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Flock delivers the latest webmail, photos, videos and updates from your favorites sites, so you can stop running around. Take a load off. Enjoy.
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Stay Informed and Be Heard - Flock has features you can't find in any other browser, whether you're consuming the news or making the news.


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Eight people in New York have been charged as part of what prosecutors say was a global ring of cybercriminals who stole $45 million by hacking into prepaid credit card accounts and then using the data to get cash from thousands of ATMs around the world.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Loretta Lynch described the alleged scheme as "a massive 21st century bank heist that reached across the Internet and stretched around the globe. In the place of guns and masks, this cybercrime organization used laptops and the Internet."
Prosecutors say the eight suspects being charged, one of whom is now dead, were the New York cell of the operation that involved people in 26 countries.
Here's how the scam allegedly worked:
-- Criminal hackers accessed computers handling transactions of prepaid Visa and MasterCard debit cards issued to customers in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
-- Once inside the system, the criminals harvested PINs and erased withdrawal limits on the cards.
-- So-called cashers or mules encoded magnetic stripe cards, such as gift cards, with the stolen data so that ATMs would accept them.
-- Using the stolen PINs, the cashers coordinated a time to make hundreds or thousands of large withdrawals en masse.
What isn't immediately clear is how prosecutors think everything was coordinated and how everyone allegedly got paid.
Those charged are Jael Mejia Collado, Joan Luis Minier Lara, Evan Jose Peña, Jose Familia Reyes, Elvis Rafael Rodriguez, Emir Yasser Yeje and Chung Yu-Holguin, all residents of Yonkers, N.Y. The eighth defendant, Alberto Yusi Lajud-Peña, also known as "Prime" and "Albertico," was reportedly murdered on April 27 in the Dominican Republic.
According to Wired:
"The gang first struck December 22 when hackers targeted a credit card processor that handled transactions for prepaid MasterCard debit cards issued to customers of the National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah PSC, or RAKBANK, in the United Arab Emirates. They handed off the stolen card data to cashers in 20 countries who withdrew $5 million in cash in more than 4,500 ATM withdrawals.
"The eight charged in New York ... were responsible for allegedly siphoning at least $2.8 million from more than 750 Manhattan ATMs in 2.5 hours.
"The second round of the operation struck on February 19, beginning around 3pm and continuing until 1:30 the next morning. It targeted another bank card processor that handled transactions for the Bank of Muscat in Oman. Within 10 hours, cashers in 24 countries had made about 36,000 ATM withdrawals totaling about $40 million."
TechWeek Europe says:
"The crooks weren't shy about using the stolen funds either. On one day, the US crooks strolled into a bank branch in Miami, Florida, to deposit $150,000 in the form of 7,491 $20 bills into an account controlled by defendant Alberto Yusi Lajud-Peña.
"The defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment on each of the money laundering charges and 7.5 years on the conspiracy to commit access device fraud charge, and up to $250,000 in fines."
The Associated Press quotes federal prosecutors as saying arrests of ring members began in March and that law enforcement agencies in Japan, Canada, Germany, Romania and 12 other countries have been involved in the investigation.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

subset: commoncrawl


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Make a dedicated play garden for kids to grow plants, enjoy sensory play and have a digging patch of their very own! Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers to get stuck into gardening and enjoy outdoor play everyday.
With Spring finally here, breathing a wonderfully sunny warmth and life into everything, we have been out in the park and the garden for longer each day. When we painted flowerpots and planted some primroses last month, I realised we were going to need a proper little patch of the garden for the girls to call their own where some playful and fun learning can take place.
Next, Cakie and I went on a big-girls-only expedition to the garden centre where we picked out some low fencing on a roll, a bag of compost, a few plants and some kiddie tools.
We put the fencing around the semi-circle and left a little gap for getting in and out. She told me "you forgot the gate Mummy." Mud overalls on and straight into the patch to dig and make "mud castles" using the bucket and new trowel!
And some mud cup-cakes of course!
We planted her choice of pretty pink flowers and planted them in her newly painted pot.
We also planted some lavender and lemon thyme to add a sensory section to the garden. Later we will move some mint over from the main garden too as well as a rosemary bush to fill the air with a lovely range of fragrances.
We added some mini-tools for digging in the mud and her trusty watering can.
Yes, she wore her wellies and a tutu. We just went with it 🙂
We brought out a pile of the pebbles that she played with the other day and she used them to do tipping, arranging and collecting with. She used her plastic tea set to have a picnic. We added a little windmill for no other reason than it was pretty and she could watch it spin in the wind!
And she poked her finger into the soil and popped in one of the pebbles, saying "I planted a seed to grow."
We used a turned up flower pot, half of a terracotta urn and a log to begin the makings of a mini-beast habitat. We will leave them undisturbed, face down in the soil for as long as possible to attract little creatures to come and live underneath and then we will take a look at what we can find with some magnifying glasses.
I placed some of the grass that we dug up from the lawn into one of our small world trays and put it at the back of the garden space for playing with. There are some plastic toy bugs, pebbles and a flower pot to form part of the mini-garden-within-a-garden small world scene!
Baby Pop is absolutely thrilled with the whole affair and has learnt how to wildly crawl up the steps and whisk over to the area of muddy delight in a flash! I'm growing eyes in the back of my head again 🙂
* Science (Knowledge & Understanding of the World): mini-beast names, charactersitcs and habitiats/ naming,growing and caring for plants
* Sensory play: exploring the world using all of the senses
* Gross motor skills: digging, watering, chopping
* Creativity and story-telling: adding narrative to play
* Imaginative play: mud pies/ mud cakes/ grass soups/ small world insect play/ tea parties/ picnics etc
* Role play: gardening and cooking
* Emergent reading: looking at plant care labels and understanding their purpose


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Your luxury home will be one of the most significant investments you will ever make, both economically and emotionally. Your family will spend countless hours there, among some of your most prized possessions. In the event of any misfortune, let us give you the peace of mind knowing that you are well protected
Standard luxury homeowners policies provide coverage for disasters such as damage due to fire, lightning, hail, explosions and theft. They do not cover floods, earthquakes or damage caused by lack of routine maintenance. Replacement cost policiesMost policies cover replacement cost for damage to the structure. A replacement cost policy pays for the repair or replacement of damaged property with materials of similar kind and quality. There is no deduction for depreciation–the decrease in value due to age, wear and tear, and other factors. Guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverageAfter a major hurricane or a tornado, building materials and construction workers are often in great demand. This can push rebuilding costs above homeowners policy limits, leaving you without enough money to cover the bill. To protect against such a situation, you can buy a policy that pays more than the policy limits. Building codesBuilding codes are updated periodically and may have changed significantly since your luxury home was built. If your home is badly damaged, you may be required to rebuild your home to meet new building codes. Generally, homeowners insurance policies (even a guaranteed replacement cost policy) won't pay for the extra expense of rebuilding to code. Many insurance companies offer an Ordinance or Law endorsement that pays a specified amount toward these costs. (An endorsement is a form attached to an insurance policy that changes what the policy covers.) Inflation guardConsider adding an inflation guard clause to your policy. This automatically adjusts the dwelling limit when you renew your policy to reflect current construction costs in your area. Your personal possessionsMost high value homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for your personal possessions for approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure or "dwelling" of your home. The limits of the policy typically appear on the Declarations Page under Section I, Coverages, A. Dwelling. Replacement Cost or Actual Cash ValueYou can either insure your belongings for their actual cash value, which pays to replace your home or possessions minus a deduction for depreciation up to the limit of your policy. Or you can opt for replacement cost, which pays the actual cost of replacing your home or possessions (no deduction for depreciation) up to the limit of your policy. Insuring expensive items with floaters/endorsementsThere may be limits on how much coverage you get for expensive items such as jewelry, silverware and furs. Generally, there is a limit on jewelry for $1,000 to $2,000. You should ask your agent or look it up in your policy. This information is in Section I, Personal Property, Special Limits of Liability. Insurance companies may also place a limit on what they will pay for computers. Additional living expenses after a disasterThis is a very important feature of a standard homeowners insurance policy. This pays the additional costs of temporarily living away from your home if you can't live in it due to a fire, severe storm or other insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt. Liability to othersThis part of your policy covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members cause to other people. It also pays for bodily injury and property damage to others caused by pets. It pays for both the cost of defending you in court and for any damages a court rules you must pay. |


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NEW ORLEANS -- Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens were turning the Super Bowl into a rout when, without warning, the power went off in much of the Superdome. When the game resumed 34 minutes later, it was the San Francisco 49ers who were playing lights out.
Instead of a blowout, the blackout turned the big game into a shootout.
"How could it be any other way? It's never pretty. It's never perfect. But it's us," coach John Harbaugh said after winning the sibling showdown with younger brother Jim. "It was us today."
The Ravens used a last-gasp defensive stand to hold on after the momentum strangely swung to the 49ers. San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree was bumped in the end zone on the 49ers' final offensive play -- the contact appeared incidental - but coach Jim Harbaugh insisted a penalty should have been called.
"There's no question in my mind that there was a pass interference and then a hold," Jim Harbaugh said.
America's biggest sporting event came to a half-hour standstill in the third quarter when most of the Superdome lights and the scoreboards went dark. By then, the Ravens had a 22-point lead.
"I think it speaks to our resolve, speaks to our determination, speaks to our mental toughness," John Harbaugh said. "That is what wins and loses games."
For a Super Bowl with so many subplots, it almost had to end with a flourish.
Flacco's arrival as a championship quarterback coincides with Lewis' retirement -- with a second Super Bowl ring no less. The win capped a sensational month since the star linebacker announced he was leaving the game after 17 Hall of Fame-caliber years.
At 4 hours, 14 minutes, it was the longest Super Bowl ever.
The loss of power left players from both sides stretching and chatting with each other. It also slowed Baltimore's surge, and that was considerable after Jacoby Jones' 108-yard kickoff return and Flacco's three touchdown passes made it 28-6.
Flacco's big start boosted him to the MVP award.
"They have to give it to one guy and I'm not going to complain that I got it," said Flacco, who soon will get a rich new contract. His current deal expired with this win.
Down by three TDs, back came San Francisco in search of its sixth Lombardi Trophy in as many tries.
Michael Crabtree's 31-yard touchdown reception on which he broke two tackles made it 28-13. A couple minutes later, Frank Gore's 6-yard run followed a 32-yard punt return by Ted Ginn Jr., and the 49ers were within eight.
Ray Rice's fumble at his 24 led to David Akers' 34-yard field goal, but Baltimore woke up for a long drive leading to rookie Justin Tucker's 19-yard field goal.
San Francisco wasn't done challenging, though, and Colin Kaepernick's 15-yard TD run, the longest for a quarterback in a Super Bowl, made it 31-29. A 2-point conversion pass failed when the Ravens blitzed.
Tucker added a 38-yarder with 4:19 remaining, setting up the frantic finish.
The Harbaughs then met at midfield amid the Ravens' confetti-laden celebrations.
"It's very tough," John Harbaugh said, referring to their conversation. "It's a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be. It's very painful."
Only one other championship game in the NFL's 80-year title game history, Pittsburgh's 35-31 win over Dallas in 1979, featured both teams scoring at least 30 points.
In the first half, Flacco was as brilliant as Tom Brady, Joe Montana or Terry Bradshaw ever were in the NFL's biggest game. The only quarterback to win a playoff game in each of his first five seasons -- his coach holds the same distinction -- was nearly perfect. Overall, Flacco threw for 11 touchdowns to tie a postseason record, and had no interceptions.
The Ravens stumbled into the playoffs with four defeats in its last five regular-season games as Lewis recovered from a torn right triceps and Flacco struggled. Harbaugh even fired his offensive coordinator in December, a stunning move with the postseason so close.
But that -- and every other move Harbaugh, Flacco and the Ravens made since -- were right on target. Just like Flacco's TD passes of 13 yards to Anquan Boldin, 1 to Dennis Pitta and 56 to Jones in the first half, tying a Super Bowl record.
New Orleans native Jones, one of the heroes in a double-overtime playoff win at Denver, seemed to put the game away with his record 108-yard sprint with the second-half kickoff.
On NFL Network
"NFL Replay" will re-air
the Baltimore Ravens' 34-31 win over the
San Francisco 49ers in
Super Bowl XLVII on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. ET.
Until the final moments.
"The final series of Ray Lewis' career was a goal-line stand," Harbaugh said.
Lewis sprawled on all fours, face-down on the turf, after the end zone incompletion.
"It's no greater way, as a champ, to go out on your last ride with the men that I went out with, with my teammates," Lewis said. "And you looked around this stadium and Baltimore! Baltimore! We coming home, baby! We did it!"
It was a bitter loss for Jim Harbaugh, the coach who turned around the Niners in the last two years and brought them to their first Super Bowl in 18 years. His team made a similarly stunning comeback in the NFC championship at Atlanta, but couldn't finish it off against Baltimore.
"Our guys battled back to get back in," the 49ers coach said. "I thought we battled right to the brink of winning."
The 49ers couldn't have been sloppier in the first half, damaging their chances with penalties -- including one on their first play that negated a 20-yard gain -- poor tackling and turnovers. Rookie LaMichael James fumbled at the Baltimore 25 to ruin an impressive drive, and the Ravens converted that with Flacco's 1-yard pass to Pitta for a 14-3 lead.
On San Francisco's next offensive play, Kaepernick threw behind Randy Moss and always dependable safety Ed Reed picked it off. A huge scuffle followed that brought both Harbaughs onto the field and saw both sides penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness.
Reed, also a New Orleans native, tied the NFL record for postseason picks with his ninth.
Baltimore didn't pounce on that mistake for points. Instead, Tucker's fake field goal run on fourth-and-9 came up a yard short when Chris Culliver slammed him out of bounds.
The Ravens simply shrugged, forced a three-and-out, and then unleashed Jones deep. Just as he did to Denver, he flashed past the secondary and caught Flacco's fling. He had to wait for the ball, fell to the ground to grab it, but was untouched by a Niner. Up he sprang, cutting left and using his speed to outrun two defenders to the end zone.
Desperate for some points, the 49ers completed four passes and got a 15-yard roughing penalty against Haloti Ngata, who later left with a knee injury. But again they couldn't cross the goal line, Paul Kruger got his second sack of the half on third down, forcing a second Akers field goal, from 27 yards.
When Jones began the second half by sprinting up the middle virtually untouched -- he is the second player with two TDs of 50 yards or more in a Super Bowl, tying Washington's Ricky Sanders in 1988 -- the rout was on.
Then it wasn't.
"Everybody had their hand on this game," 49ers All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis said. "We point the fingers at nobody. We win together and we lose together, and today we lost it."
The Ravens' thrilling victory provided a grand finale for the Big Easy, which hosted its first Super Bowl since 2002 and first since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city. But it's been a tough year for local fans. A bounties scandal and resultant suspensions helped ruin the Saints' season almost before it began, making Commissioner Roger Goodell the city's Public Enemy No. 1.
The season also was marred by a lockout of the on-field officials that turned farcical when replacement refs couldn't handle the job.
Even Super Bowl week was disrupted by reports that deer-antler spray, of all things, might have been used by NFL players as a performance enhancer.
And then the NFL's showcase event was stopped cold by a lack of power.
Flacco, though, provided plenty of sizzle.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press


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*I* know where he is! At MY house!!!
{My nephews have an elf...my sister reminded me this week that the oldest one named him Pedro...and that just gives me the giggles. Pedro is such an elf-y name.}
So, what do you know...I found a bunch of COOKIE elves all around my kitchen!
First, I found one in the chocolate chips...
Then, a bunch tried to mix things up in the KitchenAid...
Now, this one jumped into a bowl of food colors...
I'm a little concerned with this one. He's trying to roll over his fellow elf and he sure seems to have an evil glint in his eye.
Then, I found them all...gathered around checking out pictures of cute cookie makers on instagram.
Want to make some Elf on the Shelf cookies of your very own? Here's how:
- cut-out cookies made with the template
- royal icing, tinted with AmeriColor Bright White, Chocolate Brown, Copper, and Super Red
- disposable icing bags
- couplers and #2 tips
- squeeze bottles
- toothpicks
- food coloring pens (black, pink, red and blue)
{This is where I stared getting nervous...it really doesn't look like it's going to work, does it?}
Go back to the white and add a collar. (Reserve some of this white piping consistency icing for later.)
Thin the all of the icings with water, a bit at a time, until it is the consistency of thick syrup. Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit several minutes.
Stir gently with a rubber spatula and transfer icings to squeeze bottles.
Let sit at least one hour.
Let your zombie elves dry uncovered overnight.
(I used a picture of Elf on the Shelf as a guide.)
Now, really....do you know where your Elf on the Shelf is?!?


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Lil Spill
December 24, 2012
This is hysterical. As a liberal I love the craziness of the right wing. So amusing.
LONDON (AP) — Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition calling for British CNN host Piers Morgan to be deported from the U.S. over his gun control views.
Morgan has taken an aggressive stand for tighter U.S. gun laws in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, school shooting. Last week, he called a gun advocate appearing on his "Piers Morgan Tonight" show an "unbelievably stupid man."
Now, gun rights activists are fighting back. A petition created Dec. 21 on the White House e-petition website by a user in Texas accuses Morgan of engaging in a "hostile attack against the U.S. Constitution" by targeting the Second Amendment. It demands he be deported immediately for "exploiting his position as a national network television host to stage attacks against the rights of American citizens."
The petition has already hit the 25,000 signature threshold to get a White House response. By Monday, it had 31,813 signatures.
Morgan seemed unfazed — and even amused — by the movement.
In a series of Twitter messages, he alternately urged his followers to sign the petition and in response to one article about the petition said "bring it on" as he appeared to track the petition's progress.
"If I do get deported from America for wanting fewer gun murders, are there any other countries that will have me?" he wrote.


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Philip (Saliba) of New York
His Eminence the Most Reverend Philip (Saliba), Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America (June 10, 1931 – March 19, 2014), was the primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America (1966 to 2014). He was the longest serving Orthodox bishop in American history.
He was also one of two Vice Chairmen of the Episcopal Assembly of North and Central America.
Early years: The Middle East and UK
Philip was born Abdullah Saliba in the small village of Abou Mizan in Lebanon. In 1945, at the age of 14, he went to seminary at the Balamand Orthodox Theological Seminary in Tripoli, Lebanon, where he met his lifelong friend, known today as His Grace, Bishop Antoun (Khouri) of Miami. He finished his schooling there in 1947, going to to further his studies at the Orthodox Secondary School in Homs, Syria (1947-1949).
He was ordained a deacon on August 6, 1949, and appointed Secretary (1949-1953) to Patriarch Alexander III of Antioch, while continuing his studies at Assiyah College, Damascus, Syria (1949-1951). During his service as Patriarchal Secretary, he returned to Balamand Seminary and served as Dean of Students and Lecturer in Arabic Language and Literature (1952), eventually going to England and and pursuing further studies at Kelham Theological School, Nottinghamshire, UK (1953) and the University of London (1953).
Coming to America
Dcn. Philip then came to the country where he would embark upon his life's work—the United States. At first, he continued his theological studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, Massachusetts (1956), but left in 1956 to earn a B.A. in History at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (1956-1959), serving at nearby St. George Church (also in Detroit) as a deacon.
In 1959, he was ordained to the holy priesthood on March 1 by Metropolitan Anthony (Bashir) of New York and appointed to pastor St. George Church in Cleveland, Ohio, where he served from 1959 to 1964. He then went on to complete his theological education at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York, earning the M.Div. degree in 1965.
In 1966, while still a priest and only 35 years of age, he was elected to serve as primate of the North American archdiocese of the Church of Antioch. In June of that year, he was elevated to the rank of archimandrite by Metropolitan Elias (Kurban) of Tripoli. On August 14, 1966, he was consecrated to the sacred episcopacy and made an archbishop at St. Elias Monastery in Lebanon, performed by Patriarch Theodosius VI of Antioch. His enthronement as Metropolitan of New York was held in New York on October 13 of that year.
Achievements as Metropolitan
During his tenure as metropolitan, His Eminence made multiple major achievements for his flock, including the founding of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Women of North America (1973), the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch (1975), and the St. Stephen's Course in Orthodox Theology (1980). In 1978, he purchased the land for and founded the Antiochian Village retreat center and summer camp, where the Antiochian House of Studies program (founded 1992) is held. One of his most famous acts was the reception of the majority of the Evangelical Orthodox Church in 1987, renaming them the Antiochian Evangelical Orthodox Mission.
In 1975, Metropolitan Philip led the healing of the division between the two Antiochian archdioceses in America. With Metropolitan Michael (Shaheen) of Toledo, he combined the Archdioceses of New York and Toledo into a single archdiocese, becoming its primate while Archbishop Michael retired as an auxiliary archbishop.
For more than 40 years, Metropolitan Philip led the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, more than tripling the size of the archdiocese from about 65 parishes to around 250 parishes and missions today. He also served as the Vice Chairman of SCOBA.
By Metropolitan Philip
- And He Leads Them: The Mind and Heart of Philip Saliba, edited by Joseph J. Allen (Conciliar Press, 2001 - ISBN 1888212292)
- Feed My Sheep: The Thought and Words of Philip Saliba - On the Occasion of His Twentieth Year in the Episcopacy, edited by Joseph J. Allen (SVS Press, 1997 - ISBN 0881410667)
- Out of the Depths Have I Cried: Thoughts on Incarnational Theology in the Eastern Christian Experience, edited by Joseph J. Allen (Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1979 - ISBN 0916586324)
About Metropolitan Philip
- The First One Hundred Years: A Centennial Anthology Celebrating Antiochian Orthodoxy in North America by George S. Corey (Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, 1995 - ISBN 0962419028)
- Metropolitan Philip: His Life and Dreams - The Authorized Biography of His Eminence, Metropolitan Philip Saliba by Peter E. Gillquist (Thomas Nelson, 1991 - ISBN 0840775881)
- Metropolitan Philip (Saliba) (official biography)
- History of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
- Memory Eternal! His Eminence Metropolitan Philip
External links
- MetropolitanPhilip.com, comprehensive biographical website in honor of Metr. Philip's 40th year of his metropolitanate
Speeches and Articles
- There Was No Room for Him, January 1966
- Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord, October 1976
- Christmas Eve, December 1979
- I Have Fought the Good Fight, delivered at the funeral of Fr. Alexander Schmemann, December 15, 1983
- Orthodoxy in America: Success and Failure, April 1984
- The Orthodox Church in North America: Mission and Evangelism, January 1985
- A Message to Parish Councils, December 1992
- Address to the 1999 Archdiocese Convention
- Mission and Evangelism, delivered at the famous Ligonier Meeting in 1994
- The Future of the Arab World: A Vision, June 1998
- Christmas Encyclical, 1966
- Christmas Encyclical, 1970
- Paschal Meditation, 1971
- Christmas Encyclical, 1973
- Archpastoral Directive regarding the Ben Lomond Crisis, February 1998
- Statement on Kosovo, April 6, 1999
- Statement on Iraq, October 9, 2002
- Paschal Message, 2004
Articles and other sites about Metropolitan Philip
- Metropolitan PHILIP Saliba and Christian Orthodox Unity in America, by Richard H. Curtiss
- Again Magazine interview with Metr. Philip (November, 2003) (Archive.org), especially regarding Orthodox unity in America
- Pictures of the Historic Visit of Metropolitan PHILIP to Balamand (Archive.org), June 21, 2002
Philip (Saliba) of New York | ||
Preceded by: Anthony (Bashir) |
Metropolitan of North America (Antiochian) 1966-2014 |
Succeeded by: Joseph (Al-Zehlaoui) |


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Touched by the Hands of God: Michelangelo's Models
The exhibit Touched by the Hands of God: Michelangelo's Models features bronze casts of six of Michelangelo's bozzetti, small sculptural models made of clay, wax and wood. Along with Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, Michelangelo Buonarrotti was one of the leading masters of the Italian High Renaissance and the preeminent sculptor of the 16th century. His models are part of
the renowned collection of the Museo Casa Buonarrotti in Florence, Italy, which commissioned the bronzes in cooperation with the Harry and Karly Spell Foundation. Through cutting edge technology supported by Eiger Labs, molds were produced without touching the precious bozzetti using laser scanning and rapid prototyping and were cast at the foundry of Art Casting of
Illinois, Inc. An instructional video documenting this complex casting process will accompany the exhibit. Although Michelangelo is popularly known for basing his art on mystical, spiritual forms of creative intuition, he actually relied extensively on preparatory studies like anatomical drawings and sculptural models. While little attention has been devoted to his models, the pieces in
this exhibit provide crucial insights into the complex technical methods and aesthetic concepts followed by Michelangelo in executing such monumental carved works as the David and the Captive Slaves. Due to their extreme rarity and fragility, Michelangelo's sculptural models cannot be loaned for exhibition. The creation of bronze casts allows for Michelangelo's sculptural designs to be made available to a wider viewing public and the durable nature of bronze permits a unique interactive museum experience in which visitors can physically touch and explore the artistry of Michelangelo's creations.
Sponsored by Eye Surgeons Associates and Genesis Health System


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Modeling Photography can be the best way to treasure your the most memorable and precious moments, be it your child's brith, his/her story of growing or his/her/your wedding, reception, honeymood diaries or the life story. Time passes but you store your unforgettable moments in Modeling Photography.
Looking for high quality Modeling Photography in nigeria? Glorious Wedding Albums from nigeria, nigeria is manufacturers, suppliers and exporters of wide range of Modeling Photography supplying all over nigeria.


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Address: 700 Front St (Soquel Ave), Santa Cruz 95060 Area: Santa Cruz Phone:Ā(831) 425-0140 Hours: 9am-10pm Category: Food Store Accepts credit card: Yes |
Added by chris on 2006-04-27, Last update: 2006-04-27, Viewed 4902 times |
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The intent of the Ultimate Guide is to make it easier for folks new to the Bay Area or new to vegetarianism to find businesses that support their vegetarian lifestyle. We welcome your reviews and feedback on businesses and services listed within. For any public reviews, please keep your comments constructive so that the business may learn from them -- no slander or mean-spirited comments.. You are responsible for what you post as a 3rd party contributor to the Ultimate Guide web site. Bay Area Vegetarians and the editors of the Ultimate Guide reserve the right to edit or delete submissions that are deemed inappropriate.


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Did I mention they're a quick whip up?! Another little cuff was ready in minutes. I'm might link some more leather in the form of circles... not necessarily cuffs next time, because they're versatile enough to morph into any number of creations. I'll leave it open-ended for now.
So here's how I made the cuff, just in case you have some scraps of leather around the house and feel inspired...
- Fold the leather and cut out a half leaf shape with sharp scissors... just like cutting out hearts on the fold.
- Overlap them rotating the smooth and suede side for texture and interest.
- Insert leather needle into your sewing machine.
- Feed each leaf through your machine slowly, adding one at a time. (I'm still mastering smooth joining of two pieces, but any roughness in my stitches doesn't bother me too much.)
- Once you have a length of leaf links that will comfortably fit around your wrist, with one leaf overlapping the end, remove from your machine. Make sure to back stitch to lock threads.
- Sew on a little button to the last leaf.
- Cut a slit for a button hole on the first leaf.
- Wear.
So soft and comfortable... with whispers of forest magic.


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PETALUMA, Calif. — A huge-headed, duck-footed mix of beagle, boxer and basset hound was the upset winner Friday at the 25th annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest.
Walle (WAHL-ee), a 4-year-old mutt from Chico, Calif., who was entered at the last minute, was judged most unsightly of 30 dogs at the Northern California competition.
"This dog looked like he's been photo-shopped with pieces from various dogs and maybe a few other animals," judge Brian Sobel said.
Walle overcame the dominance in recent years by nearly hairless Chihuahuas, Chinese cresteds, or combinations of the two.
Owner Tammie Barbee got the dog when he was three months old.
"People come up to me and say that dog is not right," Barbee said, "but I love him."
Judges said they were especially impressed by Walle's bizarre waddle of a walk.
Walle wins $1,500 and will make several network TV appearances next week, including NBC's "Today" show and ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
The contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds gets worldwide attention, with media from around the world traveling to Petaluma, about 40 miles north of San Francisco.
Organizers say the dogs are judged for their "natural ugliness in both pedigree and mutt classes."


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Rider 450 is a powerful GPS Cycling Computer. On top of all the features of the Rider 410, Rider 450 comes pre-loaded with OpenStreetMaps, providing useful location info while cycling. With Full GNSS support, it can record your ride precisely no matter where you are riding, and it's Follow Track and WLAN Data Sync features will make you love it even more!
Reign over Peaks
- Designed for mountain bike lovers, Rider 450 preloads OpenStreetMap with Full GNSS support, allowing you to find trails, locate yourself and know which way to go in a second.
Bigger Display, Better View
- Designed for your better viewing experience, Rider 450 is built with crisp black and white 2.3" large display, making reading data become easier than ever. It can fit up to 10 data per page for you to have better understanding of your real-time performance.
Follow Track with OSM
- With OpenStreetMap(OSM), Rider 450 provides a convenient and intuitive user experience for mountain bikers. You can find the trails, locate where you are and which direction you should go at a glance, making the rides smoother and more enjoyable.
ESS Support
- Rider 450 supports electronic gear-shifting systems including Shimano's Di2, SRAM's eTap and Campagnolo's EPS. Gear information, such as gear ratio, gear combo and even battery life, are displayed immediately on the Rider 450, eliminating the need to manually check the crankset and cassette.
ANT+/ BLE Sensors Support
- Aiming for the most convenience, both ANT+ and BLE sensors work perfectly with Rider 450 after simple pairing.
Absolute Precision
- Bryton's first GPS cycling computer with GNSS full support incorporates GPS, Glonass (Russia), BDS (China), Galileo (Europe) and QZSS (Japan) satellite systems, providing a much more reliable satellite coverage in any situation especially when there are buildings/trees or even while mountain biking, along with faster start-up.
Supports up to 78+ Functions
- Rider 450 provides rich data for you to fully grasp the performance of your ride. It incorporates up to 78+ functions including Time, Speed, Distance, Calorie, Cadence, Altitude, Power, HR and Di2.
32 Hours of Battery Life
- If you love going on adventures whole day, Rider 450 certainly meets your needs. It provides up to 32 hours of battery life and allows you to charge via power bank while recording.
TrainingPeaks Workout
- To make training easier than ever, Rider 450 now supports workout plans from TrainingPeaks. Workouts can be planned on TrainingPeaks® and exported to the Rider 450 via the Bryton Active App. Trainings can then be easily and conveniently started from the device to reach training goals.
Smart Notifications
- Never worry about missing important phone calls, emails or texts during rides again! Rider 450 provides notifications whenever phone calls, emails or text messages are received after simple BLE pairing with Android/iOS smart phones.
Customizable Data Display via App
Tailor your own data display with Bryton Active App! After pairing with Bryton Active App, you can customize your data fields/pages based on your training goals via BLE on your phone. It's super easy to use.
Sync to Bryton Active App
- Enjoy seamless over-the-air synchronization with all new Bryton Active App. Workout data can be automatically synced via BT from the device to the Bryton Active App, where progress and graphical analysis can be viewed, and rides can be shared to social media. It allows users to sync and plan workouts, downloads planned trips, modify device and grid settings, and calibrate altitude all without WLAN connection. The app will also check the firmware version and GNSS data of the device and notify users that updates are available, ensuring that the most up-to-date firmware is always installed. With simple setup, Bryton Active App's STRAVA, TrainingPeaks and Selfloops Auto Sync also make it easier to share activities and compare with millions.
STRAVA, TrainingPeaks and Selfloops: Auto Sync
- Compete with worldwide riders through Rider 450 recorded data.Workout files are automatically saved in FIT format, which can then be uploaded to popular training sites. It is also super easy to sync activities from the Bryton Active App to Strava/TrainingPeaks/Selfloops by pairing accounts. What's even better is the Rider 450 supports professional training applications, such as GoldenCheetah, for detailed post-workout analysis.
- Display: 2.3 inches Mono LCD
- Battery Hour: 32 Hours
- GPS: High-Sensitivity Chipset
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Alerts: Yes
- Lap history: 130 laps
- Log history: 300 hours
- Heart rate zones: 7 zones
- Operating Temperature: -10C° ~ 50C°
In the Box:
- Rider 450
- Bike Mount
- USB Cable
- Quick-Start Guide
Part Numbers
Option | UPC | Store SKU |
Black | 088587000828 | 210000010859 |


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Flat, stagnant, static, those are words that the U.S. Department of Education has used to describe the latest reading and math scores for the nation's 12th graders.
As NPR's Claudio Sanchez reports, most high school seniors appear to be graduating without the skills they need to succeed in college or work.
CLAUDIO SANCHEZ, BYLINE: If this was your teenager's report card, you'd probably be on the phone with your kid's school right now, demanding to know why your child's reading and math scores have remained so low for so long. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, also known as the Nation's Report Card, 12th graders' reading scores have not budged since 1992. Math scores have been flat since 2009. But the bad news doesn't end there.
JOHN EASTON, ACTING COMMISSIONER, NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS: There are more students below basic and fewer students scoring proficient or advanced.
SANCHEZ: John Easton, acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, briefed reporters on the results. In 2013, from January through March, more than 92,000 12th graders in private and public schools took either the math or reading test. In math, a whopping 74 percent scored below grade level. In reading only 4-out-of-10 high school seniors could read at or above grade level.
DARIA HALL: That tells us there are a whole lot of young people wildly unprepared.
SANCHEZ: Daria Hall is with the education trust, a group that advocates for equal educational opportunity. She says, after decades-long reforms, the dismal performance of 12th graders is a huge let-down.
HALL: Reading rates in particular are very low and that is so concerning, when you think about the fact that these are young people on the cusp of going out into the world, whether its college or the work force.
SANCHEZ: In other findings, non-English speaking students did worse in math in 2013 than they did in 2009. And though Asian students outperformed every other racial and ethnic group in math, the percentage of Asians scoring at or above grade level has dropped five points since 2009.
The black-white achievement gap that has persisted for decades, has not improved either. Black 12th graders today are 30 points behind their white counterparts in math. In reading, the black/white gap has widened since 1992.
David Driscoll, a former commissioner of education in Massachusetts and current chair of the board that oversees NAEP tests, says the poor preparation of high school seniors overall is unacceptable and we as a nation are at fault.
DAVID DRISCOLL: We just don't have a sense of urgency in this country about a lot of things and education is one of them.
SANCHEZ: Claudio Sanchez, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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It's basically hummus in soup form and just like Pinch My Salt claims, the soup is so fast and easy it takes only about 15 minutes to have it on the table and ready to tempt your taste buds.
High in fiber, low in fat, high on taste and great with a side of homemade pita it got enthusiastic thumbs up from all six of us. How often do you hear that?
I've tweaked the recipe just a little bit so I'm linking to the original but publishing my own version. Mine makes 6-8 servings while the original is a much smaller batch, has a little more heat but less spice.
4 14-ounce cans of garbanzo beans (chick peas)
3 tablespoons light olive oil
3 tablespoons garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
16 ounces cubed cooked lamb or chicken or beef (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
fresh lime for topping
fresh cilantro for garnish
Dump the cans of garbanzo beans, liquid and all, into a food processor or blender and puree until the beans are as smooth as possible. It won't be perfectly smooth and that's okay. Meanwhile, saute the minced garlic in the olive oil until it starts to brown then add the garbanzo bean puree to the pot. Add the ginger, coriander, cumin and broth--you can certainly use fresh grated ginger but when I threw this together I realized I was out of the fresh stuff and only had ground ginger. It worked. You can make the soup as thick or as thin as you want by adding more broth or water to the soup at this point. I also threw in some leftover rosemary and honey glazed leg of lamb that we'd had the night before which made the soup--well, more meaty. You could use another meat or just leave out the meat for a nice vegan dish.
Simmer the soup for ten minutes to let the spices sink in, more if you have the time. Season with the salt and pepper then top with freshly chopped cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice for emphasis.
Today's the last day to enter the Write-Away Contest--you have until midnight to get those entries in!
Has everyone seen Iron Man? Andrew and I saw a preview for it months ago and I laughed out loud it looked so stupid (sorry). Yes, stupid--kind of like a bad Transformers knockoff (not that the original was really worth duplicating).
But then I kept hearing how great it was and how it was getting five-star reviews and it tempted my curiosity a bit. I love a good movie and Friday night Andrew and I were feeling downright reckless so we caught a late showing. At 9 o'clock! We're living on the edge I tell you, what next--a midnight show?
I gotta say it lives up to the reviews--it was a solid A movie, loved every minute of it.
The casting was perfect, I especially loved the chemistry between Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts) and Robert Downey, Jr. (Tony Stark) who have a modern Bond-Moneypenny thing going.
There's enough laughs to keep it from taking itself too seriously, Pepper wears smashing black dresses in all her scenes and Robert Downey, Jr. seems rather in his element as the playboy looking for a cause. It was a tad predictable but the whole movie was just cool. No other word to describe. Next to Batman Begins it's probably my favorite superhero movie ever--though Spiderman II was pretty good. This was better. And cooler. Just cool. Did I mention it was cool? Worth every penny of $19.50.
Oh and don't forget to stay to the very end after the credits--you'll get the set up for the sequel.
Technorati tags: recipes, hummus, soup, Iron Man


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Global Positioning System (GPS) was developed by the US Department of Defense to provide all-weather round-the-clock navigation capabilities for military ground, sea, and air forces. Since its implementation, GPS has also become an integral asset in numerous civilian applications and industries around the globe, including recreational used (e.g., boating, aircraft, hiking), corporate vehicle fleet tracking, and surveying. GPS employs 24 spacecraft in 20,200 km circular orbits inclined at 55 degrees. These vehicles are placed in 6 orbit planes with four operational satellites in each plane.
GPS Block 2 was the operational system, following the demonstration system comprised of Block 1 (Navstar 1 - 11) spacecraft. These spacecraft were 3-axis stabilized, nadir pointing using reaction wheels. Dual solar arrays supplied 710 watts of power. They used S-band (SGLS) communications for control and telemetry and UHF cross-link between spacecraft. The payload consisted of two L-band navigation signals at 1575.42 MHz (L1) and 1227.60 MHz (L2). Each spacecraft carried 2 rubidium and 2 cesium clocks and nuclear detonation detection sensors. Built by Rockwell Space Systems for the US Air Force, the spacecraft measured 5.3 m across with solar panels deployed and had a design life of 7.5 years.
Launch Date: 1990-10-01
Launch Vehicle: Delta
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 840 kg
Nominal Power: 710 W
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office


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As you know, OnCalla has played an impressive feat to allow the expansion and elevation of business firms. Several organizations have trusted us to provide HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service in Alabama, and rightly so. OnCalla is known explicitly for reaching out to its customers to offer them an exemplary service. Our HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service services in Alabama are incredibly engaging and efficient.
Benefits from OnCalla HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service:
Our HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service services in Alabama are 24 hours open. So, if any emergency occurs at any time, we answer the call and register your queries. OnCalla HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service are also known for providing after-hour services. So if you have any emergency at your after hours, you don't have to worry because we are here to help. You will not miss another call or opportunity when you use OnCalla call overflow HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service. We have customized the perfect live support solution to meet your unique stipulations and demands. Our HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service have multi-lingual agents. So, problems in communication are reduced to a bare minimum.
To determine whether your customer calls are urgent or not , OnCalla dispatch answering services will allow the right person in your organization is receiving notifications on time. OnCalla Communications 24-hour HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service also make sure that you never miss a call and that the right individual is alerted to the situation at the right time.
Main Objectives of OnCalla HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service:
Our members at OnCalla HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service are known for scheduling appointments so that scheduling conflicts are reduced to a minimum. A reasonable period is allotted to each meeting; this implies no wastage of time in this busy world. Call routings are done at the OnCalla HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service in Alabama that no customer's calls and queries are missed. Here at OnCalla, we give every customer top priority.
Here at OnCalla, we possess disaster recovery hotline services so that the customers with emergency assistance requirements can get it on time. OnCalla HIPAA-Compliant Medical Answering Service consist of sales, lead capture, and qualification services. OnCalla captures all inbound phone leads and certifies your business likelihood based on your personalized standards. Order Taking Call Center Services and Product Recall Call Center Services receive the orders placed by customers and return requests set by customers.
In the state Alabama OnCalla Provides the following services:
Phone Answering Services
Virtual Receptionist Services
Inbound Call Center Services


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This Privacy and Security Policy deals with personally identifiable information or any other information that may be submitted to us and/or collected by us directly on/through this Website ("Personally Identifiable Information"). We reserve the right to change this Privacy and Security Policy from time to time and you shall be deemed to be bound by such changes.
It remains UPM's practice to protect all Personally Identifiable Information and UPM will endeavour to safeguard all Personally Identifiable Information with reasonable an appropriate system security technologies.
By accessing this Website, you agree that although UPM will continuously make every effort to ensure that all Personally Identifiable Information remains respected and confidential, UPM does not warrant, represent or guarantee that all Personally Identifiable Information remain secure and confidential as there may be factors beyond the control of UPM that may result in disclosure of such Personally Identifiable Information.
In addition to Paragraph 3 of this Privacy and Security Policy, you agree that
Level 4, Canselori Putra Building
Universiti Putra Malaysia


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Our agency has been with GTN from the beginning because it is such a great team with great values and vision for the travel industry. They're honest and fair and really get to know your business to help you grow. Over the years we were able to mutually grow our businesses together through their encouragement and excellent advice. We had so many opportunities for Famils and conferences. Would 100% recommend joining the GTN family.
Exceptional! A professional, friendly, dedicated team. GTN, working with you is a real pleasure.
We have used GTN since the beginning and find them very professional, quick and reliable. Never had any issues!
We moved to GTN in 2019 and have not looked back. We have found the entire GTN team fantastic to work with, honest, reliable and proactive. The GTN team have gone out of their way during the current COVID crisis, ensuring continued support and excellent communication. Without hesitation, we highly recommend GTN
Great company to work with – they get the best deals possible!
As a niche tour operator we are able to remain independent while enjoying the benefits of the GTN network and family.
Honest, efficient and reliable, all the qualities you need when you are in business
GTN provides exclusive deals and offers, with a team of experts to support in every situation. They are polite and quick to respond. We strongly recommend GTN services.
A truly outstanding independent travel agency group and ticketing consolidator and one I am so proud to work alongside. The team at GTN are knowledgeable, helpful and just generally interested in your business success and offer support where others have failed. Highly recommend!
The Consolidation team at GTN are excellent to deal with. They are efficient and friendly, and when there has been queries with airlines or airfares, they have always sought answers and found solutions to the problem wherever possible. The QuikTravel system is easy to use, as well as the additional information on the system around commissions, airline contacts, policies, as well as the summary of recent changes in fares & rules from airlines. GTN is an excellent partner, and the small personal nature of the team is a good fit for our business
Candid, transparent, approachable, proficient, proactive, dependable and impartial are a few words that describes this organisation. A real partnership and a great bunch of people.
Mondo Travel have been a customer of GTN since 2016. The big difference with GTN, is that they actually care about our business. We get great support and advice when required and the team are responsive to our needs. Our team of Brokers are also very complimentary of the service GTN provide.
GTN is "Awesome" ………..awesome staff, awesome deals just an awesome company that I am very lucky to work with.
I am really impressed the way GTN proactively work to grow my business with theirs. I've GONE GLOBAL and am loving it!
Super team to work with and excellent support, the great team never fail to deliver.
Go Global! Strong partnership, friendly staff, competitive deals, prompt responses!
We have been with the GTN team since they first started and they are professional, caring, willing to assist with any query and will go above and beyond to find fares to suit, even when we have the most ridiculous of destinations. Even in the hardest of times, they reach out to each and every one of their agents to make sure we are ok. Thanks for your ongoing support team.


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Put To The Test
It's done. The test is done. I didn't like it, but HBF said that I was very, very brave (just close your eyes - close your eyes, hard - and clutch someone's hand and think of a happy place, or any place without long scary needles) and that I didn't hurt his hand at all when I squeezed it really, really hard. I only cried a little bit - just out of fear, really, which was unavoidable for me - and the attending OB was very kind, and by the time we were out of the amnio room my eyes were dry and I was able to focus on the pressing issue of whether HBF should fetch me cookies or a latte.
I'd like to say that the hard part is over, but it's not. Now, I'm going to lay very, very still for a day or two and pray that I don't fall into that percentage of women for whom the amnio does not end well. After that, the hardest part will be over, I think. Then all there is to do is wait for more answers. But whatever those answers are, so long as they involve a Sprout ending up in our arms, we'll be fine with them, and will proceed in the only way that we know how, with love.
No matter what.


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But where does this magnetic attraction come from? In another life I was maybe a Summerian lady, a Babylonian warrior, a Greek amazon or a cook in the Ottoman palace's kitchens, though I also believe I could have been a Sioux or a Viking princess before I got reborn as Rosa, the "mad" foodblogger that you all know. Who knows? I can only say that an unknown bond keeps me attached to the delightful savors of that area of the globe.
I am very passionate about Greek, Turkish, Moroccan and Lebanese cooking. I cannot get enough of chickpeas, Basmati rice, pine nuts, coriander, tahini, bulgur, cumin, flatbreads (Pita, Khoubz & Lavash), olive oil, sesame seeds, honey, yogurt, phyllo, feta, etc... Those are ingredients that I would never like to live without. It is impossible for me to take them out of my diet.
Well, to make this story short, the other week my friend Corinne and I were in town and we decided to eat a little something. Corinne being married to a Palestinian man, she is also very much besotted by Middle Eastern dishes, so we decided to buy a falafel sandwich from "Parfums De Beyrouth", a take away in the red light district area of Geneva called Les Pâquis. While eating that delicious snack I told Corinne how much I love "Falafels" and I started wondering why I had never made any. After leaving the place, I promised myself to make some as soon as possible. A week later, homemade "Falafels" graced my table...
"Falafels" are little deep fried croquettes in the shape of a ball which are thought to originate from Egypt - though some people believe that they come from India - (They were eaten for Lent by the Copts. The recipe migrated further East and chickpeas replaced the fava beans.). They are a common mezze, snack and street food item all accross the Middle East. "Felafels" can be eaten topped with salad, vegetable pickles, hot sauce and a tahini-based sauce or served in a pita or wrapped in a flatbread. They are generally made with mashed chickpeas (although certain versions contain no chickpeas - Egyptian falafels are made with fava beans instead, thus their green color), bulgur wheat (not in all recipes), spices and herbs such as coriander and parsley.
To make my "Falafels" I inspired myself from many sources around the net and from my books in order to create the recipe that follows. They turned well and were close to perfect. Of course, it is my first attempt at making them, so I'm sure I can still develop and adapt that recipe a little in the future. I'll definitely try other versions soon in order to find the most perfect flavor combination and texture.
Those "Falafels" look perfect and taste wonderful. They are not greasy at all, very flavorful, delicately spicy (the spices reveal themselves to you slowly), gorgeously crisp on the outside and pillow-soft on the inside. A soul-uplifting delicacy that'll make you travel without leaving the house!
Recipe by Rosa @ Rosa's Yummy Yums 2010.
Makes about 24 falafels.
1 Cup Dried chickpeas
1/2 Cup Bulgur
1 Big white onion, chopped
3 Cloves garlic
2-3 Tbs Fresh chopped parlsey
2 Tbs Fresh chopped cilantro/coriander
1 Big egg (~63g)
2 Tsp Ground cumin
1/4 Tsp Ground Coriander
1 Tsp Paprika
1 Tsp Kirmizi biber
1 1/2 Tsp Sea salt
1 Tsp Dried oregano
1/2 Tsp Baking powder (optional)
A pinch freshly ground black pepper
A few drops red Tabasco
2 Tbs Tahini
2 Tbs Bread crumbs (or more/optional)
Peanut oil, to deep fry
1. The day before, place the chickpeas in a bowl and cover them with water. Leave overnight.
2. The next day, put the bulgur in a bowl and cover with water. Let the bulgur stand in the water for about 15 minutes, then drain very well.
3. Place the chickpeas, onion, cloves, parsley, cilantro, egg, baking powder, tahini and spices in a blender and process until still a little grainy.
4. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and add the bulgur as well as breadcrumbs (you should be able to create balls/if not add breadcrumbs).
5. Cover the bowl and let rest for about 2 hours in the fridge.
6. Fill a pan with 6cm (3 inches) oil and heat. The oil should be about 190°C (375° F).
7. Deep-fry the falafels (5 at a time) until golden brown.
8. Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper and serve hot.
The mixture should be blended, but not pureed.
Add a little more breadcrumbs if the mixture is too wet and you cannot make balls with it.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the falafels with "Tarator Sauce" and a good salad or make sandwiches with halved pita breads stuffed with tomato slices, salad (chopped iceberg), onions slices and "Tarator Sauce".
Recette par Rosa @ Rosa's Yummy Yums 2010.
Pour environ 24 falafels.
1 Tasse (250g) de Pois chiches secs
1/2 Tasse de Bulghur
1 Gros onion blanc, haché
3 Gousses d'ail
2-3 CS de Persil haché
2 CS de Coriandre haché
1 Gros oeuf (~63g)
2 CC de Cumin en poudre
1/4 de CC de Coriandre en poudre
1 CC de Paprika
1 CC de Kirmizi biber
1 1/2 CC de Tsp Sel de mer
1 CC d'Origan séché
1/2 CC de Poudre à lever (en option)
Une pincée de povre noir fraîchement moulu
Quelques gouttes de Tabasco rouge
2 CS de Tahini
2 CS de Panure (et plus si la préparation est trop mouillée/en option)
Huile d'arachide, pour frire
1. Faire tremper les pois chiches toute une nuit afin qu'ils se réhydratent.
2. Le lendemain, faire tremper le bulghur dans de l'eau afin de le réhydrater. Laisser le bulghur dans l'eau pendant au moins 15 minutes. Bien égoutter.
3. Mettre les pois chiches, l'onion, l'ail, le persil, la coriandre, l'oeuf, la poudre à lever, le tahini et les épices dans un mixer et réduire en une masse assez homogène, mais granuleuse.
4. Mettre cette mixture dans un bol et ajouter le bulghur et la panure (vous devriez pouvoir former des boules avec la préparation/si non, ajouter de la panure).
5. Couvrir le bol et laisser reposer au frigo pendant 2 heures.
6. Remplir une casserole avec 6cm d'huile et chauffer. L'huile doit atteindre les 190°C.
7. Frire 5 falafels à la fois (pendant 5 minutes), jusqu'à ce qu'ils soient bien dorés.
8. Retirer les falafels de la casserole et faire égoutter sur du papier de cuisine. Servir chaud.
La préparation ne devrait pas être réduite en purée.
Ajouter un peu de panure si la mixture est trop mouillée et que vous n'arriver pas à former des petites boules.
Idées de présentation:
Servir les falafels avec de la "Sauce Tarator" et avec de la salade, des légumes au vinaigre ou bien en tant que sandwich dans du pain pita et avec des tomates en tranches, de la salade (iceberg), des rondelles d'oignons et de la "Sauce Tarator".


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Tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, and scallions: making a memory even tastier.
When I was a kid, one of the things we often did while on vacation was to go on factory tours. Except for a few, like the Volkswagon factory in Germany, these places usually manufactured or processed some sort of food. To this day, details from those visits make up some of my clearest childhood memories.
There was, for example, the pineapple factory in Hawaii where pineapple juice came out of a drinking fountain. And the tuna factory where two of the ladies cutting up large whole fish on a long assembly line smiled and pointed at me as I pinched my little nose in an attempt to escape the overpowering scent of tuna.
I remember watching thousands of Hershey's chocolate kisses riding stair-step conveyors at the Hershey factory in California, and being disappointed when the tour of the "real" factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania turned out to be nothing more than an amusement park type ride.
As an adult, I happily toured the Ben & Jerry's ice cream plant in Waterbury, Vermont not once but twice. I tasted ice cream right off the assembly line and saw the original note sent to Ben & Jerry from a fan—written on an ice cream carton lid—suggesting they create a flavor called Cherry Garcia.
I also discovered that through much experimenting in the early days, Ben & Jerry determined the best way to break up Heath Bars into the perfect sized chunks for their Heath Bar Crunch ice cream was to drop a case of the candy bars onto the ground from a stepladder. They employ a slightly more advanced technique now.
While touring the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory a few years ago, my mother learned that the flavored outside layer on each jelly bean is applied by tumbling them around in what look like gigantic clothes dryers. And at the on-site gift shop, Jelly Belly "seconds" are packaged up and sold as Belly Flops.
After a tour of the memorabilia-filled Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, a friend of mine had a chance to taste several flavors of soda only available outside the U.S.
Factory tours have become quite popular, especially with families, because they're interesting, usually kid-friendly, and often free. There are even books devoted to the subject. Watch It Made In The U.S.A.: A Visitor's Guide To The Best Factory Tours and Company Museums by Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg promises to "help you and your family discover information about more than 300 ordinary and extraordinary products most of us take for granted."
While factory tours are fun for people of all ages, I do think the fascinating glimpses they give us into what often seem like whole other worlds have the most profound effect on children. Every once in a while Joe still fondly recalls the tour of a potato chip factory he took with his Cub Scout troop some forty years ago.
The most memorable factory I've ever visited was actually the one closest to home. It was a tortilla factory owned by the mother of my very first friend (we "met" when we were just a few months old), and one year she treated our Brownie troop to a personal tour.
We saw enormous vats of masa, watched tortillas travel along what seemed like miles of conveyor belts, and were given handfuls of warm tortilla chips by the ladies running a machine that magically coated the chips with nacho flavored seasoning.
Even without the tortilla factory, my friend's mother stood out from the crowd. She put an antique wooden carousel horse with a tail made from real hair in the living room, zipped around in a classic Porsche roadster, and once fed us French toast for dinner. They were a family of expert skiers and had a snow cabin full of bunk beds up in the mountains. She was the only mother in the neighborhood we called by her first name, and her entire face lit up when she smiled.
She also spent a lot of time devising ways to get people to eat more tortillas. Long before the days of desktop publishing, she and her mother put out a newsletter called Tortilla Talk, which they filled with interesting recipes using tortillas and tortilla chips.
Back in early August, the first ripe tomatoes from the garden and an ongoing cottage cheese kick prompted this e-mail message to my mother: What was that stuff you used to make a long time ago with cottage cheese and salsa or tomatoes or whatever? And what did you do with it once you made it—just eat it with chips?
The recipe for 'Gayle's Caliente Cottage Cheese Dip' arrived in my inbox soon after, and I wasn't surprised to find that it was from Tortilla Talk. Below it my mother had added, Gayle could be Mrs. Pete Wilson. I've since learned that the recipe did indeed originate in the (now) former First Lady of California's kitchen.
I took the original six-ingredient recipe, applied my More More More motto to it, and came up with this colorful, veggie-packed version I've been devouring ever since. It's always nice when something that's so good for you tastes so good, too. It's even low fat.
So what memorable factory tours have you been on?
The more color, the better is what I always say.
Farmgirl Susan's Fiesta Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip
Makes about 3 cups
Gayle's recipe called for 3 dashes of Tabasco and a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles, which were a staple in many pantry cupboards in our neighborhood when I was growing up. I opted to use a chopped fresh jalapeno pepper instead, but canned chiles would add a nicely flavored kick.
Using yellow or orange tomatoes and/or sweet peppers will make the dip even more colorful. As always, I urge you to seek out local and organic ingredients whenever possible. They really do make a difference.
1 16-ounce container organic cottage cheese
1 cup chopped Roma, San Marzano, or other paste tomatoes (about 4 large)
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
3 large scallions (green onions) white and green parts, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Feel free to add even more veggies if you like. The original recipe says to chill at least 3 hours before serving, then pass with tortilla or corn chips. Waiting a few hours, or even overnight, does improve the flavor, but, as usual, I nibbled away while I chopped and mixed, and it tasted just fine to me.
It's funny, though, how you can add so many ingredients to a container of cottage cheese and have it all fit back in the original container. This dip will keep two to three days in the fridge.
Turn it into instant coleslaw!
What else can you do with it?
Personally I think this dip tastes great just plunked in a bowl and eaten with a spoon, which is the way I've enjoyed most of the six or so batches I've made over the past few months. It's a nice (and healthier) change from plain cottage cheese. If you haven't used up all your cabbage making my Mexican Jumping Bean Slaw, simply combine some Fiesta dip with shredded cabbage for another new twist on coleslaw.
You could also use it to fill an omelette or top a baked potato. Or make a quick vegetarian burrito by stirring in a can of black beans and a can of corn into either the plain dip or the coleslaw and wrapping it all up in a flour tortilla, perhaps with an extra sprinkling of chopped fresh cilantro. You could probably even spread some on a sandwich.
Can you tell I love this stuff?
Still hungry? You'll find links to all my sweet and savory Less Fuss, More Flavor recipes in the Farmgirl Fare Recipe Index.
© FarmgirlFare.com, the always on tour foodie farm blog where Farmgirl Susan shares stories & photos of her crazy country life on 240 remote acres.


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Saying that she doesn't think about dying, she thinks "of being here now," actress Valerie Harper has revealed to People magazine that she has terminal brain cancer.
The 73-year-old TV icon, best known for her role in the 1970s as Rhoda Morgenstern on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rhoda, said she got the diagnosis on Jan. 15 and that doctors say she has about three months left to live.
In 2009, Harper spoke at length about her career in an interview posted online by the Archive of American Television. She says she was reluctant to leave The Mary Tyler Moore Show for the Rhoda spinoff, and that it was Moore who convinced her to go.
"She said 'you don't want to be my sidekick all your life,' " Harper remembered. And if Rhoda didn't work out, Moore advised, "you'll move back to Minneapolis [where the Moore show was set] and I'll have you back."
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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By public transport
From the South station (Bruxelles-Midi)
In the station, take Tram 4 direction "Stalle". After about 15 minutes, get off at "Héros" and take Bus 43 direction "Observatoire". The bus stop is located on the south side of this square (Square des Héros). Get off at the last stop of this line "Observatoire". You're standing in front of the main entrance of the RMI.
From the Central station (Bruxelles-Central)
Take Bus 71 direction "Delta" nearby the station. Get off at stop "Flagey" and take Bus 60 there, direction "Uccle-Calevoet". Get off at "Observatoire". However, we advise you to take the route via the South station.
Directly to the RMI by train
Your final train station is "St. Job". From this station, it is possible to reach the RMI on foot by a 10-min walk. Start your walk on the bridge that crosses the railway, in the direction away from the centre of St. Job. This is the Avenue J.P. Carsoel, which goes slightly uphill and contains also a tramway track. After approx. 400m, the Avenue turns left. Take the street straight ahead, which is the Avenue de Mercure. This street merges with the Avenue Circulaire after 200m. The buildings of the RMI are situated in the domain that is lying in front of you, but you arrived at the back of the domain. To reach the main entrance, walk around the circular domain, keeping the domain at your right side.
Belgian railways (NMBS/SNCB)
Public transport in Brussels (MIVB/STIB)
From the airport
By taxi
Taxis with a taximeter are permanently available in front of the arrivals hall. Licensed taxis can be recognized by the blue and yellow emblem. Travellers are advised to avoid unlicensed taxis. Ask the taxi driver to bring you to "Observatoire".
By public transport
The train station at the airport is located underneath the arrivals hall. Take a train to Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid. From there, continue your trip as described in "By public transport".


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Typing Instructor Platinum Version 21
Brand New CDRom
Typing Instructor Platinum is the new typing leader! This program uses the latest technology to provide an educational, entertaining, and motivating experience for beginners and intermediate - even advanced typists, with creative learning themes, fast moving, arcade-style games, educational learning plans with seamless progression, and several motivating features that keep typists engaged in earning rewards, collecting points, and winning games. Typists may learn in English or Spanish.
Typing Instructor Platinum is a highly innovative and powerful program designed to teach young children, teens, and adults to type, and to help typists strengthen and improve their keyboarding skills. Typists may choose from the twenty educational typing plans, tailored for both keyboard and numeric keys and symbols, with or without games - there is even a kids typing plan! In addition, typists can create their own personal lesson plans.
*Includes brand new full version CD in sleeve only - instructions are on the disc.
Exciting Travel Adventures Make Learning to Type Fun! Typing Instructor Platinum takes typists out of the traditional classroom setting, on a thematic adventure, where they learn to type on a world travel trip, a photo safari, or a time travel trip. Typists begin their trip from the Travel Port, where they travel through several time zones around the world. Lessons, tests, and game challenges motivate typists to improve their typing skills so they can advance in the program, visit unique and exciting places, win game challenges, post high game scores, and collect stamp rewards for their travel passports. Learn in Spanish or English.
Multi-Play, Multi-Level Games Set a New Standard in Entertainment! The program's games are not only challenging and fun, but are designed to teach specific typing skills, such as speed, accuracy, rhythm, dexterity, and retention. The program boasts the first narrative adventure typing game, Treasures of the Sunken City.
Proven Typing Techniques Improve Speed & Accuracy Typing Instructor Platinum is an award-winning product! It is the most complete typing program available, with the perfect compliment of education, entertainment, and motivation, to teach you how to type or quickly improve your typing skills.
Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP or 2000 (not compatible with Macs)
580 MB Hard Drive Space
CD-ROM Drive
800 x 600 16 Bit orHigher Display
16-bit Sound Card
Speakers or Headphones


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Flight Attendant's Shopping Secrets for Bargaining in China
When my airline launched a new non-stop, flight from Seattle to Beijing three years ago, I jumped on the opportunity. Fast forward to today, I now have my own online jewelry business called Snake Twist with my daughter and many suppliers I can call friends, whom I regularly visit on my many trips over the Pacific.
Flight to Beijing with my daughter
First attempt at shopping in Beijing
On my first trip to a Beijing market, my intentions were clear. I needed a cheap watch. Nothing fancy, just a wristwatch. And, maybe, I thought to myself, I would look at some shoes I could wear to work. That's it. I swear.
An hour later I emerged from the market dazed and in a fog. I was holding two shirts, a jacket and just enough money to take the bus home. I still didn't have a watch. How could this happen? I didn't even really want the jacket—and I certainly didn't want to purchase it for 300 yuan ($48). I began to notice things about my new purchase that I hadn't seen before: bad stitching on the seams and a label that read wrong.
Before I came to Beijing, I had read about bargaining and knew that I should haggle over prices. I heard that sellers would inflate prices by 50 percent or more. I heard one should try walking away from a negotiation to get a good deal. My first attempts, however, were pathetic and went something like this:
Salesgirl: Hey! You would look great in that jacket. I'll give you a great price. Only 320 yuan ($51)!
Me: It's a really nice jacket. How about 250 yuan ($40)?
Salesgirl: ARE YOU CRAZY? This is the finest quality jacket in all of Beijing and you will never find anything as good anywhere else. Cheapest price: 300 yuan ($48).
Me: Ok.
I'm exaggerating, of course, but not by much. Rookie Mistake #1 was giving up too easily. I set myself up by admitting that I liked the jacket, and my counter offer was too high. After a few weeks of failure, I learned to tease out a lower price by acting disinterested and increasing my counter offer in smaller amounts. Another trick I learned was to add more items to my purchase during the negotiation. Smaller items can be used to sweeten the deal.
Shoe Shopping in the Beijing Silk Market
Second Attempt at Shopping in Beijing
My competitive streak emerged and I set out to be the best bargainer in Beijing. I learned all of the tricks and traps and within a few months I was scoring some sweet deals—which led me to Rookie Mistake #2:
Salesgirl: Hey! You would look great in that jacket. Only 320 yuan ($51)!
Me: ARE YOU CRAZY? I would only pay 50 yuan ($8) for that jacket. I saw three of those down the street for less. It's falling apart. The color makes me want to vomit. I wouldn't be caught dead in that jacket. I'm leaving.
Salesgirl: How about 275 yuan ($44)? It's a good price!
Me: If you throw in the shoes, hat and bag I'll give you 51 yuan.
Salesgirl: Please leave.
Lily in the Pearl Market, her jewelry is always fresh and trendy
When Bargaining Goes Too Far
Crew members hate to be mistaken for tourists because visitors are naive and pay too much. Getting a good deal is a badge of honor and means you have been here enough to know what locals pay. Sometimes, however, that pride can go too far. Bargaining is a sort of game and I've seen too many crew members get upset and angry during a negotiation, haggle over the smallest amounts and generally behave badly if they don't get what they want. You don't get a better deal by being rude. You don't do yourself any favors by being aggressive. Be polite and friendly and things may go your way. Don't swear you only have 20 yuan ($3) in your pocket and then hand them a 100-yuan ($16) bill expecting change. Be honest.
Nobody seems to notice me as I enter a store in the US, I have become spoiled by the flattery of Beijing shopkeepers. No one whips out a calculator to negotiate a two-for-one deal. In fact, they seemed slightly offended when I tell them their bags are knock-offs and that I shouldn't pay more than half price.
I have surprised myself by learning to enjoy shopping in Beijing, scoring good deals is a way to bond with my Chinese neighbors and friends. I hope as Beijing develops it will preserve its little markets and culture of bargaining. In these days of chain stores and mega retailers, shopping has become impersonal. In Beijing I have developed relationships with favorite shopkeepers with many good memories and friendships. Here's too Happy Haggling.
Best, Cindy Smith.
Cindy with Po (Pearl Market, Beijing China)


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This folder contains correspondence and press releases pertaining to Mainbocher collections, as well as one black and white 8x10 photograph of a gown from the Mainbocher Fall/Winter 1952-53 collection.
This folder contains 2 black and white 8x10 photographs of a dress from 1956 and a suit from 1959 by Mainbocher.
This folder contains correspondence, press releases, and a large number of newspaper and magazine clippings pertaining to Mainbocher from 1963-1966, as well as 5 black and white 8x10 photographs of Mainbocher designs and one negative.
This folder contains press releases, press lists, a biography, and newspaper clippings pertaining to Mainbocher as well as a black and white 8x10 portrait of him and a negative, and black and white 8x10 photographs of 5 looks from the Spring 1967 collection, 3 looks from the Spring 1968 collection (2 copies each, narrower size), and 8 looks from the Fall 1968 collection.
This folder contains 2 copies of a press release and a press list from the Mainbocher Spring 1969 collection, as well as newspaper clippings and black and white 8x10 photographs of 11 looks from the Mainbocher Spring 1963 collection, some with duplicates.
This folder contains biographies of Mainbocher, press releases for Mainbocher collections from 1953 to 1968, 4 2x2 negatives of dresses, correspondence, and clippings pertaining to Mainbocher, ranging from 1940 to 1970.
The bulk of this collection, which was donated by Nancy White in the early 1980s to the FIT Library, consists of 49 scrapbooks relating to Mainbocher, with additional correspondence written by Mainbocher, Nancy White, and Carmel Snow.
Sin títuloThis folder contains the Haute Couture exhibition at the Costume Institute, press releases and black and white photocopies of photos of ensembles by Jeanne Lanvin, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Gianni Versace, Christian Dior, Charles Frederick Worth, and Mainbocher.
Includes the schedule of events, papers, and presentations delivered at the 2009 Symposium "costume<3fashion Designers, Stars, and Muses of the New York Stage" which occurred on Saturday, April 25, 2009 in partnership with the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The symposium coincided with the Library's Exhibition "Curtain Call: Celebrating a Century of Women Designing for Live Performance." Two pamphlet from the exhibition are included in the file. Seven Graduate Students from the Department of Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice delivered presentations. Each presenter's paper and presentation is represented. Barbara Cohen-Statyner and Jane Greenwood delivered the welcoming addresses, but their presentations are not included in the file. The names of the presenters and the title of their presentations contained in this folder are: April Calahan, "Fashion or Fiction: Tina Leser and Park Avenue;" Ashley Frankel, "Drama King: Mainbocher's Most Demanding Role;" Jaclyn Lerner, "Valentina: Designing for the Stars" (presentation only); Alexis Walker, "Three Graces of Broadway: Ina Claire, Gertrude Lawrence, and Tallulah Bankhead;" Anne Reilly, "Fashionable Follies: Lucille's Designs for Ziegfeld."
Lecture on the professional history of Mainbocher, potentially by Robert L.


text: Princess Pea is wishing for a playhouse to appear but no matter how many times she waves her wand, nothing happens! The Super Readers fly into the story of Aladdin to catch up with a lucky lad who's about to have all his wishes come true - courtesy of an amazing magic lamp! With the help of their literacy powers, the Super Readers dive inside the lamp to meet the genie himself. But will the Super Readers succeed in helping Aladdin get his wish, or will his dreams go up in smoke? Educational Objectives: To learn about taking the initiative. The alphabet is explored and kids practice the magic of spelling and use the power to read to change the story.


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The final "X" in the 20th Century Fox logo glows for an extra second as X-Men: Days of Future Past gets started, but what follows is darker than dark — a bleak, dire future in which all of Manhattan is a mutant prison camp. The Sentinels (soldier-robots crafted with shape-shifter mutant DNA, and therefore adaptively lethal) are hunting down the few mutants still on the loose, while Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) are hatching a scheme with Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) to send Hugh Jackman's Wolverine — or at any rate, his consciousness — back in time to the Nixon years to stop the mutant war before it starts.
"What's the last thing you remember?" wonders the professor in a whisper at one point, and though he's addressing Wolverine, that's not an idle question where the audience is concerned, at least those of us who've stopped reading comic books.
Kids, who maybe can't memorize state capitals, have no trouble keeping straight the names and powers of dozens of mutants in this series, not to mention the twice as many actors who've played them in six pictures across 14 years. Me, not so much, so when I went to see the movie, I took along a 16-year-old, and when I had problems, I'd whisper "Who's that?" and she'd whisper "Quicksilver" and I'd be OK.
Quicksilver (Evan Peters here, though the vagaries of studio contracts mean that he'll be played by Godzilla-chaser Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Disney's Avengers 2) is the coolest of this picture's new guys, zipping around so fast in a niftily conceived, enjoyably prankish slow-mo sequence in the Pentagon kitchen that he can taste soup, rearrange guards' limbs, and nudge bullets off their trajectories all in the time it takes to blink.
Everything about him is crystal clear. But X-Men: Days of Future Past is, as that title suggests, deliberately tricky — designed by director Bryan Singer to allow the audience to geek out as comic-book tropes get rejiggered and previous movies sidestepped through time-travel.
It's all but impossible to talk about the plot without spoilers, so I'll just say that everybody's acting up a storm (not to be confused with Halle Berry's briefly seen character, Storm), that someone should've thought of more for Jennifer Lawrence to do, that the special effects, while spectacular, have nothing on Mark Camacho's terrific Nixon impersonation, that the film is awesomely urgent and utterly forgettable all at once, and that it left the 16-year-old I went with bouncing with adrenaline even as she snorted derisively at what she regarded as crazy plot missteps.
She has, let me just say, the makings of a fine critic.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.