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Top 5 position holders will receive cultural gifts from Naba Organization. And remaining all the participants will receive a small gift as a memorial from Naba Organization - Tehran / Islamic Republic of Iran.
Note: All the new participants need to register to take part in this competition. But the members of Islamic Occasions Mailing list don't need to register for the second time. Results will be announced after the day of Ghadir, Insha Allah. Answers for all the multiple choice question is available from the following article.
Lessons from sermon's of "GHADIR"
Author: Abdol Hussein Taleie
Translated by: Abdol Hossein Latifi
"Ghadir" is a torch, which the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) lit "yesterday", in order that we profit by its light "today" and live a better life "tomorrow".
"Ghadir" is a divine message set forth "yesterday" in order that we hear it "today" with all our heart and set out with it "tomorrow" as our necessary provision.
The "Sermon of Ghadir" is an ever-open book, in order that we always look into it and learn from it the way of living.
The "Sermon of Ghadir" is a heavenly flowing stream on earth that constantly attracts those who seek prosperity and salvation.
The "Sermon of Ghadir" is a non-recurrent story; the more you read, the newer it appears.
In the sermon of Ghadir, the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) addresses his audience with the phrase, 'O people'. His address was not merely for the people who were present on 18, Dhil-Hajjah, 10 A.H.; not merely for the people of Mecca and Medina; and not only for the Muslims of that era but for every common man living in every era and place.
Like the "message of prophet hood", the "message of Ghadir" is a message for all generations in all ages and places.
Narrators, traditions and scholars have, in the length of past centuries, narrated and handed over to us the text of this sermon. Now, it's our duty to acquire this lofty truth concerning 'Wilayah' (devotion & loyalty to Imam) and passing it on to the next generation.
Now, it's our duty to learn, if not all, at least some of the sentences of this everlasting message and set them as an epigraph of our life.
"Lessons from the sermon of Ghadir" lies ahead of us; these lessons explain the way of life. We should read and perceive them deeply and apply them in our life in order to attain the divine pure way of living. Verily, all Grace and Bounty is from Allah.
(1) The divine master
'O people! Know that Allah has appointed him as a master and leader for you and has made his obedience obligatory upon you.'
We derive the following conclusion from the above sentence:
i. The Almighty Allah has appointed Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.) as a master for the people; neither the people nor the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has a say in this selection.
ii. It is obligatory upon all to obey Ali (a.s.)
iii. Thus, it's necessary to know and implement his directives and guidelines concerning all aspects of life. Verily, to follow the guidelines of someone whom Allah has appointed would surely bring salvation for mankind.
There remain a few vital questions before us:
Do we really seek salvation and prosperity?
Do we seek salvation and prosperity in Islam?
Do we accept the Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) sayings by all our heart?
Do we admit Amir-ul-Mu'minin's (a.s.) Wilayah, the way the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has made obligatory for us?
Answers to these queries play a fundamental role in transforming our life into a pure one.
(2) Obey his commands
'His command must be enforced and his sayings put into effect. His order is binding on all. Whoever opposes him is cursed and whoever obeys him is blessed.'
Here, we observe that:
i. Amir-ul-Mu'minin's (a.s.) sayings and commands are to be obeyed by all and nobody has the right to oppose him. Moreover, nobody can even cast doubt vis-a-vis his orders.
ii. Whoever wishes blessings of Allah should follow Ali (a.s.).
iii. Whoever opposes him would be deprived from Allah's Mercy.
Now that we desire Allah's blessings and wish to remain immune from His Wrath, its worthy to act upon his invaluable sayings for, he is our holy guide and we, his followers.
The question we should ask ourselves: Do we really perform our duty by obeying our Imam and executing his sayings?
(3) The teeming knowledge
'There is no knowledge but that Allah has gathered (all of it) in me and there is no knowledge, which I have not taught to Ali, and he is the illuminating guide (Imam-e-Mubin).'
The holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is treasurer of Allah's Knowledge, which he imparted to Ali (a.s.). So, those thirsty of knowledge should quench their thirst from the pure spring of the Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) knowledge, i.e., they should consider Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.) as their haven for seeking knowledge.
Verily, knowledge holds a special place and rank in Islam and the Ahl al-bayt (a.s.) (Who are the mines of divine knowledge) enjoy a high and lofty rank.
Reason dictates that the one who possesses perfect knowledge is worthy of becoming the Imam and the Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) successor and others should follow him. Anyone denying this open truth has opposed his own very intellect. Who can dare traverse the long path (as far as eternity) without putting in use the light of intellect?
(4) His Lord preferred him
'O people! Give him preference over others, as his Lord has preferred him. Refer to him as his Lord has appointed him.'
From the above phrase, we derive the following conclusion:
i. Allah, Glorified be He, has bestowed virtue and superiority to Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.); and his virtue is not human and
ii. As Allah has bestowed him superiority, the people too should give him preference over all other human beings.
iii. As Allah has appointed him (as an Imam) for the people, therefore, the people too should follow him.
Verily, it's worthy that we select and follow the one appointed and chosen by Allah.
Be entrusting the divine leadership to others, what justification can we set forth before Allah and reason.
(5) The interpreter of Allah's Book
'O people! Contemplate over the Quran and understand its verse.I swear by Allah that no one shall clarify the Quran's esoteric and its interpretation except this man whose hand I am holding.and he is Ali-Ibn-Abi Talib, my brother and successor.'
The lessons that we learn from the above phrase are:
i. We should contemplate over the Quran and understand its verses. Thus, reciting the Quran is not enough though necessary.
ii. Quran needs to be explained and clarified.
iii. In order to understand the Quran and its interpretation and for extracting the divine commandments and prohibitions, one must refer to Amir-ul-Mu'minin, Ali (a.s.). This is because Allah has appointed him as the only interpreter of the holy Quran.
Can anyone claim to be needles of the Quran and its interpretation? And can anyone dare say that he or she does not require an interpreter of the Quran?
(6) The two lasting Souvenirs
'O people! Ali and my pure offspring are "the lesser weight" and Quran "the greater weight". Each gives news of the other and both are in agreement with one another. They shall not be separated from each other till I receive them beside the pool (of Kauthar). Know that they are God's trustees among the people and His rulers on the earth.'
When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) passed away from this transient world, he left behind two lasting souvenirs among the people so that the two, guides mankind until the day of resurrection.
The two everlasting souvenirs of the Prophet are the Quran and his pure household, which have constantly been introduced as a means for achieving guidance and salvation. Anyone seeking a pure life in this world and salvation in the next world must pursue this path; the path of the nobles who are God' trustees among His creatures and the appointed rulers by the Almighty Creator on the earth.
Do the people have any choice better that this path? In fact, there exists no path save this one.
(7) Who is Amir-ul-Mu'minin?
'Know that Almighty God has said and I say on behalf of the Almighty. Be aware that nobody but my brother is the Amin-ul-Mu'minin and no one else is authorized to keep this name.'
i. Whatever has been said by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) about the Imamat of Amir-ul-Mu'minin, Ali (a.s) was not his personal decision. Rather, he has only conveyed to the people the Divine command on this matter. The Prophet's emphasis on this clear truth, which reveals the divine aspect of Ali's leadership, was because the people do not imagine that such a decision was linked to the Prophet's personal motives.
ii. On the other hand, great stress has been laid on this fact that after the Prophet's departure there shall remain no divine leader among the people save Imam Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.). Rather, the post of leadership and commander of the believers would be the exclusive right of the Prophet's brother i.e. Ali-Ibn-Abi Talib (a.s).
iii. Besides, anyone else claiming the title of Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.) would be a liar.
(8) The holy Prophet's Brother and Successor
'O people! This is Ali my brother and legatee, the one who will call people towards my knowledge, my successor among my people, and my successor in interpreting the Book of the Almighty God (Quran), and the caller to it ..'
i. In these sentences, the Holy Prophet made aware to the people one of Amir-ul-Mu'minin's rank and position. On several occasions, the treaty of brotherhood was established among the Muslims according to the Holy Prophet's command, and on each occasion, he chose Ali (a.s.) as his brother. And this position is indeed high not bestowed on anyone else.
ii. Similarly the Messenger of God (s.a.w.a.) declares that successor ship and executor ship belongs to Ali-Ibn-Abi Talib (a.s.) while at the same time emphasizing that his successor and brother would call the people to learn the Prophet's knowledge. He also stresses that he only would be his successor.
iii. It is very important to notice that aside from being the Prophet's successor in all ranks and position, Ali (a.s.) has also taken over the Prophet's office in the field of interpretation and exegesis of the holy Quran.
Thus, anyone seeking to learn the interpretation of the Quran from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), should learn it from Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.) only.
(9) The Religion became perfect
'O, People! The Almighty God made perfect your religion solely through his [Ali's a.s.] leadership [Imamat].'
While warning the people about this important and basic principle, the Holy Prophet reminds that perfection of religion and faith depends on one special condition without which one's belief and deeds would remain incomplete.
This special condition is acceptance of Ali's leadership [Imamat] and guardianship and obeying his ordinances. This truth has been quoted in various ways in numerous authentic traditions [ahadith] of the Ahl-ul bayt (a.s.) wherein they have emphasized that acceptance of any act [by God] depends on obedience to the successors who have been introduced by the Prophet (on behalf of God) and not the ones appointed by the people.
(10) The Center of Light
'O, People! The divine light is placed in me by the Almighty Allah; and then in Ali and thereafter in his generation till the Mahdi al-Qaem, who will accomplish Allah's right and every right that belongs to us.'
In verses 332 and 33 of Surah Al-Tawbah (Quran) the Almighty God reminds us that some people (pagans and hypocrites) wish to put out God's light but God will prevent them to do so and would perfect His light. In the next verse, God says:
i. "He it is Who sent his Apostle with guidance and the right religion, that He might cause it to prevail over all religions though the polytheists may be averse."
ii. This Divine light come down in the before mentioned verse is the very light which the Holy Prophet explains in length over here.
iii. Anyone seeking God's light in the dark world should turn towards the center of light i.e., Imam Ali, Amir-ul-Mu'minin and the eleven immaculate Imams from his offspring, till Mahdi al-Qaem, or else he would remain in the darkness.
iv. God has made His last proof and light a means of accomplishing His adherent's right. Whosoever is interested in the accomplishment of this right must pay attention to Imam Mahdi al-Qaem.
(11) Warning
"O, people! I warn you that I am God's apostle and many prophets had come before me. If I die or be killed, would you return to your past time (the age of ignorance)? And whosoever returns to his past time, would do no damage to God, and God shall reward the thankful ones."
The Holy Prophet's warnings to his people particularly the cases pertaining to the prophet's destiny after departure are worth listening. Now we should pay attention to the following points:
i. The temporal range of the Prophet's nation could last till the day of Judgment and its spatial range would cover the whole world.
ii. These warnings of the compassionate Prophet are directed to all his followers, in every era and every place.
iii. The holy Prophet's warnings is related to the people's return from the true religion to the state of ignorance; a state which they had forsaken by Divine Grace but now, wish to return out of their evil free will.
iv. The people's return to the state of ignorance will not harm God; rather it would indeed bring harm to the ungrateful ones.
v. Under the circumstances, there would remain only a few who would be thankful and grateful for His favors (especially for the gift of Wilayeh). And the Merciful God will reward them out of His Grace, although they have only performed their duty, nothing more.
vi. We beseech God to grant us success in being grateful to Him for all His bounties and for the gift of Wilayeh and we ask Him to protect us from returning to the state of ignorance.
(12) Do not impose any obligation
"O, People, by accepting Islam, do not impose any obligation upon God lest, you face Allah's Wrath and punishment as He is in watch of you".
The divine guidance is a favor, which the Almighty God has bestowed upon us, and (for whatsoever reason that we are unaware of) He has included us in it. We should be grateful of this favor. How? This gratitude has certain level such as:
i. We should not place any obligation on God because of our meager deeds.
ii. We should understand the value of the bounty of guidance.
iii. We should strive to protect it.
iv. We should attempt to promote and propagate this to others.
v. We should strive to deepen it in ourselves.
If we value the bounty, but forsake it for reasons like laziness, desires, and satanic temptations . then the following verse would be applicable to us.
If you are grateful I would certainly give you more and if you are ungrateful, My chastisement is truly severe.
And if we accept it, then God-willing, the following verse would be applicable to us and we shall taste the spiritual delight of guidance.
And (as for) those who follow the right direction, He increases them in guidance. ( Q.Ch.Muhammad, V. 17)
(13) Continuity of Ghadir in Generations
'I have conveyed whatever I was charged to proclaim so that it remains a proof for everyone either present or absent, and for everyone either bearing witness (in this gathering) or not and for everyone either born or not. Now, those present in the gathering convey (this message) to the absent and the fathers to their sons till resurrection.'
During our present time, it is our duty to convey the message of Ghadir (which are in diverse forms) to all Muslims.
Considering the expansion of mass media, (newspaper, internet and . ) why are we silent? The holy Prophet, who utters nothing but only revelation, has commanded all Muslims to convey the message of Ghadir to others until the day of resurrection.
It's our duty to train the generations and give them the color of Ghadir. We should inform them the message of Gahdir, and ask them to act upon the pact of Ghadir.
Let's make an agreement with him, and say:
O, the merciful Prophet! We have heard your call deeply. On our part, we shall strive to convey guidelines of the treaty of Ghadir to our children and our relatives, and shall ask them to convey that to others too.
(14) Examination and Distinction
"O People! The Almighty God will not forsake you until the evil is distinguished from the good"
God the Merciful and Compassionate, has not left us without any guide in this vast world. Rather out of His vast Grace upon the human beings, He assigned the prophets and holy guardians to devote their lives for the people and guide them towards Him. Whosoever accepted the guidance turned pure, and whosoever was over powered by desires and rejected the divine guidance, turned evil and wicked.
Now in the light of revelation we should warn ourselves lest we cast aside the sympathetic message of Ghadir and join the ranks of the evil ones. Rather, by repeatedly referring to the message of Ghadir, we should clean our heart and soul in the pure heavenly spring of Divine guidance thereby placing ourselves among the group of pure ones...
This path is kept open. What steps have you taken to tread this path?
(15) This is the Path
"So listen to his command so that you remain safe. Obey him so that you receive guidance. Act upon his prohibitions so that you achieve perfection. Follow the path he desires and do not allow the other paths drift you away from his path".
In this phrase, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) has very clearly finalized the argument for the people without leaving behind any doubt or uncertainty. As per his statement, the people should obey and follow Imam Ali's orders if they are to remain safe and sound.
If they desire guidance towards felicity, they should obey Ali (a.s.). If they wish to flourish & achieve perfection they should abstain from whatever he has prohibited.
Be fair! Can there be found any expression as clear and comprehensive as these words that proves Ali's legitimacy? Can human intellect ever hesitate in treading this path?
(16) The Right Path
"O, People! I am the right path that God has commanded you to follow. Then, after me, Ali is that right path and then my descendants from his offspring; the Imams who guide towards the truth and act justly by means of truth."
All Muslims beseech the Almighty God (at least ten times in a day) to keep them on the right path: ("Guide us on the right path").
Here, the Holy Prophet introduces himself to be the right path and then introduces Ali (a.s.) too with the same title.
The subject of Imamate of the Imams (a.s.) has repeatedly been mentioned in other sections of the sermon of Ghadir. Here, those who guide the people to the truth are introduced.
We turn our talk to the wise and say:
"O! Free and truth seeking people! A Shia believes in twelve Imams, who only called the people towards God and who sought help (only) from God and they strove hard to train the human beings.
Doesn't reason command us to refer to them, listen to their noble words, reap the benefits of their guidance and follow their instructions?
(17) Who Accepts the Guidance?
'Be aware, those who accept their (Ali and his descendants) guardianship (Wilayeh) are whom the Almighty God has described as such: "Those who believe and do not mix up their faith with iniquity, those are they who shall be secure and they are those who go aright.'
Verily, we should accept those as guide whom the Almighty God has praised. Friendship and love of God and His Prophet, and after him, love towards those whom God has vested authority in the worldly affairs and called the people to follow them is the essence of religion. Those who accept this ( Wilayeh) by heart are believers who do not mix up their faith with iniquity and are those who preserve this burning flame in their hearts.
The Bountiful God has bestowed this divine gift upon the people so that they reap the benefit of it and give the benefit to others too and call everybody towards it.
(18) People of Paradise
Know that the lovers (of Ahlul Bayt) are those about whom the Almighty God says: "These shall enter the heaven in which they shall be given sustenance without measure".
Entrance into heaven is longed by those who desire eternal prosperity and salvation. At the same time, it is a criterion, which separates the followers of truth from the adherents of falsehood.
But, who would really enter paradise?
Here, the Holy Prophet says: "Only those who accept by heart the Wilayeh of Ahl-ul bayt (a.s.) would enter the heaven"
This is a good ending for the life whose good beginning in this world was associated with adherence to guidance and Wilayeh of the household of light - (i.e., Ahl-ul bayt).
Only those who took benefit of this light in this world would reap the benefit of the divine light in the Hereafter.
(19) Guide of the people
'O, people! Be aware that I am a Warner and Ali a Guide.'
The Almighty God honored the last Prophet with the noble title of "Mundhir" (Warner) in the Holy Quran, and then said, (there is ) a guide for every people.
Some clear points can be inferred from this divine expression. For instance,
i. The torch of guidance will be glowing among the people till the end of this world.
ii. Just as the Warner (Mundhir) is appointed by the Almighty God, the guides of people too are appointed by the Omniscient and Omnipotent God.
iii. Just as the admonitions of the merciful Prophet should be listened to, similarly the guidance of the guides should be followed too.
iv. Verily, this sentence clearly asserts that after the departure of the Holy Prophet, Ali is the guide of the people.
v. Of course, the renowned scholar of hadith Sayyid Hashim Bahrani has quoted a few other traditions in his noble commentary "Burhan" below the afore-mentioned verse, according to which the Imams from Ali's descendants are referred to, and each one of them are guides in their own respective eras.
And today Imam Mahdi (a.s.) holds the flag of guidance in his hand.
(20) The Last Ring of this Chain of Light
'Be aware that the last Imam of my household is the Al-Qaem, Mahdi (a.s.).'
This tiding about the rising of the universal upholder of justice i.e., the promised (Mahdi), bears such great significance that the trustworthy Prophet reveals in the like manner a clear vista of the lustrous chain of Imamate. While the prophet stands close to the first Imam, he introduces the last Imam to thousands of people gathered in Johfe (which was the most splendid congregation of the Muslims, during the Prophet's entire lifetime).
On the other hand, just like other messages on Ghadir day, the holy Prophet commands the Muslims to deliver this holy trust to the others, generation after generation.
The point is here: If this heavenly message on that day was so much indispensable for people of that time then, isn't this need felt today more than before because we live during the lifetime of our last Imam?
(21) The Elevated Flag of Guidance
'Be aware, that He (Imam Mahdi) would triumph over all religions.'
The belief that the promised one would come and overcome cruelty and oppression and would explain the concept of humanity for the human beings, is something common among all religions and sects but each one expressing in a different way.
The holy Quran (this great Divine Book and Treaty) while describing the above point that is common to all other heavenly scriptures, promises that the holy Prophet's religion would prevail over all religions though the polytheists may dislike it.
"He it is Who sent His apostle with guidance and the true religion, that He might cause it to prevail over all religions, though the polytheists may be averse."
Now, we see in the Prophet's words that this triumph and victory over other religions (which were abrogated with the entry of Islam) would take effect by a noble man from the Prophet's offspring who would hold the victory flag bearing the expression: ["Victory is from Allah"]. In Due-e-Nudbe, we remember him and await his advent with such expression:
"Where is the owner of the day of victory, and the one who would spread guidance?"
(22) The Day of Revenge
'Be aware that he [i.e., Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] would take vengeance from the oppressors.'
Oppressing the fellow creatures is man's twin nature.
Since the first day of his appearance on earth, man has oppressed his fellow beings tempted by Satan and carnal desires.
The world system that has prevailed till today has been one of tyranny and oppression so much so that even the best of Allah's slaves (i.e., the prophets and Imams) were not left out and were either killed or driven out of their lands and left to wander.
Will this state continue to prevail? Hasn't the Creator reserved a day for the oppressed ones? The day wherein its light would show the tyrants their destruction and the oppressed ones their freedom.
That day is near and would take shape by Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Now, whosoever is finding of that blossoming day, should free himself from cruelty and blossom his very soul because, that day is not the day of discouragement, but a day of pleasantness..
O, God! Hasten his reappearance.
(23) Fort Conqueror
'Be aware that he [Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] is the conqueror and destroyer of the forts and castles.'
In the length of the cold and dark centuries, the tyrants remained seated and ruled cruelly in their cruel castles.
Sometimes, a ray of hope (but only for a few moments) did glimmer in the hearts of the unfortunate people, but that very ray faded way due to the onslaught of the cloud of injustice.
Now, it is the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) who - in the last days of his holy life - inform the people of what lie head of them.
In these scintillating expressions, through a short sentence, the prophet looks profoundly at the past and the future. As if he gives hope and glad tidings to those seeking the truth and guidance that, lo! Do not fear; continue to tread the right path for, the conqueror of the forts of paganism and cruelty, and the destroyer of the construction of atheism and hypocrisy is on his way. Remember him; await his arrival and foresee the horizon of the universal justice.
Know that the cruel ones dwelling in palaces would not live long ...
(24) O! Pagans, be Aware!
'Know that he [(Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] would triumph over every polytheist tribe & would become their guide.'
The day when Cain killed Abel unjustly; the day when prophet Noah (a.s.) lost hope in his nation after 950 years of his invitation towards monotheism.
The day when prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) [After passing a good and virtuous life] was cast into the fire.
The day when Pharaoh sat on the throne of cruelty and forcefully cast his might on Moses, the messenger of faith and justice.
The day when hatred and revenge overtook the pagans and they expelled the merciful Prophet (s.a.w.a) from Mecca.
The day the cruel farces killed the pivot of light and turned red the land of Karbala.
And in the length of history, on tens & hundreds of such other days, this question was constantly asked that, Should the monotheists always continue to remain captive of the cruel forces of the polytheists?
The Prophet's significant and effective reply to all the people in the length of history is worth reading:
Imam Mahdi is the only flag bearer of monotheism who would guide all the polytheist tribes (in the past and future) and would finalize the arguments for them. And if they refuse to accept the truth, he would kill them.
(25) The Promised one of the Nations
'Know that those before him [Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] have given glad tidings about him.'
The Almighty God's promise that a just savior would appear and rise to make the world full of justice has down in all the past scriptures and in the saying of all the past prophets and Imams.
This promise has given hope to the hopeless.
At present too, the followers of all sects and religions spread all over the world anticipates the coming of that divine promised one and impatiently await his advent.
In the sermon of Ghadir, the merciful Prophet informs us too that the ultimate goodness of mankind is linked to the rise of the sun of justice in order that we recognize the promised Imam and say deeply by heart that:
"Peace be upon Mahdi about whom the Almighty God has given promise to the people that He would make the words (various beliefs) gather around him; would settle the affairs by his hands; fill the earth with justice and equity through his advent and fulfill whatever He has promised the believers."
(26) The Invincible Victor
'Be aware! Nobody can overcome him [Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] and none can gain victory over him.'
Nobody would prevail over Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and nobody would triumph while facing him. He is the very ultimate universal savior whom the people of the past have been waiting for, and all the prophets have given glad tiding to their nations about his coming. In Ghadir-Khum, the Holy Prophet while specifying the duties of his nation in his absence, gives glad tidings about Imam Mahdi's advent and his indispensable triumph over all the enemies and the victory of truth over falsehood.
(27) The Almighty God's Confidant
'Be aware! He [Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] is God's friend (custodian) on the earth and His judge among His creatures and His trustee in His secrets and open (affairs).'
In these phrases, the Holy Prophet describes in an eloquent manner, some of Imam Mahdi's special characteristics.
i. Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is God's "Wali" (friend) on the earth; viz the one appointed by God as a guide and guardian for the people (divine leader).
ii. He is appointed as a judge among the people so that they refer to him in their differences and they accept his decision whole-heartedly.
iii. He is God's favorite such that He has made him His trustee and confidant. The one who is God's trustee in His secret and apparent affairs is the very slave of Allah who has achieved the highest degree of worship and devotion.
Its obvious that people too should follow this noble personality and accept him as an Imam whole-heartedly.
Thus, he should feel proud for selecting God's trustee as his Imam.
(28) An Alert Pilgrimage (hajj)
"O people, visit the House of Allah while possessing a perfect religion and good understanding. And do not return from this holy place but after seeking repentance and detaching yourself from sins."
Pilgrimage (Hajj) is one of the pillars of religion.
But it should be fulfilled on the basis of one's full awareness in religion and on the basis of the perfect religion viz acceptance of Amir-ul-Mu'minin's (a.s.) guardianship and leadership. Basically, all our religious rituals like prayer, fasting, hajj, holy war (Jihad) etc would remain invalid if they are without consent of this fundamental pillar of divine religion i.e. consent of Ali's guardianship (Wilayeh).
God accepts only that worship that is fulfilled according to the way He Wishes and not the way we like. Acceptance of guardianship (Wilayeh) of the Imams is the only way that God has prescribed for the acceptance of our worship. And this is the only way too that leads to repentance and detachment from sins.
(29) "Enjoining the Good", its Apex
'Be aware! The highest degree of enjoining the good and forbidding from evil is that you understand my words, and convey it to those who are not present here. Then, command them to accept it and prohibit them from rejecting it as, this is an ordinance from the Almighty God and me.'
Enjoining the good and forbidding from evil are two vital religious duties where the very existence of religion and its followers depend on it. Naturally, these vital divine injunctions are fulfilled when all the religious affairs are commanded and all affairs that are anti-religion are forbidden. By expressing this sentence, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) throws light on this basic truth that (Wilayeh) [guardianship] of the true Imams is the fountainhead of all religious affairs. Therefore, enjoining other to the "Wilayeh" (guardianship) in its true sense is like enjoining them to all good deeds and forbidding others to follow the authority of the enemies is like forbidding them from all evils.
(30) Where are you heading for?
"O, people! What do you say? God knows every, voice and is aware of every inner secret "So whoever follows the right way, it is for his own soul and whoever errs, le errs only to its detriment. And whosoever swears allegiance [to Ali (a.s.)] has made allegiance with God."
Can we challenge the God who knows our unspoken words and is Aware of our inner secrets? By rejecting the divine guidance and challenging God, can we defeat Him? Allegiance to Ali Amir-ul-Mu'minin (a.s.) is allegiance to Allah. And this open door of divine guidance constantly attracts those seeking salvation and prosperity. Whoever seeks the guidance has no way except this one and whoever rejects this guidance would only harm himself. The goodly end is only for those who humbly tread the right path and accept it whole-heartedly.
(31) Expressing gratitude for the Bounty of Guidance
O people! Say whatever I have said to you; greets Ali as "Amir-ul-Mu'minin".and say: 'All praise is due to Allah Who guided us to this affair. And if Allah did not guide us, we would not be guided.'
Guidance is from Allah and its acceptance is man's duty. If Allah, the Almighty, by His vast Grace, does not guide man, then, man would be left with no guidance. But, this very man bears the duty of accepting guidance.
Islam means submission before the very sayings of the holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), which is nothing but Allah's revelation. And here, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) commands us to accept Imam Amir-ul-Mu'minin's authority and accept him as the leader (Amir) of all believers in all aspects of life. And now there lies a very big test and examination before us. Are we a practical Muslim and act upon and submit before the Prophet's saying or not?
(32) Do not conceal the truth
'O people! Say that which pleases Allah. If you and all the inhabitants on earth were to disbelieve Allah it would not bring any harm to Allah.'
Sometimes, man forgets his weakness, lowliness and limitations because of his childish rebelliousness and obstinate attitude. And he forgets that any opposition before the Almighty Allah, (the One possessing infinite Power and Grace) would bring him harmful results:
i. It amounts to biting the hand that feeds one and every wise man regards this to be bad and evil.
ii. It deprives man of the subsequent divine blessings and grace.
iii. It brings no harm to Allah's Absolute Power but exhibits man's obstinacy and foolishness.
Lo! The path of guidance lies close to the one searching for prosperity. Those seeking happiness in this world and the hereafter should take benefit of this path, which is a lofty divine blessing.


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All prices are in All prices are in USD
The new GR07 Bass 2017 Edition version improves on the build quality of the previous GR07 bass by adopting better quality cable and a more durable earphone jack.
It is no uses its iconic red-grey cable. Instead, a fully grey cable is used.
The GR07 Bass Edition is the next version of the critically acclaimed GR07.
The GR07 Bass Edition maintained all the upgrades from the GR07 MK2 namely: a more flexible cable, reduced siblance and improvement in clarity.
On top of that, the GR07 Bass Edition improves upon the bass response of the GR07 Mk2 giving it more wellbodied bass.
Click here for more information on cash on delivery and auditioning
Item will be automatically sent out from USA fufilment warehouse if you reside in USA
One year warranty via seller
Showing reviews 1-10 of 33 | Next
Posted by Lourenco on 10th May 2018
Got it in Portugal, lovely set, best quality from a pair of earphones I've ever had thus far, would recommend to anyone!
Posted by Samuel Marchant on 9th Dec 2017
The bass is a lot better then the classic of course, but the clarity for everything else as slightly declined in quality.
Still a brilliant product though.
Posted by t12lve on 29th Aug 2017
when this product's called bass edition, i expected a little bit MORE basses. but, the sound is flat as hell. i had to add an equalizer to had a the real basses. a xiaomi piston 3 is SO much better in this case. And nearly 10% of the price of vsonic.
Btw this is comfortable.
I tryed to return but ofc this is a pain in the ass
I dont recommend, i never buy here again, customer service is bad.
Posted by Sk on 28th Jan 2017
These vsonic iems although called BASS edition, are very, NEUTRAL and accurate sounding phones to my ears. I believe they are little bass shy for my taste. Mids, highs and sound stage is the best one can get at the asking price.
Posted by Nikke on 28th Sep 2016
Upgraded from GR06 after I broke them by accident and I was surprised how much better the sound is in these. The jack and the splitter are a bit chunky, but not a real issue. Highly recommended!
Posted by Brendan Watts on 15th Sep 2016
Still going strong after years of daily use. Just wanted to express my appreciation. Great product.
Posted by Jay on 30th Jun 2016
First of all, im not an audiophile.. just an avid fan of good music, listening to all kinds of genre. I previously had monster turbine and westone w4 and wr4. This earphone's sound quality is awesome. The bass is rich but not overpowering, it has a very good quality, i think better than my westones. Mids and highs are also good too, some sibilance but it is very often that i hear. Clarity is very good. Sound stage is wide. I just got a problem now. The cable is teared below the y split area, and i noticed that the left earphone become slightly lower in bass or rather the right becomes stronger, not sure about whats what. And that is just one month of mild to moderate use after purchasing. I hope they fix this problem.
Posted by Ben on 3rd Jun 2016
I'm currently on my 6th pair of GR07's. This is both because I love them oh so very very much, and also because they are made so poorly that I just expect them to malfuntion within about 6 months. Luckily both LendMeUrEars and VSonic are great about replacing them when this occurs over and over again. Other than the build quality these are simply the most comfortable and best sounding headphones I have ever heard. VSonic for life.
Posted by mark on 27th Jan 2016
wanted to try these after someone mentioned they were even better than the VSD3S, had a listen and they are superb. As with all iem's my problems lie with getting these things to stay in my ears, fortunately theres a large number of different ear pieces included to try.
Posted by Parag on 12th Nov 2015
They are all round best sounding iems with sufficient bass, not too bass heavy. Put it on your ears and forget it.
Nice package of included eartips and ultrafast shipping.
Definitely worth the price.
Showing reviews 1-10 of 33 | Next

subset: commoncrawl


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Online live porn. To me it was 15 at the time I could not think about anything except sex, it was my obsession, I am constantly drawing images of beautiful women in his head. Often they make haste: my aunt, but it was only a dream, and I knew that, that sits in my mind will never be a reality, and from these thoughts I am even more excited.
Well there it was, I am, once again came to her aunt, she lived alone in the house of my grandmother, who had long been, somewhere in the heavens. Online live porn.


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After a wait of nearly two weeks I would finally be finishing up with my international line checkout.
The plan was for me to deadhead to Miami and then work a revenue trip over to Madrid.
I had been to Madrid many times as a First Officer and I was looking forward to going over again.
Our plane had just arrived from Santiago, Chile and was getting all it's necessary maintenance items tended to when we arrived at the gate. We were planning to carry a full load of passengers tonight (223).
Takeoff weight was 390,000 lbs at liftoff but the 767 climbed out remarkably well in the hot and humid conditions in Miami. By 20,000 ft the relief pilot had already gone back to the cabin for his rest break. The crew rest seat is a first class seat. Our 777's have crew bunks but not the 767's. The relief pilot almost always has to take the first break. He or she doesn't get much rest since the cabin crew is doing their meal service and it's pretty noisy...but that's the unfortunate result of being the junior crew member in the cockpit. The two flying pilots get to choose between the other two rest breaks.
We climbed out to the northeast and leveled off at 34,00 ft for the Atlantic crossing. I had no problem staying awake as the check airman had plenty to talk about all night long. He was one of the most competent check airman I have ever flown with and I enjoyed learning from his vast experience on the 767.
The crossing would take us only up to about 49 degrees north latitude. That's pretty common for a Europe bound flight from a departure city as far south as Miami. I ended up taking the last rest break. It was about 2.5 hours worth. When I went back to the cockpit the sun was rising and Portugal was just starting to come into view. Soon after that we started our descent with Madrid Control. Barajas Airport was reporting clear skies and calm winds...perfect conditions for the check airman to make a smooth landing. (I wondered why he took the first leg, but the next morning when I flew the return leg it all became clear.)I didn't really do too much on the layover. Madrid has become unbelievably expensive for Americans (as has most of the rest of the world). None of the other crew members wanted to go out and sightsee so I ended up just going out on my own for a few hours and took in a few sights.
For dinner the three of us pilots ended up having Chinese food!! It was relatively inexpensive and tasted good with our cervezas.
The next day it was back to work again. My turn to fly. The departure procedure from Madrid is one of the most convoluted and demanding procedures I have seen. It is a very noise sensitive area and flying it requires some very precise maneuvering. Attention to headings, altitudes and required turn points are mandatory. If you mess it up you can expect to get a violation notice from the local authorities.
This is why the check airman wanted me to fly the return leg. He wanted me to experience the "joy" of flying the departure procedure. Well apparently I didn't mess it up because I haven't received a violation notice yet.
The westbound leg took us much further south than the eastbound leg. We flew right over the city of Lisbon, Portugal then continued west towards the Azores. Further along we passed well south of Bermuda and then right over Nassau before starting downhill for Miami. The water in the Bahamas sure is clear. I made a really nice landing right before a line of thunderstorms rolled in and messed up AA's schedule for the rest of the day. But my line check was complete and I was officially done with training.
So now it's back to flying the line with new adventures to come.
Friday, August 29, 2008
It's Finally Over
After a wait of nearly two weeks I would finally be finishing up with my international line checkout.
Posted by Len (Barfbag) 9 comments Links to this post
Labels: airline pilot, Boeing 767, Madrid
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Training Goes On
Another short post again to report on 767 training.
The Tylenol was not needed and the final week of simulator training went smoothly.
We even spent a session in the latest 757 simulator that has a new flat panel EFIS display. After a lifetime of looking at steam gauges, it took a while to get used to finding the right place to look but once we got the hang of it, the rest of the session moved along nicely. The flat panel is very cool. They tell us that the entire fleet of 767's and 757's will be retrofitted eventually with these units.
Now comes the fun part....back to the line!
I have been away from the 767 for many years so I am required to re-qualify domestically first followed by an international trip.
My domestic qualifying consisted of seven legs and 20 hours of flying over five days. Our qualifying flights are conducted on regular revenue flights. I was accompanied by a check airman in the right seat and about two hundred observers(critics) in the main cabin!
The very first leg included a passing squall line at DFW that brought heavy rain and some pesky windshear. Fortunately we were still boarding when the worst of it rolled through.
These summertime storms usually pass through quickly and such was the case this time.
It was back to business as usual after a delay of about 60 minutes.
The rest of the trip went very well. Five legs were in 757's and two were in 767's.
The final segment was a 767 leg from Los Angeles to Chicago. It took us directly over Las Vegas and then Lake Powell over southern Utah.My landing in Chicago left no doubt in anyone's mind that we had arrived! The check airman noted that I tried to land it like an MD-80. (Close the throttles in the flare and just fly it on to the pavement)
And that's exactly what I was doing when the 767's 290,000 lb landing weight interfered and we impacted runway 14R with a crunch! The 767 requires more of a power-on landing. Old habits can be hard to break.
Oh well, there will be other opportunities to redeem myself.
Next up comes an international trip.....probably somewhere in Europe I'm told.
Once again, stay tuned.
Posted by Len (Barfbag) 10 comments Links to this post
Labels: airline pilot, Boeing 767


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Cutting through the red tape is tricky
January 22, 2018
Don�t expect a simple rollback of rules under the Trump administration in 2018 � instead, regulators are on pace to bolster financial adviser oversight.
Tax reform: 7 essential strategies for financial advisers
January 15, 2018
While advisers face the difficult task of analyzing the law's impact, they will also have a significant opportunity to prove their value by implementing money-saving strategies for clients as well as their own businesses.
Outlook in Investing: What advisers can look forward to in 2018
January 9, 2018
From stocks and bonds to regulations, the experts anticipate movement.
Meet our 2017 Icons & Innovators
December 18, 2017
arjuna-design honors 20 visionaries � two icons and 18 innovators � who are lifting the financial advice profession to new heights.
Why private equity wants a piece of the RIA market
December 11, 2017
Several factors, including consolidation in the independent advice industry and PE's own growing mountain of cash, are fueling the zeal to invest.
ESG Special Report
December 6, 2017
Growing opportunities to help investors link their money and missions.
Baby boomer blues
December 5, 2017
A lack of pensions, higher college costs for children and care for aging parents are among the challenges that may keep them from enjoying their golden years.
Hitting the right note
November 27, 2017
Speculation is mounting about what a new ?fiduciary rule will look ?like as the DOL and ?SEC try to harmonize ?advice standards.
Retirement Plan Adviser
November 27, 2017
A quarterly report on the trends and ideas that advisers who serve retirement plan sponsors and participants care about.
Meet our 2017 Women to Watch
November 20, 2017
Introducing 20 female financial advisers and industry executives who are distinguished leaders, advancing the business of providing advice through their creativity and hard work.


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My last post in this series "The Elephant In The Room – Part II" I discussed why this type of impediment is tolerated in many organizations. I also explored how understanding the context and motivation behind a team member's poor performance can change other team members' perceptions of it. I discussed the importance of not labeling someone as a low performer before making sure that the individual is in the right context to leverage their strengths.
In this post will be exploring some of the tools and tips for understanding what motivates people, how they operate when things are going well and when things are in conflict, and what types of positions / work best fit a person. Armed with this knowledge, teams can be assembled that have a complementary motivations, strengths and interests. Teams formed with this knowledge of each other, are much better equiped to build understanding, more open communication and trust. In my experience, assuming you hire intelligent and technically competent people, these are the key ingredients for achieving sustainably high performing Agile Teams.
There are three tools or instruments that I have seen used effectively in organizations to equip people with an understanding of their own motivation / values, strenghts and communication style as well as those of their team members. The three are:
1. Strengths Deployment Inventory (SDI)
"Strengths Deployment Inventory (SDI) is a suite of psychometric tests and a practical methodology for empowering people to improve relationships and manage conflict more effectively. SDI is rooted in the theory of Relationship Awareness®, a self-learning model for effectively and accurately understanding and inferring the motive behind the behavior". – Personal Strengths website
2. Strengths Finder 2.0 – This is a book and on-line instrument that enables people to understand and develop their strenghts rather than trying to improve on their weaknesses. When used in a team environment it allows team members to understand and leverage their other team members' strengths and not interact with them targeting their weaknesses.
"In 1998, the Father of Strengths Psychology, Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. (1924-2003), along with Tom Rath and a team of scientists at Gallup, created the online StrengthsFinder assessment. In 2004, the assessment's name was formally changed to "Clifton StrengthsFinder" in honor of its chief designer.
In 2007, building on the initial assessment and language from StrengthsFinder 1.0, Rath and Gallup scientists released a new edition of the assessment, program, and website, dubbed "StrengthsFinder 2.0." Rooted in more than 40 years of research, this assessment has helped millions discover and develop their natural talents." – Strengths Finder Website, Gallup Corporation
3. Beblin Team Roles – This tool looks at the team dynamic based on roles within the team. It identifies nine different roles. Based on an understanding of these roles, teams can be assembled with the best complement of team roles to help ensure success.
"In 1998, the Father of Strengths Psychology, Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. (1924-2003), along with Tom Rath and a team of scientists at Gallup, created the online StrengthsFinder assessment. In 2004, the assessment's name was formally changed to "Clifton StrengthsFinder" in honor of its chief designer.
In 2007, building on the initial assessment and language from StrengthsFinder 1.0, Rath and Gallup scientists released a new edition of the assessment, program, and website, dubbed "StrengthsFinder 2.0." Rooted in more than 40 years of research, this assessment has helped millions discover and develop their natural talents." – Beblin website
While I have exposure to each of these tools, I am most familiar and have the most experience applying SDI. In fact I am a qualified facilitator for this tool.
I prefer SDI because it is simple, has a strong visual component and instills people with a basic vocabulary and set of tools from which they can build their own set of tools. SDI is based on Relationship Awareness® theory which has for simple tenants:
- Behavior is driven by motivation to achieve self-worth.
- Motivation changes in conflict
- Strengths, when overdone or misapplied, can be perceived as weaknesses
- Clarity and face validity enhance self-discovery
This has always seemed very common sense to me and can be seen while truly observing any team during its interplay.
Relationship Awareness® gives organizations and individuals the awareness and skills they need to build more effective personal and professional relationships. It helps them to sustain those relationships through understanding the underlying Motivational Value Systems™ of themselves and others under two conditions:
- When things are going well
- During conflict
Leveraging Relationship Awareness® theory throught the SDI instrument, people can evolve from choosing their behaviors to accomodate just their own underlying values to also considering the underlying values of others. It is a dynamic and powerful way of looking at human relationships that aids in building communication, trust, empathy, and effective, productive relationships.
If you're interested in the specifics of any of these tools, feel free to click on the links I've provided to explore them further.
In the rest of this post I will explain how I have leveraged SDI on the Agile teams I have lead to help their members grow personally in their communication and collaboration skills as well as to help empower the teams to move to the next level of performance.
The first step is that I train everyone in SDI (I can do this since I am a facilitor). Most organizations hire a certified SDI facilitator to deliver the training. After everyone has been trained and it is known what is each team members' Motivational Values System, these are plotted on a poster sized MVS diagram as shown below.
Once the team was thoroughly trained I would then have a separate meeting with the team to go over the results and help to re-enforce the simple vocabulary based on the colors in this diagram as well as the interpretation of each person's plot. Each plot shows where a team member operates when things are going well and where they go when things are not going well (are in conflict). Once you understand this diagram, and Motivational Value Systems, these plots are very informative. For instance the longer the line connecting the dot and arrow head, the more you can expect someone to change in behavior from when things are going well to when they get in conflict.
I can recall a specific situation where one of my staff was a blue-green when things were ok, but they traveled all the way into the red when things got into confict. This is the makings of a very volitale personality, one that can absort alot of crap but then one day they "fly off the handle". I coached this person to ensure that they communicated openly when things were done or said that rubbed them the wrong way. They continued to avoid the issues and just swallowed it and went on with life. Each time they did this their tolerance for the behavior or treatment that they say as wrong would get reduced until one day the person blew up at their lead and almost got physically violent…luckily they didn't. The person was gone for 3 days. When he came back he came in my office and said, "Man! You were right. I should have let him know that the way he was treating me wasn't working for me. I'm going to start now." Funny thing is that when the genisis of this blow up was explained to Lead, he had no idea, because he was still operating and treating others based on his MVS. Both these individuals learned a valuable lesson that sticks with them to this day.
Applying SDI as a servant leader, I would re-enforce it at each team meeting and at one-on-ones. For instance, when someone would come to me and want to discuss a problem they were having in communicating effectively with someone else on or outside of their team, I would ask them to apply their SDI knowledge. What did they know about their MVS? Where they in conflict with them and if so, at what stage? (SDI has a 3 stage conflict model). What do we know about their MVS when they're in conflict, what do we know about yours? Basically I'd have them work through the problem just offering tips to help facilitate their thought process.
It doesn't take long when applying SDI on a regular day to day basis that the team integrates SDI's terms into their regular vocabular. This is exemplified when during meetings people will joke with eachother when someone is exhibiting strongly a certain color, especially when it isn't conducive to the discussion at had. More than once I hear "Mike's being red again" :-).
I am personally mostly red when things are going well and I move toward being blue when I get into conflict. This helps to explain why I have much interest in the human side of things 🙂
Eventually you can see people applying Relationship Awareness® thinking when they are constructing e-mails, planning for difficult conversations and even when they are preparing presentations. If you know what motivates someone, it is not hard to communicate with them so as to not de-motivate them 🙂
If you're dealing with the issue of "The Elephant In The Room", I urge you to equip yourself and your teams with tools such as SDI or the others mentioned. If you do, I believe it will make it much harder for such elements to creep in and also enable a team to understand and leverage eachother's strenghts so no one on their team becomes this 'Elephant'.


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OZ Antique Market As seen on HGTV is conveniently located in Historic Downtown Austell, GA. We chose Austell for it's legendary charm and hospitality dating back to the late 1800's. The revitalization of Austell Square has attracted new restaurants and shops in addition to the five antique stores. Come experience the present while enjoying a trip down memory lane.
OZ Design Center Team.
Ideas and inspiration for creating a custom beautiful home.
OZ Antique Market
2787 Veterans Memorial Highway, Austell, GA 30168
If you are interested in being a Antique dealer here at OZ Antiques Market, stop by today for a tour
and more information.
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
2787 Veterans Memorial Highway Austell, GA 30168
Sunday 11am - 4pm
Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 6pm
Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 6pm
Friday 11am - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 8pm


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Arismari & Varsamo is a modern-style 'traditional' taverna with Cretan dishes in Heraklion. Arismari (= rosemary) is a herb with a distinctive smell that is inextricably linked with cooking, and with Mediterranean cooking especially. Its botanical name is Rosmarinus officinalis, of which the first means "dew of the sea". Varsamo is what in Crete they call spear-mint, an ancient herb widespread in the Mediterranean.
Some of the well-known traditional tastes and dishes served here are those Cretan favourites, for example: koukofava (of broad beans), fried snails with rosemary, askordoulakoi (bulbs), potatoes oftes, anthogalo cheese, staka, fresh mizithra with honey, anthotyros cheese , tyrozouli, eggs in staka, strapatsada, vrouvopites, small pies with honey, and to drink, kanelada, Marouva wine, rakomelo, melokarydo and much much more. Of course apart from these traditional flavours, the restaurant offers seasonal meats, seafood and other things.
Most of the materials we use is of our own production, or got directly from growers in the village, with whom we have worked for years and trust to deliver to us the healthiest and freshest produce of each and every sort.
Additional Info
- type Tavern
- rates/person up to 20€
- music Cretan Folk
- facilities
- cuisine Cretan
- payment types Cash, Visa, AMEX
- open on
Monday to Sunday 12:00 - 01:00


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I've finally worked up the nerve to discuss this. So I've seen Peter Jackson's The Hobbit – Desolation of Smaug twice. Unfortunately, the horrible winter we got conspired to keep me from seeing it a third, fourth and fifth time.
First of all, I enjoyed the film immensely. There was so much to look at and at times during the fast paced actions scenes I was sure I was suffering from vertigo. I loved that the actors suited their characters and that their personalities shone through. I'm a bit of a purist though and I know had Tolkien been alive today, he might not have appreciated the glaring additions and changes to the novel, or perhaps he might. After all it was written for children.
I get that they wanted to soften the whole 'it's a man's world' by sticking a woman in the middle of it and even hinting at a possible love connection between a dwarf and an elf. I'm a bit of a purist and I wasn't at all impressed by that. I belive the movie would have been fine without all the dressing. Barring that, the scenes in Mirkwood and Erebor were fantastic. Smaug was greater than I had imagined and I'm glad that Peter, whether intentionally or unintentionally made Smaug more serpentine as opposed to reptilian.
For those who have read all the books (and I mean all of them), you would remember that Glaurung in The Children of Húrin was described as "the great worm" and "The Worm of Morgoth" .Therefore one might even conclude that Smaug would be a descendant of Glaurang just as Shelob and the spiders of Mirkwood could possibly be the descendants of Ungoliant both of which were creations of Morgoth.
If anything I was glad that Peter maintained this aspect of Smaug; a metaphor for corruption and greed. This may sound like allegory and Tolkien was clear on the fact that he despised allegory, but hey, it's everywhere in the book. Call it want you want – allegory, metaphor, symbolism, it's all there to be interpreted.
So if PJ went a little wild with the action bit, that can be forgiven. He got Gollum and Smaug right…oh and Thranduil too, and Gandalf and Galadriel and Elrond and….well, you get the picture.


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"Anchorman 2" had almost as many quotable jokes as its beloved predecessor, but the extended, R-rated cut promises 763 new ones that are darker, raunchier and more WTF than before.
The R-rated version (which is over 2 hours long) hits theaters on Friday Feb. 28 for one week only. And if If the trailer and this exclusive clip featuring Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) joking about giving Champ Kind (David Koechner)'s elderly mother gonorrhea are any indication, we're in for some pretty twisted new humor from Will Ferrell & co.
Perhaps people should take director Adam McKay's advice: "If you're a hardcore Anchorman, fan go see this. If you're not, stay far away."
Watch the exclusive clip above. Warning, some NSFW language.
"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"


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Fri, 1 December 2017
The virtual lounge is open and Ty is proud to welcome legendary actress Kelly Lynch to Beats & Eats. Lynch talks about her role in the new family film "Kepler's Dream." The movie is about the adventures of an 11-year-old girl who is sent away to live with her grandmother in New Mexico while her mother seeks cancer treatment. The girl learns about herself as well as why her family is so fractured. In addition to her new film, Lynch talks about her legendary roles in such movies as "Drugstore Cowboy" and the 1989 action flick "Roadhouse." Plus, Lynch talks about high profile movie roles she turned down during her more than 30 years in Hollywood. The episode concludes with Lynch talking about the recent sexual harassment scandals involving Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer. Kelly talks openly about experiences in her younger years with now President Donald Trump and comedian Bill Cosby. For more on Kelly's new movie check out www.keplersdream.com. You can follow Kelly on Twitter @kellylynch. Follow Beats & Eats @beatneats and hosts Ty Ray and Nick Gelso @coug88 @clns_nick.
Direct download: Lynch_Complete_online-audio-converter.com.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:25am EDT
Tue, 14 November 2017
Chef Brian Duffy of Bar Rescue + Taste Food & Wine Festival in Lancaster + The Steak Company the Chefs Use
The Virtual Lounge is now open and Nick Gelso welcomes in TWO celebrity chefs to start wetting your appetite.
Chef Kev Des Chenes of the Food Network and Chef Brian Duffy of Spike TV's Bar Rescue chill w/ Gelso in the "Virtual Kitchen."
The two celebrity chefs discuss upcoming events, including Chef Kevin's appearance on NBC's TODAY SHOW in December.
Duffy and Des Chenes are also very excited about the upcoming Lancaster (PA) TASTE Food and Wine Festival.
Lastly, the guys heavily endorsed Main Entree as their GO-TO online Steak Company. I've tried it. I agree. Check it out today and save here.
Direct download: bne-DESCHENES.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:17am EDT
Wed, 27 September 2017
The virtual lounge is open and you're welcome inside for a lively conversation about the recent protests by NFL teams of the national anthem. Ty and Nick look at President Trump's possible motives for criticizing the protests. Plus, Gelso tells us first hand how Boston Celtics players feel about the recent events. Will the protests carry over into the NBA season? Nick and Ty discuss. Also, is it right for Trump to talk more about NFL player protests than the disaster following Hurrican Maria in Puerto Rico? The duo dissects those topics and more on this edition of Beats and Eats. If you liked to tweet Nick and Ty you can do so at @coug88 @clns_nick and @beatneats.
Direct download: National_Anthem.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:14pm EDT
Sun, 10 September 2017
Ty and Nick take on a more serious tone on this edition of Beats and Eats. The duo discusses cable news coverage of powerful Hurricane Irma. Ray and Gelso praise CNN for their wall to wall updates on Irma. They also continue their examination of the CNN mini-series "The 90's." Follow the guys on Twitter @coug88 @clns_nick @beatneats. You can check them out on the web too at www.beatsandeats.net.
Direct download: Irma_Final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:24pm EDT
Sun, 3 September 2017
Ty's talking all things food on this episode of Beats and Eats. On today's show, he is joined by one Seattle's top food personalities-Stephanie Forrer. Forrer is a passionate food and travel writer and photographer and one of Seattle's most beloved social media personalities. She has spent the last four years eating and drinking her way through Seattle (and beyond!), and all the while photographing it, writing about it and sharing it with the world. Sharing food and experiences through her popular website, Eat, Drink, Travel, Y'all! and her social media is what Stephanie loves to do and you can feel her passion and enthusiasm in her writing. Stephanie also works as a freelance content creator and social media manager in Seattle where she specializes in working with clients within the restaurant industry. You'll almost always find Stephanie holed up at a coffee shop, restaurant or bar somewhere in Seattle when she's not off traveling the world. You can find Stephanie on Twitter @stephsforrer and on Instagram at @stephanieforrer. For more on Beats & Eats follow Ty @coug88 and @beatneats.
Direct download: steph_forrer_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:56pm EDT
Thu, 17 August 2017
The virtual lounge is back open and the dynamic duo of Nick Gelso and Ty Ray ride again. In this abbreviated version of Beats and Eats the two talk about Nick's upcoming move to Boston along with moving horror stories. The two also dissect the new CNN mini-series the 90's. Was it our best decade in recent memory? The virtual lounge is open come in and have a drink with Nick and Ty.
Direct download: ty_and_nick_final.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:08pm EDT
Sun, 18 June 2017
The virtual lounge is open and we're talking healthy eats on this edition of Beats and Eats. Abbie Cates, owner of Gig Harbor Washington's Knife Fork Spoon joins Ty on the show to talk about how she gave up her comfortable career as a chemical engineer to start her own food business. Abbie's Knife Fork Spoon in Gig Harbor, Washington is preparing nutritional meals, sourced locally, at an affordable price. Abbie discusses how she came up with the idea of "freezing meals" and why nutrition is such an important part of her life. It's a candid conversation with a wife and mother of 3 who decided to leave a career to pursue her passion. For more on Abbie and Knife Fork Spoon, check out the website at www.frozenknifeforkspoon.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/frozenknifeforkspoon/. For more information on Beats and Eats check out Ty on Twitter @coug88 or Nick @clns_nick or @beatneats.
Direct download: Abbie_Final.output.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:24pm EDT
Sat, 10 June 2017
Podcaster and triathlete Daniel Henry joins Ty in the Virtual Lounge to discuss his transformation as a man through fitness. Henry opens up about why he turned his life around through exercise, family, and faith. The duo discuss his new podcasts "The Plant-Based Jock" and "New Strength." Both shows cover Dan's experiences as a vegan and personal trainer. Today's episode of Beats and Eats is a candid conversation with a man who did a one-eighty at mid-life and is now sharing his experiences to improve the lives of others. For more information on Dan you can find him at www.danielhenryfitness.com. For more on Beats and Eats, check us out on Twitter at @beatneats, @coug88, @clns_nick. Our website is www.beatsandeats.net.
Direct download: Daniel_Henry.output.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EDT
Sun, 4 June 2017
On this edition of Beats and Eats host Ty Ray welcomes Ambrosia drummer Burleigh Drummond into the virtual lounge. Drummond chats about the band's nearly 50-year history. The two discuss Ambrosia's Grammy-nominated success that included the iconic songs "How Much I Feel," "You're The Only Woman," and "Biggest Part Of Me." In addition, Burleigh opens up about why Ambrosia went their separate ways in the early 80's only to reform, make music and continue touring. It's a fun interview with an original member of a band that helped define the sound of the late 70's and early 80's. For more information on Ambrosia check out their website at ambrosialive.net or follow them on Twitter at @ambrosiaband. You can check out Beats and Eats on Twitter @beatneats, @coug88, or @clns_nick. The website is www.beatsandeats.net.
Direct download: Ambrosia_Complete_2.output.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:12pm EDT
Sat, 27 May 2017
On this edition of Beats and Eats, veteran actor Spencer Garrett joins hosts Ty Ray and Nick Gelso to talk about his role on Amazon's critically acclaimed crime drama "Bosch." Garrett explains how the show captures the darker side of Los Angeles not portrayed in other shows. Garrett also updates Ty and Nick on his upcoming parts on the big and small screen. The trio also discuss Garrett's many roles as politicians. Garrett then weighs in on the current state of the White House. It's a great visit with one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. For more information on Spencer Garrett, check him out on Twitter at @1spencergarrett. You can also tweet Ty and Nick at @coug88 and @clns_nick. For information on Beats and Eats go to www.beatsandeats.net on the web.
Direct download: spencer_complete.output.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:05pm EDT


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Device Doctor 2.0
Device Doctor is a freeware Windows application that scans your computer hardware and checks to see if there are new driver updates available for your devices. It also locates drivers for Unidentified Devices in the Windows Device Manager. This tool was designed to be very simple and easy to use.
Device Doctor Features:
1) Device Driver Database
- Provides drivers for most computer hardware and device manufacturers
- More than 3...


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It B's Like That SometimesTuesday, April 5, 2011
There are times when I need to remind myself of some basic truths. Tell myself—even out loud—those things that bear repeating.
An example: over the weekend I was in contemplation mode. Considering, weighing, trying to figure out the right choice for me. The decision was around a step I was about to take in my writing career—an important part of my identity, my story.
So in the midst of my mulling, I thought it best to go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. I decided to stop in at one of those cute, clothing stores. One that also sells darling kitchen and home decor pieces. (Of course, skirts and salt shakers make natural pairing sense.) I spotted some fun mugs with initials on them. Perfect impulse buy.
Small issue: I couldn't find the letter "B" anywhere on the two large display racks. A salesperson joined me briefly, scanning the shelves looking for the missing letter. Then I moved some random L mug and found it …
The last letter B.
The sales guy said something simple and innocuous, but it rang in my ears for the rest of the day:
"Sometimes the thing you need was there all along."
I think that line could be applied to many areas of this life, but especially to our approach to parenting. We spend so much time second-guessing ourselves, checking for what the books says, for what that other mother does—because she's clearly doing it right. We're looking outside of ourselves, inspecting other shelves, trying to find answers on the "right" way to parent.
But the key thing to remember is this: they are your kids. You know what to do. Maybe it means moving a few things around to see that the answers are right there, in you. And they've probably been there all along.
I was able to apply this Dalai Lama of Salesmen's words to my writing dilemma as well. And after a constructive confab with my ever astute writer friend Robert, I figured out what to do. I felt good about my decision, too. I was at ease and enthusiastic at once. All that was needed to sweeten the moment more was a cup of tea … sipped from my new B mug.


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4 easy steps to integrate UFT with GIT
GIT is a source code management and revision control system. There are various version control system are available, GIT has become very popular lately with its lots of enhanced feature, easy to use, availability and speed. I am sure all of us also use some or other system to version control our automation scripts. In this post, we are going to focus on using GIT and how we can easily integrate with UFT.
I assume, you are already well versed with GIT and its concepts. I will put few basics here for a quick refresher. Get more details from GitHub help.
GIT Basics
Lets understand Version Control System first, a Version Control System allows you and your team to work on the same project simultaneously. It does not allow overwrite the changes and maintains a history of each change. There are two types of Version Control System
- Centralized Version Control System
- Distributed Version Control System
GIT is a Distributed Version Control System, it maintains a fully mirrored repository at client which make it distributed and different than centralized one. If any of the server goes down then a copy from client be brought back to restore. Every checkout is the full backup of repository.
GIT is Secure, Powerful, Easy to use , Fast and Free!
There are four main steps to work with GIT
- Modify a file in working directory.
- Add files to Staging area
- Perform Commit operation to move files from staging area.
- Perform Push Operation to store the changes permanently to the GIT repository
Lets now get into step by step integration of UFT and GIT. we have used UFT 14 in this post.
Step 0: Install GIT and Create Account at GITHub
If you don't have an account with github, create an account at github.com
Download and install GIT on your System
Configure GIT, Open GIT Bash and run below commands one by one
git config --global user.email "your email"
git config --global user.name "your user name"
Step 1: Create GitHub Repository
Login to your GitHub account which you created, and create a new repository for your test. Here you can create a public or private repository. GitHub charges some amount for private repository.
Follow these steps:
Step 2: Clone Repository to Local GIT
It is required to get your repository at GitHub to you local repository and linked. To do this you need to perform clone repository operation either at GIT GUI or GIT Bash.
- Create a folder on your system, say "C:\GIT"
- Launch GIT GUI and click on "Clone Existing Repository"
- Go to your GitHub and Copy the clone path for your repository, this path should be source location and the folder you created at your local should be the destination
- Click on Clone, and your local repository should be ready
Use commands below at GIT Bash to do the same, Navigate to the local repository directory before running these commands.
git init
git clone https://github.com/<Git Clone path>.git
Step 3: Create Test
Launch UFT and Create a test in the local repository path, i.e the same path where GIT repository has been initialized.
If you will notice in the solution explorer, a red exclamation mark has been added to all the file icon, which indicates that the files are currently in you local repository and not yet pushed to the GitHub.
Step 4: Push Test to GitHub Repository
Two easy steps – Commit the changes and then Push the changes. These options are available in the right click menu on the test at Solution explorer. Push Option will be disable at first, which means that you will need to commit the changes first.
at the bottom left you can see the status of operation you perform.
refer the steps –
Once you have successfully pushed your changes to GitHub Repository, you can open the repository there and see the files from UFT test there.
What else operations can be performed from UFT?
Revert Changes: Use "Git Revert" to revert the changes back to the previous commit. UFT will close the test and open it again, all the changes since the last commit and push will be deleted.
Compare with previous version: If you have made changes in the local repository, then you can compare the local repository test to the last commit using "Compare with previous revision" option.
Use Bash for all other Operations: UFT does not provide direct option for other operations like Create Branches or Merge Branches. You will use Bash for all such operations. from UFT menu option, you should use "Open Bash" to launch GIT Bash and use commands
Create Branch: Use command below to create a branch in local repository, which will need to be pushed to github.
Git checkout –b <New_Branch_Name>
Merge Changes to Master: To merge your changes to Master Branch at Repository, you will need to first checkout the master and and then merge the branch changes. use commands below
git checkout master
git merge <branch name>
Hope it was helpful, let us know if you have any further questions or any help required.
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2 Comments
Pingback: UFT Jenkins Integration - Automated-360
Hi ,
I'm using uft 12.02 version i'did same above steps but not displaying any git commit or anything,Can you please helpme.


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It's weekend and you deserve to enjoy a big cupcake while doing some reading below 🙂
Inspiration: Winter time (part 1)
December has just started (yey!) so that means winter is here – with cozy sweaters, hot chocolates and snow everywhere. For more winter/Christmas inspiration, have a look at my Pinterest board.
LUSH Blogger Breakfast
Yesterday morning I attended a blogger breakfast organised by LUSH Luxembourg. We were there early in the morning, at 9 am, one hour before the shop opened for the public. We were welcomed with hot coffee & tea and fresh pastries. Before receiving a tour of the shop, and its wonderfully smelling and looking products, we also received a press… View Post
T.G.I.Weekend: Ladurée for Sephora + Gift Giver Quiz
Introducing this week's T.G.I.Weekend (realising it's the last weekend of November, so the last weekend before winter – so it's basically almost Christmas). Don't forget your hot coffee/tea/chocolate and enjoy 🙂
Nomination / Liebster Award
After I joined a few blogging groups on Facebook, I stumbled upon the 'Liebster Award'. What is it actually? An award for new bloggers with a small following. Once you are nominated, you answer the 10 questions you are given and then give 10 more questions for the 10 bloggers you nominate.


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3 Bedroom HouseSpoilt for convenience as this family home is located just outside of Ringwood Central with easy access to Eastlink getting to and from work will be a breeze. Only a short drive from Eastland Shopping Centre, local schools, parklands and public transport; you get the best of everything!
Featuring floorboards throughout, nine foot ceilings and decorative cornices, grand entrance hall, three good sized bedrooms, formal lounge with gas heating and air conditioning, separate formal dining room, large kitchen with plenty of bench space and adjoining meals area and bathroom with separate toilet. Outside you will find a large, low maintenance, fully enclosed backyard, storage shed and single lock up garage.
Pets will be considered upon application for this property
Photo ID may be requested at this inspection prior to entry.


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Love everything about an interior designer's finished product, but still seek the sense of DIY and personal implementation? We've got you covered. Access direct expertise from Turnstyle, with our brand new service called YOUR TURN. We give you all the tools you need in your own signature design box.
Remember when you used to get excited about receiving physical mail? Well, this package is a wonderful gift to yourself. It includes fabric swatches, finish samples, rendering(s), a space plan and sources for you to make your purchases. Basically, we will equip you to confidently go out and DIY your own space. This way you have professionally approved choices, but the independence to do it alone. Basically, a designer in your pocket.
Don't worry, we'll guide you. Ok, let's get started!
To begin, please complete the questionnaire below. Once submitted, we will contact you to schedule a phone consultation. And then the fun part—we design your personalized space and you implement it!
Prices starting at $3,300 (exclusive of product and dependent upon particular space, scope and size)


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Your daily health watch for Wednesday, March 12, 2008. This page will be updated throughout the day as we post new stories and videos to FoxNews Health. Please feel free to post your comments to any of our stories here, or send email to email@example.com.
VIDEO: Traveling Can Kill Your PetTravel and your pet can be a lethal combination, but it doesn't have to be.
Click hereto watch this video.
VIDEO: Cholesterol Lowering NutsAsk Dr. Manny: I recently heard walnuts were good for lowering cholesterol. Is this true?
Click hereto watch this video.
VIDEO: Carnal CravingSigns that you may be a sex addict
Click hereto watch this video.
- What It Means to Be N.Y.'s First Legally Blind Governor
- David Paterson will not only be the state 's first African-American governor, but the first legally blind one.
- Study: Shorter Men More Likely to Be Jealous
- The shorter the man is, the more likely he is to suffer from bouts of the green-eyed monster, especially when it comes to romance, according to a new study published in the journal of Evolution and Human Behavior.
- Parents May Be Jailed for Refusing to Vaccinate Kids
- Belgium is threatening to jail parents who refuse to vaccinate their children.
- Starbucks Barista Donates Kidney to Customer
- A Starbucks barista has donated a kidney to a longtime customer with whom she forged a kind of friendship.
- Firefighter Dies After Contracting Brain-Eating Amoeba
- A firefighter in California from complication due to a brain-eating amoeba he contracted late last year.
- Report: Life-Saving Heart Devices Can Be Hacked
- Researchers say life-saving heart devices are at risk for hacking.
- Deer Urine Sickens Tenn. Students
- About a dozen students became ill after deer urine was poured into an air condtioner at a Tennessee school.
- Emergency Rooms in America: A Deadly Prognosis
- The practice of diverting ambulances from overcrowded emergency rooms has become widespread - and the delay in treatment can have fatal consequences.


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Whether you're using it as an all-out commuter rig during the week, or you're exploring the road less traveled on the weekend, you'll find that the AWOL Comp is equally capable.
Starting at the frame, it features heat-treated, custom-butted Cr-Mo tubing that's sure to stand up to years of hard riding and abuse. The geometry is also what you would called "dialed," as it's at once comfortable, efficient, and purpose-built to carrying big loads. We also gave this iteration a full bevy of features to further make it ready for the long haul, like fender & rack mounts, a kickstand plate (believe us, this is handier than you know with a loaded rig), and a Dynamo front hub that generates electricity to power lights without needing to plug-in.
For the spec, we chose SRAM Rival 1x in order to keep things reliable and simple, go-anywhere Ground Control tires, and hydraulic disc brakes.


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500 craft beers is our way of professing dedication to your enjoyment. We select the local, the rare, the classic and the trendy so that your snifter, pint or koozie is always teeming with delicious liquid.
Our craft beer is delivered right to our stores so you get the freshest selection around. Visit your local ABC beer haven to browse hundreds of craft beers today!
*Orders on this site containing spirits can be shipped to stores only.
Available for spirits and wine from our delivery partners.
Soothing mint-like flavor with subtle notes of banana, grilled pineapple and other exotic fruits.
Crystal clear, light spirit, bursting with the taste of tree-ripe peaches. A superb mix-drink anytime. Also straight on ice over desserts.
Captures the smooth rich taste and aroma of mouthwatering butterscotch.
Fresh peach taste! You ll find this a fresh peach treat with just a hint of apricot in the background.
An authentic German-style peppermint schnapps.
Sweet, fresh, ripe peach flavors. Peach schnapps mixes well with orange juice and vodka for fuzzy navels.
The piquant aroma is concentrated, candied and appropriately peppermint-like. The palate entry tastes of gently sweet peppermint candy canes.
Clear in color, DeKuyper Peppermint Schnapps is the crisp, clean and refreshing taste of cool peppermint.
Fruity, tropical, an ideal addition to all kinds of yummy cocktails, from chocolate banana martinis to a sweet, coconutty, tropical punch with mango, vanilla and pineapple in the mix.
A fine apple liqueur which showcases the orchard-fresh apples we use to produce it.
With a flavor of fresh peaches, this is best mixed in a Fuzzy Navel and other fruity cocktails.
A taste sensation that captures the essence of fresh ripe raspberries.
Made with fresh peppermint leaves, this flavorful, dry, peppermint-flavored schnapps makes a great mixer.
Intense rootbeer flavor, smooth and easy to drink.
Brandy-based peppermint liqueur that is fresh and minty and great for baking and mixing.
With enticing aroma and refined flavor, this peach-flavored liqueur is highly mixable.
An apple-flavored liqueur with ripe apple aroma, followed by a tart and sour finish.
99 proof watermelon flavored schnapps is bursting with fresh watermelon taste.
This 99 proof schnapps is vibrant and bursting with mouthwatering fruit flavors and intensity.


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MS-Office: Could not replace the copied words
- I am having a problem with Microsoft Office, or possibly, this is a problem with my computer. Whenever I am doing a copy paste. The word that I copied won't go away or won't be replaced with another one.
- Yeah, this will be fixed with a restart, but I do not want to restart everytime.
How can I fix this?


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On a recent Sunday afternoon, we joined the puppy-raiser club on an excursion on the Wilmington & Western Railroad in Delaware that was great fun for everyone as well as solid exposure for the Seeing Eye pups.
Sparkle enjoyed the leisurely ride through the leafy countryside and behaved well. Some of the pups were a bit balky about climbing on and off the train and needed some encouragement. Sparkle went down carefully and smoothly, but getting back on after our half-hour picnic break at Mount Cuba, she made a huge leap up the stairs.
She had no problems walking through the crowded train station and meeting up with the other pups.
Medical update: She's doing much better after her dog bite last week. Tomorrow morning, I take her back to the vet to have the stitch in her nose removed and get her rechecked. I'm hoping this one bad encounter doesn't make her skittish around other dogs. She raised quite a barking ruckus the other day when we walked past a yard where a docile old Lab was sitting out front.


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In today's business, social, and political climates, unexpected events are the norm. Private and public sector organizations alike must be prepared to maintain business as usual regardless of what comes their way—be it a natural-, human-, or technology-related hazard. A video collaboration solution can be the linchpin in your business continuity plan that keeps communications operating seamlessly and reduces your time to recover the rest of the business.
Business continuity is not to be confused with disaster recovery. Disaster recovery implies that an event has disrupted business operations and that recovery measures are required to get going again. Business continuity, on the other hand, ensures that business continues despite an event. A business continuity plan must cover all of your business-critical systems and functions, but underlying all of them is your line of communications.
"When a disruptive event happens the most crucial factor is having working communication lines. None of your other plans can be executed without someone providing clear direction. An effective suite of communication and collaboration tools will enable employees to defy distance and disregard the limitations of geography. They may need access to specialist resources or system experts who are located in different regions, or maybe have to have a flexible workforce due to seasonality requirements or market drivers. All of these needs come back to needing simple and effective communications in a challenging situation that maximize the knowledge base in an organization," writes Nick Hawkins for Polycom.
A video collaboration solution can help ensure business continuity through a variety of events. For example, if a natural disaster results in an unforeseen office closure or prohibits people from driving to and from the office, they can continue working as they normally would from the safety of their home. Employees can continue to meet colleagues and managers face-to-face via video. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are accustomed to working in the same location. Being able to converse and collaborate via video is the next best thing. A solution that is intuitive and accessible from any mobile device helps employees quickly adjust to their new work environment while keeping projects advancing.
Video can also help maintain continuity when business is disrupted on a global level. Flights can be cancelled or travel can become restrictive due to, for example, an epidemic or political issues. Something as seemingly benign as a ban on bringing a laptop on a plane may make your employees think twice about traveling to a business meeting. Instead of foregoing important conversation or deteriorating a sensitive or complex discussion by attempting to hold it over audio only, your executives and sales people can simply hold their meetings via video. Not only do they still benefit from a face-to-face meeting, but you prevent the hassle and costs associated with travel.
Video can also help assuage any fears or concerns that employees have related to unforeseen events, such as a natural disaster or terror attack. The ability to see each other face-to-face allows them to engage on a more personal level and talk about how they are coping with the aftermath, both in terms of their work and family life. Work can become a refuge for employees, even if they're working from home.
Similarly, video can facilitate external communications following an event. "External emergency communications that should fit into your business continuity plan include notifying family members of an injury or death, discussing the disaster with the media, and providing status information to key clients and stakeholders," writes Paul Kirvan for TechTarget.
These difficult communications can be easier for everybody by video. As we've reported previously, "Video communication delivers a form of sensory input that can play to an executive's advantage. By allowing key stakeholders to observe a CEO's body language and facial expressions, companies provide additional data by which stakeholders can react–if only on a subconscious level."
Finally, video can play a key role in smoothly and efficiently executing a disaster recovery plan. Senior management and IT must work closely following an event to get systems and business processes up and running. At the same time, everyone is under tremendous stress and they want to see that their own families are safe. Meeting over video enables stakeholders to have more productive meetings regardless of everyone's location. They can even share content and communicate clearer, thereby speeding recovery.
Nobody likes to think about the worst-case scenario, but it is that very thinking that helps prevent one. Using a video collaboration solution as part of your business continuity plan can help you maintain critical business operations regardless of what comes your way. What's more, it's a tool that people can use as part of their everyday workflow, making it a no-brainer when disaster strikes.


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Question: I have been in a relationship with my girlfriend for 8-9 months and everything between us was pretty smooth until recently. I have always loved her very much and I have no doubts in terms of her loyalty and love for me. We shared about our past relationships and were quite comfortable with each other ever since we started going out.
We then took our relationship to the next level at a certain point by being intimate with each other. I was particularly awestruck by the oral sex I had with her, so much so that I ended up asking her how she got so good at it. She told me that it was because of her learning that came from watching adult movies, which somehow I didn't find very convincing. I asked her again the next time we had oral sex and she finally confessed about a few times in the past where she has had a similar experience with her ex.
Ever since she told me this, I have not been able to have a good time with her, both emotionally and physically. I have mixed feelings about her past life now and I'm unable to forget about the physical part she shared with me. Sometimes it gets worse to an extent that I think of her as an easy going girl. It bothers me a lot because regardless of all this I still love her.
Please help me resolve this issue as I really like her a lot and don't want to jeopardise our relationship because of such thoughts. – By Anonymous


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Our success is based on our motivated and committed employees. Therefore, we are continuously searching qualified staff. We offer a large variety of interesting challenges in the administrative and technical section. We from Mainsite Personal Services train newcomers to become part of our qualified teams to ensure our success and quality long into the future.
We are looking forward to your application.


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Howl's Moving Castle (2004) – Movie Review
film Review
The release of Spirited Away catapulted Studio Ghibli into the mainstream, Academy Award spotlight. They had been a success prior to that 2001 release, but only in animation circles and between animé lovers, or connoisseurs of Japanese culture. They had already made Princess Mononoke, My Neighbour Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies, to massive success, but Spirited Away really broke them into the mainstream, especially the work of Hayao Miyazaki, totemic head of the Japanese animation team. It's a truth universally acknowledged that Miyazaki's films are the strongest of the Ghibli arsenal, and Howl's Moving Castle was the film that he made after Spirited Away, in 2004.
The film, whose animation was stunning on its release, is a joy to see on Blu-ray. Animation is probably the medium that benefits the most from the clarity and definition that Blu-ray provides, and nowhere is this more obvious than with Howl's Moving Castle. The battle scenes, and any scenes in which the castle itself is traversing the landscape, are breathtaking.
The story of the film follows Sophie, a hatter who is cursed by a gypsy to take the form of an old woman. Calcifer, a demon, recognises her curse and, in exchange for helping him with his own curse, that binds him to the eponymous castle, he hires her to clean the castle. Howl, a mysterious wizard, owns the castle, which is able to walk around. From thence the film continues, making comments on the nature of pacifism and its place in war.
The film is fantastic, and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2005 Academy Awards. It's a magical film that deserves to be seen but is often overshadowed by Spirited Away, its worthy but overrated predecessor.