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2016 Archive
Scholars join Noble Research Institute for summer of learning
Each summer, the Noble Research Institute provides more than a dozen college students with a life-changing experience, not an internship.
Scientists announce genetic advancements in alfalfa research
Alfalfa, the queen of forages, has held secrets for centuries. Now, those genetic mysteries are being unlocked for plant breeders seeking to make the forage crop hardier and higher quality.
Raised by the Noble Research Institute
For me, the Noble Research Institute is an extension of the small town I have come to know and love as home.
Weird Wildlife
Since I've come to Ardmore, I've had the awesome opportunity to interact with far more animal life than I've ever had before.
Life in the bush
It will be exceedingly difficult to leave this place, a place that feels so familiar to me now.
Weekend road trip
We packed up our bags on a mini road trip to some of Texas' biggest cities over the Fourth of July weekend.
A Simple Introduction
I want to help develop the bridge between each aspect of agriculture, from the farmer to the researcher and to the consumer.
Brush encroachment provides clues about soil health
Brush encroachment is a common problem across the landscape these days.
Producers react to changes in crop insurance choices
A look at what changed when the 2014 Farm Bill came out.


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Moovin is a Brazilian-based eCommerce platform solution for companies who wants to dramatically increase their sales performance. It integrates with main marketplaces, comes with a custom mobile app, and host many features like abandoned cart recovery, advanced CEO, behavioral marketing and responsive layout.
|Top Competitors
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See how Moovin performs in a different country or against a competitor.

subset: commoncrawl


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This kitchen cabinet style — a flat-panel door covered in laminate, with full-width oak pulls at the top — golly, there were a lot of these. If you need a replacement — or maybe, you're ready to lead this 1980s revival in your kitchen or how about a craft room? — you can still get replacements. You can also get the doors sans wood trim. The source: Woodmont Doors from Eclectic-Ware.
I know I keep chiming in, but the more I think of it, the more I think it is really the almond laminate that causes the primary objection.
I've seen these doors with all wood faces, and there are versions of this door through companies like Seimatic, where the entire door is one lacquered finish (usually in very bright white, or an actual color) with the profiles routed into the slab, and people don't seem to find them so objectionable.
And the metal and laminate version of these doors with a metal edge pull rather than oak has never really been out of production.
I have a visceral response specific to my cabinets because they replaced beautiful 1960's birch cabinets with amazing midcentury knobs. We have 2 of the original cabinets in the garage and I can picture how beautiful a whole kitchen would have been with them. I can't believe the original owners replaced them with these 80's cabinets :/
You can definitely tell my kitchen cabinets are still this style but painting them out made me feel better about them in general. So maybe if they'd had better colours to choose from or the all wood version the kitchen wouldn't have looked so bad.
The colour as you mentioned was also a huge factor in the appeal. The cabinets in combination with the beige backsplash (complete with cornucopia of fruit!), dusty blue countertop, beige sheet linoleum and light yellow walls made the whole kitchen feel dirty.
I also think that poor quality is also associated with this cabinet style. I've seen so many examples of this kitchen falling apart that I probably associate poor quality with all kitchens of this type which is wrong since like with any style there are cheap and high end versions. My cabinets are in great shape for being 30-37 years old and they would probably last for a while yet.
While I'm itching to replace my cabinets with something more mid-mod looking I'll just have to wait.
I linked to the Formica UK site instead of the US site.
They have 120 plain color (colour) offerings including a few really nice pale blues, a pale yellow
and pale pink :-/.
I wish we couldn't even open sites that have great stuff we can't get
Why does Formica have such better colors in foreign countries. 🙁
I saw a picture of a kitchen with these, and the wood strips had been painted, and they looked fantastic.
Hi, Pam, It was great to see this info about replacements for the Euro cabinets.
I am a REALTOR in a large New Mexico town, and there are a number of 1980's homes that still have these cabinets….some look good….others, not so much.
Some 80's homes have been renovated and these cabinets are GONE!!!
I would like to share this basic info with my fellow REALTORS, I can get the basics to fit on one side of an 8 x 11 sheet of paper…..just need your permission to share.
Thank you in advance.
I admit it, I'm freaked out that an '80s revival is being discussed in a retro design site.
I'm also freaked out that there's an '80s revival. Those cabinets—PLEASE NO!
I've had these cabinets in numerous apts over the years. I liked the practicality of them. No extra handle to catch clothes & ease of clean up. The fact that they are streamlined & not a lot of design with wood grain made it easy to decorate. They're not everyone's preference, but they have their positives.
Hi, I need to order a few of these. Where do I order them from?
I'm not quite ready to renovate my kitchen, and need a couple of '80s era, tan-colored laminate replacement doors with the wooden bar along the top. Woodmont no longer manufactures them according to Eclectic-ware. Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you!


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My keynotes, workshops, and coaching sessions are customized to meet the specific needs of the event, school, and/or teachers I am working with. I am available to deliver any of the keynotes or facilitate any of the workshops below in person or online.
Preparing for Fall 2020: Blended & Online Learning (Self-paced Online Course)
Welcome to 2020. Heading into the most unpredictable school year, teachers are preparing for blended and online learning in the fall and need support taking their traditional courses and moving them into blended and online spaces. This course focuses on how to take your offline courses blended and fully online. It will go into detail about online learning theory, designing an online course, provide instruction blended/online, and facilitating academic discourse in online environments.
This course will provide teachers and schools with the tools they need to be effective teaching blended and online while creating a community of learners capable of making meaning in the online environment. This course combines video instruction, resources, and action items!
Module 1: Teaching Presence–Designing Your Blended/Online Course
- Lesson 1: Design Your Course Syllabus
- Lesson 2: Set Up Your Virtual Classroom
- Lesson 3: Curriculum Mapping for First Semester
- Lesson 4: Helping Students Get (and Stay) Organized
Module 2: Teaching Presence–Designing Blended/Online Lessons
- Lesson 1: Explore the Building Blocks of a Blended/Online Lesson
- Lesson 2: Formative Assessment Strategies
- Lesson 3: Differentiation
- Lesson 4: Student agency
Module 3: Teaching Presence–Blended/Online Instruction
- Lesson 1: Asynchronous Instruction–Tips for Creating Strong Video Content & Engaging Students Around that Instruction
- Lesson 2: Flip & Engage–Design a three part flipped lesson around your video content
- Lesson 3: Synchronous Instruction with Video Conferencing
Module 4: Teaching Presence: Facilitating Learning Online
- Lesson 1: Designing Dynamic Discussion Questions
- Lesson 2: Teaching Students to Say Something Substantial
- Lesson 3: Deciding on a Realistic Facilitation Role
- Lesson 4: Facilitating Synchronous Online Discussions
Module 5: Social Presence–Building Community Online
- Lesson 1: Creating a Safe Space Online
- Lesson 2: Getting to Know Your Students Online
- Lesson 3: Building Community with Online Icebreakers
- Lesson 4: Checking-in and Asking for Feedback
Module 6: Cognitive Presence–Student-centered Blended/Online Learning
- Lesson 1: The Station Rotation Model
- Lesson 2: Choice Boards
- Lesson 3: Playlist Model
- Lesson 4: 5Es Learning Experience
Click here to enroll.
Workshop: Using the 5Es Instructional Model to Create a Student-Centered Online Lesson (Available online or in-person)
What happens if students have to stay home for days or even weeks? How can we keep them learning remotely? What strategies and technology tools can teachers leverage to engage students online? In this workshop, teachers will learn how to use the 5Es instructional model–engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate–to design a student-centered online lesson. We will review a range of online tools and resources that teachers can use to engage students in the various parts of an online learning experience that blends individual with collaborative tasks and prioritizes student-led inquiry.
Workshop: Online Learning–The Building Blocks of Online Course Design (Available online or in-person)
School closures can result from a health emergency or an extreme weather event. Schools and districts need to prepare teachers with the training necessary to take their offline courses online. This will make it possible for teachers to successfully engage students in high-quality learning at home in the event of a school closure. This full-day workshop (offered both online and offline) will cover the help teachers to build a community of inquiry online and master the basic building blocks of an online course: virtual lectures, online discussions, personalized practice, and collaborative group work. Participants will learn how to leverage online conferencing tools and video creation tools to transfer information, design dynamic online discussion questions to engage students in asynchronous academic conversations, leverage online practice and review tools, and encourage collaboration using the Google suite.
Keynote: Achieve Balance with Blended Learning–Rethink Your Workflow and Reclaim Your Life
The biggest barriers to innovation are a lack of time and energy. Too many teachers are exhausted and disillusioned with this profession because they are doing most of the work. What if we are approaching this job all wrong? Teachers must partner with students to create learning environments that maximize the available technology and encourage students to take a lead role in designing, assessing, and reflecting on their learning. It's time to reevaluate who does the work in the classroom and leverage technology to make our jobs more manageable. Join educator and best selling author Catlin Tucker to reimagine your role, rethink your workflow, and reclaim your life.
"After reading Balance With Blended Learning, I was hooked! This new focus in the series, on helping coach students to understand their own learning, is exactly what educators need right now as we move from the front of the classroom to sitting shoulder to shoulder with our students to make sense of learning goals and assessing them!" ~Melissa
Workshop: Finding Your Balance with Blended Learning
This hands-on workshop gives educators who are using blended learning models the opportunity to dive deeper into the strategies presented in Balance with Blended Learning. We will explore metacognitive routines designed to get students thinking about their learning. Participants with learn how to rethink traditional workflows, use video strategically, shift feedback and assessment into the classroom, design and use rubrics, and conduct grade interviews. This workshop is designed to help teachers rethink our workflow, embrace new teaching and learning models that leverage technology, and shift ownership of learning over to students.
Keynote: Power Up Blended Learning
Too often professional learning is treated like an event, not a process. Districts spend money on devices and wifi networks, but they do not invest equally in building a professional learning infrastructure. If technology is going to have a transformative impact on both teaching and learning, professional learning must be woven into the fabric of your campus culture. Join educator and best selling author, Catlin Tucker, to find out how you can power up blended learning on your campus!
"There is an urgent need to empower and support teachers through the implementation of digital tools and blended instructional models. In Power Up Blended Learning, Catlin provides instructional leaders and coaches with the essential roadmap to develop internal structures of support within their schools. The time for teacher transformation is now, and this is the book to lead it!" ~Tiffany
Workshop: The Blended Learning Coaching Cycle
In this hands-on workshop, blended learning coach, and author, Catlin Tucker, will provide an overview of a blended learning coaching cycle designed to support teachers from goal setting to implementation to reflection. She will highlight the value of grouping teachers in professional learning communities that use coaching strategies in combination with an ongoing inquiry and action cycle to continue learning together. If schools are going to meet the rapidly changing needs of their students, it's crucial that the entire school community has a professional learning strategy that works.
Blended Learning Coaching Sessions with Catlin Tucker
Catlin can work with your teachers and coaches–in person or virtually–to support them in the shift to blended learning. Catlin uses the blended learning coaching cycle described in her book Power Up Blended Learning to support teachers in goal setting, lesson planning, implementation, and reflection. In addition to supporting teachers, onsite coaches can shadow these sessions to see effective coaching strategies in action.
Keynote: Blended Learning Action
Technology is radically changing the way our students communicate, collaborate, connect, and create. The rise in online tools, increasing availability of mobile devices, and limitless amounts of information are having a profound impact on education. Join educator and best selling author Catlin Tucker as she explores how teachers can use blended learning models to engage students, encourage autonomy, spark creativity, personalize learning, and connect students to an authentic audience.
"This is a game-change. If you are a dreamer, a do-er and a magic maker, you're going to love how this ups your game."
"Favorite parts are the personal stories and the emphasis on the real meaning of personalizing instruction and benefits of blended learning."
Workshop: The Station Rotation Model
The Station Rotation Model creates more opportunities for small group instruction, individualized scaffolding and support, student agency, and self-paced learning. During this hands-on workshop, teachers will explore, discuss and create. They will explore different approaches to designing their teacher-led station and grouping students, discuss using technology strategically to prioritize the four Cs, and create a station rotation lesson they can use immediately with students. Join blended learning coach and bestselling author, Catlin Tucker, for an exciting day of learning.
Workshop: Flipped Learning
Flipping learning with video content has several advantages. First, teachers can replicate themselves providing on-demand explanations, instructions, or modeling. Second, video content puts students in control of the pace of their learning. Third, video content can be accessed anytime for students who need to hear instruction again or for students who missed class. This workshop will focus on pedagogical design using video. Teachers will learn how to design a flipped lesson that encourages exploration and inquiry, transfers information online and extends learning with student-centered activities. Teachers will leave this hands-on workshop with a blended lesson that uses video content strategically. Join blended learning coach and bestselling author, Catlin Tucker, for an exciting day of learning.
Workshop: Playlists
Playlists pull together a mix of activities and learning modalities designed to allow students to self-pace through formal writing assignments, projects, and/or units of study. This workshop will help teachers to build a complete playlist composed of video elements, offline activities, online quizzing, pair practice, personalized online practice, self-assessment, coaching sessions, and conferencing. Teachers will explore how playlists can be customized for students at different levels to more effectively personalize learning. Join blended learning coach and bestselling author, Catlin Tucker, for an exciting day of learning.
Keynote: Get Creative with the Common Core
Educators across the nation groan at the mention of the Common Core, but the standards offer a much-needed shift from breadth to depth. The Common Core emphasizes communication, higher-order thinking, technology literacy, real-world application, and creative problem-solving. Teachers have an opportunity to make learning more relevant, engaging, and meaningful. Join educator and best selling author, Catlin Tucker, to find out how you can get creative with the Common Core!
"Catlin Tucker offers teachers creative solutions and ideas as we shift into a tech-driven learning environment. Lesson ideas are innovative, easy-to-follow, and applicable. Most importantly, she reinforces that schools and classrooms do not have to be 1:1 to engage in lessons and units rich in technology." ~Lisa
Workshop: Embracing Blended Learning in Your ELA Classroom
Explore how blended learning models–Whole Group Rotation, Station Rotation, and the Flipped Classroom–can help English teachers reimagine learning in their classrooms. Blended learning models create more time and space for individualized scaffolding and support, differentiated instruction, real-time feedback, and self-paced learning to help students develop their reading, writing, language, and speaking and listening skills. Join blended learning coach and bestselling author, Catlin Tucker, for an exciting day of learning.
Half-Day Workshop: Rethink Research and Engage Students
Research isn't a solitary task confined to a library. Research happens every time we grab our cell phones to answer a question or search for something. Despite being hyper-connected to information, students need to learn how to find, evaluate and use that information in a variety of contexts. In this workshop, teachers will explore how they can use crowdsourcing, infographics, and expert group investigations to get students having fun with research.
Half-Day Workshop: Read, Understand and Analyze Complex Texts
Literacy is at the heart of the Common Core. Learn how to evaluate a text's complexity. Teach students how to transfer their pen and paper annotation strategies online to get them actively reading digital texts to increase comprehension. Use a wide range of web tools to engage students in conversations about complex texts to drive analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. This hands-on session will provide participants with an opportunity to practice identifying complex texts and time to explore technology-infused reading strategies.
Keynote: Teachers as Architects and Coaches
Information is everywhere. Teachers no longer need to be fountains of knowledge. We have the opportunity to reimagine or roles to leverage technology and shift students to the center of learning. Classrooms must evolve to prioritize curiosity, encourage collaboration, and inspire creativity to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Educators need to embrace new roles as architects of learning experiences and coaching working directly with students to support their individual development. Join educator and best selling author, Catlin Tucker, to explore how technology and blended learning are impacting what it means to teach in the 21st century.
"Blended learning is something that should happen in all classrooms because I feel that students learn more effectively when they are introduced to all the different types of tech that is out there. I am a huge fan of Catlin Tucker and have been in contact with her through Twitter. She is an amazing educator and if it wasnt for her, I wouldnt have know what kind of tech is out there and probably would still have been stuck." ~Cathrine
Workshop: Online DiscussionsOnline Discussions, Choice Boards, & Hyperdocs
Explore how online discussions, choice boards, and hyperdocs can foster collaboration and give students more control over their learning in a blended classroom. Transform traditional classes into dynamic learning communities with online discussions. Learn how to create a virtual safe space, build an online community, design dynamic discussion questions, encourage students to say something substantial online, define a realistic facilitation role, and weave it all together! Participants will explore these strategies and the technology tools needed to design their own online discussion topics, choice boards, and hyperdocs! Join blended learning coach and bestselling author, Catlin Tucker, for an exciting day of learning.


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It was seven o'clock when the telephone rang.
– Hello?
– Hello, Miki?
– Yes, this is Miki.
– Miki, I'm calling to tell you that we found Haruki a little bit lost in the bookstore! You can come tomorrow whenever you want. He will be waiting for you.
I couldn't stop thinking that I was waiting for him and he was waiting for me. For so long time.
In the next morning, I chose a special look, a "look to meet Haruki" and went to the bookstore.
I went up the large stairs and came in the beautiful bookstore. I stared at the sliding door looking for him. After few minutes, I saw him sat at the dino's place reading a book, obviously. The dino's place was a magical corner where kids can play, read and leaf through books. Where else Haruki could be?
I walked slowly to him, a smile in my face. I did not feel uncomfortable neither nervous. I sat beside him.
– Hi, Haruki. I dare to think you are waiting for me.
He answered nothing but smiled.
– It could seem a little hasty, but… I came just to ask if you would like to come home with me. Sorry I can't speak much Japanese… I live at mundomiki. In mundomiki you will meet extraordinary creatures and stories. I think… you could appreciate it! That's why I finally decided to come.
– And… there is one more thing… The night before last… I dreamt that I was dreaming Nakata's dream. I can't remember what was the dream about, but I remember clearly that it was like if I was dreaming as Nakata, I mean, in his place…
– Haruki wants to go with you.
And so we both left the bookstore walking calmly down Paulista avenue.


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FM Minister arrived on Sunday for his three country visit including Iran and to stabilize the destressed circumstances widespread over the middle east. In his visit he will deliver the Pakistan opinion on the current situation happening between US and Iran by giving to resolves issue by avoiding any conflict .Mr. Qureshi also visit Saudi Arab and meet with Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud and discuss about these drastic situation and highlight the issue of regional peace
FM Qureshi will than also visit to Washington and will meet with Senior official of Donald Trump administration to talk about the current crisis in the Middle east .
FM Qureshi comments : Pakistan would lead a significant and prominent role to resolve the spread tension in the region


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Addiction is a slippery slope that many individuals have suffered from personally, or known someone who has. It comes in many forms, gambling, food, shopping, sex, drugs, or alcohol or something I haven't even mentioned. No matter what "drug of choice", it's an ongoing, daily battle for every person suffering.
In this post I want to bring some light to this very important issue. Open the lines of communication to reduce the stigma around addiction, share some of my own experiences and talk about treatment options.
The statistics are staggering. According to the National Survey on Drug use and health, approximately 14.5 million adults aged 26 or older struggled with a substance use disorder in 2014, and approximately 5 percent of the American adolescent population suffered from a substance use disorder; this equates to 1.3 million teens, or 1 in every 12. Even though I know these numbers, have lived it myself and experience it in my work on a daily basis, these statistics still take my breath away.
There are healthy amounts of the things I mentioned. Of course we can shop for the things we need, eat regularly, have healthy consensual sex and drink socially, but once it becomes obsessive in nature, interfere with daily activities, or creates problems in your life, then it's a problem.
So, what is addiction? As described by the American Association of Addiction Medicine, addiction is defined as "a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death."
To break that down into a more digestible definition, addiction is a disease of the mind, body and spirit that sets off the compulsion to pursue the substance/action that is repeated in hopes to gain an immediate type of "reward" in your brain which feels satisfying. Regardless if that reward has some harmful effects on your personal or professional life.
Rock Bottom
Addicts are not bad people trying to get good, they are sick people trying to get well. I know first had the difference and I have seen it in so many others.
It's a disease defined by self-centeredness and irrational perception. Addiction is the only disease that tells the person they don't have a problem. Very often the suffering addict has been told by those that love them that they have a problem. Sometimes there have been other consequences like loss of marriages, jobs and even legal problems and often despite that, they still don't take action. People have to get to their own place of desperation, sometimes called "rock bottom" before they look for help.
Growing up I never felt comfortable in my own skin. I never felts I was good enough, smart enough or pretty enough for whatever group I was involved in. And then I found alcohol. Alcohol was my relief, my savior, my friend. I used it do numb the feelings I had inside that I wasn't able to express to anyone or show on the outside. I felt it was my coping skill for like, glue that was holding me together.
As my disease progressed, I lost the choice in drink and mentally and physically reliant on alcohol to survive. My self-centeredness was dark, as I was a depressive type so I turned everything inward and against myself until the pain was so unbearable I couldn't take it anymore. When I got sober I learned that self-centered wasn't what I thought of myself but rather, how often,and I thought about myself all day long!
At the age of 26 I was married, had a job, a home, a master's degree and a raging addiction. Everyone around me knew I was an alcoholic, they had suggested I get help. My husband and I had been to therapists but I always lied about my drinking and they didn't pursue it.
In late June 2002 after graduating from the School of Social Work with an MSW, I was given the gift of desperation and my loving family connected me to a treatment center that would be the beginning of a recovery journey I could have never imagined. In that facility I was stripped of the luxuries of adulthood like television, magazines and even diet coke. I was taught about the disease of alcoholism, and how to work a program of recovery.
After 16 years of continuous sobriety and lots of good therapy I have learned the power of one day at a time. Today my life is nothing the way it was back then and I am able to be present for the people I care about, raise kids in a sober home and live life on life's terms. This life is definitely beyond my wildest dreams.
"I understood myself only after I destroyed myself. And only in the process of fixing myself did I know who I really was." -Sade Andria Zabala
Warning Signs
Warning signs my look very different depending on the type of addiction. For instance, someone with drug use will be experiencing different types of behavior than someone with a shopping addiction. But below are just a few things that they all have in common, this is in no way an all-encompassing list…We'll use you as an example, but you can interchange that with a loved one if that's what you're looking for. Of course if you aren't sure, reach out, call me, call alcoholics anonymous, just do something.
Hiding: If you're hiding alcohol bottles around the house, shopping bags under your bed, or your credit card statements from your spouse, this may indicate a problem.
Dishonesty: If you're lying about where you're going or who you're spending time with because your afraid of being judged or know deep down that it's not the right thing, this would also point to a problem. If you can't be honest about how much you are drinking or using, you lie about driving while under the influence or about how much money you have spent, you likely have a problem.
Fixation: Feelings of craving or feeling like you'd do anything to have it.
Impulsive: Dropping anything that you were doing to do that "one thing" regardless of how important your current plans are.
Powerless: Knowing how much this "thing" could potentially hurt you or your family, you feel like you HAVE to have it or have to go do it. Makes you feel enslaved, weak, and helpless. You have lost the choice in drink, you are no longer in control.
For those that struggle with addiction, it's a very dark place to be. Intervention from family or loved ones in some cases have been successful, but not without the want from that individual. They/you have to want to get better and know that there is a better life without having to battle with demons every day.
Twelve step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, etc as well as individual therapy is my recommended go-to for treatment for any type of addiction. They are free to anyone and readily available in most areas around the world. Sometimes it better to be removed from your environment, so an inpatient treatment center would be best.
Inpatient rehab facilities are beneficial because not only are you outside of your normal environment to get sober, you have the medical support while you are there to manage your detoxification in a safe way. They really provide a jump-start in the recovery process as well, the education you receive about addiction is helpful and you are able to focus on yourself without the distractions of everyday life.
In addition the inpatient facilities often offer family programs where your spouse, parents, children, etc can come to do some healing work with you in the presence of trained professionals. Once the body has rid itself of alcohol or drugs, the individual will be started on a therapy program.
Addiction Center has good resources for those looking for alcohol or drug rehab centers. You can visit their website by clicking here.
For any other addiction: shopping, sex, eating, etc. you can ask your physician for a referral to see a counselor or psychologist for talk therapy.
Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow a vision. But today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness." -Fr. Joseph C. Martin, S.S., Co-Founder of Ashley
If any of this has struck a nerve with you and you want to learn more, please let me know by commenting below. If you feel more comfortable you can message me in Facebook on Instagram. Trust me when I say, you will never be sorry for pursuing recovery. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, sobriety with a recovery program is the easier softer way. I look forward to talking with you all very soon! Take care.
PS If you haven't already, download my free guide to help reduce anxiety and depression and take one small step in your healing journey!


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I'm completely mad about food & appreciate a good meal wherever this maybe, so I thought I'd tell you about one of my favourite places to eat, The Yew Tree
Whether you're looking for lunch or an evening meal, you won't be disappointed with this place. I've always walked away feeling content and satisfied, I suppose similar to how you would feel if you'd been to Willy Wonker's Chocolate Factory! I met my friend there for some quiet time before the kids break up for summer and the imminent arrival of my second baby. I find having someone with you is a bonus, not only for company but due to my inability to choose what to eat, I like to think of myself as a professional food grabber from other people's plate. Now for some of you, I could be your worst nightmare and this reminds me of the clip from "Friends" where Joey shouts at his diner date "Joey doesn't share food!!!", which always make me giggle.
As we review the menu, my mind goes into overdrive trying to make the right choice because as we all know having food envy is not the best way to start your meal. To help us along, we remind ourselves that this is just a lunch time treat and our kitchen duties at home are still required for the evening meal slot, so without being too greedy we order a portion of Sticky Sausages and Crispy Brie Wedges with cranberry sauce to share.
We we're off to a great start and that Willy Wonker sensation starts creeping in. After a good old chin wag our mains arrive, I had the pan fried cod loin supreme with olives, fennel & orange, vine tomatoes with potatoes and my friend had the minted pea & prawn risotto & monkfish fritter. The cod loin was thick and meaty and literally melted in the mouth, even more so when it was covered in the silky, creamy sauce and fresh fennel, it was just a winning combination. I ended my relaxing lunch date with a peppermint tea (fresh leaves too, my personal favourite)
Summary of the Yew Tree
Audience: This place caters for everyone. Whether your looking for a family meal, group celebration, a cosy dinner for two or a sampler of their amazing range of drinks, this place is perfect for Yew.
Food: Lots of choice from their menu's and special boards (which compliment the season perfectly), their mouth watering home cooked, fresh food, warrants top marks. Kids menu also available.
Drinks: Fantastic Guest Ales, Craft Beers, Lager, Spirits, Whiskys, delightful Wines and a great selection of soft drinks too.
Facilities: Free WIFI, patio beer garden, high chairs, parking
Ambience: Its relaxing and homely with quirky décor including bumble bee wall paper, low beamed ceilings, open fire (irresistible on them cold days), chunky wooden tables & chairs and the most fabulous toilet doors, just make sure you've sussed this out before having too many drinks though 🙂
Awards: The Good Pub Guide named them Cheshire Dining Pub in 2014 & 2016 and they were shortlisted by GQ Food & Drink Awards for Best Pub 2015 as well as many other accolades, Click here to see more info on this
Yew Tree Events: Click here to keep up to date with their events, there's always lots going on so watch this space for August's jam pack agenda.
What's nearby: Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, Bickerton, Candle Factory, Beeston Castle, Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandstone Trial and plenty of walks which can been collected from the pub
Voucher: If Yew want to try this fab place out for yourself you can get a 20% voucher off your meal, courtesy of Our Little Lives (see below voucher which will need to be presented when asking for your bill, T&C's apply)
Contact Details: The Yew Tree Inn, Long Lane, Spurstow, Bunbury, Cheshire, CW6 9RD, Tel: 01829 260274, www.theyewtreebunbury.com
Social: If Yew want to be a Yew Tree lover like me, then follow them on Yew Tree on Facebook, Yew Tree on Twitter & Yew Tree on Instagram


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A bare concrete floor or a previously painted concrete floor where the original paint has been worn or peeled off is not very attractive. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically brighten a room. Painting or coating concrete floor is similar to painting or coating a garage floor.
It requires several steps with epoxy is a process with several steps including:
Contact us for a free quote on your garage floor project.


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Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Real Madrid news: Mohamed Salah will accept Barcelona transfer on one condition - report
MOHAMED SALAH reportedly prefers the idea of playing at Barcelona with Lionel Messi than he does with Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid.
The Liverpool sensation will not be short of admirers in the summer following a stunning debut campaign this season that has seen him net 40 goals in all competitions.
Real Madrid have made the Egyptian their priority target this transfer window with club president Florentino Perez prepared to break the bank to sign him.
Liverpool are adamant he won't be sold but reports in Spain suggest Salah is coming round to the idea of a once in a lifetime chance to move to one of La Liga's top clubs.
However, Don Balon say if Salah had the choice to leave Liverpool this summer he would prefer a move to the Nou Camp over Madrid.
Mohamed Salah has netted 40 goals for Liverpool this season
Salah is said to be a huge fan of the Argentina superstar Lionel Messi and would relish the opportunity of playing alongside him.
Don Balon say no move to Barcelona is currently possible though with the La Liga leaders currently pursuing Antoine Griezmann.
Widespread reports suggest the Frenchman will swap Atletico for Barca at the end of the campaign to bolster Ernesto Valverde's attacking options.
Mohamed Salah is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona
With Ousmane Dembele joining last summer, and Philippe Coutinho in January, Barca have no need to go after Salah and Griezmann.
However, if Barcelona fail to sign Griezmann, the Spanish report claims Salah would ditch plans to join Madrid in favour of a move to the Catalan giants.
Any deal for Salah, whose contract with Liverpool runs until 2022, would likely have to exceed the £142m Barca paid for Coutinho, if the Reds are to even consider doing business.


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"The Takeover of Kirkuk" was written by Justice for Kurds Student Ambassador Bahar T. Eskander, Master's student in Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) at Witten/Herdecke University in Germany.
by Bahar T. Eskander
March 15, 2018
Even months after the takeover of Kirkuk that took place on October 16, 2017 the subject is still open to new research as researchers are struggling with speculations on some inside information that is still hidden from public. What caused this outbreak between Kurdistan Region and the Central Government in Baghdad? Was it fueled by the September 25th independence referendum or has this been long coming? This paper is going to connect the both events and try to answer what led to the annexation of Kirkuk.
To understand the fighting that took place it is important to understand the complex relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Erbil. The Kurds are a minority who are ethnically distinct from the Iraq's Arab population; they have lived under extreme oppression and have faced several genocide campaigns during Saddam's Regime; but after the US invasion of 2003, in 2005 a new Iraqi constitution was set up that included a large degree of autonomy for the Kurds. The established Kurdistan Regional Government was to some degree, in practice, governing as a quasi-independent state. However, Kirkuk Governorate, located in the North-East of Iraq is an ethnically mixed area and has constitutionally not been under the control of KRG; and until today it remains an unresolved disputed area under the Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution along with Sinjar, Tal Afar, Til Keif, Sheikhan, Akre, Hamdaniya, Kifri and Khanaqin, Tuz, Makhmour, Al Hawija, Dibis, Daquq, and also the sub-district of Mandali and Balaruz district (2005, P. 45).
Kirkuk in particular has always been the most important province to both sides, for the Kurds and for the Iraqi government. For the Kurds it has historical grievances as Saddam has tried to ethnically cleanse them from the area and Arabized Kirkuk governorate by settling Arab families but undoubtedly also because of economic interests and for Baghdad it is mainly economic interest. According to Worldatlas estimates of 2018, Iraq is the fifth country in the world with the largest oil reserves; there are 5 super- giant oilfields that are mainly located in Kirkuk, Baghdad, and Basra (Dillinger, 2018). Also, according to multiple sources over the past few years have estimated that an approximation of Iraq's oil reserves between 20 – 40% is located in Kirkuk Province (no clear statistics of precise estimation).
In 2003 the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) was established to advice and assist the Government and the Iraqi people (UNAMI, 2018). Fast-forward, the UNAMI has so far recommended a few resolutions for Article 140; the first referendum on disputed areas was to take place on November 15, 2007 and to not exceed December 31, 2007 this referendum was never carried out. New recommendation reports have been posed by UNAMI and also in 2006 and 2008 by the International Crisis Group (ICG) but also these recommendations were rejected; some have been rejected by the KRG, some by Baghdad, and some by both sides.
Research Approach:
The main focus in this paper is to find whether the takeover of Kirkuk had any relation to the Kurdish independence referendum or if it was a separate clash between the KRG and the central government. In order to help me identify the relationship between KRG and regional powers and the factors that led to the regional power's intervention in this dispute I will rely on the geopolitical theory (Deudney, 2000, Pp. 80-81). As geopolitics is concerned with geopolitical factors, territory, population, strategic locations, and natural resources, it can help to explain the relationship between the geographical realities and the affairs between sovereign states in the region. The qualitative approach is the method of inquiry and in order to analyse the post-referendum situation in Kirkuk I analyse through the views of constructivism. According to Ruggie, constructivism focuses on how individuals shape their identity based on interactions (Ruggie, 1998, Pp. 855-885). Applying this theory to the current situation it will give a better understanding to why these political parties in KRG and its factions have the same goal but yet are incapable to unify.
The main question that guides this research is: What led to the annexation of Kirkuk?
Description of the Data Collection Process:
In order to analyse the post-referendum situation that occurred in Kirkuk I take the qualitative approach in collecting the data as method of inquiry. To describe the phenomenon in conceptual form the method approach is content analysis, hereby making use of deductive analysis in the process of analysing and synthesising the collected data. Since there is not one single correct way to use content analysis; the researcher can use a lot of data or just a small amount of data to help answer the research question (Thomas, 2006). The researcher can identify the themes in the text and categorize this content. The process of coding is by collecting keynotes that represent the original information to further analyse these themes (GAO, 1996). In this way the researcher uses it for judgment and evaluation of the data but can also use it to describe the perceptions of the author of the material. The selection of information is used in this paper are articles, formal government documents, and reports.
The Kirkuk dispute has taken various angles for interpretation, the gap this paper is filling is to interpret previous data and connect whether the overtake of Kirkuk was a result of the referendum; this does not take away that this continues to be a subject for further research. As for policy implication, what it appears is that the scenario's of Kirkuk and the conflicts surrounding it, including the regional powers involved represents serious consequences which is why it is likely that Kirkuk is the dispute that is to eventually determine the future of Iraq.
After careful selection of data on the topic I collected different views on the internal factors behind the reason for holding the referendum and how it has impacted the takeover of Kirkuk. Tensions between KRG and Baghdad have risen since the US military withdrew from Iraq in 2011. In 2013, Kurdish peshmerga forces had been deployed to dispute territories and this caused for another upheaval from Baghdad interpreting this action as a clear sign for war (AFP, 2012). As such, casualties occurred among the Iraqi forces in a clash with the Peshmerga in November 2012 due to efforts of Iraqi forces trying to enter the Kurdistan Region (Bernawi, 2012). The biggest threat to Iraq's long-term stability are the tensions between KRG and Baghdad over disputed area control, power-sharing, and oil production but also due to, at the time president Masoud Barzani, who openly was a base of support for East Kurdistan (Rojava) which lies in the Northeastern parts of Syria.
A New era began when the so-called 'Islamic State' (ISIS) came into existence in Syria and spilled over to Iraq and took over Mosul in August 2014. The Iraqi military at this point fled and left their military bases including weapons behind; all Iraqis feared their fate with the advances that ISIS was making. With the help of the US-led coalition that served as military aid to the Kurdish peshmerga they recaptured large parts from ISIS including Kirkuk and its giant oilfield and restored security in these regions.
The Iraqi government has been testing the KRG's autonomous strengths throughout the recent years especially after ISIS. A Pentagon report states that the military arms supplies with the KRG's share that were handed to the central government in Baghdad did not reach Erbil (Mylroei, 2016). Another share cut was in medical supplies while it was dealing with flood of IDP's and refugees that needed medical attention, the wounded Peshmerga fighters and also most of the ISIS-members captured were brought to hospitals in the Kurdistan region. The biggest harm to Kurdistan Region's stability was the budget cut since 2014; this has caused an enormous economical crisis that especially has made the life 1.2 million employees very difficult to survive on a day-to-day basis (Rudaw, 2017).
All of these issues added up to KRG's motivation for holding the independence referendum and the moment Barzani announced the date for the referendum to be held on September 25, 2017 sparked national and international media attention. The motive for holding the referendum holds different claims that; 1) holding the referendum while still in the spotlight of international community and their appraisal for fighting ISIS effectively could mean support from the West especially their long-time Ally the US (Cockburn, 2017),
2) Due to political turmoil between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK-party) and Kurdistan Democratic Party (PDK-party) and the economic stalemate president Barzani (PDK-leader) wanted to distract the Kurdish peoples' attention to their long-term aspirations for statehood (Doha Institute, 2017), 3) The president wanting to remain in power, 4) miscalculation of US-policy (Mansour, 2017).
Aside from these interpretations on 'why' the KRG held the referendum it is more important to focus on 'how' they did it; the inclusion of several areas that are considered disputed and as such had been stipulated in the Constitution were completely ignored by Barzani. The inclusion of Kirkuk caused regional involvement by mainly Iran and Turkey who warned Barzani about harsh responses if he was going to continue with the referendum; Ankara interpreted this action as 'seizure of Kirkuk' because the KRG was undermining the legitimacy of the Iraqi Constitution (Paksoy, 2017).
The takeover of Kirkuk on October 16, 2017 was a result of a reassured Baghdad by regional powers as well as the harsh rejection of the West, the US, UK, and the UN, calling the referendum illegitimate and ill timed that appeared as a green-light to Abadi (Chmaytelli & Toksabay, 2017) and (NPR, 2017). Looking at the different interpretations of the post-refendum, it appears that facts circle around between three main claims; 1) the overtake of Kirkuk was a result of KRG's internal instability and treason by PUK leadership, 2) According to Barzani the overtake of Kirkuk would happen regardless, and the referendum was another excuse, 3) That Kirkuk seizure is subject of great power politics; especially considered the lack of US involvement even though it had threatened Iran harshly just days before the takeover, it still left a vacuum for Iran to broaden its influence in Iraq.
The motivation to hold the referendum was an advantage taken by the KDP leadership from the regional instability and the long-list of disputes it shared with Baghdad. A more clear motivation behind it has been the fact that the Kurdish people had lost hope and trust in the two dominant parties PDK and PUK who have failed over 2.5 decades to govern jointly and effective and above all have been extremely corrupt. Barzani used the referendum to avoid larger protests than those occurred in the recent years; in other words to avoid radical reforms.
PDK understood that as ISIS was losing ground and control, the peshmerga forces would eventually have to retreat from the recaptured 'disputed territories' or face military clashes with the Iraqi forces. By including the disputed territories, KRG aimed at claiming more land than the officially recognized borders stated in the constitution. It seems that Barzani wanted to use his last card to polish his reputation among his people over the Kurdish aspiration of independence just before stepping down and at the same time hoping to pressure the US to intervene more in the Erbil – Baghdad negotiations over disputes.
With the harsh speeches in the media from Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, the Kurdish opposition party Gorran (Change) and other unpopular factions from PUK opposed the holding of an independence referendum by reaching out to public and voicing that the referendum was another political card used by the KDP and that it would lead to great consequences.
Clearly due to longtime intra-Kurdish disputes of which all four neighboring countries are familiar with, these same neighboring powers used the referendum against the Kurds. Iran has a long history of their influence over the PUK; and thus it had pressured PUK strictly before the referendum was carried out. The son of former PUK leader and Iraqi president (Jalal Talabani 1933 – 2017), who never before has been politically active released a statement on October 12, saying: "I now call for the unconditional negotiations with Baghdad using the constitutional law written under the guidance of Mam Jalal. This way we can guarantee the rights of our people with the support of the international community. We stand under the specter of war, a war we do not need, a war we do not want."
After the referendum Turkey, Iran and the Iraqi government sanctioned KRG economically, and in addition; Iraqi forces and Hashd Al-Shabi (Popular Mobilization Units – PMU) were positioned along the disputed territories and on the night of October 16th were commanded to take over the areas. Highly important and strategic areas, oilfields, and the Kirkuk Air base were under the control of the central government again, which immediately shatters the 100-year-old dream for independence, at least in the foreseeable future. It is obvious that the motive behind Kirkuk for the local, regional and international powers to intervene are because of its oil.
The PUK elites; Hero Khan, Bafel Talabani, Lahur Talabani and Alla Talabani have been accused of treason, and the next day on October 17 had been confirmed by president Barzani himself that due to some Kurdish political figures within a certain party is what led to the takeover of Kirkuk. It is however doubtful to believe Barzani had been shortsighted to this extent; he was fully aware of the opposition, and knew that if intra- Kurdish politics is disunited at this point it makes little sense to continue, as outside his door bigger challenges are awaiting while the US and other allies are not willing to stir regional relations over the Kurds. However, if Kirkuk had not been included the risk scenario might have been different; Baghdad would automatically have claim to Kirkuk, and the chance of including Kirkuk to future Kurdistan would have been impossible. Even though Kurdistan made great losses with including Kirkuk, but the advantage is that Kirkuk will continue to be a 'disputed area'.
The more information about the Kurdish referendum appears the more questions are can be raised. On the one hand the KRG's institutional chaos filled with corruption and political parties rivalry rising again as in the 1990s along with the economical crisis, the PUK and PDK were losing popularity among its people, on the other, the weak and incapable central government along regional instability has caused a vacuum for the KDP to take advantage of the situation. This brings out the conclusion that motivation behind risking Kirkuk was not so much a national Kurdish aspiration as to do with internal Kurdish politics and the long-term failing relations with Baghdad.
The pros of this research are that the data available makes it easy to a certain extent to analyse the situation and reach to an answer to the question posed in this research. However, the cons are that as this is a subject of political conflict occurring in the Middle East, it means that many other regional factors play an important role. For instance, the Kurds being spread over Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Iraq already clarifies why the Iraqi Kurd's referendum has caused an upheaval in the region and for these countries to intervene in the sovereign state of Iraq. Therefore, as much as one can analyse the Kurdish internal causes that led to Kirkuk seizure; it remains only a part of the bigger picture. Other limitations are that the role of the media in war disputes faces certain limitations such as governments wanting to keep out media to prevent sensitive information; therefore the liability of the information leaves authors interpretation of available facts.
The takeover of Kirkuk bores down to 2 scenarios; 1) Barzani knew the risks of holding the referendum with including the disputed territories, 2) not holding the referendum could end in paying a too high price. In the latter scenario; on the one hand dealing with serious fragmentation within his government and radical protests from his people demanding reform and new government, on the other hand face volatile clashes with the Iraqi forces and PMU over Kirkuk's strategic areas while his Western allies look away, a history in repeat which they are too familiar with.
Even though the internal factors were a great reason for the takeover of Kirkuk, it stays an interesting topic to also look into the outside factors that caused Prime Minister Abadi to be emboldened towards Kurds. Also, tackling down the risks that the US faced in case of pressuring KRG to the point that they would postpone the referendum; it could have left them paying a higher price with the proposal of offering mediation in negotiations with Baghdad. That is to say, if the negotiations were to fail, the Kurds would hold the referendum after the two years which could have put the US in a situation of paying the higher price in the region. Further research on the regional and international powers and the level of intervention in Kirkuk dispute could be of importance. This could also help in identifying the factors for PUK's treason; whether this had to do from within KRG or whether it had no way out of the Iranian pressure.
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Every Friday, pop critics for The New York Times weigh in on the week's most notable new songs and videos — and anything else that strikes them as intriguing — in the Playlist. You can listen to this playlist on Spotify here. Like this format? Let us know at email@example.com.
Danny Brown, 'Hell for It'
The moods change fast and furious on "Atrocity Exhibition," the excellent new album by the Detroit rapper Danny Brown. From a distance, Mr. Brown's voice is the thing nasal, bendy, erratic in tone but precise in execution. But more important, he's a savagely detailed storyteller. On "Hell for It," he ducks in and out of the tale of his early years, from his mother's financial struggles to the 12-hour bus rides to New York he took for a record deal that didn't pan out. The swipe at Iggy Azalea on this song is getting the most attention, but even though Mr. Brown delivers it with intensity, it's a shrug compared with the passion with which he raps about himself. JON CARAMANICA
Solange, 'Don't Touch My Hair'
Solange has gone the extra mile to place her new album, "A Seat at the Table," in an artistic continuum: before the music arrived on Friday, she posted a digital book of photographs and concrete poetry, which stretches past 100 pages and deserves more than a cursory glance. The same can be said for the album itself, which Solange has declared "a project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief and healing," made with collaborators including Dev Hynes, Lil Wayne and Kelly Rowland. On a slow-burn funk ballad called "Don't Touch My Hair," featuring the British electronic artist Sampha, Solange embodies a warily self-contained persona, bristling at outside presumptions. "They don't understand what it means to me/Where we chose to go," she sings in an aerated tone, speaking softly from her defensive coil. NATE CHINEN
The Weeknd, 'False Alarm'
"Bathroom stalls for the powder nose/High-heeled shoes with the open toes/She's got a good time wrapped in gold for you": when the Weeknd begins singing on his pulsing new single "False Alarm," he's on comfortable turf. Regret and mistrust have been central to his approach since his earliest anonymous releases. But he's moving fast now. A few years ago, he would have rendered this subject matter through gloomy smears of R&B; last year, it would have been ecstatic, shimmering pop. Now, it's throbbing dance music cut through with post-punk muscle, and topped off with a shout-along: "False alarm! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!" It's another refreshing twist in a short career already teeming with them, and it most likely won't be the last J.C.
LIV, 'Wings of Love'
LIV is a new Swedish supergroup, made up of the singer-songwriter Lykke Li, the producer Jeff Bhasker and members of two indie-pop bands, Miike Snow and Peter Bjorn and John. The project owes its existence to vocal harmony: Lykke Li had grown fond of singing with Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow when the band opened for her on tour. (She also made a vocal cameo on a Miike Snow album track from 2012.) LIV will apparently be all about the duets, and the group's first song, "Wings of Love," doesn't disappoint on that count. A mid-tempo rock tune well furnished with strumming and chiming guitars, it recalls mid-70s exemplars of Swedish pop, with lyrics that lean into tranquil mysticism:
When I die
Don't you cry
I'll be flying by you
I'll be riding wings of love.
Regina Spektor, 'Older and Taller'
The bridge takes the weight in "Older and Taller" from Regina Spektor's new album, "Remember Us to Life." Until it arrives, the song is the kind of genial, midtempo, steady-chorded piano tune that's Ms. Spektor's specialty. Suddenly there's a pause, and over more separated, more emphatic chords Ms. Spektor sings: "Enjoy your youth/Sounds like a threat," separating the lines with stark drumbeats. Calmly defiant, she continues: "But I will anyway." And back in the song's verses, it comes into focus that she has been singing, in her wise-naïf way, about growing old and obsolete, disillusioned and unfulfilled. "You're around till you're not around," she observes, "And that's all you need to know." JON PARELES
gnash, 'something'
Consider the singer-songwriter-producer gnash the Chainsmokers you can take home to mom. His duet with Olivia O'Brien, "i hate u, i love u," is this year's lowest-profile club-pop hit, largely because its body-moving framework is implied, not literal — it's an island of calm affection in an ocean of jagged, oily come-ons. Gnash's easy listening is in the mode of Jason Mraz, or, more recently, Mike Posner — a chipper singer with an uncomplicated approach to melody who makes bright songs easy to wrap a beat around, were you so inclined. His new single, "something," is sweet, with flickers of reggae, hip-hop, and the sort of lazy guitar strumming that used to inspire singalongs, but which now may well end up as a cue to hit the dance floor. J.C.
Supersilent, '13'
Free improvisation has often been associated with an acoustic jazz palette, but Supersilent — a deeply serious band formed almost 20 years ago in Oslo — makes music of synthetic, often alien effect. All of the group's albums, typically recorded live in reverberant spaces, are titled in sequence, and "13" — just out on the stylish Norwegian label Smalltown Supersound — has enough ominous tension to justify numerical superstitions. In fact, you could do worse than to make this album a cornerstone of your Halloween soundtrack this year: any trick-or-treaters approaching your doorstep will be duly horrified by the blurting pipe organ on the second half of a track called "13.5." N.C.
Luisa Maita, 'Around You'
Ingenious crosscurrents of rhythm inform the Brazilian songwriter Luisa Maita's second album, "Fio da Memória" ("Thread of Memory"). Her voice is airy and nonchalantly assured as it glides through meshes of percussion, programming and syncopated guitars — productions that carry hints of Brazilian tradition into vertiginous electronic spaces. Start, perhaps, with the song in English, "Around You," which has a six-beat Afro-Brazilian rhythm that keeps shifting its accents while Ms. Maita's multiple vocals diverge and reunite. Like the other songs on the album, it's about a state of mind, enveloping and exalted. JON PARELES
Tacocat, 'The Internet'
Anonymous trolls get their rightful mockery with crisp punk-pop guitar chords and tuneful, telegraphic disparagement in "The Internet" from Tacocat's album "Lost Time." Emily Nokes pours her scorn on "Hate from the basement/hate from the insecure," shaming all those faceless online tormentors. Tacocat stays faceless too; its new video for the song is a lyrics video, texting (and backspacing) through mostly bygone graphic user interfaces, as if trolls can't even upgrade. J.P.
Kris Davis, 'Fox Fire'
On "Duopoly," her sharp and stimulating new album, the pianist Kris Davis engages eight different improvising musicians in duets, covering a lot of sonic territory. Her guest list suggests notions of symmetry, with two guitarists, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage; two pianists, Craig Taborn and Angelica Sanchez; two reed players, the saxophonist Tim Berne and the clarinetist Don Byron; and two drummers, Billy Drummond and Marcus Gilmore. Each player joins Ms. Davis in playing one composition and one spontaneous invention, with the interplay captured on CD and on DVD. (The producer of the project is David Breskin.) "Fox Fire," which Ms. Davis composed for her duet with Mr. Taborn, begins in searching quietude and slowly gathers velocity and spikiness, taking a late detour into looping groove. It's a marvel of active listening, a show of serious pianism and a smart preview of the tour on which Ms. Davis and Mr. Taborn are embarked, with a stop at Roulette in Brooklyn on Sunday night. N.C.


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Every mother with a daughter is well aware that at some point in time her little girl will attain puberty and start transforming into a woman like her. It is natural that her daughter will eventually undergo the process of menstruation at an age ranging between 9 and 15 years. And with that comes the responsibility of educating them on menstruation products and period hygiene. Your lean girl or sporty and active daughter may be initiated into the cycle a bit late, but it should not be cause for worry because every individual's physiology is different. However, if your daughter has not gotten into the process by age 15, you would require the advice of a professional medical healthcare provider.
What is menstruation?
As a girl reaches puberty, the hormonal changes in her body triggered by the pituitary gland in her brain effects physical as well as physiological changes, the physical changes are manifest in the growth of breasts and pubic hair. The physiological change signals the secretion of estrogen. This prompts the release of an egg from the ovary to lodge in the uterus. After a fortnight, if this egg is not fertilized by the sperm, it is discarded along with the now thickened uterine lining to ooze out of the vagina in the form of blood that lasts for four to five days. It is also called period, menses and by a host of other names. This cycle is repeated once in 28 days for a healthy individual.
Initiation of the girl into puberty:
One's mother is the most important individual to ease your daughter into her menstrual cycle. You need to prepare her as to what to expect and how to cope with this natural phenomenon hygienically without fear and apprehension. In the Indian context, it is more pertinent because of the stigma attached to this biological process. The taboo imposed on the girls is so severe that a majority of girls drop out of schools during their menarche. It is all the more necessary that the mother inculcates in her girl child the inevitability of this as an important and natural part of procreation. Proper education and awareness to instil menstrual hygiene can go a long way in ensuring a healthy growth of the girl child.
Why is menstrual hygiene important?
Menstruation in India is considered to be a taboo. All-pervading gender inequality does not help the matter. On the contrary, a menstrual process which consumes about six to seven years of an entire female life needs proper menstrual hygiene management to ensure the fundamental dignity of women in the country. It is a girl's right to basic sanitation, reproductive health, and hygiene.
How do you cope with menstruation?
With the onset of puberty, your daughter is not required to be restrained from all her activities. For her schooling, sports or extra-curricular activities; menstruation need not be an inhibiting factor. It is in this situation most mothers are in a predicament as to what would suit her daughter best during this time. A menstruation product guide would be most handy to a mother at such time.
What is the classification of menstruation products?
Essentially the period products are broadly divided into two basic types; external protection and internal protection.
- External protection: These are aids that absorb the menstrual flow outside the body Eg. Pads and liners.
- Internal protection: These are products placed within the vagina to absorb the fluid before the menstrual flow leaves the body. Eg. Tampons and cups.
What are the readily available menstruation products?
There are many period products in the market, both of the External and Internal protection types that may suit your teenage daughter depending on the nature of her activities and affordability.
- Pads: Commonly called sanitary napkins, might be the number one choice for your daughter's first period. They are designed with highly absorbent material to stick in place inside the panty with an adhesive and may turn out to be the most convenient for her using the trial and error method. There are many varieties of pads including sizes, material, and shapes to add to the comfort level of the user. With the invention of biodegradable pads, a healthy option for your daughter is available.
- Cloth pads: These are reusable fabric pads with the same features matching regular disposable pads. If you do not have anathema towards menstrual blood, this type of pad is economical and environment-friendly because you can simply rinse and reuse it.
- Liners: They are smaller and leaner versions of pads worn by girls like regular pads when the flow is not heavy. Some prefer them for daily use also as a safety measure. But it should be remembered that it is not wise to do so as the artificial material used in liners pose a health risk of vaginal infections. Biodegradable liners are a great healthy alternative that can be worn every day.
- Tampon: This is an internal protection menstrual product that is inserted within the vagina, with a little string hanging out for extrication at the time of casting off. They are available in different sizes, shapes, flexibility, and absorbencies to suit your daughter's specific needs and preferences. This is ideal if your daughter is active in sports, but it takes time to get accustomed to. So it is better that she gets used to pads first and then switches to tampons gradually.
- Menstrual cup: These are spongy cups placed within the vagina to collect the menstrual flow. These are difficult to use and needs some practice before your daughter gets the hang of it. It is therefore not the first choice for your daughter.
- Sea sponge: This is a natural sea product used moist as a substitute to tampons and menstrual cups. However, young girls are best dissuaded from using these.
- Period panties: These are a new variety of menstruation products suitable for the teens which have absorbent polymer support within the inner wear.
- Period kit: Make sure your daughter is equipped with this period kit with her chosen menstruation product inside her school bag to give her the confidence that will stand her in good stead.
Are there biodegradable menstrual products?
Most of the pads available in the market are made of extremely absorbent polymers and chlorine bleached, which harm the environment. But now biodegradable pads are available which use plant cellulose which is fully compostable like Heyday sanitary napkins made from corn and bamboo fibre.
When a daughter attains puberty, the mother requires immense equanimity to overcome her predicament to impart awareness and guide her with the right choice of menstrual product to cope with her blues with the first step into womanhood. Thankfully, there are a plethora of menstrual products to guide and lead her teenage daughter to cope with the experience of menstruation.