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Think Globally, Conserve Locally
- Andrew M. Sugden
Insects are undoubtedly the most diverse multicellular organisms on Earth, yet our understanding of the extent of this diversity is still patchy, and to be able to predict patterns of community structure and local diversity would be important in the context of conservation. Finlay et al. analyzed data for more than 600,000 insect species from a wide variety of localities, and report self-similar patterns of body size distribution, species-area relationships, and abundance distributions at spatial scales ranging from a few hectares (Hilbre Island) to the land surface of the entire planet. The similarity of the observed patterns presents a useful tool for monitoring the status of insect communities in the face of human disturbance (including climate change); deviations from the general patterns, such as an unusual distribution of body sizes in an insect community, could provide useful indicators of local extinctions. — AMS
Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. B 273, 10.1098/rspb.2006.3525 (2006).
A Higher Power
- Jake Yeston
Nearly 80 years ago, Born and Oppenheimer showed that during a typical molecular transformation, electronic and nuclear motions can be treated independently of each other. The validity of this Born-Oppenheimer (BO) approximation arises from the nearly 2000-fold mass difference between electrons and protons, which results in the electrons completing their rearrangement before the slower, heavier nuclei begin to move. The approximation provides a mathematically tractable framework for accurate modeling of many chemical reactions (for example, see Nieto et al., Reports, 7 April 2006, p. 86). Although there are a number of well-established cases in which the approximation breaks down, these systems generally involve coupling between electronic and vibrational coordinates, rather than mass variations.
Takahashi and Takatsuka explore the breakdown of the BO approximation in unusual molecules, of interest in fusion research, which host more massive negatively charged particles in place of electrons. Specifically, they model H2+ analogs in which two protons bind either an antiproton or a muon (a product of nuclear decay ∼200 times heavier than an electron). Using semiclassical trajectory calculations, they find that the error in the approximation scales with the 3/2 power of the light-to-heavy particle mass ratio. This result implies that the BO approximation is valid over a wider mass range than is commonly assumed from a 1/4 power mass dependence that appears in the theory's derivation. The authors further confirm this error-scaling relation by carrying out an analysis of the system's energy based on the same perturbational approach used by Born and Oppenheimer. — JSY
J. Chem. Phys. 124, 144101 (2006).
Wrinkles of Life
- Brooks Hanson
A variety of geochemical evidence implies that life evolved on Earth roughly 3.5 billion years ago, yet more direct evidence—specifically, fossils or fossil-derived structures such as stromatolites or alteration pits—is still sparse or disputed in rocks dating several hundred million years closer to the present. Most of the evidence has been found in siliceous oozes or sediments, carbonate rocks, or altered basalt from deep oceanic or hydrothermal settings.
Noffke et al. have discovered fossil microbial mats in another environment, South African tidal sandstones, dated to ∼3.2 billion years ago. These rocks display wrinkles, layered roll-up structures, and carbon-rich laminations that resemble features seen in modern intertidal sandstones and commonly preserved in much younger rocks. Such structures form as ductile microbial mats are buried. Analysis of the carbon isotope compositions of the laminations further supports their bacterial origin. Concentration of these features at the top of sedimentary sequences formed in shallow water environments suggests that the microbes in the mats may have derived their energy through photosynthesis. — BH
Geology 34, 253 (2006).
An Internal Iron Sensor
- Gilbert J. Chin
To a cyanobacterium, photosynthesis is a very important activity. One of the components of the photosystem I (PSI) complex is iron, which can be a limiting nutrient in a marine environment. Consequently, when iron levels are low, Synechocystis makes the iron stress-induced protein A (IsiA) and deploys it in circumferential formation around the valuable PSI centers, where it serves both to enhance the absorption of light and to dissipate excess photoenergy. Dühring et al. describe how, in times of plenty, the expression of isiA is controlled by a 177-nucleotide (nt) RNA, which is called IsrR and is transcribed from the complementary or noncoding strand of isiA. They propose that when iron is abundant, the IsrR RNA binds to the isiA mRNA and targets it for degradation. Because artificially decreasing IsrR levels does not produce an increase in isiA mRNA if enough iron is available, the authors suggest that another control element, such as an attenuator, must exist. In Salmonella, expression of the magnesium transporter MgtA is turned on when internal Mg2+ levels drop, and a critical regulatory element resides in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the mgtA gene. Cromie et al. show that the 200-nt 5′ UTR of mgtA consists of a riboswitch (see also Thore et al., Science Express, 4 May 2006) that adopts a transcription-attenuating, two stem-loop structure when Mg2+ is bound. The 160-nt 5′ UTR region of isiA may harbor an ion- (or iron-) sensor. — GJC
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 103, 7054 (2006); Cell 125, 71 (2006).
Exciting the Nucleus
- David Voss
Modern laser sources can generate sufficient intensity to induce nuclear reactions. However, the excitation mechanism is indirect: optical laser photons deliver energy to electrons, creating a plasma, and the electrons in turn heat the nuclei sufficiently to overcome the barrier to fission or fusion.
Calculations by Bürvenich et al. suggest a plausible approach for direct nuclear excitation, using current and future generations of high-power laser systems emitting at x-ray frequencies. If the nuclei are accelerated to high velocities, the resulting Doppler shift of the laser light in the nuclear reference frame brings the nuclear transitions into resonance with the photon frequencies. This technique would enable nuclear quantum optics studies—analogous to the richly developed field of coherent electronic excitation—and could afford higher precision in measurements of nuclear properties, as well as control and detection. — DV
Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 142501 (2006).
Rendered Powerless by Heme
- Stephen J. Simpson
Malaria represents one of the greatest threats to human health in tropical and subtropical regions. Aside from its direct effects, the Plasmodium parasite causes a general suppression of the immune system.
Millington et al. observed that mice infected with the rodent-specific strain P. chabaudi were less able to produce antibodies to a third-party antigen. Both in culture and in vivo, parasite-infected erythrocytes inhibited the maturation of dendritic cells, as shown by a reduction in the expression of activation markers. Hemozoin (the product of hemoglobin degradation) was found to impede dendritic cell maturation and, in turn, to reduce the ability to activate naïve T cell responses. During an infection with P. chabaudi, these effects on dendritic cells manifest themselves as a reduction in CD4+ T cell proliferation and migration into B cell-rich regions of the lymph node. The subsequent deficit in T cell-assisted B cell expansion thereby offers an explanation for the reduced antibody production seen in infected mice. — SJS
J. Biol. 5, 5 (2006).
FSH Increases Bone Resorption
- Nancy R. Gough
Osteoporosis, a decrease in bone mass, is a common condition affecting postmenopausal women and is due at least in part to decreased estrogen. Sun et al. show that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a pituitary hormone that regulates estrogen production, has a direct effect on bone mass by stimulating the differentiation and resorptive activity of osteoclasts. The cells that degrade and resorb bone are osteoclasts, whereas osteoblasts are the bone-depositing cells. Mice deficient for FSHβ or the FSH receptor were hypogonadal and exhibited many symptoms of estrogen deficiency, yet had normal bone mass. Heterozygous mice (FSHβ+/−) had a 50% reduction in circulating FSHβ and showed decreased bone resorption, decreased abundance of circulating tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (a marker of osteoclast activity), and decreased expression of osteoclast markers in bone marrow, all of which are consistent with the observed increase in bone density. In cultured cells, FSH stimulated osteoclastogenesis by stimulating differentiation, but not proliferation, and enhanced the resorptive activity of individual osteoclasts. These results point to a direct estrogen-independent effect of FSH on bone density and a crucial role for this hormone in postmenopausal osteoporosis. — NRG
Cell 125, 247 (2006).


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When a well known black metal band announces that their next album is going to be a solely ambient one, everyone collectively rolls their eyes. Most metal fans will bemoan the huge stylistic shift and pay little attention, while those who are well versed in ambient music will expect the obligatory tepid snoozefest. Perhaps due to their reputation for crafting a beautiful atmosphere with their own brand of black metal, when WITTR announced their next effort Celestite was to be an ambient one, there wasn't a lot of negativity on either side leading up to the release, with people seemingly believing they could buck the trend of useless vapid releases produced by former metal artists. Unfortunately, it's all the same situation once again – Celestite Mirror is bland and lifeless, rarely producing atmosphere of any kind. What we ultimately end up with is a boring new-age album with attempts to sound dark and haunting at points while never pulling it off.
The problem is for 90% of the album we have pretty much just the same painfully dull melodies repeating themselves over and over, building towards nothing. The glitchy synths just play dull slow tunes, taking a scale up and down over and overm while the introduction of horns over the top, or the dull distorted guitar drones add nothing to create an atmosphere. Seriously, there only seems to be one note played on the guitar throughout the whole album, introducing a bit of distortion, assumedly because they haven't sounded "dark" or "haunting in a while". With four different people playing synth on the album neither of them actually do anything of note, each one contributing either a soulless melody or an aimless drone. The repetitive pulse underlying everything doesn't pull you into a hypnotic trance, it's dull obliqueness just annoys in no time at all.
The music evolves sure, but towards nothing. It just meanders around with no sense of atmosphere. Sometimes the synths shimmer alone in an attempt to let the music sound bright and celestial, then they'll add some distorted guitar to make it sound dark. This is the entire range of their attempts at generating an atmosphere, alternating between the two. Going from soft to somewhat heavy, and back again, it's somewhat pathetic – especially as the bright parts and heavy parts aren't even particularly pronounced, they're lifeless. The way their songs evolve is so oblique and unsubtle that it just comes off as clumsy and ineffectual. Equally ineffectual is the use of horns or flutes to add some variation. When there's no distinctive melody or texture generated it's just another vacuous clumsy addendum. There's not even much point differentiating between each track, because it's just boring synth melody after dull drone for forty six minutes, with a few other instruments thrown in over the top to fill in the gaps.
Ultimately this album just evokes nothing. You don't get lost in trancelike hypnotic textures, there's no foreboding darkness, or a slowly unfolding subtle journey through swirls of beautiful sounds – there's not the slightest hint of atmosphere. There's just pointless meandering between two unconvincing extremes. Maybe those who aren't very well versed in ambient will buy into it, but for the rest of us it's simply another case of rolling our eyes and moving on. The wolves are dethroned.

subset: commoncrawl


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We created this light & sound sculpture for Absolut Vodka during ADE 2016. An abstract piece that welcomed guest in style with the new 'FACET' bottle. The final design is a 2 by 3 meters polygon object that came to life with a 15000 ansiLumen projector.
Ambient Light & Sound Sculpture
Polygone welcome to an amazing clubnight


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Today was a very relaxed day. Our first appointment was with the Roketsu Dying place at 10am.
Once we arrived we were shown all the equiptment and picked out simple designs to have a go.
To start you have to apply melted wax with a brush in the design of your choice, tracing it on to fabric with the aid of a light box.
One layer makes the lines come up faded, two layers keeps the background white.
Once this is done you have to suit up in aprons and gloves to stir and dunk the fabric into the dye for fifteen minutes. The more you stir the more cracks will appear in your design, this gives it an intresting look!
They are then left to change colour once oxygen reaches them, before the wax is boiled off and the material washed.
It's then dried and iron so you can take it home!
In the afternoon we took part in a tea ceremony with another couple of travelers (from Switzerland!) and learnt the art of tea preperation.


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[…] accessories and my new H&M slip-ons. I have worked with Yumi Kim a ton in the past (as seen here, here and here) and their silk pieces are endlessly flattering. This skirt is called the […]
I gotta brag a little about the ridiculous sales I am sporting in this post y'all. (Yeah, I said y'all…I went to college in the south.) But seriously, these boots one of my favorite thrift store finds of all time. They are Miu Miu knee high boots that I bought for $55! And they were in my size! I looked around online and the most similar pair of Miu Miu boots currently available cost $1,450 at Barney's. I'm so in love with them. They fit a but tight around the toes, but I'll stretch them out. I wrote an article about my top picks for thrift stores in the city, you can check it out here. I have found some amazing pieces. If you are willing to do a little digging and get some things altered, thrifting can amp up your wardrobe in amazing ways!
The coat (pictured below) is maybe 6 years old. I bought it at Macy's for $25…no that is not a typo…$25. It is so warm and the color is just stunning. It was originally $150 and I got it at end of season mark down and have worn it every winter since. The romper is another Yumi Kim piece that I got at their sample sale last week. It is still available on their website in a ton of colors and prints. What I love about it is that it has an amazing fit. The fabric is a little bit loose and falls in a really beautiful way that I haven't seen with other rompers. Plus it has a little snap over the chest so you can control how racy you want the neckline to be! I love this detail because this look could go from day time shopping to a night time look (literally) in a snap.
Outfit Details:
Coat: American Rag (Old, Similar: here)
Boots: Mui Mui (Thrifted, Similar and cheaper: here)
Tights: Forever 21
Romper: Yumi Kim
Purse: Aldo
Bracelets: Alex and Ani
[…] accessories and my new H&M slip-ons. I have worked with Yumi Kim a ton in the past (as seen here, here and here) and their silk pieces are endlessly flattering. This skirt is called the […]


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The Calgary Flames have officially signed forward Brendan Morrison to a contract. Numerous sources are now reporting it's a one year deal worth $725,000. It comes after a rash of injuries which have seen Calgary centres Daymond Langkow, Matt Stajan, David Moss and Ryan Stone all sidelined.
Morrison had been on a preseason tryout with the Vancouver Canucks, a team he played parts of eight seasons with. After one year stops in Dallas and Anaheim over the last few seasons, he found himself with the Washington Capitals last year, posting 12 goals and 42 points in 74 games.
Morrison turned 35 in August and his puck distribution skills could certainly be used as an asset on the team. The cap hit isn't huge, and even with moderate results this season, it is probably viewed as a low risk signing by many.


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Episode 1 : Cell on the Verge of Defeat! Krillin, Destroy Android 18! Episode 2 : The Battle Turns for the Worst... Cell Attacks Android 18! Episode 3 : The Tables are Turned! Witness the Power of Perfection! Episode 4 : Vegetas Final Push! Defeat the Invincible Cell! Episode 5 : The Strongest Super Saiyan! Trunks Power Unleashed! Episode 6 : Cell Invades the Airwaves! Announcing, The Cell Games Episode 7 : Training Complete! Goku Sizes up the Competition! Episode 8 : The Truce Is Broken! The Defense Force Strikes Back at Cell! Episode 9 : A New Guardian!; The Return of the Dragon Balls! Episode 10 : Hercule Takes the Stage! The Curtain Rises on the Cell Games Episode 11 : Showdown! Cell vs. Goku! Episode 12 : Battle at the Highest Level! Goku Goes All Out! Episode 13 : The Opening Round Is Concluded! Gokus Moment of Decision! Episode 14 : Get Angry, Gohan! Release Your Hidden Power! Episode 15 : Tears For An Android! Gohans Inner Rage Bursts Forth! Episode 16 : Unleash the Warrior Within! Gohan Takes the Offensive! Episode 17 : Perfections End! A Fury, Beyond Super Saiyan! Episode 18 : A Heros Sacrifice! Last Chance to Save the World! Episode 19 : Combine Your Strength! The Final Kame-hame-ha! Episode 20 : A Bittersweet Victory! Until We Meet Again!
ドラゴンボール改「カイ」 Season 4
Rejoin Goku and his friends in a series of cosmic battles! Toei has redubbed, recut, and cleaned up the animation of the original 1989 animated series. The show's story arc has been refined to better follow the comic book series on which it is based. The show also features a new opening and ending. In the series, martial artist Goku, and his various friends, battle increasingly powerful enemies to defend the world against evil. Can Earth's defender defeat demons, aliens, and other villains?
Genre: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Animation, Action & Adventure, Comedy
Networks: Fuji TV
Release: 2010-10-24
Status: Ended
Episode: 158 Episodes
Duration: 26 min
Quality: HD
Rating: 5.6
Season : 0
Season : 1
Season : 2
Season : 3
Season : 4
Season : 5
Season : 6
Season : 7


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front photo
Sponsored by Shy Shop
Mascara Guide and Guitar Pen Review
This shop sells so many kawaii things and useful stuff too, also fashionable!
You'll find Accessories for you and your phone, beauty tools, hair accessories and tools, nail stuffs, fashion pouch, Paris love including Keychains and so on of Eiffel tower, cute pens, face paint for parties and cosplay, stuff you can use for organizing, House tools, etc
Click here to check it out: Shy Shop
Thank You Shy Shop
Thank You Shy Shop
i always have a problem with applying my mascara, the brush might be big, and i have to be extra careful applying it or my eye makeup will be ruined! i always leave a mascara dot on my eye makeup..so annoying, i have to take a bud and dip it in makeup remover then remove the mascara on my lid, then re-apply my makeup.
i looked around for a mascara guide and finally got the chance to use it yay! will show you gals how it might be helpful if your as clumsy as me in applying mascara hehe
Guitah Pen and Mascara tool
personally i think its kinda funny looking, like a dinosaur
long lost bones or specifically bones from a dino whale :))
im just silly but it kinda looks like a Shark mouth and teeth
on the right side, then fish fin bones on the left, but its fun
and cute ahaha XD
note: i did not put on any eye makeup so the results will show better and also it was just a day when i was at home. i dont have time to take photos while im rushing my makeup to go out
1 - Use the comb on the tip of the tool to comb ur lashes then place the mascara
guide on your upper lid like shown in the photos
2 - Use any mascara and swipe swipe swipe~
3 - The result after application is kinda messy but dont worry.."use the comb" again
3 - The result after application is kinda messy but dont worry.."use the comb" again
4 - The result after combing my upper lid. no more clumps, and lashes look much better!
5 - now for the lower lashes, do not forget to comb you lower lashes before and after the
application of the mascara
♠ The result is better than using a mascara brush only
♠ Separates the lashes
♠ Easy Breezy
♠ Avoids mistakes and clots of mascara to stick on your eyelids
♠ your lashes will be fully coated! this is a problem i use to have, i can not reach my lashes near the roots because im afraid that i will ruin my eye makeup
♠ it may take some time to get used to it, i was so conscious using it the first time, im clumsy too hehe. the result was great!
Guitah pen des~
the pen has two sides, i mean the Guitar..one side is the
girl, while the other is a photo of a guy
i love collecting cute and adorable pens or out of this world pens, ill show you gals my collection soon. this pen is like a gel pen but it does not bleed or it shows much better.
More Photos
For More Makeup Reviews
Pls Click the photo below or here
Pls Click the photo below or here
P.S- this review is honest...im always honest ;)


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My first layout is of me with my son on his first trip to the beach. He LOVES the water but was a little hesitant about going in the lake...we ended up having a great time though!
For this layout I layered punched strips of the Cosmo Cricket Salt Air papers on top of a punched strip of some coordinating Core'dinations paper as well as a Core'dinations background page. I smeared some Stickles in Christmas Red along each of the strips of the lighter orange, punched Core'dinations paper -- I wanted it to look a bit like sand was stuck to it. I then added dots of Liquid Pearls in Gold Pearl along the top and bottom edge of the punched layers to really define the edges. I matted the photo and journalling on the same paper as the background page and I also added a few dots of liquid pearl on the photo mat beside the the Baby Blooms. I added some eyelets and stitching between the photo and journalling mats - I wanted it to look a bit like an old life-jacket. I used a date sticker from the Como Cricket Salt Air Cardstock Stickers and printed the rest of the journalling on Cream Cardstock. The title letters are Fabric Thickers in Apricot and I added a ruched bit of fabric to the title to coordinate with the large "sun-flower" on the page.
This was my first time working with Glubers and I have to say - I LOVED them. To create this "sun-flower" I first sprayed a large strip of cheesecloth with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Candy Apple Red. Once that dried, I knotted one end of the strip of cheesecloth and attached it to the centre of the Gluber and then tightly rolled the cheesecloth around the knotted centre to create the spiral. I then added some Stickles in Fruit Punch to the grooves of the spiral. I decided the colour of the spiral wasn't quite what I wanted so I spritzed it with some Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Lemon Zest to tone down the red. To create the ruffle around the spiral, I hemmed both sides of a long strip of fabric and then did some simple gathering stitching along one of the hemmed edges and --voila -- my "sun-flower".
Materials Used:
Pattered Papers: Cosmo Cricket Salt Air Collection - Coral Bloom and Half Shell; Core'dinations Cardstock (light and dark orange); Recollections Cardstock (Cream); American Crafts Thickers - Dolce Fabric Letter Stickers in Apricot; Bella Blvd Baby Blooms in Saffron; Cosmo Cricket Glubers; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Candy Apple Red and Lemon Zest; Stickles in Fruit Punch and Christmas Red; Liquid Pearls in Gold Pearl; Fabric; Cheesecloth; Eyelets (from stash); DFN Craft Thread (light orange); Fiskars Edge Punch; American Crafts This to That Glue Runner.


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It is that time of year again: hot summer weather, Fourth of July Celebrations, and the California State Fair. Time to look forward to new beers and new events going on at Tilted Mash.
Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!!
We are proud to have taken home 3rd Place in the American Pale Ale category at the 2016 California State Fair Commercial Beer Competition with our Summer in the Grove Pale Ale. We were among 64 breweries who entered in this category, and we couldn't be happier with placing in our first competition. Summer in the Grove has orange citrus notes with tropical fruity hop flavor finishing with a dry, perfectly balanced bitterness. Crushable and refreshing.
We will be pouring Summer in the Grove on Saturday, July 16th at the California State Fair Brewfest. To purchase tickets to this event, please visit the California State Fair website or click this link to go directly to the brewfest page: http://www.castatefair.org/best-california-brewfest/
Keeping Cool, Traffic Issues, Paints and Pints
There doesn't seem to be any relief to this hot Sacramento weather. Thanks to our new swamp coolers, the brewery is definitely a cooler place to be while enjoying that award winning Summer in the Grove.
With road improvements going on Union Park Way, we've been very happy that none of you have been deterred by the barrage of Detour signs in our neck of the woods. One customer who came down from Shingle Springs said, "It was an adventure to get to your brewery. It's like a finding a hidden gem back here." Construction should be finished within the next few weeks.
Our first Paints and Pints event was a great success! The event sold out and attendees were treated to a beautiful piece of art to take home and great craft beer to keep the inspiration flowing. Our next Paints and Pint event with Liz is scheduled for Sunday August 21st. Check in on TiltedMash.com, our Tilted Mash Newsletter, or our Facebook page for more information.
Growler Club Update!
Our Tilted Mash Growler club is ready to take 30 new members! Sales will begin on July 1st with growler pick ups and fills beginning August 1st. For full details of the Growler Club, please visit our website at TiltedMash.com
Life Expressions Decor with Karen
Life Expressions Decor allows you to paint your own wood sign and use vinyl lettering to come up with a creation all your own. Karen Feignher will lead this event on Sunday July 17th from 12pm to 2pm. To purchase tickets click here: https://www.eventbrite.com
Coming Soon to the Taproom!!
Easy as ABC 6.1% IPA
Rye So Blue? 7.0% Saison
Upcoming Events
Saturday July 16th: California State Fair Brewfest
Tickets available at: http://www.castatefair.org/best-california-brewfest/
Sunday July 17th: Life Expressions with Karen
Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com


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Why Formula E is going to hold a race in Saudi Arabia
Why Formula E is going to hold a race in Saudi Arabia
Formula E's 20th host city will be Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia – the first location the championship will visit in the Middle East.
The electric series has announced a 10-year deal with the country's General Sports Authority and Riyadh will host the season-opening race of the 2018/19 championship in December – the first event with the new Gen2 machinery – subject to the approval of the FIA's World Motorsport Council.
"The moment when those green lights go on in Riyadh, Formula E becomes of age," FE CEO and founder Alejandro Agag tells Autosport/Motorsport.com. "For me that moment will be as big as the first start of the [inaugural] race in Beijing."
But the news is controversial due to the issues that surround famously conservative Saudi Arabia – concerning human rights, its treatment of women, minorities and migrant workers, its oil wealth and dependency, and other major geopolitical dramas.
These problems are starkly at odds with FE's message – that the championship is forward thinking, green and aimed at young motorsport fans – and its non-traditional approach to racing.
But Agag sees it differently.
"I think it's exactly the opposite," he says when asked to square Saudi Arabia's image problem with his championship's ideals.
This is because of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan. Announced in April 2016, it is the kingdom's attempt to reform – socially as well as economically – as it wants to diversify its revenue streams into areas such as tourism, and reduce its reliance on money from oil exports. This includes finding other sources of renewable energy and embracing new technology.
"[The Riyadh E-Prix] fits with the direction of the country and the 2030 vision that his Royal Highness, the Crown Prince [Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud], launched," says Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, vice-chair of the General Sports Authority.
"It just fits perfectly with that direction. It was a win-win situation and it was really the right timing. The country is changing a lot. We have done a lot of sports events so far – we had the [FIDE] chess world championship finals, WWE, the Race of Champions – so diversity in sports is coming into Saudi and this was just adding something. One of the highlights of the year will be this race."
This is why Saudi Arabia has committed to significant investment with the Riyadh event as part of an exclusive deal with FE that means any other races in the region have to be organised within the GSA partnership.
The inaugural Riyadh E-Prix will take place in Ad Diriyah – the 'Old City' district on the capital's outskirts. It won't be a double header – "We want [a trend of] single races because the problem is you don't really have a winner of the weekend on a double-header," says Agag – and it is unlikely to be a night race along the lines of Formula 1's events in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, at least for the time being.
The arrangement with the GSA, which made it clear the race would have to be the season opener, is in line with FE's preferred policy of having promoters pay to host an event. But Vision 2030 also chimes with FE's message, according to Agag.
"We are very happy to partner with Riyadh because we have the same vision," he says. "I think the Vision 2030 is great, [it's] really future-looking. So, that goes exactly the same as Formula E and that is why I think this partnership is so good because there are all these changes happening there."
When any major sporting event takes place in a country that has a controversial record with human rights or other social problems, the accusation of 'sport-washing' understandably arises. It did around the Beijing Olympic Games, Sochi 2014 and the upcoming football World Cup in Russia, and the recent Giro d'Italia start in Israel.
"They can say whatever they want," Prince Abdulaziz says when the accusation of sport-washing is presented. "We have a direction, we have a strategy and we have an obligation to bring the best to the citizens of Saudi Arabia and the people living in Saudi Arabia, and that is our direction.
"We were always criticised for not doing anything, and when we do it, they say ['you're doing something for the wrong reason']."
In September 2017, Saudi Arabia announced that women would finally be permitted to drive, and this will come into force next month. FE had to get assurances around having potential female drivers – Katherine Legge, Michela Cerruti and Simona de Silvestro (pictured below) have raced in the series in the past – participate in the racing and work on the event as part of the race agreement. It is understood that activities involving female drivers will be incorporated into the December event.
"The rules [will] allow women to drive, which I also think is a very important symbol and element of this," says Agag.
"Of course [female fans are welcome to attend the race too]," adds Prince Abdulaziz. "We have had the chess championship where we had females playing against males – more than 450 participants came from more than 60 countries. Male and female – and there's no issue with that."
Despite Agag's insistence "sport is beyond politics", the idea that 'sport and politics don't mix' exists for a reason. Given Saudi Arabia's reputation, the Riyadh announcement has not been universally well received by those working in the FE paddock or outside observers.
When asked what reassurances he can provide to anybody working within the FE sphere – teams, drivers, media, and within his own organisation – that may have reservations about going to Riyadh, Agag says: "Of course, when you go a place, you have to respect the culture and the rules, and as long as you do that, you have zero reasons for concern.
"Of course, if I come [to Berlin] and I [rob] a bank, I have a problem, so that's why I don't do it. As long as you respect the laws and the rules, Saudi Arabia is super-welcoming, the people there are super-welcoming – I have been there many times – and it is a beautiful place."
When it comes to the serious issues surrounding the current state of Saudi Arabia, these problems should not and must not be ignored. But the Vision 2030 plan at least offers some encouragement regarding the country's intent to modernise.
If sport, and by extension FE, can indeed act as a catalyst to help to make improvements through inspirational competition, and in the Riyadh E-Prix's case also showcase high-profile technological developments, then the need to make positive changes will hopefully be driven home.
Racing News
via All news – Autosport https://ift.tt/2uOa9Ei
May 18, 2018 at 01:22AM


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Are you looking for suppliers and an events team that can help you with your event? How do you find a reputable company and what do you look for? Here are three. Consider these suggestions if you're looking for an events production company like ULTIMATE EVENTS, INC. for your home show in Utah.
Watch how the events production company delegates the tasks.
A good events coordinator or planners require excellent delegation skills. Be wary of the ones who appear to be too confident that he or she can do it all because he or she can't. It takes a village to come up with a show or an event, and the leader must be a team player as well. During your initial meetings, watch carefully how he or she talks about the people or other suppliers he or she can bring in for your requirements. What's important is that the events production company you're meeting with doesn't make it sound that they're a one-man team.
Ask for the types of events they've handled in the past.
If you're working on a home show, it's advisable that you look for an events production company who has worked on a similar project. Road shows, concerts, weddings, corporate events, and home shows require some specific skills and requirements to pull off so better find someone who had already done it.
Study their list of equipment.
A reputable events production company would have a fleet of basic and special equipment needed for specific events. While some can often rent specialized equipment, it is often better to work with an events production company who has its fleet of supplies. If you know a thing or two about event equipment, make sure they're providing you with the top-of-line equipment relative to the total cost of what you're paying them.
Planning Wisely
A successful home show, event, concert, wedding, or corporate affairs all start with finding the right events team. Use these tips to help you find the right one who can bring your event to life and make it a successful one to remember.


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Instructor Role
About Codeverse
Codeverse™ is the world's first fully interactive coding school and educational tech platform that teaches kids to code. Our mission: Teach a billion kids to code.
Codeverse is built with engaging and intuitive tools to make learning code approachable and fun, and most of all, rewarding. The self-guided curriculum is designed for learners as young as 6 and introduces all the foundations of computer programming while incorporating core subject areas including art, history, science, and math.
The curriculum teaches kids how to code in a proprietary language known as KidScript, the world's first programming language designed from the ground up specifically for kids.
Class Structure
Codeverse offers weekly sessions for kids from 1st to 8th grade. Each 75-minute session will teach kids how to code in KidScript using iPads and will give them the opportunity to interact with a range of cutting-edge tech from 3D printers to robots to programmable lights.
During each session, each student will use their own iPad to complete lessons using the existing Codeverse curriculum with teachers and assistants providing guidance and support when necessary. Teachers and assistants will each have their own iPad which will give them real-time visibility into the work of each student, so they can easily identify which students need help and when.
Classroom sessions are offered 2x per day on weekdays between 4pm and 7:15pm and 7x per day on weekends from 8am to 8:15pm with breaks between sessions. Teachers will have the flexibility to work shifts after school on weekdays or half-day shifts on weekends and week long camps in the summer..
Each class will have up to 30 kids and will have a 10:1 student to instructor ratio (two teachers who are supported by at least one teaching assistant).
Lead Instructor Role
Codeverse is looking to hire teachers that will serve as both instructors and mentors to students. You'll be both teacher and guide in the magic that is Codeverse.
The ideal teacher:
Some prior experience with computer science or coding is a plus but is not required as all teachers will be trained on how to use the platform.
Minimal outside prep work will be required as the curriculum is built into the platform.
Job Requirements


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Global Household Cooking Appliances Market: Snapshot
The demand for consumer goods, specifically household cooking appliances, is highly influenced by the advancing technology across the world. The improved designs and enhanced efficiency, achieved by technological developments, has been reflecting positively on the sales of household cooking appliances over the last few years. Going forward, the trend looks enduring and points towards a rewarding future of this market.
According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the opportunity in the worldwide market for household cooking appliances was US$42.20 bn in 2015. Rising at a CAGR of 3.80% during the period from 2016 to 2024, the market is projected to reach US$58.46 bn by the end of 2024.
Popularity of Cooktops to Reflect Positively in Sales
The key products of the global household cooking appliances market include cooktops and ovens. Among the two, cooktops and cooking ranges have been registering a higher demand. Gas cooktops, electrical cooktops, and induction cooktops are the main types of cooktops available in the global market. Of these, gas and electrical cooktops enjoy a high popularity among consumers at present. Electrical cooktops, particularly, is expected to witness a sturdy rise over the next few years and acquire the leading position in the overall market by 2024.
The awareness regarding the benefits of electrical cooktops, such as minimal risk, easy installation and handling, simplified cleaning process, effective management of heat, and cost efficiency, is likely to boost the demand for electrical cooktops significantly in the years to come. Apart from this, induction cooktops are also projected to experience a healthy demand in the near future.
Europe to Maintain Dominance on Account of High Awareness Level
Researchers consider North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa as the main geographical segments of the worldwide market for household cooking appliances. Thanks to the rising demand for technically advanced products, the market for household cooking appliances in Europe has acquired the leading position among all the regional markets. The scenario is likely to remain same over the forecast period, with sales of these appliances crossing US$16.7 bn by 2024 in this region.
The soaring disposable income of consumers and the high level of awareness among them related to new products and technologies are expected to support the Europe market for household cooking appliances in the years to come.
Asia Pacific and North America are also anticipated to report steady growth in the demand for household cooking appliances over the forthcoming years. The increasing trend of replacing the conventional cooking appliances with their newer technically advanced versions is projected to propel the North America household cooking appliances market, whereas, the advent of e-commerce sector is emerging as the key driving force behind the progress of the market in Asia Pacific. The rise in consumers' purchasing power is also expected to boost the Asia Pacific household cooking appliances market in the near future.
Robert Bosch GmbH, GE Appliances (Haier Group Co. Ltd.), AB Electrolux, Hitachi Appliances Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Midea Group Co. Ltd., Whirlpool Corp., Miele Group, LG Electronics, and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. are some of the key manufacturers of household cooking appliances across the world.
Global Household Cooking Appliances Market: Overview
The Household Cooking Appliances market report provides analysis for the period 2014–2024, wherein the period from 2016 to 2024 is the forecast and 2015 is the base year. The report covers all the major trends and technologies playing a key role in the Household Cooking Appliances market's growth over the forecast period. It also highlights the drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the market's growth during the said period in terms of revenue (in US$ Mn) and volume (in Million Units).
The market overview section of the report outlines the drivers, restraints, and opportunities that influence the current nature and future standing of this market. The report represents the market attractiveness for segments that include solution and its sub-segments influencing the adoption of Household Cooking Appliances. The report also includes supply-chain analysis to recognize key participants in the Household Cooking Appliances along with their role in the enter supply chain. Moreover, the report provides an overview of the various strategies of key players in the market.
Global Household Cooking Appliances Market: Drivers and Restraints
Major factors driving the global Household Cooking Appliances market include climate change and depreciating natural resources growth in industrialization resulting increasing infrastructural establishments is likely increase demand for energy during heat waves. Also, drastic changes in climate is anticipated to affect the water level. Rise in global population, and the surge in living standards have rapidly influenced lifestyles of people and has impacted the time to complete household chores.
Furthermore, increasing number of working class women has also increased and families are becoming financially more stable. Thus, families now find it affordable to invest in high-tech cooking appliances which not only saves time but also simplifies complex cooking tasks.
Global Household Cooking Appliances Market: Segmentation
The report provides brief analysis for the geographies which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and South America. The Household Cooking Appliances market has been segmented by solutions. The solutions are further categorized by Cooktops and Cooking Ranges, Ovens and Specialized Appliances. Cooktops and Cooking Ranges comprises of Gas Cooktop, Electrical Cooktop, and Induction Cooktop and Ovens include Conventional, Microwave, and Combination.
The comprehensive Household Cooking Appliances market estimates are the result of our in-depth secondary research, primary interviews, and in-house expert panel reviews. These market revenue and shipments estimates have been analyzed by taking into account the impact of different social, economic, technological, and legal factors along with the current market dynamics affecting the Household Cooking Appliances market's growth.
Companies Mentioned in this Report
The report also highlights the competitive landscape of the Household Cooking Appliances market, positioning all the major players according to their geographic presence, solutions offered, focus on product enhancements, and recent developments. The major providers of Household Cooking Appliances includes Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., LG Electronics, Miele Group, Whirlpool Corporation, Midea Group Co. Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Philips), Hitachi Appliances, Inc., AB Electrolux, GE Appliances (Haier Group Co. Ltd.) and Robert Bosch GmbH Details such as financials, business strategies, recent developments, and other such strategic information pertaining to these players have been duly provided as part of company profiling.
The Household Cooking Appliances market is segmented as below:
Household Cooking Appliances Market
By Product type
- Cooktops and Cooking Ranges
- Gas Cooktop
- Electrical Cooktop
- Induction Cooktop
- Ovens
- Conventional
- Microwave
- Combination
- Specialized Appliances
By Geography
- North America
- Canada
- RoNA
- Europe
- The U.K.
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- RoEurope
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- RoAPAC
- Middle East and Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- RoMEA
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- RoSA


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Machine wash cold. Use non-chlorine bleach only. Tumble dry low. Cool iron as needed. Made from 100% polyester.
Made in China.
PLEASE NOTE: We make every effort to ensure colors are represented accurately online. Due to possible variances in manufacturer dye lots, however, colors may vary slightly from what is depicted. Also, due to the printing process of the pattern, slight imperfections in the pattern may exist.


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Basically, today drop was the bear way of saying yesterday rally was a mistake. If the NYSE hadn't been halted during the day, I believe we might even see a late recovery bounce; but the second wave of selling after the NYSE came back online just killed any chance of a late day bounce. And guess what… tonight the SP500 is now up 12.40 points… almost a mirror-image of yesterday night except in reverse. Let's see if it can mirror today by rallying hard tomorrow. Don't laugh, it may happen.
Despite price penetrated last year closing price, there are support from March 26th low. It was the same support that stopped yesterday fall. With market bouncing now, this support is confirmed to be quite "strong".
$AMRN was trading down and I wanted to buy back some. After pondering on what I read about the 1st Amendment lawsuit, I realized that all Amarin needed is for the Judge to give it an "ok" to "initiate" a discussion of truth and non-misleading information with the doctors regarding Vascepa off-label use and its benefit without fear of prosecution from the FDA. Everything else is just loose-end. As it stands, Amarin sales rep cannot talk about Vascepa for off-label use unless the doctor initiates the discussion. When do doctors ever have time to initiate a discussion on off-label use when there are plenty of patients in the waiting room? That is a big difference. Imagine the moment the sales rep can initiate a discussion with the doctor about the benefit of off-label use, even a small percentage of the 30+ million patients will generate x-times of current sales very quickly. Suddenly I felt the urge to buy $AMRN. With my free cash still locked up in three days settlement period, I decided to sell 80% of my $RBY holdings to raise the cash to buy $AMRN. In a way, I was lucky to sell 'cause $RBY tanked further down after I sold. Afterward, I peeled off some more $LRAD to buy more. Now, I wished I had wait a bit longer before buying $AMRN 'cause price tanked further down later in the day. Oh well. We can never buy the bottom.
You can see price is now at the 79 MA support. Perhaps we can see a bounce tomorrow now that the SP500 is up at this time. If it does bounce, I may add more with cash coming out of settlement lockup.
$BIOC didn't do too bad even though it was down. With many stocks taking out supports left and right, $BIOC bouncing off the uptrend line was a very bullish move for the stock.
Trading in a small range day in the middle of a blood bath means that no one wants to sell. Investors are looking into the future where liquid biopsy becomes the standard diagnostic tool for all kind of cancers.
$ONCY was also holding well for the day. A last minute rally put the closing price into positive territory. Why not? $ONCY is holding a key to cancer cure that can save more life. Let's harness the virus ability to kill off cells by programming it to kill only cancer cells. With improved efficacy from testing on multiple patients, cancer cure may just be as simple as a needle shot in the arm with multiple reviews of result using $BIOC's liquid biopsy to confirm progress. Perfect synergy!
If today high is taken out tomorrow, we may see further bounce up.
$AKAO also recovered nicely at the close.
The price action for the last few days were quite "stirring" so to speak. Price wants to go up!
What can I say about $LRAD besides the fact that it is a technology stock and not a biotech? I'm still waiting for a surprise announcement of some major sales of their mass notification systems to some major cities. I won't be putting a chart 'cause it doesn't look good. So let's just focus on the fundamental story on this one.
$RBY lower open made it easy for me to sell a chunk of it 'cause it dropped below the uptrend line. Look like gold is really not in favor at the moment so I'm not going to fight this bearish sentiment. I bought $RBY as a way to hedge day like today but I could not be more wrong. I may just sell the rest of my $RBY tomorrow.
The chart looks very bearish.
Due to four stocks down, my port gave back another 2% for the day. YTD gain is now at 1.4% which is almost back to breakeven for the year. However, I'm not worried 'cause any strong rally in any one of my five hi-beta stocks will kick my YTD gain back up to double-figure rather quickly.
Current holdings:
LRAD, BIOC, AMRN, ONCY, AKAO, RBY and 7.5% cash.
My 2 cents.
Categories: Daily trading Journal


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By: Chef Robert legget
Aroma from Free Will Safeword Mango Habanero Imperial IPA is straight-up hardcore mango, with some definite grassiness from the use of the chilies. But get ready, this beer bites back! This bold beauty isn't afraid to scorch your lips and linger with a heated, fruity sweetness. Remember when you were a kid and you were dared to drink hot sauce? Well, here is the grown-up version, and I dare you! The mango does lend a sweetness to this crafty brew which helps to somewhat balance the carbonated hot lava, but still beware. Because of all of the heated hoppy love, I immediately started thinking about a Spicy Cuban-inspired sandwich made with a fresh ham. This recipe is ridiculously easy and will feed 10-12 very hungry people.
The Pork
- 1 fresh bone in ham, approx. 20lbs.
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup raw sugar
- 1 cup fresh oregano, minced
- ½ cup granulated garlic
Mix the all of the above, and generously coat the fresh ham, at least 12 hours prior to roasting.
The Roast
Place your fresh ham in a large roasting pan. Pour 24oz. of this liquid fire into the pan, along with:
- 3 e. roasted habanero
- 2 peeled & diced mangoes
- 2 onions, peeled & diced
- 4 oz. garlic cloves
- 6 limes, zested & juiced
- ½ oz. whole allspice
- Throw this bad boy in your oven or smoker
- Slow cook at 225˚ for approximately 10-12 hours, basting every hour with the pan drippings. The ham should be close to fall apart tender when finished.
- Allow it to rest for 20 minutes, remove from the pan and shred the meat.
- Take the liquid from the pan and place in a blender with 1 cup Dijon mustard, purée until smooth, seasoning to your taste, adding some extra virgin olive oil to emulsify.
Note: I also like adding some fish sauce and a bit of molasses for some depth and a splash of the raw beer for some brightness.
- Shred all of that delicious piggy
- Toss in your puréed mango beer mojo and immediately place on long rolls topped with chilies. I also threw in some chopped rapini to pair with the hoppy bitterness.


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The Brunswick Island vacation is the perfect place for those who are harried by life and need some R&R. What better way to relax than from the deck of a boat, reeling in some fish. But if you're not sure how to start, here are some local fishing charters that you should set up. They can get you set up with everything you need for an exciting day at sea.
Hook Line and Paddle
435 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC • 910-792-6945 • Website
A new fad among those seeking a fishing adventure is kayak fishing. This combines two favorite pastimes into one great experience! Get outfitted with a kayak and gear for a great day on the water.
Island Tackle and Hardware
801 N Lake Park Boulevard, Carolina Beach, NC • 910-458-3049 • Website
All types of fishing are at your disposal! Stay near shore, and explore the wetlands of the Brunswick Islands, or set off to deeper seas in an offshore fishing boat. They also have everything you need in terms of tackle and gear.
Voyager Deep Sea Fishing
Dock Holiday's Marina, 1525 13th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC • 910-575-5978 • 910-575-0111 • Website
The most comfortable way to mount a fishing expedition is with Voyager. Luxurious accommodations ensure that your fishing trip will be unforgettable. With Voyager, you can also take advantage of trips to the Gulf Stream and Dolphin Cruises.
If you need help figuring out what type of fishing trip you'd like to take, click here for more info!


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Around 17 weeks to the Singapore marathon. I still remember that there were a series of marathon training articles published in the Straits Time paper on every Sunday, 15 weeks before the Singapore Marathon 2007. I managed to get hold some of the articles and decided to share among my readers. Hopefully, the Straits Times will publish such articles again with the countdown to the Singapore Marathon 2008!
Click the image for viewing the article.
'If you want to win something, run 100 metres. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.' - EMIL ZATOPEK.
The late Czech runner was the 1952 Helsinki Olympics triple-gold medallist in the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon
Monday, August 11, 2008
Let's Begin Marathon Training!
Posted by Thomas Tan at 22:00
Labels: Marathon Training
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Painter Aspley - Jeff's PaintingJeff's Painting has fast become one of the best painter services in Aspley. Jeff's Painting has a long history as a quality painter in Aspley.
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When I first came to Western, I was only sure of two things: one, dance was an integral part of my life that I never wanted to live without, and two, I only had four years to figure out how I was going to make that happen. My original plan was to double major in dance and education. I told myself it was a great way to combine my love for dance with my strengths of leadership and organization, but I realized it was mostly just an easy way to avoid the "do you really expect to get a job doing that?" question that artists get a lot. I did have a desire to teach, but I could teach dance without putting myself through the rigor of an additional degree.
Classes began, and in our first year performance class, an introduction into the world of dance, our professor, Megan Slayter, began listing jobs available in the dance field that did not involve performing. I remember her saying, "You could be a stage manager, which means you get to tell Shari that her rehearsal is over and she needs to get off your stage." This instantly sounded really appealing to me, not for the power and control, but it fit my talents of natural leadership, organization, and attention to detail. My next thought was that if I became a stage manager, I would give up on performing, which made me immediately shut down the idea. I was here because I wanted to become a professional dancer… just like almost every other dancer in the department.
Sophomore year I applied for the BFA program, which focuses on choreography and performance. I did not have another major or minor, so I thought why not challenge myself. I think at the time I felt that if I wanted to be respected and valued, or seen as talented and hardworking, this was the only way to do it. If I wasn't a BFA student and I didn't have any other interests, it would seem as if I didn't care. I didn't get into the program. I was very upset at the time, but now I look at it as a blessing. The truth was that I had no interest in choreographing, so why would I put myself through the pressure and stress of a choreography-based degree? As one door closed, I was forced to search for an open one, and junior year, I found it!
At the start of junior year, I was offered to stage manage the Orchesis Dance Concert. I eagerly accepted, as this was something I wanted to do since freshman year, but I was also disappointed to not be performing in the concert. As my friends were heading off to auditions and rehearsals, I sat at home contemplating if I made the right decision. When it came to tech week, pressure was on. As prepared as I was, I was very scared and I didn't want to disappoint anyone. Rehearsals went very smoothly and everyone was very impressed and encouraging. I felt in my element. My great memory, innate movement and musicality, and attention to detail made it easy for me to learn and call the cues. My experience in leadership well suited me to deal with scheduling, remaining calm under pressure, and interacting with people. But having major responsibilities comes with some drawbacks.
When it came to opening night, things seemed to fall apart. I had missed distinct moments, started a dance with the lights for another piece, and even had a blackout during the middle of a dance. In those moments, I kept calm on the outside but was panicking inside. I wanted to quit and stop but I couldn't. I had to fix the situation and get back on track. The hardest part was owning up to it afterwards. Although some of those things were not directly because of me, as the stage manager, I had to take the responsibility for it. As bad as it was, the dance faculty and my friends were still very supportive and encouraging. I quickly learned that just like anything else in life, perfection rarely exists. Stage managing a perfect show is very rare. Being the dancer I am, I immediately took that as a challenge and continued to strive for perfection. After the concert, I decided to pursue my newfound passion and declare a focus in Dance Production. For me this was a huge leap, and I was both excited and scared. It was something I had always been thinking in the back of my mind, but too scared to act on because I wanted to be a dancer. "Dancer" had been my identity for so long, and I felt a little bit as if I was giving up on it, since now I would have to be backstage instead of on stage.
What I learned as the rest of the year unfolded was that becoming a stage manager did not mean I could no longer perform. I just needed to find balance and luckily enough the Department of Dance allowed me to do that. When it came time for the Winter Gala Dance Concert, I was cast in one of the six pieces in the concert and also the assistant stage manager. Having two roles made for a hectic show week, but I loved every minute of it and felt like I was truly living my dream. When I wasn't cast in any graduating presentations, I was slightly disappointed, but also excited to have another opportunity to stage manage. After that, I danced in a friend's project for choreography class, which was a pretty small show, but still an opportunity to dance. As it turns out, I was also offered the opportunity to design the lighting for the same show. Again, juggling two roles was a bit stressful and required some planning, but I loved both aspects of it.
This summer I went to Europe as a counselor with a group of dance students through Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and it really helped me solidify the idea that I didn't want to be just a dancer or stage manager, but that I wanted both and could have both. While on tour, I got to perform my own solo in four different countries, as well as design the lighting for each performance, stage manage during the shows, and even teach classes and run rehearsals. Although exhausting and overwhelming, I thrived on having so many roles and responsibilities. This practical application was not only great experience for what the real world would be like after graduation, it also assured me that Western has helped me acquire the skills I need to adapt to any job I want to do. And in the dance field, it is both accepted and necessary to do a variety of jobs.
As I am making my way through senior year, I am continuing to find balance between my two passions. I am planning on stage managing a variety of our concerts and performing a few times. After graduating, my plan is to do a production internship for a dance festival or theater, then move to a new city and continue doing both the things I love. While it seems like I may have my life all figured out, it is still very scary. At times, I feel like when I am performing, I would rather be working backstage and when I am working backstage, I would rather be performing. Constantly being torn between the two can be unsettling, but what I have to keep reminding myself is that I don't have to choose. I probably won't be dancing and working backstage in the same production many more times, but I can still make time for both and find a balance that feeds both sides of me.
I think if I were to go back and give advice to my freshman self it would be three things. One, to follow my gut instincts, because it had been steering me in the right direction the whole time, I was just too scared to follow it. Two, what matters most is what you want and what will make you happy. I worried a lot about what I thought I was expected to be, based on my peers and my professors, but really they just want to see me succeed in what I love. And three, hard work will pay off. You don't have to have all the answers, and you don't always have to decide. If you put in the work and trust yourself, things will eventually work out on their own.