text:
This is TALK OF THE NATION. I'm Neal Conan, in Washington. Today, Egypt's defense minister warned that rising conflicts and chaos in the country could result in the collapse of the state and that it poses a threat to the future of coming generations, this after days of violent anti-government protests and demonstrations in cities across Egypt, including Cairo, the capital, and Port Said, just north of the Suez Canal.
The ongoing violence represents a new challenge to the country's first democratically elected president, Mohammed Morsi, and growing distrust of fundamental institutions like the police, the judiciary and the military. Troubling but resolvable short-term issues are signs of serious problems in a still fragile democracy.
Later in the program, Paul Krugman on why the conventional wisdom on the economy has it all wrong. But first Egypt, and we begin with Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland College Park, author of the forthcoming book "The World Through Arab Eyes: Arab Public Opinion and Reshaping of the Middle East." And he joins us from a studio at the Brookings Institution here in Washington, D.C. Nice to have you back with us.
SHIBLEY TELHAMI: Good to be with you.
CONAN: And I just say you just returned from a trip to Egypt. From what people were telling you, how serious a problem is this for Mr. Morsi?
TELHAMI: Very serious. I think what's become apparent, I mean even before this immediate crisis that is really extraordinary - it's extraordinary in the sense that, you know, they can't even enforce order where they declare emergency law. I think people are defiant even in the face of tanks in the same way that we had sent - the events that led to the revolution.
It's extraordinary, but what I have observed is really a deep mistrust across the board, particularly between the opposition and the government. And that mistrust, you know, went beyond what we knew. We knew Egypt was divided. It was really clear based on the elections, the first found, the presidency. We saw how divided people were, how even Morsi himself got just 26 percent of what was 46 percent of people participating.
The president the second round was very close. But what we have seen is deepening sense of mistrust, particularly after the constitutional declaration. And it was kind of interesting because it didn't have to be, it didn't seem to be going in that direction.
In fact if anything, Morsi in the initial few weeks and months seemed to actually gain more support. And he got approval for a number of things that he did, including getting rid of the head of the military, his initiative in the Sinai, which was very popular, and then his remarkable, you know, mediation of the Gaza War that won him praise from left to right within Egypt and outside.
So it's just the next step that really instead of using that as a way to build a big consensus and legitimacy, moved to consolidate power, and that scared a lot of people. And you can't miss it. It's there particularly when you go to Cairo because in fact the bulk of the opposition is in Cairo. We know that, for example, when the constitutional vote was counted, you know, over 60 percent of roughly 30 percent of the people voting supported it. But in Cairo particularly, people opposed it, and that, obviously, Cairo is the heart of Egypt.
CONAN: And what does it also say when the reaction, the response, is so similar to the responses of the previous regime, to declare curfews, states of emergency, to call out the troops, the tanks and then the police?
TELHAMI: Well, of course, you know, Egyptians are nothing if not humorous, and you can see all the jokes being cracked already across the board in Egypt and on the Internet and people who are juxtaposing a statement that - you know, a video of a statement that Morsi made before he became president, saying I will not impose martial law, and then obviously speech imposing martial law.
So clearly people are - you know, those who opposed him are opposing him more, and some of those who supported him, clearly because they didn't want his opponent to win, are now having not second thoughts about rejecting his opponent but are now a part of the mainstream opposition.
But let's not rush to judgment on the following point. We don't know if the - let's assume that there were elections held tomorrow. Would he lose? I'm not so sure. I cannot be sure of that, to be honest with you, because I think what we see here is that he has very driven, intense opposition.
We know that people in Egypt are now empowered, feel empowered, and they will not go back to anyone, on the left or the right, dictating to them. They will not accept to going back to the Mubarak era. They will not accept a military rule. They will not accept a Muslim Brotherhood rule.
And they are prepared to go to the streets, and they are prepared to risk their lives. And I think that's with us to stay. And those people are out there in the streets, particularly in Cairo but also elsewhere. We've seen that in the Suez cities where martial law was declared.
But still the president and the brotherhood still has support and even the Salafists, who are somewhat critical of him, rallying him behind him. So it - Egypt is divided, and I think Cairo itself, obviously, is more mobilized against him.
I went to see one of Morsi's advisors where I was there in the presidential palace, and I can tell you, it was kind of striking because as we approached the compound on the road leading to the presidential office, there was a gate, and it was closed, and there was a young man not in uniform standing there. And he basically said you can't go in here, you have to go all the way around. So - and then he said: And if you're going to see President Morsi - shouted so everybody could hear him - tell him the people don't want you. And of course this young man can't speak - he can't know what the people really want. He's reflective of a mood in the area. And of course it would not have happened in Mubarak's era because no one would have taken that risk to shout out loud, certainly somebody who's guarding the gate that's leading to the presidential palace.
But when I spoke with the advisor of the president, and I think he was very thoughtful, he was reflective, he was engaging, he listened, and pointed out that, you know, they are trying to deal with the constitutional issue. They understand some mistakes may have been made. He pointed out that there was almost two-thirds support for it. And I said yes, but you don't have Cairo. He said Cairo is not all of Egypt. But maybe not, but, you know, to run Egypt, you can't run Egypt without Cairo.
And so it is clear that, you know, the numbers aren't enough here, you know, to run the country, to get the legitimacy, to get the support of the institutions that run the country. And so there is a genuine crisis that they have to deal with.
CONAN: Let's bring another voice into the conversation, another of those we turn to to discuss these issues, Rami Khouri, director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut, columnist for the Daily Star newspaper, with us by phone from his home in Beirut. And Rami, always good to have you on the program, as well.
RAMI KHOURI: Thank you, glad to be with you.
CONAN: And Shibley Telhami just mentioned a critical word: legitimacy. Is the legitimacy of the government being questioned? Is it in doubt?
KHOURI: I think it's the credibility and the efficacy of Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood grab for power that is being questioned mostly. The legitimacy of the presidency I don't think is in doubt, and legitimacy of Morsi is not in doubt because he is, in fact, the first legitimately elected president in modern Egypt.
And he was hailed by the people in Tahrir Square when he went and took his oath of office, symbolically, for them, not just showing that he was legitimately elected but showing that he served the people, that his legitimacy came from the people, from the street.
So I don't think his legitimacy is shot, but it is certainly dented. And I think the real problem, and you see this all over the region, you see this with Maliki, the prime minister of Iraq who was also legitimately elected, but these people, they have legitimacy because they're popularly elected in a relatively democratic way, but they haven't earned the credibility, the efficacy and the trust and the confidence that they need to govern efficiently.
So there's a real crisis, and Morsi had damaged the standing of the presidency, but that will be regained. It's not shot completely but has been damaged a little bit, it's been dented. But these institutions in Egypt are very solid. You know, the judiciary, the presidency, the army, these are powerful, old. In some ways, you know, they're modern, but they're also ancient in the way that Egypt is an ancient country. So there's great reliance on these institutions of statehood and nationhood. So I think it's a balance between legitimacy and credibility, really.
CONAN: And that other sort of barometer of democracy that we always think about, and Shibley was describing it to some degree in the case of that young man outside the presidential palace, what about freedom of speech?
KHOURI: Well, the interesting thing about Egypt, it reminds me of my days as a student in college in the United States in the 1960s when there was all this anti-war protest. And, you know, there was probably about, you know, two, three percent of Americans who were out on the streets protesting the war in Vietnam and Cambodia. But they ultimately ended the war. They forced the government, Nixon, to pull out of those wars.
So you can't measure popular sentiment by the number of people on the street. Certainly the people in the street are motivated, they're really angry, they feel betrayed, they feel that they are being subjected to a new form of autocracy and central government control and even thuggery to some extent.
The question really that we have to ask is: Where is the center of gravity of Egyptian politics, and where is the silent majority? My guess is that if Morsi were to - if there were an election now, the Muslim Brotherhood would still be the biggest party, like the plurality that was gained by the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamists, the party in Tunisia who got around, say, 40 percent of the vote.
Probably that would be the same, but there's still a core support that the Muslim Brotherhood has that the people on the street demonstrating are really angry, and they will bring down the number of votes that the Muslim Brotherhood gets, but they're still probably the single biggest group.
The real point here is that we have genuine political conversations now in Egypt in the public political sphere. That's the real historic story. Whether Morsi stays or goes, if he goes he's going to go through some kind of political process, and that political process is not clear whether it'll be through elections or through - against street confrontations that lead to a political compromise.
There still has to be an election for parliament, which will clarify where the balance of power is. So there's a lot of things that still have to happen before this transition period settles down, and I think we're looking at another year or two, at least, until we can really see where the center of gravity is.
And the opposition is trying to coordinate and to act more responsibly. I think the opposition has been pretty amateurish, as Morsi has been. But you really have an opposition. They're trying to coordinate more efficiently. The people in the street are one element, but they're not the single most important element.
And these people in the street are not in every city in Egypt. So again, we don't want to exaggerate them, but we don't want to underplay them, either.
CONAN: More about the situation in Egypt as the minister of defense there warns about the possibilities of chaos. Our guests, Shibley Telhami, Rami Khouri, will continue with us. We'll also speak with Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations. Stay with us. I'm Neal Conan. It's the TALK OF THE NATION, from NPR News.
CONAN: This is TALK OF THE NATION. I'm Neal Conan, in Washington. Under the Camp David Accords, the U.S. provides Egypt with $1 billion in economic and military aid per year. Just yesterday, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland addressed the delivery of F-16s to Cairo in the context of military-to-military support, part and parcel of not only Egypt's ability to defend itself, but its ability to maintain its regional security responsibilities.
The fighter planes, just one element in ongoing development - ongoing investment in a country where there's still a question of whether the seeds of democracy can flourish. With us to weigh in on that question are our guests: Shibley Telhami, the author of the forthcoming book "The World Through Arab Eyes"; and Rami Khouri, columnist for the Daily Star.
And joining us now, Steven Cook, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, author of "The Struggle for Egypt: From Nasser to Tahrir Square." He's with us from studios at the Council on Foreign Relations here in Washington. Good to have you back on the program.
STEVEN COOK: Thanks, Neal.
CONAN: And are you surprised by the extent of the difficulties that Mr. Morsi is encountering?
COOK: No, as we've seen over the course of the last years, Egypt very quickly went from exhilarating moment of national unity to a deep polarization. I think that the parliamentary of the fall of 2011 or early winter 2012, and then the presidential elections, are a clear indication that the country was divided and that no one political party was going to be able to impose its political will and political agenda on the others.
And that is the primary reason why we're seeing this political instability, these periodic spasms of violence. It seems, however, in this case - and really this is a continuation of protests and demonstrations that began in November with Morsi's decree essentially exempting himself from judicial review and exempting the constituent assembly, that was the body that was writing the constitution from judicial review - this is an extension of those demonstrations.
What's worrying is the amount of violence and the threats and the breakdown of central authority in critical parts of the country to the extent that the military has said that it is concerned about state collapse.
That's very, very important, because the military, if there is anything that they are concerned about, and that is a threat to social cohesion. I don't believe that the officers want to, once again, become responsible for governing Egypt on a day-to-day basis.
However, if they do perceive a broad breakdown of central authority that threatens chaos in the country, we could see the military take action.
CONAN: Could see the military take action. That would be unprecedented. Shibley Telhami, that would be remarkable.
TELHAMI: It would be remarkable, and I really cannot see it in any foreseeable future. For one thing, I think, you know, a lot of the opposition to Morsi, specifically, also don't want to see it. Certainly some people, very small elements, who have imagination of repeating what was there before. I just can't see it happening in the short term.
But I should say what - Steve made a point that's really important. Let's differentiate between things. The polarization that is deep and the mistrust, it's one thing, but the other thing is the loss of the aura of the state. I mean, even - the violence is horrible in and of itself. Obviously one reason why even through the polarization, a lot of people remained optimistic about Egypt is that Egypt's revolution has remained relatively peaceful by the measures of historical revolutions.
And now obviously you have a period when there is increasing violence. But more than that, the loss of control of state use of force to stop the violence and the loss of the aura of the state, as I said that's really something - that's why, you know, I see it as an immediate short-term crisis, at least.
But the deep division itself is something else. I think that was part of what we expected as normal politics. And even aside from the mistrust, there is a little bit of politics in not coming together. I mean, frankly the opposition, which as Steve said, has actually been - actually it was Rami who said that it was disorganized and in some ways relatively dysfunctional, they admit it.
I mean, it's new. They haven't been organized for long. They're trying to bring different forces together. But what they saw in the popular reaction to the constitutional decisions is an energizing force that would bring them together. And they have no interest prior to the parliamentary election, if they end up entering the parliamentary election, they had no interest, really, in looking like they're - everything is fine because they have to mobilize their public, their supporters. They have to do well in the elections.
But even those who were somewhat optimistic about doing well, they believe that the most they can do in legitimate parliamentary election - which they're well-organized and successful - is get - they would be happy to get 40 percent.
So no one really believed that they're on the verge of shifting the balance of power. But they wanted to make the point that they're there and that they can't be ignored.
COOK: Neal, can I just respond to one thing that Shibley said?
CONAN: Of course.
COOK: You know, let me just remind that, you know, two years ago, people were no doubt on your program saying that one could not imagine Hosni Mubarak being forced from office in the same way that Ben Ali did. I think that certainly there is not an appetite in Egypt for the return of military rule.
However, even well before the political ferment in Egypt, a decade or more ago, the Egyptian military had made it clear that threats to social cohesion and the stability of the state were things that would - regardless of what public opinion might be - would be things that would motivate them to intervene in the political system in some way, shape or form.
They're not eager to get back into the business of politics, but indeed if what we are seeing is a breakdown, and of course it's really limited, as Rami said, we're not looking at an entire country that is in - that is in chaos. But I think the statement on their Facebook page is a warning to all of these political parties - none of whom have a stomach for the military returning to politics - that the military is at least, at least, considering this and that it remains an option for the military.
CONAN: And Rami...
TELHAMI: Can I just say that just briefly...
CONAN: Very brief, we want to get Rami back.
TELHAMI: I agree that it's possible. But the point I made was not that it's possible the military may contemplate this, but I just - it simply can't work. I just think that the public is mobilized to reject this, just as they are mobilized to reject anyone imposing authoritarian rule.
CONAN: Let me get Rami Khouri back in the conversation, and on this point of the military. A lot of people thought effectively they were bought off when their privileges, their economic position, was enshrined, and their budget was enshrined in the constitution by the new constitution. Is this a threat to democracy?
KHOURI: You know, I think one of the things that we've seen across the region, which is very interesting, and some of this comes through in polling that people like Shibley and others have done across the region, generally in recent years, even under the autocratic systems, people had respect for the army.
They didn't like the police and the intelligence, because they're the people who beat up people and tortured them, but the army was seen as a force that was protecting the nation and giving people a secure life. And Egypt's army and the transition period had a lot of respect and legitimacy, and people were getting a little bit antsy after the thing was, you know, was drawn out for over a year.
And they wanted a transition to civilian rule that happened last June, but during the transition, people had a lot of trust for the military, as long as they didn't think the military was going to just repeat the Mubarak and Sadat years and take over everything.
So I think there's a - and there's a great yearning across the region, you know - you hear it in Iraq, you hear it everywhere - that people want stability. They just want to have a normal life. They want to be able to go to work and have their kids go to school and come home.
So the military offers this kind of stable situation, maybe revival of economic development. So there's really a picture about how people look at the military. I don't - I agree with Shibley and Steve. There's no way that the military would ever come to run the country. But if there was chaos, if there was more burning and fighting and killing in the streets of Egypt, that's clearly a situation where the military could come back as a very short-term transitional process.
And they - in a way they might repeat the situation, make the mistake they made last time, them and the political system as a whole, which is the mistake they made was to go on with these presidential elections and parliamentary elections and things, before they had a consensus on the constitution. And that's why there's such a mess in Egypt today, whereas in Tunisia it's a little bit - the rules are a little bit more clear, and the process is a little bit more smooth.
So I think the fundamental problem in Egypt today is that there is no clear constitutional agreement, and we saw it in the referendum today and other things. So it's really up in the air. I mean, you might have the military come back, briefly, if there was total chaos on the streets. Absent that, I think there is no chance for the military to take over.
But they're sending warning signs now, and the real problem in Egypt now, how do we regain the integrity of a political process, where the opposition is not even willing to sit down and have a dialogue with the president. Both of them have legitimacy of a certain kind, and both of them are acting like rank amateurs, and in some cases, some of them are acting like friends. So it's a real dilemma for this great country. And they have to get through it in a political process that is more mature and that is more effective. People want that in Egypt, but they've never done this before.
You know, none of this people, the opposition, the - President Morsi, the Muslim Brothers, the army, none of these people have ever run a democratic transition. They don't know beans about, you know, constitutional republicanism. These are all concepts that mean absolutely nothing to them in practical reality. They're learning on the job, and it's a tough learning process when you're dealing with the emotions that you have in Egypt and the economic stress and all the problems that they have. So we have to hope with the best and wish them the best and trust that they will get through this.
CONAN: Let's get Sal on the line. Sal is calling us from Los Angeles.
SAL: Yes, Neal, I'm a huge fan. And I want to thank you for having Mr. Khouri, Mr. Telhami and Mr. Cook. These are the best. When it comes to that part of the world, they're absolutely best. My question is: Are we - the West or Europe or the U.S. - expecting too much, too soon? Those nations are - have no clue what democracy is, not the same as the Western nations, been decades and decades under oppression. So it may take time to sort things out. And I think - and I'm not a fan, or any way of Mr. Morsi, or the new Libyan leadership. But I think we should give him time. Perhaps helping the opposition - the more we criticize them, I believe that could backfire. Basically, that's my thought.
CONAN: Well, let me put that to Steven Cook. You've heard - Rami Khouri just mentioned what might be termed rookie mistakes by both the government and the opposition.
COOK: Well, certainly, this is all new to all of these political actors in Egypt. I think in response to your caller, transitions from one form of government to another do take time. It has only been two years since Mubarak's fall. And Egypt in particular is a country where questions about the kind of government, the kind of society, the relationship between religion and state, none of these issues have ever really been settled. And now in the more open political environment, the lines have been drawn. People are not, as Rami said, have not embraced and not necessarily very good at republican constitutionalism. I think he said: They don't know a hill of beans. I'd agree with that.
And so what we are seeing in Egypt is the settling of major questions. This is going to take years to work itself out. I think it was Rami who said it might take one to two years. I think it might take more than that, the better part of a decade. The stakes are extraordinarily high for all of these political actors. And there is a tendency on the part - for people who have power to try to resolve their problems through authoritarian means. And you see that in what the Muslim Brotherhood has been doing over the course of the last six months or more. They have a particularly majoritarian view of politics, and as a result, have resorted to authoritarianism. But clearly, Egyptians aren't going to take this lying down. It's too reminiscent of the Mubarak era.
TELHAMI: Can I add one more thing?
CONAN: I have to say that Rami Khouri is with us, also Shibley Telhami and Steven Cook. You're listening to TALK OF THE NATION, from NPR News. Shibley Telhami, I'm sorry I cut you off.
TELHAMI: Yeah. Just on the democracy issue, there's no question, you know, everybody is right on this. You know, it's new. But, you know, it is interesting to watch the freedom of the press, even though, obviously, there are - many people are worried about measures that the government is putting in place that could limit it. But the government is very fond of saying that, you know, 75 percent of the press has been critical of the government, and it has been open, and I hope it remains to be open press.
But the problem goes beyond an experiment in democracy. Remember, the Muslim Brotherhood is the big party right now that is ruling, and they've been a repressed party for 80 years. They don't really have experts, and that's so obvious in every level. And given the mistrust of the existing elites, most of whom had to work with the previous regime, they are really struggling at almost every level, from the police, to the bureaucracy, to - everywhere. They can't - they don't have the well-trained people who have the experience to govern, and they don't trust people from the outside. It's really a problem for them in the short term.
CONAN: Steven Cook, let me ask you about another barometer of democracy, and that is the rights of minorities. And in the Arab context, we have to ask about the rights of women.
COOK: Well, these are both issues of considerable concern to Egyptian Copts, Christians, and women in Egypt. There are members of the Muslim Brotherhood who clearly have retrograde views of these two groups, and it's not just the Muslim Brotherhood. Even the Muslim Brotherhood, which is relatively open to - in some ways, to women being part of the political system in the life of country, are being pushed by Salafist groups who have very different views of women and Copts and their role in society.
And there is a clear competition between these Salafist groups and the Muslim Brotherhood, which has forced the Brotherhood into positions that it might not - and let me emphasize - might not have taken previously. But clearly, Copts and women are deeply concerned what their status will be if there's a consolidation of Islamist political power in Egypt.
CONAN: And Shibley, I'm going to give you the last two minutes, because the critical issue we have not mentioned, no power and no democratically elected president, no matter how firm the institution, is going to be popular if the economy stinks. And the Egyptian economy stinks.
TELHAMI: Yeah, and absolutely. And I think the anarchy will hurt it more, because there was a lot of reliance on tourism. Tourism has gone down by more than 60 percent in the country, and there's no evidence it's coming back. Obviously, the Egyptians are reliant, in large part, on foreign aide. They've become highly dependent on Qatar, who's bailed them out with billions of dollars in support, and obviously, the IMF issue, granting them a loan for over $5 billion stand. And that is a critical issue in the relationship with the U.S.
So as the Egyptians would like to, and that President Morsi would like to plan for a trip here, it's become very difficult because, obviously, there are certain things in the relationship that the administration wants to see, and certain things the Egyptians want to see - and one of them, obviously, this economic aid, which has become a critical issue for them.
CONAN: And that's not helped by the taped comments he made about - very anti-Semitic comments that he made in years past, before he was elected president. So, anyway, thanks to you all for being with us today. And we hope you're right and this settles down very quickly, because the stakes, as you say, are enormously high.
Steven Cook, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. And his book is "The Struggle for Egypt: From Nasser to Tahrir Square." Thanks very much.
COOK: Oh, thank you, Neal.
CONAN: Rami Khouri, director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut. Thanks, Rami, as always.
KHOURI: Thank you.
CONAN: And Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, College Park and among things, a non-resident fellow at the Brookings Institution. Thank you very much.
TELHAMI: It's always my pleasure.
CONAN: And when we come back, an unexpected argument against - forget austerity. Let's spend our way out of a bad economy. Paul Krugman will join us. Stay with us. I'm Neal Conan. It's the TALK OF THE NATION, from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


text:
Fraps is a universal Windows application that can be used with all games using DirectX or OpenGL technology. In its current form Fraps performs many tasks and can best be described as:
Benchmarking Software - See how many Frames Per Second (FPS) you are getting in a corner of your screen. Perform custom benchmarks and measure the frame rate between any two points. Save the statistics out to disk and use them for your own reviews and applications.
Screen Capture Software - Take a screenshot with the press of a key! There's no need to paste into a paint program every time you want to capture the screen. Your screen captures are also automatically named and timestamped.
Realtime Video Capture Software - Have you ever wanted to record video while playing your favourite game? Come join the Machinima revolution! Throw away the VCR, forget about using a DV cam, game recording has never been this easy! Fraps can capture audio and video up to 1152x864 and 100 frames per second! All movies are recorded in outstanding quality.
Fraps has support for Vista and DirectX 10 games. Since the Vista Desktop Window Manager (DWM) runs through DirectX you can now take screenshots and record video from the desktop just like any other game or 3D application in Vista.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Well hello, dolly bars!
Birthdays at the office used to be grand affairs with cakes, cards and parties thrown for each person on their special day. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago the birthday budget was slashed and no longer was there an endless stream of cupcakes, ice cream, and/or pizza provided on the company dime.
Not to be deterred, my colleagues and I are a friendly bunch and decided to take matters into our own hands, either buying or making sweets to commemorate one's birthday. Ice-cream cakes purchased at the local Hallmark store spent a long period in vogue, as one colleague noted, "What's not to love—it's cake and ice cream all in one package." Meanwhile, some of the more kitchen-friendly folks have been known to whip up their own creations, such as one man's recent offering of a triple-layer lemon-curd cake to celebrate his gaining another year of experience.
On my birthday, our lovely deputy art director brought in an array of cupcakes, sourced from a delicious bakery near her home in Forest Hills. The large box was filled with flavors ranging from German chocolate to red velvet. I was extremely touched, most especially since I've become one of those "I'll just keep my birthday to myself" kind of people and reckoned no one would remember I was gaining another year. So when her birthday rolled around recently, I wanted to return the generosity.
There's no shortage of bakeries in my neighborhood, and I contemplated buying her a cake. But when I eyed certain ingredients I had on hand, namely cinnamon graham crackers, shredded coconut, chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, I decided instead to make Hello Dolly bars.
Hello Dolly bars are probably the first dessert I ever baked. When I was nine, I had a super-cool grown-up babysitter named Sarah, and when she was in charge of me, fun things always happened. Whether it was ice skating at the Houston Galleria, taking me to see silly movies such as Donny and Marie Osmond's "Goin' Coconuts," or just baking in her kitchen, she was always a blast.
Her specialty was Hello Dolly bars (also known as magic bars or seven-layer bars, but does anyone know how they gained the musical moniker?), and almost every time she babysat me, we'd whip up a batch of these simple yet delicious treats. Since there was little work involved, save for melting some butter and measuring out ingredients, it was a terrific recipe for a kid. When she moved away from Houston, I asked her to give my mom the recipe, and for a few years my enjoyment of dolly bars (I decided to drop the "Hello" because I was tired of bursting into song whenever I said their proper name) continued.
Over time, I lost my super-strong sweet tooth, and when I baked I focused more on breads. But when trying to decide what to bring into the office last week, I realized it had been too long since I'd eaten these childhood treats and my decision was made. Plus, the great thing about these bars, especially on hot days, is they take little time to prepare, are in the oven for about 30 minutes, and can be easily transported to another location. And while they're a cinch to make, the marriage of coconut with chocolate and a caramelized sweetened-condensed milk topping belies their simplicity. Trust me, they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
I figured everyone else in my office had grown up with dolly bars as well. But I was surprised at my work friends' response: "What are these?" they'd ask, while proceeding to eat another and another and another. Yes, they're addictive, and it didn't take long for my box of dolly bars to empty. So by special request from my colleagues (who all said, "Please! Post the recipe on your blog!") I present to you dolly bars—so easy a kid can make them, so scrumptious an adult can't stop eating them.
Would you like more Homesick Texan? Well, I've started offering additional recipes for paid subscribers to help with the costs of running the site. While I'm not taking anything away, if you'd like to support Homesick Texan and have access to exclusive, never-seen-before subscriber-only posts, please consider becoming a member; annual subscriptions are as low as $25. Thank you for reading, your consideration, and your support!
Hello Dolly bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups crushed cinnamon graham crackers (about 8 graham crackers)
- 2 cups of chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat. Pour the melted butter into an 11×7 or 8×8 cake pan. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs into pan, and mix well with the melted butter to form a crust.
- Layer on top of the graham-cracker crust the chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. Evenly pour sweetened condensed milk over everything.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is light brown. Let cool in pan for at least half an hour, then cut into bars and serve.


text:
Tiptoes Lightly lives in an acorn high up in the branches of a Great Oak Tree. Big-Stamp follows her adventures – and those of her friends – through springtime. Early on in the book, Ompliant the Elephant's leg is pulled by Chit-chat the Chipmunk; Puddle questions Six O'Clock as to 'Why?', and Tom Nutcracker – Farmer John's son – follows giant footprints into the forest, but ends up getting treed. Then Tiptoes floats down to the sea on
Big-Stamp Two-Toes the Barefoot Giant is lavishly illustrated by the artist-author. They are reverent, humorous, sanguine and spiritual. They are innocent and magical tales, suitable for reading to children 6 years and up. Most of the stories in this book would be alright for younger children but you need to use your discretion and perhaps read a chapter or two ahead before reading to very young children.
Reg Down has taught (and told stories to) children in Waldorf schools over the past twenty-two years. He has performed eurythmy, developed colored shadow puppetry shows, painted and sculpted with and for children. He resides in Northern California.


text:
The Innova DX Boss is a fast, stable distance driver. Innova's first Speed 13 driver was designed for maximum distance off the tee. It is fast and can handle full power throws and moderate headwinds. Advanced players and sidearm throwers will appreciate the dependable stability. The Boss has a slight high speed turn to help maximize distance with a predictable fade. This disc golf driver is not recommended for players who throw less than 300 feet. The Champion Boss was endorsed by 2008 World Champion Dave Feldberg, former Innova Team member. David Wiggins Jr. used a Blizzard Boss to set the World Record for the longest throw, 225 Meters, in 2012. Then in 2016, he yet again set the World Record for the longest throw, at 338 Meters, with the R-Pro Boss.
It is a great choice for power players, sidearm or backhand throwers and fast long distances off the tee.
Speed 13, Glide 5, Turn -1, Fade 3
Diameter: 21.2 cm
Rim Width: 2.5 cm
Date of Approval: 08/26/08
About DX plastic - discs are affordably priced and provide an excellent grip in all types of weather conditions. Over time, DX discs will take on new and varied flight characteristics that stem from their use. They start out more overstable, but with use will match the flight ratings. With continued use, they'll eventually become more understable than the ratings.
What others have said:
"The Blizzard Boss is the farthest flying disc on the market today. Complements of its incredible speed and glide, I used it to throw a men's distance world record of 836 feet. I keep one in my bag for long distance backhand drives and sidearms. It is available in a wide range of weights which makes it a great choice for players of all skill levels." - David Wiggins Jr.
"Got wind? This disc will help you deal with headwind and not lose control." - Stan McDaniel
"When I am going for pure distance the Blizzard Boss is always in my hand." - Billy Rossini
"I've come within a few feet of my all-time personal best in distance throwing the Champion Boss...against the wind." - Gregg Hosfeld
If you are looking for a disc that has
more Speed, try the Colossus
more Glide, try the Shryke, Groove, Daedalus
more Turn, try the Shryke, Vulcan, Katana, Groove, Daedalus
more Fade, try the Ape
Other Speed 13 Models: Shryke, Vulcan, Katana, Groove, Dominator, Daedalus, Ape
- Stock: In Stock
- Model: Innova DX Boss
- Weight: 0.51lb


text:
When your child is sick or injured, it's natural to want to head straight for the emergency room (ER). You know that you can get care, no matter the time, day, or severity of your child's injury.
In some cases, it is a true medical emergency and the ER (also called the emergency department, or ED) is the right place to get care.
In other cases, the illness or injury can be handled at an urgent care clinic or whenever your child's doctor can see you.
When the ER is the right place to go, it's important to know what to expect once you get there.
In some situations, you should call 911 to get an ambulance instead of taking your child to the ER yourself.
Call 911 if a child:
Talk with your child's doctor about what to do — and which ER to go to — before you might need to visit one. Your doctor may direct you to an ER that's close to you or one in a hospital where they regularly see patients.
Should your child go to an ER at a children's hospital? Because they're dedicated to caring for kids, children's hospitals probably have the most pediatric staff, specialists, and facilities. So if it's an emergency and a children's hospital is nearby, consider going there.
Otherwise, the community hospital nearest you can give the medical care needed. If for any reason the hospital can't treat your child's specific condition, the doctors there will arrange a transfer to a facility that can.
It's also important to know your child's medical history. Consider preparing a medical history now so it's handy during the chaos of an emergency. Keep a copy available at home so that anyone caring for your child — such as a babysitter or grandparent — will have it in case your child needs to go to the ER.
To prepare a medical history, include:
Include the name and number of your child's primary care provider, and the name and number of the pharmacy where you usually get your prescriptions filled.
When you go to the ER, it's important to know the details of your child's current problem, including:
If you go to the ER because your child ingested a particular medicine or household product, bring the container of what they ingested. That will help the doctors understand what kind of treatment is needed. If your child swallowed an object, bring an example of that object, if possible.
At any ER, except in the most serious emergencies, be prepared to wait. If you have time before you go to the ER, consider bringing something to do while you wait, such as a book or magazines. You also may want to bring pen and paper to write down any questions you have for the doctor. If your child is not too ill, bring things for them to do as well, such as crayons, books, toys, and comforting objects, like stuffed animals. If you think there's a chance that your child might have to be admitted to the hospital, you may want to grab a change of clothes and toothbrushes for you and your child.
There's no way to predict how long you'll have to wait to be seen at the ER. If your child has a severe medical problem, be assured that the doctors will provide whatever care is needed right away.
Because doctors attend to the most severe injuries and illnesses first, there's a good chance that if you are there with a minor injury, you'll have to wait longer. Even if the waiting room is empty, you still may have to wait if the exam rooms are filled or many doctors and nurses are attending to a particularly serious case. If your child's condition becomes worse while you are waiting to see a doctor, tell the medical staff.
Soon after arriving at the ER, your child probably will be seen by a nurse, who will ask about symptoms, check vital signs, and make a quick assessment. This evaluation, also called triage, will prioritize your child's medical needs based on the severity of their condition.
You'll also go through a registration process where you'll be asked to sign consent for treatment forms. And if you have health insurance, be sure to have your member card with you.
Other things to know:
While you wait, there's a chance that you — and your child — may see some very sick and injured people come into the ER. The sights and sounds of those who are seriously hurt or sick can be scary. So assure your child that the ER is the best place for the hurt people to be and that this is where the doctors can help them feel better. You might even give an example of a time when someone you know was injured and, as scary as it was at the time, all was fine after the doctor's care.
Some hospitals have child life specialists. They can help children cope with the stress of being in the ER, help prepare them for procedures, and give them non-pharmacological pain management techniques even at very young ages.
When you're in the ER, try to write down important information that you hear, such as:
If your child is discharged, make sure you understand the home care instructions and ask questions if you don't.
In many cases, the doctor who treats your child in the ER will contact your primary care doctor afterward. If your child is admitted to the hospital, the emergency room doctor will let your doctor know.
Some ERs provide written or electronic documentation of the visit and others dictate and then send the report to the primary care doctor. Carry a copy of the papers you get when your child is discharged to share with your doctor at any follow-up visits.
Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD
Date Reviewed: Apr 20, 2023
By using this site, you consent to our use of cookies. To learn more, read our privacy policy.


text:
Art Promos carries a huge line of Promotional Health Items. Our products include:
Promotional Healthcare Products are ideal for use in clinics, pharmacies, public health centers and schools. They're also perfect for distributing at health fairs and health care trade shows.
It's all about pursuing wellness and fullness of life, and you can be an important part of that pursuit with these wonderful Promotional Healthcare Products.


text:
Feed On-Campus Parking Meters With Your Smart Phone
< < Back toOhio University has soft launched the new meter system on part of the Athens Campus, and drivers can pay for parking at some meters with their smart phones using the ParkMobile app. The meters will continue going online next week and should be fully implemented by July 1.
Metered areas by Bird Arena, Grover Center and Porter Hall are now online, and the rest will make the switch the week of June 23, explained OHIO Director of Transportation & Parking Services Martin Paulins. "The meters are the same, but if you don't have coins you can pay for parking with your smart phone," he said. "If you don't have a smart phone, there's a toll free number you can call."
The University has contracted with ParkMobile, a global provider for mobile payments and parking guidance, to provide the service to campus, and the hope is to provide students, parents, faculty, staff and the community with an alternative to searching for coins.
With the new service, drivers can download the ParkMobile app, connect their credit card to the service, scan the QR Code located on the parking meter, set the amount of time needed, and continue to their destination. Drivers also can receive a text message when their time is about to expire, so additional time can be added from their smart phone as needed.
"It will show you where your car is parked, and you can get a satellite image of the area for those who are unfamiliar with Athens," Paulins said.
The change is one of several being implemented this summer that are designed to make traveling throughout the campus community easier. "It's a huge step in customer service and a benefit for the University community," Paulins said.
The University also has contracted with DoubleMap to provide GPS tracking on all CATS shuttles, meaning a rider can follow the location of the bus by downloading the DoubleMap app to their smart phone. The service will start at the beginning of fall semester, and CATS service hours of operation will be extended from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Another new service introduced this fall is provided by TapRide, which will replace the service currently offered by the Ohio University Police Department's Safe T Patrol. TapRide is a late night on-demand transportation service operated by OHIO Transportation & Parking from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The new TapRide service will allow passengers to download an app onto their smart phones to schedule a ride. The request will go to an iPad in a CATS shuttle, the driver will acknowledge the request and a confirmation with an expected wait time will be sent back to the person requesting the service. The user can use the GPS tracking option to learn when the CATS vehicle is outside their door.
The outside surface parking lot of Baker University Center also will become paid parking instead of faculty and staff parking. This area will be tied into ParkMobile, and will utilize solar powered pay stations that accept cash and credit cards.
To view a video tutorial using an iPhone, click here.
To view a video tutorial using an Android, click here.
Article by Gretchen Gregory of OU Compass


text:
Our blog section can help you with information, experiences and opinions pertaining to the medical and medical billing industry.
Obstetrics and Gynecology is a specialty that carries voluminous claims filing as the services rendered cover Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Anesthesia for procedure and Family Planning. Our billers and coders have obstetrics & gynecology billing and coding expertise having worked for years with obstetricians and gynecologists across USA and are trained to understand the coding complexity involved in laboratory tests to abortion cases, or Anesthesia billing affecting OB/GY processes, or handle family planning claims attended by you.
Our obstetrics & gynecology billers and coders would initiate a follow up on patient claims pending for more than 18 days and optimize your current cycle to 21 to 25 days depending on the kind of insurance accepted by your clinics, with their accumulated knowledge of:
Unprecedented increase in medical cases, market-driven competition, and stringent billing and coding regimen have driven obstetrics and gynecology physicians/hospitals searching for a balancing act that would not only address their core-issue of efficient medical care, but also competitive standing through an uninterrupted flow of medical bill reimbursements. Having been a strategic partner for Individual physicians, physician groups, multi specialty groups, clinics, free standing diagnostic facilities, long term care facilities, acute care facilities, and hospitals, MBC has been able to offer comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology medical billing services, resulting in denial-free medical reimbursements.
Quite understandably, the following set of pre-qualifications have been crucial in delivering efficient medical billing services to a majority of obstetrics and gynecology professionals across all states in the U.S:
Our obstetrics and gynecology billing specialists on the confidence of unparalleled pre-qualifications have been able to demonstrate their efficient billing credentials across multiple specialties such as:
Thus, our Obstetrics and Gynecology billing system – complete with accurate charge-capture, intricate procedure coding, electronic filing of claims, patient billing, multi-tiered appeal process, denial elimination initiatives, and compliance standards as per HIPAA – is the prescription for simplification of your revenue cycle, appreciable increase in collection rates, more patient inflow and referrals, and Increased avenue for medical research and development.


text:
EcoMoissanite 1.53 CTW Round Colorless Moissanite Channel Bridal Set
· Carat Total Weight expressed in Diamond Equivalent Weight (DEW).
· All our jewelry is made to order and has a 3-5 week production time.
· Loose gemstones are processed and shipped within 5-15 days.
Jewelry Details
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 1.53 CTW |
Stone Count | 34 |
Metal Types Available | Gold |
Gold Karats Available | 14K & 18K |
Gold Colors Available | White, Yellow, Rose |
Gender | Women |
Gemstone 01
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 1 |
Stone Color | DEF |
Size (mm) | 5.40 x 5.40 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.59 |
Gemstone 02
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 2 |
Stone Color | D through I |
Size (mm) | 2.70 x 2.70 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.15 |
Gemstone 03
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 2 |
Stone Color | D through I |
Size (mm) | 2.40 x 2.40 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.10 |
Gemstone 04
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 8 |
Stone Color | D through I |
Size (mm) | 2.20 x 2.20 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.32 |
Gemstone 05
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 2 |
Stone Color | D through I |
Size (mm) | 2.00 x 2.00 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.06 |
Gemstone 06
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 5 |
Stone Color | D through I |
Size (mm) | 1.70 x 1.70 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.09 |
Gemstone 07
Stone Shape | Round |
Stone Count | 14 |
Stone Color | D through I |
Size (mm) | 1.60 x 1.60 |
Carat Total Weight (DEW) | 0.22 |
About EcoMoissanite
At EcoMoissanite, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond to ensure you are delighted with every piece of jewelry and gemstone we deliver. We are the world's most innovative and socially responsible moissanite company. For an exceptionally long time, diamonds dominated the precious stones market. This monopoly continued for decades, with no significant disruptions, until moissanite came to be. We do not consider our gemstones to be diamond alternatives since natural diamonds are usually associated with high costs, conflict funding, and environmental harm. For this reason, we believe that everyone deserves to own our premium products at an affordable price.
Our Moissanite
EcoMoissanite is the Original Retailer of IceMoissanite gemstones. All our gems are colorless (DEF) and are almost perfect on the 4Cs scale. Our moissanite cannot be distinguished from diamonds with the naked eye. IceMoissanite has 2.4 times more fire and 10% more brilliance and luster than diamonds. With a Mohs Scale hardness of 9.25, our moissanite is harder than emeralds, rubies, and sapphires and second only to diamonds. IceMoissanite is highly resistant to scratching, abrasion, breaking, and chipping.
Superior Brilliance
Brilliance is the term used to describe the light return of a gemstone. It is the foundation of IceMoissanite's unparalleled brightness and sparkle. As light hits the gem's surface, a part of it enters the stone, while another part is reflected. IceMoissanite's excellent cut grade means that your precious gem exudes a high degree of both fire and brilliance, attained by its perfectly balanced and symmetrically aligned facets. IceMoissanite is the most brilliant gem on the market today, without a doubt.
Security Features
You can verify the authenticity of your moissanite at any given time through a state-of-the-art laser inscription, only visible under 10x magnification. This laser marking contains the serial number of your gemstone and can be found on the gemstone's girdle - the band - dividing the crown and the pavilion. The inscription process is entirely non-invasive and has no impact on your moissanite's carat weight, clarity, color, or brilliance.
Our Warranty
Our warranty means confidence when buying moissanite online. Each of our IceMoissanite gemstones is always inspected before shipment to meet the strictest quality standards. Additionally, our limited lifetime warranty ensures that your gemstones maintain their brilliance and fire. Rest assured, your moissanite is always protected against unexpected changes in color, clarity, or brilliance. Your one-of-a-kind gem will remain uniquely stunning for centuries to come.
Each one of our conflict-free gems is ethically sourced and eco-friendly. Our gemstones do not finance rebel movements and our modern laboratory facilities follow international environmental, labor, and trade standards. Our core objective is to maintain an ethical and sustainable business while improving the communities affected by diamond mining. We are focused on and passionate about making responsible decisions that embody our brand's morality and environmental consciousness.
Giving Back
At EcoMoissanite, protecting the environment is incredibly important to us. The world needs more trees, yet the current rate of deforestation means that the world is losing a football pitch-sized area of forest every two seconds. As a company, we exist because we believe in positive change. For this reason, we have partnered with One Tree Planted, a 501c3 non-profit environmental charity with a focus on global reforestation. We donate five trees where reforestation is most needed with every order placed on our website. Discover more >
Buy Now - Pay Later
In line with our 'affordable luxury' principle, EcoMoissanite makes it easy for you to own our beautiful jewelry and gemstones without paying upfront. For your convenience, you can buy now and pay later by splitting the total purchase amount into two easy installments. This flexible two-step payment process is simple and takes only five minutes. Your first payment of 50% is due upfront to begin the jewelry creation process. The Lay-Buys system will automatically complete the final 50% payment within 30 days of purchase. Learn more >
Our commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a seamless shopping experience from start to finish. All orders are shipped with an express service. Your package will be sent in a nondescript box that will not give away what is inside. You will also receive an e-mail with the tracking number once the courier service picks up your parcel. In case you lose your tracking number, you can always contact us.
Gift Cards
Shopping for someone special but not sure what to get them? Give your loved ones the gift of choice with one of our gift cards. EcoMoissanite offers a wide range of beautiful moissanite fine jewelry, including gold rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, custom engagement rings, men's jewelry, and more. Whether you are shopping for a birthday or celebrating a special life event, EcoMoissanite's digital gift card is the perfect way to show you care. Our gift cards have no additional processing fees and are delivered via e-mail, in which the recipient will find simple instructions on how to redeem them at checkout.
Color Disclaimer
Despite every effort to accurately depict our gemstones' colors, actual colors may vary due to your monitor settings, graphics card, browser settings, etc. Therefore, by purchasing from EcoMoissanite, you acknowledge that there may be variations between the actual color and the representation on our website.
You can purchase custom-made jewelry direct from the experts here at EcoMoissanite. We work with master jewelry designers and makers, putting our in-depth knowledge and experience to good use. Our goal is to design and craft the jewelry pieces of your dreams based on your requirements and ideas, no more ready-made designs, and no more retail storefront limitations. We understand that most of you love getting involved with the designing process, so our service is structured around having you do just that.
We start with your inquiry. You can always contact us with your requirements by clicking on the link below. Our Concierge Team offers tailor-made guidance to your vision, needs, and requirements. As soon as we have a good idea of your specifications, we will design a 3D model and forward you the digital renderings of your jewelry. We always ensure that you are 100% satisfied before moving into the custom jewelry creation process.
Our one-on-one approach and guidance will take you through every step of the jewelry creating process. All without adding extra steps or having you spend extra money. Creating a professional jewelry 3D model is the first step towards transforming your idea into reality. We can also change most of the jewelry designs found on our website to accommodate your preferences.
Once you approve the design and decide to make your purchase, we will send you a digital invoice detailing your complete order. You can pay the invoice online through several payment methods such as PayPal, Credit Cards, and Debit Cards. EcoMoissanite also accepts cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum.
Explore the breathtaking IceMoissanite Plus collection of lab-grown gemstones today and experience the brilliance and beauty of diamonds, emeralds, rubies, blue sapphires, pink sapphires, purple sapphires, padparadscha, and the exclusive Luminaqua gemstone - a Paraiba tourmaline alternative. Our gems are lab-grown using cutting-edge technology in state-of-the-art facilities and hand-cut based on the strictest quality standards. As a result, they are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their naturally occurring counterparts, with the added benefit of being ethical while having a minimal environmental impact.
All orders are shipped with an express service. Your package will be sent in a nondescript box that will not give away what is inside. You will also receive an e-mail with the tracking number once the courier service picks up your parcel. In case you lose your tracking number, you can always contact us. Unfortunately, we are unable to ship to P.O boxes and APO/FPO addresses.
Please Note: The customs office of the destination country or region may impose customs fees, import duties, taxes, and other charges on your international order. These additional charges required for customs clearance are the responsibility of the recipient. When your order arrives at customs, either the carrier or the customs office will contact you directly to arrange for the payment of any charges that may be due.


text:
Ubtans are 100% natural cleansers that have been used for clear beautiful skin, for centuries in India. The Soundarya Ubtan is a gentle exfoliating treatment that is prepared with a myriad of sun-dried and hand-pounded herbs including Fennel Seeds, Star Anise, Fenugreek, Saffron, and Lemon Peel for deeply cleansing and illuminating the skin.
About Forest Essentials Products:
Hundreds of new beauty products come onto the market every day and huge numbers of "natural" lifestyle stores are coming up as people have begun to realize that natural is good. However, although there are many more options now for skin care, there is also a lot of confusion about what is truly good for the body and skin. Fly by night operators, who manufacture out of sheds with no hygiene standards, or companies who churn out substandard products preferring to spend on huge advertising budgets, mislead customers. Real Milk, Almonds and Honey cannot be poured into a soap to make your skin like a film star at ten rupees. Unfortunately we have had many millions of people in our country, who for many years have been fed on this, and have believed it to be reality.
Happily now we are in a changing environment. People are much more aware, have more exposure and have begun to question what they don't understand. If we are to believe many manufacturer's claims then their products are made with "exclusive" formulas, rich in pure sounding ingredients like "Botanicals", "Bio minerals", "Enzymes" & "Extracts". While a few of them do contain authentic natural ingredients, the vast majority and their advertising copy, fail to mention the many synthetic & chemical ingredients that also go into these products and therefore into our skin.
Ayurveda sets much higher standards than "acceptable' levels of Government regulations, because its basic view on health, and its concept of "natural" is at once more encompassing and refined. Also having 'tested' its theories for 6000 years, directly on human subjects, Ayurveda may justifiably claim to know the long term effects of its treatments and products.
Adulterated oils with synthetic perfumes are available everywhere. Soaps are made from waste machine oils that have been deodorized and bleached, filled with stone fillers to keep the prices down. If you want to use the purest cold pressed oils, made from organically grown sweet Almonds enriched with pure essential oils to nourish your skin – then you have to be prepared to pay the extra cost involved in the making of a high quality product.
Although , we get most of our nutrition orally , the skin ingests nutrients as well. Infact, unlike the food we chew and swallow before it is absorbed, creams lotions, and oils, bypass the digestive process and go full strength into the blood stem. Like all ingested substances they either can become raw material for building new body cells and tissues- or potent toxic material unbelievably harmful for your body. Think of your beauty products, not as cosmetics, but as food.
If you cannot eat it, do not use it on your skin. That is the Ayurvedic standard for pure and natural.
It is important to read the labels of your beauty products. It is important to know that organically grown unprocessed cold pressed oils, have the highest levels of nutrients for your skin. Skin is alive and chemicals cannot give back life into the skin. Beauty products made of "living' substances such as plants or their extracts, are balanced by Nature and contain the vibratory energy that constitutes life. By plants, we mean all forms of vegetation, including Trees, Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables, Herbs and Spices. These living substances contain all the purifying, nutritive and balancing properties necessary to nurture the skin and slow down the ageing process . They are the perfect foods for the skin.
At Forest Essentials we source our ingredients with great care. From our organically grown Cold Pressed Oils, to our raw and unprocessed Cane Sugar to our steam distilled pure Essential Oils. Everything is made in the traditionally old fashioned way, according to Ayurvedic tenets, and wherever possible, by hand. We have the highest quality control standards in our factories, certified by GMP standards.
It is time to say Goodbye to harsh, synthetic Scrubs, lifeless Lotions, and Soaps made from waste machine oils. Make space on your bathroom shelves for a gourmet feast for your skin- with Forest Essentials.
The purest - The most nutritious - The very best.


text:
A Manhattan jury has held Bank of America liable for fraud related to bad loans its Countrywide Financial Corp. unit sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as the housing market soured.
The verdict was returned on Wednesday after several hours of deliberation in a month-long trial that focused on loans Countrywide completed in 2007 and 2008, as the housing crisis was already underway. Countrywide was acquired by Bank of America in 2008.
The federal government's rescue of Fannie and Freddie has cost taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.
The jury also found former Countrywide executive Rebecca Mairone liable on one count of fraud.
"The verdict is a win for the US government as this is one of the few cases stemming from the financial crisis that it's taken to trial.
'In a rush to feed at the trough of easy mortgage money on the eve of the financial crisis, Bank of America purchased Countrywide, thinking it had gobbled up a cash cow. That profit, however, was built on fraud, as the jury unanimously found,' US Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement.
The U.S. Department of Justice is looking to get a $848 million out of BofA.
Bank of America plans to appeal. The bank said in a statement, 'The jury's decision concerned a single Countrywide program that lasted several months and ended before Bank of America's acquisition of the company. We will evaluate our options for appeal.'"
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
The man who set himself on fire on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Friday has died of his injuries, according to a police spokesman cited by the AP. The man reportedly used gasoline to commit the act, which drew attempts from passers-by to extinguish the flames.
"Officer Araz Alali, a police spokesman, said the man died Friday night at a Washington hospital," the AP reports. "The man's name and age were not immediately known, and his burns were so severe that authorities will need to use DNA and dental records to identify him, Alali said."
Joggers and others tried to use parts of their own clothing to save the man, as the Two-Way reported Friday. The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. ET, apparently without warning and without a hint of the man's motivations. He was taken by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment, but officials said Friday that his injuries were severe.
The AP reports that a woman who witnessed the self-immolation said she saw a tripod set up near the man, but it is uncertain whether his actions were filmed.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
When she asks this question I often answer: "five."
I don't know that I'm serious. But I don't know I'm not. I don't know what the right answer is, I don't know if I'm hiding my real answer or if I even have a real answer. But some questions and statements require a response and I always provide a response.
Emily knows this about me by now.
"But if we have five," she protests, mildly, "we won't be able to afford to send them all to college."
"Don't say something stupid."
Who? Me?


text: /* * Copyright (c) 2012 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. * * @APPLE_LICENSE_HEADER_START@ * * This file contains Original Code and/or Modifications of Original Code * as defined in and that are subject to the Apple Public Source License * Version 2.0 (the 'License'). You may not use this file except in * compliance with the License. Please obtain a copy of the License at * http://www.opensource.apple.com/apsl/ and read it before using this * file. * * The Original Code and all software distributed under the License are * distributed on an 'AS IS' basis, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER * EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND APPLE HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, * INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, * FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, QUIET ENJOYMENT OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. * Please see the License for the specific language governing rights and * limitations under the License. * * @APPLE_LICENSE_HEADER_END@ */ /* CFStream.h Copyright (c) 2000-2012, Apple Inc. All rights reserved. */ #if !defined(__COREFOUNDATION_CFSTREAM__) #define __COREFOUNDATION_CFSTREAM__ 1 #include <CoreFoundation/CFBase.h> #include <CoreFoundation/CFString.h> #include <CoreFoundation/CFDictionary.h> #include <CoreFoundation/CFURL.h> #include <CoreFoundation/CFRunLoop.h> #include <CoreFoundation/CFSocket.h> #include <CoreFoundation/CFError.h> CF_IMPLICIT_BRIDGING_ENABLED CF_EXTERN_C_BEGIN typedef CF_ENUM(CFIndex, CFStreamStatus) { kCFStreamStatusNotOpen = 0, kCFStreamStatusOpening, /* open is in-progress */ kCFStreamStatusOpen, kCFStreamStatusReading, kCFStreamStatusWriting, kCFStreamStatusAtEnd, /* no further bytes can be read/written */ kCFStreamStatusClosed, kCFStreamStatusError }; typedef CF_OPTIONS(CFOptionFlags, CFStreamEventType) { kCFStreamEventNone = 0, kCFStreamEventOpenCompleted = 1, kCFStreamEventHasBytesAvailable = 2, kCFStreamEventCanAcceptBytes = 4, kCFStreamEventErrorOccurred = 8, kCFStreamEventEndEncountered = 16 }; typedef struct { CFIndex version; void *info; void *(*retain)(void *info); void (*release)(void *info); CFStringRef (*copyDescription)(void *info); } CFStreamClientContext; typedef struct __CFReadStream * CFReadStreamRef; typedef struct __CFWriteStream * CFWriteStreamRef; typedef void (*CFReadStreamClientCallBack)(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFStreamEventType type, void *clientCallBackInfo); typedef void (*CFWriteStreamClientCallBack)(CFWriteStreamRef stream, CFStreamEventType type, void *clientCallBackInfo); CF_EXPORT CFTypeID CFReadStreamGetTypeID(void); CF_EXPORT CFTypeID CFWriteStreamGetTypeID(void); /* Memory streams */ /* Value will be a CFData containing all bytes thusfar written; used to recover the data written to a memory write stream. */ CF_EXPORT const CFStringRef kCFStreamPropertyDataWritten; /* Pass kCFAllocatorNull for bytesDeallocator to prevent CFReadStream from deallocating bytes; otherwise, CFReadStream will deallocate bytes when the stream is destroyed */ CF_EXPORT CFReadStreamRef CFReadStreamCreateWithBytesNoCopy(CFAllocatorRef alloc, const UInt8 *bytes, CFIndex length, CFAllocatorRef bytesDeallocator); /* The stream writes into the buffer given; when bufferCapacity is exhausted, the stream is exhausted (status becomes kCFStreamStatusAtEnd) */ CF_EXPORT CFWriteStreamRef CFWriteStreamCreateWithBuffer(CFAllocatorRef alloc, UInt8 *buffer, CFIndex bufferCapacity); /* New buffers are allocated from bufferAllocator as bytes are written to the stream. At any point, you can recover the bytes thusfar written by asking for the property kCFStreamPropertyDataWritten, above */ CF_EXPORT CFWriteStreamRef CFWriteStreamCreateWithAllocatedBuffers(CFAllocatorRef alloc, CFAllocatorRef bufferAllocator); /* File streams */ CF_EXPORT CFReadStreamRef CFReadStreamCreateWithFile(CFAllocatorRef alloc, CFURLRef fileURL); CF_EXPORT CFWriteStreamRef CFWriteStreamCreateWithFile(CFAllocatorRef alloc, CFURLRef fileURL); CF_IMPLICIT_BRIDGING_DISABLED CF_EXPORT void CFStreamCreateBoundPair(CFAllocatorRef alloc, CFReadStreamRef *readStream, CFWriteStreamRef *writeStream, CFIndex transferBufferSize); CF_IMPLICIT_BRIDGING_ENABLED /* Property for file write streams; value should be a CFBoolean. Set to TRUE to append to a file, rather than to replace its contents */ CF_EXPORT const CFStringRef kCFStreamPropertyAppendToFile; CF_EXPORT const CFStringRef kCFStreamPropertyFileCurrentOffset; // Value is a CFNumber /* Socket stream properties */ /* Value will be a CFData containing the native handle */ CF_EXPORT const CFStringRef kCFStreamPropertySocketNativeHandle; /* Value will be a CFString, or NULL if unknown */ CF_EXPORT const CFStringRef kCFStreamPropertySocketRemoteHostName; /* Value will be a CFNumber, or NULL if unknown */ CF_EXPORT const CFStringRef kCFStreamPropertySocketRemotePortNumber; CF_IMPLICIT_BRIDGING_DISABLED /* Socket streams; the returned streams are paired such that they use the same socket; pass NULL if you want only the read stream or the write stream */ CF_EXPORT void CFStreamCreatePairWithSocket(CFAllocatorRef alloc, CFSocketNativeHandle sock, CFReadStreamRef *readStream, CFWriteStreamRef *writeStream); CF_EXPORT void CFStreamCreatePairWithSocketToHost(CFAllocatorRef alloc, CFStringRef host, UInt32 port, CFReadStreamRef *readStream, CFWriteStreamRef *writeStream); CF_EXPORT void CFStreamCreatePairWithPeerSocketSignature(CFAllocatorRef alloc, const CFSocketSignature *signature, CFReadStreamRef *readStream, CFWriteStreamRef *writeStream); CF_IMPLICIT_BRIDGING_ENABLED /* Returns the current state of the stream */ CF_EXPORT CFStreamStatus CFReadStreamGetStatus(CFReadStreamRef stream); CF_EXPORT CFStreamStatus CFWriteStreamGetStatus(CFWriteStreamRef stream); /* Returns NULL if no error has occurred; otherwise returns the error. */ CF_EXPORT CFErrorRef CFReadStreamCopyError(CFReadStreamRef stream) CF_AVAILABLE(10_5, 2_0); CF_EXPORT CFErrorRef CFWriteStreamCopyError(CFWriteStreamRef stream) CF_AVAILABLE(10_5, 2_0); /* Returns success/failure. Opening a stream causes it to reserve all the system resources it requires. If the stream can open non-blocking, this will always return TRUE; listen to the run loop source to find out when the open completes and whether it was successful, or poll using CFRead/WriteStreamGetStatus(), waiting for a status of kCFStreamStatusOpen or kCFStreamStatusError. */ CF_EXPORT Boolean CFReadStreamOpen(CFReadStreamRef stream); CF_EXPORT Boolean CFWriteStreamOpen(CFWriteStreamRef stream); /* Terminates the flow of bytes; releases any system resources required by the stream. The stream may not fail to close. You may call CFStreamClose() to effectively abort a stream. */ CF_EXPORT void CFReadStreamClose(CFReadStreamRef stream); CF_EXPORT void CFWriteStreamClose(CFWriteStreamRef stream); /* Whether there is data currently available for reading; returns TRUE if it's impossible to tell without trying */ CF_EXPORT Boolean CFReadStreamHasBytesAvailable(CFReadStreamRef stream); /* Returns the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs preventing any bytes from being read, or 0 if the stream's end was encountered. It is an error to try and read from a stream that hasn't been opened first. This call will block until at least one byte is available; it will NOT block until the entire buffer can be filled. To avoid blocking, either poll using CFReadStreamHasBytesAvailable() or use the run loop and listen for the kCFStreamCanRead event for notification of data available. */ CF_EXPORT CFIndex CFReadStreamRead(CFReadStreamRef stream, UInt8 *buffer, CFIndex bufferLength); /* Returns a pointer to an internal buffer if possible (setting *numBytesRead to the length of the returned buffer), otherwise returns NULL; guaranteed to return in O(1). Bytes returned in the buffer are considered read from the stream; if maxBytesToRead is greater than 0, not more than maxBytesToRead will be returned. If maxBytesToRead is less than or equal to zero, as many bytes as are readily available will be returned. The returned buffer is good only until the next stream operation called on the stream. Caller should neither change the contents of the returned buffer nor attempt to deallocate the buffer; it is still owned by the stream. */ CF_EXPORT const UInt8 *CFReadStreamGetBuffer(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFIndex maxBytesToRead, CFIndex *numBytesRead); /* Whether the stream can currently be written to without blocking; returns TRUE if it's impossible to tell without trying */ CF_EXPORT Boolean CFWriteStreamCanAcceptBytes(CFWriteStreamRef stream); /* Returns the number of bytes successfully written, -1 if an error has occurred, or 0 if the stream has been filled to capacity (for fixed-length streams). If the stream is not full, this call will block until at least one byte is written. To avoid blocking, either poll via CFWriteStreamCanAcceptBytes or use the run loop and listen for the kCFStreamCanWrite event. */ CF_EXPORT CFIndex CFWriteStreamWrite(CFWriteStreamRef stream, const UInt8 *buffer, CFIndex bufferLength); /* Particular streams can name properties and assign meanings to them; you access these properties through the following calls. A property is any interesting information about the stream other than the data being transmitted itself. Examples include the headers from an HTTP transmission, or the expected number of bytes, or permission information, etc. Properties that can be set configure the behavior of the stream, and may only be settable at particular times (like before the stream has been opened). See the documentation for particular properties to determine their get- and set-ability. */ CF_EXPORT CFTypeRef CFReadStreamCopyProperty(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFStringRef propertyName); CF_EXPORT CFTypeRef CFWriteStreamCopyProperty(CFWriteStreamRef stream, CFStringRef propertyName); /* Returns TRUE if the stream recognizes and accepts the given property-value pair; FALSE otherwise. */ CF_EXPORT Boolean CFReadStreamSetProperty(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFStringRef propertyName, CFTypeRef propertyValue); CF_EXPORT Boolean CFWriteStreamSetProperty(CFWriteStreamRef stream, CFStringRef propertyName, CFTypeRef propertyValue); /* Asynchronous processing - If you wish to neither poll nor block, you may register a client to hear about interesting events that occur on a stream. Only one client per stream is allowed; registering a new client replaces the previous one. Once you have set a client, you need to schedule a run loop on which that client can be notified. You may schedule multiple run loops (for instance, if you are using a thread pool). The client callback will be triggered via one of the scheduled run loops; It is the caller's responsibility to ensure that at least one of the scheduled run loops is being run. NOTE: Unlike other CoreFoundation APIs, pasing a NULL clientContext here will remove the client. If you do not care about the client context (i.e. your only concern is that your callback be called), you should pass in a valid context where every entry is 0 or NULL. */ CF_EXPORT Boolean CFReadStreamSetClient(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFOptionFlags streamEvents, CFReadStreamClientCallBack clientCB, CFStreamClientContext *clientContext); CF_EXPORT Boolean CFWriteStreamSetClient(CFWriteStreamRef stream, CFOptionFlags streamEvents, CFWriteStreamClientCallBack clientCB, CFStreamClientContext *clientContext); CF_EXPORT void CFReadStreamScheduleWithRunLoop(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFRunLoopRef runLoop, CFStringRef runLoopMode); CF_EXPORT void CFWriteStreamScheduleWithRunLoop(CFWriteStreamRef stream, CFRunLoopRef runLoop, CFStringRef runLoopMode); CF_EXPORT void CFReadStreamUnscheduleFromRunLoop(CFReadStreamRef stream, CFRunLoopRef runLoop, CFStringRef runLoopMode); CF_EXPORT void CFWriteStreamUnscheduleFromRunLoop(CFWriteStreamRef stream, CFRunLoopRef runLoop, CFStringRef runLoopMode); /* The following API is deprecated starting in 10.5; please use CFRead/WriteStreamCopyError(), above, instead */ typedef CF_ENUM(CFIndex, CFStreamErrorDomain) { kCFStreamErrorDomainCustom = -1L, /* custom to the kind of stream in question */ kCFStreamErrorDomainPOSIX = 1, /* POSIX errno; interpret using <sys/errno.h> */ kCFStreamErrorDomainMacOSStatus /* OSStatus type from Carbon APIs; interpret using <MacTypes.h> */ }; typedef struct { CFIndex domain; SInt32 error; } CFStreamError; CF_EXPORT CFStreamError CFReadStreamGetError(CFReadStreamRef stream); CF_EXPORT CFStreamError CFWriteStreamGetError(CFWriteStreamRef stream); CF_EXTERN_C_END CF_IMPLICIT_BRIDGING_DISABLED #endif /* ! __COREFOUNDATION_CFSTREAM__ */


text:
The halftime scores:
- (3) Jason leads (4) Dusty by 0:01
- (1) Josh S leads (3) J Steve by 0:38
The bets:
- Dusty Baker: MLASF, Brazilian Dodger Fan, Fred's Brim, Meaniebeanie, rbnlaw, Keven C
- Josh S: Mr Customer
- J Steve: Mr F
- Jason: Curious Gene
Random rantings and ravings about the Los Angeles Dodgers, written by a small consortium of rabid Dodger fans. With occasional comments on baseball, entertainment, pop culture, and life in general.
Good thing I came to work early today.
Now if only Josh checks in at 9:30, I win!
"Down goes Dusty! Down goes Dusty!"
So much for the Arkansas win.
What happened to Dusty?!? So much for his army of his supporters...
I have a feeling Josh is watching and waiting until 9:19 to post... just to get my hopes up and crush them like a little bug.
Maybe Dusty and Josh were both distracted by the same shiny thing. Or maybe it was the photos from the Spells Like Team Spirit?
Work Internet went down. Sorry J. Steve.
Jason, it is, as they say, on.
At least my hopes weren't that high yet...
I picked wrong time to switch to ATT an it's spotty service.
Its! Stupid autocorrect.
That autocorrect also capitalized internet.
A Stults trade is imminent, if Dylan Hernandez is to be believed.
I'm more concerned with the addition of an extraneous apostrophe in my posting than with losing out to Jason.
I know what you mean Dusty, the auto-correct apostrophe in the possessive form of its is highly annoying. Now, to the bar (or work as the case may be)!
Stults is a Carp.
Stults was traded for Jamie's first month of spousal support?
Too bad re: Stults. I always liked him. We'll always have the shut out of the Mets.
Don't feel bad DB, you can always pull up a bar stool next to me and talk about what might have been.
@Steve D.: Not to mention the only complete game by a Dodger pitcher in '09. (A shutout of the Giants, to boot.)
Good effort, J. Steve.
Can I get one of the top shelf bourbons off of you, Jason? On the a rock or two, no water. Thx.
And one for brother Neeebs.
Come to think of it, just leave the bottle.
No drinking for me until this thing is over. I need my reflexes sharp.
Now, if anyone wanted to get Jason drunk, I wouldn't mind...
You found my weakness, booze. As a great, yellow man once said, "to alcohol: the cause of, and the solution to, all of life's problems!"
Speaking of boozy distractions, where is Neeebs' mom with that mint julep?
Modeling "I only kiss Dodgers fans" t-shirts?
Alas. Am I too late for happy hour?
And is this the same bar that all the losing assassins came to upon meeting their fates?
If so, I'm looking for Fred's Brim.
I believe FB is out of the country per an earlier post he left a couple of days ago.
Sooo...let's run up his credit card!
FB's buying? Then why am I drinking this swill?
Hey, finally had the chance to check in. The championship game is set: Jason vs Josh!
I can't tell you what a relief it is not to have to worry with this any more.
It was gut-wrenching to wake up and get ready for my three-hour senior management team meeting, and, being charged with making a presentation for part of that time, knowing that I had to rely on a shitty iPhone connection (the connection being shitty, not the phone) to refresh SoSG in the phone's browser, and do it surreptitiously so as not to rouse suspicion among my colleagues, but also to do it somewhat frequently, to beat the one minute lead that Jason had. And to compose long sentences through the liberal use of strategically-placed commas.
4/3 vs. SF (W, 5-4): Sax
4/15 vs. WSH (L, 4-6): Dusty, Orel, Sax
5/6 vs. MIA (W, 6-3): AC, Sax
5/16 vs. CIN (L, 2-7): AC, Sax


text:
Government Resources
Death Benefit and Survivor Benefits
Find information about the Death Benefit and Survivor Benefits for children, answers questions on how to apply, who is eligible etc.
Human Resources Dev. Canada
HRDC Homepage has information about the department and its programs,links to job searches, SIN applications and other useful information.
Last Post Fund
Find out about the Last Post Fund, benefits, how to apply and who is eligible. Find contact information for the Last Post Fund as well as what services are available.
Old Age Security and Canada Pension Plan Information
Find information on Canada Pension Plan Benefits, and Old Age Security, application forms for CPP and OAS, addresses and phone numbers of HRDC offices, information on other Income Security Programs.
Veteran Affairs Canada
Information about the department of Veteran Affairs, how to apply for veteran benefits and who qualifies along with what services are offered by Veteran Affairs Canada, info about medals and decorations and many many other items.
Links to other related sites as well.


text:
The Doughnut Hole
Making a movie is hard. Making a good movie? That's really hard. Making a good mystery? These days that appears to be damn near impossible, given the relative scarcity of mysteries. Horror movies, superhero flicks, action, and dramas are all doing well in theaters and multiplexes. A good old whodunit? They're a rare breed. But why? Is it because, as a society, we're dumber? I imagine that some people of a certain age would sneeringly point to Millennials and the rise of social media and claim their attention spans have been irrevocably damaged.* Yet the average American reads somewhere in... Read More