others are in the 'nice to have' category. Make sure you have the following items in your shop at all times.
Wood Chuckle: Today, as I write this, it is December 1st. This means that, yet again, I have missed the deadline for submitting my Christmas-themed story.
Office Project: What better way to show off your woodworking skills, and start a conversation, than with an eye-catching business card holder.
Home Project: Although the design of this table may appear complicated, the construction is remarkably straightforward. Simple and reliable techniques make it easy to taper the legs and flow them into the side stretchers.
Shop News: The TS 55 is not your standard circular saw. With its accuracy, versatility, portability and ease of use you have a precision-cutting solution like no other.
Shop News: Designed to be strong, fast, and heavy, the bench-top Professor 2.2 CNC router is built with a cast iron frame, machined cast aluminum gantry, black anodized aluminum tables, large precision ball screws, and CSA-certified high-performance electronics.


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Breast surgery in Bangkok does not cost as high as in the US, Australia, and Canada. This is the reason why an increasing number of medical tourists are making a beeline for Bangkok for going under the surgeon's knife to get their breasts into shape.The rising cost of medical care in West Europe, Australia, and North America may cause some women to hesitate when considering breast surgeries. As a result of this, more and more women are flying abroad to undergo breast reduction and breast augmentation surgery in Bangkok, Thailand.
The cost of breast surgery in Thailand is much lower than in the more affluent countries primarily due to the low cost of living in the Southeast Asian country. In addition, Bangkok cosmetic and plastic surgery hospitals are technologically advanced and staffed with expert plastic surgeons.
Pros of Breast Surgery
- Breast augmentation and reduction surgeries are sought by those who want aesthetically appealing bosom.
- Breast implants come in many shapes and sizes, so it's easy to get the results you want.
- For women with small breasts, getting breast implants can be a great self-esteem booster.
- As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Report of the 2010 Plastic Surgery Statistics, breast augmentation was the top cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the US in 2010. Nearly, 296,203 breast mammoplasties were performed in the States alone in that year!
- Women who suffer from back problems due to large breasts can obtain relief through breast reduction surgery.
- Women who have undergone mastectomies during breast cancer treatment can regain the original size and shape of their breasts through enhancement surgeries.
- Women whose breasts have lost firmness due to breastfeeding can regain their pre-pregnancy shape with breast lifts.
Why Undergo Breast Surgery in Bangkok, Thailand?
- As mentioned, breast surgery prices in Bangkok, Thailand are much lower than in the first world nations. Even after taking into account dining and traveling costs along with the cost of getting breast implants in Bangkok, one will still be paying lower than what one might have to shell out for the surgery alone in the UK, Canada, or Australia.
- Plastic surgeons in Thailand utilize the latest surgical techniques for breast surgeries. They have access to advanced medical technology.
- Since you will be undergoing plastic surgery abroad, you do not have to worry about people from your hometown seeing you during the recovery period. Going for augmentation or reduction mammoplasty cosmetic surgery in Thailand gives you the much-needed privacy.
- There is no waiting period for any aesthetic surgery in Thailand, unlike in the US and the UK.
- According to a report titled "The effects of medical tourism: Thailand's experience" by Anchana NaRanong and Viroj NaRanong, published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization on February 28, 2011, approximately 1.4 million foreign patients sought medical treatments in Thailand in 2007, with 420,000 of them being medical tourists.
- Since there are so many medical tourists in Thailand, hospital staff members understand how to accommodate them and speak fluent English.
- The reputable plastic surgery centers in Bangkok also have multilingual translators.
- You can enjoy the luxury of a Bangkok vacation during your pre-surgery days. Taste the local cuisine, go shopping for jewelry and rugs, visit the Buddhist temples and enjoy the tropical climate.
Traveling to Bangkok for Breast Surgery – Some Tips
- Make sure to thoroughly research on the hospital you want to visit for your breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery in Thailand.
- Call the hospital and speak to the plastic surgeon; ask for patient references.
- Ask your plastic surgeon for breast implant before and after pictures.
- Check online for resources about undergoing breast surgery in Bangkok.
- The laws in Thailand require tourists to carry their passports with them at all times. Failing to do so could lead to arrest, so keep your passport always with you and be wary of pickpockets.
Tourist Attractions in Bangkok
- The open air markets in Bangkok are a great place to find bargains on household items, clothing and jewelry. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Thailand, is a shopper's paradise.
- Chinatown in Bangkok is home to many gold jewelry shops and authentic Chinese restaurants.
- Take in the visual delights the Grand Palace has to offer, with its stunningly detailed architecture and rich regal history.
- Visit the Temple of Dawn at sunset and enjoy its serene beauty next to the Chao Phraya River.
Breast surgery in Bangkok is an attractive option for patients seeking low cost, high quality plastic surgery for making their bosom more aesthetically appealing, with the added perk of a relaxing vacation!
Submit the request quote form on the right for more information on breast surgery in Bangkok.


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Ed Hale recently attended the 2000 Florida Heroes Awards Ceremony at The Loews Hotel on Miami Beach, hosted by the National Academy of Recording arts and Sciences, NARAS, the organization most famous for its annual Grammy Awards. Ed Hale was recently inducted into the Academy for his work on the Ed Hale album Acoustic In New York. The event was hosted by actor Andy Garcia and the honorees at this year's event included reggae band Third World; and songwriting sensation Desmond Child. The highlight of the event" said Ed "was being able to hang out with childhood hero Harry Wayne Casey from KC and the Sunshine Band."
|Ed Hale & the lovely ladies
(2 heads are better than 1)
|Ed Hale and Wayne Casey from KC and the Sunshine Band
|Kenny Rogers
|Ed Hale & Third World


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Performing arts
Performing Arts Clubs will help you to develop the following values:
- To be confident when performing songs, dances & drama.
- To persevere when tasks are challenging.
- To have fun learning something new!
- To develop hand-eye co-ordination, core strength and balance.
- To work as part of a team.
- To share ideas and feel confident when doing so.
These include: Let's Sing, Little Singers, Dramarama, Dance & Cheer, Music Mania, Magic of Music & more.


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Senate confirms Marilyn Tavenner as CMS administrator
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Senate voted overwhelmingly to confirm a former Virginia Health and Human Services secretary as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Members of the Senate voted 91-7 in favor of confirming Marilyn Tavenner to lead CMS, drawing praise from a retail pharmacy trade group.
"Often, much is said about a nominee's qualifications for a leadership position such as the administrator of CMS," National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson said. "And I go further to say that her life story is a testament to the genuine care and dedication to patients that must drive the improvement of healthcare delivery in the United States."
Tavenner, who began her career as a nurse, was previously acting administrator of CMS.
Like this story? Find us on Facebook for more insight, analysis and the latest in drug store news. Join the conversation.
Walmart goes to college
TEMPE, Ariz. — Walmart opened a new small-format store on the campus of Arizona State University as part of a pilot program, the mass merchandise retailer said.
The company opened the 5,000-sq. ft. store in the Vista del Sol plaza at the university. The store includes health and wellness services, a pharmacy, convenient shopping services, convenience items and merchandise tailored to the campus. The Walmart on Campus store is the second in the country, the first having opened at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in January 2011.
"The new Walmart on Campus is going to be a wonderful amenity for the students of ASU," Tempe Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Mary Ann Miller said. "To be able to get off your elevator or get on your bike and be able to pick up a prescription or just basic necessities will add to the convenience of living on or next to campus."
The store employs about 10 people, and the opening included a presentation of $2,500 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to local community groups.
"With our smaller format and being located right on campus, our store is perfect for those who need to pick up a prescription or something for a quick meal," store manager Mario Espino said. "Our customers will be able to find what they need quickly and easily and then head on back to class."
Like this story? Find us on Facebook for more insight, analysis and the latest in drug store news. Join the conversation.
Revamped Food Lion stores to include cheaper private labels, fresher produce
SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion has revamped 178 of its stores and hired 800 new employees, the Delhaize Group-owned supermarket chain said.
The company said the stores would offer an improved shopping experience — such as faster checkout service — fresher produce through the "Fresh from the Field" initiative and cheaper private label products. The changes were made to stores in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Re-opening celebrations will take place at the stores, with free bags of groceries provided to the first 50 customers at each store.
Like this story? Find us on Facebook for more insight, analysis and the latest in drug store news. Join the conversation.


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Please complete the form below to request information about booking the hall or to request specific rental dates. For rates and additional information about the hall visit this link.
You should hear from someone within 24 hours. You can also leave a message at the Community Hall, messages are checked once a day, 519-856-4870.
Once the coordinator has confirmed your dates you can return to this page and click on the here to pay your deposit or mail a cheque to Eden Mills Community Club, 104 York St, Eden Mills, ON, N0B 1P0.
Your deposit is allocated as $125 damage deposit, $75 cleaning deposit or in the event of cancellation $200 cancellation fee. The deposit is refunded in full after the event if there is no damage and the renter completes the clean-up checklist. However in the event of cancellation, if notice is NOT received within two weeks of the reservation being confirmed or six weeks prior to the event, the deposit is the cancellation fee.


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One of my new year's resolutions for 2016 was to cook a new recipe from a cook book every week. I own so many cook books with beautiful recipes, yet I generally cook the same thing each week, or use the Internet as a source of new recipes. I purchased the Deliciously Ella cookbook in January 2016, which is absolutely gorgeous and full of beautiful and wholesome vegetarian recipes. However, I knew I had to be disciplined with myself in order to ensure I actually used it and sourced recipes from it. Hence the resolution.
My resolution started off well – Rob and I cooked a recipe a week, from the Deliciously Ella book, and then we allowed ourselves to introduce Angela Liddon's 'Oh She Glows' recipe book and the Revive Cafe cookbooks (my Mom purchased me their 2nd and 4th cookbooks…they have so many beautiful yet simple vegetarian recipes I have never tried!). I often struggle to follow recipes – I use them as a base but amend them based on my tastes and what I think will make the recipe better – but I was stringent and followed the recipe line by line, only adding things at the very very end if we thought necessary. We made some amazing dishes, but soon enough work and life took over, meaning that we forgot about our resolution and went back to our old ways.
However, we were invited to a pot luck dinner last week, and I knew this was a wonderful opportunity to cook directly from a recipe again. After much umming and ahhing, knowing I was cooking for my gym friends, so people who look after their health and care about eating well, including another vegetarian and two people on a paleo diet, I decided on a miso sweet potato and broccoli recipe from Smitten Kitchen. It sounded perfect for a pot luck – easy to transport and put together when I arrived, easy to heat up if necessary, and quick and easy to do the night before after a 13 hour day in the office. It was also vegan (well my adapted version is) and I enjoy showing off how delicious vegan food can be. I also personally love sweet potato (in New Zealand, they call it orange kumara) and believe it is a wonderful natural source of carbohydrates. It is also a warm, wholesome and comforting vegetable. The smell of sweet potato takes me back to Christmas and Thanksgiving, when I make a tasty but naughty sweet potato casserole, topped with marshmallows, pecans and brown sugar, roasted until crunchy. YUM. However, I didn't think that was quite appropriate for this pot luck, and it was also the wrong time of year. So this sweet potato and broccoli bowl had high standards to live up to – I was expecting big things.
And wow it blew me away. I altered the recipe slightly by doubling the amount of garlic in the sauce, by using agave instead of honey (to make it vegan), and by adding some water to thin it out a bit (given I was making a very large amount and wanted to ensure everyone got enough miso dressing!). While the recipe calls for using a blender, I actually put all the ingredients in a bowl and used a fork to mix it – it took a few minutes but it mixed together nicely – no need for a blender at all!! I also added some organic black beans to add protein, and I did a mixture of brown and black forbidden rice. I also accidentally forgot about the rice, leaving it to cook about 10 or so minutes longer than it should have (I grew up with a rice cooker, so cooking rice on a stove is still slightly novel for me – and I forget the fact that once the water is all absorbed, you actually need to turn it off – first world problems!). LUCKILY it didn't burn, or set alight. The overcooking of the rice meant that it was slightly dried out and crispy, adding a beautiful texture and contrast to the sweet potato and broccoli. I couldn't have planned it any better!
Like Smitten Kitchen says, there is no reason you couldn't use other vegetables, though I love the mixture of the sweet potato and the broccoli. It would be nice with some thinly chopped and grilled aubergine/eggplant. And I would love to try it with some quinoa in the future for a different texture, and some additional protein. The miso dressing though is delightful, and could easily be used for an Asian themed salad or noodles. No doubt I will be making it again and posting future recipes with a very similar miso dressing to it.
Sweet potato, broccoli and black bean bowl warm salad with miso dressing
Serves 4 to 6 (4 for a main meal, 6 as a side)
For the bowl
1 cup dried rice or another cooking grain of your choice (I used a mix of brown and black)
1 to 2 large sweet potatoes, or 4 to 5 small to medium ones (about 700 grams/1.5 pounds)
1 large broccoli (about 3 cups once chopped into florets)
1 tin of black beans (I used a 400g tin of Ceres Organic black beans)
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
For the miso-sesame dressing
1 tablespoon finely chopped/minced fresh ginger
3 small garlic cloves, finely chopped/minced
2 tablespoons white miso (the mildest kind)
2 tablespoons tahini (add one tablespoon and then see how it tastes)
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon water
Method: Vegetables and rice
Heat oven to 200 degrees Celcius (400 Fahrenheit). Cook the rice according to package directions – I use a ratio of 2 to 1 cups for brown/black rice – and I cooked it approximately 10 minutes longer than it should have been, to get it nice and crunchy.
Cut the sweet potato into 2cm (3/4-inch) cubes (the original recipe says to peel them too, but I like sweet potato with the skins on – just make sure you wash them and cut out any spots or bad looking bits). Cut the tops off the broccoli and separate into bite-sized florets (I found that I liked the florets bigger, to add a difference in size when compared to the sweet potato). I often like to use the stems and the bottom of the broccoli as well – peeled and cut into segments about 1 inch long.
Coat one large or two smaller trays with a thin slick of olive oil. Layer sweet potatoes on tray(s) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, until browning underneath. Flip and toss chunks around, then add broccoli to the tray(s), season again with salt and pepper, and roast for another 10 to 20 minutes, until broccoli is lightly charred at edges and sweet potato is fully bronzed and tender. Toss chunks around one more time if it looks like they're cooking unevenly.
In a small skillet, toast black and white sesame seeds until fragrant. (You can do this in the oven if using an oven-proof skillet.) Let cool.
While vegetables roast, prepare sesame-miso dressing:
Add the dressing ingredients to a bowl (alternatively, combine everything in a blender and run until smooth, scraping down sides once). If making it in a bowl, use a whisk or a fork and mix it until it all blended and smooth. Taste and adjust ingredients if needed, but try to resist adding more honey or agave if it tastes salty, as that extra pop of saltiness is exactly what sweet potato needs.
Prepare the black beans:
Drain the black beans and rinse them under the water. If you are serving the bowl warm, heat the black beans up on the stove or in the microwave.
Assemble bowls:
As I was making one large dish for everyone to share, I put each ingredient on as layers, similar to making a lasagne – rice sprinkled on the bottom, topped with the vegetables and then black beans, and again another layer of each. I then topped it with the sesame-miso dressing and finished with sesame seeds.
If you are doing individual bowls, you want to scoop some rice/grains into each, then pile on the roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli and the black beans. Coat lightly with sesame-miso dressing and finish with toasted sesame seed duo. Serve with extra dressing on the side.
It was an absolute hit at the potluck. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike, even those sneaky paleos who don't eat legumes, were taking part. The plate was clean by the end, and I was lucky to get a photo before everyone dived in! It is on the top of my list for future dinners, and because I was in a rush making it, I didn't take too many photos of the process – next time I definitely will. 10 out of 10!