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© 2016 by George Polley All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
Drawings © 2007 by Calisse Weidner, Aurora, Colorado
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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The Old Man and the Monkey
In a small park near one of the rivers that run through the city of Asahikawa, Hokkaido, there is a bronze statue of an old man and a monkey seated side by side on a wide flat stone looking out over the river and the mountains. The monkey is bigger than ordinary snow monkeys; the top of his head reaches to the old man's shoulder.
Looking at the bags under his eyes, one can see that the monkey, like the man, is elderly. Affixed to the base of the statue is a bronze plaque that reads: "Genjiro and Yukitaro." These two old friends sit and warm themselves in silence as the years and seasons pass.
For as long as the statue has been there, people passing by have paused, wondering how a monkey and a man could become friends because, as everyone knows, monkeys are pests and can be dangerous when humans get too close. Some people tell each other that such a friendship is unnatural, and because it is unnatural, is impossible. Others believe Genjiro and Yukitaro are characters that the artist made up. But everyone agrees the statue is appealing, because the two old friends have such an air of tranquility and peace about them that people come and sit down next to it to enjoy their lunch, or to just sit quietly and look out at the river and the mountains, later commenting on how peaceful the experience was.
So it is that the old man and the monkey receive a constant stream of visitors who sit and enjoy their company in silence and take something of them away to warm themselves.
No one believes the old man and the monkey were real; but I know they were because the old man was my grandfather, Genjiro Yamada, and Yukitaro was his companion and friend for the last five years of his life.
Now is the time for me to tell their story and reveal for the first time how an improbable friendship between a man and a monkey happened, how it was good, and how it ended.
Every day Genjiro, an old man of seventy-five, walked to a rise near his house, sat on a broad, flat stone and looked out over the fields that lay scattered across the valley below. It was peaceful there: the colors changed with the seasons, the river meandered back and forth across the valley floor as it made its way to the sea, the dark forested mountains rose in the north and west, and in winter everything was covered with a brilliant white blanket of snow.
The rise with its broad flat stone was where Genjiro felt most at peace and at one with every living thing. He called it his "looking place." It was one of four reasons he bought his house when he was searching for a house that would become his and Harue's home.
The second reason he bought the house was when Harue saw it, she fell in love with it. It was big enough for the two of them and the children they would have, and it had ample room for a small garden where she could grow the vegetables and flowers that she became famous for.
The third reason Genjiro bought the house was its location near the edge of the village, yet far enough from the nearby forest so the snow monkeys that lived there never ventured near the house or the village. It was a house their two children, Junichi and Kiyoko, enjoyed returning to after they grew up and moved to larger nearby towns.
The fourth reason Genjiro bought the house was it was in a tiny village in which only a hundred or so people lived. It was so small, in fact, it didn't have a name. People living in nearby towns like Fukugawa called it simply "the village." Its attraction was its smallness, its closeness to the railroad track running between Sapporo and Asahikawa to the north, and the dense forest nearby where some of the best wild mushrooms Hokkaido grew. The villagers were able to pick mushrooms and cut wood without the monkeys getting in their way or interfering with them as long as they stayed near the edges of the forest, something they had learned from hard experience the first time someone wandered deeper into the forest and was driven back to its edges by a whole tribe of howling monkeys.
Over the years Genjiro worked at a lumber mill in Fukugawa, he stopped at his looking place each evening on his way home from work and spent a few moments looking out over the valley and the mountains before continuing on home where Harue awaited him with their evening meal. Every evening, summer or winter, rain or shine, he stopped and looked out over the valley before going on to his house where he greeted his wife and children with a smile on his face.
Thus it is no surprise to anyone that when he retired, he spent time sitting on the broad flat rock after breakfast and again in the afternoon, thinking about nothing in particular and enjoying the breeze and the rich smells it brought past his nose, watching and listening as the birds and insects flew and his neighbors cows grazed in the pasture near the riverbank.
From time to time a red fox ran by carrying food to her kits; at other times her kits, three of them, ran with her. Sometimes when the weather was sunny and warm, Genjiro would turn to his wife and smile, and she would nod and pack a lunch with onigiri, dried fish, pickles and miso soup, and the two of them would go to Genjiro's favorite spot and spend an hour or more eating and looking and saying very little, because little needs to be said after so many years together. Harue enjoyed these quiet times with her husband when so much passed between them without either needing to say anything. It was the same sense of peacefulness that she felt when she worked in her garden, digging in the soil, talking and singing to her vegetables and flowers because she felt so close to them.
The days passed by one after the other, each much like the one before it until one morning a few days after Genjiro's seventy-fifth birthday, when a large grey monkey walked out of the forest, came up to where Genjiro was sitting, stopped in front of him and stood looking intently into Genjiro's eyes.
Genjiro concluded from the large pouches under the monkey's deep-set light brown eyes that he was old like Genjiro himself. Because the monkey's lip was curled in what looked like a snarl, the first thought crossing Genjiro's mind was that the monkey might attack him. Since the monkey's gaze was calm, he returned his steady gaze with a nod of his head and a gentle smile.
After a few minutes standing motionless and looking into Genjiro's eyes, the monkey sat down on the rock next to him, and for the next hour or so they sat together looking out over the valley without moving or making a sound. Then the monkey got up, looked into Genjiro's eyes again and ambled off toward his forest home. Genjiro's eyes followed him until the monkey disappeared into the forest.
This same scene occurred every day for the next four days: catching a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye, Genjiro looked toward the forest and saw the old monkey walking toward him. On the third day as the monkey ambled toward him, Genjiro said to himself: "Since you keep coming to visit, you need to have a name. I will call you Yukitaro." When Genjiro got home that afternoon, he told Harue about his new friend.
"You have to be careful," she said; "You know how dangerous monkeys can be. He might attack you. Be sure not to give him any of your bento. It will only encourage him. One day he will follow you home and I will be overrun with monkeys in the garden." Harue regarded her husband with a skeptical eye, knowing at that very moment he was thinking about how much of his onigiri he would give the monkey the next time he saw him. Her husband was talking about the monkey almost as if he was a new friend, and one always shares one's food with a friend.
"You know what the others in the village will say if pesky monkeys begin coming around," she continued. "They," looking him in the eye, "won't like it one bit."
"Mmmm," Genjiro responded with a slight inclination of his head. "I will keep that in mind."
But after their meal she saw him wrap an onigiri and put it in his pocket, "for later," he said. But Harue wasn't fooled. She knew her husband was thinking about sharing it with the monkey should he appear during his afternoon meditation at his looking place.
But that afternoon the monkey did not appear, so Genjiro ate the onigiri himself.
One day in the middle of an afternoon early that summer, Genjiro and his wife walked to the looking place and sat looking out over the valley as a rain squall followed the river's meandering course, leaving a rainbow and a trail of steam that rose in the hot summer sun. They spoke softly to one another about things that occupied their minds, namely their children and grandchildren and the weather and where Genjiro's monkey friend sat, the two of them looking like two old men, which is what they were. The idea of her husband and a monkey sitting side-by-side enjoying the scenery (if monkeys do that sort of thing) seemed so odd to Harue that it made her smile. She had never known Genjiro to form a relationship with any animal other than an occasional small dog, and neither of them had seen a monkey near the village until the monkey Yukitaro put in an appearance. Harue cast a sideways glance at her husband: he was the same Genjiro she had known since she was twenty, except that he was a good deal older. They both were. Perhaps having a monkey as a friend wasn't so bad, though it did cause talk around the village. She sighed.
Genjiro turned toward her, smiling. "What are you sighing about, Harue-chan?"
"You and your monkey," she said, feeling slightly embarrassed. "People talk."
Genjiro smiled back at his wife. "I know they do, Harue-chan. If they weren't talking about this, they would be talking about something or someone else. I enjoy Yukitaro's company when I sit and look out at the valley. It is so old, this valley. I like thinking about how long it has been here, and how everything is linked together. I enjoy sitting here alone, and I enjoy sitting here with you, just like this. And since Yukitaro appeared, I have enjoyed sitting here with him. He seems to know when I am here, and shortly after I arrive, he comes along. Not every day, but three or four days a week. I enjoy his company. And he seems to enjoy mine, because he keeps coming back."
"But you've been coming here to sit and meditate for the last fifteen years," Harue replied, glancing sideways at him. "Why didn't he come along before? Why did he wait until this spring?"
"I don't know, Harue-chan," Genjiro replied with a smile; "the next time I see him, I will have to ask him."
"Oh, pooh," she replied, swatting him affectionately on the shoulder; "you're teasing me." A question wormed its way into her mind that she hardly dared to ask, but did because of what her grandson Junichiro had recently told her. "Grandmother, grandfather and that monkey talk to each other. I've seen them." So she asked, "Do you talk to him? Does he talk to you?"
"Mmmm," Genjiro nodded. "Sometimes I do. I share my thoughts with him. And sometimes he answers."
"Does he actually talk?" Cocking her head, Harue gave her husband a skeptical look. "Can you understand him?"
Genjiro looked out over the valley. "He makes monkey sounds, Harue-chan. I don't understand him, but I enjoy listening to him. I guess that is understanding, in a way."
Harue looked out over the valley, lost in her thoughts. Their long life together spread out over fifty years seemed to flow like a river on which they had traveled, hardly noticing until she began looking back. Did Genjiro ever have thoughts like this? Harue turned to ask him.
"Oh!" She put a hand to her mouth, startled, for walking toward them was a very large old gray monkey that must be her husband's friend. "Husband," she said, "is that your monkey friend?"
Genjiro looked. "Yes," he replied, smiling, "that is Yukitaro."
"Will he bite?" she asked nervously.
"No, Harue-chan, he won't bite. He is friendly."
But in spite of what her husband told her, Harue watched the old monkey with a very skeptical eye as he approached, stopped in front of them and gave her a curious look as if to ask, "Who is she?"
"This is my wife," Genjiro said to the monkey.
Yukitaro cocked his head at her, looked at Genjiro, nodded his head and sat down on his usual spot next to him.
"What an ugly monkey," Harue thought. The skin of the old monkey's face was red, wrinkled and scarred, and wore an expression that didn't look a bit friendly to her. Was his lip always curled like that? Ugh! She wouldn't want to make friends with a monkey that looked like that! She made a mental note to speak to Genjiro about it when they returned home. But by the time Yukitaro got up and walked away toward the forest, Harue had forgotten all about him and started when he stood up to leave. As he left, he looked from Harue to Genjiro and made a low guttural sound in his throat. He looked into Harue's eyes, looked into the eyes of his friend, and walked away. Stopping at the edge of the forest, he turned and raised a long arm in what looked like a wave of goodbye, then stepped into the trees and disappeared.
"Husband," Harue said to Genjiro, "why did you tell that monkey that I am your wife?"
"Because you are and because he is my friend."
Harue looked at her husband, her eyes asking: "How can you be a monkey's friend?"
Genjiro placed a hand on his wife's knee. "I don't really know, Harue-chan. But we share something, Yukitaro and I. We seem to understand each other without talking."
Harue looked out across the valley toward the mountains, thinking. Then, hesitantly, she expressed what was on her mind: "Genjiro, you don't share your food with him, do you?"
Genjiro looked at her: "Isn't that what one does with one's friends, Harue-chan? So I share what I have with him, and sometimes he brings food to share with me."
"That monkey?" Harue stared at her husband in disbelief. "What kind of food, Genjiro? What kind of food could a monkey possibly bring that you would eat?" The thought of her husband eating something that the old monkey would bring with his filthy hands made her stomach turn.
"Fruit. Sometimes he brings me fruit. I don't know where he gets it, but every once in a while Yukitaro brings me some fruit. Sometimes it's a melon, sometimes grapes, and sometimes some kind of vegetable."
Harue made a face. "Have you any idea where that monkey's hands have been? Do you really think he ever washes them?" She shuddered.
Genjiro chuckled. "Well, Harue-chan, nothing that Yukitaro has given me has ever harmed me. He is a good friend. He keeps me company. And," patting his wife's knee, "today he has kept us both company. Now that he knows you, he is your friend, too."
"I don't know if I want a monkey for a friend," she replied, "no matter how nice he is, especially one that shares his food with me."
She looked toward the forest where the old monkey had disappeared. Remembering the guttural sound the old monkey had made as he got up to leave, she asked her husband: "What did he say as he left?"
"He thanked me for bringing you and introducing you to him."
"Oh, Genjiro!" she exclaimed; "How could you possibly know that? You are teasing me again!" And she swatted him softly on top of his head, making him laugh.
The summer went by much as all the previous summers had done since Genjiro retired: rain or shine, he went to his looking spot at least once a day and spent an hour or so looking out over the valley and at the mountains. Once a week Harue accompanied him, packing a bento with onigiri, some seaweed, dried fish and vegetables from her garden. Yukitaro always seemed to know when she brought along a bento box, because nine times out of ten he came strolling along to join them. Genjiro always shared what they had with his friend, and each time Harue cast him a disapproving glance and lectured him as they strolled slowly home.
Then one day in early fall Yukitaro followed them home, and Harue gave her husband a stern lecture that lasted half an hour.
"How many times have I told you," she said crossly, "that if you are too nice to that monkey, he will end up following us home and we will end up with a nuisance on our hands that we won't be able to get rid of!"
Glaring at the door, she shook her head and made a hissing sound. "And now look!" She pointed at the door behind which she just knew the old monkey was lurking. "He has done just what I was afraid of; he has followed us home and before you know it, Gen-chan, he and all the other monkeys will be in our yard digging up the garden and pestering us and everyone else in the village!"
Genjiro listened patiently to his wife. When she stopped talking, which wasn't for quite a while, he smiled and said: "Yukitaro will never be a nuisance, Harue-chan, you'll see. And he'll never permit the other monkeys to follow him to our house, just as he's never permitted them to follow him to where we sit."
Not appeased, Harue walked away grumbling and sat down with a book she had been reading. "Husbands!" she said to herself, determined not to talk to hers for the rest of the day. But an hour later she gave up and said: "Gen-chan, you may be right about that monkey; but the idea of having him coming up to our door, well, it is a bit uncomfortable, don't you agree?"
Genjiro smiled, remembering the argument they had when years earlier he returned home and announced that they were taking the train the next day to look at their new home in a village a few kilometers north of Fukugawa. Harue had stared at him in disbelief.
"What are you talking about? What new home? And in what village?" She stared at him, not knowing whether he was being serious or telling one of his wry jokes. "What is wrong with the home we have, right here in Fukugawa? And why haven't you discussed this with me before now?"
Her husband's blank expression only made her more alarmed. "You haven't actually bought a house without discussing it with me… have you?"
"You will like it, Harue-chan. You will see. It has a place for a vegetable garden, it is comfortable, the kind of place where we can raise our family and it is near enough to the railroad track so that I can take the train to and from work, and you can visit your family and friends in Fukugawa whenever you like."
Harue looked at her husband long and doubtfully. "For goodness' sake, you haven't bought a farm, have you? And what is the name of the village, Gen-chan? It does have a name, doesn't it?"
"Ah, no, Harue-chan," he replied with a laugh, "it is just called 'the village.' And I haven't bought a farm. It is a nice house, just like you see here in Fukugawa."
Happily, Harue fell in love with it the moment she saw it. It had been a happy place, and they had lived a long and happy life there raising their two children, Junichi and Kiyoko. On the western edge of the village, the property suited Genjiro's penchant for solitude and Harue's enjoyment of visiting with neighbors. It had been a very happy fifty years.
Genjiro looked fondly at his still-disgruntled wife. "Harue-chan," he said; 'I know Yukitaro makes you uncomfortable, and some of the neighbors might not like his coming around here, but," he squatted down in front of her and patted her knee, "he will not bring trouble to us."
"Well…" Harue looked over the top of her book at him; "I'm not so sure the neighbors will like seeing him around here. They already think it's a bit strange that you have adopted a monkey as a friend."
"I think it was Yukitaro who adopted me."
Harue made a wry face at her husband. "It seems pretty much a mutual attraction to me." She sighed: "I suppose no one will object if he doesn't make himself a pest and doesn't bother anyone else. But I'm not really that happy about having a monkey around, and I'm not so sure the others won't follow him and create a huge problem for everyone." The idea of a crowd of noisy monkeys invading her yard and neighborhood sent a ripple of chills running up and down her spine, and none of Genjiro's assurances made her feel any happier about "that monkey" coming around and invading her private space.
She put her book down and looked over the top of her glasses at her husband, who looked back at her with such a comically repentant expression on his face that she burst out laughing. Sighing, she said: "I'm sure that old monkey isn't harmful. But I can't imagine what he will find to do around here with two old people like us."
"Why," Genjiro replied brightening up, "he will keep us company and help us in the garden."
The idea of an elderly monkey helping harvest vegetables and pull weeds made Harue laugh out loud. "Oh, you!" she exclaimed, and gave her husband a fond swat on the head with her book. That evening after Genjiro had retired to bed, Harue picked up her pen and a pad of paper and wrote Kiyoko to tell her that Yukitaro was going to be helping her parents in their garden. Three days later, her daughter called from her home in Sapporo. "What are you talking about, mother? Dad's monkey friend? What do you mean, helping you in the garden? What does a monkey know about being a gardener? Is this one of dad's jokes?"
Laughing, Harue told her daughter about the old monkey following them home, about the comically repentant expression on Genjiro's face when he thought she would have none of him anywhere near their house, and about her misgivings about having the old monkey show up unannounced at their door or jump over the garden fence while she was busy weeding or tending her mountain potatoes, spinach, carrots, kabocha, green onions and nira.
Harue talked about the uproar it would likely cause in the village if the old monkey began coming around, and they both laughed at the idea of Yukitaro acting as a gardener's helper, much like Kiyoko and her brother when they were children.
"Do you think he will work out better than Jun-chan and I did when we were kids?" Kiyoko teased.
"I hope so, Ki-chan," her mother replied, laughing; "He surely couldn't be any worse."
Much to Harue's relief, summer passed into fall without Yukitaro making an appearance at the house, though he made regular visits to Genjiro's favorite place for sitting and contemplating, or just sitting and looking, which is what they did most often, man and monkey, sitting stock still, like statues.
Then one day in early fall, Yukitaro did something he had never done before: as he got up to leave, he motioned with an arm for Genjiro to follow him. Cocking his head, Genjiro said: "Do you want me to go with you, Yukitaro-san?" When the big monkey repeated his motion, Genjiro got to his feet and followed slowly after him, the two of them disappearing into the forest together. Once in the forest, Yukitaro took his friend by the hand, going through where the villagers came each fall to harvest wild mushrooms, and on to a place where Genjiro had never been. Releasing Genjiro's hand, Yukitaro bent down and plucked a large mushroom from under some leaves, holding it up for Genjiro to see before dropping it into his hand. Genjiro had never in his life seen a mushroom as large and delectable looking as that one. Looking around, he saw that there were dozens more peeking out from the forest floor. With Yukitaro's permission, Genjiro filled a a large, square cloth with about a dozen of the mushrooms. "Harue-chan will be so surprised," he said. "She will want to know where I found them. I'll tell her I found them in the forest, but I won't tell her where without your permission." His wife would nearly die of curiosity and that she would pester him with questions until he told her that Yukitaro had shown him where the giant mushrooms were and that taking her without the old monkey's permission would not be a wise thing to do. Yukitaro, seeming to understand, nodded his head.
And sure enough, when Genjiro arrived home and unwrapped the mushrooms, Harue peppered him with questions until he explained the situation. And then she resigned herself to having to wait until her husband's monkey friend gave his permission, however long that took.
When the snow came in the fall, Genjiro's visits to his looking place happened more and more seldom, until they stopped altogether when the snow became too deep for him to clear a path there. During the winter he and Harue and the other villagers went to a nearby hot springs where everyone bathed, warmed themselves in the hot, steaming water and shared thoughts and experiences with each other. When the villagers asked Genjiro and Harue about Yukitaro, they always gave the same answer: Genjiro said that he enjoyed the old monkey's company, and Harue said to ask Genjiro because she knew nothing except that Yukitaro had accepted her once he learned that she was Genjiro's wife. "How did he learn that, Harue-chan?" her friends asked. "Genjiro told him," she replied. Their response was always the same: "Oh…"
People stopped asking questions after that until the village was gathered at the hot spring later that winter and it wasn't so much a question as it was a statement made by the village mechanic, Tsuguo Taniguchi, a large, loud man who was known for his skill at fixing things, and for his constant grumblings. Glaring at Genjiro and Harue from a spot halfway to the other side of the pool, Tsuguo expressed what was on nearly everyone's mind.
"We don't like the idea of a monkey coming into the village," he growled, giving a sour look at the old couple.
Genjiro regarded his neighbor for a long moment before calmly replying. "Yukitaro doesn't come into the village, Tsuguo-san. If he comes around at all, it will be to our home, which is at the edge of the village, furthest away from your house."
"How do you know he won't end up going where he wants?" the mechanic replied, not mollified. "And once that monkey comes to your house, what's to prevent all the other monkeys from coming, too? Pretty soon the village will be overrun by a whole mob of monkeys! I tell you, Genjiro," Tsuguo Taniguchi said, slapping the water vigorously with one of his large hands, "I don't like it one bit! Monkeys are dangerous!"
Genjiro looked long at his neighbor before replying in a measured tone of voice: "Well, Tsuguo-san, if Yukitaro comes near your place, please let me know and I'll speak to him. If he comes to my house, I don't see how that should be a worry to anyone but Harue-chan and me. As for any of the other monkeys coming around, I'm sure that Yukitaro will not permit it." Smiling, he poured a pan of hot water over his head, then turned to his wife and poured hot water over her back, scrubbing it with a large cloth until it turned rosy. Mouth shut, the village mechanic looked round at his fellow villagers with an angry but resigned expression on his face. Like it or not, Genjiro was going to have that monkey around his house, and no amount of grumbling was going to change a thing. Tsuguo poured a large pan of water over his head and began scrubbing himself until his skin shone s bright red as Yukitaro's face, which made both Genjiro and Harue smile.
It was during the village's second trip to the hot spring that winter that Yukitaro appeared and quietly set himself down into the steaming water next to Genjiro and Harue. The old monkey's sudden appearance caused a panic among the villagers, who scrambled to the opposite end of the pool and looked anxiously into the surrounding trees for the mob of monkeys they expected to see, staring menacingly down at them. When no monkeys showed their faces, the villagers' anxiety gradually subsided into nervous glances toward the opposite end of the pool where Genjiro and Harue scrubbed each other's back and the monkey Yukitaro ladled hot water over himself with his hands. No one had ever seen a snow monkey as big as Yukitaro, who was over twice the size of a normal snow monkey, and with his winter coat looked even bigger.
When one of the village girls whispered to her mother that Yukitaro looked more like a short, hairy old man than a monkey, she got a reproving swat on the back of the head from her mother, who had to admit that the old monkey looked that way to her as well. And when Yukitaro picked up the Yamada's pan and poured water over himself and sat still while Genjiro scrubbed his back, the whole village stared in disbelief.
"See," the girl said to her mother, "I told you so. Yukitaro is not a monkey; he is a hairy old man." When Yukitaro looked at her, she was sure of it. And no one was ever able to convince her otherwise.
Yukitaro continued to visit the hot spring during that winter, sitting silently next to his friends and allowing Genjiro to douse him with the steaming water and rub him down with a towel that Harue brought for just that purpose. Over that winter the other villagers grew so used to having the old monkey join them that, except for the ever-grumbling Tsuguo, they no longer took notice of him and once, when the old monkey didn't appear, had to admit that they actually missed him.
When spring arrived and people became busy planting gardens and going to and fro between the village and nearby towns, occasionally venturing as far as Sapporo and Asahikawa, Yukitaro was forgotten by everyone except the little girl who missed the little hairy old man she saw him to be, and Tsuguo the mechanic who told everyone that, one of these days, "that old pest will show up with every monkey in the forest; just you wait and see!"
So when Yukitaro did appear at the Yamada's home one sunny morning as the old couple was working in their garden, nosey Tsuguo made sure that everyone heard about it, embellished with dire predictions about hordes of monkeys swarming over the village, stealing and scaring everyone to death.
"We'll have to drive them out of the village by force!" he said, eyes popping and arms waving.
But the invasion never happened. All that summer and into the fall, the monkey Yukitaro made regular visits to the Yamada home and was seen sitting peacefully in their garden watching as the old couple planted, weeded, and harvested their vegetables. The only thing of note that occurred during any of these visits was during the fall harvest when Harue was harvesting her mountain potatoes.
Yukitaro watched carefully as she pulled the potatoes and stacked them in a basket before carrying them into the back of the house for storage. Two days later, Yukitaro was seen walking toward the old couple's house carrying the largest mountain potato anyone had ever seen. This created quite a stir, because Yukitaro carried it over one shoulder like a man carries a club.
When Tsuguo the mechanic saw him marching toward the village with it over his shoulder, he ran around the village yelling for the men to arm themselves, because "I saw that damned monkey coming toward the village carrying a club to attack Genjiro and Harue! We have to protect them! Come quick!"
But when a contingent of villagers timidly approached the Yamada's house armed with hoes, sticks and one ancient rifle and saw that Yukitaro's 'huge club' was only the largest mountain potato any of them had seen, they went back home rollicking with laughter. Poor Tsuguo never lived it down. Yukitaro, seeing his friends harvest mountain potatoes from their garden, had gone deep into his forest home where mountain potatoes were plentiful, dug up the largest wild mountain potato that he could find and brought it to his friends as a gift.
That winter passed uneventfully, passing smoothly into spring, bringing with it a sprinkling of new babies and the promise of a good growing season. Genjiro and his wife continued much as they had done the year before and the year before that, the only difference being that they were older. Genjiro made fewer visits to his looking place, and Harue's plantings were smaller. Noticing this, Yukitaro's visits to their home became more frequent: instead of appearing one or twice a week, he was there nearly every day, including those times when the couple's two children visited from Sapporo and Tokyo, bringing their children with them. In this manner, the seasons passed uneventfully except for the old couple's diminishing energies.
In July of Genjiro's eightieth year, Harue, the light of his life, came down with a cold that refused to go away. By the first of August the cold had turned into pneumonia, and Genjiro called his son and daughter and told them to come right away. They arrived the next day. As the family was gathered around Harue's bed, their grandson Junichiro caught something out of the corner of his eye: it was Yukitaro looking in at the window, watching.
"Look!" Junichiro said to his father; "It's Yukitaro."
"Go and let him in, Jun-chan," bringing a look of consternation from his wife, who had never grown used to the big monkey and didn't like it when he showed up during their visits.
When Junichiro went to the door and opened it, Yukitaro was waiting. Walking into the room, the old monkey stood next to his friend and looked down at Harue's still form for a long moment.
Then, looking at his friend's grief-stricken face, he did something that no one believed a monkey would do: he put one long hairy comforting arm around Genjiro's shoulder and the two of them mourned Harue's passing in grief-stricken silence.
Several days later, when the villagers were all gathered in the village's tiny cemetery for the interment of Harue's ashes, Junichiro noticed movement coming from the nearby forest. Looking, he saw Yukitaro walking toward them at the head of a large crowd of snow monkeys. Nudging his father, he nodded his head toward the approaching monkeys.
"Look, father! It's Yukitaro. He has brought all the monkeys with him."
One by one, led by Yukitaro, the monkeys gathered around the villagers. Yukitaro went up to Harue's tombstone and laid a flower in front of it, then turned and looked up into his old friend's eyes with an expression of such sorrow and compassion that it brought tears to the eyes of everyone there.
Then, just as they had come, the monkeys followed Yukitaro back to the forest, and disappeared.
One month later, Genjiro died of a heart attack, and the scene repeated itself. As the villagers listened to the Buddhist priest intone his prayers, Yukitaro and his monkeys came out of the forest walking toward the village cemetery. The only difference this time was that each of the monkeys, from Yukitaro to the infants, carried a single white flower. And one by one they approached Genjiro's tombstone and laid their flower in front of it. Yukitaro was the last to lay his flower in front of his friend's stone, and as he put it down, he reached up and touched the stone, running his fingers over the carved characters of his old friend's name. Then he turned to Harue's name and ran his fingers over it. When he was finished, he turned and stood in front of his old friend's son and daughter and their families and looked long into their eyes. And then, turning, he and the other monkeys disappeared back into the forest.
It was early the next spring that Genjiro's grandson Junichiro went into the forest and discovered that the monkeys had disappeared. Walking deep into the forest, he came into a clearing where he came across the bones of a very large monkey.
"Yukitaro," he murmured. Gathering up the bones, he wrapped them in the large square cloth of a furoshiki and took them back to his grandparents' home. Later that day, he and his father buried them next to his grandparents' grave. And on the first anniversary of his grandparents' death, Junichiro and his father placed a small black headstone next to their headstone with this simple inscription:
A friend
And that is the story of how a monkey became the good friend of an old man and his wife. It has taught me much about the possibilities of friendship and kindness and the bonds that exist between man and man and man and animal when we are open to them. It is an expression of who my grandfather was, a man of peace who showed compassion to every living being, and my grandmother, who was his lifelong companion, friend and light of his life.
Junichiro Fujii Tokyo
~ ~ ~
Comments from readers
Here are a few of the sixty reviews the book received on Amazon.com.
'The Old Man and the Monkey' is what good writing is all about: it makes you look within to find the best that you can be. I love this story. It gets better every time I read it and grounds me once again." — Jean Sullivan, Seattle, USA
"Reflects the rare values of unconditional friendship; love, trust, respect, loyalty and dependability. It also shows that being humane can bridge the differences between cultures or in this case, species." — Stella Evelyne Tesha, the Netherlands, author of "A Journey Into Life" and "Love as Flowers."
'The Old Man and The Monkey' brought me back to the days, when I would pick up a book and not put it down before I read the last word. The story captured me, made me curious about what the next page will reveal." — Bianka Wettin, the Netherlands
"I was immediately drawn to 'The Old Man and The Monkey'! Wow! Nothing short of monkey magic. Excellent work. Beautiful!" —Thom Rutledge, Nashville, author of the book 'Embracing Fear'
"The sequence of events, from the very beginning, is so well-crafted that that 'dream-like' state of a story is sustained throughout. The economy of words used gives just enough information to make you understand and feel you're with Yukitaro and Genjiro and, at the same time, leaves you wanting to know more." — Aneeta Sundararaj, editor, Malaysia: http:// http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com, a storytelling resource website
'The Old Man and the Monkey' has a fresh and clear voice that invites the reader to look beyond the expected routine of small ritual and custom. It takes a monkey to waken the old man and his wife and the other villagers to the wonder of life and death and friendship. — Wendy MacLean, Canada, author of the poetry books 'Spirit Song in Ancient Boughs' and 'Rough Angel.'
About the author
George Polley was born in Santa Barbara, California and raised in Seattle, Washington. He has lived in California (Berkeley and Stockton), Illinois (Cooks Mills and Villa Grove), Minnesota (Luverne, Marshal and Minneapolis), and from 1984 until early in 2008, in Seattle, when he and his wife moved to Sapporo, Japan so that she could fulfill her dream of returning to the land of her birth.
After high school, he completed his undergraduate work at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon (B.A., Sociology and Anthropology), and received a Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana campus. He has always had two parallel careers: mental health professional and writer and poet.
His work has appeared in the South Dakota Review, Crow's Nest, Expanding Horizons, The Enchanted Self, Community Mental Health Journal, Maturing, The Lyon County (Minnesota) Review Wine Rings, North Country Anvil, North American Mentor Magazine, the McLean County (Illinois) Poetry Review, River Bottom, Tower Talks and Foundations.
He has also authored several booklets in the mental health field, two of them co-authored with Ana Dvoredsky, M.D. in 2007.


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Students preparing for UGC NET exam often face a lot of queries, such as, what after qualifying UGC-NET or what career options are available if I clear the UGC NET exam? With the help of this article, we aim to guide students in this regard and help them understand the career opportunities after the UGC NET exam.
UGC-NET opens up numerous job opportunities in the field of teaching and research. However, qualifying UGC NET is not limited to these opportunities only. Apart from these two career options, candidates can also join many reputed PSUs which consider the UGC-NET exam score to hire candidates for certain posts. Let us explore all these options in detail now.
Career Opportunities after UGC NET Exam
1. UGC NET Career Options after qualifying JRF (Junior Research Fellowship)
Candidates who qualify for JRF have the option to pursue research in their respective postgraduate subject and can choose the universities and/or colleges amongst the NET coordinating institutes. They can enrol themselves for the Ph.D. course offered by universities and IIMs.
- After qualifying NET-JRF and enrolling in a PhD course, the candidate is awarded a fellowship for five years.
- For the first two years, the fellowship of Rs. 31000/- + HRA per month (depends on different institutes) and for the next three years, the fellowship of Rs 35000/- + HRA per month (depends on different institutes) is provided.
- In addition to it, several other grants may also be provided depending on the policy of the concerned university. The fellowship offered by private universities and IIMs varies depending on their respective program policies. You can search about the course in depth on the website of respective institutions.
- Qualifying JRF offers dual benefits i.e. stipend like a regular job and a Doctorate Degree.
- The next option is to work as a researcher in a corporate firm. Some of the organisations recruit JRF-qualified candidates to carry out the research work for the benefit of their company.
2. UGC NET Career Options after qualifying For Assistant Professor
Candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor through UGC NET can choose the option to pursue a career in the teaching field.
- UGC-NET exam makes the candidate eligible for the post of Assistant Professor.
- They can explore the best institutes across the country and start applying for the post of Assistant Professor with their valid scorecard.
- Candidates can expect a lucrative pay in the range of Rs. 25,000/- to 40,000/- per month in the starting phase based on the scores, skills, and colleges.
- The qualifiers can also avail other career options by joining as a faculty at a coaching institute to train the aspirants for UGC-NET Exam.
3. Career Options in Public Sector Undertakings After Qualifying UGC NET
Qualifying UGC-NET Exam opens the doors to several prestigious PSUs (Public Sector Undertaking) for the qualified candidates.
- Some of the top PSU such as ONGC, NTPC, EdCIL etc. shortlist the candidates for various positions through this exam.
- Candidates who aspire to work in government organisations can apply for the recruitment process with their UGC NET scorecard.
- These companies recruit mainly in the fields of HR, Finance, and Marketing.
- You can refer to the official website for more details regarding dates and selection procedure.
Access the UGC Academic Job Portal for job search
This academic job portal is a new initiative taken by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with an aim to help NET/PhD qualified candidates to get them a suitable job.
- Qualified candidates can create their online academic profile and search for the jobs on this portal.
- Universities/colleges and other employers can also search and browse the academic profile of candidates registered on this portal.
- The employers can post the job vacancies on this portal so that candidates can apply against the vacancies.
- The link for UGC job portal is provided here: http://www.ugc.ac.in/jobportal/.
As you have seen that UGC-NET exam alone opens the door to various lucrative job opportunities. So, take this exam seriously and work harder to achieve your goal.
Also read,
All the best for your exams,
Team gradeup!

subset: commoncrawl


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You have to pay interest for the money that is lent by the bank. Until you repay them the actual amount, your property will be in banks control. This is how the mortgage market works.
The Canadian mortgage is gaining its fame slowly. The borrowers are increasing steadily and the usage of Canadian Mortgage brokers is also increasing slowly. People are slowly getting to know about the Mortgage policies and are moving in this direction rather than going to a bank where they already have an account. This made all the banks to reduce the interest rates that were pulling the legs of common people. Even though the mortgage market has got its market, it is a great task ahead for all the authorized brokers to keep the good work moving forward. The banks always lock people by making them getting committed into long term policies without letting the customers know about what they are into. Some people after a point of time, without being able to pay the money, drop down their plans and their money that was paid in the bank earlier.
The problem with the mortgage brokers is that, they are not trained well enough to make the people buy their financial products. But, the standardized banks train their employees so much that they are well enough to cross selling the financial products. This is one of the key places where the Canadian brokers fall behind those employees.
But, the Mortgage brokers have got their heads and are now into training. Yes, they are training well enough to try and convince their clients to buy the financial products. But, the sad part is that, those people are only trained to improve their knowledge on the Mortgage market, its tips and tricks. They continue to be on the back foot when it comes to originating loans and other important criteria that the bank salespeople are into. Only if they try and focus on this category, they will be able to come forward and beat the banks away and attract people towards them. When the mortgage brokers are on the back foot, the banks have that little advantage. They use their famous name here, while those mortgage brokers don't have any names to use as a weapon. The Banks play the smart game here.
They attract people with their Famous names and the highly trained sales person, who have the ability to convince any cat on the wall. Here are some tips that you should follow to become a successful broker,
· Improve your communication.
· Disclose all the fees and costs up front.
· Utilize a large panel of lenders.
· Thorough the interview process.
· Get your license up front.
· Get to know about the key focusing points.
· Learn all the success strategies that were used by other successful brokers.
· Patience and experience also play a prominent role.
There are certain things that can only be learnt through experience. Yes, you can pass in your mortgage exams, but some things can only get with patience and experience. As a broker, you have an advantage too. You can also crash at your clients home any time at their convenience and convince them about the mortgage markets, while the banks don't have the room to do so. Always do not be over confident in what you talk and do. Keep an eye on the clients too. Make them listen to what you say and the vice versa. Communication is the main tool here. And never let your strategies and success stories come over your clients.
A survey that was left out in 2010 says that Canadians take the interest rates on the sixth place. Most of the Canadians tend to ask about the rate later on when they are planning to go with a mortgage loan provider. But, the brokers tend to narrate the interest rates in the beginning, when the client doesn't want to know about that in the beginning. This is one big mistake that is being done by most of the brokers. Yes, there is a plan and you should move according to that, but you should also take the interest of your clients. It is the foremost thing that you should consider and you should plan your strategies according to that. As said earlier, all these can be mastered only through experience and patience. Your client's priorities should be taken first rather than yours. This is the best way to attract your clients towards you than to those famous banks.
Weak credit history? Don't worry! There are ways and means to still own a home in beautiful Hamilton.read more
Thank you so much Armand, you really made our first time buying process easy and enjoyable. We will certainly be referring you to all our friends and family who'll be...Andrea & Steven - Oakville


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The Surge by Willow Rose "We knew they were coming one day, we just never imagined anything like…this." Imagine being invaded by the Chinese and they want something only you have. However, giving it to them would mean the death of someone you love. What would you do? When The Chinese arrive in … [Read more...] about The Surge by Willow Rose
Beginnings by Katina Gavin
Beginnings by Katina Gavin The military gave them purpose. The mountains brought them love... Beginnings is the first book in the D.E.V.I.N. series of military romantic suspense novels. If you like sizzling chemistry, compelling characters, and thrilling whodunnits, then you'll love Katina … [Read more...] about Beginnings by Katina Gavin
Buyer's Guide: Hunter Wars Omnibus Edition (Books 1 – 3) by SD Tanner
Targeted Age Group: 18+ This omnibus edition of the Hunter Wars contains the first three books: Eve of the Hunter Wars, Heaven Meets Hell and Army of Angels. Gears, Pax and TL are brothers and soldiers in the US Army when the world comes to an abrupt halt. Thrust into the apocalypse, they … [Read more...] about Buyer's Guide: Hunter Wars Omnibus Edition (Books 1 – 3) by SD Tanner
Rapid Pulse Bounty: Obsessed Bounty Hunter Romance Series, Book 3 by Carla Coxwell
Targeted Age Group:: 21 and up A New Adult Romance Story With her new skills fully developed, Jacqui was a confident bounty hunter with a few successful captures under her belt. Things were looking up for her. The only thing missing in her life right now was Adam. She hadn't seen him … [Read more...] about Rapid Pulse Bounty: Obsessed Bounty Hunter Romance Series, Book 3 by Carla Coxwell
Asterion by Kenneth Morvant
Targeted Age Group:: 13 and up The world of the near future. Dictatorships still exist. One such place is America. The America of the past is not the America of the future. Fear and uncertainty has led to a leader for life who has taken control of everything. Every business, private … [Read more...] about Asterion by Kenneth Morvant
Power Games: Operation Enduring Unity I by Richard Peters
Targeted Age Group:: 18+ Welcome to the future of America. Land of chaos and home of the ambitious... After years of unchecked extremism, violence has become the decisive force in American politics. With a hung Electoral College vote, a constitutional standoff between Congress and the … [Read more...] about Power Games: Operation Enduring Unity I by Richard Peters
Dig Two Graves: Revenge or Honor by Nick Vellis
Targeted Age Group:: Adult During World War II, OSS commando, Lt. John Pantheras, stumbles onto a horrific plot in war torn Greece. The Nazis are collecting a ransom from every Jewish Greek but they plan a double cross. They are going to deport the Jewish community despite their promises. Lt. … [Read more...] about Dig Two Graves: Revenge or Honor by Nick Vellis


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This #WW friendly Fall recipe is perfect for trying out Acorn Squash and pumpkin in one delicious dish! In honor of #YOUTOBER I'm posting a new fall recipe video (almost) everyday!
- 1 acorn squash (0sp)
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (0sp)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin
- 1 tbs nut butter (3sp)
- 1 tbs granola (1sp)
- Cinnamon
- toppings: maple syrup, cinnamon
1. Wash squash.
2. Remove top and bottom and cut in half.
3. Use spoon to remove seeds.
4. Cover with spray oil and add cinnamon
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 40-50 mins.
6. Remove and let cool.
7. Fill with ingredients and top with granola.
8. Enjoy!


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On June 14, the 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship reached its conclusion with the winners of each division receiving their medals in the stadium in Yunnan University of Finance and Economics.
The whole tournament lasted 5 days, with 27 teams from 17 countries competing, a record in the history of the Asian Sepaktakraw Championship.
This Asian Sepaktakraw Championship consisted of a Men's Regu, Women's Regu, Men Doubles and Women Doubles, and there are two divisions within each category to make sure teams of a similar skill level compete in the same division, thereby ensuring intense and entertaining competition between teams.
Here is the complete list of winners at the 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship:
Men Regu:
Division 1: Champion: Thailand,
Runner-up: Malaysia,
Joint Third: Philippines, Indonesia
Division 2: Champion: India,
Runner-up: Japan,
Joint Third: Chinese-Taipei, Iran
Women Regu:
Division 1: Champion: Thailand
Runner-up: Myanmar
Joint Third: China, Vietnam
Division 2: Champion: Indonesia
Runner-up: Malaysia
Joint Third: India, Philippines
Men Doubles:
Division 1: Champion: Indonesia
Runner-up: Malaysia
Joint Third: Japan, Vietnam
Division 2: Champion: Thailand
Runner-up: Iran
Joint Third: India, Chinese-Taipei
Women Doubles:
Division 1: Champion: Thailand
Runner-up: Myanmar
Joint Third: Philippines, Indonesia
Division 2: Champion: Vietnam
Runner-up: Malaysia
Joint Third: Chinese-Taipei, Japan
At the 2019 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship players from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar underwent anti-doping tests.
Reference: Yutang Sports
Proofread by Raymond Fitzpatrick


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These simple St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes are really easy to make, and in my opinion look really effective. The kids loved helping decorate them, although lots of the sweets went missing whilst doing so!
I first had this idea a few years ago when I saw a promotional picture for nail wraps. It had a St Patrick's day muffin decorated with rainbow candy. That was a few years ago, and it's been something I have thought of doing ever since.
Recently I discovered these multi-coloured fizzy belt sweets in my local supermarket. Not quite rainbow colours but near enough, and I thought now is the perefct time to make these St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes.
So if you'd like to see how to create these cupcakes for yourself read on, or Pin it for later!
Pin St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes for Later
How to Make St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes
The first step is to make your cupcakes. You can make them any flavour you want. I choose my Vanilla Cupcake Recipe, which forms the basis of all my cupcake recipes.
Once cool you need to remove the centre of your cupcakes with a cupcake corer if you want to add some hidden gold! I used these gold glimmer crunch which again I picked up at my local supermarket.
Then it's time to start decorating the cupcakes. I always use shop bought ready made Betty Crocker butter cream style icing. It's not just that it is super convenient, but because no matter how many times I've made buttercream, it never tastes as good! I bought the vanilla flour one and then added some green food colouring before piping a swirl onto each cupcake.
Next it's time to place on your rainbow. You will need to cut the candy belts into small sections. If they are too long they will sag in the middle. You need to push each end into the butter cream, then arrange 3 mini white marshmallows at either end to help support the candy belt and to represent clouds.
That's it! A super simple fun activity that you can do with the kids, and when they bite into their cupcake, they will find the hidden pot of gold!
If you're looking for some more inspiration and ideas for St. Patrick's Day crafts and activities, then check out and follow our Pinterest board.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Kerry x


text: If you're wondering how to improve yourself and health the physical and mental parts of or your life then you should start reading easy books;By picking up a book, you can get back the power of your dreams and also your vision you should Self-care has often been dismissed as a millennial fad – but these books promote the idea that looking after your well being is sensible rather than selfish. If you are one of those people who Need help figuring out what to do with this wild and free life? Then you can read all about how ordinary and less ordinary people survive and manage to keep fit young healthy and looking good. When we are in good health your mind and body becomes more productive,so having a healthy body and mind inside and out means that you are already rich. Feeling and looking great gives you more confidence,and you do not need expensive products, Foods rich in zinc, omega fatty acids and other vital nutrients keep your brain functioning at its highest level. Healthy people can produce longer and healthy diets cost less,feeling great gives you confidence. Within a few minutes you could be on your way to a healthier looking body skin and mind. They are Power-packed with information and knowing all this is the beginning of great wisdom*


text:
Search Employment Research
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 records matching your search.
|Year Published
|Bond, G. R., Peterson, A., Becker, D., & Drake, R.
|Fidelity of supported employment: Lessons learned from the National Evidence-Based Practice Project
|Brucker, D. L.
|Employment services as an early intervention for young people with mental illness
|Cooper, R. A., Boninger, M. L., Cooper, R., Fitzgerald, S. G., & Kellerher, A.
|Effects of co-occurring disorders on employment outcomes in a multisite randomized study of supported employment for people with severe mental illness
|Factors affecting vocational outcomes of people with chronic illness participating in a supported competitive open employment program in Hong Kong
|Providing effective employment supports for persons living with HIV: The KEEP project
|Graham, C., Inge, K., Wehman, P., Murphy, K., Revell, W. G., & West, M.
|Randomized trial of supported employment integrated with assertive community treatment for rural adults with severe mental illness
|McGurk, S. R., Mueser, K. T., Harvey, P. D., LaPuglia, R., & Marder, J.
|Cognitive training and supported employment for persons with severe mental illness: One-year results from a randomized controlled trial
|Mueser, K. T., Clark, R. E., Haines, M., Drake, R. E., McHugo, G. J. Bond, G. R, Essock, S. M., Becker, D. M., Wolfe, R., & Swain, K.
|The effectiveness of supported employment in people with dual disorders
|Pryce, J., Munir, F., & Haslam, C.
|Developing evidence-based supported employment services for young adults receiving public mental health services
|Yao-Jen Chang, Hung-Huan Liu, Shu-Min Peng, Tsen-Yung Wang
|The viability of self employment for individuals with disabilities in the United States: A synthesis of empirical-research literature


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How to make Your Home Workout Programs Successful
Staying healthy is essential to make your life happy and as long as it can get. We all need to engage in any form of exercise to ensure that our bodies function well and efficiently. Those people who exercise and eat healthily rarely get sick and when they do, they are usually able to spring back quickly. It is not easy to keep up a workout routine if there are no gymnasiums easily available in your area or if you always have a busy schedule.
Exercise activities can fortunately be carried out anywhere; at home, in your office, at a park, etc. The question is, what types of activities do you want to engage in and to what extent you would like them to help you? I say this because most of the gym equipment is inspired by simple exercise activities. In this case then, you can do exercise from anywhere else other than the gym.
When coming up with your home work out plan, you must make sure it is projected towards something and has a deadline. If you would like to flatten your stomach or make your butt firm or improve your cardio, and so on, make sure that the types of exercise you select help you to achieve your desired results within a certain period. This will make you exercise with a goal.
Make your home workout plan fun. Make sure that the exercise activities you plan to carry out are things that you enjoy or can put up with to avoid getting bored and lapsing. When you engage in activities like you love to do, they do not feel like a burden to you. Put on some favorite music when you exercise to keep you going and even include your family members, especially kids, in the workout routine.
Create a schedule for our exercise activities. When you carry out your exercise activities at certain times of the day over an extended period, they become normal and obvious to you. Schedules also enhance discipline when followed through. To make you even more disciplined, you can include other people in your fitness challenge. For example, make a pact with someone that you see jogging often when you hit the jogging track that you must see each other on the track every day and make it happen. They share an interest with you and can keep you on your toes.
Keep track of your progress during your workout plan. This is an important thing to do. To start with, take photos of yourself from various angles. Take more photos from the same angles a few weeks into the program to see if you have made any changes. Keep doing this until you accomplish your objective. If you do not seem to make any progress, change a few things in your workout plan to make it work.


text:
New Table
by: Peter Johnson
uploaded: 02/05/2011
Hmmm...I wrote most of these lyrics in 2008. It's virtually impossible to describe my reasoning for coming up with something so self-deprecating and not accurate (at least I hope not) but there was a good reason. About the only thing I did to finish this off was add the "vodka martinis" line. Im not exactly thrilled Theyre gonna raise my taxes I feel like I pay my share Some people believe Were in a brave new world now Honestly I dont care Im just a self-serving ass Not invited to the new table I am sarcastic and crass Critical whenever Im able I dont like the state Of music sports or the movies Celebrity magazines Every day its dumbed down Drinking vodka martinis On a trampoline
Tagses: (we can link these up later)
Link to the mp3 file:
New Table
Link to this view of the song:
Embed the Song-a-day player in your site:


text:
Chasing the White Lion
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: March 3, 2020
Number of Pages: 384
Young CIA officer Talia Inger has reconciled with the man who assassinated her father, but that doesn't mean she wants him hovering over her every move and unearthing the painful past she's trying to put behind her. Still, she'll need him–and the help of his star grifter, Valkyrie–if she hopes to infiltrate the Jungle, the first ever crowdsourced crime syndicate, to rescue a group of kidnapped refugee children.
But as Talia and her elite team of thieves con their way into the heart of the Jungle, inching ever closer to syndicate boss the White Lion, she'll run right up against the ragged edge of her family's dark past. In this game of cat and mouse, it's win . . . or die. And in times like that, it's always good to have someone watching your back.
Former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot James Hannibal takes you deep undercover into the criminal underworld where everyone has an angle, and no one escapes unscathed.


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The Ravenna Community Plan Core Team would like to thank the more than 50 citizens who took their time to participate in the Main Street Ravenna Downtown Assessment presentation and meeting that was held at Maplewood Career Center on April 21.
We would also like to thank the 19 members of the Chamber of Commerce and individuals for their contributions that made the DART program by Heritage Ohio possible.
The interest and commitment shown by the Ravenna community for this program are great indicators of the vitality and energy available in our community that will make the Main Street Ravenna program a success.
We hope everyone will stay involved and play a part in the future success of the Ravenna community.
The Ravenna Community Plan Core Team


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Fremont Startup Grind Digest: Futurist Ann Badillo and Entrepreneur/Investor Murray Newlands
Last month, Startup Grind Fremont celebrated Female Founders Month with eloquent reflections from Futurist and Advisor Ann Badillo. Ann recounted her personal experiences as a female leader and offered thoughts on why the millennial generation embraces a different social contract and why they will rely on women for leadership more than ever before.
A longtime strategist on "systems thinking," Ann suggests that the future rigor of Silicon Valley will rely heavily on this model, which includes asking the right questions and high levels of collaboration. She believes that many women naturally excel in both these areas and are inherently better positioned to tackle tomorrow's problems. One of Ann's recent projects includes a next generation entrepreneur and investor ecosystem for women that reimagines the current incubator model and redefines the founder-funder relationship.
Another insightful lesson from the event was Ann's discussion around the need to contrast between brand and narrative − an important concept for budding entrepreneurs and startups. Ann argues that a narrative is more authentic considering it reflects perspectives and stories. A brand may not always be sincere and does not provide enough depth for long-term adoption. As the thread that runs through all levels of an organization, the narrative has the power to captivate ecosystems for longer periods of time and to a much greater degree.
The next Startup Grind Fremont event will be on Tuesday, June 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at EFI (Electronics for Imaging) located at 6700 Dumbarton Circle, Fremont CA 94555.
Join us as Murray Newlands – entrepreneur, investor, business advisor, and speaker – discusses how to market your startup. He'll provide guidance on how to be an influencer by using online marketing and communication tools. Murray Newlands is the founder of Sighted.com, an online invoicing company based in Palo Alto. He is also an adviserto the Draper Nexus Network of Things fund, which invests in IoT companies and advises entrepreneurs and startups on everything from funding to growth strategies. Additionally, Newlands is the author of "Online Marketing: A User's Manual" and frequently contributes to Forbes and Entrepreneur.
To learn more about this event or to register, go to www.startupgrind.com/fremont. We look forward to seeing you there!


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Nike asks you to accept cookies for performance, social media and advertising purposes. Social media and advertising cookies of third parties are used to offer you social media functionalities and personalised ads. To get more information or amend your preferences, press the 'More Information' button or visit 'Cookie Settings' at the bottom of the website. To get more information about these cookies and the processing of your personal data, check our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Do you accept these cookies and the processing of personal data involved?
These cookies are required for basic site functionality and are therefore always enabled. These include cookies that allow you to be remembered as you explore the site within a single session or, if you request, from session to session. They help to make the bag and checkout process possible as well as assisting in security issues and conforming to regulations.
These cookies allow us to improve the site's functionality by tracking usage on the website. In some cases these cookies can improve the speed with which we can process your request as they allow us to remember site preferences that you've selected. De-selecting these cookies may result in poorly-tailored recommendations and slow site performance.
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The Nike Tiempo Legend 8 Pro TF takes the touch of textured leather and adds a grippy rubber outsole for multi-directional traction.
The Nike Tiempo Legend 8 Pro TF takes the touch of textured leather and adds a grippy rubber outsole for multi-directional traction.
Textured for Touch
Soft leather in the forefoot is given a moulded diamond texture and left as thin as possible for a natural feel and ball control.
Targeted Turf Traction
Based on Nike Sports Research Lab analysis of player movements, the rubber outsole is designed to provide multi-directional traction on artificial-turf surfaces.
Product Details
Your order of Rp300.000 or more gets free standard shipping.
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2.3 Stars
H E. - 02 Sep 2020
While extremely comfortable, after first match the front sole has started to peel away!
Good Product, but...
EliotL763089698 - 26 May 2020
Pros - Light weight (9.1oz, 247g) - Size 9. - True size and comfort wide (I have 4.13", 10.5cm). - Feel and touch sensitively from upper and outsole. Cons - Changed inner heel cup material from sueded to artificial leather. - A doubt about durability. - Squeaking noise from rubber band inside, but you will get used to it. - No react, no lunarlon.
Disappointing Change for Tiempos
CaseyB902409502 - 03 Dec 2019
I've been wearing Tiempo cleats and turfs for about 10 years, but this latest version of the turf is trash. I wore the turfs for four indoor soccer games and they started to fall apart. While discussing this issue with a buddy of mine, he said he had the same problem with these shoes. I'm very disappointed as the Tiempo series have been my favorite shoes to play in for quite some time. But until Nike goes back to making them to last, I'll need to find a new shoe.


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The chattering of voices and savory smell of Korean Barbecue flows out into Pasadena, a boon to the hungry college student looking for a bite. Located a two block stroll from the PCC campus, on the corner Del Mar and Allen Street, the Rose City Church Café has been serving a cheap, healthy lunch to the surrounding neighborhood for almost three years.
"I come for fellowship, for the great food, and the great hospitality,†said Jesse Peña, a regular attendee and PCC student.
At a student price of $2 for a plate of barbecued beef or chicken and the same for an 8 ounce cup of premium espresso, it's a deal that rivals any to be found on or near campus.
"The way we keep the prices down is by having a volunteer staff in the kitchen,†Pastor Dan Davidson revealed. "This way, the only thing a person pays for is the food itself.â€
What's the catch? The Café is open solely on Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. during the fall and spring semester, and only as food allows, which is typically around 60 to 65 people served.
"Right now the limitations are how much food we can buy and cook at a time,†he continued.
Some of those faces in the kitchen keeping those prices low and the plates moving are students from the PCC club CLAVE, who have been working at the Cafe for the past few semesters.
"I used to come here before, because of the price. It's a good price for a good plate of food. Then I met the people who worked here, and noticed they were trying to do something good for the students. That's how this started: we came looking for something to eat, asked around, and found out there was a need for volunteers,†said Secretary Jamaal Porchia. "CLAVE stepped up. We said we'd be happy to help.â€
President Dorcas Llorico responded, "We hopped on it because it's so close to PCC.â€
The Cafe opened to the public in Fall 2010, under the leadership of Davidson and his wife Sarah. Working in hand with church staff member Paul Cho, and under the culinary training of a local chef, the operation was formed initially with the desire to create a comfortable, welcoming space meant for international students.
The success of the food and space combination, however, grew far beyond initial expectations.
"From there, it expanded and took a life of its own,†said Davidson. "We've always had the hope to be open twice a week, but that would require another volunteer team. We're open to interested parties.â€
The Rose City Church staff plans on opening the Café door again next fall; they are currently considering whether to continue for this Extended Spring term.
- EDITORIAL: Apologize about the real problem - April 23, 2014
- STATEMENT: District apologizes to Oscar winning alum - April 21, 2014
- EDITORIAL: The Forgotten Students - March 26, 2014
- 18-year-old charged with murder pleads not guilty - February 26, 2014
- College opposes Chick-fil-A's plans to open near campus - February 20, 2014
- Friends, family grieve over fatal shooting of PCC nursing student - February 18, 2014
- Academic Senate still at opposite ends with administration - February 12, 2014
- Is the end of the hardcover book approaching? - February 1, 2014
- Dance class, a place to embody your homework - January 30, 2014
- Artist in Residence "Yes No" exhibit opens soon - January 29, 2014


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'He is in the quintet of the best in the world' – Emery admits stopping Hazard is key to Europa League glory
The Gunners gaffer is wary of the threat the Belgian poses ahead of an all-English showpiece against The Blues on Wednesday
Arsenal boss Unai Emery says stopping Eden Hazard will be vital if his side are to beat Chelsea and win the Europa League on May 29.
The two sides will meet in Baku for the final of this year's competition, in the first of two huge all-English European ties this week.
The Gunners must beat the Blues in order to qualify for next season's Champions League, having missed out on a top-four Premier League finish.
A major trophy triumph would also heap extra pressure on arch-rivals Tottenham, who are aiming to become only the second London club in history to win the European Cup when they take on Liverpool in Madrid this Saturday.
One man who could ruin Arsenal's plans is Chelsea winger Hazard, who has enjoyed his most impressive campaign yet at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old contributed 16 goals and 15 assists in 37 Premier League appearances for Maurizio Sarri's side and as he closes in on a summer transfer to Real Madrid, he will be looking to end his time in west London on a high note.
Speaking to El Mundo, Emery acknowledged the threat Hazard poses his team, naming him as one of the five best players in the world.
"We know Chelsea well, a team with quality and a high physical level," he began.
"Hazard is a player of moments, but decisive moments. It is what we have to avoid. Chelsea is capable of winning thanks to him, and that ability I have only seen in [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Neymar or [Mohamed] Salah.
"For me, he is in the quintet of the best in the world. City, for example, has won its second Premier League but has done so more as a collective. It is a more complete team, like Tottenham, despite the contribution of Harry Kane and Son."
Arsenal have not won any silverware since lifting the 2017 FA Cup and have not tasted Premier League success since 2004 when Arsene Wenger masterminded an unbeaten season.
The Frenchman was unable to oversee European glory during his 22-year tenure and by the time he left the club last summer, the Gunners were no longer a major force.
Emery says he was brought in to help the team compete at the elite level once again, but insists winning trophies was not a requirement when he took the role.
"I did not promise titles, I promised to compete," he added. "What Wenger did in this club was very big. He managed to give a touch of quality to make the game more fluid and colourful, but little by little he lost the competitive gene.
"That is what was transmitted to me and what I was hired for when I interviewed Raul Sanllehi and the owners.
"The economic potential of United, City or Liverpool is greater than ours, but by history and structure, Arsenal is among the top 10 clubs in Europe, and we have to place there again."
Click Here: Maori All Blacks Store


text: Visual merchandising is the art of presenting store by displaying products to educate the costumer and to increase sales. It gives costumer the desire to buy the goods. Visual merchandising is a term in which visual means to see and merchandising means to promote goods by their sale and present products in retail market. BestRead more


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Provost's Funding Opportunities
The Office of the Provost provides funding opportunities for faculty looking to integrate new educational methods and technologies into their classrooms and learning environments. Faculty recipients receive logistical, organizational, and instructional support from the CTL. Visit the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation website to learn more about current funding opportunities.
A prior meeting and consultation with the CTL is strongly recommended to help develop the project plan and to determine the appropriate in-kind support level. Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com to schedule a meeting.
Summary of Funding Opportunities
|Innovative Course Design (full course)
|increase teaching effectiveness and student engagement through the creative use of a new pedagogical strategy and/or digital tools
|up to $20,000 + in-kind CTL support
|courses taught in:
Fall 2020
Spring 2021
Summer 2021
|Innovative Course Module Design (Start Small!)
|support experimentation with a new pedagogical strategy or tool (not a full course redesign)
|up to $2,000 + in-kind support from CTL
|courses taught in:
Fall 2020
Spring 2021
Summer 2021
|Large-Scale for Departments, Programs, or Schools
|support large-scale, coordinated efforts around teaching initiatives and exploration in a department, program, or school
|up to $20,000 + in-kind support from CTL
|2020 – 2021 academic year
|Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
|reach global audiences, make more visible the teaching and research activities of the University while promoting public engagement
|up to $25,000 + in-kind support from CTL
|Offered in 2021
|Emerging Technology Grant
|Support experimentation with new pedagogical strategies using extended reality technologies (augmented/virtual reality, 3D scanning/printing)
|Up to $20,000 + in-kind support from CUIT
|courses taught in:
Fall 2020
Spring 2021
Summer 2021
|Interdisciplinary Teaching Awards (ITAs)
|support faculty from different disciplines to work collaboratively on design and launch of innovative interdisciplinary courses
|up to $20,000 + interdisciplinary teaching course design institute and CTL consultations
|For teams of 2 or more faculty from different departments or schools collaborating on undergraduate or graduate courses that integrate content and perspectives from different disciplines
The CTL is here for faculty.
The Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning provides an array of support for faculty in both their work and their professional development.


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Hi Dr Andrulis
I am trying to understand your paper (http://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/2/1/1/pdf), and I am running into difficulty.
First, I like the idea of gyre. It is a lot like the holon idea introduced by Arthur Koestler. I like the idea of oscillation around a singularity, as the gyre reaches to high and low energy states. I understand the second law of thermodynamics to be two-sided, meaning that the equivocation of "reprensentation" and "recognition" is the only way to foolishly return to something one-sided; that is, yes the 2nd law hides a metphysical singularity.
But I don`t understand Figures 1 and 2. In fact, its is unclear how the philosophy of the gyremodel relates to the biochemistry (which I am not an expert). Moreover, one may describe the philosophy more generally before trying to integrate the model back into the biochemistry. One is led to a possible conclusion that your paper is another spoof that follows the style of Alan Sokal. But I want to show your theory more grace than that, if only because Lovelock`s Giai theory is probably correct, as well as a neo-vitalism, and panpsychism, all of which may be agreeable with the gyremodel.
I have my own Trinitarian vitalism, or theory, that I would like to reconnect to a chemical hierarchy and pattern of emergence, even by starting with the elementary particles. Mapping out this emergence in detail would convince a lot of non-believers. I thought just maybe that you have done this?
See some of my papers:
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Stephen P. Smith, author of Trinity: the scientific basis of vitalism and transcendentalism


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| 12.3°C Belfast
The sister of the Guildford Four's Gerry Conlon has called for secret papers on his case to be made public.
The 60-year-old west Belfast man was one of four people wrongly imprisoned for the 1974 IRA Guildford pub bombings.
Gerry Conlon and the rest of the Guildford Four – Paddy Armstrong, Paul Hill and Carole Richardson – got life sentences in 1975 for IRA attacks in Guildford which killed five people and injured 65, before their convictions were overturned in 1989.
An investigation by Avon and Somerset Police found serious flaws in the way Surrey Police handled the case.
It was considered one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history.
Mr Conlon died in 2014 weeks after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Now his sister Ann McKernan has said releasing the documents would help reveal the truth.
It was her brother's dying wish to see the evidence gathered as part of an inquiry into the case made public.
The first six files from Sir John May's five-year probe into the bombings were released to the BBC after a redaction process that took nearly a year.
They were obtained through a freedom of information request.
But more than 700 files remain closed at the National Archives at Kew.
"Gerry had applied to get in the queue," she said.
"They refused. They wouldn't let him.
"He knew that there was stuff in there that had to be released to the public."
The files so far include letters, memos and meeting minutes - which show some inquiry members refused to accept Mr Conlon's assertion that he was not in the IRA.
Mr Conlon always denied the allegation of IRA membership.
In the 1993 film, In The Name Of The Father, Gerry Conlon was played by Daniel Day-Lewis. He also carried Mr Conlan's coffin following at his funeral.
Belfast Telegraph


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Model: SY-KT400 DRAGON Lite
Operating System: Windows 98SE (Note: might work with other versions of this os.)
File: count.php
Soyo Computer SY-KT400 DRAGON Lite Driver. VIA USB 2.0 Driver for Win 98SE/ME/2000 ver:2.54File Contents:
This Drivers is designed only for SOYO USB 2.0 card, and SOYO USB 2.0 controllers on specified motherboards. this driver will function under Windows 98, 98SE, ME.
No file content information available at this time.


text:
€21,99 €41,98 You Save 47% ( €19,99)
The "Love" scrapbook inspired with the Valentine's Day gift idea, comes with the leather cover lace pendant decoration makes this book elegant. it must be good ideas for Valentine's Day or anniversary that can fully express your love? Maybe creating your own one is a better choice!
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Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com with any further questions.


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Dean of Darden Business School Scott C. Beardsley to Attend the China-US Summit Forum
The dean of the University of Virginia's Darden Business School, Scott C. Beardsley will participate in the "China-Germany Industrial Intelligence Summit Forum."
On June 12, in the majestic city of Shanghai, EqualOcean and Darden Business School will hold the "China-Germany Industrial Intelligence Summit Forum."
Experts and scholars from all over the world, founders of tech companies, and top VC partners are invited to share their insights into the new global economic situation.
The discussion will be mainly about how the new technology represented by artificial intelligence can enable the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and what is its impact on humans in the future.
Scott Beardsley will be sharing his experiences and ideas at the forum. Here's a brief introduction of Scott C. Beardsley:
Since 2015, Scott C. Beardsley serves as the ninth dean of the University Of Virginia Darden School Of Business. A passionate educator, he teaches graduate courses at Darden in strategy, leadership, global business, and general management.
Dean of Beardsley, born in Maine, USA, graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the MIT Business School. After completing his MBA, Beardsley joined and served McKinsey Consulting for almost 24 years. Dean Beardsley completed a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015 and took over as Dean of the Darden Business School. He also served as Professor of Business Administration at Charles C. Abbott.
The 2019 Global New Economy is an upgraded version of the Global Business Summit held in 2017 and 2018. With profound influence, GBS attracted over 5,000 attendees each time in the past two years, who were mainly enterprise C-suite-and-above leaders, investors, government representatives, and so on. The theme of Global New Economy Conference 2019 is "Technology and Innovation Lead the New Era of Intelligence", and will introduce the concept of the "New Economy" and focus on the combination of industry and new technology including but not restricted to Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The 2019 Global New Economy from June 12 to 14 is jointly organized by the Changning Chapter of Shanghai Youth Federation and EqualOcean under the guidance of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and the Shanghai Changning District Government.
Click the link to complete the registration: China-US Industrial Intelligence Summit Forum


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HMS Group signs Rub 10.2 BN contract
Moscow, Russia – March 1, 2017 - HMS Group (LSE: HMSG) announces today that it has signed a 10.2 billion rubles contract for delivery and installation of oil & gas equipment for one of the largest gas fields in Russia.
In accordance with the contract, HMS Neftemash will manufacture and deliver a range of technologically integrated solutions, including helium concentrate membrane recovery units (skids 1st and 2nd stage), interstage compressor stations based on turbo-compressor units and gas booster stations, in the first quarter of 2018.
Mr. Artem Molchanov, CEO of HMS Group, commented:
"The scope of works includes development and delivery of initial data for design followed by manufacturing and procurement of sophisticated technological equipment, within an extremely short time frame.
There are very few similar projects realized in the world, and it is the first project of this kind in Russia. HMS Group will design and manufacture equipment to operate under adverse climatic conditions. The substantial range of HMS-manufactured equipment together with equipment made by other producers imposes special requirements for procurement, logistics and project management."
About HMS Group
HMS Group is the leading pump and compressor manufacturer, as well as the provider of flow control solutions and related services for the oil and gas, petrochemistry, nuclear and thermal power generation, water and wastewater sectors in Russia and the CIS headquartered in Moscow, Russia. HMS Group's products are mission-critical elements of projects across a diverse range of industries. HMS has a listing on the London Stock Exchange in the form of global depositary receipts (LSE: HMSG).
News ArchiveSubscribe to Newsletter


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A microscope is a device, used when you want to look at objects which are very small in size which we cannot see from our naked eyes. The need to see any object up close, does not matter where you are this is why portable microscopes came in to use and were made. One can use and place Pocket lightweight microscope anywhere, whether it is classroom, and comes with rubber eye guard which make it comfortable and safe for young students. Pocket microscopes are smaller in size but their visual power is very capable. In simple terms it makes small things look big. When you use a pocket microscope, young kids, students and those who want to be scientist can examine outdoor and indoor objects. Pocket microscopes are small and light weight. It is a wonderful device for every person, like students for their school projects and other activities or those who see their future as scientists, also those who want to go do their science related activities.
Here is a brief note about this lightweight device as per their features:
1) Size near about to lighter and light weight: Pocket lightweight microscope's size is like lighter, so it is very easy to carry. You can take it anywhere and start your work anytime. So you do not need to worry about anything. It is very useful device and gives great support in your work related to your study and projects.
2) Magnification: It provides you a powerful way which helps you to see your objects very closely. It makes the size large enough as per your need when you try to see very small objects.
3) Rubber eyepiece: Pocket microscope have rubber eyepiece which comfort your eyes and fits over your telescope. It blocks lights from neighborhood, traffic and other source, which helps you in your work without any problem. It also keeps your eyes in position.
4) Built in light: There is a built in light which will provide you clear and bright image while your observation. It will help you to see the object more clearly. This feature helps in great way to see your object with new vision. In simple terms we will find that with surrounding of smaller objects all around us in our big and beautiful universe, this pocket microscope will be of great help for experiments. It is great for science education, for jewelers etc. and for all those who want to do various activities in their free time for their fun.
This small and perfect device will help everyone in every way. Use it within your workshop, college, school laboratory or at home. Experience every object with new angle, and get every object close to your eyes. Feel every object like never before. This new design updates and improves have made it very popular. It is the perfect carry-with-you-everywhere microscope. They provide high resolving power and great amount of brightness in the final image. So go for it without any doubt in your mind.


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I've always wanted a bumper sticker that says "USAFA Gay Alumni Association."
It may be just on the horizon.
I got a call the other day from a guy whose goal it is to organize such a thing.
What is USAFA you might ask?
It is the United States Air Force Academy, that venerable but incredibly sexist and homophobic institution that asked me to resign my post as a "cadet-second-class" a few hours after my final of seven four-hour final exams on that unforgettable day in December of 1990.
I got this email a couple of weeks ago:
Hi [Blogauthor],
My name is [cut for confidentiality purposes]. I'm a 1985 USAFA grad and I'm gay. I got your contact information from SAGALA. I'm doing preliminary work to develop a network or organization of gay USAFA alums. Navy currently has one. Air Force and Army do not. So I'm wondering......
Would you be willing to chat with me on the phone for 20-30 minutes? The main reason for the call would be to learn how you think an organization like this could benefit you and the gay USAFA community as a whole and what privacy concerns you may have or you think may exist for other individuals to participate.
About me
I live in SF with my partner (Mike) of nearly 13 years. I flew ugly (I say with affection) cargo planes and then got out in 95 to try the business world. A couple of years ago I started thinking about our school again. Since I missed my 10 year reunion, I decided to go to my 20th and, well, Mike was an amazing sport----he went with me. Last year I went to a conference hosted by the AOG (The Graduate Leadership Conference) at the Academy to tell us what's going on at USAFA - especially in light of the sexual assault and evangelical proselytizing that had been all over the press. Best part was the tour of Jack's Valley during BCT. I have pictures if you're interested. I then realized that our school could use some help in a number of areas. So recently I decided to focus on an area that is quite important to me, and I suspect it may be of interest to you too.
The idea
I've found there is real interest and a real need to form a network or organization of LGBT USAFA Grads. But the issues of building the structure of this network are complex - especially if it is to effectively serve both civilian and active duty grads, and if it is to leverage whatever support we are likely to find among the broader Academy communities and constituencies. My initial thoughts are that the primary focuses of this network should be:
1) Support (personal and professional including perhaps even mentorship)
2) Visibility and Advocacy (I'm not really sure what these should mean yet - what do you think?).
------Confidentiality, privacy and safety will certainly be an important prerequisite for some grads (both civilian and active duty) in order to participate, others will be at the other end of the spectrum (i.e. WAY OUT).
I'm two and a half weeks into this idea and I have realized that the most important current task for me is to speak with a significant number of grads to understand what folks want or need. So I'm hoping we can talk and exchange some ideas.
Can we schedule a call?
Best regards,
[Incredibly Efficient and Determined Man]
So, I talked with him after clarifying that I was/am not, in fact, a USAFA alumni.
The conversation was fascinating. He wondered how such an organization could help me and what I thought an organization should be about and should provide for its members.
I had to say that I didn't think that such an organization would help me in any specific way. I do not think of myself as being attached to that institution, formally or informally, but have to admit that the experience and the deep wounds that it caused affects me at both a conscious and subconscious way on almost a daily basis. I cannot even describe to you what it was like to apply to such an institution (you not only have to be accepted into the school, you also have to be interviewed and recommended by a senator or house representative in order to attend), survive the first year (academically, militarily, and physically), orient your life's goals around the military's peculiar occupational ladder and then, on the eve of receiving your class ring (mine was ordered and paid for... you get it at the end of your junior year when you become a "firstie" or a first-class-cadet) be told that since you've been outed as a lesbian, you have to leave and start over somewhere else. Tomorrow.
It was both the best and the worst thing that ever happened to me in my entire life.
During the call, the guy wondered who I thought should be considered members in the organization. Should it be limited to grads? to gays?
Other than some of my immediate friends with whom I attended USAFA (many of which have subsequently come out) I never really considered the gays and lesbians that made it through and then continued to be GLBT military members. And I never really considered men in this situation. As I told the guy, my stereotypes of the occupation itself (appearing to attract a mainly gay female clientelle rather than a gay male one) and the guys that I went to school with there (clean cut, square jawed) led me to assume (in a sexist and homophobic way) that the majority of GLBTs associated with USAFA would be women.
What struck me though was how important all of the stories around this issue are to such an organization. On one hand, it is people like me -- people who got kicked out of the military -- that you hear about. People who were so obviously discriminated against. On the other hand, those that aren't actually removed from their position continue to live in fear and dread that their cohorts will learn the truth about their personal lives. He told me that there was not one person he talked to that didn't refer to deep wounds inflicted while cadets and afterwards in the military.
The caller told me that he remembered an African American man talking about the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama* (the first all-black military aviation program) and the issue of segregation in the military and that he dreamed of standing up in Arnold Hall** and talk about being a former gay cadet and military officer.
Now that is a dream in which I'd love to take part.
*In May 1943, the first group of Tuskegee-trained pilots was sent to North Africa to join the Allied forces. They were headed by Capt. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who would later become the first African-American Air Force general. The accomplishments made by the 99th Fighter Squadron, especially in it's collaboration with the all-white 79th Fighter Group in October 1943, helped pave the way for integration in the Air Force.
**Arnold Hall is the cadet social center. It contains a 3000-seat theater, a ballroom, and a number of lounge and recreation facilities for cadets and visitors. It is named after General of the Air Force Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, commanding general of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
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