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I recently watched the film Who Killed Captain Alex?, a viral success on YouTube which claims to be "Uganda's first action-packed movie." It is a hilarious watch for most audiences due to its extremely low budget and the resulting creative special effects, not to mention the "video joker" VJ Emmie (the voice of a Ugandan, English-language commentary track which comments over the only existing version of the movie for the entire hour).
I have seen plenty of hilariously low-budget films, but what struck me about this one is one of the pre-show slides, which says, "He [producer/writer/director/cinematographer/editor Nabwana I.G.G.] never imagined anyone outside his own village would see this film."
Firstly, this raises the question: why do we make film, or any art for that matter? To Hollywood producers, the answer would likely be "money." To many indie filmmakers, it may be "to comment on a topic or theme" with the likely addition of "and share that comment with the world." Indeed, the budgetary and time requirements of the film medium often urge a filmmaker to desire a wide audience, if not the possibility of profit.
One of the most obvious differences between theatre and film is the relative permanence of each genre. Theatre is arguably the most fleeting widespread art form, with a specific production forever lost unless immortalized through video (which many theatre enthusiasts would claim is an incomplete representation, since the art cannot be experienced live). Film, on the other hand, is arguably one of the most permanent art forms, due to both reproduction of the work and modern digital storage methods. This difference alone is enough to pathologize film and theatre makers.
Still, one may not be terribly off the mark to say that most filmmakers make a film with a very large audience in mind, while theatre makers are often working with a target audience of some sort, whether it be purposeful or consequential. The vast majority of your audience being of a certain race, for instance, may simply be due to location and other factors—or it may be a result of conscious programmatic and marketing choices. Regardless, theatres tend to be cognizant of audience demographics and desires, and make artistic choices with that in mind in some capacity.
Who Killed Captain Alex?, despite being a film, carries the target audience characteristic (and, in a certain sense, the seeming impermanence) of theatre. Nabwana created this film for and with his village, with no desire or intention for widespread distribution. This, in fact, is a wonderful example of community engagement through art, and urges a reviewer to critique this film through a unique lens.
The Context and Framing of Who Killed Captain Alex?:
While, of course, a reviewer could rate Who Killed Captain Alex? alongside critically-acclaimed action films like Kill Bill and Die Hard, readers would understandably consider said review hilariously sarcastic, and would undoubtedly not take such a review seriously. The reason for this is that the viewer, like myself, immediately contextualizes her viewing with the target audience in mind.
There are a few ways in which Nabwana I.G.G. frames his movie for the audience. The opening slides, which explain that the movie was made for the village of Wakaliga in Uganda and that he did not intend it to be seen by anyone else, are underscored by sounds of the village—people chatting, children giggling, the bleating of goats, etc. Shortly thereafter, there is a brief clip of the making of the movie, including a green screen hung to the side of a house.
We immediately see this as a community project and thus enjoy it light-heartedly and, for those with the disposition to watch the entire film, enjoy it as a friend or family member of Nabwana would. It is thus unsurprising to me that Who Killed Captain Alex? has over eight stars on IMDB across over 3000 ratings.
The film and theatre forms approach the communal experience in different yet related ways, and there is one film genre that sometimes bridges the two—cult film. Theatre worships the communal experience, which is often offered as the explanation for the superiority of theatre by those who hold that opinion (along with the specific abilities of the medium that differ from film, of course).
Unlike theatre, film regards the communal experience as separate from or secondary to the art. A film is basically the same if viewed alone in one's home or in a full movie theatre. The existence of movie theatres points to society's regard for films as communal art, but one may just as well go to a movie theatre to watch a film due to the technical benefits, such as a large screen and good speakers. Except in some particular cases and specific communities, attending a screening of a film at a theatre is not an interactive experience.
Cult Films and Who Killed Captain Alex?:
The one film phenomenon in which the movie theatre-going experience is dependent on collective viewing is the culture surrounding certain kitsch and unconventional cult films. Such cult films take on many of the characteristics of theatre, and are the most prevalent example of "film-as-theatre." The Room and The Rocky Horror Picture Show are perhaps the most famous cult films of this sort, and movie theatres across the country screen them at midnight and encourage audiences to participate with the film in a variety of ways.
Rocky Horror screenings often go even further in blurring the line between film and theatre by featuring live cast enactments of the film happening in front of the screen, in addition to audience interaction that often includes props such as umbrellas and rice. The content and permanence of the film are augmented by the immediacy and impermanence of the cast reenactment, as well as the ever-shifting methods of audience participation. The experience of seeing Rocky Horror is distinct depending on the location, the cast, and the audience.
While Who Killed Captain Alex? does not go as far as Rocky Horror, it has certainly become a cult film. The "cult" is the group of individuals with the disposition to watch and enjoy such a film, as I mentioned above. Such individuals choose to suspend their disbelief beyond what is normally expected of an audience, and generally value the communal experience of the film.
Captain Alex, however, has the unique characteristic of neither being accidentally bad (like The Room, Plan 9 from Outer Space, or The Blob), or purposefully strange (like Rocky Horror or Donnie Darko). Instead, Who Killed Captain Alex? was made only for a small and specific audience (Nabwana's village), and was made for the sake of pure communal entertainment. For example, the bootlegging of action film tropes in Captain Alex is purposefully and unapologetically exaggerated. Nabwana knew that he did not have the technological capabilities to realistically portray a helicopter destroying buildings, but he included it for the sake of the entertainment of his limited audience. He has perfectly curated a cult film without having had the intention to do so.
I cannot go through an essay about Who Killed Captain Alex? without mentioning the "video joker," VJ Emmie. He comments in English on top of the movie throughout, making bombastic jokes and even promoting the next movies to come from the production company. He is the voice of the cult audience, interrupting the movie to enhance its interactivity.
Nowhere near as informative as a commentary track and nowhere near as pointedly dismissive as Mystery Science Theater 3000, the presence of VJ Emmie parallels the affectionate yelling of audiences at midnight screenings of Rocky Horror. Despite his sarcasm and brashness, he has become (apparently through a technical mishap) a permanent feature of the film itself. Again, we see the film object that is the available version of Captain Alex integrating an element of cult film that further defines it as a communal experience. With the presence of the video joker, you have a companion in your viewing even if you watch the film alone.
While Who Killed Captain Alex? displays all of the characteristics of a beloved cult film, a genre that incorporates theatre-like qualities into the film-viewing experience, it does so under unique circumstances which set it apart from most well-known cult movies. Namely, the small and targeted audience for which Nabwana I.G.G. created this film and it becoming tethered to the remarks of VJ Emmie make the movie-making process, as well as the film-viewing experience, unique. He made the film for his village only; and thus, with the inclusion of that fact in a slide and sequence at the beginning of the current version of the movie, the viewer readily suspends her disbelief to the extent that one would for any popular cult film.
This explains the virality of the film. The slow build and communal affirmation that seems to fuel most cult films is unnecessary in this case. Rather, the fact that Nabwana's village of Wakaliga (now known as Wakaliwood) has already approved the film for the viewer allows the viewer to join in on a community project instead of curating one for herself.
The cult audience for this film was preexisting, and non-Wakaligan viewers are simply joining in on that audience. The desire of non-Wakaligans to join in this audience relates to the human desire for community, a desire which heavily contributes to stage theatre's ongoing survival in the wake of the advent and growth of the film industry. Certainly, Who Killed Captain Alex? is not a film to be enjoyed by just anyone; but for those interested in watching a film for the sake of enjoying it with others (whether "others" includes friends, or simply a video joker), you may want to check out Wakaliwood.
Film-as-Theatre and the Cult Film Phenomenon:


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Training Focus
The Radix Training Programme is designed to give its trainees a very comprehensive education in the theory and practice of Radix Body Centered Psychotherapy, the relationship of Radix to other somatic therapies and its place in clinical practice. It requires trainees to develop their skills through three focuses:
The trainee's own ongoing experiential work, which begins prior to acceptance into the formal programme and continues at least to the conclusion of training. The heart of Radix training is the emphasis on the personal experiential work of the trainee. It is important to the process of a client that the therapist has explored the depths of their own experience, and is able to surrender to, and to be supportive of, their own deepest primary processes. This provides a solid grounding for the encouragement and support of these developments in their clients and creates a firm base of self knowledge to underpin one's work as a psychotherapist.
The study and application of theoretical and conceptual concepts underlying Radix Body Centered Psychotherapy. These concepts are experienced, discussed and integrated into a clinical understanding. Teaching methods include tapes and written reading materials, short seminars, experiential and training workshops, research and written assignments, group presentations, practical and written exams and supervision.
Supervised practice teaching. During the first year of training, each trainee must establish a small practice group with whom they work individually and in group and workshop settings. This enables the specific concepts, applications and interventions taught to be practised and supervised in depth.
For More Information:

subset: commoncrawl


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Alfred Playing Music CD ROM by Morton SubotnickAlfred Playing Music CD ROM by Morton Subotnick Standard Playing Music teaches about tempo, dynamics, and expression with games, performance videos, and a glossary of music terms. Then, it relates the concepts to written music by showing the appropriate expression marks on sheet music. Finally, it allows children to create their own interpretations of classical music and see it performed by three lovable characters. Recommended for ages 8 and up.With Playing Music, children can experience music at
the most basic level—before even picking up an instrument or learning to read. Morton Subotnick's series of interactive music games make it fun to play with the fundamentals of pitch, rhythm, and sounds of various instruments and styles of music. Children learn what it means to play a high or low; soft or loud; and fast or slow note—with lovable characters and detailed explanations to guide them along the way.
|Product Name
|Alfred Playing Music CD ROM by Morton


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Fitness does not have to be one thing that inspires fear. You might have unfavorable associations with the idea–probably you consider obtaining in shape is boring or tiresome, or you have been bullied in the earlier since of your incapacity to play sports. These kind of negative thoughts need to be carried out absent so you can get started to take pleasure in a wholesome new physique. This write-up will give you some wonderful guidance on just that.
1 tip for keeping with your health regimen is to be part of a physical fitness club and pay out upfront for numerous months. This will "lock you in", so to communicate, and preserve you coming back above time. Nevertheless, you must only do this if you might be struggling to get your self to training.
Getting ambitions to accomplish is a excellent way to get inspired. It retains your target locked on the finish stage you want to get to, relatively than obtaining caught up in how to get previous the unavoidable road blocks. Creating goals gives oneself time to lose bodyweight instead than anticipating a extraordinary decline right away.
By shifting up the diverse exercise routines you do, you get far better positive aspects overall to your physique. If you typically physical exercise indoors, consider taking part in basketball or strolling outdoors. Various benefits will be attained when the particular person operates on the sidewalk or up a hill. Sticking with only one variety of exercise, minimizes the outcomes to the position of slowing them down or stalling entirely.
Relying on your ultimate goals, you might schedule more or considerably less power exercise routines during your workout routine. To get larger, you want to limit the quantity of strength training exercises you complete on a standard foundation. If you want your muscle groups to seem sharp and outlined, you need to plan a lot more toughness workout routines.
Soon after reading through this write-up, you ought to be completely ready to change how you truly feel about your human body and your overall health. Performing so will make you more healthy and happier and even prolong your lifespan.


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
The Municipal District of Bonnyville supports 16 community societies covering a wide area from Riverhurst to Goodridge.
Societies operating the halls, or recreation areas, require volunteers from the community to assist with the various activities, and they are always looking for business.
Book the halls for any event you may be planning. These events range from weddings, anniversaries, reunions, birthdays, dances, parties, potluck suppers, and craft shows. Contact the different societies for more information.


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Featured Image Archive - Page 2
AAPT Summer Meeting 2015 ` - Mar 2, 2015
Join the AAPT in College Park MD for its 2015 Summer meeting, July 25 - 29.
BFY II ` - Mar 2, 2015
ALPhA, the Advanced Laboratory Physics Association, will hold the Second Conference on Laboratory Instruction: Beyond the First Year of College at the University of Maryland July 22 - July 24, 2015, immediately preceding the 2015 AAPT Summer Meeting. This meeting provides hands-on experience with a broad selection of contemporary labs.
2015 Physics Teachers Education Coalition Conference ` - Nov 15, 2014
The Physics Teacher Education Conference features workshops, panel discussions, and presentations by national leaders on Teacher Education. The theme of the conference is Building Thriving Programs. The conference will run from Thursday, February 5 to Saturday, February 7.
Global Physics Department, Fall 2014 ` - Sep 1, 2014
The Global Physics Department is starting the Fall 2014 Wednesday Evening (9:30 ET) meetings on Sept. 3. The first topics include Direct Measurement Videos, Concord Consortium learning materials, and the Partial Derivative Machine. The calendar of events is available online.
AAPT Winter Meeting 2015 ` - Aug 22, 2014
Join the AAPT for the 2015 winter meeting in San Diego, Jan 3 - 6. Enjoy the Southern California weather and the exchange of ideas with educators and researchers from around the world.
ICPE 2014 ` - May 21, 2014
The 2014 International Conference on Physics Education will be held August 18 - 22 in Cordoba Argentina. The conference will provide an exchange of information and views from members of the international physics education community.
GIREP - MPTL 2014 ` - May 21, 2014
The GIREP - MPTL International Conference on Teaching/Learning Physics will be held July 7 - 12 at the University of Palermo, Italy. This conference will focus on integrating research into practice and research-based curricula.
Introductory Mechanics ReView Course, 2014 ` - May 12, 2014
Registration is open for a free online MIT course in Introductory Newtonian Mechanics targeting teachers who want to improve their pedagogy, their conceptual overview of Mechanics, and their problem-solving skills. CEU credit is available from the AAPT.
2014 Physics Teacher Education Coalition Conference ` - Mar 21, 2014
The 2014 Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) Conference will be held May 19-20 in conjunction with the UTeach Institute Annual Conference in Austin, TX. It features workshops, panel discussions, presentations by national leaders, and excellent networking opportunities.
AAPT Summer Meeting 2014 ` - Mar 21, 2014
Join the AAPT for the 2014 Summer meeting, held at the University of Minnesota. Come and share your most enjoyable demo, lab, app, simulation, or lecture that shows "The Fun of Teaching Physics."
« Previous 10 | Next 10 »


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At Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio, outdoor lighting is both an art and a science. There are several benefits of having an outdoor lighting system, some of which you may not know about. Well-designed outdoor lighting can increase your home's curb appeal. Additionally, a few carefully-placed fixtures can increase the usability of your home's outdoor living spaces and even increase the safety and security of your home at night.
Your home is more than likely one of your largest investments. Why allow it to completely disappear once nighttime arrives? There are several techniques we employ to boost your home's curb appeal after dark. Up lighting will bring added depth and texture to your home's facade during the evening hours. Accent lighting will create the perfect focal point for your trees and larger flowering plants. Through a custom-tailored outdoor lighting system design, your home and landscape's best features will be accentuated at night. A well-designed outdoor lighting system will make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
Your back porch or deck lights probably don't provide enough illumination as you would prefer. Do you have a grilling area, but find yourself struggling to see what you're grilling once the sun sets? What about your outdoor dining area, is there enough illumination for you and guests during the evening hours? If not, you absolutely stand to benefit from professionally-designed-and-installed outdoor lighting. Through our extensive design and preparation, your home will come to life with an elegant emission of subtle illumination. Perfectly installed lighting isn't only about the practical application, but also the aesthetic value.
Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere is just another benefit of professionally-designed-and-installed outdoor lighting. You and your guests will enjoy your outdoor living areas so much that you may never return indoors. It's extremely important to remember, there's a very fine line between too little and too much illumination. If you want to ensure that your outdoor living areas look incredible once nighttime arrives, call the professionals at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Ohio at (440) 247-6300, email us at [email protected] or fill out the form to the upper right. We look forward to hearing from you soon!


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ALTR Pro
- You are serious about fitness, results, fun, and connection.
- You are obsessed with music.
- Train clients in our signature ALTR HIIT format.
- Maximize personal and client performance.
- Inspirational and aspirational presence.
- Personal training or group fitness certification and experience required.
ALTR Concierge
- You are serious about customer care, connection, and creating the right vibe.
- Provide total and unparalleled customer experience.
- Assist with prompt and detailed operations.
- Customer service experience preferred.
- Energetic and charismatic personalities required.
Got what it takes? What now?
Send us five bullet point reasons why you're the one for ALTR, plus your resume.


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When it comes to how consumers experience your brand, your website is only the beginning. Today, consumers use a diverse list of maps, apps, voice search tools, digital assistants, search engines, GPS systems, and social networks to find and engage with information about your business. Are you in control of the answers they see across all these platforms?
The Internet is a vast place. Here at Diamond Arrow Digital Marketing we provide the most up-to date online digital marketing strategies for your business. We do this providing services ranging from website design, social media management, review monitoring, local search marketing, branding and more. We provide you with a strategy that will benefit you the most. Thats why at Diamond Arrow Digital Marketing we sit down with our clients in person and discus their business goals. This helps us match you with an advertising and marketing strategy tailored just for you.
We here at Diamond Arrow Digital Marketing put every customer and there engagement work and brand first — no matter where it takes place — we can drive more online business to your location with Diamond Arrow Media.
We help businesses maximize their online presence with a personalized approach to digital marketing.
Call today: (480) 712-3320


text: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey after winning the election. AP Photo/Butch Dill November 16, 2018 3 ways the women's movement in US politics is misunderstood Deana Rohlinger, Florida State University While a record number of women are headed to Congress, a number of conservative measures passed across states. What explains this?


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Control Station Signs
When handling and environmental concerns are equally important, low profile bunding is the best solution. The range of low profile bunding is the smallest and most compact version, having a small footprint area and offering versatile layout options. This complies with bunding requirements when used correctly and can be simply joined together to provide greater sump capacity.
Please note: does not include the spill pallet or spill pallet (to be ordered separately)


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Communication Committee
Paul Duprex, Chair (2020)
Communications Workshop 2018
Tuesday, July 17th, 2018 at 12:15 p.m.
Convened by ASV Communications Committee Chair, Paul Duprex
"From the journal Cell to NPR: Why @FoodieScience 'loves reporting on viruses'"
Speaker: Michaeleen Doucleff, Global Health reporter for NPR. Michaeleen is a gifted communicator and will interview Vincent Racaniello in the opening Keynote Lecture of the meeting. She has a keen interest in infectious diseases, spent time in Liberia during the Ebola outbreak and is a vocal advocate for girls' rights and women's and children's health. No pre-registration is required to attend this event.
This Week in Virology
TWiV (www.twiv.tv) is a weekly science show about viruses hosted by Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Kathy Spindler. An episode of TWiV is recorded each year at the ASV meeting. The most recent ASV TWiV is shown below, with links to previous years.
2017 ASV TWiV (448): Mavis the Structural Maven
2016 ASV TWiV (395): The Cancer Thief
2015 ASV TWiV (346): A double helical career
2014 ASV TWiV (291): Ft. Collins abuzz with virologists
2013 ASV TWiV (243): Live from ASV at Penn State
2012 ASV TWiV (193): Live at ASV in Madison
2011 ASV TWiV (143): Live at ASV in Minneapolis
2010 ASV TWiV (92): Live at ASV in Bozeman


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I noticed there are too few quotation pictures of Bill Hicks and figured I would throw some of his other great moments into the mix. Most of them are just the same quotes with different images. Enjoy this one and spread it around and look out for more. I will try and make a habit of this with many other comics. Here is the text in case you want a copy of it.
"I'm no bleeding heart, OK? But, when your walking down the streets of New York City and your stepping over a guy on the sidewalk who, I don't know, might be dead, does it ever occur to you to think, "Wow maybe our system doesn't work." Does that question ever bubble up out of ya? I mean if it was only a couple of bums I'd think well they're fucking bums, but there's thousands of these fucking guys. I mean I'm running like a bum hurdle down the fucking sidewalk."
-Bill Hicks


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The Indian tribal Christians and their relatives are denied by the Government scholarships for Education in a violence-plagued district of India's eastern state of Orissa, said the local Christians and church leaders.
According to the sources, it is revealed that the authorities in Kandhamal district refused to issue documents needed for local christians to study at schools, colleges and universities under a government programme aimed at supporting disadvantaged people in this, mainly people of Hindu Society.
According to the Christian Rights activists, this issue has added to astriction all over Kandhamal District where around 100 people died in the anti-christian violence since Christmas 2007 and 2008.
Prakash Pradhan who belongs to Kandho Tribe in Pikoredi Village says that e was told by a local revenue administrative office he wouldn't receive the so called "Tribal Certificate" allowing a scholarship only because of his Christian Faith. He expressed his sorrow in the latest revealed case this year. He said "During the past four months, I visited the offices of Tahasildar, as the office is called for at least ten times. But, Finally they told me that I would not be given the tribal certificate because I am a Christian."
Moreover, the local Kandho tribal association 'Kuj Samaj' viewed as an Anti-Christian nationalist Hindu Group has pressured authorities not to issue the documents to him and other tribal Christians. Even a non-Christians are apparently targeted. As Bali Pradhan said, he could not get the caste certificate because his brother was a christian.
Similarly, children of parents being one christian- another a non christian or a devotee of Christianity were strongly opposed to have education. Is This 'ETHICAL'? Is This Called 'Humanity'? Is This The 'Rule Of RIGHT TO EDUCATION'? .
No, Not at all. 'EDUCATION' Is a "Equal Right", RTE has only separated fee structures based on Categories with the main motto that all category people can get education based on their personal income every year. And Not to differentiate any Caste or Religion.
What do you think about this issue? Please do share with us.


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If I had a merit scholarship as a PT/OT undergraduate, do I continue to receive it in my graduate years?
If you are a President's or ALANA scholarship recipient, a National Merit Finalist Recognition or Flora Brown Award recipient, or a recipient of a school-specific, merit-based scholarship, you cannot receive these programs as a graduate student. However, you may qualify for additional sources of institutional funding.


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Leading Your Peers for a Good Cause (podcast)
The Cannonball Podcast is back! After a week hiatus, I've got a fresh episode for you, recorded on site at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.
While on campus to keynote a leadership event, I had a chance to talk to students about two key issues facing young leaders:
- How do you lead your peers - people who are the same age as you?
- How do you use a cause to grow your organization's overall impact?
It was a great discussion, cut far too short due to my mishandling of the microphone. I'll get better at that, I promise.
Give this week's Cannonball Podcast a listen to learn more about leading your peers and leading anyone towards a positive cause in the world.
As always, be sure to leave a comment with any questions. Or, suggest a future episode topic as well. And don't forget to subscribe to The Cannonball Podcast in iTunes as well.


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Recipe for a Happy Life by Brenda Janowitz ( web | tweet )
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 336
Target audience: adult
Keywords: summer in the Hamptons, mothers/daughters, moving forward
Format read: ARC eBook provided by author. (Thank you!)
Summary: After a mini-disaster, Hannah, a lawyer in NYC, escapes to the Hamptons for the summer to spend time with her grandmother and figure things out.
When it's starting to get super frigid outside, there's nothing like reading a book about the summertime.
Recipe for a Happy Life contains so many of the details I love to read about: the Hamptons, complicated grandmother/mother/ daughter relationships, and a perfect pinch of romance to spice things up.
Hannah is at her wit's end when her boyfriend's mother accuses her of trying to kill her boyfriend (it was a mistake! he's alive!) and runs off to the comfort of her grandmother. Never being close with her always on the go, legendary photographer mother, Hannah finds comfort in her glamorous and generous grandmother (who has been married multiple times) and though she never feels like she can live up to her grandmother's expectations, she is happy to be in her presence. (Even if this means attending parties she doesn't want to go to and being dressed up in expensive clothes.)
As you can probably guess, Hannah's hope for a "no drama" few months in the Hamptons is anything but. When she bumps into Nate, a guy she went to law school with and pretty much loathes, she can't seem to get rid of him and soon realizes, maybe she doesn't really want to. Then there's her mother's visit, countless frosty interactions and a hidden family secret that comes to the surface and threatens to break bonds just as more bad news comes crashing down.
It may seem like a lot (and it is, for one summer) but Janowitz balances all of the unfortunate news with some vibrant supporting characters like the charming Nate, rock star Jaime, and teenaged Hunter who injects a certain amount of innocence and comedy into these pages. I swear, his character is so memorable and I loved how Hunter and Hannah formed an unlikely (but much needed for both) bond during this summer. Janowitz's attention to her secondary characters truly made Recipe for a Happy Life stand out amongst other beachy dramas.
This book was practically burning a hole in my bag. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait for the next free moment when I could pick it up again. All of the life-altering events that occur during Hannah's summer seem so necessary to her growth as a person and also assisted her in letting go of old prejudices she had held onto for years. By the end of the book, she is more independent, more understanding of her family, and also has a clearer focus on what she wants for the future.
I am officially a Brenda Janowitz fan!


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Early Fall at the Farm
I have said this enough to sound repetitious, but fall is our favorite season at the farm. It felt really nice to be here this morning, and Celia was met with a full moon over one of the greenhouses when she arrived. There are moments when this all really makes sense.
Andre was out this morning from the Athens Banner Herald with a photographer to take a few shots of the crew harvesting greens. We love that rascal. Thanks Andre.


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The crowning achievement of a Christmas Eve day spent elbow-deep in butter, sugar, and red sprinkles... 10 dozen perfect little sour cream drop cookies topped with clouds of rich, sweet buttercream. These are hands-down my favorite kind of cookie.
1 stick of butter (softened)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup sour cream
Cream butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla together; beat until fluffy. Mix dry ingredients together and add a little at a time, alternating with the sour cream. Mix thoroughly. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 11 minutes. Cool on a wire rack before frosting.
3 sticks of butter (softened)
5 cups powdered sugar
3/4 tsp. vanilla
Cream butter on med-high speed until light & creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. After every 2 additions, beat on high for 10 seconds before adding more sugar. Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
One batch of dough makes about 5 dozen cookies. Enjoy!


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Update on HRB Emerald load limits/
Since reporting last Wednesday that HR Block Emerald prepaid MasterCards are (finally) reloadable using Vanilla Reload Network reload cards, I've been tracking my loading activity with the goal of establishing the card's limits (since it is not even published in the terms and conditions of the card that it can be loaded with those instruments). Here's what I found:
As you can see, there's a rolling, 24-hour load limit of $1,000. There also appears to be a weekly or monthly limit of $5,000 in loads – although it's also been hypothesized that it's a limit of 10 loads of any kind, so if you were loading lower-denomination cards for whatever reason, you might end up being able to load less than $5,000.
As a reminder, you can use your Emerald card's routing number and account number (called "DDA" for some reason) from the account's home page to pay bills or transfer money from the account to any bank, credit card, or other payee that allows it. Unfortunately, American Express for reasons known only to themselves does not allow you to link bank accounts with account numbers over a certain number of digits, so I have not been able to successfully link my Emerald card as a payment source for my American Express cards. Of course, for a mere $0.95 I could pay my American Express bills directly from the HR Block Emerald interface, which I might consider doing under certain conditions.


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Registered charity number 1115960
The earth receives more energy from the sun in 1 hour than the world uses in a year. Two billion people have no access to electricity. SolarAid's mission is to combat climate change and poverty through solar power. SolarAid aims to enable the world's poorest people to have clean, renewable power.
SolarAid offers a variety of events to participate in and raise valuable donations to support the charity. Check out the events below for more information.
Tel: 020 7424 5520
How to advertise | Webmaster | Site Map | Contact Us | Privacy & Cookie Policy | All Charities Strategic Partners | Fundraising Advice | Work For Us | Fitness Advice | Kit Advice
Copyright Skyline Promotions Ltd 2019 All Rights Reserved


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The Tudors at the MetPosted by by Janet Dooley on 4 January 2012 in category in Tudor Art - 0 0 Comments
If you're in New York, you can check out the collection of Tudor era art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Peter Antony, Publications production manager at The Met, provides the narrative for this peak into the The Met's collection of Tudor artwork. Learn More


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Meghan Quinn
Artist Statement
I make art to reach people and get them to care. Equality and the environment are themes I am always going back to. These are the issues that make me tick. I ask my audience to look introspectively as to where our viewpoints originate. The work ranges from the concept of home to the concept of identity in its different states of metamorphosis- ideas that I put out to be consumed and, with luck, internalized. My approach is rooted in the human condition. It is activist art: societal, feminist, and humanistic. Frequently, I draw inspiration from life experience and current events. I am most comfortable working in a narrative form where convention is defied and the greater authorities are questioned. A common theme I analyze is navigating the girl experience; the struggles that are part of growing up female and the societal pressures that are transferred to us as adult women.


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Fully Licensed & Bonded
In a perfect location, with easy access to local attractions, this hotel is the perfect place for business and leisure travellers in the Orlando area. It is only 1.6 km from Universal Orlando and within walking distance from Wet & Wild Water Park and many restaurants. A short walk away from I-Ride trolley pick up. Disney and Sea World are only a short drive away. All rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable, coffee maker, hair dryer, alarm clock, iron and ironing board. In some rooms, there is also a desk, refrigerator, microwave and sofa sleeper. This is a non-smoking hotel.


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What To Say In A Dirty Text Message – 4 Tips For Guys & Girls
Hey whattup yall, P-Funk here.
When you're a sex-texting guru like me, people will constantly ask you what to say in a "dirty" text message. Lucky for me (and for you, I suppose) the answer to this question comes very easily to me.
Almost all of the text messages I write are dirty or "naughty" in some way.
This post will guide you through 7 key essentials to remember when sending dirty text messages. There will be advice for both dudes and chics. It will be effective and actionable (and free) so keep reading.
Here we go…
1. Start smooth. The worst thing to do (whether you're a guy or a girl) is to start off too strong. Whether it's your boyfriend or husband you're texting, your girlfriend or wife, or just some chic that you're trying to bang — the key here is to hint at something dirty without saying too much.
It's the worst when you try to initiate the dirty texting with something too strong like, "Baby, I just want to squeeze those fuckin titties and spank ur little ass cheeks til they get all red…" and then NOT get a reply back. You just feel like a jack-ass until (if) they write back.
(That was an example using a dude talking to a girl, but ladies, you get the point.)
Unless your texting partner is the one initiating it, don't get too dirty too fast. With regard to what to say in a dirty text message to initiate the action, you might try something like…[in order of how comfortable you are with the person]
"Can you take a picture and send it to me?" – may not seem sexually loaded, but this is one of the best ways to get dirty with it. It somehow magically tends to lead to getting naked.
"OMG I just learned about this new sex position that's ridiculous" - this one's for a guy/girl that you've been banging for a while. They will almost always reply with, "Really? What is it?" — which is pretty easy to transition into some sexy talk.
"Send me a picture of your titties baby" – hahaa, admittedly one of my all-time favorites, this is obviously best for somebody that you're very comfortable with. Ladies, this can be easily umm, modified for the dude in your life in the following manner: "I'm hungry, send me a picture of that dick baby" — or something to that effect.
2. Stay smooth. To continue along with this somewhat nonchalant, unassuming style, is often a big turn-on and can lead to some serious sex talk.
People generally enjoy talking dirty via tex IF they feel comfortable with it. By being casual about it, you relieve pressure from the other person, and this relaxation often can cause horniness (assuming the other person is somewhat attracted to you sexually).
[If they're not attracted to you sexually (that sucks) you might want to check this post out - it was written for guys on how to pick up new girls that are hot, but girls, a lot of the principles will be useful for you too. ]
3. Bob and weave. The major mistake that people make when texting, not just with regard to what to say in a dirty text message, but what to say in general — is that they fail to gauge the other person's reaction accurately. And if they DO gauge the reaction properly, they fail to respond in the best way.
Here's are a few examples of what NOT to do
You: "Hey baby, wanna talk about sex?"
Your partner (30 minutes later): "Huh? Ok.."
You: "You make me so hot, I just want to throw you down on the bed, get you all naked and rub you down with oil!"
Your partner (10 minutes later): "Ya that sounds nice"
Note, not only did your partner sound apprehensive, nervous, surprised — but they also took 30 minutes to respond the first time. And another ten the second time.
They're "texting" body language is saying that they're probably not very engaged with you right now. And that means that as opposed to plowing ahead on the same course you were just on, try something new. A different strategy.
4. Blowjobs and flowers. It's tough to give you an example that will be specific enough to use since I don't know your partner, but here's the next best thing…
2 pieces of timeless wisdom, that, IF you take the time to meditate upon (at least 20 minutes/day for a few weeks), you will never have to wonder what to say in a dirty text message EVER again:
Dudes like blowjobs – typically any talk about blowjobs will get there engines running.
Chics like flowers, candy, and diamonds – typically get their engines running similarly hahah.
Some other texting tips you may like: (girls, you may like it to – like I said, mostly written for guys, but still applicable to girls)
Have a crush on somebody? Here's what to text them
Some fun text message game idea for guys or girls you just met
More examples of stuff to say to girls in texts
Go back to the main Sex Texting Category
Go from What To Say In A Dirty Text Message back to the Text-Girls.com homepage
3 Responses to "What To Say In A Dirty Text Message – 4 Tips For Guys & Girls"
What Should I Text A Girl I'm Talking To? | Text Girls and Get Laid on May 9th, 2010 4:47 pm
[...] Dirty text message ideas — tips for guys AND girls [...]
Texting a Girl After You Get Her Number - 3 Rules To Live By | Text Girls and Get Laid on December 27th, 2010 11:29 am
[...] [thinking dirty thoughts] Okay, texting it is! Talk to you on [...]
How To Ask A Girl Out By Text And Make Her Horny On The First Date | Text Girls and Get Laid on December 27th, 2010 12:38 pm
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About 35 homeless men found a warm place to sleep Wednesday night at the East Sunshine Church of Christ's emergency weather shelter for men.
Marsha Burns, a member of the men's shelter ministry team, said she expects that number to increase as the cold temperatures continue through the weekend.
The Salvation Army normally opens its emergency shelter when the National Weather Service predicts the wind chill will reach 14 degrees or below. However, the Salvation Army gymnasium that houses the shelter is being set up for the Christmas toy drive, said Jeff Smith, social services director.
The East Sunshine Church of Christ, which operates its emergency shelter when the temperature is predicted to be below 32 degrees, has agreed to open in place of the Salvation Army over the next few weeks.
Jeff Smith said he expects the Salvation Army gymnasium to be cleared out and ready to serve as an emergency weather shelter again around Dec. 26.
"When you've got toys and food coming in for a thousand families, you've got to have a place to store it," Smith said, adding that families can sign up for the holiday assistance program through Friday.
The East Sunshine Church of Christ is permitted by the city to open its emergency shelter when temperatures dip below 32 degrees between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., and when the Salvation Army's shelter is not open.
Pick up is at Victory Square, 1610 N. Broadway, around 8 p.m.
Burns said men can also walk to or be dropped off at the church located at 3721 E. Sunshine St. Capacity is 75.
Deron Smith, pastor at East Sunshine Church of Christ, said men don't have to have identification or go through any kind of background check.
"Coming in sober is a requirement just because that does impact the group as a whole. It impacts the kind of peacefulness of the night," Deron Smith explained. "There have been times when people have not been sober when we pick them up. If they cause trouble, they will be dismissed. Sometimes they come in and go right to sleep and we don't even know it."
Words from the hymn "God's Family" proved especially poignant on a recent Sunday, as two Churches of Christ — one of which lost its building in the Nov. 28 wildfire that ravaged the popular resort town of Gatlinburg, Tenn. — came together to worship God. The song's special meaning was evident on this Lord's Day as more than 200 men, women and children assembled at the Sevierville Church of Christ — including two-dozen guests from the displaced Gatlinburg Church of Christ.
"I've sang that song in many situations, but I experienced that song … in a way I never have before," said Gatlinburg member David Barton, holding back tears. "While our number is small, God's family is not small. And they have reached out to us … in ways that you can't even begin to describe or appreciate."
Just a few days earlier, residents of Gatlinburg — 14 miles south of Sevierville —awoke to a cloud of smoke and haze. Rain was overdue, and wildfires had reached the nearby Chimney Tops Mountain in neighboring Smoky Mountain National Park. Before the day finished, the fire would spread to the city, claiming more than a dozen lives and destroying hundreds of structures, including houses of worship. Rain would come in from the west, but not before the damage was done.
On this cold, damp Sunday morning, members and visitors trickled in to worship at the Sevierville Church of Christ. If not for the fire, a similar picture would have unfolded at the Gatlinburg Church of Christ, a vibrant congregation with only 35 local members but an active outreach to visiting tourists. Minister Rod Rutherford preaches for the Gatlinburg congregation, which reaches the community with a radio and television ministry and often tops attendance of 150 during peak tourism season.
The Sevierville and Gatlinburg churches have long shared a close fellowship, Sevierville minister John Daniels said.
Daniels and the Sevierville congregation made the decision to open their building to the brothers and sisters affected by wildfires, not only for worship but as a temporary storage site for relief supplies. The Sevierville church even canceled a monthly potluck meal due to its fellowship hall filling up with boxes of food and other emergency provisions supplied by Nashville, Tenn.-based Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort.
Rutherford, the Gatlinburg minister, walked around the Sevierville church foyer passing out bulletins still featuring a cover picture of a beautifully
Save for an emotional tension lingering just beyond the smiles and hugs, it seemed hard to realize that days earlier, the fire had destroyed the church's 42-year-old building and the homes of several members.
Standing strong amid the trials, Gatlinburg members still showed up to worship their Lord.
"The church is the people. That's New Testament Scripture right there, " said Gatlinburg member Randy Vernon, who teaches a Bible class. "The building is just a convenience for us, and we'll get our convenience back here in a few months."
In a congregational meeting following the service, Gatlinburg church secretary Barton described an outpouring of relief from the church family in Sevierville and around the world.
The church had received calls and prayer from as far away as Oregon, Scotland and Puerto Rico, Barton said. Initial monetary contributions numbered close to $60,000 with final numbers expected to be much higher, he said — enough money for a 12-month lease on the building where the congregation planned to meet the next Sunday; enough money, coupled with insurance, to begin construction on a new building; and enough money to provide for members in need.
"It's been overwhelming, the support that we've had," said Lisa Tant Campbell, a Gatlinburg member who lost all her earthly possessions in the fire. "We're very grateful for it and thankful. To God be the glory."
With gift cards, checks and emergency supplies streaming in, Campbell, her family and other victims counted their blessings in the midst of grief and could not help but acknowledge the hand of God.
Judy Sortore, with granddaughter Annabelle, stand in the fellowship hall where supplies
are being stored. "This is wonderful," said Judy Sortore, holding her granddaughter Annabelle as
she walked through a fellowship hall inundated with food, toiletries and miscellaneous supplies.
Sortore and her husband, Richard, lost their house and two connecting apartments where their son, daughter and their families had been living. Despite the loss, the Sortores still found themselves worshiping and thanking God for his provision.
"God has provided everything we needed," Richard Sortore said. "It's been a little difficult, but we all got out with our lives. All of our needs are met."
As the lights went out in the Sevierville church building following the service, congregants returned to their homes and temporary places of shelter. A sense of peace prevailed as words of "God's Family" kept echoing in the minds — and hearts — of those touched, but not overcome, by tragedy.
"And sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry. Sometimes we share together, heartaches and sighs. Sometimes we dream together of how it will be, when we all get to heaven, God's family."


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Seeing Stars: 70's Love Movie Magazine Nora Aunor Tirso Cruz III
Seeing Stars is made possible through the kindness of our good friend Edward De Los Santos. For the best source of classic records, vintage magazines, and other amazing vintage collectibles, visit his Ebay stores: philippine.music (Ebay Philippines), and oldbestseller (Ebay USA).
More Seeing Stars: The Ultimate Vilma Santos Scrapbook
Technorati Tags:70s, filipino celebrity, magazine, nostalgia


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Colors and CARE
Crepe paper
We use multiple types of crepe paper to create a variety of flowers. Below are descriptions of the different papers we use.
Extra fine crepe paper is a very thin and lightweight crepe (60 gram) that allows us to create a wide range of flowers and give each flower that ultra-realistic look. Flowers with many petals, such as the Juliet Rose, or flowers that are delicate benefit from the use of this extra fine crepe.
Double sided crepe paper is essentially 2 layers of crepe that have been fused together to create a thicker, sturdier crepe paper. This crepe is mainly used for flowers that naturally have a two-tone appearance or flowers with large petals that need the stability of a double sided crepe. All flowers can be created using the double sided crepe paper; however, flowers that are traditionally made with the double sided crepe would not be able to retain their shape and appearance when used with the extra fine crepe. Most of the flowers we make are made with this style of crepe.
Floristic crepe paper (180 gram) is used for flowers whose petals are large and need a sturdy paper to retain their shape. Because this paper is thicker, the crepe lines are more visible but give great strength to larger petals and flowers. This paper is used sparingly.
*Each flower is uniquely handmade and colors between batches of crepe paper may differ slightly. We've found that the variations in petal shape and size, and paper color gives arrangements a very beautiful and natural look.
Paper flowers are sensitive to water and moisture. Take extra care to keep your flowers away from water sources or places of high humidity. When using paper flowers for an outdoor event, be aware of the weather and plan accordingly. Keep your flowers away from open flames.
If you've been using paper flowers as decoration in your home, you may need to dust them periodically. Simply use a can of compressed air at a reasonable distance to blow away excess dust and debris.
Like most dyed or tinted paper products, paper flowers that are left in sunlight will fade over time. This effect is gradual and creates a very natural look. If this is something you would want to prevent, be sure to place your flowers away from windows where sunlight would shine on your flowers. If you are placing a custom order for an event, flowers will be created as close to the event as possible to ensure color accuracy and saturation.
Flowers are constructed as sturdily as possible. The flower head should remain attached to the stem in most circumstances. Occasionally, a petal may detach from the main bloom of delicate flowers with large petals such as the outer petal of a garden rose. If this happens, simply use a low temperature hot glue gun or a glue stick to reattach the petal to the flower.


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Steering and Suspension Systems
The aim of this one-day steering and suspension course is to provide an understanding of steering and suspension principles, components and wheel alignment principles used throughout the light-vehicle industry. Many vehicles are fitted with Power Assistance to the steering system. The content of this course will provide an understanding of hydraulic, electric and electro hydraulic power assisted steering systems.
Course Content
- Steering components
Steering mechanism, linkages, ball joints, anti-roll bars, steering and suspension checks, steering column
- Suspension components
Suspension top mounts, anti-roll bar and linkage, shock absorbers, springs
- Wheel alignment
Over-steer – under-steer, wheel alignment, toe-in / toe-out, wheel alignment checks
- Suspension geometry
Camber/caster, KPI/SAI, Included angle
- Pre-checks
- Four wheel alignment
- Power steering
Hydraulic/electric power steering, electro hydraulic power steering
- Steer by wire
Principles, components
- Active suspension
Get in touch for course dates & booking info
Open Mon-Fri, 8.00am - 5.30pm and Sat 8am - 1.30pm
FMP Motor Factors, Unit 1, St John's Court, Upper Fforest Way,
Swansea Enterprise Park SA6 8QQ
Port Talbot
Open Mon-Fri, 8.00am - 5.30pm and Sat 8am - 12.30pm
FMP Motor Factors, Unit 30, Baglan Industrial Park,
Port Talbot, SA12 7DJ


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Use a valid email address to receive a response.
:: Need more? PTV Store | Send Tribute | Call | GoddessAnnika | Spoiled Goddess Annika ::
Skype and Yahoo Webcam ID's: Proving you aren't a wanker is a great way to get my attention. My messenger is always connected, but I am not always available. My time is better spent at the spa, shopping, and being pampered. Ask permission to speak and await my reply slave. If I am unavailable, you may beg to schedule a phone and webcam worship session. Want to become a true Annika addict? Sacrifice and send tribute. I want it all, it's never enough!


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Home Workout - Chest, Triceps and Abs with Polar Flow Summary
Follow me along in this video where I do an at home workout focussing on Chest, Triceps and Abs. I use a combination of exercises that incorporate free weights, smith machine, pulleys, my Total Gym and body weight.
As I do with all my workouts now-a-days, I track my heart rate using my Polar Loop paired to a Polar H7 (with smart Bluetooth) heart rate monitor so I can track my calories burned during my workouts. I show you a graph of this workout at the end of the video so you can see my total workout time, peek heart rate, average heart rate and calories burned for the workout.
I also talk a bit about a gaol I have which is to potentially compete in a mens over 40 physique fitness competition at the end of this year, I will have to see about this but without goals you are only limiting yourself!


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Surf'n'Fries is a new & fresh street food brand, present in Ireland since 2016. Our mission is to create the ultimate experience when it comes to fries.
We reinvent the concept of fries as gourmet street food. Our 'U-shaped' fries, perfect for dipping, are our focus and pride. For those who want a full meal, fries can be accompanied by chicken nuggets, chicken wings, chicken chunks & mozzarella sticks, with a selection of two among 15 delicious and freshly made sauces. Surf'n' Fries meals are serve in an award winning packaging design.
To hire Surf'n'Fries to cater your wedding. or to find out more, contact [email protected] or call 00353879893689.
The nicest fries I've ever had and the nuggets are fab too. The packaging is so cool and quirky, and I love how handy it is. Tried it for the first time a few weeks ago in Bushy Park market and was so impressed!!! Went straight to get it today when we were there. Also the sauces are on a whole other level.... hotinjo and Texas are amazing, and that's coming from a person who would usually pick ketchup or no sauce. What makes it even better is that the guys are so friendly, and go above and beyond to look after their customers. Couldn't recommend Surf 'n' Fries enough, if you haven't tried it yet you're missing out!
Robert Joyce
Tried the fries in Bushy Park today. They were like no other fries I've tasted before. The shape does resemble that of a surfboard and they are perfectly cooked. Crispy and filling at the same time. I highly recommend the Dracula garlic sauce ! Very cool and convenient packaging also. Would highly recommend !
Sarah Bear
Tried Surf 'n' Fries today at Wings Food Fest in Bray. Absolutely delicious fries with a huge range of dips to accompany. We tried the Mediterranean and Rosemary dips and they were both gorgeous. The staff were really friendly and went out of their way to chat and make great recommendations. Would love to see a retail outlet opening soon and we would definitely travel to avail of it. Hope to see you at another event soon!!
Rebecca Fitzpatrick


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Times such as these expose many weaknesses. We have seen problems emerging in all sectors: housing, banking, commodities, stocks, services, pensions and manufacturing, to name a few.
When markets are bullish, leaders are often protected from scrutiny because the spoils of success divert attention. When times turn hard, however, the failures or defects of leadership are exposed for all to see. These are not usually a pretty sight. As George Bernard Shaw reminds us, "Success covers a multitude of blunders."
There is widespread agreement that the current economic crisis has been brought about by poor leadership and greed. In a recent Globe & Mail newspaper article, Professor Henry Mintzberg, of McGill University in Montreal, suggests that much of the blame for economic failure can be tied directly to the failure of management education:
"Every decade, American business schools have been graduating more than a million MBAs, most of whom believe that, because they sat still for a couple of years, they are ready to manage anything. In fact, they have been prepared to manage nothing."
Ouch! Professor Mintzberg goes on to point out that lack of introspection in corporate America prevents leaders from learning from their own mistakes. After almost 30 years in the management consulting business, I concur. I have witnessed four critical leadership errors that occur with alarming regularity in organizations of all sizes, market segments, and geographies.
These four failures of leaders are: lack of vision, poor communication, tolerance for organizational fragmentation and character flaws.
Lack of Vision
In dark times such as these, vision is at a premium. Without a clear personal and organizational vision, we live in a reactionary world. We grab what we can to serve our immediate needs, and are driven by agendas that are not our own. A lack of vision leaves us in the dark, unable to navigate the complexities of the world. We're incapable of seeing the pitfalls and the opportunities emerging around us.
The need for vision has never been greater. Warren Bennis, management professor and author suggests that we are at a tipping point:
"Around the globe humanity currently faces three extraordinary threats: the threat of annihilation as a result of nuclear accident or war; the threat of a worldwide plague or ecological catastrophe; and a deepening leadership crisis in most of our institutions."
Professor Bennis' dark prophecy is happening right in front of our eyes. Whole industries are failing, unemployment is spiking to levels not seen since the Great Depression, and capital markets are in turmoil. Banks and financial institutions are requiring unprecedented measures to stave off bankruptcy. Governments are abandoning policies of market self-regulation and are aggressively investing in public corporations. Political strife around the globe endangers national security and the threat of terrorist attacks and global pandemic continues to challenge public health and safety.
Lack of vision has undermined our ability to foresee the calamities that we must now face and overcome. How do we overcome the destructive patterns in our leadership behaviors that sabotage us consistently?
The sheer velocity of the modern world, coupled with the tyranny of quarterly returns has led to a decline in the importance placed on vision. Prior to the market crash, "the vision thing," a term coined by George Bush Sr., was dismissed as fluff in some management circles.
The Bull market brought with it an arrogant dismissal of this leadership imperative. Now, the Bear market is dominated by apocalyptic visions from analysts who recognize that doom and gloom spells media profile.
Vision is the product of reflection. It requires that we slow down and look at what matters most, at what's worth doing, at what must be accomplished beyond our reactive impulses. Without reflection we become lost and disconnected from our dreams, aspirations and ethical code.
Again, Professor Henry Minztberg provides a forthright assessment of the problem and its implications for leaders:
"In this, we have America's problem in a nutshell: the utter absence of collective introspection, whether it be the current crisis, the relationship between the Vietnam and Iraq debacles, even what might have contributed to 9/11, as well as the way it has been compensating and educating corporate "leaders."
Without reflection, there is no way to determine whether we are being driven by our values and principles over personal gain. Leaders fail to harness insight, or learning from the past, and foresight, application of these lessons to the future. As well, leaders miss the opportunity to examine the impact of their choices in advance of making them.
If leaders had taken the time for reflection, one wonders if the auto makers would have chosen to drive to Congressional hearings, rather than fly in their private jets? Would financiers have forgone inflated bonus payouts and office renovations paid for by bail-out dollars? Would the financial system have recognized and avoided the dangers of sub-prime mortgages?
Poor Communication
"If I wanted to have to talk to people all day, I would have gone into HR," a CEO said to me shortly before being fired by the Board. There it is in a nutshell! The second failure of leaders is poor communication.
One of the chief responsibilities of leadership is articulation. Articulation means literally "to join together." That's precisely what good communication achieves – a bridge from the present to the future that all stakeholders can understand and cross together.
In challenging times, people need to know that there is a clear destination that they are heading towards. Imagine being on an ocean voyage with a captain who fails to identify where the boat is headed, the length of time it will take to get there, what's needed for success along the way, the conditions that are challenging the voyage and who also refuses to make progress reports regularly? These are perfect conditions for a mutiny.
Strategy is an ongoing conversation about what matters most. Leaders must lead that conversation to ensure that the organization's preferred future is delivered in the most effective and efficient means possible. Leaders and teams must be in constant communication before, during and after major phases of a strategic advance towards organizational goals. Failure to do so increases the risk of confusion, conflict and other productivity breakdowns.
Poor leaders see communication as the HR department's job. They refuse to recognize that the campaign for the future is won by those that build a bridge of common understanding, shared goals and effective teamwork. That's the leader's job.
Tolerance For Organizational Fragmentation
The third failure of leaders is tolerance for organizational fragmentation. Fragmentation is a state of organizational disintegration where cohesion, collaboration and communication breaks down. This leads to organizational systems failures that undermine enterprise. An organization that is allowed to disintegrate through power politics, turf wars, and unresolved internal conflict is ripe for a fall.
Many years ago, I had the experience of being asked to meet with the head of a pharmaceutical firm that I had been working with for some time. The Vice-President of Sales had engaged me to help him bring his team together. He was so pleased with the result that he suggested I meet with his boss, the President, to intervene in a nasty dynamic between the Sales and Marketing groups, one that had grown increasingly toxic over many years.
The President looked like he had come from Central Casting. He was every inch the suave, sophisticated business executive that you would expect to see in a Hollywood movie. The meeting started cordially, with the President enthusiastic about his subordinate's idea. But shortly after the meeting started, the Vice-President was called away to take a phone call. That's when the President turned icy.
"I don't want you resolving any conflicts between Sales and Marketing," he said. "I like things exactly the way they are. It makes the two groups work harder to show each other up." With that, he laughed coldly and ended the meeting. A year later, he was gone, reviled by his staff and fired for poor performance.
Unfortunately, there is a belief that toxic organizations are the norm. This is a dangerous notion. It conditions leaders to accept abnormal organizational behavior rather than work hard to eliminate it. That's what leaders are paid to do - develop organizational cultures where people like to come to work because they can do their best work.
Character Flaws
The economic calamity could have been prevented with a simple navigational device. It's called a moral compass. Every leader needs one. Money, sex and power are the three opiates of success. They are constant temptations that visit smart, talented and charismatic people.
Leaders require strength of character to resist the temptations of worldly success, which seek to seduce us into believing that the rules were made for other people and that we are entitled to bend them. Of course, these transgressions usually end badly. Consider recent developments: John Edwards and Eliott Spitzer leaving politics in disgrace. Bernie Madoff awaiting trial. Conrad Black in prison. Abu Ghraib. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Manny Ramirez, Roger Clemens, Jason Giambi, Mark McGuire and Barry Bonds disgraced by performance-enhancing drug scandals. Teachers and clergy charged with sexual misconduct. The list goes on.
Character is fundamental to the humane and ethical approach to conduct. It allows us to adhere to a code of ethics, values and principles even when others are unable or unwilling to abide by such standards. Greed, peer pressure, opportunism and hubris eventually lead to breakdown.
The word "character" comes to us from a Greek word, meaning "a distinctive mark." The character we were born with and the character we derive from life's experience guides our behavior and reveals our integrity.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt provides an important reminder of why a moral compass is a requirement for leaders, especially those in the highest offices:
"The presidency is not merely an administrative office. That's the least of it. It is more than an engineering job, efficient or inefficient. It is predominantly a place of moral leadership. All our great presidents were leaders of thought at times when certain historic ideas in the life of the nation had to be clarified. In other words, they were possessed by their visions."
This is a good touchstone for leaders in all organizations. We must remember that we are moral leaders as well as managers and administrators. Being possessed by a vision is a far happier destiny than being incarcerated by the police.


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6.30 PM to 8.00 PM
Royal Orchid Central Hotel,
47/1, Manipal Center,
Dickenson Road, Bangalore
Profile of Speaker(s):
Mr. Hiremath is an Independent project management consultant, operating from Bangalore. Have more than three decades of project management experience in BEL, in various capacities.
Was on the board of PMI Bangalore chapter for six years from 2007 to 2013. Fellow member of Institute of Engineers (India).
PMP trainer in PMI Bangalore Chapter, and HAL Management Academy Bangalore. Corporate trainer in M.S. Project and Primavera.
Qualifications : B.E, P.M.P, M.B.A.
Topic Description:
"Project libre" is an open source project management scheduling tool. It is free of cost down loadable from internet.
It can be good scheduling tool for the project managers:
Some of the major functions available in "Project Libre".
1. Creation of Work Break Down Structure (WBS) of the project
2. Critical path of the project
3. Slacks / Free slacks associated with the tasks
4. Grouping , Sorting, Filtering
5. Base lining
6. Project cost
7. Monitoring and controlling the project
8. Resource Break Down Structure
9. Applying constraints, dead line date
10. Assigning resources to the tasks
11. Preparation of project calendars / Resource calendars
12. Reports
13. Task usage / Resource usage views
This particular program will run for 1 hour from 6:45 to 7:45 followed by 15 minutes of Q&A
Delegates are advised to download this freeware in their laptop and bring it along so that they can try it's features as they are being demonstrated by the speaker. The freeware can be downloaded from http://sourceforge.net/projects/projectlibre/
Expected Take-away:
The audience take away's include:
The project managers/ engineers managing project can use this scheduling tool, which is available free,--- in planning, executing and controlling their project s professionally.
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PM Footprints - Workshop/ Product demo of "Project Libre"
an open source PM tool


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Spiritual direction with a dowsing rod
By Diogenes (articles ) | Sep 13, 2005
If you live near Regina, Saskatchewan, you might be interested in the unique offerings of the John Paul II Center, "the adult education and renewal facility for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina."
On September 17, for a mere $35, you can hear Sr. Theresa Feist, OSU, talk on "Making the Best of Life: Body, Mind, Spirit." By way of introduction, Sister tells us about herself:
Born in 1942 – Ursuline Sister of Prelate - committed to teaching in 1964 – struck by illness in l970 – resurrected in 1972 – left classroom teaching in 1980 – and opened Holistic Teaching Course in 1981 – Reconstructed My Life: Body, Mind Spirit - Chose Happiness Ever After!
Then on September 21, there's a Face Reading Workshop with Felicity Butler, who
has practiced Alternative therapies for 20 years. Felicity has just completed her Diploma in Body Mind Analysis and Psychosomatic Therapy and has synergised her knowledge into a treatment called Soul Energetics.
But best of all, there's the September 27 session on "What Prayer Is & What It Is Not," with Judy Pellerin.
Judy Pellerin is an educator, having taught for 16 years at the elementary school level, and worked for thirteen (13) years as a parish assistant. She then trained in "Massage: The Art of Anointing" at Berkeley, California, completed her training as a Reiki Master, and was trained for the Archdiocese of Regina as a spiritual director.
No room here to tell you about the programs on Holistic Therapies, Stress Reduction, and Floral Arrangement. But you will want to know that the John Paul II Center annually hosts the Catholic teachers of the Regina archdiocese for an "Understanding our Faith" series. So you have some idea what the Regina Catholic schools are teaching, too.
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Posted by: -
Aug. 05, 2008 7:02 PM ET USA
Heads up! This place has closed this summer.
Posted by: Vincit omnia amor -
Sep. 18, 2005 10:58 PM ET USA
Come to our Diocese in "almost Heaven, West Virginia" where the calendar of "spiritual events" includes reflections on "Women Who Run With The Wolves," a Jungian New Age "classic" encouraging women to return to their ``feral' roots. Or, maybe enjoy a retreat meditating on "EVOLUTIONARY FAITH" by Fr. Diramuid O'Murcha and, don't forget, the "Labyrinth Walk for All Souls Day," --- to name just a few!There is also have sacred massage offered...by a Nun! And you thought we were backwards! ha!
Posted by: Fr. William -
Sep. 15, 2005 12:46 AM ET USA
"Sister" Theresa and her friends Felicity & Judy are also available for a condensed version of their courses, available in what they call a one-day GPS roadmapping workshop titled: "Paving a personal road to hell in a hand-painted floral handbasket after a holisitic-psychosomatic-Reiki-anointing."
Posted by: -
Sep. 14, 2005 7:01 PM ET USA
No need for Meg to go so far. Right next to Edmonton the Diocese of St Paul offers Creation-Centered spirituality & Bio-Spiritual Focusing – not to forget Enneagrams. Bio-Spiritual Focusing . . . is "the radical acceptance of everything." "In the slumber of the 'I' is the root of all suffering." And it's right in Alberta . . .
Posted by: Venerable Aussie -
Sep. 14, 2005 12:37 AM ET USA
Apparently you do the Face Reading workshop first, and then take the one with the Reiki Master so you can effortlessly spot when someone develops a 3rd eye. And the name "John Paul II Center"? Perhaps the presenter reads from JP2's Pontifical Council for Culture's JESUS CHRIST THE BEARER OF THE WATER OF LIFE: A Christian reflection on the "New Age" as participants observe closely for symptoms such as flared nostrils, clenched teeth, burning ears, and raised eyebrows. SA(L)VE REGINA!
Posted by: Meg Q -
Sep. 13, 2005 8:21 PM ET USA
Wow, I guess Sr. Theresa is only the second human being (and first mortal) to have experienced "resurrection" - I do not think even Our Lady is yet resurrected, merely "assumed". I must hie myself over there from Edmonton. Thanks for the tip, Uncle Di. (P.S. If Ms. Pellerin is a "spiritual director", does that mean she can give me a massage while hearing my confession? Just wondering - I do love multitasking!)
Posted by: -
Sep. 13, 2005 12:17 PM ET USA
Laughter dies in the throat.
Posted by: -
Sep. 13, 2005 9:03 AM ET USA
I sense a note of disappointment in Uncle Di's voice. Of course, if I could actually see Diogenes, I could read his face and discern his pain.
Posted by: shrink -
Sep. 13, 2005 7:45 AM ET USA
Uncle Di, why to mock the dowsers?


text:
Gili Eco Trust
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|2000 in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
|Coral reefs and environment protection
Area served
|Lombok and Bali
|Direct action
Gili Eco Trust is a local non governmental organization created in 2000 to protect coral reefs from destructive fishing around the three Gili islands, off Lombok, Indonesia.
The Gili Eco Trust has extended its activities to many Eco projects to regenerate coral reefs, clean up, educate, do reef gardening, organize recycling and garbage selection, do some research and studies with universities, set up sustainable Eco tourism with green energies, give animal care clinic and much more.
In 1998 was founded the SATGAS by local people on Gili islands to protect coral. After el Nino in 1997-1998 and because of many degradation causes corals were in such a bad shape that local people decided to react and started patrolling around the islands. They entered into an agreement with fishermen to define fishing areas and lawful fishing practices. Fishermen were indeed fishing with dynamite and cyanide. This destructive method was one of the main causes of coral degradation.
The Gili Eco Trust was founded in 2000 by the dive shops on the Gili islands to financially support the SATGAS. An eco-tax of 50,000IDR (€4, US$5) is demanded from every diver to financially compensate fishermen who respect the agreement's terms.
In 2004 Delphine Robbe, part-time coordinator of Gili Eco Trust, imported the Biorock technology in Gili islands to launch a Coral Reefs Restoration Program. Since then 63 Biorock structures have been installed all around the Gili islands to regenerate their reefs.
Since 2006 the Gili Eco Trust has been organizing Biorock workshops every two years. In November 2006 took place the 4th international Biorock workshop. Two other workshops took place in November 2008 and November 2010 with always more participants from all around the world.
2009 was a turning point: the Gili Eco Trust extended its projects to land environment protection. To support all these projects, Delphine Robbe became full-time coordinator.
Now the Gili Eco Trust leads many various projects to ensure Gili islands' sustainable development and promote eco-tourism.
The Gili Eco Trust has implemented projects to protect and regenerate corals, and to preserve land environment on the Gili islands.
Coral Protection[edit]
The Gili Eco Trust cooperates with the SATGAS to protect coral reefs. 20 days per month and on call, members of the SATGAS patrol to be sure that no one destructs coral and that fishermen respect the agreement on fishing areas and lawful fishing practices. The Gili Eco Trust and SATGAS are installing mooring buoys to avoid anchoring on coral reefs. Mooring buoys also help to mark the boundaries of fishing areas.
To know more about coral and how to protect it, the Gili Eco Trust has developed a partnership with Mataram University, Lombok. Students in PhD, specialized in marine biology, come to Gili Trawangan to do studies on coral and to learn about Biorock technology. "Coral Watch" dives are also available in every dive shop. Data collected during the dive help Project Aware scientists in their studies on coral reefs.
Coral Restoration[edit]
Coral is facing so many factors of degradation that the Gili Eco Trust decided not only to protect coral reefs but to restore them too.
A Biorock Coral Reef Restoration Program has been implemented since 2006. Biorock method consists in installing new artificial coral reefs on the ocean floor. These reefs can have two positive roles: being ideal habitats for corals, fishes, shellfishes, mollusks, seaweeds, etc. ... and being efficient wave breakers which protect beaches from erosion. Now the Gili Eco Trust wants to develop a Biorock structure which would be provided with electricity by a turbine thanks to sea current. Thus Biorock method would be more sustainable.
Today 63 Biorock structures regenerate the Gili islands's coral reefs.
In the same time, the Gili Eco Trust organizes Biorock workshops every two years to teach people from all around the world about Biorock so that they can replicate it in other damaged coral areas. In 2006 the workshop received 31 participants, 52 in 2008 and 80 in 2010. These workshops are supported by PADI, Project Aware, the Global Coral Reef Alliance, Mataram University, the Lombok government and many businesses on Gili Trawangan. i
Land Eco-Projects[edit]
The Gili Eco Trust has various activities on the Gili islands.
Waste Management
Gili Eco Trust's main project on land is improving waste management. Waste is a permanent issue for Gili islands, especially because of their tourism. The Gili Eco Trust works with the FMPL (the waste collection and treatment company on Gili Trawangan) which collects waste every day. The waste dump has been rebuilt and an elevated road has been built to reach it even during rainy season. Local people are used to burning their waste. This method is extremely polluting. The Gili Eco Trust tries to raise awareness about it and to change local habits and encourages recycling. General compost has been created, more than a thousand coloured bins have been installed, reusable bags are distributed ... Tetra briks are sent to Eco Bali, a partner of the Gili Eco Trust. Glass, cardboard, cans and plastic are recycled in building materials. Finally the Gili Eco Trust organizes clean up days every first Friday of the month. Tourists can join children from the local school, volunteers from businesses, the Gili Eco Trust and the FMPL and get a free dive in exchange of their participation.
•Glass: Almost one third of the volume of the rubbish dump on Gili T. consists of glass bottles. Only Bintang bottles are consistently being sent back to the supplier to be refilled, which is the most environmentally efficient way of dealing with empty glass bottles. Although this would also be an option for all other beer bottles, for many small businesses, the cost of collecting and shipping them to the mainland is not economically viable. These bottles, along with all the ones which don't have a deposit on them end up in the overflowing dump in the center of the island or on Lombok as there is no local glass recycling factory.
• Glass workshop: One of the solutions for using all the unrecycled glass was to "turn trash to treasures" and make drinking glasses, ashtrays, lampshades and earrings out of the empty bottles. After a few weeks of research, volunteer Isa set up the glass upcycling workshop on Gili T using locally available tools and a local worker, Zul, was trained to create products out of discarded bottles. These environmentally friendly wares have already been purchased and put into use by some of Gili T's businesses including Trawangan Dive, Sama Sama, Manta Dive, Diversia, Gili Café, Villas Ottalia, Gili Ecovillas, Broken Compass Hostel, Gili Hostel and the Yoga place. They are also available for sale at café Kayu, the Yoga place, Topaz, and Cats of Gili shop within Egoist on Gili T and Jammin in Mataram, Lombok and can be ordered via giliecotrust.com. Prices range Rp 15,000 to Rp 60,000 per item.
• Bottle walls: Discarded bottles were used as bricks to create a Smirnoff Ice bottle wall next to Intan Inn Hostel and within Sama Sama bungalows. Plastic waste of different colors was stored within the bottles, thus creating patterns in the wall, and offering a more environmentally friendly solution to plastic waste than burning or dumping it.
Broken Compass Hostel used all sorts of bottles as internal windows, sources of natural light and lampshades.
• Sand and gravel: As a further solution to the huge amounts of unrecycled glass on the island, the GET invested in two glass crushing machines which produce sand and gravel for use in building projects.
• Deposit bottle collection: The GET aims to centralize the collection of bottles which have a deposit on them and group their shipping so that it becomes economically viable to send them back to Lombok for refill.
Vetiver Grass and Tree Planting
Another issue on the Gili islands is erosion. To fight beach erosion, Biorock structures are installed near the beach to slow down waves and vetiver grass is planted. Vetiver grass is an efficient natural solution to maintain sand on the beach with roots that can reach 5 meters deep. On Gili Trawangan's hill trees are planted to limit landslides during rainy season. These Planting Program are led by the Gili Eco Trust in association with the local school.
Horses' Treatment
On Gili islands, horses suffer a bad treatment. Whereas horses normally live about 25 years, they do not live more than a few years on Gili islands because of the amount of work they are demanded and the lack of care from their owners who ignore what they need. Pulling carts around the island wouldn't be a problem for their health if they could drink fresh water and rest regularly, and be treated when they need to. That's why the Gili Eco Trust opens its clinic for free to the horses of the island every 1st and 15th day of the month, in association with the horse center Umalas from Bali and encourages businesses to install in front of their shop a fresh water bucket for the horses.
Cats' Sterilization
Special weeks are organized to sterilize cats by the Gili Eco Trust, helped by western veterinary surgeons and Doctore Gede from Lombok because cats are too numerous on Gili islands.
Turtles' protection
The Gili Eco Trust supports the turtles' preservation center. It installed a water movement system for the baby turtles of the center. The Gili Eco Trust also looks after a grown-up turtle which had been caught by fishermen who preferred to cut its forelegs than their net.
Raising awareness[edit]
To make things and behaviors really evolve, the Gili Eco Trust raises awareness amongst local inhabitants and tourists.
Every week Delphine Robbe, Gili Eco Trust manager, teaches the three local school's classes about ecology and English. During 45 minutes, children from 6 to 12 years old think in English about solutions to preserve natural richness of Indonesia. Then they go to the school's garden to cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, aloe vera and vetiver grass.
But the Gili Eco Trust does not only target children. To make every person on Gili islands improve his/her behavior, posters and notice boards have been put up.
Finally the Gili Eco Trust offers to come to businesses to train their staff in eco-behavior. In the same way, boats owners can be explained why coral is important and how to behave to not damage it.
Biorock technology has been invented by Professor Wolf Hilbertz and Doctor Thomas J. Goreau at the end of the 1970s.
Biorock structures are made with crisscrossed metal stems which are crossed by a low-voltage current of 1,2Volts. These structures are installed on the ocean floor and pieces of corals are attached to them. These corals come from reefs in the neighborhood and were broken for various reasons (unaware divers, strong waves...).
The electric current, which is totally harmless for any organism, leads to electrolysis, causing a calcareous precipitation on the whole structure. This will not only avoid the unwanted appearance of rust which would weaken the structure, but, as coral's skeleton is made of calcareous, the structure will, thanks to this reaction, become the best place for coral to develop.
Thus Biorock technology relies on a very simple principle: reproduction by electrolysis of the natural reaction occurring between coral, sea water, sun and dissolve minerals.
We should rather say that Biorock technology's electrolysis is catalysis of the natural reaction and not only a simple reproduction, as this electrolysis enables a coral's development 2 to 6 times faster than in usual conditions. Normally coral grows from only some centimeters per year. And so getting its growth quicker is an efficient way to restore reefs. Moreover, coral on Biorock structures grows stronger and is more resistant to hazards it faces.
Hard corals are not the only ones to grow on Biorock structures: tunicates, bivalves, sponges and soft corals also come to develop at speeds higher than the average. On a Biorock structure, their survival and resistance rate is 20 to 50 times higher than in natural environment.
Finally, because Biorock technology relies on electrolysis, its impact benefits all corals and ecosystems around the metal structure in a perimeter with a wingspan of about thirty meters.
These already studied and proved by W. Hilbertz and T. Goreau facts are born out since the 1980s by the efficiency of Biorock structures installed all around the world. These structures contributed to damaged coral reefs' restoration, enlargement of beaches touched by erosion, repopulation of marine areas with many species of fishes and other sea organisms...
- greentravelerguides.com
- greentravelerguides.com
- gaiadiscovery.com
- 01/21/2010 thejakartapost.com
- 01/12/2010 thejakartapost.com
- Organic Connect Mag
- Go Blue Indonesia
- Global Coral Reef Alliance
- The Lombok Guide - GET gets into glass


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70 — Listening (aided by strong questions, and interruptions as needed)
20 — Ask Simple, Powerful Questions
10 — Recap (briefly) what you hear them saying, acknowledge throughout, embed snippets
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When Lily was this little, Eamon didn't get home til 10:30 at night, on the weekend it was after midnight. He never got to give her itty bitty self a bath. Tonight, he got to finally give one of his newborn girls a bath :]
Look at her tiny little hand!
And bath time was not exclusive to Norah. Lily had to be hosed down after her artichoke/butter adventure tonight
She got up really close to Eamon like "Why you takin my picture?" She's adorable.
Happy Monday :]


text:
After reading people's comments and feedback on street sounds from Mumbai, research into the meaning of urban noise and visiting a few sound installations I decided to test the recordings. Phil helped me set up using an m-audio firewire box, a set of speakers and Logic Pro. The software is great to control specific channels of sound and play with traffic rumblings in real-time. The test helped me understand how such software can be used to make a room feel larger or smaller than it is. I also realized that the sound project was massive and needed another three months before it could move into a room on its own without visuals. I may still set up another test after the final show and record the results for the sake of experiment, since I loved mixing the noise together.
The test inspired me to begin learning the Quartz Composer, especially after seeing this work by Japanese artist Zugakousaku:


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By Gabriel Díaz Montemayor
I studied architecture in a private school affiliated to a state public university in northern Mexico. In a 5 year program, since 3rd year most of our design studios had to do with some form of collaboration with a public entity, helping these develop projects that otherwise they would be unable to conceive or pay for. All of the work was done in state, in Chihuahua. It was during those years when I got to know the Sierra Madre Occidental, then and now home of Native Americans, mining and logging industries, small scale subsistence agriculture and large scale poppy and marijuana growing. The municipalities in these mountains lack technical expertise, then and now, for the development of public projects such as parks, community centers, plazas, and other public services.
Since then, in the early 90's, the political will to design and build these project typologies was uncertain in the best case, if not in-existent. As a student I got involved in projects of various kinds, a park around a water reserve in Guadalupe y Calvo (well inside the Golden Triangle region infamous for the presence of drug traffickers), tourism cottages in Uruachic, a Revolution Museum renovation in Guerrero (as my social service project right after graduation), soccer fields in Chihuahua City, a parish in a subsidized housing / low income area of Chihuahua, and more. None of these were built, at least, as proposed by our student projects coordinated by our professors. The projects were really used to check the box by these mayors and local politicians, but eventually vanished into the short term political timing or the mason's will on construction sites, taking –I am sure- better informed decisions than our often naïve and underdeveloped projects.
Then I grew up, graduated, became an architect, a professor, immigrated to the US, studied Landscape Architecture, became a full time faculty member (in Landscape Architecture) and I continue to see the issues of technical expertise and the question of the origin and implementation of ALL kinds of projects (not just the student projects). The difference is that I see the same situation going on in places where I would not necessarily expect for it to happen. It became clear to me that it was not just an issue of small scale towns, but of, pretty much every city. There are places that have a local culture better suited for the success of these collaborative projects between architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture students and cities, committees, and other public institutions. There are also places where the political class and local society (if participating) are better informed, have a more technical approach, or practice decision taking not just based on political calculations (although every public project is one). But here and there, I also continue to confirm that the rate of success is low. By success I mean how much of the ideas developed -pretty much for free- for these institutions actually made it to the executed project, or to the hired designers desk, or to the mayor's desk, influencing decision making.
This kind of projects, for us -faculty and students- in the design studio continue to be a great stimuli. The idea that what we do in studio can have a real impact on people is very attractive and challenging. It goes beyond typical preoccupations proper to the designer's mindset, for example, narcissistic interests, and the "I want to" or "my idea" are more often vanquished by grounded realities. It is also an opportunity to embrace complexity, the real kind, while operating in a working environment more similar to an office where everybody's got responsibilities.
In discussions with colleagues that are doing similar things -many of us do at the School of Architecture at UT as well as in most Schools of Architecture- we share disappointments and varying degrees of success (aka implementation). From my own experience and that of others there a number of things that seem to work right, or better.
In the case of the working relationship there are some basic things. Often, the projects are done at a distance, located in other countries –in my case, so far, Mexico and the US- offering the added incentive of international/national travel for students. This is good for engagement, group experience, and the relationship with the client (the city institution, the organization, and etc).
Travelling to visit is always a good gesture and it helps to the seriousness of the work being developed. Finding a way to have the client collaborate with funding is important. Normally, most of these institutions lack the funds, that is why we are working together in the first place, but, having some monetary investment in the project ensures follow up and, at least, a future plan (which might include inaction) for the collaborative project. If the client can visit the school and participate during the process: even better. And, finally, finding a way to continue collaborations beyond the ephemeral condition of leadership -your contact person- that pervades many places and institutions. I am just off a phone call with an urban planning official in Mexico regarding a future public-academic project currently on the planning phase. He wanted to let me know that he has now effectively left the institution (before his term was due, politics), but, that he will have our planned project be on the to-do list for his successor. Fundamental thing: embrace and try to manage instability and have a plan B.
In the case of the project or product there's another set of complexity. First, raise your hand and say I'll do it if the project is the mind of the potential client but he/she/it are still hesitant or don't have money for it. Second, try to find a way to insert innovative ideas, educate the client and target population towards a goal, learn from them in the process, and communicate in a legible, therefore implementable, manner. And third, finding a way to design a project that provides a lifeline of communication after the semester is done. This is probably a most complicated thing to do, as I already mentioned how working relationships might not last or change very quickly.
This is never an exhaustive reflection on this subject, I feel I could go on; this is more of an opportunity for distension. I am yet to see how some projects done in the recent past evolve in time, and then, be able to measure how much of our work is left in the form of ideas, designs, modes of operation, and fundraising. My belief in this teaching, learning, research, and creative practice mechanism continues.
Gabriel Díaz Montemayor
Assistant Professor
School of Architecture
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position and views of LLILAS BENSON Latin American Studies and Collections.