text:
At least he is wearing a hat
On the face of it, it seems kosher: talks are on to bring the 'Ultimate Elton: One Night Only' to India in April 2017
EltonâÂÂJohn. Pic/AFP
On the face of it, it seems kosher: talks are on to bring the 'Ultimate Elton: One Night Only' to India in April 2017. With four performances across the country (two in Bengaluru, one in Chennai and one in Mumbai), the organisers of this event are sparing no effort to rope in mega corporate and media support, with further shows to be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata and Shillong being considered as a venue as well.
Sir Elton, of course, performed in India only once, that too in Bengaluru, where those who attended say he appeared to be lip-syncing. However, fans of the Rocket Man need not get their hopes up with these concerts either.
Because rather than the real thing, the 'Ultimate Elton India tour' happens to be a tribute to the great man by one of his ardent impersonators and fans.
'Some artistes look like their idols, and others sound like them: Paul Bacon does both!' says the fineprint of the project's liner notes. With such a striking resemblance to Sir Elton, he has wowed fans across the world with his tribute to one of music's most legendary artistes, winning the National Tribute Awards in 2013.
However, fans who attend might just get to experience the 'essential Elton' through another dimension; "Bacon's dedication is so absolute, he even wears Sir Elton's actual clothes, sourced from the 'Out the Closet' sales," we're informed.
Bring on the outsized frames, the spangled high-heeled boots, the feather boas and the hats...
Chasing the lights
"We are leaving at the end of February to 'chase the Northern lights' as the experience is called," says Shobhaa De, about her forthcoming trip with husband Dilip to Iceland, to mark the anniversary of their 35th year together.
Shobhaa and Dilip De
"Seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory has been an obsession since I was 10 years old. I guess it has to do with Heidi," says De, referring to a much loved storybook for generations of the city's midnight's children. "They have been a permanent fixture on my bucket list since then. Chasing them from Reykjavik seemed like the best idea, given that it happens to be one of the world's 'hottest' destinations for global travelers!" she says.
Will she miss the heat and dust of everyday, news-breaking India? "I am hoping political temperatures in India will have cooled down when I return — we may have a few, brand new CMs in place by then," says the indefatigable political commentator.
SoBo's grandest dame
"It's a very sensitively undertaken restoration," says the Taj Apollo Bunder's GM, Taljinder Singh, about the imminent intervention, which will be carried out on the hotel's iconic façade to make it look "even more beautiful".
The Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace and Taljinder Singh
We had called up the dapper Sardar on hearing the news that the hotel would soon embark on an extensive restoration project. Would day-to-day operations be affected? "Only minimally," says Singh, "Since it is on the stone and wood work that have withstood time but need care, it is mostly going to be done on the outside. So far, we don't see any F&B outlets or residential rooms being affected."
When and how will it start? "In a few months," says Singh, adding, "We are in talks with restoration experts in London and will soon be talking to city experts too." So there you have it from the horse's mouth: The Taj, like most beautiful women of a certain age, will be going in for a facelift soon.
Just vote!
Even as the city gears up for the municipal polls and there is concern that Mumbaikars will not cast their votes (statistics of the past four elections show that less than 45 per cent of registered voters cast their franchise), Mumbai First, the public-private participation set up by industry leaders Tatas, Mahindras, Godrejs, ICICI, Asian Paints and HDFC two decades ago, is taking the lead to reverse the trend.
Adi Godrej and Chanda Kochhar
Called the 'Vote4Mumbai Challenge' (an initiative supported by the State Election Commission), it calls upon corporate leaders to lead their institutions to a 100 % voter turnout (or as close to the cent per cent) on February 21 by issuing 'a call-to-action to all registered voters in their industries to vote. They have to facilitate this exercise by relaxation of two hours in the morning, and an option of a two-hour early departure in the evening; collate data on all registered voters in the organisation, and follow up with various schemes and initiatives until voting day itself.
That's not all: after Voting Day, there will be a compilation of how many per cent in each company voted, stock of the number of people in their team who voted (the inked finger is validation), and the top three voting teams in each category (whose voting percentage is highest) will be the winners.
'Tuesday is a public holiday' states the Mumbai First missive, 'which would easily be a lure to the working class to take Monday as a holiday, and convert it into a four-day long weekend. A note of accountability by the chairman/CEO/MD will bring more people back to the vote,' it urges.
As for the prizes: 'Nominees of the winning teams will engage in a round table on Mumbai's challenges and solutions with Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, and the winning team/ organisation/ individual will get the opportunity to present a white paper on solutions for a better Mumbai.
Chanda Kochhar, Adi Godrej, Sunil Sood of Vodafone, Shinjini Kumar of Paytm, Mrugank Paranjape of MCX and Kalpataru along with their organisations have pledged themselves to the Vote4 Mumbai Challenge, we are informed.
Roses all the way
If most of the city's movers and shakers appear to be missing in action this week, put it down to the fact that they're most likely at the big fat Indian wedding at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Sagarika Rai
Yes, the Bachchans, the Ambanis, and many others drawn from the film, business, and political fraternity, are all in the Middle East even as we speak, no doubt kicking up a storm of celebrations; but this portrait of Warp and Weft founder, the graceful Mumbai-based Sagarika Rai (whose initiative to showcase and support the traditional crafts of Benares had created the much cherished store at Marine Drive), harks of almost another era. Gracefully wearing one of her self-designed saris, the mother of two posing in her gulabi pink Benarsi silk, with a bunch of real gulabs in the foreground, makes for a delightful portrait, called 'Shaadi Diaries'. Nice!
DISCLAIMER: mid-day and its affiliates shall have no liability for any views, thoughts and comments expressed on this article.
Unusual and Shocking Christmas Traditions Around the World


text: Poll: Which cell phone carrier is the worst? 1390 views Aaron Baker - 1 hr ago | More by this editor Earlier in the week, Consumer Reports ranked AT&T as the worst carrier in the nation, citing poor scores in overall service and customer support. I have personal accounts with all four nationwide carriers, and I've traveled extensively with all of them. Like the other three, there are places where AT&T works well and places where they don't. Las Vegas during CES, where 100,000+ tech nerds are carrying iPhone 4s? Forget about it. AT&T in the Charlotte metro area? Works great for me. I turn it over to you. Which carrier is the worst in your neck of the woods? Cast your vote, and tell me why in the comments! Which cell phone carrier is the worst? Verizon Wireless AT&T Sprint T-Mobile One of the regional carriers Poll: Which cell phone carrier is the worst?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Monitor Advocate System
Related Links
- MA System Forms
- National Monitor Advocate Annual Report
- Monitor Advocate National Directory
- Regulations
- Foreign Labor Certification
- National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP)
- Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Agricultural Employment
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Programs Agricultural Operations
- Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
- Environmental Protection Agency Agricultural Worker Protection Standards
- Additional Resources
Monitor Advocates at the National, Regional, and State levels help to ensure that the employment and training services provided to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) are "qualitatively equivalent and quantitatively proportionate" to the employment and training services provided to other jobseekers. This means that MSFWs should receive all workforce development services, benefits and protections on an equitable and non-discriminatory basis (i.e. career guidance, testing, job development, training, and job referral).
The Monitor Advocate System is charged with:
- Ensuring equitable services for farmworkers
- Managing the Employment Service (ES) and Employment-related Law Complaint System (Complaint System)
- Implementing and sustaining a Farmworker Outreach Program
- Providing farmworkers notification of available employment services and workers' rights
- Facilitating the Agricultural Recruitment System for U.S. Workers (ARS) process
- Monitoring the provision of services through the Employment Service at the local, State, Regional, and National levels .
- Monitor Advocates are responsible for ensuring that services provided are in accordance with federal regulations (20 C.F.R. 651, 653, 654, and 658) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The Monitor Advocate System supports the needs of farmworkers by:
- Collecting information about farmworker needs, characteristics, and concerns to improve the provision of services to farmworkers;
- Collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders, including community- and employer-based organizations;
- Ensuring that farmworkers are serviced equitably through the One-Stop Centers (currently branded as American Job Centers);
- Producing annual service assessments and analyses to promote a better understanding of services to farmworkers and to highlight special efforts and accomplishments by states in serving them; and,
- Ensuring that all legal protections are afforded to farmworkers and that their complaints are promptly resolved.
The Monitor Advocate System supports the needs of agricultural employers by connecting them with:
- Willing and able workers through the Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS).
- Outreach workers and other agricultural organizations to share information on news, best practices, addressing challenges, etc.
- Other state and federal resources such as OSHA's On-Site Consultation program (a free safety and health consultation program is completely separate from the OSHA inspection effort where employers can find out about potential hazards at their workplace, improve programs that are already in place, and even qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections. The consultation is confidential and will not be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff. No citations or penalties are issued and your only obligation is to correct serious job safety and health hazards).
- The One-Stop delivery system (i.e. training services).
Farmworker's Employment Rights
If you believe that your rights have been violated, you may contact your State Monitor Advocate.
To view PDF files you need Acrobat reader.
To view the pdf file as html Go to Adobe's PDF-to-HTML conversion tool


text:
- Mens
- Womens
- Kids
Sustainably Made in the USA
FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50
Our premium organic Solids are unparalleled in softness and quality! They are made from 100% Organic ringspun cotton, garment-dyed and printed without the use of harsh chemicals or plastisols. They are also fair made in America and are delivered tagless and completely pre-shrunk. Our premium Solid tees come in a wide variety of colors and sizes making them a versatile part of any wardrobe.
**Please note that our heather grey t-shirts are 90% organic cotton and 10% polyester. They are our only shirts not made in the USA but in Ecuador and run small so please size up.
Have been wearing Green Label Organics for years. They are the softest tee shirts and the company has fabulous customer service! Unknown on Jan 6th 2017
We have many different kinds of these shirts and they are awesome! They keep their color, stay looking new after many washings and are very soft. Unknown on Mar 14th 2016
Love the t-shirts very much. I wear them on a daily basis. Feels, fits and looks great. Could not ask for a better product. Very good choice in material and color. Highly recommend. R. Valentino on May 27th 2015
Color nice. Length a little long and appreciated. Feels a little wide in the arm pits and fits more like a large on me. Good cause. Chester Kos on May 15th 2015


text:
Help Center
Help Center
How can we help?
Currencies exchange rate
Wirex allows you to easily convert between cryptocurrencies and euros, dollars, and pounds. For the instructions, see the How to exchange currencies in Wirex account? article.
Wirex exchange rate follows the market rate. It is based on the customer order book, exchange volumes and liquidity providers.
Have more questions? Submit a request


text:
Verve Stamps Pinecone Christmas, Plain Jane Psalm 119:105
Poinsettia Pinecones Die Set, Autumn Elements Ribbon Collection
Basic Grey Evergreen
Buttons & Twine
pretty! i like the colors and layout.
This is just fab! Love the background and that big red seam binding bow.
Great cards! Gina F
Love how you incorporated the poinsettia image/dies with this sentiment, showing just how versatile this new release can be!
Such a pretty card...love the vellum poinsettia.
I love blue added to Christmas colors. Very pretty.
Wonderful!! Those papers and the layout are perfect with the vellum poinsettias!!
LOVE the background paper!!
Pretty card. Love all the layers and that big bow.
Loving the bow and papers on this one!
sweeetness....love the ribbon and buttons....embossed vellum flower is a nice addition to that PJ
This would be great on display in a shadow box. :)
I absolutely love that poinsettia on the vellum! How do you get the ink to not smudge on vellum. I'll admit I struggle with that. Love the gorgeous bow and the overall elegance of your card!
Once again, love your layering. Beautiful card. Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed this hop and having the opportunity of looking at all the wonderful cards all have made. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!
Love the layering. The big red bow is so pretty.
thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous card - love the background, the ribbon and the verse.
isoscia at aol dot com
Beautiful card. Loving the papers,the ribbon and how dimensional this is.
So pretty! Great design and such pretty papers.
love the dimension-so pretty
Beautiful Christmas card and love the layers and ribbon!
Love all the layers, so pretty!
What an awesome give away, thanks for the chance to win!
Beautiful card love the paper.
Pretty card and pretty DP. The poinsettia on the vellum is soft and delicate.
beautiful card!! nice PPs.. beautiful verse...
Moxie Craftie
Beautiful bow!
Such a lovely and cheerful card. Like your backing paper along with your gorgeous ribbon
Love the layering and the great ribbon accent! I would cherish a card like this. Love the stamp!
Love all the layers, the scrumptious big bow, and especially the verse!
Loving that rust coloured bow!! Wonderful work as always :)
oh so gorgeous!!
Stacey, Love the papers,the ribbon and how wonderful that ribbon looks! Pretty card!
Pretty card and important verse.
God bless,
Peggy Allen
Beautiful card.
Beautiful card.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful card. Love the vellum poinsettia.
Wow! Love the ribbon on this card! Beautiful colors!!!
LOVE it. Thanks for sharing your BEAUTIFUL card.
Crafty hugs,
Beautiful card.
craftymom205 at yahoo dot com
Wow...awesome card!!!
Very beautiful!
Great card. As always a wonderful use of patterned paper and layers.
LOVE the background paper with that vellum poinsettia! Such an amazing look!
Lovely--I like the papers and the big bow.
I love the your cards! I love that the stamps are super cute and protray the real meaning of Christmas!
Gorgeous! Love that great big yummy bow!
coolest card!
Really like how you used the button with the poinsettia.
Beautiful card, lovely rich colours.
Wonderful rich looking card.
What a gorgeous card!
great designer paper and that bow makes the whole creation pop!
Beautiful papers, ribbon & stamp!
Wonderful card and love your big bow. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)


text:
The spectrum management solution of ATDI delivered to the DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS on behalf of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Laos
The international tender "Purchasing frequency assignment and licensing software" conducted by the Authority of Radio Frequency Management (ARFM) of Vietnam in July 2013 was awarded to the consortium gathering LLC ATDI Eurasia and Eltek Vietnam Co. Ltd.
ATDI spectrum management system is delivered to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Laos by the ARFM of Vietnam under a inter-governmental project conducted by the Overseas Development Agency of Vietnam.
ATDI successfully performed the delivery and installation of its spectrum management products ICS telecom and ICS manager, as well as training and data migration services.
Vientiane, Hanoi, Moscow, January 2014


text:
SO CLOSE!! Just over two weeks from now my cookbook will be here. To be honest, I'm kinda' freaking out. I decided to calm my nerves, by sharing another recipe sneak peak with you guys! First, let me tell you a little about what I learned with this project. As per ushe, my favorite way to do things . . . a list.
What I Learned During My Cookbook Project:
- I learned how self-publishing works. Wow. It has been a crazy, intense project, and a big investment, but I had basically the best teacher possible helping me. Mickey Trescott of Autoimmune Paleo, who is a huge self-publishing success, taught me almost every tip and trick along the way.
- I learned how to manage a team and a project. I do not believe a book, of any type, can be written entirely alone. It's an enormous undertaking. Luckily, I learned who the key players were that I needed, identified them among the amazing people I know, and figured out how to direct each of their contributions.
- I learned how to stick to it. Some folks might think that I already know a thing or two about sticking to it. After all, I've been following AIP for nearly three years now. I have never stuck to a self-driven project of this nature for this long, start to finish though. It feels great to be nearing the finish line after a year of work.
- I learned that it is an honor to have a voice at all. I'm grateful to my husband and daughter for letting me put my voice out there. Many people will never have the crucial family support for this kind of project. I'm grateful to my high school English teachers, Tim Schaff, the late Dorothy Justice, and Gordon Gildroy, for teaching me to articulate myself in writing. There are millions of women all over the globe who are illiterate, unable to make their voice heard. I'm grateful to my readers for being an encouraging audience. I am so lucky that what I have offered this far, has been well-received by all of you. Basically, a lot had to happen to give me this opportunity and I have learned not to take it for granted.
So, now that you know how much I learned this last year . . . let me share one of the delicious recipes with you!
- 1¾ cups filtered water
- 5 tablespoons salt
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 lemon, halved
- ¼ cup white wine vinegar
- 20 ice cubes
- 4 bone‐in pork chops
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, salt, onion, garlic, rosemary, bay leaves, lemon and vinegar. Bring mixture to boil over high heat, stirring until salt dissolves. Remove from heat, cover and let sit 10 minutes.
- Place ice in a large bowl. Pour brine over ice and stir to melt.
- Place pork chops in a large freezer bag. Add brine and seal. To avoid spills, place bag in a large bowl and set in refrigerator for 3 hours.
- After brining, remove chops from bag. Rinse and pat dry. Discard brine. Grill over high heat for 2‐3 minutes per side. Serve and enjoy!
I am getting so darn excited to share with the growing circle of people using food to heal! The cookbook will launch in e-book AND print formats (through Amazon print-on-demand) in just a few more weeks. Watch for announcements and THANK YOU for letting me have a voice in this community! It is an honor.


text:
How to Repair a Crochet Foundation without Ripping
I have repaired crochet many times and cut in to a thread doily because I didn't want to rip out. I have repaired doily's and afghans that have had holes. When you look at attaching a new color of yarn to an existing strand of yarn, it is not much different.
The following is what I suggest for creating a new foundation, for a crochet afghan where the beginning is not as good as the rest of the project.
I suggest you carefully cut the loops on the previous row. Don't just cut through as you would a piece of paper or fabric because this will cut your next row as well.
I am including an image of single crochet with this example. You will see two vertical bars that the red arrow is pointing to in the first image. Right above it is a horizontal bar, which is the top of the single crochet for the same row. If you cut each vertical bar on the same row, your next row should remain intact.
In the second image, you can look above to the next row with the green arrow, and see the same vertical bars.
You will want to run a strand of yarn through the next row, just to keep all those stitches together and not pulling out of shape. Use a contrasting color so you can see the yarn. I have provided two images above showing how to run a strand of yarn between the stitches.
When you get the old section cut off, you will work a slip stitch or single crochet with your yarn color to secure that row. Make sure you knot well at the beginning and at the end. You are creating a new beginning foundation for your afghan, so you want to make sure you go through all your loops and everything is secure.
You can do this for shell stitch afghans with shaping. The bottom of each shell and stitch will need to be loosely secured together so they maintain their shape and the stitches do not come apart. If you worked the chain, you can slip stitch or single crochet a new chain to the bottom of the single crochet, chain 2 single crochet or slip stitch to the bottom of the 5 double crochet, chain 2.
If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link. Beginner Crochet Stitches
Crochet Geek YouTube -http://www.youtube.com/user/tjw1963
Crochet Geek 2 YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/crochet


text:
Banning gay marriage does violate the constitutional right to religious freedom. It is stupid that we have banned gay marriage in so many state, especially because we are a country that promotes freedom of choice. Eventually it will be allowed in all of the states, even though it is taking longer then it should.
No, banning gay marriage does in some way violate the rights to religious freedom. Marriage is practiced throughout many religions and is based on the beliefs of people. Depending on the religion certain things are acceptable and others are not. Gay and lesbian persons have a belief that they should be allowed to wed in marriage, so they should be protected by their constitutional right to chose whom they marry.
Without a doubt, banning gay marriage is unconstitutional and fails to respect a person's right to religious freedom. The country was founded on various principles, and the right to freedom was one of them. Therefore, gay marriage shouldn't be banned in any corner of the country at this point in time.
I as a natural born American have the right to worship in the way and or manner I choose. No religion has the right to force me to adhere to its methodology. Therefore, if I choose to marry someone of the same sex, then it is a non religious union. And if there IS a church that accepts my faith and would openly allow me to marry my same sex partner before God, then that is our right. If others don't agree then don't come to the wedding! It is their freedom to not come! But I don't have to follow one word in the Bible if I choose to, so when my freedom is being banned on religious values, then my religious freedom is being infringed upon.
It does violate CIVIL RIGHTS, and also the Constitution. Here is why is why.
Religious beliefs should have ZERO part in politics of a country when it claims to be a country where we have religious freedom. If that is the case one single religion's belief system shouldn't be able to constitute laws. Such as banning abortion, and gay marriage. Both of these infringe on civil rights and the Constitution. How anyone with common sense doesn't get that is beyond me.
"Gay marriage" most certainly does violate religious freedom! There has already been a florist and a baker who were sued for refusing to cater to a "gay wedding". They refused to cater to this "gay wedding" because of their religious beliefs. The government sued them for it! Some people say that they were discriminating against these people because they were homosexual. That is not true. They were discriminating against what they saw as gravely immoral and sinful behavior and they were punished for it.
Banning gay marriage stops on a lot of the rights laid out in the constitution. People are supposed to have the ability to think and choose what religion they want yet the second it is "strange" or "unusual" they are trying to backtrack it. That is not right or fair to do.
I do not believe that banning gay marriage is in any way violating a constitutional right to religious freedom. However, I do believe that banning gay marriage is wrong. If a religious organization chooses not to marry a gay couple, then that is their right. The state should not interfere. By that same token, I do not think that churches should have any say in civil ceremonies. I strongly support the separation of church and state as well as civil rights for all, regardless of sexuality (or religion, or race, or anything). If a certain religion says being gay is wrong, then that's the business of that religion. I do not want that religion deciding what is or is not okay for anyone outside of that faith. If a church won't perform a marriage between two people simply because they're gay, I find that morally wrong but perfectly legal. I think that banning gay marriage violates the Establishment Clause, though, because it's recognizing a specific religious view.
Gay marriage is not an issue of religion. Bans on gay marriage do not violate anyone's religious freedom, but they do violate basic civil rights when it comes to discrimination. All consenting adults should have the right to marry whomever makes them happy, regardless of gender, religion, race, or any other classification.
In no way does banning gay marriage violate the constitutional right to religious freedom because it does not interfere with those who do not support it. One's business is one's own business, and one's religious freedom is theirs; religious freedom does not mean the freedom to impose one's beliefs and life system on another.
I don't think that banning gay marriage specifically violates religious freedom. If the requirements of a certain religion included being gay, or being married to a person of the same gender, then it would be a religious freedom issue; but it's not. That aside, banning gay marriage still violates PERSONAL freedom.
Everyone that says that banning gay marriage is unconstitutional, isn't using any evidence whatsoever.
Religion is defined as the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.
Homosexuality is defined as: sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
Based on that definition, homosexuality is not a religion. Therefore it is not protected under the Constitution.
Banning gay/lesbian marriages only prevents love, and creates hate for the people who opposed their love. Religious people may look on it as an abomination, but really it might just two, or more, people who really love each other, but can't because of the law, it's like Romeo and Juliet; hate between their families didn't stop them from loving each other.
I do not believe in banning gay marriage. However I do not think that it in any way violates religious freedom. Gay marriage is a social issue and should be adressed as such. It is not a religious issue as a gay person can be from any religon or no religion at all.


text:
Universitat Tubingen, Institut fur Astronomie und Astrophysik,
Abteilungen: Theoretische Astrophysik und Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften,
Auf der Morgenslelle 10, 72076 Tubingen, Germany
Abstract. The use of some Arabic medieval solar and lunar eclipse records for the determination of secular changes in the Earth's rotation is critically reviewed. The published results derived from these data suggest a non-uniform decrease in the Earth's rotation rate over the last 27 cy. There is, however, up to this day no sound physical explanation for the deduced 'non-tidal oscillations', with an apparent period of about 1500 yr and a semi-amplitude of some 4 ms in the l.o.d., which overlayed to a constant secular tidal change in the Earth's rotation rate produce a net non-uniform deceleration of the Earth's rotation. In this paper we discuss a set of observations, which were executed by professional Arabic astronomers. We show by our analysis the way in which the non-uniform deceleration of the Earth's rotation was constructed. A correct reading of the Arabic medieval observations shows that they do not contradict a secular constant.decrease in the Earth's rotation rate of nearly -4.6×10-22 rad s-2. This value is in accordance with other similar ones derived from ancient eclipse records and from satellite tracking data.
1. Introduction
Up to this day there is no better approach for the determination of long-term (or secular) changes in the Earth's rotation than the evaluation of medieval and ancient observational records of solar and lunar eclipses. Even accurate telescopic observations from the last three centuries does not allow the precise determination of such a small change in the length of the day (l.o.d.) of approximately 1.7 ms cy-1. This secular effect is made indistinct by much larger decade fluctuations in the Earth's rotation rate (Kane and Trivedi, 1990).
The conditions for a solar eclipse depend on the precise location of the observer on the Earth, and on the positions of the Sun and Moon in space. If we use the uniform Earth's rotation rate implicitly contained in a day of 86400 SI s in a computation of the eclipse path for a medieval solar eclipse, the derived eclipse conditions will not correspond with the observed ones. The derived eclipse path will be found to be shifted westwards from the place of observation by an amount proportional to the latitude of the respective path element. The angular difference in geographical longitude, Dl, for which one has to correct the calculations in order to make them coincide with the observation, is proportional to Int(w(t) dt), where w(t) is the instantaneous sidereal Earth's rotation rate. For a constant secular deceleration of the Earth's rotation Dl, or DT = Dl/1.002738 s, will increase quadratically.
In the above argument, we implicitly have assumed that ths Moon's notion, which has a highly sensible influence on the computation of solar eclipses, is known accurately, hi fact, it is as a result of modem measuring techniques like lunar laser ranging, a well known parameter since the middle of the last decade. Studies about the secular change of the Earth's rotation rate before this time were encumbered with the difficulty that one had to separate two highly correlated quantities from a single set of observational data: the Earth's rotation and the secular tidal acceleration of the Moon.
The secular change of the Earth's rotation rate has two main components. They are often called the tidal and the non-tidal secular change. They have opposite signs. The tidal is the larger one by a factor of ca. 4. The reason for the tidal secular change - in a strongly idealized model for the net tidal effect - is that tidal dissipation causes a displacement of the tidal bulge of the Earth relative to the Earth-Moon direction. The tidal bulge exerts a secular torque, which expands the lunar orbit while decelerating the Earth's rotation. The tidal secular change safely can be assumed to be constent for the whole historical period (Brosche and Sundermann, 1982). An extensive deglaciation event at the end of the Pleistocene, some 10000 years ago, seems to be responsible for the non-tidal secular change. Solid ice layers with a thickness of 3 km and a mass of 1019 kg above northern Canada and Scandinavia melted at this time. The result were a redistribution of water (global sea-level rise of ~ 80 m) and an enormous discharge of load in the deglaciated zones. The changing deformation of the Earth, which was produced in response to this event, caused arid causes a steady variation of the inertia tensor, which in turn induces a change in the Earth's rotation rate [Sabadini and Peltier (1981) and Yoder et al. (1983)].
Though the advances within the field of geophysics have been enormous, the relevant increase in the understanding of the historical observational record has been very slight. The editing of the Arabic sources is difficult and requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration. A review of the work completed up to date is discouraging and shows very clearly that a major improvement in this matter will not take place in the near future. Therefore, astronomers and physicists had to find their own way without the help of historians of science. But not one of them was really trained for this demanding task. The major work was done by R.R. Newton (1970-1984) and F.R. Stephenson together with L.V. Morrison and S.S.Said (1984-1995). The main difference between the two approaches was that Newton attempted a separation of the two highly correlated quantities, the Earth's rotation and the Moon's motion, while Stephenson et al. determined the changes in the Earth's rotation rate using a constant value for the secular tidal acceleration of the Moon (nÕtidal = -26.0 arcsec cy-2). In their new study Staphenson and Morrison (1995) conclude that a long-term fluctuation in the l.o.d. with a semi-amplitude of ~4 ms and a period of ~1500 yr may exist.
2. The Arab Historical Sources
One of the most important astronomical Arab sources, az-Zij al-Kabir al-Hakimi from ibn Yunus (d. A.D. 1009) has not met with a critical edition and a serious commentary. The zij exists as a fragmentary copy. The observations preserved in it, among them the most important compilation of solar and lunar eclipses of the epoch [Leiden, MS 1957 (Cod. Or. 143), Chp. 4-6], were used successfully more than two centuries ago to determine the secular tidal acceleration of the Moon. Caussin published in 1804 the Arabic text of these first chapters together with his French translation (Caussin, 1804). The printed Arabic text represents the-only serious preliminary study, but his French translation is not precise enough and sometimes misleading. Although this publication is by no means a critical edition, it was the basis of the modem astronomical and geophysical studies.
On the other hand we have the astronomical treatise az-Zij as-Sabi' from Al-Battani (b. before 858; d. A.D. 929), which, due to the monumental work done by C.A.Nallino (Nallino, 1899-1907), is the best edited and commented zij [Arabic with Latin translation and notes of the astronomer G. Schiaparelli. For a general view of this zij and many others see Kennedy (1956) and also Nallino (1944)]. Only one Arabic copy exists, which according to Nallino was written about A.D. 1100 (Escorial MS). Al-Battani has preserved in his zij two solar and two lunar eclipse observations. These are probably the ones that helped Halley around the year 1693 to discover the secular (tidal) acceleration of the Moon.
In the following section, we will discuss 5 observations
of al-Battani and ibn Yunus. The discussion of the other 36 solar and lunar
eclipses recorded in their zijes, has been done in Dalmau
(1993) and Dalmau et al. (1997). The few but
representative observations discussed in this paper clearly demonstrate
the unirained and incorrect use of the eclipse records by the authors mentioned
above. It is also the main purpose of our discussion to emphasize the problems
inherent in the interpretation of historical records and their prospective
solution by critical editions.
3. Eclipse Observations of al-Battani
Al-Battam was undoubtedly one of the greatest Islamic medieval astronomers [see Hartner (1970) for an extensive description of his work and his life]. The theoretical framework of his zij was strongly Ptolemaic. Al-Battani used his eclipse observations to demonstrate that Ptolemy's statements about the diameters of the Sun and the Moon, determined by Ptolemy with the help of two lunar eclipses, were untenable. In the 5th Book, Chp. XIV, of the Almagest we read: "... the Sun's diameter always subtends approximauly the same angle, there being no noticeable difference due to distance, but that ths Moon subtends the same angle as the Sun only when it is at its greatest distance from the Earth ... [Toomer (1984), p. 252]". According to this passage, annular solar eclipses were not possible.
Ptolemy determined a lower limit for the Moon's diameter
using two lunar eclipse observations, in which the Moon was near its apogee.
The method used by Ptolemy was based on two points: 1. On the knowledge
obtained through the observation of the time and the magnitude of the maximal
eclipse phase (according to him the middle of the eclipse); 2. On the knowledge,
obtained by his lunar theory, of the Moon's distance in latitude at the
middle of the eclipse from the northern limit of the Moon's orbit. This
is obtained for a given time from the tabulated mean parameters of the
Moon's motion (mean position in longitude, mean anomaly, mean northpoint
distance and mean elongation). Ptolemy's proof was correct and convincing
[see Toomer (1984), pp. 252-254]. Therefore, in order
that al-Battani's refutation could also be convincing, it had to rely,
1. on better observations of the time and magnitude for the middle of the
eclipse, and 2. on the mean parameters of the Sun and the Moon's motion
as tabulated in his zij [Al-Battam uses for his proofs, departing from
Ptolemy's argumentation, the latitude of the Moon at the moment of the
apparent conjunction for solar eclipses, and of the latitude at the moment
of opposition for lunar eclipses, moments that he calls "the middle of
The eclipses were observed in the cities ar-Raqqa and Antakiya. The first of them was al-Battani's main working site and also the reference place of his zij (ar-Raqqa j = 36°). Al-Battani does not make any comments about how or by whom the observations were carried out. Also, he does not comment how he determined the time of the middle of the eclipses. In the following, we present the results of our calculations of the eclipses according to al-Battani's tabulated values and motion theory (only for ar-Raqqa). The procedures to calculate the times and the magnitudes of lunar and solar eclipses are given in Chapters LIII and LIV of al-Battam's zij. The procedure for each eclipse calculation consists of some 35 steps. Starting point of the calculations are the tabulated values of the mean sun, the solar anomaly (in Ptolemaic sense), the position of the solar apogee and the numbers of days elapsed since the reference epoch of the zij (Du l-Qarnayn). Al-Battani's procedure is straightforward leaving no room, at any step, for any kind of assumptions; that means, a medieval astronomer wanting to control al-Battani's refutation of Ptolemy's statements about the diameters of the Sun and the Moon, would have obtained, following al-Battani's rules, the same results as we have obtained. It must be emphasized that al-Battam has not reported any of his own calculations regarding the times. As additional information -just to compare al-Battani's lunar theory with the modem one implicitly contained in the ephemeris DE102/LE51 of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory [see: Newhall et al. (1983)] - we have also computed some eclipse parameters using DE102. In the following only some important values are given. Al-Battam's descriptions of the observations are given in quotation marks [see also Nallino (1907), pp. 56-57]:
1. Lunar eclipse A.D. 883, Jul 23. (ar-Raqqa):
The time of the true opposition was 07:55:00 p.m. mean local time. The
Sun was in Leo 3°45'. From al-Battani's
|A.D. date
|Eclipse type
|Place of obs.
|calculated mid. of ecl. (author)
|observed mid. of ecl. (al-Battani)
Equation of Time (E.q.T.), we derive for this solar position: 3°4'; or 00:12:16 in time units. The local true time of the true opposition was 08:07:16 p.m. (equinoctial hours). In good agreement with the time given by al-Battam: "by a little amount more than 8 equinoctial hours after noon". According to al-Battani's zij, this lunar eclipse should have been total, with a magnitude of 17.25 digits (digits = twelves of the diameter) [modem computations using DE102 leads to 11.5 digits; according to Ptolemy: 11.5 digits], but from the observational record we read: "little more than a half and a third of the diameter".
2. Solar eclipse A.D. 891, Aug 8. (ar-Raqqa): The time of true conjunction was 00:50:24 p.m. mean local time. The Sun was in Leo 19ÿ32'. From al-Battani's E.q.T. we derive for this solar position: 3°16'32"; or 00:13:04 in time units. The true local time of the true conjunction was 01:03:28 p.m. (equinoctial hours). The apparent conjunction was, as stated by al-Battam, 00:07:30 after the time of the true conjunction, that is 01:10:58 p.m. (equinoctial hours) or 01:03:01 p.m. in seasonal (unequal) hours for ar-Raqqa (using day-hours of 01:07:34). In good agreement with the time given by al-Battani: "one seasonal hour after noon". According to Ptolemy, the magnitude should have been greater than 3/4.
3. Solar eclipse A.D. 901, Jan 23. (ar-Raqqa): The time of true conjunction was 21:19:29 p.m. mean local time. The Sun was in Aquarius 8°7'. From al-Battam's E.q.T., we derive for this solar position: 0°14'46"; or 00:00:59 in time units. The local true time of the true conjunction was then 21:20:28 p.m. (equinoctial hours). The apparent conjunction was, as stated by al-Battam, 50 min before the time of the true conjunction, that is 20:30:28 p.m. The time is counted from the noon of the previous day of observation; this means 03:29:32 before the actual noon. In perfect agreement with the time given by al-Battam: "less than 31/2 hours [equinoctial hours] before noon". In Figure 1, we have plotted the eclipse path with lines of equal magnitude. The diagram was calculated using DT = 0 s. The plotted magnitudes are digits of the diameter. The observed magnitude in Antakiya was little more than the half part of the Sun. In ar-Raqqa, the magnitude was " in the appearance" less than 2/3. From Figure 1, we can see that the difference of the observed magnitudes is, for any value of DT, not so high as the records insinuate [the varying of DT means that one has to shift the eclipse path eastwards in longitude with DT = Dl/1.002738 s]. According to Ptolemy, the eclipse should have been total.
4b. Lunar eclipse A.D. 901 Aug 2. (ar-Raqqa): The time of the true opposition was 15:21:28 p.m, mean local time. The Sun was in Leo 14°20'. From al-Battani's E.q.T., we derive for this solar position: 3°9'20" or 00:12:37 in time units. The local true time of the true opposition was then 15:34:05 p.m. (equinoctial hours). This is in perfect agreement with the time given by al-Battani: "15 1/3 + 1/4 equinoctial hours after noon, approximately". According to al-Battani's tables, this lunar eclipse should have been total (he observed: ~ 12 digits), with a magnitude of 18.0 digits [DE102: 12.8 digits].
Stephenson and Said (1989) analyzed the observations assuming that the only unknown parameter was the clock error DT arising from irregularities in the Earth's rotation. For the solar eclipse of the year A.D. 901 (in ar-Raqqa) they determined DT = 1840 sand for the lunar eclipse of the same year (in ar-Raqqa) they deduced DT = 420 s. Despite the fact that they have not considered the unusual definition of al-Battani's "middle of the eclipse", to explain this large difference in DT for observations done in the same year they have to assume either an observational error or a scribal mistake in the range of 24 minutes (using the correct "middle of the eclipse" the error is of some 20 minutes). This means, that the recorded times in al-Battani's zij cannot be correct (if one does not want to assume the catastrophe theory for DT - change of 20 minutes in 1 year - or an incorrect gravitational theory in DEI 02).
The agreement between our calculations and al-Battani's observations (see Table I) is obvious and reveals the true reason for the large difference in DT found by Stephenson and Said (1989). The tables in Ptolemy's Almagest and also those in al-Battani's zij require a broad observational foundation, as shown by the chapters leading to their construction here and there; and the lunar or solar eclipses mentioned above form no part of this foundation. As we know from ibn al-Qifti, al-Battani wrote two recensions of his zij. The extant Arabic manuscript must be a copy of the second recension, for it contains the lunar eclipse of August 2. A.D. 901. The first recension of the zij could not have contained this eclipse [and probably not the solar eclipse of the same year], because Thabit ibn Qurra, an elder contemporary of al-Battani, wrote before he died on February A.D. 901 some comments about one of the last chapters of the zij (Hartner, 1970). The zij was already published at the time of the eclipse(s). Despite these facts, the observed times are consistent with al-Battam's solar and lunar theory, suggesting that the numerical data have been manipulated.
Figure 1. Solar eclipse of August 8. A.D. 901, DT = 0 s.
To gain more clarity, future studies will have to reexamine the whole numerical context. Further, it is clear from above arguments that for the time being the observations listed in Table I cannot be used to determine DT values. Stephenson and Said (1989) by having used them (all weighted with 1.0) introduced a large bias in their statistical analysis, because al-Battani's observations are the ones in their data set, which produce the lowest DT-values.
Newton (1984), starting from his general mathematical analysis, discards them and argues that the error must come from recording and not from observation. He concludes that the observations, specially the lunar ones, may have been forced to agree with a preconceived theory.
4. Eclipse observations of ibn Yunus
Ibn Yunus observed a partial solar eclipse on December 13th, A.D. 977 in the mosque of Qarafa in the vicinity of today's Cairo. This is the first solar eclipse of his zij, that he himself has witnessed. If we compare it with the other eclipse records contained in his zij, we find something unusual, a list of the names of 8 persons, which precedes the observational part of the record. Five of them were instructed on the event which soon was to happen, but were not specialized in astronomical matters. The other three came together with him to the place of observation. Ibn Yunus does not comment, why he has preserved those names in an astronomical treatise. Perhaps he wanted them as witnesses or had another social motive. We give here the translation of the record:
"And the group waited for the beginning of this eclipse, and it sensibly began to appear, when the altitude of the Sun was greater than 15 degrees and less than 16.
And the opinion of those, who were present, was in agreement, that the eclipsed part of the Sun's diameter was about eight digits, and this is of the area of its circle less than seven digits. And its clearance (of the Sun) was complete, when its altitude was greater than 33 degrees, with about a third of a degree, according to that, what I [Ibn Yunus] have determined for myself about its altitude. And those, who were present, were in agreement about the completion of clearance (of the Sun);" [Caussin (1804), pp. 17912-15 + 1811-3; MS 1057, (Cod. Or. 143), p. 110 4-16]
The description of the observation in the first part of the record does not allow an accurate interpretation of the observed eclipse magnitude. The moment when "it sensibly began to appear" was not the astronomical beginning of the eclipse. Ibn Yunus gives for this moment only a vague measurement of the altitude of the Sun. This shows clearly that he either was not interested in making a better description of this eclipse phase, or that he simply could not make a better measurement of the observed phase (not of the altitude!). It must be pointed out that he is not saying: the beginning of the eclipse has occurred at this altitude of the Sun. He is saying: at the moment, when "it sensibly began to appear" the Sun's altitude was "greater than 15 degrees and less than 16". Very different the description of the end of the eclipse: "and its clearance was complete". The described moment is the moment of the end or just after the end. Only for the second determination of the Sun's altitude does he make a personal statement --using his authority--, that he himself has determined the altitude to be 33 degrees and (more) by about a third of a degree.
Stephenson and Said (1989), without a plausible justification, put the altitude of the Sun at exactly 15.°5 for the first geometrical contact (The first geometrical contact is the moment when the two luminaries are tangential to each other; thus, at this moment the Sun is by no means eclipsed). Further, they put the 4. geometrical contact at exactly 33.°3 [Newton's procedure is nearly the same. (Newton, 1984), p. 114]. They then deduce DT(l.contact) = 1820 s and DT(4.contact) = 1980 s and give to both values the same statistical weight of 1.0 in a least square fit with a parabola. Beyond the fact that it does not make sense to interpret the observed parameters in that manner, they introduce a systematic error by doing this. As one can see from Figure 2, the first and the fourth contact are not statistically independent quantities. DT is always the same for all circumstances of a particular eclipse, and this fact can be used to weight and determine a lower limit of error for the particular eclipse.
We have used, as a working hypothesis, the parabola DT = 31.5s cy-2 (t - t0)2 with t0 =A.D. 1800 (wÕsecular= -4.6×10-22rad s-2) and nÕtidal = -26.21 arcsec cy-2 (DE102), which is in. agreement with the modem determination of the net secular change in the Earth's rotation rate and also with ancient determinations of the same value. Thus, we derive for this date: DT = 2130 s. For thisDT value, the altitude of the Sun was at the moment of the first geometrical contact at 14.°25. At the moment when the Sun's altitude was 15.°5, the eclipse magnitude was 1.2 digits
Figure 2. Solar eclipse of December 13. A.D. 977.
of the diameter. For the fourth geometrical contact, we find the altitude of the Sun to be 33.ÿ0. For this AT, the maximal eclipse magnitude was 7.5 digits.
The eclipse magnitude was at the moment, when the eclipse "sensibly began to appear", nearly 1.2 digits, and this is in agreement with naked-eye observations. The eclipse record says nothing about the observational technique. It is, however, not necessary to speculate: such a retarded apprehension is possible. In the solar eclipse from Jan 24. A.D. 1004, which is the best described in his zij, ibn Yunus has recorded a similar case: the magnitude of the eclipse was at the moment when it was apprehended = 1.5 digits and the altitude of the Sun was 16.°0; but for this eclipse ibn Yunus makes an estimate for 'the beginning' to be as the Sun's altitude was 18.°5.
At the end of this eclipse record, we read that the Sun
and the Moon were each near perigee. In the following two eclipse records,
we find similar statements. Did ibn Yunus use these three eclipses like
al-Battani to determine the diameters of the Sun and the Moon? This question
and many others should be solved first, because the evaluation of al-Battani's
observations clearly indicate that they have been manipulated. In this
case, we must calculate these three eclipses using the zij of ibn
Yunus in the manner illustrated in section 3. But it is impossible to do
so as long as there is no critical edition of this important medieval source.
Already now we may safely state that this eclipse record cannot, by any
means (not even a statistical one) be used against the concept of a uniform
change in the Earth's rotation rate.
5. Summary
Historical observations of eclipses have been the best tools for determining secular changes in the Earth's rotation rate, until today. The analysis of eclipse records given by F.R.Stephenson, L.V. Morrison, S.S. Said and R.R. Newton suggests that there is evidence for a non-uniform decrease in the Earth's rotation rate. In the present paper, w'e have shown on a set of representaive observations how the supposed irregularities in the Earth's rotation were constructed. We have limited ourselves to the discussion of the two main Arabic historical sources written by professional astronomers, because the results obtained by Stephenson et al. have mainly been derived from this two sources (88% of their data set). In our opinion, the authors listed above have not evaluated the Arabic records with the sufficient care. They have taken the numerical data from the sources without considering the context. The statistical method used by them meets by no means the requirements of the subject. The theoretical models and astronomical tables used by the Arabic astronomers are essential for their work and their observations, but they have been completely neglected. For the present, it can be stated that the Arabic medieval observations do not contradict a constant secular change in the rate of the Earth's rotation, its numerical value being nearly -4.6×10-22 rad s-2. The exact determination of the secular change in the Earth's rotation will depend on a critical edition with a serious commentary of the zij of ibn Yunus, because it yields the best source of information on the relevant observations.
We wish to thank Prof. Dr. Harms Ruder and Prof. Dr. Matthias
Schramm (Institut fur Astronomic und Astrophysik, Universitat Tubingen)
for support and helpful discussions, Mr. E.M. Standish (Jet Propulsion
Laboratory) for providing a copy of DE102/LE51, Prof. Dr. Fuat Sezgin (Institut
fiir Geschichte der Arabisch-Islamischen Wissenschaften, Universitat Frankfurt)
for providing a copy of Leiden MS 1057 (Cod. Or. 143).
Brosche, P., Sundermann, J.: 1982, Tidal Friction and the Earth's Rotation II, Springer, Berlin.
Caussin de Perceval, A.-P.: 1804, 'Le Livre de la Grande Table Hakemite; Manuscript appartenanta la Bibliotheque de l'Universite de Leyde, et prete a 1'Institut national par le Gouvemement Batave; traduction', Notices & Extraits des MSS., vol. 7, Paris, an XII, pp. 16-240.
Christodoulidis, D.C., Smith, D.E., Williamson, R.G., Klosko, S.M.: 1988, 'Observed tidal braking in the Earth/Moon/Sun System', J. Geophys. Res., 93(B6), 6216-6236.
Dalmau, W.: 1993, 'Bestimmung des sakularen Verhaltens der Erdrotation', Veroffenthchungen des Institutes fiir Geschichte der Arabisch-lslamischen Wissenschaften, Fuat Sezgin (Ed.), Reihe A: Texte und Studien, Bd. 6.
Dalmau, W., Ruder, H., Schramm, M.: 1997, 'Non-tidal changes in the Earth's rotation rate: A.D.829 to 1019', to be published 1997 mAstron. Asttvphys.
Hartner, W.: 1970, Article: 'Al-Battani', Dictionary of Scientific Biography, C. C. Gillispie (ed.), Vol.1, Ch. Scribner's Sons, New York, pp. 507-516.
Kane, R.P., Trivedi, N.B.: 1990, 'Decade Fluctuations in the Rotation Rate of the Earth in the Last 200 Years', PAGEOPH 132(4).
Kennedy, E.S.: 1956, 'A Survey of Islamic Astronomical Tables', Transactions of the American . Philosophical Society, N.S., Vol. 46, Part 2, pp. 123-177
Nallino, C.A.: 1899-1907, 'Al-Battani: Opus Astronomicum. Ad fidem codicis escurialensis arabice editum Latine versum, Pubblicazioni del reale Osservatorio di Brera in Milano, No. 40, I 1903, II 1907 et III 1899.
Nallino, C.A.: 1944, 'Raccolta di scritti. Editi e inediti', Pubblicazioni dell' Islituto Per t'Oriente, vol. 5, Astrologia-Astronomia Geografia, Roma.
Newhall, XX, Standish Jr., E. M., Williams, J. G.: 1983, 'DEI 02: a numerically integrated ephemeris of the Moon and planets spanning forty-four centuries', Astron. Astrophys. 125, 150-167.
Newton, R.R.: 1984, The Moon's acceleration and its physical origins - As deduced from general Lunar observations. Vol. 2, Baltimore.
Sabadini, R., Peltier, W.R.: 1981, 'Pleistocene deglaciation and the Earth's rotation: implications for mantle viscosity', Geophys. J. Roy. Astr. Soc. 66, 553-578.
Stephenson, F. R., Morrison, L. V: 1984, 'Long-term changes in the rotation of the Earth: 700 B.C. to A.D. 1980', Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. Land., Ser. A 313, 47-70.
Stephenson, F.R., Said, S.S.: 1989, 'Non-tidal changes in the Earth's rate of rotation as deduced from medieval eclipse observations', Astron. Astrophys. 215, 181-189.
Stephenson, F.R., Morrison, L.V.: 1995, 'Long-term fluctuations in the Earth's rotation: 700 BC to AD 1990', Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. Land., A. 351, 165-202.
Toomer, G. J.: 1984, Ptolemy 's Almagest, London.
Yoder, C.F., Williams, J.G., Dickey, J.O., Schutz,
B.E., Eanes, R.J., Tapley, B.D.: 1983, 'Secular variation of Earth's gravitational
harmonic h coefficient from Lageos and nontidal acceleration of Earth's
rotation'. Nature 303, 757-762.


text:
Get 50% OFF when you use the Coupon Code HOME24 upon checkout of www.AdamAndEve.com. Plus you'll also received FREE Shipping and FREE His and Hers Romance Kit!
For women, the G-spot can be one of the most arousing and orgasm-inducing areas of the body to stimulate. It's always ideal to have a vibrator that will directly target and stimulate this particular spot.
The G-Kiss Prostate Vibrator features dual motors for the ultimate arousal experience. The contoured vibrating tip is perfect for g-spot arousal. Enjoy more orgasms thanks to the vibrating clitoral stimulator with pleasure nubs. This vibrator is sure to increase your g-spot and clitoral stimulation during foreplay or sex. Designed with your pleasure in mind, the vibrator is optimally shaped to maximize your G-Spot and clitoral stimulation. The contoured tip makes it easier to find and rub your G-Spot, while the enlarged stimulator is positioned to always tickle your clit no matter how you move! Add in the dual vibrator motors offering multiple vibration speeds, and you've got a sure thing!
The G-Kiss Prostate Stimulator uses an angled head to massage the woman's G-Spot, giving heightened sexual pleasure. In addition, the G-Kiss also includes a second nub that will massage the clitoris. The dual motors provide 3 powerful ascending speeds that deliver powerful pleasure. Made from rubber-like TPR, the vibrator is soft and unscented. The tip is flexible for your comfort, while the shaft is firm and stiff for easier penetration.
G-Kiss is the Ultimate in Feminine Arousal! Small and nifty, your g-spot will be in expert hands with this dedicated g-spot arouser. It will have you in throws of ecstasy and well on your way to your first ever g-spot powered orgasm. The G-Kiss is a dual-stimulation sex toy that works well for those who want a rabbit that stands out from others in both design and vibrations. The smaller-size makes it optimal for those who prefer smaller girth, and the softer vibrations are a much-needed alternative to the powerhouse rabbit vibrators out there.
The vibrator measures 1.25 inches across at its widest point and 7 inches long, with up to 4 inches insertable. A push button controller in the base lets you turn the sex toy on and off and change the 3 different vibration speeds. The vibrator is completely waterproof so you enjoy it in the shower to add some sizzle to your morning or in the hot tub to relax after a long day. Adam and Eve recommend the G-Kiss Vibrator for women to use for G-Spot stimulation during foreplay and sex.
With dual motors and a specialized design for optimal G-Spot and clitoral arousal, this vibrator is like a wish come true! Vibrator smooches your G-Spot & teases your clit!
Again, that's Coupon Code HOME24 at www.AdamAndEve.com checkout!


text:
Please read description carefully.
Do not base your order on the picture presented.
Description of the Fisher Scientific Isotemp Ceramic Hotplate Stirring, Ceramic, 7.25, 120V
Experience exceptional safety and temperature performance for your routine protocols. Available in three sizes, providing flexibility from microscale chemistries to production operations.
Advanced technology
Strong magnetic coupling
Temperature adjustable in 1 degree increments
HOT TOP warning system designed to protect from accidental burns with prominent display when heating surface is above 50°C (122°F)
Automatic over-temperature protection
Flexible, robust design
Top plate choices in ceramic or aluminum
Raised display design protects electronics from spills
Optional temperature probe and splash guard protection shield
Variable sizes for different sample volumes
Max. Temperature (Metric): 540°C
Voltage : 110-120V
Top Plate Material: Ceramic
Surface Area (English) Heating: 7.25 x 7.25 in
Surface Area (Metric) Heating: 18.4 x 18.4cm
Hertz : 50/60Hz
Certifications/Compliance : cCSAus
Plug Type : US style
Dimensions (L x W x H): 13 x 8.2 x 3.8 in. (33 x 20.8 x 9.7cm)
Electrical Requirements : 100-120V 50/60Hz
Description: Hotplate Stirrer
Stirring Range: 50 to 1,500rpm
Eligible for FREE or discounted ground shipping.
Medex SKU: FSC-SP88857200


text:
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The reasons the bugs aren't so bad
Posted by Lori West at 2:54 PM 1 comments
Once upon a paper chain
Posted by Lori West at 2:01 PM 0 comments
Out on the playground
Posted by Lori West at 12:48 PM 0 comments
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Update on Berto
Berto has been with us for just over two weeks now and has come along remarkably!! Pat and Melinda were gone for the first week or so that he was here, and so it was fun (and tiring) to be a very involved part of helping him get back on his feet! He spent the first few days being tube fed every four hours, and after a few das graduated to eating cereal and still receiving liquids via the tube. He started to eat really well and also started to interact a lot. He would respond to you calling his name with a little coo, and then would "talk" back and forth for a while if you took the time. He started smiling a lot, when he wasn't mad as he realized that when he cried, he would get food! It was amazing, and sometimes frusterating, to see how his character changed once he gained some strength and realized there was food on demand(well, within a schedule of course!) I was very tired after getting up a few times each night to feed him and settle him back down, and was so happy when he started sleeping through the night. Pat and Melinda came back and took back over caring for him, and he has continued to do well. Pat says he's been eating like a horse, and we've had him drinking from a pliable rubber nipple sippy cup, though he can be really stubborn to get to drink due to his high pallet and lack of patience! I'm back spending most of my time downstairs, but still get a few minutes here and there to spend with him. He's really starting to get quite the attitude, which I've learned since being here is common with kids who have suffered from malnutrition, and can get very indignant when he realizes no one is holding him!! He laughed out loud for the first time the other night and it was very precious to hear. We got him dressed up in a new outfit Pat brought home for him and he looked so cute! Thanks for your prayers for him and please continue to pray as we wait and see what his family is going to do regarding leaving him with us or attempting to care for him again after he is completely healthy again. gn="center">
Berto's Arrival Day
One week after being with us
Berto's feet yesterday
Berto 2 weeks after arriving
Posted by Lori West at 5:09 AM 2 comments
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A Day at the Rescue Centre
We arrived just before lunch and met up with Jon's sister Tori and had a great meal together, and then got to see and meet the kids there. Right now they have 70 admited patients, mostly children, who are malnourished and/or are severe burn victims, who they keep and nourish and heal until they are ready to go home. They have a large number if babies who they keep for two years until they can be sent home, as their mothers have died and their fathers cannot care for such small babies. The children come through the clinic which Lori runs, and then some are admitted to the rescue centre which Licia runs. I could not get over how much they do in such a small space!! It made me so appreciative of the large home we have and yard for the children to play in! However, the children are very happy and loving and it was so neat to be a part of their day. It was bathing time, so we got busy stripping down kids and helping to get them cleaned up...and my word did that keep us busy. Besides bathing kids we were keeping kids out of the clean water buckets and having kids saying "mwen-mem" over and over hoping the new "blancs" would pick them to bathe next! I very quickly got nicknamed "ti-blanc" (little white) thanks to this little pixie named Sophia who you could just see the mischief ooze out of! It was fun to recognize some of the faces from Lori and Licia's blogs and see how much they have changed!!
Posted by Lori West at 9:37 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sad Little Berto
Giving Berto a bath
His feet were all swollen and covered in sores and filth
We weighed him and he is 9lb 4 oz....oh, and he's one year old.
Melinda calming him down after she finished cleaning and bandaging him all up.
Berto is holding his own at this point. He is being tube fed and is doing well with 4oz of formula. His head and feet are looking much better today. He was seizing constantly so he is now on an anit-convulsant medication called Phenobarbitol, and this has helped tremendously. He responds when we call his name, though is not able to focus at all. Please pray that he continues to improve and that stay well when Melind heads to the states on Wednesday.
Posted by Lori West at 6:04 AM 1 comments
More Bon Fet
Yes, that is a chair breaking! But both Moise and Bedza managed to get their bums in it! The laughter lasted a long time!
Posted by Lori West at 5:56 AM 1 comments
May/June Bon Fet!
Happy 1st Birthday Julie(cake turned out pretty good huh?!)
Happy 6th Birthday Joanna!!
(she lost a front tooth the next day!!)
Whoot whoot!
Posted by Lori West at 5:26 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
For I know the plans I have for you...
So, I've emailed everyone I have on my list, and talked with other people, so I figured it was now safe to blog that I AM OFFICIALLY STAYING ON AT HAITI CHILDREN'S HOME!! This decision came after a few months of not knowing what God had in store for me, but the peace I have about this decision makes me feel like there was really nothing else I could have done but continue to serve here. I am really excited about the new things we are going to attempt to do this fall(more details to follow), as well as cotinuing to develop the programs that are already underway. Minnie(the gal who is also here long term) has gone home for a couple months, and will return before I head to Canada for a while at the end of July. My friend Laura asked me to be in her wedding on Oct. 4th, so I am not yet sure exactly how my coming and going will all come together, but it will be nice to be home for while. Your prayers regarding everything falling into place both for me and for HCH this summer/fall would be greatly appreciated. There are some other new events happening here, but they'll have to wait because I've been gone to Port-au-Prince the last two days in a row(another story for another blog, but please be assured that Air Canada continues to be as lame as ever) and I am exhausted!
Posted by Lori West at 8:11 PM 2 comments


text:
Ethical Consumers and E-Commerce: The Emergence and Growth of Fair Trade in the UK
Coles, Anne-Marie, Harris, Lisa, Journal of Research for Consumers
In this article we seek to investigate the claim that active consumer choice can influence societal transformation through study of the growth in the market for 'fair trade' goods in the UK, and by evaluating the effect of their availability through e-commerce. We assess this phenomenon with reference to the literature on ethical consumerism locating it within consumer studies, and discuss the role played by the use of information and communication technologies. Changes in the nature of consumerism have been identified, and the issue of the impact of the consumer in societal and global change is discussed here in relation to the wider issue of sustainable development.
The concept of ethical consumerism has emerged over the past 15 years to describe actions taken by individuals seeking to actively support products according to their perceived ethical credentials. Ethical consumerism attempts to utilise the rhetoric of consumer power to actively shape the market in a particular way. It therefore draws both on conceptualisations of the consumer society as well as the wider debate surrounding the process of sustainable development. This article explores the theoretical basis of ethical consumerism through the specific case of the growth of fair trade in the UK. In addition, the role of e-commerce is considered in terms of its potential to impact on the activity of ethical consumers.
Ethical Consumerism and Sustainable Development
The concept of sustainable development encompasses ethical aspects of both social and environmental justice, and academic analysis of ethical consumerism has emerged from this broad concept. Ethical consumerism can therefore be regarded as a process which contributes to an ecologically sustainable future through construction of sustainable lifestyles. Characteristics of ethical consumerism include both 'fairness' in the sense of support for producers and also environmental sustainability. Thus emergence of the 'ethical consumer' and 'ethical shopping' via recycling and product boycotts over the past decade demonstrates concern for sustainable consumption and social justice. Consumers, as concerned individuals, can orient their choice and exercise purchaser power in favour of products whose production has caused least harm to the environment. Through this process the consumer becomes connected to, and an active participant in, global social and environmental issues.
This approach has not gone without criticism however, as other commentators have identified consumption as a major problem both for social development and environmental sustainability. In particular Sagoff (1988) points out how individuals make choices as citizens which differ from the choices they make as consumers, furthermore while citizens have a long-term interest in protecting the environment, consumers are swayed more by short term interests and preferences. Analysing the role of ethical consumerism must take this broader picture into account, particularly in identifying its role in sustainable development. This would be helped if the relationship between social economic and environmental issues were better understood, as well as the role e-commerce takes in relation to changing consumer behaviour.
The fair trade concept, in joining the idea of both economic activity and social development, is replete with ethical and sustainable overtones. Ransom (2002 p 20) asks, 'can the process of production be democratised, ownership shared, organised labour encouraged, child labour made unnecessary, environmental sustainability and human rights promoted?' This is expected to happen through the established process of consumerism, the normal working of the market changed only slightly to ensure that a greater share of the profit is returned to the original producers
Ethical Consumers and e-Commerce
Transferring consumer activity to the internet requires adoption of some of the values intrinsic to the technology. …


text:
Difference between revisions of "Kothamangalam"
Revision as of 05:45, 26 December 2006
Kothamangalam is a beautiful town in the mountains of Kerala, India.
Get in
Nearest Railway station - Aluva 35 Kms / Ernakulam - 53 Kms.
Nearest Airport - Nedumbasserry (Kochi) - 34 Kms
Get around
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Wild Life Sanctuary) Thattekkad is 14 km from Kothamangalam is the home for the bird sanctuary where we can find some of the rare species of birds. Exotic birds flock in the sanctuary and make this place a heaven for any ornithologist.
Bhoothathan Kettu Bhoothathan Kettu is a good picnic spot, 10 km from Kothamangalam. There is a dam here and in the reservoir one can go for boating too. The legend says that the dam was built by a "Bhootham" using the rocks, which is the ample proof for the name. Trekking through the forest to the old Bhoothathan Kettu is very interesting. The forest offers a wide variety of flora and fauna and is a botanist delight.
Get out
Being a gateway to HighRange (the western ghats, Sahyadri region, is a high altitude cool belt with defined tourist places), almost every traveller touches this town. Famous Munnar is just about 75 Kms away.


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'Mac Apps and Mac App Store' started by Benjamindaines, Sep 7, 2006.
Is there a way to add image scaling to Safari a la FireFox / Camino?
I assume by image scaling you mean zooming in on a particular image.
While I'm sure there are a number of plug-ins available, my all-around plugin of choice for this is SafariStand. If you enable it in the preferences, you can scale the image by press + or -
If you mean "Scale to Fit," I can't remember if that's a contextual menu in Safari by default, but it's definitely there with SafariStand. (Although I'm not finding how to set that to automatically be done.) SafariStand also adds some other cool image things (Show Exif Data), too, so I recommend it.


text:
Donate to PSC
Together we are challenging government policy, forcing companies to stop profiting from Israel's illegal occupation, and holding the media to account. Palestinians deserve the same rights and freedoms as anyone else. Until this happens we need to keep campaigning and to do this we need your support.
Other ways to donate:
- Call us on 020 7700 6192
- Make a recurring payment using PayPal (see our main donation page)
- Make a one-off donation using your PayPal account
- Send a cheque payable to 'PSC' to:
PSC, PO Box BM PSA, London, WC1N 3XX
Make a bank transfer


text:
Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji 30th October 2017 Written Episode Update: Will Kanak Expose Nanda Maasi?
Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji 30th October 2017 Written Episode, Written Update on TellyUpdates.com
Uma gives 10 lakhs rupees to Maasi. Maasi says he is giving his hard earned money to her, will he not ask where will she use them. He says for her, trust means Maasisa and betrayal means Kanak Rathi. Maasi says he should start a new life and move ahead. Gabbasa informs car is ready, and Maasi walks along. Kanak searches Maasa all around house and asks Suman if she saw Maasa. Suman asks her to relax as Maasi took Maasa to Jodhpur hospital for check up. Kanak says Uma is treating Maasa. Suman says Maasi takes Maasa to Jodhpur ayurvedic hospital every 3 months. Kanak says Maasa's life is in danger. Suman asks her to relax, Maasi hates Kanak as she tried to change house rules got Uma arrested in Pushkar.
Maasa lying on car seat signals for water. Maasi picks water
Kanak searches for clue and finds Maasa's hospital report. She goes to Uma and showing report says it is Maasa's hospital report. Uma asks from where did she get it. She says she found it in Maasa's room and Maasi left it by mistake, and since Maasi might have gone far away, they should go and give report. Uma says he will and yells they are staying in 1 room till divorce and she should not show her rights on him. Once he leaves, Palomi enters and taunts Kanak that Uma went wearing her favorite red kurta, so she is indirectly going with Uma. She reminds Kanak of her slap and says it is a revenge.. Kanak walks out and stands near car. Uma asks what is she doing here. She says he must be in a hurry to meet lawyer for divorce proceedings, so she will come along and give report to Maasi on the way. Uma angrily agrees. She sits next to him and silently touches grease on gear and touches Uma's kurta and apologizes him, asks to go and change it. Uma goes to chance. Palomi fumes in jealousy. Uma drives. Kanak checking report asks if Maasi really takes Maasa to hospital. Uma gets angry and warns her not to talk bad about Maasi again. Kanak thinks what Maasisa must be up to, whom she is going to meet in lieu of taking Maasa to hospital.
Maasi calls her son/Aditya repeatedly. He picks call late and complains that he had to run a lot last night, so he is tired and sleeping. She says she tricked Uma and grabbed 10 lakhs from him. Aditya laughs that Ladnu's genius is a biggest fool. Maasi says Uma blindly obeys her, once he diverted, but she got him on line again.
Kanak with Uma reaches hospital and telling Maasa's name asks receptionist when is her appointment. Receptionist checks and says there is no appointment in that patient's name. Kanak says Maasi's name. Receptionist says not even in that name. Kanak asks how can it be and asks Uma where Maasi took Maasa then. Uma sits waiting for them in waiting area.
Vansh packs his bags to go to Dubai. Saras requests to take her along. He says their relationship is finished and he already told her brother what he was up to, so she should stop pestering him. Bhabo enters and scolds Vansh she told she does not need any problems at home and giving him tickets asks Saras to let him go. Vansh asks when he has to go. Bhabo says today.
Maasi eagerly waits for Aditya in parking lot. Municipality worker walks in spreading mosquito repellent smoke. Maasi leaves. Smoke spreads into car and Maasa feels suffocated. Maasi returns and taunts Maasa that she has already made her life hell, so she must be waiting to die. She feeds water to Maasa when Aditya comes and knocks car window. Maasi nervously turns and gets happy seeing him. Kanak comes out fuming that Uma is dumbly sitting in waiting area instead of understanding Maasi's plan and is shocked to see Maasi with Aditya.
Precap: Kanak sees Maasi with Aditya, brings Uma to show them, but Maasi escapes. Saras asks Vansh to touch sindhoor bowl before leaving to Dubai, so that she can apply it till he returns. He throws sindoor and says this his her place in his life. Kanak asks Maasi who was the man whom she was feeding laddoo.
Update Credit to: MA


text:
Shop small and support small business in a BIG way on Saturday November 26th!
Make a special effort to stop by a local business in your community. Unsure of how to find a small business in your neighborhood? Check out the American Express Small Business Guide (access it here).
Don't forget to support small online businesses too! In fact, we're running a special deal: FREE SHIPPING on any purchase all weekend long! This special deal starts on Friday, November 25th and ends on Monday, November 28th at 11:59pm.
So start shopping now! Visit Divine NY & Co. for unique gift items, table linens, craft kits and more. At check out use CODE FREESHIP112016*.
Happy shopping!
* Free shipping deal is for domestic orders within the United States only


text:
Meredith makes a deal for Time Inc., Funko gets a nice pop, YouTube is in hot water
Here's a look at some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.
Media company Meredith (MDP) is teaming up with the Koch brothers to buy Time Inc. (TIME) for nearly $3B. In a statement, Meredith said the Kochs will not have seats on the board and won't have influence on Meredith's editorial or managerial operations.
Funko (FNKO) is getting a nice pop today after JPMorgan initiated coverage of the toy company with a rating of Overweight and a price target of $14 a share. Funko went public earlier this month and had the worst first-day return of any IPO in 17 years.
Google's (GOOGL) YouTube is in hot water today. Several major advertisers froze spending on the video-sharing site after their ads were paired with videos that exploited kids. An investigation found pedophiles were commenting on videos of scantily clad children and then the YouTube algorithm was directing them to similar videos.
Apple (AAPL) keeps churning out the iPhone X. KGI Securities says Apple manufacturer Foxconn of China is currently shipping half a million iPhone Xs every day. The analyst expects shipments of the X in Q4 to be 10%-20% higher than expected.


text:
Professor John Kosmatka
Lightweight Composite Portable Bridges for Military and Emergency Applications - Professor John Kosmatka The need for immediate mobility in the aftermath of natural disasters, or on the battlefield, has lead to the development of light-weight bridging composed of aerospace composite materials. At UC San Diego, a broad multi-disciplinary research program is underway on the design, analysis, fabrication, and testing of these large (20-40 m) structures capable of supporting 100-ton vehicles. Improved composite manufacturing methods are leading to innovative structural solutions


text:
Monday, May 12, 2008
Theme of the Week Challenge
I'm taking a different approach to the theme of the week; no stories, no suggestions, no links, no hints as to my later posts. I'm giving it to you raw in anticipation of what you are going to share with us. This week's theme: Smile.
Posted by Deneal at 1:00 AM
Labels: Smile, Theme of the Week Challenge
1 comment:
- Jamie said...
boy, do I need this one this week... I'm having a hard time wanting to play along with everything that is demanding my attention. :p
- Tue May 13, 09:58:00 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Interview: Director Eli Roth
Is it true that a real encounter with flesh-eating bacteria inspired Cabin Fever?
Roth: Yes. I was in Iceland when I was 19 and I got this skin infection. I scratched my face and ripped chunks off. I shaved my neck the next day, and I took off half my face with my razor. It didn't even hurt—it was just really itchy and it felt good to scratch it off. The hospital was able to save my face. [laughs]
What did you get to put back in this unrated version of Cabin Fever on BD?
Roth: I know the box says "unrated," but this version actually got an R rating. I don't want people to think they are getting a much gorier version. They'll see the gore much better because this version is high-def. But there were a couple of scares taken out for time that really hurt the movie. I wanted to make a '70s-style horror movie where you really get to know the characters before things go wrong.
Cabin Fever was your first real acting role. How did that small part lead to playing the Bear Jew in Inglorious Basterds?
Roth: I played the part of Justin in Cabin Fever at the last minute. The cast encouraged me to do it because I had been reading it in all the rehearsals. When Quentin [Tarantino] saw it, he loved it. He said I played his favorite character in the film. So he put me in Death Proof . Then he put me in Inglourious Basterds because of Death Proof and Cabin Fever. So in a strange way being the Bear Jew helped get the Cabin Fever director's cut out there.
What are the chances of seeing a full-length Thanksgiving, the trailer you directed that was shown in between the Grindhouse features in theaters?
Roth: I would love to do Thanksgiving. It's something I've been working on with my co-writer, Jeff Rendell, who played the pilgrim in the first one. Jeff and I are batting around ideas, but we've know each other since kindergarten. Conversations turn into, "OK, which girl from eighth grade would you have sex with now if you saw her at the 20-year reunion?" It's kind of sad, but also fun at the same time.
You are developing a sci-fi epic called Endangered Species. Is the director of Hostel really gunning for a PG-13 movie?
Roth: I've stopped putting ratings on myself. Wanting to make it PG-13 was restricting how I was writing. My goal now is to let the characters speak and write the best movie possible. If it comes out PG-13, it's PG-13. If it comes out R, it's R.
The stories I was telling in the past were hard-R stories. All the movies leading up to when Cabin Fever came out were PG-13. You only had characters that were politically correct, that took showers with their clothes on, that had sex with the sheets up to their neck and I couldn't stand it. I wanted an authenticity to my characters and for them to talk how they're going to talk."
Are you more interested in acting now after the success of Inglourious Basterds or are you still more at home behind the camera?
Roth: I always loved acting—it was always really fun to me. But I like doing one scene or one shot. I never considered that real acting. I wanted to do acting like Hitchcock, where you just have a walk-on and people who catch it, catch it. Inglourious Basterds was my first real acting challenge and it was Quentin who pushed me to do it. I loved it, but there is nothing as deeply satisfying as scaring an audience as a director.
Movies.com, the ultimate source for everything movies, is your destination for new movie trailers, reviews, photos, times, tickets + more! Stay in the know with the latest movie news and cast interviews at Movies.com.
Copyright © 2018 FANDANGO MOVIES.


text:
While I've never been a big fan of horse-racing, I can certainly appreciate it from an aesthetic sense. Horses are magnificent beasts, and although it's been years, I've had the pleasure of riding them on more than one occasion. On a recent thrifting adventure, I caught sight of a horse motif (once again, in the women's scarves), and pulled it out only to find that at 13 inches square, it was going to be the newest addition to my slowly-growing pocket square collection.
It's 100% silk, made in France and printed with the name Daniel La Forêt, which, at least based on internet searches, isn't particularly sought-after. That said, the silk is super soft without being flimsy and with hand-rolled edges and a crisp print it seems like the quality on it is above average (and at $1.99, a bargain).
Like a lot of great printed pocket squares, it's one of those pieces that has such a keen level of detail that it's almost frustrating to know that most of the design is going to end up stuffed down into a pocket.
Zooming into completely different territory, it seems that I have a hard time passing up whimsical motifs of just about any nature these days, so when I ran across these socks recently at Target (in a 2-pack with a more staple print at $1.99), I again had to drop 2 bills.
I've already featured our dogs a couple times on this site, and while these socks appear to feature Greyhounds (or possibly Whippets), I couldn't resist. With the bases at least partially covered on birds, whales, lobsters, and the aforementioned horses, it was time to include yet another member of the animal kingdom.


text:
I can tell you what I will be doing differently next time I travel - carry a digital point and shoot camera instead of my Pentax MZ60. While traveling through 9 cities and 3 countries in three weeks, I found that my manual SLR camera is bulky and with the extra lenses more prone to scratches while changing them, but also the cost of having over 40 rolls of film to be processed. While taking a hot dusty train trip from Prague to Vienna in May 2006, I was cleaning my camera but accidentaly scratched the inside of my camera lens. Didn't notice how bad it was until I got my film processed. With a point and shoot, it will be more compact, no interchangable lenses. And, going digital, I will be able to see automatically if I got the perfect shot. I have my eye on the Panasonic Lumix FZ50, which I am hoping will go on sale next month.
Petra M, Vancouver BC Canada


text:
More of the Hiatus Crap
It really becomes a challenge posting stuff here sometimes. Simply because I'd like to post more often but I run out of time and can't seem to bring things together before I get swamped again.
With regard to my incomplete Fedora 19 review, it's probably going to rest where it is. I had two other parts but I've never been able to find the time to successfully edit them and bring them to something interesting or cohesive. So the two parts that are up here are going to be it.
I took the plunge and subscribed to LWN. I'm actually pretty glad I did. It's full of good reads and if you either haven't heard of the site before or have looked and considered subscribing but didn't, I'd really recommend that you do. Just in the past three days of having subscribed I've found myself logging in daily to see if there was something new or just parse content from the past week on there. The conversations on topics are lively as well.
I've been working on a project that's required me to flex my C muscle a bit and it's something that I haven't done in quite a while. Much like any language, spoken or written, if you don't speak it on a regular basis you start to forget things. It's a little worse with computer languages because you start to forget subtleties and C is ripe with them. To that end, I found a book called Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets. I'm only about the third chapter in but this book is full of really good coverage on esoteric eccentricities of the language. It also makes note of the origins of construct inclusions such as compound assignment operators (+=. -=) and even why they're aligned the why they are in a statement (i.e. in contrast of using =+ or =-). Importantly, it's really helping me to refresh my mind into the thought process required to write C programs. Having been writing Java for as long as I have, it's almost like flipping a switch and it's a little more difficult to handle.
One last thing I wanted to draw attention to is the latest post on the GNOME Blog about what's coming in GNOME 3.10. It looks amazing.
Until next time.


text:
Staff Pick
Chinatown by the Bay
by Neeley Main
This is the price your customers see. Edit list price
About the Book
Why Chinatown? It is probably one of the most photographed neighborhoods in San Francisco. Originally, I wanted to explore some of the less-frequented neighborhoods of the city. I was in search of something unique to both San Francisco and to me. As I set out each day, I found myself heading to what I discovered was the most unique neighborhood by the Bay, Chinatown. As I arrived at the intersection of California and Stockton Streets the unique smells of Chinatown welcomed me. There was the pungent, nose tingling smell of dried, salted fish in the entrances of the many little shops. Also, the aromas of the slightly, overly ripe fruits and vegetables next to boxes of dried mushrooms and roots of all sorts in the open markets that mingled with the warm, comforting scent of exotic spices from behind the foggy windows of the dim sum shops drew me in further. Floating above all of this was the almost sickeningly sweet, perfumed, smoke from the incense wafting through an open, third-story window indicating that there was a temple above our heads. On busy weekends, it was impossible to ignore the unique sounds of this neighborhood. First there are the many layered intonations of a language that I have tried to learn but I just cannot seem to master. Then the dulcet tones of music that resembles buzzing bees and screeching cats to my uneducated ear; the hawkers at the markets yelling out their daily specials; old women yelling to young children at the playground; tourists laughing at the various Mao-themed or goofy Alcatraz souvenirs in the doorways of the shops in the lower part of Grant Street. Then there are the eerily quiet alleyways that reveal in whispers their secret shops, temples, and gambling halls that only the locals know. These smells, sights, and sounds are all indicative of activity, community, and culture. I want this book to illustrate the liveliness of the community that welcomed me while I photographed their daily activities and their festivals, including the New Year's Parade celebrating the Year of the Tiger. This community is one in which the old and the young still bond through their shared culture. Many of the Chinese have moved out of the small confines of the neighborhood, yet they travel back, often daily, keeping the cultural connection strong for future generations in this Chinatown by the Bay. This book will be available on August 5, 2010 as a limited edition with a photograph from the book at Modern Book Gallery located at 49 Geary St., 4th Floor, Suite 411, San Francisco, CA 94108. If you purchase this book through Blurb and would like a print sent to you, please contact me via my website at www.neeleymain.com
Features & Details
- Category Fine Art Photography
Large Square, 12×12 in, 30×30 cm
70 Pages
- Publish Date Jul 13, 2010
- Tags San Francisco, Bay Area, black and white, street photography, Chinatown, film, B&W, China, Chinese, culture
See More


text:
Professional, Family-Friendly Dentistry in Columbia, SC
The entire team at Newsome Complete Health Dentistry in Columbia, SC, believes in increasing our patients' health and happiness through excellent dentistry. By focusing on the oral-systemic connection (link to Oral-Systemic connection page) and providing comprehensive dental care, we improve your overall well-being and reduce the risk of disease in other areas of your body. We ultimately strive to develop a lasting and trusting relationship with all of our patients through our professional, family-friendly and caring approach. Feel free to ask us any questions
Meet Our Team
Dr. Jarrett Newsome
Dr. Newsome is originally from Hartsville, SC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina in 1994. He then received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1999.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, the Academy of General Dentistry, the South Carolina Dental Association and The Greater Columbia Dental Society.
Dr. Newsome enjoys Gamecock athletics, fishing and spending time with his family.
Irene, Dental Assistant
Irene was born and grew up in Southern California, but in 2012 she moved to South Carolina. She is a Registered Dental Assistant with over 30 years of experience. She enjoys spending her time with family and friends, as well as her eight-year-old Maltese puppy named Brutus.
Ashley, Appointment Coordinator
Ashley was born in Lincolnton, NC, and then moved to Cherry Grove, SC, where she grew up. In 1986 she graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School, and after that she studied Culinary Arts at Georgetown Tech for one year. She then moved to Greenville, SC, where in 1992 her dentist trained her as a Dental Assistant. Ever since, she has been working in and enjoying dentistry. She is a diehard Clemson fan and enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her husband and six animals.


text:
16 Jan 2013, The Competent Authority has approved the new petroleum prices for January- February 2013 to be effective from Wednesday 16th January 2013 and therefore wish to notify the public accordingly.
Wholesale and Retail price Diesel, Kerosene and Petrol for January-February 2013 have slightly decrease compared to the price for December 2012- January 2013. The retail prices for January – February 2013 for Petrol have decreased by 1.01 seniti per litre to $2.79 seniti per litre [equivalent to 0.36% decrease]. Diesel have decrease by 0.97 seniti per litre to $2.88 seniti per litre [equivalent to 0.33% decrease] and Kerosene have decreased by 0.88 seniti per litre to $2.28 seniti per litre [equivalent to 0.38% decrease]. All changes including consumption tax.
Petroleum price for January – February 2013 is mainly determined by the movement of FOB prices in the Singapore market based on December 2012 average prices of the daily published Means of Platt's Singapore [MOPS] benchmark prices. Recommended wholesale prices have been calculated using the Tonga Fuel Price Template [TFPT] agreed and issued during the 2011 Annual Price Review.
The slight decrease in the price of Kerosene, Diesel and Petrol for January – February 2013 is attributed to the following reasons:
• Crude oil prices have remained remarkably stable given the economic uncertainly in the Northern Hemisphere and political unrest in the Middle East. The Dated Brent benchmark average US$109/bbl in December, almost the same as the previous month.
• Dated Brent has been trading between US$107-$111/bbl in December supported by Northern Hemisphere winter heating fuel demand. Cold weather has also increased demand in Japan and Korea.
• The Date Brent averaged just over US$111.57 for 2012. Oil prices have risen due to potential supply disruptions in the Middle East and sanctions against Iran. Uncertainty is likely to remain high this year given the expectations of a strong crude oil production growth mainly from non OPEC countries [particularly US shale oil] and the impact of high prices on oil consumption.
• Product prices eased slightly over the month. Comparing December month average prices to November petrol prices were down by US$0.58/bbl, with kerosene and diesel down by US$0.46/bbl and US$0.54/bbl respectively.
• The Tongan Pa'anga was relatively steady against the US dollar so the drop in product prices fed through to a small drop in local prices.
• The freight market strengthened, resulting in an increase in the overall freight component in this month's prices, and offsetting some of the drop in the benchmark prices.
The net results are a slight decrease in all three products prices for January – February 2013. Wholesale petrol fell by 1.01 seniti/litre with kerosene and diesel also down by 0.89 seniti/litre and 0.97 seniti/litre respectively. All changes include consumption tax.
Issued by the: Ministry of Commerce, Tourism & Labour.