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You know that feeling when you look at a design and your head starts to hurt?
If you need a refresher, take a look at this website -- it's sure to cause a bit of confusion.
What is Cognitive Load?
Cognitive load is "the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory".
In the 1980's, John Sweller came up with the cognitive load theory and argues that the way something is taught can impact the cognitive load in learners. Sweller expanded on this in three ways: the inherent difficulty of the concept, the complexity of how the concept is presented, and the construction of patterns and associations.
How Cognitive Load Is Negatively Affecting Internal Email
Cognitive load and 'busyness' is an important consideration in any design you may be creating, from a poster to an internal email. Both conversion optimizers and product designers work to minimize their design for fear or frustrating their audience or even worse, losing them entirely.
Why This Matters...
With employees already frustrated and inundated by email, it's even more important to take this factor into consideration when designing your next internal email.
Steps to Reduce Cognitive Load
High cognitive load isn't helping your internals get opened or your messages understood. But there are several ways to reduce cognitive load to send more impactful internal emails.
Increase Clarity
The clarity of your email is important because it dictates how employees understand and act on your message. Here are ways you can increase clarity:
- Make your action obvious
- Make your value proposition clear so employees know what's in it for them
- Conduct a 5-second test when reviewing your internal emails
- Remove clutter and organize information
Create Predictability
While pattern disruption can be useful, you need to ensure that recipients of your emails generally know what to expect before they open them. This means making your value proposition clear: what are employees getting out of this message? If you have a few common types of internal emails, use unique templates for each type and keep information structured the same.
Maintain Visual Hierarchy
When we look at a design, it could be anything -- a website or a poster on a street corner -- we visually try to categorize and organize the information in our heads. We rely on cultural norms (left to right, top to bottom) and universal instincts (size, bold, contrast, color) when we decide the order in which we digest content.
You can reduce the effort involved in this process by creating a discernible flow in your design. Simple and common techniques include sizing your headings in order of importance, to more complex techniques such as optimizing line-height and white space to group elements together.
If you find your eyes darting around without being able to find this pattern or flow, you have a problem. It tells you your design isn't working the way it should. But noticing this is a step in the right direction (with the help of the 5-second test), since it only takes a little bit of optimization until your design is ready to send.
Make Email Skimmable and Scannable
When was the last time you read every single word in an article? Taking in every single word just isn't how we read. We skim headlines and articles, looking for copy that stands out amidst the blocks of text. We ask ourselves: what do we really need to know here? What content is worth our time?
An important aspect of making sure your content is skimmable, is the F pattern.
The F pattern is a dominant reading pattern and tells us about how quickly users read content on websites, based on eye tracking data. The resulting heatmap images of the data also looks a bit like the letter F.
How the F Pattern Works
- Users start at the top left side of the page, reading content horizontally to the right
- They later move down slightly, taking in what's on the page, then horizontally again, creating the second horizontal line of the F.
- Lastly is the vertical movement where users scan the content on the left side of the page
If your headlines relate to one another, make sure they can convey the story without getting into the body copy. The shorter the paragraphs in your body copy, the better. Stick to three to four sentences if possible and place your most important information in the first two paragraphs. This ensures that readers can quickly skim through your emails, while getting all the information they really need.
Being aware of the F pattern and the negative affects of cognitive load will help you create more skimmable, snackable messages. The concept may initially sound intimidating and like the title of a college psych course, but it makes a lot of sense.
By taking these few simple steps, internal emails can combat cognitive load and communicators can deliver key messages that fight off cognitive load lag.
What do you think about the concept of cognitive load and how does it influence your entire internal comms strategy? Let us know what you think below!


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The Coffee Registry || Every Bean Counts/
I'm interrupting my normal slew of fashion and slow living related posts to introduce you to my other passion in life: good coffee. It's not just that I enjoy the taste of an artfully brewed cup of joe (which I do — a little too much), but I call it my third passion because I'm obsessed with the way quality coffee and awesome people combine to create authentic community.
It's strange (and intentional, I believe) how coffee, ethical shopping, and slow living are all intertwined. And if you aren't sure how that's possible, stay tuned, because I'm dead set on combining those three passions in the coming year or so (how's that for a subtle hint?)
I've always had a love for coffee shops, and as I grew up working in them in high school, college, and post college — yes, technically barista has been my only other job title besides blogger, freelancer, and mama — I loved how the mix of coffee with a beautiful space seemed to spark conversations and grow relationships. I don't think just any old space or any old coffee can do that. I firmly believe that it has to be intentionally cultivated — both the space and the coffee.
Coffee, like fashion, also has a deep connection to ethics and sustainability, either helping an economy to grow or exploiting the people who work in it.
I could go on for hours (over a latte, of course), but right now, I want to introduce a coffee roaster from one of my favorite cities who is doing things very right when it comes to the three things I'm passionate about in coffee: ethics, community, and quality.
The Coffee Registry is a Fort Collins based roaster that specializes in traditional roasting, handmade pour over stands, and a monthly subscription service. Their slogan "every bean counts" is a testament to the quality of their roasting and the lengths they go to ensure they're impacting their community (and the world) in a positive way.
They work closely with the farmers in the Dominican Republic who grow their coffee, cutting out the middleman and working directly with the source. This allows both the farmers to create a sustainable income, some families even gaining the ability to send their kids to school with the extra money, and allows the Coffee Registry to ensure that they're using ethically grown, fair trade beans.
Similarly, they're working to reduce their environmental impact through their coffee subscription service. They deliver coffee in bulk to subscribers — via bicycle — monthly, delivering their beans in glass jars that can be recycled or reused, while keeping the coffee as fresh as possible.
They don't have a storefront (yet), but the Coffee Registry is building a name for themselves on the Front Range and beyond for their quality coffee that's roasted to perfection. I was lucky enough to try some for myself (thanks Jon!) and can say that it's easily one of the best coffees I've tasted in a long while.
One of my favorite facets of the brand is their gorgeous, handmade pour over stands. Each stand is made to order using brass and American walnut and they're STUNNING. I love the way it highlights the art form that is hand-brewed coffee, right down to the vessel it's brewed in.
I'm a firm believer that both drinking, roasting, and serving coffee is an expression of slow living and I'm so excited to see people like the folks at the Coffee Registry embody that as well.

subset: commoncrawl


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Why is it when traditional media outlets mention blogs (mainly, in relation to generating buzz about a band), they do so with tongue firmly planted in cheek?
Here's the part of the article that rubs me the wrong way (aka, the opening paragraphs):
Tapes 'n Tapes is indie rock's latest Internet-driven mini-success story, which is no surprise. This charmingly nerdy quartet is just the kind of band a blogger loves. It makes hazily majestic, slightly experimental indie pop that honors at least two forefathers (Pavement and the Pixies). Its members do not come from a hipster enclave. (They're from Minneapolis.) They have a babe-in-the-woods origin story (literally: they recorded their 2004 EP in a freezing cabin in a Wisconsin forest).
Most important, their work seems humble, as if they aren't quite sure they deserve to be liked. When the record labels came calling, bloggers got to feel good about themselves, as if they had saved nice guys from a sad life of dive bars and bowling alleys.
Nevermind the natural fan reaction of "What's so great about [band/artist that has received praise on some MP3 blogs]?" To those in the "traditional" media, I can understand why they may take the piss out of bloggers (ie, anyone with an Internet connection can blog), but I think MP3 bloggers are a tad misunderstood in their intentions.
The author of the New York Times piece is Sia Michel, former editor-in-chief at Spin. I didn't read many of her Spin articles because I have never read the magazine on a regular basis. Simply, I've never really warmed up to their general approach to covering music. I don't mean to imply that all of their writers rub me the wrong way, but a general style that a number of their past and present writers go with doesn't agree with how I like to discuss music.
For me, I like to read something with a strong sense of sincerity. I've always thought of writing with a sharp sense of cynicism over sincerity is a distraction. If almost everything is written with a tongue in a cheek, then how can I tell when the writer is being serious or sincere? Plus, if the focus is on the "lifestyle" side of music, I can't say that I'm really interested in that. I think there is too much stock being put into this side of ever-changing culture. In other words, this kind of writing tends to make bold statements in the now. However, the now is always changing into another now. I'd rather talk about stuff that's in the now in a way that will still be relevant in a week from now, a year from now, ten years from now and so on.
Despite the fact that fellow former Spin writer Andy Greenwald wrote a book that I don't like, I do not think of him as my sole punching bag with this kind of writing. However, I recall a short little piece he did on My Chemical Romance that was rather on the surface. Instead of talking about their music, this was more about their fashion sense. Do I sound like a total nerd for wanting to read about music instead of fashion? Maybe, but I want to read about concrete matters instead of matters that are a part of the whipped cream of life.
So this leads me to what MP3 bloggers are trying to do. Sure, I've griped that the natural tendency is to post a hyperlink and say "download this." However, getting to know various bloggers in person and via Ryan's great ongoing "Get To Know Your Blogger" series, I'm realizing some things I didn't even consider before. Though I think some sort of explanation is good to decipher what you're getting, oftentimes for others, just posting some music to download is enough.
After hanging out with Chris a few times, I get what this guy's about: he loves music and likes sharing new and obscure bands with people via his site. He's not into this for the fame or attention - he just has some good ears to tell what's worth talking up. When he put together a bill featuring a then-unknown Tapes 'n Tapes and Birdmonster this past spring, I wanted to go see these bands without even hearing a note of their music.
Instead of thinking I would have future bragging rights about seeing them before they got popular, my intention was to support a friend. Though I wasn't really sold on either bands' music, I had a great time as they both put on excellent live sets. I may have not been completely taken with their music right away, but that doesn't mean I'm going to dismiss them. I liked what I heard and I'd like to hear more, but there is some much other stuff that I want to listen to at the same time.
I had a great talk with fellow blogger friends Eric and Amy last night. Chatting about various topics for Post, we came to a realization about music blogs in general: they're very much in the spirit of fanzines. Instead of printing 500-1,000 paper copies of one at a local Kinko's, as long as we have an Internet connection and Blogger or Typepad account, we can spread the word on what we like and don't like. As tempting as matters would be to write about what we don't like, we have to choice to talk about what we do like. Nobody is telling us what we can and can't write about; this is coming straight from the heart and the brain and onto the keyboard.
Bloggers may never get the full respect of traditional media, but then again, neither did the paper fanzines in the '70s, '80s and '90s. As shown in Michael Azerrad's Our Band Could Be Your Life, fanzines (and their spawn) are a part of the lifeblood to promoting music that isn't promoted in the mainstream. Since the chances are very good that nobody else is going to talk about the underground/obscure bands that we like, it's up to us to do something about this.


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There is so much cool teaching stuff out there in Web-land! The problem is, I can fall through the rabbit hole and get lost in there.
|Best online find of the week: edible DNA molecule model!
Yesterday my husband left me in Barnes and Noble with my laptop. When he returned an hour later, he asked what I'd been doing. "Twitter," I replied. "The whole time?!" He was aghast. It didn't seem all that incredible to me: there were at least 5 interesting articles and a new book, the first chapter of which I could access, recommended by key people and organizations I follow. I hadn't even gotten to my second group! But the problem is, I just don't have 2 hours a day to browse Twitter. And then there's Pinterest….
So how can I capitalize on the opportunity without getting swallowed by it? It's still a work in progress, but here's what I helps me:
First, remembering why I'm on Twitter—to help my students learn better and to be continually growing myself as a practitioner of my discipline and as a teacher.
Second, having specific goals, such as a…
- Time goal: I'm going to spend 15 minutes every afternoon from 4:45 to 5:00. (I might need to set an alarm, or dinner will never get made.)
- Task goal: I'm going to retweet at least 1 item. (Sometimes I find way more, sometimes this goal pushes me to skim for an arresting topic as I near the end of my time limit. But I'm realizing the importance of not just drinking anonymously from the stream of ideas, but also of contributing something. And what a thrill it is to join
- Result goal: I'm looking especially for ideas on YA lit recommendations and on disciplinary literacies. Aligning this with an annual growth goal might be effective. This helps me not get distracted (oh, look, another C.S. Lewis joke) and increases the probability I will accomplish the biggest goal—raising my students' learning.
Keeping in mind these 2 things, I took action this week:
- First, I created Twitter lists (reading/writing & education in general) so I can be sure I see in a limited time resources from individuals and organizations I find most helpful.
- And second, I explored chat (#NCTEchat). The chat was Sunday night, and I didn't get to it until Tuesday, but this way I could scroll through the comments, get an idea of how it works, have time to follow the links that looked interesting, and not feel like I needed to hang around for the whole chat. The chat topic wasn't high on my goal list (I need to be wiser there), but I did glean a cool math activity (percentages of myself poem) and a gorgeous new favorite poem and poet ("Forgetfulness" by Billy Collins). (Other chats I'm interested in #satchat, #edchat, and #engchat. Find one you're interested in here.) Eventually I'll have to become a contributor, not just a lurker, but I'm giving myself some time on that one.
For more information on using Twitter for professional development, read this blog. It's the blog I would have written if I had just a little more experience and knowledge—it contains both what I've learned and what I want to learn.
How about you—what pitfalls, tricks, and triumphs have you found using Twitter?


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Baked beans. With pancetta. Need I say anymore? This version of baked beans is one hundred times more delicious than baked beans from a can and makes for a delicious meal that I would argue should not be restricted to the breakfast meal. These beans pair well with a poached egg on top, and a cup of tea or orange juice on the side.
+ 1 onion, finely diced
+ Salt and pepper
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 175 g pancetta, cut into 1 cm cubes
+ 2 x 400 g tins chopped tomatoes
+ 3 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
+ 1 red chilli, thinly sliced
+ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
+ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
+ 1 teaspoon hot or whole grain mustard
+ Thick slices of bread
Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or flameproof casserole dish. Add the onion and cook over medium heat until translucent. Add the garlic and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Meanwhile, heat another fry pan over a medium heat, add the pancetta. Cook until golden and crispy.
Add the pancetta to the onion mixture. Add the tomatoes, thyme, chilli, sauces, and mustards. Simmer for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the cannellini beans. Cook for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper and cook for another 10 minutes.
Serve the beans hot on top of freshly toasted bread.
These beans only get better with age, as the flavours develop. If you manage to keep any leftovers, allow to cool and then store in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may want to add 1/3 cup water and bring them to temperature slowly. Lest the beans explode in your microwave.
Original recipe sourced from the What Katie Ate Cookbook.


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A new agency, which matches brands with influential YouTuber talent, has been launched to target the games, esports and tech industries.
uChannel Management is the brainchild of Sam Barkaway, a young tech entrepreneur. He has worked with YouTubers consistently over the past few years and has recognized the influence these individuals – and their media channels – have had on consumers and their buying decisions.
uChannel Management is the result of his work and findings in this sector, plus his relationships with, and understanding of, the 'stars' within this important new media channel.
The result is an agency that can give brands a relationship with some of today's biggest influencers, in addition to offering consultation on how best to use YouTube and other emerging platforms like Snapchat.
uChannel Management's roster of YouTubers boast a combined audience of some five million games and tech consumers – all of whom are likely to engage with brands' messages more readily than consumers of traditional media.
Compared to online display advertising, which sees an average of 0.5% click-through, uChannel Management is seeing a staggering 20% of users who watch a YouTube video going on to click an ad link.
"We began working with YouTubers a couple of years ago and we have been blown away with their influence on consumers and their buying decisions," explained uChannel Management Director Sam Barkaway.
"Short videos and images on YouTube and Snapchat relate brand messages extremely well – we have successfully run 24 hour campaigns across both platforms, creating brand-awareness through fun and non-intrusive content.
"The engagement levels we are seeing on our campaigns is a powerful endorsement of what YouTubers are achieving in terms of decisions to purchase. And with over one billion active monthly users, Snapchat is becoming an important channel for brands looking to get noticed."
uChannel Management is already working with a number of games companies, including the leading dedicated video games social network platform gamesGRABR (www.gamesgrabr.com).
gamesGRABR CEO Tony Pearce said: "uChannel helped gamesGRABR secure some very influential YouTubers to help drive traffic to our social network. The click-through rates when we advertised with these YouTubers were incredible. Up to 20% of the users viewing the video clicked through to our site. And, best of all, these were real gamers with high value – and 10% of them purchased a product, thanks to the endorsement of the YouTube influencers."
uChannel Management is now extending its relationships into esports, to offer brands an ever-wider audience, discussing the opportunities its YouTube stars and Snapchat can offer publishers and vendors.
To find out more, visit www.uchannelmanagement.com.
About uChannel Management
uChannel Management connects YouTube influencers with big names and niche brands. Our current partnered YouTube influencers have a combined audience size of 10 million consumers and growing. While using our vast knowledge and database of alternate influencers, this process can be tailored to search for specific talent to advertise the brand.
Media Contacts
Sam Barkaway – Uchannel Management
Email: email@example.com
Nick Vanspengler – uChannel Management
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Lisa Carter – Mimram Media
Tel: 07970 164201
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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I interrupt our regular scheduled programming to share something with you that I'm really excited about. Remember last month when I mentioned the Vizio Optic photoshoot that I got to be a part of? Well the lookbook is finally here! If you cannot view it below, head on over to Vizio Optic to check it out. Lindsey, Lei Ann, Kristen, Kelsey look fantastic, and there are some seriously gorgeous frames featured!
thank you Vizio Optic for such a fun experience!
*Photographs by Stephanie Peterson


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I was so excited to have our first family photos taken with Olivia this fall (would love to have had our pup Bailey in them as well, but she's not so good with new places, people, sights, sounds, smells, etc. you get the picture), and was so thrilled with how they captured our new little family.
A huge thank you to Virginia Ann Photography for the gorgeous photos! Can't recommend her enough.


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Within a stone's throw of Wensleydale lies the Georgian market town of Bedale and a rich seam of history that stretches back to the Domesday Book.
This unspoilt cathedral city is a North Yorkshire gem, balancing a rich cultural heritage with exciting contemporary living. With its imposing cathedral, fascinating museums and a bustling market square, there is plenty to entertain the visitor in Ripon. And skip just 10 miles in any direction and you'll discover a wealth of first class visitor attractions in the surrounding beautiful Dales countryside.
Nestling between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, this traditional Yorkshire market town was the home of renowned vet, James Herriot
Herriot Country covers some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. From the grand sweeping hills and rich valleys of the world famous North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales to the charming market towns and picturesque villages of Thirsk, Northallerton, Easingwold, Great Ayton & Bedale, expect stunning scenery and a warm welcome to 'God's Own Country'.
Herriot Country is ideal as a base to tour and explore the Moors and Dales of North Yorkshire, as well as the market towns and nearby historic city of York. The unspoilt landscape is perfect for cycling or walking - either a gentle stroll to the nearest pub or a memorable adventure on one of many trails. The exceptional beauty of the unspoilt landscapes reveals a distinctive natural ruggedness and endearing character waiting to be explored.
Read more about the members of Herriot Country's Tourism Group and what they can offer on your next stay in the area.


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"I did not invent turbo folk. I simply named it," in his 2005 song called "Turbo Folk" says Rambo Amadeus, jazz-rock and avant-garde composer based in Belgrade, Serbia, who is often considered as the father of the genre. When thinking about this statement, we actually find ourselves in the middle of an intensive debate in the Balkans. Was turbo folk phenomena consciously created, promoted and exploited by the regime of Slobodan Milošević, i. e. by the cultural and economical elites close to him, in order to establish an escapist soundtrack to cover the wars and robberies of the 1990s? Or was it simply an expression of cultural taste and desires of the masses that could finally have its moment of pathos, after the state-controlled culture fell apart with Eastern European socialism in 1989?
Most probably – it was both. As almost every other mass culture phenomena, turbo folk has its regressive and exploitative side, but liberating and subversive one as well. We can see how in Maja Miloš' film CLIP (2012) Serbian kids embrace the dominant mainstream music genre in the Balkans and its sang models of behavior (promiscuity, alcohol, exhibitionism, violence, kitsch), while at the same time making it a liberating experience for their bodies, a paradigm that enhances their sex and enjoyment, their independence, and, after all, annihilates the misery of their poverty and the dictate of "socially reasonable" conformism. That said, we can certainly debate whether Maja Miloš is true to the real situation and honest in her worried approach, or whether she is exploitative and unfair when she presents the working class Serbian kids as peculiar population with uncontrollable hedonistic zeal: they do everything that bourgeois class wants to do (filmmakers in Serbia usually fall under this higher class), but has good moral and education that prevents it from doing? Therefore, bourgeois filmmakers can envy these 'other', working-class turbo folk kids, for having the opportunity to set themselves on fire.
This complex set of questions is also at the center of the turbo folk ambivalence, and it is perfectly visible in the careers of the turbo folk parents – Rambo Amadeus and Marina Tucaković. A little bit of context: during the period when Serbia was a part of the socialist Yugoslavia (1945-1991), all broadcasting companies were publicly owned. Therefore, culture in general was developed with an enlightened aim to educate the masses, which meant it was mostly a compromise between high- and lowbrow culture, shaped by the editors and editorial boards. Although SFR Yugoslavia had a sort of market socialism, at the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s even more free market came: private music production and broadcasting companies, discotheques and clubs, right-wing populism and nationalism in the political sphere… "I was listening to the radio then," once said Rambo Amadeus in an interview, "and 90 percent of the stations were playing some terrible folk music. The lyrics were stupid, the music simplified. So I decided to experiment with this folk market boom and make some folk songs that were even more stupid. I sold them to some of the emerging folk performers and waited to see what would happen." This experiment wasn't something Amadeus had never tried before: in the early and mid-1980s, he was mocking the folk music by taking its worst lyrical banality and typical melodies and adding to it gothic rock style, hard rock riffs, funky and disco rhythms, etc.
At the same time, the most prominent Serbian pop rock lyricist Marina Tucaković was also making folk parodies while living on the safe side of avant-garde pop band she was a part of. Marina and Rambo were probably counting on the idea that, in the still-socialist Yugoslav 1980s, they had an educated urban audience that would understand those obvious examples of camp, of playful postmodernist approach towards the kitschy substance of folk they actually despised.
But free market has no understanding for subtle aesthetical questions, although it is very good in irony. The 1990s came, the society in the Balkans became confusing, and Marina Tucaković and Rambo Amadeus soon became known as the mother and father of turbo-folk: they wrote some of the biggest hits of the genre and collaborated with numerous folk stars who sold hundreds of thousands of their silly folk songs that mixed completely foolish lyrics with oriental melodies, disco, techno and funky. Evergreen music, traditional folk, pop and rock, all saw their demise from once dominant, promoted and respected genres. So in order to make money, other disappointed rockers followed Amadeus and Tucaković examples, taking the turbo-folk extravagance to an unimaginable degree. It was life during wartime and everything could be sold: heavy metal riffs in the middle of an otherwise typical Balkan-style folk song about love; hip-hop and accordion; euro-dance groove under the scenes of rural life; AC/DC introduction to "Thunderstruck" slightly deformed to fit the recognizable melodic decorations of the traditional Balkan singing… Music videos were filled with bright colors, eroticism of all sorts, fires, horses and tigers, expensive cars and expressionist-style shots… (Well, you've seen the videos of Rihanna, 50 Cent, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Shakira… Imagine a cheap, low-fi version of it, and you'll get the picture.) One of the prominent Belgrade costume designer said she would put a typical homosexual iconography in a video just to see where is the line she would be warned not to overstep – there wasn't any. These guys were buying everything and had no criteria – as long as it is colorful.
To this day, not much has changed in terms of style. But the two things did evolve: the economic impact of turbo folk and the attitude of cultural elites towards it. Nowadays, turbo folk is probably the best Serbian exported good, it is popular in all ex-Yugoslav states, as well as in Bulgaria and Albania – who all, of course, besides Serbian, have their own turbo folk stars. Performers earn a lot of money by touring not only Balkan states, but singing at the discotheques for the Balkan immigrants in Western Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. There is a TV-channel that plays exclusively turbo folk videos (of course, it has 'Balkan' in its name). Turbo folk CDs and DVDs are sold on every gas-station from Slovenia to Greece and Turkey. It connects Balkan nations extremely well, in spite of the fact that most of them have a strong nationalist sentiment and officially don't like each other. An although an article on the phenomena you'll find on Wikipedia is basically right when it describes the right-wing and left-wing critique of the genre, it seems that many Balkan leftist today defend turbo folk for the same reason conservatives attack it. There is an emerging leftist theoretical scene that sees turbo folk as grass root style and emphasizes its subversive sides: attack on patriarchal values, support for independent women, anarchic hedonist desires, sexually liberal views (including LGBT themes and characters in songs and videos)… On the other hand, it is still a type of the mass culture par excellence and, therefore, very often the proponent of the dominant patriarchal and capitalist ideology, only sometimes covered in 'liberal' sheets.
Because this ambivalence is at the core of turbo folk, the fact that main characters of Maja Miloš' film are so deeply involved with it makes their complete social habitus raise ethical and political questions that are not easy to answer. Are these kids the victims or are they a part of the problem? Do they accept or challenge the dominant ideology, and in what way? And if the bourgeois filmmakers also listen to turbo folk and embrace some of its values, why do they put the moralistic blame on working class? Yet, one thing is doubtless: these questions are relevant for the Balkans as they are relevant to any other place where you are inclined to think of the impact dominant values of the society and its mass culture have on adolescents.
Ivan Velisavljević


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The island of Hvar's high profile tourist season continues as it is voted in Europe's Top Ten Islands in the Conde Nast 2011 Reader's Choice Awards.
The beauty and quality of tourism offer of the island of Hvar was once again recognised in the prestigious Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards on October 11, 2011, as Croatia's premier island was voted the eighth most best island in Europe.
Record Number of Votes Cast
The awards, announced in New York are now in their 24th year, and a record 28,876 readers cast more than eight million votes for the 2011 winners, ranking the world's best cities, islands, cruise lines, hotels, airlines and resorts. A full breakdown of all the winners will appear in the November edition of the upmarket travel magazine.
Hvar finished eighth in the European islands category, behind the winning island Bozcaeda, in the Turkish Aegean. Mykonos was the runner-up, followed by Madeira, Mallorca, the Shetland Islands, Capri and the Isle of Skye.
Hvar Voted Top Destination by Vecernji List
This international recognition comes on the heels of Hvar - famed for its stunning beauty and average of 2718 hours of sunshine a year - being chosen as the top destination on the Croatian coast by the Vecernji Tourist Patrol, a 40-day undercover survey of the country's Adriatic resorts by national newspaper, Vecernji List, who summed up Hvar as "the town has everything and then something on top of that."
It has been a high-profile summer for the Adriatic island, which also boasts the oldest organised tourism in Europe with the founding of the Hvar Health Society in 1868; in addition to the usual celebrities and super-yachts, the island made global headlines twice towards the end of the season.
Busy Celebrity Summer on Hvar
Prince Harry's decision to jump fully clothed into the swimming pool at top open air nightclub Veneranda was caught on video and beamed around the world, while Beyonce took the opportunity to show off her baby bump to the world at the trendy Hula Hula Beach Club in Hvar Town in September.
While Hvar is perhaps best known for the party atmosphere of its main town, a stunning Venetian stone town with commanding Spanish Fortress overlooking the picturesque Pakleni Islands, there is much more to discover that the beach and vibrant nightlife. It also boasts a rich cultural hertiage dating back to Neolithic times and has the largest cultivated field on the Adriatic, the UNESCO-protected Stari Grad Plain, where agricultural practices have remained largely unchanged and uninterrupted for 24 centuries.
UNESCO also protects the 500 year-old Easter Procession of Za Krizem, a 22 km procession following the cross through the night every Maundy Thursday, while the island's aromatic flora and fauna is another draw, in particular the annual lavender festival, is another draw to this versatile and thriving island.


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How to Get Vindication
For years, YEARS, I told that story, and I got called a liar more times than I can count. I always wondered, why would I want to make a story like that up? Did they think having seen this ridiculous, disgusting spectacle somehow made me feel like a big man?
"You think you're cool, with your sports car and your successful career? Well wait until you hear my tale of gore, degradation, and animal husbandry! Then we'll know who's cool!"
Anyway, I'll include a link to the relevant clip of Dirty Jobs, but I don't recommend that you watch it.


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Politics in the pub
Join STEVEN MILES and special guest SAM DASTYARI at the Murrumba Downs Tavern on Friday 8 September to chat about the hot political topics of the day.
This is a free event but space is limited, so be sure to RSVP!
Cash bar available.
Come along at 5.30pm to grab your copy of Sam's best-selling memoir 'One Halal of a Story' and get it signed by the man himself!


text: Dr Ken Collins gave the MWRC annual lecture today at the Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, Chapel. His lecture, 'The Method of John Wesley's Practical Theology Reconsidered' covered themes such as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral reconfigured and the style of Wesley's theological method. Over sixty faculty, students, and friends of the MWRC attended. To see the video of the lecture, click here


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Adorable Baby Cougars with Blue Eyes Arrive at Zoo (VIDEO)
Watch these three adorable baby cougars romp in their new home at the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo in New Braunfels, Texas.
I love the blue eyes, omigosh!
I wish the video was longer but I am always fascinated at all these magnificent animals in the world. Cougars are known as mountain lion, puma, panther, or catamount and are native to the Americas.
Do you like cute animals? Check out these TEN CATS eating together in harmony.
Or (bring out the tissues): "Dog hugging dog" photo saves dogs from being put down.


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MC:F26 Papers of Charles Daubeny (Fellow 1815-67)
Charles Giles Bridle Daubeny FRS (1795–1867; D. 1810-15, F. 1815-1867) was a prominent chemist and botanist, noted for his work as an advocate of science. He was born at Stratton, Gloucestershire, on 11 February 1795, to the Reverend James and Helena Daubeny. He attended Winchester College (1808-10), where he won a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford. He was awarded a BA in 1814, later winning the chancellor's prize for the Latin essay in 1815. He was inspired by the chemistry and mineralogy lectures of John Kidd, and by the geology lectures of William Buckland. In 1815 Magdalen offered him a lay fellowship, exempting him from taking holy orders. From 1815–1818 he studied medicine at Edinburgh, where he attended the geology lectures of Professor Robert Jameson, FRS FRSE (1774–1854), who greatly influenced Daubeny's later scientific interests.
Daubeny graduated a BM of Oxford in 1818, gaining his MD in 1821. In 1819 he produced a well-received report on the volcanic region of the Auvergne based on his travels through France. In 1820 Daubeny was elected as Magdalen's Praelector of Natural Philosophy. He practised medicine at the Radcliffe Infirmary at this time, but seems to have preferred academia. On 10 Oct 1822 Kidd secured Daubeny's election to the prestigious Aldrichian Chair of Chemistry (which he maintained until 1855). He began studying the chemical composition of mineral waters, leading him to further geological research. This culuminated in the publication of 'A Description of Active and Extinct Volcanoes' in 1826; this was a detailed discussion of Davy's chemical theory of volcanic action, and provides the basis of Daubeny's reputation as a chemist.
On 8 Feb 1834 Daubeny was appointed to the Sherardian Chair of Botany (held in addition to the Aldrichian chair) which he kept until his death. He also moved to the Physic Garden where he lived for the rest of his life. He transformed the garden and opened it to the public. In 1840 Daubeny was appointed to the Sibthorpian Chair of Rural Economy, gaining a stipend of £200, which he also held until his death.
It was in this role that he produced his most notable botanical work. He investigated the reasons why the continuous growth of crops on the same ground brought about a diminution of yield (which necessitated crop rotation) by means of a series of controlled plot experiments, delivering his results at the 1845 Bakerian Lecture.
Daubeny was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1827, and was a member of its dining club from 1841–64. He was a founder of the Chemical Society in 1841, and its president in 1853, and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy and a foreign associate of the Academy of Science of Munich. He was one of the first members of the British Association, and participated in its inaugural meeting in 1831.
Perhaps Daubeny's defining characteristic was his lifelong zeal for reforming the Oxford University curriculum. In 1848 Daubeny, Robert Walker, and Henry Acland pressed for the establishment of an honour school in natural science, and Daubeny defined the detailed framework of the statute of 1850. By 1860 the University Museum in Parks Road was built, partly due to Daubeny's efforts. A letter of Daubeny's to 'The Times' (24 February 1864) helped to bring about a further liberalization of the university regulations regarding Natural Sciences, helping to make it a more credible degree.
He died on 13 Dec 1867, at the age of 73, having spent his last years setting his estate in order. He was laid to rest in Magdalen College Chapel according to his own wishes.
Daubeny's personal library is now housed as a discrete collection in the Daubeny building. The catalogue can be searched online, though books must be fetched on behalf of the reader by library staff.
Selected Bibliography
- 'In philosophia, quae moralis dicitur, tractanda, quaenam sit praecipue Aristotelicae disciplinae virtus? Dissertatio Latina Cancellarii praemio dignata.' 8vo. Oxon. 1815
- 'Letters to Professor Jameson on the Volcanos of Auvergne.' 8vo. n. p. 1825
- 'A Description of Active and Extinct Volcanos; with Remarks on their Origin, their Chemical Phenomena, and the Character of their Products, as determined by the condition of the earth during the period of their formation." 8vo. London, 1826.
- 'An Introduction to Atomic Theory, comprising a sketch of the opinions entertained by the most distinguished ancient and modern philosophers with respect to the constitution of matter.' 8vo. Oxford, 1831.
- 'An Inaugural Lecture on the Study of Botany.' 8vo. Oxford, 1834.
- 'Sketch on the Geology of North America; the substance of a Memoir read before the Ashmolean Society' 8vo. Oxford, 1839.
- 'On the use of the Spanish Phosphorite as a Manure.' 8vo. London, 1846.
- 'Can Physical Science obtain a home in an English University? An enquiry suggested by some remarks contained in a late number of the Quarterly Review.' 8vo. Oxford, 1853.
- 'On the influence of the lower vegetable organisms in the production of epidemic disease'. 8vo. Edinburgh, 1855.
- 'A biographical sketch of Dr. Routh' Oxford, circa 1855
- 'Remarks on the Final Causes of Sexuality in Plants, with particular reference to Mr. Darwin's work on The Origin of Species.' 8vo. Oxford, 1860.
J. R. Bloxam "A Register of the Presidents, Fellows, Demies, Instructors in Grammar and in Music, Chaplains, Clerks, Choristers, and Other Members of Saint Mary Magdalen College in the University of Oxford", 8 vols. (Oxford, 1853–85). Volume VII, pages 181-199
W. D. Macray, "A Register of the Members of St. Mary Magdalen College, Oxford from the Foundation of the College: New Series", 8 vols. (Oxford, 1894–1915). Volume V, pages 158-161.
The papers have been arranged in to the following series:
The following items in the collection are known to have been bequeathed by Daubeny: MS1/8,9,10, MS2/1,2,3 and MS4/2. The rest of the papers were most likely acquired by the college upon Daubeny's death. MC:F26/C2/1–2 were found among Daubeny's books and transferred to the archives in July 2008 as Accession No. 08/197.
Catalogued in October 2010 by Sean Rippington.


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Isabela Quinton
Isabela is a senior Executive Coach who brings robust hands-on international and multicultural experience in organizational leadership, team development and transition coaching. She is results-driven and proactive.
Isabela successfully led sweeping organizational changes and restructuring efforts for large international companies in various countries around the world. With over 25 years' experience at multinationals and fast-growing companies with global presence, she brings hands-on experience for pragmatic change management and communications, to ensure bottom-line results while avoiding organizational risks. Isabela has a proven track record of motivating international teams to get behind required changes.
Originally from Colombia, Isabela has lived and worked in the UK for the past 22 years, which has also involved working in the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, Spain, the UAE, China, Australia, Canada and the Nordics. Her broad international experience has given Isabela deep insights into multicultural drivers and complexities of global team interactions.
Industry expertise: Advanced Composite Materials and Engineering, FMCG (Colgate), Media production, Retail banking, University Lecturer.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Isabela holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia. She is an Professional Certified Coach with the ICF. Isabela is qualified in Hogan Assessments, Team Emotional Intelligence Survey, the Executive Presence Index (ExPI) tool and Coaching Mindset Index (CMI) together with various Psychometric tools specialised in the development of leaders.


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Fiona and Darren's wedding featured recently on Love My Dress. Yippee! (The Couture Girls were a little excited at this!)
The wedding is a real treat, and features one of the happiest boho brides. There's a ceremony in Sheffield's Botanical Gardens, a tipi reception in a field, homemade decor and a colourful cake! And as if we were ever in doubt, Fiona proved that you could really party AND trampoline in a Sarah Willard Couture dress!!
Read more on Love My Dress ...
This is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt weddings that we have ever been involved with. The bride's Mum grew all the flowers, such a personal touch! And it was such a privilege to create Fiona's soft, organic dress, with it's spray dyed panel and appliqué in hand painted lace - the bricks in the courtyard at Couture Towers still have a purple tint! (Ssshh, don't tell!)
Photographer – Casey Avenue
Venue – Sheffield Botanical Gardens + Smallshaw Farm Cottages
Tents – PapaKåta
Wedding Dress – Sarah Willard
Brides Shoes – Kurt Geiger
Hair Stylist – Alecia from Conrad Blandford, Ecclesall Road, Sheffield.
Make-up Artist – Daneila Dogan, Newcastle


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Bridge CS3 has a very nice feature that makes it easy to make contact sheets of pictures directly to InDesign. This feature was removed as of Bridge CS4 and is sorely missed by many.
If you are still getting pissed trying to find this feature under Tools in Bridge, you should know that there are at least two great options you have.
The first one is found by changing to the Output Workspace in Bridge at the upper right corner of the application window. Cmd + F4, or Window > Output Panel are also ways to reach it.
This will reveal a workspace which will make making contact sheets a breeze. The options available will suit most of your needs and then some more. For those who have been using different workspaces and even making their own customized workspaces in other CS applications will note that this Output workspace of Bridge brings features that are not available in the other workspaces. At least I cannot find any other way to show that Output panel and one is only allowed to move the different panels with in Bridge application window.
Secondly, if you still want to use your own InDesign templates to make contact sheets you can buy a script for $30 from Creadtive Scripting I have not tried it myself but I have seen great reviews online from the InDesign dudes and dudettes.
So, no more Kleenex and start making contact sheets like a pro.


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Jonas Brothers Pucker Up, Pinch Themselves!
The Jonas Brothers are photographed leaving their midtown hotel in New York City on Wednesday afternoon (May 19).
Kevin, Nick and Joe took the time to take sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
The JoBros are in town to promote their new movie, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, which premieres on September 3rd on Disney Channel. JustJaredJr.com interviewed the boys yesterday and we got Kevin to pucker up and Nick to pinch himself. Guess why!!!
10+ pictures inside of the Jonas Brothers leaving their NYC hotel…
Posted to: Joe Jonas, Jonas Brothers, Kevin Jonas, Nick Jonas


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Start by making the barrel. Cut an 18″ length of CPVC.
Wear safety goggles or a face shield when cutting CPVC, because flecks of the material are sharp and can get in your eyes. The friction from your saw can also break down the polyvinyl chloride, releasing toxic fumes—flip to Chapter 11, the Electro-Didgeridoo, for more info on the dangers of heating PVC and its relatives.
Use your finger to clear away all the burrs and sharp edges from the ends, as these will ultimately tear up the marshmallows and annoy you.
Measure 3/4″ from one end and mark it, as shown in Figure 24-4. This end of the barrel is the breech, where the explosion happens. The other end is the muzzle, where the marshmallow flies out.
Figure 24-4. Measuring and ...
No credit card required


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Divya supports the creation & execution of digital media plans in the fast growing APAC region. She works across different sectors, including FMCG / luxury retail brands as well as the largest finance, tech & travel clients. Liaising with performance & branding agency sub-divisions and programmatic trading desks.
Divya leads on YouTube & Mobile projects for the Google Hong Kong business:
* Organised Hong Kong's first Video (YouTube) Planning Event for Google
* Working with the regional agency team, led on the Mobile Leadership Program for Agencies in Hong Kong, the first full scale roll out across Google APAC.
She delivered the skills training for the Squared digital training programme launch in Hong Kong, first in APAC.
She is also the Google Mentor for finalists of the Empowering Young Entrepreneurs Program (EYE Program) 2015. Theme of "Living in the Mobile-First World", aiming to build a connected network for startups both locally and globally, encouraging HK grown startups to embrace mobile technology.


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The official camp start time for volunteers is at 9am Saturday morning, with 2 camp sessions throughout the day at 11 and 2 pm. Kids should arrive at 10am to sign permission slips and get suited up. Both sessions will fill up quickly, so even if kids want to surf the afternoon session, best to show up at 10am to sign up.
We will all be camping at La Push Friday August 18th and Saturday August 19th, please join us!
Volunteer instructors, sign up here:


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A very lightweight Lightbox extension for click-enlarging content element images using lightbox2 or any other library of your choice.
Uploaded on 21 Jun 2019 by Stefan Riedel
Adds the fancyBox of fancyapps to the website.
Uploaded on 12 Jun 2019 by Philipp Mueller
One of the only TYPO3 extension which provides to use most popular jQuery Lightbox/Modalbox at TYPO3 content elements. This TYPO3 extension provides to configure many jQuery...
Uploaded on 25 May 2019 by T3:Bhavin Barad, T3:Keval Pandya, QA:Siddharth...
Click-enlarge images with a lightbox/slimbox based on PROTACULOUS,MOOTOOLS or JQUERY in TYPO3! Single images, imagesets, presentation mode and slideshow supported. Options can be...
Uploaded on 09 Oct 2018 by Benjamin Niediek
Adds the wonderful Photoswipe (http://photoswipe.com/) JavaScript gallery as a plugin to TYPO3.
Uploaded on 06 Jul 2018 by Jonathan Heilmann
This extension provides the responsive jQuery lightbox plugin Magnific Popup for images in content elements. Opening content like videos, other websites or inline/referenced...
Uploaded on 24 Jun 2018 by Jonathan Heilmann
This extension integrates a responsive and touch-friendly lightbox into TYPO3.
Uploaded on 07 Apr 2017 by Steindesign
The simplelightbox TYPO3 plugin brings the simplelightbox jquery plugin by Andre Rinas to TYPO3.
Uploaded on 01 Aug 2016 by Andre Rinas
This extension provides some working examples for hooks in EXT:jh_magnificpopup. Please see documentation of EXT:jh_magnificpopup (Chapter Development) and have a look at the...
Uploaded on 19 Jun 2016 by Jonathan Heilmann
Provides the "Colorbox Plugin for jQuery". Group images/videos by record or by page in colorbox-popups.
Uploaded on 11 Jun 2016 by Stephan Kellermayr
This extension integrates a responsive and touch-friendly lightbox into TYPO3. It requires jQuery 1.x or 2.x
Uploaded on 22 Apr 2016 by Tim Tilch
Integration of Zurb Foundation CSS framework for TYPO3 websites.
Uploaded on 18 Oct 2015 by Charles Brunet
Enables lightbox for "click-enlarge" images in RTE. Supports all lightbox extensions: perfectlightbox, rzcolorbox, sk_fancybox, pmkshadowbox, jq_lightbox, mbkdimagelightbox,...
Uploaded on 26 Aug 2014 by Sven Burkert


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Art Journal Page: I Dont Do The Beach/
Yesterday, I posted a page I created, using a James Burke mermaid tute. Well, I decided the right hand side needed one too.
In contrast to the cold colours on the opposing page, this time I went for warmer ones. Maybe subconsciously this was influenced partially by the fact that it was grey, wet and cold outside here in the north of the UK. At least in my art, I could warm things up.
So I grabbed my orange and red acrylic paints and sloshed them around the page to create a background. I pencilled in my mermaid and used an opaque blue to paint within the shape. I took my trusty Posca pen, the Lime Green, and painted my mermaid base. With other paint pens, I added detail and the journaling. Finally, I added a rash of dashes with a broad tipped red paint pen.
The border was added with a couple of brushes of yellow paint and a rough squiggle with a Dylusions paint pen.
Phew, that's mermaids out of my system for now I think! But who knows. The urge may strike again one day.
P x


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Author: Johannes Maiterth
Dipl.-Ing. Peter Methfessel, VKA, RWTH Aachen University,
Dr.-Ing. Edoardo Pietro Morra, FEV GmbH, Aachen
Further Information about the author
In the European Union trucks, busses and coaches produce around 25 % of the CO2-emissions from road transport. Because of increased road freight traffic, the CO2-emissions rose by 36 % between 1990 and 2010. Therefore, it is planned to also limit and certify the CO2-emissions of new heavy duty vehicles (HDV). One solution to reduce the CO2-emissions of a HDV is to electrify the powertrain. Depending on the driving cycle, different fuel consumption improvements can be achieved with electrification of the powertrain. For a series hybrid bus, up to 33 % of improvement has already been demonstrated. For the fleet operator the potential fuel savings that can be achieved with an alternative powertrain on a daily route is crucial for the selection of the right type of vehicle. For the vehicle manufacturer knowledge about the expected driving cycles is important to size the powertrain parameters appropriate. Hence, different aspects have to be considered when designing hybrid powertrains. To exemplify an advanced development approach, considering the requirements of, both, the operator and the OEM to find a best cost/benefit solution, this paper demonstrates the optimization of an electric powertrain for a hybrid electric distribution vehicle. All components of the electrical powertrain, like high-voltage battery and electric machine are scalable in the simulation model. By means of design of experiments, not only a best compromise between fuel consumption and cost will be determined, but also the requested vehicle performance targets like acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h and climbing capacity will be taken into account. The simulation study will compare the results of a conventional powertrain on at least two different typical routes with a series hybrid and parallel hybrid powertrain.


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Suffer from dry genitals? Is your bushwacker left scaly and cracked from eczema? Foreskin enveloped in redness and irritation?
Does your penis suffer from under-eye puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles? Is your sack the victim of mild swelling or puffiness? Have you discovered that extra-moisture lotion doesn't keep your cock and balls soft enough after three to five extended stroking and rubbing applications a day?
Do you ever gaze in envy at aloe-infused plush socks and wish you could jam your tallywacker inside them? One that's pH-balanced for men but strong enough for Betty White?
There may be a product out there for you.
Trojan now offers an over-the-counter aloe-infused condom. Now you can prevent pregnancy and disease while lubricating your jock inside a cock sock infused with soothing, moisturizing and healing aloe vera. It should be discarded after one use, kept away from pressure washers and not hung up to dry.
Do not ingest the condom if you are pregnant or nursing. Aloe-infused condoms can cause minimal side effects, including: crotch itch, tapeworm, allergic reaction, swelling of the nuts, psoriasis, uncomfortable bunching of the tighty whiteys — in addition to wood of the morning, afternoon and evening variety.
Since you're a man, baby, you can freely purchase this form of birth control over the counter, all the time, at all the places that have ever existed in the world for all the forevers and evers, amen. Probably even at church gift shops, Burlington Coat Factories and Oval Offices. Some people even hand out handfuls of free ones.
Act now and get a free trial of Viagra — because erectile dysfunction is not a pre-existing condition. Hey, neither is male-pattern hair loss, so load up on the Propecia, too.
Note: I am not a doctor. The condom does exist outside of my satire.
Dear Christy,
Have you heard about the new sexual term "sheathing"? WTF.
— Fun Time Fran
Not until now. (That was me, corporate IT.)
And now, here's what I learned: Sheathing is like housing a large tampon inside of you for an extended period of time — something not unusual for ladies. But this particular act would be like if that tampon had a dude attached to it.
It would be like laying in bed with a broken vibrator inside your plowhole for hours, giving no pleasure — and having a human in tow.
In urban terms, it's putting the P in the V and leaving it there for a couple hours. No further action required.
The end.
Urban Dictionary tells us it's a form of commitment. Apparently, those who practice this nonsense even pack lunches for the bedroom so they can snack while their genitals spoon each other.
How long does this inaction last, you ask? When the P becomes pruned. (Gross.) Or if you have to urinate. There are no orgasms allowed and no calling or texting during the act.
It's kind of like when you're all cozy in a journalism job and then a hedge fund pees inside you.
And things of that nature.
Read more Fantz: coloradodaily.com/columnists. Stalk her: twitter.com/fantzypants


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Police in the Tuscan city of Prato said the man shot his 82-year-old wife, who had Alzheimer's disease, three times in full view of medical staff.
The man told police he did it because he could not stand to see her suffer.
His wife had been diagnosed eight years ago with the degenerative and irreversible brain disorder, which causes dementia and eventually death.
It is estimated that 2-5% of people over 65 years of age and up to 20% of those over 85 suffer from the disease.
The man, whose name has not been released by the police, entered the hospital ward where his wife was being treated at around 1730 on Saturday, according to the Italian newspaper, La Stampa.
He then took out a pistol and shot her twice in the head and once in the chest.
Afterwards, he placed the weapon in the corner of the room and awaited the police, La Stampa reported.
What are these?
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


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After-school activities and recreation are often just as important to the development of school-aged children as their time in the classroom, if not more so. These activities are great for parents who want their kids to socialize and be active beyond the classroom.
Why after-school activities are important for kids
Whether it's sports, rec classes, or other beneficial programs, these daily pastimes are highly conducive to helping children grow both physically and mentally. And there are numerous wonderful after school activities for kids.
According to Youth.Gov, the benefits of afterschool programs are far beyond simply for youth but also positively impact families and entire communities. After-school activities for kids can boost performance in the classroom, reduce the risk of unhealthy behaviors, and promote the upkeep of their bodies. These activities are also great resources that provide a structured safe space for kids with working or busy parents.
Why the YMCA is a great place to go
One of the most prominent and highly respected organizations for such programs is the YMCA. Founded in 1844, the YMCA has a reputation for offering the best in extracurricular activities for people of all ages. Additionally, a YMCA membership gives you access to all sorts of specialized YMCA activities for kids and adults.
With their motto "empowering young people," the YMCA is invested in providing support and activities for children. Their worldwide organization has numerous locations across the U.S. and focuses on nurturing both children and teens so they can receive the support and personal development they need on a holistic level. The YMCA is not just an afterschool program or physical activities; the Y wants to help young people by giving them the necessary tools so they can ultimately be set up to succeed for the rest of their lives.
Activities kids can do at the YMCA
The YMCA is known for their selections of sports like baseball, football, soccer, basketball (which was famously founded at a YMCA) as well as volleyball, golf, and tennis to name a few. However, the YMCA also offers other afterschool activities for kids including dance, gymnastics, art classes, martial arts, swim lessons, and even yoga for youngsters.
Why Using text alerts is an advantage for the YMCA & Parents
By now, all of this probably sounds fantastic, but you might still be wondering why you should care about mobile text alerts and how it relates to the YMCA. What are some practical applications of these alerts for YMCA activities for kids?
Here are several reasons. In the fast-paced world we live in now, text alerts allow parents to stay informed about the current list of classes that they can enroll their children in as well as any recent updates to the schedule that parents might want to be aware of. Also, in the case of a cancellation, parents won't waste needless time carting their children around because they can be notified in an expedient manner. A reminder can also be sent to the parents making sure that they don't forget about a YMCA activity for their kids due to their busy calendars. Text alerts are also an excellent way to keep parents informed about upcoming events or new activities that their kids or the entire family can enjoy.
Most importantly, with text alerts, if there's ever the need to pick up a child early or if the YMCA needs to quickly contact parents due to a personal emergency of some kind, they have a quick point of contact that's easy and efficient. That's the key. Text alerts are an easy and efficient way that is extremely beneficial for kids, parents, and the YMCA. In this situation, everybody wins.


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|Sister Joseph Adele joins students on the lawn near the
Doheny Mansion for English class. Photo is about 1990.
SISTER JOSEPH ADELE EDWARDS, CSJ, '58, was a poet and longtime member of the Mount's English faculty who passed away last Christmas Day. She is still greatly missed by her many friends and former students.
The Public Relations department sent to the Archives a poem of of hers that turned up the other day in an old file. Inspired by John Keats' "Ode to a Grecian Urn," Sister wrote this paean to the Doheny Mansion in 1965:
If beauty changes for each person and age,
Then who are we to say wherein it lies?
For some it is a garden trimmed and formed,
A roof with gables pointing to the sky,
Two lions standing guard while cold and still,
Or marble panels matched by pillars tall.
An Angel's face, a crystal lamp, a trace
Of pastoral art -- all meant for one, at least,
The source wherein great beauty does reside.
A marble lion guards the entrance to the Doheny Mansion.


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[ Gone Free ] iRhino 3D: A simple, robust viewer for all your 3D design files
(3.5 stars with 133 Ratings)
Universal App
If you're a creative who is adept in the world of 3D design, you're going to want to sit up and take note of today's app. It's called iRhino 3D, and here's why we recommend it.
You know that showing off your 3D designs is one of the more exciting things you can do, and you deserve that ability. Show those designs off with a fantastic, straightforward app like iRhino 3D. With this app you'll be bale to view Rhino 3DM files in native format on your iOS devices, allowing you to get the full scale and some of the design. You can pinch to zoom, pan around, and orbit the design with the touch of a finger, giving you full controls for getting a decent and good look.
With the built-in navigator, you'll have the ability to go between thumbnails of each design swiftly and smoothly. There's even a Named Views manager, which allows you to jump to specific camera angels you've setup within Rhino. You can load 3D models from DropBox, GoogleDrive, websites, email attachments, and even from iTunes. If you're at all a graphic artist, download iRhino 3D, because we think you'll find a great use for it soon enough.


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Aloha and welcome to Hospice Hawaii on the web. We recently redesigned our website and are pleased to share all that Hospice Hawaii has to offer with you, whether you're on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
If you're visiting our site because someone has suggested that you might consider hospice care for yourself or a loved one, then this is a very critical time in your family's life. Unless you have benefited from hospice care already, you may be uncertain or anxious about what this entails. Please take the time to browse through our site for answers.
If you're wondering if Hospice Hawaii is right for you, please call us at 808-924-9255 at any time to speak with someone – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We believe the journey we take in the last phase of our life is very special. Yet it can be filled with uncertainty or fears. Our Hospice Hawaii staff and volunteers are committed to joining each person on that journey, offering the very best in the relief of suffering, the very best counseling to support the entire family, and the hope for a time of compassion and love. We have walked that journey with thousands of families, and will join you, no matter where you are, on that journey.
If you're a healthcare provider, please go to the Healthcare Professionals tab to find more information to assist you in determining eligibility for your patient. Or you can call our referral line at 808-791-8000 to start the referral process.
Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you find the information useful. And always remember, we're here for you.
Tori Abe Carapelho
President & Chief Executive Officer


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Lahore : Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said the government would ensure provision of equal rights to all citizens in light of the Constitution as well as the teachings of Islam.
The Prime Minister, in his message on the occasion of Holi Festival being observed on the day, extended his felicitations to the Hindu community of Pakistan.
"The circumstances in Pakistan are changing. Here, the days of spring are coming up for which the basis of inter-faith peace and co-existence were laid. Pakistan was created as hub of peace not only for Muslims rather every tribe and community living in the region," he said.
The Prime Minister said the government would make arrangements to disallow any discrimination in name of religion and the followers of every religion must feel free to practice their own faiths. The citizens should also not suffer from any sense of deprivation regarding employment or any other matter due to their faith, he added.
He viewed that Holi heralds the onset of spring and brings along a message of hope for a better future. This festival also gives good news that the societies also improve just like the winter turning into the spring season, he added.
Nawaz Sharif said in his address on August 11, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had made it clear that there would be no discrimination on the basis of faith in the country. The state was bound to fulfill the commitment the Quaid had made to the minorities in that address without tolerating any laxity in this regard, he added.
He said whole of the nation recognized the role of Hindu community for the country's development and lauded such a passion of the minorities.
The Prime Minister said during the past, the minorities also suffered at the hands of miscreants, just like other people of the country. However, this was unfortunate that the name of Islam was misused in that regard that had declared the killing of a human as tantamount to killing the whole humanity and considered the saving of one life equal to saving the whole humanity.
He said Islam never discriminated the human rights on religious grounds and the Constitution of Pakistan also carried the same message.
Nawaz Sharif said for national development, it was inevitable to move forward with the passion of national unity and build a society where everyone must feel free without any aggression. He said,"Holi Festival teaches us that the virtue will live forever and the evil is destined to be defeated."


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Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch is an Original Drawing App for Kids/
Ever since I was a child, I have always loved drawing. To me it is a wonderful way to relax and to let my imagination roam free. Most importantly, drawing also allows me to express the things which I cannot communicate verbally.
Since I get a ton of joy from drawing, I personally think that every kid should be encouraged to draw regardless of their age and skills. One app that shares this belief is Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch.
Things that Get Drawn in the Night
Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch is a unique drawing app with a twist. As its name suggests the app is themed around a magical night zoo and its mysterious teleporting zookeeper, who has enlisted kids' help to protect the zoo's inhabitants from creativity-stifling monsters.
As night zookeepers kids have to complete missions delivered daily to their iPads. These unique missions may involve drawing a "hareplane", imagining a girlfriend for lonely Sargeant Bearguin, giving a rhino flamingo legs, or imagining what would happen should a shelf full of paint fall on one of the zoo animals.
Several missions also introduce invisible "monsters" who steal certain colors or drawing tools from the canvas, challenging kids to figure out how to work with what they have. That said, it is possible to skip a mission when you run out of ideas and start on it later.
As you might imagine, Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch comes with a canvas and drawing tools. The tools are pretty basic, but they do the job well. There are three different-sized brushes, an eraser, a tool for automatically filling in shapes as you draw them, and a toggle for adjusting the opacity level of your lines. The app also offers unlimited undos to correct any little mishaps.
Once kids have completed a drawing, they can (optionally) type a brief note about it. They can then save the drawing to the Night Gallery, and "teleport" it to a private online dashboard for parents or teachers.
Parents Need to Know
Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch is a unique app that functions rather differently than most of the apps that we have reviewed on the blog. To start using the app you need to register using your email address for a free Night Zookeeper dashboard account. You can then browse through all your child's "teleported" drawings from the dashboard, and even create new missions to send to your child.
Another notable feature that I wanted to point out is the "teleporter", which your child uses to download new missions and upload completed drawings to the parental dashboard. You can download three new missions from the Night Zookeeper per day, but if your child wants more you can always supplement with your own missions.
Obviously you are going to need an internet connection to download missions, however you don't need to be online to complete them. Also, even if you haven't downloaded any missions to your iPad, you can still open up a blank canvas and create a drawing from scratch.
Things I Like
Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch is a fantastic app. Having tried it for some time, I can't imagine what kid would not want to draw every day with this app. The daily mission mechanism is a pretty nifty idea if you ask me, and I have to add that its implementation is also quite solid.
The missions are definitely my favorite part of the app because they are so wacky and out-of-the-box. From what I gather, there are at least 60 unique missions available, which means there's plenty of materials to use with your child. It is also great that you can create your own missions from scratch or by building on an existing one.
Another feature that I find interesting is that rather than a blank canvas, the app provides partially-drawn scenes for each mission. I think this is a great way to emphasize the back-story for each mission, as well as help get rid of the anxiety that one may feel when facing a completely blank working space.
Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch is a superb app. By asking juniors to complete missions daily, the app does more than just sharpen their drawing skills; it also awakens their imaginations and encourage them to engage in storytelling. What's more, parents can also join in on the fun by providing custom missions for their kids. If you want an app that would unleash your child's imagination and creativity, I would highly recommend this app.
Night Zookeeper Teleporting Torch is available for iPad
Get it on the App Store: iPad
App was provided for our honest review.
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- Toca Tailor Fairy Tales. Fairy-tale dress-up game for your aspiring fashion designers in the house.
- Puppet Pals 2. Direct your own animated stories using talking virtual puppets.
- Foldify. Design, print and fold your very own paper figures.


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No doubt, God is paving the path of Tim and Mitchell in India. Even with the delayed start for Mitchell, He has been so good to us in making up that time by providing amazing opportunities for them in the last two days. Today in particular was the realization of months of planning—planning that needed divine provision from the start. Celebrate with us as you read this update from Tim:
July 13, 2015
Pune, Maharastra, India
You know that feeling when something you have imagined becomes reality? It's truly amazing and one of the greatest feelings a person can experience.
Today was one of those days.
For months, I've been envisioning and planning this trip with Mitchell, our videographer, and Freedom 4/24 staff. In particular, we've spent a lot of time talking about the video project we are currently shooting here in India. Developing the overall concept, pre-production storyboarding, drafting shot lists, scheduling interviews, putting your gear kit together, and hopping on a flight are all great but there's always an amount of uncertainty knowing you can't control all the variables—especially in a place like India. Case in point: Mitchell being deported from India upon arrival on July 9 and then making it back into the country on a new visa late on July 11.
While we still have a few more days of shooting ahead, today was incredible. All totaled, we conducted six interviews (five with Freedom Firm staff and one with Anita, an amazingly strong survivor of trafficking with an especially heartbreaking story). Additionally, we received permission to conduct two more interviews with trafficking survivors in Mumbai later this week, and to top it off, we captured undercover footage while walking through a red light district just a few hours ago.
All totaled, we shot 91 gigabytes of video today.
Tomorrow, we have a handful of interviews scheduled and we will decide where we have our best chance of a conducting a successful brothel raid/rescue operation, either here or in one of two other locations within a few hours' drive.
Regardless of whether we stay here tomorrow or move to another location for a raid/rescue, one thing is certain: our ideas have begun taking shape. I can't wait to launch the finished video on November 5 at this year's Freedom Gala. We are sure you won't want to miss it either. Tickets and sponsorships are now available at www.Freedom424.org/freedom-gala.


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A little while back, Chris and I sat down and made a list of the places we definitely want to hit while living in the general vicinity of them, here in Europe. The list is long. It keeps growing. The thing is, I'm really only adding to it by the pictures I see on pinterest and not from any real notion of what these (most likely extremely photoshopped) visions of places I see on the internet actually have to offer.
We haven't actually been to some of the ones that are crossed out yet but we have solid plans; trains, planes and accommodations booked, so they're definitely happening.
So, travel friends. Or friends of travel friends. Do you have any suggestions? Are we way off-base on any of these? Are we missing something spectacular? Have you been there, what would you do (or not do) in these places again? You can email or facebook them to me if this whole commenting-on-the-blog bit has you baffled or you want to send a lengthy list with tons of tips. That would be most appreciated, actually. Always looking for some good reading material here.
Another thing, if you have advice about anything travel related at all, please feel free to give it! I can't promise to follow all of it but as a newbie semi-world traveler, I will accept all tips. One of my favorite pieces came from an unexpected source, a friend of my cousin (HI DAWN), and it included two sets of advice. One for London and one for Paris. We followed a lot of her London tips and they were great! She even included some "don'ts" which were equally as helpful. I'm SO excited to follow her "Top Ten" list for Paris. Under "Do Not" her response was "There isn't anything that comes to mind." The city sounds more appealing every time we hear about it. In fact it's getting to the point where I'm nervous about it not living up to expectations.
Don't hold back. And hurry! Well, you don't actually have to hurry, we're already booked through January with trips but hey, I'm anxiously awaiting all correspondence, travel related or otherwise.
Sorry to be so wordy. I guess that's what being the only one up at 4am can do to a person.
Link post tomorrow, folks.
venice / vienna / athens / paris / barcelona / florence /


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- Senate push for delayed Iran sanctions racks up majority support, reportedly with dozens of Democratic Senators in support
- Khamenei: nuclear talks expose "enmity" of U.S. "Satan"
- Syrian rebel alliance targets Al Qaeda, expels group from key city
- Hamas brags about reinvigorated alliance with Iran
What we're watching today:
- Senate legislation that would impose new sanctions on Iran if Tehran refused to dismantle its atomic program at the end of negotiations inched today toward a "near-filibuster-proof majority," with Foreign Policy outlining that 58 Senators now support the proposed bill. Meanwhile William Daroff, the Senior Vice President for Public Policy at The Jewish Federations of North America, revealed information from a "very reliable source" counting 34 Democratic Senators in support of the push. Provided that Iran does not cheat on its obligations while negotiations are ongoing, the legislation would put off any new measures until the end of talks and give the President the flexibility to delay those measures as talks are extended. The White House has nonetheless threatened to veto the bill, and has heavily pressured Senators to oppose it. Foreign Policy unpacked the White House's current legislative strategy, which now involves heavily pressuring Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid not to permit a vote on the potential law. A Senate staffer who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon estimated that Reid would be forced to buck White House pressure if the bill gets "60 cosponsors and more than 67 votes on the whip count." The Obama administration insists that the legislation would derail talks with Iran, but supporters counter that it merely codifies the White House's own repeated promise to ratchet sanctions up if negotiations fail. National Security Adviser Susan Rice, for instance, insisted to 60 Minutes last month that "we will ensure that the pressure is reimposed" if Tehran is caught violating agreements to first freeze its program and then put it beyond use for weaponization.
- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei lashed out against the United States on Thursday, declaring that "we would negotiate with the Satan (the United States) to deter its evil... [but] the nuclear talks showed the enmity of America against Iran, Iranians, Islam and Muslims." The statements came amid growing concerns - including from largely sympathetic outlets corners - that Iranian president Hassan Rouhani lacks the will or ability to substantially change Iranian domestic and foreign policy. By law and assisted by raw political power, the Supreme Leader controls among other things Iran's foreign policy. For his part Rouhani used to be openly acknowledged as close to Khamenei - a Reuters article from 2008 is to the point, and the characterization seems straightforwardly accurate - but since his election he has been framed by Western media outlets as a moderate opponent of the regime. It is not yet clear to what extent the White House will condemn Khamenei's remarks. The administration was markedly slow in condemning past inflamatory statements by Khamenei.
- An alliance of Syrian opposition fighters has seized parts of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo that had been controlled the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an Al Qaeda-linked group operating across the region, dealing what McClatchy assess as "an enormous setback" to the international terrorist organization. The forces that targeted Al Qaeda in Aleppo drew from a wide range of groups, ranging from secularists to unaffiliated hard-line Islamists. ISIS forces executed dozens of imprisoned opponents as they retreated, and The Times conveyed opposition estimates that "as many as 50 prisoners... had been slaughtered in cold blood at the group's hospital headquarters before the militants fled for the northeastern province of Raqqa." The episode is the latest in what has become regular fighting between Al Qaeda and more moderate, or at least not Al Qaeda-linked, rebels. ISIS leaders have called on their followers to target and kill fighters from those more moderate groups, including from the Western-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA). The internecine fighting has direct diplomatic stakes beyond Syria's borders. Analysts are becoming increasingly vocal in criticizing the United States and its Western allies for de facto siding with Syria's Bashar al-Assad regime, and with the regime's Iranian sponsors, due to fears that Al Qaeda might otherwise consolidate territorial gains. The administration's current policy has it giving weapons to Iraq - which the Washington Post's David Ignatius describes as a "virtual client[] of Tehran - so that Baghdad can fight Al Qaeda in Iran. Meanwhile Washington has partially frozen assistance to rebel groups who are battling Al Qaeda in Syria. The tension between the two positions may prove increasingly difficult to justify.
- The Guardian today conveyed statements from multiple Hamas figures indicating that the Palestinian terror group has rebuilt warm relations with its long-time sponsor Iran, overcoming a temporary break in relations that had some analysts declaring that there was an opening for Western engagement. The outlet quoted Taher al-Nounou, an aide to Hamas's Gaza-based prime minister Ismail Haniyeh, assessing that bilateral relations were "almost back to how they were before" divisions over the Syrian war caused a strain in ties, and that Hamas "believe[s] we will soon be back" to pre-Syrian war levels. Much had been made by analysts and journalists of the distance between Hamas and Iran TIME took it as evidence against what it described as "Israeli p.r." that "likes to portray Hamas as a satellite of Tehran," speculating that Hamas had put itself in a position it to prosper in the post-Arab Spring Middle East. The National Interest suggested that the shift should cause the United States to engage Hamas and integrate it into peace efforts. Hamas's time outside the Iranian orbit was short-lived. Reports emerged as early as July 2012 that representatives from the group were secretly meeting with Iranian figures to rebuild ties. By August there were multiple signals that reconciliation was being pursued and by September Hamas was again publicly positioning itself as part of an "Axis of Resistance" anchored by Iran. In early December Hamas senior member Mahmud al-Zahar was ready to declare that "relations between Hamas and Iran have resumed," and by the end of that month Hamas sources were confirming that "warm relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been restored." The rapid restoration of ties suggests that Hamas's relationship with Iran may be more robust than some analysts had been willing to grant.
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Snow and Ice Collection
Since 2012 dozens of mountaineers have collected vertical columns of snow from elevations above 15,000ft. This data helped our partner scientist study how glaciers are thinning. This work showed that glaciers are melting more quickly than previously predicted. The samples collected from the top surface of the glacier by mountaineers helped demonstrate that glaciers are not only losing mass from their bottom surface (from climate change) but also from the top.
Water melting from glaciers provides drinking water to billions of people worldwide. A better understanding of melting rates better equips governments to plan for adjusting to a changing climate.


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A preliminary note from Mr. Gibbons: Recently, when reluctantly co-opted for a search for a runaway reindeer, an eccentric prospecter, and a renegade elf, I had the, let's say, interesting experience of being marooned on a most quaint little island, to wit, the "island of misfit toys"…I didn't have a chance to meet the big man on campus, some insufferably pompous flying lion gradiosely appelated "King Moonracer", but I did while away considerable time jawing with the moody and sentimental sentry (not to put too fine a point on it), Mr. Charley-In-The-Box, hereafter referred to as Chasbo. (With his indulgent permission!)… Well, the upshot of the deal was that, given Chasbo's deep knowledge of classical music, I invited him to do today's column, his choices for works deserving to be marooned on their own "island of misfit scores". These are his choices, not mine. I love to death all the works he derides. If you have a complaint, don't come to Holdekunst! Send a letter to: "Sentry Charley-In-The-Box", C/O King Moonracer, the Isle of the Misfit Toys, Vicinity of the North Pole"-I'm sure that'll get there just fine. With no further ado, I yield the rest of the post to Chasbo, with the stipulation that the works he chooses have to be either important, popular, or at least substantial. It's just too easy to send some symphony by Dittersdorf or some Vivaldi concerto to the island. I'll see you at the end for a postscript.
We so-called "unwanted toys" may not delight boys and girls as we would like, but we solace ourselves by looking at the majestic lights of the North, the Aurora Borealis. But how many bores can you fit in Borealis? Boring works should go to the Island of Misfit Scores!
I hereby nominate Faure's dud of a Requiem, Mendelssohn's dud of a second symphony, and that pseudo-mystical dud of alltimes, Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time. There's limits to the patience even of misfit toys!
We have our own "Moon" deal going here, in the August Person of our Beloved Comrade and Leader, the inestimable King Moonracer. We need no dissertations on the moon. To the Island of Misfit Scores with you, Pierrot Lunaire! (that doesn't go for you, Dvorak's Rusalka, you can come by, anytime… )
My friend, the "boomerang who doesn't come back" (he merely plops and stays) begged me to include a piece that once heard, you want to banish forever, with no hope of its obnoxious notes ever returning to sender: Mr. Orff! Tear down this Carmina Piranha! And take itto the Island of Misfit Scores!
Sacrificing a maiden to death? Are you kidding? We don't even consider doing that to the most misfitted of our misfit dollies. I had to close young Rudolph's ears. Get thee hence, Sacre du Printemps!
"A scooter for Jimmy, a dolly for Sue, the kind that will even say, 'how do you do'"… How Do You Do! Our misfit doll says it, and that's respect, if you like, but there's precious little respect in today's world, we misfits have occasion to know this really personally! (editor's note: Here Chasbo sobs uncontrollably. Itold you he was sentimental! But I don't know what impolite score he had in mind….Oh, now he'scomposed himself)…Varese's Ameriques! It's just noise, how rude can you get? And Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue! It's rude to insult our intelligence with such potboiling potpourris! To the Island of Misfit Scores, if you'd be so polite as to acommodate us in this regard, Sir, we would certainly greatly appreciate it, if it's not too much trouble.
Herme wants to be a dentist, and that's cool with us misfits, but for the island of misfit scores, he needs a dentist that has gone bad. I can only think of one, in Willaim Bolcom's McTeague. This may not seem fair, but life isn't fair; who knows this better than us? Welcome to the Island of Misfit Scores!
Did you know there was a great pianist who was a misfit like us? Yep, Glenn Gould. And he said, and I quote, "Beethoven's Violin Concerto gets by on guts and one good tune." In a gesture of solidarity with a fellow misfit, to the Island of Misfit Scores! (and you're too long, anyway.)
Well, that's ten misfit scores, a conventional number for lists such as this. Now I'm going to close the lid of my box and dream of being rescued and placed in the hands of a loving child. Merry Christmas!
Guest Editor's note: This is Burl Ives, the Talking Snowman. Mr. Gibbons says he's "indisposed" so I'm nominated to do the postscript. I think I have a pretty good idea why our friend is indisposed- I don't think he liked ol' Charlie's list. Fact of the matter is, I heard him grumble something about "Charlie'sbeen in that box too long"…Our friend Yukon complained that Herme gotdentist score and he didn't get a prospecter score. I can only think of one score with prospecters, however, "La Faniciulla del West" maybe we'll run that by our tempermental friend!


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Hidden dangers in plastic ducks in your bathtub
CEOC International discusses with experts from the European Institutions, the consumer organisations, manufacturers and scientists ways of how to ensure a maximum safety level for children in Europe.
Children explore the world with all their senses. Apart from food and clothes, toys are the objects children have the most contact with. They do not only play with them, they touch them, put them in their mouth, lick or even chew them. The revised EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC provides a new regulation of chemical substances.
North-Rhine Westphalia's Minister of Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature and Consumer Protection Johannes Remmel – as well as his German colleagues and counterparts - believes the Regulation could have gone a step further and should be improved.
There is a need to minimize the exposure of children in particular to carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic chemicals, the so-called CMR substances. In the eyes of many stakeholders, the rules laid down in the EU Toy Safety Directive do not go far enough and argue that these substances must be forbidden without any exception and may not be reintroduced in toys through a loophole, as is the case with the new Toy Safety Directive. Especially for children as most vulnerable consumers, we have to use the stronger rules of the precautionary principles.
Speakers included MEP Heide Rühle (Greens, Germany), Mattia Pellegrini (Member of Cabinet of the Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani), Catherine Van Reeth (Secretary General Toys Industries of Europe), Gerd Billen (Managing Director of German Consumers Association) and Bärbel Vieth (German Institute for Risk Assessment).
CEOC International and its members believe that no compromise should be made with view to the safety of children and support a strong and powerful EU legislation in this respect.
Around 1000 toys are tested in Nord-Rhine Westphalia by the authorities every year, but – according to Minister Remmel – this is by far not enough. Mandatory introduction of the GS mark for imports at EU level could already bring safety a big step forward, according to Remmel.
Mr Pellegrini from the European Commission admitted there were some shortcomings in the new Toy Safety Directive, but also reminded that it is the strictest toy legislation world-wide. He announced that the European Commission has created a special Working group on toys which will first meet in December 2010. Regarding the chemical aspects, some improvements could be made, but that at the current stage it is also vitally necessary to focus on proper implementation and enforcement of existing rules.
MEP Heide Rühle (Greens, Germany) deplored the lack of consultation of the European Parliament by the Commission and pleaded for considerably increasing investments in the field of market surveillance and customs.
Dr Vieth warned that linking the EU Toy Safety Directive to the Chemicals legislation is not adequate. Given the fact that children very often put toys in their mouths for example, as strict rules as for food legislation and food contact materials should apply.
From the toy manufacturers' side, Catherine Van Reeth reminded that over the past 20 years the toy sector has experienced an unprecedented growth and diversification and that therefore of course new rules are required. TIE is currently working on a special education initiative in the EU where manufacturers, notified bodies, authorities etc. will be invited do sit around one table and discuss challenges in the toy sector.
Mr Billen of the German Consumers Association "Stiftung Warentest" deplored that 80% of tested toys contain hazardous substances and therefore calls for a "purity law" on toys (referring to the German purity law on beer).
He suggested that one should not wait for the next revision of the Toy Safety Directive, but that for example big retailers could already informally agree on strict safety regulations (also concerning imports) beforehand.
Dr Steffen from the Permanent Representation of Germany to the EU said the introduction of a European safety and quality mark would be the best solution.
Minister Remmel concluded that – taking into consideration the contributions from all participants – one should opt for a quick revision of the Toy Safety Directive. Until then, it would already help to set voluntary higher benchmarks, as suggested by Mr Billen, and also to strengthen preventive controls by third-parties. In the end, he said, an improved consumer protection is not only burdensome for entrepreneurs and industry, but will also lead to optimised market opportunities and contribute to the benefit of all.
Major changes compared to the previous toy directive 88/378/EEC are:
EC declaration of conformity
A requirement for an EC declaration of conformity drawn up by the manufacturer is added.
Safety assessments/risk assessments
It is specified safety assessments/risk assessments must be carried out. Manufacturers are obliged to identify any hazards that a toy may present. The assessment must be kept in the technical documentation.
Production control
Requirements for production control are more specified. Internal production control is based on the manufacturer's own responsibility and requires self verification and monitoring of the manufacturing process by the manufacturer in order ensure compliance of the manufactured product
New chemical requirements
New mechanical requirements for toys sold with food
For more information, please contact CEOC International: firstname.lastname@example.com.