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The UFC made waves last week when the company announced that Holly Holm would be facing UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey. Previously, top-ranked Miesha Tate had been promised the bout.
Tate expressed her frustration last weekend, but opened up to TMZ Sports about the choice.
"I didn't know about it until the rest of the world probably after since I was still sleeping," Tate said. "The reason they are telling us it isn't happening is because Rousey vs. Holm sells more."
See Also: Ronda Rousey - Cris 'Cyborg' Justino Timeline: Trash Talk, Weight Issues, Suspensions, Challenges
Even Ronda Rousey rival Cris "Cyborg" Justino was shocked by the news. Cyborg and Tate filmed a scene together this week for an upcoming movie.
"It surprised everybody," said Santos. "I don't think this is about money. If you are in line, you fight for the belt. I think Tate deserves it."
Still, Cyborg is hopeful for a potential Rousey fight herself. The two have had a war of words for several years.
"Everyone wants to see us fight," Santos said. "It is not my choice or (Rousey's) choice, but the fans' choice. I'm ready. Let's go fight."
Rousey is set to face Holly Holm at UFC 195 in January.
damien demento contributed to this article.

subset: commoncrawl


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Delta watched as step one of the 'plan' was formed. The tunnel to Wyin groaned as three large stone doors formed. The thick stone sapped a lot of her Mana but Delta felt pleased as the thickness of the stone promised no one could punch through unless they were from Durence.
They were almost faceless but the System wouldn't allow Delta to simply seal the tunnel off and have no way to clear it within human limits...
In the middle of all three doors was a simple keyhole. Devina held out a similar stone key and slid it into the first lock. The key went all the way in. She stood back as the door slid down, taking the key with it. A nimble enough person might be able to snatch it back... Delta would have to add some sort of twist or catch to the door. The first door slid down to simply reveal another stone door. Frustrating but Delta was sure people would accept it if they were used to Dungeons.
Besides, the keys were more easily found after the next step in the 'plan'.
With a command, she brought the door back up and Devina took the key back.
Delta shook her head.
"No, best to make sure we give everyone a fair shake and therefore nobody should go crazy and try to murder Bob or the frogs for keys," she replied. Devina merely looked calm as she cut in.
"We are not defenseless," she reminded Delta.
"Yeah but doesn't mean I want someone trying to gut you every moment of every day," Delta disagreed. She moved forward and adjusted her tie.
"Besides, you're the wandering guide that trades information for people's valuables," Delta commented dryly. Devina smiled pleasantly.
"Just enough to set them on the right path," she agreed. Delta closed her eyes and with a little push of Mana the surface of the stone door before her crumbled to show two images. A simplistic carving in the rock showed a bee sampling a flower and on the other side the picture of a deep pool behind a waterfall.
Lizzie and Bob. The key to the first door could be found at either. Below she scribed a simple sentence.
Face the nest of sweet but take none. Dive deep where there is no sun. One key will open the way but if it is covered in blood you will be facing the Lady of the forest this day.
"Sarcasm isn't handy. This is your idea and sort of mine. You wanted things to be interesting so I'm making a theme. Now onto the second! I like making rhymes like I'm some ancient elvish doormaker..." Delta grinned and the first door lowered at her command. She turned to Devina.
"Here, take this and the other key to the Bee nest and Bob's pool. Explain what they have to do. I won't be long and Nu will bind them later," Delta promised Devina as she formed a second key that was already tuned to the first Door.
She'd call it the Door of the Wild.
The next door had her thinking. Now, this needed a bit more of a personal touch. The stone shaved away from the surface of the second door to form her next two images. Two faces, one keyhole. Delta stood back to admire her work as the faces of Luna and Giant appeared. They both had an 'area' so to speak of. She would have to add a challenge to the hot springs but Giant was easy enough.
Rest your weary soul in the peaceful spring. Face the giant on the bridge, challenge his mighty swing. A test of trust and a test of skill but be warned let there be no blood drawn in lust. The thorns are watching.
A bit long but she would be worried some might take 'challenge' as some permission to kill Giant if they knocked him off the bridge. Having already made a single key for each door, Delta formed the second key as she called Luna and Giant. Their beings flickered into awareness at her call.
Luna was a flickering light of energy while Giant was more akin to a calm candle.
Delta named the second door quickly in her head. The Door of the People
Delta eyed her screen and was glad to see she had just enough Mana to finish the last door... if she didn't go overboard with the carving.
Nu had convinced her of this one but Delta was really not sure it was a good idea. The stone shivered as Delta worked on the images. Before long a series of tiny Pygmy mushrooms looked out from the door and next to them, a circus tent.
Delta felt a little uneasy sending people after the little folks but Nu assured her that they were quick on their feet. Delta guessed that being last, the adventurers might be more tired...
She got to work on the message.
The last door needs the final key. Seek the little ones in the dark. Look up in awe at the ringleader's park. The key will be found at the heart of their room. Seek not their end or you invite your doom
Nu's excitement was a little infectious but it wasn't like Delta wasn't feeling the same. As it was now, getting the keys from the Pygmies and Renny would be...rather quick if they managed to remain polite to the Mime, unless he decided to put on a show of course.
Both areas were in need of some improvements.
Delta looked around and wondered where Hob and Gob where? They usually did not to take that long gathering thing...
The spider smashed a fallen log out of its way as the goblins ran for their lives back to the 'clear' zone.
"Spiders...big...now!" Hob grunted as the monster behind them chased them with rampant rage.
Gob just ran faster.
They had beaten one spider with ease since it was only the size of a pig but the gobs soon learned they had merely met the new breed of 'children'.
The spider abruptly stopped, dirt flying everywhere as its legs dug in deeply to halt its movement. The goblins kept running for a bit but then turned to see the spider hesitate before it twitched. It moved forward a step before it was almost yanked back.
It quickly ran back into the deep shadows of the trees.
"Weird. Spider didn't care before," Hob itched his sweaty nose.
"Spiders are weird bugs. But big now," Gob agreed. Looking around, they weren't too far from the path to the village and even closer to home.
"Maybe Delta scared it off?" Gob mused as he headed towards the Dungeon.
"Maybe scary humans in village?" Hob added.
"We tell Delta that we need bigger pointy things or booms to go deeper," Gob stated. Hob shook his head.
"Wish Cois could come. This would be easier with fire..." he sighed as he turned the puzzle on the door to the right place.
The spider returned to the deep webbed heart of the forest as it quickly hurried to where it was directed.
High above in a round cocoon of deep blood red web, a voice sounded out.
"Not the right time. Dig... dig... We shall feast soon. My children, the culling will start as the sun goes down. The weak here will perish and make room for the strong. Devour the weak and make to my side... my children. Eat and grow," the voice commanded and it was followed by wet tearing noises. A weak one had been found.
Their numbers dropped but their power rose.
The spider quickly dived deep into the rough tunnel that had been carved. The mutants that had formed potent venom to melt the stone, but not flesh, worked until they died.
Such is the way. The strong survive and the new breed would gather strength quicker than the old.
He attached his silk to the hollowed out animal used as a cart for the dirt to be carried out.
Dig... dig... dig...
"Spiders? Didn't they vanish?" Delta blinked, thinking back to the monsters that had broken in a long time ago.
"Neary ate us. They're hiding good things in the deep woods!" Hob promised. Gob nodded enthusiastically in agreement. That was a problem. A lot of her Mana came from her two gobs returning every so often with things.
If they said they had to go deeper because they were running out of things to discover... Well, Delta had no problem trying to fix that.
She opened both their menus. There wasn't straight up upgrades per say but there were some options she could give them.
Both were pretty simple with the items they had equipped. Basic wooden armor and wooden weapons.
She could get them better equipment but unlike her other monsters, she couldn't give them passives or evolve them.
There was another set of options, however.
Delta quickly checked on Hob.
Jobs! Her contracted monsters had gotten jobs instead of evolving! Delta saw each one cost 20 DP which wasn't bad so to speak.
Could Delta do this for all her contracted monsters? Could she upgrade Renny's class?
Questions for later!
She purchased both upgrades and her goblins blinked at the screens before them. Both gave each other a grin before they hit yes on their screens.
They glowed slightly but they didn't change in any noticeable way.
"Are you guys alright?" Delta asked. Hob blinked at himself.
"I know how to use bow and arrow and knife better," he nodded. Gob looked pleased.
"I knows how to best smash head in!" he bragged before he coughed politely at Delta's deadpan expression.
Luckily, Delta could spend some DP to form items she had never made before.
She formed a simple steel helmet and sturdy leather vest for Hob before conjuring up a basic bow and quiver for him. She imagined a crossbow might be a bit unwieldy when trying to move quickly and needing to stop and reload.
She gave him a cheap looking serrated dagger to sit at his hip.
Honestly, Delta really did feel like an Elf Queen right now. Giving out gifts to small people about to go fight giant spiders.
For Gob, she gave him a similar helmet and a crude brigandine that exposed his arms. In one hand he now carried a simple wooden shield with a metal border and in the other a large club with an iron capped head.
Her DP dinked down but she didn't mind if it kept her two goblins safe.
"You know how to use them?" Delta asked with a smile. There was a confidence in them that they lacked before.
"Yeah! I'll bring you tons of spiders," Hob promised. Gob slapped the metal club a few times against his leg.
"I'll bring you spider smears!" he grinned.
Delta watched as they ran back outside, armed with their new equipment and Jobs.
She wondered, if unlike evolution, they would simply get better on their own due to the power of jobs? Could Delta evolve their jobs once they hit some limit to their skills?
It was an interesting idea and one she would have to watch out for. Until she could ask Ruli or Quiss for the details.
She took a peek at Waddles a few seconds later and peered at his menu.
Delta shakily closed the menu and backed away from a staring duck.
"You go back to sleep... and stay unemployed...please," Delta said nervously.
The Key of the Bees was set at the very top, inside where the flowing honey was made. The key had taken on a golden sheen, oddly enough, as Lizzie the Queen accepted her role as a key guardian.
"So, swarm but don't sting unless they get nasty. If they can climb up the honey coated rock and reach in without fear, that's a pass. They try to smoke you or something then scare them off," Delta explained, happy to throw herself back into work and forget about the potential Overlord Duck business.
The Queen merely nodded.
Delta grinned and floated slightly away.
She opened two menus. One for Lizzie and one for the area.
Lizzie had some great upgrades. Delta only had about 67 DP left but it was tempting to try and get some of the upgrades but she held on to her points until she checked the next menu.
There was some synergy here... Delta could see how the honey becoming better slotted nicely into the Queen producing it at the double the speed.
Delta purchased both upgrades which left with about... 40 DP. Nodding, she also got the ability for Lizzie to make rare specialized bees. Leaving her with 20 DP.
Having more options was good! With Gob and Hob ready to take on tougher foes, she was sure her Mana and DP was gonna explode soon! Plus, if the honey lasted a few days outside then she could get an in on the honey market. Maybe Mrs. Dabberghast would help her sell it?
Noland's words were still fresh in her mind.
Become valuable. Produce rare items and the Kingdom would be open to hearing her requests. If they knew she was willing to keep producing items of all sorts... then maybe she could request peaceful interactions.
Or at least make Durence stand up for her...
Wandering over to the hot springs, Delta watched as Luna painted the wooden fence that separated the spring into halves. Using crushed flowers and fruit, she used her fingers to paint a rather good attempt at a moon in the sky on one side and a rising sun on the other.
Delta looked about as Luna carefully made her way out the spring and shook herself off.
"If you're looking for the key, I stuffed it between two of the fire crystals. Not really anywhere else to put it," Luna said brightly. Delta looked at her art.
"You're very good at that!" she praised. Luna shrugged.
"You made my world... not exactly impressive when compared to my doodle on the fence," Luna disagree politely and Delta gave her a long look.
"I'll get you some painting things soon," she informed the young frog who opened her mouth to argue before Delta grinned.
"I know what it feels like to be stuck here with nothing to do," Delta replied kindly. Luna shook her head.
"I would never complain about home and-" Luna was cut off as Delta gently hugged her.
"You're allowed to. That's the beauty of it," she smiled softly. Luna frowned.
"But every inch of me screams that I shouldn't. I had impulses to stop talking and bow... I have the urge to simply nod and agree with you," Luna looked away as if lost. Delta merely shrugged.
"Then here is an order for you. Ignore those voices and be yourself. That should give you all the permission you need," Delta bent down to open the menu.
"Be...Luna," the frog whispered to herself.
That was... perfect.
"Luna? Want to become the Hot Spring Keeper and own the place?" she asked casually.
"What are the hours like?" came a cheeky reply.
"Neverending, I would assume, but the breaks are great," Delta promised cheerfully. Luna nodded and Delta got the upgrade.
Luna's change from simply dressed frog girl to what appeared made Delta's jaw dropped.
The simple cloth wraps gone and in their place, a lavish purple robe, almost like a kimono hugged Luna's frame, the fabric decorated with symbols of stars and half moons. Luna still lacked hair as a frog but her eyes and face looked more... feminine.
"Luna... you look... great!" Delta beamed.
"Did you know that there 56 ways to kill a man in a hot spring. 82 if I use both hands," Luna greeted cheerfully. Delta' smile twitched but she held on strong.
"Great! How do you feel as a keeper?" she inquired excitedly. Luna gave the robe a long look and then lifted it up slightly to show off very black boots with what Delta guessed was actual stilettos for heels.
"I like it. I feel... elegant. Yeah, that's the word. Elegant," she smirked as her black shoes were once again hidden under the robe of grace and delicacy.
Delta supposed it could be worse. Usually, when things like this happened, she ended up screaming or crying or both.
Luna clicked her fingers and the key slowly rose to the surface of the water when she neatly pocketed it. Delta noticed the stone key looked smaller and had a purple string looped through it now.
Delta was about to comment on how cute it was when something floated past her face.
It was a bee.
But this wasn't like the other bees Delta had in her jungle. No, the Queen had apparently gotten lucky in her first new batch of children.
This Bee was...a monster.
Luna whistled.
"I'd be scared but it's awesome," she said and Delta slowly backed away from the Supermajor Bee that was the size of her head. The oversized head it possessed looked at her, mandibles slowly closing. The wings beat fast, almost a blur. The body curved down like a dagger until it came to the stinger which was the size of her pinkie.
Delta knew that thing wasn't falling off after one use.
It moved closer to her, its hulking form slower if not more threatening.
"You alright? Mum? You're kinda white and since you're orange, that's saying a lot," Luna's voice was so distant. So far away.
The bee opened its wings and legs to their full width as if showing off.
There was... a gap in Delta's memory after that but Nu found her gibbering in the Pygmy hole.
She gestured wildly at him and he merely looked pleased.
Nu advised.
Now Delta had an image of a sad giant monster bee from hell and she became torn in her heart.
So, peeking out, she watched one of the big devils try to get nectar and the flower simply folded under it. It sat there for a long time, twitching as it tried to figure out what it had done wrong. The sight tugged hard at Delta's sobbing heart.
No matter how devilish they looked... a sad bee was not acceptable!
Delta got to work.


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Affiliations & Professional Associations
Excellence in Forensic Analysis and Modeling
Commitment to Ongoing Professional Education and Learning
Our goal is to continue to expand our knowledge of the many disciplines within engineering and science. This includes geotechnical and geological engineering, geophysics, remote sensing, numerical modeling, structural engineering, hydrology, architecture, and more. To this end, Bryant Consultants and its employees participate in many nationally recognized professional associations. As a result, we benefit from education and training and contribute to and attend conferences. Our list of memberships includes:


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An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works.
Jul 31, 2008 What's a better test of Draco's straightness than Harry Potter in leather trousers? Humour. HPDM. Warnings: Club!fic, Wall!sex, top!Harry AND top! If he was gay, he would go after the man in the leather trousers. Why Rick.
Feb 13, 2014 Detailed sex scenes. This fic has no plot, Startled, Harry turned around to see Draco Malfoy standing by the bathroom's door. Harry didn't hear He wasn't ashamed of being gay, but he didn't want Draco to bully him for it.
Title: Sex Magic Author: VelvetBlood Rating: NC-17 Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, Hogwarts, or anything resembling JKR's work. Summary: In Harry's.


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Demonstration by Dave Moore
Dave turning a hollow form small vase made up off 4 pieces, base, lid with center hole clued to base, and a inner lid with turned handle. Below are some samples of his work.
Results of Aprils competition (Matching pair of eggcups)
1st Dave Strickland
2nd Mike Mansfield
3rd John Brooks
see competition page for images


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jar is filled with oxygen, and here is some
carbon which has been placed in a crucible, for the purpose of being made
red-hot. I keep my jar dry, and venture to give you a result imperfect in
some degree, in order that I may make the experiment brighter. I am about
to put the oxygen and the carbon together. That this is carbon (common
charcoal pulverised), you will see by the way in which it burns in the air
[letting some of the red-hot charcoal fall out of the crucible]. I am now
about to burn it in oxygen gas, and look at the difference. It may appear
to you at a distance as if it were burning with a flame; but it is not so.
Every little piece of charcoal is burning as a spark, and whilst it so
burns it is producing carbonic acid. I specially want these two or three
experiments to point out what I shall dwell upon more distinctly
by-and-by--that carbon burns in this way, and not as a flame.
Instead of taking many particles of carbon to burn, I will take a rather
large piece, which will enable you to see the form and size; and to trace
the effects very decidedly. Here is the jar of oxygen, and here is the
piece of charcoal, to which I have fastened a little piece of wood, which
I can set fire to, and so commence the combustion, which I could not
conveniently do without. You now see the charcoal burning, but not as a
flame (or if there be a flame, it is the smallest possible one, which I
know the cause of--namely, the formation of a little carbonic oxide close
upon the surface of the carbon). It goes on burning, you see, slowly
producing carbonic acid by the union of this carbon or charcoal (they are
equivalent terms) with the oxygen. I have here another piece of charcoal,
a piece of bark, which has the quality of being blown to pieces--exploding
as it burns. By the effect of the heat, we shall reduce the lump of carbon
into particles that will fly off; still every particle, equally with the
whole mass, burns in this peculiar way: it burns as a coal, and not like a
flame. You observe a multitude of little combustions going on, but no
flame. I do not know a finer experiment than this, to shew that carbon
burns with a spark.
Here, then, is carbonic acid formed from its elements. It is produced at
once; and if we examined it by lime-water, you will see that we have the
same substance which I have previously described to you. By putting
together 6 parts of carbon by weight (whether it comes from the flame of a
candle or from powdered charcoal) and 16 parts of oxygen by weight, we
have 22 parts of carbonic acid; and, as we saw last time, the 22 parts of
carbonic acid, combined with 28 parts of lime, produced common carbonate
of lime. If you were to examine an oyster-shell, and weigh the component
parts, you would find that every 50 parts would give 6 of carbon and 16 of
oxygen, combined with 28 of lime. However, I do not want to trouble you
with these minutiѕ--it is only the general philosophy of the matter that
we can now go into. See how finely the carbon is dissolving away [pointing
to the lump of charcoal burning quietly in the jar of oxygen]. You may say
that the charcoal is actually dissolving in the air round about; and if
that were perfectly pure charcoal, which we can easily prepare, there
would be no residue whatever. When we have a perfectly cleansed and
purified piece of carbon, there is no ash left. The carbon burns as a
solid dense body, that heat alone cannot change as to its solidity, and
yet it passes away into vapour that never condenses into solid or liquid
under ordinary circumstances; and what is more curious still, is the fact
that the oxygen does not change in its bulk by the solution of the carbon
in it. Just as the bulk is at first, so it is at last, only it has become
carbonic acid.
There is another experiment which I must give you before you are fully
acquainted with the general nature of carbonic acid. Being a compound
body, consisting of carbon
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Watch Out!, Inc. Acquires BitWall Co, an innovator in cryptocurrency micropayments and Social Currency
This Acquisition Of BitWall Allows Watch Out! To Further Bolster Its Efforts In Crypto-Enabled Payment Mechanisms And Additional Blockchain-Based Innovations
Watch Out! Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of BitWall Co. (BitWall), an innovator in cryptocurrency micropayments and Social Currency. BitWall is primarily known for launching a first-of-its-kind Bitcoin and Twitter-powered paywall with the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the 10 largest US newspapers.
This acquisition of BitWall allows Watch Out! to further bolster its efforts in crypto-enabled payment mechanisms and additional blockchain-based innovations. Additionally, with BitWall's strategic connections in the digital news industry, coupled with innovations in digital rewards, this acquisition will provide new capabilities in consumer data analytics and loyalty. BitWall investors include Boost VC, AngelPad, Tim Draper, the Boost Bitcoin Fund, and a syndicate of angels via AngelList.
Quote from Nic Meliones, CEO of BitWall:
"We are thrilled to be joining Watch Out!'s mission to power consumer safety. Their innovative technology, data systems, and content solutions are focused on improving the lives of their consumers. The scope of Watch Out!'s potential reach is incredible. They have been a great partner to BitWall, and we are excited for the next chapter."
Read More: Interview With Dorian Selz, Co-Founder & CEO, Squirro
About Watch Out!
Watch Out! saves lives by providing real-time, critical information to protect people. By keeping people safe and informed, brands and businesses have enhanced channels to securely engage with and reward their consumers. With the rise of dangerous recalls – ranging from automotive, to food, pharmaceutical, and more – consumers need one platform that watches out for them. Watch Out! keeps them safe while delivering a unique loyalty experience.
Michael Lucas, the CEO of Watch Out!, is a veteran in the automotive and track-and-trace world. In 2017, two of the brands in the automotive industry – Trademotion and Parts.com – were acquired by industry giant, Reynolds & Reynolds. Additionally, Lucas was the founder and former CEO of Frequentz, a serialization company in the food and pharmaceutical industries, which was acquired in late 2017 by RfXcel.
Further investment in blockchain technology opens the door for enhancements in Watch Out!®'s consumer protection and rewards systems.
Read More: Will Artificial Intelligence Bring An End To Stupid Meetings?
"We are excited to bring BitWall into the Watch Out! ecosystem. Our mission is to provide a secure consumer-protection platform while delivering hyper-targeted content when and where it matters most, whether that be a safety alert or a digital reward. BitWall and its team help us do that."


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You need a break from the grind? Memorial Day weekend is here to deliver the fun. Here are great ways to enjoy the time off:
Parades and festivities
Elkhart: 2 p.m. Monday, May 27, from Harrison to Lexington on Main St.
Nappanee: 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, from Nappanee Elementary School through downtown to city hall, 300 W. Lincoln St., where there will be a ceremony at 11 a.m.
(Note: This list will be updated as other Elkhart County communities finalize their Memorial Day festivities.)
Memorial Day Observed - Beginning of Blue Star Museums Program
Memorial Day will be observed at Ruthmere Museum on Sunday, May 26th, 2019! Each visitor will receive a free American flag with their tour. Ruthmere Museum (574)-264-0330
Now that's a ride
Check out some of the best pro bull riders and be amazed at what they can do. The Professional Bull Riders make a stop in Shipshewana at the MIchiana Event Center, 455 E. Farver St., Shipshewana, for two nights of amazing action. The action gets under way at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday May 24-25. Tickets are $24.95; 260-768-4990
Wine and tunes
Can't think of a better way to kick back and relax than with a glass of wine and some tunes. Fruit Hills Winery and Orchard, 55503 State Road 15, Bristol, kicks off its concert series on May 19. On Memorial Day weekend, stop by from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25, for the Whateverly Brothers and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 26, for J.T. Buffet.
Shop till you drop
The famed Shipshewana Flea Market, 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, opens up its gates an extra day on Memorial Day. From 8 a.m. to closing at 4 p.m. Monday, May 27, you'll have the run of the 700+ booths with everything from home and garden decor, crafts, jewelry and anything else you can imagine. Want to keep on shopping? They're open for the season on Tuesdays and Wednesdays too.
This weekend rocks
Guitar riffs power the way, backed by propulsive horn lines and poppy melodies, when Kansas Bible Company take the stage on the lawn outside Goshen Brewing Company, 315 W. Washington St., Goshen. Tickets are $15 for the show that opens with Ignition Brass Band at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 26.
Need more ideas?


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14 January 2013
« Never let the abundance of God's gifts cause you to forget the Giver. » ~Our Daily Bread
Quotes :
- From OUR DAILY BREAD – reaching out "In reaching out to others, we rely not on ourselves but on the strength of our God. Where has God placed you to serve? How are you being faithful?" ~from OUR DAILY BREAD
- Louis Bromfield – Bread "Bread is the king of the table and all else is merely the court that surrounds the king. The countries are the soup, the meat, the vegetables, the salad, but bread is king." ~Louis Bromfield, American novelist (1896-1956)
- Quotes from Daily Vibes "..., I think the best way to truly evaluate your personality is through self-reflection; what is it that you do or say that defines you, that makes you who you are?" ~Daily Vibes"Those of you with strong personalities have a great sense of self. You don't let people walk all over you, you don't let people shake your confidence, and you definitely don't let people…
- Henry Home – bread for the poor "Luxury may possibly contribute to give bread to the poor; but if there were no luxury, there would be no poor." ~Henry Home on Luxury


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On Your CalendarSave the date.
TDSE: Colleague Basics (Datatel)
3-4 p.m. @ AOC2 Room 120A
Free but registration required
This session is a basic introductory session to Colleague (Datatel). We will cover topics such as accessing and using Colleague UI, and other tips and tricks to better assist you in working with Colleague. This session will also include an introduction to informer, a reporting tool used to get information from Colleague. This is a general session for all users and will not cover any module in detail. (Ex: Student, Finance, etc.) ***Please note: The ITS classroom is located within the ITS offices. Please knock on the glass doors so that an ITS employee can let you in for the training.
Register here.
Contact Training, Development and Service Excellence for additional information


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No Need To Be Down About Championship Opener
The country's highest profile sporting event gets under way this weekend, not that you'd notice. The competition that, over the course of its five month duration, attracts more spectators, occupies more television hours and generates more bar-room invective than any other sneaks into existence this Sunday when Down and Cavan travel to Casement Park for the preliminary round tie in the Ulster Championship - the opening fire of the Bank of Ireland Senior Football Championship.
A worthy tie, two tradition-soused counties and, as it is Ulster, it will surely be a rambunctious affair. Still, with the football Championship being the centrepiece in the nation's sporting tapestry, as an opener Down v Cavan doesn't come upon us with fanfare and fireworks, but resembles as an occasion rather the cutting of a ribbon on the new parish bingo hall.
Not that this is necessarily a criticism. The GAA in its shiny, designer-suited 21st century guise still retains a heartwarming reluctance to drown their showpieces with much in the way of showbiz flannel and dancing girls. The 2006 Championship will probably pull in more revenue, more spectators and more media coverage than any which preceded it - and that's in a soccer World Cup year too - but come Sunday at Casement Park, a pipe band will lead the players around the field, the announcer will read out the names of the thirty combatants, a hand-shake here and a jostle there and the quest for Sam will begin.
The closest you'll get to fireworks will be through eating ill-advised curried chips at half time.
It might not always be thus, however. Maybe the GAA will rebrand itself as 'Sports Entertainment' and recast the Championship as update on Gladiator (the TV show, not the Roman epic...although there's an idea: Francie Bellew versus a lion in a battle to the death. Poor pussy...): Tyrone will be captained by 'Dragon', hungry for vengeance on his mortal foe 'Snake', leader of Armagh. Motley Crue will be commissioned to compose the pulsating theme tune 'Hungry Like a Bainisteoir', to be played at every drawing of blood (the method by which scores will be kept).
Ok, they might not go that far. But if Sky Sports bankrolled the GAA they would surely demand a more glamourous curtain raiser to boost subscriptions than the stodgy fare of Down and Cavan. With a small dash of knavery and a couple of complicit officials, the Championship draw - lo and behold! - would throw up Dublin v Meath in the Leinster first round, available only to Championship Plus subscribers mind; 82,000 would scramble into Croke Park and we'd be off and running in the most fantabulous Championship ever.
Not that this tie would always have been low-key, though. Maybe in the late 1950s, early '60s Down and Cavan would have been a damn fine way to kick off. Cavan's glory years were still in recent memory, and Down were establishing themselves as Ulster's kingpins, winning three All-Irelands in the decade commonly known as 'swinging'.
The Mournemen have toiled for some years now, but for those of us who came of age in Ulster in the late 1980s and early 1990s those red and black jerseys still carry some menace. In the 1991 Ulster final they strolled to an eight point victory over a Donegal side that a young TSA had travelled to support - one that would themselves emerge from the wilderness in 1992.
That Down side, which won All-Irelands in 1991 (the first Ulster county to do so since their 1968 predecessors) and 1994 possessed a mean athleticism and brawny finesse that inspired the successes of their provincial rivals at the time (as well as Donegal in 1992, Derry won the third of four Ulster Sam Maguires in 1993) and, to me, was the blueprint for the spirit which inhabits Ulster's nationally dominant counties of the current period.
The breakthrough of Down in 1991 was a triumph of belief as much as of footballing excellence. In 1991 few under the age of 30 could remember an Ulster team winning the Sam Maguire and, strange as it seems today in a province reknowned for gnarl, snarl and the darker arts of winning football, the counties of the north were usually soft-bellied semi-final fodder for the majesterial traditional powers of the south.
It was often stated then and since that only Down could have reversed this polarity, and made the current of fear and inadequacy run instead through the patricians of Kerry, Dublin, Meath and the rest. Only Down had the ancient, but dusty and lost, alchemy of victory anywhere within their footballing psyche.
So while there won't be too many party-poppers going off at Casement on Sunday as two counties unlikely to be troubling the trophy-engravers go into battle, some day, some year, sooner rather than later - if history tells us anything - Down will be back. Expect fireworks.
**Next week: Full Previews of the Bank of Ireland All-Ireland Football Championship and the Guinness All-Ireland Hurling Championship**


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A distinguished thought leader, a businessman, an Africanist, a public speaker and a lyricist.
These are just some of the ways that Dr Reuel Khoza, the newly elected interim chairperson of the Public Investment Corporation, describes himself on his website.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni met with the interim board of the state-run asset manager on Thursday, where Khoza was elected chairperson. Mboweni has tasked the new interim board with focusing on corporate governance.
The PIC manages R2.2trn in investments on behalf of public servants. Its past investment decisions and corporate governance are currently being probed at an ongoing judicial commission of inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Khoza boasts a long track record of leadership positions in SA's private and public sectors. He has previously served as board chairperson at the Nedbank Group, Globeleq, and GlaxoSmithKline SA.
He was also the chair of state-power utility Eskom's board for eight years between 1997 and 2002.
Khoza has held directorships at the JSE, IBM South Africa, the Liberty Life Group, the Standard Bank Group, Nampak and Old Mutual, among others, and was formerly the president of the Institute of Directors in South Africa.
He is also currently the chairperson of black-owned investment holding company Dzana Investments and AKA Capital, a private equity and investment holding company, according to his website.
Khoza also played a role in developing the King Codes, which govern corporate governance, serving as Mervyn King's deputy in the formulation of the King III and King IV.
Academic, author, farmer
According to his website, Khoza has a Masters degree in marketing management from the University of Lancaster and an Engineering Doctorate in Business Leadership from Warwick University, both in the UK.
He has been awarded an honorary doctorate in law from Rhodes University, and an honorary doctorate in Economics from the University of the Free State
He is also an Emeritus Professor Extraordinaire of the University of Stellenbosch Business School where he has lectured on business strategy, leadership and corporate governance.
Khoza is a visiting professor at Rhodes Business School, the University of Free State Business School and Wits Business School. He is Chancellor of the University of Limpopo, having succeeded former President Nelson Mandela.
The veteran businessman has also authored a number of books, including Let Africa Lead, Attuned Leadership, the African in my Dream and co-authored The Power of Governance with Mohamed Adam.
His website states that if Khoza had not gone into business, he probably would have become a musician of the choral genre. Since 2011, Khoza has been writing lyrics for compositions by his late cousin, Shalati Joseph Khosa.
Khoza also farms and exports avocados, pears and macadamia nuts. As someone with an "abiding interest in people", Khoza is fluent in several languages.


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The Link Between Gut Bacteria and Weight
Originally aired on 3/07/2016
Writer Beth Levine reveals the results of her gut bacteria experiment. Then, Dr. Josh Axe explains how gut bacteria is linked to weight gain and introduces a simple change that you can try to lose weight.
Guests: Dr. Josh Axe , Dr. James "Butch" Rosser , Dana Rosser , Russell Simmons , Jeff Rossen


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Posts Tagged 'Dubai Construction'
Rera Dubai-Questions-Answers-Confusion-Discussions
Posted by 7starsdubai on December 16, 2010
Posted in Dubai, Dubai Property Investors, Marwan bin Ghalaita, Rera Dubai | Tagged: Dubai Construction, Dubai projects, Dubai Property Investor | Comments Off on Rera Dubai-Questions-Answers-Confusion-Discussions
Dubai Good Business shouldn`t tolerate missed deadlines
Posted by 7starsdubai on May 25, 2008
original published EmirtesBusiness 24-7
May 25, 2008
May 25, 2008
It is telling that the 'revelation' only one in five construction projects is likely to finish on time does not come as a shock.
Shortages of materials and skilled workers (plus reams of red tape) are the official excuse, but the public has long since abandoned belief in deadlines being met.
As we've mentioned here before, as long as property prices continue to rise, investors are not too fazed by these delays. An investment that has doubled in value tends to soften the blow. But what damage does this do to Dubai's reputation as a can-do business center?
There is a danger that missed deadlines breeds an acceptance of tardy work. Who cares if you're going to deliver late, everyone's still making money, right? This applies to pizza deliveries to magazine publishing dates to nail appointments to real estate handovers. In boom times, even bad business can make money.
Dubai's reputation, in part, has been built on being the best place to do business for a thousand miles in any direction. Delivering on time is a big part of that boast.
It would be great to think those that deliver on time are remembered when the boom times flatten out.
Posted in Dubai, Vereinigte Arabische Emirate | Tagged: Construction delay, Dubai Construction, Dubai Off Plan projects | Comments Off on Dubai Good Business shouldn`t tolerate missed deadlines


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We are incredibly excited to be hosting the No Man's Land Film Festival on Wednesday, March 13th. No Man's Land is "an all-woman adventure film festival based out of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado that meets a need and desire to highlight and connect with women in pursuit of the radical."
We sold this event out last year at the Oriental Theater. Don't miss out!
Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will benefit Women's Wilderness
Where: 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
When: 6pm Doors, 7pm Panel Discussion, 8pm Films
The films will be shown at the Oriental Theater preceded by a star-studded panel that will lead an exciting discussion before the films.
Panel to be announced soon!
Get more info on our Facebook page.


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Bike Streamer
Not only for "High Riser? or children's bikes! With the colorful streamer you can refurbish your old bike perfectly. Handlebar straps, so-called "streamers", are attached to the handle bars and flutter cheerfully rustling in the wind during the ride.
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Simple Sponge
Member recipe by fazy4eva
ServingsServes 1 - 12 Cakes
QUICK AND EASY recipe to make a delicious SPONGE CAKE. This is also great made into cupcakes or decorated for a party! This cake is a reason to CELEBRATE!
This recipe has been submitted by the Good Food community. Sign in or create a My Good Food account to upload your own recipe creations. Please note that all recipes will be moderated but they are not tested in the Good Food kitchen.
- 4oz Salted Butter
- 4oz Caster Sugar
- 4oz Flour
- 2 Medium-Large eggs
- Vanilla Essence
- Milk
- Preheat your oven to gas 5/190 C/ 375 fan.
- Firstly sift your sugar into the bowl. Add the butter then mix until light and fluffy.
- Put an egg into the bowl and quickly whisk in. Repeat this with the second egg.
- Sift in the flour and whisk into the mix.
- Add a splash of milk and a few drops of vanilla essence.
- Grease a small baking tin with a little butter/line a cake tray with 12 cake cases.
- Fill each case about 3/4 full/put all of the mix into the tin.
- Put the cupcakes in the oven for 14 mins or until golden-brown. Put the single sponge in for 30-40 mins or until golden-brown.
- Take out and leave on a wire rack to cool. Decorate as you wish or serve plain.
Comments, questions and tips
12th Mar, 2011
For some very strange reason I always have trouble with a round sponge cake rising unevenly, although I can make a great traybake with no trouble at all, I will keep trying though! A lady came in to my shop yesterday and told me that if you put your ear down to a sponge cake you can tell whether it is done because it will stop crackling! I do like getting these little gems of information!


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For most of the Bangladeshi citizens, some of the worst and horrid experiences perhaps involve dealing with public institutions and government officials.
From getting a passport to a tax paper or just a birth certificate, include weeks, and more often months of running from one desk to the other, standing at the gates and corridors, coaxing the sleepy and ignorant officials to get through the officer-in-charge.
In the first week, you will probably try to figure out who the actual person responsible for providing your information is. This will involve you going to one desk, wait for a few hours and be told to go to another desk and the week will end by the time you know who to contact.
If by some luck, you get through the actual person who will get your work done, you must wait for a few more hours until he finishes his cup of tea, or even just sit up from his slouching position, reach his hands out, and take out the piece of paper from the file.
Most often, it will depend on his mood really. If he wishes to, he may ask you to come back anywhere between the next day to the next one year, to inform you that either he does not have it or as a responsible official he cannot disclose it.
'It's a nightmare to even think of approaching any of the public institutions for any form of information,' says Golam Mostafa, a businessman. 'You would rather pay your way through, than to run through months, from one desk to the other, one place to the other to get any form of information out. Go ask any relevant government institution that – just from starting up your own business to wanting information concerning investing, banks and license – you are bound to go through this painful and lengthy procedure.'
Similar are experiences at a police station. 'It's an experience you would rather not have,' says Imran Asam, a student. 'This one time, I went to the station to find out about the status of a report we had made about our stolen car. I was asked to sit for hours, and then at the end asked to come the next week. Three weeks down the line, I was told the file was not found and that I should come later- it's been two years, and do I dare ask the status of the case?'
If you are a journalist, who is ought to be able to enjoy outmost press freedom and the right to information, it's not any different. One of the most dreadful task for you then will be to get a comment from a government official or just a piece of information- a document from a ministry.
You call his office repeatedly only to receive the 'sir is at a meeting' or 'please call an hour later' reply. Then, having tried and failed to get him on the phone for a couple of days, you decide to go to the relevant ministry or division or department.
Inside the ministry building, you move around from one room to the other, if 'sir is not in his seat', asking the grumpy assistants for his whereabouts. The personal officer takes time to inform 'sir' that you are there. If you have the patience, and you are persistent enough, 'sir' has a minute for you before a very important meeting.
He informs you, on some occasions eagerly and on others dismissively, that either his superior officer is only authorised to speak on the matter or a junior officer is better informed to speak about it. Of course, the senior officer refers you to the same or a different junior officer. Only the most polite official will take his time to explain to you that as a government official he or she is bound by the 'Official Secrets Act' not to speak to you. Not that he wants to speak either.
In case of the many policies and laws being drafted and approved, there is hardly any information that a citizen is aware of. 'One week you hear a lot in the news about debates over a certain policy or law being drafted, and a few months later, one fine morning you hear that a new policy or a law is in place, and you hardly know what it is all about and it is supposedly impacting your life,' says Salma Huq, a lecturer at a private university in Dhaka.
Supposedly, a citizen, according to the constitution of Bangladesh, has the right to information. Over the years, across the globe it has been constantly stressed that every citizen must have access to information in all spheres of life. According to experts, access to information in specifically public bodies have been of outmost need as the public bodies hold information not for themselves but as custodians of the public good.
'They should provide us with those pieces of information that they hold because it is our information entrusted in their hands, not their information,' says Ayesha Khanam, President, Mahila Parishad. 'A democratic society must have access to information, as it is a tool of power and development which are crucially important for the growth of a nation.'
In 1997 the UN Commission on Human Rights issued a request to the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression to look closely into the right to seek and receive information, as the earlier provisions did not impose a corresponding duty to any entity. In 1998, the Special Rapporteur reported on the issue and notes that 'The right to seek, receive and impart information imposes a positive obligation on states to ensure access to information, particularly with regard to information held by governments in all types of storage and retrieval systems.'
According to article 19 (2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, and article 19 (2) of the Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, both of which deal with freedom of expression and both of which Bangladesh has ratified, the right to seek, receive and impart information is an inalienable right of every individual. Bangladesh is further party to the Vienna Convention, the Limburg Declaration and the Bangalore Colloquium, which makes it a legal obligation of the state to introduce the right to information in domestic laws. So far, 75 countries in the world, including neighbouring India, have ensured the 'right to information' of its citizens through the enactment of laws under different titles.
Right to Information Ordinance 2008
In a modern democratic state, 'the right to information,' more popularly described as the 'right to know,' is a prerequisite. It is in view of this, that last month, on September 20, following years of debate, that the Right to Information Ordinance 2008 was finalised.
According to Article 4 of the Ordinance, section A states that 'Every citizen shall have the right to information and every citizen, through application or request, shall know any decision, written proceedings of or any work performed or proposed to be performed by any authority'.
'It's a step that was long over due and certainly something we welcome,' says Abdul Matin Khasru, former law minister. 'Although initially the government had undertaken a participatory approach in drafting the ordinance, it was not so later on. There was a need for participation of many stakeholders throughout, but since the ordinance will be placed in the parliament for approval, it can be amended.'
The finalisation of this act comes in two folds- for one it is, as Khasru points out a step that has been long overdue, and indeed a progressive move. The other overriding impact of this ordinance is the fact that it has not taken into consideration of various issues and points, tabled by various stakeholders including the media.
'Earlier on, Bangladesh did not have any specific ordinance that related directly to people's right to know. Rather, what it had were certain clauses,' says Khasru.
These clauses are Official Secrets Act 1923, Evidence Act 1872, Rules of Business 1996, Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1979, and the oath (affirmation) of secrecy under the constitution act as an impediment and barrier to getting access to information.
While clause 5(1) of the Official Secrets Act has been designed to protect military and strategic secrets, on many occasions, it has been the most popular excuse of government officials to deny information. Section 123 of the 135-year old Evidence Act stipulates that only the head of the department of any government machinery holds power to disclose information. The more recent Rules of Business specifically bars government officials from disclosing information to members of the press. Crucially still, government servants are bound by both their oath and service rules to refrain from disclosing information.
In 2002, the Information Commission drafted the ordinance which was in pipeline till date. The proposed act included clauses such information being properly recorded, catalogued and indexed, the publication of information, the procedure for the access to information which includes a fee of Tk 5 and a time limit of fifteen days, as well as exceptions and enforcement measures.
The ordinance provides for a three-member autonomous information commission headed by a chief information commissioner, mandated with a four-year term, to enforce the law and deal with complaints from the information seekers.
According to reports, the government will appoint staff at the suggestion of the commission to discharge its responsibilities across the country. The president will appoint the chairman and members of the commission at the suggestion of a five-member selection committee headed by a Supreme Court judge.
The others who will be sitting on the commission will be two lawmakers from the treasury and opposition benches of the parliament nominated by the speaker, the cabinet secretary and a government representative.
People will have the right to seek information from public offices in a prescribed form with a fee. The public offices will also maintain information so that the people can get information on demand. In this case, people living below poverty line can apply in white paper without paying fee.
According to experts, there are various dimensions and spheres of life that a Right to Information Act can address, economy being one of the major focuses.
'Over the years people have been kept in the dark about the economic policies pursued by the government and the direction the economy is taking,' says Dr Anu Mohammed, a professor of economics at Jahangir Nagar University. 'That we have signed the GATT and have become a part of global capital control is known and understood by few. Ordinary citizens, who had to pay for this through rising cost of living, did not have a say in it.'
'In the future, all major contracts including that of oil, gas and coal and strategic papers such as the PRSP will come to the public domain hopefully through the right to information. People can then decide what is best for them and we can avoid events like those in Phulbari,' adds Anu.
Grey areas
The approved Ordinance, which is expected to be signed into law, has many areas that need ratification, say experts.
According to the Ordinance, 'As per the ordinance the related officials will supply primary information on issues including arrests and releases within 24 hours.'
'The scope of the current ordinance is restricted to only "primary issues",' points out Rubana Huq, CEO, Mohammadi Group.
'This clause of the ordinance had 48 hours, following objections, this was reduced to 24 hours,' says Manjoorul Ahsan Bulbul, Head of News, ATN Bangla.
The ordinance further stipulates officials sitting in new posts to be created in most government offices and NGOs give the people information within 20 days of receiving applications.
Organisations funded by taxpayers' money and NGOs run on foreign funds are required by the ordinance to ensure people's right to information, officials who attended the meeting of the council of advisers said.
'Under this, we feel other organisations including private institutions should be included,' says Shawkat Mahmood, president, National Press Club. 'Many functions of private bodies are relevant, the information held by them can equally be important for citizens. People should also have the right to access to those pieces of information held by private bodies that are necessary for the exercise or protection of any other right. This can only ensure a transparent system.'
According to private institutions, however, they should not be liable to such information acts. 'We provide our balance sheets to joint stocks and other report platforms, what more is required. We are a profit making organisation and all across the world, private institutions are not liable to such laws,' says a businessman, preferring anonymity.
'The public sector itself lacks the required infrastructure to provide adequate information. That is an area that needs to be worked on. Right to information is indeed a valid demand. But the public sector has to be first covered completely before moving on to the private,' says Rubana Huq.
In addition to this, the ordinance has made exemption on six security and intelligence agencies from the reach of the new ordinance. These agencies are often accused of overstepping their legal jurisdiction, point out experts.
'Criminal Investigation Department of the police will routinely have information it cannot divulge for fear of hampering an ongoing investigation. But the CID personnel are also often accused of harassing innocent citizens and the law should instead have made a distinction in what kind of information this agency would divulge so that a modicum of checks and balances could be ensured,' says Bulbul.
Similarly, the financial irregularities, the budgetary indiscipline, the lack of accountability, and the alleged political machinations of many of the other agencies, cannot be brought under democratic public oversight under the new law, say experts.
Although welcome, the ordinance did not include the explicit points that the Press Association and others had indicated earlier, says Mahmood.
'Odhikar believes that the draft Ordinance will curb, rather than extend press freedom, and the people's right to know,' says Adilur Rahman Shuvro, director, Odhikar. 'The draft ordinance proposes the establishment of an Information Commission, which will eventually help the authorities concerned to evade the responsibility of giving information. If the ordinance is promulgated, people- even a journalist – will need to apply in a prescribed form for information and the authority will have the power to reject the application or provide the information sought.'
While the ordinance, in many ways does conform to specific rights of citizens to know, many feel that the country does not have the given infrastructure or system to follow this law.
'RTI has now become a hot topic,' says Shahdeen Malik, the eminent lawyer. 'But, practically, the government in its present capacity does not possess the ability to implement the law. Government offices and NGOs registered with the government, who have also been considered under the same law, will need a totally new budget and will need to introduce a new section to disseminate information.'
Government offices will have to change the way they operate and keep efficient computerised records of everything for rapid release of information. The administrative management will have to change. 'At its current state, it is next to impossible,' he adds.
'The idea and its benefits must reach all levels of society and reach throughout the country for it to function properly – which was essentially one of the major reasons for demanding units to be set across the country,' says Khasru. 'A person living in Rajshahi or a remote village will not be able to access the provisions of this law.'
'In a society which is dominated by the culture of secrecy, male domination and conservatism, the right to information can actually empower women, given this is followed,' says Ayesha Khanam.
It is for time to tell the actual impact of this law, point out experts. 'Given that time is given and proper system is developed, the country can see the benefits in a few years, if not now. In addition to this, in due time, amendments can also be made to make this RTI an indeed empowering law,' points out Khasru.
Posted in Published work |
[…] From getting a passport to a tax paper or just a birth certificate, include weeks, and more often months of running from one desk to the other, standing at the gates and corridors, coaxing the sleepy and ignorant officials to get … Ensuring our right to Know […]
[…] Shafique analyzes the strength and loopholes of the recently drafted Right to Information Ordinance 2008 in […]
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A silicone animatronic human heart is beating on a white surface. If you need make it longer you will find to many edition points to make a loop. In the right of the frame there are an empty espace for your text or titles.
It fits in your medical proyects or in horror proyects like serial-killers, mad doctors, halloween and why not for Saint Valentine´s Day, in opening titles or menus.
Music in the video preview is not included, you can get it here:Escaping the Sanatorium
You can find another monster and creepy stuff here:


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single monkstrap shoes with John Lobb signature buckles in navy, rust, and chestnut
With the current pervasiveness of double monkstrap shoes, I find myself favoring the conciseness of single monkstraps. It seems as if all of New York feels like they've discovered the ingenious new invention that is the double monkstrap shoe and are scrambling to call dibs on who wore it first. Scratch that---I'm not one to hate on pieces of sewn-together leather and metal, but in their austere simplicity, don't you think single monkstraps are decidedly more monastic?


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Monday, December 27, 2010
Staff Pick of the Week
Robin's Pick
The Camel Club by David Baldacci
David Baldacci's The Camel Club introduces four quirky Washington, D.C. residents, who discover the truth and hold the government accountable. The group is led by a man known as Oliver Stone, who works as a groundskeeper as Mt. Zion Cemetery but spends a great deal of time in a small tent across from the White House. His obsession with government wrongdoing is apparently rooted in his shadowy past. Others in the group include Milton Farb, who is good with computers; Reuben Rhodes, who provides muscle; and Caleb Shaw, who works for the Library of Congress. Together they uncover plots within the government in an attempt to bring the truth to light. Baldacci populates the book with a number of unusual and interesting characters, which helps to make this enjoyable and engaging reading.
Other books in the series include: The Collectors, Stone Cold, Divine Justice, and Hell's Corner.
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La Mesa Today - Community Website & Online Newspaper
Love where you live!
June 1, 2019 at 10am to September 23, 2019 at 5pm – The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum All Aboard! For a limited time only, reserve your chance to Sound the Horn and Operate a Locomotive for an Hour at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Historic Campo, CA! (June 1 - Septemb… Organized by Martin Caestecker | Type: railway, conductor, for, an, hour
August 6, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm – Parking Lot, The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa It's that time again, time to come together with neighbors new and old to celebrate our community and work together to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. So, in that spirit,… Organized by church | Type: community, get-together
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I just received this month's Meeting Professional MPI magazine. Most of the articles talk about the Importance of Design in meetings. Bruce Mau, one of the general session speaker at MPI's 2017 World Education Congress offers an interesting perspective "Stop planning meetings, start designing experiences, think about the individual user experience, not the audience as a whole, but the individual. Think about what they need, not what we want them to do".
So how do we create a memory for them, something they will never forget? Deliver unexpected encounters and surprises that inspire them to share their experiences more widely. "When we are surprised by something unexpected appearing in our everyday, we begin to make associations. The more distant associations we make between objects and experiences, the more new and surprising ideas become" says Jackie Mulligan, VP of Education for the MPI U.K. & Ireland chapter.
"From Madrid to Heaven" is a local expression which meaning refer on how Madrilenian feels about their city "there is nothing better than Madrid, if you are in Madrid, you feel like heaven". But it is also a reference to the blue sky of Madrid, where the sun shines almost 3,000 hours every year. Thanks to its weather, countless viewpoints, and terraces giving you an opportunity to gaze at the skyline, and taking in the capital's rooftops and most emblematic monuments.
The people at the Madrid Convention Bureau understand the concept of building experiences for congress attendees. Take for example the Rooftop Walking Tour to discover Madrid from the attics and balconies of its buildings or the Faro de Moncloa taking visitors in two panoramic lifts 92 meters up to the tower platform overseeing the city. Above Madrid concept continues into the evening when temperature rises, tables and chairs begin to spread out across pavement and rooftops of hotels and emblematic building to experience the essence of Madrid in the summer.
Other activities mentioned in a post a few months ago – 6 Effective Team Building Activities for Groups in Madrid – cover unique meeting ideas that will create memories for the individual users, something they will never forget. A couple of new places have also opened since. Windobona and Hurricane Factory, both designed around skydiving indoor technology.
If you are still not convinced that Madrid can offer exceptional experiences to your attendees, call the people at the Madrid Convention Bureau, and ask how they can bring creativity into your next conference.
As always safe travel!


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Soon after the evidence of water was found the Mars which was also claimed as one of the biggest discovery of the century, the red planet is again in the news. Scientific efforts are being made to find extraterrestrial life, meanwhile Gaint Gautam Buddha statue has been located on the Mars suggesting that some intelligent life form existed on the red planet several years ago.
While examining the image captured by the American Space Agency NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Curiosity rover, UFO-aficionados at 'UFO Sightings Daily' discovered unimaginable site which resembled like giant Gautam Buddha statue similar to what is present on Earth.
The statue-like figure appears to be carved and it is very rare that such a statue would have been made by natural activities. Gautam Buddha in the statue appears to be in half sitting and half sleeping position.
After water presence was confirmed by NASA, another study confirmed that river existed on the red planet and its ferocious nature caused round shape of pebbles and dragged them up to 50 km in the riverbed. Existed of water directly point towards existence of life on the red planet. Now, the statue-like structure is acting like a catalyst.
UFO Sightings Daily member Scott Waring said that NASA has already discovered alien life, but the American space agency is hiding the truth from the world. "This photo alone should be enough to convince the United Nations that intelligent life once existed on Mars, but NASA doesn't want anyone to know the truth, because they will be asked to share the info and technology that they have found," Waring said.
Although there might be a chance that statue is just an illusion of our mind but it has provided the material for conspiracy theorists.


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These letters were written by Sgt. Nathan Cory (1842-1900), Co. C, 101st Pennsylvania Infantry. Nathan was the son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Wilson) Cory. He enlisted in September 1861 in Wampum, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania at the age of 19, giving "Farmer" as his occupation. He re-enlisted in January 1864 and was taken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C. on 20 April 1864. He was held captive at Andersonville (GA) and Florence (SC) before being paroled at Annapolis (MD). After a 30 day furlough, he rejoined his company at New Bern before they were discharged on 25 June 1865.
Nathan wrote the letters to his brother-in-law, Peter Baley (1835-1924) — a blacksmith at Big Beaver, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Peter was an emigrant from France. His name was actually Pierre Bailly; he was the son of Thiebeau (or Theobold) Bailly. Peter was married to Eliza Jane Cory (1839-1927) in 1857.
The first letter was written sometime shortly after the Battle of Williamsburg (5 May 1862). In the 2nd letter, Cory describes the Battle of Kingston and the pursuit of "Shanks" Evans' Brigade to Goldsboro (otherwise known as "Foster's Raid."
Addressed to Mr. Peter Baley, Irish Ripple, Lawrence County, PA
Postmarked from Old Point Comfort, VA
Camp near West Point
May the [ ] 1862
Friend Bailey,
I once more sit down to pen you a few lines to let you know where we are and to let you know we are both well and wish you the same. I received your letter and was very glad to hear from you.
I wrote a letter a few days ago and told you a little about our fight. We are expecting another fight on this side of Richmond. It will be either a big fight or a hell of a run. If they stand [and] fight, we will give them hell like we always do. I think if we get them rid out of Virginia, it will about sew up Secesh. But I expect it will take some fighting to get Richmond. If they would take us into it, we can soon make them soon hold low sharp shooters and run like they did back at the other fight when the 85th came up and give them a couple of volleys. The rebel prisoners say they don't like the bright barrel guns. They think they are all sharp shooters.
I tell you the rebels left some good cannon stuck in the mud. We run them so close when their wagons would stuck in the mud, they had not time to take them out so they would spike the cannon and leave them. It is not worthwhile for me to waste time writing to tell you about the times. I will wait till I get home and then I will tell you all about the fun I have had in army. I can tell you some of the times I have had that will make you laugh.
Well, I have not very much to tell you this time but I can tell you skin is damned hard to get here.
Well Peter, I will bring my letter to a close by asking you to excuse all mistakes and bad, bad writing for I have a very poor way of writing. You want to know the right address. as near as I can give it, it is Fortress Monroe, Va., Company C, 101st Regt. Pennsylvania Volunteers, Second Brigade, Casey's Division. Remember to write soon and oblige your old friend.
Nathan Cory to Peter Bailey
Addressed to Mr. Peter Baley, Irish Ripple, Lawrence County, PA
Postmarked from Old Point Comfort, VA
Camp near Newbern, N. C.,
[n. d., but probably early January 1863]
I once more take my pen in my hand to write you a few lines to let you know I am still on the land of the living and in good health. I would of wrote to you sooner only I was waiting to see what they was going to do with us. We was expecting to go back to Suffolk, but now we know we will not get to go.
Well Peter, I must tell you of the fighting we have been doing down in North Carolina. We landed here on the 10th from Suffolk and got 10 days rations ready and left here on the 11th and we went on till the 12th. We expected a fight but they left the place on the night of the 12th and about 10 o'clock on the 13th, our advance and their rear guard commenced their skirmishing and all day every little peace we would see a dead or wounded or prisoner rebs along the road sides.
On the night of the 13th, our regiment was put out in advance to support a battery and on the morning of the 14th [Battle of Kinston], our major rode out along the road in advance of the regiment and the rebel pickets fired at him. Then the fight opened. The 9th New Jersey deployed and commenced skirmishing and our regiment still supported the battery. The rest of our brigade marched down and went in like tigers. The fight lasted for six hours. Then the rebs commenced to skedaddle. They tried to set the bridge on fire but we was to close. We soon put the fire out and crossed the bridge after them.
When we went into town, we got all the whiskey and tobacco we wanted. The rebs formed back of Kingston to try us again but when they seen our old brigade coming, they run like a hell. We took about 8 hundred prisoners and 13 pieces of artillery at Kinston.
We followed them to White Hall and licked them till they run like hell then followed them to Goldsboro where they had a big den and we drove them away from the river and burnt the railroad bridge and tore up 5 miles of the railroad. Then we started back and our grub run out and we had to forage what we eat. I tell you if we didn't make the hogs, cows, sheep, and everything we could eat pay for it. It was a caution. This is a great country for apple jack. It is fun to see the boys when we come near a big plantation brake for apple jack, honey, and chickens.
Well, Peter, this was a very dry Christmas. We have not got paid yet. Well, I will bring my letter to a close by asking and answer soon for I expect we will leave here soon as we get rested on another expedition. Nothing more at present but remain your brother-in-law till death, — Nathan Cory
to Peter Baily
Address Newbern, N. C., Co. C, 101st Regiment Pennsylvania Vols., Wessel's Brigade. I have not heard from you since I got that box. This is the 3rd I have wrote.


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Jellyfish Bungalow is an amazing resort with rooms few meters from the blue sea water of Andaman Sea in Koh Samet Thailand. Boasts with its own private beach, in a secluded part of the famous Koh Samet island. This makes the resort a perfect hideaway for travelers who appreciate nature. Each of the 19 bungalows has a private Balcony with a sitting area, and a daily breakfast in included.
The bungalow offers different types of rooms that suites the needs of any kind of guest. We have private double bed rooms with a terrace by the water, twin double bed rooms and quadruple room with 4 double beds.
You may chill out in our Thai restaurant, that offers also western food. Ask our reception regarding a variety of sea attractions that we have to offer: boat tour, speed boat, fishing tour, canoes rental, coral island trip, sunset trip around koh samet, adventure trip to nine islands, and on…
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You have 2 options:
1. The best and enjoyable way would be by a shared speed boat from Nuanthip Pier to Lung Dam Pier, for 350 THB/person. Have many rounds every day, or they can call the bungalow on the same day to book it. After 6 PM the price is 2,000 THB. Our bungalow is next to Lung Dam Pier.
2. Take a big ferry for 80 THB to Koh Samet "Na Dan Pier"(main ferry pier). From there, take a shared green van (50-100 THB/person) or a special taxi (350 THB).
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Quiet location. nicely decorated and pleasant with good atmosphere and friendly staff. The beach and location on the island are very good.
Had a great stay here, mostly because it was relatively quiet and of course beautiful :) staff was friendly. The bungalow felt somewhat basic for the price paid, of course island prices are higher but still.
The bungalow is perfect and just as pictured. The beach is nice, the food at the on site restaurant is tasty and the people are nice. We had some dog friends for our stay as a bonus. The speedboat from Rayong is available on a limited basis.
Such a nice place to stay. Their English is not so good, but they treat us well!
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All touristic attractions on the island, including: boat tour, speed boat, fishing tour, canoes/kayaks rental, 7 islands tour, around Koh-Samet sunset tour.


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Memories of a Boy and his Dad
In Australia it is the afternoon on the last day of 2011. I awoke this morning with my being filled with memories of past New Years Eves , and the ache of emptiness that comes on what were previously special days.
Instead of posting a poem of my own, I have decided to share with you two poems, one written by my son Ken, and the other by my husband Rod.
The first poem Thomas, was written by Ken after the death of his beloved Poppa. My father was a loving, lovable man who battled alcoholism all his adult life. My father and my son shared a very special bond, as Ken's words achingly convey.
The second poem A Woman Calls, was written by my husband a week after he had stood with his hand on my shoulder, supporting me while I made the call to America to tell my son's former partner and lifelong friend, of the suicide of our darling Ken.
These poems may seem sad, and yes in some ways they are, but for me they are also a celebration of the lives of two special men who were gifted with the qualities of loving empathy, and poetic expression.
A picture is all I have
To remind me of your life
This emotion runs so deep
Oh why can't I follow you
Your wisdom and your heart
Greater than your legacy
Of the ones you left behind
Oh why can't I follow you
I long for the time
When your smile meet mine
Tucked gently inside a bottle
Oh why can't I follow you
I weep at the reflection
In the eyes of your wife
For since you said goodbye…
O why can't I follow you
A soul so weightless
The wind took you from me
I never got to show you
Just who you were to me
This lid is sealed so tight
On your final kiss
Tasting death on your lips
Please wait for me
Kenneth Bertram
A Woman Calls
It is late at night
when the phone calls out
in a room so far away
As a woman sits in a sunlight room
and ponders what she'll say
The receiver clicks
and she listens
to hear the gentle greeting "Hi"
She steels her resolve to speak her piece
but first she makes a sigh
She speaks not of betrayal
nor of a man who has run
She speaks to tell the other
of the death
of her only son
Two women linked by a common bond
for a man they each caressed
Now linked in common grief
feeling only despair
Their tears touch cheeks
fall on heaving breasts
as they share the dreadful tale
And as their grief hits home
their sobs become a wail
The common link is broken
as they both put down the phone
the bond remains between them
'though each must grieve
In separate rooms in distant lands
they weep for one another
They weep for themselves
they weep for him
His Lover and his Mother
Rod Bertram 1/9/1999
Posted on December 31, 2011, in Poems, Poetry of others and tagged final kiss, grief, love, loving empathy, poetic expression. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
Sad, but beautifully written..


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Setting up my chair in the kitchen with the doors open to the garden, my camera, my notepad and pen and my breakfast on the kitchen table, I was ready to beginning the annual Big Garden Birdwatch.
At 8.30am the weather was still overcast, but the birds had already been up and about for a few hours on the feeders, just waiting to be counted.
The Big Garden Bird Watch, run by the RSPB, was first started in 1979 as a way to get children involved in a winter weekend activity. Junior members were asked to count the birds in their garden as a way for the RSPB to gather data on the UK's top ten most common garden birds. Now half a million people take part, of all ages and backgrounds, and from all over the country, whether urban or rural. Making it one of the most popular citizen science projects.
This year my family have introduced a lot more feeding areas to the garden, so it was much harder to keep count of all the birds as they moved around.
The Wood pigeons are obvious, they glide in from the next door field scattering the smaller birds who for a split second must think it is a predator.
The Long Tailed Tits are fairly easy, you can hear them coming with their constant contact calls which they use to make sure they are all together. They jostle and push but eventually all 10 managed to fit on to one feeder.
Two Pied Wagtails bob along on the path picking up the the food that has been knock off the feeder. The Jackdaws noisily arrive, landing in the Silver birch tree and although appear very boisterous, are actually quite wary, flying down grabbing something and flying back to a safe distance.
As the hour went on the sun came out, the Robins continued to hassle the Dunnocks. The Blue tits hopped in and out of the hedge and the Chaffinches patiently waited in the Hazel tree for their turn on the bird table.
Overhead a Raven called on its daily pass by and a Red Kite circled a few times before heading in to the field behind our garden. Not a bad hours big watching.
Here is what I saw overall:
- 2 Dunnocks
- 7 Blue tits
- 1 Coal tit
- 3 Blackbirds
- 2 Pied wag tails
- 2 Robins
- 2 Great tits
- 2 Wood pigeon
- 5 Jackdaws
- 2 Chaffinch
- 4 House Sparrows
- x2 Canada Geese
- x1 Raven
- x1 Red Kite
Front Garden feeders
- 10 Long Tailed Tits
- 3 Collared Doves
- 2 Greenfinch
I've put my results from the past 3 years in a chart.
My results were quite similar to the previous two years except the fall in Blue tit numbers. That could have been due to our garden recently being visited by a Sparrow hawk.
This year we have 2 garden Robins who tolerate each other at the moment but that may change once Spring arrives.
The Pied Wagtails are a recent addition, spending hours each day in the garden over the past few months. This is also the first year we have had regular visits from House Sparrows.


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MEDIA WATCH: FAIR begins critique of corporate media attacks on CTU by taking on The New York Times and Washington Post version of corporate 'reform'
FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting) has just come out with its first review of the corporate media attacks on the Chicago strike, and naturally they are taking on the big guys. One of the threads running through the major commentaries attacking us (David Brooks and Joe Nocera in The New York Times, for example) is that notion that CPS is generally "failing" and that it's our fault — viz., classroom teachers and our union. The wonder of now is that we are smoking out the corporate hacks from behind their fig leaves and able to take them on one-by-one. Guys like Joe Nocera and David Brooks are not just anybodies in the punditocracy, so we can learn by following their lines of attack. (I just read another one in TIME magazine...).
One of the most important things that happens during a Chicago school strike is that teachers get a chance to breathe long enough to meet their own colleagues from their schools and a bit after that, to step back from the barrage of corporate media propaganda and become critical of what is published as "news" and then pundited by the aristocracy of pundits who fill the Op Ed pages across the USA with the conventional wisdom about reality from Afghanistan to, this week at least, Chicago's public schools.
One of the cutest things about now is that after more than 20 years of the failure of corporate "school reform," the majority (not all) of the pundits are claiming that we at CTU are trying to "turn back the clock" when in fact we are trying to move forward from the horrible diversion that resulted when corporate "school reform" (the era of the CEO in schools and the brainwashing about "entrepreneurship" and stuff like that) began its attack on public schools and democracy. FAIR, by the way, includes a link to "The Schools Chicago's Students Deserve" in its critique of the Marie Antoinettes of the 21st Century punditocracy.
Below is FAIR's report, that just came on line today:
Are Chicago Teachers Really Rooting for Student Failure? Posted on 09/11/2012 by Peter Hart
You can get away with almost anything if you're attacking teachers' unions in the corporate media.
New York Times columnist Joe Nocera (9/11/12) explains that while the so-called "reform" movement hasn't come up with the right answers on schools:
On the other hand, the status quo, which is what the Chicago teachers want, is clearly unacceptable. In Chicago, about 60 percent of public school students graduate from high school.
A Washington Post editorial (9/11/12):
The administration has championed reforms much like those the Chicago local is fighting. And with good reason: A scandalously low 56 percent of Chicago students graduate from high school. That is the status quo the union is fighting to preserve.
You got that right–teachers want nothing to change in their school system. Of course, anyone who so much as glanced at the Chicago Teachers Union website could see these teachers actually want quite a bit to change: smaller classes, more support staff, closing the funding gaps between schools. To suggest that what teachers want is to maintain low graduation rates is absurd and offensive.
But Post readers get a different take in today's paper. The editorial page attacks the union, while the op-ed page…also attacks the union. Charles Lane's column points out that teachers are making more than the families whose children they teach:
In Chicago, 85 percent of the roughly 400,000 public school students are either African American or Latino. A similar percentage receives free or reduced-price meals, which means these students live at or near the poverty line: $27,214 for a family of three, in a typical case.
The average public-school teacher in Chicago earned almost triple that amount–$76,000 per year, according to the school district. In contract negotiations this year, Chicago Public Schools offered an average total pay increase of 16 percent over four years.
Those averages are debatable, but that hardly matters, since Lane seems to be suggesting that teachers should be making a whole lot less. And, to be clear, he's not even telling us how he really feels:
I cannot describe the moral repugnance of this strike by aggrieved middle-class "professionals" against the aspiring poor. Well, I could describe it, but only by plagiarizing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's unprintable vocabulary.
Lane, for the record, was furious about the Wisconsin protests against Republican Gov. Scott Walker, and even wrote this (2/19/11):
If the brave Gabrielle Giffords could speak normally, what would she say about these events? I hope she would agree with me: This is a sad moment for liberalism, for the Democratic Party, and, really, for the whole country.
Five weeks after Giffords was nearly killed by a gunman, Lane used her to bash unions. And yet he gives lectures about morally repugnant behavior.