text:
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My novel is featured today on the Indie Spotlight, and here's the information:
Title: The Usurper
Author: Cliff Ball
ISBN: 1453702725 or 978-1453702727
Page count: 184
Genre: Thriller
Price: $8.99 for Paperback, $2.99 for Kindle
Author Bio:
Cliff Ball currently lives in Texas, has a BA in English, currently pursuing a 2nd BA to eventually get an MA in Creative Writing. Cliff has published three novels, Out of Time, Don't Mess With Earth, and now The Usurper. Cliff also works as a copy-editor.
Tell us about your book:
Ever wonder what would happen if our worst fears were realized and we elected someone who was willing to destroy the USA, even if he was destroyed himself? The Usurper is that novel. It is a fictional account of what would happen if the Soviet Union and KGB were given the chance to take down the United States from within. They use the American political system, education system, terrorism, and commit environmental disasters to achieve these goals.
The Soviet Union and the KGB refuse to let the purging of communists in the United States as awhole by Senator Joe McCarthy, and the House Un-American Activities Committee, deter them. Soviet Premier Khrushchev authorizes the KGB to embark on an ambitious, decades long plan to destroy the United States from within through the corruption of American politicians, the American education system, terrorism, and environmental disasters. Gary Jackson, the main character, is the fulfillment of the KGB plan to destroy the United States from within. They raise him from birth to hate everything about the United States, indoctrinate him, and introduce him to terrorists across the world, where the KGB dictates all terrorist attacks. When Gary is a teenager, he is sent to the United States to assimilate and begin his mission. Nothing will deter his goals of completely and utterly destroying the United States.
When the Soviet Union dissolves, he is given a choice, and he decides to continue with the mission. A terrorist organization ends up filling in the gap left by the absent KGB, and they, together with Gary, conspire to destroy everyone in the United States who doesn't agree with them.
How long did it take to write the book?
It took it about six months to write.
What inspired you to write the book?
I'm into history and conspiracy theories, so I started with the quotation attributed to Soviet Premier Khrushchev where he said, "We will bury you!" in which he wanted to the people to overthrow the USA and other western powers, without the need of a military strike. I wove real terrorist attacks into the novel, and had the KGB actually responsible for it, no matter if the terrorists were right-wing or left-wing, as long as they were against the US, the KGB backed them. Originally, this novel was half written in the mid-1990's, and included various conspiracy theories around at the time, so it was updated to include a few conspiracy theories, in a very fictional way and with names changed, for the past twenty years about President's 41 through 44.
Talk about the writing process. Did you have a writing routine? Did you do any research, and if so, what did that involve?
I don't have a writing routine. When I'm inspired, I'll write. I did do some research, looked up the power structure of the Soviet Union and the KGB, where certain real-life Soviet leaders were at various points in the '60's to the '90's. I also have references to terrorist attacks and airplane hijackings, so I attempted to follow the original attacks but linked them to the fictional storyline of the novel. It involved doing a lot of searching online to find out about the TWA hijacking, the killing of Israeli athletes at the '72 Olympics, both WTC attacks, and the Oklahoma City bombing, for example.
What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?
I would hope they're entertained, and can see the alternate universe I created.
Where can we go to buy your book?
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Usurper-Cliff-Ball/dp/1453702725
Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/The-Usurper-ebook/dp/B003VP9VVK
Barnes and Noble – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?r=1&ISBN=1453702725&r=1
Nook – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=9781452429205
Smashwords – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/18734
CreateSpace – https://www.createspace.com/3469577
Borders – http://www.borders.com.au/ebook/the-usurper/12699340/
Any other links or info you'd like to share?
Author website: http://cliffball.webs.com
Blog: http://cliffball.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cliff_ball
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cliff.ball.author
Excerpt from book:
From Chapter 4
For the next five years, by the time Gary was 10 years old, Agent Putin and John al Hussein had taught young Gary about their ideas of the evils of the world. They poured into his head all sorts of ideas about how the United States, in particular, had caused droughts in Africa, all the economic collapses in the world in the last two centuries, both world wars, and was a threat because of their use of nuclear weapons against Japan. They told him capitalism was evil and must be brought down.
"Can I ask why we use Comrade Bornos' money for all of this if capitalism is so evil?" asked the 10 year old.
"Herr Bornos isn't using his money for his gain. He is using it to fight the United States, that's why he supplies us with everything we need monetarily. The KGB has the means, but, not the money. Does that make sense?" asked John.
"I guess. The United States is bad because the government doesn't have total control and nobody is equal, while the Soviet Union is good because the government controls life and everyone is equal. Did I get it right?"
"Yes you did, very good Gary. We call that social and economic justice. Do you know who else is enemy of the people?" asked Putin.
"The enemy is anyone who questions the word of the government and the KGB. They must be destroyed; nobody can be spared if they disagree,"
"You know who is one of your enemies, Gary?" asked al Hussein.
"No, who?"
"One of your enemies is your mother. She doesn't agree with the government controlling peoples' lives, and she thinks terrorism to control the people is bad. What do you think we should do with her, Gary?" asked Putin.
"My mother is an enemy? But, she could be on our side," Gary innocently said.
"We've talked about this before, Gary, and you know what you must do,"
"But… but…. I don't want to do this,"
"Yes, I know, but she will destroy all that we are working for, and all of your future hopes and dreams. Again, I ask you, what should we do to people like her?"
Gary sighed, gulped a couple of times, and said, "The enemy has to die as an example to others not to think for themselves and do what they want. If my mother is an enemy, she must die,"
"Correct response. We need to go visit your mother and see that she is no longer a threat. Let's go, Gary." ordered Putin.
A few minutes later, the trio arrived at the house where Gary and his mother lived. They went inside, where Ann was in the kitchen cooking dinner, when she heard them come in. She went to meet them, saw her son, and went to hug him, but Gary didn't hug her back, so she asked, "What's wrong?"
"You are the enemy, you must be destroyed."
Putin handed Gary a Russian-made Tokarev TT-33 service pistol, and Gary aimed it at Ann, who was shocked, and wasn't sure what was happening. Gary, who had no expression on his face, aimed the gun, and fired point blank at her forehead, his mother had no time to react. Blood and brain matter spattered everywhere, Ann died instantly, and her body fell to the floor with a thud. Gary handed the gun back to Putin, left the room, and he was determined to leave this in his past, hopefully to never be dwelled on again. Putin checked to see if Ann was completely dead, which she was, and the three quietly left the house. Putin called for a clean-up and for the house to be destroyed.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Melissa Lake
I used to be Armenian,
until they took that from me too.
Except they made me better.
Now I am a chimera of all the things they could not kill:
a descendant of a people who could not break.
I have evolved to be smarter and more powerful and stronger.
They killed me and created something better:
gave me an echoing howl and a tougher hide and razor teeth. Now I have claws that sink in and won't let go.
I would never have been born if they weren't afraid of what I could be. Now I'm greater than I ever was.
I stand at their doorway, heavy breath at their neck, blood dripping from my muzzle. They are afraid of the monster they created.
And they should be.


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Earlier this month, I wrote a post titled "Via AP, a tasty piece on a same-sex wedding cake."
In that post, I praised an Associated Press story out of Colorado that did an exceptional job of reporting on what happens when religious liberty clashes with gay rights.
That story excelled because the AP focused on real people — their experiences, their beliefs — while fairly representing both sides. Both the tone and presentation of that report seemed journalistically neutral.
Contrast that with an AP story out of Mississippi that hit the national wire today.
With the headline "Business window stickers protest Mississippi law," this report drips with favoritism for one side — and dare I say comes across as advocacy journalism? — from the very beginning:
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — In conservative Mississippi, some business owners who support equal treatment for gays and lesbians are pushing back against a new law that bans government from limiting the free practice of religion.
Critics fear the vaguely written law, which takes effect July 1, will prompt authorities to look away from anti-gay actions that are carried out in the name of religious beliefs — for example, photographers refusing to take pictures for same-sex couples because they believe homosexuality is a sin.
Hundreds of businesses, from hair salons to bakeries and art galleries, have started displaying round blue window stickers that declare: "We don't discriminate. If you're buying, we're selling."
The sticker campaign started this month in response to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant's signing the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Ah, the dreaded unnamed critics.
Are these critics responsible for the description of the law as "vaguely written," or is that the AP's opinion? And, is it journalistically proper to state "vaguely written" as a fact, given that supporters such as the Alliance Defending Freedom disagree?:
Sticker folks protest imaginary law .@AP bows false narrative, RFRA not "vaguely written," no threat to "=treatment" http://t.co/0yKCXOIEPb
— Greg Scott (@ADFmedia) April 25, 2014
I asked Greg to clarify his concern with the story. Here's what he said in an email:
The truth is that after 20 years and more than 300 RFRA cases, state and federal, no one has ever asserted a RFRA defense for refusing a generic commodity transaction or ejecting someone from a store or a restaurant. So, the sticker makers are essentially protesting an imaginary law, and it's unfortunate that AP is promoting a false narrative about these religious freedom laws.
More from the AP story:
The law says government cannot put a substantial burden on religious practices, without a compelling reason. While it does not specifically mention gays or lesbians, "People are going to take it as permission, if you will, to discriminate against people they don't necessarily agree with or like," said Jackson hair salon owner Eddie Outlaw, 42, who went out of state to marry his husband.
"We have a long and well-documented history of discrimination in this state," Outlaw said. "To think there won't be any discrimination is laughable."
From there, the AP provides rather stilted, official-type quotes from the governor and the president of the Family Research Council, both of whom support the "vaguely written" law. Obligatory inclusion of supporters reflected? Check.
Next, let's get back to what's really happening and quote more business owners/opponents who obviously are standing up for true freedom, justice and the American way. At least that's how the story comes across to me. Be sure to read it and correct me if I'm wrong.
Sarcasm aside, what's missing?
Well, for one thing, the story mentions that the law was backed by the state's Pentecostals and Southern Baptists? Yet the AP doesn't bother to seek their input on the sticker campaign or the claims that the law intends to discriminate against gays and lesbians.
The story ends by getting in digs at both Arizona and religious conservatives:
She said when the Mississippi House and Senate passed the bill on April 1, she heard from a friend who told her: "'Oh, my God. We're going to be Arizona.'"
Arizona is among the states that has had its own Religious Freedom Restoration Act on the books for years. It drew national attention earlier this year with a bill that would have altered the existing law by allowing businesses to refuse service to gays. Republican Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed the bill after companies said it would hurt the state.
An early version of the Mississippi bill was similar to the one vetoed in Arizona. The final version, however, had been changed to only specify that government could not put a burden on religious practices, without a compelling reason. Portions that would've allowed private businesses to refuse service were removed.
While the Mississippi law angers him, Outlaw said he sees it as backlash from religious conservatives who are resisting equal treatment for gays and lesbians, including the right to marry. "The rational part of me realizes this is just the death rattle of the old way of life."


text:
Although I am very logical, technical, and serious about teaching, many people (especially my students) are surprised to discover that I also have a whimsical, theatrical side… and a sense of humor.
I think bringing these things into the classroom can be extremely powerful. Who doesn't like fun? Who doesn't like to laugh? Plus, cognitive science tells us that things are more memorable when:
- they are new/novel experiences
- they inspire some sort of emotional response (surprise, shock, laughter, joy… even fear or disgust)
Fraction math is one area that has always seemed a bit esoteric and ambiguous to the kids –not to mention understanding why fraction multiplication and division are so useful and important. One of those realms is in scaling recipes (chefs and caterers constantly multiply fractions)… but why make some regular old food recipe* when you can bring some magic into it?
Introducing… Potions 101! A simple but fun math activity/practice/assessment hosted by our "substitute teacher" for the morning: Dr. William Wilybeard, Professor Emeritus, Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
* I do, in fact, have another character who reinforces fraction math via creation of actual food… like gingerbread minions! His name is Dr. Friedrich von Kookie, but that's for different post..


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Central Library
Central Library
The Central Library of Hankyoung National University was celebrated the opening of a new building in March, 2004 and has played a pivotal role in fostering academic research and knowledge.
It has about 1,253 seats in the reading room, manages a collection of 450,000 books and 10,000 kinds of on-line contents, and operates 3 subject rooms for user-centered subject specialized service, and Hankyongmaru.
With the resent IT trend, it provides multiple on-line contents, SNS, and mobile service as well.Also there is a room for study and reading to support a variety of student's activities. The Central library performs a role of crucial information provider and cultural complex.
Customized Service


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Between coach, QB and system, Eagles have no shortage of Chiefs connections
In the afterglow of his team's win over the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 21, Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson smiled when he saw a familiar name flash on his phone.
It was his friend and mentor, Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
"Congratulations, number one," Reid told him. "Good luck in the Super Bowl."
Pederson, who spent three years in Kansas City as Reid's offensive coordinator from 2013 to 2015, treasured those words.
Pederson has come so far since then, guiding his own team to the Super Bowl in only his second year in charge, but when Reid offered his next bit off advice, he still listened closely.
"Enjoy the moment," Reid reminded him. "You've got to enjoy these times. You never know when you're going to get another opportunity to come back."
Reid knows this well. Despite a successful 19-year run as a head coach in which he's accumulated a .663 winning percentage, it's been 12 years since Reid guided his own team to the Super Bowl as a head coach, as the Eagles' 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in 2005 remains his only dalliance with glory.
So it's ironic for sure that Reid's disciple is now getting a shot in Sunday's Super Bowl — which starts at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium — with the same team Reid went to the Super Bowl with, against the same team he faced when he went.
"He's done a great job there, a phenomenal job there," Reid said of Pederson. "To me, he's really taken that whole organization there to another level."
Reid said the most impressive thing about Pederson's leadership this season was the way he managed to guide the Eagles to the promised land with Nick Foles at quarterback following the season-ending injury to star quarterback Carson Wentz in early December.
"He has a quarterback that believes in him, and he comes back with another quarterback that believes in him," Reid said. "You've seen his ability to coach those guys and bring out the strengths in each of them."
While Wentz was an MVP candidate, the 29-year-old Foles — who spent 2016 as the Chiefs' No. 2 quarterback — has performed well in his absence. Foles completed 56.4 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and two interceptions in the regular season, and he has completed 77.8 percent of his passes for 598 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the two playoff wins.
Reid, however, isn't surprised Foles rose to the challenge. Shortly before Reid took Foles in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, he couldn't believe how resilient Foles was in the college tape Reid watched.
"The one thing that kind of attracted me to him was, other than his skill, was watching tape of him at Arizona, and he had (close to) an all-freshman offensive line ... and he was just getting the dog beat out of him," Reid recalled. "But he never blinked at those guys, and then those guys would come and help him off the ground when he got knocked down, and I go, 'You know what, he's not pointing fingers, he's getting up, he's standing in the pocket, and doesn't care. He's just gonna play.'
"You can tell guys rallied around him, and he wasn't a finger pointer at all. That, along with his ability, is an important part of all this."
That's part of the reason Reid decided to take a stab at Foles as a reclamation project last summer, after the then 27-year-old had been unceremoniously released by the Los Angeles Rams.
"I really felt like he would be back with the Eagles, I felt that all along," Foles' dad, Larry Foles, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I felt like (owner) Jeffrey (Lurie) thought the world of Nick."
And while Foles was considering retirement following his release by the Rams, he later credited his one-year stint in Kansas City with helping him rejuvenate his career.
"I love the structure the coaches and (quarterback) Alex (Smith) had, and going through that helped me a lot throughout that week," Foles told The Star in Jan. 2017. "Just having that comfort level (with Reid) has been real good for me ... the environment, the culture that's created … when you're in the locker room, you see everybody talking, hanging out, having a good time."
Reid said he knew when he initially signed Foles to the Chiefs that the quarterback had been considering retirement, but Reid figured he still had plenty of good football left.
"He's a young guy, and his parents are amazing — they're good people," Reid said. "But his dad, really, kind of said he's too young to retire and he really wants to play, he's just got to get away and take a deep breath.
"He's been through a lot, and I give the credit to his dad, really hanging with his son, giving him support when he needed the support. It was a good lesson for all us dads."
Now, Foles will find himself guiding a similar version of Reid's offense on Sunday, as the Eagles strive to prevent the Patriots from adding to their collection of Super Bowl victories.
"There's a wrinkle here or there, whether it's in the pass game or run game ... but for the most part, Coach Reid's offense and Doug's offense is the same," said assistant offensive line coach Eugene Chung, who held a similar role in Kansas City under Reid from 2013 to 2015.
Still, whether it's the decreased amount of run-pass options they liked so much under Wentz, or the addition of certain concepts Foles executes well, Reid pointed out that Pederson has done a good job adjusting to whatever challenges the Eagles have faced this season as they rolled to a 13-3 regular-season record.
Even more important, Reid can tell Pederson's players like him and play hard for him — something Reid has always had going for him.
"He's got respect from everyone," Reid said. "I think the person that did the ultimate Gatorade dunk on him (on Jan. 21) was a defensive player, so they care about the guy, and that's an important thing."
Terez A. Paylor: 816-234-4489, @TerezPaylor. Download Red Zone Extra, The Star's Chiefs app.


text:
British pound rebounds as UK PM seeks unity after Brexit resignations
Fears fade that resignations would lead to immediate challenge to Mrs May's leadership
British Prime Minister Theresa May tPhotograph: Rick Findler/EPA
The British pound rebounded on Tuesday as fears faded that the departure of two ministers would prompt an immediate challenge to Prime Minister Theresa May's leadership, while the yen fell against the dollar as investors bid up riskier assets.
Sterling turned positive on the day and rose to $1.3272 , having fallen to as low as $1.3189 on Monday, after Mrs May's foreign minister and Brexit negotiator quit in protest at her plans to keep close trade ties with the European Union.
Conservative lawmakers said Mrs May is likely safe from a leadership challenge despite the resignations and that helped the beleaguered currency regain some ground.
Still, the departures undermined Mrs May's own proclamation of cabinet unity last Friday.
"The market is worried that yesterday's resignations could be a sign of major instability within the British government. However, we see little indication of that and assume May will survive and restart negotiations with Brussels. sterling should correct its losses," said Commerzbank FX analyst Esther Maria Reichelt.
Markets still expect the Bank of England to hike rates at its next policy meeting on August 2nd, but analysts warn a full-blown political crisis could dent those expectations.
The pound strengthened against the euro to 88.60 pence, and at 0730 GMT was up 0.1 per cent, after hitting a four-month low of 89.025 pence per euro on Monday.
Elsewhere currency markets were broadly risk positive as investors focused on decent economic data and appeared to shrug off concerns about U.S.-China trade tensions.
Numbers showing a healthy rise in German exports have also buoyed the mood.
The dollar rose 0.2 per cent against the Japanese yen, a currency usually bought during times of political uncertainty, to 111.08 yen, above the 111-yen handle for the first time since Tuesday last week and approaching a six-month high.
The dollar's index against a basket of six major currencies rose to 94.230 after falling on Monday to 93.711 , its lowest since mid-June.
The dollar was not helped by Friday's data showing US wage growth remained tame despite a tight labour market.
The yuan rose 0.1 per cent in offshore markets to 6.6262 against the dollar, further away from the lows hit in June - its biggest ever monthly fall.
"It seems the market has digested the potential negative outcome stemming from the US-China trade war, although I am not sure the market has really priced in the worst scenario," said Mizuho Securities' Yamamoto.
The Chinese currency gained last week on the back of a stronger midpoint fixing and after data showed China's foreign exchange reserves rising in June.
Turkey's lira on Tuesday made up some of the previous day's losses, trading one percent higher at $4.6890.
The currency had hit as low as $4.7506 after President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday named his son-in-law as Treasury and Finance minister in the new cabinet. – Reuters


text: Make a deliciously rich buttery Brioche dough and transform into Sticky Apricot, Cranberry & Almond Stollen Buns, a simple buttery brioche loaf. Also make the magical, savoury Festive bread from Provence a Pompe a l'Huile, this decorative, deep golden, bicycle wheel shaped bread, a savoury, olive oil version of brioche, is made to be shared among friends, traditionally torn and never cut, it will adorn a festive table. Pompe a l'Huile is fabulous with a smoked salmon starter, most soups and beautiful served with a cheese board; it can be tied with a red ribbon to make a lovely gift. All these breads freeze well.


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The Ominous Hans Winterberg Puzzle
Over the last months, everything we thought we knew about Hans Winterberg has been turned on its head. The posting I made some two years ago resulted in enormous interest and re-opened an iniquitous chapter, in which music smashed headlong into post-war politics. The blog posting resulted in journalists contacting me, in musicians asking for scores and even a festival around Hans Winterberg held in Tucson Arizona. Recordings are being made and the story of the German Jewish Czech composer who was kept on in the same Nazi concentration camp by the post-war Czech government both intrigued and enraged readers.
The story, to abbreviate from my earlier blog entry (now removed) was the result of a goldsmith in Bavaria named Peter Kreitmeir trying to trace his family lineage and coming against the brick-wall of the Sudeten German Music Institute (SMI), which housed the musical estate of Hans Winterberg, his newly discovered grandfather. Randy Schönberg, the lawyer made famous from the film "Woman in Gold" sent me a copy of the Sudeten German Music Institute contract covering the Winterberg estate and suggested I make contact with Kreitmeir and take things from there. Kreitmeir had discovered his grandfather's music embargoed at the Institute along with anti-Semitic clauses in the contract. (For German readers: see below)
The contract, signed in 2002, also specifically instructed the SMI to deny the existence of any Winterberg family members. To Kreitmeir, this was the limit. His mother Ruth, Winterberg's daughter was 11 years old when her parents were forced to divorce by Nazi race laws and her father deported to Theresienstadt.
Ruth was subsequently placed in a children's home. Years later, having made the arduous journey out of Prague to Germany, she married Peter Kreitmeir's father, gave birth to Peter and abandoned both husband and child four months later. She was severely damaged as an individual and Peter did not meet her until a few months before her death in December 2015. It was important to Winterberg's fourth wife and adopted son Christoph, for reasons that might become apparent, that the existence of blood relatives be denied.
When Peter showed up, Christoph willingly handed over power of attorney, supported the annulment of the SMI contract and let Peter Kreitmeir take control of the Winterberg estate. Everything seemed in place for the world to discover the music of Hans Winterberg. The response was universally positive, and not just because of the intriguing story. The music was engaging, gripping and strong by any measure.
It was music flavoured with Czech rhythms and the jagged melodies that characterised Czech composers from Janáček to Martinů, Hans Krasa and Pavel Haas. It was the rhythm of spoken Czech, as Janáček explained, and created a sense of forward momentum, reflecting the second syllable accents that characterise the language. Hearing music with obvious Czech accents by the German composers of Prague and Brno such as Pavel Haas, Hans Krasa or Erwin Schulhoff stood in stark contrast to contemporary German and Austrian composers in Berlin and Vienna. Winterberg appeared to be the missing element from this group of Czech composers, and the obvious reason he was missing was because he wasn't murdered in a Nazi death camp. He was overlooked in the frenzy of performing works by murdered composers. Survivors such as Hans Winterberg or Szymon Laks had to wait to be discovered. With Laks it was easier: there was no embargo placed on his estate.
The true story of Hans Winterberg, however, is murkier, more complex and leaves open questions of identity and fundamental existential survival. Just as concentration camp survivors hated recalling the ethical dilemmas they addressed in order to live, so the true Winterberg story also confronts us with ethical cul-de-sacs.
This is what we know: The Potsdam Conference and the resultant Beneš Decree ethnically cleansed all traces of German from Czech culture by expelling all Czech Germans. Indeed, it was not just Czech culture that was ethnically cleansed. Twelve million German Poles, Czechs and other Eastern Europeans were made to leave their homes and forced to relocate to either Germany or Austria. Some walked while others were herded into cattle cars.
Neither pre- nor post-war Germany was a country many Czech Germans were prepared to recognise as a homeland. The story of Eastern Europe's ethnic cleansing of Germans post 1945 is a cruel and sobering chapter hidden by the shadow of Nazi brutality. Hans Winterberg was seen as a victim of anti-German savagery. He became a symbol of historic injustice and relativized the role of Germans as sole aggressors. What the Nazis attempted against the Slavs, the Slavs repaid innocent Germans tenfold. According to the SMI, contemporary German historians and even close contacts of Winterberg himself, he had not been freed from Theresienstadt with the defeat of Nazis in Czechoslovakia, but moved from the camp to its actual prison to await deportation to Germany. We were informed he remained there for another two years.
Except we now know that Winterberg's part in this story wasn't true. The truth is actually far more revealing of the Germany immediately after the war, and incredibly, of Germany today: HansWinterberg was initially hijacked by a community of post-war refugees, who claimed him as one of their own. More recently, he was commandeered by contemporary German musicology. Both groups set great store in Winterberg being a victimised German Czech composer.
Winterberg soon realised upon arriving in Germany, and following the Communist Coup of 1948 in Czechoslovakia, this was a useful if not entirely accurate identity to take on. He played along. Louise, his fourth wife, had endured the death-march from her home in the Sudetenland to Bavaria while carrying the child of a German soldier. She could never forget or forgive. Winterberg through various twists of fate became part of the community of expelled German Czechs living in Bavaria. It was where his first wife, Maria Maschat, and daughter had ended up, both of whom were German Czechs and deported under the Beneš Decree.
Maschat was a former child prodigy, accomplished pianist and promising composer in her own right. She had taken Winterberg's scores into safe keeping when he was deported to Theresienstadt. Maria Maschat wasn't Sudeten German, but part of Prague's historic German Czech community. Winterberg's family were Prague Jews and could be traced back 300 years or more. His father had partially owned a factory in the Sudetenland province of Czechoslovakia, but the Winterbergs themselves were not from the Sudetenland.
(Second movement from the Sudeten Suite, Trio for Piano, Violin and Cello (1964) 'Rund um den Plöckenstein': Gerhard Seitz (Violine); Walter Nothas (Violoncello); Günter Louegk (Klavier))
To Slavic Czechs, the Sudeten Germans, from their province in the North-western end of the country, had facilitated Hitler's absorption of Moravia and Bohemia. They became Nazi colonies, while Slovakia was unbolted from the Czech regions and returned to its pre-1918 status as part of Hungary under the puppet regime of Miklós Horthy. Little wonder that Czechs hated their German speaking neighbours. The fact that German Czechs, whether Jews or non-Jews, were frequently as anti-Nazi as Slavic Czechs was of little significance. It was collective guilt and collectively, all German Czechs would have to resettle outside of the now 100% Slavic Czechoslovakia.
(Concerto for piano no. 2 opening movement (1948) Agi Brand-Setterl (piano) Munich Philharmonic (1950) conductor Fritz Rieger)
Following the death of Winterberg and his fourth wife, his adopted son sold the musical estate to the Sudeten German Music Institute in Regensburg in 2002. The contract states that Winterberg's works are embargoed until January 2031. Following the lifting of the embargo, no mention was ever to be made of Winterberg being Jewish, a condition meant to hold into perpetuity. Performances of his music could only take place if Winterberg was specifically billed as a "Sudeten German composer".
For those unable to read the German, the following was agreed between the SMI and Christoph Winterberg: the SMI is not allowed to acknowledge the existence of the Hans Winterberg estate, let alone its housing with the SMI. There is to be no index of works or any index of the estate in its entirety. The fact that the estate was in the possession of the SMI was not to be made known until January 1st 2031. Any and all inquiries regarding living relatives were to be – "without exception" – answered "in the negative".
(Quartet 1936-1942; 1st Mov. Köckert Quartet 1951)
But following the lifting of the embargo, questions started to be asked. Today's Sudeten German Music Institute, under younger and more enlightened management, chooses not to differentiate between ethno-musicology and serious or popular music composition. This is a fine principal, but in practice, the Institute is founded on the musical heritage of the German Czechs from the Sudetenland and their largely folk traditions. Winterberg was not a Sudeten German. The Sudetenland had turned itself into a German speaking province in Northern Czechoslovakia in 1919 and even if most German speaking Czechs did not come from within the physical borders of the Sudetenland, the Sudeten German Music Institute in Regensburg effectively annexed all German speaking Czech musicians as "Sudeten Germans".
A brief explanation of the co-existance of Germans and Slavs in Bohemia and Moravia is needed to understand why such tensions existed. Slavic Czechs had suffered at the chauvinistic hands of German Czechs throughout the 19th century. From 1918 until 1938, they attempted an awkward co-existence. With the Munich Accord in 1938, Slavic Czechs felt betrayed by their German-speaking fellow citizens. In truth, however, many Slavic-Czechs, in both local and central government, had attempted to enact restrictions on German-Czechs, making the Sudeten plea for "rescue" by Hitler all the more plausible. The coexistence since 1918 was not happy and after the bloodshed ended in 1945, the leaders at the Potsdam Conference looked away as more bloodshed ensued. Churchill, Truman and Stalin had decided tidying up the continent was best carried out with Europe's German speakers kept firmly west of the Oder and Neiße Rivers and out of Czechoslovakia altogether. It was a practical, if messy solution.
This grouping together of all Czech Germans as "Sudeten" was not something Czech German Jews would have welcomed. They freely expressed their Czech identity and certainly Winterberg's music was extremely Czech sounding with no obvious relationship with the music of inter-war Austria and Germany. Peter Kreitmeir was unhappy with his Jewish grandfather being housed in an archive that had taken him on the basis of denying his Jewishness, while placing a lengthy embargo on his music. Even if you were prepared to expand the definition of "Sudeten German" to cover all German speaking Czechs, he was unhappy with the arrangement and began to dig.
(Ballade um Pandora. Eine choreographische Vision, no date of comp. perf. 1959, Munich Phil. Cond. Rudolf Alberth)
Tirelessly, Kreitmeir wrote various Czech departments and archives and eventually the true Winterberg story began to unfold. The assumption was that Winterberg had put himself forward as culturally German in the 1930 census. According to German historians, this bit of innocent box-ticking in a national census trying to determine the cultural mix of the newly founded country of Czechoslovakia would lead to his incarceration in Theresienstadt until 1947 and eventual expulsion. Yet Kreitmeir had always wondered why works written by his grandfather between 1945 and 1947 were dated with "Prague" and not "Theresienstadt" or "Terezín" as was the case with the works he composed following his deportation to Theresienstatdt in early 1945.
The answer arrived from the Czech National Archives with a copy of the Winterberg census form from 1930 which clearly shows that Winterberg was not identified as German, but Czech. As such, his imprisonment in Theresienstadt was only a few months and with the liberation of Czechoslovakia, he was free to return to Prague in May 1945. The imprisonment until his "deportation" In 1947 was made up: but by whom, and for what purpose?
This is where politics, survival and human nature start to make facts go murky. Hanuš Winterberg (as he was known in Czech) applied for a passport in 1946 in order to travel to Germany to retrieve the manuscripts he had given to Maria Maschat for safe keeping. The request was approved and in 1947, Winterberg arrived in Bavaria where his former wife was working at Bavarian Radio.
The marriage was no longer retrievable: the enforced divorce, deportation of Winterberg to Theresienstadt followed by the expulsion of Maria Maschat and daughter Ruth had made a return to former normality impossible. Winterberg would embark on a series of marriages to much younger women, mostly music students. The Coup of 1948 meant Czechoslovakia was now firmly under Communist control and anchored in the authoritarian Soviet Bloc. With a young and pretty German girlfriend, soon to become wife number two, he would have had little incentive to return; yet remaining was also not without problems.
('Stationen (opening) 1975/75' Bamberger Symphoniker 1975, Cond. Rainder Miedel)
His biography is as follows: born in 1901 in Prague to Rudolf and Olga Winterberg. By the age of nine, he was already studying piano with Therèse Wallerstein, and at Prague's Music Academy, he studied conducting with Alexander Zemlinsky and Fidelio Finke and composition with Alois Hába; one of his fellow conservatory students at the time was Gideon Klein. In the German Theatre Yearbook of 1929, he's listed as a rehearsal pianist at the opera in Brno, though he was apparently not exclusively bound to the house and worked with a number of ensembles.
(Concerto for piano and orchestra 1948, 1st Mov. Pianist: Agi Brand-Setterl, conductor: Fritz Rieger; Munich Philharmonic 1950)
He married the Roman Catholic Maria Maschat in 1930 and their daughter Ruth was born in Prague in 1935. Only months following the annexation of the Sudetenland in 1938, the rest of Czechoslovakia was classified by Nazi Germany as the 'Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia'. Despite the misleading language, by 1939 it was essentially an annexation of most of Czechoslovakia. The country was one of the new 'concepts' set up following the end of the First World War and had only been in existence for twenty years. Broken down into its constituent states of Bohemia and Moravia, it was folded into the ever expanding Nazi empire. Slovakia, as stated above, was partially returned to Nazi compliant Hungary, from where it had been removed by the allies in 1918.
(First mov. Symphony no 2 (1943) Munich Philharmonic, cond. Jan Koetsier 1952)
It left Winterberg highly exposed. As a Jew, Hitler's government would not have allowed him automatic German citizenship, though his marriage to a non-Jew accorded him a so-called privileged status. How "privileged" this status was, is highly debateable, as the journals of Victor Klemperer confirm. The composer Edmund Eysler was also accorded a "privileged" status, and like Klemperer, dreaded leaving the house for fear of being arrested during recurrent Nazi round-ups. Any Jew found on the streets was arrested and deported. Afterwards, even "privileged" Jews were lost as their marriages were declared void. With their divorce in 1944 as directed by Nazi laws on "inter-racial marriage", Winterberg was instantly arrested and sent to Theresienstadt, where his mother Olga had earlier been deported before her murder in Maly Trostinez.
(Concerto for piano and orchestra 1948, 3rd Mov. Pianist: Agi Brand-Setterl, conductor: Fritz Rieger; Munich Philharmonic 1950)
Winterberg was a Czech with a Prague pedigree reaching back more than 300 years. Saying he was "Czech" on the census was self-evident. Having attended only German schools meant he was completely bilingual, though probably more literate or at least more at ease with German, as was the case with most Czech Jews. German was a language, not a nationality during the census of 1930, and the question that was asked was one of cultural identity, not of language. It might be similar to a citizen of Suisse Romande expressing a Swiss cultural identity with French as their principal language. With arrival in Germany, a new girlfriend, an unwelcome political development in Czechoslovakia and a network of other Czechs now living in Bavaria along with his ex-wife and daughter, the best course of action for Winterberg was to fit in. He folded himself in with the community of fellow Czech refugees and "victims" of the fateful 1930 census. The bitter irony was that he had now become part of the very community of Sudeten Germans who had called upon Hitler to save them from the Czech government in Prague. These Sudeten Germans were the very people who had "aryanised" the Winterberg family factory.
It must have presented Winterberg with an ethical dilemma, though merely finding a way to survive was all the ethical judgement required for someone who had come out of a concentration camp alive. How he chose to survive can be deduced in an internal memorandum written in 1952, by a Bavarian official in which he explains that Winterberg was a "Census refugee", doubly punished for being a Jew as well as a Czech German. It was the myth that survived, and indeed, the myth that kept him in Germany.
(Piano concerto no. 3, (1968) Piano Gitti Pirner, Cond. Jan Koetsier; Munich Philharmonic 1970)
How Winterberg kept himself going can be deduced by other bits of information that Kreitmeir has located. His position within the Sudeten German community was far from secure. In 1975, Heinrich Simbriger wrote a 36 page memorandum on exiled German Czech musicians to Sir Cecil Parrott, the British ambassador to Czechoslovakia. Simbriger is an interesting figure who ran the Sudeten German Artists' Archives in Regensburg, (the location of today's Sudeten German Music Institute). He studied with Joseph Haas in Munich and Joseph Lechthaler in Vienna, two noted church music specialists. He became a follower of Josef Matthias Hauer's system of twelve tone composition and eventually published his own twelve tone ideas in his book "Complementary Harmony". His short biographical sketches of both Hans Winterberg and Maria Maschat for Parrott are shockingly partisan, inaccurate and deeply offensive. (At one point describing Winterberg's works as "somewhat impressionistic")
The strong implication is that Winterberg was only willing to play the Sudeten German to a limited extent. He was clearly not willing to throw his entire lot in with Simbriger's hapless exiles. Yet even in a letter from Winterberg to Simbriger, in which Simbriger attempts to nail Winterberg's true national colours, Winterberg skates about judiciously. Instead of offering a direct answer, he squirms and explains that it was his father who filled in the census form in 1930; and rather than answering Simbriger's suspicions, he replies with what he hopes will be accepted as rhetorical questions: "Didn't you know that Alois Hába preferred to speak to me in German because my Czech was inadequate?" (Hába was an unapologetic Czech nationalist, as Ernst Krenek tells us in his memoirs) "Didn't I only attend German speaking schools?" "Should I be held responsible for how my father filled in the census form?" "Have you ever heard me speak Czech?" and so on. A more incriminating question would have been why Winterberg didn't set German texts to music other than Franz Werfel and, following the war texts by his fourth wife Louise. Yet Winterberg didn't set Czech texts after 1945 either. The question hangs in the air: was it because Winterberg could not bring himself to deal intimately with the German language in music, or was he perhaps afraid that by setting music to texts in Czech, he would be flushed out. Who knows – we can only speculate.
(String Trio 1960 (2nd movement); Angelika Rümann (vln), Franz Schessl (vla), Wilhelm Schneller (Cello), perf. 1960)
Winterberg landed initially in Riederau am Ammersee before relocating to Munich where he became a writer and editor for Bayrischer Rundfunk and a teacher at the Richard Strauss Conservatory.
He married his much younger student Heidi Ehrengut , an apparently passionate but short-lived affair.
The marriage to Heidi was followed by a third and then fourth marriage in 1965, which included Winterberg's adoption of the twenty year-old Christoph, with whom his mother was pregnant during her forced march from her home in the Sudetenland. It is presumably this connection with the Sudetenland that ultimately resulted in Hans Winterberg's estate coming to the SMI.
(Symphonic Epilogue 1952, Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart, cond. Hans Müller-Kray, perf. 1966)
After retirement, he moved to Bad Tölz and dedicated himself to composition. His final years were spent in Upper-Bavaria, though he was buried in Bad Tölz. Obituaries mention his Talent as artist and painter; they tellingly note that he saw himself as a 'Universalist' rather than 'German chauvinist'.
(Extract from opening of 'Reiseballade' (Travel Ballade) 1958, Bamberger Symphoniker, cond. Joseph Strobl, 1963)
But let's leave these questions to one side and examine the music itself. Winterberg's compositions represent a legacy of some twenty or so CDs in length made up of Bavarian Radio broadcasts from the 1950s to the 1980s. These appear mostly to be recordings of post-war works. Yet, his output was enormous with orchestral music alone including two symphonies, four piano concerti, three ballets, massive quantities of chamber music and works for solo piano – and that's simply the merest sketch of an oeuvre that must compare with far better-known and more established post-war contemporaries.
(String Quartet 1957 (reworked 1970), Final mov. Sonnleiter Quartet 1971)
The musical language is officially described by Albrecht Dümling as 'individual, with strong emphasis on the polyrhythmic, with individual rhythmic concepts synthesised into a unifying entity.' (My translation from the Wikipedia page on Hans Winterberg) What is not clearly mentioned, but comes across as strongly as the pure exuberance and energy of his music, is the melodic and harmonic inventiveness. We are not dealing with atonality, 12-tone, or even with alienating degrees of poly-tonality. In this respect, Winterberg was not a creature of Germany's post-war musical establishment. There is enormous atmosphere and beauty brought together in a highly expressive language that speaks boldly and openly to the listener. In short, this is music we cannot afford to ignore and nobody ever had the right to suppress.


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The Unfolding of Benjamin's Misery
This one-person tragicomedy examines the possibility of everyday dissidents in global capitalism. Carefully interweaving techniques of Clown/Dark Clown, spoken word poetry and physical theatre, this play offers a supertheatrical experience that is hilarious, poignant and lyrical.
Benjamin is an undocumented migrant, working at an event venue in Auckland for less than the minimum wage. Even so, he is happy because he still earns more than he would back in his homeland. And, of course, his Boss couldn't be happier. One day, a world-roaming, broken, dissident Bard comes to the venue for performance/workshop.
If Benjamin is cursed not to recognize domination, Bard is cursed to seek liberation. When the two distinct yet somewhat similar souls meet, Benjamin's misery inevitably starts unfolding itself.
Hideto Akasu is an interdisciplinary artist who is the winner of Liverpool Poetry Slam 2018 and whose visual artworks are featured several times in Wotisart magazine.
Tues 26 February - Sat 2 March; 20:00
The Vic (Lounge)
48 Victoria Rd, Devonport
50 minutes
Koha / Pay What You Can
$5 to hold a space in advance
Accessible seating not available
Content Warnings:


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Treasury Introduces New $100 Bill
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Wednesday unveiled a new $100 bill that is equipped with two new security features.
The bill will go into circulation on Feb. 11, 2011.
The Fed, along with the Treasury Department, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Secret Service, "continuously monitor the counterfeiting threats" for each denomination and redesign decisions are made based on those threats, Bernanke said.
"This job has become more complex in recent years as technology advances and U.S. dollar flows expand and increase," he added.
The bill — the highest value of all U.S. notes — circulates widely around the world, with circulation in the past 25 years growing to $890 billion from $180 billion.
Because about two-thirds of all $100 notes circulate outside the U.S., Bernanke said the agencies must ensure people around the world are aware of the design change. Over the next several months, officials at the agencies will work to educate businesses and consumers about the design and explain how to use its security features.
The 6.5 billion or so $100 notes in circulation now will remain legal tender, Bernanke said.
The security features include a blue 3-D Security Ribbon on the front of the note that contains images of bells and 100s, which move and change from one to the other as you tilt the note, according to joint release from the agencies.
Another security feature is the "Bell in the Inkwell" image that changes color from copper to green when the note is tilted, an effect that makes it appear and disappear within the inkwell.
"As with previous U.S. currency redesigns, this note incorporates the best technology available to ensure we're staying ahead of counterfeiters," Geithner said.
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8 Valid Reasons For Women to Document Their Not-so Perfect Body with a Boudoir Shoot
In my boudoir photography business*, "But I'm not a model" is the prime excuse that comes up when a woman is deciding if she's "good enough" to justify boudoir photographs for herself, after of course, "I've got to loose weight."
So, sit back and let's go over a few reasons why this view is holding women back in ways of confidence, self-respect, personal growth and a lot of fun.
I don't want to hear this "When I loose weight" thing if you fall in this category. Believe me, I get you. I fall into that trap too but let me put it to you straight: life is fast and do you really think you're going to look sexier a year or two or three or five from now? Great. Do it then. Do it now, loose that weight, make it happen because one or two or three or five years will be here before you ever commit for real. Been there, done that, know it well. Don't do it now and you've lost on your chance of documenting the best you that you could have been at a time that will never come back for you to redo. You might find accepting yourself as you are, weight and all is not as intimidating as you feel or think so focus on the best part of what you've got to offer if you're not willing to make the hard commitment choices to "get in shape" enough to gift yourself a boudoir shoot. I just really want to make the strong point that we, women specifically, put everyone else first and as time goes by, so does our life. Women just don't celebrate themselves enough and so this kind of a photo shoot takes care of that unfortunate reality. Good thing I know a thing or two about the business to help you. :)
Here's your 8 Valid Reasons to Document the Not-so Perfect Body with a Boudoir Shoot:
- Every year you get older and your body deteriorates a little bit more. Don't let it go, abuse it or ignore it. Unless you're athletic or live an active lifestyle, at some point "older" is "what the fuck happened?!" Don't get caught in this mess.
- You look better than you think. A good boudoir photographer and team can prove it if your mirror can't. Correct lighting, positioning, make up, hair, styling, basically hours behind the scenes can make a woman look radiant and glamorous, because, that's what it takes when you see the perfection in the magazines. Unless you live a Kardashian life, reality is not constant beauty. So, you look great. Document it. Prove it.
- You're not into the boudoir frill. I get that too. Try a more natural documentation approach sans the boa, lingerie or heels. You don't have to be sexy to be "you" if "you" isn't naturally sexy. So be natural and stick with that as your sexy. Don't let anyone's vision of sensuality or sexy define yours and keep you from expressing or experiencing a side to yourself you might otherwise feel isn't worthy of photographing or enjoying.
- You're uncomfortable naked. Yes, so get in line. What better way to deal with it than to document your body at its natural state? If photos are taken well, you'll gain a new appreciation for the body you have and the woman who is probably hidden underneath the clothes. Plus, you never really have to get naked. You're in control of what you want to show and document and how.
- "I just don't know if I can do that." Okay. Neither do I. Try or don't try. You're worth a try, no?
- "It's not in my budget." Okay. What is your budget? What do you want out of this? Photos or a full experience? What are you worth? Figure these out and the whole process will be smoother for you.
- "I'm too shy". Again, yes, so get in line. A good boudoir/figure photographer will do her/his best to make you comfortable. It's part of the job because it directly affects the outcome of the photos. If you don't feel yourself with a boudoir photographer, find another one. This is personal and it's okay.
- Husbands/boyfriends come and go but your body will always be yours. Celebrate it! My view on this is very different than most, I understand. However, I stick with suggesting having your photos taken for *yourself* and not necessarily for the man in your life. Remember, ultimately, he's just the audience you're "allowed" to share it with but is it really "for him"? Need it be? Don't you love choice? :) In the ideal end, however, you keep the album. You create the images you want to see of yourself. What are you comfortable with? What envelopes do you want to push? Who do you want to be? You decide. Love is grand until the babies come and the weights of real life come, and the body doesn't come quite so often. If you do this for a man, great but why not do it for you? Think about the fact that if you'd not be able to look at the photo album positively years from now in a similar way as you wouldn't be able to look at a wedding album should a breakup come, then you're doing it for the guy first and not yourself. Just something to think about. Not everyone falls in this category but you know who you are if you do so it's important I bring this up. I'm supportive of pleasing the husband/boyfriend but I'm also aware a few shoots I've done are now shelved by divorces, albums bringing negative memories rather than positive. This is why if a woman has sensual photos taken for herself with intent to share with others (or not), she's placing her own value above a man's value of her. Finding self-value takes time, guts and self-reflection and this is one prime reason I feel body documentation and/or boudoir photos bring a fabulous and fun experience to the process of self-value building and its sustainability.
If you would like to discuss more or learn about a private boudoir/sensual body documentation photo shoot, visit my boudoir page for some general info to get you started. Subscribe here to be placed on my Boudoir mailing list for news or special offer announcements. Email me for bookings.
*Yes, I've returned to photography part time. I missed it. I'm still painting though, no worries there. :)
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By Sanael
While so many of y'all were out Denton way, having a grand old fooforaw at Reapercon, I decided to go ahead and paint a bit, too. Only finished two things, really; here's one.
Very much "done now" quality. Had a little fun with color, nothing special.
By Maledrakh
From the first Bones kickstarter, or rather, a purchase I made soon after since I did not add on the "Fire Giant Warriors" subset.
As I have written earlier, I am grinding through getting the older versions of the Giants painted, as the newer versions are both 1) better detailed, and 2) a lot larger. The idea is that if I do not get the older ones done before I start the newer versions, they will never be touched again. Which would be a shame, really.
This is the only old version Fire Giant I have, as the ones from Bones 3 and out are the new size and design.
I went with red skin and firey hair and beard.
The red is new Citadel Screamer Pink, Wazdakka Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet. The steel is Scalecolor Black Metal, Army Painter Plate Mail Metal and Army Painter Shining Silver. The gold is Vallejo Model Color Brass.
...and Char Donaye is only one wicket away from retaining the Ashes...
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Sculpted by Jason Wiebe
Bonesium PVC.
60mm round lipped base
available from reapermini.com
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Spent more time basing then painting on these guys! Happy on the results!
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I'm taking these to a weekend long gaming session this weekend. Then when I return it's back to getting ready for ReaperCon.
I hope you like my kobold army. It was fun to paint.
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And I want to finish all of this in about a month (unlikely)!
Wish me luck!
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As with the vast majority of cities which have developed and expanded over a number of centuries, London has not historically enjoyed the benefits of a coordinated planning policy. Consequently, well designed or adapted buildings are a rarity. However, the Disability Discrimination Act now means that public buildings, at least, will have to make provision for those with disabilities in order to ensure equal access to goods and services.
Some of these legislative requirements also extend to private landlords who provide rental accommodation. The Act prohibits unjustified less favourable treatment if you have a disability and are looking to rent accommodation. For example, landlords must not charge a disabled person a higher rent or deposit than other tenants.
In most cases, you should contact your accommodation office first for information about what might be available.


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Veeam, Lenovo team up on intelligent data management
Veeam has partnered with Lenovo to enable customers to buy Veeam Intelligent Data Management solutions with Lenovo software-defined infrastructure (SDI) and storage area network (SAN) offerings, directly from Lenovo and its resellers in one transaction.
According to Veeam, its integration with Lenovo solutions gives organisations a wide range of choice and flexibility to deliver IT simplicity, scalable performance, operational efficiency and accelerated innovation.
Peter McKay, president and co-CEO of Veeam, says the partnership is a prime example of two technology companies collaborating to provide efficient sales and deployment processes for their partners and customers.
The combination of Lenovo SDI and SAN solutions simplifies IT, mitigates risk and delivers the intelligent data management required to accelerate and grow businesses, he says.
Customers can remove the costs and complexity of legacy infrastructure, virtualisation and data protection management, and increase ROI through data management solutions that accelerate application development and deployment, support data analytics, and simplify disaster recovery, adds McKay.
John Majeski, who leads the software and solutions business at Lenovo Data Centre Group, says both companies focus on user-experience and have a customer-first approach.
With Veeam, he says Lenovo customers get IT simplicity and hyper-availability by leveraging its architecture that is easy to deploy and manage, and will boost availability service levels for all applications and data across virtual, physical and cloud workloads.


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One of the very first styled shoots at blanc. Please check out these stunning photos from Jarrod Renaud – http://www.jarrodreno.com/. These photos will be featured in 100 Layers Cake's blog on June 24th, keep an eye out for their blog!
Stylist: Jill Carter
Florist: Beet & Yarrow
Cake: Intricate Icings Cake Design
Pie: The Long I Pie
Whiskey Tasting: Leopold Bros.
Wardrobe: Shop Primary
Local artisans and shops lending goods and props:
Tin Man Provisions, Reno Bros, and TRI Vintage and Wares


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Care and Cleaning Instructions
Do Not Use
Products containing:
- Bleach
- Chlorine
- Muriatic Acid
- Other Harsh chemical cleaners
Also avoid:
- Power washing
- Putting your furniture in the pool
Do Use
Solution containing ¼ cup Dawn Dish Soap (or other mild detergent) per 1 gallon of water, scrubbed on with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry.
As a last resort
Our finishes, vinyl, sling fabric, and fiberglass tops do not promote mold/ mildew growth, however dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric will. If mold/ mildew has grown mix a solution of ¼ cup Dawn Dish Soap and 1/4 cup household bleach, per 1 gallon of water. Be sure to mix well, allowing the bleach to evenly diffuse into the solution. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to air dry.
This method will cause your furniture's finish to fade more quickly. Use only if the recommended method won't remove the mold/ mildew.
How often to clean
Salt spray and suntan oil/ lotion greatly accelerate the damage done to your furniture by the sun, and must be removed regularly. Cleaning your furniture with the bleach solution should not be necessary if proper cleaning takes place regularly.
Recommended cleaning schedule for furniture located:
Inland: Quarterly
Near Salt Water: Bi Monthly


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Parents, you've heard that "spanking your kids probably isn't the greatest use of a teachable moment," said Maggie Mertens in NPR's Health Blog. Well, it can also knock five points off your child's IQ, according to two new studies by University of New Hampshire sociologist Murray Straus. The effect is strongest in 2- to 4-year-olds, and the spanking-IQ correlation holds up both in the U.S. and in the 32 other countries Straus studied.
"Less-than-ideal practice? Maybe," said Paula Spencer in Woman's Day. "The ruin of society? I don't buy it. Never have. A whole generation of parents was spanked, and most of us turned out okay."
"How might getting spanked on the butt actually affect the workings of the brain?" said John Cloud in Time. Straus says it has to do with "fright and stress," which make it harder to focus and learn. He could have it backward, of course—maybe kids with "poor reasoning skills misbehave more often"—but other studies back Straus' interpretation of the data.
The evidence seems pretty conclusive, said Salynn Boyles in WedMD Health News. In a 2002 survey of 88 spanking studies, 90 percent found spanking to be detrimental, raising incidents of aggression, anti-social behavior, and mental-health issues. Critics point out that Straus and other spanking researchers "strongly oppose the practice," tainting the data, but Straus notes that even if it only has a small effect on IQ, it's one that parents can control.


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Issues That Matter public forum
7 p.m. July 30, 2015
Oak Harbor Library
In recent years, we have seen an increase in confrontations between police and civilians, many of which have made regional and national headlines. Police are using technologically advanced tools, which can present big questions. For example: When is the use of deadly force appropriate? Are police forces becoming overly militarized? Are officers adequately trained in the use of non-lethal force? What are the pros and cons of officers' body cameras? A panel of police, government and legal experts will address these and other matters related to police-community relations, and will respond to questions from the audience. The event will be co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Whidbey Island.
Panelists: Greg Banks, Island County prosecutor; Mark Brown, Island County sheriff; Ray Heltsley, law enforcement instructor at Skagit Valley College and retired police officer; and Chris Carney, attorney representing the American Civil Liberties Union Moderator: Dr. Marshall Goldberg.
Click here for event photos.
A thorough collection of periodicals and academic journals offering current news pertaining to all branches of the military and government—full text for nearly 300 journals and abstracts for nearly 400 titles.
*Research sites require a library card for users not accessing from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Sno-Isle Libraries' Issues That Matter programs are meant to encourage community conversations on high-profile topics. These events are free and open to the public. Funding is provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.
Follow Issues That Matter on Twitter, hashtag #snoisleITM
Current program


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I recommend hand washing for all my scarves.
Soak your scarf in warm water with a little silk wash detergent for about 20 minutes.
Squeeze gently but avoid rubbing too much.
Rinse at least twice and gently squeeze the water out.
Lay the scarf on a towel and roll it up, press on the towel to soak up excess water.
The scarf may be air dried flat or on a padded hanger.
Gently iron using a setting for the fibre of your scarf.
If washing is not required a gentle iron will bring your scarf back to life and bring out the shine on the silk.


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Shingles Treatment
Seek help as soon as the first blisters appear to prevent spreading of the blisters and post herpetic pain!
Dr. Csoka has years of experience in treating shingles in Orange County and Los Angeles for her patients via alternative methods and reducing the pain associated with it, and more importantly, in treating the underlying causes of the compromised immune system which is the root of the shingles outbreak. Dr. Csoka can stop the pain and get you on the road to recovery faster than what you may read on WebMD and other websites.
Even if you can't make an appointment, here are some good general guidelines from Dr. Csoka: It is important to avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body and depress the immune system. Avoid saturated fats, refined foods, sugars, and juice.
Include an antioxidant supplement with a multi-vitamin.
Zinc (30-50 mg a day) and selenium increase immunity
B-complex (50-100 mg a day), plus extra B12 for pain.
Try rubbing St. John's Wort oil on the lesions for pain relief.
Information on Shingles: Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue. As we get older, it is possible for the virus to reappear in the form of shingles. Shingles is estimated to affect 2 in every 10 persons in their lifetime. This year, more than 500,000 people will develop shingles. Fortunately, there is currently research being done to find a vaccine to prevent the disease.
What is shingles?
Shingles is an outbreak of a rash or blisters on the skin that may be associated with severe pain. The pain is generally on one side of the body or face.
Who is at risk for developing shingles?
Although it is most common in people over age 50, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations and stress.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching generally located on one side of the body or face. The rash or blisters are present anywhere from one to 14 days.
Are other complications associated with shingles?
Yes. If shingles appears on the face, it can lead to complications in hearing and vision. For instance, if shingles affects the eye, the cornea can become infected and lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Another complication of the virus is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where the pain from shingles persists for months, sometimes years, after the shingles rash has healed.


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Before John Ridley won the Academy Award for writing 12 Years a Slave, he was a stand-up comic. Marc talks to John about the times they crossed paths in comedy clubs and why John needed to leave comedy behind so he could move forward as a writer, a filmmaker and television show creator. Plus, Marc announces a new partnership for WTF. This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron, Blunt Talk on Starz, and Stamps.com.
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i have been devoted to deb perelman of smitten kitchen for ever so long (she of the hilarious, spit out your drink, slap your knee silly fame). I can't decide what i like better: her anecdotes or her recipes… and when i learned that she was publishing a cookbook, well let's say i didn't hesitate to order, and suspect, i may be transporting the book endlessly from kitchen to sofa.
i just could not not order cat ring.
buttons to give my trench a little umpphhh. (am thinking of having it re-lined in purple so you may see purchase soon).
i've learned that decorating is a work in progress and it's the little details, like those in thisimprinted doorknob, you know,that really elevate (i just love saying that) a room.
inspired by a recent how-to i came across featuring elizabeth arden 8 hour cream in 10 ways, i naturally ordered a tube.


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You're here for the tunes, right? No matter what brought you here we're determined to have something to make you stay. Whether it's the weekly posts or the accompanying playlists, I hope there's something to keep you immersed in the ever-changing world of music opinions.
My Bae Monday - Reviews of mainstream music releases
Who Dat Wednesday - Shoutouts to hardworking and underrated independent artists
Friday Five - Five songs, artists, tips, etc. to bring the mainstream and underground together


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Radio New Zealand International: November 22, 2013/
For your listening pleasure: two full hours of Radio New Zealand International, recorded on November 22, 2013 starting around 7:59 UTC on 9,765 kHz.
This recording begins with the The RNZI interval signal: the charming and unmistakable call of the New Zealand Bellbird.
Click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below:


text: Three of us enjoyed a wonderfully peaceful but productive time last weekend in the spacious and well-equipped Arts Building in Gibsons Landing. My students Camilla and Valerie each completed two beautiful works, and were indulgent with me as I did a couple of small paintings myself! The sun shone, the breezes blew, and we were happily and fully engaged in the creative process--heaven! Thanks also to Lauren Hemnes for her administrative help, and Georgina Brandon for inviting me to teach in this location.


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The beauty always has a tube of Lucas' Papaw Ointment in her purse.
"Sexy" Burberry Body perfume goes "from day to evening".
Leonor Greyl Regenerescence Naturelle hair oil helps the model's lengths stay strong.
Burberry Beauty Sheer Concealer and Effortless Mascara in Midnight Blonde "don't change—just enhance—my appearance," she says.
For an HD-worthy glow, Huntington-Whiteley exfoliates with Colbert M.D. Intensify Facial Discs.
Meticulous about her brows, she seals them with Anastasia Clear Brow Gel.


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Please click anywhere to continue browsing our site.
Shop For TiresBack To Tire Brands
Used by Champions Worldwide
At Walter's Auto Service Center, we are a proud provider of Maxxis tires for customers in Fort Myers, FL, Naples, FL, Cape Coral, FL, and surrounding areas. Customers are bound to find the right tire to fit their budget in our selection of competitively priced Maxxis tires.
Maxxis Tire was founded in Taiwan in 1967 as a manufacturer of bicycle tires. Through gradual growth, Maxxis eventually became the largest bike tire producer in the world. Maxxis has since expanded, and the company now offers a variety of tires for many different purposes. Today, Maxxis is one of the leading and most highly respected tire manufacturers in the world.
Maxxis manufactures tires on four continents in more than 170 countries, and employs over 28,000 people around the world. Whether you need tires to race, traverse tough conditions, or ensure a safe commute to work, Maxxis has a set of tires for you.
Shop our online tire catalog to browse our selection of Maxxis tires.
Over the last 45 years, Maxxis Tire has remained dedicated to developing and retaining faithful customers. The company continues to provide high quality tires and customer service with the goal of retaining customers for life. Maxxis tires are manufactured with the belief that the best can always be better.
Maxxis Tire has become a global leader in tires worldwide for a reason.
When customers choose Maxxis tires, they can expect ultimate control and ultimate execution.
As one of the leading Maxxis tire dealers in the area, we pride ourselves on our ability to send customers home happy. Contact us online or visit us today to learn more about our selection of Maxxis tires.
Walter's Auto Service Center is a pillar of the community. Walter's Auto Service
Center is a leader in offering name brand tires, wheels, and auto repair services for customers in
Fort Myers, FL, Naples, FL, Cape Coral, FL, and surrounding areas. Our goal is to focus on customer service.
It is the foundation of our business. Walter's Auto Service Center employs a well-trained staff specializing
in the sale and installation of passenger car, performance, light truck, or SUV tires. Take this opportunity
to browse our website or call us for personalized service.
When it doesn't run right and you've been elsewhere and it still doesn't work, bring it to us!
We can repair the problem.
We specialize in driveability problems.


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Your Custom Text Here
Please enjoy this gallery of Bret's photographs from locations around the Moab area that are found outside of the national and state parks, some times deep in the backcountry.
Cottonwood Trees in Fall Below Castleton Tower, Utah
Cottonwood trees displaying colorful fall leaves stand below Castleton Tower, the Priest and Rectory, and other features in Castle Valley, Utah.
Autumn Sunset at Warner Lake, Utah
A pastel autumn sky reflects in Warner Lake while snowcapped Haystack Mountain watches over aspen trees just starting to show signs of fall in the Manti La Sal Wilderness near Moab, Utah.
Autumn Sunset in La Sal Mountains, Utah
Sunset illuminates rain fingers above the Moab Rim and colorful autumn aspen trees from a viewpoint high in the La Sal Mountains near Moab, Utah.
Sunset Light on Sandstone Fins and La Sal Mountains, Utah
Sunset casts a warm glow upon sandstone fins in the Behind the Rocks Wilderness area with the La Sal Mountains in the background, as seen from Posion Spider Mesa near Moab, Utah.
Cascades Below Faux Falls, Utah
Mill Creek rushes over Faux Falls into a plunge pool and then cascades over a series of stones on a warm spring day near Moab, Utah.
Castle Rock and Storm Clouds, Utah
Castle Rock stands defiantly against an approaching storm in Castle Valley, Utah.
Stormy Sky Over Monitor and Merrimac, Utah
A stormy sky develops over Monitor and Merrimac Buttes near Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
Clouds at Sunrise Over Marlboro Point, Utah
Clouds fill the sky at sunrise above desert towers in Shafer Canyon as seen from Marlboro Point near Moab, Utah.
Desert Wildflowers and Fisher Towers at Sunset, Utah
An assortment of desert wildflowers including prickly pear, globemallow and prince's plume bloom alongside the Colorado River below the La Sal Mountains and Fisher Towers at sunset near Moab, Utah.
Electric Oaks
Gambel oaks recovering from a wildfire display incredible color in the La Sal Mountains near Moab, Utah.
Storm Over Shafer Canyon, Utah
A storm gathers in the skies above Shafer Canyon near Moab, Utah.
Breaking Storm Over Kane Creek Canyon, Utah
Storm clouds dissipate as late afternoon light filters into Kane Creek Canyon near Moab, Utah.
Faux Falls, Utah
A little known waterfall near the town of Moab, Utah rushes over slickrock ledges below dramatic sandstone peaks.
Balancing Rock at Sunset, Utah
A boulder perched precariously atop a hoodoo defies gravity at sunset near Hurrah Pass, Utah.
Sunburst Behind Cable Arch, Utah
The sun peeks out from behind Cable Arch in the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Area near Moab, Utah.
Fisher Towers and Clouds at Sunset, Utah
The Fisher Towers bask in the last rays of warm sunlight on a stormy evening outside Moab, Utah.
Pothole and Sandstone Buttes at Sunset, Utah
A large pothole filled with rainwater and sandstone buttes form an interesting scene at sunset near Moab, Utah.
Chimney Rock and Wildflowers, Utah
Chimney Rock towers over a the desert floor where rough mules ear and dwarf lupine wildflowers are blooming from a sand dune near Moab, Utah.
Raindrops on Aspen Leaf, Utah
Raindrops glisten on a fallen yellow aspen leaf in the La Sal Mountains near Moab, Utah.
Professor Creek Falls
A waterfall crashes into a slot canyon along Professor Creek near Moab, Utah.
Cisco Post Office, Utah
What's left of the post office at Cisco, Utah stands haphazardly among a landscape of ruin.
Sunset Over the Dolores River, Utah
The Dolores River flows below sandstone cliffs glowing in the minutes after sunset near Moab, Utah.
Evening Light on Tuk Arch
Evening light falls on Tuk Arch framing the snowcapped La Sal Mountains deep in the backcountry of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness near Moab, Utah.
375 South Main Street #130 - Moab, Utah 84532 - (602) 571-4170


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(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama is preparing to block the sale of new offshore drilling rights in much of the U.S. Arctic and parts of the Atlantic, Bloomberg reported, citing two people familiar with the decision.
Obama's move, which could come as soon as Tuesday, will give him the liberty to withdraw U.S. waters from future oil and gas leasing, Bloomberg said on Monday.
It said Obama was expected to invoke a provision in a 1953 law that had been used sparingly until now to preserve coral reefs and marine sanctuaries.
Related actions by Canada may be announced around the same time, Bloomberg added.
The White House declined to comment.
Reporting by Anya George Tharakan in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson in Honolulu; Editing by Peter Cooney


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To celebrate her 100th birthday, we have been collecting tributes from chefs, bloggers and other important food personalities to illustrate the impact that Julia Child had on the world of food. Here are some of our favorite responses. What did your favorite chef say about Julia?
What Does Your Favorite Chef Think of Julia Child?


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Sign-up using the form or call us at (260) 348-2883 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
Weight Loss Programs
Let us help you control your weight so you can lead a more active and healthy lifestyle. Our lifestyle programs are targeted toward individuals who have many health issues. Our staff will teach you that the more healthy foods that you eat, the more you will lose.See Our Programs


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- Colleges
- Scholarships
- Career
- Test Support
- Products
Go the Extra Mile
Benefit from career counselling to be sure that you are on the right track
For students & parents who leave nothing to chance!
Watch the video to see how this service works for you or for more information you can download brochure
Milestones to progress -
. Suggestion of a list of colleges categorized into 'Aspiration', 'Best Fit' and 'Safe' lists.
. Finalisation of a list of universities with the right balance of admission chances & scholarships.
. Guidance on finance, scholarships, accommodation and preparations before joining.
Key Facts
. 94% service satisfaction rate.
. Average of 3+ admission offers made for each student from their list of shortlisted universities.
. 91% students expressed complete clarity in choosing a career, course and country within 3 months
of starting the service.
. Over $2.5+ million in grants and scholarships awarded to students for the academic year 2012 - 2013.
. All the benefits associated with working with a team of experienced counsellors.
. Submitting a more competitive application.
. More time to focus on exams and less worry about college admission process.
. Wherever required, using Univariety's counsellor relationships to get better admission chances.
. Securing higher amount of scholarships.


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AGCO Application Equipment is offering a complete lineup of 2013 TerraGator models. All four TerraGator models, ranging from 330 to 425 horsepower come with features to improve fleet management and product application.
The 2013 TerraGator lineup features the three-wheel chassis TerraGator TG7300, TG8300 and TG9300 and four-wheel chassis TerraGator TG8400.
The enhancements include greater accuracy and better spread-pattern consistency with the improved AirMax Precision and AirMax Precision 2 dry-application systems. AgCommand, AGCO's proprietary telemetry system, now comes as a standard feature on all 2013 TerraGator models, with one year of the Advanced Service subscription.
"You'd be hard pressed to find a square inch on the TerraGator that hasn't been improved within the past five years," says Joel Krause, AGCO Application marketing specialist. "The many significant changes we've made to the guts of the TerraGator, coupled with improvements we've made to this year's product offering, quite simply make TerraGator untouchable in power, accuracy, performance and field smarts."
AirMax Precision and AirMax Precision 2
The AirMax Precision Systems exclusive to TerraGator are highly regarded among the best dry-application systems for producing uniform application patterns over uneven terrain and in windy conditions. AirMax Precision is a single-bin dry system, and AirMax Precision 2 spreads up to two products at once with customizable co-application rates. Enhancements made to the center outlets of both dry systems improve an already impressive spread-pattern consistency and product placement. Krause says just a few of the changes to the AirMax systems include designing tubes with a longer straight section, repositioning parts to create a more-constant and less-restricted airflow and creating curvature designs in the deflectors to widen the uniform pattern.
"We're setting higher industry standards on the level of accuracy that is available for dry-application practices," says Krause.
AgCommand Telemetry
AgCommand is a plug-and-play device that interfaces to the CAN network. When configured with a machine, it automatically generates near real-time information about a machine, such as its location, how well it is performing and how efficiently the equipment is being used. AgCommand works in tandem with either Standard Plus Service or Advanced Service subscriptions.
AgCommand collects GPS satellite location and machine performance data every 60 seconds in the Standard Plus version and every 10 seconds in the Advanced version. Data collected from the machine sensors is sent via modem over a cell network to a website every 15 minutes with the Standard Plus and every 10 minutes with the Advanced version.
In addition to tracking engine hours, fuel consumption, operator efficiency and field-specific machine information, the telemetry system also creates geo-fences, or GPS boundaries. These geo-fences can help a sprayer fleet improve on its efficiency by examining where it has been and other routes that could have been more time efficient.
Craig Jorgensen, business development specialist for AGCO, says customers, particularly those managing fleets of machinery, regardless of the machines they are running, appreciate the near real-time access to machine data AgCommand gathers, because it helps them move more efficiently while reducing downtime. "AgCommand reduces downtime by helping customers coordinate schedules for refueling and product refilling. The geo-fences also help operators locate fields more accurately and quickly."
Viper Pro
Product application rapidly is increasing in choices and complexity, which means operators have to bring their A-game every time to make sure product selection, timing and coverage is on target with every pass in the field. With the ability to handle more than 10 products - far more than its competitors - TerraGator is best suited to help operators successfully tackle the myriad of field-application methods.
Designed exclusively for TerraGator, the Viper Pro field computer now has the ability to keep rates constant for up to 10 products. Its expanded memory database enables more field data to be stored. Additional highlights include a bin-dispense delay, which allows the operator to set the amount of time needed for a product from each bin to reach the boom, and an intuitive boom-capacity alarm, which sounds when a boom reaches its maximum capacity. Viper Pro also features a simplified application-system cleanout located on the application rate-control screen, and a product-dispense auto-shut-down when critical errors are detected.
Additional features introduced in 2011 on the TG7300, TG8300 and TG8400 now are available options on the TG9300. These include a nine-inch camera/monitor kit and six-port auxiliary in-cap power strip.
Like its predecessors, the new TerraGator TG7300, TG8300 and TG8400 models tout many notable features that have influenced and advanced the flotation-applicator category.
"TerraGator was the very first flotation applicator to come to market with a Tier 4 interim engine featuring SCR technology," says Krause. "TerraGator also remains the first and only applicator built with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination improves in-field performance and can generate up to 17 percent less fuel consumption. No other machine comes close to matching these numbers. Performance and profitability are only going to improve now that we're making it easier for customers to get their hands on valuable application and precision technology options."
Additional features that contribute to this industry-leading machine include:
Lowest in-cab noise levels in the flotation market at 75.9 decibels
Easier access to cooling units for cleaning
Enhanced Application System hydraulic system for maximum output flow at lower RPMs on the 1,800-gallon liquid, Airmax Precision, Airmax Precision 2, Air Spreader and Soilection Twin Bin systems
Myriad of optional features, including an enlarged pressure washer/storage cabinet, leather deluxe seat, auxiliary front mirrors, extension mirrors, pressure washer system, power strip and additional fuel water separator filter
"Professional applicators are faced with very high expectations of understanding proper application of a multitude of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and crop nutrients and knowing how to apply them right the first time, every time and in a cost efficient manner," says Mark Sharitz, AGCO Application Equipment director of marketing. "We understand and appreciate these challenges, which is why we're proud to offer the professional-grade TerraGator that is as powerful and dependable as it is smart and intuitive."
For more information on the new TerraGator TG7300, TG8300, TG8400 and TG9300 visit your local dealer or www.applylikeapro.com.
AGCO Application Equipment is offering a complete lineup of 2013 TerraGator models. All four TerraGator models, ranging from 330 to 425 horsepower come with features to improve fleet management and product application.


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Anyone that has ever been up to Maker Heights know that it is a very special place. Recently it has been in the news regarding the future of the place. For a more detailed story to the future, please follow and get in contact with Maker with Rame CIC facebook page or website.
Come and show some love and support for Maker! Guaranteed to
be a great night.


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The government is engaged in a battle for hearts and minds to persuade parents to join the fight against child obesity, the children's minister said today.
Soaring obesity called for a different kind of partnership between government, public services and families - with parents and children the most important part, Ed Balls said.
"The obesity crisis is happening before our eyes...Targets can help [tackle it] but in the end it's about persuading families and children they have to change the way they live," he told the Guardian Healthy Kids Summit.
A government-commissioned investigation into the scale of the obesity problem and what science can do to help tackle it is due out on Wednesday. The Foresight Report on Obesity is set to predict that half the population could be obese within 25 years. Halting that rise required a cultural change which was hard and could take time, Mr Balls said.
School heads, primary care trusts and social services departments were also crucial partners in helping to improve child wellbeing, he added. But ultimately parents and children needed to change their behaviour.
A campaign is being launched tomorrow to fight the decline in school meal uptake that followed moves to bring in healthier menus, spearheaded by celebrity chef Jamie OIiver. The aim is to get an extra 1 million pupils eating school meals a day.
"But I'm not going to legislate for what children can have in their packed lunches," he said.
"What we can do is offer support and legislate for areas [such as advertising] outside of parents' control."
Parents also need to strike a balance between being safe and letting children play outside, he said. The government could help by letting them know, for example, that road traffic accidents had decreased.
He inistsed there was still a role for government targets. 86% of schools now offer two hours of sport a week, up from 25% five years ago. The aim is for five hours a week by 2010.
But girls lagged behind meaning good school leadership was also vital to initiate activities such as pilates and trampolining which some schools had found boosted girls' participation.
"I'm an optimist. There are great opportunities for children in our society," he asid. "We can understand the pressures but open up opportunities. That's our mission," he said.


text: Maybe she and Don Imus can start a club. After igniting a storm of controversy last week when she used the N-word eleven times in five minutes on her radio show, Dr. Laura Schlessinger announced Tuesday night that the firestorm has persuaded her to quit the program. "The reason is, I want to regain my First Amendment rights," Schlessinger said. "I want to be able to say what's on my mind…without somebody getting angry." Schlessinger, speaking on Larry King Live, said she would not renew her contract, which is set to expire this year, and admitted that she was trying to make a philosophical point by using the N-word but went about it the wrong way. The Dr. Laura Program has been no stranger to controversy in its 16 years of syndication; criticism reached another boiling point in 2000, when Schlessinger called homosexuality "a biological error." Her program remains popular, though, pulling in 8.25 million listeners per week in more than 40 countries.


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In today's highly competitive, global economy, officials throughout St. Charles County and the State of Missouri recognize the importance that business incentives can play in retaining or attracting some large-scale business investments.
The Missouri Linked Deposit Program partners with lending institutions to provide low-interest loans to help create and retain jobs, expand the economy and strengthen communities statewide. By reducing the interest rate on certain loans that borrowers can use to improve their businesses, the program helps qualified lenders from Missouri better serve Missouri-based companies and agricultural operations. The program also provides funds for local governments to serve the interests of their constituents. Using the program allows lenders to lower the interest rates to the borrower by about 2-3 percent.