text:
While most people mark their journeys in terms of countries they've been to, I often find myself more exhilarated at the idea of stepping into another ocean or sea. Last summer when I went to Florida, I made a point to drive to the coast because I had not seen the Atlantic Ocean before then. During my study abroad, many of us had the chance to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Being from California originally, we would make yearly trips to the Pacific, which I have also been to from the Alaska and Hawaii areas. I love beaches. I love water and the many possibilities it provides visually.
One of my favorite places to photograph (you may have noticed) is over by the bay of Tallinn. Still, I hadn't gone into the water. For one, it's cold. (I don't do cold.) Two, that area has some beautiful spots but it's not exactly a beach. So I held off and enjoyed the view.
Friday, a group of people went to the beach and I decided to join in. As I packed my things, I decided not to worry about a swim suit (who wants to swim in that freezing cold water???) And since this wasn't really a photo trip, I made the choice to leave my 75-300 lens at home to save space and weight.
Little did I know that there would be this totally awesome, rusted-out shipwreck maybe 200 yards off shore. My Photo I teacher's words rang in my ears "luck favors the prepared". Well... prepared I wasn't.
I enjoyed the weather with everyone and held off as long as I could before wading into the water, denim capri pants and all, using what I had to get this:
I may or may not have giggled when I got this looking how I envisioned from the start (although I probably did). It was cold and I had to deal with wet clothes on the bus ride home, but it was totally worth it. And I must say, there is something to be said for not having a ton of options. Having only the one lens pushed me into getting a better angle than I would have with my telephoto lens from the shore. That said, I'm wearing a swimsuit next time. Just in case.


text:
The undercover little!
I identify as a little and sort of came out as little about about 18 months ago, but I'm not what people think of when they think of a 'little'. I'm not in to onesies, sippy cups, or pacifiers. Not that the is anything wrong with that, it's just not my thing. But I have found that as time has worn on I have started to have my own littleismas. From the way I talk, to bouncing up and down when I get excited, to what I eat and the things I do for fun. But one of the first things that kind of changed was my way of dressing . Now don't get my wrong , I don't wear child like cloths or in your face little, but the have changes are very stubble changes and they have made me a lot more comfortable in my own skin.
Thinking about the way I dress and how it changed , I can see the time that things changed, was when maîtser came in to my life (????). I was kind of dressing for comfort, ease and without wanting to stand out. Maîtser kind of got me taking pride in my appearance and the way I dress. I guess you could say I start to dress in away that pleased him. He also put in to my rules , ones for how he wanted me to dress . One is that I am to wear girlie bras and panties, with a camie in the winter (he likes me to keep warm as much a posable). He also likes my dressing in a feminine manner and when ever possible wear dresses. Most days he will give me a choice of 3 outfits, and ask me to pick which one I want to wear. The biggest rule I have though is that I am to dress in a lady like manner, never overly sexy or showy , unless maîtser is with me.
Two areas that I always like to keep 'little' are my feet and my hair. I have collection of silly sock, with things like my little pony, pushine and unicorns on them. They alway make me happy, feel a little bit little and like I have a piece of maîtser with me. I never wear high heals , unless I'm going dancing . Instead I wear flat Mary-jane's or ballet pumps, and sneakers or boots if I'm working. I always , also have painted toe nails, normally purple or pink. As for hair , well I have shoulder length hair , with a wispy fringe. I either wear it down and naturally curly or have it up. Either in pig tails, a pony tail or braided. I have My girlie bands and pretty ribbons for my hairs too! Babe will quit often do my hair for me and hair favourite way she does it is down and curly, with a ribbon holding it back. She also dies it pretty colours as well .
I guess I now have my 'little' uniform, it's kind of a realign against the norm sort of a look. I have never really followed fashion, which is wired as I work for a fashion house for. Long time. As a teenager and in to my early twenties I was a kind of skater girl / emo / rocky chick sort of a girl. Lol my god son says I was queen of emo, before it was fashionable.(his 19) but sines I have embraced my little side more, that look has changed a lot. I'm now more of a punky, princess with a shy side. But I also have my little , little bits . I have pin badges, earrings and a whole host of unicorn t-shirts.
I guess for me it's been a sort of finding my fit sort of a thing. You uwould not be able to guess I'm a little , unless you knew what a little was, and not really then. Maîtser says I have become his punky little princess, comfy in her own skin, and unapologetically me!
Pixie x
Ps- all the talk of the undercover little has got me and kitten thinking of setting up a little craft shop on Etsy , but more of this later!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(Updated to reflect comment from the University of Kentucky)
A study done by research firm Startup Genome, called the Startup Ecosystem Report 2012, measured the top ecosystems around the world for startup innovation. And, to no one;s surprise, Silicon Valley was number one in every single category, from output to talent to funding. It has been, and remains, the hub for entrepreneuship around the world.
But how often to do we sit down and think of why that is?
It seems that, sometimes, it is easy to forget that this is not an organic trait. As in, there is nothing in the drinking water in Palo Alto that makes people in the area somehow better at coming up with world changing ideas.
Rather, I believe it has a lot to do with the ecosystem of the area, which fosters that type of creativity. And that includes a university system, most notably Stanford University and its Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students (BASES) program, which seeks to take students and model them into the next generation of entrepreneurs.
"I think one of the big reasons that Silicon Valley is Silicon Valley is thanks to the entrepreneurial community that there is here at Stanford, that's very much fostered by entrepreneurial groups such as BASES," said Zineb Laraki, the VP of External Relations at BASES, in an interview.
What is BASES?
Stanford BASES is an entirely student-run organization that focuses on business and entrepreneurial activities for Stanford student.
In addition, the 120 students running the organization, there is also a board of advisors that is composed of Stanford professors as well as past BASES contributors who are nominated to join the board. These include Jonathan Berger, former President of BASES, who went on to become product manager at Google twice and helped start two companies Picurio, which graduated Y Combinator, and Katango, which was acquired by Google; Rebeca Hwang, former lead organizer of the BASES Social E-Challenge Competition and a co-founder and CEO of YouNoodle; Ricky Yean, former BASES co-president and the CEO of Crowdbooster; and Othman Laraki, former Co-President of BASES, who was Twitter's Vice President of Product, and a co-founder of MixerLabs, which was acquired by Twitter in 2009.
The largest student group at the University, it seeks to give those students the experience, and the opportunity, to learn what exactly it means to be an entrepreneur. It does this through different division, each one focusing on providing those students with a different aspect of being an entrepreneur.
These divisions include:
- Freshman battalion: the top freshmen at Stanford are recruited freshman and given exposure to entrepreneurial community. They have competitions, and BASES helps them to find internships at startups. It is also pretty competative to get into: over 100 applicants for 22 spots. "We mentor and groom them to become the next BASES," Laraki said.
- Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders: a weekly speaker series, co-hosted by BASES and the Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP). It bring leaders from the worlds of business, finance, technology, education, and philanthropy, to come and share their insights. Past speakers have included Melinda Gates; Evernote CEO Phil Libin; Twitter creator Jack Dorsey; Pulse co-founders Akshay Kothari and Ankit Gupta; Tim Draper, the founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetso; and Daniel Ek, a co-founder of Spotify. Each lecture is put on video and offered on iTunes; they are among the top 10 listings on iTunesU.
- Hackspace: where weekly hackathons are run, with average of 80 people attending. These are open to public, and a recent hackathon with UC Berkely drew over 250 people.
- Entrepreneurship bootcamp: a one week long deep-dive into entrepreneurship that is meant to get the participants ready to launch their ideas. The program includes pitching and design workshops, marketing initiatives, media rundowns, sector-specific critiquing, and mentoring sessions with our all-star sponsors and partners. E-bootcamp is open to global communities, Laraki said, and there are teams applying from countries all over the word, including Norway and Chile.
- External relations: which included the BASES Startup Career Fair, which took place on January 17. Startint this year, students were able to submit their resumes online, creating a new talent portal.
The 150K challenge
The biggest draw for the program, though, may be the 150K challenge, which includes three divisions: the Entrepreneurship-Challenge (or E-Challenge), the Social E-challenge (which is the same thing as E-challenge, but with a social aspect) and the Products Showcase.
Each of these categories gives out $50,000 to their winners, hence the "150k" in the title.
While the E-challenge and Social E-challenge are business model competitions, while, for Product Showcase, the teams compete with working product prototypes and demo.
Laraki described the Product Showcase is a "science fair on steroids."
To get into Product Showcase, companies have two application rounds: an early deadline, and a regular deadline. Companies can apply to either and still make it to the third round, which is the judging round, but BASES offers incentives to those that submit early, including workshops, mentorships, the ability to connect with judges and early access to resources.
This year, there were 30 to 40 applicants in the first round, of which 12 were chosen. The second round saw 80 to 90 applicants, and 40 were chosen. Ultimately, after a few teams dropped out, 47 companies were competing for the top prize.
The criteria to be chosen from all those applicants is two things, Oscar Wong, VP of Product Showcase, told me an interview: first, market potential and feasibility; second, innovation, and whether the idea is considered to be disruptive.
For the finale, Product Showcase came up with a new judging rubric of 10 questions, of which the companies would be scales from 1 to 5, Wong told me. They were questioned on criteria such as market potential, market size, and whether a VC would fund their company.
Companies are judged against former winners of the competition, but Wong also admitted that the juding process is still being molded to "address all different component" of each business.
At the end of judging on May 10, there were five E-Challenge Winners, four Social E-challenge winners and five winners of Product Showcase. Prizes ranged from $25,000 to $2,500.
Top prizes went to: AWAIR, a medical device company that develops patient-centered airway products for the intensive care unit, took top prize in the E-Challenge; Anjna Patient Education, a non–profit organization dedicated to empowering patients to take control of their own health through mobile (SMS and voice) technology, which won first prize in the Social-E Challenge; and ALICE, an artificial intelligence construction scheduler that can reduce schedule durations by an average of 45% as compared to leading industrial solutions, which came out on top of the Product Showcase
You can see the list of winners here.
In the years to come, Wong said, he hope to incorporate workshops to further develop products, as well as mentorships for Product Showcase companies, which the E and Social Challenge teams already have mentors because they are more established.
What makes BASES special
Founded in 1996, BASES is one of many university programs that seeks to helps students become better entrprenuers, both in the United States and abroad.
For example, MIT has its 100K Challenge, which was founded 24 years ago. It doles out a total of $350,000 in prizes, to startups in the Emerging Market, Energy, Life Sciences, Mobile, Products and Services and Web/IT categories. It also provides winners with a networks of entepreneurs, investors, and potential partners, as well as mentoring by professionals.
Harvard has its i3 program, which offers classes, seminars, workshops and office hours on innovation and entrepreneurship, and offers it i3 Innovation Challenge competition, where it gives out $600,000 in grants, space and services.
Another example is the University of Kentucky's Innovation Network for Entrepreneurial Thinking (iNET), which was founded in 2011. The program includes the UK Venture Challenge, where an undergraduate team and a graduate team are each named winners and awarded $1,000 each. Two other teams, one undergraduate and one graduate, are awarded $500 each and named to participate with the two winning teams at the state competition, Idea State U.
There is also the New Venture Challenge at Chicago University, launched in 1996, where eight to 10 teams are selected to present at a daylong finals competition in May, before a panel of investors and entrepreneurs. In 2012, $225,000 in cash prizes and business services were awarded to the winners and finalists.
So what sets BASES apart from these other programs? The others are missing one key factor, which Stanford has and they do not, said Wong: the Product Showcase.
"Product showcase fills a void that's really missing in the entrepreneurship space, which is a competition where people compete with products instead of business plans and business models," Wong said.
The reason this is a better way to hold a competition he said, is because engineers might know now to build a demo, but might not have the skill set to know how to do a business model canvas and how to start a business.
"Across these top-tier universities you have this social media and this business plan competition, but you're missing that product based competition, and I think that's where we kind of stand out amongst the group."
Part of BASES also has to do with global outreach to different communities around the world, which it does partially through E-Bootcamp. While these communities will have to obviously cater their programs to their own specific needs, they can still emulate what BASES does said Laraki.
But, more than anything else, being the biggest entrepreneurial organization on campus, BASES obviously the most to Stanford students, who it allows to get a hands on view of what it actually means to be an entreprenuer.
"I'm about to graduate and this has been, for me, one of the greatest experience I've had here at Stanford," said Laraki. "Being part of bases has taught me so much more about myself and entrepreneurial community here that its just been amazing."
(Image source: http://www.stanforddaily.com)


text:
Please enter your phone number or email (for our manager to contact you)
C3G85AT HP Nvidia Quadro K3000M GFX PCI Express X16 2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM Graphics Card. Refurbished.
No items found matching the search criteria
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Convenient & affordable prices for you
We support everything we sell
We ship from multiple warehouses
Call us to get discount
Free UPS ground shipping to all orders for 48 states!


text:
British pop star Adele is convinced her voice is completely different to when she started her career as her vocals changed after her throat surgery and during her pregnancy.
The Rolling In The Deep singer had to cancel a number of concerts and take a break from music so she could undergo surgery on her vocal cords in 2011.
Adele went on to make a complete recovery, and she admits her voice was not the same after the operation.
"At the very beginning (after the operation) it changed, it was very clean," she tells talk show host Graham Norton. "Obviously I used to smoke quite a lot, so all the scars that my voice had from most of my life were gone (after the surgery), it was like a brand new voice.
"I can sing a lot higher than I used to, and also a lot lower than I used to... and now someone's going to challenge me and I won't be able to do it!"
The singer reveals her voice changed again after she fell pregnant with her son Angelo, and her different sound was showcased in her James Bond theme tune Skyfall.
"Also in pregnancy my voice got a lot lower, which is why Skyfall is so low. I couldn't get up there for (the high notes in) Skyfall."
During the chat with Norton for upcoming TV special Adele At The BBC, the singer goes on to admit she nearly quit music for good following the huge international success of her 2011 album 21.
"I just got really worried that I was never going to make anything that anyone liked again," she adds. "It was just being self-critical of myself, it was nothing else other than that. And also I started to wonder, maybe 21 being so successful is enough for everyone? But I realised it wasn't enough for me."
Adele made a return to music in October (15) with the release of her comeback single Hello, which hit the charts ahead of the launch of her new album 25 this month (Nov15).
She explains that the songs on 25 are vastly different to the heartbreak anthems of 21 because she has grown-up a lot since then.
"I was so open (in the songs on 21)... and I hurt people's feelings with that..." she admits. "Being so honest, and being a bit more immature then than I am now, I was like, 'I don't care, like, he broke my heart, whatever', and stuff like that. So I felt quite bad about that...
"I have a lot of different things going on now. I have a family that I love, and I'm a lioness, and I want to protect them, and stuff like that. So I'd also like people to interpret these songs how they want to, rather than me shoving it down their throats."
Adele has a young son, Angelo, with her partner Simon Konecki.
The show, Adele At The BBC, airs in the U.K. on Friday (20Nov15).


text:
Download | Alert*
Unspecified vulnerability in the settings manager in Adobe Flash Player via unknown vectors (rpm)
The host is installed with Adobe Flash Player before 22.214.171.124 or 10.x before 10.0.22.87 and is prone to unspecified vulnerability. A flaw is present in the application, which fails to handle the unknown vectors. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to trick a user into visiting an arbitrary URL.


text:
Toggle navigation
About ZFSE
Contact Us
Zerofail Southeast respects your privacy.
Week 2: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Posted: October 09, 2017
Cybersecurity in the Workplace is Everyone's Business
The focus for Week 2 is creating a culture of cybersecurity is critical for all organizations ‒ large and small businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, and government agencies – and must be a shared responsibility among all employees. Week 2 will showcase how organizations can protect against the most common cyber threats. The week will also look at resources to help organizations strengthen their cyber resilience, including the use of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.
PwC survey
reported that 34% of incidents in 2015 resulted from attacks by current employees and 28% were conducted by former employees.
How can you prevent cyber threats?
Do not share or resuse passwords
Do not open hyperlinks or attachments from unknown senders
Use password policies
Verify requests for sensitive information
Contact us today at 770.396.6000 Option 1 or firstname.lastname@example.com
News Archive
November, 2017
October, 2017
August, 2016
January, 2015


text:
Pet Odor Removal
Urine in carpeting is a severe problem that can sometimes require major restoration work, not just simple cleaning and treating. But now, with Fresh Start Chem-Dry's Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.®), your most severe urine soaked areas can be saved. P.U.R.T.® is a revolutionary process specially formulated to eliminate urine odors forever. This product has shown excellent results on even the most severe urine and other odor-causing spots by working to stop the smell at its source instead of simply masking the odor.
Tested and Proven Superior Results
An independent laboratory conducted multiple tests of P.U.R.T., our revolutionary process for treating pet urine odors and stains. In tests against the most common odor sources found in dog and cat urine, the study concluded that P.U.R.T. removes an average of 99.9% of pet urine odors from carpets. When coupled with our HCE process and a sanitizer, the study also concluded that P.U.R.T. removes an average of 99.2% of the bacteria from pet urine stains in carpets.
Facts You Need To Know About Pet Urine In Your Carpeting:
Urine deposited on carpet does not stay there, it penetrates the fibers and contaminates both the backing of the carpet and the flooring material below the carpet. Often, without your knowing, pets will urinate continually in the same general location. Urine odors can permeate from the floor, be it cement or wood, from the tack strip, and even from the framework of the house behind the walls.
As the urine dries, the liquid evaporates but the urine crystals become even more concentrated and pungent. Simple cleaning will not remove this odor. Until recently, there was not a product available that was effective at removing urine odors.
When P.U.R.T.® contacts the source of the odor, it immediately begins a chemical reaction that destroys the urine odor.
Finding the most effective pet urine removal Colorado has to offer can be vital for maintaining a healthy home. Pets add a lot to the quality of life, but unfortunately they also cause damage to your carpets. Pet urine accidents are unavoidable, even the most well trained pets have accidents now and then - frequently without the knowledge of their owner. The urine can be hazardous to your health and should be addressed.
Pet Urine Stain Removal
Pet urine stains are frequently an indication of the accident. Marking up the carpet or couches they are on, these spots affect the overall appearance and presentation of your home. As stain removal experts, we are able to remove virtually any difficult stain and pet urine is no exception. With our innovative techniques and solutions, we'll make sure to not cause harm to the surface we are cleaning and will discuss your best options and our pricing prior to the service beginning.
Pet Urine Odor Removal
Removing the overpowering pet urine odor is one of the most common requests we get. The air may be sticky and thick with urine present and left unaddressed in the home. The air quality goes down and the healthy state of your home is compromised. Our Pet Urine Removal Treatment (PURT) is designed to remove the urine odor at its source in order to remove it completely. Our trained technician will use a black light to find all of the urine spots, some that may not be visible to the naked eye, and perform our revolutionary carpet cleaning service to remove any moisture and debris. Once PURT is applied to the urine spot, it will soak into the spot to break down the urine odor on a molecular level to destroy it at its source.
How P.U.R.T.® Works
- The source and severity of the odor are determined, then the carpet will be rinsed and extracted with a hot water rinse to remove the bulk of the urine crystals.
- In worst cases, the carpet is pulled back in the suspected areas to reveal the extent of the damage.*
- If necessary, the pad will be removed and replaced.*
- An odor blocking shellac may be applied to the sub-floor if determined necessary.*
- P.U.R.T.® will then be applied heavily to the tack strip, the sub floor, the baseboards and the carpet backing. It is necessary to apply this product heavily enough to dampen all areas affected by the urine. *
- Over the next 24 to 36 hours, the ingredients in P.U.R.T.® will react with the urine, and break down the odor causing components.
Additional charges based on your unique situation will apply for services. The locally operated service provider may not have all tools required for select services.


text:
Cleaning up the city
I'd like to direct the following all the counter days running for Mayor of Trenton. The city has become a latrine with the garbage all over the place, all over the streets. The one of you who has a broom and sweeps up garbage while you're on the campaign trail is the person that gets my vote. Now, go start cleaning up the streets, Mayor.
— A voter
I like the idea. Instead of a debate, we'll see who can collect the most ]]]trash in one afternoon.
— Ed Note
Parade on a school day
I just wanted to say congratulations to the Eagles who won the Super Bowl. They did it and they deserve the credit. But I have a problem with having the kids off from school on Thursday? So they go to the parade. I don't agree with it. They belong in school. They should be in school learning. That's not painting the right picture. Why you having off school just to attend the parade. I don't agree with it. So I thought I'd just let you know. Okay, thank you for taking my call and watch out for the big blue next year.
— Giants fan
At this point, it's only the Philadelphia, I believe. Part of the reason is because the school district relies heavily on public transit to get the kids to and from school. All of that is gonna be a mess all day for the parade. I'm sure part of the reason is for the kids to see the parade, but a lot of factors were taken into making that decision.
— Ed Note
Got something you want to get off your chest? To contribute to Back Talk, call Ed at 609-358-0861 or email him at email@example.com.


text:
This is a simple slow cooking soup that only gets better with time and packs a punch of flavor. I love to make this on cold rainy or snowy days where I get it going and let it slowly cook down for hours as I watch football or putz around the house. Oh and if picky Shae loves this you know it is good, it is one of her all time favorites!
First off, what is fennel? Fennel is a plant with a bulbous bottom with fine green frowns that look a lot like dill's frowns but smaller. It
Continue reading Chicken Fennel Soup


text: Category Events - United Kingdom, Hexham Clive Gregson has been a celebrated performer for more than three decades. Born and raised in Manchester but now based in Texas USA, Clive is an accomplished singer, musician and record producer of world-renown. He first attracted attention back in 1980, when his now legendary band Any Trouble burst onto the music scene. He went on to form the ground-breaking partnership with Christine Collister, has toured with Richard Thompson, Eddi Reader, Boo Hewerdine, Nanci Griffith and Dennis Locorriere. Voted one of the 1000 great guitarists by Guitar Player; he's one of our most respected songwriters and has made a steady stream of stunning albums throughout his career. Above all Clive's solo shows are something special and definitely not to be missed. "... he does the lot." The Independent Rolling Stone called Clive "the state of the art in British folk-rock"... and Mary Chapin Carpenter named Clive as one of her favorite songwriters... www.clivegregson.com


text:
AETC-NMC | Case Studies.
Eight Out Of Ten Women Feel They Have Not Reached Their Full Potential
Special K® U.N. Foundation's Girl Up program team up to educate women about that strength gap
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Girls and women around the world view inner strength as important as happiness – and those two qualities are nearly two times more significant than physical beauty and wealth. Yet, eight out of 10 women feel they have not reached their full potential, according to new global research conducted and published by Special K®.1 This startling statistic represents the "strength gap" – recognized as the difference between how strong women feel (from the inside out) vs. how strong she could be, or her potential.
Click here to read the full report.


text: The support of Big Brothers Big Sisters is a major component of our commitment to Youth Programs in our local communities. In addition to our annual participation in Bowl For Kids' Sake, a special event that Grande and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County have shared for many years is the Grande Christmas Card Contest. It is our hope that this contest helps to encourage and inspire creativity, in turn promoting positive self-esteem. The contest is open to children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the winner's artwork becomes the Grande holiday greeting card, which we send to our Associates, business friends and customers throughout the country and around the world.


text:
Re: Caleb Aduddell 1813 Ohio
In reply to:
Re: Caleb Aduddell 1813 Ohio
C. A. Piatt 3/18/08
Carol, I am living out in California for now, plan to leave this coming summer to go back to NC. Do you still have that informationto send me. email me at email@example.com I'll get it know matter were I am. I just got a new computer this year and got back on line again.


text:
Heart & Soul is:
Bus Stop Boogie was written by our friend Kay Newton from Knoxville's Fourth & Gill Neighborhood.
Geronimo's Cadillac is a Michael Martin Murphy piece that was inspired by a photo he saw during a visit to a museum.
And here are a couple of promo shorts we've put together for you:
Visit Us at Facebook
Community Television
4th & Gill Porch Crawl
Thanks for the Visit!


text:
Reel Eyes in the News
After winning Freebord.com's Best Submitted Video competition of 2011, Reel Eyes has received some love from local newspapers. The Calaveras Enterprise of, you guessed it, Calaveras County, and the Union Democrat of Sonora both wrote terrific articles surrounding the story. Check it out here: Calaveras Enterprise & Union Democrat. Thanks to Kate Gonzales (Calaveras Enterprise) and Lacey Peterson (Union Democrat) for covering the story!


text:
Future-Ready Strategy Creation
In the beginning of the series, strategy is examined as a competitive advantage essential for creating and sustaining superior performance. In this part of the series, I would like to elaborate fundamentals and decisiveness of its implementation.
Few weeks ago while conducting a management workshop for leaders in an organisation, it emerged strongly that while the senior team had necessary wherewithal for forming up world class strategies, it was the ability to execute it flawlessly or with minimum deviations that was the biggest concern and deterrent in meeting goals. Rather at some point the senior executives confessed that the path to execution is the toughest and more important than even the quality of an advanced or distinctive strategy, latter formed with due market intelligence, diligence and competition analysis.
The recent upheaval at Tata Group also indicated that change of strategic direction needs closer attention and simply cannot be underestimated. As per my experience of interacting with core or senior teams across various industries, I observed that selling of a strategy internally in an organisation is critical and needs to be unanimously accepted and appreciated by employees before it can become a success story, and that happens much later. The Board's involvement and role in approving strategy is a prime factor as during the later stages of execution, fallouts can be avoided.
One of the reasons strategies change and many a times drastically is to utilise opportunities to its optimal while creating value. An example to explain further is that in an industrial economy, companies create value with their tangible assets by transforming raw materials into finished products and opportunities may shift from managing tangible assets to managing knowledge based strategies deploying organisation's intangible assets. Automation for instance has changed the way machines were operated and supervised changing roles and processes. A Brookings Institute study conducted in 1982 showed that tangible book values represented 62% of industrial organisation market values. By 1993 – 94, that ratio dropped to 38% and recent studies show it accounts for only 5 to 10%.
Now tools to assess current and appropriate strategies must also be reviewed and undergo best suited changes. As we know Amazon has been making continuous losses since its inception as per books and recent valuations substantiate it further, barring few exceptional quarters. This also suggests that Jeff Bezos' strategic direction is arguably proving right but had we used archaic tools for strategy assessment, he would have been seen as failed.
Another critical issue for senior teams is attempting to implement knowledge based strategies in organisations designed originally for industrial age achievement. Past strategies were developed at top and executed through the central command. Change was incremental and 'budget' was a tactical management control system slowing reactions and response rate of managers, this may have been a wise strategy then keeping in check critical decision making process. These were suitable in 20th century but are considered passé now.
Organisations in current times have recognised that competitive advantage comes more from intangible assets – knowledge, capabilities and relationship created over time. Hence alignment of strategy with all internal stakeholders becomes critical. Organisations now need a language for communicating strategy, processes and systems that help them implement strategy to gain constructive feedback ploughed back into the organisation. Aligning organisations to a common philosophy or strategy is certainly daunting and fatiguing, but worth every penny and sweat. In very large MNC's with multiple divisions and units that also compete in other industries or within themselves for both market shares and talent, it is most important that they are driven by a single belief or value set. There will be synergies in terms of sharing perspectives across spectrum of various functions like finance, customer experience, internal process frameworks, market intelligence and growth. Tata Empire is an example with big companies within its fold – Tata Steel, Tata Motor, TCS catering different business segments. Corporate role is primarily of providing them values to govern, vision to follow, financial views, creating synergies by operating an efficient internal capital market.
Some of the organisations share common business processes and require corporate's role of ensuring their most effective use. Few MNCs and their SBU's share common technologies and knowledge like LG Electronics Inc. and Honda Motor Co Inc. use its superb capabilities in engine and design and manufacture produce superior products in different market segments – Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, or Motorcycles, automobiles, power generators et al. Procurement is also often a shared business process as in case of Walmart.
Developing 'balanced scorecard' can resolve complexities in such situations. This corporate scorecard should articulate the theory of the corporation, the rationale for having several SBUs operating within the corporate structure rather than each SBU operating as a separate entity. Originated by Robert Kaplan (Harvard Business School) and David Norton as a performance measurement framework that adds strategic nonfinancial performance measures to traditional financial metrics to give managers and executives a more 'balanced' view of organizational performance, balanced scorecard serves as a strategic planning and management system and the most extensively used across industries, government and non-commercial organisations. Balanced scorecard has also been selected by the editors of Harvard Business Review as one of the most influential business ideas of the past 75 years that can address a serious deficiency in traditional management systems: the inability to link a company's long-term strategy with its shortterm financial goals. The scorecard lets managers introduce four processes that help companies make that important link other than helping create synergies through shared services. The service agreement and the SSU Balanced scorecard should accomplish the following:
- Translating the vision – SBUs must hold commonly shared values, beliefs and ideas that reflect the corporate identity, it helps managers build a consensus concerning a company's strategy and express it in terms that can guide action at the local level.
- Communicating and linking – This calls for communicating strategy at all levels of the organization and linking it with unit and individual goals. It aligns the efforts of the unit as per the priorities of its customers. Actions mandated at the corporate level that create synergies at the SBU level are taken, like cross selling to customers across SBUs. It further strengthens a culture of customer based performance and continuous improvement within the unit.
- Business planning – This provides a basis of accountability between the units and its customers enabling companies to integrate their business plans with their financial plans.
- Feedback and learning – gives companies the capacity for strategic learning testing the hypotheses on which a strategy is based, and making necessary adjustments. This further helps track the progress in the performance of the unit.
While we are at discussing 'Corporate Strategy' it is important to know that there will be no particular framework of keeping it defined in a block, it undergoes transformations even while I pen down my past experiences and bring forth current definitions, theories, practical contexts and most pragmatic approaches until there are updates, reviews or innovations to the existing ones.


text:
I was with my family last summer . IT was the best holiday . all the staf from reception restaurant bramen .......alll super perfect thx to all for the nice lovely funny time .and special thx for mr abichou the big boss for all his...More
"Room with the garden view are quieter. Also rooms with the sea view."


text:
True Life Church
We got the opportunity to baptize four at our last baptismal service (two adults and two teens). We have several that have to wait for our next baptismal service in September (ten adults and two teens). One of our adult baptisms was a pastor of a church of a different denomination who had never been baptized by immersion. He is leading his church out of that denomination and my associate pastor and I are hoping to spend time with him to develop his theology. The pastor has invited me to preach at his church. Also, a couple from our church is moving to Colorado this month to plant a new church.


text:
Dr. Ralph Trost
Born in Germany, Ralph studied History of Economics, History of the 19th and 20th Century and Political Science at the University of Mannheim in Germany. He has conducted research at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain on the Spanish Civil War. He received his Masters Degree focusing on "Structural Changes in Eastern Germany 1989-1993."
From 1995-2000 he worked as a scientific assistant at the University of Mannheim. Afterwards, he wrote his doctoral thesis on "National Socialism, War and End of War in Xanten". He has published several articles and books and has worked as a journalist for different German newspapers, journals, radio and television stations.
From 2003 to 2007 he worked at the National Liberation Museum 1944-1945 in Grosbeek, in the Netherlands, on several historical projects. From 2007 until summer 2012 he was the director of the museum "Nibelungen(h)ort" in Xanten. Today he is an independent museum consulter and teaches at different universities about history and cultural administration.
The tours he has been doing for more than ten years include Madrid, Seville and Barcelona (He lived in Spain and studied about the history of Spain, especially the Spanish Civil War and after, also the Spanish Empire, Hemingway etc.), Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg and Obersalzberg (fascism, Hitler and WWII, GDR, the Wall etc.), Vienna (Mozart, Austria-Hungary, WWI, Hitler, fascism and WWII), Bratislava (history), London (WWI and WWII), Prague (Mozart, Austria-Hungary, WWI, occupation, Heydrich, WWII, Iron Curtain, Prague Spring, Velvet Revolution) etc. All included War Museums, battlefields, historical sites, personal stories etc.
Ralph's special areas of focus for guiding are:
WWII – Battle of the Rhine
Spanish Civil War


text:
What Does a Bad Day Look Like? Bike Accidents at RR Crossings – Lessons from the University of Tennessee
One of our Australian TapRooT® Instructors sent we a link to an article about a University of Tennessee safety study. I thought it was interesting and would pass it along. The video was amazing. Ouch! For the research article, see:
Category: Accidents, Current Events, Investigations, Pictures, VideoTags: bike wreck, corrective action |
1 Comment »
Some studies remind me of audits. How many people have to get hurt before someone acts on the problem?
Comment by Chris Vallee — August 9, 2017 @ 9:10 am
RSS feed for comments on this post.


text:
3-1 Sensor plug
3-2 Display
3-3 mm/inch key
3-4 Power key
3-5 Material selection key
3-6 Plus key
3-7 Ultrasonic sensor
3-8 Calibration key
3-9 Minus key
3-10 Battery compartment/cover
3-11 Coupling indicator
3-12 Standard calibration block
3-13 Velocity key
3-14 RS232C interface
2. Measuring by Sound Velocity
2.1 Press the Velocity key (3-13) and the display shows the previous sound velocity setting.
2.2 To measure thickness by the known velocity:
The velocity can be set by pressing the Plus key (3-6) or Minus key (3-9) to input the value of the known velocity of the metal being tested. Refer to the table of sound velocities above. The increment is 10m/s when pressing the plus or minus key. The increment is raised to 100m/s when the key is depressed for 4 seconds. By adjusting velocity, the thickness of any precious metal can easily be measured.
2.3 Once the velocity has been set, drop a small amount of gel onto the metal being tested and press the Sensor (3-7) onto the surface. When the sensor is coupling well, the reading displays the thickness of the metal by ultrasound measurement. Compare the result with the known thickness of the metal as determined by a ruler, calipers or product specifications. If there is a significant difference between the ultrasound result and the known thickness, the metal being tested should be assessed for adulteration.
Download the instructions in pdf format here.


text:
a/n: Hey yall! Just another Neji/Ten oneshot from yours truly! If you've read anything of mine previously you'll know that I like the actiony love stories that aren't all just gushy but still have some of the cute stuff in it. Well this one's one of them. Kinda suspenceful too if I do say so myself. ^-^ Anyways, I plan for this to be a oneshot but I may consider making it longer if enough people ask me to in their reviews. If not then that's what it's going to stay. Hope you enjoy! ON TO THE STORY!!!
'Thoughts' (I don't think I have any thoughts in this one but just to be safe :D)
~~~~~Disaster Strikes~~~~~
After giving his report from his latest ANBU mission to the Hokage, a certain destiny-obsessed shinobi was now tiredly making his way home to his wife and small babe. Truly, though, "destiny-obsessed" was no longer an accurate description for the man after his battle with the loud mouthed, now Hokage, a few years ago.
The man smiled at the thoughts of his briefing with the blonde.
"Hokage-sama, I am here to report the results of my latest mission."
"No need to be so formal Neji. You've known me since before I gained this title and I'd like it if you'd address me as you usually would unless the elders or a foreign diplomat is present," Naruto replied with his trademark foxy grin.
"Very well Naruto. The mission went according to plan except for a few extra ANBU that I took care of fairly easily. The target was eliminated without any undue casualties, as ordered. The details are all in my mission report. Is there anything else you need me to do Hoka—Naruto?"
"No Neji. I know you. I'm sure everything's in order. Go on, I know you must be dying to see TenTen and Hizashi after being away for two weeks."
Neji simply smiled at Naruto's knowing look and nodded once before exiting the Hokage's office and quietly shutting the door. Naruto truly was making a wonderful Hokage and his knowledge of all the village's shinobi only made him more capable; plus with Tsunade and Kakashi both helping him whenever he needed it Naruto was excelling to heights only previously reached by the Fourth himself.
Neji let a small smile grace his face as thoughts of his conversation with Naruto led him to thoughts of his beautiful wife and son. It had been two whole weeks since he'd been home and his slow run across the rooftops seemed to him as if he were walking the streets instead, he could not get there fast enough. He knew, however, that if he were to truly enjoy seeing TenTen for the first time in two weeks then he would need to conserve all the energy he had left after his S-Class solo mission.
As his mind wandered into more personal thoughts of his wife he landed softly in front of the small house a short distance from the Hyuga estate that had been a wedding present from Hiashi. Seeing that it was late Neji was not surprised that all of the lights in the house were off but usually TenTen left a small lamp on their bedside table on for him, that's dim light could be seen through the blinds of their bedroom window, when he was off on missions. It struck him rather odd that not even that light was left on in the house and not a sound could be heard coming from the house; it was only eleven o'clock and his wife was usually still up sharpening her weapons while relaxing in bed at this time.
Slightly worried now, Neji stepped forward and slid open the front door of their small house. Deafening silence rang in his ears as the shinobi, still clothed in full ANBU attire, silently snuck into his own house with one hand on his kunai pouch. Upon walking down the main hallway a few feet he found a broken vase of flowers lying haphazardly strewn across the floor. Now he was truly worried; TenTen never left a mess lying around, especially one that could be dangerous to their son who was just beginning to crawl.
His movements now became swifter yet more urgent as he leapt over the broken glass on the floor without a sound and quickly made his way towards his bedroom, casting a quick glance into the baby's room along the way to see it was a complete wreck but otherwise unoccupied. Fear was mounting every second as his quick lavender eyes caught sight of blood spattered across the floor. In his irrational thoughts clouded by fear and worry it was only now that instinct kicked in and he shot chakra into his eyes to release his clan's kekkei genkai.
"Byakugan!" he said, voice barely above a whisper, as he feared who would hear his release and hurt his wife or son knowing that he was coming for them.
Now, with his bloodline released, Neji could see that their room was trashed beyond that of the babe's room. Blood spattered the walls and he could see numerous bodies of lifeless shinobi, all littered with his wife's signature weapons. None of the bodies in the room were still in the world of the living but by their numbers and with his wife and son nowhere in sight Neji was now frantic. He scanned in and around their home as far as his Byakugan eyes could reach before deactivating his bloodline after failing to catch any trace of TenTen's chakra in the surrounding area.
Looking around the room he could see that the nin's headbands were all from the village Hidden in the Clouds, the village he'd just completed his last mission in. Anger welled inside him as he realized that this was an attempt to get revenge for the killing of one of their ANBU Captains. He made one last quick sweep of the room with his eyes to see if some kind of ransom note had been left behind but all he could see was his wife's blood covered scrolls that were now completely devoid of any weapons, as they were all embedded in the bodies of the enemy nin that lay scattered around the room.
A sick feeling began to imbed itself in the pit of his stomach but he squelched it as quickly and efficiently as he could before turning and flying out of the room at top speed. It took him only moments to arrive in the Hokage's office once again, this time through the open window, startling Naruto from the pile of paperwork he'd been working on.
"Neji, what the—"
"They're gone! Cloud nin attacked the house and they're both gone Naruto!" Neji yelled, his voice laced with such fear and anger that Naruto was stunned beyond words for a moment.
Only a moment.
"WHAT?! How DARE Cloud nin invade MY village and try to hurt my sister and godchild?!"
The rage in Naruto's face was quite evident itself as his eyes bled to red and the whiskers on his cheeks became darker; he and the Kyuubi having come to an agreement some time ago allowing Naruto to call upon his powers at any time without the negative affect on his body. In any other situation Neji might have smiled at the way Naruto possessively called TenTen his little sister as if she were partly his job to protect but in the current situation the only thing he could think of was finding TenTen and getting her back.
"Come Neji. We're going back to your house and Kyuubi can help us track them by their scent from there. They can't have gotten very far because I saw TenTen about two hours before you got here when she dropped by to ask about your mission status with Hizashi in tow."
The statement from Naruto relieved him slightly, knowing that the event didn't happen a few days ago and the enemy could have taken her to Kami knows where, but it didn't help quell his rising fear of what condition TenTen would be in when they found her; he knew Hizashi would be alright because his wife would die before allowing them to lay one finger on their child and that's what worried him.
Before he could leap out of the window, however, Naruto grabbed his arm and gave him a deathly serious look.
"I'll meet you at your house in a moment Neji. I'm going to go get Sakura from our house before meeting you there in case either of them are hurt."
Neji nodded and watched as the tall blonde disappeared in a flash of yellow, his father's signature technique, before leaping out the way he'd come and speeding to his house knowing that Naruto and Sakura would likely get there before him due to Naruto's teleportation jutsu.
As he'd predicted he arrived to find Naruto and Sakura both reemerging from the interior of his house with grim looks on their faces. Naruto's still displaying his Kyuubi characteristics and Sakura's deep green eyes holding a gleam of vengeance that he knew she planned to act on in the near future. He said nothing, but instead shared a solemn look with blonde Kage. Naruto seemed to sniff the air for an instant before bolting off toward the main gate of the village with his pink-haired wife and close friend following swiftly.
Flying past the main gate the three didn't even glance back at the confused shouts from Shikamaru and Kiba who'd been on guard duty. The group ran through the treetops for a few minutes at speeds unattainable to ninja below ANBU level before Naruto let out a feral snarl.
"Naruto, what is it?" Sakura asked with a worried look.
"I can smell TenTen's blood," he said in the double tinged voice of the Kyuubi, "and a lot of it."
At that Neji had to retrain himself from overtaking Naruto's swift pace in desperation to get to his wife who he was now sure was greatly injured; it would do him no good to run ahead not knowing where he was going and he did not want to waste what little chakra he had left on activating his Byakugan. No. That chakra would be used to rip apart every single one of the ninja who'd hurt her piece by piece.
"They're just ahead," Naruto said suddenly and broke him out of his murderous thoughts, "They're on the move but aren't going very fast. Neji, you focus on protecting TenTen while Sakura heals her. I will take care of the others."
The tone in his voice left no room for question, though Neji desperately wanted to be the one to slaughter the men himself. He knew, however, that TenTen would need him more and it was his duty as her husband to take care of her needs above his own.
As that train of thought ended the group of Cloud ninja came in to sight with TenTen's beaten and bloody form being dragged kicking and thrashing along the middle of the group. Activating his Byakugan immediately he could see that his wife held his two-year-old son tightly in her arms despite her injuries and would viciously punch at anyone who tried to reach out a hand towards him. He was amazed that she was even standing in her current condition as he could see at least two kunai imbedded in her body, one in her leg, one in her shoulder, as well as multiple gashes and wounds along her arms and legs that were all bleeding fairly heavily. His sharp eyes made a quick sweep of his son's tiny body to find that not a hair was out of place, as he'd suspected.
All those observations having been done in the span of two seconds Neji, Sakura, and Naruto descended on the group like the wrath of Kami himself. Neji landed directly behind TenTen and lodged a kunai into the back of the heads of the two men holding her on each side. Continuing without hesitation he slashed his katana out and slew four of the ninja immediately surrounding his family. He then turned and scooped his wife's bloody form into his arms and leapt away from the main part of the battle and to a tree on the far edge of the clearing the fighting was happening in; he knew that Sakura would come to him promptly.
Setting TenTen down gently against the large oak tree his Byakugan eyes scanned her entire body once more to make sure there wasn't a more serious injury that he'd overlooked. Sighing in relief that the damage was minimal he finally allowed himself to meet her deep brown eyes.
"Neji…" she breathed out softly.
"TenTen. I'm so sorry. I was to late to protect you," he said sorrowfully as he placed on hand gently on her cheek, mindful of the large cut across its soft tissue.
"Shhh… You're here now and you saved us. That's all that matters."
Distantly he could hear Naruto's shout of "Rasengan!" from the battleground behind him but he could not tear his sorrowful gaze away from the pain filled one of his wife's. He barely registered as Sakura appeared beside his wife, covered in the blood of the Cloud nin, as she removed the kunai carefully and began healing TenTen's wounds.
It was only then that Neji realized that Hizashi was not crying. Mortified that something had happened to his son that escaped his notice his eyes flew to the babe who was lying immobile in his mother's arms. What he saw stunned him entirely and were it not for his Byakugan he would not believe what he was seeing with his own eyes. His two year old son who'd already displayed excellent potential in the field of chakra control for his age was somehow channeling his own tiny chakra reserve into his mother's body to aid the healing process. His tiny lavender eyes were narrowed and he was looking intently at the chubby hand that was pushing dark green chakra into his mother's chest.
"What is it Neji? Why are you looking at Hizashi so intently? Oh god! Did I let something happen to him without noticing? Wha—"
The total look of awe in her husband's eyes as they rose to meet hers cut off her frantic rambling and left her in total silence awaiting his next statement.
"TenTen. Hizashi…he…he's pushing his chakra into your body to help you heal," Neji said as his Byakugan continued to observe his son without looking away from his wife's eyes.
TenTen's eyes widened and shifted down to look at the chubby hand that was gently resting on her chest. She appeared to focus intently on the spot for a few moments before looking back up at her husband with the same look of awe that he, himself, wore. The look lasted only a moment, however, as a pained look and a hiss took its' place.
"Sorry!" Sakura said lowly without looking up from the wound, "I didn't realize that there was a senbon imbedded that deep into your leg and I tried to heal the wound without removing the senbon first."
Neji was once again overtaken by anger towards the Cloud ninja's and thus his attention was drawn back towards the battlefield only to find Naruto alone standing among a field of dead bodies. Grim satisfaction tugged at his mind but he refused to acknowledge the fact that he would have been more satisfied were it him who killed the enemy nin.
"There. You're all better now TenTen. I've healed all your major injuries but I'd like to take you back to the hospital for a complete check up and blood test to make sure you didn't loose too much blood," Sakura said as she stood and ran her glowing green hand over Hizashi's tiny form, "Thanks for the help little one. Looks like you'll become quite the medic some day."
With that last cooed statement she turned and made her way towards Naruto to see if he needed any healing after battling such a large group of shinobi by himself. Neji looked back at TenTen who was now resting her head against the tree with her eyes closed as if she were sleeping. Gently he scooped her lithe form into his arms.
"Can we go home now Neji?" TenTen's tired voice said from her position in his arms.
"I'm sorry Ten but you need to go to the hospital and get checked out first and then we'll have to sleep at the Hyuga main estate until our house can be cleaned and repaired."
She chuckled weakly and looked up at him with half lidded eyes.
"Made quite a mess didn't I? Teach those bastards to underestimate me…*yawn* Oh well, wake me up when we get to the hospital."
Neji smiled at his wife's attitude towards the whole situation while throwing a glance towards Naruto and Sakura to see if they were ready to head home yet. He nearly laughed at the scene: Sakura glaring and Naruto while trying to grab the wounded arm that he kept swinging out of her reach each time she made to grab for it. He could vaguely hear Naruto's protests that she'd already used to much of her healing chakra on TenTen and that he could wait till they got back to Konoha.
After a few moments and Sakura ultimately winning the argument the group set off towards the village at a slow run through the tree tops, not even reaching half of the speed they used to get there. Upon actually looking at his surroundings he was surprised at how close to the border between fire country and wave country they were. The normally day long trip had taken them only a matter of minutes at the speeds they'd reached and he was extremely grateful for Naruto's sense of smell or else he may have never caught up with them in time.
The journey back was far slower than the one there and it was already close to dawn. Fatigue was beginning to set in for Neji as the result of a two week long ANBU mission before the full out run to the border. He would not say anything though, as he wanted to get his family back in the safety of the village as quickly as possible. It was not until Sakura tripped on the branch beside him that he realized just how tired the other two were as well.
Unfortunately Sakura was not able to correct herself after her fatigue induced fumble and the movement sent her plummeting towards the ground below. Neji's heart leapt into his throat at the thought of the woman who'd become like a sister to him falling head first into the ground while he was unable to help. He needn't have worried, however, as Naruto sprung into action without a second of hesitation. The blonde Kage ricochet off three trees before shooting straight towards her, catching her just before she hit the ground, and sliding a good fifteen feet along the dusty ground. Neji carefully leapt down to where Naruto was standing with his wife carefully wrapped in his arms.
"Are you ok Naruto? Sakura?"
"I'm fine. Just a little bit tired. I'm sorry about slowing us down," Sakura said, though she made no move to remove herself from her husband's strong arms.
"You know Sakura, I seem to remember this position. Only last time it was I who was too slow and Yamato-taicho was the one jumping off of trees to save you," Naruto said with a small smirk on his face, "I think we all need to take a rest before we run the remaining fifteen miles back to the village."
As much as Neji wanted to keep going he knew it'd only be a matter of time before he, himself, collapsed, and with TenTen and Hizashi in his arms he wasn't willing to take that risk. Nodding at Naruto he activated his Byakugan and scanned the area for a clearing close by that they could take refuge in until they were rested enough to head back. Finding one he deactivated his Byakugan quickly knowing that keeping it activated would only drain what little he had left of his chakra reserves even faster.
"There's a nice sized clearing about a half a mile to the northwest Naruto."
"Ok. Let's walk there then. I don't want to risk either of us falling while carrying our wives," Naruto said with a foxy grin as he glanced down and the pinkette who'd quietly drifted off to sleep in his arms, "I told her that she'd need her energy."
Neji also smiled at he looked down at the two most important people in his life, both sleeping peacefully in his arms. He couldn't imagine what he'd have done if they hadn't reached them in time. All he knew was that he'd never have stopped searching for them. But that didn't matter now. They were both snuggled safely in his arms and it would be a few weeks before he'd so much as leave them at the house alone to run some errands. Missions were out of the picture for at least a month.
By then the two men had arrived in the moderately large clearing with their precious cargo. They each lay their respective wife down on a soft patch of grass next to each other before standing and turning to set up a ring of traps for protection around the edges of the clearing. Neither would risk sleeping but at least the traps would give them advanced warning were someone try to attack them.
After both were satisfied with the amount of traps ringing their campsite they returned to find Sakura awake sitting beside TenTen healing the rest of her injuries.
"Sakura! You're exhausted. Why are you using more of your chakra on wounds that are superficial at best?!" Naruto yelled loudly as he sent her an annoyed glare.
"I'm fine Naruto! I just needed a little while to regain a little bit of my energy and this way Neji can take TenTen straight home instead of going to the hospital first!" Sakura yelled back as she stood and returned her husband's glare with a glare of her own.
Naruto simply sighed in defeat knowing that his wife would do as she wished, that was one of the things he loved about her. Relenting, he walked over to her and pulled her tightly to his chest before sinking to the ground with a sigh of relief. Sakura merely smiled and allowed herself to be molded to his body as he pulled her tight and allowed his stress from the abduction to melt away as he held her.
Neji was oblivious to their current position as he held his own wife and child in a similar fashion. He was careful not to wake her as he eased down beside her but even in a state of exhaustion TenTen was slightly aware of his position beside her. As the sun began to rise in the trees off to their east he allowed his body to rest while keeping his mind sharp and aware. He only had a few hours to rest so he was going to take full advantage of them.
"Neji?" TenTen asked, only half conscious.
"Yes Ten. It's me. I'm here."
"Mmmhhh… Neji?
"I love you."
"I love you too Ten. Forever and all eternity."
a/n: Well that's the end. Kinda an awkward ending but this was already 8 pages and I really didn't want to write about them resting and heading back to the village so I ended it here.
What little japanese I used:
Hokage-sama: Yall should all know what the Hokage is if you watch Naruto and "-sama" is just a suffix used to show respect
Yamato-taicho: Yamato is the wood user that took over as team 7's captain for a while in the anime; "-taicho" is a suffix meaning "captain"
That's about it yall. Thanks for reading and please review tell me what yall think.


text:
Photo Gallery
The basic principles of Hiphop Instrumental Beats
Tyga Type Beat 2016
Imagine listening to a reggae instrumental beat. Not simply any beat, the one which you have made. It's your invention, your masterpiece, your gift around the world. You don't need to to concern yourself with case for copyright infringement. You don't have to think about originality. You only have to worry about how we are going to make next beat.
Making your own personal rap instrumental beats is simpler than you might think. You should buy CDs with instrumental beats or download some at no cost, but when you you could make your own you push your creativity.
How did the usage of reggae instrumental beats become so popular? Well, as with all other art it started out earlier forms of beat making. From the late 70s scratching vinyl LPs (records) to create unique sounds was followed by sampling; choosing a small a part of a song and mixing it with instrumentals to make a unique beat.
Sampling removed as a result of 2004 U.S. Court of Appeals ruling. Ahead of that the "small" area of music could possibly be copied or "sampled" without infringing on any other artist copyrights. Creating reggae instrumental beats on your own using drum machines, keypads, sequencers, etc., and PCs with software is now popular.
The basics of developing instrumental beats consist of a 2-4 bar intro, a 16 bar verse, an 8 bar hook, along with a 20 bar bridge (that varies). First, the DJ lays the drum track with kicks, snares, and high hats. Next, he lays down the bass guitar and lead guitar, these may be on the same track or separate ones. He then adds another sounds like claps or cow bells, lastly utilizes a hook.
Some hip hop beat makers start with the hook. Creating a hook, in case you appreciate how they work, is an important part of earning hiphop instrumental beats. The hook is the part which can be repeated involving verses. The fantastic thing about rap instrumental beats is that you may think "outside the box" and create some banging beats with hooks that people will enjoy.
Tyga Type Beat 2016
A bit of know-how about music scales is useful when utilizing keypads, which nearly all reggae instrumental beats use. Atart exercising . horns, piano, or organ, pan each track slightly so you send the signals to either the proper or left channel; if your music is centered it's not going to be the better choice. Tweak the EQ, then add effects, along with exaggerate it.


text:
Carrera Subway Junior Hybrid Bike - 26" Wheel
Fitted bundle deal
includes Accessories + Fitting
Sorry - this product is unavailable right now
Item: 400591
Carrera Subway Junior Hybrid Bike - 26" Wheel
Up to 30% off a range of kids bikes
Discount already applied
How can I get it?
FREE Click & Collect
- Description
- Specification
- Reviews
- Delivery Options
- Help & Advice
- Buying Options
Carrera Subway Junior Hybrid Bike - 26"
The Carrera Subway Junior Hybrid Bike - 26" will help you get out and around in no time at all. Speed is no issue with its 21 speed Shimano Altus gears, while front & rear Tektro V-brakes for provide smooth & efficient braking. Topped off with large 26" wheels with Kenda tyres the Subway packs all you need to hit the road!
- Lightweight junior fit aluminium hybrid frame for a light and easy ride
- 21 speed Shimano Revoshift gears for slick shifting
- Front & rear Tektro V-brakes for providing smooth & efficient braking
- 26" lightweight alloy wheels with fast rolling Kenda tyres
Carrera Subway Junior Hybrid Bike - 26" Extra Info
- FREE Local Store build
- FREE 6-week first service
- Pre-Delivery inspection + 22 point safety check
OR get it delivered boxed for self- assembly
Size Guide
Wheel Size Age (Years) Height (Inch) Height (cm) Balance 2 - 4. 2' 11" - 3' 5" 88 - 105 12" 3 - 5. 3' 3" - 3' 8" 98 - 112 14" 4 - 6. 3' 5" - 3' 10" 105 - 117 16" / 18" 5 - 8. 3' 8" - 4' 2" 112 - 127 20" 7 - 9. 3' 10" - 4' 6" 117 - 136 24" 8 - 11. 4' 2" - 4' 9" 127 - 145 26" 9 - 12. 4' 6" - 5' 5" 138 - 159
Age: 8+ yrs Age Group: 8+ yrs Brake Type: V-brakes Forks: Hi ten steel Frame Material: Alloy Gender: Boys Pedals Included: Yes Suspension: Rigid Wheel Size: 26" Frame: Alloy Front Brake: Tektro V-brake Front Mech: Shimano Tourney TY500 Gear Shifters: Shimano revoshift Pedals: Wellgo Alloy platform 9/16" Rear Brake: Tektro V-brake Rear Mech: Shimano Altus Tyres: Kenda K-841
Carrera Subway Junior Hybrid Bike - 26" Wheel is rated out of 5 by 4.Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from Awesome I bought this bike for my 10 year old son. He is about 145cm and was able to fit the bike well with enough play in the seat post to allow room for growth. This bike has 26" wheels with a good size frame and great spec. One of the only hybrid bikes that there is out there with this size. If you don't want to follow the kids with mountain bikes- used on the road!!! this is a great road/dirt bike.Date published: 2018-05-26Rated 5 out of 5 by Dom8 from Excellent purchase. Excellent product Purchased this for 10 yr old. Was reduced in shop and further reduced on line. Bike is very light and well equiped. Lightweight wheels . Shimano gears but also great quality overall. Highly recommended.Date published: 2018-04-10Rated 5 out of 5 by Spingles from Carrera Subway - superb Bike Excellent quality and very light, my daughter loves this bike and highly recommended :)Date published: 2018-01-02Rated 5 out of 5 by Roodz from Excellent all rounder Bought for my 8yo son (136cm tall) as his first geared bike and loves to ride it. It's well made and nimble and should last a few years, he can change the gripshift gears with no problems. Have used on roads, parks and trails.Date published: 2017-11-04
UK Delivery
£3.99 NEXT DAY Delivery available on orders under £40 placed by 8pm*
Your delivery date will be communicated at checkout. Delivery times are Monday to Saturday.
UK Delivery
Free NEXT DAY Delivery available on orders over �40 placed by 8pm*
Your delivery date will be communicated at checkout and on your confirmation email.
Delivery times are Monday to Saturday. Next Day delivery not available on all products; including Built Bikes, Bulky items and Web Exclusive products. Bike delivery will take three days, and an extra day if you'd like us to build it for you.
*Click here to learn more.
UK Delivery
FREE Click & Collect - you can reserve an item online and pick it up from a store of your choice
Simply enter your Postcode on the product page to check availability, and select Click & Collect at checkout. What's more, you pay for your items on collection. Click here to learn more.
Items in stock - collect from 1 hour
If your item is in stock at your chosen store, you can collect it from one hour after ordering online. We'll hold your item in-store for seven days.
Items not in stock - collect next day*
If your item isn't in stock, we can order it to your chosen store for collection.
*If you place your order before 8pm you can collect it from 4pm the following day (except Sundays), and we'll hold your item in-store for seven days.
Built Bikes
Collection time will increase by 24 hours if you'd like us to build your bike for you.
Please note that items sent directly from the supplier need to be ordered by 3pm for collection two days later. All delivery times will be shown during checkout.
You can buy this product from one of our carefully selected Approved Partners. The full list of options available are below. Simply add your chosen option to your basket and proceed to checkout when you're ready.
You can purchase products supplied by Halfords and selected other suppliers on halfords.com.
Checkout is always via halfords.com and all payment will be taken via halfords.com. In checkout the products will be split into separate deliveries for each supplier.Showing 1 - X of our buying options
Price Seller Info Purchase


text:
This modification will change your fuel pressure to optimize fuel delivery for altitude and modifications. An increase of 6 horsepower, more torque, throttle response, and fuel mileage. Let us tune your fuel pressure specifically for your altitude and modifications SBM … More Info
SBM Stealth Cold Air Intakes will take advantage of the high pressure cold entering the front of your sled. Benefits: Hidden from prying eyes 5-7 HP to the track from mid-range to top-end A more powerful intake sound Serviceable and … More Info


text:
ON a Previous post entitled #RINO Alert – Pam Tobin for Supervisor, came this gem (a comment from a reader):
Pam is none of the things she claims to be…
Honesty/Integrity: she misstated a public officials words to try intimidate her neighbor. She has 5 acres of land yet tried to forcefully gain the use of anothers private land for her personal and rescue programs parking as it was more convenient than using her own land.
Pam defamed and slander her neighbor over something as minor as parking within an easement that is clearly stated as an ingress/egress easement. At the same time she over excavated her personal pond blocking her neighbors right of way and endangering the neighbors family in the event of an emergency.
Not to mention she parks a van everyday right in the middle of the easement further blocking a legal right of way easement.
Pam as tried to drag an entire neighborhood into an issue that has aroused from pure greed and an entitled attitude by Pam.
Compassionate: she has made her neighbors live in agony and imprisonment over her so called rescue program where she has dogs barking for hours on end and she does nothing to try and minimize the barking. Pam Tobin has absolutely no compassion whatsoever for our neighborhoods tranquility. So how can she claim she has compassion?
Her neighbors rarely associate with her. She's just not personable! Her house is pure disorganized filth. How can she organize and run a public office?
She has a motor home in her front yard that her guests sleep in because her home appears to be on the verge of being uninhabitable.
Her own son says she "isn't a people person!" and that "She moved to Granite Bay years ago to get away from people". Now is this the kinda woman we want running as our republican representative?
Plain and simple Pam Tobin is not who she claims to be! Be weary if her own neighbors cannot get along with her or trust her, how can our community? She is out for personal gain and power to force her wants and desires upon people without any regard for the communities well being!
3 Responses to "Pam Tobin Gets Lit Up By One Of Her Neighbors!"
She uses a cane to walk and get around. I wonder if she has MS or some other chronic medical condition? Not that that would preclude her from running for public office, I'm just wondering…
Blogger's Note: I agree with the other commenter – Pam Tobin's Cane and using the motor cart are Safeway Routine is B.S.
The cane comment is interesting as she walks around her house and large property without a cane every day! Is she looking for sympathy votes? Most likely! This woman is a nightmare and it would be horrible if such a rude, self entitled, selfish woman was to come into our district. Please don't let her fool you! She only wants money and power for personal benefit and at any expense.
Blogger's Note: This post was a re-post of a comment made by another reader. It was clearly delineated at the beginning of the post… secondly, I love it when an attorney threatens me over the content of this blog.
I am Pam Tobin's son who is alleged in this article to have made the above qouted comments. Mr Park I suggest that if you want a quote from me simply ask me for one instead of publishing a falsehood. To be clear I never made the above mentioned statements. I have never spoken to you or anyone from your site. Is it your pattern and practice to mislead your readers by attributing false quotes about people whom you have never spoken with? If so, you are setting yourself up for a defamation lawsuit. If you are quoting what someone else said I said you must make that clear. In any event, I never made the above mentioned quote to anyone.
Best regards,
Jeffrey Healey
(an attorney)
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.


text:
"Thou art a scholar; speak to it."
Shakespeare and The Other • August 6–8, 2018
The Wooden O Symposium is a cross-disciplinary conference exploring Medieval through Early Modern Studies, through the text and performance of Shakespeare's plays. Scholars from all disciplines are encouraged to submit papers that offer insights and new ideas springing from the era of William Shakespeare. His plays are replete with the language, thoughts, and arts of the Renaissance and Western culture and represent an inexhaustible source for creative ideas and research.
The symposium is hosted by Southern Utah University and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Scholars attending the conference will have the unique opportunity of immersing themselves in research, text, and performance in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the western United States.
Symposium sessions and opening and keynote speakers are open to the public at no charge. Meals and plays require registration and payment of the registration fee.
For further information, call 435-865-8333
Call for Papers
Submit a paper on Shakespeare and The Other.
The Wooden O Symposium invites panel and paper proposals on any topic related to the text and performance of Shakespeare's plays. The conference seeks papers/panels that investigate our 2018 theme: Shakespeare and The Other. Topics could range from marginalized characters, underdogs, and outliers, to inclusivity or diversity in the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. We welcome unique interpretations of this theme. This year's symposium encourages papers and panels that speak to the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 2018 summer season: The Merchant of Venice, Henry VI Part One, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Othello. Abstracts for consideration for the Wooden O sessions and individual presentations should be sent to email@example.com.
The deadline for proposals is May 1, 2018. Session chairs and individual presenters will be informed of acceptance no later than May 15. Please include 250-word abstracts or session proposals (including individual abstracts) and the following information:
- Name of presenter(s)
- Participant category (faculty, graduate student, undergraduate, or independent scholar)
- College/university affiliation
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Audio/visual requirements and any other special requests.
Submit the abstract or proposal via post or e-mail to:
Wooden O Symposium
c/o Utah Shakespeare Festival
351 W. Center St.
Cedar City, UT 84720
Telephone: 435-865-8333
Fax: 435-865-8003
For further information, call 435-865-8333
Register for the symposium and the banquet.
Follow the links below to:
Register for the symposium by filling out a simple online form. After you click Submit, the next screen will have a link for payment. You must complete the online payment for your registration to be complete.
- Included in your registration is one ticket to the banquet. If you would like to bring somebody else, please pay for him or her.
Journal of the Wooden O
The Journal of the Wooden O is a peer-reviewed, cross-disciplinary, academic publication focusing on all things Shakespeare.
The Journal is published annually by Southern Utah University Press in cooperation with the SUU Center for Shakespeare Studies and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Editors welcome submissions on all aspects of Shakespeare Studies including text, performance, history, design, adaptation (film, fiction, and visual and performing arts), Elizabethan and Jacobean culture and history, and Shakespeare's contemporaries.
Selected articles are indexed in the MLA International Bibliography. Also, the journal includes the top undergraduate paper selected from the symposium.
Single copies may be purchased for $15 each. Libraries or individuals may subscribe to the journal for $15/year. Prices include shipping and handling.
Top photo: The actor panel at the Wooden O Symposium.


text:
News & Notes
NewslettersTable Talk is an every other month publication of Ascension Lutheran Church. To view the most current issues, please click below. Additional information may be found in the full issue, available in the Members' Only section.
Ascension's 85th Anniversary (1931-2016)
Ascension's 85th Anniversary will be celebrated on Sunday, May 8th. Please join us for a special 10:00 AM service that morning, followed by a barbecue lunch–there will only be one service on Sunday, May 8th.
Our guest pastor that day will be Pastor John Frerking, the son of our founder, Pastor Leslie Frerking. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. We hope you can join us for this exciting celebration!


text:
St Kilda Festival Poster Design Competition
Each year St Kilda Festival reaches out to the community to add a little local colour and flair to the Festival's public image.
The winner receives a $2,000 cash prize– not to mention fame and glory! The winning design is incorporated into the Festival's promotional materials in the lead up to, and during the Festival, and becomes immortalised in the Festival's story.
Fancy seeing your work plastered around St Kilda, Melbourne and beyond? The 2019 competition will open in August 2018. Join our mailing list, follow us on social media and stay tuned for further details…
Pictured: 2018 St Kilda Festival Poster Design, created by Robert Scholten.


text:
Porsche intends to discharge its 2nd technology of Panamera. This model will hit the marketplace as 2020 Porsche Panamera. Its prototype has already been spotted during the road test plus it appears rather sportier and sleeker than its predecessor. The car will in fact attract the attention of normal customers and auto lovers, due to its intricate creating and stylish cabin. Taking on a Modular Standard Foundation, the 2020 Panamera will likely be constructed on the high quality hatch out-back again fashion. It would get to 14 clip ranges such as the Bottom version, S, 4S, Turbo, E-Hybrid, GTS, Turbo S, Turbo Exec, Model product, Turbo S Management, 4S Executive and the Distinctive cut.
2020 Porsche Panamera Style Changes
2020 Porsche Panamera will be developed employing premium lighting-weight stainlesss steel and lightweight aluminum supplies. This is designed to enhance its sleek potential and also improve on its fuel productivity. The car will likely be wider and over the existing version. The general exterior style adopts elegant sleek facial lines.
The front side finish adopts an energetic and strong look. It capabilities larger day time Directed operating front lights lamps and revised entrance grille. The base version will operate on 18-" alloy rims even though the GTS will get 19-in . wheels along with the Turbo S following 20-inch alloy rims.
Within the 2020 Panamera, we should anticipate a luxurious and comfortable cabin showcasing the latest infotainment method. Among the normal capabilities include two environment management, vehicle-dimming decorative mirrors, telescopic controls, premium 11-lecturer audio system, 7-inches infotainment display, a navigation method, Bluetooth sound and telephone integration.
The Turbo product functions 14-speaker Bose encompass sound system, front and rear heated chairs, and keyless ignition among others. People who should go to the Turbo S toned level will access leather upholstered front and back seats. The larger clip degrees increase recommended features like noise lessening process, 4-Zone automatic weather management, ventilated and warmed up front and rear seats and even more.
2020 Porsche Panamera Engine Performance
Within the hood, you will find several engine possibilities that shoppers will select from. The automaker is likely to carry ahead the last V-6 engine for the basic design along with the S-trim design. A much more potent V-8 powertrain will also be unveiled at 2020 Porsche Panamera GTS.
The 3.6-liter V-6 engine that is planning to power the foundation design is rated at 310 horsepower at 295 lb-ft of torque. It is able to having approximately 60 mph within just 60 seconds. The S trim levels will be powered by 3.-liter V-6 engine effective at producing approximately 420 horsepower at 384 lb-feet of torque. Its velocity is estimated at 60 mph in just 4.9 mere seconds. Although its fuel economy score has not yet been confirmed, it is likely to offer 17 mpg for city pushes, 27 mpg road, and 21 miles per gallon mixed.
The new V-8 engine will likely be provided to the GTS design and will come with a 4.8-liter tank. It will be a by natural means aspirated powertrain with power result predicted at 440 hp at 384 lb-feet of torque. It would deliver outstanding EPA scores of 16 miles per gallon city pushes, 24 mpg freeway, and 19 miles per gallon mixed. The hybrid model will be fitted with battery pack technologies.
2020 Porsche Panamera Release Date and Price
Porsche has not but released whole information regarding the release date and price for your new 2020 Panamera. However, the automobile is prone to get to the auto market right at the end of this year or almost certainly within the initially quarter of 2018. The foundation model is envisioned to go for about $50,000 when better trim levels goes just as much as $96,100.


text:
Friday Faves - Traveling July 24
1. Noise canceling headphones
After you try these, you'll never want to fly without them again. The rumble of the plane is majorly muffled and when listening to sound you can keep the volume to a nice medium volume.
2. Scarf & slippers
The scarf will keep you warm as well as a light sweater and slippers will keep feet warm and comfy. A silk scarf will also double as a headband or sling bag.
3. Small craft project
plus a retractable measuring tape and photocopies of the pattern. Socks are a great travel project.
4. Drawstring bags
I organize everything into these bags – craft project and tools, electronics, shoes, dirty clothes.
5. Non-liquid toiletries
powder makeup, solid perfume, disposal face towelettes
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
On August 22, LA's Jewish Journal front page featured Brad Greenberg's re-hashing of old charges of anti-Semitism on the campus of UC Irvine. (We've covered some of the ongoing controversy here.)
It begins by showcasing how pro-Israel students recently countered Palestinian Awareness week. Their answer, iFest, included a chance to win an ipod for students willing to memorize a list of Israeli accomplishments. That one undoubtedly well-intentioned organizer repeats the same old racist trope about how Israelis made the desert bloom (because the "primitive Arabs" just couldn't figure out how to do anything beyond rubbing stones together) beautifully illustrates the complex layers of deeply embedded racism that get lost in the hysteria-mongering:
"I see a desert turned into an oasis, not only culturally or economically or politically but literally," said Zack Sher, a self-described "Larry David, curly hair, matzah ball soup on the weekend kind of Jew," who was promoting his spiritual homeland from inside a pink gorilla suit. "This is our chance to give Israel some positive visibility."
So this week, 5 Jewish UCLA professors and rabbis wrote to the Jewish Journal to say, "Enough already!"
It is unfortunate that The Jewish Journal would choose to run as its cover story two weeks ago an article by Brad Greenberg that preys on the deep and recurrent fears of some in our community of a rampant anti-Semitism on our college campuses ("Quiet War on Campus," Aug. 22).
There was nothing newsworthy about the article, no recent event or episode to prompt it. The episodes and anecdotes recounted in the story were months and, in most cases, years old — and have been amply rehashed in the Jewish press.
Indeed, the chief novelty that we discerned in Mr. Greenberg's article was his willingness to report that "the amount of anti-Israel activity on campus is so negligible that it is almost impossible for students to find unless they are looking on all but maybe three campuses a year" —and this from the director of student programs at AIPAC [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee], an organization that is usually not deemed to be slack in defending Israel.
There are a lot of benefits of a wholesome lifestyle. But can medicines help us? In fact, it is not so easy to find trusted web-site. Choosing the best treatment variant for a racy disease can get really confusing considering the merits and demerits of the existing treatment methodologies. Diflucan (fluconazole), the first of a new group of synthetic antifungal agents, is existing as a powder for oral suspension. Viagra which is used to treat erectile disfunction and similar states when erection is of low quality. Cialis is a medicine prescribed to treat a lot of complaints. What do you know about buy cialis online cheap? Our article focuses on the treatment of erectile dysfunction and buy cialis cheap. Generally, both men and women suffer from sexual dysfunctions. What are the symptoms of sexual disorders? In fact, a scientific reviews found that up to three quarters of men on such preparation experience erectile disfunction. Such disease is best solved with vocational help, commonly through counseling with a certified physician. Your sex therapist can help find the treatment that is better for you and your partner. The most common undesirable side effects of such medications like Cialis is dizziness. This is not a complete list of potential side effects and others may occur. Even if this preparation is not for use in women, this medicine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.


text:
Place: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia**Author: Aleksandar SazdovskiDate: 24 August 2009
Ever since its foundations were laid by a series of spontaneous readings in 1962, the Struga Poetry Evenings (SPE) has been a festival celebrating diversity. Not just in language, rhyme, rhythm and form but also in nationality, race and colour. The event, which recently concluded its 48th edition, has in the past 47 years been a meeting point for more than 4.000 poets, translators, essayists and literary critics from 95 countries.
Tomaz Salamun, the winner of this year's The Golden Wreath, SPE's most prestigious annual accolade, has personally experienced the openness and progressiveness rooted in the core of the festival. "Even in the times when I was 'odd' for the critics in Slovenia, or I wasn't understood and recognized as a poet, I was invited to the SPE. For me that was a great honour", said Salamun. According to him, participation at the Struga Poetry Evenings opened the path for his poems to be published already in more than 70 countries.
This year's festival edition, which united 75 poets from 50 nations, was set in motion with a concert by the pianist Simon Trpceski, a traditional recital of the poem "T'ga za jug" ("Longing for the South") and the international reading of the poem "The Meridians". "Maybe poetry can't change the world but it is a powerful catalyst of society's collective consciousness toward destroying the barriers that divide us", said Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska, Minister of Culture of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, at the opening ceremony. The curtain-raiser was succeeded by the annual "Nights without Punctuation", a multimedia event featuring experimental forms of poetry.
The organizers used this opportunity to present the "Bridges of Struga" award to the Senegalese author Ousmane Sarr-Sarrouss. The festival, in cooperation with UNESCO, bestows this prize to the writer of best debut poetry book. Starting a flame that burns for the four days of the poetry evenings, as well as planting of a tree in Struga's "Park of Poetry" are trademarks of the festival. Pablo Neruda, Allen Ginsberg, Seamus Heaney and now Tomaz Salamun are among the 47 winners of The Golden Wreath who are memorized in the park, which is regarded with respect and honour among Struga's citizens.
"When I was young I knew what I was doing, that I'm meant to write poems, and now, when the language deepens within me and escapes reality, it actually makes me constant, blissful. I have a feeling that my gift deepens even more. Last night I dreamt of becoming a bee that lands on an open flower. That's Struga, my second home", said Salamun of the SPE and defined the festival as "the greatest event for the art of poetry in the world".
A crucial part of the Struga Poetry Evenings is the annual symposium. This year it was dedicated to "Poetry and Music", a subject whose goal was to discuss and analyze the close connection between these two forms of artistic expression. The programme also featured an "Evening of Norwegian Poetry", as well as a promotion of 10 books of Macedonian poets, translated into English.
The director of SPE, Danilo Kocevski, pointed out that the festival will hold a presentation each year on one world renowned publishing house: "This year it was "Point" from Belgium. We signed an agreement with them about putting out an Anthology of contemporary Macedonian poetry, which will be distributed in the 40 countries in which the company operates". The two events that garnered most public attention were the poetry readings held at the start and at the end of the festival. "The Meridians" opened the proceedings on the 20th of August and "Bridges" closed them four days later. Both took place at so-called Bridge of Poetry on the river Drim in front of hundreds of people from the town and other parts of the country.
**The European Commission does not accept or recognise in whatever form or content a denomination other than "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". All references, direct or indirect, to this country used in this article are those of its author.
Rating: 2.7/5 (total: 21)
Inva Mula, born in Tirana, Albania in 1963, is one of the leading sopranos of her generation. Famous to filmgoers as the voice featured in the Diva Dance in Luc Besson's Fifth Element, she has performed to great acclaim across the world, and is a regular performer at La Scala in Milan. Her album Il bel sogno is performed with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Ivo Lipanović and features famous arias by Puccini, Gounod, Massenet and Verdi.
Read more and win the album
The One World Human Rights Festival will take place in Pristina from 12-16 December. Its aim is to promote human rights, freedoms, and democracy, but also to feature meaningful debates on issues like human rights, civil society, foreign policy, environmental policy, etc.
The Tirana International FIlm Festival (TIFF) is the first international cinema festival of its kind in Albania and will be held from 5-10 December
Gibanica is a delicious pastry made with Serbian white cheese and can be made for a festive occasion or as a comforting familiar snack.