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Politics in Metsimaholo, a Northern Free State town, is a mess. In the past year, the region has seen coalitions form and break down, the dissolution of its Municipal Council, attempts at motions of no confidence in the now-dissolved council's Mayor, political back-dealings and many unsubstantiated claims thrown from one political party to the next. Metsimaholo may set the scene for the tightest battle for power in democratic South Africa.
The Free State region is hoping to settle its governance issues in the upcoming municipal by-election. It could result in any of the three major political parties winning. The African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are all equally optimistic about their chances. However, recent events may tip the scale in favour of the opposition.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has indicated that it intends to contest the local municipality, marking the first time that the political party will compete in elections since its landmark announcement at the SACP´s 14th Congress that it will compete in all future elections.
So, what happened?
Following the 2016 local government elections, the ANC was ousted from this local municipality after no political party won a majority. The opposition parties including the EFF, DA, Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and the Metsimaholo Community Association (MCA) formed a coalition with a combined 23 seats to the ANC's 19. The DA won 12 seats, the EFF 8, the MCA two and the FF+ got one.
This coalition elected the MCA's deputy secretary, Sello Hlasa, to the position of mayor and the DA´s Arnoldi du Plooy to the position of speaker. But it was soon apparent that this shaky coalition would not hold.
The tensions that caused the current crisis stem from an unlikely coalition partner, the MCA. The community association was formed in 2013 mostly in opposition to the proposed merger of the Metsimaholo and neighbouring Ngwathe municipalities. In August of that year, the Municipal Demarcation Board withdrew the proposal, but the MCA had already established a strong community presence. This assisted in their contest of the 2016 local government elections. However, with no clear party affiliation, this newly-formed group initiated a crisis in early 2017 when they switched allegiance from the opposition coalition (DA, EFF and FF+) to the ANC.
In January 2017, DA Free State leader, Patricia Kopane revealed that the relationship between the DA and the MCA was strained by the failures of the MCA mayor. Kopane accused Hlasa of not complying with the strategic plan for the first 100 days of the council, failing to release the 100-days report, using council resources for work at Karabo FM, and throwing a R30 000 party. Hlasa refuted this and accused the DA and EFF of developing their own interests because of an ¨insatiable taste for power.¨ He also cited immense pressure against him, including the tainting of his reputation and a plot to have him killed. Kopane contested these claims, labelling Hlasa a ¨liar.¨
The conflict culminated in a proposed motion of no confidence vote schedule for 31 January 2017. This was later postponed to give Hlasa opportunity to respond to the allegations against him. Intensifying the conflict was a by-election that was held in Ward 12 the following week because of the resignation of an ANC councillor. The ANC retained the ward.
On 23 February, Hlasa held a special council meeting where he reshuffled his mayoral committee. He replaced his entire committee with ANC members. The MCA claim this was a result of a new mandate from the community following the collapse of the coalition. In response, the opposition coalition vowed to table a motion of no confidence vote. However, with the council hung between two coalitions of 21 seats, neither group would be able to claim adequate control of the council. Stemming from this, a scandal emerged that the ANC had bribed a DA councillor to vote with the ANC. Because of this, the motion of no confidence vote was indefinitely postponed.
The following months were filled with tension as the hung council had to find governance in division. After it failed to approve the budget, the council was formally dissolved in July, six months after it was virtually defunct.
Why dissolution?
Left with little choice, the Free State Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department dissolved the Metsimaholo Municipality Council on 6 July. This was in line with Section 139 (4) of the Constitution which states that if a municipality does not approve a budget, the relevant provincial executive must intervene and take appropriate steps. This includes the dissolving of the Municipal Council and the appointment of an administrator. Moses Moremi was appointed as the municipality´s administrator.
Behind this is an even murkier story of questionable motives and tough accusations. First, MCA head Sello Hlasa was accused of being ¨captured¨ by Free State Premier and ANC chairperson Ace Magashule. Second, Benjamin Mothibe who was the DA´s member of the mayoral committee for finance at the time was accused of conspiring with the ANC to vote with them in the motion of no confidence vote. Third, the MCA accused the DA of suspending black councillors, in relation to disciplinary action against Mothibe. Fourth, Metsimaholo Municipality Manager, Steve Molala was accused of interfering in the DA´s internal disciplinary process
Kopane claims there are audio recordings that prove Mothibe´s subversion. James Selfe, the DA's federal executive chairperson revealed that there was proof of a bribe offering by the ANC. Mothibe´s DA membership was subsequently terminated by their Federal Legal Commission. Following this, Molala should have opened a council vacancy but delayed the process and withdrew a notice sent to the IEC informing them about replacing Mothibe. The DA resolved the matter with Molala on 20 February in the Bloemfontein High Court which favoured the DA´s case for the termination of Mothibe's membership and the opening of a council vacancy.
The crisis helped the MCA and ANC avoid the February motion of no confidence vote (which was indefinitely suspended) but with May 31 looming, conflict rose again in relation to the council's budget. The opposition coalition in the municipality cited multiple reasons why they rejected the proposed budget. This included lack of adequate consultation with all political parties. The opposition also disagreed with the budget's priorities. R6 million was budgeted for a cemetery, R7.5 million budgeted for a 1km graveyard road and a R4.5 million for high mast lights. On 1 June, Speaker du Plooy used her casting vote to disapprove the budget.
So, we certainly got here through a ¨Games of Thrones¨ -like conflict between opposition coalitions, between political parties in their coalitions and even within the parties themselves. Metsimaholo was transformed into a political battleground with clashes in the polls, in wards, in council, via media and in the courts.
Where to from here?
Following the dissolution of a municipal council, by-elections were supposed to be held within 90 days, as per electoral rules. However, The Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) filed an application in the Electoral Court requesting more time to update the voters' roll to include addresses of all voters in the municipality's wards. So, the 29th of November was chosen as the date for the by-elections.
The upcoming by-elections will include 21 Wards and 21 proportional representation council seats. Campaigning in the region has already begun. The DA´s Chief Whip John Steenhuisen visited the region on 3 and 4 November. The SACP's first deputy general secretary, Solly Mapaila, met with local structures on 18 October.
The ANC should be concerned because the present narrative shows opposition parties gaining support in Metsimaholo. In the Ward 12 by-elections, The EFF´s support rose from 17% to 24% while the ANC support reduced from 52% to 31%. This is set to worsen with the SACP contesting and the DA´s rigorous campaigning.
Metsimaholo may set the scene for the tightest battle for power in democratic South Africa. The margin between the various parties is close and the number of significant political groups is high. So far, there has been no clear winner in the politics of this small region. However, for the sake of governance, one hopes that by the end of November, there will be one.
Tshiamo is a young aspiring journalist, current affairs radio host, poet and rights activist. He chairs the debate society at the University of the Free State and regularly travels to Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and small towns in Free State to train young orators. He is a decorated local poet, having won both provincial-level slam competitions twice each and having performed at major South African literature festivals. Every weekday, Tshiamo co-hosts the CUT Parliament current affairs talk show on CUT FM and assists in organising the annual TDxUFS and TEDxBloemfontein conference events. As a part of the UFS Student Safety Forum, an avid attendee of dialogues and a member of the Manguang Metropolitan Municipality Ward 23 Committee, he is not shy about his democratic socialist beliefs and left-leaning politics.
Read the original article as published on The Journalist's website, including illustrations and video where applicable.
AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 150 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.
Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.
AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 600 news and information items daily from over 150 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Monrovia, Nairobi and Washington DC.


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What we'll cover:
- Keys to presenting your idea or project effectively
- Ways everyone can play a role in leading and supporting change
- Case studies on how to navigate and serve successfully
- Paul Casey, CM, Santa Barbara, CA
- Andrew Urich, author Power of Influence, Oklahoma State University
- David Morgan, CM, Georgetown, TX
Tim Martin, Sr. Mgr, Member Engagement, GFOA (formerly Citizen Engagement Officer, Roanoke, VA
Luke Fischer, Deputy Director, League of MN Cities (formerly an administrative leader in multiple MN cities)
ICMA-CM: This webinar meets Practice 2 (Community Engagement), 8 (Policy Facilitation), and 14 (Communication and Information Sharing) of ICMA's Practices for Effective Local Government Leadership.
Post-Webinar Discussion Questions:
- What are some important projects or initiatives that need support?
- What strategies and tactics can help us present them and engage others more effectively?
- What steps do we want to take?
Note: please "white list" or "allow sender" for "firstname.lastname@example.com" to receive confirmation email for the webinar. We'll be using webinar tools (including real-time questions and live polling) to make this a great opportunity for audience interaction.
Event Details
- November 14, 2018
- 02:00 pm 03:30 pm ET
- Registration Deadline: 11/14/2018
- Member Price:$0.00
- Non-Member:$0.00

subset: commoncrawl


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May 2 (UPI) -- More than 200 airman with a Utah Air Force base are participating in the annual NATO Tactical Leadership Program in Spain.
Eight F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft are involved in the drills at Albacete Air Base through May 19 with nine other countries -- Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Britain -- the Air Force said in a release.
Assigned are the active duty members of the 388th Fighter Wing and Air Force Reserve 419th Fighter Wing from Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah, just south of the city of Ogden.
"This exercise is a good example of the United States' cooperation and long-lasting commitment to the security of Europe and maintaining readiness with our NATO allies," said Lt. Col. Surya Frickel, the commander of the 466th Fighter Squadron, which is is the 419th's designated Fighter Wing Squadron.
The TLP formed in January 1978 and moved from Belgium in 2009 into Spain's Albacete, the regional capital of Castilla la Mancha.
This is the first time the 388th and 419th are participating in the joint training with NATO allies.
"The Tactical Leadership Program is a good opportunity for all the participating nations to work together," said Master Sgt. Daniel LaBrake, the combined aerospace logistics coordinator and the only enlisted member from the U.S. Air Force stationed at the Albacete Air Base.
Hill Air Force Base pilots will fly alongside 20 to 30 allied aircraft daily and will take part in simululations against adversaries.
They will operate with the different aircraft in unfamiliar environments, and different languages and procedures, Hill said.
"Traditionally, squadrons stationed in Europe participate in TLP," LaBrake said. "So it has been a new challenge to coordinate all of the moving parts so these airmen can come overseas and get this experience."
This is the last time Hill will use F-16 because its fleet is being replaced by the Air Force's newest fighter jet, the F-35 Lightning II. The F16s have flown from the base for nearly 40 years.
"We are extremely proud of the job we have done with the F-16 and we must do our best here at TLP to preserve the memory of the aircraft that is so dear to our hearts," Col. Michael Miles, 388th Maintenance Group commander, said.
The first operational F-35As arrived at Hill in October 2015 and there are now 20 F-35As with 78 aircraft and three operational squadrons planned by the end of 2019.


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The Surprisingly Delightful Indian Passport Renewal Process
Of 3 months of procrastination, 30 minutes at the PSK and 3 days of waiting for the passport
I recently applied for my passport's renewal on the MEA site. As recently as 3 months ago.
I filled out a PDF form on Acrobat Reader (this is important), converted it to XML, uploaded it to the MEA site. Scheduled a 'Normal' appointment for June 22nd, paid Rs 1500 but applied for a Tatkal passport, then God-promised that I'd arrive at the PSK with Rs 2000 in cash.
Then I procrastinated.
On the appointed day, I woke up at brunch o'clock and figured there's no way I'd make it to Mangalore by 12 pm. I logged into the MEA site and rescheduled it to July 22nd.
Then I had a realization.
I had to fly out of the country on July 27th but hey, Tatkal passport takes 3 days, right? No sweat. Till Chapman at office reminded me of my Calamity Joy status whilst pointing me to an article that said the Passport Seva Kendra in Bangalore only had 17,000 booklets. Because: The supply of booklets dried up as the India Security Press in Nashik, Maharashtra, was closed between end of December 2013 and January 2014.
Then I was empty-threatened by the MEA site.
The MEA site told me this was my last shot at rescheduling after which I'd have to start the process all over again. If you've met the MEA site and uploaded the Passport Application form even once, you'll know what an empty threat that is.
So I rescheduled it to August 22nd, requested Mom to bait me with beef sukka and booked my tickets to Mangalore on Cleartrip.
I made it to the Passport Seva Kendra in Mangalore on the ordained Thursday thirty minutes ahead of my scheduled 12.15 PM appointment.
For the renewal, since I had a change of permanent address (how is it permanent if it changed? Ha!), the site said that I only needed to take:
- Self-attested copies of the front and back pages of my passport
- Address proof for the new permanent address - I carried my Voter ID and the family's Ration Card
Even the list of acceptable address proofs were helpfully listed out in a PDF.
I waited my turn while Mom upped her anxiety by asking everyone about their imaginary PSK doomsday moments. One lady said she'd been waiting since 9 AM for her husband, another claimed the average appointment length was 4 hours.
Surely it couldn't be so bad? My friend Suku had had a wonderful experience at the PSK just a couple of months before:
The security guard announced in the waiting room that it was time for the 12.15 pm appointment folks to queue up. Off I went with my 3 documents (photocopies of the previous passport, Ration Card, Voter ID card) while Mom shouted into the office, "I'll be back at 3.30 pm!"
The TCS staff at the first counter checked my documents, filed them in a brown envelope and sent me into the actual waiting area. This hall had people with coupon numbers and people without, an LCD screen with token numbers appearing on them and no instructions whatsoever about what to do next.
Asking around, I figured I'd only get a token number AFTER my name was announced. It could have been simpler and faster had the guy at the first counter given me a token number. But I'll over look that.
Ten minutes after receiving the token number, my token number flashed asking me to head to Counter A. After checking my documents and clicking my "passport photo," the lady dropped a bomb:
But where is your marriage certificate, madam?
But I'm not married, madam!
She apologized and went about with her work. So much pleasantness at a government office? Wha!
Did I want SMS updates on the progress of my renewed passport? Only thirty rupees, ma'am. I handed over a hundred rupee note and apologized that I wasn't carrying change. Counter A Lady said that wouldn't be a problem and handed me seventy rupees with a smile.
At Counter B another official rechecked and verified my details. What do I have to do for a Tatkal passport, I asked. This is for a normal passport, he smiled. That was one too many smiles for a government office. Not wanting to ruin my luck, I shut up and moved on to Counter C.
The lady at Counter C checked my details for accuracy and asked me to collect my receipt at the counter near the exit.
No awkward moments, no fiddling around with the documents, no veiled asks? This can't be true.
At the exit, I was handed a receipt that said I didn't have to subject myself to a Police Verification and a feedback form. Excellent all the way lest they change something because of one Good hidden away somewhere.
I stepped out completely flummoxed and checked my watch. 12.45 PM. From the time I entered the office to the time I left, it had taken me all of 30 minutes.
Two hours later, I received an SMS that my passport had been processed. Thirty minutes later, "Your passport has been printed." And it wasn't even dinner time!
By Friday evening, the passport had been quality checked. On Saturday morning, the passport shipped.
Monday morning, the phone beeped an SMS from Mom. "Your passport is here."
I had my appointment on Thursday, the passport was printed on Friday, shipped on Saturday, received on Monday.


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Hello Jeanster!
Thank you for your interest in my Beta Sisters exclusive access opportunity. I am no longer taking applications for this particular project, but may reopen applications in the coming months as new projects come up in my calendar.
I'm sorry you missed this one, but stay tuned for more exclusive Jeanster fan fun!
The more you follow me, the more chances to get exclusive stuff you can't get anywhere else!
Thanks for reading,


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- This event has passed.
Flow Tribe Friday 5:30, 9 & 11 PM
February 15 @ 9:00 pm - 12:30 am
The NOLA-based sextet Flow Tribe will bring their dramatic, brassed-up show to The Green Parrot Bar for two pelvis-grinding nights of psychedelic/blues and funk/rock.
Founded in 2004, all band members are New Orleans natives and are self-described as a "bizarrely irresistible unique blues/funk/rock band that electrifies the audience with the delicacy of a sledgehammer and a diversity of music that absorbs the crowd into the band and forms one funky orgy. Influenced by the eclectic New Orleans funk/rock community, Flow Tribe is a dynamic entity…that seeks to flip your switch, crack your backbone, and take any event into the 4th dimension.


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The maverick Tom H has pieced together a special investigation on one of the Hatchets' most controversial figures.
A secretive man, asking to be identified only by the name 'Mr G', has bombarded 'A Current Affair' this week with various complaints over QIF Hatchets coach Simon B. Mr. G repeatedly asked, "What exactly does Simon want, and is he really the man he barely claims to be? I just don't trust people over six foot eight." ACA investigates.
For those unfamiliar with the origin story, little was known about the motives of Hatchet's 'coach' Simon B after he made his move from Brunswick East's urban subculture. Rumoured to have endured an undergraduate-long period of adjustment syndrome in Brisbane, he continued on to Rockhampton, the Melbourne of the North, in an attempt to regain some semblance of counter-cultural normality. After conquering the Capricornia conference, he has now returned with his eyes fixed firmly on the QIF premiership… but are things are simple as they seem with this gentle giant?
This reporter still remembers his first impressions of the man. Described as a "tall, single, handsome doctor" by one now strangely familiar bystander, he was often purported to be seen "lumbering above the canopies of local eucalypts", emulating his favourite fairy tale with a trail of half-drunk Oettinger beer cans. When directly questioned at a local U8's match, he stated that "I don't drink any more," followed by a slow sip and muffled continuation, "but I don't drink any less, either."
A local Dan Murphy's register worker claimed that Simon would often come in and demand free samples, but only on weekdays, and had been placed on the goon distribution registry on more than one occasion. "I often see the poor guy bending down to reach the top shelf spirits and shouting, 'YOU THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME?!' before settling on his regular Coolabah – he's nothing if not consistent."
Despite concerns from trusted Drinks Captain Tom K, the beanpole manager continues to deny any problem exists. "Look – from my experience, you see this kind of thing every season. He'll either burn out or pass out, but either way I look forward to seeing him at the RE tonight for a few schooies."
What is in a name? For Simon J. B., the answer is an alarming amount. Whilst some are convinced he is the "offspring of Broncos super-coach Wayne", there is an equal amount of those who scrawl on local bathrooms that his surname is nothing more than a "poor attempt at a palindrome", or one of "French pronunciation, consistent with an attitude of surrender". In a dramatic twist, one punter pointed out that his middle initial stood for Jamieson (verified by a Dan Murphy's ID check), changed after birth to champion his favourite whiskey. In a very defensive statement he claimed that, "a rose by any other name, would smell just as sweet, and I certainly don't see you going after any roses". He then finished by adamantly saying, "Beneath this radiant southern cross, I will always plead the 5th to the likes of you scoundrels. What even happened to ACA, you guys were always my favourite?"
Much has been made about Mr B's coaching credentials. The mysterious Mr G. stated that he would begin every training session by claiming, "It is your altitude, and not your attitude, that determines your aptitude." Bemused by his 'wordsmithery', many "subordinates" as Mr. B calls them, were all too eager to put in their two cents on the issue.
"The man cleans his own clothes half as regularly as he does the training bibs", according to 'Raging Bull' Nick R. "One time he failed to give full credit to the boys after a win", stated a bitter Adam I. Another time "he refused to carb load on my Nonna's pasta a la norma. It was just soul-destroying," sobbed a distraught Steven. The final word came from club stalwart Bjorn, when asked about where Mr B ranked in the history of the club. "I always enjoyed playing next to Wayne – oh you mean Simon. Well I guess he's an alright kid too, he's still working out the offside rule, but after that I'm confident he's our man."
ACA attempted to clarify these issues with Mr. B several times from his front lawn, only to be cursed at by a silhouette, wearing nothing but a worn pair of Bonds underwear and holding an old leather suitcase. With the source acting like an impenetrable brick wall, this reporter had no choice but to go to press. The only thing we could make out from the brief encounter was that "tickets for this Friday are still available."
By Tom H
The Hatchets take on Le Foot this Friday night. The game is sold out.


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dear, I have a very simple question. I am user FINALE 2014/Win 7, I want to use "Auto-Dynamic Placement Plug-in". I chose "Dynamic Marking" , then I set "Minimum Velocity" and chose "Expression" etc. Then I click OK. Everything is fine, it works. But after closing FINALE and re-opening it, this settings is set to default/erased.
My question is: is it possible to fix - save my settings somehow? Thank you very much, Petrh


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The importance of a sleeping bag
Discussion in 'Natural, Temporary, and Permanent Shelter' started by remnant, Jun 6, 2016.
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Shelley Whitehead and Associates
Delivering Results that MatteR
Featuring global leaders that are using LEAN management strategically to achieve results, this workshop provides a practical, disciplined approach for transforming public and private sector services to bring more value to the customer who uses the services, the employee who provides the services and, in the case of public services, the taxpayer who pays for them. It reviews the five phases of LEAN implementation that organizations can typically expect to go through on their LEAN journey. It will also provide advice on governance and oversight, leadership and strategic use of LEAN. The workshop will draw on Canadian and US case studies and will include a simulation exercise. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a clear roadmap for implementing LEAN in public and private sector environments.
Shelley Whitehead, co-author - Delivering Results that Matter: Transforming Public Services Through Lean Management
Shelley Whitehead is a writer and researcher. She worked for the Government of Saskatchewan for 34 years. For seven years, she provided advice, support and oversight for enterprise projects including LEAN implementation across the provincial government, school divisions and post-secondary institutions. She also served as Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy with the Ministry of Social Services and has worked in a variety of central agencies and direct delivery ministries. Shelley has spoken extensively on public sector LEAN implementation across Canada and has facilitated a variety of policy workshops for graduate students in public policy. She began her career as a frontline social worker and has a BA from the University of Regina, a BSW from the University of Calgary and an MSW from the University of Regina. Shelley resides in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Haneef Chagani, co-author - Delivering Results that Matter: Transforming Public Services Through Lean Management
Haneef Chagani specializes in assisting organizations to develop efficient and effective business operations. He has over 20 years experience in providing organizational performance insights to help clients transform their businesses and attain higher levels of performance. He has broad experience in planning and managing LEAN transformation programs and in developing LEAN transformation blueprints and roadmaps. He has assisted organizations improve customer service, reduce millions of dollars in costs, create new capacity and increase productivity by improving performance of core processes and driving culture change throughout the organization – from senior management ranks to frontline staff. Haneef was a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and led the firm's Operational Excellence practice in Canada. He holds an MBA from Simon Fraser University and a BSc. in Computer Science from the University of Manchester, UK. He is a certified Management Consultant and a LEAN Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
Rating: Beginner, Intermediate


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The Scarlet Palette, fine art print
The Scarlet Palette, fine art print
from 20.00
The Scarlet Palette is warm and spicy, bright and passionate. The colors swirl and blend together while still remaining fresh and bright.
As an artist, I find a lot of clarity and poetry in the paint palette. This is the start of my inspiration; the root of every painting - and it has become Art in-and-of itself to me.
Giclee print on heavy 100% cotton rag watercolor paper (please allow 7-10 business days for our local printing house to create your artwork)
Only 4 available
Only 5 available


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New pictures of KO MP-10 Magnus version
New and Improved? That seems to be the case with the latest "KO" of the Takara MP-10 mold. With this Ultra Magnus variant, not only does it have significantly more paint apps, but small fixes like moveable windshield wipers give this a very "fixed" vibe as well. Check out the picture below from ACToys and let me know what you think in the comments!
3 Responses so far...
Hate ko's, plain and simple
Need this


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Jackson Recovery Centers
Jackson Recovery Centers, Inc., was established in 1976 by Dr. W.L. Jackson and his wife Marienne. It is the largest not-for profit addiction treatment program in the state of Iowa. Jackson provides a full continuum of care to more than 4,000 children, adolescents and adults per year and is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Jackson also provides primary prevention and education services to more than 20,000 people per year.
Jackson Recovery Centers offers behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults. Jackson provides adolescent and adult alcohol and drug assessments including screening for co-occurring mental and physical health concerns. Additionally, Jackson provides specialty services for children, treatment for process addictions, medical and psychiatric services, OWI/DUI assessments, consultations, and daily walk-in appointments.
Through its adolescent services, Jackson offers residential, outpatient and residential crisis stabilization treatment.
- Evidence-based substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment
- Detoxification and stabilization
- On-site psychiatric services to help children with co-occurring and mental health issues
- On-site professional medical care
- Trauma-informed care
- Treatment plan and treatment stay designed around the specific needs of the individual and family
- Structured gender-specific treatment with individual and group therapy
- On-site accredited schooling to maintain education
- We are a Psychiatric Medical Institute for Children (PMIC) provider
Adult services include residential, outpatient, and transitional living.
- Individual, Group, Family, and Multi-family Therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment to assist with detoxification and cravings
- Psychiatric services to help with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues
- On-site medical and psychiatric care (Sioux City office only)
- On-site child care during primary treatment hours (Sioux City office only)
- Relapse Prevention Services
- Gender Specific Group Therapy
- Aftercare/Continuing Care—for people who have completed primary treatment and need some additional support
For more information, visit www.jacksonrecovery.com.
Addiction treatment for adults and adolescents
Residential and Outpatient
- Siouxland, Iowa
- Teens
- Young Adults
- Adults
- Residential Treatment
- Addiction Treatment
- Mental Health Treatment
- Outpatient Treatment
- Detoxification
Sioux City Iowa 51101


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A body of work representing a little bit of everything I do
Here are some more of my personal Illustrations created in Cinema 4D. Here I have specifically focused on experimenting with motion in C4D. Really lots of fun, but this is only a small step in my 3D Learning journey. My hope is that I can include motion in almost every aspect of my digital work to provide rich user experiences.
ClientPersonal ExplorationServicesNoneYear2016-2017Linkdribbble.com


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It was great to meet some new people who's passion for photography had bought them from the four corners of the world to experience the pinnacle of currently available Medium format photography in the shape of the astonishing IQ180, in surroundings that were considered good enough to be the retreat for the leaders of G8.
If you ever get the chance to go there do take it, Weston park is simply wonderful, with an art collection that includes a Caravaggio or two.
But for all the new photo friends and sublime surroundings, they were not the highlight.
Not for me anyhow.
The highlight for me was that I got further hands on time with the photographic world's equivalent to a limited edition carbon fibre Lamborghini - the Phase One Achromatic+ back.
It is out of this world in so many respects, price (the priciest back that Phase One makes) in rarity (there truly must be more carbon fibre Lamborghini's) oh and yes, in sheer superlative photographic quality.
What is this rare, expensive, exotic back?
To quote Phase One
'Achromatic+ is a 39 megapixel medium format digital back designed specifically for black and white photography, with Bayer filter, and no interpolation'
In other words a digital back which captures 'pure' black and white.
And not just in the visible spectrum, it records all the way from Ultra Violet to Infra Red.
And it is the Infra red spectrum that I like to shoot in, through a Lee 87 Infra Red filter (focusing is a matter of trial and error.
Why do I love it so much? I have waxed lyrically about it before in other posts and you may have seen a rather fun bts video too
You see things the human eye cannot (which as a matter of interest why I feel we all love super slow mo photography)
This shot is not from Weston but it is one of my favourites....
So why this post?
I will never be able to afford one of these remarkable devices.
So this an appeal to Phase One.
Can you please make a version that has some, but not all of the capabilities of the Achromatic back but at a considerably reduced price.
It would create a generation of shooters of a different kind, and further build the Phase One brand I think.
I know nothing of the technicalities involved and how difficult it would be but this back in hundreds of peoples hands would be wonderful.
One can but dream, unless someone out there knows differently....


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Head of the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation (IKRF), the main relief organization of Iran, says the countrys government should have rejected the European Unions offer to send 1.5 million in cash aid to Iranian flood-stricken people, as the amount was extremely small. Flood-stricken people in Pol-e Dokhtar city, Lorestan province
Parviz Fattah says Irans foreign ministry should have rejected the little sum of money, which they have not even paid yet.
Fattah noted that the EUs 1.5 million aid to Iran comes in a situation that they gave 40 million to the dancer Angelina Jolie.
Of course, I believe that the European Union has insulted the Iranian nation by offering one and a half million euros of aid, underlined Fattah.
He also lashed out at the United States for not allowing foreign countries to send their cash aid to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
"The people of Iran donated about 9 million dollars to the IKRF to help the flood victims which is a very huge sum when it comes to public donations, he went on to say.
"After the flood, the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation assisted 30,000 households, and it should build 10,000 houses and reconstruct 20,000 more. The foundation should also provide them with home appliances as well," stressed Fattah.
The Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation is an Iranian charitable organization, founded in March 1979 to provide support for poor families with the aim of helping such families regain their financial stability.


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Flapper Wig (Black)Product # FUN0077
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Sri Kasi Vishwanathar temple is located in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli district of Tamilnadu. Lord Shiva graces in the temple as a swayambumurthi. Worshipping the Lord in this temple is as equal to worshipping the Lord in Kasi –Varanasi. Presiding deity Lord Kasi Viswanatha is visible to the devotee even from a distance of one Km. The temple is so vastly constructed with this facility to the devotees. While Mother Durga faces South in almost all temples, She faces west in this temple.About 700 years ago, King Parakrama Pandiya was taking up a pilgrimage to Kasi as and when he desired to worship Lord Viswanatha. The Lord appeared in his dream that he could build a temple here itself to avoid a long journey to north. He advised the king to follow the movement of ants' row and build the temple where it ended. The ant-line ended on the banks Chitraru River dense with Shenbaga trees. He found a swayambulinga near an anthill and built the temple as directed by the Lord.The tower of the temple was simply flat till the year 1967. In the year 1990, a tower, as tall as 180 feet was very artistically built and the temple looks quite majestically now. To facilitate enjoying the natural beauty of Tenkasi, broad roads are laid from the nine points of the tower, as if the devotee is walking on the space. At the ninth point of the tower, a balcony is also constructed to go round the tower. The temple is noted for the three importances of Murthy (the deity), Thalam (holiness of the place) and theertham the holy water attributed to the temple. The Presiding deity is Sri Kasi Viswanatha with Mother Ulgamman. Shenbagam tree and Kasi theertham add to the importance of the temple. The beauty of the sculptures of the temple is widely known the world over. The twin sculptures – the Veerabadras, Thandavamurthis, two Tamil Mothers, Rathi and Manmatha (the cupid and his beautiful wife Rathi), single sculptures as Lord Vishnu and Kali Devi are noted for their exquisite beauty.
Temple board is maintaining Nityannadanam for the visiting devotees. Hotels and lodges are available for the accommodation of devotees in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli. 10 days Masi Magam in February-March, Navarathri in September-October, Tirukalyanam in Aipasi (October-November), boat festival (teppam) in Avani Moola star day in August-September, new moon day Badra Deepa festival in the month of Thai (January-February) are festivals very grandly celebrated in the temple.


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Search Results
Author: Jenny Downham
Jenny Downham
Before I Die
Given only a few short months to live, 16-year-old Tessa compiles her 'To Do Before I Die' list, desperate to cram as much life as she can into the time she has left before leukaemia claims her. Her list is extreme, including sex, drugs and crime. Her wildly fluctuating feelings and those of her friends and family are heartbreakingly evoked. Despite the bleakness of the subject this is a hopeful, life-affirming story you won't ever forget.
Definitions · 9781862304871


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The Sage is here to help.
Feel like you could be eating better? Not sure what to change or where to look? The Sage makes it easy for you to discover the wide, wonderful world of balanced, healthy, bangin' food.
Posts tagged
"flagel-pizzas-triology" (1)
Flagel Pizzas, Triology
August 8, 2014, 4:00 am
Preparation Time: approximately 5-10 minutes Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes Serving Size: about 2 pizzas, Serves about 6 2 Slices on The Slice Plan Ingredients 6 flagels (bagel thins/bagel flats) Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Top each pizza with all ingredients EXCEPT "TOPPING." Bake each pizza 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and flagel is browned. Remove from oven; place "topping" on flagel and serve....


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Expedia Discount coupon code for Hotel Booking – Get upto 50% OFF on hotels bookings + additional 10% discount with HDFC card. This Expedia offer is exclusively for HDFC bank debit or credit card holders. Book the hotel for domestic travel or international travel and save 10% discount with no minimum booking amount. Check out more travel offers. Book hotels now.
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To eligible for this Hotel offer – User needs to enter a voucher code during the booking process to avail instant 10% discount. Pay your remaining booking using a credit or Debit Card issued by HDFC Bank Limited in India. Use the Expedia coupon code "EXPHDFC17" to avail this offer. This offer is valid for stay period from now to 31 May 2019. It means this Expedia Hotel offer is also applicable on last minute hotels or pre-planned bookings. Book hotels now for a Domestic trip or international trips. Offer ends on 28 February 2019. Hurry! Book hotel now. Offer valid on hotel bookings and not valid in combination with any other product such as flight + hotel or flight + hotel + car.
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Located in Dr. Phillips, This stately 5 bed, 5 bath home sits on near an 1.5 acre lot with picturesque views of Palm Lake. Generous size rooms, fireplace in living room, two master bedroom, wheelchair accesible and much more. This home has great bones, with a bit of TLC can become your dream home. Minutes to high-end shopping, restaurant row, malls, airport and highways. Walking distance to A rated schools.
Listing courtesy of SAAB REALTY GROUP INC.
StellarMLS is the source of this information via Internet Data Exchange Program. All listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified through personal inspection by appropriate professionals. Listings displayed on this website may be subject to prior sale or removal from sale. Availability of any listing should always be independently verified. Listing information is provided for consumer personal, non-commercial use, solely to identify potential properties for potential purchase. All other use is strictly prohibited and may violate relevant federal and state law. Data last updated on


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This the future of live theater and a truly unforgettable and extremely cool experience. Audience members literally walk around the world of Macbeth as it's being performed in dreamlike sequences. Trust us, it's not nearly as scary as the video below makes it out to be. If you've ever felt like a movie or a show has made you feel like you are really "there" in that world, then this is the 3-D version of that since you actually get to walk around in it. The show has been running for many years for a reason: it is really well done and changes your entire perception of the possibilities of theater in the modern era. If you are interested in a more "artisanal" and intimate version of this kind of immersive theater, check out Third Rail Project's magical Alice in Wonderland themed Then She Fell in Brooklyn.
Pro tip: select any available time slot and go early. They'll let you in!
Theater with a LOT of swagger! A+++++++++++++++++
Banned theater from Europe starring a member of Pussy Riot. Intense and awesome!
A seminal piece of theater that hasn't been on a NYC stage since 1999.
Hedwig vibes in this badass play/rock concert/protest/art installation!
Immersive theater so sexy you'll want to smoke a cigarette after!
Sexy and dangerous theater. As delightful to the eyes as it is terrifying to the mind!
Go behind-the-scenes at a K-Pop factory in this immersive theatrical event!
Four future megastar actors shine in this new play about the personal side of the Freedom Riders movement.
The Hamilton parody with Monty Python vibes.
The Broadway musical recorded on film for optimal couch viewing!


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text: With Nabuma Rubberband just on the horizon, Little Dragon have shared their whimsical video for Paris. Everything they have released up to this point has made me excited to see them in August at the Way Out West Festival in their hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden, but Paris is by far my favourite. Yukimi Nagori's keening vocals and the tracks down-tempo arrangements prove once again that the Swede's are the best when it comes to creating bittersweet evocative pop.


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St. George's United Church
Isaiah 65:17-25, Luke 24:1-12
Sunday March 27, 2016
The Resurrection of the Lord
"Not a One Shot Deal"[i]
by Rev. Ryan Slifka
On the occasion of the baptism of Denise Heather Hutt,
Riley Shannon Bloomfield andTucker Marc Bloomfield
It's my second Easter as the pastor of St. George's. My second year as a pastor, period. And I will tell you that even now only two years in, I have discovered just how stressful Easter can be for those of us who have to lead worship. How many hours spent staring at a blank computer screen, trying to come up with something new to say. Worried about how to say something meaningful and profound. This might be the one shot you've got in the year to convince everybody gathered that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, and makes all the difference in the world. One shot in a year. A twenty minute shot in an hour-long worship service. Yikes.
But, to be honest, I don't know how on earth I, or any other human being could convince you that resurrection is real or what it means. That today I will somehow expound or explain or explore the mystery of the resurrection in some way that will move you all to some new conviction or even, dare I say it, conversion. It's not only stressful for us preachers, it seems downright impossible.
But as unrealistic as my expectations may have been, though, I find great comfort in this morning's passage from the good news according to Luke. Because the very first Easter sermon didn't seem to live up to these great expectations, either. In Luke's account, it's a group of women who deliver this first sermon, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, another Mary who is the Mother of James. (The first Easter preachers were women, which is an interesting detail in of itself). At first they've come to the tomb where Jesus' body lay to pay their final respects to prepare the body of their teacher, their friend, their lord, for the long haul of death. But when they arrive at the tomb it's empty and they're confused. And then they are met by these two met dressed in dazzling white. So now they are not only confused, they are terrified. "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" these incredible figures ask these terrified women. "He's not here. He's risen. Remember how Jesus told you this would happen?" He's not here. He's risen.
And so when the women head back home from the cemetery on Easter morning to deliver to their some incredible news: "he is not here but has risen!" A pretty simple, dramatic sermon for Easter drawn from some great sermon material. I mean, an empty tomb, two angels. But the sermon falls flat. "But these words seemed to [the disciples] an idle tale, and they didn't believe them." The first Easter sermon falls flat. It fizzles. The words are dead on arrival. Different translations go even farther: the disciples though it was "empty talk," "a silly story,", "a foolish yarn," and even, "utter nonsense." The first Easter sermon is delivered, delivered to the people who'd known Jesus first hand, people who Jesus told this would happen, people should have been prepared, and expecting something like this. Even my worst sermons have been greeted with words like "thank you," or even "good try." But when the first Easter sermon is delivered by the women who see it first hand and people think its total B.S.
But you can't really blame them. Because what happened to Jesus just confirmed everything we believe about how the world works. When someone dies, it's over. They stay dead. You don't wait around for them so you can pick up where you left off. You say goodbye. You go home, and you try to get on with things as best you can. I mean, we might look back at these pre-modern, ancient people and just think of ourselves as less gullible than them. But you don't need microscopes, penicillin or a smart phone to know that dead people stay dead. So no wonder the sermon fell flat. Everything that lives dies. Might makes right. Evil, injustice, violence triumph in the end. No surprises. Because this is how the world works, whether ancient or modern.
This is the way things work for us and our world. But… says the story. But… Easter is not about us. Easter is not about us. Easter is about God. Easter is not about the most we can imagine, the resuscitation of a dead body. Resuscitation is not resurrection. And Easter is not about the "immortality of the soul," some divine spark that endures after the end. That's Greek philosophy, not Jesus. Easter is about God, not God as an empathetic but ineffective good friend, or some inner experience. No, God who creates a way when there was no way, a God who overcomes every obstacle to love, and justice, and mercy. A God who raises dead Jesus to show us that death is not the end, not the final word. Not the victorious power that will hold the world forever.
The women come to the cemetery to write one more chapter in the long line of life's facts. The victory of violence and injustice. But somehow on Easter Sunday, God inserts a new fact. God takes a cruel cross and makes it in to a loving victory. God, the same Creator who brought light from darkness at the beginning of all things, takes the worst that we as human beings can do, the violence that marks human life. And somehow inverts it. And brings from it new life. In a world of death, violence, suffering, hate, vengeance, and injustice, we are presented with a whole new world. One of forgiveness, not vengeance. One of mercy, not indifference. One of hope, rather than resignation. The world is about life, not death.
Now I know that some of us have gathered this morning, if not many of us, who will respond to this sermon, and the news of Jesus' resurrection much in the same way Jesus' disciples responded to the first Easter sermon. But I'm not going to try to talk you in to believing anything. Not only because I think it's beyond my preaching abilities, but because it's clear that from the first Easter sermon that words alone couldn't convince anyone of the truth of the risen Christ. You're in good company. Did you notice? The tomb is empty, but nobody sees Jesus. Even for the people who were right there, there's no air-tight evidence, no knock-down blow fact, no sermon, that blow that forms anyone in faith. Words alone can't do it.
Words alone can't do it justice. And not only that, when the women search the tomb to try to figure out what has happened, the figures in dazzling white ask "why are you looking for the living among the dead?" "He is not here," they proclaim, "but he is risen." The power of the resurrection isn't found dead in the tomb. It isn't found in historical facts, or archaeological data, or rules of probability. Or even just in the pages of holy scripture. The women are sent back out in to the world, to meet the risen Christ on the road in their lives. He is not here at the tomb. But he is risen.
You see, I don't think I have to convince you of the reality of the resurrection, of love's defeat of violence's, life's defeat of death. Because my guess is that you're here because you already somehow know it. You've seen it somewhere. Inexplicable hope in the middle of sorrow. Somebody who everyone else gave up on and left for dead on account of their addictions somehow stands before you as a new person. You saw somebody who looked like they had nothing able to give of themselves in ways you never thought possible. If you've seen this, you've already encountered the power of the Risen Christ. I don't have to convince you of the resurrection because we, you already long for the kind of life, and the kind of world that Jesus taught about, lived and died for, and was raised for. This power for life, this newness is already at loose in the world, making all things new. Easter isn't a one-shot chance for the preacher. Easter is just the beginning of a whole new world. In our lives, in my life, if your life. Here and now.
Because, the resurrection isn't an event from the distant past, or a scientific problem to be solved, or a fact to be convinced of in a sermon. It is the continuing, transforming power of God to bring back from death all that was lost – that ever-renewing love at work changing ourselves, our relationships, our communities, and our world. It is Good News. And it's too good not to be true.
So why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Hallelujah! Amen.
[i] I am greatly indebted to my colleague, Rev. Michelle Slater for her 2013 sermon "Looking for the Living" as the basis for this sermon.


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When planning a vacation to Romania, Adjud can be a good choice to include in your travel itinerary. Biserica Buna Vestire is one of the tourist attractions that one can cover during their tour to Romania. Travel planning to this city also includes a visit to some famous places near to Adjud. Read traveller reviews of Adjud tourist attractions & hotels before planning a holiday. Adjud trip planner that helps travelers select the perfect places to visit, sights to cover, things to do and hotels when visiting the city. Adjud travel planning made easy with JustOrbit.
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text: The operation of groups of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) at a small inter-vehicular distance (known as platoon) allows to lower the overall aerodynamic drag and, therefore, to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. However, due to the large mass and limited engine power of HDVs, slopes have a significant impact on the feasible and optimal speed profiles that each vehicle can and should follow. Therefore maintaining a short inter-vehicular distance as required by platooning without coordination between vehicles can often result in inefficient or even unfeasible trajectories. In this paper we propose a two-layer control architecture for HDV platooning aimed to safely and fuel-efficiently coordinate the vehicles in the platoon. Here, the layers are responsible for the inclusion of preview information on road topography and the real-time control of the vehicles, respectively. Within this architecture, dynamic programming is used to compute the fuel-optimal speed profile for the entire platoon and a distributed model predictive control framework is developed for the real-time control of the vehicles. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is analyzed by means of simulations of several realistic scenarios that suggest a possible fuel saving of up to 12% for the follower vehicles compared to the use of standard platoon controllers.


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Contact UsScience Research in the High School Program
University at Albany - MSC 312
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
Phone (518) 442-4148
Fax (518) 442-4135
For general program inquiries contact E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com or phone: 518-442-4148
For questions regarding curriculum, grading, and teacher certification, contact Elana Stein, M.S. Assistant Director UHS. E-mail: email@example.com or phone: 518-442-4148.
For questions regarding scheduling contact Abigail Jensky, Staff Assistant UHS. E-mail: email@example.com or phone: 518- 442-4148.
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An email sent to directors and actives from Jim Ljunglin '57 provided an update on the fire sprinkler project. Some points are listed below:
- Work began this morning, August 6.
- Dan, the installer, is running 2 1/2" pipe from the communications room behind the kitchen, over the ice maker, and down the wing.
- After the supply pipe is laid out, work will begin on plumbing and installing sprinklers in the rooms.
- While the sprinkler heads cannot be painted, the pipes, which are currently black, and the fittings, which are currently red, can and likely will be painted the next time the respective rooms are painted.
Thanks for the update, Jim!
As updates are sent out from those involved with the project, they will be posted here. Stay tuned!


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How sleep deprivation makes you dumb
Adults, with rare exception, need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day. That rare exception is less than 1% of the population. I am sure we all know individuals who say they get by with 4 to 6 hours sleep. That is just what they are doing, getting by. They are not performing at their cognitive best. One of the simplest things to do in psychology is to test the cognitive decline that occurs with sleep deprivation. Some of the best studies I have seen have come from the military. They show that if you take a group of military personnel, of mixed ages, give them a cognitive test, then deprive them of sleep so they get six or fewer hours sleep, for five consecutive nights, then retest them. They will have a drop of 60% in those test scores.
The Navy SEALs recognized a long time ago that when deprived of sleep, Seals have impaired judgment. When you or I make a mistake, it may cost us some money, be embarrassing or cause significant relationship problems etc. When a Seal makes a mistake, it may cost him his life or that of his comrades.
Perhaps someone has been pressing you to make a decision on something and you're not quite sure. We often respond; "let me sleep on it, I will give you an answer in the morning."
With all the new imaging devices, PRT scans, PEP scans, FMRIs we now realize the brain is far more active while you're sleeping then it is while you are awake. Neuroscience now believes that while we are sleeping the brain goes over all the information that we took in while we were awake. It sorts that information, compartmentalizes it and stores it for future recall.
The single best thing you can do to remember new information that you have just taken in is to immediately go to sleep. How many of us did just the opposite during our scholastic years? Panicking before an exam, we would stay up all night and cram. Our short-term memory would function well enough to scrape by and get a pass mark. The problem was, two days later we could not remember a thing we studied. This is because the information was not transferred to our long-term memory. This happens during sleep.
In the next blog, I will explain how to achieve a quality 7 to 9 hours sleep every night.


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Scotland is going through the motions of divorcing itself from England. No counselling, no trial separation, straight to the severing of their union, followed by the ugly scene of dividing the spoils and arguing over who gets custody of their shared debts.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond was elected to the post with a mandate to push the agenda of further devolution. The SNP leader, independent of the UK government, this week set a rough date for a referendum on the constitutional future of his country for the autumn of 2014, in a bold move designed to bring the debate to the forefront of Westminster politics. Unsurprisingly, both sides of the House of Commons united in support of the continuation of the status quo, and made moves to ensure that, if the question of Scotland's position within the union is to be on the agenda, then it is so on their terms. A unilateral move towards independence, it has been pointed out, would be illegal and illegitimate, and talks between the First Minister and Prime Minister David Cameron should be entered into before any decision is made by either government.
One of the main sticking points is what question or questions, exactly, should be on the ballot paper. The bottom line would be a decision on whether or not Scotland wants to remain part of the United Kingdom – a simple yes or no, in or out choice. The most likely outcome of that vote would be in favour of maintaining full membership. It would not be in their best interests to leave, nor is it quite yet the right time. David Cameron knows this, as does Alex Salmond. The First Minister is angling to change the paper to a multiple choice vote, with the aim of compromise being the outcome – more powers than are currently held by Holyrood, but short of complete independence; so called 'Devo Max,' until the Scottish people are better prepared to cope with the idea of freedom, and all the problems engendered by it.
A change as fundamental as the complete removal of Scotland from the British landscape is difficult to envisage. At no point during the life of any living person has Scotland not been tied to their English neighbours like an old married couple – sometimes bickering, sometimes sleeping with their backs to each other, but they've been together for so long it'd be unimaginable that they ever separated. You have to go back to 1707, when the Treaty of Union between the countries was ratified – before that, they were merely dating – to reach the point where the two were not officially joined. The shared history of our respective countries goes back a lot further than that, much of it conducted with feelings of animosity that occasionally makes good, if inaccurate, Hollywood fodder. It's been a long and not always amicable relationship.
Much of the mental block comes from sharing this small island. It's not like the whole nation can weigh-anchor and let itself float into the North Sea. We've always been physically attached, and that has proved problematic in overcoming many barriers. Were the countries to go their separate ways, it's not as if it'd be necessary to erect another wall and set up check-points with border guards, but so many cultural signifiers are shared, as is co-dependence in terms of finance, defence, energy, and the infrastructure that has been built up in the past few hundred years of mutual habitation that no severance could be an easy or comfortable one for either party.
We are still just passing through history. The shape of the British isles may only be altered on a geological scale, but the boundaries within have been altered many times within the past two thousand years. The Romans drew their northern frontier a little short of where the current dividing line lies; the various Germanic and Danish settlers cohabited along different lines. The current map may have been settled for the longest, but that doesn't mean it will remain the same forever. We have the habit of presuming change can't and shouldn't happen.
From an English perspective, only the most xenophobic, Daily Mail-reading nationalist would want Scottish independence. Politically, the Tories are unionists, despite it being against their interests, as, without its fifty or so Scottish MPs, the chance of there ever being another Labour government would be all but buried. I do wonder, however, how much of a role post-imperial collapse trauma plays – without its empire, Britain is desperate to hold on to whatever it still has.
If the split were to include a fair proportioning of debt and assets, it wouldn't be favourable from the Scottish side either. Since the founding of its parliament in 1999, Scotland has been subsidised to the sum of 45 per cent more than the tax it generates, and, as of 2010, on average a Scottish citizen receives approximately £1,600 more of public spending per annum than an English one. Given the powers to raise and spend its own taxes, an independent Scottish government would have no choice but to plug the gap with savage cuts – with the loss of such generous policies as free university tuition – and make a substantial increase in personal contributions. Chancellor George Osborne has also presaged that Scotland would not be permitted to retain Sterling as its currency, and would be forced to adopt the faltering Euro. Historically, the Scots have been willing to fight for their freedom, but would they be willing to pay for it?
Where the ugliest and, literally, dirtiest disagreements will be encountered, will be in the ownership of Scotland's oil industry. Alex Salmond has claimed ownership of 90 per cent of the precious black commodity on behalf of any prospective independent Scottish government. Technically, as Scotland is not a sovereign state, it has no claim over maritime boundaries, whereas the United Kingdom does. Were Scotland to suddenly become a sovereign state, its ownership would depend on international recognition of their latter claim over the UK's current and long standing one.
I'm a nine-parts Englander, with some Scottish heritage on my father's side – my first name was chosen as an acknowledgement of the family surname. I like to regard myself as Scottish in a shortbread-tin, touristy way – ostensibly so. I have divided opinions on the issue. I'm generally for giving people what they want, and if the Scottish people want independence I'd let them have it, along with everything that entails. It couldn't happen without severe damage to both sides, and any negotiation entered into would have to be intended to minimise fallout, but I think it an accommodation could be reached.
A simile like the loss of a limb would be a little unfair – the body is stronger with it and the limb can't survive on its own – as I believe the limb could survive, the question is if, after all this time, it's really the right thing to do. As the Rolling Stones put it, you can't always get what you want, but…sometimes…you get what you need. For the foreseeable future, Scotland and England need each other, and any decision taken now on their independent futures would have repercussions that could do untold damage to both for generations to come.


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We were in a pretty bad car accident this past Friday night:
Paul and I were heading out, on our way to a late dinner, because Paul had to work till about 8:20pm.
After getting the green light at the last intersection to get to the restaurant, we headed through the intersection. When we were almost through to the other side, I saw a car speeding towards us out of the corner of my eye.
I screamed, "Oh my gawwhhh….!!" And then BAM. SMASH.
Paul and I both got the wind knocked out of us, my entire body was in severe pain and my head was spinning. All I can really remember for the next few minutes is that our airbags had inflated and Paul had somehow gotten out of the car to check on the other drivers and call the police. At the time it was all I could do to concentrate on breathing, it felt as if my entire body had exploded.
I finally got a hold of my thoughts when I saw those flashing blue lights.
I quickly did a mental check of all my body parts and everything seemed to be in tact. By that time, the fire truck and ambulance had arrived and the firemen and EMTs were asking me if I was okay. I finally crawled out of the car through the driver's side door.
Turns out, a teenage girl ran the red light and T-boned us on the passenger side door, which pushed our car into the opposite turn lane and headfirst into a third car.
Paul's car is totaled and we were both pretty shaken up.
After we took care of the whole police report thing, we called our sweet friends who were so kind as to change their evening plans to come give us a ride home.
Here's the car in daylight:
After we gathered a few belongings out of the car (ie. charger, GPS, sunglasses), Paul said his goodbyes:
I guess an upside is that we get to go car shopping soon.
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Thursday, March 26. 2009
Acceptable Deaths Acceptable Injury
The hidden harm that medicine inflicts
The warning came from TeGenero, the German manufacturer of TGN1412, in its application to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority. TeGenero told the MHRA that there had been previous incidence in which similar drugs had provoked serious adverse reaction in human volunteers. Yet the MHRA allowed the trial to go ahead and six men who received the drug suffered a massive immune response known as a "cytokine storm".' Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor, The Independent, 8 April 2006
Wednesday, March 18. 2009
Culpable Homicide
Culpable Homicide
People injured and killed by benzodiazepines over 50 years will I think relate easily to this, particularly
The failings of the NHS have been exposed
Thursday, March 12. 2009
Barely Living
From the husband of a prescribed ex-addict in withdrawal
She was like a caterpillar; taking drugs
Now that she has quit the drugs
Trying to fight her way out in vain
Then she will be free to enjoy the sun and the
Her spring is coming.
Wednesday, March 11. 2009
Can anyone recognise an answer here?
Can anyone recognise an answer here?
From Hansard
Monday, March 9. 2009
No Seriously?
No seriously?
"We regard dependence on benzodiazepines a very important issue and the Department of Health
Wednesday, March 4. 2009
Welfare Reform Bill
Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
TS Eliot
"Because those affected don't have to steal to fund their habit, but instead get the drugs from the health service, their plight goes largely unnoticed by society. But the social cost of family breakdowns and individual impairment is immense."
Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies, 2004
DWP Government White Paper for Welfare reform Bill December 2008
Raising expectations and increasing support: reforming welfare for the future
'We need to develop a benefits system that enables and empowers individuals to take control of their lives and treats each customer as an individual, with their own varied routes back into employment. This would be a benefits system that doesn't merely catch people, but propels them forwards.'
Welfare Reform Bill
Second Reading
27 Jan 2009 : Column 194
Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Secretary of State clarify whether the Bill takes account of individuals who are addicted to tranquillisers and prescription drugs? An estimated 1.5 million people have been on these agents for many years; I know one individual who has been on them for 45 years. Surely it would be cost-effective for the Government to look into helping to get these people into work.
James Purnell: I know that my hon. Friend is talking to the Department of Health about this matter. This particular provision focuses on the drugs that cause the greatest amount of crime in the system—crack cocaine and opiates—so my hon. Friend's point is not an issue in this Bill. I know that he has pursued it elsewhere.
My Comment:
The benzo scandal is not just about getting benzo-affected people back to work it is about the fact that so many have been ignored, rejected and left to rot on benefits for decades. Now it suits politicians to look at welfare. Those people who were rejected, ignored and left to rot are to be resurrected and looked at in the same way as everyone else, and the fact that they were rejected, ignored and left to rot is not an issue for the DWP, no matter what their age and realistic job prospects
Wednesday, March 4. 2009
It's never a doctor's fault
Woman on shoplifting spree
Last updated 11:47, Friday, 27 February 2009
A WOMAN went on a shoplifting spree after taking a number of tranquillisers, a court heard.
Tracy Parkinson, 38, took a number of DVDs, underwear and food items from Barrow's Tesco supermarket on February 10.
She pleaded guilty at Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to stealing items to the value of £177.53
Mr David Dunk, prosecuting, told the court that an employee at Tesco saw Parkinson take items, including DVDs, into a changing room upstairs and then noticed white packaging on the floor of the changing room, which made him believe she had removed security tags from them. Parkinson, of Black Butts Lane, Barrow, was seen taking a carrier bag from a self-service checkout and putting the DVDs inside. A staff member also saw Parkinson stuff a pair of knickers into her pocket before opening packs of Mini Eggs and Creme Eggs and starting to eat them.
Mr Trystan Roberts, defending, said that Parkinson had recently been the victim of domestic violence and had taken a number of tranquillisers before entering the store. He said: "This is not the most sophisticated theft allegation. "
He added that his client had been embarrassed when she was told about eating the Mini Eggs.
Parkinson was already on a six-month supervision order for an offence committed in January. Magistrates said she would continue this sentence and would have to address her tranquilliser problem.
She was also ordered to pay £60 court costs.
Wednesday, March 4. 2009
Northern Ireland benzo Deaths
NI Drug Deaths Double
26 February 2009
The number of drug related deaths registered each year has more than doubled over the last decade rising from 39 deaths in 1997 to 86 last year.
The 86 fatalities were registered in Northern Ireland where the cause of death was drug related, either due to legal or illegal drugs.
This finding is contained in a report published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
The report also indicates that over the last decade the median age at death for drug related deaths was 40 years, 38 years less than the overall median age at death of 78 years.
Drugs commonly associated with drug addiction such as heroin and cocaine are mentioned on fewer death certificates than drugs such as amphetamines, benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
The report indicates that of the drug related deaths registered last year, 21 had diazepam recorded on the death certificate; 20 had antidepressants recorded; 16 had codeine recorded; 10 had heroin/morphine recorded; eight had paracetamol recorded; five had MDMA/Ecstasy recorded on the death certificate; and three had cocaine recorded on the death certificate.
In some cases death certificates may have more than one drug mentioned and some occasional death certificates which are drug related have no specific drugs mentioned.
The number of drug related deaths is higher for males than females, with males accounting for 60% of drug related deaths between 1997 and 2007.
In 2007, nearly two-thirds (62%) of drug related deaths were due to either intentional self-poisoning (45%) or events of undetermined intent (16%).
In addition accidental poisoning accounted for a further 33% of drug related deaths.
The remaining 6% of drug related deaths were due to mental and behavioural disorders due to drug use.
The definition of a drug related death used in this report is when the cause of death recorded on the death certificate is drug poisoning, drug abuse or drug dependence.
This definition is in common use across the United Kingdom.
The figures presented relate to both legal and illegal drugs and thus will include deaths related for example to paracetamol or cocaine.
Wednesday, March 4. 2009
Drugs for sleep-induced madness
Poor sleeping habits could be driving us mad, reveal scientists
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:17 PM on 19th February 2009
A number of studies show a lack of sleep could leave people more prone to depression
Sleeping problems such as insomnia can leave you more prone to depression, attention deficit disorder and post traumatic stress, say scientists.
Adults with depression are five times as likely to have difficulty breathing when asleep, but it had long been assumed that poor sleep was a symptom rather than a cause of the condition.
However, U.S. doctors now believe it can predispose people to mental disorders.
'It was just so easy to say about a patient, well, he's depressed or schizophrenic, of course he's not sleeping well - and never to ask whether there could be a causal relationship the other way,' says Dr Robert Stickgold, a sleep researcher at Harvard University.
His theory is backed by a growing number of studies into the link between disrupted sleep and mental disorders.
In 2006, Paul Peppard at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studied patients with sleep-disordered breathing and placed them in four categories indicating mild to severe symptoms. He found the risk of depression doubled between each stage of severity.
Meanwhile Dr Daniel Buysse, from the University of Pittsburgh, found treating depressed patients' sleep problems with a drug such as benzodiazepine could produce a dramatic turnaround in their mood disorder. [ and benzos cause insomnia - what to do?]
There is also evidence to suggest impaired sleep can induce the manic episodes suffered by people with bipolar disorder.
A US study of 34 adults with sleep apnoea - breathing problems when asleep - found 16 had scores that suggested a moderate or severe impairment of attention. Subsequent treatment for the apnoea led to substantial improvements in attention scores for 60 per cent of these individuals.
Sleep disruption fundamentally interferes with the brain's ability to process emotion and react to a stimulus appropriately, scientists believe.
Dr Matt Walker, of the University of California, found volunteers in a sleep-deprived group showed 60 per cent more activity in the amygdala when shown gruesome images compared with well-rested people. This is the primitive, emotionally reactive part of the brain.
Further scans revealed in those deprived of sleep the amygdala was failing to communicate with the prefrontal lobe, which normally controls and sends inhibitory signals down to the emotional brain.
'The reason we don't blow our top when someone says something we don't like is because we have a highly developed prefrontal cortex, which acts as an emotional brake,' Dr Walker told the New Scientist.
'In a number of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, it has been demonstrated that the frontal lobe's activity becomes disrupted. There's also preliminary evidence [of this] for ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder,' he added.
Dr Walk said he was optimistic at discovering more about how sleep disorders could be responsible for psychiatric problems.
'We're getting there. Five years ago, that question wasn't on the radar for anyone. The fact we're aware of it now and asking those questions means it's inevitable we'll find out,' he said.
Wednesday, March 4. 2009
Sleep without Pills
The Times
February 23, 2009
Beating insomnia without popping sleeping pills
Dr Mark Porter
The recession is taking a toll not only on our financial health, according to a recent survey. It suggests that worries about savings, pensions, redundancy and personal debt are giving us sleepless nights. Nearly half of the 1,000 men and women surveyed by one medical website reported that they are not sleeping as well as they were before the downturn.
Ten million prescriptions for sleeping tablets, such as temazepam and the "Z drugs" - zopiclone and zolpidem - are dispensed every year in the UK even though GPs are being encouraged to limit their use. Much of this continued over-prescribing results from direct pressure from patients, who feel that they simply can't manage without them.
A recent review of clinical trials into the effectiveness of sleeping tablets published in the British Medical Journal concluded that regular users average only 25 minutes' extra sleep a night and pay an unacceptably high price in terms of side-effects such as daytime fatigue, impaired thinking and clumsiness.
And it is not only the hangover effects that cause concern. Users can become tolerant to the drugs within a couple of weeks, meaning that they don't work as well, or they have to take a higher dose to get the same effect. This can lead to addiction with the older, Valium-based sleeping tablets such as temazepam and nitrazepam. Users also experience problems when they try to stop taking the tablets, as they often find it difficult to get to sleep for a night or two, prompting them to turn to the pills again.
These problems were initially not thought to occur with the later generation of "Z drugs", but time has proved that they are an issue with all prescription-only sleeping drugs. The influential Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin has issued guidance suggesting that the current overuse of all sleeping tablets "represents a risk to individual and public health and cannot be justified". It advises that they be used only for a few days at a time, "to alleviate acute distressing insomnia caused by short-lasting events, illnesses or upsets".
So what should we offer to the millions of people who regularly struggle with insomnia? The answer may lie in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). According to researchers from the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, five hours of CBT can "cure" most people's insomnia.
The therapy is based on a series of psychological interventions that encourage a return to normal sleeping patterns, and are designed to break the vicious cycle of worry-induced insomnia. The programme starts with basic instructions on what promotes sleep (such as avoiding daytime napping, and always retiring and waking at the same time every day) and what can prevent it (e.g. too much caffeine, and eating or exercising close to bedtime).
It then moves on to teaching relaxation techniques, which focus the person's mind while they are lying in bed, and help them to forget problems that might intrude and keep them awake.
Next come instructions for dealing with sleep-related problems. For instance, if you don't fall asleep within 30 minutes then get up, leave the bedroom, go somewhere quiet and restful and stay there until you feel tired. Then, and only then, should you return to bed.
Patients with long-term insomnia often find it hard to accept that a talking therapy such as CBT will help them, but the results speak for themselves - 7 out of 10 people benefit significantly, whatever the underlying cause of their sleepless nights. And it even works for people who have been taking sleeping tablets for 20 years.
Access to CBT for insomnia is very limited privately and on the NHS. To find a properly trained practitioner, use the interactive Directory of Chartered Psychologists at www.bps.org.uk (search under clinical psychology and use "sleep" as the keyword)
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