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Like most, Hallie grew up knowing very little about birth. She certainly didn't know there was value in the experience and in the transition into parenthood. And like many in the birthing community, it was becoming a parent herself that allowed her to peer behind the curtain and see what had been hidden - that childbirth and parenthood are transformative. They are milestone moments.
Over and over we are inundated with messages that minimize the importance of childbirth and undermine our ability to believe we can even do it! That realization led to the creation of Hallie's passion to change the status-quo and she became a birth doula and childbirth educator. Since 2001 Hallie has been working to educate and support women and their partners during their own journeys towards parenthood. People are often skeptical of her passion and make grand assumptions that she has an "agenda" as she works with expectant families. They are right. She does. Her agenda is to help each family find their own agenda for their upcoming birth experience. Once they see it clearly, she is there to stand alongside them as they walk down that road together.
Hallie is certified as a childbirth educator through Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York (CEA/MNY) and as a birth doula through Doulas of North America (DONA). After living in New York City for over eighteen years, Hallie moved back to her hometown of Fort Wayne in 2007 where she lives with her husband and five children. Her passion for childbirth education led her to start Birth Matters, a family education center dedicated to prenatal and postpartum education and support. Her hope is to one day open a free-standing childbirth education center where parents and families can come during pregnancy and long beyond.
Services include:
- Free initial consultation
- 1 prenatal visit
- Detailed discussion of the family's desires for birth
- Education and assistance in creating a "Birth Plan"
- Ongoing phone/text/email support throughout pregnancy and postpartum
- Continuous support for mom and partner during labor, birth and 1-2 hours postpartum
- Assistance initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth
- A postpartum visit to discuss the birth and transition to parenthood
Click on the video below for a recent interview with Hallie about what doulas do and some of the benefits they offer to families:


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Professor Peter Franks
Peter Franks is a medical scientist with interests in epidemiology, medical statistics and health economics. He has been researching wound care for 25 years with his main collaborator Professor Christine Moffatt. Together, they established the Centre for Research & Implementation of Clinical Practice (CRICP), a charity established in 1994, to develop and evaluate models of care to overcome the specific needs of health organisations and patients. The work undertaken by the Centre has led to a number of successful implementation projects in the UK and internationally. Two main clinical areas of research expertise have been established, namely the management of chronic leg ulceration and the management of lymphoedema. The Centre has established links with academic and clinical groups in Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, USA, Japan and Canada. He was president of the European Wound Management Association 2005-2007, having served on the board of directors of EWMA for ten years.
In April 2001 he received a full personal chair in Health Sciences at Thames Valley University (now the University of West London), UK. In 2008 he left TVU to pursue his research interests and those of the Centre. His current position is as the director of CRICP, with academic professorial appointments at Glasgow University Medical School and London South Bank University.
He has been a co-author on the number of high profile research projects related to epidemiology and service development in both leg ulceration and lymphoedema. He is on the board of directors of the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF), having recently retired as its vice-chairman. He is also a partner in an Erasmus project (PoLyEurope – Postgraduate Lymphology Training in Europe) funded by the EU to develop a pan European graduate course in lymphoedema to medical practitioners.
To send an email to Professor Peter Franks please complete the short form below. Please note that all enquiries should relate specifically to Wound Medicine.
All the fields are required so please make sure you complete them all otherwise we won't be able to send your message.

subset: commoncrawl


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Gardening: China's 'glory flower' offers wonderful colours
Clerodendrums are a large group of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and woody climbers that flower late in the year. Clerodendrum bungei (Glory Flower) is a variety, native to China, that we grow.
It is a plant that is fairly easy to grow as long as you give it a reasonable well drained soil, some shade from the hot sun and some moisture. It flourishes in the shade of large trees where it will grow into a vigorous suckering shrub producing numerous straight, deep-purple suckers around the parent plant. The real joy of this plant is its wonderful flower head that is produced from late summer to autumn. The flower is made up of pink petals with deep pink buds behind the petals and it's this combination of two-tone colours that looks terrific. After flowering, prune these plants close to ground level to produce a multi-stemmed shrub that will produce more flowers the following year. It grows about six feet tall and produces large heart-shaped leaves. The leaves have an unpleasant smell when rubbed.
Clerodendrum thomsoniae is a tender variety, suitable for the greenhouse. It is a twining, evergreen climber that produces white, bell-shaped flowers with a crimson tip in summer. Clerodendrum trichotomum is a bushy, deciduous shrub that will grow outside in the garden. From late summer to autumn it produces white flowers with red sepals.
Conservatory Plant
Bougainvillea is a plant from South America. The plant is widely cultivated as a house plant in cool climates. In the tropical rainforests the plant can grow over 30 feet tall. The leaves are dark green in colour and look like ivy leaves.
The stems contain sharp thorns which the plant use to cling and hold onto other plants for support. The flowers range in colour from pink to red, to orange, to white and yellow. The plant can be placed outside in summer, the ideal place for it is a sunny, sheltered spot. In warm weather check the plant daily for water, do not allow the root-ball to dry out. Besides water a bougainvillea also needs fertiliser once a fornight, use a slow-release fertiliser. During the winter make sure the roots are not too wet or too dry. In winter the plant may lose its leaves, it is also the time to prune the plant to its desired shape and to repot the plant to a larger plant if required.
Winter Protection
To avoid the frost damage of recent winters now is the time to give some protection to our tender plants. Cold weather and particularly frost, causes the water in plant cells to freeze, damaging the cell wall of plants. Frost damaged plants are easy to see, their growth becomes limp and blackened. Frost problems are often made worse where the plants face the morning sun, this makes the plants defrost quickly and damages the structure of the plants. Hardy plants and tough evergreens can also be damaged by long spells of frost. In this case the roots are unable to take up water and plants will die from lack of moisture, a winter mulch will help to prevent frost getting at the roots. Periods of cold, frosty and easterly winds during April and May can also kill new growth, blossoms and fruit.


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Protein Bar Choc Mint
Protein Bar Choc Mint
Box of 16 x 65g bars
20g Protein per bar
2g Creatine
Low Carb
5g BCAA's
4.5 Star Health Rating
Made in Australia from less than 10% Australian ingredients.
Ingredients: Protein Blend [Dairy Proteins (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate), Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Nuggets], No Added Sugar Protein Milk Chocolate (18%) [Maltitol, Cocoa Solids (33%), Milk Solids (20%), Soy Protein Isolate, Emulsifiers (Soy Lecithin, 476), Natural Vanilla Flavour], Polydextrose, Humectant (Glycerol), Sorbitol, Vanilla Paste (7%) [Invert Sugar, Humectant (Sorbitol, Glycerol), Concentrated Pear Puree, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Sunflower Oil, Wheat Fibre, Natural Flavour, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Firming Agent (Calcium Lactate), Natural Colour (Titanium Dioxide)], Creatine Monohydrate, Maltitol, Oligofructose, Sugar Free Mint Chips (2%), Cocoa Powder (2%), Sunflower Oil, Stevia Extract, Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin), Natural Flavour, Salt, Antioxidant (Vitamin E). Contains Wheat, Milk and Soy. Made on equipment which processes Tree Nuts, Peanuts and Sesame, therefore these allergens may be present.
Excess consumption of this food may have a laxative effect.
Consume 1-2 bars per day with appropriate fluids. Formulated Supplementary Sports Food This food is not a sole source of nutrition and should be used in conjunction with a nutritious diet and appropriate physical exercise program. Not suitable for children under 15 years of age or pregnant women: should only be used under medical supervision.
Store in cool dry conditions 16˚C to 20˚C. Avoid direct heat. Do not purchase if seal is broken.


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Back Pain can be added to the list of health risks that smoking may influence. Studies in Finland have found that smoking is associated with back and spine pain, in a review of over 40 studies which was documented in the American Journal of Medicine. The study reported that that a significant amount of smokers experienced low-back pain compared to non-smokers. So how exactly does exposure to nicotine damage the spinal structures?
Smoking affects blood vessels which may constrict and lead to the degeneration of arteries which provide blood to vertebraes. According to Dr. Jennifer Solomon, who is a Psychiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City,
"When you decrease the blood supply you decrease the oxygen and nutrients to these living structures. This, in turn, leads to degeneration and pain."
Does Smoking Cause Spine Problems?
This association does not mean smoking directly causes back pain but rather that it does suggest that smoking plays a part in the degeneration of discs and many other back ailments which contribute to back pain. Genetics are probably the largest contributor to spinal degeneration, but low back pain and arthritis of the neck are at least 3 times more common in smokers, according to Dr. Eeric Truumees, an orthopaedic surgeon from Seton Spine and Scoliosis Centre in Austin, Texas. Problems which arise from spinal degeneration include neck/back arthritis, herniated discs and bone spur formations. Smoking's role in this is that it increases the rate at which discs degenerate.
Women and Teen Smokers are at an Increased Risk of Back Pain
Women who are even just light smokers are at an increased risk of back pain, says Dr. Truumees. Also the Finnish study mentions that the relationship between low back pain and teens who smoked was stronger than for that of adults who smoked.
The good news is that any effects of smoking on the spine are in some way reversible. What is meant by this is that if/when you stop smoking, you may find you experience less back pain.While the Finnish review noted more back pain in people who had successfully quit smoking than in those who had never smoked, former smokers had less back pain than current smokers.
Sources and full articles: http://backandneck.about.com/od/bodymechanics/f/Health-Effects-Smoking-Back-Pain.htm


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Curled lashes help to visually open up you eyes, add youthfulness to your look and make your lashes appear a lot longer and fuller. There are various ways to curl your lashes, let's discuss some of them:
1) Curl your lashes using your fingers.
For this technique, apply your mascara first and wait till it dries completely. Now, push all your lashes upwards with your fingertips lined up and pointing upwards. Hold your lashes like this for about a minute and then, repeat this step couple of times, until you obtain the desired curl.
2) Eyelash curler tips:
Another (obvious) way to curl your lashes is using an eyelash curler. Use this tool on clean lashes prior to applying mascara.
Here are some tips for curling your eyelashes like a pro:
– Start curling at the base of your lashes and make sure that you get all the hairs in the curler, avoid getting any skin into the tool, because it can be very painful.
– Hold your eyelash curler for about 5 seconds, if you want to have a good curl instead of a crimp.
– Curl your eyelashes in 3 sections: at the base of your lashes, middle and close to the tip to get that beautiful, natural curl.
– Exceptionally (and, yes, I repeat – rarely!) you can use your eyelash curler on your lashes with mascara on, but make sure that your mascara is already completely dry and don't squeeze too much, otherwise your lashes can stick to the curler and you can damage them or, even, pull them out. Make sure you only use this technique exceptionally and rarely, on special occasions, because it can be really damaging to the lashes.
– You can slightly warm up your eyelash curler with a blow drier to get beautiful result, but avoid overheating your tool, because having the hot metal next to your eye is dangerous and can cause damage. Also, definitely avoid doing it every day!
There are various eyelash curlers available on the market, here are some of the best ones, on my opinion: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, JAPONESQUE Power Curl Eyelash Curler, Shiseido The Makeup Eyelash Curler, Chanel Precision Eyelash Curler.
How do you make your eyelashes stay curled for longer?
Well, there are various methods, and some of them I, personally, don't like. Methods like applying hair spray or hair gel on your eyelash curler prior to curling your lashes don't sound convincing to me, because these products can irritate your eyes and provoke allergies. My method for making your eyelashes stay curled for longer is simple: first, curl your lashes and then, use a waterproof mascara; it tends to hold curly shape better and longer. Waterproof formula has drier consistency and lighter weight, therefore, it can freeze your lashes in curly position quicker. Many girls avoid using waterproof mascara because of the difficult removal process, but honestly, when you use right products, such as Bioderma or any natural oil (or oil based makeup remover), then, there is no pain to effortlessly remove a waterproof mascara. Some of the coolest waterproof mascaras include Cle De Peau Beaute The Mascara, Maybelline New York Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara, Very Black and NEW 2013 Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara Black, Maybelline New York Volum' Express Falsies Flared Waterproof Mascara, Very Black .
3) How to curl your lashes using a spoon?
If you forgot our eyelash curler while packing your bags before travelling, don't worry, there is another easy way to curl your lashes – use a simple tea spoon. Warm it up very slightly with warm water (because using cold spoon can, definitely, be uncomfortable). Press the back of the spoon against your eyelashes and hold it like this for few seconds. Then, apply your mascara as usual and your curl should hold the whole day!
4) New eyelash curling technology – Dior Diorshow Heat Curl Heating Lash Curler
The word "heat curl" might sound scary… Who gonna want to put curling iron next to the eye? But when you look closer on this tool, you will notice that it has a solid protective grate that protects your eyes from the contact with the heat, therefore, it's very safe. You can use this lash curler on clean lashes or after mascara is applied, either way, your result will be: perfect lash curve and long lasting hold. All you need to do with this tool is glide it over your lashes from the root to the end, moving it the same way, as when you apply mascara. Lashes become very lifted and curled, without harsh, inharmonious crimps.
Curled eyelashes look longer, fuller and make your eyes stand out. Now when you know some basic tips on how to curl your lashes, you can enjoy the benefits of this girly beauty secret in your everyday life.
Quick tip: When you curl your lashes and apply mascara every day, you weaken them, therefore, don't neglect applying coconut oil, castor oil or, even, olive oil on your lashes prior to going to sleep every evening. This way, you will naturally hydrate, nourish and strengthen your lashes. Apply what's left on your fingers straight on your eyebrows.
What are your favorite ways to curl your lashes? Feel free to leave your comments in the section below.
Stay beautiful!


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The NZ Best Design Awards is the National award ceremony for all things design and we've rolled out our concept, photography and launch video for the event so far. It's a bit of honour to be asked to work on this one as there hasn't been a South Island agency chosen for 13 years.
There's more to come for the October event but our concept of " Giving it your Best" translated into purple foil handmade Pinatas that set the theme for the year long promo. They're all made by hand in the studio and then a very carefully curated photoshoot and video bring the campaign to life. More to come as the year progresses


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Advent is a time of anticipation. Chuck looks at the symbolism in using an Advent wreath to count the weeks to Christmas.
Chuck Knows Church: The Original Series aims to interpret the objects, symbols, and terms we often hear in church. Each video features "Chuck" who helps us learn more about our church while inviting us to have deeper conversation with our pastor.
This video was produced by Discipleship Ministries in Nashville, TN.
For more information, contact Chuck Knows Church.


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The School of English at the University of Sheffield will soon be launching its very first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), and it will feature weeks dedicated to the eighteenth century! This free online course is titled 'Literature and the Country House', and it promises to take students on a journey through the literature of the country house from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde.
This online course (which is open to absolutely anyone!) is powered by Futurelearn and will feature video content written and delivered by specialist researchers at the University of Sheffield and filmed on location at such glorious properties as Chatsworth House, Nostell Priory, Bolsover Castle and Brodsworth Hall. Futurelearn have even prepared an interactive map, to give prospective students a sense of where these country houses are and how they will tie into the course: http://t.co/SkrWWREIei
In addition to this video content there will be a range of downloadable materials available and an opportunity to engage in live discussion online.
I am fortunate enough to be one of the mentors on the course and I will be participating in and helping to moderate these discussion (I'm very excited about the whole project, but am especially looking forward to one week which discuses eighteenth-century politeness and The Spectator; both of which speak to my own research).
The course is already being heralded in the press as the perfect outlet for fans of costume drama, with the Yorkshire Post suggesting that it is an opportunity to discover 'the truths of the real Downton Abbey.'
It will also be a lot of fun for anyone interested in literature written any time between the early modern period and the late nineteenth century.
Something that becomes clear quite quickly in the course is that the country house is afforded a constant position throughout the history of English Literature, and as such provides a perfect perspective from which to explore a rich and diverse range of fascinating and entertaining texts.
To find out more visit the official site: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/country-house-literature/
I look forward to (virtually) seeing you there!


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The League is proud to offer catering services throughout the greater Austin area.
Contact us to talk with your personal representative: email@example.com. Including Appetizer Trays, Salads, Featured Entrées, Sides, Desserts and Beverages, we have what your guests will enjoy. You will always get inspired fresh ingredients and authentic hand-made comfort food.
We offer delivery, set up, serving utensils and staff for an additional charge.


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Girls's Fertility With The Assist Of Natural Treatments
Many individuals do not affiliate fertility and healthy diet with each other, however they go hand-in-hand. 4 The lifecycle method incorporates the challenges individuals face at different instances of their lives corresponding to family planning, services to stop sexually transmitted diseases and early analysis and remedy of reproductive health illnesses.
Whereas strengthening national techniques, UNFPA additionally places particular emphasis on growing access for deprived teams , including young people, the urban poor, rural communities, indigenous populations and ladies with disabilities. As such, services equivalent to health and education programs must be strengthened and availability of important health provides similar to contraceptives and medicines should be supported.
José M. Belizán, MD, PhD, a local of Argentina, is a medical doctor, with a PhD in Reproductive Health Sciences, Superior Researcher of his nation's Nationwide Board of Science and Know-how. ================================================================= SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY Berer M. Inhabitants and household planning insurance policies: women-centred perspectives.
Women who are infected with HIV sometimes get it by having sex with a man who is infected or by sharing needles with an contaminated individual. Such energy and creativity cannot be generated by sick, tired individuals, and consequently a healthy and active inhabitants becomes a prerequisite of social and economic growth.
9. Promote integrated approaches The Resident Coordinator system can ensure integration of all features of reproductive health, particularly those delivered up to now by way of vertical programmes corresponding to family planning. Delegations from 179 States took half in negotiations to finalize a Programme of Motion on inhabitants and development for the next 20 years.


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Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop
Ben Ashby
Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop, a fun and family-friendly experience where the nostalgia of the past meets today's Christmas traditions, is opening its doors for another holiday season starting late November each year.
Inspired by yuletides of yesteryear, Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop invites guests to enjoy hot cider, marshmallow roasting, animals, a vintage sleigh and visits from Santa. Visitors are welcomed by the smell of fresh pine and holiday spices as they discover an extensive assortment of freshly cut trees, custom wreaths, garlands and more. Partnering with hand-selected regional merchants and growers allows the shop to provide the freshest greens and quality goods available.
Since 1950, the Hillenmeyer family has been providing a Christmas experience for Lexington. A family-owned business, today Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Joseph and Shannon Hillenmeyer, whose vision is to bring holiday traditions to life for generations of families. Steeped in local heritage, a visit to Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop transports guests to a simpler time while bringing families together in celebration of the season. Offering a unique and eclectic experience, visitors will find cups of hot cider to enjoy along with a fireplace where bags of marshmallows are ready for roasting. Inviting families to enjoy themselves leisurely, children can visit the live nativity scene and even pet the shop's sheep and donkeys. A large vintage sleigh, originally belonging to Joseph Hillenmeyer's great-great grandfather, sits within to create the perfect opportunity for family photos. And occasionally, Santa comes to visit and listen to children's Christmas wishes while spreading holiday cheer among visitors.
Guests can visit Hillenmeyer Christmas Shop at 3389 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40502 where it is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 11am to 8pm. For further information and a compete schedule of activities, please visit http://hillenmeyerchristmas.com


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How about visiting a beautiful hidden waterfall in the heart of Maramures? Or discovering a different kind of cemetery? A place where the afterlife is celebrated with joy, honoring the people that were once on this earth, by laughing and cheering, remembering them as they wanted to be remembered. And if that's not enough, in this tour, you can also go on a train ride with the famous Mocanita steam train, through the mountains, on a railroad that was once used for transporting supplies. And that's not all, there are more things included in here, so without going too much into detail, scroll down into the itinerary to see what other goodies await.
Please remember that as the group size INCREASES, the price/person DECREASES.
If your group size is different than the ones listed above, send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible with an estimate.
We had to leave from Bucharest and therefore the price was higher, but all in all, this was a great experience to have. Never knew there were so many interesting places in Romania.
What I loved the most here was the Merry Cemetery, something I have never seen before. My congratulations to John, our guide, and to Alexandra and Andrei for taking care of us.
Sono stata in questo tour di Maramures con I ragazzi di Finding Romania ed è stata un'esperienza fantastica. Il viaggio sul Mocanita (l'ultimo treno a vapore forestale al mondo) è stato veramente poetico. Posso dirvi anche, che abbiamo circoscritto tutto intorno al cimitero allegro di Sapanta con le sue bancarelle di prodotti locali ed è stato bellissimo. I ragazzi sono veramente gentilissimi e pieni di informazioni che mi hanno servito per capire le tradizioni e la cultura. Un ottimo lavoro!
I visited Romania a year ago, but I was here on business. But I had to opportunity to meet Andrei and now here I am. I wanted to discover more about this country and took the Maramures dreamland tour. If I would explain all that I have seen, it would take me around a full day. All I can say is, if you're reading this, book with them, you won't regret it.


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LIKE them on Facebook in support of our local and talented artisans: https://www.facebook.com/BellaGreyJewelleryDesign.
Bella Grey jewellery grew from the courage, faith, and creative focus that were essential in facing and overcoming uncertain and challenging personal circumstances.
"I have been creating in one way or another for most of my life but it wasn't until fairly recently that I gave myself permission to more fully follow my artistic ideas. That became a path for purposefully moving toward positivity, and Bella Grey was the result," says Karen Cameron, owner and founder.
Artful adornment, one of a kind inspiration, following the path of creative play and imaginative self-expression to create unique & personal accessories.


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Ease of Preparation: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes each
Yield: 4 servings
4 medium yellow bell peppers
1 cup frozen broccoli (defrosted)
¼ cup soy milk
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp edible organic green tea leaves (ground)
1 cup pureed puree silken tofu
½ cup purple onion (small diced)
Pinch of nutmeg
½ tsp corn starch
Photo courtesy of Smokey Combs
Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
Cut about ½ inch off tops of peppers, remove seeds.
Place pepper upright in small crème brule bowl and place in baking pan
Combine silken tofu, milk, onion, garlic powder, nutmeg, corn starch and edible organic green tea leaves, beat well to combine. Divide broccoli evenly between pepper bowls then pour tofu mixture over broccoli dividing evenly between the pepper bowls.
Bake on middle rack in center of oven for about 50 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven when center is slightly jiggle upon shaking gently. It will continue to cook while it cools down.
We invite you to re-post this recipe on your own web site with the following hyper-linked attribution"Republished with permission from EatGreenTea.com, the original edible green tea."


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Although they form the bedrock of our life and reality, every idea and concept is just as much a mental construct (read: a fabrication) as any other. Our ideas about physics, death, and economics govern our lives, but these ideas are not the things they conceptualize. They are models we have constructed to make sense of the sensations and experiences we encounter. You may have heard that the force of gravity causes objects to accelerate at a constant rate of 9.8 meters per second per second, and this rate may be observed in experiments, but this pattern has no inherent meaning. Meters, seconds, and numbers do not exist—these are mental constructs humanity has invented to make life easier to understand. This is not to say that meters, seconds, and numbers are not tremendously valuable concepts; indeed, they are. What it means is that the reality we perceive is inseparable from our conception of reality, the practical upshot of which is that if we modify our conceptions, we modify our reality.
Reality is a matter of perception and changes depending on the viewpoint we adopt. When you pass a stranger in a grocery store aisle, why do they avoid eye contact with you? Is it because they are shy or because they think they are better than you? The reality of the situation for you, i.e. the outlook you take, is influenced by the kind of day you've had, whether you've showered recently, or whether you're wearing clothes of which you're particularly embarrassed. Similarly, the properties of wood change with the particular epistemological system with which you are infatuated. Does burning Palo Santo cleanse your dwelling of spirits or merely release stored potential energy as heat? Changing your beliefs can change your world.
Now, this is not to say that modifying your beliefs will enable you to fly. However, it is unquestionably the case that given certain ideas you may believe it impossible to fly and given others you will be able to construct an airplane. Some beliefs are useful, and others are not, but not in every circumstance or at all times. For example, although traffic lanes, symbolized by the white and yellow lines painted on roads throughout the world, are a tremendously useful concept much of the time, they are not always the best solution to the problem of traffic. Traffic lanes are fantastic when the problem of traffic is maintaining an orderly flow of traffic and minimizing accidental collisions on the highway. But when one particular vehicle needs to pass through a sea of other vehicles as quickly as possible, such as when an ambulance ferries a patient to a hospital, traffic lanes can severely impede the ambulance's progress. In such situations, it is better for the drivers to discard the concept of traffic lanes, ignore the lines of paint, and pull their vehicles off to the side of the road to allow the ambulance to pass unhindered. After the problem of the ambulance has been solved, lanes of traffic are again a useful concept and are reinstituted.
Such conceptual adaptability is more or less difficult for an individual depending on the degree to which that individual realizes the concepts involved are entirely mental rather than physical. Disregarding the lines of paint which symbolize traffic lanes is easier for an experienced driver who has repeatedly allowed an ambulance to pass, but a new driver who is still in the process of internalizing the rules of the road may find it more difficult to think of the lines of paint as mere symbols. Once it has been realized that every concept, idea, and belief is a product of human imagination, the maxim of conceptual adaptability can be applied to other areas of life. Indeed, one should examine every concept, belief, and idea one holds or encounters for components which are useful or useless, for it is as Seneca said: "…The things of greatest merit are common property." Just because one aspect of a certain idea may be incorrect or inefficient does not mean the entirety of an idea should be discounted.
One need not wait until a belief has been disproven or determined to be inefficient to change it, however. Concepts, ideas, and beliefs can all be actively tailored to produce desirable results. Moreover, disparate ideas and beliefs can be combined to form conceptual amalgamations. Composed of ideas from potentially competing schools of thought, such amalgamations may at first seem unwieldy or dishonest to the traditions from which they pull, but this should not be bothersome to anyone who has taken the message of this post to heart (which is largely identical to Robert Kegan's conception of the fifth stage of adult cognitive development). The only test for such a composite that should matter is whether it performs its functions well and is an efficient component of one's worldview.
Remember: You are not your gender. You are not your hobby. You are not your body. You are not your mind. You are an assortment of self-perpetuating systems, mental and physical. These systems can be manipulated through violence, medicine, good books, and propaganda. Rejoice in the gift of humanity. Blessed with reason and self-awareness we can observe and make deliberate changes to our lives, minds, and the world. Take charge of your systems—calibrate your reality.


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Students at the TWU libraries enjoyed coffee breaks during finals week. View the video below for some highlights:
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Finals Week Coffee Breaks in Library
TWU Blagg-Huey Library will host coffee breaks for students during final exams week.Please join us for coffee and refreshments at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm in the Library Lecture Hall 101 on the following days:
Sunday -- December 13
Monday -- December 14
Tuesday -- December 15
Wednesday -- December 16
--Connie Maxwell
Posted by TWU Libraries at 3:22 PM
National Day on Writing
On October 20, 2009, people all over the country celebrated the significance of writing in their lives by participating in the National Council of Teachers of English National Day on Writing. At Texas Woman's University, students contributed writings to the National Gallery of Writing and celebrated literacy in the Blagg Huey Library Reading Room by reading from Cynthia Ozick's book of poems, entitled Epodes. Dr. Hugh Burns donated a very special copy of Cynthia Ozick's Epodes, illustrated by master printmaker Sid Chafetz to the Woman's Collection of the TWU Libraries. The truly appreciated gift book, commemorates the National Day on Writing and honors TWU Libraries.
View the video below for some highlights of the event:
--Sherilyn Bird & Brandy Klug
View the video below for some highlights of the event:
--Sherilyn Bird & Brandy Klug
Posted by TWU Libraries at 2:01 PM
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For new membership please contact our Secretary, Kathleen Kuenzel by completing the application MARCWA Membership Form.
Application for MARCWA Membership 2019
Alternatively phone the Secretary or fill out the "Contact" information fields below. Please note if you make a mistake in the Contact fields (it will tell you if you do), refresh this page then start again.
The best time to call the Secretary is middle to late afternoon or after 6PM (Western Standard Time; GMT +8) or on the weekends… (08) 93853887.


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Located on a ranch in the quiet Zapotlanejo municipality, police uncovered the elaborate laboratory after a tip-off from a citizen.
Quickly abandoned by alleged cartel members as troops moved in, the crime scene was left largely intact with storerooms packed with tonnes of chemical substances and dozens of plastic drums filled with unfinished drugs.
Housed in a four-story ranch and with storerooms of 30 by 50 metres, the clandestine laboratory is estimated to house hundreds of millions of dollars worth of drugs destined for the US.
With no arrests announced and the drug-ravaged state in the throes of a war between rival cartels, authorities have yet to determine the owners of the drug lab.
Traditionally known for its mariachi music and tequila, Jalisco has become increasingly embroiled in the country's relentless drug war as the notorious Zetas and Resistance cartels face off for control of lucrative trafficking routes in the region.
The state has traditionally been the stamping ground of the most powerful drug cartel in the Americas, the Sinaloa Gang and its infamous leader Joaquin 'Shorty' Guzmán.
Killings in Jalisco have more than doubled to 600 since last year, with about half of them in its capital of Guadalajara. Nationally, more than 42,000 people have died in the five years since soldiers were deployed on Mexico's streets to fight cartels.


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"The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." ~Walter Bagehot
I'm not a Darwinist. I don't believe the take Darwin had on creation. Still, once in a while I'll run across a quote from someone who did, and it has a truth that resounds with me…such as the one this particular blog was begun with. Bagehot was also a British businessman, economist, political journalist, and critic.
I have a daughter that some would say has a stubborn tenacity about her. If she has a passion about something, stay out of her way, because she will fight for it no matter how long it takes to see it come to fruition. She's had her share of having to let go, but that never happens until she's sure it cannot be resurrected…which takes a great deal of time, sweat, and tears. You've got to admire that kind of passion.
The definition of tenacity is simply "persistent determination". Passion is "any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate." When the two marry, we have what we need to face any difficulty, any challenge, any resistance. In the absence of either, it's not going to happen. You might as well find another profession.
To have tenacity without passion, our lives will be filled with sadness. We will work with little satisfaction. There will be no lasting satisfaction in our chosen profession or in anything actually. We'll go home at the end of the day, tired and discouraged. It is the passion, the love for what we do, that keeps our tenacity exciting.
When passion is present, we can do what others say we cannot.


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Do or do not...there is no try-Yoda. I do believe he had this chicken costume in mind when he said that.
It started as something I was completely awestruck with...And then it became an obsession...And then it became an very serious plot...and then it became a very intense workout...and then it became reality.
This was a labor of love as well as super mega cheapness. I did NOT want to spend a grand on a cool costume (the one I found online was $1500 and so fabulous).....
Be warned!!! I AM NOT A SEWING DESIGNER. I do design knit and crochet patterns- you can see them (and all my other random craft craziness) on my facebook page. I do not like to sew and I consider myself a novice. I have had no formal training-I taught myself to sew to keep my mind occupied while my hubby was deployed a while back. Don't attempt this if you need a perfect pattern-this is merely a guide for someone who is adventurous.
You will need (always err on the side of caution and buy more if you think you will mess up or need a larger size-I am a size small and I just scraped by with what I bought):
2 yards white faux fur-do not skimp-buy the really nice grizzly long fur...
2 yards yellow flannel
1 yard white (for lining)
.25 yards of red felt
3 sheets of yellow felt
1 sheet of black felt
velcro (you'll need just a tad more than what fits around your waist)
Polyfil (stuffing)
plastic grocery bags (a crapload)
chicken wire
pool noodle (preferably white or a very light color)
Jelly Belly Jelly beans (or snack of choice)
Tissue Paper (Or whatever you want to use for a 'pattern')
Overalls that you don't mind destroying
socks and/or cowboy boots (maybe knit or crochet them or make some out of brown felt)
Yarn for reins (which I still haven't made)
To begin, I sketched my ideal chicken shape onto paper to use as a guide. Then I laid out some tissue paper (to use as a pattern-I had to tape a few sheets together) and used a sharpie to draw my chicken's body shape (be careful because sharpie will BLEED THROUGH TISSUE PAPER so put newspaper underneath or do this outside)
At this point you will be stressing out because you will be needing to cut into that expensive material. Pour yourself a nice bowl of jelly bellies....or chocolate...just not alcohol. You will be using sharp objects! haha!
Using my chicken's body pattern I cut two pieces of my faux fur material (your fur should be folded or laid so that when you cut it you will have two mirror image shapes-I kept the wrong sides together as I cut).
I then cut two wedge shapes-one for the back of the head and one for the belly of the chicken-each were cut with the fold at the bottom so when you open them they are like a pointed oval shape. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of the head wedge but this is the belly wedge, but I basically just wanted to add a little depth to the head and also the belly.
I then sewed my chicken body together, strategically placing my wedges where I thought they would help give a little extra depth...Sew them with the right sides of fabric together and then turn right side out.
I then sewed my little chicken comb together and turned it right side out. I lightly stuffed my comb and then I pinned the comb to the center of the head and hand sewed the comb to the head.
I then hand sewed all my little eye bits together and then made the waddles...Which I also forgot to take a photo of-SORRY! I did put my eye ball on the red felt though, and outlined what I thought was a good waddle shape onto the felt and cut out two-one for each side. The eye bits then got hand sewn onto the waddles and the waddles got hand sewn onto the face.
For the beak I drew a beak shape onto the yellow felt-for this I used the fold of the felt as the top portion of the beak so I wouldn't have a seam on the top of the beak-I then used the machine to sew the front and bottom of beak-leaving the back of the beak open to lightly stuff and then hand sew onto the face.
At this point I was rejoicing because I could tell my chicken was going to actually look like a chicken. Of course I tried it on and got all excited.
Now was time for the destruction of perfectly good overalls. I actually purchased these for 40% off at Target-they were wonderful overalls so I tried really hard to rip the seams nicely so I could sew them back up if I wanted to actually use these again for real. You need to rip out the whole crotch area so your legs can fit out the opening and you can pull them up over your waist with the legs dangling at your sides. I then just used socks for at the bottom of the pant legs...I used safety pins to keep them on-I just didn't want to sew into these jeans. I stuffed the socks and the legs of the pants with grocery bags loosely. I had contemplated newspaper, but it is always rainy on Halloween so I figured grocery bags won't get all soggy.
I don't have a good photo of the innards of my chicken because I had to build it while it was inside the chicken. I felt like a surgeon. I put the pool noodle in the bottom of the chicken and that is my base-I put both the ends together and used duct tape and some strange wire things hubby gave me to keep it still. I used chicken wire and made a long tube that went from the base to the top of the head and attached it to the pool noodle. I did the same thing for the tail.
The chicken wire was a really good decision because it doesn't add a lot of weight and then you only have to stuff a little bit around the wire....
For the chicken legs I just used some old pants I have and traced the outline of them onto the yellow flannel and cut out two of those...seamed up the inner legs and then sewed the body together...
Each chicken foot needs two pieces of felt cut with right sides together ....then sew the outer edge of the foot seams-leave a portion open though so you can turn it right side out and then stuff. You'll then sew closed your hole...After it is stuffed you can sew closed the inner foot part.
Now you need to immediately put your chicken cowboy costume on and go scare your girls! :)


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If there is one thing I've come to learn at 23, it's that no night can go wrong if it ends with a plate of cookies and hot tea. I can admit, being a top chef was definitely not my calling. If it's not raw or burnt, I deserve a pat on the back! However, after much practice, I've found one recipe I can master, even as a Fort Collins Colorado photographer. Chocolate Chip Cookies. Baking cookies seems to make the world a better place.
I would love to get together with each of you and chat all about life, enjoying this special cookie. But until that day comes, please enjoy this recipe on me!
You will need:
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening %


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Wendy Hansen
Administration | email | X190
Wendy joined the Grace team in Spring of 2017. She assists in congregational care, special needs ministry, and many areas of our church office administration. Wendy enjoys seeing how her position touches the many areas of ministry at Grace as she supports Pastor John Guenther, Pastor Dennis Barta, Linda Denson and Dr. Keir Thelander.
Originally from Cleveland, Wendy has traveled as a self-proclaimed army brat as a child, and later settled back into the area. Her family was a profound encouragement in her life for her to choose to follow Christ.
Wendy graduated from North Royalton High School, and holds a certificate in Office Administration. She plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration, holding an impressive 30 years of experience in administration.
Roller coasters and animals are a few of Wendy's favorite things. She loves all kinds of animals, but whales, dogs and elephants are her three favorites.
In her free time, you might find Wendy relaxing with her family, friends and dog, Charlie. Wendy is mother to two grown children: Jeff and Jenny, and grandmother of two: Ashton and Scarlett. She also creates ornamental wreaths, refurbishes furniture, and enjoys interior design and painting.


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Can a lasting peace ever truly be achieved…
…between the birds and the pigs? Will we ever be able to return to work?
Probably not!
…between the birds and the pigs? Will we ever be able to return to work?
Probably not!
Last week I finally got my chance to get behind the wheel of the amazing Tesla Roadster. The Roadster is an all electric sports car with some amazing performance. I was lucky enough to be the only online auto writer to get invited to drive the car in it's near production spec. Check out the whole story at ABG. I also have an alternative telling of the story at my day job at GreenFuelsForecast. Let me know which version you prefer. I love my job!
So I started the new job this week and it's great. I love being part of a small team and the location is great. Among other things I'm writing on DieselForecast and HydrogenForecast. I'm actually looking forward to work everyday which is a great feeling.
On the way home today from my last day at the old job, as I was passing the Hyundai Tech Center I noticed a red-tailed hawk having lunch so I pulled into the driveway and grabbed my camera. I approached raptor slowly, snapping pics as I went. Eventually, the hawk decided I was close enough and headed off for the nearby trees.
It's come to my attention that my previous post on opportunity left some readers confused as to what I was talking about. So let me make this perfectly clear. I got a new job and today was my last day at the old place. After 16 years the time has come to move on. Not being one to torch bridges, I'll just say that I worked with a lot of great people over my years at Kelsey-Hayes and it's subsequent corporate incarnations. As for the company itself, well enough has been said about that.
On Monday I begin my tenure at ICON Creative Technologies and I'm looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship. I'm shifting from engineering to being a full-time automotive journalist, a role in which I hope to inform and educate readers on the latest automotive technologies and advancements. And I'll be doing it from an office in downtown Ann Arbor!
There's a tap on the door, the phone rings, a message in your in-box, you bump into someone you haven't seen for a while. Who knows how it will happen, it just does. For whatever reason sometimes you don't feel like getting out your comfy chair, other times you respond. Sometimes you're looking for it, other times it looks for you. In the fall of 1991, I called about a job that I wasn't sure I really wanted, sixteen years later I'm still there, but not for much longer. In the fall of 1993 I responded to a message and ended up meeting the love of my life.
Over the years I've gotten many, many calls from recruiters and none ever felt right. When the company that I worked for decided to unilaterally cut the pay and benefits of many of their best people while at the same time continually increasing the compensation of those at the top, I began to express my thoughts here on this forum. This place became my soap-box, a place to just spout off on whatever I felt like, the good, the bad, the obscene. This little corner that I carved out for myself allowed me to find another part of myself, to use the knowledge I had gathered over the years and to find my voice.
As it happens it also allowed others who otherwise wouldn't to hear that same voice. Some liked what they heard, others carried on about their lives. After the incident that prompted my set up corner here, another opportunity arose that I meant to pursue, but my response to the message somehow fell through the cracks. A few months later it thankfully popped up again in a slightly different form and I went after it with a vengeance. It worked and my name began to appear on another nascent site related to cars. I began to make some contacts and not long after that opportunity presented itself yet again. My colleague Alex was busy and I was on vacation from the day job. A quick day trip to New York and back introduced me to a remarkable new car and a lot of very interesting people. That quickly ballooned as I talked to those people on a regular basis.
During one of those events I encountered a pair of gentlemen who would soon reappear. In the fall of 2007, barely a year after I stumbled into automotive journalism, the message appeared in my in-box. I called back. We talked and eventually the deal was struck. A new phase of my life and career would begin. I wish to express my gratitude to the clumsy, ham-handed HR department without whose bumbling, this may not have happened. Thanks to Sebastian and John for plugging in the amplifier that allowed my voice to spread to a wider audience. I look forward to continuing to work with you guys for a long time to come. To John, Rob and Scott for giving me a chance to make a left turn against the prevailing traffic. And most of all to Jules, Sofia and Max for supporting me so much as I make this momentous non-trivial change. Sometimes when opportunity knocks you need to respond in the affirmative.
Lately, I haven't written much about politics at least in part because I have not been paying as close attention to politics as I had previously. The past six years have been particularly painful for me from a political perspective, and I just needed a mental health break from it. After the November elections it became pretty clear, that the democrats were not going to aggressively pursue impeachment, which means that we were looking at two more years of the village idiot in charge.
Fortunately, my other writing tasks have been giving me an increasing amount of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. That's something sadly lacking from the day gig as my real income has steadily declined in the past five years while at the same time, the CEO was making more and more. So without really consciosly thinking about it, I have withdrawn somewhat from politics for a while. I'm staying involved in school stuff with the school board podcast, and the tech committee, things that I can actually make a difference with. Bigger stuff is so aggravating that I just need to turn away for awhile to keep from exploding or losing hope. In the same way, I've been meeting people who read my ramblings on ABG and feel like I might just be having a little bit of impact in the area of alternative fuels and transportation. So I guess want to focus on the areas where I can have some positive impact.  It's a lot easier to feel motivated when I can see some results of my efforts.
I haven't posted much here lately because I've been pretty busy writing over on AutoBlogGreen and now also AutoBlog. Last week I covered the Detroit Auto Show and we got some unbelievable traffic. There were seven of us writing up all the stories from all over the show, and posting hundreds of photos. It was interesting getting such a close up look at how car makers deal with the media. GM really took a shine to the blogosphere this year, even inviting about twenty bloggers from various web sites to attend the show on their dime. They did encourage everyone to provide full disclosure that GM was paying for the trips, and given that most wouldn't have the financial resources to cover something like this on their own, I can see why they would accept the offer. Fortunately, WeblogsInc (parent company of AutoBlog and ABG) covers our expenses and we have a policy of not accepting any paid junkets.
All in all the money and time that GM spent on bloggers this year was peanuts compared to what they and all the other companies spent on their displays in Cobo Hall, their hospitality areas and the parties they held all over town. There were over 6600 registered media at the show and all were welcome at the Firehouse after the show hours. The Firehouse is a bar across the street from Cobo, where for several years Chrysler has been hosting a party for media with free food and drinks served up by the likes of Dieter Zetsche and Emmitt Smith.
I got to meet and talk to a lot of interesting people and it was clear that in spite of all the problems of the domestic auto industry, there is still a hell of a lot of talent and enthusiasm, especially at GM. I've never been know as a fan of GM, but they really seem to be on the upswing right now. The production cars they unveiled here, the Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS are truly impressive, and the Volt concept is something truly special. When this car goes into production, it will be hugely important.
Ford showed some interesting cars but they don't seem to be committed to actually building them. They still seem to be kind overwhelmed by the financial problems they're having. Hopefully within the next few months Alan Mullaly will give the company some real direction and put the emphasis on creating great products. Chrysler, has some interesting stuff technically, but they seem to have lost their way lately with their styling. I think that next year will actually have some more interesting introductions from Chrysler.
Overall, it was a really good time and I'm glad I had the chance to do it. I did a lot of writing and photography and I have great hope for the future. From an environmental standpoint, there are some great developments coming. If you're interested in reading more of the stuff I wrote at the show, just click on the AutoBlogGreen link on the sidebar.
Yesterday when I got home from work I found an large envelope in the mail from my employer. I open it up and found a really nice black cardboard frame containing a certificate. The certificate has a large color representation of my employer's logo in the center and reads "Company Name Here" Congratulates you on 15 years of service. The only words I left out are the company name. Did you notice anything that wasn't there? My name. After 15 years they couldn't even print a piece of paper that actually acknowledged who it was that put in those 15 years. The company name was prominently featured but my was nowhere to be found. Typical. I love working for a huge corporation.
I just got an e-mail at work from some new wellness (what a stupid word by the way) committee about some new walking program they are organizing. In the message they include a couple of facts:
• According to a Harvard University Study, you will gain about two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular exercise, even if you don't start until middle age.
• Brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can bring heart-health benefits and reduce your risk for stroke by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and high blood pressure
If you add up the numbers you will find that in order to gain 1 year of life expectancy (8760 hours), if you exercise for 1 hour a day it would take 12 years (4380 days) to gain that 1 year. Now don't get me wrong I am a proponent of regular exercise. It feels good, and will generally make you healthier. But people should really be more careful when they either read or use such statistics. If you go with the 30 minutes a day it will 24 years to gain that 1 year of life expectancy.


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When it comes to cutlets, my favorite is Chicken Cutlet. In my hometown, there was a bakery near my house. Everyday I make it a point to eat a Chicken Cutlet from there. I like to eat the cutlets with tomato ketchup. My mom also makes tasty cutlets.
On Sundays, we would have some kind of special non-veg dishes from my mom's kitchen. How much ever cutlets you give me, I can finish it off. I still have not learned to say "I am done" when it comes to Cutlets. When I was pregnant with Sanvi, I used to long for the Cutlets. We did not have any Indian restaurants near by. I had severe nausea so found it very difficult to make Cutlets. When I delivered Sanvi, I requested my mom to make some tasty Chicken Cutlets for me. I had them till my stomach as well as heart was contented. I love Chicken Cutlets so much. So here goes the recipe for my favorite Chicken Cutlet…
Preparation Time. 15 minutes
Cook Time. 25 minutes
Recipe Cuisine. Indian
Recipe Category. Snack
Yield. 6 cutlets
Minced boiled chicken – 2 cups
Finely chopped onion – 1 cup
Ginger garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder (manjal thool) – 1/2 teaspoon
Chilli powder (molaga thool) – 2 teaspoons
Coriander powder (kothamalli thool) – 2 teaspoons
All purpose flour (maida) – 5 to 6 tablespoons
Rice flour (arisi mavu) – 1 tablespoon
Corn flour (Sola mavu) – 1 tablespoon
Curry leaves – 1 sprig
Chopped coriander leaves (kothamalli) – 2 tablespoons
Bread crumbs – as desired
Oil – as desired
Salt – as desired
Note. The ingredients shown will vary with the original quantity.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, onion, ginger garlic paste, curry leaves and followed by turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, all purpose flour, rice flour, corn flour, salt, and coriander leaves. Mix the ingredients well. Keep it aside for 30 minutes.
2. Meantime, keep the bread crumbs ready. Now, take a small ball of the chicken mixture and shape it as desired. I have shaped it round. Now coat the chicken balls with the bread crumbs well. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a dosa pan/flat pan. Then fry the chicken cutlet on both sides until golden brown in medium flame. Drain them on paper towels.
Now, Chicken Cutlets are ready! Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions.
- Tomato Ketchup with thinly sliced onion rings.
- You can use this cutlet as burger patties.
- You can also use boiled and mashed potatoes along with minced chicken.
- You can use a cookie cutter and shape the chicken mixture as desired. I have made heart and oval shaped cutlets. Dip the cookie cutter in oil just before you shape the chicken mixture.
- If you are not concerned about oil, then you can deep fry the chicken cutlets in oil until golden brown.Sometimes, cutlets may get over fried and become black. So, be careful and stand near till you get your cutlets done.


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The Sally and Don Lucas Artists Residency Program [LAP] is designed to offer artists from a range of disciplines an environment conducive to individuals and collaborative creative practice. Seeking to stimulate an energetic exchange of ideas between culturally diverse Fellows and across varied artistic fields and scholarly disciplines, the residency has earned international recognition as a model of curatorial practice supporting the development of new and challenging contemporary work.
The LAP is situated on the grounds of Montalvo Arts Center – a multidisciplinary center for the arts located in Saratoga, California, in the Santa Cruz foothills. Montalvo is a unique mix of the historic and contemporary and features a Mediterranean-inspired Villa built in 1912, Project Space Gallery, Carriage House Theatre, Lilian Fontaine Garden Theatre, and Creekside Studio, which, alongside the Arts Center's diverse and expansive gardens and grounds, offer residents numerous opportunities for engagement and inspiration.
For the first time, the Lucas Artists Residency Program at Montalvo Arts Center is hosting an open application process for California Artists only. Through the generous support of the Irvine Foundation, Montalvo Arts Center's Lucas Artists Residency Program will be accepting applications from December 21, 2012 through February 8, 2013 from Artists of any discipline currently residing in California. Any past Lucas Artist Fellow or individuals currently enrolled in a degree program are not eligible to apply.
Application Deadline:
The application portal at www.montalvoarts.slideroom.com is now open. Submission deadline is February 8, 2013.
All California-based artists working in any discipline, who are not currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program or have been Residents of the Lucas Artists Residency Program are encouraged to apply. We are seeking artists who will both significantly benefit from a residency at Montalvo Arts Center and who will contribute to the Arts Center and Residency community while here. Montalvo will not discriminate in its selection on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, martial status, ancestry, disability, HIV status, or veteran status.
Collaborators and Collaborative Teams:
Collaborative Teams are welcome to apply. Please submit one application for your team, providing information representative of the collective with bio information included for each member of your group. Individual artists interested in working with collaborators during their residency should indicate this preference in their application with the understanding that this opportunity is provided on a case-by-case basis, and is not guaranteed.
Partner and Family Policy:
On occasion, Montalvo may allow Fellows to bring partners or family members into Residency. Requests must be made in advance and indicated in the application. Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
Application Fee:
A one-time, non-refundable $35 application fee will be required, this fee is payable through the Slideroom portal: www.montalvoarts.slideroom.com
Residency Fee:
There is not an additional residency fee for awarded Fellowships.
Selected Fellows receive a one-time living stipend of $1,500 (payment awarded after first month of residency is completed). Artists are responsible for securing their own travel to and from Montalvo.
Financial Support:
Limited funds are available to support transportation costs; there is no guarantee these funds can be provided, they are made available on a case-by-case basis.
Application Process:
To apply, you must submit application materials and work samples through Montalvo's Slideroom portal at www.montalvoarts.slideroom.com. Hardcopies will not be accepted.
Residency Duration & Scheduling:
Selected Artists will be awarded a 1-3 month residency. It is required that Artists are in residency for a minimum of 1 month and are invited to stay up to 3 months, depending upon studio availability. Once selected, Fellows will work with the Residency Manager on securing studio time conducive to the schedules of both the program and the artist. Selected Fellows must complete their residency by January 2015.
Once accepted, Fellows will also review details of the Residency, our policies, and the accommodation and provisions with the Residency Manager.
Application Jury:
Applications will be reviewed by a Bay Area jury comprised of arts professionals who are well versed in the areas of contemporary art and culture and represent a range of disciplines. Dependent on the number of applications received, Montalvo Arts Programs and Residency team will conduct a first round of reviews in order to provide the Jury with 250 applicants from which they will make their final selection of 24 Fellowships. Applicants will be selected first and foremost based upon the quality of their work.
Notification of Results:
Artists will be notified via email of their status by mid-April 2013.


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Alticor Defends Artistry Line
ADA — Alticor has found itself in the midst of what could be an extremely costly patent lawsuit concerning its use of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) skin care technology by its best-selling Artistry cosmetics line.
On Nov. 10, the $6.4 billion Ada-based direct sale giant filed suit in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids for declaratory relief against TriStrata Technology Inc. (TTI) and its parent company, The NeoStrata Co. Inc.
TTI first contacted Alticor with an August 2003 letter from legal counsel Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw identifying five TTI patents allegedly infringed upon by Artistry's use of AHA in products such as its Alpha Hydroxy Serum Plus, AHA Body Refiner Moisturiser and Moisture Rich Refreshing Toner.
"Based upon Alticor Incorporated's clear interest in using alpha hydroxy acid technology, …" the letter stated, "TTI anticipates that Alticor may be interested in discussing the possibility of a license agreement under TTI's patents."
The founders of The NeoStrata Co., Eugene Van Scott and Ruey Yu, are largely credited with discovering AHA in the early 1970s as researchers at Temple University's Skin & Cancer Hospital. They noticed that certain substances in edible fruits and vegetables, when applied to the skin, promoted the generation of new skin cells to replace the outermost skin layer — reducing skin lines and wrinkles.
The NeoStrata Co. and its subsidiary, TTI, are the worldwide patent holders of the technology, which is today worth hundreds of millions of dollars and incorporated into 40 percent of skin-care products worldwide, according to McGovern Capital, which runs the NeoStrata licensing program.
The company has more than 40 licensees, including cosmetic icons L'Oreal, Chanel,
The victory for TTI was the highlight of the next letter to Alticor, written two years later on
Instead of waiting to join the ranks of TTI's ongoing litigation, Alticor filed its complaint last month.
"They threatened to sue and didn't act on that threat for several months," said James Sobieraj of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, the
Sobieraj noted that Alticor has been making AHA products for more than a decade. Some Artistry offerings predate the patents, the oldest of which was in 1992.
TTI has filed a motion to dismiss Alticor's complaint, and has also filed a corresponding patent infringement suit, along with a motion to move the entire case to
"They perceive that to be a more favorable forum," Sobieraj said.
For TTI, it very well may be. Recently, the company has faced off in
Sobieraj believes Alticor has grounds to keep the lawsuit in
The potential financial impact of an adverse decision is unknown. However, Artistry is one of Alticor's leading revenue streams, and according to a 2003 study of global retail sales by Euromonitor International, is among the world's top five prestige brands of facial skin care and color cosmetics.


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NFL players' influence, passion and dedication follow them on and off the field. Our experience working with top brands has produced numerous industry wide success stories leveraging the players unique attributes.
NFL Players Inc. anchor licensees include EA SPORTS, Nike and Panini. View a list of current licensees.
Official sponsors of the NFL work with our Partner Services group on the overall planning and integration of NFL players. We place an emphasis on engagement and alignment with sponsors to offer assistance and resources that help implement their overall campaign using players and their respective properties. View a list current sponsors.


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If you are a prospective member and have questions about enrollment, call 1-866-640-3856, from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week (excluding major holidays). Use the Interactive Voice Response System after business hours. If you have a hearing or speech impairment and use a TDD, call 711.
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By calling the number above, you can speak with an EmblemHealth Medicare expert or schedule a one-on-one consultation. We will provide you with a Medicare Advantage enrollment form. There are no enrollment codes to enter when completing the form. You can mail back the completed form or leave it with an EmblemHealth Medicare expert during your consultation. For premium rates, visit the Enrollment Rates web page.
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Boo-boo at 79th OSCARS:
Feb 26 2007 -- After being snubbed for more than 30 years, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences finally recognised the work of veteran film-maker Martin Scorsese, showering his movie, "The Departed", with four Oscars – for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing. Scorsese had been previously nominated for five Best Director awards since "Raging Bull" in 1980.
However, in typical Hollywood 'head-in-the-sand' fashion, the Academy made a boo-boo when it announced that "The Departed" was adapted (by William Monahan) from a Japanese script – instead of the Hong Kong production, "Infernal Affairs". The Cantonese screenplay was actually written by Felix Chong and Mak Siu Fai who are clearly not Japanese. This 'little slip' must have been a big slap-in-the-face for the Hong Kong producers, considering that "The Departed", which copied the plot of the Hong Kong film, was the one movie that took home the most Oscars at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles last night. No attempt was made to correct the mistake in subsequent announcements or acceptance speeches.
Mexican film "Pan's Labyrinth," a fantasy about a young girl who discovers a violent world in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, was the second top winner, earning three Oscars -- for art direction, make-up and cinematography. It lost the foreign language trophy to Germany's "The Lives of Others," which deals with a conflicted police officer in the old East Germany.
Minor upsets of the night came when Alan Arkin took the Best Supporting Actor award (for "Little Miss Sunshine") over crowd favourite Eddie Murphy ("Dreamgirls"), while Forrest Whitaker won the Best Actor statuette for "King Of Scotland" over the touted Will Smith ("Pursuit Of Happyness") and Leonardo DiCaprio ("Blood Diamond").
The women's acting categories offer no surprises when Helen Mirren won the Best Actress title for "The Queen", and American Idol favourite Jennifer Hudson was named Best Supporting Actress – for her first ever feature film, "Dreamgirls".
The most disappointed among the nominees last night must be sound engineer Kevin O'Connell, who extended his losing streak to 19 nominations without a win. This time around, O'Connell and two colleagues were nominated for sound mixing on "Apocalypto," Mel Gibson's movie about the savage decline of the Mayan empire. "Apocalypto" lost in all three categories in which it was nominated, all for technical achievements.
Although only a handful of the Oscar-nominated movies have been shown in Malaysia, Oscar Fever nevertheless ran high in Kuala Lumpur this morning as Astro held its own 'Red Carpet' Breakfast Show, featuring local celebrities arriving at a major city hotel to catch the Academy Awards live on Star Movies.


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CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia's plan for a sweeping national carbon price passed its biggest political hurdle on Wednesday when the lower house of parliament voted in favor of the scheme — a major victory for beleaguered Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Gillard, who is staring at electoral defeat according to opinion polls, has staked her minority government's future on the sweeping economic reform which will impose a carbon tax on around 500 of the country's biggest polluters from July 2012, before moving to a carbon trade scheme in 2015.
"Today is a significant day for Australians and the Australians of the future who want to see a better environment," Gillard said before the bills passed with 74 votes to 72 against in the House of Representatives.
Australia, the world's biggest coal exporting nation, accounts for around 1.5 percent of global emissions, but it is the developed world's highest polluter per capital due to a reliance on coal for 80 percent of electricity generation.
The carbon legislation and a bill for A$300 million in assistance for the steel industry must now pass the upper house Senate in a vote due in mid November. The government and Green senators have the numbers to ensure the bills will become law.
The carbon plan, if passed by the Senate, would see Australia join the European Union and New Zealand with national emissions trade schemes, while the United States and Japan have smaller regional schemes.
Government lawmakers applauded when the lower house vote was taken while Gillard and her ministers hugged each other and waved to supporters in the public galleries.
Two previous attempts to pass laws for a carbon price failed in 2009 and was partly responsible for the ruling Labor Party decision to dump then prime minister Kevin Rudd in favor of Gillard in June 2010.
The carbon price is the central plank in the government's plan to cut carbon emissions, blamed for global warming, by 5 percent of year 2000 levels by 2020.
The conservative opposition, currently ahead of Gillard's Labor in opinion polls and on track to win elections in two years, said it would dismantle the tax if victorious and replace it with an alternative that did not explicitly price carbon.
"We can repeal the tax, we will repeal the tax, we must repeal the tax. This is a pledge in blood. This tax will go," opposition leader Tony Abbott said.
The bills set an initial carbon price of A$23 a tonne, and guarantees billions of dollars of compensation for big business and households, which will face higher electricity prices.
Export exposed industries such as aluminum smelters and steel makers, will receive up to 94.5 percent of carbon permits for free, while Liquefied Natural Gas projects will receive effective assistance for 50 percent of emissions.
The scheme sets up a A$10 billion clean energy finance fund to leverage private investment into renewable energy, and sets aside A$1.3 billion to help coal mines reduce emissions.
The plan also includes an extra A$300 million to help the steel industry, which is struggling with a high Australian dollar and higher costs for raw materials.
The scheme will also allow the government to buy back up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity from Australia's dirtiest coal-fired power stations by 2020, encouraging new investment in renewable energy and gas-fired power plants.
Agriculture is exempt from the carbon price, although farmers will be able to cash in on the market for carbon offsets.
Reporting by James Grubel and Rob Taylor, Editing by Michael Perry


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Would if I had that money to spare etc etc. Really though with this whole trend for aero jerseys - wonder how much worse off you could be with just a normal jersey but smaller size than usual to get the aeroness?
The Louis Garneau Course Race jersey is a super-close-fitting aero jersey that's very well made and surprisingly comfortable. But going fast isn't cheap.
Louis Garneau's Course Race is very similar in design to their Superleggera jersey but with the ethos being more on aerodynamics than breathability.
It's designed around Garneau's Next to Skin fit which as you can probably guess means it's as close a fit as you can possibly get and intended to be worn without a base layer. The whole jersey is designed with as few seams as possible for both comfort and aerodynamics using pre-shaped panels in areas like the shoulders to dictate the fit.
The shoulders, which are one of the parts of your body that hit the wind first and so make a big difference to aerodynamics, use Speedtech fabric which is a tight dimpled mesh that creates a very smooth surface for cutting through the air.
The rest of the jersey is made from Mondo fabric which feels much softer than a lot of other jersey materials. Considering how small the Course Race looks on a hanger the Mondo fabric stretches to fit without pulling the material to its limits. It doesn't feel tight when it's on, just a nice close fit.
The black version here is coated with Coldblack, a treatment that reflect heats keeping the rider cooler when the sun comes out and also providing sun protection of SPF50.
Even though breathability isn't the top level concern it certainly hasn't been overlooked. Panels of mesh (Mesh 1001 as Louis Garneau call it) under the arms and at the rear of the neck wick sweat away while maintaining body temperature.
To keep the transition smooth from jersey to arms the sleeves are laser cut requiring no hem. They stay in place perfectly well without any grippers. They're about two inches longer than most sleeves so be prepared for an even dodgier cycling tan than normal.
As usual there are three pockets at the rear. The two side pockets are slanted for easy access. There is also a multimedia channel for threading headphones through the jersey.
The pockets are deep and carry plenty of stuff securely. Finishing touches like the 'zip garage' to stop neck irritation all add up in the quality stakes.
In use the Course Race is a lovely bit of kit to wear. It feels smooth against the skin and moves with you as you change position on the bike. As far as aerodynamics goes it does fit just like a skinsuit with no flapping material or bunching to disrupt the airflow.
The lack of seams and those pre-shaped shoulders really do add to the comfort, especially when you are hunched down onto the drops. The mesh underarms do a great job of removing excess body heat.
I like the colour scheme of black with red and white highlights but for those of you that'd like something a bit brighter there is a white version. Both are availiable in eight sizes from XXS to XXXL.
All of the Garneau kit I've seen is absolutely great quality and things are no different here. But then the quality should be top notch when you are paying £120 for a jersey.
A hundred and twenty quid though is a hell of a lot for a jersey. Unless you're racing against the clock or o a short circuit with the chance of breaking away, the Course Race is a bit unnecessary for most amateur club riders. But if it does tickle your fancy you won't be disappointed.
Aero, comfortable and great quality performance jersey that is perfect for race day.
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Louis Garneau Course Race Jersey
Size tested: Medium, black
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The Course Race jersey is, as the name implies, for racing. Aerodynamics is the key design brief and the cut and material reflects this. It certainly feels like you're wearing a skinsuit and seems to perform the more aero your position.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
*Full length zip: Allows maximum ventilation
*Zip garage: Prevents neck irritation
*Pre-shaped shoulders: Enhance comfort in cycling position
*3 angled back pockets: Offer an easy access
*Multimedia pocket: Allows for headphone wires to be channelled inside the garment
*Wide Signature silicone gripper at back hem: Maintains fit
*Lazer-finished hem at arm: Designed for improved aerodynimics
*Stretch trim at hem: Provides a good fit
*Front and back reflective accents: Enhance visibility
*Next to skin Fit men
* Coldblack Finish®
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It certainly lives up to its aero design with a contoured fit and great comfort.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The fit and comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
You need the performance to back it up.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
About the tester
Age: 34 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Ribble Winter Trainer for commuting, Genesis Flyer My best bike is: Sarto Rovigo
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
Stu knocked out his first road.cc review back in 2009 and since then he's chucked the best part of seventy test bikes around the West Country, a couple of them quite literally! With three alloy and two steel bikes in his fleet he's definitely a metal man (that'll be the engineering background) but is slowly warming to that modern carbon fibre stuff along with fat tyres & disc brakes.
It's not all nostalgia though, after spending the last few years in product design Stu keeps banging on about how 3D printing is going to be the next big thing and he's a sucker for a beautiful paint job too.